Catching Up

Title: Catching Up

Author: Suz W.

Feedback: I would love to hear how you liked it!

Spoilers: After Summit and Last Stand (episode tag)

Rating: PG-13, S/J Romance, Friendship, Action/Adventure, Mild Language, and Mild Violence.

Summary: The team must finish what they started, and Sam and Jack find they have some new challenges to overcome.

Disclaimer: All publicity recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended.

Copyright: The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Copyrighted on December 27, 2004, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “Behind The Shadows (Part 3)”. The holidays are here, and with that comes too much to do and not enough time to do it in. Because of that, this story had to sit on the backburner of my mind for a few weeks. But it’s finally getting priority! Once the holidays are over, my writing schedule should pick back up to par. I hope you are continuing to enjoy my series….I’ve got a long way to go. So keep reading and enjoy! And I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and have a wonderful New Year!! 2005 will definitely be filled with more stories from me! And as always, feedback on this or any of my stories is always accepted and greatly appreciated!

Dedication: I want to dedicate this story to the holidays and to the upcoming New Year! May it hold all the hope, all the love, all the joys, and all the peace that your heart can discover. And may you accomplish your goals and realize your dreams, and never forget how precious life is and to make the most of each and every day! Happy New Year!!

The air on the planet was becoming stagnant to Jack, and he felt like everything around him was closing in, making him grip his gun even tighter as his nerves went shooting off in all different directions. He had been watching the treeline in front of him for the last several hours, on edge for any snakeheads that might break through it in front of him. Patience had never been a real virtue for Jack, especially when everything in him told him that they needed to get off this rock as fast as possible.

Looking over his left shoulder, he glanced at the damaged cargo ship. It had been hours since Sam, Jacob, Teal’c and Daniel had started work on repairing their only means of getting home. After watching Jacob and Daniel crash land it on the ground with a glider on their tale, Jack didn’t hold much optimism for it being repaired any time soon. But with the Stargate off limits to them, they didn’t have any other choices.

Jack’s mind drifted to Elliot. The fear that had been in his eyes as he laid on the ground by that tree, waiting for his impending death, would haunt Jack for the rest of his life. It was all he could do to walk away from him, leaving him to a fate no man should have to face, especially alone. Yet despite it going against all he believed in, Jack knew that Elliot, or rather Lantash, had been right. It was obvious that Elliot’s injuries were severe, and with Lantash’s inability to heal him, leaving the poison with him for the Jaffa had been the right decision. Jack knew he would have done the same thing if it had been him.

The poison. Jack could only assume that the suicide mission had been a success. Elliot was suppose to have released the poison once the Jaffa, with him in tow, had reached their base camp in front of the Stargate. The only thing was, Jack didn’t like to just assume. It was quiet enough, but was it too quiet? And so Jack found himself standing watch while the others worked on the ship. If the poison had been released as planned, it would be too dangerous for Jacob and Teal’c to go anywhere near the Stargate. No one was sure how long the effects of the poison would last, and even though Jack knew that the poison would not affect him, Sam, and Daniel, he was not going to leave anyone else behind.

Jack squinted up at the sun, adjusting his sunglasses and then looked back down at the trees in front of him. His patience had run out. He couldn’t take the not knowing. Leaving his post, he made a beeline for the cargo ship, stepping inside and pausing for a moment, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting of the inside of the ship. He heard the familiar voices he knew so well coming from the front of the ship. Stepping around the corner, he made his way over to them.

“Sir, is everything okay?” Sam’s asked, the hint of concern mixed with her emotions at seeing him obvious in her eyes.

Jack nodded, his vision and mind transfixed on her face for an extra few seconds before answering her. “Everything’s fine. How’s it going? Are we close to getting this hunk of tin off the ground?”

Sam allowed part of her lips to curl upwards. Looking over at her father, she noted the slight sigh escape his lips as he continued working on the crystals in front of him. Frustration was apparent in Jacob’s voice as he answered him. “Not yet, Jack. With limited supplies and multiple problems, this isn’t something that we can just put back together. It takes time.”

Jack then sighed. “How much time?”

Jacob looked up. “I don’t know. Hopefully no more than a day.”

Jack wanted to explode. “A day?” Hesitating to take a breath, trying to contain his frustration from exploding, he continued. “Fine. Well, you and Sam and Teal’c keep at it. Daniel, you’re with me.”

Daniel looked up from the console his was staring at. “Huh? Where are we going?”

Jack was becoming impatient again. “You and I are going to head to the Stargate and see if Elliot’s plan was successful.”

Sam immediately spoke up. “Sir, you can’t. It’s too dangerous. What if it didn’t work?”

Jack calmed his voice upon answering her. “We’ll be careful. We’ll just have to approach the area as if it didn’t work and go from there. But we need to know if there are any Jaffa running around. We don’t need any other surprised today.”

Sam put down the crystal in her hand. “Well, I’m going with you. You’ll need back-up.”

Jack gave her a stern response. “No you’re not, Major. That’s an order. You need to stay here with Jacob and Teal’c and get this ship working. My brains are of no use to you in this matter, and Daniel…well his brain cells are more focused on ancient languages then ancient parts.”

Daniel stood up and looked at Jack, adjusting his glasses. “Gee thanks, Jack, for your confidence.”

Jack turned around and moved towards the door. “Daniel, quit whining and let’s go. I want to get back before dark.”

Daniel looked at Sam for sympathy. Sam only shrugged and gave him a small smile. Her voice was directed at both of them. “Good luck. If you run into any problems, radio us.”

Jack turned back around and gave her a smile that was just for them. “You’ve got it. We’ll be back soon.” And with that, he disappeared out of sight, with Daniel in tow. Jack hated leaving her, but she would be safer with her father and Teal’c, and she was the smartest person there. If anyone could get the ship running again, it would be her.

