"To Everything There Is a Season (Sam and Jack's bit)" By AliCat

Title: To Everything There Is a Season (Sam and Jack's bit)

Author: AliCat

Date: 15/02/99

Rating: NC-17 (not for kids)

Pairings: S/J and Jack has a strange dream about the whole team

Category: adventure! action! suspense! romance! (first time)

WARNINGS: language (bad), Jack's dream has multiple partners and a homosexual bit! It isn't graphic, and it's only for a line or two!

Status: New, Complete

Notes: Yes, I did just watch the movie Legend (you'll see)! This is another version of a story I wrote, showing what happened to Sam and Jack after they left Daniel and Teal'c. You'll find Daniel and Teal'c's part on the Gateway list. These 2 stories start the same way, and share an epilogue.

Archive: yes for the list archive, ask for others!

Disclaimer: I don't own them, I'm just borrowing them for a while. I'm making no money with this, nor do I want to. Thanks to the producers and creators of the show and characters for letting me play.

Spoilers: Minor spoilers for Touchstone, Enigma and The Nox.

Summary: SG-1 goes on a mission and everything seems to go wrong!

To Everything There Is a Season

"Oh wow. This planet is beautiful!" exclaimed Sam as she reoriented herself after the harrowing trip through the Stargate.

She slung her weapon over her shoulder and looked around the clearing, taking a deep breath of the perfumed air. Sunlight filtered green through the leaves overhead, casting patchy shadows onto the team.

"Ok, let's secure the area," ordered Jack, all business.

He indicated that she and Teal'c spread out while Daniel checked their equipment in the rover. They moved through the forest quietly, eyes taking in the beautiful scenery. It was indeed one of the more beautiful planets they had visited. The forest looked like one from a fairy tale with tall, old trees and small flowers dotting the forest floor. The sky was a clear, warm blue and there were white fluffy clouds chasing each other.

"All clear, Colonel, no signs of life," said Sam, returning. A bird called sharply overhead, making them all jump. "Except for wildlife, I guess!" she said, grinning. The three soldiers lowered their weapons, eyes glancing warily through the lush foliage.

"I'll start collecting samples," said Daniel, taking an armful of equipment from the rover and walking into the forest. Now that the commotion of the active Stargate was over, normal forest sounds could be heard. Insects chirped, birds sang, and dried leaves rustled on the forest floor as small animals moved over them. A planet this rich in flora and fauna was sure to have some interesting samples to bring back.

"So what's your initial assessment, Doctor?" asked the Colonel, strolling up to the scientist.

"Well, none of it is from Earth," he answered, a little awed. "See this tree? Those leaves are too blue for an Earth tree, and they're the wrong shape. I don't recognize this fruit, either." Daniel started to grab samples of everything he could reach.

"Colonel O'Niell!" called Teal'c. "I have found something unusual!"

The two men jogged over to the Jaffa, who was crouched down, peering intently at something on the ground. Captain Carter was next to him, looking puzzled. The two men reached their companions and stopped in their tracks as the object came into view.

"What," began Jack, pausing for effect, "is THAT?"

Half buried in the rich soil was a bronze statue, its features still sharp despite being exposed for who-knew-how-long. Bursting out of its forehead was the unmistakable shape of a mature Goa'uld, recognizable despite having part of the head broken off. The man's face was twisted with pain, his mouth open in a scream. The fingers of one hand were poking out of the ground, seeming to reach to the team in a plea for help. The hair on the back of everyone's neck rose.

"I think," Daniel emphasized the word, "it shows that Goa'uld can't survive here." He paused thoughtfully, then poked with the toe of his boot at the statue, trying to uncover some more of it. Jack stopped him, so Daniel explained. "I want to see if it shows a Jaffa pouch. We should find out if it's safe for Teal'c to stay here." Jack nodded and the team helped Daniel dig.

After a little while, Daniel sat back on his heels and wiped his sweating face with one hand, inadvertently smearing dirt across it. The statue was incredibly detailed, down to indications of stubble on its chin. The stomach was smooth and muscular, however, with no X marring it. Daniel sighed and stood up, stretching his stiff muscles.

"Well that answers that question," said Sam, wiping her hands on her fatigues. Teal'c looked very uncomfortable.

"Let's see if we can find a stream to wash off in," Jack said, and they moved out.

They moved in the direction that Sam had said she'd heard moving water. It wasn't long before they were all too warm, after their digging and now the walk, so they stripped down to their tank-tops. The forest was lush and warm. It comforted the team over their growing unease for Teal'c's safety. The rover, guided by Sam, rolled quietly behind them.

They reached the stream, bubbling merrily and refreshingly cool. They dropped their gear and sank gratefully down, plunging their hands and splashing it over their faces. Jack bent down and dunked his head, shaking his hair out and gasping as the cold water dribbled down his neck and torso.

"I thought the MALP read the temperature here as 19 degrees Celsius!" he exclaimed. It was definitely warmer than 19 degrees here. Sam went to the rover and took the thermometer out.

"It says it's 27 degrees, sir! That's really odd, it wasn't this hot when we came through the Stargate," she said, puzzled. "The barometer on the MALP should have told us if there was a warm front coming in."

"Well, it's really hot, and I want to cool off and wash," said Jack. "Let's go downstream and see if we can find a pool or deeper area."

The rest of the team agreed readily. They had to take detours from the stream to accommodate the rover, but made their way to a wider, faster moving part of the stream suitable for bathing.

"Uh, Carter, you stay here and keep a lookout," Jack said, trying not to sound shy. Sam grinned and nodded, then stood at attention, humouring her commanding officer. "Thanks, you'll get to go when we're finished," he said, and turned away to strip down to his briefs.

Daniel and Teal'c were quick to do the same and before long, Daniel and Jack were splashing and laughing in the water. Teal'c was more serious, and just submerged himself once, coming out of the water and drying off. He put on his fatigues, but left his shirt off for a little while. He was frowning.

"Are you okay Teal'c?" Sam asked, concerned.

"I am uneasy Captain Carter," he responded.

"Understandably," Sam agreed, and let it rest. "I'm going to swim too, ok? You're on guard duty!"

She grinned at the Jaffa and stripped right in front of him, leaving her bra and panties on. Daniel turned just in time to see her lithe form jump into the water beside him, then he felt her pull him under.

"It's not fair that you guys get all the fun!" she said, surfacing. Daniel sputtered beside her and Jack laughed. They didn't stay long as they had a lot of ground to cover. This was a mission, after all, not a vacation. Jack and Daniel quickly towelling off, turned politely away as Sam got out, her underwear soaked and see-through.

"Much better," Jack said as he pulled his shirt over his head. "Let's keep going downstream and see if we can find the people that made that statue." The team's mood turned sombre again.

"Jack?" called Daniel. "Have you seen my hat?" The scientist was searching through the brush near where he'd left his clothes.

"No Daniel," answered Jack, impatient to get moving. Sam went over to help Daniel look.

"It was right here. I know it!" Daniel said, exasperated. He looked up as a small bat-like creature chittered at him from the tree above. "My hat!" Daniel exclaimed. It was dangling between the creature's front claws. "Give that back!" The creature hissed and flew off into the forest, carrying the hat with it. Daniel ran after it.

"Daniel!" Jack yelled, but too late. He made a sound of disgust that his team mate would go to so much trouble for a hat, and motioned for Sam and Teal'c to go with him to follow the running scientist.

They caught up with him at a patch of brambles. Daniel was looking into the middle of the patch forlornly and barely glanced up as the rest of the team assessed the situation. The hat was in the one clear spot, surrounded by wicked-looking thorns. The creature was nowhere to be seen.

"That was my favourite hat," he grumbled. "I think I can reach it," he said suddenly, his voice raised as he regained hope of retrieving it. Laying on his stomach, he started to crawl slowly between the thorns, arm reaching out.

"Careful Daniel," Sam warned. Daniel grunted his agreement, and kept reaching.

His fingers finally closed on the rim when all of a sudden, the brambles seemed to collapse onto him, piercing his skin and trapping him like teeth. Daniel cried out as he felt the sharp needle-like points draw blood, but he knew better than to move. That would leave long, deep gouges in his skin.

"Shit! Danny!" Jack shouted. He threw down his gear and grabbed his jacket from the rover, wrapping it around his hands, and started lifting the branches out of the way. Teal'c didn't bother with covering his hands, relying on his skill and the Goa'uld inside him to heal his wounds as necessary. The two men pulled at the branches, but they seemed to tighten like a boa-constrictor. Daniel screamed as the thorns dug deeper.

