Storytime with Rachel F Hundred

Chapter 16

Daniel was smiling as he came down the path with Teal’c and Bra’tac. The older Jaffa didn’t seem any the worse the wear for his experience. He had apparently re-materialised exactly where he had been dematerialised and the small recollection of his vision going completely green made up his whole memory of the event. In fact, as far as Bra’tac was concerned, he had blinked and the sky had gone from early morning daylight to green to twilight. The other Jaffa were all accounted for and there was a celebratory feeling as Daniel followed Teal’c back to the chamber which Bra’tac had insisted he wanted to see for himself.

Teal’c suddenly halted and held up a hand. ‘Something is wrong.’ He said peering into the darkness.

‘You are right, my friend.’ Bra’tac put his hand on Teal’c’s shoulder. ‘There!’ He pointed and they all saw what his eyes had made out in the darkness; the prone figure of Colonel Mitchell.

They ran down the rest of the path, slipping and sliding on the loose stones as they raced to Mitchell’s side. He was stirring as they reached him.

‘Colonel Mitchell.’ Teal’c knelt down and helped him into a sitting position.

Mitchell blinked hard past the sharp pain in his head. ‘Sam.’ He said weakly. ‘Cral’k came with a couple of goons…’

Daniel and Teal’c both stared at each other in horror for a split second before they moved. They had barely stood up when a figure, an injured Jaffa, came running out of the passageway.

‘Bomb!’ The Jaffa screamed before throwing himself to the ground.

The boom of an explosion inside the mountain shook the ground. Teal’c’s eyes widened as he saw the fire heading toward them through the passage and he pushed Daniel to the side, throwing himself over the other man as Bra’tac yanked Mitchell out of the way.

The fire exploded from the passage-way.

Teal’c turned back to stare at the entrance with shock.

‘No.’ Daniel murmured as he sat up. ‘Sam.’ His throat closed on her name. She couldn’t be…she just couldn’t be…

Teal’c’s body was one fluid movement as he rose and reached for the quivering Jaffa who had run from the chamber. He lifted him from the ground with one hand at his throat. The Jaffa’s hands closed around Teal’c’s wrist and pushed but his grip was too strong.

‘Where is Cral’k?’ Teal’c growled.

‘I don’t know.’ The Jaffa gasped.

‘What was his plan?’ Bra’tac asked as he went to stand by Teal’c’s side.

‘He believed she lied about the power source; he was going to blow up the device and show everybody. But he first intended to show the woman her place…’ The Jaffa began.

‘Does that mean what I think it means?’ Daniel asked tightly as he helped Mitchell to his feet. The other man leaned on him heavily.

‘It means he intended to take her against her will.’ Bra’tac said matter-of-factly.

Mitchell swore roundly.

Daniel shook his head, struggled against the images in his head of Sam’s last moments being of such horrific abuse. Another thought shot through him. God…what was he going to tell Jack? He staggered and it was Mitchell’s turn to steady him.

‘What happened to Colonel Carter?’ Teal’c asked.

‘I didn’t see. She surprised us. She shot Amlac before we entered and myself as I placed the bomb. She fought Cral’k hand to hand. I saw them before I passed out. When I woke I didn’t see her as I ran from the chamber.’

‘Cral’k?’ Bra’tac asked.

‘He was not there.’

‘What else?’ Teal’c said sternly.

‘That’s it.’ The Jaffa wheezed.

‘You will come with us and tell this to the Council.’ Bra’tac said.

‘He should die.’ Teal’c stated.

‘And he will.’ Bra’tac noted. ‘For her death, his life will be taken.’

Teal’c lowered the Jaffa to the ground and shoved him toward the path. ‘Walk.’

Bra’tac looked at the two devastated Tau’ri males solemnly. ‘You should come too.’

They followed after the Jaffa to the building they had designated for the Council. The group swept through the torch-lit corridors leaving murmuring voices and wondering eyes in their wake.

They froze at the sound of Cral’k’s voice behind the door that led to the Council chamber.

‘…and so the human female attacked me with this knife…’

Before Bra’tac could prevent it, Teal’c slammed the door open with a heavy palm and stalked to the centre of the room where Cral’k was stood. The other Jaffa did not stand a chance against Teal’c’s fury; Teal’c easily batted away the knife Cral’k held before his hands went around Cral’k’s throat.

‘I should kill you where you stand.’ Teal’c growled.

Mitchell shifted uncomfortably. ‘Shouldn’t we…?’ He gestured at Teal’c and glanced back at Daniel’s grief-stricken profile.

‘No.’ Daniel said. It’s a Jaffa revenge thing; he could hear Jack’s voice clearly in his head. He hoped Teal’c did crush the life from Cral’k’s throat, he thought furiously, the Jaffa deserved it and more for whatever he had put Sam through before the explosion.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ Byn’c asked.

‘Cral’k is responsible for the death of Colonel Carter by placing an explosive within the chamber.’ Bra’tac announced authoritatively. ‘More, he conspired to rape her prior to her death.’ He shoved the hapless Jaffa who had escaped the explosion in front of him. ‘This one can testify to the facts.’

‘Is this true?’ Byn’c demanded. ‘Tell us the truth, Ty’roc and we may go easy on your punishment.’

‘Yes.’ The Jaffa answered. ‘It is true.’

‘The whole story.’ Bra’tac demanded.

‘Cral’k approached myself and my cousin Amlac just after we had left the chamber where the Tau’ri female had been given permission to search for the power source.’ Ty’roc said his voice steadying as he continued. ‘He believed it was a Tau’ri trick and was determined to destroy the device and reveal her deception. He intended to show the female her place. He elicited Amlac’s and my help in doing this.’

‘Go on.’ Byn’c commanded gravely.

‘We acquired an explosive device from those used by the Kull warriors during the battle to hold Dakara against Anubis and went back. We knocked out the Tau’ri male guarding the entrance…’ the dark eyes flickered to Mitchell who acknowledged him with a tilt of his head, ‘and made our way to the chamber. The chamber was in darkness and the Tau’ri female opened fire on us. Amlac was hit. Cral’k and I both dived out of the way and were able to remain hidden in the darkness. I set the bomb on the device as instructed by Cral’k but as I finished setting it, she shot me.’ He indicated his wounds. ‘I fell injured and momentarily passed out. Before I did, I saw Cral’k and the female struggling. He was attempting to rape her.’

Daniel turned away, bile rising in his throat. Teal’c’s hands tightened around Cral’k’s neck.

‘A bright flash of green light woke me,’ Ty’roc concluded, ‘and there was no sign of the female or of Cral’k. I realised the countdown was almost over and ran from the chamber. I was barely outside when it exploded.’

‘And to that I can attest.’ Bra’tac said.

Daniel turned back to the Jaffa, a frown crossing his face. ‘Excuse me, not wanting to interrupt here but did you just say that you saw a flash of green light when you woke up?’

‘Yes.’ Ty’roc replied.

‘You’re sure?’ Daniel checked.

‘Yes.’

Daniel started smiling. ‘That’s great.’

‘What’s great?’ Mitchell asked bemused.

‘Well you get what that means, right?’ Daniel looked from Mitchell’s puzzled face, to Teal’c’s and Bra’tac’s and back. ‘She’s alive.’

‘Daniel…’ Mitchell figured the other man had lost it.

‘Sam’s alive!’ Daniel insisted.

‘I do not see how that is possible, Daniel Jackson.’ Teal’c said calmly; a contrast to his continued throat-hold of Cral’k.

‘She must have used the security transportation device to get away from the chamber before the bomb exploded.’ Daniel explained excitedly.

‘Is that possible?’ Mitchell asked.

‘Knowing Colonel Carter, indeed it is.’ Teal’c said confidently.

‘We need to go find her.’ Daniel said hurriedly.

‘Release, Cral’k, my friend.’ Bra’tac laid a hand on Teal’c shoulder. ‘He will die by the hand of the executioner.’

Teal’c slowly released Cral’k and threw him to the ground. ‘If we do not find her alive, I will kill you myself.’

