Doctor Janet Fraiser   Daniel Jackson   Major Samantha Carter

 

                                                                                  Friends and Enemies Part 7

                                                                                                                                             By:  Stacy L.

 

 

Set arrived on Avaris and immediately ordered his First Prime to escort Anubis to the dungeon. As they approached the gloomy dungeon Anubis heard his host speaking, "Well, now doesn't this place look nice? Love the aroma and ambience of the place."

 

"Daniel..."

 

"What?"

 

"Never mind."

 

As the guard opened the door to their cell he shoved Anubis inside ordering him against the far wall where he quickly secured chains on Anubis' wrists and ankles. Then the guard left locking the cell door behind him. Daniel didn't like their present predicament, at all. He said, “Oh Anubis, we get the deluxe suite, complete with shackles to restrain those unruly visitors."

 

"Well, I am glad that you are finding some humor in this situation, Daniel."

 

"Would you rather me inform you of just how bad our predicament is, Anubis?"

 

"No, I believe we both can see that we are in danger."

 

"Oh yeah. Set really knows how to extend hospitality, doesn't he?"

 

Daniel glanced around the interior of their cell. The place was dark and dank. The wall felt cool beneath his back. The cell could definitely use a cleaning. Daniel doubted that Set ever took much time to clean out his dungeon. He obviously wanted to make it as miserable as possible down here for his visitors. He cursed as he could feel the manacles against his flesh were as cold as ice. Shit, did the room even have any goddamned heat?

 

Anubis could read Daniel's thoughts just as easily as he could communicate with him, and Daniel's observations of the room were very accurate indeed. If they didn't manage to escape from this place they could both end up dying of pneumonia. The dungeon was not a very pleasant place to be. He definitely agreed with his host's perceptions of the place as he said, "Daniel, I do not believe that Sutekh has ever heard of hospitality."

 

Daniel propped his head against the wall as he added to Anubis' comment, "No, don't believe so. Either that or he needs a lot of practice...so now what?"

 

"We wait."

 

"Oh great, very good idea there, Anubis. Really encouraging."

 

"Do you have a better idea, Daniel?"

 

"Well...no, but..."

 

"Colonel O'Neill will find us. He knows that we are on Avaris."

 

Daniel hated to doubt the man he called his best friend, but he really didn't believe that O'Neill gave a damn about him one way or the other. He still loved O'Neill and still viewed the man as his friend, but he was no longer blind. Colonel O'Neill abandoned him just one too many times in his life for Daniel to trust him completely. He answered nonchalantly, "So he knows that we're here what good does that do us if he refuses to help?"

 

Anubis felt sad as he could sense Daniel's doubts regarding one Colonel Jack O'Neill. His host loved the Colonel deeply, but he could no longer trust the man completely. O'Neill had hurt Daniel severely when he had started to treat him as if he didn't exist and didn't matter. Anubis was so angry at O'Neill for his horrid treatment of his host, but there was little he could do to smooth out that relationship right now. He had to keep Daniel's hopes up so he answered, "He will not abandon you, Daniel...not this Jack O'Neill."

 

"Pardon me if I feel a bit...unsure of Colonel O'Neill's plans."

 

"Daniel, you trust him even though he has treated you horribly. He will not fail you."

 

Daniel knew that Anubis was right. The alternate Jack would never deliberately hurt him. He would do whatever he could to save him. Daniel also knew that the alternate Jack wouldn't be able to stay in this reality much longer so he would have to rely on his O'Neill to help him. Daniel found his anger towards O'Neill increasing again. He loved the Colonel but still felt anger regarding the man. Right now was one of those times his anger seemed to be winning out as he commented, "You know he gave me to Isis' First Prime that day. Do you know he didn't say one damned thing as I was led away? Nothing! He didn't even question where they were taking me or demand I be released. He failed to do his job. His job is to protect and lead his team and to defend them. He just left Ka'tar take me away."

 

“Perhaps he was in shock, Daniel."

 

"No, no. He probably wanted me gone, gone from his life so I would no longer be a burden to him, no longer be a reminder to him of Skaara. He wished me gone and he got his wish."

 

"Daniel, I do not believe that Colonel O'Neill wished you to be made a host... Why are you bringing up these memories again? You forgave O'Neill a long time ago for all the things he has done to you, so why bring up those memories?"

 

"I forgave him yes, but it still hurts to know that my best friend gave up on me when I needed him the most."

 

"And yet even after he has hurt you so you still find it in your heart to forgive him. You still care for him and trust him even after all he has done to you. You are an amazing human being, Daniel Jackson."

 

Daniel fell silent. Anubis wondered why Daniel decided to bring up all those old memories and realized that Daniel knew he could trust Colonel O'Neill but still had an inkling of doubt in his mind. Daniel had been badly hurt when Colonel O'Neill refused to acknowledge him. He was even more hurt when the man willingly gave him to Isis' First Prime without a word. Daniel had struggled a long time to forgive Jack O'Neill for doing that to him and here he was once again relying on the one man who had successfully failed him repetitively. Anubis sighed heavily. How many more times was Daniel Jackson going to be hurt by those who were supposed to care for him? Everyone eventually succeeded in hurting Daniel...that is everyone except his wife and he himself. Daniel didn't deserve to be hurt as often as he was. He is a good man that the fates dealt some very cruel blows to. Daniel deserved to be happy, to feel safe, to feel important and most importantly to feel loved, loved unconditionally. There were very few people that loved him unconditionally since the deaths of his parents. Daniel never did anything to deserve the life that fate handed him.

 

Daniel spoke quietly as he picked up on Anubis' thoughts, "It's my fault that they died, you know. I should have made my father listen to me."

 

"Daniel, you were a child, a mere eight-year-old. There was nothing you could do to help your parents. It was simply their time to move on."

 

Daniel added casually, "I'm cursed you know."

 

"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, Daniel Jackson! You are not cursed because if you were you would no longer have Samantha. People die, they move on. Life continues even after people move on. You cannot stop it. Everyone must pass on at some time. It is the natural course of things."

 

"Sometimes I just feel so alone."

 

"I know that you do, Daniel. It is only natural."

 

Daniel was becoming angry with himself as he realized he was becoming depressed. Now that just would not do! He was past that, damn it! He was not about to allow himself to fall into depression. Forget it! Every dark tunnel had a brighter end. He would get out of here; they would both get out of here! He just had to be patient and help Anubis to come up with a plan to get away from Sutekh. He shook his head asking, "Why am I so...?"

 

Anubis picked up on Daniel's anger and frustrations immediately and understood where the emotions were coming from. He was quick to assure Daniel all of his emotions were normal and had a reason behind them as he answered, "For one you do not like small spaces and this cell is rather small. It is also rather dark. You are feeling...on edge, as you Tau'ri would say. That is most likely the reason why you are dredging up these old memories. You feel more relaxed when you talk."

 

Daniel smiled tenderly in response to Anubis' comments then added, "I probably drive you nuts."

 

"No, you do not."

 

"Well that's a surprise," came Daniel's response with the slightest edge of doubt to it.

 

Anubis was bothered by that edge of doubt so he softly questioned, "Why is that a surprise, young one?"

 

Daniel shrugged his shoulders as he answered, "I seem to be rather good at driving people nuts. Since no one stays with me..."

 

"Daniel stop."

 

"Well it's true."

 

Anubis realized what Daniel was doing to himself so he quickly cast all of his host's doubts aside as he answered with certainty, "No, it is not and you know so!"

 

Daniel fell silent as he agreed with his symbiote. He smiled when Anubis relaxed then simply replied, "Thanks Anubis."

 

"You are welcome, Daniel. Now get some rest, young one."

 

Daniel suggested, "Only if you get some rest also."

 

Anubis chuckled in response then answered, "You drive a hard bargain."

 

"And you are very stubborn."

 

Anubis smiled in response to that comment adding, "Much like someone else I know. I will go to sleep. Good night, young one."

 

"Good night, my friend."

 

Daniel then closed his eyes. As he started to drift asleep he sensed his symbiote was doing the same. Daniel remained alert until he was sure that Anubis followed his suggestion. When he sensed Anubis was now deep asleep he followed in suit finding that they were both equally exhausted.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

As Colonel O'Neill sat in the conference room he found himself again looking at those present. No one said a word. They all were just sitting there looking at him. O'Neill found himself focusing on the words that his double just spoke. His double said that Doctor Jackson was bitter towards him but that he forgave O'Neill a long time ago. O'Neill felt relieved when he heard that and was again surprised at just how special Doctor Jackson was. Jackson forgave him a long time ago? After all the shit he had put the man through, all the verbal lashings and physical abuse he had directed the young archaeologist's way the man still found it in his heart to forgive him? Colonel O'Neill found he was having a very hard time comprehending that. O'Neill was very unsure of how to respond to that admission and when his double said the symbiote within Doctor Jackson despised him because of how horribly he had treated the man O'Neill felt ashamed, a damned snake had more compassion than he did! Shit! He shook his head once again feeling very guilty for what he had done to his Jackson. My God, how could the man ever forgive him for all the wrongs he's committed?

 

As O'Neill again looked at each person in the conference room he made his decision. He would go after Doctor Jackson or die trying. Colonel O'Neill now realized that he needed to speak with General Hammond privately. He was determined to go after Doctor Jackson whether he was snaked or not. He'd be damned if he'd let the kid to rot in one of Seth's dungeons. He had failed Doctor Jackson several times already and he wasn't going to fail him again. His alternate self told him that Doctor Jackson's symbiote despised him. His symbiote...boy, did that ever sound so...wrong. He was positive that all Goa'uld were evil, but his double insisted the thing inside Doctor Jackson was friend not foe. He even said the thing attempted to help the Daniel of his own reality. He looked around the room, which was now filled with a tense silence. His alternate looked ready to beat the shit out of him. He decided his alternate probably had the right to do so after the way he had treated Doctor Jackson. He could see worry and fear, as well as hope, in Doctor Carter's eyes. They had found their Jackson and he had returned only to be taken prisoner by an enemy they knew little about. Isis was their main threat at the moment, and they didn’t know a whole hell of a lot about Seth either. What they did know was that Seth now held Jackson and that a rescue would have to be undertaken to get him back.

 

Colonel O'Neill suddenly spoke, "Wait I have a question. Why does Seth want Doctor Jackson?"

 

Everyone looked at him. Jack O'Neill was the first to respond, "In mythology Seth set out to destroy Isis. He wanted Isis to suffer so he killed Osiris. Anubis is considered Isis' mate."

 

"WHAT?"

 

"Since Anubis resides in your Daniel..."

 

"How do you know Isis and Seth have a past history?" questioned Captain Fraiser.

 

Jack smiled warmly then said, "I actually did listen to some of Daniel's many lectures...despite what most people may think. Danny's always..."

 

Jack fell silent as he thought of his friend. He missed Daniel terribly and continued to pray for his safe return. God, where was Daniel now? Was he still a prisoner of the NID? Was he still missing? He focused on Doctor Carter when she questioned, "Danny?"

 

"Yes Danny...sometimes I call him..."

 

Doctor Carter spoke softly, "No one calls him Danny except me..."

 

Jack could feel his heart ache for Samantha Jackson. He could hear the sadness in her tone of voice and knew that she was madly in love with the Daniel of this reality. He gentled his own voice making it comforting as he admitted, "Well, I think I'm one of the few that address him as such in my reality too."

 

Doctor Carter felt an incredible urge to cry but held back. She swallowed hard as she commented, "I just...it's really odd to look at you and hear you refer to Daniel as...Danny. I'm sorry."

 

"Don't be. As you can see Daniel and I are a lot closer than your Jack and your Daniel. We're best friends."

 

"Yes, he told us."

 

Jack's smile brightened as he questioned, "Did he now?"

 

"Yes," came Doctor Carter's simple response. As she looked into this Jack's face she found that she couldn't resist returning his smile. She inhaled deeply regaining her focus. She felt so much better now that she was smiling. She was sure that she could focus on their discussion once more.

 

When Jack assured himself that Doctor Carter was feeling a little better he returned to the original topic of conversation, "Getting back to Seth...we ran into him on our Earth a few years ago. He had his own little following. He used some chemical called Nishta to subdue his followers. He had his own little operation going. We tracked him..."

 

Captain Fraiser perked up asking, "Is he still alive?"

 

"No. Carter killed him with one of those ribbon devices."

 

Jack noticed Doctor Carter looking at him in shock then quickly explained, "As a result of carrying Jolinar for a time she can now operate some of the Goa'uld's technology... Did you know of Jolinar or...?"

 

"Yes...your Daniel told us about her briefly."

 

Jack smiled once more as he teasingly questioned, "What didn't he tell you?"

 

"He was trying to explain to us what a Tok'ra was," Doctor Carter quickly replied defensively.

 

Jack was taken a bit aback by Doctor Carter's sudden defense of Daniel. He gentled his voice yet again saying, "You don't need to defend him, Doctor. I was just commenting."

 

Doctor Carter felt a tad bit embarrassed when Jack told her that. She was so used to having to defend Daniel against her O'Neill that it was habit. She silently chastised herself for viewing this Jack in the same light and simply replied, "Oh..."

 

Jack had a feeling that it was a very common thing for Doctor Carter to speak up in Daniel's defense in this reality, especially to his double. He shook his head trying to imagine what life had been like for the alternate Doctor Jackson. God, to be despised and hated by this Colonel O'Neill...life must have been hell for the young man. Even he could tell how much the alternate Daniel still cared for this broken version of himself. God, what he must have gone through at the hands of this cold-hearted man. Jack remembered himself when he was like the O'Neill of this reality. He had shoved everyone away and was a rather cold-hearted bastard. He had very little doubt in his mind that this O'Neill probably regularly harassed and attempted to intimidate his Daniel. He probably feared his Daniel would die like all those other people he had cared about in his life and probably relied on whatever means possible to shove and push his Daniel away. Doctor Jackson was one stubborn son of a bitch. Jack had no doubts in his mind that the man chose to stay with this bitter O'Neill no matter how badly he was treated...that was just the way Daniel Jackson was.

 

Jack glanced up as Doctor Carter suddenly said, "Isis and Anubis...they were lovers?"

 

Jack looked at her for the longest time wondering where that question had come from. They were just discussing Seth and all of a sudden Doctor Carter was asking about Isis and Anubis? Jack sighed knowing that he would have to tell her about their relationship. He saw the hurt in her eyes and remembered that she was Daniel's wife in this reality. He had to proceed with caution. He had to tell her of their relationship, and he had to assure her that Daniel would never willingly cheat on her. God, she must feel as if he had cheated on her. She had to know that Isis probably already mated with Anubis several times. She had to, at least, suspect that her husband would've most likely been made to mate with Isis also...whether it was willingly or unwillingly. Daniel and Anubis were both undercover spies. They were spies for the Tok'ra Resistance so they had to play their part to the full extent. If Isis expected to mate with her Beloved neither of them could deny her or their cover might be blown.

 

Jack inhaled deeply preparing to deliver the news to Daniel's wife. He softened his voice as he said, "I assure you that Daniel didn't willingly mate with her."

 

Doctor Carter felt suddenly callous asking such a personal question of this man. She had no idea what possessed her to question her husband's fidelity. She knew that Daniel most likely did mate with Isis. He probably had no choice in the matter. She just didn't know what made her ask the question. She quickly responded to Jack's comment, "No, I wasn't thinking..."

 

Jack looked at Samantha Jackson in concern as he added, "Sure you were."

 

Doctor Carter started to shake her head in denial continuing, "No I trust Daniel. He'd never...unless he had no choice."

 

Jack continued to watch her. She was having a very hard time dealing with this new information. She knew that her husband most likely mated with Isis, but she was having a hard time accepting it. He gentled his voice further as he calmly questioned, "So why do you look as if the news of Isis and Anubis is killing you?"

 

Sam stared at Jack for the longest time, shocked that he was speaking so gently to her and looking extremely concerned. This was another side of their Colonel O'Neill they rarely, if ever, have seen. She couldn't speak at first then she said, "I...it just surprised me. I..."

 

Jack shook his head as he regretted telling Daniel's wife something Daniel, himself, should have told her. He quickly apologized, "I shouldn't have told you. I didn't have the right. Daniel should've been the one..."

 

"Do you think he'd even...?"