"Guys, stand back," ordered Sam and the men turned to see the Captain wielding a fearsome-looking machete.

"That's not standard issue," said Jack sarcastically as he moved aside.

"Always be prepared," was Sam's reply.

She started hacking at the topmost branches, slowly cutting her way toward the trapped scientist. Daniel was whimpering as the thorns shifted but he had no choice but to stay put. Sam slowed down as she got closer to Daniel and finally crouched down to saw at the branches carefully. Jack opened his belt-knife and started sawing at some branches too, and Teal'c was finally able to drag Daniel out from his prison.

"We need to clean his wounds," Teal'c said as he cradled the whimpering scientist.

"Yeah, those thorns could be poisoned," Sam agreed and got out the medkit.

"We'll know sooner or later," Jack said.

Sam opened the bottle of antiseptic and applied it liberally to Daniel's cuts, making him grit his teeth in his determination to endure the pain. His hand gripped his hat so tightly that the knuckles turned white. The wounds were mostly on the arm he'd used to retrieve it because it had been bare, on his back where the thorns had pierced his shirt, and on the back of his head.

There were some particularly nasty cuts on Daniel's arm that Sam felt needed stitches, but they didn't have the equipment for it. She bandaged him up as best she could and they decided to go back to the Stargate. This mission could wait, but Daniel needed immediate medical attention. The forest didn't seem so friendly anymore.

Jack guided them back, having a good sense of direction. They walked back in silence, and Teal'c seemed particularly on edge. The air was turning cool and the sky was getting dark as they emerged into the clearing where the Stargate was. Sam pulled her jacket around her as she noticed the chill.

"The temperature has dropped sir," she told Jack, who nodded.

"I'm really glad we're leaving. This planet is too weird for me," Jack said, and his voice squeaked in surprise as his breath fogged on the last word. "Just how cold is it Carter?"

"According to the thermometer, it's 5 degrees, sir," she said, tapping it, unsure of the reading. It must have been right, because her breath fogged too.

"Colonel O'Niell, look at the trees," said Teal'c.

The Jaffa glared at the trees as if they were responsible for the strange and unfortunate occurrences in the last few hours. The leaves that had been so lush just a short while ago were now brittle and dry, turning colour as if for autumn. As the team stood there, first one, then many leaves began to fall. Before long, the air was filled with swirling leaves and then, as abruptly as it had started, it was over. The trees were all bare.

"Ok, we're outta here," Jack said, beginning to freak out. "Sam, dial us home."

Sam was all too eager to obey, but when she pressed the first constellation button on the DHD, nothing happened. It didn't press down, or click into place. It didn't even light up. Sam looked the DHD over, checking the power cell to see that it was whole, seeing if there was any damage to it.

"Um, sir?" she said, hating to be the bearer of bad news.

"What?" snapped the Colonel.

"It's not working sir," she said apologetically.

"But it worked when we sent the MALP back!" he grumbled and went over to enter the co-ordinates himself. He fared no better than Sam. "Shit! We're stuck here, with an injured man, on some freaky planet! Wonderful! I am not having a good day." He pounded a fist into the useless device in front of him just as a snowflake fell in front of him and landed on the DHD.

Looking up, the team saw storm clouds and saw that there were many more snowflakes on the way. Daniel groaned and leaned against Teal'c, who was still supporting him.

"We need to find shelter sir," said Sam, and Jack nodded.

"Or at least a decent place for our tents. Ok, let's go back to the stream and follow it downwards again. We've got to get to shelter soon or we'll be caught in a blizzard by nightfall," Jack said.

They made tracks as quickly as they could, after a while frustrated by the slow rover, but needing the food and supplies it carried. By the time they reached the stream it was frozen over, and they were all in the winter coats that Sam had insisted on bringing. Jack had laughed. He hadn't thought they'd need them, but she'd already proven twice today that she had an uncanny instinct for supplies.

Slogging through the snow, sweating but glad to be warm, Jack cursed as he broke the trail. He knew he was ranting, but he was just so frustrated. He slapped a branch out of his way and heard Sam's surprised yelp as it snapped back in her way, barely missing her face.

"Sorry!" he called back to her and went back to cursing.

It was getting hard to find the familiar landmarks from their first trip. The ground was completely covered with snow and the trees were bending under its weight. He knew where the stream was because it was like a road, clear and leading the way. They must be at the place where they'd bathed earlier because the stream had widened. He told Sam to stop the rover.

"I want to see if the stream is frozen all the way through. If it is, we can use it for the rover as a road. It'll be easier that way," he yelled over the growing wind. Sam went down to examine the ice on the river.

"Colonel O'Niell!" Teal'c yelled and gestured for Jack to join him where he'd stopped. He was supporting Daniel against a tree, and Daniel was obviously having trouble standing. Jack shielded his eyes and made his way over to the Jaffa and the scientist.

"Is something wrong with Daniel?" Jack shouted.

"He is feverish and I think he is delirious," Teal'c shouted back. Jack touched Daniel's forehead and it was burning hot.

"Jack?" moaned Daniel. He mumbled something incoherent.

"Those thorns were poisonous then," Jack said grimly to himself.

"Colonel!" shouted Sam from the river. "Jack! It's frozen right to the riverbed! Let's go!"

Jack had Teal'c carry Daniel, an easy feat for the strong man. They made much better progress on the river, and soon found a cliff with an overhang that would be good for an emergency camp. Jack immediately started to try to clear enough snow to set up at least one tent, but the snow was falling too thickly, whipping by at gale-force. Besides, he could barely see his hand in front of his face.

"It's no use! We'll have to cover ourselves and hope for the best!" he shouted to his team. It was a difficult thing for him to admit - he was their leader and he felt like he was letting them down. "Sam, cover the rover and help Teal'c. I'm going to go and check something, I'll be right back!" he shouted and turned away.

Following the cliff wall, Jack walked back into the forest. He was careful to keep his hand on the wall or he might get lost. There must be a better place for them to camp, he knew, and he had a hunch that it was near. He stumbled and fell, his hand leaving the cliff wall. He felt himself fall for quite a distance and land hard on solid ground.

Meanwhile, Daniel's condition grew worse. Sam was very worried. It took skill to find an antidote to poison, and she knew she didn't have time to find it. Daniel slipped in and out of consciousness, babbling sometimes, shouting other times. Teal'c held him still as he thrashed, his strong arms keeping Daniel from hurting himself.

Daniel was in a hazy world of pain and nothingness. His mind floated between his world and the dreamworld. The farther he retreated from the waking world, the less pain he felt, but the less he saw. When he peeked back into the camp, his body burned with pain and fever and he saw Sam and Teal'c's worried faces.

He felt Teal'c holding him, and he wondered why. Teal'c was such a good friend, so there must be a reason. Then his eyes would blur, and he would be overwhelmed with pain and be forced to retreat to the nothingness again. He could see whiteness, swirling far away, and knew it for snow. Something moved in it - a figure or a shape - he didn't know, and then it was gone.

Sam finally got the tarp pulled over their makeshift shelter and huddled next to Teal'c and Daniel for warmth. The flashlight cast eerie glows around the tent, lighting the team strangely from underneath. Sam's heart twisted as Daniel started to cry out and thrash again, and Teal'c held him once more, gripping him with strong arms until he calmed.

The edge of the tarp was pulled up and snow swirled in. Sam jumped to close it but Jack fell through, and she helped him in, closing the flap behind him. He was shivering with the cold, his face red and raw from the wind and exposure.

"I found a cave Sam," he said through chattering teeth. "We'll be able to make a fire there and keep warm!"

Sam felt relief flood through her. Shelter! This impromptu tent was seriously lacking in warmth, space and comfort. She quickly put away the flashlight and tarp and followed Jack with the rover. Teal'c tossed Daniel over his shoulder and took up the rear.

They had to leave the rover at the entrance to the cave because it was too narrow to fit. Jack and Sam grabbed armfuls of equipment and entered the cave. They'd go back for the rest as soon as they put what they had in a secure place. Daniel, seeing the world upside-down and through fevered eyes, knew he saw the figure of a white horse just before Teal'c stepped into the cave.

Jack started a fire first thing and they all gathered around it, warming themselves. Their clothes were not water proof, except for the jackets, so they were all in danger of getting sick from the cold. Jack and Sam finished unloading the rover before they sat down to enjoy the warmth for too long. They covered the entrance to the cave with the tarp to keep the wind out, but left a vent for the fire.