Jack and Daniel made the trek to the Stargate without much conversation. Jack wasn’t in the mood to talk about anything. There was something unsettling in his gut, and the quiet around them only added to his edginess. The trees around them seemed to be watching them, whistling out warning songs as a light wind blew through their branches. Small twigs crunched under foot as they moved, echoing loudly all around them.

“Jack,” Daniel said in a low tone, “you don’t seriously think…”

Jack held up his hand and quickly looked at Daniel, indicating to him that he’d heard something. Motioning with two fingers, Jack and Daniel hunkered down and moved forward, hiding behind a large boulder. Jack clinched the gun tightly in his hand, his trigger finger ready for anything. Taking a breath, he inched his head out from behind the boulder, surveying the sight ahead of them. There was the Stargate on the horizon, only about a half a mile away. But it was what was in front of it that had Jack frowning. Jaffa, at least two dozen, could be seen milling about the makeshift base camp. There was a variety of activity going on, everything from guard duty to weapons maintenance. But the most unsettling thing was that none of them appeared to be any worse for wear.

Bringing his head back around the boulder, Jack clinched his jaw in frustration. “Damn!” he swore as quietly as he could. “I knew something didn’t smell right.”

Daniel took a quick look for himself, bringing his head back a moment later to meet Jack’s eyes. “I guess the poison didn’t work.”

Jack wanted to hit him. Instead, he just gave him an irritated look. “Gee, ya think?!” Taking a breath, he closed his eyes and focused for a moment, trying to figure things out. When he spoke again, his voice held an uneasy tension. “My guess is that Elliot never got the chance.”

Daniel looked at him. “You mean they just killed him?”

Jack shook his head. “No, he’s not dead. But something went wrong.”

Daniel was confused. “Jack, how do you know he’s not dead? Lantash told us that there was nothing he could do to save either of them.”

Jack looked back at the area again. “I know that, Daniel. But I’ll give you three guesses as to who is in that tent that is being so heavily guarded.”

Daniel looked again. Hanging his head and sighing quietly, he spoke. “Elliot. Do you think he still has the poison?”

Jack thought for a moment as he surveyed the area around them. “I doubt it. Otherwise, he would have used it by now.”

Daniel looked at Jack. “Well, I guess the next question is why are they keeping him here? What are they waiting for?”

Jack went stiff as if he’d been shot. “Not waiting for….looking for. Damn! We should have never left the ship. They’re looking for us. I bet they believe that if there is one human here, there are more.” Reaching for his radio, he quickly clicked it on, keeping his voice quiet but firm. “Carter! Do you read me?” Releasing the button, they waiting, but got no response. He tried again. “Carter! Respond!”

When nothing came back over the radio, Daniel spoke up. “Maybe our signal isn’t reaching.”

Jack looked over at Daniel briefly and then moved his eyes all around them. “Yeah, maybe, but I’m not going to sit here and just guess. Let’s get back. We’ve got to warn them.” Not waiting for a response from Daniel, Jack moved forward quietly but swiftly, doing his best to avoid making any large noises as they retreated from their position and made their was back to the crippled ship.

Sam was working on removing a crystal from the ship’s main consol in order to survey it for any damage when she heard a noise outside the ship. Looking up, she focused her hearing, but nothing came. Her father was on his back underneath the main control panel working on another damaged crystal, and apparently hadn’t heard anything since there was no hesitation in his repairs. She was about to go back to what she was doing when she heard it again. The sound was too quick and deliberate to be just coincidence.

Teal’c had gone out to search the surrounding area for pieces from the hull of the ship that were missing and now needed to make the craft flyable, but Sam didn’t think he was making the unfamiliar noise. Reaching for her gun, she picked it up and looked back at her father. “Dad,” she said, whispering harshly. When Jacob looked up, she signaled for him to stay where he was and gave an indication of what she was doing with a series of hand signals. Jacob nodded and watched his daughter creep quickly over to a corner of the ship, inching her way along the wall towards the door of the ship, gun at the ready.

Trying to take easy breaths, she reached the corridor leading out of the ship and slowly looked out from behind the wall. Nothing. The sun was beginning to set and its orange and red rays were steaming through the doorway, causing her to squint against the invading light. Deciding to move forward, she pressed her body against the wall leading to the outside and moved slowly towards the doorway. Never taking her eyes off the door, she reached inside one of her vest pockets for her sunglasses. Just as she was about to put them on, she heard the crunching noise again, but this time it was close, too close.

Suddenly, a large dark shadow appeared in the doorway, staff weapon raised. Recognizing the enemy Jaffa silhouette, she took aim and fired her gun, moving back at the same time for refuge behind the wall she had just left. As her bullets hit their target, she was just about to duck around the corner when a Zat gun appeared out of nowhere and released streams of blue light, hitting her square in the chest. Everything went black as she landed on her back, her body numb.

Jacob picked up his Zat and ran forward. “Sam!” Ducking behind the center consol she had been working on, Jacob released a few shots from his Zat as the first few Jaffa entered the interior of the ship.

Suddenly, a voice called out. “Surrender, or she dies!”

Jacob looked around the barrier he was hiding behind and noted several Jaffa pointing staff weapons at Sam’s head. Outnumbered and not willing to risk the life of his daughter, Jacob stood up slowly, holding his hands in the air. “Alright, I give up. Just don’t hurt her.”

The Jaffa that had addressed him moments before spoke again, his face hard with intent. “Slide the weapon over here and then remain where you are.”

Jacob did as he was told, his eyes jumping from Sam to the Goa’uld. “I’ll do whatever you ask, just leave her here.”

