Trials of the Heart

Title: Trials of the Heart

Author: Suz W.

Spoilers: After Babylon, Prototype, and The Fourth Horseman (parts 1 & 2) (episode tags).

Feedback: Always welcomed and gratefully appreciated!

Old Stories Referenced:

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

Summary: The Ori strike again…this time affecting Sam on a much more personal level.

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 December 31, 2009 by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “The Call of the Wild”.

We’re moving right along through Season 9, and I’m doing my best to create links between Jack and the episodes that he wasn’t in (sadly enough!). So I decided to write a mission-type story…something I haven’t done in quite a while. I hope you love it and as always, I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings on it!

Dedication: This story is dedicated to Tracey D. Thanks for all your support and dedication to my series. It means so much and I hope you enjoy this latest edition to it!

Jack stepped through the Stargate onto PX-524 and was immediately met by blasts of weapons fire coming from all directions. He hated going in hot, knowing he was putting the men under his temporary command in incredible jeopardy, but he had no choice. Sam needed him.

With adrenaline pumping hard, his heart pounded in his ears almost as loudly as the ensuing firefight around him. With expert eyes, he quickly surveyed his options, and then ran a few more steps before throwing his body to the ground to avoid being hit by an incoming staff blast. Rolling to a large rock face that provided some coverage, Jack looked back at the open wormhole as SG teams 1, 5, and 7 emerged two at a time, immediately ducking for cover as they aimed their guns and returned fire.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Jack gripped his P-90 firmly, positioning it tightly under his right arm as he moved out from his protected spot long enough to fire off a series of rounds, squarely hitting to Ori guards and a Jaffa. Moving quickly, he ducked back down as a blast from one of the Ori weaponry hit the top of the rock protecting him, sending shards of rock down on him. ‘Damn…that was close,’ Jack thought to himself as he quickly brushed a few small pieces of rock from his hair.

Just then, Colonel Mitchell joined him from seemingly nowhere. “General,” he shouted as he nodded. “Just like old times for you I bet!”

Jack nodded quickly as he fired off some more rounds before ducking for cover again. “You could say that.” A large blast from a ship exploded near them, sending debris into the air. Jack and Mitchell continued their barrage of bullets in all directions. The teams that he had brought through the Stargate were pinned down, and until they got the upper hand with the Ori and Jaffa fighting against them and each other, he was never going to be able to get Sam the help she needed.

It had been a long time since he’d been involved in such an intense fight, but never in such a triangulated situation as they were in now. Jack had been on an official visit to the SGC when the audio only distress call came in from Sam through the wormhole. She had known he was coming to meet with Landry, but he had not been prepared to find her off world, especially in the middle of a war.

According to what information he had gathered before quickly assembling the teams, Sam had gone off world to aid her father with an Ori plague that had stricken the Tok’ra, and while there, the Ori and Goa’uld had landed within a few hours of each other, apparently for different reasons. But with no good relations between any of them, the fight that Jack now found himself involved in had started. Sam had apparently risked a lot to get a message to them, and now he had no idea where she, or any of the medical team that had come with her, were…and that left a very uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Looking around him, he could see a small line of buildings on the eastern horizon. Through the haze of dust and smoke in the air, Jack could see activity around the buildings in the form of fighting. Jack knew Landry had sent a small contingent of men ahead of the SG units to help, along with extra weapons, but they were still outnumbered.

Spotting Teal’c, who was being shielded by the base of a towering oak tree, Jack signaled him over to their position. Wasting no time, Jack and Mitchell covered him as he made his way over to where they were. “O’Neill,” he said, tension evident in his voice, “our numbers are ineffective. We need more firepower.”

Jack nodded. “I know. Landry is supposed to send in two more units for support. But we need to clear a path, not only for them, but so we can get to those buildings.”

Mitchell joined them in their conversation after firing off more rounds. “We’ve got a small rocket launcher over there that SG-5 toted. It won’t get rid of all of them, but it might clear enough of a path for us to get through with as many men as we can spare.”

Jack nodded quickly. “My exact thoughts.” Looking at Teal’c, he spoke quickly. “Get it loaded up…Mitchell and I will cover you.”

As Teal’c moved over to the case and began to quickly assemble the weapon, ducking an occasional staff blast, Daniel, with Vala beside him, who was firing wildly in all directions, moved in to join them.

“What’s the plan, boss?” Vala’s voice sounded right behind Jack’s head, and he turned briefly to look at her. He remembered some of the things Sam had said about her, and while Sam had tried to stick to neutral or complementary comments about her, he knew she had been holding back. And now he could see why.

Jack just shook his head briefly and then pointed at her gun. “How about aiming that gun a little bit more?! We don’t want to hurt our own men!”

Vala gave him a stiff salute. “Right! Sorry…it’s just very exciting!”

When Jack just stared at her, Daniel intervened, shouting above the noise as he occasionally ducked nearby blasts. “She’s talking about adrenaline, Jack!”

Jack glanced over at Mitchell, who just shrugged briefly and then resumed his defense. Jack looked back at Teal’c, who was just positioning the rocket launcher. “I’m going to make this very simple,” he said to Vala and Daniel, with his speech directed at her. “We need to get to those buildings over there. Teal’c’s going to blast us a path, so when he does, I need you to run…and remember, the bullets are for Ori and Goa’uld only!”

Vala smiled and gave him a nod, and then as if to prove her skill, stood up and directly fired, taking down two Goa’uld who were encroaching on their position. Crouching back down, she gave Jack an innocent look. “Something like that?”

Jack, a little surprised, briefly nodded. “Better.” Then seeing that Teal’c was ready, Jack signaled to the rest of the men who were close enough to see him. “Okay. Let’s do this!”

Teal’c positioned his weapon, took aim and fired. Within seconds, the blast annihilated a large area of enemies that had been surrounding them, affording Jack the opportunity he had been hoping for. While some enemy fire remained, they had been given an opportunity to make up some ground and have a chance at getting the upper hand in the fight.

Standing up to his full height, Jack spotted the leader of SG-5. “Meyerson!” Jack shouted over the occasional weapons blast and return gun fire. “You and your team secure the Gate. And radio Landry for some more damn reinforcements!” Seeing the man salute in acknowledgement, Jack turned to his team, awaiting his direction. “Let’s move!”

SG-1, along with SG’s 4 and 7 flanking them, took off at a run, weapons up and ready to defend at the slightest movement. The firefight near the buildings where Jack suspected Sam and the others were had intensified, and an uneasy feeling had begun to seep into Jack’s gut, one that pushed him on even harder and faster.

They were met by opposition down almost the entire length of the makeshift road that led into what the village. He and his teams slaughtered Ori soldiers and Jaffa alike, or anyone who put up a fight or shot a weapon their way. Twice, both teams had to jump for cover as a Goa’uld ship that had been cloaked, fired multiple bombs in their direct path.

When they had finally come within a few hundred feet of one of the outlying buildings, Jack quickly paired up members of both teams, sending them off in different directions in hopes of gaining an advantage through surprise rather than as one large group that would be easier to pick off. Jack couldn’t shake what he had been feeling ever since stepping through the wormhole…as if a cold, hard hand had taken hold of his soul and was beginning to mercilessly squeeze the life out of it.

