Fanfiction: The Wheels Trilogy - Part I
Fandom: Stargate SG1
Series: Aftershocks
TAG to Episode: S3 Nemesis
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: Daniel/Team friendship. Sam/Jack UST.
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Written for entertainment purposes only.
The Wheels Trilogy
Spinning Wheels
Day One - The SGC
Daniel stared out of the briefing room window at the space where the Stargate usually resided. The gate room seemed so empty without it despite the bustling personnel that filled the area. He’d retreated to the briefing room a few moments before when the control room had filled up with technicians. They were there to prepare everything for the arrival of the second gate and coordinate the naval retrieval of the remains of Thor’s ship. Daniel knew he was in the way; there was no need for him to be there. They needed the missing Samantha Carter to organise the second gate, or Jack O’Neill to organise the retrieval mission, or even Teal’c’s usual calm in the face of unusual situations but they didn’t need a stressed archaeologist, in pain and missing his team-mates.
But he hadn’t wanted to leave. He had wanted to stay somewhere where he felt close to the rest of SG1. Daniel frowned and crossed his arms tightly around his torso. Thor’s ship had blown up in the atmosphere; it had come apart as it had hit the ocean. There was no way that anyone - or anything - had survived. Daniel desperately hoped his belief that his team-mates had beamed the Stargate up to Thor’s ship to use it to escape had been right. That had to have been the plan; they could have used Earth as the point of origin, he assured himself.
His abdomen twinged and he winced; his pale and pained reflection in the window caused him to grimace even more. He should probably head back to the infirmary, he mused tiredly, taking his glasses off to rub at his eyes. He had sneaked out of the recovery ward when Nyan had told him about the events of the day. He shook his head at the feeling of hurt that arrowed through him. He knew he was being overly sensitive about being left uninformed about the mission; that Sam had initially been focused on finding out what had happened to Jack, that when they had realised what was going on, it had left Sam and Teal’c only moments to reach the beam-up site in front of the Stargate with no time for telling their remaining team-mate what was going on…no time for him to join them.
It just didn’t feel right, Daniel mused wearily. He should have been with them; whatever their fate, he should have shared it. A wave of helplessness coursed through him and he closed his eyes at the sudden sting of tears. They were fine; they had to be. He shuddered a little as his mind skittered over the idea that he had lost them. He couldn’t have lost them because they were all he had left…
‘Doctor Jackson?’
Daniel turned at the sound of General Hammond’s concern. ‘General.’ He replaced his glasses and crossed his arms. ‘I, uh, I…’ he struggled to find a justification for his presence in the briefing room.
Hammond smiled understandingly but his pale blue eyes remained anxious. ‘Perhaps you should return to the infirmary, son.’
‘I just…feel I should be here.’ Daniel insisted, hoping the General would give in as he had earlier when they had been waiting for news in the control room.
Hammond sighed and took a step forward to bring him alongside Daniel. For a long moment, they both looked out into the gate room.
‘Major Davis thinks there’s a possibility that our original gate might have survived the explosion.’ Hammond began conversationally.
‘Possibly.’ Daniel said absently, turning the idea over in his head. ‘Sam told me once that the gate was pretty indestructible.’
‘Well, we’re not waiting to discover if it has.’ Hammond said forcefully. He gestured out at the gate room. ‘The beta gate should be up and running within the next forty-eight hours.’
‘And then they’ll be able to gate home.’ Daniel said.
‘And then they’ll be able to gate home.’ Hammond nodded, the artificial lights catching the sheen of perspiration on his balding head.
‘Do you…’ Daniel couldn’t quite bring himself to ask the question and took a breath. ‘Do you think they made it? Honestly?’ He looked over at the older man unaware that his desperation for reassurance shone from his eyes, a glimmer of an eight year old boy that had lost his parents; the recently bereaved husband who had lost his wife.
‘I think,’ Hammond said slowly, ‘that SG1 has an amazing ability to survive.’
Daniel’s gaze dropped to the floor.
Hammond laid a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. ‘Especially when you least expect it.’ The General completed.
His eyes shot back to Hammond’s and Daniel read the sincerity in the older man’s solemn expression. He nodded slowly as Hammond gave his shoulder a final squeeze and went into his office no doubt to deal with the fallout of their situation.
Daniel breathed in deeply and took a final look at the gate room before he turned and walked away.
His team-mates were survivors.
He believed that.
He believed in them.
Day One - P3X-234
She was lying facedown in the dirt. It was the first thought that popped into Sam’s head as she regained her breath. The journey through the wormhole had been rough and they had been expelled violently onto the planet. She was just thankful Teal’c hadn’t chosen a planet with a set of steps. She winced; she figured she would have a massive bruise on her hip for days. At least, she was conscious.
‘Everyone OK?’
The Colonel’s brisk enquiry had her struggling into a sitting position to look over where he had landed. He was already staggering to his feet.
‘I am fine, O’Neill.’ Teal’c picked himself up off the floor and brushed the dirt from his BDU. He immediately turned to the tree-line, assessing their position and assuming guard duty.
‘I’m good, sir.’ Sam said as she accepted the hand Jack offered and allowed him to pull her off the ground. He didn’t release her immediately and she didn’t pull away, enjoying the rough feel of his hand around hers. He suddenly seemed to realise he was holding her hand and gently let go.
‘How’s Thor?’ Jack jerked his head at the stasis pod carrying the dying Asgard.
Sam hurried over and checked over the device for any damage. She eventually shrugged. ‘As far as I can see, he’s fine.’ She laid a hand over the opaque surface. ‘I’m really not familiar enough with the Asgard technology to confirm for certain, sir.’ She admitted apologetically.
‘That’s OK, Carter.’ Jack’s attention had already moved onto the pressing need for survival; his gun was trained on the tree-line. ‘Remind me of this place. I don’t recognise it.’
‘Teal’c escorted the initial survey team here while you were on Edora, sir.’ Sam explained. ‘There’s no discernable signs that this world is inhabited; no mineral importance. It’s not on the list from the Abydos cartouche so it’s unlikely that the Goa’uld have ever come across it and we have it on the short list as a possible Alpha site.’
‘Right.’ Jack’s dawning recognition indicated he had realised why the address was familiar. He glanced back at the Stargate. ‘Carter, how long before they get the second gate operational?’
Sam considered the question; the spare Earth gate was at Area 51 guarded by SGC personnel. She figured a day to unpack and transport it to the mountain and a day to get it into place. Allowing for any technical issues…
‘Seventy-two hours, sir.’ Sam said confidently.
‘So, a few days?’ Jack frowned. ‘Does this place have food, shelter?’
‘There are caves and a stream a short walk from here, O’Neill.’ Teal’c informed him.
‘The initial survey indicated edible plant life and small mammalian species that could be eaten.’ Sam added.
‘OK, the way I see it we have a couple of options.’ Jack said, turning to his team-mates. ‘We can either stay here and rough it, or head to one of our allies.’
Teal’c raised an eyebrow as though surprised.
Sam blinked at Jack.
