Thanks for all the kind reviews! For those people who do so without logging in a special thank you - I can't get back to you directly but I do appreciate the comments. I had one lovely review today from someone who requested some 'Sam Whump' - In response to that - and as a thank you for the kind words - I'll be adding some to the story (in this chapter and later). For all those 'Jack whumpers' out there - don't worry - there'll be more for him too. We'll call it 'equal opportunity whumping'. Enjoy.
"Any ideas as to what's gonna go on here Teal'c?" Daniel was speaking quietly as they walked along with the men of the village. There were about twenty of them altogether, including some older boys. Amdahl had explained that boys officially became men at the age of 12 so there were a half a dozen 'teenagers' with them.
"I do not know Daniel. I have not heard of anything like this on other planets."
"Well, at least we know it's not an orgy!" Daniel laughed.
"Why not?" asked Teal'c, not breaking a step.
"Because they left all the women behind, that's why."
Teal'c simply turned and looked at him, his left eyebrow raised.
"Oh come on!" Daniel sputtered. "Surely you don't mean that this could be an all-male party? No, way." He looked rather nervous.
"Is it not true that many people, even some cultures, believe that love between men is a good and normal thing?"
"Yes .. of course ….but, I'm not … I mean. There's no way in hell I'm participating in that kind of 'cultural exchange.'
Teal'c actually had a small grin on his face as they continued walking. Daniel, the one usually excited by the thought of experiencing new things on other planets, was looking quite perturbed. The Jaffa actually had a quick thought that O'Neill should have been here – he would have enjoyed Daniel's discomfort immensely. In fact, Teal'c had to remember to tell him about this. He could see the teasing going on for days. It would do the team good.
They finally arrived at the temple but neither man could see anything unusual. The temple itself was large with columns and arches reminiscent of some Ancient structures they had scene. There were no doors, simply open archways leading into the interior.
The rest of the men grew quiet and gathered around Amdahl. He turned to the two visitors.
"You may join us and partake of the Prorana. We are pleased to welcome you." He went to turn back when Daniel spoke.
"Uh Amdahl – I'm just wondering what this 'Prorana' is? We have some strict laws in our village about certain things we can't do – so I'm ah just checking. I don't want to offend or anything."
"You may partake or not, that is your choice Daniel Jackson. We will not be offended. The only thing we do not allow is for anyone to share with the women what goes on here. They are not permitted to know – it is considered blasphemous."
"Fine, no problem. We won't say a word." Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. Whatever went on here at least he knew he could 'abstain'.
The men followed Amdahl into the temple through a couple of outside chambers until they finally arrived at a large room with lounging couches in a U shape around the room. In the open end of the U was a table with a number of urns on it. Amdahl walked to the front with one of the other men. The others positioned themselves on the couches.
"Kind of reminds me of Ancient Rome", Daniel whispered to Teal'c. The two men found a free spot of their own and reclined on the couch.
Everyone's eyes were focused on the two men at the table and no one spoke. After a couple of minutes, Amdahl began to softly chant. The words were not in English and Daniel was unable to discern what language he was speaking. It was unlike anything he had ever heard, which made him incredibly curious. Looking around, and listening to the chanting, he began to doubt that this was, in fact, an temple of the Ancients. There was just something 'off' about the whole place.
The chanting suddenly stopped. The men around the room began to look excited although they still did not speak. When Amdahl moved his hands towards one of the jars in front of him both Teal'c and Daniel could feel the anticipation in the air. What the hell was this?
At first, nothing happened when the jar was opened but soon a thin stream of smoke began to billow out. As it did he could hear the collective sigh around the table. Amdahl said something more but this time the man next to him spoke – maybe answering him. Each time Amdahl spoke a new man around the table would then answer. Daniel wished he knew what was being said.
Once the man next to him had spoken, Daniel leaned over. Hoping he wasn't going to offend he asked the man, "Can you tell me what it is you are saying?"
