New Horizons (part 5)

By Mark R.

“Dial up PR7117, Sergeant,” General Hammond ordered. It was good to be back in command at the SGC, if just for a short time. Having arrived much earlier than expected, he’d spent the first few hours touring the facilities and observing back-shift operations. Overall, he had to admit that he was quite pleased. All the airmen and marines he'd observed seemed just as motivated and proficient as they’d been under his command over a year ago. As far as he was concerned, that spoke volumes about Jack O’Neill’s leadership skills. That really wasn't surprising since he'd observed him closely all during the time he'd served as his 2IC. Now, he was a General and the SGC base commander, and he seemed to being doing a damn fine job, too. George made a mental note to emphasize that very point in a special fitness report due the President upon his return to Washington.

The meeting with Jack and Colonel Carter at 0730 had been quite a surprise, although he supposed it really shouldn't have been. Thinking back on it now, he wondered how they’d managed to hold out as long as they had. There had long been betting pools on whether and when they’d finally become a couple, even if it was against regs. Hell, even he and the President had money riding on that one! That they finally were was potentially nothing less than a disaster, although he had to admit he was unofficially happy for them.

Colonel Carter - Sam - he thought fondly, made a very compelling case for what they were proposing. God knows they deserved the chance to make a life together. But was it realistic to think the President would ever intervene to the point of countermanding a long-standing military regulation? It was true he’d told them on numerous occasions he owed them several times over; they had only to ask if they ever needed a favor. But should they view this as way more than just calling in a marker? Personally, he didn't really think so. Carter and O'Neill were easily the best officers he'd ever commanded, at least if one overlooked the occasional insubordination and failure to obey a direct order. As he thought back, he had to admit that even on those rare occasions, the record clearly showed it was not only justified, but more often than not saved a lot of lives, or as in several instances, the whole world.

George appreciated the fact that they'd been hesitant in asking for his help not so much because they were afraid a refusal on his part could lead to a court martial for them, but because they feared there might be consequences to his own career if he tried and was unsuccessful. He'd always gone to great lengths to conceal his fondness for them officially, but the truth was that Sam and Jack were among his closest friends, and obviously, they felt the same way about him to leave their fate in his hands. If for no other reason than that bond of friendship and respect they'd built up for each other over the years, he was inclined to stake everything on getting the President involved, no matter the consequences.

Realizing he’d just made his decision, he determined to give it everything he had. By the time he was finished, the President would swear it was his own idea! To George's way of thinking, that was the right thing to do, and he couldn’t and wouldn't let them down. Savagely punching the button on the intercom he ordered, "Lt. Severson, as soon as SG-1 is through the gate, get me the President on the phone. And once you do, I don't want to be disturbed until further notice without a damn good reason. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sir, General," the aid barked back immediately.

Down in the Gate room, the chevrons began rotating and locking in place. As they did, Jack proudly regarded each member of SG-1 individually. Teal’c, as always, stood quiet and unmoving. One hand was behind his back; the other holding his customary staff weapon with the butt resting lightly on the floor. Although the look on his face gave nothing away, Jack had no doubts he was eager and well rested. ‘Well, okay, ‘kell-no-reemed’, if you have to be technical,’ he reminded himself sourly. Once again, Jack was impressed at the confidence the big man exuded just standing there with his other team members. Any lesser man would probably be cocky as hell, but Jack knew Teal’c wasn’t. Not only was he a superbly competent soldier, but he was also wise beyond even his hundred plus years. As Jack continued discretely observing the big Jaffa, he couldn’t help but think about how he was not just an enormous asset to the team, but also someone he proudly called friend.

Daniel, on the other hand, gave an initial impression of barely controlled calamity. As usual, he was still tugging and adjusting straps and equipment as he sauntered into the Gate room. His shirt was only half tucked into his pants and one shoe was still untied, giving him the typical unkempt, ‘geeky’ look so characteristic of scientists, Samantha Carter being the only glaring exception he could think of. As the undisputed social conscience of the team, it had long been Daniel’s practice to challenge nearly everything said or done for moral basis and integrity. Although often wearisome, Jack couldn't count the number of times he'd saved the day during some delicate negotiation, when his own gut reaction was either to leave, blow something up, or otherwise resort to violence.

In fact, Jack had no doubt that Daniel was just as much responsible as Sam or Teal'c for him still being alive. Like the others, he'd saved his neck countless times. Over the years, he'd also watched him turn into a fair-to-middling soldier. He still had trouble following orders expeditiously, but the fact was, he wouldn't have it any other way. Like Teal'c, Daniel was totally unique and special. More than that, he was about the closest male friend he ever had.

