Title: Theoretical Astromedicinal Biology

Chapter: 14

Authors: Kiki

A/N: WHOA it's been a long way since Chapter 1 hasn't it. I'm so happy you guys have stuck with this fic that long, means a lot! Not much to go now! WELL…here's to an eventful chapter…we all hope…LOL.

I looked over one of the previous chapters, and found that I had considered 13 pages 'short'. Times change, huh. These days, 6 pages is considered 'long'. So this ones gunna be a long one! Whatever that means! I slotted a bit of a treat in there for all you people that seemed to love the 'Transmission from Sam's head' thing.

NOTE:

Thought I'd just explain the timeline here, just in case anyone is confused. Essentially, this fic is set 'Post-Lost City', Jacob and Janet are alive and Hammond is still head of the SGC. Also a few of you seemed to have overlooked the last chapter, so you may want to go back, take a look, make sure you've read it so you're not wondering why I seem to be leaping!

XxXxXxXx

Previously on Stargate SG1…

"I shall agree this once. Although you a terrible ping-pong player. Are you sure you do not wish to play X-Box instead?" Teal'c said with a straight face, causing Jack to pull a face.

"Yeah…might be a better idea…" then he stuck his tongue out at his friend, "And for the record, I'm not a terrible ping-pong player!"

XxXxXxXx

"O'Neill! I refuse to play ping-pong with you any longer!" Teal'c stated, trying not to bend over and show pain too much. Placing down his equipment, he walked over to confiscate the spare ball from his friend's hands.

Jack's guilty-half apologetic look morphed into a glared at him. So he'd served a couple at Teal'c that accidentally hit the wrong spots; So? He was a Jaffa, he had muscle, and he could take it! Besides what was a ping-pong ball to the groin compared to a Goa'uld cattle prod to the symbiote pouch.

Teal'c gave him a rare, dirty look and pulled the offending ball from the Colonels fingers. Jack was about to protest, when the door swung open, revealing a flustered looking Daniel and Jacob.

"We….have…a…go." Daniel panted incoherently. Jack squinted at him, so Jacob repeated the message, "We ship out in half an hour gentleman. Through the gate."

"The Gate?" Jack asked confused.

Jacob explained, "It would take us too long to get to Antarctica by Earth travel, find the antidote and get back. She could be dead by then. A Tok'ra operative has a specialised scout and rescue cargo ship standing by on a nearby planet..."

Understanding dawned in Jack's eyes; timing was imperative. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's move!"

With that, four men on a mission filed out of the rec room, ping-pong and pains forgotten. For now.

XxXxXxXxXx

Transmission from Sam's head. (A/N: again, it's a little bit like Daniel telling her to talk to a cloud. Rewind a little...)

WHAT. WAS. THAT!

Did he just kiss me! (in bold, italic and underline!) And exactly what did he just say to me?

It's been about 3 hours since Jack O'Neill came and visited me, and I'm still in shock. I was there the entire time, listening to Janet worry over how he should have been awake hours ago. I'd never felt so helpless. I couldn't even break free from my own prison, how could I help him?

Teal'c stayed by his side constantly, and for that I'm glad. I didn't want the Colonel to be alone; having someone next to him would help his will to wake up. I know having the team around me helped me want to break free. But I guess I just wasn't strong enough. Maybe I never will be.

I hate the idea of needing to be rescued, even if it's by the people I trust the most, and I know they'd never rub in the fact that I needed rescuing in the first place. It comes from never letting anyone help me, throughout growing up and throughout my career. I refused to compromise and to accept assistance, especially from males. Looking back, I think that's clearly evident on my record, especially when I first met the Colonel. I still can't believe I did that.

But I want so badly to get outta here. Anything is better than lying here, alert to everything. Only that alertness is fading. I'm not how much longer I can hold on. The last thing I clearly heard was Teal'c telling Daniel and Dad to go look for something, while he stayed with Jack and me. It was sweet of him, to think of me as well really.

