Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Stargate, or any elements of the show. I did create this storyline however. Sequel to "A letter, or two".

No more

Out of character

They were circling each other, testing defenses and reflexes. In the old days, when Teal'c still had Junior around, it was almost impossible to defeat him, Jack remembered. But this was a different Teal'c now. Sure, still as formidable and dangerous as ever, but not as indefatigable. So Jack chose his tactics carefully. Especially when handling the short training staff, he knew Teal'c could deal out some hefty blows. The trick was to deflect the blows but constantly offer an opportunity for him to strike. Get him to swing hard, and tire himself out in the process. Of course, a very physically fit Jaffa doesn't go down that easily.

A glancing blow to his right upper arm was followed by a sweep to the thighs. Jack almost concentrated his defense on the first blow, but after years of military training and knowing Jaffa he caught the intention and turned away in time to avoid the sweep. He retaliated with a short snap to the shoulder, before stepping into a defensive position again.

The eyes. Those were the key. Seasoned fighters like Teal'c didn't physically reveal anything until the last second, suddenly springing into actions. So looking at the tension of the body was not an option. No, it was the eyes that still gave him away. Then again, Jack had his own fair share of hand-to-hand combat, and he had been especially good at reading people. And so he was still standing.

"You are doing well, O'Neill." Teal'c stated, a little breathless.

Jack couldn't find the extra air in his lungs to respond. 'Man, I'm getting too old for this. Not sure how much longer I can la—'

Another attack to his left side pulled him from his thoughts, and forced him to parry another three hard swings made by the big and strong Jaffa. With the last swing Jack spotted a small opening in Teal'c defenses and lunged his staff like a spear forward. Teal'c, mid swing for another side attack, was struck in the shoulder. The blow threw him off balance, and his intended side attack unintentionally changed into a low sweep, catching Jack's calf. Jack felt his front leg sweep out from under him and the next second he found himself blinking up at the ceiling, his back protesting from the sudden impact. Still trying to catch his breath Jack attempted to get himself up. Except his arms wouldn't lift more than an inch of the floor before dropping back. 'Damn, that Jaffa has a mean swing.'

A large hand suddenly hovered over him. Jack turned his head slightly, and found himself looking up at the man responsible for his 'downfall'. Finally finding the energy he lifted up his arm, and let himself be dragged to his feet by Teal'c. A clap on his shoulder made him sway on his feet, but he managed to stay standing.

"I must commend you, O'Neill, I did not foresee your counter attack."

"Well it's good to know I can still do something, ya know?"

"Do not doubt yourself too much, O'Neill, you are still the warrior I am proud to call brother."

Jack looked at Teal'c, and was filled with pride at his last comment. The sparkle in Teal'c eyes also confirmed that it wasn't an empty statement, but completely genuine. A smile rarely graced Teal'c's features, but the look in his eyes usually gave away a great deal of his feelings, if you knew how to read them. And as corny as it may sound, Jack had always thought the eyes to be the windows to the soul. It could make everything crystal clear in a matter of seconds; succeeding where a thousand words would not. He—

It suddenly clicked. His mind froze as it retrieved two images. The look in Daniel's eyes. The look in Carter's eyes. He found the problem that was nagging at him all this time. The look and the sparkle in their eyes. Daniel's protective and concerned expression whenever Jack would touch one of his artifacts, the shine in Carter's eyes when she was working on some enigmatic doohickey. They weren't there this morning. And that was reason for major concern in Jack's book. Everyone can have an off day, but nobody can leave his or her personality at home.

"T, would you mind doing me a favor?"

"Speak, O'Neill."

"Could you go to Daniel's office and see how he is?"

Teal'c observed him for a moment. Then he nodded.

"Very well, O'Neill."

"Good, I'll be in Carter's lab if you need me."

If any of it confused Teal'c, he hid it well. Jack grabbed his jacket, and they headed to the elevator. Once inside he paused, his finger hovering over the button for the level Carter's lab was on. Deciding on his gut feeling he moved and pushed the button for the armory. Teal'c raised his eyebrow, but said nothing. Jack counted on him knowing a gut feeling was too important to a warrior to ignore, and the Jaffa lived up to his expectations.

In the armory Jack signed the release for two zats. Handing one over to Teal'c along with a radio he briefly explained the problem. At first Teal'c seemed unconvinced, but seeing the serious look on Jack's face he nodded his consent.

"Good. You go and look if Daniel is . . . really Daniel, and I'll check on Carter. Let me know what you find, I'm on channel 4."

- ∞ -

"Carter?"

He knocked on the door, which was slightly ajar.