Finally, his gaze settled on Sam. He could imagine her mind running a thousand miles an hour considering some obscure thread as she waited for the familiar whoosh of the wormhole establishing. What he could say about her would fill volumes, if not whole libraries. She was the undisputed rock of his existence, and he could honestly say he loved her unconditionally. Since admitting their feelings over a week ago, she’d become so much more than just a friend. Of course, they weren’t lovers yet, but he looked forward to a time when they were married and could be.

Although excited at the prospect, he couldn’t help feeling considerable trepidation about going on a dangerous mission with the woman he’d finally admitted being in love with. For at least the tenth time since getting the mission go-ahead, he prayed neither of them would be forced to make a life and death decision concerning the other. He was more than a little concerned to think that for the first time, he would have trouble being completely objective and impartial when it came to her welfare. Squelching the thought out of necessity, he forced himself to consider that no matter how painful it might be he owed the other team members no less.

As he stood there watching her, she glanced up to catch him staring. As their eyes met, he felt the familiar swell of emotion rise to nearly overwhelm him. She smiled, and he quickly returned the gesture, painfully aware that there was just no way he could express how he felt about her any more adequately with multiple surveillance cameras and at least a dozen or so airmen present.

Instead, he forced himself to casually stride over and ask whether she was ready to rock and roll. He knew it was kind of a silly gesture, but that had always been their custom when he’d been leading the team. Standing so close to her now was intoxicating, her very presence threatening to turn his brains to mush. Noting her affirmative nod in response, he smiled again before looking up to see General Hammond watching intently through the control room window fifteen feet above. “Okay,” he acknowledged. Giving a thumbs up and raising his voice to project into the open PA system, he enquired, “Do we have a go, General?”

Taking a deep breath, General Hammond said a quick prayer before answering formally, “Affirmative, SG-1, you have a go. God speed and good luck,” he added. “You’re going to need it, I expect,” he muttered under his breath. From the very beginning, he’d had a nagging feeling there was an awful lot more riding on this mission than they’d been told. He trusted Thor, as did the President, or they wouldn’t be going. He just hoped for all their sakes they’d be able to handle whatever unknowns popped up unexpectedly. Reminding himself once again that they were nothing less than the best of the best, he sighed in resignation before forcing the whole matter to the back of his mind to mull over later.

“Thank you, Sir,” Jack replied, saluting smartly. Performing an about face to address his team, he cheerfully ordered them forward. “You heard the man, campers. Onward and outward we go. Just a walk in the park. Teal’c, you take point. Daniel, you’ve got our six. Carter, you’re on left flank; I’ve got the right. Everybody keep your eyes pealed." Seeing nothing but affirmative nods, he and Sam strode up the ramp to join them near the top. "Okay, then, let’s go,” he added, gesturing towards the shimmering puddle.

When the last member of SG-1 had stepped through, General Hammond resolutely turned away from the observation window and headed for Jack’s office to await the President’s call.

_______________________________________________________

After each member of SG-1 emerged through the gate onto the planet they’d designated PR7117, they looked around quickly for any signs of intelligent life before moving off to their assigned positions approximately fifty yards apart. After hearing everyone’s report that they had negative contacts, Jack decided to call them all back for a quick meeting to discuss what might be their best move.

They’d just arrived when Teal’c suddenly looked up to the sky and pointed. “O’Neill, up there,” he called out, pointing skyward. Following his outstretched arm, they could just make out a small shape contrasting sharply against the bright white of the high altitude clouds behind as it sped silently towards their position. Descending on a steep trajectory, it grew rapidly in size until they could clearly see the telltale buildup of the lower altitude storm clouds in front and billowing out all around, quickly obscuring any direct view of the vessel itself. “It would appear to be an Asgard vessel, O’Neill,” Teal’c added calmly.

“Yes, it would,” Daniel agreed before Jack could utter a reply. “What do you think, Sam?” he asked.

“Well, I …,” was all she got out before Jack interrupted her in turn.

“We’re not taking any chances, though. If it is, we'll know soon enough. In the meantime, let's find some cover and take up defensive positions,” Jack ordered.

“Yes Sir,” Sam acknowledged instantly. Noting the tree line approximately seventy-five yards away, she quickly responded. “Sir, I think we should make for those trees to our northwest.”