It wasn’t the firefight or its intensity. Something was wrong, and it was beginning to scare the hell out of him that it had to do with Sam. He had to find her.

A few paces ahead of him, he spotted Major Banks directing some of his men while ducking for cover from enemy fire, and Jack carefully made his way over to him. Teal’c, who had been paired up with Jack, followed, along with Daniel and Vala, who were only a few paces away from them. Mitchell had gone off to their left with one of the members from the other team.

Major Banks, distracted by the fighting, didn’t see Jack until he was almost upon him. Doing a double take in Jack’s direction, Banks saluted hastily as they suddenly ducked for cover from an incoming staff blast. Teal’c, with his superior aim, answered back with his own shot, killing the Jaffa where he stood.

“General O’Neill,” Banks yelled over the noise. “Good to see you, Sir.”

Jack gave him a half smile. “I’ve brought you some help. SG teams 1, 4 and 7 are flanking out around the perimeter of the town…if that’s what it is.” When Banks simply nodded, Jack went on. “SG-5 has secured the Gate for now, but it wasn’t easily done. Landry should be sending in more reinforcements soon!”

Banks fired off a few rounds, along with Jack and the rest of them. When he could talk again from behind the rock formation protecting them, he nodded. “Thanks! We can use all of the help we can get!” Only hesitating for a moment, he then went on. “Don’t know what the original goal was of either the Ori or Goa’uld, but it seems that it’s now just a bitter battle that we’ve been caught in the middle of!”

Jack nodded. “It certainly appears that way.” Not wanted to put off his next question, he continued before they could be interrupted again. “Where’s Colonel Carter?”

Banks nodded over at a large building in the center of the small collection of buildings. “She’s in there. The Tok’ra have set up their headquarters in there…at least for now. She’s attempting to evacuate the building. There are quite a few who have been infected with that damn Ori virus.”

Jack nodded. “Thanks.” Looking over at Teal’c, he pointed to the building. “You and I are going to go help Carter get people to safety. Daniel,” he said, pausing to look his direction, “you and Vala get back to the Gate. Tell Landry we need more medical supplies, and if it’s not too much trouble,” he said, sarcasm lacing his voice as the ducked from more enemy fire, “ask where the HELL my reinforcements are! We’ve got to get a handle on this situation before we all end up dead!”

Nodding, Daniel and Vala moved back in the direction they’d come. But just as Jack began making his way to the building, Jack heard a commotion to his left and turned to see Mitchell, along with several other members of SG-4, running his direction.

“General!” Mitchell shouted as he ran, pointing to the sky. “We’ve got incoming!”

Jack looked up just as an enormous Ori ship came into view from the stratosphere. Suddenly, the air around them was alive with weapons fire. Assaulting from the ground and the sky, the battle had amplified to its climactic point, with soldiers on all sides running for cover as they fired at each other.

Jack retook his defensive position as Mitchell and two other team members from SG-4 dove over the rock barrier to join him. Pressed together and up against the wall of the rock’s ashen face, they defended their position in unison as war raged on all around them.

Jack’s heart was beating wildly as his adrenaline pumped hard throughout his bloodstream. “Damn it! Where are the other teams!! We’re going to get slaughtered out here!”

Mitchell quickly looked over at Jack and then fired more rounds. “Sir! I suggest we pull back while we still can!”

Jack fired on an Ori warrior approaching their position. “Not without Carter and the rest of our people!!”

Mitchell shouted back over the noise. “I’m not suggesting retreat! We need to…”

“Look out!” Major Banks suddenly yelled.

Jack looked in the direction he was firing and saw a Goa’uld ship bearing down on their position. Trapped with enemies behind them, to either side, and above, there was no place to hide.

Opening fire on the ship, they fought with all they had, not seeing much hope in escaping a suddenly doomed fate. Without warning, a huge blast impacted the Goa’uld ship, splitting it in two and causing a huge explosion as it blew up into pieces above their heads. The ground shook violently as the air vibrated around them, almost as if it were a living thing.

Jack pressed his body to the ground, eating some dirt when he did as the smoky air filled his nostrils, causing him to cough. Some debris fell around them as they cautiously sat up, looking slightly baffled. “What the hell was that?!”

As if in answer to his question, the huge Ori ship that had appeared earlier swooped over their heads suddenly, and then came to a stop a short distance away, hovering above the ground. Major Banks looked over at Jack. “I guess that was dumb luck.”

Jack hastily nodded. “They cleared a temporary path for us. Let’s not let that slip by.” Giving direction in the form of hand signals to the eight men around him, they got up from their defensive positions and began an advancement on those still fighting on the ground.

Running hard, Jack focused his attentions on fighting, giving his all in hopes of putting it to an end. He hadn’t been involved in a battle with the Ori until now, and he was certainly getting a first-hand view on just how bad they really were.

The one race of people he hadn’t run into yet since arriving on the planet was the Tok’ra, and he could only assume that they were fighting more around the core of the buildings, trying to keep the enemy at bay. Jack looked for the building where Sam was supposed to be, but he had moved out of visual range. All he knew was that he had to find her, and he was willing and ready to fight anything that stood in his way.

Jack caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and whipped around in time to see an Ori soldier in the process of firing on him at close range. But before that heart-stopping split second had a chance to play out, the warrior was shot from behind by Teal’c, who had come just in time.

“O’Neill,” he said, “the reinforcements are coming through the Gate now.”

Jack’s response after a breathless moment had a double meaning. “Thanks, Teal’c.”

Tilting his head in acknowledgement, they both turned to see about 30 SG soldiers making their way to them at a fast pace to join the fight.

Moments later, the ship above them began firing wildly in all directions, not caring who they hit, including their own people. Time suddenly seemed to turn in slow motion…Jack’s gun pounding out rounds, Teal’c’s staff weapon that he had acquired from a fallen Jaffa lighting the air around them, firepower from the ship splitting the air in two as it impacted random buildings, causing them to explode, soldiers on all sides running for cover as others were sent flying in the air by a ground hit from the ship. It was the turning point of the battle, and it was over less than five minutes later.

The Ori ship, it had seemed, had tired of the planet and its battle. Destroying what it could became a primary goal, and then it was gone, leaving behind a path of destruction on all sides.

The air was deadly quiet, with only the aftermath sounds of battle residing…a cough here, a groan there, someone crying out in pain, an occasional shot from a gun, the crack and popping sound from burning wood. Jack sat up and surveyed the damage, his eyes seeing more casualties than survivors.

Coughing from the smoky air, he stood up and looked around him. Teal’c was lying on the ground a few feet away with a large gash on his forehead and a bullet wound in his left shoulder.

“Teal’c!” Jack said with panic in his voice as he made his was over to his old friend. “Come on, buddy, open your eyes!”

Groaning, he did as Jack asked, flinching in obvious pain. “O’Neill…are you injured?”

