Kind of a long chapter today everyone – but there was a lot to deal with. I stole a bit of the story from Season 5's episode Summit – but I didn't stick to it faithfully – I just needed the general plot. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
He knew it was Daniel at the door. It was his turn. Over the last week Teal'c and Daniel had taken turns 'babysitting' him. He didn't mind, not really. In fact, he was glad they came to see him. He didn't want to be alone.
He didn't ask but figured they were sharing the 'team sitting' duties – alternating between his and Sam's house. Neither of them said anything but he knew them well enough to know they would look after her as well as they were him. He was glad of that. He would have worried about her otherwise.
As he let Daniel in he just grunted and returned to the living room. Daniel followed him, only allowing himself to look worried when Jack's back was turned.
"How ya doing Jack?" he asked casually. Jack just grunted again and turned on the TV. He'd watched more TV this week then he had in years.
Daniel sat quietly, watching the National Geographic documentary that Jack had switched on. The first part of the show was a segment on sea life. After the next commercial it changed and suddenly the man on the screen was talking about 'prehistoric man'. Jack picked up the remote and immediately changed the channel, although he didn't say anything.
Teal'c was with Sam, Daniel knew. They had agreed to spend time with their friends this week, knowing how much they were both suffering. Neither of the two Air Force officers had said anything expect once each.
A couple days after Sam had left Jack's place she had turned to Daniel.
"Look after him okay?" She'd said to her friend. She knew, as did Daniel, that it would be so easy for Jack to spiral into a depression. He'd had too many losses in his life and they both worried about him.
"Of course", he'd answered simply. She'd gone up and given him a fierce hug, holding on to him with all her strength. He simply held her for a long time until she pulled away and smiled. "How about some supper?" That's the last time she had spoken about Jack.
Her brother had called her that week and it was nice to speak with him. He'd been told she was on a long-term mission and hadn't known she was MIA, for which she was grateful. At one point in the conversation he'd told her about this friend of his who lived in Denver – Pete something or other was his name. Mark wanted her to meet him. She told him she was too busy and maybe another time. The last thing she needed was to go out with another man! All she wanted to do was crawl in bed and remember her time on the planet.
With the Colonel it was much the same. He was much quieter with his friends than Sam but he pretty much puttered around his house as normal. He fixed himself healthy meals, even though he didn't have much of an appetite. He didn't drink and he mostly watched TV or read. Daniel was quite surprised at how much the man actually did read; and it wasn't just sports or fishing magazines. It turned out he had a taste for classical literature and music. Who would have thought Jack was so refined.
Only once did he say anything. In the middle of a hockey game he reached down and muted the sound. Without turning to Daniel he spoke softly.
"How is she?" was all he asked.
Looking at the dark circles under Jack's eyes, and the gaunt face, he simply answered, "About like you." Jack nodded and turned the volume back on. He didn't need to ask Daniel to watch out for her. He knew he would.
Finally the day came for them to return to work. They had a briefing with Hammond at 0900 hours. Although Jack was feeling somewhat better he knew there was no way Janet would release him for full duty. He still looked pretty bad and was tired all the time. He knew it was mostly psychological but if anything that was more of a reason to keep him grounded than a physical cause.
As he dressed to head to the mountain he wondered how he was going to get through this. He desperately wanted to see her and yet, at the same time, he was dreading it. There had been so many times during the week when he had woken up in the middle of the night, desperate to talk to her, to touch her. He'd reached for the phone countless times. Sometimes he'd even dialed and had then quickly hung up before it rang. One time he did let it ring and even waited for her to answer. She said 'hello' and when he didn't say anything she was silent as well. She knew it was him. They sat on the phone for five minutes, neither of them speaking. Finally, he laid the received down and just stared at it. That was the blackest moment of all.
He made it in to the mountain on time – just. Usually he was one of the first ones in, but not this morning. He knew he was dragging his feet, literally, as he walked to his locker to change. As he began to put his uniform on he glanced down, only to see his hands shaking.
"Damn!" He couldn't let that continue. He had to do a better job of hiding this or people would ask questions. Janet would catch it right away and he was supposed to go see her for a check up.
"What is it?" Daniel spoke behind him.
