That Darned Arrow

[Highlander II]

Okay - here's a fic i scribbled up a while back --


Title: That Damned Arrow
Author: Highlander II
Category: Drama, angst
Spoilers: Crossroads, Exodus
Rated: PG-13 - language
Description: Jack's weekend is disrupted by a 'situation'
Disclaimer: SG-1 characters are not mine - everyone else is my own creation (not that there are many).

one more note - this is written in the 2nd person - from Jack's POV -- so, it's like you're living inside Jack's head - sort of - it's kinda weird - but something i was playing with -- enjoy!!

Part 1:

Definitely time to go home for the weekend. You realize you’ve forgotten your new hockey stick back down on Sub-Level 24, but forgo the urge to retrieve it, needing to see the outside world even more than to break in that new Sher-wood. A swift head nod and a word of good-bye to the security sergeant and you emerge into daylight, more than ready to leave Cheyenne Mountain behind, at least for the next forty-eight hours.

You arrive at your home in the late afternoon, the sun beginning to set, casting an orange-red glow around the neighborhood. You can hear the phone ringing inside and don’t hurry to unlock the door. How long had it been since you were here last? Four weeks? Five? Much too long. Isn’t that why your relationships don’t seem to last very long? The romantic ones anyway. Well, there are more important things -- like beer. Beer, cold and fresh from the refrigerator. Sinking into the couch, beer in one hand, remote control in the other, you are absolutely ready to relax. Calgary plays tonight, the Flames and the Islanders. This should be a great game.

The beer is excellent, you’re as comfortable as can be, but fifteen minutes into the first period (that’s hockey time, not real time), the phone rings, again. Answering machines – wonderful creations, you let this ingenious piece of technology take the call for you one more time.

“Colonel O’Neill, pick up the phone. I know you’re there,” General Hammond calls through the plastic box by the phone.

Lazily you reach over and lift the receiver to your ear. “I’m here, General.” You taste the beer again.

“Colonel, we need you to come back to the SGC.”

“Sir, I just got home…”

“And the hockey game’s on. I know, Colonel, and I’m sorry to disturb your weekend, but we need you back here now. Life and death.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be right there.” You should have known this weekend was not going to go as well as you had planned. The beer? Well, now it’s a total waste, down the drain it goes. A shower would be great, but there’s no time, back to the mountain.

*******************************

Briefing Room -- 1130

“Colonel, thank you for giving up your weekend. This is very important.”

**Giving up** your weekend? Did you have a choice? “So, sir, what is on our agenda for today?” you ask with your usual, pleasant demeanor. Someone has to make these briefings a little more interesting.

“As you know, Major Carter was doing some research on P59-482 when we lost contact with her two days ago. We need SG-1 to go through and bring her back.”

“Sir, are we sure the gate is operational on the other side? I mean we wouldn’t want to be crushed into unidentifiable pieces when we go through.”

“The MALP gave us readings, the gate is functional and the DHD is intact. There do not appear to be any dangers around the gate.”

Someone sneezes to your left. Daniel Jackson, the ever-present scientist. “General Hammond, you’re suggesting SG-1 go alone on this rescue mission?” Hey, the scientist made a good point.

“SG-1 is currently the only team with the proper clearance for this specific mission.”

“So, let me get this straight,” you rise from your chair as you address the general, “the three of us are going to execute this S&R?”

“I’m sorry, Colonel, if there was anyone else I could give you, I would. This mission is just too sensitive.”

You really wish the general had left you out of this one. Sure, you like Sam, but a search and rescue team of three? General Hammond doesn’t even know where to tell you to begin. This is going to be one hell of a trip. “When do we leave?” You ask, praying the answer is Monday, only because you're exhausted, but knowing it won’t be.

“As soon as you’re ready to go, Colonel.”

”You heard him men; let’s go.” You’re glad you did not return to your chair, because getting out of it again would have been very difficult, knowing you had to perform this mission.

To Be Continued...

