"Lament" by Ruth M King

TITLE: Lament

RATING: NC-17

ARCHIVE: Sam and Jack, Heliopolis, anyone else please ask.

SPOILERS: Minor for 100 Days

DISCLAIMERS: Stargate SG1 is the property of MGM, Showtime, Double Secret and Gekko etc. I'm just playing for a while !

NOTES: Part of this story get nasty. There are hints about what has happened to Sam that some might find disturbing.

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I : Abduction

She didn't know how much longer she could keep up this pace. The colonel was ahead of her and Sam found herself focusing her attention on him, watching his butt as it vanished over the brow of the hill. .......And it was such a nice butt. Sam mentally shook herself, trying to keep her attention on moving, not watching.

"If I get out of this I swear I'm gonna go down the gym more often," she muttered to herself. It was grossly unfair that O'Neill, ten years her senior, was in better shape than she was. She blamed it on spending too much time in the lab.

She risked a look behind. The Jaffa were closing. Was everyone in the universe into running marathons? Being a diversion was all very well....assuming that you could stay far enough ahead. The start of the downward slope was a relief. The colonel had paused halfway and was looking back towards her. In her imagination she saw a look of relief on his face as she started after him. Just seeing him gave her the impetus to push herself a little further. He waited until she drew level, before starting to run again.

This would be a nice place for a Sunday afternoon picnic, making love outside. Sam mused to herself. An open meadow, bordered by forest, flowers sprinkled liberally across the grass,.....A nice place, apart from the fact that someone seemed intent on killing her.

"Sam!"

Why was the Colonel shouting at her? Why was she lying on the ground? She spat mud and grass out of her mouth and looked up at him. Was it her imagination, or could she smell something burning ?

"Can you walk?" he asked.

Sam gave him the thumbs up and tried to stand. Her knees immediately buckled and she found herself face down again.

"Oh my God, Sam! You have to get up. "

But she couldn't. Despite all his pleading she couldn't do it.

"You'd better go, sir," she told him.

He shook his head. His arms went about her and he picked her up, cradling her body close as he carried her into the trees. Then the pain hit. Sam heard herself whimper, it was all she could do to stop herself from screaming. Fire seemed to run up her spine.

"Come on, baby, it's just a little further," he whispered into her hair. "Don't give up on me now."

Who was he talking too? Sam wondered to herself as she linked her arms about the colonel's neck. This was nice, her pain fuddled brain told her. She could definitely get used to this. Hmmmm...He smelt good, all sweaty and manly, with just a hint of the cologne he must have put on that morning. There was a spot on his neck that was just crying out to be kissed. Shit, it hurt. Sam found herself biting down on his jacket to stop herself crying out.

The colonel was staggering slightly under her weight as they finally made it to the rendezvous point. It was nothing but a burnt out building that had once been part of a village in the woods. He gently set her down on the ground, tenderly brushing the hair away from her face. Sam reached up and touched his cheek. There were things she needed to say to him, but her throat had gone dry.

"Colonel O'Neill," a voice interrupted.

"Shut up a second, Marty," O'Neill snapped. "She took a staff weapon blast to the back. Lucky they were so far away or it woulda killed her."

He removed her jacket and ripped away the back of her shirt.

"Isn't this going a little too far for a first date, sir?" Sam clenched her teeth against the pain.

"Hush, or we'll never get any further," he threatened.

His hands were almost delicate as they moved over the burn, but his touch on the tender area was enough to bring tears to her eyes. It was all she could do to keep silent.

"That's my girl," he told her, pouring the contents of his water bottle over the burn.

She screamed as the cold liquid flooded over her skin. Jack immediately pulled her into his arms, muffling the sound against his chest.

"It's OK, it's OK," he whispered to her.

"Dr. Jackson and Teal'c are under heavy enemy fire. They need backup," Martouf pushed.

Sam could tell that Jack was torn between his duty to his friends....and her. She knew that she would never forgive herself if Daniel or Teal'c were hurt.

"Go," she told him.

"Sam, I...."

"Please, sir. You have to."

"I know. I'll be back, Sam, I promise."

The touch of his lips was just the softest sensation....Sam felt her whole body tingle. It might have just been the pain, it might have just been the fact that she was about to pass out, but her hand found its way to the back of his neck. She held him in place for just a second longer than he had intended. It was the only way she could respond to his first obvious caress. He smiled as she released him. Sam sank back. If she were to die now she would do so happily.

"Marty, look after her. She needs a burns dressing on that wound and a shot of morphine," she heard him say.

Vision faded for a few seconds, when she forced her eyes open again Jack was gone.

Martouf came to her side. Sam was unable to read the expression in his eyes. Was it regret....or jealousy? The feelings Jolinar had held for this man suddenly washed over her, shocking her with their intensity. Sam silently apologised to the being who had once shared her existence, but her own emotions had never been clearer. There was no more confusion. Game, set and match to Jack O'Neill.

*************************************************************************************

"OK kids, you can come out now, the bad guys have been vanquished," O'Neill called out as the approached the building.

The last thing he wanted was to be shot by Carter. There was no answering call. What the hell was Sam playing at? She wouldn't just ignore him. He didn't want to consider the fact that something might have happened to her. If he did that, he would regret leaving. He would resent having saved Daniel and Teal'c. Her kiss still burnt on his lips, a sweet reminder of what could be. He smirked to himself, Martouf hadn't been happy about it.....too bad.

"Carter?" he called out to her directly.

There was still no answer. Now he was worried. He looked back a Teal'c and gave him a hand signal. The other man nodded and headed back into the undergrowth.

"Sam! Sam!"

His call was becoming more urgent. Where the hell was she? Taking a deep breath he entered the building. Her jacket was there, her MP5 was there.....but Sam wasn't. God no! For two seconds O'Neill had absolutely no idea what he was going to do.

"Colonel O'Neill....."

The voice was only just audible, but O'Neill snapped round to face the speaker. Martouf. It was Martouf. He was still here, he was still alive......although only barely. The colonel knelt beside the wounded man.

"What happened?" he couldn't stop himself asking.

"They took her," Martouf mouthed.

"I can see that! Who? Who took her? For cryin' out loud, Martouf.....Martouf....?"

But he'd blacked out. Now O'Neill was really torn. Martouf needed medical attention, but Jack wanted to go after Carter. There was a chance that she was still close by.

"Daniel, get Marty back to base," he ordered. "Take Teal'c with you. I'll check back in a couple of hours."

"But Jack...."

"No arguments. Now get goin'."

Daniel opened his mouth again, but O'Neill had already disappeared. He obviously sent Teal'c in, back because the Jaffa appeared a few seconds later. Teal'c didn't even speak, he slung Martouf across his shoulders and led the way out of the building. He set a brisk pace, one that Daniel found himself hard pushed to keep up with. It was a couple of miles back to the gate and the archaeologist was wheezing by the time they were in the vicinity. He cursed himself for not packing more antihistamines.

They paused before stepping out of the trees towards the gate. Teal'c set Martouf down for a few seconds as his eyes scanned the area. He was obviously expecting trouble. His search was rewarded as several figures stepped into the clearing and up to the gate. One of them activated the DHD and brought the ring to life.

"They've got Sam! " Daniel hissed, suddenly catching a glimpse of blond hair.

"I see her, Daniel Jackson."

"We have to...."

But he didn't get a chance to finish his sentence. Teal'c had already started to move. Uttering a blood curdling cry, he ran into the clearing. His staff weapon came into play the second he had a clear shot. Three of Carter's captors were dead in moments. However, the man that was holding Carter wasn't phased by the ferocity of the attack. He dragged her unconscious body through the gate while Teal'c was still a fair distance away.

"Teal'c get the symbols!" Daniel yelled.

His own view was obstructed by undergrowth, and by the fact that he hadn't got his glasses on. He started after Teal'c only to see the event horizon crumble into itself. He prayed that Teal'c had seen the destination.

"Anything, anything at all?" Daniel urged.

"There was a jaffa between myself and the DHD. I only managed to see two of the symbols," Teal'c replied. "I regret my failure, Daniel Jackson."

"It wasn't your fault Teal'c.....I just don't know how I'm gonna tell Jack."

"I will do it."

"No....Teal'c..."

"He will be less likely to cause me injury, and those he does, my Goa'uld will be able to heal."

Under any other circumstances, Teal'c comment would have been funny. The worrying fact was, his friend was right, Jack was going to go insane.

*************************************************************************************

"Calling off the search? Why?" O'Neill demanded

"I'm sorry, son." Hammond tried to placate the angry man, "but we don't have the resources to continue."

"Then find some!"

"Jack, we don't know where she is. There are thousands of planets....."

"So we just give up? After two weeks? Sam worked her butt off for three months tryin' to get me off Edora, she deserves better than this. "

The faces that surrounded him were silent, but he caught their knowing glances. There were some rather embarrassed coughs. He knew what they were thinking. They though he hadn't noticed, that he didn't care. But they were wrong. Just because he hadn't chosen to thank her in public view...but Sam knew.....Sam knew that he wouldn't give up on her.

"I know what she did for me, and what she's done for everyone on this base. We can't just leave her out there!"

"Samantha Carter has been reported MIA. The search is over," Hammond said as gently as he could.

O'Neill didn't wait to be dismissed. He walked out of the briefing room, slamming the door. He couldn't stay here and he didn't give a damn about any orders to the contrary. Sam needed him and he couldn't fail her....wherever she was. He went straight to the locker room. There was no point in waiting for someone to come up with the idea of stopping him. Not that they could. He'd tear the base apart with his bare hands if they prevented him from getting to the gate.

"Jack?"

He didn't answer Daniel's inquiry, being in no mood to make conversation.

"Are you in here?"

The archaeologist wasn't about to go away.

"Jack?"

"Don't say anything, Daniel. I'm leaving and there's nothing you or anyone else can do to stop me."

"I was going to offer my assistance."

"No. You'd be a liability. I can move faster alone."

"Jack....."

"I said, NO!"