"Crap!" he jumped a foot. "Don't scare me like that." Daniel raised his eyebrows, surprised that Jack hadn't heard him. It was usually impossible to sneak up on the man.
"So, what were you cursing about?" he asked again.
"Oh nothing. I just – I can't find my deodorant."
"Okay", Daniel said, as he looked at the Right Guard sitting at the front of the shelf in Jack's locker.
They walked together to the Briefing Room, neither saying a word. If there was anything Jack had appreciated this week it was the fact that his friends hadn't insisted on talking to him. Their quiet presence had helped soothe the pain that was his constant companion.
He stopped and took a deep breath before entering the room. A quick glance around told him that Sam and Teal'c were both there. Let the act begin.
"Good mornin' folks! How is everybody this fine morning."
"I am well O'Neill. And how are you faring?"
"Me – just hunky dorey Teal'c. Couldn't be better."
"I'm fine Colonel." Sam said in a small voice. She glanced up and met his eyes for a brief moment and then lowered them. He could feel his heart skip a beat.
"So, where's the General?" He looked at his watch as he sat down. It was unusual for Hammond to be late unless there was an emergency. Just then the door to his office opened.
"Sorry Team. I was held up." He turned around to the man following him. "As you see, we have a visitor."
"Dad!" Sam stood up and rushed around the table. She threw her arms around her father.
"Hey kiddo! What's the matter?" He looked in confusion at the men around the table. This was definitely not the way his daughter usually greeted him.
"Nothing Dad", she said into his shoulder. "I'm just glad to see you."
Jacob had only found out that Sam had been missing for four months when he'd arrived that morning. He'd been on an undercover mission and hadn't received any news from Earth for months. When he'd first heard he was worried but George had assured him that she was fine.
"She and the Colonel were taken in by a local tribe and were treated well. They were made members of the tribe, in fact. Jack had a bit of a rough time but Sam is okay."
"Hey, I'm glad to see you too Sam." When he saw his daughter he wasn't so sure that George was right. There was something wrong here, but now wasn't the time to figure out what it was. That would have to wait until they were alone.
After a couple of minutes Sam pulled back, sniffed and wiped her eyes. She gave a self-conscious smile, feeling embarrassed at her display. She normally would never act this way and especially not while on duty. She didn't know what was wrong with her lately.
"So, what brings you to our corner of the universe Jacob?" O'Neill interjected quickly, realizing how Sam was feeling.
"I've come to ask a favor Jack."
"Why don't we all sit down and let Jacob tell us why he's here." Jacob made his way around the table and sat by Sam.
"So, a favor? Is this for you or for the Tokra?" Jack had a lot of respect for Jacob – the Tokra, on the other hand, weren't his favorite people.
"Well, I guess this is for all of us Jack. We've had word that the System Lords are planning a meeting to discuss a major attack."
"Against whom?"
"We don't know. We've heard rumors that they may be moving against the Tokra or against Earth. Whoever it is we know it's big."
"So, what do you want from us?" Jack asked, getting to the point.
"Actually we want Daniel."
"Daniel?"
"Me?" Daniel said in surprise. "You need an archeologist?"
"No, we need a linguist."
"Okay – but why?"
"We've developed a poison that will kill the System Lords but we need someone who can make their way into the summit and release it. That person is going to have to go undercover so he'll need to be able to speak Goa'uld."
"Undercover as what?" Jack asked, anger in his voice. He did not like this as all.
"As a servant. He'll go in as a servant to a minor Goa'uld who is going there to meet with Yu."
"And who is this minor Goa'uld?"
"Me" Jacob answered. Everyone was silent, not sure what to say.
"Dr. Jackson, I won't order you to do this. It has to be your decision and we'll all understand if you don't want to do it." The General didn't like putting his people in danger like this but recognized that this was a real opportunity to strike a major blow to the System Lords. In fact, it could wipe them out in one strike.
"So, let me get this straight Jacob. The Tokra want Daniel to go in and do their dirty work for them?"
"Well, it's not like it won't help you as well!"
"Jack, you know they can't be the ones to do this." Daniel said reasonably. "The poison would kill them too. They have to have someone else who can do it. I'm assuming it won't hurt humans?"
"No, it's completely safe for humans."
"What about you Dad? If you go you'll be in danger."
