Thank you all so very much for your reviews! Getting to the end of this story.
"There!" she cried. "You are not going to get the better of me!" She stepped back and looked at the table cloth. It had been given to them as a wedding gift and Jack had spilled a glass of wine on it. She smiled when she thought what had precipitated that spill. He had been in a rather – amorous mood – and had literally swept her off her feet. Of course he'd also swept the tablecloth off the table, causing the carafe of red wine to spill.
Well she had worked at it until every bit of the stain was gone. She looked around the spotless room. What could she take on next?
Right! Jack's sheep shearing pants were looking rather ragged. She would get them out and sew on a patch and then he could wear them the next time he sheared the sheep.
She walked purposely towards the wardrobe. On the way she noticed that one of the floor boards was a little uneven. She'd see to that after the pants.
"Samanta!" Eugenia's voice called to her from outside. She turned and quickly made her way to the door.
"Eugenia! It's nice to see you. Come in. Would you like some lemonade? I made some this morning. I also baked some honey cakes if you'd like a piece. I was able to get some pistachios to sprinkle on top. It's rather good if I do say so myself."
Sam continued to talk as she made her way inside, followed by her friend. Eugenia looked at her strangely.
"Samantha! Slow down! You make me tired just listening to you!"
Sam laughed and motioned for the other woman to sit down. "Sorry! I've been busy and I guess I'm all - energized." She went to the kitchen and grabbed the pitcher of lemonade from the cooler along with two glasses. She then grabbed the cake and two plates.
"Here you go," she said, pouring out the lemonade. "Thank you for the lemons. I can hardly wait until our own tree is big enough. They're so good."
"Thank you," Eugenia took a sip and regarded her friend thoughtfully. "So, what have you been doing that has made you so "energized"?" she asked.
"Spring cleaning," Sam told her.
"But it is summer, not spring."
Sam laughed. "It's just an expression from my home. It simply means pretty much cleaning out everything you haven't gotten to for a while. I wanted the house to look nice for when Jack – Ionnes - gets back, so I've been scrubbing everything and making minor repairs."
"Things do look nice," Eugenia said gently. "I'm sure Ionnes will appreciate all your work."
"He'd better," Sam said brightly, taking another sip of lemonade.
"Samanta!"
"Yes?"
"You miss him, don't you?" Eugenia knew how hard Samantha was working to deal with missing her husband.
Sam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. "You have no idea," she said softly. "I have to keep busy or – well, it just helps."
"But you must look after yourself and your baby," the older woman said. "You must not work too hard. Ionnes would be angry if anything happened to you or your child."
Sam looked down at that, her hand resting on the slight curve of her tummy. Jack wouldn't be angry – he'd be devastated. "I know," she admitted. "I'm okay – really. It's just – it makes the time go faster."
"When do you expect him to return?" Eugenia asked.
"I don't know," she answered, a huge lump in her throat. "Hopefully soon, although it could be awhile. If he's – if he's not back in another month I may go after him."
"You cannot," Eugenia frowned. "Samanta, you cannot travel while you are expecting a child."
"Sure I can. I'm pregnant, not sick. And there's no way I'm going to have this baby without Jack - Ionnes with me! The baby needs his or her father to be here."
"Of course it does, but you must wait for him. I know how much he loves you. He will not let anything come between him and his ability to return to you. Just be patient."
"It's hard Eugenia. I keep thinking – what if something has happened to him."
"Ionnes? He will be fine. He is a tough man with a lot to live for. No, he is fine."
Sam nodded – but at the same time she said a silent prayer that Jack would return to her soon. She tried not to worry, because she knew her life would never be the same if he didn't.
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Jack was, at that moment, lying on the floor of a secure room in the subterranean facility run by the NID. His wrists and ankles were both bound tightly with ropes.
