Running

"Daniel?"

'Yes Jack?'

Colonel O'Neill heard the sigh, even though the signal was fuzzy.

"Five more minutes then Teal'c is going to haul your butt back to this cavern."

'Yes Jack.'

"I mean it."

'Yes Jack.'

"Archeologists." Jack muttered.

"Colonels." Daniel Jackson muttered and turned back to his discovery. He would never admit it to Jack but his stomach had been grumbling for the last half hour. Guess that happens when you skip lunch. He put his things down and turned toward the cavern they were using for their camp. Can't let Jack think I'm predictable. He took two steps when the floor shook and the cave roof started to collapse. He dove toward the wall and covered his head. Fearing the whole cavern would fall down around him he was startled when it stopped as quickly as it began. A deep breath later he sat up and checked himself for injuries, his back was sore, likely bruised.

"Jack?" He radioed.

There was no response.

"Sam? Teal'c?"

Nothing.

"Oh God." He breathed and climbed to his feet heading for the cavern. Ten feet from it he encountered rocks and discovered the way was blocked.

"JACK!" He shouted and listened but was greeted with silence. "Damn it!" He hissed and turned back trying to figure out what to do. A look up and his decision was made by the shaft of light coming into the cavern. Daniel withdrew his knife and began making footholds in the wall, once those were done he worked on holds higher up and started to climb making more holds as he went til he reached the top of the wall. Putting his knife away he tossed his pack out the opening then leapt and grabbed hold of the edge and hauled himself up and out. He carefully descended the rock and made his way to the main entrance... where his hopes fell. The entrance had collapsed... trapping his friends inside... with no way out.

"No! They have a way out, me!" He said aloud and set off for the gate.

"O'Neill."

"Who turned out the lights?"

"There were no lights in this cavern O'Neill."

"Joke, T."

"Indeed."

"Ow."

"Carter?"

"Must be why I feel so woozy."

Sam pulled her med. kit from her pack and started tending to his head.

"Carter, the arm?"

"It's a little sore." She admitted not using it.

"Teal'c, any injuries?"

"I believe I have dislocated my shoulder."

"He was in the other cavern sir, remember?"

Teal'c and Sam looked over at the silence then saw Jack's jaw tighten.

"Daniel if you can answer me, do so now!"

The radio was silent.

"It could be the rocks interfering... they made contact weak before and that was prior to the space being sealed." Carter pointed to the rocks separating them from Daniel.

"Okay Teal'c, I need to pop it back in."

The Jaffa nodded and braced himself letting a grimace show when she relocated his shoulder. She made a sling using the gauze then when she finished she crawled over to the rocks and began trying to move then to get to Daniel but several more were dislodged and she scampered away.

"We're not getting in that way, let's try the main entrance." Jack ordered and used the wall to help himself stand.

The trio walked to the entrance and stopped upon seeing the cave-in. There was no way out and no way to get to Daniel.

"Sir--"

"Let's go back and work on a way to get us... all of us, out of here." He said and turned back.

Daniel wiped the sweat from his brow and donned his boonie. He calculated how long it might take to get to the gate. It took us 22 hours to reach the cave, minus 8 hours we camped overnight, that's 14 hours... Jack made us stop every 2 hours for a fifteen minute break so... seven times fifteen is 105, 60 minutes to an hour... 1 hour 45 minutes, add 3 hours for meal breaks... 4:45 from 14 is 9 hours 15 minutes if I don't stop. That's doable... I think. Daniel looked up at the blazing sun and wished it had been overcast like when they arrived. He took a sip of water and continued walking. He kept a close eye on landmarks so he didn't get lost. There were certain things he'd noticed, the boulder on the left, the oddly colored tree several meters ahead... it helped him to focus. Jack had grumbled about the distance and requesting dirtbikes, he had silently given a suffering sigh at his friend's complaints. Daniel had momentarily thought about telling him of the dig he'd gone on that took three days to reach on foot but decided against it not wanting to hear about how crazy the older man thought he was.

"Well Jack, I'd take a dirtbike now."

"Daniel, come in." Sam tried.

"Carter, the radios don't work."

"Sir--"

"I've been trying to call Teal'c."

"Oh." She dropped her hand.

They had accomplished nothing. She and Jack had tried moving the rocks again only succeeding in causing a mini-landslide into their cavern and loosening the roof a little more, as Teal'c had pointed out to them.

"If we can find a way to shore up the roof..."

"I'm all ears Carter."

She dropped her eyes in frustration.

"Perhaps my staff weapon...."

"Rations and water for five days." She reported checking their packs.

