The Night Sun Part 4
By: Stacy L.
Jacob
Carter directed the Tel'tak ship through space heading for the remote planet of
Ta-hetchet. He was very worried for Doctor Jackson's safety, though he didn't
show just how worried he actually was. Sam had asked him several times if he
was all right. Each time Jacob reassured his daughter that he was fine, but in
the back of his mind he could only think of his time on Netu and how he had
felt...how Selmac had felt. He knew that Daniel Jackson would be interrogated.
Anubis would do it himself if Osiris refused. Jacob was all too aware of the
price Apophis had placed on Daniel's head...that was probably the only reason
Anubis wouldn't kill him; he had some value. If it had been any other person
Anubis would've destroyed them almost immediately. Jacob hated to think that
Apophis was the only one preventing Anubis from killing their friend. He had
warned Jack that the young man would most likely be tortured and could see in
Jack's eyes just how much Daniel Jackson meant to him. He could see it in all
of their eyes...even the eyes of his daughter. She was extremely worried, but
she hid it well. Jacob knew that she
was worried. He could tell just by looking at her, after all she was his
daughter. The Jaffa Teal'c remained stoically silent. He too was very worried
for his young friend. Teal'c knew what torture was like. He had experienced
quite a bit of it at the hands of Apophis. Jacob was sure that the Jaffa's mind
was wandering constantly back to that time when he was a prisoner as his worry
for his friend increased the longer it took them to reach him.
Jacob
silently urged the Tel'tak to move faster. Their destination was at least
another four days away. He kept hoping that Doctor Jackson was in fact on
Ta-hetchet. If he wasn't then he was quite possibly lost for good. He also knew
that they had to locate the young man once arriving on the planet. He tried not
to think of what would happen should Doctor Jackson be on that planet, but they
not find him. Ta-hetchet was a huge planet. If Doctor Jackson was there he
could be anywhere. They could easily overlook him depending on where he was
imprisoned. They could overlook him and leave the planet assuming he was not
there. If only he could get in touch with Jotham...but to contact the Tok'ra
spy on Anubis' planet would expose his betrayal...If his identity had not yet
been discovered. Jotham was a very good infiltrator. He was young like Daniel
Jackson. The two were only a year apart in age, well the human part of him. His
symbiote Nivan was much, much older than his young host. Jotham and Nivan
worked very well together. They were both very good at infiltration. Jacob only
hoped that the young Tok'ra had not been discovered and neutralized. Jotham has
been on Anubis' planet for the last year earning the trust of the Goa'uld and
slipping information to the Tok'ra Resistance. His transmissions had stopped
suddenly four months ago. The Tok'ra Resistance feared the worst...that Jotham
had been neutralized. They know he would not reveal their location, even under
duress of torture, but also knew to attempt to retrieve him could have dire
consequences...especially if he had a reason for suddenly silencing his
communications. There were only three main reasons Jotham would have ended his
transmissions: if he had been destroyed, if he had been discovered or if he was
in so deep that to use the device now could ultimately expose him to Anubis.
Jacob hoped that the third reason is why Jotham had ended his contact with the
Tok'ra Resistance so abruptly.
Jacob
heard the approach of someone. He could tell by the man's footsteps and the way
that he remained so quiet that Jack O'Neill approached him. He asked,
"What is it, Jack?"
"How
much longer do we have before we reach the planet?"
"Four
days."
"Four
days?"
"Why
do you ask?"
"I
just...I just...have this bad feeling...that's all...I'm..."
"Worried?
Scared for your friend, maybe? Jack, that's a natural response when someone you
care about goes missing."
"He's
on that planet, Jacob. I just know he is...Daniel is out there...I just know he
is."
"We'll
find him."
Jacob
knew just how hard Jack was taking Daniel's loss. He felt partially responsible
for Jackson's disappearance. Jacob noticed just how little O'Neill has been
sleeping. The man couldn't sleep, or rather wouldn't allow himself to sleep
until he found his young friend. He looked up at the man beside him seeing just
how exhausted he was. Jacob suggested, "Jack, go get some sleep."
"Can't..."
"Try."
"I
have...just can't sleep."
"You're
not going to be any good to Daniel if you're too exhausted yourself. What if we
find him and he can't walk or is unconscious? You might have to carry him,
Jack. If you're exhausted you'll be no good to him."
Jack
shook his head saying, "Okay..."
Then
he sat down beside Jacob. Jacob kept watching him. He sighed in relief when
Jack finally drifted asleep. He was glad that Jack had finally attempted to
sleep. Fatigue and exhaustion were not good to have on a search and rescue
mission, especially since the person they were searching for could, himself, be
badly injured or even unconscious when finally found.
He
turned from his friend and continued to watch the monitor again finding himself
silently urging the ship to go faster and hoping Jackson was on that
planet...alive.
* * * *
Daniel
heard a noise, which brought him awake again. He had a very hard time sleeping
in such an uncomfortable position but tried his best anyway. His head still
throbbed and his body still ached but the pain seemed to have abated a little
bit. He was glad for that. He heard pounding and focused on the
noise...footsteps... Someone was coming. Daniel tried to force his legs under
himself again and groaned in anguish as his legs gave out jarring his body yet
again. He inhaled sharply as the broken rib started throbbing. He tried to
block out any and all pain he felt as he again attempted to place his feet
under him. This time he was successful, but his body hurt like hell. He inhaled
deeply and swallowed hard waiting for the pain to subside some. He kept his
head bowed even when he heard the door to his prison being opened to admit two
people. He was sure that it was Kelsham and Osiris again. He tried to prepare
himself for the next onslaught of torture sure to come his way before the end
of the night. He just hoped that they avoided kicking or sucker punching him in
the gut. His rib hurt like hell now, another strike would make it feel
extremely bad. He heard someone approach him and stand before him, Osiris no
doubt. Then someone else took their place behind him. It was Kelsham, Daniel
was sure of it. He jolted gasping as the damned shock device found his left
side again now feeling the burning and tingling aftereffects of the jolt.
Daniel mentally cursed thinking of how he'd love to shove that damned thing
against Kelsham and let Kelsham see how it felt. He was not a violent person by
nature, but he was about tired of that damned device. Kelsham's voice cut off
his thoughts of revenge as he ordered, "Look up at your lord, human.
Now!"
