Personal Sacrifice Part 2

By: Stacy L.

THE TRAININGS

Daniel's Education Begins

Daniel arose, entered the bathhouse and bathed. As soon as he was finished My'la attended to him helping ready him for his lord. When he was ready he prepared to leave the room stopping as My'la said, "Hello Zeenan, he is ready to begin his training."

Zeenan approached the two smiling as he replied, "Good. This morning you will begin your service training..."

Daniel jerked his head up focusing on the Jaffa guard as he questioned, "My service training?"

Zeenan held Daniel's gaze as he evenly replied, "I know that our Lord has already spoken with you regarding this issue. You will attend these trainings and you will do exactly as I command of you."

Daniel glared at Zeenan studying him closely as he tried to formulate his impressions of the Jaffa. Instead of arguing he simply stated, "Look, I don't need to be trained..."

“It is Osiris' wishes."

Lifting his chin higher as he cast a defiant look towards Zeenan he firmly asked, "Don't I have a say?"

Refusing to remain silent Zeenan calmly replied, "No and if you choose to defy him in this manner you will suffer much for your defiance."

"I'm no slave."

Zeenan watched the young man before him noticing the challenge reflecting in those eyes. The man was spirited, proud and strong. He would not willingly comply. His respect for the young man grew even more yet he wondered just how long that spirit, that fire and that determination would last before Osiris successfully crushed it and snuffed it out. No this man was no slave yet that was his new position, his new status in life...though it angered him the man would have to learn that for himself. Zeenan decided that a reminder was now in order, "You are no longer free. You now belong to Osiris. You will attend these trainings; you will pay attention and you will practice what you are taught."

Daniel drew his chin up higher glaring at Zeenan as he simply replied, "No."

Yes, this one would have to learn his place, his status in Osiris' legion. His spirit would probably earn him quite a few disciplines. Osiris would drive the spirit from this man before fully claiming him as his favored. He softened his voice seeing Daniel's opposition in the way he held his body, the look in his eyes and his facial expressions, "Daniel, do not make me have to inform Osiris of your defiance. He will not be happy..."

"I don't care! I'm not happy and I don't belong here!"

"You will be trained every day and every evening. Osiris will want daily reports of your progress."

"So..."

"Daniel..."

Daniel scowled at the Jaffa with open hostility refusing to give him even an edge. Zeenan sighed heavily. He had expected Daniel to refuse and to make his trainings extremely difficult. He tried to control his anger realizing that he was failing miserably at the task. He didn't know what to do. If he reported Daniel's non-compliance... Zeenan decided on a different approach as he said, "Let me tell you what I mean by service training, young one."

He watched Daniel closely and though the man still presented him with that menacing look he knew that at least he was paying attention...obviously he would need to find a different tactic to use with the young man. He chose to begin by telling and explaining. He focused on Daniel as he continued, "Service training is very important."

"Right..."

Okay a comment, sarcastic but it was a comment. At least he knew for certain that Daniel was listening after all. Encouraged by that small indicator that he at least managed to gain the man's attention he continued, "Service training, in essence, is training the body... There are many services one in your position must be adept at. You accompany our lord everywhere therefore you must learn to carry yourself as the gods themselves. You also must learn how to best meet our lord's needs. What my job requires is that I teach you what our lord wants from you. You will have many duties that you must perform admirably. For instance, if you enter a meeting with our lord and fail to bow or to greet in the proper way many people can get hurt. Most of the gods have short tempers, they are impatient and if you insult them, whether it is intentional or not, they may lash out at the nearest person...which is usually an attendant or servant of theirs. Certain behaviors and mistakes may get you thrown into the dungeons where our lord will be unable to free you again. There is much you must learn. You must take your trainings seriously or you may find yourself dead or locked away."

"What do these...duties entail?"

Ah, curiosity...good...he smiled realizing that Daniel was, in fact, paying attention. He answered, "You must be taught to be attentive to Osiris' needs, to anticipate and to act when you see that your lord requires something..."

"Right...I don't think so."

"You must familiarize yourself with Osiris' habits and his desires...no one is expecting you to be a mind reader but eventually you should be so adept at attending your lord that serving him will become second nature to you. You will attend him always. You will be taught to limit your conversation unless Osiris engages you in a discussion. You will be taught to read the various non-verbal hand gestures that all the gods teach to their favored's. It is almost a secret communication that few can read and interpret. He will use many gestures to speak with you, to warn you, to signal you to him, to indicate things he needs or things he would like you to pay attention to. You will be trained to properly request to leave your lord's side while before followers, system lords and servants..."

Daniel's interest when Zeenan mentioned the non-verbal hand gestures of silent almost secret communication wasn't hard to miss. Zeenan smiled as he realized that he now knew just where to begin Daniel's service training... non-verbal cues and gestures. Excellent.

Daniel continued to listen to Zeenan's explanation feeling his anger only build as more and more expectations were being given. He had to learn how to service his lord? Ah, hell no...of course, if he wanted to get out of here and wanted to convince Osiris that his plans were not to escape at the first chance he has then he would have to at least pay attention. According to Zeenan Osiris expected him to change everything and learn to serve. Right, don't see that happening.

* * * * * * * *

General George Hammond glanced at the Stargate watching as the titanium iris opened to allow passage. He waited patiently for Jacob Carter to exit the wormhole hoping that Jacob could offer them some kind of help in locating their missing friend. He had no idea what else to do. Every day they dialed the planet of P47-089 and every single time they failed to make a connection. It bothered him greatly knowing that Doctor Jackson was just on the other side of that wormhole and they were still unable to save him. Damn whoever now held him prisoner must have built some sort of shield or force field around their gate. They had to do something to make it impossible to establish any sort of connection with a planet that had been previously accessible to them.

As Jacob stepped onto the ramp he headed to the embarkation room to greet him smiling as he saw his old friend again. He quickly greeted, "Hello Jacob. Welcome."

Jacob returned the smile focusing on his friend, glad to see him again. He wondered why George sent for him and hoped that there wasn't trouble stirring. He warmly responded, "George, how have you been? It's been a long time."

Hammond nodded his head and answered truthfully, "Yes Jacob, it has. So how is Selmac?"

"Good."

"And..."

Jacob held up a hand to halt Hammond's words knowing that something was definitely bothering him before inquiring, "What's the matter, George?"

He sighed heavily and lowered his gaze before placing a hand on Jacob's right shoulder and answering, "We need your help again, Jacob. Yours and Selmac's..."

"Why? What's the matter George?"

He again downcast his gaze momentarily before refocusing to say, "Daniel Jackson's missing..."

Daniel? Daniel Jackson was missing? Now he understood why George seemed so upset and so distracted. He treated Daniel as his son and greatly respected the young archaeologist. His disappearance would definitely affect George as well as his daughter and the rest of her team. He nodded before asking, "He's missing? What happened to him, George?"

"He was...taken as a prisoner on a planet that SG-1 was suppose to investigate for possible allies, weapons...the usual but..."

"But what? What happened to him George?"

"The planet was uninhabited or so we thought but we were wrong and...Daniel paid the price. SG-1 arrived on the planet just in time to have a face off with an army of Jaffa."

"An army of Jaffa? Who did they serve?"

"Teal'c didn't get a close enough look at the symbols. Jacob, we don't know who holds Daniel prisoner and we have been unable to establish a connection with that planet ever since his capture. We have tried numerous times to dial the planet but any attempts at making contact have failed. It's almost as if... as if they knew we were going to return and they want to keep Daniel there permanently. We have suspected that there may be some sort of force field or shield now in place that prevents contact with that planet. We know that Daniel is there but have been unable to return for him. I'm sorry to bring you here about this but frankly I had no idea where else to turn. I was hoping that maybe you or Selmac could help us bring our boy back home."

"I'd like to see the coordinates. I don't know maybe Selmac or I will recognize the symbols and be able to tell you where he is. All we can do is see what information you have. If there is a force field blocking access to that world then the only other way in would be for us to get a ship and travel there through space. If that doesn't work our only other option will be simply to... wait. I know that this isn't exactly what you want to hear but there is no way onto that planet if a force field or some sort of shield has been activated to prevent entrance."

"Any help would be greatly appreciated, Jacob. All we want is to get our boy back home where he belongs."

"I understand that George, believe me I do but I still have to make you aware that we may be able to help but there is no guarantee."

"Thanks Jacob."

"Any time."

He followed George to the briefing room rather upset by the fact that he might not be able to help Daniel after all. He wondered who now held the young man and just what planet they accessed. He hoped that he could do more for them then just wait with them. He and Selmac would have to work on a plan of action if what George believed was true.

* * * * * * * *

Daniel grumbled after he finished bathing knowing that he had to report to My'la before retiring. Voice training...God just how many damned types of training was he required to take? He hated having to train to comply, train to be obedient, train to serve...he had been so pissed off at Zeenan this morning when the Jaffa insisted that he must pay attention, that he must do as he is told or he will be punished by Osiris. Son of a bitch! He had to get away from here. This training was ridiculous. He reluctantly entered the room where his voice training was to occur. My'la was already waiting for him and when she saw him she smiled appreciatively. Daniel cursed as he forced himself to enter the room. He noticed that there were no chairs in the room...how convenient.

My'la said, "Welcome. Here you will be taught how to speak to your lord with respect and how to carry yourself in a respectful demeanor while in his presence."

"Sounds exciting."

