Jack quickly went through the options in his head. There weren’t many. Beyond an attack on the front entrance and fighting their way, he couldn’t see any way in. He was eyeing the centaurs looking for any visible weakness when they tensed, staring off to the right. Jack followed their gaze; he could just make out another group moving through the trees. Jack turned slightly to watch them approach, but hoof beats drew his attention back to the centaurs. A third centaur exited, followed by Sam. Jack rose, and heard Teal’c and Daniel do the same behind him. At first, Jack was relived to see that her eyes did not seemed glazed over before realizing they were instead flashing with fear and anger. She opened her mouth at the sight of them, but no sound came out. The centaur reached over and patted her on the head. She looked as though she would have bitten him if she could have.

“I’m so glad you’re already here; it will make it so much easier to eliminate you pesky humans.” The centaur taunted them. One of the guarding centaurs spoke up, urgently saying something in its own language. The leader’s head snapped to the right, where the other group had taken up positions.

“This is end, Druno.” One of the other humans called. The centaur snarled as they raised their weapons at him. He grabbed Sam and moved her in front of him, as a shield.

“Stop!” Jack yelled in desperation, and the other group hesitated, but didn’t lower their weapons. Jack knew from the other group’s angle and distance they would be just as likely to hit Sam as they were to hit the centaur. Jack would have already shot the centaur himself, but he couldn’t take the risk of somehow injuring Sam as well. He raised his gun, trying to find a safe shot, and for an instant, his and Sam’s eyes met.

Sam tried to resist as the centaur hauled her in front of him, but to avail. Her feet simply wouldn’t respond. She could see the guns of the other group, and knew if they fired, she would be caught in the crossfire.

“Stop!” she heard the shout and knew instantly it was Jack. Her head turned almost of its own accord to look in his direction. She felt a thrill of victory at the motion. Her eyes met Jack’s, and she could see his hesitation and concern. She knew he would have a clear line of fire if it weren’t for her. She glanced up. The centaur was still concerned with the other group of humans. She put all her concentration on her knees. After what seemed like hours, they finally began to respond to her commands. She dropped to the forest floor; Jack fired, and everything went dark.

As if Jack’s shot had been the signal, the others opened fire and eliminated the other two centaurs. There was a moment of silence, then the other group turned and retreated. Jack let them go, more concerned with the prone figure of his 2IC. He rushed over, followed closely by Daniel and Teal’c. He knelt next to her, gently shaking her shoulder and calling her name. It took a few minutes, but finally her eyes fluttered open. She groaned, and put a hand to her head. Jack helped her to sit up, and the three waited expectantly for her to say something.

“Is…is he dead?” she asked, glancing over to the bodies of the centaurs. Teal’c leaned over and examined the body.

“Indeed.” He responded. Sam nodded, and closed her eyes again.

“Are you alright?” Daniel asked. She nodded again, opened her eyes and stood.

“Let’s go home.” She said. The others agreed.

Teal’c took point, leading them back to the gate. They moved slowly and cautiously, expecting to run into another group of humans or centaurs. They met none. The forest was quiet, save the sounds of an occasional bird or small creature; but when they approached the clearing where the gate sat, they could hear voices and movement. The four crouched at the tree line, watching as the gate opened and several of the others walked through. It was apparent they were leaving—they were even taking their version of the malp back through. Soon, only one remained. Jack took out his monocular and studied him. It was the leader of the group that had caught them in the forest. He glanced at the other three. They could take just one—but why had just one remained?

“Why did one stay?” Sam asked quietly, musing.

“Why don’t we go ask?” Daniel suggested, standing. Jack nodded.

“Teal’c, Carter, stay here and watch our six just in case.” He said. He and Daniel walked out of the trees and to the other human. He waited patiently for them.

“Did they forget you?” Jack asked casually as he and Daniel approached. The man smiled faintly.

“I wanted to stay behind to thank you, as it were.” He responded.

“To thank us?” Daniel asked, doubtful.

“Yes; the creature you shot was the link centaur.” He told them. “Like I told you before, the centaurs are telepathic. They are linked to each other, to give more power to their control of our minds. When you killed the link centaur, that connection was destroyed. Their minds couldn’t handle it.” He explained.

“Lucky break.” Jack commented, still a little doubtful.

“Actually, it was the arrogance of the creature that saved us. If he hadn’t wanted your friend for himself, he never would have risked his own life like he did. Either way, we are done here. You can leave now too.” He told them.

“Thanks.” Jack said, not entirely insincere. The man nodded, and turned back to the gate. After he had gone, and the gate had disconnected, the other two joined Jack and Daniel at the gate and they too returned home.