 

Would her husband even admit to making love with Isis if he had? She glanced up at Jack as he was very quick to answer that question "Yes, your Daniel is so much like my Daniel. The man couldn't lie to the woman he loves. He can't even bluff his way out of a poker game. The guy is just too damned honest. He would never keep that from you."

 

Doctor Carter knew that Jack was right about her husband, but she still had some doubts. She started to voice them, but Jack cut her off by asking her another question, "Do you trust Daniel?"

 

"What?"

 

"Do you trust your husband?"

 

"Yes of course, with my life and with my soul... He would never do anything to hurt me."

 

Jack nodded in response to that statement then he smiled and continued, "Then you have your answer."

 

Doctor Carter smiled up at Jack in return then said, "Thank you."

 

"Any time."

 

Colonel O'Neill felt a stab of anger and jealousy towards his alternate. The man was so...different. This Jack O'Neill was who he wished he was. The man offered comfort so easily and could easily speak to others. O'Neill found that he was just a bit envious of the man before him. He again found himself wondering...what if? What if he would have allowed Daniel Jackson to get closer to him? What if he wouldn't have devoted the last four years of his life trying anything and everything to send the young man packing? What if...? There were just too many what ifs, too many regrets and too many mistakes. He felt himself becoming angrier. He had definitely made a mess of his life now hadn't he? Could he ever undo all that he had already done? The task seemed totally impossible. He glanced up as his double spoke, "As I was saying...Anubis and Isis are...mates. It's a safe bet to say that since she’s such a powerful system lord most of the other system lords have, at least, heard of her mate. Set would naturally want to acquire Anubis, especially since his goal is to destroy Isis. He killed Osiris so the only other target is her new mate Anubis, and since Anubis resides in Daniel...naturally he would capture him. He had luck on his side. He must have already been on the planet when we arrived because there was no other way he could've known Anubis would be on PQR-189 at that time."

 

"So what can we do?" questioned Doctor Carter in concern and worry.

 

Jack looked at her then said, "I know he's on Avaris."

 

"Right, but where is Avaris?"

 

Jack sighed in frustration. He had no answer to give her. He had no idea where Avaris even was. All he knew was that Daniel had been taken there and that the planet was under the rule of Seth. He looked at each person in the room answering, "I don't know."

 

Doctor Carter felt her hope starting to die as she questioned, "So we can't help him?"

 

Jack looked at her in concern then continued, "I think we should return to PQR-189 and see what we can turn up."

 

Colonel O'Neill interrupted, "Now that's a very long shot."

 

Jack retorted, "It is a long shot, a very long shot, but it's the only shot we have!"

 

Captain Fraiser looked at General Hammond before interrupting, "Sir, he's right. We have no knowledge of where Avaris or Set is. We need to do standard recon..."

 

"Agreed but not before Doctor Carter examines you," Hammond replied as he nodded his head towards Jack.

 

Jack looked at Sam Carter smiling he said, "Well then lead the way."

 

After declaring the alternate Jack clear a mission was set up to depart late the next day. As their departure time arrived General Hammond once again found himself standing in the control room watching what was left of SG-1 and the alternate Jack O'Neill walk up the ramp. He sent a silent prayer up to the heavens that this mission would be a success. He prayed for the safe return of every member departing to Tethys. Hammond then pulled the microphone to him saying, "SG-1, you have a go. Bring Doctor Jackson back this time."

 

General Hammond then watched as Captain Fraiser and the two O'Neill's entered the wormhole. He hoped that this mission was a success and he also hoped the alternate Jack would be all right. They all knew the dangers should he remain in this reality too long, and he'd already lost several hours of the precious little time he had left before the tremors claimed him.

 

Hammond continued to pray for the safe return of every member of SG-1, including Doctor Jackson. He hoped that this time they would be able to retrieve the missing SGC member. He hoped that this time luck would be on SG-1's side. They needed lots of luck to make this mission a complete success. He again found himself wondering about the missing archaeologist. He was a prisoner of Seth's being held against his will, yet again. He was sure the man was probably in a dungeon and suffering all sorts of horrible abuse. God, that kid had so much bad luck. He often wondered why Daniel Jackson always seemed to be the one who was hurt or injured. Fate must have something against the young man. Hammond found himself wondering if his alternate had as many problems with his archaeologist as he did. Jack had said in the meeting that his Daniel was still missing. Hammond was sure that his own double probably got as stressed out as he did worrying about SG-1. SG-1 must be fated to have bad luck in every reality. He sighed heavily then turned away from the embarkation room and headed back to his office.

 

                                                       * * * *

The small recon team arrived on PQR-189 without a hitch, each member of SG-1 found themselves again surveying the planet. They were sure that the planet was now firmly imbedded in their minds. Tethys seemed to be like Grand Central Station...everything occurred here. It was rather spooky knowing that the planet seemed to be in the center of this whole mess. Both Daniel's were switched on Tethys and both Daniel's were abducted from Tethys. Well, maybe the fates decided it was time that each Daniel shared an experience. It was rather creepy knowing that this planet is where both Daniel's ran into bad luck, so maybe the planet had something against Daniel Jackson. Weird coincidences like this made Captain Fraiser wonder. She found that it was absolutely amazing that such a thing could even occur. Her thoughts abruptly ended as the alternate Jack commented, "Does anyone else feel like we've been here before?"

 

Captain Fraiser smiled. It was like deja vu all over again. They had all been here several times before. This planet had a strange aura about it...maybe it had something to do with that mystical circle of stones so near the gate. She looked at Jack replying, "It's even more beautiful than it was the last time we were here. This place is truly amazing."

 

Jack pointed to the ring of stones saying, "That's where Daniel was when Seth captured him."

 

As Jack pointed out that mysterious ring again Fraiser voiced her thoughts aloud, "Isn't it strange how so much seems to be occurring around the rocks?"

 

"Yes, strange."

 

Jack found it very strange, indeed. The rocks were beginning to freak him out. What the hell was their true purpose for being on this planet? Why did so much occur within those damned rocks? He felt chills climb his spine as a sense of unease swept across his body. He wondered why he felt suddenly so apprehensive. Those rocks were not to be tampered with. They held some secret that should have never been unlocked. Jack had no idea why he felt so certain about that but he did. He shook his head to clear it...enough wondering, they were here to locate Daniel. They had to get him back. Jack looked at those rocks intently then headed towards them.

 

As they approached the circle of stones they were unprepared for the sudden emergence of people who surrounded them holding staff weapons. Jack was first to react as he immediately stepped in front of Fraiser in a defensive stance. His double did the same. Jack didn't like the looks of this at all. Things just seemed to keep going from bad to worse. Jack quickly gave voice to the disquiet within him, "Well, this isn't good."

 

Colonel O'Neill looked at his double nervously. He looked around noticing that they were totally surrounded he then urged, "Well, say something..."

 

Jack glared at his alternate snapping back, "Look I don't do very good at introductions. That's Daniel's thing."

 

One of the men closest Jack grew impatient as he demanded, "Identify yourselves!"

 

Jack eyed up the strangers leerily then responded sarcastically, "Why don't you go first? Be my guest."

 

"Colonel!" came Jack's double's angry response. What the hell was his double doing? Damn it, he was going to get them killed! Colonel O'Neill continued to survey the crowd of people surrounding them with staff weapons in their hands. This was not the time or place to be sarcastic. Colonel O'Neill glared at his double in outrage. The nerve of the man!

 

O'Neill's quick retort to his double managed to attract the attention of the one speaking with Jack. When the man glanced behind Jack and saw the other person he didn't know what to say or how to even react. There were two identical men here. What was going on? Wasn't that impossible? He shook his head choosing to ignore the obvious evidence of two identical men then demanded, "What is your purpose here?"

 

"We're looking for someone," came O'Neill's quick reply.

 

The man glanced at the person before him whom he had addressed the first time then answered, "Well you have found someone."

 

He then gave an order to the others surrounding them. The strangers quickly corralled the remaining members of SG-1 closer together. Before any of them could even react rings rapidly descended around them and transported them to another destination.

 

Jack glanced around when they were finally to their destination. He expected to see a Goa'uld mother ship or a temple but as he looked around he felt a bit relieved. He recognized the place they were now at. They were deep underground. He sighed in relief. His double, on the other hand, seemed to be very nervous. O'Neill looked around questioning, "What the hell? Where the hell are we?"

 

Jack spoke up in an oddly calm voice, "Well this is eerily familiar... Relax Colonel, we're not in danger."

 

"The hell we aren't!"

 

"Trust me."

 

"Trust you? Yeah, right."

 

"You know you really need to get that damned chip off your shoulder..."

 

"I need to what?" O'Neill felt outraged. They had just been surrounded and transported to God knows where and all his damned alternate could think of was to insult him? What the hell! He was ready to retort when Captain Fraiser yelled, "Colonels please! This isn't helping our situation any!"

 

The men still surrounding them exchanged curious glances as the O'Neill's glared at one another before Jack added, "She's right, you know. Arguing isn't helping here. We're searching for Daniel not arguing with one another."

 

O'Neill wanted to wrap his hands around his double's neck and just squeeze. The man was impossible! He growled out, "Why you..."

 

Captain Fraiser rolled her eyes, shrugging her shoulders to the onlookers as she ordered, "Colonel's stop! You can argue with...yourselves later. Right now we have a problem."

 

The O'Neill's glared at each other a moment longer. They looked as if they were ready to tear one another apart limb for damned limb. Jack came to his senses first as he assured Fraiser, "No, we don't have a problem."

 

Captain Fraiser stared at him in disbelief. What did he mean they didn't have a problem? They were surrounded by people carrying staff weapons in a strange place, so how could they not have a problem? She shook her head in confusion questioning, "Why? We're..."

 

Jack calmed himself down then looked at Fraiser. He gentled his voice as he prepared to introduce Fraiser and O'Neill to their captors. Jack continued, "Captain...Colonel, meet the Tok'ra."

 

As Jack said that both the Colonel and Fraiser turned to stare at him asking in unison, "WHAT?"

 

Well, now that managed to successfully get their undivided attentions. Jack continued, "I told you that the Tok'ra existed."

 

Captain Fraiser was the first to recover as she spoke, "Yes but..."

 

Jack turned to look at the man beside him. He knew who the man was. He never expected to see him again. Jack looked at Captain Fraiser then O'Neill as he introduced them to an old friend saying, "This man beside me is Martouf...host to Lantesh...Well, at least he was host to Lantesh in my reality...that is before he was...killed for attempting to kill the president but that's a long story..."

 

"He attempted to kill your president and you say they can be trusted?"

 

"Yes. He was under the influence of an alien technology. He was...in essence, programmed to assassinate. Trust me I know what I'm talking about here. We're in the Tok'ra tunnels."

 

The one that Jack addressed as Martouf questioned, "You know my name so what is yours?"

 

"Mine? Colonel Jack O'Neill from the Tau'ri home world."

 

"And these other two?"

 

"Captain Janet Fraiser and he's also Jack O'Neill...don't ask it's a very long story. So Marty, do you believe in alternate realities?"

 

Martouf looked at him puzzled as he asked, "Marty?"

 

Jack smirked then quickly apologized, "Sorry that was my nickname for..."

 

"Your Martouf?"

 

"Yes."

 

Martouf found that these visitors were, indeed, very strange. Why were they even here on this planet? He quickly questioned, "Why are you here?"

 

Jack was ready for the question and provided the answer, "We came here searching for our friend Doctor Daniel Jackson."

 

"I am not familiar with that name."

 

Jack smiled at Martouf then patted him on the back as he continued his explanation, "Well you're in luck. It seems he has a friend...Daniel managed to pick up someone you may be familiar with. Daniel is host to Anubis...the Tok'ra spy you had in Isis' midst."

 

Martouf looked more intently at the one calling himself Jack. He knew of Anubis? He also knew that Anubis was a spy? How was that even possible? He found that very hard to believe but knew it had to be investigated so he responded, "I see. You must come with us, please."

 

"Sure."

 

The members of SG-1 followed Martouf to the Council Chambers where Martouf indicated a place for them to sit. Jack remained standing as Captain Fraiser and his double both took seats at the table. Martouf addressed Jack once more, "You must wait here while I speak with High Councilor Selmac."

 

Jack was surprised when Martouf mentioned Selmac. He wasn't even sure if the Tok'ra would still be alive in this reality. In Jack's reality Jacob Carter was Selmac's host. In this reality Jacob Carter had died of cancer, so Jack was sure Selmac wouldn't be alive. He found that he was glad there was another Tok'ra here whom he knew. He questioned, "Selmac? He's a High Councilor here?"

 

"Yes. You have heard of Selmac?"

 

Martouf found his curiosity was now peaked. This man, this stranger, knew him and recognized Selmac? He found that knowledge was intriguing. He wanted to know more about these strangers who arrived on Tethys. He glanced at...Jack once more as the man answered, "Yes I have. Only in my world he's liaison between the Tau'ri and the Tok'ra."

 

Selmac was a liaison between the Tok'ra and the Tau'ri? Martouf found that idea just a bit hard to accept. He kept his opinion to himself as he excused himself, "I see. I will be back shortly."

 

Colonel O'Neill looked around noticing there were still guards surrounding them. If these people were as friendly as his double said then why were they still surrounded by guards? He found that his instincts were screaming a warning. They could be in a lot of danger here, especially if the Tok'ra of his world were evil. O'Neill found himself silently praying that they were friends. Right now they were definitely far outnumbered and if these...Tok'ra decided to kill them the job would be very easy, indeed. O'Neill eyed up his double suspiciously saying, "Are you sure they can be trusted? I don't like this...at all."

 

"You wouldn't. You're paranoid."

 

"Hey..."

 

O'Neill didn't like how nonchalant his double was being. Damn it but the man was annoying! He hoped that he wasn't as annoying as his double. He glared at Jack as the man smirked at him and continued, "Relax. I felt the same way when we first met them too."

 

He felt the same way? Was that comment supposed to put O'Neill's mind at ease? Well, it sure as hell didn't! He found that he wanted to know just how his double ever met this race of beings. His curiosity drove him to question, "How did you meet them?"

 

"How? Through Carter actually."

 

Carter? No, that was impossible because Samantha Jackson never journeyed through the Stargate. O'Neill quickly caught himself as he remembered that in his alternate's reality Carter was a Major. The alternate Daniel Jackson had told him that. God, but this alternate reality stuff was really confusing! O'Neill shook his head then asked, "Oh, she found their location?"

 

"No."

 

"Then how...?"

 

"She KNEW their location."

 

"But..."

 

"Jolinar."

 

Jolinar? Who the hell was Jolinar? O'Neill recognized the name and tried to search his memory for it when he remembered that Jolinar was a Tok'ra. Captain Fraiser filled in the rest of the blanks as she interrupted, "The symbiote that inhabited her for a short time?"

 

"Yes. Jolinar died to give Sam life. She left behind feelings, memories, images imprinted in Sam's mind."

 

"She?"

 

O'Neill looked at his twin a few moments longer. A symbiote had a gender? Now that was totally crazy. He focused on Jack as the man continued, "Well, symbiotes don't have a gender per se but Jolinar was considered female because she always took female hosts until she had jumped into a Nassian man to hide from the Ash'rack."

 

"Nassian man? What?"

 

"Oh sorry. Too much information, too fast?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Sorry. I'll slow down. It was through Jolinar's memories her...psyche I guess you could call it, that Sam knew where the Tok'ra home world was. She had visions of the Tok'ra in danger...She gave us the address and we decided it was a considerable risk to seek them out."

 

"And did you?"

 

"Yes. We formed an alliance. We've been allies for the last three, four years or so."

 

"You allied yourselves with Goa'ulds? Are you insane?"

 

Martouf entered at that point followed by Selmac. Both stopped and were ready to speak on their behalf when, to their surprise, the one man who seemed to know them defended them saying, "They are not Goa'ulds and they despise being called Goa'uld so I suggest you not address them as such."

 

O'Neill wasn't buying it because to him a snake was a snake. He voiced that opinion rather loudly "They have snakes in them, right?"

 

"Symbiotes, yes."

 

"Then they're Goa'uld."

 

Jack mentally cursed. Damn it, talking to his double was like trying to pull teeth. The man was so set in his ways that he refused to even listen. Jack started to shake his head in denial as he continued, "No, No they're a resistance group hidden within the Goa'uld system lords."

 

"Yeah right. This is crazy."

