Friends and Enemies Part 8

By: Stacy L.

Jack O'Neill decided that it was far past time to tell his double just why he shouldn't be so quick to shove Daniel Jackson completely out of his life. Every time he broached the subject with O'Neill the man would find any excuse not to stay on the topic. His double was positive that when he pushed Daniel Jackson away he had made the correct choice. He was just beginning to see that choice might not have been so good after all, but the man was stubborn. He hated to admit when he was wrong. Jack decided to prove to his "twin" that the man made a huge mistake but still had time to fix that mistake if he would only make an attempt to do so. He looked at his double as he draped his arm across the back of the man's shoulders guiding him away from the group of onlookers. If he was even going to have a remote chance of convincing the man that reconciling with Daniel Jackson was the correct path to choose he needed some privacy to do so. As long as the Tok'ra and Captain Fraiser remained in the area he knew that he would get nowhere. What they needed was privacy so Jack made quick work of directing his double into a more private area to converse. He was damn tired of O'Neill complaining about his Daniel. He needed to talk some sense into the man before returning to his own reality. He only hoped that his double wasn't stupid enough to ignore him completely.

As Jack continued to guide his double to a private area inside the Tok'ra tunnels he became aware that his double was very angry. Well, that was just too damned bad because whether he had to tie the man down to talk to him or not they would speak.

O'Neill was definitely aggravated. His twin was irritating as hell! When Jack started to guide him down the hallway O'Neill's anger only arose with each step they took. How dare the man come into his life and reek such havoc? The issue of Doctor Jackson was a dead one in his book. The kid was a nuisance. He was cursed and it was HIS fault that Skaara had died. Why couldn't the damned archaeologist stay gone from his life? He sure as hell didn't need him! He was fine without the man. His life was much happier now... Shit, like hell it was! He was miserable, absolutely miserable. He couldn't continue to deny that he still had some inkling of feelings for the missing scientist. He hated to admit it but he did really, truly miss Doctor Jackson...a tiny bit, but he sure as hell didn't need his alternate standing over his shoulder spouting about how saintly the damned man was! Why was his alternate so determined to argue on Doctor Jackson's behalf? He knew that was exactly why Jack had separated him from the group and knowing that pissed him off even more.

O'Neill glared at his double demanding, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Jack didn't stop instead he continued to urge the stubborn man at his side to continue on down the hall further away from the others. He would talk to this man if it were the last thing he ever did. He would make the man listen to what he had to say!

Jack glanced at O'Neill briefly before answering, "I should be asking you that, Colonel. Tell me what is it about Daniel Jackson that angers you so much?"

Daniel Jackson, was he all this damned man thought about? What the hell was so goddamned important about Daniel Jackson, and why did his alternate continue to persist with the issue? The issue was dead. He would go after Jackson but ONLY to rescue him. He didn't care for the man. He had no room left in his heart to care besides the man was a murderer! He wasted little time voicing that out loud, "He killed Skaara!"

Jack rolled his eyes discovering that he wanted to beat the shit out of his alternate. Damn it but the man was stubborn and dense! He immediately cut off O'Neill's statement, "NO! Daniel would never kill anyone...at least not intentionally. Let me take a guess here, Colonel, Daniel pisses you off because he’s too much like you wish you were. You secretly admire and respect him but only show anger and rage towards him. You shove him away because you fear that you’re cursed and you feel that in shoving him away you’re protecting him, shielding him. Daniel is an innocent that reminds you so much of Charlie that it scares you. In fact, it scares the hell out of you."

Ouch! Okay, that comment definitely struck too close to home! Shit, one disadvantage to having a discussion with a man identical to you was that he knew what you were thinking and why you’ve done the things you have. Damn it!

O'Neill didn't like how close to the truth his alternate came with those statements so he immediately denied them, "You’re so full of shit!"

Jack stared intently at the man before him waiting for the man to openly admit his true reasons for being so cold and distant towards Daniel, but the man couldn't do it. He wasted little time calling his double on his damned lie, "Am I? I don't think so pal! Do you know that I AM you? I used to be you? You ARE me after Charlie died. You became so guilt ridden and so outraged over your son’s death that you started pushing everyone away. You decided that you were no longer worthy of anyone's respect, anyone's love, anyone's trust and then you met Daniel Jackson who trusted you completely, who chose to befriend you even after you encircled yourself with red flags warning everyone to stay the hell away. Then when you noticed that Daniel wouldn't leave, wouldn't give up on you, you decided for him."

"I never..."

No, no way. He never...or had he?

O'Neill realized that he was suddenly unable to discount everything that Jack had just told him. He had never deliberately drove Doctor Jackson away because the man had been getting too close to him had he? How petty did that now sound?

Shit! His twin was infuriating!

O'Neill discovered that he had no come back to send the man's way. He was literally struck speechless. DAMN! He glared at his double when the man continued cutting off his immediate denial, "Right Colonel... Do you realize that you can't fool me? I've been there. I am you only I had different experiences. We are the same, yet we are so different. Daniel's unwillingness to leave you no matter what scared the hell out of you, didn't it? It still does, doesn't it? His refusal to quit your team after all the shit you put him through scared the hell out of you, didn't it? You know what Colonel? That man still cares a hell of a lot about you. No one understands why, even Anubis can't understand why Daniel still cares so damned much for a cold-hearted bastard like you. What the hell he sees in you that's worth redemption and forgiveness beats the hell out of me. Even I couldn't comprehend why he never gave up on me. Then he had the damned nerve to jump between Ra and I selflessly giving up his life to save mine. Daniel died for me on Abydos. If not for Ra returning him to life to make him prove to the Abydonians that Ra was the only god Daniel would no longer be alive. He died to save me, to save my life. He died to save the life of someone who couldn't stand him. He died to save the life of a complete stranger because he cared enough for me to do so. He cared for me and he had no idea who the hell I even was. Tell me Colonel, did your Daniel also die for you?"

Jack watched his double's eyes and could see the answer there. Yes, his Daniel had also died for him. He continued to look intently at his twin continuing, "He did. You became extremely scared for him after that didn't you? You vowed to protect him at all costs by pushing him away. Pushing people away only serves to make you more miserable and alone. You're all alone in the world, aren't you Colonel? Now you’re beginning to see the error of your ways. You're beginning to see how you dug your own hole, and how you may never get back out of it. You became so devastated by Charlie's loss that you decided to never allow anyone to get close to you again. You’ll grow old and die a very lonely man if you continue to barricade yourself away from the world, Colonel. Daniel Jackson can help you heal; he can help you mend and start anew. Colonel, accept Daniel for who he is, for what he is. Allow him back into your life, back into your heart and you'll discover what a wonderful gift that man is. Trust me. Take it from someone who knows. Without Daniel Jackson I would've killed myself years ago. He helped me continue on with my life. He helped me get over Charlie. He helps me to deal with the memories and guilt Charlie's death continues to wrought within me. He's there whenever I need him. Colonel, Daniel Jackson not only saved my life on Abydos he saved me. He saved my soul. Don't allow him to disappear forever. You know where he’s being held, so go after him. Help him. He needs you now more than he ever did before. Go to him. Help him. Bring him back to his wife, his family and his life. Bring him back."

After voicing his opinion, Jack waited no longer. He simply turned and headed back to the main area leaving his double to contemplate and think through what he had just said. The man was a fool, a total fool. Jack doubted his words had any effect, but he couldn't just leave without speaking his piece. He had to at least try to reach the lonely, heartless man that looked exactly like him. He knew that he could say no more... Oh he could say tons of things but if O'Neill wasn't listening then nothing would change. He only hoped that the man would find his way back to Daniel Jackson or he would die a very lonely, angry, bitter man in the end.

He sighed heavily as neared the main corridor where the Tok'ra and Captain Fraiser still remained. God, if only he could think of some way to convince his double to reconcile with Daniel...but that goal seemed nearly impossible. Well at least he could go home knowing that he had tried to reach the man, trying to reach him was better than doing nothing at all.

As Jack headed back towards the main room he doubled over as another tremor grabbed him. He nearly fell over leaning heavily against the wall to support his weight. He clenched his eyes tightly shut as he patiently waited for the tremors to once again subside. God, that was a bad one! He had to get back to his own world and soon! Jack knew the risks he was taking in remaining here. If he didn't return to his own time, his own reality, soon then he would die. He was growing closer and closer to the point of no return.

Jack inhaled deeply focusing on regaining his control. He quickly covered up the fact that he just had another tremor. He didn't feel like entering the room and having to explain to Fraiser why he looked so ill, yet again. When he felt well enough to proceed he stood preparing to enter the room once more.

Colonel O'Neill had no idea how to even react to all that his alternate spoke of. He knew that he had made a lot of mistakes and obviously one of his biggest mistakes was shoving an annoying archaeologist out of his life and treating the man as if he didn't really exist. Now he had lost him. He lost the man months ago when he had so willingly given him over to the enemy and now, yet again, the man needed his help.

O'Neill found that all of his instincts were screaming at him to run, run far away and let Doctor Jackson get himself away from Seth. As those thoughts solidified he froze realizing that he was ready to abandon the man again, but he couldn't do that. Jackson was a member of his team, snaked or not, and he deserved to be rescued. He didn't deserve to remain Seth's prisoner.

He had to help Daniel. He just had to. All of his instincts were shouting no, to abandon him, but he couldn't do that. He just couldn't, not this time. He needed to start taking some damned responsibilities and stop moping and lashing out at everyone. He needed to move on with his life.

As a new thought arose in his mind, O'Neill loudly cursed before quickly finding his way to the transport rings. It was now time that he risked his own life to save a man he had condemned to a grisly fate. It was up to him to rescue Doctor Jackson from Seth. Doctor Jackson wouldn't even be in that dungeon if he hadn't allowed Isis' First Prime to march him away without saying a word or doing anything to stop it. His team had already acquired the address for Avaris, and he could no longer avoid the unavoidable. He decided he had better go now before he chickened out.

O'Neill attempted to activate the rings but quickly discovered he didn't need to as they automatically fell down around him, instantly transporting him to the surface. He was sure that he had heard someone ordering him to stop, but he chose not to listen. He pulled out the handwritten address for Avaris and quickly made his way to the DHD. Once there he punched in the code. If he moved quickly no one would even realize that he was gone. He punched the address in just like he had seen Doctor Jackson and Captain Fraiser do so often in the past. When the wormhole engaged he inhaled deeply and, without a second thought or backward glance, he dove in.

Jack felt confident enough that he could now enter the room completely composed. As he started to head back to the main conference room a Tok'ra quickly approached him. Jack jumped in surprise, at first, then looked at the Tok'ra. The man before him seemed distressed and anxious prompting Jack to inquire, "Everything all right?"

The Tok'ra glanced up at Jack shaking his head no. He swallowed hard then continued to explain, "No. I fear...the other you did something rather drastic."

"What did he do?"

God, did he kill himself? Jack hoped not. Shit, he should've never left the man alone! What could the idiot have done now? He didn't like the feelings of unease now flowing throughout his body as he observed the Tok'ra before him. He waited on edge for the man to continue as the Tok'ra quickly added, "I am afraid that he accessed our rings then fled...through the Stargate."

Jack stared intently at the Tok'ra before him for the longest time not exactly sure how to react to such news. As he finally comprehended what the man was telling him he sighed in relief. Thank God the man didn't kill himself. He wouldn't have been surprised, at all, if the Tok'ra would've reported the man committed suicide. It was very obvious to Jack that his double was a bit...unstable mentally and emotionally.

Jack shook his head as he wondered about what was just relayed to him. O'Neill used the rings to transport to the surface of Tethys, but why? Why go to the rings? What was his crazy alternate up to now?

As Jack snapped out of his momentary shock he immediately demanded, "WHAT? Where the hell would he go?"

The man before him lowered his head finding some difficulty in looking directly at Jack. He was positive that the other man was heading to Sutekh's planet, but how could he inform this man of his suspicions? He quickly provided the answer, "I fear he went to Avaris...alone."

"Shit! We better tell the others. Damn it, I should've seen this coming!"

Avaris? The man went to Avaris? Alone? Was he crazy? What the hell was the man thinking when he did that?

Jack glanced up at the Tok'ra as he commented, "You could not have known."

"The hell I couldn't! Damn it, he's me for crying out loud! I should've known he'd go all gung ho on me and try to recover Daniel himself! Damn it!"

"You cannot blame yourself."

"The hell I can't! We need to tell the others."

Damn it, he should've at least been prepared for his alternate to pull a stupid stunt like that. Now the man was on some planet all alone looking for his Daniel with no clue where he was, except that Daniel was also there...somewhere. He was sure O’Neill wouldn't get too far before he was captured. Seth would have guards placed at or near the gate, and his double would be captured rather quickly. Damn it! How could he have not thought of that?

Jack shook his head in disgust. He should’ve considered his double reacting that way. Shit, it was his fault the man was now there! If he wouldn't have pushed...ah hell!

Jack sighed deeply in frustration then entered the conference room preparing to pass on the news. He noticed that he now had everyone's complete and undivided attention. Well, he had to tell them soon and now would be the best time to do so. He glanced at each Tok'ra present in the room then paused looking intently at Janet Fraiser as he announced, "I fear I have some rather...bad news."

Captain Fraiser immediately jerked her head up staring intently in Jack's direction as she asked, "Colonel?"

"Jack, please."

"Sorry. Jack, what is it?"

Captain Fraiser obviously knew that something was wrong. She looked at him in worry as he continued to explain, "It seems your Colonel decided to become more active in locating your Daniel Jackson."

"What do you mean?" asked Fraiser in confusion. Colonel O'Neill had suddenly decided to become more active in their search for Doctor Jackson? Why? How? For what reason? She found herself continuing to stare at Jack waiting for his answer to all the questions now buzzing in her head.

Jack didn't disappoint her as he answered, "He...he used the rings to beam to the planet's surface..."

As Jack told her that, Janet stared at him realizing that she didn't even know how to react to that statement. O'Neill returned to the planet's surface? But why? What reason would the Colonel have for returning?

She continued to stare at Jack when her voice returned, "Jack, where is he?"

Jack immediately lowered his head preparing to deliver the bad news. Well, she needed to know where her Commanding Officer was, and he wanted to tell her the news instead of the Tok'ra. He swallowed hard as he glanced back up continuing, "He used the Stargate to travel to Avaris...alone."

"WHAT?" spoke Janet Fraiser in complete shock. Colonel O'Neill used the Stargate to journey to Avaris? What the hell for? He didn't care one inkling about Doctor Jackson so why the hell would he risk his own life to go to that planet? It didn't make any sense...unless she had been wrong about the Colonel's true feelings concerning one particular archaeologist.

She refocused on Jack as he added "He’s most likely a prisoner of Seth's now."

"What happened? Why would he...?"

"I had a little chat with him...about Daniel, himself, his life up to this point... I left him alone to think. Well he thought all right. He headed for the rings and traveled to Avaris alone. He's now in danger."

"Why would he even...I mean he hates Daniel."

Jack shook his head no immediately then added in a softer tone of voice, "No he doesn't. You see he pushed Daniel away as a defense. He didn't want anyone close to him. Closeness leads to danger, which leads to death, so he shoved Daniel away but he never stopped caring for the man. He went to Avaris alone with the sole purpose of freeing Daniel, but he failed to think of the dangers such a rash decision could have."

Colonel O'Neill went after Doctor Jackson alone? He was now most likely imprisoned on Seth's planet, as well? Fraiser couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she couldn't deny the truth of what had happened either. They had to go after him. They had to go after both of them.

Fraiser voiced her opinion loudly, "We have to go after him."

Jack looked up at her nodding his head in agreement then simply replied, “You do. I can't."

"But why?" questioned Fraiser in confusion.

"I have to return to my world. I only have a few hours left."

"The tremors? My God, I forgot. So much has been happening..."

Jack couldn't remain here. The tremors were pushing him closer and closer to death. How could she have forgotten about that already? She shook her head as Jack spoke again, "They're getting worse, closer, more intense."

He had to go back. If he remained here then he would surely die. He had to go back. Fraiser found that she was sad to see him go. She enjoyed talking with this alternate Jack and the alternate Daniel. She would miss them both. She was very grateful for all that they had done for the people of her reality. She was sure that their unexpected appearances would create some definite changes in her reality. Most of those changes would be for the better.

Fraiser smiled at Jack then gently urged, "You have to return, Jack. We'll be fine. Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it...we all appreciate it. Now you must return to the ring of stones and go back."

Jack looked at Martouf. Martouf smiled his way finding that he was a little bit disappointed to be saying goodbye to the man already. Martouf actually liked him. He had a feeling he'd like Anubis' new host as well. He quickly volunteered to help Jack to the rings as he nodded his head replying, "I will gladly escort you to the surface."

Jack looked intensely towards Martouf then questioned in concern, "But will you help these people? Will you at least attempt to aid them?"

Martouf paused to consider Jack's question. The man was still concerned for these people. He was trying to assure himself that the Tok'ra would at least offer to aid Anubis' new host. Martouf softened his voice as he responded, "We cannot guarantee anything. Many Tok'ra have died at the hands of the Tau'ri..."

Captain Fraiser interceded, "And for that we are deeply sorry. We didn’t know or understand that there was a difference..."

"Between us and the Goa'uld?"

"Yes."

"If we are to eventually align ourselves with you we have to have something in return. We cannot exchange and share knowledge with your people if you do not have anything to offer us in return. We are few and have lost many to your people. We have yet to find one among you who is honorable."

Jack felt himself tensing as Martouf said that. Shit, maybe the man wasn't going to help these people after all. But Jack had been so sure that the Tok'ra would willingly help. He couldn't very well leave here knowing that the Tok'ra were going to stay out of the whole situation. They had to help. He muttered, "Marty..."

