"God Forsaken Planet" by Jen Sweeney

Title: God Forsaken Planet (or A Joke Most Practical)

Author: Jen Sweeney

Status: complete

Category:

Rating: R

Season/Sequel Info: third season, post the episode with Skarra (can't place title)

Spoilers: very minor if you have any working knowledge of previous seasons (i.e. In the Line of Duty)

Archive: SJA, Heliopolis only

Feedback: Sure

Summary: Sam and Jack find themselves on a deserted planet with no hope of returning home.

Disclaimer: If only... but... Stargate SG1 and its characters are the property of Stargate Productions, ShowTime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. No infringement on copyright intended.

Author's note: I made a few changes since posting this to the S&J list. VERY MINOR CHANGES. Some corrections, and a new name for Jack's dog.

Note 2: Jack's dog Taz is named for a beloved K9 officer that we at the OCPD lost in 1999. He too was named for the Tasmanian Devil whom his partner said the German speaking dog reminded him of. Taz served his department very well right up until the end. He is an irreplaceable loss to us all. His partner was just assigned a new K9, who I think Taz would've tolerated. Even though he is a little young, and way too affectionate with the ladies. And in the words that stuck terror in anyone who heard them - Find him Taz, get him boy.

*******

It was his fault. He had to admit it. He'd started it.

But this was going too far.

*MUCH* too far.

Colonel Jack O'Neill stared at the computer screen. If he stopped typing for even a minute, it happened. Answered a phone call, grabbed his coffee cup, even stretched, and it happened.

The screen saver popped up.

Not his normal, flying through space image. Not even the one Sam had designed with the wormhole event horizon and the dizzying trip through. (Put that girl in quarantine, give her some free time and a computer and STAND BACK!)

No this was torture, plain and simple.

Monkeys. Dancing and singing monkeys. In space helmets.

Shrill voiced singing - conga line dancing - Space Monkeys. (Daniel had never forgiven him for THAT nickname.)

And the installed password that he had to type incessantly --"artifacts".

He had to laugh. It was good. He sat back and crossed his arms thinking back to the beginning of these practical jokes. Eight days.

Daniel and Sam had been secluded in her lab for five days. After the second, they had banned Jack from the room. Just because he broke some stupid slides. They should've known better than to leave things out like that. He WAS always fiddling with things. So Sam had said firmly but with all due respect of course - to GET OUT!

So five days went by. And the only sighting of either of them had been on the rare occasion when they'd wandered out for fresh coffee or a shower. After five days, Hammond decided to have them aired out, so Jack and Teal'C had gone down to get them. Finding them curled together on the cot had froze them in their tracks. Well, Jack in his, Teal'C had stepped on his heels before stopping. They both had stood gazing on the pair until another scientist walked in.

"Sorry," he'd said, "these damn labs all look alike!"

And Jack had the BRILLIANT idea - yes it did happen. Sam and Daniel were on a narrow cot off to one side of a lab cluttered with the rocks - artifacts - and mechanisms that they'd spent all that time researching. And directly across the hall was an identical lab, empty. So with some persuading he managed to convince Teal'C to help him and they'd moved the cot, with its two sleeping scientists across the hall to the empty lab. Neither one had even stirred. Daniel was behind Sam, spooned against her from head to toe, with both arms wrapped around her and his nose buried in her hair. One arm just under her rib cage, the other across her shoulders. Not that Jack had spent any time studying how he was holding her or anything.

So they'd moved them into the empty lab, put a few of their personal things in it to make it look good, then woke them up.

"Sam, Daniel? What happened here?!? Where is everything?"

Both of them had burst up, gasping at the sight of the empty tables. Talking at once, borderline hysterical, walking around looking. Daniel even looked in the trash cans and under the cot.

And Jack, stoic, black-ops had started to chuckle. Daniel had watched him worriedly. Then Jack lost it, sitting down laughing. Sam had turned also concerned, then her face wrinkled. "This isn't my lab."

Teal'C, calm as usual, blinked. "Why would you say that?"

"Because my light over the door has been burned out for a month and a half, and there's a crack in the table, here." She'd touched the table.

So Jack had come clean. Told them the whole thing, and took them to his house for pizza and movies, and thought it was over. Jokes on you! Gotcha. It had felt good.

But he'd neglected to realize what he had started.

At first it had been small things.

He always doodled in briefings. Needing something to do with his hands. So he sat down in one and found every pencil snapped at the slightest pressure. And his two scientists snickering at each snap.

So he'd hid all of their journals.

And found everything in his office glued down. Including himself once he sat in the chair.

So he sabotaged the equipment in both of their labs. Petty stuff really. Had Teal'C spend an hour hooking every paper clip together. Took the ink out of every pen.

And spent that night paying a couple dozen delivery boys for everything from pizza and Chinese to doughnuts and ice cream. Who knew they delivered ice cream? Granted, Sam and Danny HAD put money in his wallet to help cover the costs, but it was humiliating to have a guy deliver six pizzas to just him and Teal'C. Twice.

So he and Teal'C started planning. It was then that Jack really thought about it. He and Teal'C vs. Sam and Danny. In a battle of wits and brains. Whoops. Time to get creative and maybe a little evil. And how were they to know Sam didn't like to be locked in. Sure there was that jail cell - Jolinar thing when she'd called him Jack, but...

Teal'C had grabbed her and put her in one of the small storage closets and Jack had locked her in. He'd sent Teal'C to find Danny to lock up and stayed behind to taunt Sam.

"Sir, please!"

"Sir? Teal'C, are you still out there?"

Jack was grinning.

"Sir? TEAL'C! PLEASE SOMEBODY! Don't leave me like this."

Jack moved at the sound of the break in her voice. The terror there. He yanked open the door and caught her as she stumbled out, sweating and shaking.

"Sam? Oh, God, I am so sorry. It was just a joke, kiddo." He'd pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back as Teal'C came into sight with Daniel thrown over his shoulder.

"Major Carter, what is..."

"Sam?"

"Bad joke," Sam whispered.

"Yeah, it's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt," Jack replied. "Come one, we'll go to my place, there's plenty of food." That had gotten a chuckle from her.

So they'd gone to his house and eaten, but she had refused to say anything about the incident. Except when he'd gone into the spare room where she lay curled on her side. He'd tucked the blanket closer around her and she stirred. "This does mean war sir."

He'd chuckled and touched her hair. "Rule of engagement: no small spaces, no snakes, no spiders, and no Lord of the Dance videos."

"Lord of the Dance?"

"That completely freaks out Teal'C. Not sure why."

Sam had shrugged and settled in. Jack had watched her for a long moment before slipping up to his own room. Alone. That morning they'd hidden Sam's shoes and Daniel's pants. So now, he was at work staring at Space Monkeys.

Shrill voiced singing - conga line dancing - Space Monkeys.

A guy just had to smile.

Teal'C walked in and stared at the monitor. "My computer has strange small girls with circles around them dancing. I cannot make them go away."

"Our scientist twosome has struck again."

"I still do not understand the practical part of the joke."

"Ask Daniel."

*****

"So, no there really isn't a practical part to the joke, Teal'C", Daniel observed. They were gearing up to go off world. "Just another obscure expression."

Teal'C tilted his head, "A joke most practical would be one in which the result..." he broke off as Jack stuck his head in.

"Five minutes kids."

Daniel smiled, "I know, Teal'C." He started out. "But you and I are on opposite sides of this. Maybe next war. I do have several ideas for the two of them."

"Exclude the ones involving locking them in together." Both men whirled as Janet walked up. "Course I guess the colonel would be more than able to comfort the major. Just in to give you these Dr. Jackson." She handed him a bottle of pills with a wink. "Have fun!"

The briefing was quick. Sam's toy plane as Jack preferred to call it, had sent back pictures of a ruin not far from the gate. Thinking it might be an abandoned Goa'uld outpost, SG-1 was to investigate. At least this time the plane was waiting by the gate in case they needed it again. Not ten miles in waiting to be picked up and carried home.

They ascended the ramp as one unit. All thoughts of jokes and competitions far behind. They were almost to the event horizon, Sam and Jack in front of the MALP probe, Daniel and Teal'C a few steps behind it. Suddenly the gate shuddered and the wormhole warped outward, fluctuated and seemed to fracture then re-stabilized. SG-1 froze.

"Wormhole is stable SG-1" a tech called from the control room.

"You sure?" Jack yelled back.

"Yes, sir!"

"OK, kids, hold hands so you don't get lost," Jack quipped and took a hold of Sam's jacket collar before stepping through.

The normal spin-cycle ride felt like it was on hyper drive. Jack knew that it was going to be a rough landing. And he wasn't disappointed. He hit a set of crumbling stone steps, feet first, but lost his footing instantly. Rolling head over heels he slid down for what seemed to be an eternity. The last thing he saw was Sam crashing into him.

And the wormhole disengaging.

The MALP probe kept on rolling. Right through the gate and impacted with the floor below it. Daniel would have walked along behind it had Teal'C not snagged his jacket.

Technicians and soldiers swarmed the embarkation room. Daniel wished he could look down, through the now silent stargate and see Sam and Jack below on the Military issue flooring. Even crumpled or broken.

But of course he couldn't.

They weren't there.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Oh God did it hurt to cough. Jack took a breath and coughed again gently. Bruised ribs. Not broken. That much he could tell. And a few other sore spots. Not too bad, time to open his eyes. Light. Bright and blinding. Blue. He squinted and blinked until he could focus.

A large expanse of sky. Bright clear blue. A few stray clouds here and there. And above that green hills - wait, above that? Oh, right, upside down. He was on his back. More exactly on his backpack. With his head stretched back to rest on the ground, inverting his image.

Slowly he began to inventory the rest of him. A weight lay across his thighs, and his hand was clenched in some kind of material.

Sam!

He lifted his head cautiously. No other injuries screamed for attention so he sat up. Sam lay across him, also on her back. Her pack had her tilted away from him. His fingers ached as he unclenched them from her collar.

He flexed them then reached for her skin. Warm, good sign, and there, a strong pulse.

"Major?" he spoke. "You in there?"

Nothing.

"Daniel? Teal'C, you here? Could use some help!"

No answer. He released the catches of his pack then grasped the straps of hers. Trying to move her without moving her proved difficult in his current position, but he managed to lay her on the ground, still on her side. He released her pack and eased it off of her.

"Sam? Come on Sam. Wake up for me OK?" He patted her cheeks. Dumped some water to his palm and stroked it across her lips and forehead. "Sam? Sa-am," he sang. "Come on Sam-I-am."

"Hate that," she murmured.

"Really? Good to know. Wake up all the way for me, major, that is an order."

