~13~

Sam knelt down next to the flower beds, pulling out the remains of last year's plants as she prepared the ground for this season's plantings. It was a warm sunny day, the insects were pleasantly buzzing and all she could seem to think of was Jack. How adorable he'd looked at breakfast, with his mussed hair and sleepy eyes. It was all she could do to move away as she'd leaned down to kiss his cheek as she served him his meal.

Over the past few weeks she found she'd been touching him more and more. Perhaps it had been in response to his own little touches, but it no longer felt awkward to feel his hand on hers or to receive a peck on the cheek. Since the night in her room where he'd kissed her, there hadn't been any repeats, just sharing touches and small smiles.

She couldn't keep the grin from her face now, thinking about him, wondering what he would do if she initiated more intimate contact. The thing she found the hardest to understand was why she continued to fight her attraction to him. It was obvious he was just waiting for her to decide to let go and embrace the life they once shared. Would it be so terrible to give into that?

She still had her work in the lab at the SGC to keep her busy, since there wouldn't be any 'gate travel for the next several months. Living with Jack had not only made the transition from soldier to scientist easier to handle, she was discovering facets of his personality she never would have suspected. Like how gooey he got when he talked about the baby, and how they should decorate the nursery. She'd always known he liked kids, but he was almost more emotional over the baby than she was.

Which was another thing that surprised her. How quickly she'd come to care for the child she carried. Naturally, she figured to have some maternal feelings toward it once she got used to the idea, but the thought that Jack was this baby's father seemed to make it all the more special. Rubbing her hand over her slightly rounded stomach, she left a streak of dirt on her shirt.

"Jeeze, Carter, you're as sappy as he is," she mumbled to herself as she tried to rub the earth from her clothes. Just then, Jack came around the corner, pushing a lawn mower and wiping the sweat from his brow. Wearing only a pair of cut-offs, Sam found herself staring at him, wondering if her eyes reflected the heat she felt rising within her.

"Hey, Sweetie, what's up?" he asked with a grin that melted her heart.

Sam got to her feet, removing her gloves as she approached him. "How many times have I told you not to call me 'Sweetie?'" she said, smiling herself, letting him know she wasn't really annoyed.

"About as many times as I've called you that," his grin widened.

"You look warm," she observed.

Jack wiped his brow again. "Yeah, I guess I am a little hot."

"Maybe you need a little cooling off," Sam said, reaching for the hose. Before Jack could react, she'd turned the valve on the end, dousing him with ice cold water.

"Sam! Why you little. . . . Come here!" he cried, chasing after her as she continued to direct the force of the water onto his face, blocking his vision. Sam was laughing so hard she wasn't paying attention to the fact he was gaining on her. When she tripped on the hose, the end went flopping to the ground, causing them both to dive for the rubber tube. Struggling for possession, Sam found herself getting equally soaked with the frigid water.

"Ahhh!" she screamed. "That's cold!"

"How do you like it," Jack laughed as he wrestled the hose from her grip, showering her from head to toe.

"I don't! Jack! Stop!" but her laughter belied her words. Suddenly, she tackled him, knocking him to the ground and pinning his arms, tossing away the hose. Their eyes met and he stopped fighting, merely staring at her as she was him. Slowly, she lowered her face to his, initiating the kiss she'd been thinking about all morning. If Jack was shocked, he quickly recovered as he returned her passion; his tongue seeking permission to enter her mouth. Sam opened herself to him as her grip on his wrists relaxed. Taking advantage of her distraction, Jack flipped her over, holding her to the ground with his own body. Moving his lips down her neck, Sam couldn't help the moan that escaped her.

"Isn't this about the time the phone rings?" she laughed.

"If any one calls, I'll kill them," Jack mumbled into her shoulder. Pushing against him slightly, Sam sat up breaking their contact.

"What?" he asked, reaching for her again.

"I don't think this is such a good idea," she said.

"Why? What did I do?"

Sam's smile turned sympathetic. "You didn't do anything! I just meant making out here in the yard might not be such a good idea. I don't think I want to replace the afternoon soaps for Mrs. McPherson with a little 'live action drama.'"

Jack smiled as he rolled off her, caressing her cheek. "In that case, hold that thought."

Sam stood and offered him a hand up. He had grass clippings stuck everywhere, and looking down, she noticed she was covered as well. "I think I need a shower," she said, trying unsuccessfully to remove the grass.

"I could join you, conserve water, you know. After all, we did waste a lot chasing each other with the hose."

Jack's grin prompted one of her own. "Thanks for the offer, but I think it might be better if I cleaned up on my own." Jack nodded, attempting to appear unaffected by her rejection.

"How about a rain check?" she offered shyly. His features brightened at the prospect.

"I'm holding you to it."

***

Sam put the finishing touches on dinner, wondering for the millionth time where Jack was. After cleaning up from their impromptu water fight, she discovered he'd taken off in the car, without leaving a note or anything.

She hoped her not taking him up on the offer of a shared shower hadn't frustrated him to the point he had to leave. But she had to admit she was starting to feel a little paranoid when he was gone for so long.

She'd had a revelation while taking her shower. She was tired of ignoring the feelings she felt for him, tired of fighting what everyone had been telling her was right--that they belonged together.

So dinner was the start of her making the effort of being a proper wife. Oh, not the June-Cleaver-here's-your-paper-and-slippers kind of wife, but feeling as if she could express her affection--her love--for Jack without feeling guilty or awkward. She wanted to feel as if she was part of a couple, and lately, she had. Only they were a couple that slept in separate beds. Tonight she was going to rectify that. If he ever got home, that is.

"Sam?" she heard Jack call from the foyer.

"In the kitchen!"

"Hey," he said, pulling her into his arms, kissing her temple. For the first time Sam noticed how adjusted they'd become to living together, and she smiled. The time *was* right to move things to the next level.

"So, where did you go?" Sam asked, hoping she didn't sound like she was prying.

Jack was paging through the paper, not really ignoring her, but it took a moment for him to respond. "Oh. Over to Daniel's. He's putting some kind of shelving unit thing together and he needed a hand." Jack looked up from his perusal of the headlines and added. "You were in the shower."

"Jack, we're not joined at the hip, you know. If you had something to do with Daniel or anyone else, you don't have to clear it with me. A note would have been nice. . . ."

"I'm sorry, Sweetie, but I was in kind of a hurry. Daniel was almost buried under lumber when I got there."

Sam smiled at the mental image. Daniel had infinite patience when it came to artifacts, but when it came to *building* something as opposed to digging it up, he was lost.

"So, what's for dinner?"

"Egg plant parmesan," she said, pulling the pan from the oven.

Jack's eyebrows raised. "What's the occasion?"

"Nothing special," she said, hoping he didn't notice her hands were shaking. Why couldn't she just relax? He didn't have to know what she'd been thinking about all afternoon!

"Hmmm," he said, taking plates from the cupboard and setting the table. "You make my favorite meal, don't yell at me for leaving without telling you. . . . Okay, Sam, what's the deal? You do something to the car?"

"And if I did, it would be my car," she pointed out. "No, I just felt like making something you'd like. Kind of make up for that whole water fight thing," she smiled.

"Ah. Well, as I recall, I thought we'd ended up even on that one."

"Maybe more than even," she added then quickly looked away.

Dinner was pleasant, even though the kitchen wasn't quite the atmosphere Sam had been shooting for. If she would have insisted on the dining room, or the deck, Jack would have thought something was up. He might not be an active participant at the SGC any longer, but his sense of suspicion was as strong as ever.

"Why don't we have coffee out on the deck," she suggested, hoping the starlight would do more for setting the mood than the kitchen's overhead florescent light.

"Sounds good," he said, starting to help her clear the dishes.

"I'll get these, why don't you put some music on. I'll be out with the coffee in a minute."

Shrugging his shoulders, Jack left the room, still giving her looks like he knew something was up. Hopefully, in the semi-darkness she'd have the nerve to tell him what she'd come to feel for him, and she didn't plan on using the spare bed that evening.

Sam settled next to Jack on the porch swing, handing him a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, he leaned back, placing his arm around her shoulders.

"That was great, Sam, thanks. You know I would have been just as happy with a burger and a beer."

"You're ruining the compliment," she said, punching him lightly in the stomach.

"The flowers look great," he said. "You did a lot of work on them. Aren't you tired?"

"No, not really," she said, blissfully content, the comforting weight of his arm on her shoulders keeping her warm in the cool breeze.

Jack stifled a huge yawn. "Well, I don't know how you do it, being pregnant and all, but I'm beat. I guess all this fresh air is getting to me. I think I'm going to turn in."

"Already?" Sam asked sitting up away from him. "But it's so early!" she exclaimed, disappointed she hadn't had the chance to tell him the thoughts that had been preying on her all day.

"Yeah, it is for you young folks," he said, effecting an aged voice.

Sam didn't know what to do. Should she just tell him what she'd been thinking? No preamble to warm him up to her revelation? It's not like she couldn't tell him tomorrow, or even the next day, but she'd gone to all this trouble, making him a dinner she didn't even like! She tried to keep her voice even as she wished him good-night.

"Sleep well,"

"You too." Jack leaned over giving her a chaste kiss on the forehead. This was not how this night was supposed to end! Sam watched him enter the house, angry and frustrated at the same time. Well, she couldn't hardly blame him, after the way she'd been acting since she woke up in Maui. She'd never given him any indication her thoughts about him had changed, other than not being so jumpy around him anymore. I wasn't like "seduce Jack" was marked on the calendar for this night.

