Friends and Enemies Part 5
By: Stacy L.
Early
the following morning Daniel Jackson slowly started to awake, he groaned as the
first thing to invade his conscious mind was the extreme pain and stiffness now
present within his back. He tried to remember what could have caused such agony
to now encompass it. He slowly tried to sit upright yelping as pain flooded his
body with extreme force. Okay, bad idea. Sitting up wasn't exactly the smart
thing to do right now. He clenched his jaw firmly shut focusing on his
breathing. He then opened his eyes trying to regain his bearings. The first
thing he noticed was the floor then the room. Captive that's right he was a
prisoner. Full awareness returned to him as he recalled what had happened the
night before. The beating, that severe beating that left his back coated in
bruises and alive with pain. God, but his back hurt like hell!
He slowly sat up barely containing his cries of pain as such a simple movement jolted his bruised back. He swallowed hard when he finally sat upright. God, he had to get out of here. He coughed as his dry throat tickled some. Water... He had also been denied water, except the glass he had been given yesterday morning. One glass was better than nothing, but it didn't stretch that far with keeping him completely hydrated. He was very thirsty, not to mention hungry as well but he knew that none of his needs would be met very effectively. At least not until he agreed to do what was asked of him: translation and contacting the Asgard. Why the hell would his captors want him to contact the Asgard? He had no idea. He was sure that little bit of information wasn't supposed to make it to him yet. He had been surprised when his captor had muttered those words. Why did they want him to attempt to contact the Asgard, unless it had something to do with either trapping them or getting their hands on some technology. He had told the man the truth. The Asgard always contacted them never the other way around. They had never attempted to contact the Asgard except that time when the alternate Carter and Kawalsky had come through the quantum mirror to escape a grisly fate. They were granted asylum on Earth. They had planned to stay until Carter began to experience entropic cascade failure, which was a direct result of having two Carters in one reality. As Daniel remembered that time he wondered if his alternate self was experiencing those tremors yet. He probably was by now. He knew they still were in his reality because Anubis contacted him off and on to see how he was fairing and to assure him that they were doing everything they could to locate him.
He still had a difficult time completely grasping the idea
of mental telepathy. Anubis told him that psychic abilities were another thing
that most Tau'ri believed was impossible but, in fact, did occur. He told
Daniel he understood how hard such a concept was to grasp but that it did
exist. Daniel now knew that such forms of communication were, in fact, very
real indeed. Each time he felt the faintest brush on his mind as Anubis reached
out to him he was reminded that telepathy was a very real thing. He also has
seen a lot of unusual things since that first trip to
Daniel slowly pulled himself back against the wall inhaling sharply as his back brushed the wall only lightly effectively increasing the pain in his battered back. He breathed deeply inhaling and exhaling slowly waiting for the discomfort and pain to ease from his body some. When it finally began to recede he chose to, instead, turn to his right and press his shoulder against the wall. He had a feeling that he wouldn't be able to lean against his back without causing himself some extent of pain for some time to come. He cursed then leaned his head against the wall attempting to stretch his chained arms a bit. His wrists burned and stung some from the restraints digging at his flesh the previous night but that minor pain was nothing compared to the severe bruising across his back. He had a feeling his stay here would be rather long and rather painful.
* * * * * *
Ka'tar
entered noticing just how anxious and upset his queen was. He questioned,
"Yes My Queen?"
"No
My Queen. He has not yet contacted me."
Ka'tar
watched his queen as she struggled to conceal her true feelings for her mate.
He knew that she was very overprotective of her mate, especially after what had
happened to Osiris. He watched her to see how she would react to the news. She
questioned, "You said that he successfully arrived on Tethys,
correct?"
"Yes
My Queen."
"Then
where is our beloved husband?"
"There
have been some reports..." Ka'tar inhaled deeply trying to drum up his
courage to deliver the bad news to his queen. She watched him expectantly. Most
likely hoping that he had good news to report. Unfortunately, this time he did
not.
"Reports?
Of what?"
Ka'tar
continued, "Set has been seen on the planet."
"Set!
Why were we not told of this sooner?"
Set
was on Tethys! That was not possible!
Her
eyes flashed white with rage as she thought of Anubis possibly being at Set's
mercy. Damn him! Damn that sad excuse for a god! She glanced up as Ka'tar's
voice continued, "Because My Queen, I did not want to worry you."
He
did not want to worry her? What was he discussing? Then she realized he was
explaining why he kept the truth of Set's presence on Tethys from her. She
momentarily reined in her anger so that she could focus on Ka'tar's words. She
found she was very glad to have such a devoted First Prime who would protect
her and her feelings at any cost.
She
looked into the emerald green eyes of her First Prime saying in a hushed gentle
tone, “Ka’tar, we cannot lose Anubis as we have lost Osiris. He must be
returned to us."
"I
have already dispatched someone to the planet of Tethys to search for our lord,
My Queen."
"We
are very grateful for your help with such matters, Ka'tar."
"It
is my honor to serve you, My Queen."
"You
honor us greatly with your continued service and devotion. Please inform us
immediately should our pharaoh be found."
"I
will, My Queen."
"Ka'tar,
our pharaoh is very important to us. Please do not disappoint us."
"I
will not fail you, My Queen."
"You
may go."
Ka'tar
bowed to his queen and left her chamber. He didn't need reminding of how
important Anubis was to his queen. She had gone to great lengths to procure a
perfect host for her husband. She had searched for a long time knowing that
Anubis' host was growing frailer and weaker by the day. When she saw the Tau'ri
Daniel Jackson she had to possess him, as well as her beloved Anubis. She had
him brought to her chambers and forcibly made Anubis' new host. Ka'tar could
still, even months later, hear Daniel Jackson's screams of anguish as Anubis
joined forcefully with him. He had been lucky and had not ever attended a
joining ceremony until the Tau'ri had been taken over by Anubis. Ka'tar really
didn't want to witness such a joining again. The Tau'ri was strong-willed,
spirited and did not give in easily to his new master. He remembered even now
how Anubis had told his queen that the proud Tau'ri would soon bow willingly to
his new master. His queen had been excited by those words. Ka'tar had actually
felt ill. He had always accepted his duty and the privilege of being a First
Prime to a queen, but he had never seen a joining before and those memories
made him want to question whether it was correct to force someone to become a
host or not.
The Tau'ri were dirty, filthy slaves...or so he had been
taught. They were only bred to serve their masters. They felt nothing because
they were slaves and slaves were property. When he had heard the young Tau'ri
scream and had seen his outright defiance as he faced off with
Ka'tar
had actually been the one to inform
* * * * * *
Anubis arose the next morning checking on his host. His host was still deep asleep. Anubis decided to leave the man rest. Daniel was exhausted, both mentally and physically. Anubis was very worried about him. Experiencing another's pain could really zap strength out of someone. He knew that Daniel was, indeed, a very strong Tau'ri but even the strongest Tau'ri would grow tired and weary after experiencing the senseless suffering of another.
Anubis left his host rest deciding to reach out for the Daniel Jackson of this reality. He briefly touched the man's mind discovering Daniel was awake and in pain. He questioned, "Are you all right, young one?"
Anubis heard the faintest reply echo back to him, "Yes, just in some pain."
Anubis
became even more worried for Daniel. He didn't sound like he was doing very
well. Anubis silently prayed that SG-1 would find their missing teammate soon.
He knew that Daniel's time was short. He knew how Daniel's abduction would end.
What he didn't know was exactly how long the man had left. He sensed Daniel's
time was very limited, but he wasn't sure just how limited.
He
questioned, "Have you any idea where
you may be?"
"No. An old warehouse
but I have no idea where. They have a Stargate here. I'm sure of it," came Daniel's hoarse,
pain-filled reply.
Anubis unconsciously flinched as he heard the obvious
indication of distress in the young man. He pressed on for more answers hoping
that Doctor Jackson could give him the answers he was seeking but doubting
Daniel knew much of where he was being held. He found it a bit odd that Daniel
said the ones now holding him had a Stargate. How was that possible? He was
told there was only one Stargate on Earth and that was the one at this
facility. Doctor Jackson was telling him otherwise. Anubis knew that this
newest information was important so he questioned, "Have you seen it?"
"No, but the only way
they could have found me was to be on PQR-189 when I arrived. If I didn't show
up at the SGC they had to use another Stargate."
"Will that help
us?"
Anubis
found himself hoping it would. They had to find Doctor Jackson soon. They just
had to. He focused on Daniel's voice as he suggested, "Talk to Sam Carter. She'll know what to look for."
"I will do as you say.
Now you should rest, young one. They will be back for you shortly. I am
sure."
Anubis
didn't hear a reply and hoped that Doctor Jackson took his advice. It was very
obvious that Doctor Jackson was growing weaker already. The man had only been
gone for a few days and already he was sounding weaker. Anubis knew that
Daniel's captors have been denying him food and giving him only limited water
to sustain him. He could tell when he touched the man's mind that his health
was growing worse, as well. Daniel Jackson was still very strong but his
captors were attempting to keep him more docile, more controllable, by denying
him the things that he needed to sustain himself. If his captors continued to
deny Daniel food and restrict his water intake then Daniel would only grow
weaker. If they continued to beat him while depriving him of the nourishment and
liquids he so needed then Daniel would soon be too weak to even defend himself.