Jack smiled with relief. “No, my friend, but you are. Can you move?”

“I am fine,” he said grunting softly as he sat up with Jack’s help.

“I beg to differ,” Jack said eyeing him carefully. “You’ve got a nasty cut on your forehead and your shoulder took a hit…although it appears the bullet made a clean exit.”

“It is nothing,” he said, brushing off Jack’s concern as he gingerly stood up and looked around him. “There are many others much worse off than I.”

“General O’Neill!” Major Banks could be seen running towards them. “Sir…are you okay?”

Jack nodded as the man caught his breath. “I’m fine, Banks.” Hesitating for a moment, he then cleared his voice and went on. “Get back to the Gate. Inform Landry what happened and tell him to send us as much help as he can, especially medical. Any soldiers that you find who are uninjured and able to look for survivors, send them this way. Go!”

Major Banks saluted him. “Yes, Sir.” Turning, he took off in the direction of the Gate.

Jack looked over at Teal’c and then adjusted his gun. “Let’s go. We’ll check for survivors as we walk, but I’ve got to get to that building, T. Something’s wrong…I can feel it.”

Teal’c nodded. He could see the panic that Jack was trying to contain and how much the anxiety was working on him. Placing a firm hand on Jack’s shoulder, he met Jack’s eyes. “We will find her, O’Neill.”

Jack blinked and then nodded briefly, unsettled by the fact that he knew Teal’c couldn’t reassure him that she was okay…because they didn’t know. And after all the destruction from the battle that had raged, his own personal reassurances began to falter.

Finally, with no more enemies immediately threatening their path, Jack and Teal’c took off at a jog, carefully watching their surroundings, wanting to be sure someone wouldn’t fire on them unexpectedly.

A few minutes later, Jack and Teal’c finally made their way into the “center” of town. Bodies of fallen soldiers on all sides laid scattered over the ground, while most of the buildings around them were rather burning or heavily damaged from the fighting…including the one that had been the headquarters for the Tok’ra…and where Sam was supposed to have been.

Jack stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of it…half of the building had been blasted apart, while the rest of it was engulfed in flames. For one gut-wrenching moment, Jack’s heart stopped, before his adrenaline kicked in and panic took over.

Daniel was bending over a fallen soldier when he looked over and spotted Jack coming towards him, with a wild-frenzied look in his eyes. “Jack,” he said, moving into his path with his hands up.

The mention of his name brought Jack back to reality, and he looked at Daniel as he frantically asked his question. “Is she in there?” When Daniel didn’t immediately respond, he took a firm hold on Daniel’s shirt front, raising his voice. “Is Carter in there?”

Daniel, startled by Jack’s sudden aggression, took a step back as he placed his hands on Jack’s shoulders. “It’s too late, Jack…there’s nothing we can do.”

Daniel’s words, though soft and sympathetic, set off a charge within Jack that exploded a moment later. Nothing mattered…Jack didn’t care who or what was around him. Every cell in his body was suddenly screaming to move, to run, and to save her. He’d almost lost her only a short time ago, and now, standing there, looking at a raging inferno, he refused to give up on her now. He had to get in there, had to try and find her, to save her…or he would die trying.

Jack suddenly felt the urgency of the moment take hold, and using his fear and rage, pushed Daniel off of him. “Daniel, she’s in there!!” Charging forward, he didn’t get far before Teal’c suddenly had him in a bear hug after coming in behind him. “Teal’c!!” Jack yelled, struggling as Daniel stood facing him, “get the Hell off me!! Sam! Sam! Samantha!!”

“O’Neill!” Teal’c’s loud booming voice rang in his ears as he continued to struggle as they held him back. “You cannot save her this time.”

Teal’c continued to squeeze so hard that it nearly took Jack’s breath away, forcing him to calm down enough for Daniel to grip Jack’s shoulders again as he spoke to him. “Jack,” he said, his voice carrying sorrow that his expression mimicked, “she’s gone. I’m sorry…I know she meant a lot to you…”

At that moment, Jack just wanted to choke Daniel, but Teal’c held him tight, as a singular tear rolled down Jack’s face. Looking straight at Daniel, he spoke, his voice cracking, yet full of rage. “You don’t have a clue, you son of a bitch. That’s my wife in there! She was my wife!” At that, Jack shook out of Teal’c’s hold and walked away, leaving a stunned Daniel speechless as the rest of the world around them continued to move on as if nothing had been said at all.

48 Hours Earlier

Sam was in the control room, performing some minor Gate diagnostics when the phone rang in the background. Paying it no mind, she continued on at the computer, wanting to input the final bulk of data so she could get back to her lab.

Over the past five weeks, life had been a rollercoaster of activity: projects coming and going in waves, mission assignment from the very boring to the ultra challenging, reports to write, and an onslaught of meetings that had her wanting to run and hide. Life was never dull, and while she enjoyed it, she also knew that she didn’t have the same enthusiasm she used to have for it all those years ago. Jack changed all that.

At the thought of his name, Sam sat back and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose to stay off a headache that was trying to take hold. Since their wonderful but ill-fated camping trip to the mountains of North Carolina, she had only seen Jack a handful of times. During all of them, he had come to see her since her busy schedule hardly allowed time for her to travel to D.C., not to mention the fact that it was a lot easier for him to invent some valid excuse to come to her.

Yet despite the fact that they always seemed to be cheated on time together, it was that time that she treasured most. Coming home to him was the best, and even her fellow airmen noticed the subtle skip in her step whenever she knew Jack was at home waiting for her to return.

Lost in thought, she jumped when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Turning around, she found Walter looking apologetic. “Sorry, Colonel, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Sam waved him off. “That’s okay, Walter. I was just lost in thought. What’s up?”

Walter relaxed and pointed to the phone. “You have a call, Colonel.”

Sam, happy to leave her work for a moment, walked over to the receiver and picked it up. “This is Colonel Carter.”

“Hey, Carter! How’s it going?”

Sam smiled discretely to herself as her heart picked up a few beats. Jack’s voice always sent her soaring inside. “Sir! Fine, thanks…how are you?” She hated how good they’d gotten at the façade.

Jack knew she’d be limited to what she could say since she was in the control room, and though he wanted nothing more than to play with her, he figured she’d make him pay for it later if he did. Besides, he wasn’t sure who might be listening.

Jack sighed. “I’m okay…not really enjoying all the bureaucratic nonsense, but I guess it comes with the territory.”

Sam smiled. “Yes, Sir.”

“I called to let Landry know that I’ll be stopping by on official business in a few days, but apparently he’s tied up in some meeting. Could you let him know to expect me?”

Sam was elated! In two more days, she could look forward to sleeping in his arms again. “Carter?” Sam blinked at the sound of his voice. “Sorry, Sir…yes, I’d be happy to let him know.” Hesitating momentarily, she went on. “It will be great to see you again. You’ll have to stay for a few days. Maybe we can all catch dinner together.”

Jack smiled as he sat back in his office chair, the leather squeaking under his shifting weight. “Sounds great! See you then.”

Sam hung up the phone after he did, already planning in her head what they could do. It was Walter’s voice that interrupted her thoughts again.