Teal'c had Daniel propped against a rock and was stripping the cold, wet clothes from the scientist. He removed his own jacket and balled it up to form a pillow. Spreading out a rough military issue blanket, he made a bed for the sick man. He lay the scientist down gently and Jack paused from his task, watching in surprise at the tender way Teal'c was treating Daniel.

"Good idea Teal'c, let's all get warm," Sam said, stripping too.

She was shivering and her lips were blue. There was no playfulness this time. Jack peeled off his wet clothes and rubbed his cold skin, trying to warm it with friction. He took a towel and handed each team member one so they could dry off as well. They lay their clothes near the fire, hoping they would dry soon.

"Ok, everyone, let's keep together to share body-heat," Jack ordered, wishing his dog-tags weren't so cold.

The firelight glinted off their wet skin as he handed his team blankets. They all sat near Daniel, hip to hip and shoulder to shoulder, shivering under their blankets. The scientist started to thrash again, and Teal'c leapt to his side, holding him down.

"He needs to be warmer O'Niell," Teal'c said, feeling Daniel's forehead again.

"We should lie next to him. He could have hypothermia, and our body heat should keep him warm. His fever should keep us warm!" Sam said, trying to joke but too worried to laugh.

They arranged the blankets around themselves and lay down. Teal'c spooned up behind Daniel, wrapping his arms around the shivering blonde, and Sam lay against his front. Jack felt awkward, but he was cold, so he lay against Sam's back, his own back to the fire.

"Well this is cozy," he said after a while. Sam laughed and he felt her body shaking against his. He relaxed and enjoyed the warmth of their bodies, wiggling his toes. After a while, he fell asleep.

Sam woke up because she felt herself being poked from the front and from behind. Both Daniel and Jack were asleep, pressed against her, and they were both fully erect. It was flattering, in a way, but also unnerving. The men were asleep, after all, and not responsible for what their bodies did while they weren't in charge. She blushed and ignored the discomfort, eventually falling asleep again.

Jack opened his eyes for a moment. He'd been pretending to sleep, and was glad that Sam hadn't reacted to his arousal. He'd been having some seriously weird dreams and woken up. He wished his erection would go down so he could get to sleep again.

Daniel's thrashing woke everyone later on. Teal'c held him tightly and Sam murmured to him reassuringly. Jack tried not to think as he felt the bodies of his team-mates buck against his. Eventually Daniel's fit subsided again and when they woke in the morning, all was quiet.

Jack sat up, stiff from a night on a rock floor. He rubbed his eyes and saw that sunlight was streaming through the entrance to the cave and onto the dirt of the floor. Slowly getting up so as not to disturb Sam, he smothered the embers of the fire with sand then walked to the entrance to the cave. He was surprised that he wasn't cold, but shocked when he pulled the tarp away from the entrance.

Teal'c watched the Colonel move to the entrance, clad only in his clinging briefs. Jack's profile was sharply outlined by the sunlight pouring in and it highlighted his muscular body as he reached up and pulled the tarp down. Teal'c heard Jack gasp in surprise and was on his feet instantly, still careful to not jostle Daniel. He too was shocked by the sight that greeted him when he looked out of the cave to say anything.

There was no snow. It was as if the entire ordeal they'd gone through getting here had been all in their heads. The sun was slanting through the trees and Teal'c guessed it was a few hours after dawn. The trees were green and lush once more and the forest was alive with sound and movement. The same wonderful smell that had greeted them yesterday when they'd stepped through the Stargate was back.

"This is impossible," Teal'c said, and Jack turned around, finally noticing his friend had stepped beside him. He'd been so engrossed in the sight that he hadn't seen the Jaffa. He nodded slowly, agreeing with Teal'c's assessment.

"Well, the rover has water on it, I guess from the melted snow," Jack said finally. "But that doesn't explain the trees, and how the snow melted so fast."

Sam's reaction was similar to the mens. They dressed quickly, and wondered what could be causing the strange weather. Did this planet have a Touchstone? They eventually decided that it didn't matter, and that one of them should get back to the Stargate and see if it was working. Sam argued that they should go in teams, so she and the Colonel set off to the Stargate, leaving Teal'c to care for Daniel as best he could. Teal'c wished them luck, and Sam waved to him as they walked to the river.

They made good time through the forest, not taking time to enjoy the beautiful scenery on their way to the Stargate. They saw more wildlife this time, all of it strange and unfamiliar, yet beautiful. Sam saw a strange, jewelled snake-thing that disappeared quickly into a bush as the two humans approached. It was about midday when they emerged, sweating from the heat, into the clearing of the Stargate.

Sam went immediately to the DHD and punched in the code. Still nothing.

"Damn!" she exclaimed, and tried again. "I'm going to dismantle it."

"That will not be necessary," said a voice and the two soldiers whipped around to find the source.

A tall, slender man with dark skin and green eyes was looking at them. He was wearing a strange green body suit. The most amazing thing was that the two gaping humans could see slender, dragonfly-type wings coming out of his back. In his hand, he had a chunk of the internal workings of the DHD, vital to its operation.

"Shit," Jack cursed under his breath.

"You will come with me," instructed the strange man.

"And if we refuse?" quipped Jack.

"Then you will never get home, or save your friend's life," was the calm reply. "Now lay your weapons on the ground, please."

"I'd really rather not..." said Jack.

"You must or Daniel will die."

Jack looked at the man in surprise. How did he know of their plight? How did he know Daniel's name? If he knew that much, he probably knew much more. Glancing at Sam, he shrugged and un slung his weapon from his shoulder, placing it on the ground in front of him and backing away slowly. Sam did the same.

The man went over to the automatic rifles, and Jack was worried that he'd try to use them. Instead he touched them. First one, then the other, and out from the point where he'd made contact with them, the guns changed colour. Like the legendary King Midas, the weapons seemed to be transformed before their eyes into bronze. Sam gulped and glanced at the statue the team had found earlier, just a few feet away.

"Does this mean that he..." she said nervously, pointing to the thing still mostly buried in the ground.

"Yes. We tried to save him, but he refused our help. He was going to escape, so we had no choice. The parasite tried to leave the man as his body was being transformed, to save itself, but it was too late. Come," he said, turning and gesturing for the astonished humans to follow.

"So, you can safely remove the Goa'uld from the host body?" asked Sam, fascinated, forgetting her apprehension.

The man nodded, and kept walking.

"And you said you could save our friend Daniel?" she asked as they continued to walk.

Another nod.

"Where are you taking us?" interjected Jack.

"To my home. All will be explained there."

"Great," muttered the Colonel.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, glad as the temperature cooled and they stopped sweating. The two officers snacked on field rations on the way. Sam watched the leaves changed as they walked and saw their guide raise his arms as if in salute as the downpour of dried leaves left them blind for a few minutes. They continued onwards and just as the snow was starting to fall more thickly, their guide stopped.

"We have arrived," he announced.

Jack looked around the forest and saw what they'd seen for the last couple of days. Nothing but incredibly old, tall trees, now bare, and the skeletons of bushes and dried grasses. The strange man chuckled, a musical sound, and pointed up into the treetops.

"That is where we are going!" he said with a smile. He flicked his wings to remind the humans of their differences.

"And just how," said Jack sarcastically, "do you expect us to get up there?"

The tree's trunk was relatively smooth, and the branches started very high above their heads. The branches were getting harder and harder to make out in the thickening snowfall. Sam looked up for a long time and when she looked back at the Colonel, her eyelashes were covered with snowflakes.

"There was climbing equipment in the rover," she said wistfully.

"No need," said the strange man who then snatched up Sam from behind and jumped in the air.

He was airborne before either Sam or Jack had a chance to yell, disappearing into the storm. He was surprisingly strong and his wings buzzed quickly, bringing them higher and higher at a nearly alarming speed. He dropped the Captain, breathless, onto a platform amongst the branches, then plummeted back down, presumably for the Colonel.

A dazed Jack was deposited next to Sam in a few seconds and the blonde allowed herself to look around. The whirling snow obscured what must be a fairly large complex built right into the treetops. What she could see resembled the Ewok Village from Star Wars somehow, and Sam smiled at the comparison. Their companion walked back into the shelter of the branches, and entered the room that was next to the landing platform.

The shelter was warm and cozy and the two humans rubbed their chilled bodies. The strange man was headed for a corridor and what seemed to be a shaft spiralled with stairs. Jack looked relieved. They headed upwards, past many intriguing corridors, through what was apparently the hollow trunk of a living tree.

"You know Sam," said Jack thoughtfully, "this guy kinda reminds me of a Nox."

