When A Hero Falls by Lesleyp
Warning: Mild suggestive adult themes in this chapter
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Despite having been given permission to take leave the team had all remained on the base during the day, only leaving to go home at night. All hoping for news that seemed more and more likely would never come. Mitchell, Daniel and Teal'c spent time playing basketball with Vala, while Sam spent most of the time in her lab.
On the morning of the third day General Landry had called them all into the briefing room. He passed along the President's message that despite the medals ceremony being delayed, it would be rescheduled some time in the following month. Then, sadly, he relayed that General O'Neill was listed officially as Missing in Action and presumed dead. A memorial service was being planned by the Pentagon and the SGC would be notified of the final arrangements.
Due to the Colombian governments uproar, Landry was instructed to remind all involved never to discuss what had happened. The United States had denied any involvement or knowledge of the incident. Given the work this team did, Hank was somewhat irked that he had to patronize these people in such a way. And apologized to them for having to do so.
Moral on the base was at an all time low. General Landry was particularly worried about one certain Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter. Landry had been apprised by Jack that the two were considering a more personal relationship. Hank had to be informed as he was the Colonel's CO, and as such had to ensure that there would be no perception of favouritism or negative effect on unit moral. Although Jack was no longer Carter's CO, relationships within the ranks were still a tricky manoeuvre that had to be handled carefully. Apparently the Chief of Staff and the President had also been made aware of General O'Neill and Colonel Carter's impending romance.
Now it all seemed to be a moot point. Landry slowly made his way to the Colonel's lab.
"Sir!" Sam stood from her seat as she saw the General enter.
"At ease, Colonel," he offered.
"Has there been any..." Sam began.
Hank held up his hand and shook his head.
"Actually, just coming to see how you're holding up," he said sympathetically.
"I'm fine sir," she responded.
"Sam?" he said doubtfully.
"Ok, not so fine. Do you think he knew we would've figured it out? That we never doubted him?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Sam struggled to bite back the tears that were now threatening.
"If he did have time to think about it Colonel, I'm hoping he would've known I'd have told you, all of you, orders or not," Landry tried to comfort.
"Sir?" Sam began hesitantly, knowing the General probably couldn't answer, "I still don't understand one thing."
"What's that?" he queried.
"Guierra. He was obviously injured in the blast. The first time I mean. But if he wasn't in the house, and the bunker room we were in didn't seem to have been affected..." Sam trailed.
Landry thought for a moment. He shouldn't answer, but he had spent time wondering the same thing.
"I've thought about that too," Landry decided to answer. "The only thing I could come up with is that he was so busy watching Jack with Ashton on the security cameras, he didn't see me set charges all over. Or take the baby for that matter. Once we were gone he must've re entered the house at the exact time the house went up. May have thrown him back into the bunker where he hunkered down till he could get out. Guess we'll never know for sure."
"No sir," Sam said sadly.
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The MH-53J Pave Low III Special Forces helicopter flew in barely above the tree tops at just past 2400 hours. It had been just over three days since the group's last outing in this area. The Colombian government's uproar trying to find out who had caused an explosion in their country made another incursion difficult. As there had been Colombian army all over the place, they needed to be extra careful. This was the first opportunity they'd had to return with a chance of not being detected.
Coming up on the location the five masked figures in black prepared to be dropped. They each hooked onto their respective lines and as soon as the copter began to silently hover, they dropped out like phantoms.
Hitting the ground they unclamped from their cables. One gave two clicks into his radio and the Pave Low III was off. Taking cover on the edge of the blast site they scanned the perimeter. So far no sign of Colombian army. They lay there for over two hours, one keeping check on a device he held. At approximately 02:30 one of the darkened figures, the SF with the device, indicated they had what they were looking for. A burst from an open radio frequency. Theirs. Slowly they began to move toward a location on the south perimeter of the blast site, their black uniforms making them invisible in the night.
Taking turns, three taking up defensive guard positions, two digging, they began the last trek of their mission. At approximately 04:30 hours, barely four days since the kidnapping, they broke through. Using a small amount of C-4, they blasted the concrete beside the barely uncovered steel door.
Looking down into the dark concrete room, the one that had been closest to their original point of entry, they found one very battered and bloodied Major General. Alive. As planned.
Two went down and assisted him out, while the one that had been taking guard gave two short bursts on his radio. Within minutes the Pave Low III returned.
Landing in Panama, the six disembarked from the copter. The female Navy Seal turned and saluted the barely conscious General as he was gently placed on a medical gurney.
"Mission complete, sir," was all she said.
"Well done...thanks. Command relinquished, return to regular duty," he responded hoarsely trying to give a weak salute of his own.
