I've had this story floating around in my head for a few weeks now – but was soooo good (aren't you proud of me) to not start it until I finished my last story. So – now here it is! This is the absolutely typical, done to death, predictable "Jack and Sam trapped on an alien planet fic". I freely admit that this is my favorite kind of story. So – here it is. Hopefully there will be something a little different, or new or interesting in my story (if not – well, at least I'll enjoy writing it). I hope you enjoy reading it!

"Dial her up Major!" he shouted. The Jaffa would be here any second and there were too many of them to hold off. He kept his eyes focused on the trail behind him, confident that his team were doing what they had to to get them home.

Teal'c hadn't come this time as he'd been injured on their last trip through the gate so it was just Daniel and Carter and him. Fortunately, Teal'c's injuries weren't too serious and junior seemed to be taking care of them but Janet had insisted he stay and rest for a few days. Since the trip to P9R 44Y had seemed like a milk run, Hammond had authorized the mission with just the three of them.

At first it had appeared as if the prediction that it was going to be an easy mission was correct – until the Goa'uld mother ship had landed and Jaffa by the thousands had begun to pour out.

"Major!" he called again.

Just then he heard the 'kawoosh' of the gate. "Go, go, go", he shouted, as Jaffa began to shoot their staff weapons. He ran towards the gate and watched as Daniel threw himself through the event horizon and Carter raced towards the steps. At that precise moment a ship flew overhead, strafing weapons fire directly at the gate.

"GET OUT OF THERE MAJOR", he screamed. He veered off to the side of the gate and managed to pull Carter away from the steps just as they blew into a thousand pieces. The gate itself toppled over with a loud 'boom'. So much for getting home that way!

He continued to run, his hand holding tightly onto Carter's arm. The Jaffa hadn't arrived at the gate by the time it had been hit so hopefully hadn't seen that they hadn't made it through. Still, he was taking no chances and was intent on getting them as far away as possible. Right now his only thought was to keep them from getting killed or captured. He didn't even want to think about the fact that they were well and truly stuck.

They must have been running for almost an hour before he finally brought them to a halt. Neither of them could speak – they were working too hard to get enough air into their lungs. They were both sopping wet with sweat and were covered in dust and dirt. He was wheezing and Carter was bent over, holding onto her knees, trying desperately to just breathe.

"You – okay", he managed to gasp out after another few minutes.

"Y – es Sir", she panted in reply. "You?"

"Fine – almost – dead – but – fine."

She nodded and even that seemed to be almost more than she could handle. They were hiding off the trail, in a small cave that was really more of a dimple in the side of the hill. They hadn't heard any sounds of pursuit for a long while now so Jack figured they were safe – for the moment.

It was almost fifteen minutes before they were both rested enough after their frantic dash to be able to speak. Jack stood up straight and wiped his face with a handkerchief he pulled from his pocket. "Well, that was fun!"

"Yes Sir", she grinned slightly. "I'm sorry -"

Jack held up his hand. "Stop Major. You have nothing to be sorry about."

"But if I'd been faster -"

"Faster? What, in dialing the gate?"

"Yes Sir."

"Carter – Sam – you were going as fast as humanly possible. Rumors to the contrary, you're not superwoman! And anyway, you got Daniel home and he'll make sure Hammond knows what's happening so they can send help."

"But Colonel – it'll take days for a ship to get here, even if we had one available."

"They'll call the Tokra. I'm sure your Dad will be eager to come and get us."

"He's probably on a mission somewhere", she said, sounding dejected.

"Carter – it's my job to be the grumpy, cynical one on missions, not yours! Daniel will explain, Hammond will call the Tokra – who will immediately send Jacob, and we'll be home in no time. Just have faith!"

"What if the Jaffa are still looking for us?"

Jack sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair. "Then we'll just have to make sure they don't find us!"

Which, in the end, was easier said than done! For the next four days the two of them played cat and mouse with what seemed like hundreds of Jaffa, although Sam estimated it was more like twenty or thirty. They probably didn't know who it was they were searching for, but that didn't stop them. These Jaffa were obstinate and were determined to capture them – whoever they were.

By the end of the fourth day both of them were worn to the bone. Their food had run out after day three and they hadn't had time to try and find anything else to eat. They had water, although Carter wasn't sure how safe the supply was on the planet. Still, they had enough purification tablets to last them a couple more days so Jack hoped they weren't going to get some kind of alien dysentery.