My'la frowned then approached him. She said, "Daniel, I know that you have no desire to be here. I know that you would much rather escape than remain here as a slave. I know that until two days ago you were free and now you no longer are. I know how hard all of this is for you but try to make the best of things. I do not want to train you but I have no choice in the matter. If I refuse to do so then our lord will punish me. Please try to do as I tell you. Please."

Daniel said nothing. He simply remained silent watching the woman before him as snatches of memory of his beautiful wife danced before him. My'la had the same dark hair and the same dark complexion. She reminded him so much of his wife that it almost hurt to look at her.

My'la continued taking Daniel's silence to mean that he was listening but choosing not to speak, "If our lord is not pleased with the reports I bring to him then he will order a guard to attend us while you train. Now he is presently granting you a little freedom by allowing the two of us to work together without another joining us."

"I'm not a slave..."

"I know that you are not a slave and Zeenan knows that you are not a slave. You are a very proud, strong young man but you now belong to Osiris, Daniel. You serve him now. You were not born a slave but when he placed his marks upon you… Your fate has been sealed by your lord Daniel. He has decided that you are to serve as his slave by his side. You are no longer free. You must try to make the best of your present situation. There is presently no escape for you. Osiris has had the Stargate sealed and the only way to get here now is to travel by ship. He has a very sophisticated shield designed around the entire planet. You will be with us for a while Daniel and if you would only cooperate then things will be so much easier for you. I know that you are not happy here and probably never will be but you are here none-the-less."

"Why do I have to take all these...trainings...?"

"Because Osiris also knows that you are not a slave and were not born a slave. Therefore, you must be trained to become one. If he is dissatisfied with your progress he will throw you in his dungeons and you will lose the honored status he has granted you. You will be forgotten Daniel...you will die slowly in his dungeons. This I do not wish to see happen to you. Try to learn from these trainings...try to tolerate them and try to make an effort to do what is required of you."

Daniel lowered his gaze feeling angry and frustrated. He was trapped and he would most likely be here for a while. The last thing he wanted to do was cause My'la any suffering because of his defiance. He slowly nodded his head indicating that he would try...try was the key word here. He was not use to being subservient and there were many things that he would not be willing to try.

My'la smiled as she continued, "Very good...let me first explain to you what voice training is. It deals with respect and demeanor as I have said before. As you may have guessed voice training also focuses on such things as tone, volume and cadence or rhythm. Your tones must be pleasing to your lord's ears as well as others you will encounter. Most of us express our emotions using our voices I fear that in this status you must learn to disguise your emotions behind pleasant speech...Osiris does not wish to hear anger in your voice when you are in a meeting with another system lord...he does not wish to hear submissive tones when you address a system lord as their equal either. As Zeenan has told you the first things you must learn is to carry your self as a god...speak as a god, move as a god, behave as a god. By being trained to behave as a system lord you will quickly earn respect of others without even realizing that you have done so. A god carries him self in a certain way that places him above all others. It is very important that you learn to do so as well. Do you understand, Daniel?"

"Yes."

My'la nodded her head before continuing, "You must also learn that while you may have important things to say to use your voice is a privilege granted by your lord. You can be denied the right to speak at any time should Osiris desire you to be silent. If you cannot remain silent when he requests it of you then you will be gagged and made to attend him as such. All who see you will know that you have offended your lord in such a manner that he has decided to make you mute. You will attend Osiris wherever he goes therefore if he condemns you to the gag you will wear it until he permits you the right to speak again."

"Great..."

"It is not pleasant to be denied the right to speak. Many have experienced such a punishment while in service to Osiris. When he takes the right to speak away from one of his servant's the condemnation usually lasts anywhere from a week to a month before they are permitted to have their voice back."

Daniel couldn't believe he was hearing this. Osiris could deny a person the right to speak? He gagged those who failed to listen? Oh wonderful. What the hell was wrong with this picture? He shook his head still a bit surprised by My'la's kindly explanation. He focused on her as she continued, "The basics of voice training begin with learning the proper way to address your lord. I fear this may be of some difficulty for you. You still hesitate to address Osiris as your lord and there are times when one can hear your disgust and your anger in being made to address Osiris as such. I am rather surprised that he has not yet punished you for your hesitancy. I can only assume that is because you have been with us for such a short period of time. He will only tolerate such inflections in your voice for so long before he will tire of it and most likely order you to be silenced until you learn the proper way to address your lord."

"I see..."

"Do you? I know how hard it is for one such as yourself to address another as your lord and your master, but you must learn to do so without hesitancy and with respect. If you cannot then I fear your time with us will be rather difficult for you. You must learn to integrate the words 'My Lord' and 'My Master' into your everyday vocabulary. These titles show respect to your lord. You must be able to speak them without hesitation..."

"Let me guess...if I fail to learn to address him as...’My Lord’ I'll be sentenced to silence and gagged? Great alternative there...I see he's just as pig headed as the rest of the system lords..."

"Daniel! You must not ever insult your lord in my presence, or in any other's presence. To do so will get you sentenced to the dungeons and permanently muted. You must learn to watch what you say around everyone. Do not be surprised if a servant reports to Osiris when you have failed to do something that is expected of you. You have angered some when you were appointed to the status of favored. Many strive for that position and to have an outsider, a stranger, an enemy be captured and immediately appointed to such an honored status tends to upset many. Due to this you must be extra careful and must pay close attention to all of your trainings. The faster you learn how to carry yourself and how to behave the quicker you will earn the respect of the others and dispel the anger in those who covet your status."

Well, now he never thought about that. Guess he'd have to pay more attention to the damned trainings then he originally planned to. He knew just how dangerous one could get when they coveted a position and another was appointed in their place. Jealousy could make one many deadly enemies. Well, all right so he'd pay attention and practice some of the things taught to him but he wasn't about to make the trainings easy...especially on Zeenan.

My'la dropped the topic and focused on informing him of what his first assignment would be. She said, "You must always address Osiris as ‘Lord’. He may require you to call him ‘Master’ at times as well. If he does so then you must learn when you must change his title from Lord to Master...for instance, he may require you address him as master when he trains you or when you are in the bedchamber while outside of that room it is acceptable for you to address him as ‘Lord’. You must watch and learn. He will tell you if he requires you to call him anything but ‘Lord’. Assume also that if he requires you call him ‘Master’ in the bedchamber one night that every night after that or whenever you are in the bedchamber you continue to address him as ‘Master’. You must assume that he is requiring this of you until he tells you otherwise."

"Right...so I can just call him ‘Lord’? I don't have to...I won't have to address him as ‘Master’?"

"No, unless he requires it of you."

Thank heavens. Lord he could handle...he hoped but to call the Goa'uld his master...he shuddered at that thought. He hoped that he would never be required to address the snake as such. By addressing him as ‘Master’ that was almost like admitting that he was merely a slave. When using ‘Lord’ to address him it felt more relaxed...more like he was a follower or worker instead of the system lord's personal servant and slave. He swallowed hard as he questioned, "Do you think he will?"

"I would suggest to you that you prepare yourself to expect it. He may only require that title when he is training you."

"When he's training me?"

"He is in charge of your position training. Do you not remember him telling you of this?"

"Uh, sort of..."

My'la nodded before softly chastising, "You must learn to pay better attention to your lord as well, Daniel. If he discovers that you have been inattentive he will also punish you for allowing your mind to stray from your duties."

"Okay so I need to pay more attention to him...I think I can do that..."

"There is no thinking about it you must do so. You do not have a choice. You must understand that."

"All right...all right."

“You must work on addressing Osiris as ‘My Lord’. The title must follow every sentence but can be permitted at the end of thoughts. When he asks you a question or says your name you must quickly respond with 'My Lord' to show him that you are paying attention and that you are awaiting his next comment."

"Right...that's going to take some work."

"I never said this would be easy, Daniel. You must try to do as I have told you today. We will practice often but tonight we will not. Your voice trainings are every evening before you retire and you are required to attend them. We will end this session early this evening but most will be much longer. With voice training you should focus on four things: what you say, how you say it, when you say it and why you say it... I will end this session with that. Tomorrow I expect to see you here at this time. If you miss a training session I have no choice but to report it to our lord who will be quick to punish you for your indiscretion. You may now return to your lord's chamber and prepare for rest."

He started to leave pausing to turn back to her and utter a quick, "Uh, thank you My'la," before exiting the room.

My'la smiled as Daniel left her alone. She knew that Daniel was going to have some difficulty with the trainings but he had no other choice in the matter. He was required to report for them daily and if he failed to make an appearance then he would be punished. She only hoped that with time he would learn to accept what was now being demanded from him for if he failed to do so then his life here would be far from easy.

* * * * * * * *

It was going to be another hellish night. Jack O'Neill flopped onto his left side punching at his pillow in an attempt to make him self more comfortable. He refused to open his eyes as he tried to will himself to sleep. He could do that. He could. He had no choice. He had to get up early to go to work. If he didn't soon get to sleep he'd be dead on his feet. He reached over to the left hand side of the bed feeling his heart plummet when he felt only his covers piled up in a twisted mess. He tried to ignore how that quiet observation made him want to cry. He growled in frustration as he snapped his eyes open. It was no use, no damn use! No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't do it! He just couldn't make himself sleep. He allowed his eyes to stare at the heap of blankets laying on his left occupying an empty space...a space that should already be occupied by another.