[Highlander II]

Part 2:

*******************************

Gateroom -- 1300

A million thoughts race through your head as you wait for your usual team, minus Major Carter. The thoughts are nothing new, they happen every time – What if you don’t make it back? What if the gate on the other side gets destroyed one millisecond after you step through? You, of course, never focus on any of these for too long for fear you may decide to never step through the Stargate again.

You know Daniel just entered the gateroom without turning around. Those allergies of his are a dead give-away every time. Teal’c steps solidly to your side, prepared to follow you to the gates of hell if that is where you are leading. “All set?” you ask, knowing the answer is yes whether it is really the answer your compatriots wish to give or not. “Let’s move out.” Walking the ramp without Major Carter is a bit disheartening, but you make it to the large, metal ring, tap a finger into the shimmering blue of the event horizon, and step through. No longer do you concentrate on the feelings, sensations of the actual traveling. Anymore, it happens so quickly, there’s nothing to focus on. The first time it was horrible, not knowing what was on the other side. Now, it was like an intergalactic elevator ride.

Hammond was right with his relay of the MALP information; the Stargate was okay, the DHD looked all right. “Daniel? Everything okay?”

“As far as the Stargate goes? Yeah. I think it’s all here,” he answers you, and sneezes again; apparently his antihistamine hasn’t taken affect yet.

Adjusting your weapon against your arm, you study the look on Teal’c’s face a moment. Just his usual Jaffa expression, nothing out of the ordinary. “Let’s move out, kids.” You know they are right with you. Daniel is taking his time, examining every tree and rock formation along the way.

“Daniel,” your eyebrows raise as you speak.

“Sorry, Jack,” he apologizes for backing himself into you, not paying attention to where he’s going again. Daniel’s a good kid, but he’s a scientist; you have a little problem with scientists. You would never admit this to anyone, you can hardly believe you’re admitting it to yourself, but his skills are useful, and hey, you kind of like him.

Okay, back to business. You have to find Sam… Major Carter… she has to be Major Carter, not Sam. Sam would be a friend; Major Carter is a fellow officer – sexless, no specific emotional attachment. That sounds cold, but it’s the only way to do your job. You know that, Major Carter knows that, so she knows you will do what you can, everything in your power to get her out safely. What the… hey… that really hurt. There is a searing pain in your leg. Looking down you notice a triangle-shaped, piece of sharpened metal protruding from your thigh. And, without turning, you just know the other half of the wooden post is protruding from the rear of your thigh. You look anyway, just to verify what you already know. Realizing the potential for further injury, you fall to the ground, taking cover, hoping your comrades follow suit, or something to that effect.

Several more arrows zoom above you as your head swims from the throbbing. Waiting, there on the ground, you wonder if Daniel and Teal’c realize the tremendous amount of pain raging through your leg. It’s bleeding, but stopping it does not seem feasible currently.

“Daniel,” you know you thought the name, but did your voice actually function?

“Whoa, Jack, are you all right?”

Thank God, he did hear you, or he’s just got incredible timing. “I could say yes, but I would **definitely** be lying.” You look around again.

“They’re gone,” Daniel answers the question in your face.

“What happened here?” You know there is a searing pain in your leg that your mind does not want to focus on, but you need to do something to feel like a leader.

“We’re not really sure. We were just walking along this path, then we saw you fall to the ground.”

“You didn’t see who shot this thing through my leg, did you?”

“No. But we need to get this **thing** out of your leg and get you bandaged up.”

You watch as Daniel readies a set of medical supplies, preparing to remove the arrow from your leg. He pulls on the rubber gloves and picks up his field knife.

“Wait!” A familiar voice calls from the trees. You see a figure emerge, but do not believe what you see in front of you.

“Major Carter?” your voice squeaks before you can stop it.

She smiles over you. “Yes, sir.”

“Where have you been?” Your voice is stronger this time, but you're beginning to feel a little loopy.

“I’m sorry, sir. These people needed my help.”

“Contact.”

“Excuse me, sir?”

“Why didn’t you contact us?” You manage to get the complete thought across your lips this time.

