Sam was first to emerge from the Stargate on to PJ-897 and was happy to see that the M.A.L.P had been correct about the weather conditions. The sky was a dazzling blue and she lifted her face up to the sun before she walked down the well-worn steps. Opening up the laptop Sam typed away on the keyboard, her brow creasing as she read the data on the screen. 

Something wasn’t quite right.

“Carter?” Jack asked when he joined her “Everything ok?”

Sam shook her head slightly, “I’m not sure Sir. I’m picking up some odd energy readings”

“Dangerous?” he asked her concerned

“No Sir, just odd” Sam typed away at the keyboard “There coming from over in that direction” Sam told him pointing dead ahead.

“OK let’s go check it out” he told her with a smile.




“Why do I get the feeling that this is just a huge waste of time?”

The group had been walking for the past 30 minutes down the dry dirt track and Jack was starting to get bored.

“O’Neill!” Jack looked up in the direction Teal’c had indicated and immediately raised his weapon, Sam automatically raising hers.

“Yeah I see ‘em” he told Teal’c as he spotted four people walking towards them. 

“Jack, please…” Daniel said pushing the front of Jack’s gun down “Do we have to do this every time?”

“You know one of these days I’m gonna let someone shot you in the ass” Jack said.

“Welcome travellers” One of the men said bowing his head “My name is Duran and this is my betrothed Denta, Carin and his betrothed Jurell” he said indication to other members of the group.

“Hi... erm I’m Daniel Jackson and this is Colonel Jack O’Neill, Major Samantha Carter and the big guy at the back is Teal’c”

“Have you travelled far?” Carin asked

“Actually we’ve just come through the Stargate... the stone ring... from a place called Earth” Daniel told him

“Really,” Duran said sounding very excited “in that case you must be tired, please you must see our village.” 

“Thank you” Daniel said before following him.

Jack looked towards Sam and shrugged his shoulders “I still say this is a huge waste of time” 

“We have not had visitors through the stone ring for a long time. The last recorded visit was over 100 years ago” Duran informed Daniel.

The village slowly came into view as they reached the top of a hill. It was nothing more than a small collection of houses with smoke rising from their chimneys. It reminded Sam of a scene out of Robin Hood except Sherwood Forrest never had a huge gold pyramid standing in the middle of it. 

“What’s the gold pyramid?” Daniel asked Duran

“That is the Nyet” He told him with pride.

"I think that's were the energy readings are coming from" Sam told Jack

“Can anyone else hear that?” Jack asked. There was a loud humming noise that was growing louder by the second. 

Suddenly a bright flash of light erupted from the tip of the Nyet sending the villagers below scurrying into their houses.

“What the....” Jack was pushed aside by a panicked Duran who ran towards the village followed by Carin, Jurell and Denta.

“I think we should follow they” Daniel said.




“This is a disaster” Duran said when SG1 finally caught up with him.

“What just happened?” Sam asked him trying to calm him down.

“The Nyet it is no longer functioning” Duran said finally turning to face her. “What are we to do? It is our life source.”

“Erm… life source?” Daniel enquired

“Are ancestors found the Nyet many years ago and discovered that it extend their lives.” Denta explained “We have become dependent on it ever since.” 

“How long can you last without it?” Daniel asked him

“We are unsure. The Nyet has never ceased to function before” she replied 

Sam walked over to the Nyet and started to examine it. “Wow... Looks like solid gold” she said. 

Daniel joined her and ran his hand lightly over the embossed symbols that covered its surface. “Here we are” he said and pressed a small square. With a rush of air a panel opened revealing a doorway. Daniel looked over towards Sam and gave her a small shrug “Lucky guess” 

Sam flicked the light on at the end of her gun and stepped into the dark interior. Scanning the room she noted that the walls were not gold as she expected them to be, but some sort of metallic grey with no symbols or markings of any kind. 

There was however a tall crystal column that stood in the centre of the pyramid. “This looks like the power source.” She told Daniel who had followed her. Walking over to it she ran her hands over the smooth crystals. “Now this looks familiar” she told Daniel and picked up one of the crystals. Immediately a small chamber slid out.

“Carter?” O’Neill called as he came into the room

“Sir” she said turning to face him

“Tell me that you can fix this thing.” 

“Yes Sir, I think I can.” She told him “The power source has been depleted. It runs on a crystal system similar to....”

“You can fix it right?”

“It might take me a couple of days, but I think so Sir.” She said

Daniel turned round and saw Duran and Denta sheepishly entering the Nyet. “It’s ok” Daniel reassured them beckoning them in further.

“Well then get to it” Jack told Sam with a wave of his hand

“Yes Sir” Sam said flashing him a smile. 

Jack gave a small shake of his head before disappearing. He knew this mission was going to turn out to be boring.

Sam set her weapon on the ground and went to work examining the crystals.

“My betrothed my I assist Major Carter with the repairs?” Denta asked Duran 

“Of course you may my love” he said kissing her gently on the cheek before turning to Daniel “This is indeed good news. Please you must join us for our evening meal”.

“We would love to.” Daniel said “Thank you”

“Then please, allow Jurell to show you were you can rest” 

Daniel gave Sam a small wave and followed Duran out of the pyramid.





Jurell led Jack, Teal’c and Daniel to a small house. “You may rest in here if you wish until evening meal is ready” she told them, “But please feel free to explore our village”

“Thank you, you are very kind” Daniel told her.

“It is us who should be thanking you” she told him “You are strangers to our world and yet you have found it in your hearts to help us”

The small knock on the door signalled the arrival of Carin. “Jurell my love,” he said placing a hand on Jurell’s arm “I am sure our visitors wish to rest”

“Oh that’s ok…” Daniel began

“My betrothed is right, you must be tired” she said to Daniel “and here I am rambling on. Please rest” With a small nod she turned and left closing the door behind her.

“Ummmmm” Daniel said thoughtfully before pulling out one of the wooden chairs that stood around the table

“Ummmm?” Jack asked picking up an ornament from the table and peering inside, “What does ummm mean?”

“That’s the second time they have referred to each other as their betrothed”

“So?” Jack asked putting the ornament back.

“So nothing…” Daniel said taking out a snack bar from his top pocket “I’m just guessing they’re married or something”

“On Chulak we are promised to each other at birth” Teal’c told them as he settled himself down the chair opposite Daniel

“Really?” Daniel asked always eager to learn more about any culture “What if you don’t like each other?” 

Teal’c took a moment to think about Daniel’s question “You learn to live with it” he told him eyebrow raised

“Can’t argue with that” Jack said placing his feet on the table and covering his eyes with his cap leaving Daniel to chew thoughtfully on his candy bar


Sam reached up into the bowels of the power unit. “There you are” she said pulling out the crystal she had been searching for. Wriggling out from underneath the power unit she stood up and handed Denta the burnt crystal. “One of the powers crystals is burnt out. We just need to replace it with a small generator and you’ll be set”

Denta let out a sigh or relief “Duran will be please”

Sam knelt down and started to pick up the crystals that were now spread across the floor “I heard you call him your betrothed earlier... Is he your husband?” she asked her

“Husband?” Denta said as if trying the word out for the first time 

“Your erm... partner” Sam said hoping she understood

Denta smiled and gave her a small nod “Yes, Duran is my partner. We will have been joined for 11 years the day after tomorrow”

“Congratulations” she said surprised that the couple had been together for such a long time after all Denta had to be no more than 26.