The Goa’uld only laughed, the evil sound echoing off the walls. “I don’t think so. Bring them! Our master will be very pleased to see them.” The Jaffa did as they were told, picking up Sam roughly, who was beginning to regain consciousness.

As their hands were bound behind their backs and the rest of Sam’s gear stripped, she looked at her father, who was now at her side. “Dad, are you okay?”

Jacob gave her a small, reassuring smile and nodded. “I am. How about you?”

Sam could see the concern in his eyes. “I’m fine. Where are they taking us?”

Jacob looked remorseful. “My guess is the Stargate. I think it’s apparent by now that Elliot’s plan didn’t work.”

Sam didn’t get a chance to reply before the Jaffa holding them pushed them forward and told them to move, with staff weapons pointed at their backs. Sam’s thoughts went to Jack and she found herself hoping that when they reached the base, they wouldn’t find Jack and Daniel in the same predicament.

Jack and Daniel approached the ship from the side opposite the door that led inside. They had run the long way around the forest in order to emerge on the other side from where they had originally left. Before leaving the treeline, Jack had tried to raise Sam on her radio again, but got no response. Unsure of what that meant, they approached the ship with caution.

Moving around the back of it, Jack looked out from behind it and noted the fallen Jaffa at the entrance to the ship. Signaling for Daniel to watch his six, Jack moved forward and reached the body. Bullet wounds. A skirmish had definitely taken place, but who had won? As he looked around the corner, eyeing the inside of the ship, he found himself praying that he would not find the bodies of his teammates. If they were dead because of his impatience and ignorance at leaving his post, he would never forgive himself.

Moving quietly up the corridor, he found his mind revisiting the last vision of Sam’s face before he had left the ship. He hated not being able to fully express how much he loved her when they were on missions like this, and he hated it even more when he was forced to pretend like she was just “one of the team”.

Trying his best to stay focused, he reached the center part of the ship and found it deserted. Taking a breath, he quickly checked the ship for anyone who might be hiding before giving the all clear to Daniel. As he surveyed the area, his heart dropped when his eyes fell upon Sam’s gear lying haphazardly on the floor of the ship.

Daniel came bounding in and stopped in his tracks in front of Sam’s vest. “Well, that can’t be good news.”

Jack just glared at him. “Thanks for stating the obvious again, Daniel. I think we can safely assume that those damn snakeheads also have Teal’c and Jacob.” Clenching his fists, he moved forward and slammed one of them into the wall. “Damn it! Why did I leave? They had no warning!”

Daniel moved closer to Jack, keeping his voice soft but steady. “Jack, it’s not your fault. If we had been here, more than likely we would have been captured too. At least we can offer them some hope…not that I really think our odds are that good.”

Jack just shook his head. “Well, that’s great optimism there, Danny! Thanks!” Jack’s sarcasm was dripping like butter from his lips, but it was his own personal defense mechanism when he needed it the most. He was doing his best to hold it together, hoping that when they reached the camp again, it wouldn’t be too late. It the Goa’uld left the planet with Sam, Teal’c and Jacob, Jack and Daniel wouldn’t know where to beginning looking for them.

Daniel ran a hand through his hair. “Jack, I didn’t mean…” Just then, a shadow crossed the sunlit wall in front of them. Whipping around, guns in hand, they found themselves facing the silhouette of a man with a staff weapon pointed in their direction.

Jack had his finger on the trigger, ready to squeeze at any moment. But before he could get off the first round, the man spoke. “O’Neill! It is I…Teal’c! Hold your fire!”

Jack couldn’t breathe for a moment. It scared him to no end realizing how close he’d come to opening fire on one of his own teammates. Lowering his gun, he and Daniel waiting for Teal’c to join them. “Teal’c. It’s good to see you. Sorry about the whole gun-thing. I didn’t know who it was.”

Teal’c bowed his head slightly. “I understand. Had it been me in your place, I would have not hesitated to fire. You would have indeed been killed.”

Jack grimaced and cleared his throat. “Gee, thanks, T. That’s good to know. I’ll be sure to avoid any shadowy places when I’m around you.” Pausing for a moment to collect his nerves, he had a fleeting thought. “Um, Carter and Jacob aren’t with you are they?”

Teal’c frowned. “No. I saw the dead Jaffa outside. What has occurred here?”

Daniel answered for Jack. “Well, apparently Sam and Jacob were ambushed when we were all away. We can only assume they’ve been taken to the base camp at the Stargate.”

Jack looked at Teal’c. “Where were you?”

Teal’c spoke up. “I informed Major Carter shortly after you left that I had to go and search the area for parts missing from the ship’s hull that most likely had been broken off upon impact. She said they would be fine.”

Jack gave him a sad smile. “It’s not your fault, Teal’c. They had no warning. At least Carter was able to get one of the bastards.

Daniel blew out a breath of air. “So now what?”

Jack looked at Daniel. “Now we head back to the Stargate and cook up a plan along the way. At least there are three of us. And with night coming, we’ll be able to use that to our advantage. Let’s get moving. Teal’c. Grab the extra gear. We’re going to need it.”

Leaving the interior of the ship, they carefully surveyed the area for any other surprises before moving forward to the treeline. The sun was disappearing quickly behind the horizon, leaving shadows in its wake and a chill in the air. It was going to be a long night.

Sam and Jacob were placed in one of the tents. Makeshift iron cages had been assembled, giving the indication that the Goa’uld were always prepared to take prisoners. They were put in separate cells, with their hands and feet chained in iron cuffs to one of the walls.

When they were left alone, Sam looked over at her father. “Dad, do you think they know who you really are?”

Jacob looked over at her and shook his head, scrunching his forehead. “I can’t tell. They haven’t gotten close enough to really try and sense it out. But then they haven’t done much of anything…yet.”

Sam nodded. “Well, at least it looks like we’re the only ones they’ve got.”

