Major Coburn Story

 

 

Part One

"OK, SG-2 you have a go!" General Hammond watched as they stepped through the shimmering stargate and off on yet another mission off world. He smiled as the wormhole closed down wondering how this latest civilian would cope with the extremes of gate travel.

"Are you OK?"

I looked up from my crouched position. "Do I look like I'm OK?" I hoped this mission wouldn't last too long. Sure I was grateful for Dr. Jackson to get me on this mission. Still I missed the comfort and safety of my study. I had been put forward because the ruins they had found on this planet had shown up more than a mere link to Stonehenge in England, my specialist field. The carbon dating had matched. "Sorry." I looked up again and took Major Coburn's offered hand.

"First time?" A smile played on his lips. "It always has this effect."

I got up and brushed the dust from my combat trousers. Why I had to dress like the military was beyond me. These had to be the most unflattering clothes anyone could wear. "Thanks." I looked at him briefly as I turned to lug my ruck sack over my shoulders. I'd show him I didn't need his help. He barked orders at his men, they fanned out and we set off.

The planet was not unlike earth. It was quite desolate and uneven with gravel around the gate but as we made our way out, further along trees began to surround us and grass returned under our feet. It was hot here too, or I was out of condition I guessed it was both, so the trees were a welcome shade. I fumbled for my water bottle.
"Do you need to stop?" Major Coburn fell into step along side me.

"No thank you. I'm fine." I tried to dismiss the dull pain that flowed from my aching feet up through my legs. "Just a bit hot."

"It's not much further now Ms Collins. Then you can set up and take your readings."

"Right." I watched him move off and mutter something to one of his men. Maybe I was being unjust to these uniforms. He seemed to fill his uniform out rather nicely. I chastised myself. Told myself I was here to do a job and the moment I saw the ruins I knew all thoughts of men would vanish right out of my head. It always did. Mixing business with pleasure never worked anyway.

Nothing could have prepared me for the awe-inspiring beauty that met my eyes. Sure the stones were arranged into a similar circle as Stonehenge. This planet had two suns though so I wondered what shadows would be cast at sun rise and sun set. Now I was wondering if we could stay and see. It wasn't on a slight hill as it's earth bound counterpart but stood proud on a vast flat land that seemed to spread out for miles. Unlike it's earth counterpart, no stones were down here too. It looked as if it had been constructed recently. I walked up to it pulling my camera out of my pocket. I walked round the stone circle tracing the rocks with my fingers while stopping to take photographs as I went.

Part two

Mayor Coburn watched her intently. She had tried to struggle against his show of help but he knew that self sufficiency was all an act. Not everyone was cut out for the hardness of military life and discipline. Even in the short term. He had realised the moment he was drafted into the Stargate programme how lucky he was. General Hammond ran a firm but fair unit, with the added bonus of off world travel. What more could he have wanted. Nothing he thought. Until this mission.

He watched as she was both intimidated and inspired by the stone structure. Watched as she pondered over the right angle to take her photos and how long she could linger over touching the stones.

He coughed, knowing his voice would be etched with emotion. "Right. Samuel's, take Anderson and radio back to base and tell them we've arrived at our location and Ms. Collins seems to be impressed." He watched as a grin spread across her face.

"Right Sir." Samuel's strode off towards the gate.

"Well there's nothing we can do now. So we might as well make ourselves comfortable." Coburn perched on a small cluster of rocks. "Until Ms. Collins has finished."

There was a clear blue sky above them as SG-2 watched their tame archaeologist pour over the stones. She sat crossed legged surrounded buy notebooks and loose papers. Her ruck sack laid open behind her almost empty. She was scribbling frantically and was mumbling something into her Dictaphone. Her long hair swept up behind her in a swishing ponytail.

"Do you know if she's got anyone back at base?"

Major Coburn snapped his head to look at Sergeant Hall. "Pardon?"

Sgt. Hall could have sworn he saw anger flash in his commanding officers eyes. He swallowed nervously. "Has she got a boyfriend or anything?"

"I don't know." Major Coburn tried to stem the panic that swelled inside him. He knew if the younger soldier turned on his charms there was no way he'd get a look in. "Don't think she's interested..."

"Oh. I see." Hall smiled he ran his hand through the short blonde stubble that now passed for hair. "Like that is she sir?"

Coburn was just about to correct him when a shout met his ears.

Part Three

"Sir! Major Coburn Sir!" Samuels was running towards him. "Sir we have a problem." He stopped and caught his breath. The sweat glistened on his ebony skin. "Our radios are down and the D.H.D has a malfunction. Sir."
Coburn's long fingers immediately clutched his radio. His crackled into life. "Try yours Sergeant."
Sgt. Hall's worked too.