Daniel
didn't move, instead he remained stubbornly still. Kelsham wasted no time as he
reached out quickly grabbing a handful of Daniel's short hair and entwining it
in his fingers for a more painful grip. He then glared into Daniel's eyes as he
violently jerked Daniel's head upright. Daniel couldn't help it when he
screamed as the pain in his head, that had managed to drop to a dull ache, now
flew back at him with a vengeance erupting through his mind and threatening to
drive him into the chasm of blackness that was patiently awaiting his return
once again. Daniel clenched his eyes shut trying to fight back the pain
swarming through his head. His scream turned into hissing then he fell silent
still keeping his eyes clenched tightly shut wishing the pain to end while also
struggling to force away any signs of pain from crossing his features. He
didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing just how much pain he was
actually in.
Kelsham
didn't even bother to loosen his grip. He held his grip firm waiting for the
prisoner to do as ordered. When Daniel managed to ignore most of the pain he
was presently experiencing he opened his eyes glaring angrily at his
tormentors. Kelsham smiled evilly when he saw he prisoner do as ordered.
Kelsham saw the coldness and anger flashing in the man's vivid blue eyes and
reacted. With his free hand he formed a fist and drove it into the man's lower
left kidney. Daniel arched backwards as the strike drove into him. He didn't
scream this time only winced loudly then again clenched his eyes shut so they
could not see his pain reflected in them. He inhaled shakily swallowing hard as
the throbbing pain slowly started to abate a little. He felt a hand on his left
cheek again and attempted to jerk away from the touch knowing it was Osiris,
but Kelsham showed no mercy and only yanked his head back further. Daniel left
a grunt of pain slip out from between his lips and then fell silent again. He
tensed as he felt the hand against his cheek and remained still. He was ready
to lash out at Osiris but contained himself. Osiris' grating voice came to him
as he commented, "Daniel Jackson, why must you test us again and again knowing
that it is only you who will suffer more? You can end all your suffering if you
would just tell me what I want to know."
"I've
told you already...I know nothing..."
Daniel
felt the grip in his hair intensify again and set his mouth in a grim line,
resisting the urge to give voice to his suffering. His head echoed its own
outrage of the cruel, cold clutch on his hair as waves of agony tore through
his mind. Osiris' voice spoke again, "Why do you refuse to tell me what I
want to know?"
Despite
the persistent aching in Daniel's head he managed to open his eyes glaring
coldly at Osiris. He hated seeing Sarah knowing that she was no longer in
control of her own body. He had great difficulty seeing her for what she now
was. The same thing had happened when Sha're had been taken over by Amunet. He
only saw Sha're and, therefore, placed himself in some dangerous situations
thinking, believing that he could some how reach his wife. He knew Sarah was a
prisoner in her own body. He knew that she would never allow Kelsham to hold
such an abusive grip in his hair or allow him to remain chained and imprisoned
that was how he managed to separate the two. He often wondered how a creature
so evil could go into the body of a woman who was so good and kind. He vowed to
free Sarah. He had to reach her. He had managed to speak to her earlier
today...or rather she had managed to get a message to him. He hated seeing her
this way. Osiris again demanded, "Tell me!"
"I
can't help you. I don't know anything."
"You
lie! Tell me Doctor Jackson, how does it make you feel to see this body, to
know that Sarah is no more? Do you desire this body? Did you desire her?"
Daniel
felt red-hot anger and rage travel throughout his body in response to that
comment and before he realized what he was doing he spit directly into Osiris'
face. Then said, "Why don't you go back to hell where you came from!"
Osiris
nodded to Kelsham who released Daniel's hair then faced him. Daniel saw Osiris
step back and clean the spit off of his face. He glared at Kelsham as the man
stepped before him staring at him with eyes full of rage. Kelsham demanded,
"You will apologize to your lord, human!"
"Go
to hell."
Kelsham
smirked evilly at Daniel as the human dared to defy him yet again. Then without
a second thought Kelsham drove a brutal, vicious kick directly into Daniel's
gut. Daniel screamed as he felt the pain in his broken rib spark to life. He
doubled and went down hard screaming again as the restraints on his wrists
cruelly stopped his descent, jerking him viciously to a halt in mid-air. He
couldn't breathe and started choking. He coughed violently and tried to keep
himself from throwing up. The pain was nearly unbearable. His legs no longer
supported him. The only reason he remained upright was due to the cruel chains
around his wrists. He vaguely felt another strike go to his lower left kidney
again then one ricocheted off of his upper left leg. He dimly realized that
Kelsham was driving into him punching and kicking at him repetitively. He felt
extremely lightheaded and could tell he was wheezing. God, he hoped that broken
rib didn't puncture a lung. It sure felt that way. Daniel felt the darkness
calling to him and he found that he wanted to fall into it. He felt himself
tumbling over into that bleakness patiently awaiting his return. The last thing
he heard before he was engulfed in blackness was Osiris ordering Kelsham to
stop. Then he heard nothing as blackness grabbed him and dragged him mercifully
under yet again... Kelsham felt outraged when the human refused to apologize to
his lord then he just snapped. He started punching and kicking the human to
make him suffer not paying attention to where his strikes were connecting. Then
Osiris' command cut him to the quick making him stop, immediately. Kelsham
looked at the human before him and noticed several areas on his body were now
bleeding. He had realized he lost control beating the archaeologist harshly. He
quickly bowed to his lord as he realized his mistake in letting anger take over
him. Kelsham immediately apologized, "I am sorry, My Lord. I have no idea
what came over me. Please forgive me."
"You
may rise, Kelsham. You are forgiven."
Osiris
then approached the stubborn, non-compliant human. He lifted Doctor Jackson's
head up. The man was unconscious again and his breathing was some what labored.
Osiris looked at the human's rib cage noticing the black ugly bruises that lay
overtop. Osiris was sure the human had at least one broken rib...that would
explain his labored breathing. Osiris had studied human physiology before his
banishment and knew that broken and fractured ribs could become a problem. He
was sure Jackson had a broken rib or two. He gently pushed on it and heard
Doctor Jackson inhale shakily nearly screaming as the slight pressure was
added. Osiris had a feeling Jackson might also have a few other fractured ribs
as well. He looked up at Kelsham then said, "Kelsham, do not kick him in
his chest area again."
"Yes
My Lord."
"Another
strike could cause him to have a collapsed lung. Please be careful when
striking him to avoid the area."
"Yes
My Lord."
"I
will not use the sarcophagus until it is absolutely necessary. I want the good
doctor to experience what happens to those who continually refuse to
speak."
"Yes
My Lord."
Osiris
felt a familiar presence in his mind just then. He quickly spoke,
"Kelsham, you may go."
"My
Lord?" Kelsham questioned in surprise. Osiris noticed his First Prime's
reaction to that statement then quickly commanded, "You are excused."
"Yes
My Lord."