He turned away from the other man, angrily stuffing the contents of his locker into his backpack. Then he started on Carter's belongings. When he found her she'd need this stuff, right? Spare clothes, hairbrush, shower gel.......Anything that was hers.

"Do you have any idea where to look?" Daniel asked.

Jack ignored him. As far as he was concerned he would just step through the gate and search every planet in the galaxy if he had to. She was out there and his heart knew it, even if his head was telling him that he was nuts.

"You'd better take this," Daniel said and handed Jack a wad of computer printout.

"What is it?"

"Sam's translation of the co-ordinates on the Abydos cartouche, and those from the Asguard. It'll give you a head start."

"Thanks."

He shoved the paper into the top of his pack. That was it. He was ready.

"I could use a diversion?" he asked. "Just long enough for me to get through the 'Gate."

"No problem.....and......Good luck," Daniel offered.

"Keep the lights on."

"Bring her back Jack. We all love her."

"I will, Danny."

The two men shook hands. They had been through alot together, but O'Neill knew that he couldn't ask any of his friends to make this journey. He wasn't coming back. Even if he found her he knew that return would be impossible. To his superiors he would be AWOL and they wouldn't take any excuses. The second he stepped back through the gate, he would be arrested and court martialled. And he didn't even care. There was no career....no life, without Sam. He saw her at every corner he turned, and every room he walked into. The corridors of the SGC still held the trace of her smile. It was more than he could stand. There was no way that he could stay.

He hefted his pack onto his back and made his way out into the corridor. Anyone he met would know exactly what he was going to do, he only hoped that the expression on his face would prevent them from attempting to stop him. However, there was at least one person on the base who wasn't intimidated by O'Neill. He'd barely managed ten paces before he ran into Teal'c, literally.

"You are attempting to locate Major Carter?"

"Ten outta ten Teal'c. Now get outta my way," O'Neill snapped and attempted to push his way past the larger man.

"I have a gift for you."

"What?"

Teal'c took his hands from behind his back and handed O'Neill a zat gun, an MP5 and a bag of ammunition. Jack grinned.

"Thanks," O'Neill accepted the weapons.

"I will now go and speak to Daniel Jackson regarding a diversion."

O'Neill was speechless. The armoury had been next on his list, but Teal'c had saved him the trip. It was a sign of how well these two men knew him. He would miss them, but this wasn't a journey that either of the could make with him.....however much Danny might want to. This was a personal quest and one that he had to make alone. He would have to do questionable things and he didn't want to explain his actions to anyone, never mind those that he considered friends. They would get him through the gate, and then their responsibilities would end. He wouldn't expect anything more from them.

Somewhere in the depths of the base an alarm sounded and Jack knew that it was time to leave. Realising that the planet no longer held any value for him, he bid a silent farewell to Earth.

*************************************************************************************

Her awakening was claustrophobic. It took her all of thirty seconds to realise where she was....then she really started to panic. She was enclosed in a Goa'uld sarcophagus and there didn't appear to be any way out. Sam remembered being injured....if that was the case than maybe the Colonel had found one of these things and was using it to heal her.....She hoped, she really hoped that was the case. Even so, she couldn't help recalling what had happened to Daniel.

"Hey! Let me out of here," Sam heard herself yell. "Guys! I'm cured, this isn't funny."

There was no reply and the sarcophagus remained closed. There wasn't a great deal of room, even so, Sam kicked at the lid as hard as she could. It made no difference, but it made her feel slightly better. Was anyone going to let her out? There was the subtle fear that this would become her coffin.

"'bout time!" she snapped as the lid finally began to open. "You kept me in there long....."

Hands grabbed her and pulled her out, dumping her unceremoniously on the floor. Sam lay there for a few seconds, feeling the chill of stone beneath her body. It was cold, that much she was certain about. She gingerly opened her eyes. It took a little while to adjust. The room was dark, lit only by the flames of a log fire. Something told her that her fellow team members weren't anywhere close. Using the sarcophagus for support, Sam hauled herself to her feet.

"Hello?" she called out.

Figures moved in the firelight, but she couldn't make out any details. She had a very bad feeling about all of this. The memories were clearer now. She had been shot by a staff weapon. Colonel O'Neill had carried her to safety.....Colonel O'Neill had kissed her....

"Who's there?" Sam ventured.

She couldn't tell from this distance if they were Goa'uld or not, but she had a very bad feeling. The Stargate....she had been taken through the Stargate. Sam recalled the feeling of dislocation as her body had been carried through the wormhole. By the time she had reached the other side she had been barely conscious.

"I'm Major Samantha Carter from Earth.....a peaceful explorer...."

"We know who you are, Major."

A figure detached itself from the darkness. Sam felt herself trying to back away as the man walked closer. He stepped into the circle of firelight. Tall, his long dark hair flowed down his back. There was something almost feminine about the way he walked, the way he used his hands. At some subliminal level, she knew him. She couldn't say why or how the realisation came to her, but it was one of her own memories....not Jolinar's. Recognition was replaced by fear as two men grabbed her and dragged her away from the sarcophagus. They were definitely jaffa.

"You don't recognise us do you?"

"I failed maniac recognition 101," Sam quipped.

"We think you have been spending too much time with Colonel O'Neill."

There was something about the man's speech patterns that was familiar, but Sam couldn't place the mocking tone.

"Let me remind you. I came to your base, you stole my first jaffa and turned our beloved against us. On our second meeting your champion tried to destroy us....."

"Hathor?"

But the Colonel had thrown her into a vat of cryo fluid. Even the symbiont should have been destroyed. That's what he had said to her....'Hathor's dead!'. His arms had been about her and he'd held her as if he wasn't going to let go.

Sam stared at the man, her eyes wide with disbelief. It couldn't be.

"They always said that you were the intelligent one," he smiled at her.

"I'm not going to tell you anything," Sam asserted.

"You will, my love, you will."

The jaffa were still restraining her. If they hadn't been Sam would have made a run for it, to hell with any consequences. Despite struggling, she couldn't weaken their grip. Hathor came closer. His eyes shining in the firelight.

"You are still an extraordinarily beautiful woman," Hathor said, his fingers trailing down Sam's cheek.

"Thankyou....but if you don't mind me saying, your looks have slipped a little."

Hathor's hand made contact with her face. The strength of the goa'uld was very evident in the blow. Sam tasted blood in her mouth, which she spat into Hathor's face.

"Hold her down, " Hathor ordered.

Sam struggled as they forced her to the ground. She kicked, bit, scratched, anything to make her captors loosen their hold.....but they were too strong for her.

"I think you will make a suitable queen.....very suitable indeed."

They were the last words that Sam let herself hear.

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II : Entr'acte

He's different now. Colder, harder. He's lost all the softness she gave him. Six months of fruitless searching will do that to a man. He no longer allows himself to feel hope....or any other emotion. This is just another planet, another world to explore.

He'll find her. Of that he has no doubt. It burns within in him, keeping the last flicker of his soul alive. Sometimes, he allows himself to think of her. When the nights are particularly long and cold, she visits his dreams. He sees her smile, hears her laugh and can believe that she's by his side.

This planet is like all the others. A tree covered world. He leaves the gate and walks into the forest. He has abandoned the uniform that he once wore so proudly. His clothes are non-descript, the product of a hundred worlds. Maybe its not quite that many. He doesn't know anymore. The pattern is always the same. He watches, he waits, he searches, then he leaves...and doesn't look back. There are thousands of worlds, and he will hunt for her on every one of them.

On rare occasions, he meets those who hail from his own planet. They exchange a few words. He knows that they won't try to bring him back. They feel sorry for him. He's the one who saw too much, who snapped, who deserted to search for a dead woman. They look at him and wonder why he did it. The pity in their eyes is more than he can stand. He sends messages to those who cared about him....and takes his leave. Their voices follow him as he walks away. They'll take his story back to Earth. The tale will become more exaggerated with each retelling; his loss more tragic and his search more futile.

Everyone already believes that they were lovers.....lovers who had never shared a bed, rarely a kiss or a tender word. He wishes now that he had followed his heart and not regulations. At least they would have had something apart from the coldness of regret. For six months he has eaten when hungry, slept where he fell, pushed his body beyond exhaustion. He has been an haunted man. Possessed by the memory of her smile and the touch of her lips. His search is about to be rewarded. He steps towards the gate, ready to leave this world, when something catches his eye. The sun is behind him and reflects off an object lodged between the stones that lead up to the gate. He bends down and picks it up; two strips of metal, secured on a chain. There is a name carved into the surface. Turning, he heads away from the Gate. To an outside observer, his step is a little lighter. She was here. She was here and she was alive. He can't tell how long ago, but the signs are enough to release the carefully shielded hope.

*************************************************************************************

She sits alone in the dark, in the blackness of her own mind. The days no longer had any meaning. Time stopped the day she was brought to this place. Sometimes, she cries. It's difficult to stop herself......as long as He doesn't see her. He can't know how scared she was, how much He hurt her.

The room is small. She barely moves, knowing exactly how far any steps will take her. There's a bed in the room, but she doesn't use it. The floor feels infinitely more comfortable. He always takes her to bed. As if the surroundings could stop his attentions being what they are...or the outcome. Maybe He thinks that one day she'll stop fighting him. She won't. The day she submits is the day she loses herself completely. Besides, if she struggles hard enough, He might finally kill her.

He has many names, she remembers.

She remembers the days when she could laugh and smile....the days when she could walk free under the stars. All through her life she had loved the night. Her greatest wish had been to go into space and she achieved that desire more completely than her childhood dreams had ever imagined. The worlds she walked on were without number. She couldn't comprehend the fact that she was to die on this single planet. No one would ever find her. No stone would mark her passing.

There would be those who would mourn. Her father and the being he carried within him, Jolinar's lover, her friends and her Colonel. He would be the hardest to say goodbye to. All through her captivity, she has imagined that he will come for her. She can still hear his words.

"I'll be back Sam, I promise."