“Is General O’Neill going to pay us a visit?”

Sam turned around with a smile. “Yep…in a few days.” Sighing contently, she started walking back to her work area. “Remind me to inform…” Just then, the alarms for the Gate began going off as the Gate itself came to life.

Soldiers took up their defensive positions as Walter went over to the computer controlling the Gate. “Unscheduled off-world activation!” Those in the control room fixed their eyes on the Gate as the seventh symbol locked in place and the vortex of the wormhole shot through with its usual brilliance.

Sam shot a look at Walter, her hand at the ready over the iris control pad. “Anything?”

After another moment, Sam saw Walter’s shoulders relax slightly. “It’s the Tok’ra IDC.”

“What do we have?” Landry’s booming yet scratching voice came up behind Sam.

“It’s the Tok’ra IDC, Sir,” Sam said with hesitation.

Landry paused for a moment and then nodded at Sam, looking at her hand. “At ease, Colonel. We haven’t heard from them in a while. And considering their reclusive nature, this is more than likely important.”

Sam did as she was instructed, bringing her hand away from the iris control just as a man stepped through the Gate. It was her father.

Forty-five minutes later, Jacob, Sam, Landry, and Dr. Lam sat around the conference table. “So,” Jacob said, “you can see why I came seeking your help. We heard you recently procured a cure to the Ori virus, and are hoping you can help us.”

Dr. Lam nodded, glancing at General Landry first. “We do have a version that cured those infected here, but I will have to modify it to accommodate the symbiote. And there will be no way of testing it except on one of your infected.”

Jacob nodded. “You will have no problem finding volunteers. There are unfortunately a large number.” Then Jacob’s head went down for a moment. Sam saw his eyes flash, and when he looked back up, Selmak was with them. “We do appreciate your efforts in aiding us. I know that recent relations between the Tok’ra and the Tauri have been strained through difficult situations, so your help is greatly appreciated.”

Landry leaned forward in his chair, folding his hands in front of him as he looked at Selmak with raised eyebrows. “How about we let bygones be bygones? Between the Ori threat and everything else that is going on, I think it would be in all of our best interests to become united. We don’t have to be best friends, but together, we all stand a better chance against those threatening us.”

Selmak nodded. “Well spoken, General Landry. I’m sure the Counsel will be happy to hear this, as they will be happy for whatever assistance you can provide to us.”

Landry nodded. “Very well.” Then he looked over at Dr. Lam. “What do you need to get started?”

Dr. Lam straightened in her chair. “A blood sample from one of the infected and from one who’s not. The comparison should prove useful in finding a quicker alternative to the cure.”

Landry nodded. “Alright. Colonel,” he said, turning to Sam, “with the rest of your team off base today, I’m going to make you point on this. Assemble a small team for defense; although it sounds like the Ori have left the planet and its people to wrought, I’m taking no chances. You will go ahead of Dr. Lam and her team. Try and isolate the infected…I’m sure your father can help you with that.”

Jacob blinked and was back with them. “There’s a building we’ve been utilizing that will be a good place to set up. There’s plenty of room for the medical equipment that will be needed.”

Landry nodded, satisfied. “Good. Colonel Carter, I’ll send the rest of SG-1 when they report back to base…unless you want me to do that now?”

Sam shook her head. “That’s not necessary, Sir, but thank you. I’ll report back if there is any trouble.”

Landry stood. “Make it a standard report every 12 hours, Colonel.”

The rest of them stood as Sam nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“You have two hours to assemble your team. Dismissed.” Landry turned and walked towards his office as Dr. Lam looked over at Sam.

“I should be able to join you with my medical team shortly after you leave,” she said and then turned her eyes on Jacob. “How long will it take you to get the samples I need?”

Jacob answered promptly. “I should be back within the hour.”

Dr. Lam smiled. “Thank you. I’ll go get you the supplies you’ll need. I’ll meet you in the Gateroom.”

Jacob and Sam watched her go and then turned to each other. Jacob gripped Sam’s shoulders as he smiled. “I know you’ve got a lot of work to do, but can you spare a few minutes to walk your old man to the Gate?”

Sam laughed as she took the arm he offered her. “Dad, you know you don’t have to even ask me that.” They began to walk as Sam spoke up first. “So, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come for a visit. It’s been nine months…we’ve missed you.”

Jacob smiled and glanced at her, understanding her use of the term ‘we’. “It’s good to know I’ve been missed. And how are ‘we’ doing?”

Sam sighed and stopped walking, looking at him as she spoke, keeping her voice low. “Things have been wonderful…but hard at the same time.”

Jacob took hold of her elbow and gently guided her out of the mainstream of hall traffic where they could talk more privately. “Sam,” he said, with sympathy in his eyes, “I’m so sorry I haven’t been back to see you since your special day. “It’s not that I haven’t wanted to. It’s just been so…”

Sam placed an easy hand on his right arm, interrupting him. “It’s okay, Dad. You’re busy. When haven’t you been? My whole life I watched you always on the move, never slowing for even one day to just enjoy life. It’s who you are…I get it…and I’m proud of you for it.”

Jacob smiled. “Sam, honey, there are so many times that I regret not being there for you, but I’m determined to make up for them, to make things right, and your marriage to Jack is a great stating place for me.”

Sam smiled and started to respond, but Jacob held out his hand. “I know things have probably been far from perfect, especially considering your circumstances, but I would have strongly opposed your union if I’d felt for even a second you two couldn’t make it work. I know you can…and will.”

Sam reached out and embraced her father, blinking back tears. “Thanks, Dad.”

Jacob held her tightly for another moment before pulling back and gripping her shoulders, looking directly into her face. “I know we can’t really talk right now, but I promise you after this crisis is over, I’m going to come back and spend a few weeks here with you.”

Sam smiled. “I’d like that.” Wiping the tips of her tear-stained fingers on her pants, she nodded in the direction they’d been going. “We’d better get to the Gate. I’ve got to assemble my team. We should be good to go by the time you get back with the samples.”

Jacob nodded. “Thanks, Sam. I know the relations between our races have not been on the best terms, so everyone’s help here means a lot.”

Sam took his arm and guided him back down the hallway. “Tok’ra or not, you’re my father, and an Air Force General…help will always be there when you need it. Besides, since we already have the base formula, it shouldn’t be too hard to modify. We’ll be back on Earth before you know it.” Grinning at her father, they continued down the hall to the Stargate.

Sam held her breath as her foot came in contact with a dead limb from the trees above her, causing it to crack loudly. Holding perfectly still in the shadows, she waited to see if the noise had drawn any unwanted attention to her hidden position. After a few moments, she felt her muscles release slightly as she carefully moved forward to get a better vantage point of the Stargate now only a few hundred yards away.

The Gate itself was being guarded by only three Jaffa, as the rest were in the village, scouring buildings for the Tok’ra, who had thus far eluded them. But she knew it wouldn’t be for long. And they were now aware of the SGC’s presence as well. Four out of six of the team members she had taken with her had stumbled upon the Goa’uld upon a routine surveillance check of the area. It had been one Al’kesh loaded with ten Jaffa.

