In response to this week's challenge word on the SJFic Yahoo Group: Wildlife.

"Ahhh!! Holy … goddamn … son of a bitch!"

"Colonel O'Neill!" Jonas yelled, alarmed when the previously affectionate dog-like creature leapt for Jack and bit deeply into his thigh.

Then wouldn't let go.

"Sir!" Carter gasped, bringing up her zat. "I have to …"

"Just … do it," Jack grated out. The blue energy lanced out and both he and the dog crashed into an involuntary breakdance on the ground.

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Jack opened his eyes with a groan for the ache in his leg, and the one in his head. No matter how many times he got zatted, he would never get used to it.

He squinted blearily around the Infirmary then saw a familiar blonde head slumped forward.

Carter. Quelle surprise.

Seeing as no-one was around, he allowed a small fond smile to lighten his face then tapped her shoulder. "Oh, Major … Rise and shine."

"Drop dead," Carter mumbled sleepily. Evidently, that polite 2IC thing only kicked in after her morning coffee.

Jack laughed slightly. "Carter! I'm gonna disassemble that hyperspace generator of yours. Okay?"

"Fine," Carter muttered.

Then her head shot up. "Wha …?" She blinked rapidly and then smiled sheepishly. "Sir; hi," she offered.

"Hey," Jack replied with another fond smile. She really was adorable at times.

Yeah. Not a wise train of thought, O'Neill.

"So … what happened with the dog … thing?"

Carter looked solemn. "It was euthanized, sir," she said. "Menera was devastated by its attack on you, as you were …" – she pantomimed quote marks with her fingers – "so loving and beautiful."

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Sam watched her CO blush furiously at that comment and allowed a small giggle to escape.

"No giggling, Major," the man grumbled. "While we're talking about alien conquests …"

"Okay; let's not," Sam interrupted, and he gave her a smug cheeky grin. She smiled back helplessly and resisted the urge to ruffle his hair. He was just so damn adorable at times.

Yeah. Not a wise train of thought, Sam!

Thankfully – or not – Janet Fraiser broke up the weird flirtation in a flurry of white lab coat, clipboard and various medical paraphernalia. "Colonel; glad to see you're awake," she said cheerfully.

The Colonel raised his eyebrows skeptically. "You're being awful nice to me," he said. "How long you planning to keep me here for?"

Janet smiled slightly – the Colonel had a well-deserved reputation for being a difficult patient. "Today," she said. "Sam healed your injuries with the healing device – you just need to rest up for 48 hours, and you can do that much better at home."

"Nice." The Colonel beamed at Sam and Janet, causing Sam to blink. Good God – she'd forgotten the wattage Jack O'Neill had! Even Janet seemed taken aback for a second before snapping back into doctor mode.

"You know the routine, Colonel – no drinking, no heavy meals, and get an early night."

"That I can do, Doc," the Colonel said.

"I'll hold you to that, Colonel," Janet said, fixing her stern gaze on the Colonel. "I'll just process your paperwork and then you're out of here."

"Kay. Thanks, Doc."

Janet left the Infirmary for the cubby she called her office and Sam found herself on the receiving end of a brown-eyed stare that should not be so piercing from a man who'd only just woken up.

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"So … how're you, Carter?" Jack asked.

"Fine, sir," Carter said automatically.

"I know how much using that Goa'uld thing drains you," Jack replied. "You were dead to the world when I woke up." He allowed an evil grin to surface. "You were even snoring."

"I don't snore," Carter denied.

Oh, but she did. Nothing loud or annoying. Just a cute little snuffle, punctuated by the odd snort. She refused to admit it, and it had become something of a running joke amongst SG-1 over the years.

"You do, Major," Jonas said, appearing suddenly at the Infirmary door. He grimaced slightly. "Sorry."

Carter stuck her tongue out at Jonas. "I don't snore."

"Kids; take it outside," Jack said.

Which got both his geeks in one fell swoop. "You started it," Carter pointed out indignantly. "Sir."

Yes! Mission accomplished. Jack much preferred it when his team's attention wasn't focused on him. "I don't know what you're talking about, Major," he lied. "Now shoo; I want to go home."

Jonas left with a quiet "See you soon, Colonel, Major Carter."

Jack regarded his 2IC and allowed himself to get serious. "Really, though, Carter – thanks."

A light flush pinked Carter's lovely features. "Any time, sir," she replied.

"Now go away and get some sleep." Jack made a shooing motion with his hand. "And try not to rattle the rafters, will ya?"

"Sir …"

"Carter?" Jack watched her eagerly. Would she take the bait or would she toe the line?

"Bite me, sir."

And then she was gone.

Jack chuckled softly. "Smart-ass," he muttered. God, he adored her!

Yeah. Not a wise train of thought, O'Neill!