Personal Sacrifice
Part 3
By:
Stacy L.
A
CHANCE AT FREEDOM
The
Escape Attempt
Daniel
swallowed hard as he prepared to attempt escape. He made certain that Osiris
was preoccupied then he quietly slipped out of the bedchamber and down the
lengthy halls of the palace. He had to get away and he had to do so soon or
Osiris would destroy him. As he exited the palace he sighed in relief then took
off at a dead run. When he finally made it to the woods it wasn't long before
the warning alarms were sounded. As he heard the shrill bells he knew that time
was no longer on his side. He had to get away and he had to be quick about it
for they had discovered his absence and were now searching for him.
As
he ran into the woods he only had one thought in mind: to make it as far from
Osiris' lair as he was able. He had to try to make it to the Stargate and dial
his way out of here. Of course he had no GDO any longer, for it had been
confiscated along with his weapons and supplies the moment he had been captured
and imprisoned. He knew that he should've first retrieved his GDO but knew that
would take precious time that he could use to focus on escaping his oppressor.
He would have to dial a friendly planet and have them contact the SGC for him.
As he ran he had a brief thought of how his allies would react when they saw
him standing before them in a collar, chastity belt and lead chain. He was
certain that he would be a sight to be beheld. He shook his head focusing on
running faster, harder and not even risking a backward glance.
As
he came across a stream he briefly thought about the depth of the creek and the
speed with which the water was moving about in the stream. He took only a few
moments to contemplate the risks of attempting to cross the stream before him.
As he heard a shrill whistle being blown he didn't think. He darted into the
water hissing loudly and nearly freezing to the spot as ice cold water splashed
up around his ankles. Oh God, the water was damned cold! What the hell was the
source of this stream a damned mountain spring? Feeling chills beginning to
wrack his body Daniel forced himself to focus on making it to the opposite side
of the stream. Without further thought or consideration he pushed himself
onward gasping as upon reaching the center of the stream his foot dropped down
in. He almost lost his balance but quickly recovered realizing that the water
was now up to his hips. Damn and he thought that this looked like a small
stream? This was more like a damned river!
Hearing
the alarms again he stepped forward bracing himself for the sudden drop in the
streambed. This time he dropped more gracefully but still managed to slosh some
of the freezing water up over his chest. Damn this water was fuckin' cold! He
forced his eyes ahead again seeing that he was almost to the other shore and
without further hesitation he continued on in the direction of that distant
shore this time moving with more caution in case the streambed dropped or
sloped even lower. As he neared the far shore the water level lowered
considerably and he soon found himself standing on the opposite shore to where
he had began. He glanced briefly back in the direction of the palace and then
with renewed energy surged forward dashing madly into the deep jungle growth
ahead.
As
he moved he could feel grass, branches and briars slapping against his legs
mainly slicing into his ankles but he didn't care. All he knew was that he had
to make it to the Stargate and home as quickly as his feet could carry him. He
continued to run realizing that his energy was beginning to dissipate. He
stopped briefly to catch his breath hearing the loud shrill whistle much closer
to him than before. Shit! He had to get out of here!
Again
he picked up his pace racing towards the gate hoping and praying that he would
eventually make it there without being apprehended but as he cleared one of the
last hills before the gate blue lightening streaked passed him to his left way
too close...zat guns. Shit they were using zat guns! He knew that he had to get
out of the open and dived behind a tree just as another blast zipped by his
head and collided with a nearby tree. Damn! He jerked his head towards the gate
seeing that the whole path was cleared. There were no trees or cover to duck
behind. He would be a sitting duck if he attempted to make a break for that
last hill. Shit! He was pinned and he had no way out. He felt his spirits fall
as he realized the inevitability of his situation. He was trapped and he would
be recaptured then returned to his master. Shit!
He
could hear the clomp clomps of the approaching Jaffa and as he peered over the
edge of his hiding spot he could see the Phoenix heads of Osiris'
guards...shit, there were at least a dozen of them! He needed a dozen guards to
retrieve his slave? Why so many? What was he afraid of?
Daniel
froze as one of the
Daniel
remained where he was hearing his heart pounding and his breathing echoing in
his ears sounding harsh and brittle. He wanted to kill and to scream. He was so
damned close, so damned close to escape! He jerked around as noise behind him
startled him and as he noticed five other guards now standing behind him he
lowered his head in defeat. As the guards approached him and jerked him to his
feet, imprisoning his arms all Daniel could muster was, "I'm sorry Jack...I
tried. I tried so hard but I failed. I'm sorry..."
The
guards didn't hear his soft utterances to his lover they were focused on
maintaining complete control over their prisoner. As he was dragged to the
guards standing ahead of him he lowered his gaze. The guard who spoke only
moments before gently pressed his fingers under Daniel's chin and pushed his
head up. He then spoke softly, "Why did you have to attempt escape? Now
you will be punished by our lord. We do not wish to see the one we have come to
respect and honor executed."
Daniel
paled as the
The
Daniel
lowered his head and nodded allowing the two guards still holding him to lead
him on a path directly back towards the palace he had tried so hard to escape
from without success. He winced as they jerked him forward jumping as the
Both
guards did so. He then ordered one of the guards to release him saying that he
would escort Daniel to Osiris. Daniel noticed that the
"We
have not...I am Tel'tar."
"Oh."
"We
have never met yet I know of whom you are, Master Daniel. I guard the palace
walls. You will be seeing more of me I am certain."
"Unless..."
"No.
Master Daniel, our lord is very fond of you. Our followers are very fond of you
and we are very fond of you. Our lord Osiris would be a fool to destroy one who
has come to be so vital to his legion."
Daniel
stared at him in shock and surprise. He was vital? How the hell was he vital to
Osiris' legion when he was a damn servant? He was highly respected and honored
by Osiris' followers? How the hell was that possible? He was a fuckin' slave!
Slaves were not important.
Tel'tar
smiled at Daniel then continued, "You do not even realize your importance
to this legion, to our lord Osiris' and to his followers do you, Master Daniel?