Cral’k spat at Teal’c’s departing figure. ‘Shol’var.’ His eyes gleamed with hatred. ‘The hatred of the Tau’ri amongst the Jaffa will grow and you will die at the hand of my Lord God Ba’al…’

The knife flew across the room and embedded itself in Cral’k’s throat. They all turned to look in surprise at Byn’c. The older Jaffa waved at the body. ‘Remove it from our presence.’ His eyes met Teal’c’s. ‘It is Cral’k who is the shol’var here and I have exacted his punishment accordingly.’

‘Go.’ Bra’tac gestured. ‘I will stay to deliberate with the Council over the ramifications of Cral’k’s words and what has transpired here tonight.’

Teal’c inclined his head at Byn’c before he and the Tau’ri men left the Council chamber.

‘OK, Jackson.’ Mitchell said. ‘Where do we start looking?’

Daniel took out his radio and waved it. ‘Sam, are you there? Sam, if you can hear me, say something.’

There was a resounding silence.

‘I’m thinking we need back-up.’ Mitchell said.

‘I agree.’ Teal’c said. ‘I will round up a group of Jaffa to assist in the search.’

‘Actually, Teal’c, I was thinking of getting some more of us good old Tau’ri out here.’ Mitchell said. ‘If we’re right and she used the transporting device to get herself out of the chamber then unless we find another one of those consoles we could search the whole planet and still not find her.’

‘Yes, so?’ asked Daniel impatiently.

‘So, Sam was tracking the power source. If we get some fancy equipment out here that could do that faster…’

‘We can find the source of the power and likely another console where we can access the system and find out the location she sent herself to.’ Daniel concluded. ‘That’s not a bad idea.’

‘Thank you. I’ll go back to the SGC and report the situation to General O’Neill.’ Mitchell said. ‘You stay here and continue trying her on the radio. It might work.’

‘No…’ Daniel stopped him. ‘I’ll go back. You stay.’ God only knew how Jack was going to react to Sam going missing. ‘If you go, you won’t be allowed to return through the Stargate with your injuries.’ He said covering for the real reason although his words were true; Mitchell looked as white as a sheet. There was no way a doctor was going to release him back to duty if he went back to the SGC.

‘Really?’ Mitchell touched the back of his head gingerly and when his fingers came back with a smear of blood, he figured the archaeologist had a point. ‘OK. You go back. Leave your radio for Teal’c though. That way both he and I have one.’

Teal’c and Mitchell escorted Daniel down to the Stargate where he dialled home and entered the IDC on the GDO. He left them both standing together as he ran into the wormhole.

Daniel stumbled when his foot hit the ramp at the SGC, only just managed to right himself as he walked the last few steps to the bottom where Jack waited anxiously; the unscheduled wormhole already alerting him to the possibility that something had happened.

Jack’s hands fisted at his sides as the archaeologist came to stand in front of him. For once, Jack couldn’t think of a joke to get him over his unease and his worry; couldn’t think of a one-liner that would break the tension. He could see in Daniel’s eyes something had gone very wrong. His brown eyes gleamed at the younger man. Don’t tell me it’s Sam, he thought furiously, not Sam. Only one week and four days…

Daniel read the message as clearly as if Jack had spoken the words, knew he couldn’t give the other man what he wanted. He swallowed hard. ‘Sam’s missing, Jack.’

Chapter 17

Jack stared at Daniel. Sam’s missing. The words echoed around the silent gate room.

‘But we think she’s alive and that we know how to find her.’ Daniel said quietly. ‘We need a science team with expertise in the ZPM. We think the chamber the Jaffa found was part of an Ancient outpost like the one we have in Antarctica. Sam was tracking the power source and we think that’s the best way to find her.’ He continued. ‘Back-up would be good; Mitchell and Sam got attacked so we could use a med team.’

Jack moved. He turned to the Airman standing by the door. ‘Get Doctor Lee and two scientists of his choosing geared up and ready to leave with whatever equipment is needed. SG3 and SG12 will act as search and rescue. Get Doctor Lam and two of her people geared up and ready to leave with whatever equipment they need. I want them all in the gate room in ten minutes.’

‘Yessir.’ The Airman saluted and raced away.

Jack whirled back to Daniel. ‘What happened?’

‘It’s a long story.’ Daniel said rubbing his forehead. He gestured. ‘I think you should come back to Dakara too. We might need you to operate the technology with that gene thing you’ve got going.’

‘Fine. You can brief me as I gear up.’ Jack said striding out of the gate room. He gestured at another Airman. ‘You. Find General Hammond. He should still be on base and ask him to meet me in the gate room.’

Daniel followed Jack and explained the whole mission as the other man pulled on his gear. He was up to the point where he had realised that the missing Jaffa had probably been re-materialised at the same location where they had dematerialised when he stopped for a breath.

‘Sam told me to go with Teal’c and apparently the Council gave her permission to continue working in the chamber to search for the power source to disable the system completely.’ Daniel continued. ‘Anyway, from what we’ve been able to find out, Sam and Mitchell were attacked by Cral’k and a couple of his buddies. It turns out he was working for Ba’al.’

Jack slowed in putting his vest on and nodded for Daniel to carry on. ‘Go on.’

‘Mitchell was knocked out at the entrance where he was standing guard.’ Daniel said shifting on the bench. ‘Sam took down two of the Jaffa but not before one of them planted a bomb. She also managed to injure Cral’k who ran back to the Council with a story about her attacking him.’

‘Sweet.’ Jack said reaching for his cap.

‘One of the Jaffa was only badly wounded and when he woke up he saw a bright green flash, realised the bomb was about to go off and ran out just as we got there.’ Daniel said. ‘There was a massive explosion.’ His throat closed as he remembered the staggering pain of thinking he’d lost Sam. ‘We thought at first she was…was dead.’ He couldn’t look at Jack. ‘But when we got the whole story out of the Jaffa who’d escaped the bomb, we realised the green flash of light meant that she must have used the transportation system to get herself out of the chamber.’ He swiped a hand over his face.

‘Sounds like Carter.’ Jack said softly.

‘Only she’s not responding to the radio so she could be anywhere. Mitchell figured if we track the power source, there’ll be consoles we can use to access the system and work out where she sent herself.’ Daniel concluded still not looking at the other man.

‘Mitchell?’ Jack asked.

Daniel nodded and suddenly realised as he glanced up that Jack had crouched in front of him.

‘You going to be OK going back?’ Jack asked.

Daniel nodded. ‘I thought…for a while, I thought I was going to have to tell you she was dead, Jack.’

Jack placed a hand on his shoulder squeezed it gently. ‘Come on. Let’s go find her.’

Daniel fastened up his vest and they accepted the weapons on their way into the gate room. It was already filled with people including Hammond and Landry; the wormhole already activated.

Jack marched straight to the ramp and pulled his cap down harder as he rested his hands atop the P90. Somewhere after their gearing up, Daniel realised a little startled, Jack had become General O’Neill. He had donned his military persona like a second armour.

‘OK, people.’ Jack said loudly bringing everyone to order. ‘Listen up. This is a search and rescue so this will be all you get on the situation. Colonel Carter was attacked on Dakara by a rogue Jaffa working for Ba’al. She was forced to use an Ancient transportation system to save herself. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, the rogue agent blew up the only known console that had access into the system.’

He gazed around the room. ‘As I have some freak gene that allows me to use Ancient technology which may assist in the search, I will be leading the SAR myself. We are going to go to Dakara; find the power source to that system where there is likely another console and we are going to find Carter. It is likely that she may be injured and will require medical attention. Any questions?’

There were none. Each man and woman looked back at Jack eager to begin the mission.

‘SG3 and 12 move out; science and med teams follow them.’ Jack ordered. He stepped off the ramp to speak to Hammond.

‘General…’ Jack began.

‘I’ll mind the store, Jack.’ Hammond said without waiting for the request. ‘Good luck and Godspeed, son.’

Jack nodded and saluted before he made his way back to Daniel. The two men were side by side as they walked through the wormhole and back to Dakara.