A voice sounded out of the darkness in the cell next to her. “Not the only ones…it is good to hear your voice again, Samantha.”

Sam’s heart jumped. “Lantash! Oh, God. What have they done to you?”

Lantash’s voice was weak and slow to respond. “Not much. I think they were searching for you. I swear to you I did not give out any indication of your presence here. I would never betray you…especially you.”

Sam could only make out the form of Elliot’s body lying on the ground in the dirt. “I know that, Lantash. How’s Elliot?”

Lantash spoke again. “Very near death, I’m afraid. I don’t know how much longer I can sustain us.”

At Sam’s hesitation, Selmak spoke up for the first time. “Lantash, what has happened to the poison?”

There was a pause before he responded. “In the vest that Elliot was wearing. It’s there…in the corner, outside my cell. I was stripped of it before I could access it. I never thought they’d take that off first.”

Sam gave a sad smile. “Yeah, they stripped me of mine too. It seems they’re learning from their mistakes.”

With his voice weakening by the second, Lantash spoke again. “I am sorry that I have failed you. If I had managed to release the poison, none of you would be here now. There is little hope of success now.”

Sam’s voice was soft and soothing. “Don’t blame yourself. You did everything you could. Sacrificing yourself to save us was an incredibly brave act.” Trying to give out some hope, she continued, her voice a little brighter. “Besides, Colonel O’Neill, Daniel and Teal’c are still out there somewhere. They’ll figure a way out for us. You just have to hold on. Do you hear me?”

As Sam’s eyes adjusted to the low light, she could make out the curve of Elliot’s/Lantash’s lips. “My time has come. But I will sustain for as long as I can.” With that, he closed his eyes and said nothing more. But Sam could see Elliot’s chest rising and falling, letting her know that he was going to do his best to keep his promise.

Pulling on her chains in frustration, Sam wanted to scream. It was one thing to put her in a cell…she could at least have some chance at picking the lock. But being in irons like this, her only hope was that Jack would reach them in time before anything else happened. That mystery of what was to happen next was what had her heart pounding a little harder than it usually did. Closing her eyes, she imagined Jack’s face, his smile, his eyes. If anyone could get them out of this situation, he could. Thinking about him calmed her, and gave her more rational thought.

As if her father could read her thoughts, Jacob spoke up, his voice soft. “Sam, save your strength. You’re going to need it later. Jack will get us out of this.” Pausing, he continued, his voicing holding a slight chuckle. “Hey, there’s nothing like a father/daughter adventure. You always wanted us to do more stuff together, right?”

Sam couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, but not like this.” Getting serious again, she looked over at him. “I wonder which Goa’uld is leading them this time?”

Suddenly, a group of Jaffa appeared in the tent opening, with the leader speaking up. “Considering you’re so anxious to meet me, allow me to introduce myself.” His voice was full of evil. “I am Gotare. My master will be pleased that I have won her such a prize.”

Jacob spoke up. “And who is your master?”

Gotare stepped out from the shadows, his face lit by the torch being held in his hand. “Osiris.”

Sam gasped and stared at a face from her past. Gotare met her eyes and moved forward, looking at her as much as she was looking at him. When Sam finally spoke, her voice was breathless. “Balesk!”

Gotare thought for a moment and then curled his lips into an evil smile. “Ah, yes, I thought I recognized you…at least through my host’s memories. He has quite a few of you and…” His face suddenly grew cold. “Open this door, now!” As the Jaffa did as they were told, Gotare moved forward into Sam’s cell, stopping only inches from her.

Sam moved back until she could go no further, her back against the iron bars holding her. She couldn’t believe she was staring into the face of the man who had once tried to help them escape the clutches of the very monster that now held him under her power. She thought he was dead. Yet knowing now that he was alive and had been tortured, Sam felt like she was ultimately responsible.

Gotare ran a cold finger down her cheek, moving his hand down to her neck and wrapping his fingers around it, squeezing lightly. “You carry Jolinar! Let the traitor speak, human!!”

Sam swallowed. “She is dead. She died so that I could live.” When his hand tightened, she quickly responded. “I’m telling you the truth!”

Jacob yelled out from his cell. “Leave her alone!” When Gotare didn’t stop, he decided to go one step further to get his attention. Selmak took over. “She is telling you the truth…now leave her alone.”

Gotare whipped his head in Selmak’s direction, startled to hear her voice. “My, my, isn’t this a fine catch. Osiris will be quite pleased. Two Tok’ra and one former host, yet still a prize. And quite beautiful at that. I can see why my host was in love with you…or shall I say with Jolinar.” Releasing Sam’s neck, she sputtered and gasped for air as she watched Gotare move out of her cell. “Take him. We shall see what information we can extract from him before our master arrives.”

Sam watched helplessly as they unchained her father and led him to the entrance of the tent. “Leave him. Take me instead.”

Gotare paused and looked back at her. “Not to worry, my dear. You will get your turn soon enough.” And with that, they were gone, leaving only her and Elliot in the darkness.

After a moment, Lantash’s voice rang out softly in the darkness. “Tell me…Samantha…tell me of this Balesk and his love for my Jolinar.”

Sam cringed and hung her head. The last think Lantash needed to know about was this, especially when he didn’t have much time left. Looking over at him in the darkness, she spoke up. “We met Balesk on a planet we were exploring. The Goa’uld had devastated his planet when he was a boy. His parents and everyone he knew had been killed and he was forced to live practically alone, surviving on will alone.” Taking a breath, she continued. “When we were there, Osiris attacked. He saved my life, and in the process, lost his, or so I thought. But Osiris must have revived him and made him the slave he is today.”

Lantash responded. “What of Jolinar? Please, Samantha…I need to know.”

