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Doing What Comes Naturally
Status: Complete
Category: Adventure, Hurt/Comfort
Pairings: None
Spoilers: None
Season: Three or four
Content Level: 13+
Content Warnings: None
File Size: 56kb
Archive: Incoming Wormhole, Jackfic
Summary: In which Jack goes for a run, gets lost, and has a bite to eat.
Disclaimer: Stargate Sg-1 and its characters are the property of Stargate (II)
Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and
Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no
money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original
characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. This story may
not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author.
Author's Note: Thanks go, as always, to Dee and Nutty.
Part One - Plan B
He lay silently, head low, his eyes mere slits. The rifle rested on the palm of his hand,
perfectly balanced. He waited, breathing slow and easy, listening. The forest sounds
soothed his nerves, calming him. Birds made the same noises they made on Earth,
melodic chirps and trills, as they fluttered through the trees above his head, fighting
over the bright yellow berries.
He waited, ignoring the dull throb of aching legs, the muscles already tightening after
his run to get ahead of the enemy. His chest protested at his position, as the bruises
that were blossoming across his body made themselves felt. Only once did he move,
to brush a persistent beetle from his arm.
He waited. Patiently.
He heard them even before the birds flew off, as they came crashing through the
undergrowth without concern for stealth. They had no reason to be quiet - they had
left him dying, tied to a tree for the predators to find. No point bringing him with the
others, he had proven to be far too much trouble, so they settled for three.
They came into view on the edge of the clearing, the gate standing solitary before
them. Carter stumbled, her clothes torn and covered with dirt. The man leading her
pulled tight on the rope around her hands, tugging her to her feet before cuffing her
across the face. Her head flew back with the force of the blow and he saw blood run
from her lip.
His blood pulsed in his veins as he felt the rage grow, but he pushed it down. There
was no point running amuck, it would do his friends no good. He was outnumbered
and injured. He had to work with the tools at hand - one almost depleted clip of
ammunition, and a skill he sometimes wished he didn't have.
He waited, knowing he only had one chance at this.
The leader dialled.
Still he waited, as his teammates were pushed towards the steps.
The wormhole whooshed into life.
He breathed evenly and took the enemy out with five rapid shots, each hitting their
target and dropping them where they stood.
Then he lowered his now trembling arms, and let his head fall to rest on them,
shutting his eyes. He would allow himself a minute to rest.
Just a minute.
His team's voices sounded dully through the pounding behind his closed lids. He
heard his name.
He'd answer them in a minute. After he had rested.
Part Two - The Missing Colonel File
The sharp, sudden crack of shots sounded frighteningly loud. All three of them
instinctively ducked, expecting to he pulled up short by their bounds.
Before the echoes had disappeared Teal'c had straightened, reaching for the two men
that held him captive, only to have them pass him going down.
Glancing quickly around him Teal'c found all five of the enemy on the ground at their
feet, his companions untouched. He moved, aware of Major Carter and Daniel
Jackson doing the same, to the nearest, lying face up, a neat hole between his eyes.
The second man was also face down, but this time there was no neat hole. He had
been taken from behind, the bullet leaving an exit wound that had destroyed half his
skull, leaving little that could be recognised. The third victim had also been taken out
by a head shot and it took a fraction of a second to confirm his death.
"Major Carter?"
"Dead."
"This one too." Daniel Jackson was bending over the last man, the leader of the
group, as he spoke, and straightened, a long knife in his hand.
Teal'c held his hands out while the other man cut the tight bounds, his gaze constantly
surveying their surroundings.
Nothing moved. As soon as he was free, Teal'c grabbed up his staff weapon from the
ground beside the enemy who had been carrying it.
"It must be Colonel O'Neill."
He noted that Major Carter had armed herself also, holding one of the strange zat like
weapons the enemy had used to subdue them.
"But how? It couldn't be Jack. It's impossible."
"And yet it must be." So saying, Teal'c started towards the trees bordering the
clearing. Impossible though it seemed, the evidence was clear. Someone had used a
Tau'ri weapon with unerring accuracy to kill only their captors. It had to be O'Neill.
"Jack!"
Daniel Jackson's shout sounded from far too close to his ear, but he refrained from
complaining, instead concentrating on the area from which the shots had originated. It
took several minutes to reach the tree line, another clue to the identity of their
mysterious rescuer. Even among the Tau'ri at the SGC O'Neill's skill with a rifle was
preternatural.
"Colonel." Major Carter joined her voice to their companion's, but still no answer
came.
The undergrowth was dense, covered by a thick layer of vines and low closely packed
bushes. The terrain changed abruptly, suddenly dropping down in steep foliage
covered slopes to narrow valleys, loose rocks treacherous beneath their boots.
