Osiris

Personal Sacrifice Part 16

By: Stacy L.

PLANET OF BURSIRIS -- OSIRIS' PLANET

An Unexpected Arrival

Journal Entry:

I had to humiliate myself for him again today. Have I ever told you about some of

the things he makes me do for him? He loves rough sex...the rougher the better so

it is not unusual for me to wind up covered in bruises from mid-thigh to

stomach...bruises and bite marks. He's like a damned animal sometimes. He has a

thing for certain kinds of kink too. God if I could remember all the times he has

demanded I prove my allegiance to him by crawling for him in the damned

bedroom...God it makes me sick to think of all he has ordered me to do for him

and to him ...crawling like a dog on all fours, humiliating myself for him by

stimulating myself on his command, being ordered to lay spread-eagle on the bed

and allow him to tie me up with rope or chain...God the things I've been made to

do in that room make me want to vomit. I just want to forget those things, forget

them all...

Please Jack, make me forget him, make me forget what he's done to me, help me to

forget, help me to cope, help me to continue living each day...

There were a few weeks where I felt almost normal. I felt renewed and ready to take

on the world but it wasn't very long before I desired to end it all over again. How

simple it would be to end it all now...one little slice across the main artery and that

would be that. It would be all over and I would finally be free...

Free of the evil that traps me here and torments me so...

FREE.

End of Journal Entry

Osiris sat upon his throne watching his favored with attentive eyes. The man was kneeling at his feet looking both elegant and beautiful. He held his head bowed in a proper show of submission to his lord and had his hands resting on his thighs as was expected of him. He smiled softly as he gazed upon his favored drawing immense pleasure from the opportunity to again simply look at him. As Zeenan entered the throne room he glanced at his First Prime catching his servant raising his head slightly. Daniel held his head bowed and kept his gaze trained on the floor, but he knew that his favored had heard Zeenan's approach and was now listening to what was going on around him. His smile broadened further before he directed his gaze towards Zeenan awaiting the man's explanation for why he appeared disturbed.

Zeenan entered then bowed saying, "My Lord."

"Yes Zeenan?"

"The Tau'ri have been spotted at the Stargate."

Osiris merely nodded before ordering, "Have them captured and brought before me."

"Yes, My Lord."

Daniel swallowed hard, feeling embarrassment creeping up through his body and face. The Tau'ri were here? That meant that Sam, Jack and Teal'c were most likely here searching for him. Oh God, and Osiris requested they be brought before him? That meant that they would see him...in a less than favorable position kneeling at Osiris' feet collared. Shit!

When they were alone yet again Osiris silently observed his slave. Daniel appeared very nervous and uncertain. He approached Daniel and gently commanded, "Stand." Daniel obeyed, rising to his feet.

Osiris waited for Daniel to rise before gently pressing his hand to the side of Daniel's face speaking softly, "What is wrong, my precious? I thought that you would be pleased to see your friends again."

Daniel didn't speak. He refused to comment or even look at the Goa'uld lord. Osiris became even more concerned, softening his voice further as he continued, "Daniel, please speak to me. Tell me what is worrying you so."

"My Lord, I don't want my friends to become your prisoners..."

"You care deeply for them."

"Yes, I do."

"This much I can see..."

Zeenan interrupted just then as he spoke, "My Lord, the prisoners you requested brought before you."

Osiris continued to watch Daniel now worried about him. He should be happy to see them, yet he seemed saddened. He also refused to lift his head even when the three prisoners were brought into the throne room. Osiris leaned towards Daniel quietly speaking, "Your friends will be fine. I assure you that no harm will come to them. Now please conduct yourself as you have been trained."

"Yes, My Lord."

As Osiris turned to focus on the newest prisoners now on their knees before him he was not surprised to see Colonel O'Neill quickly rise and attempt to attack when he noticed that Daniel Jackson now stood by his side. Zeenan was quick to subdue him. A very angry O'Neill temporarily remained submissive, but Osiris knew that the man was outraged. His eyes never drifted from Daniel for even a second.

Osiris approached the three new prisoners smiling at O'Neill as he purred, "Colonel O'Neill, it is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face."

Jack glared icily at Osiris as he replied, "Wish I could say the same."

Then his focus was once again directed towards Daniel. He observed O'Neill and Daniel, and as the younger man lifted his head for the first time to look at O'Neill he saw anger and rage enter the Colonel.