Martouf turned to the man before him with an honest look stretching across his face. He then spoke up, "You Jack, we...I trust you."

"You...you do?"

"You seem very sincere in your want to help these people who are not your people, and you know much of us. We do not know about those who are of this world. Captain Fraiser?"

"Yes?"

"How do you feel knowing that I am a human who shares his body with one of the creatures you despise? Would you willingly become a host if you were asked?"

"Uh...no. I'm sorry."

"At least you are honest. We cannot form alliances with those who are sickened at the thought of what we are."

"I didn't say that I would be sickened. I don't really understand the host-symbiote connection."

"No one among you is host to us..."

Jack interrupted saying, "That's not entirely true, Marty."

"What do you mean?"

"Daniel Jackson is Anubis' host, and he’s a member of the SGC."

"And he is not sickened by the idea of having a symbiote within?"

"No. In fact, those two get along well. I've watched them. Anubis is just a tad bit overprotective of Daniel though, especially when I'm around."

Martouf nodded his head glad to hear that Anubis was so protective of his host. He added, "A symbiote vows to protect their host."

"Yeah, he does all right. Daniel's mighty protective of him, as well."

Anubis' host was very protective of him as well? Good, he was happy to hear that both symbiote and host were very protective of one another. He wanted to meet this host of Anubis' and told Jack, "I would like to meet this Daniel Jackson."

"You may get the chance..."

Jack groaned suddenly as a tremor seized him. He doubled over at the waist hissing as the tremors wracked his body. He waited patiently for them to pass. When they ceased he sighed in relief. It was then that he felt a gentle arm now firmly supporting his weight. When he looked up Captain Fraiser was there. He smiled saying, "Thanks."

Captain Fraiser was now very worried for Jack. He didn't look good at all. He looked deathly pale and that tremor was a bad one. He didn't have a whole lot of time left before he would die. He had to get back to his reality. She gently urged, "You have to return to your world. Your time is running out. If you stay any longer you'll die."

"I know."

Martouf interrupted, "Then we must not delay. Come. I will escort you to the surface."

Martouf approached Jack looping his arm across Jack's shoulders in an effort to support his weight. He noticed that Jack didn't look as if he would be able to support himself. In fact, the man looked as if he was about to pass out. His face was much too pale and he was hanging heavily on Martouf for support. The man was definitely in danger and needed to get back to his world now. Martouf began to help Jack head for the rings.

Janet spoke up, "Colonel, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and your Doctor Jackson. Thank you...both of you. You may have been able to do what no one else has for our O'Neill."

Jack smiled at her then paused before saying, "He needs to accept Daniel for whom and what he is, Captain. That means he must accept Daniel AND Anubis. Daniel won’t allow separation. He and Anubis are far too close. They’ve forged a deep bond among one another. If your O'Neill can't accept Daniel and Anubis then Daniel will leave. He must accept them both. You must ensure that he doesn't force Daniel to be separated."

"Will they ever separate?"

"Anubis was holding back because Daniel's original wish was to be separated so Anubis tried to keep from bonding too closely with Daniel. Daniel has made it very clear to Anubis that he no longer wants separation. Host and symbiote won't separate until Daniel dies. When Daniel dies Anubis will require a new host to continue living."

"So Daniel doesn't have much of a life?"

"Actually one of the advantages of being blended is that the host lives, can live, for a couple hundred years. Daniel will outlive you if he isn't killed."

"Wow. Are you sure?"

"Ask Marty. He'll gladly explain to you all you want to know about the Tok'ra."

"I will. Thank you again, and Jack I hope you’re successful in locating your Daniel Jackson. I'm sorry for what has happened."

"Thank you. It's been a pleasure. Captain, watch them both."

"I will."

Martouf escorted Jack up to the planet's surface and helped him to the ring of rocks. Jack approached the very familiar pillar and hit the hieroglyph that would return him to his own reality. As his hand pressed against the cool stone surface, triggering the symbol, Jack felt another tremor seize him. He felt the ground shift beneath him as brightness suddenly filled his entire vision. He knew that he was passing out now and hoped that he had successfully pressed the right glyph to return him to his own time. Jack had little time to debate about that before blackness overwhelmed him and he succumbed to it easily.

* * * *

As Colonel O'Neill observed the guards on either side he silently cursed. What the hell had ever possessed him to travel to Avaris alone? Alone and without backup...what the hell had he been thinking? Of course, he knew what...Daniel Jackson. He had to help free Daniel Jackson. He no sooner arrived on Avaris before guards of Seth's captured him. He had little chance to escape them as they immediately subdued him.

O'Neill glanced at them as they led him through a very ornate building. The walls were all gold hued and raised hieroglyphs covered the entire surface of those walls from floor to ceiling. He had no doubt that he was now within a Goa'uld stronghold. He was in Sutekh's lair and he was at a great disadvantage. He knew next to nothing about the lay out of this place or about the Goa'uld lord he was being taken to. His situation didn’t look very promising. He was most definitely in a hell of a lot of trouble.

The guards quickly led O'Neill to a room. They shoved him roughly inside taking him to their lord. Seth was very angry when he heard the disturbance. He was rather enjoying tormenting one of his prisoners a little too much, and the guards were ruining his fun.

Seth turned away from his prisoner finding that he was definitely not in the mood to be interrupted. What did his guards want now? He made it very clear to them that he was not to be disturbed so what were they doing here now? He turned from the prisoner demanding, "Why have you disturbed me? I made it very clear that we were not to be disturbed."

"My Lord, I apologize. We found this human attempting to get onto the planet. We captured him at the chap'pai. We thought it important to bring him to you since he was with the one you now have."

Seth turned completely around as his guard made that last comment. He was irritated and angry. He didn't like to be interrupted when he was punishing a prisoner. He hesitantly turned his back to his captive focusing on his guards and the human they now held between them. This human he knew, for he had been with his hated enemy when they had taken Anubis from Tethys. He continued to glare at his guards still feeling a bit pissed that they had disturbed him. This was his first chance to...welcome his newest prisoner to his planet. He was so looking forward to it, and the untimely interruption made him furious.

Jack O'Neill was very angry with himself for being stupid enough to come here alone and without back up. Now he was also a prisoner of Seth's. Damn it! He only hoped that being captured would bring him closer to finding Doctor Jackson in this hellhole. He hated to admit it but being brought into this particular chamber was a bit unnerving, especially seeing Seth had a prisoner now strung up from the ceiling by his wrists. Obviously this was one room that the Goa'uld lord liked to carry out his “interrogations" in. O'Neill found himself shivering as the realization struck. He also found that no matter how hard he tried not to look his eyes continually strayed to that unfortunate prisoner. The prisoner was human, of that he had no doubt. He no longer wore a shirt, but he still wore pants. O'Neill noticed the pants were camos and felt an uneasy feeling sweep through him. Could this prisoner be a member of the SGC? God, he hoped not, so many soldiers on the SG teams had disappeared or were declared dead in the last few years that it could be a very real possibility. He noticed the man was secured with his back to him, which angered him because he couldn't see their face. The person's head was hanging as if they were unconscious, but Jack noticed that when Seth turned to focus on him the prisoner raised his head. He was obviously listening to the entire exchange.

Anubis had warned Daniel that Sutekh would soon come for them. He knew that Sutekh had a sarcophagus and knew that injuries could heal quickly. Sutekh's guards had come for them only a short time ago. He had zatted Daniel then shackled his wrists above his head after removing his shirt. Anubis kept trying to prepare Daniel for what lay ahead and continually apologized to his host for getting them into this predicament in the first place. So far Sutekh was all talk and no action but soon the torture would begin. When the torture began neither of them would be able to fight back much seeing their hands were now secured so damned tightly above their head that the circulation felt as if it was successfully cut off in each of their arms. Daniel and Anubis were conversing when they had heard the door to the chamber open. They had waited until Sutekh moved away from them before raising their head to listen. Both Daniel and Anubis were curious as to why Sutekh was interrupted. When they had heard the guard's comment both Daniel and Anubis fell silent listening to the conversation now going on behind them.

Seth examined the human before him. Oh yes, he most definitely remembered who the human was. The human had been with Anubis on Tethys. Perhaps he was Anubis' personal slave or guard? Seth was extremely interested in learning more about the man now before him. He approached Jack O'Neill gradually then said, "Indeed I do recognize you. Why have you come, human?"

O'Neill stared intently towards Seth then replied sarcastically, "Heard about Avaris, thought it would be a nice place to visit...thought it might be a nice place to retire."

O'Neill quickly regretted his sarcastic comment when Seth delivered a sucker punch that drove him directly to his knees. Seth grinned watching the human who was now bent over at the waist in pain then sneered, "Impudent humans. Will you never learn?"

O'Neill cursed when that fist connected with his gut a bit too hard for his liking. He had dropped immediately finding that breathing was now a struggle. He focused on his breathing trying to slow it down in an effort to ease the pain in his gut. Shit, but that strike hurt!

Daniel jerked his head up when he heard the voice of Sutekh's newest visitor. He struggled to believe what he was hearing...could Colonel O'Neill be in the room? He didn't need to ask that question because he knew. Daniel could recognize that voice almost anywhere. Colonel O'Neill was here now, but why?

He was sure that the man was his O'Neill, which confused him even more. His O'Neill didn't give a damn about him, so why the hell would he go through all the trouble of visiting Avaris? Daniel shook his head in wonder discovering that he was suddenly very interested in what brought the man to him. He commented to his symbiote, "Anubis that's Jack."

"How can you be so sure, Daniel?"

"I know his voice. Jack must have come to this planet in search for us."

"He is a fool. I told him not to come. He will die if he does not return to his own reality."

"Anubis, I don't think that’s the alternate Jack O'Neill. Wouldn't he be to the point now where he would have to return to his reality or die?"

"Your O'Neill would never risk his life to save you, young one."

"Oh ye of little faith."

Daniel then fell silent continuing to listen to the exchange. His interest was most definitely peaked. Colonel O'Neill had some reason for being on Avaris and there was only one reason Daniel could think of: to rescue him. Would the Colonel even risk his own life in order to save him?

O'Neill started to recover and again found himself looking at the unfortunate prisoner strung up by his wrists. How long had the man been hanging there? What were Seth's plans for his captive?

O'Neill shook his head trying to regain his focus. He needed to be worrying about himself here not about some stranger he didn't know a thing about. He attempted to turn back to Seth but found that he still couldn't look away from that prisoner. There was just something about the man hanging there by his wrists that drew his attention to him.

Seth turned following O'Neill's line of vision. When he saw that the man was looking at his prisoner he smirked suggesting, "Perhaps you are here to rescue someone?"

"No. Sorry."

"You seem rather interested in my prisoner."

"Just curious is all."

"Perhaps you know who he is?"

"No."

"Oh come now. You were with him when he was taken. You fired your weapon at me. Do not treat me as if I am a fool."

O’Neill now looked at Seth as if the man were crazy. What the hell was the Goa'uld talking about? He had no idea who that person was, and how would he know that person? He wasn't with anyone when they were taken, and he sure as hell never fired a weapon on the snakehead before him. He had never seen the Goa'uld lord before today, so what was he referring to?

Seth continued to watch the human waiting patiently for the man to begin talking. When he didn't speak up readily Seth added, "Perhaps I should refresh your memory. Bring him."

The guard yanked O’Neill to his feet and dragged him over to the center of the room where his newest prisoner was now restrained. O'Neill continued to stare at the prisoner still having no clue as to the man's identity. He watched leerily as Seth walked behind the man and wasted little time in yanking the man's head back by his short hair. Shit, but that grip must hurt like a son of a bitch! O'Neill felt a pang of sympathy stab at him when he heard the man screaming in response to Seth's very cruel grip.

Seth glanced at O’Neill as he casually walked behind his prisoner. He reached out and immediately grabbed a huge lock of his prisoner's hair quickly entwining and threading that hair between his fingers. Then, with a sinister smirk in O'Neill's direction, Seth brutally yanked the man's head backwards.

Daniel couldn't help it as he screamed in response to that sudden cruel grip now being held in his hair. He felt a headache swamp him immediately and quickly clenched his eyes shut against the pain. He felt half faint but rapidly regained his focus. As Seth continued to yank back on his hair Daniel kept his eyes clenched tightly shut and gripped the chain securing his wrists in a death grip.

O'Neill found himself wincing and feeling for the poor unfortunate victim as Seth cruelly yanked his head back. The man's scream still echoed in O'Neill's ears refusing to leave him be. O'Neill had yet to see the face of the victim and glanced at Seth as the snake ordered, "Take a look at my prisoner, human."

The guard to Jack's right immediately shoved him in front of the person.

Seth snarled, "Recognize him?"

When O'Neill looked at the prisoner he gasped. He had to struggle to keep his face non-expressive. My God could this be...Daniel? No, that was impossible wasn't it? He watched as the prisoner opened his eyes and stared intensely at him. Vivid blue eyes clashed with dark brown eyes and recognition flared to life in both of them. My God the man was Doctor Jackson! O'Neill had found his missing teammate.

Daniel forced himself to open his eyes knowing that Sutekh's newest visitor now stood before him. He had to see for himself that Colonel O'Neill was, indeed, present in the room. Daniel couldn't believe it when his eyes fell onto the face of the man now standing before him. He inhaled sharply finding that speech had suddenly abandoned him. My God it was O'Neill. Colonel O'Neill had actually come for him? Daniel continued to stare at the man still shocked to see him present. He almost said Jack's name but held back knowing to allow Sutekh the knowledge that they, indeed, knew one another was not a good idea. He silently urged Jack not to say a word either.

Jack O'Neill couldn't speak, couldn't breathe, as Daniel's eyes clashed with his own. God, it was Daniel! He felt a massive amount of mixed feelings wash over him: anger, rage, relief, joy, hatred and sadness. All the emotions swirled together threatening to come to the surface. He fought to keep them at bay. He saw recognition in Daniel's eyes, as well. He saw Daniel in those eyes. He wondered if his alternate was telling him the truth that Daniel was inhabited by a symbiote who was a Tok'ra. This would explain why he saw Daniel in his eyes and not a stranger.

Seth interrupted Jack's thoughts as he questioned casually, "Have you come to retrieve Isis' mate? Is that why you are here? She would be most displeased if she were to find that Anubis' slave lost his master. I believe death is the penalty is it not, Anubis?"

O'Neill watched as Daniel's eyes closed then opened again. Jack could only stare when Daniel's eyes became bright white. What the hell? The voice that replied was Goa'uld as he spoke in a strange language...the language of the Goa'uld. Jack was sure that statement was an insult since Seth increased his grip on Daniel's hair. He still found himself staring into Daniel's eyes. He had been sure he had seen Daniel in there, but now he saw a stranger. Had he been wrong in what he saw? Was he just hoping against all hope that Daniel was in there like his alternate said he was?

Jack found now that he was seeing Daniel for the first time in almost a year that he really did miss the man and he wanted to say so much to him but not here, not now. Now they had to act as if they were strangers, which wasn't all that hard to begin with seeing they had been strangers for the better part of the last four years.

Seth spoke again, "Do you still deny that you know my prisoner?"

"Never seen him before in my life."

Seth grinned evilly in O'Neill's direction as he taunted, "Good. Then you will not mind if I have a little...fun with him."

Jack didn't like the sound of that. He was afraid of what Seth might do to Daniel. He watched as Seth quickly released his tight hold on the man's hair. He heard Daniel wince as his head fell forward. Seth smiled at his one guard and told him to bring the Goa'uld shock device, a shock device? He definitely didn't like the sound of that in the least.

Seth smiled maliciously as he continued "I searched for Anubis for quite some time before finally locating him. Now that I have him I do not plan to let him go any time soon."

"And this concerns me how?" Jack commented nonchalantly.

Seth smirked then fisted his right hand. Without thought or comment, he drove a harsh punch to Daniel's lower right kidney. He delighted in hearing Daniel gasp and seeing him arch backwards in response to the unexpected punch.

Jack clenched his jaw firmly shut finding that he suddenly wanted to kill the bastard for striking Daniel. He found the rage and anger in response to such a thing occurring shocked the hell out of him. He didn't care what happened to Doctor Jackson, right? Hadn't he spent the last four years of his life making sure the archaeologist knew how he hated and despised him? So why was he suddenly feeling so protective of the man? Damn it! Daniel Jackson killed Skaara! He killed him! But even as Jack tried to convince himself of that he couldn't seem to believe it as easily and as quickly as before. He felt chills climb his spine when he remembered recent discussions. Daniel Jackson's parents were killed right in front of him. He blamed himself. His foster families didn't help as they accused him of being a murderer themselves. He accused the man of being a murderer. When in truth, Jack was the murderer here. He was a murderer of trust, of innocence. He nearly murdered Daniel Jackson's soul by treating the man as if he were non-existent, as if he were unworthy of care and concern. God, he was so stupid!

Jack glanced up and saw that Seth was now watching him intently. He hoped no emotions showed on his face or in his eyes. If Seth realized seeing Doctor Jackson being beat around bothered him at all... He watched Seth as the Goa'uld stepped before Jackson and without a word or comment drove another fist directly into Daniel's gut, sucker punching him. Daniel gasped doubling over and coughing violently. Doctor Jackson groaned when he felt the shackles securing his wrists only tighten their brutal hold as he flew rapidly towards the floor. Jackson then cried out as the shackles cut and pierced at his nearly unmarred flesh. Jack saw the metal dig deep slicing open the flesh on Daniel's near perfect skin. He watched as blood began rushing from the new cuts and began snaking down his arms from his wrists, God that had to hurt. Daniel was still coughing violently struggling to pull air back into his lungs finding the task rather difficult as each time he inhaled it renewed the pain in the now bruised flesh.