The worst part was that neither of them had had more than a few minutes of sleep since they gate had been destroyed. The Jaffa were relentless, both day and night, and they couldn't afford to let down their guard. Jack had insisted on short stops and 'cat naps' for both of them – but it wasn't enough and he knew they were both in danger of collapsing due to exhaustion and lack of sleep. They couldn't go on like this.

"We have to get out of here Major", he finally said when it appeared as if the latest group of Jaffa following them had stopped for a short break. "We can't keep going like this."

"Where can we go Sir? We've been trying to get away from these guys for days."

"I think we should go back", he told her softly.

"Back?" She looked at him in confusion. "Back where sir."

"To the Goa'uld encampment."

"What? But Sir – that's – there are thousands of Jaffa there."

"I know. There are also ships there and they won't be expecting us to head that way. Look Major, you know as well as I do that it's unlikely that the Tokra – even if they respond to Hammond – will be able to rescue us, not with a mother ship and so many Jaffa here. We can't last much longer like this, we're both exhausted and short on food and water. We need to go and capture one of the Tel'taks or if we can't get one of those then we'll grab a Death Glider and get off this god-forsaken planet. We'll fly home", he said, when it appeared she didn't understand him.

"But – you're planning to steal a ship?"

"Yes Major. What?" he asked at her incredulous look. "You have a moral problem with that or something?"

"No, of course not Sir. It's just – it's suicide."

"Only if we get caught. Come on, we've done crazier things."

"We have?" At his look she finally nodded. She knew he was right – there really was no other way. She'd known, right from the beginning, that the chance of rescue was slim to none. She also knew that he had known that as well. With a sigh she straightened up. "Okay Colonel, I'm ready when you are."

"That's my – uh – soldier!" he grinned.

She wanted to giggle at him – his face was black from dirt, which only emphasized the paleness and exhaustion of his face. But when he smiled, he looked wonderful – and at least ten years younger. She knew at that moment, like she'd known so many times in the past, that she'd follow this man into hell if he asked.

They slowly – they really couldn't travel any other way by this time – made their way towards the Goa'uld encampment. He'd been right that it wasn't expected so they were lucky not to see any Jaffa patrols. It would change as they grew closer, but for now they could move pretty much in a straight line without being seen.

They'd been travelling for what seemed like days towards the encampment – in reality it was close to ten hours – when suddenly he raised his hand and came to a dead stop. She stopped breathing, knowing that he'd heard something – something that wasn't natural to this planet. She saw his silent message and carefully faded back into the bushes, where she remained, frozen and totally quiet.

It was a small group – only six men – that passed. They appeared to be returning from a patrol and obviously weren't looking for anyone. A couple of them were talking and no one, fortunately, spotted the two hidden Tauri. After they'd gone by both of them waited for almost five minutes before Jack slowly emerged from the foliage. Sam quickly followed, surprised that her heart was still thumping wildly. It had been close.

"Well", he spoke very quietly, "that got the adrenaline going!"

She had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. That was the Colonel's way of acknowledging that he too had been frightened – but also his way of lightening things up. God, she – respected – this man!

They finally made their way to a hill over-looking the encampment. They were able to hide in a thick copse of trees and bushes, and settled down just as the sun peeked over the horizon. Daylight was breaking and they were too close to keep moving.

"Time to rest Major", the Colonel told her. "I'll take first watch. You get some shut-eye."

"You're sure you'll be okay Colonel?"

"I'll be fine Major – I've done this once or twice before", he answered. The words were sarcastic – and she knew it was called for – but he was so exhausted it came out seriously, so she just nodded.

"Okay Sir. I'll take second watch." She yawned and laid down, using her small pack as a pillow.

"Sleep tight Major", he said softly. He watched her for a moment until she was asleep and then sat up to keep watch over her.

They took turns resting throughout the day but as tired as they both were, neither of them could sleep for long. For one, it was too uncomfortable. The main reason however, was both of them were too nervous, too excited about what they were about to attempt. They knew that there was only a small chance that they'd succeed and that they'd probably both be dead – or prisoners – by morning. Still, they had to try.

There was only another hour until it was fully dark and both of them were sitting, side by side, looking down at the camp. They had said very little throughout the day – there was no need. Now however, the Colonel began to speak.

"If we're captured Major -"

"Don't say that Sir", she pleaded. "It'll be okay."

"Carter – Sam – you know that there's a good chance that this won't work."

She took a deep breath in. "Yeah, but we've got to try."

"Of course we do", he looked at her in exasperation, tempered with affection. "But still ….." He sat quietly for a moment. "Sam, can I ask you something?"

"Of course Colonel."

"It's a favor – and I shouldn't but.."

