Making A Difference

 

 

Title: Making A Difference

Author:  Suz W.

Feedback: I would love to hear from you!

Spoilers:  After Redemption, Parts 1 &2 (episode tag)

Old Stories Referenced: None

Rating:  R, S/J Romance, Friendship, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Action/Adventure, Violence, and Mild Language.

Summary:  Jonas wants the opportunity to prove himself; he gets the opportunity when a member of SG-1 goes missing.

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 May 8, 2005, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes:  This story follows “Unspoken Truths”.  It’s a new start for SG-1 with a new team member.  I hope that you will enjoy reading about Jonas in the season 6 episodes that I feature in my stories.  I always liked his character and hope that I do him justice in my writings.  Your feedback on how I’m doing is always greatly appreciated.  I hope you enjoy this story and thanks for all your continued support. 

Dedication:  This story is dedicated to Renee.  Thanks for all your support, especially recently with the loss of my grandmothers.  I feel so lucky to have not only your support in my writings, but your friendship as well.  Making a difference is what you, and ALL my fans, do for me as I continue to write.  God Bless!

 

 

 

            The darkness swirled and danced with the shadows of her dreams, making her head feel heavy and non-functional.  She wanted to open her eyes…but nothing happened.  She seemed dazed, unsure of where she was, or how she had gotten there.  It was as if her senses had left her, forcing her to navigate through a world where nothing made sense, and only increased the anxiety in her rapidly beating heart.  What logic she could muster told her it was a dream…but why did it feel so real?

 

            Jack’s voice suddenly boomed out over the radio.  “What about the hyperdrive?”

 

            The mission control specialist responded.  “Colonel, it didn’t work.”

 

            Jack suddenly seemed to be getting agitated, his voice edging up a notch.  “We just don’t know where it will send me, right?  Who cares…as long as it’s a galaxy far, far away…”.

 

            Sam’s heart jumped as her brain clicked into action.  “He’s right!  The window formed.  It was just unstable!”

 

            Lt. Murphy spoke in a cautionary tone.  “Colonel, we don’t know what would happen if we tried to open a hyperspace window within the atmosphere.”

 

            Jack’s tone indicated to those listening that he didn’t care.  “Yeah, well, given the situation…”

 

            Sam’s facial expression changed, unable to hide the worry running through her mind and heart.  She couldn’t lose him…not this way.  Memories of the X-301 ran rapidly through her mind, envisioning Jack and Teal’c as they sat out in space, cold and alone, waiting for death to take them.  She had fought so hard to save them, and had succeeded.  She wasn’t going to fail now.  She refused to lose Jack, especially to something that she had helped design and put together. 

 

            Sam’s head was swimming, darting in and out of memories that seemed to be plaguing her like a sickness.  She wanted to scream, to run, to do anything physical to tell her that she was in control…but no control came.  The black turned to gray and then black again, making her stomach nauseous.  And all the while, she continued to dream, to remember…

 

            Sam could feel herself searching in the final seconds she had to say something…anything, that would relay to him how she was feeling.  “You won’t have much time.”

 

            Jack’s voice came in a distinct tone that she recognized.  “I know.”

 

            But it wasn’t enough.  They had so much more to say.  “Sir, if this works…”

 

            Jack’s voice became more anxious, fear edging in.  She suspected he was having the same thoughts that she was…of everything they had left to do and to experience together.  “I know!”

 

            Sam couldn’t let him go.  “Sir…”

 

            Jack answered a little too quickly.  “What??”

 

            Giving up searching for the right words to say, she simply replied, “Good luck.”  Her heart was aching with the fear of what could happen in the next few seconds.  Would she see him again, talk to him, hold him in her arms?  Why didn’t she say more before he left?  Why didn’t she try and talk him out of volunteering?  Hadn’t she learned her lesson from the X-301 disaster?

 

            Jack’s voice floated over the airwaves.  “Activating Hyperspace generator…now…”

 

            Sam closed her eyes briefly, memorizing the sound of his voice.  And then it was gone, and they all sat together in utter silence, waiting for a report from the F-16’s flying in the sky.  Holding her breath seemed to help hold back the tears…for now.

 

            As the seconds ticked by, they all waited.  Finally, a man’s voice boomed out over the radio.  “This is observer one…we have visual confirmation…the X-302 has entered the hyperspace window.”

 

            Sam couldn’t take it.  “Colonel?  Colonel??  Do you read?!”  She knew the anxiety was high in her voice, but she didn’t care. 

 

            A voice, not Jack’s responded.  “This is observer one…there is no sign of a chute.  There is, however, a light show going on up here…”

 

            Sam couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move.  Jack had to have survived…he wouldn’t have left her.  But her fears were overwhelming…

 

            Sam moaned softly, the ache in her heart actually paining her.  She moved her head back and forth.  Trying to open her eyes, she attempted to push the darkness away.  But when she did, nothing happened.  Blackness remained.  

 

            Suddenly, a hand brushed over her cheek, sending a small chill through her body, awakening her senses some.  And then there was a voice, too soft to really distinguish, but it was there.  “Shhh.  It will all be over soon.”

 

            Sam furrowed her brow as a drop of sweat began rolling down her temple.  “Jack?”  Her voice was weak and very small, barely a whisper to her own ears.  But in her heart, she was screaming his name…

 

 

 

 

 

            Jack’s head flew up from the surface of his desk, sitting up so quickly it made him dizzy.  Gripping his head with both hands, he sat back in his leather chair and tried to regain his bearings.  He was in his office on the base, and as he looked down at the papers on his desk, now sufficiently drooled on, he estimated that he had been asleep for quite awhile.

 

            But his heart was still beating rapidly.  Something had scared him out of lala land, something bad enough to give him quite a kick start.  As he took a drink from his now stone cold coffee, he tried to focus on what would have done that, and why his heart was still filled with fear. 

 

            As he was trying to mull over possibilities in his head, his phone rang, making him jump, cursing it at the same time.  Reaching for the receiver, he yanked it off its base and put it to his ear.  “What!”

 

            General Hammond’s voice floated easily over the line.  “Colonel, did I catch you at a bad time?” 

 

            Jack quickly cleared his throat, sitting up a little straighter in the chair.  “Uh, no…sorry, Sir.  It’s just all this damn paperwork.  You know how it gets me in a great mood.”

 

            General Hammond reply with a slight chuckle.  “Yes, I think I do.”  Pausing for a moment, Jack could sense his change of tone.  When the General spoke again, he was much more serious.  “Jack, I need to see you and the rest of SG-1 in the briefing room immediately.  I’m afraid some news has been brought to my attention that I know you’ll want to be made aware of.”

 

            Jack furrowed his brow in concern, his mind filled with instant questions.  Knowing not to attempt any questions at that time, Jack nodded.  “I’m on my way, Sir.”

 

            General Hammond’s voice sounded distressed.  “Good.  Teal’c and Jonas are already on their way up here.  I’ll see you in a minute.”  Without another word, he hung up the phone, leaving a dial tone in Jack’s ear. 

 

            Putting the phone back into its cradle, Jack stared at it for a moment before moving.  He wasn’t sure what Hammond needed to talk to them about so badly, but he was sure that he wasn’t going to like it.  Getting up, he left his desk without giving it a second glance and headed for the door, closing it quickly behind him. 

 

As he walked down the hallway, Jack’s mind floated with the possibilities of what could be the cause of this emergency meeting.  At least there was one thing he could be certain of, and that was that Sam was safe, working with the rest of the nerds at Area 51 in Nevada to attempt a rebuild at another X-302.  She had been gone almost a week, and he missed her like crazy.  They had talked on the phone as much as they could, but for the past two days, he had been tied up in base duties and unable to go home where they held their nightly chats.  He found himself hoping that whatever the problem was wouldn’t keep him from going home tonight.

 

            A few minutes later, he reached the briefing room.  Entering, he found Jonas, Teal’c, General Hammond, and a man he’d never seen before sitting around the table.  They all looked up at him as he moved into the room.  Halting in his footsteps, Jack spoke up.  “General, Teal’c, Jonas…”  Jack nodded to each one and then allowed his eyes to settle on the unfamiliar face.  “And you are…”

 

General Hammond stood up with the stranger.  “Colonel, this is Lt. Harris with the Colorado Springs police department.  I’m afraid he’s brought us some bad news.”

 

            Jack held up his hands as he came around the table and joined them, sitting opposite the man he’d just met.  “Look, I know I’ve got a few unpaid parking tickets, but come on, is it really that important?”

