Once Upon A Time

Title: Once Upon A Time

Author: Suz W.

Feedback: Happily accepted!

Spoilers: After Deadman Switch and Demons

Rating: PG-13

Category: S/J Friendship, Action/Adventure, Romance, Mild Violence

Summary: SG-1 goes on a mission to explore a new world, and find themselves “back in time”.

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

Copyright: The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Copyrighted on December 26, 2003, by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “Touching Destiny”.

Dedication: I would like to dedicate this story to Olivia. Thanks Olivia for your continued support of my stories! It means so much to me!

Jack shifted his body and slowly opened his eyes. The room was dark, except for the dull glow of the still dying embers in the fireplace. A chill had settled over the room, leaving his skin cold, except for the right side of his body. Stretching his cramped neck, Jack looked over and found Sam still snuggled contently against him, her head lying comfortably on his shoulder. She was asleep, her breath coming in even, content rhythms. A soft smile appeared on Jack’s lips as he remembered how he had gotten in this position.

They had kissed. The emotions that each of them had been building for months had come to a head, colliding in one very passionate kiss. He recalled his urgency as he swept her into his arms, out there in the cold, among the falling snow. She had responded with an equal passion, exploring his lips as he did hers. When they finally managed to break apart, he had held her, feeling her heart race in time with his. Her body had molded to his in their tight embrace, and it felt to him as if they had been made for each other. She had looked up into his eyes with so much emotion, asking him to stay a while longer.

And so he had. There in front of the fireplace, they had fallen asleep together, cuddled against one another, peace finding them at last. But he knew it was to be only a momentary peace. The outstretched fingers of the real world would touch them eventually, and they would be forced to come to terms with this new revelation. They were only allowed friendship in that world, nothing more. But here, among the privacy of Sam’s home, they had found a temporary sanctuary for their aching hearts.

Jack looked down at his watch, flicking on the indigo light in order to see the time. 0300 hours. He had never intended to stay this long, though he knew he would stay forever if it could be possible to totally escape the real world. Knowing that was not the case, Jack’s mind was telling him it was time to leave. Not wanting to leave, but unsure of the new territory they had walked into, Jack decided it would be best to head home instead of staying the rest of the night. He didn’t want to give Sam any reason to be uncomfortable, though she didn’t look it at that moment.

Not wanting to wake her, Jack carefully balanced her against the back of the couch and got up. Bending down, he lifted her easily into his arms, as a muffled word escaped her lips before she settled back down into a deeper state of sleep. Quietly carrying her through the house, Jack made his way to her bedroom. With one hand, he quickly pulled the comforter and sheet back, and then laid her gently down onto the soft comfort of the mattress.

He watched as she stretched slightly, coming to rest on her side as she unconsciously gathered the pillow under her head. Jack pulled the covers up to her neck, tucking her in like a parent would do to a sleeping child. He could have watched her sleep the rest of the night. Her skin and hair held a faint glow as light filtered in from the hallway. The corners of her lips curved up slightly, indicating to Jack that she was having pleasant dreams. He knew he would. Before leaving, he scribbled a note on the message pad located on the bedside table. Folding it in half, he stood it up next to her alarm clock, her name inscribed on the front. Bending over, he kissed her cheek with the utmost care and then took his hand and ran it lightly over the spot he had just kissed, as if to seal it there. Her skin was so soft. It was everything Jack could do to walk away instead of getting into bed with her and pulling her close.

After he’d gathered his coat and keys, he stepped out into the cold night air, taking in deep, cleansing breaths in order to wake himself up a little bit more. Looking up at the night sky, which had been cleared from the earlier snow clouds, Jack located the moon that hung brightly in the sky. Smiling up at it, he began to squint his eyes, suddenly aware that it seemed to be talking to him. And then he heard a voice on the air… “SG-1”…

Jack blinked, and instead of staring up at the moon, he was staring at the Stargate, with it’s blue and white magical pool shimmering in the center of it.

“You have a go,” came General Hammond’s voice over the speakers.

Jack looked down. He was in full gear, ready to start the next mission assignment. The M.A.L.P. had already gone through the gate, giving them the clearance they needed to go through. Daniel and Teal’c stood beside him, each of them checking their gear as they waited for Jack’s order. Looking behind him, his eyes met Sam’s, who was watching him with a curious smile on her face.

“Sir? Is everything alright?” Sam asked, noticing the confused look in his eye.

Jack gave her a quick smile. “Yeah, fine. Let’s move out campers.” He turned back to the gate and started up the ramp, with his team following his lead. Taking a momentary pause before entering the wormhole, Jack looked back and nodded to the General, who was watching their departure from the control room.

A few seconds after stepping into the wormhole, he found himself on a planet that was blanketed in Evergreen trees and large, swaying Oak and Maples. The sun was bright and warm, and shone down on the red clay earth beneath his feet. The Stargate was located in a clearing of the forest, with trees gathered all around them in a large circle. Beyond the first line of vegetation lay the shadowy world of the forest. A waterfall could be heard in the distance, and birds sung in spurts among the branches of the trees, echoing a welcome to them.

They all stood there for a moment, taking in their new surroundings. As Sam went over to check on the status of the M.A.L.P., Daniel, shielding his eyes from the sun, looked up at a nearby mountain that towered above them. “Wow! It’s beautiful!”

Jack looked around, adjusting his sunglasses. “That it is.” Carefully eyeing the dark shadows that danced all around them in the forest, Jack continued. “Of course, beauty can be deceiving. Carter! Are you picking up any signs of life?”

Carter looked up from the M.A.L.P. and checked her heat sensors. “I am, Sir, but it’s hard to tell what kind. Since we’re surrounded by forest, my guess is that it’s teaming with wildlife. But as far as a major expanse of population, I don’t see any so far. But the readings only go out five miles around the perimeter of the Stargate.”