“They took my radio. Probably not wanting me to be able to call someone to come and get me.”

Your leg still hurts, and you need to ask Carter one more question before you pass out. “Uh, Major, why can’t we take this thing out of my leg? In case you were wondering, it really hurts!”

“I know, sir. We can’t remove it here because it’s a special arrow with quarter inch barbs that lock it into the muscle.”

“Real quality craftsmanship, eh?” Sarcasm to the bone.

“I’m sorry, Colonel. We can remove it when we get back to the camp.”

“Fine. But I don’t think I can walk.” You’re hearing the words come from your mouth, but are barely realizing you’ve even spoken.

“Come on, Colonel. Get up. We have to move.”

You feel your body being lifted from the ground, supported on your weakest side by a very solid Teal’c, and on your stronger side, an extremely concerned Major Carter.

“Carter, is there a poison or something on this thing?”

“No, it’s a mild, herbal anesthetic. You’ll be fine.”

“Oh, good. So, I’m loopy until, say, when?”

“About twelve hours from now.”

Somehow Carter’s words are not as comforting as you would have hoped. Now, your mind is trying to comprehend the recent series of events. “Uh, Sam. What.. whoa..” You feel the strength of your friends lifting your sinking body.

“Colonel?”

“I’m all right, Sam,” you respond, hoping she buys it. How ironic, you come out here to save her and she is saving you. You’re gonna kill Murphy for those stupid laws.

“Now, why, exactly, did they shoot me?”

You see that look in her face, the one that tells you she has something kinda bad to say, and she really doesn’t want to. “Sir…”

“Carter.”

“Sir, they fire at anything that comes through the Stargate.”

“What?”

“But, you came through without any problems.” Daniel speaks what you are thinking.

“The Tok’ra told them I was coming. They were waiting for me when I came through.”

“But, you sent us a message.” You can hear the sound of Daniel’s voice and make out most of the words, but your head is swimming and you think you are seeing short, purple, hockey players chasing a large taco.

“Wow. Did you see that?”

“What, Jack?” Daniel asks you, confused.

“You.. uh…." You shake the cobwebs out of your brain. “Nevermind.”

“We’re almost there, Colonel,” Carter assures you as you and your group descend a small hill.

The camp you see, through the anesthetic haze in your head, resembles Gilligan’s Island. Small huts of grasses and leaves stand scattered about a centrally located flagpole. You look and notice the banner atop the pole is red, white, and blue, but not the stars and bars of home.

“All right, Colonel, just lay down here and we’ll get this arrow out of your leg.”

“Oh, really? Good.” Your mind goes blank, dark, as the anesthetic takes over completely.


More to Come...

[Highlander II]

Part 3:

*******************************

You wake to find yourself warmly wrapped in a blanket, your clothing mysteriously missing. Drawing the blanket closer around your body, you glance across the room and spy a silent figure in the corner. “Sam.” She doesn’t respond. “Sam!” you call again.

“Oh, sorry, sir.” She approaches the bed.

“Sam, where are my clothes?”

“Being mended, sir.”

“I’ve been out for, I’m gonna guess, at least eight hours, and you’re going to tell me it takes more than eight hours to patch a couple of holes?” You know she can feel the sting of your voice, and she knows you are not angry with her, but frustrated that your mission is not going according to plan.

“I’m sorry, sir. Daniel’s checking for you now.”

You close your eyes at the feel of her fingers raking through your hair. Whoa! Did she just kiss your forehead? “Major…”

“Rest now, sir. The anesthesia hasn’t completely worn off yet.”

“I was going to say. I’m freezing.”

She looks at you with soft eyes as she responds, “Sorry, sir. Um…”

“Uh, Major, what are you doing?” you ask as she slides onto the cot beside you. Even though she’s on top of the blanket, the situation is still strange.

“We’re out of blankets, sir. This is the only thing I can think of.” She wraps her arms around you and you feel your body begin to warm and drift, again, into a fitful sleep.