Sighing, Sam got up and went into the house as well, placing their cups into the sink. As she climbed the stairs she thought about going to talk to him, but she didn't know what she'd say. Entering her room, she began to search through her drawers for her nightgown. Instead, she felt the silky fabric of some type of lingerie. Pulling it out of the drawer, her eyes widened. She didn't remember having seen *this* little number before, but then it was buried at the bottom of her dresser. Jack must have moved it when he transferred her other clothing. The size tag was still attached, so obviously it hadn't been worn. Had he bought it for her? No, this was more Janet's style. Something she would have bought to embarrass Sam at a bachelorette party. Still, looking at the filmy material gave Sam an idea. If she showed up in Jack's room wearing this, there would be no need for words to explain what she wanted. But did she have the guts?

She'd never been the "girlie" type and she wondered how ridiculous she'd look in something so blatantly sexual and feminine. Could she pull this off without feeling incredibly silly?

Shedding her clothes, Sam pulled on the whisper of fabric and looked at herself in the mirror.

"I look stupid," she said aloud. "Stupid and fat." She started to remove the negligee, but caught site of herself in the mirror once more. Yeah, it wasn't her, but it did speak volumes. Volumes she didn't know if she herself was capable of speaking.

"Come on, Sam! He married you, for Christ's sake! He obviously has seen it all before and liked what he saw! How hard can it be?" Smoothing down the fabric, she glanced at her pale face in the mirror. "Damn hard."

Stepping into the hallway, Sam took a deep breath. "Here goes plan 'B.'"

***

Sam knocked on Jack's door, but as expected, there was no answer. Maybe she *should* wait, she thought. No, if she didn't do this now, she'd never have the nerve again. Opening the door, Sam moved into the darkened bedroom. There was a faint glow coming from a night light, just enough to illuminate a path between the bed and a chair.

Jack was sprawled across his bed, still dressed in a cotton shirt and his cut-offs, as if he'd landed on the bed and passed out. Sam smiled. He was just like a little boy who'd played too hard and didn't have the energy to get into his pajamas. At first she was just going to lay down beside him, let him get some sleep. But he should get out of his clothes, she thought.

Sam removed his athletic shoes and socks and he hadn't stirred. She was amazed he could sleep so soundly when he'd always been so alert to any noise when they'd been on a mission. Moving up the bed, she began to unbutton his shirt, revealing more and more of his chest with each button. There was something quite erotic about doing this while he continued to sleep, and Sam found herself growing bolder, leaning over to kiss his chest as her hands traveled over the expanse of his exposed skin.

Pushing the material off his shoulders, Sam placed a kiss on his collar bone and began working her way south, lightly biting his stomach when she reached his navel. Jack moaned and Sam felt his hands come to rest on her upper arms.

"Sam?" he asked, raising his head off the bed, obviously shocked to find her kissing his stomach.

"Shhh. Go back to sleep," she said.

"If this is the kind of dream I'm going to have, I want to be awake for it."

Sam grinned as she made her way back up his chest, then neck, and finally to his lips, kissing him long and hard.

"Sam? Are you sure about this? I mean I don't want you to feel obligated or. . ."

"I don't feel obligated," she said, kissing him once more. "I've finally come to the conclusion that I want you, Jack, and I'm cashing in my rain check."

Before she could say another word, he'd flipped them over so she lay beneath him, as he rested his weight on his forearms. "God, you're beautiful," he said, lips descending on hers once more. And for the first time in ages, Sam felt she was.

~14~

Jack took a swing at the punching bag, sending it circling away from him, only to double punch it upon it's return. He was breathing hard, sweat dripping from his face, but still he attacked the bag, dancing from foot to foot as he delivered a particularly hard blow. Suddenly, from behind him, he heard a calm voice.

"Is it not past the time of day for this type of exercise, O'Neill?"

"There's no hours on the gym, Teal'c," Jack answered, panting.

"I was under the impression while you and the others were on Earth, your schedule called for sleep at this time."

"Where'd you get an idea like that?" Jack asked, knowing what Teal'c was getting at, but remaining purposely obtuse. "Daniel's up at all hours, and Carter. . . ." With the unintentional utterance of her name, he stopped punching the bag, allowing it to collide with his body, nearly knocking him off his feet.

"It is because of MajorCarter that you are here at this time," Teal'c stated.

"Couldn't sleep," Jack shrugged. Looking up at the Jaffa, he added, "kinda hard just lying there waiting for the 'gate to 'ring' if you know what I mean."

"I do not."

Jack let out an exasperated sigh. "It was driving me nuts waiting for some word from Jacob, okay?"

"You believe he will not be successful in his efforts to convince the Tok'ra," Teal'c said.

"Let's just say I don't see them jumping at the chance to help us."

"And why would they need to propel themselves to assist us?"

"It's just a saying, Teal'c," Jack said, removing his headgear, swiping his forearm across his brow.

Teal'c stared at him, then said. "Would you like a partner to spar with, O'Neill?"

"Thanks, but it's not necessary. Just because I can't sleep doesn't mean you have to baby-sit me."

"I have rested, and I too find my thoughts on SamanthaCarter. Perhaps we both can concentrate on something else for a time."

Jack didn't buy Teal'c's explanation for a second, but he was grateful for his friend's efforts. "Get geared up."

Minutes later, Teal'c stood before Jack, gloved hands raised as Jack began to move around him.

"You are still very tense," Teal'c said as he took a swing at Jack, easily punching the man's jaw. "You are not thinking of this fight."

"Look, Teal'c, I'm all here, right now," he said lashing out with his right arm, missing his partner by several inches.

"It would appear as though I am correct," Teal'c said, the ghost of a smile twitching across his lips.

"Okay, so maybe I'm a little caught up wondering what's taking so *damn long!*" Jack said through gritted teeth, putting all his effort into a punch that again went wide as Teal'c sedately stepped backwards.

"Perhaps the delay is a good thing," Teal'c observed, hitting Jack squarely in the stomach.

"Whaddya mean?" he barely spoke as the wind was knocked out of him.

"A swift decision might not have been in our favor." Teal'c stood looking at his team leader. "O'Neill, are you well?"

"Great," he wheezed. "Fine. I think maybe I'm ready for a break."

"I think that would be most wise."

Jack took a seat on a bench, toweling perspiration from his face, panting as he clutched the terry cloth in his hand. At length, he asked, "Teal'c? What do you think our chances are? I mean finding Carter, providing we get some help from the Tok'ra."

Teal'c's head bent to the side as he contemplated his response. "It will not be easy. It has been several weeks and the trail may not be clear."

Jack merely nodded, knowing the odds were next to none they would find her.

"It will be difficult. However, I do not believe the task to be impossible."

Looking up, Jack clapped the big man on the shoulder. "Thanks, Teal'c I can always count on you for a straight answer." Just then the klaxons went off as the loudspeaker proclaimed an unscheduled incoming wormhole.

"Must be Jacob," Jack guessed. "Let's not keep the man waiting."

***

Jacob quickly descended the ramp from the Stargate; the iris closing behind him as Jack and Teal'c entered the embarkation room. Daniel and Hammond arrived seconds later, waiting for Jacob's announcement.

"So?" Jack asked as Jacob made his way toward their group. He didn't look particularly pleased.

"The council wasn't terribly receptive to the idea of using it's resources to search for one person," he said.

Jack threw up his hands. "I knew it! See?" he said, looking to the members of his team and Hammond. "Didn't I say this is what would happen?"

"Jack, if you'd let me finish," Jacob stated, surprisingly calm. "The *council* said they couldn't spare any ships, but they said they wouldn't stop me or anyone who wanted to join me in a quest for Sam."

"Which means. . . ."

"Which means I've got a reconditioned Teltac and Aldwin in orbit." Before Hammond could ask, Jacob supplied, "a high enough orbit that it won't be detected."

Jack started to protest about the lack of manpower the Tok'ra had offered, but felt someone jabbing him in the ribs. Looking to his right, Jack saw Daniel almost imperceptibly shaking his head. Getting the message, Jack backed down.

"When do we leave?"

"As soon as you're ready," Jacob said. "Meet back here and Aldwin will use the transport rings to bring you on board."

"Sir?" Jack asked, looking to Hammond for confirmation.

Nodding, the general gave his assent. "You're free to go. And Colonel? Bring her home."

Jack swallowed. "Yes, sir. I won't come back without her." Scanning the room, Jack noticed their new fourth was missing. "Go get geared up," he addressed Daniel and Teal'c. "And someone call Harrison."

~15~

Sam woke up with something under her right cheek. Jack's chest, she realized. As she began to remember how she came to be there, she smiled, rubbing her cheek against the light matting of hair. Thinking he was still asleep, she was surprised to feel his fingers in her hair, gently caressing her scalp and playing with the strands.

"I thought you were still asleep," she mumbled.

"I was until you started thrashing around."

Sam sat up, staring him in the eyes. "I don't think a little snuggle constitutes thrashing."

Jack was smiling at her, no, it was more like beaming. She couldn't remember having seen such an expression on his face before. "Good morning, Mrs. O'Neill," he said, hugging her shoulders. For the first time since Hawaii, she truly felt like Mrs. O'Neill, and she couldn't contain the bubble of joy rising in her chest.

