Confessions

Title: Confessions
Author: Leyna
E-mail: ohbiteme@iinet.net.au
Category: S/M
Season: Season 4, during the ep D&C
Spoilers: The Tok'ra, Jolinars Memories, The Devil You Know, Divide and Conquer, you know, eps with the Tok'ra in it.  I'll warn ya if there are any more.
Archive: You want it, just ask.
Summary: What exactly was Sam's confession in D&C?
Disclaimer: All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks were intended. Previously unrecognized characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Feedback: Please be nice!!!  It's my first fic!!!
 
**
 
"Because I care about her.  A lot more than I'm supposed to."
 
Sam sighed and hung her head at the Colonel's words.  So the truth had finally come out.  Her suspicions were correct.  Jack had feelings for her.  And now they would be waiting for her confession.  She barely heard Anise tell Jack that he was not a Zatarc.  Gathering up her courage, she turned to the scantily clad Tok'ra.
 
"Now test me."
 
She unstrapped Jack from the chair and replaced him in the seat.  Jack quickly strapped Sam in before moving away so Anise could retest her.
 
Once again Sam recalled the events that had happened on that fateful mission, making sure that she remembered every detail.  Arriving on the planet and knocking out the Jaffa.  Daniel leaving to collect the naquada while she and Jack went to plant C4 throughout the complex.  Trying to escape but not being able to make it through the energy shield in time.  Reaching the part she longed to avoid.
 
"He refused to leave.  He just kept banging at the control panel," Sam told Anise.  "I told him to go, to leave me, but he kept saying no, he wouldn't leave me.  And then." She hesitated, and glanced at the other occupants of the room.
 
"Please continue, Major Carter," Anise urged.
 
Sam closed her eyes.  "Then I knew the real reason why he wouldn't leave.  I could see it in his eyes.  I knew he was staying because he saw me as more than just a friend."
 
"And how do you feel?  About him?"
 
Sam glared at Anise and was going to tell her to mind her own business, but she knew that wouldn't help.  She was just about to open her mouth to confess, to admit that she felt the same way about Jack, but something deep inside of her made her stop.  Was that how she really felt?  Did she truly have feelings for Jack?  She had honestly never thought about it before.  Yes, she cared about him, but did she love him?  She cared about Daniel and Teal'c too - in fact she loved them - but that was because they were part of her SGC family.  And as she thought about it, Sam realised that she saw Jack in the same light.  He was family - nothing more.  He wasn't the man she longed to spend the rest of her life with.
 
For some unknown reason, her thoughts strayed to Martouf.  She seemed to do that a lot lately, especially when he was around her.  Sam could remember quite clearly how Jolinar felt for Martouf.  After witnessing the love that they had shared, Sam knew what true love was like, and what she felt for Jack was not love.  She remembered how just the thought of Martouf made Jolinar feel incredibly happy.  But Sam could understand this.  Martouf could easily be described as the perfect man.  Kind, caring, sensitive, and not to mention good looking.  Sam fondly recalled the trip home from Ne'tu.  The emotions she had been hiding throughout the mission had overwhelmed her, and she had cried while everyone else had slept.  Martouf had heard her cries, and spent the whole night without sleep, listening to her and cradling her in his arms.  When she had needed him, he had been right there, and it was one of the many traits that she loved about him.
 
Sam mentally jumped.  Did she just say love?  She loves Martouf?  She had always known she had feelings for him, but she had always told herself that they weren't her feelings, they were Jolinar's.  However, deep down she had always known that she was lying to herself.  She cared deeply for Martouf, and Jolinar had nothing to do with it.  Sam had only put off the thought of a relationship with him because she was afraid that Martouf only saw her as Jolinar's host, though Martouf's confession when he came to see her had layed that doubt to rest.  However, the fact that her CO didn't seem to like Martouf much had never helped.
 
Time to stop lying to yourself, Sam told herself, a feeling of joy enveloping her as she finally realised the truth.  You love Martouf.  And you have for a very long time.
 
"Major Carter!  Major Carter!"
 
The annoying sound of Anise's voice snapped Sam out of her daze.
 
"Will you please answer the question?  Do you feel the same for Colonel O'Neill?"
 
Sam glanced quickly at Jack before answering.
 
"I care about him."  She paused before continuing.  "But only as a very close friend."
 
Anise looked at the screen.  "You are not a Zatarc."
 
"Thankyou," Sam replied with a hint of sarcasm, as Jack unstrapped her from the chair.  She stood up to face the Colonel and said quietly, "This doesn't have to leave this room."  Jack simply looked into her eyes before nodding.  They both knew that his confession could lead to a court martial if the General ever found out.  Sam only hoped that their working relationship wouldn't be strained because of the Colonels feelings for her and her lack of feelings for him.
 
Jack turned to Anise and they both started to discuss possible Zatarcs.  Sam heard Anise explain that the entire SGC had been tested, as well as the High Councillor and his guards.  She then made some excuse as to why she wouldn't be a Zatarc in response to Jack's suggestion.  But Sam didn't really pay any attention to this; her mind was too occupied.  A worrying thought had entered her mind - an idea that she hoped desperately was wrong.  Sam turned to Anise with fear in her eyes.
 
"What about Martouf?"
 
Anise's reaction proved Sam's theory - Martouf hadn't been tested.  And right now he was in the gate room waiting for the President to arrive.  And once the President came, then the programming would be triggered and if he failed in his mission Martouf would.
 
Deciding not to finish that thought, Sam turned and raced from the room, following Teal'c who had already run ahead towards the gate room.  As she was running, all Sam could think of was one solitary thing.
 
Please God, don't let me lose him.
 
**
 
 
Sam ran as fast as she could to the armory with several airmen close behind.  She didn't want to be here, she wanted to be in the gate room with Martouf, to get him away from there before the President came and triggered his programming.  However, the soldier within her knew that it would be better for everyone if she came armed, in case the worst had already happened.  Quickly grabbing a zat'nik'atel and racing back towards the gate room, she tried to convince herself that the use of weapons wouldn't be necessary, that Teal'c had already stopped Martouf before anything could happened to him.
 
As she ran, fear and worry clouded Sam's mind as she thought of Martouf.  What if they didn't reach him in time?  What if she never had the chance to tell him how she felt about him?  The thought of losing him was too much for Sam to bear, so she tried to ban all doubting thoughts from her mind.  She refused to panic until she found Martouf.  He could still be okay, Teal'c could have pulled him away before the programming was set off.  Sam clung desperately to these thoughts, hoping with all of her heart that this was what had happened.
 
As Sam rounded the corner and came in view of the gate room, all of her hopes were dashed.
 
The scene before her was one of chaos.  Martouf had a weapon similar to the one Lieutenant Grahams had used against Per'sus, and he was firing at anyone he could see.  And everyone else in the room was firing back at him.  She saw Teal'c shoot him with a Zat gun, and quickly ran forward, shouting "Hold fire!" as Martouf fell to his knees.
 
Martouf was slowly moving his hand towards the weapon on his hand in an attempt to self-destruct.  He turned his head, and his eyes met Sam's.  He stared into her eyes for only a few seconds, though it seemed like an eternity for the both of them.  Finally, Martouf broke the spell that was holding the both of them, and managed to call out "Samantha", pleading with her to end his life before he did, taking someone else with him.
 
With unshed tears forming, Sam's eyes focused on his, hoping that Martouf would be able to see all of the love that she felt for him shining out of them, before pulling the trigger.  The deadly bolt of energy shot out of the weapon and into Martouf's body, causing him to momentarily wince in pain before going limp and falling to the floor.
 
Trying desperately to stop her tears from flowing, Sam rushed forward and caught Martouf in her arms and lowered him to the floor.  Prying the weapon from his fingers, she raised it in the air to show the room that the threat was over, before wrapping her arms around Martouf's lifeless body and holding him close to her.  She felt her tears slowly start to spill down her cheeks, no longer able to hold them back.  She had been too late.  She had lost him.
 
She heard Per'sus ask about the President, and General Hammond revealing to him that it had only been a decoy.  As the two left, the other occupants of the room gathered around Sam and Martouf lying at the bottom of the ramp.  Sam turned slightly to face Anise as she swore that Martouf's death would be a noble sacrifice.  Nodding absently, Sam turned back to Martouf, concentrating on cradling him in her arms.
 
Gently smoothing back his hair, Sam embedded his features within her memory, knowing that this would be the last time she would ever be able to see them so close.  His beautiful grey eyes were hidden beneath closed lids, and the smile that Sam had fallen in love with would never again show itself on Martouf's face.  She slowly started to rock back and forth, openly crying now.  Sam was normally not one to show her emotions, but she no longer cared.  She was sick of constantly playing the tough soldier.  She was allowed to have feelings too.  Leaning down, she tenderly kissed his forehead before resting her own against it.
 
"I'm sorry," she whispered to unhearing ears.  "I am so sorry.  Please forgive me.  I love you, I always have.  Please forgive me, my love.  I'm sorry."
 
"Sam," Janet spoke quietly, a look of concern and sympathy etched onto her face.  "Sam, we need to take Martouf now.  You need to let him go."
 
Sam stared blankly at Janet for a few seconds before nodding, reluctantly releasing Martouf from her protective grasp as two medics lifted him onto a stretcher and carried him out of the gate room, followed closely by Anise.  Sam remained on the floor staring after them, two numb to move.  She felt a gentle tug as Teal'c gripped her arm and helped her up from the floor.  She staggered slightly, but he had a firm hold of her, keeping her upright.  Slowly looking around the room, all Sam received were looks of sympathy at her obvious loss.  Unable to take pity from her friends and people she barely knew, she allowed Janet to replace Teal'c and lead her out of the room, her body shaking with grief and shock.
 
As she was led off, Sam glanced back momentarily at the spot where Martouf had fallen and wondered sadly, *How had this been allowed to happen?*
 
**
 
Sam lay curled up on her bed in her private quarters, silent tears rolling down her cheeks as she stared blankly at the wall.  Janet had told her that she was in shock, and had offered her a sedative to help her sleep, but Sam knew that if she did sleep, she would be plagued with nightmares.  Nightmares of Martouf's final moments before she killed him.
 
It had been several hours since that fateful event.  Sam had spent that time grieving in her room.  The President had already been and signed the treaty with the Tok'ra, but Sam hadn't felt like going to witness this event.  Martouf should have been there.  She had found it ironic how the person who had been so dedicated into making this alliance work, had been the one who could not stand by and watch his hard work pay off.  Now his lifeless body lay waiting to be taken back to Vorash for an autopsy, to search for a way to reverse Zatarc technology and save lives.  That's what Martouf would have wanted.
 