Teal'c is really much more of a deep character than will first strike you. He considers what most of us takes for granted, and will do it just to make your life that much better. I suppose it comes from the hardship of being First Prime to such an evil master. I admire his courage and strength in all aspects, but especially how he undertook the position, for the only reason so that his wife and son would be safe. Even more than that, I admire his courage to deflect to our side. I wouldn't even call it deflecting; for Teal'c is no coward. We've done more damage to the System Lords and Replicators in the last 8 years than the Tok'ra or Asgard have in a centuries. To risk the very thing he was trying to protect must have been an excruciating decision that he made, but I am glad he has chosen this path, and he obtained the best possible result.

It's nice to have his presence around. It's a nice strong and constant presence, one I've been able to depend upon when I wasn't strong enough on my own. Makes me feel loved and that I'm wanted back in the land of the living. However, getting there is another problem. I know I don't have much longer, Janet's been saying that a lot, and I can hear the sadness in her voice. I'm starting to fade as well, I can't hear properly, I can't sense as well, and I want to give in to that darkish blob that's over there, but I know I can never return if I succumb to it.

I still don't know what made Jack kiss me. Somehow, I know it was him. It might have been from that one all those years ago, when I was infected by that alien histamine thing. I don't know, all I know is that was definitely Jack O'Neill. I heard his voice softly talking to me, blurred and floating over me, but I couldn't make out the words. It comforted me though, that he was around. I may not have heard his words, but I could read his tone. It was the one that he used only with me, when we were alone, something irreversible was about to happen.

I remember the look in his eyes, the rare occasions that we had together. But I knew I would have never found the identical expression in his eyes this time, while for each one of those times were unique in nature, this time, he let his guard down completely. His voice belayed that weakness in him that I've only seen flicker in his eyes, and it was more heartfelt. He was trying to will me back to him, begging me to hold on for a bit longer. I'm sure of it.

But he's never touched me like that before. Not that I didn't like it. This was new, unexplored territory for us. We'd brush hands, shoulders or legs, sometimes we'd hug. But nothing before had even seemed this…intimate. The soft pads of his finger trailing down the side of my face was something I'd only dreamt of happening, and now I craved for his touch, and just him to be at my side again.

And then he spoke.

I really wish I could have heard what he said. I can only guess what it was. But his voice was so broken out and it killed me even more not being able to ease his pain. Whatever he was trying to tell me had been there for a while, and was finally breaking through his walls. He was opening himself to me, and I wanted to be there dammit!

A strangled sob was choked back, but I'd heard it. The man was crying, and it was because of me. I hate that. Not because I think its wussy. (Well I do, but the word 'wuss' and 'Jack O'Neill' just don't go together). But because I know he thinks it was his fault, and it touches me that such a strong person has been so affected by my absence.

Our relationship had always been an unwritten, unspoken and unmentioned one. Not just because it wasn't allowed, but also because it was unnecessary. We were both keenly aware of the bond that existed, the one that undermined any of the ones we may have had with Daniel or Teal'c. Powerless to even explore the possibilities, raising the questions and be confirmed and deny the opportunity to act would be infinitely worse. So we went on, day by day; the question remained unasked. It was enough to be sure that we loved each other as far as we could without being involved. Because of this, I know I have unplutonic feelings about him, but I have no idea how he feels about me in that respect.

I knew I would have an impact, but I wasn't even dead yet!

Or was he saying goodbye to hopes that would die along with me?

It was hard to tell, and although the thought had cross my mind at the time, I'd barely had time to entertain the thought when I felt his breath on my face. It hovered there for a split second, before I felt something soft on the corner of my mouth that was shocking like electricity. It was soft, warm and I knew what it was, but I just didn't know why. Why was he kissing me? Was he going to say goodbye?

Whatever the reason had been. It had me wanting to come back to find out.

I want out. Now!

----

"Daniel! Give me the damn sock or I will shoot you, so help me god!" Jack said impatiently at the younger man currently in possession of his sock. He'd chucked his socks at the younger man in hopes of stopping the irritating pacing. Evidently, that had failed.