But upon spotting her team, they had immediately opened fire while the ship took off, no doubt to bring reinforcements from a mothership somewhere nearby in the space surrounding the planet.

Lieutenant Collins had radioed her when the firefight began, and she took off for the Stargate, knowing they would need reinforcements and would be given little time in which to acquire them. Her father had insisted on sending some of the Tok’ra with her for defense, but she’d argued that the village would be targeted next and they’d need all the help they could get. So leaving the rest of her team in the village, she took off at a hard run, intent on sending an audio message through the Stargate for help, and then return to the village as quickly as she had left it. There were plenty of sick people still infected with the Ori virus, and despite Dr. Lam’s continual hard work over the last two days, a lot still needed to be done. And they certainly were in no shape to defend themselves alone.

When she left them, the Tok’ra were moving everyone to one central location and mounting a defensive perimeter around the building. Sam was sure it had been just bad luck that the Goa’uld had found them. She reasoned that they were probably out scouting for planets, but they were soon to find out it was dangerous work. Not only had they run into the Tauri, but they also had to deal with the Tok’ra and a deadly Ori virus.

Deciding she could waste no more time, she was about to take them out on her own when her radio crackled to life and a soft voice filled its speaker. “Colonel Carter!” It was Collins voice, whom she had been unable to reach since his initial call to her.

Clicking on her radio, she spoke softly in response. “Collins, what’s your status?”

He answered without hesitation. “We’re directly opposite your position. I saw you through my scope.”

Sam looked at the small grove of trees on the other side of the Stargate and spotted them. “Is everyone with you?”

“No, Colonel. I lost Andrews and Hutch. It’s just me and Edwards. What are your orders?”

Sam thought for a moment and then responded. “Take them out. I need to dial Earth and get a message through to the SGC. It won’t be long before their reinforcements arrive.”

“Yes, Ma’me.”

“On my count.” Sam readied herself as she aimed her P-90. “3—2—1!” Opening fire, they each took out a Jaffa with little opposition. Emerging from their cover, Sam quickly moved over to begin the dialing sequence as she nodded at Collins. “Thanks. Keep a lookout.”

After a few moments, the seventh chevron locked into place and she dialed her personal IDC for audio only.

Back at the SGC, Jack had been there for thirty minutes and was in the process of speaking to Hank when the alarms went off for an unscheduled activation of the Stargate.

Moving down the stairs with Jack behind him, General Landry spoke up. “What’ve we got, Walter?”

Walter took a moment before answering. “It’s Colonel Carter, Sir…audio only.”

Jack, who had heard nothing about her being off world, spoke up in surprise. “Carter?!”

Landry glanced at him. “I haven’t had a chance to fill you in yet. The Tok’ra came to us requesting help with an Ori virus that had infected them. Colonel Carter took a team along with Dr. Lam and some medical personnel. They’ve been at it now for two days.” Not waiting for a response from Jack, Landry moved over to the speaker and pushed the button. “Colonel, this is General Landry. What’s your situation?”

Carter looked behind her before answering to make sure no one had encroached on their position. “Not good, Sir. The Goa’uld are here and more are on the way. They discovered some of my team on a surveillance run. I believe it is by coincidence that they are here. But an Al’kesh took off after unloading their troops. That was about twenty minutes ago.”

Jack didn’t like the sound of her voice. It was full of tension, the kind of tension he knew well from all the years of leading SG-1 into battle. It sent his nerves firing and it took all he had to keep himself from ordering reinforcements through the Gate at that moment.

But Landry spoke up before Jack could. “What do you need, Colonel?”

Sam replied immediately. “As much as you can spare, Sir. I’m down by two men, leaving only four of us, plus what the Tok’ra can provide, which won’t be much. Most of them are still sick with the virus, or in the middle of recovery. They’ve…”

Suddenly, those in the SG control room heard a man yelling in the direction of Sam. “Colonel! We’ve got incoming!” Then gunfire was heard as an explosion deafened the speaker for a moment.

Jack surged forward and pressed the button on the microphone. “Carter! Carter! Are you there?”

Sam, who had ducked behind a large rock, didn’t register who was now calling her name. She was almost too stunned for words, until the voice on the other end finally cut through. “Sir, we need help NOW! Not only have the Goa’uld sent reinforcements, but an Ori ship just filled the sky above us!” More commotion could be heard and then another man’s voice shouted out. “Colonel…watch out!” More gunfire and then without warning, another explosion filled the speaker, cutting off the radio, and then the wormhole transmission itself.

Jack’s body was vibrating in place as his heart beat uncontrollably in his chest. Turning to Hank, Jack practically barked at him. “I’m going. Give me the lead and we’ll wipe their asses out!!”

Landry, despite the urgency of the moment, placed a hand on Jack’s shoulder to steady him. “You showed up at the right time. I can think of no one better for the task. I’ll send Major Banks ahead with a team to help while you gather the rest.”

Jack nodded at him and then ran off in the direction of the locker rooms. People started running as orders were given out. The base, a giant sleeping entity, had suddenly awoken to a flurry of activity, as if it had become a living thing itself.

And Jack fully intended to drag as much of that life with him as he could. From what he’d just heard, it sounded like a full out war, and his wife was stuck smack in the middle of it, with nothing but her gun to protect her. And that would only last so long before her luck ran out, and he’d be damned if he was going to sit here on Earth and let that happen.

Jack blinked back more tears as he stood in the shadow of a large tree and stared at the building where Sam had been. Memories came unbidden, her voice filtering through his head as the sounds of her beautiful laughter filled his ears. It couldn’t be over…all that they had been through, all the times they’d cheated death and won…was it all to come down to this? A senseless tragedy brought on by a pointless battle that left no resolution other than death, destruction, hate, and feelings of revenge for all of the fallen. They had been here to help, not to fight. They’d never stood a chance.

Jack wiped at his eyes as he noticed Daniel and Teal’c approaching him cautiously. He knew he needed to pull himself together and be the leader they all expected and needed. There would be plenty of time for tears later.

Daniel cleared his throat uneasily as he came to stand beside Jack. Not sure where to begin, he stood there quietly with Teal’c behind him, hoping Jack would break the silence for him. Daniel had always suspected feelings between Jack and Sam, but both of them were guided so much by rules, he never imagined a relationship beyond anything professional, let alone a secret marriage. How they had pulled it off and for how long, he didn’t know, but despite the odds, they had.

Opening his mouth, he pushed his glasses back up his nose as he began to speak. “Jack,” he said, his voice much softer and sympathetic than it had been a few minutes ago, “I am so sorry. I had no idea she was…”

Jack held up his hand without looking at him. “You didn’t know, Daniel. You have nothing to apologize for.” Jack, with his voice cold and almost unrecognizable, turned his head in Daniel’s direction and met his eyes. “She was my wife, and I loved her more than I have ever loved anyone…except for my son…and now they’re both gone.”