“Great,” Jack mumbled to himself. He didn’t like not knowing if the readings she was getting were really just wildlife. Jack’s defenses went up a little higher as his hand tightened on his gun. It was much too quiet for his tastes.

“Sir?”

“Yeah, Carter, what is it?” Jack looked over in her direction, still keeping his vision open as wide as he could get it.

“Well, Sir, it appears the M.A.L.P.’s relay systems were damaged during the transition through the wormhole. We won’t be able to call home or get a location on the M.A.L.P. until I fix it.”

“How long?” Jack didn’t like the feeling that was growing in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t believe in bad omens, but this just wasn’t a good sign that the mission was going to go without incident.

“Only a couple of hours. I just have to rewire a few systems.”

Jack nodded. “Okay, Major, get to it. Teal’c! I want you to help me establish a perimeter around this area until we’re ready to move out. I don’t want any unexpected surprises. Daniel…see what you can do to help Carter.”

Jack put his gear down and began to get out the equipment he would need. Suddenly, Teal’c raised his staff weapon, pointing it in the direction in front of them. Jack stood up, his gun at the ready. “Teal’c? What is it?”

“I thought I heard something, O’Neill. I feel like we are being watched.” Teal’c began to slowly move his staff weapon, searching out the area with his eyes.

Jack listened for a moment and then put a hand on Teal’c’s shoulder. “Yeah, I feel that way too.” Deciding that the area was too open, Jack turned his attention towards Sam and Daniel. “Carter, Daniel! Forget the M.A.L.P.! We’ll come back to it after we secure the area.”

Daniel grumbled something under his breath as he got up and started towards Jack and Teal’c. Sam finished gathering her stuff and started to join them. Halfway to them, she stopped and reached behind her, a look of shock on her face.

Jack was watching her. “Carter! Everything alright?” When she didn’t respond, he started towards her, his eyes locked with hers. Suddenly, five feet from her, he felt a quick, sharp stick in his abdomen. Looking down, he fingered a crude-looking dart. Pulling it out, he looked at it briefly before dropping it. “Oh crap!”

Sam collapsed on the ground in front of him. He yanked out the dart and looked behind him, only to find the same fate deemed upon his other two teammates. Turning back to Sam, he attempted to move closer to her, but found his limbs going numb. No longer able to move, he collapsed only inches from where Sam laid. He could feel the toxin working its way through his system. Only able to move his eyes, he focused them on Sam, who was looking back at him, also unable to move.

He could read the confusion and fear in her eyes at the unknown and knew that she could see the same thing in his. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms and protect her from that unknown, to make her feel safe. But he couldn’t even reach out a finger, let alone take her in his arms.

Sam continued to look into Jack’s eyes and felt helpless. She wished with all her might that she could reach out and touch him, to reassure him that they’d get through this together. She could feel the drug snaking its way through her bloodstream. It was obviously a paralyzing agent with a sedative, because she could feel the fingers of a sheer mist begin to cloud her mind and vision.

Desperately searching for anything to keep her focused, her ears suddenly picked up on the sound of horses’ hooves approaching from behind her. As they came to a stop, her heart picked up speed as she heard several men dismount and began their approach to where she and Jack were laying. She could see Jack looking over her head at the approaching men and kept darting his eyes from them to her. Sam felt the sedative starting to take a deeper hold on her consciousness, and she fought it off as best she could. Suddenly, their captors began speaking to each other.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” The first one to speak had a low, throaty voice that gave Sam the creeps.

“What are we going to do with them? There’s four of them, and only two of us. We’ll need more horses if we’re to take all of them.” The second man sounded a bit more timid then the first, obviously following the orders of the first man.

“Don’t be daft, man! The men don’t matter. You know our orders. We’re only to collect those women who might make suitable subjects for the king.” He bent down and fingered the back of Sam’s hair. “And I’d say this one is definitely a unique subject.”

Jack’s blood ran with fear and anger. How dare he threaten her, let alone touch her! He had tried to keep Sam’s focus, but he could see the sedative that was trying to take hold of his mind had already captured Sam. She’d lost consciousness only moments ago.

The leader of the two men continued. “Collect their gear while I load this one onto my horse.”

“But what about them?”

The leader laughed with an evil tone. “Who cares! Let the vultures take their pick of them. The toxin won’t wear off for another few hours. Now get moving!”

Jack watched helplessly through a hazy vision as the leader hoisted up Sam and threw her over his shoulder. When he’d bent down to pick her up, he got a good look at the man. He was dressed in a white billowing tunic with a leather vest and leather pants. His hair was long and pulled back into a ponytail. His face was scruffy from the beginnings of a beard and his eyes were piercing black beads that darted back and forth from Sam, to him, to Teal’c, and then to Daniel. Before he disappeared from Jack’s vision, he made a mental note never to forget the chiseled profile of that man’s face. It would be his only link to finding Sam again, if they got out of this alive.

As the sedative began to take a deeper hold on his mind, he felt the second man collecting his weapons and gear. Moments later, the sound of receding horses hooves could be heard, and as blackness began to overtake him completely, he swore to himself to do everything he could to stay alive. Sam’s life would depend on it.

Swirling black began changing to shades of a lighter gray as Jack’s vision began to clear and his mind found a focal point. Instead of staring up at the sky as he’d expected, he found himself examining bunches of straw hanging down out of a thatched roof. Trying his limbs, he found they responded with a dull ache. His head was pounding, and he brought a hand to his forehead, groaning in protest.

“O’Neill. Are you alright?” It was Teal’c voice.

Jack cringed at the sound. It felt like he had a hangover. “Not so loud there, Teal’c.” Sitting up, he slowly looked around. Teal’c was sitting beside him, cross-legged, and looking rather refreshed. “Yeah, I’m okay. How are you?”

“I am fine, O’Neill. The dart did not affect me as long as it did you and Daniel Jackson.”