The Colonel always keeps his promises...doesn't he?

*************************************************************************************

III : Rescue

He could hear the moans from the other side of the door, but he didn't listen for more than a few seconds. O'Neill was well aware of what was probably happening. He slid his knife between the guard's ribs and the man died without a sound.

The room was dominated by the bed. A woman was tied to it, helpless to stop the man who was forcing his attentions on her. It was the man who was making the noise. The woman lay quiet, taking every thrust, every blow with the same icy silence. Jack didn't hesitate any longer. In two steps, he had covered the distance between the door and the bed. He hauled the man away, causing the woman to shout in pain as her attacker was brutally withdrawn. The man yelled in surprise as he was forced against the wall and his throat was cut. Jack let him slide to the floor. He watched as blood pooled on the ground, sickened by what he had done. But this man wasn't human, hadn't been in a long time and the Goa'uld within him had to die.

O'Neill moved to the bed, and started to untie the woman. It was several seconds before he realised who it was. His reaction was immediate and he tried to draw her into his arms, but Samantha Carter pulled herself away from him and darted off the bed. He moved to block her path, to stop her running out of the door. She whimpered as he stepped closer, backing herself into a corner of the room.

It was no wonder that he hadn't recognised her at first. In his mind Sam had not changed, and he had been expecting to find her that way. The woman who crouched naked before him didn't seem like his major....even though he knew that she should be.

"Sam, look at me. It's Colonel O'Neill," he said, quietly.

She huddled further into the corner. He was amazed that she could fit herself into such a small space.

"You don't have to be scared anymore."

It wasn't fear, not entirely. She didn't want him to see her like this, in this state of degradation. His hand reached out towards her, but she shrank back from his touch. This probably wasn't the time or the place for this conversation, but she had to know. Her eyes met his. O'Neill was suddenly glad that her attacker was dead. It saved him the trouble of killing the man all over again. Though in some ways it was a shame. He was certain that he could be far more inventive given time to think the matter over.

"He raped you, Sam. It wasn't your fault."

Sam buried her face in her hands, great sobs wracking her body. They needed to get out of there, but unless she was willing, he couldn't think of any way that he could force her to move. He tried to touch her, but she struck out at him and O'Neill backed away again.

"Front and centre, Major. You're coming with me an' that's an order!"

He was hoping to break through to her military training. It must have worked because she looked up at him. Her eyes weren't focused on his face, but on a spot just behind his right ear. Without warning she launched herself towards him, knocking him backwards. O'Neill protested loudly as he hit the ground, but Sam darted away and grabbed at something on the floor. His stomach heaved when he saw the Goa'uld that squirmed in her grasp. With a quick twist she broke the symbiont's neck and let it drop.

"Was that goin' to........?" he asked.

Sam nodded and offered him her hand. He let her help him stand.

"Thanks," he said, gruffly.

"You're welcome,"

Her voice was slightly hoarse, as if she had been screaming recently, but she sounded coherent. She sounded like Sam. Jack couldn't help himself. He pulled her into a rough hug, twining his fingers in her hair, burying his face in the nape of her neck. She accepted the embrace fiercely, making Jack wince as her fingers dug into his back.

"Thank you," he muttered, to an unseen deity. At this point he didn't care which one. She was in his arms, thinner than he remembered, but alive. He looked around and saw her crumpled clothing abandoned on the stone floor. Picking up the shapeless garment, he helped her put it on.

"We have to get out of here," He told her. "Can you walk?"

"Yes."

She kept an arm clamped around his waist, but she walked out under her own power. He had the feeling that it was something she needed to do. As soon as they reached the stairway, she let him pick her up in his arms and carry her down. He held her head close against his chest, averting her gaze from the carnage he had reeked. O'Neill wasn't proud of himself. She didn't need to know how many he had killed to get her back.

He moved quickly, fearing pursuit. It wouldn't be long before Hathor's worshippers found out that their god was dead and realised who was responsible. Sam suddenly pulled down on his jacket, making him halt.

"What is it?" he asked her.

"Others. There are others," she replied.

"Where?"

"Down below, we have to get them out."

Jack wanted nothing more than to get her away from this place, but he knew that Sam would refuse to leave if she considered it her duty to help. He set her down on the ground,

"Show me," he said.

Sam took his hand and guided him through the maze of corridors, leading him downwards, always downwards. They moved several level below the ground, into what O'Neill could only describe as slave compounds. The smell nearly made him throw up. He'd been in prison before, but nothing like this. The narrow passageway was flanked by cages. Jack peered inside one of them, he could just about make out something crouched against the back wall. He couldn't tell if it was human or not, the light wasn't good enough to make a determination. Was this how she had been living? The very fact she had survived made him look at her with a new awe.

There was little time for finesse. Jack shot away the locks on the cages, while Sam tried to encourage the inhabitants to leave. Only a few of them found the courage to follow. The living conditions became slightly better as they progressed towards the rear of the compound......and the number of women increased. Some of them seemed to recognise Sam. They called to her in a language that Jack didn't understand and she answered in kind. Sam had done what she had to in order to survive in this place, of that he had no doubt. In a strange kind of way he was incredibly proud of her.

"What are they saying?" he asked.

"They want to know if you're....if you're Jack," she replied, a little nervously.

"Why?"

"I told them........I told them that you promised to come get me."

Her childlike faith in him left him breathless. He was glad that he had been able to make good on his promise, but now was not the time for retrospection. Jack glanced back the way they had come.

"OK, kids let's follow the yellow brick road!" he ordered.

Sam led them unerringly out of the labyrinth of cages and cells. When they reached ground level, Jack decided that they didn't have time to find the door and disintegrated a section of the outer wall. The brightness of the outside world confused some of the slaves and he had a hard time persuading them to step into the sunlight. Even Sam hesitated. Jack had to take her arm and guide her outside. Reaction was starting to set in. Before they had gone far he had to pick her up again.

"The others?" she asked.

"They're heading towards the village. I'm sure they'll be OK," Jack reassured her. "The Goa'uld followers are going to be pretty disoriented for a while."

"But..."

"Sam, I need to get you away from here."

She might have continued to argue, but her body had other ideas and she passed out. Jack shifted her onto his shoulders, making it easier to carry her and run at the same time. He took her straight to the Stargate.

*************************************************************************************

She sat huddled next to the fire. If she got any closer she'd burn herself. Their path through the 'Gates had been a convoluted one. Jack had planned the escape very carefully, across several different worlds. It was unlikely that anyone would have been able to follow. Sam had remained unconscious. Now they were safe, she seemed to have slipped back to the way she had been when he found her.

"I'm scared that no one will ever want me again," Sam whispered into the flames.

"Give it a few weeks and you'll be breaking hearts again," he reassured her.

Sam didn't smile. That worried Jack more than anything. She always laughed at his jokes....always.

"I'm damaged goods," she told him.

"No, you're not. You're still my Samantha and you're still....you're still beautiful."

She was. Despite the bruises, despite the shapeless clothes she wore, she was beautiful. It was just the first time that he had openly admitted the fact.

"Do you want me?" she asked, suddenly.

Sam looked at him....pleading with him. Jack remembered the last occasion she had asked him that question, and how he had answered it. He knew that, this time, he couldn't lie to her.

"Yes," he replied.

"Then make love to me?" she asked.

"Major....this isn't the time or the place....."

He dropped back into the military form of address, shocked by her request.

"Yes, it is," she told him.

"You're injured....I'd end up hurting you."

"No, you could never hurt me. Pain is nothing...trust me."

She came closer to him, wincing as she forced her broken, crumpled body to move. Her fingers reached for his,

"I need it to be good again, Jack. Make it good for me."

"Sam, I...."

"It doesn't have to be forever,"

His hands were hesitant as he reached for her. He didn't know why he was doing this, why he was even agreeing to do this.

Sam's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as he kissed her bruised, swollen lips. Very slowly, he lowered her body to the ground. As he undressed her, he kissed every bruise, every bloody weald, as if he could heal her by touch alone. Her body was a mess. There was hardly an inch of skin that was untouched. Old bruises faded into new ones and there were scars, lots of scars. Some would never disappear. It sickened him to look at her, but he forced himself to keep his eyes open. He couldn't let anger or disgust show in his face. She deserved exactly what she had asked for; love, total and unconditional.

He pulled off his own clothes, laying his body carefully along hers. Sam's legs parted beneath him, welcoming him into her body. She uttered a gasp as he pushed into her. Worried, Jack attempted to pull back,

"You OK?" he asked.

Sam nodded, biting her lip. Despite her words, he knew that the pain was bothering her. Her breathing was very ragged and he doubted that he could be giving her any pleasure at all.

"I want you," she whispered. "I need you, Jack."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as he started the gentle thrusting. He watched her face for signs of pain, but he saw nothing but raw need. She had grown too skilled at masking the symptoms.

Jack kept talking to her, telling her that she was beautiful, that he wanted her......every word he spoke was true. It shouldn't have been this way, he shouldn't have waited so long to show her love. He fought to keep the slow pace, but his control soon shattered.

Sam didn't follow him. Her eyes were tightly shut and she was biting back an exclamation of pain. Jack carefully pulled himself away from her. His action caused her to break into a moan. Slowly, he moved his hand between them. She opened her eyes in surprise as she felt him slide his fingers into her. He was careful as he coaxed her to completion, but he smiled as her body bucked beneath him.

"Sam?" he asked, when thought and reason had returned. She buried her head against him as she tried to quiet her emotions. Jack rolled over onto his back, pulling her onto his chest.

"Let it out Sam," he reassured her. "We're not going to do that again. Not until you've healed."

She was crying. Holding her close was probably doing her more good than sex ever could. They lay together for a long time, until the fire died down and the night air grew cold on their naked skin. Reluctantly, they drew apart, long enough to recover their clothes.

"Thank you," Sam told him. She even smiled a little as she cuddled back against him. He reached for the blanket from his pack and pulled it over them.

"Sleep, baby," he heard himself whisper.