"Yeah, you're right Colonel," she answered.

Jack smiled up at her as they kept climbing, trying not to look at her butt which was at eye-level. Oh, how tempting it was, but he couldn't do anything about it. He was her commanding officer and it was *very* against regulations. Besides, Sam would never go for it.

They finally stopped climbing and took one of the side corridors. The halls were warm, seemingly made from the living tree. Sam supposed that if they were indeed like the Nox that they wouldn't kill trees for a place to live. They must have adapted the biology of this planet to suit their needs. The Captain was impressed once again. They, like the Nox, must have a high level of technology, especially if they could transform objects into bronze. She would make sure never to underestimate anyone again.

Taking a side corridor, the strange man led them into a comfortable and warm room. He indicated that they should make themselves comfortable.

"Feel free to warm yourselves. You may use this room as your quarters. I will return for you in a short while so you may speak to the elders."

He left, leaving the two humans staring after him.

"Well, we might as well make ourselves at home," said Jack, none too pleased to be made to wait, again.

He dropped his backpack on the ground near a wall and took off his jacket, leaving only his tight, short-sleeved T-shirt on. Sam tried not to stare at his muscular arms as they rubbed over his body, warming himself with friction. She distracted herself by replicating the Colonel's actions, warming herself as well. She also took out a cloth from her backpack and did her best to dry her damp hair. Since it was short, it should dry relatively quickly.

"You're going to wear a hole in the floor," she commented to Jack, who was pacing like a caged animal. He snorted.

"I don't think I can take it from another alien species," he grumbled.

"Take what?"

"That we're too young, or something, for them to tell us what we want to know!"

"Oh. Well, maybe these people will at least be able to help Daniel. He said they could," she said, realizing that the man had never introduced himself.

The man returned for them and took them to another room a few flights up. The walls were higher and there were windows of a coloured substance that must be very pretty in the sunlight. Now they were dark from the storm outside, silenced by the walls of the tree. The room had lights placed around it, not made of fire, but not electrical, flickering prettily in their holders.

Sitting at a long oval table were more of the strange people, most of them old, mostly men, but some women. Their hair was completely white or grey-streaked, but their faces were still seamless. All of them had wings, but most of them wore loose-fitting robes. The younger ones seemed to favour the streamlined body-suits. At the head of the table was an empty seat, high backed like the rest of them, but more ornate. Their guide went to the seat and sat down, indicating that the two humans take the two empty seats at their end.

"So explorers, you came through the Stargate and now you need help," said their guide.

"We wouldn't need help if you'd let us go back through the gate and get our man to a medical facility," Jack started and Sam cringed. Not very diplomatic of him!

"You would not be able to cure the poison," he said calmly. "Besides, your friends have already been cured."

"What? How?" asked Jack, his patience long gone.

"The unicorn healed them both."

"Unicorn? Both of them?! What is going on?" Jack snapped.

"I discovered upon my return that the Unicorn healed both Daniel and the Jaffa. You needn't worry about their safety. Their situation is being monitored so we will know when it is safe for you to return to them. The residual effects of the Unicorn's healing can be dangerous and unpredictable."

"Ok, fine, whatever, just tell me why Teal'c was healed? He was perfectly fine when we left him!" said the Colonel, trying to calm himself. Unicorn indeed!

"Teal'c is no longer a Jaffa. He has been healed. The parasite has not been harmed, but it will live out its life where it cannot victimize others."

"Did it occur to you that perhaps Teal'c didn't *want* to be healed?" said Jack dryly.

By the surprised expressions of the people around the table, it clearly hadn 't occurred to them. The room went silent for a moment.

"Then we will return Teal'c to his previous state, when it is safe, if he so desires it," answered their guide. "You will be our guests until you can rejoin your companions."

He stood up, and they were apparently dismissed. The others walked sedately out of the room, some of the older ones using their wings to propel themselves forward. The two humans stood but waited for their guide politely.

"So Mr...?" Jack began as they were led back to their quarters.

"You may call me Leaf, I suppose," answered their guide, finally identifying himself with a wry smile.

"Ok, Leaf, can you answer some questions for me?" The strange man nodded once. "Was that a council? I didn't hear you discussing anything. Are you the leader of these people? Why can't we go see Teal'c and Jackson now? And what's this about a unicorn?"

"One question at a time!" said Leaf, chuckling. "The Nox were right. You are indeed young."

"So you do know the Nox!" interrupted Sam. "Do you know the Tollans?" she asked and her heart skipped a beat.

She thought of the device Narim had given her that was at the bottom of her backpack. She always brought it with her. Suddenly she felt guilty for admiring Jack's body earlier. This was why officers were never supposed to get involved! It made things too complicated. Her emotions warred within her for a moment, then she firmly smothered them. They arrived at their quarters and Leaf came in to continue their discussion, sitting on the soft cushions.

"Yes, we do know of the Tollans, although we have not made contact with them. And as for the Nox, they are our sister race, inhabiting the twin of this planet. Our worlds have a binary orbit around our suns."

"That's amazing!" exclaimed Sam, her scientific curiosity kicking in. "They're practically next door!"

"So can you go and borrow half a cup of butter if you guys run out?" joked Jack. Leaf glanced at him, but knew better than to respond.

"As for the council, you did not hear us because we did not speak with words."

"Yeah, the Nox were awfully quiet too," said Jack.

"I lead the assembly because I was the one who found you, so I have become responsible for you. We do not have one leader, but our elders gather to address important issues. Strangers through the Stargate is a very important issue."

"Oh, well that's reasonable," said Sam. Leaf nodded at her. "What about Teal'c and Daniel?"

"The after effects of the healing are dangerous to those not involved in the process. It will take a day or two, then it should be safe enough for you to rejoin your team-mates. After that you can leave or continue to explore our planet. We just ask that you be as unobtrusive as you can."

"Ok, but you said a unicorn did it?" asked Sam, remembering the dreams of her childhood with shining eyes. "Do you mean 'unicorn' as in the white horse with a horn coming out of its forehead?"

"Yes. You have heard of them?"

"We think of them as legends... as a fairy tale," answered Sam, suddenly awe-struck. "I guess the legends came from somewhere, huh Jack?" she asked the Colonel, who had gone silent.

"Looks that way," he said glancing up at her. He went back to glaring at the ground.

"Do you think there's a chance," Sam said and paused, gulping nervously, "that I could possibly... see one?"

"It is not up to me," said Leaf. "They come and go as they please. They can tell when they are needed, such as the need of your friend Daniel to be healed. I will take you out into the forest tomorrow if you would like, and if a Unicorn decides to visit us, then you will get your chance."

"Oh, thank you!" Sam exclaimed, breathless.

"I do not guarantee that anything will happen, remember that. Some of us have never seen a Unicorn either, and I am told by the Nox that we live considerably longer than you do. It would be my first time seeing a Unicorn as well," he said, nearly whispering the last part, confiding in Sam.

"I don't know about you Sam, but I'm beat," said Jack suddenly. "Time to hit the hay."

"Of course, I will see you in the morning," said Leaf, who then withdrew.

Jack yawned and removed his boots and socks. He turned around and removed his fatigues and Sam smiled to herself. He was just in boxers and his tight black shirt. Such modesty, such chivalry. It was so cute. He took his blanked and lay down on the floor, using a cushion to pillow his head.

"You take the bed," he mumbled sleepily.

"You don't need to sleep on the floor, sir," Sam said, knowing she shouldn't. "You're the leader, you take the bed. I wouldn't mind if we shared, last night was nice and cozy in the cave." Stupid! What was she doing?

She stripped right in front of Jack, showing him how much she trusted him. She kept insisting she was 'one of the boys'. She stood in the middle of the room in her panties and black shirt and dropped her bra on her pile of clothes. Going over to the wide, low bed, she sat down and patted it.

"Come on, sir, I don't bite," she encouraged him.

"I've always wondered how women do that," said Jack, finally looking out from under the blanket at her.

"Do what?"

"Take off their bras without taking off their shirts."

"Ah, well, pure talent, sir," she answered. "Did Sarah never..." she began and bit her lip.

Why was she acting like this? Was she trying to seduce her superior officer? And then why did she just bring up his ex-wife? Next, she'd start talking about Charlie, then she'd be better off out in the blizzard because this room would get much colder.

"No, never," he answered and stood up, blanket draped around him like a cloak.

To Sam's utter amazement, he joined her on the bed. In the back of Jack's mind, he could hear his inner voice screaming at him. He shouldn't do this. He *couldn't* do this. Sam smiled at him warmly and lay on her back on the far side of the bed. Jack lay down next to her and covered them with the blankets, pulling it up to his armpits, arms crossed over his chest.