"Yes, sir," she blinked. "Where... ahhh," her face contoured in agony.

"WHAT? Where does it hurt?" Jack ran his hands down her legs then up from her thighs, she gasped as he reached her hips.

"B... back, right arm, shoulder," she gasped out as tears began.

"Lay still, absolutely still," he ordered. He gripped the radio at his shoulder, "O'Neill to SG1, SGC, can anyone read me?"

Keeping one hand on her abdomen, he twisted to look around. They were at the foot of a tall set of steps leading to the stargate. Tall, old looking

trees surrounded them on three sides, with a river flowing to their left and more trees beyond that. A couple of boulders, some of them large. A path wound out of the forest directly in front of him and something was reflecting sunlight not far in.

"Mountains," he realized. "We're in the mountains."

"There weren't any mountains in the probe," Sam replied, watching his face.

"We're not on PXJ..." he waved his hands.

"752," she finished automatically. "How can you be sure?"

"Well, the mountains for one, the steps, and of course, there's the lack of a DHD."

Sam's eyes closed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Daniel's eyes opened wide. "Play that back!"

The airmen didn't hesitate. The video was rewinding and playing again as Hammond began to repeat the order. They had sent a probe through to PXJ752, not really expecting to find anything. Now they were watching the video feed of the gate room.

"There, see that?" Daniel pointed excitedly.

Hammond didn't want to say no, but... "What is it Dr. Jackson?"

"The coordinates, here, watch..." he rewound the tape himself. "These are the glyphs for PXJ752. Now, here, after the gate fluctuated, look."

"Those aren't the same," the airman observed. "It's like the wormhole... forwarded to another place."

"I hate these phone call analogies," Hammond remarked. "Send a probe through to.."

"Sir, there could be several variations of these glyphs," the airman inserted, then blushed fiery.

"It's OK son, get started dialing them up, any of them that work, send a probe immediately," Hammond gripped the boy's shoulder. He turned and tripped over Teal'C who had been watching silently. "We'll find them."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Sam? This is going to hurt like hell," Jack warned. He had his hands braced to move her dislocated shoulder back into place. He waited for her nod, took a deep breath and moved. He focused on his task, ignoring the clench of her jaw. "Little more. COME ON DAMNIT!" He was sweating like mad as the joint finally slipped back into place. Sam was panting. Her other hand clenched in the dirt. Jack smoothed her hair back and tucked her arm to her chest. "It's over kiddo, all over." Jack kept his hand on her forehead as she struggled to calm down.

"Paybacks are hell," she quipped. "Always knew you'd find a way to pay for that splint," she broke off. She took several deep breaths.

"Damn straight," he retorted. "What else hurts again?"

She bit off a laugh, "Like I'd tell you now?"

"Sam," he warned.

"I wrenched my back, that's not too bad. And the wrist you were just yanking on feels sprained."

"OK, lie here," he ordered rising. "I'm going to take a look around, pray I just overlooked the DHD." He yanked open one of their packs and pulled out blanket to cover her. "Don't move."

She nodded.

Jack hefted his gun and set out to check the perimeter of the clearing. He was about to wade into the river, when the ground shuddered slightly. He turned to see the glyphs on the gate begin to glow. "Oh shit." He raced across to Sam who was struggling to sit up. He yanked both packs onto his shoulders and scooped her up.

"Sir, I can..." she protested.

"I've got you," he replied and jogged away from the gate. He went directly for a large boulder he had spotted on his patrol and ducked behind it. Sam sank gratefully to the ground and leaned against the stone as Jack peered over it.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Sir! I found one," Airman McCauley yelled.

"Good job, son!" Hammond praised. "Send the probe through!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack squinted as he leveled his weapon at the shimmering gate. "Cross your fingers."

The probe appeared through the event horizon, moved forward slightly, defying the gravity of the planet, then crashed down the steep steps with amazing speed and noise.

Jack looked down at Sam's upturned face and let out a breath. He touched her head, "Glad I moved you. Stay here."

The view sent back to the SGC was of dirt. Lots of it. Suddenly the camera was yanked to one side and the countenance of a grinning colonel came into view.

"Hi guys, miss us?"

A cheer echoed through the control room.

"Take that as a yes," he cracked.

"Planning on returning to us, colonel?" Hammond asked.

"Slight problem on that, sir."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"OK, colonel, that should do it," Janet spoke into the microphone. "How's that feel Sam?"

"Peachy," she retorted.

Jack stepped around her to admire his handiwork. Sam's right arm was now wrapped and in a sling. She had almost fainted taking off her outer shirt and jacket. Jack had simply held her firmly until the world stopped spinning.

"Not too tight?" Janet asked.

"No, it's OK," she replied, managing a smile.

"It's perfect," Jack retorted.

"Great sir, consider yourself an honorary nurse," Janet snorted.

"Cool! Can I give the next round of shots?"

"Sam, Jack, I've managed to translate some of what's on that rock," Daniel said.

"Don't you mean artifact, Danny?" Jack asked.

"Ah, no," he took off his glasses, "it's a large rock, Jack. And the writing is a warning."

"Of course it is," Jack sighed.

"What does it say?" Hammond asked.

"It's in Goa'uld, isn't it?" Sam asked. "I wasn't sure, but something in it..."

Daniel nodded, "Yeah. I wondered it anything was familiar to you. It seems that the planet is a dead end. No way out. The writing says not to come through... because there's no way back."

Sam murmured under her breath as she gazed at the large boulder. Jack had carried her back out and she'd spotted it. The writing was large but faded.

"What?" Jack asked.

Daniel smiled softly, "Loosely translated, 'This world was abandoned by the system lords.'"

Jack cocked his head, "God forsaken planet?"

"Pretty much."

"Oh for cryin' out loud," Jack whispered, rubbing her eyes.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Six hours had passed.

Every system except for communications had crashed on the probe. The SGC sent through another, and several different power sources, but each stopped working as soon as it passed through the event horizon.

Jack had wandered up the path beyond the boulder. Sam was trying unsuccessfully to MacGuyver a system to get the gate operational. About ten yards into the woods he found the cabin. It was the source of the reflection he'd seen. It looked very Earth-like in design. A lot like his father's old hunting cabin in the mountains. Built mostly out of the local trees, it was square with a porch wrapped around two side. One end piled high with split wood, the other, incongruously held a swing. He stepped up onto the porch and called out "Anyone home?"

"Sir?"

Jack squeezed the radio. "Found a cabin. Nobody around."

"Be careful sir."

"Always, major."

"The colonel found a dwelling," Sam reported. Hammond was turning the gate off only when absolutely necessary and reestablishing the wormhole as soon as possible after.

"What kind?"

"Goa'uld," Jack replied. "Carter, put this back on, it's getting cold." He helped her into her jacket. "General, it looks like a transport of some

kind crashed here. There is damage to the trees about a click up the mountain and a small gravesite. The cabin is made of logs. There's a skylight across the entire roof of some alloy I've never dealt with, probably what was left of their cockpit. All the comforts of home, but it's been abandoned for some time."

"Are you sure?" Hammond asked.

"Fairly," Jack replied. "There's a layer of dust over everything."

Hammond sighed. "Anything, Major?"

"No, sir," she sighed. "Everything electrical is dead. I can't get anything to produce any power much less what we'd need to manually dial out." She winced and moved slowly.

"General, I think we may have to face it. We are stranded on this God forsaken planet, at least for the time being. The sun is starting to set and it is getting colder. I think the major and I will pack it in for the night, take cover in the cabin and try again tomorrow."

"Sir, I can..."

"Sam, you are obviously in pain," Daniel remarked. "Jack what do you need?"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The pile in the gate room was growing. Hammond chuckled as Daniel stuffed an extra shirt into a duffel.

"Well, it may get very cold," he defended. "Sam can put this over hers."

They turned as Teal'C strode in carrying his staff weapon.

"Where are you going?"

"I wish to join the colonel," Teal'C stated.

Hammond sighed, "I'm sorry son, but that's not possible. We have to face the fact that the colonel and the major may be stranded on that world for a

very long time. We will try to contact the Tok'Ra to see if they have a ship."

"I have discerned this, I wish to join the colonel. The major is injured. We must send assistance."

"I'm sorry. The answer is no."

Daniel stepped forward as Teal'C stood taller. "Teal'C, we may need you here. If we can find a ship, we may need you to pilot it."

Teal'C considered this and nodded. "Are the supplies ready to be sent?"

"Just about," Hammond nodded. "We'll need your help."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"OK you have clothes, food, medical supplies including some potent pain killers for the major," Janet took a breath.

"Jeez ma, we're only going camping for the weekend," Jack teased.

Janet rolled her eyes and continued, "Bottled water, and... that's it."

"Good, I also want and extra handgun and more clips," O'Neill said. "Sam can fire the handgun easier with that shoulder."

"Got them," Daniel said laying them on the pile. "Now we're going to send this through on a pallet, you may want to move."

"Moving."

Jack had settled Sam in the cabin where she had set about cleaning. She had muttered something about a vacuum cleaner and maid service as he was leaving.

The wooden pallet slid down the steps gently. All of the supplies still firmly attached. He covered the probe and communicator with a tarp, took a hold of the straps on the pallet and dragged it across the clearing and up to the cabin. Puffing with the exertion and cold, he lifted the supplies to the porch and stowed the pallet against the wall.

"Honey, I'm home!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I'm in the kitchen, dear," Sam replied laughing.

"We have a kitchen? Sweet," Jack dropped the supplies onto a table.

"Yep. Kitchen, living room, bed, bath, and fireplace." Sam waved her arm. "All a little..."

"Goa'uld-ish?"

"Sort of," she nodded. "And I found that," she nodded to a book on the table.

Jack picked it up, "It's in..."

"Goa'uld, I know. It's a journal." She yawned, "But I think I can translate it. The language is familiar. Too familiar actually."

"Tomorrow," he replied tucking the book into a bag. "Now we eat and sleep. But first, let's look around our little home away from home."

"OK, kitchen. We have a table and four chairs or stools rather, sink, and pantry slash refrigerator." Sam opened a door to reveal a small room with shelves. The cool air reached him with a faintly rotten smell.

"Guess they forgot to empty the milk before they left," Jack grimaced.

"Yeah, there was a lot of deteriorated fruits and unidentifiables in there," Sam wrinkled her nose. "Nasty. But an effective use of the stream," she pointed out. Water flowed under the floor and pumped itself around the small enclosure. "Whoever built this was a master of engineering. There's a bathtub that fills and a way to warm it, and the toilet flushes, but I'm not sure where the... waste goes."

"You've been busy, I was gone less than a half hour," Jack admired. "You hungry?"