She didn't sleep. His arms were like a band of pain around her chest. All he was doing was keeping her safe and warm, he couldn't know how much it hurt.. As the fire finally faded, Sam felt the darkness close around her. For so long now, her nights and days had been filled with terror. It was difficult to accept that she was now safe...and that Jack was here, spooned behind her. He had fallen asleep almost immediately. She could tell by the way his breath caressed the hairs at the back of her neck.

Moving slowly, she disentangled herself from his arms and forced herself to stand. She looked down at him, marvelling at the way his features softened with sleep. If she didn't know better.....

They were camped a little way from the Stargate. Jack hadn't wanted to stay too close, just in case someone had managed to follow them. That in mind, Sam found herself walking in the opposite direction. It had been a long time since she had seen the stars.....had been outside. The sight was more beautiful than she remembered, it wasn't her home planet, but it was a start.

She took deep breaths of the cold air, ignoring the pain in her bruised ribs. Jack had come for her. Despite every obstacle that had been placed in his path, he had found her. There had been times when she'd doubted him. As the weeks dragged into months, she had convinced herself that he would have given up, but Jack O'Neill was a man who kept his promises. Jack had said that this planet was deserted. It felt kind of nice, being the only two human beings alive on an empty world. It meant that no one could touch her....

Her path took her deeper into the darkness. Every sound was amplified by the night. If she strained she could almost hear Jack breathing.....but there was another sound that was far more beguiling. Water. The noise made Sam realise how incredibly thirsty she was. She found the stream and followed it for a little way, until she came to a deep still pool bordered on one side by a waterfall. As she bent to drink, she caught sight of her reflection. A stranger stared back. Her hair was long and tangled down her back. One of her eyes was swollen and almost closed. There were bruises on her face, her neck. This was what Jack had seen, this was what he had made love too. He had said she was beautiful. How could he do that? How could he lie to her. Oh God! It was all flooding back. Everything. Every blow, every rape, every humiliation. Sam wanted to cry, but her chest just heaved, it was as if she had no more tears to shed. She just wanted to forget, to wash it all away. Unbidden, her hands flew to her clothes, ripping the shabby material and tossing it aside. She dived headlong into the pool, rejoicing in the freezing depths and the bite of the water on her skin.

When Jack woke and went looking for Sam, he found her waist deep in the water, scrubbing herself violently. His first instinct was to haul her out, but something made him hesitate. The last thing she would respond to was force. Instead he slipped quietly back to their campsite, built up the fire and grabbed her showergel from his pack. Stupid thing to have carried with him for six months but...... He returned to the pool and, stripping off his own clothes, joined her in the water. It was icy cold, counteracting his body's response to seeing Sam naked for the second time in one night. She jumped visibly as he splashed towards her.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked.

Sam shook her head, obviously surprised. Smiling, Jack squeezed a little of the gel into his hand and started to wash her hair. Sam leant into his touch, allowing him to gently cleanse her body of the dirt and dried blood. He didn't hurry the process. Lingering over the parts of her that would gain the most pleasure from his attention. He then led her out of the water and back to the fire. They were both blue with cold by the time they were dressed again. Sam sat with her back to Jack's chest, the blanket wrapped around them both.

This time Jack didn't dare sleep. He couldn't risk her wandering off again. God only knew what she'd do to herself. Her head was slumped against him and she slept deeply, without dreams. Jack watched her until dawn broke. Every so often he dropped a kiss onto her hair, inhaling the flower-like fragrance. At least Sam smelt like Sam again.....and he was probably a damn sight nicer to be around. Tomorrow he would have to take her home. She needed more help than he would ever be able to give her. He'd escort her to the Tok'ra and to her father. Jack trusted Jacob to see Sam safely back to Earth. His own fate was less clear cut. Ironic really. Free of regulations and they still couldn't be together. If that was the price he had to pay to have Sam safe, he'd happily hand over his credit cards. This quiet time together was just a bonus.

*************************************************************************************

IV : Homecoming

"Tell me you found something?" Jacob Carter urged.

Jack allowed himself a small, tired, smile of triumph as he replied, "There's someone you should see."

"Do they know where she is?"

"Hey, Carter, come and say hi to Dad."

Jacob found himself looking into his daughters eyes. He paused before going to her. She looked......he couldn't put his finger on it. She was different. He hugged her carefully, holding her as if she would break. Jack watched them. Something was wrong, Sam's face showed no emotion at all. It was as if she had cried all her tears to him in the darkness and there was nothing left. Nothing that was distinctly Sam.

"I'll take you to the medics," Jacob offered.

"It's OK, Dad. I can find the way," Sam reassured him.

She gave him an indifferent kiss on the cheek and walked out of the room

"She's changed," Selmac said. "It's as if the stars have faded from her eyes."

"Couldn't have put it better myself," Jacob agreed.

"She seemed better when we were on P9D345H," Jack observed. "And when....."

Then he stopped. It was probably not the best time to explain to a concerned father that he'd been sleeping with the man's daughter. No, not a good idea.

"What happened to her, Jack?" Jacob asked.

"Bad stuff, very bad."

"Was she....?"

"Raped? Yeah, an' more than once. When I found her...."

Jack halted again. He felt the bile rise in his stomach as he relived the memory. God, he'd never wanted anything bad to happen to her. Every time they had been on a mission and he had watched her sleeping, the thoughts had run through his head. He had believed that Sam was the last person who needed his protection, and he had been so wrong.

"Thank you for bringing her back," Jacob said

"I shouldn't have left her in the first place," Jack muttered.

"It wasn't your fault."

"Still feels like it."

Jacob put his hand on the younger man's shoulder, giving him silent sympathy. Both men were soldiers and neither of them felt comfortable with words.

"She saved my life, you know," he admitted. "Despite everything that happened to her, she didn't even hesitate."

"Sam is a strong woman, just like her mother, she'll pull through."

For some reason, Jack wasn't so certain. Her behaviour was starting to worry him. She seemed cold, almost distant and he couldn't work out why. The change had definitely come over her when they had reached the Tokr'a. Prior to that she had been smiling, laughing, almost like her old self. He wasn't naive enough to believe that he'd ever get the old Sam back again. Too much had happened to her, but he didn't love this one any the less. Love. Where had that thought come from? He loved her. It was the first time he'd every really admitted that to himself. There had been times, during the long search, that the knowledge had touched the edge of his awareness, but he had never let the feelings run any deeper. He'd had protected himself, knowing that he might never find her.

Jack ran his fingers through his hair. He had to tell Sam and he had to do it soon....preferably before Martouf got anywhere near her.

*************************************************************************************

Sam submitted herself to the medical tests with bad grace. She flinched every time one of the Tokra medics came close. When they touched her, it was all she could do to keep from screaming. They poked and prodded her for what seemed like hours, before finally leaving her to rest. The sedatives they had provided remained untouched on the bedside table. Sam didn't trust herself to take them, still wary of the need to stay sharp....just in case...

"Samantha? "

Sam looked up to see Martouf standing beside the bed.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"As good as can be expected."

"I hope my people have been treating you well."

He reached out and took her hand. Sam suddenly found herself fighting the urge to be violently sick. She could almost feel the Goa'uld squirming about in his brain. It was the same feeling she'd had when Hathor......Sam snatched her hand away, needing to break the physical contact, but the sensation didn't fade. They were all around her. Hundreds of them. Hundreds of alien beings trying to invade her mind. The whisper she used to feel in the presence of a Goa'uld had become a scream. Martouf tried to touch her again, catching her arm this time. For the second time Sam tore herself away. She could see the confusion on his face, the hurt. He couldn't understand what had happened to her, none of them could. Even Jack only had a vague understanding....and he had been the one who found her.

She hadn't told him the whole truth. She hadn't told him why she had submitted to Hathor's advances. Now she wondered if suicide wouldn't have been the preferable option.....but that wouldn't have saved the others. While Hathor had been infatuated with Sam, he had left her fellow victims alone. Despite everything that had happened, it was difficult for her to realise that the ordeal was over. It seemed that the only time she could find peace was when Jack held her. She wished he was here right now. He would soon chase Martouf away.

"Samantha?" Martouf said again.

"I'm tired, please go," she snapped back.

He touched her again.

"Don't!"

Sam rolled off of the bed, trying to get away from him. His attentions were starting to make her feel nauseous. Martouf had never aroused this type of revulsion in her. If the truth be known, she had always found his attentions rather flattering....that and the fact she had enjoyed seeing Jack turn a strange shade of green whenever he was confronted with what he assumed to be competition. Thanks to Jolinar, she knew Martouf intimately, but that knowledge was not helping her now. Part of her knew that she was being irrational, but somehow she couldn't stop herself screaming at him,

"Keep away from me!"

Then she ran. Without purpose, without direction, she ran away from him and everything she perceived as a threat......and Martouf followed her.

The Tokra tunnels all looked the same, and she had no idea as to which one led to the surface.....to the Stargate. There were shouts behind her. Sam knew that there were people following her, but fear made her run even faster.

Martouf obviously knew the tunnels well, because he suddenly appeared in front of her. Sam almost fell as she tried to change direction. He grabbed her, trying to hold her upright and stop her hurting herself. Sam fought against him, but her struggle only made him hold her tighter. She heard herself sob, wanting, more than anything else, to be free.

"Hey! What's goin' on here?"

"Jack, help me!" Sam couldn't stop herself screaming.

Needing no other incentive, Jack waded into the fray. He grabbed Martouf by the scruff of the neck and hauled him away from Sam. He shoved the other man up against the wall, anger giving way to common sense.

"Leave her alone!" Jack heard himself hiss.

"But...I wasn't......," Martouf stuttered.

"I know what you were doin', pal."

The next thing Jack knew he was flat on his back staring into Jacob Carter's angry face.....no not Jacob....Selmac.

"Take Major Carter to her quarters," Selmac ordered.