In disbelief Lieutenant Samuels tried his radio. "Well I don't understand it Sir. We couldn't raise you at the Stagate."
Coburn spoke quickly into his radio. "Sergeant Anderson come in." There was no reply. "I say again Sgt. Anderson please respond." Again there was nothing. "I see what you mean Lieutenant. So what is the problem with the D.H.D?" This was turning into the trip from hell. All he needed was a system lord or two to show up and that would really make his day.

"Well, Sir. It seems that we can engage the stargate but the wormhole doesn't appear. I've left Sgt. Anderson radioing back to stargate command."

"So we can contact home then?" Coburn's relief was clear. "Sgt. Hall stay here and watch Ms. Collins." He hated leaving his biggest threat to his hearts happiness alone with her, but what else could he do? "Let's see if we can get a message home."

Sergeant Hall walked over to the preoccupied figure. "Don't know if you heard much of that Miss. But we are having technical difficulties with the Stargate. The rest of the unit have gone to find out what's happening."

"Oh OK." I looked back down at my scribbled notes. It didn't matter to me now how long we stayed here at least I wouldn't be worrying about the upheaval that my body went through going through the damn stargate. "How long do you think we'll have to stay?" I tried to ask casually hoping that we would at least get to see the suns set through the stone circle.

"Not sure Miss." Sgt. Hall smile his most seductive smile and knelt down beside her. "You like messing about with rocks and stuff?"

"Yes." I answered curtly. "I find them more interesting than people"

"But why? When you have an attractive warm blooded male here at your side and we're all alone." He slung his rifle over his back and leaned in to touch her face.

Hell fire! What could I do? My breathing was getting fast and shallow as he leaned into me. My insignificant self-defence classes were not going to be any match for his military trained attack. "I don't mix business with pleasure." OK so that was the most wrong thing I could have thought of to say.

"Well, I'm sure that the Major wont mind if we indulge in a little r'n'r." He went to kiss her mouth his big fingers laced round her neck pulling her to him.

Part Four

"Sergeant Hall!" Major Coburn barked angrily. He saw his sergeant freeze and his body stiffen. "Leave Ms. Collins alone. We are here to work. Be the professional you profess to be!" He watched her shoulders sag and she sat huddled up cradling her knees to her chest. He had to get rid of him. "Go and relieve Sgt. Anderson at the gate. We are waiting for further instructions from stargate command. When you receive them you are to come back to base immediately. And it's no good using your radio. It wont work at the gate. Captain Carter thinks there must be a magnetic force surrounding the gate that we set off when we came though. They are contacting our allies to see what can be done. And I want to hear the moment you get their message." He waited for his shamefaced sergeant to salute him before he turned his back on him. Let him go and think about what he was just about to do. Damn him. He didn't want that kind of behaviour from one of his men. He would be dealing with Sgt. Hall more officially when they got back home.

"Are you OK?" I looked up and saw concern etched over Major Coburn's strong features. Worry lined the deep brown velvet of his eyes.

"Yes. But I don't think I would have been if you hadn't returned when you did." I hugged my knees tighter.
"Well you don't have to worry about him now. He's back at the gate."

"Have we really got problems getting home?" I was truly worried. I had spent so much time buried in my books, my research or at a dig that I hadn't found time for a relationship. At all. So I didn't really know how to read the signs. But the signs I'd just encountered made me realise how vulnerable I was when I went off world. But I couldn't change everything by grabbing the first man that came along. I wanted something more. I had always wanted love.
"It seems so yes. We have to wait until they've sorted the problem out back at stargate command. We are awaiting rescue." He watched as her green eyes dimmed. "But this world has been free from attacks for years so we should be all right." He half smiled. "And I promise to keep an eye on you at all times." He smiled fully a broad grin spreading over his face.

My heart lurched. He was the kind of old fashioned handsome. Matinee idol type of handsome. His short black hair framed his strong smooth face. Thick dark brows arched over those pools of velvet he had for eyes. He was tall, over 6 foot I guessed, and solidly built. He'd shown me a softness I didn't realise went with a military man either.
"Thank you." I managed to say realising I'd been staring silently at him for sometime now.

"I'm going to set up camp. And then we'll think about breaking out the rations." He got up and stretched. "Now don't get too excited. I think it's cauliflower cheese on tonight's menu. Should be OK if you like the taste of chicken!" He smiled and walked off.