"Nice and cozy," Sam murmured to herself and closed her eyes, trying to sleep.

She listened to the rhythmic sound of Jack's breathing, letting the sound sooth and lull her to sleep. She shifted slightly and pretended not to notice that her foot was now touching Jack's. Her heart quickened and she knew it would be a while before she could fall asleep, knowing that Jack was lying next to her.

"Isn't there a way to kill the lights in here?" Jack murmured after a while.

Sam opened her eyes and saw that the lights were still on. They were the same kind of lights that had been in the council room, and she found their light comforting.

"I don't know, sir," she said, thinking to herself: great, call the man you're lusting after 'sir'! "Maybe we can think them off or something."

Jack groaned and got out of the bed. He took the clothes he'd piled on the floor and draped them over the lights, one by one darkening the room until there was just a dim glow coming from each one. He'd moved quickly, facing away from Sam the entire time, but she'd easily seen his erection. She couldn't help but look as he moved across the room, his briefs drawn tight over his buttocks because of the swollen member in the front. She scolded herself silently for looking, and closed her eyes tightly.

Jack stood next to the bed for a moment, feeling that it was dark enough that Sam wouldn't be able to see anything. He considered going back to sleep on the floor, it would be much safer that way. He had to get his emotions under control, he was acting like a kid. He didn't know why, but he climbed back into bed with Sam, knowing all the while that it was the worst disaster the team had suffered since they'd arrived at this wretched planet.

In the middle of the night, Jack was dreaming that dream again. The same one he'd had in the cave. He was dreaming that they were all lying like they had to warm Daniel again, but this time they were all naked, and having sex. Sam, sandwiched between his body and Daniel's, was screaming with pleasure as he and Daniel both penetrated her from the front and back. Teal'c, strangely, was thrusting into Daniel from behind, and all four of them were moving in unison, grunting and moaning their enjoyment.

Suddenly, Daniel and Teal'c melted away and it was just him on top of Sam, her graceful body twisting beneath his. She was clawing at his back, encouraging him to thrust deeper and harder until their bodies melted together and he came, calling out her name.

Jack awoke and found that he'd ejaculated. He felt ridiculous, having a wet dream at his age. But it had seemed so real. Worst of all, he wanted to do it. Not with the whole team, but just with Sam. Who wouldn't? She was beautiful and intelligent.

Sam rolled toward him, asleep. He looked at her in the dim light, barely able to distinguish her features. He could see the gentle curve of her face, so soft and innocent in sleep. Snuggling closer, she wrapped one leg over him, covering his damp briefs with her thigh and then draped an arm over his chest. Not daring to move, Jack's body went rigid and he enjoyed the feel of this forbidden action.

His breath caught in his throat as Sam moaned quietly, then started to move against him, rubbing her pelvis against his hip. She must be dreaming of something nice, he told himself. Rubbing herself harder and harder, Jack could start to feel her wetness soak through her thin panties. Her hand traced across his chest and Jack realised he was already hard again.

It would be so easy to just take himself out of his briefs and push the crotch of her panties to one side. She would be so wet and hot and ready for him. But she would wake up, and rubbing herself against him in her sleep was hardly consent. Disgusted with himself, Jack started to push her gently away.

"Jack," she purred. Jack stopped, his hand on her shoulder. "Oh yes, Jack. Hmm... harder Jack."

She pushed her body against his and her breathing quickened. She started moving faster, her mouth nibbling his shoulder. Jack's mind reeled. She was dreaming about *him*?! Oh God, this wasn't possible! Maybe she didn't mean him, but another Jack, or something, *anything* else! He gently turned her onto her back and rolled away, not sleeping for the rest of the night.

It was just getting light outside their window when Jack noticed that Sam was waking up. He'd gotten dressed hours ago and had been watching her, and now looked away, embarrassed. Her eyelids fluttered open prettily and she sighed before giving in to the fact that she was awake. She sat up quickly when she noticed that Jack was gone, then relaxed when she saw him sitting on the cushions.

"How long have you been awake?" she asked sleepily.

"A little while," he said, clearing his throat.

She was flushed from sleep and Jack ignored the stiffening in his groin. He would not do this. Especially not when he had half of his team to worry about. It was with incredible difficulty that Jack reigned in his arousal. He thought he'd had it under control, but seeing her awake had undone all that careful meditation.

Leaf arrived once Sam was dressed, obviously knowing when it was appropriate to arrive. He showed them where they could attend to bodily functions, then he took them to what seemed to be the kitchens and gave them breakfast. It was fruit, nuts and berries mostly, and something neither could identify to finish. Of course there was no meat, and Jack grumbled quietly at the lack of bacon. It was much better than field rations though.

"My daughter wants to come with us today," Leaf said as they made their way to another area of the tree.

A tiny girl dressed in a blue body-suit burst through the door as they approached it. She had light brown hair with golden highlights and her wings looked tiny and very delicate. She had the same pointed ears that all of these people possessed, but her eyes were gold, not dark. She grinned up at Sam and Jack and hugged her father around his legs.

"Hello," Sam said as she crouched down and smiled at the girl. "I'm Sam. What's your name?"

"She doesn't speak yet," said her father, gazing down at his daughter fondly. "You can call her Flower, I suppose. It seems appropriate." He paused, looking thoughtful. "We will go to the forest and see what we see."

Picking the little girl up, he guided them down to the landing platform. Sam watched Jack out of the corner of her eye and saw the pain in his face. He must be thinking of Charlie again. The girl smiled at Jack, and the man's face lightened. He smiled back.

Sam's heart jumped into her throat as Leaf flew them quickly down to the forest floor, first her, then Jack. She stood panting for a moment, and had recovered her wits by the time Jack was standing next to her. His lips were drawn tight and he didn't look very comfortable. The girl seemed to glide down gracefully on her miniature wings. Leaf must have taken them down so fast because they were so heavy.

They walked through the forest for some ways, enjoying the beautiful sights. Flower was very good at finding tiny forest creatures. She captured them gently and brought them for Sam to see before releasing them. Jack was still on edge, and Sam wondered why. He should be relaxed. They were safe, Daniel and Teal'c were safe, and they were going to see a unicorn!

"It's too bad I won't be able to touch it," Sam sighed to herself at that thought.

"Why not?" asked Leaf.

"Because... well, I, uh... am not a... virgin," Sam said, blushing.

"You're not a-" Leaf stopped walking, incredulity on his face. He burst out laughing, a musical sound. Flower joined in. "You can't... touch it..." he gasped between gales of laughter.

"What? That's what they told us!" Sam said, embarrassed and angry.

"I'm sorry Sam," Leaf said, gulping for air and trying to calm down. "It must be a cultural thing. Oh, my," he took a final gasp and was able to breathe normally. Flower was still giggling. "Now why would your virginity have any relevance to a Unicorn?"

"It just does. Only the purest, most innocent maidens can attract the unicorn's attention," she said, still hurt.

"That's completely absurd, they don't care about our biological urges," Leaf said, shaking his head. "The Unicorns do what they please. They have been known to heal our enemies, allowing them to stay and continue to kill our people, yet they don't help our own. They are fickle creatures. A visit from them is a very special thing, to be treasured always, and touching one is very rare indeed. Just seeing one will change your life forever. Touching one can change your soul."

"Well, that's... not what I expected," said Sam. "About the virginity thing, anyway." She grinned at the Colonel. "There's still hope!"

"Yeah," Jack responded noncommitally.

"Hey Jack, lighten up!" Sam said, punching him lightly in the shoulder.

Jack looked up, into Sam's deep blue eyes and tried to smile. He felt like an awful person for the feelings and thoughts he'd been having lately. He couldn't lighten up, not after what he'd been doing. He sighed and his gaze wandered past Sam's now concerned face and beyond, into the forest. His eyes went wide and he stopped breathing.

"Oh God," he whispered and his three companions turned to see.

There was a unicorn standing not ten feet from them. It didn't look exactly as he'd expected; it was too angular. Yet it was very beautiful. It's long, spiral horn glistened in the sunlight and its coat and mane shimmered elegantly. It regarded them with ice-blue eyes, long lashes covering them. It stretched its neck out to smell them, walking forwards slowly until faced Jack, who thought he could reach out and touch it.

"Wow," Sam breathed, not moving.