“Great! Good to hear! I’m happy for you!” Jack knew he was being sarcastic, but he didn’t care. Right now all he cared about was that he felt like a train had hit him, and that Sam was in trouble. Looking around, he continued. “Where is Daniel anyway?”

Teal’c got up from his spot. “He awoke only moments before you. Saul thought a drink from the well would refresh him.”

Jack held his head with his hands before looking up. “I’m sorry. You’ll have to forgive me. Apparently, I’ve been out of it a bit longer than the rest of you folks. Who is Saul?”

“He is in fact the man responsible for helping up to safety. He came upon us next to the Stargate. I had just awoken and he asked if he might be of assistance to us. We put you on the back of his horse while I carried Daniel here,” Teal’c told him in a very matter-of-fact tone.

Jack groaned. No wonder he felt like this. Lying on the back of a horse was not exactly therapeutic. Standing up gingerly, he looked at Teal’c. “And where exactly is here?”

“We are a few miles from the Stargate, deep in the forest. This is where Saul resides.”

Jack stretched his back. “I see.” Just then the only door in the small one room cottage opened, spilling sunlight in the darkened interior. Jack squinted, trying to make out the man who rescued them. The first face he was able to focus on was Daniel’s. “Daniel! Feeling better?”

Daniel adjusted his glasses. “Hey Jack. Yeah, I am, thanks. You should go get a drink of water. It’ll refresh you.”

Jack’s eyes darted from Daniel to a shorter, white haired man who had entered after him. He had a pleasant smile on his face and was dressed in a brown tunic that was belted at the waist. He was wearing thick pants of dark brown, and his skin was weathered from years of being in the sun. But his eyes were kind, and Jack’s gut told him that he had nothing to worry about from this man.

Mustering up as much pleasantry as he could, he smiled. “Hi there! Colonel Jack O’Neill. You must be Saul.”

Saul smiled at him. “I am. It is a pleasure to meet you. It was fortunate that I happened upon you. Otherwise, you would have surely been a tasty meal for one of the many wild animals that roam the forest.”

Jack gave him a quick smile. “Yeah, thanks for that. Listen. Not trying to seem ungrateful, but we need to keep going. One of our team members, Major Carter, was taken by two men on horseback. You don’t know where they would have gone, do you?”

Saul looked confused. “Major Carter? What means of name is Major?”

Jack rubbed his eyes with his hand. “It’s a military rank….her name is Samantha Carter.”

Saul suddenly looked resolved. “I see. Well, since she is female, she has most likely been taken to the king as a potential.”

Daniel spoke up. “A potential?”

“Yes,” Saul answered him. “The king has been searching for a new queen for some time now. And when he does…Huzzah! What a day that will be!”

Teal raised an eyebrow. “What is Huzzah?”

As Saul gave him a confused look, Daniel answered for him. “Um, I think it means hurray. It’s an expression of happiness, of joy.”

Teal seemed to understand. “What matter of dialect is this, Daniel Jackson?”

Daniel scratched his forehead, a look of amazement on his face. “Earth’s, actually….um, Saul, what type of traditions do your people keep?”

“Oh, we enjoy jousting, feasting, sword fighting, art, music, and dancing. It is usually a festive time.”

Daniel looked confused. “What do you mean usually?”

Saul furrowed his brow. “Well, ever since King Richard has been searching for his new queen, times have been hard. Festivals are no longer held as much as they use to be.”

Jack gave Daniel a questioning look. “King Richard? Daniel, what’s going on?”

“Well, if I’m guessing right, I’d say the people of this planet are living in the Renaissance Age.” Seeing Jack just looking at him, Daniel continued. “Jack, it’s just like the last mission we went on…when we met up with the people who were living in the Middle Ages. The Goa’uld had taken them from Earth during that time period through the Antarctic Stargate, and populated that planet with them. I think that’s what has happened here.”

Saul interrupted them. “I’m sorry, good sirs, but what is a Goa’uld?”

Teal’c answered for them. “It is a symbiote that lives inside of a human and controls his thoughts and actions. Have you not come across such a creature before?”

Seeing that Saul was at a loss, Daniel continued for Teal’c. “Um, they look like you and I, but their eyes glow and their voice is, well, different. Look Saul, I’m going to take a stab in the dark, but have you ever seen your King Richard portray any of these characteristics?”

Jack raised his forehead in surprise. “Daniel?”

“Well, come on Jack, think about it. Why else would they have a King Richard? We have a documented death of King Richard on earth. My guess would be that a Goa’uld has taken up that persona.”

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose. “Daniel, correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the Goa’uld only took on the persona of Egyptian Gods.”

“You’re right, Jack,” Daniel said, “so this must be a rogue Goa’uld, and most likely the one responsible for transporting these people from Earth to here.

Teal’c spoke up. “Then why do we see no evidence of Goa’uld technology?”

Daniel’s tone had become excited. “Well, if he was a rogue Goa’uld, that would explain the lack of serpent guards and technology. More than likely, he was trying to escape some sort of persecution by the System Lords. And he has been here ever since, ruling this world as if time had never changed!”

By this point, Saul had sat down, listening with great interest and confusion at what they were saying. Teal’c looked at Daniel. “Daniel Jackson. If this is so, what of the search for a new queen?”

“Well, Teal’c,” Daniel said thoughtfully, “if this Goa’uld doesn’t have the technology, then he most likely doesn’t have a Sarcophagus. My guess is he’s looking for a new host.”

“Whoa, hold on a minute,” Jack said, his heart starting to pound harder. “Are you telling me that those men who took Carter have delivered her to a Goa’uld that is looking for a new host for his female snake…partner?!”

Daniel looked resolved. “That’s what it looks like.”

Teal’c spoke up. “Much like that of the fate of Shar’a.”

“Saul,” Daniel said, trying to keep his thoughts from his wife. “Have the faces of King Richard changed throughout the years of his reign?”