Fresh tears filled her eyes once again.  It seemed that she had been unable to stop crying ever since *it* happened.  That was why she had decided to remain within her room, wallowing in her sorrow and the pain in her heart that refused to go away.  Why did it have to hurt so much?  Why did Martouf have to die?  Why did it have to be him?
 
It seemed that all of Sam's friends had realised the extent of her pain, as she had had visitations from many of them, each coming to offer their condolences and trying vainly to ease her pain.  It hadn't worked, but it was nice to know that her friends were there for her when she needed them.
 
The first to offer a shoulder to cry on was Janet, of course.  She seemed to have known all along the feelings that Sam harboured for Martouf, which really didn't surprise her.  Janet knew her better than she knew herself.  After Janet had left, General Hammond had come to check on her.  He had told her that if she wanted to take some time off, no one would blame her.  Then Teal'c had come, along with Jack, which had surprised her.  She had thought that after his confession, he would have stayed away from her for a while.  However, he had stated to her that they were still friends, and friends were there for one another.  Once Jack had left, yet another surprise came - Anise.  She really didn't expect sympathy from her.  At first Sam had blamed Anise for Martouf's death because she hadn't tested him, but she had realised that it wasn't her fault - she was too preoccupied with her and Jack.  But Anise had seemed generally sorry for the loss of Martouf, and even though Sam knew the two didn't always agree, they were still friends.  However, Sam was surprised that Daniel had not yet come to see her.
 
A knock on the door broke Sam's train of thought.  Sam's eyes moved to the entrance where Daniel now stood.  *Speak of the devil* she thought miserably, before once again focusing on the wall.
 
"Hey Sam," he spoke quietly, closing the door behind him before sitting down on the bed beside her.  "How are you doing?"  Sam looked up at him strangely, and he quickly added, "Sorry, stupid question."
 
There was a brief silence before Daniel spoke again.  "I know how it feels to lose someone you care about, you know.  You're not alone.  I'm your friend Sam, and I'm here for you, just like everyone else."
 
He watched as more tears slid down Sam's face, but there was still no answer.  He stood up and turned to leave.  "Remember, if you ever need to talk, I'm right here."
 
Daniel began moving towards the door when he heard a faint, "Daniel."  He turned around to find Sam had sat up and was now hugging her knees to her chest.  He sat back down on the bed and waited for her to say more.
 
"What did it feel like?" she simply asked.  "When Sha're died?"
 
Daniel's eyes widened slightly.  He hadn't been expecting that question.  He drew in a deep breath before answering.  "Well, at first I didn't believe it.  I just couldn't bring myself to believe that my wife had died.  And then it felt like my world was just falling down around me.  Like I no longer had a purpose.  That's why I considered leaving the SGC.  I felt I had no reason to travel through the Gate any more.  Because Sha're was no longer waiting for me, waiting for me to free her."
 
Sam nodded slightly.  "Tell me, did it feel as if someone had reached into your chest and ripped out your heart?  Did you have this constant pain in your chest, and felt as if you had an empty void in your heart because Sha're was no longer there to fill it?"  Daniel nodded, amazed at how accurately she could describe what he had felt like.  Sam was now rocking back and forth, soft sobs escaping her lips, but she continued.
 
"Did you wish over and over that you could have one more chance, just to tell her how much you loved her?"  She stopped and looked into his eyes.  "Because that's exactly how I feel about Martouf."  With the truth revealed, she burst into tears.
 
At first, Daniel was too stunned to respond.  He had never known that Sam felt that way about Martouf.  He knew that the two were good friends, and Sam had often talked to Daniel about the residual emotions Jolinar left behind, but she had always insisted that any romantic feelings she had for Martouf belonged to Jolinar and Jolinar only.  Not that he had ever believed it, but the news was still a shock to him.
 
Shifting closer to Sam, Daniel wrapped his arms around her, in an attempt to comfort his best friend.  He gently stroked her hair and whispered comforting words to her, as she clung to him while whimpering Martouf's name.  He didn't know how long he remained there with her, but after some time he noticed that the door was open and Jacob was standing in the entrance watching them.  He had a look of pity and grief on his face as he witnessed his daughters sorrow.
 
Daniel smiled slightly, acknowledging his presence, and allowed Jacob to take his place by Sam's side.  As Daniel closed the door gently behind him, the last thing he saw was father and daughter sharing their grief over a man who was not only a good friend, but also someone they had considered family.
 
**
 
 
Jacob sat next to his daughter on her bed, rocking her back and forth in his arms.  She had fallen asleep several hours ago, but he had decided to remain with her.  Not only because she needed him, but he needed her in this time of sorrow.
 
He had only just returned to Vorash from his mission when a fellow Tok'ra had given him Martouf's message.  It had only been brief, but the few words had been simple and effective.  *Samantha needs you.  Please come to the Tau'ri as soon as possible.*  Despite the fact that he was exhausted, the elder Carter had immediately rushed to the Stargate to be with his daughter, expecting to see Martouf on the other side ready to tell him he was too late.  However, when he arrived on Earth, he didn't see Martouf waiting for him, and found out from George that he was in fact too late.
 
Jacob felt the guilt and sorrow rise up inside of him.  Martouf was his closest friend amongst the Tok'ra.  Ever since he had blended with Selmac, Martouf had been there to support him, keeping his promise to Sam to look out for her father.  Jacob had also found out that Martouf had been the first to offer to rescue him from Netu, and he felt terrible for not being able to return the favour.  He knew that he would miss his good friend - Martouf had been like a son to him, and he had considered him a part of his family.  Jacob glanced down at Sam.  Who knows, perhaps he really could have become part of his family.  Martouf had never hid the fact that he cared about Sam, and as Jacob was comforting his daughter, she had revealed to him what he had known all along - she loved Martouf.  And the fact that his daughter wouldn't be able to experience happiness with the man she loved was what made this tragedy even worse.
 
The door to Sam's quarters slowly opened, causing Jacob to grip Sam tighter in a protective embrace.  He gently released her when he saw General Hammond walk in.
 
"I don't mean to interrupt Jacob," his old friend whispered.  "I came to see if you two were all right.  When I didn't see you again last night I began to worry."
 
Jacob raised his eyebrows in shock.  "Last night?  You mean it's morning?"
 
General Hammond nodded, then looked down at Sam's sleeping form.  "Is she all right?"
 
"Not really.  She's hurting right now - a lot.  I think it will be a while before she recovers."
 
"Well, she's free to take some time off.  You should try encourage her to take it."  He then turned and walked out the door, closing it gently behind him.
 
"I'm fine, really," a soft murmur came from beside Jacob.  He looked down to stare into Sam's bloodshot eyes.  She blinked several times before continuing.  "Is it really morning?"  When her father nodded, she added, "Did they take Martouf back?"
 
Jacob smiled grimly.  "Yeah Sammy, they did.  Several hours ago, in fact, while you were still asleep."  He hesitated.  "Sammy, I have to go.  I don't want to leave you, but Anise should have finished the autopsy by now, and I want to find out the results.  Is that okay?"
 
Sam sat up then jumped off the bed.  "Yeah, Dad.  I'll come with you to the gate room.  Just let me wash my face first, okay?"
 
Jacob stood up and waited for Sam to come out the bathroom before they both departed to the gate room.  As the Stargate was dialling up, the pair stood in silence, not wishing to say anything.  It was only after the gate exploded to life that Jacob whispered to Sam, "You should take that time off.  Rest."  He then wrapped Sam in a comforting hug, before stepping through the Stargate.
 
Once on the other side, he walked slowly to where he knew the transportation rings would be.  Once underground in the crystal tunnels, he asked a nearby Tok'ra where he might find Martouf and Anise, before heading off in the direction he was given.  When he found them, he saw that Anise had obviously finished with the autopsy, as Martouf's body was already repaired.  She seemed to be closely examining the inside of the deceased man's wrist.
 
"Did you find a cure?" he asked, causing Anise to spin around in surprise.
 
"No, I'm afraid not," she told him, before picking up Martouf's arm once again.  She gestured for Jacob to come closer.  "Jacob, did you know that Martouf had decorated himself with body art?" she asked, pointing to a strange tattoo on his right wrist.  "I did not think he did, and I have never seen a design like this before."
 
Jacob leaned forward, curious.  "I didn't think he had a tattoo.  In fact I'm pretty sure he didn't have one.  So where the hell did that come from?"
 
The look on Anise's face told him that she was as baffled as he was.
 
* * * * *
 
On the large ship, a figure quickly hurried into a large chamber and fell to his knees.
 
"You have news?"
 
"Yes, my lord," the Jaffa said to the Goa'uld before him.  "The spy, Tannith, has contacted us.  According to him, the Tok'ra and Tau'ri alliance was finalised yesterday.  The Zatarc's you programmed have obviously failed."
 
The Goa'uld leaned back in his throne, deep in thought.
 
"Were all Zatarc's killed?"
 
"Yes, my lord."
 
"Even the Tok'ra we programmed?"
 
"The one who betrayed you is also dead, my lord."
 
"How?"
 
The Jaffa looked confused for a second.  "How, my lord?"
 
"How did he die?" the Goa'uld yelled in frustration.
 
"Ahh, he was shot, my lord.  Killed by a zat'nik'atel blast.  According to Tannith, it was the woman, Samantha Carter, who fired the killing blast."
 
Smiling cruelly, Apophis stood up silently and left the room.  This news had made him very happy.  Very happy indeed.  He walked down a corridor before entering a locked room.  Closing the door behind him, he waited several moments before speaking.
 
"Everything went according to plan," he spoke.  "Although I would have preferred it if the alliance had not succeeded.  However, I do have one bonus.  The Tok'ra I programmed was destroyed."  Apophis chuckled with self-satisfaction before continuing.  "And what's better, it was the Tau'ri female, Samantha, who ended his life.  Now, not only have the Tok'ra lost a fine warrior, but - and this is my favourite part - Samantha must now live with her guilt.  Believing that she killed you."
 
As Apophis started to laugh, Martouf managed to raise his head weakly from where he was chained to the wall.
 
**
 
Martouf used all of his energy to glare at the false god that was laughing in his face, but Apophis simply laughed harder before once again leaving him alone.  Wincing in agony, Martouf leaned his head back against the rough wall, praying for the pain to stop.  It seemed he had been locked in this small, dank cell forever, though it had only been a month or two since his capture.  Sighing, Martouf recalled how he had ended up in this predicament.
 
It had only been a simple mission.  The Tok'ra had received word that a peaceful yet primitive planet had been inhabited by a Goa'uld, but they had no idea which Goa'uld it was and why it was there.  Curious, the High Council had sent Martouf to scout the planet and identify this elusive Goa'uld.  It had seemed easy.  It had ended in disaster.  Somehow, Apophis had found out that Martouf was there and, filled with a lust for revenge after Martouf had lied to him on Netu, Apophis had captured him, then tortured him endlessly.  However, before throwing him in a cell, Apophis had cloned Martouf with a new piece of technology he had acquired.  Supplying the clone with false information then secretly converting him into a Zatarc, Apophis had then released the clone.  After the Martouf replicate had left through the Stargate, the real Martouf was finally thrown in the cell he currently occupied, and his hands were chained to the wall.
 