"Carter, are you in here?"

He held the zat behind his back, the 'element of surprise' an ingrained way of thinking. He carefully checked the lab, his eyes doing a quick but methodical sweep of the area. Finding no signs of Carter he stepped inside. On the table was the Naquadah generator she had been working on this morning. He gave it a sideward glance, not really interested. There was nothing that could tell him where she had gone, so he decided to go see what Teal'c found out. He turned on his heels and was about to leave the lab when his mind made him stop once more. Another warning bell went off in his head, a particular loud one. He turned again, and did another sweep of the lab. Nothing had changed. So why was his military side screaming at him?

He slightly cocked his head, and let his mind sift through the images it had collected during the sweep. No equipment had changed; all the bottles and tools were in the same place. The generator was where it was, and…it… Stepping towards the table Jack gave the generator a better look. He recalled a conversation he had with Sam a few years again, when the Naquadah generator had been relatively new. She had started on a longwinded explanation of the principles of the generator, but after a minute or so he had interrupted and asked her if it could be modified to make a Naquadah powered bomb. She had looked at him with a mixed look on her face, bringing together the scientific question what the modification should be and 'aren't you adorable when you talk of blowing things up' look. After a minute of thinking she gave him, in layman terms of course, the rough idea of how it could be done.

And now he was staring at a Naquadah generator, rigged to serve as an enhanced nuclear bomb.

"Teal'c, come in. We might have a problem."

The radio offered him only silence.

"T? You there?"

No answer came from Teal'c.

"Ah hell."

- ∞ -

Okay, he thought, no reason to start panicking. Teal'c cannot respond for some reason, and I'm staring at a very, very high-powered bomb. 'Oy.'

He reached out for the phone, and dialed the Control Room.

"Walter? Send Lieutenant Hargrove to Colonel Carter's lab, and tell him to bring his bomb defusing kit. Oh, and have two guards accompany him. Yes, Walter, I'm being serious. Also seal off the base, no persons going in or out. And I want a base wide search for Colonel Carter and Doctor Daniel Jackson. Do it now, Walter." With that he hung up.

Deciding he could do something better with his time than waiting for Hargrove to show up he exited the lab. He was about to lock the lab with his card key when a noise to his right alerted him. He drew the zat with his left and pointed it down the corridor. Slowly he checked every angle. When Sam came around the corner he nearly discharged his weapon.

"Carter! What the hell is going on!"

She held up her hand, pressing her index finger against her lips. Frowning, Jack looked at her. She seemed exactly the same like always. Hair, face, lips, body, everything looked, as it should. Except for the eyes. He now noticed they had the same blank look in them as he had seen in Daniel's eyes. He kept the zat pointing at her.

"Carter, could you tell me wh—"

A painful sensation came from the back of his head and Sam's figure suddenly was made up of large flashing balls of white light. Immediately after that his vision started blurring, before he felt the lights go out.

- ∞ -

"ONllryuwll?"

'What? Who's calling?'

"O'Nllaryuwll?"

'No, sorry, wrong number there. I'm going back to sleep now.'

"ONeill! Ar yu wll?"

'Mm, sounds like a Jaffa with his mouth full. Either that or I have a lot of water in my ears.'

"O'Neill, are you well?"

The back of his head protested in pain, and his eyes momentarily went out of focus. Trying to shake it off he pulled into a sitting position. He reached up and ran his fingers over his scalp. He couldn't feel any blood but he winced slightly when he found the sore spot. Groaning he looked up and saw Teal'c standing next to him. Six guards were behind him, covering the corridors.

"Teal'c?"

"I am here, O'Neill."

"Did you get the number of that bus?"

Teal'c looked a little concerned, his brow rose high. Realizing his comment went unappreciated Jack needed to know the situation.

"What happened?"

"I went to DanielJackson's office as you asked of me, but did not find him there. When I turned to leave his office DanielJackson struck me from behind with a fire extinguisher. After regaining consciousness I came here to check on you. I assume the same happened to you, O'Neill."

"Pretty much, I guess. Help me up."

Teal'c helped Jack stand up, and immediately handed him his zat gun.

"Do we know where they are?"

"Security cameras indicated DanielJackson and MajorCarter have taken over the control room."

"Shit, they're gonna gate out of here." Jack started jogging to the elevator. Without a word Teal'c indicated two airmen to stay and guard the lab, and for the others to follow them. Once in the elevator Jack hit the button for the control room.

"All right Teal'c, take—" Jack squinted at the airmen, "Rosales and Gandry along to secure the exits, I want the control room sealed. No one leaves that room, understood?"