Saul looked up at him. “To be sure. The person to reign has changed several times, but the name of King Richard has remained the same. It is tradition.”

Daniel seemed to ponder this. “Tradition. Yes. But what about….”

Jack got frustrated. “Daniel! Never mind about tradition! There is a Goa’uld out there who is most likely going to make Carter a host, and you want to sit around and talk about a history lesson.” Not waiting for Daniel to respond, Jack looked at Saul. “Saul, where is the village, or rather castle, where King Richard is holding her?”

Saul, who was still looking confused, answered gingerly. “It is six miles straight north of here. But if you are looking to penetrate the castle to save your friend, you will not. It is heavily guarded.”

Jack didn’t care. “Well, we’re just going to have to find a way in. If you could point out the direction, we’ll get started.”

Saul stood up. “I will guide you myself. I wish to learn more about this creature you spoke of that inhabits out king.”

Jack held up his hand. “Ah, thanks, but no thanks. Look, we appreciate you saving out necks back there, but we can’t put you in harms way.”

Daniel interrupted. “Jack, you may want to rethink that. He does know the lay of the land, and might have connections we could use to get into the castle.”

Jack let out a sigh. “Fine. But only to the castle. No further. Understood?”

Saul smiled. “I do, good sir, and thank you! I have been craving a good adventure. But wait! Before we go, you must change.”

Teal’c raised an eyebrow at him. “Change?”

Saul smiled. “Yes, change. You will surely be noticed wearing such strange clothing. Here. I have some things you can wear.”

Daniel gave Jack a quick smile. Jack just gave him a cold look. “What! So he has some military thinking. You don’t have to get all smug about it.”

Before Daniel could respond, Saul came back from searching through a trunk. He gave each of them a shirt and a pair of pants, with the exception of Teal’c, who, after eyeing the gold symbol on his forehead, included with his clothing a lightweight cloak with a hood.

Saul watched them eyeing the clothing. “I know it’s not much, but it’s all I have.”

Jack smiled at him. “It’s great. Thanks.”

Saul excused himself. “I’ll just wait outside for you. I’m afraid I only have the one horse to speak of, so we will have to walk to the village.”

Jack answered him. “No problem. It’s a nice day for a walk.”

Twenty minutes later, they started out towards the village. Dressed in the period clothing, Jack didn’t feel very prepared to win a fight. But he would do all he could to get to Sam. He wasn’t going to let her go through another blending. If she did, he feared that they wouldn’t get her back this time. And that thought sent his gut churning in a million different directions.

Sam’s eyes opened slowly, morning light filtering into her bedroom, bringing awareness to her mind at the start of a new day. Looking at the alarm clock, she found it was already 0800 hours. Turning over on her side, she stretched her legs under the sheets and then stopped, confused. How had she gotten here?

She remembered the passion in his kiss as he pulled her to him with all his strength. His lips had been hot on hers, melting the cold from her limbs as they stood in the snowy night, the wind and snow wiping gently around them. She had answered his kiss with an equally passionate one, her will longing to have the moment last an eternity. She remembered standing there, wrapped tightly in his strong embrace, listening to the beautiful sounds of his heart as it beat in time with hers. She had looked up into his eyes and asked him to stay a while longer, getting lost in the dark brown depths that were looking back at her.

He had stayed, hadn’t he? She didn’t think it was a dream. She had made them hot chocolate while he started a fire in the fireplace. They had snuggled together on the couch, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder as he stroked her arm with the lightest touch of his fingers, sending chills up and down her body.

And now here she was, waking up in her own bed, alone. Her heart raced. It couldn’t have been a dream! Her mind wouldn’t be that cruel. Sitting up in bed, she tried to clear the cobwebs of sleep out of her brain. Rubbing her temples, she looked over at the clock once more. She found her eyes suddenly focusing on a white piece of paper that stood half-folded next to it. Reaching over, she picked it up and found her name inscribed on the front: Sam. It was his handwriting. It hadn’t been a dream!

Opening it with care, her eyes read over each word:

Sam-

Good morning! I didn’t want to overstep my bounds last night, so I decided to leave you in the security of your own bed. Last night was…wonderful. I know we have a lot to discuss, but I just wanted you to know that I don’t regret what happened. I hope you don’t. It will be strange attempting to act normal when we’re on base, as if nothing has happened between us. So, until we do get to talk, know that I am thinking of you, and will remember last night with great affection.

Jack

Sam smiled to herself. Great affection. It had been wonderful. She didn’t know what the future held for them, but she was looking forward to figuring it out. She just hoped it wouldn’t be too long before they got to talk about it…

Sam’s eyes opened. The memory of that wonderful night faded into the cold, gray stonewalls all around her. She attempted to work at the metal restraints around her ankles. She was sitting on a pile on straw in a dark, cold dungeon, with the only source of light filtering in from a tiny window high above her. She had woken up from the sedative only to find herself lying on the same pile of straw she now sat upon. Her head had been pounding, and her body ached all over. Her wrists and ankles were bound with metal restraints that had rusted chains attached to each one. There was enough length on each chain to allow her to stand up and walk forward a few feet, but nothing more.

Finding a small stone, she had been trying to break the connection between the chain and restraint for the past few hours. If she could do that, she would be able to maybe find a way out of her cell. After a few hours, her mind had regressed and began finding solace in her memories of Jack. Their first kiss had been wonderful, so real, so right.

But they still hadn’t gotten a chance to have the discussion his note had promised. They had been on two missions, and between his paperwork and her projects, no time had been found to really be alone together. She was becoming frustrated, and though his note had assured her that he’d had no regrets, she was beginning to wonder.

“Oh, Jack,” Sam said, frustration and sadness echoed in her whisper, “what are we going to do!”

Wiping at her eyes, she pushed back the urge to give into the sadness and desperation that her new situation was causing, and forced herself to focus on the task at hand: getting out of here. She knew that Jack and the others would be looking for her, if they were alive. That thought sent her heart racing. What if there wasn’t any hope? What if they were dead?