Osiris
watched as his First Prime left the cell area. When he was sure no one was
close enough to hear he walked over to the recorder and shut it down. Then he
walked back over to Doctor Jackson. He gently placed his hand under Jackson's chin
and slowly raised his head up again. The man was still unconscious and probably
would be for quite some time.
Osiris
felt...her pushing out again, trying to fight against him. Sarah would not give
up her struggle. She wanted her body, her soul, back. Osiris could feel her
pain and her sorrow for Doctor Jackson and cursed. He had been told that once
he takes a host nothing of the host remains. Sarah was proving him wrong. She
had fought against his possession bravely but eventually lost the battle...or
so Osiris had thought...until his arrival on Ta-hetchet. As soon as he had
arrived on this planet he could sense her presence. He could feel all of her
feelings regarding Doctor Jackson. She cared for the man deeply. Osiris fought
against her pushing her back and silencing her yet again. He thought he had
succeeded, but he had been wrong. He had felt her presence again this
morning...when he reached to touch Doctor Jackson's cheek. His intention was to
make Jackson feel uncomfortable and confuse him, use his past history with
Sarah against him in hopes to get the man talking. He had accessed her memories
of Doctor Jackson...most of them. She shielded the ones that could hurt Jackson
the most from Osiris' prying. He had wanted Jackson to remember his life with
her and maybe, in remembering, it would loosen his tongue up a bit. But Jackson
caught on quickly and had kicked him away. Osiris had doubled from the strike
as his attempts to suppress Sarah drew his attention temporarily away from the
man or he would've never got the kick in. He had been brought back to reality
when Doctor Jackson's screams of anguish tore from his throat filling the room,
and had looked up in time to see his First Prime drive a harsh kick to
Jackson's gut. He had also heard the loud crack that had immediately followed,
and had known at that instant that Kelsham had broken at least one of the
younger man's ribs. He had ordered Kelsham out of the room after that. He could
feel Sarah pushing to get out again. He could feel her horror and her fear at
seeing Jackson collapse in agony. Her emotions were so strong, so vivid and so
real that they caught Osiris totally off guard. He had managed to overtake her
then momentarily, but as soon as he had grabbed the young man by his hair
yanking his head upright Sarah had once again gotten the upper hand. The pain
and anguish reflecting in Jackson's face drove her to break out. She had said
several words to him before Osiris forced her back. As quickly as she had taken
her control back Osiris had again wrenched it from her.
As
he examined Doctor Jackson for broken ribs he felt her presence again and
quickly ordered his First Prime out of the room. Then he shut off the recording
device so no one would realize that he was still battling against his host. She
was a fighter. She was strong just as Jackson had said earlier. Osiris found
that he actually respected her for that, but he was not about to give her the
chance to regain control of her body again. Every time Jackson screamed or pain
appeared across his features she was there...pushing, desperate to get out and
help him. Osiris wouldn't have it! He looked at the man before him who still
labored to breathe. The man was pale and sweaty. He would probably not awake
for quite some time. Osiris again felt his host silently crying for her friend.
She wanted desperately to comfort Doctor Jackson. Osiris wouldn't hear of it,
and he no longer wanted to feel her emotions regarding the young man who was
now his prisoner. She spoke Daniel's name and Osiris became aware that she had
said the name not him. Doctor Jackson must've heard her because even in his
unconsciousness he found his voice and spoke, "Sarah...I
forgive...you..."
Then
he fell deeper into the valley of unconsciousness. Osiris glared down at the
young man who was his captive. He said, "This is how it is going to be,
Sarah, my dear. I own this body now...you do not! If you persist in trying to
reclaim it then I am afraid that Doctor Daniel Jackson will draw breath no
more. I will not revive him. I will kill him. Is that understood? IS IT?"
Osiris
felt Sarah retreating to the back of her mind yet again. He smirked sinisterly
as he knew he had won that battle. She would not fight against him because,
after all she has witnessed him do, she knows he would kill Doctor Jackson
without a second thought. He felt triumphant but still sensed a remnant of her
emotions regarding the young man. They would still be present just not as
overwhelming. Osiris looked down at the unconscious man once more then released
him and left the room leaving Doctor Jackson alone in his prison cell to suffer
his pain in silence.
* * * *
Jotham
waited until night fell heavily before he went to Doctor Jackson's cell. He
told the two guards standing watch outside his prison that he was only checking
on the condition of the prisoner.
As
he entered the cell he heard no sounds. The young archaeologist didn't move. He
only hung in silence, suspended upright by the chains encircling his wrists. As
Jotham approached him he noticed that Doctor Jackson was being held up only by
those chains, unlike earlier not even his legs were supporting him. He
hesitantly approached Daniel fearing what he would discover. When he stood
directly in front of Doctor Jackson he could hear the man's labored breathing
and occasional wheezing. He didn't like the sound of that. He whispered,
"Doctor Jackson? Doctor Jackson?"
He
gently lifted Daniel's face up and saw that the man was presently asleep. He
spoke Daniel's name again louder, but the only indication that Daniel even
heard him was a moan that escaped from between Doctor Jackson's dried, cracked
lips. He continued to attempt to revive the young man but couldn't get through
to him. He then gently guided Daniel's head back down, not wanting to let it
just flop back in place, knowing all too well the pain Daniel's head must be
in. Doctor Jackson had been beaten worse than before. He could see a huge nasty
black and blue mark on Daniel's lower left back lying directly over his kidney.
He had been struck there several times. He also noticed the young man had
multiple bruises across the expanse of his chest and sides. As he continued to
survey the damage he saw that several injuries had broken the skin in several
places. He also noticed that the bruise that covered the flesh overtop of
Daniel's rib cage was now darker and bigger then before. He felt himself wince
as he looked at the damage that had been directed there. He gently touched the
area and heard Daniel nearly scream out in anguish as the simple touch ignited
fresh pain across his rib cage. Doctor Jackson mumbled a hushed no then lapsed
into a cough. Jotham hoped that he was awake but any attempt to get the young man
to respond failed. Daniel Jackson was completely unconscious. Jotham knew he
should try harder to wake the man to get liquids into him but was positive all
those efforts would be futile. He made another quick sweep of Daniel's body,
ascertaining the damage he had sustained up until now, then left vowing to
return to check on him the next morning.