How can you be so smart yet not even realize your importance? You do not even
realize the power you possess, the power you hold over our lord. You do not
even realize your beauty. How can one so intelligent, so educated in the
tongues of the Ancients not realize his own importance, his own power and his
own inner beauty? You are indeed a wonder Master Daniel. You fascinate everyone
you encounter yet you do not even realize that you do so. Have you not
questioned why it is our lord has chosen you to be granted the most important
status in his legion that a servant can acquire? Do you not yet understand why
you have been selected to serve at your lord's side always? Master Daniel, you
have much to learn...come let us return to our lord."
Daniel
lowered his gaze and nodded his head allowing the guards to lead him back to
Osiris' palace and into the throne room. As he neared the palace he could feel
trepidation and anxiousness fill him. He knew what awaited him on the other
side of those tall doors...imprisonment, punishment and slavery. As he was led
closer and closer to the palace that rose high above him he could feel his
spirits fall and his hesitation increase. He would be trapped in there again
without permission to leave the palace. He would be locked away in the palace.
He would be locked away from the brilliant outdoors and kept imprisoned in his
magnificent gilded cage, locked away like a pet. He shuddered as he remembered
what life in that menacing palace would hold for him. He could feel his heart aching
and his spirit crying out against the injustice of it all. Why did he have to
remain locked away from the world, from the universe and imprisoned by a system
lord who desired only to own and master him? Why?
THE
DISCIPLINE
The
Penalty for Escape
He
cursed violently as he was escorted directly to Osiris' throne room. Osiris
glowered at him with his white glowing eyes as if he were staring straight
through him. Daniel unconsciously shivered in response to witnessing the
Goa'uld's ire towards him. He waited on edge for Osiris' rule...would he be put
to death for his attempted escape? Would he be locked up in Osiris' dungeons or
punished? What did Osiris now have planned for him? He swallowed hard as Sarah
rose elegantly to her feet approaching him but not seeing him. She was no
longer human she was a monster, a snake, a parasite hiding within a human
being. Daniel felt another shiver travel the length of his body as she casually
pressed her hand to the side of his face and quietly addressed him, "My
dear slave, what did you believe you were accomplishing by attempting to flee
from your god?"
Daniel
said nothing choosing, instead to keep a leery eye on the Goa'uld before him
reminding himself that this was not Sarah. His outright refusal irritated
Osiris for that same hand casually slid behind his neck before wrapping around
the leash and yanking. He yelped as his head was yanked backwards by the lead
attached to his collar. Osiris sneered at him as he continued, "Your
crimes shall not go unpunished my dear pet but should you plead for your lord's
forgiveness I may reward you. What shall your decision be?"
"I
will never beg you for anything!"
"Oh
on the contrary my dear slave you will. You will learn to crawl and grovel for
your lord. You will learn to plead and beg for your lord's forgiveness or you
shall suffer the wrath of Osiris. I give you one more chance to plead for my
mercy."
"Go
to hell!"
Osiris
turned rage filled eyes towards the guards holding the stubborn Tau'ri between
them and commanded, "See that he is properly lashed for his impudence.
When you grow tired of punishing the slave then you may return him to my
bedchamber. He is to be kept locked inside and his wounds are to be left
unattended. Perhaps he will learn to submit to his god much more easily when he
learns the penalty for denying his lord. Take him away!"
"Yes
My Lord."
Zeenan
watched as the spirited Tau'ri was dragged to the lashing post. He most
definitely was not meek or quiet. He cursed and fought against the guards the
entire way. Daniel Jackson was still as wild, untamed and spirited as the day
Osiris first captured him. He casually glanced at his lord expecting to see
more irritation and rage there for the slave's continued defiance and
disrespect but instead of anger he saw...respect and awe? What?
Osiris
spoke softly as he addressed his First Prime, "Zeenan, see to it that they
only punish him. I do not want his will broken. I simply want him
punished."
Zeenan
stared in surprise before lowering his head, addressing his lord and following
the guards to the punishment chamber. As he entered he stopped continuing to
watch the scene as Daniel Jackson continued his resistance getting several
decent strikes in before his right wrist was effectively locked into a
restraint. He still continued to fight cursing as the guards overpowered him
succeeding in locking his left wrist and his ankles in restraints. His friend
Lanil saw him and approached quietly questioning, "Zeenan, why have you
come?"
"Osiris
wishes the slave to be punished only. He does not want his will broken."
Lanil
paused for a moment before nodding and continuing, "Yes, his spirit is
very strong. Several times he has almost succeeded in escaping a second time. I
believe our lord has finally found his match in this young one."
"Indeed,
I believe that he has. Carry on."
Lanil
nodded before returning to the prisoner. He addressed the still combative man,
"Young one, this fight is only draining you of much needed strength. Your
lord has ordered you not to be attended after the lashing therefore you will be
very weak. It would be wise of you to maintain your strength for the battle you
will soon have to fight. You waste your energy struggling against the chains
that now bind you. You are well secured. You have no escape."
Daniel
glared coldly at the guard and Lanil gasped, shocked that the man was still so
full of spirit and defiance after spending much time serving their lord. Lanil
bowed to the young man before saying, "Young one, know that we do not take
pleasure from your suffering. We only carry out our lord's commands. You may
calm yourself for you have demonstrated how worthy you are of our
respect."
He
then glanced at Na'ton and nodded. Na'ton brandished the whip raising it before
laying it to the slave's back. No scream came from the man who was now at the
whip's mercy. The only sounds that echoed through the chamber were the snap of
the whip and the sounds of the weapon impacting flesh. The slave fought to
remain upright refusing to collapse against the chains that now imprisoned him.
Both guards could tell that the young slave was very stubborn and very
spirited.
Na'ton
was determined to finish this lashing as quickly as he was able for he had no
wish to harm the Tau'ri who demonstrated such courage and such strength before
their lord. He made his strikes fast and penetrating, driving into the slave
until he slipped into merciful unconsciousness. Na'ton glanced at Lanil who
nodded encouraging him to finish what he had started. Na'ton nodded then
brought the whip down across the man's back ten final times before ceasing and
indicating that the punishment was complete.
Lanil
approached the man sighing when he discovered that the slave was yet alive
though fever was now within. Together he and Na'ton carefully released the
slave and eased him down before taking him to Zeenan. Lanil noticed that his
friend obviously cared for Osiris' favored for he gently cupped the man's left
cheek in his hand saddened greatly that his beautiful face was now marred by
pain and anguish. Lanil calmly spoke, "It is done. You may take him to our
lord's chambers. He is to be laid upon their bed and left unattended. Our lord
requested the chamber be sealed so that no one could attend to him as
punishment for his crime."