Seth smirked at O'Neill in glee then drove a kick into Daniel's gut before the man even got full control of his breathing back from the last strike. Jack did pale that time as he heard an extremely loud crack echo throughout the room followed closely by Daniel's pain-filled scream as a rib, or ribs, snapped and broke under the onslaught of the vicious kick sent to his midriff. Oh God, the Goa'uld fuckin' broke Daniel's ribs! The fuckin' bastard! Jack so wanted to kill Seth for that strike!

Daniel's reaction was immediate as the Goa'uld lord showed no mercy when kicking him so hard that bone broke under the impact. Daniel was now wheezing and choking. He was violently coughing and trying desperately to regain his breath. He knew something snapped in his ribcage and was sure it was a lower rib...or two. He forced himself to focus on his haggard breathing in an attempt to calm it. He tried to ignore the severe anguish in his gut and somehow managed to regain some of his focus. He heard Sutekh's taunting voice continue, "Anubis, was that your host screaming? Tell me are you such a coward that you would allow your host to come forth now to suffer your pain for you?"

Anubis' rage flew full force to the surface. How dare Sutekh accuse him of forcing Daniel to suffer this beating instead of him! He heard Daniel speaking softly, "Anubis, you need to relax. He's deliberately trying to goad you."

Anubis softened his own voice as he addressed his host, "I would never intentionally force you to endure my pain and suffering, young one."

Daniel sighed then responded, "I know that. Anubis, he doesn't even know that I still exist. As far as he knows I’m no more."

Daniel then focused on Sutekh once more as the Goa'uld continued, "It is an act of cowardice to allow your host to come forth only to suffer in your stead."

Anubis replied coldly, "My host is no more. He is dead."

"No host truly dies, Anubis. We both know that is not true."

Anubis lashed out with words again voicing something angrily that Jack couldn't understand. He found the conversation was proving to be rather interesting. Seth smiled sinisterly in response to the comment. He continued, "I see that speaking of your host greatly angers you. Why is that? Did he prove too much for you? Was your host more of a challenge then you first expected?"

Anubis said nothing only continued to glare at Sutekh anger and rage very present in his eyes. Sutekh sneered at him then said, "Anubis, I shall enjoy tormenting you."

Jack continued to watch the exchange finding it was very difficult to see Daniel Jackson at the mercy of this Goa'uld. He had been told that Anubis was a Tok'ra and Daniel a willing host. Could the information have been wrong? Anubis himself said that his host was no more. He couldn't tell if the statement was a bluff or not.

Seth glared at Anubis longer and O'Neill figured the Goa'uld forgot he was there but then Seth turned to face him, an evil sneer spreading across his face. So he hadn't forgotten that he had a...visitor? Jack watched as Seth then turned back to his quarry. He was focused on his prisoner intently.

Jack glanced at Daniel, yet again, watching as Anubis attempted to place his legs under him again. He was nearly successful in his attempt but before he succeeded Seth lashed out without warning driving a kick into Anubis' shin. He followed the kick up quickly by directing a punch to Anubis' left side then backhanding Anubis brutally across the face. Jack watched as the man's legs once again collapsed under him then winced as the man's head snapped violently to the right. Blood began to run freely from Daniel's nose. Jack found that he wanted to murder Seth but fought to keep a tight rein on his anger. He feared that if he allowed Seth to see each strike he drove to Daniel greatly bothered him then Seth would continue to beat Doctor Jackson just to torment him.

Jack watched Seth's First Prime enter the room and stared intently at the man's hand. He held some sort of device in his hand that looked eerily similar to a cattle prod. Could this be the shock device that Seth had requested? Jack felt chills climb his spine as the answer came back to him...yes, most likely it was. This was the weapon the evil system lord was going to use to torture Doctor Jackson. Shit, but that weapon looked very sinister. He was now most definitely worried for his young teammate.

Seth's First Prime entered the room holding the Goa'uld shock device. He handed it to his lord. Seth smirked as he wrapped his hands around the weapon. He drew much pleasure from activating the Goa'uld weapon. Seth so loved to use this implement of torture. He could tell that he was already getting excited about using it to torment his hated enemy.

Seth grinned as he glanced up at Anubis then taunted, "Do you still deny the existence of your host, Anubis? Shall I use this on you until you lose consciousness then enjoy tormenting your host?"

Anubis felt sudden fear for himself and for Daniel. He watched the evil Goa'uld as he continued to taunt him. As the shock device was activated Anubis felt himself uncontrollably jump in response. Daniel picked up on the movement instantly becoming very worried at Anubis' unexpected reaction. He could sense that the device was very unpleasant and that Anubis was leery of it. Daniel questioned, "Anubis, are you all right?"

Anubis knew that his host had picked up on his feelings regarding the weapon and immediately attempted to ease Daniel's mind by answering, "Yes young one. Go to sleep, now. Leave me in control."

"What? NO! What is that device?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Daniel."

"Anubis, tell me what it is or I will search your memories for the answer."

Anubis sighed saying, "You are most stubborn, Daniel. It is a Goa'uld weapon. One that is capable of eliciting great pain on its victim. The device was designed for use on a symbiote but also causes the host much pain. It is capable of sending a wave of agony throughout the body like lightening."

"Shock? It's like electric shock?"

"But much, much more painful. I must warn you Daniel, Sutekh will use the device on me until I lose consciousness and when he knows I am no longer alert he may decide to torment you as well. He does not know we equally share this body, but he knows that a host still remains even after possession only they are kept back by the Goa'uld who inhabits them. He knows that once I lose consciousness you will automatically surface. Like before, you will have difficulty sensing my presence within you but know that I am with you just unconscious."

"I understand."

Seth drew Anubis' full attention as he quickly placed the shock device against Daniel's bare skin. Immediately, the weapon began to send searing pain into Daniel's body. Anubis clenched his teeth firmly shut vowing not to scream until he could no longer hold back. Daniel simply gasped as he felt the sudden pain flaring up across his flesh. Shit, but that hurt! Okay, so this torture was going to be very unpleasant for them both. Great, just perfect...give an insane Goa'uld a weapon like that with which to torture. Shit! Daniel tensed preparing for the next bit of pain to illicit across his flesh.

Sutekh chuckled in response to his victim's immediate reaction to the device. He wasted little time once again placing it against the man's stomach and chest greatly enjoying applying it to the skin. He continued to press the device against Daniel's body again and again. He was very careful prolonging the torture for as long as he could. He would apply the device to Daniel's flesh then hold it in place for only short amounts of time enjoying burning Daniel's flesh. Sutekh loved to watch the man before him writhing and tensing in pain as he continued to burn his body repetitively. He drew much pleasure from observing his victims in agony, a captive in pain was a beautiful thing for him to behold. Sutekh derived some sort of a sick, demented thrill from tormenting his prisoners.

Daniel cursed as the Goa'uld continued to prod him with that damned device burning and searing the flesh off of his body while a surge of painful shock ricocheted throughout his being again and again. This certainly was not a pleasant experience. Daniel found that he wanted to scream but held back knowing that Sutekh would love to hear them scream in agony. He gritted his teeth as Sutekh again applied the crude device to skin. Daniel and his symbiote both ended up breathing heavily and struggling not to reveal to the evil system lord just how painful the torture was to them. They shared the pain equally each taking it and experiencing it as one, both host and symbiote were being cruelly tortured by Sutekh. Daniel refused to leave Anubis alone to face the Goa'uld and Anubis refused to allow his host to suffer so they both remained strong finding strength in one another as the evil system lord continued to torment them.

Daniel jerked his head upward watching Sutekh leerily as he walked behind them saying, "I am looking forward to meeting your host, Anubis. Is he as strong-willed as you or did you manage to bend his will and trap him deep within his own mind? I may even consider taking over your host myself once you are no more, but we shall see."

With that said, Sutekh pressed the Goa'uld shock device to the back of Daniel's neck. Anubis and Daniel both screamed as pain flooded their body and snaked through their veins like electric. Daniel had never before felt such excruciating pain and torment. Both him and Anubis screamed together. Daniel began to buck and convulse in response to the extreme pain now enveloping him. Sutekh showed no mercy deliberately holding the device to the base of his neck longer than needed. He was determined to drive Anubis into unconsciousness. Daniel sensed Anubis finally succumbing to unconsciousness and as Anubis passed out Daniel's scream became all him. The deeper tones of the Goa'uld voice were no longer present.

Sutekh smiled victoriously when he heard the change in the voice. Anubis' host was now completely dominant. Good, now he could torment the host as well.

Sutekh chuckled as he pulled the device away from the base of Daniel's neck waiting patiently for the man to gain his focus. He watched dispassionately as the Tau'ri's head fell gently forward from exhaustion. The man was still alert but in pain. Sutekh listened to Anubis' host as he breathed heavily waiting for the man to recover and look up at him.

Jack had since struggled violently against the guard holding him feeling every nerve go on end and coldness swamp his veins as he heard Daniel's loud scream of anguish and saw his body convulse in response to the electric shock. Oh my God, but that device was horrid! Jack could only watch helplessly as his teammate continued to scream in that pain-filled voice as his body continued to wickedly buck and shake in reaction to the crude device he was being subjected to. SHIT! Goddamn it, he felt so helpless! How could he just stand here when his teammate was obviously being subjected to horrible abuse at the hands of this sick, twisted snakehead? He was extremely frustrated and very scared for Doctor Jackson. Oh God, what if he died at the hands of this psychotic Goa'uld?

Daniel felt the device being removed and allowed his head to fall forward. He found himself struggling to regain a normal semblance of breathing shocked that he was still awake. He could still feel the shock thrumming through his body continuing to expose him to pain. He could feel the pain lessening little by little but knew that he was now badly shaken. The device was indeed very sinister. No wonder Anubis was so worried about him being exposed to it. Shit!

Daniel spent a good five minutes regaining a normal breathing pattern. When his breath started to even out he became aware that Sutekh now stood directly before him.

Sutekh reacted immediately upon seeing the Tau'ri look up seizing a lock of Daniel's hair in his left hand. He glared sinisterly at the man as he yanked Daniel's head upwards. Daniel screamed and clenched his eyes tightly shut. He heard Sutekh demand he open his eyes. Daniel responded without thought, "Go to hell you fuckin' bastard!"

Sutekh's mouth widened into a triumphant grin as he said, "I see that I was indeed correct. You are a most spirited host, Doctor Jackson."

Daniel snapped his eyes open when he heard Sutekh refer to him by name. He glared at the Goa'uld who smirked at him triumphantly. How the hell could the snake even know who the hell he was?

Sutekh interrupted his thoughts as he continued, "Yes, I know your name. I make it a point to learn of my enemy."

"I am not your enemy."

"No, you are not but you are indeed host to the vile one Anubis."

Daniel almost spoke up in defense of Anubis. He forced himself to remain silent. Sutekh thought he was now here because the shock device knocked Anubis unconscious. He didn't know that Daniel had been there the entire time. Daniel wasn't about to clue him in either.

Sutekh spoke again, "Do you desire your freedom, Tau'ri?"

Daniel remained stoically silent as Sutekh continued, "I would gladly accept you as my host should you desire freedom from Anubis."

Anger sparked in the blue depths of Daniel's eyes as he wasted little time responding to the jeer, "I'd rather die."

Sutekh admired that spark of anger and spirit in the young man's eyes. Yes, he was seriously considering taking this man as his next host. He would be perfect. He simply commented, "So be it, but if I should decide that I want you as my new host Doctor Jackson, I will take you once I rid your body of the vile Anubis. Do you enjoy being a host?"

"What the hell do you think?"

"No you do not. You despise us. Anubis is very dominating. You hate us, do you not?"

Daniel struggled to put on a convincing act of showing hatred towards his symbiote and Sutekh. He couldn't allow the Goa'uld lord to see he was now a willing host to Anubis. He couldn't reveal that Anubis was a Tok'ra.

Sutekh reached out with his right hand and stroked Daniel's face. Daniel jerked violently away from the physical contact groaning as the movement placed more stress on the hold Sutekh kept on his hair. A headache, that had started immediately after the shock device was removed, increased three fold. Sutekh released his grip in Daniel's hair then backhanded him so harsh that the other side of his nose began to bleed as his head snapped violently to the side. Shit, but that fuckin' hurt! Sutekh yelled in rage, "You will learn to obey me, Tau'ri!"

"I don't think so."

A dangerous glint sparked in Sutekh's eyes in response to Daniel's comment. He sneered at the young man then taunted, "Yes, I believe I shall take you as my host. It will be great enjoyment affirming my mastery over you."

"No, I really don't think so!" came Daniel's retort followed closely by an insult he bit out in Goa'uld.

Sutekh became outraged and backhanded Daniel yet again. Daniel groaned as he jerked against the unyielding grip of the manacles imprisoning each of his wrists. The cold metal sliced deep and brutally into his tender flesh. He knew that his wrists were once again bleeding from the crude shackles. His face now burned painfully on both sides from each of the vicious strikes Sutekh delivered. He was ready to kill the bastard.

Sutekh turned to his guard ordering him to leave and take their newest visitor to his cell. He wanted to spend some quality time with Doctor Jackson...alone.

Sutekh watched as the guard led O'Neill out of the room then focused on Daniel once again. He said, "You are indeed a spirited one. I shall enjoy breaking you, bending you to my will and ruling you."

Daniel felt so angry and outraged that he drove a kick into Sutekh's gut. Sutekh doubled as Daniel's foot connected. Daniel felt triumphant but his triumph was short lived as he was struck viciously across the back by what felt like a cane or whip. He cursed as he remembered Sutekh's First Prime was now in the room. He groaned as yet again the implement the First Prime was using found his back leaving a trail of burning fire in its wake. Shit! Sutekh's First Prime then drove into Daniel striking him repeatedly viciously until Sutekh recovered and ordered him to cease. Daniel wanted to scream as his back was now alight in pain. Damn, but those strikes hurt like hell! He tried to ignore the new pain now flaring across his back focusing on Sutekh as he approached. Sutekh looked very pissed off and Daniel was sure it was due to the kick he had just delivered.

The evil lord immediately grabbed Daniel's chin squeezing his jaw bruisingly tight as he threatened menacingly, "You will pay."

He quickly released his firm grip on Daniel's jaw then drove kick after brutal kick to Daniel's stomach area.

Daniel screamed doubling painfully over crying out as the shackles dug into his wrists mercilessly. He could no longer breathe as the sadistic Goa'uld continued to show no mercy driving kick after vicious kick to his gut. Daniel vaguely heard Sutekh order his First Prime to continue the beating he had already started. Daniel's only thought, before the First Prime continued the beating, was that he would soon be in extreme pain. He was definitely not looking forward to being beaten by both Sutekh and his first in command. The beating was going to be a severe one...great.

As Za'non continued to beat Daniel across the back he screamed in anguish, clenching his eyes tightly shut and gripping the chains on his wrists in a death grip. It wasn't long before Daniel no longer knew who was providing him with which strike. His whole body became alive in immense pain causing him to lose track of just how many times he was actually kicked and flailed as the two drove into him. Neither of them showed any mercy as they rained harsh strikes across his body repetitively. The strikes quickly became rapid and uncontrolled. Daniel soon was lost in the anguish and pain the beating was leaving behind. Sutekh and Za'non beat him until he could no longer focus. Daniel sensed he was about to pass out and, as he became aware of that fact, his whole world went black. He fell rapidly into the blessed oblivion that was tugging him deep into its comforting embrace. Daniel's strength left him as he collapsed against the chains encircling his wrists, now hanging only by the metal manacles still securing him to the ceiling.

Sutekh stopped the instant that his prisoner collapsed then ordered his First Prime to also stop. Sutekh then told Za'non to take Anubis to his cell.

He smirked as he looked at the young man now unconscious before him. He knew that he would draw much pleasure from torturing both Anubis and his young host. He would again torture the young man, but first he had to give Anubis sufficient time to heal his host. Once his host was healed then Sutekh could start the beating all over again.

Za'non nodded to his lord removing the shackles still imprisoning Anubis. He watched dispassionately as the man crumpled to the floor. Then he quickly gathered the unconscious man up in his arms and carried him to his cell.

O'Neill had been escorted to the cell that Daniel was being held in. He didn't realize they took him to Daniel's cell. He found that he couldn't sit. He constantly paced worrying about the condition of Doctor Jackson. He jumped up and ran to the door when he heard a guard enter. He looked out the window of the door hoping to catch a glimpse of Daniel. One of the guards stepped before his cell and ordered him to stand back. The guard quickly unlocked the cell aiming a staff weapon directly at Jack's chest. Jack obediently moved back against the wall and watched as another guard entered carrying someone. He looked at the person intently gasping as he realized the prisoner was Doctor Jackson. He made a step towards the one carrying his unconscious teammate and was shoved back as the guard before him rammed his staff weapon against his chest. He cursed wanting to get to his unconscious teammate, but wasn't about to challenge the guard so he watched as Daniel was dumped unceremoniously to the floor. He saw the guard, who had carried Daniel here, grab one of the shackles imbedded in the wall then seize Daniel's right arm. Jack spoke up in outrage, "You don't need to do that! Damn it, he's already unconscious how much of a threat can he be when he's unconscious?"

Jack gasped as the guard before him rammed the staff weapon brutally into his stomach. He doubled over in pain and fell to his knees. He could hear the shackles as they were being cruelly secured in place on each of Daniel's wrists and ankles. Then just as quickly as the guards entered, they left locking the cell.

Jack looked at Daniel feeling his heart aching in sympathy. God, if he would've only defended Daniel and fought Isis' forces when they took him Daniel wouldn't be in this mess.

Jack felt the pain in his gut ease enough that he could get up. He made his way quickly to Doctor Jackson's side staring at the face of the man he had vowed to hate for the rest of his life. He still wanted to hate him but found he couldn't. Without thinking of what he was doing Jack sat down beside Daniel, leaned against the wall and pulled Daniel upright bringing the unconscious archaeologist against his chest. Daniel was tethered to the wall, but the restraints allowed for a good bit of maneuverability. He wrapped his arms protectively around the now unconscious archaeologist and found himself staring off into space.

