Warning – this chapter contains violence and attempted rape. There is nothing graphic but please take note and don't read if this will offend you.
Sam found herself whistling as she worked with the other women. She was learning to cook – cavewoman stew. She wasn't sure what all the ingredients were but it was certainly more appetizing than the fish they'd survived on for those few days before being captured by the tribe. She stopped what she was doing briefly, wondering what had happened to their supplies. She'd really love to be able to head back to their little cave and pick up some of their things.
She'd been able to connect a bit with some of the women but they were simple folk and there really wasn't much to talk to them about, even if she had known their language better than she did. Their lives revolved around cooking and having children.
A number of the women had come up to her and had rubbed her stomach and had grinned. She quickly got the point that they were wishing her 'luck' in getting pregnant. She could feel herself blush the first few times but after that it just got irritating, although she tried to hide her reaction. It had also made her start to think. She was pretty sure her birth control was still good but if she and the Colonel were stuck here much longer – and they had to continue to show the tribe they were sexually active – than she'd have to worry about pregnancy. She wondered if Jack had even given it a thought – or how he'd feel about it.
Suddenly she felt the need to get out of the cave and spend some time alone. It was clear that the people in the tribe lived on top of each other. It was what they were used to and privacy didn't seem to play a part in their daily lives. For her though, it was different. She had lived on her own for a lot of years and she was beginning to feel claustrophobic.
She went up to Maru – she'd finally found out the name of the old crone – and gestured outside. The woman looked at her for a moment and finally nodded, giving her permission. With a smile Sam returned the nod and headed out of the cave.
A few of the women smiled at her as she walked by. A couple of the men who hadn't gone on the hunt also acknowledged her although they were much more careful. She realized, at that moment, that they did know something about privacy. The men were very careful to leave any woman not their wife or daughter alone. She further realized that, except when a couple was newly married, the tribe pretty much ignored those engaged in physical relations.
As she got outside she took a deep breath of the fresh air. She laughed when it came to her that she no longer noticed the bad smell in the cave – at least not until she walked outside. She figured she and the Colonel must smell pretty bad too. It had been a long time since she'd bathed. She would kill for a bubble bath right now.
There were a few people outside but they pretty much ignored her as she walked by. She thought she might go down the trail to where she would have some peace and quiet. The exercise would do her good. She smiled again when she thought of the exercise she'd had last night.
Looking around she loved the fact that the sun was shining and everything seemed calm. She would have been much less happy if she'd seen the eyes that were following her.
Jack was starting to feel tired, even though he didn't have to carry the pig. This was the first time he'd had this much exercise since he was wounded. Even though he was getting better he knew he had a ways to go. And then, of course, there was his battle with The Boob! He could feel the soreness of the bruises and his head was beginning to ache. Hey, he thought, maybe he could get Sam to give him a back rub. Yeah – now that made him feel better just thinking about it!
As the hunters grew near the cave a few of the women rushed out to meet them. There was a lot of jabbering and laughing. He could see some of the men telling the others what had happened. Oh no – he realized he now had to endure some more back slapping. He guessed he was the hero of the day!
He looked around, expecting to see Sam coming out to greet him. He was a little surprised that she hadn't come right out – and, he admitted to himself, a little disappointed. Then again, maybe she was waiting inside!
Turning to his companions, include Drobe, he indicated he wanted to go inside. The men laughed at him, knowing what he wanted. He grinned and walked towards the cave.
It took a moment for his eyes to get used to the lack of light – and his nose a moment to get used to the small again. Phew, he'd forgotten how bad it really was.
As soon as he could see clearly he looked towards their little corner of the cave but Sam wasn't there. He then looked over to the central hearth but didn't see her there either. He was starting to feel confused. Where was she?
A small hand touched his arm and he turned around, hoping it was Sam. Instead it was the old lady. He looked at her with a question on his face. With her almost toothless grin she pointed out of the cave and motioned walking. He realized that Sam must have gone for a walk.
With a sigh of relief he thanked her and quickly turned and headed out. Looking around he tried to figure out which way she went. One of the men who had stayed back quickly came up to him and pointed. As Jack went to hurry after her the man grasped his arm. He turned and looked at him impatiently – he wanted to see Carter.
As he looked at the man it dawned on him that the caveman looked nervous. What the hell was going on? Jack could feel his pulse start to speed up. Something was wrong, he just knew it.
