The Call of the Wild

       

 

Title: The Call of the Wild

Author:  Suz W.

Spoilers:  After Beachhead, Ex Deus Machina, Babylon, and Prototype (episode tags).

Feedback: Always welcomed and gratefully appreciated!

Old Stories Referenced: “From This Moment”

Rating:  R, S/J Friendship, Romance, Action/Adventure, Violence and Sexual Situations.

Summary:  With some much needed alone time coming due since Sam’s reinstatement to the SGC, Jack takes Sam on a trip that neither one of them will forget.   

Disclaimer:  All publicity recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, Sci-Fi Productions, 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 June 16th, 2009 by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh. 

Author’s Notes:  This story follows “Home Is Where the Heart Is”.

I know it’s been an amazingly long wait for this story to finally appear, and I can do nothing more than beg your forgiveness for my absence in the fanfiction world.  With the birth of my second son, life has been a bit on the busy side (not to mention lack of sleep).  But I am trying to resume a little bit of order, and I promise to kick up the pace that I put out my stories!  I hope you enjoy this one and as always, I would love to hear from you (I really do need that motivation now!!).      

Dedication:  This story is dedicated all my fans!  I know it’s kind of a broad dedication, but each of you deserves a pat on the back for sticking it out and waiting for me to get my act in gear again!  Cheers to you all!

 

 

        The air was heavy with moisture as Jack stepped onto Sam’s deck that stretched the length of the back of her house.  Inhaling deeply as he took a seat in one of the two lounge chairs, a combination of musty pine, arid mulch, and freshly cut grass assaulted his senses.  He loved the summertime.  Where most people found the heat of a mid-June afternoon oppressive, Jack reveled in it.  Rather it was from his military training and the tolerance he’d built up over the years to a variety of climates, or possibly just a natural love of it, he didn’t know.  But the beads of sweat that were forming on his brow, along with a separate droplet that was slowly rolling down his left temple was so real, and that was a feeling he’d come to appreciate more and more over the years, especially after all of the times that his life had almost been taken from him. 

 

          Jack took a sip of lemonade from the glass that he had poured for himself, its sides already sweating profusely as the heat melted the ice floating in his drink. Laying his head back on the cushion, Jack began to imagine what life was going to be like one day when he and Sam could finally be allowed to be together openly.  The resentment he carried in his heart over having to not only hide the deep love he had for his wife, but also not being able to wake up with her every morning was beginning to wear on his nerves.  He understood the need for discipline in the military regarding personal relationships, but in the same breath he didn’t, and it was that conflicting feeling that had ultimately formed his tone of resentment. 

 

          It had been over a month since they had been physically together.  Webcaming had helped to reduce some of the ache, and of course they tried to talk at least once a day on the phone, but ever since Sam’s return to the SGC, she had been on more away missions than he had expected her to take.  Of course happy that she had regained her footing and confidence, he still worried tremendously ever time she stepped through the Gate or boarded the Prometheus for a mission.  When she had initially returned to the SGC, Jack knew that it was on a temporary trial basis to see how she did.  But after only one mission, she made the decision to stay. 

 

          Jack knew that the Ori threat was real and growing at a rapidly scary pace, and there was no one better to assist in finding a solution than Sam, which is why he had held back his feelings of disappointment every time she had to cut their conversation short, be it web cam or on the phone.  But as time wore on, he found himself becoming increasingly agitated, and he had noticed himself taking it out on fellow colleagues when his temper would flare up over very simple mistakes that had been made.

 

          So he’d made the decision to put an end to the time they’d been apart.  If she couldn’t come to him, he would come to her.  Besides that, it was a lot easier to push off his duties to someone of lower rank then it was for her to scrap mission assignments.

 

          As he looked at his watch, a small smile began to form on his lips.  In his mind, he estimated that Sam had probably already left Landry’s office and hopefully the base.  Jack knew that she would be a little put out when she discovered the connection between her unexpected and sudden time off and her coming home to find him sitting on the deck, but she’d get over it, especially when he told her what he had planned for them. 

 

          On that key thought, Jack heard the back door to the deck open, and he quickly closed his eyes as he leaned his head back, a slight smile still on his face.

 

          Sam saw the top of Jack’s head protruding over one of her lounge chairs, and despite her simmering irritation at being told to take a couple mandatory days off starting at that moment, she found herself suddenly smiling as she approached him from behind.  Coming around to the side of the chair, she noticed he was asleep, looking blissfully happy for someone who was sweating to death in the sweltering heat of the day. 

 

          Sitting down on the edge of the chair, she stared at him for a moment as a feeling of peace and contentment washed over her.  They had been apart for too long this time around, but her body instantly reacted to seeing him, for not only was there peace and love, but her desires began to burn as well, their flames licking at every part of her individual nerve endings.  Leaning forward, she placed her lips on his and was surprised when he instantly reacted, sitting up as he took her face between his hands and deepened the kiss, sending her mind and her body swirling into a quiet abyss.

 

          After a few more intensely passionate moments, Jack released her and looked into her blue eyes, grinning widely.  Sam returned his smile with a gentle, girlish laugh.  “Jack O’Neill…you weren’t sleeping at all.”

 

          “Well,” Jack said, shrugging innocently, “what can I say.  I’m full of surprises.”

 

          Sam nodded.  “I’d say you are.  I don’t suppose you had anything to do with Landry basically ordering me off the base, did you?”

 

          Jack squinted as he looked up briefly at the sky before returning his gaze to her face.  “Guilty as charged.”  Shrugging, he went on.  “What can I say…being a general and being personal friends with the general at the SGC has its benefits.”

 

          Sam grinned.  “I guess it does.”  Lightly kissing his lips, she went on, her smile dropping slightly.  “Seriously though, Jack.  As much as I miss you and want nothing more than to spend time with you, I do have a job to do.  It really doesn’t look that great when I’m already taking time off after only just starting back at the base.”

 

          Jack waved her off.  “Oh please!  You are one of the highest ranking officers there, not to mention the fact that you basically single-handedly got the Stargate program working in the first place.  I don’t think anyone is going to question you when you take some days here and there.”

 

          Wiping a drip of sweat off her brow and tucking an unruly piece of hair behind her right ear, she finally nodded.  “I know.  I guess it’s just with the Ori threat getting greater every day, I feel compelled to work as much as I can to find a way to stop them from getting a foothold in our galaxy.”

 

          Jack leaned in and began kissing her neck, speaking in between kisses.  “Yes…but a few days off won’t hurt…and besides…I feel compelled to do something much more exciting…and it involves me exploring every inch of your body…and more…”

 

          Sam had begun purring softly as his kisses worked their way from her neck to the top of her chest.  “Well,” she said breathlessly, “that offer does sound very enticing.  But what about the Ori?”

 

          Jack silenced any further questions with a deep kiss that only increased his need to be inside of her.  “Ori, smori…there are plenty of smart people working on this…they’ll be okay without your brilliance for a few days.”  Not wanting to discuss it any further, he quickly stood up, scooping her up with him and carried her with a purpose into the house. 

 

          It only took moments before they entered her bedroom, kissing passionately to the point that it was hard to catch their breath.  Setting her down on her feet, Jack took her face between his hands, kissing her hard as he began unzipping her pants.  Before either one of them realized it, Jack had turned her around and instead of ending up on the bed, their bodies impacted the wall beside the door to her bedroom. 

 

          Pulling and tugging at each other’s clothing, material fell to the floor as skin connected, pressing into the other as the body heat rose.  Jack’s lips ravished Sam’s neck and upper chest as he positioned himself.  Entering her hard with all his pent up passion, he took his hands and secured them around her hips as she wrapped her legs around him.  Riding hard and high, it didn’t take either of them long reach their peak together. 

 

          Removing the lock Sam had around Jack with her legs, she found her footing as they held onto each other, their breath coming hard as they reveled in the aftermath of the intense passion they had just shared.  Kissing him lightly on the lips, Sam sighed contently as she nuzzled her head underneath his neck, smiling to herself.  “I’ve missed this.”

 

          Jack smiled.  “I think it can be said that we both have.”  Kissing the top of her head, he released her and started plucking their discarded clothing from the floor.  “So does the invitation of a small vacation from work now sound more appealing?”

 

          Sam took the clothes he handed her and slipped her pants back on.  “It does as long as it involves more of that.”

 

          Standing up from his squatting position, he pulled her to him and gave her another mind blowing kiss.  “That’s actually a mandatory requirement.”

 

          Sam gave him a sexy grin.  “It sounds very enticing so far.  What else did you have in mind?”

 

          “Well, Mrs. O’Neill,” Jack began, loving the sound of that as it rolled off his tongue, “how about a little getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains?  I know a guy who has this perfect little cabin just outside of Linville, North Carolina.  It’s quaint, quiet, and has absolutely no annoying distractions like computers or even a television…just you, me, and the wildlife.”

 

          Sam smiled.  “I think that sounds perfect, Mr. O’Neill.  I’m assuming there will be no cell phone reception there either?”

 

          Jack nodded.  “Yep…but not to worry.  Linville is only minutes away by car, and we’ll be heading into town for a few day trips, so you can check your messages then.  But Landry agreed with me that you shouldn’t be disturbed on your time off unless the planet was literally getting ready to be blown up.”

 

          Sam gave him a quick kiss and then headed to one of her dresser drawers.  “Well, then I guess I’d better get packing.  I take it we have a flight to catch?”

 

          Jack smiled.  “It leaves in…”  Jack looked down at his watch.  “Two hours.”

 

          Sam put a hand on her right hip.  “You didn’t leave much time for negotiating did you?”  When Jack simply replied by giving her a smug, self-confident smile, she shook her head and resumed pulling out the undergarments.  “I guess I need to work on playing a little harder to get.”

 

          Jack went over to her closet and pulled out her suitcase.  “Don’t worry…you’ve got that down to a fine art.  Why do you think I had to go to so much trouble to arrange all of this?  Not that I mind…but I’m assuming I’ll get points for attempting to be romantic.”