“Is one of the men you are with your betrothed?” Denta asked her while passing her a crystal “Jack maybe?”

Sam gave a small chuckle “No” she told her rather too forcefully “No, Colonel O’Neill is my Commanding Officer we’re not allowed… that is it’s against regulations” she finally managed to stop herself from rambling and just stood there looking embarrassed

“Oh” Denta said bending down to pick up another of the crystals “then he is not with you?” she asked her sheepishly.

“Oh I don’t have a betrothed. Nearly did... once” she said before Denta pushed the crystal into her hand

“I am sorry Major,” Denta said “but I can no longer talk to you.” 

Denta turned to leave but Sam grabbed hold of her arm 

“What? What have I done?” She asked her alarmed at the sudden change in the other woman’s behaviour

“It is against the law for a woman not to joined.” Denta told her keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the floor “You must leave” she said before snatching her arm away and running out of the Nyet





Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“It is against our law for a woman over the age of 15 not to be betrothed.”

“Oh for cryin’ out loud” Jack mumbled 

“On our world things are different.” Daniel explained to Duran “A woman has the right not to be betrothed.”

“I am sorry,” Duran said shaking his head, “but she must leave here at once.” 

That was it Jack had had enough. “Hey! Carter is the only person who can fix that damn thing”

Duran stood firm “She must leave” he told Jack forcefully 

“So let me get this straight. You would rather die than have Carter help you?” he asked him

“I am sorry. Please she must leave” Duran told him again before both he and Carin quietly left.

“Well guess that’s that... Grab your stuff where outta here.” Jack told Daniel and Teal’c

“What just like that?” Daniel asked him alarmed that they were just going to go

“Daniel, you heard the man.” Jack said, “We have to go.”

“At least let me talk to him.” Daniel pleaded, “If we go they will die”

Jack studied the face of his friend and not for the first time wondered where Daniel got his compassion. “Fine” he said and slumped down into a nearby chair.

Daniel nodded his head and opened the door only to be greeted by an alarmed Sam.

“Daniel” she began slightly out of breath “You are never…”

“Yea, Duran just told us” Jack interrupted her

Pulling out a chair Sam sat down and placed her gun on the table “What type of backwards world is this.” She exclaimed, “I can’t believe a woman has to be married”

“If it’s an consolation, marriage is not all it’s cracked up to be.” 

Sam looked over at Jack not at all amused by his attempt at a joke. 

“I’m gonna see if Daniel needs any help” he said and bolted for the door.

“I bet this doesn’t happen on Chulak” Sam said to Teal’c.




Jack let out a small groan as he watched Daniel the diplomat in action.

“So they are our only options?” Daniel asked Duran and tried to ignore the snort from Jack.

“I’m afraid so.” Duran said “I am sorry if this seems strange to you, but it has been our way for many years. It is a law we must uphold in order to maintain harmony among our people.”

Daniel nodded his head thoughtfully “We understand” he told them even though he didn’t quite fully understand “Please except our apologies”

Duran and Carin bowed theirs heads slightly before leaving.

“Some set of options” Jack commented as they made their way back to the house and an eager Sam greeted them

“Sir,” she said, “What did he say?”

“Well it would seem we have 2 ... “ Jack began

“3” Daniel interjected

Jack shot Daniel a ‘shut up’ look before he continued, “that would be 2 options” 

“What are they?” Sam said asked impatiently

“We can leave and try and find someone else who can fix this thing....”

That was not an option that was just stupid “There is no one else Sir” she told him

“.... or Daniel, Teal’c and I can stay and we’ll try and fix it.” He continued

Ok did these people understand the meaning of the word ‘options’ Sam wondered? 

“No offence Sir, but how will you be able to fix this?” she asked him

“You relay what we have to do via the M.A.L.P” 

“No sir that won’t work...” she told him “It will have to be near perfect images and the MALP hasn’t the equipment... If you get anything wrong, the generator could blow... So what’s option 3?” she asked noting the look Daniel gave Jack.

“3 is not an option” he told her and Sam was surprised to see his cheeks redden slightly.

“Jack” Daniel said raising his eyebrows

Taking a deep breath Jack turned to face him “Daniel... watch my lips... 3 is not an option” he said before walking away. Not ready to give up Daniel went after him

Sam stood next to Teal’c and watched Daniel and Jack with a mixture of concern and amusement. Obviously the Colonel was not impressed with whatever option 3 was, but Daniel on the other hand wouldn’t let it go. After much arm waving Sam saw Jack’s shoulders finally slump and was surprised that Daniel had actual won the argument. 

She waited with a growing sense of excitement as the pair made their way back. She was eager to find out what was so bad about option 3 that the Colonel wasn’t even willing to discuss it.

“So?” she asked 

Daniel hesitated for a second and Jack gave him a go-ahead gesture

“You could get joined” he told her

Sam looked first at Daniel and then at Jack a smile forming. They were joking with her except neither one of the looked like they were joking. There was no way that that was an option. Slowing Sam’s smile faded at it dawned on her. They were serious.

“What?” she asked “To who?” 

Would she have to marry some village reject?

“Well erm... Jack” he told her

This time Sam could not stop her laugh and she felt relief flood over her. They were joking with her “The Colonel” she said “This has to be a joke... right?” the looks on their faces hadn’t changed much. 

“I am trying not to feel too insulted by that comment Carter” Jack said looking slightly hurt.

Oh God, this isn’t a joke.

“It’s a very simple ceremony Sam. You say I do, Jack says me too.” Daniel told her quickly 

“I can’t marry the Colonel... What about regulations?” she asked. 

“It wouldn’t be legal anywhere else but here.” Daniel explained, “In essence it won’t mean anything.” 

And that was meant to make things OK Sam wondered. 

“This is ridiculous.” she said getting angry. There was no way she could marry Colonel O’Neill “There has to be an option 4?”

“No” Daniel said and then added “Sorry Sam”

Sam looked up at Jack who had suddenly developed a fascination with the mud that was stuck to the bottom of his boot. She had to think about this logically. It was just words after all. It wouldn’t mean anything… would it? How could it, it’s not as if she had had daydreams about marrying the Colonel or anything like that. Now that would be stupid. 

Sam looked at the three men in front of her. 

What if she was protesting too much? Would they read something in to that? Just a few simple words Daniel had said. It wouldn’t mean anything. Then why was she protesting, why didn’t she just agree and get on with it?

Except it would mean something... to her.

“Small ceremony?” she asked

“Very small” Daniel said

“Will I have to wear a dress?”

“No” 

Sam sighed. She couldn’t believe what she was about to do “Fine” she said and turned to face her CO “Will you marry me Sir?” she asked him

Jack gave her a crocked smiled “Why not Carter... Can’t be any worse the second time around”

“Great...” Daniel said patting Jack on the back “I’ll go and let Duran and Carin know...”





Jack paced. There wasn’t much else he could do. Daniel had gone back to the SGC to pick up his Dress uniform plus a couple of suites for him and Teal’c. Hopefully he'd give Hammond a good excuse as to why he needed his Dress uniform and the suites in the first place.