Mitchell waited for them on the other side. He saluted Jack formally. ‘Sir. Bra’tac has secured the area by the old chamber for us to work.’

‘Lead on.’ Jack said before issuing orders to the others.

‘Have you had any luck reaching Sam?’ Daniel asked as they began the walk to the destroyed Ancient chamber.

‘None.’ Mitchell said. ‘When you left, Teal’c returned to the Council and Bra’tac got their support for our plan to find Sam. They also organised a group of Jaffa to search the old city in case Sam transported there. Teal’c went to show them the likely spots and meet us back in front of the chamber.’ He gestured. ‘I think they’re scared we’re going to blame them all for allowing Ba’al’s agent to attack us.’ He reached up to touch the lump on his head again.

‘So, having a good first day, Mitchell?’ Jack asked dryly seeing the movement.

‘Well, I haven’t been taken over by an alien yet, sir,’ Mitchell replied, ‘but I have lost Colonel Carter.’

Jack saw the crushed look Mitchell was trying to hide and knew it was guilt that the Jaffa had gotten past him to Sam. His own anger at the other’s man failure to protect her briefly competed with his professionalism before the latter won out. He cleared his throat. ‘Yeah, I may have not mentioned the fifth rule; expect that you will lose Carter occasionally. When was the first time we lost her?’ He asked Daniel. ‘Third, fourth mission?’

‘Fourth.’ Daniel said.

‘There you go. Fourth mission.’ Jack said gesturing. ‘Some kid kidnapped and sold her that time.’

‘Sir…’ Mitchell appreciated what the General was trying to do but…

‘The sixth rule, Mitchell,’ Jack continued talking over him, ‘is always find Carter when you lose her.’ He held the other man’s gaze. ‘OK?’

‘OK, sir.’ Mitchell responded.

Jack saw the younger man relax a little. ‘And hey, on the upside, you haven’t been taken over by an alien.’

‘The day’s young.’ Mitchell quipped.

They made their way down the path and Jack could see that Bra’tac had already organised a massive operation just in front of a blackened entranceway on the side of a mountain. Large artificial lights had been set up; there was a campfire burning brightly. Jaffa swarmed the area and Bra’tac was stood in the middle shouting orders.

Jack made straight for him. ‘Bra’tac.’

‘O’Neill.’ The old Jaffa clasped Jack’s forearm. ‘On behalf of the Jaffa High Council I bid you welcome to Dakara and apologise for the circumstances that have brought you here.’

Jack nodded. ‘Where can my people work?’

‘Jav’nec! Gyr’c!’ Bra’tac yelled at two young Jaffa who immediately came to order. ‘Help the Tau’ri get set up and give them whatever assistance they need.’

Jack confirmed his approval to SG3 and SG12 with a sharp nod, who moved into assist the science and med teams along with the Jaffa.

‘You have brought equipment to assist in finding her?’ Bra’tac asked.

‘We have,’ Jack confirmed.

‘And a medical team, no? This is good.’ Bra’tac nodded with satisfaction. ‘She may be in need of your doctors given Cral’k’s attempt to rape her.’

‘His attempt to what?’ Jack asked. His eyes snapped to Daniel.

The archaeologist gestured weakly at Jack’s furious glare. ‘I may have skipped over that part.’ Daniel admitted.

‘It is unlikely he was successful.’ Bra’tac said. ‘If he had been able to take her, there would have been no doubt that he would have killed her after.’

Jack turned from the small group of men. ‘Carolyn! Get over here!’

Carolyn hurried over. ‘Yes, General?’

‘There’s a possibility that Carter was subjected to a sexual assault.’ Jack forced the words out but kept his voice low. There was no reason for the other teams to know.

‘I understand.’ Carolyn said. ‘I’ll inform my people.’ Her eyes fell on Mitchell’s pale face and shocked eyes. ‘Colonel Mitchell, follow me. I need to examine that head wound.’

‘Me?’ Mitchell blinked at her. ‘I’m fine, really. It’s just a scratch.’

‘Sir.’ Carolyn looked at Jack.

Jack sighed. ‘Go with the nice doctor, Mitchell and get your head looked at.’

‘But, sir…’

‘That, Mitchell, was not a suggestion.’ Jack clarified. ‘You can join back in the search when we get a lock on Carter.’

It was Carolyn’s turn to protest and Jack waved her objections away. ‘Just patch him up, Doc.’

Neither Mitchell nor Carolyn was happy as they walked away so he figured he’d got the decision about right. Jack turned back to Bra’tac. ‘Thanks for everything you’re doing here.’

‘It is the least we can do.’ Bra’tac said. ‘I hope our joint efforts to find Colonel Carter help to once again strengthen the bonds that exist between our two people and that you will not blame us all for the actions of one Jaffa.’

‘Every barrel has its bad apple.’ Jack said. ‘Daniel tells me this Cral’k guy was working for Ba’al?’

‘It is possible that Ba’al lives.’ Bra’tac noted.

‘Where is the guy, Cral’k, anyway?’ Jack muttered. ‘I’d like a word.’

‘Cral’k’s dead.’ Daniel said.

‘You skip over that part too?’ Jack sighed again. ‘Damn.’ His brown gaze flickered back to Daniel. ‘Teal’c?’

‘No, although he did the whole,’ Daniel mimed choking someone, ‘but actually another Council member killed him when he revealed his allegiance to Ba’al.’

The sound of running footsteps had them all turning rapidly; guns and weapons at the ready.

Teal’c appeared and they all relaxed. ‘O’Neill.’ He walked swiftly to his friend. ‘Has there been any word of Colonel Carter?’

‘None so far. You?’ Jack asked.

‘We have searched through much of the city but there is no sign of her.’ Teal’c reported sadly.

‘It may be a long night.’ Bra’tac noted. ‘I will organise some food and drink.’

The older Jaffa walked off into the darkness and Jack was left with Daniel and Teal’c.

‘This is most difficult, O’Neill.’ Teal’c said gently.

‘Jack…’ Daniel began.

Jack waved his hand abruptly. ‘Let’s not go there right now, OK, guys?’

Both of his friends nodded.

‘Daniel, why don’t you go and find out what Doctor Lee and his geeks are up to?’ Jack suggested.

Daniel nodded again and headed over to the science team.

‘Crap.’ Jack looked after the retreating figure of the archaeologist. Daniel had to be feeling lousy; he hadn’t even made a token protest at Jack calling the scientists geeks.

‘I must apologise, O’Neill. I assured you Colonel Carter and the rest of SG1 would be safe on Dakara.’ Teal’c forced the words out. ‘I was in error.’

‘It’s not your fault, Teal’c.’ Jack said tiredly. ‘Just like it’s not Daniel’s, or Mitchell’s. Sometimes things just get screwed up; that’s what happens.’

Teal’c inclined his head. ‘I would have killed Cral’k with my bare hands.’

‘I know and I’m sure Sam will appreciate the thought, Teal’c.’ Jack patted his shoulder. He gestured at a nearby rock and they sat down. ‘Daniel told me some of what’s been going on with the Council.’ He gestured at the scene in front of them; Jaffa and humans working together. ‘I’m guessing the Council finding out Cral’k was a Ba’al agent…?’

‘Has prompted them to revise their view of the Tau’ri.’ Teal’c confirmed. ‘Cral’k was amongst the most vociferous of those opposing our continued alliance. In many ways, Cral’k’s plan to hurt Colonel Carter and blow up the device has served to only strengthen our alliance.’

‘So he screwed up.’ Jack said satisfied. At least something good had come out of the situation.

‘He did.’ Teal’c’s own tone was equally smug. ‘I believe this night will bring our people closer together.’

Jack nodded. ‘So now we’ve fixed the whole Tau’ri-Jaffa thing, all we need to do is find Carter.’

‘Indeed.’ Teal’c murmured.

The two of them stared out into the darkness both knowing without speaking which one they would have preferred to have done first.