Sam gave him a sad smile. “Balesk found her badly injured by the Stargate. Apparently she had been running from the Ashrack. He nursed her back to health, and in the process…”

Lantash finished for her. “Fell in love with her. You knew him through her memories, didn’t you?”

Sam nodded. “Yes.”

Lantash went on. “Tell me…what you remember.”

Sam thought back, accessing the memories she’d put away….

“Balesk, please! You know I can’t stay!” Jolinar’s voice pleaded with him as she made her way towards the Chap’ai. Time was running out, and she had to get back to the Tok’ra base. She had attempted to leave the security of the castle walls before dawn, but Balesk had sensed something was up, and was waiting for her at the castle gates.

Balesk reached for her hand. “Please, Jolinar, stay. I can protect you!”

Jolinar looked down at their hands intertwined and gave him a sad smile. “You cannot protect me from what hunts me. The Ashrack will find me. It is all he knows, all he’s trained to know. I will not stay and put you in harm’s way.” Hesitating, she went on, her thoughts moving to Martouf. “Besides, I have to get back to my people. They need me.”

Releasing his hand, she started out again for the Stargate. After a while, they reached the clearing of the forest. The Chap’ai loomed in the distance, it’s great ring a fixture on the horizon. Turning around, Jolinar faced Balesk. “You must not go any further. There is no telling if the Ashrack has come through the Chap’ai.”

Balesk’s eyes pleaded with her. “But I am practically alone here. My only companions are the few servants that I have left. Please don’t leave me. These last few weeks, with you here, have been some of the happiest. Ever since I found you by the great ring, it has been nothing but happy days.”

Jolinar smiled at him as she reached out and touched his face. “Balesk, it is because of you and your healing skills that I live. If you had not found me when you did, I would have surely been dead. But I have to go. The enemy I spoke of…I need to get the information on them that I obtained back to my people. Hopefully it will help us in destroying them.”

Balesk only nodded silently. Looking down at the ground, he spoke barely above a whisper. “Will you come back?”

Jolinar nodded. “I will return for you as soon as it is safe. Then you can join my people if that is what you wish.”

Balesk looked up and smiled at her. “It is my greatest wish.” Reaching a hand out, he touched her cheek. “Be safe. I will wait for your return.”

Jolinar nodded. “Thank you.”

Sam paused and looked over for any type of expression from Lantash, but it was too dark. Trying to reassure him, she continued. “You have to know that she only wanted to get back to you. After she left Balesk’s planet, she jumped hosts into the man who I later tried to save, and in the process, became host to Jolinar. She loved you so much.”

For a moment, there was nothing. Then Lantash spoke up. “Thank you, Samantha. I loved her, too…as I do you…or shall I say as Martouf did.”

Sam didn’t know what to say. Her heart was breaking all over again, feeling the loss of Jolinar, Martouf, Balesk, and now Lantash. It was almost too much to bear. Not to mention the worry over her father and what they were doing to him. Finding her voice, barely a whisper, she spoke up. “I’m sorry…I don’t know quite what to say. There is a part of me that loved Martouf, and always will, but…”

Lantash interrupted. “There is another.”

Sam nodded. “Yes, and I love him so much it hurts sometimes.”

Lantash responded softly. “That is the greatest love of all. You must hold onto that with everything you are. It will see you though the worst of times, and rejoice with you in the greatest. Jolinar and I had that kind of love, and you are so much like her. In a small way, I am glad that I’ve been given this opportunity to look upon your face one more time.”

Just then, the tent flap opened up and Jacob was lead in and thrown into his cell. Collapsing onto the ground, they didn’t even bother chaining him up again. It was obvious they had done enough torture for one night. Sam called out. “Dad! Can you hear me? Are you okay?”

Jacob rolled over on his back and groaned, his hands holding his head. There were no visible wounds on his body, indicating that they must have used the hand device on him.

Gotare walked in. “The female is next.” As they unlocked Sam’s cell, he continued. “And it will be my pleasure to torture you personally myself.”

Lantash suddenly spoke up. “She knows nothing. You’ll be wasting your time. It’s me you want. I will tell you what you want to know.”

Gotare stopped short and looked over at him. “Really? You’ve been half dead the whole time and you expect me to believe that suddenly you are willing to sacrifice yourself and give up all you know just to save this human?”

Sam cried out. “No, Lantash, you can’t!”

Gotare whipped around and sent a pulse blast from his ribbon device straight into Sam’s chest, slamming her against the bars and causing the room to spin. “Silence! I will not tolerate this mind game you have going on. I will interrogate the female. As for you,” he said, moving closer to Lantash, “you had your chance. As far as I’m concerned, you can just die!”

Using the ribbon device again, he activated it and sent streaming light into Elliot’s head, causing them both to cry out. Sam tried to yell out, but her head was still spinning. Suddenly, another Jaffa entered the tent. “My Lord! Osiris has arrived. She is awaiting you in her ship for a report. You are to ring up to her immediately.”

Gotare sent one more second of pain into Lantash before ceasing his torture. Elliot’s body was still, sending waves of anger through Sam. “Balesk, please, fight him!” She had to try something, though she knew that she would never fully reach him.

Gotare looked back at her and stared hard. “The host is lost to you…forever! I will deal with you as soon as I get back.” And with that, he stormed out of the tent, leaving only chaos in his wake.

Sam wanted to scream, to fight, to cry, and to just survive the madness of the emotions swirling around in her head and heart. She seemed lost in a world of dark, tortured by old feelings and fresh, new ones. It was as if she were afloat in a black sea, unable to see the shore.

Suddenly, there was a muffled sound outside the tent, and moments later, the tent flap opened, and in stepped their salvation. Jack, Daniel and Teal’c had found them. After killing the guards, they had managed to find a set of keys. Her cell door was unlocked, and before she could blink again, Jack was at her side, his hands on either side of her face, directing her to look at him. “Carter…you okay?”