 

          Sam joined him at the bed where he’d laid her suitcase.  Dropping her undergarments inside, she turned to him and looped her arms around his neck.  “Jack O’Neill, you’re more romantic then you realize.  And of course you get points.”  Just to prove it, she moved in and gave him a kiss that sent every nerve in his body quivering. 

 

          When things began to intensify, he cursed under his breath and pulled away from her.  “As much as I’d love to continue this, we do have a plane to catch.  Oh, and by the way, we’re traveling as Mr. and Mrs. Bryan and Stephanie O’Connell again.”

 

          Sam smiled.  “I think I can handle that…Bryan.”  Giving him another quick kiss, she continued with her packing while Jack moved around the house, locking doors, checking windows, and shutting the blinds. 

 

          Twenty minutes later, they loaded into his truck after her car was securely put away in the garage, and headed to the airport. 

 

 

 

 

          Five hours later, amid the chirping crickets singing in the humid night air, Jack unlocked the small, one bedroom cabin that they had just arrived at.  After their flight, which had been blessedly uneventful, they rented a Toyota Land Cruiser and spent about an hour of driving to finally reach their destination.  After pulling up to the dimly lit cabin, they’d gotten out of the car and gratefully stretched their cramped bodies and legs. 

 

          The atmosphere was serene and isolated, with a quiet that was almost painful to the ears.  Every sound was amplified, from Jack inserting the key and turning it, to the occasional gust of wind that picked up dried leaves and swirled them into a new pattern on the ground.  A rainstorm was due in later that night, and the air hung heavy with moisture.  As Jack opened the door with an easy push, Sam caught a flash of heat lightning off in the distance, temporarily filling that portion of the night sky with a silvery, strobe-like light…a preamble of things to come.

 

          Entering the cabin, they immediately noticed the musty, wood smell that comes from a cabin being built in the middle of the forest.  It was a cabin they were renting from a local B&B, and inside of it, they noticed that the wood floor of the living room had been mostly concealed by an oversized area rug.  Its colors had faded from time and repeated use by various renters over the years.  Two wood rocking chairs had been placed in front of a small stone fireplace, with a small table between them that looked antique.  The rest of that room was sparsely furnished, mainly with older wood pieces the fit the décor.  As Jack had said, a television and phone were noticeably absent from the cabin.

          The kitchen was small but tidy, with a sink, stovetop, and a table with two chairs that was positioned next to two adjoining windows in the corner of the room.  In the bedroom there was an antique four poster bed with an ivory hand crocheted duvet covering an overstuffed down comforter.  A large wardrobe made of dark cherry oak reached to the ceiling, and cream-colored lace curtains covered the windows.  The bathroom consisted of an old porcelain free standing sink that sat underneath a fairly large mirror, and a clawfooted bathtub sat on the opposite wall next to the toilet. 

 

          Sam took to the task of settling in and unpacking their bags while Jack attempted to light a fire.  Despite the humidity outside, the cabin was still slightly drafty, and the glow of a warm fire would suit them perfectly on what was going to be a stormy night. 

 

          After unpacking the bags, Sam joined Jack in the living room, who was settled in a rocking chair in front of a small but well burning fire.  Taking the other chair next to him, Sam sat back and closed her eyes for a moment, allowing reality to set in that she and her husband were what seemed like a world away from everything and everyone.  Having time off the “charade” of keeping their marriage secret was desperately needed, even if they had to use fake aliases. 

 

          Opening her eyes, Sam looked over at Jack, who was gently rocking in his chair as he watched the fire.  Sensing her eyes on him, he looked over and smiled, reaching a hand out for hers.  Taking it, Sam squeezed his hand in affection.  “Thank you for doing this.  I’ve been so busy with work that while I knew I was missing you, I didn’t know just how much until this moment.”

 

          Jack gave her a small grin.  “Just call me Mr. Wonderful!”  Releasing her hand, he folded his hands easily on his stomach and went back to rocking. 

 

          Sam just smiled and shook her head, fully knowing how lucky she was to have him in her life.  “So, Mr. Wonderful, what do you have planned for us tomorrow?”

 

          Jack looked over at her.  “We don’t have to even leave the cabin if that’s what you’d prefer,” he said with a mischievous look in his eyes.  “But, if you’d like to see some of the sites, I understand there’s a wonderful hiking trail nearby that will take us to Linville Falls.  Besides that, Grandfather Mountain is just up that road… and apparently it has a “mile high” swinging suspension bridge.”

 

          “That sounds adventurous.”  Sam adjusted in her chair and smiled.  “I’m up for both…not that spending the entire time in the cabin with you isn’t just or more appealing than the other.  I would hate to not take in some of the beautiful scenery here.  Between working in my lab when I’m on base and traveling on board the Prometheus, I don’t get much time to stop and smell the flowers.” 

         

Jack let out a slight laugh and smiled.  “Why does that not surprise me?”

 

          Sam responded playfully.  “Oh, I don’t know…maybe because you know me so well.”

 

          “Yes, I do,” Jack said, getting up and moving into the small kitchen just off the living room.  Reaching into the refrigerator, he pulled out a plate and walked over to her.  “And since I do know you so well, I’ve got something I know you’ll like.”

 

          “Oh?” Sam said, looking up at him from beneath dark eyelashes.  “And what’s that?”

 

          “Close your eyes,” Jack said.  Doing as he asked, Sam waited as her heart fluttered in anticipation.  After a moment, she felt something cool placed on her lips. 

 

          Jack’s voice resounded softly in her ears.  “Take a bite.”

 

          Sam did as she was told, biting into what she immediately identified as a decadent strawberry that had been dipped in dark and white chocolate.  With her eyes still closed, she savored the juices and the flavor of the bittersweet chocolate as it dissolved in her mouth, allowing her voice to sound out a throaty groan.

 

          As Sam swallowed the last bite, Jack put the plate down and captured her lips and passion over the strawberry in one fiery kiss, just as a loud clap of thunder broke overhead, making both of their hearts race even more.  Lifting her to her feet, Jack picked her up in his arms as they continued to kiss, not wanting to break the moment.  Carrying her carefully into the bedroom, he laid her down on the bed and began devouring her neck with soft but urgent kisses as the rain broke free from the heavens, drumming on the roof in an increasing orchestrated rhythm.

 

          For the next hour, Sam and Jack made love.  Making up for lost time, nothing else existed for them except the music of the night…the storm, their fervor, the subtle pop and crack of the fireplace in the other room, the soft tapping of a tree branch outside one of the windows as it was tossed around by the wind. 

 

          Their bodies had become experts at interpreting what the other needed and when.  Wrapped as one, they finally drifted off into a peaceful slumber shortly after midnight as the biggest part of the storm moved on, leaving only a gentle rainfall to serenade them into happy dreams.

 

 

          For the first two days, Sam and Jack hiked up and around Linville Falls.  The falls themselves had a wonderful hiking trail that had been built around them, offering different vantage points from varying heights.  Moving in several distinct steps, Linville Falls begins with a twin set of upper falls, moving down a small gorge where it culminates into a high volume 45-foot drop into the Linville Gorge below.  From there, water churns down the Linville River, eventually emptying into Lake James.

 

          Sam and Jack took their time, enjoy the views, making small talk with other couples who were on vacation, and relishing in the feel of the fall’s mist coming off the river when they took the Gorge trail and ended up at the foot of the falls.  With their skin sheen from sweat as the hot summer sun’s penetrating rays continued to beat down, the cool water was invigorating, and they lingered there long enough for one of the park rangers who had been giving guided walking tours to join them. 

 

          “You folks enjoying your hike?”  The ranger’s southern accent was obvious as Sam and Jack turned their attention to him. 

 

          Sam smiled as she turned.  “It’s beautiful here.  The Parks Service has done a great job building up these trailheads.  You must see a lot of visitors throughout the year.”

 

          “Yeah,” he drawled, “we see somewhere around 100,000 visitors a year….not much in comparison to places like Disney World, but it’s enough to keep us going.”  Taking his hand to the brim of his hat, he tipped it to them.  “My name’s Ranger Bob Thornberry by the way.”

 

          Jack smiled and nodded.  “I’m Bryan O’Connell and this is my wife, Stephanie.”

 

          Ranger Thornberry shifted his weight to the other foot.  “Nice to meet you both.  If there’s anything I can do for you or show you while you’re here, let me know.  I can also recommend some good photo opportunities off the beaten path if you’re interested.”

 

          Jack looked over at Sam and then back at the ranger.  “Sounds great!  Thanks.” 

 

          For the next ten minutes they chatted with the friendly man, who gave them several points of interest not to miss before they returned home.  Giving them a map of the general area of the falls, Bob marked out the photo opportunities and the best paths for them to take. 

 

          When Ranger Thornberry noticed a couple approaching him looking lost, he excused himself.  “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you…and enjoy the rest of your trip.”

 

          Sam and Jack both uttered their thanks and watched him join the couple that had approached their position before turning back to the falls, still enjoying the misty spray of the cool water on their hot skin.  Sam moved closer to Jack and nudged him with her shoulder.  “So...Bryan…are you up for a little hiking off the beaten path?”

 

          Jack smiled and turned towards her, taking her in his arms.  “As long as it’s with you, Mrs. O’Connell, I’m up for anything.”  Giving her a quick but sensual kiss, Jack took Sam’s hand and led her up the trail in search of the first area on the map that the ranger had marked. 

 

 

 

          Sam and Jack had finished up that day by exploring only two of the three trails the ranger had recommended, met each time by exhilaratingly beautiful views that were definitely off the beaten path.  After that, they called it a day, enjoyed a simple and quiet dinner at a local restaurant, and then went back to their cabin, where they lingered in front of the fireplace for a while, playing a game of chess and enjoying several glasses of sweet red wine.

 

          The following day they headed over to Grandfather Mountain, a popular tourist spot that had no shortage of people.  The morning was clear and bright, with faint hints of humidity building in the clean, cool mountain air, indicating that it was going to be another hot day once the sun fully dominated the sky. 