I watched him talk and set up camp with his men. He was laughing loudly with Lieutenant Samuel as they set up the tents. It was a deep laugh. Solid and safe. I got up and walked off around the stones again Setting up my digital camcorder in line with where I thought one of the suns this planet had would set.

 

Part five

I wasn’t disappointed. The cauliflower cheese did taste like chicken. I dreaded what to think the chicken would taste like. The people in charge of the rations had obviously gone to the same school of catering as I had. The no way in hell are you going to make this taste like anything but cardboard school.
“I’m going off to have a look around. See if I can find anything else.” I looked at the Major. He looked so relaxed and at ease with him men. The true man’s man.
“Don’t go too far off from base. If we need to make a quick break back home I need to know where you are.” He glanced up and couldn’t help the smile that pulled on his lips. She looked so waif like. The combat clothes they had given her were a bout 2 sizes too big for her and her some of her dark hair hung about her face reluctant to go back into her ponytail.
“I’ve got my radio.” I snapped back feeling a little uncomfortable being on the end of that smile. Were all military men so damn infuriating? If they hated having archaeologists around why did they sign up for the Stargate programme? And if an archaeologist had tamed Colonel O’Neill surely anything was possible?
I picked up my camera and notebook and headed off away from the stones. I forced my way through a tight clump of bushes and trees, obviously undisturbed for many years. I always felt wrong about doing things like that but I steeled myself. If I didn’t do it someone else would and maybe they wouldn’t be as considerate to their surroundings. I don’t know why I immediately thought of the goons I was with.
I listened intently. I could hear a faint whoosh of water. Right that was a new sound so I went into my full archaeologist mode and cast all thoughts about the military, and one contradictory man, out of my head. Just where was that sound coming from? I pushed on. The bushes now grew to form a bank along a path that was muddy and slippery from the misty veil of water that hung in the air. I inched along slowly. The noise of the water got louder and as I got near the opening it was almost a roar. The power and force of the water had carved a waterfall into the rocks. The water rushed hurriedly over the top and by the time it had got to the pool it was calmer as if trying to catch its breath. The area around the pool was lush and green. Fertile with plants. Ripe with flowers and berries. I bent down to smell some of the flowers. It was rich and intoxicating. The smell was as heady as irises. I got up and stretched my weary bones. It had been a hell of a day but if this was my reward, well I’d certainly sign up for more of them. I recorded the scene with my camera and jotted a few notes down. I wish I’d brought some of my sample bags to put some of this soil in. Maybe I could come back later? Right now I'd settle for soothing my aching feet in the water. I undid the long laces and pulled the heavy boots of my feet. My toes wiggled glad to be free. I peeled the socks off my feet and rubbed them sympathetically. I perched on a damp rock, rolled up my trousers to my knees and slowly eased my feet into the water bracing them for the cold. But it wasn’t. The water was soothingly warm. The blood rushed back to my toes grateful to feel something more than crammed into a heavy boot. I shut my eyes and gave out a deep pleasing sigh.

Part six.

Major Coburn surveyed the approaching figure of Sgt. Hall with disdain. “Yes Sergeant?” He made sure his voice was as deep and threatening as possible.
“Sir.” Sgt. Hall looked down nervously after saluting his CO. “Just received a radio message from the SGC. Colonel O’Neill has made contact with the Asgard Sir. We have to be at the stargate at 14.00 hours tomorrow Sir.”
“Very well Sgt.” Major Coburn got up and slung his rifle over his shoulder. “You stay here. Samuels keep an eye on him. I’m off to tell our intrepid explorer the good news.”
He traced her path easily. Her small footprints etched deeply in the mud that formed a path. He found himself smiling. Well, she would be pleased. She’d get her wish of recording both sunset and sunrise through the stones. He wondered how anyone could get excited over a bunch of stones. He shook his head. As if he had the authority to cast doubts on her enthusiasm! Here was a man who had buried and surrounded himself in the military. Knowing he could confront any enemy but couldn’t confront a woman. He was the only one who didn’t give Captain Carter a hard time about burying herself in her work. He understood. He didn’t want to be reminded of how lonely he really is too.
He stopped as he heard a whoop of laughter echo around him. He reached for his rifle, crouched down and looked about him. There didn’t seem to be any locals let alone hostiles on this planet but the laughter met his ears again. He inched his way to the pool and through the clawing mist that surrounded him. He ignored the vast beauty around him and hoped Ms. Collins was all right. It would have really made her day if something else had happened! He didn’t want to look into her hurt and lost eyes again. He wanted to see the spark of confrontation he had seen earlier.
He was now at the edge of the pool. He saw a pair of small discarded boots and socks next to a rock. He moved around the edge of the pool following a trail of discarded combat clothes. His heart started to race. It took all of his military instinct to calm himself down and not deal with this like the irrational man he felt. Where on earth was she? Was she all right? Was she unharmed? He knew his feelings for her went deeper than the mere fact that she was under his protection on this mission.
“Ms. Collins?” He whispered, wishing he knew her name. He carried on round softly calling out for her.