“You look tense O’Neill” Teal’c said

Talk about stating the obvious Jack thought before sitting down on a nearby chair. His stomach was in knots. 

“Yeah I get like that just before I’m about to get married.” 

Married he thought. He was about get married to Carter of all people. He would have laughed had he not thought it tragic in its own small way. He knew she thought it was a bad idea and he had to agree with her, but Daniel had been so convincing in his argument or did Jack just want to believe him in the first place.

If he was honest with himself, really honest he did want to do this. He wanted to know what it felt like to hear her say ‘I do’ even if it was a lie and for a brief moment know that she was his.

The door of the house opened and Jack shot to his feet. “Did you get it?” he ask Daniel

“Right here” he told him and passed Jack his uniform wrapped in plastic bag.

“What did you tell Hammond?” Jack asked him while checking that the uniform for creases.

“I told him you had been invited to a formal dinner” Daniel told him proud of his little white lie. 

“Great… Good” Jack replied. That would throw Hammond off the scent.

“According to Carin you are going to need a second... a best man” Daniel continued “and Sam is going to have to have someone to give her away.” Reaching into his pocket Daniel pulled out some paper “Oh and here are your vows.” He handed them to Jack

“OK...” Jack said as he quickly scanned the vows. A small smile crept on to his face as he handed the vows back to Daniel. “Daniel you can be my best man and Teal’c you go give Carter away.” 

“Teal’c can you give these to Sam?” Daniel asked.

Taking the vows off him Teal’c nodded his head and left Jack and Daniel to change.






“You have got to be kidding me” Sam said to her reflection as she studied her appearance in the mirror. “He told me no dress” But then again what she was wearing couldn’t really be counted as a dress.

A small knock at the door caught her attention “Yeah?” she called 

“Major Carter, it is I” the sound of Teal’c made her smile. 

“Come on in Teal’c”

Teal’c entered the small room and Sam turned to face him. 

“I know...” she said when she saw the look on his face “Daniel said I wouldn’t have to wear a dress... I feel stupid”

“You look beautiful” he told her and Sam felt herself blush slightly

“Thanks Teal’c” Turning back towards the mirror Sam let out a deep sigh and sat heavily on the bed behind her.

“Is everything ok Major Carter?” Teal’c asked

“I guess so” she said.

Sensing that not all was well with his friend Teal’c took a seat next to her “Is there something on your mind?”

“Apart from the fact that I’m about to marry Colonel O’Neill” she told him with false humour

“I do not understand” 

Sam stared down at the white shoes on her feet. “My Mom and Dad had a good marriage.” She began “I mean it wasn’t the best, but they did love each other. I always thought that when it happens to me it would be just like that, it would be for love... not so I could fix some stupid piece of alien technology.”

Teal’c looked over at her and he could not help but feel sorry for her. He knew she loved O’Neill and that O’Neill shared her feelings but yet neither one of them were allowed to admit it. “Things are not always what they seem” he told her

Sam gave him a weak smile.

“I have been instructed to give you your vows” he said handing her the paper Daniel had given to him earlier.

“OK” she said taking them from him. “Well this looks simple…” she told him quickly scanning the words. “What? I’m not saying that?” she told him.

Before Teal’c had a chance to reply the door opened and an excited Denta entered “Sam we are ready for you” she said 

Standing up Sam smoothed down her dress. Taking a couple of deep breaths she turned to Teal’c “The sooner we get this over with the better”





Daniel watched as Jack pulled off yet another imaginary piece of cotton from his jacket. He had never seen him so nervous not even on their first trip through the gate. Daniel turned round to study the rest of the hall, which had been decorated in flowers and ribbons. It seemed the whole village had turned up. 

A happy looking Duran soon joined them. “Colonel, I'm happy to see that you have chosen Sam as your betrothed.” He said.

Jack’s face darkened “Well we didn’t have much of a choice” he practically growled at him.

Daniel was about to tell Jack to calm down when the sounds of flutes filled the hall. Jack closed his eyes for a moment and tried to gather his thoughts. With a small nod to Daniel they both turned to watch Sam walk down the aisle.

“Oh my…” Daniel managed to say his mouth hanging open

“Whoa...” Jack couldn’t believe the transformation. 

Carter looked stunning. The white top she wore left her shoulders and midriff exposed, the shear white skirt extenuating her slender hips and long legs. 

Reaching the alter Teal’c released her arm and passed her hand to Jack. 

“You look... amazing” he whispered in her ear

Sam felt herself blushing and she smiled. “You don’t look half bad yourself Sir”. 

Turning towards the alter Duran walked over to them.

“Dear friends.” He began “Here we are to celebrate the joining of Samantha and Jack…”

Sam tried to concentrate on the words that Duran was saying but the touch of Jack’s thumb rubbing along her knuckles was very distracting. Closing her eyes Sam wallowed in the feeling and it wasn’t until his thumb stopped moving that Sam realised Duran was speaking to them…

“Sorry” she said 

Duran gave her a gently smile “You may now speak your vows” he said handing Sam a ring

“Oh” Sam said and turned to face Jack. “I Samantha Carter” she began with a voice that shook slightly “take you Jonathan O’Neill as my Betrothed. I promise to love you and...” she turned her head towards Duran “Do I have to say this bit?”

“Yes” he whispered back

Turning her head back to face Jack she noted that he had now added a dumb ass grin to his dumb look and with a tight smile she continued, “I hope to bring forth the fruit of our joining and will honour you for as long as I live.” She placed the ring on his finger.

“Jack” Duran prompted and handed Jack a ring for Sam

“I, Jonathan O’Neill” he began with a hint of laughter in his voice, “take you Samantha Carter as my betrothed.” Jack coughed to clear his throat and when he next spoke all trace of laughter was gone “I promise to pledge my love for you and will protect you through sickness and health for as long as I am alive.”

Sam felt a lump in her throat and she could only gaze into his eyes as he placed the ring on her finger. For the first time since Apophis’ ship Jack had let his guard down and there was no mistaking what she saw there.

Duran covered their hands with his and closed his eyes. Sam’s eyes widened as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and judging by the look on Jack’s face his was too.

Duran started to chant something that Sam couldn’t understand and a small yellow glow started to grow around his hands. The air filled with static as the glow grew enveloping both Jack and Sam. The effect lasted a few seconds before fading. 

With a deep breath Duran opened his eyes. “It is my great honour to now declare that you are joined and your union has been blessed by the spirits of our home. May your joining be long and bring you happiness.” He said as the congregation in the hall cheered.

“Jack you may now kiss your Betrothed.”

Sam froze, she had forgotten about this bit. 

She watched in slow motion as Jack moved to kiss her. Unconsciously she moved her head back and Jack stopped. She knew she was being stupid. It wasn’t as if he was going to devourer her right here on the alter. Giving her self a metal kick she stood firm and Jack lowered his head. His kiss she thought was surprising light and surprising quick. Nothing more than a simple brush of his lips on hers. Certainly nothing to write home about, but yet her body had different ideas. Her heart was beating so hard she was sure the people in the back row could see it and her face was so flushed she would have rivalled Rudolf on a foggy night. 


Outside the hall more people cheered and Sam found herself bombarded with flower petals and rice. “What the hell was the glowing thing all about?” Jack asked her as he picked a stray flower petal out of his mouth

“I have no idea… Sir” she said. It seemed odd calling him ‘Sir’ after all she was his wife… well sort of.