Sam glanced back as they led her away. Jack was still lying on the floor, completely dazed. He touched his eye, almost surprised when his fingers came away red. Several of the Tokr'a were gathered around, but not one of them made a move to help him. He had to use the wall to haul himself to his feet. His eye's met Martouf's. The other man was glaring with open hostility. For a few seconds Jack thought that he should apologise, luckily the feeling passed before he actually said the words. He had nothing to be sorry for. Marty had been the one hassling Sam. His attention was the last thing she needed....or wanted, judging by her reaction. Jack should have felt pleased about that, but he didn't. The Sam he remembered had liked Martouf. Maybe not in a sexual way....(God he hoped not).....but she had been very close to him. Now that situation had reversed. Jack suspected that Sam no longer cared that there was a difference between the Tok'ra and the Goa'uld. In his own mind the lines had always blurred a little.

*************************************************************************************

Sam ran the hot water, watching the steam rise from the wash basin. She glanced up to the mirror which hung above. She was clean now and her hair was brushed, but the bruises still stood out on her face. There would be scars on her body, a permanent reminder of what had happened. She dipped her hands into the hot water, watching in fascination as the veins on her wrist stood out in sharp relief. It wasn't enough that she was safe, it wasn't enough that Jack had loved her. Every moment of her captivity played through her mind.

She wished that Jack had brought her somewhere else. These tunnels seem almost claustrophobic. A part of her needed to be outside again, with no walls about her.

"How are the bruises?" Jack asked.

She didn't seem surprised by the fact that he was standing in the doorway. Her eyes barely flicked to one side.

"The medics say there's nothing serious. I'll heal. How about you?"

O'Neill gingerly touched his eye, feeling the crusted blood where the scar on his eyebrow had split open again. He glanced at his reflection, the area around his eye was bruised.

"Dad packs quite a punch," he admitted, ruefully.

She dipped a cloth into the water and started to wash the blood away. Jack felt himself flinch as she touched the tender area. It was ironic, he was the one who should be helping her, not the other way round. He couldn't seem to stop her trying to look after him, and he wasn't certain that he wanted to.

"How are you dealing with all this?" he questioned.

"I was raped, Jack, and you seem to be the only person who has the guts to use that word in front of me. Everyone else talks their way around it," she spat.

"They care about you Sam."

"Then why were you the only one to come looking for me?"

"That's not fair. Your Dad's been going nuts."

Sam didn't answer. He could tell by the expression on her face that she wasn't convinced. She turned back to the mirror, staring at her reflection. Jack took a chance and slipped his arms about her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. He wasn't certain how she would react, or whether their previous intimacy would continue.

"They have hot springs here......," he began, a touch of suggestion in his voice. "Don't know about you, but I would find a bath kinda relaxing right now."

"It's late," she protested.

"So there won't be anyone else around."

He kissed the side of her neck, sucking gently on the soft flesh. Sam heard herself moan. Jack wasn't playing fair and she did find the idea attractive. But....

"Why are you doing this?" she asked.

"Because I want to make love to you again......and again......and again......."

He punctuated each word with a kiss.

"You said......,"

"I know what I said, and that can wait.......but it doesn't stop me seeing you naked, does it?"

Sam found herself being gently persuaded by his touch. His hands crept over her shoulders and down the front of her shirt. He found her nipples easily, and started to draw slow, lazy circles around them with his fingertips. Sam felt her body shudder. Jack certainly seemed to be going out of his way to make her feel good. Sam turned in his embrace, seeking out his mouth with her own. His hands tangled themselves in her hair, pushing the soft strands away from her face. "Bath," he told her, when they finally came up for air.

Sam laughed at his persistence. It was good to be with him again, and she felt no qualms as she let him lead her away from the mirror. The tunnels led to a series of caves that were obviously part of some massive natural network. She wondered how he had found them, but realised that he must have spent some of the last six months with the Tokra.

Jack led her down to the water's edge and started to undress her. Sam abandoned herself to his attentions. He seemed to know exactly what would make her feel good and he didn't seem unusually disturbed by the lack of penetrative sex. They shared a long, relaxing bath. Then Jack dried her and took her to bed. Again, he watched while Sam slept. Her face contorted slightly as she fell into dreams. Jack found himself stroking her hair, trying to give her some comfort. It must have worked because she soon quietened, but her fingers clutched at the T-shirt he wore, clinging onto him as if she would never let go.

She would go back to Earth in the morning. He could only hope that she would find the peace and tranquillity she needed to heal. Without him. He badly wanted to make love to her again, but he knew that he wasn't going to risk hurting her. Watching Sam sleep was the only comfort he would allow himself.

*************************************************************************************

"I love you," he had whispered as he said goodbye.

Sam hadn't known how to reply. Love seemed to be an alien concept. She'd clung to him for a few seconds, not wanting to let go of him. He had come to represent everything that was strong, everything that was loyal.....her life was his. She understood why he couldn't come with her, but it didn't prevent the crippling sensation of loss. Her father's hand had finally persuaded her that it was time to go.

"Look after her," Jack had told him.

"I thought that was my line," Jacob had replied.

"Just checkin'."

Then Jack had smiled one more time and Sam had stepped through the gate.

Home. The welcome had been almost overwhelming. All of her friends rushed to greet her. Daniel Jackson....still looking like a bewildered spaniel, Teal'c....actually smiled at her....Janet....General Hammond... .Siler...Simmons...all had words of welcome. They seemed like strangers. Never had Sam been so relieved to escape from the gateroom for her post mission physical. Daniel had tried to hug her, and Sam had found herself pushing him away. He'd been hurt, she'd seen it in his eyes, but Sam hadn't been able to help herself.

There were fewer people in the infirmary. Janet was the only friend Sam had to deal with and she was, thankfully, all business. The check up was thorough and embarrassing, although there was little the doctor could do for her that the Tokr'a couldn't.

"Can I go home?" Sam heard herself ask.

She was feeling the same sense of claustrophobia as she had within the Tokr'a tunnels. It was as if the weight of the mountain was pressing down on her. She had an almost uncontrollable urge to run.

"Sam, I really think you should stay on base for a couple of days," Janet replied. "I'd like to keep an eye on you....just in case there's something I've missed."

"Please, Janet? I haven't been home for so long."

Janet sighed to herself. Perhaps the base wasn't the best place for Sam. Something here was obviously making her nervous. Whether it was the people or her surroundings, the doctor wasn't quite sure. She almost wished that O'Neill was here. He was probably the only person with whom she would entrust Sam's well being.

"Look...why don't you come and stay with me?" Janet offered.

Sam didn't question the offer. The compromise was an acceptable one and she nodded her agreement.

"Can we go now?" she demanded.

"I'm on duty."

"Please?"

"I'll see what I can do."

Janet was as good as her word. Within twenty minutes Sam was being driven away from to base. She opened the car window, glad to feel the wind on her face once more. Somehow it brought home the fact that she was now free. If only....her thoughts turned to Jack. He had loved her as if he had been her first; sweet, gentle, tender. The memory was enough to bring tears to her eyes. If only it hadn't hurt so much, but that hadn't been Jack's fault. The pain had been both physical and mental. He had done everything possible to make it a pleasurable experience, but Sam wondered how long it would be before she could have sex without remembering Hathor.....or feel safe with anyone apart from Jack. Sam allowed herself a little smile, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Before she had....gone away, her feelings for her commanding officer had been strong and everything he had done for her only served to strengthen those emotions. She couldn't say if what she was feeling was love.......

"So how's Colonel O'Neill?" Janet asked, by way of making conversation. The doctor obviously wanted to know details, but Sam was unwilling to share. The experiences were still too raw and painful. Whether he liked it or not, Jack was inextricably entwined in those events. She couldn't discuss one without referring to the other.

"He wanted to come home too," Sam replied.

"I'm sorry, Sam. You must be missing him."

"Yeah, but he made his choice, right? If he comes back he'll be court martialled and imprisoned. Neither of us want that."

Sam felt herself shiver. The thought of Jack being treated the way she had.....but that wouldn't be the case, not here....even so....She understood why he hadn't come with her. The rest of the journey faded into silence. Sam occupied herself by staring out of the open window, gazing at countryside she had never expected to see again.

"I told Cassandra you were home," Janet commented as they drew up outside her house.

"Oh....Great," Sam replied.

"Sam? Don't you want to see her?"

"Yes...yes, of course."

Janet placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, trying to ignore the fact that Sam flinched.

"It'll be OK, Sam. We're all here to help you."

Yes, they were...everyone apart from Jack.

*************************************************************************************

V : Entr'acte

He looks up at the stars, wondering how far away she is, if she's safe, if she's happy.....if she's with someone else. That possibility still haunts him. If fate had been kind, they would be together now and not stuck at opposite ends of the galaxy. He tries not to think about her. He tries.....and fails most of the time.

They don't like it when he comes outside, but he can't stand being in those tunnels all of the time....not to mention the fact he doesn't trust the people he is now reliant on. But he has no alternative. His own choices were the ones that led him to this place. And he can't leave...to do so would only take him further from her. At least here, he still has some form of contact.

He's been writing to her. It's taken some time, words do not come easily to him. He doesn't want to push her, or make her think that he is her only option. But he has to let her know that he's thinking of her.....and that she is never far from his thoughts. She'll probably laugh at his attempts to sound coherent. After all, she can't possibly still need him, not any more. God he wishes that he could be with her, but he made the choice to walk away the day he left the SGC. If asked, he will always reply that it was worth the sacrifice. She's safe.

The sensation of loving her, of being able to hold her in his arms, is one that he cannot forget. This man loves deeply, and he will never truly let her go.

So he sends her a letter, through the wormhole, hoping that, one day he'll see her again.

*************************************************************************************

VI : Return

"Dear Sam,

Bet you didn't know that I could write a letter, maybe I can't. This is the first time I've done it in a while.....I just wanted to say, I miss you and I hope you'll come back one day....... "

Sam folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. She didn't know why she was reading it, she knew the words by heart. A smile played over her lips. It wasn't very long and the handwriting, not to mention the grammar, was pretty terrible, but it was from Jack. She was sitting outside, basking in the rays of sunlight that bathed the mountain. It was a beautiful day and she had nothing else to do, apart from tinker with the Naquedah reactor and even that didn't seem to appeal the way it used to. Sam had to admit that part of the reason she used to hide out in her lab so much was to make Jack come and find her. That wouldn't happen any more.