"The plan is for me to stay away. The poison is only active in a small area. Daniel can accompany me into the chamber with the System Lords. I'll excuse myself at one point-"
"For what reason?" Jack asked, still irritated.
"Even Goa'uld's have to use the bathroom Jack."
"They do?" The Colonel looked surprised. Jacob gave him a disgusted look.
"Yes, they do. After I've left all Daniel has to do is release the poison. It'll take affect almost instantly. He can then make his way to the glider bay where I'll be waiting. We'll make our escape back to the waiting Teltak."
"It doesn't sound too bad Jack", Daniel looked at the Colonel. "I'm sure I can handle that."
"Believe me Daniel, it'll be harder than it sounds. It always is." He turned back to Jacob. "I really don't like this Jacob. I don't like the idea of Daniel being on his own."
"He won't be Jack. I'll be with him."
"I know. I mean his team. Isn't there anyway we can be there?"
"How Jack? You'd stick out like a sore thumb. Teal'c they'd recognize and it would be too dangerous for Sam."
"Dangerous? Dad, I'm able to look after myself just fine!" She was sick of this. She'd spent the last four months having to defer to men and now this!
"Sam, the System Lords aren't going to bring their female Lotars to this. They will have menservants – at least the male System Lords will. You'd be out of place and it would look suspicious."
Again everyone was silent. Jack still didn't like it but he knew it was up to Daniel. He couldn't very well speak for the man. It had been a long time since the Archeologist was the innocent young geek he'd been. He could look after himself – he guessed. Still, he hated the thought of not being there to protect him.
"I'll do it." Daniel said quietly. He wasn't looking forward to it. In fact, the idea horrified him. But he also knew it was an opportunity to bring this war to an end.
"Only if the rest of SG1 goes and we wait in the Teltak", Jack threw in. Jacob looked at him and nodded.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
"And if anything goes wrong you'll get him out of there right away?"
"Yes Jack. I promise."
"All right folks. That's decided. When did you want to leave Jacob?", the General asked.
"As soon as possible. They're meeting in two days."
"Okay, we'll go over the plans in detail and then all of you can get ready. You have a go at 1600 hours. And Jack, after the mission if you want to take a detour and check out your 'cave' planet I won't mind. "
"Thank you Sir", he said gratefully. "I appreciate that." He was relieved they'd be able to check on the tribe. He just prayed they were safe.
They spent the next couple of hours going over every detail. They wanted to make sure that Daniel knew exactly what he was in for.
Jack stood up at the end, feeling incredibly tired, and made his way with the others to the Infirmary for the pre-mission check. He hadn't expected to be able to go on a mission so soon but this was too important. However he wouldn't be surprised if Janet raised a stink. She would not want him to go and if he were honest he wasn't feeling his best; although he really didn't have to do anything but wait – in a small ship, with only Teal'c and – S – Carter. Damn, he was not looking forward to this!
He was sitting on the examining table when Dr. Warner came up to him.
"Where's Doc Frasier", he asked surprised.
"She's taken some time off Colonel. She's gone with her daughter on a class trip."
"Oh really? I hadn't heard. Good for her though. She works too hard." He was relieved. Dr. Warner was much easier to deal with – he didn't know all of Jack's tricks.
"Are you sure you're feeling up to going Colonel? You're a bit underweight and those wounds are still healing."
"Oh yeah, I'm fine Doc. I won't really be doing anything anyway, just waiting in the Teltak."
"Okay, just take it easy. I want to see you as soon as you're back."
"No problem Doc! Thanks."
As they made their way to the Gate Room he found himself walking beside Sam. They'd barely said two words to each other all day and had avoided even looking at one another. He knew he'd have to do something to change that if they were going to continue to work together.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
"No", she answered, equally as softly. "But I will be."
"You know I'm here for you. I – I want us to be able to work together."
"I do too. It'll be okay - Sir. I just need some time."
"Yeah." They arrived at the Gate, all ready to go. They were going to one of the Tokra outposts to get Jacob's ship and then on to the rendezvous point. It turned out that a Tokra operative was undercover with the System Lord (Lady?) Bastet and had gotten word out as to where the Summit was taking place. It was a closely guarded secret so they'd been extremely lucky.