"What Sir?" she said gently.

"I'd rather – not – have one of those things in my head again", he told her, referring to the Goa'uld. "Twice is more than enough for anyone." He looked at her and gave her a small smile. "So – I know this is an awful thing to ask, but if it's a choice between that and – dying – I'd rather die – you know."

"What are you saying Sir?" she whispered, her eyes growing large.

"That if they're gonna put a Goa'uld in me, and you can stop them – then do it, whatever the cost. Please Major? Just make sure there's nothing left of me to use as a host." He knew what he was asking her was unfair and more than anyone should ever ask of another person but he knew he would lose his mind if they put another Goa'uld in his head. He still had nightmares of the time Hathor … and he didn't even want to think about Kanan. Both experiences had left lasting scars. He was afraid a third time would destroy him and he'd rather die – as Jack O'Neill.

"Okay Sir, under one condition", she looked at him and her eyes held his and her expression was determined. "If you do the same for me."

His recoiled in horror. No – there was no way he could ever – not Carter, not Sam.

"Sir – please? I can't handle the idea either, not after Jolinar. Please?"

He closed his eyes briefly and then nodded. "Okay Carter – deal." After a few seconds he opened his eyes again and grinned. "But neither of us are going to have to do – that – since we're getting off this planet and flying home."

"Yes Sir! she smiled in relief. "Let's do it Colonel!"

They snuck carefully towards the field the Goa'uld were using as a landing area. They counted three Tel'taks and even more Death Gliders. Most of the Gliders were fitted out with a single pilot seat, but there were a few double ones. As they looked down, it soon became obvious that there were way too many guards around the Tel'taks. It would have to be a Death Glider.

"Those two over there seem to be the least guarded", Carter whispered. She pointed over to the far side of the field. There were two Gliders which seemed to be slightly separated from the others and there were no guards close by.

"Let's head over", O'Neill nodded. "You first. I'll watch your six." He waited while she slowly made her way towards the two Gliders. She kept in the shadows and moved only when sure that no one was looking her way. He couldn't help but be proud of his Major as he watched her. She was a helluva soldier.

She was within twenty meters of the furthest Glider when she stopped and turned towards him. With that he began to follow, being as careful as her not to be seen. It took a long time – he had to go slowly – but eventually he was standing beside her. They waited for a few more moments and then he nodded. "Okay, you go first again and see if you can make it inside one of them. When I know you're in safely I'll follow. Be careful Carter!"

"You too Sir", she gave him a swift smile and then checked carefully to make sure no one was around and finally headed out. This was the most dangerous part. They'd have to travel the last bit through the open field. Anyone who happened to look at the wrong moment couldn't help but see them.

When Sam made it to the first Death Glider he breathed a sigh of relief. Doing another careful check he began his own journey. Even though it wasn't far, he felt like it took forever and that he was right in the middle of a firing range. He kept expecting to hear a shout at any moment – and then a volley of staff weapon fire.

By the time he made it he was sweating profusely. He was glad it was nighttime so that Carter couldn't see him. That had been a harrowing trip – to say the least.

"How's it look", he whispered as he climbed on board. Carter was in the co-pilot seat, checking out the controls.

"Okay, I think, although the panel was off the front. I just hope it runs smoothly."

He sat down in the pilot's seat and began to do a quick check of his own. He'd been in one of these before so had a general idea of how they worked. He and Teal'c had also done their little jaunt towards the Ordt Cloud – which had given him some familiarity with these beasts, even though that had been an Earth modified vessel.

"Looks okay down here", he whispered back. "Shall we start her up?"

"Uh", Sam did one final check. "Okay Colonel – I think she's good to go."

Jack couldn't believe they'd actually made it this far without interference. In fact, it kind of bothered him and he found himself hesitating as he reached for the control to start the thing. His 'spidey' sense was telling him something was wrong. "You sure we're good to go?" he asked, one last time.

"As far as I can tell Sir – yes – although I can't promise."

"And why not Carter", he muttered to himself. "Okay then Major – here goes nothing!" He pushed the button – and pulled the lever – and did everything he was sure he was supposed to do – and nothing happened. Crap! They'd gotten a dud.

"Didn't work Major!" He said, although he figured it was probably pretty obvious.

"I'm sorry Sir – let me just -" He could picture her, her tongue sticking out and her hands flying – a look of total concentration on her face – while she performed her usual miracles. "Alright – that should be it. Try it again!"