 

            Lt. Harris gave him a quick smile, his lips quickly fading back into a straight line.  “Well, that is something to be looked at, Colonel O’Neill, but not at this time.  I’m afraid I’m here because of an ongoing investigation.”  Taking a breath, he looked around.  “I know that whatever it is you people do here must take you away from the real world a lot of the time, so I don’t expect you to have heard about the murders that have been going on around town.”

 

            Jack’s curiosity spiked.  “I’m sorry…murders?  What murders?”

 

            The man opened a folder in front of him.  “Over the past year and a half, six different people have disappeared and were later found dead, each of them apparently strangled to death.  Their bodies were always recovered in this one remote section of the forest, tied to a very old oak tree.  After the third murder, it became almost like a deathwatch.  Officers would patrol that area on a regular basis, hoping to catch the murderer, but somehow he always managed to elude us.  Instead, we’d just find another body.”

 

            Jonas spoke up.  “That’s terrible.  So how does this involve us?”

 

            Lt. Harris eyed him for a moment.  Looking from one person to the next, he continued on.  “The murderer always left a sort of calling card.  After he abducted his victim, he would remove one distinguishing item from them and leave it by that same oak tree, letting us know that we should expect another murdered victim soon.  It would be everything from a piece of clothing to a piece of jewelry.”

 

            Jack was getting an uneasy feeling in his gut.  “Still not sure how this is suppose to involve us.”  He focused on Lt. Harris, wanting him to get to the point. 

 

            Lt. Harris took in a breath and looked at Jack.  “Another calling card was discovered today.”  Reaching into his pocket, he took out what appeared to be a metal necklace and tossed it across the table into Jack’s hands.

 

            The metal was cold and seemed to grow heavier by the second as he held it.  Not wanting to look or even think it remotely possibly, he unclenched his fist and stared down at his hand.  Dog tags.  They were military-issued dog tags.  And clearly engraved into them was Sam’s name.  Jack thought he was going to lose his lunch right there.  He could feel the eyes of those around him weighing down heavily on him as they waited for an answer to what he was holding.  He could feel his color drain as he looked up and faced the cop again.

            Lt. Harris held his stare.  Finally blinking, he sat back and lowered his eyes, not wanting to see another shocked look from the friends or family of a victim.  “I’m sorry.  I take it you know her.”

 

            Jack couldn’t say anything.  All he could do was stare down at his hand.  This couldn’t be happening.  Give him snakeheads, Zats, alternate realities…anything but this!  He knew how to deal with the universe and all the different worlds out there, but that was basically a dream world for those who didn’t know of its existence.  He had been in that dream world for so long, he’d almost forgotten about the world they were on and the crimes that happened on a regular basis.  

 

            General Hammond watched Jack with quiet pity.  He knew what Jack was going through.  Lt. Harris had told him in private about why he was there, and the shock of his news had sent him reeling.  Clearing his voice, he addressed the rest of the group.  “I’m afraid Major Carter has apparently become the next victim.”

 

            There was shocked silence among the group.  Jonas finally spoke up again.  “Well, we have to find her.”

 

            Teal’c looked over at him, his voice strained.  “Indeed. 

 

            Jack looked up at Lt. Harris again.  “How much time?”  His voice sounded flat and weak, as if the wind had just been knocked from him.  But his eyes were filled with the fear and hate that his voice failed to produce. 

 

            Lt. Harris understood his question.  Nodding, he answered the question.  “If the pattern holds, the victims are usually found approximately three to four days after the recovery of their belongings.”  Pausing, he looked over at the general before continuing.  “We found her dog tags 24 hours ago.”

 

            Jack blinked hard.  “And it took you this long to contact us about her disappearance?!”

 

            Lt. Harris didn’t like his accusing tone.  “Well, we tried, Colonel, but whatever it is you do here is so top secret, that finding out even basic information about Samantha Carter was next to impossible.  I only made it here after calling in some favors!”  Huffing out a breath, he waited for a response.

 

            General Hammond could see that Jack was not in much of an apologetic mood.  Standing up, he signaled to the airman standing outside the door to come in.  “Lt. Harris, I would like to thank you for bringing us this information.  I can assure you that you will have the full support of whatever resources I can give you to help aid in finding Major Carter.  And I expect you will keep us informed on your progress.”

 

            Lt. Harris could see this was his cue to leave.  Standing up, he nodded to his audience.  “I will.  You have my card should you think of anything that might help us find her.”  Pausing, he looked over at Jack, who was still staring down at the dog tags he’d given him.  “Again, I am truly sorry for what has happened.  I hope that we will be able to find her before it’s too late.” 

 

            Jack looked up at the man standing across the table from him.  Nodding, he closed his fist around Sam’s dog tags, the metal biting hard into his skin.  But the pain was necessary in order to keep him from losing it right then and there.  He had to stay focused, at least for now.  If he let his emotions overwhelm him, there would be no turning back.

 

            After the airman escorted the man out of the briefing room, Jonas, Teal’c and Jack turned their attentions back to General Hammond.  Jonas was the first to speak up.  “So what’s our next move?”

 

            Jonas’ voice was just a little too chipper for Jack’s nerves.  Looking over at Jonas, he let his irritated tone do the talking.  “Gee, Jonas, I think that would be obvious!  We have to find her!”  Pushing back his chair rather abruptly, Jack stood up and started to pace in front of the window that overlooked the Stargate, which was currently covered by the blast doors due to the company that had just left them.  Jack walked over and activated the blast doors again, lifting them back up to reveal the Gate.

 

            Jonas’ responded cautiously.  “I’m sorry, Colonel…I didn’t mean…”

 

            General Hammond interrupted his apology.  “It’s alright, Jonas.  It was a perfectly good question.”  Directing his voice at Jack, he continued, his tone serious.  “Colonel, I suggest that you calm down.  We’re all upset about this, but getting irritated at Jonas will not do Major Carter any good!”

 

            Jack stopped pacing and faced the general, his shoulders slumped just slightly.  “I’m sorry, Sir…it’s just so damn frustrating!  How in the hell did this happen?  She was supposed to be at Area 51 working on the X-302.  What’d they do?  Sneak into the base and kidnap her right there?”

 

            General Hammond shook his head.  “Unfortunately not.”

 

            Jack stood up a bit straighter as if he’d been slapped.  “Unfortunately?”

 

            General Hammond explained.  “I say unfortunately because if it had happened that way, at least we’d have something to go on…somewhere to look or someone to look at.”  Sighing heavily, he continued, addressing the whole group.  “But this is a local crime, which means Major Carter’s kidnapping was more than likely a by chance happening.”

 

            Teal’c spoke up, his deep voice resonating around them. “Which means we have no information that we can base our search on.” 

 

            General Hammond nodded.  “Exactly.”

 

            Jack took his seat again, his hand still fisted around Sam’s dog tags.  “I guess I’m still confused.  What was she doing here?”

 

            General Hammond shrugged as he sat back slightly.  “All I know, Jack, is that when I called Area 51 after Lt. Harris broke the news to me, they confirmed to me that she had left two days ago.  They said that the progress was going well with the rebuilding of the X-302, and since they were ahead of schedule, she apparently told them that she was going to fly back here earlier than expected.  Now why she didn’t contact us, I don’t know.”

 

            Jonas contributed to the conversation.  “She probably didn’t expect anything like this to happen.”

 

            Jack glared in his direction.  “Thank you for that insight, Jonas.  It’s of great help to us.”  Sitting back in his chair, he pinched the bridge of his nose.  He knew why Sam hadn’t called him…she had most likely wanted to surprise him.  Instead, it was her that had gotten the surprise.  He wanted to kill whoever had done this to her, and with these same thoughts, found himself hoping that he’d get the chance. 

 

            Teal’c watched his friend silently.  He could see the private hell O’Neill was going through and could only imagine what he would be feeling if something like this had happened to the woman he loved.  Looking over at General Hammond, Teal’c broke the uneasy silence.  “What course of action do you recommend, General Hammond?”

 

            The general looked from Jack to Teal’c and replied.  “Well, son, I’m afraid there’s not much to go on right now.  We’ll have to wait until we hear something else from the local police.”

 

            Jack sat back up, placing his hands on the table.  “Oh, come on, General!  You don’t seriously expect us to wait around here while time ticks down, do you?!  I can’t just sit here and wait.  Obviously, the local authorities are incompetent!  They’ve allowed this many murders…what makes you think that they’ll do any better in recovering Carter before its too late!”