‘We don’t have that many supplies.’ Jack pointed out. He hoisted the weapon he held. ‘Limited ammo. We didn’t exactly transport to Thor’s ship equipped for off-world travel.’
Sam nodded in rueful acknowledgement. Her mind ran through the contents of her vest, jacket and BDU. ‘I have matches and a knife, sir. A couple of energy bars.’
‘Well, that’s a start.’ Jack looked at Teal’c.
‘I have nothing.’ Teal’c admitted bluntly.
Jack knew what was in his vest; spare ammo. ‘OK. I’m thinking we should probably head for a friendly planet.’
‘What about Tollana, sir?’ Sam suggested. It was more advanced than Earth and the Tollans did owe them for saving their world. If there were any issues, they would be able to get them home another way, hopefully…not to mention she might be able to wangle seeing some of their technology…
Jack pulled a face. ‘I was thinking somewhere a little less…’ he waved his hand as he searched for a word, ‘less.’ He finished.
Sam bit her lip to prevent the smile and shifted her weight. The Land of Light was out; they needed night gear to get through the forest safely. She ran through the options and looked over at him. ‘Cimmeria, sir? It’s an Asgard protected planet.’
‘Excellent idea, Major.’ Jack said, pointing a finger at her. ‘OK, dial it…’
There was a flash of white light and Thor’s stasis pod disappeared.
For a long moment, the three of them stood in stunned silence. Jack looked over at Sam questioningly and she shrugged helplessly. Teal’c raised both eyebrows skyward.
Jack whirled around and glared at the cloudless sky. He raised his arms upwards. ‘Hey!’ He yelled loudly. ‘What about us?’
‘I do not believe the Asgard intend to take us with them.’ Teal’c stated calmly.
‘No kidding.’ Jack sighed and thrust a hand through his silver hair. ‘OK. So they have Thor; we should leave.’
Sam stirred anxiously. ‘I’m not sure that’s such a good idea now, sir.’
He shot her a look of disbelief. ‘Excuse me?’
‘Sir, the Asgard know we’re here.’ Sam explained. ‘It’s probable that the Asgard or Thor will check on us eventually. If we leave and there are any issues with getting home, we might not be able to contact them.’
‘So we leave them a note.’ Jack snapped frustrated. ‘They can come find us.’
‘Sir,’ Sam began heatedly, ‘if there is any problem with installing the gate, the Asgard may be our only hope of getting home.’ She held his guarded brown gaze firmly. ‘If we leave this planet, the Asgard may assume their responsibility to us is negated.’
‘Major Carter raises a valid concern.’ Teal’c said gently when the Colonel didn’t respond immediately.
‘Yeah,’ Jack’s hard features softened, ‘she does.’ His eyes warmed with approval and Sam felt her own cheeks heat with a blush.
‘There is another option.’ Teal’c’s words had the two humans turning to their Jaffa team-mate. ‘One of us secures provisions off-world while the others remain here.’
‘That’s a plan.’ Jack noted. He looked up at the fading light. ‘How far to these caves, Teal’c?’
‘It is but a short walk, O’Neill.’ Teal’c confirmed.
‘OK, let’s go.’ Jack said. ‘We should establish camp for the night. We can return to the Stargate in the morning and send someone for provisions then.’ He looked at each of them.
Sam gave a nod of confirmation and Teal’c inclined his head in agreement.
Jack gestured at the Jaffa. ‘Lead the way, Teal’c.’
They set off at a comfortable pace; the caves were a good twenty minutes walk from the gate but there was plenty of daylight for them to make a scout of the immediate area. Jack looked in approval at the fresh water stream. They had to take the risk of drinking it without water purification tablets but it was water and it assuaged their thirst. They checked the caves for animals and set about making camp.
A couple of hours later, they sat outside the caves, Sam and Jack resting against a fallen log with Teal’c sat close by on a rock. They ate an apple like fruit Jack had found near the stream and watched the sun set. The sky was a beautiful cascade of greens and yellows, bleeding into turquoise. Sam couldn’t help thinking it was stunning but wishing for the more usual red and pink hues of an Earth sunset.
Jack shifted and his arm brushed by Sam’s. He glanced at her apologetically. ‘Another apple, Carter?’
She didn’t bother correcting his naming of the fruit. ‘I’m full, thank you, sir.’ It was true; the apple - or whatever it was - was surprisingly filling. She leaned back, enjoying the warmth of the fire, content.
It had been a good day, she thought with satisfaction. They had saved Earth from the Replicators; saved Thor…saved the Colonel. Her eyes sneaked to the man in question beside her. He looked tired; the firelight softened his features but highlighted the deep lines that were carved into his face; the shadows under his eyes. It had been a long day for him; getting beamed onto Thor’s ship on what was a suicide mission to blow it up and he would have done it too - blown up the ship with him on it to save them all. She knew that. He would have done it and never known she loved him. She looked at the fire, at the flickering flames.
Sam didn’t kid herself. She had known that she loved him for a while. She had been unable to deny the truth when she had been reunited with the Colonel after he had been stuck on Edora for three months. Jack had walked away from her into the arms of another woman and she had known. All her foolish notions that she only had a crush; that she was working night and day to bring him home because he was a team-mate, a friend, all ripped away in one heart-wrenching moment.
She stared at the firelight. She had come close to leaving SG1 after her self-revelation. She had been so scared she would be unable to detach herself from her feelings and make the right decisions where the Colonel was concerned. But she had convinced herself that she could do the right thing; she had loved him and left him on Edora after all, and in truth she cared about all her team-mates more than the official regulations suggested was allowable not just the Colonel…but her actions in the last twenty-four hours…
He had told her it was a one-way trip; ordered her to stay away. Sam drew her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on top of them, hugging them tightly. In her mind, she had heard the echo of his voice in an icy cavern.
‘I’m dying, Sam; follow my order.’
She had done what he had asked that time; climbed out of the ice to try and find a way to save him but hearing that same resignation in his voice, the soft edge of regret, she couldn’t follow his order again. She had been desperate to come up with some argument that would convince General Hammond to let her go and she had offered the shuttle idea hurriedly. Luckily, the General had agreed. She had a sneaking suspicion that she would have just hurled herself at the stockpile of explosives the instant the Asgard beam had touched them if he hadn’t. The thought scared her. So much for her objectivity, she considered wryly. She had been fully prepared to join the Colonel on a suicide mission, to die alongside him, what did that say for her objectivity?
Her fingers brushed the laces of her boots and tugged on them without thought as she reconsidered her previous decision. It had been hard to push her feelings for the Colonel to the back of her mind and continue as normal but the belief that he didn’t feel the same way; that he was still involved with the woman on Edora had helped. His undercover mission had helped. He had pushed her away hard and Sam could admit to herself that it had hurt - a lot. Even though he had apologised for what he had done, it had taken time for her to lower her guard again. She didn’t know quite how it had happened; maybe in seeing him comfort Daniel at Sha’re’s grave or his fierce concern when Daniel had gone missing. It had reminded her of how much he cared about them and with the knowledge that he had no intention of returning to Edora, it had been so easy to start noticing how funny he was again; how smart; how attractive. She had been so tempted to accept his invitation to go fishing…
That had been a surprise, she thought, a feeling of disbelief still flickering through her as she recalled the moment. She hadn’t even been sure he had invited her but he had confirmed that he had. She had been so tempted to accept…so tempted and so scared that if she went fishing with him, she’d give herself away. That alone together, she wouldn’t be able to hide how she felt for him, not to mention that despite his assurance that there was nothing wrong with them going fishing together as friends, she knew it wouldn’t perceived that way by everyone else on the base.