*How did this happen?* Martouf thought in despair.
 
<I do not know, my friend.> Lantash replied.
 
*Lantash?* Martouf called silently.  *You are awake?*
 
<Yes, though I am still weak.  It has drained a lot of my energy to heal the damage down to your body.  I still have not completed my task.>
 
*Well, considering how much it hurts, the damage must have been extensive.*  Martouf closed his eyes, trying to block the pain and ordering himself not to pass out.  He hesitated before asking the question that hung on his lips.  *Lantash, do you think Apophis was telling the truth?  About my clone?  And. and Samantha?*
 
There was silence for several moments before Lantash answered.  <I would like to believe that what Apophis speaks of is a lie.  But I am inclined to believe that what he says is indeed the truth.>
 
*He is a Goa'uld.  Since when do they speak the truth?  Apophis could only be telling us this so that we will believe no one will ever find us.  And he obviously knows that hearing of Samantha's pain will obviously hurt us too.*
 
<True.  But I seriously doubt it.  Apophis would not make up something like this.  As Jacob says, the truth hurts.  That is why he has told us.>  Lantash paused as he felt Martouf's worry and despair grow.  <I am sorry Martouf.  I know you do not like the idea of Samantha hurting.  I do not like the idea myself.>
 
*She thinks I am dead Lantash.  And who knows what the clone said to her?  She would have believed it to be me.  I just wish. I wish we could get out of here so I can see her again.  So I can tell her how much she means to me.  You know my every thought and feeling.  You know how lately I have been able to think of nothing but her.  The thought of being stuck in this cell forever and not being able to see her again is unbearable.*
 
Martouf looked up to see two Jaffa enter the cell.  Judging by the looks on their faces, he could tell that they were going to take him to be tortured again.  Apophis had been bored quickly.
 
<You know, Martouf,> Lantash whispered as they were dragged away.  <At this rate, I do not think we will be around much longer to worry about Samantha.>
 
**
 
Jacob wandered the corridors of the Tok’ra base, slowly heading towards the location where he knew he would find his daughter.  The corridors seemed cold and silent – in fact they had been ever since the end of Martouf’s funeral only an hour before.  Everyone on the base had liked Martouf – he was a kind and well-respected leader amongst the Tok’ra who’s calm, friendly and sensitive nature had appealed to everyone.  There was not one person or symbiont on Vorash who wasn’t mourning the loss of a dear friend.
 
Jacob slowed as Tannith brushed by him with a slight smirk on his face.  Okay, perhaps not everyone was mourning Martouf’s death.  It had always been obvious that Tannith and Martouf had never liked each other.
 
When Martouf had returned from a mission to find that a Goa’uld was staying with them, he was furious.  When he had finally realised that the High Council were going to keep Tannith on the base despite his protests, Martouf had warned them to watch their backs and refused to act civil towards the traitor.  Jacob had agreed with his friend, but was forced to accept the High Council’s ruling along with Martouf.
 
Jacob smiled sadly at the memory.  Martouf could be extremely stubborn when he wanted to be – especially when he believed strongly in something.  Jacob had learnt from a fellow Tok’ra that Martouf was the first person to volunteer to rescue Jacob from Netu, saying he had made a promise to Sam to watch out for the older Carter who was also his closest friend.
 
Martouf also hadn’t liked the idea of using Sam to remember how to escape, knowing how she felt uncomfortable when recalling Jolinar’s memories.  That was probably what Jacob was going to miss about the young man – his loyalty and dedication – and protectiveness towards his only daughter.
 
Jacob stopped outside of Martouf’s quarters and peered inside.  As he had expected, Sam was sitting on his bed in her dress uniform, holding one of Martouf’s pillows to her chest and staring blankly at the wall.  SG-1 had come to Vorash to attend Martouf’s funeral, and when Sam had disappeared afterwards, he had a feeling she would go to Martouf’s quarters.  Initially he had left her alone, but when she did not reappear after an hour he had decided to check on her.
 
“Sammy,” he spoke quietly, moving to sit next to her on the bed.  “Are you okay?”
 
Sam turned and looked at Jacob blankly for a second.
 
Evidence of any tears was gone, and the empty look in her eyes scared Jacob.
 
It looked to him as if someone had stolen her soul, leaving behind an empty shell.  However, her answer to his question scared him the most.
 
“I’m fine Dad.  Why wouldn’t I be?”
 
Jacob blinked in shock.  The way Sam had said that was as if Martouf’s death had no effect on her at all.
 
<This is nothing unusual, especially in someone as strong as your daughter> Selmak’s soothing murmured in Jacob’s mind.  <She wishes to look strong in front of her peers, as if she is unbreakable.  She will try to convince herself that Martouf’s death either did not happen at all, or had absolutely no effect on her.  She believes this will take away her pain, but deep inside, she will remain hurting>
 
Jacob nodded mentally to his soul mate, then stood up and walked over to Martouf’s desk.  He picked up a wooden box then returned to Sam’s side.  She watched him curiously as he lifted the lid slowly.
 
“We were going through Martouf’s things, you know, deciding what to keep and what to give away.  I came across these and I believe Martouf would want you to have them.”  Jacob slowly pulled out a several small books, a bunch papers with what appeared to be drawings on them, and a beautiful necklace.  “These are Martouf’s personal items,” Jacob continued, and he began pointing to each item.  “The books are Martouf’s journals.  He’ s been keeping them since he was a little boy.”  He gave a small smile.  “I had a quick flick through and noticed you were in it quite a bit.  That’s why I think you should have it.  The necklace belonged to his mother, who only died last year.  I know he was planning on giving it to you for your birthday.  He believed that you deserved to have the honour of wearing it.” Jacob watched as Sam glanced away, avoiding her father’s gaze.  Finally, Jacob picked up the pieces of paper and handed them to Sam.  “These are… well, you can figure that out.  I’ll leave you to it kiddo.”
 
Jacob stood up slowly, pressed a gentle kiss on Sam’s forehead then left her alone.
 
Sam slowly looked down at the papers she held in her hand.
 
Shuffling through them, she soon realised that they were perfect hand drawn portraits that Martouf had drawn.  There were pictures of who she assumed were Martouf’s family, as well as many pictures of a young woman she recognised as Rosha.  There were also a few pictures of some fellow Tok’ra, and Samantha’s father was among them.  Then Sam reached the portraits of her own people.  There were a few of SG-1 as a group, but the majority of them were solitary pictures of Sam, and she could tell that a lot of care was taken in creating these pictures.
 
Clutching the pictures to her chest, Sam allowed several tears to stream down her cheeks.  She had been desperately trying to hold them back in the presence of her father.  She did not want to appear weak – she was sick of her friends and family fussing over her.  All she wanted to do now was get back to work and try to forget about Martouf.
 
*You know you can’t do that,* a voice inside of her told her.
 
*No matter how hard you try, you can never forget the man you love.*
 
The tears were flowing easily now, and Sam buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with quiet sobs.
 
**
 
Tannith walked silently through the Tok'ra base, observing the Tok'ra's distraught faces as they grieved.
 
*This is perfect,* he thought smugly.  *Apophis will probably torturing that annoying Tok'ra right now, and none of these stupid Tok'ra know about it because they all think he's dead!!!  Poor, poor Martouf.  It looks like no one will be able to rescue you now.*
 
 Tannith stopped outside of an entrance and listened as he heard familiar voices speaking.
 
 "How's Sam doing?" came Jack's voice.
 
 "She's doing okay, I suppose," Jacob answered.  "I left her alone in Martouf's quarters.  I'm worried about how she is dealing with Martouf's death, though."
 
 "How do you mean General Carter?" Teal'c asked, the Jaffa's voice sending shivers of hatred through Tannith's spine.  Tannith knew that if he were given the chance, Teal'c would kill him as painfully as possible for what Tannith did to Shan'auc.
 
 "Sam's acting as if Martouf's death hasn't effected her at all.  She seems distant, cut off.  Have you noticed when you look into her eyes there seems to be no sign of life in them?  It seems as if Sam doesn't exist any more.  I'm worried she may never recover."
 
 Tannith smiled at this comment.  So his plan had worked.  He had known that 'eliminating' Martouf would have crushed the normally strong Major, and he had told this to Apophis.  Apophis was doubtful at first, but Tannith had insisted that making the clone into a Zatarc would not only give Apophis the real Martouf to torture over and over, but also immobilize one of the Tauri's key warriors.  The results were better than Tannith had hoped for.
 
 "I know how she feels," Daniel's voice broke through the Goa'uld's thoughts.  "I felt the same way when Sha're died.  And I know that's how you felt when Charlie died, Jack.  She'll get through this, eventually.  We just need to give her some time."
 
 "I hope your right Dr. Jackson," Jacob said softly.
 
 After hearing all that he needed to hear, Tannith strode away with a smirk on his face.
 
 
*****
 
 After several minutes of crying, sleep had eventually overcome Sam.  As she slept, memories of Martouf and flashes of her time spent with him during his last couple of days filled her mind.
 
 "It's a letter to my father."
 
 "I have contacted him.  I am sure he will come as soon as possible."
 
 "You could try the procedure again."
 
 "Not only do I want to risk what you still carry of Jolinar, but... I have grown quite fond of you as well Sam."
 
 Sam jerked awake, and it took her several moments for her to realise that she was in Martouf's bed.  However, this was not what was troubling her.  It was that very sentence he had said to her when Sam thought she was a Zatarc.  Something wasn't right about it, and she knew exactly what it was.
 
 Martouf had called her Sam.
 
 Ever since she had known him, Martouf had never referred to her as Sam.  At first it was Captain Carter, but once he had gotten to know her it was always Samantha.  Never Sam.  She hadn't noticed it when he had first said it because she was under too much stress, but as she thought about it over and over, the word 'Sam' coming from Martouf's lips sounded more alien than some of the creatures she had encountered on other worlds. She tried to convince herself that perhaps he had called her Sam unintentionally, but something deep within her told her that there was something that just wasn't right.  And she was going to find out what it was.
 
 Filled with determination, Sam gathered Martouf's belongings that Jacob had given her, and then quickly walked down the corridors searching for the rest of her team.  It didn't take her long to find them, and judging by the way they hushed when she entered the room they occupied, she could tell they had been talking about her.
 
 "Hey Sam, how are you?" Daniel asked gently, a look of concern on his face.
 