Sam had to choke back tears of joy at seeing his face and feeling his touch. Finding her voice, she responded. “Yeah, I think so.”

Jack’s eyes watched her with deep concern. Noting the chains on her hands and feet, he hollered at Teal’c for the keys. Teal’c, who had been helping Jacob, moved into Sam’s cell and began unlocking her chains. After unlocking her hands, Sam faltered and started to drop to the ground, but not before Jack caught her. “Ease, Carter. Just give yourself a minute. I’ve got you.”

Sam, now out of her restraints, gladly leaned into Jack for strength, looking into his face and giving him the smile he needed to know that she would make it. As they moved out of her cell, Daniel, who was in Elliot’s cell, spoke up. “Um, I think that Elliot…or rather Lantash, is trying to say something.”

Sam found her strength and moved into Elliot’s cell, kneeling down to where he was lying. “Lantash, can you hear me?”

Elliot’s eyes opened up, glowing briefly. Looking up at her, they seemed to be almost without a care. “You are safe now. Remember what I said.”

Sam sniffed as a tear ran down her cheek. “I will. Thank you…for everything.”

Elliot’s eyes closed and then opened once more. “Major Carter?” It was Elliot. For the first time since they had been brought there, he was awake. But he did seem to be seeing anything.

Sam took his hand. “I’m right here, Lieutenant.”

Elliot’s voice was weak and shaky. “The poison…in the vest…” He was struggling for his last few breaths.

Sam’s voice broke through. “I know. We’ll take care of it. Thank you, Elliot. You’re a real hero.” With one final breath, he closed his eyes forever, leaving them behind.

Jacob was suddenly at her side, gripping her shoulders and talking to her softly. “Sam, honey, we’ve got to go. Where is the poison?”

Sam wiped at her eyes and peered at the front left corner of the tent. “There, in his vest, in the hidden compartment.” She stood up and watched as Jack went to retrieve it. Finding it, he closed his hand around it and looked at the group around him.

“Alright,” he said matter-of-factly, “we can’t go back into hiding because that will do us no good. Those snakeheads will be back soon. Daniel. I want you to make your way to the DHD. When we’re in place, I’ll signal you to dial it. Do it as fast as you can, imputing the GDO code as soon as the wormhole opens. Then you, Teal’c, and Jacob hightail it back to Earth through the wormhole. Carter and I will be right behind you.” Looking at Sam, he spook to her a little more softly. “Can you cover my six while I release the poison?”

Sam gave him a small smile and nodded.

Jack could tell she’d been through a lot, and he was determined to help her through it. Yet despite her emotional state, he could see the soldier in her breaking through, ready to fight when needed. It was one of the things he loved about her the most, and something he could always depend on.

Minutes later, they were all in place. Thanks to the cover of darkness, eluding the milling Jaffa wasn’t hard. Jack and Sam were hidden behind one of the supply tents, with the Stargate in clear view. Teal’c and Jacob were hiding near the base of the Stargate, and Daniel was at the DHD.

Jack looked over at Sam and nodded, making sure she was ready. She was. Pulling out his flashlight, Jack signaled Daniel to start dialing. Guns at the ready, they watched the chevrons light up quickly. When Daniel pressed the center red circle to release the wormhole, it opened up, sending the familiar blue and white watery wave out towards them.

Suddenly, shouting in Goa’uld rang out all around them and staff weapons were drawn. Jacob and Teal’c came out from hiding as Daniel came running towards them. Taking fire, Jacob and Teal’c both shot back, darting staff weapon and Zat fire. Sam and Jack opened fire, sending bullets flying in the direction of the surrounding enemy. Moving out from their position, they watched as Daniel, Jacob and Teal’c dove into the wormhole, disappearing.

Sam concentrated her fire on the Jaffa attempting to enter the wormhole after them, hitting her targets with precision. Looking back at Jack, she found he was firing on the Jaffa behind them. “Sir!” she yelled out. “Their through! Release it!”

Jack ran over to where she was, ducking temporarily behind a rock in order to pull out the vial. Sam joined him, taking heavy fire. They were close to the Stargate but still had a short run. Jack looked at her. “You want to do the honors?”

Sam paused for a moment and thought about Lantash. Taking up the vial, she simply nodded at Jack, determination and revenge in her eyes.

Jack nodded back. “Okay! On three! One…two…three!” They both came out from behind the rock, Jack unloading his round of bullets in all directions. They moved closer to the Stargate, Sam clutching the vial in her hand. When they were close enough, she held up her hand, ready to release it. Just then, ring transporters activated nearby, sending out a temporary bright white light.

When the rings were gone, Sam found herself looking into the eyes of Gotare, or rather Balesk, as she knew him. She hesitated in mid-drop, her consciousness making her very aware of what she was about to do. Jack looked over at her, making him do a double take. “Carter! Drop it! Now!!” When she didn’t respond, he looked over to where she was looking. It took him a moment to realize the significance of who she was staring at, but then memory finally revealed a name to him. “Ah, Hell!”

Knowing that Sam would be more torn than he was, Jack took one hand and grabbed the vial from her, throwing it instantly to the ground. Immediately, a small smoke screen filled the air as the poison reacted with the oxygen. It spread like wildfire, causing the first wave of Jaffa to fall to their knees. Suddenly, Jaffa were scattering like rats, some running to the forest, while others were running towards the Stargate for refuge.

Jack kept firing, trying to keep the Jaffa from reaching the wormhole. “Carter! We’ve got to go…now!!” When she didn’t respond, Jack tried another approach. “Sam! Please! We’ve got to go.”