Anubis had to do all that he could in the short time he and his host had
remaining to locate Doctor Jackson. He only hoped that the newest information
would help him to accomplish just that. Doctor Jackson told him to speak with
Major Carter, so he decided to search for her.
Anubis
decided to check Major Carter's lab first. He approached her lab knocking on
the door. He could hear her distinct voice inviting him in. He had found her.
This, at least, was a good thing. He was positive that Major Carter could help
locate Doctor Jackson. The sooner he told her what he now knew the better the
chances would be to recover Doctor Jackson before time ran out.
Sam
Carter looked up at Anubis as he entered her lab and smiled at him. She still
found it odd to look at this man, who was identical to Daniel, and know that he
was an alternate version of her missing friend. She had found herself several
times catching her breath as she felt certain that Daniel was no longer in
danger only to remind herself that this was not their Daniel.
She
watched him as he slowly made his way over to her. She could tell that
something was on his mind and quickly spoke, "Good morning, Daniel."
"Actually
my host is still deep asleep."
Sam
jumped at the Goa'uld voice now eliciting from her friend. She had to admit
that hearing Anubis speaking from Daniel's double bothered her some. She had a
very hard time even comprehending the idea of Daniel being a host to a Tok'ra.
In her mind the idea just didn't feel right. She shook her head realizing that
her mind was straying instead of focusing. She quickly regained her focus
apologizing for not realizing Anubis was speaking instead of his host,
"Oh, sorry Anubis. How can I help you?"
"You
are a scientist."
"Yes,
an astrophysicist actually. Why?"
"Daniel's
wife is a medical doctor..."
Daniel's
wife? Sam knew that he was speaking of her alternate. She shook her head as she
still had a hard time viewing Daniel as her husband. It was just an odd idea
but in this man's reality it was fact. She focused on Anubis asking, "How
may I help you?"
"Do
you...do you believe in such things as telepathy, Major Carter?"
Mental
telepathy? Okay, so where on Earth did that question come from? Sam looked at
Anubis a bit puzzled. Where was he going with this line of questioning? She
quickly responded, "Well yes...I've seen you, him, experience what my
Daniel is experiencing..."
"That
is empathy. Do you believe in the ability to talk to another over great
distances?"
"Yes,
I suppose it's possible...why?"
"Because
Daniel Jackson is in need of some assistance."
"What?"
Now
she was really confused. How did they jump from her belief of the possibility
of psychic abilities to Daniel being in need of assistance?
Anubis
interrupted her thoughts, "He told me to inform you that they have a
Stargate."
"He
told you? You've been communicating with our Daniel?"
Okay,
now this was getting really strange. Daniel told him that they had a Stargate?
Could that even be possible? Was it possible that Daniel could hear Anubis and
speak with him from where he was being held?
Years
ago she would've thought the man crazy for even suggesting such a thing but now
she sensed that what Anubis was saying was, indeed, true. If she felt so
certain that Anubis has been communicating with Daniel telepathically then it
had to be true. She looked up at Anubis when he spoke again, "Yes I
have."
Yes
he has? What was Anubis talking about? Oh, right communicating with Daniel
telepathically. Sam could only think of one thing to say, "Wow...for how
long?"
"Only
a few days."
"Only
a few days?"
Anubis
has been talking to Daniel for a few days? She found that she was comforted by
that information. At least Daniel hasn't had to face his captivity alone. Thank
God for small favors. She glanced at Anubis as he continued, "Yes. I had
never expected him to hear me or respond...I...I reached out to him while he
was in our world. I wanted him to talk some sense into a very stubborn
Colonel."
"Why?"
"Because
he would not listen to Daniel Jackson's explanation of what has happened to my
host. He... In my world...in my host's world they have never actually met the
Tok'ra and do not know of our existence. Colonel O'Neill would rather shoot
first and ask questions later...as you Tau'ri would say."
"Yes."
"He
plans to separate my host and I. He is afraid I am a Goa'uld and does not
understand our connection. Daniel Jackson tried to explain it to him...I
reached out to him not expecting a reaction. Daniel Jackson heard me."
"And
he told you he was sure there is another Stargate?"
"Yes.
He said that the only way they could have brought him here from PQR-189 is if
they had their own Stargate."
"He's
right! Why didn't I think of that? I should have known. If he returned here it
would be through our Stargate unless that other Stargate is being used
again...Maybourne, shit! It has to be! I need to talk to the Colonel about
this... Did he tell you anything else?"
“Just
that he is in a warehouse of some sort. Major Carter, they keep him in a room
and only take him out when they want to coerce him into cooperation."
Sam
didn't like how Anubis worded that last comment. They keep him in a locked room
and take him out just to coerce him? She shivered as her thoughts strayed to
the many possible ways Daniel's captives could be using to coerce him into
cooperating. She didn't like any of the ideas that entered her mind. God, she
hoped this news would help find Daniel. She noticed that Anubis was looking at
her expectantly and said, "We'll find him. I know we will, especially now
with the knowledge of the second Stargate. Now I can at least triangulate his
location to a particular area. It won't tell me an exact location of the gate
itself but it will give us a huge area within its vicinity. We'll, at least, be
able to know in what area to focus our search."
"Do
you know what you are doing?"
"Yes."
"But..."
"There was a mission a few years ago...Colonel O'Neill and I were separated from Daniel and Teal'c. What had happened was that we, the Colonel and I, came through a second Stargate here on Earth. They thought the gate had malfunctioned and sent us to a completely different planet. The wormhole broke down shortly after Daniel and Teal'c exited then it reformed. Later, I tried to reestablish a connection not realizing that the Colonel and I were on Earth, just at a different gate. The wormhole tried to engage. Daniel noticed the room shake in response and remembered that when the gate, our gate, was first used it was very shaky. Everything would shake so we built in stabilizers to keep it from rattling upon activation. Daniel came to the conclusion that another gate on Earth had been used and focused a seismograph on the Earth's surface. He found the second gate. We were rescued."
"So
will this help him?"
"We
can at least focus on a certain area. Right now we don't know where to even
begin to look for Daniel but by doing this we can at least narrow our search
down considerably. Then we'll have to focus on warehouses, old and abandoned
warehouses."
"Daniel
Jackson has rarely been led out of his cell and when he is he is only taken to
another room. The chances of him seeing anything else that will help us is slim
to..."
"I
know."
"So
how will you...?"
"We'll
search every damned warehouse in the vicinity if we have to!"
Anubis
found that he liked this Samantha Carter almost as much as he liked Samantha
Jackson. She, like her double, had strength and determination. He felt certain
that Major Carter would be able to find Daniel. If anyone could locate him
Samantha Carter could. He felt a little bit better knowing that she was working
on locating him.
* * * *
Daniel
Jackson awoke to a loud bang. He tried to remember where he was and groaned as
his sudden movement sent new pain eliciting throughout his sore, abused body.
Where the hell was he?
He
could feel the coldness of the wall he was now leaning against seeping into his
bones. He also could feel the stiffness and stinging still present in his back.
As he focused on his back he remembered the cell; he was still in the damned
cell!
Daniel opened his eyes focusing on the entrance to his prison searching for the source of that loud bang. He saw the man who gave him some water the previous day. The man was watching him from his vantage point, and he could swear that he saw the slightest bit of sympathy in the stranger’s gaze. He wondered why the man was again visiting him. What did he want now?
As
Daniel focused on him more intently he noticed that the man held another glass
of water in his hands. Water? God was he ever thirsty. His throat felt so dry
and parched, and he noticed that he developed a nagging cough. The cough wasn’t
too bad yet but it would only become worse the longer he was denied liquids. He
watched the man with apprehension, unsure as to why he was visiting. Would the
man give him the water or would he just use the water to taunt him? Daniel
hoped his captors wouldn't resort to taunting him with food and water to get
his cooperation.
He
watched as the man approached him, nearly sighing in relief when the man
lowered his voice saying, "I'm sorry I woke you. I brought water. You must
drink it or..."
“I
know."
Daniel
released the breath he didn't even realize he was holding. He thought for sure
that this stranger would taunt him with the water knowing that he so
desperately desired it. Instead, the man handed it to him. Daniel slowly raised
the glass to his lips afraid that at any moment the glass would be knocked from
his hands and its precious contents spilled all over the floor. He remembered
Jack telling him of some of the various methods of torture a person may use to
obtain cooperation. Among those methods was starving and dehydrating a person
then tormenting them by showing them food or water and then getting rid of it.
He unconsciously shivered at the thought before starting to drink the water
that he so desperately craved.
The
man watched as the young scientist drank the water. He noticed how Doctor
Jackson stared at him uncertainly. The man obviously expected him to deny him
water. He didn't blame the young archaeologist for being so suspicious.
Obviously the man had an idea of what could happen when one becomes a prisoner
of value who refuses to cooperate. He felt guilt swamp him at the young
scientist's predicament. If only Murray hadn't of spotted the man on that planet
then Doctor Jackson would never have ended up in this predicament in the first
place. He could only shake his head and say, "I'm sorry..."
Daniel glanced up at him a little confused. Why was the man apologizing to him? What was going on? Who was this guy?
Daniel
decided not to worry about it asking, "What's your name?"
The
man before him jumped then stuttered, "Wh...why?"