Daniel was at a loss for words. Having only found out about their relationship, he wasn’t sure what words he could say that would help him. Losing his own wife years ago, he understood the pain and felt for what Jack was going to go through in the days and years ahead.

Then Teal’c spoke up. “Are you sure she was in there, O’Neill?”

Jack looked over at him and said nothing for a moment. “All I know is that Banks said she was, along with our medical team…and since I don’t see them…”

Just then, Jack’s radio came to life as Mitchell’s voice came through. “General, are you there?”

Jack clicked on his response. “I’m here, Mitchell. What’s your situation?”

Mitchell replied promptly. “I’ve got several Tok’ra trapped along with some of our people in a type of makeshift shelter. Can you round up some help?”

Jack could feel hope trickling into his veins. “Is Carter with them?”

Mitchell’s response took a moment. “I’m not sure…I don’t think so. She’s not with you?”

Jack hesitated before answering. “No.” Steadying his voice, he went on. “What’s your position?”

Mitchell gave them their location, a short distance behind the central building they were looking at. As Jack started out, Daniel began to speak. “Jack, maybe you should…”

Jack cut him off. “No, Daniel…Teal’c’s right. She could still be alive. But in the meantime, we’ve got work to do. And with any luck, she’ll be with those trapped. Now let’s go!”

Teal’c and Daniel looked at each other as Jack moved off, barking orders at a group of soldiers that were passing by and sent them into action. After a moment, they followed him, both determined to help and protect the friend who had always been there for them.

Hours later, after back-breaking work and a large group effort at hauling debris from the fallen building, now just a ruin of smoking ash, the door to the shelter was pulled open and one by one, people began filing out.

Among them were Dr. Lam and most of the team she had brought with her. But some had met their unfortunate end in the building. Jack, losing hope with each person exiting who was not Sam, found a small surge of relief rush through his body as Jacob walked out of the shelter and into the open air. Bloodied and bruised, he none the less was walking under his own power, and Jack wasted no time moving over to him.

Placing his hands on Jacob’s arms, they embraced for a moment in a soldier’s stance as Jack spoke. “It’s good to see you, Jacob. Are you okay?”

Jacob winced as he adjusted his leg and nodded. “I’ve been worse. Thanks for digging us out.”

Jack then asked his next question. “Tell me you know where she is?!”

Jacob looked startled and then suddenly worried. “I assumed she was with you!”

Jack could feel his pulse pounding again. “I was told she reported back to that heap!” He pointed to the charred remains of the building.

Jacob shook his head. “She did after she contacted the SCG. But then after the fighting intensified, it was decided to move everyone we could into the shelter. We moved the sickest first, and then as things progressed, she and a small group of Tok’ra said they were going to set up a better defensive perimeter around us to slow down the assault.” He paused for a moment and then went on. “I just assumed she’d met up with those from Earth.” He then examined the destroyed structure with horrified eyes. “She was in there?”

Jack sighed heavily. “We don’t know, but it was her last known position, and so far, we haven’t found her.”

Dr. Lam, who had been moving between patients, checking on their vitals, stopped and moved over to join them. “Excuse me, General, but are you talking about Colonel Carter?”

Jack and Jacob both turned to her at the same time. “Yes,” Jack said intently. “Do you know where she is?”

Dr. Lam shook her head as Teal’c, who had been within earshot, moved in to join them. “No. But if she’s alive, we need to find her. Over the last few days, I’ve been periodically monitoring personnel for the Ori virus to make sure I had no new cases. All of Colonel Carter’s blood tests came back clean, except for the last one I took.

The sample was drawn right before she and the other Tok’ra left to set up a more defensive position, but I never had the chance to tell her the results because we were moved in here.” Pausing briefly, she then went on. “I’m sorry, Sirs, but she has been infected with the Ori virus, and she’s running out of time. This newer strain moves faster than the original, and since it was designed for the Tok’ra and their symbiote, the effects are going to be that much faster for her.”

“Carter’s infected?” Mitchell and Vala joined them at the end of Dr. Lam’s sentence. “How is that possible? I thought this virus was made for the Tok’ra?”

Dr. Lam nodded. “It was. More than likely, there are still protein markers left in her blood from the symbiotic relationship she had with Jolinar. I knew there was a slim chance she could become infected, which is why I was monitoring her more closely than others.”

Jack suddenly found his temper flaring. “If you knew there was a chance, you should have never let her help with this mission!”

Jacob discreetly moved his left hand and nudged Jack’s arm in an attempt to keep his emotions in check. With all that Jack was going through and the uncertainty if his wife was alive or dead, he was afraid Jack would say too much.

Before Dr. Lam could respond, Vala broke into the conversation. “Colonel Carter was once a Tok’ra?”

Daniel, who had been behind her, responded before anyone else could, especially Jack, whose emotions were already tipped. “Ah, she was infected by a host years ago named Jolinar, who was trying to escape a bounty hunter. The symbiote subsequently gave up its life so Sam could live.”

Jack couldn’t stand around any longer. “Alright. Let’s split up into groups. Gather any available man or woman you can find, including the Tok’ra. Spread out around the village and work your way out. That damn building’s still too hot to search, so we’ll leave it for last. Jacob, you’re with me. Daniel, you and Vala make your way back to the Gate to give a report to Landry. Search as you go. Mitchell and Teal’c, move off in that direction. Stay within radio contact. Move out!”

Jack turned away, took a breath, and began to walk when Dr. Lam called out to him. “General O’Neill, I’m truly sorry…I didn’t think the markers would be enough for her to become infected.”

Jack hesitated and then nodded as Jacob joined them. “Just have the cure ready…if we find her.”

Thirty minutes later, they were still searching. For most of it, Jacob had said nothing. But as the minutes drug on, and no one had reported in on finding her, Jacob could see Jack’s nerves were beginning to wear thin.

Clearing his throat, Jacob spoke up. “Sam has been filling me in over the past few days on some of the things I’ve missed while I’ve been gone. It sounded like the two of you have had some adventurous times, especially the trip you recently took to North Carolina.”

Jack glanced over at him and nodded. “You could say that. It wasn’t quite how we planned it. We somehow managed to hook up with a bit of a Looney tune.”

Jacob nodded and then stopped walking. Jack noticed and stopped as well, turning to look at him. He could tell Jacob had something on his mind. “Come on, Jacob, out with it.”

Jacob put his hands behind his back and then spoke, only it was Selmak doing the talking. “He is very concerned for both of you, General. He, and I for that matter, understand the love you and your wife have for each other and the complexity of your situation.”

Jack shifted his position. “Complex is one way of putting it.”

Selmak took a moment and then went on. “In all the many years I have lived, and for all of the memories and experiences I have been through, one key thing I have learned is that you can make life what you want it to be…and that it’s not your station in life, or who you are, or even what you’ve accomplished that makes you real…love does.”

Jack thought for a moment on what he said and then offered him a small smile. “I know…and you’re right. I’ve thought a lot about just throwing in the towel on my career…but then I see how far we’ve come…hiding our relationship…and as much as I want to stop hiding, it seems almost pointless to do that when we’re so close to that time in our lives when we can be together without restriction.”