"This
should not have happened, my friend."
"You
are correct. Death is the penalty for escape. Our lord is being very gracious
on the slave's behalf."
"As
is his right as our god."
"Yes,
as is his right. Our god is, indeed, merciful."
Zeenan
held out his arms accepting the unconscious man into them. He inhaled sharply
as the young Tau'ri whimpered when his arm came into contact with his now
sheered flesh. Zeenan spoke quietly, "Shh, hush, young one, for I must touch
your back to carry you to your chambers. I am sorry that I must hurt you but I
have no other choice. Hush now. Be calm."
Daniel's
only response was a low moan and a toss of his head, which brought the right
side of his face resting against Zeenan's chest. As the young servant propped
his head against him Zeenan felt a fierce protectiveness sweep through him.
Daniel Jackson was his responsibility, and he vowed to protect the young man as
best he could. He again spoke soothingly explaining to the unconscious linguist
what he was now doing. He then carried Daniel to their lord's bedchamber and
over to the bed where he gently placed him on his belly glancing up as he heard
a gasp from the entrance. He saw My'la enter the room and approach stating,
"Our lord has requested he be punished for his escape."
Zeenan
continued to look upon Daniel's youthful face. He reached out and gently
brushed hair off of his forehead sighing in frustration and sadness as Daniel
again tossed his head. Though he was unconscious the man was also very
restless. He quietly responded to My'la's comment as he continued to observe
the young man now in the bed, "Yes."
My'la
quieted her own voice as she continued, "And he is to remain here
unattended?"
"Yes."
"But
he still bleeds."
Oh
yes. He bleeds, he hurts and he suffers. Zeenan wondered why Daniel chose to
attempt escape. He knew that the man would probably make at least one escape
attempt and had been surprised when Osiris merely ordered a lashing. Though his
whipping was very brutal the man still drew breath and Osiris had requested his
spirit not be broken. Has Osiris finally managed to find room to care in his
heart? He shook his head continuing to silently observe Daniel. He could see
the sweat beads trickling down over Daniel's face and soaking into his
hair...fever. All brutal lashings caused a fever in the body. He would most
likely be unconscious for several days drifting in and out of consciousness
before successfully beginning the rocky road to healing.
Zeenan
was angry with his lord and grateful at the same time. He was grateful that
Osiris found it in his heart to allow Daniel to live but angry that his lord
had ordered such a vicious punishment for Daniel's opposition. He glanced up at
My'la noting the same concern crossing her facial features that he was now
holding for the Tau'ri. He didn't know what he could say to her to ease her
worries so he settled for suggesting, "Prepare fresh sheets and blankets
but do not place them on the bed until Osiris requests them. We must leave now
for his punishment is not yet over."
My'la
focused intently on the slave who dared to attempt escape. He was pale and
remained as still as death though he still lived for she could hear the
shakiness in his breath as he lay imprisoned in the dark realm of
unconsciousness. She turned to look at Zeenan noticing that the First Prime
also seemed deeply concerned for the slave. As he focused on her yet again they
both turned to hesitantly exit the bedchamber, sealing the room as commanded,
both of them hoping that the young man locked within would survive the
punishment his lord had requested.
As
evening drifted into nighttime Osiris entered his bedchamber finding his slave
on his stomach lying still as death on the golden mattress. Blood was now
soaked into the sheets beneath his body, dried now from the many hours he had
been left unattended. He approached Daniel reaching a shaky hand towards his
favored. He could feel his host's sorrow and anger towards him for what he had
done. Momentarily ignoring her he pressed a tender hand to Daniel's face
carefully sweeping those loose tendrils of golden hair off of Daniel's temple
feeling the dampness upon his face and clinging to those few strands that
attested to fever. His favored was very warm. His skin was covered in a light
sheen of moisture produced by the sparking heat that now flooded his body. As
he gently brushed the hair back off of the man's face he spoke quietly to his
host, "Do not despair, for I have told you that I have the power to heal
him..."
She
spoke with anger and rage tingeing her words, 'yet you choose not to use that
power. You choose not to spare him such intense suffering...'
"He
escaped. The penalty for escape is death. I did not wish to end his life, for I
have become rather fond of the one you still love but he had to be punished for
his crimes against his god. Now cease your complaints or I shall be forced to
direct much pain to you my dear Sarah."
He
smiled as his host quieted once again retreating inside her own mind. Though
she was now silent Osiris knew that she was silently observing everything. She
was very afraid for Daniel Jackson. Her fear was so strong that it flowed over
and through him threatening to overwhelm him until he shoved those feelings
aside choosing to focus all attention on his most favored.
Osiris
gently lifted his slave off of the mattress cradling him in his arms as if he
were a mere child, one arm draped under his knees and the other supporting his
back. He focused intently on the man as a soft moan of pain escaped from
between slightly parted lips. His favored shifted becoming slightly restless
until his head drifted against Osiris' chest. As soon as he propped his face
against Osiris' chest Daniel Jackson shifted a bit more before falling silent
yet again. Osiris smiled warmly at the man resting in his arms before carefully
carrying him to the bathhouse.
When
Osiris saw My'la he instructed her to change the sheets and the bedding in
their bedchamber before continuing to the bath. Once there he slowly lowered
Daniel into the warm water before quickly stripping off his remaining clothing.
When fully naked Osiris slid into the bath directly behind his still
unconscious servant. Once he was relaxed he gently pulled Daniel back against
him settling the man between his legs supporting him with his own body. As
Daniel's back came in contact with his chest Osiris heard another pain-filled
moan escape. He focused intently on his servant's beautiful face certain that
Daniel was now returning to wakefulness. He spoke soothingly, "Shh, relax,
my precious slave. I merely want to bathe you and clean you. Your injuries have
not yet been attended to as per my orders. They are severe and require attention.
You must relax and allow me to do this for you..."
