322 Nemesis

This was one of those times he wished he were smarter, that he had the brain power to come up with an ingenious plan. But he's got nothing - just blow the damned ship to kingdom come. He can't let these things, these bugs that infested the ship, get to Earth. They would eat everything, destroy his world and everything and eventually everyone on it. Or at the very best reduce it to the Stone Age. If the Asgard were in trouble what chance did Earth have.

His first reaction to Carter and Teal'c beaming aboard was anger. It was bad enough to lose Thor but Carter, she was too important. And Teal'c, hadn't he given enough and didn't he have other priorities.

When she came back for him and saved him from Hathor he was overwhelmed with gratitude and love for her. Now he was angry. At first she thought he was an ungrateful jerk. It took her a while to realize he was scared to lose her. Not afraid to die himself, anxious perhaps but not afraid. He was afraid of losing her, more precious to him than his own life.

Carter, it seems, came to save him. Well maybe he was thinking a bit too much of himself. Perhaps she didn't trust him not to fuck this up royally. She agreed with the plan they had to blow the ship. However she didn't agreed with the part of the plan where they all died. She gave him an option after all she was the smartest one of the bunch. She stole the Stargate right from under Hammond's nose. He was so proud of her.

So here they sat. Admittedly the planet was beautiful, tropical beaches, fresh water source, and a sea full of fish and they were alive. Carter suspected it would take at least a week to get the other gate out of storage and up and running. Jack was antsy, a little afraid their plan to blow the Beliskner had a flaw.

The weather was fine and there was plenty of food and he supposed Thor was whisked away by his race, the Asgard. But he could sure use a change of clothes. He shouldn't complain but he was anxious to see if they had been successful against the Replicators. A week with Carter on a tropical planet – he really shouldn't complain.

A/N: I want to sincerely thank all of you who have read these short pieces and especially those who have reviewed them. It is encouraging. Working on Season 4 and will start publishing when I'm near done.