Jack focused on Daniel, feeling angry that he would be made to stand so meekly beside the Goa'uld lord. He wondered what the hell Daniel had suffered since his capture and found himself worrying when the man failed to look up. As he snapped at Osiris he saw Daniel raise his head. The first thing he saw made him so angry that he balled up his fists and gritted his teeth: Daniel standing there before him wearing a damned collar. A gold collar encircled his gorgeous neck. On the front of the collar was the mark of Osiris. He continued to scan Daniel's body feeling rage continue to flood him as he noticed the armbands the man wore also held Osiris' mark and the final item was a damned chastity belt...gold and marked likewise with Osiris' seal. Damned son of a bitch must've had a chastity belt made for Daniel with his insignia on it...bastard! As he continued to scan Daniel's body he noticed that he was seriously lacking any other items of clothing. If not for the damned chastity belt the man would be naked. Daniel's body shimmered in the light making his skin sparkle and shine...obviously some type of oil was rubbed into his skin to make it glow. He also noticed that Daniel's hair was now longer, a little past shoulder length, and he looked very healthy for someone who had been held a prisoner for a year.

Osiris watched O'Neill gazing to his left and followed it to the source...of course O'Neill was watching Daniel Jackson. He was looking at Daniel intently. Osiris turned towards Daniel giving the non-verbal cue for him to approach. Daniel responded instantly to the discrete command by moving to take position beside the Goa'uld lord. He could no longer maintain eye contact with Jack and had his gaze once again directed at the floor beneath him. Osiris grinned at O'Neill before moving closer to Daniel making sure that he had the Colonel's full and undivided attention. He casually reached over to gently brush Daniel's hair off of his forehead. He continued to smile as he then casually slid that same hand behind Daniel's neck choosing to run his fingers through the golden tresses. Daniel couldn't stall his automatic response after spending months serving the Goa'uld lord in whatever form he commanded of him. As Osiris ran his fingers through his hair Daniel automatically moaned in pleasure closing his eyes as he felt the beginning stirrings of desire within. Osiris turned to O'Neill seeing nothing but deep-seated rage there. He merely smiled broader then leaned up to press his lips against Daniel's. As his lips captured Daniel's the man responded immediately returning the kiss with just as much fervor as Osiris placed in his own.

Jack watched in shock, horror and surprise as Osiris stroked Daniel drawing a moan from him. When he proceeded to kiss Daniel pulling a response from the young linguist Jack could take no more. He jerked to his feet yelling, "SON OF A BITCH!"

Daniel broke the kiss upon hearing Jack's outraged cry feeling instantly ashamed of his automatic response to Osiris' touches and caresses. He felt like a damned whore for responding so openly to his captor in front of his friends and lover. He could no longer look at Jack as guilt flooded him. He feared that to look at Jack now would only show him just how disgusted his lover was with him. God, Jack probably would want nothing to do with him now believing that he desired Osiris more than him. He couldn't bear to see the hurt and condemnation in his lover's eyes. He listened as Teal'c calmed Jack down before Zeenan drove Jack to his knees again.

Osiris smiled at O'Neill as he ran his fingers through Daniel's hair again pulling more delicious responses from the man with the simple touch. He had trained Daniel very well for the man could not help but respond automatically to his caresses and stroking. His responses were instant...a result of having to succumb and give himself over to his master anytime his lord desired to have him. Osiris turned back to O'Neill grinning wickedly as he spoke, "Have I introduced you to my most favored? I believe you have already met..."

Jack wanted to wrap his hands around the damned snake's neck and just squeeze! What the hell did the bastard do to Danny to get him to respond so damned openly and so damned immediate to his touch? He expected Daniel to cringe from those touches not willingly accept them and respond to them. He snapped, "You fuckin' snake I'll..."

"SILENCE, O'NEILL! Do not speak until spoken to...! Now as I was saying...I believe you are already acquainted with my favored. He has truly been a wonderful servant to me...so full of passion and so full of life. He has pleased me in many, many ways..."

Daniel swallowed hard before speaking, "My Lord, please..."

Osiris chuckled as he continued, "He has learned how to conduct himself very admirably. He has truly been a treasure...so spirited, so exciting, so irresistible, so alluring, so passionate..."