 

          They started with the main attraction in hopes of avoiding the larger crowds that were sure to build as the day progressed.  The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans 80 feet over a deep gorge, providing exceptional views of the surrounding territory.  Built in 1952, it was restored in 1999, with everything replaced using galvanized steel except for the towers, which remained original.  The term “mile high” simply refers to the bridge’s elevation above sea level; it swings at an amazing 5,305 feet. 

 

          Sam and Jack held hands as they walked slowly from one side to the other, enjoying a light cool morning breeze as it brushed past their face.  It sent chills down Sam’s body, helping her to enjoy the sun’s warming rays and the closeness of Jack’s body. 

 

          Stopping near the middle of the bridge, they moved over to one side, and holding onto the steel rope, looked over the cable into the gorge below.  The bottom of the gorge had been submerged into dark shadows as the sun continued its slow ascent into the pale blue sky, layering the face of the mountain in a curtain of contrasting light.  Between the dark and light shades, trees standing in the sun looked that much greener, and made the occasional puff of cloud that much whiter as it chased birds across the sky.  But even with the chatter of people also admiring the view of the surrounding Great Smokey Mountains, the peace was immense.

 

          Taking her hand in his, Jack and Sam walked the rest of the way across the bridge to the other side.  According to the map that Ranger Thornberry had given them, there were supposed to be a few trails on this part of Grandfather Mountain that would lead them to incredible vantage points as well.  He had been right with ever other trail they’d followed and were now looking forward to the rest of them. 

 

          An hour and a half later, they were on their second “secret” trail, climbing over slippery rocks nestled in a wide-mouth creek bed.  Despite the hot summer temperatures, the water that flowed was still ice cold, originating from the last of the snow melt at the peak of the mountain.  It sparkled in the sunlight as it quietly ran its course to the Linville River somewhere downstream from them.

 

          Stepping carefully, Sam had almost reached the shore when her foot hit a rock that was not only wet but had slick moss on it.  As her foot slipped off of it and into the creek, she tried to regain her balance by quickly thrusting her body forward onto the bank in front of her.  Successfully finding her footing again as she stepped onto the ground, she turned around to warn Jack about the rock.  She wasn’t sure if he had seen her slip since he hadn’t said anything. 

 

          But just as she turned his direction, she saw that she was already too late.  Jack glanced up to look at her, giving her a smile, as his foot hit the same rock that had given her trouble.  “Jack, watch out for that….” 

 

          Before she could blink, Jack’s foot landed on the same spot she had, but instead of going to the side, his body was catapulted backwards, right into the icy creek.

 

          “…rock!”  Sam couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she looked at him, sitting in the creek bed, his clothes partially soaked, and water dripping haphazardly off his hair.  Moving forward to the edge of the bank, Sam called out to him, unable to curtail the small amount of laughter that had formed while observing his very annoyed expression.  “Are you okay?”

 

          Jack stood up, grateful that what few belongings and the lunch they had brought were snuggly secure in his waterproof backpack.  Hearing Sam’s laughter, muffled as it was, as he wiped at his clothing, forced a smile to form on his lips despite his aggravation.  Pretending not to be amused as he looked up at her, he responded.  “What…you think this is funny?”

 

          “Well,” Sam said amid light giggles, “it really kind of is!”

 

          Jack continued to wipe at his clothing.  “Gee, thanks for the concern.”

 

          Sam put her hands on her hips.  “Oh, come on, Jack.  I think you’ve been through rougher experiences than this.”  Still smiling, she couldn’t help but find amusement in the fact that even the strongest, toughest men such as General Jack O’Neill could be dissolved into nothing more than a big baby. 

 

          Jack nodded his head.  “Okay, Carter, I see how this is going to be.”  Pretending to pick up something in the water, he allowed a mischievous grin to suddenly plaster his face.  With blinding speed, he scooped up a handful of cold water and threw it at her, catching her off guard as it hit her squarely in the chest. 

 

          Sam, not expecting retaliation, stepped back as she wiped the water off her clothes and then squealed in girlish delight as Jack attempted another shot.  Turning around, she took off running up the leaf strewn hill as Jack charged after her, his smile now a full grin. 

 

          Their game continued for a few minutes between the bank of the creek and the top of the small hill they were on.  But as Sam attempted to elude him once more, running up the hill for the third time, her right shoe hit a tree root, forcing her to slow down in order to catch her balance, giving Jack enough time to catch her. 

 

          As his arms came around her chest, she purposely slowed down, allowing defeat as they fell to the ground together, rolling two times down the hill before coming to a stop.  Breathing heavily, Sam smiled up at him as he settled on top of her.  “Well,” she said, smiling broadly while trying to catch her breath, “I guess I’ve fallen for you once again.”

 

          Jack laughed.  “And I’ll always be there to catch you.”  Smiling down at her, Jack shifted his weight into a more comfortable position as he bent his head to kiss her. 

 

          Suddenly and without any warning, the ground beneath them gave way, and before they could comprehend what was happening, they were falling, tumbling into darkness until twenty feet below them, their bodies impacting the ground amid a scattering of wood, dried leaves, and grass. 

 

          With the wind knocked out of his chest, Jack laid there for a moment, dazed by what had just happened.  Gingerly lifting his head, he shook out the cobwebs that were seemingly trying to form in his brain while he squinted and blinked, attempting to wipe away the stars he was seeing as he stared up at the lighted hole above them. 

         

Feeling every inch of his body, Jack moaned and grunted as he attempted to roll over on his side and push up into a sitting position.  Besides feeling like he’d been hit by a truck, amazingly nothing seemed broken.  “Sam…where are you!?”  Looking around him, he closed his eyes several times in hopes that his vision would adjust faster. 

 

          Moments later, when it finally did, he saw her lying a few feet from him, motionless.  “Sam!”  Moving debris out of the way, he crawled over to her, removing a few wooden slates from around her legs as he attempted to carefully turn her over from her side. 

 

          Examining her as best he could in the low lighting, the worst of the damage seemed to be contained to a few pieces of torn clothing, a small scratch on her forehead, along with a two inch gash in her left forearm.  Internal damage was something he was unable to assess, and her lack of consciousness did not build his confidence that she was not suffering from some. 

 

          “Sam!  Samantha…come on, honey, open your eyes!”  Tearing off a strip of his shirt, he tied it around the gash on her forearm as he continued to call out her name.  Checking for a pulse, he was relieved to find that it seemed to be fairly steady. 

 

          Placing his hands on either side of her face, he yelled once more.  “Carter!!”  Jack could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and then felt it surge when her eyes finally began to flutter open. 

 

          Trying to focus her vision against the bright light above them, Sam reached up, touched her head, and then placed her hand on Jack’s shoulder.  “Jack?  Is that you?”

 

          Exhaling, Jack smiled.  “The one and only.  Are you okay?”

 

          Sam gingerly tried her limbs as she sat up with Jack’s help.  “Yeah…I think so.  What happened?”

 

          Jack ran a hand through her hair, brushing out a few leaves and grass that had been caught in her golden strands.  “Well,” he said as he looked around, “we apparently fell into a hole that had been boarded over.  We appear to be in some sort of chamber…and this is just a guess, but I’d say it’s manmade.”

 

          After Jack carefully stood up, he offered Sam his hand and helped her to her feet.  Standing together, they took in the darkened chamber, lit only by the hole above them.  It appeared old, with oak columns in four different locations, helping to hold up the ceiling above them.  Not much else existed in the chamber save the carved out circle in which they stood, giving it the feel of an open arena. 

         

Glancing up again, Jack spoke quietly.  “Well, since it seems we’re definitely not getting out that way, I suggest we start looking for other avenues out of here.  There has to be another point of access.”

 

          Sam nodded.  “I’ll start over on that wall, and you can start on the other side.”

 

          Jack gave her a playful salute.  “Yes, ma’am.”Giving her hand a light squeeze before releasing it, he walked away in the opposite direction that she was going.  As he approached the walls, he found that his vision was adjusting, and it was easier to see what was in front of him.  Reaching out, he ran his hand briefly along the surface and found nothing more than hard-packed dirt and red earth clay, making for a solid combination that contributed to keeping a structure standing such as the one they were in for all the years it apparently had.

 

          Seeing no entrances immediately before him, Jack had begun walking along the wall when Sam called out to him.  “Jack!  Over here…I think I’ve found a way out.”

 

          Turning towards her voice, he made his way across the room to where she was standing.  “What’d you find?”

 

          Sam pointed out what appeared to be an entrance to a tunnel.  “Is it my imagination, or does it appear like there’s light flickering where the pathway turns?”

 

          Jack squinted slightly.  “Well, it’s not your imagination…the question is what is it?”  Looking over at her, he gestured with his hand.  “Shall we?”  When Sam simply nodded, Jack took the lead and made his way gingerly down the dark tunnel, feeling the wall for guidance and support as he stumbled every few steps over small unseen stones and what he assumed were sticks. 

 

          As they continued down the path, the light that Sam had seen gradually increased in intensity.  Rounding another corner, the small path that they had been navigating down suddenly opened up into another large room, but this time it was filled with light from torches attached to the solid dirt walls. 

 

          The air was musty and smelled of a combination of copper and wet rocks.  The ceiling was much lower than the first room they had been in and at the far end a small set of stairs was seen, leading up to what they could only hope was an exit.  But what caught their attention the most was not the possibility of freedom from the underground…it was a collection of cages in varying sizes, some of which were occupied by animals.  And these animals were not your typical domesticated house pet.  Besides a baby black bear, Sam and Jack noticed a cougar, a large eagle, and three small mountain lion cubs. 

         

Realizing that they had stumbled onto something that was not exactly legal, Jack’s body tensed and his senses became heighted as his military training took over.  Backing up against one wall, he signaled Sam to the other wall opposite him as he habitually reached for his gun, which of course wasn’t there. 

