Sorry - teeny, tiny chapter but I had to end it at a natural spot. I'll try for another one this evening.

Sam had begun to search the ship for anything she could use against Ba'al. They had to find a way to keep the Colonel out of the Goa'uld's hands. As for the people on the planet, she would do what she could to help them but her first priority was her team.

Okay, maybe that wasn't the selfless thing to do – maybe she should put them first – but no, this time she had too much to lose. This time Ja- the Col – no Jack came first.

"Hey guys, watchya doin'?" Jack's faint voice could be heard over the bangs and clangs Daniel and Teal'c were making in their search for anything that would help Sam.

"O'Neill", Teal'c walked over and knelt down beside he friend. "How are you?"

"Just fine Teal'c. I had a good snooze and I'm rarin' to go." Contrary to his words, it was obvious that O'Neill was in a bad way. He tried to sit up on his own but flopped back down when it was clear he was not strong enough to get up.

"I am sorry O'Neill." The Jaffa looked down at his friend and guilt filled his soul.

"What for?"

"For shooting you. For being suspicious of Major Carter and for not protecting you and our team."

"Hey – I forgive you for shooting me but please, don't do it again. As for protecting the team – what do you think you're doing now. What happened on P – whatever – that wasn't your fault. As for Major Carter – do you still think she's guilty of betraying me?"

"I do not. There is still a part of me that wars with doubt but I know that to be false. I know that she is a good and honorable person."

Jack looked at him closely; wanting to make sure Teal'c was being honest. As his friend looked back at him he realized that the man was, indeed, telling the truth.

"I'm glad." He sighed and closed his eyes, exhausted by the short conversation. "When are we leaving?"

Teal'c looked at him for a few seconds, humbled by this man's courage. He knew they had little choice although he would have given his life to save him from further hurt. He knew that now O'Neill's only hope was indeed the sarcophagus.

"We are ready soon O'Neill."

"Good. Whatever happens Teal'c, watch out for Sam okay? I don't want anything to happen to her – to any of you."

"Do not worry my friend. I will guard her and Daniel Jackson with my life."

"I know you will Teal'c. I know you will." The two men were silent, nothing left to say. Soon Jack had fallen back asleep, or was unconscious – it didn't really matter which.

"How is he Teal'c?" Daniel had come up quietly behind his Jaffa friend.

"He is not doing well. We must leave soon."

"Yeah – I really don't like this."

"Nor do I. Daniel Jackson, I have been thinking. I believe it is best you remain here with Major Carter. You can be of more assistance to her. I will take O'Neill alone."

"But Teal'c, won't they be suspicious if I don't return?"

"I will simply tell them that O'Neill killed you and that I left you in the forest. They will not expect me to bring back the body of a slave."

"Not important enough I guess."

"No, not for a Jaffa or a Goa'uld."

"But what about you?"

"I will be fine. I will speak with Gro'Mal and see if he will assist me. Jak'tral may also be of some help."

"Watch them both Teal'c. You can't be too careful."

"This I know well Daniel Jackson. However sometimes one must trust."

Daniel laughed, "Teal'c, you've been hanging around me too long."

"Indeed, Daniel Jackson." He paused and looked at the archaeologist. "I have been most fortunate."

Touched, Daniel reached out and grasped Teal'c's shoulder. "Me too Teal'c."

"How is he?" Sam had finished scavenging parts and had returned to check on Jack. She looked at him and felt like crying.

"He is not well Samantha. We must leave."

Getting down on her knees beside him Sam reached out and gently touched his cheek. He didn't move, having succumbed to the pain and the frozen darkness.

"Take care of him for me."

"I will, do not fear." Teal'c gestured to Daniel. "We will wait outside Major Carter. I will return shortly to take O'Neill."

Sam didn't answer, her eyes fixed on the man she loved. It was only after the silence grew that she realized the two men had left her alone. She leaned forward and laid her cheek against Jack's. She sat there, totally still, allowing herself to feel only the love and tenderness that filled her.

"It's time Sam." Daniel's gentle voice brought her back to the present and to the reality of their horrible situation. She sat up and looked at him. Teal'c was there as well. Standing up she moved slightly away from Jack.

"I will watch over him Major Carter." Teal'c turned more fully to her and said, quietly. "Please forgive me for what I have done to you and to O'Neill. I owe you both my life and my freedom and I did not mean to repay you by hurting you. When this is over my life is yours should you wish to take it."

"Thank you Teal'c. I know you didn't do it intentionally. It wasn't your fault. Just make sure he's okay. And I don't need to take your life. I already let you have it and I think that's sufficient."

"Indeed!" She looked up at him, startled, and could see the slight grin on his face. With a laugh, that was half sob, she launched herself at the big man who had been such a dear friend. She threw her arms around him and hugged him for all she was worth. With only a slight bit of hesitation, coming from a remaining sense of guilt, he hugged her back. "I will bring him back safely!"

As Teal'c prepared for his return to the Jaffa camp Daniel watched as Sam once again knelt beside the Colonel. She leaned in and whispered something in his ear. She then got up and swiftly walked out of the command cabin and into the other room. She couldn't bear to see him taken for the journey back to Ba'al.

Daniel then watched as Teal'c went over and tenderly lifted his friend. It would be a long, hard walk. It was only as he turned to leave that Daniel glanced down at Jack. He was startled to see tears falling from the man's half open eyes.

Sam sat in the corner of the dark room, numb and silent. She did not allow herself to think or feel, knowing that that way was too much pain. She wanted to remember the feel of his skin against hers and the warmth of his breath as it gently caressed her cheek.

She only wished that he could have heard her last words to him. Why had she not told him before now? Why had she not told him when wrapped in his arms, during those few heady days of joy and passion? No, instead she had waited until he was unconscious and unable to hear her. Her cowardice had won out. So afraid of being hurt she had refused to open herself to him. Instead, she had waited until the last moment – maybe the last time she would ever see him alive. It was only then that she had leaned forward and told him. She had whispered words she should have said long before.

"I love you Jack, more than you'll ever know. Come back to me."