She had turned him down.
But when he’d left she’d had second thoughts; he just considered her a friend - his quick acceptance of her refusal had shown that - and she had thought maybe she could go after all; she had gone after him.
She had chickened out.
There was no other way to describe it, Sam thought ruefully. She had never thought herself lacking in courage but stood in the corridor with Jack’s warm brown eyes on hers waiting for her to speak, she had chickened out of saying what she wanted; to go fishing with him. He had started to tease her, she remembered fondly, coaxing her to accept anyway. Sam frowned. She didn’t really know if he had wanted her to go or not; he had been so quick to accept her initial refusal but then he had seemed so keen for her to change her mind when she had gone after him. She wondered why. She sighed. He had invited her as a friend; that was all. There was no point fantasising that it was anything else. She shivered.
‘Cold?’ Jack asked quietly.
Sam opened her mouth to deny it but the chill through her jacket had her nodding instead. ‘A little, sir.’
‘Swap places with me; it’s closer to the fire.’ Jack got to his feet before she could protest. She shuffled over and he sat back down beside her, closer than before.
‘Thank you.’ Sam glanced over at him and the loose sweater he wore; it had long sleeves but it wasn’t particularly thick. ‘You have to be cold yourself, sir.’
He shrugged. ‘We’ll sleep out by the fire tonight; get some blankets tomorrow.’
She nodded.
Jack cleared his throat. ‘I, er, should thank you guys.’ He caught their surprised looks. ‘For…you know.’
Sam hid her smile at his embarrassed mumble.
‘There is no need.’ Teal’c said firmly.
‘Teal’c’s right, sir.’ Sam added. He didn’t need to thank them for helping him; they were a team and he would have done the same for them.
Jack nodded briskly in agreement.
Sam stretched her hands out to the flames. ‘I wonder how Daniel’s doing.’ She mused out loud.
‘He’ll have worked it out.’ Jack said confidently.
‘I am confident.’ Teal’c agreed.
‘Me too.’ Sam nodded. ‘I only got the idea because of the way he escaped from Klorel’s ship.’
‘Doesn’t quite feel right without him, does it?’ Jack sighed.
‘No, sir.’ Sam missed her friend’s presence; it seemed too quiet without him. Maybe she should have found the time to go to the infirmary when Jack first got beamed away. If she had told Daniel what was going on, he probably would have been up and around to join them on the mission…
‘He was in no condition to come along.’
Sam stared in shock at Jack; had he read her mind? She shook the thought away; it was more likely that the Colonel had just been thinking along the same lines.
Jack smiled at her expression. ‘Daniel’s right where he needs to be, Carter; in the infirmary, getting better.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Sam yawned unexpectedly.
‘You should get some rest.’ Jack said softly.
‘I will take first watch.’ Teal’c confirmed.
Jack looked over at the Jaffa as though to argue but nodded instead. He turned back to Sam self-consciously. ‘We should probably…’ He gestured awkwardly at her and her eyes widened as she got the message; they should share body heat. It was the best way to keep warm.
She nodded and scooted to lie down on the ground on her side, pillowing her head on her arm; her eyes on the flames. An instant later, she felt him stretch out behind her; the warm length of his body against hers. She closed her eyes tightly, certain she would never fall asleep.
Day Two - P3X-234
Samantha Carter was asleep in his arms.
It was Jack’s first thought on waking. He had shifted during the night; he had somehow moved closer to her; his face was buried in the crook of her neck, her blonde hair tickling his skin. His free arm had snaked around her waist and was holding her body tightly to his own. Their legs had tangled together.
Jack understood with some chagrin that it was going to be difficult to move and take his watch without disturbing her. He frowned suddenly, registering the bright light. The sun was up. He carefully raised his head and looked around the camp.
Teal’c was crouched over the fire, gently stoking the flames into a steady burn with a long branch. The Jaffa looked over at him and gave a slow nod of acknowledgement.
Jack felt himself flush red; the way he was holding Carter left very little room for misinterpretation. He moved cautiously away from Sam until he could stand without disturbing her. He gestured at Teal’c who met him at the edge of the clearing.
‘You didn’t wake me.’ There was a faint hint of accusation to his words although he kept them quiet, unwilling to wake Sam.
Teal’c regarded him seriously. ‘You required rest. I do not.’
‘You should have woken me.’ His embarrassment at Teal’c knowing how he’d been wrapped around Sam gave the words a brusque note that had Teal’c raising an eyebrow in understanding.
‘I could not without also disturbing Major Carter.’ Teal’c pointed out.
Jack flushed again. ‘It was a cold night.’ He muttered.
Teal’c simply stared back at him evenly.
‘I have to go…’ Jack gestured at the trees and left before the Jaffa could speak. He walked a few feet into the forest until he was out of sight of the clearing. He relieved himself, taking the time to regain his balance.
So he had unconsciously cuddled up to Carter in his sleep; it wasn’t the end of the world. It had been a cold night and besides, he didn’t stop being a man because he was her CO. It was only natural that he had unconsciously, subconsciously - whatever - moved closer to her. It wasn’t as though he had confessed his feelings for Sam by holding her in the night.
Right.
Jack made his way to the stream that ran near to the caves. He washed his hands and face in the clear water. His fingers caught on the rough stubble along his jaw. He pulled a face; he guessed he was growing a beard for the next few days. He walked back further up-stream to take a drink, cupping his hands and bringing the liquid to his mouth again and again until his thirst was gone. He rose and stretched, grimacing at the various aches that assaulted his body. He watched the water for any sign of life. There didn’t seem to be any fish in the stream.
No fishing.
Jack frowned. He had invited Carter fishing and she had turned him down. He had been disappointed when Sam had turned him down, more disappointed than he was willing to admit even to himself. He had been so sure she had started to feel the same way about him as he felt about her. But, they were Air Force officers and even with his assurance that there was nothing wrong with him extending the invitation as a friend, he knew better and so did she. However Sam felt about him - however he felt about her, there were regulations and he knew there couldn’t be any hint of impropriety between him and Sam; it would ruin her career and she didn’t deserve that. He shouldn’t have expected her to do anything but turn him down, Jack berated himself. In some ways, he should never have asked her; it was just that it was getting harder to pretend that all she was to him was a friend, a team-mate, a fellow officer.
Jack sighed and his eyes caught on the apple trees he had found the previous day. His stomach growled. They would need breakfast. He walked over and started to pick the fruit. Sam did feel something for him; something beyond the boundaries of the military ranks; he believed that. She had been tempted by his invitation enough to come after him and he might have convinced her if Thor hadn’t beamed him up. He also couldn’t forget the very real distress in her eyes when she had registered that he was going to die on Thor’s ship. He had felt the same emotion when he had laid eyes on her in the cargo hold and believed she had transported herself to join him on a suicide mission.