The man looked surprised, as if he thought the strangers were stupid for not understanding, but he patiently whispered back,
"Amdahl is saying the words of the forefathers – that we are blessed and strong. We are pure and must continue to be the ones to keep our world and our race alive. The words we then answer are to acknowledge this and promise to remain pure."
"Oh – and how do you keep 'pure'?" Daniel whispered back.
"By recognizing the evil amongst us and keeping it under control. If we allow the evil to become strong we will be destroyed. We must not let that happen."
"No, no, of course not. We have much the same belief in my village. We work hard to destroy evil."
The man looked at him curiously. "Then why do you let a woman travel with you?" he asked.
"Huh?" Daniel was confused at how the conversation had jumped. "I'm sorry – I don't understand. What does that have to do with evil?"
The man appeared shocked. "What do you not understand? You say you destroy evil and yet you bring it with you? How can that be?"
"Bring it with us?" Daniel looked even more confused. Teal'c leaned over at that moment,
"I believe he is saying that it is the women who are the evil, Daniel Jackson. Is that not so?" he turned and asked the villager.
"Of course! The forefathers warned us many ages ago that the women would be our downfall. If we did not need them to continue our race we would destroy them all. It is difficult for us to have to live with them but we must. We come here every month for Prorana to gather strength against them."
Daniel sat back, just as the sound of the voices in the room ceased. He felt physically sick at what he'd been told and wanted nothing more than to get up and leave. The desire to investigate the temple had left – all he wanted to do was go back to the village, gather all the women and children and leave this planet. No, that wasn't quite true – he also wanted to take some C-4 and plant it all over the temple and blow these bastards to kingdom come!
"Be careful Daniel", Teal'c spoke in a soft voice. "We musn't offend these people. As soon as we can we shall leave and go back to the village. I am sure O'Neill will be happy to leave this place."
"Yeah, okay. I wanna get out of here as soon as I can."
"I, as well. I do not like this place or these people."
Amdahl had now finished speaking and began to open the other jars. More smoke began to flow. It very quickly filled the room. It didn't take long before both Daniel and Teal'c realized that it was some kind of drug as they both began to feel incredibly dizzy. Knowing they'd better leave, and quick, they tried to stand. Unfortunately, whatever kind of drug it was it had an almost immediate effect and neither man could move.
As he looked around the room, dizzy and bleary eyed, Daniel saw that the rest of the men were in the same state. That gave him a measure of relief – at least it didn't look like they were planning any harm to the two men from earth.
He was also relieved that Jack and Sam hadn't come. Although Sam couldn't have come, he thought. She was a woman and they didn't like women. …. For good reason, he suddenly realized.
Yeah – women were bad! Sam was little miss good two-shoes, he thought. Always on time, always sucking up to Jack. No wonder he'd been pissed at her. He must have got her number finally. Why in the world did they keep her on their team? They'd be better off without her. In fact, they'd be better without all the women at the SGC. Doc Frasier – eeeww – he didn't want her even touching him. When they returned he'd ask for Dr. Warner.
He looked at Teal'c who had a silly grin on his face and was humming. Now he was a good man – man being the operative word. Yup – you could always count on a man. Not a woman though - hell, they were always breaking a nail or worrying about how much weight they'd gained or the worst – they'd get PMS! Yeah – we should just shoot them at that time of the month – men everywhere would be much happier.
Who really needed women? Okay, maybe to have babies – but for no other reason.
"Hey Teeeec buddy", he slurred. "He'sh right – women are crap! Don'e wan' em!"
"I agree Daniel – women should be zatted twice!" Hey, how come Teal'c can speak okay, thought Daniel. Not fair – probably the snake! Wonder if the snake hates women too? Do they have women snakes? Snakettes? They'd be really, really evil, he thought.
"We should get … r id – Sam. Don' wan'er on team. Don't like … Smm."
"I do not like Major Carter either. You are right. I will ask O'Neill if we can get rid of her when we get back." With those words Teal'c flopped down and began to snore.