Okay,
to say that the one before him was paranoid was a bit of an understatement. The
man was very nervous and anxious. Daniel had a feeling that this guy was an
unwilling participant in his abduction. If that was the case then Daniel could
have found his one ally in this damned prison. He needed to keep his eye on the
man and maybe, just maybe, the man would eventually help him.
Daniel
decided not to get too sure of his assessment. After all, he could be totally
wrong and if he was wrong and said the wrong thing to this man then his
predicament could definitely get a lot worse. He shook his head saying,
"Never mind. Forget I asked."
The
man surprised him as he muttered, "Paul."
"Paul?"
Paul?
So he finally had a name. Well, that at least was something. He glanced at the
man as the man replied, "Yes."
"Oh."
"Doctor
Jackson, I must go now. You had better get some rest. Levinson isn't done with
you yet. He needs you, so he will soon send for you again."
"Great."
The
man then quickly turned and left the room. Daniel thought of what...Paul had
said. Levinson isn't done with him yet...Levinson? Shit, the guy had just given
him a huge clue as to who now held him. Levinson, but how did that help him?
Well, at least he could put a name with a face. Levinson? Interesting. Did the
man intentionally say that name? Was he right in suspecting that the man only
wanted to help him? He would have to wait and see what happened. He couldn't
trust the man. For all he knew the man was toying with him to see if he would
be easy to persuade. Daniel knew he would have to watch himself around this guy
and around everyone else while he was here. If he wasn't careful he could end
up in a worse predicament. One thing Jack had taught him was to never
underestimate your captors and expect them to try anything...ANYTHING to gain
your trust. If you trusted your captors then you were a lot easier to control
and a lot easier to use. Daniel found himself smiling as he thought of how
impressed Jack would be to learn that Daniel had actually paid attention to
most of his lessons.
Daniel
shifted to get more comfortable, if that was even possible in his present
situation. He gasped as he bumped the wall with his back and nearly cried out
as fire lanced up across it. Damn it, his back hurt like hell! He waited for
the sudden resurgence of pain to end then started thinking of how the hell he
was going to get out of this damned prison. He closed his eyes against the pain
in his body focusing on clearing his mind. He nearly jumped in shock when
Anubis' voice connected with him, "It is becoming too dangerous for us
here, Daniel. We must soon return to our reality. I am sorry."
"I
understand. Thank you for your help."
"We
will not forget you."
"Thanks.
I won't forget you either."
Then
the air around him grew eerily silent. He felt a sudden calm sweep over and
encompass him. He then drifted deeply asleep.
* * * *
As Anubis continued to talk with Major Carter he felt the sudden effects of entropic cascade failure. He knew that his time here on this Earth was growing short quickly. He didn't have much time but he planned to stay as long as he was able. With the increase in frequency of the tremors and the time lapses between each decreasing Anubis knew that him and his host had only precious few hours left before they would have no choice but to depart this Earth. If they were to stay much longer they would both perish.
Major Carter watched Anubis in concern and worry. She knew that something was wrong and knew the tremors were attacking him faster. She also knew that if he stayed here on this Earth much longer he would die. She didn't want to have to make Anubis leave this Earth but had a feeling that it could very well come down to that. She sensed that he wouldn't leave this reality until their Daniel was safely back at the SGC. Sam had a feeling that they wouldn't find Daniel for at least another day or two. She had a lot of tests to run and once she managed to successfully narrow down their field of search they would still have to scour those areas. Tracing the second Stargate only provided her with an area of focus it didn't provide her with an exact location of Daniel.
Anubis
silently waited for the tremors to pass trying to keep the sound of his pain
from surfacing. He was very well aware that if his host and him suffered
through any more of those intense tremors they could start causing physical
harm to both of them. He hoped that wouldn't happen. He wasn't sure how many
more tremors he and Daniel could handle before their strength would completely
fail. As he looked up into the Major's eyes he knew that he wasn't fooling her.
Major Carter knew that he didn't have much time. He looked into her worried
face as she said, "You don't have much time. Staying here even now is dangerous.
You have to go back."
"We
will when we are ready."
"You'll
die."
"We
will be fine."
"I
know that's not true. I've seen this before. It only gets worse. You can't stay
in our world much longer. At the rate the tremors are attacking you'll both be
dead by tomorrow morning. You can't do that."
"You
are right, Major Carter. The danger to us has increased, but Doctor
Jackson..."
"Wouldn't
want you risking yourself, killing yourself to save him. Don't do that to
him."
"You
are correct. We will depart shortly. Do not fear so, Major Carter."
"I..."
Jack O'Neill suddenly burst into her lab without asking permission first. He started saying, "Carter, I need...Oh hi. Didn't realize you had company. Sorry."
"Colonel,
they have to go back."
“Excuse
me?" responded Jack as he eyed up their visitor. Anubis wasn't looking too
good. Jack became a bit worried that Daniel's and Anubis' time here on this
Earth was growing very short. They would have to return to their own world soon
or they would both perish. Jack looked up at Carter as she attempted to answer
his inquiry, "To their world, Colonel. The tremors are coming faster now.
If they don't depart soon then they will die."
"How
soon will...?"
"I'm
not sure. They may have eight hours. I don't know. Everything is happening so
much faster now."
"Faster?"
"Yes.
When my alternate was here she didn't feel the tremors until forty-eight hours
passed. They are experiencing them much faster..."
"Why?"
"All
I can think of is that there are two beings in one body and both of those
beings are also here on Earth. Daniel is here and so is Anubis, only he resides
in
Anubis
watched the exchange between Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter then added to
Carter's statement, "I would agree with Major Carter in her assessment.
Daniel and I must depart this world shortly or we will be no more."
"They
may need some help to get to PQR-189...I believe that ring of stones has the
ability to return them to their reality, Colonel."
"I'll
go with them. If I have to then I'll go with them to their world."
"You
can't!"
"Why
not?"
“Because
you'll face the same problem. Two of you in one reality."
"I'll
be fine for at least forty-eight hours, Major. We may not have a choice in the
matter."
Anubis looked from Major Carter to Colonel O'Neill then added, "He is right, Major Carter. Daniel and I are growing weaker the more we experience the tremors. We may need assistance to get to our SGC."
"What
if this doesn't work? What if I'm wrong about what those ring of rocks does? If
I'm wrong, sir, then Anubis and Daniel..."
Jack
quickly spoke up, "You're not wrong, Carter. Stop second-guessing
yourself. This will work."
"Okay..."
"I'm
going to speak with
“I
think so...two Stargates."
"What?"
"Daniel
was brought here some how. He had to be brought via Stargate. If ours was the
only one..."
"He
would've showed up here, but..." Jack didn't like what Carter was
suggesting. If there was a second Stargate that could only mean that someone
was providing funding and support for it to be operational. Someone was housing
a Stargate somewhere on Earth. Jack could only think of a few people who would
want to get their hands on a Stargate and would actually begin to use it...The
people who came to his mind were not the kind of people he would entrust a
Stargate to. They had to locate the second Stargate and eliminate it. The
people who had the second Stargate were also people Jack would never place
Daniel with. Those who held Daniel were people you didn't want to mess with. He
knew that with this new knowledge of a second Stargate that Daniel was in a hell
of a lot more danger than originally suspected…
Carter's
voice interrupted Jack's train of thought, "Either the Russian Stargate is
active again or the one on Thor's ship wasn't destroyed."
"You've got to be kidding Major. We watched that iris being sealed on the Russian Stargate and as for the one on Thor's ship..."
"Do
you have another explanation, Colonel?"
"Well...not
at the moment, but I'm thinking."
"The
only other possible explanation is that someone figured out how Orlan built
that home made Stargate in my garage."
"Simmons
was involved in that case..."
Shit!
If Simmons was also involved in this abduction Daniel was in a hell of a lot of
trouble! Daniel had told him of how the man had interrogated him regarding
Sarah Gardner and the effects that alien influences could have had on Daniel's
mindset. Simmons was targeting Jack's entire unit and the SGC. Jack had a
feeling that Simmons either wanted General Hammond's job or wanted to destroy
the Stargate Program completely. He didn't trust the man in the least and had
very little doubt of the man's involvement in this whole mess. Jack looked at
Carter as she continued, "Okay, so maybe they built their own. But all the
evidence of what he used and how he made it was destroyed..."
"But
Simmons was involved..."
"Shit.
Well, there is our other explanation, Colonel."
"Yeah
but Simmons...? Do you think he's even smart enough to...?"
Shit!
What if Simmons did figure out how Orlan built that Stargate at Major Carter's
house? He didn't think the man was smart enough to pull it off but Simmons had
been keeping Carter's house under surveillance the entire time that Orlan was
staying with her. Who's to say that he didn't know Orlan was building that gate
and didn't take notes on the whole thing? He acted as surprised as everyone
else when he saw the homemade Stargate in her garage but that could have all
been for show. Jack hoped that isn't what happened. The last thing they needed
was some crazy guy out there building his own gate and traveling to other
planets.
Sam's next comment served to put voice to his own personal thoughts on the whole thing, "Let's hope not."
* * * *
Later...
Daniel Jackson opened his eyes as the door to his cell opened again. It was the two thugs. He inwardly groaned. Oh great...time for round three...or was it round four now? Who knew…he had lost track of how many beatings he's suffered through already. He again found himself wondering if it was night or day and wondering just how much time had passed. Damn, he hated that almost more than anything. No concept of time whatsoever. He also knew that was just another way to wear him down. People's lives were built around a clock. They had certain times to get up, to go to work, to go to sleep, to eat...Life was built on time. People relied heavily on watches to help them keep track of things. Being denied a clock or a watch or even a window from which to view whether it was nighttime or daytime tended to drive people nuts. Daniel could really care less about what time it was. The thing that bothered him the most was being denied the simple assurance of when the sun was up and when it was set. He hated not knowing if it was day or night.