My'la
paused at the door to the bathhouse shocked and surprised to see her lord being
so gentle and careful with a disobedient slave. Her lord did not like to get
his hands bloody or to tend to his slaves himself. She was completely surprised
by how he was now attending to his favored. She couldn't move as she continued
to quietly observe her lord speaking softly and reassuringly to Daniel while
carefully washing the man's ruined back. She gasped when Zeenan approached her
from behind turning to give him her attention.
Zeenan
saw My'la staring into the bathhouse and was curious to see what now held her
attention so he approached then followed her gaze. He was not as surprised as
she appeared to see their lord bathing Daniel Jackson with such care for he had
witnessed more of their interactions than most. He lowered his voice as he
spoke, "Our lord is very generous with his favored. He spends much time
seeing to Daniel's comfort and his needs. This is not the first time I have
witnessed his sincere concern for his favored. To see him treat his slave in
such a fashion is a surprise to many for few expect to see one so powerful
exhibit such care and concern for a mere slave... My'la you must prepare our
lord's bedchamber for when he is finished bathing he will wish to retire."
My'la
nodded then exited the room preparing to change the sheets and covers on her
lord's bed. Zeenan cast one last glance at the two bathing before he too turned
and exited the room.
Osiris
continued to bath Daniel taking much care to be gentle with him. He smiled
warmly as Daniel moaned before opening his eyes for the first time since the
lashing. He immediately spoke, "Relax. Allow me to finish bathing you and
tending to your injuries."
As
Daniel drifted towards wakefulness the first thing he became aware of was the
pain that now seemed to have dulled. He tried to recall just what had happened
to cause the stiffness and pain across his back. He moaned again as he
attempted to shift feeling arms tighten just a hair around his waist. He tried
to remember where he was and whom he was with. He could feel the body heat of
the one behind him and the comforting warmth that now surrounded him. He could
hear the faintest sounds of water lapping and bubbling gently around him and
realized that he was in a bath he quietly croaked, "Ja'k...?"
Osiris
leaned forward pressing the left side of his face against the side of Daniel's
head before speaking softly in his ear, "No my precious slave. Your Jack
O'Neill is not with us..."
Daniel
recognized the silky voice of the one who held him and felt his insides
twisting in sudden fear and apprehension. Osiris, he was still with Osiris and
as that voice flowed over him the events of the last several hours returned to
him. He remembered all too clearly his failed escape attempt and the ultimate
punishment Osiris chose to bestow upon him for his crime. The lashing, a very
brutal lashing that left him so weak that he could barely focus on his surroundings.
He wanted to yell, to scream and to argue with Osiris but he just didn't seem
to have the energy to do any of those things at the moment so he quietly
muttered, "Mmm...Sarah...then..."
Osiris
allowed Sarah to address Daniel sensing that the man would respond much quicker
to her than to him. As she was granted temporary control of her own body she
spoke softly, "Yes Daniel, I'm here with you."
That
voice, her voice...he would know her voice anywhere. The melodious sounds of
her husky voice lined and tinged with the slightest bit of an accent
...Sarah...the voice belonged to Sarah. The voice was all hers. The deeper,
gravely voice of the Goa'uld lord did not tinge her words or edge her voice. He
responded much quicker to Sarah's voice still keeping his eyes closed trying to
resist the urge to fall back into a deep, dreamless sleep as he spoke,
"Sarah...I don't feel...so good...hot...thirsty..."
"Yes
that is understandable. Our lord ordered you punished for your escape
attempt."
Daniel
simply nodded not having the energy or the strength to do anything else. He
also became aware that he no longer had the strength to keep his head up and
without thought he allowed his head to drift back against Sarah's left
shoulder.
Sarah
smiled at Daniel's willingness to allow her to support him. She knew that he
was weak, tired and feverish for Osiris' punishment was quite severe. She
pressed her right hand tenderly against Daniel's cheek then forehead frowning
when she felt the burning heat that was still raging within him.
Daniel
attempted to shift in her arms groaning as he began to slide into the water.
Sarah reacted immediately bracing him and pulling him back against her holding
him more firmly against her body. She shifted her left arm bracing him tighter
so that he wouldn't slide again. She again pressed her hand against his fevered
brow. Daniel moaned and turned into her hand as if her touch could cool him.
She then continued in a soothing tone of voice, "Hush now Daniel. We will
tend to your injuries. You just hush..."
"We?
Osiris?"
"Yes,
Osiris is here also..."
"But
you're...you...he..."
"He
grants me control of my body occasionally, but he still remains and
watches."
Daniel
again nodded slightly finding that words were becoming a fleeting thing as
exhaustion continued to stalk him. He started drifting asleep and mumbled,
"Sorry...I'm so sorry Sarah...Sorry I couldn't...save you...sorry you're
hurting ...because of me...so sorry..."
"Shh
Daniel. You have nothing to be sorry for. I forgave you a long time ago...
Osiris is not as evil as you may believe."
"He's...Goa'uld..."
"Yes..."
"He's..."
"Shh,
conserve your strength. You are in need of rest and healing. Close your eyes,
my dear sweet Daniel. Close your eyes..."
Daniel
relaxed further against Sarah/Osiris. He had no strength left to resist the
Goa'uld lord so all he could do was obey. Before he drifted asleep again Osiris
spoke to him also urging him to sleep.
Sarah
stepped back in her mind still worried about Daniel even though Osiris
continuously assured her that he could heal Daniel if he so desired. She fell
silent watching as the goa'uld lord continued to bathe Daniel with such care
and tenderness. She was still rather surprised at how Osiris truly felt about
Daniel Jackson. Daniel was a slave now but one whom Osiris has grown to...
love...at least that was the closest feeling she could associate with how
Osiris felt about Daniel. The man still amazed her. Daniel had the amazing
ability to capture everyone and to earn their trust, their concern and their
love. She doubted the man even realized the kind of power he held over those he
met. He was a rare human being: he had a kind heart, a kind soul and a
brilliant mind all wrapped up into one beautiful package...
She
jumped as Osiris chuckled before addressing her, "You desire him still.
You love him."
'Yes.'