The caveman suddenly started gesturing and speaking. He couldn't figure out what he was saying until he heard the name Boobu. The man then gestured in the direction Sam had gone.
Jack turned and started to run. The creep must have followed Sam when she went for a walk. He had thought the man was still too out of it to pose a threat. He should have known better. God – he prayed she was okay.
Sam had walked for about 20 minutes, enjoying the warmth on her back. She was daydreaming of Jack and the direction their relationship was going. At the back of her mind she worried about what would happen when they were rescued but she refused to let those thoughts put a damper on the day.
She stopped in a small clearing and looked around. It was beautiful here. She thought she heard a small sound and looked behind her but there was nothing. She realized she didn't have a weapon and hoped that there were no wild animals around. It probably hadn't been terribly wise for her to walk so far.
Suddenly deciding that it was time to return she turned around and began to head back down the path.
Without warning an arm came out of the trees and grabbed her. It happened so fast that at first she couldn't figure out who – or what – had attacked her. The – person – had turned her around and was holding her with her back pressed against him. It had quickly become clear that it was a him – and a caveman at that. She could tell by the foul breath that was blowing over her shoulder.
The man held her with one of his arms around her neck. With his other hand he had grabbed her hands and was holding them behind her. Once she had gotten over her shock she started to fight! She tried kicking with her legs but was unable to do anything in her bare feet. Pulling her hands away turned out to be impossible and she soon began to see spots as the arm around her neck tightened.
The man holding her was incredibly strong and she knew she was in trouble. God, she wished Jack were here.
Without warning her attacker let go of her neck and swung her around. She wasn't surprised to see that it was 'Igor'. She had known he was after her. She just thought he was still too hurt to do anything.
He was looking down at her and she was sure his eyes were red. He had a look of anger and hate – and God – lust. She was in extreme danger and she had to figure out a way to get out of this.
He slowing pulled her forward, grunting softly. He still held her arms behind her with one hand. The other reached up and started to caress her. She began to feel sick as his hands lowered as he continued with his attack. He then pulled her until she was pressed completely against him.
This was her chance! With all her strength she jammed her knee into his groin. She could feel a sickening crunch, which was followed by a screech. As he crumpled she pulled away and started to run, knowing that safety lay back at the cave.
She had only gotten a few feet when a hand reached out and grabbed her hair, yanking her back. This time it was she who screeched as it felt like the hair was being ripped from her head.
She was yanked around and 'Igor' backhanded her across the face. The force was so great she was sure her neck would have broken if it hadn't been for his continued grip on her hair. As it was she could feel the blood from her cut lips and mouth. She knew she would also have a terrible bruise, if she survived this ordeal.
She was now so dizzy she could barely stand and could offer little resistance. He backhanded her again, not quite so hard, but enough to stun her. He immediately dropped her and she fell to the ground in a heap, sobbing quietly under her breath.
Without a pause he knelt down beside her. For a moment he simply looked, the bloodlust filling his eyes. With a vicious grin he reached over and grabbed her neck, forcing her head down. He then lifted his leg and straddled her. Grasping her hands he lifted them over her head. Letting go of her neck he reached down and pawed at her bra, finally pulling on it until it ripped. He then threw it away and, leaning over, bit her.
She screamed, knowing that he was going to rape her and that there was nothing she could do. God, how would she survive this?
"JACK!" she screamed again. He lifted his head and looked at her. This time when he lowered it he placed his mouth over hers. It was odd, a small voice said in the back of her mind, she had never seen any of the tribe kissing. It didn't seem to be something they did. She quickly realized that what her attacker was doing was nothing like any kiss she had ever received. He was actually gnawing at her mouth and lips.
He must have seen her and Jack kissing and this was some terrible parody or imitation. His foul breath and the pain of his teeth made her want to throw up. She almost hoped she would.
As his hands began to grope lower she began to feel as if she were losing consciousness. She let out one more soft sound.
"Jack – please."
Without warning the body covering hers was yanked away. She heard a roar or anger and suddenly she was free – she could breath. The only problem was she was shaking so badly and felt so sick she could do nothing but cower as she drew herself into a fetal position.
Jack had run as fast as he could back along the trail. At first he heard nothing but suddenly the still of the day was disturbed by a scream. The first one sounded deep – that of a man, but it was quickly followed by a woman's voice – Sam's voice. He ran faster.