Moving up to kiss him, Sam grinned, "It's a particularly lovely morning, Mr. O'Neill."

"It's raining out," he said, looking over to the window.

"Is it? Oh. Well, it's lovely in here."

Jack's eyes were intense as he looked at her. "Yes, it certainly is."

Sam moved her leg up and down his, enjoying the feeling of their tangled limbs touching.

"You keep that up and we'll never get to breakfast," he growled, rolling her over so she lay beneath him.

"Any reason why we have to?"

"Have to what?"

"Get to breakfast!" She said slapping his arm.

"Sorry," he said, gazing down at her. "I guess I lost my train of thought." Lowering his head, he kissed her, a long erotic kiss that left no question in Sam's mind where Jack's thoughts were.

"Food is over rated," she mumbled, pulling his eager body closer.

***

Once more Sam was lying in Jack's arms, content to listen to him breathe. He'd dozed off again, as her hand gently smoothed over his stomach. The elation she felt seemed almost overwhelming, as if it were bursting to be released. Knowing she was probably safe with a confession while he slept, Sam quietly whispered,

"I love you, Jack."

Suddenly, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest stopped, as he held his breath. "Sam? Do you mean it?"

"I thought you were asleep!" she said, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks.

"I think maybe I am. Do you mean it?" he repeated.

Looking into his eyes, Sam found the courage to tell him the truth. "Yes, I do."

Jack still had a dazed expression on his face. "Say it again, Sam. I want to hear you say it."

Swallowing, but with eyes still locked on his, Sam said, "I love you, Jack."

"Oh, God, Sam!" he cried, pulling her even closer, nearly crushing her in his embrace. "I never thought I'd hear you say those words again!" Cupping her head with his hands, he began raining kisses all over her face. "I love you so much! I was so worried we'd never get back to where we were!"

Sam pulled back slightly. "Jack, I don't know that we're back to where we were. I know how I feel about you, but we didn't get here by the same route. I just don't want you to think I've been instantly cured or something."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Just that I don't want you to get your hopes up that everything is back the way you remember it. I'm still learning as I go, here. Just don't expect too much too soon, okay?"

"Hey, we're on the right path, that's all I ask for now." He pulled her closer again, refusing to let her leave his side. After a long period of silence, he asked, "Sam? We never really talk about the baby. Are you still having such a hard time accepting the fact we wanted it?"

Blowing out a breath, Sam thought about her response. "It still feels a little unreal to me," she admitted. "Although, after last night, I feel more like this is our baby." Taking his hand, she placed it on her abdomen. "I'm glad this is your baby, Jack."

He leaned forward, kissing her tenderly. "Thank you."

"For what?" she asked once he'd released her.

"For having our baby."

Sam reached up, caressing his stubbled cheek. "You know, if we get any more saccharine over this kid, I might just get sick."

"Not that again! At least you don't remember that," Jack said.

"Was it bad?"

"You really had Janet and I worried. You couldn't keep anything down. She kept threatening to put you on an IV but somehow you managed to keep *something* in you because Doc relented."

"Yeah, can't say I'm sorry I missed that," she said snuggling up to him again. "Jack? Did we ever discuss names for the baby?"

"No, we kinda thought it might jinx something, especially when you were so sick."

"Have you thought about any?" she asked.

"No, not really. Sara picked out Charlie, after some uncle or something. I guess I've never really given it much thought. How about you?"

"Well, I didn't expect it to be something I had to consider while I was working at the SGC," she smiled. "I suppose if it's a girl, I'd like to name her after my mother."

"What if it's a boy?"

"Maybe Jake? Not Jacob because that would get confusing with Dad, but still named after him. Or maybe after your dad?"

Jack rubbed his hand along her arm. "Ah, no, I don't think so. Considering how we parted, I don't think I want a reminder of him."

Sam was tempted to ask why, but figured he'd already explained it to her at some point, and it probably didn't want to again. Sitting up, she leaned over him, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Well, it's nothing we have to decide today." She started to get out of bed when Jack grabbed her hand.

"Where you going?"

"I need a shower," she said, tugging on his hand trying to get him to sit up. "Care to join me? I seem to recall I owe you at least one."

Jack practically jumped out of bed, chasing her into the bathroom. "Last one in makes breakfast!"

~16~

The rings deposited Jack and the rest of SG-1 in the cargo hold of an ancient Teltac. Looking around, Jack could see the rest of his team was as doubtful as he was.

"What a hunk of junk!" he cried, just as Jacob entered the bay.

"It's a ship. It can track. That's all we need."

"A little less corrosion would be nice," Jack said. "Or something that wasn't the proto type for the rest of the fleet!"

"Look, Jack, I told you I didn't have a lot of backing on this one. You got a better idea or a state-of-the-art ship stashed somewhere? If so, I'd love to know."

Jack backed down. "You're right, Jacob. I'm sorry. I'm grateful for any help you guys can give us."

Jacob dismissed him with a snort. "Welcome aboard."

Watching Jacob retreat to the bridge, Jack's gaze continued around the ship before he looked at Teal'c. "Think this thing will make hyper launch without losing a fender?"

"I do not believe Teltac's come equipped with something known as a 'fender,' O'Neill."

"Right."

Captain Harrison looked around the bay as well, his face showed curiosity, but none of the disappointment the rest of the team seemed to express. "I take it this isn't how one of these things usually looks?" he asked.

Jack removed his pack and P90, placing them in a corner. "Oh, the configuration is pretty much the same, but they usually come in a nicer color than rust."

"Jack," Daniel started out. "Maybe it would be a good thing to tone down the sarcasm a bit. I mean I know how you feel about the Tok'ra, but wouldn't it be better to just get on with the business at hand, which is finding Sam?"

"DanielJackson is correct. It is not necessary to over-compensate for you feelings of guilt where MajorCarter is concerned by lashing out at her father."

Jack looked back and forth between his two team mates. "Thank you, Daniel Freud, and Dr. Teal'c! I'll take your advice under advisement. Harrison? You got anything you'd like to add?"

"No, sir!"

"Good man."

Jack returned to the corner where he'd stashed his pack, taking a moment to calm down. He couldn't blame Daniel and Teal'c for being able to read him so well, but sometimes being so in sync with the original members of his team had it's drawbacks.

"We should probably get in there and give them a hand," he said quietly. Gratefully, no one saw fit to comment on his change of mood.

***

Aldwin looked up as the four men entered the command center. Bowing slightly to them he said, "It's good to see you again. I'm only sorry it has to be under these circumstances. The loss of Major Carter has been felt by us all."

Jack inclined his head slightly toward Aldwin, lips pressed tight. Every time someone mentioned Sam being missing he felt a knife twisting in his gut. He knew he was the one who let her get captured. Why did they have to keep reminding him? Pointing subtle, accusing fingers?

Clearing his throat, Jack said, "Well, the faster we move out, the faster we'll find her. Jacob? You have the co-ordinates to P2X-993?"

"They're locked in. It's probably going to be a long ride, even with hyper speed. You may want to settle in." Jack made a point of looking around the bare-bones structure of the command center. "There's some bunks on the other side of the cargo hold," Jacob told him.

"Ah. Well, you heard the man," Jack said, ushering his team from the room. Gregg happened to turn around just as the ship took off at light speed.

"Whoa!" he cried, grabbing a bulkhead as the ship lurched forward. "What was that?"

"Hyper launch," Teal'c supplied calmly. "We are now traveling faster than the speed of light."

Gregg's face was still frozen in a moment of wonder as he watched the streams of light passing the ship. "If you don't mind, sir, I'd like to stay here and watch."

Jack watched his eager, young face, so much like Carter's the first time she'd seen the wormhole, his chest began to ache. "Sure, knock yourself out. You know where to find us if you need us." Jack affectionately clapped him on the shoulder, shaking his head at the dazed expression Harrison wore.

It really was a crime to have become so jaded to space travel he was no longer awed by the beauty of it all. Sam never lost her wonder with it all, he thought. Neither did Daniel. How did they do that?

Settling on a hard bunk, Jack slung an arm over his head, hoping to block the light. He wasn't tired--he was too keyed up for that--but he also knew the value of getting rest when he had the opportunity. You never knew when you'd get another chance.

Teal'c had entered a state of Kel'no'reem and Daniel passed out almost as soon as he hit the bed. That was another thing he wondered about. Here he was, a hardened military man who'd slept more on the ground than in a bed, and yet it was Daniel who could sleep anywhere. But then again, archeological digs probably weren't noted for their comfort.

Jack tried to sleep for over an hour before he gave up, heading back to the bridge. Harrison was talking to Aldwin, getting a crash course in Teltac operations, leaving Jacob sitting on a low chair near a control panel. He looked up as Jack came to stand beside him.

"I thought you were getting some rest," Jacob stated.

Placing his thumb and forefinger over his eyes, squeezing gently, Jack shook his head. "I tried, but you know."

"Yeah, I do," Jacob sighed.

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Jack scuffed his boot against the floor. His eyes seemed to be everywhere but on Jacob.

"Something on your mind, Jack?"

Jack fidgeted a bit more before turning his gaze to the older man. "Jacob, I'm sorry. Sorry I've been acting like an ass since you showed up, and most importantly, *so* sorry I didn't get Sam home safe."

"Jack," Jacob said, standing to pace the small command center, "I have to admit, I was pretty pissed at you when I first heard the news. What were you *thinking?* *Were* you even thinking?"