 "I'm fine Daniel," she replied quickly then turned to Jack. "Colonel, when will we be returning home?" she asked with a note of urgency in her voice.
 
 Jack quickly looked at the others in puzzlement before answering.  "Uh... I was planning to hang around a bit more, you know, talk to your Dad a bit.  Why?"
 
 "Would we be able to leave soon?"
 
 "I... I suppose.  Why do you want to leave so soon?  I thought you might want to spend time with Jacob here."
 
 "I just want to get back to work as soon as possible."
 
 Jacob stepped towards his daughter.  "Sammy, are you sure that's wise?  Maybe you should take some time off.  Deal with your grief."
 
 Pain stabbed Sam's heart at the thought of Martouf, and tears pricked at her eyes once more.  In her rush, she had momentarily forgotten about Martouf's death.  And the fact that she had forgotten about it so fast hurt her the most.  Was she going to forget about her love so soon?
 
 Fighting back her tears, she adamantly shook her head.  "No Dad, I want to go back to work.  There's something really important I need to do and if I take time off work I'll only end up grieving more over Martouf, making my pain worse than it already is.  No, I have to go back to work.  And as soon as possible, if that's okay, Sir?"
 
 Jack slowly nodded, then turned to the other members of his team.  "Okay kids, saddle up.  We're going home."
 
**
 
 Sam stared frustrated at the various objects scattered around her on her bed.  She had Martouf’s journal, several security tapes that had Martouf in them during his duration on Earth these past couple days, as well as a written report on the treaty between the Tok’ra and Tauri.  She had searched through each of these items extensively for many hours, vainly searching for some evidence that would explain Martouf’s strange behaviour.  In each, Sam had reached a dead end.
 
Sam sighed and leaned back against the headboard of her bed and wearily closed her eyes.  She had been awake for at least 48 hours without any sleep, searching for something – anything – that would sooth her aching heart, but to no avail.  They hadn’t said so, but Sam knew that her team mates thought she was clutching at straws, trying to find a way to keep Martouf alive.  Colonel O’Neill had also subtly hinted that she needed to move on – as if she could.  Deep within her, Sam knew that there was something wrong with Martouf before he…
 
Sam couldn’t even bring herself to even think of the word.
The thought of Martouf dead just seemed so… so… wrong.  There was no other way to put it.  At first, Sam had been so overcome with grief that she simply couldn’t think straight.  All she could think about was her loss and what she had done.  It had been over a week now since Martouf had died, and now that she was thinking clearly, Sam just could not believe that Martouf was gone.  Unable to explain it in her normal scientific way, Sam knew in her heart that somehow Martouf was still with her, in the land of the living.
 
Opening her eyes, Sam reached forward and picked up Martouf’s journal.  She had read through only small pieces of it, somehow feeling she was violating his privacy if she read it, but curious all the same.  She had never really realised how much Martouf had loved Jolinar until reading small fragments of his journal.  Or how much he had cared for her.  Sam had noticed that she was mentioned quite a few times within his journal – as well as his feelings for her.  Before Sam had been hesitant in revealing her feelings because she had doubted Martouf’s feelings, but she now knew how foolish that had been.  Martouf truly did care for her.
 
Flicking forward to the last entry, Sam once again read the passages she had read so many times in the previous hours.  Martouf had last written in his journal before he had been sent off on a mission to determine the name of the Goa’uld occupying a primitive planet, several months before the summit on Earth.  She had read it many times to see if she could find something different in Martouf’s attitude, but now she read it in order to feel closer to the man she loved.  Her blue eyes skimmed over Martouf’s neat handwriting, reading his final thoughts once again.
 
 After several weeks of doing nothing, the Tok ’ra High Council are finally sending me on a mission.  It is a fairly simple mission, but a mission none the less.  I have been ordered scout a primitive planet that has been taken over by the Goa’ uld, and determine which Goa’uld it is.  It should not take too long.  I do not leave until the day after tomorrow, so I still have time to relax and prepare.
 
 Earlier today, I drew yet another portrait of Samantha.  I already have her image ingrained into my memory, but putting it onto paper makes me feel as if she is here with me at this very moment.  I cannot wait until I see her beautiful face again, to see her smile as she greets me, and her ever worried expression as she asks about her father.  It seems I cannot stop thinking about her, and every time I see her, my feelings for her grow.  On Netu, I was able to see both her intelligence and her strong will (much like her fathers) and I felt honoured and proud to be the one (and only one) to witness a sensitive and emotional side of her on the return trip home.  This I cannot stop thinking about, as well as how it felt to hold her in my arms as she longed for comfort.
 
 Jacob knows of the feelings I have towards his daughter.  So do the whole Tok’ra base actually.  How can they not, when I am constantly asking Jacob questions about her?  However, I only wish I could express my feelings towards Samantha, but I do not.  Lantash chides me, saying I am too shy, which is only partially the truth.  How could I possibly know if she feels the same way?  What if the only feelings she has towards me are that of friendship, and the feelings of love belong to Jolinar?  This fear is what has held me back – along with the fear she may harbour feelings towards Colonel O’Neill.  I only hope this is not true.
 
 Lantash reminds me that the only way to know Samantha’s true feelings is to confront her about them, I am too afraid. There is also another reason that continuously holds me back – something I believe is the main barrier that prevents anything occurring between the two of us.  Jolinar.
 
 I feel that I have betrayed my love by moving on after her death, for wanting to find love and comfort in the arms of another, and this guilt grows more every day.  I know Jolinar and Rosha would not want me to live the remainder of my life in misery, but I cannot help feeling this way.  I am also sure Samantha feels confused when it comes to Jolinar.  I only wish one day I have the courage to tell her that I do not see her as a host to Jolinar, but as a beautiful young woman who has captured both mine and Lantash’s heart.  I hope Jolinar and Rosha may forgive me.
 
 Martouf.
 
Sam smiled through her tears as she finished reading.  Oh how she wished she and Martouf had the courage to admit their feelings.  At least they would have been able to have some amount of pure happiness before Martouf’s… accident.  Sam basked in the knowledge that the reason Martouf loved her was not because of Jolinar.  Suddenly a memory flashed before her eyes.
 
“Not only do I want to risk what you still carry of Jolinar, but… I have grown quite fond of you as well Sam.”
 
“Not only do I want to risk what you still carry of Jolinar…”
 
Sam jumped off the bed and knocked everything onto the floor.
 
Martouf had confessed in his diary long before the summit that he didn’t see Sam as the ‘host of Jolinar’, yet when he came to see her when he thought she was a Zatarc, he told her exactly the opposite.  Something was definitely wrong with Martouf.  Some of the things that Martouf had said did not suit his personality at all.  Some of the things he had said seemed wrong, and he had seemed rather unemotional during his time on Earth, and he was not normally like that.  Had he not said that Lantash was ‘passionate in his opinions’?
 
Sam started to pace the floor, deep in thought.  She had absolutely no idea what to do.  Her heart was telling her to do something, but her head was asking her ‘do what?’  She knew the others wouldn’t believe her when she told them she knew Martouf was still alive.  And all she had was small pieces of evidence that couldn’t possibly lead to where Martouf would be – if he were still alive.  It was only two days until her birthday, and the one thing she wanted seemed out of her reach.  Suddenly, she paused.
 
“God Sam, how could you be so stupid!” she cried out, rummaging through the mess on the floor until she found Martouf’s journal.
 
“I bet I know exactly where to find Martouf,” she muttered, flicking through to the last page and smiling in triumph.
 
As she opened the door to her quarters and walked quickly to General Hammond’s office, she whispered, “Hold on Martouf.  I’m coming.”
 
**
 
“Ok, let me get this straight.  You somehow believe that Martouf is alive, yet you have no substantial evidence to back this up.  So in order to find out if your suspicions are correct, you want to contact the Tok’ra, and see if they might know something.  Now don’t you think, Major Carter, if the Tok’ra suspected Martouf was still alive they - or at least Jacob - would have told us?”
 
   Sam watched as General Hammond leaned forward, resting his hands on his cluttered desk, and stared at her with a sceptical look imprinted on his face.  She winced internally, admonishing herself for what seemed to be the one-hundredth time in the last ten minutes.  She knew that what she had told General Hammond had seemed far from believable, but she had known that she would have had to tell him the truth.  If she hadn’t it would have raised some questions, and it was better to bring her suspicions out into the open rather than have the General question her sanity.
 
<Who knows, he might start thinking I’m starting to see Martouf’s ghost> the dishevelled Major thought dryly.   <Then he’ll definitely lock me away in that padded cell that Daniel started to call home>
 
Sam broke out of her reverie when she realised the General was still waiting for her to say something.  She stood a little straighter before replying.
 
“Yes sir.  I know that what I am saying may sound like wishful thinking on my part, but I truly believe that Martouf is alive.  I can’t explain it exactly, I just know.”  Sam paused as a thought struck her.  “Sir, permission to speak freely?”
 
“Permission granted Major.”
 
Taking a deep breath, Sam stated something that she hoped would sway the General towards her point of view.  “When Apophis came to attack Earth and SG-1 went to stop him, you knew that we were up on that ship, right?  Wasn’t the only proof you had that we might have been up there was a gut feeling and a small flash of light?”  She watched as the Commander of the base slowly nodded.  “Well that’s what it is like for me.  In my gut I know Martouf is alive, and the only proof I have are tiny fragments of information.  I need to contact the Tok’ra so they can confirm that this information is correct.  Who knows?  Maybe they do know something, but it was only something so small that they never really took much notice.  That’s why I need to contact them as soon as possible.”
 
The General considered what she had said for several moments before slowly leaning back in his chair.  “Major, I understand your desire to contact the Tok’ra as soon as possible…” The General paused, watching the young Major’s face start to fall.  “However, you do realise, that it is past midnight?”
 
Sam raised her eyebrows in shock.  “It is?  I hadn’t noticed.”
 
General Hammond smiled, wondering how she could stay awake for so long and not show a hint of fatigue.  He shuffled through the files on his desk and extracted one from the mess.  He held it out to her, and after she had taken it from him, indicated to her to take a look at its contents.
 
“Look Major, later on today I will allow SG-1 to go through the Stargate to Vorash so that you may talk to your father and any other Tok’ra that you believe may be able to help you.  However, first you will be going to P8X-354 to do a simple survey.  There are some ruins that I believe Doctor Jackson may take an interest in, and this planet looks to have wealthy mineral deposits.”  He noticed that Sam appeared crestfallen at the thoughtof having to wait to visit the Tok’ra, so he continued in order to reassure her.  “The mission will only take several hours at most.  You can visit your father after that.  You will be leaving at 0900, so I suggest you get some sleep.”
 