“Agreed. Make for the woods, people!” Jack commanded. Giving Daniel a not too subtle shove, he took off running at a slightly slower pace behind in order to cover the team's six. Before even reaching the halfway point, they were all enveloped in a brilliant white light and beamed aboard the rapidly approaching vessel. Re-materializing with the same momentum they had while running, all four lost their balance and landed in a jumbled heap on the hard, gray decking.

As each one finally managed to extricate themselves from the pile, they quickly looked around, only to be surprised by another smaller white light that quickly coalesced nearby into their favorite Asgard, Thor. Bulbous obsidian eyes that protruded from a prominent gray, hairless head attached to a small, but equally gray and hairless humanoid form, blinked slowly as he attempted to ascertain whether all SG-1 members were indeed present and accounted for, and uninjured.

“Greetings, O’Neill, Colonel Carter, Dr. Jackson, Teal’c,” he intoned. “I trust you are all well?” he enquired politely. Without waiting for a response, he continued. “I must apologize for your rather abrupt transportation here. It was necessary to get you aboard expeditiously because we have recently detected a distress call emanating from a vessel of unknown origin currently under Goa’uld attack. It claims to be unarmed, and is fleeing at sub-light speed towards its home world, which is also under coordinated attack from two other vessels. Its hyperdrive has been damaged, and it is requesting immediate assistance from anyone in the area to repel the attackers while repairs can be completed. If we leave now, we can be there in 3.5 of your minutes. We will attempt to render assistance if that is satisfactory,” he finished with an obviously questioning glance towards Jack.

“Yeah, I guess that’d be okay,” he answered slowly. His mind was already attempting to formulate a plan allowing them to save both the ship and those on the planet’s surface. Finally deciding that there just wasn’t sufficient intel yet to plan a successful mission, he forced his mind back to the present. “Well, the Piraxan shouldn’t mind too much if we’re delayed a little bit. It's not like they’ve been in a big rush to meet us before now, right? Have they really been out of touch with you guys for fourteen hundred years?" he asked, still half distracted in thought.

Thor nodded in agreement before answering. "Yes, O’Neill, in fact it has been fourteen hundred-eleven Earth years since our last communication. We were quite pleased to reestablish contact after such a long period.” Momentarily glancing away to study a readout on the arm of his chair, he made a minute adjustment before continuing. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to return to the bridge. I will beam you there as well when we are within weapons range. Without waiting for any further response, he disappeared in another bright flash of light.

Jack sighed, unable to resist commenting appreciatively, "Man, I love watching him do that. Carter, do you reckon you could whip me up one of those transporter thingies?" he enquired wistfully, giving her a quick wink.

Taking his lead, she answered smoothly, "Sure, Sir. I’ll just whip out my ol' Swiss army knife and soldering iron and get right on it. With a little bit of luck, I'll find some piece of equipment around here that Thor doesn't use very much that I can cannibalize for parts. Shouldn’t take more than a half hour or so," she finished enthusiastically, her voice fairly dripping with sarcasm. "Oh yeah," she added as an afterthought, "do you fancy a green, blue, or white beam?” she just managed between chuckles. As if unable to stop herself from suddenly shifting back into lecture mode, she continued on in a more serious vein, “In all seriousness, Sir, their beaming technology is way over my head. I’m only now beginning, and I do mean beginning,” she emphasized, “to get some idea of the details behind how a Stargate really works, to say nothing of Asgard transporters.”

Noting that she’d once again ended up spouting serious techno-babble about something he’d really only been kidding about, Jack couldn’t help groaning. Running his hand through his short-cropped hair, he glanced over to where both Daniel and Teal’c stood patiently observing the whole exchange as if it wasn’t the least bit odd. “Listen, you guys don’t think I’m serious too, do you?” he asked. Noting their non-response and rather impassive expressions, he decided they must all be trying to mess with his head. It really wasn’t that unusual. Teal’c in particular was getting pretty good at putting on the old poker face.

Realizing he’d apparently lost this little battle, he smiled back serenely and rubbed his neck before returning to the matter at hand. “All right guys, you win that one,” he conceded. “Now, let’s get serious and put our heads together and decide how we can best save those folks from the snakeheads.”

“O’Neill, is it not premature to assume they are folks? Does that expression not imply they are of human origin?” Teal’c questioned stoically. “Upon what information do you base such an assumption?"

“Well, yes, that’s true, T, but I…” His reply was once again interrupted as they were suddenly enveloped in another transporter beam. Immediately, they found themselves standing on Thor’s bridge. “was just assuming,” he continued, before trailing off to look with interest at the now familiar tactical display taking up an entire wall opposite where they were all standing. After studying it intently for a second, he spoke with some concern. “Uh, Thor, I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert on interpreting what I’m seeing here,” he said, gesturing towards the screen, “but isn’t that ship an awful long ways away from the planet? And if that’s the case, can you defend it and simultaneously engage those in orbit?” he enquired, a look of deep concern beginning to cloud his expression.