He was dizzy and knew that he'd been hit with some kind of weapon. Probably an alien one, he thought. He checked out the room – every corner of it – which only confirmed that he was alone. He hoped that Burke was okay. He'd never forgive himself if he got the man hurt or killed.
He also cursed at himself. He'd been so focused on the Goa'uld that he'd taken his eyes off of Caine. He didn't know much about the General other than the fact that he was considered to be an extremely tough, no-nonsense officer. He was Army through and through and the couple of times Jack had met him, he'd made fun of "fly-boys".
That Caine was in on the plot with a Goa'uld did surprise him though. He'd never heard that he was anything but a patriot. Still, Maybourne had also considered himself a patriot, as had Kinsey, and look at where they were now.
Jack continued to search the room with his eyes, on the off chance that something would suddenly appear to save him. He snorted. Teal'c and Sam weren't here. Hell, even Daniel could have done something. But unfortunately his teammates were not going to be able to help him. Nope, it was up to him.
Just then he heard a key turn in the lock and the door swung open. He squinted as the light shone into the dark room and it took him a second to figure out that it was Hubbard who had walked in.
"So Colonel – here you are again."
"Yup – here I am."
"You don't seem worried."
"What do I have to be worried about? Scum sucking traitors like you are a dime a dozen."
"Calling me names isn't going to get you out of here, you know."
"Really? So if I say nice things about you, you will let me go?"
"You think you're funny O'Neill. Well let me tell you, you won't be making jokes when Shesmu has you."
"No, those System Lords are real stick in the muds! I tell you what, why don't you go with him and I'll just stay here and rest."
"I can hardly wait until you get what's coming to you. I'm afraid that, I'm going to have the last laugh! I'm going to love thinking about you in the hands of a Goa'uld. You'll deserve everything you get."
Jack regarded him seriously for a moment. "What happened to you Hubbard? I never did anything to you and yet you hate me. All I've ever done is try and protect our planet. That shouldn't deserve this."
Hubbard's eyes narrowed. "You're arrogant O'Neill. You think you know better than anyone how to protect Earth. Well let me tell you, I love my country and my planet and I'll do anything to save them – even let you spend the rest of your life being tortured by an alien."
Jack sighed and shook his head. The man was crazy. "Can you at least tell me what you're planning on doing? I know this isn't just about alien technology. There's something else in it for you."
"Why, aren't you smart! But yes, you're right, there's more. This planet needs a strong ruler – someone who will keep peace and order. And the only way to make that happen is by force. You see, Shesmu is going to give me the technology I need and it's not just to fight our alien enemies. With the weapons he's giving me I'll be able to control the whole Earth. And when people realize that, then they'll serve me. After Shesmu leaves, I will become leader of this great world and I will make sure everyone lives together in peace and harmony."
"And if they don't? Whatcha gonna do – kill 'em?"
"What I do with them won't matter to you O'Neill. You will be long gone."
"Uh, just one more question," he asked when it appeared that Hubbard was about finished.
"Alright, what is it?"
"What about Shesmu? Do you really think he's going to be satisfied with just me, when he could rule the entire planet? What makes you think that he's going to let you rule?"
"He is interested in the power of the Ancients, O'Neill. He is not interested in ruling Earth."
O'Neill shook his head. "You're outta your league Hubbard. You should know you can't trust a Goa'uld."
"I don't trust him. You see, he thinks he is going to take you with him and get you to access the knowledge of the Ancients. His plan is then to return and to defeat Earth – and me. What he doesn't know, however, is that you were telling the truth. Even if you have some of that Ancient crap in your head, you can't access it. It's useless to you and its useless to him. So instead, he'll be stuck up in space, without an army and without the knowledge of the Ancients. You may think I'm stupid, O'Neill, but I've got it all figured out!"
"And what about General Caine?"
"The General?" Hubbard laughed. "He thinks he's in charge, but he'll soon learn where the real power is. Oh – and did I tell you about Henry?"
"Henry?"