‘Get a grip, Samantha!’ she told herself with conviction. ‘I know Jack’s alive. I can feel it.’ She wasn’t going to pretend to know what that exactly meant, but she would take the hope, no matter how small it was.

After a few minutes of pounding on the chain’s connection, she heard the screech of metal against metal, and a loud clunk and thump as a key turned in the door that held the opening to her cell. Hiding the rock in the pocket of her pants, she prepared herself to meet her captors.

She could sense the Goa’uld as soon as he entered her cell. He was dressed in an elaborate tunic of green and burgundy, each strip of color outlined in a threaded gold silk. White billowing sleeves covered his arms, and he wore a pair of tight green pants. A stiff white collar encompassed the vastness of his thick neck, and a crown of gold, embedded with emeralds and rubies, sat up his head. He wore several large gold and ruby rings, and the jeweled hilt of his sword could be seen resting in a sheath that hung from his waist. He was a large man, with hair as dark as the interior of her cell, and his eyes matched that same blackness, looking her over openly as he approached, his guards standing at the ready a few feet behind him.

Giving her a sly smile, he bowed his head. “Milady! Welcome to my castle! I trust your accommodations haven’t been too unpleasant.” He let out an evil laugh, his voice echoing the Goa’uld tone that sometimes haunted her dreams. Squatting down to her level, he reached out a hand and grasped her chin tightly, directing her to look at him squarely in the face. Knowing that the guards would most likely kill her should she make any attempt to assault him, she sat perfectly still.

His smile faded quickly as he continued to hold her chin in his hand. “You have been once blended! Where do you come from? Answer me!” Seeing her defiance only angered him further. “Answer me, or answer my whip!”

Sam found her voice. “I will tell you nothing!”

He looked at her a moment longer before releasing her chin, as a smile found his lips. “Stubborn and beautiful! I like that quality in my queens. And you bring a wealth of knowledge! You will do nicely. After you have become my queen, you will pass on that knowledge.”

Sam gave him a look of hate. “I will do no such thing.”

He stood up and looked down at her. “Oh, you will. After you are blended with my queen, you will! Guards! Take the prisoner to the ladies-in-waiting. See that they prepare her for the ceremony. Stay with her if you must to ensure that she does not attempt escape. I have finally found my new queen!” With that, he whipped around and walked past the guards, exiting the cell with a laugh.

Sam’s heart and mind raced. ‘NO!’ She tried to keep her thoughts from the idea of another blending, but she couldn’t calm them down. Struggling with all her might as the guards stood her up, she tried to think of a way to escape as one guard held her, while the other one unlocked her restraints. But before she got a chance to swing or kick, a sharp stab from a needle invaded her carotid artery from a third, unseen guard. Blackness overtook her quickly as she collapsed onto the hard ground beneath her.

Jack, Teal’c, Daniel, and Saul hunkered down behind a large row of bushes as they watched two servants assist a knight with his armor. They had reached the village, and could see the castle where Sam was being held, looming above them on a hilltop. But in the village, people had begun to gather in a large arena.

“So let me get this straight,” Jack said, attempting to formulate a plan. “This is a jousting arena.”

Saul gave him a quick smile. “That is correct, Jack. The tournament is a competition for all the best knights to compete for the chance to sup with the king tonight. The best five will be chosen for that glorious opportunity.”

Daniel spoke up. “Why tonight? Is this a common occurrence?”

“Indeed not,” Saul continued. “Do you see that bright blue flag that flies hence over the castle? That is the indication that the king has chosen his queen, and tonight will be the ceremony that binds her to him forever.”

Jack’s heart pounded in worry. “I’m assuming that queen-to-be is Carter. Damn it! This is all my fault!”

Teal’c looked over at Jack. “How is this your fault, O’Neill?”

Jack gave him a frustrated look. “Because Teal’c, I should have gotten us undercover immediately after we walked through the Stargate. That area was way too open. I knew better than that! My instincts were telling me to move, but I didn’t listen. If Carter becomes a Goa’uld, it’ll be my doing!”

Daniel watched him as he drenched himself in guilt. “Jack, you couldn’t have known those guys were there. Sam’s sensors didn’t determine if the signs of life were just animals or human. We all just assumed.”

“Well, we assumed wrong!” Jack whispered furiously. “Forget it. We’ve got to get into that castle. Saul. I need you to go talk to those servants. Distract them. In fact, Daniel, Teal’c, go with him.”

Daniel looked confused. “What are you going to do?”

“What do you think?! I’m going to become a knight. It’s our only way into the castle. Distract them long enough for me to get a good thumb on that knight’s head. I suggest you do the same with the servants once I strike.”

Saul looked at him in amazement. “But good sir, are you sure…”

Jack cut him off. “Aah! Saul, you said you wanted to come along. This is part of it. I really need your help with this.” Looking up at the castle, Jack continued. “Major Carter needs your help with this.”

Saul smiled. “You are right. I will do it. Come! Let us go!”

Jack watched as Saul, Teal’c and Daniel walked over to the knight and servants and began spinning a tale. Jack reached down and grabbed a nearby rock. Seeing Jack’s approach, Saul picked up the dramatics, giving Jack the opportunity he needed to gain ground on the knight from behind. Lifting the rock high above the knight’s head, he sent it crashing down on his skull with a loud thump. The man collapsed to the ground in an unconscious heap at Jack’s feet. Short after, the servants found themselves in the same position.

Daniel looked at Jack. “Now what?”

Jack bent down and started taking off the knight’s armor. “Now, you’re going to help me put this on.”

Daniel gave him a confused look. “And do what?! Don’t tell me you’re going to go in there and pretend to joust!”

“Yep, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Daniel began his protest. “Jack! Do you even have the slightest idea of how to do it? I mean, come on, we’re not talking about a simple sword fight.”