He gasped when he noticed the light pressure of Daniel's body pressed against him. God forgive him but he still wanted to hate the man. He just couldn't find the hatred within. He realized he was very surprised about that.

Jack looked at the face of the man he chose to ignore for the last four years. Daniel hadn't changed much since Isis' capture of him. His hair was short and he was tanner. Daniel looked physically stronger, and more muscle tone had been added to his body. Jack also noticed those lines of worry were no longer present in Daniel's face. He looked so innocent and so at peace. Jack wondered what the man has been going through since Isis' capture. What all has he seen? What all has he done? What has he been doing? Was he the same person he had been or did he change? Questions and more questions filled his mind, but no answers were very forthcoming.

Jack didn't like to offer any comfort or allow anyone to get close to him but right now he discovered he needed human contact desperately. He needed to feel Daniel Jackson against him, to feel the man in his arms. He needed to know that he had found Jackson and that Jackson was indeed still alive. He hasn't offered comfort to anyone in a very long time, except the alternate Daniel when he had had that nightmare. Now he found that he needed the contact. In feeling Daniel Jackson in his arms he was reassured that he had found the man...alive.

Jack began to scan Daniel's arms and body to see what injuries had been induced. As his eyes took in Daniel's left hand he stared at the gold band encircling the man's finger...his wedding ring. He still wore his wedding ring. Would a Goa'uld allow its host to hold on to something so personal? He doubted that very much...maybe Anubis was one of those...Tok'ra, after all. He continued to scan Daniel's arms wincing as he saw the blood and gouges lying under the shackles on his wrists. It was obvious that the man had been kept in chains since his capture. As Jack continued to scan the man's body he saw numerous red marks where he was sure Daniel had been just beaten. As his eyes fell to Daniel's chest he winced Seth hadn't returned the man's shirt and the multiple burns across his body were exposed. The burns contrasted boldly against Jackson's paler complexion. He felt anger surge through him as he saw those burns. He had witnessed Seth placing them there. It angered him to no end. He had been forced to witness his young teammate being tortured before him. Jack was so pissed off at Seth that he wanted to scream! Damn it, the young man in his arms sure as hell didn't deserve to be tortured so severely! Damn Seth! DAMN HIM!

Jack continued to survey Daniel's chest, he paused as his eyes fell to the necklace Daniel was wearing. Were those his dog tags? Could he still have those after all the time that had gone by? Jack shook his head in surprise as he stared intently at those tags still hanging from the young scientist's neck. As he looked at them he realized that they were indeed Daniel's dog tags. There was no way in hell a Goa'uld would allow its host to keep ID tags, as well. Anubis must be a Tok'ra. Doctor Jackson had disappeared almost a year ago yet he still wore his military tags and his wedding band? Amazing, absolutely amazing. He felt much more relieved as he noticed the man still owned some of his personal things. If Daniel Jackson still wore his wedding band and ID tags then there was a very good chance that he was sharing his body with the snake residing within him. Jack sighed as he felt a bit of comfort come from that simple observation.

Jack realized that he was suddenly tired. Today's events had taken a toll on him and he found he needed to rest. He propped his head against the cell wall and closed his eyes listening to Daniel’s breathing and drawing more comfort from the steady sound. As he continued to listen to his young teammate resting he soon found himself following the man's suggestion as he also drifted asleep.

* * * * * *

The Next Day...

Jameson returned to the room now serving as both Doctor Daniel Jackson's and Doctor Janet Fraiser's cells. Levinson wanted to see Jackson again. Jameson wasn't too happy to have James and Lance accompanying him. Daniel was awake again as was Janet. When Jameson entered the room he immediately looked at the young scientist resting on the bed. He knew that Doctor Jackson was far from healed, and he also knew that Levinson was preparing to beat him even more. Shit, he had to help the man escape. He didn't think that Daniel Jackson would be able to take many more beatings. He moved over to the bed as Lance approached still fearing that Lance would attempt to take a swing or two at Jackson if given an opportunity. The man hated Jackson for some unexplainable reason...probably because Jackson constantly challenged him. He didn't know why and feared that if Lance managed to get Jackson alone with him Jackson would be on the receiving end of some pretty painful abuse. He watched as Lance unshackled Daniel's right arm refusing to give Lance an opportunity to hurt Jackson any further.

Daniel opened his eyes as he heard the door to his room opening. He was sure that Levinson was probably ready to continue his...persuasive tactics to get his cooperation. Daniel knew that he would only be allowed to rest for a day or two before his captors grew impatient and ordered the beatings started again. He sighed heavily, preparing himself for the next wave of beatings soon to come. God, he needed to get away and soon. He could already tell that the beatings were progressively growing more intense. His captors were already becoming aggravated with him...that was quite obvious to him on the day Levinson discovered he wouldn't cave as quickly as the bastard had expected him to. Daniel knew that the beatings were leading him straight to his death. If he didn't escape soon he would be killed when these men lost their control and beat him to death. What an unpleasant way to go. Daniel had to at least attempt escape, but he was presently in no condition to successfully pull an escape off. He would definitely need help. He was still weak and in pain. His captors provided him with little water and no food. The longer he went without food the weaker he became. Daniel knew he had to make a break for his freedom soon or he would die here.

As Lance released his wrist from the headboard Daniel mentally gasped feeling the extreme stiffness now present in an arm that had been held stationary for far too long. He inhaled sharply as the simple movement of his arm successfully ignited the pain in his back. Shit, would he ever be healthy again? Damn, but his body must be covered in bruises.

Daniel sighed then slowly arose clenching his teeth together firmly. He was determined not to voice his pain in front of these two thugs. He couldn't keep his eyes open though as the pain bit deeply once again drawing his complete attention to the many lacerations, bruises and injuries covering his entire body. His back hurt worse than anything. It was healing well, but it would be at least another week or two before Daniel would have the ability to move around without having to feel intense pain every time he attempted to do so. His back was stiff and now throbbed once again announcing to Daniel abruptly how it didn’t want to be jostled. God his body hurt like hell! He glanced up at Janet when she offered him aid, very grateful for her help. He was actually glad that she was here, but he still feared for her immensely. He had to get her out of here. If she remained here much longer Levinson might decide to use her for his punching bag as a way to persuade Daniel to cooperate, and if he did that... Daniel feared he just might agree to help. God, he couldn't do that no matter what. If they used Janet against him then he would have to put on a convincing act and lie his way through everything. God help him if things came down to that.

Janet jumped as Lance and James entered the room. She was positive that they were here to take Daniel again. She feared that they would continue to torture him. Oh God, he still wasn't healed from their last beatings! Daniel was still far from healed. He was definitely in no shape to be beaten again. She feared that he would only be able to take a few more beatings. What would they do to him next? Janet knew that if Daniel continued to refuse to aid them they would continue to beat him and one of those beatings would end up being the death of him. If he died... Oh God, she wouldn't be able to handle that.

Janet watched Daniel in concern as he slowly sat up on the bed after Lance freed his wrist. She could tell that he was in no shape to be moving around. She also knew that these men didn't care one way or the other if he should be moved. All they wanted was for him to cooperate. They were willing to use whatever means necessary to procure Daniel's cooperation and knowing that scared the hell out of her.

Janet watched Daniel arise and immediately recognized the signs of pain etched across his face. She knew that Daniel had to still be in extreme pain. He had been given very little time to heal. Levinson had given him only a few short days to attempt to recover, but those few days weren't enough. Daniel was still in very bad shape and it was very obvious that the pain was still very much alive within him. Janet wasted precious little time offering the man the extra aid he would need to sit up completely. She felt her heart aching as Daniel voiced his pain in very quiet whimpers and groans. She knew that he didn't want these two men to realize just how much pain he was in so he tried his best to keep his complaints quiet. She whispered, "Shh relax. Here let me help you."

She watched as Daniel glanced up at her thanking her with his eyes for her aid. She felt her heart ache as she placed her hand on his body causing him to again whimper in response to her touch. Her touch was very gentle, but she had brushed his back. Shit, Daniel was in so much pain! A simple brush against him sent pain eliciting through him. Oh God, she had to get him out of here! She had to find some way of getting them both out of here. Daniel was just in so much incredible pain...Janet wasn't sure if she'd be able to watch as he was hurt more. They had to escape!

Janet quickly helped Daniel to sit up also noticing how he took much longer to rise than was necessary. He was obviously still in a lot of agony or he wouldn't be having such difficulties moving about.

Lance glared at the young man finding his patience running rather thin waiting for him to sit up. He smirked as he watched the young female doctor help the man to arise, obviously Doctor Jackson was still having some difficulty moving. Good, serves the man right!

Lance glared dispassionately towards the man then threw Daniel's T-shirt at him ordering, "Put your shirt back on. Now!"

Daniel glared at Lance for the longest time before breaking eye contact. He wanted to grab Lance and strangle the man! The man was a total bastard who drew way too much pleasure from inducing pain. Daniel picked up his shirt preparing to put it on but as soon as he started to raise his arms to do so he nearly winced aloud. Shit, but he hurt so much! He mentally sighed as Janet took the shirt from his hands and helped him to put it on. She must have noticed that he was having some difficulty moving. He was very glad that she was there to help him. God, but his whole body ached!

Once Daniel had his T-shirt on Lance demanded, "You know the routine, Jackson, hands in front!"

Daniel again glared at Lance but placed his hands before him allowing Lance to put wrist shackles on him. As Lance snapped them on his wrists Daniel winced and cursed. The fuckin' bastard deliberately tightened the restraints to cause him pain! Damn him! Daniel glared sinisterly at Lance who was now smirking at him. He had an incredible urge to wipe that damned smug grin off of the cold bastard's face, but he held back. Damn the man!

Janet found that she was infuriated. For Daniel to even know what Lance expected meant that he had been kept in chains most of his visit here...probably all of his visit. Damn these bastards for hurting Daniel! She wanted to scream! It was so damned unfair that Daniel be made to suffer so much. She watched as Lance deliberately tightened the wrist shackles and clenched her fists in rage. She so wanted to punch the man!

After securing the manacles on Daniel's wrists Lance gripped Daniel's upper left arm. He deliberately increased his hold making his grip bitingly painful. As Jackson winced Lance smirked even more. He started to yank the scientist off of the bed reveling in hearing the man's sudden whimper of pain.

Daniel winced as the man successfully found the damned bruises there from previous times when the idiot escorted him to Levinson. When Lance deliberately yanked him upright Daniel couldn't hold back his small whimper of pain. He cursed as the sound escaped. Damn it, the last thing he needed was Lance realizing how much pain he was still in! The bastard loved to cause pain and loved to hear someone voice pain. Damn it! Daniel could feel his anger rising. He arose to his feet mentally cursing as James immediately seized his other arm. Why did these two bastards always have to grab him by the arms to lead him before Levinson? Damn it, he was so frustrated! He loudly voiced his complaint as he bit out, "How many times do I have to tell you two idiots that I can walk on my own?"

Janet jerked her head up a bit surprised that comment came from Daniel. She looked at him and could tell that he was most definitely pissed off. Janet couldn't recall a time when she had ever seen Daniel so pissed off. She looked from him to the two men now holding him between them. She noticed that they ignored Daniel's complaint and started to drag him to the door.

Lance felt the urge to beat the shit out of Jackson once again sweep over him. Damn, but the man was always so defiant! Couldn't he just cooperate for once? Lance glanced at the man briefly then turned to Jameson ordering, "Jameson, you get the woman. Boss wants to see them both."

Lance then turned and escorted Jackson before his boss.

Jameson reacted immediately as he gently gripped Janet's arm preparing to guide her to Levinson's office. The woman looked very concerned and worried about her friend. She had good reason to be. Lance looked like he wanted to make Jackson suffer again. Why did that man hate Doctor Jackson so much? Jameson shook his head as no answer came to mind then continued to lead Doctor Fraiser down the hall to Levinson's office.

Levinson looked up as James and Lance escorted Jackson into the room. He smirked as he saw that Jackson was not in a very good mood. He knew that Jackson despised being led around by his arms but that was just too damned bad. Levinson had heard too many stories about this man managing to slip away from his captors and he wasn't about to lose Jackson...at least not until he was done with the man. Then he would make sure to give Jackson and the woman an out. He still refused to turn the man over to Maybourne. He would not condemn someone to a life as a NID guinea pig. No way in hell!

He continued to watch the door smiling as Jameson entered with Fraiser then stopped beside Lance. He looked at Doctor Jackson and noticed the man was glaring coldly in his direction. Levinson's smile broadened further as he commented, "I see that your exposure to the whip didn't qualm your spirit any, Doctor Jackson."

Daniel was quick to respond as he stated, "I won't translate anything for you. When will you realize that?"

"Doctor Jackson, must we always argue? Come now, can't we just talk?"

"No."

Levinson mentally cursed. The man was so damned infuriating! He hoped that he could gain the man's full cooperation but each time he felt that he was close Jackson would surprise him again. Shit, he was still having a hard time with underestimating his captive. The man just looked like he would be so easy to persuade. Shit, that was a total laugh! Doctor Jackson was the most frustrating prisoner he ever had. Oh well, he would just have to continue with the beatings and hope that they would wear the man down to the point where he gave up resisting and just did as was asked of him. He might have to actually consider the use of drugs, but he didn't want to do that. If he started to give Jackson drugs to procure his cooperation he would also make the man completely unable to fight or resist. Levinson feared that if Doctor Jackson became suddenly unable to defend himself Maybourne would take full advantage of his condition. He'd be damned if he would make Jackson totally defenseless. He definitely couldn't allow that. Levinson decided to continue the beatings. Perhaps when Jackson discovered his bones were going to be broken if he didn't cooperate he would do so.

He looked at Jackson responding, "Business as usual I see. Fine. Jackson, you know what will happen if you continue to refuse to cooperate..."

"You'll have to kill me because I won't talk."

"Kill you? You see that I can't do. It seems the Colonel wants you alive. He has big plans for you, Doctor Jackson. It seems you pissed him off several years ago, and he’s hell bent on getting his revenge. I guarantee you that the plans he has for you are much more sinister than mine and if you continue to refuse to cooperate with me then he’ll just come in here and take you. Do you really want to be at the mercy of the Colonel, Jackson?"

Daniel already knew the answer to that question...most definitely no. He didn't fear Maybourne but he knew that the man had a lot of connections and that the man also wanted to get revenge on him for the Tollan incident. Maybourne could easily hand him over to the NID for study and have no qualms about doing so. He definitely didn’t want that! He also refused to give this man what he was demanding. The man would just have to beat him more because he wasn't about to talk...ever.

Daniel glared at Levinson responding, "The Colonel is an asshole. I can't believe you actually work for him."

Levinson found himself grinning in response to that comment. Yes the man was an asshole, but he was a wealthy asshole. Levinson voiced his thoughts aloud, "He may be an asshole, but he's paying me a hell of a lot to keep you here."

"You do know that if you ever get what you want from me he'll kill you?"

"Contact the Tok'ra, Doctor Jackson."

"Can't do that, sorry."

"The Asgard."

"No."

"The Tollan..."

"Didn't you hear me? I won't do what you want so there's no use in asking."

Levinson continued to eye up the stubborn archaeologist. Would the man never learn that the more he refused to cooperate the worse he would be treated? When would Jackson get it through his thick skull that he was a prisoner with no escape who would be beaten if he continued to refuse to cooperate?

Levinson shook his head continuing, "Do you remember what the Colonel told you? He gave us, my men, permission to do whatever is necessary to procure your cooperation. We’ll begin breaking bones Doctor Jackson, then we'll continue on from there."

"I won't help you!" came Jackson's immediate angry retort.

Levinson shook his head then glanced at Lance requesting, in a sinister tone of voice, "Break a finger on his left hand."

Janet cut in, "NO!"

She looked at Daniel then at Levinson feeling chills climb her spine. She knew that Daniel wouldn't cooperate and for his refusal they were going to start breaking bones? Oh God, this was totally insane! She was shocked at Levinson's simple request. Break a finger? Were they crazy? She looked at Levinson and was sure that the man wouldn’t back down. He would make sure that Daniel's finger was broken. She shook her head as she felt more fear fill her. She was afraid for Daniel, especially after hearing Levinson referring to a Colonel who wanted to get revenge on Daniel. She was positive that Colonel was Maybourne and felt even colder as that certainty entered her. She had to talk some sense into Levinson.

Lance wasted little time in preparing to carry out that order as he looped his arm around Daniel's locking out Daniel's elbow. Lance then began to add pressure on Daniel's hand while gripping his left pinky. Lance only pushed slightly causing Daniel to wince as a sharp pain shot up his hand and arm like a cramp. Lance smirked as he heard the young man's sudden wince as he successfully found a pressure point. He refused to ease up on that pressure point and his smile broadened as he heard the man cursing.

Janet continued to watch Daniel with concern and worry etching her face. She was surprised at what the man talking to Daniel was demanding. As soon as she heard him order Daniel to contact certain races she knew why he refused to cooperate. She also knew Daniel would die before revealing anything. She became very worried and hoped that they would soon be found. If the SGC didn't soon find them she'd have to escape and take him with her or Daniel would suffer for his refusal to cooperate.

When Levinson ordered Lance to break one of Daniel's fingers Janet was horrified and felt ill at the same time. Surely the man was joking? She looked at Levinson not sure of how to proceed.

Levinson held up his hand signaling that Lance should hold on that order momentarily. He glanced at Doctor Fraiser then turned back to Daniel again informing, "Doctor Jackson, the choice is all yours. You can help me or..."