 

            General Hammond sat up straighter.  “You’re welcome to look, Jack.  But I honestly don’t know where you will start.  We’ve got nothing to go on.  But I’m putting SG-1 on stand down until we can get this figured out.  I’d help you look, but I need to be here to run the base.  And hopefully, Lt. Harris will contact me soon with some more information.”

 

            Teal’c stood up.  “I will go with you, O’Neill.”

 

            Jack stood up, looked across the table at his friend and offered him a small smile of gratitude.  “Thanks, Teal’c.  I’d appreciate the company.”

 

            Jonas hesitantly stood up.  “Um, I’d like to go too.  Major Carter has been nothing but a great help and a friend to me.  Maybe since I don’t know everything about your planet yet, I’ll be able to pick up on something out of the ordinary.”

 

            Jack looked over at him.  “No offense, but I seriously doubt it.  But you’re welcome to come.  The more eyes we have looking for her, the better.”

 

            Jonas didn’t have that warm fuzzy feeling all over, but he’d take what he could get from Colonel O’Neill at this point.  He was determined to make a difference, to prove himself a worthy companion.  Even though Jack had finally placed him on SG-1, Jonas knew that he had a long way to go in winning the colonel over.  It didn’t take extreme brainpower to figure out that Colonel O’Neill had been pressured into putting him on the team just to fill a spot.  But that didn’t matter to him.  He finally had a shot, and he was going to make the most of it. 

 

            General Hammond stood and looked at the determined men in front of him.  If anyone could find her, it would be them.  With a nod of his head, he spoke up.  “Good luck.  I’ll contact you if I learn anything new from the local authorities.  Once I know something more to go on, I’ll send out more teams to help with the search.  Dismissed.”

 

            Jack nodded at the general.  “Thank you, Sir.  We’d appreciate all the resources you can give us.”  Looking over at Jonas and Teal’c, Jack continued.  “I’ll meet you both on the surface in 15 minutes.  I just need to gather up a few things.”  As Teal’c and Jonas nodded and left, Jack picked up the few papers in front of him and started for the door.  Pausing for a moment, he turned around and faced General Hammond, who was watching him go.  “Look, General, I’m sorry for how I acted back there.  It’s just so damn frustrating…. I’m just…”

 

            General Hammond stepped closer and placed a warm hand on Jack’s shoulder.  “We’re all worried about her, Jack.  The odds aren’t in our favor this time.  But if I’ve learned anything over the years of working with you, it’s that you always manage to somehow beat the odds.”  Hesitating for a moment, he went on.  “Follow your instincts, son.  Trust what your heart tells you.  You’ll find her.”  Giving a quick squeeze on his shoulder, General Hammond retreated into his office to make some more phone calls. 

 

            Jack stood for a moment longer in the briefing room, his eyes transfixed on the Stargate.  With everything they’d been through, and with all the places they’d been, he wasn’t going to lose her now…not to some lunatic that had nothing better to do with his time than kill innocent people.  Unfisting his hand, he stared down at Sam’s dog tags for a moment.  It was all he could do to keep himself from breaking down right there.  He loved her so much and he couldn’t imagine his life without her.  It was a sensation that he had never quite experienced before, not even when he was married to Sara. 

 

            Looping the metal links around his left index finger, he picked her tags up from his hand and carefully placed them over his head and around his neck.  With her tags resting over his own next to his heart, he felt a surge of strength and determination.  He would find her, even if it were the last thing he did. 

 

 

 

 

 

            Sam’s head felt extremely heavy, and a tremendous headache made it hard to think.  Trying to place where she was and what had happened to put her there, she attempted to sit up.  She had been lying on her side, and her body was aching from the consistency of the same position.  Using what strength she had left, she pushed up with her shoulder and managed to find a sitting position.  But as soon as she did that, her head started to spin and she became extremely dizzy.  Wavering backwards, she met a wall behind her.  Course boards of wood met her back and sent small sums of pain up her spine. 

 

            Her hands had been bound behind her and a blindfold had been placed tightly over her eyes.  She seemed to be sitting on what felt like hay, and assumed she had to be in some kind of barn. Attempting to free her hands, but finding they had been bound too tightly, Sam used the wall to slowly push herself to her feet.  Leaning the weight of her body into the wall for a moment, she managed to get her head to stop spinning. 

 

            Listening for any sounds that might tell her where she was at, she instead heard only silence.  Taking this as a good thing, she could only assume that her captors had left her alone for a little while, and she was going to do her best to escape, even if she couldn’t see. 

 

            Taking a few ginger steps forward, she found her footing was relatively sure.  Feeling more confident, she took a few more steps, this time with more confidence.  Unable to see, her other senses seemed to be taking over, and she trusted her instincts to guide her next steps.  As she took them, she instead met a hard wooden post, bounced off of it like a ball and slammed back into the wall she’d just left with a thud. 

 

            ‘Well,’ she thought to herself, ‘not as fine tuned as I thought.’  Recognizing Jack’s sense of humor in her own thoughts, she stopped for a moment and took in the realization of how much apart of her he had become.  It was moments like the one she had just had that surprised her the most, reminding her how much she loved him.  Using that love as motivation, she stood up straighter and eased off the wall, determined to make this work. 

 

            Feeling her way forward with her toes, she inched along until she seemed to be making real progress.  Keeping her breath steady, she did her best to remain calm and kept her thoughts rational.  She could do this; she knew she could.  As she continued to make her way in an unknown direction, a sudden voice out of nowhere sent chills down her spine, halting her in her tracks.

 

            “You are courageous, aren’t you?”  His voice was cool and held an air of arrogance.  “But then, you would be, wouldn’t you…especially since you’re in the military.  Isn’t that right, Major Carter?”

 

            Hearing him speak her name sent more chills down her spine.  She could feel her heart beating faster as her breaths came and went more rapidly.  The barn, or whatever building she was in, was causing his voice to echo all around her.  Unable to place exactly where he was at, she stood perfectly still and spoke as firmly as she could.  “Who are you?  What exactly do you want with me?”

 

            He suddenly began laughing, his tone still menacing.  His laughter seemed to be circling around her, and she imagined he was circling her like a tiger stalking its prey.  Standing stone still, she tired her hardest not to let it unnerve her too much, although her insides were shaking like a leaf.

 

            As if a light switch had been flicked off, his laughter suddenly ceased and there was only silence again, until he spoke moments later.  “What I want with you is insignificant.  You were just another chance victim…. but now that I know you’re a major in the Airforce, it changes things, makes them more interesting.”

 

            Sam was getting irritated at his coy manner.  “Of course it changes things!  You kidnapped the wrong woman.  Now you’ve probably got every available airman out looking for me…and when they find you…”

 

            Suddenly, steely fingers grabbed at her jawline, clutching it tightly.  “Don’t raise your voice to me!  You’re in no position to do that.”  His voice was almost a whisper, but a deadly one.  Continuing his hold on her face, his voice suddenly lightened.  “But don’t worry, precious.  You will meet the same fate as the others…I’m just going to take more time doing it.”

 

            Sam felt sick to her stomach.  She held her position.  “Doing what?”

 

            He released her jaw and ran a finger down her throat.  When he was at the base of her neck, he closed one of his hands around it, squeezing tightly enough to feel the constriction on her throat.  “Why killing you, of course.”  At that, he loosened his grip and began laughing again.

 

            Sam took the opportunity for what it was worth.  Blindly guessing he was still directly in front of her, she moved forward just enough and brought her knee up hard, meeting his groin.  As he doubled over in pain, Sam used her body and shoved against him as hard as she could, pushing him away from her.  She didn’t know where to run or where anything was in the building.  Using a split second to tune her other senses, she suddenly felt a small breath of fresh air brush over her cheek.  Turning her head in that direction, she swore she could make out the call of a small bird. 

 

            Not caring what part of her body she bruised, she turned in that direction and started to run, hoping that she would stay straight and not run into a wall.  She could hear the man behind her swearing as he struggled to regain his footing.  Trying to only focus her senses on her escape, she pushed on.  As she went, things seemed to be getting airier, and then warm sunlight miraculously kissed her face.  She had done it.  Now she just had to get far enough away to rather hide or find some help. 

 

            Still struggling to free her hands, she moved forward with a bit more caution, the ground uneven enough to force her to stumble.  A moment later, she took the next step forward and slammed her right hip into what felt like a fence post.  Falling backwards, she hit the ground hard with her tailbone.  Determined to keep going, she struggled to get up.  As she did, an arm suddenly came around her, encircling her chest and pulling her back against him. 

