A/N: When I started writing this chapter, believe it or not, your choices were split down the middle between Jack and Harm; with honourable mention going to Mac. This tells me that my idea is working about keeping the pairings a mystery ( I am being as cruel as a Goa'uld I know.) It should stay a mystery for a little longer; after all what good is a mystery if I give it away too soon. I guess I should add mystery to the genre! Since this is a definite tie, I'm going with my original idea. (Half might like it, half might not.)

Chapter 9

Sam was having trouble sleeping, she couldn't believe laying around could cause so much pain. Not only was her injured right side hurting, but her upper back and shoulders were aching also. She tried shifting around to a more comfortable position, but found that almost impossible.

"Are you alright?"

"Ah yea, just having a little trouble getting comfortable." Sam said as she tried shifting once again letting the pain show on her face.

"Why don't you let me help you?" He said as he approached the couch.

"Oh that's okay, I'll be fine." She said letting out the breath, she was holding.

"Why don't you sit up and I'll help you move down the couch." As Sam sat up, he gave her a steadying arm and helped her scoot down the couch, and eased leg on to the coffee table. "Comfortable?"

"Not really, but I don't think any position will help at this point in time." Sam was a little surprised when she felt the couch shift, as he sat down behind her.

"Here, use this to lean against." He said as he handed her the large pillow, which she held up against her (almost hugging it and letting her head fall forward to rest against it.)

"That's a little better." She said as she tried to roll her shoulders to get the kinks out. Then she was surprised as she felt his hands on her shoulders.

"Just relax, this should help." He said as he started to massage her shoulders, he had one hand on either side of her neck, as his thumbs worked their way up her spine to her neck. He could feel the tight knots as his hands moved around her upper shoulders and neck.

'Wow, this feels sooo good.' Sam thought, as she relaxed at his touch.

"You know this would work better on bare skin." He could feel her muscles tense up at that remark and had to chuckle to himself. "Don't worry, I'm just going to lift the back of your shirt, so I can get to your shoulders, I don't want to accidentally touch any bruised area."

"Um, okay." Sam said with a gulp, she wasn't sure if she should be letting him do this but it did feel good, she thought as she buried her head deeper into the pillow.

He reached for the bottom of her shirt, and manoeuvred it up over her shoulders and over her head when she lifted it from the pillow. He saw how red her back had become from laying down in one position for so long. He gently started again to massage her shoulders, this time starting on the left one first, kneading and using his thumbs to get at the knots and also moved over her shoulder to include her upper arm. He could feel the tension release and he moved over to her right shoulder. This time he had to be more careful not to get too close to the bruised area. He could hear the small moans as he hit the right spots.

'Oh boy did he have magic fingers.' Sam thought as she enjoyed the sensations he was causing. In no time she was totally relaxed, she was feeling a lot better than she had for a while. She was almost disappointed when his hands stopped moving; but soon enough they were on her neck again moving up to her hair line and down again.

He could feel her shiver as he massaged her neck and moved his hands through her hair over her scalp. He could see, even in the dim light, the bump on her head had gone down some and the cut looked to be healing. He moved his hands back down her neck and gently over her back again; this time instead of a deep massage, he gently rubbed his hands across her upper back. He could tell that she had finally relaxed, and wondered if she had fallen asleep, which only made him chuckle to himself.

He was suddenly startled, by the lights turning on, as he heard the yelling. "What the hell is on going on here?"

Sam jolted upright in surprise causing her to wince with the movement and found herself staring at an irate Colonel Jack O'Neill. "Ah what's wrong Colonel?" Sam said still hugging the pillow.

"Oh I don't know Carter; I come out here and find this scene." O'Neill said, wondering why his genius 2IC seemed so dense at the moment, wondering what was wrong.

"Ah Colonel O'Neill I was just helping Sam out." Rabb said, not showing any type of emotion as he looked at O'Neill.

'Out of what, her clothes?' he thought, but knew better than to say it out loud. "Is this how you spend your watch?"

A sleepy Mac came bounding out of her room with her gun drawn. "What's wrong?" She said as she looked around the room. Looking at the couch, she guessed at why the colonel was yelling. She had to admit this did look awkward, but she was sure there was nothing going on, given the look on Harm's face.

While the Colonel was talking, Sam had managed to get her top over her head and it slid down to cover her back. There was no way she was going to feel embarrassed about this after all nothing really happened, and O'Neill had no right to over react the way he was. "Look Colonel, I woke up and was in a lot of pain; Harm offered to help and I agreed, and I'm glad I did, for the first time since this all happened I'm actually feeling a little better."