The first smile since Martouf’s death slowly appeared on Sam’s face.  “Yes sir!” she grinned, giving a quick salute before hurrying out of the General’s office.  Chuckling softly to himself at his Major’s reaction, General Hammond glanced down at the mountain of files he needed to take a look at. Sighing, he silently returned to work.
 
*****
 
“Welcome campers, to a beautiful sunny day on P8X-354.  Make sure you stop by the gift store before you leave, and we hope you enjoy your stay.”
 
Teal’c raised an eyebrow at Colonel O’Neill’s comment.  “I was not aware there was a settlement on this planet O’Neill.”
 
Jack turned to look at the Jaffa.  “There isn’t Teal’c.”
 
“Then why did you say that there was a store here?”
 
“It was a joke Teal’c.”
 
Teal’c stared at the Colonel for several seconds before turning away.  “I see.”
 
Jack adjusted his sunglasses slightly before addressing his team.  “Okay folks, lets get to work.  Daniel, apparently there’s some ruins nearby that you might want to take a look at…”
 
“On my way!” the archaeologist called out, already heading in the direction where the ruins were located.
 
“Uhh, okay.  Carter, go and take your mineral samples, and Teal’c… Well, just be Teal’c.”
 
“Yes sir,” Sam replied, kneeling down to collect the equipment she needed. She stopped when a shadow loomed over her.  She glanced upwards to see the Jack looking down on her.  “Sir?”
 
“Hey, Carter…” Jack paused, then as an afterthought, knelt down so he was at
Sam’s height.  “I just wanted to know if you were okay, that’s all.”
 
Sam knew that Jack deliberately avoided mentioning Martouf, and she was grateful.  Even though she suspected he might still be alive, the thought that she may never see him again still hurt.  She smiled at her CO.  “I’m fine sir.  Thankyou.”
 
“That’s good.”  After several more moments, Jack still hadn’t left.  “Carter – Sam – are we okay?”
 
Sam knew exactly what Jack meant when he said that.  Would they still be able to work together, without feeling uncomfortable?  She smiled once again at her close friend.  “Yeah Jack, I think we are.  You?”
 
“Yeah, me too,” he replied, grinning widely at her.  The two stood up, and Jack walked with her over to a sandy patch so Sam could collect her mineral sample.
 
“So,” Jack continued.  “General Hammond tells me you want to go to Vorash after this mission.  He said you wanted to talk to Dad.  Can’t get enough of him can you Carter?”
 
“It may seem that way Sir, but no that’s not why I need to see him.  Though it does seem I’ve been seeing him a lot lately, doesn’t it?”
 
“Yeah, though that’s not surprising.  He’s looking out for his daughter.” Jack leant against a tree and watched as Sam got to work.  “You want to talkto him about Martouf, right?”
 
Sam looked uncomfortably down at the soil sample she was collecting.  “Yeah I do.  I know it may sound crazy, but I know Martouf is alive.  I can’t explain how I know exactly, but I can feel it.”  She finally looked up at her CO.  “Do you believe me, sir?”
 
“Yeah Carter, I do.  I don’t know how you may know, but your gut instincts usually turn out to be right.  Look at Cassie right?  You knew she wasn’t going to blow up when everyone else thought so.  I trust you Carter, and if you say Martouf’s alive, then he’s alive.”
 
Relief washed over Sam at the Colonel’s words.  “Thankyou sir.  That means a lot to me.”
 
“Glad to hear it Carter,” he grinned, and watched as she packed up her gear and stood to join him.  “Come on, I suppose we had better go see if Daniel’s collected any rocks.”
 
“Artefacts, sir.”
 
Jack turned to stare at Sam in shock.  “Oh no, not you as well!”
 
Sam allowed herself to laugh as they walked towards the ruins of P8X-354.
 
**
 
Martouf’s eyes flickered open only to quickly shut them again in pain when he saw the dim light shining through the cell door.  He tried to recall exactly when the Jaffa had returned him from yet another torture session with Apophis, but he concluded that he must have blacked out some time after the Goa’uld had stopped.
 
Groaning, Martouf leaned back against the rough wall, wishing once again that he could unchain his hands from their position above his head.  He was starting to feel a numb pain in his arms, and if it wasn’t for Apophis unchaining him to torture him, he was certain he would eventually lose all feeling in them.  At least he was sitting down.
 
Suppressing yet another groan, Martouf let his mind reach inwards, searching for his constant companion.  He felt nothing though, as Lantash was busy trying to heal the damage done to their shared bodies – again.  It seemed that when Martouf was close to having his body fully recovered, Apophis would send his Jaffa to take him to be tortured.
 
*He probably does it so that I may never grow strong enough to fight back* he thought sullenly.  Once again, Martouf thought of death, wanting to escape this constant pain.  *Though it would not work* he told himself silently.  *If I died, Apophis would simply revive me to cause me even more pain*
 
Shifting slightly to try and get the blood moving through his arms, Martouf’s thoughts turned once again to the woman who had been occupying his thoughts since the day he had been captured.  How he longed to see Samantha’s face again, and watch as her beautiful smile lit up the heavens.  His greatest fear in this desolate place was not of dying, but of never seeing her again.  Little did Apophis know that it was not the physical torture that gave him the most pain, it was the mental anguish of being apart from the lovely young Major.
 
“I wonder if she misses me as much as I miss her,” he wondered aloud.  “She does think I am dead after all.  But then again, maybe she does not miss me. Or if she does miss me, maybe it is because of the loss of a friend, not a loved one.”
 
Martouf felt the anxiety well up inside of him once again.  Whenever Lantash was healing his injuries, leaving Martouf alone, this thought would appear and plague his mind.  He had fallen in love with Samantha so very long ago, and ever since he had been a prisoner of Apophis, he had constantly regretted not telling her how he felt before he had lost the chance.  Though he had to admit, being confined to this small cell with only Lantash and regrets for company, it had given the pair a chance to think about a possible relationship with Samantha.  Ever since he had started to develop feelings for her, Martouf and Lantash had been overwhelmed with guilt for thinking of another after Jolinar and Rosha.  While they had been stuck on this strange planet, they had come to the conclusion that no matter what happened, they would always love their mate, and both Jolinar and Rosha would never want the lonely pair to live the rest of their life in misery.
 
*It is a shame we realised that now instead of a little earlier* he thought bitterly.  *We could have at least spent a small period of time with the woman we love*
 
<Oh, stop being so melodramatic> Lantash’s voice filtered into his thoughts. <We will see Samantha again.  We will find a way to escape>
 
*I am glad you are optimistic* Martouf replied.  *But I do not see an opportunity to escape this time.  We may have been lucky many other times, but I am afraid our luck has run out*
 
<That was not luck Martouf, that was skill> Lantash retorted with a trace of humour.  <Besides, as Jacob would say, we have got out of worse scrapes than this>
 
*Name one*
 
<Netu>
 
*That was different, and you know it Lantash.  We had Samantha and her memories of Jolinar to aid us with our escape.  This time we have no such luxury.*
 
<We will find a way Martouf.  I will not die in the hands of the Goa’uld on a planet that I do not even know the name of>
 
Martouf smiled at Lantash’s defiant statement.  *You always were stubborn*
 
<So are you.  Try to get some rest.  You will need it>
 
Martouf suddenly felt extremely exhausted, so he slowly closed his eyes and began to dream of a young blonde woman who had stolen his heart.
 
**
 
"Hey Sam, what are you doing back here?" Jacob greeted his daughter on Vorash after giving her a warm hug.  "Is there something wrong?  We didn't receive a message from you."
 
Sam stepped out of her father's embrace, her smile disappearing and her expression becoming grim.  "Yeah Dad, I think there is something wrong, and I hope that you will be able to help.  I need to ask you a couple of questions."
 
Jacob replied with a mixture of worry and curiosity laced within his voice.  "Sure, ask away.  What is all this about, by the way?"
 
Sam paused, and Jacob noticed that she glanced away slightly before answering, her gaze deliberately avoiding his.  "It's got to do with Martouf and his death.  Well, to be more accurate, the events leading up to his death."
 
The older Carter's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his deceased friend.  "Oh, Martouf hey?  Well, uh, why do you want to learn more about his death - sorry, before his death?  I mean, I know how much all of this hurts you." Jacob watched his daughters eyes grow hard as she glared at him.  "Look Sam, I'm just worried about you.  Martouf's death was hard on you - on all of us.  Do you really think it's wise to keep living in the past, and bringing this issue up?"
 
"Look Dad, I know that this may sound as if I'm losing my mind by trying to keep Martouf in my life, but this is important.  I know that there was something definitely suspicious about Martouf's behaviour before he died, and well." Sam glanced around at the rest of her team before looking her father in the eyes.  "I think Martouf may still be alive Dad."
 
"What?" Jacob practically shouted, before Selmak gained control.
 
"Forgive your father Samantha, this is quite a shock to the both of us.  But I would like to ask, why do you think that Martouf is alive?  Not intending to hurt you in any way, but I must remind you that you fired the killing shot yourself.  You were a witness at his funeral.  How could he possibly be alive?"
 
"I'm not quite sure exactly, that's why I need your help.  I need you to trust me Selmak - both you and Dad.  I know in my heart that Martouf is alive."
 
Selmak bowed his head slightly and Jacob regained control of his body.  He stared silently at his daughter for several moments before turning to her CO.  "Colonel, what about you?  Do you think Martouf is still alive?"
 
"I'm not quite sure Sir," Jack replied honestly.  "I didn't think that it was possible, but apparently Sam's got some evidence to back up her theory, and her instincts are never usually wrong."
 
Nodding, Jacob silently discussed the possibility with Selmak.  He could not think of any way that could make it possible, no matter how much he thought about it.
 
<Perhaps Samantha knows of an option we have not considered> Selmak offered.  <The question is, do you believe her?>
 
Turning once again to his 'little girl', Jacob beckoned for SG-1 to follow him.  "I think we should discuss this somewhere in private."
 
Turning on his heel, he walked down the long corridor, turning every now and then down a new corridor until he reached a small room.  Glancing inside and realising it was unoccupied, he motioned for the team to enter, then pointed them to several seats.  Taking one himself, he waited for Sam to talk.
 
Pacing nervously in the small room and fidgeting, the Air Force Officer started to explain.  "Look, I know this all sounds like I'm grabbing at straws, but hear me out.  There was *definitely* something wrong with Martouf's behaviour before. you know.  Anyway, what I mean to say is, there were some things that he said, and the way he acted sometimes was very. un-Martouf."
 
Daniel raised his eyebrows at Sam's remark.  "Un-Martouf?"
 
"Yeah.  It wasn't like him before.  For starters, he called me Sam instead of Samantha."
 
"It could have been a slip of the tongue," Jack pointed out.
 