"Damn!" Daniel Jackson grabbed at a slender branch, barely stopping himself from
sliding into a concealed dip, one foot ankle deep in ivy and dry wood. "Careful."
The warning was unnecessary.
"Where the hell is he?" Pulling himself back to more solid ground, the other man
stopped, peering around. "Why isn't he answering?"
"He would have concealed himself well, Daniel Jackson." Teal'c also paused,
watching Major Carter prodding at the undergrowth ahead of her with a stick.
**********
Sam felt the foliage beneath her stick give and pulled back as it sunk in, yet another
deep hole revealed. She straightened, about to answer Daniel's second question, but
stopped, narrowing her eyes and staring around.
"We have to find him quickly. It's getting pretty dark."
The shadows were growing and already it was difficult to make out details she had
seen clearly a few short minutes before.
"Jack!" Daniel was shouting again, pushing through bushes as he searched, stumbling
again.
"Careful." She admonished, worried that in his haste her friend would fall. They
couldn't afford any more injuries. The thought had her reaching up to wipe at her
mouth, and she winced as she felt the tear from her captor's blow. She knew she was
lucky that was all they had done, given the punishment they had inflicted on the
Colonel.
There was only one explanation for her CO's continuing silence - he was
unconscious. In the back of her mind a small part admitted that there was another
answer - that he could be dead, but she ignored it, just as she ignored the last
memories she had of him.
It had been a carefully laid trap, probably activated when Teal'c stepped across an
invisible trigger. One moment they'd been striding along, the next they were down,
unable to move. All except the Colonel. He must have been on the edge of the trap,
affected only partially by whatever had hit them. He stood defiantly on one leg,
holding his MK-5 with one hand, his right arm hanging uselessly. She watched as he
tried to raise his weapon, only to have it fall from nerveless fingers.
The leather clad men had ignored the rest of SG-1, concentrating on the one member
still standing, albeit unsteadily. One had moved up, obviously intending to push the
Colonel over, and had been head butted for his efforts. That was how it started. Sam
knew it wasn't in the Colonel's nature to give in, but within a few minutes she wished
he would, as his desperate efforts to fight all five men off ended with him landing
only a few kicks with his one good leg while he scuffled in the dirt.
They had concentrated their efforts on his torso, finally pulling the almost comatose
man up, tying him to a tree and laying into him once again as Sam and the rest of her
team watched, unable to help. She knew at least one of his ribs was broken. She had
heard the crack as the high sideways kick landed.
When Colonel O'Neill stopped fighting back, they turned their attention on her and
the others, binding their hands securely and attaching short lead ropes to the ones
about their wrists. Then they calmly sat, eating rations from their own packs, while
going through SG-1's, discarding all but an oddly assorted collection of objects -
Daniel's small toolkit, her Hershey bar and the Colonel's pack of naked lady playing
cards.
After about an hour the paralysing effects wore off. Their captors timed it perfectly,
pulling them to their feet almost as soon as they were able to stand. They had all
struggled, but were soon overpowered, her jacket ripping in the process.
They left the Colonel there, tied to the tree, at the mercy of the large catlike predators
they had seen several times since they arrived on the planet, and headed in the
direction of the gate.
It had seemed hopeless. She could only speculate on their motives as any attempts to
communicate had been met with stony silence. Perhaps they were slave traders, or
bounty hunters. Maybe just collectors of strange offworld species - who knew.
Now they would probably never know, and frankly she didn't care, only concerned
with finding her missing CO.
**********
It was just as the light finally died that Daniel literally stumbled across the missing
man. Falling to his knees, he reached out a hand to stand and connected with cloth.
"Here!" There was barely enough light to see Jack's eyes were shut. Daniel felt for
the pulse point on his neck.
And found himself face down, breathing in tiny leaves and grit.
"O'Neill!"
The pressure on his back suddenly disappeared and he raised his head, taking in a
large gulp of air. He eased himself slowly to his feet, wondering what the hell just
happened.
Jack was slumped over in Teal'c grip, panting and holding on with a look of
determination.
"Shit, Jack!" Daniel rubbed his nose, feeling a sneeze beginning. "Thanks for the
welcome."
"Daniel? What's going on?" Jack's voice was low, but surprisingly strong.
"We couldn't find you."
His friend's face creased in a frown of puzzlement. "I was right here."
"Yes, sir, you were. But you didn't answer when we called so we had to come
looking."
"I was just having a rest. You should have called louder."
Sam gave a quick shake of her head as he opened his mouth to argue, speaking gently.
"Sorry, Colonel, we should have."
The answer was even stronger, and spoken with conviction. "Apology accepted,
Carter. Now let's go home."
Then Jack just folded in on himself.