"Hey- you snorin' Tee-man? Di'n know Jaffa could snore!" Those were Daniel's last words as he too fell over in a stupor. Sleeping soundly, both men dreamed of all the things (not nice things) they'd like to do to Sam and the other women they knew.
The prisoners from the planet were all pushed into a small cell on board the Alkesh. It was too small for everyone and there was barely room for everyone to sit. It made dealing with an unconscious Jack very difficult.
Sam ran up to him, not wanting him to be trampled by the mass of women and children. The cries and screams were so loud she could barely think. Once she'd arrived at his crumpled body she tried to straighten him out and look at his wound, a task made difficult by the press of bodies around them.
She was finally able to rearrange him in something close to a comfortable position, although she'd had to bend his legs – there just wasn't enough space to let him lie straight.
Rolling him slightly on his side she lifted his shirt, careful to pull the melted material away gently from his charred skin. Fortunately, the wound was in a place that wasn't too serious, having hit him directly on the side above his hip bone.
Two things would be a problem – one, would be the pain – staff burns were awful. The more serious issue would be the chance of infection. A burn was always dangerous and without some kind of first aid supplies there was a good chance it would get infected and become potentially life-threatening.
She didn't even have any water with which to wash or cool the wound. All she could do was try and keep anything dirty away from it. She ripped a strip of cloth from the bottom of her shirt and lightly wrapped it around his waist. It would have to do to protect the wound for now.
When she was done she scooted over and moved Jack so his upper body was lying in her lap. She did this not simply to comfort him – but simply because there was so little room and this allowed her to spread out a bit. A bonus for Jack was that it would be more comfortable when he awoke.
It didn't actually take long for him to regain consciousness. His eyes opened and he looked up at her with a confused expression on his face. A second later his expression changed – first to one of shock – then to one of pain. He let out a soft groan and tried to roll over.
"Stop Colonel. Don't move."
"I'm okay Carter", he mumbled.
"I know Sir – but there isn't any room. If you roll over you'll squash someone."
"Hmmm? What?" he asked. Lifting his head he peered around him and saw the women cramped into the tight area.
"Great! Where are we Major?"
"We're on an Alkesh Sir. We've been taken by some Goa'uld – I don't know who – didn't recognize him."
"Do you know why they wanted us?" Jack was worried they would be recognized and sold to one of their least favorite snake-heads.
"I don't know Colonel. No one's really said anything. All I know is that they only wanted the younger women and children – not any of the older ones. I suppose that could mean they are looking for hosts."
"Great! Just what I want – another snake in my head." Jack was obviously uncomfortable which was showing itself in sarcasm and bad temper. Right now she really couldn't deal with this!
"I don't know sir. I don't think they had that in mind for us. The Goa'uld knew I wasn't from the planet so I think was curious. That's why he took us."
"Yeah – you're probably right." Jack grimaced and reached towards his side.
"Don't touch Sir. You have a staff burn and you don't want to get it dirty. I don't have anything to treat the wound."
Putting his hand back down he closed his eyes and sighed. This was just great – taken god knows where by a lousy Goa'uld – and of course he'd have to be hurt. Couldn't they ever catch a break?
"What should we do Colonel?" the Major asked.
"I don't really know right now Major", he spoke sharply. "Not much we can do until we find out some more information. In the meanwhile I guess I'll just rest with my head in your lap!" Great – just what he needed, lying on Sam knowing that she'd recently spent the night curled up with her cop. Wonder if he got to put his head in her lap too? Yeah – probably that and a lot more – bet she enjoyed it more too!
In pain, angry, jealous (he'd deny it!) and worried he lay there with his eyes closed. Maybe if he ignored it all it'd go away?
Just then he heard a loud, but childish voice shout.
"Move, stupid woman! I want to sit." He then heard a smack. Looking over to where the sound was coming from he saw a young boy, no more than about 10 or 11 grabbing a woman by the hair and hitting her on the face.