Daniel found himself wincing as Lance started yanking him to his feet. The man's fingers were once again digging painfully into the already bruised flesh of Daniel's upper arms. Daniel kicked out at the man. He felt a momentary sense of satisfaction as he felt his foot impact with the man's midriff and heard the man's strangled cry of pain. He was damned tired of being pushed around!
Daniel
had little time to feel satisfied as he quickly found himself being grabbed by
the other thug, James, and being slammed back first, none too gently, against
the wall. Daniel tried to bite back his scream of pain but was unsuccessful as
anguish ripped through his back from the violent impact. His bruised back
protested very loudly to being rammed against the wall. He felt the dampness of
unshed tears threatening to spill over in response to that sudden immense pain
and denied them release. He'd be damned if he would let them see how much pain
he was actually in! He clenched his eyes tightly shut in response to the
renewed agony in his back. He then felt a brutal backhand suddenly connect with
his left cheek. Pain seared up across the left side of his face and he felt his
head snap violently to the right. He could feel the stinging burning impact
from the strike. He also swore that he was seeing stars, momentarily. He could
feel warm liquid dribbling out of his nose and knew that his nose was now
bleeding. He attempted to regain his focus on his tormentor when he vaguely
heard Lance demand, "Let me at him!"
Daniel
felt himself suddenly being released then quickly regrabbed and reslammed
against the wall. He yelped as pain again traveled across his back. He clenched
his eyes tightly shut against the renewed anguish now assaulting him and
started to bite into his lower lip to keep from further voicing his pain. He
heard Lance's voice much too close to him, "You are stupid to resist me,
Doctor Jackson. I don't like you and my boss doesn't like you either. I could
make your life a living hell if I wanted to and my boss wouldn't give a damn! I
expect an apology for that strike."
"You're
crazy!"
He
expected an apology? Bullshit! Daniel would be damned if he was going to
apologize for kicking the bloody bastard! The man was a total asshole!
Daniel
became aware of Lance gripping his upper arms even tighter and pushing him
against the wall harder then needed. This man was most definitely pissed off.
Daniel felt Lance release his right arm and momentarily wondered why. He didn't
have long to wait for his answer as the man lashed out at him again. Daniel
groaned as a painful backhand caught him across the other side of his face. He
felt his head snap to the left in response. He also felt his entire body lurch
to the left.
Lance
increased his already intense grip on Daniel's upper left arm causing a low
whimper to elicit from between Daniel's slightly parted lips. The man
continued, "Spiritedness will only get you killed, Doctor..."
"How
nice," Daniel snapped back in response.
WHACK!
Daniel felt another vicious backhand connect with his face and cursed. He could
feel blood now running freely from both sides of his nose. Damn, what the hell was
that for? Of course, he knew that was for his cockiness. Daniel glared coldly
in the man's direction. The man ordered, "Apologize!"
"For what? Didn't do anything."
The
man responded to Daniel's comment by driving an upper cut punch directly into
Daniel's solar plexus. Daniel dropped fast and landed painfully onto his
already battered knees. He groaned as he felt the impact of the strike and the
hard floor digging into already cut up knees. He would have screamed if he
still had any air left in his lungs to do so. Instead, he doubled over sharply
coughing violently and gasping in huge gulps of air. He felt suddenly very
nauseous. God, he wanted to throw up. He could taste the bitter bile in his
throat and swallowed it back down. He now covered his aching stomach with his
shackled hands. He faintly heard movement and could only groan as he felt a
vicious blow being driven into his left side. Not one blow but several in rapid
succession. The strikes drove into his side like a knife, penetrating tender flesh
powerfully and deeply. He found himself wondering if the man was wearing
steel-toed shoes because the kicks sure as hell felt that way. He had pissed
this guy off and now he was paying the price. He tried to pull from the man to
get away from the painful, cruel kicks now being directed into his side but had
little success.
He cried out repetitively as one kick after another assaulted his left side. Each blow to his side sent pain skirting across the length of his lower ribs and left him choking for air and desperate to regain his control back. Daniel thought for sure the assault on his lower left side was going to continue indefinitely. Finally, the uncontrolled kicking ceased but the pain laying in its wake was immense. Daniel's side felt raw and sore. He knew he would have deep dark bruises there come morning. Goddamn it but his side now hurt! Son of a bitch! He prayed none of his ribs had been cracked or broken from those brunt merciless kicks. His attention was drawn back to the man responsible for delivering those harsh kicks as he ordered, "Apologize!"
Daniel
managed to, at least, raise his head enough to glare sinisterly at the man
standing above him and choked out, "Ne...Never."
He
screamed as the next kick drove into him so hard that he flew violently onto
his right side. He lapsed into a fit of coughs, as a result, sure that he
coughed up blood. He struggled to regain his breathing and regain his focus. He
groaned as he felt himself strike the wall hard not realizing until it was too
late that he had been so close to it. Shit, he was trapped! The man kneeled
down beside him then said, "So, Doctor Jackson, do you feel like
apologizing to me now?"
Daniel
bit out in anger, “For what, you crazy bastard?"
He
was now holding his chained hands lightly over the new bruises in an effort to
shield them from further abuse, glaring at the man before him coldly.
Daniel saw rage fill Lance's face immediately after his response. He had little time to react as Lance lashed out at him grasping a huge lock of his short hair and yanking him upwards by it. He screamed in response to the painful grip in his hair. Agony sliced through his head and instantly he had a migraine. He clenched his eyes tightly shut against the pain preparing for the worst. God, but the grip in his hair hurt like hell! He couldn't react. He couldn't even speak as he became totally focused on the extreme pain now filling his entire body. His head began to throb intensely as the grip in his hair didn't ease up. He could feel himself becoming slightly dizzy and lightheaded. He wanted to beg for the man to release him but stubbornly refused to do so. He realized that he was breathing heavily and nearly gasped as each breath ignited the new painful bruising across the left side of his body. He swallowed hard biting back any protests he wanted to voice. He would not give this bastard the satisfaction of hearing his sounds of pain.
Paul
Jameson had been told that Lance and James went to retrieve Doctor Jackson, and
he knew that he needed to get there quickly. As soon as Levinson told him where
the two were Paul left. How long had they been alone with
As
he entered the room, that was now serving as
That
simple comment served to draw Lance's attention and had the desired effect as
Lance released the young man's hair quickly ordering, "Get up!"
Daniel
clenched his eyes shut praying the pain in his head and body would soon end. He
felt the grip in his hair being released and allowed himself to fall to the
floor. Oh God, his head hurt so badly! He inhaled deeply silently thanking God
that the man finally released him. He heard Lance's order and glanced at the
man mentally replying to his order, 'Yeah, right after that beating. Shit, this
guy is nuts!'
Daniel knew there was no way in hell that he was getting to his feet on his own. No way in hell! He wasn't getting to his feet yet. He glanced up as the other thug dropped down beside him, looping his arm across Daniel's shoulders. Despite knowing that this man was also getting much enjoyment out of beating him Daniel found that he was still grateful for the help. He would be damned if he would bother to thank the man though. He was just as bad as Lance was. The only reason he offered to help Daniel to his feet was so his boss wouldn't get pissed.
James
moved to aid the young man helping a very shaky, bruised Jackson to his feet.
The man was unsteady still holding his arms protectively over his stomach
standing half hunched over. James didn't even seem to care that the man was
wavering on his feet. God, how could these two beat a man and not feel
anything, any type of remorse for doing so? They were sick!
Jameson
cursed mentally. The kid had obviously been slapped and kicked around a bit in
the last few minutes. The kid was struggling to stay upright. Kid? Now where
the hell did that come from? Jackson was at least thirty-four years old so why
had he called the man a kid? He shook his head then looked at Jackson again. He
watched as Lance grabbed him by his upper left arm and saw Jackson flinch in
response. Then they were dragging him again.
Daniel
cursed. Damn it, but he was really tired of being dragged everywhere! He could
fuckin' walk on his own! He yanked against the tight grips on his upper arms
and was rewarded for his struggles with both grips intensifying. He bit back
his cry of pain. Then he said in anger, "I can walk myself, you
know!"
Both
men stopped and eyed the scientist up. James looked at Lance who nodded his
head saying, "Fine. Go ahead."
They both released him and Daniel nearly crumpled not realizing just how battered and weak he was. He glared at Lance who was sneering at him. Daniel hardened his resolve. He was damned if he'd allow these two thugs to intimidate him further and if he could still walk on his own he was damned if he'd allow them to drag him! He straightened up further then began to walk.
James
widened his eyes as Lance looked over at him. Lance merely shrugged and
followed. Damn, if this scientist wasn't stubborn as hell! He quickly closed
the distance between him and Jackson knowing that if they came in behind
Jackson then Levinson wouldn't be too happy.