Two months....two months and the physical bruises had healed. Sam hugged herself, rocking slightly. She had a therapy session in half an hour. If she wasn't going to be late she really should start back down. It was so beautiful out here and she very rarely got the chance to be alone. There were far too many well meaning friends who seemed to want to keep her company. No doubt one of them would be popping up from behind a tree any time now. Sometimes their dedication made her want to scream. Everyone was still treading on eggshells around her. Then again....perhaps she had given them good cause. She was surprised that she hadn't scared them all away.

Shoving Jack's letter back into her pocket, Sam climbed to her feet. It was time to leave this and return to the tunnels. She still had to fight the feelings of claustrophobia every time she ventured back underground. But she was recovering. Dr. McKenzie had admitted as much when he had allowed her to return to restricted duty. No gate travel, though, not yet. Sam missed exploring more than she wanted to admit. Besides if she was allowed to go through the gate she could see Jack, and she needed to do that. There were things they had to talk about. Her feelings for him were no less confused. She had to get better, she had to. Jack was an important enough reason. Maybe she was just grateful to him for saving her, but maybe it was something else.

"We've moved planets again," the letter continued, "this one has, wait for it, lots of trees. I don't mind so much anymore. They remind me of home.....and of you. I sound sappy, don't I?"

Without realising it Sam had taken the letter out of her pocket again, reading the words once more before she ventured underground.

"Sam, this is hard for me to say, but I know it's going to be a while before I can see you again. If you meet someone.......I need to know that you'll be happy.....whether I can be there or not. Don't throw away the chance because an old man is waiting for you on another planet."

"Hey Sam!"

She shoved the letter away as she heard Daniel's voice. No one knew that she had heard from Jack. For some reason she wanted to keep that part private, just as she hadn't told anyone they had made love. Somehow it just seemed too intensely personal to share. The memory and this letter was all she seemed to have left of him.

"I'm coming Daniel," she sighed.

"Sorry, Sam, it was just....."

"I know."

Despite her good intentions she was going to be late for her appointment. It was embarrassing when people had to come out and get her. Daniel fell into step beside her, obviously not trusting her to finish the journey by herself........although quite where he expected her to run to she wasn't certain. Sam found herself wondering if they would ever truly allow her to be by herself.

"Janet wants to see you before you go to Dr. Mckenzie," Daniel told her.

"Why?"

"She didn't say. Is there anything wrong, Sam?"

"Not as far as I know. I feel pretty good today."

"That's great to hear."

"In fact, I was wondering if we shouldn't all go out somewhere. Really paint the town..."

"If that's what you want."

"No, Daniel....you have to want to go too. That's the point."

"Oh...right......sorry."

Sam sighed to herself and didn't say anything more. There wasn't any point. They were going to continue running around her until she proved herself again.

"Sam, good," Janet said when Sam turned up in her office. "Take a seat."

"What's up?" Sam asked. "I already had a check up this week."

"That's what I want to talk to you about. There's no easy way to tell you this, and under the circumstances I'm sure everyone will support whatever decision you decide to make."

"Janet...you're scaring me, now what is it?"

"You're pregnant."

"What?"

"Sam,....."

"No, I can't be. I......."

Janet's words refused to make sense. Sam sat there staring into space, trying to absorb the information. If she was pregnant then that would mean.....Oh God!

"How far?" she snapped.

"What?"

"How far along am I? It can't be much, can it?"

"I would estimate about nine weeks."

"Then it's not too late...."

"Sam.....?"

"I want it gone, Janet. As soon as possible."

"Are you sure?"

"I am not going to have that monster's child!"

Sam almost screamed the words. The thought of something Hathor had created growing inside her was almost more than she could bear. In fact, it was all she could do to keep her breakfast in her stomach.

"Sort it out, Doctor. I want it gone within the week. If you won't do it, I'll find someone else who will."

She left the office without risking another look at Janet. Sam went straight to her quarters, needing more than anything, to be alone. However, that was not to be. Within ten minutes there was a quiet knock on the door.

"Sorry, Sam," Daniel said, "but I was waiting in the infirmary and I couldn't help overhearing.......It's probably not much consolation, but I have a pretty good idea of how you're feeling right now."

Sam looked up at the man who stood in the doorway and hugged herself a little tighter.

"Do you?" she asked.

"Yes. Remember what Hathor did to me?"

Maybe he did. Maybe Daniel was the only one who could understand......He crossed the room and sat beside her on the bed. Sam let him put his arms about her. If she needed anything right now it was a hug from someone who knew what she was going through.

"I don't know what to do," Sam admitted.

"Janet'll come up with something," he tried to reassure her.

"What if she can't?"

"She will."

"It's driving me nuts, Daniel......I don't know how much more of this I can take."

*************************************************************************************

"You sent a message to the Tok'ra?" Janet asked.

Daniel didn't even have the decency to look apologetic. He stared out at the gate, watching as the event horizon whooshed into life. The iris immediately slid across, only to be removed when the computer recognised the Tok'ra signal.

"I thought, given the circumstances, Jack may want to know," Daniel explained.

"Daniel, I was keeping Major Carter's condition confidential. I thought you might have had the decency to do the same. It's not as if Colonel O'Neill's going to be able to help. Sam's made up her mind."

"And you agree with her decision?"

"That's not the point, and you know it!"

He didn't reply. Sam needed Jack right now.....whether she admitted the fact or not. She certainly wasn't letting anyone else get close to her. With any luck Jack would send a message or....Two figures stepped through the gate. Martouf would have been expected, but Daniel was surprised to see Councillor Garshaw. He had been hoping that Jacob would come, or that Jack would return.

"We need to meet with General Hammond immediately," the Tok'ra woman ordered.

"I'll let him know," Janet replied and left the gateroom.

"How's Jack?" Daniel asked.

"Colonel O'Neill is well," Martouf answered, "Is Samantha here?"

"Why?"

"We require her presence too."

"What's going on?"

"We would prefer to discuss the matter with General Hammond," Garshaw interrupted.

Daniel suddenly had a very bad feeling about all of this. Why the hell were they so interested in Sam?

"If you'll follow me," he offered, leading them up towards the briefing room.

They met General Hammond on the stairs and Daniel was horrified to see that Colonel Maybourne was with him.

"How did he get here?" Daniel hissed.

"Maybe you sent him another note?" Janet snapped back, obviously still very annoyed with him.

"Page Major Carter," Hammond ordered. "I require her presence."

"I'll go and get her," Daniel volunteered.

He was anxious to get away from Janet's accusing stare. Daniel was really surprised that Jack hadn't come. Surely the threat of court-martial wouldn't be enough to keep him away if Sam needed him. If it was, Daniel had seriously underestimated the man.

Sam was a little confused by the summons. She had been doing her best to divorce herself from her condition, knowing that in a couple of days it would all be over. Somehow, she knew that the assembly in the briefing room had something to do with what she carried within her. Unconciously, she passed her hand over her stomach. It was protective gesture that she was barely aware of making.

She took the seat next to General Hammond, suddenly feeling like she needed his protection. If her father had been here she would have been in his arms in a second. In fact, she wasn't sure why he wasn't. Jacob usually took every opportunity he could to come visit.

"Sir?" Sam questioned.

Hammond cleared his throat. He was obviously very uncomfortable with the current situation.

"I have been given orders to conduct this briefing, Major. Orders, which I will state for the record, I do not agree with."

"Let's cut to the chase, General," Maybourne interrupted.

"Thank you, Colonel....but I will conduct my briefing in my facility the way I please."

Maybourne shut up, but the General's words didn't wipe the smirk from the Colonel's face.

"Major, we are all aware of your condition," Hammond began, "And Dr. Frasier has informed me of your intention to terminate the pregnancy."

"That's correct."

Sam kept her voice as steady as she could. Janet would have informed Hammond as a matter of course, but that didn't explain how Maybourne or the Tok'ra had found out....or why they all seemed so interested.

"I'm afraid we can't allow that, Major," Maybourne said.

"He is correct," Garshaw added. "Your child is the product of a mating between a Goa'uld and a Tok'ra...."

"Harsesis," Sam suddenly realised. "You think this baby will have the knowledge of the Goa'uld?"

"And the Tok'ra, we cannot let that information go to waste."

"With respect, councillor, Major Carter is a citizen of Earth, the child will be under our jurisdiction," Maybourne pointed out.

"The Tok'ra will be able to protect the child more effectively."

The argument continued about her. Sam could hardly believe what she was hearing. They were fighting over her unborn child, trying to dictate her life, her decision. It wasn't because they were concerned about her, all they wanted was the knowledge the child could possibly give them. Sam pushed back her chair.

"I'm sorry General, but this is my body and my choice, and nothing these people say is going to change my mind," she shouted.

"Samantha....," Martouf began.

"NO! Listen to me. I do not want this, can't any of you understand! .........I'm not feeling very well, General, if I may be excused?"

"No, Major you may not," Maybourne replied. "We are willing to take you into protective custody until......"

"Go to Hell Maybourne!" Sam didn't wait to be dismissed, knowing she was about an inch away from killing someone...preferably Maybourne, but she wasn't that fussed. She stormed down the stairs and entered the control room just as the alarms started to go off.

"Unauthorised off-world activation," the technician's voice intoned.

"Close the iris," Sam ordered.

She was aware of the others descending the stairs and glanced over at Hammond.

"We're getting a transmission, sir," the technician continued. "It's the Tok'ra."

"No one has been authorised," Garshaw informed them.

"Keep that iris closed, airman," Hammond ordered.

"Wait a second, sir. What if it's Dad?" Sam questioned.

"I assure you....." Garshaw pressed the issue.