Oh no! Not in my prison cell, he thought. He rolled off Sam, with difficulty, biting back a cry of pain and stumbled his way over to the boy – having to squeeze past a number of other women to do so.
By the time he arrived the woman had stood up and let the boy have her place. She barely had enough room to stand upright.
He walked over to the boy, grabbed his arm and hauled him to his feet. The boy looked at him in fear.
"Okay – this is what you're going to do. You are going to apologize to this woman and then you are going to let her sit down in that spot. You will then stand right there and you won't move. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"
The boy sputtered, not sure what to do. He had done nothing wrong – the evil one was taking his place. It was his duty to correct her. His father would have been proud – why was this man angry.
"I was punishing the evil one." He answered. "I did nothing wrong". The women around him were completely silent, shocked and frightened at what was happening. To them normal was being beaten and rebuked by men and boys – to be championed by a man was unheard of and confusing.
"These women are not evil. You will apologize now or I will show you what it feels like to be punished!" The boy whimpered, clearly frightened. Apologize? He did not know how – men never apologized. He turned to the woman (his mother),
"I – I am sorry." He cringed – the men in his village would be appalled. He moved over and gave her room to sit. She, of course, shrank back. Taking the seat was not something she was able to do.
"Please, you will sit." Jack murmured in a kind voice. This caused her to move forward and slowly sink to the ground. A man had commanded and she must obey. The other women still stood quiet, with big eyes and fearful expressions.
Looking around at the women all crammed in together – and the children – he knew they were in a bad situation. He just hoped they would not be left here for long.
"Okay, listen up everyone." He spoke to the group. "I know it's tight in here so we're gonna organize things. I want everyone to slowly try and find a space. Keep your children close by – you may have to hold the young ones in your lap. If you get tired we will change off and those without children can help. If they bring food and water four of us – he pointed to himself, Sam, Martia and one of the calmer looking women – will be responsible for gathering it and passing it out equally. The worst thing we can do is panic or try and rush for the food."
He looked around again, noticing there were a few other boys from around 8 to 10. He figured they could be a problem.
"And one other thing – and you all listen closely. There will be no 'punishing' or 'correcting' of anyone, including the women. We are all equal here and will all be treated with respect. If I see any of you boys treating the women badly you will answer to me, is that understood?" He looked around and saw a few small nods. For the most part everyone looked pretty overwhelmed by everything.
Jack moved back towards Sam, exhausted by his little speech. His wound wasn't terrible – but he also knew that Sam was right, burns could turn nasty. He'd have to be careful. He was also sore from the Jaffa's kick although fortunately nothing seemed broken, only badly bruised. Why did they always insist on kicking him, he wondered? Couldn't they just once be nice and friendly?
He eased himself to the ground, wishing he could put his head back in its cozy resting spot but figuring he'd better not – not unless she invited him to.
"That was good Sir", Sam smiled at him (that made him feel immeasurably better – he hadn't been receiving many 'Sam smiles' for a while). "I wanted to dust his little ass – but it was better coming from you."
"Yeah – little buggers aren't they. I gotta say, that's one of the worst cultures I think we've come across – barring the Goa'uld of course, although they at least treat their women a little better. I expect there's not too much we can do to change these kids – they're so indoctrinated that it'll be hard. Pity – no child should treat someone like that."
By this time the Colonel was starting to sound tired. She was sure his wound was hurting like crazy. She just wished they could get some water.
"Sir, you need to rest. You've got to look after yourself so you don't get an infection."
"Yeah, I know Carter. A little hard to do in this space." Okay – he was not hinting.
"Why don't you lie down again on my lap. I'm okay and it'll give you more room."
"Not very comfortable for you Sam." Give her a way out Jack – hope she doesn't take it!
"It's okay Sir. I don't mind, really."
"Well, if you're sure?" He leaned back and gently laid his head in her lap. This was definitely worth a staff wound, he thought to himself. The view was …. spectacular! Enough, O'Neill – get your mind out of the gutter and your eyes away from her … attributes! Closing his eyes he tried to rest.