 

            Sam struggled and yelled.  “No!  Please…somebody help me!”  Before she could get another word out, his hand covered her mouth, muffling her sound.  Then her head was yanked to the side and a sharp needle was suddenly plunged into her carotid.  She could feel the cool liquid running through her artery as her head immediately started spinning and her limbs went weak. 

 

            As she started to lose consciousness, his voice invaded her ears and she could feel his breath on her neck as he spoke.  “It will all be over soon, precious.  It will all be over soon…”

 

 

 

 

 

            Jack walked into the doorway of Sam’s lab.  He stopped for a moment and just watched her.  He loved to see her brain in action.  It was incredibly sexy to him, probably because he knew his IQ level would never match hers.  She had to be the most adorable nerd he’d ever met.  Smiling to himself, he moved forward, speaking up.  “Hey, how come you’re not downstairs with the rest of the eggheads?”  From the look she gave him, he knew that hadn’t come out right.  Stumbling over his words, he tried to dig himself out of the small hole he’d just put himself into.  “Not that you’re an egghead…”

 

            Sam gave him one of her looks that just had him his tongue twisted even more.  So he just continued to dig…”Well, you are…actually…but in a good way.”

 

            Sam just shook her head slightly with a small smile attached to her lips and then looked back down at her bench.  “I couldn’t think down there…they all kept looking at me for the answer.”

 

            Jack shrugged his shoulder and said the first thing that came to his mind. “Well, you do have a tendency for pulling brilliant ideas out of your butt.”  He cringed the moment he said it.  He could almost feel a slight tremor from the shocked look she gave him.  And he knew that she’d be giving him a hard time about it later…when they were really alone.  Quickly correcting himself, he continued.  “Head…out of your head…when we need them.”  Jack half expected her to jump up and tag him in the arm for his comment, but instead she remained serious.

 

            Sam sighed.  “Not this time.”

 

            Jack tried to shrug off her less than confident tone.  “Well, you still got two days to work on it.”

 

            Sam gave him a look of frustration, her body tense.  “Sir, I don’t think I could solve this if I had a couple of years!”

 

            Jack suddenly realized how serious she was being, and he didn’t like it.  “Carter, am I sensing fear in your voice?”  His tone was slightly playful, hoping that it would relax her. 

 

            It didn’t.  Instead, she just gave him a worried look.  “Yes, actually, a lot of fear.”

 

            Jack was becoming irritated by her lack of confidence.  It wasn’t like her to be this way.  “Well, stop it! You’re making me nervous.”

 

            Sam looked up at him with desperation in her eyes.  Her voice was a bit hesitant as she spoke.  “What about you, sir?  Any ideas?  I mean, sometimes you have a way of seeing things at…at their simplest.”

 

            Jack wasn’t sure how to take that.  He knew she wasn’t trying to be insulting…she was just desperate for a solution.  “Thank you…”  Pointing at the door behind him, he came up with the simplest idea he could think of.  “I’m gonna go eat some cake.”  Turning to the door, he started for the hallway when her voice followed him.

 

            “I think I’ll join you.”  Sam’s voice sounded tired and in need of a break.

 

            Jack smiled to himself as she followed him out the door.  Sam and cake…the best two combinations ever.

 

            Jack stared out the window of a local convenience store, waiting in line to pay for the gas he had just pumped and to buy a few cups of stout gas station coffee.  Teal’c and Jonas were standing outside the truck, awaiting his return.  They had been driving around all day, endlessly searching for Sam, but with no leads.  As the minutes continued to tick by, Jack found himself more and more on edge.  He couldn’t stand to think about what Sam could be going through.  It made him literally sick to think about it.  He just felt so helpless.  The real world never seemed to really affect them that much…it was always aliens and Zats and what would be the next Goa’uld hierarchy to destroy.  He’d forgotten what it was like to deal with simple human crimes, though this was hardly simple.  It was ripping at the very fabric of his sanity, and it was all he could do to keep it together. 

           

After paying his bill, he opened the door and welcomed the smell of fresh mountain air to that of the stale inside smell of the store.  As he walked to his truck, his cell phone rang.  Digging it out of his pocket, he flipped it open.  “O’Neill.”

 

            General Hammond’s voice sounded in the other end.  “Colonel, I’m glad I reached you.”

 

            Jack nodded into the phone as he put on his sunglasses.  “General…has there been any news?”

 

            General Hammond’s responded without hesitation.  “Yes, there has.”

 

            Jack stopped in his tracks.  He couldn’t breathe for a moment.  Blinking, he listened intently as General Hammond continued.  “They found her car, Jack.  It had been parked in a parking lot outside of a grocery store.  One of the managers had noticed it parked in the same spot for the last few days and finally called the cops about it.”

 

            Jack didn’t know how to feel.  Her car had been discovered…but what did that mean for her?  Jack somehow managed to find his voice.  “Do they know anything yet?”

 

            General Hammond answered.  “They’re in the process of going over the car for prints, but so far they’ve found nothing unusual.  Lt. Harris is keeping me apprised of their progress.  When I know more, you’ll know.”

 

            Jack fished his truck keys out of his pocket.  “Where’s the car now?”

 

            General Hammond hesitated before answering.  “It’s been impounded by the police.  They’re holding it as evidence.”

 

            Jack nodded.  “We’re on our way.”

 

            General Hammond spoke clearly into the phone.  “Remember, son, you don’t have any authority in this matter.  Going over there, you’re just a civilian.”

 

            Jack fisted one of his hands.  “Ah, com’ on, General, this is Carter we’re talking about.  You mean to tell me that the President won’t offer us any help with this?!”

 

            General Hammond sighed.  “I’m afraid not.  He can’t authorize us to do anything.  If he were to do that, he’d open up a can of worms that would get out of control.  He did put in a special request for the FBI to look into it.  Since there have been a string of murders associated with this lunatic, there is just cause for their involvement.”

 

            Jack was getting angry.  “Just cause my ass!  I’m sorry, Sir, but Carter has done more for this country and this planet…hell, he probably can’t even count all the things she’s done.  And this is the thanks she gets??  She’s not worthy of presidential or FBI involvement unless she meets certain criteria?  That’s bull and you know it!”

           

General Hammond tried to keep his voice calm.  “Jack, I need you to think rationally.  Getting yourself in trouble will not help Major Carter at all!  Do you understand?” 

 

            Jack could clearly hear the no-nonsense tone in the general’s voice.  Sighing softly, he answered.  “Yes, Sir.  I won’t do anything too stupid.”  Pausing to collect his thoughts, he went on.  “But you should know, Sir, that we’re going down there.  I can’t just keep driving around town when there is possible evidence ready to be found that might help us locate her.”

 

            General Hammond smiled into the phone.  “I would do the same thing if I were you.  Bring her home, Jack”

 

            Jack looked up at Teal’c and Jonas, who were now curiously watching him as they stood beside the truck.  “We will, General, we will.”  As he flipped his phone closed, he found himself praying that when they did find her, it wouldn’t be too late. 

 

            As he approached the truck, Teal’c stepped forward.  “O’Neill.  Have they found something?”

 

            Jack stopped in front of them.  “They recovered her car from a grocery store parking lot.  Apparently it had been left there for a few days.  We need to head over to the police station and see if they’ve come up with anything.”

 

            Jonas answered him with enthusiasm.  “Okay, well at least that’s something to go on.  Maybe they’ll find something that will lead us to her.”

 

            Jack opened up the driver’s side door.  “Yeah, well that’s the hope.”  Hoping up into the truck, he continued.  “Let’s get going.  The clock is ticking.”  Turning the key, he brought the truck to life and waited as Teal’c and Jonas settled in beside and behind him.  Pulling out of the gas station, he laid the gas pedal on the floor, his truck roaring to life as they took off down the road.  Jack was determined to find something that would help lead them to Sam, and he wasn’t going to leave there until he did. 

 

            Thirty minutes later, they were getting a report from Lt. Harris on the progress that had been made, which wasn’t much.  No unusual prints had been found, and nothing inside the car had been touched.  Jack ran a hand through his hair, his body tense with frustration.  “How can there be nothing?  There has to be something we can use as a lead.  She didn’t just disappear into thin air!  Somebody has to know something.”