His last comment was directed more at the airmen than at Teal'c, and the two nodded their understanding. Jack pointed his finger at the other two airmen.

"Dawson and Thompson, cover the doors to the Gate room. No one passes. Shoot if necessary, but I want them alive."

The two men blinked at the permission to use live fire, but immediately understood the second part of their commander's order. Although it was a little redundant, not a single soul on this base would ever consider actually harming a member of SG-1. They too nodded their understanding, and everybody readied their weapons. Then a sudden thought jumped into Jack's mind.

"Teal'c, did you see a Naquadah generator on Carter's desk when you got there?"

"I did not."

'Oy.'

- ∞ -

With a quick look Jack checked the hallway. He lifted two fingers on his left hand, and made a short sweeping motion. Teal'c, Rosales and Gandry moved forward, covering the main entrance to the control room. With a second sign from Jack, Dawson and Thompson made their way forward. They split up, each taking an entrance to the Gate room. Jack followed them out and moved to the wall opposite to Teal'c. He gave the Jaffa a small nod and held up three fingers.

'On three?'

For a moment he could have sworn Teal'c smirked, but he merely nodded. Jack made sure Rosales and Gandry could see his countdown. He held the zat Teal'c had given him close to his chest.

'Three…Two…One…Go!'

The four men swiftly walked to the control room, weapons at the ready. Once inside Jack saw Daniel standing at one of the computers he knew controlled the gate dialing. He rapidly motioned everyone to take cover. With a quick look at Teal'c he moved to the right, while Teal'c proceeded to the left. The fact that Daniel was holding a Beretta didn't escape him. If they were going to grab him without injuring anyone, he needed to be distracted. He made the airmen stay back and cover the exits. He ducked behind one of the control panels, and peered over it. Daniel was frantically typing away, seemingly oblivious to their presence. Jack knew Teal'c was almost in position, and it was time for that distraction.

"Daniel!" he shouted.

He quickly ducked behind the panel again, as bullets flew past his head. The panel gave a large spark in protest.

"Daniel! What the hell are you doing!"

Daniel fired another few rounds at him, before turning back at the controls. Jack leaned out from his hiding place and kicked a chair in Daniel's direction. This distraction was more successful. Daniel turned and fired on the chair, punching several holes in the fabric of the seat. From behind Teal'c suddenly made his move. The big Jaffa closed his wrist over Daniel's right arm and spun him around. Before Daniel had made a 180° turn a resolute left hand caught him on the chin, and the force struck him to the ground. Teal'c immediately put his right foot on Daniel's right forearm, pinning him to the ground, and removed the Berretta from his grasp. Jack came out from behind the panel and nodded his approval to Teal'c. His eyes then did a quick search on the surroundings. And through the glass he could see Sam standing in the Gate room, kneeling next to the Naquadah generator he had seen in her lab.

"Teal'c, you stay with Danny, and make sure the gate is shut down. Rosales, you're with me."

He thundered down the stairs as quickly as his knees would allow him. He paused at the door and faced private Dawson, his eyes clearly conveying his question. Dawson shook his head, indicating Sam had been in the Gate room before they got there. Jack pulled his cardkey out of his pocket. He appointed Rosales to his right and pulled Dawson to the left side of the door.

"On three. One, two—" he swiped his card through the scanner, "three!"

They quickly entered the Gate room, trying to catch Sam off guard. Unfortunately she heard them coming and stood behind the ramp, waiting for them. In a bright blue flash airman Rosales went down, temporarily paralyzed by the zat blast. Jack and Dawson immediately banked left, seeking cover behind a MALP that was parked in the corner. A small part of Jack's mind tried to figure out why this particular MALP had not been stored away, but he forced the idea away. 'Never question such luck.'

He tried to peek over the side of the MALP to see where Sam was hiding, but got greeted with another volley of the zat. Diving back he analyzed the situation. Knowing full well Sam was lethal with the zat he decided against a frontal attack. Flanking was out of the question, seeing she had pretty good coverage of both exits. 'Well, diversionary tactics worked before.'

"Dawson?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you trust me?"

"Sir?" Dawson shot him a brief but very confused look.

"Dawson, do you trust me?"

"Sir, of course, sir."

"Good."

Jack gave Dawson a hard shove, making him tumble into the open space to the right of the MALP. He instantly pushed off with his feet and propelled him to the other side, zat gun already pointing in the direction of the ramp. As he had counted on Sam was startled by Dawson's fall and tried to shoot him. Fixing her position in a fraction of a second Jack took aim and fired his zat at her as she fired at Dawson. Sam's shot hit the blast door, but Jack's was right on target. Sam briefly froze, her muscles tightening as a result of the electrical charge. Then she crumpled to the floor, the zat clattering on the hard cement.