What else could she say? She could lie to the Goa'uld but she knew that Osiris
would know that she was lying for he knew what truly lay in her heart. He had
known since the moment he "blended" with her how she felt about one
brilliant archaeologist. She was, also, certain that because of her love for
the man now resting against her Osiris quickly created a fondness of his own
for Daniel Jackson. Osiris knew of her past life with Daniel and knew how she
felt about the man still. Osiris interrupted her straying thoughts as he
continued to speak to her, “He now belongs to me. He is ours my darling host,
all ours.”
‘Yes…’ Though she was saddened by the fact that Daniel was now a slave to Osiris she was happy that he was now here with them. She had missed him and needed him with her. She knew that Osiris treated him with much respect and always saw to his needs and comforts. Though Daniel was now Osiris' slave and servant he was rarely treated as one by her lord. Osiris even granted him an honored status in his legion, which pleased her immensely. Osiris again interrupted her thoughts as he said, "Rest. We will be retiring ourselves so rest."
Sarah
settled and started to drift asleep. Osiris was a very interesting creature
indeed. When he had first entered her he ruled with an iron fist denying her
even the briefest chance at regaining any control. After many long months
aboard a ship with no other for company Osiris began to speak with her no
longer ordering her silent or demanding that she yield to him completely. He
explained to her what he was and told her that he knew she still existed inside
her own body. He breathed life back into her by reawaking her soul after curling
up deep within herself. She was now more alive than ever before nurtured by
Osiris' continued concern and fondness for her. He now treated her with the
same respect and concern he bestowed upon Daniel. While he insisted on
remaining in control most of the time he no longer attempted to suppress her
allowing her to share his experiences and to witness his power. Tonight was the
first time he had fully stepped back giving her complete control and warning
her that if she attempted to fight him she would never be given control again.
She was very grateful for his small gift to her. Their relationship still was
not equal, for Osiris held most of the control and power but she no longer felt
like a helpless prisoner locked within her own body. She actually enjoyed the
times when Osiris would speak with her or share his thoughts with her. As sleep
finally claimed her she smiled hearing Osiris whisper good night to her before
he once again placed all his attention on Daniel and seeing to his comfort and
needs.
Osiris
sensed the instant that Sarah started drifting asleep. He smiled then turned
his focus back to his servant. He carefully bathed Daniel being very gentle
when he was faced with cleaning the man's back. Once done he lifted the now
unconscious man into his arms, dried him off with a towel and carried him into
their bedchamber. He smiled as he noticed that they now had clean linens. He
carried Daniel to their bed and carefully laid him on his stomach taking
precautions not to jar him too much in the process.
After
assuring himself that Daniel was comfortable he retrieved ointment focusing on
treating his lashes. He refused to use the sarcophagus or his hand device to
heal his servant. He wanted this lesson to be forever ingrained in Daniel and
the best way to do just that was by making him have to live with the vicious
lashes still marring his back.
After
he finished cleaning the injuries he settled beside Daniel stretching his own
body fully out before turning onto his right side to focus on his servant again.
Daniel moaned softly as if he were waking and slowly tossed his head from side
to side. He was restless. Osiris set to work calming the man, telling him to
hush and relax. Daniel groaned again choking out, "Hot...mmm...I'm...hot..."
"Hush,
my sweet Daniel, hush. You have a fever that is why you feel hot. Just allow
your self to relax and rest. Rest."
Daniel
groaned again tossing his head towards Osiris. Osiris knew that he needed to
calm Daniel so the man could receive the healing rest his body needed. He
gently pressed his hand to the side of Daniel's face watching as the man slowly
opened his eyes. Daniel focused on him briefly then confusion filled his
feverish stare. Daniel licked his lips before speaking just above a whisper,
"Sarah, what are you...?"
Daniel
could feel the fever in him increasing and became restless. He felt so hot and
his back throbbed. He slowly opened his eyes to see where he was at focusing on
the woman beside him...who was she? What was her name again? God, why couldn't
he think of her name? He spoke it so softly realizing he chose the correct
name, but it didn't fit for some reason. Why? Her name was Sarah but...she
wasn't Sarah? Who was she then if not Sarah? He groaned in frustration closing
his eyes as his brain refused to function at its full capacity. God, he was
tired. Why was he so tired? Why was his brain so muddled all of a sudden? He
heard her voice, but she sounded different...more gravely and... Osiris. He was
with Osiris so what had happened to place him in this state of intense heat,
this uncomfortable warmth that made him feel both lethargic and exhausted at
the same time? He shifted wanting to turn onto his side but pain greeted the
move. He yelped quickly silencing his murmurings of anguish certain that the
one beside him would find some sadistic thrill in knowing that he was suffering
after having dared to disobey by...by what? Damn, why wasn't his mind working?
Because of the fever...feverish...very feverish but why? What could have
created the fever within his body? Damn it, why couldn't he think clearly?
Hell, why was he so damned hot? He felt like he was in a damned inferno.
Snippets
of memories from earlier in the day filled his mind. He had escaped, ran from
Osiris determined to get away when he was recaptured. His punishment was a
brutal, vicious lashing...a lashing that produced this debilitating fever
within his body. Why had the fever increased so drastically in mere moments? He
remembered the bath and he hadn't been this hot so what caused his fever to
spike? Better yet just when in the hell would the damned fever be gone?
He
quietly whimpered as the fever within seemed to escalate further pushing him
closer to unconsciousness and exhaustion. He heard the voice of his captor
speaking softly urging him to relax and to rest. How the hell could he rest
when he felt as if his whole body were on fire? How?
Osiris
noticed that Daniel appeared to be less alert and more confused. He gently
pressed the palm of his hand to Daniel's moist brow inhaling sharply as he felt
the heat radiating from the man. He knew that a lashing as extensive as the one
Daniel received would produce a fever but was a bit surprised that the fever
was producing such heat and such confusion in his favored. He spoke softly to
Sarah, "He is feverish, Sarah. I believe the fever has risen..."
'If
it gets too high he could die.'
"Then
I should prepare the sarcophagus."
'No,
you can't use that on a human being knowing the adverse effects such technology
could have on him.'
"It
will heal him."
Sarah
could hear the concern and worry in Osiris' voice, which confused her further.