As
Daniel entered the room he saw the man, Levinson, looking at him. The man
seemed a bit surprised that Daniel was unaided. He had watched the monitor as
Lance enjoyed sucker punching Jackson then kicking him repetitively in the
side. He knew the man before him had to be in immense pain. After all, that
beating did just take place several minutes ago. He noticed that this man had
will power, strength and determination. He found that a small part of himself
actually respected Jackson, a very small part of himself.
Jackson
was the first to speak, which surprised Levinson as well, "I don't know
why you even bother. The answer is no and it will remain no. I refuse to
translate for you, and I refuse to contact anyone for you. No. You can do
whatever you want to me, Levinson, but it won't work."
Levinson was very surprised when Jackson said his name but his face remained devoid of all emotion. A new voice arose from behind Daniel. One that Daniel recognized, "That really is a shame, Doctor Jackson. I would hate to have to order my men to resort to whatever means necessary to procure your cooperation."
Daniel
turned glaring icily at the man. He spoke evenly, "Colonel Maybourne. I
should have known."
"I
was so hoping that you would willingly cooperate. Now we may have to resort to
other means. My men have been going easy on you. Maybe it's time they stopped.
Maybe they need to be harsher with you... Do you have any idea how many bones are
in the human body, Doctor Jackson? Oh, what was I thinking? Of course you know.
You're a doctor, Doctor. If I give the order to my men to get your help any way
possible expect some broken bones. I need your mind, your eyes and your
hands...well, one hand. I don't need anything else. I suggest you cooperate
with me or things will become very bad for you very quickly."
“I
won't translate for you."
"All
right then contact someone who will...or someone who already knows how this
stuff works."
"Right,
like who?"
Daniel
already knew where Maybourne was going with that statement. He just wanted the
man to say it aloud. Maybourne didn't disappoint him, "The Asgard..."
"Sorry,
they contact us. Remember?"
"The
Tollan."
"Same."
"The
Nox."
"Can't
even gate to that planet any more. Sorry, Maybourne."
"The
Tok'ra."
"No."
"Doctor
Jackson, let me tell you why I need their help. Perhaps my reasons may persuade
you."
"I
very much doubt that anything you have to say would be all that important, Maybourne."
Daniel watched as the man's jaw clenched and Maybourne glared icily in his direction. Maybourne was one person Daniel did not like. The man had very little redeeming qualities, if any. No, Maybourne was a snake. He was the kind of person who didn't give a damn about basic human rights. His only concern was making it up the chain of command and the military ranks as quickly as possible, using whatever means possible. Maybourne would probably even be willing to sell his soul to the devil if the offer came with a guarantee that he'd be rewarded. Maybourne was a stupid fool. He didn't care about anything or anybody. Maybourne was a complete jerk. He was willing to imprison a whole race of people simply because they had some powers the government wanted to exploit.
He
still remembered the incident with the Tollan. Maybourne had planned to do just
that to them. He tried to justify it by saying it was his duty. He had argued
with Maybourne that they were people not possessions. Daniel had been so outraged
that the man would even dare suggest locking them away 'for their own safety.'
Bullshit! He had been very glad that his team backed him up on that argument.
Jack, Sam and Teal'c were all as enraged as he was when Maybourne had made that
statement. Daniel had felt exhilarated when he watched Lya emerge from the
Stargate and made the Tollan invisible so that they could safely escape the
planet. Daniel had known that day he had made himself an enemy. Maybourne had
to return to his superiors empty-handed all because of some civilian who
willingly broke the law to help the Tollan flee Earth. He knew that day that he
had made an enemy. He glared at Maybourne then said, "Why even bother,
Maybourne? Why didn't you just stay retired?"
"Retirement
is rather boring, Doctor Jackson. I needed something to keep me busy..."
"So
you rebuilt your renegade teams so they could steal from and exploit
others?"
"I
did it for Earth, Doctor Jackson. You should be more then willing to help us.
We are finding ways to eliminate the threat of the Goa'uld. You should be glad
we're doing something about that threat."
"By
exploiting people? By stealing from people? Do you remember the last time
someone decided they wanted a...souvenir, Maybourne? It nearly destroyed
another world and would have destroyed ours if we hadn't managed to get the
damned thing back! What you're doing is wrong Maybourne, and it will blow up in
your face! You're messing with things you know absolutely nothing about!"
"That's
why we need you, Doctor Jackson. Perhaps after you have a look at what we want
translated then you'll consider..."
"No,
I won't consider anything! I won't do it!"
Maybourne nodded towards Levinson. He spoke, "Ayanna, could you retrieve the artifact that I wanted Doctor Jackson to have a look at?"
"Yes."
It
was then that Daniel took notice to the woman with the long blond hair. She had
been standing directly behind Levinson, which is why Daniel hadn't seen her
until now. He wondered how she fit into all of this. Who was she and why was
she working for a man like Maybourne? He could only shake his head wondering
how Maybourne ever managed to get so many people working for him.
He
noticed the woman reenter with what appeared to be a canopic jar. Daniel stared
at it remembering, all too well, Osiris. Two canopic jars had been lost in a
shipment of Egyptian artifacts years ago when the ship sank in the ocean. The
crates had been recently rescued. With that shipment was two jars with Goa'uld
symbols on them. It was discovered later that the jars served as a containment
vessel for two Goa'uld symbiotes. One was Isis, who died when the seal of her
jar was broken in transport. She was perfectly preserved for being contained in
an artifact that was over thousands of years old. The other jar held Osiris.
Unfortunately, Osiris had been let out of his jar accidentally and found
himself a host. The host was Daniel's old friend Sarah Gardner.
Daniel
was so focused on that jar that he had failed to see the woman leave the room
and return again. This time she returned holding a tablet of stone in her arms.
He heard Levinson address him, "Doctor Jackson, do come closer."
"No."
He
had no choice but to cooperate as he was quickly seized on either side by the
two thugs who brought him here. Damn, he hadn't even heard those thugs approach
because he had been focused on that jar. He was dragged to the desk and glanced
down at the objects, now lying on the desk, briefly. Daniel then looked back up
at the man saying, "A jar and a tablet? Anyone can translate these."
"Not
when they're written in Goa'uld, Doctor Jackson."
Daniel
couldn't resist glancing at them and as he saw the symbols on the tablet he
read the first line mentally. That first line was enough to tell him that he
wasn't about to translate this. Levinson questioned, "So what do you
say?"
"I
say both of these objects need to go back to where they came from."
"Why?"
"They're
cursed. Are you a superstitious person by chance?"
Levinson
looked at the man before him and smiled at him, but no warmth was in that smile
or those piercing eyes. Daniel continued, "I won't translate a word of
this."
"Then
give me the Stargate address of the Tok'ra home base."
"I
have no idea what you're talking about."
"Come
now Doctor Jackson, I've done my research. You and your team spent a lot of
time earlier this year relocating them to their new home base. I want that
address."
"I
don't know it."
"Really?
I suppose you don't know the address of the Tollan home world either
then?"
“No.
Sorry."
"Did
I ever tell you how much I despise liars, Doctor Jackson?"
"No."
"Don't
lie to me. You were at that planet recently. You helped free that Abydonian boy
from his Goa'uld."
Daniel
watched the man wondering where he was getting his information. He wondered if
there was an inside leak at the SGC. He hated to think that there might be but
how else could he explain the knowledge this man seemed to possess regarding
several missions?
Levinson continued, "Your choices are very simple here, Jackson. Either translate these artifacts or tell us those addresses...or contact those races for us."
"No."
"You
should really reconsider your choices here, Doctor. You have been treated well
thus far. If you continue to refuse to give me information I want that will
quickly change."
"No."
"I
see. You would rather suffer longer at the hands of Lance and James. Both are
skilled interrogators I assure you. What will your choice be?"
"No."
"Lance,
James please escort the good doctor to his room. Make sure he learns what
happens to those who refuse to cooperate. Better yet leave him strung up by his
wrists a few days. Maybe that will...persuade him to see the light."
Daniel glared sinisterly at the man cursing as the two thugs started dragging him by his arms again. This time, however, Daniel didn't protest. He could feel his strength quickly falter as the pain in his abused body seemed to intensify and become worse. He kept all evidence of his pain from ever reaching his face. God, he hurt like hell and knew another onslaught of...interrogation was coming, and this time it would be so much worse.
Daniel
was so focused on keeping from voicing his pain that he hadn't realized they
were now at the room he had been in earlier. He was dragged to the center of
the room and they unshackled his wrists preparing to reshackle them above his
head. Daniel fought back but since he was already worn down from lack of food,
the previous beatings and limited water intake the two thugs got the upper hand
rather quickly as Lance drove a kick, a very brutal well-aimed kick to Daniel's
gut. Daniel screamed loudly as he felt severe pain stab at him as a result of
the kick; he screamed so loud that even the thugs failed to hear the loud
cracking snap as the first bone in Daniel's body was broken...a rib, a lower
rib on his right side. Daniel nearly collapsed in response to the overwhelming
pain the now broken rib treated him to. The two thugs quickly overpowered him
as the kick drove him to the floor sending him crashing to his knees yet again
and making him automatically double, folding in on himself trying to shield and
protect his already badly bruised stomach and side.