The unicorn's eyes were level with Jack's and it was looking into the trembling man's eyes intently. Its nostrils flared as it breathed a hot breath onto him, making his shirt press against his chest from the force of the breeze. Jack though his heart would burst out of his chest - it was pounding so hard.

The unicorn slowly lowered its head, the horn passing by Jack's nose and down, until it was pointing at Jack's heart. Jack didn't know what to do. He stayed still and quit breathing, trying to remember that unicorns were good creatures and forget that he'd seen the tip of that horn and he knew how sharp it was.

Sam watched with a twinge of jealousy as the unicorn completely ignored the ones who had come to see it and focus it's attentions on Jack. The man looked ready to bolt. He was obviously extremely nervous and Sam could see his pulse beating in the vein in his neck. She watched the legendary creature lower its head until it was level with Jack' chest.

Suddenly, either Jack or the unicorn moved forwards because the next thing Sam saw was the sharp horn impaling Jack's chest, surely piercing his heart. She heard herself scream and launch forwards, trying to intercept that deadly horn, but too late. Jack seemed to sag, held up by the horn. Leaf stood still, completely calm and Flower's eyes were shining.

The unicorn whinnied and pulled its horn out of the now unconscious man's chest. It reared up when it saw Sam coming and leapt over Jack's crumpled form, dashing off into the forest. Sam knelt by Jack, rolling him onto his back and feeling for the wound. She couldn't find any. No blood, no puncture mark, although his shirt was torn.

"Jack! God, no! Jack!" Sam screamed, shaking his unmoving body.

"I will help you carry him back to my home," said Leaf.

"But, what happened! Is Jack dead?," Sam looked up at Leaf's calm face, her own streaked with tears.

"No, he is uninjured. He will awaken in a few hours. For now he must rest. You may care for him as you see fit. It will be safe for you to be near him because you were here with the Unicorn. Come, I will help you," he said and hoisted Jack up, putting the Colonel's arm around his shoulder.

Sam quickly supported Jack's other side and they carried him relatively quickly back to the tree. Flower was skipping and enjoying herself, seemingly oblivious to Sam's distress. The Captain was chocked on tears, gulping for air, trying not to scream. Her childhood dreams had undergone a serious revision in the last few minutes. And if she lost Jack... She couldn't finish the thought. She couldn't loose him, not before she told him her feelings.

Jack was lifted onto their bed back in their room. He was breathing evenly, his face actually calm and peaceful. Sam was used to seeing his brows furrowed with worry, even in sleep, so she wasn't sure if this was a good sign. She thanked Leaf and Flower quietly and told them she'd like to look after Jack on her own. Leaf nodded graciously and brought her a plate of food for lunch.

She sat on the floor, ignoring the food, her knees drawn up, head down on her crossed arms. She shook silently with sobs. Something was very wrong, and she couldn't fix it. Leaf wasn't worried at all. Maybe they'd killed Teal'c and Daniel and were now killing her and Jack off one by one. But why? Her mind was in turmoil.

She moved over to the bed, leaning her arms on it and looking at Jack's relaxed face. So strong, so handsome. She chocked up again and cried, burying her face in the blankets. She couldn't loose Jack, not now. She had so much to tell him, so much she couldn't tell him. She had only just realised her feelings.

After a while, her rumbling stomach forced her to eat. She didn't move more than an arm's length away from the sleeping man. She hoped he would wake up soon and reassure her, tell her everything was all right. She stroked his rough cheek and watched his eyelids flutter with his dream. The lights in the room had been dimmed sometime when she was asleep and their soft glow was comforting.

She woke to find strong hands caressing her cheek and smoothing her hair. With a start, she sat up, and looked straight into the eyes of the man she loved. His dark eyes looked deep into hers, seeming to bore straight into her soul. She wanted to smile with relief - he was awake - but something in his eyes prevented her from moving. Her heart quickened and before she knew what was happening, Jack had leaned over and kissed her.

Before she could stop herself, she kissed him back. She was so relieved he was all right! She could tell him now, or maybe showing him was better. Then common sense took over. She couldn't tell him! He was her superior officer! But then what was she doing? Her mind was telling her to stop, but her body kept responding. She felt her lips open and Jack's tongue slip between them to explore her mouth.

"Jack," she managed to whisper.

"Yes?" he murmured into her ear as he leaned toward her to nibble on it.

"Jack, we can't..." she broke off as his lips kissed her lower, moving down her neck to her collarbone. "You're my commanding officer, Jack, we can't do this."

"I won't tell if you don't," he said, starting to pull on her shirt.

"And I don't want you to think I'm doing this to get anything from you," she breathed, her hands nevertheless travelling down his strong chest.

"You'll only get what you want," he said, leaning back from his assault of her senses and looking earnestly into his eyes.

"Oh Jack! What happened?!" she cried, emotions pouring out. She started to cry again, and felt herself pulled up onto the bed to lie with Jack, his arms holding her close and comforting her.

"I don't know Sam," he murmured to her gently. "I can't quite explain it. It was - exhilarating, spectacular. It was the most painful thing I've ever done."

"I don't understand," she whispered.

"The unicorn healed me Sam," he said, pushing her hair out of her eyes with his free hand. "It healed my heart." He gave her a half-smile, and took her hand, placing it over his heart. Sam could feel it beating under her hand. "I feel whole again, and ready to move on with my life. I've come to terms with everything - Charlie, Sarah, and all kinds of other stuff you don't even know about. Everything."

Sam sniffed and smiled up at him. "I didn't know it could do that."

"It did Sam," he said, kissing her hand. "Now, was there something you wanted to tell me?" he asked innocently.

"I think you know what I want to say," she whispered, then wrapped her arms around him like she'd always wanted to.

"Say it anyway," he said, smiling eyes meeting hers.

"I love you, Jack," she whispered and kissed him deeply.

"Good," he said when they finally broke the kiss. "Because I love you, too."

As if floodgates had opened, they felt their emotions release and then their bodies pressed together, as if physical contact could stem the tide. Their hands roamed over each other's body, finally free of restrictions. They kissed until they felt dizzy from lack of air, and then they touched.

Jack got a hold of Sam's shirt and pulled it up over her head. She was wearing a practical bra that soon joined the shirt on the floor. He could see the nipples starting to pucker and bent down to suck them, leaving them wet and blowing on them when he sat back up. Sam gasped and arched her back, her hands never stopping in their explorations.

She wanted to memorise the feel of his body, how it felt to touch him. The clothes would most definitely have to go for that, she knew, so she grabbed his shirt and pulled it off. She leaned back on the pillows to appreciate his nicely muscled chest, lightly haired. She ran her fingers over it, dragging her nails down the sensitive skin on his stomach. Jack trembled and Sam leaned in to kiss his neck.

He hadn't shaved for a day or two, so his chin was scratchy. Sam nibbled his neck upwards until she reached his ear. Licking the rim, she nibbled on the lobe, then murmured encouragements into his ear. He responded by cupping her breast and massaging it, teasing the nipple with his thumb.

Reaching down, Sam grabbed the free end of Jack's belt and pulled. The pants had to go. She quickly had them undone and sat up to pull them off, along with his socks. As an afterthought, she grinned and pulled off his briefs, too. He was very erect. The dusky-coloured skin on his penis was hot to the touch, but Sam didn't linger long.

She stood up beside the bed and inhaled, letting Jack appreciate her small but well-formed breasts. She undid her fatigues and turned sideways, knowing the best angle to show herself to her soon-to-be lover. The loose pants slid off of her hips on their own, pooling around her feet. Jack drew in a breath appreciatively and his eyes turned wide as Sam pushed her panties down too. She stepped out of her clothes and took her watch off, dropping it somewhere to be found later.

"Oh God, come here," Jack said, reaching out to her and catching her wrist.

"Just a second," she said and pulled her backpack closer to the bed.

She climbed back into the bed then, laying her body next to Jack's. As their skin touched, she felt like she was electrically charged. His body was burning with desire, and all he could think about was sliding into Sam's warm, welcoming heat. He pulled her against him and kissed her again, exploring her body with his hands again, learning new things from this naked flesh.

He burned everywhere Sam's nimble fingers touched. She ran her hands down his normally ticklish sides and over his chest. She rubbed his nipples, something that had never excited him until now. Her hands made their way downwards and he rolled onto her, relishing the feel of her soft body under his.

She grabbed his butt, pulling it closer to her body and pushed their hips together. Jack's erection, trapped, was rubbed against her smooth stomach. He kissed her chin and she tilted her head up, so he kissed her throat next. He could feel the vibrations tickle his lips as she moaned with pleasure, her hands moving up to his broad back.