 

          As Sam moved backwards to the wall, she could feel her heart pumping out adrenaline with every beat, to the point that she became aware of a slight tingling within her fingertips as she clenched and opened her fists.  Taking two more steps back, her body connected not with a solid wall of cold dirt, but cold steel, bars to be specific.  Cloaked under a veil of shadows, she had failed to see the cage, which had been built into the wall, until her back impacted it. 

 

          Surprised, she turned, and in that moment, was met with a hungry growl and the snapping of teeth as a monstrously large cougar jumped at her, only to meet defeat by the bars in which the cat was being contained.  Stumbling backwards in surprise, Jack met her halfway, steadying her with his grip to keep her from falling. 

 

          Keeping her close, Jack breathed out his wonder.  “What the hell is this place?”

 

          Sam, trying to swallow her heart, shook her head.  “I don’t know, but I don’t think this is part of the wild habitat enclosures that we were reading about.”  Glancing at the steps, she went on, keeping her voice low.  “Let’s get out of here.”

 

          Just then, a sharp objected punctured her neck, digging into her muscles.  Feeling Jack’s body jerk a moment after hers had in response to the intrusive foreign dart, she knew he too had been struck.  Losing their grip on each other and on their consciousness, Sam felt helpless as she watched her world fade from shadows of a reddish brown light into the deep black recesses of her unconscious mind.

 

          As their bodies collapsed to the ground, a man stepped out of the shadows with a chilling smile on his face.  “You two aren’t going anywhere.”

 

 

 

          An hour later, Sam could feel her head pounding as she attempted to open her eyes.  Her body felt heavy and stiff, her limbs protesting as she began moving them in an attempt to sit up.  She had been lying on her back, and as she rolled over onto her side, she found herself staring at the inside of a steel wired cage.  Startled, she sat up quickly and hit her head on the top of the cage.  Using her hands, she felt around and found that the material was unyielding, and besides the thin blanket she was sitting on and the locked door to her cage, every surface she touched was the same.  The only exception was the wall to her right.  It was made of a shiny, thick metal that appeared to be a divider of some kind. 

 

          Looking beyond her cage, the light coming from the torches on the wall offered little answers.  Lacing her fingers through the wired door, she began to shake it, testing it for weaknesses.  As she continued with different angles and pressures, the floor of the cage suddenly shifted and something hit the sheet of solid metal next to her, making her heart jump and her body become stiff. 

 

          Listening carefully, she suddenly became acutely aware of distinct heavy breathing and then a puff of air from what she could only assume was a large black nose.  Moving painfully slow, she flattened her body against the other side of the cage, bringing her knees up against her chest and hugging them.  Starring at the wall opposite her, she finally realized with innate fear as her cage continued to shift that it was some kind of large cat pacing next to her, its nose picking up her scent as it pawed at the floor.  She couldn’t help but imagine its salivary glands going into overdrive as it continued sniffing heavily at the metal wall separating them.

 

          As she sat perfectly still and barely breathing, a low moan filtered through the air from somewhere behind her.  Afraid to speak up too loudly or move too much, Sam spoke up quietly.  “Jack?”

 

          Another moan and then an audible response gave her an answer.  “Oh crap!”  Sam could hear him moving around, and from the sounds he was making, she knew he was in a cage as well.  “What the hell…Sam?”

 

          “I’m here.”

 

          Jack looked out of his cage and could see her back was too him.  But he could also here the strain in her voice and knew something was wrong beside their current accommodations.  “Are you okay?”

 

          Sam took a moment to answer as she watched the cat through the small slit that had been created between the solid sheet of metal and the cage floor do a slow circle and then sit on its haunches.  “Um…yeah.  I’ve just got a restless roommate over here.”

 

          Jack gave her cage a better look, or what he could see of it.  His cage was a singular, small space, but her’s was larger, with a stainless steel door dividing off half of it. 

 

          Just then, whatever animal was in there with her became restless again and impacted the dividing door with rather it’s head or body, causing Sam to suck in air as her hands shot out to steady herself.  “Sam!”

 

          “Sam?  I thought it was Stephanie…Mr. O’Connell.”  The man attached to the deep voice that came out of nowhere now squatted down to Jack’s level.  “Just who the hell are you two anyway?”

 

          Jack immediately felt a surge of anger and instant hate for the man staring back at him who now had Sam’s life in danger.  The man they had met as Ranger Bob Thornberry had lost the smooth and friendly southern accent, along with his easy smile, and both had been replaced by a piercingly evil grin and cold, hard eyes.  Jack met his stare with one as equally challenging.  “Get her out of there…now!”

 

          The man simply emitted a low laugh.  “I hardly think you in a position to make demands.” 

 

          Jack glanced over at Sam, who had managed to turn her body enough in order to see their captor and meet Jack’s eyes.  “What do you want?”  Sam’s voice had regained some of its composure and strength now that the initial shock of her situation had worn off.

 

          “What…no small talk?”  Thornberry stood up and put himself equally between the two cages, crossing his arms over his chest at the same time.  “Alright then…while you two were sleeping off my tranquilizer darts, I did some investigating and discovered how you found this place.  Unlucky for you…but it will work for me.  You were going to be playing a part in my design at some point anyway… I guess you just took a slight detour.”

 

          Jack was losing his patience.  “What plan…what the hell are you talking about!”

 

          With lightning speed, Thornberry’s hand moved to his belt and detached what appeared to be a short black stick, but in one fluid motion, expanded it into a long stick with two metal prongs on the end.  Thrusting it through the wire netting of Jack’s cage, he impacted Jack’s chest with it, hitting a button at the same time that send a jolt of electricity through him. 

 

          Sam watched in horror as Jack’s body involuntary jumped as he struggled with the electricity traveling through his body.  “Stop!!”  She had seen Jack being tortured more times than she wanted to recall, but that experience never made it easier to watch.  Having temporarily forgotten the wild animal next to her, her voice had startled it enough to provoke its agitation.  The cat’s body impacted the wall once again as it emitted an ear piercing ‘Raahh’. 

 

          Thornberry, who had retracted his weapon after shocking Jack initially, replaced it on his belt as he turned his body in Sam’s direction.  “Ah, ah, Mrs. O’Connell, I wouldn’t provoke him if I were you.  All I have to do is pull up on this gate…”  He walked over to her cage and put his hand on the metal plate separating her from the great cat.  “You really don’t want me to do that.  He hasn’t eaten all day…and it wouldn’t take long for him to tear you from limb to limb.”

 

          Jack, whose body had unfortunately gotten used to electrical torture devices, shook off the tingling sensation going through his limbs and sat up as quickly as he could.  “Leave her alone, you bastard!  If you want a morsel for your pet, use me.  Swap us out if you have to…just let her go.”

 

          The man looked over at Jack and gave him a sly smile.  “Ahhh…what sweet sentiment.  You obviously love your wife…which is precisely why she’s in there.  It will make it much easier for you to play the pawn in my little training session.”

 

          When Jack simply stared him down, daring him to continue, he did just that.  “You see, for too long now, hunting animals has become pathetically accepted…not for food as it used to be necessary for, but now just for the thrill of the hunt and the subsequent kill.  Animals are doing their own thing, living their lives as nature intended, until one day…boom!  Someone trying to make themselves more of a man slams a buckshot into their side.”  He wet his lips with his tongue as he continued to pace between the cages holding Sam and Jack. 

 

          “Even here on this protected mountain, animals are killed by stray hunters looking to shove aside the established laws and create their own agenda.”  Moving over to Jack’s cage, he squatted down to his level and went on with a sly smile playing across his face.  “That’s where you come in.  You see, I’m going to make sure that things start changing, that animals, at least on this mountain, will become the true hunters.”

 

          Jack kept his stare even as he spoke in a flatten tone.  “Get to the point.”

 

          Thornberry shrugged.  “It’s simple,” he said, standing up to resume his slow pacing.  “You are going to become the hunted.”

 

          Jack just shook his head.  “You know, you’re a little bit off your rocker.”

 

          Thornberry merely shrugged again, seemingly unaffected by Jack’s play on sarcasm.  “Perhaps…but that’s not the point.  I’m trying to help these animals…and you’re going to help me accomplish that.  Of course, you probably won’t live through it, but at least it’s one step closer to my goal.”

 

          Listening to the man they’d known as Ranger Thornberry, Sam suddenly felt a sickening feeling growing in the pit of her stomach.  “What do you mean…who else have you done this to?”

 

          The man looked over at Sam and gave her a smug smile.  “Oh, just random couples.  You see, what happens is a nice friendly ranger meets an oblivious couple like yourselves, plays nice and then happens to recommend a few ‘off the beaten path’ trails that they can enjoy.  And they do enjoy them, until they fall prey to one of my well placed traps.”  Pausing momentarily, he then continued.  “Of course, you two somehow managed to elude all of them.  I was beginning to lose hope that I’d capture you, but then you managed to accidentally find an old trap that had been boarded up.”

 

          Jack intervened.  “Lucky us.  And just exactly how many couples have you done this to, Thornberry?”

 

          The man looked over at Jack.  “It’s Steve actually, and as far as how many…well, I didn’t want to attract too much attention and make it look like their disappearances were anything but accidental.”  He thought for a moment, looking perplexed.  “I don’t know, maybe six couples over the last two years.”

 

          Sam and Jack looked at each other, both feeling unnerved by what they had just been told.  Steve seemed almost proud of the number, as if killing 12 people had been a notch of accomplishment on his leather belt.  Now having a much better understanding of the type of individual they were dealing with, Jack and Sam both knew not to set him off.  Serial killers were in a world of their own, and no amount of reasoning was going to deter them from achieving what they had set out to do. 

 

          Jack knew that only physical force was going to get them out of this.  Luckily he and Sam both were carrying their fake I.D.’s, so this man had no idea of the extent of their military backgrounds.  The only way Jack was going to take him by surprise was to play along until he found an advantage that Steve wouldn’t be expecting. 

 

          Clearing his throat, Jack spoke up.  “So, how exactly do you train your animals?”