He jerked upright in his bed shoving the pile of covers violently off the bed feeling uncontrolled rage surface. Those damn covers didn't belong there! They didn't! There was only one person who had the right to take that space and that was Daniel! God Daniel... Jack crossed his legs Indian style and dropped his head into his hands. He couldn't handle this. He couldn't. God he couldn't even sleep. He never could sleep easily when he was alone and when Daniel entered his life and became more than just his best friend he vowed never to sleep alone again...yet here he sat trying to grab any little amount of rest he could finding that the absence of Daniel's calm, even breathing, the absence of his warm body snuggled up against him and the absence of his manly scent tantalizing his senses was more than he could handle. He needed Daniel. He was lost without him. The man held his heart in his hands. He loved that man so very much and to face a world alone, a world without Daniel Jackson in it...it was hell, his hell on Earth.

* * * * * * * *

My'la smiled as Daniel reported to her and stood still while she dressed him in his chastity belt. When that was finished she urged him to lie on the bed and began to rub oil into his skin smiling as his body began to glisten upon the application. When completed she told him to rise and carefully slid the armbands onto each of his arms.

Daniel submitted to her treatment remaining silent as she prepared him for Osiris but as he stood before her allowing her to carry out her duties he became curious about her, which prompted him to question, "My'la why are you here?"

She lifted her gaze to him wondering why he chose to ask such an odd question. She answered, "To serve my lord in whatever way that I can."

"Do you like serving him?"

"Yes."

"But...why? Don't you desire to be free?"

My'la continued to watch Daniel hearing more in his words then she sensed he wanted to reveal to her. She inquired, "Daniel, why would you ask me such a question?"

"I'm curious."

She assessed him for several long moments before prompting, "Is that all you are?"

"Yes."

"Hmm..."

As she turned from him shaking her head he knew that she sensed he had an ulterior motive, which angered him slightly but saddened him more than anything. He softly inquired, "You don't believe me..."

My'la shook her head as she continued, "It is not that I do not believe you Daniel, it is that I sense there is more behind your words then just mere curiosity."

Daniel sighed and turned from her as he quickly muttered, "All right forget I asked."

He had been right. She didn't believe him. True he had thought of gaining her trust so she could help him to flee but at the moment all he wanted was to talk with her. He was so lonely on this planet. He didn't know anyone and the only people he had any sort of contact with on a semi-daily basis was her, Zeenan and the priest. Any other time he was with Osiris and he was truly lonely. He had hoped that he could find a friend in the woman before him. He had sensed that he could trust her and that she would speak with him. He also felt more relaxed around her than anybody else and he was certain that part of that comfort was due to the fact that she had those same doe-like eyes his wife had, the same wild mane of beautiful hair and the same beautiful skin tone. He was truly saddened when she refused to even speak to him on a more than professional level. He hung his head and allowed her to continue to prepare him for his lord deciding not to try to speak with her any more for it was obvious to him that she was not interested in simply talking.

My'la watched the man hang his head as he turned abruptly and started for the door. Something in his posture and mannerisms made her suddenly speak, "He saved me..."

Daniel's sudden halt did not slip passed My'la. As she watched him she sensed that he was very alone and simply needed someone to talk to. She couldn't deny him such a simple need so she continued, "I was to be a sacrifice to my Lord Osiris. He chose to grant me life. It was truly a miracle that my lord spoke in my defense. On that day I vowed to serve him always."

"Why? What..."

"Daniel, I had no one. My parents chose to sacrifice me to their god not because he required it of them but because they felt certain he would appease them and grant them immeasurable wealth. I was a mistake. I was not what they wanted in a child."

Daniel turned to face her as he softly prompted, "What did they want?"

"A boy. I was not a boy so I was..."

"Expendable?"

"Yes."

"My'la I'm sorry I..."

"Do not be for I am much happier here then I had been with my parents. Osiris has treated me very well and has kept me safe. He protects me and granted me a place of honor among our people. He has never tried to harm me."

"Never?"

"No."

"Not even to punish..."

She lowered her voice as she strove to answer that unfinished question, "Daniel, when he punishes his servants it is to make them better and help them to learn their place."

"You mean help them to become more obedient and submissive..."

She nodded before softly reminding, "Such is the duty of a slave, Daniel."

"No."

She raised her gaze to his inquiring, "You do not agree? Why is this so hard for you to accept? Why can you not just be happy to serve?"

"Because I'm not a slave and this isn't my life. I had no choice..."

"Slaves often do not have a choice in their lives Daniel. They exist to serve and will serve whomever claims them."

"A slave isn't property, My'la. Slaves are people. How can you stand before me and tell me that a slave has no choices? Slaves are human and humans have choices..."

She shook her head as she tried again to make Daniel understand, to make him see that he was wrong and that he was no longer a free man, "Daniel, you must accept that you are no longer free. Osiris has placed his mark upon you. You belong to him now. You are marked as his and he may do whatever he chooses to do with you. When he placed his mark upon your body you ceased to be free and became a slave. There is nothing you can do to change that now. Your friends cannot help you. No one here will help you. As long as you are marked you have no freedom. You are now a slave and servant to Osiris. You are no longer free for you are now owned."

Daniel glared at her as he snapped, "I was captured. I didn't have a choice in that..."

Keeping her tone soothing and calm she continued, "Yes you are unfortunately the spoils of war..."

Daniel flinched in response to those words and My'la immediately regretted using them. She quickly changed her wording, "You were captured by our lord. Your choices are very slim. You have the choice to serve as your lord's favored, which is the highest rank a slave can receive. You have the choice to become a prisoner and live out your life in his dungeons or you have the choice to be simply a slave with no rank or privilege. You would be in the lowest rank and would be on loan so that anyone who has need of a slave, for whatever purpose, will be given you to service them. Daniel, the status you now hold is the best status a slave can acquire. You may hate to serve and hate to wear the marks of your servitude for all to see but do not throw such a gift back into your lord's face for you will not like the alternatives... I tell you this not to anger you, Daniel, but to help you."

Daniel shook his head in frustration as he responded, "I don't understand why, how you can, how you allow him to rule your life and to control you. Don't you have a desire to do things for yourself? Don't you have a need to be yourself? Don't you ever want to go wherever you choose, do whatever you want, speak to whomever you want? Do you...have you ever thought of what life might be like if you were free?"

My'la lowered her head as she answered him truthfully, "No Daniel, I have not, for I knew from the moment I was but a young child that I would be no more than a slave and servant to our lord Osiris. My parents were slaves and their parents were slaves...slavery has always been in my family Daniel. I was raised to know that I would always serve to the best of my ability. I was raised to accept such a station in life. I knew that this was to be my life and it is my life. I was raised to feel honored and privileged to be granted the responsibility of being a servant to my lord. This is my life Daniel. I know no other life. To me this is the best there is for me."

"And that's where we're different because I was born free..."

"Which is why this is all so very hard for you to comprehend. It is why you find it extremely difficult to yield to your lord, to address him as your lord and to serve him in whatever fashion he requests of you. I am not saying that this is a fair choice for you Daniel but it is now the only choice you have. There is no going back, Daniel. There is no returning to where you came from. You are now marked by your lord and the marks are a message to everyone you meet that you now belong to our lord Osiris. There is no escape for you unless our lord finds it in his heart to set you free again and I fear that he will not do so for he has fallen in love with you."

Daniel flinched as if he were struck before saying, "No he hasn't. He doesn't even know me. Why the hell would you say something like that, My'la?"

"Because it is true though you do not yet see it. One day he will make his feelings known. Daniel, he will not set you free. You must accept that you are now a slave and servant to your lord Osiris. You must accept your new station in life and you must perform to the best of your abilities. There is no going back for once you have been properly marked for all to see then all who meet you will know that you are a simple slave. No one will care that you were once Daniel Jackson for now you are simply Lord Osiris' favored and Lord Osiris' personal slave."

Daniel jerked away from her hating that what she was saying was true. He hated the direction his life was now taking. All he wanted, all he yearned for was his freedom back. All he wanted was to be who and what he is not who and what another wishes him to be. He headed for the door refusing to look back at My'la. He paused briefly at the door keeping his back to her as he said, "Thank you for talking to me...and My'la...?"

"Yes?"

"You were wrong."

"I am sorry. What do you mean?"

He still refused to look at her holding his head lower as he softly answered, "I had no ulterior motive for speaking with you. All I wanted was...was a friend. I'm sorry you can't see into my heart and that you don't know me because if you did...you would have never accused me of having another motive. I'm sorry that you can't see me as simply a friend in need of someone's company. I'll be sure not to bother you with my simple needs ever again."

He then left and My'la felt the first tears she cried in years escape from her eyes to roll down over her cheeks. She knew by his simple utterance that he would no longer try to speak to her about more than just duties. She knew for certain that she had just lost her one and possibly only chance to offer the man something he desperately needed. She knew that she had disappointed him and misjudged him and as she thought about his final words to her she wondered why she suddenly felt as if she had lost a truly magnificent treasure by pushing Daniel Jackson away.

* * * * * *

Daniel entered the bathhouse not realizing that Osiris was there. He approached the bath without looking up gasping as he glanced up to see Osiris rising out of the water casting a heated gaze his way. He started to turn when Osiris shook his head no, stepped completely out of the water and pointed to his feet. Daniel swallowed hard and blushed as he looked at Sarah now standing before him naked. He hesitantly approached and held his eyes to the ground inquiring, "Does my lord require any services from his servant this day?"

Osiris smiled gleefully as he noticed that Daniel kept his head respectfully bowed and his eyes now glued to the floor in a proper show of subservience. Osiris spoke, "Yes that is how I wish you to approach me always, slave."