(yeah this one was short - more in next post) --

[Highlander II]

Part 4:

*******************************

You feel your body rocking slightly and finally, the sound you hear registers in your head as words. “Colonel O’Neill. Sir, are you awake?”

Now what kind of sense does that make? If you were asleep, you wouldn’t hear the question anyway, so for the question to even be answered, you would have to be awake.

Blinking back what is left of the exhaustion, you free your mind from the spinning logical thoughts and focus on the blond soldier beside you. “Yes, Major.”

“Your clothes are ready, sir.” She motions for the figure in the doorway to approach.

“Thank you, Major.” Your large hands rub heavy sleep from your eyes and you swing your strong legs to the floor as you sit up on the cot. A glance around reveals that no one has moved but you, and an even quicker glance confirms that they are not staring where you thought they were. “Sam, do I have two heads or something?” you whisper to your comrade.

“No, sir. Modesty is a law here.” She pulls the blanket over your torso and legs. “I’ll have Daniel explain to Rina and you should be okay.

You wait while she chats with Daniel and the woman, you can only assume is Rina, who brought your clothes.

“I’m sorry, Colonel. I should have warned you.”

“Oh, no problem. And remind me later, to thank them for shooting that barbed arrow through my leg.”

“They were just protecting their territory, sir.”

You catch the shirt she throws at you and pull it over your head. Unfortunately, because of the wound in your leg, the boxers, pants, socks, and boots will require the aid of Major Carter. Completely professional, Major Carter helps you dress, all the way down to lacing and tying your combat boots. In the back of your mind, you are very grateful Daniel and Teal’c are not in the room to witness this.

“Thank you, Major.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” She lightly touches your shoulder; it’s comforting, though you’d never admit it. “Can you walk, sir?”

“I guess we’ll find out.” Firmly, you push against the cot and get to your feet.

You and Major Carter emerge from the hut into the common area. You see people milling about, doing their daily chores and errands, fetching water, trading goods, chatting with others on the street. “Major.”

“Sir?”

“Why exactly did you come here?” You are looking around, wanting to know what these people might offer in the way of technology or weaponry.

“There is a piece of technology here that could benefit a large number of people, both on Earth and other planets within the Stargate network.”

“And that would be?” you probe for more information.

“Come on. I’ll show you.” She pulls you through the square, past the handmade flagpole flying the beautifully woven flag. People are watching you limp through their common area. Have they never seen a wounded man before? Your leg hurts, but you limp along, needing to know what it is that Carter has found. Ow, damned rocks, even worse if your leg is wounded.

“Colonel…?”

“Yes, Major?” How long had she been addressing you before you responded?

“This way, sir. These people contacted the Tok’ra, needing help with their technology. The Tok’ra could not help them, but thought I would be able to, so they asked me to come.”

“So, what is it they have here, Major?” You wish she would hurry; the pain in your leg grows with each step.

“This…” the major motions toward a crate-shaped object, standing atop a bier at the end of the hut.

“Carter, it’s a box.”

“Well, yes, sir, but it’s actually more than a box.”

“Don’t tell me, it’s a *special* box?”

She smiles at you, that cute smile that says she knows you’re being facetious, and that she understands she may have over-simplified her explanation.

“All right. Sir, what this box does is provide a protective shield around the planet to prevent excessive amounts of UV radiation from bombarding the atmosphere.”

“What?”

“Sir, this planet has no ozone layer. When the Ancients put these people here, they gave them the machine. It malfunctioned and they sent their *distress call*.”

“Wait. These people can contact the ancients?” You know she saw you wince. The pain is growing and your leg really hurts.

“Are you all right, Colonel?”

“Yeah. About the Ancients?”

You can see she’s not wholly convinced about your present condition, but she answers anyway: “No. They can’t contact the Ancients. I think they contact the Tok’ra. I’m not sure exactly how they do it.”

“Yeah. The Tok’ra probably won’t tell us either.”


Continued.... (again)

[Highlander II]

Part 5:

“Uh, Jack…” You hear Daniel calling, how annoying, especially since the ache in your leg has not diminished.

“You’re right. The Tok’ra won’t tell you. But they did tell me.”