Osiris always confused her. He wanted Daniel to suffer the effects of the
lashing knowing a fever would arise yet he couldn't stand idly by and watch the
man suffer. Why would he decide to punish Daniel only to become doubtful as to
whether he wants to carry out that punishment? As he continued to watch Daniel
with such deep concern Sarah could only shake her head. Only moments before he
desired to make his servant suffer for his escape attempt yet now he wanted to
heal the man completely. Why was Osiris so inconsistent with issues that
concerned Daniel? Again she sensed that Osiris' feelings for his favored went
very deep and that somewhere along the line when he became determined to hold
onto Daniel Jackson the man had turned around and stolen his heart. Love was a
very powerful emotion and she was more than a little bit certain that the
emotion had found, and trapped, the powerful system lord known as Osiris for he
would do anything for Daniel Jackson.
Love
could be a two-edged sword making one do crazy things to win the love of
another. Daniel Jackson needed his freedom. The man was slowly dying here in this
place. Sarah knew it and could see it in the man now lying beside her. He
needed freedom, he needed responsibilities and he needed to be independent yet
Osiris, in his desperate need to hold onto the young linguist stole all of
those things from Daniel. She could see that he was slowly dying here, slowly
deteriorating and it saddened her greatly. She confronted Osiris on this very
issue several times but the Goa'uld lord didn't want to believe her ...and this
is where love became a two-edged blade...to love someone so intensely could
create a strong bond between two people or place a permanent wedge between
them. When someone is in love with another who doesn't love them in return they
become blinded and could become controlling, domineering, overbearing...the
problems that arise from this kind of a situation usually result in one not
realizing just how much pain they are causing the other. In a way it's a trap: they love someone
completely and will do anything for them, the last thing they want to do is harm...but
because they love so deeply, so intensely, so completely they end up causing
more harm and injury with no real knowledge of what they are doing to the one
that is so precious to them. The love, the relationship, is already doomed when
such a thing happens.
Osiris
was not really familiar with the concept of love. Sarah sensed through his
memories that he had loved his Queen immensely but Isis didn't confuse him or
make him desperate to hold on to her. Sarah was certain that this intense
jealousy and this intense need to hold onto Daniel at all costs that was in
Osiris was rooted in their differences. Daniel was a human being, a Tau'ri, the
enemy...he was one who had helped to overthrow many system lords and fought to
destroy them and destroy their hold over the universe. Daniel was not Goa'uld.
He was a slave, a servant... Daniel was a Tau'ri. He was a member of a race of
beings whom the system lords had labeled for years as dirty filthy slaves who
were only good for hard manual labor. He has that belief ingrained within him
trapped in the genetic memory of his species, but Osiris was seeing through
Daniel and through her that the Tau'ri were not as inferior as he had once been
taught and he was uncertain as to just how he was supposed to behave and feel
for one who had been an enemy for so long.
He
loved Daniel Jackson, of this Sarah was certain but he was confused by why he
needed the man just to breathe. He was confused as to why when Daniel wasn't in
his presence he felt this horrible aching in his heart, in his soul. He never
needed anyone or anything but now he was finding out that he needed Daniel
Jackson. He didn't understand quite why that was all he knew was that he needed
to hold onto his Tau'ri slave at all costs, for without that man life seemed
rather pointless. How could one become so dependent on another? Osiris was a
powerful ruler yet a simple denial from his favored could bring the system lord
to his knees and the absence of his favored could destroy the Goa'uld lord so
quickly. If one wanted to defeat Osiris then all one had to do was harm Daniel
Jackson or steal him, for if something ever happened to that man Osiris would
not rest until he was found and those who dared to harm his favored were dealt
with. Daniel was in a highly honored position in Osiris' legion. Because of his
position he was safe from harm but he was also now a target for as soon as the
system lords were told of who has been appointed as Osiris' favored they would
know just where to aim an attack that could destroy the system lord at his most
vulnerable. He needed to keep his love for his servant from the eyes of others,
for if they realized that he wasn't simply using Daniel as his personal servant
and slave...if they realized that his love for the man by his side, for the
slave by his side, was genuine and that he truly did care for his favored they
would know where his weakness lays.
Sarah
continued to watch from inside herself as Osiris gently ran his fingers through
Daniel's soft hair and continued to gently croon and whisper to the man in
order to calm him. She smiled as Daniel sighed heavily and gave himself over to
the Goa'uld lord's tender reassurances and comfort. She could see the tension
beginning to dissipate in the man beside her. He was growing more familiar with
Osiris and allowing the Goa'uld lord a few more liberties...not many mind you
but he didn't seem as resistant to the system lord...of course, that could be
simply because he was just too tired to fight right now...actually knowing
Daniel Jackson as well as she did she was certain that he wasn't putting up
much of a fight because he was exhausted. As Osiris spoke five little words so
softly and quietly Sarah remembered what they had been discussing before she
allowed her mind to run away with her thoughts, "Yes, I will heal
him."
‘No.
You aren't going to use that sarcophagus on him. No.'
"Yes."
'Please
don't. You don't have any idea if it will help him or cause other damage.
Didn't you tell me one time that there were a race of beings that were like you
but stopped their use of the sarcophagus because they felt it destroyed all the
goodness within...?'
"The
Tok'ra..."
'Yes
them...if they stopped using it because they feared it altered their chemistry
or...something what makes you so certain that the effects won't be the same for
Daniel?'
"Sarah
I have used that sarcophagus for years..."
'But
you have not used it since your awakening, My Lord. Why have you chosen not to
return to the healing chamber yourself? If you have made the decision not to
use it on yourself then why would you use it on Daniel? Why would you use it on
the man you love?'
Osiris
seemed to consider her questions. He quickly provided his reasons, “I do not use
it because it will suppress you, Sarah. You could be destroyed if I use that
sarcophagus again and I have become rather...fond of you."
'You
use the healing device but you refuse to use the sarcophagus so why then would
you place your favored in the device you will not even dare use?'
"He
does not have a symbiote within."
'No,
he doesn't but his physiology is also not like yours, My Lord. The sarcophagus
could cause irreparable damage. You have no way of knowing for certain what it
could do to him. You have told me before that the healing device can induce
pain into a human if used on them. It can cause them to convulse but is much
safer to use than the sarcophagus... My Lord, doesn't that tell you anything?'