Chapter 18

Sam knew she was dreaming. The park was not far from her house and she walked there sometimes. Her memory had reconstructed the picture perfect trees and gardens around her; the winding path that she walked on; the sun overheard and the breeze that fluttered over her skin. She vaguely recalled the clothes she wore; old, worn jeans that hugged her figure and showed off the lengths of her legs, the pale brown leather jacket, the old t-shirt underneath. She abruptly remembered the last time she had worn the outfit; walking in the park with an Ascended being who had made himself human just to be with her. She’d given the jacket away to a charity the day after she had returned from Velona where she had watched him ascend again to save her life. She had known she would never wear the jacket again without feeling incredibly sad…

‘You looked beautiful that day in the park.’

Her head turned and she saw him walking beside her again. She smiled, pleased to see him. ‘Orlin.’

The Ascended being was in his human form; an attractive man with floppy blond hair and green eyes. He had loved her completely and totally during their short time together and whilst she had been unable to return his feelings, as he had once teased her, she had liked him a lot.

She stopped walking and turned to face him. Her blue eyes met his fearfully. ‘I’m dying, aren’t I? That’s why you’re here.’

‘I’ve come to offer you a choice, Sam.’

Sam crossed her arms. ‘Isn’t that against the rules? I thought you weren’t allowed to help humans ascend before their time.’

He took her hand in his. She could feel the ripples of energy from him as his thumb stroked over her knuckles. ‘It is the only way I can save you.’

‘My friends will be looking for me…’ Sam began.

‘They won’t find you in time.’ Orlin said.

‘But there’s nothing wrong with me.’ Sam denied. ‘I’m fine. A couple of broken bones…some bruises…’

‘There is bleeding inside.’ Orlin said. ‘The transportation system was never meant to be used the way you used it by bypassing the buffer. There was…damage when you re-materialised.’

Sam jerked away from him and began walking again.

‘Let me save you.’ Orlin pleaded.

‘Orlin, you can’t expect to turn up, tell me I’m going to die and ask me to ascend.’ Sam snapped. ‘I can’t…I can’t just make that kind of decision.’

‘I know it’s a lot to deal with,’ Orlin said, ‘but you have to deal with it now. We don’t have much time, Sam.’

She whirled to a halt and ran her hands through her short crop of hair before she covered her face with them. She lowered them slowly. ‘Can’t you fix the damage?’

‘I am not allowed.’

‘But you’re not really allowed to help me ascend either are you?’

Orlin looked at her unhappily. ‘They have agreed to allow me to offer you this. There is more going on here then I can tell you.’

‘Why not just fix me?’ Sam asked plaintively.

‘Because there is a balance.’ Orlin said.

‘So if I live I unbalance everything but if I ascend I don’t?’ Sam read the truth in his eyes. ‘OK.’ She took a deep breath. ‘How do I even do this?’ She asked.

Orlin put his hands on her shoulders and slid his hands down until hers were held gently in his. ‘Take a deep breath and close your eyes.’

She did as he asked, felt the air ripple around her; the same warm feeling flowing over her that she had felt the day Orlin had revealed his true self to her.

‘Lay down your burdens and let go to your mortal life.’ Orlin continued.

Let go? She found herself standing on Dakara. She could see the passageway into the mountain. The area outside it was filled with people; Jaffa and human alike.

‘Your sacrifice here will serve to unite your peoples.’ Orlin noted.

Her eyes caught on Mitchell. He was sitting on a chair with Carolyn hovering over him trying to ensure he rested. She felt a wave of relief. He was alive. Her gaze moved on to Doctor Lee and the other scientists. She shook her head as Bill frowned at something on the screen.

‘He’s trying to find a ZPM rather than just focusing on the readings of this power source.’ She realised.

‘Yes.’ Orlin glanced across from her. ‘By the time, he realises the readings are not being distorted, it will be too late.’

Sam sighed and another man caught her attention. Daniel. He walked away from the table and over to Teal’c who stood with Bra’tac by the fire. Daniel laid a hand on Teal’c’s shoulder. She could feel the weight of their guilt. Not your fault, she thought at both of them. Daniel suddenly glanced over toward her as if he could sense her. She followed the archaeologist as he left Teal’c and made his way over to…Jack. She swallowed hard at the sight of him.

His grey hair was messed up in a way that indicated he had rubbed his hands through it multiple times in frustration. His jaw was tensed; his face tight with pain. She watched as Jack glanced up at Daniel, his brown eyes briefly hopeful before whatever Daniel told him had him lowering his sight to the ground, bowing his head before the military training reasserted itself and he got to his feet.

Jack. How did she let go of Jack? She smiled sadly. Hadn’t the past year taught her she couldn’t?

‘Sam?’ Orlin’s voice rang with urgency.

‘I can’t do this, Orlin.’ She smiled sadly. ‘But there are a couple of things you can help me with.’ Her mind communicated her wishes and Orlin nodded sadly.

Sam turned back to look at her friends one last time. With the power Orlin provided, she held Teal’c, Daniel and Mitchell in her thoughts for a second.

‘Goodbye, my friends.’ Sam whispered lightly into their minds as she watched them fade away from view.

o-O-o

Daniel jerked and stared hard at the empty space behind him.

‘What?’ Jack asked suspiciously.

‘Nothing…I…nothing.’ Daniel said. He had been in the middle of telling Jack that yelling at the scientists because they hadn’t found anything yet wasn’t a good idea when he could have sworn he had heard Sam.

‘Daniel, maybe you should take a…’ Jack stopped mid-sentence as he felt a hand on his shoulder and the world around him changed abruptly.

He swallowed hard. This had happened to him before; he had been in an infirmary room watching Jacob trying to heal Daniel when suddenly he, or rather his spirit or mind, had been in some freaky version of the gate room with Daniel saying goodbye to him as the other man ascended. This wasn’t the gate room but his heart sank as he figured he had been brought to the large alien room for the same thing. He turned to face the person who had brought him and took a step back in surprise. It was a young, thirty-something man. Jack stiffened abruptly. ‘Who are you?’

‘Orlin.’

‘Orlin.’ Jack repeated. ‘You’re the one who visited with Carter for a while, right?’ There was a stirring of jealousy in his gut. Sam had thought enough of the Ascended being to protect him; in fact she had almost ruined her career to help him. ‘Where is she?’

Orlin gestured at the chair in the centre and Jack hurried over to it. He crouched beside her. One hand stroked her hair gently as the other searched her neck for a pulse. ‘Carter? Sam?’ He murmured and when she didn’t rouse, his hard eyes flickered back to Orlin. ‘What’s wrong with her?’

‘She’s dying.’ Orlin said. ‘Her spirit is already fading…but she wanted me to bring you here.’

‘Yeah,’ Jack said bitterly, ‘I know the drill.’

‘She won’t come with me.’ Orlin blurted out. ‘I could save her but she won’t let me.’

Jack’s eyebrows rose. ‘Why the hell not?’

‘She won’t let go of you.’ Orlin said.

‘The hell she won’t.’ Jack looked back at Sam’s sleeping face. His hand cupped her cheek. ‘Sam! Carter!’

Her blue eyes blinked open, wide and unfocused. ‘Sir?’

‘Hey.’ Jack stroked her cheek and she turned to him. His brown eyes softened. ‘Orlin tells me you won’t go with him.’

‘I can’t, sir.’ Sam smiled sadly. ‘It’s really more Daniel’s thing anyway.’

‘You have to go with him, Carter.’ Jack said forcing the words out past the lump in his throat. ‘Sure you’ll be on a higher plane of existence but you’ll be alive…’

‘Sir…’

‘Colonel, listen to me.’ Jack snapped. ‘You are not going to die.’

‘I don’t think you can order me not to die, sir.’ Sam said.

‘Watch me.’ Jack said. ‘Go with him, Carter. That is an order.’

‘I’m dying, Jack,’ she reached up and stroked a hand down his face, over the rough jaw, revelling in the freedom to touch him that she’d never had before. ‘I just wanted to say goodbye.’