Daniel snapped, "The choice has never been mine to begin with! If one of your men hadn't found me I wouldn't be here and none of this would be happening..."

Levinson cut off his retort quickly as he again asked, "Doctor Jackson, will you contact...?"

"NO!"

"Okay, translation...you love to translate. I know you want to, so translate the technology we need translated."

"No."

Levinson's voice took on a threatening edge as he continued, "You will do as I ask. I and my men can be very persuasive."

"Go to hell!"

Levinson glared at Daniel then coldly ordered, "Break his finger. Now."

"With pleasure, boss."

Lance didn't take very long to execute the command as he quickly yanked Daniel's left pinky back towards him.

Daniel watched as Lance pulled on his pinky and saw the room before him start to go dim and dark. His ears started to ring as he heard the sickening crack of bone being crudely broken. He screamed as pain so severe thrummed up his hand. He felt himself going faint and as the anguish in his finger hit a crescendo Daniel Jackson blacked out.

Janet was ready to beg Levinson not to do this but before she could speak Lance yanked on Daniel's finger. Janet paled as she heard the very loud, very distinct sound of bone being broken. Oh my God, they actually broke Daniel's finger! They were totally insane! Janet watched helplessly as Daniel's finger was snapped and he collapsed against his assailant. She attempted to aid Daniel but stopped as Levinson said, "You can set his finger later, Doc. You might want to tell him to start cooperating while you're at it. Take them back to their cell."

Lance and James turned to follow Jameson. As Jameson led Doctor Fraiser back to the room Lance and James dragged the now unconscious scientist. Once they entered the room Lance laid Daniel on the bed, removed the wrist shackles then secured him once again to the bed. Once he was shackled they exited the room leaving the two alone.

Janet turned to Daniel feeling her heart ache as she stared at him. Oh God, they just broke his finger and she had done nothing to stop them! God, she should have pleaded or something. She felt ill as she remembered Levinson's comment about being permitted to now break bones to procure Daniel's cooperation. Janet feared that would be their next step of business: to break as many bones in Daniel's body as was possible until the man bent to their will. Shit, she couldn't allow them to do that! There were so many bones in the human body that could be broken. Oh God, she couldn't let them do that to Daniel! She cursed feeling helpless and angry. As she continued to look at her friend, once again chained cruelly to the bed, she prepared herself to set his finger.

Janet set to work splinting and setting Daniel's finger. After she was done she sat in the chair beside the bed and found herself drifting asleep once again.

* * * *

Major Samantha Carter angrily paced the confines of her office. Damn it, where was Daniel? He had to be somewhere. She was outraged and upset when their search had turned up absolutely nothing and the one place he most likely had been was abandoned very recently. She didn't like to think that there was a leak in the SGC, but she could no longer deny it. What would make people clear a warehouse out rapidly, unless they knew that the SGC was closing in? She was angry, hell she was furious! How could anyone in the SGC continue to come to work knowing exactly where Doctor Jackson was and that he was desperately being searched for yet remain hidden and silent? How could anyone do that? She found she wanted to kill whoever was aiding Daniel's abductors.

Sam wasn't sure really what to do. She could check for Stargate activity again, but how long would it be before they decided to use it again? They had to know, or at least suspect, how the SGC had been able to locate them. Sam shivered as she thought about it. If there was a true leak in the SGC then those who now held Daniel definitely knew how they had been located. Shit! What should she do?

She was thinking of how to locate Daniel when she heard the door open. She looked up and saw her father. Without comment or thought she walked over to him and he embraced her. Sam didn't think allowing tears of anger and frustration, fear and despair finally come as her father wrapped his loving arms around her.

Jacob Carter heard about what had happened at the last warehouse and knew he needed to see his daughter. She had been pushing herself to the limit and beyond searching for Daniel and had been sure she had located him only to discover that she had been too late. Knowing his daughter, she was probably holding herself totally responsible for losing Daniel Jackson. She was probably telling herself that she had been too late and that she should've tried harder, worked longer, pushed herself further. He had to check on her. He had to assure himself that Samantha was all right. He also decided that it was past time she learned of their insider. He hasn't heard from the Tok'ra spy in midst of all of this yet, but it was only fair that Sam be informed.

Sam felt totally helpless and frustrated. She had no idea where Daniel was and no idea of how to locate him. She was so afraid that the next time she found him he’d be...dead. She cried harder as her fear and worry increased. Oh God, she had failed Daniel and now he remained out there somewhere still at the mercy of sinister men. God Daniel, what if she couldn't locate him again? What if she...?

She realized that she was crying in her dad's arms while in the SGC and knew that she had to get herself back under control. She had to remain positive. If she gave in to despair and gave up on Daniel then he would truly die. She couldn't give up on him. She had to keep searching. She had to be strong for Daniel. She could do that. As she affirmed that in her mind she started to calm down.

When Sam managed to regain control over her spiraling emotions she asked, "How am I going to find him now, dad? I have no leads...I have nothing. Daniel... I don't know how to help him now."

Jacob sighed in frustration. He could tell that Daniel's absence was having a huge effect on his daughter. She loved Daniel Jackson like a brother. He knew that she cared deeply for him. If he was found dead... Jacob had no idea how his daughter would react. She would have a very hard time accepting Daniel's death. His death would kill her. She was desperate to locate him and felt as if she had no way to do so. She felt as if Daniel was relying solely on her to locate him. She took on that responsibility. She had to find Daniel and bring him back. Jacob vowed to help his daughter in any way he could. He needed to start by giving her some more hope. He had to tell her about Tail'ia.

He looked down into his daughter's lovely face gently assuring her, "Sam, we’ll find Daniel and he will be fine. Daniel is a very strong individual. We'll find him."

Sam looked up into the kind eyes of her father. She so wanted to believe him but was having a hard time doing so. Daniel was out there, and he was relying on her to help him. If she couldn't find Daniel then...he would die. She knew the risks if she failed to locate him. She asked, "But how? There's no one..."

Jacob sighed as he prepared to inform her of Tail'ia. He had to tell Sam of their insider. He added, "Sam... We have someone on the inside."

"What?"

"She's been involved in the thefts for several months working on exposing the players."

Sam felt her fears ease a bit and felt herself becoming hopeful again. The Tok'ra had an insider? Could that be possible? Could there be a Tok'ra infiltrator out there who knew exactly where Daniel was? Oh God, she so hoped that there was. She questioned immediately, "Can she help?"

"We haven't heard from her in several months..."

"So she can't..."

Sam felt her hope starting to die again. They hadn't heard from her in several months so she could be dead. If she was dead then there was no hope for Daniel Jackson. NO! She refused to accept defeat. Someone out there knew where Daniel was and they would come forward. They had to come forward, for Daniel was running out of time.

She glanced at her father as he added, "I didn't say that... Sam, when someone doesn't contact us for several months there are several reasons."

"Death or being caught."

"Or they are in so deep that to contact us could either endanger them or expose them."

Sam hoped that last reason was why the spy hadn't yet contacted her father. Please let her silence mean that she simply couldn't contact them just yet because it was still very unsafe. She questioned, "Will she contact us if she knows where Daniel is?"

"Yes...when it's safe."

"But you said she could expose herself..."

"She will let us know when it is safest. If she is still alive."

Her father said that she’d let them know...but what if she didn't? What if...? Sam cursed she had to stop the what ifs and the doubting. She needed to stay positive for Daniel's sake! She still found herself asking doubtfully, "How can you be so sure?"

"Because Tail'ia will do anything she can to help Daniel."

"What? Tail'ia? I've never even... Who is she?"

Tail'ia? The infiltrator's name was Tail'ia, but who was she? Sam searched her mind and searched through the remnants of Jolinar's memories for any trace of a Tok'ra by that name, but she came up empty. She had no idea who this Tok'ra was. Her dad answered, "She is a Tok'ra symbiote."

"I don't recognize her. Did Jolinar know her?"

"No."

Okay, so Jolinar didn't know her that would explain why she had never heard of her before. Who was Tail'ia?

Sam found that she wanted to know more about this Tail'ia. She was ready to ask her father for more information when an officer entered. Sam glanced up as he said, "Major Carter, General Hammond would like to see you immediately."

"Thank you."

"Report to the conference room."

He then exited as Sam pulled from her dad's arms.

Jacob looked down at his daughter and gently wiped the tears off of her face. He smiled asking, "Ready?"

She shook her head no. If she reported to the conference room now then they would know that she had been crying. She couldn't let them know that she had been. She voiced her concern, "I can't go like this they'll know..."

Jacob smiled gently down at his daughter complimenting, "You look beautiful, Sam. No one will notice. Come on."

"All right."

Jacob and her headed to the conference room. As they both entered General Hammond was first to speak, "Major Carter...Jacob..."

"You needed to see me, sir?"

"Yes."

He cocked his head behind him. Sam looked in the direction Hammond indicated seeing another man standing in the room. As he turned to face her he smiled at her then said, "Hello, Carter."

"SIR? Welcome back!"

Colonel O'Neill was back. Thank God! She had been so worried about him, but had gotten so caught up in her search for Daniel that she didn't realize just how worried until this moment. God, Daniel...she had to tell the Colonel about Daniel. He would be furious...he would be very upset. He had hoped that Daniel would be found by the time he returned but such was not the case. Daniel was still very much missing and Sam would have to be the one to deliver the news to the man.

Colonel O'Neill interrupted Sam's thoughts as he commented, "Glad to be back."

"Sir, about Daniel..."

"Major, the General already filled me in."

"Oh..."

Jack looked down at his second in command. He could tell that she was having a very difficult time dealing with Daniel still being gone. She looked as if she had been working herself to death and, according to Hammond and Teal'c, she had been. He was very grateful when Teal'c informed him that he forced Carter to take breaks and sleep. She had a way of getting so caught up in something that she neglected her own needs. Daniel's disappearance would definitely make her want to find him enough that she would stay up all hours of the night and day to search for him if no one was watching her. Jack reassured her that she has been doing everything she can to locate him as he added, "Carter, it's not your fault. None of this is your fault. You tried your best. We lost Daniel again because of a leak not because you failed."

"General Hammond told you about my suspicions, sir?"

"Yes and I must say, after viewing your report, I would have to agree with you. We have a leak. We just need to find out who the mole is."

General Hammond chose that particular time to interrupt as he brought up the next problem they would have to solve, "Major Carter, the Colonel's return is not the only reason I called you down here."

Sam looked at Hammond with questions burning in her eyes as she asked, "Well sir, why else?"

Hammond looked down at the ground. Should he tell her about Janet Fraiser's disappearance? She was already running herself ragged searching for Daniel, and he knew that she was close friends with Doctor Fraiser. He couldn't keep the news from her as disturbing as it was so he added, "Major Carter, I was wondering...when did you last see Doctor Fraiser?"

Sam's first thought, when asked about seeing Doctor Fraiser, was that the General was again worried about her pushing herself too hard so she quickly attempted to cast his worries aside as she replied, "Uh, yesterday, I believe. Sir, Teal'c has been keeping an eye on me. I'm fine...really."

"Major, I know he has been monitoring you..."

"But you still think I'm pushing myself too hard..."

"Yes, I do but that's not why I asked you about Doctor Fraiser."

What? He didn't ask her about Janet because he was worried about her health? What other reason could he possibly have for asking her then? Sam quickly questioned, "Then why?"

Sam looked from General Hammond to Colonel O'Neill to Teal'c. Each of them had a grim look on their faces. Sam started feeling very nervous and worried. She watched General Hammond as he sighed heavily then continued, "Doctor Fraiser disappeared. She never came home. Cassie called us when her mom didn't come home. She was worried that something had happened. Doctor Fraiser never came home."

"WHAT?"

Janet never made it home? She was missing? Why? How? Who would go after Janet?

"She's missing and we have no leads."

"Shit! Oh sorry, sir."

Janet was missing and they had no leads. She felt herself becoming very upset again. It was bad enough that Daniel was missing and now Janet was also missing? Oh God, she couldn't handle this!

She pulled a tight rein on her emotions forcing herself to focus on General Hammond as he added, "Her car is still in the lot so..."

"That confirms we have a leak..."

"Someone must have abducted her."

"But why? For what purpose?"

"I don't really know yet..." came Hammond's sad response. He didn't have any news for her and knew that Janet's disappearance combined with Daniel's could push Sam over the edge. She cared for both of them deeply and now they were both missing. Carter was a very strong woman but a person could only handle so much before it was too much. Hammond looked at her in concern. She interrupted his disturbing thoughts as she questioned, "Sir, do we have any leads on Doctor Fraiser at all?"

"No."

"No one saw her leave at the gate?"

"The only report we have is that Captain Conner drove her home."

"What? Why?"

Captain Conner drove Janet home? No, that couldn't be right. Janet wouldn't ride home with anybody, especially a man. Cassie was at home and she would be careful not to bring strangers to the house because of her daughter. Sam didn't like the sudden sense of foreboding that filled her at the mention of Captain Conner. Could he be the one who was responsible for Daniel and Janet's abductions? Sam didn't like to think that he was, but it made total sense. She glanced up at the Colonel when he spoke, "He told the guard that she was too tired to drive. He offered her a ride and she accepted."

Sam wasn't buying that reason so she asked, "And was Janet awake when...?"

"No, she was asleep."

"So he couldn't confirm with her?"

Jack looked at his second in command knowing exactly where her thoughts were going. She was seeing a connection between Conner driving Janet home and her disappearance. But Conner? No way the man wasn't the type to abduct people and conceal things...or was he? How well did Jack, or any of them for that matter, really know Conner? Jack didn't want to admit his suspicions but found himself inquiring, "Major, Captain Conner? I don't see him being the mole."

"Why not?"

"I don't know. He just doesn't seem the type."

"He's our biggest lead. We need to follow up on it. Sometimes sir, the least likely person is the one who's doing it."

"But..."

"Sir, trust me on this. I've known Janet a long time and she's never left the facility with another person just because she was tired. She's left here exhausted already but she drove her own car and she wouldn't feel right if a man dropped her off at her home while Cassie's there. It's him, has to be."

"Carter..."

"Trust me on this, sir."

Jack hesitated. Could she be right about Conner? He hated to think so. If Conner truly was the leak then he knew where Daniel was and he knows how desperately the SGC and its employees were looking for the man. It would take someone very cold-hearted to be able to come to work and keep the secret of Daniel's whereabouts all to himself. Could Conner also be cold enough to abduct Janet Fraiser as well? Why would he do something like that? Conner just didn't seem the type...but Jack learned in the past never to just ignore the instincts of his second in command because Major Samantha Carter was usually correct.

* * * * * *

Isis paced her bedroom anxiously. She sensed that Anubis was in some sort of distress. She couldn't sleep as she worried about him. She wondered if Ka'tar has had any luck finding him and hoped Anubis would be returned to her soon. Ka'tar told her to allow him time to bring Anubis back but waiting around and doing nothing went against every one of her instincts. She was very protective of her mate, especially after what had happened to Osiris. She was even protective of her mate's host. She knew she would soon travel to Avaris herself if it meant saving her Beloved. Patience was something she rarely had, especially when it came to the ones that meant the most to her. When someone she had feelings for disappeared she couldn't wait around and do nothing. She had to be active in their retrieval.

Isis was fuming as she thought of all the trouble Sutekh has provided her with. He was her most hated enemy and the one who was actually crazy enough to incur her wrath. She could be a very formidable adversary if challenged. She fooled the Goa'uld lord before with her magic and she could do it again. She wasn't called an enchantress or referred to as the goddess of magic for nothing! She might have to use an illusion to rescue her Beloved from the clutches of the vile Sutekh. How dare he challenge her by abducting her Beloved! He would pay for his stupidity! If he laid so much as a hand on her Beloved she would destroy him. He was already dead in her book for even daring to go after Anubis. He would pay dearly for challenging her! She would make him suffer as he was now making her suffer.

Isis smirked evilly as she thought of how she would bend Sutekh to her will and make him pay for daring to abduct Anubis and murder her husband. Sutekh would not be alive much longer!

* * * *

As Doctor Jackson slowly awoke the first thing he did, before fully awaking, was to check on his symbiote to see how Anubis was doing. He sighed in relief when he sensed Anubis deep asleep. Thank God Sutekh hadn't killed him. Daniel had grown very attached and very overprotective of Anubis since their blending. He didn't want to lose him and refused to be separated until his death. He hoped that Colonel O'Neill would understand, that is if he ever saw Colonel O'Neill again… He started to awake groaning as the ache of a sore battered body entered his mind. He knew that it would be some time before Anubis effectively healed him for Anubis, himself, had to heal before he could heal his host.

Daniel slowly opened his eyes and became suddenly aware that he was no longer alone. Someone else was with him. Someone was...holding him? What the hell?

Daniel came to full alertness when he realized he was being held in someone's arms. He jerked upright crying out as the instant he moved pain flooded back at him, assailing him and forcing him to lay back down and still again. He clenched his eyes tightly shut silently cursing himself for being so stupid and trying to wait for the pain within to ease. He heard a distant voice soothingly say, "Easy Daniel, easy. Relax."

Daniel knew that voice but wondered whom it belonged to. Was that his Colonel O'Neill speaking or was it the alternate Jack O'Neill speaking? Daniel slipped his tongue out between his lips quickly moistening them before speaking. He inhaled deeply groaning as the breath increased the pain in his chest. Shit, broken rib or ribs, he wasn't sure but he knew he had at least one. He choked out without thought, "Ja'k, that you?"

"Yes Daniel."