"Not really," Sam shook her head. She was cradling her arm.

"Hurting?"

"Yes," she was silent for a moment, "sir."

"What?"

"No, I meant, yes, sir."

"Sam," Jack moved to her and cupped her good shoulder. "We may be here a good while, just us. I think you can dispense with the 'sirs' OK?"

"Yes, sir," she nodded.

He shook his head. "OK," he clapped his hands, "Would madam prefer a bath before bed? May help ease your back." As she moved away, "No, I'll get it, you sit."

Sam sank onto one of the stools. She sighed then stood and began to unpack the supplies.

"Major Carter, what part of sit didn't you hear?"

"I'm just trying to..."

"Your bath is ready, go soak." He gave her a firm push and a smack to her backside with a towel for good measure. "Your bath stuff is in there and so is some arm thingy the Doc said could get wet. Give a yell if you need a hand."

"Thanks," she smiled.

"When you get out, you can eat something and then take the pain pills."

The bathtub and toilet were set up together behind a screen in the bedroom area. Both were made of some metallic alloy, probably from the spacecraft. Sam smiled as she took in the colonel's setup. He'd laid a sheet in the tub before filling it. The water was already very warm. He'd put her toiletry bag and towels on a small bench along with a sling that was indeed water-resistant. He had also pulled out some warm sweats for her to sleep in.

"Fast work," she whispered as she stripped and sank into the water. She let out an involuntary groan.

Jack chuckled, "Feel good?"

"Very."

Jack went back and forth from the kitchen to the living room setting up their things. Then he went out and wired the area to warn them of any intruders (or small flying rocks). All the while trying not to think of his major laying in a warm bath.

Back inside the cabin, it was getting dark. Sam had managed to dry off and partially dress herself. At least she was covered. Her shirt was beyond her ability so she yanked on a clean tank top and re-bandaged her arm.

"Need help?"

She started, "Holy Hannah you scared me!"

"Sorry. Perimeter's set. Need help?"

"Yes, sir," she nodded.

He held her shirt as she slid her injured arm in slowly, then wrapped it around and slid her other arm in. He buttoned the front up quickly and grabbed his pack and pulled out a zip up the front polar fleece shirt. "This maybe a little big, but it's warm."

"Thanks," she smiled.

They sat at the table and ate the field rations. Sam took a dose of painkillers as they moved to the living room and the fireplace.

"Should've asked for a deck of cards," Jack remarked as he added kindling to the fire.

"There's one in my pack," Sam said quietly.

"Tired?"

"Very."

He sat in the chair opposite her. "These look like the control chairs from that Tok'Ra ship."

"Probably same design," she sighed. "Wonder how long these people were stuck here."

"Maybe you'll find it in that journal... tomorrow."

"Mmm-hmmm."

Jack stared into the fire for a long moment then turned. The warm bath and painkillers had done their job, she was asleep. Jack smiled. She was beautiful in the firelight. Hell she was beautiful in any light. He rose quietly and lifted her into his arms. She folded into him trustingly, resting her head against his shoulder. He carried her into the bedroom.

There was no avoiding it. There was only one bed. And no other place to sleep. So Sam had set up their sleeping bags on the large bed side by side. Sure he could move his to the floor, but why be uncomfortable? They were both adults, and she HAD set the bed up. Despite the cold outside, the cabin was warm. And the skylight let in a lot of moonlight. Sam was right, the designers of this place were smart. He covered her with a blanket and tucked it around her. She stirred slightly at his touch. Her eyes opened drowsily and she focused with glazed eyes.

"Just me kiddo, go to sleep."

"You've started calling me that," she murmured.

"Mind?"

"No," she sighed and slipped off.

Jack smoothed her hair back and dropped a kiss onto her forehead. "Good night."

Jack walked through the cabin extinguishing the candles they'd lit as the sun set. He stoked the fire and pulled the mesh across to prevent sparks from escaping. He fingered the mesh for a moment wondering at it's place on a Goa'uld ship. Then he stripped in the darkness and slipped onto his sleeping bag. Interesting bed he noticed as he stretched out under a blanket. The bed was made of a soft mattress on sturdy beams suspended from the ceiling by strong rope, similar to military climbing rope. But, he soon learned, the beams were curved causing he and Sam to slide to the center. Oh well, he thought half asleep, warmer and Sam was facing away from him.

Jack awoke abruptly as was his norm. Blinking he focused on his surroundings. At some point in the night, he'd shifted to his side. Something he'd never done in all his years in the military. He always slept on his back, chin tucked to his chest. But here he was, curled on his side, spooned tightly around his second in command. One arm wound around her waist with a fist of her pants in a firm grip. The other gently cradled her injured arm to her chest. His cheek rested against her hair, with its scent just teasing his nose.

And then there was... Whoops.

"Ah, colonel?" she whispered hoarsely.

"Would you believe that sidearm excuse again?"

"Didn't believe it the first time," she replied.

"Oh."

Silence.

"It's still early," she whispered.

"Think you can go back to sleep?"

"Probably."

"Me too."

Silence.

"Want me to move?"

"No."

Silence.

Some time later the sun rose, casting it's warming rays through the skylight of the cabin roof. The interior began to lighten, showing the sleeping pair still spooned together peacefully.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Morning," his voice was raspy in her ear.

"Morning," she replied.

He'd shifted his hips back when he woke, separating that part of him from her softness. He hoped that she'd sleep until he moved away completely, but the change in her breathing told otherwise. He lifted a hand and stroked her hair back from her face.

"How you feeling?"

"A little stiff," she admitted.

He rolled away to sit on the edge of the bed. He stretched the kinks out of his back and stood to yank on his pants. Sam had shifted to her back to arch experimentally. Still a twinge, but not bad. She twisted until her legs were over the side and started to sit up.

"Take it slow," Jack ordered. He took her good hand in his and slid his arm around her back to lift her to her feet. "OK?" he asked before releasing her.

"Yes, sir," she nodded. "Back's fine, arm's sore, I'm OK. I had a few more ideas of what to try with the power sources."

"After breakfast," he replied.

They ate in silence. Then Sam went to the gate to try more ways to get it started. Jack went on a patrol of the area, staying within voice distance even though their radios were working. They broke for lunch midday, then went back to their chosen tasks. Dinner came at nightfall.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack came back in from setting the perimeter while Sam was bathing and got the shock of a lifetime -- just how thin the curtain was that separated the bath area from the main cabin. The candles she'd lit to see profiled her as she rose from the steaming water. She stood in the tub for a moment wiping the excess water from her skin before stepping out and wrapping in a towel. Oblivious to her audience she dried herself leisurely, then applied the lotion Janet had sent to her when the SGC contacted them with more supplies. Jack swallowed and gasped.

"Sir? That you."

"Yeah." He cleared his throat. He thought of a quip about who she was expecting, but couldn't make his mouth form more than one syllable.

"Everything OK?"

"Yeah."

Sam grimaced as she slid on her bra and tank before maneuvering the sling back onto her arm. Pants she could manage, but shirts were still too hard.

"I need you, sir," she said as she stepped out from the curtain. She froze at the sight of the colonel standing there. He was staring at her, but in the dim light, she couldn't make out his expression. "Sir?"

"Yeah." He came forward and helped her into her shirt, then slid his fleece one over it. "I need a bath."

"OK, water shouldn't take long to heat."

He stepped behind the curtain and she heard him twist the water on, then extinguish the coals beneath.

"Sir?"

"I need it cold. Damn - freezing ass cold."

Her forehead knotted in confusion, then she saw him. Perfectly outlined against the curtain back lit by the candles. Her hand flew to her mouth as she realized what he'd seen. What he'd WATCHED. A shudder went through her that had nothing to do with temperature.

They spent the night huddled on opposite sides of the bed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Five days.

Twenty-seven hours a day - thirteen hours of light and fourteen hours of dark. And both of them were down to monosyllabic conversation. When they spoke at all.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack was sitting on a ridge overlooking the cabin and the gate clearing. He told himself he was keeping watch, but all he was doing was watching Sam. She was getting frustrated. Nothing the SGC could send through worked. The only energy source that worked was the battery pack for the radio. But it was too weak to power the gate. Even combining several didn't work. Jack stood as he came to a decision.

He walked through the cabin. Taking note almost absently on the position of the sun on the floor. In one true conversation they'd had in the past few days, Sam remarked that the planet - GFP as he'd dubbed it - must not be tilted on its axis. The sun followed the same path across the skylight every day and the moon every night. He sorted through their supplies making a list as he went.

Sam ran a hand across her neck, "Maybe we can try..."

"Major," Jack said as he approached. "Daniel, where's the general?"

"Here, son," the general stepped into view on the small video screen.

"Time to face facts boys and girls, Sam and I are stranded here for the time being," Jack said firmly. "I know if she hasn't thought of a way in five days, it don't exist."

"But..." Daniel protested

Hammond nodded somberly, "We are out of resources." He held up a hand at the rumbling that began. "We are straining ourselves to keep the gate open. And there is nothing we haven't tried. It's time to start exploring other options."

"Maybe the Tok'Ra have something. Or the Nox, they opened our gate that time," Jack said.

"That's right, I never thought of that!" Daniel sat up straighter.

Jack nodded, "Look. You guys get us stocked up with food and clothes, stuff like that. And real food please. Rations are OK in the field when you can't focus on the taste but we have a cooling system and a wood stove to cook in. I've made a list of what we could use." He looked up to catch the shocked expressions of everyone. "What? You've all been working on solving the problem for five days. I've been working on worst case scenario."

"Give us the list, colonel," Hammond said.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Daniel let himself into Sam's apartment. "OK Teal'C, we need sturdy, comfortable clothes, some of her - ah - personal things." He sat a large duffel bag in the living room. "And we should clean out her fridge and... Teal'C? You OK?"

"General Hammond will not allow me to join O'Neill and Major Carter."

"No," Daniel sighed. "But he is right. We may need you to pilot a ship. And Hammond doesn't want to lose any more of us. Sam and Jack will be OK. We will find a way to get them home."

Teal'C scowled, "I will gather the major's clothing."

"Hey Teal'C just think, this could turn out to be the most practical joke of all!"

Teal'C's head tilted to one side as he considered this. "Perhaps." He opened a drawer and encountered a multitude of soft pastel items. "Daniel Jackson what is this?"

"What... Well hello Samantha!" Daniel grinned. "That Teal'C is a negligee. A nightgown. A very sexy one at that. Who'd a thunk it?" He reached out to finger the white satin. It was actually tamer than some he'd seen. Just plain, with a few pearls at the top and thin straps. Feminine without being frilly, just like Sam. He blinked to clear his mind and realized Teal'C was gathering the items together.