That, of course, was when things hit the fan. He heard a shout from outside, and looked down to see a Jaffa staring at him, his staff weapon pointed directly at his head. Shit! "Okay Major – hold on!" He pushed, pulled and swore – and the engine, or whatever the hell the thing had – started with a roar. He jerked his head back when the staff weapon discharge hit the cover of the Death Glider. He sure hoped these things were bullet – or staff – proof!

He concentrated on getting the thing off the ground, while part of him watched as more and more Jaffa appeared. Finally in the air, Jack looked down and pushed the control forward as far and as fast as he could. The next thing he knew they were in the atmosphere above the planet – and his stomach had risen to the back of his throat.

For the first time in days he was grateful he hadn't had anything to eat, as it would have been plastered all over the inside window. It took him a moment to reorient himself – that had been one hell of a ride.

"You okay back there?" he shouted.

"Yes Sir!" her voice spoke gently into his ear. It was then he realized that he hadn't turned on his mike or done up his helmet. He quickly did so. "Carter?" he said into the headset.

"I'm here Sir. That was – uh"

"Yeah, I know", he grinned. "Sorry about that!"

"It's okay Sir – I'm just glad you got us out of there. I was – a bit worried when I saw all the Jaffa."

"You and me both Carter! So, now where – HELL!" the explosion just missed the Glider. Jack watched as another Death Glider whizzed on by and then turned, ready to fire again. "Let's get out of here!" he yanked on the controls and soon was engaged in a dog fight in space. There were three Gliders on his tail and he knew the chances of downing them all were slim. "Major?"

"I'm – almost – ready Sir. Hit it Sir!"

Hit it? Oh – he pressed the hyperdrive control and space turned into a stream of light and colors. He always found this part to be both beautiful and terrifying. Right now though, his main reaction was one of relief. He'd thought they were gonners there for a few seconds.

"Something's wrong Sir", Sam's voice – her worried voice – interrupted his moment of relief.

"What is it?"

"I don't know – the controls are -"

Her voice stopped as she obviously attempted something back there. At the same moment he felt a shudder move through the ship. "Okay", he muttered, "that isn't supposed to happen." The shuddering grew and he began to get really worried. He wondered what happened to ships – and people – if they had an accident while in hyperspace. He didn't want to find out.

Without warning everything grew quiet. He glanced around to see space looking – normal – once more. They'd dropped out of hyperdrive and were travelling at regular speed. "Uh – what happened Carter?"

There was silence and he began to worry that something had happened to her – when her voice popped up in his ears again. "Uh – something is wrong with the ship Sir. We couldn't maintain the drive."

"I kind of got that. Can you get it fixed?"

"No – in fact – the systems seem to be shutting down. I think – I think this ship was in for maintenance or something."

"The systems are shutting down? Can you clarify what you mean by that Major?"

"I mean – we need to land this thing soon Sir, before she falls apart."

"Crap! Okay – how far are we from Earth?"

The silence should have warned him, but it didn't. He'd just assumed that they'd exited hyperdrive in approximately the right place.

"I don't know", she answered quietly. "I – don't know where we are Colonel."

"You don't know exactly, right Major? I mean, you know sort of – right?"

"No Sir. I have no idea. I have found a planet that seems to have a breathable atmosphere though."

"That's nice – but I'd really rather you found a planet with either a gate – or that's named Earth. Can you do that?"

"I'm sorry Sir." There was another shudder through the ship.

"Okay – let's get this thing down. We'll fix her up and then figure out where we are. Coordinates Major!"

"Yes Sir." She input some numbers on the computer and he turned the ship. The shuddering continued and soon was so bad it felt like the ship was going to fly apart. It took all Jack's strength to keep her on course and descending at an angle that wouldn't get them burned up. "You sure this place is okay?" he yelled. It was almost impossible to hear one another through all the noise.

"What?" she called back.

He stopped talking and simply focused on landing the aircraft in one piece. He knew it was going to be tricky.

They hit the ground way too fast and flipped over a number of times. Jack suddenly knew what it must feel like to be put in a blender.

He heard the screeching of metal and the bangs as the craft hit trees – he was sure it was trees – and other objects. He tried not to think about Carter – just praying that she was okay and that she'd survive – that they'd both survive.

As the Glider came to an abrupt stop – hitting something outside – it became suddenly and absolutely quiet. There was no sound once the craft had settled down – lying on its side, it's hull twisted and scarred.

The two on the inside didn't feel the last impact and didn't hear the final screeching of metal as it hit trees and rocks – and they didn't hear the eventual silence. For inside the vessel, were the still bodies of two people – bruised and bloody – completely dead to the world.