"How will that help us if we cannot communicate with it?"

"I'm thinking aloud here Teal'c!" Jack griped.

The Jaffa raised an eyebrow.

"The General will know we came to investigate these caves because Daniel saw the totems
a few meters from here--"

"And he knows Daniel would want to have a look. See Teal'c we got it covered." Jack grinned.

"We still will be unable to communicate with them."

"Hey! I'm the pessimist around here."

"My apologies O'Neill."

"That's better." Jack nodded glancing at the rocks blocking them from reaching their teammate... their friend. Please be okay Danny.

Daniel checked his watch and wiped the sweat from his eyes. He'd long ago wrapped his jacket around his waist leaving only his tan tee-shirt on his upper torso. He took another sip of water and ate half an energy bar as he walked. It had been three hours and he could barely see the caves now. Please be okay you guys. The very real fear his friends were injured propelled him to keep moving even though his feet had started to complain and now his legs were adding their two cents. When Jack and Sam were trapped in Anarctica I didn't give up! Keep moving! He ordered his body while his eyes kept track of the course his mind occupied itself with the things he'd found. Nothing in the caves matched the totems outside so he hypothesized their had been two different groups here at one time. He let his mind work on that puzzle as he kept walking.

"Carter…"

"Sir?"

"How much do you think that thing weighs?" Jack nodded.

"The monolith? I have no idea sir."

"O'Neill, what is your intent?"

"Maybe we can use this thing as a brace."

The trio walked over to the towering piece Daniel had detailed just a day before, he had mentioned it looked out of place there, too…advanced. They put all their combined weight into pushing it.

"Okay, that's a full day's work." Jack groaned when they had pushed it slightly.

"It has only been a moment of work O'Neill."

"Uh… forget it." Jack waved him off. "A couple minutes and we go again." He ordered. Hang on Danny,we're coming.

"We should get some water and maybe eat a little." Carter said.

Jack nodded and accepted the food and drink, they ate silently, each willing Daniel to be doing the same then they went back to the monolith, Jack vowed to make this plan work and get to Daniel.

Daniel hiked up the rise and stopped.

"Crap! I forgot about the canyon!" He groaned catching his breath.

Alright, you can do this! Down one side and up the other! Hear that guys? Just like Egypt.

"MOVE!" He ordered his aching legs and feet and began the descent knowing the climb up the other side would be harder.

The canyon had been cut out by a river that had long since dried up. Daniel had imagined that at one time it probably had supplied both totem and cave people. Maybe that's why they left? It dried up so they moved to a new source.

He didn't think about the climb up until he was on level ground and gave a glance back.

"See,nothing to it." He wheezed and sipped the water. He frowned shaking the canteen, not much left. Stargate can't be too much farther right? He recapped the canteen and continued on.

The sun beat down mercilessly as he walked,time had no meaning here. Daniel focused on Whatwas in front of him and eventually he saw the Stargate shimmering ahead, with a grin He ran to it…. then watched it vanish.

"NO!" He cried out and collapsed in the sand panting and weeping.

"Again!" O'Neill ordered. The trio were growing weary but were too close to give up now. They grunted in unison and used a last burst of adrenaline to move it.

"I think… I think we did it sir." Carter said sliding down exhausted.

"Take a rest. Teal'c and I can get it over."

Carter crawled away, too tired to argue. She watched them try to tip the monolith but it didn't want to go.

"Sir." She called dumping the items from her pack and filling it with rocks.

Jack nodded and wedged it under the front edge of the monolith and he and Teal'c lifted from the base and tipped it over on the third try.

"YES!" The Colonel grinned as it settled against the roof. "We're coming Danny" He said and began pulling rocks away.

"O'Neill!" Teal'c called seeing the monolith tilt forward.

Jack jumped out of the way as half the roof came down.

'Move your ass Daniel!'

"I'm tired."

'Daniel, you have to get up.'

"Sam--"

'Indeed DanielJackson, you must walk again now.'

'That's an order!'

"Fine!" Daniel replied grumpily and rolled to his hands and knees then stood on wobbly legs. "Better?!? Next time you can save yourselves!" He muttered and started walking never seeing them shimmer out.

A short time later he looked up and saw the sun sinking on the horizon. Finally! I've been walking for six hours… I think. I left just after the cave-in,around six p.m. earth time… Sam calculated the planet has a four hour night… 16 hours of daylight. He shivered as the wind picked up. With a wince he pulled his jacket on, his arms hurt but he ignored the pain. The twin moons were plenty enough to light his way as he walked.

"Everybody alright?"