Thank God the man was finally awake. Jack continued to examine his teammate wincing as he took in the bruises and burns covering the man's body. Doctor Jackson had been asleep for much too long and O’Neill had started to become worried. Worried? He had actually been worried about the man? No, that was absolutely crazy. He wasn't worried about Doctor Jackson. Bullshit! He knew that he was lying to himself. He had been very worried for the young scientist, in fact, scared to death would be a more accurate description of how he felt about the young man resting in his arms. Jack found he was shocked as he confessed that to himself. He could no longer deny what he had known was always in his heart: he cared for Doctor Jackson deeply. Damn, why did it take the man disappearing for months then being taken prisoner and beaten to admit that to himself? Because O'Neill you're a stupid fool! He shook his head casting his thoughts aside as the man resting in his arms questioned, "Why are you here?"

"To find you and bring you back to Earth."

"But...alone, Jack?"

"Yeah, pretty stupid, huh? I just didn't think when I was talking to...my alternate. He started telling me about his Daniel and how I was a fool... I don't know something just pushed me and before I knew it I was entering the Stargate and traveling here..."

"Colonel then..."

"Yes."

O'Neill replied sadly as he heard Daniel again addressing him by his title. Jack found that he no longer wanted his Daniel, the Daniel of his world, to address him as Colonel. He sighed heavily then continued, "I was captured immediately upon arrival."

Daniel inhaled sharply. How much did O'Neill now know about him? Did he know that Anubis was with him? Had the alternate Jack told him about his...symbiote? He decided that he needed to tell the man now. If he didn't then he would just be postponing the inevitable. He swallowed hard then continued, "Jack, you know that I'm...no longer alone, don't you?"

"Anubis you mean?"

Daniel only nodded closing his eyes as the simple movement made his head ache all the more.

Jack continued, "Yes, I know. I was told... Daniel, how does it work? You know, with that...thing inside of you?"

"Do you really want to know or...?"

"I really want to know, Daniel."

Daniel opened his eyes and looked at the Colonel. The man was different. He was acting strange. When Daniel looked at him he saw that familiar tenseness and coldness in the man but he also saw how the man was struggling with an array of emotions not sure what was going on or what would happen. He looked almost...scared.

Daniel coughed clenching his eyes shut as a simple cough reignited painful bruising. Then he swallowed hard and asked, "Ever heard of Tok'ra, Colonel?"

"Yes."

Daniel snapped his eyes open staring at Jack in shocked surprise. Colonel O'Neill knew of the Tok'ra? How? When? Had they encountered the Tok'ra on one of their missions since his disappearance or what? Daniel asked, "WHEN?"

"The alternate Jack told us about them and so did your double...plus he introduced us to some of the Tok'ra on Tethys."

"What?"

They had been recently introduced to the Tok'ra by their alternates? When? How?

Daniel shook his head a bit surprised at the new information the Colonel was providing him with.

"They were hiding underground..."

"In tunnels."

"Yes."

"They won't stay there much longer then."

"Why not?"

"You've seen them then others most likely have. It's no longer safe. They'll move to a safer world. We'll have to find them again."

"Again? Daniel they didn't even know you existed."

“But they know Anubis does and by now they know he's acquired a new host. They didn't know who that host was, but I'm betting they do now. You told them or he did..."

"He did."

"They'll be looking for us then."

"You know that guy...Marty or whatever?"

"Martouf?"

"Yeah, he didn't seem too willing to help us."

"He's different..."

"How would you know?"

How would he know? How the hell could he answer that question for the Colonel? The Colonel knew nothing about a host-symbiote relationship and to explain such a concept to someone who had no knowledge of what a Tok'ra even was... How could he answer that question?

Daniel decided to just dive in and tell him in his own words. If the Colonel had any questions there was no doubt in Daniel's mind that he would ask them so he continued, "I hold all of Anubis' memories, thoughts, feelings... I know his previous hosts, and I know a lot about the Tok'ra..."

"You...you do?"

"Yes."

"Explain this...host-symbiote thing."

Daniel smiled gently, pleased that Jack was showing an interest in trying to understand the Tok'ra. Now he just had to figure out how best to explain the concept to his CO. Daniel decided to start by asking the man, "What do you want to know?"

"First off, does this...Anubis allow you to speak freely or does he...trap you?"

"No, no he doesn't. We exchange at will. Isis believes that I'm suppressed, so does Sutekh but I'm not. Anubis and I share this body equally."

"So why did he allow Seth to beat the shit out of you after that damned electric shock thing?"

"That thing is a Goa'uld shock device. It was designed to cause a symbiote within a host great pain. When Sutekh applied it to my neck he was torturing Anubis. He was driving Anubis towards unconsciousness. He succeeded. When I came out so strongly it was because Anubis had blacked out due to the pain. Sutekh has no idea that I'm still very much here. He was sure the only way to awaken me was to ensure that Anubis would lose complete consciousness. If it's discovered that we’re both here Anubis' cover will be blown. If it's discovered that I share my body with a Tok'ra, or that Anubis is a Tok'ra, we'll both be put to death. It's important that we act Goa'uld and carry ourselves as Goa'uld while among them. It's the only way we can destroy them...from within."

"So you're telling me that snake in your head is an enemy of the Goa'uld? I don't know if I can buy that."

"Well, he is and he's not really in my head, Colonel. He's wrapped around my spinal cord and connected to my brain..."

"I really don't want to know that. The thing's imbedded in your spinal cord and brain? Now that's insane..."

"Will you relax, Colonel? Anubis is a friend...although I need to warn you...he doesn't like you all that much."

"Yeah, so I've been told."

They both fell silent when they could hear the approach of a guard. The guard came to their cell and entered. Daniel recognized him immediately and announced, "Ka'tar..."

"Who?"

"Isis' First Prime."

Ka'tar looked at Daniel when he heard the voice minus the overlaying gravely voice of the Goa'uld. He realized the host was now dominant. Anubis must still be unconscious. Ka'tar had been informed of Anubis' punishment and Sutekh's future plans for host and symbiote. He looked at Daniel with interest, approaching he said, "I presume that you are Daniel Jackson, host to Anubis. Isis informed me of how she chose to keep you intact to torment you. I am sorry she has done this to you."

Daniel stared at him for the longest time unsure of how to even react to that comment then Ka'tar continued, "Doctor Jackson, I am Ka'tar."

"I know."

"We have never been formally introduced. Anubis has been keeping you suppressed."

"You're here to get us out, aren't you? Isis sent you to retrieve us."

"Yes, she did. She knows of your capture and has requested that I return you to her...both you and Anubis. She said that if she could not get both of you back still fully intact that I should leave you here."

Jack looked from the guard to Daniel and back again then commented, "See I don't get that. Why the hell would she want Daniel back when it's Anubis she loves?"

"Uh, Colonel...Isis is...different," came Daniel's quiet response.

Ka'tar continued, "Isis has feelings for both Anubis and his host."

"But she made Daniel into a host by force."

"Yes, she has. She has mentioned several times in which Daniel Jackson has been allowed to be dominant..."

Daniel felt himself blush as he remembered Anubis telling him of what Isis had requested when she wanted him to be dominant. Several times she requested Anubis to allow his host to come forth to make love to her. Daniel didn't want to. Anubis told Daniel he would remain dominant so Daniel could stay true to his wife, of course, doing that didn't always work because Isis had ways of making the host dominant. When she wanted Daniel dominant she found ways to ensure that he was, in fact, dominant.

Daniel felt his face heating up more when Jack asked, "When were those times?”

"Colonel, please..." came Daniel's quiet complaint.

Ka'tar looked from Doctor Jackson to Jack then responded, "When she wished to be pleased by him..."

Daniel felt his face warm even more as embarrassment crept up in himself. He found he couldn't make eye contact with Jack at the moment.

Jack stared at Ka'tar in shock and surprise as he comprehended exactly what Ka'tar was saying. He then looked at Doctor Jackson, who was refusing to make any sort of direct eye contact. Jack didn't know how to respond to that comment so he asked, "And you allowed her to? How could you do that to your wife, Doctor Jackson?"

"Colonel, I didn't ask for her to...make love to me. I didn't want it. She did so herself AGAINST my will. Anubis and her have been mating for quite awhile. They were mating before I became his host. Once I was made his host they began to have sex, if you would, again. Colonel, I couldn't help but respond to her touch. She knows what will...she knows how to bring me to fulfillment. She had...she made love with Anubis often enough that she learned what could get my body to respond to her touch. I had no resistance when she chose to have sex with me instead of Anubis. She already learned how to manipulate my body to bring me to fulfillment. I couldn't resist her. I did resist her often, but she had ways to ensure that I was dominant and she knows how to excite my body. She can bring me to climax whether I want her to or not."

"She had ways to ensure that you were dominant?"

"Yes, drugs and other things that would ensure that Anubis was asleep and I was dominant as she made love to me..."

"Daniel, that sounds an awful lot like rape to me."

"Colonel, I'm all right."

"Daniel, she raped you multiple times. You didn't want to have sex with her and she took advantage of you. She knew how to get your body to respond from the times she was with Anubis. She took advantage of you and used your own natural responses to touch against you."

"I'm fine, Jack. I know what she's done to me and she'll do it again..."

"Not if I can help it!"

"Colonel, I'm hers. I belong to her. When she forced me to become a host I became hers. She won't leave Anubis or I go very easily."

"Daniel..."

"Besides, Jack...she is a very gentle lover..."

"That's not the point, Daniel! She could be the best damned lover in the world but that still does not give her the right to have sex with you when you said no!"

"Colonel, can we please just drop it?"

Jack stared at Daniel for the longest time. Isis had used certain methods to make Daniel dominant so that she could mate with him? That was totally crazy! It was rape, damn it! How could Daniel be so nonchalant about the whole damned thing? Well, most likely because you were the stupid fool who gave him to her, O'Neill. Yeah, great job protecting your teammates O'Neill...real great job…SHIT! This was all his fault. Not only did he hand Daniel over to Isis but because of him Isis did with Daniel what she wanted. Shit! He shook his head frustrated with himself. Damn, but he sure made a hell of a mess of Doctor Jackson's life now hadn't he? He had to help Daniel escape from Avaris as well as Isis. He wouldn't let Isis get her hands on Daniel again if he could help it. He looked at Doctor Jackson who was watching him intently. Jack asked suddenly, "Will that snake help you escape?"

"Yes, he would."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I know Anubis..."

"Why hasn't he healed you yet then?"

Daniel found himself glaring up at Colonel O'Neill. He could tell the man wasn't at all comfortable with the idea that Daniel was now a host to a Tok'ra. In fact, he looked pissed about it. Daniel was starting to get tired of O'Neill's damned attitude regarding Anubis and the Tok'ra. He quickly answered Jack's question, "Because he's too weak. Anubis can't begin healing me until he, himself, is strong that's why I'm not healed yet."

"So where is he? I mean..."

"He's asleep. He's healing himself then he'll work on healing me."

Jack became angrier as Daniel told him that. The anger was very present in his tone of voice as he added, "So when he awakes he'll take over you again?"

God, if Jack O'Neill wasn't the most stubborn person Daniel had ever met! No matter how much he explained, or attempted to explain, about his symbiote Jack still questioned him. Did he even listen to half of the things Daniel's been telling him? He forgot just how much of a pain in the ass the Colonel could be...especially when he had his mind already made up regarding things. Daniel was starting to get a bit peeved. He answered, "No, he'll tell me to sleep so that he can work on healing me."

"He orders you to sleep? I'll kill him!"

Damn it, but Jack O'Neill just didn't know how to listen! God, the man was impossible! Daniel immediately stopped Jack saying, "No, Colonel! He suggests it."

"And if you refuse he sends you to sleep, doesn't he?"

Okay, to say that he was getting angry was an understatement. His anger was also now starting to spread into irritation as he continued, "NO! He tries to persuade me to follow his suggestions. Anubis is a mother hen, Colonel."

Daniel watched Jack intently to see his reaction to that comment when he felt his symbiote stirring slightly. He chuckled when he heard the weak voice of Anubis whispering, "I heard that, Daniel."

Daniel smiled in response to that comment then sent back, "You need to heal. Go back to sleep."

Anubis returned the smile and discovered he couldn't resist, likewise, teasing his host a bit as he commented, "You mother hen me to death also young one."

Daniel chuckled louder in response to that statement replying, "It's my job."

Jack stared at Doctor Jackson for the longest time. The man was chuckling and smiling? What the hell was that about? He questioned in confusion, "What the hell are you laughing at, Doctor Jackson? I don't see anything funny about this situation."

Daniel looked at Jack then responded, "Anubis had to voice his complaint."

"WHAT?"

Did he just say that Anubis had to voice his complaint? Was that thing inside of his teammate awake? Was he actually talking to that thing? O'Neill was definitely confused now. He had no idea what to expect next. He glanced up as Daniel added, "He doesn't like to be called a mother hen."

"He's awake?"

"He's drifting asleep again. He still isn't fully healed...probably in another hour or two."

"You actually talk to that thing inside of you?"

"Yes."

"And it talks back?"

"Yes."

"Now that's crazy."

Daniel glanced up as Ka'tar spoke. He gasped in surprise and quickly covered his worry. He had forgotten they weren't alone. Ka'tar was looking at him with questions in his eyes. Shit, what if Ka'tar told Isis of what he had just revealed to Jack? He tried not to worry about Ka'tar. He would worry about that when the time came. He glanced at Ka'tar as the guard questioned, "He gives you free will?"

Daniel stared at Ka'tar. How should he proceed? He silently cursed his momentary lapse in attention to detail. He had learned long ago to pay great attention to detail. How could he have so easily forgotten Ka'tar was in the room? He knew it was partly because of his present condition. Daniel replied, "When he deems it appropriate."

“But you just said he does not force you to. How long has he been giving you free will?"

"Why?"

"My Queen is sure that you are repressed constantly by pain."

"Well..."

Jack glanced from Ka'tar to Doctor Jackson noticing the situation was growing intense. He whispered, "Daniel..."

Daniel looked up at the Colonel who seemed to be telling him to watch how he proceeded. Was he actually seeing concern for him in the Colonel's eyes? No way! He found himself wondering what had happened to Jack since his own disappearance.

Ka'tar watched Daniel Jackson sure that's what he was saying and if Anubis was voluntarily giving him free will and he and his symbiote have been communicating that could only mean one thing: Anubis was a Tok'ra spy, but could that even be possible? Ka'tar decided he would keep an eye on Daniel and the Colonel to see if such was the case. He looked at Doctor Jackson saying, "I must report back to Sutekh. I will get you both..."

Ka'tar glanced at Jack then continued, "...the three of you, out of this place. Right now it is too dangerous. We would all be caught immediately by the guards he has posted at the Stargate, and forgive me for saying so but Doctor Jackson you are in no condition to flee. Why has your symbiote not yet healed you?"

"The Goa'uld shock device was used on us."

"I see. He will be unconscious a little while longer than."

"Yes."

"I must go. I will return."

Ka'tar turned from Daniel Jackson deliberately not questioning the man's referral to his symbiote and him as 'us'. He noticed that not only did he catch Anubis refer to both his host and himself when communicating but so did Doctor Jackson. Could they really be sharing that body equally? Ka'tar was seeing more and more proof of just that. He glanced at Daniel and his friend once more before exiting the cell and the dungeon.

Daniel felt incredibly tired and decided to shut his eyes again. He listened as Ka'tar exited the dungeon. Once Ka'tar was out of the dungeon the cell fell silent until Jack broke the silence with his next question, "Who's Ka'tar?"

Keeping his eyes closed, Daniel continued to explain, "Isis' First Prime."

Jack glanced down at the man still resting in his arms and noticed that Daniel had his eyes closed. The man must be totally exhausted.

Jack didn't tell Daniel about how they ever escaped from Isis that time. He decided that now was a better time then any as he continued, "He's the one who told us about your...fate."

Daniel responded, a bit surprised at that comment, "He did?"

"Yes and he also helped us escape..."

Daniel was definitely very surprised by that tad bit of information and found himself questioning, "What?"

Ka'tar had helped SG-1 to escape Isis' dungeon? Why? What purpose did he have behind informing them of Daniel's fate and helping them flee?

Daniel had always felt strange around Ka'tar. The Jaffa seemed so serious all of the time and seemed as if he were as evil as his queen, but then there were other times when Ka'tar would be polite and kind. Like the time that Anubis and him had been wounded by a staff weapon and Daniel had no choice but to remain dominant as Anubis' was too weak to speak. Ka'tar had to of known that he was speaking with Daniel and not his lord that day, and yet he treated Daniel with patience and kindness. Ka'tar was very strange. Daniel still didn't understand the Jaffa and decided that he probably never would.

As the Colonel continued to speak Daniel focused on him, "He made it easier for us to get away from Isis and vowed to protect you."

"Vowed to protect Anubis you mean..."

"No Daniel, I'm not so sure that's who he meant now. He seems awfully concerned for you."

"Jack, we exchanged a few words how is that concern?"

"I don't know, but I just sense it."

"Well, forgive me if I don't readily believe you, Colonel. Your instincts have been wrong in the past."

Daniel mentally cursed as he said that. Why the hell did he make that off-handed comment to Jack? He could feel the Colonel immediately tensing up under him and knew that he had hit a mark. He was definitely positive that his comment bothered Jack when the man suddenly increased his hold on him. Daniel couldn't hold back as he cried out in sudden pain. Shit but that fuckin' hurt! Damn it, couldn't the Colonel be a bit gentler? Shit, where on his body wasn't he battered?

Jack tensed up in response to that comment of Daniel's not realizing he also gripped his arms tighter around Daniel until the man cried out in obvious pain. Jack cursed immediately lessening his hold and staring at Daniel's face now creased in pain. He noticed Daniel's breathing was tense and he was now clenching his eyes shut. Shit, he felt like a total ass! He quickly apologized, "Sorry. Oh God, I'm so sorry."

It was Daniel's turn to tense in response to that apology. He found he was shocked and a bit angry. He quickly replied, "You're apologizing? What the hell? It's not like you've never hurt me in the past, Colonel."

"Daniel..."