The journey itself would take about 12 hours, time enough for Jacob to talk to his daughter. The more he'd watched her all day the more he'd realized there was something seriously wrong. She looked terrible; pale and drawn. He also noticed she avoided O'Neill like the plague. Throughout the day he could feel his anger grow at the man. He'd obviously done something to his little girl and he was going to find out what it was.
Once they were on the ship Teal'c took over the controls. Jack went and sat back against the bulkhead and closed his eyes. Daniel sat close beside him and pulled out a book and began to read.
Jacob gestured for Sam to come to the back room. He wanted to talk to her privately. As she headed back, dreading what was coming, she could see the Colonel open his eyes and wink at her. She smiled briefly, suddenly feeling better.
"Okay Sam" Jacob sat down and patted the floor beside him. "What's going on?"
"What do you mean? Nothing's going on Dad."
"Don't give me that kiddo. I've known you your whole life and I can definitely tell that something's wrong. Did O'Neill do something to you?"
"The Colonel?" she asked in surprise. "He hasn't done anything. Why would you think that?"
"You two aren't talking to each other, that's why."
"Not -? Dad, we've talked to each other. It's just that we've been busy getting ready for the mission."
"Don't lie to me Sammy. There's something wrong and I want to know what it is. If that bastard hurt you in any way …!"
She started to get angry. "I told you, he didn't do anything. Lay off Dad. I'm an adult – and an officer in the Air Force and I don't need my father coming around and 'rescuing' me. I'll tell you again, there's nothing wrong. I don't have anything more to say so I suggest you try and get some sleep. I know that's what I'm going to do." She leaned back, just as Jack had done, and closed her eyes. She was seething inside.
Jacob watched her for a while, knowing darn well she wasn't sleeping. He could see the tension in her body and hear it in her breathing. He wasn't wrong – he knew that something wasn't right and he knew it had to do with O'Neill. He suddenly wondered what had gone on on that planet. Pushing himself to his feet he decided to go on a fact-finding mission. He ignored Selmak who was trying to tell him to mind his own business.
"You don't have kids", he told his companion, "so you don't know what it's like. I will not calm down. Not when it has to do with my daughter."
Walking into the outer room he saw that Jack was sleeping – or, like his daughter, was pretending to sleep. He also noticed that just like her O'Neill looked terrible. His cheeks were sunken and he had dark circles under his eyes. He wanted to get to the bottom of this but he knew he couldn't get any information from the principles. Walking over to Daniel he crouched down.
"Hey", he said quietly, "I'd like to talk to you a bit more about the mission. Why don't we move over there so we don't disturb the Colonel."
"Oh, okay Jacob." Daniel was surprised. He'd thought they'd covered everything. He walked over and sat beside the older man. "What is it you want to go over?"
"Nothing. At least not about this mission. I want you to tell me what happened to O'Neill and Sam. What went on on that planet?"
Oh crap, thought Daniel. They should have realized that Jacob would want more details. They'd all been shocked to see him and he was pretty sure neither Jack nor Sam had thought about what they'd say to the former Air Force General.
"Uh, what did they tell you?" he said, stalling for time.
"Nothing. George told me they were trapped on a planet for months but were taken in by the locals and were treated well. He said they managed to steal a Teltac from Ptah and make it home. I want to know what else went on."
"Well, not much as far as I know. Jack was hurt pretty badly. He was attacked by a Sabre Tooth tiger when they first arrived and then later, just before they came home, he was gored by a wild pig. Sam spent a lot of time looking after him."
"And what else?"
"What else? I don't know what you mean Jacob. I think they just spent their time waiting to be rescued. When that didn't happen they had to figure out a way to make it home and they did."
"Daniel, you're a lousy liar. Jack now – he's good – he can fool me but you can't. There's something you're not telling me and I want to know what it is?"
"Jacob, there isn't anything. If you want to know anything else you'll have to talk to - "
"Me", Jack interrupted. Neither man had seen him approach. Daniel looked up and swore. Oh no. This could be bad. Jack had better not be thinking of some grand confession – Jacob would kill him.
"Danny, if you'll excuse us?"
"Uh, I don't think so Jack. I think maybe we should leave this until after the mission."
"It's okay Daniel. Nothing bad's going to happen." Jack looked over at him and smiled. Daniel realized that the Colonel's whole purpose was going to be to protect Sam. Sighing, he rose to his feet.