* * * *
As
Jotham returned to Doctor Jackson's cell early the next morning he saw that the
man still hung from the cruel, cold shackles that bound his wrists keeping him
momentarily suspended in an upright position. The young man hadn't moved much
from the previous night. Jotham again hesitantly approached him fearful that
Doctor Jackson's life was seeping away from him a little bit more each day. He
knew that Osiris could bring the young man back, revive him, resurrect him from
the dead only to do it to him over and over again. He just hoped that Osiris
wouldn't get to the point where he would make the man die repetitively. He knew
that this was Osiris' plan, but unlike the other system lords, Osiris derived
more pleasure from dragging out the harsh treatment. He liked to see how long
his victim's could last before death found them. If Doctor Jackson were to die
now Osiris would revive him again and start the cruel torture again testing
Jackson's pain tolerance and his ability to remain alive under such cruel
ministrations. Osiris would make it a game, experimenting on the young man,
seeing if Jackson could hold out longer against his torture the next time
around. Jotham shivered at those cryptic thoughts. He felt that Osiris'
decision to stall Jackson's demise as long as possible was even more horrible
then providing him with repeated quick deaths. Osiris liked to toy with his
prisoners, and Jotham felt himself go cold at the thoughts of what all Osiris
could still do to the young man before Doctor Jackson would die his first death
then be resurrected for the first time. He would make Doctor Jackson's life a
living nightmare, an eternal hell, with no chance of escape...doomed to be
tortured brutally then killed again and again and again for as long as Osiris
wanted the man around, and from what he's been hearing Osiris was just getting
started. Osiris held an almost personal vendetta against the young man. He
wanted Jackson to suffer and suffer for all eternity. Jotham had no idea why
Osiris was so angry and so hateful towards this particular prisoner. His
horrible abuse of Doctor Jackson went far beyond the norm. Something more was
going on here. He was making his torture of Daniel personal. Jotham wanted to
know why Osiris hated and despised the young man so much. What was it about
Doctor Daniel Jackson that drove Osiris to cruelly abuse him in such a way?
Jotham's
thoughts were interrupted as a moan of pain escaped from the man before him.
Jotham reached out gently touching Doctor Jackson on his left cheek. Jotham
jerked back as the young man suddenly yanked away from him uttering a quick,
"Don't." Followed by a scream of torment as Daniel's conscious mind
suddenly registered all the pain his body was presently in at once. Daniel
winced and groaned trying to slow his labored breathing as any attempt to
inhale or exhale sent a flood of sharp twisting agony ripping through his rib
cage. Jotham heard the horrible wheezing and struggling of Doctor Jackson's
breathing as he tried to find himself amongst the onslaught of severe pain his
body was presently wracked with. Jotham spoke, "Doctor Jackson? Doctor
Jackson, listen to my voice. Please Doctor Jackson, you must relax and try to
slow your breathing down. You must try, please."
Daniel
faintly heard the voice speaking to him from a great distance. He tried to
respond to the simple request by opening his eyes, but any attempt to do just
that sent piercing pain throughout his scalp and temples. He muttered,
"Head hurts..."
Jotham
looked at Daniel. He heard the hoarse reply to his gentle urgings. He was
positive the man's head hurt severely. Exposure to the shock device was
extremely painful, even to a Tok'ra who carried a symbiote within him. It would
cause a human excruciating torment. Even at a lower setting the device was very
cruel and very agonizing. The aftereffects of such a weapon was sometimes even
worse then the actual application of the device to flesh. The pain that the
crafty torture device provided was extremely agonizing. It was usually placed
at the base of the neck to cause the most excruciating torment and damage into the
body that it was capable of emitting. It would start out at the base of the
neck sending a painful, gut-wrenching wave of severe electrical current down
the spine of its victim directing shooting pain to each individual limb,
rendering the victim helpless, paralyzing the victim and locking him into
extreme convulsions. The charge of the device left its victim to writhe and
twitch several minutes after its discharge. What remained after the convulsing
and writhing ended was a very extreme migraine and the body feeling as if it
was broken and cut up into thousands of tiny shreds, burned from the inside
out. The Goa’uld made the device so powerful to use on their own kind. A
symbiote could handle more pain then one without a larva, to counteract the
higher pain tolerance of the symbiote the device was created. If a person was a
host then the device placed at the back of the neck was placed directly above
where part of the symbiote was entwined in its host's spinal cord and brain. On
a person without a symbiote placing the device there ignited all the nerve
endings sending the vicious, ravening wave of electricity slicing deep into the
person causing excessive pain and subjugating the victim to severe, twisting,
unending torment.
As
Jotham examined Daniel he couldn't miss the severe burns located at the base of
the man's neck where the device had previously been applied. This was most
likely another reason why the young archaeologist continued to fall prey to
unconsciousness and struggled to respond. The aftereffects of the device still
caused pain in him even now hanging heavily within him refusing to give him
even a moment's solace. Jotham noticed several other areas on Daniel's body
where burns lay. He could tell by an older burn that the man had been exposed
to the crude device more than once since his captivity here.
As
Doctor Jackson stilled yet again Jotham was sure the young man was unconscious.
He spoke softly, "I will come back, Doctor Jackson. You are in desperate
need of water. I will return in hopes that you will finally be alert enough to
drink some water... For now you just rest, all right? Rest."
Jotham
turned to leave when Daniel's hoarse scratchy voice called him back,
"Wait..."
Daniel
again attempted to moisten his dry lips with his tongue so that he could speak
at least a little bit. He tried to call Jotham back and coughed violently for
his efforts. Jotham stopped and quickly approached the man. He asked, "Are
you still awake, Doctor Jackson?"
"Yes...please..."
Jotham
watched as the young archaeologist attempted to lift his head upright to make
eye contact. Jotham couldn't help but notice just how much of a struggle that
simple movement was becoming for the younger man. He gently reached over to
Daniel and slowly lifted his face up to help in the man's attempts to make eye
contact. As the man's vivid blue eyes looked deeply, penetratingly, into his
own he couldn't miss the look of gratefulness the younger man provided him for
that small gesture of aid.
Daniel
struggled to look up at Jotham, but the task seemed almost too much. Any
movement of his head seemed to send sharp pain into his mind and made his
vision swim before him. Just when he was about to give up the feeble attempt to
raise his head he felt the gentle touch of the Tok'ra spy as the man placed his
hand gently under Daniel's chin and slowly helped him raise his head. God, he
couldn't even lift his own damned head the pain was so damned severe! Daniel
had a strong feeling that a lot of the constant pressure inside his skull was
due to that damned torture device being rammed at the base of his neck. He
hated that device. It provided pain when connecting anywhere on his body but
the pain was tolerable. When the device was placed at the back of his neck the device
nearly rendered him unconscious with the extreme, brutal jolts of electric it
sent pulsating down his spine, into every nerve, to each of his limbs and to
his head. He would find himself screaming in response and not even realize it
was himself that was screaming as the device cruelly lashed out at him
attacking his body every where and sending him head long into painful
convulsions. The convulsions were the worst. His body would freeze up on him
only mere moments before the convulsions would begin. Then his body would begin
to jolt and jerk in response to such extreme pain. The convulsions seemed to
last the longest. Then finally he was released from them and falling downwards,
as the chains stopped his descent, he could feel his body begin to twitch. His
arms and legs would begin to spasm. Finally, when the horrendous spasms and
shivers started to subside his head would begin throbbing excessively. The
device was horrible and subdued very quickly. Daniel found that he was
extremely glad it was not a favorite weapon of his present tormentor.