"Well…I was just a little surprised when I came out here and…"

"Saw me giving Sam a back massage? Look Sir, Sam has been lying in the same position for a long time now, and because of it she was in a lot of pain, not just her injured area, but the rest of her back too."

O'Neill was feeling a little uncomfortable at his outburst, he should have realized that Carter wouldn't be doing anything wrong, especially in her condition; but he couldn't bring himself to trust Rabb in this situation. "Look Carter, I'm sorry for my outburst."

"It's okay Sir, really." Sam could see how uneasy O'Neill was feeling, and didn't want to make things worse; the best they could do was to let the incident drop and try to forget about it.

"How are you doing Sam?" Mac asked.

"A little better." She said, and then felt the couch shifting as Harm got up. "Thank you Harm, I really appreciate what you did."

"Anytime Sam." Harm said with a little smile moving towards the kitchen, he glanced at his watch, then looked at O'Neill. "I guess it's your watch now Sir."

"Yea I guess it is." O'Neill said, knowing the reason he got up in the first place was to take his turn on watch.

"Well good night everyone." Harm said as he headed for the now empty bedroom O'Neill had vacated.

"Yea, good night Harm." Mac said as she headed back to her bedroom. This left O'Neill alone in the living room looking at Sam. He slowly made his way to the chair next to the couch.

"Look Carter, I'm really sorry about my earlier reaction, it's just that …I don't really trust that guy."

Sam found it difficult to have a conversation with the colonel with her back turned towards him. She slowly tried to scoot backwards on the couch, and then moved her right leg so it was resting on the floor. She was now sitting on the couch with both feet on the ground facing the colonel. She was still using the pillow to rest against as she was leaning forward.

O'Neill watched as Carter positioned herself on the couch, he could tell that it was causing her pain but somehow he knew she wanted to do this on her own. She was now facing him when she started to talk. "Look Sir, I know it takes you a long time before you learn to trust a person; but I'm quite positive Harm can be trusted…I trust him." She said looking him in the eyes.

"Yea, well Carter, sometimes you can be too trusting." O'Neill said looking down at the floor.

"What's that supposed to mean Sir?" She was finding it hard to believe that the colonel just said that.

"Well, you know, you trust the Tok'ra and that Martouf guy. You know what I say; you can never trust a Goa'uld."

"You realize your also talking about my father Sir." Sam said a little angrily.

"Yea well he's the one exception to the rule; after all he used to be one of us." He could tell she was getting angrier with him, and thought the best thing was to change the subject.

"So Carter, need anymore pills or anything?"

"No Sir, I'm fine."

He looked at her suspiciously, taking in her posture and not believing the 'fine' part. "Are you sure Carter, I could always give you a back rub."

Sam rolled her eyes at that comment, "is that supposed to be funny, Sir?"

"Yea, a little." He said with a smart-ass grin on his face.

"Well its not…Sir." She was feeling annoyed at the fun he was now having at her expense, and buried her face in the pillow. She was wondering if throwing a pillow at your CO could be construed as attacking a superior officer.

"You know Carter, its going to be morning soon; maybe you should try and get as much rest as you can now, before we have to start moving out."

"I've been resting so much Sir, my back started to ache, I don't think I can lie down any more."

"Geez, it was that bad eh? He said looking down feeling guilty for his previous reaction.

"Ah, yes Sir, it was."

"Then why don't you take the pills?"

"Because I thought I'd wait until we started moving out before I took them, that way they won't be wearing off at the wrong time."

"Well that makes sense. How about a cup of coffee or tea?"

"Tea would be nice, thank you Sir."

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Morning came quickly, with Mac rising right on time, when she emerged from her room she found O'Neill and Sam sitting in the kitchen. "Wow, its good to see you up Sam."

"I'll second that." Harm said as he came out from his room.

"Well I thought the couch needed a rest." Sam said smiling over her coffee mug.

"Well the coffee's on, so why don't we have a cup then get ready to head out." O'Neill said, he was already washed and dressed, (in clothes he borrowed from his friend.)

Mac went to pour herself a cup of coffee, "Sam I still have some extra clothes if you want to change."

"Thanks Mac, I'd appreciate that." Sam got up slowly, waved off the helping hands from the colonel and Harm. "Thanks but I can do it on my own." She said as she took a small step, after all if she was going to be of any help, she had to prove that she could walk on her own. After a few steps and slight limp, she made it to the bathroom. Mac had already brought her the clothes and deposited them on the counter.

A while later Sam came out of the washroom looking a little refreshed. She limped her way to the kitchen, and before she could say anything, Harm had bounded into the bathroom beating Mac there. Mac could only smile at Harm's childish antics.

"Ah Carter, I hate to ask this but…do you still have the bandages on your ribs?" O'Neill asked.