"I am packing them," Teal'C answered the unspoken question.

Daniel shrugged, "Why not. It's not like they can kill us or anything. May as well give a little shove."

"Or a large one," Teal'C muttered.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Daniel was checking over the bags in the car outside of Jack's house. He shoved a fistful of items into the pocket of Jack's bag. Teal'C appeared over his shoulder. "What are those?"

Daniel took a breath, "Condoms. They prevent pregnancy." He walked away.

Teal'C scowled and retrieved them. "Why would one wish to prevent a child?" He walked away picturing a boy with the major's smile, the colonel's eyes. One he would teach to fight the Goa'uld.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"OK, looks like everything," Jack nodded. "Don't forget to feed Taz. Oh and water Sam's plants, and... talk to them a bit, OK?"

"Sure Jack," Daniel nodded. "One scoop of dog food every evening, water the plants every other day, and talk, will do."

"Danny," Jack started, then broke off.

"I know Jack. We'll get you home. Real soon. Take care of Sam," Daniel smiled encouragingly.

"Why don't you move into my place?" Jack asked. "Keep Taz company."

"I'll think about it," Daniel nodded. "Tell Sam hey."

"OK colonel, we're just about out of time," Hammond stepped in. "We'll open the gate in a week, our time. We'll have supplies ready. Take care!"

Sam had reached the clearing as the gate shut down. She walked up and stood next to Jack and they both stared into the empty circle. Both of them realizing the extent of their separation. Jack reached out and touched her shoulder. She shuddered.

He pulled her to him. "Hey, it's OK. I'm here. I've got you."

She leaned into him. "You can't know how comforting that is."

"Of course I can," he tapped her under the chin so that she looked up. He stroked a finger down her cheek.

Awareness as sharp as lightning convulsed through them both. They stepped back instinctively.

"We should get this stuff in before dark," Jack said.

He made Sam go ahead and he dragged the pallets up to the cabin. She insisted on helping him carry the bundles in. He agreed until the food was moved then ordered her to stow it in the kitchen. He put their clothes and things in the bedroom and bath. Someone had sent sheets he noted. They had also sent a CD player and a large supply of batteries. Daniel had packed up every CD he and Sam owned he noticed with a chuckle. And some he'd wager were from Daniel's stash. He hooked it up and put in an instrumental. Sam turned from the kitchen with a smile.

"Hungry?"

He bit his tongue against the response that leapt up. "Yeah. Fix something simple, I should go set the perimeter." He stepped out into the cool evening air. "I have a feeling I am going to be doing this a lot."

They ate the stew she'd heated in silence. They rose afterward and cleaned up.

"I'm going to bathe," Sam said, breaking the hush.

"Oh boy," he whispered. "I'll go..."

"Walk the perimeter," she finished with him. She turned and walked to the bathtub and yanked the curtain closed.

He was ten meters from the cabin when he realized two things, one it was stupid to keep doing this, he could easily sit facing the fire while she bathed, two it was really cold out here without a jacket. He walked back to the cabin and in.

Sam. Nude. Holding a... Wow. Nightgown. Sam. Nude.

His brain processed the image in small, manageable bits.

His breathing quickened as she stood tall and proud in profile, her head turned staring at him.

He moved quickly. Across the room to grab her to him. Mouths met fierce and passionate. The awareness that had sparked before now erupted, flowing through them like fire through a dry forest.

Sam twisted her hand in his hair as he pressed her injured arm between them. She yanked her mouth free to gasp for much needed air. Jack's lips kissed and suckled across her chin to her ear.

"Tell me no," he growled. "Tell me to stop!"

"Oh there's not a chance in hell," she responded.

Somehow they moved the last few feet to the bed. It rocked in its support as he dropped them to it, not separating an inch.

"Wait. Slow..." she managed.

"Can't," he snarled. He kissed her deeply, pressed a knee between hers, forcing them open. A finger parted her, found her core, wet and ready. Then him. There. Pushing, thrusting, insisting. Her head arched away from him as he found his rhythm taking her closer and closer. Suddenly a shudder rocked him.

"Shit. Sorry," he swore as his body betrayed him. The tempo altered, then lost any semblance of pattern. He was thrusting wildly to his own release, losing her. He came groaning, panting into her neck. He rolled to the side bonelessly and tried to slow his erratic heartbeat.

The air was filled with the sound of his harsh breathing and the absurd soft music of a CD she'd put in.

"God, Sam, I'm so..."

With a muffled cry, she rolled from the bed taking a sheet with her. "Sam!"

"I need to take my bath, sir."

"GOD DAMNIT MAJOR!" He leapt to his feet and stumbled. He hadn't even took off his pants. They were twisted around his knees. He kicked free of them and his shirt as he followed her.

She froze in place. He sighed and calmed himself before reaching her. "Sam. Look at me."

She shivered eyes still on the floor. "I need to take my bath."

He sighed again then went passed her. The tub was full and warm to the touch. He took the sheet from her and lifted her into the water. He let her sit facing away from him then sank onto the small bench that ran along the wall behind the tub. He took the washcloth and began to gently wash her back. She cringed and pulled forward when he pressed her shoulder.

"Hurt?"

She nodded jerkily. He flinched.

"God, Sam I am so sorry."

Her hand flew up to muffle a sob.

"NO!" He jumped up and stooped in front of her. He pulled her hand down and forced her chin up. The sight of her face, blushing and tear streaked cut him to the quick. "Sam, don't baby, please. Don't cry." He wiped the tears gently. "Sam I have waited for that for so long and I couldn't even... please you."

She cowered from him.

"Samantha Carter, look at me."

She lifted her head.

"Do not be embarrassed. And don't EVER cringe from me. Makes me feel like a monster. Or a pervert. I wanted you. More than I have ever wanted anyone. I still do, but at my age..." he let out a breath. "But if you didn't want it. If I forced..."

"Of course I did. I said I did."

"But I didn't give you much chance to think."

She smiled, "Thinking is highly over rated as a way to pass the time."

He grinned, "There's my girl. Next time we'll go slower."

"Promise?"

"To go slower? Sure," he nodded.

"No. That there'll be a next time."

"Oh yeah." He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. "I am a dirty old man after all."

She giggled and reached for him, then gasped.

"Back or shoulder?" he winced.

"Both."

He pulled her into his arms and caressed her hair. "Sit still a minute."

He returned and gave her a painkiller and a glass of juice. He held the glass as she drank it down, then sat it aside and proceeded to wash her gently enough to bring tears to her eyes again. He smiled at them and kissed them away. His touch was soothing as he dried and dressed her. She was dozing before he even carried her to the living room. He left her in a chair and made up the bed, rolling the sleeping bags in a corner.

She roused slightly as he laid her on the bed. Then again as he slid in with her. She snuggled into his arms, her head to his chest, soothed by the sound of his heart.

Jack lay awake for a long time into the night. Cursing himself. How in the hell could he hurt her like that? He should have walked back out the door. He should have waited until he could control himself. Should have, would have, no way in hell could have. He kissed her forehead.

"I love you."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

He awoke alone in the bed. He sat up and rubbed a hand through his hair. The scent of coffee filled the small cabin. He rose and rifled through his duffel for a pair of jeans. He crossed the bedroom naked and went into the bathroom. A few minutes later, cleaned and dressed, he went to the kitchen. Sam sat at the table with her back to him. She too was dressed casually in jeans and a shirt. A cup of coffee, legal pad, pencil, and Daniel's version of a Goa'uld to English dictionary were all placed strategically on the table within reach of her left hand. The journal she'd found was spread open in front of her.

"Morning," she said.

"Morning," he replied, "Wasn't sure you'd heard me." Impulsively he leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"Four hundred square feet of floor space, little chance of that. Coffee's done." She didn't react to the kiss.

"Good," he said and stepped back. He poured some into a mug. Daniel's mug, he realized glancing at the side. "Archeologists like it dirty," he read aloud.

Sam smiled, "I'm not sure why he sent us his mugs." She lifted hers with a map of ancient Egypt.

Jack shrugged and took a hesitant sip. Sam's coffee was a gamble. Nine times out of ten it was delicious. Some of the best he'd ever drank. But that one time, if she was distracted or upset while making it, look out. You got coffee strong enough to pour itself into a mug. Good. She must have started on the journal after brewing.

"Any luck?"

"A lot, actually," she replied. "Except for writing left handed. I could really use my laptop, but I don't know how we could recharge the battery."

"What you got so far?" He settled onto a stool across from her.

"Well there were twelve of them who set out in a ship designed to carry four." Sam kept her eyes on the book. "They were trying to escape Ra. They had come to the realization that he was not the god he claimed to be. Four Goa'uld, six Jaffa, and two slaves. They were running low on fuel when they reached this planet. Then something in the system crashed all of their systems. She says..."

"She?"

"Oh, sorry, sir," Sam flipped back a few pages. "Ashta was a slave for... Per'en. She was a nanny for his child. Per'en led the escape with his mate Sil'ok, who did not survive the crash. Only Ashta, Per'en, and two of the Jaffa, Jon'L and Zin'th, lived through the crash. She says that Per'en was devastated. He blamed himself for their deaths. He went a bit psychotic afterward. Jon'L had to restrain him from jumping off a cliff then from hurting her. She was terrified. Stranded on a world with three men. She writes here that Jon'L swore to protect her. She talks about a ceremonial gesture, I think like a blood brother pact." Sam stopped and took a breath. "That's all I have so far."

They were both silent for a long moment.

"Where did the survivors go?" Jack said softly.

Sam bit her lip, "They didn't sir. They died here. I checked that first. Jon'L killed Zin'th a few weeks after they crashed. Zin'th was talking about murdering Per'en and sending a message to Ra. They fought and... That actually brought Per'en out of his grief. The others lived for about twenty-five years here. They built this cabin from the wreckage. Zin'th designed the fridge and bathroom."

"Cool. Well, no ship rescue, huh?"

"I don't know sir. I would think this was years and years ago. Several hundred in fact. The journal is very low tech obviously so the system disruption may be something they've overcome. The Tok'Ra or maybe the Tollans..."

"Or the Asgaard?"

Sam nodded, "Or it may be the same thing that's interfering with our power sources."

"OK," he slapped the table and stood. "So we won't even consider that for now. You made coffee, very well by the way, so I will fix breakfast. Why don't you put that away for now?"

She nodded rising. She gathered the things together and started away.

"Hey, wait a second, I forgot something," he said reaching for her.

"Wha..." she began as his head descended. Their mouths met gently, cautiously but deeply.

"Good morning," he whispered.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

They ate quietly then cleaned up.