“Hey guys…” Daniel said slapping Jack on the back “Lovely ceremony”

“Can I get out of this ridiculous outfit?” she asked him. She was starting to feel really… exposed and her feet ached.

Daniel gave her an apologetic shrug of his shoulders “erm... I’m afraid not... Now there’s a party and then you and Jack have to retire for the evening to erm... consummate the joining”

“What?” Sam asked not sure she heard him correctly. 

“Consummate...” Daniel began “It means you and Jack...”

“I know what it means...” she told him, “You just never mentioned anything about consummating...”

“Didn’t I?” Daniel said taking a few steps backwards. “It’s ok, they’re not going to watch you. Fake it”

Sam looked over at Jack who had changed back into his dumb ass look and was obviously enjoying watching her embarrassment 

“Well it wouldn’t be the first time” she told them before turning on her heals and walking away

The men of SG1 watched her. “I wonder if it’s anyone we know?” Daniel said eventually





Jack took another sip of his drink and studied Sam over the rim of his cup. She was in a heated debate with Daniel about something or other. Jack found that he was having a hard time taking his eyes off her. It was a problem he had been experiencing all night. She did look amazing in the dress she wore and he wondered if there was any chance of them taking it back home with them.

Easy Jack, he warned himself. This is a limited period fantasy only and it expires in 8 hours. With a snort Jack reached over and picked up what looked like a grape.

“So Jack you agree with Sam, that the early ancients might have originated on earth” Daniel said

The grape stopped mid journey to his mouth “what?” 

“There is a vast amount of evidence that proves that the makers of the Stargate weren’t originally from earth”

Jack looked from Daniel to Sam and back to Daniel. “What?”

“The text that was found at the dig in Giza was clearly written in…” 

Jurell bent down and whispered something in Daniel’s ear and spared Jack a lecture on the origins of the Ancients.

“Ok” Daniel said before she bowed her head and left. “Erm...” he began and coughed slightly to clear his throat “apparently it’s time for you to erm... go consummate”

“Now?” Jack looked over at Sam who had suddenly found a mark on her shoe captivating.

“Guess so”

“Here?” he said indicating to the table they sat around

“No” Daniel said laughing “Duran has kindly given up his house for the night”

Jack stood up and looked down at Carter. “Lets get this over with” he said extending his hand. 

Sam took hold of it “Smooth talker” she said before the party goers broke into another round of cheering and confetti throwing as Jack lead the way towards Duran’s house.




Sam stood in the centre of the tiny room and jumped slightly when she heard the door behind her closing. She knew she was being stupid after all it nothing was going to happen. 

Right?

They were only pretending it’s not as if they were actually going to any consummating of any kind right?

Right.

“They certainly know how to through a party” Jack told her as he rubbed his hands over his hair dislodging the confetti.

“I guess so” she said 

“Well, you have the bed” He said pointing to the small bed that took up one corner of the room “and I’ll take the... floor” There wasn’t anywhere else for him to sleep and he didn’t fancy spending the night on the table.

Sam gave him a small nod surprised how disappointed she felt. Walking over to the bed she picked up one of the pillows and a blanket and threw them over to Jack.

“Thanks” he said taking off his jacket and loosening his tie “This kind of reminds of my wedding night with Sara”

“How so?” she asked.

“I got very drunk and past-out,” he said spreading out the blanket on the floor “I spent the night on the floor, although it did have carpet... I think”

Sam let out a laugh and felt her self start to relax again. “Night Sir” she said climbing into the bed and blowing out the candle. 

Jack kicked off his shoes and got into his make shift bed. 

“Night... Mrs O’Neill” he said with a chuckle. 

He heard Sam mutter under her breath before something large, but soft hit him.






Sam woke with a start. 

Something was wrong. 

He was standing by the window, the moonlight casting its shadows on his bare chest. Gathering up the blanket she wrapped it round her shoulders before she swung her legs out of the bed. The floor was cold against her bare feet as she padded softly across the room towards him.

He didn’t say anything when she reached him. He just continued to stare out at the alien world before him. She wasn’t even sure if he realised she was there.

"I didn't mean to wake you," he said quietly, not moving from where he stood.

“You didn’t” She took a step closer towards him and turned to look out of the window. They stood side-by-side, shoulders almost touching. “How’s the floor?” she asked.

Jack gave a small shrug of his shoulders “Hard, cold… odd smell”

“You could always… that is… the bed’s… big” she stuttered not daring to look at him. “…and you know… roomy”

A sudden sense of fear washed over her and it wasn’t hers. Her eyes widened slightly as she turned to face him. He was looking at her his eyes were almost black in the moonlight. 

“Sure?” he asked her as if it was a challenge

Sam hesitated for a second before she nodded her head. “Yea” but neither one of them moved they simply stared at the silvery landscape.

The air buzzed with a sexual tension that Sam was finding hard to ignore. It would be so easy she thought to just give in. No one would know, only them. But that was the problem wasn’t it? 

They would know.

Her whole life Samantha Carter had lived by the rules, which right now she was finding hard to follow. She could feel the palm of her hand start to itch with the thought of touching his bare chest. Closing her eyes she took in a deep breath and attempted to squash the butterflies that had invaded her stomach.



The blanket slid from her shoulders and Jack watched as she shivered. He knew he should have told her that he was fine on the floor and that they should be getting some rest. But he hadn’t and so they weren’t. 

Instead he was standing next to her trying really hard not to touch her. But his resolve was slowly weakening with every second that past. This isn’t how it’s meant to be he thought, he was her commanding officer and that in its self should have been enough to put him off her but it hadn’t. Slowly she had wormed her way through his defences and he hadn’t even realised it until it was too late. 

So now here they were standing next to each other on some alien planet a million miles from home and all he could think about was kissing her.

God, how he wanted to kiss her. 

He watched her close her eyes and take a deep breath. Her chest rising causing the blanket to slip even further down her back. It was then that Jack realised that she wasn’t wearing the little white top any more.

He had to put an end to this before he did something stupid. 

Reaching out he took hold of the blanket to ease it back around her shoulders. His hand touched her bare skin and he heard a small moan escaping her lips.



She wasn’t sure what she felt was real. She didn’t dare open her eyes in case this was just another one of her dreams and she didn’t want it to end. 

Not yet. 

His hand didn’t move but she knew it was still there. She could feel its heat on her back. She knew if he didn’t do something soon she was going to scream. 

Then he touched her, just a small feather light touch but it was enough to send a shockwave through her whole body. His fingers continued to travel up her back and she bit down on her lip to stop her moans escaping. His hand reached her shoulder and his fingers played with her hair. She swallowed in an attempt to clear her throat and let out a small gasp when she felt his lips on her skin leaving a delicate trail off kisses across her shoulder as he moved to stand behind her.

Sam opened her eyes, fully expecting him to be standing next to her and for her to have dreamt his mouth on her bare skin. But when she saw his reflection in the window her eyes widen with alarm. 

Oh God, this is really happening.



The moment his fingers made contact with her skin Jack was lost. Even now as she held his gaze in the window he knew there was no way to stop this. 

He couldn’t explain it, but at this moment in time nothing else mattered to him more than she did. 