"Yes My Lord."

Osiris gently prompted, "Master."

"My..."

"Master..."

Daniel lifted his head flicking a gaze Osiris' way, seeing the anger and rage there in Sarah's eyes and quickly lowering his gaze to the floor yet again. Osiris softly chastised, "It would seem that you are not paying complete attention to your lessons, slave. Perhaps I should have My'la and Zeenan become much harsher where your training is concerned."

"No My Lord, that won't be necessary."

"Then address me properly. When I address you as slave you will call me master or you will be punished. Is that understood my precious slave?"

Daniel felt anger and rage flood his body and immediately refused by answering, "Yes My Lord..."

Osiris' anger surged forth when Daniel refused to address him as his master. He knew that there would come a time when Daniel would flat out refuse to do as bid and he wasn't about to allow it to continue. Osiris said evenly, "Has My'la yet covered the penalty for refusing to address me properly? If she has not then I must make certain that she is properly punished."

"My Lord please..."

"Has she discussed this very issue with you, slave?"

"Yes My Lord."

"Do you remember what the penalty is for your refusal?"

"Yes My Lord."

"What did My'la say your punishment would be if you refused to address me properly, slave?"

"That I could be denied the right to speak, My Lord."

"Do you have any reason to doubt that I will do this, slave?"

"No My Lord."

"When I address you as slave what is my title?"

Daniel said nothing feeling his rage building and wanting to lash out at Osiris. He hated the Goa'uld lord and refused to address him as his master.

Osiris watched his servant gauging Daniel's willingness to do what he was requiring. As the man squared his shoulders and lifted his chin some Osiris knew he was refusing to comply. His slave was in need of further coaxing. He allowed the silence to stretch between them before continuing, "For your refusal to address me properly you will remain in silent service to your lord for two days. If you cannot remain silent for the amount of time I require then you will be properly gagged. In fact, I may consider sending you to your voice trainings properly gagged so that My'la can work on emphasizing the importance of complete obedience in all things to your master. If you cannot remain silent My'la will be punished in your steed, for she should have taught you the proper way to address your lord. If you would like to argue with me on this issue feel free to do so but know that if you do My'la will be lashed for a silent slave is to remain mute until his master grants him permission to speak again. Is that understood, slave?"

Daniel opened his mouth to answer closing it instantly as Osiris' words echoed in his mind. If he spoke before Osiris permitted him to then My'la would be lashed instead of him. He couldn't allow that to happen, so he lowered his gaze and nodded his head in answer to the question feeling an incredible urge to strangle the Goa'uld lord sweep over him.

Osiris smiled as he informed, "A guard will be assigned to you when you are not in my presence. He will tell me if you speak or utter a sound when you are forbidden to. Is that understood, slave?"

Daniel nodded trying to keep a tight reign on his anger and his want to lash out both physically and verbally against Osiris.

Osiris smiled as he ordered, "On your knees, slave! NOW!"

Daniel immediately lowered to his knees uncertain of what would soon befall him. He remained on his knees staring intently at the floor, focusing on keeping his anger at bay and his head bowed low. He swallowed hard as Osiris reached down to claim his leash wrapping his hand around it before tugging on it slightly and ordering, "I want my slave to thank me by kissing both of my feet. NOW!"

Daniel didn't move wincing as Osiris yanked on his leash before continuing, "Dare to defy me in this command and I will still punish My'la."

Daniel mentally cursed before lowering to kiss each of Osiris' feet. He then sat back on his heels feeling humiliated at having to do so. Osiris grinned as he said, "That is how you will thank me when you have no voice with which to speak. Now dry me off and dress me, slave."

Daniel again cursed but complied drying Osiris off before helping him into his royal attire. Osiris added, "You may now bathe. When you are finished you must report to our chambers so that you may ready yourself for My'la's training."

Once in their bedchamber Osiris fastened the chastity belt back on Daniel then allowed him to attend to his own needs of combing his hair and readying himself. Once that was done Osiris ordered, "Slave, I want you on your knees before me. NOW!"

Daniel quickly responded approaching Osiris before lowering to his knees and bowing his head awaiting his next command. Osiris made him stay like that for several long minutes before he said, "Raise your head and open your mouth to receive your gag. If you do not do so now My'la will suffer in your place."

Daniel focused on Osiris feeling an overwhelming urge to slap that damned grin off of his face but as Osiris lifted his gag before him he quickly closed his eyes and opened his mouth to willingly accept the gag from his master. When the gag was in place and properly secured Osiris ordered him to rise to his feet and to turn his back towards him. He then continued, "I cannot yet trust you to leave your gag properly in place so your hands will now be secured, slave."

Daniel stepped away gasping as Osiris quickly snatched his arms, pulled them behind his back and secured them together. Osiris smiled gleefully as he added, "Now you may report to My'la, slave."

Daniel quickly exited the room and entered his "training room". He noticed that she wasn't yet there so he paced as he tried to keep his anger under control and tried to loosen his bindings.

My'la entered smiling as she said, "Master Daniel, I'm sorry I was late but I... oh..."

She glanced up then seeing that he was now gagged. She quickly closed the door and latched it then rushed over to Daniel stopping him by placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. He glanced at her and she could see his anger and rage simmering beneath the surface. She shook her head sadly as she said, "Why has our lord done this to you? What did you do to anger him, Daniel? Did you refuse to address him properly or...?"

Daniel nodded his head. My'la nodded in understanding as she continued, "You refused to call him ‘Master’ didn't you? He demanded you do so and you refused him. Daniel, we talked about this. I told you what would happen if you refused him."

Daniel glared at her and she continued, "He secured your arms behind your back so that you could not go against his orders and free yourself. He will keep you as such until he decides that you have learned your lesson. I cannot remove the gag or the bindings, Daniel, for to do so would mean that I would be punished. You must try to deal with this punishment and do as he commands."

Daniel shook his head no. My'la continued, "Daniel being stubborn with this issue will get you no where but permanently muted. Do you wish for him to steal your voice completely? He can do that Daniel and he can do so without the use of gags. He will simply order your voice box removed or your vocal cords cut. He will find a permanent way to steal your voice. Daniel, this is a very serious offense. One in which our lord Osiris does not take lightly. Do not challenge him in this respect for it is you who will suffer. If you were to be permanently muted then he would place you in the lowest rank. You would lose your manhood first and become a talented eunuch who would exist to orally please and to satisfy those who desire a silent partner for pleasure. When you do not serve in the bedroom you will be made to grovel and crawl on all fours cleaning the floors and serving as a slave for hire. Anyone who has need of a slave will be given you to serve them and your duty would be to do as they say or be punished further. Daniel this is very serious. You must do as he says. Stubbornness will bring you nothing but heartache and suffering. He is merely asking for you to address him as master..."

Daniel lifted his head as if prepared to make a comment only to find that the gag successfully prevented speech. My'la read his thoughts easily enough and quickly responded, "I know that you are no slave, Daniel. You have told us this on several occasions and I know how much it bothers you to have to address another as your master but this you must do. It is an act of defiance and disrespect to address your lord improperly. If you continue to refuse our lord he will tire of you and disgrace you before all others."

Again she saw the anger in him and the frustration. He turned from her as he started to pace back and forth yet again trying to maintain a firm grip on his temper. He wanted to lash out and scream. He wanted to kick and shout. He wanted the infernal gag removed from his mouth and he wanted his freedom back.

My'la again shook her head as she continued, "Tonight we will work on issues concerning your silent service..."

Daniel jerked his head up and glared coldly at her. My'la responded, "I did not wish to work on these issues, Daniel. Our lord has given me specific orders that we shall take this time to work on issues concerning silent service to our lord. If you cannot listen to what I have to say and if you cannot apply what we discuss to your everyday interactions with our lord then Osiris will take over this particular part of your training and he will not be easy on you. I must do as he commands Daniel, and he gave me specific orders to focus on discussing the issues that deal with silent service."

Daniel turned abruptly around and started pacing the opposite direction pausing long enough to nod at her before continuing to pace. She questioned again if he was listening and he again nodded his head while continuing his endless, agitated pacing the length of the small room.

My'la began sensing that she would not get him to sit down even if she asked him to do so. She sighed before trying her best to explain things to the stubborn, furious man now before her. She wasn't sure where to start so she simply began, "It is sometimes desirable for a slave to be seen and not heard. This is why we must discuss this issue together."

Daniel stopped to glance up at her tossing her a confused gaze in response. She nodded then continued, "Yes I know that discussion requires the two of us to be able to talk freely but there is nothing I or you can do about that at the moment. You will not be permitted to speak until Osiris deems you fit to do so. You must be patient and try to listen to what I must tell you of. Okay Daniel...?"

He nodded as he again started to pace. She watched him for a few moments longer before informing him of what else he must learn, "A slave must learn how to speak only when spoken to. The only time this requirement is lifted is when you have a question for your lord or you have a need to alert our lord about something. You must learn to remain silent and not speak unless spoken to. Your lord is the only one permitted to initiate conversation. You do not. You must remember that you are to be seen and not heard..."