"Just be careful Jack", he said quietly as he left.
"Aren't I always." The younger man turned and looked at him, eyebrows raised.
"No, never." Jack just grinned and waved him away. He then slid to the ground next to Jacob.
"All right Jacob. Why were you giving Daniel the third degree?"
"I want to know what's going on Jack. Sam is upset, you're looking like death warmed over and neither of you is talking to the other. I want to know what you did to her."
"Why do you think I did anything?" he turned to the man, a question in his voice.
"Because I know my daughter. She's always respected you – looked up to you and now she can't even look at you. I repeat, what did you do?"
"Jacob, I promise you, I did not hurt Sam. I – respect her too and I like her. She's a fantastic officer and an even better human being. If you're seeing anything it's just that both of us are worn out and are trying to deal with being back on Earth. You know we were gone for four months?"
"Yes, George told me."
"Well, you know as well as I do that that can be traumatic." As Jacob suddenly looked worried he hurried to reassure the man. "No, nothing really bad happened. She wasn't hurt Jacob, at least not seriously." He decided against telling him about the Boob. He thought that should be up to Sam to disclose if she wanted to. "It's just that we were away from everything. We had to lead a pretty simple life and she was stuck in a male-dominated society. She spent most of her time cooking or looking after me. I think both of us are just finding it a bit hard to readjust."
"But that still doesn't explain why you're so uncomfortable with each other."
Jack blew out a breath of air. "Look Jake! While we were there we had to behave more as close friends than as commander and subordinate. We needed to rely on each other and – heck – she had to spend half her time nursing me and dressing my wounds! Coming back has meant that we've had to go back to being officers and comrades. It's taking a little adjusting and we're a bit uncomfortable around each other because of it. But it's nothing bad – really! You can ask Carter."
"I did. She said there was nothing wrong either." Jacob looked consideringly at him for a moment. "How close?"
"What?"
"You said you behaved as 'close friends'. I'm wondering how close?"
"Jacob! What are you implying?" God, he was sure he was starting to sweat. He was positive the man suspected something.
"I'm not implying anything. I'm asking."
"Jacob Carter", Teal'c suddenly called out. "I wish you to come and take a look at this. I am getting an unusual reading."
Jacob got up but looked down at Jack before he left. "I'm not finished with this discussion Jack." The Colonel nodded. Crap – he was going to have to talk to Sam.
He glanced over at Teal'c who was looking at him. As Jacob sat in the co-pilot's seat Teal'c simply bowed his head towards Jack. He smiled gratefully at his friend. Who would have thought – saved by the Teal'c!
"That was scary." Daniel sat down beside him.
"You're telling me! I thought I was toast for a minute there."
"Does he know anything?"
"No, but he suspects. I'm going to have to talk to Sam – maybe when you're with the Goa'uld. We're gonna have to start acting more natural around each other or we're going to create suspicion."
"What did you tell him?"
"Just that we got used to acting as close friends on the planet and were having trouble readjusting to our old roles."
"Sounds good. Did he believe you?"
"He wanted to know 'how close'."
"Crap!"
"That's what I said."
Fortunately, there were no more confrontations before they reached the rendezvous site. Jacob must have figured that it was something better left till afterward. Jack wished he'd forget about it completely.
After Daniel and Jacob had ringed over to Yu's ship (they'd go from there to the ship with the main meeting chamber later that day), Jack made his way over to Sam and sat down. Teal'c – gotta love the big guy – made himself scarce.
"What is it Colonel?"
"Your Dad", he answered carefully.
"What about him?" she asked nervously.
"He's fishing for information about us."
"I know. He asked me if you'd done anything to me."
"And what did you say?"
"Jack!" she looked at him shocked. "I told him of course you didn't."
"No? I did do something Sam. I slept with his daughter – which is so far outside the regs as to be in another universe."
"Don't you dare Sir!"
"What?"
"Don't you dare try to take the blame for this. What happened on that planet happened for one reason only. Yes, you saved me from being raped and used by another man and but we both know it really happened because we both wanted it to. We loved each other Jack – there was no blame attached to either one of us. And don't you dare make what we had together anything other than beautiful! If you do I will kick your ass – court martial or not!"