 

Fraiser was also about tired of O'Neill's constant bickering and questioning. Jack was quickly discovering that talking to O'Neill was like talking to a damned wall. She found herself snickering at that thought. Jack was learning how much of a pain in the ass his double could be. She wondered if he found himself noticing all the weaknesses in his double and then comparing himself. She focused on O'Neill as she interrupted, "Colonel, he said his world has been allied with the Tok'ra for the last three or four years. Daniel said the exact same thing. I think if he's been associated with them that long we should listen to him. Besides it's Daniel we're here trying to locate."

 

Jack gave Captain Fraiser a grateful smile as he continued, "Yes Daniel who, if you haven't forgotten already Colonel, is a host to Anubis...so whether you like it or not if you want Daniel back you'll have to accept the Tok'ra and accept that he IS a Tok'ra host, so get used to the idea, Colonel."

 

O'Neill didn't seem too happy to hear that coming from his alternate. What the hell did he mean he would have to accept Doctor Jackson back into his life with a damned snake in him? Was he totally insane? He was determined to remove that damned snake from Jackson if he had to yank the damned thing out himself! He snapped, "That damned snake took him by force!"

 

Jack sighed heavily as he continued to attempt to convince his double that Anubis was not to be feared. He stared intently into his double's eyes as he added, "If Anubis would have refused Isis would have killed the host and symbiote. Anubis had no alternatives his host was already dead. He needed a new host quickly and Daniel ended up being the one Isis selected."

 

O'Neill continued to glare at his twin daring Jack to make a liar out of his Daniel when he commented, "He told us that the Tok'ra take voluntary hosts..."

 

Jack glared at his double realizing what the man was trying to pull. He calmed himself saying simply, "Yeah they do."

 

"Then this...Anubis is a Goa'uld."

 

"No he isn't."

 

God, why was O'Neill so damned determined to prove Anubis was a Goa'uld? The answer was simple enough...because he was afraid of the symbiote within his Daniel and he didn't want anything to do with them. Also by convincing himself that the symbiote within his Daniel was a Goa'uld then O'Neill could find a way to call off the search so he wouldn't have to confront the man he spent the last four years hating for no reason at all. Jack was ready to kill the man when O'Neill again insisted, "But he took Doctor Jackson by force!"

 

"To save both of their lives. They get along great now. Why can't you accept that your Daniel doesn't want to be separated from Anubis, Colonel?"

 

"How was the alliance reached? Did you have anything to offer?"

 

Well, now that was a quick topic change. If Jack didn't know himself as well as he did he wouldn't have been able to catch his double's obvious attempt at changing the topic. Well, if his double didn't want to discuss Daniel or Anubis then that was fine...for now. Jack was determined to breech the topic again in the very near future. He then glanced at his double saying, "Yes we..." but before he had the chance to finish his sentence he doubled over in pain, groaning as the cascade tremors suddenly swamped him. He clenched his hands into fists as he waited out the painful tremors. After they passed all he could mutter was, "Shit that hurt!"

 

Captain Fraiser was now holding onto him and looking at him in worry. She asked in concern, "Are you all right?"

 

"Yes. I'm fine Doc."

 

She paused as she caught the title Jack used to address her with. She then said, "Uh Colonel, I...I mean Jack...that's Captain."

 

"Captain? Oh sorry. Right. I forgot."

 

Martouf found himself wondering what was wrong with the man before him but chose not to pursue that answer as he interrupted the conversation questioning, "Anubis has taken another host? Why?"

 

Jack looked up at him. He had forgotten that they were even there. The Tok'ra in the room must have been standing there the entire time and listening to the entire exchange. Jack said, "Anubis' host was badly injured. The injury was lethal."

 

Captain Fraiser added, "Isis didn't want to lose Anubis so she had our friend made a host."

 

"He did not volunteer?" came Martouf's worried response. If their friend didn't volunteer to become a willing host then Anubis broke their code...to never take a host by force. Martouf could only think of a few reasons that would push Anubis to make such a drastic decision. He didn't like the reasons that came to mind. They all were dangerous for Anubis.

 

Martouf focused on the woman as she replied, "Um…no."

 

Martouf didn't want to believe that Anubis would do such a thing. He found that he wanted to know why. He commented, "But that is not our ways. To take an unwilling host is..."

 

Jack interrupted, "If he hadn't of taken Daniel then he was positive that Isis would have killed them both."

 

"Does Isis know that he is Tok'ra?"

 

"No. She believes he's Goa'uld. She doesn't even know that Daniel is still with him."

 

"I see..."

 

Martouf had his answer. Anubis was forced to take an unwilling host to conceal the fact that he was a Tok'ra and to save the life of the man he entered, as well as his own life. He was glad that Anubis didn't just take Daniel Jackson because he needed a host. He felt much relief in knowing that Anubis had a very good reason for making such a drastic choice. He found that he wanted to know more about Anubis and his new host as he asked, "When did Anubis take your friend as a host?"

 

"Um about a year ago. They both get along very well. They had a rough beginning but managed to work through it."

 

Martouf was very glad to hear that. If this Daniel Jackson accepted Anubis and remained his host for a year then their bond must be very close. Anubis would have offered separation to his host but from what this man was telling him Daniel Jackson was very satisfied with the arrangement. Martouf found great joy in knowing that another Tok'ra had been saved. He wanted to meet this Daniel so he asked, "Where is he now?"

 

"If you are like the Tok'ra of my world you already know where he is."

 

"We do not understand."

 

"You have spies on every planet owned and controlled by the system lords. I'm sure that you have one on Seth's planet."

 

Avaris...Anubis was a prisoner on Avaris. Martouf had been uncertain of this, but now he feared that was the truth. Anubis was a prisoner of Sutekh, so Sutekh had been successful in his capture of Anubis. They had known when Sutekh arrived on Tethys that he had been searching for Anubis. They had hoped the search would be unsuccessful but it hadn't been and now Anubis and his young host were both prisoners of Sutekh. He glanced at Jack then said, "We must discuss this further. Please come. Join us in the conference room."

 

They followed Martouf and Selmac into the conference room where they met and discussed locating Daniel. It was decided that Colonel O'Neill would go to Avaris first accompanied by the remainder of his team. The Tok'ra gave him a device to use to contact them when they had information.

 

After the meeting Captain Fraiser looked at Jack O'Neill, who had just experienced another tremor. She moved him away from the group whispering, "Your time is growing short. You have to return to your reality soon or you will die."

 

"I'll go soon just be patient."

 

Fraiser watched Jack intensely. She knew what he was thinking. He wanted to stay and help them to locate their Daniel. He was willing to sacrifice himself to help the man. She would make sure that he didn't die here. She knew that his Daniel Jackson needed him as much as her Jackson needed Colonel O'Neill. She wasn't about to let him sacrifice himself here. He needed to return to his reality and to his Daniel. She gently spoke, "Jack..."

 

Jack knew she was going to attempt to urge him to leave Tethys, but he wasn't going...not yet. He needed to return to his reality but not until he had a one on one talk with his double. The man needed to realize that without Daniel Jackson in his life he would most likely die very lonely. He looked at Fraiser then said, "I want to speak with your Jack first. In fact, I think I need to speak to him."

 

"About?"

 

"A lot of things."

 

"Like what?"

 

"Like why he treats Daniel as a burden instead of one of the best damned things ever to happen to him."

 

"Jack, our O'Neill is very angry and bitter. He probably won't even listen."

 

"Then I'll make him listen..."

 

"He is very stubborn."

 

"I was like him at one time then Daniel entered my life. I have to at least try to get through to him...I think I need to get through to him."

 

Silence followed that comment then Captain Fraiser questioned, "Do you think they have found your Daniel Jackson? It has been almost thirty-six hours since you left your reality. Do you think...?"

 

Jack remained silent for the longest time feeling the pain of missing his best friend and knowing the man was probably being beaten and tortured. He swallowed hard as he answered, "I don't know. I shouldn't have left but I had no choice."

 

"I hope that he is found."

 

"So do I. So do I."

 

                                                     * * * * * *

Major Samantha Carter was certain she found Daniel's location. She quickly reported to Hammond's office with the news. They had been scouring warehouses in Nevada over the past day and a half. She managed to narrow their search down to four possibilities. She had informed Hammond, who looked up at her now. He shook his head looking at her in concern saying, "Major, this may not be where Doctor Jackson is being held."

 

Sam demanded, "Why not?" but she already knew why not. They had four warehouses to search yet and still Daniel might not be in any of them. She kept praying that they would find him soon and didn't like Hammond reminding her not to get her hopes up. She looked at him trying not to cry or break down. She missed Daniel and knew that his life was depending on her locating him as fast as she possibly could. If she didn't find him soon, or if she found him and lost him again then they might not be able to get to him on time. She shivered in response to that cryptic thought then forced herself to focus on the General as he continued, "You still have four other warehouses, Major."

 

"I...I know."

 

"What makes you think this is the one?"

 

"I...I don't know. I just..."

 

General Hammond watched Major Carter intently. She looked very tired and very upset. He knows that she's been working overtime on locating Daniel. Everybody knew they were fighting against time. Time that Daniel Jackson didn't have a whole lot of. He was being held against his will and tortured for things he would never reveal. The ultimate ending would be his death. They would torture him and beat him until they got what they wanted from him and when he refused to yield they would continue. One of those beatings would go a little too far and kill him. Hammond shivered at that thought. Time was not on their side. Daniel Jackson was missing and in great danger. They had to find him soon. He could tell that Daniel's disappearance bothered Major Carter a lot. She wanted to find him and was determined to, but her searches kept coming up empty. He could see that Daniel's disappearance was definitely taking a toll on the woman before him. He commented gently, "You want him back. I understand that perfectly, Major. We all want Doctor Jackson back. I just don't want you to get your hopes up too high knowing there are several warehouses left still unexplored."

 

"I know. Sir, he has to be in one of them. He just has to be."

 

General Hammond proceeded with caution as he continued speaking in a softer tone of voice, "Let me also remind you Major, that the people responsible for Doctor Jackson's abduction are very smart. They will have plans already set up to move him should we get close to finding him."

 

"The NID."

 

"It's a very fair bet that the NID is involved in this. You know what they do with their prisoners."

 

"Yes but..."

 

"We need to be more discrete than usual. I don't want to allow them the opportunity to move Doctor Jackson before we locate him."

 

"Yes sir."

 

Hammond looked at her longer then gently ordered, "Dismissed."

 

Sam exited Hammond's office and searched for Teal'c to give him an update on the search for Daniel. She hated to admit it but Hammond was right. She shouldn’t be getting her hopes up. In truth, she wasn't sure if Daniel was even at this warehouse, but she wanted him to be there. She prayed that Daniel would be there. He was in great danger and the longer he remained MIA the less chance there would be of finding the man still alive.

 

Sam sensed that Daniel's time was very limited. She had been certain that once Daniel gave his captors what they wanted he would be killed, but now she feared that they wouldn't kill him. They would probably use him for something else. She feared that even if Daniel didn't give them what they wanted they would still keep him alive. They would keep Daniel alive until he could take no more abuse, until he could take no more beatings, until he simply couldn't take any more. Sam now felt certain that the NID wouldn't kill Daniel. No, they wouldn't kill him they would use him. They might make him a test subject in one of their insane experiments or use Daniel as collateral. Sam was positive that Daniel wouldn't be killed because he was much more valuable alive. She was, also, positive that Colonel Harry Maybourne was involved in Daniel's disappearance. Maybourne wanted revenge on Daniel and Sam was positive that his revenge would not involve Daniel's death. Oh no, Maybourne would make Daniel suffer; he would make Daniel pay for a very long time. Sam shivered at those cryptic thoughts. She hoped, she prayed, that she was wrong. If she was right then Daniel's being murdered at the hands of his captors would come as a blessing because Daniel would rather die then be made a subject in one of Maybourne's demented experiments, or one of the NID's inhumane experiments.

 

                                                       * * * *

Levinson continued to watch the monitor checking on the condition of his prisoner. Doctor Jackson remained unconscious only awaking occasionally, but not for very long. Levinson silently cursed again. The lashing was not supposed to be severe. His men were only supposed to lash the man enough to get his attention, but his men went overboard. Shit! The fools were totally careless! Ayanna continued to keep him updated on Jackson's condition. She said that he wasn't feverish, so that was a good sign, but the man was still not well. Damn it, his men were too hasty in their beating! If he lost Jackson he would kill them! He heard his door open and glanced up. His contact at the SGC entered the room. Levinson said, "I told you not to come here. What do you want?"

 

"The SGC will be here soon."

 

"WHAT?"

 

"They’ve been checking out warehouses in the state, and they’ve managed to narrow down their search to five possibilities. This warehouse is on that list. It's only a matter of time before they locate you and locate him," the man indicated Jackson by nodding towards the monitor. Then he continued, "If I were you I'd move Jackson today."

 

"Well, I don't have much of a choice, now do I?"

 

Damn it! Maybourne had warned him that SG-1 was relentless when one of their members went missing. He never expected the SGC to locate Jackson so damned fast! Now he would have to move the man as quickly as possible. Great, just great! Why couldn't things ever be easy? He felt his rage increase as his contact simply answered "No."

 

"Shit! All right, I'll have Jackson moved immediately, but first I need a small...favor."

 

"What?"

 

"I need Janet Fraiser."

 

Levinson's contact stared at him for the longest time in shock. Levinson waited patiently for the man's response. The man snapped out of his daze demanding, "WHAT? Are you insane? You can't abduct her! It's bad enough you have Jackson and now you're considering grabbing her?"

 

Levinson eyed up his contact then said evenly, "Not considering, planning... Look, he needs a doctor. We have none on staff and she knows his medical records. I need her with him!"

 

The man wondered why Levinson was suddenly demanding Fraiser. He also wondered why Jackson would need a doctor. It was then that he chose to look at the monitor, to really LOOK at that monitor. All he could manage to utter was, "Jesus! What the hell did you do to him? You told me he'd be beaten not... My God you're insane!"

 

"I ordered him lashed, yes, but not lashed that damned much! My men got a bit carried away. Look, I need her here. Can you do that or not?"

 

He stared at the screen longer, shocked at seeing the young scientist so battered. He knew Jackson needed a doctor. He needed something...Shit! He would have to obtain Fraiser. He doubted Levinson would get another doctor. It would have to be Fraiser. He nodded saying, "I'll bring her."

 

"Thank you."

 

"No problem."

 

Then the man turned and left the room. He knew that he had to find a way to obtain Janet Fraiser. He had to formulate a plan and soon. Doctor Jackson didn't look like he had all that much time left. SHIT! What a mess!

 

Levinson looked at the monitor again, cursing at the fact that Jackson still was unresponsive. Damn it!

 

He was ready to sit down again when Maybourne entered. Oh great just who he wanted to see...the crazy psychotic renegade NID agent, just perfect.

 

Maybourne approached him inquiring, "How is the good doctor today?"

 

Levinson glanced up at Maybourne struggling not to glare at the man as he responded nonchalantly, "Still very much unconscious."

 

"WHAT?"

 

Jackson was still unconscious? Goddamn it! The man should be awake by now! Maybourne found his anger increasing. If he lost Daniel Jackson he would kill! He would kill Levinson first then move on from there. He needed Jackson alive. He found himself glaring sinisterly at the man before him fighting the urge to wrap his hands around the damned man's neck. Levinson only glanced at him casually, completely unaffected by the glare, which only served to further infuriate Maybourne. Levinson then replied in a calm voice, "Relax. I'm getting a doctor for him."

 

Well, at least the man was thinking ahead! If a doctor could save Jackson then Levinson better get that damned doctor. Maybourne found that he wanted to know who Levinson would choose and asked, "Who?"

 

Levinson shook his head no saying, "Never mind who..."

 

He then looked intently at Maybourne prepared to deliver the next bit of bad news. He continued, "Maybourne, we have a problem."

 

A problem? How the hell could they have another problem? Damn it, Daniel Jackson remaining unconscious for so long was problem enough! Now Levinson was telling him they had another problem to deal with? He snapped out, "Which is?"

 

"The SGC."

 

"What about them?"

 

"I was just informed that they are closing in. We need to move him...tonight."

 

"SHIT! I was hoping that this wouldn't happen!"

 

Damn it, he knew they would be closing in soon. What was so damned important about a goddamned archaeologist that the SGC would pull so many damned resources to search for the man? They would not get Jackson back if Maybourne had anything to say about it. He was not letting that man go! Jackson was his and would remain his until Maybourne had no further use for him! He wasn't about to give the man back to the SGC! He continued to glare at Levinson finding the urge to strangle the man was back as Levinson casually commented, "Well it has."