Sam brought her hand forward from behind her back, and placed the rolled up bandages on the table. "Ah taking them off was easier than putting them on Sir." She said awkwardly.

"I'll take that as my cue." Jack said as he picked up the roll.

"Ah here Sir?" Sam said looking around the open kitchen.

"Well it's only Mac and myself here, I think Rabb will be a little while in the bathroom; and this way you don't have to walk around too much." Jack said as he moved to stand behind her. He knew she didn't like the next step,' but it had to be done' he told himself. Sam stood next to the counter that divided the living room and kitchen, with one hand on the counter to help keep her balance, and held out her other arm. He took a deep breath, then reached for the hem of her now black t-shirt and lifted it over her head.

Sam lifted the bottom of the front part of her shirt and tucked it into the top part. At least she got to keep part of her shirt on this time.

Jack took a chair and sat down in front of Sam, instead of crouching like last time. "Ah Mackenzie, you might want to take a few notes, in case you find your self having to do this in the future." He saw Mac move in behind him. "Now you start here, and try not to wrap it too tight, we don't want to cut of circulation. Try to keep it even and the tension equal. Then you just fasten it, and you're all done. How's that Carter?"

"Fine Sir."

"Not too tight?"

"No Sir."

"Not too loose?" Jack was now laughing to himself, knowing he was pissing Carter off.

"No Sir, its fine Sir." Sam said trying to hold her temper, as she fixed her top.

"Thank you for the lesson Sir." Mac said, she couldn't help but smirk at the situation, these two officers really knew how to irritate each other. Not unlike someone else who knew how to irritate her.

Just then, the door to the bathroom opened, and Harm stepped out. "All yours Mac." He said grinning at her. "So Colonel, when do you want to move out?"

"As soon as everyone's ready." Jack said looking at Carter.

"What?" She asked at his look, 'do I have spinach in my teeth or something'.

"Ah is it time for your meds?"

"Yea, I guess now would be a good time, Sir." She watched as O'Neill got up to get the bottle of pills and tossed them to her. Then he proceeded to get her a glass of water.

"You should keep them with you." He said as she poured out the pills.

Sam looked at what she was wearing, and didn't think the bottle would fit in the pockets of the jeans she was wearing. "Ah do you know where my jacket is Sir?"

"I'll get it for you Sam." Harm said as went to retrieve the jacket. He returned to her sided and helped her into the BDU jacket. He then saw her put the pills in one of the large pockets.

"So are we taking your truck too Sir?" Sam asked.

"No I think my truck will be easily spotted, we'll all go in Mackenzie's car. I know where to get our hands on another car later." As O'Neill said this, Mac had stepped out of the bathroom, dressed similar to Carter, in blue jeans and a black t-shirt.

"Well now I think we can we move out…ah Carter here, wear this." Jack said tossing her a ball cap.

"The Blue Jays Sir? I didn't think they were your kind of team." Sam said grinning slightly, taking in the logo on the cap.

"You're right there Carter, but since it's not my house, I didn't have much of a selection. Just put it on, so you won't be as recognizable." He knew how her blonde hair had always garnered her attention, both on and off world. Now Mackenzie, she had dark hair but with that body would gain a lot of attention herself. 'Boy O'Neill how did you manage to get yourself between two gorgeous women. No not between, amongst, yea that's the word, don't think of being between those two, you can always think of that later. Right now keep your mind where it belongs.'

"Ah is everything alright Sir?" Sam asked noticing the odd look on the colonel's face.

"What?…Yea fine, I was just…thinking." Jack answered, having his attention pulled away from his previous thoughts.

"Well I hope it wasn't too hard." Carter said innocently.

"What!" O'Neill said surprised at the comment.

"You were thinking of a plan, right Sir? I hope it wasn't too hard coming up with one." Sam said not knowing why O'Neill needed an explanation.

"No Carter, not difficult at all." Jack said, whishing for once, he had the linguistic skills of Daniel. "So everyone ready to head out?"

"Yes Sir." came a chorus, from the other three people.

"Mackenzie I'll drive, you take shot gun. Carter you're behind Mackenzie, Rabb behind me."

"Yes Sir." was heard once again.

Three of the four officers checked their guns before putting them in their waistbands. Carter watched and felt empty handed. "Sorry Carter, I don't have an extra right now."

"That's okay Sir." She said trying to make him feel at ease.

O'Neill checked the door and out side before giving the sign to move out. Mac carried the bags to the trunk, while Harm helped Sam into the car. Getting into the car had been a little bit more difficult that Sam thought it would be. The rest took their spots in the car, keeping their eyes open, as O'Neill navigated the streets.