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It was 13:00 hours, day four, and General Landry listened carefully to the speaker on the other end of his phone. The conversation was short, and when Hank returned the phone to it's cradle he couldn't keep the smile from taking over his face and letting out a whoop.
"Sergeant," Landry yelled out the door to Walter, who he knew was hovering nearby. "Get SG1 in the briefing room."
When they were all gathered, General Landry exited his office and stood at the head of the table. Despite his effort, he just could not hide his grin.
SG1 eyed the General hopefully. When Landry stopped looking them over and landed his gaze on Colonel Carter, the sparkle in his eyes told her everything and her eyes welled up as she gasped.
"He's been found. Alive, that lucky SOB. I just got off the phone with the Chief of Staff," General Landry informed them. "I have no details, except that he's in a military hospital in Panama. They're arranging to get him transferred to a hospital in Washington ASAP."
The men let out a combined congratulatory holler, all seeming to talk and try to ask questions at once. Sam slowly stood and walked over to the General.
"Does he know?" she asked quietly.
"I don't know Colonel. All I was told is that he's alive and expected to recover," Landry replied.
"Sir? Is there anyway to have him brought here...so that he can be close to his...family?" Sam asked reluctantly.
"I'll see what I can arrange," he responded with an understanding smile.
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Several hours later, Colonel Samantha Carter sat by the infirmary bed of an unconscious and obviously very injured General O'Neill, holding and caressing his left hand. Dr. Lam had reported he had suffered severe dehydration which would have killed him left another day. He also had a broken right hand, torn left knee cartilage, and a host of cuts and contusions all over his body. Sam saw the healing cuts on his right cheek, but didn't know how they'd been caused. The intravenous was giving him back necessary fluids and pain medication, the latter keeping him pretty much out of it. After all he'd been through he deserved to just rest.
Sam had lots of time to think as she quietly stroked his strong hand. She had thought for sure when she went to Area 51 and he to Washington over a year ago that something between them would've started. But he had been reserved. Still keeping in touch, but almost scared of broaching a personal topic.
It wasn't until she had come out and asked him on a date a month ago, during one of his telephone calls, that their personal relationship got rolling. She saw right through those calls. He'd phone and pretend he needed explanation on something or other, when really she knew he was just calling to talk to her.
A real date?' he had asked. 'A real date,' she had answered. 'How about fishing?' he had suggested. She could tell that he'd been holding his breath over the phone line. Fishing sounds great, but only if you're the fish I get to catch,' she had responded suggestively. The conversations after that had only gotten steamier in anticipation. Scheduling a time had been tricky, until the medals ceremony in Washington came up.
Now here he was, lying battered after almost getting killed saving them, saving her, yet once again. That mad man had almost ruined everything for them.
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In Jack's dreams he relived the last few days. Endless days in a pitch black hole, his air running out, no food, no water. Not knowing if it was day or night. Losing all track of time. His hand broken from a piece of cement that had fallen on it after the blast. His knee killing him, having twisted it diving into this room at the last minute.
He knew the black ops team would come back for him. They had discussed this room as a fall back plan should any of them had become cut off. But would they make it back in time? Every so often Jack opened his radio channel, also as planned, so anyone looking for him could find where he was buried.
He'd had plenty of time to mull over the video Guierra created. It looked bad, looked like he had killed the baby. Looked like he'd done something unthinkable to Ashton before killing her. But he'd been there, he knew the truth. Would Sam? Would Landry tell them, even if ordered not to? Was he going to die while the people most important to him thought he was a baby killer and a rapist? He tried to keep focused, but alone and injured in what might be his grave he was losing the battle.
He had raised Charlie as if he had been of his own flesh. God how he had loved that kid, his son. He'd taken him from that mansion with a promise of a better life. He promised Charlie he would always protect him. But just as his biological parent's died by Jack's hand, Charlie died by Jack's gun. He lived Charlie's final day over and over until Jack slowly started to lose his mind in the dark. Then suddenly there was a loud noise, and movement from above. He was going to live, but for what?
Jack felt a hand on his and tried to hold it. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked around in confusion. He didn't know where he was at first, but there was light. Turning his head he saw her in a drugged haze. Was it real? His head was killing him and his throat felt parched. God it hurt. Must be real. Then he remembered his rescue.
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"Carter," he greeted huskily. "Whatcha doin here?"
He didn't look in her eyes, but kept his gaze on her forehead.
"Watching over you," she replied, trying to keep her tone light. "I was afraid you'd leave and go fishing without me so I asked that you be brought to the mountain."
"Didn't think you'd still want to..." he trailed off.