Osiris
sighed heavily as he continued in a low voice not wanting to accept defeat but
knowing that her argument was valid, "I do not wish to run this risk of
exposing him to such a device. You are right, little one, it is too
dangerous...so what shall I do now?"
‘A
human being's normal body temperature remains at a constant...'
"98.4
degrees...I have learned this from you, Sarah. I have learned much about human
physiology from our joining. What is your reasoning for reminding me of
this?"
'If
you have learned much then you know when a fever becomes dangerously high, My
Lord...you know what you must do to bring his fever down. My Lord, Daniel's
fever is not at a dangerous level yet. If he becomes still, does not move and
his breathing becomes very shallow then begin to become concerned. If he ceases
to sweat then we have to act quickly for that is the first sign of heat
exhaustion which could lead to heat stroke...a very dangerous medical condition
that if not treated properly could lead to brain damage and death... My Lord,
forgive me for asking but if you are so concerned for Daniel then why did you
order him lashed and left unattended in our bedchamber? Why will you do this to
him again if he dares escape a second time...which he will do I am certain.'
"Because
I cannot have my favored running from me..."
'In
other words you can't live without him and if he escaped and succeeded you
would become lost?'
Osiris
said nothing as he once again focused his full attention on his favored
choosing to act as if he had not heard Sarah's comment. Sarah smiled as with
his silence Osiris told her just how much he now loved Doctor Daniel Jackson...
'Daniel you don't even realize the effects and influence you have on others do
you, my love? You don't even know that Osiris now loves you as much as I do.
You still can't accept that someone could so easily fall in love with you. Do
you still feel as if you don't deserve another's love because you couldn't save
them from dying or has your Jack O'Neill stolen your heart, stolen your love
and managed to hold on to you as I could not? Has your Jack O'Neill taught you
of how worthy you are of another's love, care and concern? Do you love him as
much as he undoubtedly loves you?'
Osiris
listened to Sarah's words. She spoke them aloud though he sensed that she
didn't even realize she was doing so. He smiled softly as he answered, "I
believe that he does, Sarah. He still calls for his Jack late into the night,
when he's in pain or in need it is Jack he calls to. It is Jack he needs. It is
Jack he trusts implicitly."
'Yet
it is Jack we are keeping him from.'
"Sarah,
I will not let him go. Do not even attempt to convince me to allow him to
return to his home. He belongs to me, to us now. I will not let him go..."
'Because
you love him too.'
Again
Osiris didn't answer her comment. He returned his focus to Daniel allowing the
silence to speak for him.
* * * *
Osiris
slowly aroused from sleep not really certain of what disturbed his rest. As he
became fully awake he could feel intense heat against the right side of his
body. He tried to break through the sleep to make sense of why it felt so hot
now when the source of heat suddenly moved. He opened his eyes remembering that
Daniel lay beside him and that Daniel had a fever when they had lain down. He
focused on his servant who was now tossing restlessly and mumbling
incoherently. He reached over to soothe Daniel feeling heat radiating off of
him in waves. He became even more fearful for his servant sighing in relief
when he could feel a thin film of moisture coating Daniel's burning flesh.
Sarah had said that if he stopped sweating then he would be in danger so for
now he was safe.
Osiris
continued to watch Daniel as the man slowly started thrashing about. He
continued to gently stroke the side of Daniel's face in hopes to soothe his
ailing servant in some way.
Daniel
started to awake realizing that he was very hot. He attempted to toss the
covers off of himself finding that he was a bit too weak to successfully
complete such a simple task. He wondered briefly if this was how hell felt...being
burned alive slowly as every inch of your body was consumed in flame. Again he
made an attempt to kick the covers off of himself finding that he was burning
up and he just couldn't handle the blankets any longer. He felt as if he were
suffocating. He tried to open his eyes and tried to make his body move but the
fever kept him stationary. He needed help. He needed someone to help him, to
help him cool down. He was too hot. He muttered, “Jack…Ja’k help. Jack? Jack
where are you?”
He
felt himself starting to panic as the man he was calling for didn't speak to
him. Jack had to be here. He was always here, especially when he was ill. Where
was Jack? Why wasn't Jack nearby? He needed Jack. Jack... "Ja'k
please...need you...I need...I need...you...Ja'k!"
From
a far off distance he heard the soothing voice of someone hushing him and
telling him to calm down. He felt a hand gently stroking the side of his face
and could feel a body pressed up against his own. He released a shaky breath as
he spoke softly, "Jack...hot... I'm so hot Jack...please..."
The
voice came back to him speaking in hushed tones, "Shh, shh. Relax. Rest.
Please rest..."
"I'm..."
again he tossed his head trying to wake up. He was so hot. He needed those
covers off. He tried to breathe, tried to remain calm but the covers were
suffocating him. He struggled to breathe feeling as if the air around him was
too thick to breathe. He swallowed hard as he again tried to kick the covers
off. He moaned when pain traveled the length of his spine and the covers still
remained. He tried again and whimpered as his attempts failed miserably. He
felt a soothing, cool hand brushing across his forehead and fingers sweeping
through his bangs. He moaned mumbling, "Hot, too hot...covers...please...Ja'k
covers...off, they're too hot. Jack? Jack? Where are you? I need you!
JACK!"
He
became suddenly very afraid sensing that Jack was far away and needing him
desperately to be with him. He could feel a deep seeded fear fill him and it
confused him. God Jack...why did he feel as if Jack were gone, as if...
"JACK! Please I need you!"
He
started tossing more fitfully hearing the voice above him hushing him and
urging him to calm down, telling him that he needed to relax or he'd get his
injuries bleeding all over again. He didn't care. He just needed to get to
Jack, needed to feel Jack's arms around him, needed to feel Jack. He needed
Jack and couldn't explain why he felt so afraid that Jack was gone. He cried
out again calling for his lover in desperation and need, but he still felt as
if Jack were gone and it scared the hell out of him, "JACK I NEED
YOU!"
* * * * * * * *
Jack
O'Neill suddenly sat bolt upright in his bed feeling as if he were panicking
and having a heart attack. He clutched his hand to his chest trying to focus on
breathing and calming. What the hell was wrong? God, what the hell just
happened? Why did he feel so... 'JACK I NEED YOU!'
"Holy
shit!"