He
focused on Jotham. The older man looked at him with concern and worry very
evident on his features. Daniel even saw a tinge of fear in the older man. He
knew how bad he looked and how bad his situation was when he saw that fear. He
tried to block it out. Jotham interrupted his thoughts, "I have water,
Doctor Jackson..."
Daniel
found that he desperately needed water. His throat was very scratchy and
swallowing was harder then before. His mouth was excessively dry, and he could
feel his lips were cracked in a few places. He tried to nod his head but only
clenched his eyes tightly shut as the severe pain in his head washed over him
again. Jotham gently released Daniel's chin guiding his head down towards his
chest so it didn't snap and cause the man more pain. He grabbed the water he
brought down with him then returned to the man's side once again gently placing
his hand under Daniel's chin helping him to raise his head. He spoke softly,
"As I said before you must drink slowly... Try sipping at the water,
Doctor Jackson. It will hurt and your body will try to expel it again. You must
try your best to keep down what little I can get into your system. Are you ready?"
Daniel
thought a moment about nodding his head but the ache in it presently told him
of what would happen if he did so. He only blinked. Jotham placed the glass to
his lips and slowly tilted it. It wasn’t long before the cool liquid flowed
between his cracked lips. As he tried to swallow the pathetically small amount
of the life-saving liquid his throat protested. He coughed violently clenching
his eyes shut as the pain found him again. He waited for the pain to subside
some. Then looked at Jotham. Jotham smiled gently then said, "Good...good
you managed to keep it down. Here drink some more..."
Daniel
obeyed. Over the next several minutes that was what happened Daniel would sip
the water, cough and then Jotham would calmly urge him and encourage him to try
to drink more. Gently coaxing the young man into obedience. Soon Daniel knew he
couldn't drink anymore without the risk of expelling the miniscule amount that
he had managed to already get in him. He tried to turn his head then spoke just
above a whisper, "No more...not right...now."
"All
right...we will try later."
"Thank
you...again..."
"You
are quite welcome, Doctor Jackson."
"Please...call
me...Daniel..."
"As
you wish...Doctor Jack...Daniel... You had better try to get some rest. I am
going to slowly lower your head again, all right?"
"Yes..."
Jotham
did so then said, "Doctor...Daniel, you must hold on. They are coming; I
am sure of it. You must hold on. I will try to get you out when it is safer...
You must hang in there. Now get some rest. You need it."
Daniel
had no argument there as he slowly closed his eyes. Soon his breathing slowed
and Jotham was sure the young man was again asleep. He could still hear the man
wheezing and became more worried about that rib cage. He had to get Doctor
Jackson out of here and soon. But if he was not careful and they were captured
while attempting to flee Jotham would be thrown in the dungeons unable to offer
the young scientist any aid, and without his aid Daniel would not get much
water or food. Osiris would also direct all of his anger towards Daniel for the
escape even though he was not solely responsible for the attempt. Jotham could
not risk it until he was positive it was safer. He didn't even want to think of
how many times Doctor Jackson would die a slow, painful death only to be
revived, brought back to life, by the power of the sarcophagus and again made
to suffer another long, painful death over and over...and over again. He felt
ice-cold chills shudder in his body at the thought of the young man suffering
such vicious cruelty.
Jotham
waited until Daniel was again asleep. He didn't want to leave until he was sure
the man slept. He then quickly gathered his things and left the room.
* * * *
Aboard
the small agile Tel'tak ship Jacob Carter found himself becoming extremely
worried for their missing friend. It was going on a week now since Daniel
Jackson had been abducted from P3X-173 by the god Osiris. Seven days...the man
had been gone for seven days so far and would not be freed for at least another
three. They were close to Ta-hetchet but still several days out. Jacob hated
knowing Daniel had at least three more days and nights on that planet. He
prayed that the young archaeologist was being held there or this mission would
be for nothing. If he wasn't on that planet... Jacob hated to think of the
alternative...dying a thousand brutal, cruel, horrible deaths only to be given
life again so that it could again be wrenched away...a lot could happen in three
days. He found himself wondering just how many times Jackson probably suffered
his own death already at the hands of Osiris. He hoped that Daniel hadn't died
at all yet. Then found himself wondering which would be more damaging in the
long run: dying again and again quickly and being resurrected repetitively or
being made to suffer, having his treatment being dragged out for as long as
possible before death would come as a blessing. Then once Daniel would finally
find peace he would be again arising from the sarcophagus made to suffer
another long and hard death knowing the inevitable was sure to come but not
knowing when or how.
Jacob
shut off his distressing thoughts as he heard the voice of his daughter
speaking behind him, "Dad, are you okay?"
He
turned to look at his daughter in concern. She was very afraid for her friend,
but she hid it well. The pain and fear of Daniel's fate rested heavily in her
mind and in her heart. All her years of military training would not allow her
to break down...yet, but Jacob was no fool. He could tell that she has not been
sleeping well. She looked exhausted. He was sure that part of that reason was
because she knew, or had an idea, of what Daniel was now going through. Selmac
even agreed with him on that point. Selmac was the Tok'ra symbiote that Jacob
now carried inside himself and shared his life with. He had been dying on Earth
of cancer when his daughter suggested something he thought was totally
impossible...traveling to different worlds way beyond the reaches of known
space. It was more then he could've ever hoped for. She seemed so happy and
excited. She loved her job despite the risks of meeting hostiles at every
turn. Selmac had been dying and Sam
came to him telling him of the Tok'ra and what she had been doing with her life
these last few years. She had explained to him how the symbiote Selmac needed a
new host to continue living. Her host was dying. Jacob had met the Tok'ra and
spoke with them about what it would mean to have a symbiote within himself. He agreed
to the implantation and here he was now sharing his life, his body, with his
symbiote Selmac. He was the liaison between Earth and the Tok'ra and he took
his new position very seriously. He looked at Sam again gently questioning,
"Are you all right, Sam?"
"Sure
dad...but what about you?"