 

            Lt. Harris felt sorry for Colonel O’Neill.  It was apparent how much he cared for his teammate’s well being, and he wondered about more.  Pushing those thoughts aside, he tried to speak calmly to Jack.  “I’ve currently got officers questioning all the store employees to see if they even remember her coming into the store.  My guess is that if she was attacked in the parking lot, it was at night and was quick and decisive.  Unfortunately, this guy knows what he’s doing.”

           

Jack wanted to hit something…and hit it hard.  Why they were standing there twiddling their thumbs, Sam’s life could very well be ending.  Taking a breath, he tried to keep his wits about him.  “And you don’t have any idea of where this guy could have taken her?”

 

            Lt. Harris looked into Jack’s face with sincerity.  “I’m sorry…but no.  Whoever this guy is, he knows his stuff and how to avoid the police.  The odds aren’t good.  Realistically, you should probably prepare yourself for the worst.”

 

            Jack couldn’t believe that those words had just come out of his mouth.  “Realistically, we’re NOT giving up!  Do you get that?!  I don’t want to hear anything but continuous reports on your progress!”

 

            Lt. Harris stiffened up.  “It would be in your best interest to remember that you’re NOT in charge here…I am.  And I am the one allowing you access to this case in the first place.  I will give you updates when I feel it is necessary for you to have them.  The local authorities don’t need the Airforce making things even more complicated.  Besides, we already have the FBI’s involvement.”  Taking a breath, he was about to go on when an officer called him over to the car. 

 

            Jack watched as Harris turned and walked away.  Between Sam’s abduction, all of the roadblocks, and Harris’ self righteous attitude, not to mention what his heart was going through, Jack thought he would explode.  He was about to confront Harris when Teal’c placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. 

 

            Teal’c voice was soft and deep, but firm in its tone.  “O’Neill.  I don’t think it is wise to pursue this course of action.  If you anger him further, our searching may only prove harder.”

 

            Jack sighed.  He watched Harris speaking to another fellow officer, who was pointing out something on the car.  “I don’t trust him.  He’s holding something back.”

 

            Teal’c arched one of his eyebrows.  “Do you think it is something about Major Carter?”

 

            Jack shook his head.  “I don’t know.  It’s just a feeling.”

 

            Jonas, who was standing on the other side of Jack, listened to the exchange.  His mind suddenly wandered to the conversation that he and Colonel O’Neill had had recently.  Daniel’s name had come up again, and Jack had refuted that he didn’t blame Jonas for what had happened. 

 

            But his word alone wasn’t enough for Jonas.  “If I could go back and change what happened, I would do that.  But I can’t.  All I can do is try to change what happens from now on.  I don’t want you to exonerate me.  I just want to be given the opportunity to prove that I can make a difference.”

 

            Blinking, Jonas suddenly felt compelled to make this his chance.  If he could find or do something that would lead them to Major Carter, he was sure that it would make a difference.  Keeping his voice low, he turned to Jack.  “Maybe we should watch him.”

 

            Jack looked over at Jonas.  For a moment, he didn’t say anything.  “You mean put surveillance on him?  The lead detective in the case?”

 

            Jonas shrugged.  “Why not.  All of the…what do you call them…movies that I’ve seen from your planet so far show that it’s a common thing.”

 

            Jack responded, turning his back to Lt. Harris.  “Yeah, but usually it’s the cops doing the watching.”

 

            Teal’c spoke up.  “Perhaps Jonas Quinn is correct, O’Neill.  If Lt. Harris does have any leads he is not speaking to us about, we may be able to find Major Carter more quickly.”

 

            Jack mulled over the idea for a moment.  He wasn’t sure if it was his emotions that were clouding his mind, but it was a good idea, and one he should have thought of long before an alien did.  Nodding, he looked over his shoulder at Harris.  “Okay, we’ll follow him for a few hours and see where it takes us.  It should be dark within the hour, so we should be able to follow him easily enough.”

 

            As they all nodded in agreement, Lt. Harris rejoined them.  “Look, Colonel, I’m sorry I was so harsh back there, but you have to understand.  I’ve been working on this case since day one of the first murder.  There are just so many factors to sort through and unfortunately our time is running out.  If this guy sticks to his past behavior, we’ve got less than 24 hours to find her.”  Taking a breath, he continued.  “And I don’t mean to get evasive or rude, but you have to understand that I’m the one who has to tell the families that we didn’t find their loved one in time.  I guess it’s just getting old.  But I promise you to do the best job I can in finding Major Carter.”

 

            Jack shoved his hands into his pockets and studied the man in front of them for a moment.  He seemed sincere enough, but he wasn’t going to leave anything to chance when it came to Sam.  Keeping his tone even, he responded.  “Alright, Harris.  We’ll let you do your job.  But for cryin’ out loud, keep up informed of any leads that you come up with.  Major Carter is not only important to us, but to the rest of the world.”

 

            Harris crossed his arms over his chest.  “Well, I’m not sure what that really means, but I promise to let you know if we do find out anything.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to the station.  Some of the grocery store employees have been told to stop the precinct by after work so that we can question them and see if anyone happened to see anything but was afraid to report it.”  Stepping back, he put his hands in his pockets and started to turn away.  Looking back, he continued.  “I’ll keep you informed…I promise.”

 

            As the three of them watch Harris walk away and towards his car, Jack mumbled under his breath.  “Don’t worry.  We’ll make sure you do.”  Looking at both Teal’c and Jonas, Jack fished his keys out of his pockets.  “Let’s go.”  Walking back to Jack’s truck, they climbed in and waited for Lt. Harris to pull out onto the road ahead of them.  Once he was at a safe distance, Jack pulled out and began his pursuit.

 

            Two hours later, they were still following him.  They had watched him stop at a gas station and then the police station, where he spent all of an hour.  Jack figured that rather the witnesses hadn’t shown up, his story was a front, or he had really gotten a lead.  Either way, his cell phone had never rung, and it just gave more clout to his feeling that this guy wasn’t being completely honest.

 

            For the past ten minutes, they had been traveling on a gravel road in the middle of nowhere.  Night had set in and the black sky was dotted with stars that shown as bright as glittering diamonds.  Woods lined either side of the road, masking it in dark shadows.  In order to keep their presence a secret, they had to let Harris get a good distance ahead, and even then they could only use the parking lights, making it slow going. 

 

            Jack swore under his breath.  “Damn…where is he going?”

 

            Teal’c answered him.  “Perhaps he got a lead that he is now following.”

 

            Jack glanced over at Teal’c.  “Yeah, well, I hope it turns up something, because if it doesn’t, we’re just wasting our time…and the amount Carter has left.” 

 

            Jonas suddenly spoke up.  “Colonel, it looks like he’s stopped up ahead!”

 

            Jack quickly applied the brakes and eased off the road.  Cutting the engine, they all sat quietly for a moment, the windows open, listening and hoping that their presence hadn’t been discovered.  After a minute or so had passed, Jack signaled to them to exit the cab.  Getting out, they quietly closed the doors and started down the road, staying off the gravel to keep their approach a secret. 

 

            When Harris’ car came into view, they hunkered down, looking to see if they could spot the lieutenant in the general area.  Signaling, they moved forward until they were behind the car.  When it was clear that Harris was nowhere in site, Jack stood up.  Keeping his voice low, he kicked the back tire of the car that he was closest to.  “Damn!  We lost him.”  Turning around, he looked at Teal’c and Jonas.  “We’ve got to split up.  Whoever finds him, radio your position.  Let’s get going.”

 

            Taking off in opposite directions, Jonas slowly made his way in the direction Jack had pointed him to go.  He found himself hoping that he wouldn’t get himself lost in the woods.  But then getting lost wasn’t his concern…he needed to find Lt. Harris.  Walking slowly in the dark, using only the small pocket flashlight that Jack had given him, he found himself stumbling over logs and unseen branches on the ground.  He was a scholar, and not use to hiking through nature.  But if he was going to make the cut on SG-1, he needed to be able to get used to more than just this. 

 

            After feeling like he’d been walking forever, he suddenly came upon a clearing, and at the center of it, was a huge building.  A soft light glowed from the inside, giving the air around it a surreal glow.  Not sure what to think of it, he moved forward quietly until he reached one of the walls.  Inching around the building, he finally came to a window that was partly open.

 

            As he looked in, the light from inside captured the movement of a figure in a tan suit.  Lt. Harris.  He seemed to be looking down at something.  Backing away from the window, he clicked on his radio.  “Colonel!” he said, his voice a harsh whisper.  “Colonel, come in!”