Sam adamantly shook her head.  "No, why would it be?  It would be different if he's called me Sam before, but he never has.  I have always been 'Samantha' to him.  And just before that he told me that he didn't want to risk losing the part of Jolinar that was in me.  In his journal and on the way home from Netu, he told me that he didn't see me as Jolinar, and that because of the pain I went through recalling her memories he would rather lose that part of Jolinar than have me in pain because he would always have his memories of her.  A bit contradictory don't you think?"
 
"I suppose," Daniel said doubtfully.
 
Sam sighed in exasperation before continuing.  "Look, I know this may seem like little things to you, but this is not the way Martouf behaves - I mean, behaved."  Sam looked down at her hands before gazing imploringly at her father.  "Please Dad, you have to believe me.  Surely you noticed little bits and pieces in Martouf's behaviour that just didn't seem right?  Maybe after a recent mission or something?"
 
Jacob leaned back in his seat with a thoughtful expression on his features.  "I'll have to agree with you Sam.  They may only be little things, but it isn't the way Martouf behaves at all.  And I had noticed strange things about him.  It was only little things, but they were significant.  He would forget things occasionally, and one time I actually heard him swear!  Martouf has never sworn in his entire life, even when he didn't think people were listening - he was just too polite."
 
"When did this start happening?"  Jack asked curiously.
 
"I think it was after he came back from his last mission.  It was fairly simple, all he had to do was identify which Goa'uld was occupying a certain planet and then come straight home."
 
"Perhaps it was on that mission that Martouf was turned into a Zatarc, and it was the programming that had altered his behaviour," Teal'c offered.
 
"I don't think so Teal'c," Sam told him, a frown on her face. "Lieutenant Astor and Major Graham weren't acting weird before their programming.  And the programming was only set off with a visual or audio signal, so it shouldn't have had any effect."
 
"Sam's right," Jacob interrupted.  "Anise's research has confirmed that.  And there is one other thing."  He paused as he watched four curious faces turn to look at him.  "After Anise had finished Martouf's autopsy, she had noticed a small mark on the inside of his wrist.  I had never seen it before."
 
"A mark.  You mean, like a tattoo?"  Jack asked.
 
"Exactly.  I'll draw you a sketch of what it looked like if you want.  Do you have any paper?"
 
Teal'c silently walked forward and handed him a small notepad that he had extracted from his gear.  The Jaffa watched as the Tok'ra drew a quick sketch, then passed the notebook back.  After a moment of careful study, Teal'c spoke.
 
"I believe I have seen a symbol similar to this before."
 
Jacob looked shocked as he asked, "Really?  Where?"
 
"In the service of Apophis.  It was not identical to this, but I do believe it had similarities.  It is a mark that Apophis branded a select few of his slaves with.  It was found generally on men or women who were identical.  He branded one so as to differentiate between them.   This was very rare however, so the brand was not used very often."
 
"That would explain why I've never seen it then," Jacob muttered. "But it still doesn't make sense.  Martouf doesn't have a twin, and he has never had that mark before.  And he certainly never was a slave to Apophis, so that doesn't explain how he could have got the mark.  And it was Lantash inside of him and not some other symbiont."
 
"How could you tell?"  Jack asked Jacob, yet Sam answered
 
"When you sense a Goa'uld, you can tell who that Goa'uld - or Tok'ra - is, because they each *feel* different.  It is sort of like people, Sir.  We each look different, and we all have different DNA.  It's the same with symbionts, except it's the combination of different DNA and different naquada levels that make each one of them unique.  And Dad's right - it was Lantash that was in Martouf - or whoever he was."
 
"Then what the hell is going on?"
 
"I don't know Jack," Jacob told the Colonel.  "But I have a feeling that if we want some answers, we may have to go to that planet Martouf last went to."
 
 
********
 
A lithe figure wandered through the Goa'uld complex, heading towards the prison cell.  The individual had no need to hide from anyone, as the Jaffa respectfully moved out of the way when the person came near.  On the outside, the Jaffa saw a confident leader, obviously going to talk to the Tok'ra prisoner.  What they did not know however was that on the inside, a mind was nervous and cautious.
 
Striding towards the cell door, a hand reached out to brush against the Goa'uld mechanism, unlocking the door and allowing access to the mysterious figure.  Stepping into the shadows, the Goa'uld waited, watching the young Tok'ra's injured form huddled against the back wall.  The handsome young man was covered in cuts and bruises, burns and blood, which disguised his normally perfect features and soaked his tattered clothing.  On the inside, no doubt there was countless other injuries.  There was more than likely internal bleeding, and there were definitely some broken bones. Apophis had obviously caused the Tok'ra a lot of pain - both physically and mentally.
 
As the figure silently watched this poor man, pity ran through the individuals mind.  Nobody should have to go through the torture Apophis had inflicted, especially these gentle creature lying crumpled on the floor in heavy chains.
 
Slowly, Martouf stirred awake, sensing another Goa'uld even in sleep.  He raised his head to view who ever had entered his cell, and he gasped in shock.  His tongue flicked out to moisten his dry lips so that he could speak.  When he could, he managed to utter a single word.
 
"Amounet?"
 
**
 
The young Abadonian woman smiled and shook her head.  “No Tok’ra, I am not Amounet.  The demon you speak of sleeps within me.  My name is Sha’re, and I already know who you are.  I believe you know my husband, Dan’iel.”
 
Martouf frowned.  “I do not understand,” he managed to gasp. “Doctor Jackson once spoke to me of you.  He told me that you were killed. How is it then that you are alive?”
 
“The same way that you are alive Martouf.  Not long after the birth of his child, Apophis discovered some technology designed to create new people.  He said that he did not want to risk losing his ‘Queen’ again, so he made a new me.  It was my other self that my beloved saw killed, not me.”
 
“I still do not understand,” Martouf continued.  “Why is Amounet not in control?  Surely she would not allow you to be free?  She is a Goa’uld after all.”
 
Sha’re smiled victoriously.  She knew that he would ask this question.  “As I told you earlier, the demon sleeps.  That is why I am in control.  I know that you have been remade yourself, so you will understand what I speak of.  In order for a double to be made, the symbiont must detach itself from our mind, or only one individual will be made instead of one.”
 
Martouf nodded in understanding.  “I know.  If the two remain in contact, then when the cloning process is complete, the clone will have the mixed DNA of both itself and the symbiont.  This fault causes defects in the clone, so the two minds must be separate in order for the process to work properly.”
 
“Yes, that is right.  So instead of removing the symbiont, Apophis injects a liquid into us, which forces the demon to sleep.  I have been continuously taking the liquid before Amounet completely awakens in order to remain in control.”
 
<Doctor Jackson must be very proud of his mate> Lantash whispered to Martouf.  <She is very intelligent, as well as beautiful>
 
Martouf silently agreed before returning his attention to the woman standing in front of him.  “How can I be sure that you are not a clone yourself?”
 
Stepping forward, Sha’re bent to his level and showed the young man the insides of her wrists.  “If I was indeed this ‘clone’ you speak of, I would be marked for identification, just as yours was.  I have no such mark, just like you.”
 
Peering at her wrists and finding no mark, Martouf finally relented that this woman truly was the wife of Doctor Daniel Jackson. Leaning back in pain, Martouf’s mind receded, allowing Lantash to speak.
 
“My name is Lantash, and I am Martouf’s symbiont,” his deep voice resonated around the small cell.  When Sha’re’s eyes widened, he quickly told her, “Do not be afraid.  I am a Tok’ra, and I would never hurt you if you are indeed the host, not the Goa’uld.  May I ask why have you come to see us?”
 
Lantash noticed that Sha’re blushed slightly before glancing away.  She stood and turned towards the door, checking to see if she could hear anyone nearby before returning to Lantash’s side.
 
“I know that you are friends with my husband,” she whispered. “I miss him, and would very much like to see him again.  And it is also cruel of Apophis to keep you in this state.  If I help you to escape, will you remove my demon and return me to my husband?”
 
Both Martouf’s and Lantash’s hearts melted as Sha’re looked into their eyes with such hope and desperation.  They both knew exactly how it felt to be apart from the person they loved most – first Jolinar and Rosha, and now Samantha.  Sha’re was giving them the opportunity they had dreamed of since being in Apophis’ custody – the chance to see their love again.
 
Lantash allowed Martouf to regain control as he wished to be the one to answer her.  Bowing his head slightly, Lantash returned to the comfort of Martouf’s mind, as Martouf surfaced and gave Sha’re a warm smile despite his pain.
 
“I would be honoured to re-unite you with your husband,” he told her.
 
Sha’re let out a relieved sigh and smiled.  “Thankyou, so very much.  I will return to you in the morning before Apophis awakens.  We shall make our escape then.”  Sha’re watched Martouf nod, wincing through his pain before coughing violently.  She looked on in horror as blood came from his mouth, and his body started to tremble.  He tried vainly to wipe the blood off of his mouth, but his hands were held above him in a secure hold.  Ripping off a small part of her clothing that she knew no one would notice, Sha’re leant forward and gently wiped the blood from his mouth, then began to rub his arms, trying to restore some feeling in them.
 
“In your condition, I believe it may be difficult to free you,” she told him truthfully.  “But you can not stay here.  I promise I will try my hardest to free you Martouf.  I will return you to her.”
 
Martouf weakly looked into her eyes.  “Her?”
 
Sha’re gently brushed her hand against his bruised cheek, and smiled at her new friend.  “I overheard Apophis speaking about her.  The one I refer to is your love, Samantha Carter.”
 
Feeling the blood rush to his cheeks, Martouf glanced away. Chuckling to herself, Sha’re stood then turned towards the door.  Before opening it, she glanced back at Martouf.
 
“I shall see you tomorrow.  We will soon be with the ones we care most about.”
 
She then opened the cell door and walked out, and with a soft click of the locks, she was gone.  And Martouf was alone once again – for now.  With a soft smile, Martouf fell asleep, waiting for the time when he would be free once again.
 
**
 
"I take it General Hammond gave you the go ahead to come on this mission," Jacob stated as SG-1 returned to Vorash around noon after travelling back to Earth for the night.
 
Squinting in the bright sunlight, Jack nodded at the older man who seemed to blend into his surroundings.  "Yeah, Hammond said it was fine.  He was a bit worried about us travelling to a Goa'uld world though.  Are you sure it's going to be safe there Jacob?"
 
"It should be.  We sent a Goa'uld scanning device through to see if there was anyone near the gate, and the results came back negative.  We still should be wary though - Martouf said that it was Apophis residing on that planet."
 
"Sweet, we might get to see our old buddy again," Jack added sarcastically.
 
"Let's hope not," Jacob told him, turning towards the dialling device and dialling in some co-ordinates.  "According to Martouf - or whoever it was - the Goa'uld facility is several miles away from the Stargate, so it will take a while to get there."
 