Daniel felt his anger now building but didn't understand why he was suddenly so upset. He cut Jack off saying, "Don't bother apologizing unless you mean it."

Jack immediately flinched in response to that comment. Oh God, what had he done to Daniel Jackson to make the man doubt when he was being honest with him? Shit! He made a hell of a mess of Daniel's life. He couldn't undo what had occurred. All he could do was try to reconcile with Daniel now. He added softly, "Daniel...oh God, Daniel you are so wrong about me..."

Wrong about him? Hell no. The man before him was the man who had spent the last four years of his life making sure that Daniel was totally miserable! The Colonel had spent the last four years insulting him and pushing him around doing anything he could to drive Daniel away. Daniel had been very stubborn and knew that Jack was attempting to shove him permanently out of his life. He stayed because he knew that Jack had been deliberately trying to keep him at a distance after the death of Skaara. He found that all the pent up anger and rage he kept to himself through the years was now threatening to come out and snapped, "What? You're not a coldhearted bastard anymore? You've actually changed? The great, almighty, Colonel O'Neill has actually changed? Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."

Jack was a bit surprised at the vehemence in Daniel Jackson's voice. He never heard Daniel so angry in his life, even when he was deliberately goading the man. Daniel was pissed and Jack knew that he was. He pleaded, "Daniel, please..."

"Please what? Shut up, Colonel? You tired of me chatting already, Colonel? I've been awake almost five minutes and you want me to shut up already?"

Daniel felt his anger surging to the forefront as he was sure that Jack was preparing to order him to be silent. Jack would do that often when they were on a mission. If Daniel attempted to voice his opinion or give input and Colonel O'Neill didn't want to hear him he would order Daniel to shut up; if Daniel continued to talk he would tell Daniel that it was a command. Daniel became so angry when Jack pulled shit like that with him. He had wanted to punch O'Neill many a time for being cruel enough to even make the statement a damned command. In fact, Daniel had actually hauled off and punched Jack O'Neill several times for saying that to him. They would start fighting and it would be up to Fraiser and whoever just happened to be unfortunate enough to be assigned to SG-1 to pull them apart. No one spoke of the times that Jack and Daniel's arguments actually came to physical blows. Daniel preferred not to remember those times himself. As he recalled all those times that O'Neill did that to him his rage increased.

Jack gasped as Daniel made those comments. He felt as if Daniel actually slapped him as those comments cut too damned close to the truth of what he use to do to the man. He remembered, in very vivid clarity, all the times he commanded Daniel to shut up just because he didn't want to have to hear the man speak. Several times doing that got them into trouble because Daniel was always very observant and saw things the other members of his team didn't always see. He remembered several times when trouble could have been completely avoided if he would have just allowed the man to talk. Shit, he was such an idiot! In fact, that last mission where Daniel was taken prisoner by Isis...that was another of those missions he had ordered Daniel to shut up and look where his stupid ass command now had them. He should've never doubted Daniel and never used his position as Commanding Officer to assert his control over Daniel. God, he made so many mistakes. Would Daniel ever be able to forgive him for all the mistakes he's made throughout the years? He found he could only say one word, "Daniel..."

Daniel was so angry that he quickly demanded, "Since when have you called me by my first name? I thought I was Doctor Jackson to you, Colonel."

Daniel felt Anubis starting to stir within him again and knew it was because Anubis sensed his anger and rage. Daniel wasn't sure where the anger and rage was coming from, but it was here and he was voicing it. He tried to stop, but he just couldn't ignore the pain and anger that Colonel O'Neill's abandonment and treatment over the course of the last four years wrought on his soul. Damn it, why was he so angry right now? He heard Anubis whispering, "Daniel, you must calm yourself..."

Shit, he couldn't do that! Not right now his body was pumped full of rage and he found he couldn't hold back from letting O'Neill know just how much he had hurt him. He found himself practically yelling at Anubis saying, "Calm myself? Hell no!"

Daniel was growing so angry that he was talking to Anubis out loud, which had Jack staring at him in worry and concern. He could feel his anger towards Jack building. He heard Anubis speaking again, "Daniel, please. You must not get upset."

"Well, why the hell not?"

He mustn't get upset? After all the shit Colonel O'Neill put him through how the hell could he not get upset?

Anubis' answered his question as if he had verbalized it, "Because you must not. Colonel O'Neill was..."

"I don't care what the hell Colonel O'Neill was doing, Anubis! Why the hell should I care? He treated me horribly the last four years! He has a damned right to know that I'm pissed at him!"

"Daniel, please calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down? Why the hell should I? He left me there! He didn't bother to come after me because he found a way to get rid of me for good! Colonel O'Neill literally handed me over to Isis and you want me to calm down?"

Daniel could feel his rage now coming head to head with his despair and frustration. He never realized just how deeply O'Neill's treatment of him scarred him. Now he was realizing it and he was becoming more and more pissed off. He listened as Anubis answered his last voiced question, "Yes young one, please."

"No, Anubis, no! Jack...NO! He doesn't...all he's done is cause me pain the last four years... He accused me of doing things I've never done..."

God, he was losing it. He felt as if he wanted to scream, to lash out and to cry all at once. His emotions were now so close to the surface that he found he had little control over them. He kept talking and growing angrier the more he thought of the last four years spent being abused by a man who was supposed to love him and care about him. He spent the last four years of his life being despised and hated, beaten around and verbally assaulted by a man who had claimed to be his best friend. How could he not be angry about all that?

Anubis sensed that Daniel's feelings were in utter turmoil. His host was so angry that he was having difficulty reining in his self-control. Anubis could sense the extreme emotional pain in his host right now. God, Daniel was so angry with Jack O'Neill. Anubis knew that he was but usually Daniel could control that rage. Of course, usually he wasn't locked in a cell, chained to a damned wall and in the presence of the man who had made his life a living hell over the course of the last four years. Anubis knew that a huge reason that Daniel was having such difficulty with his emotions coming out so strongly was because he still hated to be confined in enclosed spaces. Anubis had managed to cure him of his claustrophobia, but Daniel's anxiety still increased some when trapped in a small room and this cell wasn't the biggest place in the world. All Anubis could do was continue to talk with his host and calm him down. He tried again saying, "Daniel, he is a very angry man. He is bitter towards himself. He could not accept the responsibility..."

"Oh, so he shifted the damned responsibility to me? My God, the things he accused me of...the things he's done to me... Why are you suddenly defending him?"

"I never said that I was defending him, but I do need you to calm down."

Anubis was becoming even more scared. He knew that his host wasn't thinking clearly right now because, if he was, he would have calmed immediately realizing the danger strong emotions could have on the healing process. Anubis had to calm his host down soon. He had to keep trying.

Daniel could sense Anubis growing fearful and it caused him to pause for a moment to think of what he was doing. Daniel knew that he had to calm down. He knew that it was very important for him to calm himself but couldn't remember why at the moment. He lowered his voice some as he continued, "For the past four years he's shown nothing but hatred for me! He wouldn't listen; he didn't believe me! He only condemned me and berated me! He doesn't care about me..."

Anubis felt himself slowly beginning to relax. Daniel was still very angry, but he was starting to calm himself. He was actually making himself calm down. Anubis continued in that calm, gentle voice of his, "He does care for you, Daniel, and you care for him..."

"I shouldn't care for him after all he's done to me..."

"But you do care for him..."

Daniel sighed in resignation. Yes, he did care deeply for Jack O'Neill even though he hated to admit it. After all the shit Jack put him through Daniel still considered the man to be his friend. He still cared deeply for that very angry, coldhearted Colonel.

He shook his head as he continued, "He's my friend...best friend, was my best friend, yes Anubis I still care about him."

"I know that you do, Daniel. You need to relax."

He needed to relax? But how? He was so damned frustrated and being chained to this goddamned wall didn't help matters much. He replied, "Relax? How can I relax when I'm chained to the goddamned wall like this?"

Daniel emphasized that complaint by yanking disgustedly at his manacles. He ended up wincing and groaning as pain entered him from the movement. Anubis softened his voice even more replying, "I am chained too... You are no longer alone, young one. You will never be alone again."

Daniel started to calm down some when Anubis said that. He knew that he was no longer alone. He had Anubis and Anubis was a very good friend. He loved Anubis dearly. He was sure that if he was made to separate from the symbiote that he wouldn't be able to live without him. He cared too deeply for the being he now shared his body, his life with.

He felt upset for making Anubis worry about him so he quickly tried to explain himself, "Anubis, I'm just so...I feel so damned angry! I'm sorry..."

Anubis smiled as he read Daniel's thoughts so easily. He knew that his host cared deeply for him and he in turn loved Daniel Jackson deeply. They had a true host-symbiote relationship. They both cared deeply for the other and both needed one another. Anubis spoke warmly, "That is understandable, young one. I would be worried if you were not upset, but you must relax. If you do not you could end up causing us more pain. I am still trying to heal myself then I will focus on you, young one."

NO! How could he have forgotten that strong emotions could cause them both more pain? Oh God. He immediately calmed himself apologizing repetitively for his loss of control over his emotions. Daniel spoke, "Oh God Anubis, I'm so sorry! I didn't think about it. I'm sorry. The Colonel just makes me so damned angry sometimes. I would still like to know why the man hates and despises me so much."

Anubis quickly assured his host that he was fine and that he understood everything his host was going through. As Daniel made that final comment Anubis added sadly, "So would I, young one, so would I."

Jack chose that time to speak up struggling to find his voice as he said, "I don't hate you, Daniel."

"WHAT?"

Daniel snapped his eyes open focusing on the Colonel. Shit, the Colonel had been here and he had forgotten all about him! How was that even possible? He knew part of the reason he forgot Jack was there was due to his condition. Focus was becoming a fleeting goal as exhaustion continued to grab for him. He stared at Jack as Jack said, "I don't hate you."

"How...?"

"You were talking out loud. I assume you were talking to that thing inside of you."

"WHAT? I wasn't talking out loud..."

No, surely he wasn't speaking to Anubis out loud. Oh God, the things that he said...the Colonel must be so damned angry with him right now. Shit, he spoke aloud? Damn it!

He felt himself unconsciously tensing unsure of what exactly O'Neill would do next. The man was always unpredictable. The Colonel simply looked down at him saying, "Yes, you were. I heard every word you said."

"But...But...God, I'm so damned tired."

He had heard every word? Shit! Daniel found himself attempting to say something more but he felt so tired that focusing was becoming very difficult. He felt his eyelids growing heavier as Jack gently urged, "Go to sleep, Daniel."

"But..."

Sleep? No, he couldn't he had to tell Jack...tell Jack what? What did he want to tell Jack? God, he was so exhausted. He watched the Colonel's lips move as he again urged in a softer tone of voice, "Shh, go to sleep, Daniel."

Daniel wanted to protest, to argue, to say something more but he was exhausted. He could feel sleep still reaching for him and had no choice but to follow it descending into exhaustion.

Jack watched as Daniel's eyes slid shut again and the man relaxed in his arms. When he heard the change in Daniel's breathing pattern he was sure that Daniel was asleep. He said quietly, "That's it, Daniel. Rest, you just rest. We'll talk later."

Jack watched his teammate sleeping and jumped in surprise and shock when Daniel's eyes opened again. This time they glowed faintly. Jack jerked backwards aware that the Goa'uld had glowing eyes and that probably the Goa'uld was now in control. The one thing that got through to Jack was Daniel's loud groan of pain. Jack immediately relaxed silently apologizing to the man in his arms for inadvertently hurting him. He looked at the man unsure of what would happen when the voice of the Goa'uld, still weak and lined with pain, spoke, "Colonel O'Neill, I must tell you of Daniel's condition. Daniel has been badly beaten and has sustained several broken bones. I must heal him after I have completed healing myself..."

"And so...what?"

"While I am healing him he will not move. He will remain deeply asleep. I wanted to inform you not to worry if he becomes unresponsive or you cannot awaken him. I must heal a lot of damage that has been inflicted on my host and I. We will both need time and rest to accomplish this. I will finish healing myself then begin to heal my host. You must not move him. You must keep Daniel as still as you are able..."

"Why?"

"Because movement could damage Daniel or I. We will be asleep for at least two hours while I attend to myself and to my host. You must keep him still. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"Yes."

"Will you help my host or hurt him more?"

Jack silently fumed clenching his jaw firmly shut to bite back any replies he might have been sorely tempted to let out. He had no right to be angry at that comment and he knew that he didn't. After all the shit he put this young man through he had no right to get angry when Anubis voiced his worry. No right. He shook his head then responded, "Yes, I will and then you and I need to have a little talk."

"Yes, we will but for now we must attend to my host."

"Is he going to be all right or...?"

"He will be fine."

Jack watched as Daniel's, no Anubis' eyes slid shut as sleep found the symbiote. He pulled Daniel closer to him, continuing to hold him comfortingly in his arms. He stared at Daniel for a little bit expecting Daniel to awake again, but he didn't. He thought of all the things he overheard only moments before then gently propped his head back against the wall closing his eyes. He said, "Oh Daniel, I’m so sorry for what I've done to you. I'm so sorry but I don't know how to undo all the pain and suffering I put you through. God, four years is a long time to despise someone and yet you still care for me. Why? Why do you care? What is it about me that kept you on my team even after all those years of suffering by my hand and being constantly berated? God, how did you ever put up with me?"

Jack tensed as he heard Anubis' gravelling voice speak just barely audible but Jack heard him loud and clear, "Because he loves you, Colonel O'Neill. He always has. He cares deeply for you. This young one has never stopped caring for you or loving you...You should be proud of that fact."

Then Anubis drifted asleep again, this time completely asleep.

Jack didn't know what to say or even how to respond to that comment. He was shocked. He wondered about the creature within his teammate. They said that he was a Tok'ra. Tok'ra's share their host's body equally. Both were equal in every sense of the word. He shook his head finding the idea very hard to comprehend. He hoped that the creature inside Daniel was one of those good snakes. If not then Daniel suffered a lot in the last year. Jack had a feeling that Daniel didn't suffer much. Something told him that the snake in his teammate was more a friend to Daniel than Jack had ever been. Daniel had never been so outspoken before, never so quick to call Jack on a lie. He seemed stronger, more sure of himself, so maybe the symbiote in him helped him after all. Jack didn't like to think about that either though, a snake cared more for Daniel then his best friend did? That thought chilled Jack to the bone. He wanted to talk to this...Anubis longer and to Daniel. He had a lot of things to put right...too many damned things! He sighed heavily feeling himself growing tired, and after only a few minutes Jack also drifted asleep.

Jack jerked awake several hours later when he heard a noise. He froze when he heard a gravely voice saying, "Colonel O'Neill, please relax..."

"What?"

He glanced down at Daniel in his arms and was shocked to see Daniel's blue eyes were bright white. Anubis said, "Sutekh will not come for us for several hours. He is giving me time to heal my host. He knows that I must or we will both die..."

"I thought you were healing..."

"I am healed. Now I am working on Daniel."

"But...don't you need to be...asleep to do that?"

"My host does I do not necessarily have to be."

Jack glanced at Daniel's body slowly scanning the exposed skin. He stared in shock when he noticed a lot of places where injuries had been only an hour before were no longer there. He then looked back up at Anubis who smiled saying, "Yes, it is amazing what we can do for our hosts. Daniel looked much as you do the first time I had to heal us."

"What reason...? Why...? I mean..."

"You would like to know if I am to be trusted. You are very suspicious and stubborn..."

"How would you know?"

"Colonel, I have been with Daniel for almost a year now. Upon our being joined I acquired all of his knowledge, thoughts and feelings. His memories... He, at first, effectively blocked any probing I had attempted. He is a very strong fighter, indeed. As we remained together sharing our lives I learned of him, about him. He could not hide his nightmares from me, or his depression. He could not hide the fact that he was taking medications to sleep. I started to talk with him, calm him down. My first focus was to show him that I cared about him. Eventually we started to talk. He opened his mind to me. I know everything there is to know about my host, even those deep dark things he never shares with another soul. I know of you, about you, through him..."

"And that's why you're pissed at me?"

"Yes, I am very angry with you, but I do not understand how you could know that about me seeing you know nothing of Daniel or I."

"My alternate told me."

"I am glad you met him. He is a very good friend to his Daniel, like you should have been to this young one. He cares deeply for you, but I do not know why he even bothers. He should hate you, but my host is an amazing person."

"So I'm beginning to realize... So...you know all his thoughts, feelings and memories?"

“Yes."

"Sounds kind of one-sided to me. What does he know about you?"

"Everything."

"Yeah, right."

"Colonel, when a symbiote joins with a host they merge and become one. They blend. They incorporate themselves within their host. It is not a one-way street. When I connected with Daniel our merging, or blending, transferred our knowledge then combined it making our thoughts, feelings and memories as one. When Daniel thinks of something about me, say a past love he knows her completely...as if he were the one who was in love with her. When I think of something about Daniel...say the way you have treated him in the past four years, it is as if I was the one you treated so horribly. Our memories, our thoughts, our feelings are one."

"That's crazy... So what about his wife?"

"Samantha...what about her?"

"You don't love her. You don't even know her."

"You are wrong, Colonel O'Neill. I know everything that Daniel knows about her. I know what her life was like before she joined the SGC. I know how much Daniel loves her. I remember their first kiss and how that first kiss felt. I know of the deaths of those she loved. I know how it feels to make love with her, to touch her and to talk with her...Daniel's love for her is my love for her as well. We both love her deeply. His memories of his wife are now also my memories. We experience things as one..."

"So he can't ever do anything alone?"

"I would step back in his mind as far as I am able to do to give him more privacy, but I still feel everything that happens to him. He feels everything that happens to me, that is part of being two souls in one body, two individuals who share one body. We share everything."

"And you're both okay with that...arrangement?"

"Yes."

"Right."