"Well then hurry up!" The archaeologist said as he threw the socks back to their owner. Miffed, he pushed the glasses further up his nose, hands on his hips, face tilted towards the ceiling as he checked over the mental checklist he had on his mind. He didn't want to forget anything. Not having the proper translation or means of accessing the cure could cost Sam her life, and he would never forgive himself if he lost it. Blood sample, check. Potatoe thing…check.

Fuelled by lack of sleep and excessive caffeine, Daniel could feel his muscles struggled and trembled as they tried to stay still. He felt compelled to move, although he knew he should stop using so much energy. But he was also sure that if he stayed still for too long, he might just dropped dead.

"Daniel. Sit." Jack said, lacing up his boots. Daniel didn't move. Jack yanked his arm down, eliciting a yelp from his friend. Grumbling, the younger man sat down, he had a feeling Jack had something to say.

He was right, and Jack soon started out uneasily, not wanting to say what was on everyone's minds, "Guys, I know that the thing is down there, but um, I mean, let's just say, for the sake of it, that it, uh, isn't— oh screw this." He grumbled in frustration, "I'm not giving up. Not until she makes me."

Everyone diverted their gaze. They all knew that this was Jack telling them not to get their hopes up, in his own way. And that if they didn't find what they were looking for, not that that would happen—he would continue to search a thousand worlds a way. None of the men in the room would have expected anything less or more; they would have done the same thing.

"I'd expect nothing less, Jack." Jacob said finally, summing up the sentiments of the room. He put his hand out for Jack to shake.

Jack took it, grinning once more, "Course, Dad."

Jack barely had time to retract his own hand before Daniel grabbed his wrist and began tugging anxiously like a child, "Come on! Hurry up!"

"Coming, Daniel." He sighed.

-----

Four hours, five fights and a broken pair of glasses later saw the group about half an hour out from their designated target. Evidently, the advantages of fast travel were outweighed by lack of in flight entertainment, as seen in Daniel's broken glasses, due to Jack's extreme boredom and restlessness. Good thing the man had thought to bring spares. Luckily, no other damage was done, and they all sat in amicable silence. Amicable considering the situation, that was.

Nervousness was buzzing and zapping in the atmosphere in the modified cargo ship, much like how one would experience static on a dry, autumn day. Time, it seemed was flowingly notoriously slowly; relatively speaking, of course.

A question hung in the air, clear as if it were harled upon the wet sand of a distant beach. It was a delicate matter, and seemed to hang in the air as if it were the final very last fibre of fibroin. Would they find what would save her from the few of death; or would they discover a cavern of nothingness and secrets that would represent her demise?

No man onboard knew the answer, but every one of them hoped that they didn't find the answer to be the second one. They all had a huge amount at stake, and one could safely say that eventually all would be lost if Samantha Carter lost this battle. What would life be like if she were gone?

Despite his previous positive attitude, Jack found himself automatically searching for alternatives, just in case things didn't turn out. Perhaps it would help cushion the blow. His temporary bout of optimism was gone now, replaced with a pessimistic cynicism as his thoughts went beyond reality, to succumb to the possibility that they would find nothing. The ex-'snake eater' could not help but to assess the situation with a tactical mind; with skills that he had honed from years of pain and suffering.

They were here on alien writings and alien writings alone. No one had ever seen the cure; no one could confirm its existence. What more, the writings were thousands of years old and in various scripts, so obscure it had taken bewildering twists for them to decipher. Surely, it would be easy to slip out on something. O'Neill's mind told him the odds were not in his favour, and yet his heart told him otherwise. He'd never been given a reason to ignore instinct, but realistically, what were the chances.

All this he kept to himself. Teal'c didn't need it, Daniel didn't need it, and hell, Jacob definitely didn't need it. Looking around at the fatigued faces of the men that were around him, he knew that they were wired enough that even a spark could set them off. Teal'c was desperately trying to Kel'no'reem in an alcove, but failing. It was no longer life threatening that he did so, but the fact that his friend could not achieve such a state of revitalisation concerned Jack. He watched the dark lids of his friend flicker every few minutes, as his stress levels grew.