"Sshhhhh..." she stroked his hair and spoke gently. "The only thing that you need to know right now is that not for one second did I lose my faith in you. That could never happen."
For the first time in days he looked into her eyes, his moist with unshed tears.
Sam continued jokingly, "I am a Colonel you know. I'm aware of some basic restraint moves and how they could appear to an untrained eye. You don't need to talk about it. I know that there are things you'll never be able to talk about. They covered Classified' and Need to know' at the Academy."
More seriously she added, "I can also tell when a baby is being snuck out of a house that is about to be blown up. And no, General Landry didn't have to tell me that. I knew. He did fill in some gaps later. For example, that it was a gun you were fighting with her over, and that Ashton shot herself in the struggle. I also know about...Charlie."
Sam's eyes misted over. "Jack...I am so sorry," she said as she began to stroke his face.
Jack closed his eyes and took a deep intake of breath. Lifting his good arm and taking her hand in his, he held on tight.
Leaning in she kissed him gently on the lips, not caring who saw. Then whispering in his ear she comforted, "It's going to be alright. I love you. You don't need to go through this alone. You don't need to talk about it. Just let me be here with you. You're always so strong for everyone else. I can be strong for you now."
"And let's not forget," she added slyly, but low enough no one listening could hear, "I still got fishin to do."
Jack let out a small laugh, "Don't forget the bait," he whispered.
"Oh I've got the bait," she drawled quietly. "Now get some sleep."
Jack's dreams improved.
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Three days later, Sam pulled the car into the cabin's laneway, sleeping beauty snoring beside her. He was still recovering, with his hand in a cast, his leg in a brace, and grumpy! Dr. Lam had been very happy to be able to release him from the infirmary into Sam's care as he was beginning to terrorize the base medical staff. So Sam did the only thing she could: she was bringing him fishing.
Putting the car in park she reached over and gave him a gentle nudge.
Waking he asked, "We here? Already?"
"Yup," she responded. "Wait there till I come around and help you."
"I can get out of a car by myself!" he snarked, trying to open the door with his casted hand.
Barely managing the task by reaching over and using his good hand, he groaned in pain as he tried swinging his left braced leg out the door. Sam now there bent and gently reached in to help. Trying to balance using the car door Jack flinched while trying to stand. Sam stood back knowing there were things he'd have to do himself, no matter how hard it was for her to watch him in pain.
Sam couldn't keep from smiling as she watched the brave and handsome two star General hobble to the front door of the cabin. How he hated people seeing him like this. Probably why he was cranky as he was at the infirmary. He did it purposefully to keep people away so that no one could see how weak and tired he still really felt.
"I'll grab the stuff," she yelled after him with a smile. "Don't worry, I can manage. Don't need any help."
He just shot up a wave with his good hand, not looking back. Sam laughed.
Carrying their bags into the cabin she dumped them just inside the front door, then returned for the groceries she had picked up in town on their way in. He had slept in the car through her entire shopping excursion. Only once did she have to wake him to clarify directions, it having been over a year since the team trip. Her one and only time, so all in all she had felt she'd done a good job getting them there.
Returning to the cabin with the groceries, Sam began to unload them into the fridge and cupboards. The cabin needed a good cleaning as it appeared it had been awhile since last he was here. She'd get to that later. After about fifteen minutes, the food stashed away, Sam began to wonder where he'd gotten off to. Maybe he had ventured outside she thought. The sound of a snore told her to check the bedroom first.
Standing in the door way to his room Sam watched him sleep. He'd been doing that a lot since he was rescued and brought home' to them. Part of the reason she knew was the pain medication and the antibiotics he was heavily dosed with. But she also knew he was getting older. The trauma to his body taking a harder toll on him than it would've even five years ago. They all knew he had been through similar if not worse in his life. Sam also knew that, this time, the trauma was emotional. The situation they had all come through, thanks to him, had been way too personal for him. Re opening old wounds that ran deep. Things that he would probably never open up enough to talk about. It's just not who he was.
She slowly made her way to the bed and lay down beside him. She began to gently unbutton his shirt, pulling it free from his pants. Propped up on one of her elbows, she lovingly ran her touch over his exposed chest, all the while watching his handsome sleeping face. She knew she was reaching him even in sleep as she saw his breath catch and the tiniest smile form on his lips. Then cautiously she started to move her hand down and unslid his belt from the loops. This was all unknown territory for her, but she felt the years of unresolved desire begin to course though her.
Taking her gaze from his face she concentrated on undoing his button and zipper. His good hand stopping her before she could go much further.
"Whatcha doin?" he asked, an embarrassed smile on his face.
"Going fishing," Sam replied innocently with a smile of her own.
Jack let out a self conscious laugh.