"Oh yes, Jack," she moaned, fingers raking his skin.

He let his hand move down her body, tickling her gently as he went. He reached between them and touched her between the legs. God, she was already wet. Sam tiled her pelvis upwards, encouragingly. He dipped a finger into her slick opening, his finger sliding in easily. She was so soft and warm, and he wanted so much to be inside of her.

But not yet. He rubbed her clitoris, gently taking the nub between his fingers. She trembled under him, closing her eyes and making small mewing sounds. He felt himself get harder as he watched her enjoy herself. Without warning, he plunged three fingers into her hot body, feeling her skin stretch slightly over them. She was so ready for him, he knew.

"Oh Jack!" she cried as he moved his fingers in and out.

He moved off of her to get more leverage, moving down so he could see what he was touching. Her glistening lips surrounded his hand, the light brown hair covering her between her legs damp as well. He leaned down and sucked on her clitoris as he fingered her, watching her body arch in response.

He curled his fingers up and rubbed the top of the channel, and he smiled as he saw her mouth open as she gasped for air. That must be her G-spot, he thought and watched her body tremble. Her nipples were pointing straight up to the leafy ceiling, her hands were clutching the blankets and her knees were up, giving Jack free access to his lover.

Leaning over her and kissing her, Jack took his fingers out of her. He wanted her so badly. Sam was on fire with her need, still unsatisfied. She pulled him close and kissed his lips hard, then pushed her tongue into his mouth. Jack kissed her nearly ferociously, then sat up and licked her juices from his hand.

Sam sat up quickly and leaned over her kneeling lover, grabbing his erection in her hand and stroking it hard. He let his head fall back as she attacked him the same way he'd attacked her. It was only fair, after all. Soon, Sam took him into her mouth.

The swollen head got special attention, getting sucked, licked nibbled and blown on. She licked his shaft, enjoying the salty taste, then pushed the member into her mouth and down her throat. She felt his hand on the back of her head, resting lightly, as she drew him in and out of her mouth.

She'd never thought she could do this, and maybe she'd never get another chance when they returned home. Who knew what they'd do when they thought of the morning after? Sam pushed the thought aside and went back to her task, eager to have her fill of it before she stopped.

"Sam," Jack moaned quietly. "Sam, I want to make love to you."

"Mmm... you will," she answered.

"Oh God," said Jack, suddenly sober. "Fuck! I don't have any condoms!"

"I do," Sam said, looking at him and laughing.

She leaned down to her backpack and opened the front pocket, pulling out a string of condoms. Jack had never been so glad to see the rubber straight-jacket in his entire adult life. He leaned over and kissed her, laughing as well.

"Always be prepared, huh Sam?" he teased.

"Don't I know it," she purred and tore a condom off from its siblings.

Opening the package, she placed it over Jack's erection and unrolled it enthusiastically. Then she lay down on the bed, her short hair spread out, framing her beautiful face. Jack needed no encouragement and he got on top of her, feeling a surge of love, lust and pure, unidentifiable emotion.

Sam opened her legs and Jack pushed inside of her. He stretched her wider than his fingers had, and she gasped, enjoying the feeling. Jack moaned as he slid into her completely with his first thrust, Sam was that wet. They kissed, each encouraging the other and began to move together.

Jack could feel nothing but her hot wetness, clenching around his aching need. He pushed into her welcoming body harder and harder, and soon she was moaning her pleasure. Jack moaned and grunted, nuzzling her neck and feeling her lips on his shoulder. He propped himself up and thrust deeper, faster, angling upwards to hit Sam's G-spot.

Sam screamed, feeling ecstasy overwhelm her. With every thrust, Jack made her body explode with feeling and all she could do was lie there and feel it. She couldn't move, she didn't want to move, and all she could do was clutch at her lover as she came, gasping for air. Jack didn't stop, and kept hitting her G-spot, bringing her over the brink again.

Jack was sweating with exertion and passion, his muscles working harder than they ever had. He felt like he could do this forever and he watched Sam, face flushed and eyes squeezed shut. She was even more beautiful in the throes of passion, he thought fleetingly, then his orgasm surprised him, hitting him without warning.

Sam clung to Jack's back as he collapsed onto her, pushing himself so deeply into her body as he came. He moaned and trembled, his member spurting hot liquid that she wished she could take into her. But not now. She'd have to see Dr. Fraiser about that later. She peeled off the condom and put it in a zip-lock bag, tossing it on the floor. Then she lay down again, held Jack to her body and let herself relax in post-orgasm bliss.

"Sam," Jack was murmuring into her ear.

"Wha..." she said, already half-asleep.

"Put these on."

"Hm? Why?" Jack was giving her the panties she'd dropped on the floor earlier.

"Humour me."

"'Kay."

She put them on slowly and snuggled back against her lover. She noticed that he was wearing his briefs again, and wondered why. She'd hoped they could make love if they woke up during the night. Oh well, it was their first time together, so maybe Jack wanted to keep some distance between them or something like that. She fell asleep, her soft lips on Jack's shoulder.

Sam was having that dream again. Jack woke up, remembered what had happened between them and he grinned to himself. She was rubbing herself against his leg again, very wet this time because of their previous activities. He was erect in seconds and rubbed his hands on her smooth skin, enjoying the silk-like feel.

Leaning over to Sam's backpack, he reached for a condom and pulled it from its mates. He ripped the package open with nearly shaking fingers and slipped himself out of his briefs, not removing them. The condom was rolled onto his shaft, and Jack turned a little toward Sam, still rubbing against him with her dream. She was so beautiful. And tonight, he didn't have to hold back.

He reached between them and pulled the crotch of her panties to one side. She was so wet and hot, and his fingers slipped on her moist skin. It only took a single adjustment of his position for him to slide into her, making her moan in her sleep. How long could he fuck her until she woke up? He started to pump into her, very gently and slowly.

"Jack!" she murmured in her sleep, making goose bumps rise all over him.

Kissing her face and neck, he sped up, holding her against him, rubbing his hand over her round butt. She pushed back against him, moving with him and holding onto his shoulders. She nuzzled his neck, leaving tiny hickies on it. He let his hand run over her sides, and Sam giggled.

"How... long have... you been awake?" he demanded, trying to sound angry, but his voice came out in gasps.

"A little while," she giggled, rolling onto him and moving his hands over his head, holding them down.

"Oh, Sam," he said, turned on even more.

"Mmm... Jack... the material is rubbing my clit," she purred, moving back and forth on his cock.

Gasping with each movement, Sam brought herself to orgasm over Jack, who was helpless to do anything but watch. She clenched around him, moaning and gasping, then finally collapsing on top of him. Her entire body trembled as she lay there, trying to catch her breath. Then Jack held her hips and started pumping into her again. He hadn't come yet.

Sam sat up and put her hands on Jack's shoulders for support, raising herself slightly to give Jack room to move. He could get into her so deeply from this position and he took full advantage, thrusting harder and harder until he was slamming into her body as hard and as fast as he could.

Sam tried to be quiet, she didn't know how well sound transmitted here, but she couldn't help the small wail that escaped her lips. Jack was moaning, grabbing her breasts and grinning. He was watching her in helpless ecstasy, bringing her to orgasm again and again, and his own orgasm built inside of him.

He sped up, racing Sam to the end and they climaxed one after the other, bodies trembling and pulsing with pleasure. They lay for a moment, then Sam got up, holding the condom at its base before she pulled it off. It joined the first one and she lay down again, this time taking off her panties and throwing them across the room.

"Point taken," rumbled Jack beside her, his head buried in the pillow as he lay face-down.

"Good night," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

The end! (epilogue to follow)

To Everything There Is a Season (epliogue)

"Daniel! Teal'c!" yelled Jack as he and Sam approached the cave the next morning.

Jack and Sam walked hand in hand, fingers intertwined. They were both glad they'd realised their feelings for one another last night. Jack hoped they could keep their relationship discreet when they returned to the SGC. For now, he was worried about the rest of his team. Why weren't they answering?

"Oh wow!" exclaimed Sam as the entered the cave.

The two men were asleep, bodies tangled together, and barely covered by the blanket. They were both apparently naked and Sam saw the tube of lubricant tossed next to their clothes. So, she and Jack weren't the only ones who'd had a productive night. She held back while Jack woke up the sleeping men.

"Jack?" Daniel's sleepy voice drifted to Sam's ears. "Oh shit!" he yelled, waking up and pulling the blanket over him, inadvertently pulling it off of Teal'c.

"Good morning O'Niell," said Teal'c calmly, tugging the blanket back over himself.