 

            Jack, who had been wandering endlessly in the woods and getting more on edge by the minute, practically jumped out of his skin when Jonas’ voice came over the radio.  Clicking on the radio, he immediately responded.  “Go ahead.”

 

            Jonas kept a watch on the window as he spoke.  “I found him, Colonel.  Lt. Harris…he’s inside some kind of deserted building.  I think he’s found something.”

 

            Jack suddenly felt sick to his stomach.  He almost didn’t want to respond.  When he did, his voice was slightly shaky.  “What did he find?”

 

            Jonas shook his head.  “I’m not sure.  I can’t really see that well inside the building without giving my position away.  But he appears to be studying it.”

 

            Jack nodded slowly.  “Alright.  Stay there.  We’re on our way.”  Taking a breath, he continued.  “Teal’c.  Did you get that?”

 

            Teal’c’s voice floated easily over the radio.  “Indeed.  I’m on my way, O’Neill.”

 

            Jonas’ voice suddenly came over the radio again.  “He seems to be arguing with someone…it might be the murderer!  I’m going to go see if I can help.”

 

            Jack jumped on his radio.  “No!  Jonas!  Hold your position.”  When no response came, he tried again.  “Jonas!”  Jack slammed his hand against a tree.  “Damnit!”  Clicking on his radio, he took off running.  “Teal’c!  Are you on your way?”

 

            Teal’c responded immediately.  “I am.”

 

            Jonas, who had turned off his radio, approached the window again.  He could now make out Lt. Harris’ voice, and he seemed to be talking with someone, trying to convince them not to do something.  Afraid things were going to get out of hand before Colonel O’Neill could get there to help, he moved around to the door and carefully opened it, sneaking inside.

           

Five minutes later, Jack and Teal’c were outside of what appeared to be an old barn.  Jonas was nowhere outside of it, and that made Jack even more nervous.  It was too quiet, putting him on edge.  Signaling to Teal’c, they approached the main door without a sound.  Nodding, Jack got out his handgun that he always kept locked up in his truck.  Holding it against his chest, he opened the door. 

 

            Quickly surveying the large space in front of him, he didn’t see anyone.  Moving into the interior, he and Teal’c stayed close to the wall, partially concealed in the shadows.  His heart was pounding with the adrenaline flowing through his system.  As his eyes continued to look over every inch of the inside, he suddenly spotted what appeared to be a boot, attached to a person lying on the ground.

 

            Doing one final check of the area, he moved out of the shadows and over the spot where the person was lying.  As he got closer, he suddenly recognized who it was.  Kneeling down, he shook the man’s shoulder, who appeared to be unconscious.  “Jonas!”  Jack kept his voice low.  Jonas had a large bump on his head, but the more Jack prompted him, the more he seemed to be coming to.  “Jonas, can you hear me?”

 

            Jonas gave out a low groan, his eyes fluttering.  “Colonel??”  His voice was weak and disoriented.

 

            Jack pushed on.  “Jonas, you okay?  Where’s Harris?”

 

            Jonas tried sitting up.  Only able to come up a few inches before grabbing his head, he rolled over on his side, moaning.  “Oh man, my head.”

 

            Jack was trying not to become too impatient.  He spoke a little slower.  “Jonas, where is Lt. Harris?”  He looked uneasily around them and then looked back at Jonas, who was trying to get his bearings.  Jack waited…and the seconds continued to tick by…

 

 

 

 

 

            Sam moved her head back and forth, her consciousness floating in and out.  It was dark, incredibly dark, and her body felt like it was weighed down.  She could barely breathe, and as she ran her hands around her, she discovered that she was completely enclosed.  She couldn’t remember how long she had been there, but it had to have been hours.  Trying to sit up, her head suddenly came into contact with wood. 

 

            Opening her eyes, she brought her hands above her and felt only wooden planks.  Her head was spinning and her senses were distorted, but she had enough wits about her to figure out that she had been put into some sort of hole.  Her thoughts immediately considered the first possibility…she had been buried alive. 

 

            Panicked, she tried calling out, but her throat was so dry that she couldn’t say anything.  Using what strength she had, she tried pushing up on the wood covering her.  As her vision started to clear, she could see light filtering down from above her.  It was dim, but it was there.  Seeing it helped to calm her down some, but the more she became conscious, the more aware she became of the tiny space she was in and what little air she really had in it.  The reality was causing her lungs to suddenly spasm, and she began to cough wildly while clawing at the top with her fingertips.

 

            It would be too easy to just give up.  Sam knew that…and apart of her wanted to.  But the other part, the stronger side, wouldn’t let her.  She had too much to live for, and Jack was at the center of that.  She wasn’t going to let some crazed lunatic take away the life she’d built just for the thrill of it.  Though her situation seemed dim, she was determined to find a way out.

 

            As if in answer to her prayers, someone was suddenly above her, working at the locks that were holding her in.  She didn’t know if it was her captor or her hero, but she really didn’t care at this point.  She just needed air.  Her mind was still hazy and she felt as weak as a newborn kitten, but she was determined to fight if need be.  She had to survive….

 

            The wooden door above her was suddenly flung open and soft light and air from above her filtered down to her.  Squinting, she tried to make out the figure looking down at her.  It was a man, but she didn’t recognize him.  Since she’d been blindfolded, she had never really seen what her kidnapper looked like, so seeing a stranger had her mind racing with possibilities and had her heart pounding. 

 

            Taking a chance, she swallowed hard against her dry, partial swollen throat.  “Help me…please.” 

 

            The man’s face was partially shadowed in the light, but she could make out that he was wearing what appeared to be a tan colored suit and tie.  And the more she focused on his face, the more she could swear she saw a smile…and one that was kind.  His voice suddenly filled the air.  “Major Carter?  I’m Lt. Harris…I’m from the Colorado Springs police department.  Let’s get you out of here.”

 

            Sam could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, making them sting from the dust that had settled in them.  As she reached up a hand, his hand enclosed around hers and took it.  With his other hand, he reached down further and assisted her in sitting up by placing it behind her shoulder blade.  Her head began to spin wildly and she thought she was going to be sick to her stomach.  Whatever drug she had been given was obviously still working its way out of her system. 

 

            Lt. Harris kept his voice soft.  “Take a moment and get your bearings, but we can’t linger too long…I’m not sure how long we have before your kidnapper returns.”  Upon saying that, he looked around the small room at the back of the barn where he’d found her.  He could feel his body on edge.  He had to get her out of her before he returned.  Harris was amazed that his luck had held out this long. 

 

            Sam sat for a moment and tried to get her head to stop spinning.  The lieutenant’s hand was softly rubbing the spot on her back between her shoulder blades, and it was helping her to regain her senses.  Suddenly, his hand froze and she could feel his body stiffen as his hand gripped hers a little tighter.  “Lieutenant?  What’s wrong?”  Her voice was a little stronger, but still scratchy.

 

            Harris’ voice was suddenly filled with fear.  “God, no…please….you’ve got to get out of here…now, Major Carter!  Go!”

 

            As he let go of her and backed away into the shadows, Sam bent over and got on her hands and knees.  “Lt. Harris!  What is it?”  Looking up over the edge, she tried to see around her, but it was so dark, it made it hard to make out anything.  The shadows seemed to be moving around her.  She appeared to be in a small tack room.  Ahead of her, there was a door leading out into the main part of the barn.  She could see light filtering underneath it and determined that would be her best means of escape. 

 

            Calling out into the darkness, she kept her voice to a whisper.  “Lt. Harris!  Where are you?”  When no one answered, she used the little strength she had to push herself up over the ledge of the hole she had been in.  Struggling, she got her body out and pushed herself to her feet.  She was incredibly unsteady and she stumbled and fell against a wall that was closest to her.  Keeping her eyes on the door, now diagonally across from her, she could hear her heart pounding in her ears as she continued to cough as the new air entered her oxygen-deprived lungs. 

 

            Not wanting to miss her chance, she started for the door.  She hated leaving Lt. Harris behind, but in her condition, she couldn’t do much for herself, let alone him.  As she neared the door, a voice suddenly came out of the darkness around her.  “Where are you going, precious??  You’re time has come!” 

 

            Sam froze for the briefest of seconds.  Her voice penetrated the dark.  “Where’s Lt. Harris?  What have you done with him?”