"Look...Sam," he stuttered uncomfortably, "I know...we planned to...well...it's just that...I don't think I'd be very ...good...right now...the.."
"You're breathing aren't you?" Sam laughed coyly. "It'll be good."
Again Jack let out a chuckle and letting go of her hand he tried to sit up. Sam gently pushed him back down then met his lips with her's. When his breathing became quickened, his good hand stroking her back, her touch resumed loosening his attire. Moving away from him she continued what she had started, being careful not to snag on his brace. She could see he was responding to her efforts and her breath caught.
"Sam," he began to object again, seemingly embarrassed.
"Shhhhhhh," she hushed at him as she stood at the bottom of the bed. "I love you, no matter what, and this is about the only time I'll probably have the upper hand. You being drugged and injured and all. So let me have my fun."
Slowly she started to remove her own barriers under his watch. She met his eyes and saw his desire there. He wouldn't stop her now.
"How do you like the bait?" she quipped, trying to hide her own embarrassment and feelings of self-consciousness.
"I like," he barely got out.
"But I always figured you for boxers," Jack quipped.
"Adds a whole new meaning to the term debriefing' now doesn't it?" Sam joked back.
His smile was wiped by a deep intake of breath as she completed her task. She had never been so brazen, but she had never loved anyone the way she loved this man. After everything he'd been through she wanted nothing more but to see pleasure on his face. He wasn't disappointing her.
She began a slow crawl up the bed, cautious of his injuries. Dipping down here and there to plant a long kiss on a shin, then on his good knee, then on the thigh of his braced leg. She felt his eyes on her the whole time. When she began to dip again he stopped her.
"Keep that up and it'll be so over," he groaned, his breathing now jagged.
Sam smiled inwardly but carried on up his abdomen to his chest.
"I can't believe you're doing this. We're doing this. Finally," he quietly moaned.
Sam moved gently to straddle him and caressed his chest with both her hands, leaning in to take his lips with her's. She never made it to kiss him as his eyes closed and his head snapped back into the pillow. "Sam!" he cried out.
Sam began to work her mouth over his throat and neck while her hands moved to caress his arms, his shirt still partially on. He tried to keep up with her, but he was still too weak. She had him. Her man. Showing him how much he meant to her, how much she believed in and trusted him. His moans inspiring her on, until she became overwhelmed with sensation and emotion. She heard him let out one last gasp before taking his lips in a deep kiss.
Slowly moving her position, she rested her head on his chest. She sensed by his breathing that he was beginning to fall asleep.
"Feeling better?" she whispered.
"Mmmm," he answered sleepily.
"Good," she purred. "Because Daniel will probably get here just after the crack of dawn."
"Daniel?" Jack's eyes flew open, now fully awake. "What for?"
"He needs to spend some time with you," Sam placated, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, it's just for a couple of days, then we'll be alone again to do some more fishing."
Jack gave out a non committal snort.
"Teal'c will probably be with him," she added.
"Mmmph," he said starting to get sleepy again.
"And Cameron," she continued.
"What!" he was awake again.
"Didn't want him to feel left out," she laughed quietly. "Which is also why Vala will be coming too."
"Vala!" Jack exclaimed. "Is there anyone you didn't invite?"
"General Landry couldn't make it," she smiled at him.
Jack took in a deep breath and blew it out. Looking her over, he tried to come up with some retort. He came up with nuthin.
"Where the hell are we going to put everyone?" is all he could finally manage. "I only have two bedroom and I'm keeping mine. The sofa pulls out, but..."
"Don't worry," she soothed, rolling onto her other side, but still pressed against him. "There's always room for family."
Jack lay for a moment thinking this over, not too sure he liked it. He had thought he had lost this chance to be with her, and now that it was all turning out ok, he didn't want to give up any of their time alone. Ah what the hell,' he shrugged inwardly before reaching over to her with his good hand.
"They better bring beer," shifting slightly so he could mutter into the back of her neck. "And I'm counting on your help with Vala."
"Scared?" she snickered sleepily.
"Hell ya," he murmured.
"I'm learning more about you every day. Don't worry, it's what we Colonel's do, protect our General's," she goaded, just before she started to drift off.
His rock. His anchor. His love.
His royal smart ass.
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The End.
(Sorry for the delay, but I had to rework this chapter to stay within the ratings guidelines for this site. If you've enjoyed my work, please submit a review to encourage me. Thanks.)
DISCLAIMER: "Stargate SG-1," "Stargate Atlantis," and its characters are the property of MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Film Corp., Showtime/Viacom and USA Networks, Inc. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations and story are the property of the author(s), and may not be republished or archived elsewhere without the author's permission.