She looked down at the resting Colonel, feeling bad that he had to deal with a wound on top of everything else. She sighed to herself – he was such a complicated person, she thought. One minute she wanted to kill him, the next she wanted to hug him. So different than Pete.
Pete was uncomplicated – you got what you saw. He was a genuinely nice, caring man. He was crazy about her and what was even better was he could show her openly how he felt. None of this 'hidden feelings' crap. No – she wanted, she needed an open, honest relationship in which she could love and be loved.
It was wonderful coming home after a long, hard day's work to have someone waiting – someone who held his arms out and drew her to him. She loved resting in the arms of someone who cared – not more than they were supposed to – but as much as they wanted to.
Yes, she had it lucky with Pete. Why was it then, when she looked at the man lying in her lap, she felt such a sense of loss and sadness?
They must have been in the small room for three or four hours before the outer doors opened and in walked a group of four Jaffa. They were carrying a couple of buckets and some bowls. Holding their staff weapons at the ready, one of them opened the inner cell doors and they placed the food and water inside. Quickly closing the door again they stood and watched expectantly.
They were disappointed. Usually this would cause their prisoners to riot and fight for the food and water. They loved standing and watching the mayhem. There were always a number who got hurt and usually one or two died. It was great fun and they always had a betting pool going on how many were hurt or killed.
This time, none of that happened. The women stayed still except for three of them who stood up and made their way to the buckets. Shortly thereafter the lone man limped up behind them.
Tar'buz, the First Prime to the Goa'uld Matsya, narrowed his eyes when he saw the man. Who was he and why was he here? He would ask his lord. Turning, he indicated that the others follow him. There was no entertainment here tonight.
Once the Jaffa had left, Sam, Jack and the two women began serving the food and water. The young boys were first in line, expecting to be fed before the women. Jack gave one fierce scowl and they moved back. He'd teach them some things if it killed him!
"Women with young children first", he called "Unfortunately there aren't enough bowls for everyone so we'll have to share. As soon as you're done, bring the bowl back here." Sam was in charge of ladling the gruel – giving extra servings to the women with children – they would have to share their meal from the same bowl.
Martia was in charge of the water – allowing each person to take a long drink. The sighs of relief and pleasure could be heard every few seconds. They'd all been desperate for a drink.
By the time everyone had eaten at least another two hours had gone by. It wasn't enough food, but at least they weren't starving. Jack was probably the worst off, simply because of his size and need for more calories. Still, it wasn't bad – he'd gone for much longer periods without food.
The one big problem they now all faced was that of sanitation. He could tell, from many of the faces around him, that the situation was getting desperate. The smell from some of the children was already bad – there were no diapers here.
Unfortunately, there was also no plumbing. All they had were the buckets left over from supper. This was going to get real bad, real fast he realized. Oh well, it was better than sewage on the floor!
Turning to Sam he brought the subject up. He knew from her response that she'd been thinking about it too.
"I think you'd better say something to the women Sam. I don't think they'd want to hear it from me." He smiled briefly.
"I will Sir. What about privacy?"
"Well, that's going to be a little difficult. I guess what we should do is get some of the women to stand in a line facing this way. We can put the buckets in behind and they can act as a human 'wall'. That way the person – ah – using the facilities will have some privacy."
"What about paper?"
"Nope – this is jungle style! I guess we'll all have to do the 'drip dry' method."
"Easy for you to say Sir! You're not a woman."
"Nope, never have been Major. But I do sympathize. I wish I had a solution. What are going to be more or a problem are the babies. I suggest the women strip the diapers off them otherwise we'll have some wicked diaper rash. They can do what the Chinese do and hold the babies over the buckets."
Okay, she thought – that was a very strange conversation. To hear the Colonel talk about diaper rash with such expertise was rather disconcerting – and sad actually – but the fact that he knew about the Chinese custom of not using diapers was just plain weird. Jack O'Neill never ceased to amaze her.