She noticed that Daniel was becoming even more irritated as she continued but knew that though he didn't like what she had to say he had no choice but to listen to what she was telling him so she continued, "Silence extends beyond voice. You must learn to work in silence, to bath in silence, to walk in silence and even serve in silence. You are a slave Daniel and as such you are expected to do as your lord wishes. He is your master. You do everything to please him. You exist to serve him always. Though he may view you as an equal and even speak to you as an equal you must always remember that you are merely a slave to him and that he has the right to do whatever he chooses to you or with you. You have been properly marked by our lord Osiris ...when he placed his mark upon you then you became his property. You live to serve and to obey. If you cannot do these things then you will be punished severely for your inability to learn what is expected of you. You must learn to use your speech to humble yourself and to exalt your master. There are times in which he will require that you address yourself in the third person. You must do so without argument. You must remember your place in this legion. Though you have been granted a position of power and importance the fact remains that you are still merely a servant. You are still a slave to your lord."

Daniel continued to pace wanting nothing more than to turn and leave this room before he lashed out and frightened My'la. He managed, however, to dampen down his anger and focus on his "lessons" doing as she asked even though he hated it.

When My'la finished with his lessons Daniel nodded then exited the room returning to his bedchamber. Osiris was sitting in the bed reading something. He glanced up and said, "Oh hello slave. I see that My'la has completed with your training this evening. Come. Come here now."

Daniel obeyed wanting to kill the bastard for daring to treat him like he was nothing. Osiris said, "Sit...sit down before me. Come turn your back to me again."

Daniel obeyed wincing as Osiris freed his hands. He immediately pulled them forward rubbing over the tender, raw skin of his wrists and noticing that the restraints left deep impressions in his flesh which told him of just how tight the restraints had been secured.

Osiris watched his servant as the man's first action upon being freed was to rub at his wrists. He then softly ordered Daniel to hold still as he removed the gag from the man's mouth. Daniel closed his eyes in relief still keeping his back towards the phoenix lord. He then stood up and exited the room. Osiris watched him go and decided to follow. He paused as he saw Daniel retrieve some water and drink some before he began to cough. The man then pressed his forehead against the wall inhaling shakily as he did so.

Osiris slipped out of view to observe his servant wondering why the man refused to remain in their bedchamber. After a few moments Daniel turned from the wall and started to pace back and forth wrapping his arms tightly about himself as he stared at the floor. Osiris wondered what exactly was running through his slave's mind and continued to silently observe him.

He lost track of just how long Daniel remained pacing endlessly and jerked up as Zeenan entered the room. He watched from the shadows as Zeenan questioned, "Daniel, why are you here? You should be with your lord resting."

Daniel said nothing only continued to pace. Zeenan tried again, "Daniel, speak to me. Tell me what has you so upset."

Daniel stopped in his pacing to glance up at Zeenan and merely shook his head. Zeenan persisted asking him again what was wrong. Daniel still remained silent pointing to his mouth and shaking his head no. Zeenan became even more confused. He asked, "What is it, Daniel? Why will you not speak to me?"

Again Daniel gestured to his mouth and shook his head no growing even more frustrated when Zeenan didn't understand what he was trying to communicate to him. He chose to point to himself, shake his head no and point to his mouth again. Comprehension started to dawn in Zeenan's eyes as he softly questioned, "You cannot speak. Is this what you are trying to tell me?"

Daniel nodded again and Zeenan continued, "Why? Have you angered our lord, Daniel?" A simple shake of the head was the only response Zeenan received and he sighed in frustration before continuing, "He is punishing you by denying you the right to speak. Daniel, we discussed this possibility. My'la has spent several sessions explaining this very thing to you. Why have you chosen to anger our lord?"

Daniel did nothing. The only answer Zeenan could draw from the man was his eyes going another shade colder. He unconsciously shivered knowing that he upset Daniel with his last comment so he relaxed and said, "I am sorry, young one. I do not wish to upset you further but you know what can happen if you refuse your lord..."

Daniel turned abruptly from him jerking away as Zeenan placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He turned to stare at Zeenan in surprise and uncertainty. Zeenan lowered his voice as he informed, "I will not hurt you, young one. Why do you yet fear me? You know that I will not harm you yet you are still afraid of me."

A violent shake of the head was Daniel's response to that comment. Zeenan sighed again as he continued, "I have no desire to harm you, young one. I only desire to be your friend and to help you. Why will you not allow me to do so? Do you trust so little that you are afraid to allow another to get close to you?"

Daniel glanced up at Zeenan eyeing him up with questions burning in the depths of his eyes. Zeenan shook his head again as he responded, "We must discuss this issue further but I will wait until you are granted permission to speak again. It is unfair of me to demand answers to questions when you have not the voice to answer me. Our lord would be proud to know that you still serve his sentence even when you are not in his presence. I believe that he has greatly misjudged you and your character overall. He does not yet trust you yet I sense you are one of the few people he can trust. There are very few servants who would remain obedient when they are not under a master's watchful eye."

Daniel jerked his head up upon hearing the mention of “Master” and grew so angry that he wasn't sure of what to do. He made a very forceful jab towards the doorway. Zeenan interpreted, "You wish me to go? I have angered you in some way. Could it be because I referred to your lord as your master? Why can you not accept your place as a slave, Daniel Jackson?"

He shook his head violently no then again jabbed his pointer finger towards the door. Zeenan nodded before replying, "I know that you are not a slave, Daniel. You have told us this before. We know that you have little knowledge of what being a slave entails and this is why you must see us for trainings daily. You are a very proud individual...one who does not like to be controlled by another. You are very independent and spirited yet now you are forced to bury those traits deep within. I wonder if Osiris realizes what he is doing to you by forcing you to comply and obey always. Does he realize that he is slowly destroying you? Does he care that he is slowly destroying his precious servant by forcing your compliance and obedience in everything you say and do?"

Daniel lowered his gaze towards the floor shrugging his shoulders in answer to Zeenan's question. The gesture didn't slip passed Zeenan it only made him more certain that he was correct in his line of thought. He sensed that he would get no further with Daniel this night so he excused himself pausing to focus on Daniel and remind, "I am always here if you need to talk with someone. It is not healthy to keep your emotions and feelings locked deep inside of you, young one. If you cannot speak with or confide in another those things that have upset you or have hurt you in some way then you will slowly die inside. You cannot keep everything trapped within or those things will merely build up until they explode and tear you apart bit by painful bit. I do not say this to make you afraid, young one, I say this to help you. You must not keep everything locked deep within for it will only fester and build. I am always willing to listen to you and should you ask for my help or my ear I offer it freely to you. Good night, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel cast an uncertain gaze Zeenan's way refusing to give the First Prime any indication that he was listening for several long minutes then he reached out placing a light hand on Zeenan's arm and nodded before turning away to resume the pacing he had started before being interrupted.

Zeenan smiled warmly at Daniel before once again wishing him a good night and exiting the room to leave the man to his silent contemplations and musings regarding the havoc that was presently going on in his life.

Osiris continued to secretly observe his servant noticing that what Zeenan had said was true. He could trust his servant more than he was giving the man credit for. He turned to head back to their bedchamber. Once in bed he reclined and closed his eyes quietly waiting for Daniel's return.

It was several long minutes before he heard the approach of the other and the quietness with which his servant approached the bed. He decided to give Daniel some privacy listening to the sound of the man's robes rustling around as he undressed and prepared to retire. It was several more minutes before he felt the man sink down onto the mattress and quickly slide beneath the sheets keeping his back towards him and snuggling deeper into the covers now draped over him.

Osiris decided not to alert Daniel to the fact that he was awake. He slid against the man and wrapped his arms around Daniel hearing the man suddenly gasp and whisper, "Don't touch me..." before he fell silent and curled into a protective ball. Osiris allowed Daniel to slip into a fetal position still maintaining a gentle hold on the man and holding him against him light enough to help ease him and tight enough that Daniel would not be quick to break free of the hold for fear that he would disturb his lord.

He held Daniel against himself listening to his slave's shaky breathing and silently urging the man to relax and go to sleep but it would seem Daniel was having some difficulty complying with the silent order so Osiris settled for simply holding him and feeling that desirable body pressed up against his own stimulating him in ways that Daniel did not even yet realize.

Sarah's voice echoed to him as she whispered a warning, 'Be careful My Lord.'

'Why must I be careful?'

'Because if you are not you may push him too far. You should not have used My'la to threaten him.'

'Why not? It worked, did it not?'

'Oh yes it worked. I knew that it would and so did you. You used my memories of the kind of person Daniel is against him. You knew that he would obey completely if you were to threaten another who was not involved. You are not treating him fairly. You should not have ordered him to remain silent.'

'It is merely a punishment. It will be lifted in two days.'

'Will it? Do you not realize what forbidding him to speak is doing to him? He is a linguist. He is use to solving most problems with his voice, with language, and you have just crudely cut off his biggest way to express himself to others.'

'Then he will learn much faster to do as his master commands of him.'

'He may call you master but it will not be out of respect, My Lord. He will address you as his master to spare others from suffering your wrath and your anger. He is more respectful to you when he addresses you as his lord. He will not address you as master of his own free will. It is unfair that you request such a demand from him.'

'He will not have to address me as master always. Only when I refer to him as slave...I want him to learn what he is, Sarah...'

'He already knows what he is in your eyes, My Lord. He doesn't need you to remind him of what his true status is here. The collar, leash and chastity belt effectively remind him on a daily basis that he is no longer free, that he is a slave and servant to you. You do not need to demand that he address you as master, My Lord, for he already knows what he is to you and Zeenan is right. You don't trust him. Even I have told you how honest Daniel is and how much you can trust him yet you refuse to believe me on such an issue. When will you place trust in the man you claim to care for more than you should, My Lord?'