Selmak’s head dropped and then Jacob was back. “Look, Jack, I admire the dedication you are both showing in making this work, but eventually it’s going to take a toll.”

Jack began to show irritation on his face. Noting this, Jacob spoke again before Jack could. “You two have something rarely given to people in this world. I’ll be very honest with you: when I could see that Sam had fallen in love with you, it concerned me greatly. Not only because of her career that she had worked so hard for, but because you and I have not always seen things in the same way. But,” Jacob said, softening his tone as he took a step towards Jack and placed a hand on his shoulder, “that has changed. While we may not always see eye to eye, you are like a second son to me, and your happiness means just as much to me as Sam’s does.

There’s a quote I often think of when I look at the two of you: ‘Love is an emotion experienced by the many but enjoyed by the few’. You and Sam and one of the few, so no matter what you decide to do with your career, I will help and support you in any way. The love you two share is a rare and special gift.”

Jack gripped Jacob’s arm. “Thanks, Jacob. It means a lot to have your support.” Sighing, he went on. “I just hope she’s…”

Just then, movement on the path ahead of them caught their attention. Taking up defensive positions, they watched a head appear and then a body as a man came over the top of the hill. It was Lieutenant Collins, someone Jack could have sworn he’d heard yelling a warning out to Sam when her initial distress call to the SGC came through over the radio.

Filled with hope but also fear, he revealed his position, along with Jacob, and moved over to him. Collins, startled at first, recognized who it was and saluted. “General O’Neill! It’s good to see you, Sir.”

Jack saluted in return, taking an assessment of the man’s condition. Physically, beyond some cuts, bruises, and obvious exhaustion, he seemed okay. “Is anyone else with you?”

Collins nodded. “Yes, Sir. I was sent ahead to get help. We followed a group of Jaffa…the fighting was pretty intense, but in the end, we won. But there are several injured SGC soldiers, along with some Tok’ra as well.”

Jacob spoke the next question for Jack. “Is my daughter with you?”

Collins answered without hesitation. “Yes, Sir. I’m under her orders.”

Jack wanted to grab the man and hug him. “Where is she?” He could barely hold his emotions in check; he felt like a pot of boiling water, ready to go over the edge under the intense heat of the flame.

“Just down the road. I just left them less than five minutes ago.”

“Can you make it back to the village?” Jack asked hastily.

Collins nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good. I’ll radio ahead that you’re coming.” Jack started to click on his radio and then spoke again. “Thanks, Lieutenant.” Clicking on his radio, he and Jacob began walking at a fast pace in the direction Collins had come from, asking for medical personnel and additional help…but got no response. “Damn…we’re out of range.” Jack turned back to Collins. “Lieutenant, send back help in this direction as soon as you’re in radio-contact range.” Seeing Collins acknowledgement, they resumed their pace.

They only had to walk a short distance before a group of people came into view. The Tok’ra in the group of people recognized Jacob and alerted the others. There were five people total, three Tok’ra and two SGC soldiers…neither of which was Sam. And three of the five were in bad shape.

Jack joined Jacob, who was getting a report from the Tok’ra who had first seen them. When a break in their conversation came, Jack jumped in. “We were told Colonel Carter was with you. Any idea of where she is?”

Sa’lan nodded. “She left in that direction just a few minutes ago to look for water. She appeared to be not feeling well, but when I voiced my concerns, she dismissed them to fatigue.”

Jack didn’t wait to hear anymore. Moving off at a jog in the direction he’d pointed, Jack could feel his heart in his throat as he came into an open meadow. The sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon, setting the tall grasses on fire in a brilliant display of colors. Hues of golden honey and seagrass green were coupled with purple wildflowers that danced in the soft evening breeze. A gathering of trees surrounded the area, dotting the meadow with deeply contrasting colors.

Everywhere Jack looked, he saw beauty…except for Sam’s face. He was just about to turn around and have Sa’lan physically show him where she’d gone when he heard a dried limb crack.

Looking over to his right, he eyes finally found what he had been searching for. The sunlight caught her hair as she stepped out from the protection of the shadows provided by the trees. Her face was smudged with dirt and dried blood, and her clothes told the story of a long, dusty, and well-fought battle.

As Jack turned to face her, he caught his name as she breathlessly spoke it, her eyes welling up with tears from exhaustion but also joy. Slinging his gun behind him, he moved towards her, slowly at first, as if to make sure she was real. But as he neared her, a smiled caught his face as he surged forward and took her in his arms, holding her tight against him, his left hand cupping the back of her head securely to him.

“Oh, God…you’re alive!” Burying his face into her neck, he could feel his own tears as they ran down his face. Pulling back after a moment, he gripped her face as he looked into her eyes, and then kissed her with all the longing he had in him.

Sam continued to let her tears fall, willing them to come. Her body, wrought with what felt like a hundred raw emotions built over the past few days, gladly released them.

When Jack pulled back and wrapped her fully in his arms again, she sniffed and shuttered as she spoke. “You came for me!”

Jack kissed her head. “Only death would have stopped me. I thought I had lost you! When I saw the remains of that building they said you’d been in…I think I lost all feeling.”

Sam looked up then and smiled, wiping at his tear tracks as he did hers. “I guess it was fortunate then that I gathered a small team and went after the enemy.”

Jack nodded. “One of the smartest moves of your career.”

“What happened after we left? I know the reinforcements were trickling in, and I didn’t want to leave the fight, but I thought if we could draw some of them away, it would buy the others time enough to evacuate to the shelter.” Sam winced for a moment and then looked up at Jack for his response.

Jack looked at her with concern but answered her anyway. “Your tactic worked.” He went on to tell her all that had happened in the briefest synopsis he could. He knew that the clock was ticking for her and they had to get back to the village.

He was about to give her the bad news when Jacob appeared. Sam looked over and smiled as he approached. “Hey, Dad. I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

Jacob embraced her. “Hey, Kiddo. Thank goodness you are. You really had us worried. I think Jack here was about to go out of his mind…but instead he just barked orders at everyone, taking his frustrations out on them.

Jack shrugged. “That’s what happens when you get to play General.”

Just then, Sa’lan came from the same direction Jacob had, wanting to discuss possible options on if they should make camp or not.

As Jack and Jacob turned their attentions to him, Sam took a step back. Suddenly, her body felt like she had a bad case of the flu. She could feel her brow begin to sweat as her hands felt clammy. A chill shuttered through her body and she began to shake. Before she could say anything, the world around her began to spin and then everything in front of her went black.

Jack heard something hit the ground behind him and turned around, finding Sam lying on the ground unconscious. “Carter!” Jack quickly fell to his knees near her head and then cupped her face between his hands. “Sam! Can you hear me?!” When no response came, he checked for a pulse. To his relief, he found one.

Jacob, who had bent down on her other side, looked up at Jack. “It’s got to be the Ori virus…we’re running out of time.”

Jack glanced up at Jacob. “I never had time to tell her.” Gathering her limp body in his arms, he stood up and started moving back in the direction of the path that they had taken to get to their current position.