Daniel wanted to retch. He felt bile rising in the back of his throat, threatening to exit his mouth. He struggled to pull air into his lungs wincing each time a simple breath would cause stabbing pain to arch up across his chest. He knew that wasn't a very encouraging sign. He became suddenly aware that something was most likely now broken in his chest, no doubt one of his lower ribs. He groaned as he was pulled brutally to his feet. He attempted to struggle yet again, but the pain in his gut kept him rather docile. He could feel his shirt being yanked off of him suddenly and he groaned as his left arm was yanked, none too gently, above his head and a cold metal cuff was slapped onto his wrist. He winced as the metal cuff seemed to magically find the sore cuts and bruises on his wrist from the last time he was secured in this room. He felt his other arm being jerked above his head and similarly secured in place. Daniel heard the thug behind him saying, "I would suggest you close your eyes, Doctor Jackson."
Daniel was a bit confused by that until cloth fell across his eyes. Shit, a blindfold! Damn it, they were blindfolding him now! He mentally groaned as the blindfold was secured tightly across his eyes. His sight was now taken from him. He knew that this was just another method of interrogation. Cut off a person's vision to wear down their defenses quicker. The bastards! Daniel could honestly say he wasn't too thrilled to now be blindfolded, but he would still be damned if he would work for Maybourne. Maybourne, the bastard!
Daniel listened as the door to the room opened. He could hear someone's footsteps receding down the hallway. He knew for sure that they weren't just going to let him be without beating him around a bit. Both of these men seemed to get some kind of sick, twisted, demented thrill out of harming another. They were the kinds of men who enjoyed inducing pain on others. They were the kind of men who loved, and craved, the power that beating another would give them. He felt ill. It had taken him quite a long time to accept the fact that there were people out in the world who enjoyed hurting others. Daniel believed that all humans were good. He believed that even the evilest person still had an ounce of good in themselves somewhere. He had known that such people existed, those who induced pain on others just because it thrilled them to do so. Those who craved power and could only feel that power when they abused another. He knew that there were far too many of those people out there in the world today. Far too many...
His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as he heard the door again open. His tormentors had returned. The beating was about to begin. Daniel found that he wasn't too fond of the not knowing. When one was blindfolded one had no way of knowing what was coming. They just knew a strike of some sort would occur...sometime. When you were blindfolded you had no idea what implement would be used to induce the hurting. Daniel found that he would much rather have his sight back. His imagination was running wild. He had a very vivid imagination. His imagination was pulling up some rather scary things right now so Daniel decided it was time to fill his mind with something a lot more pleasant, like his wife or Jack or Sam or Teal'c. Much better to think of his friends and loved ones then what the hell these two clowns had prepared for him. He already hurt everywhere practically. When would they realize he wouldn't cooperate no matter what? Too many lives at stake here on Earth as well as out there...
Daniel gasped, hissing loudly as he felt the implement of torture encounter his flesh for the first time. He would've screamed if he hadn't been so distracted. Thank God for small favors. One thing you did not want to do is give people like these two bastards any indication that the strikes hurt like hell. If he screamed in the presence of these two it might have the opposite effect. They might beat him longer and harsher just because they could sense their control over their victim when that victim verbalized pain. Daniel didn't want to give them the satisfaction. He vowed to hold back from screaming as long as he could.
Daniel
heard the implement of his torture again slicing at the air to come crashing
down across his already badly bruised back. Daniel nearly did scream that time.
He could feel it digging and biting mercilessly into his flesh. He knew, was
sure, what was being used on him now...a corded whip. It had to be a whip. He
felt nauseous just thinking of the whip. He could feel two deep cuts in his
back. The cuts crisscrossed one another creating an "X" shaped
pattern across his already battered back. He could feel his blood spilling over
the lashes, running down over his back, the scarlet red of his blood
intermingling over top the crude dark bruising across his flesh already. He was
sure the image was quite grotesque. He tried to think of more pleasant things.
He nearly cried out as the whip again sought his back out. He could feel the
lash filleting his skin, succeeding in opening raw flesh to the air. The newest
gash across his back burned and seared as the cold air of his cell struck it.
God, the pain was intense and he had only been lashed three times so far. His
tormentors were far from over.
Daniel clenched his eyes shut tightly trying to call up some inner calm. He drew his body taut as he heard the whip hissing in the air in preparation for yet another agonizing strike. He tensed his body then gripped the chain that the shackles securing his wrists hung from. He waited knowing the strike would soon come. He could hear the whip slicing the quiet air as it sought to destroy his back. He felt the next lash come crashing down across the center of his back. He jumped that time as a jolt of pain, like an electrical current, flew through his entire body. He could feel the lash digging and slicing into the tender flesh of his back showing no mercy as it successfully split his skin open nearly to the bone. He knew that if it weren’t for the shackles he was now dangling from that he would have fallen directly to the floor. His back was alive with pain now. His bruises were throbbing again and now the four new lacerations across his back burned and seared. He clenched his eyes tightly shut, swallowing hard. God, how many more strikes were left before these bastards were finished? The answer that came back to him was not very encouraging...too damned many!
He felt anger and rage towards his captors. He found out, rather quickly, that he despised the damned blindfold that now temporarily stole his sight, but no matter how he hated it he would not help them. He refused to help them. They would find out the hard way and their beatings would probably only get worse, more careless, as Daniel denied them what they wanted. He could die here; God, he hoped not. What a way to go...beaten to death, slowly. Daniel started shivering and it wasn't due to the temperature of the room either. He mentally yelled at himself for thinking so negatively. It's only been a few days. He could do this. Hold out until he was either rescued or he got his chance to escape. Of course, with the consistency of the beatings each day...and he was sure he was beaten at least once each day, him escaping on his own could be a problem. He probably wouldn't get too far if he tried. He was already weaker than he had been upon arrival. Dehydration and starvation were quick to zap strength, add in being beaten every damn day and that made for a pretty weak person. Physical weakness wasn't good, but if Daniel had his mental strengths that was all he needed. He could not tell them anything because the risks were just too high, which meant that even if he knew the beatings were quickly adding up to his death...he'd die. He would die to protect all those people out there. It was a small price to pay to save worlds...a very small price to pay.
Daniel inhaled shakily as the greedy whip lay into his back yet again pulling crimson blood quickly to the surface and sending it in a rush, like a river, down across previous lashes and bruises. The pain was sheer agony. He tensed up again clenching the chains holding him prisoner. The chain was like a lifeline; it was the only thing keeping Daniel on his feet. He felt the next strike drive into him and send him flying rapidly downwards. He nearly screamed as the shackles securing his wrists jerked his body to a sudden, jarring halt. He gasped as they tightened up in response to that sudden stop. He could feel the metal slice right into his wrists, digging at them and mercilessly tearing open more flesh. He felt warm blood trailing down across his arms from his chained wrists and knew that the shackles had pierced flesh. He made himself focus on getting to his feet once again. Daniel was stubborn and forced himself back to his feet. He would remain standing until the brutal whipping drove him to the point where standing was no longer an option. As the lash bit into his back again Daniel gasped shakily feeling tears of pain threaten to move past his closed eyelids. Damn it but his back was now on fire! The pain was enough to take his breath away. Daniel had never before felt anything so agonizing in his life...Well, except maybe when he was almost murdered by that damned hand device that Klorel had used on him on Apophis' ship. He had been sure that day that he would die...again. He was positive he was on the verge when Jack was forced to make one of the hardest choices in his life to save Daniel. Shoot one friend to save another. Jack had shot and killed Skaara that day to save Daniel's life. It was Klorel who wanted to murder Daniel not Skaara and the Goa'uld had nearly succeeded in doing so. Skaara had been returned to health as Klorel's guards collected their fallen lord and placed him in the sarcophagus to heal...
Daniel yelped that time. He actually yelped as the sudden strike across his back ended his thoughts right then and there leaving him open to feel every individual lash. The distraction tactic worked, as long as you could ignore the pain, but some strikes were just too painful to ignore. He realized his tormentor was asking him something and had a feeling this wasn't the first time. His failure to respond is what made that last strike so harsh and biting. Daniel tried to focus. The pain in his back was almost overwhelming. He desperately tried to stay alert and focused but was quickly losing that particular battle. His back felt raw, torn and jagged. The lashing successfully helped to make Daniel's back even more sensitive than before. He suddenly realized that his legs were no longer holding his body upright. He was hanging by the chains imprisoning his wrists. He could feel the shackles digging into the tender flesh of his wrists like a knife, chafing and abrading his tender skin harshly. Daniel's hands were also beginning to go numb. He tried to force his legs back under him and was rewarded with another very painful lash for his efforts. He could tell that strike wasn't as controlled as the rest. The pain sliced at him as the new gash on his flesh bled and burned in response to the painful hit. He was also sent back down towards the floor. He groaned as he felt the shackles imprisoning his wrists digging deeper into his flesh, scraping them raw, causing more blood to continue rolling down his arms to create long crimson tracks in its wake. He vaguely heard Lance demand, "Are you willing to cooperate yet, Doctor Jackson? Answer me."