Daniel felt an embarrassing flush warm his face and continued to focus on Osiris pleading with the Goa'uld lord using his eyes and speech, "My Lord, I beg of you...please stop this."

Osiris did not miss the signs of pain and shame burning in his servant's vivid blue eyes. He was hurting Daniel immensely by taunting O'Neill. He instantly felt ashamed for causing his favored to become upset. He spoke in Goa'uld quietly addressing Daniel, "I shall cease for I can see that my words are causing you much pain, my precious Daniel. I am sorry."

He reached up to press his hand tenderly against Daniel's right cheek cupping his face in his hand. Daniel turned into that hand before lowering his eyes and replying, "Thank you, My Lord."

Sam glanced nervously at Jack wondering what the hell was going on. Daniel seemed rather upset and Osiris was treating him as if he...loved him. She glanced at Teal'c noticing that the Jaffa had cocked his head to the right and was watching the exchange in puzzlement. He obviously understood what was being said but had yet to enlighten her or the Colonel.

Osiris continued questioning softly still in Goa'uld, "My precious one tell me truly...are you happy here or do you wish to return with those now present?"

Daniel responded also speaking in Goa'uld, "My Lord, I have no need to answer your question for you already know the answer."

Osiris remained silent for a moment contemplating Daniel's words before he continued, "I feared as much. Your Colonel O'Neill has come for you."

"Yes."

"I fear I must now make a very difficult decision..."

Osiris turned to face his newest prisoners aware that the Jaffa understood every word of their exchange yet still said nothing to the others. He focused on Jack O'Neill as he said, "Colonel O'Neill, as much as I would enjoy making you suffer I do not wish to cause Daniel any further pain..."

"Then let him go!"

Osiris glanced at Daniel again before removing his hand from Daniel's face. He carefully pushed some hair off of Daniel's temple before continuing, "You should feel very honored."

"WHAT?" Jack was now confused as he stared at the Goa'uld suspiciously. Osiris continued, "I may have possessed Daniel these past several months but only you possess his heart, Colonel O'Neill. Only you possess his soul and only you have his undying love and devotion..."

Jack didn't know what to say or how to even begin to react to those words. He could only stare as Osiris continued, "I knew from the moment I captured him that his heart belonged only to you. Yet I still wanted to possess him, to own him and to control him. Even while resting beside me it is you he has always called for. It has been you he has cried out for when in pain or in need. It has been you he has called to late into the nights while he was asleep. You were always, still are always, in his thoughts, in his dreams, in his soul... Many times when he was pleasing me he would call out for you to come to him. Daniel's love is as strong for you now as it was when I first captured him. You are truly lucky to have won the heart of such an amazing creature and such a brilliant man. Know this...Daniel has warmed my bed; he has pleased my host and I many times. He did not do so willingly, but he responded to us nonetheless. Do not feel betrayed or angry because Daniel was made to please me in bed as well as whenever I desired him. A long time ago I wanted him to warm my bed...He refused so I became desperate... In an attempt to get his willingness and cooperation I...did something that I now regret..."

Daniel spoke in English this time drawing the attention of his friends as he interrupted, "My Lord..."

Osiris gently pressed his fingers across Daniel's mouth to silence him. He focused on Daniel as he spoke in Goa'uld, "My precious one, please allow me to explain these things to your Jack. He must understand for I will not allow him to reclaim you if he cannot forgive you."

Daniel stared at Osiris in shock and surprise at the comment. He heard Jack again cursing and Teal'c quieting O'Neill by telling him that everything was all right. Osiris then turned to Zeenan saying, "Zeenan, please escort Daniel to our chambers. He does not need to be present any longer. Have My'la help him bathe and dress."

"Yes, My Lord."

Zeenan approached Daniel and Osiris continued, "Go with Zeenan. He will help you."

"No."

"Please. You do not need to remain here with me. I am setting you free."

"What? But why? Why now?"

Osiris turned to face Daniel completely gently cupping Daniel's face in his hands. He spoke softer still in Goa'uld as he answered, "Because it is what you desire. You have never truly been happy here. You have served me well and have taught me much. I will be forever grateful for all of your help and your companionship. I shall never forget you. There is nothing that I would like more than for you to remain with me but you do not belong here Daniel. You belong with your friends and your people. I am sorry for all the pain and suffering I have put you through. I hope, we hope, that someday you will find it in your heart to forgive us both..."

"My Lord..."