He
felt goose bumps rising all across his skin making him feel extremely cold and
afraid. He instantly wrapped his arms around his body trying to ward off the
sudden unsettling chill that was traveling the length of his body. He could
feel the hair on the back of his neck standing on end as one name floated to
his now alert mind: Daniel.
Damn
it, he was having dreams about Daniel again. When would the dreams stop? Would
they ever stop? Hell did he really want them to stop? NO! Ever since Daniel
disappeared Jack's been waking up in the middle of the night with Daniel
speaking to him or calling out to him. The dreams always ended with Daniel
calling to him and saying he needed him. The dreams were freaking him out yet
he didn't want them to stop because the dreams were all he had left of Daniel.
Daniel was gone. He was MIA and no one knew how to save him. The dreams at
first had been extremely unsettling and spooky even. He swore that it felt
almost as if Daniel was really, truly calling out for him and he always was
left with these odd creepy sensations that bugged the hell out of him as well
and tonight was no exception.
Jack
shook his head in confusion. The calls always sounded so incredibly real as if
Daniel were lying beside him in bed and calling out to him. They were strange
and every dream was accompanied by strange sensations. Last night it was an
overwhelming sense of anguish...almost as if Daniel was in pain or suffering
and tonight, tonight it was the temperature. He kicked his covers off of him
self as the warmth in them almost seemed to suffocate him. God, he was even
sweating now. What the hell was that about? He quickly realized that even with
the covers now off he still felt so damned hot and sweaty. God, would these
weird dreams ever stop? They were really truly starting to scare the hell out
of him. The dreams were so real, almost too real for his liking.
He
decided to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom he
splashed cold water on his face and shook his head. He had to stop doing this.
He had to! The dreams were keeping him up half the night. He didn't want the
dreams to stop though because they were his only connection to Daniel. He felt
closer to Daniel when he dreamed about him but his sleep was suffering. Every
night he would dream and every night it was Daniel he would dream about. Daniel
in pain, Daniel calling out to him, Daniel pleading with him...it was always
Daniel. He wasn't sure what caused them all he knew was they were scaring the
hell out of him.
He
wondered if someone could connect with another over vast distances. Could it be
possible that he was really, truly connecting with his lover? Could Daniel
really be sending him his fears, his emotions, his feelings and his
uncertainties? They had seen a lot of bizarre things through the years since
Daniel had opened the Stargate, a lot of bizarre things but this... Could this
be possible? Could two people share such a strong connection, such a strong
bond, that they could project their feelings and emotions towards their other
half? Nah.
He
closed his eyes as he felt desperation, fear and uncertainty suddenly fill him.
He tried to excuse those feelings as being a result of his overactive
imagination. None of this was possible. There was no way one could connect with
another over such a huge distance and share his emotions and suffering. No way,
but as he opened his eyes he couldn't speak as he saw his lover before him in the
throes of fever crying out to him desperately reaching for him and again those
words came to him, 'Jack I need you...'
He shook his head as the image vanished before him. He had to stop doing this! He was creeping himself out with these dreams. He wrapped his arms around himself as the chills flooded him again, "Ah this is nuts!"
He
could feel tears welling up in his eyes unbidden as he thought of his lover
again. Daniel was MIA and they had no way to reach him, no way. Jack closed his
eyes as he softly whispered, "Danny, hang on please. We're going to find
you I promise. You have to hang on. Please Danny please."
'I'm trying Jack, but it's
so hard, so hard...'
Jack
snapped open his eyes jerking around to stare at his bathroom door expecting to
see Daniel there. When he saw no one he started to shake. My God it was...but
that's impossible! There is no way, no way in...unless... No, no he refused to
accept that. If Danny were...he would know that, he would. He would feel
emptiness, a hole in his heart if that were true. Daniel's fine. He's
just...he's fine. He is.
Jack
lowered to the floor as those tears started to fall and his heart ached
horribly for the one man he could not get to. He curled up allowing himself to
again mourn the loss of his lover. Daniel was coming back, he was! He just had
to remain strong and had to carry on. God if the people at the SGC could see
him now... He was so good at concealing his emotions, especially at work. He
was so very good, but when he came home he was an absolute mess because when he
came home Danny's absence became even more noticeable. When he was at work he
was surrounded by people and he knew he had to stay strong but when he returned
home... Here, here is where Daniel's disappearance hurt him the most because here,
here every room, everything reminded him of Daniel. He couldn't even sleep
without seeing the empty space beside him on their bed where his Danny was
supposed to be. Everything reminded him of Daniel...the dent in the extra
pillow where the man rested his head, the empty space in the bed, the empty
coffee mug still sitting on the nightstand, the clothes draped over the chair,
the shoes laying by the bed, the books scattered throughout, Danny's artifacts
decorating various rooms throughout the house, his toothbrush by the
sink...everything reminded him of Daniel, everything spoke of Daniel but the
man wasn't here. He was gone, missing and the hard-nosed Colonel always came
home an emotional wreck as a result. He was a mask of calm and control at work but
when he got home, when he got home he allowed himself to miss his lover, to
feel the absence of his lover, to face the things that spoke of Daniel and that
screamed Daniel's name, to stare at his picture when sleep was elusive, to cook
meals for two and set up plates for two, to rent a movie and make popcorn for
two... He continued their rituals at home needing to feel close to his lover,
as close as was humanly possible.
The
dreams were unsettling, scary and spooky. The echo of Daniel's voice crying out
for him intruding even when he was awake, the flashes of his Danny in need,
sad, upset, lonely... As real as those dreams felt and as freaky as they made
him feel Jack accepted them. He wondered occasionally if Daniel was somehow
connecting with him, communicating with him in those odd ways but then he
wondered if his imagination was simply overactive. He felt better believing
there was some odd connection there but to accept it as real scared him to
death so he excused them as being his imagination. He needed Daniel so much
that he was seeing the man, hearing the man and feeling his emotions so
strongly.
Jack
curled up refusing to move from his place on the bathroom floor until he was
ready. This was his time to be with Danny, to speak to Danny, to comfort the
man when he was so very far away...and unbeknownst to Jack those thoughts held
some merit for light years away there was a young man now relaxed in sleep,
still very feverish but calm and relaxed because love was so powerful that it
could travel great distances.
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