The leader continued his silent vigilant, ready to be at hand should something happen. After a while, the Jaffa sensed his commander's scrutiny. Neither needed to speak, for the mutual support was already conveyed. A warrior's ability to communicate with one another was only surpassed by that of a lover's. He dipped his head slightly, in the fashion of a nod. Acknowledging the concern of a man who he considered to be his brother, Jack gave up. Any more unsuccessful attempts would only serve to produce more concern. He leaned his head back, where it met the walk with a resounding 'thump', closing his eyes, begging for a few minutes peace from his own torturous mind. A few more minutes, and then he'd look through Sam's laptop again.

The eyes of Teal'c, now out of his previous reverie, scanned the room thoughtfully, his dark eyes already seeking what was afoot. He found it in the form of Jacob Carter, commandeering their vessel, with one hand on the controls, the other, propping up his chin. The dark-skinned man often found himself at ambivalent ends of a moral continuum. On one end, this man was now a Tok'ra. A descendant of the Goa'uld, and one of many that had taken the lives of his brethren. Something for a Jaffa to truly despise.

However, on the flip side, Jacob Carter was not like most other Tok'ra, having saved Teal'c's life on more than one occasion, when he was not bound to do so. Many Tok'ra would be happy to watch a Jaffa die. But not Jacob; Teal'c owed him respect for that. He was also Samantha Carter's father, and the fact that she had yet to kill him herself, was probably enough for Teal'c, in the fact that he should trust him. So he did. Jacob Carter was now a friend and one that Teal'c of Chulak would be loyal to, and concerns himself over.

The weary man at the controls of the ship looked up, not missing the concern of his friend. Maybe it was time to take a break, time for himself to regather. Times like this he wished his wife were still with him.

"Hey, someone take the stick for a bit? I'm about to crash this thing."

Not surprisingly, Jack ignored him and Daniel continued to mumble phrases in his own little world. Only Teal'c responded, and took control of the ship from him. Jacob put a hand on the Jaffa's shoulder in thanks, before moving to where the packages of sandwiches were. Taking one, he went and sat near Daniel, who was surrounded by a Great Wall of reference texts.

Tearing off the cellophane from around one that he'd picked at random, he bit into it distractedly. In a way, Teal'c was the one that he could best relate to. He'd lost his wife; and almost lost his child. Jacob now knew what his friend must have gone through living with the fact that his son was alive, but would face an inevitable fate if he didn't do anything. He was beyond helplessness; the only thing that kept him going now, other than adrenaline, was to once more hear the laughter of his chid.

He knew Sam didn't hold a grudge against him for the past, but he himself couldn't help but hold a grudge against himself for missing out on seeing how his daughter had become the person she was today. Of course, she'd always been the peacemaker in the family, between Mark and himself. Much like how she refereed between the daily spats of Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. She often accused her CO of provoking the younger man, and then just as quickly, yelled at the archaeologist for being such an easy target.

"Ever heard of a laptop?" Jacob quipped, unable to resist the vibe to jib the younger man, who'd been mumbling in some alien language of 'god knows what'. His daughter was right; he was an easy target.

"Yes, well." Daniel said rolling his eyes; he'd been subjected to this many times over, from both the man next to him, and Jack O'Neill, and responded just as he had in the past. Very deliberately, very sarcastically. "I just couldn't seem to find Pig Latin anywhere on for once, Daniel revelled in the silence, and the fact that his opponent had nothing to say. It was all good and well to say that a translator for Ancient couldn't be found anywhere on the internet, but Pig-Latin? One of the most juvenile and virtually universal dialects childhood could not be found? Priceless. Sounds like a commercial for MasterCard, thought Daniel rather darkly. His lips still moved silently to the words on the page before him, but his mind was far, far away.

For as long as he could remember, Sam had been his rock. It was odd, but it was true. She had certainly found footing within the base a lot quicker than he had despite being a scientist herself. Daniel often thought it had something to do with the fact that she was also an officer, but then, women weren't exactly known for their brute strength, were they? But those who had thought that were soon proved wrong in a very big way. Sam Carter was blond, smart and could arm wrestle.