Part seven.

“Damn it all!” I muttered as I swam for the cover of the waterfall. What was he doing here? If I hadn’t convinced myself to have those extra ten minutes I would be out and fully clothed by now. If I hadn’t convinced myself that skinny dipping was a good idea I wouldn’t be in this mess at all. The water had called out to me. Had urged me in. Promised me it would soothe away all my aches and pains. I felt free. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so shot of all the demands my life made of me. I cursed myself for laughing.
I watched him follow the trail of my clothes. If I'd left them in a pile I could have made a run for it but no! He wasn’t going to go away. I steeled myself and swam from under the waterfall’s noise.
I saw him do a double take and watched as a smile spread over that handsome face. “So you are all right then?” He moved nearer the edge, and picked up my clothes. “I guess you’ll be wanting these back?”
“Yes please.” I tried to stay just far enough away from his gaze. “If it’s not too much trouble.” “No trouble at all.” He continued to smile. “But I need a favour.”
I groaned, he was loving this. “What?”
“I want to know your name.”
“No you don’t.” I didn’t want to tell him this!
“Well, it looks like I’ve got the upper hand here.” He still smiled at her. “You need your clothes and I need information.”
I snorted and felt a smile grow on my face. I tried to hide it. I tried to make him think I was angry but I was sure he saw through it. “Oh OK. I don’t seem to have any choice in the matter. You wont laugh?” I swam nearer. “It’s Spring.” I groaned, and waited for the laughter to start. My name had been the bane of my childhood. My free thinking, hippy-esq, parents had called all four of their children after the seasons.
He looked down at her. “Well, it’s different.” He stood back from the edge. “Nice too.”
I could see him playing with my name in his head. “Can I have my clothes now?”
“Of course. A deal’s a deal.” He smiled and held out the pile of clothes. “Here.”
“Are you just going to stand there?” I watched him intently. It was different with him though. Maybe I would regret this but I felt safe.
“No not if it makes you uncomfortable. I’ll leave your clothes here but I'm only going to be over there.” He walked to a shaded spot and sat down on a huge tree root that crawled and arched out of the ground.
I inched out of the water glad there was a bush that hid me from him. I turned my back quickly and struggled to pull my clothes onto my damp body.
He was glad he had chosen this spot. The sun hit her alabaster skin making it shine from the water like opal. She swept her damp hair back and he watched as it hung damply down her back. She nearly lost her balance as she pulled her trousers over her wet legs. It took all his will power not to go over to her and help her. Whether it would be into or back out of her clothes he didn’t like to guess so he thought it better to stay put and wait for her to come to him.

Part eight.

I walked over to him and smiled. “All present and correct Sir!” I tried a feeble salute.
“Jason.” He returned her smile. “Now we are on first name terms, call me Jason.” He moved so she had to sit next to him. “I’m here to tell you you’ve got your wish.”
I looked quizzically at him.
“To see the sun set and sun rise here.”
I couldn’t help the smile that engulfed my face. “Really? Oh thank you!” I hugged him tight. “That’s so....” I felt his arms go round my back and hold me gently against him. It wasn’t the most comfortable of positions. His flak jacket with its bulging pockets prodded my chest and the antenna of his radio was digging into my chin. I looked up into his eyes. They were now soft and had a golden fleck in them as they caught the setting sun.
The setting sun! I pulled away from him and ran back to the stones. Out of breath I clicked my camcorder into life and walked round the stone circle as the sun began its journey out of the skies.
Samuels walked up to his CO. “Is everything all right Sir?” He was quick to notice a flushed look on his major’s face.
“Yes, Samules everything is fine.” They walked back to the camp. “It’ll be dark in a couple of hours, and I don’t want Hall alone with Spri..” He quickly corrected himself. “Ms. Collins” So he can take first watch and I'll watch him. Then you, fowolled by Anderson and I'll take the last shift.”
“You don’t think Hall would be stupid to try something again, Sir do you?” Samuels watched something spark in his CO’s eyes.
“I hope not. But I'm not going to give him the chance.”
“With all due respect Sir, you like Ms. Collins?”
Coburn looked down at his 2IC. “I don’t think it would go down well back at the SGC.”
“Why not Sir? She’s not military.”

Part nine.