By the time he reached the clearing he was out of air, sobbing with each breath. He was worried he'd collapse before he found her. Just at that moment, however, he came upon the site of Boobu lying on top of Sam. Oh God – was he too late?
The rush of adrenaline and anger made it possible for him to rush over and practically lift the man straight up and off the woman he loved. He saw that she was alive but couldn't spare the time to find out anything else. He knew he had the fight of his life on his hands.
Without giving Boobu time to realize what had happened he began to pummel the man about the head and neck. Unfortunately, it took only a few seconds for the caveman to gather his senses and begin to fight back.
As Sam lay shivering and crying the horrible and bloody battle between the two men continued. It was the age-old fight of men over the woman they loved – or lusted after. It was primitive and elemental and both knew it was to the death.
Jack knew he had shed any trappings of civilization or civility. This man had hurt his woman and he would have to pay. As he struck out he didn't care that his thoughts and feelings were old-fashioned or sexist – they were real – they were those of a man who had met the one woman who completed him, who made him whole and no one was going to take that away.
The fight raged on, with sounds of flesh striking flesh, of bones cracking and cries of pain reverberating through the air. Blood began to spray all around, it's ruby red a macabre splash of color glistening in the sunlight.
Sam didn't know at what point she realized that practically the whole tribe had appeared and was watching the fight. It may have been when Maru knelt beside her and gathered her into her wizened arms. Sam rested against her, tired beyond belief, but also terrified as to what would happen.
She worried that Jack would be killed. She also worried that if Jack lost she'd be given to 'Igor' regardless of the fact that he had tried to rape her. She didn't know what the tribe would do– were they like animals who fought to the death, the winner reaping the rewards? Or was there punishment for a man who tried to steal another man's woman? Ultimately, it didn't matter. If Jack was killed she would bide her time and kill his murderer – she would then want to die herself.
It was obvious that neither man could last much longer. The fight was not nearly so ferocious or bloody now; they were too weak and exhausted to do much more harm to each other. It would go on, however, until there was only one standing. Sam didn't know how it would end.
A soft rustling could be heard in the bushes and Sam saw Maru suddenly sit up. The woman scrambled to her feet, pulling Sam up behind her.
"CHEWI!" the old woman screeched at the top of her lungs. The members of the tribe froze for a brief second and then turned and began to run back towards the cave. Maru began to pull Sam but she resisted. She had to make sure Jack was okay. She looked over at the two men. It was clear that neither of them had heard the warning – they were too focused on killing each other.
"JACK!" she screamed. "TIGER!" He glanced over at her and seemed to come to his senses. Just at that moment she heard that same scream she had heard when Jack was attacked and saw the huge beast as it traveled through the air, attracted by the smell of blood.
Even though he was hurt and bleeding Jack made a instant decision that saved his life. He turned away from Boobu and ran and grabbed Sam's hand. Together they began to run towards the village.
In his rage and exhaustion the caveman had not realized what was going on. Even as the tiger screamed he was unable to make sense of what was happening. It was only as the animal landed on him, its claws tearing into his flesh, that he realized – but it was too late. He let out a bloodcurdling scream of his own.
As Sam and Jack ran they could hear the horrible sounds of a man being mauled to death. As evil as he had been, no one deserved such an awful demise.
When the sounds died out and there was complete silence it was even worse. Both Sam and Jack knew what that meant. With a sob Sam stopped, unable to run any more. It all suddenly caught up to her.
"Sam?" he asked softly, worriedly. Looking at her he could see her face blanch and she started to sway. He reached out quickly, just as she collapsed, and lifted her up. As hurt as he was he would not let her fall. No, it was his job – his honor – to carry her home.
He stumbled many times on their trip back to the cave but he did not fall. He made sure that he would get her there safely. He looked down at her – her pale skin, the bruises and black eye, the blood seeping from her mouth – and knew he had never seen anyone more beautiful. He just prayed she was okay.
When he reached the area close to the cave a number of the tribe came out to greet them, all of them speaking and giving what he thought sounded like encouragement. A number of them offered to take Sam from him but he refused. Finally, a number of them came and walked beside him. Drobe put his hand out and steadied him as he walked. The Chief too walked beside him, not saying anything but helping by his presence.