Not the SGC, not the Goa'uld, not even the thought of a court martial.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her round to face him. She kept her eyes on the floor and clung on to her blanket. With hands that shook slightly Jack lifted her chin and if he had any doubts that this wasn’t what she wanted they were quickly dismissed by the look of pure desire in her eyes.



His kiss was tender at first, his lips soft and warm. She felt his hands in her hair pulling her closer to him and Sam went willingly. She knew this was wrong, that she should break away from him but if this was so wrong then why did it feel so right. 

His kiss continued to set her nerve endings on fire and she gladly parted her lips to allow his tongue access. Holding on to the blanket with one hand she clung on to him tightly with the other, as if he was the only thing that was real in a universe that had suddenly gone crazy. 

His mouth moved from hers and traced small kisses along her jaw. Then he murmured something huskily into her ear. She didn’t catch the words, but it didn’t matter. His tone was enough to tell her that he needed her. 

Jack picked her up in his arms and she shivered as he removed the blanket from around her. He eased her gently onto the bed leaving her feeling exposed, but only for a second until he slid easily out of his own clothes.

Her hand traced the outline of his body as if it was something magical, something to be savoured. She felt him shudder under her touch. Taking hold of his hands she pulled him towards her taking his mouth with hers.

Jack kissed her parted lips and Sam slid her tongue under his, her fingers running through the soft hair on his chest. She found his nipples with her nails and teased them and he growled something in her ear. Sam let out a small giggle as his breath tickled the soft hairs her neck. Her giggle was soon turned into a low groan as his hand slipped down over her flat stomach and nudged her thighs apart.


Jack could feel that she was hot, wet and oh so soft. Her tongue dart out to moisten her lips and she threw her head back as his fingers continued to explore her hidden depths. Jack kissed her neck softly moving up along her jaw until he found her mouth again. He kissed her like a man possessed, darting his tongue in and out of her mouth, and unable to hold back, he drove deep into her. 

Sam moaned and arched her hips, trying to drive against him. He wouldn’t let her. He captured her tongue in his mouth and suckled, stroked her until she gasped, moaned, raking his shoulders with her fingernails.

His breathing was harsh and fast now, his body slippery with sweat as he moved against her, crushing her with his weight. Deep inside of her Sam felt the coils of desire grow ever tighter with every thrust of his body. He seemed to know how she was feeling and certainly knew what to do about it. 

He shifted his position and Sam cried out in protest. Her protest soon changed to a groan of pleasure as he entered her again slowing down his movements so he was barley in her. She clung on to his shoulders and arched his hips even further. She had never in her life experienced such torture. She turned her head to the side biting down hard on the pillow to stop herself from begging for more.

Jack looked down at Sam and knew she was getting close, but he wanted to, had to hear her cry out his name once more. Lowering his head he took one of her hard nipples in his mouth and sucked and teased it with his tongue. When he heard her gasp he plunged deep into her.

Sam held on, her nails digging deeper into the delicate flesh of his back as the coils of pleasure spiralled out of control and she finally climaxed in a white-hot explosion. She cried out his name as her whole body shuddered and went limp underneath him with a whimper.

He held her in his arms and kissed her damp hairline. He knew things between them would be good, but he had no idea just how good. It was as if they had been with each other a thousand times. He knew exactly were she like to be touch and how. 

Sam let out a sigh of satisfaction before she slowly opened her eyes. 

Jack lifted himself on to one elbow and looked down at her. “Hi”

“Hi” she said giving him a lazy smile. 

“Ever been kissed asleep?” he asked her

Sam’s brow creased “No” she told him

“Want to?” he said running his finger along the side of her breast.

Sam shook her head “No” she said, “I have a much better idea”

“Oh and what would that be?” Jack asked her 

“Well why don’t you kiss me again and I might just show you”

And before the kiss was even halfway through Jack was in no doubt as to what her idea was. 





Sam woke feeling totally refreshed. She stretched feeling sunshine that was streaming through the window warm on her body.

Her naked body…

Sam’s eyes flew open and she sat up in bed. Turning quickly she was relieved to find it empty. 

Closing her eyes she fell backwards against the pillows. “Oh God” she groaned and threw her arm across her eyes. 

Memories from last night flooded her mind. Sam couldn’t believe what she had done. 

Lying there she tried to figure exactly what had happened. Well… she knew what had happened she just needed to know why it had happened. 

The door to the house slowly creaked opened and Sam sat up. 

“Hey” Jack said as he came in closing the door behind him.

Feeling very nervous she pulled the blanket closer around her. “Hi… erm Sir” It seemed odd calling him Sir after last night, but Jack didn’t even notice.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Fine” she replied, swallowing nervously “you?”

“Not bad” he told her. “Knee is a little stiff this morning and I think I might be getting a cold.” He picked up a cup from the table and poured her a coffee from the flask he had brought with him.

“Thanks” she said when he handed it to her.

“Daniel’s waiting for you at the Nyet.” He told her through mouthfuls of coffee, “Teal’c has been in touch with Hammond and he’s sending the generator over at 11 hundred today…” 

Sam listened to him in amazement as he gave her the usual run down of tasks that needed to be done as if it was a day like any other. 

“Carter…” she looked up not realising he had just asked her a question “will you be ready for the generator when it gets here?”

“Yes Sir” came her automatic reply “Actually I should be getting ready” 

“No hurry” he told her.

“Yes Sir… but I’d like to make a start as soon as”

“OK” he said 

Sam groaned silently. Obviously he wasn’t getting the hint that she wanted him to leave so she could get dressed. “So if you wouldn’t mind sir”

“Oh right” he said finally taking the hint. Leaning over he capturing her mouth with his in a slow seductive kiss that left Sam’s nerve endings sizzling.

“I’ll meet you at the Nyet” he told her with a soft smile. Sam was totally stunned and could only nod her head in response. 

She stayed in the bed for a while after he had left feeling totally confused. 

What the hell was going on? 

Last night she had had the best sex of her life... 

with her Commanding Officer... 

while on an away mission... 

And this morning he walks in here reels of a bunch of orders and gives her a kiss goodbye as if it is the most natural thing in the world.

“My career is over and I’m going to get a court martial” she told the room 

Shaking her head Sam slipped out of the bed. Looking round the room she spotted her uniform folded on a chair. 

“I’m going to be kicked out of the SGC and the Air force,” she continued as she slipped her top on. “Dad is going to totally flip out”

She had to speak to Jack and soon.

Once she was dressed Sam found herself feeling really nervous as she pulled open the door. She expected people to stare at her and maybe have a little giggle to themselves. After all everyone knew what she had been up to last night. 

But no one stopped or giggled as she made her way towards the Nyet.

As she approached she saw Jack talking to Daniel.

“Morning” she said 

“Hey” Daniel answered, “Jack tells me the generator’s arriving today”

“So I believe” she said “about that Sir, could I have a word with you.”

“I’ll catch up with you later” Daniel said and disappeared inside the Nyet

“What’s on your mind Carter” Jack asked.

“Well Sir…” she began and realised that she had no idea what to say to him. “The thing is… I wanted to talk to you about… about…” Sam let out a small laugh and shook her head. “You know Sir it’s not that important”

“Walk with me” he told her quietly.