Jack examined the fruit he held without seeing it. He had no idea if her original idea of the shuttle would have worked but after he had accepted that she was there, it had become evident that he had needed her skills. His fingers clenched around the apple, bruising the delicate flesh. In truth he had realised he might need her skills when he had first listened to Thor’s stones; the technical detail in them had been way over his head. He should have requested her presence on the ship regardless of whether they had a way off it…deep down he knew that. He was a military officer; he sometimes had to order the people he served with to take on missions which would result in their deaths - it was part of the job. But he had tried to convince himself he could do the mission without Sam, unable to bring himself to ask her to join him because he didn’t want her to die. His death was acceptable; hers was not.
He took a deep breath. She had asked him once how he remained detached enough with the team to do the right thing, and he had told her that he just tried to make decisions he could live with and hoped that he wouldn’t have to face a decision where it came down to weighing up one of their lives against the safety of Earth. Yet hadn’t he just done that? Jack wondered. He had chosen not to ask Sam to join him; had decided to handle it alone and maybe that would have ended in disaster, with the Earth overrun by Replicators all because he hadn’t want to risk her life.
He discarded the apple he held and picked another as he shoved the thought away. He couldn’t second guess his decision. Maybe it would have worked; maybe he and Thor would have come up with something. They would never know and there was no point dwelling on it. As he had also told Sam, he sometimes didn’t make the right decisions because he was too close to the team, and he had to live with those decisions too. He mentally shut the door on his internal debate and turned back to the camp.
The first thing he noticed was that Sam was missing. He looked around anxiously.
‘Major Carter woke a few moments ago.’ Teal’c informed him crisply. ‘She is in the forest.’
‘Right.’ Jack gave a small sigh of relief; the tightness in his chest easing. She had probably headed into the forest for the same reason he had. They probably should build some kind of latrine, Jack mused, his mind turning to their situation. He placed the apples he had collected on a rock and crouched to tend to the fire.
Sam appeared a few minutes later. Her hair was damp and Jack surmised that she had paid a visit to the stream to wash up.
‘Breakfast.’ Jack motioned at the apples.
The three of them resumed their seats around the fire.
Jack bit into the sweet, tart fruit and chewed appreciatively. It was a great food source, he mused, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to have it for every meal. He swallowed and waved the apple he held. ‘We need supplies.’
‘I will go.’ Teal’c offered.
‘Where?’ Sam asked surprised.
‘The Jaffa camp Master Bra’tac has established will provide for our needs.’ Teal’c asserted confidently.
‘OK.’ Jack nodded. Teal’c had told him about the camp that the rebel Jaffa had established under the watchful eye of Master Bra’tac and he knew Teal’c’s son was there along with Teal’c’s former wife. ‘Carter and I will stay here and focus on the camp; make things a little more liveable around here.’ He glanced over at Sam who gave a small smile in acknowledgement of his order.
The plans made; they finished breakfast quickly. Teal’c left and Jack found himself alone with Sam. They focused on their work; cleaning out the caves, gathering firewood, building the latrine, marking a spot down-stream from their drinking area for washing and cleaning, tending to the fire…they had plenty to keep them occupied.
Jack was almost surprised when Teal’c returned around mid-day. He and Sam searched through the gathered items; warm blankets were laid over the ground in the cave, pots were stacked by the fire, food was carefully packed away, while tools, changes of clothing and personal items were set aside. They all settled around the fire for lunch with a sense of satisfaction.
The flat bread Teal’c had brought was rather tasteless but it provided a good accompaniment to the stewed vegetables they cooked to go with it. Jack took an appreciative sip of a coffee-like drink Teal’c had procured. He was happier that they’d be able to survive the next few days. They did seem to be alone on the planet; the caves were defensible. It was a good spot to camp out for a couple of days.
‘Are you OK, Teal’c?’
Sam’s quiet question drew Jack’s attention to their Jaffa friend. He frowned. To most people Teal’c probably looked impassively expressionless but they had been team-mates for a long time and he could see as Sam had apparently noticed that the Jaffa did look pre-occupied.
Teal’c shifted almost imperceptibly. ‘It is nothing.’
‘Yet it’s obviously something.’ Jack noted.
The Jaffa glared at him.
Jack looked at him pointedly.
‘It is Rya’c.’ Teal’c admitted.
‘He’s alright?’ Sam asked worriedly. ‘I mean, he’s not sick or…anything.’
Teal’c turned to her with an approving look. ‘He is well, Major Carter.’ His gaze dropped to his drink. ‘Rya’c was disappointed that I could not spend my leave with him as planned.’
Jack winced in guilty sympathy. He understood what it was to be an absentee father; he had been one once. He had rarely seen his late son, Charlie; there had always been some mission and he knew Teal’c missed Rya’c keenly. The Jaffa had given up a great deal to throw his lot in with the Tau’ri. Jack leaned forward and tapped the battered ceramic mug he held, wondering if he should make the offer that hovered on the tip of his tongue. He glanced over at Sam who had laid a hand on Teal’c’s arm to lend her support. Jack sighed; his decision made.
‘Why don’t you head back to the Jaffa camp, Teal’c?’ Jack offered.
Sam and Teal’c both turned to look at him with identical stunned expressions.
‘Look,’ Jack said seeing the indecision flicker across the Jaffa’s face, ‘we’re stuck for the next couple of days until they get the Earth gate working again. We should probably stay here in case the Asgard come back but there’s no reason why we all need to stay here. We’ve got a good camp and supplies.’ He shrugged. ‘Go spend the time with your kid.’
Teal’c looked back at Jack fiercely. Jack could see the desire to go warring with Teal’c’s innate sense of duty to stay with them.
Jack shot a look at Sam. He raised his mug. ‘We’re OK here, aren’t we, Carter?’
‘Yes, sir.’ Sam agreed automatically. She turned to Teal’c. ‘The Colonel’s right, Teal’c.’ She said quietly. ‘We’ll be fine.’
Her assurance seemed to be what the Jaffa needed to hear. Teal’c straightened and bowed his head. ‘I will leave immediately.’
‘I’ll walk you to the gate.’ Jack offered. He set aside his mug and stood up. They made the walk in silence.
Jack watched as Teal’c dialled the address and the wormhole blossomed outward.
‘OK,’ Jack said, ‘we’ll see you day after tomorrow to go home?’
‘I will be here.’ Teal’c promised. He clasped Jack’s arm fondly. ‘Thank you, my friend.’
Jack shrugged and waved away the gratitude.
Teal’c walked away into the blue horizon and the wormhole winked out of existence.
Jack sighed and pushed a hand through his hair, wondering at the panic in his belly as the reality that he was alone on the planet with Carter sank in. It would be fine, he assured himself, as he headed back to the camp. He was an adult; a professional. He could handle being alone with Sam - with Carter - for a couple of days on a deserted planet. Nothing was going to happen.