‘Don’t you dare!’ Jack held her face gently. ‘Don’t you dare die on me now.’ His brown eyes searched her sad blue ones. ‘Not when there’s only one week and four days before I tell you I love you, Sam and before you tell me you love me back.’

Her hand fell away from him and he placed his forehead on hers, whispered to her. ‘One week and four days, Sam, before we get the chance to dance on my roof under the stars, and while you’re trying to tell me how the universe works I ask you to marry me and hope you say yes…’

‘Jack.’ She said softly, her eyes closing.

‘Don’t do this.’ His voice broke as she stayed still. He shook his head in denial. His damp eyes flew to Orlin’s. ‘Dammit! You can save her! Do something!’

‘I can’t! If she won’t ascend…’

‘Find some other way!’ Jack demanded harshly. ‘You can’t tell me that you couldn’t heal her if you wanted to!’

‘There’s a balance…’

‘Screw the balance!’ Jack snapped.

‘It would change the universe.’ Orlin said. ‘The Others…’

‘This is Sam’s life we’re talking about. If you really love her, save her!’ His eyes pleaded with Orlin and his voice gentled. ‘Or help me save her. Please.’

Orlin glanced upwards and Jack followed his gaze uncertainly. His eyes moved up the stairs, across the upper level of the room and onto an open doorway that had been partially and violently opened; it was blackened and broken as though from a blast…like from a bomb explosion…

Chapter 19

Jack returned abruptly back to his original location outside the mountain. He blinked hard past the swirling emotions; tried to get his bearings.

‘Jack?’ Daniel’s quiet question was filled with concern. Jack had just stopped talking mid-sentence.

Jack’s head whipped round past Daniel to the entrance way to the passage and chamber where the bomb had exploded. ‘Daniel, did anybody check the chamber after the fire went out?’

‘No…’ Daniel said slowly. ‘I told you, Sam got out.’

Jack wasn’t listening anymore. He headed towards the passage calling for Teal’c, Carolyn, Mitchell, the SG3 leader.

Daniel tried to catch up with him. ‘Jack, this is madness.’

‘Daniel.’ Jack turned to the other man briefly. ‘Trust me.’ His brown eyes begged Daniel to understand and the archaeologist suddenly remembered the sensation he’d had just before Jack has stopped talking; the feeling that he’d heard Sam’s voice. He snapped on his torch and followed Jack.

The group moved slowly through the passageway and into the dark, burned out chamber. There was dust everywhere and everybody covered their mouths and noses to breath in as little as possible.

Jack shone his torch at the far wall. ‘There!’

They all saw the ragged opening and the dim light behind it. Teal’c grasped the broken door and shoved it back with an impressive show of strength. The light flooded in and Jack strode through to it. He ignored the upper level and ran down the stairs to the chair. His heart stopped at the sight of her.

The spiritual image had been perfect but Sam’s real body was very broken. There was a bruise along one side of her face; a gash on her forehead. There were scrapes and bruises along both her arms and the one holding the laptop seemed to rest at an odd angle. Her whole body was twisted.

Carolyn pushed past him along with the other medics and Jack stood still watching them work as they gently lowered her from the chair onto the ground and examined her.

He felt Daniel and Teal’c stand beside him silently and was vaguely aware of Mitchell, SG3 and SG12 along with Bra’tac and the rest of the Jaffa taking other positions behind them and on the staircase, leaving only the medical team with Sam in the centre. All their eyes were pinned to the woman lying motionless on the ground.

‘No pulse.’ One of the medics shouted.

‘Defib now!’ Carolyn yelled. The paddles were charged and handed to her. ‘Clear!’

The shock jerked Sam’s body but there was no change.

‘Again!’ Carolyn yelled.

‘It won’t work.’ Orlin said quietly.

The clatter of P90’s and staff weapons being raised at the strange man, who had suddenly appeared on the empty side of the room opposite them, filled the air.

‘Stand down.’ Jack ordered loudly. His eyes held Orlin’s. ‘You can save her.’

‘There is a balance…’ Orlin began.

‘I told you.’ Jack said. ‘Screw the balance.’ He gestured at Sam. ‘Save her, dammit!’

‘Jack?’ Daniel asked nervously. ‘What’s going on?’

‘The Others have said there is a way,’ Orlin said, ‘but there is a price.’

Jack’s jaw clenched. ‘Name it.’

‘A life for a life.’ Orlin said.

‘Take mine.’ Jack said without hesitation. I would rather die myself than lose Carter. Jack remembered the words as though it was yesterday. It was still true.

Orlin stared at him. ‘You would do that?’

‘I said so didn’t I?’ Jack said roughly. ‘What are we waiting for?’

Orlin nodded. ‘Sit beside her.’

‘Jack.’ Daniel took a step forward to stop him; he wanted to save Sam too but not at the cost of another friend…

Jack put a hand on his shoulder and looked at him. This was his choice; what he wanted.

Daniel swallowed hard but let his friend go.

Teal’c bowed his head and Jack acknowledged it with a pat on his arm as he moved past him.

Jack motioned for Carolyn and the other medics to move aside and sat down beside Sam on one side as Orlin moved to sit beside her on the other.

‘Now what?’ Jack asked.

‘Hold her hand.’ Orlin instructed.

Jack clasped Sam’s right hand in his; noticed Orlin took hold of her left.

‘Now close your eyes.’ Orlin said. He transformed into his energy form. There was a gasp from the Jaffa; a reverence as they bowed their heads at the bright white light and understood they were in the presence of an Ascended being. Even the more seasoned amongst the human soldiers gaped in awe.

‘My God!’ Mitchell muttered.

Daniel felt his chest tightening, a sob crawling up his throat that he forced back. He felt Teal’c’s steadying hand on his shoulder.

The white energy ribbons of Orlin wrapped themselves around Jack and Sam, and covered them completely in the blinding light. Minutes passed before they started to retreat as Orlin solidified into his human form; his mortal human form.

Jack felt Sam’s pulse at the wrist he held in his hand; it was steady and strong. He breathed out heavily in relief and opened his eyes. He hadn’t expected to still be alive. He looked over at Orlin and immediately understood what the other man had done. Orlin had paid the price; he had given his life for Sam’s.

Orlin looked down at Sam, the bruises already fading away from her skin, blooming on his. He had little of his own life left. Only one or two more breaths. ‘You’ll have to bring her the rest of the way.’

‘Why?’ Jack asked.

Orlin blinked heavily struggling to meet Jack’s thankful eyes and understood the question wasn’t in regards to what he had just said but rather why Orlin had made the sacrifice. ‘Because she’ll say yes.’ Orlin said softly. He swayed and Jack moved, letting go of Sam’s hand, to step across her and hold the other man. Orlin slumped against him. ‘Tell her…’ He gasped and was still.

Jack laid Orlin’s body gently on the ground. ‘Thank you.’ He said quietly. He disengaged Sam’s hand from Orlin’s grasp and folded it into his own. His eyes sought Carolyn across the room and gestured for her.

She took one hesitant step but then her medical training kicked in and she was by Sam’s side checking her vitals. Jack gently let go of Sam. He placed her hand by her side before he moved away as the doctor did her job; an IV line, oxygen mask, the transfer of Sam onto a portable stretcher. Daniel and Teal’c hovered close by.

Jack watched as SG3 moved in to help the medics lift the stretcher. She would be taken straight back to the gate, back home to the SGC. He watched her being carried away for a long moment before he took a deep breath and replaced his cap over his short grey hair. He had a job to do. ‘Major Baildon,’ Jack motioned at the leader of SG12. ‘You’ll stay with the scientists and help the Jaffa disconnect the power source here, clear up, make friends.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Everybody else, let’s go home.’ Jack ordered gruffly.

Chapter 20

The infirmary room was quiet; the only sound the soft beeping of the monitor as it kept track of Sam’s vitals. She had been back at the SGC and unconscious for almost forty-eight hours. There was no physical reason. Carolyn had suggested it might have had something to do with Orlin’s oblique statement that Jack would have to bring her the rest of the way back but Jack had no idea what he’d meant. Neither had Daniel whose own memory of being ascended was admittedly vague and patchy. Everybody else was equally at a loss.