"Hey, we're alive!" exclaimed Daniel. "We kind of poisoned ourselves on some fruit native to this planet," he explained to his dumfounded companions. "I guess the poison wasn't as strong as we thought, and it's out of our systems now."

"Okay..." said Jack, deciding he didn't want to know why they were naked. "Here, get dressed."

He handed them their clothes and Daniel blushed furiously. He and Sam went out of the cave to give their team-mates some privacy. Sam surprised him by pressing him up against the cliff wall and kissing him hard. Her body rubbed against his and her breasts pressed into his chest.

"How about that, huh?" she murmured, leaning over to kiss Jack's ear.

"Must be mating season," he grunted and bear-hugged her.

She screeched and they started to play-fight, eventually falling down and kissing on the soft grass. He smelled so nice and she giggled as they continued to play-fight, snatching kisses and touches. Someone coughed, and the lovers turned to see Daniel and Teal'c standing at the entrance to the cave.

"So, what have you been up to?" Daniel asked casually.

"Same thing you have," replied Jack, just as casually as he stood up and helped Sam to her feet.

"Oh," said Daniel, blushing again and clearing his throat. "Did you get back through the Stargate for help?"

"No, we never made it back," answered Sam. "The DHD was dismantled by the natives of this planet. They took us to stay with them until the effects of the unicorn's healing had dissipated. Apparently, it's not safe for those who weren't in the immediate vicinity to approach people who've been healed for a while."

"You are familiar with the unicorn?" asked Teal'c.

"Yeah, a little too familiar," said Jack, rubbing his chest. "It practically ran me through."

"You got healed too?" exclaimed Daniel. "You were injured?"

"No, it... healed me inside," said Jack. "Not physically, but emotionally." He put his arm around Sam's waist and pulled her close.

"Can the effects of the healing be reversed?" asked Teal'c quietly.

"Yeah, we're supposed to bring you back to the village and they'll make you back into a Jaffa," said Jack. "If you want to."

"I never thought I'd see you without that tattoo on your forehead," said Sam absently.

"Very well, we can leave immediately," said Teal'c.

There were only a few supplies to be loaded into the rover, and they set out for the village in record time. Daniel left the cave with some reluctance - he was going to miss this place. He wouldn't mind coming back some day; this cave was the place where he and Teal'c had realised just how much they cared for each other.

"Daniel!" yelled Jack, impatient to get going.

"Coming!" the scientist yelled back.

"Not until we get back home," Jack mumbled and Sam elbowed him. "Ow!"

"Behave!" she said sternly, but she was grinning.

Jack guided his team back to the village. Their host was waiting for them at the bottom of the tree with his daughter. Jack grinned as Daniel's eyes went wide. Their host was definitely not human. Dark skin and hair were slightly green and he had very pointed ears. He was wearing a green body suit and Daniel gaped at the dragonfly-like wings coming out of his back.

"Daniel, Teal'c, this is Leaf and his daughter Flower," Jack introduced them. "You might be interested to know that this planet shares an orbit with the Nox planet."

"This is amazing!" exclaimed Daniel. "Do you have the same level of technology as the Nox do? Is there much contact with the Nox? Have your people's evolution been effected by having a sentient race so close to your planet?"

"So many questions!" said Leaf, chuckling amicably. "I will say that my people are similar in development as our cousins nearby. We travel to their world regularly. Flower," he said, tousling her hair affectionately, "visits her mother there. Her mother is a native to that planet."

"I was wondering why she has gold eyes," murmured Sam.

"Teal'c," Leaf addressed the former Jaffa. "Do you wish to have your symbiont re-implanted?"

"I do," rumbled the big man. "I have thought it through very carefully, and it is my desire to return to my former state."

"Very well. It shall be done," said Leaf.

Daniel yelped as he was grabbed from behind around the waist and Leaf lept into the air. They flew straight up, very quickly, and soon Daniel was deposited on a landing platform high in the tree. Sam came next, grinning, then Jack. Leaf had a little trouble with Teal'c because he was the heaviest, but they were soon standing together on the platform. Flower landed daintily and walked to the back of the platform, disappearing into the tree-trunk.

They took the corkscrew stairs up the inside of the hollow trunk, eventually making their way to what Jack and Sam recognised as the council chamber. Only a few elders were there, and Teal'c saw a container with what could only be the larva he had been carrying. His pace quickened and he came up beside the container to check on his symbiont. If it had come to any harm, he would not be happy.

"It has been well cared for," said Leaf, trying to reassure the man. "Now we shall make you as you were."

Teal'c nodded and when Leaf directed him to a raised platform, he took off his shirt and lay down on it. This would be like the Prim-ta, he thought, but this time he was surrounded by his closest friends. He looked at their faces, his gaze lingering on Daniel for a moment. Daniel was very worried. Sam was admiring his smooth stomach. Jack was looking at the larva accusingly, as if he could prevent what was about to happen.

The other elders stepped forward, on either side of the platform. They put their hands over Teal'c, much like the Nox had done. A glow spread out from their hands and over Teal'c's body, quickly engulfing them all. Daniel watched, fascinated, as the x-shaped incision slowly formed again on his lovers stomach.

The gold tattoo appeared as well, and Daniel thought that it might have been a good idea to keep it off, so Teal'c wouldn't have to wear a hat next time he left the base. It was too late though, and Teal'c sat up, a Jaffa once more. He smiled at Leaf and at his friends.

"Thank you," he said to the aliens.

"Yeah," said Jack. "Now let's get home!"

"So let me get this straight," said Sam as they walked through the forest back to the Stargate, "every one of you got to touch the unicorn, but I only got to see it?"

"Sam, we all got run through by the unicorn," said Daniel, remembering the agony as the unicorn's horn had pierced his hand right through and impaled Teal'c through his pouch. "It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience!"

"I know, I shouldn't be jealous, but I am!" she said. After all, how many little girls *didn't* dream of riding a unicorn?

"Look Sam," said Jack as they entered the Stargate clearing, "next time we're here, we'll look for unicorns again, ok? Daniel, dial us home, will ya?"

"Alright," sighed the blonde, figuring that it was the best Jack could do.

"Hey Jack, you left your weapons here," said Daniel, seeing two guns on the ground. "What happened to them?"

They were bronzed, or something. Daniel picked them up and turned them in his hands. Jack came over and took them from Daniel, throwing the useless weapons into the rover.

"Remember our Goa'uld a la Han Solo?" said Jack, pointing at the barely visible statue still buried in the ground. Daniel nodded. "Same thing. That's no statue."

Daniel stared at Jack, then at the weapons, then at the Goa'uld and its host. Well, this was certainly interesting. It would be the first thing he studied when they returned, he vowed to himself. Teal'c went over to Daniel as the scientist started to punch in Earth's sequence. The DHD was working just fine now. He stood quietly next to the young man, who had been avoiding him, and put his arm over the smaller man's shoulders.

"I do not regret what happened between us," Teal'c said quietly.

"Neither do I," said Daniel, finally looking up at the Jaffa and smiling. "I was worried that your former state would include not having any feelings for me."

"Daniel, I have had feelings for you for a long time," said Teal'c gently.

"Good," said Daniel, and he leaned into his lover and kissed him tenderly.

"Ok you two, break it up. Let's go home," said Jack, knowing it would take him a while to get used to what had happened to his team on this trip.

He smiled at the two men, letting them know that he wasn't angry with them. Sam sent the remote signal, then sent the rover through the gate. Daniel and Teal'c kissed once more before they stepped through the portal, looking around one last time at this strange, wonderful, deadly planet.

Jack stepped up onto the Stargate dais, and turned to face Sam. The sunlight was turning golden, reflecting in her blonde hair beautifully. She smiled up at him and his heart leapt. The leaves began to fall off the trees, the air swirling with movement. It was a beautiful moment, and he knew he would remember it for the rest of his life. A white shape moved in the background.

"You've got a visitor, Sam," said Jack, grinning.

The Captain turned and gasped. The unicorn! It was gazing at her with its strange blue eyes, its coat shining in the sunlight. Her hand reached out slowly. Did she dare? The unicorn moved forward a little, and Sam's fingers touched the end of its muzzle. Encouraged, Sam walked towards it, coming up next to it. She ran her hand down its neck, then hugged it. Her entire body was tingling with excitement and something unidentifiable.

"Thank you," she whispered into its ear, letting it go and turning to face her smiling Colonel. "Let's go home."

The end! ^_^

AliCat >^, ,^< MEOW!

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody's watching.