As Jack walked, or stumbled, back to the cave he realized something. As simple and primitive as these people were, they were still people. He and Sam had been taken in and were now part of the tribe. They were to be cared for and looked after. Although he didn't think they could live their lives forever amongst these people he was grateful to them. Looking up briefly at his new friend and the leader of the tribe he nodded to them and smiled. They nodded back, understanding without having to exchange words.
As he drew into the cave a number of the women were waiting. The old crone – someone said her name was Maru – was pointing to their bed, where fresh furs had been laid out to make it softer and more comfortable. He gently laid Sam down but stayed beside her, touching her. He couldn't bear to let her go.
Someone tried to pull him away, to dress his wounds, but he pulled back. He wouldn't leave her until he knew she was safe. He didn't see it but Maru gestured for the women to leave. She understood.
Someone brought him a bowl of water and a soft cloth – he wanted to laugh when he realized the cloth had at one time been his boxer shorts. Taking it he dipped it in the water and gently bathed Sam's face. Once the blood was gone, if anything it looked worse.
He could feel tears gather in his eyes, frightened for her. He didn't know if the man had had a chance to finish what he had obviously started. He prayed not, but even if he hadn't he knew this was going to take time for her to get over.
Sam began to stir, the feel of the cool water soothing to her burning and painful face. Her neck also hurt and for a while she was disoriented, not sure where she was. She was afraid to open her eyes, not knowing what she'd see.
"Sam" A voice, that voice, gave her hope. She opened her eyes to see Jack beside her, looking at her. She went to speak when she realized that he was crying. What had happened? What was wrong?
"Jack. What is it?" she whispered. Her neck hurt so badly it was hard to speak.
"Nothing. Are you alright?"
"No, not nothing. You … were crying. Why?" She had to know – something had happened and it was terrifying her.
"Sam, it's nothing." He fiercely wiped his eyes, embarrassed at his show of emotion. "I was just worried about you."
"About me?" she said in wonder. He was the one who was hurt. At that realization she began to struggle to get up. Jack needed her and she was just lying down. As he pressed her back onto the furs she looked at him in confusion.
"Jack, you're hurt. Let me help."
He laughed, although it didn't sound like a happy one. "I'm fine Sam – just a few bruises. You're the one I'm worried about."
"Me?" she asked again. Why was he worried? As she looked at him the memories started to return. Oh God, Oh God. She began to shake and then to rock back and forth.
Jack reached out, understanding that it was just hitting her. He'd been afraid of this. He knew that the reaction to this sort of thing could be delayed. He held on to her as she continued to rock, sobbing under her breath.
"It's okay Sam, I've got you. You're safe now. Nothing's going to hurt you baby." He continued to rock with her as her tears began to flow. That his did as well no one need ever know.
He could feel, more than hear her begin to talk. At first he couldn't distinguish the words but then he began to understand.
"I kept praying you'd come. I needed you. I was so scared and I wanted you, I needed you."
"I know baby. I'm so sorry, so sorry." He kept repeating the words over and over, consumed with guilt and self-hatred. How could he have left her knowing that maniac was around? It was all his fault.
"I'm so sorry", he repeated.
She pulled back from him, the shakes starting to die down. It was only as he repeated his words again that she realized what he was saying.
"You're sorry?" she asked, puzzled. "Why are you sorry?" She was still shaking and still feeling – bruised, both mentally and physically – but the initial turmoil was starting to subside.
"Sorry for letting this happen, for not being there for you."
"Jack", she said softly, reaching up and taking his bruised and battered face tenderly in her hands. "Don't you understand what I was saying? I prayed that you would come – I called for you to come – and you did. You came for me. You saved me Jack. There's nothing to be sorry for – you were there when I needed you." She reached over and gently kissed him – ever so gently as both of them were sporting bruised and bleeding mouths.
He drew a ragged breath that turned into a sob. He then leaned in and held her carefully, tenderly. The two sat together, trying to comfort each other and to regain the feeling of peace and joy they had woken up with.
A noise of jabbering caused them to separate and sit back. Maru had returned – along with some of the other women. This time they weren't taking no for an answer.
They forced the wounded couple to lie down and began tending to their wounds. Jack just prayed that the primitive medicine wouldn't do more harm than good. The only thing he did do was to insist that they use the boiling water (cooled of course) to wash their wounds. He was sure they all thought he was crazy but he didn't relish getting some kind of disease from contaminated water.