The camp had settled down for the night.
I was poring over the notes I had made by torch light and watching the amazing site as the 2 suns set through the stones on my camera, and tried to work out just why the stones had been placed were they were, and what sort of civilisation could build something like this and then leave it without seeming to blink an eye? I had gone back to the waterfall and taken samples of the mud and grasses, as well as seeds from the flowers. I had them carefully stored in my cool bag. I had even scraped off some sort of algae that had been growing on one of the rocks. I had my work cut out for me when we got home.
I heard a rustle outside my tent. Major Coburn had set my tent up slightly away from theirs on a flat, and barren, part of ground. It was hard to sit still but I had my sleeping bag and my jacket as pillows but still I felt a growing numbness in my lower body.
“Everything all right in here?” Coburn popped his head through the small gap in the door of the tent that I had left open. He was grinning.
“Yes fine.” I couldn’t help but smile back. “Do you want to come in?” I reached out and unzipped the doorway.
“Thanks.” He shuffled in precariously holding two mugs of coffee. “Thought if you were burning the midnight oil this would help.”
I gently took the mug from him and shifted along the sleeping bag so he could sit down.
“Do you always work through the night?” He reached out and brushed my hair off my shoulder so it fell down my back.
I watched his eyes. Even in the torch light there was something in them. Something safe. Welcoming. He had an interesting face. One that I knew I would never tire off. I smiled to myself. I would have to stop reading those damn romance novels. Not every guy I meet is going to be my hero and sweep me off my feet. I realised I was watching him intently and coughed trying to hide the blush that sprang to my cheeks. I’d never been any good with men. Tongue tied and clumsy these were my redeeming attributes that guys were left with. “Not much else to do.” I said and sipped at the coffee. It was true too. No one paid me any attention back at stargate command. Apart from Dr. Jackson. With him it was different. I could talk to him. We had things in common.
“There’s no one special in your life?”
I thought I would melt under the heat of his eyes. I coughed again. “No. Unless you count a few dried up corpses and mummified remains.”
“Me too. Well apart from the mummified remains and stuff. But I had a few dates that couldn’t have looked any worse!” He laughed and put his empty mug on the ground.” It’s good to see you smile. You don’t do nearly enough of it.”
I started. Was this really a military man? Weren't they all bravado and mouthy? I know! I would wake up and this would be a dream! I blinked and waited for something to happen. It did. But it wasn’t what I had expected. He leant in and brushed his lips against mine. I could taste the subtle hint of coffee on his lips. He caught me in his arms as I returned his kiss. His hands disappeared into my hair and he leaned into me, slowly easing me back onto the ground. OK, I told myself, this was one hell of a dream. But the ground shook and rumbled underneath us.
He pulled away a little, “I knew I was good but not that good!” His laugh turned to confusion as the whoosh and metal clanking sound of a Goa’uld ring device enveloped them in a blur of brightness.
I felt him reach for his gun and said quietly into my ear. “Hold on to me.”
We were laying on the shiny polished black marbled floor of a huge room. I tried to look out from under Coburn’s arms as he still pinned me underneath him. I couldn’t see much except gold. Everything seemed to be gold. Then I heard a heavy clank of footsteps and a door glided open.
“Come with us!” A voice echoed out of a serpent’s armoured metal head.
We were hauled up onto our feet and the major was stripped of all his weapons. One of the guards cast a discouraging look at me and a withering look at Coburn. We were dragged along a confusion of corridors that looked the same as the room we had just left, and lead into a room that had a huge window in it. Space was hurtling by. I felt Major Coburn tense and tried to stand nearer to me. He was pulled away and we were both flung on the floor.
The golden serpent’s head slid open. “You have done well.” He walked over to me and pulled me up. “She might make a pleasing host.” He ran his hand over my shoulders and down my arms. He pulled my hair back and his eyes flashed. A delighted smile sprung to his lips as my legs buckled underneath me. He held me firmly in his thin, finely carved, hands. His avarice eyes scanned my body. I heard Major Coburn scuffle with his guards. “Take him to the holding cell!”
I tried to look around but was held firm against the cold gold armour of his breast plate. My eyes were drawn back to his glowing eyes. He moved his right hand up and I looked in awe at the fine gold bands that laced his hand, leading up to a glowing red crystal in his palm. His eyes flashed and the crystal glowed, making a strange hypnotic whine. It was mesmerising and the only thing I could really remember then was the malevolent smile that played on his lips.