"Yes sir."

"I am no more injured than previously."

"Good to hear it T." Jack wiped his face with his sleeve.

"Sir, maybe I could squeeze through that opening up there…"

"And have the rest of the roof come down?" He shook his head. Daniel could also be just on the other side of those rocks and I might have sent more down on him just now. "Hammond should be expecting a call from us in roughly seven hours, we'll wait it out." He replied and sat down. "So, anybody up for a midnight snack?" He asked digging out the energy bars and they ate in silence.

Daniel finished the last of his water and energy bar and stowed the remains. He pulled his nightscope out and scanned ahead. He squeezed his eyes shut then opened them again. Nope, not a mirage this time… the real Stargate lay ahead, though it looked like a dollhouse from where he stood. Just a few more hours. He stumbled over a rock making his legs ache even more. Gritting his teeth he forced himself onward, looking down so he wouldn't stumble again. His whole body ached but he ignored it and focused on his goal. My team is counting on me, please God let them still be alive.

Carter looked at her teammates and quietly rose. She headed for the main entrance and began moving rocks.

"Major Carter?"

"Teal'c, I figured if we were able to move some of these rocks we could create an opening and put the radio there, pick up any calls from the SGC."

"Good plan, should have told your CO before going off on you own though."

"Sorry sir."

"Just remember next time Carter." Jack joked.

"You looked tired sir."

"It's two a.m., we're all tired Carter." Jack sighed and the trio set to work, soon they had a hole and put the radio in it, the volume all the way up. "Okay kids, a few more hours and Uncle George ought to be calling." Just hang on a little longer Daniel.

Hang on a little longer guys.

Daniel could see the Stargate now and he was encouraged to move a little faster, pushing through the aches his body was feeling, he even began running using the adrenaline coursing in his veins. He was panting when he reached the DHD. He dialed home, sent his code and and hobbled up the steps.

Sergeant Davis poured another cup of coffee and sighed. Nothing ever happens on the lateshift. The klaxons went off and he nearly spilled his coffee. He saw the GDO code come up and grabbed the phone.

"General, it's SG-1." He reported and saw Daniel stumble through then the gate shut down. "It's Dr. Jackson, he's alone. Understood." He hung up and spoke into the microphone. "Please stay there Dr.Jackson, the General is on his way down."

"No. No time, the others are trapped in a cave-in!" Daniel replied and slid his jacket off then started for the door.

"Medical team to the gateroom." Davis called over the phone seeing Daniel's arms.

"Sir, you were requested to stay here." An SF blocked Daniel from leaving.

"There isn't time, they could be dying!"

"And we'll get to them son." Hammond said entering.

"Medical is on the way." Davis reported.

"Tell me about their location son."

"Caves, an hour's walk past the totem poles. There's a canyon that has to be crossed. Dry… it's dry." Daniel panted.

"How far from the gate?" Get the information while he can give it, while the adrenaline is still there.

"Took me…" Daniel checked his watch, "nine and a half hours."

"Did you stop son?"

"NO! They could be… they could be hurt… I couldn't stop." He mumbled.

"Daniel… Daniel we need to get you to the Infirmary." Janet said hiding her dismay.

"NO! My team!"

"We'll retrieve them son, go with Dr. Frasier." Hammond gently ordered.

Daniel looked back at the gate but Hammond knew he was running on fumes now.

"I promise we'll bring them home Dr. Jackson."

"Promise…" He mumbled as Janet led him to a gurney and they hurried out.

"Yes sir."

Davis grabbed the phone and started making the calls.

The cave dwellers had dozed off and were startled awake by the radio squawking.

'Come … SG-1 … 2.'

"This is Colonel O'Neill!"

'Col… position soo… injured?'

"A few minor injuries but Daniel is trapped, we don't know his condition."

'….ckson back…'

"Repeat?"

'…ackson back at SG…'

"Daniel safe at home?"

'…firmative.'

"YES! Way to go Danny!" Jack grinned at his teammates. "ETA?"

'4 … ours.'

"4 hours, understood. SG-1 out."

"DanielJackson must have found a way out of his cavern."

"He probably saw we were trapped and went for help." Sam grinned.

"I'm taking that boy to O'Malleys for a steak! Hell I'll treat all of us to a steak!" Jack grinned.

Four hours later they heard the sound of engines.

"Dirtbikes?" Sam gaped as it got closer.

Hammond you old cuss! Jack chuckled.

With both sides digging they were soon free.

"Good to see you Ferretti!"

"You too Colonel."

"Dr. Warner?" Sam was surprised to see him riding with Ferretti.