"Hush now. Are you going to tell me this is not what you wish?"

Daniel glanced away briefly before responding, "No, My Lord."

Osiris smiled tenderly before continuing, "I am letting you go, my precious one. You have earned your freedom. I should have never put you through so much suffering and so much pain. You belong with your people. You belong with your Jack. I wish you to go now, return to your home and be happy..."

"But My Lord...?"

"Please accept my final gift to you."

Daniel had no idea what to say or even how to respond. Osiris was letting him go? He was setting him free? Why? What had made the Goa'uld lord change his mind about keeping him by his side? He didn't know what to even say so he settled for simply saying, "Thank you, My Lord."

Osiris continued to cup Daniel's face in his hands. He turned to Zeenan saying, "Have the priest remove the collar and his chastity belt. Allow Daniel to bathe and dress him warmly. Then await my return..."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Daniel, I do not know how long we will be but I must speak with your Jack for I will not allow him to take you if he cannot forgive you for things that were out of your control. I do not wish any further harm to come to you."

"My Lord, Jack would never..."

"You have been gone a long time. He does not know all that you have sacrificed, all that you had to give up to survive from day to day. He may not be able to accept that the things you have willingly done for me were so you could survive and live to see another day. He may view our...mating as a betrayal of your love. I will not return you to a man who will leave you and harm you because he cannot and will not accept the truth. Do you understand?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"Go with Zeenan. I will come for you when the time is right."

"What about my friends? What will happen to them?"

"They will be released when you are. No one will harm them. I wish to speak with all of them. They must be made to understand. Do not worry so, Daniel. All will be well."

Osiris then pulled Daniel's lips down on his own kissing him tenderly before breaking the kiss then pressing another one to his forehead. He then nodded to Zeenan stroking Daniel's hair lovingly before saying, "Goodbye my precious Daniel."

Daniel spoke just as softly as he said, "Thank you, My Lord." He then focused on his friends as he informed, "Everything will be fine. I'll be back shortly." He turned walking beside Zeenan as they exited the room.

Osiris watched them leave then tried to rein in his emotions. He heard O'Neill demanding, "What the hell did you say to him?"

Teal'c spoke first, "O'Neill, everything will be well. You must listen to what Osiris has to say. It is very important that you listen and that you understand."

"Teal'c, care to enlighten us? You speak Goa'uld so what the hell were they saying to each other?"

"You must listen for all will be revealed to you shortly."

"I must listen? NO!"

"O'Neill you must..."

"The hell I will!"

Osiris became suddenly angry and turned to O'Neill demanding, "SILENCE! I hope that you do not treat Daniel the way you are now treating your friends."

Jack unconsciously flinched at the sudden change in voice. Only moments before the Goa'uld lord was speaking so softly. Now anger reflected making his voice harsh, which was a bit unsettling. He still needed to know where Daniel went so he asked, "Where the hell did that Jaffa take him?"

"You worry for his safety..."

"HELL YEAH!"

"You need not concern yourself. Zeenan would never harm Daniel and neither would anyone else in my palace or on board my vessels."

"Yeah, right."

"If they dared to they would suffer my wrath."

"What did you do to Daniel?"

Osiris held O'Neill's gaze growing frustrated with the man. He then continued, "Instead of being so concerned about what I did to your friend you should be asking about him and how he is doing. You are so concerned about what happened to him but not how he is right now."

"You'd lie to me anyway."

"No, I would not. Daniel has been treated very well by my people, my guards and by me. His status is one of high honor. The position of most favored is one of the highest ranked positions in any legion. He was taught how to carry himself like a Goa'uld, how to behave like a system lord and how to address those both above and below him. He had to conduct himself with excellence always for he attended me wherever I went. His status, his position, demanded his constant presence wherever I went..."

"Still doesn't tell me what you did to him."

“If you insist on focusing on anything but Daniel he will remain here with me always for I will not return him to someone who cannot accept him for who and what he was and for who and what he now is. If you cannot forgive Daniel he will remain with me..."

"There's nothing to forgive!"

"Yes, you are correct. Yet we can see that you have much difficulty in accepting him for whom he now is. We are not blind, O'Neill, for we saw the hurt and the jealousy in your eyes when I told you of how he came to our bed and served us..."

"Us? What the hell is with the us?"

"Us would be my host and I..."

"She's dead."