Nothing.
Continued in Part II.
Series: Aftershocks
TAG to Episode: S3 Nemesis
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: Daniel/Team friendship. Sam/Jack UST.
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. Written for entertainment purposes only.
The Wheels Trilogy
Spinning Wheels
Day One - The SGC
Daniel stared out of the briefing room window at the space where the Stargate usually resided. The gate room seemed so empty without it despite the bustling personnel that filled the area. He’d retreated to the briefing room a few moments before when the control room had filled up with technicians. They were there to prepare everything for the arrival of the second gate and coordinate the naval retrieval of the remains of Thor’s ship. Daniel knew he was in the way; there was no need for him to be there. They needed the missing Samantha Carter to organise the second gate, or Jack O’Neill to organise the retrieval mission, or even Teal’c’s usual calm in the face of unusual situations but they didn’t need a stressed archaeologist, in pain and missing his team-mates.
But he hadn’t wanted to leave. He had wanted to stay somewhere where he felt close to the rest of SG1. Daniel frowned and crossed his arms tightly around his torso. Thor’s ship had blown up in the atmosphere; it had come apart as it had hit the ocean. There was no way that anyone - or anything - had survived. Daniel desperately hoped his belief that his team-mates had beamed the Stargate up to Thor’s ship to use it to escape had been right. That had to have been the plan; they could have used Earth as the point of origin, he assured himself.
His abdomen twinged and he winced; his pale and pained reflection in the window caused him to grimace even more. He should probably head back to the infirmary, he mused tiredly, taking his glasses off to rub at his eyes. He had sneaked out of the recovery ward when Nyan had told him about the events of the day. He shook his head at the feeling of hurt that arrowed through him. He knew he was being overly sensitive about being left uninformed about the mission; that Sam had initially been focused on finding out what had happened to Jack, that when they had realised what was going on, it had left Sam and Teal’c only moments to reach the beam-up site in front of the Stargate with no time for telling their remaining team-mate what was going on…no time for him to join them.
It just didn’t feel right, Daniel mused wearily. He should have been with them; whatever their fate, he should have shared it. A wave of helplessness coursed through him and he closed his eyes at the sudden sting of tears. They were fine; they had to be. He shuddered a little as his mind skittered over the idea that he had lost them. He couldn’t have lost them because they were all he had left…
‘Doctor Jackson?’
Daniel turned at the sound of General Hammond’s concern. ‘General.’ He replaced his glasses and crossed his arms. ‘I, uh, I…’ he struggled to find a justification for his presence in the briefing room.
Hammond smiled understandingly but his pale blue eyes remained anxious. ‘Perhaps you should return to the infirmary, son.’
‘I just…feel I should be here.’ Daniel insisted, hoping the General would give in as he had earlier when they had been waiting for news in the control room.
Hammond sighed and took a step forward to bring him alongside Daniel. For a long moment, they both looked out into the gate room.
‘Major Davis thinks there’s a possibility that our original gate might have survived the explosion.’ Hammond began conversationally.
‘Possibly.’ Daniel said absently, turning the idea over in his head. ‘Sam told me once that the gate was pretty indestructible.’
‘Well, we’re not waiting to discover if it has.’ Hammond said forcefully. He gestured out at the gate room. ‘The beta gate should be up and running within the next forty-eight hours.’
‘And then they’ll be able to gate home.’ Daniel said.
‘And then they’ll be able to gate home.’ Hammond nodded, the artificial lights catching the sheen of perspiration on his balding head.
‘Do you…’ Daniel couldn’t quite bring himself to ask the question and took a breath. ‘Do you think they made it? Honestly?’ He looked over at the older man unaware that his desperation for reassurance shone from his eyes, a glimmer of an eight year old boy that had lost his parents; the recently bereaved husband who had lost his wife.
‘I think,’ Hammond said slowly, ‘that SG1 has an amazing ability to survive.’
Daniel’s gaze dropped to the floor.
Hammond laid a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. ‘Especially when you least expect it.’ The General completed.
His eyes shot back to Hammond’s and Daniel read the sincerity in the older man’s solemn expression. He nodded slowly as Hammond gave his shoulder a final squeeze and went into his office no doubt to deal with the fallout of their situation.
Daniel breathed in deeply and took a final look at the gate room before he turned and walked away.
His team-mates were survivors.
He believed that.
He believed in them.
Day One - P3X-234
She was lying facedown in the dirt. It was the first thought that popped into Sam’s head as she regained her breath. The journey through the wormhole had been rough and they had been expelled violently onto the planet. She was just thankful Teal’c hadn’t chosen a planet with a set of steps. She winced; she figured she would have a massive bruise on her hip for days. At least, she was conscious.
‘Everyone OK?’
The Colonel’s brisk enquiry had her struggling into a sitting position to look over where he had landed. He was already staggering to his feet.
‘I am fine, O’Neill.’ Teal’c picked himself up off the floor and brushed the dirt from his BDU. He immediately turned to the tree-line, assessing their position and assuming guard duty.
‘I’m good, sir.’ Sam said as she accepted the hand Jack offered and allowed him to pull her off the ground. He didn’t release her immediately and she didn’t pull away, enjoying the rough feel of his hand around hers. He suddenly seemed to realise he was holding her hand and gently let go.
‘How’s Thor?’ Jack jerked his head at the stasis pod carrying the dying Asgard.
Sam hurried over and checked over the device for any damage. She eventually shrugged. ‘As far as I can see, he’s fine.’ She laid a hand over the opaque surface. ‘I’m really not familiar enough with the Asgard technology to confirm for certain, sir.’ She admitted apologetically.
‘That’s OK, Carter.’ Jack’s attention had already moved onto the pressing need for survival; his gun was trained on the tree-line. ‘Remind me of this place. I don’t recognise it.’
‘Teal’c escorted the initial survey team here while you were on Edora, sir.’ Sam explained. ‘There’s no discernable signs that this world is inhabited; no mineral importance. It’s not on the list from the Abydos cartouche so it’s unlikely that the Goa’uld have ever come across it and we have it on the short list as a possible Alpha site.’
‘Right.’ Jack’s dawning recognition indicated he had realised why the address was familiar. He glanced back at the Stargate. ‘Carter, how long before they get the second gate operational?’
Sam considered the question; the spare Earth gate was at Area 51 guarded by SGC personnel. She figured a day to unpack and transport it to the mountain and a day to get it into place. Allowing for any technical issues…
‘Seventy-two hours, sir.’ Sam said confidently.
‘So, a few days?’ Jack frowned. ‘Does this place have food, shelter?’
‘There are caves and a stream a short walk from here, O’Neill.’ Teal’c informed him.
‘The initial survey indicated edible plant life and small mammalian species that could be eaten.’ Sam added.
‘OK, the way I see it we have a couple of options.’ Jack said, turning to his team-mates. ‘We can either stay here and rough it, or head to one of our allies.’
Teal’c raised an eyebrow as though surprised.
Sam blinked at Jack.
‘We don’t have that many supplies.’ Jack pointed out. He hoisted the weapon he held. ‘Limited ammo. We didn’t exactly transport to Thor’s ship equipped for off-world travel.’