“You do not believe me. You may ask my host when he is healed. He will tell you what I have just told you."

"If he's allowed control."

"Colonel, I never suppress my host, NEVER, that is the difference between us and the Goa'uld. Daniel has free will. If he is asleep and awakes asking to speak to whomever I am speaking with then I step back so that he gets control of his body. We have a mutual respect for one another. We care deeply for one another and neither of us are suppressed in any way at any time."

Jack was surprised when he felt his stomach knot up. He was jealous. Jealous of a damned snake! Was he crazy? It bothered him immensely that this snake knew more about Daniel than he did. How was that even possible?

He glanced down as Anubis said, "You are troubled."

"Yes."

"Perhaps you care more for my host than I had first thought. Daniel will be very happy to learn this. He still believes that you despise him. You still look at him with hatred in your eyes. It is not as noticeable as before, but it is there. Daniel is very sensitive. He notices everything."

Anubis fell silent as he could sense Daniel was stirring. Daniel was probably sensing the anger in Anubis and the frustration.

Daniel muttered sleepily, "Anubis..."

Anubis calmed his voice as he addressed his host tenderly, "Go back to sleep, young one. You are not yet healed. Go back to sleep."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, young one. Rest."

"'Kay..."

Anubis could feel Daniel drifting asleep again. Jack stared at Anubis not believing what he was seeing or hearing. Anubis' voice had gentled as he spoke. Was he talking to Daniel? Anubis' voice became soothing and calming as he spoke. Jack questioned in sudden curiosity, "Who are you talking to?"

"My host can sense my emotions strongly even when deep asleep..."

"He was awake?"

"Yes, but now he sleeps again."

"You know when he's asleep?"

"Yes and he knows when I am."

"You can sleep when...?"

"Daniel can sleep when I am awake and I can sleep when he is awake. It is possible, yes."

"Whoa, this is too damned weird."

Jack found that he definitely wanted to learn more about this host-symbiote relationship. He sensed that he would have to get used to the idea rather quickly, for Daniel would probably never part from Anubis. In overhearing their communications and exchanges, even for those brief few occasions, Jack knew that Daniel cared deeply for the symbiote now residing within his body. He also knew that Anubis cared deeply for the man who was now his host. He was sure that he wouldn’t be able to separate those two now. He couldn't do that to either of them and he wouldn't do that.

* * * *

Martouf escorted the alternate Jack to the Stargate and watched as the man disappeared before him in a bright flood of light. He wished the man a safe journey then returned to the security of the Tok'ra tunnels. To remain on the surface of Tethys too long could expose their location to those who wish to destroy them. They would have to move their base but until then they would have to try to maintain the secrecy of their location for as long as they possibly could.

Martouf headed towards the conference room where he knew that Captain Fraiser still remained, awaiting his return. She was now completely alone. Both men who had accompanied her here were now somewhere else. Martouf was certain that she might become a bit frightened if left among the Tok'ra she hadn't yet met much longer, so he rapidly headed to the conference room.

As Martouf entered he saw Captain Fraiser talking amiably with one of the Tok'ra he had told to watch her. She didn't seem to be too bothered by the fact that she was communicating to a symbiote and observing that made Martouf want to help her even more. She was actually attempting to get to know the Tok'ra, which made Martouf exceedingly happy. He approached the two, "Captain Fraiser..."

"Is Jack all right? Did he return safely to his world?"

“Yes, he is no longer in this reality."

Janet sighed in relief glad to hear the news. She then added, "I'd like to thank you for helping him and for listening to us."

"I cannot lie to you, Captain Fraiser, but I still feel leery about this rescue mission."

"I understand your hesitancy to help us, Martouf."

"I appreciate your understanding our position, Captain Fraiser."

"Please call me Janet."

Martouf lowered his head then looked up replying, "Janet."

Janet looked at the young Tok'ra, Martouf. She had to find out if he was going to help them or not. She questioned, "Will you help us locate Doctor Jackson? I'm sorry to be so persistent, but I really need to know your answer."

Martouf again nodded his head then answered, "Yes. We must. We must help him."

Janet was glad to hear that, but she still wondered if Martouf and the Tok'ra would be as willing to help them if Daniel wasn't a host. She realized that she needed to know the answer to that question so she asked, "And if Daniel wasn't Anubis' host would you still help?"

"Yes, I would."

"How do I know that?"

"You will just have to trust us. We are willing to return to your planet to gather more reinforcements."

"I thought you didn't want to align..."

"We will help. However, you still have not offered us anything that will benefit us if we are to become allies."

"Daniel..."

"But will others be willing to become a host if we need one?"

"I'm sure there are others..."

"We will discuss further relations after Anubis and his host are successfully freed from Sutekh."

"Are you ready to go?"

"We are."

Three of the Tok'ra decided to return to Earth with Captain Fraiser to offer their aid in locating Doctor Jackson. Fraiser was very nervous bringing them back. She hoped that no one would attempt to harm the Tok'ra because of fear. She inhaled deeply as they returned to the surface of Tethys, activated the Stargate and headed back to Earth.

As Fraiser exited the Stargate into the embarkation room she sighed in relief upon seeing General Hammond. She quickly replied to his unvoiced question when the three Tok'ra stepped behind her, "Don't shoot. They're with me."

Fraiser noticed several people watch as the three Tok'ra with her exited the Stargate, among those observing was Doctor Carter. She was in her usual spot where she always stayed to watch those returning from off-world in hopes that one day her husband would be among those returning. She dropped her head when she saw no sign of Daniel. Janet's heart went out to her. She gently called, "Sam? Sam?"

Doctor Carter hesitantly looked up. She was again daring to hope that this time her husband would come home to her. She felt a lone tear roll down across her cheek. My God, how many more times could she stand here hoping, praying Daniel is coming back to her only to discover he's still missing? God, it hurt so much. Daniel. God how she missed him…

She responded to Fraiser, "Yes?"

Fraiser nearly cried hearing the hushed tones of Sam's voice. The woman was about to breakdown. Janet approached her saying, "We know how to get to Avaris and these three may be able to help us get Daniel back home to you."

Sam jerked her head up staring at Janet unable to believe it was even possible. They knew where Avaris was and these people offered to help locate her husband? What? Could this be a dream? Daniel might be coming home? God, she hoped so, she prayed so. She looked at Janet saying, "They know where my husband is?"

"Yes."

Martouf looked at Captain Fraiser saying, "Anubis' host Doctor Jackson is married?"

"Yes. This is Daniel's wife, Samantha Jackson."

Martouf looked at her for a moment noticing she was, indeed, a very beautiful woman. He smiled then lowered his head saying, "I am pleased to meet you. I am Martouf."

"Thank you so much for your help."

"You are most welcome."

General Hammond cleared his throat rather loudly saying, "Excuse me, Captain? Who are these people?"

"They are the Tok'ra Daniel told us about."

"Oh. I’m glad to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about your people. Welcome to Earth."

"You have heard of us?"

"All good things I assure you. Captain Fraiser, Doctor Carter, take our guests to the infirmary. Get them checked out then report to the conference room."

They immediately did so. Janet and Sam explained what was happening and why she examined every person who steps through the Stargate. She then led them to the conference room. As she turned to leave Hammond spoke up, "Doctor, please join us..."

"Sir, I..."

"This concerns you, as well. Daniel is your husband. You have a right to know what's going on. Please."

Sam looked at him for the longest time shocked he invited her to sit in on the meeting. She gladly agreed to stay. After she sat down Hammond questioned, "Why didn't Colonel O'Neill return with you, Captain?"

"Uh...well sir, he..."

"Captain?"

"He kind of...went to Avaris. He went to locate Daniel and rescue him...alone, sir."

Hammond stared at her for the longest time allowing seconds of silence to stretch into minutes before saying, "Well, it's about damned time he put his ass on the line for Jackson!"

"Sir?"

"So our O'Neill is on Avaris?"

Good. It was about damned time that Colonel O'Neill started to do something other than mope and lash out at people. Hammond was very glad to also hear the news that O'Neill went to Avaris with the sole intention of saving Doctor Jackson. He hoped, he prayed, that in making such an unexpected move to help a teammate it meant that O'Neill was actually starting to return to his old self again.

Hammond glanced up as Captain Fraiser added "He's most likely a prisoner of Seth's..."

"And the other..."

"Jack had to return to his own reality...the tremors became too strong."

"I see. Do we know for certain that Doctor Jackson is on Avaris?"

"Yes sir. The Tok'ra have also received word that O'Neill is now sharing a cell with Anubis and Daniel."

Hammond's frown turned into a grin causing several people to look at him in confusion. Fraiser was the first to question, "Sir, is there something wrong?"

"No, I just would love to see O'Neill's face now. He's been avoiding Doctor Jackson for how long? Now he has to share a cell with the man and with the snake. What I would give to be a fly on that wall."

"Sir, I don't think..."

"Don't you see, Captain. He’s in the same cell as Doctor Jackson. They're both locked in and neither can escape. They will have to talk now. O'Neill has no more excuses to avoid him and no more excuses to avoid talking to that... symbiote, did you say?"

"Yes, his name is Anubis."

"The only way to get O'Neill talking is to trap him."

"With all due respect, sir. We need to get them out of there, ALL of them. We need to get them out of there as soon as possible."

"I understand that, Captain. I will send a team to help. I was just also looking at the benefits..."

Martouf stared at the man in surprise and confusion as he questioned, "Benefits? What benefit is there in being a prisoner?"

"None but Doctor Jackson and Colonel O'Neill have been at odds for the last four years. Doctor Jackson never gave up on O'Neill but O'Neill would never just sit and talk with or listen to Doctor Jackson. They were best friends but when someone O'Neill cared about was killed...he blamed Jackson. He pushed Jackson away and treated him... He didn't treat him very nicely. If they are now sharing a cell then they have no choice but to talk."

"I see. Anubis will try to repair that relationship himself..."

"What?" came Doctor Carter's shocked response.

The symbiote in her husband would try to repair a friendship that had died years ago? Why? For what purpose?

Martouf continued, "If the relationship is causing Daniel Jackson much stress then Anubis will push him towards reconciliation."

"But...why?"

"Because a symbiote, a Tok'ra symbiote, cares deeply for their host. They are not happy until their host's are happy. If this broken friendship is particularly upsetting to his host then he will try his best to help, a symbiote helps their host with any problems they may have and the host returns the favor. Anubis will not be happy until he has successfully reconciled his host with O'Neill. If the relationship is so damaged that it cannot be repaired then Anubis will help his host to deal with the loss and the grief to enable his host to continue on and be happy."

"But I don't..."

"You do not understand. None of you fully understand the relationship a host shares with his or her symbiote."

Martouf lowered his head then raised it, as he spoke a tense silence filled the room when the gravelling voice of the Goa'uld exited his mouth, "You cannot truly understand our connection unless you either experience a blending yourself or have associated with a Tok'ra..."

General Hammond was first to speak, "Who...who are you?"

"I am Lantesh. The symbiote within Martouf..."

Captain Fraiser replied, "The alternate Jack said that in his reality Martouf was a host to Lantesh, also."

"Oh."

Lantesh smiled then continued, "We can see that our presence is most disturbing. We know that you do not understand us and therefore you fear us. This is one of the reason's Martouf was hesitant to help your people, Captain Fraiser. If our presence is disturbing then Anubis' presence will also be disturbing. From what we have been told Daniel Jackson is now a willing host to Anubis. When you attempt a rescue you will be saving both his symbiote and him. If you cannot accept our presence here then you may not be able to accept his. Perhaps it is better if we rescue Daniel Jackson and bring him to our world. He may be much happier among the Tok'ra than among those who have difficulty accepting who and what he is."

"NO!" came Doctor Carter's immediate complaint.

She stared at the man before her then said, "No! You...you can't take him from me! I won't let you take him from me! I’ve waited too long to get him back, too long...I won't give him up!"

Lantesh looked at the woman before him in confusion. She appeared to be on the verge of tears. He worried about her and wondered why she was so opposed to his suggestion. The voice of his host answered, "The woman you see before you is Samantha Jackson. She is the wife of Daniel Jackson."

"You did not tell me that Anubis' host was married."

"She loves him deeply. I do not think it is our right to make such a huge decision for Daniel Jackson without first talking with him. He may not want to leave her."

"I see. This complicates matters."

"Not if Anubis agrees with Daniel Jackson on this matter."

Lantesh looked at the woman now facing him. She was angry and upset. He could see how much the loss of her husband has had on her. He questioned Martouf, "How long has he been away?"

"Since he became Anubis' host and Isis' prisoner."

"I see."

Lantesh again looked at the woman softening his voice as he said, "You do understand that your husband is now a Tok'ra..."

"How...how did you know that Daniel is my husband?"

"Martouf just explained it to me."

"Oh."

"Your husband is a host to one of us. Will you be able to accept Anubis, as well when you accept your husband back?"

"Yes."

"Anubis is a symbiote, Samantha Jackson. He is inside of your husband now. He is part of your husband now. They share his body equally. He will always be with your husband unless the host...requests separation. If the host does not want separation Anubis will reside within him always until his host no longer draws breath. They share his body equally. They are two souls in one body. If you cannot accept that your husband is now a host to a symbiote then it is best that he remain with us. Anubis resides within your husband. Do you understand what I am attempting to explain to you? You must accept Daniel Jackson and you must also accept Anubis, for he now is one with your husband."

"I don't care! I love my husband and if it's his choice to have another with him then I respect that choice! If he wants to remain a host and no one will accept him here then he’ll go with you, but he won't go alone. I'll go with him, and if I must, I’ll accept a symbiote. I’ll do whatever it takes to remain with my husband because I love him. I can't live without him. I need him. I love him too much not to accept him as he is. If he would like to remain with Anubis then I’ll support him in whatever way I can. It will be hard at first, I know, I understand. The symbiote will have to get used to me and I’ll have to get used to him being...within, but I’ll do whatever it takes."

Lantesh smiled tenderly at Doctor Carter then spoke softly, "Anubis already knows who you are Samantha Jackson. He has had almost a year to adjust to your presence. He will have little difficulty accepting you."

"Why? I mean...how?"

"When Anubis joined with your husband he also acquired everything that makes Daniel Jackson who he is. He has acquired all of your husband's thoughts, feelings, emotions and memories. They are one in every sense of the word. Daniel Jackson's love for you is Anubis' love for you. If he loves you as deeply as I suspect then Anubis loves you just as deeply. He knows everything there is to know about you. Everything right down to the tiniest detail. He knows every intimate detail that your husband knows about you. He knows how it feels to kiss you, to love you, to make love with you, to be with you. He has all of Daniel Jackson's emotions and memories and he feels what his host feels...in turn your husband knows everything about Anubis. He knows of Anubis' past experiences with other hosts and the people he has met in his lifetime. He knows everything that Anubis knows about the universe, about the Tok'ra... He knows Anubis as intimately as Anubis knows him. They are now two souls in one body. They are as one. The host-symbiote relationship is mutual. Daniel Jackson is able to switch at will with his symbiote as I have just done..."

"Is...is Martouf still in there?"

“Yes, he is."

"Well, can he...does he know what's going on?"

Lantesh smiled then said, "Yes, Martouf knows everything that is being said right now. He can see everyone. He is still here he has just...stepped back in his mind to allow me control. He is aware of everything that I am aware of. He can also talk to me. You may find your husband having many conversations with himself. It will seem strange, even appear strange, but he will be speaking with Anubis."

"So...that thing, the symbiote, you...can talk inside the mind of your host?"

"Yes. I can communicate with my host at any time including while I am dominant or he is asleep. He can also do the same."

"So when you addressed Daniel as my husband it was because Martouf just told you inside your mind?"

"Yes."

"Wow."

"We share everything. We know one another completely, in very intimate detail. Our lives, our memories are now one. Martouf's memories are my own and my memories are his."

"And Daniel?"

"He is one with Anubis, therefore, they have exchanged and merged all their knowledge, feelings and emotions..."

"I think I'll like this Anubis...that is unless, of course, he isn't..."

Lantesh looked at her sensing her hesitation. She seemed very receptive to the idea of her husband now sharing his life with another. Lantesh was sure that Samantha Jackson would have very little difficulty accepting Anubis into her life. He could see that she was already beginning to openly accept that her husband now shared his life with another. She would be fine. Lantesh was very pleased with the knowledge. He knew that she just needed some reassurance so he quickly provided it, "Anubis is one of our best infiltrators. He is also caring and compassionate..."

Sam smiled when she heard that feeling a huge weight lift off her chest. She had feared that Anubis could be a danger to her husband but as Lantesh reassured her she felt relieved. She added, "My husband's like that..."

"Then they will most likely do well together."

General Hammond interrupted, "That is if we can free them from Seth... What do you know about Seth?"

"He is a system lord who has been attempting to take over Isis' place..."

"Isis' place?"

"Yes. Presently Isis is the ruler of the system lords. She is the one with the most power, the most control and the most territory. When Sutekh murdered Osiris he intended to take over as ruler. He had been certain that once Osiris was no more Isis would not become a problem for him. He expected Isis to step down and give up the territories and the power her mate had acquired. Sutekh's plans did not work out as he had expected they would. When he destroyed Osiris he went too far. Isis quickly acquired the position of the top system lord. Many would like to take her place and many have tried. Sutekh now holds the one thing that could knock Isis from her position. He holds the one thing Isis would kill for..."

"Anubis."

"Yes. Anubis AND his host. Isis would die for them. When Sutekh murdered Osiris he pushed Isis too far and now she has become a tyrant who is extremely overprotective of Anubis. We may free him from Sutekh, but Isis will still search for him."

General Hammond again interrupted, "So Seth's main goal is to destroy Isis through Doctor Jackson so that he can..."

"Appoint himself ruler over all of the system lords. Yes."

Next:

PART 9

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