 

Well, now that urge to strangle Levinson would have to be put on hold a bit longer. Right now he had more important things to attend to, like clearing this warehouse completely out and removing any and all trace that Doctor Jackson had even been here. Maybourne said, "All right. I'll have my men work on cleaning up. You get Jackson and move him. Leave nothing behind to indicate that he was even here."

 

"No problem."

 

Maybourne turned on his heels and left. Levinson glared at the closed door a bit longer than necessary. He so wanted to punch that man. Maybourne just had the ability to constantly piss him off. Levinson focused on his hands realizing that they were now fisted on top of his desk. He casually loosened those fists as he called in Jameson.

 

Jameson found himself wondering why on earth Levinson decided to call him into the room. He then entered Levinson's office immediately asking, "Yes sir?"

 

Jameson watched as the man pulled something out of his desk drawer. He tried to get a look at the object but couldn't see it. He glanced at Levinson in question. The man quickly explained, "I want you to take water to our visitor. Then I want you to administer this."

 

Levinson quickly held up a syringe full of a liquid. Jameson found himself staring at the syringe and wondering what was inside of it. He looked from Levinson to the syringe then back again. Levinson continued, "It's a drug. We're moving him."

 

"Yes sir. Mind if I ask...what does it...?"

 

"Relax. It's an analgesic. It won't harm him."

 

"An analgesic, sir?"

 

"A painkiller, Jameson."

 

"What kind of a...?"

 

"Morphine. Give it to him."

 

"Morphine? Uh sir...if you don't mind me saying...I thought you wanted the doctor to experience the pain."

 

"We're moving him. There is no way in hell I want him to feel every move we make."

 

Jameson found himself staring openly at Levinson. Why would the man choose to give Doctor Jackson a painkiller after all the abuse he's put the man through already? He questioned, "Sir...isn't that against...?"

 

Levinson merely shrugged his shoulders continuing to explain casually, "Yes, it is but I'm not making him suffer through all that. Every move will jar his back. He's suffering enough already. I'm just...giving him a...a break from the pain...plus it will help him stay asleep. He needs to sleep not to constantly awake every time he moves. Give him the morphine."

 

"But what about...Maybourne, sir? If he asks...?"

 

"Don't tell him. Jameson, just give Jackson the damned morphine! The man needs it!"

 

"Yes...yes, sir."

 

"Now! I want Jackson to be completely unaware of the pain moving him will induce. I don't want to force him to suffer through all that."

 

"Yes sir."

 

Levinson handed Jameson the syringe watching as the man left. He then eyed up the monitor again. True he wanted the archaeologist's cooperation but there was no way in hell he'd make the man suffer being transported. It was bad enough they would have to most likely stick him in the back of a van or trunk of a car. He wasn't going to force the man to suffer while enroute to their destination.

 

Levinson found that he also had to think of a way to keep Jackson from Maybourne. Maybourne was demented. Levinson didn't like people all that much. In fact, he felt very little remorse when ordering beatings, interrogations or doing them himself. He didn't even feel remorse when killing but the idea of making someone a test subject in some insane experiments bothered him a hell of a lot. He couldn't allow Maybourne to make Jackson a test subject...that was just one thing he could not do. He could do a hell of a lot of sinister things but handing someone over to the NID so that some crazy, sick, demented experiments could be done on them...that Levinson just couldn't stomach. The whole idea made him feel ill. He'd be damned if he would condemn a man to such a grisly fate.

 

                                                       * * * *

Jameson headed to Jackson's cell a bit shocked that his boss was ordering him to give Jackson a painkiller. He thought for sure that his boss was totally heartless, but he had been wrong. The man, at least, had some heart. He wasn't totally evil.

 

He was told of Jackson's whereabouts and hesitantly approached the door to the room. He inhaled deeply then opened the door and entered. He flicked on the light switch noticing immediately that the young man was hanging, suspended from the ceiling, upright. The man was quite literally hanging by the shackles imprisoning his wrists. Jameson noticed how Doctor Jackson's legs were buckled beneath him. His legs weren't even supporting him. He felt a stab of sympathy enter his chest as he stared in shock at the unconscious man. He knew Jackson's arms had to be in severe anguish. As he neared the man he could see that Jackson was supported only by the shackles digging severely into his wrists, blood, dried and fresh, streaked down both of his arms in various spots. Several trails left behind by the blood had managed to successfully reach the young man's shoulders. Jameson felt ill. He also noticed Jackson hung his head much, much too low. His chin was now resting against his chest. He couldn't move as he stared at the man. If only... God if only SG-1 would've been on that planet when Murray had found him. They might have been able to save him.

 

Jameson jolted out of his momentary paralysis and approached the young man. He reached towards him his hand shaking as he did so. God, what they did to him was unthinkable. How could anyone live with themselves after doing this to someone? The man was literally strung up by his wrists, left to hang painfully by his arms in the darkness. God, he had to help this man escape. He had to! He inhaled deeply as he touched the man's face. He jerked his hand back rapidly as the man before him jerked his head up then screamed. The scream sent chills traveling all along Jameson's spine. The scream was one of intense pain and horror, a scream of agony and rage, a scream of torment… Jameson felt chills envelope his body and knew those chills were not because the room was cold. He jerked his head up as the man before him spoke, "Oh God! Hurts..." then lapsed into a violent cough.

 

Daniel Jackson felt consciousness attempt to grip him again. He didn't want to awake. All he wanted to do was sleep. He tried to force himself to awake but his mind didn't seem to want to obey the order. He tried to recall what brought him to awareness in the first place and, as he heard footsteps approach, he remembered the door opening. Who was visiting him? Was his visitor friend or foe? Was his visitor his tormentors or the one who attempted to soothe him on several different occasions since the crude lashing? Lashing? That's right he had been brutally whipped. That's why his body was so full of pain and anguish. They had done this to him. They had deliberately whipped him, and they had enjoyed it. The bastards! The sick fuckin' bastards!

 

Daniel jumped as a hand pressed against his face and quickly regretted the move as his entire being loudly protested. Daniel couldn't keep the scream silent this time. He couldn't hold back his cries of pain any longer, so he screamed. He screamed very loudly as his nerve endings became pumped with sudden anguish as the pain flew at him full force. He could no longer stay in the blessed oblivion of unconsciousness, and he could no longer remain in the haven of semi-consciousness. No longer. He was now wide awake and pain seemed to fill his entire being sensitizing every nerve ending. He inhaled deeply. God, he wanted to scream again. He so wanted to scream again but he knew that he was no longer alone. He mustn't scream; he mustn't let his tormentors know that their beatings actually hurt him severely. He knew that if they discovered their beatings were, in fact, inducing great pain then they would continue to beat him. He knew that they would, so he swallowed hard and inhaled deeper trying to regain his focus. When he felt that he succeeded in doing so he opened his eyes to blackness. Daniel retorted loudly, "Son of a bitch! You fuckin' bastards!"

 

He was blindfolded, shit! He'd forgotten about the damned blindfold! He wanted to kill the bastards who did this to him! He so wanted to kill them! Daniel felt anger and rage fill him at his damned predicament. He was so angry. He yanked against his restraints managing only to cry out as the shackles tore into already sore bloody flesh. Damn it!

 

He suddenly heard a voice in front of him saying his name. Someone was saying his name. He closed his eyes again and focused on calming himself down. Getting angry would solve nothing, nothing at all. He needed to focus and to calm himself down. Finally, he succeeded then focused on the voice, male...a man was saying his name and asking if he was all right. Daniel attempted to speak and found his mouth was just too dry. He swallowed again then slipped his tongue out dragging it slowly across his dry lips moistening them again. Once done he spoke, "What do you want?"

 

"Oh thank God! I was so worried. Doctor Jackson, I have water for you."

 

"Water? God!"

 

Daniel quickly clamped his mouth shut realizing that he almost revealed to the man just how badly he desired water. Then the man said, "Can you lift your head...?"

 

Lift his head? He was already holding his head upright, wasn't he? As Daniel focused more he realized he still hadn't raised his head so he quickly did so. He winced as pain from his neck and head echoed back at him. The man before him approached saying, "Here Doctor Jackson. I have water."

 

Daniel felt the coolness of a glass being pressed against his lips and tried to drink the water. The man said, "Hold still. Let me help you."

 

He then felt the man's hand move to the back of his head and neck offering support. Daniel tilted his head back some hearing the man continue, "I'm going to tilt the glass now...Ready?"

 

The man did so. Daniel felt the cool water sloshing over his dry lips dribbling into his mouth and tried to quickly drink the precious liquid. He lapsed into a cough and felt the glass being moved. He wanted to cry out, to beg the man to please give him more water, but he refused to do so. He heard the man saying, "You must slow down, Doctor Jackson. You're trying to drink the water too fast. You're dehydrated, more so now than before due to blood loss. Blood loss makes you thirstier. You need to take it slowly. I know that you're very thirsty, but you need to slow down. Okay?"

 

"Yes..."

 

"Are you ready?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Okay. Here goes."

 

Daniel again felt a hand being placed gently to the back of his head and neck to help support them. Then he felt the glass being pressed against his lips. He found that he was very grateful for the man's help. He drank, slower this time, and managed to drink more.

 

Daniel turned his head away when he no longer wanted any more water. The man added, "I will bring you more later."

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're welcome... Doctor Jackson, I have something else I need to give you."

 

"What?"

 

Daniel mentally cursed as he again attempted to see what the man had only to discover that he was still trapped in the cursed darkness. The man continued, "It will help you...at least for a few hours. I have an analgesic here..."

 

"I haven't...eaten...days...might make...sick."

 

"Yes, it could make you sick, but it will help with the pain. It's morphine."

 

"Hate that stuff...makes me...loopy."

 

"Would you rather experience the pain?"

 

"Why ask? Not like have...choice...You'll give it...no matter what... Thanks for telling me...though."

 

"Doctor Jackson?"

 

Jameson watched as the man's strength seemed to suddenly go out of him. The man left his head fall forward. Jameson questioned, "Doctor Jackson, are you still awake?"

 

"Sleep...tired..." Daniel managed to croak out. He struggled to stay conscious longer but like before consciousness was a very fleeting thing. Daniel hated being this damned weak. He was so tired and so exhausted but he so desired to remain awake for longer than a few scant minutes at a time. He could feel the veil of sleep quickly descending upon him, yet again and pushing him into the deep abyss of rest.

 

Jameson looked at the man in concern. Doctor Jackson was definitely weak. He was much weaker now than he was before. The lack of food and water didn't help matters much. The man was extremely weak and from the looks of things he wouldn't be recovering much of his strength any time soon.

 

Jameson lowered his voice as he urged, "Yes, go ahead and sleep, Doctor Jackson. Rest."

 

Within moments Daniel was fast asleep. Jameson raised the syringe unsure of whether he should administer it or not. As he surveyed the young man before him he decided the man deserved a break from his suffering. He approached the archaeologist and, finding a raised vein, he inserted the needle injecting him with the morphine. After he finished administering the drug he placed the used syringe in his pocket then exited the room.

 

Jameson quickly made his way back up to Levinson's office knocking before entering just in case Maybourne was around. He slowly entered after hearing Levinson invite him in. Levinson looked up at Jameson then said, "Thank you."

 

"Here's the syringe."

 

Jameson pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to Levinson pausing momentarily. Levinson noticed the obvious pause as he accepted the now empty syringe. He waited to see if Jameson would continue. When the man didn't he questioned, "Is there something you want to say, Jameson?"

 

"Uh, well...yes."

 

"What?"

 

"It's about Doctor Jackson."

 

"Go on."

 

"He isn't doing well. He needs a...he needs a doctor, Levinson."

 

"One is being obtained for him as we speak."

 

"He's not doing well. He's really weak Levinson."

 

"Stop worrying about him. Don't worry. I'm keeping my eye on Jackson. He'll be fine."

 

"Are you sure? I mean..."

 

“Yes. Jameson?"

 

Jameson glanced up at Levinson wondering why the man was now speaking as if to question. He responded, "Yeah?"

 

"We have to move Doctor Jackson today."

 

"I know."

 

"I want you to take him to the van."

 

"What?"

 

"I need you to take him to the van for transport."

 

"Why not Lance or James?"

 

"Because Jackson is in need of...gentler handling right now. I don't want his back bleeding again if it can be avoided. Lance and James will take no precautions. You, on the other hand, will."

 

Jameson became suddenly defensive as Levinson said that. He was afraid that since Levinson discovered that he actually cared some for the archaeologist that he would find no further use for him. He questioned, "What do you mean I will?"

 

"Jameson, I've been watching you with Jackson since we brought him here. You’re gentler with him, like Ayanna. We need to move him and I don't want his back bleeding badly again. He's lost so much blood already..."

 

Jameson was very pleased when Levinson seemed glad to have him on board. Instead of getting rid of him for daring to care for the prisoner he was urging Jameson to work with the man. He nodded saying, "I'll get him. When did you want to go?"

 

"As soon as possible."

 

Jameson nodded his head then prepared to head to Jackson's cell to retrieve the man for transport.

 

                                                       * * * *

Major Carter silently cursed. Damn it another false lead! She was so certain that Daniel would be at the warehouse they had just visited but, like all the others, it was a false lead. They had nothing! A false lead just like all the others. Damn it! While investigating the warehouse now narrowed down their search to four possibles it was still very frustrating! Daniel had to be at one of those warehouses. He just had to be! Sam refused to give up. She would locate him. She just wished they would stop having so many dead leads. God, where was Daniel? Was he all right? How badly was he hurt? How much time did he have left? She prayed that they would find him soon. She hoped that he would be found alive and well. Why did it always have to be Daniel? Why did so much bad luck find the man? Daniel was one of the sweetest, most generous, caring people Sam knows yet he always ended up suffering. Always. It was just so unfair! She started pacing as her worry and fear for their still missing team mate refused to give her even a moment's solace. Daniel was out there somewhere. They just had to find him.

 

Sam still didn't like the sense of foreboding she was experiencing regarding the man's abduction. She was sure now that Maybourne wouldn't give up the chance to make Daniel pay for everything he's done. She was positive that Maybourne would make Daniel suffer. She was certain that he had to be involved in Daniel's disappearance. She felt chills climb her spine as she thought of what Maybourne could have planned for Daniel. She was sure now that if Maybourne were involved as she suspected, then he would find some way to make Daniel suffer. She felt chills climb her spine as she thought of what Maybourne could have planned. He knew that Daniel was against the NID's experiments and that Daniel very much respected a person's basic human rights. She hated to think of how Maybourne would get his revenge on Daniel. She was certain he would put Daniel in one of those insane experiments the NID were always working on. She didn't want to believe that was possible but she just couldn't ignore the sense of certainty, of misgivings, that seemed to be screaming at her that Maybourne was involved and would make Daniel one of his test subjects. Maybourne had tried before, several times before, to make people and aliens test subjects. When they had first returned from Chulaak with Teal'c and Teal'c had pledged his allegiance to the people of Earth Maybourne jumped at the chance to make Teal'c an experiment. He wanted to study the symbiote that Teal'c carried and was willing to do almost anything to procure Teal'c for study. They had all been outraged at Maybourne's suggestion and in the end Maybourne left with nothing. Maybourne was always trying to do research or retain some alien technology. It would only make sense that he would consider making Daniel an experimental subject, as well. Sam didn't like to even think of the possibility. She had to find Daniel. They had to find Daniel.

 

"Major Carter..."

 

Sam jumped as the voice of Teal'c broke through her thoughts. She turned to look at the silent Jaffa who quickly apologized, "I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you."

 

"You didn't frighten me Teal'c, you startled me."

 

"You appeared to be in some distress. Are you all right, Major Carter?"

 

Sam smiled gently up at Teal'c saying, "Yes, I'm fine. I was just thinking..."

 

"About Daniel Jackson?"

 

"Yes."

 

"We will find him, Major Carter. We must not give up hope."

 

"I know we'll find him Teal'c. I just...I hope we find him soon."

 

"We will locate Daniel Jackson."

 

"But will he be alive when we finally locate him?"

 

"Daniel Jackson is a very resourceful Tau'ri. He will be fine."

 

"But what if he's not? What if he...?"

 

"He will be fine. You must believe that, Major Carter."

 

"Easier said than done."