Silence answered her question and she knew that Osiris would say no more so she sighed in frustration before closing her eyes and going to sleep.

* * * *

Daniel entered the room where his voice trainings were to continue. He was thankful that he was free of the gag but still wondered just how the hell My'la was going to conduct the trainings when Osiris still forbid him to speak. He glanced up as she entered followed by a guard and Osiris. He glanced at her with questions burning in his eyes and as My'la reacted by down casting her gaze Daniel sensed this session was going to be very bad. He waited for My'la to begin.

My'la looked up at Daniel then said, "Our lord has requested to observe the training session tonight."

Daniel pointed to the guard then shrugged his shoulders to indicate his question. My'la continued, "The guard is here to...correct you should you fail to do as I request."

Daniel looked at the guard for the longest time then turned back to My'la. She said, "It is our lord's wish. He feels that you must learn to address him as master when prompted and that stealing your voice will not make a difference. He wants to try this method of training."

Daniel continued to watch her, waiting for her to continue. She swallowed hard hating doing this to him and knowing how hard the next hour would be on the man before her. She pressed a tender hand to the side of his face saying, "Know that I do not do this of my own free will. There will be much pain if you cannot perform to your lord's standards. You are permitted to speak as long as we remain in this room but once this training is over you will again be condemned to silence."

Daniel tried to ignore Osiris' intense gaze and the twisted leer on the guard's face as he held the controller to his collar in his hand. My'la continued, "Are you ready to begin?"

Daniel nodded. My'la said, "Tonight what we will discuss is the proper usage of master. During this training you will be required to use master before and after every sentence you say. For example, when I ask you if you are ready to begin your answer should be Master, yes, Master. Do you understand?"

Daniel nodded not liking her request but sensing that if he didn't at least try to comply with her requests that Osiris might turn his rage on her as he has threatened and punish her for his failure to obey. He decided that he would try to do as she said to save her from being harmed in his stead. He glanced up at My'la as she said, "You may speak now. Answer the question."

"Yes."

"The way I told you to answer it, Daniel. While in this training view me as your master and address me as such. Begin."

Daniel swallowed hard finding it easier to address her as she requested. Now to address Osiris as such was an entirely different request and he already knew he would still refuse to do so but for My'la he would try to do as she requested of him throughout the training session so he responded, "Master, yes, Master." Feeling a bit silly addressing a woman as such. He shook his head as he said, "My'la this...you're a woman wouldn't Mistress..."

My'la smiled softly at him as she answered, "Yes it would be more appropriate but you do not have a mistress, Daniel. You have a master therefore you will address me as master during these sessions."

"Oh...okay..."

Daniel winced as he felt a sudden shock to his throat. My'la frowned before informing, "Our lord has determined that tonight's training has begun. The guard will keep the setting of the collar low but with each mistake he will increase the voltage. You must address me as I told you."

"Okay."

Daniel again gasped as he felt slightly more pain. He realized that he didn't really have much of a choice. He'd have to do as she asked or soon he'd be writhing in pain on the floor from his damned collar. He mentally cursed his misfortune as he told himself that this was only training then softly repeated, "Master, okay, Master."

My'la nodded not liking the direction this training was taking. She hated the use of pain to acquire one's cooperation and knew, sensed, that Daniel would not tolerate the pain for very long before he made it clear that he wouldn't cooperate as long as pain was used as an incentive. She knew that she had to continue the training or be disciplined for her non-compliance so she continued, "I will ask you a series of questions and you will answer them addressing me appropriately. Is that understood?"

"Master, yes, Master."

“When you address your lord as Master you must do so with humility. You must humble yourself. Your body language must announce that you are yielding to your master and that you are a loyal servant. This requires that you keep your head bowed towards the ground and your eyes focused on the floor. You show that you are submissive by performing these gestures. Do so now."

"Yes Master...ah..."

Daniel reached for his neck as more pain surged through the collar. He gently rubbed over the mark of his servitude wondering what the hell that zap was for. My'la quickly pointed out where his failure was and he quietly cursed.

The training continued in this same fashion. My'la would ask Daniel questions and if he failed to answer as was expected then he was treated to pain from his collar. The more mistakes he made the more debilitating the effects of the collar became and he knew that soon he would be writhing on that floor in anguish screaming as the insane guard now in control of his collar drew some sick, demented thrill out of triggering the device and delivering him a surge of pain that would bring him crashing to his knees in humility. He glared at that sadistic guard feeling an incredible urge coming over him to lash out at him and knock him flat for being such a bastard.

As he focused on My'la again hearing her next question he answered again neglecting to use the proper title of Master before his answer. As he realized his failure he became aware that he was screaming in pain and collapsing where he stood. As he tried to fight against the agony he reached for his throat desperately running his hand across the collar trying to somehow soothe the source of his present suffering. He felt his breath coming in short gasps as he struggled to regain a normal semblance of breathing certain that if the collar was triggered again he would not be able to recover as rapidly. Through the haze of pain he now found his brain submerged in he heard My'la ordering him to rise. He tried to focus on her catching a glimpse of her concerned face through his rapidly clouding vision. Again she ordered him to rise and with the little effort he managed to grab he pushed himself upright... or rather tried to push himself upright finding that he made it no further than a foot from the floor before he found himself again crashing his shoulder into the hard floor beneath him. He swallowed hard trying to speak as he answered, "Can't...I can't..."

He no sooner got the words passed his lips when his collar came to life sending another powerful charge of intense agony through him. He found that all he could do was toss his head back and scream at the top of his lungs. He could feel the sweat on his face beginning to run down over his temple and tried unsuccessfully to rub it off. As quickly as the pain found him it again subsided leaving him breathless. My'la's voice filled his head as she prompted him again, "Daniel, you must rise. You must. The training is not yet finished."

He cursed before responding, "It's finished. I can't...ah! SHIT!"

His words turned into another scream of intense suffering as pain once again surged forth filling his body and stealing his remaining breath. He managed to turn onto his stomach burying his face in his now folded arms not wanting Osiris to see his pain and suffering that was surely written across his face as plain as day. As the pain started to decline he again attempted to speak this time turning his words into a gentle plea, "Tell them to stop! DAMN IT, TELL THEM!"

As she saw the man before her tensing in preparation for another painful assault on his body she turned to look at her lord planning to plead for Daniel to be granted a break. She was shocked when she saw Osiris reach over to the guard, place his hand over top of the controller and shake his head no. The guard nodded then lowered the trigger and watched as his lord approached his servant.

Osiris lowered beside Daniel and pressed a tender hand against the side of the man's face feeling the fine sheen of sweat now covering his precious slave. He calmed his voice as he spoke, "Hush, Daniel, hush. I do not wish to see you in such pain..."

Daniel rubbed over his collar before turning to glare at the Goa'uld lord managing, "Oh I don't know. I sensed you liked seeing me in pain and at your mercy."

Osiris jerked his gaze towards the guard and rapidly shook his head no knowing that the guard was prepared to carry out his other orders if given the say so. The guard eased his hand off of the button and continued to watch his lord. Osiris nodded then turned to focus on Daniel once again continuing, "I only wish for you to learn to properly address me as your master...until you are able to do so you will be denied the right to speak. Is that what you wish?"

"Shit, I knew you lied...two days? Bullshit, fuckin' bullshit!"

"Daniel, most of my servants who are condemned to silent service wear a bit or a gag in their mouths while they are serving their sentence. It is how I ensure no other will defy me in a similar manner. Do not make me have to do the same with you for if I must then the only time you will be free to open your mouth will be when you must eat... Now let me hear you answer your master properly."

Daniel refused and tensed waiting for the collar to be triggered again. Osiris shook his head disappointed in his servant as he said, "Very well your condemnation to silent service will now be four days. I do not want to hear you at all. You move silently, you do as I ask quietly. I do not want to hear you at all. I want to see you and not hear you. Even at night you will not address me and you will move about making no sound at all. If you cannot do that then you will be properly gagged and I will use the bit on you to show you how important this request is to me."

Daniel opened his mouth to speak and Osiris instantly pressed his hand over Daniel's mouth saying, "No sounds at all beginning now. You will rise silently and return to our chambers. Is that understood?"

Daniel nodded his head yes then Osiris added, "We will continue this training tomorrow evening. Now you will go directly to bed and you will not defy that order, slave."

Daniel carefully rose to his feet then exited the room refusing to look at anyone in the room and feeling his rage and anger only building at the Goa'uld lord who strove to own and control him body and soul.

* * * *

Sarah became saddened the instant that Osiris extended Daniel's condemnation to silence. Osiris sensing her sadness inquired, "Sarah, what is it?"

'This will not help him, My Lord.'

"You are speaking of Daniel?"

'Yes. You cannot continue to condemn him to silence. You will only succeed in destroying him.'

"Sarah we have been over this before. He must learn his place..."

'And I have told you before that he already knows his place.'

"If he cannot address me properly then he does not know his place."

'My Lord, when has he not yielded to you or your ruling? You say you do not want to destroy him or his spirit yet when he dares to oppose only once you cannot let it go unpunished. How can he maintain his spirit if you insist on his absolute obedience and servitude? Daniel is no slave. By treating him as you are you're only helping to destroy him. Please, My Lord, do not continue to insist that he must call you master. In time he will do so but as long as you force his compliance by condemning him, causing him pain or ordering him to do so he will oppose you in this ruling.'

"No. He will learn..."

