The Choice by Biltong

" You have a choice, you can decide to live, or die."

…..

I found myself somehow floating above my pale body, looking down at my team frantically working on me, my high plunge into the ice-covered river still coating my hair with crystals that shone prettily in the light.

" Poor Danny," I murmured quietly, unafraid.

My friend was zipping me up into a sleeping bag, his lean face looking stained under his cropped blonde hair as he desperately tried to coax some warmth into my body.

" It’s too late Danny boy," I whispered, "I’m too broken up inside."

As I expected, he didn’t hear.

I watched as Daniel worked on my body, as Teal’c prowled the perimeter, on guard, as always.

Teal’c.

An ebony skinned warrior that called the planet Chulac his home and counted a certain Tau’ri Colonel as his friend.

How did I ever get so fortunate?

It took a person who knew Teal’c well to see that he is taking my fall personally.

He shouldn’t, the ledge just crumbled under my weight.

And that was that.

" Dammit, Colonel, breathe."

Oh Carter. Major Samantha Carter.

She with hair like Nebraska wheat just before harvesting time and eyes the colour of the brilliant Minnesota sky.

A feisty woman who owns my heart and soul.

Oh Sam. One day I will declare my feelings for you.

One day.

That day is coming, but not yet.

" Please Colonel." Her fist pounds my unresponsive chest.

" Please Jack." She sounds close for tears.

As I see her once more tip my head back and place her lips over mine, breathing warm life giving air into my lungs, I am filled with an incredible desire to feel her lips on mine.

" Sam," I whisper quietly, knowing she can’t hear.

" I love you. I have always loved you."

For a moment she jerks her head up, looking around with a confused expression before resuming CPR.

…..

" The choice is yours."

" I wish to return to them. To her."

" Are you sure? It will be painful."

" I know."

" So be it."

…..

I awake to screaming pain, and soft lips, quickly removed.

I am gently rolled onto my side, allowing me to cough, to breathe.

" Colonel. Stay with me. Stay with us, okay?"

I open my eyes slowly, smiling despite my pain.

" I’m…not going anywhere…" I whisper, making her laugh despite her tears.

" Teal’c," Daniels voice booms. " He’s alive, but we need to get him back to Janet right now."

Suddenly I am borne aloft by my warrior friend, the intense pain making me moan softly.

" O’Neill?" His voice is a soft rumble.

" I’ll live, my friend," I whisper into his chest. " I’ll live."

I have made my choice.

* EINDE *

BETA tested by CiGiK