"Okay Major. I definitely don't want an ass-kicking from you. I saw what you did to the Boob!"
She laughed, although the tears were close to the surface. "I'm sorry Sir. He's being the over-protective father. I'll try and call him off you."
"Don't worry about it Carter. I can handle your Dad. It was you I was worried about."
"Me?"
"I don't want him bugging you. I know this is hard on you."
"And it's not hard on you?" she asked softly.
"Yeah. It's hell." He leaned back and closed his eyes. "I don't know if I can do this Sam. We have to start acting as if nothing happened – and I don't know if I can. When I see you I want - " he stopped, knowing it was dangerous to continue.
"I know. I feel the same. Maybe if this mission is successful -?"
"We can't think that way. We have to focus on our duty – otherwise we'll constantly be thinking of this."
"I know. You're right. What are we going to do?"
"I guess we'll just have to start acting the way we used to around each other. Maybe after a while it will feel normal."
"Okay." She knew it was going to be hard but there was nothing else to do. Taking a deep breath she turned to him. "So, what do you think about this mission Sir?"
Smiling, Jack reached out to touch her but dropped his hand just shy of her face. "I think it's a typical Tokra mission – which means it's likely to go FUBAR real fast!"
They were able to chat for quite a while after that, sticking to work related things – or what they'd seen on television. It turned out that Sam had watched a lot that week too. After a while Teal'c came over and sat down. It was nice, she thought. The three of them talked together almost like old times. For the first time she thought that maybe this would work out okay.
It was mid-afternoon the next day before they received the signal they were waiting for. Jack went to the ring controls and stood ready. Teal'c was in the pilot's seat, waiting to leave on a moment's notice and Sam stood armed with her zat. On the second signal Jack put in the code and the rings suddenly appeared, depositing a panting Jacob who was holding on to Daniel. A third man, most likely the undercover Tokra, was with them.
"Get us out of here quickly!" shouted Jacob. "It's going to blow!"
Teal'c immediately got the ship going. They felt the impact of guns being fired at them but fortunately there were no direct hits.
"Get the hyperdrive going quickly. They're coming after us!" Jacob ran to the co-pilot seat to see if he could help. As soon as they'd reached optimal speed Teal'c pressed the controls and they entered hyperspace at the exact moment that an explosion rocked the ship.
They were buffeted around quite violently, and then suddenly everything stopped and became quiet. Fortunately, they still were moving through hyperspace.
"Sam, check the crystals." Sam went to the back room to check while Jacob did a quick diagnostic up front. Teal'c continued to fly the vessel.
In the back Jack was looking after Daniel who'd been wounded. There was blood on his arm and he was out cold. Grabbing the first aid kit he removed Daniel's 'robe' and dressed him arm, which looked as if it had been stabbed. Fortunately, he didn't think it was too bad. This seemed to be confirmed when Daniel began to stir.
"You okay Danny?" Jack asked.
"Yeah – although I have a headache and my arm hurts. What happened?"
"You tell me. You and Jacob and -"
"Uh Ka'tran."
"Yeah, Ka'tran – came through on the rings. We've just gone in to hyerdrive and they're checking to make sure the Teltak is okay. We got caught in some kind of explosion."
"Really?" he sat up. "It must have worked then."
"What worked?"
"The Tokra planted a bomb which was set to go off after the poison had taken affect."
"And Jacob didn't bother to tell us?"
"He didn't know. We only found out from Ka'tran when we arrived and had no way of letting you know."
"Secretive bastards. You gotta love those Tokra."
"I don't think Jacob was too happy either. I thought he was going to kill Ka'tran when he found out."
"What about the poison?" Daniel looked shaken at this and raised wounded looking eyes at his friend.
"I know they're bad guys Jack – but I don't want to ever do anything like that again." He stopped and then looked up at Jack. "It worked."
"All of them?"
"Yes, all of them. I waited to make sure."
Jack gently squeezed his good arm. "I know it's hard Daniel. And I'm actually glad you're feeling this way. It shows you're a good man. If you didn't care – if you'd been able to do this lightly – then I would be worried. You just have to keep telling yourself that a lot of innocent people are now going to survive because of what you did."
"Is that what you tell yourself Jack?" he asked somberly.