It can’t be. They wouldn’t let him leave. You turn around, knowing what you’ll see. Yep. That’s it. “Hebron of Paraval.” He’s holding a Zat gun, trained on your friends and the indigenous people of the planet.

“Actually, Tanith. But, essentially correct.”

“What do you want?”

“That.” He points to the ozone-layer box.

“What? Moving to a planet known for deadly suntans?” You hold back the wince of pain creeping toward your face. Anything to ease the ache would be greatly appreciated. You feel a pressure against your arm, then a sudden harsh stop, and you realize you’ve been shoved to the ground, a Zat blast barely missing your chest. A quick glance across the room assures you Carter is okay. You owe her a big one for this.

“Good, I have your attention. Now, Colonel O’Neill,” he props the Zat gun under your chin, lifting your face to look into his. “I will be leaving with that device and no one will stop me or,” he fires the Zat gun at one of the local men, “Do I make myself clear?”

There is nothing you can do with your leg the way it is. You hope one of your comrades takes some initiative. Just as this thought crosses your mind, you hear a thud and a clatter. It’s right there. The Zat is two inches from your outstretched fingers. Reach, reach, use those long fingers of yours. You freeze; Tanith moved and might have brought friends he could summon at any time.

A smile creeps over your lips as you watch Carter clock Tanith in the groin with the butt of her weapon. She’s 2 – for – 2 against Tanith, just today. “Colonel, you all right?” she calls over her shoulder, not even considering taking her eyes off Tanith.

“Yeah, I’ll live.” You are sure there ought to be an easier way to solve some of these problems, but nothing is coming to mind. As you push yourself to your unsteady feet, you hear Daniel working damage-control at the entrance. Good, he’s got that covered and you can focus on Tanith and that crazy ozone box. “Carter, that thing work?”

“It does now, sir.”

“So, we can leave?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Great. Tie him up and give him to Teal’c. We’re taking him with us.”

“To Earth, sir?” Carter looks concerned as she restrains Tanith, who is snarling at her.

“You have a better idea? We’ll take him back and hand him over to the Tok’ra, in exchange for something useful. I’m sure they already know we’re on our way back.” You feel no need to wait for a response and turn and walk away, slowly, the only way you can. A pause to speak with the leader of these people, he thanks you for your help and apologizes for injuring you. Daniel has mended any potential riffs and the trek back to the Stargate is uneventful.

Continued yet one more time...

[Highlander II]

Part 6:

Then it happens. Dammit! You aim and fire, and miss. Even Teal’c misses, the first time. The second blast finds it’s mark and Tanith falls. You wait patiently for Carter and Teal’c to retrieve the semi-escaped bastard. A swift slap across the alien’s face focuses his attention. “You gonna try that again?”

Tanith’s only response is the glowing in his eyes just before he lunges and enters the final two symbols into the DHD, then dives through the open gate before anyone can catch him.

“Where did he go?” You bark, knowing in the back of your mind that none of your team saw the last symbols.

Carter and Daniel shake their heads.

Scruffing your hair, you close your eyes. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”


one more piece left....

[Highlander II]

Part 7: (Epilogue)

*******************************

SGC Infirmary

“Well, Colonel, looks like your going to live.”

She loves to say that, doesn’t she? Dr. Frasier just gets a kick out of telling you that you’ll be back to work in no time. “Thanks, Doc.” You flash your pearly whites. “Ah, General Hammond, Doc Frasier, here, says I’ll be good as new in a week or so.”

“Excellent news, Colonel. But, there is a pressing concern…”

“The whereabouts of Hebron of Paraval?” You fill in with heavy sarcasm, thinly veiled as an educated guess.

“Exactly. As soon as you’re healed, SG-1’s top priority will be to find Tanith, or Hebron, or whatever he calls himself. Until then, SG-1 is on ‘stand-down’.”

“Yes, sir. Anyone up for a hand?” You reveal a hidden deck of cards, ready to be shuffled and dealt as a formidable poker hand.


The End.