"Please, sir?"

Hammond looked at her, studying her worn features. Sam was like a daughter to him and Jacob a brother. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to either of them.

"Open it up," he said.

"Thank you," Sam breathed.

The iris slid back to reveal the fluctuating event horizon and the figure that stepped through was instantly recognisable as Jacob Carter. Sam immediately hurried down to the gateroom intending to greet her father. However, her trajectory changed the instant the second figure stepped through the gate and Jack O'Neill found his arms full of five foot ten blonde. She had her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist, her momentum nearly enough to make him lose his balance.

"Pleased to see me?" he grinned.

"Shut up," Sam returned as she kissed him.

The guards in the gateroom were obviously a little unsure as to what to do. They were aware that O'Neill should be arrested, but that was a little difficult to do when he was making out with Major Carter. If the truth be told, several of the normally stoic SF's had sappy grins on their faces.

"Get them a room," Jacob told Hammond, he then glanced up at the control room and added, "There's some people I need to talk to."

*************************************************************************************

VII : Consequences

"Do you think they're ever going to come up for air?" Daniel observed.

Janet just shook her head, "Well, I don't think the physical will be necessary. He seems in perfect health from what I can see."

"And I thought that the human species required oxygen."

Teal'c just raised his eyebrow and smiled.

Jack O'Neill was sat on one of the infirmary beds, his arms and legs looped casually around Sam, who stood in his loose embrace. The doctor gave an obtrusive cough, causing the couple to break away from each other.

"And how are you feeling, Sam?" she asked.

"You look great," O'Neill interrupted, "I think this really agrees with you."

Sam flushed, as he ran a hand over her stomach. He looked up at her with a slightly goofy expression and she didn't quite know what to say.

"So does this mean you've changed your mind about keeping the baby?" Janet asked.

"Sam?" Jack questioned. "Why wouldn't you want this child?"

She pulled out of his embrace, angry with him for asking the question.

"I was raped by a Goa'uld....or had you forgotten," she snapped back.

"No, Sam...."

"God, you sound just like Maybourne and the rest of them!"

"Listen a second......I was kinda hoping it was mine."

His last words were spoken very quietly, breathing a hope he hardly dared to vocalise. Sam stared at him. The possibility hadn't even crossed her mind, but the timing could be right. She buried her face in her hands. This was something she couldn't cope with right now. Half an hour ago everything had seemed so clear. Janet and Daniel were looking at each other, obviously thinking along the same lines.

"Sam," Janet said, gently, "I can check for you, if you'd like me to."

"Yes.....please."

"OK, I'll do the tests in the morning. Now I suggest you go and get some rest."

"Major Carter, O'Neill, if you would follow me," Teal'c said.

General Hammond was allowing them to use the VIP quarters, despite the fact that O'Neill was technically under arrest. He was trusting Jack not to do anything stupid....and posting Teal'c outside the door just to make sure.

It was strange to have Jack here, Sam thought to herself as they stood in the room, staring at each other.

"So why didn't you come earlier?" she heard herself ask.

"We didn't get Danny's message until Garshaw and Martouf had left," he explained.

"They wanted to close the iris."

"Figures."

"What do you mean?"

"Dad and I were the only ones who'd probably stop them gettin' what they were after. "

"Dad?"

"They didn't want either of us here, Sam."

Sam found that she didn't really want to talk about it anymore. Jack's arrival had given her a second option to consider...whether she wanted to carry his child. In her current psychological state she couldn't help wondering if it would be the wisest course to take. If he didn't want this so much.....

"Sam?" he said, quietly.

"It's nothing, I just...I guess I'm glad you came."

"Me too."

He closed the distance between them, pulling her back into his arms. Holding her was all he really wanted to think about. Sam snuggled into his embrace, obviously enjoying the chance to be close again. Jack was unsure of how far she would want to take this, and he didn't want to admit that he had been very much hoping for a physical reunion. He wanted another chance to show this woman exactly how much he loved her, but he wasn't sure Sam wasn't ready for that right now. She was tired, the confrontations of the past few hours had really drained her.

"Let's get some sleep," he whispered into her hair.

Sam nodded and let him guide her to the bed, glad to be able to curl up at his side. His body was warm and solid against hers, bringing back the intimate memories of all they had shared. She felt the breath catch in her throat as he shifted slightly, pressing himself closer to her. Adjusting her own position, Sam reached below the covers and touched him. Jack's eyes flew open, surprised by her action. A little more boldly, she repeated the caress.

"Sam, we don't have too......," he began, only to be silenced by her fingers touching his lips and the gentle smile on her face.

"Let me do this," she said, sliding her hands over his chest....and then downwards. "We may not get another chance."

"I...." he began.

The sensations she was arousing were not conducive to coherent speech.

"I love you, Jack," Sam whispered.

Looking into her eyes, he had no doubts that her words were sincere and Jack had never been happier. He didn't care why she had chosen that moment to tell him.

*************************************************************************************

Sam had never known Jack to be so excited. Janet was on the verge of becoming annoyed with him as he bounced around the infirmary, generally getting in everyone's way. Hammond was conveniently turning a blind eye to the fact that Jack should have been taken into custody. Teal'c was still acting as watchdog and would, no doubt, take the appropriate action if O'Neill stepped out of line.

She didn't know why Jack was getting himself so worked up. This was just a scan, nothing to be excited about.....There was a long way to go yet. A long, long way, she reminded herself. The Tok'ra representatives were still on the base, as was Colonel Maybourne, all waiting for the results of Janet's tests. Sam sensed they were ready to pounce on her if they got confirmation of their suspicions. Those tests were being run in the lab., while the scan was being carried out.

As Janet prepared to do the ultrasound, Sam reached out and took Jack's hand. She didn't like to admit that she was scared. If she actually saw what she carried within her she would not be able to do what she had convinced herself was necessary.

"OK, let's have a look," Janet smiled.

But Sam kept her head resolutely turned away. No one seemed to notice the gesture, they were too busy looking at the screen.

"Doc?" Jack questioned.

"I don't know," Janet replied. "There seems to be something wrong with the resolution. Hang on a second."

"What is it?" Sam heard herself ask.

"I'm......getting multiple images." Sam looked around, not quite knowing what to expect. Jack's hand tightened on hers.

"Relax," Janet reassured.

"Tell me!" she snapped.

"Sam....it's twins."

For some reason Sam couldn't stop herself laughing.

"Wha' do ya know....Maybourne and Garshaw can have one each," she commented.

"I do not see the reason for your amusement," another voice added.

The couple looked up to see Garshaw standing at the end of the bed. When she had come into the room neither of them could say, but she had obviously been watching the proceedings with interest.

"We wish to establish paternity ourselves," she said, "if you have no objections, Dr. Fraiser?"

"And if the results don't match?" Janet wanted to know.

"Our procedures are obviously going to be more accurate."

"Ya know, this is why you people annoy me!" Jack broke in.

"You have an objection Colonel O'Neill? I would have thought that you would stand to gain the most by establishing the paternity of Major Carter's offspring."

There was very little Jack could say in reply. Even after living with them for a while, he still didn't trust the Tok'ra.

"Do it," Sam said, suddenly.

"Sam?" Jack queried.

"I'm sick of this shit. I just want to know. Then we can make a determination, one way or the other."

The fact that she had used the term 'we' gave Jack some hope. He had started to feel that she was deliberately keeping him out of the decision making process. If this was his child...correction...children, he wanted them, more than he'd ever wanted anything in his life. For Jack it would be a chance to make up for the mistakes he'd made with Charlie....with Sara. If he could ever atone for the death of his first child, but he damn well deserved the chance.

"Jack, let go of my hand," Sam said.

He did as she asked, albeit reluctantly.

"Let them run their tests. Why don't you go and get me something sweet from the commissary? I'm getting cravings."

"Pie?"

"That would be fine."

Jack left the infirmary, followed by Teal'c. He was pretty certain that Sam didn't really want pie, she was just trying to get rid of him. Probably a good idea, he was in the mood to hit someone. Although he might balk at slugging Garshaw, Martouf or Maybourne would be more than suitable targets. They shouldn't be treating her like this, not after everything else she had been through.

*************************************************************************************

Sam looked exhausted when she returned to their quarters. Jack was waiting for her, along with about six different kinds of pie. She cuddled up to Jack and let him feed her, while he whispered words of comfort and support. Her relationship was something, she suddenly realised, that she didn't have time to worry about. He was loving and attentive, which was exactly what she needed right now.

She had spent hours being poked, prodded and generally submitting herself to every test Martouf had been able to devise. Now all she had to do was wait for the results. All she had to do.....If she didn't go insane in the next five minutes. You would have thought that, with all of their much vaunted advanced technology, the Tok'ra could have taken less than a couple of hours. Although, if there was any justice in the universe, these children would be Jack's and that would be the end of the matter.

Her memories regarding the last days of her captivity were hazy. She couldn't recall exactly the last time Hathor had forced himself upon her and Jack seemed so certain....He was stroking her hair now, his long fingers entwining themselves in the soft locks. It was nice......more than nice. She was actually starting to relax.

"You like that, huh?" he grinned at her, glad that she was enjoying the attention.

"Yes."

Only Jack could do that for her, he seemed to know exactly what she needed. Sam put it down to the years spent out in the field together. Learning to work together hadn't always been easy, but allowing herself to fall in love with him had been that much harder.

"Jack."

"Hmmm....?"

"Let's go to bed."

"Have I ever told you that I love the way you think, Major?"

"I don't think too much?"

"No way."

He scooped her up in his arms and started to carry her towards the bed, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door.

"For cryin' out loud.......What?"

Teal'c pushed the door open and allowed General Hammond into the room, closely followed by Janet Fraiser and Jacob Carter. Jack immediately let Sam slide to the floor. Intellectually, Jacob might realise that his daughter was sleeping with her former commanding officer, but there was no reason to make him face reality.

"Dad?" Sam questioned.

"Sam....I'm sorry," Jacob began.

"What's wrong?"