"Yes. Otherwise I couldn't do what I do. It doesn't make the killing any easier – and it shouldn't. Killing should never be easy, and it should be a last resort. But until we get rid of all the evil in the universe it will sometimes be necessary.
Daniel knew that a few years ago he would have argued with Jack about this but now – now he simply nodded. He then leaned back.
"Get some sleep Daniel. Your arm isn't too bad – how did that happen by the way?"
"One of Nirti's Lothars stabbed me after she died."
"Oh – well you probably need some stitches. We'll be back soon. Just rest in the meantime."
"I thought we were going to the planet to check on your tribe."
"You've been hurt Daniel. We should get you home.
"I'm not that bad Jack. It's just a scratch. I can even ask Jacob to use the healing device. If we don't go now you may lose the opportunity. Who knows if Hammond will let us go back."
Jack knew what he was saying was true. "I'll speak to Sam and Jacob and see what they say. In the meantime REST!"
He walked back to the front where Sam was standing, watching her father and Teal'c.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, it doesn't look like we sustained too much damage. We should be able to make it home."
"What about our detour? Is that still possible?"
"Sam? Where is this planet?"
Sam told her father the coordinates and he checked on the ship's controls. "It should only be about 12 hours or so out of our way. It's up to you whether or not you want to go. After what you've done I'm happy to take you there."
"Carter?" Jack turned to her.
"Yes, I want to go back."
"You know we might find …?"
"Yes, I know. But not knowing is worse."
"No, it probably isn't but I think we should go back too. We have to be careful. Although we got rid of Ptah his ship and men might still be there."
"Don't worry Jack, I'll keep us cloaked until you need to ring down."
They spent the rest of the day traveling to the planet where they'd spent so many months. Jacob noticed that O'Neill and his daughter seemed to be getting along better. Maybe what he'd said was true. Maybe they were simply trying to get comfortable with each other again? He still worried that it was something else.
"Major Carter, we have arrived at your coordinates but I regret to tell you the planet is not here."
"What? That's impossible." Sam moved up and sat down beside Teal'c. She checked her records and the ship's navigation system but everything looked right. "Are you sure the navigation is working?"
"Yes, it appears to be fine."
"Well then where the hell is the planet?"
"Are you sure you've got the right coordinates Major?" O'Neill walked over and looked over her shoulder.
"Yes. I'm positive. This doesn't make sense."
"Major Carter?"
"Yes Teal'c." The big man had been checking some of his instruments.
"There is a planet which fits your description a short distance away. It should take us just a few minutes with the hyperdrive."
Sam checked and sat back, confused. "That's it. That's the planet – but what the heck is it doing at these coordinates? It's drifted substantially and that doesn't make sense." She put in some figures into the computer on board. "If I didn't know better I'd say that this planet had undergone significant stellar drift." She looked up at Jack. "It's moved Sir."
"How is that possible?"
"It's not – at least not in the time since we've been gone. What we're looking at usually takes years. It would have taken thousands of years to move this distance."
"Could it have been some kind of anomaly – maybe a black hole or something?"
"I don't show any evidence of anything. It just seems to have drifted."
"Would you like me to fly to that location O'Neill?"
"Yes Teal'c – just be careful. We don't know what we're flying into."
Teal'c was right. It only took a few minutes and they'd arrived. Jack looked down at the planet and recognized it from when he and Sam had escaped in the Teltak. He felt a pang of longing and sadness. Even with everything, they'd been so happy here. He looked at Sam and could see she was thinking the same thing. She glanced at him and gave a small smile. Turning back she began to look at the readings from the planet.
"This does not make sense Major Carter." Teal'c had been looking at the readings as well.
"No, I know. Let's check them again." They worked for a few minutes but finally Sam stopped and looked up. "There's something wrong."
"What is it? Are there no life signs?" Jack had worried about this. What if the Jaffa had wiped out the whole tribe? He'd feel terrible.
"Yes, there are life signs, quite a few actually. There are also signs of technology."
"Goa'uld?"
"No, not Goa'uld."
"What? Has someone else landed since we've been gone?"
"No Sir. What I'm seeing isn't just something new or temporary. It looks like this planet has an indigenous population with technology comparative to Earth of about 50 years ago."
"What? What are you saying Carter?'