She could have used that footing to win one over him, but Daniel often found himself admiring his friend for the good person she was. She stood up for him and the 'geeks' even amongst the officers who thought they were superior, when she could have joined in the teasing. Sometimes he wondered how his accomplishment of figuring out the Stargate Symbols and thus getting it to work, could have possible compared to her writing a program for the operation of the gate. Her mind just seemed so superior. Early in their work together, he'd attempted to compliment her on this once, only to have her pull a gun on him, threatening to shoot him if he finished his sentence.

It seemed that Sam Carter didn't take well to compliments from guys. Geek or not. In retrospect, everything that he knew about her considered, it didn't seem like such a random thing for her to do. Not really, Daniel considered, after the fact that she blew up a sun. She was right, sometimes he was a victim of his own mind searched for implications, and he was sometimes embarrassed at how he really was an easy target, especially when Jack provoked him. He missed the banter already.

Squeezing his eyes shut for a moment, he stopped his random mumbling, pinching the bridge of his nose. Daniel thought he heard scrunching of paper, and the next minute, a wad of it hit the knuckles of the hand on his nose. He glared at the one person who would dare throw a white paper ball at him; Jack grinned back.

"Whatchya doing?"

"Going through my Pig Latin and Ancient again. What does it look like I'm doing?" Daniel said highly annoyed. He knew Jack was only trying to break the silence, and lift spirits. But did he have to do it like that? Bad enough his glasses were broken.

Jack cocked his head, and squinted at him slightly, "Daniel. Didn't I order you to get a life?"

"Yes, well, that was before I reminded you two years ago that I'm not an officer." Daniel said smartly, before returning to his book.

Jack's expression didn't change, he just repeated himself, "Daniel. Didn't I order you to get a life?"

Without looking up from his book, Daniel replied. "Yes Jack. That was before you saw what 'me' in Ascended form was capable of."

"You ended that sentence with a proposition!" Jack said childishly. Ahh the memories. Daniel's raised eyebrow dared him to continue with the next word—instead out came, "You, geek!"

"I'm not a geek!" Daniel said, raising his voice, "Dr. Lee is a geek! Felger is a geek. I am not a 'geek'!"

"Daniel, you're one of this country's natural resources...that or one of its national treasures." Jack said as humbly and with as much sincere admiration as he could, he leaned forward, "But you're still a geek."

Jack laughed as Daniel frowned aimed a book at his head, and narrowly missed. Attention averted, the next shot hit its mark, and clocked Jack on the side of the head. He whined, "DAD! Daniel just chucked a book at my head!"

"Good work, Daniel." Jacob chuckled. O'Neill sulked and tired to get up, only to be suddenly hit on the ass in mid-bend by a heavy edition of 'Latin for Beginners by Joseph Mallozi'. He glared at the younger man, retorting darkly. "I hope shots of my ass, serve you well…"

Silence. Then came the whine, "Teal'c…are we there yet?"

Suddenly, a large, abrupt force rippled through the ship. No one was prepared, but they all saw the smirk on the Jaffa's face and they all heard the massive hump of Jack's body hitting the hieroglyphic walls.

"Yes O'Neill. We are there."

The three men in the back quickly scrambled to look out the windows, squabbles forgotten. And there indeed, far down below, lay the vast and white land of tundra. Antarctica. Below which, lay the cure of Cheh.

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Ahh yes, and there it is…finally. (dies from effort) Sorry it took so long, been quite hectic lately, not that that's really an excuse. Hope this was good enough for you all! It was a little juvenile, but I've been dying to do a Jack-'are we there yet?' type thing for ages, I could always just picture him doing it. Next chapter is pretty much in the bag as we speak. Did anyone pick up the quotes from this particular chapter? Be interesting to see what gets picked up and what slips through the cracks.

Until next time! Love, Kiki

p.s did I mention how much S9 is killin' us down here? gawwsshh