Daniel didn't respond again and tensed immensely as another vicious strike drove into his already severely beaten back. He groaned as he could feel the whip carve a path of raw filleted flesh from his right shoulder to his lower left hip crisscrossing over the other lashes. He heard the question again and responded with a quick no. His tormentor drove into him after that bringing the whip down across Daniel's back repetitively making each strike bitingly painful. Daniel felt his tight rein of control begin to slip as the whip sought out his back again and again turning previously unmarred flesh into ribbons and drawing blood to the surface. He could feel the blood rolling off of his back now. His back felt as if it were no longer solid flesh but raw strips of bleeding skin. He desperately tried to hold onto the chains he was dangling from but could feel his body giving in to the effects of such a vicious beating. His shoulder blades were starting to ache in response to the strain, as well. He felt his head drift forward and realized his feet no longer held him upright. He didn't even bother to hold himself upright any longer knowing it was a useless battle. He wanted to scream out in anguish as he felt the shackles on his wrists tearing and gouging into previous cuts and bruises. His shoulders and arms were starting to ache persistently from the sudden stress being placed on them. Daniel tried to count the lashes but quickly lost track of how many were delivered to his back so far. As the whip continued to dig greedily into his already badly damaged flesh he found even clear thought wasn't possible. His whole world quickly became one full of pain and anguish. Where he was cruelly tormented and tortured for his refusal to cooperate. His back felt raw and exposed as skin was continually carved and sliced into. Daniel prayed the lashing wouldn't scar. The last thing he wanted was to have a very scarred back from the brutal lashing he was now being forced to endure. Daniel felt himself growing increasingly more lightheaded. He was sure that he would pass out soon. He found that he hated the sound of that whip striking flesh and wanted the lashing to quickly end. How many lashes did it take to kill someone? Daniel didn't have an answer to that question and found that he was actually curious as to what the answer was. He was sure that he had been lashed over thirty times now but if that were the case then shouldn't he be dead by now? Daniel found that he suddenly wanted to beg for the lashing to stop, but he refused to give in. He would not let them win. He refused to let them win so he kept his mouth shut and tried to focus on something, anything other than what the hell that whip was doing to his back.
Daniel
felt his strength quickly abandoning him. He felt the blackness engulf him then
and was prepared to willingly accept it. Daniel felt all the strength and
energy go out of his body. He felt his hands release the tight grip it held on
the chain and felt his legs crumple further under him. He didn't care that he
was now just hanging from shackles. He knew he had no strength to support his
body. The lashing had cruelly zapped his energy, quickly depleting it. He
dropped his head forward and willingly surrendered to unconsciousness. He was
very glad to fall into that abyss for once.
James
noticed the young archaeologist go lax and was sure the man had passed out. He
spoke up, "Lance? Lance?"
"What?"
"He's
unconscious. You better stop. Boss wants him alive and able to work if he
volunteers. After a lashing like this he just might willingly do it too."
"Let's
leave the good doctor rest for now."
The
two quickly left the room locking the door on their way out.
Levinson
watched the monitor. He had cameras in most rooms in this building and decided
to watch Doctor Jackson's "lessons". The man was definitely
strong-willed. He was very surprised the man didn't break down. He was an
archaeologist, a civilian, not military. Levinson was sure the man would break
yet he had seen that fire and determination in this man, the instinct for
survival. This man had strength and courage. No doubt about it. Levinson found
that very unusual. He glanced up as Ayanna entered the room. He said,
"Ayanna?"
"Yes?"
"I
need you to go clean
"No
problem."
"Thank
you."
He
handed her the key to
She
quickly unlocked the door, flicking on the light. The first thing she noticed
was the smell. The room was tinged with the heavy, strong aroma of blood. God,
what had been done to the man to produce such a strong odor in the room? She
was suddenly glad for her training in the medical care field because without it
she'd never be able to do this. She noticed the man was completely unconscious
hanging by shackles and her heart went out to him. God, she couldn't allow this
to happen much longer. She just couldn't! As she approached him she could see a
small puddle of blood beginning to pool at the young man's feet. God, whatever
had been done to him he was bleeding badly. Levinson didn't tell her anything
of the man's condition before sending her down here to tend to him. As she
stepped directly in front of the unconscious man she could hear his shaky,
ragged breathing. She looked at his chest and winced as she saw the bruising on
his abdomen and side. Those bruises were only a few hours old and some of them
were definitely older. She looked at him and made a quick assessment of the
man's condition. Dark nasty bruises and cuts covered various areas of the man's
body. Now she had to check the source of that constantly ever-increasing pool
of crimson forming at his feet. She prepared herself for the absolute worst
knowing that only few things could cause that much blood to be lost.
As
she walked behind him she nearly lost her lunch. Oh my God, what the hell did
they do to him? She saw the lashes first and so, so much blood running down
across his body over nasty bruising. Was this all because he refused to
translate and refused to contact those people or hand out those addresses
Levinson wanted? She knew that her answer was yes and she knew that he had
endured this to save all of those people, all of those races. She had never
formally met Daniel Jackson before but she had heard stories regarding the
Tau'ri who was full of compassion and strength. He was usually spoken rather
highly of. Many said he was a very special Tau'ri, as were the other three
members of his team and General Hammond. Doctor Jackson was too good of a man.
He didn't deserve this kind of horrible treatment and abuse. When she first saw
him she expected him to give in rapidly to demands but he didn't. She had been
impressed by his spirit and constant refusal. He was very strong, indeed.
Doctor
Jackson needed her help now more than ever. She also needed to contact someone
who could get word to the SGC of his location. She gently lifted his head
paling when she saw the blindfold secured so cruelly across his eyes, so his
captors decided to steal his sight as well? She felt anger and rage at the men
who did this to Doctor Jackson. She had to get him out of here and soon. She
noticed that his face was very pale and flushed. Was that because of the loss
of blood or was a fever starting? God, she hoped he wasn't getting a fever. She
focused on his injuries and began to clean the gash on Daniel's temple. As she
worked so tenderly and patiently at cleaning up the man's face she realized
that this was the first time he'd been cleaned up since being here. After she
was done with his face she felt she was strong enough to deal with the man's
poor lashed back. She inhaled deeply and prepared for the next task. She would
be able to see just how much damage the whip caused the man once she had most
of the blood cleaned up. She gently pressed a cool damp cloth against his back
and he instantly gasped, seething as he tried to pull from her gentle contact.
God, his back must be so sore and so raw. How could anyone do what was done to
this man and live with themselves?
She had taken on this assignment six months ago when there
had been whisperings of artifacts and technologies being stolen again. She had
accompanied Jacob Carter and several other Tok'ra to Earth. Once here she
managed to slip out of Cheyenne Mountain Complex and started digging around.
Her digging led her to Levinson whom she started working for immediately. She
had never expected he would have connections to higher-ups who could get anyone
here they wanted. She had noticed linguists and archaeologists beginning to
work here trying to interpret artifacts. A lot of the items now here were
easily translated but as they progressed through the galaxy stealing things
that did not belong to them it became harder and harder to find someone who
could translate certain texts. Several weeks ago she had overheard a
conversation between Levinson and another. They discussed one Doctor Daniel
Jackson, which is what drew her to the conversation in the first place. They
had argued over procuring
Ayanna
continued to clean up Doctor Jackson and tried to figure out how she could best
aid him. It was very obvious that he would need to be rescued, and soon if the
present injuries on his body were any indication. His captors were already
getting impatient with the man and it had only been a few days. She hated to
think about what could possibly happen to him in the near future. For having
the man in their custody for such a short amount of time they managed to weaken
the man and beat him severely. Denying him food and providing him with barely
enough water to sustain him drained his energy as it was. When you added in the
fact that they have been beating him at least twice a day very severely it made
for a rather weak and injured young man. She had to let the Tok'ra know of
Daniel Jackson's whereabouts or he might not live long enough to be saved. She
finished cleaning up Daniel's injuries the best that she could then left the
room. She decided to check on him off and on throughout the night. He didn't
look too good, especially after the cruel lashing that was delivered to him.
* * * *
Anubis
could sense the sudden tension in his host and quickly became worried. His host
was no longer sleeping peacefully. He could sense the torment and anguish in
the man. Anubis had little doubt that the Daniel of this reality was suffering
yet again. He quickly focused all of his energy to reach out for the Daniel of
this world. He questioned the man of this reality if he was all right. Anubis
didn't like the sensations and images that came back to him. Daniel Jackson was
being brutally beaten with a whip. Anubis felt ill. He made himself calm down.
He then opened his eyes and looked into the face of one very concerned, very
fearful Samantha Carter. She questioned, "Are...are you all right? You
look really pale...I... Are you okay?"
"Do
not worry Major Carter, I will be fine."
Anubis sensed his host starting to stir. He was very disturbed by the sensations he was experiencing. Anubis became worried about his host knowing he was sensing and experiencing what the Daniel of this world is suffering through. His host has been a lot quieter than usual. As he has been sharing the experiences of the Daniel of this world he has been growing weaker. Anubis knew that was because some how both his host and Doctor Jackson were connected. Both of them were experiencing the suffering of one. Anubis' host was doing much better than Doctor Jackson. He was sharing Doctor Jackson's experiences but Anubis knew, could sense, that Doctor Jackson's suffering was much greater and much more intense for he was actually the one being tortured and abused. Anubis' host was only empathizing feeling the pain but not as strongly.
Anubis
was very worried for Doctor Jackson. If the man wasn't found soon... Anubis
shivered. He glanced up seeing Major Carter still watching him with those keen
eyes of hers. Her simple question drew his undivided attention, "It's
happening again, isn't it?"
Anubis
knew that she was speaking of Doctor Jackson being interrogated. He only
nodded. He heard O'Neill gasp and step towards him muttering "no" so
quietly that it was barely audible.