"That's okay Dad," Sam smiled at her father, hiding the nervousness she felt within.  Soon they would find out Martouf's true fate - and she only hoped that it would be good news.  Silently, she and the rest of SG-1 followed the Tok'ra through the Stargate to a planet that would hold all of the answers.
 
Once on the other side, she quickly raised her gun and surveyed the area for any Jaffa.  "It's clear," she called to the others, a feeling of uneasiness rising within her.  She scanned the green foliage for any sign of an ambush, yet found none. Worried she turned towards her father.  "I don't get it Dad.  Shouldn't the Stargate be guarded or something?  This just seems too easy."
 
"I know what you mean Sam," Jacob replied, the uneasiness Sam felt visible on the older Carter's features.  "But remember, Apophis holds the largest army in the galaxy, and he doesn't expect anyone to know that he is here yet.  We better be careful, just in case though."
 
"Good idea," Sam heard Daniel mutter from beside her.
 
"What d'ya say Jacob, think we should get moving?"
 
Sam turned to the Colonel with a shocked expression.  Was he just relinquishing control to her father?  Sure he's a former US General as well as her father, but he was also a Tok'ra, and Jack didn't trust 'snakeheads' let alone let them tell him what to do. Perhaps he was finally starting to loosen up wen it came to their symbiotic allies.
 
Jacob nodded in answer to Jack's question, and then gestured towards the thick forest.  "We need to walk for a while in that in order to get to Apophis' ship.  It might take several hours, so we better start now."
 
"Okay kids, you heard the man," Jack ordered, then turned to follow the Tok'ra through the dense undergrowth.
 
********
 
<Martouf, wake up, somebody is coming> Lantash whispered.
 
Desperately trying to stir awake, Martouf finally managed to slowly wake himself.  He raised his head slightly before opening his clammy eyelids.  He waited several moments for his eyesight to adjust to the figure knelt so close to his battered body.  When he finally recognised the person in front of him, a smile began to form on his cracked lips.
 
"Samantha," he murmured, feeling her hand gently brush his cheek.  "You found me."
 
"Yes, I found you Martouf," she whispered, a bright smile appearing on her soft features.  "At first I thought I had lost you, but the Tok'ra and I managed to figure things out.  And now I'm going to take you home."
 
Reaching up to his chained hands, Sam was able to pick the lock, allowing his tired arms to fall limply to his sides.  Placing a hand on each arm, she began gently rubbing them, attempting to restore some feeling within them.
 
"Samantha," he muttered, staring into her azure eyes.  "I have missed you so.  I longed to see you again."
 
"Likewise," Sam told him, bringing a hand up to cup his cheek and smiling tenderly at him.
 
Glancing around, Martouf realised that they were alone.  "Where is the rest of SG-1?  Surely you did not come alone?"
 
The Major shook her head, her blond locks bouncing around her face.  "The others are outside, making sure no one is nearby.  We're safe at the moment."
 
Closing his eyes in pain, Martouf spoke again.  "I am so tired and weak.  It will be difficult for us to escape.  I do not want to get you killed."
 
"Hey, if you even start saying that you want to stay behind to save my hide, you better think again," Sam interrupted harshly.
 
"I came all this way to get you back and I'm not going to lose you again.  Is that
clear?"
 
Martouf opened his eyes and smiled at the beautiful young woman.  "So stubborn.  Like your father.  One of the many things I find appealing in you."
 
Sam grinned at the remark.  "You like me because I remind you of Dad?  Well, if he's your type."
 
"That's not what I meant."
 
Placing a finger on his lips, Sam silenced him.  "I know what you meant."  Leaning forward, she removed her finger and replaced it with her lips, gently kissing his warm mouth.
 
Martouf began to slowly move his mouth in time with hers when he began to feel dizzy.  At first Lantash chided him for feeling this way just over a kiss when he realised he was going to pass out from the pain.  He felt Sam move away from him, and he knew she was worried by the tone in her voice.
 
"Martouf?  Are you okay?  Martouf?  Martouf wake up.  Martouf!"
 
Slowly Martouf brought himself from unconsciousness, his name still echoing within his head.
 
"Martouf!  Please wake up Martouf!  We must leave!"
 
Eyes flickering open, Martouf's gaze finally focused on the young woman in front of him.
 
"I am glad you are awake.  I am sorry for waking you from your sleep, but now is the time to leave."
 
Martouf nodded as Sha're quickly used the key she had confiscated to unchain his arms from the wall.
 
**
 
Apophis stood at a window inside of his ship and deliberately waited before acknowledging the Jaffa that had entered the room moments before.
 
"How long has it been since the Tau'ri stepped through the Chappaai?"
 
"Two turns of the sun have passed since they came to this planet my Lord."
 
Apophis nodded silently, a feral grin spreading across his maimed features.  "Good.  It will not be long until they are here, and they will come here.  Tannith tells me that they have come searching for the Tok'ra, and when they find him, I will be waiting."  Apophis slowly moved towards his throne and with a swish of his robe, he sat down.  Lazily arranging himself so that he was comfortable, he continued.  "I had grown tired of torturing the Tok'ra.  Soon I will have some new additions to play with."
 
The Jaffa moved slightly so that he was facing his master, his head bowed in order to avoid the Goa'uld's gaze.  Feeling the absolute power that was flowing within him, the false god continued to voice his thoughts.
 
"Who should I torture first though?  Perhaps the Shol'va.  He has caused me the most pain.  However I could kill that Martouf - right in front of them.  That will definitely cause them pain, especially the woman.  She had travelled so far to find him, only to lose him again.  I can not wait to see her reaction."  Apophis grinned again.  "Samantha Carter.  She is beautiful - almost as beautiful as my mate.  Perhaps I will keep that one alive - turn her into a host perhaps.  She would make a wonderful consort.  Or I could keep her as she is, and she could bear me many children.  Either way will be acceptable."
 
Before Apophis could gloat any longer, a large explosion rocked his ship.  Staggering to his feet, Apophis rushed to the window and looked out, only to see one of his facilities in flames.
 
"How could this happen!" he cried in rage, whirling to face his Jaffa.  "What facility was that?"
 
"I am not sure my lord, but I will find out," the Jaffa replied turning and rushing down the hall.
 
Apophis turned back to the window, fury boiling within him.  "How could this happen?" he muttered.  "It can not be the Tau'ri, they would not be able to get here this quickly.  And Tannith would have reported any Tok'ra within my ranks.  This is just not possible."
 
 
*******
 
Sha're slipped one arm around Martouf's shoulders and helped him to stand.  He swayed slightly, but he leant against the young woman and was eventually stable enough to walk.
 
"How exactly are we going to get out of here with Jaffa everywhere?"
 
"I know where to go," Sha're whispered.  "Trust me."
 
Slowly they began moving through the large corridors in the Goa'uld mother ship.  True to her word, Sha're was able to manoeuvre them through the ship without being seen by any Jaffa standing guard.  Martouf would stumble occasionally, but Sha're would quickly reach forward and grab him before he fell to the floor.  She had not lied before - it was difficult to escape in Martouf's condition, but never the less they pressed on, thoughts of their loved ones strong in their minds.
 
Finally, some transport rings rose up around them and transported them down to the planets surface, freeing them from the confinement of Apophis' ship - but unfortunately they were transported to a large facility.
 
"I recognise this place," Martouf murmured, glancing around.
 
"You should," Sha're whispered, helping him over to a seat then quickly running to close the door.  After checking the hall, she pressed a small panel and the door slid silently shut.  She then walked back to Martouf to see how he was doing.  "This is where your double was made.  Apophis stole the knowledge and created this place after the old one where my double was made was destroyed."
 
Martouf nodded and slowly stood to inspect the room with Sha're's help.  He noted the two tubes that had held both himself and his clone. His fingers ran lightly over the delicate instruments, inspecting each one, before stopping at a terminal.
 
"Is this what I think it is?" he asked Sha're.
 
Sha're glanced at the console Martouf was staring at.  "It is where Apophis stores all of his information."
 
"Everything?"  When Sha're nodded, Martouf smiled despite his pain.
 
<Do you know what this means Martouf?> Lantash whispered.
 
*Yes Lantash.  Imagine the information we could obtain.  The cloning process, information on his fleet.*
 
<Information on the Zatarc process, and possibly a cure>
 
*Is there any way we can store this information?*
 
<Look for a storage disc.  This is a laboratory and there is sure to be some in here.  We should be able to copy the information that way.  All of the information>
 
Sitting wearily down on a nearby chair, Martouf turned to Sha're. "Do you know what a storage disc looks like?"
 
"Yes, but why do you want one?"
 
"I want to copy everything off of this terminal.  Could you find one for me?"
 
Walking around the room, it didn't take long for Sha're to find a storage disc and return to Martouf.  However, when she returned to his side, she did not hand him the disc.  "Are you sure this is wise?  Should we not leave now?"
 
"I am a Tok'ra Sha're, and it is my duty to do anything in my power to help our cause," Martouf replied hoarsely, his throat constricting.  "This terminal could hold valuable information to the most powerful army in the galaxy.  Now please hand me the disc."
 
Sha're reluctantly handed it to him, and he proceeded to hack into the terminal in order to transfer the information.
 
<It's a good thing you know how to do this sort of stuff>
 
*Well, Jacob does say that when it comes to technology, I am a lot like Samantha.*
 
<Yeah, you find something new and you just have to pull it apart to see how it works> Lantash joked.  <At least you and Samantha can understand each other when discussing all things technological.  From the looks on Colonel O'Neill's and Doctor Jackson's faces on Netu, they do not understand her much when she talks technically>
 
Martouf smiled at this comment as the information started to transfer on the disc.  When Jacob had told him about his and Samantha's common interest he had been overjoyed.  He had relished in the knowledge that they could understand each other on a level that she and many of her comrades could not.  In his mind, it strengthened their special bond.
 
Finally everything had been transferred onto the disc, and Martouf gave it to Sha're to slip in her robes as he was only clad in a pair of grubby pants, his shirt taken from him long ago to allow for easier torture.
 
"We should destroy this facility," Martouf managed to say after much effort.  Even speaking was draining a lot of his energy.  "Apophis should not have this type of technology, it is too dangerous."
 
"How will we destroy it?"
 
Martouf looked around the room slowly, then gestured for Sha're to help him towards a panel.  She opened it for him, and he sunk to his knees in order to have easier access.  While he worked at the interior, Sha're opened a medicinal cabinet and removed a vile of liquid.  Pausing, Martouf raised an eyebrow in her direction.
 
"It is the liquid I use to keep Amounet sleeping.  I must take it again as she is starting to awaken."  Placing the liquid in a syringe, Sha're injected herself, emptying the contents into her body.  She then moved over to Martouf and helped him to stand after he had replaced the panel.
 