“No, O’Neill,” Thor responded, “I cannot. Although the ship appears to have quite advanced shields, they are severely stressed and will soon fail. There are thirty-two life forms aboard, while on the planet’s surface there are over two thousand. Their shields are failing as well. I estimate it will take three minutes to get to the ship, one minute to eliminate the attacker, and just over four minutes to get back to the planet. That is considerably longer than I calculate the planetary shield can be sustained under such heavy barrage. It seems we are being forced into making a choice. We can save one or the other, but not both,” he concluded.

“Jack, we’ve got to be able to do better than that,” Daniel whined. He was clearly agitated at such a prospect; he couldn't see just sitting back and watching so many die.

“I’m with ya’, Daniel, believe me,” Jack responded with some irritation. “Carter, you got any bright ideas?” he asked hopefully. “We don’t have much time here, or no one’s getting saved.”

“Sir, before I answer, I’d like to ask Thor a quick question. Based on our current technology, we’d have to conclude they’re too far away to defend them both. But I’d think this ship with its advanced drive could be there and back again in just a few seconds.”

“Your assumption is correct,” Thor replied. “However, there is an extraordinarily dense asteroid field between us and the ship, requiring a long circuitous route that must be traversed at relatively low speed. Unfortunately, that field would also have to be avoided on the return trip to the planet. Clearly, our best choice would be to render assistance there, where our efforts should safeguard the largest number of beings,” he finished, his big eyes blinking as he adjusted another control set into the panel before him. “But whatever we do, we must begin quickly.”

“Wait, you said ‘beings’. Thor, they’re not human, are they?” Daniel piped up.

“Daniel Jackson, is that distinction important?” Teal’c demanded with raised eyebrow. He knew his friend well enough to know he never intended to make it sound like he valued human life above any other. Therefore, he must have an idea.

“No, no, no, I said that all wrong,” Daniel responded excitedly. “I was just asking because I’d been hoping we could communicate with them. I’d hoped we could get them to work with us somehow so we wouldn’t have to choose one group over the other.”

Daniel clearly had more to say on the subject, but was cut short by Thor, who by this time was becoming quite agitated. “Dr. Jackson, my ship’s computer has been communicating with them almost continuously since first receiving the distress call. That effort continues; however, I see no tactical advantage in doing so. If you like, I can display a real-time image of those aboard the vessel. I caution you that we must act immediately or even this ship will be incapable of altering their otherwise certain demise.”

As he finished speaking, a dark image of an obviously alien ship control room appeared. Occasionally, sparks could be seen showering down from above what they guessed was damaged equipment and there was a thick haze of greenish smoke hanging like a pall in the air. What got everyone’s attention though, were the aliens themselves. Eight or ten were visible; giant slug-like beings that appeared to slither around. They had no legs, but possessed two short, spindly arms with what passed for hands, each with six long, skinny fingers. Their heads were bulbous teardrop shaped attachments, each with two enormous, heavily lidded, dark purple eyes. Their mouths were large and heavily teethed, obviously carnivores of some type. Most grotesque though, was the yellow slime that seemed to cover every square inch of their massive, hairless bodies.

All in all, they weren’t very pleasing to look at. As Jack studied them, he could just imagine how bad they must smell. Still, he couldn’t help thinking that to each other, they might be quite attractive. Eventually, he concluded that regardless of how homey they looked to he and his friends, their first priority had to be to do something to ensure they didn't get wiped out. Abruptly snapping back into command mode, he decided it was time for action. “Colonel, I know we’re not armed to the teeth for this expedition, but I assume we brought along at least a few grenades and C-4 charges. Is that correct?” he demanded.

“Uh, yes Sir, but…” She stopped abruptly as it dawned on her what he must be planning. “Sir, you’re not seriously planning on going aboard that Goa’uld ship and blowing it up are you?” she demanded.

“If I don’t," he said, gesturing over at the display, "our uh, friends, for lack of a better word, are going to die, Carter. Thor should be able to beam me aboard from a considerable distance while simultaneously making for that planet. He can take care of those two mother ships and come back to pick me up. In fact, with a little bit of luck, I might even be able to get a death glider and fly back myself,” he said with considerably more confidence than he felt. As he finished, he set his jaw and forced himself to unblinkingly meet her gaze, knowing full well what she must be thinking. But he’d made up his mind. He couldn’t stand by and watch a slaughter take place because he didn’t try to intervene. He would have thought she’d realize that.