[Starling]

that was brilliant H2, really it was! You should definitely write more, you know that don't you? I love how you told the stroy through the thoughts and words of Jack...it was great...are we going to receive some more now that you've posted some?

[KatDonovan]

Uh oh, H2. You've really done it now. You only have a few hours of freedom before the rest of the mob get ahold of this and fit you for your ball and chain:evil:

Absolutely Excellent H2!! This was a great story, I really liked it alot! You're very good, the mob's never gonna let you go now tho

Kat

[imported_Sandman]

Oh, that was good. i haven't read many stories told that way before but you pulled it off wonderfully.

[skydiver]

very, very nice H2.

and they're right, the mob's gonna be hot on your six for another one

[Morrigan]

Funny, this... I came to the Fan Fic forum (alliteration rears its ugly head), and what do I see? A fic by Highlander II. I think to myself, "It can't be THAT Highlander II, can it? I mean, she NEVER has a fic finished. Her muses always short change her when she gets to a certain point."

So I take a look at the story, and upon reading it, I was POSITIVE that it was INDEED a fic by my own friend H2. How do I know? 1) Was in Jack's POV. 2) Hockey involved, teams named. Signs of a H2 idea (she'll blame Jack, I know).

Otherwise, good story H2. Loved the different perspective. Never saw a 2nd peson POV before (saw A POV from Daniel's glasses once tho). Seemed like Jack was having a flashback of the 70's there with the purple tacos. Good touch. Loved it.

And forget about the MOB! Koala and I will hound her a LOT more than they ever will. She knows it. Get writing! I'll get Koala to come over here and dispense some of his patented "iniative" on ya. { sound of a switch cracking in the distance }

Morrigan

[jsc]

(H II Struggles vainly as jsc attaches a huge Ball and a nasty clinking chain to HII's ankle! This sucker only comes off when she leaves the forum permanently!) Mob just got here and I love the story.
Girl, you just gotta write more. The beer and Hockey was a great touch and yes, I two enjoyed reading about the Players chasing the purple taco.... I felt Jack's presence here and it was good! Keep on writing... as if you had a choice now...NOT!

[imported_Sandman]

Ah yes, the purple players and the taco. loved that part!

[Highlander II]

thanx!!! glad you all liked my story -- 2nd person is NOT easy to write in -- i've only seen it done one other time -- from Methos' POV -- and that was an interesting story - so, i decided to try it w/ Jack - b/c i can write Jack - (he's pretty easy most of the time) -- the main thing to remember is that from 2nd person POV (just like 1st) -- you can't hear other people's thoughts - you have to think 'inside' the box, so to speak -- (that was cliche) -- and this time the 'box' was Jack -- (i'll tell ya tho - getting into his head is dangerous -- so -- look out)

i did write a small snippet from the POV of Jim Ellison's gun once (The Sentinel) -- and i can put that here if you'd like to read it - it's not SG-1 - but i guess the Sentinel is kinda sci-fi-ish --

AND --
aw man -- you're gonna be really disappointed -- b/c that's one of only about 4 total stories that i've finished -- and the others aren't SG-1 -- i have a hard time writing SG-1 fic - but i have another idea in the works -- so, just hang on -- and like Morrigan said -- my muses have a tendancy to clam up when i get going --

oh - Morrigan - don't send Koala after me w/ a switch -- remember - i have like 30 muses - and they're like this giant gang of brothers who protect their sis -- you know -- but these guys (w/ a couple exceptions) carry automatic weapons -- and the like -- they're pretty rough when they want to be -- (2 of my muses don't touch guns - their the 'law' types - one's a lawyer the other is MacGyver)

i can let you know where to find a couple of my other pieces tho:

The Pretender: The Virtual Series --
http://www.fanficweb.net -- there's a link to the VS from there

My L&O story Challenge response:
(written under the name "The Sentinel" - but it's still me)

http://www.podengo.com/apocrypha/spring01/no.html

that's all for now -- i'll let you know when i have more -- like i said - i'm really slow -- so don't haggle me too much ---

H2