 

          Steve reached for the stun weapon on his belt again, pulling it out.  “Well, that’s where you to come in as others have before you.  As you can see, I’ve captured a variety of animals.  Now, don’t be fooled…these animals aren’t going to obey me anymore then they’ll obey you…I can’t have it that way.  But,” he said bringing the weapon to life by pressing a button and allowing electricity to flow at the end of it, “they learn who controls them.”

 

          Sam, who had begun to relax a little since her cagemate had settled down for what she could only assume was a nap, spoke.  “So you torture them to achieve what you want!”  She regretted her tone immediately when the cat next to her stirred and Steve surged at her position. 

 

          He had distain in his eyes as he spoke with a fully psychotic tone.  “Motivate them is more like it.  Allow me to convince you with a small demonstration!”  Activating the weapon, he forced it through the side of the cage where the cat was.  Shocking it, the great cat yelled out in surprise and anger as Steve retracted the weapon and then pulled up on the metal divider enough to allow the mountain lion to put a paw through. 

 

          Jack watched in paralyzing horror as Sam scrambled to the back corner of her cage, but not before the lion swiped at her, catching the bottom of her right leg, tearing fabric and flesh with its razor sharp claws.  Sam screamed and grabbed her legs to her chest, holding the leg that had just been injured.  Steve then shocked the cat again, causing it to pull its paw back as he slammed the divider down again. 

 

          As Sam sat there shaking in shock with her hand pressed against her bleeding leg, Jack slammed his hands against his cage wall.  “You son of a bitch!!”

 

          Steve merely smiled in satisfaction and then spoke in an all too calm voice.  “You see…motivation.  Now the lion has had a taste of her blood and will only want more.  And your motivation, Mr. O’Connell, is to do exactly what you’re told or your wife becomes a tasty morsel.”  He then took in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he slowly released it, as if he was calming himself.  “Now, I need to get a few things and then we’ll get the training session under way.”

 

          Jack watched the man disappear into another room with absolute hate running through his veins.  When he could no longer see him, Jack immediately turned his attention to Sam.  “Sam, are you okay?”  Jack could see her still visibly shaking as she grimaced in pain as she tried to take in a few calming breaths.

 

          Shaking her head, she wanted to scream out loud as she repositioned her hand against the deep cuts on her leg, which were still bleeding.  “I guess I’ve been through worse,” she said through a clenched jaw, “but this sure hurts like hell.”

 

          Jack could see she was trying not to cry, even though a singular tear had escaped the corner of her eye and began tracing a path down her face.  As she quickly wiped it away, Jack now understood what a caged animal felt like.  He wanted nothing more than to be free, not only to comfort her, but to tear apart the man who had inflicted so much pain on the woman he loved.  “Hang in there, Sam.  I’m going to get us out of this…somehow.”

 

          Sam turned her face to him and offered him a small smile.  “I know.”

 

          Jack put his hand on the wired wall.  “I love you…so much.”  Trying to keep his mind rational, he nodded at her leg.  “You probably should put a tourniquet on that.  I’m sorry…I wish I could do it for you.”

 

          Sam gave him a weak smile.  “It’s okay.  I don’t think the pain could be any worse than a hand device trying to fry your brain.”  Slowly taking her hand off the wound, she positioned her right fingers on the shoulder seam of the shirtsleeve on her left arm and pulled.  After a few tugs, she managed to work the sleeve free after shredding the stitches holding it in place.  Positioning it under the bottom of her right leg, she wrapped her wound once and then tied it tightly, sucking in air as she did to keep from crying out. 

 

          Taking a moment to let the severe stinging sensation subside, Sam looked over at Jack, carefully stretching her legs out as she tried to ignore the vibrations in her cage from the still pacing cat.  “So…what’s the plan?”

 

          “To get you the hell out of there,” Jack said.  “I don’t know what this guy has up his sleeve, but I’ll find a way to make it happen.”  When he could see that Sam’s face held little optimism, he went on.  “Hey, he may be a serial killer, but he’s made a big mistake by capture us.  We just have to use our training and skills…if we can beat the Goa’uld, not to mention all the times we’ve faced death, we can get out of this too.  You can’t give up…that’s an order, Colonel.”

 

          When they heard Steve returning, nothing else was said.  Sam and Jack watched him silently as he put down a few items he had collected, including a backpack and what looked like some kind of tracking device. 

 

          Steve looked between them and then spoke.  “So, have you two lovebirds said all you want to say to each other?”

 

          Jack didn’t like his tone.  “Why?”

 

          Steve simply smiled.  “Well, because the hunt is about to begin, and I highly doubt you will be the victor.”  Pulling out a gun, he pointed it at Jack as he approached his cage.  “I may have used a tranquilizer before, but I can assure you, these bullets are the real deal.  Follow my orders, and you’ll get to live a few minutes more.”

 

          Jack looked over at Sam again, who was watching him with noted distress in her face.  It had always been hard to look death in the face and wonder if they would live another day, but since they had been married something had changed, deepened, and Jack felt a stabbing pain in his heart at the idea that this might be it for them.  To never hold her again, kiss her lips, feel surge of emotions when they became one, or simply share a quiet moment with each other…losing that would hurt worse than anything death could bring.  Jack knew Sam felt the same way, and he was sure that because their lives were placed in risky situations more so than others, the emotional state that went with it only brought Sam and Jack closer to each other, loving each other more, and relishing in every moment they had. 

 

          And while their current situation had nothing to do with their jobs, the meaning was still the same.  The only thing he could hope for was that all of his military training, skill, and instinct would pay off and help them to find a way out of this fated moment.  The possibility of being forever separated from Sam was all the motivation he needed to stay alive…it always had been and always would be. 

 

          Exiting his cage, Jack could feel his muscles complaining as they stretched out from the cramped confinement they had just been in.  Standing still and watching Steve with a wary eye, Jack waited for what was next.  Handing him a backpack, the man directed him over to a cage he had failed to see earlier because it had been behind them and slightly nestled in the natural shadows of the cave.

 

          Steve bent down and unlocked the padlock that was on the door.  Inside were three young mountain lion cubs, innocently unaware of the danger they were in.  “Go ahead,” Steve said, “pick one and place it in your backpack.”

 

          Jack gave him a dumbfounded look.  “Why?”

 

          Steve gave him another evil smile.  “Motivation.”  When Jack continued to hesitate, he went on.  “Don’t worry…they won’t bite.  They’re only two months old…what most would consider equivalent to an oversized kitten.” 

 

          Sam, who was watching the situation unfold, suddenly had a feeling of dread.  “Ja…Bryan, don’t do it!  It’s not worth it.”

 

          Jack looked at Steve, the gun still trained on him, and then looked at Sam, confined to her cage with a hungry, wild beast, who was ready to kill if given the opportunity.  He gave her a small smile.  “You’re worth it.  It’ll be okay…I love you.”

 

          Sam tried her best to hold back her tears, but her voice quivered despite her best efforts.  “I love you too.”

         

Jack bent down with the open backpack attached to his front.  Carefully, he reached in and picked up the first cub he came in contact with.  It’s fur was soft and fuzzy, thicker than an adult coat, with black spots and occasional stripes overlaying the brown and tan coloring of its coat, giving it more of an appearance of a leopard than a mountain lion.  Weighing around twenty pounds, the cub looked up at Jack with innocent, probing blue eyes, unsure of what was going to happen next. 

 

          Placing the cub into the darkened interior of the backpack, Jack suddenly became aware of a large pair of steely eyes watching him from the dark shadows in front of them.  A bone chilling, low-throated growl emitted from that darkness, and as Jack peered closer, he could just make out the large form of another mountain lion, enclosed in the cage Sam had originally backed into.

 

          Steve, noticing what Jack was looking at, smiled wryly.  “Now, listen up…your task can be as simple…or as hard as you want it to be.  There is a small abandon cabin due west of that exit,” he said, pointing to the set of stairs he and Sam had seen earlier upon entering the room of the cave they were now in.  “You’ll find your way based off of red markers I’ve discreetly placed along the path.  Deviate to far from it, and it will be very hard to find your way back.  I’ll be tracking your progress with a GPS that has been fitted into the bag. The cub also has a tracking device under its skin.  Any attempt to dump the cub or deactivate either tracking system will result in your wife’s death…no questions asked.  Your goal is to reach the cabin, retrieve a silver-plated key that you will find laying on a table, and then make your way back here…with the cub.”

 

          Jack listened with complete distain.  “Okay, sounds easy enough.  So why do I have a feeling you’ve saved the best for last?”

 

          Steve nodded.  “Very good…you are paying attention.  Now, Mr. O’Connell, you tell me…do you really think that cubs this young wouldn’t have their mother close by?”

 

          Jack looked over at the cage holding Sam and the mountain lion.  He was beginning to understand just where this was going, along with why no one had yet survived his little game. 

 

          Steve, following the direction of Jack’s eyes, spoke up.  “That cat is my insurance that you’ll play along…so he stays in there with your wife.  Besides, male mountain lions could care less about their young…all they’re interested in is the kill.”  Pausing momentarily, he then turned Jack’s attention back to the other cat that had been placed into the cage within the wall.  “Now the mother on the other hand…well, let’s just say her cubs are everything to her, and she will do anything to protect them.  Hell, I’ve even read reports of female mountain lions taking on full-sized grizzly bears…and winning.  So I seriously doubt that your 180 pound sack of flesh is going to be much of a challenge.”

 

          Jack took a few steps back out of instinct, and the female cougar, who had been watching him intently, reared up on her hind legs, placing her front paws on the bars.  ‘Raahing’ loudly, she then began pacing back and forth emitting a throaty growl, as if she was well familiar with the game they were about to play.  Jack looked down at the cub, who was sitting surprisingly contently at the bottom of the backpack.

 

          Jack looked at Steve.  “What insures that the cat will come back here once free?  I suppose you have some kind of sick torture device for them as well!”  Jack glanced over at Sam, who was doing her best to hold it together while being caged up and unable to help. 