"I have arranged for this facility to self destruct.  We must move quickly though, as we do not have long.  We should be able to reach the forest and out of harms way before its destruction."
 
Leaning heavily on his accomplice, the pair slowly made their way out of the facility.
 
 
*********
 
"Daniel," Jack called out from some bush he was entangled in.  "Have I ever mentioned before how much I hate these green planets?"
 
"I believe you have mentioned it quiet often O'Neill" Teal'c offered in Daniel's place.
 
Jack managed to free himself with a grunt, but promptly tripped over attempting to move away from the offensive scrub and landed flat on his face.  Spitting out a mouthful of dirt and pushing himself up to his knees, the Colonel looked up at the Jaffa who was watching him with an impassive look on his face.
 
"Thankyou Teal'c."
 
As Teal'c nodded his head, Sam and Jacob glanced at each other, trying to hide the grins evident on their faces.  They had lost count on how many times Jack had complained on this mission, and it was getting harder to keep a straight face.
 
"Don't worry Jack," Jacob soothed the man struggling to his feet. "We're nearly there.  In fact, it shouldn't be long until we see the -"
 
Jacob was abruptly cut off by the sound of a large explosion nearby.
 
"What was that?" Daniel asked with wide eyes.
 
Without answering Jacob pushed through the forest, the others right behind him.  They finally reached a clearing and stood in shock.  Hidden in a valley was what appeared to be half of Apophis' fleet, along with numerous facilities - and one was currently in flames.
 
"What do you think happened Dad?" Sam asked, turning towards her father.  He simply shook his head and was about to answer when a new voice cut him off.
 
"We destroyed it."
 
Whirling around and raising their guns, most of SG-1 gasped in shock as they realised who it was standing before them.
 
"Sha're?" Daniel whispered, rubbing his eyes as if they were deceiving him.
 
Sha're smiled at her husband, overjoyed to be reunited with him. She and Martouf had left the facility and been travelling through the forest for nearly half an hour.  Martouf's sabotage had worked, and moments after they heard the explosion, they had heard several voices coming form the clearing.  Keeping Martouf hidden, the young woman had crept forward to determine who the voices belonged to, only to find several familiar faces.
 
Stepping forward, Sha're reached a hand out towards the man she loved.  "Yes my Dan'iel, it is me."
 
"Be careful Daniel, she's a Goa'uld remember?"  Sam warned, sensing the definite presence of a symbiont.
 
"My demon sleeps within me," Sha're told them, and after noting Daniel's disappointed face, she quickly added, "But I am not with child."
 
"Then how?" Daniel asked.  "Firstly, you're meant to be dead, and secondly, a Goa'uld just doesn't let the host take over willingly."
 
"My demon sleeps because I have taken liquid that makes her do so.  And I am alive because it was not me killed, but my double."
 
"Double?" Jack whispered turning towards the Carters.  Sam however, understood what she meant immediately.
 
"Do you mean a clone?  The one that Teal'c killed was your clone?"
 
Sha're nodded, but Jack interrupted before she could explain herself.
 
"Hang on, if a clone was made, how do we know she isn't the clone? And how do we know it's not the snake talking instead of her?"
 
"Well, we can tell that she isn't a clone," Jacob answered.  "Look at her wrists - there are no marks.  Remember what Teal'c said?  When there were identical twins, one was marked to tell the difference.  Apophis wouldn't want to mark his queen, and putting a tattoo on the clone would also show that she was her property."
 
Sam's eyes widened.  "Just like Martouf."
 
Sha're grinned.  "Yes.  If you do not believe that it is me speaking then perhaps you will believe him."  Gesturing, she disappeared back into the forest.
 
Following her, Sam felt the anticipation running through her.  Could it me true?  Did Sha're have Martouf with her?
 
When they reached Sha're, Sam's heart leapt to her throat.  Daniel's wife was kneeling down next to a bruised and bloodied body leaning against a tree, but despite the discolouring, she recognised the figure as Martouf immediately.
 
Rushing forward, Sam quickly knelt by Martouf's side and gently lifted his face towards her.  His eyes slowly flickered open, revealing the soft grey eyes that she adored.
 
"Hey there," Sam smiled, tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
 
Martouf slowly ran his eyes over Sam's body before returning to her intent gaze.  "You are not a dream?" he whispered.
 
"Nope, not a dream," Sam answered, watching a small smile appear on his cracked lips.  Keeping one hand under his chin, she brought her other hand up to his face and gently caressed his cheek, trying to avoid the large bruises.
 
"We should go before Apophis starts looking for all of us," Jacob interrupted.  Slipping an arm around Martouf's waist, he gently lifted Martouf to a standing position.  Standing up, Sam also wrapped an arm around the injured Tok'ra, and the two Carters helped the young man to walk.
 
"Come on," Daniel smiled at Sha're, wrapping an arm around his wife.  "Let's get that Goa'uld of yours removed shall we?"
 
Nestling her head against Daniel's shoulder, the reunited couple followed the rest of SG-1.
 
"I can not wait until it is just me again my Dan'iel.  Then we can be together again."  Glancing ahead at her new friend leaning heavily against the blonde Major, Sha're smiled.  "I am very happy for them.  They deserve some happiness."
 
"What?"  Daniel looked confused for a moment before realising what she was talking about.  "Oh.  How did you know?"
 
"How they felt?  I am a woman, I know these things."
 
Laughing, Daniel and his wife caught up with the rest of his team mates, and they all began the long walk back to the Stargate.
 
**
 
Sam shifted slightly in her seat next to Martouf's bed side.  They had returned to Vorash four days ago, where Martouf was promptly sent to the healing quarters.  Exhausted, Martouf had fallen asleep straight away, and with a little bit of help from the healers and a lot of help from Lantash, Martouf's body had gradually started to heal, his cuts and bruises slowly fading away.
 
Moving forward in her seat, Sam gently ran her fingers through Martouf's hair.  She still couldn't believe that she had nearly lost him, but here he was right in front of her, looking so innocent as he slept.  She wanted Martouf to take his time in the healing process so that when he awoke he would be perfectly healthy, but she also desperately wanted him to awaken now, so she could finally reveal her feelings to him.
 
"How is he?" Sha're's soft voice broke the silence.  Once they had returned, Martouf had insisted that Amounet be removed immediately before he had been led off, and Daniel had immediately agreed.  Now the young woman was herself again, Amounet had been destroyed by the Tok'ra, and the High Council of the Tok'ra were currently reviewing the vital information that Sha're and Martouf had stolen from Apophis.
 
"He's still sleeping," Sam answered, turning her attention back to the young man.  "He's been asleep for four days.  He should be waking up soon."
 
"He will."  Glancing at Sam's intent expression, Sha're decided to leave the two alone.  Turning back just before she entered the hall, she added "He will be fine Samantha.  Do not worry yourself." She then entered the hall and disappeared around the corner, searching for her husband.
 
"She is right, you know.  You should not worry, Lantash has done a good job," a soft voice came from the bed.
 
Looking down, she saw that Martouf's eyes were open, and he was smiling up at her.  His face was back to normal again, all of the cuts and bruises gone, and since he was only wearing a pair of pants, she could clearly see that many of the marks on his upper body had disappeared also.
 
"I was starting to think you might never wake up," she joked, her fingers still running through his hair.
 
"I would not want you to worry," Martouf answered.  He noticed how she blushed slightly and looked away, and by the look on her face he knew that she was holding something back.  "What is it?  Is everything okay?"
 
"Yeah, everything's fine."  Sam finally dragged her eyes up to meet Martouf's worried gaze and her heart melted.  *Okay Sam, here's your chance to tell him how you feel.  Whatever you do, don't chicken out.*
 
Moving her hand from his head down his arm, Sam's fingers entwined with Martouf's, reminding the both of them of the day they first met.  Smiling, Sam gathered her courage and finally began to speak.
 
"Martouf, when I thought that I had killed you. it felt like my entire world was crashing down around me.  It felt like someone had ripped out my heart, and nothing was ever going to replace it.  Isn't it funny how you don't realise your true feelings until it 's too late?  Anyway, when I found out that there was the possibility that you were alive, I was overjoyed.  I wanted to do anything in my power to find you, to bring you back to me.  And now your back, I feel like the happiest woman in the galaxy.
 
"Martouf, this is really hard for me to say this, because. well I've never really been one to express my emotions.  What I'm trying to say is that I have finally figured out which are Jolinar's feelings and which are mine, and I've realised that the feelings that I have towards you - the ones that I tried to convince myself belonged to Jolinar - are much more than friendship." Reaching forward she clasped her other hand over the one that was entwined with Martouf's.  "Martouf, I.  I love you.  I love you so much and I have for a long time.  I know that having a relationship would be difficult because we live so far apart and have different lives, but I don't care.  I can't lose you again, and I want to be with you.  But hey, like the song goes, all you need is love."
 
Martouf didn't say anything after her babbled confession, but simply stared at her with wide eyes.  Finally he managed to whisper, "You love me?"  When she nodded, a broad smile appeared on his features.  "Samantha, do you know how happy you have made me with those three simple words?  I love you too, and it has nothing to do with the fact that you were Jolinar's host.  You are a beautiful, intelligent and kind woman, who I love with all of my heart."
 
Smiling widely, Sam brushed away some tears that had trickled down her face.  "We can make a relationship work can't we?"
 
"Like you said Samantha, all you need is love, and we have a lot of that for each other.  But I need you to know, I will always love Jolinar no matter what, and a part of me will always be dedicated to her."
 
"I know Martouf, and it would be selfish of me to try and make you forget her.  She was your mate, and I will always be grateful to her because she led me to you."
 
Suddenly, Sam noticed a playful glint in Martouf's eyes, and before she could respond, he had tugged her down onto the bed next to him.  Gently running his fingers over her face, Martouf's eyes took in every inch of Sam's features.  Cupping her cheek, he leant forward and brushed his lips against hers for a soft yet brief kiss.
 
As Martouf pulled away, Sam opened her eyes to stare into his grey depths.  Running her hands over his silky smooth chest, she slowly moved her arms upwards to encircle his neck.  Slowly, she guided his head back to hers and rejoined their lips for a much longer and more meaningful kiss than the one before it.
 
As the couple's kisses grew more intense, they did not notice a figure watching them from the entrance to the healing quarters. Tannith watched in disgust at the pair wrapped in each others arms, a feeling of dread overwhelming him.
 
*Apophis will not be pleased* he thought grimly.  *Not only are the Tok'ra Shol'va and the Tau'ri woman together, but he has also lost his mate to one of his most hated enemies as well as information on his fleet.  I only hope I can find some way to make it up to him, otherwise he will kill me.*
 
Staring at the young couple for several more moments, Tannith promptly turned on his heels and returned to his quarters.
 
 
The End.

Leyna