 

            His laughter was course and low-key.  “Harris is no longer necessary…just like you aren’t.”  With that, she suddenly felt his presence right behind her.  Trying to run, she was stopped and pulled back against him as a cord of rope came around her throat.  As is tightened, cutting off what little air she had, the blood pounded in her head.  Clawing at the rope with her fingers, she tried to loosen its grip on her throat, but it only tightened with her effort. 

 

            His lips came close to her ears.  “Don’t fight it, precious…it will just make your death more painful!” 

 

            Sam started to see stars as her lungs felt like they were going to explode.  Swinging her left arm, she came in contact with a metal pan, knocking it over.  It hit the ground with a loud crash and rolled out of her reach.  She could feel herself losing consciousness, her body beginning to slump against his.  

 

            Just when she thought it was all over for her, the door in front of her was suddenly kicked open, flooding light everywhere.  And standing to the side of the doorway was Jack.  His gun was out and pointed at them.  Watching his face, she found herself thinking how happy she was that she’d at least get to see him one last time.

 

            Jack gripped his gun tightly.  His voice was as tight as a tense wire, and it filled the space around them.  “Let her go, Harris!  Do it…now!”

 

            Sam thought she was hearing things.  Did Jack say Harris?  Lt. Harris?  But that was impossible…

 

            The man holding her responded.  “Lt. Harris can’t help you right now!  And he never will again.  You can call me Harvey.”  Pausing for a moment, he went on.  “You’ll have to forgive my manners, but I’m kind of in the middle of something.”  Speaking close to Sam’s ear, he whispered more to her than anyone else.  “Precious…did you see, we have company?  Take one last look…it will be your last.”

 

            Sam made contact with Jack’s eyes, who was looking from her to the man holding her.  Suddenly, she found herself being inched towards the door.  Harvey’s voice penetrated the air.  “Back away…now!  Or I’ll snap her neck right now and you won’t have a chance to save her.”

 

            Jack held his stance.  “Don’t be stupid…let her go!”  Taking a breath, he spoke again.  “Harris!  If you can hear me, fight him, damnit!”

 

            Harvey continued to inch them forward.  “Step away…now!”  Just to prove his point, he tightened the rope even more, making Sam gasp again. 

 

            Jack wanted to put the bullet through Harvey’s head, but he was afraid of hitting Sam.  Having no choice, he and Teal’c, who was on the other side of the doorway, backed away slowly.  Jack kept his gun trained on his target though, waiting for his chance to strike.  He watched with a pain in his heart as Harvey/Harris moved between him and Teal’c, and then whipped around, backing slowly towards the door where they had entered the barn. 

 

            Sam didn’t know how much longer she could hold on.  She had only been allowed a breath of air as they had turned around, and it was already spent.  As she tried to stay alert by staying focused on Jack, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a small glint of metal to the side of her.  Someone was standing in the shadows next to them, and her gut told her it was a friend, not a foe. 

 

            Looking at Jack one last time, she felt a surge of strength and courage.  Closing her eyes, she let her body go limp.  Jack’s voice suddenly filled the air.  “NO!  You bastard!!”

 

            Jack watched as Sam’s body slumped to the ground.  Cocking his gun, he was about to pull the trigger when Jonas suddenly came out of the shadows and plowed into Harvey, forcing him to let go of the rope and Sam as the two men flew off to the side.  They rolled over each other several times before colliding into a table that had been set against the wall.  The table shook from the weight of both men rolling into it.  A lantern that had been lit and placed on the table careened over the edge and came crashing down onto the hay that lined the floor. 

 

            Flames suddenly shot up the wall and onto the ceiling.  The hay around where the lantern had hit was ablaze with fire, and it was spreading fast.  Jack surged forward, gun in hand.  Reaching Sam, who was now coughing wildly and gasping for air, he scooped her up into his arms, holding her tightly against him.  The fire was spreading fast, and their exits were limited.  They had to make it to the door before it was cut off. 

 

            Teal’c had gone over to assist Jonas, who had managed to successful stun Harvey for the time being.  Helping Jonas to his feet, the two of them started over to where Harvey was lying when a beam above them, now riddled with fire, cracked and then broke off the ceiling, coming down towards them like a fireball.  Teal’c grabbed Jonas’ shirt and pulled him back out of the way.  The beam crashed to the ground, sending up heat and fiery sparks all around them.  It had cut them off from Harvey, who was starting to stir. 

 

            Jack could barely see through the smoke around them, and he knew the place was going to come down around them any minute.  The smoke had been too much for Sam’s already deprived lungs, and she had passed out in Jack’s arms moments after he picked her up.  He knew that he had to get them out of there, if only for her sake.  Raising his voice over the roar of the fire, he yelled out to his companions.  “Teal’c!  Jonas!  Leave him!  We have to go…now!”

 

            When they had rejoined him, Jack turned towards the door and started towards it.  Jonas and Teal’c ran ahead of him, clearing the path.  But he’d only gotten a few steps when Jonas, who kept looking back, suddenly called out a warning.  “Colonel, look out!!”

 

            Jack, who still had the gun in his hand, turned around in time to see Harvey running towards them, knife in hand and ready to throw.  Allowing Sam’s legs to fall to the ground, he supported her with one arm.  With the gun at eye level and hate in his heart, he shot one, two, three times, successful hitting his target every time, with one bullet penetrating the heart.  Harvey dropped dead at his feet, his blood soaking into the hay that hadn’t yet been burned.

 

            Picking Sam back up, he continued to run, narrowing missing being hit by another falling beam.  Bursting through the doorway, they reached the outside and continued to run until they were at a safe distance.  Turning around, they watched in silence for a moment as the barn continued to burn, sending up black smoke and burning ash into the night. 

 

            Jack knelt down, placing Sam carefully on the ground with her head still in his arms.  Checking for a pulse, he was relieved to find one, but it was weak.  She needed medical attention badly. 

 

            Teal’c knelt down beside him.  “Is she alive, O’Neill?”

 

            Jack was going through so many emotions, he could barely speak.  Nodding, he managed to find his voice.  “Yes, just barely.  We need to get her to a hospital immediately.  Let’s get back to my truck.  We’ll call the fire department and the police from there.”  Standing up, Jonas and Teal’c led the way, making sure all limbs and branches were clear from the path to make it easier for Jack to follow. 

 

            When they reached Jack’s truck, Jack threw Teal’c his keys.  “You drive.  I’ll sit in back with her.”

 

            Once they were all seated in the truck, with Jonas and Teal’c up front, Teal’c brought the truck to life and put it in gear.  Turning around, Teal’c spoke up.  “Should we not go back to the base infirmary?”

 

            Jack shook his head.  “It doesn’t matter.  Whatever comes first, the base or the hospital…but she needs help now.  Just get us there.”

 

            Teal’c nodded and looked over at Jonas, who was obviously still stunned with the night’s events.  “Are you alright Jonas Quinn?”

 

            Jonas, who had been blindly staring out of the windshield in front of him, blinked and looked over at Teal’c briefly.  “I think so.  That was just really…intense.”

 

            Jack, who was looking down into the darkness at Sam’s form on his lap, stroked her cheek lightly with one of his hands.  ‘Hold on, baby, please…just hold on.’  Those thoughts rolled over and over in his mind as the truck continued to fly down the road.

 

 

 

 

 

            Jack paced in front of Sam’s hospital room, waiting for the doctor to finish his exam.  Teal’c and Jonas stood against the wall opposite Sam’s room, waiting as well.  It had been at least an hour and Jack thought he was going to go crazy if he had to wait any longer.  They had stopped at the first local hospital they had come across, not wanting to risk Sam’s life any further by taking the time to go back to the base. 

           

When he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, the door to Sam’s room opened and the doctor walked out, followed by the nurse.  Jack immediately corralled him, with Teal’c and Jonas right on his heels.  “How is she, Doc?”  Jack knew his tone was impatient, but he didn’t care. 

 

            Dr. Jones looked over the men standing before him.  Clearing his voice, he finally gave them their answer.  “She’s alive and should make a full recovery, though she will have to remain in the hospital for a few days.  I’ve placed her on a continuous supply of oxygen for the next 24 hours, along with I.V. fluids that will help her system to replenish what was lost.  Beyond some bruises and a few cuts, she appears to be physically okay.  However, emotionally, she will need your support to get through what I’m sure will be some tough days ahead.  She’s had a traumatic experience, and is extremely lucky to be alive.  But then, I don’t think I have to tell you that.”

 

            Jack nodded.  “Thanks, Doc.  Can we see her?”

 

            Dr. Jones nodded.  “Yes, but only one at a time.  I’ve given her something to help her sleep, so she may not be too responsive.” 