"All right Sir, here goes." Sam spent the next few minutes explaining to the women what they were going to do. Some looked horrified, but most looked relieved. She knew how they felt, her bladder was about ready to burst.
Jack had gathered the older boys and explained matters to them as well. At least the little brats listened to him, she thought. Then she felt guilty. They were only behaving the way they'd been taught. If anyone can change them it's the Colonel.
The women began lining up and one by one took turns using the buckets. By the time they were three quarters of the way done the stench was awful. Hopefully the Jaffa would return soon and start doing something to clear out the room.
Jack held the boys back to the very end. It would do them good to learn to let the women go first for a change. And anyway, he figured it was easier for them to hold it!
Finally, it was his turn. He was actually a little uncomfortable being surrounded by all these women. A few of them actually giggled as he made his way behind the 'wall'. They were clearly feeling more at ease around him. He kind of preferred it before – although he quickly stopped that thought as being sexist.
Everyone was looking a little better, having had something to eat and drink and then having been able to relieve themselves. Trouble was they now had even less space than ever. No one wanted to be in the 'latrine' area. Come on Goa'uld – get us out of here
No sooner had he thought the words than the door opened and in walked Mr. big cheese Jaffa – the First Prime, along with his minions. Jack wondered what it would be like to have minions – probably irritating as hell!
Minion #1 held his staff weapon primed and ready as Minion #2 opened the door. Big cheese spoke,
"You", he pointed at Jack and Sam, "you will come."
"Ah darn it! Not us again! Why do you guys always seem to want to take us? We're really not very interesting people. Rather boring, in fact. Sam here is even worse than me – not interesting at all." As he was speaking – or babbling actually, he was sizing up the situation to see if there was any way out of this. Looked like the Minions were being too careful. He figured they didn't have a chance, not unless they were willing to see some of the women or kids hurt – which wasn't an option.
The First Prime nodded at one of the women and one of his Jaffa started to advance towards her.
"Okay, okay – we're coming." Jack stood up carefully, with Carter's help, and limped to the door. The woman looked relieved and gave him a grateful look.
Once they'd exited the cell the Jaffa did their usual Jaffa thing and pushed them.
"Hey you guys, come on. We're moving – don't go shoving us all the time. It's not nice." That, of course, led to a harder shove. What was more painful was Sam's look of complete irritation. Oops – she was not happy with his 'humorous banter'. Just trying to ease the tension Major, he said to himself.
They were marched down the corridor of the small ship – much smaller than a Hatak. Jack was relieved that they didn't have far to go – his leg was killing him. Also nice was the fresh air. He hadn't realized quite how bad it had gotten in the cell. It was going to be hell going back.
They finally arrived at what was the 'throne' room for the snakehead. This was a guy he'd never seen before. Probably just a minor Goa'uld, although it really didn't matter. They were all evil, slimy bastards.
Waiting for the requisite "kneel before your God" schtick, Jack was surprised when they were left standing. Snakey was simply looking at them, calculation in his eyes. Finally he spoke.
"Who are you?"
"Uh, name's Jack, this is Sam. Nice to meet you."
"I say again, who are you?"
"I just told you. What more do you want?"
This Goa'uld seemed to have a lot more patience than most, thought Sam. Usually by this time they were ready to tear Jack's liver out. Something she could relate to at times.
"Where are you from?"
"Well, I'm from Chicago originally but moved to Minnesota as a boy. Right now I'm living in Colorado. Sam lives there too – she was from all over before. Born in California though."
The Goa'uld suddenly smiled. Okay, not the reaction I expected, thought Jack.
"So, you are from this 'Colorado' – what world is that?" He walked closer.
"We're from the planet Krypton. It's many, many light years away."
"How did you get to the planet we found you on?"
"I'm not sure. One day I went to sleep and the next morning I woke up on the planet. Mighty confusing, let me tell you. We'd appreciate it if you could drop us back home on your way to … uh, wherever it is you're going."