"No, Colonel O'Neill. Sarah is very much alive."

"Right. You allowed your host to survive? I don't think so."

Osiris lowered his head allowing Sarah to step forth. She looked at Colonel O'Neill for the longest time before speaking, "Colonel O'Neill, it confuses me as to why Daniel would give his heart to one such as yourself. You are very bitter and very angry. Even now you are struggling to listen to what Osiris has to say. What he has to tell you is very important. He is trying to explain to you some of the things Daniel has endured to survive while serving our lord."

"Yeah, right."

"Colonel, Osiris is very serious about Daniel and about protecting him. If he senses that you will not be able to accept Daniel into your life again, if he senses that you will cause harm to him then he will not allow him to leave with you..."

"He won't allow it anyway!"

Teal'c spoke, "O'Neill in the exchange you witnessed between Daniel Jackson and Osiris... Osiris granted Daniel Jackson his freedom."

"WHAT?" Now Jack was staring in disbelief towards Teal'c. He couldn't believe what Teal'c was saying, but he knew that the man would never lie. All he could utter was, "Why would he do that?"

Sarah continued, "Because he loves him enough to let him go. He knew that Daniel was not happy here. He has always known Daniel's heart was with you. He told Daniel to return to Earth with all of you and to have a happy life with you, Colonel..."

"Teal'c, is that true?"

"It is."

Sarah interrupted, "Of course it's true."

"Why?"

"Daniel... Osiris grew very fond of Daniel. He respects and loves Daniel deeply but knows that he does not, nor will he ever, reciprocate that love. Daniel has come to mean a lot to many of Osiris' followers and slaves. He will be greatly missed if he is to go with you..."

"What the hell happened to him?"

She sighed in frustration grumbling about how she couldn't speak with O'Neill any longer. Osiris returned, "Again you are more concerned about the past than about the present. I will tell you what he has endured but there are some things you must know now...Daniel's health is very good but mentally there are some...issues that have recently arisen."

"Issues? Such as?"

"He has been having a lot of nightmares lately. He often awakes terrified. Sarah has told me that they revolve around the goddess Nirrti and the god Dionysus."

"Excuse me?"

Osiris focused intently on Colonel O'Neill hoping that he was making the correct decision by sending Daniel back with O'Neill. He continued, "We had negotiations with Dionysus and Nirrti in the past. They did not go as planned. Both took an intense interest in my favored and made no attempt to conceal their desires. I always kept Daniel locked in chastity. He remained in chastity most of the time except when I...set him free. He was kept safer that way and the device said more about his status than his collar did. Many who were interested in him became discouraged when they saw the device. Daniel did not seem all that uncomfortable wearing it. The only thing that truly bothered him about having to wear it was that I owned the keys to it and not you..."

Jack blushed furiously uncertain how to even respond to that last comment. All he could muster was, "Uh, yes, um...back to the nightmares."

"Yes...Nirrti has been invading his dreams. She...we had a meeting with her and Thoth several weeks ago and she could not keep her eyes off of Daniel even when we went to some...extreme lengths to discourage her interest. He said that you had several scrapes with her in the past, so perhaps this is where his anxiety is rooted."

Osiris glanced up as My'la entered the room holding a box in her hands. He knew what was contained in the box. She approached saying, "My Lord, here is Daniel's book. I am certain that he will be wanting to take it with him when he leaves us."

"Thank you, My'la."

He accepted the book wrapping his arms around it before approaching Jack again. He stared at O'Neill for the longest time torn between wanting to keep the journal and delivering it into the hands of the one Daniel had requested receive it. After some debate he slowly extended the book towards Jack saying, "He will be wanting to take this with him."

Jack stared at the box with a mix of rage, anger and confusion. He was trying to figure out just what the hell the box was until Osiris broke the silence by informing him that Daniel would want to take it with him. Before he could stop himself he asked, "What is it?"

"A gift that I gave to him long ago."

It was a gift from Osiris? Ah, hell no! Why would Daniel want to hold on to something like that? He quickly snapped, "Keep it. We don't want it."

"He will want this. Take it and give it to him."

"Why would Daniel want to keep anything that reminds him of you?"