"I'd like to go outside. Do some exploring. I haven't had a chance yet, sir."

"Sounds like a plan!"

They headed out about mid morning and made their way down one side of the mountain. Jack led the way, turning now and then to help Sam along. Her right arm was securely strapped to her chest and made her balance off just slightly. They returned to the cabin just after noon (rt as Sam put it - relative time) and had lunch.

As they cleaned up from lunch Jack had another one of his brilliant ideas. He led Sam out to the river and sat her down under a tree. "Sit here, and relax," he ordered handing her a bottle of water, a box of cookies, and a romance novel he'd found in her pack. "Do NOT, under any circumstances, come into the cabin until I come for you."

"But..."

"That's an order, major," he said then stooped to kiss her temple. "I have a surprise to work out."

So Sam settled in. She didn't often get a chance to just sit and read. She'd carried this book with her for four months. She read and snacked. After awhile she stretched out and watched the river flow. The soothing flow quickly sent her into a deep and easy slumber. Jack must have come out, because she awoke with a blanket tucked around her. She smiled and sat up. He stood a few hundred feet away tossing rocks into the water.

"Building a bridge the hard way?"

He turned and grinned, "Yep." He bounded to her side and dropped to sit on the edge of the blanket. He smiled broadly. "I got bored waiting for you to wake up." He reached out and smoothed her hair back. "Though it was fun to watch you sleep." He looked up then tossed a grin out the side. "Ready for your surprise?"

"Sure."

He lifted her to her feet and gathered her things together. "Let's go."

He opened the door to the cabin and let her proceed him. She stopped just inside the door. The entire cabin was visible from the doorway with the exception of what little hid behind the bathroom screen. Every available surface had a candle. The living room floor held a multitude of pillows and blankets on the bed's mattress laying just in front of the fire. The kitchen table held two tall tapers lighting a feast. Steak and potatoes, she smiled.

"What is all this?" she asked.

"I'm... trying to seduce you," he said, blushing.

"Jeez Jack you could have met me at the door with a peanut butter sandwich and you'd have gotten the same results!" she laughed

He grasped her good arm and yanked her against him, "Say that again."

"What?"

"I've never heard you say it before! Say it!"

Realization dawned and she gave a slow sultry smile. She stretched up and nipped him on the chin, then in a deep seductive voice, "Peanut butter," and dissolved into giggles.

"OH YOU!" he grabbed her waist and tickled a sensitive spot.

She shrieked and squirmed as he dropped them gently to the nest on the floor and continued tickling unmercifully. He stopped only when she stopped laughing from lack of oxygen. She looked up at him, holding himself above her. They stared deep into each other's eyes for a long moment.

"Oh Jack," she murmured. He started forward then yanked himself back.

"No," he said rising. "I want this right. Dinner, a little dancing," he pulled her to her feet, "a long leisurely bath for you, then..."

"The good stuff," she finished.

"Yeah, the good stuff," he leaned for a quick kiss, but she grasped his shirt with her injured hand, the back of his neck with the other and let him have it. Full of promises yet to be kept, passions yet to be tapped. When she released him, he blinked at her with a testosterone-induced glaze, not unlike an expression she'd once seen on Daniel's face when they'd first met.

"I'm hungry," she said walking towards the table.

"Another kiss like that and you'll eat tomorrow," Jack said, his voice husky. He smacked her backside as he passed.

"Sorry, couldn't resist," she admitted. "I've always wanted to do that."

"Yeah, well, promise me that you won't do it again just before I have to talk to Daniel or Hammond," he chuckled at the thought.

They sat at dinner, a delicious meal of steak, potatoes, vegetables, and rolls. Considering that everything that came through the gate ended up frozen on entry, it all tasted wonderful. They chatted about inconsequential things like sports, Skarra's release, and the trade market between Goa'uld worlds. Not the typical date conversation but it worked.

Sam scraped the dishes into the trash and left them to soak in the sink. She was about finished when the music started in the living room. A CD player and an endless supply of batteries made this place seem less foreign to both of them. She stood for a moment watching him flip through their supply. The sun had set and he had lit all of the candles. The soft light made him look younger and no so battered-by-the-world. She smiled.

"We should be dressed up," she whispered tugging at the denim shirt now wrinkled from her nap.

He turned, "You're beautiful. You are always beautiful. Dressed in fatigues or a Shavadai gown, it doesn't matter. Though blue is definitely your color."

She smiled at the memory, "That was the chieftain's wife's wedding dowry. She wouldn't take it back, even when we left."

"You still HAVE it?" he clutched his chest, she nodded. "Oh Sam, so many fantasies evolved from that dress." He fanned himself with the CDs in his hands. "Think anyone would be suspicious if we asked for it?"

"Is that what this is? A living of fantasies?" she sobered.

Jack put the CDs down and crossed to her quickly and taking her by the arms. "Sam this is no fantasy. But yes, I have... imagined this for a long time."

"How long?"

"Since the day we met. Sam I..."

"No, it's just I want to be sure we're on equal footing," she grasped his forearms, "and I have quite a few fantasies of my own, Jack."

He lowered his head and captured her mouth. A few moments of kissing led to the mattress on the floor. "So much for dancing and the bath," she chuckled as he moved to her neck.

Jack pulled upright and rolled to his back, "I still want to do this right."

"Later," she argued following him.

"Sam, at my age there is no later."

"Oh. I keep forgetting I'm seducing a dirty old man," she ran a finger down his chest to his waistband. He caught her hand before it could slip inside.

"Samantha! The bath is full and warm. And I want you in that nightgown tonight, it's not blue but it's gorgeous."

She smiled and rolled away from him to stand. "You have to wonder who packed it though."

Jack rose, "My money's on Danny."

He made her stand in the bedroom while he checked the water. He came back to her clad only in his jeans and proceeded to strip her slowly. Every inch that he uncovered was stroked and tasted until she stood naked and humming before him. He slid her arm into the sling despite her protests then lifted her to the tub. She sank into the warm water only to have him shift her forward so he could wash her. Every cell of her skin felt electrified by his touch. He bathed her gently, studying every nuance of her body. Finding that mole that had kept him up nights, it rested on the up slope of her right breast. He found other marks and scars on her soldier's body. Every mark was caressed and memorized. Every scar was kissed and filed for later inquiry. When she grew restless in the tub, he kissed her soundly then worked his mouth to her oh-so-tempting breasts. His lips teased and suckled as his hand slid down her flat abdomen to stroke and thrust. He swallowed her soft cry as she rode through what he hoped was the first of many orgasms for the night. Then he continued washing, lifting her weak kneed form to stand and allow him access to her legs and feet. She couldn't believe he actually knelt in front of her and washed her feet. "Jack," she murmured, not willing to break the silence that had descended. He looked up at her, his eyes wide, pupils dilated. He rose and stood gazing deep. Passionate brown penetrated wizened blue with soul-searching intensity. She shivered at the profoundness of his gaze.

He wrapped her in a large towel and lifted her from the water. He sat her on the edge of the bench and proceeded to dry her.

"A girl could get used to this," she whispered.

"That's what I'm hoping for," he replied. He slipped her arm free of the water sling and held the nightgown for her. The soft satin slithered over her skin like a caress. She stood then for him to see.

"You are breathtaking. So beautiful it almost hurts," his voice was like a moan.

She smiled. "You do go on colonel. Trying to turn a girl's head?"

He shook his head, words beyond him. He reached out and took her hand and just sat for a long moment as the CDs changed in the player.

"I can feel the magic floating in the air,

Being with you gets me that way

I watch the sunlight dance across your face and I, oh I've

Never been this swept away."

"Dance with me," she whispered tugging on his hand. He pulled her close and started a slow dance across the floor towards the fireplace and it's bed.

"All my thoughts just seem to settle on the breeze

When I'm lying wrapped up in your arms

The whole world just fades away, the only thing I hear

Is the beating of your heart."

"Breathe for me Sam," he urged as he took her over the edge again, lying in his arms. She stretched up and wrapped herself around him.

"Come into me," she begged. "I need to feel you in me."

He rose over her and slid home.

"And I can feel you breathe, it's washing over me

Suddenly I'm melting into you

There's nothing left to prove, baby all we need is just to be

Caught up in the touch, the slow and steady rush

And baby isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe"

Jack rolled onto his back and let Sam set the pace. He clutched her hips as she rose and fell on him, taking him deeper and deeper into herself. He tried to hold himself in check.

"In a way I know my heart is waking up

As all the walls come tumbling down

Closer than I've ever felt before and I know and you know

There's no need for words right now."

He brought her to the brink then with a final furious thrust sent her careening over. The grip of her drawing him right along behind. She collapsed over him panting heavily. Each breath drawn felt like it was both his and hers. Every heartbeat was indistinguishable from the next. He clasped his hands around the small of her back.

"And I can feel you breathe, it's watching over me

Suddenly I'm melting into you

There's nothing left to prove, baby all we need is just to be

Caught up in the touch, the slow and steady rush

And baby isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe"

Jack shifted so that Sam slid off and to his side without having to let go. He reached above them and grabbed a canteen of cool water. He gave her the first swallow, ignoring the bit that splashed to his chest.

"You planned everything perfectly," she smiled. "I love this song."

"The player has a repeat function."

"I figured," she twisted the graying hairs of his chest. "It's been playing for over an hour."

"Thought this song worked. I wanted it special for you. So we can pretend this was our first time together."

"Jack I wouldn't trade anything we've been through together," she replied adamantly. "Nothing."

He lowered his head to hers and touched their foreheads together.

"I can feel the magic floating in the air,

Being with you gets me that way" *1*

"I love you."

"I love you too."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

She was laying on the floor, nose to nose with him. She pouted and gazed into his deep brown eyes. "Please? For me."

He moaned and closed his eyes.

"Come on. You know you'll like it," she pleaded.

He groaned again and lifted his head to lick her face.

"Yuck," Cassy wiped at her face.

"Well what did you expect?" Janet reprimanded.

"He still won't eat?" Daniel asked stooping before the shepherd.

"Nope," Janet replied. "And we have tried everything including steak. No luck." She sighed. "I am out of ideas."

"I know you miss Colonel Jack," Cassy soothed. "We all do."

"Daniel? I think I have one last idea," Janet called.