“But, Sir," she argued forcefully, "Thor can’t transport you through their shields. What if you’re met by a dozen Jaffa? What would you do then? Sir, it would be suicide!" she pleaded.

Surprised by the energy and tone of her voice, Daniel gave her a warning glare not to push Jack too hard, even as Teal’c spoke up. “Colonel Carter, as you know, the Goa’uld are as proud and arrogant as they are cruel. It is my opinion the attackers will not even have raised their shields, having observed the vessel to be unarmed. They would consider such a precaution un-necessary. Therefore, a transporter or set of rings should be effective,” he stated matter-of-factly.

"Thanks a lot," Sam grumbled, giving him a glare that could have wilted an entire garden. She knew he was right, but try as she might, she couldn't help the feeling of utter helplessness growing in the pit of her stomach and washing over her. She just hoped and prayed that the stubborn man staring back at her would at least consent to the whole team going along. Otherwise, she had a feeling she might never see him again, and that was totally unacceptable.

“She’s right, Jack,” Daniel added excitedly, hoping to convince him of the wisdom of Sam’s objection, while simultaneously staving off a potential reaction to her overall skepticism. The expression on her face was beginning to resemble one of desperation, and he could see no sign whatsoever of her being aware of Jack’s mounting anger at being argued with. “Sam’s right; you can’t go in alone. Without backup, it’d be suicide." Making up his mind on the fly, he stated matter-of-factly, "So, that’s why I’m going with you.”

“Me too,” Sam and Teal’c stated as one.

Jack considered for a moment what they were all saying. He hated to admit it, but he could see the wisdom in their arguments, even if it did piss him off they all seemed to be forgetting he was the ranking officer on this mission. For her part, Sam had to know he couldn’t avoid doing his duty just because he might get hurt. She also knew better than to argue with him so forcefully. Advising was one thing, but… He opened his mouth to reprimand her before it dawned on him that she’d only been so insistent because she was scared for his safety. A little ashamed of himself for becoming angry, he thought about the fact that with all of them watching his six, he really did have a much better chance of accomplishing the mission. He just wished it wasn’t necessary for them to all risk their lives, too. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to Sam, or any of them, for that matter.

He hesitated a few seconds more as he thought back to Sam’s comment in his office the day before. He could see how his eventual decision might well mean that one or both of them would never come back, which was just what she'd been so afraid of. He wasn't worried for himself; if he didn't make it, she was still a young and attractive woman. She wouldn’t have any trouble finding someone else. But if he lost her, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he’d be lost, too. He could never love again, and that was a proposition far worse than death.

Finally giving in, Jack made his decision. “Alright, then, we all go. Thor, I assume you still have time to get close enough to beam us aboard and get back to the planet to mop up there?”

“Yes, O’Neill, although it will be close, I should have sufficient time,” he answered immediately.

After listening to his answer, Sam spoke up again, albeit much more quietly. “Sir, we should probably have Thor beam us directly into the middle of the shaft going through the power core. We’ll need to synchronize our watches to be back at the beam-out point in say… two minutes. When we get back aboard, we can set the charges off by remote control.” Looking at the General for confirmation, she could clearly see the pride, love, and fear for her safety shining in his eyes, causing her face to flush automatically.

“Good idea, Carter,” he praised. Momentarily locking eyes with each member of the team, he added, “Now people, we have got to go. Let’s be careful. This time, it may not be just a walk in the park, if you get my drift.” Immediately, he turned and addressed Thor. “Would you do the honors, please?”

“Certainly, O’Neill,” was the quick response.

Readying their weapons, they moved into a tight circle with their backs together covering every cardinal direction. “Alright… now,” Jack ordered. Immediately, the bright white beam whisked them away to re-materialize on the deck of the Goa’uld attack vessel.

After looking around their respective quadrants for a Jaffa patrol and finding none, they each called out in turn, “Clear”. They found themselves standing on what appeared to be a small platform perhaps fifteen feet square, dead center in the middle of the power core shaft. The only visible means of support seemed to be from two slender beams running under the narrow walkway that connected the platform to the rest of the ship. Making a hand motion for everyone to follow his lead, Jack quickly advanced across the walkway until reaching what he prayed were some type of elevator chutes to all the other levels.