 

Teal'c looked at Major Sam Carter for the longest time. He could tell that she was very worried for Daniel, as well as O'Neill. She looked as if she hadn't gotten any sleep in weeks. Teal'c was sure she most likely had not. He spoke up in concern, "You should go rest, Major Carter."

 

"No Teal'c. I'm fine."

 

Teal'c shook his head no replying gently, "You are not. You have been working without sleep again. Major Carter, you will be of no use to Doctor Jackson if you do not take care of yourself."

 

Sam found that she couldn't maintain eye contact with Teal'c as she attempted to dissuade his fears by saying, "I'm fine."

 

"You are exhausted."

 

"Teal'c, I'm fine. Stop worrying."

 

"It is my job to worry about you."

 

"Since when?"

 

"Since Doctor Jackson and Colonel O'Neill are not here to do it for me."

 

Sam giggled in response to that comment. Teal'c looked at her silently for the longest time then Sam said, "Sorry. You're just as bad as they are, even when they're here."

 

"You Tau'ri seem to find excuses not to meet your body's basic needs. Then you wonder why you do not have time to relax. Major Carter, you must rest. We will find Doctor Jackson."

 

"Teal'c, I can't rest...not as long as he's still out there."

 

"As I have said before you will be of no use to Doctor Jackson if you do not first take care of your own needs."

 

"Teal'c please..."

 

"You Tau'ri are most stubborn, most stubborn indeed. I will assist you."

 

"Thank you, Teal'c."

 

"You must take a break, Major Carter. You cannot just ignore your body's needs."

 

"I know Teal'c, I know." Sam rolled her eyes in response to the Jaffa's demands. Teal'c was right. She needed to sleep and to take breaks or she would be no good to Daniel. Daniel needed her to be fully operational not falling ill due to ignoring her body's basic needs. She smiled at Teal'c drawing great comfort in the man's strong presence in the room and in his concern for her well-being.

 

                                                                                                         * * * * * *

Jack O'Neill looked at Captain Janet Fraiser as she again questioned if he was all right. She was very concerned about the alternate Jack. He was already experiencing tremors and from her research, and what the alternate Daniel had told her, this Jack was reaching the point of no return, the point where the tremors would destroy him if he didn't soon return to his Earth. She noticed the ashen pallor of his face. The man needed to get back to his time and soon. She suggested, "Why don't you sit down for a moment?"

 

Jack looked into the very concerned face of Captain Fraiser. He knew that she was very worried for him. She knew that the tremors were already beginning to seize him off and on and she also knew that with the increase in tremors death was drawing closer. He quickly attempted to cast her fears aside as he replied, "I'm fine."

 

Captain Fraiser continued to watch Jack noticing that this man was as stubborn as her own Colonel. Why couldn't the man see that he needed to return to his reality now? She shook her head no as Jack tried to tell her he was fine. She added, "Colonel, please don't lie to me."

 

Jack smiled at Captain Fraiser then said teasingly, "I told you to call me Jack."

 

She noticed how Jack was trying to ease her mind by speaking softly with an edge of humor creeping up into his voice. Captain Fraiser wasn't buying his act. She made sure to inform him of that as well as she continued, "You aren't fooling me."

 

Jack refused to cave in as he spoke firmly, "You need my help."

 

Captain Fraiser softened her voice further simply responding, "Your Daniel needs you."

 

Jack glanced at her only a moment longer before dropping his head in resignation. He knew that his Daniel needed him. He didn't need reminded of it. He found himself again worrying about the young archaeologist. He still felt edgy, as if something was wrong. He was certain that Daniel hasn't yet been found. Captain Fraiser's voice broke through his thoughts, "I'm sorry. I..."

 

"No, no, don't worry. You have no need to apologize."

 

"But..."

 

"Captain, you don't need to apologize to me."

 

Captain Fraiser watched Jack a bit longer. He was definitely a lot different than the O'Neill she knows. This Jack O'Neill didn't seem to have the hard-nosed, cold edge that her Jack has. He was gentler, warmer and happier. She wondered again if his befriending a certain archaeologist had anything to do with the way he turned out. There was no doubt in her mind that this Jack cared for his Daniel very much and loved Daniel Jackson like a friend, like a brother. She still found it odd how different the two O'Neill's were. She often wondered what would have happened if certain events in a person's life never occurred. Could a simple variation in someone's life change everything that was to occur in their life in the future? Obviously it was very possible. Seemingly insignificant things in a person's life could ultimately alter their entire existence. It was awesome to think about. It was very hard to grasp, but she had the perfect example of such a thing right before her eyes. A simple event changed the course of two men's lives. Two men who were identical in almost every way except that they made different choices or something tragic happened and they both coped in different ways. It was amazing to think about, simply amazing.

 

Captain Fraiser looked up as soon as she heard another person speaking. She looked up into the eyes of the Tok'ra named Martouf. He appeared to be a gentle person who was uncertain how to proceed. She stepped in saying, "Hello..."

 

"Um hello."

 

Martouf glanced nervously from Jack to the woman afraid that he might have intruded on a private moment. He felt a little bit embarrassed and hoped that he wasn't interrupting anything. The woman asked, "Did you want something?"

 

"I did not mean to intrude. I am sorry."

 

Captain Fraiser quickly eased Martouf's mind as she replied, "You didn't. Did you have some information for us?"

 

Martouf once again looked from the woman to Jack and back again. When he felt certain he hadn't offended either of them with his unexpected arrival he continued, "We are a bit uncertain whether this Daniel Jackson is truly host to Anubis."

 

Jack rolled his eyes muttering, "Oh, for crying out loud! Marty, believe me, Daniel is a host to Anubis. They both occupy the same body. They share Daniel's body equally."

 

Martouf knew that his response disturbed Jack but he had to let the man know exactly how the Tok'ra felt so he continued, "We have no proof."

 

"Then you'll just have to trust us, Marty."

 

"We cannot risk..."

 

"Trusting us? Why? Because we’re human? We’re of the Tau'ri?"

 

Martouf lowered his head in response to those questions. Should he tell this man what they had been hearing about the Tau'ri? He decided it was only fair that this man before him know and understand why the Tok'ra felt so uncertain. He continued, "We have heard reports of some Tok'ra losing their lives to you Tau'ri. We are few and do not multiply. We are a dying race. Should we trust you it could lead to our extinction…”

 

Now Jack understood why Martouf seemed so unwilling to help them. In this reality O'Neill's motto of 'the best snake is a dead snake' created several incidences in which they could have possibly killed some of the Tok'ra. It wasn't their fault that they did so because they had no idea that the Tok'ra even existed until now, but he could understand exactly why Martouf was so hesitant to offer any assistance. Very few Tok'ra remained, the Tok'ra were a dying race and one of the few remaining threats to the Goa'uld. If the Tok'ra were to be completely wiped out the battle against the Goa'uld would be swayed greatly and definitely not in their favor. Jack softened his voice as he urged gently, "Marty, you have to trust us."

 

Martouf continued to observe Jack. He was sure the man understood exactly why the Tok'ra were so hesitant to help. Martouf again stated, "We cannot..."

 

Jack approached Martouf continuing in his soft tone of voice, "Marty, we need your help. They need your help. Daniel is in danger. He is Anubis' host. Are you willing to condemn one of your own to death because you don't know if you can trust the Tau'ri? Listen, he's with Seth right now...I've met Seth, believe me he’s not a nice guy. He will kill Anubis then you’ll lose another Tok'ra. Marty, you have to make a decision. You can't keep changing your mind. Will you help them or won't you?"

 

Martouf looked at the man before him a while longer. He didn't know why it was but he sensed that this man could be trusted. He was unsure of the other man who looked as this one did. The other man seemed distant, cold. Martouf wasn't sure whether they could trust him or not. He sensed that the man before him was, in fact, telling the truth. The friend of these...travelers was Anubis' new host. They had heard rumors that Anubis' host had died and that he had to acquire another host. They had heard that Anubis found another host, as well, but they had no idea just how that new host looked or even if the host was male or female. Martouf checked in with the Tok'ra spy presently on Avaris and was told a valuable prisoner had been recently acquired, a prisoner who could destroy Isis for good. He wasn't sure if that prisoner was Anubis or not. He found he could no longer hold eye contact with the man before him while he held such information to himself. He glanced away.

 

Jack quickly picked up on Martouf's quick aversive tactic. The man wasn't telling him everything. He was hiding something but what? Jack cleared his throat then said, "Uh Marty, is there something you would like to share with us?"

 

Martouf glanced up at the man briefly. He could tell that the man sensed he knew something he wasn't sharing. Martouf glanced away then back again saying, "We have some news..."

 

Jack silently cheered as he replied, "Well that's great!"

 

Martouf again looked away from Jack as he softly said, "Not really..."

 

"Why?"

 

Jack felt a chill climb his spine at Martouf's response. What did he know about the Daniel Jackson of this reality? Marty had said they had news but that it wasn't great news. Jack inhaled sharply hoping the news wasn't very bad.

 

Martouf glanced back up at him then continued, "We do not know how accurate the information is."

 

"What information?"

 

"Seth arrived on Avaris with a special guest... One we have not yet met. One who Seth believes has the power to destroy Isis. We do not know if this prisoner is your friend or another."

 

The other O'Neill emerged saying, "It's him. It has to be. He came here with you and was taken by Seth. It has to be him."

 

Jack left out the tense breath he had been holding thankful that the news wasn't that the Daniel of this reality was...no more. Jack then looked at his double saying, "Look...the truth is we don't know. The prisoner may be Daniel or...not. We just don't know."

 

O'Neill said with certainty, "Has to be Daniel."

 

"Why?"

 

"Because I can't lose him again."

 

Everyone fell dead silent staring at O'Neill in shock. Captain Fraiser was the first to question, "Colonel?"

 

"What?"

 

Jack said, "So you do care for him. I knew you did."

 

O'Neill rolled his eyes as his double said that. His double was almost as annoying as the alternate Jackson. He refused to admit that he cared for that man. Skaara was dead because of Doctor Jackson. There was no way he cared for that man. He only wanted to retrieve the team member he had lost. He commented, "Look we need to help him. It's because of me that he became a damned host. I lost him, I lost a member of my team...I want that member back because I made a mistake! I didn't say I cared about him."

 

"Well, you stupid son of a bitch!" came Jack's quick retort. He was infuriated. He could tell that O'Neill cared deeply for Daniel Jackson but he was just too goddamned stubborn to admit it to himself! He was still trying to keep Daniel Jackson at a distance by refusing to admit the man meant a hell of a lot to him! Jack decided it was about time he had that heart to heart talk with his double. He approached his "twin" and casually draped his right arm across the man's shoulders guiding him away from the group of onlookers. All they heard was the sound of Jack's voice as he spoke with determination, "Let me tell you about the man you are so quick to condemn, Colonel."

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

Anubis awoke rapidly to the sound of clomping. When he glanced up, searching for the source of the noise, he saw a Jaffa guard enter the cell. He knew it would not be long before Sutekh came for them. He watched the man unsure of what was about to happen. He quickly checked on his host finding that Daniel had also been disturbed by the noise. Daniel's voice spoke softly to him, "They've come for us, haven't they?"

 

"Yes Daniel, I believe that they have."

 

“Great. Can't wait to see what Seth has planned."

 

"We will be fine. He will not kill us."

 

"Oh, that's really reassuring."

 

"We will be fine."

 

As the guard approached him Anubis said, "Daniel, I should remain in charge. They cannot discover that you still exist."

 

"I know. Be my guest. I'll just watch."

 

"Of that I am sure, my friend."

 

Anubis watched the guard leerily as the Jaffa walked over to him. He waited patiently to see what would happen next. The guard kept his mask up until he kneeled before the prisoner. Then he deactivated his mask. Daniel gasped in response to who was now looking at them. Anubis questioned, "Are you all right, Daniel?"

 

"Yes. Sorry. I still get nervous when I see that man."

 

"Isis must have sent Ka'tar to locate us."

 

"Obviously so what's he staring at us like that for?"

 

Anubis didn't respond as him and Daniel both stared at Ka'tar waiting for the man to speak. They were both a little bit surprised that he was there. They were both very certain that Isis dispatched Ka'tar here as soon as she discovered their whereabouts. Daniel and Anubis both knew just how possessive Isis was about her Beloved. She was very protective of Anubis and of his host and vowed to protect them both at all costs. Isis' protectiveness and concern for both of their welfares had always shocked Daniel. He had never expected a Goa'uld queen to care for anyone but herself. Isis proved that those preconceived notions were not entirely accurate. Just when Anubis was sure the man wouldn't speak he said, "How are you faring, My Lord Anubis?"

 

"I am doing well. What of Isis?"

 

"She grows ever fearful for you. She sent me to free you."

 

"Sutekh will not let us go."

 

"Us? Tell me what you mean by us?"

 

Ka'tar was surprised that Anubis referred to himself as us. Could Anubis really be referring to his host and him as one? Isis said that the host was still alive but kept at bay by constant pain directed towards him from his symbiote. He still found that learning about Daniel Jackson's painful imprisonment in his own body angered him immensely. Ka'tar found that he was very concerned for Anubis' host and wondered if there was any way he could draw the man out. He refocused his attention on Anubis when the Goa'uld answered, "A figure of speech. I was referring to my host."

 

"Why? Your host is no more."

 

"You are correct."

 

One thought screamed through Ka'tar's mind in response to that comment...LIAR. The Goa'uld was a damned liar! Ka'tar continued to inquire about Anubis' reference, "So why refer to...?"

 

“I am not feeling well."

 

"I must get you out of here."

 

Ka'tar was thinking that he'd rather get Daniel Jackson out of here. Anubis had lied to him about the existence of his host and Ka'tar found that angered him. He covered his emotions up as Anubis interrupted his thoughts, "Sutekh will not allow it."

 

Anubis then jerked his head up as he could hear the approaching clomp, clomp indicating guards. He watched as Ka'tar quickly reactivated his mask and started to leave. When Ka'tar got to the door one of the guards entered the cell. He quickly demanded, "Is this prisoner causing trouble?"

 

"No."

 

The guard sneered at the captive still imprisoned in chains. The man was very attractive, indeed. Anubis had lucked out in attaining this man as a host. The man had both youthfulness and beauty. He was very pleasing to look upon. The guard found that he was rather envious of Anubis. He approached Anubis brushing his hand against Daniel's cheek caressingly saying, "Such a handsome host you have acquired. He is very pleasing to the eye."

 

Anubis heard Daniel cursing then snapping, "What a bastard!"

 

"Daniel, you must relax. He is only attempting to intimidate me."

 

"More like ogling me, damn it!"

 

"Daniel..."

 

"Sorry."

 

"It is all right."

 

Anubis' focus was drawn back to the guard as the guard continued, "Such a shame you found him before me. He was a spirited one, was he not?"

 

Anubis found that he was growing rather tired and angry with the damned guard. How dare the man stand there and so openly leer at his host! Any idiot could tell what the guard was thinking and it sure as hell wasn't a pure thought. The bastard! He needed to keep his grubby hands off of them!

 

Anubis retorted, "What do you want?"

 

"He was. Yes, he would have been a nice challenge, indeed."

 

Okay that was about enough! If the man didn't soon get his damned hands off of them Anubis would lose it! He heard Daniel responding, "Relax Anubis, he's only attempting to intimidate us."

 

"Yes, I know."

 

"You need to take some of your own advice, my friend."

 

Anubis chose not to respond to that comment either as he refocused on the guard saying, "If you have nothing to say then..."

 

The guard quickly cut off Anubis' complaint as he backhanded the man suddenly across the left side of his face. His head snapped violently to the right and his nose began to bleed. Anubis quickly recovered glaring at the guard. He taunted, "You had better be careful. Sutekh would not want me damaged unless he, himself, caused it."

 

"You will curb that tongue!"

 

"No, I do not think so."

 

Anubis winced as he was backhanded yet again. He heard his host saying, "Way to go, Anubis. Piss him off more."

 

Anubis chose to again not respond to Daniel's comment instead he glared at the Jaffa guard. He continued to taunt, "Your strikes are shows of cowardice. Only a coward would strike when their opponent is chained and therefore unable to defend their self.”

 

The guard glared at Anubis a while longer wanting to backhand him again. Instead he turned and exited the cell.