 

          “I RESENT that statement Mr. O’Connell!”  Charging Sam’s cage, he placed his hand on the metal divider.  “Do I need to remind you what’s at stake here?!”

 

          Jack could see that Steve was incredibly unstable and ready to snap over any little thing.  Holding his hands up as his heart began to race, he shook his head quickly.  “No, NO!  Leave her alone.  Please…I didn’t mean to offend you.”

 

          Sam, who had immediately taken to an almost upright fetal position, allowed her body to somewhat relax.  Rephrasing Jack’s question, she spoke up.  “All he meant was how do you get the mother to return?”

 

          Steve, who had focused all his attentions on Jack, glanced down at Sam.  “That’s simple.  I’m not sure if you’re a mother or not, Mrs. O’Connell, but most women have that maternal instinct.  She may successfully recover one, but she’s not about to abandon the other two.  After all, they are completely dependent on the mother until at least three months of age.”

 

          “So what does the key open…should I retrieve it?”  Jack asked as calmly as possible.

 

          “Your wife’s cage…and her freedom.”

 

          Jack looked at the lock and then back at him.  “You only have one key to it?”

 

          Steve gave him a coy smile.  “Of course not…it’s a master to all the cages here…and I have a duplicate right here.”  Pawning it from his back pocket, he showed it briefly to Jack before replacing it, keeping his other hand on the divider.  “And don’t get heroic on me…any attempt to come near me and overpower me would be foolhardy.  And I think you know why.”  Tapping the divider with the gun he still held, Steve watched Jack closely for any movement.

 

          Jack knew he’d never overpower the guy in time before the divider would be pulled up…and then Sam would be dead before he could blink an eye.  Seeing no other way around it, he nodded.  “Alright…let’s do this.”

 

          Sam shook her head.  “No, J..Bryan, please…please..”  A tear now ran freely down her face as reality struck.

 

          Jack gave her the best smile he could muster.  “I’ll be back.”

 

          Sam felt frozen in fear for what Jack had to do in order to save her.  Winning the situation seemed hopeless, and it only made her heart ache more.  “I love you,” she said, though her voice was barely audible. 

 

          Steve smiled triumphantly.  “Good.  Go ahead and put the pack on.”

 

          Jack did as he was instructed.  With the pack securely positioned on his front, he placed his hands on the front of it as the cub inside repositioned itself.  Despite the situation, he suddenly felt protective of the package he was carrying.  The cub looked up at him innocently, oblivious to what was going on around him and what danger it was consistently being placed in. 

 

          Jack looked at the man responsible for all of this, hating him more with every second.  “Okay…now what?”

 

          Steve moved aware from Sam’s cage, training the gun on Jack as he walked back to where the cubs had been.  “Now I strongly suggest you run…because I’m only giving you a one minute head start before I release the mother; and then the hunt begins.  Your clock starts…now!”

 

          Jack looked at Sam for one more brief moment, taking in the beauty of her face and the love in her eyes, memorizing it in his head.  Not wanting to allow himself to wonder if this would be the last time he would see her, Jack took off at a full sprint, darting up the stairs and into the world above. 

 

          Light spilled around him everywhere as he took in the first few breaths of fresh air since they’d been down there.  Searching quickly with his eyes as he squinted against the bright sun, he took in a survey of his surroundings.  The area was dominated by huge, overgrown shrubbery, trees that seemed to touch the sky, and a blanket of dried leaves from the previous winter coating the ground.  The entire area, as far as Jack could see, was nothing but desolate forest…no immediate help seemed to exist that could be resourceful in getting an upper hand on the lunatic controlling the fate of their lives. 

 

          Jack had considered not going anywhere…hiding somewhere next to the entrance and then wait for the great cat to emerge.  Once it was on the hunt, he could go back inside, maybe take the guy by surprise.  But that scenario also put Sam’s life in just as much danger, if not more.  For all he knew, they guy could be camped out right next to her cage, waiting to see if Jack would try exactly what he was thinking.  And of course, there was the issue of the GPS. 

 

          Knowing he did have much choice but to play his game for now, Jack scanned the area and saw the first few red markers that had been placed near the base of two different trees.  If he could find them before he got to them, it might give him some time to also spot an area of refuge, should he need it.  With one last glance at the well concealed entrance, Jack took off, running as fast and as hard as he knew how, all the while using one hand to steady the cub inside his pack. 

 

          His feet obliterated the leaves underneath him as he flew over them, and with his adrenaline pumping now at full strength, not knowing if at any moment a large pair of claws would be digging into his back, Jack just prayed that the crunching leaf sound would be somewhat of a warning that something was behind him.

 

          Back at the cave, Sam had been trying desperately to convince Steve not to open the mountain lioness’ cage.  The cat had been making horrible sounds ever since Jack had darted away only seconds ago, and she could only imagine the raging motherly instincts that were tearing through the cat’s muscles as she paced endlessly, waiting for the opportunity to kill Jack and retrieve her young cub.

 

          “Please,” Sam pleaded, “don’t do this.  Neither one of us are hunters…we wouldn’t dream of killing one for sport!” 

 

          Steve, who was at the lion’s cage with the key in his hand, paused momentarily and looked back at Sam, giving her an almost sympathetic look.  “I know,” he said pointedly.  “But many others do, and it’s about time some of the animals are taught to save themselves.” 

 

          “But you’re taking innocent lives!”  Sam knew her voice was getting to loud, annoying the predator next to her because the cage began shifting again, but she didn’t care.  If Jack died, nothing would matter much to her, including her own life.

 

          Steve inserted the key into the lock on the cage.  “Lives have been lost on both sides.  I’m just trying to even the score!”  And with that said, he undid the padlock, stun weapon in hand, and opened the door.  The lioness surged out of the cage, stopped, and gave a steely eyed look at Steve, who had the stick up and ready to use.  “Go on,” he said sternly, as if it was a pet, “you know what to do.”

 

          The lioness roared at him unexpectedly, forced him to take a few steps back.  Sam watching with baited breath, hoping against hope that the lion would charge him instead.  But since Steve seemed to anticipate all her movements, as if it were a common dance between them.  But the constant imprisonment and games that he played with them were obviously taking their toll, because the look the lion gave the man was one of sheer hate, not unlike the feels Sam had for him as well. 

 

          Staring each other down, nothing seemed to move as Sam watched the engagement of the lion and Steve.  But then her heart dropped as the lioness, with one last roar, turned in the direction of the stairs and took off with terrifying speed. 

 

          Sam, feeling as desperate to get out of her cage and save the man she loved as the cat had to save her cub, searched her mind for anything she could do.  But it had become almost impossible to think rationally with her emotions riding high and clouding her sane judgment.  ‘Come on, Sam,’ she thought to herself, ‘if you can get a Stargate operational, you can certainly figure a way out of this!’

 

          “Don’t worry, Mrs. O’Connell.  You’re death should be quick and painless…this cat hasn’t eaten since yesterday.”  Steve had approached her cage when Sam was lost in thought, and when she looked up at him in disgust, he simply smiled.  “You’ll see…it won’t be as bad as you think.”

 

          Sam’s emotions were now at a boiling point.  “How would you know?  You’re nothing but a coward, using people as pawns in your sick little game just to satisfy your sadistic curiosity!”

 

          Steve’s face read like a book, with his pale skin flushing red as his eyes flashed with anger.  Whipping out the weapon he’d used to shock Jack earlier, he jabbed it into Sam’s cage in an attempt to stun her.  But expecting such retaliation, Sam quickly reached out and grabbed the stick above the prongs that delivered the electricity.  Using all her strength, she pulled hard, yanking the stick and the man forward.

 

          Steve, not expecting such strength from Sam, impacted the cage hard, causing him to release the weapon as he fell to the ground.  Sam, without hesitation, retracted the weapon, turned it around and jabbed it through the cage, delivering a shock to the man’s side. 

 

          Surprised, Steve cried out in pain before rolling away from her reach.  Getting to his feet, he stumbled around, visibly shaken by the turn of events along with the numbness in his side, cursed under his breath.  The room was obviously spinning for him as he held his head, trying to regain control of his balance.  As he stumbled backwards a few steps, he suddenly tripped over a box lying on the ground.  With his arms flailing at his sides, he moved backwards even more until he impacted one of the earthed columns hold one of the many torches.  The vibration, along with an uncontrolled swipe of his hand, sent the torch spinning until it landed on a makeshift desk a few feet away.

 

          Instantly, the desk went up in flames, its golden arms stretching to the ceiling as smoke began pouring out of the intense heat and ash that was already being produced.  Steve, having regained some of his wits, looked horrified.  For a brief moment, he looked around, searching for something to put out the flames.  But already, the fire had ignited other flammable items around its epicenter, and it became obvious to him that it was out of control. 

 

          The animals in the cages, sensing the immediate danger, began emitting distress sounds as they clawed at their doors for an escape.  Steve looked over at Sam who was looking as equally desperate as the animals.  “You stupid bitch!  Look what you’ve done?!  Now you can die a slow and painful death,” he said, coughing as the smoke began filling the room. 

 

          As more things began to catch on fire, the man turned and ran for the exit where Jack had left through earlier.  “NO!”  Sam cried.  “Don’t leave us down here!”  When no response came, she put the stun weapon down and yanked as hard as she could on her cage door, coughing as she began choking on smoke.  The great cat next to her was now beside himself.  Using his whole body, he began impacting the cage at every angle, doing his best to get out of the confined space. 

 

          And that was when Sam saw it…a silvery glint that gave her a surge of hope.  It was the key from Steve’s back pocket, and it sparkled in the firelight and growing curtain of smoke like a lighthouse pushing its great beam of light through a foggy night.  It was only an arm’s length away, and Sam immediately set to work retrieving it using the stick she had next to her. 