Jack shifted in his chair and looked at Sam. He rubbed his eyes tiredly.

‘Any change, sir?’ Mitchell asked from the doorway.

Jack looked over at him and shook his head.

Mitchell cleared his throat. ‘Bra’tac has arrived and you’re needed in the briefing room, sir.’

Jack frowned but shoved his chair back and got to his feet. His job leading the SGC precluded his past habit of staying with an injured team-mate for hours at a time. He had only managed to sit with her sporadically. Usually Daniel or Teal’c, who had accompanied them back, took over. He glanced at Mitchell.

‘I’ll sit with her, sir.’ Mitchell confirmed. He figured the General wasn’t in the mood to give him another rule but it seemed not letting a team-mate wake up alone in the infirmary was one of them.

Jack gave a sharp nod and left to make his way to the briefing room. SG12 had come back that morning with the science team. Doctor Lee had reluctantly handed the disconnected power source over to the Jaffa but had come back babbling about sub-space and inter-dimensional power differences. Bra’tac had probably come back for Teal’c, Jack thought. No doubt with the shifting political tide back in favour of the pro-Tau’ri groups, Bra’tac wanted Teal’c back on Dakara.

Jack sighed. It had been good to have Teal’c around the last couple of days. Sam needed him; Daniel needed him; heck, who was he trying to kid; he needed him. Jack shook his head as he walked into the briefing room. Bra’tac, Teal’c and Daniel sat waiting, along with two other Jaffa that Jack had never met. On the table in front of them was a crate with an odd looking ZPM in it; it had a faint green glow instead of the usual orange colour.

‘Gentlemen.’ Jack said taking his seat at the head of the table. ‘Sorry to keep you waiting.’

‘O’Neill, I’d like to introduce Council members Byn’c and Gerek.’ Bra’tac waved a hand on the two Jaffa sat with him.

Jack nodded politely. ‘Nice to meet you folks.’

‘We have brought news from Dakara.’ Bra’tac began.

‘Excellent.’ Jack said forcing himself to pay attention.

‘We have buried the one known as Orlin in the sacred ground at Dakara. A monument will be erected so all know we were in the presence of a Great One.’

Jack nodded with mixed emotions. He still didn’t know how he felt about Orlin’s sacrifice. With Sam unconscious, he somehow felt he had failed to live up to his part of the deal. ‘That’s a nice thought.’ He managed when he realised Bra’tac was waiting for him to speak.

Bra’tac nodded. ‘We have also brought this ZPM as a gift to the Tau’ri.’ He gestured at the crate. ‘It is of no use to us.’

‘Are you sure about this, Bra’tac?’ Daniel asked.

‘Daniel.’ Jack warned the archaeologist.

‘Jack.’

‘It’s rude to refuse a gift.’ Jack pointed out in a friendly tone.

‘We don’t even know if it’ll work here.’ Daniel said.

‘Then we’ll find out.’ Jack replied.

‘Bra’tac,’ Daniel said firmly turning to the Jaffa, ‘this device could power the Ancient systems in the buried city. Are you sure you want to give that up?’

‘According to your Doctor Lee, the power is almost gone.’ Bra’tac said.

‘And I’m sure he’s right but if you kept the power on, we could access the information in the systems using the consoles in the chair room,’ Daniel said excitedly, ‘what we could learn could be incredible.’

‘I can’t believe I’m saying this,’ Jack said, ‘but Daniel has a point.’

‘I do?’

‘You do.’ Jack agreed. ‘The information in the Ancient systems on Dakara probably has more combined value to both our people than Earth possibly being able to use this ZPM to power our defences for a short period.’

‘What do you propose?’ Byn’c asked.

Jack looked at Daniel. ‘What am I proposing Daniel?’

‘A joint study, Jaffa and Tau’ri, for as long as the power lasts. With the data gathered shared completely between our two peoples for the benefit of both.’ Daniel said quickly.

Jack gestured. ‘What do you think?’

‘I believe this is acceptable.’ Byn’c said.

‘I concur.’ Gerek said.

‘As do I.’ Teal’c agreed.

‘Then we are agreed.’ Bra’tac smiled. ‘We have something else to ask of you.’

‘Oh?’ Jack leaned forward over the table.

Byn’c cleared his throat. ‘The Council would like to request the return of Major Davis and his team to assist us with the reconstruction plans for our new government and a new treaty to be drafted between the Free Jaffa and the Tau’ri which would be the first item confirmed by the new government.’

‘Making it clear to all,’ Gerek said forcefully, ‘that our alliance is strong and cannot be broken by those with poison in their hearts.’

‘I don’t see a problem with Major Davis and SG7 returning to Dakara.’ Jack said. ‘I’ll make the arrangements.’

‘And there is one last item of business.’ Bra’tac said. ‘The Council has discussed how we allowed Cral’k and others to achieve a position where they may have irrevocably harmed our alliance.’

Byn’c folded his hands on the table. ‘There is an old Jaffa saying that trust is earned over time and lost in a blink of an eye.’

‘We have something similar here on Earth.’ Daniel chipped in.

‘We cannot allow those who have doubts to shake our trust in each other again.’ Gerek added.

‘Which is why we decided to create a new position, one that we are all agreed will continue into the new government.’ Bra’tac said. His eyes came to rest on his former student. ‘It is an Ambassadorial position between the Free Jaffa and the Tau’ri, one where the Jaffa warrior who holds the post will live amongst the Tau’ri and fight at your side as part of your command.’

Jack glanced across at Teal’c who had stilled into total motionless.

‘Teal’c,’ Bra’tac said softly, ‘the Council would like to offer you the position,’ his eyes flickered to Jack, ‘if the Tau’ri are agreed to the proposal.’

‘I’m agreed.’ Jack replied quickly. ‘Daniel?’

‘I’m agreed.’ Daniel added.

‘We’re agreed.’ Jack gestured.

‘Well, my friend?’ Bra’tac said his eyes returning to Teal’c. ‘I’m afraid you will have to relinquish any ambitions to leading our new nation.’

‘We realise you have strong support, Teal’c,’ Gerek said, ‘and would make a fine leader…’

‘But with no fear that you wish power for its own sake, all our people will listen to you more.’ Byn’ac added.

‘And your place as a trusted advisor is assured.’ Bra’tac added. ‘The position will be yours for as long as you wish it to be. We are agreed that this is how you can best serve our people.’

‘The Council affords me great honour in offering me the position.’ Teal’c replied, inclining his head at the three Jaffa across the table. ‘I accept,’ his dark, solemn eyes caught Jack’s, ‘and I pledge my allegiance to you once again, O’Neill.’

‘Happy to have you back, Teal’c.’ Jack gave his first genuine smile since Daniel had walked down the ramp and told him Sam was missing.

Daniel slapped Teal’c’s shoulder eliciting a raised eyebrow from his Jaffa friend.

The meeting ran for a while longer before the Tau’ri and their new ambassador watched the three older Jaffa enter the wormhole back to Dakara.

Jack rocked back on his heels. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to go with them and get your stuff, Teal’c?’

‘I will return to Dakara once Colonel Carter has awakened.’ Teal’c said firmly.

Jack nodded.

‘Has there been any change?’ Daniel asked folding his arms tightly.

Jack shook his head. ‘She was still out when I was with her.’

‘I don’t understand. I mean, Orlin did heal her, right?’ Daniel checked.

‘Don’t ask me, Daniel.’ Jack sighed turning and starting the walk back to his office. ‘I don’t understand half of what went on.’

‘What exactly did Orlin say to you?’ Daniel asked as they started up the stairs.

‘You heard him.’ Jack said.

‘I heard him say ‘you’ll have to bring her the rest of the way.” Daniel said.

‘Don’t you think,’ Jack said spinning back around and almost causing Daniel to go flying, ‘that if I knew what that meant I would have done something already?’ He continued up.

‘Maybe he put it into your brain,’ Daniel said, ‘when he enveloped the two of you.’