Jack started to protest, but Jacob held up his hand, forestalling any defense Jack might have prepared. "Once I calmed down, I realized you'd done what you could. I know you Jack. You wouldn't have left her behind if you'd have had any other option. That doesn't mean I'm any less worried or upset this happened. I can try to look at it objectively, that she was a soldier who unfortunately was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But all I can see is my little girl, alone and scared somewhere, no matter how tough she is."

Jack felt his throat constricting. He knew the feeling, that totally scared and helpless feeling of knowing your child is in danger and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. Well, there was something they could do about it, and this time he wasn't going to leave her. If it came down to a choice between her getting out or his dying, he was a dead man.

"You're really sorry about what happened, Jack? Then prove it. When we find her, I want you to follow my orders, you got that? No arguments! Selmac's been at this a hell of a lot longer than you or I and she knows what she's doing."

Jack nodded. He didn't like the thought the snake in Jacob's head was going to be dictating this mission, but then she couldn't mess up any worse than he had already, right?

Jack was about to comment when he was interrupted by Aldwin.

"We're picking up an ion trail."

Jacob moved next to Aldwin, touching a few buttons. "Looks like it was a single ship. Another Teltac. Anything in the data base to show us who it might be?"

"Not at this range. Maybe if we get closer. The trail's pretty faint, especially after all this time."

"Well, follow those bread crumbs!" Jack cried. Aldwin turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. "That Ian trail or whatever," he said waving his hand forward. "I'm gonna get Teal'c and Daniel."

~17~

Eros stood in the room with Psyche, looking down at the Tau'ri woman. She was in a state not unlike that of REM sleep, but instead of random images in her dreams, the events were orchestrated, logical, making her feel she was truly a part of what she saw. When Psyche first approached him about using this type of mind control with his enemies, Eros had been skeptical, but it had proven to be most effective. That is until now. Psyche's puzzlement didn't help matters.

"You still have not retrieved the information?" he said, the tone of his voice harsher than he'd wished.

"I believe she will trust Jack now. Your Elixir has proven very effective," she smiled. "Samantha has a very vivid imagination where sex is concerned. Perhaps she could teach us a few things." Psyche's eyes glittered at the prospect.

Replaying portions of Sam's manipulated memories, Eros found himself surprised. Looking down at the woman on the table, he wouldn't have thought she'd be so passionate. Perhaps he should consider keeping her for a time once he'd retrieved the secrets she held. He dropped the notion almost immediately. Not that the prospect wasn't enticing, but he wouldn't risk Psyche's jealousy over a Tau'ri woman.

"You must get her secrets soon," Eros insisted. I have received word Apophis is on the way."

"Apophis? But why now? Has he heard we possess the Tau'ri woman?"

"I do not know why he is coming. Perhaps he's found himself a new queen, and he's having as much trouble with her as he was with Ammounet. I will stall him as long as I can, but you *must* get the information I need or I will not have the leverage for our demands."

"You will have it, my love, I promise."

~18~

Sam looked up as Jack sat down next to her on the sofa, handing her an album.

"What's this?"

"Pictures from our wedding. I thought maybe you might want to see them now." His expression was still a little hesitant, as if he was worried he was pushing her too far. She too wondered if she was ready to look at them, but she had to admit she was curious.

Opening the book she saw pictures of herself, Janet and Cassie getting ready, all laughing at some shared joke and all looking extremely happy. The next shot was Sam before a floor-length mirror, Jacob behind her, fastening a pearl necklace around her neck, looking extremely proud.

Sam's eyes started to fill with tears as she put a hand to her mouth to stop her trembling lips.

"Sam, honey? Are you all right?" Jack asked, sliding his arm around her shoulders. Sam lay her head on his chest, allowing him to hold her for a moment before she spoke.

"The necklace Dad's putting on me. It was my mother's. She said it would be mine when I got married, that her mother had given it to her, etc. I really don't know how far back it goes. I guess seeing him put it on me meant there was a part of her with me that day. I can't believe how much I still miss her."

Jack smoothed his hands over her hair. "It could be two years or two hundred you can still miss a person as if they'd died yesterday." Sam looked up at him, realizing he was thinking about Charlie. She knew this baby could never replace him--she didn't want it to--but she did hope it would ease some of the pain around his heart.

Wiping her eyes, Sam sat up and started looking at the book again. "The dress was nice," she commented.

"I would hope so!" Jack laughed. "Do you have any idea how many bridal shops you dragged Janet to looking for the right dress? She even came to me one night and said, 'Jack, I know you're retired, but is there any way you can just order Sam to buy a damn dress?' Nothing you looked at was right. You said it was too frilly, or too this, or not enough that. I think we all sent up a prayer when you finally decided on this one."

Sam smiled, knowing he probably wasn't exaggerating. Jack reached out, stroking the image with his finger.

"You were so beautiful that day," he sighed. "Not that you don't always look good," he quickly added, "but you were exceptional that day. You were a vision walking down the aisle, and I remember I wasn't breathing until Daniel nudged me in the ribs. I was so nervous, I thought my heart was going to leap from my chest. I barely remember the ceremony. Just some mumbled words, while I was lost in your eyes."

Sam stared at the pictures, feeling oddly cheated. He had actual memories of their wedding, where all she had was the pictures. Like a stranger on the outside, looking in. Paging through the rest of the photos, Sam found herself smiling. Many of their friends from the SGC had been with them, and there were pictures of her and Jack dancing with many of them. Besides Teal'c and Daniel, there was General Hammond, Sergeant Siler, Lieutenant. Simmons. Simmons was looking decidedly dejected, even though in other pictures he was dancing with another woman.

Jack leaned closer. "You and Hammond were sure cutting a rug," he said, tapping a photo in which her commanding officer was dipping her. Daniel said it was the talk of the complex for days."

Sam grinned, imagining the general just glaring at some airman who wouldn't let it drop.

"You know, speaking of Hammond, he called me yesterday."

"He did? When was this?"

"Well, I talked to him over at Daniel's. Guess there's some planet they've encountered that seems a bit militant and he wants my advice on how they should handle the situation."

"What's so special about the planet?" she asked, curiosity instantly piqued. "Is it worth all the hassle of dealing with a warring population?

"Reports have come back that there's a mother lode of naquada on this planet and it doesn't seem to have been discovered by the Goa'uld."

"Really?" Sam said, sitting up straighter. "Maybe I should talk to Janet, see if she'll take me off medical leave, I mean things are starting to get back to normal around here," she smiled, leaning over to kiss him.

"It's definitely feeling more like home," he agreed. "But I don't want you to push it, Sam. They've gotten along fine without you these past few weeks. A few more isn't going to make that much difference."

Sam slumped against the back of the sofa. "Way to make a girl feel wanted," she mumbled.

"Sam, you know what I mean. They've still been calling you daily to get your opinion on things. In fact, I'm wondering why Janet bothered to put you on leave at all. You might as well be there."

"Well, that's beside the point. What does Hammond want you to do?"

"Oh, you know, the usual, help co-ordinate the teams, brief them on strategy, that sort of thing. Hey, you know what would really help is if you could give me the latest updates on the SGC's resources, you know, if they've made any upgrades to the security systems, that sort of thing."

"Won't the general brief you on that when he sees you? I mean I've been out of the loop for a while here too, maybe they've implemented something I don't know about."

"Come on, Sam! You know more about how the place is run than Hammond! Not that he's not on top of things, but you know the ins and outs of the security system as well as he does. I just thought you could give me a little refresher course so I'm ready when I meet with him."

"What's the big deal? General Hammond isn't going to expect you to be up to speed on what's going on at the SGC when you've just been working there as a civilian consultant! In fact, if you *do* know more than you're supposed to, it isn't going to take a rocket scientist to figure out who told you. I'd think you'd understand why I can't discuss this!"

Sam stood up, heading for the kitchen. Why did he keep questioning her? Besides, he was supposed to be planning an off-world offensive, not preparing for an invasion. Okay, maybe he needed to know what troops he had at his disposal, and how many soldiers it would take to adequately defend the base, but that's something Hammond would know and would tell him when they met. It was up to the general to decide how much information Jack got as a civilian, no matter what his former rank.

Sam was unloading the dishwasher when she felt more than heard Jack behind her.

"I'm sorry, Sam. I didn't mean to make you angry. I guess I just thought if I could really wow Hammond when I showed up, he might give me a few more assignments, ya know?"

Turning to face him, Sam placed her palm on his cheek. "I realize this is hard for you, Jack, especially when I'll be back to work soon and you're going to be left here. I know you say taking care of the baby is going to be enough, but I know you, and this can't be easy. If Hammond offered you more work. I know you'd take it. But you don't have to apply for the job! He's aware of what you can offer the SGC. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have called. There's no need to impress him."

"I suppose you're right," he said quietly, placing his hand over hers, holding it to his cheek. "It's just so damn frustrating being out of the loop like this! We get together with Daniel, Teal'c and that guy who took over for me, and as soon as I walk into the room, everyone shuts up because I'm 'the civilian.' Hammond gives me security clearance when I'm working on special projects, how come he can't give it to me all the time? Christ, I've been keeping this country's secrets for over half my life! Does he think I'm gonna start selling them now or something?"

Sam smiled and pulled him into a hug. "That's not the reason and you know it. This comes from higher up, and it's Standard Operating Procedure, which you also know. So, how about we talk about re-taking that honeymoon we missed out on before Janet returns me to active duty?"