Jack had been driving for a while; he wanted to make sure he wasn't being followed, before heading to the new hiding place. He finally pulled into the driveway of another small one level ranch style house. "Mackenzie, take over the wheel, while I check it out. Rabb stay with Carter."

They watched as O'Neill got out of the car, and headed to the house. Mac slid over to the drivers' seat and waited at the ready. A few minutes later, O' Neill waved them to come in. Harm got out first and went around the car to help Sam out. Mac went to the trunk and retrieved their bags, before heading into the house.

The drive over seemed like an eternity to Sam, she felt cramped in the back seat, and her muscles had started to ache, not to mention her knee. She looked at her watch, and knew it was too soon to take the pills, and only hoped that she would feel better if she could stretch out, and try to relax. She gladly accepted Harm's assistance exiting the car. Her knee had seemed to cramp up, and now she was limping even more. Harm noticed her discomfort and had her put her arm around his shoulder as he helped her walk to the house.

They entered the living room, which was small, but had a blue couch, two matching chairs and a TV with some pictures on it. Harm helped Sam to the couch, and helped ease her down. "Do you want to put your leg up?" He asked looking at her concerned. He guessed being cramped up in the back seat of the car hadn't helped matters.

"Yea, I think that would help." Sam told him, as he gently lifted her leg on to the couch, placing one of the throw pillows under her knee for support.

"Where do want the bags Sir?" Mac asked.

"Just put them by them wall, while I take stock of we have." O'Neill answered.

"Well the good news is; we have plenty of canned food."

"And the bad news Sir?" Sam asked.

"No electricity to turn the stove on."

"No electricity? Just whose house is this?" Harm asked, truly puzzled as to why O'Neill's friend wouldn't have any power.

Mac had gone to the TV and retrieved a picture, taking it over to Harm and Sam. Sam gasped when she saw the picture. "I can't believe you brought us here, Sir."

Jack just grinned, "Yea good idea wasn't it? No one would ever think of looking for us here."

Mac saw Harm also grinning. "So want to let me in on whose house this is?" She was a little upset at yet once again, everyone knowing something she didn't.

"It's Colonel Makepeace's house." Sam informed her.

"One of the people behind all of this?" Mac said with concern.

"Yes Mackenzie, it is." Jack said truly proud of himself for his brilliance. No one would expect them to be hiding out in the enemy's camp. "Speaking of Makepeace, wait here a second."

They watched as O'Neill left the room and made his way down a hallway. When he returned he was grinning and walked next to Sam.

"Here Carter, I thought you might need this." He said handing her a pistol.

"Why thank you Sir. How did you know where to find it?" She didn't think that O'Neill and Makepeace were friends by the way they behaved on base.

"Oh you know Carter; marines always tend to have extra weapons lying around." Jack said then smiled apologetically to Mac.

"Well maybe not all marines Sir." Mac said smiling at O'Neill.

"I don't know Mac; don't you have an extra gun hidden in your apartment?" Harm asked with a big ass grin on his face.

"I plead the fifth on that one." Mac said looking at harm a little irritated for telling them her secrets.

"Well now that you're armed Carter, I feel better about leaving for my meeting."

"You're not going alone are you Sir?" Sam asked with concern.

"Ah yea, that's how I was planning it."

"You can't Sir! You need to take back up." Sam said getting agitated.

"Relax, Carter I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself." He said trying to calm her down.

"Look Sir, I could back you up." Mac offered

"I don't like splitting us up Mackenzie."

"I'll be fine here Sir, I have a gun and Harm to back me up; you should take Mac's offer Sir and let her back you up.' Sam said trying her most forceful voice.

"Sam's right Sir, I can stay with her, and Mac can back you up." Harm tried to convince O'Neill.

"Yea well okay, as long as you stop nagging me; and Mackenzie you stay in the car and back me up from there. Understood." He said sternly.

"Very well Sir." Mac said with a grimace.

"Okay then, and Carter don't forget to take your meds, looks like you could use them."

"Yes Sir, when its time." Sam said patting her pocket.

"Okay then, ah Mackenzie why don't you leave the car keys with Rabb, and I'll get the car that's in the garage started.

Mac tossed the keys to Harm, who went out to move the car so O'Neill could move the other one out of the garage. Mac was already seated in the car when O'Neill opened the door.

With a final salute from Rabb, the two headed out.

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A/N: Well I hope it turned out okay for everyone. Thanks for all the reviews, I think I've received the most reviews for this chapter than any other, hope you keep them up.
The answer to ElDani's question about the legalities; I know Jack and Sam do illegal stuff all the time, but usually not in front of JAG lawyers who could throw their butts in jail. (Although, Sam may not mind being handcuffed by Harm.) LOL