Sam
felt the impact of that simple answer. God, it was happening again! Daniel was
being beaten. They had to get him back before they were too late. Sam hated to
think of what all could be happening to the man right now. She hated the
waiting most of all...waiting for any hints as to where he might be, waiting to
see if any information would surface, waiting for him to return. He had managed
to return to this reality only to be captured. Had his abductor known that
he...? No, no that was impossible and Sam knew that it was. Daniel's abduction
hadn't been planned...or maybe it had, just for some time in the future. Why
would someone go through all that trouble to abduct Daniel, unless...her dad
had said they were back in business. They meaning the NID, those renegade Black
Ops teams. Sam had a feeling they were totally responsible for Daniel's sudden
disappearance. She couldn't help but wonder also if they had planned to grab
Daniel at some time in the future. Her suspicions didn't sit very well with her
at the moment.
Sam
jerked her head up as Anubis groaned loudly and suddenly doubled falling to his
knees. Sam was at his side instantly. She questioned worriedly, "What's
happening now?"
Anubis
managed to bite out a reply between grimaces, “Cascade...tremors...bad..."
Jack
jumped quickly to his feet then said, "Okay, that's it! You're going back
to your reality!"
"No...Colonel
O'Neill...please..."
"You
are going now! My God even Sam's alternate didn't let herself deteriorate too
far. You've been staying here knowing full well that death would occur if you
didn't soon leave. You no longer have a damned choice! I'm getting you and
Daniel home!"
Jack
quickly lifted Anubis up placing the man's arm across his shoulders; he guided
him quickly to the gate room. Sam contacted General Hammond to inform him of
what was occurring.
Jack
looked up as General Hammond entered the embarkation room. He took one glance
at the ashen pallor of one haggard looking Doctor Jackson and ordered the
coordinates for PQR-189 to be automatically dialed. He said, "Colonel, you
have a go!"
"Thank you, sir."
"We'll
work on locating him, Colonel."
"I
know you will."
Jack
then glanced at the man heavily leaning on him who looked so much like his best
friend. The man looked...dead and Jack refused to accept that. The man's eyes
suddenly opened and he stood up straighter saying, "I am fine, Colonel
O'Neill."
Jack
felt relieved to see his eyes open again but refused to believe that Anubis was
fine. He quickly stated, "The hell you are! You're still leaning on me
heavily..."
"I
am fine."
"So
if I let you go then you can remain upright on your own?"
Anubis
glanced into the piercing, concerned gaze of Colonel O'Neill. He could see that
the man was very worried. Anubis knew he couldn't stand on his own any longer.
He had waited too long to depart and now the tremors were starting to
incapacitate him. Death would surely arrive in the next several hours if he
didn't get back to his time, to his world. He had hid the tremors well not
wanting to abandon the Daniel of this world. He had been very well aware that
the forty-eight hour time limit had been hit and passed, but instead of leaving
he had remained. He was, also, aware that the tremors had been accelerated as a
result of two Daniel's and two Anubis' being in the same reality. He should not
even be able to stand but Anubis was stubborn, as well as his host. He stayed
despite knowing that his body, and that of his host's, had been breaking down
rapidly throughout the last few hours. Anubis' thoughts abruptly ended as he
sensed his host fall silent again. When he focused on the Daniel Jackson of
this world he knew that the man was now unconscious. Anubis had hoped that his
sudden weakness had been a result of his host experiencing what the Daniel of
this reality was, but he noticed how he still was weak and still needed to
leave. He glanced up as the Stargate rumbled to life and was only faintly aware
of O'Neill exchanging more words with his General and being led up a ramp. He
nearly blacked out as he felt himself being led through the Stargate supported
by strong arms.
The
trip was instantaneous as all three of their bodies broke down to transfer to
another planet. Once on the other side of the gate Anubis glanced up still
feeling weak and forcing himself to remain conscious. He noticed that this
planet looked like Tethys, exactly like Tethys. He questioned, "Are we in
our reality?"
"No,
not yet. This is PQR-189."
"It
is...very similar."
Jack
noticed how Anubis seemed disoriented and out of breath. He quickly responded
to Anubis' muttered comment, "Yeah... Come on. Let's get you to that
circle of stones."
Jack
guided Anubis to the ring of rocks constantly glancing at Anubis to make sure
the man was still with him. He sensed that Anubis and his host didn't have a
whole lot of time left and silently cursed. Anubis was just as stubborn as his
host. The two would end up dead if they didn't fix that damned stubborn streak
of theirs.
Jack
quickly approached one of the tall stone pillars and found the one that Daniel
had been interpreting on that fateful day when all of this began. Anubis
watched him leerily questioning, "Colonel O'Neill, how does looking at
ancient texts help us?"
"Daniel
was reading this pillar when he touched a symbol. Immediately after touching it
he disappeared."
"How
do you know that this is that pillar?" asked Anubis with a hint of
skepticism edging his voice.
Jack
glanced at Anubis as he sensed the symbiote didn't believe him. He continued,
"Because I pay attention to Daniel more than your Colonel O'Neill. I
always keep an eye on him. He has a knack for...getting into trouble. In fact,
we all do...well, at least SG-1. We're a legend at the SGC. I think we have the
highest rate of injury."
"What
are you talking about, Colonel O'Neill?"
"Never
mind. It's a very long story. Let's just say that some people at the SGC will
actually place bets to see which one of us returns injured."
Anubis
watched the Colonel. He was rather surprised by what the man revealed. They
were a legend at the SGC? Well, his host's team was too. Anubis had learned
that SG-1 had a reputation, especially since there was high tension running
between his host and Daniel's Commanding Officer. No one wanted to be on SG-1
in their reality. Anubis knew why and it upset him even further. He hoped that
one day he could help his host to resolve the issue of one Colonel Jack
O'Neill. He winced as another tremor started to seize him. He started falling
rapidly again when strong arms suddenly encircled his body stopping his
descent. He faintly heard O'Neill's very worried, strained voice as he said,
"Daniel."
Jack
sensed the tremors coming so he quickly reached out to brace the man. As he
gripped the man around the waist to prevent his falling and impacting the
ground he was momentarily distracted by something shining on the ground. He was
about to ignore it when he looked closer...were those? No, couldn't be. But as
Jack looked closer he saw what that shiny thing was. It was an object that
looked suspiciously like...dog tags. He quickly reached down and scooped up the
object still holding onto Daniel with his other arm bracing the man in case he
couldn't stand on his own. He draped the necklace over his free hand and looked
at it. It was definitely a set of dog tags...military issue dog tags. As he
looked at the tags he paled noticeably.
Anubis
noticed the difference in Colonel O'Neill as soon as he looked at the object
now residing in his hand. When he noticed the Colonel tense and pale he
questioned, "Colonel O'Neill, are you all right?"
The
Colonel remained silent, not speaking only staring intently at the necklace in
his hand. Anubis gently spoke, "Colonel, what is it?"
Jack
heard him that time. He couldn't take his eyes off the necklace though. He
spoke, "These are dog tags, military issue..."
"Yes..."
"These
are Daniel's."
"What?"
Anubis bent closer to look at the tags himself, finding it hard to believe O'Neill found something belonging to Daniel. As he glanced at the tags he could see, very clearly, the name JACKSON, DANIEL imprinted on the shiny silver metal. They were his tags, so how did they end up on this planet? Unless they fell off or...someone put them there.
Jack
didn't know what to think as he stared down at Daniel's dog tags. Now he knew
for certain that Daniel has returned to this reality. Those tags weren't there
the last time they left this planet. Jack glanced at Anubis, who quickly
responded to O'Neill's unanswered question. He pulled out the chain from
beneath the T-shirt he now wore. Jack couldn't just accept what he was seeing
without first looking closely at the tags Anubis was showing him. The chain
around Anubis' neck held the dog tags of his host. Anubis said, "Isis
never questioned the chain, either. I told her that it was mine so she would
not realize they belong to my host. I keep the chain hidden most of the time.
Those belong to your Daniel."
Jack saw his hand shake as he held Daniel's dog tags in his hands and also was looking at the ones Anubis wore. Well, that was solid proof that two Daniel's now existed in one reality, not that Jack needed any proof to accept that fact. He noticed Anubis tense again and without thought he looped Daniel's tags up over his head. He heard the faint clank as Daniel's tags gently fell against his own. Jack failed to take notice that if Daniel's tags had fallen off, or the chain broke, there was no way that he would now be able to wear Daniel's tags with his own. He didn't pay attention to that small detail, yet. He didn't have time to. He had to get Anubis home.
Jack again returned his attention to the pillar of strange markings. He tried to remember what Daniel was doing prior to activating the transport device. His hands ran across one of the hieroglyphs that he recognized. He pushed on it gently. Almost immediately a huge wall off vivid bright white light formed all around Anubis and him. He squinted his eyes against the blackness then felt himself falling, falling very rapidly. The last thing he remembered before darkness encompassed him was impacting the ground.
Anubis
watched as Colonel O'Neill placed his Daniel's military tags around his neck
then focused on the pillar that stood before them. He watched the Colonel study
the markings covering the face of the pillar and wondered what O'Neill was
looking for when he noticed the man pause. He watched as O'Neill pressed a
symbol and wondered if anything would happen. Within mere seconds they were
suddenly surrounded by brilliant white light. He felt the Colonel's grip on him
intensify as blackness started to swamp him. He was aware that he was falling.
He noticed that O'Neill was also falling and in the next instant everything
went pitch black around them.
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