‘There’s nothing there, Daniel.’ Jack called over his shoulder as he crossed the briefing room.

‘Have you tried, Jack?’ Daniel asked as they followed him into his office.

‘What the hell do you think? It’s Carter, Daniel, of course I’ve tried!’ It was almost a yell. Jack took a deep breath and picked up his pen.

Teal’c quickly closed the door. The rest of the SGC didn’t need to hear the conversation.

Daniel folded his arms around himself. ‘I’m sorry, Jack.’

‘Maybe you’re right.’ Jack said wearily. ‘Maybe I’m just too dumb to recognise that he left it in my head.’ He couldn’t look at his friends. ‘If he did leave something he didn’t exactly label it.’ He sat down. ‘Carolyn says she’s fine. Everything works; she’s breathing, her heart’s beating, her brain’s functioning…’

‘So maybe Orlin could only heal her physically. Maybe he couldn’t touch her on the spiritual, emotional plane because he made himself mortal and was no longer Ascended.’ Daniel mused.

‘That would make sense, Daniel Jackson.’ Teal’c said standing with his hands behind his back.

‘Well, the last time I looked I’m not an Ascended being either,’ Jack said gesturing with the pen. ‘How am I supposed to do that?’

‘Orlin obviously thought you could.’ Daniel murmured.

‘Orlin was obviously wrong.’ Jack said avoiding Daniel’s eyes. ‘Look, I have a stack of paperwork to do, not to mention I need to brief Hammond, Landry and the President on the new Jaffa stuff so…’

‘We will leave you to complete your work, O’Neill.’ Teal’c said solemnly putting a hand on Daniel’s shoulder to ensure the younger man came with him.

Daniel didn’t move. ‘Jack.’

‘Daniel.’ Jack said with exaggerated patience not looking up.

‘We’re going to figure this out.’

Jack peeked at his friend finally and met Daniel’s compassionate eyes. ‘I know.’ He gestured at them. ‘You might want to relieve Mitchell from watching Sam. Let the kid know Teal’c’s back on the team. I’ll be by later.’

Daniel nodded.

Jack bent his head and started his work as they left the office. He heard the soft click of the door as it shut behind them. It stopped him writing and he threw his pen down, stuffed the heels of his hands in his eyes. ‘Damn you, Orlin.’ He muttered. ‘You really stuffed up.’ He lowered his hands.

‘Perhaps he was only able to heal her physically. Maybe he couldn’t touch her on the spiritual, emotional plane because he made himself mortal and was no longer Ascended.’

His friend’s words haunted him. Had Daniel and Teal’c realised yet, he wondered. If Orlin had taken Jack’s life and not his own, Orlin would have been able to save Sam completely. Instead, the other man had given his life and Sam was left with Jack to help her. Dumb, useless Jack who was screwing it up, he thought bitterly.

‘You really should have taken me, Orlin.’ He murmured.

o-O-o

A knock at the door brought Jack out of his thoughts and he reached for the pen again as he called for the person to enter. His eyes fell on the IOA Overseer.

‘Woolsey.’ He said curtly. ‘What do you want?’

Woolsey frowned at the tone but entered and placed a stack of folders on Jack’s desk. ‘I thought you might like to know that the IOA has approved all of the new procedures, staffing levels and restructuring plans.’

Jack blinked at him. ‘They have?’

‘They have.’ Woolsey’s dark eyes glimmered behind his glasses. ‘They were very impressed.’

‘Well, good.’ Jack said unsure what else he could say. ‘Thank you.’

‘I thought you would want to know straight away and I’ve taken the liberty of informing the President earlier.’ Woolsey said.

‘Thank you.’ Jack said again. He waited.

There was a silence and Woolsey continued to hover.

‘Was there something else?’ Jack asked.

Woolsey cleared his throat. ‘I was wondering if Colonel Carter’s condition had improved.’ He had come to have an appreciation for the brilliant scientist in the last month, not least her ability to resolve the debates between Doctor Jackson and the General. In his opinion she was quite possibly the only sane one of the three.

Jack gestured. ‘There’s been no change.’

‘I see.’ Woolsey nodded. ‘Well, I’ll leave you to it.’ He didn’t move.

Jack raised an eyebrow.

‘I was wondering if it was appropriate to send some flowers?’ Woolsey said. ‘On behalf of the IOA, I mean, not from me personally, you understand but…’

‘I’m sure Colonel Carter will appreciate flowers, Woolsey.’ Jack said.

‘Thank you, General.’ Woolsey started to back out of the room. The door closed firmly behind him.

Jack shook his head and reached for the abandoned work; the sooner he got through it, the sooner he could go sit with Sam.

It took him almost four hours to clear his desk. He was beat when he finally took the elevator to the infirmary level. He probably should eat something, he thought even though he had no appetite. Walter had brought him a sandwich but he had left it uneaten. He headed to her room, nodding absently at the occasional Airman or medical staff member who passed him. His heart stopped as he rounded the corner and saw Daniel and Teal’c leaning against the wall outside Sam’s room; their backs to him.

He walked, half-jogged to them. ‘What’s happened? Has…’ He stopped when Daniel gestured for him to. ‘What?’ His mouth was dry with anticipation.

‘Carolyn’s just giving her the regular check.’ Daniel said hurriedly. ‘She threw Teal’c and me out. That’s all.’

Jack slumped against the wall and closed his eyes. He felt Daniel’s hand on his shoulder although it was his other team-mate who spoke.

‘Are you alright, O’Neill?’ Teal’c asked quietly.

‘No, Teal’c.’ Jack admitted. ‘I’m very definitely not alright.’ He opened his eyes. ‘I think I’m losing it.’ His tone was conversational; the look in his eyes was deadly serious.

Daniel’s hand squeezed gently and searched for something to divert the other man. ‘You’ll never guess who brought Sam flowers.’

Jack sighed. ‘I bet I will.’

Daniel smiled confidently. ‘No you won’t.’

‘OK, then. Ten bucks.’ Jack said.

‘Deal.’ Daniel wasn’t averse to taking Jack’s money.

They shook hands.

‘Woolsey.’ Jack said with preamble.

Daniel opened his mouth in shock. ‘How’d you know?’

‘He asked me for permission, Daniel.’ Jack said.

‘He asked you for permission?’ Daniel scowled. ‘That can’t be right.’

‘I am the SGC commander.’ Jack pointed out.

‘No, you taking the bet when he asked you for permission.’ Daniel said. ‘That’s just wrong.’

‘It was a cunning strategy.’ Teal’c said.

‘So how did Mitchell take the news about you being back on the team?’ Jack asked swiftly changing the subject.

‘I believe he was very excited.’ Teal’c said. ‘He used the word ‘cool’ many times.’

Jack looked at Daniel who looked back at him with an amused smile.

‘Very excited. Kept muttering it was like having the band back together.’ Daniel noted.

They all turned as the door to Sam’s room opened and a nurse left carrying more blood samples. Carolyn came to the doorway and motioned them all back inside. She shut the door.

‘I’m guessing you all want to know the latest about her condition?’ She asked.

Daniel and Jack nodded in unison.

‘So…’ Jack gestured for her to get on with it.

‘Her physical vitals remain strong. The latest MRI shows her brain is functioning as normal. There’s still nothing in her blood work to suggest a bacterial or viral cause of her unconscious state.’ Carolyn sighed. ‘I’ve taken more blood but…honestly, at this point I’m stumped. She should be conscious.’

‘Carolyn, we were talking earlier and we think Orlin healed her physically but perhaps not spiritually.’ Daniel said.

She nodded slowly. ‘That’s a possibility. As you know a lot of Eastern medicine philosophies are based on the premise that you treat the mind, body and spirit as one entity. It’s possible that Orlin only healed her partially in that respect.’

‘OK,’ Daniel said, ‘so if she’s healed physically, how do we heal her spiritually?’

‘That I don’t know.’ Carolyn said. ‘Normally, the person is conscious…there are some alternative approaches we could try. Let me go and check it out.’