Jack became frustrated. “Don’t you think I know that?! But Carter needs our help, and I see no one here more qualified to try. Teal’c doesn’t even know what we’re talking about, and you’ve got your nose so buried in Archeology books that you probably couldn’t even hold up the joust. So that leaves me.”

Daniel tried to stay patient. “Look, I know Sam needs our help, but come on, what good are you to her when you break your neck and die? Again, I ask my original question. Do you know how to do it?”

“I’ve been to a few Renaissance Festivals, and I’ve seen the movies. I know the basics. I’ll just have to figure out the rest as I go. Now, are you going to help me or not?!” Daniel and Teal’c both looked at each other before walking over to help Jack suit up for the joust.

Twenty minutes later, they had managed to help Jack mount his horse after putting on the armor. They had bound and gagged the knight and his servants to a nearby tree that was well covered by surrounding bushes. Saul had gone ahead to find out Jack’s starting time, returning quickly with news that there was no time to practice. He was up next.

They walked into the arena and took their positions. It was a bright sunny day, and the arena was filled with people all looking for entertainment. The king and his royal court sat under a covered area on one side of the arena, surrounded by guards. Colored ribbons and flags blew in the wind, and cheers of anticipation could be heard from the crowd.

Saul looked up at Jack. “Good sir, I wish you luck! If you strike your opponent off his horse in one blow, you win. I suggest you try for that method of attack!”

Jack lifted the shield of his helmet. “Thanks, Saul. I’ll do just that! No problem!” Realizing that Saul wasn’t use to his sarcasm, he sighed. “I appreciate the suggestion. Now, hand me that joust. Let’s get this over with.”

Teal’c handed him his shield. “Good luck, O’Neill.”

“Thanks Teal’c. Hey, if I don’t make it through this, make sure and get Carter out of there, somehow.” He wanted to ask Teal’c to tell her how much her cared for her, but knew he couldn’t. He only hoped that if he did die, Sam would know that he was doing this to protect her, and her honor.

Teal’c bowed his head to him. “I promise you O’Neill, it will be done.”

Daniel and Teal’c then handed him his joust. It was incredibly long and heavy, pointing up towards the sky. As Jack lowered it, securing it under his right arm, the red and white patterns on it swirled as he tried to balance it. Lowering his face shield with the hand that held his shield, he waited for the announcement of his name, and that of his opponent’s. As Jack’s name, or rather that of the knight he was portraying, was announced, the crowd swelled with cheers, giving Jack a boost of confidence.

His adrenaline was pumping hard through his body as trickles of sweat started running down his temples. The armor was incredibly hot and heavy, and the joust was hard to keep balanced. He could see the ease with which his opponent sat upon his horse, having done this probably a million times. And even though he’d never done it, he was prepared to give it his best shot. Sam needed him, and if this was the only way, so be it.

The trumpets sounded and the horses stomped their hooves on the hard ground, sending dust swirling up into the air around them. A man with a flag walked out between them, looked to both knights, and then waved his flag, running quickly out of the way. His opponent’s horse reared up and shot forward with confidence. Jack applied his heels to the flanks of his horse and steadied himself as the seasoned horse took off towards the center of the arena.

Jack could hear his ragged breaths in his ears as everything seemed to move in slow motion. Using his training with guns, he scoped out the best position to aim his joust at his opponent as they drew closer to each other. The horse pounded forward, forcing Jack to have incredible control of his mount. He squeezed the sides of his legs tighter around the saddle, and lifted his shield in preparation of a blow. Placing the face of the man who’d taken Sam on his opponent’s head, he mustered up all his anger, all his courage, and all his strength. He knew that if he didn’t dismount his opponent, his body wouldn’t be able to take another turn at this, and he would lose Sam.

Within reaching distance now, at the center of the arena, he thrust his joust forward, delivering an incredible blow to the chest of his opponent. In the same instance, he felt an immense hit upon his shield, sending vibrations through his body. Fighting for control to stay on the horse, he bent over, trying to keep his balance as pain seared through his body. Reaching the other side of the arena, he turned his horse around amidst wild cheering, only to find that to his surprise, he had succeeded. His opponent lay stunned on the ground, his servants attending to him, helping his up. Letting the moment of victory overtake him, he threw down his shield and joust, bringing his hands up in celebration. Grabbing the reins, he rode down the full length of the arena, and back to where he had started.

Dismounting on the block, Jack still couldn’t believe that he’d done it. Saul gave him a big smile and a pat on the back. And Teal’c actually showed a bit of excitement on his face as he came over, while Daniel just seemed stunned with relief. One hour later, Jack, or Sir Augustine, was announced as one of the knights that would be joining the king for supper and the ceremony. King Richard came up to each victor and offered his congratulations. When he got to Jack, he gave him a strange look.

“I am unfamiliar with you, Sir Augustine. You are not from these parts, are you?” The king waited for his answer. He spoke in a normal, human voice, but that didn’t mean anything. Jack’s gut told him what he wanted to know, and that was all the evidence he needed.

“Indeed not, your majesty. It is my honor to serve you!” Jack put his hand to his chest and bowed his head as he’d seen the other knights do. He was hoping that would be all the information the king would want to know.

After a moment’s hesitation, the king smiled. “Well, welcome, and well done. I am happy to have your service under my shield. Perhaps at dinner tonight, we might exchange tales of your life before you ventured here.” Without waiting for an answer, he moved on to the next knight. Jack’s heart slowed down a bit, relieved that apparently he’d chosen to portray a knight that wasn’t known in this village.

After finishing his conversation with the last knight, the king stood back by his throne and spoke. “Good people! Hear me! This day is one of great celebration! Not only have the finest knights competed here for your entertainment and for my shield, but within the hour, you will have a new queen!” Cheers went up all around Jack. Out of view of the king, Jack clenched his fists tightly. The king looked at the knights in front of him. “Come! Let us sup so that we may welcome our new queen with the best of our strength! Huzzah!”