He led her up to a hill that looked over the Village and came to halt along side a large tree. Sam surveyed the landscape. The Village was nothing more than a collection of small dots below them surrounded by thick woodland. To the left a large lake nudged out from behind the hills.

“Wow” Sam said as she did a full 360-degree turn. “This is beautiful” 

“Not bad eh?” he said leaning against the tree “I found it this morning when I came up here to clear my head”

Sam picked a leaf off the tree. There was no getting out of it this time. She had no choice but to talk to him even if it was going to be the most embarrassing conversation of her life. 

Taking a deep breath she met his gaze “About last night” she began “I’m not saying that it wasn’t good because it was good, better than good. It was great, remarkable. It’s just that… I think that and I don’t want you to take this the wrong way because you didn’t do a thing wrong. In fact everything you did was right believe me. It’s… It’s just that you know we were placed in a situation and I know that it’s not like we haven’t been in situations before but I might have led you to believe that…” 


Jack couldn’t help but smile as Sam rambled on like a woman possessed. He had been thinking about last night too. He had fully expected to feel at least a little bit guilty when he woke up this morning, but he hadn’t. Instead he had spent the best part of two hours watching her while she slept. 

He couldn’t explain it but he knew that being with her wasn’t wrong. 

Pushing him self lazily off the tree Jack strolled over to her “Major” he said quietly

“Sir?” Sam replied 

“Shut up” he told her

Sam swallowed and nodded her head “Yes Sir”



“I’m going to have so much work to do when we get back” Daniel told Teal’c as he flipped through is notebook “The whole history of this place could be written on the walls”

“Isn’t that so often the case Daniel Jackson” Teal’c replied.

Daniel wasn’t sure, but Teal’c might of just cracked a joke. 

He was right though.

Looking at his watch Daniel noticed that time was getting on a bit. Jack and Sam had been gone for well over an hour. What on earth could they be doing he wondered.






Sam lay on the cool grass panting, parts of her body still shuddering.

“Jack, Sam” Jack’s radio kicked in and he reached over for it “Yeah Daniel” he said still slightly out of breath.

“Teal’c is back with the generator” he told him “and you guys have been gone for a while. Is everything ok?”

Jack looked over at Sam who was doing up her shirt “Yeah” he said “We’ll be with you soon”

Sam gave up trying to fasten the final button her shirt. Her hands were shaking too much. 

Noticing her distress Jack walked over to her and gently fastened the button. 

“What are we doing?” she asked him her voice breaking, her emotions finally getting the better of her. She had come up here to talk to him about what was happening between then instead they had ended up having sex. 

Great, fantastic wonderful sex.

“I don’t know” he told her truthfully as he raked his hand through his hair “I really don’t know.”

“We have to stop this,” she told him “before someone finds out”

Jack knew she was right. They had to put an end to this and now. They had been lucky so far but who knew how long their luck would hold out. Looking at her now Jack felt his heart swell. He loved her and finally he had been given the chance to show her just how much. 

“I don’t want to” he told her taking hold of her hands. Every time he saw her he wanted to hold her, touch her, kiss her. “Sam…” he said moving towards her to capture her mouth with his.

“Sir” Sam mumbled against his mouth. It was meant to be firm, get his attention but instead it came out husky and full of need as she tried not to give into his kiss. 

Oh God, Sam thought she has never felt this before. It was like her whole body was tuned into his touch. And right now he was doing all the right things to her. 

She felt his arm move round to her back and she felt her resolve begin to crumble. Even though they had just had sex her body was responding to his. She felt her nipples grow hard under her shirt. The stirrings of desire fluttering into life.

This had to stop the little voice in the back of her mind told her. She knew it had to. If they were caught it would mean the end of their careers at the SGC. 

The problem was she didn’t think she wanted it to end. 

She gasped when she felt his hand under her shirt and with a great deal of effort Sam moved her mouth from his. “Sir” she told him breathlessly “we have to stop”

Jack looked like he was about to argue but instead he gave her a sad smile and picked his cap up from the grass. Putting it on his head he gave a small nod of agreement.

“How long to hook up the generator?” he asked her.

“Not long a hour or so Sir” she told him running her hand through her hair in an attempt to get rid of the grass.

“Ok” he told her with a shrug as he walked past and down the hill.

Ok? 

So that was it then. Over. Just like that. 

No arguments, no tantrums, no tears. 

No… nothing.

With a small shake of her head Sam turned round and picked up her jacket from the floor. She should feel relieved. Shouldn’t she? Then why did she feel like the bottom had just fell out of her world? . 

With a deep sigh Sam straighten up and quickly wiped away a stray tear that ran down her cheek. The sooner she fixed the generator the sooner she could go home and forget all about this damn planet.

A pair of hands snaked around her waist and she gave a shriek of surprise. Jack spun her round and kissed her. A kiss that made her knees go weak. 

“Get to it Major” he said when at least the kiss ended.

Sam looked up into his smiling eyes and back out of his embrace “Yes Sir”

“I’ll see you at Nyet in a couple of minutes” he told her giving her hand a little squeeze before letting go “I’ve just gotta… you know”

Sam gave him a huge smile before she turned on her heel and made her way back to Nyet.

Jack watched her and he knew he could never let her go, not now, not ever. If it meant he'd have to resign from the SGC then so be it. 




“Hey Daniel” Sam said when she arrived at the Nyet

Daniel took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Hey Sam” he said closing his eyes

“How's it going?” Sam asked as she ducked under the power unit

“Oh so so” Daniel said resting his head against the cold metal wall. The translation of the text had not been going as well as he hoped and what little text he had managed to translate wasn’t telling him much.

“What have you found out so far?” she asked him

“Oh not a lot. So far I’ve found out that this place is over 9,000 years old”

“Wow” Sam said as she searched around with her hand for a cable “No wonder the crystal burnt out”

“But I haven’t been able to find out who built this place or why” he said standing up and passing the cable to Sam

“Thanks” Sam said taking hold of the cable and connecting it to an empty node, “Could it have been the Goa’uld?”

Daniel scratch his head “No, I don’t think so. The Goa’uld are more into extinguishing life rather than preserving it”

“The Asguard?”

“No”

“The Nox”

“Nope”

“Err... Sorry, I’m all out” 

Sam left Daniel to ponder over the inner workings of the universe while she concentrated on hooking up the generator. The problem was she couldn’t keep her mind focused on the job at hand and it kept drifting back to Jack. If she wasn’t careful she could give herself a nasty…

“Shit” Sam shouted as the spark jumped from the node hitting the end of her finger “God Damn it”

“Sam, you OK” Daniel asked coming to kneel next to her

“Yea” she told him sucking on her finger “Just give myself a little shock”

“Be careful” Daniel told her “Don’t want you blowing this place up before I’ve had a chance to translate it”

“I’ll try not to” she told him giving herself a mental shake. 

“Hey Kids” Jack said walking into the Nyet 

“Shit” Sam shouted. The sound of Jack’s voice gave her a start causing her to bang her head on the crystal above. “Oh for cryin’ out loud”

“Hey you OK in there” Jack asked her

“Yes Sir” she told him willing him to stay were he was. She was having enough problems concentrating as it was. Taking a deep breath Sam hooked up the last cable from the generator to the node.

“That’s it” Sam said after flicking the switch on the generator, 

“Great” Jack said taking hold of her legs and gentle pulling her out from under the unit. Taking her hand he helped her up. “All done?”