Sam nodded in rueful acknowledgement. Her mind ran through the contents of her vest, jacket and BDU. ‘I have matches and a knife, sir. A couple of energy bars.’
‘Well, that’s a start.’ Jack looked at Teal’c.
‘I have nothing.’ Teal’c admitted bluntly.
Jack knew what was in his vest; spare ammo. ‘OK. I’m thinking we should probably head for a friendly planet.’
‘What about Tollana, sir?’ Sam suggested. It was more advanced than Earth and the Tollans did owe them for saving their world. If there were any issues, they would be able to get them home another way, hopefully…not to mention she might be able to wangle seeing some of their technology…
Jack pulled a face. ‘I was thinking somewhere a little less…’ he waved his hand as he searched for a word, ‘less.’ He finished.
Sam bit her lip to prevent the smile and shifted her weight. The Land of Light was out; they needed night gear to get through the forest safely. She ran through the options and looked over at him. ‘Cimmeria, sir? It’s an Asgard protected planet.’
‘Excellent idea, Major.’ Jack said, pointing a finger at her. ‘OK, dial it…’
There was a flash of white light and Thor’s stasis pod disappeared.
For a long moment, the three of them stood in stunned silence. Jack looked over at Sam questioningly and she shrugged helplessly. Teal’c raised both eyebrows skyward.
Jack whirled around and glared at the cloudless sky. He raised his arms upwards. ‘Hey!’ He yelled loudly. ‘What about us?’
‘I do not believe the Asgard intend to take us with them.’ Teal’c stated calmly.
‘No kidding.’ Jack sighed and thrust a hand through his silver hair. ‘OK. So they have Thor; we should leave.’
Sam stirred anxiously. ‘I’m not sure that’s such a good idea now, sir.’
He shot her a look of disbelief. ‘Excuse me?’
‘Sir, the Asgard know we’re here.’ Sam explained. ‘It’s probable that the Asgard or Thor will check on us eventually. If we leave and there are any issues with getting home, we might not be able to contact them.’
‘So we leave them a note.’ Jack snapped frustrated. ‘They can come find us.’
‘Sir,’ Sam began heatedly, ‘if there is any problem with installing the gate, the Asgard may be our only hope of getting home.’ She held his guarded brown gaze firmly. ‘If we leave this planet, the Asgard may assume their responsibility to us is negated.’
‘Major Carter raises a valid concern.’ Teal’c said gently when the Colonel didn’t respond immediately.
‘Yeah,’ Jack’s hard features softened, ‘she does.’ His eyes warmed with approval and Sam felt her own cheeks heat with a blush.
‘There is another option.’ Teal’c’s words had the two humans turning to their Jaffa team-mate. ‘One of us secures provisions off-world while the others remain here.’
‘That’s a plan.’ Jack noted. He looked up at the fading light. ‘How far to these caves, Teal’c?’
‘It is but a short walk, O’Neill.’ Teal’c confirmed.
‘OK, let’s go.’ Jack said. ‘We should establish camp for the night. We can return to the Stargate in the morning and send someone for provisions then.’ He looked at each of them.
Sam gave a nod of confirmation and Teal’c inclined his head in agreement.
Jack gestured at the Jaffa. ‘Lead the way, Teal’c.’
They set off at a comfortable pace; the caves were a good twenty minutes walk from the gate but there was plenty of daylight for them to make a scout of the immediate area. Jack looked in approval at the fresh water stream. They had to take the risk of drinking it without water purification tablets but it was water and it assuaged their thirst. They checked the caves for animals and set about making camp.
A couple of hours later, they sat outside the caves, Sam and Jack resting against a fallen log with Teal’c sat close by on a rock. They ate an apple like fruit Jack had found near the stream and watched the sun set. The sky was a beautiful cascade of greens and yellows, bleeding into turquoise. Sam couldn’t help thinking it was stunning but wishing for the more usual red and pink hues of an Earth sunset.
Jack shifted and his arm brushed by Sam’s. He glanced at her apologetically. ‘Another apple, Carter?’
She didn’t bother correcting his naming of the fruit. ‘I’m full, thank you, sir.’ It was true; the apple - or whatever it was - was surprisingly filling. She leaned back, enjoying the warmth of the fire, content.
It had been a good day, she thought with satisfaction. They had saved Earth from the Replicators; saved Thor…saved the Colonel. Her eyes sneaked to the man in question beside her. He looked tired; the firelight softened his features but highlighted the deep lines that were carved into his face; the shadows under his eyes. It had been a long day for him; getting beamed onto Thor’s ship on what was a suicide mission to blow it up and he would have done it too - blown up the ship with him on it to save them all. She knew that. He would have done it and never known she loved him. She looked at the fire, at the flickering flames.
Sam didn’t kid herself. She had known that she loved him for a while. She had been unable to deny the truth when she had been reunited with the Colonel after he had been stuck on Edora for three months. Jack had walked away from her into the arms of another woman and she had known. All her foolish notions that she only had a crush; that she was working night and day to bring him home because he was a team-mate, a friend, all ripped away in one heart-wrenching moment.
She stared at the firelight. She had come close to leaving SG1 after her self-revelation. She had been so scared she would be unable to detach herself from her feelings and make the right decisions where the Colonel was concerned. But she had convinced herself that she could do the right thing; she had loved him and left him on Edora after all, and in truth she cared about all her team-mates more than the official regulations suggested was allowable not just the Colonel…but her actions in the last twenty-four hours…
He had told her it was a one-way trip; ordered her to stay away. Sam drew her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on top of them, hugging them tightly. In her mind, she had heard the echo of his voice in an icy cavern.
‘I’m dying, Sam; follow my order.’
She had done what he had asked that time; climbed out of the ice to try and find a way to save him but hearing that same resignation in his voice, the soft edge of regret, she couldn’t follow his order again. She had been desperate to come up with some argument that would convince General Hammond to let her go and she had offered the shuttle idea hurriedly. Luckily, the General had agreed. She had a sneaking suspicion that she would have just hurled herself at the stockpile of explosives the instant the Asgard beam had touched them if he hadn’t. The thought scared her. So much for her objectivity, she considered wryly. She had been fully prepared to join the Colonel on a suicide mission, to die alongside him, what did that say for her objectivity?
Her fingers brushed the laces of her boots and tugged on them without thought as she reconsidered her previous decision. It had been hard to push her feelings for the Colonel to the back of her mind and continue as normal but the belief that he didn’t feel the same way; that he was still involved with the woman on Edora had helped. His undercover mission had helped. He had pushed her away hard and Sam could admit to herself that it had hurt - a lot. Even though he had apologised for what he had done, it had taken time for her to lower her guard again. She didn’t know quite how it had happened; maybe in seeing him comfort Daniel at Sha’re’s grave or his fierce concern when Daniel had gone missing. It had reminded her of how much he cared about them and with the knowledge that he had no intention of returning to Edora, it had been so easy to start noticing how funny he was again; how smart; how attractive. She had been so tempted to accept his invitation to go fishing…
That had been a surprise, she thought, a feeling of disbelief still flickering through her as she recalled the moment. She hadn’t even been sure he had invited her but he had confirmed that he had. She had been so tempted to accept…so tempted and so scared that if she went fishing with him, she’d give herself away. That alone together, she wouldn’t be able to hide how she felt for him, not to mention that despite his assurance that there was nothing wrong with them going fishing together as friends, she knew it wouldn’t perceived that way by everyone else on the base.