"Martouf's test results....."

"Sam, you're not carrying Jack's child," Janet finished.

Sam's legs suddenly refused to support her weight. Jack clamped his arm about her waist and helped her onto the bed. She looked up at him, wondering how he was taking the news. He had to be disappointed, even if it didn't show in his face. Jack could be far too good at shielding his emotions.

"There's something else," Janet went on.

"What?" Sam snapped back.

"For some reason the Naquedah levels in your blood have drastically increased. Possibly as a result of the pregnancy. I can only imagine that in the normal course of events this would be compensated for by the presence of a Goa'uld....."

"But in my case?"

"It's slowly poisoning you. There is no longer any choice in the matter, you have to terminate."

"We have to move quickly," Hammond continued, "Maybourne is on the phone as we speak. I have no doubt that he will persuade the Joint Chiefs to countermand any orders I might give."

"Then there is the Tok'ra position to consider," Jacob continued.

"They won't let me go, will they?" Sam asked.

"No, Sam."

"What do you suggest we do about it?" Jack demanded.

"You have to leave, and you have to leave now."

"Dad?" Sam protested.

"I will not let them hurt you, Sam and Selmac agrees with me. Take her away from here, Jack and don't come back."

"Yes sir."

There was no doubt, no hesitation in Jack's words. If that was what it would take to keep Sam safe, he would do it....after all....that was how it had all started. He wasn't given time to reminisce, however. Hammond handed him a large envelope and a couple of Zat guns.

"Try not to hurt anyone on the way out," he told them.

Jack looked down at Sam, answering the question that was in her eyes.

"Sorry sir," he apologised, raising his Zat.

"Likewise, Dad," Sam added.

They fired in tandem, sending both generals into the realms of unconsciousness.

"They OK?" Jack asked.

"Yes," Janet replied. "Where are you going to go?"

"Best you don't know," Sam answered and shot her friend.

Jack caught the doctor before she hit the floor. Teal'c must have heard the gunfire, because two seconds later the Jaffa came through the door.

"You are attempting to escape again, O'Neill?" he stated.

"Looks like it," Jack replied.

"Are you going to stop us?" Sam asked.

"I will ask General Hammond to clarify the situation.....Unfortunately he does not appear to be able to give me an answer immediately, therefore I will wait until he can."

Sam stood on tiptoe and kissed her friend on the cheek. The man smiled down at her, obviously pleased by her impulsive action.

"Goodbye O'Neill, Major Carter."

"See ya around, Teal'c,"

*************************************************************************************

VIII : Aftermath

"You sure you don't want me with you?" Jack asked.

"Certain," Sam replied.

"Sam, I don't want you to have to go through this alone."

"I'm not."

She leaned across and kissed him softly, before climbing out of the car and hurrying away. Jack watched her climb the steps and disappear into the hospital. He still couldn't dismiss the nagging feeling that he should have gone with her, but Sam had been quite firm on that point and he couldn't quite follow her reasoning. He couldn't imagine that this would be easy for her. She had given him instructions to wait, so that was what he was going to do. Unwillingly, he started the car and pulled away from the building.

There was still the ever present fear that, somehow, Maybourne would catch up with them. Assuming that the Colonel had managed to get the nose job that he so obviously had needed after Sam had knocked him out. She had decided that a Zat gun was too good for the little creep. Jack was pretty certain that the initial search would take place off-world. Activating the gate and then making a break for the outside world, had been a stroke of genius, even if he did say so himself. Earth was the last planet Maybourne, or Tok'ra, think of searching. Besides, it would always be easier to hide on their own world.

Jack's thoughts were sombre when he pulled up outside the house they were renting. This wasn't what he wanted for Sam. She shouldn't have to spend the rest of her life like this, but at the moment they didn't really have any choice. Maybe in time they would be able to stop running, looking over their shoulders at every turn. He hoped so. A normal life with Sam would be compensation enough for no longer being able to travel among the stars.......Assuming that she could be happy with an earthbound existence. He had to stop second guessing himself, but part of him was still amazed that this beautiful woman was willing to be his.

Time passed slowly that day. Jack found himself wandering around the house, trying to make it feel like home. A futile task. In six months they would have to be gone. It was late when he heard the key turn in the front door.

"Sam, honey?" Jack called out.

She stepped into the living room. By any stretch of the imagination she looked terrible. Arms clutched across her stomach, lines of pain and grief were etched into her features. He helped her to sit on the couch.

"You shoulda called," he told her.

"Took a cab," she replied. "Seemed easier."

"You want anything?"

"No."

"Ice cream, hot chocolate?"

"No."

He wanted to ask her if she was OK, but it was obvious that she wasn't. Jack reached out for her only to feel Sam slip out of his arms.

"I'm going to bed," she muttered.

Jack let her go. He knew Sam well enough to realise when she wanted to be left alone.....however difficult that might be. Before long the sound of her sobs drifted down the stairs, almost breaking his own heart. These children hadn't been his, even so it was difficult to detach himself from the situation. For Sam it must have been so much worse.

He stretched out on the couch that night, unwilling to disturb Sam's self-imposed exile. Just before dawn she came to him, took his hands, and led him up the stairs. The bedroom was in complete disarray. Sam had taken out her grief and anger on anything that came to hand. Jack didn't comment as he crawled into bed beside her.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Not your fault."

"I just don't know what I can offer you anymore."

"Jack, I'm a theoretical astrophysicist, I can theorise anywhere at anytime. You know that better than anyone."

"I guess."

"We're going to be OK, Jack."

"New identities, new life......Marriage certificate....Who do you think had that idea?"

Sam managed a small smile and answered,

"My bet's on Dad. He wants you to make an honest woman of me."

Neither of them felt much like sleeping. Tonight marked the physical end of the long ordeal. Here, lying together, it almost seemed as if the Airforce, the Stargate, all those other worlds, were nothing more than a vivid dream. Dawn was a new awakening to an uncertain future.

*************************************************************************************

The children ran across the grass, shrieking their enjoyment as the man pursued them with the garden hose. All three of them were soaking wet. He didn't even realise that he had a visitor. Daniel Jackson took his time to absorb the scene set before his eyes. The boy and the girl had blond hair like their mother, their father's easy smile.

"Dad?"

The girl saw Daniel first, pointing towards the stranger who dared to interrupt her playtime. Jack stopped, standing stock still. Both children gravitated towards him, suddenly shy and nervous. Their father didn't say anything at first. He stared at his visitor, trying to assess the changes that the years had wrought. He'd almost forgotten....almost. Sometimes, at night, the memories returned. Hurting, burning him with their intensity. A moment of intense pain seemed to run through him. He didn't know whether he should great this person who had imposed himself on his exile.

Then he grinned,

"Space monkey!"

"Good to see you, Jack......Where's Sam?" Daniel asked.

"Not here."

"Oh....I'm sorry. What happened?"

"What happened to what?"

"Sam."

"Why?"

"She's not here."

"No."

"Then....?"

"What are you talking about Daniel?"

Daniel took a deep breath. He'd forgotten how convoluted talking to Jack could be. Time hadn't improved the experience, especially as part of Jack's attention was diverted by his children, who had now lost interest in Daniel and were moving towards some freshly dug soil.

"What happened to Sam, as in why isn't she here?"

"She went for ice cream."

"Oh, I thought......"

"What?"

"Never mind."

"She's not allowed to eat it though, she just buys it."

"Why?"

"Why what?....Oh......She's pregnant again, she always craves ice cream, go figure. Jake, Sammy, come away from that."

"Dad!" the two children chorused.

"Get inside, it's time for bed."

"'Nother five minutes," Jake pleaded.

"You don't want your Mom to get mad."

"Horsey ride, Daddy," Sammy demanded

"Me too!" Jake added.

"I asked first!"

"Tell you what, if you ask Uncle Daniel nicely he'll give you a ride into the house."

Both children suddenly turned their attention to Daniel, who took a step backwards.

"Er....Jack?"

"Relax Daniel, they don't bite....much."

Jack was obviously highly amused by Daniel's reaction. He only let the man suffer for a few minutes before scooping both children up in his arms and carrying them into the house.

Later, Daniel sat in the comfortable living room, trying to actually enjoy the beer Jack had given him. He could just hear the drone of Jack's voice reading to the children. It wasn't long before a key turned in the front door and Sam walked into the house. She almost dropped her grocery bag when she saw Daniel sitting there, but her shock only registered for a second. It wasn't long before she was drawing him into a warm hug and dropping a kiss on his cheek.

Sam hadn't changed, maybe even less so than Jack. The only obvious difference in her appearance was the bulge that indicated the early stages of pregnancy......that and her eyes. There was something there, a reflection of pain that had never been present before.

"Daniel, it is so good to see you," she smiled.

"You too....So...How have you been?"

"Good, we're good."

She sat down, her movements were a little awkward as she negotiated with the extra weight she was carrying.

"They say third time's the charm," she grinned at Daniel, "but it's still damn uncomfortable."

"But you're happy, right?"

Sam stroked her bulge, laughing a little, "I'd say so."

Daniel wasn't certain why he was so worried about her. He guessed that this all seemed a little too perfect, but if anyone deserved happiness it was Sam and Jack.

"It's been easier since we stopped moving around so much and I was able to get into therapy again," she added, her tone matter of fact.

"Oh," was all Daniel managed as a reply.

"You don't get over what happened to me overnight, Daniel. Don't look so concerned. Jack and I have had six wonderful years together, we have two beautiful children and another one on the way."

Her gaze automatically drifted up the stairs, where the sound of childish laughter suddenly erupted. The smile on her face was enough to convince Daniel that she spoke the truth.

"We could never have had this if we'd stayed," she went on.

"But don't you miss it?" Daniel had to ask.

"Only sometimes."

She was distracted by the sound of footsteps as her husband descended. Jack's face lit up when he saw that his wife was home.

"What did you get this time?" he asked.

"Just chocolate."

"Danny, want some ice cream?"

THE END

Ruth M. King