Chapter 29 by Abbot & Natters

Okay, bowing to popular demand (and peer pressure from my Abbot) here's our second offering for today. Don't get used to it ;)

Sam's POV – 10 minutes later

"Teal'c. Please. I'll do anything you want, but don't let the Colonel see me. Don't let him within sight of this tent until I'm better. No matter what I say."

"I do not understand MajorCarter."

"It's complicated Teal'c. Please, I'm begging you. Don't let me give in like this."

"May DanielJackson enter?"

"Yes."

"Do you require medical attention?"

"I can't leave this tent Teal'c and the Colonel can't enter it. No matter what. So we can't go back until it's over."

"Perhaps Olmas and Hugh may be able to recommend a treatment for the N'Tinevale."

"It usually dissipates within 12 hours according to what Daniel explained this morning."

"It has already been over 16 hours since you ingested the N'Tinevale, MajorCarter."

"I know. That's why it shouldn't last too much longer and we can go home."

"I shall do as you ask."

"Thank you. You're a good friend. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm gonna try to sleep this stuff off."

"I shall guard the doorway."

"Teal'c? Take my radio away. And my weapons," I plead in a quiet voice.

"You shall not harm yourself."

"No, but there's nothing like a knife to cut yourself out of a tent with," I reply with a weak smile, scratching my arms. "As for the radio… temptation is really not the best idea right now."

"Perhaps a sedative from the medical kit would help."

"Better not. We don't know how it will interact with the N'Tinevale. I'll be okay."

Jack's POV

Teal'c radioed as soon as saw us.

"Approach no further, O'Neill."

"T, what's the deal?"

"MajorCarter is having an allergic reaction to the substance consumed last night."

"Ah. Is she okay?"

"Yes, MajorCarter is fine. She is, however, rather embarrassed and uncomfortable at the moment, and has requested that you leave her be until it is time to enter the Stargate."

"Ten four, T. Thanks for the head's up. "

So Carter had a rash. Or maybe a feminine problem, Lord forbid. If she was embarrassed, there had to be a pretty damn good reason for it. Space monkey was looking at me like I should be booting down some doors and kicking ass.

"I'm sure she's fine, Daniel. I'm still hungry, though."

He nodded, greeted Olmas and Hugh. I was concentrating on the tall guy in the distance. Teal'c was just standing at attention in front of Sam's tent, with a big pile of gear in front of it. I really did hope she was okay. My stomach rumbled.

"Jack?"

"Huh?"

"Hugh just invited us to eat with them."

"Oh. Sorry, Hugh. Major Carter isn't feeling well."

"I see this weighs heavily on you, my son. Please, call me Rassophor. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Uhh...not exactly sure on that."

"If you need anything, please let us know. I can see you are in need of spiritual guidance, perhaps. Seek me out at your convenience, please."

The bastard. The smug bastard. Somehow, he knew about me and Carter. I never really trusted men of the cloth before, but now...he smiled at me through his giant grey beard, and turned to Daniel without breaking stride.

"I believe Doctor Jackson wished to continue his study of the monastery ruins. "

"Yes, I think he did, Ra...Ress...Hugh."

"Excellent. Let us break bread, then. It will be an honor to eat and converse with you all."

Daniel launched into another discussion about Earth monastic traditions with Hugh. I shook my heart, consoled by the fact that I'd be eating soon. Sure, not exactly Jello, but hey...this is a village with a little monastery and some very big ruins. What were you expecting?

I just hoped Carter was okay.