Relieved that they'd at least temporarily be able to conceal themselves from any spying eyes, he quickly motioned for Teal’c to open the door he’d identified as being marked ‘down’. As they piled in, he glanced over at Sam. His heart melted at her look of obvious love and total confidence radiating back. Determined not to be distracted, he quickly looked over to Daniel, who seemed to be eyeing him curiously, as if trying to figure something out. Jack couldn’t help wondering if his astute friend didn’t suspect the truth about the two of them. Suppressing the thought to ponder later, he refocused his mind and motioned for him to bring up the rear, Teal’c to take his customary position at point, and Sam to follow just behind. He’d take the team’s six.

Moving down the ornately decorated corridor and not paying the attention he should, Jack nearly ran over Sam when she suddenly stopped in response to Teal’c’s upraised hand. Listening intently, he could just make out the clop, clop, clop of heavy Jaffa feet approaching from somewhere directly in front of them. Gesturing for their attention, Sam indicated they should follow her in behind an enormous pillar to their right. Slowly, the procession of six warriors tromped past their position, allowing them to cautiously step back out into the corridor leading into the power core lower level.

After walking a short distance, Jack pointed to his watch and gave a sign they had less than ninety seconds left to complete their mission and be back at the rendezvous point. As each one acknowledged, they checked to make sure no one else was coming before moving off quickly to attach their individual C-4 charges. In seconds they were done and silently threading their way back down the short corridor leading to the elevator and eventually, the platform.

As the door opened up top, they were surprised to be less than twenty feet from four, armed Jaffa in a double column of two. In the time it took to zat the front two, the back ones managed to thumb on their staff weapons and dodge to the side. Teal’c’s first staff blast injured one, but the other fired, the blast landing dangerously close to Sam’s feet and sending all four SG-1 members diving for cover. Wounded but not dead, the injured Jaffa began firing indiscriminately, his second shot catching Daniel full in the face, killing him instantly. As Sam screamed in horror, Jack picked off the downed Jaffa, while Teal’c took out the other.

Choking back the urge to puke at the loss of his friend and all the carnage in general, Jack forced himself to get up and go check on Sam. Bending over, he pulled her up roughly and studied her face, hoping to determine her current mental state. He could see she was sickened at what happened and genuinely scared; who in their right mind wouldn't be? But his calming stare seemed to soothe her almost immediately, and a look of grim determination quickly returned.

The trained soldier in Sam took over, and she proffered a weak smile before moving over to check on Teal’c. He was injured, but not mortally so, and she quickly helped him back to his feet. Realizing there was no way they could carry Daniel’s mutilated body and still have time to make it back, they each took a final look at their fallen friend before hurrying off in the direction of the platform.

Rounding the final corner, they were met by four more Jaffa, this time somewhat concealed and spread out as if to spring an ambush. They’d obviously been alerted to their presence, making it all but impossible to take them out quickly. In the second it took for Jack and Sam to realize the threat, Teal’c responded. Screaming like a banshee, he surged out ahead and into plain view, heroically firing volley after volley. He managed to pick off the two nearest Jaffa before taking a fatal blast in the chest. As he fell, a third surged forward abandoning his cover, obviously emboldened and determined to eliminate the remaining threat.

Sam and Jack fired simultaneously, instantly dispatching the foolish Jaffa. That left the final one untouched. He fired, hitting Jack’s right shoulder, knocking him down and flinging the zat from his hand. Suspecting an eventual kill, he concentrated all subsequent fire on Sam, who’d dived over to try and protect Jack, oblivious to the Jaffa’s staff blasts hitting all around. Relieved to see him groan and try to get up, she forcefully pushed him back down to safety. Squelching her roiling emotions and summoning all her skill and resourcefulness, she waited for her opponent to stick his head back out for another shot. When he did, her aim was deadly, killing and then disintegrating him in three quick shots.

Suspecting they now probably had less than thirty seconds to return to the rendezvous point, she got up and stooped to help Jack, supporting him with an arm around the waist, zat still ready for action in the other hand. Blinking away tears, she hissed through clinched teeth, “Don’t you dare die on me, Jack O’Neill!” Not even caring if he replied, she resolutely began half-dragging him out onto the walkway leading to the platform. ‘Only forty more feet,’ she thought with determination.

Suddenly, another Jaffa came running around the corner to her left. Letting go of her burden, she turned and fired several times, dispatching him easily. As she did, Jack fell, barely managing to grab the railing and finally hauling himself back upright. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see still another Jaffa coming from the opposite direction, walking confidently towards Sam from her blind side. Jack knew instinctively she was pausing just a few seconds to ensure there weren't more on their way. But with all the gunfire and confusion, she was oblivious to this one's presence as he quietly stalked towards her from behind.