"Sir, I'm saying that there's evidence of a city right where the gate was. There are thousands of people and they're technologically advanced – at least a lot more advanced than our tribe. This isn't something that just grew up over night. There's evidence that these people have been here for a long time."
"What the hell?"
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Janet was surprised at how glad she was to get back to work. She'd had a great time with Cassie and her classmates; they'd gone on a school trip to Washington DC and it had been fun – but 10 days with a group of teenagers was enough to exhaust anyone. She was looking forward to dealing with adults again.
She stopped then and grinned. There was Colonel O'Neill – dealing with him could be pretty similar to dealing with teens. She wondered how he was doing?
She arrived at the Infirmary and spent the first little while checking things out and getting up to speed with everything. It was only when she spoke with Dr. Warner that she found out that SG1 was actually on a mission with Jacob Carter.
"What? You let him go? He wasn't ready for an off-world mission." She looked askance at her colleague.
"I know Janet. I was worried too but the General said it was vital and if there was any way we could work it he was to go. He wasn't going to be involved directly in the mission; it was actually Daniel Jackson. Colonel O'Neill was just going to wait in the Tokra ship."
"Yeah – I'll believe that when I see it! How was he?"
"Well, not as good as I would have expected after a week at home. He was still underweight by quite a bit and looked pale and tired. You can check out his tests. I didn't see anything specific and his wounds were healing nicely. He just looked exhausted and stressed."
"Really? She had thought the Colonel seemed to be doing quite well when he left. He was more relaxed than she'd seen him in a long time. She'd take a close look at his tests just to make sure.
"And what about Major Carter? How was she?"
"Kind of the same. She didn't look well either although again, there was nothing specific. She checked out okay but you might want to look at her tests as well."
"Damn!"
"What is it Janet?"
"I just realized that I didn't look at her blood tests after she got back from that planet. I had them and that's when we had the emergency last week. I simply forgot to check after that. She seemed to be doing so well that I never gave it another thought. I'd better check them now. Thanks Doctor."
"No problem Janet. We're glad to have you back!"
Grabbing a cup of coffee Janet went and retrieved both O'Neill's and Sam's files. Unfortunately they were way too thick, especially the Colonel's.
She spent a few minutes on Jack's file and pretty much agreed with Dr. Warner. Everything looked not too bad – he just wasn't gaining weight like he should. His blood pressure was a bit high, but still within normal range; although usually the Colonel had pretty low blood pressure from being so fit.
Putting down his file she made a note that she'd insist on a complete work up when he got back. She'd probably recommend a good long break as well.
She then picked up Sam's file. Taking a sip of coffee she began to read the report, starting at the pre-mission tests. Again, everything checked out. Sam was slightly under weight and her hemoglobin was a tiny bit low but nothing serious. An iron supplement would fix that quickly.
Flipping the page she started to read the results from the tests done upon their return from their four-month 'jaunt'. Again everything checked out. She took another sip of coffee and then – proceeded to spew it all over everything.
"Oh my God!" she sat up straight and tried to clean the coffee off the files. "What now? What was Sam going to do? No, strike that. What was she going to do? If she'd done her job and read the tests when she got them she would have immediately told Sam. It would then be up to her to tell the General. But now, Sam was off world – and this was pretty serious. Should she be the one to go to General Hammond or should she wait and tell Sam?
Standing up she took a deep breath. The crap was certainly going to hit the fan! Suddenly however, she grinned. Maybe this wasn't such a bad thing! She wondered how Sam – and the Colonel - were going to react?
The smile faded. That was assuming it was the Colonel? Yes, it must be. He said he'd saved her from being raped – and she certainly hadn't shown any signs – either physical or emotional - of being attacked. In fact, now that she thought about it – both she and the Colonel had looked pretty pleased with the world.
Sam and Jack! Well, she thought, finally! It took being trapped on a planet to bring them together. And because of everything that had happened they certainly wouldn't get in trouble for breaking the regs. At least she hoped not.
Well, she had decided. She was going to wait a day or two for them to return before she'd say anything to the General. She figured it was better if it came from Sam. She also admitted to herself that she was being a coward. She didn't want to be the one to tell the General that two members of his best team were going to be parents!
Okay, okay – I'm sorry. You know me – I can't help it. I LOVE babies.