Jack carefully moved forward holding his zat trained on her limp form. Slowly approaching her he reached out and prodded her foot with his. Getting no reaction he relaxed a bit. His first priority had been disabling her. Number two on his list was the generator. He looked to his right and saw the thing standing on the ramp. He could tell it was inactive, and there was no danger of a massive explosion. He quietly sighed with relief. 'Situation is tense enough without having to worry about getting blown to bits.'

Then he turned to priority number three. Check on Carter. He sunk to one knee, wincing a little when he felt the joint in question protest, and picked up the zat gun. He threw it to a rather perplexed looking Dawson. Inwardly he snorted at that picture. 'I guess being used by your commanding officer as bait is a bit stunning.' Then he pressed two fingers to Sam's neck, checking for a pulse. He expected a strong heartbeat, only slowed a little because of the zat blast. His mind froze when he found none. No beat, no pulse. He moved his finger, checking again. But he couldn't find it. He nervously moved his fingers around, his mind unwilling to accept what his fingers were telling him. Finally his control snapped, and his voice nearly cracked.

"Medic, we need a medic here!"

- ∞ -

Jack had to restrain himself from pushing the gurney to the infirmary. He was infuriated with the speed the medic were transporting Sam. Didn't they know it was Carter's life at stake here! When they reached the infirmary doctor Brightman came out to meet them.

"What happened?" she prompted.

"She was hit with a zat, but only once. She collapsed, and when I checked I couldn't find a pulse."

Doctor Brightman took a second to absorb the information and the fact General O'Neill was present giving the explanation. Then she rapidly started giving orders, ordering the nurses to set up the equipment ASAP. They wheeled the gurney into the infirmary, already examining Sam's body. Doctor Brightman took the lead and checked Sam's chest.

"Weak pulse, barely there. I've got diminished breath sounds on the right lung, give me a 7 French intubations tube. Somebody get the crash cart and IV in here!" she shouted.

Jack's mind reeled from the sensation of not feeling a pulse, and he barely took in what was happening before him. He still held the zat that he used to take her down, and it was almost burning a hole in his hand. Guilt and fear coursed through him like a roller coaster out of control and he had to struggle to breathe normally. A monotonous sound finally captured his attention.

"Dammit, she's going into arrest. Charge the paddles to 250!" Brightman's tone was in control and serious, but her words set fire to Jack's nerves.

"Doc! What's happening!" His voice was rough, constrained with emotion.

"General please step outside, we need room to operate." Doctor Brightman forcefully remarked.

Jack suddenly noticed he was standing right at the side of the gurney, his hand gripping the railing. Blinking hard he untangled his fingers from the aluminium bars and took a few steps back. He startled when he felt a large hand touch his shoulder. He turned and saw Teal'c looking back at him. The Jaffa increased the pressure on his shoulder and steered him towards the door. Part of Jack wanted to shrug off his grip and run back to see how she was doing, but the strength sapped out of him. All sounds faded into the background, and all the colours seemed to dull. He didn't notice Teal'c setting him down in one of the seats outside of the infirmary, or the reassuring words the big man was saying to him. The zat fell to the floor, his hand slightly trembling. Everything turned into a haze where only his feelings of guilt and love churned his stomach. He felt sick to his soul, even more than when Cassie was injured.

Suddenly doctor Brightman appeared in the doorway, stripping off her gloves. How long had they been at it? It seemed like mere seconds to Jack. She approached him and Teal'c, to inform them on Sam's condition. Jack's mind abruptly came out of its frozen state and started screaming at him. He did not want to hear what the doctor was here to tell him. It dreaded the possible outcome, and knew it could devastate him. Jack started shaking his head from side to side, his mind still screaming 'NO! NO!'. Brightman saw him tense and wished she didn't have to tell him.

"Sir, I'm sorry, we―"

"No," he quickly cut her off, not wanting to hear her words.

Doctor Brightman lowered her head and continued.

"I'm sorry, sir, we did everything we could. But there were too many complications. Her right lung was failing, we found haemorrhaging in her lower intestines and spleen, and almost right after you brought her here she went into cardiac arrest. We tried to resuscitate her, but she didn't respond to it. Her body was giving up on her, and although we tried our best we couldn't do anything about it. She―"

Jack closed his eyes and tried to block her last words.

"She is gone, sir. I'm sorry."

- ∞ -