Part Ten

The doors to the holding cell slid open and the battered and limp body of Spring was hurled along the floor and came to rest at Major Coburn’s feet. He scrambled off the metal bench that encircled the cell and looked in horror at the bruises and blood that caked her body.
“Spring?” He gently touched her face. “Spring are you ok?” It was clear to him now that she was unconscious. He looked at the deep red welt that was scorched on her forehead left by the Goa’uld hand devise. Noted the torn and ripped clothes. He cursed his helplessness as what good was all that training when he could not have protected her when she needed him the most? He ached for his confiscated P-90, his knife, and more importantly his G.D.O. These had been ripped from his fighting grasp before he was thrown into the cell. He had a plan. He had to try and get them back to the ring room. Maybe pick up his weapons too and get off this mother-ship. He had no idea where they were or where they were going to. But he was from Stargate Command and had worked too often with Colonel O’Neill not to give up hope. However faint and foolish that hope was.
I blinked my eyes open. They were caked in tears. Tears I had a faint recollection of crying. I tried to speak, but my lips felt swollen and cracked. I could taste blood too. That was nothing to the pain that flashed and arced through my body now. Swept through my veins. Ripped through my soul.
“I’ve got to see if anything’s broken.” Major Coburn slowly pressed his hands carefully through her torn clothes wincing in sympathy as fresh waves of pain engulfed her. “Sorry.” He tried to smile. Tried to give her comfort. There were gashes and huge bruises already forming. Dried and fresh blood clung to her clothes. “Well the good news is that there are no broken bones.”
“Jason?” I managed to force out. “Please. No. It hurts.” I bit into my lips and tasted fresh blood.
“Ok.” He pulled her gently into him as he sat and cradled her. “Try and get some sleep.” He held her close and tried to match his breathing with her erratic and shallow breaths, hoping this would help absorb some of her pain.
I felt his warmth, clung to the hope that it was his arms that would hold me safe now, and slipped into a fitful sleep.

Part 11

Long hours passed. Unnerving hours.
Slowly Coburn felt her stir from her sleep and tried to hold her and calm her panic as she tried to thrash free from him. He tried to make soft reassuring sounds. Whispered her name. Tried to ease her back into sleep. Finally he succeed. And all was quite again.
He didn’t have long to wait to find out what was going to happen next. He heard the heavy clank of metallic footsteps as they approached the holding cell. He held Spring closer to him. If they wanted her again they would have to fight him for her.
“Our Lord Apophis requires the female. Release her.” A loud voice demanded and two serpent guards moved to pull her away from Coburn. He lashed out with his foot and kicked one square on the knee, bringing him down. Coburn made a lunge for the other guard leaping through the air at him. They crashed to the floor. Coburn tried to wrestle the staff weapon from this guard but lost momentum as he was thrown against the wall of the cell with a resounding thud. He shook his head trying to focus on the dark grey shapes that came his way. He hit the smaller one in the chest pushing him back down on the floor. Then he heard the sound of the staff weapon preparing to fire. He raised his hands and slowly got up. He would be no good to Spring if he was dead. “Hey, sorry about that. Just a little misunderstanding.” He backed away his hands raised in mock surrender. A calming smile on his lips. After that he remembered nothing as the butt of the staff weapon hit him on the head and he was left unconscious.
I woke to feel rough hands pull at me. “Jason?” I tried to open my eyes. But he wasn’t holding me anymore. I was dragged past his lifeless body and out of the cell. Panic swept through me. He couldn’t be dead? No! It was just to horrible to imagine. He was my hope of getting out of this and clinging to some sort of normality. Then as I was lead into a golden chamber lined with silks and heavier fabrics. Now I knew where I was. I fought and kicked, even though that caused new waves of pain to rip through my body. I didn’t want to be here. Again.
The guards sat me on the edge of a huge golden bed. The softness of the fabrics and the give of the mattress weakened my resolve. If only I could rest here a little. The pain wouldn’t be too bad. They bowed to their God and left us alone. I took a deep aching sigh.
Apophis looked at the small weakened female. Maybe she wasn’t host material after all, but she would be a pleasing distraction. He ran a long fingered hand over her face. Brushing the swollen lips. “You are not healing.”
1“Maybe we should put her in the sarcophagus, My Lord?”
Apophis’ eyes glowed in shock. “What are you doing here?” He cast a long withering look at the Jaffa that stood before him.
“I am sorry My Lord. I was in the other chamber.” He bowed deeply.
“Take her!” Apophis turned sharply and brushed past his errant guard. “When she is healed bring he back to me. I haven’t finished with her yet!”