"Got anything in mind?"

"Some place other than Maui?"

Jack slung his arm around her shoulders, leading her from the kitchen. "Just so it's warm. I still haven't seen you in that little black bikini. . . ."

~19~

Daniel was rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he stepped into the command center of the ship. "You find something?" he asked, blinking several times before replacing his glasses.

"We've picked up an ion trail, "Aldwin informed him.

"See? It's getting stronger," Harrison said, pointing to a grid displaying a fluctuating graph, obviously gaining in intensity.

Jack was impressed. The kid hadn't been watching Aldwin all that long, but he seemed to be picking up some of the basic elements of the display panels. Glancing at Daniel, he noted that he, too, was impressed with Harrison.

"Any idea who the ship belongs to?" Daniel asked.

"We haven't had a strong enough trail to get an energy signature," Aldwin said, "but I think we should soon; the ship was here more recently. Perhaps they stopped for a time because the concentration of particles just jumped."

Aldwin's fingers flew over the console, working in silence.

"So?" Jack asked, impatient to know who the mystery Goa'uld was.

". . .one more minute. . . Got it! It looks like. . ."

"Apophis," Teal'c finished for him. "I remember this ship. It was traded shortly before I left his service. Traded to the Goa'uld Eros."

"Eros, as in the God of Love? Cupid? Naked little guy with wings and a bow?"

Daniel looked up at Jack, eyebrows elevated in surprise. "You actually *know* who Eros is?"

"Hey, I've sent a few valentines in my life!"

"Well, you're right about Cupid and Eros being the same god. Eros was the Greek version, usually considered to be the son of Aphrodite and Ares, Cupid being the Roman's name for him. But he was also was the god of mischief. While he's credited with making people fall in love, he also used his arrows to cause unrequited or mis-matched love, just to watch the outcome."

Daniel barely took a breath before he rushed on. "He carried arrows tipped with dove feathers to initiate desire, and arrows with owl feathers to incite discord. He's also a victim of his own desires. Aphrodite had become jealous of a mortal named Psyche because of her renowned beauty, and she sent Eros to make her fall in love with the ugliest man he could find. Eros saw her, instantly fell in love, and instead of following his mother's orders, kept her for himself. There's more to the story but that really isn't relevant right now."

Jack just stared at him, wondering what was relevant past the part about him being the God of Love. "So Romeo has Carter?" he asked, suddenly fearing she'd been subjected to indignities worse than beatings.

"I have just told you Eros possibly has MajorCarter," Teal'c spoke.

"Well, as Goa'ulds go, he's fairly benign," Jacob added hopefully.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"He's a minor lord for one thing, and generally not interested in conquest or Goa'uld internal politics. Generally, he gets what he wants and needs from trade."

"Trade?" Daniel asked.

Jacob grinned. "You'd be surprised how valuable it is to possess the power to make someone fall in love with you."

"I concur," Teal'c added. "I have met this Eros."

All eyes turned toward Teal'c, but he didn't seem fazed by the sudden attention.

"A handsome guy like you?" Jack asked incredulously.

"I did not say I required his services," Teal'c said, looking down his nose at Jack. "It was when I was in the service of Apophis."

"Well, I can see why *he* could use a little outside help. . . ." Jack said.

"Ammounet did not care for Apophis and she made it no secret."

Daniel cast a glance around at the other men in the room. "Well, when she was in Sha're she certainly didn't seem to have a problem with him."

"A testament to the power of Eros' Elixir," Teal'c said.

Jack turned to Daniel and whispered, "what happened to the arrows? I thought that was nice touch." Daniel just gave him an annoyed stare and asked,

"So, all of Apophis' planets and power didn't impress Ammounet?"

"At the time, no. But as you can imagine, being married to him changed her, that and the continued use of Eros' potion."

"So this stuff only lasts so long?" Jack asked.

"To ensure he had, as you would say, O'Neill, 'repeat customers,' Eros' potion lasts only a specified length of time. In which case, a new dose must be supplied."

"Corner on the 'Love Market,' huh? Smart kid," Jack commented.

Jacob asked the question Jack had been burning to. "Teal'c do you think Eros has used this potion on Sam?" They were all aware of the unasked question--had he forced her?

"I do not believe so, GeneralCarter. Eros is quite devoted to his companion, Psyche. I doubt he would have relations with another woman, nor do I believe she would allow it."

"Kind of possessive?" Jack asked.

"Indeed."

"Okay," Jacob said, moving closer to the navigation controls. "We've got an idea of who to look for, now we just need to know where. Teal'c? I don't remember hearing Eros had a base of operations on any planet, do you?"

"I do not. I know it was one of the things Eros was bargaining for the last time I accompanied Apophis to his ship. I believe he is rather nomadic and remains aboard his ship."

"Then what was he doing on P2X-Whatever?" Jack questioned.

"Checking out the neighborhood?" Harrison contributed for the first time.

"That is most likely," Teal'c agreed. "Perhaps it is why he had his Jaffa on the planet. No doubt, our appearance wasn't expected."

"And why they started shooting first, not even bothering to ask questions," Daniel supplied.

"Eros has Jaffa?" Aldwin asked, glancing over to Jacob.

"They are *Shal'rak,*" Teal'c told him.

"Working for the Elixir," Jacob theorized.

"That is my belief."

Jacob sighed, running a hand over his bald head. "Things just keep getting better and better, don't they?" he asked, giving Jack a wry grin. "Well, as I said, we know who, it's just a matter of where."

"Jacob," Aldwin said, drawing everyone's attention. "I've lost the ion trail."

~20~

Eros sat before the communication device, waiting for Apophis to contact him. Even though Psyche promised him the information he would need to bargain with the arrogant System Lord, he wasn't taking any chances. If he could keep knowledge of the Tau'ri woman secret, he would. Perhaps she would prove more valuable as a trade item than she'd proved as a source of information.

He'd been impressed with the strength of her mind. Others had given up their secrets long before this, and still she fought them. Once they had what they needed, perhaps he would let Psyche be the one to dispose of her. It would be a fitting reward for all the frustration she'd caused his lover.

Eros was roused from his thoughts as the communication device came to life. "My Lord, Apophis, what brings you to my ship? Have you need of my services once more?" Eros' smile was as stretched and insincere as the man whose image fluctuated before him.

"You have made it impossible for any of us to do without your services," Apophis said, his grin turning feral.

"Now that is not true," Eros returned, giving Apophis a smile that was almost the opposite of his savage one. "I have no control over love I have not, how shall I put it? 'Inspired?'"

"Do not try to charm me, Eros. We both know you exploit your abilities to get what you want. A trait I admire, I must add."

Eros dipped his head in acknowledgment of the back-handed compliment. "I assume this is not a social call," he stated.

Apophis straightened up in his overly-gilded throne, seemingly oblivious to the women clustered around him. "I find I am once again looking for a mate."

"It would seem you are not lacking for companionship, my Lord."

Apophis turned his gaze to the women around him. "They are a pleasant distraction, but not worthy of becoming my mate."

Eros really didn't care one way or another who was Apophis' chosen one, but the conversation was buying him some valuable time. "Do you have someone in mind?"

"I have one or two whom I feel are deserving of my affections," he said cryptically. "Shall we meet and discuss payment?"

"I would be honored to join you on your vessel," Eros said, hoping by keeping Apophis on his ship, he wouldn't learn of his extra passenger.

"And why is that, Eros? You always insist any dealings be done according to your rules, on your ship. Is there some reason you wish to keep me from coming aboard?"

Eros gave Apophis his most winning smile. "Of course not, my Lord. As such a *generous* customer, I only wished to make the transaction easier for you. I await your pleasure."

"It is my pleasure that I join you on your ship," Apophis said, standing and wrapping a cape around him with a flourish. I shall join you momentarily."

~21~

"What do you mean you've lost the trail?" Jack cried, rushing over to the console where Aldwin stood. "You just had it a minute ago!"

"It is still there, but it has become confused with the ionization trails of many ships. Apparently this is a heavily traveled area of space."

"Well, can't you filter it out or something?"

"Jack," Jacob said, looking up from his seat at the navigation panel, "it's like sifting through a beach looking for a specific grain of sand. It's going to take some time."

"Jacob! How can you be so calm about this? Each minute we sit here, Captain Erotica drags Sam light years away!"

Jacob looked up, eyes flashing. "Colonel O'Neill, Jacob is *very* aware of the consequences involved, without you pointing them out to him. He is quite concerned about Samantha and your comments are not helping improve the situation."

Jack started to speak, but closed his mouth, fighting the urge to make some sarcastic remark to the snake. He honestly didn't know how Jacob did it. Besides having another voice in your head, Selmac seemed so. . .condescending. It would bug the living crap right out of him.

When Jacob spoke again, his voice had lost the deep echo. "Sorry about that. Selmac's a bit over-protective sometimes."

Jack ran a hand through his short hair. "Well, I'm sorry too, Jacob. I know you're doing your best, but this is so damn frustrating!"

Everyone else seemed to have something to do. Daniel was talking to Teal'c about what he remembered of Eros and Psyche. Even Harrison was helping Aldwin sort through the analysis of the ion trails on the ship's computer. Jack was out of his element. He needed to be physically doing something rather than waiting for some damn machine to point the way to their target.