"Sam,
I know that you're far from all right."
"No
dad, I'm fine... Really."
"Sam,
you know what Daniel is suffering through. You know how he’s being tortured.
You know how it feels. How can you be fine knowing exactly what Daniel is
suffering through at the hands of Osiris?"
"I'm...I'm
fine dad."
"Sam..."
Sam
looked at her father feeling tears welling up, accumulating at the edges of her
eyes. Tears she swore she would not shed. She vowed to keep her emotions in
check but as a lone tear rolled down across her left cheek she couldn't stop
the flood. Jacob pulled his daughter against him holding her as she shed tears
of pain and anger for Daniel and his present suffering. She knew what Daniel
was going through all right. She knew some of what he was going through, and
she knew the pain and anguish he must be feeling. She held the memories of
Jolinar inside her mind. Jolinar's memories revealed to her just how cruel the
Goa'uld were when torturing their victims. She remembered, all too clearly,
their mission to Netu. They went to Netu, Sokhar's world...It was literally
hell. Her dad had been taken prisoner on one of his missions and sent to the
planet. SG-1 rescued him from that horrible planet. They had needed to access
Jolinar's memories, the memories of the symbiote that Sam had only carried
inside herself for a short time before the symbiote gave its life so that she
could continue living. Jolinar had been a Tok'ra spy who had been captured and
sent to Hell. She was the only one to have ever escaped that horrible place.
They had needed to access those memories of Jolinar's in order to figure out
how she had escaped. It was the only way off of the planet. There were no
Stargates there. The only way on or off the planet was through the teleport
rings. Jolinar had escaped so they accessed the memories Sam carried within her
to help in their own escape. While Sam was under the influence of the memory
recall device she had flashes and images of Jolinar's suffering. She clearly
recalled Jolinar being tortured by that Goa'uld shock device. The device looked
almost like a cow prod and when it was applied to the flesh it burned and
shocked. Sam had felt and experienced Jolinar's extreme pain as she had been
jolted by one of those devices. Sam kept telling herself that Daniel would
never be exposed to that crude device but she knew, was positive, it has been
or will be used on him. Those thoughts scared her to death. As she would try to
sleep other images of Jolinar's torture would enter her mind. She couldn't stop
them as they seized her. In her dreams she would see Jolinar and then Daniel.
She tried not to sleep so she wouldn't have to see Jolinar's torture or hear
her screams, so she wouldn't see that image of Jolinar becoming Daniel...
Jacob
held his daughter until she started to regain control of herself. Teal'c
entered saying, "Major Carter..."
When
he realized he had intruded on a private moment between father and daughter he
quickly apologized, "I am sorry," then he turned to leave. Sam said,
"Teal'c wait."
As
he turned back he saw Sam hastily wipe the remainder of tears off of her face.
He didn't even have to ask what those tears were for. She had been crying...for
Daniel Jackson. He nodded his head as she approached him. He noticed how she
nervously tried to cover up the fact that she had been crying just a moment
ago. Teal'c looked at her then gently said, "Major Carter, do not be ashamed
for caring. Daniel Jackson is important to all of us. He is a very close
friend. You have every right to feel
sad for him."
Sam
struggled to leave a feeble smile escape. She said, "Thanks Teal'c."
He
again inclined his head. He was, himself, very worried for their young friend.
He, like Sam, knew what Daniel was now going through. He heard Major Carter
speak, "Teal'c..."
"Yes
Major Carter?"
"Do
you...I mean... Does Daniel's disappearance...uh..."
Teal'c
sensed what she was saying then answered, "Yes Major Carter, I too know
how he is suffering. The disappearance of Daniel Jackson is very disturbing to
me."
"But
you don't seem..."
"Major
Carter, years of working as First Prime of Apophis taught me how to suppress
all feelings, whether good or bad. I was trained to not show feelings of any
kind, and I have great difficulty in changing that aspect of myself. I do not
show how Daniel's disappearance makes me feel, but I can tell you that I feel
his loss greatly. Daniel is also a part of my family Samantha."
Then
Teal'c left feeling very uncomfortable with what he had just revealed to her.
Sam could only say, "He's never...that's the first time..."
"What
Sam?"
"He
called me Samantha...and used only Daniel's first name. He..."
"Sam,
Teal'c is taking this just as hard as everyone else. He knows better than any
of us what extremes the Goa'uld will take to extract information from
prisoners. He knows better tha any of us what Daniel is being exposed
to..."
A
loud retort of, "Son of a bitch!" echoed down the corridor of the
ship. They all knew that Colonel Jack O'Neill was the one cursing. Sam glanced
at Jacob sensing that Jack was angrier with himself then anything for losing
Daniel on P3X-173. She was very worried about Jack. Jack kept all his emotions
and feelings locked up deep inside of himself. He rarely left raw emotion come
to the surface. She was sure he was blaming himself for what had happened on
that planet.
Teal'c
had been walking down the hall when he heard the familiar curse. He recognized
the voice of Jack immediately, and went to his friend. He entered the room
seeing Jack holding his left wrist in his right hand. He was glaring downwards
unmoving, staring off into space. Teal'c interrupted, "O'Neill, are you
all right?"
Jack
looked up at his silent friend and responded, "Yeah Teal'c, I'm
fine."
"Are
you sure, O'Neill?"
"Yes,"
came his quick retort. Teal'c raised his eyebrow knowing that Jack was not
fine. Jack rarely raised his voice to Teal'c. Teal'c knew the man blamed
himself for Daniel's abduction. He spoke up, "O'Neill, there was nothing
you could have done for Daniel Jackson. It is not your fault that he was taken
prisoner by Osiris."
Jack
eyed up Teal'c with a mix of suspicion and anger on his face. How did he do
that? How did Teal'c know exactly what was bothering him? He sighed heavily
saying, "It is my fault, Teal'c. I should've been more alert. It was my
choice, my decision, to go back for Osiris. Daniel even told me, even asked me,
if I thought that decision was wise...I didn't listen to him. All I could think
of was that if this snakehead got off of the planet we would have one more
enemy to fight. I left him."
"From
what you have told me O'Neill, Daniel Jackson agreed with your decision and
told you that he would return to help you destroy Osiris. Is this not what
happened?"
"Yes
that's what happened."
"So
why is it your fault?"
"Because
I should've listened to him."
"Did
we just not agree that Daniel Jackson supported your decision? O'Neill, Kalvin
told us upon being transported via the rings that Daniel Jackson went searching
for you to help you destroy the Goa'uld. He did not take the transport rings.