Part 12

I was helped along the gleaming maze of corridors again. Just how big was this ship we were in? I wondered as my archaeologist side tried to wrestle with my hurt and wounded side. I tried to look at the guard who was escorting me. Not that you could tell anything from those huge grey serpents heads. I hopped there were no real snakes on board. I hate snakes! This guard was different. He didn’t push or pull me around. He was actually holding me gently, easing me along.
“Here.” He opened the doors to another chamber. They sure went in for gold on this ship. The walls were lined with cartouches and symbols that were used on the stargate dialling computer back at base. A huge golden scargopigious etched with the same symbols creaked open and a white, blinding, light poured out. “Get inside.” He helped me forward. “You will feel better.” His voice softened.
“Is the Major alive?” I risked asking. What harm could it do?
“I don’t know. But I will be here with the news when you have healed.” He helped me into the scargohicus and waited until I was laying down and the lid slid smoothly over me. What was I supposed to do now? I guess the idea was just to lie here and wait. Now I felt sympathy with the poor turkeys at Christmas. A faint warmth spread through my body and I closed my eyes. If Jason was dead my turkey was well and truly cooked anyway.

Part 13

The noise of heavy creaking woke me up. I blinked in the bright light as the doors of the sarcophagus slid open. I didn’t know how long I had been in there but all the wounds, cuts and pain had gone. I flexed my hands. It felt good. If I got out of this mess I would never moan about being in my office again. Give me the fluorescent lighting and the recycled air any day. I would never moan again!
“Here take my hand. You may still be weak.”
I looked up into the face of a grey armoured serpent. I wasn’t sure if this was the one who had brought me here. He held out a rough hand and helped me step out. “Thanks.” I wasn’t sure what to do next. Then I saw Major Coburn slumped in the corner of the room. I ran to him. I couldn’t feel any pulse. I looked round in anguish at the guard who clanked over to me.
“Quickly. We must place him in the sarcophagus. He has been unconscious for some hours and his pulse is weak.” Effortlessly he picked up the lifeless body of the major and eased him into the sarcophagus. He stepped back and watched silently until the doors slid shut. “We haven’t much time. Luckily Apophis has been more interested with the in fighting that has begun between some lesser Goa’ulds. We are waiting to see if the fighting spreads into our territory. We are waiting here to see if we can recruit some of the Jaffa who flee from the fight.” He went over to a pile of clothing. “Here, I think this is not what you are used to but it seems to me your current attire is,” he looked over my torn and ripped fatigues. “Less that adequate.”
“Thank you.” I took the pile of clothes and looked over them. “Not much substance to them.” I put them on the top of the sarcophagus. “If it’s all the same to you I think I'll keep with these.” I tired to pull my tattered shirt together and tuck it into my trousers. “Why are you doing this?”
He had moved over to a door and was listening to the movement that appeared to be getting closer. “To keep a dream alive.” His helmet swung backwards, revealing a battered face but with bright lively eyes. The helmet folded itself into the neck of the armour. “I am Bra’tac.” His face gave easily into a grin. “You have no need to be afraid now.”

Chapter 14

I remembered reading of Bra’tac in some of Dr. Jackson's mission reports before I had agreed to join the SGC. Even though he wasn’t as big as Teal’c he was just as imposing and scary.
The sarcophagus began to rumble and the doors slid open. Somewhere in the distance there was a dull roar, and the ship vibrated. The sound of heavy clanking feet scrambled throughout the ship now. All Jaffa were running to battle stations and death gliders slid out from out of the protection of the mother ship to take the battle to the encroaching fleet.
“Spring?” Major Coburn sat up and looked quickly around the room.
“It’s ok I’m here.” I went over to him as he got out of the sarcophagus. “You ok?” I picked up the small, sheer, bundle of clothes that had slid to the floor.
“Yeah, I am now.” He bent his head and quickly kissed her.
The ship shook again, and it was plain to hear the battle was now all around us.
Coburn ran to Bra’tac’s side and looked out as Jaffa ran past the door. “We need to get off this ship.” He glanced out further. “Can you get us to the gate room?” He motioned for Spring to join them.
“I will try. But you have to go as my prisoners.”
Coburn gave Spring’s hand a quick comforting squeeze and they stepped out into the corridor. Bra’tac pushed them along with the tip of his staff weapon. He guided them through an opened door and smiled as Coburn gave out a deep sigh.
“I guess you don’t have my things?” Coburn tried to think what SG teams were where and how he could get home.
“Do you mean this?” Bra’tac disappeared behind a console and handed Coburn his side arm and G.D.O.
“I could kiss you Bra’tac!” He smiled and happily took the gun and stared to dial home. “Will you be alright?”
“Yes. In the confusion I can get away.”
The stargate sprang into life and I had never been so happy about the prospect of getting my molecules put through this particular blenderas I was now. I watched as Coburn sent the signal through to open the iris back on Earth.
“Thank you, Bra’tac.” Major Coburn saluted sharply.
Bra’tac bowed deeply in return.
I smiled and nodded my head. It seemed such an insignificant gesture to a man who had save our lives.