"I think I'm going to check our weapons," Jack said, knowing full well they'd been inspected twice before they'd left Earth. He was just about to the doors leading to the cargo bay when he heard Harrison cry,

"I think I've found something! Aldwin, isn't that the same energy signature we were following before?"

The Tok'ra checked the eager captain's findings, a smile coming to his face. "Captain Harrison is right. It would appear Eros was deliberately trying to mask his trail. First by coming to this area of space, then entering the nebula," he said, pointing to cloud of dust nearly filling the view screen. "I'm almost certain once we clear the nebula, we'll find a stronger trail once more."

"Follow that course," Jacob ordered. "There must be some reason he's trying to hide. A person who makes his living off trade seldom makes himself inaccessible."

"Unless he happens to have some 'cargo' he's trying to hide," Jack added.

Jacob looked up at Jack. "I think it's a safe bet to say he's got Sam. Or at least he did have at one point."

"Let's hope he still does," Jack said, trying to still his restless hands by crossing his arms across his chest. "If he's sold her to someone, I don't think there's a chance in Hell we'll find her."

~22~

Eros watched as Apophis entered his receiving room, strutting and waving his cloak behind him as if he were performing for an audience. *He must be disappointed it's only me and a few Jaffa,* Eros thought to himself.

Apophis glanced around the rather spartan room, leveling his gaze on the young man seated on a cushioned divan. "I would have thought with the compensation you demand for your potion, you wouldn't lead such an austere existence, Eros."

"Some of us don't need to surround ourselves with gilded trappings to feel noble," Eros said, feeling confident he had something Apophis wanted more than a means of keeping a mate interested in him.

"You have grown bold," Apophis said, taking a seat on a lesser lounge a Jaffa had provided him with. "Perhaps you are not in need of what I have to offer?"

"And what would that be? Empty promises? You assured me the planet of Nylor was mine in exchange for Ammounet's eternal love, and yet when I arrived there, I found only your Jaffa waiting on a desert planet. At least I did not come away empty handed," Eros said, nodding to the warriors in the room. Clearly they used to belong to Apophis.

"You did not specify what *type* of planet you desired," Apophis said evenly. "Is it not the burden of the bargainer to know what he is bargaining for? Besides, it would seem Ammounet's love was not as 'eternal' as I thought."

"If she came to an untimely demise, is that my fault? While she was alive, I kept my end of the deal."

Apophis sighed. "I grow weary of this conversation. You know what I want. Name your price."

Eros stood, strolling around his receiving room. "I want a planet from which I can base my operation. Something centrally located, easily accessible to all who seek my assistance, something that is more hospitable than Nylor. In every way. Plus, my usual fee, of course."

"The impetuousness of youth," Apophis said with a false smile. "What makes you think I will pay such an exorbitant price?"

"Because I have something you want almost as much as the love of a new mate."

~23~

As Aldwin had predicted, once the Teltac was clear of the nebula, the ion trail was easily picked up once more.

Jack felt himself getting more and more restless as adrenaline started to course though his veins. They were close, he felt it. Sam was on that ship. He was sure of it. He had to be--there was no other option.

"Jack," Daniel said, stopping him with an outstretched arm as he made his third pass around the command center. "Breaking the record for the most laps around a Teltac isn't helping."

"Well, I can't just stand here waiting for Aldwin to follow the yellow brick road!" Jack scrubbed his hands over his face and blew out a breath. "Look, Daniel, I'm sorry. Even though we got lucky with this whole bread crumb thing, I can't help feeling we're too late, that somehow were going to just miss her by minutes or something!"

"Jack, it's been nearly three weeks. I don't think another hour or two is going to make a difference one way or another. Hey, I miss her too, so does Teal'c. This isn't all on you, you know."

Jack turned sad eyes to Daniel. "Yeah, it is. I'm the one who left her. You guys didn't do that. Me. I did it. If we don't get her back, this is on my head."

Daniel threw up his hands in exasperation. "Sure, Jack. Fine. Whatever. Take all the blame yourself. Oh, and while you're at it? You might want to take responsibility for telling Hammond we needed to check out P2X-993 in the first place. And those Jaffa who greeted us at the 'gate? I'm sure they were your fault as well."

"Okay! All right! I get your point!"

"Do you, Jack? If that's the case then stop wallowing in this well of self-pity you've created, because you couldn't help what happened to Sam any more than Teal'c or I could."

With that Daniel strode to the other side of the command center, leaving Jack feeling like a chastised child. Looking up, he noticed Jacob's eyes on him. He didn't say anything, but Jack could see he agreed with Daniel. Maybe he was playing the martyr, but it was the only way he could reconcile the guilt that wouldn't leave him.

"The particles are becoming more concentrated," Aldwin announced, pulling Jack from his dark thoughts. "I'm picking up the ship on long range scanners. We should have a visual in a just a minute."

Tense seconds ticked by as the five men waited to see what they'd been tracking for nearly a day.

"It is indeed the ship Apophis traded to Eros," Teal'c confirmed.

As they neared the ship, it became evident there was another, larger vessel close to Eros'.

"Tell me that's not who I think it is," Jack said, slapping his forehead with the heel of his hand.

"For what reason would we lie to you, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked. Jack looked up at the puzzled Jaffa, almost grateful for the naive question to break the tension that had settled over the bridge. Before anyone could answer him, Jacob intervened.

"This complicates matters. If Apophis is aware Eros has Sam, he may be working on a trade agreement even as we speak. We're going to have to move fast if we expect to get her back."

"And just how do we do that?" Jack asked. "Just transport over there and start knocking on doors? It's a big ship; Sam could be anywhere and as you pointed out, we probably don't have a lot of time."

Jacob stood, crossing to a storage cabinet where he retrieved a hand held device. "This is a naquada detector. Anise developed it as a sensor to keep track of the Goa'uld while we're on missions."

"Figures Anise would have come up with it," Jack mumbled.

"Why is that, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked.

"Oh, you know. She seems to have a thing for *detection* devices." Jack's gaze met Teal'c's knowing he'd understood his underlying meaning. "Jacob, if this thing picks up the naquada in Goa'ulds, doesn't it pick it up in the Tok'ra using it?"

"That's already been compensated for, and before you ask, yes, it'll still work if unblended Humans use them."

"Cool. We'll take a gross."

Jacob chuckled at Jack's enthusiasm. "Nice try, but they're still in the experimental stage."

"Okay, so we'll take the demo."

Ignoring Jack's comments, Jacob continued. "The detectors have to be used short range. We won't know until we're on Eros' ship if Sam's there."

"It's our best shot," Jack said. "I don't know where else we'd even try to look." Daniel was nodding his head and Teal'c added,

"I concur."

Jack looked over at Harrison who merely shrugged his shoulders. "This is your area, not mine. Let's do it."

Jacob's head dipped as Selmac took over. "Jacob and I will join you, while Aldwin stays with the ship. We're cloaked and in position to use the rings. Gather your gear and prepare for transport."

Jack felt his hands tightening into fists as Selmac issued orders. Orders he should have been giving. But he'd promised Jacob he wouldn't argue with Selmac when it came to be crunch time, and he intended to keep his word. It was the least he could do to try and make it up to him for leaving Sam. The other way would be to get her back, and he didn't plan on disappointing him. If that meant letting Selmac control the mission, so be it.

Geared up and waiting for instruction, the team gathered in the area of the transport rings. Jacob/Selmac carried a crude map, outlining the configuration of Eros' ship.

"I know you're probably aware of the lay-out of the type of ship Eros' has, but for Captain Harrison's sake, bear with me," Jacob said. Rolling the map out on the floor, he gave Harrison a quick overview of what to expect, pointing out key rooms.

"This room here," he said, pointing to a small area off the private quarters, "is probably where they would hold Sam. I'm guessing they'd want to keep her close by in case she tried to escape." Looking up, Jacob directed his attention to Teal'c and Daniel.

"Teal'c, you and Dr. Jackson will provide back-up for Jack. I think it would be easier if one man tries to enter where she's being held. I also need the two of you to keep an eye on Eros and Apophis. I'm assuming they're conducting business as we speak, so hopefully they won't even notice we've transported aboard."

"Eros would most likely be discussing arrangements with Apophis here," Teal'c said, pointing to what would be a larger room some distance from the personal quarters.

"Good," Jacob said. "Now all we have to do is worry about where Psyche is."

"Would she not be attending Eros? In the past, she was always by his side."

"Well, let's hope she sticks to her MO," Daniel added. "Although, if Sam's a captive, Psyche might be guarding her."

"If she is, I'll take care of her," Jack said, patting his jacket, making sure the zat he'd hid was still there. "Where you gonna be?" he asked Jacob.

"Captain Harrison and I are going to knock out the ship's engines. I'm sure it won't take them long to discover Sam's disappearance, and I don't think I have to tell you a ship like Eros' could easily overtake a 'vintage' ship like this one. We're going to need some extra help getting away."

"What about Apophis? Won't he come after us in his ship?" Daniel asked.

"If the exchange for MajorCarter has not taken place, I doubt Apophis will involve himself in Eros' fight. He has no interest in helping him. He only tolerates Eros out of necessity," Teal'c informed them.

"Wait a second," Daniel said, waving his hands to halt the conversation. "Aren't we forgetting something? I mean we're going on the assumption Eros actually *has* Sam. What if he doesn't?"

"Then we still disable his ship and get the hell out of there," Jack said. "We're wasting valuable time, here. Jacob, Selmac, can't we just get on with this before Apophis *does* get his hands on Sam?"