Jack saw the Goa'uld give a faint nod but, before he realized what that meant he was struck in the lower back by the side of a staff weapon. Falling to the ground he groaned, "son of a bitch! Why'd you do that?" he gasped.
"Because I do not appreciate your lies. You mock me. I will know where you are from and why you were on the planet. If you do not tell me I will hurt the woman." He turned and motioned for his guards to grab Sam. She struggled but they quickly forced her to her knees.
"Now again, who are you and where are you from?"
Jack was no longer joking. He somehow had to figure out how to get them out of this without giving anything away, or getting Sam hurt.
"I told you the truth. My name is Jack, hers is Sam. We are from Colorado. We have a small ship and we were on the planet looking to trade. We had only just arrived and figured there was nothing there. We were going to leave today when you arrived. We are simple traders, nothing more."
The Goa'uld looked at him and nodded. He then lifted his arm slightly at which time the Jaffa holding Sam began to twist her arm behind her back. She attempted to struggle but could barely move. As the pressure became more intense he could see the color drain from her face. He tried to go to her aid but the Jaffa behind him grabbed him and held him back.
He suddenly heard a 'pop' and a strangled cry from Sam. The bastard had pulled her shoulder out of its socket.
"God damn it. What did you do that for? I told you the truth." He struggled, trying to get to Carter. The Jaffa had let her go and she turned on her side, heaving up her meager dinner.
"I know. I believe you. I wanted to show you the penalty for mocking me." He walked over to Sam and kicked her gently, contemptuously, with his foot.
"This one has potential, although she is a bit old. I like the coloring – very unusual – not something you see very often." He turned and walked towards Jack.
"You also show potential. You are older than most but still young enough to serve my purpose. You also appear strong. Yes, I think you will both work out fine." Turning to his First Prime he instructed him,
"Take them to the smaller cell and keep them there. Keep them on low rations – I want them alive but weakened. I do not trust these two – they will try something."
"Yes my Lord." The servant nodded to his Jaffa and they were grabbed and hauled to their feet. Sam whimpered as her shoulder was moved. Jack looked at her in concern. He knew how much that hurt. Great, he thought, they were both in lousy shape and now they were part of some 'plan' by a Goa'uld. This was going to be tricky.
The Jaffa dragged them out of the 'throne room' and back down the hall. This time they were thrown into a tiny room with nothing in it at all. There was barely room for Jack to lie flat. As the door swooshed shut they were left alone with their wounds and their thoughts.
"Come here – let me fix that", he said gently to Carter.
"I'd really rather you didn't, Sir", she gasped out.
"I know. It's gonna hurt like hell but you'll feel better afterward." He walked over and gently took her wrist.
"That's what my mother always said when she went to pull off my Band-Aids."
"And wasn't she right?"
"No – it hurt worse afterward."
He choked back a laugh. Sam in her 'childish' mode was interesting to see. She was pouting knowning that he'd have to put her shoulder back in place. Oh well … nothing ventured….
Without giving her anytime to think about it he put his other hand on her shoulder, as if to give her sympathy. Without warning he yanked it as hard as he could, feeling it pop back into place. She screeched – an amazing sound."
"Damn it Sir! You could have warned me!"
"And then what Major? You'd have been all tense and it would have hurt more. Believe me, I've been here before. This was the best way."
"Hmmmph!" she scowled at him, still mad at what he'd done.
"Let's just say it's payback Major."
"Payback? For what Sir?"
"For setting my leg in Antarctica."
"But that was years ago Colonel!"
"Yes, but the pain still lingers." He sighed dramatically.
That was enough to cause her to snort in disbelief, and then in humor. At least it was taking her mind off the pain. She finally eased herself to the ground, feeling warn out with everything.
"What do you think's going to happen Sir? What was the Goa'uld talking about?"
"I don't know Carter, I don't know – but somehow, I don't think it's good."