Once they were both relatively clean and bandaged (more of his BDU's) the old woman covered them with more furs. He didn't know what she said but she reminded him, at that moment, of his little Irish Gram – so he was pretty sure he was just told to go to sleep.
Turning his head he could see that Sam was watching him. She too was bundled up tight but she looked so lost and forlorn lying there. With a grimace of pain he pushed himself over until they were lying closer. Maru grunted but seemed to allow it, although she kept a steely eye on him.
He reached out and gingerly took Sam's hand in his cut and battered one.
"It'll be okay Sam. We're safe now. He's gone and I won't let anyone hurt you." She stared for a moment but then seemed to relax. She moved a bit closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. With a sigh she began to drift off with him following close behind.
He was woken by screams. He was shocked and frightened and sat up suddenly, then wished he hadn't. Every muscle, joint and bone in his body screeched in agony. He ignored them however as he realized the screams had come from Sam who was in the midst of a nightmare. He wasn't surprised – he'd been there.
"Sam", he reached over and tried to gently touch her. It took a while – with him softly speaking her name, but eventually she woke up. Many in the cave were looking at them, but turned their heads away when they saw that Jack was awake and tending to her.
"Sam, it's okay. You're okay." He held on to her lightly, caressing her back in soothing circles.
"He was going to _" she stopped.
"I know", he answered.
"He, he was so strong Jack. I couldn't do anything. I've had training – combat training – self-defense training – and none of it helped. I couldn't stop him."
Oh God – did she mean he had -?
"He was strong Sam – very strong. There was nothing you could have done. You weren't armed and you aren't even wearing shoes. There was nothing you could have done", he repeated.
"It's just frightening. Terrifying to know how much stronger most men are than women. I've never felt vulnerable before like that, even when we've been attacked by Jaffa or others. I felt so – helpless Jack!"
"I know baby. It's hard but it'll get better, don't worry."
As much as she appreciated his words she knew he didn't really understand. How could he - he was a man. He didn't know what it was like to be attacked by someone intent on raping you.
"No Jack", she said, pulling away. "you don't know. You have no idea what it felt like. I feel – dirty, soiled – and helpless." She began to cry again, traumatized by the events of the day.
He tried to take her again into his arms but she resisted. He didn't know if it had something to do with the attack – maybe she was frightened of any man at this moment – or if it was anger at him, or men in general.
Believe it or not, he totally understood what she was feeling, but he knew now wasn't the time to explain.
"Sam – I know it's difficult, I really do. But give yourself a break. You are not helpless – you're kicked ass more times than I can remember. You were at a severe disadvantage here and I did hear him scream – you must have done something to him?"
"I kneed him." She answered softly.
He grimaced, feeling the pain. "Good for you! See you're not helpless."
"But he still was about –"
"About?"
"About to rape me. It was only the fact that you came in time that saved me."
"I'm glad", he answered with a smile. "So I've been able to pay you back at least once for all those dozens of times you've saved my ass!"
She sat back at that – shocked – but somehow comforted by his words. It was true, oh not that she'd saved the Colonel dozens of times – but she had saved him on a number of occasions. In fact, she'd saved all of them at one time or another.
The Colonel had, of course, saved her equally as many times but she appreciated what he was doing. She was finally able to give him watery smile.
"I don't think you owe me any 'savings' Colonel. I'd say we're pretty well even."
He grinned, relieved that she seemed to be coming out of it, at least for now. He knew there'd be some more episodes but hopefully each time would be a little better.
"So", he asked, "The Boob didn't – uh – finish?"
"Didn't rape me you mean?"
He nodded and reached out and took her hand back.
"No, he didn't. He just breathed on me. God Jack, that was absolutely the worst. I almost threw up on him. I wish I had actually! We really need to teach these people about dental hygiene."
As he breathed a sigh of relief he was also able to grin. The fact that Sam was able to try a little humor – although obviously forced – was a good sign.
He suddenly realized that he was feeling like crap. Everything hurt and he really wanted to go back to sleep. Sam must have noticed because she reached out and pushed him down into a horizontal position.
"Sleep Jack. You look terrible."
"Yeah – well you don't look so hot either." He muttered.
"That's why I'm going to sleep too." She lay down beside him, again curling up to his warm flesh and laying her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you Sir." She murmured, just before falling asleep.
"You're welcome Carter. Anytime", he answered softly, soon drifting off behind her.