The crowd let out a resounding “Huzzah!” in response, followed by cheers of joy. Each of the knight’s servants made their way over to their charge. Seeing this, Daniel, Teal’c and Saul followed suit. They helped Jack out of his armor, and put on the tunic that they had stripped off the real Sir Augustine.

Jack had a thought. Tapping the knight next to him, he spoke up. “Um, excuse me….good sir, but not being from around here, I was wondering if my servants are allowed to accompany me to the castle?”

The knight smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “One is, my friend. The rest must remain in the village. Pick your servant and come. We follow the royal court to the castle.”

Not having much time to decide, Jack gestured to Teal’c. “Alright, Teal’c, you’re with me. Daniel, you and Saul make your way back to the Stargate. Wait there undercover for our return. If we’re not back in two hours, dial home and send reinforcements.” When Daniel started to protest, Jack cut him off. “No arguments, Daniel. Now get going!” Jack mounted his horse as Teal’c assumed his position at the head of the horse, prepared to lead it.

Saul looked up at Jack. “I wish you luck, Jack! I hope you are able to save your friend.”

Jack could see the resolve in his face. “Look Saul. If we make it back from this, we’ll take you with us. You can see what your original world has evolved into.”

Saul gave him a bright hopeful smile. “I look forward to it! Fair thee well!”

With that, the party started forward, and the looming castle in the distance got closer and closer, it’s spiraling stone towers growing larger with each step. Jack didn’t know how he was going to track down Sam in such a tremendous place, but he’d gotten this far. He wasn’t going to give up now, not for anything.

Sam opened her eyes slowly. Though she was able to make out shapes and colors, her body felt incredible sluggish. She knew that they must have been keeping her drugged. Trying to focus on her surroundings, she found she was laying flat on her back, starring up at a high vaulted ceiling. Trying to move her wrists and ankles, she found them bound tightly to the platform that she was lying on. Clearing her head, she looked around. The room was decorated in elaborate colors of gold and burgundy. Large carpet adorned the floor, and five large, overstuffed, high-back velvet chairs were positioned all around her. An enormous fireplace sat a short distance from her, and a fire popped and crackled, echoing off the walls, sending dancing shadows all around her.

Lifting her head as best she could, she noticed that her clothes had been exchanged for an elegant green velvet gown. It was trimmed in gold, with a high waist and billowing sleeves, and her fingers were decorated with jeweled rings of various colors.

Her head ached from the sedative, and she did all she could to fight off the effects. Trying to use all her strength, she pulled as hard as she could on her restraints, but to no avail.

The quiet of her surroundings was suddenly invaded by the sound of a group of footsteps approaching in the corridor outside of the room. Secretly hoping they would pass her by, her heart began to race as the door opened at the far end of the room.

Suddenly, King Richard’s voice boomed all around her. “Come gentleman. Now that we have supped, let us enjoy the ceremony that will bring forth our new queen!” Sam closed her eyes and shuttered. She knew what that could only mean.

Jack was the last to walk into the enormous room. He looked around and saw the platform that held Sam. She had been strapped to it crudely, and his heart ached for her, knowing the hell this Goa’uld must have put her through. As they were led to the chairs that surrounded her, Jack hoped that Teal’c would come through. Otherwise, this might get ugly.

During dinner, Teal’c had been sent off to eat with the other servants, and upon returning to his side at the conclusion of a very unappetizing meal, Teal’c told him that he had found their gear. Formulating a plan, Teal’c slipped out unnoticed.

They all reached their assigned places, surrounding Sam, who apparently had been drugged. As the king stood in front of her, offering up some speech, Jack tuned him out and placed his focus on Sam’s beautiful face. She looked unharmed except for the visible bruises on her wrists and ankles from the restraints. He wished she would open her eyes. He longed to see them looking back at him.

Feeling the gathering around her, Sam opened her eyes, finding her vision had improved. The drugs were wearing off, and for this, she was grateful. She felt a little more like herself. She heard the voice of King Richard booming in her ears as he addressed his audience. Determined not be afraid, she turned her head in their direction. When she did, she about cried out loud for joy. There, starring back at her with a small smile on his lips and emotion in his eyes was Jack. He was signaling her not to say anything, so she instead just kept her gaze on his handsome face, never remembering another moment in which she was happier to see him.

“…and now gentleman, let the ceremony begin.” He clapped his hands twice. The door opened and two servants carried in a decorative jar. Jack kept his eyes on Sam, trying to keep her calm, though his heart was racing. He knew what was in that jar.

‘Come on, Teal’c, now!’ Jack thought to himself, knowing he wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer. As if on key, an explosion rocked the room. Expecting the king to abandon the ceremony, he was surprised when he ordered the guards to find out what the trouble was.

“We must move forward. Our queen awaits!” Reaching into the jar, he pulled out the Goa’uld symbiote and held it above Sam’s head. By this point, she was struggling with all her might to free herself. Having been stripped of their weapons upon entering the castle, Jack quickly scanned the room for any type of weapon. Suddenly, he spotted a sword hanging from the wall behind him. Not caring about blowing his cover, her ran over and yanked the sword off the wall. The king and the other four knights looked at him in surprise.

“What is the meaning of this, Sir Augustine! I demand you to yield!” The king was furious at the interruption. The other knights stood there confused, not sure of what to do.

“Put the snake down now!” Jack’s voice was full of anger as he blasted back at the king, his sword pointed directly at him.

“How dare you! Knights! I command you! Heed my command and restrain him!”

As the knights charged him, Jack swung with his sword, hitting the first knight in the chest and sending him flying. Using the hilt of his sword, he slammed it into the jaw of a second who attempted to come at him from the side. Kicking out, he took down a third knight, who fell back into a fourth one behind him.