Jacob caught up with him. “You won’t make it back before nightfall, Jack.”

Jack, who kept walking, fired back his response. “Well, I’m not going to sit here and watch her die, Jacob!”

Pausing in his step, Jacob then quickly turned to Sa’lan, who was behind him. But it was Selmak who spoke. “Make camp here tonight. General O’Neill will never make it back to the village with her before nightfall. I’ll go with him. We’ll send the reinforcements as soon as we can. Hopefully we’ll meet up with them. Lieutenant Collins should be in radio range by now. Help may be already on the way.”

Jack barely heard the words Selmak spoke as he marched past the group that was injured. The two SGC soldiers were passed out from their injuries, and the Tok’ra was not fairing much better. But he couldn’t help them, and no matter how wrong it might be in the minds of some, Sam was his top priority. Looking down at her, her face pale and glistening with sweat, he said a silent prayer for strength and for her survival. “Hang on, Sam. You can’t give up…not now...not ever.”

Jacob fell into silent step beside Jack, unhooking the strap from his gun and placing it on himself. No words were needed…for both of them, the objective was crystal clear.

Two days later, Sam opened her eyes. Her surroundings were fuzzy and lit in a dim, hazy light, but as she gingerly opened and closed them, gradually her vision became more focused.

Looking around as she tenderly tried her limbs, she realized that she was back at the SGC in the medical ward. The sound of her rhythmically, beating heart on the monitor told her it wasn’t a dream, and when she looked to her left, she found Daniel dozing in a chair, mouth open, glasses half-cocked on his face.

“Daniel.” Sam spoke softly as not to disturb any other patients in the room. “Daniel,” she said a little louder.

Daniel jumped slightly and then opened his eyes. Pushing up in his chair, he straightened his glasses and then looked at Sam, suddenly aware that she was awake and offering him a small smile. “Hey, Sam!” He said quietly, getting up and walking over to her, taking her hand. “How are you feeling?”

Sam winced as she moved a sore muscle in her leg. “Sore, tired, but mostly confused. How did I get here? The last thing I remember was talking to Ja…General O’Neill and my dad.” Then the panic struck her. “Where are they? Are they okay?”

Daniel smiled. “Everyone’s okay. You on the other hand gave Jack and the rest of us quite a scare.” Hesitating, he went on. “You contracted the Ori virus.”

Sam looked at him in confusion for a moment, and then realization dawned on her. “The protein markers from when I carried Jolinar…it never crossed my mind!”

Daniel nodded. “Dr. Lam knew there was a slight risk, which is apparently why you were tested more than the others. But she didn’t think it was a real possibility. We found out you had it when we got Dr. Lam and the others out of the bunker, but you’d gone missing. Jack sent out search parties immediately.”

Sam smiled softly to herself. She was incredibly lucky to have such a strong, wonderful man at her side. And she knew that he was probably beside himself with worry. Looking up at Daniel, she spoke her next question. “Where is he? Did he have to go back to Washington?”

Daniel watched her for a moment and then shook his head, smiling as he did. “I have to say, Sam,” he said, lowering his voice as he moved closer to her, “you two have your act down. You really should look into acting on the side.”

Sam suddenly paled. From what Daniel was saying, it sounded like he knew about her and Jack…but how? And who else knew if that was the case? Clearing her voice, she tried to sound as normal and innocent as possible. “Daniel, what are you talking about?”

Daniel pulled the chair he’d been sitting in up to her bedside and sat down. “Sam, I know about you and Jack…and I know you’re married.”

Sam couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “But how…how long have you known?”

Daniel took her hand and squeezed it in affection. “I only just found out…and quite by accident. Let’s just say Jack spilled the beans and didn’t mean to.” He proceeded to fill her in on the events she’d missed and how Jack came to tell him when they’d thought she had been killed.

Sam was in awe at how calm he was being over the deception that had been played around him. “And you’re not mad?”

Daniel sat back and sighed. “Mad, no…but I was a bit hurt that you didn’t feel you could tell me about your relationship, especially after you got married.”

Sam jumped into what he was saying. “Daniel, it’s not that we didn’t trust you! It’s just…well, we felt it would be easier on everyone if we kept it to ourselves. It wasn’t fair to ask others to harbor such a big secret.” Remembering where she was, she lowered her voice even more. “Do you understand?”

Daniel smiled at her reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Sam. Jack hasn’t told me all that I missed, but he’s filled me in on most of it. And yes, I do understand.” Pausing for a moment, he went on. “It sounds like your wedding was beautiful. I hope to at least see some pictures.”

Sam held out her hand to him, and when he took it, she squeezed it gently. “Happily.”

Just then Jack’s voice filled the room. “Well, Daniel, I see you still have a problem following orders.” Jack moved closer. “I thought you were going to let me know when Carter woke up.”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “She just woke up a few minutes ago, Jack.”

Sam smiled with delight…delight in see Jack and delight at hearing the ritual banter between him and Daniel. That was one thing that had never changed. Sam softly cleared her throat as she spoke. “We were just catching up, Sir.”

Jack caught her emphasis on the words “catching up” and understood. Glancing at Daniel, he gave her a quick smile but held her gaze in a long look only they understood. “Well good! I’m glad to see you’re feeling better, Carter. You gave us all quite a scare.”

Sam hated this part of their relationship the most. In a moment when she wanted nothing but to feel his arms around her, he had to be practically indifferent. And she knew he felt the same way. “So,” she said, “are you headed back to Washington?”

Jack stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Not yet. I thought I’d stick around for a few days, help you with the paperwork from this near disaster, visit some old haunts, see some old friends, things like that.

Sam smiled. “Thanks for coming after me, Sir…for coming after all of us.”

Jack smiled as he looked into her eyes. “You’re welcome,” he said, softer than usual. “Get some rest. I’ll see you a little later. I’m going to go spread the good word that you’re up and around. I’m sure Teal’c will be by…the big man’s been quite worried about you.”

Sam nodded and smiled, watching Jack as he walked to the doorway. When he turned around to glance her way, he smiled back at her and then very slowly, disappeared around the corner.

Daniel said nothing for a moment, taking in what he’d just witnessed. “Wow.” Standing up, he looked down at her. “And I thought I always had my eyes open.” Bending down, he placed a kiss on her forehead. “Get some rest. We’ll have to celebrate your recovery with a little team reunion…a night out together like we used to do.”

Sam smiled, and feeling her eyes getting heavy, let them close. “Sounds great, Daniel.”

Daniel, seeing that she was falling asleep, stepped to the doorway. Before leaving, he turned and watched her sleep for a moment, still amazed that such a secret could be kept quiet without even him realizing it. And as much as he wanted to be hurt that they hadn’t included him, he also understood. In his mind, it was a testament to how devoted they were to not only preserving their love, but also the careers they had worked so hard to achieve.

A few minutes later when all was quiet again save the soft, conflicting beeps coming from several heart monitors, a pair of eyes slowly opened…and with his mind still reeling from what he’d just overheard, he laid their quietly, unmoving, trying his best to determine how he should use the information he’d just accidently learned.

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