As their eyes met, the Jaffa seemed to quickly size up Jack’s battered, bleeding form as a threat he could deal with later, and refocused his attention on surprising Sam. Her back was still to him as he raised his weapon to fire, a feral grin of conquest asserting itself over his dark face.

His murderous look left little doubt in Jack’s mind as to his intention. He was going to kill Sam if he didn’t do something quick. He had no weapon and could barely hold himself upright, but that made no difference as he reacted on pure adrenalin and training. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he screamed a warning and lunged forward to block the impending shot. When the Jaffa fired, it hit him in the side, nearly blowing him over the left side railing.

Hearing Jack yell, Sam dropped like a sack of potatoes. As she did, she twisted around in one fluid motion to face her newest opponent. Sick at the sight of seeing Jack lying face down with smoke wafting from a gaping wound in his side, she screamed his name without thinking, “Jack!” The Jaffa’s next shot, although very close, sailed harmlessly over her head. Even as it registered what must have happened, she returned a furious barrage of fire that quickly found its mark. On the third hit from the zat, the falling Jaffa disintegrated and disappeared.

Quickly looking around to ascertain there weren’t still more, Sam hurried over to grab Jack by the collar of his shirt and literally drag him with her out to the center of the platform. Just as they reached it, they were engulfed in the bright light of the transporter beam and disappeared. Back on the bridge of the ‘Hammond’, she took one look at Jack’s bloody body, knowing he wouldn’t survive if she couldn’t get him into a med chamber immediately. As Thor beamed in beside her, she shouted, “Thor, beam us to the infirmary!”

Not even hesitating, Thor stabbed an inset control in his chair and they both disappeared. As they re-materialized, Sam bent over his limp body to try to drag him up on the med chamber pedestal. As she did, he managed to reach out and grab her fatigue shirt, pulling her down to the floor with him. With her face only inches from his, she could see he was trying to say something. Leaning even closer she strained to hear the words, “Blow it, Sam. Blow it, now!” he whispered in a raspy and fading voice.

Sam knew time was of the essence. But she also knew her obligation was to complete the mission, even if that ended up costing Jack his life. Through a choking barrage of tears she forced herself to tear her eyes away from the man she loved and reach into her breast pocket to retrieve the tiny transmitter that would detonate the C-4. Sam glanced back down just long enough to literally will him to keep living as she pushed the detonate button on the remote. Having fulfilled her duty and praying it still wasn't too late, she leaned back over to try and pull him up onto the med couch.

Just then, Thor appeared. Taking one look, he immediately sized up the situation and beamed them both up on to the med pod itself.

When Jack’s eyes fluttered closed, Sam choked back a sob and leaned over to gently cup a cheek before softly kissing him, begging him to hang on. She longed for the chance to finally show him the breadth and depth of the love she had locked up for him in her heart. Knowing whether he lived or died was now totally beyond her control, she reluctantly hopped down to the floor, watching with tear-filled eyes as the plasti-canopy instantly slid shut and sealed with a swish. Staring at the man laying so near death on the other side of the canopy, she wondered how she could possibly go on living without him.

Realizing for the first time the true depth of feelings this human female and friend had for her commanding officer, Thor reached out to touch her arm, hoping it was an appropriate form of comfort. He was relieved to see Sam look up at him and sniffle, a smile confirming he’d done the right thing and it was appreciated. Sensing it was now time, he gave her the bad news, advising her there had been no explosion on the Goa’uld vessel, and the alien’s on board the other alien ship faced imminent shield collapse and death.

Sam gasped at the news, unbelievably sickened by the horrific cost of the failed mission. At least thirty-two aliens were going to die and she’d lost two of her best friends, men she loved deeply, that were just as much family as her own dad and brother. The worst part though, was realizing it was a virtual certainty Jack would die too, in spite of all the incredible Asgard technology she had at her disposal.

Thinking about it made her want to curl up in a ball and cry herself to sleep in mourning for all that she’d lost. The sick, hollow feeling inside threatened to consume her very soul as she thought about how much they loved each other and all the wonderful plans they’d made that would now probably never come to fruition. And it was all being taken away from them by a stupid, arrogant, worthless Goa’uld! For once in her life, the consuming fire that usually drove her to keep going and exceed everyone's expectations was gone. She felt unbelievably tired and used up. As a result, she was sorely tempted to just take the easy way out and give up.

Through her grief and a mounting reservoir of tears, she suddenly saw Jack’s lips move feebly. 'He’s still alive!' was all she could think. After several long seconds, she finally managed to squeak out hopefully, “Thor, his lips are moving!”