 

Ka'tar stayed only a few moments longer fearing if he moved that he would throw up. He couldn't believe how the guard so openly ogled and caressed Daniel Jackson's body. Ka'tar was quickly learning that the Goa'uld only wanted to dominate and own. He had no doubts in his mind that the guard wanted to own Daniel Jackson. Hell, he wanted to do more than just own the man.

 

Ka'tar decided that he would have to make a habit of being within close range of Anubis' cell at all times. He'd be damned if he would let that guard enter and have his way with Anubis or his host. He would protect them both from being pawed by that damned guard! Ka'tar then turned on his heels and exited the cell vowing never to be more than a few scant steps away from Anubis' cell.

 

Once they were both again alone in the cell Daniel said, "Now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't that situation have been handled a bit...differently?"

 

Anubis didn't respond for the longest time then said, "Yes."

 

"So why...?"

 

"He angered me."

 

"So that makes it okay to...?"

 

"Daniel, forget about it. The situation is over."

 

"Yeah, forget about it. Sure. Right... Can you, at least, try not to piss off the guards too much?"

 

"Sutekh will not kill us."

 

"Yeah well...he could do a hell of a lot to us without killing us and if he has a sarcophagus then he could kill us all he wants and return us to life as often as he'd like. Anubis, I'm not too fond of dying and returning to life again and again and...again."

 

"Sutekh will do what he wants to us no matter if we upset his guards or not. He will do as he chooses."

 

"Yeah, I kind of figured that out. It seems his guards are quite willing to do whatever the hell they want, as well."

 

"Daniel, get some sleep. We will be visited again and when we are we must both be prepared."

 

"And that means you need to rest, as well."

 

"I will."

 

"Will you?"

 

"Yes I will. Now rest, young one. Our next visit will not be so pleasant."

 

"Yeah, I gathered as much...Sleep well, my friend."

 

"Good night, young one."

 

Daniel closed his eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep. Anubis sensed the moment his host was resting. He followed in suit falling asleep shortly after Daniel did. He didn't tell his host what he feared that guard wanted to do to him. He was positive that Daniel knew it anyhow. He vowed to protect his host from the guard's obvious lust and desire for him. He also had to make sure no one discovered his host was still very much alive and kicking. If they were to discover that his host still existed Anubis feared what Sutekh might do to him.

 

                                                                                                         * * * * * *

Jacob Carter searched for his daughter. She's been working diligently the last few days trying to track down Daniel so Jacob decided to give her some space. He couldn't deny that he too was very worried about Daniel. He was very angry. Why did they have to grab Daniel? WHY? He heard a familiar voice in his head speak gently, "None of this is your fault, Jacob."

 

Jacob sighed as his symbiote spoke. He addressed her, "Selmac..."

 

"Yes?"

 

"Daniel..."

 

Selmac waited patiently for Jacob to continue. When she found that her host was having difficulty continuing she calmed her voice as she addressed him, "You cannot blame yourself for what has happened to your friend. You did not know of the danger Doctor Jackson was in."

 

"If only we would've learned about his disappearance sooner. If only Cyrene would have found us sooner..."

 

"You cannot change what has occurred. You should be glad that she sought us out to begin with. She could have remained silent."

 

"I just... Why do people always target Daniel?"

 

It was Selmac's turn to sigh. She had asked herself that question a million times. From the first moment she had met Daniel Jackson she had liked him. There was just something about him that made him special. She found that she greatly respected the man and did not like to see him hurt. She continued, "I do not know, Jacob."

 

Jacob swallowed hard as he struggled to voice his greatest fear, "Selmac what if we...what if we lose him?"

 

"Do not give up hope, Jacob. Remember that Tail'ia is among those who would unjustly take from others. She will inform us if she can. If she knows where Daniel Jackson is she will contact us with the information when, and if, she is able."

 

"God, I hope you're right. Daniel..."

 

Jacob fell silent as Cyrene entered the room. He watched her wondering why she was here. He questioned, "Uh, may I help you?"

 

Cyrene looked up anxiously. She had been searching for Jacob Carter to speak with him regarding Doctor Jackson. Cyrene was still having some difficulty accepting that she was now inexorably linked to Daniel Jackson via Anubis. The strong bond between her symbiote and the Tau'ri, Doctor Jackson, was unlike anything she had ever experienced before in her life. She knew that when Doctor Jackson had journeyed to an alternate reality and was switched with his double, who is host to Anubis in his reality, something amazing had occurred. Now she knew what that amazing thing was: Doctor Jackson and her symbiote had some kind of an unexplainable connection to one another. Since she is Anubis' host in this reality she has been experiencing everything that he has been. Anpu's strange empathic connection to Doctor Jackson was now also hers. As long as she remained Anpu's host she would always be linked to Doctor Jackson via her symbiote.

 

Cyrene was finding that many of the images and feelings she has been picking up from her symbiote were unexplainable. Doctor Jackson's experiences were intermingling with her and Anubis' own, and Cyrene found that there was much she didn't understand about the man. She was hoping that Jacob Carter could possibly help her to understand the images she has been receiving from Doctor Jackson. She licked her lips nervously as she said, "I...we suspected that we would find you here."

 

"You did? Why are you...?"

 

"I...I was worried about you."

 

Cyrene swallowed hard. She was unsure of how to proceed. How could she even breech the topic of Doctor Jackson with this man? She glanced up as Jacob drew her attention by questioning, "Worried? About me? Why?"

 

"Doctor Jackson...he is important to you, is he not?"

 

"Yes."

 

She glanced down at the floor then back up as she quietly voiced one of her main concerns regarding the still missing archaeologist, "Is he worthy of rescue?"

 

Jacob was a bit surprised at the question but wasted little time providing her with the answer, "Very much so."

 

"I had feared that when I began receiving the visions that he was...not a nice human."

 

"Why would you think that?"

 

Not a nice human? What would make her think that Daniel wasn't a nice person? What was in those visions she kept having? He found it very hard to believe that there was anything in those visions that would convince anyone that Daniel was unworthy of rescue. He stared at her intently waiting for her explanation.

 

Cyrene found herself again focusing on the floor. Why was she so damned nervous around this man? Why did she find it so difficult to speak with him? She shook her head as she refocused on him answering, "Because I could find no other reason why someone would want to hurt him so."

 

Jacob shook his head in amazement then lowered his voice as he prepared to tell her a little bit about the man she was now strangely linked to via her symbiote, "Daniel is a very...special human being. He has a very big heart and is very unselfish. He sees the best in everyone, alien or otherwise. He’s one of those human beings that are very rare. Believe me Daniel Jackson is very worthy of your trust and rescue."

 

Cyrene sighed heavily in relief. She wanted to hear exactly those words spoken. She had been leery of the man she seemed unexplainably linked to but the more she shared his thoughts, feelings and emotions and the more she empathized with him the more certain she became that he was very special indeed. She felt she had to share her observations with Jacob Carter, "The more visions I have of...him, the more I can sense about him. He is a gentle natured one, is he not?"

 

Jacob smiled tenderly at her as he answered, "Yes. Yes he is... Tell me why are you now so curious about him?"

 

"I have, we have, shared his pain, his thoughts and his feelings. I realized that I know very little of the one I am connected to and would like to learn more about him."

 

"You want to learn more about Daniel? Why?"

 

"We would like to learn of him, yes."

 

"But why?"

 

"We feel that we should know at least something about him. Some images we have seen are confusing..."

 

"Like?"

 

"A young dark-skinned woman with long hair, pretty... We sense much anguish when he thinks of her...but we also sense..."

 

"Love?"

 

"Yes."

 

"That is because the woman you are seeing is his wife."

 

"His wife? She is very beautiful. Why is he not with her now?"

 

"Because she's...dead."

 

Cyrene had been caught up in Doctor Jackson's love for the woman. She had sensed his love for the mysterious dark-skinned beauty very strongly and had found she wanted to know the woman, and the man who loved her so deeply. Cyrene had never been in love and when she shared those memories of Doctor Jackson's wife with the man she knew how love felt. When Jacob Carter told her that Jackson's wife was now dead she felt very sad. She lowered her voice saying, "Oh...how?"

 

"Apophis stole her, made her his queen..."

 

"She was host to Amunet?"

 

"Yes...Teal'c was forced to kill her so that Amunet wouldn't succeed in murdering Daniel."

 

"What was her name?"

 

"Sha're."

 

"Sha're? I see."

 

Cyrene smiled as she could finally put a name with a face. She felt closer to Doctor Jackson now as she found out another fact about him. She was still a bit troubled because even though she knew of Daniel's wife she had seen nothing of a family in Daniel's shared thoughts. Did the man even have a family? She found that she wanted to know more about this man she and her symbiote were mysteriously connected to. Jacob drew her attention as he prompted, "What else is troubling you?"

 

"Family? Doesn't he have anyone...?"

 

"SG-1 is his family."

 

"But what of his parents?"

 

"Dead. They were killed...an accident...Daniel's only family is us...SG-1..."

 

"You feel that he's family as well don’t you?”

 

"Yes I do."

 

Well at least Doctor Jackson had some people who loved him. She found her attention was now returning to those nightmarish images that plagued her and Anpu's dreams. She had seen him die at least twenty times in her dreams. She hated those dreams. She couldn't get them out of her head and they bothered her a lot. She had foreseen his death. Daniel Jackson would refuse to do as his captors demanded of him and for his defiance he would die painfully. She shivered as the images again began to plague her consciousness. She found herself asking Jacob Carter, "In our visions we saw his death. Why will he not give those who hold him what they want?"

 

"He's protecting everyone and every planet out there. If he were to cooperate...the entire universe could be in danger. I don't know what they have that they need Daniel for..."

 

"Tablets and an urn... They want him to translate Goa'uld...and to contact the higher more advanced races...and they also..."

 

"What?"

 

"Never mind."

 

"Daniel will die before he helps them at all. He knows the risks and he won't take them."

 

"I see..."

 

Jacob continued to observe the woman before him who was the host of the Anubis of this reality. He still found it odd that she was sharing Daniel's pain and emotions. When Daniel had been switched with his alternate, and the symbiote within his alternate, an unexplainable connection occurred between both Daniel's and both Anubis'. It would seem that both Daniel's and both Anubis' would now be connected by some strange bond for the rest of their lives. The idea of such a strong bond between alternates was rather scary. No one understood how it had happened but it did. The end result was that Daniel would forever be connected to Anubis whether in this world or the alternate world. Jacob found the idea was very hard to fathom but the truth of the matter was that it had happened.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

Levinson started to again pace his office. He told Jameson to go retrieve Doctor Jackson and sent two others to go procure Doctor Fraiser. He was very well aware of the dangers of making such a bold move. Grabbing Jackson was dangerous enough and now he was going to grab Fraiser, as well. If they ever found him they'd probably kill him. Only an idiot would be stupid enough to undertake such a task. He had no choice. If he were to grab any doctor they could help, but they wouldn't know of his medical history. He knew the young man had allergies and wasn't willing to risk discovering he had other problems. Fraiser would have to do. He also wanted her because if Jackson were to be used in those experiments of Maybourne's he wanted the man to have someone he knew close to him...call him a sucker but it was the best thing he could do. He was also giving Jackson another minor advantage, for once Fraiser saw him and how he was being treated she might attempt escape... If that were to happen Jackson would be free of Maybourne. Levinson wouldn't be too upset to actually "miss" the two as they made an escape. At that point in time he'd be very willing to turn the other cheek to allow Jackson to escape. The alternative was the rest of his life as one of the NID's guinea pigs.

 

                                                        * * * *

Jameson entered the room that was now serving as Doctor Jackson's cell. He again felt his heart ache when he saw the young man hanging, suspended from the ceiling by chains tethered to his wrists. God, this man needed help and soon. Jameson didn't know just how much longer he could stand by and do nothing.

 

He approached the unconscious scientist preparing to remove the chains that imprisoned him. He wondered if there was any possible way that he could take Jackson down without jarring his back. He doubted that very much, but he could lessen the pain considerably if he caught the brunt of Jackson's weight against him. He looped his left arm around Jackson's waist wincing to himself as he thought of the pain the simple contact would cause the man. He found he was glad he had given Jackson the morphine, after all. With his right hand he worked on undoing the shackle while still holding Jackson firmly around the waist so the man wouldn't crumple to the floor once he was freed. He gasped in relief when Jackson's left arm fell free of the restrictive manacle. He heard a wince coming from the unconscious man combined with a quiet whimper as his left arm fell against his body. Jameson's breath caught in his throat as he heard that quiet whimper elicit from the man's mouth. He knew that Jackson was in a lot of pain and hearing him voice that pain just drove that fact home. Jameson shook his head in anger and rage. He couldn't let this continue. He had to help Jackson soon.

 

As he looked at Jackson's now freed left arm he felt ill as fresh blood began to leak from the gouges on the man's wrist. It made him ill to see that fresh blood mingling with dried blood. God, obviously the shackles were just as cruel to the man's wrists as the beatings were to the man's body.

 

Jameson tried not to notice just how much this man's present condition bothered him as he worked on the right wrist shackle. He inhaled shakily when he undid the second shackle and Jackson fell. He sighed heavily when he managed to catch Jackson's full weight rather quickly. He listened to Jackson's shaky pain-filled breaths and knew that any contact with his back would cause the man extreme pain even with the morphine in his system. He still brought Jackson's shirt with him knowing that cloth laying over a badly lashed back would only aggravate it; he also knew the shirt would at least offer some protection, however minimal that might be, to the multiple lacerations now present. He gently put the shirt on Jackson then lifted him up as he had done that first day. He found himself apologizing often as he placed his left arm across Jackson's back and shoulders. He knew that touch would hurt like hell, but it was unavoidable. Jameson then placed his right arm under the man's knees holding the young man against him. He inhaled deeply as he thought of his next step... Now he had to walk with the man in his arms. He knew the movement would cause Jackson some pain, but he had little choice in the matter. He glanced briefly at the blindfold still secured across Jackson's eyes and considered removing it. Then he thought of the shock the change in lighting would be to the man. He quickly decided to leave the blindfold in place, at least temporarily, and headed to Levinson's office.

 

                                                       * * * *

Major Samantha Carter returned to her office noticing how Teal'c also joined her. She knew that one of the reasons he was there was to keep an eye on her and to make sure that she gave herself some breaks. He also probably sensed that she didn't want to be alone right now. Daniel was still missing and she felt as if they were no closer to locating him than before. She hated not knowing where Daniel was or what he was going through. She had to find him. She just had to!

 

Teal'c commented, "Major Carter, we will find Daniel Jackson."

 

She sighed finding that simple statement calming her nerves. She smiled at Teal'c responding, "Thanks Teal'c."

 

He nodded his head in reaction. Then Teal'c offered, "Major Carter, how may I be of assistance?"

 

"You don't have to do anything, Teal'c. You being here is helping me a lot."

 

He again nodded his head and remained with Sam. Sam sat down in front of her computer as she prepared to continue her searches. She sensed that they were very close to finding Daniel but she also had a feeling that time was running out. She feared that they might locate him but be too late to save him. What if they found him in one of those warehouses and he was...dead? What if they found traces of him in a warehouse, but he was no longer there? Oh God, what if they found him, but the NID had just enough time to move him? How would they ever relocate him? She swallowed hard not wanting to think of that possibility but finding fear enveloping her body.

 

She felt a warm, tender hand pressing gently against her right shoulder and sighed. She knew that Teal'c was the one who placed his hand there. He gently squeezed her shoulder then said, "We will find, Daniel Jackson. You must not lose faith, Major Carter, and you must not give up hope."

 

"I'm not. I'm just so worried. What if we're too late? What if they move him before we get to him? What if..."

 

Teal'c calmed his voice as he continued, "Major Carter, you are doing everything you can to locate Daniel Jackson. If he is moved then we will locate him again. You must not give up on him no matter what happens. Daniel Jackson is relying on you, on us, to find him and free him. We must try our best to do so."

                                       

Sam stared down at her hands noticing that she was clenching them tightly together. Oh God, she wanted to cry. She felt so helpless. What if she failed Daniel? What if...God, she couldn't fail Daniel. She had to find him, but what if she couldn't do that?

 

Teal'c sensed that Major Carter was close to breaking down. Daniel's disappearance was taking a definite toll on her. She was starting to doubt her ability to help him. Teal'c couldn't allow her to give up. Daniel needed her, he needed all of them to work together to locate him. He sensed that Major Carter was ready to cry so without thinking Teal'c gently wrapped his arms around Major Carter and pulled her tightly against him. He held her firmly in his embrace offering her the strength and support she would need to continue.