“Not quiet Sir” Pulling out the small chamber Sam moved several smaller crystals before pushing the chamber back into place. 

Immediately the power unit lit up and started to hum.

“Hey great work Sam” Daniel said

A wave of dizziness washed over her. Reaching out her hand she grabbed onto Jack to steady herself.

“Whoa” Jack said reaching out a hand

“I’m ok” Sam told him as the dizziness past “I must have got up too fast” Sam let go of his hand with a small smile “Oh God” she said and dashed out of the Nyet as nausea washed over her.

After she had emptied her stomach behind a tree Sam lent against it closing her eyes. 

“Hey” Jack said resting a cold hand against her hot brow “Not feeling too well?”

Sam smiled despite the pain that thundered in her head “A bit”

“What to go back home?”

Sam shook her head “No. I’ll be fine in a couple of minutes” she told him opening her eyes and leaning off the tree.

Jack looked at her for a couple of minutes before nodding his head “OK” he said, “But have a mint though” he said pressing a packet of mints into her hand

Sam giggled “Thanks Sir”

“Jack! You have the Nyet working” a very excited Duran rushed over to them. “Thank you” he said grabbing hold of Jack’s hand shaking it vigorously

“Great” Jack said pulling his hand free “Although you shouldn’t be thanking me. Carter did all the work”

“Oh Major Carter” he said taking her hand “Thank you”

“It was no bother” Sam told him trying to pull her hand free “Anytime. Glad to have helped.” 

“The Nyet is fixed for good now?” 

“Yes” Sam said as she finally yanked her hand free “The generator I have installed should last you a very long time. Let me show you”

Jack smiled to himself as he watched Sam lead Duran in to the Nyet. Poor guy, he thought he wouldn’t know what’s hit him.


“So you see this grey box under here has taken the place of this crystal” she told him giving him the burnt crystal “This should last you for a good few thousand years.”

A bewildered Duran stared at the burnt out crystal before him “Thank you” he said again.

“Duran, I was wondering if you could help me a minute” Daniel said putting his arm around Duran’s shoulders and guiding him away from a grateful Sam

“Yes Daniel” an equal grateful Duran said 

“Good work Major” Jack said 

“Thanks Sir”

“Ready to go home”

“Home?” Daniel said from the other side of the Nyet “What do you mean home?”

“I mean home. You know big mountain, lots of concrete. Home”

“But I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of the text on the Nyet. Can’t we stay a few more days?”

“Daniel I think the Colonel is right we’ve…”

“Just a few more days…” Daniel said looking from Jack to Sam “That’s all I’m asking”

“What do you say Major, think you could stand a few more day here?” 

Sam knew what Jack meant, “I can if you can” she challenged him.

“I’ll go and radio Hammond” he said not taking his gaze from Sam “See what he says”

“Oh Jack couldn’t you go back to the SGC and pick up my laptop and digital camera.” Daniel asked him “I need to take pictures if we’re only staying a couple of days”

“I’ll be back in an hour or so” Jack told Sam

Sam nodded her head “OK”

Jack wanted more than anything to kiss her but he knew he couldn’t not in front of Daniel and Teal’c so he gave her a smile instead

“Teal’c you wanna tag along?”

Teal’c gave him a brief nod and the pair left the Nyet.



Together they walked to the gate in silence and that in itself was an indication that all was not well with O’Neill. Usually Teal'c was forced to endure his consent barrage of so-called jokes and observations but O’Neill looked like he had the weight of several worlds on his shoulders. 


The Stargate came into sight and Jack knew if Teal’c wasn’t standing beside him he would have ran back to her. It was the strangest feeling. He knew he was only going to be away a short time but yet the thought of leaving her was making him feel physically sick.

Right

Left 

Right

Left

Right…

The knot in his stomach grew tighter as Teal’c dialled the gate and it activated. 


He’s leaving me…


He could feel her in the back of his mind as he walked up the stone stairs stopping only for a moment before entering the shimmering event horizon.




“Sam?” Daniel shouted as she ran out of the Nyet

She searched for him, trying to find some trace of him but there was nothing. Running she tripped over a loose stone. She scrabbled back onto her feet running up a small hill trying to find the Stargate. She saw it in the distance, a tiny blue shimmering dot that flashed and was gone.

A sob tore from her throat. 


She was alone.


“Sam?” Daniel said running up to her

“Daniel” she managed to say before slumping forward. Daniel caught her and eased her to the ground. Pressing his hand against her brow he was surprised to find it hot and clammy.

Automatically he reached for his radio before realising Jack and Teal’c had both gone back to the SGC.

“Sam” Daniel said gently patting her face “Sam… come on Sam wake up. That’s a girl” he said when her eyes slowly opened. “Come on Sam you have to try and get up”

Sam nodded her head and with the help of Daniel she got to her feet unsteadily. Immediately Duran spotted them. “Daniel” he said running over “Is Sam unwell?”

“I’m not sure” he told him wishing the man would either help or leave.

“Where is Jack?” Duran asked looking around

“He went back to the SGC” He told him “Please help me get her…”

“He must return at once.” Duran told him alarmed “They cannot be apart from each other”

“What?” Daniel asked as Sam slumped to the floor again.

“It is the joining... They must not be apart from each other” 

“I have to get her back to the SGC” he told him as he picked Sam up and held her in his arms. 

The gate was a good distance away from the Village and by the time Daniel reached it Sam was completely unconscious. Placing her down gently on the ground he dialled the gate. After sending through their signal he picked her up and entered the active gate.





“Help here” Daniel called out and was surprised to see Doctor Frasier already in the Gate room. He placed Sam on the ramp and immediately Janet knelt down beside her. It was then that Daniel noticed Jack was also unconscious at the foot of the ramp.

“What is going on?” Hammond asked

“I can’t explain it Sir” Frasier told Hammond

Daniel cleared he thought as he approached Hammond “I think I can” he told him nervously

Jack opened his eyes and focused on a very pissed off General. 

“Ah!” he said clutching his head. What the hell happened? One minute he was standing on the ramp, the next he’s laying on it with a huge headache.

“Easy now Colonel” Frasier told him as he tried to stand “Get Major Carter into the Infirmary” she shouted over to a medic.

Turning round Jack saw Sam lying unconscious on the ramp. “Sam!” Pain shot through his head as he tried to stand. “What happened?” he asked Daniel as he dropped back on to the ramp.

“Apparently there is some sort of bond between you and Sam” Daniel told him

No shit Sherlock 

“You don’t say” The pain in his head was starting to ease a little now.

“Would someone like to tell me what’s going on here?” Hammond bellowed causing Jack to wince.




“So you are telling me that Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter are... what... physically joined to each other?” Hammond asked in total disbelief

“Apparently, it was something Duran failed to tell us” Teal’c informed him in his usual matter of fact way

“We thought it was just a simple ceremony” Daniel tried to explain

Hammond stood up and walked over to the observation window that looked down at the Stargate. “This is ridiculous.” he said turning back round to face them “I can fully imagine Colonel O’Neill doing something this stupid, but Major Carter...”