Sam gasped before speaking sharply, "Colonel, what are you doing?" Was he crazy? Why was he snapping at the Goa'uld lord? He needed to take whatever was in that box and shut his mouth. The last thing they needed was for O'Neill's sarcasm to anger Osiris and cause him to reconsider releasing their friend. What was wrong with him? She watched the two silently urging the Colonel not to say anything else and to just take what the snake was trying to give him. Sam nearly cringed as Jack continued still as sarcastic as hell, "He won't want that."

She quickly interceded determined to prevent the stand off between the Colonel and Osiris from exploding, "I'll take it. I'm certain that Daniel will want it."

Osiris glanced at her briefly before focusing intently on Jack and continuing still in a voice of determination, "I know that he will... Colonel, Daniel has made very few requests of me in his time here but he had intentions for this particular gift..."

"Intentions? Right..."

Osiris glowered at the Colonel angry at the man's lack of concern and lack of thought for the man he was supposed to love. He shook his head in disappointment wondering what Daniel Jackson ever saw in the man before him. He then added, "He requested that if anything happened to him while he remained with me that I get this to you somehow. Colonel, this gift is very important to him and he desperately wanted you to have it if anything happened, so I am now giving it to you. You may give it to him when you return to your world."

Osiris extended the book again but Jack made no attempts to accept the gift. Osiris was deeply saddened by the Colonel's response. He spoke softly, "I believe you must read this to understand him better. In this box is a ...journal he kept while here. He often wrote in it. It helped him to cope with what was happening both around and to him. He requested it be given to you..."

Sam questioned in surprise, "It's a journal?"

"Yes."

All of a sudden the gift didn't seem so sinister to Jack. A journal...a journal of the time his love spent here. Osiris was right Daniel would want to keep such a gift. He slowly reached for it nodding when Osiris placed it in his hands before glancing away. He became puzzled by that reaction. Osiris obviously didn't want to give up the journal, yet he did so saying that it had been intended for him all along. He suddenly found himself wondering just what was inside the thing. What had Danny written about during his long months of captivity as Osiris' slave? Could he ever read the journal knowing that some of the things inside were not going to be pleasant? He pulled the journal to his chest before quietly replying, "Thank you...I'm sure he will want to keep this."

Osiris focused on him briefly merely nodding his head in response. He approached My'la and quietly asked, "Where is Daniel now?"

"He is with the priest, My Lord. He will be returning shortly."

"See to it that he is being taken care of."

"Yes, My Lord."

He dismissed the female servant with a shake of his head before turning again to focus on the Tau'ri now with him. He hoped that he was doing the correct thing for Daniel. He hoped that Jack O'Neill would understand why Daniel did the things he had to while under his care and protection. If Colonel O'Neill couldn't accept that Daniel had to make some huge sacrifices then he might end up harming the young man severely. He hoped that the Colonel would take the time to read the journal. He hadn't read any of it himself, but he was certain that many of the passages were written to O'Neill and many discussed the feelings, emotions and sacrifices Daniel had to make to survive while under his care.

* * * *

Jack raised his head as he caught sight of his lover reentering the throne room. He tensed when he noticed that a golden collar no longer adorned his lover's throat. The marks of Osiris were now gone and he was now fully clothed. He had shoes on his feet and his glasses were on his face. Jack felt his palms sweat, his heart beat race and fear travel through him. Osiris was releasing Daniel, all the evidence was there but why would the Goa'uld lord so willingly give his slave freedom? He watched in silence as Daniel slowly approached them still keeping his head bowed to the ground. Jack wanted to believe he was being released but was afraid to believe that Daniel's captor would leave him go.

He silently observed the man approaching them, yet keeping some distance away from them. Instead of being happy about his release Daniel seemed afraid, very nervous and shy. What had happened to the confident man he once knew? What had happened to Daniel while he served the Goa'uld lord? He glanced up as Osiris spoke in English, "You are free to go, Daniel. Please be safe and happy."

"Thank you, My Lord."

The title drew everyone's attention except for Teal'c who expected it for a favored was to always show his lord respect, which was something well ingrained in them. Teal'c watched as the Goa'uld lord smiled then nodded at Daniel indicating that he could leave. Osiris turned to his guards and spoke in rapid Goa'uld ordering them to allow Daniel and his friends to leave.

Zeenan entered and spoke with Osiris before joining Daniel. He smiled softly uttering several things to Daniel, who nodded before casting a hesitant glance at Jack and translating, "Zeenan will accompany us to the Stargate..."

"No."

"Yes, Jack, he will."