Sam snapped out of it, looking at Jack and nodding. Picking up her gun, they began running, as fast as their legs would carry them. Not looking back, they knew they had Jaffa right on their tail. Grabbing Sam by the shoulders, Jack hurled them into the wormhole, spiraling through it until they reached the other side. Slamming onto the ramp, they rolled down the length of it, pain shooting through their bodies at the force of impact.

Jack yelled out. “Close the iris!!” They both looked at the wormhole as the iris began to close up on it, but not before one Jaffa came flying through. The Gate room was filled with soldiers, guns at the ready. Every barrel was trained on the Jaffa that was now lying at the base of the Stargate. He was gasping for air, his body going through mini convulsions. The poison had obviously gotten to him. Jack yelled out. “Hold your fire!”

Sam, Jack, Jacob, and Teal’c then all approached the Jaffa struggling to live. When they reached him, glowing eyes met their faces. It was Gotare. “Damn you, Tarri! You will pay….” Suddenly, his body jerked violently and then the light in his eyes went out. Sam was about to turn away when she heard a small voice, barely there. “Jolinar?” It was Balesk.

Sam could feel her heart pounding as she knelt down and did her best to smile at the man taking in his last breaths. Not wanting to disappoint him, she answered him. “Yes, Balesk, I’m here. You’re safe now.” She could feel her voice choking up, and she did her best to swallow her emotion.

Balesk looked at her, his lips curving upward just enough for her to realize it was an attempt at a smile. “I knew you’d come for me. Thank you, my love….” And with one last ragged breath, he was gone. Sam hung her head, feeling weak and on the brink of breaking down.

Jacob knelt down beside her, taking her shoulders in his hands. “Sam, honey, it’s over. There’s nothing more you can do.” Sam squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the tears. Standing up, perhaps too quickly, she nodded, and then turned around and blindly moved down the ramp and out of the Gate room.

Jack gave his gun to one of the nearby soldiers and followed her out, not really caring what anyone thought. She needed him, and he was going to be there for her.

Five minutes later, and with the assistance of other people who had seen her, Jack found Sam outside on the surface, sitting a distance away from the base, staring out at the sky in front of her. Jack approached her with care. “Hey. You disappeared kind of quick. You okay?”

Sam was trying to hard to be strong. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, Sir, I didn’t mean to just leave…I needed some air. It was so…” Her voice faltered and had to stop.

Jack placed a hand on her shoulder, keeping his voice low. “Sam, it’s me. I know you, and I know you’re not okay. You can cut the brave solider act.”

Sam looked over at him. When her eyes met his, a wave of emotion hit her like a rock. Closing her eyes, she furrowed her brow. “I know, Jack. I’m sorry…” Tears started streaming down her face.

Jack instantly drew her to him, supporting her. “Okay, I’m right here.” Looking back at the entrance to the base, he knew that this was not the place to be doing this. “Come on. My truck is right over there. I’ve got the keys. Let’s get out of here. I’ll call Hammond from your house and tell him…something.”

Not having the strength to argue with him, Sam let him help her up, leaning into the strength of his body for support. Making their was to his truck, Jack helped her up and then quickly got in on the other side, started it up and pulled out of the parking lot, heading in the direction of her house.

Never looking back at the base, he failed to see a pair of eyes watching them go.

It had been 45 minutes since they’d arrived at Sam’s house. It was a bright, sunny day, the April sun streaming in the windows, warming the interior of the house. Jack and Sam were on the couch, hands intertwined. Jack had been holding onto her, listening to her describe all of the gut-wrenching emotions she had been forced to experience in the short time she had been held captive. He was doing his best to remain objective, trying his best to remember that all the emotions she was describing were not coming from his Sam, but from only memories, memories given to her by a being that had inhibited her only a short time.

The hardest part for him was to see her in so much pain, the wetness of her tears on his shirt as hard evidence. Cupping her face after she’d finished what she had to say, he gave her a small smile and then kissed her lips softly. Pulling back, he wiped her wet cheeks with his thumbs. “Sam,” he started, his voice soft, “I can’t pretend to imagine what is going on inside your head. But what I can do is reassure you that I love you, and I’m not going anywhere. If it’s in my power, I swear to you I will never hurt you and add to that pain.”

A voice suddenly sounded out. “That’s a pretty big promise, Jack. But you’re going to have to be a lot more careful if you intend to keep it.”

Sam and Jack whipped their heads around in the direction of the front door, their eyes coming in contact with Jacob’s. For a moment, no one moved or breathed. It was as if time had come to a standstill, frozen in a moment of surprise and confusion. Sam and Jack both stood up, but it was Sam who stuttered out her words first. “Dad! I didn’t…we didn’t hear you.”

Jacob nodded. “Apparently. But then I have to confess. I used the key you gave me long ago and let myself in.” For a moment, he didn’t say anything.

Jack tried to utter some words. “Jacob, let me…”

Jacob held up his hand. “No, Jack, let me. I saw you two leave the base. At first I didn’t think anything of it. I simply thought you were just being a good friend, Jack. But then…”

Sam protested. “Dad, let me explain..”

Jacob cut her off. “You don’t have to, Sam. It’s obvious now that there is a lot more than friendship going on here. Hell, I just heard Jack’s confession of love! Just how long has this been going on exactly?”

Jack tried. “Well, I guess that really doesn’t matter…”

Jacob threw up his hands. “Oh, it doesn’t matter?!! You bet it does, Jack. I’m assuming the two of you have thought about what would happen if your relationship got out in the open.” He looked at Sam. “My God, Sam! Are you willing to just throw away all you’ve worked for, all you achieved, just for an occasional roll in the sack?”

Jack took a step forward. “That’s enough, Jacob.”