Cassy stood and gave Taz a quick rub on his ear. Named for the Tasmanian Devil he'd reminded Jack of in his puppy-hood, he'd grown into a calm and even-tempered dog that was very attached to Jack.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack awoke sore but very happy. He lay on his back on the nest they'd created the night before. The blankets were now tangled around them. Sam was cuddled to his chest, still sound asleep. He shifted her onto her back slowly. It was then that he realized they hadn't put her arm back into the sling. He winced as he tucked it to her chest. He gazed down to her radiance, thankful again to be in her presence. He stroked her cheek, smiling as she frowned, then smoothing the lines away. He shifted back and glanced at the CD player. The batteries had died some time before dawn. So had his. He had managed to go again, slow and easy, in the middle of the night. He'd risen to extinguish the candles not in lanterns and returned to find her propped up and waiting.

He'd settled back in to wait for her to awake when he heard the unmistakable sound of the gate opening. He rose and grabbed for his pants and M16. The gate's familiar whoosh stabilization was followed by the sound of a pallet sliding to the base of the steps.

"Special delivery," he commented to Sam's sleeping form.

"Go on, go find Jack," Daniel's voice sounded through the radio.

Jack stepped out of the cabin and was five steps down the path when he was tackled by a hundred pounds of drooling, wriggling fur. "TAZ!" he laughed and wrestled with the shepherd for a moment. "Taz go find Sam. Go on." He took the radio from the dog's collar and gave him a shove. He was down to the clearing when he heard Sam's shriek.

"Yo, Danny!"

"Hey Jack, catch you at a bad time?"

Jack glanced down at his attire, or lack there of rather. "Danny, it's like five minutes after sunrise!"

The general moved into view, "Well then, we are sorry to wake you. Doctor Fraiser was worried about the dog."

"He hasn't eaten since you left," Daniel added. "Even for Cassy. So Janet figured he'd be better off with you two. Keep watch, keep guard, whatever."

"Glad you sent him. Also glad you called. Samantha found a journal and has been able to translate part of it. Evidently there was a group running from Ra. They made it here, then crashed. There's some kind of interference in the system. It's probably what's draining the power. It may not be a good idea to send a ship into the system."

Hammond sighed, "We know son. The Asgaard contacted us yesterday."

"Why?"

"I don't know. They were looking for you. I think it may have had to do with Skarra's release. But when we told them the situation, they said that they knew the system and they would be able to send a ship," Hammond reported.

"Cool!"

"In about six months."

"Oh for crying out loud. Well it's better than nothing," Jack said.Hammond and Daniel exchanged glances.

"Well, we sent more food, and dog food and his bed," Daniel listed. "Anything else?"

"Nope, sounds good!" Jack smiled.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"OK anyone else think that was a little too easy?" Hammond asked the control room in general after the gate closed.

"And when did he start calling her SAMANTHA?"

All eyes flew to the quiet young lieutenant with the major crush on the major.

Daniel was silent as he descended the steps. He reached the hallway and began a crazy little dance. He bounced and jigged, chortling madly. Janet was approaching and she stared at him worriedly.

"Daniel?"

"HE CALLED HER SAMANTHA!!!!!" Daniel grabbed the petite doctor and planted a kiss square on her mouth then raced down the hallway.

"Wait! Who called what? DANIEL!"

"TEAL'C!" Daniel's voice reached her.

"He called her... oh my GOD!" Janet's mouth dropped open. "Way to go Samantha!" She followed the errant archeologist down the hall wanting to hear more.

"And he looked like he yanked his jeans on over nothing!" Daniel was reporting excitedly.

"And he called her Samantha?" Janet asked.

"He referred to her as Samantha," Daniel nodded.

"Well," Janet grinned. "This may actually call for a celebration!"

Teal'C's chest puffed out, "The result of a joke most practical."

"Hold on, this was a joke? Stranding them on a deserted planet?" Janet's voice went shrill.

"No. Sending only negligees in the major's pack."

"Teal'C you are truly a dog," Janet snorted. "Just like every other male in this place."

Teal'C's head furrowed. "The only dog on the mountain was Colonel O'Neill's shepherd. I thought he was sent through the gate."

"I'll explain it to you when you're older," Janet groaned.

"I am ninety two by your marking of years," Teal'C replied.

"Fine. I'll tell you when I'm older."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack returned to the cabin and fixed a bowl of food on the porch. He stepped through the still open door and rattled the bag. "Come on Taz!" Taz's eyes twitched, but his chin never lifted from Sam's belly. "Aren't you hungry boy?" Taz sighed and seemed to snuggle into Sam's soft skin. "Hey there!" Jack called softly. "Don't get too comfortable, she's mine."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

10 days later

Jack awoke before sunrise. He was laying on his back in the middle of the bed with Sam curled on her side against him and Taz sprawled across the foot of the bed. He reached up and brushed Sam's hair back.

Last night. Last night bothered him.

Last night had been the first night they hadn't made love before succumbing to sleep. Sam had climbed into bed before him and started reading. Once he'd set the perimeter and joined her, she'd pulled away from him. Not sure what he'd done, he settled in. She'd gone to sleep almost immediately and cuddled to him as usual, but still...

Sam stirred. Taz's head came up and he yawned before jumping down to stretch. Sam lifted her head from Jack's chest.

"Morning," she whispered then winced slightly as she moved.

Jack sat up and tossed back the blankets. The burgundy stains on the pale sheets were like a beacon and Jack mentally slapped himself on the head. Sam cringed as she saw them and looked down to where the stains originated.

Her face went a fiery red and she leapt from the bed. "Oh, God, sir. I am so sorry. I..."

"Sam, Sam!" Jack crawled across the bed to her. "It's OK."

Sam flinched when she saw the extent of the damage. It was on her of course, but also all over his leg. Her lip started to quiver, so she bit it firmly.

"I didn't know... I am so sorry, sir!"

"SAMANTHA!" Jack grasped her by her arms and physically shook her. He took a deep breath and released her still tender shoulder. "Sam, I was married for fifteen years. Sarah had her period every twenty-eight days, with one nine-month exception. This HAS happened to me before. It is NOT the end of this or any other world. It and I will clean up." That said, he pulled her into an embrace and began instinctively to rub her lower back.

"I have never been so humiliated in my life," she cried into his neck.

"Oh come on," Jack retorted. "There was that wonderful drink they gave you on P3..."

"Worse then that. This may even be worse then my behavior when we first met." Sam pulled back and wiped her face.

Jack stroked off the tears and stepped away to start the water in the tub, "I bet you anything, you don't remember the very first time we met."

"Jack! Of course I do. It was in the briefing room of the SGC. And I made a total idiot of myself. I was talking for five minutes before my brain kicked in." She shrugged and stripped the bed. "I was exhausted. I'd had about two hours warning before I had to be on a plane out of DC. And I was so excited.... Why are you shaking your head?"

He drew her to the bathroom and stripped off her nightgown. "That was not the first time we met. The first time we met, you cried, and I held you. I even kissed you a hundred and some odd times."

She stood frozen, face wrinkled in confusion. So he lifted her up and placed her into the warm bath water.

"You soak. I'll take the sheets out to the river and wash up." He kissed her hair. "And think about it."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

He had never been so happy to have been married. The first time this had happened, he was completely repulsed. And of course, Sarah knew it, and in the mood state she was in had swerved from hysterical crying and embarrassment to rage at his insensitivity. So now, even though it wasn't pleasant, he knew it was a part of life. Thankfully not a part he had to fully deal with. He waded into the river edge and let the flowing water wash him clean. Then he scrubbed the sheets against the sand until the stains were gone. Through it, he thought back to his and Sam's first meeting. It would give Sam something to dwell on. He seriously doubted she could remember. Hell, he hadn't until Kowalsky reminded him. Then the image was forever in his mind.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack spread the sheets over the clothesline they'd rigged and went in. Sam was just coming out of the bath so he helped her dress. He fetched her bag with the needed supplies that Janet (Thank God) had sent the first week. Then he wrapped her up in a blanket, made the bed with fresh sheets, and settled her in. He built up the fire and made her a cup of tea.

"OK, it's driving me crazy!" she said as he started fixing breakfast. "When do you think we met?"

"That's classified."

"JA-ACK!" she yelled. "Need I remind you of the possibility of severe mood swings here?"

"Keep thinking about it," he said. "And I'll find you some chocolate."

"Not in the eggs please," she grimaced coming up behind him.

He chuckled, "When Sarah was carrying Charlie, she asked for hot chocolate mixed in the pancake patter."

"So?"

"SO? That's nasty!" he retorted.

She shrugged, "Could've been worse." She turned and set the table. "Now that I think about it, this could've been too."

"Whatta you mean?"

She turned, "We haven't exactly been careful. Usually I'm on the pill. Have been for a long time to regulate... things. But Janet took me off a few months ago to see if that was what was causing the migraines."

"You were getting migraines?"

"Once in awhile," she waved her hand. "They have stopped since I stopped the pill. But I guess I should ask her to send me some. I can blame it on not having had a period in a few months."

"You haven't?"

"Nope. Not since.... Gosh I can't remember which planet we were on. I got it in the middle of the night. Felt it start that time though."

"I remember that. Daniel sat with you rubbing your back all night," Jack recalled. "I was ready to rip him from you and he told me what was going on."

"Glad to know you all are comfortable discussing my body."

"Sam we have spent many a night discussing the wonder of you. Teal'C thinks you are worth dying for which on Chulak is pretty damn hot."

"And you?" she asked.

"I think you are worth living for."

They stood staring at each other until the eggs started to smoke.

Sam braced herself on the back of the closest chair. When she started to speak, her voice was deep. "I'll ask Janet about the pills when they call in."

"Why bother? Especially if they give you a headache," he replied dishing up the slightly browned breakfast.

"Jack we're not sure if we'll really be out of here in six months. A baby...."

Jack sighed heavily, "Sam... I can't get you pregnant. I can't have children."

"what?"

He shoved the plate back. "Sarah had a really rough time having Charlie. I didn't want to go through that again and neither did she. I had a vasectomy when Charlie was a toddler. No more babies."

Sam forked through the food. "oh"

They sat in silence.

"Sam, do you want kids?"

"I've never really considered..." she lied.

"You can't lie worth shit, Sam. Tell me the truth. Do you want to have children?"

She nodded, not meeting his eyes.

"OK, well that settles it," he replied shoveling a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

"Settles what?" she was almost afraid to ask.

"We have to get back. Can't reverse a vasectomy here."

She looked up, trying to hide the tears, "Do you mean that?"

"Mean that I want to have babies with you? Damn straight I do. Long as you don't mind having a dumb old fart as the father of your kids."

She chuckled, "I would be honored to have your baby, Colonel."

"BA-BIES," he stressed. "Figure enough for a hockey team at least."

"Let's see how the first few go, OK?"

"Pessimist," he sneered.

"What are the odds anyway? It's been... a few years," she asked.

"So you can have a few with Daniel. Can you imagine how smart they'd be?"