“Colonel! Watch out! Behind you!” Jack whipped around at Sam’s warning to find the fifth knight bearing down on him with the other sword that had been hanging next to the one he’d chosen. Swinging, metal met metal as the two swords answered blow after blow.

The king watched in disbelief at the unexpected event. Determined to make this woman his queen, he gripped Sam’s hair and forced her head to the side. “No!” Sam cried out knowing what was about to happen. “Colonel!”

Jack moved his sword hard against his opponent and turned to see the king holding Sam’s head to the side as he brought the Goa’uld down towards her. Using all his strength, he used his fist in one quick movement, slamming it into the knight’s temple, sending him reeling against the wall. Not waiting to see if the blow was enough to keep him down, Jack turned and ran, bringing his sword up. Swinging with as much precision as he could, he sliced the symbiote in half, only inches from Sam’s head. Its scream was heard as the bottom half fell onto the ground.

The king stood there, stunned at what had just happened. “What have you done!” Still holding Sam’s head, he dropped the other part of the symbiote and lifted her head in frustration and anger, releasing it so that it slammed down hard on the marble platform. He reached into his tunic and withdrew a dagger. Raising it above Sam’s body, he attempted to bring it down on her. When he did, he was stopped short as the blade of Jack’s sword pieced his chest. Stumbling backwards at the pain, he leaned against the wall, holding his wound.

Knowing the symbiote inside him would begin to heal him, and seeing that the knights were being to come to, Jack knew he didn’t have a lot of time to linger. Using his sword, he cut the rope that held Sam in place. “Carter! Sam! Come on! Can you hear me?” A small trickle of blood streamed down from the back of her head.

Just then, Teal’c burst into the room, Zat in hand. As Jack gathered Sam up into his arms, Teal’c fired the Zat at the knights now trying to get up. As Jack moved away from the platform with Sam unconscious in his arms, the Goa’uld bent over and picked up the dagger in vengeance. Attempting to throw it at Jack’s back, Teal’c fired his Zat once, then a second time, sending the Goa’uld reeling to the ground, his life extinguishing beside that of his dead queen.

Confusion and chaos was everywhere. The Claymores that Teal’c had set off gave them the continued distraction they needed. Making their way out of the castle and into the courtyard, Jack temporarily handed Sam over to Teal’c as he mounted a horse. Teal’c handed Sam up to him, and once she was secure in Jack’s arms, Teal’c mounted the horse beside Jack’s. Riding as quickly as possible, they tore out of the castle gates and headed towards the shelter of the forest. Teal’c had managed to load all their gear onto the horses, with the exception of his own, which he was wearing.

The six-mile walk that they had made earlier that morning went by quickly on horseback, and in no time, they were in the clearing that held the Stargate. Daniel and Saul came out of their hiding place as Teal’c dismounted, taking Sam as Jack got of his horse. Putting on his gear, Jack took Sam from Teal’c.

“Teal’c! Dial the gate! Daniel! Get the rest of the gear! We’re out of here!” Jack knew that Sam was probably going to be okay, but he didn’t want to take any chances. She still hadn’t come to.

Saul ran up to Jack, a look of concern on his face. “Is your friend okay? What of the king?”

Jack looked at Saul, not knowing how to deliver the news. “She’s going to be fine. But Saul, the king is dead, as is the queen. Now I know this is a lot to take in. But you need to decide. Do you want to stay here or come with us?” The Stargate activated, sending out a sparkling blue and white wormhole 20 feet from the gate.

Saul stepped back at this phenomenon. Hesitating only a moment, he answered Jack. “If the king is dead, then it is my duty to let our people know what has been really happening all these years.”

Jack gave him a smile. “We’ll send you food and supplies to help get things back to normal. And thank you, Saul. You’re help was truly needed.”

Saul smiled. “You’re welcome. Fare thee well, my friends!”

Teal’c and Daniel came over to say goodbye. They each shook his hand and then turned and disappeared through the wormhole. Giving him one last smile, Jack turned, carrying Sam up to the gate, and stepped through it.

Sam opened her eyes. Her head was pounding, but her vision was clear, and she could feel that the sedative had worn off. Focusing, she looked around and found she was back in the infirmary at the base. As her gaze continued around the entire room, her eyes came to rest on Jack, who slept haphazardly in a chair next to her bed. It must have been the middle of the night because the rest of the base was quiet. Reaching out, she shook Jack’s arm with the lightest of motions.

“Colonel. Hey Colonel.” Her voice sounded weak, but normal, relived to find that the blending had not happened.

Jack opened his eyes and meeting Sam’s, smiled. “Hey there. I thought you were going to sleep for the rest of the night. I must have been snoring. Did I wake you up?”

Sam laughed lightly, giving him a bright smile. “No, it wasn’t you. What happened?”

Jack, relieved to see that beautiful smile and hear her voice, happily filled her in on all the details. When he finished, Sam could see that he was blaming himself.

“Colonel, it wasn’t your fault. It could have happened to any of us. I just can’t tell you how relieved I was to see you in that chamber. I thought for sure that that was it for me.”

Jack smiled at her, wanting to reach out and hold her. “I wasn’t about to let you go through that a second time. Besides, I learned a few things along the way.”

Sam smiled at him, loving the fact that he had stayed with her all night. “I can’t believe that you jousted in order to gain access to the castle.”

Jack looked around and found the security camera pointing right at them. Getting up, he sat on the edge of the bed, his back to the camera. Taking her hand in his, he raised it up to his lips without bending over. Placing the lightest kiss on it, he looked into her eyes. “I would have done anything to get to you.”

Sam squeezed his hand in hers as he lowered it, losing herself in his eyes. Though they hadn’t had any private time to talk, that simple kiss on her hand was all Sam needed to know that what had happened between them the other night wasn’t just another moment in time. It was the start of something new for them, and she was going to enjoy discovering the possibilities that it would bring.

Next Story---> "Rendering Hope"

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