Jacob threw his eyes back on Jack. “No, that’s enough, Sir! Have you forgotten that you’re talking to a General here, son?”

Jack bit his tongue. “No, I haven’t, Sir, but no matter how mad you are at us, I won’t let you talk to her like that. And I won’t let you cheapen what we have!”

The two men stared hard at each other for a moment, emotions flying between them as sparks lit up in their eyes. Sam finally broke the ice. “Dad, you don’t understand. We tried so hard for so long to fight what we feel for each other, but finally it just became too much. I know you’re upset…”

Jacob looked over at her. “Upset? No, Sam, I’m not as upset as I am disappointed. I’m can’t believe you would risk you career like this. You are smart, beautiful…you could have had any man in the world you wanted. But you chose to go for the one man that you can’t technically have. Why?!”

Sam burst out, her tears returning. “Because I love him! Why can’t you understand that? And besides, it’s my life. As I recall, for most of it, you’ve chosen not to take an interest in it except for when it suits you. So don’t stand there and act like you’re surprised that I’ve disappointed you! I’ve disappointed you from the day I was born by not being the son you always wanted. I tried so hard to please you, always trying to do what you expected of me.”

Jacob took a step towards her. “Yeah, well I never expected this from you!”

Sam just stared at him. “Damn you, Dad! I want this! Why can’t you just respect that?!” She then turned around and moved past Jack, running down the hallway and slamming her bedroom door.

The silence left in her wake was incredibly awkward. Jack and Jacob just stared at each other, neither of them moving an inch. After a moment, Jack found his voice, his tone full of conviction. “Jacob, you can do or say whatever you want to me, but I will not stand here and let you hurt her! She has been through too much in the last few hours to have to be forced to deal with more pain…especially from her father.”

Jacob’s shoulders dropped slightly. “I don’t need you telling me how to talk to my daughter.”

Jack shot back. “Apparently you do!”

Jacob looked at him. “You know what, Jack, I thought so highly of you, respected you for what you’re doing for our country. But this…”

Jack shoved his hands in his pockets. “Oh, please, Jacob. You can’t seriously believe that we’re the first officers to break code.”

Jacob shook his head. “No, I’m not naïve. But I guess I just expected more…from both of you.” Relaxing his stance, he sat down in a nearby chair. “What about your careers? Have you even thought about that?”

Jack nodded, sitting down on the couch opposite Jacob. “Everyday. I’ve even talked about retirement, but Sam and I both agree that right now, Earth needs us more then we need each other…at least in an open relationship, one that everyone can see, where we don’t have to hide.”

Jacob sighed. “So you have a secret relationship instead. It’s incredibly risky, Jack, not only on Earth, but when you’re off world.”

Jack sat back. “We know that.” Pausing for a moment, he continued. “It’s been really hard at times. There’s been a lot of situations where it’s everything I can do to hold it together, especially when she’s in danger like she was today.”

Jacob gave him a sincere look. “But you love her.”

Jack nodded. “I do. She’s become an incredibly important part of my life, and I won’t give her up, not for anything…not even my career. You can do whatever you want…turn me in, destroy my career if you want.” Looking into Jacob’s eyes, he continued. “But I will not leave her. Can you understand that?”

For a few minutes, Jacob said nothing. Then he stood up and looked at Jack. “Jack, I won’t lie to you. This whole situation has me very uneasy. The possibility for my daughter to get hurt by this is very real. I am disappointed, in both of you…but…I know what it is to love someone, and I do understand it.”

Sam’s voice suddenly filled the room. “You do?”

They both turned around and looked at her. Jacob nodded, watching as Jack moved to her side and reach for her hand. “I do,” he said, moving over towards to island in the kitchen. “Sam, I loved your mother very much. I may have not always shown it around you, and I may not have always been there enough to show it, but I loved her. It nearly killed me when she died. And almost losing you because of her death was almost too much to bear.” Taking in a shaky breath, he continued. “I love you, Sam, and I’ve only wanted what was best for you.” Looking at the two of them, he went on. “And even though I know how wrong this is and how risky it is, I don’t want to risk losing you again.” Hesitating again, he spoke his next words as if it pained him. “You’re secret is safe with me. I don’t like it, but the possible ruin of your careers won’t come from me.”

Sam moved towards her father, fresh tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Dad. And I’m truly sorry that you had to find out this way, and for putting you in a bad position.”

Jacob gave her a quick smile. “Yeah, well just don’t go having kids until after one of you have retired, okay?”

Sam let out a soft laugh and embraced her father. “We promise. I love you, Dad.”

Jacob squeezed her tighter. “I love you too, kiddo.” Releasing her, he held out a hand for Jack, who immediately took it. “Take care of my daughter, Jack. And I swear, if you hurt her, I’ll kill you myself.”

Jack smirked. “Yes, Sir.”

Jacob released his hand and took a breath. “Well, I have to get back to the base. The Tok’ra will be wondering what happened to me. And you two had better get back there as well. I’m sure General Hammond is beginning to wonder what happened to you. Even if George is a family friend, I don’t think he’ll cut you as much slack as I have.” Moving towards the front door, he turned around. “Just so we’re clear, I’ll make up an excuse for you this time. Since I left the base as well, it won’t be hard to convince him that Jack and I went looking for you. But you owe me one.”

Jack smiled and saluted him. “Yes, Sir.”

Jacob opened the front door. “And if you two aren’t right behind me, I may have to make up a different story, one that will have you answering to a lot more questions.”

Sam responded this time. “Okay, Dad. We get the hint. We’re coming.” Jack retrieved his truck keys and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as they followed Jacob out of the house. They knew they had overcome a very big obstacle, but there were a lot more to come. Jack found himself hoping that when those times came, they would have enough strength to overcome whatever was put in their way.

Next Story---> "The Ties That Bind"

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