He chose to stay and help you. He made that choice. Daniel Jackson knew the
risks of helping you and he chose to accept those risks. I am sure that he does
not blame you for what has happened to him."
"He
doesn't have to blame me. I blame myself!"
"Why
do you blame yourself if even Daniel Jackson does not blame you?"
"Daniel
is a member of my team, under my command. My job, my duty, is to protect the
members of my team, to look out for their benefits, to keep them out of harms
way. I failed in my duty, and I failed as Daniel's friend when I left him on
that planet."
"O'Neill,
none of this is your fault. You must not blame yourself for what has
happened..."
"Well,
I do blame myself Teal'c!" snapped Jack in reply.
"You
are on a dangerous path, O'Neill. Guilt can destroy you. Why will you not learn
to forgive yourself and stop taking on the responsibilities that you do not
need to take on?"
Jack
said nothing else so Teal'c left the room leaving Jack to the disruptive
thoughts traveling through his mind of what his young friend was now enduring
under Osiris' imprisonment.
* * * *
Daniel
Jackson slowly awoke not sure what brought him to consciousness. He could still
feel the pain throughout his entire body and his ribs making his chest feel tighter
and the muscles tense. He couldn't really feel his arms anymore. They were numb
from the shackles cutting off circulation and from being made to remain in such
a painful position for so long. He knew though that as soon as he moved them
the pain would come back in torturous waves. He coughed and winced as in doing
so his whole body seemed to shake igniting pain where he had hoped was no more.
He heard the approach of footsteps and was positive Osiris was again returning
to pick up the interrogation where he had left off the previous day. Daniel
felt himself tense up some in fear, some in rage, some in uncertainty of what
Osiris had planned for him next. He attempted to place his feet under him,
surprised he succeeded on the first try, but he could feel the pain in his body
beginning to escalate. He heard the clanging of the cell door being unlocked
and being pulled open to admit his visitor, or visitors. Daniel literally
forced his head upwards gritting his teeth to keep from screaming out as pain
exploded in his head. He managed to lift his head up without a sound and glared
coldly towards his tormentors. He noticed that both Kelsham and Osiris looked
shocked that he was actually awake and alert. He felt a small triumph inside
himself but kept his feelings well hidden.
Osiris
approached Daniel saying, "Well, I am most impressed, Doctor Jackson. I
was not sure you would be awake."
"You'll
find I'm full of surprises," Daniel spoke out in a clipped voice.
Osiris
looked at him making a quick sweep of the young man's body trying to ascertain
just how much more pain would be too much. He spoke again, "And so I am
discovering. You are much stronger than I had first expected from you. You will
not die. You are definitely most stubborn."
Daniel
continued to glare at Sarah...Osiris he silently chided himself. Osiris found
himself smirking. Yes, Daniel Jackson was indeed full of surprises. He never
expected the man to be able to awake let alone get to his feet and speak after
the previous days' beating he had endured. He hated to admit it, but he found
that he was truly impressed with the young man's spirit. This one would prove
very interesting to tame. He would break the man; he vowed to. Osiris found
that he liked the challenge his newest prisoner was turning out to be. He would
derive much pleasure in making Daniel Jackson suffer endlessly until his body
no longer drew breath only to revive him yet again and make him suffer even
longer the next time. He felt himself getting anxious with anticipation as he thought
of the many years of entertainment he would get out of the man's suffering. He
heard Sarah mutter a no to that thought. Osiris' eyes glowed white as he
directed pain to his host in an attempt to silence her complaints. This host
was so damned stubborn. She refused to remain silent. Osiris sent a message to
her mentally, 'Daniel Jackson will die if you do not stop fighting me, and his
death will not be easy…'
The
threat served to subdue her...for the time being. He sensed that she would
again attempt to fight him, but not now. Now she was silent. Now he could
interrogate Doctor Jackson without interference. He spoke evenly, "Have
you thought of what your choice will be? I can end this pain you are in. All I
have to do is place you in a sarcophagus and you will be healed; your
punishment will be gone. Tell me what I want to know, and I will do this for
you."
"No."
Daniel
jolted wincing as he felt the damned shock device being rammed against his
lower back. He felt sudden fear in his mind as he remembered how it felt when
that connected with the base of his neck. He tried his best to conceal the
sudden fear and anxiety from welling up inside of himself. He managed to keep
that fear and anxiety contained.
Osiris
smirked evilly at Doctor Jackson then said, "Come now Doctor Jackson, it
is a simple request. Tell me what I want to know."
"I
know nothing."
Daniel
winced clenching his eyes shut as he felt that damned device connecting with
his back again. This time it felt like it was higher up on his back. Osiris
stepped up to Daniel raising his hand above Daniel's forehead. Daniel could
only stare at the Goa'uld hand device shimmering sinisterly as if to mock him.
He tensed himself in preparation should the device be used. Osiris continued,
"You only have two options. Tell me or suffer."
"I
don't know anything."
That
was it Daniel saw the device come to life and prepared to steel himself against
the wave of nausea and pain he knew would sweep through his already aching
mind. He couldn't help it when his scream pierced the air as the hand device
drilled into his mind, sending every nerve on end and making what was a
tolerable headache in the beginning overwhelming. He saw blackness and felt himself
sinking. He struggled not to pass out and felt the pain in his mind triple. He
started seeing white spots before his vision as, unlike before Osiris did not
shut off the device. Daniel began to wonder if this was it. Was this going to
be his first death? Just as he felt ready to pass out the device was suddenly
turned off. Daniel was aware of screaming coming from somewhere and realized it
was his own screams that were piercing the room. He left his head fall forward
panting as his breath came in short gasps. He could feel his lungs protesting
the quick pattern of breathing. His broken rib felt like it was digging into
his lungs as he labored to regain his already restricted breathing. He vowed
not to black out...not yet. He could feel a warm stream of wetness running from
his nose and as the stream flowed down over his upper lip he could taste it. It
was a metallic taste. Daniel knew that it was blood. His nose was bleeding
again. He could feel sweat breaking out all over his body, and could hear his own
labored breathing. Just hearing his own struggles made him feel a bit uneasy.
Osiris
was patient. He waited for his prisoner to regain his breathing knowing the
ribs were contributing to his laboring. Osiris knew Doctor Jackson had at least
one broken rib and was sure he had several cracked or fractured ribs, as well
as some badly bruised ones. Osiris could hear the wheezing and gasping in
Jackson's labored breath. The young man would not last much longer. He was
certain he would have to prepare the sarcophagus for Doctor Jackson's
resurrection soon. Finally, the man's breathing returned to a somewhat normal
rhythm. Osiris waited to see if his prisoner had the strength to again lift his
head. He felt certain that this time Jackson would be unsuccessful in doing so.