 

            Jack felt relief was over his body for the first time since he had found out she was missing.  “We understand.  We’ll be having her transferred to the base infirmary in the morning.  Her doctor is there and I know that she will want to be watching over her…no offense to you.”

 

            Dr. Jones smiled.  “None taken.  I understand.  She’s lucky to have each of you watching out for her.  I’ll check in on her later.  If you’ll excuse me, Colonel, I’ve got a few other patients to see.”

 

            As Dr. Jones left, followed by his nurse, Jack turned to Teal’c and Jonas.  “Why don’t you guys head back to the base.  I’ll stay with her tonight until they transfer her in the morning.  Just take my truck back to the base.  I’ll catch a ride in the ambulance.”

 

            Teal’c knew better than to argue.  Nodding, he gave Jack a small smile.  “Please tell Major Carter I am happy she is well.”

 

            Jonas nodded.  “Yeah, me too.  Tell her I’ll stop by in the morning to see her when she reaches the infirmary at the base.”

 

            As he and Teal’c turned to leave, Jack called out.  “Hey, Jonas.”

 

            Jonas stopped and turned around.  He had that same pleasant smile on his face that went along so well with his easy going personality.  “Yeah?”

 

            Jack gave him a small smile.  “Thanks for your help.  If you hadn’t been there, I don’t know if Carter, or any of us for that matter, would be here right now.”

 

            Jonas’ smile got a little bigger.  Nodding, he took in a breath, feeling content.  “You’re welcome.  Glad I could help.”  Feeling great about what had just happened, Jonas looked over at Teal’c, who bowed his head to him before turning and started down the hall.  Jonas looked back at Jack, who was watching them go.  Nodding, he turned and jogged down the hall to catch up to Teal’c.  He might not be 100% in the group as far as all the ins and out, or the shared understanding of a nod or a look, but he was definitely one step closer to achieving that shared acceptance.  And it made him feel great.

 

 

 

 

 

            Jack opened the door to Sam’s room and shut it quietly.  It was dark except for the soft light that glowed warmly above her bed.  She seemed to be sleeping.  As he approached her bedside and pulled up a chair, he sat down next to her and just looked at her.  She was beautiful, even with all the bruises and the fatigue that shadowed her face.  Her neck had a dark red mark on it where the rope had been, and some kind of ointment had been applied to it to help with the healing process. 

 

            Jack gently took her hand and laid his cheek against it.  She had been through so much in the past 48 hours, and he had almost lost her.  As he let the emotions roll through his head, a single tear ran down his cheek, making contact with the skin on her hand. 

 

            Sam’s eyes fluttered open and she turned her head to the side.  When she did, she found Jack at her side, his head resting on her hand.  Taking her free hand, she reached over and lightly ran her fingers through his hair. 

 

            Jack immediately responded to her touch.  Lifting his head, his eyes met Sam’s, and he found himself swimming in those baby blues.  Giving her a smile, he reached up a hand and placed it against her cheek.  “Hey.”

 

            Sam leaned into his hand.  “Hey yourself.”  Her voice was still weak and soft, but it was there.  Seeing him gave her the strength she had been looking for since she had woken up at the hospital.  The doctor had told her that her friends were outside, but seeing Jack now made all the difference. 

 

            Jack didn’t know where to start.  “How are you feeling?”  He knew it was a stupid question, but he didn’t know what was the best question to ask first.  He had so many questions, but this one seemed like the easiest. 

 

            Sam gave him a small smile.  “I’m so much better now that you’re here.”  Pausing to swallow gingerly, she continued.  “I knew you’d find me.”

 

            Jack didn’t say anything for a moment.  When he finally did, his voice cracked with the emotion that was flooding his heart.  “Yeah, well, I guess I wasn’t so worried about finding you as I was about how I’d find you.  God, Sam…I was so scared I wouldn’t make it in time.  All the odds were against us…. there were so many other people that had been abducted by this guy and found…dead.  If you had joined that group of murdered victims…”

 

            Sam cut him off.  “But I didn’t, Jack.  I’m here…with you.”  Letting her thoughts absorb her, she finally went on.  “That’s all I wanted when I left Area 51.  I wanted to sneak into your house and surprise you.  I was going to make you a new recipe for dinner that I had been working on.  That’s why I stopped by the store…”  Unexpected tears welled up in her eyes. 

 

            Jack immediately stood up and took her into his arms, stretching out next to her on the bed.  “Shhh…I’m here, I’m here.  I’m so sorry, Sam.”

 

            Sam quietly sobbed in his arms for a few moments, reliving the past few days and relieving all the emotion that had been pent up.  “I was just so scared, Jack.  I thought I could handle any situation…that I’d been trained for every possible scenario.  But when I woke up the second time, in that hole in the ground…”

 

            Jack hugged her tighter to him.  “He’s dead, Sam.  I shot him myself.  You’re safe.  He can’t hurt you, or anyone else, ever again.”  Jack wanted to kill the lunatic all over again for hurting Sam.  Stroking her hair and kissing it softly, he went on.  “Apparently, Lt. Harris had a more dominant personality, one named Harvey.  Hell, the cop in him probably didn’t even know he’d kidnapped you.  He was out searching with the rest of us.”

 

            Sam sniffed and snuggled closer to him.  “Well, I’m just glad you found me in time.”

 

            Jack replied.  “It was actually Jonas who found you…or at least stumbled upon the barn.  Poor guy thought he heard Lt. Harris confronting someone and went in to help…instead, he got a nasty bump on the head.”

 

            Sam turned over and looked at Jack.  “That’s who I saw in the shadows then against the wall.”

 

            Jack traced a finger over her cheek.  “What do you mean?”

 

            Sam continued.  “I saw someone in the shadows when Harris was backing out of the barn with me.  I took a chance that it was a friend and not foe…so I pretended to lose consciousness in order to give whoever it was an opportunity to strike.”

 

            Jack closed his eyes for a moment.  “You had me scared to death…I thought that was it…that he had killed you.”

 

            Sam smiled at him.  “I’m sorry…I just didn’t know what else to do.”

 

            Jack looked into her eyes.  “You did what you had to to stay alive, and that’s all that matters.”  Moving forward, he kissed her lips for the first time since he’d been reunited with her.  It felt wonderful…the warmth and reality of her lips on his.  She was really there, and he was going to do everything in his power to make sure that she never went through anything like that again.

 

            They kissed for a moment longer before Sam’s lungs started spasming again, at which point Jack pulled back and let her catch her breath.  “You alright?  Do you need me to get you anything?”

 

            Sam shook her head and interlaced her fingers with his, bringing their joined hands to rest against her heart.  “Just you…just you.  Stay with me tonight?”

 

            Jack kissed her lips lightly and gave her a smile.  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”  As he adjust his position, his metal dog tags pressed sharply against his skin, reminding him that he was also wearing hers.  Sitting up briefly, he reached up and fingered the dog tags that were hers.  As he did, his hip accidentally pressed the button for the T.V., turning it on.  The volume was at a low level, and the old musical “West Side Story” was being featured on the screen.  Not really wanting to figure out how to turn it off, he ignored it.   Pulling her dog tags up over his head, he turned to her and carefully placed them around her neck.

 

Sam smiled up at him.  “You wore these around your neck?”

 

Jack kissed the tip of her nose.  “Nope…I wore them next to my heart.”

 

As he watched her close her eyes, a peaceful look painted on her face, Jack was mesmerized.  Eventually, her breathing became more shallow and steady, telling him she had allowed sleep to settle in.  Assured that she was safe, he let his own eyes close.  It didn’t take sleep long for him to doze off, but before he did, he whispered out to her dreams… “I love you, Samantha…always.”

 

            As they fell asleep in each other’s arms, Maria and Tony began singing their love song from the T.V., serenading Sam and Jack as they slept peacefully in each other’s arms…

 

           

 

There’s a place for us

            Somewhere a place for us

            Peace and quiet and open air

            Wait for us somewhere

 

            There’s a time for us

            Someday a time for us

            Time together with time to spare

            Time to learn

            Time to care

 

            Someday

            Somewhere

            We’ll find a new way of living

            We’ll find a way of forgiving

            Somewhere

 

            There’s a place for us

            A time and place for us

            Hold my hand and we’re halfway there

            Hold my hand and I’ll take you there

 

            Somehow

            Someday

            Somewhere

 

 

 

 

Next story---> "Burden Of Proof"

 

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