“Yes, Colonel Carter, he may yet survive," came the calm reply, “but he is still gravely injured. However, I do believe he is trying to communicate.”

Looking back down, she could clearly make out the words, “Open it,” on his lips. “He wants me to open the canopy,” she choked out. Looking to Thor for confirmation, she added fearfully, “We can’t do that, can we? Won’t it kill him?”

“Indeed, an interruption of the healing program at this point very well may,” Thor answered back. “Unless you can be certain that whatever he has to say is worth the risk, I recommend we not attempt to interrupt it at this time.”

Sam concentrated as she considered Thor’s words, trying to ascertain what Jack might well be using his dying breath to say. In short order, Sam made her decision. She had a gut feeling he was trying to say something really important, so in spite of the risk, she decided to honor his request. Looking over at Thor she almost whispered, “Thor, open it, please.”

“Very well,” Thor acceded without argument.

As the canopy slid back with a whoosh, Sam bent low to make out Jack’s feeble words. She watched him teary eyed, hoping to memorize every feature of his face in case he died, leaving her alone with only her memories. As she did, his eyes momentarily closed again before reopening to refocus on her face. “Sam,” he gasped, “mission successful?”

He sounded awful. His voice was dry and raspy, just barely audible. Sam’s body trembled with emotion as she contemplated such a trivial question right this second, but she had to answer it, and there was only one answer: She’d failed the aliens, the Air Force, her country, her friends, and most of all, she'd failed him. She shook her head, utterly disgusted and ashamed to be the only one still unscathed by this whole affair. “No, Jack,” she sobbed, “the C-4 won’t detonate. We must be out of range for our transmitters. Thor says the alien’s shields will fail before we can get close enough to where they’ll work.”

Reading from her expression what he needed to know, Jack summoned some more of his rapidly waning strength to make one final request, “Sam,” he said in between gasps, “need-go-back, need-go-back. Set-off-on-ship. Is-only-way,” he stuttered out. The effort required to mouth the words was evidently enormous, and he momentarily closed his eyes in pain and exhaustion before once again forcing them open to see the terrible anguish on her face.

After all the horror she’d faced that day, Sam didn’t think she could feel anymore, but his request hit her like a double sledge-hammer blow. In her mind, she knew he was right. Someone had to go back. They couldn’t get there in time with the ship, but one of them could beam back as they’d done before. Once again, she forced herself to make the tough decision. That someone should be her. Jack might not like it, but there wasn't much he could do about it, and she knew it was the right thing to do. “No, Jack," she began, "you’re in no shape to go anywhere. I’ll do it,” she said with finality.

Immediately, Jack reacted. “No-no-no-no. I-go. Dead-already. Can’t-lose-you-Sam,” he rasped out tiredly. “Is-order,” he just managed to croak out.

‘Damn him!’ Sam thought bitterly. ‘Doesn't he understand I don't want him to die? Why can’t he let someone else make the honorable sacrifice?’ And yet, she could see the wisdom behind his simple reasoning. Tactically speaking, he was probably right; he was most likely going to die. But right now, she wasn’t interested in being logical. She loved him, and what he wanted to do would take away even his one slim chance of survival. Crying openly now, Sam debated a few more seconds before literally forcing herself to follow his orders. It was the right thing to do. If the ship didn’t blow within a few seconds, then she could beam over and finish the job. After pulling his own transmitter out of his vest pocket and placing it in his trembling hands, she retrieved her own before asking, “Thor, can you beam him over to that Goa’uld ship again? All he needs is enough strength to push a button. Do we still have time?”

“Shield failure will likely result from the next volley. We must hurry,” Thor stated matter-of-factly.

“One more thing, Thor. If detonation doesn’t occur within five seconds, I want you to immediately beam me over, okay?”

“Yes, Colonel Carter,” he agreed solemnly.

Sam knew how Thor felt about Jack. The fact that he didn’t argue spoke volumes about his respect for the man. Looking down at him now, she looked into his eyes and asked, “You ready?”

Jack’s answer consisted of just three simple words. “I-love-you.”

“I love you too, Jack. We’ll be together soon, I promise.” Stepping back from the pod, she gave the signal to Thor, and the man she loved more than life itself disappeared in a brilliant flash of light.

Moving over to a nearby monitor, thumb poised above her own detonate switch, she watched, sobbing uncontrollably as a stupendous flash of light momentarily overwhelmed the compensation circuits. Dropping the little box and putting her hand to the surface of the monitor she whispered, “Goodbye, Jack.”

Continue to Part 6

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