She had turned him down.
But when he’d left she’d had second thoughts; he just considered her a friend - his quick acceptance of her refusal had shown that - and she had thought maybe she could go after all; she had gone after him.
She had chickened out.
There was no other way to describe it, Sam thought ruefully. She had never thought herself lacking in courage but stood in the corridor with Jack’s warm brown eyes on hers waiting for her to speak, she had chickened out of saying what she wanted; to go fishing with him. He had started to tease her, she remembered fondly, coaxing her to accept anyway. Sam frowned. She didn’t really know if he had wanted her to go or not; he had been so quick to accept her initial refusal but then he had seemed so keen for her to change her mind when she had gone after him. She wondered why. She sighed. He had invited her as a friend; that was all. There was no point fantasising that it was anything else. She shivered.
‘Cold?’ Jack asked quietly.
Sam opened her mouth to deny it but the chill through her jacket had her nodding instead. ‘A little, sir.’
‘Swap places with me; it’s closer to the fire.’ Jack got to his feet before she could protest. She shuffled over and he sat back down beside her, closer than before.
‘Thank you.’ Sam glanced over at him and the loose sweater he wore; it had long sleeves but it wasn’t particularly thick. ‘You have to be cold yourself, sir.’
He shrugged. ‘We’ll sleep out by the fire tonight; get some blankets tomorrow.’
She nodded.
Jack cleared his throat. ‘I, er, should thank you guys.’ He caught their surprised looks. ‘For…you know.’
Sam hid her smile at his embarrassed mumble.
‘There is no need.’ Teal’c said firmly.
‘Teal’c’s right, sir.’ Sam added. He didn’t need to thank them for helping him; they were a team and he would have done the same for them.
Jack nodded briskly in agreement.
Sam stretched her hands out to the flames. ‘I wonder how Daniel’s doing.’ She mused out loud.
‘He’ll have worked it out.’ Jack said confidently.
‘I am confident.’ Teal’c agreed.
‘Me too.’ Sam nodded. ‘I only got the idea because of the way he escaped from Klorel’s ship.’
‘Doesn’t quite feel right without him, does it?’ Jack sighed.
‘No, sir.’ Sam missed her friend’s presence; it seemed too quiet without him. Maybe she should have found the time to go to the infirmary when Jack first got beamed away. If she had told Daniel what was going on, he probably would have been up and around to join them on the mission…
‘He was in no condition to come along.’
Sam stared in shock at Jack; had he read her mind? She shook the thought away; it was more likely that the Colonel had just been thinking along the same lines.
Jack smiled at her expression. ‘Daniel’s right where he needs to be, Carter; in the infirmary, getting better.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Sam yawned unexpectedly.
‘You should get some rest.’ Jack said softly.
‘I will take first watch.’ Teal’c confirmed.
Jack looked over at the Jaffa as though to argue but nodded instead. He turned back to Sam self-consciously. ‘We should probably…’ He gestured awkwardly at her and her eyes widened as she got the message; they should share body heat. It was the best way to keep warm.
She nodded and scooted to lie down on the ground on her side, pillowing her head on her arm; her eyes on the flames. An instant later, she felt him stretch out behind her; the warm length of his body against hers. She closed her eyes tightly, certain she would never fall asleep.
Day Two - P3X-234
Samantha Carter was asleep in his arms.
It was Jack’s first thought on waking. He had shifted during the night; he had somehow moved closer to her; his face was buried in the crook of her neck, her blonde hair tickling his skin. His free arm had snaked around her waist and was holding her body tightly to his own. Their legs had tangled together.
Jack understood with some chagrin that it was going to be difficult to move and take his watch without disturbing her. He frowned suddenly, registering the bright light. The sun was up. He carefully raised his head and looked around the camp.
Teal’c was crouched over the fire, gently stoking the flames into a steady burn with a long branch. The Jaffa looked over at him and gave a slow nod of acknowledgement.
Jack felt himself flush red; the way he was holding Carter left very little room for misinterpretation. He moved cautiously away from Sam until he could stand without disturbing her. He gestured at Teal’c who met him at the edge of the clearing.
‘You didn’t wake me.’ There was a faint hint of accusation to his words although he kept them quiet, unwilling to wake Sam.
Teal’c regarded him seriously. ‘You required rest. I do not.’
‘You should have woken me.’ His embarrassment at Teal’c knowing how he’d been wrapped around Sam gave the words a brusque note that had Teal’c raising an eyebrow in understanding.
‘I could not without also disturbing Major Carter.’ Teal’c pointed out.
Jack flushed again. ‘It was a cold night.’ He muttered.
Teal’c simply stared back at him evenly.
‘I have to go…’ Jack gestured at the trees and left before the Jaffa could speak. He walked a few feet into the forest until he was out of sight of the clearing. He relieved himself, taking the time to regain his balance.
So he had unconsciously cuddled up to Carter in his sleep; it wasn’t the end of the world. It had been a cold night and besides, he didn’t stop being a man because he was her CO. It was only natural that he had unconsciously, subconsciously - whatever - moved closer to her. It wasn’t as though he had confessed his feelings for Sam by holding her in the night.
Right.
Jack made his way to the stream that ran near to the caves. He washed his hands and face in the clear water. His fingers caught on the rough stubble along his jaw. He pulled a face; he guessed he was growing a beard for the next few days. He walked back further up-stream to take a drink, cupping his hands and bringing the liquid to his mouth again and again until his thirst was gone. He rose and stretched, grimacing at the various aches that assaulted his body. He watched the water for any sign of life. There didn’t seem to be any fish in the stream.
No fishing.
Jack frowned. He had invited Carter fishing and she had turned him down. He had been disappointed when Sam had turned him down, more disappointed than he was willing to admit even to himself. He had been so sure she had started to feel the same way about him as he felt about her. But, they were Air Force officers and even with his assurance that there was nothing wrong with him extending the invitation as a friend, he knew better and so did she. However Sam felt about him - however he felt about her, there were regulations and he knew there couldn’t be any hint of impropriety between him and Sam; it would ruin her career and she didn’t deserve that. He shouldn’t have expected her to do anything but turn him down, Jack berated himself. In some ways, he should never have asked her; it was just that it was getting harder to pretend that all she was to him was a friend, a team-mate, a fellow officer.
Jack sighed and his eyes caught on the apple trees he had found the previous day. His stomach growled. They would need breakfast. He walked over and started to pick the fruit. Sam did feel something for him; something beyond the boundaries of the military ranks; he believed that. She had been tempted by his invitation enough to come after him and he might have convinced her if Thor hadn’t beamed him up. He also couldn’t forget the very real distress in her eyes when she had registered that he was going to die on Thor’s ship. He had felt the same emotion when he had laid eyes on her in the cargo hold and believed she had transported herself to join him on a suicide mission.