'He will refuse to do so. If he calls you master now after you have condemned him and hurt him then he will feel as if he gave in and to accept that he allowed you to change him will only cause irreparable damage. He will never call you master if you demand it of him. If you were to simply ask him at another time he would probably comply but now...now he sees what you are doing as a test. If he addresses you as master of his own free will he will know that he has surrendered to you and you will lose him completely. You cannot continue to force this issue, My Lord, or you will destroy him.'

Osiris shook his head refusing to speak further on the issue with Sarah. He instead turned to watch Daniel as the man lay on his side with his back again turned towards his lord. He was certain that Daniel was indeed awake but the man barely moved even an inch. He lay completely still holding himself rigid and somewhat compact. Osiris shook his head uncertain of just what to do about the stubborn man beside him and choosing to lay down himself and try to get some rest.

* * * *

The trainings continued in the same fashion but by the fourth day Osiris became extremely disturbed by his servant's behavior. Within a matter of days Daniel went from attempting to address My'la as he should his lord to not saying anything. She would prompt him and instead of answering her questions he would simply lower his head to the ground and wrap his arms around himself. The only time he verbalized was when his collar was triggered. He no longer rose when told to even when ordered to rise. He refused to comply only screaming and curling inward on him self as the guard again triggered his collar.

Tonight was no different. Daniel stood before My'la not even looking at her. As she asked him a question Daniel said nothing only groaned as his collar was triggered. Osiris continued to observe the session watching as My'la prompted Daniel yet again. Again her prompt was met with silence and Daniel crumpled to the floor screaming as his collar was again triggered. He automatically curled inward into a fetal position refusing to move or respond as My'la spoke his name. Osiris shook his head and nodded for her to continue prompting Daniel.

My'la looked at her lord feeling the tears piercing her eyes as he nodded his head...a silent command that she was to continue Daniel's training. She allowed a tear to escape as she focused on the man now on the floor before her. For three days she watched him dying slowly under the harsh commands of their lord. When he no longer responded to her on the second day half way through the session she was certain that he was just being defiant but when he ceased responding even non-verbally to any prompts she knew that he had enough and decided just to shut completely down. He wouldn't even respond outside of the trainings. He no longer spoke and he no longer looked at anyone.

My'la knew she was suppose to continue the session but couldn't bring herself to ask another question. She instead kneeled beside Daniel and gently touched his arm speaking his name again. She received no acknowledgement in response. She received no verbal, no non-verbal...nothing. She felt his body tensing as the guard again triggered the collar and as she felt the powerful agonizing current thrumming throughout his entire body setting every one of his nerves on end she couldn't stand it any longer. She yelled, "STOP IT! JUST STOP IT!"

When Daniel's scream of pain fell silent she heard the guard address her lord and spoke up again demanding, "STOP THIS! My Lord can you not see what this is doing to your favored? You must stop these trainings."

"He must learn his place."

"He will no longer respond to me! He will not respond to anyone! How can I train him if he will do nothing?"

The guard held up the controller and said, "That is why we have this."

"Oh yes a lot of good that has done him. You cause him immense pain but does he obey your orders even after? No. My Lord, he is withdrawing into himself. He will not even speak non-verbally to me. He will not even look at me. Zeenan has even tried to speak with him but he still does nothing. My Lord, you...if you continue to persist with this training you will kill him."

"He must learn..."

"HE ALREADY KNOWS! HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS! Why must you continue to harm him when you accomplish nothing? My Lord he knows that he is a servant. He knows that he is a slave. He was doing well with these trainings until you insisted that he address you as master..."

"He must learn to properly address his lord."

"Do you know how difficult it was to get him to even address you as his lord? Do you have any idea just how long it has taken me to train him? We were making progress and now...and now he will not even speak. You have taken the training he has tried so hard to do and have placed him back at stage one. My Lord he is not a slave. He has never been a slave. He is not used to yielding to anyone's rule. He knows what freedom is and he has spent his entire life being free. You made him your slave and your servant and you have demanded he yield to you and he has. He has and it is so hard for him to do yet instead of complimenting him you have demanded more of his compliance and more of his obedience. He has been trying so much to do as I have been teaching him and what Zeenan has been teaching him. He does not agree with anything we have taught him but he has made the effort to learn what is expected of him and to perform to your standards. He has done so much. He has obeyed everything that you have commanded of him except to address you as master and instead of noticing, instead of realizing that this is the first thing he has refused to comply with you have ordered him silenced, condemned and tortured. Now...now he has completely withdrawn. Now, now he does nothing but remain silent and still. Is this what you wish from your servant? If you continue to push this issue he will remain as he now is, My Lord. Is this truly what you want from your favored?"

Osiris considered her words then turned abruptly from her focusing on the guard and ordering, "Leave us and send Zeenan."

"Yes My Lord."

After the guard was gone Osiris approached and kneeled beside Daniel saying, "It is a simple thing that I ask of you my precious one. Why will you not comply? Why have you shut yourself off from everyone? I did not wish to push you to this extreme, Daniel. I only desire you to address me as master when it is appropriate."

Daniel didn't move, make a sound or even respond so Osiris reached over and started to gently stroke the man's hair as he continued, "You must learn to address me appropriately, Daniel. You are my favored, therefore, you do not have a choice in the matter..."

My'la spoke with barely contained rage, "My Lord this is not helping him. You are only telling him to withdrawal further into himself. Have you heard nothing of what I have said?"

"I am..."

"Why is it so important that he address you as his master? Why can you not be satisfied with him addressing you as his lord? Why must you demand he give something that he is not yet willing to give?"

"My'la..."

She heard the warning in her lord's voice and fell silent but only for a few moments before she added, "Why do you hurt him so very much, My Lord?"

"I do not hurt him."

"Yes you do. You are hurting him now."

Osiris glanced up suddenly as Zeenan entered the room. The moment his First Prime saw Daniel on the floor he was by the young man's side speaking softly to him, "Daniel? Daniel it is Zeenan. Daniel, come with me please. Come. We must get you off of this cold floor. This floor is not healthy for you, young one. Please come."

Daniel still didn't react and Zeenan became fearful. He knew that his lord had ordered Daniel to remain silent and knew that to do so could potentially be dangerous to the young man. He now sensed that Daniel was no longer with them and felt an unfamiliar ache in the vicinity of his heart. He gasped as he suddenly realized that this simple slave, this simple Tau'ri had somehow and in some way wiggled his way into his heart when he wasn't paying attention. He shook his head at the revelation before pushing those thoughts aside, focusing on My'la and softly inquiring, "How long has he been behaving as such?"

"Sev...several days...I... He...is he going to be all right, Zeenan?"

Zeenan calmed his voice further as he answered, "He will be fine. He just needs a little bit of help to find his way back to us. My'la will you please go run a warm bath for him and gather some of your scented herbs. Those you are certain will calm him. I will take him to the bathhouse and tend to him there."

Osiris demanded, "WHY?"

"Because he is cold, My Lord. Because he is shivering and because he is in need of some solace, some comfort and some understanding. Can you not feel how he shakes? Can you not see how he has compacted himself? How he has placed a defensive shield up around himself?"

"Why would he shake? Why would he feel the need to defend himself?"

"My Lord he needs something that you cannot presently offer to him. Please allow me to..."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Please allow me to care for him now. I will bring him to you when we are done. Please, My Lord."

"Zeenan..."

"My Lord, please..."

Osiris sighed before granting, "You may go but first...I must do something for him that may help to bring him to life again."

"My Lord?"

Osiris spoke softly to Daniel, "Daniel, you may speak freely again if that is what you wish. If that is what you need then that is what I shall grant to you this day. I am lifting the condemnation that I have placed upon you, my precious. Now go with Zeenan and allow him to help you."

Zeenan focused on Osiris a bit surprised by the sudden show of affection the Goa'uld lord showed to his favored and even more surprised that Osiris lifted a condemnation that he had only yesterday extended for more time. As Osiris nodded Zeenan carefully gathered Daniel into his arms, pulling the man against him before turning to exit the room and take him to the bathhouse certain that what Daniel Jackson needed was some gentle care and understanding, certain that what the man needed more than anything was Jack O'Neill and that there was no way he could bring the one who held this young man's heart in his hands to him...but he could be a friend to the man. He could be a friend and he could offer Daniel something that he desperately needed... friendship, concern, caring, understanding...someone he could depend on...someone who could help him to feel safe in an otherwise dangerously threatening world.

As he entered the bathhouse carrying Daniel he continued to glance at the man silently urging him to react in some way to any stimuli but the man remained still in his arms. He remained quiet, unmoving and limp though Zeenan knew that he was awake. He shook his head sadly knowing that this is what his lord's desire to control his favored completely would do to him. He knew it but had hoped that things would never go this far. Yet as he gazed at the young man in his arms he was reminded that this is what complete control would do to Daniel Jackson. If Osiris didn't stop trying to maintain his hold on his favored so strongly he would push the man too far away to be brought back. He'd push the man so deep inside himself that the only thing remaining would be a soulless, emotionless, heartless, methodical drone in the place of the vibrant, spirited, brilliant man he now held so closely against him. He vowed not to allow that to happen. He would protect Daniel Jackson and prevent him from completely losing himself in this life of captivity he now existed in. He would fight with all he had to keep him safe and to keep him protected.