Chapter 15

“Medics!” General Hammond’s voice boomed out.
“We’re fine!” Coburn pushed the orderlies out of the way as he led Spring down the metal ramp. “Really!” He just couldn’t face another one of Dr. Fraiser’s exams.
“You know the drill, Major.” Daniel Jackson stood with his arms crossed beaming a welcoming smile at Spring. “It seems you had more than your fair share of excitement!”
“My samples? Are they safe? Did they make it?” I hugged Daniel. It was so good to be back home and to see his grin was something I never thought I’d see again.
“Yes your work is stored in your office. Some of your research looks interesting. I knew you’d like the stones.” Daniel smiled at Spring. “But even you have to go to the infirmary.” He pulled at her clothes. “You ok?” His blue eyes looked concerned.
Major Coburn watched as they walked away heads bent in earnest discussion. He felt a pang of jealousy at their closeness. He trudged along to the infirmary and sat on the bed waiting to be poked and prodded.
“Are you all right, Airman?” Dr. Fraiser opened the metal file and began to write.
Major Coburn nodded his head while Dr. Fraiser flashed lights in his eyes, pulled at his ears, listened to his breathing and looked down his throat.
“Well, you check out ok so far. We just have to wait for the blood tests to come back and then I can let you go.” She smiled softly at him. “Are you sure you’re ok Major?”
“Dr. Fraiser?” I peered into the dimly lit room. “I was told to come here for some tests?”
A small woman with a huge grin on a friendly face came over to me.
“Yes, that’s right.” She shuffled a file in her hands and opened it. “Dr. Collins? If you come this way. I see they haven’t bothered with providing you with new clothes.” She surveyed the rags I was wearing. “Must have been one hell of a trip.”
“It was.” I smiled at Jason and sat on the next bed. “You ok?”
“Yep.” He looked down at his feet.
“Something’s troubling the good Major but he wont tell me.” She grinned at her new patient. “I think I'll have to send him for a psychotherapy test.” She knew how much soldiers hated being evaluated.
“Nothing’s wrong.” He quickly countered. “I guess I’m a bit tired.”
“Well then at least that’s a start!” She chuckled into her notes. “Right then.” She started to examine Spring. “You’ll have the all clear too when I get your bloods back. Until then stay here and rest.” She shot Coburn a quick look. “And that goes for you too Major!”
I eased back onto the bed and put my head on the pillow. “You know compared to what we’ve just come through this feels like heaven.” I looked at him. Something was definitely bothering him. “Are you sure you’re just tired?”
“Yeah.” He looked vacantly at the ceiling and sighed
“Do I have to attend the debriefing?” I wasn’t going to give up. He had changed since we’d got back.
“Yes.” He sighed deeply and turned to face her. “Why didn’t you tell me about you and Dr. Jackson?”
“What?” I started to laugh but saw a flash of hurt spark in his eyes.
“That you and Dr. Jackson......” He couldn’t bring himself to say the words.
“We’re colleagues and friends nothing more.” I shook my head. “You don’t think that Daniel and I......” I almost laughed, and I would have done if it hadn’t been for the relief that seemed to swamp the Major’s already weary body. “Jason, I have no one in my life. I’ve been to busy with work. It’s so easy to get distracted.”
He got up and stood by her side. He reached out and took her hand. “I know all about that.” He smiled down at her. “You just seemed to forget about me.” He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “And then when you hugged Dr. Jackson I just thought...” He shrugged his shoulders.
“See that’s what happens when you think too much!” I smiled up at him. Gone was all the bravado that I associated with military types, and in front of me stood a kind, caring man. “I needed to know if all my work had made it back too. And as for Daniel, he’s the reason I'm here in the first place so you shouldn’t be mad at him.” I reached up and pulled his face down to mine kissing him gently on the lips.
He cupped her face in his hands and returned the kiss. He deepened the kiss as he pulled her up to him.
“Umm Major?” There was an awkward cough. “You’ll be pleased to know that your bloods are fine.” Dr. Fraiser surveyed the scene. So that’s what was wrong with the Major. She smiled at Dr. Collins. “Yours are ok too, so you can both go home. General Hammond wants you to know that there is a debriefing at 08.00 hours tomorrow.” She put their files away. “So if I was you I’d go home have a shower and get some rest.”

....to be continued

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