Jack examined the fruit he held without seeing it. He had no idea if her original idea of the shuttle would have worked but after he had accepted that she was there, it had become evident that he had needed her skills. His fingers clenched around the apple, bruising the delicate flesh. In truth he had realised he might need her skills when he had first listened to Thor’s stones; the technical detail in them had been way over his head. He should have requested her presence on the ship regardless of whether they had a way off it…deep down he knew that. He was a military officer; he sometimes had to order the people he served with to take on missions which would result in their deaths - it was part of the job. But he had tried to convince himself he could do the mission without Sam, unable to bring himself to ask her to join him because he didn’t want her to die. His death was acceptable; hers was not.
He took a deep breath. She had asked him once how he remained detached enough with the team to do the right thing, and he had told her that he just tried to make decisions he could live with and hoped that he wouldn’t have to face a decision where it came down to weighing up one of their lives against the safety of Earth. Yet hadn’t he just done that? Jack wondered. He had chosen not to ask Sam to join him; had decided to handle it alone and maybe that would have ended in disaster, with the Earth overrun by Replicators all because he hadn’t want to risk her life.
He discarded the apple he held and picked another as he shoved the thought away. He couldn’t second guess his decision. Maybe it would have worked; maybe he and Thor would have come up with something. They would never know and there was no point dwelling on it. As he had also told Sam, he sometimes didn’t make the right decisions because he was too close to the team, and he had to live with those decisions too. He mentally shut the door on his internal debate and turned back to the camp.
The first thing he noticed was that Sam was missing. He looked around anxiously.
‘Major Carter woke a few moments ago.’ Teal’c informed him crisply. ‘She is in the forest.’
‘Right.’ Jack gave a small sigh of relief; the tightness in his chest easing. She had probably headed into the forest for the same reason he had. They probably should build some kind of latrine, Jack mused, his mind turning to their situation. He placed the apples he had collected on a rock and crouched to tend to the fire.
Sam appeared a few minutes later. Her hair was damp and Jack surmised that she had paid a visit to the stream to wash up.
‘Breakfast.’ Jack motioned at the apples.
The three of them resumed their seats around the fire.
Jack bit into the sweet, tart fruit and chewed appreciatively. It was a great food source, he mused, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to have it for every meal. He swallowed and waved the apple he held. ‘We need supplies.’
‘I will go.’ Teal’c offered.
‘Where?’ Sam asked surprised.
‘The Jaffa camp Master Bra’tac has established will provide for our needs.’ Teal’c asserted confidently.
‘OK.’ Jack nodded. Teal’c had told him about the camp that the rebel Jaffa had established under the watchful eye of Master Bra’tac and he knew Teal’c’s son was there along with Teal’c’s former wife. ‘Carter and I will stay here and focus on the camp; make things a little more liveable around here.’ He glanced over at Sam who gave a small smile in acknowledgement of his order.
The plans made; they finished breakfast quickly. Teal’c left and Jack found himself alone with Sam. They focused on their work; cleaning out the caves, gathering firewood, building the latrine, marking a spot down-stream from their drinking area for washing and cleaning, tending to the fire…they had plenty to keep them occupied.
Jack was almost surprised when Teal’c returned around mid-day. He and Sam searched through the gathered items; warm blankets were laid over the ground in the cave, pots were stacked by the fire, food was carefully packed away, while tools, changes of clothing and personal items were set aside. They all settled around the fire for lunch with a sense of satisfaction.
The flat bread Teal’c had brought was rather tasteless but it provided a good accompaniment to the stewed vegetables they cooked to go with it. Jack took an appreciative sip of a coffee-like drink Teal’c had procured. He was happier that they’d be able to survive the next few days. They did seem to be alone on the planet; the caves were defensible. It was a good spot to camp out for a couple of days.
‘Are you OK, Teal’c?’
Sam’s quiet question drew Jack’s attention to their Jaffa friend. He frowned. To most people Teal’c probably looked impassively expressionless but they had been team-mates for a long time and he could see as Sam had apparently noticed that the Jaffa did look pre-occupied.
Teal’c shifted almost imperceptibly. ‘It is nothing.’
‘Yet it’s obviously something.’ Jack noted.
The Jaffa glared at him.
Jack looked at him pointedly.
‘It is Rya’c.’ Teal’c admitted.
‘He’s alright?’ Sam asked worriedly. ‘I mean, he’s not sick or…anything.’
Teal’c turned to her with an approving look. ‘He is well, Major Carter.’ His gaze dropped to his drink. ‘Rya’c was disappointed that I could not spend my leave with him as planned.’
Jack winced in guilty sympathy. He understood what it was to be an absentee father; he had been one once. He had rarely seen his late son, Charlie; there had always been some mission and he knew Teal’c missed Rya’c keenly. The Jaffa had given up a great deal to throw his lot in with the Tau’ri. Jack leaned forward and tapped the battered ceramic mug he held, wondering if he should make the offer that hovered on the tip of his tongue. He glanced over at Sam who had laid a hand on Teal’c’s arm to lend her support. Jack sighed; his decision made.
‘Why don’t you head back to the Jaffa camp, Teal’c?’ Jack offered.
Sam and Teal’c both turned to look at him with identical stunned expressions.
‘Look,’ Jack said seeing the indecision flicker across the Jaffa’s face, ‘we’re stuck for the next couple of days until they get the Earth gate working again. We should probably stay here in case the Asgard come back but there’s no reason why we all need to stay here. We’ve got a good camp and supplies.’ He shrugged. ‘Go spend the time with your kid.’
Teal’c looked back at Jack fiercely. Jack could see the desire to go warring with Teal’c’s innate sense of duty to stay with them.
Jack shot a look at Sam. He raised his mug. ‘We’re OK here, aren’t we, Carter?’
‘Yes, sir.’ Sam agreed automatically. She turned to Teal’c. ‘The Colonel’s right, Teal’c.’ She said quietly. ‘We’ll be fine.’
Her assurance seemed to be what the Jaffa needed to hear. Teal’c straightened and bowed his head. ‘I will leave immediately.’
‘I’ll walk you to the gate.’ Jack offered. He set aside his mug and stood up. They made the walk in silence.
Jack watched as Teal’c dialled the address and the wormhole blossomed outward.
‘OK,’ Jack said, ‘we’ll see you day after tomorrow to go home?’
‘I will be here.’ Teal’c promised. He clasped Jack’s arm fondly. ‘Thank you, my friend.’
Jack shrugged and waved away the gratitude.
Teal’c walked away into the blue horizon and the wormhole winked out of existence.
Jack sighed and pushed a hand through his hair, wondering at the panic in his belly as the reality that he was alone on the planet with Carter sank in. It would be fine, he assured himself, as he headed back to the camp. He was an adult; a professional. He could handle being alone with Sam - with Carter - for a couple of days on a deserted planet. Nothing was going to happen.
Nothing.
Continued in Part II.