He carefully carried Daniel to the bath and laid him gently down on the floor before removing his own clothing. Daniel's only reaction, only response was to instantly cave inward on him self curling into a tight ball and stilling once more. Again Zeenan felt an ache in his heart and stab of sympathy spearing him so deeply. He had to help this man to come back to them again. He had to or Daniel Jackson would lose himself in this place and he had so many more years that he would have to survive through before he had any chance of regaining his freedom. The man would remain with Osiris until his death. If Osiris grew displeased with his favored then Daniel Jackson would be cast aside, kept in chains serving as a lower ranked slave than his present status allotted. If, however, Osiris remained pleased with his favored then Daniel Jackson would live the rest of his days anchored to his lord's side, attending him every where and serving him to the best of his ability. Either sentence was a life of imprisonment for one brilliant young man but that was the only choices he now had. He felt his anger rise as he thought of the life this young man would now lead. It was unfair but that was simply the way of things.

Zeenan carefully eased the still unresponsive man into his arms and carried him into the bath. Once in the bath he eased back onto his haunches carefully tugging Daniel against him. As he propped his back against the wall he widened his legs and guided Daniel between them assuring him that all he wanted to do was help him bathe and that nothing else would occur. When he was situated and gently gripped Daniel's upper arms urging him to slide back against him he became very disturbed knowing that the position they were both in probably scared the hell out of Daniel yet the man didn't even jump or tense when his back pressed against his chest. They were both naked and in very close proximity to one another those things alone should have upset Daniel but he failed to react at all. He again shook his head before grabbing the soap and a washcloth up speaking calmly, "I will help you to bathe yourself. I will move slowly so as not to upset or frighten you..."

No answer proceeded the comments as Zeenan had hoped, instead dead silence still filled the room becoming almost unbearable in its intensity. He decided to continue to speak to the man now resting against him telling him what he was doing while silently urging him to respond in some way. Silence grew between them as Zeenan continued to carefully bathe Daniel growing more fearful the longer the man went without so much as a twitch of movement. He quickly found that the silence needed to be filled so without thought he softly spoke, "Daniel, I realize that the last several days have been extremely harsh. Our lord has become obsessed with his demands. He requests you call him master but cannot understand why you continue to refuse him or why you have withdrawn into yourself. I am sorry that he has such an intense need to do this to you, young one. I know that you rely on your speech for everything and I know that he has stolen something from you that you cannot survive without. I also know that by doing so he has pushed you into a very dark place..."

Silence answered his comment, silence and stillness and he inhaled a shaky breath fearing that he might not succeed in bringing Daniel back from the prison his mind has placed him in. He decided to continue to speak hoping that he could draw some indication however futile from the man that would indicate that Daniel was still in there, "I understand your need to remain silent and if that is what you wish to do then I can accept that. I understand that this is the only way you are able to maintain your control. This is the only way you are able to defy your lord and his demands. I know that this is why you still remain silent. If one cannot speak then one cannot call another his master or his lord. This you have done to yourself. You have silenced your voice so that you do not have to speak the words our lord longs to hear from your very lips. I understand more than you realize young one. I know that you have a need to remain silent. I just want you to also know that if you need someone to speak to or to listen to you then I am here for you. I will always be here for you, young one. This I promise you...as long as you need me I will be here for you."

Daniel tried to speak and tried to respond to Zeenan. He was scared. He was really, truly frightened. He had stopped talking originally to be defiant and oppositional. He would NOT call Osiris his master. He could handle calling the snake his lord but never his master. He had grown fearful when he drew so near to caving and giving the Goa'uld lord exactly what he demanded. He wasn't a fool either for he knew that if he surrendered those words to his lord that he longed to hear then Osiris would win and he would lose and if he lost...he wasn't certain if he'd ever be able to find his way back so he settled for silencing his voice, stealing from Osiris that which he so desperately wished and longed for. He would deny the Goa'uld lord the only way he knew how and that was by failing to respond to him at all. He quickly slipped into the silence refusing to even look at the goa'uld lord let alone speak to him. He would not surrender another part of himself to this snake and especially not that!

His decision was made three, or was it four, days ago and now he found that silence was all that remained within. He wanted to speak to Zeenan but hesitated fearing that if he did, if he spoke those words the Jaffa longed to hear then Osiris would again demand he surrender all to him and address him as his master and owner. He would not do that! As he listened to Zeenan's words a sudden calmness and sense of safety swept over him and for the first time since his arrival here he realized that he felt...protected, safe...shielded. He felt as if he just found the one and only person he could rely on and depend on in this hellish existence he now resided in. Somehow that Jaffa, Osiris' First Prime, slipped into his heart and became someone he started to trust, to rely on and to care about and he had no idea just how that happened. He has only known the Jaffa for a few short weeks and yet he felt so certain so sure that he could trust the Jaffa with his life. He wondered if the similarities between Zeenan and Teal'c had anything to do with those feelings of security he drew so easily from the Jaffa now holding him closely and as those last few thoughts sunk in he found himself able to relax a bit. He closed his eyes before allowing his head to drop back against Zeenan's powerful shoulder. As the calmness and safety continued to wrap around him he found himself willingly propping his head on that shoulder, sighing softly and relaxing a bit further. As Zeenan's first response to the sudden reaction was to tighten his hold on the man he was supporting Daniel slowly reached up and placed his hands over top of the Jaffa's holding his arms in place around him.

Zeenan smiled as he sensed a difference in the young Tau'ri before him. Somehow, for some unexplainable reason this young man with him was now trusting him and showing him how much by relaxing in his embrace. As Daniel started to go lax and allowed his head to fall softly back against him Zeenan felt his heart skip a beat. Relief flooded him instantly because he had drawn a response from him. Daniel hadn't responded to him in several days, in fact he shut down so completely that he wouldn't respond to anybody. He just locked himself away from everyone. As Daniel shifted in his arms making himself even more comfortable Zeenan spoke again, "Thank you Daniel Jackson for accepting me as your friend and trusting me. I will make certain that you will not find your trust has been misplaced."

A soft, hoarse whisper filled the room, so low that Zeenan doubted he would've been able to hear it if Daniel wasn't resting against him, "Thank...thank you Zeenan." He smiled warmly at the young man before lowering his own voice and assuring, "You may speak freely, Daniel. Our lord has lifted the condemnation and has granted you the right to speak yet again. You need not whisper any longer..."

"If he finds out he'll...make me...and I can't...can't..."

"Shh, shh I know that you cannot call him your master. I understand that this is a very hard thing for you to accomplish. You may feel free to speak with me without fear or worry of future actions or comments being used against you for such a minor request."

"Thank...thanks

"I believe that you no longer have to fear such a demand from our lord. Your silence has disturbed him greatly. He does not like to see you so withdrawn. He has granted your release from your condemnation to silence. Feel free to speak with him and around him now for he will not go back on his word..."

"Yes he will, someday. He...I... He needs to control everything and what better way then to..."

"I am certain that he is now too afraid to do so. He does not want to lose you in any way, including to complete silence due to a demand he makes that you are not ready to comply with and may never be able to comply with."

"I...I tried, I tried for...for My'la. He said... He threatened to punish her for my failure to address him appropriately. I couldn't let him... Now, now I fear he has discovered my greatest weakness..."

"My'la?"

"No, no...compassion..."

"To have compassion is not a weakness, my friend."

"Yes it is when...when it can be used against you it becomes a weapon of great power. He now knows, he knows..."

"What does he know, Daniel?"

"To earn my obedience all he must do is threaten another."

Zeenan swallowed hard as he listened to that answer and felt his heart breaking for he knew that Daniel was correct. He knew that Osiris would resort to threatening others to gain his servant's undying devotion and obedience and suddenly he knew how to destroy Daniel Jackson. It was so simple, so easy and unfortunately Osiris now knew also. The key to destroying Daniel was to destroy others, to punish others for his disobedience. He knew and he prayed that Osiris would never become cruel enough to use Daniel's compassion against him for if he dared then Daniel could truly become lost to them...forever.

As if Daniel read his thoughts he muttered, "You see now why it is a weakness?"

He wanted to deny that he did but found himself being honest as he answered softly, "Yes Daniel I do."

Daniel's only response was to nod before continuing, "And there's nothing I can do about that. If I lose my compassion then..."

"You will lose yourself."

Silence filled the room stretching before Daniel softly answered, "Yes."

"Compassion is part of what makes you so special. It is a shame that one such as our lord would dare to use it as a weapon."

"I wish I could tell you that he wouldn't do that to me but I can't for he's already tried it and he will again...someday."

"I shall try my best to protect you and prevent such a thing from happening to you, young one. I will not allow you to lose yourself in this place. This I promise you."

"You can't prevent that Zeenan... I'm already dying you know. Inside...my emotions I'm... I know how to...I know..."

"I may not be able to prevent you from losing some part of yourself here but I can prevent you from losing yourself completely. I will not let you become completely lost in this place Daniel. I promise you that I will not let you become completely lost."

Daniel felt tears swelling up in his eyes in response to Zeenan's vow to him. He was grateful that Zeenan would try to protect him and watch over him, but he knew that even Zeenan could not prevent him from losing himself entirely in this place. The only way to prevent such a fate would be to escape. He would have to attempt escape soon and pray that he was successful for if he failed and was recaptured he risked losing his soul, his spirit, himself in this hellish nightmare forever.

Next:

A CHANCE AT FREEDOM

Feedback to: bluebirdstears@yahoo.com

Back

Parts Index

Slash Fiction Index

Home

Top

Copyright©2004-2008 Midnightstorms.net

All Rights Reserved.