Sweeping him up, Teal'c gave them both a look of equability. "We have our orders.
Let us go home."
.
Part Three - Diversionary Tactics 101
"Hey, sir. Are you decent?"
"Never, Carter, but you can come in anyway."
Sam laughed and continued into the room, Daniel and Teal'c hard on her heels.
"How are you doing?" Daniel moved past her to stand up close to the man in the bed,
but she hung back taking in the whole battered picture.
"Fine, considering. The Doc says I should be out of here tomorrow. It's just a couple
of cracked ribs and some bruises."
"One's cracked, sir, but the other one is broken, as you well know." Sam turned to
find Janet standing in the doorway and smiled a greeting. Her friend gave a quick
smile back, but most of her attention was focused on her patient. "You'll have to take
it easy."
The Colonel nodded, the look on his face one of complete agreement. "Sure, Doc, I'll
take it easy - at home. As we agreed."
Janet moved further into the room and Daniel stepped aside to allow her access to her
patient. She picked up the Colonel's chart, reading for a moment before looking up to
give him a stern stare.
"We agreed you could go home if you rested, otherwise you'll have to come back
here where I can keep an eye on you."
"No problem. I'll rest. I promise."
Janet ignored the snort of amusement from Daniel. "No beer."
"Nope. No beer."
"You'll take your medication."
"Promise, Doc. Scout's honor."
"Ummm."
"Ummm? What's to `ummm' about?"
"I don't trust you, Colonel."
This time Sam almost laughed out loud, her attempt at concealing her amusement
obviously not good enough as the Colonel gave her a reproaching look. He turned his
attention back to the doctor.
"I'm wounded." He put a hand up, glaring at Teal'c. "Don't say it. I know I'm
injured, that isn't what I meant. Don't try to pretend you don't understand." He
continued his conversation without even blinking, leaving Teal'c looking slightly
stunned. "I am hurt that you would think I would deceive you, Doctor. I have every
intention of being good and following your instructions. Okay?"
"Ummm."
**********
"The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, Jack, and you just added a few
flagstones."
Jack twisted the top off his second beer, sitting back with a sigh of pleasure. "I've
built a freeway over the years, Daniel. I don't think a few more flagstones will make
much difference."
"Did you have any intention of following Janet's instructions?" Daniel settled down
into the soft cushions of the couch.
Jack thought for a moment.
Totally unrepentant, he grinned and shook his head. "Nope. I just wanted to get out of
there and agreeing to everything she said was the fastest way to achieve my
objective."
"Remind me not to play poker with you."
"You say that every time we have a game. It's never stopped you."
"Sir, where do you keep the pepper grinder?" Sam's voice sounded clearly from the
kitchen.
"Pepper grinder? Why on earth do you think I'd have a pepper grinder, Carter?"
There was a pause before the answer came. "Doesn't everyone?"
"No." Both Jack and Daniel replied in perfect harmony.
"You have still not told us how you managed to escape your bonds, O'Neill."
"Didn't I?" Jack took another drink. "It wasn't hard. They weren't tied that tightly."
He tugged the cuff of his shirt down over the vivid marks, seeing Teal'c's knowing
glance out of the corner of his eyes.
They were still raw, even after several days. When he regained consciousness he'd
found the pull of his body weight as he hung from the tree trunk had tightened them
further. He'd only been out for a few moments, just long enough for their captors to
reach the far side of the clearing, taking his team along with them. They were heading
in the direction of the gate.
There wasn't time to consider options. He had to stop them before they went through
the gate to god knows where.
He twisted his hands, feeling the slight give as he found he could stand on both legs
now, the paralysis having worn off. Not even thinking about it he tugged, the blood
from his torn wrists lubricating the ropes, making them slip. His fingers bent
unnaturally back until he gripped the knot ends, ignoring the pop as one dislocated at
the middle knuckle.
"How's it going in there, Carter? Need a hand?" Jack rubbed his ring finger,
manipulating the aching joint.
"No, I'm fine, thank you sir." There was a few minutes silence, then she appeared at
the door, wiping her hands on a towel. "On second thoughts, if Daniel could throw a
salad together it would be a help."
"Salad?" Jack grimaced. "I thought we were having spaghetti."
"You can have salad with Italian food, Jack." Daniel laughed as he stood. "I'll make
some garlic bread as well." He paused to ask Jack a question. "You do have garlic?"
Jack nodded. "Yes, Daniel, I do have garlic. Make sure you put plenty on. I don't like
that wimpy garlic bread they serve at Zia Maria's."
He stretched his legs out, reaching down to massage them as the muscles cramped.
That run to the gate hadn't done anything good to his poor aged bones. His knee was
securely strapped under his trousers and he had yet another round of physiotherapy to
look forward to.