Jacob nodded, handing Jack and Teal'c naquada detectors. "Sam is barely going to register on these, considering she doesn't have the same amount of naquada in her system. The weak signal is how you'll identify her. Everybody clear on their role?"

"About as clear as I ever am," Daniel muttered, standing with the other men inside the transport area.

Jack clapped him on the shoulder. "Daniel! Where's your sense of adventure?" Daniel's retort died on his lips as Jack felt the energy of the rings pass through his body. He hated this part. Entering a void that was neither one place or another, but somewhere in between. It wasn't the same as when he entered the 'gate. He couldn't explain the difference, but there was something about the transport rings that was more unsettling than 'gate travel. Carter could tell him why. Once he had her safe on Jacob's ship, it would be the first thing he asked her.

~24~

Apophis looked up at Eros. "What is it you feel I need as much as the love of a mate?"

Pausing for effect, Eros said. "Information."

"Information?" Apophis laughed. "I have many sources for information. I'm sure you have nothing new to offer me."

"What about information of the Tau'ri's defenses?" Eros couldn't help but smile at the reaction his words caused in Apophis. Trying to hide his eager expression, Apophis attempted nonchalance. < P> "How is it you've come to have this intelligence?"

"I have my sources as well." Just then Psyche entered the receiving room, rushing over to Eros to whisper in his ear.

"I have tried everything, my love, but still Samantha will not tell me what she knows. Perhaps if you can stall Apophis a bit longer. . ."

"He will not wait!" Eros hissed.

Apophis appeared next to the couple. "I hope I am not interrupting anything, but I wished to pay my respects to your lovely companion." Picking up Psyche's hand, Apophis leaned over it, touching her knuckles to his forehead. "Psyche, my dear, it is always a pleasure to see you."

Psyche gave Apophis a tight smile. "My Lord."

"I do believe you become lovelier every time I see you."

Eros felt his jealousy rising. He knew he had to allow Apophis to fawn over his lover to keep him in a receptive mood. That didn't mean he had to like it. "Perhaps we could discuss the additional payment?"

Apophis feigned boredom. "Must you always be all business, Eros? Especially in the company of such a lovely woman?"

"I assumed you wished to be on your way as soon as possible, my Lord. I was only hoping to not delay you further with idle talk."

"I see," Apophis said, circling Psyche looking her up and down as if she were on an auction block. "So you no longer wish to bargain with knowledge of the Tau'ri? I do not believe you have anything. It was only a bluff to raise the fee you wish to extract from me."

"That is not true. Come, sit and I'll tell you what I know of the Tau'ri."

"I have grown weary of your subterfuge, Eros. I came here for the means to secure a new mate, and I believe I have found her." Suddenly, Apophis' hand clamped over Psyche's wrist holding her as he nodded to his Jaffa to take her.

"Eros!" she cried, trying to free herself from Apophis' grip.

Instantly, Eros was back on his feet, grabbing a staff weapon from one of his own Jaffa, leveling it at Apophis. "Release her."

Apophis seemed unruffled by Eros' display. "Try anything and your lovely Psyche will suffer the consequences."

Looking into her pleading eyes, Eros knew he had but one option left. "I have a better choice for your mate."

"Really, Eros, I do tire of these games. Take her back to the ship!" he ordered.

"Wait! I have the Tau'ri woman!"

Apophis stopped, turning around slowly. "I have many Tau'ri women."

"But I have the one you want above all others. The one belonging to the group that calls themselves SG-1."

Apophis' eyes flared, jaw clenching. "Bring her to me," he demanded.

"Release Psyche and she is yours."

"When I have the Tau'ri woman, you shall have yours."

Eros nodded to a Jaffa closest to the door. "Bring the woman."

~25~

The transport rings deposited the five men in a corridor about halfway between Eros' receiving room and the room Jacob felt they were holding Sam. Turning on his detection device, Jack noted there were several strong naquada readings, and one very faint one. She was here! That had to be her making the blip on the screen! Giving an inward sigh of relief, he silently showed everyone the slight reading. Jacob nodded, giving them a hand signal to move out.

Jack watched Teal'c and Daniel step around a corner, as he clung to the walls himself, making his way in the opposite direction. Holding the naquada detector before him like a homing device, he noted the reading was getting stronger. He had to be close.

Things were quiet, he noted. Almost too quiet. Shouldn't there be an occasional Jaffa making the rounds of the hallways? Perhaps Eros didn't have any to spare when there was a deal going down. At any rate, he didn't care why he hadn't met with any resistance; he happily took his luck where he could get it.

From Jacob's crude map, he realized he was outside Eros' and Psyche's personal quarters. Although, just looking at the change in decor in this section of hallway was clue enough. What was it with snake heads and gaudy, anyway? The next chamber was the one Selmac thought might be where they were holding Sam.

Looking at the device in his hand, the readings didn't seem any stronger. And there was only her signature. Wouldn't there be a guard on her? Trying the door anyway, Jack burst through, pistol gripped in his right hand as he steadied it with his left. The room was empty. There was no sign Sam had ever occupied the space. They had to be holding her someplace else.

Jack fiddled with the controls on the detector, imagining the reprimand he'd get if Selmac caught him playing with the device. He must have hit on the right combination, because now he was sensing her and a stronger presence. Probably the Jaffa guarding her.

Moving further down the hallway, Jack used his scope to peer around the corner. Yup. There he was, big and ugly, but did they come in any other model? He pulled his zat from his jacket, ready to fire the moment he stepped around the corner.

"Hey!" he called, startling the Jaffa into turning in his direction, giving him a larger target. Jack squeezed off a single shot, watching the man crumble to the floor as the electrical current flowed over his body. Jack closed the distance between himself and his quarry, disarming him as he passed into the room he'd been securing.

It looked like some kind of lab, reminding him slightly of the cryogenic chambers on Hathor's ship. Jack felt an involuntary shiver run down his back at the memory. This looked like the type of place they might have held Sam, but where was she?

Searching the dim room, Jack noticed the shape of a body on what might have been a table or gurney behind a curtain. He moved quickly, yanking the material away to reveal Sam, in some type of clothing resembling medical scrubs with a Tok'ra memory device attached to her temple.

"Damn," he muttered as he moved closer. All this time they'd been probing her mind, looking for secrets. Obviously they hadn't gotten what they wanted, otherwise she wouldn't still be hooked up to that thing. Looking up for the first time, Jack noticed what memories Sam was reliving. On the thought-screen were images of her locked in a passionate embrace with some guy, who looked awfully familiar. . . .

"Whoa! Carter! Little more than I needed to know there!" Jack exclaimed, when he realized what he was seeing was not only Sam in the throes of passion, but himself as well, giving as much as he was receiving. For a few moments all he could do was stare in morbid fascination as the couple on the screen exchanged endearments, moans and sighs. He simply stood, blinking at the images before him, wondering if these were really the kind of fantasies she had. Suddenly realizing the intensely private nature of her thoughts, Jack turned his back to the screen, embarrassed he'd been watching as long as he had.

Leaning over her, he tried to rouse her. "Carter! Sam! Wake up! It's me, Jack!" He had his hands on both her shoulders, shaking her gently, then with more force when she remained unresponsive.

Sam's eyelids fluttered. "Jack?" she questioned sleepily. "Where did you go?" Sliding her hands around his neck, she wound her fingers into his hair, pulling his head down to kiss him, stealing his breath. "I missed you," she smiled lazily.

Jack stiffened in shock, pulling away from her embrace. "Well, I, uh, missed you, too, Carter. We better get you out of here, though," he whispered, feeling flustered. What the hell had gotten into her? She'd never been so informal with him! And she certainly never would have kissed him like *that* just because she was relieved to be rescued!

"I like it here in bed just fine," she said, reaching for him again.

"Carter!" he yelped, startled by her strange behavior. "Ah, look, maybe it's being hooked up to this alien mind thingy. I'm gonna disconnect you and then we'll get out of here, okay?"

Sam's face wore a puzzled frown, then went slack as Jack removed the thin wire from the device on her temple.

"Carter? Sam, you okay?" he asked, seeing her body go completely limp as if she'd passed out.

"Shit," he swore, realizing he was going to have to carry her. Gently, he picked her up, hoping he wasn't doing some kind of damage by trying to move her in this state. It's not like he had a lot of choice, he reasoned. Shifting her over his shoulder, he couldn't help but notice how thin she'd gotten and he felt his anger rise once more, wondering what kind of torture they'd put her through. She didn't appear to have any injuries, but there were worse ways to hurt a person than physically. Still, Sam was one of the strongest people he knew. She was going to be all right. He had to believe that.

~26~

Daniel and Teal'c stood on opposite sides of the doorway to the reception room, listening to the conversation within.

"Really, Eros, I do tire of these games. Take her back to the ship!" Daniel recognized Apophis' voice and felt his hands clenching into fists as he stood helpless. He looked at Teal'c who held up a cautionary hand.

"Wait! I have the Tau'ri woman!" Then Sam was here! Daniel thought. At least they were on the right track.

"I have many Tau'ri women."

"But I have the one you want above all others. The one belonging to the group that calls themselves SG-1." Daniel's jaw set, as his gaze met Teal'c's.

"Bring her to me." At Apophis' words, both Daniel and Teal'c readied their weapons. They were going to have to stop whomever came through that door if they were going to buy Jack some time to find Sam.