"President Hayes," Hubbard explained sarcastically. "Dear old Henry – such a useless man. He knew exactly what I was doing to you when you were here before, you know, but he figured it was worth it. He's given me full authorization to do whatever I need to do. So, I'm really sorry about this Jack." Hubbard reached into his pocket and pulled out a small leather case. He unfolded it and drew out a syringe and a small bottle.
"What's that?" Jack asked, trying to sound anything but terrified.
"This? I'm afraid it's something that we developed recently. It's a slow acting poison. It'll give you enough time for Shesmu to get you to his ship, but you won't survive long enough to give him any information. I am really sorry about this Colonel, but I'm sure you'll understand."
Damn it! Jack felt a wash of despair. I'm sorry Sam, he said to himself. Why the hell had he let himself be captured?
"What if he has a sarcophagus?" he said desperately.
"He doesn't. He's just a minor Goa'uld. In fact he doesn't even have a healing device."
"Don't do this Hubbard. You aren't a murderer."
"You're right, I'm not. I'm a soldier and this is war. I'm just afraid you're collateral damage O'Neill. Just be happy that the Earth is going to know peace because of me." He grabbed Jack's arm and ripped the sleeve. It was an awkward position and Jack tried to fight – but he was only one man. In the end Hubbard injected him with the poison.
Jack cursed but Hubbard simply stood and smiled. "Enjoy the time you have left," he said. "I suggest you make peace with – whatever or whoever you believe in." With that Hubbard was gone.
Once he was alone Jack just lay there, wanting to scream, or maybe to cry. He was never going to see his child and Sam would never know what had happened to him. Damn it all! Why had he let himself be captured! He didn't know how long he had left, but figured it wasn't long.
He again tried to break his bonds, but had no luck. It was only a few short minutes later before the door opened again, and in walked Shesmu.
"Says Who! Nice ta see ya!" he said, although he was embarrassed when his voice cracked. He didn't want the alien to see him suffering, but it was hard to keep up the act.
"You are a fool Tauri! We are going." The Goa'uld leaned down and undid his ankles and Jack breathed a small sigh of relief.
"Going? Where? No one told me about going anywhere," he lied. "I think maybe I'll just - aargh!" Jack let out a strangled noise as Shesmu grabbed his shirt collar and lifted him to his feet. The next moment the much stronger Goa'uld was dragging him into the hallway.
"You – planning – to take me all the way to – your – ship like this?" he gasped.
"Shut up Tauri or I shall sew your lips together!"
Well wasn't that a nice thought! He wondered briefly where the Goa'uld was taking him, but a good portion of him no longer cared.
"Ow!" Jack gasped as the Goa'uld opened a door and literally threw him inside. For a moment he was disoriented, and all he saw was an empty room. Then he saw the circle on the floor.
They had a ring transporter. Damn.
The next thing he knew he was aboard a Goa'uld ship. "Nice place you have here Says Who," he quipped. In actual fact it was nothing more than a Tel'tak. He wondered if that was all the Goa'uld had, or if he had a mothership somewhere.
"Stop calling me that," the Goa'uld answered, although there was little emotion in his voice. He regarded Jack carefully and then smiled. "So, I am looking forward to getting the secrets of the Ancients from you."
"I told ya – ain't gonna happen. Those secrets are buried deep!"
The look Shesmu gave him reminded him of Ba'al. "I'm going to get them, even if I have to dig them out!"
Right. "Uh – so let me ask, before you get started, have you given Hubbard the weapons you promised?"
The overdressed snakehead in front of him laughed. "Oh yes – I gave them to him. He will be - happy."
"I gather from that that he's actually not going to be happy?"
"I'm afraid not, although he won't have to be upset for long."
"What do you mean?" Jack frowned.
"Just that he won't live long enough after attempting to use any of the weapons to feel anything."
"They're booby trapped?"
"What is booby-trapped?"
"Uh – sabotaged."