"How did you get ahead of us, sir? I've been wanting to know." Carter asked as she
began to place silverware on the dining table.
"Sheer luck I think. You must have gone the long way round or something. I just took
a direct path and had plenty of time to get into position."
It had been a direct route alright - across the sort of territory that had him slipping, his
ribs protesting every time he fell only to get straight back up. He had been sure he'd
be too late; that they would be gone before he got there, but he'd forced himself on. It
was amazing what adrenalin and sheer willpower could achieve when pushed to the
limit. At one point he had spotted his quarry, on a far ridge across a steep ravine. For
a second he'd almost panicked, sure they'd seen him, but they had gone on without
turning in his direction and he'd known his luck had held. Reaching the clearing near
the gate he had found the perfect spot, camouflaged under a layer of small branches to
await their arrival.
"The food's just about ready, Jack." Daniel's voice pulled him away from the forest
and back to his lounge room.
"May I assist you, O'Neill?" Jack looked up to find Teal'c standing over him, with
arm extended.
There was no point in arguing. The truth was that he found it difficult and painful to
stand, and any help would be gratefully received. "Thanks, T." He pushed himself up,
feeling like a refugee from the local nursing home, letting Teal'c take most of his
weight.
He'd known one of his ribs was broken back when he had been tied to the tree. It
wasn't something he was unfamiliar with, but what he hadn't realised was just how
painful it was to run with the snapped bones scrapping together in his chest. Just
getting into place to shoot, lying prone and absolutely still, waiting for them to arrive,
had almost been too much. The pressure on his chest from the position he was in was
excruciating, but he had pushed it to the back of his mind, concentrating on one thing
- saving his team.
"Here, sir." Carter pulled his chair out from the table, a look of concern on her face.
He dropped carefully into it and managed to conjure up a weary smile. "Thanks."
Teal'c placed a plate heaped with food in front of him, and he noticed the large
helping of salad almost nudging the spaghetti out of its position. He didn't say
anything, knowing full well they expected him to, merely waiting for the others to sit
before he picked up his fork and began to eat.
"Um. It's good. Thanks guys." He snagged a slice of garlic covered bread from the
large plate in the center of the table, biting into it. "Excellent!"
"Enough garlic for you?" Daniel smirked from his place across from Jack.
"Perfect." He assumed his friend thought he had overloaded the garlic, but its strong
taste was just what he needed right now to clear the tang of death from his mouth.
He had been pushed to the edge of his endurance and over it, finally succumbing to
the stress of the past hours after he had been sure his team was safe. Waking hadn't
been pleasant either, every bruise, broken bone and cut on his battered body crying
out for attention. The undergrowth was thick in that spot - exactly why he had picked
it - and they had walked out with difficulty, trying to make it as easy on him as
possible, but only succeeding in moving the worst of the undergrowth out of his way.
Carter carried his rifle, the only weapon they had apart from the staff weapon Teal'c
had retrieved. There was always the possibility the men hadn't been alone, and they
didn't let their guard down for a second.
The bodies lay where they had dropped, blood covered faces staring up at him. He
had no regrets. His team came first and always would. The answers as to why it
happened were unimportant given the outcome. He stumbled once, at the base of the
short flight of steps leading to the gate, his foot slipping on wetness, but Daniel had
caught him, and Teal'c had been there in a second, supporting him from the opposite
side.
God, he'd been glad to get back to the SGC, the infirmary a welcome sight for a
change.
"Wine?"
Jack nodded, letting Carter fill his glass and waiting for the inevitable comment about
mixing alcohol and pain killers.
It didn't come.
He looked at the three faces around the table, each one watching him.
Raising his glass he gave a slight but sincere smile.
"To safe homecomings."
Daniel stood, wine glass in hand, nodding towards Jack. "To determination and not a
little accuracy"
The others followed him up, leaving Jack feeling exposed, embarrassment combining
with a strong desire to flee. He held himself in place as they leaned towards him
touching glasses, and echoing Daniel's words.
He was relieved when they sat, the conversation flowing naturally once more.
Good - he didn't want any thanks for doing what he had done. It was a necessary, if
unpleasant, part of his job and he'd sooner forget about it.
He lifted his hand to rub the back of his neck, feeling the buzz from the alcohol
already wearing off.
Jack yawned, hardly aware of his team clearing the dishes from the table.
"Come on, Jack."
He allowed himself to be led to his bedroom, mechanically going through the motions
of getting ready for bed. He was under the covers before he knew it, the door shutting
softly on Teal'c final words.
"Rest well, O'Neill."
He snuggled down, one arm cradling his sore ribs, the other hooked under his cheek,
completely relaxed for the first time in days.
Oh, he would. He would definitely sleep well tonight.
The End
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