Sam snorted her juice, "You want me to have sex with DANIEL?"

"I didn't say anything about sex, Samantha. I said babies. From what I hear it only takes a turkey baster."

"Oh that is sick," she laughed.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

A few days later, Jack pulled her up to the small niche in the cliff overlooking the cabin and the stargate. Sam smiled as she took in the view.

"I love it up here."

"Me too," he replied. He laid out a blanket and their lunch. Sam was feeling much better. She had met him at the door last night wearing the nightgown from their first night. She'd managed to tell him she was ready before he swept her up and carried her to the bed. He'd made slow passionate love to her as Taz hid in the kitchen. She'd fixed a chicken, which thankfully kept until midnight when they got around to eating it. The leftovers were packed in for their lunch.

Jack settled in against the rock face and pulled her down to his lap. They sat together for all of two minutes before he started kissing on her neck and shoulder. Taz groaned and turned away.

"I think we embarrass him," Sam laughed.

"He's almost two. That's early teens by human standards. Didn't the thought of your parents having sex make you cringe at fourteen?"

"My mother died when I was fourteen," Sam whispered.

"God, Sam I didn't know that! You know there is a hell of a lot we don't

know about each other."

"I think we have the time to learn," Sam replied. "Like just suppose... how we first met?"

He grinned, "OK good place to start. Settle back." He tucked her to him, her back nestled to his chest. "Once upon a time... HEY no giggling."

"Sorry. <snicker> But once upon a time? C'mon Jack."

"All good stories start with once upon a time. This tale has a beautiful princess named Samantha, a brave and valiant prince named Jack, a evil villain named Hussein, and a magical place called the Gulf." He cuddled her close, "so no giggling and no interrupting."

* * * * * * * * *

Once upon a time in the middle of a war -

"YO Cap'n."

"Hey, Kowalsky," Jack replied. "We late for the briefing?"

"Not yet," Charlie snorted. "Tell me again, why we love this job?"

"Cause we get to blow shit up."

Charlie snapped his fingers, "Knew there was a reason."

"So who got themselves lost?"

"Dunno, coupla pilots, I think. Intelligence gathering mission."

"Military intelligence," Jack laughed.

"Yeah a contradiction... of what we thought we knew," Charlie smiled up at their commander. "Sir."

Jack smiled as Charlie ducked into the briefing room.

"Kids," the general grinned.

Six hours later -

Captain John Walsh focused the binoculars. He could see several people moving around but couldn't tell who they were. "Lt. Carter? How you holding up?"

"Fine, sir," came the soft reply.

"Yeah, I really believe that," Walsh murmured. He glanced over at the other two members of his team. Lieutenants Terry McGee and Tom Walters were two brawny men who currently looked as strong as a day old kitten. All because of one, tall, thin as a rail, young as could be, female lieutenant. They had run into a slew of anti aircraft weapons on their way in and parachuted straight into enemy territory. At some point while leaping from the helo, a shot had slammed into Carter's side. Three huge men had been standing within a foot of her, and it had missed all three of them. She had tried hard not to slow them down, but they enemy had tracked them. Four soldiers vs. ten armed men. The battle was over before it began, and Walsh watched as his team was dragged into a burned out building. He waited in the shadows, shuddering every time a sound reached him. Especially the screams. He waited until dark then went in firing. Took out a few, then entered the room where two men stood holding the lieutenant. One had a knife to her throat. The other stood shouting at him. He didn't even try to translate, he just fired. Carter yanked herself forward, then fell with the knife imbedded in her shoulder. Walsh had fired twice before realizing the man was dead.

* * * * * * * * *

"How did you know all this?" Sam asked, twisting to look up at him.

"Walsh and I went through basic training together," Jack replied. "He was in shock that you'd kill him like that. Learn that trick in officer's candidate?"

"Older brother when I was in junior high." Sam replied. "First time I ever used it to kill."

He kissed her temple and wrapped the blanket around them.

* * * * * * * * *

Where were we?

Waiting in the dark for the cavalry.

Oh yeah.

"Need a ride, Walsh?"

"JESUS Jack," John staggered. "Scared the shit out of me."

"Get your team moving, we've got a ways to go. Everybody mobile?"

"Yes, sir," came two firm replies.

"Yes, sir," the last came a beat later, weak and broken.

"She's hurt bad, Jack," John whispered. "Real bad."

"What happened?"

"They grabbed us. Held them for about five hours. She won't say what they did. But she's got a bullet in her side, and a stab to her shoulder."

John walked to the small form. "She killed one with a jab to the throat."

Jack stooped slightly as the figure looked up. His first impression was of eyes as blue as the sky and hair as golden as wheat. Then her face, looking so young and innocent. "God when did we start sending babies to war?"

"Vietnam," came a sharp reply from one of the captains.

"She's intel. Too smart for her own damn good, but one helluva soldier."

"Didn't tell them a thing, sir." She whispered. She struggled to her feet as they were surrounded by the black ops team. She managed two steps forward before collapsing bonelessly.

Jack scooped her up, despite the hands that reached.

* * * * * * * * *

"You carried me out."

"Yep. Your fever hit about an hour later. You got a couple of real good swings in. One of the captains, McGee I think, managed to calm you down. God, you just wept for two hours, completely delirious."

* * * * * * * * *

"Come on, Sammy, it's OK," McGee whispered. His large black hand soothing back her damp hair. "God she's burning up."

Jack leaned down with the habit of a father and kissed her forehead. "I know. Keep moving."

Then the tears began. Silent but soul wrenching sobs tore her frame. "What happened kiddo?" Jack whispered.

Bright blue eyes opened, full of pain and fear, "They were going to rape me."

"Did they?"

"No. But they wanted to." Blue eyes shut and she faded away.

Brown eyes darkened. By the time they reached the helo rescue, Jack was ready to tear back in and rip every single one of them apart barehanded. But of course, their orders were to get out quick. He relinquished her to McGee's hands only to man a gun. The big man sat and rocked her as the wind whipped droplets of blood from her shirt.

They stood or sat around the small figure in the bed for three days. The nurses finally after the second, stopped asking them to move and learned to circumnavigate. Jack planted himself at her left side, where she was leaning. He wanted to see her eyes again. But as luck would have it, she awoke as they were shifting her. Her eyes lighted onto John first. Within minutes the room was filled to capacity. Jack and the other Black ops chose to slip out. Yet another mission that didn't happen. Yet another thank you they wouldn't get to hear.

A week later he got a call from John. This time they did have a thank you. And a week after that, the team had a recovery photo. Someone had snapped the lieutenant sitting at a terminal. Arm bandaged, and McGee hovering. But smiling.Jack held that photo until it was creased and worn. Then he crashed in Iraq and his jailer enjoyed taunting him with it. He had snatched it, ripped it up, and swallowed it. It had cost him a severe beating but it was worth it. He couldn't stand the idea of some Iraqi drooling over her innocence like he had. In time her image faded from his mind.

Until that day. He and Kowalsky had been suiting up for their second mission to Abydos.

"You didn't recognize the Captain/Doctor did you?"

"Whatta you mean?"

"I'll give you a hint. You never did wash that shirt."

Jack froze. The image of a beautiful young girl slapped him in the face. "Sammy."

"Yep, Sammy. The source of one black ops team's wonderful dreams for at least two or three decades. She was so fragile looking then."

"Still is."

"Not as much so. But then there's no blood. Doesn't look like she remembers us."

"She was delirious throughout Kowalsky. We're just a shadow from that whole nightmare."

"Yeah," Charlie sighed. "You still have that shirt?"

"Sarah threw it away."

"Oh," Charlie was quiet for a moment. "God colonel, I could never forget the sight of you carrying her across the desert. Kissing her forehead every two minutes."

Jack scowled, "Do you remember the concept of quiet Kowalsky?" He'd slammed the locker and strode out.

Charlie shrugged, "Hit a nerve, colonel?" He rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Been a long time since I did any matchmaking." He turned the corner.

Jack glared back at him.

"Thought you were gone, sir."

"Move out!"

"Aye, sir."

* * * * * * * * *

"Why did you keep the shirt?"

"None of us realized how badly you were bleeding until I handed you to McGee. My vest, shirt, and T-shirt were saturated."

"I barely remembered the coming out. Just images. And a voice continually saying I was safe." She turned to lay across him. "Now I know why the safest I've ever felt is in your arms."

Jack cradled her close and began to drop kisses across her cheekbones and eyes. "I will always keep you safe."

Taz moaned. Sam giggled.

"Taz, you may want to go for a run. Mommy and Daddy are going to get romantic."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Week 5

I have never hated someone so much in my entire life.

Sam glanced at what she'd just translated and could really relate. The past two days had been Hell in this God forsaken place. Everything either of them did was the most irritating thing ever done for the other. And it hit the lowest point that morning.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack strode into the house, not glancing at where Sam stood in the kitchen. He went straight to the bed. Sam clenched her teeth against the anger that rose sharply. Mud. Thick river mud. Tracked across the floor she'd just mopped clean.

"Where's my shirt?" he yelled. She could hear him slamming things around.

"Which one?"

"The blue one. I left it right here," he strode back to face her.

"It was on the floor," she replied. "I put it in the laundry."

"It wasn't dirty!"

"How in the hell am I supposed to know that?"

"We have a laundry basket!"

"Oh really? I never would have guessed you knew that!"

Jack took a step forward, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means," she inhaled sharply, "and I'll use small words, so it'll be sure to sink in..." She stopped abruptly as his nostrils flared in anger.

He took a step forward, and she flinched back instinctively. He snarled something she didn't strain to hear and slammed out of the cabin. Once away from him, she steadied herself.

"Did you DO the laundry, or just dump it all together?" he snapped from the doorway.

Angry again, she let the mop slam to the floor and strode passed him. She snatched the basket up from the porch and marched to the washtub. It was set up under the clothesline and the scrub board on the side was the perfect outlet for her anger.

Jack watched her for a moment then turned back to the cabin. It was only then that he took in what she'd accomplished that morning. He'd taken off early. Trying to avoid the tension in the cabin, he'd spent the day by the river. He'd grown cool and come in for his shirt.

And tracked river mud throughout the cabin. Across a floor still damp. Everything was straight and spotless. Even the arched window/skylight. All except the muddy footprints tracing his rant.

"Whoops," he turned and grabbed the mop.

Sam was shaking. She knew better. She should have learned a long time ago how wrong it was to get someone like him angry. Even in her own rage she should have been able to control the situation. She never lost her temper.

Even with...

A hand clamped down on her shoulder.

She whirled into a crouching fight stance.

He reached for her.

And she flinched.

Jack stepped back, hands raised. "I was coming out to apologize. I wiped up the mud."