"Yes," he laughed again. "Immediately after he tries to use one of the weapons there will not be anything left of Colonel Hubbard or General Caine – or, I am sorry, your friend."
Jack felt a momentary burst of anger. God – the Goa'uld had to be the slimiest aliens around. "So you tricked him -"
"Yes."
Jack chuckled humorlessly. "- and he tricked you. God you're both disgusting."
Shesmu came up to him and hit him with the back of his hand, causing Jack's face to burn with pain. "I was not tricked!" Shesmu ground out.
"Yes you were. The good old Colonel injected me with a poison just before you came and got me. I'm dying and you won't get anything from me." Suddenly Jack swayed. He must be feeling the effects of the poison.
Shesmu roared – he actually roared in anger. And again he reached out and struck Jack.
"Hey –watch that. It's not my fault I'm dying. Blame Hubbard."
The Goa'uld grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side of the Tel'tak. Jack frowned, wondering what he was doing as there was nothing there but a blank wall.
A blank wall that opened when Shesmu pulled a control mechanism from his pocket and hit a button.
"Okay – I didn't expect this!" Jack said in surprise. Ahead of him was a small alcove that had been covered by the wall panel. But it was what was in the alcove that was a surprise.
This Goa'uld did too have a sarcophagus – a sarcophagus right in front of him.
Shesmu opened the lid and turned to Jack. "You will get in."
"And if I don't want to?" Jack asked.
"Then you will die."
"Yeah – okay. That's good incentive for." Struggling a bit because of his bound hands, Jack eventually made it into the sarcophagus. He felt a brief feeling of panic – remembering the many times he'd woken up in the sarcophagus when he'd been with Ba'al – but soon he forced himself to relax. He just prayed that the damned thing worked on poison.
It was after the lid had shut Jack closed eyes to protect them from the bright light. After that he relaxed. It was as he was almost half asleep that he realized. His bonds were loosening. He wondered if the lights of the sarcophagus had anything to do with it.
Then with a hard pull – which was difficult in the confined space of the alien device – his wrists came apart. He was free!
Sort of. It was a few minutes before the box would open, but at least now he had a fighting chance.
When the sarcophagus did open Shesmu had his back turned and was looking at the controls of the Tel'tak. Jack wondered what he had planned now.
But he didn't give it much thought before he launched himself at the Goa'uld. The evil, scum-sucking snake was just turning around when he was flattened by a dive that Jack didn't know he had in him.
Shesmu ended up on the floor, not moving. It was only when he realized Shesmu had struck his head on the Tel'tak controls, that he was able to relax.
He quickly grabbed the ropes he left in the sarcophagus and bound the Goa'uld's wrists behind his back. Tearing his shirt (Shesmu's, not his) Jack also made ties for his ankles. A few minutes later a slowly waking up Goa'uld was well and truly hog-tied.
"Hmm," he whispered as he checked out the ship's controls. "Where were you heading?"
Shesmu didn't answer, although Jack felt the guy's eyes boring into his back. It didn't take him long to figure out that his enemy wasn't really going far. He had simply been trying to hide from anyone on Earth.
Now to make his way back to Butrick's Farm, save Burke, and get rid of Hubbard and Caine. And then there was the little problem of Shesmu. The last thing he wanted or needed was a loose Goa'uld.
He put the ship into orbit and then dragged the fuming alien into the transporter rings. He wasn't 100 percent sure where he was going to end up, but anywhere was better than a Tel'tak.
Almost immediately he and Shesmu were back on the ground in the same empty room they'd left. He looked around and noticed a door in the back. When opened it revealed a closet. "Here you go," he told the Goa'uld, dragging him into the closet. Next he ripped more of the Goa'uld's shirt and forced it into his mouth, tying another piece of cloth around it. Shesmu was silenced.
He closed the closet door and made it to hallway, making sure all was quiet.
Now he was off to save his friend and then the planet. All in all, a good days work!