 

          The heat from the fire was growing in intensity with every passing second, along with the smoke.  Tearing another strip of cloth from her shirt, Sam created a makeshift bandana and placed it over her nose and mouth, tying it behind her head.  With her eyes burning from the smoke and sweat running down her face, Sam continued to slide the key towards her until her sweaty fingertips finally gripped its metallic surface.  With careful movements, she worked the key into the padlock, slicing her finger several times as she basically felt her way.

 

          Finally, the padlock clicked and dropped open, sending even more adrenaline into Sam’s bloodstream as she sensed the growing urgency of the situation.  The fire had stopped moving its trail for the moment, unable to reach anything flammable, but she couldn’t see it at every point, and she had a feeling it was only a matter of time before her exit was cut off.  Besides that, the smoke, with no exit except for the one she was intending to take, was thickening with every precious second that passed.  She could already feel the effects as her head began to throb and spin, and her airway felt tighter and tighter with each breath. 

 

          Opening her cage door, she crawled out and stood up carefully but quickly, ignoring the pain in her cramped muscles and injured right leg.  Instinctively, she wanted to flee, but she also knew that she couldn’t leave the animals behind to a doomed fate of which they had no other escape. 

 

Turning around, she looked down at the other side of her cage and met the cougar’s wild eyed stare.  She could see even he was beginning to be affected by the smoke as his efforts of escaping the cage on his own had all but ceased.  Taking a brief moment, she swallowed her fear and squatted down to his level, looking him straight in the eye.  “Okay…I’m going to get you out of there.”  Her voice was almost soothing, even surprising her considering the dire circumstances that they were in. 

 

And in that moment, she knew nothing else needed to be said.  With their eyes connecting, she suddenly sensed that he knew she was trying to help him.  Glancing at the stick still inside her cage, she decided to leave it and chance that her gut instinct was right.  Standing up, she put her hand on the divider that had only shortly ago separated her from instant death and pulled it up all the way.  The cougar wasted no time in flee his confined space.  Briefly glancing at Sam, he made a beeline for the stairs that would give him his freedom. 

 

Staying as low as she could to avoid inhaling the most concentrated smoke, Sam next moved over to where she had seen the other animals.  Coughing badly and trying to see through her burning eyes, Sam opened the baby black bear’s cage and then released the eagle.  Remarkably, they were both still okay, and she watched them for a moment as they made their way to the stairs. 

 

          Sam then suddenly picked up on faint meowing coming from behind her.  The other two cougar cubs…Sam had almost forgotten amidst her terror of watching Jack being sent to his death that there were two more left.  Hesitating, she looked over at her only means of escape and wasn’t sure if she had enough time left to make it out.  But she also knew that she could never live with herself if she left those two innocent animals to die in order to save herself…and she knew Jack would do the same thing.    

 

          As she started to move over to where she had was hearing them, a loud pop followed by several crackling sounds drew her attention overhead.  A makeshift beam that had been put up for support in the ceiling had caught fire, and before she could blink an eye, she found herself diving out of the way as the beam came crashing down where she had just been standing. 

 

          Hitting the ground hard and rolling, she came to a stop not far from the fire line and found she could barely catch her breath.  The smoke had become so thick that it had become impossible to see, and now with the wind knocked out of her and her body burning up from the heat of the fire, she suddenly found her hope fading that she’d ever get up again.

 

 

 

          Jack felt like he’d been running forever, but it had actually only been a little over five minutes since he’d been released from the cage.  He knew the cat was tracking him, waiting for the right opportunity to pounce and make her kill.  He’d varied off the path only slightly, looking for any means of outwitting a naturally trained killer.

 

          But much to Jack chagrin, he found that the bastard had been right…the path had been marked out in such a manner that if you varied too much, you’d find yourself tumbling into a valley on one side or moving into extremely dense bowels of the forest on the other.

 

          Climbing into a tree whose branches were fat and accessible, Jack scanned the immediate area from where he had just come to look for any sign of the cat.  And that’s when he smelled it.  Fire…that distinct, smoky smell that seemed to permeate the nose and leave a smell on your clothes that was hard to get rid of.  Standing up on the branch, he dared to take his eyes off the area where the cat might be and looked back in the direction he’d come. 

 

          Big, black clouds of smoke could be seen steadily rising into the crystal blue sky, and Jack’s stomach suddenly dropped.  He didn’t have to know where that was coming from.  The cave had been lit by a multitude of torches, and he knew that Mr. Wacko wouldn’t dare set the forest on fire because it would draw attention to his secret hiding place. 

 

          Half climbing, half jumping back down, Jack began running as fast as he could back in the direction he’d come, not caring where the cat was.  All he could see was Sam’s face in his mind…her beautiful face as it stared out at him from behind a metal cage…a cage from which she had no escape.  And then he imagined the fire surrounding her, closing in, and he thought his heart was going to explode. 

 

 

          The heat was intense as smoke hung like a thick fog all around her body.  As each second passed, the smoke became thicker as the flames grew closer, practically licking at her feet as Sam attempted to move.  Jack’s face was now a constant in her mind as she tried to focus on his love for her, bringing her soul something wonderful to reflect on as she possibly faced her last moments in life. 

 

          But then there was something…a puff of air, a nudge…something was moving around her, sniffing her hair.  As Sam opened her eyes and tried to peer through her burning vision, a cold nose nudged her cheek as she lifted her head.  Looking to her right, she found herself staring into the eyes of the very same mountain lion with whom she’d been caged with only minutes before.

 

          But instead of appearing fierce and deadly, he now only seemed anxious and intent on getting her out of there as he continued to nudge her arm.  Sam, shocked that he’d even return to help save her, became even more surprised and a little scared when he moved down to her legs and gently took hold of her right leg with his mouth.  But the teeth she expected to pierce her skin never came.  Instead, he began pulling backwards in an attempt to move her.

 

          Putting her hands underneath her, she rolled over carefully onto her side and then sat up, looking at the cat who eyed her cautiously.  Holding up her hands for a brief moment, she gave him the smallest smile.  “Okay, you win…let’s get out of here.”

 

          Gingerly standing up, she turned with him towards the exit but then stopped, suddenly remembering the two cubs that still needed to be rescued.  Looking at the cougar, she spoke to him as if he could understand her.  “I have to go and get your cubs.”  When the cat simply looked between her and the exit, his body tense as he began to pace, obviously trying to encourage her to leave, Sam turned and moved along the far wall, making her way towards where the cubs had been.

 

          Coughing badly and stumbling a few times as she proceeded almost blindly through the smoke, she felt her way along the wall until she came across the cage that had been built into the wall, the cage where the female cougar had been kept.  Knowing the cubs should be directly in front of it, Sam moved in that direction until her left foot hit the side of their cage.  Squatting down, she took the key from her jeans pocket and blindly inserted it into the lock, which luckily easily popped open from repeated use.

 

          Reaching in, she found the cubs heavier than what she had expected, and with her failing strength, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to carry both of them, but she also knew that she wouldn’t be able to come back a second time. 

 

          Both cubs were struggling to stay awake as the smoke had obviously gotten to them.  Putting the first one on the ground, she picked up the second and cuddled it against her chest.  But as she freed up one of her hands in an attempt to pick up the first one, she found that her unexpected hero had followed her. 

 

          The male cougar, normally not known for holding much if any interest in it’s heirs let alone showing affection or care, picked up the first cub by the nape of the neck and began moving towards the exit.  Sam, still stunned that this was the same creature who had only 30 minutes ago tried to eat her, followed him, bending as low as she could.  The leg that the cat had injured was now throbbing in pain, forcing her to limp along as she made her way to freedom, keeping the cat’s long tail in her scope of vision as a guide, trusting his eyes much more than she trusted her own at that moment.

 

          After what seemed like an eternity but had in fact only been a little under ten minutes since the fire had begun, Sam stumbled up the stairs behind the cougar into daylight.  Never had the sun felt so good or the air smell so sweet as she took in her first few cleansing breaths.  When she did, her lungs began to spasm as they attempted to expel the smoke circulating within her bronchioles.

 

          Coughing fiercely, she fell to her knees, her body exhausted, her muscles sore, her eyes barely focusing, and her breaths being inhaled in short gasps as she attempted to steady her breathing.  As she placed the cub down, her body collapsed to the ground. 

 

          At that moment, Jack came bursting through the trees and into the clearing, just in time to see Sam collapse.  “Sam!”  Relieved yet extremely worried about the state she was in, Jack started to move towards her when a large cougar stepped into his path.  Barring its teeth and flattening its ears, Jack wasn’t sure if this was the female who had been tracking him or if it was the male who’d been in Sam’s cage with her.  Either way, the cat was ferocious, in a very foul mood, ready to kill. 

 

          Moving slowly, Jack gently took the cub out of his pack.  At that moment, a second cougar came charging at him from his right side, stopping short as she watched Jack handling the cub.  “Okay,” he said, his body as tense as he could ever remember it being, “you must be the mother.  No one needs to die here…I’m just going to put your baby down.”  Practically paralyzed with fear, the two cats snarled and watched him, the hair on their back standing on end as their razor sharp claws gleamed almost white in the sunlight.  Painfully slow, Jack bent over and put the cub down, glancing every few seconds at Sam, who appeared to be unconscious.  The two cubs she had apparently rescued were near her…one laying close to her legs, obviously not doing as well as the other one, who was happily oblivious as he batted at a passing yellow butterfly that had decided to circle his head.

 

          As soon as Jack put the cub down, the mother took a few steps towards him, forcing him to move back.  Giving the mother her space, he watched from a short distance as the mother smelled her cub and then licked it, as the cub yawned lazily from the surprising nap she had taken while in Jack’s pack.  The female cougar then looked between Jack and the other two cubs and decided to leave the duty of the killing to her male counterpart. 

 

          As the female cat moved cautiously over to the cub lying next to Sam, she quickly picked it up by the nap of its neck and moved over to a more protected area, lying down with it as she went to work on giving it a full bath, hoping to revive it.