Frasier passed this one off to Warner huh? Another team injured maybe? Jack wondered.

"Are there any injuries I need to tend to here?"

Sam filled him in on their conditions and after a cursery exam he pronounced them fit to travel.

The trio climbed onto the bikes and headed for the canyon and home, relieved to climb the steps to the gate and go through.

"Welcome home SG-1, report to the Infirmary."

"Daniel?" Jack asked.

"The Infirmary Colonel."

Jack sighed and nodded leading his team away with Warner following.

"…and homefries! "

"Steak and fries at O'Malleys, you're making my mouth water sir."

"DanielJackson will be most pleased by the culinary choice O'Neill."

"And what he doesn't eat he's taking home in a doggie bag!" Jack replied as they entered the Infirmary.

"You'll have to wait at least a week Colonel."

"Janet?" Sam asked.

The diminutive doctor pulled the curtain from around the bed and they gasped.

"Daniel, what--?" Jack choked out.

"First degree sunburns to his face, second degree with blistering on his arms, bruising to his back and shoulders, presumably from the cave-in, severe leg and foot cramps as well as blisters on his feet. Walking nine plus hours took its toll. He's also exhausted and extremely dehydrated."

Jack reached out to his friend but stopped. Daniel's hands and arms were loosely covered with gauze, his face and lips bore some type of cream, the sheet was raised over his feet and Jack could see his legs twitching underneath.

"Will he be okay?" Sam asked softly.

"He'll be fine, now let's take a look at you three." She led them to beds across the way and started with Jack.

I'm sorry Daniel. Ferretti said you were back here and I just assumed you were okay. Nine hours in the heat and sun…

"Colonel, I promise you he'll be fine in a week or so." She patted his shoulder.

"Can I sit--"

"I want the three of you to rest and Daniel is exhausted, I doubt he'll wake up for the twenty-four hours anyway."

"He walked nine hours? It took us fourteen, with breaks, to reach the caves." Sam looked
at their sleeping teammate.

"He was afraid you were injured and since he couldn't help free you he did the only thing left to him." Janet answered.

"Went for help." Jack nodded, eyes never leaving his friend.

Once Frasier was done with them she ordered them to bed silently betting herself how long it would be before one of them, probably the Colonel, showed up to hold vigil. She picked up the phone. "General Hammond, I've ordered them to rest… most minor…" She turned to Daniel, "it'll take him longer, at least a week here and several days of no sun after his release. Yes sir, I will." She replied and hung up then walked over to Daniel checking his monitors, satisfied she replaced his I.V. and injected painkillers and anti-biotics. The blisters on his arms and feet concerned her most since they could become infected. She left strict orders about them. He'd pushed his body beyond its normal limits and now it had taken control and forced him to sleep, no sedatives were necessary this time. "Rest well Daniel." She gently touched his hair then headed to get some sleep herself.

Daniel felt a pressure on his shoulder and moved slightly which caused a groan to escape as he became aware of aches and pains.

"DanielJackson, are you awake?"

"Daniel?!?" Jack jumped, startled awake by Teal'c's voice.

Blue eyes opened a crack then further. Daniel's tongue came out to lick his lips then he made a face and quickly withdrew it.

"Frasier put something on your lips. She said you can have some ice chips."

Daniel nodded and allowed Jack to give him some.

"Thanks." He whispered closing his eyes then opened them quickly. "Not dreaming?"

"Nope, we're real." Jack smiled.

"Sam?"

"Major Carter went to get O'Neill some breakfast, he refused to leave your side." Teal'c answered earning a glower from Jack.

"Okay?"

"Yeah, hardly a scratch from the cave-in." Jack assured him.

"Didn't know."

"I know. You walked nine hours in the sun to get help for us--"

"Six." Daniel sighed.

"What?"

"Six hours of sun, the rest was night time."

Damn! The guy is half sunstroked and he's firing faster than I am normally! Jack mused.

"He's right sir." Sam concurred.

Of course she did the calculations.

"Whatever, the point is you walked all the way back to the gate for us. Thank you Daniel."

"My team… my friends." Daniel whispered closing his eyes.

Sam ran a hand through his hair.

"Tired." He mumbled.

"Go to sleep Daniel, we'll be here when you wake up." Jack gently squeezed his shoulder.

He knew Daniel would be alright, the blisters would heal, the bruises would fade, the cramps would subside and his friend would be back exploring in a few weeks.

In the meantime we'll look after him the way he looked after us and got us home. We're a team… we're friends.. and we'll always look out for each other. Always.