 

Sam felt the tears threatening to spill unbidden down across her cheeks and as Teal'c wrapped his strong, protective arms around her Sam found herself leaning against him and willingly accepting the comfort in that embrace. She needed to be held like this. She didn't realize just how badly she needed to be held until Teal'c pulled her into his arms. As he held her silently Sam could feel her courage and her strength to continue returning. She found that she was very glad to have such a good friend as Teal'c to be there to offer her comfort when needs be.

 

                                                       * * * *

Captain Conner watched Doctor Fraiser as she continued to work in the infirmary. Levinson needed her for Jackson. He didn't like the idea of handing Levinson another member of the SGC after he saw what happened to Doctor Jackson. He was beginning to wonder if he had made a major mistake in helping Levinson. If Levinson was capable of having Doctor Jackson lashed that severely what the hell would the crazy man do to Doctor Fraiser? He found that he really didn't want to abduct Fraiser, but Jackson needed help badly. Fraiser would be the best person to help him. Levinson also had him trapped between a rock and a hard place. Let's see given his alternatives turning his head and leaking SGC information was a lot better than prison time and death...at least to him it was. He knew the dangers should his...cooperation in such schemes be discovered: court-martialed for one, up on charges of treason, aiding and abetting an abduction... Oh gee what else? Lots and lots of things… He had little choice left to him, so here he stood waiting for the perfect time to grab Doctor Fraiser.

 

Captain Conner was glad when the woman finally called it a day. God, she was as bad as Jackson working all those ungodly hours. Usually when the end of his shift came most people were gone...except of course those select few who stayed half the damned night. Usually Doctor Fraiser, Doctor Jackson and Major Carter were among the top three who consistently failed to go home any time before 2am in the morning. He often wondered how Colonel O'Neill dealt with those two himself. He had stumbled across O'Neill in lecture mode many a time and usually it was directed at Carter and Jackson because they worked too damned much. He found himself thinking about Jackson when he returned to the SGC...if he returned. The man would probably spend weeks here just to catch up on his work. Conner shook his head in anger and frustration. He was starting to seriously regret handing Doctor Jackson over to Levinson. He was allowing the man to be beaten and abused by remaining silent about where he was. Conner wasn't sure how much longer he could keep Jackson's whereabouts silent, especially if the man continued to look as bad as he did right now. He was so angry with himself for allowing Levinson to drag him into this mess. He didn't have anything against the archaeologist in fact he actually liked Doctor Jackson. But Conner knew that if he were to talk he could kiss his ass and his freedom goodbye. He managed to successfully dig himself a very deep hole that was now nearly impossible to get out of.

 

Conner shook his head and focused on the job at hand. He was to acquire Doctor Fraiser for Levinson. He hated handing her over to the man, but he knew that Jackson wouldn't live much longer if he didn't soon get help. Conner decided that abducting Fraiser was well worth the risk if it meant that Doctor Jackson would get some much needed help...it was the least he could do for the man.

 

As he regained his focus, Conner quietly followed Doctor Fraiser to the parking lot. Conner discovered that darkness was truly a good thing because he could use it as camouflage. He quickly decided that the least messiest way to grab her was to use ether or chloroform. He doused a rag in ether then silently approached Fraiser. Without hesitation he quickly clamped the soaked cloth over her nose and mouth and pinned her arms to her body. She struggled only for a few moments before the drug took its full effect making her suddenly very controllable. As Doctor Fraiser collapsed against his body unconscious Conner quickly lifted her into his arms and carried her to his vehicle. Once to his vehicle he carefully sat her in his passenger seat and buckled her in. The whole abduction took less than forty seconds.

 

Conner's next stop was the security gate. He already had a convincing story to explain to the guard. He approached the gate and stopped his car watching the guard as the man looked inside. The guard noticed Conner's passenger immediately then questioned, "Doc Fraiser with you?"

 

"Yes. She was tired and asked if I'd drive her home. I volunteered."

 

Conner watched the guard to see if the man acted at all suspicious. He smiled as the guard simply commented, "She works too much."

 

Good, the guard wasn't going to be a problem. Conner continued to smile at the guard as he agreed, "Yes she does."

 

The guard returned the smile then waved him on through saying, "You take care Captain Conner, and make sure she gets some sleep. Poor woman runs herself ragged."

 

"I know."

 

"Night."

 

"Good night."

 

He pulled away from the gate not allowing himself to relax until he was very clear of Cheyenne Mountain. Once he was away from the Mountain he found himself smiling broadly and glancing at his sleeping passenger.

 

Well that went well. He glanced at Doctor Fraiser once again and gently said, "Don't you worry Doc no one will hurt you. Someone needs your help very badly. I'm sorry I had to do this to you but I had no other choice. Don't worry I won't let him hurt you too."

 

Then Conner drove to the warehouse presently being vacated. He dropped Fraiser off with Levinson then left.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

The evacuation of the warehouse went smoothly. They managed to empty the place and safely transported Jackson and their newest guest to the new facility. The new facility would be much harder to locate. Both Levinson and Maybourne were very happy with how smoothly the relocation went. Now that they were safely away from the SGC's peering eyes they could once again relax and focus on their immediate goals.

 

Once he arrived at the new place Levinson carried Doctor Jackson to a room with a bed in it. He gently laid the unconscious archaeologist on his side then shackled the man's right wrist to the headboard of the bed. He wanted to allow the man some freedom of movement. He, however, didn't remove the blindfold yet. Jackson's eyes would be hypersensitive to light so he left the blindfold on.

 

After assuring himself that Doctor Jackson was quite secure he returned to his office to monitor both of his prisoner's rooms. Once Janet Fraiser awoke Levinson would have her taken to Jackson's room to begin tending to the man. Levinson had Janet Fraiser's wrists secured in front of her and placed her in a room. When she awoke then she would be brought to him and he'd explain to her what he needed from her. Levinson didn't have long to wait for her to awake. The drug was beginning to wear off even now. Good, the sooner she awoke the sooner she could begin to attend to Doctor Jackson.

 

Levinson glanced at the monitor and saw her sit up. He immediately ordered, "Bring her to me. Now!"

 

Doctor Janet Fraiser slowly began to awake. God, her head ached badly. What had happened? Where was she? She did a quick mental check of her present condition and recalled being knocked unconscious. She jerked upright groaning as she felt ill. Drugs...she had been drugged. What had been used? Ether? Chloroform? She shook her head in an effort to clear it then pulled herself against the wall. She closed her eyes hoping that the queasiness in her stomach would quickly subside. As she sat she was glad to feel that queasiness dissipate. She kept her eyes closed longer until she heard a distinct click...a door? She quickly opened her eyes. Before her now stood a man who looked rather...unpleasant. He approached her saying, "Get up or I will make you get up."

 

Janet glared at the man ready to lash out at him with words but held back as she said, "Okay no problem," then she stood up. As soon as she did so the man grabbed her upper right arm. She winced then said half in anger, “You don't have to be so rough!"

 

The man returned her glare. He looked as if he were one person who did not like feistiness in his prisoners. Well, that was just too damned bad! You abduct someone against their will then expect them to be uncooperative with you. The man bit out, "You try anything and you won't live to see tomorrow."

 

Janet found that she was now extremely outraged. How dare these people abduct her against her will! How dare they! It was then that she noticed the handcuffs around her wrists. Shit, the bastards had handcuffed her!

 

She started to walk as the man with her practically yanked her along. By the time Janet was led to Levinson's office she was furious. The man, who so kindly escorted her here, released her then moved into a standing position at the door. She quickly realized that door was the only damned escape route out of here! Damn! Great, she'd have to get by that man to flee, just great.

 

Janet glanced up at the man who spoke next, "You are probably wondering why you are here."

 

She was probably wondering? Hell yeah, she was wondering! Why the hell was she here? What did these men want from her? She found her anger beginning to surface as the man watched her intently. She bit out, "You made a big mistake bringing me here..."

 

"I don't think so. I need you here."

 

What? He needed her here? What the hell for? She found herself again glaring coldly at the man as she questioned, "Why? What the hell do you want from me?"

 

Levinson mentally cursed. Damn it she was just as feisty as Doctor Jackson! Shit! Couldn't he just once get a damned prisoner that was cooperative? He was irritated and it showed in his voice as he questioned, "Do all you military types ask so many damned questions?"

 

Janet fell silent in response to that comment. She could hear irritation in his question and started to wonder whatever urged the man to ask it. He actually succeeded in stunning her, temporarily. She quickly responded, "We don't like to be pushed around."

 

"Or ordered to do something. I noticed that."

 

"What?" Again the man caught her off-guard with a simple comment. She found herself wondering if he attempted to abduct military personnel before. He continued, "Let's just cut to the chase, shall we? What I need from you is very simple. I need you to tend to someone."

 

Tend to someone? Was he crazy? He dragged her here just to make her work on someone? Why the hell would one go through all the trouble to enter a Top Secret military facility and abduct someone simply because they needed the help? This guy must have a death wish or something. She quickly retorted, "Oh, the hell I will!"

 

Levinson eyed the doctor up noticing she carried that same damned attitude about her that Jackson did. Damn it, they both looked so damned innocent and so easy to control but when they were captured they fought tooth and nail. Shit, just his luck he'd end up with two damned spirited prisoners! Great! This just made his day.

 

He held her gaze as he simply said, "That's not a request, Doctor Fraiser. I need him tended to. You will do so whether you want to or not."

 

"The hell I will!"

 

Levinson couldn't help but look smug as he delivered his next news, "Oh you'll change your mind when you see who your patient is. Take her to our...visitor's room."

 

Lance was very quick to object to that order as he asked, "But what if she...?"

 

"He needs her help and she will help him. I know that she will."

 

Janet glared at the man longer. How dare he just assume that she would help whomever needed it? She'd be damned if she'd help one of his thugs. No way! She snapped, "You seem awfully confident in yourself. I won't help any of your...buddies."

 

Levinson smirked at her mischievously as he answered, "I never said that he was a buddy. In fact, he would most likely take that as an insult."

 

"What?" came Janet's shocked response. If he wasn't a buddy of this man's then who was he? Why was he here?

 

Levinson enjoyed seeing the confusion and questions in the woman's eyes and couldn't resist adding, "Well, he's told me numerous times to go to hell so..."

 

"He...he has? But you said he worked for you..."

 

Now she was grabbing at straws. Her curiosity was definitely peaked and she found that she wanted to know who the mysterious man was. Levinson continued to toy with her saying, "No, I didn't. Let me give you an idea of what you'll be seeing. I need him to do some things for me. He continues to refuse so I...my men found other means to procure his cooperation."

 

Oh my God, did he mean that this man was abducted as well? Was he abducted then beaten? She asked, "He was beaten?"

 

"Didn't say that, but do you know any other means of coercing cooperation, Doctor?"

 

In other words yes. The man this guy wanted her to help had been beaten for cooperation and if he still wasn't cooperating that meant that he was probably in very bad shape. She shook her head finding that she just didn't want to get involved in this. The situation was so similar to what Daniel was going through now that she knew she wouldn't be able to work on this person without constantly thinking of Daniel Jackson and his condition. She couldn't do this. It was just too similar to what was now going on in her life. She answered, "Look, I won't help you..."

 

"Yes you will."

 

"No."

 

She couldn't do this! She would be unable to focus and could end up hurting the person more due to her inability to focus on her job.

 

Levinson wouldn't take no for an answer as he continued in that even tone of voice, "When you see who my visitor is you'll be very cooperative. Trust me, Doctor Fraiser. I know you."

 

She was even more furious now than before! The nerve of the man! She couldn't do this! She refused to do this! If he thought he could stand there and tell her what to do then he had another thing coming! The bastard!

 

Lance approached her again looking at his boss who simply nodded his head. Lance grabbed her by the arm then started to lead her out of the room and into the hallway literally dragging her to Doctor Jackson's cell. The woman continued to protest saying, "You might as well return me to my cell. I won't help!"

 

Lance found himself smirking as he taunted, "You would allow your friend to continue suffering?"

 

"My friend? I have no friends here."

 

Lance continued to smirk. She had no idea that Doctor Jackson was the one she would soon be attending to. He found he just couldn't resist continuing to taunt her just a bit as he questioned, "Doctor Fraiser, you really have no idea he's here do you?"

 

That caught Janet's attention as she stopped in the hallway and looked at the thug leading her. What the hell was he talking about? She asked, "He? What are you talking about?"

 

Lance chuckled as he continued, "I think you should seriously consider having a look at our visitor."

 

Lance then continued to lead her down the hall directly to Doctor Jackson's temporary quarters. He knocked on the door and Jameson quickly answered it. As he opened the door he asked, "What?"

 

Lance answered, "Doctor Fraiser's here."

 

Jameson looked relieved. Lance continued to smirk as the man said, "Oh thank God. Thank you. I'll watch her from here."

 

Lance knew that Jameson was very concerned for Jackson's welfare and knew that Jameson was very angry with him. He was one of the ones who had lashed Jackson so severely, and Jameson despised him for that. He couldn't resist angering the man further as he casually questioned, "You sure you don't want me to stay?"

 

Jameson glared coldly at Lance then said, "No. We'll be fine. He's not going anywhere and neither is she."

 

"All right. I'll check on you later. Doctor Fraiser, prepare to meet your patient."

 

Lance glanced at Jameson once again seeing the man still glaring at him. He smiled as he turned and walked away.

 

Janet noticed that the man at the door didn't look as if he was too crazy about her escort. In fact, he looked as if he wanted to strangle the thug who brought her to the room. She found herself wondering why they didn't seem too crazy about one another. She looked up as the man at the door said, "Come in, Doctor Fraiser."

 

Janet hesitantly entered the room. The first thing she noticed was just how dim the room was. God, she could barely see in here. The only light was provided by a simple night-light and a few scattered candles placed in various spots around the room. She looked at the man before her in question then asked, "Why is it so dark in here?"

 

Jameson watched the doctor as she entered finding that he was very glad she was now here. Jackson needed her help badly. He still regained consciousness only briefly. He had no fever in him, but the lashing effectively drained his strength. Jackson slept most of the time in fact the man was still deeply asleep.

 

Jameson watched her as she glanced around the room and waited for her to speak. When she asked that question he closed the door behind him. He could hear the guard posted outside the door moving into position once the door was shut. He looked at Doctor Fraiser answering, "His eyes are hypersensitive to the light."

 

"Why?"

 

"He's been kept blindfolded the last few days."

 

"Blindfolded? Is he still...?"

 

"No, no. I removed the blindfold."

 

He then looked at her as she continued to glance around the room then softly questioned, "Will you help him?"

 

"I don't know if I can. I don't even know who he is..."

 

Jameson now knew why Doctor Fraiser didn't rush immediately over to the bed like he had expected her to upon arrival. She had no idea that Doctor Jackson was her patient. Holy shit! Levinson never told her who she was tending to? He found it hard to believe that no one told her who her patient was. He asked, "They didn't tell you?"

 

"No. Why? Should I know the person?"

 

"Oh you know him all right."

 

Janet jerked her head up in response to that comment. She knew him? Well, who the hell was he? She continued, "Who...?"

 

"Doctor Fraiser your patient... He's... It's Doctor Jackson."

 

Jameson heard the woman gasp in shock as she recognized the name. He could see the expression of disbelief also on that face. He continued, "Doctor Daniel Jackson. THE Doctor Daniel Jackson."

 

Janet couldn't believe what the man was telling her. The patient was Daniel? No way! That was impossible, wasn't it? Why would they...no, that couldn't be! Daniel was here?

 

She started verbalizing her disbelief as she replied, "WHAT? No, that can't be!"

 

Jameson watched the emotions play across the woman's face as she tried to accept the information he just provided her with. He watched her as she tried to make sense of what he said then she darted over to the bed. Without thought, she clicked on the light beside the bed to get a better look at the man. As Jameson heard Doctor Jackson's distinct cry of pain he ordered, "Turn out the damned light! Doctor Jackson's eyes are hypersensitive!"

 

He quickly approached the bed noticing that Jackson was now turning his head into the pillow attempting to hide his eyes from the searing brightness now invading eyes that had been imprisoned in darkness for much too long. He heard Doctor Fraiser's quick response as she said, "I need to see him! I need to know!"