“It was the only way they would allow Sam to stay on the planet” Daniel told him

Doctor Frasier gave a small tap on the door before entering

“How are they Doctor?” Hammond asked her

“I’m waiting for the results from their blood work. Colonel O’Neill is now fully awake. However, Sam is still unconscious.” She told him.

Hammond gave a small shake of his head. Now he really had seen everything.



Jack lent back heavily in the grey plastic chair and rubbed his hands over his face. The pain in his head was now a dull ache thanks mostly to the painkillers Frasier had given him.

Suddenly feeling tired he rested his head on the bed and reached out to hold Sam's hand. His eyes felt dry and sore and he slowly closed them.

The second he stepped into the gate he knew something was wrong. He had seen her outside the Nyet clearly as if he was standing next to her. Saw the tears running down her face and the panic in her eyes. The last thing he heard before stepping into the gate was the sob that ripped through her body.

He didn’t even remember hitting the ramp.

They were well and truly up Shit Street this time and it was all Daniel’s fault. No that wasn’t right, it was all his fault. He should never have agreed to the stupid ceremony in the first place. They should have packed up and left when Duran told them to.



Sam slowly opened her eyes and focused on the grey concrete ceiling above her. It took her a few moments to realise that she was in the infirmary back at the SGC. Looking around she smiled when she saw Jack, his head resting against her hand. Not wanting to wake him she moved her figures through his hair, happy to have him next to her again.

She had known the instances he had left the planet. The panic that had taken over her had been intolerable to such an extent that she had ran after him. The pain in her head started the instance he left closely followed nausea and stomach cramps. 

Daniel must have brought her back. 

“Hey, your awake” Jack said lifting his head “How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts” she told him “but apart from that…”

Jack gave her hand a gently squeeze and gently brushed the hair from her damp forehead. “You gave me quiet a scare” he told her truthfully

“Scared myself” she said with a soft smile

Jack continued to run his hand through her hair and lowered his head to kiss her when he heard the footsteps in the corridor. Giving her a tight smile he let go of her hand and stepped back as Janet came in followed closely by Daniel, Teal’c and Hammond.

“Hey Sam” Janet said standing next to the bed. “Glad to see you’re awake”

“Doctor” the nurse said as he handed her a folder. “Here are the results you’ve been waiting for”

“Thanks” Janet opened the folder and her brow creased as she read the findings.

“Doctor?” Hammond prompted

“Well Sir, Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter have an unknown substance in their blood that seems to be sending some sort of signal.” She told him

“Could this explain this so called link that Doctor Jackson has been telling me about?”

“What?” Jack said “What link?”

“Apparently when Duran said that you and Sam have now been joined he wasn't talking figuratively.” Daniel said, “It looks like you and Sam are actually physically joined to one another.

“Really?” he asked Daniel sheepishly 

“How do we stop it?” Sam asked easing herself up on her elbows

Janet shook her head slightly “I’m not sure”

“Sir, I’d like to go back to see if Duran knows anything” Jack said to Hammond

“Doctor?”

“I see no problem with them returning back to the planet Sir” Janet told him

“Very well Colonel” Hammond said giving him a stern look.

“Yes Sir” Jack told him and headed out of the infirmary. After few seconds he popped his head around the door “Carter that means you have to come to”

“Oh right” Sam said getting out of the bed. Giving Hammond an apologetic shrug she followed Jack out of the infirmary.



Sam stepped out of the Stargate with Daniel and Teal’c and for a brief instant she was surrounded by fear and panic that immediately disappeared once Jack joined her.

“You OK?” Jack asked when he notice how pale she looked

Sam nodded her head “I’m fine Sir” she told him with a weak smile

He gave her shoulder a brief squeeze before walking down the track towards the village with Daniel.

Sam watched his retreating back waiting for her heart to settle down. They had better find a way to break the link between them she thought to herself. As pleasant as the thought was of spending her life with Jack she didn’t necessarily want to spend it in the same room. 

“Major Carter, are you still not feeling well?” Teal’c asked her

“I’m fine Teal’c,” she told him “Just felt a bit off for a moment there” 

Teal’c gave a nod of his head as the pair walked down the path towards the village.



“Hey!” Jack shouted when he spotted the figure of Duran walking across the square. 

Duran stopped and clapped his hands together when he saw them. “Sam, Jack I am so glad you are both well”

“No thanks to you” Jack said, “What the hell did you do to us?”

Duran’s brow creased “I have done nothing” he told them “You are simply joined to each other”

Jack rolled his eyes “Cut the crap” 

“Duran” Sam said “whatever you’ve done I want you to undo it.”

“I am sorry,” Duran told them “but once you are joined it is for life”

“The hell it is…” Jack said taking a step forward

“Jack!” Daniel said placing his hand on Jack’s arm

“Stay out of this Daniel” Jack said pulling his arm away “He tricked us”

“I did no such thing. You consented to the joining”

“You didn’t give us all the facts.” Jack threw back at him.

“I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do” Duran said turning away from them.

“Fine” Jack said walking over to Teal’c “Can I borrow this for a sec” Taking hold of the staff weapon Jack marched over to the Nyet. “You either undo this or the Nyet gets it” he told him

“No… You can’t” Duran pleaded 

Jack flick a switch on the staff and the end opened “Duran I can and I will”

“Please stop....” 

“Undo it!” Jack shouted

“The effects are not permanent” a panicked Duran told him

“Sorry... What? I didn’t quite get that” Jack said

“The joining is not permanent.” he repeated 

“What do you mean?” Daniel asked him

“Once you leave us and return to your world the effects of the Nyet will begin to fade...” He told them 

“How long will this take to wear off?” Jack asked passing the staff back to Teal’c 

“It will only be a matter of days... Although the withdrawal will not be pleasant there will be no lasting side effects” Duran said

“Why didn’t you tell us about this you little…” 

“Easy Jack” Daniel said “Duran you could have told us”

“For what it is worth I am sorry” Duran told them “You must understand our people had been at war for a very long time. A small group left to form their own settlement on this planet and as a way to maintain order the Nyet was created”

“You built the Nyet?” Sam said

“Our ancestors did yes, but we no longer possess the knowledge of our ancestors. It was best forgotten in order to maintain harmony amongst our people. A law was introduced that each man and woman must be joined.”

“And the Nyet?” Sam asked him

“We are not sure how it works, but the Nyet intensifies the emotional bond between two people. In this case the existing bond between Colonel O’Neill and Maj....”

“OK...I think we’ve heard enough" Jack interrupted "Carter, go and pack up the gear” Sam gave him a nod and headed off towards the Nyet “Now, Duran you and I are going to have a little chat” Jack said putting his arm around Duran’s shoulders and guiding him away from the group.

Daniel stood next to Teal’c and watched Jack ‘chatting’ with Duran. 

“So let me get this straight” Daniel said to Teal’c “Jack has feelings for Sam?”

“Indeed he does”

“Oh... What about Sam?”

“I believe she feels the same”

“Really?” that surprised Daniel. “Never saw that one coming”.

Teal’c turned is head to look at Daniel his eyebrow raised.

“May I suggest Doctor Jackson you have you eyeglasses checked once we return to the SGC” he said before walking over to the Nyet to help Sam.

Daniel's brow creased as he took off his glasses. Turning them over he looked at the lenses before giving them a clean and replacing them. "Nothing wrong with them" he said to no one in particular and walked off to help Sam pack.


The End

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