 

          Jack, only wanting to get to Sam, tried moving every direction he could think of, but the male cougar suddenly seemed protective of her and only saw Jack as a threat.  Not knowing what else to do, he gently cleared his throat and attempted to call out to her.  “Sam?  Can you hear me?”

 

          Jack’s voice, while sounding surprisingly normal to his own ears, seemed to only offend the cat more as he moved his body into a more crouched position, his eyes never leaving Jack’s face.  Jack, finding himself backed up against a tree and unsure of how to get out of the situation with his head still attached, jumped slightly as a voice interrupted the cat’s concentration. 

 

          “Well, I guess my training has paid off!”  It was Steve, his voice sounding confident as he walked closer, gun in hand.  “And it looks like I’m just in time for the big finish.”

 

          Jack had despised a lot of people in the past, but he felt certain in that moment that he had never hated anyone more.  Not wanting to give the man any satisfaction, especially in the form of a response, he instead kept his eyes moving between the cat and Sam. 

 

          The cougar, who had been distracted by Steve’s voice, now volleyed his attentions between the two men.  The female cougar stood and walked a few steps towards Steve.  The cub she had been attending to had only stirred slightly since she had started licking it.  She was now giving Steve a bone-chilling look, suddenly disinterested in anything Jack was doing. 

 

          Steve, glancing at the female mountain lion, focused his attention on the male cougar and Jack.  Obviously irritated that the cougar had yet to attack, Steve raised his voice, directing it at the animal.  “Kill him, dammit!!”

 

          Suddenly and without warning, both cougars simultaneously crouched and then sprang forward.  Jack, who had been barely breathing, watched in a mixture of horror and satisfaction as the two cats pounced on Steve, throwing him to the ground as the gun, which he had attempted to raise in a last minute defense, flew out of his hand.  A horrific scream was heard for only a moment and then nothing as the cats ripped out his throat and took their revenge. 

 

          Jack, no matter how much he had hated the man, couldn’t bring himself to watch the kill.  Shooting a man, an alien, or any threat was something he was trained to do and had sadly enough become use to.  But watching a man being eaten alive was not something he could handle well, and so he slowly made his way over to Sam as he swallow down a wave of nausea that threatened to overtake him. 

 

          Approaching Sam, who had begun to stir and cough, he kept the cats in his peripheral vision.  Wasting no time, he gathered Sam in his arms and moved over into a more concealed, shaded place, allowing the cats plenty of space to where they would not feel threatened.  He wanted nothing more than to climb the highest tree out of their reach, or to just keep walking, but he wasn’t sure what the cougars would do, especially the male, and he wanted to show the great cat that he meant no harm to any of them. 

 

          As he continued to keep a discreetly watchful eye on the family of cats, he suddenly heard Sam utter a low moan as her head lobed back and forth against his chest.  Jack, taking a hand and gently cupping her head, bent it back slightly so he could see her face.  “Sam,” he said in a low, voice, “can you hear me?”

 

          Sam felt like she was trudging through thick molasses, her body barely moving as she tried to move her limbs.  Allowing her eyes to slowly open, she blinked several times, trying to focus on her surroundings.  When she registered that she was looking up at Jack’s face and that it was his arms that were holding her, she couldn’t help but allow the tears to come.  “You’re alive!”  Reaching up, she touched his cheek tenderly as if to check that he was real.

 

          Jack, trying to choke down the emotions in his throat before they overwhelmed him, smiled.  “Yep,” he said, his voice cracking.  “The military couldn’t keep me from you, and I wasn’t about to let a loony tune achieve that.”  Brushing back a strand of hair from her face, he bent his head and kissed her tenderly, letting it linger.  When he broke the kiss, he looked into her face, emotion heavy in his eyes.  “The question is…how are you?  God, Sam, I was scared to death when I turned around and saw all of the smoke coming out of what I could only assume was the cave.”

 

          Sam, wiping at her tears, sniffed and then cuddled her head against his chest.  “I wasn’t sure if I would make it out alive or not.  Everything happened so fast.”  She proceeded to tell him what had happened, remembering only up until she started climbing up the stairs to the world above.  “The next thing I remember was waking up here in your arms.” 

 

          Jack, holding her protectively against his body, found himself grateful that she didn’t remember more.  He knew it would be a long time before he would be able to wipe the image and sounds out of his mind of Thornberry being eaten alive.  As much as he had hated the man, he still felt pity.  Jack looked over where the lions had been feasting and discovered that the male cougar was now on watch while the mother cougar instructed the cubs in the art of tearing meat from bone.  Closing his eyes, Jack had to fight back another wave of nausea that had suddenly overcome him.

 

          As if sensing his thoughts, Sam pulled back and looked at Jack, studying his face for a moment before speaking.  “What happened after I collapsed?  Did Thornberry return?”  She could see from his expression that something was troubling him.

 

          Jack hesitated before speaking.  “Let’s just say he won’t be bothering anyone ever again.”  He continued, explaining as best he could without providing all the gruesome details of what he had seen. 

 

          Sam, cringing at the thought of what had happened, followed Jack’s eyes, turning her head to see what he was looking at.  From the distance they were at, she could see the man lying on the ground, the bottom of his feet facing their direction.  Only one arm was lying next to him where it naturally should have been.  As for the other, Sam decided to remain blissfully ignorant.

 

          The male cougar had spotted them and was now focusing his attentions on them as they sat huddled together beneath the shade of a giant oak tree.  Jack moved his arm protectively around Sam as he locked eyes with the cat, who continued to stare back, his body stiff and unmoving as his tail flipped in the bright sunshine. 

 

          Yet somewhere in that moment, an understanding seemed to descend between them.  Jack had seen a lot of things in his life and career, but one thing he had never experienced until now was communication with a naturally wild, beautiful creature.  Jack now understood why the cat had reacted as he had when Jack burst out of the tree line.  He had just risked his life to help Sam and felt naturally protective of not only her but of his cubs.  But once Steve had joined them, his presence and angry tone sparked a long awaited revenge inside both of the cats, and the man’s subsequent death moments later resulted. 

 

          So now, as Jack sat there in the dappled shade, protecting what he loved and offering no threat, the cougar simply stared, blinked several times and then proceeded to give his face a bath, showing both Sam and Jack he had no interest in harming them.  Neither Sam nor Jack moved as they sat watching the amazing sight of a family of cats enjoying their reunion.  All three cubs, including the one the mother had showered so much concern over, now romped and tumbled on top of each other, soaking in the sunshine as they played.  Even the female cougar, who had been finishing her “meal”, walked over to the male, gave a playful swipe of her enormous paw, and then proceeded to lick his face as they rubbed together. 

 

          Their beauty, strength, and grace was a sight to behold, and Sam had to wipe at a stray, happy tear as it traveled down her face, which was covered in black residue from the fire.  She held onto Jack even tighter, incredibly grateful that they had once again managed to cheat death.

 

          Suddenly, distant voices could be heard and the cougars, their attentions drawn in the direction of the sounds before Sam and Jack even heard it, turned and darted into the protection of the forest, with the female cougar quickly picking up the cub that had been the worse off.  The other two cubs, still rolling in the dirt and leaves, oblivious to their parent’s sudden absence, finally picked up on the sound of a multitude of human voices, along with the distant hum of an approaching helicopter.  Stopping short, they stood and looked around for a moment, sniffed the ground, and then took off in the direction their parents had gone, having picked up on their scent.

 

          Jack’s body relaxed the moment the cougars were out of sight.  He hadn’t realized how stiffly he’d been sitting, and felt the instant release of the lactic acid that had been building up in his muscles.  Looking down at Sam, he kissed the top of her head.  “Well, here comes the Calvary.”

 

          Sam sat up a little straighter, coughing several times before looking at him and responding.  “Shouldn’t we make our exit as well?  A story like this will make major headlines across the country, and we haven’t exactly been forthcoming about our marriage.  I mean, we may have fake aliases, but we can’t hide our faces from photographers.”  Pausing for a moment, she then continued, her voice holding more emotion.  “But on the other hand…all those families who’ve lost loved ones…they deserve to know the truth.”

 

          Jack nodded, pensive for a moment.  “Well, for one thing, the first place you’re going is to a hospital.  You need to be checked out and it will be very obvious that you’ve been involved in a fire, so there’s no reason to try and hide it.  As for our identities, I’m a U.S. Air Force General…surely that has to count for something.  The local police may not care, but I’m sure I can pull a few strings in Washington to ensure that we remain anonymous in the press…for reasons of national security or something along those lines.”

 

          Sam nodded and looked up at him.  Reaching her hand up to his face, she drew it down to her and gave him one last kiss before they would have to act more official.  Sighing heavily, she readjusted her position, still leaning against him, but in a more casual, friendly manner.  “I hate this.  I can’t wait for the day when we don’t have to hide our marriage or how we feel about each other. 

 

          Jack took her hand and kissed the top of it, rubbing away some dried blood with his thumb.  “It’s coming…and when it does, I’ll proudly march you into the control room and kiss you again.”  As Jack gave her a grin, reflecting back on the repeating day that seemed so long ago, he marveled at how far they had come since then. 

 

          The barking of dogs and sounds of human voices drew their moment to a close.  Standing up, Jack helped Sam to her feet, wrapping an arm around her to support her.  There would be a lot of questions to be answered, and then it would be back to reality for them…with Sam in Colorado, and Jack in Washington D.C.

 

          Sam looked up at Jack, squinting slightly as they emerged from the protective shadows of the trees.  “I love you, Jack O’Neill.”

 

          Jack stopped and released her long enough to cup her face between his broad hands.  Looking into the depths of her blue eyes, he said a quick and silent prayer of thanks for her safety.  After all they had lived through, not only did Jack know then that they had to have a guardian angel watching over them, but it affirmed to him that they had always been fated for each other since the day they met.  “And I love you, Mrs. O’Neill.”  Giving her a tender kiss, one that reached both their souls in an emotional wave, Jack released her and wrapped his arm around her waist again in order to support her just as the first few rescuers and firefighters came into view.

 

Next Story---> "Trials of the Heart"

 

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