Teal'c signaled him to hold his fire until the Jaffa were some distance from the receiving room. Daniel surmised it was to keep Apophis and Eros from realizing too quickly the warriors hadn't reached their destination.

Daniel debated whether or not to call Jack on the radio. He knew his contact might distract Jack at a crucial moment, but he couldn't risk more Jaffa intercepting him before he found Sam. He knew Jack had his earpiece in, so he spoke quietly into his radio's microphone.

"Jack, Eros has just sent some Jaffa to bring Sam to the receiving room. Apophis has Psyche, and Eros is going to trade Sam for her. We got the two Jaffa Eros sent from here, but there might be more coming from your end."

"Roger that," Jack's whispered voice came over Daniel's earpiece. "I've got Sam, but she's out cold. It's going to take me a little longer than I thought to get back to the transport area. Call Jacob and find out how they're doing. I want to get off this ship now!"

"We'll rendezvous with Jacob and Harrison and then cover you until you're at the transport site."

"Affirmative," Jack answered an then the radio went dead.

Switching frequencies, Daniel radioed Jacob. "Jacob! Jack's got Sam, how much longer until you're done?"

"Almost there," Jacob answered with a grunt, obviously struggling with something. Daniel heard him order Harrison to complete some task, but he couldn't make out what the command was.

"Jacob, Eros has sent his Jaffa to retrieve Sam. He's going to trade her to Apophis. We got the first two, but it won't take long before they're discovered. You have to hurry!"

"You and Teal'c make your way to Jack. We'll be there as soon as we can. If you get to the transport area, I want you to get Sam out of here. Don't worry about us. We'll make it back on our own if we have to. Just get Sam off this ship!"

"I promise, Jacob, but we're not leaving without you!"

Selmac's voice in his ear startled Daniel. "Do not argue Dr. Jackson! You agreed to follow my direction, now do it!"

"We'll meet you in the corridor we were transported to," was all Daniel would say. Just then four Jaffa rounded the corner and began firing on them.

"DanielJackson!" Teal'c cried, "how many more are there?"

Daniel fumbled with Anise's detector. "According to this there's about six more on the way. It's hard to tell when they're moving so fast!"

"We must retreat!" Teal'c called.

"But Teal'c!"

"Do not challenge me, DanielJackson! I know another way to the level we seek!"

Daniel squeezed off a few shots of his zat before running down the hall behind Teal'c who'd turned and covered him with his staff weapon. Slamming his palm against a panel on the wall, Teal'c caused a force shield to come between them and the attacking Jaffa.

"It will not hold for long," Teal'c warned as he continued running down the hallway until he reached a maintenance access tube. "If we follow this, it will eventually take us to the lower levels of the ship. From there we can meet up with O'Neill and MajorCarter."

It was a tight fit for Daniel, causing him to wonder how Teal'c managed to maneuver his bulk through the confined space. It always amazed him how agile Teal'c was for his size.

Teal'c dropped out of the tube, clearing the way for Daniel who was surprised to find the hallway empty. Now that he thought about it, there had been no alarm sounded yet. Had the Jaffa they encountered simply been bad timing and Eros didn't know they were on the ship yet?

Even as the thought came to his mind, alarms started going off and he heard orders issued all over the ship intruders were on board. Daniel wished he could see the look on the Goa'uld's faces when they realized just *who* the trespassers were.

Daniel saw Jack running down the hallway, moving slower than usual as he carried Sam. Out of breath, Jack barely managed to speak.

"Jaffa. Lots of them. They'll. . .be here. . .any second. Call. . .Aldwin. Get Sam. . . ."

Jack didn't need to finish his sentence as Daniel was already signaling their cloaked ship. Jack lay Sam down in the ring's transport area, stepping back to avoid transporting along with her.

"Jacob? Harrison?"

"On their way," Daniel told him.

"They probably have encountered some resistance as well," Teal'c added.

Jack was doubled over, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. "Ya think?"

"You two, go with Sam, I'll wait for Jacob and Harrison."

"That is not a wise course of action, O'Neill." Just then the Jaffa that had been pursuing Jack began to fire on them.

"Take cover!" Jack called, then shouting into his radio he yelled, "Aldwin! What the hell is taking so long? Get Sam out of here!"

The transport rings appeared as he spoke, staff weapon fire glancing off the force field surrounding the rings. Daniel saw the tension in Jack's shoulders relax for a second before he focused once more on the task at hand.

They fired on the Jaffa with a combination of weapons--staff, zat and P90, but still they kept coming. Jack caught a shot from a staff on his right bicep, causing him to cry out in pain, and redoubling his efforts to take out what Jaffa he could.

"I thought you said Jacob and Harrison were almost through!" he shouted at Daniel.

"That's what Jacob said!" Daniel yelled back, ducking out to fire at a Jaffa who'd decided to make a suicide run and die in a blaze of glory. God he hated this part of the job! He knew it was kill or be killed, but every life he took, he felt a piece of himself chipping away. He wondered how Jack and Teal'c had any part of their souls left.

Before his morbid thoughts could take control of his actions, Daniel heard zat blasts and gunfire coming from behind the Jaffa who were shooting at them. It had to be Harrison and Jacob! Well, they'd made it that far, the last hundred yards couldn't be any more difficult. With the additional assault on their flank, the Jaffa began to retreat down a side corridor, giving Jacob and Harrison a narrow window to join their comrades down the hall.

"Daniel!" Jack yelled. "Call up the ship and get those rings ready to go! As soon as they make it over here I wanna be outta here!"

Aldwin confirmed he was ready to transport and Jack signaled to Harrison and Jacob to make a run for it. They were almost to the transport area when Jacob took a hit from a staff weapon in his thigh, sending him crashing to the floor. Daniel was about to run out to him, but Jack beat him to the punch. Together with Captain Harrison, Jack managed to drag the wounded Tok'ra to the transport area, as the rings cascaded around the four of them.

~27~

Eros paced as he waited for his warriors to bring the Tau'ri woman. It wasn't how he planned to use her, but he hadn't anticipated Apophis' deceit. Why had he even allowed him near Psyche? He'd seen the lust in his eyes when he looked at her; he should have realized the excuse of wanting his potion was only a means of gaining access to his ship and to her!

Eros cast Psyche reassuring glances as Apophis' Jaffa held her captive. What was taking them so long? He would have went for the Tau'ri himself if it hadn't meant leaving Psyche alone with Apophis! The thought turned his blood cold. Not that he thought Apophis would abuse her--he seemed to have plans for her that didn't include hurting her. But humiliating her? Degrading her? He wouldn't put it past Apophis using her as a way to strike back at him.

True, he over-charged for his Elixir, but he was no real threat to Apophis, and he could easily afford the price he charged. Well, no matter. He may lose his advantage over Apophis by surrendering the Tau'ri woman, but it was a small price to pay to keep Psyche safe.

"My Lord," Eros' First Prime called, momentarily drawing his thoughts away from Psyche's fate. "The Tau'ri woman. She's gone."

"Gone?! That is not possible! She has been under Psyche's control since she's been here! Find her!"

The First Prime bowed his head. "Several Jaffa are also unaccounted for, my Lord."

Apophis began to chuckle. "It would appear you too have been made a laughing stock by the members of the Tau'ri team. They may be only Humans, but they can be resourceful."

"Check for any nearby ships. No doubt they are using some type of cloaking device. They must be in league with the Tok'ra," Eros surmised. "The Tau'ri do not have the technology to have done this on their own."

"I will see to it, my Lord."

Alarms began to sound throughout the ship, but Apophis seemed unaffected by the news. "It would seem you have nothing to offer me after all, Eros. But do not trouble yourself finding the Tau'ri woman on my account. I have what I came for. Take her away," he ordered his Jaffa.

"No!" Eros cried. "She is still somewhere aboard and I *will* find her!"

"It truly is no concern of mine," Apophis answered. I came for a mate, and I now have one. Although I would have enjoyed bending the Tau'ri woman to my will, Psyche will be an enjoyable challenge as well."

"Eros! My love! You must not let him remove me!"

"Apophis, please," Eros found himself pleading. "Do not take her from me!"

"Your devotion to each other is most commendable," Apophis said. "But the next time she calls out a name, it shall be mine as I make love to her."

Eros couldn't believe how helpless he felt. With no Jaffa in the room he had no way to stop Apophis from taking Psyche from him. Why had he sent both his guards to procure one woman?

"We shall be leaving you," Apophis announced. "Perhaps when you find the Tau'ri woman she would make you an adequate mate?"

Apophis swept from the room dragging the sobbing Psyche with him. "I won't let him touch me, my love! I will always be yours!"

Eros started to follow her, but Apophis' Jaffa held him at bay. "I will get you back!" Eros called out to her. "Live for that day!"

Apophis left his ship, as several of Eros' Jaffa arrived. Staring at the two remaining Serpent Guards, Eros' eyes were emotionless. "Kill them," he ordered.

Eros' First Prime ran into the room as the third zat shot was delivered to Apophis' Jaffa. "My Lord, I'm afraid I have bad news."

Eros chuckled bitterly. "What could be worse than the loss of my only love?"

"The Tau'ri have escaped. And they have damaged our ship. Pursuit is impossible."

Eros turned cold eyes to the leader of his Jaffa. "Make the necessary repairs. They think they have won a victory over me this day, but they will see, in the end it will be I who has won."

On to Part 3

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