Sam swallowed and nodded jerkily, "I'm sorry too."

He reached out, hands low, palms up. She stepped into them and sank into his embrace. He caressed her hair and nuzzled her temple.

"Jonas hit me," she whispered.

"Figured that," he nodded, holding her cheek to his chest so she wouldn't see the rage in his eyes. "I will never ever hit you Sam. Arguing is normal. Happens when you're involved with an idiot like me. But I will never hurt you."

She nodded, "I know. But..." she shrugged.

"Flashbacks."

"Yeah." She sighed heavily. "It was always *my* fault. I didn't cook right, or I forgot to do something he asked. And I believed him."

"Oh, kiddo," he laid his cheek on her hair.

"I know. I'm supposed to be the smart one. But I wanted to be loved so badly."

Jack pulled back and held her face in his hands. He wiped the tears from her eyes with his thumbs. "I love you. You are everything to me."

She chuckled suddenly, "You're going to break into song now aren't you?"

He lowered his forehead to rest against hers and smiled.

"I can tell by the look in your eyes you've been hurtin'
You know I'll never let you down... oh no
And I'll try anythin' to keep it workin'
You gave me time to find out
What my heart was lookin' for
And what I'm feelin' inside

In your eyes
I want to see your love again
In your eyes
I never want this feeling to end
It took some time to find the light
But now I realize
I can see the heaven in your eyes" <2>

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

She smiled thinking of his impromptu serenade under the laundry. He'd kissed her soundly and brought her back to sit here. Handed her Ashta's journal and her notebooks and went out to finish the laundry. But now she could see him staring back towards the cabin. She leapt up and flipped rapidly through the CDs for one and put in into the player just as he reached the porch. He stopped on the steps and yanked off his boots, whistled for Taz and came in.

He came straight to her and gathered her close for a warm hug and a kiss. Tension or no, he was happy to be back with her. She kissed him then guided him to a chair.

"I can't sing," she started.

He tried to pull her to his lap. "Everyone can sing, Sam."

"No, Jack let me do this. I don't sing. But I want you to hear this."

She stood a few paces away as the song began then advanced to kneel in front of him.

"Well I, I can still remember times
When the night seemed to surround me
I was sure the sun would never shine on me
And I, I thought it my destiny
To walk this world alone"

Unbidden the words rose to her lips and she began to speak along.

"But now you're here with me
Now you're here with me"

Her eyes closed as he pulled her to stand in his arms. They rocked gently and she began to sing, ever so softly.

"And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
Get me to you
Get me to you

Well I, I can still recall the days
When I had no love around me
Makes me glad for every day I have with you
And I, I look in your eyes and know
I'm right where I belong
And I belong with you
Always belonged with you"

Their eyes met and he began to sing, loud and sure.

"And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
Get me to you
Get me to you

And if I could, I wouldn't change a thing
Wouldn't change a thing baby
Because your love was waiting there for me
Waiting there for me baby

And I don't regret the rain
Or the nights I felt the pain
Or the tears I had to cry
Some of those times along the way
Every road I had to take
Every time my heart would break
It was just something that I had to get through
To get me to you
Get me to you
Get me to you" <3>

She laughed as the next song began, "Oh that was so corny."

He chuckled, "You don't love my singing?"

"You have a wonderful voice. I've never heard you sing before."

"It was my fallback career. Still is if this whole save the universe ever falls through," he smiled. "If you just smile..." he sang sending her into another barrage of giggles.

They stood still. In the middle of the living room with a dog flopped at their feet. Stood staring into each other's eyes.

"When you love someone - you'll do anything
You'll do all the crazy things that you can't explain
You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone

You'll deny the truth - believe a lie
There'll be times that you'll believe
You can really fly
But your lonely nights have just begun
When you love someone

When you love someone - you'll feel it deep inside
And nothin' else can ever change your mind
When you want someone
When you need someone
When you love someone

When you love someone - you'll sacrifice
You'd give it everything you got and
You won't think twice
You'd risk it all - no matter what may come
When you love someone
You'll shoot the moon - put out the sun
When you love someone" <4>

"You're my someone," he said hoarsely.

Her chin quivered, overwhelmed.

"And you know what else?" He kissed her quick and hard. "You're it!"

She blinked as he turned and ran from the cabin. A sob mixed with a laugh emerged. She slapped a hand to her mouth as he turned from the edge of the clearing.

"Can't catch me, Sam-I-am!"

"Taz, let's go get daddy!" she urged and ran after him.

They darted in and around the trees. Laughing and calling, taunting, with Taz bounding and barking joyfully. Sam caught Jack by the back of his shirt and held tight. He spun around and let the shirt slip off of his arms.

"ooh, striptease tag," he growled, "my favorite."

She dropped the shirt, "You're it!"

"Kiss first," he reminded. The kiss was playful. But Jack still had to shake off the testosterone rush before he could chase her.

Clothes were abandoned left and right around the area. One of Sam's shirts even ended up on the top of the porch roof. They "Caught" each other behind the warning rock next to the stargate, naked and very aroused.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack was laying over her, propped with most of his weight on his elbows, hands twined in her hair, kissing her deeply when the stargate gave the warning rumble. His head shot up.

"Oh shit!"

They froze, listening. The familiar sound of a pallet sliding down reached them.

"Jack? Sam? You there?"

"Gotta speak to that boy about timing," Jack swore pulling back and rising.

He grabbed his shirt from behind them. "Where are my pants?"

Sam sat up, "I haven't got a clue. Where is anything of mine?"

"Jack? JACK?"

Jack glanced to the MALP covered with the tarp and shook his head. He crossed to it half-naked.

"I'm here Danny, give me a minute!" Jack replied. He yanked the tarp towards him and held it firmly at waist level. "Howdy!"

"Hey Jack, how's it going?" Danny smiled in relief.

Jack sighed. "We're both getting a bit stir crazy."

"Nothing to keep you busy?"

"Not really."

Daniel chuckled. "OK. What can we do?"

Jack thought for a minute. "I know. I need carpentry stuff. You know, saws, hammers, nails, that kinda thing."

"What for?"

"The chairs here are unbelievably uncomfortable. I used to do some carpentry way back when. I could build furniture for us."

"Jack we can send you furniture."

"Yes but building it will take some time. And we have plenty of it." Jack reminded.

"OK, Jack. Next shipment. Carpentry stuff. Got it. Say hey to Sam for me."

"Will do, thanks Danny!"

The gate disengaged.

And he heard it. Sam. Laughing hysterically.

He turned. And there on a branch not three feet behind him were his boxer shorts.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Excerpts from Sam's Journal:

Week 6

Got lots of "carpentry stuff". Jack has promised shelves for the bedroom and to put his clothes on them. We'll see. He also plans to build a sofa.

Week 7

Shelves are a bit crooked but useful. So far clothes are on them or in basket, but it's only been a week. Sofa is coming along. Janet sent fabric and stuffing to make cushions. I hate sewing.

Week 8

Sofa looks like a sofa, sort of. But is more comfortable then the chairs. And we can sit together. Next plan - to build a BOAT. Jack wants to explore down river.

Week 9

More supplies for the boat. And a bonus! A communications orb. So we can call home if we need to.

Week 10

Still trying to build a boat.

Week 11

Still trying to build a boat

Week 12

Still trying to build a boat.

Anyone else see a pattern here?

Week 13

Boat building was axed. Literally. But now we have plenty of kindling. Hammond is sending a rubber raft through tomorrow with the rest of what we need. The trees are too dense to walk any distance at any speed, so the river is our best bet. We'll row down then walk back up along the shoreline. We leave in the morning.

Hammond wants to know why we didn't just ASK for a boat in the first place. Because no one ASKED me, that's why.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack dumped another batch of small pieces of wood onto the fire, "Don't say it."

"Never," she replied with a smile. She laid her journal down with the pen. He settled onto the sofa next to her and pulled her to rest across his lap against his chest.

"Ready for tomorrow?"

"Yep," she nodded. "Can't wait."

"Hammond sent through the last of the supplies an hour ago. Everything's squared away. We'll leave at first light."

"Sounds good," she replied.

He rubbed her hair in a soothing motion. They had both changed into their nightclothes right after dinner, planning on an early night. Sam was already beginning to doze in his arms. He dropped a kiss onto her cheek.

Over the past few weeks he'd taken to singing to her. Singing her to sleep. Singing her awake. Singing as he watched her bathe and cook and write. Some of the songs were from the various CDs in their collection. Others sprang from some inner reach of his soul. He really should write some of them down.

He brushed a lock of hair back.

"This is how it seems to me
Life is only therapy
Real expensive
And no guarantee

So I lie here on the couch
With my heart hanging out
Frozen solid with fear
Like a rock in the ground

But you move me
You give me the courage I didn't know I had
You move me
I can't go with you and stay where I am
So you move me

This is how love was to me
I could look and not see
Going through the emotions
Not knowing what they mean

And it scared me so much
That I just wouldn't budge
I might have stayed there forever
If not for your touch

Oh but you move me
Out of myself and into the fire
You move me
Now I'm burning with love
And with hope and desire
How you move me

You go whistling in the dark
Making light of it
Making light of it
And I follow with my heart
Laughing all the way

Oh 'cause you move me
You get me dancing and you make me sing
You move me
Now I'm taking delight in every little thing
How you move me." <5>

"I love you," he whispered to her and rose, careful not to wake her up. "C'mon Taz, let's go to bed."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Week 13

"Did you pack my socks?

Sigh. "Yes, Jack."

"How about the extra batteries."

"Yes, Jack."

"Did you remember..."

"For cryin' out loud Jack, I packed everything but the sofa!" Sam turned on him. "Yes. I have everything we could ever possibly need."

He smiled. In the last few weeks she'd picked up several of his expressions, especially that one. Of course her alternate universe version used it too.

"OK, so we're ready. Let's go Taz!"

The shepherd bounded down the slope and leapt into the raft. Jack took Sam by the hand. "You OK?"

"Just feels funny leaving," she whispered.

"It'll be here when we get back," he promised. He grasped her by the waist and lifted her into the boat.

They had spent a few hours practicing rowing. Sam had never rowed like this before but Jack was confident in her ability to learn fast. So just after mid morning, they set off down the river. Sam in the front, Jack behind. Taz settled himself down in between, amidst all of their supplies. Sleeping bags, clothes, a tent, food, and most importantly the communication orb, all stowed in waterproof containers.

They really didn't have to row much. The river moved steadily along. So after a while, Jack urged Sam to settle back and relax. She cuddled down with the dog and fell asleep.

Jack alternated between watching the banks of the river for signs of... well, anything, and