 

Jameson looked from her to Doctor Jackson and felt his heart ache as Jackson started to cough viciously. He became even more concerned for the man's welfare as Jackson's whole body shook from the force of those coughs. He then heard Doctor Jackson's soft voice as he complained, "Light...turn it off...please. Please turn the light off."

 

Jameson knew the man was in pain just by the sound of his voice. God, the woman turned on the light even after he had told her of Jackson's eyes? What the hell was she thinking?

 

He started to reach to turn the light off himself when he heard Doctor Fraiser's gentle question, "Dan...Daniel?"

 

Daniel had heard the approach of Lance but didn't completely awake. He heard Lance and Jameson talking but couldn't focus enough to even comprehend half of what was being discussed at the doorway. He was so distracted by the immense pain that now enveloped his entire being. He felt as if his whole life was now revolving around pain. God, he hurt everywhere and breathing was difficult as each breath sent pain shooting through his injured ribcage. He was also lying on his stomach and the severe bruising across his abdomen was voicing its complaints of the constant pressure rather loudly. Daniel tried to shift to get onto his side, but no matter which way he turned his body still ached. He quickly discovered that he was secured fast to the headboard and cursed when he realized his right wrist was chained. He had little chance of escaping any of the pain within him. Levinson had secured him tightly and had tethered him to the bed. No matter how he turned he would not be able to alleviate the pain in his ribs or stomach, at all. He realized that his left arm was free but that did little good for him. He wanted to get off of his stomach and as he started to rise a bit he nearly blacked out as his back screamed in protest. Every lash across his naked back was now making their presence known. His back was stiff and extremely sore. His back felt raw and bruised. He felt raw and bruised. He felt as if he had a very close and personal collision with a damned rig. Shit, was there any spot on his entire body that didn't hurt? He doubted that very much. His body definitely felt bruised, battered and achy. Shit but the pain was immense.

 

Daniel found a little bit of solace in noticing that the room had been dimmed and the blindfold was now removed. Thank God for small favors. His small relief lasted only a few short moments though as someone turned on the light. Instantly pain seared his vision and he nearly screamed as he pressed his eyes into the pillow he now rested his head upon. Oh my God, who the hell did that? He could now only see bright spots dancing and flashing before his eyes. He heard Jameson immediately order someone to turn the light out and found himself hoping the damned light would soon be extinguished. He tried to focus on the voices talking above him, as well as urging the burning in his eyes to cease. When he heard his name being said he froze. Shit, he knew that voice! He hoped he was only imagining things. Please let him be imagining things. He was still a prisoner. How could he be hearing THAT voice?

 

Daniel slowly turned his head still seeing nothing but bright light before him. God, turn the damned light off! He wanted it off but also wanted to see who was now speaking to him. He forced himself to look up squinting badly as the light pierced his eyes that had seen nothing but complete darkness for much too long. His eyes were now watering crazily but began to adjust slowly to the brightness they were now exposed to. The pain seemed to ease only a little but didn't subside. As he focused on the woman now looking at him he paled. Janet Fraiser? No, no it couldn't be! If she was here...

 

Daniel croaked out, "Janet..."

 

"Yes Daniel, it's me."

 

No, no God please let him be dreaming! She shouldn't be here! She couldn't be here! It was too dangerous for her to be here with these men who only wanted to hurt and abuse. No, she had to be a dream! But no matter how much Daniel tried to convince himself that Janet wasn't there he knew that she was and he felt a fear so intense fill him at the news. He was now very afraid for her. He sent up a silent prayer to the heavens for God to please keep her safe and to please let her not be hurt. If she was hurt, like him, he would never be able to forgive himself. It was his fault that she was here. He knew that she was brought here to tend to him. It was very obvious that was Levinson's plan. He didn't want her here. It wasn't safe for her to be here and he was too damned weak and in too much pain to protect her at the moment. Oh God, please protect her.

 

Daniel shook his head wanting to deny the truth as he said, "No, no... How did they...? You have to get away..."

 

"Daniel, I can't get away. They grabbed me too."

 

"But why?"

 

Of course Daniel already knew why they had grabbed Janet Fraiser but he still found himself asking her the question. She answered, "So I could help you."

 

"Help me...but..."

 

Daniel found as he continued to struggle to look at her by the brightness of the light he could no longer do so. The pain in his eyes increased even more. Daniel quickly turned his face back into the pillow. He could no longer stand the brightness of the light as his eyes continued to burn and water worse. He clenched them tightly shut but still they burned intensely. He heard Jameson question, "The light... Doctor Jackson, do you...?"

 

Daniel only nodded in response to the unfinished question. He knew that Jameson would turn it off. Jameson was the one who lit all the candles and dimmed the lights when he removed the blindfold. Jameson hadn't realized that Daniel was awake when he did that. Daniel had awoke and merely listened to the person with him. He had been surprised to hear the gentleness in the man's voice as he told Daniel what he was doing and why he was doing it. He found that he was extremely glad that Levinson chose to place Jameson here to guard him instead of Lance. He listened as Jameson spoke to Janet, "His eyes are bothering him again. I'm going to have to turn the light off."

 

Janet nodded readily saying, "Yes please."

 

Jameson reached over and flicked the light off once again casting the room into the soft darkness provided by the candles and the single night light in the room. He then looked at Doctor Jackson who was still hiding his eyes in his pillow. He spoke softly, "All right Doctor Jackson, the lights are off."

 

Daniel only nodded as he continued to patiently wait for the pain very present in his eyes to begin subsiding. He never realized that light could be so painful to the eyes. He nearly sighed in relief as his eyes started to feel better. He decided to chance a look and as he turned to open them he was glad to find that the room was once again cast into the soft dimness. Janet drew his attention as she questioned, "Daniel, how bad is it?"

 

"Well I was beaten...several times and...whipped... My back's the worst...lashed... I have a broken rib...lots of bruises and cuts...other than that..."

 

Jameson continued, "He's been beaten every day he's been here. He's also been given limited water and no food. Doctor Jackson hasn't had any nourishment since he was first taken. Levinson is trying to weaken his resolve by denying Doctor Jackson his basic needs. He's lost some weight since his arrival here and has bruises covering most of his body..."

 

"Oh Daniel..."

 

Daniel smiled when he heard the empathy lining Janet's voice then said, "Yes, my Jackson luck is definitely still with me."

 

Janet smiled briefly at him glad to hear the lightest chuckle escape from him after that comment. Thank God the man still could joke at a time like this. Janet then said, "Let me have a look at your back. I need the light to do that but if..."

 

Daniel simply replied, "Hold on..." then turned his face into the pillow once more to conceal his light sensitive eyes. He then gently spoke, "Go ahead."

 

As he heard the light click on again he drew his free arm up to cover his face better so he wouldn't be blinded by the light.

 

Janet watched Daniel bring his left arm up to drape it across his face in an attempt to conceal his eyes completely from the light. It was then that she noticed Daniel's wrist. She paled as she saw the damage the wrist had sustained so far. My God, he obviously has been kept restrained since his first day here. What the hell? She could feel her heart ache as she noticed the raw, chewed up flesh where harsh shackles obviously left their marks on Daniel's perfect skin. The ring of dark bruised and bloody flesh encircling Daniel's entire wrist looked menacing. Janet gently reached down and gripped Daniel's arm saying, "Your wrists...."

 

"Was shackled...hands above... Still shackled actually."

 

Daniel drew her attention to his still tethered wrist as he jingled the cuff. Janet looked at Daniel's right wrist and felt herself becoming very angry. She hadn't noticed that he was chained to the damned bed. Those bastards! She felt outraged when she saw the cold metal encircling Daniel's wrist and securing him to the bed he now lay in. She wanted to kill those bastards who did this to him! She focused on Daniel as he said, "Doesn't want me to escape... Always restrained..."

 

"Oh God Daniel...I'm so sorry."

 

God, he's always restrained? That simple admission told her all she needed to know. Daniel had been kept shackled his entire stay here and from the looks of both of his wrists he had been kept cruelly restrained. She was very angry but knew she had to put that anger aside. She still needed to examine him and to do so she shouldn't be angry. She didn't want to hurt him, at all. She found her eyes scanning his back and felt ill. Oh my God, there wasn't a spot on his back that wasn't marred in some way by a sinister lash. Oh God, just how many damned lashes were there? She knew from the looks of those marks that Daniel had suffered a lot of pain when he endured this lashing. His back looked as if it was healing nicely but that couldn't alleviate the knowledge of how much pain those lashes induced, still were inducing, in her friend.

 

She gently questioned, "How long ago did the lashing occur?"

 

Jameson added, "Yesterday I believe..."

 

Janet looked at Daniel's back closely as she confirmed, "There's no infection which is very good. At least the lashes were cleaned. They seem to be healing all right."

 

"Scarring?"

 

"Should be minimal..."

 

"So I'm all right?"

 

"For now... You have no fever, which is good. I'm going to clean your back again. Do you think you can handle that?"

 

"Yeah..."

 

Janet nodded then started to work on cleaning the tons of lashes that crossed Daniel's back. She couldn't even begin to imagine how much pain he must have suffered through as each lash was induced. God, Daniel had most definitely been tortured in his short time imprisoned here. Whoever was now holding them meant business and obviously Daniel wasn't aiding them in any way.

 

Janet began to gently clean the lashes taking extra time and care not to cause him much pain. When she was finally finished she could hear Daniel's breathing had evened out. Thank God he was asleep. She glanced at the man now standing behind her saying, "Dim the lights. I need to clean his wrists."

 

Jameson did as Janet said then continued to watch her tender ministrations to Doctor Jackson. Janet gently tugged Daniel's left arm away from his face so she could begin to clean it. She didn't like the looks of the severe cuts and scrapes that now encircled his wrist and was sure his other wrist didn't fare much better. Jameson interrupted her questioning, "How is he?"

 

"He's asleep."

 

"He is? Are you sure?"

 

"Yes. He drifted asleep about fifteen minutes ago."

 

"While you were tending to his injuries?"

 

"Yes..."

 

Janet noticed that the man looked at her in surprise. She added, "Daniel trusts me and knows that I won't harm him."

 

She continued to focus on tending to Daniel's badly injured wrist pausing in her ministrations when Daniel turned his face towards her. He shifted leaning as much on his right side as the shackled wrist and injuries would allow. She heard him whimper in his sleep and felt her heart ache for him. God, Daniel was in such pain. It was just so unfair.

 

As he shifted his head on the pillow Janet looked at his face. She could now make out the dark bruising covering Daniel's left cheekbone. He had obviously been backhanded or punched. She wondered how she had missed that before then realized she was shocked at seeing him and when she started to clean his back his face was hidden to protect his eyes from the light. Now he was turned and the left side of his face was exposed to her view. She winced as she looked at the nasty bruising on Daniel's jaw and cheek. She then gently stroked his hair uttering, "God Daniel, what did they do to you?"

 

Janet noticed Daniel visibly relaxing as she continued to gently stroke his hair so she continued to do so glad that she could provide him with at least some small comfort.

 

Jameson watched her silently as she worked at cleaning Doctor Jackson's injuries. He noticed that she was very careful while tending to him. He also noticed that she cared for Daniel Jackson a lot. Though he didn't like the fact that another SGC member was now their...guest he was glad that she was here. At least Jackson had someone with him who he knew. He watched as Doctor Fraiser began to stroke Jackson's hair and noticed how relaxed he now was. At least Jackson's sleep would be deeper than it’s been.

 

Doctor Fraiser soon drifted asleep herself as she sat in a chair Jameson had drawn up to the bed for her. She had laid her head on the bed beside Jackson only a few minutes ago and was now fast asleep. She was obviously exhausted. Jameson took it upon himself to drape a blanket over the woman then pulled another chair over beside her to sit in. He planned to remain by Jackson's bed until Levinson determined it was time to move him. There was no way in hell he was letting Lance or James get anywhere near Jackson again until the man was able to get to his feet once more. No way in hell!

 

                                                       * * * *

Later...

 

Major Carter returned to her investigation into Daniel's disappearance. They had successfully narrowed their search down to two warehouses now. She was positive that Daniel would be in one of those two. She just hoped the ones who took him didn't have any time to move him or they would have to start all over again.

 

Carter went along with the groups as they raided both warehouses. She was very disappointed when neither seemed occupied. Damn it, she had been so sure! She walked through the last warehouse looking around feeling frustrated as hell that Daniel was still MIA.

 

Unlike the last warehouse they had been in this one seemed as if it had been vacated more recently. She noticed that dust didn't cling to many surfaces. If this place was abandoned then no one would have bothered to clean it. As Sam realized how odd that discovery was she decided to investigate the place further. She entered a long hallway noticing doors lined it on either side.

 

Sam slowly walked down the hall trying doors at random. She stopped when one came open. As she entered she could smell the strong aroma of chemicals. The room was filled with the overbearing fumes. She quickly flicked on the light finding that smell a definite oddity in a warehouse that was supposed to have been abandoned for the last fifty years.

 

The first thing she noticed as she peered in was the sinister manacles hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room. She felt her heartbeat and breathing increase in response to the newest discovery. Oh God, there were shackles in here. She knew that those shackles could only mean one thing… Someone placed them there to secure another person in that spot.

 

She felt chills climb her spine as she continued to stare at the sinister manacles before quickly calling over her shoulder to a nearby officer, "Sergeant Carmen, get in here!"

 

Sergeant Carmen entered the room gasping as the chemical smell overwhelmed her. She covered her nose against the piercing odor as she looked up at Major Carter. The Major was staring at the ceiling intently and as she followed Sam's line of sight she knew why. There were manacles there and below the manacles on the floor was... Oh God, blood... Was that really blood? Could this be where...?

 

Sergeant Carmen focused on Major Carter as she ordered, "I need a sample of that stuff on the floor."

 

Sergeant Carmen couldn't keep from voicing her thoughts aloud as she said, "It looks like blood."

 

God, she hoped that it wasn't. There was a very good chance that they had discovered where Doctor Jackson has been being kept over the last few days. She didn't know Jackson well but she respected the man, and he always took the time out of his busy day to ask her how she was. Daniel Jackson was one of the nicest men she knew and he sure as hell didn't deserve to be treated like this. She headed to the center of the room feeling certain that the blood on the floor belonged to Doctor Jackson. Carter looked up at her and simply said, "I know."

 

Sergeant Carmen felt very worried for the young Major. She knew just how close the members of SG-1 had become since the start of the Stargate Project. They respected and cared for one another deeply and when one member went missing or was injured the other three were always there for them. She hoped that they would find Doctor Jackson soon. She heard several rumors that the Tok'ra, now staying on base, suspect that Doctor Jackson doesn't have much time left. They had to find him soon or they just might be too late. Sergeant Carmen shivered as that thought entered her mind. As she started to collect a sample of what she was sure was blood she said, "Looks like someone tried to clean it up."

 

Major Carter was quick to comment, "I know that too. See if there is any on the shackles."

 

Carmen looked up above her paling when her eyes fell on the shackles dangling above her head. God, if this was where Jackson was kept then he had been restrained in this very spot and beaten. She felt ill as she thought of what could possibly have produced the amount of blood now present on the floor. She looked at Carter again swallowing hard as she muttered, "You don't think...?"

 

"God, I hope not but...yes I do."

 

Carmen inhaled sharply at Carter's reply. Carter was also sure that Doctor Jackson had been kept here. Neither of them felt very comfortable in this room and both of them started to worry even more for the still missing scientist.

 

Sam's mind would not leave her relax as images of Daniel being beaten and secured from those shackles filled her mind. Maybe he hadn't been brought here. Maybe it was just a coincidence or... Yeah right, coincidence that Daniel went missing for a time, coincidence that she discovered an area to search by triangulating the locale of the second Stargate, coincidence that Anubis said Daniel was in a warehouse...coincidence that this is the only warehouse that came complete with locked rooms and shackles, as well as a very recent use of chemical cleaner filling a room that had a huge red mark on the floor looking suspiciously like a pool of blood…

 

She shivered as she knew that Daniel had most likely been here in this place and had been moved, but if that was the case... The only way they could've known to move Daniel is if... She hated to think of it but found she was certain that there must be some inside leak at the SGC. She had to update Hammond on this newest information.

 

Sam left the warehouse after telling the teams to do a thorough search of the place and headed to General Hammond's office. She had to inform him of their newest problem...that there was most likely a mole at the SGC who was aiding in Daniel's disappearance by keeping his location completely secret.

 

Next:

 

  PART 8

 

 

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