‘Great. Thanks.’ Daniel said.

Carolyn nodded and left the room, leaving the door ajar.

Daniel adjusted his glasses and pulled up a chair. Teal’c leaned against the wall by the door. They had both left the chair closest to the bed for Jack and he sank into it appreciatively. His eyes fell on an enormous arrangement of flowers on the bedside table.

‘Those are from Woolsey?’ Jack checked his eyes widening.

‘Those are them.’ Daniel confirmed.

Jack shook his head. They were a beautiful arrangement but he knew Sam liked things simpler, like the pot of violets in her lab. Only one week and two days now, he thought, and then he could buy her all the flowers she wanted himself. One week and two days. He sighed as his eyes ran over her face and wished he had the same freedom to speak to her as he had when Orlin had given them the chance to say goodbye on Dakara. He froze.

‘Daniel.’

‘Jack.’

Jack swallowed hard and looked over at his curious friend. ‘Do you remember when you decided to ascend you kinda snatched me from the infirmary and took me to a version of the gate room?’

‘Vaguely.’ Daniel said.

‘Was that on the spiritual plane?’ Jack asked.

Daniel sat up straighter. ‘Sam took you somewhere in the same way, didn’t she?’ He frowned as he remembered back to Dakara. ‘When Orlin appeared you told everyone to lower their weapons. You already knew who he was.’

Jack nodded. ‘So how do I get back there?’

‘I don’t know.’ Daniel said frustrated. There was still a lot of his time as an Ascended being he couldn’t remember.

‘Are you sure you need to go back, O’Neill?’ Teal’c asked. ‘Perhaps Orlin said something to you there that would provide an answer to Colonel Carter’s unconsciousness.’

‘Teal’c’s right.’ Daniel said. He shoved his glasses up his nose. ‘After Orlin said you would need to complete healing Sam, you asked him why and he said ‘because she’ll say yes’, what did that mean? He had to be referring to something that you had spoken about before.’

Jack felt his heart pounding. It couldn’t be that simple could it? Orlin had given up his own life because he had believed Sam would say yes to Jack’s proposal. Maybe he didn’t need to go back; maybe he just needed to reach her by triggering her memory of being there with him.

He wet his dry lips. ‘I have an idea.’ He looked at Teal’c. ‘Close the door.’

Teal’c complied.

Daniel looked at him worriedly. ‘Jack, what are you doing?’

‘Something that will get Sam and I court-martialled if anyone else hears or sees this.’ Jack muttered. He glanced around. There was no security camera in this room. Good. He didn’t want to explain shutting one off.

‘We could wait outside.’ Daniel offered as he joined Teal’c by the closed door.

He gestured at his two friends. ‘Just keep watch.’

Teal’c and Daniel both turned to face the door and Jack appreciated the gesture of giving him and Sam privacy. Some privacy. He cleared his throat and silently prayed it worked.

He leaned over the bed; one hand on her cheek, one hand stroking through her hair. He moved closer, his cheek against her cheek. ‘Sam,’ he whispered gently, ‘you have to come back now. There’s only one week and four days to go before I tell you that I love you…’ he continued as he quietly repeated his words to her, ‘…and hope you say yes…’

She stirred and he shifted back to look in her eyes as they opened sleepily. ‘Sir?’

Daniel and Teal’c spun around at the sound of her voice and Jack eased back to sit in the chair. ‘Hey.’ His hand was still in her hair and he could see the confusion on her face. He gently removed it. ‘How’re you doing, Carter?’

She frowned and suddenly seemed aware of her surroundings.

Daniel reached down and gently brushed her hand. ‘Good to have you back, Sam.’

Jack nodded. ‘Daniel, go get Carolyn.’

‘Mitchell?’ Sam asked tiredly. ‘He was down.’

‘He’s OK. Bump on the head. Nothing serious.’ Jack reassured her. He jerked his head at the door and Daniel left.

‘It was Cral’k,’ Sam began to explain.

‘We know, Carter.’ Jack said. ‘We know.’

‘He is dead, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c reassured her. ‘He was an agent of Ba’al working to destroy the trust between the Tau’ri and the Jaffa.’

Sam focused on the Jaffa. ‘Teal’c, you’re here.’

‘I have returned to the Tau’ri, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c’s dark eyes gleamed happily at her. ‘And with your permission I will rejoin you in SG1.’

‘Love to have you back, Teal’c.’ Sam said smiling.

Carolyn raced into the room and looked at her patient with shock. ‘What happened?’

‘We were…’ Jack gestured and looked at Daniel.

‘Talking. Just talking.’ Daniel said.

‘And she woke up.’ Jack finished.

Carolyn looked at them sceptically and chased them back into the hall as she and the nurse began to examine Sam again, remove the machines and tubes she no longer needed.

All three of them paced anxiously outside until they were allowed back in.

‘You have five minutes and then I need you all to leave her to rest.’ Carolyn instructed. ‘I mean it.’

‘I feel fine.’ Sam said. ‘Better than fine.’

‘Five minutes.’ Carolyn reiterated before leaving them.

‘So is anyone going to tell me how you guys managed to find me?’ Sam said when she was alone with them.

The three men looked at each other before Jack gestured at Daniel.

‘Ahh…Orlin kinda helped.’ Daniel said.

‘Orlin?’ Sam’s fingers worried at her sheet. ‘My Orlin? The one from Velona?’

‘That would be the one.’ Jack confirmed. ‘Carter, he…’ he sat back down and took her hand.

‘Sir?’ Sam asked worriedly.

‘Orlin’s dead.’ Jack said.

She looked him uncertainly. ‘Well, he’s Ascended, right? So…’

‘No, Carter. You were dying.’ Jack explained. ‘Orlin healed you but after…he died saving your life and he wanted you to know he loved you very much.’

Flashes of memory came back to her suddenly and one lodged in her mind…

She was back in the room in Dakara. Not the real room, she understood that on some level. She was in the chair and she was alone. What had happened to Jack? He’d been here with her, holding her, talking to her…she had wanted to tell him so much but she was so weak…

‘Sam.’

Her eyes fluttered up and she saw Orlin.

‘Where’s Jack?’

He smiled at her question sadly. ‘He’s with you. On the physical plane.’ Orlin said. ‘Sam, he asked you a question before…’

She remembered. ‘I wanted to tell him I would have said yes.’

Orlin stroked her hair away from her face. ‘And you will. Wait here. When you hear him, go to him.’ He cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand. ‘I have to leave now but I will give you all I can to help you in the coming days.’

‘Where are you going?’ She wondered at his sadness.

‘Goodbye, Sam.’

His hand turned to energy and a bright, white light filled her vision and a warm, healing wave washed away her pain…

‘Sam?’ Daniel’s quiet prompt wrenched her back from her memory.

‘He said goodbye to me.’ Sam said. ‘I remember. He said goodbye to me.’ She shook her head, filled with sadness.

Jack squeezed her hand. ‘The Jaffa have buried him on Dakara.’

‘I’d like to go back and see.’ Sam said.

‘When you’re up to it.’ Jack agreed. ‘You’ll have to go back anyway. Daniel talked you guys into a joint study with the Jaffa on the Ancient systems…’

‘Really?’ Her sad face brightened.

‘And I will need to collect my belongings.’ Teal’c noted.

‘Team day out then.’ Jack noted. ‘We should leave before Carolyn comes back and kicks us out.’ He gestured at the others.

Daniel leaned down to kiss her cheek before he left the room. Teal’c clasped her hand gently and followed him.

Jack squeezed the hand he held again and stood up. ‘Get some rest.’ He ordered.

‘Yes sir. And sir?’

He was at the door when he turned back to look at her snuggling back into the pillows and a small smile playing on her lips.

‘One week and four days?’ Sam asked.

He flushed as he realised she remembered. He fought the urge to deny everything and, instead, he smiled jauntily. ‘Actually, Carter, it’s now one week and two days.’ His eyes met hers. ‘Count them.’ He smiled as he closed the door behind him.

Next: Storms, Chapters 21-25