Chapter Two- Nature's Fury

Three Search-and-Rescue teams and SG-2 walked into the briefing room, the three dogs padding alongside their handlers. The SAR teams had been added to the list of SG teams when two teams had been lost in an avalanche in the first year of the program. Only two had made it back. Since their initiation, the SAR teams had saved many more.

"Okay, people. SG-1 was on a mission to P92-M429 during what we know was in its winter season. They had been trekking across the terrain when they accidentally fell through a frozen river. The UAV images we received an hour ago show the river has some natural hot springs that prevent the formation of ice in some parts of the river. SG-1 had made it to the first one when loose ice floats dislodged Dr. Jackson from his grip. The tree canopy prevents us from seeing the river beyond this point." The slide changed and a shot of a hot spring about 2,000 yards from where SG-1 fell. "We do not know if there are further hot springs beyond the river at this moment. Sergeant Siler and his team are refitting a UAV with heat sensors to find Dr. Jackson or any hot springs within the vicinity."

Colonel Sanchez lifted his hand. "Sir, do you know what type of clothing Dr. Jackson was wearing?"

"He was wearing the standard winter equipment, the ECWCS, for the SGC." General Hammond passed the list to the colonel.

"His clothing will greatly help in his survival. The ECWCS has three layers along with the GORE-TEX membrane liner." Colonel Sanchez commented as he looked over the list. "But I'm worried about his fall into the river and the time he spent there. One can lose most of their heat through liquid like water."

"But the wool should keep him warm as it's designed to dry off as quickly as possible." Hammond commented.

Lieutenant Vivian Mendez nodded. "The clothes drying off helps a lot in that matter but the damage have already been done. Are the piece separate or connected?"

"The manufacturer had them specially designed them for us with Velcro and straps. Dr. Jackson should probably have his gloves and cap, along with his backpack."

"It's a good thing the SGC assigns an emergency aid-kit with the pack." Captain Christian Rivera remarked as he checked over the files. "Emergency blanket, water-proof matches, canteen, small granola bars, emergency flares, emergency whistle, basically you got the whole list here."

"Do you think Dr. Jackson might have left a scent for the dogs?"

"I don't know, colonel. We're talking about snow here." Mendez bit at her lip. "I think it would be better if we have Sparky and Kasan take the backseat on this one. We might have a better chance with Bailey catching an air scent."

"What ever you deem necessary, Colonel Sanchez, I want you to do it. I want our boy back home."

"Right now, Major Higgins and Captain Walters are getting medical supplies from Dr. Fraiser for our trip." Major Ferretti informed the general. "We're expecting Dr. Jackson to support at least mild frostbite and mild hypothermia."

"How much time before we hit critical?"

"With the addition of falling into the river as a factor and the snowstorm, I would have to say three days at the max. After that, the man would have a miracle." Colonel Guzman said.

At that moment, Siler and Walter came in. "Yes?" Hammond didn't like the worry on their faces.

"Um, sir, we have more bad news. It seems the storm has taken a turn for the worse. Wind speed has increased by 20 miles and the drift has also increased. The snow out there is piling faster." Walter said.

"What about the UAV?"

Siler shook his head. "The UAV is light and the heat sensors might not pick up anything. It's a good chance that the UAV would be windswept before it would ever fly over the designated area."

"It's been over two hours since Dr. Jackson fell and got swept by the river. His chances of survival plummet with every minute we waste, sir." Colonel Sanchez said.

"What do you suggest, colonel?"

The three colonels looked at each other. "Despite the storm I say we go full steam. He couldn't have gotten far and as we speak, the trail is being lost." Guzman said.

Ferretti nodded. "My team is waiting for your orders, sir."

The consequences of failing were unthinkable. "I want everyone in radio contact every ten minutes and leaving markers every ten yards. We can not fail. You disembark in ten minutes." The four teams quickly stood up, the dogs jumping to their handlers' side. "Sergeant Siler, I want you to launch the UAV."

"Sir, yes, sir." The two sergeants went back to the control room. Hammond leaned back in his chair.

"God, help Dr. Jackson."

A snap woke Daniel from his sleep. Moving slightly, he winced as his numb body protested the movement. Not a good sign. He thought to himself. The fire was beginning to die down, the embers glowing red hot in the darkness. Opening his pack, he pulled out a bar and started to unwrap it. He only ate half even though his jaws protested, not knowing how long he would stay out here. Time to get moving again.

Ice fell off his jacket and pants as he stood to his feet once more. He stuffed the emergency blanket back into his pack along with the unused matches. The clothes he was wearing had dried but were stiff with cold. He dumped snow onto the fire, putting it out even though it seemed pointless. Snapping his pack back onto his shoulders, he started to trudge slowly in the direction of the Stargate. He had only slept two hours but he didn't want to risk falling asleep and not waking up. He had to keep warm or freeze to death.

The three moons high above him gave him enough light to see by even though he had lost his glasses when the river took him. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Daniel hoped that his friends were okay.