"Daniel, do you...?"

"Jack, he's my friend and I want him to come."

"Your friend? He's Osiris' First Prime, he..."

"No, Jack."

He turned to Zeenan switching again into Goa'uld before falling silent and informing, "We can go now."

Jack didn't like Osiris' First Prime accompanying them. He also didn't like how Daniel remained by Zeenan's side as if he were afraid to be without him. As he observed the two he noticed how at ease Daniel was with him and wondered about the history between the two. He was very glad to see the Stargate when they finally approached it. He turned to cast a glance at Daniel seeing that he was again speaking with Zeenan in fluent Goa'uld, which unnerved him. It would seem his lover now could speak another language fluently.

Daniel turned to Zeenan as he smiled then said, "I am nervous, Zeenan."

"Relax Daniel, you are finally going home."

"Yes but..."

Zeenan gently grasped Daniel's upper arms asking, "Why are you so worried? This you have wanted and longed for, my friend. Your lord found it in his heart to set you free. He did not do so easily."

"I...I know. I...I cannot believe he did so."

"You have showed him that if you love another it is better to set them free. You were not happy here, Daniel. You have not been happy for a very long time. Lord Osiris knows this and understands. He wants you to be happy, Daniel. Accept the gift your lord has bestowed upon you. I...will miss you."

"I will miss you, my friend. Thank you...for everything."

"It has been an honor to serve with you, Daniel. Thank you for showing your compassion to me and teaching me how to become more compassionate as well. You will be greatly missed my friend. Many have come to respect you and to accept you as their master. It will take much time for everyone to accept your absence. Know that you will always have a home with us and you will always be honored by us. You have taught our lord many wonderful things and all have become better because of you."

Daniel blushed before shaking his head and saying, "No, I did not do all of that..."

"Again you do not realize just how special you are, Daniel."

Daniel glanced anxiously around at the other three people waiting for him. Teal'c he knew understood their words but Sam and Jack were both at a loss. He noticed the irritation in Jack's face and had a sudden inkling that maybe he was a bit jealous. Jack jealous? He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind before focusing once again on his Jaffa friend. He then smiled and said, "Take care of yourself Zeenan."

Zeenan nodded his head then said, "I will miss you, Daniel. Please be happy."

Daniel nodded then without thought he pulled Zeenan into a hug saying, "I have always hated goodbyes. Thank you for all of your help, all of your insight and all of your support. I will never forget you, Zeenan. You have been a wonderful friend. Your brother would have been proud of you."

Zeenan broke into a smile of his own as Daniel said those words then said, "I believe you are correct."

"And don't give up on Ny'la...go find her and be happy. She is the one you love still and you should go to her. If she loves you as much as you said then she will be able to forgive you for what has happened. I do not believe our lord would be opposed to the union any longer for he fell in love with a servant himself, or so Sarah has told me."

"Yes he is still in love with that servant, Daniel, and he will never forget the one who holds his heart still. You must go and be happy."

Daniel nodded then pulled from the Jaffa turning towards the Stargate. He kept his gaze cast towards the ground not wanting the others to see the tears threatening to spill over. He instead responded, "I'm ready."

Jack continued to watch his lover feeling his jealously and anger rising. Daniel seemed pretty damned close with that Jaffa. Had the two been lovers? He glanced again at the First Prime and felt his rage build as he saw the look of tenderness, concern and care in the man's eyes for his Danny. He clenched his hands into fists as he quickly ordered, "Carter dial us up."

"Yes sir."

When the Stargate activated Sam and Teal'c headed through first then he started up the ramp stopping when Daniel paused to turn and focus on the First Prime giving him that damned smile that was meant only for him before waving and turning towards the gate once again. He tried not to let his anger get the best of him forcing himself to stop wondering what kind of relationship his lover had with Osiris' First Prime. He focused on feeling happy and relieved that Daniel was finally coming home. He watched Daniel as the man turned and slowly headed towards the Stargate apprehension screaming in his every move. As he stepped up beside the man Daniel cast him a shaky smile before stepping into the event horizon. He turned towards the Jaffa as the man spoke several words in Goa'uld to him. He would remember those words for the rest of his days certain that they were words uttered for Daniel. Damn it! Pushing his anger to the back of his mind he followed Daniel through the Stargate prepared to be there to offer support should his friend need it.

THE RETURN

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