Daniel
tried to ignore the pain and push it out of his mind. He struggled to look back
up at Osiris and managed to do just that. Osiris was again surprised as Doctor
Jackson raised his head. He spoke aloud without thought, "Most impressive Doctor
Jackson, most impressive."
Daniel
only glared harsher at Osiris. Osiris again smiled sinisterly at him then
touched the side of Daniel's face. Daniel retaliated by spitting in Osiris'
face again and ordering, "Don't touch me!" screaming as he felt
something sharp and piercing suddenly penetrate deep into his lower left
kidney, imbedding in his flesh. Kelsham ordered, "Apologize human!"
"I'd
rather die," Daniel uttered in a pain-laced voice. He felt a wave of
blackness washing over himself but fought it back. He screamed as the sharp
object in his back was suddenly yanked out. He left his head drop forward then
heard movement. He could feel blood seeping out of the new wound near his
kidney. Kelsham stepped before him then pressed a sharp object against his
throat. Daniel knew all too well what object had just been placed against his
throat: a knife, and as he opened his eyes he realized it was HIS knife…the one
that he always carried in the side of his boot. Every member of the SGC who
disembarked carried a knife and usually two guns. When his shirt and jacket had
been removed earlier in the week Kelsham had searched him for any other weapons
and upon finding the knife had confiscated it immediately. Daniel winced as Kelsham pressed the knife
harsher against his throat glaring at him menacingly before ordering,
"Apologize to your lord."
"No."
Kelsham
lashed out, grabbing a fistful of Daniel's short hair, again showing no mercy
as he whipped Daniel's head backwards. Daniel screamed as his head was wrenched
backwards by his hair. He clenched his eyes tightly shut knowing, sensing that
he would not remain conscious much longer. As another wave of dizziness swept
through him he very nearly did follow it, about to let the dizziness swallow
him up, until he felt the deadly blade of his very own knife cutting into his
neck. He winced swallowing hard as Kelsham moved the blade only slightly
opening up a small cut on the right side of his throat. Again he heard
Kelsham's order, "Apologize to your god!"
"Never."
The
knife suddenly disappeared from his throat and was rammed into his right
shoulder. Daniel groaned loudly trying desperately to keep himself from
screaming out as the blade dug into flesh and muscle. He braced himself, the
best he could in his present condition, for the extraction of the knife.
Osiris' voice boomed as he yelled, "KELSHAM!"
Kelsham's
eyes moved to the left as he heard his god saying his name. It was a warning to
stop what he was doing. Kelsham glared at Daniel then, without showing any
mercy, he violently yanked the knife out of Daniel's shoulder causing Daniel to
cry out in pain. Daniel felt warm blood gushing from the newest wound and
prayed it would stop bleeding soon.
Kelsham
took the now bloody blade of the knife and wiped the blood off on Daniel's
pants then put it away. Osiris approached Daniel once more saying evenly,
"When will you learn to obey and not fight? You will be spending an
eternity with Kelsham and I. We can kill you as many times as we would like, and
we will bring you back again and again. You will be tortured repetitively...
You are a prisoner, Doctor Jackson. You have no escape. There is no escape for
you. Your friends will not come for you. They do not know where I have taken
you. I made sure they could not possibly follow. Soon your people, the Tau'ri,
will forget you. You will not get away. You should not anger Kelsham. He will
be by my side throughout all my days...and your days. There is no escape for
you Doctor Jackson, and there never will be. It is in your best interest to
speak of what you know. I will consider sparing you should you decide to tell
me what I want to hear... Now tell me Doctor Jackson, where is Isis?"
"I
have no idea," came Daniel's scornful reply.
Osiris
backhanded Daniel causing him to jerk violently against his chains, and his
head began to throb intensely. He could feel blood pumping furiously in his
mind and knew that blackness would soon beckon him once more. Osiris continued
but Daniel only vaguely heard his question, "I will ask you again... Where
is my mate?"
Daniel
didn't even realize that he spoke as he muttered, "I don't...know..."
"You
lie! Where are you holding my queen?"
"Don't
know..." mumbled Daniel.
Osiris
glared coldly at the human. He was so damned stubborn! Why did he continue to
refuse to give him the answers he sought? Osiris glared at Daniel noticing that
the human was fighting just to remain conscious. He demanded, "Where is my
queen, Doctor Jackson? Tell me!"
Daniel
could hear his voice as he yelled, "I DON’T KNOW!"
"Tell
me what I want to know!"
"I
DON’T KNOW!" Daniel yelled again in rage.
Then
Daniel kicked out at Osiris in anger. Osiris went down hard. Kelsham responded
by ramming the shock device directly into the back of his neck, and Daniel
couldn't stop himself as he screamed out in pure anguish, rage and agony as the
device sent a violent shockwave of pain rippling down his spine and throughout
his entire body. DAMN! He had forgotten about that fuckin' device already! He
hated that device it was worse than the ribbon device. He screamed out again as
the electrical current elicited from the device traveled at rapid speed
throughout his body sending him headlong into the vicious, violent spasms of
convulsions. He felt nauseated and ill as his body started to convulse wickedly
in response to the crude torture device. He tensed up trying to some how
prepare himself for what would soon follow. The convulsions were only the
second stage of the crude device's horrible affects. He knew what would come
next: the twitching and jerking of his limbs in response to the pain. He felt
blinding white-hot pain sear into his skull creating burning anguish in its
wake. Daniel saw inky blackness grabbing at him, reaching for him, taunting him
at the same time it begged for him to follow. He succumbed to that
ever-encompassing darkness because within the darkness at least he could find
some temporary solace from the horrid anguish now seizing his entire being. He
was faintly aware that his head was falling forward rapidly. Then he was gone
as this time he didn't remain awake to feel himself writhing and twitching or
feel his muscles spasm in their protest of the cruel pain they were being
subjected to. He no longer heard anything, saw anything...he was completely
unconscious. His breathing was again extremely difficult as he began to gasp
from the pain and anguish of the torture device.
Kelsham
saw the human's head flop forward as he lost consciousness. He waited until the
human's legs buckled out from under him before pulling the device away. He
stood glaring coldly at the human who now once again hung only by his shackled
wrists. He didn't move, only hung there completely unconscious. Kelsham
listened to the human's labored breathing and smiled evilly...maybe he would
die today then they could resurrect him and punish him all over again. He gave
the human one last disgusted look before he went over to his lord helping him
to his feet.
When
Osiris recovered from the strike he looked over at Doctor Jackson. He was so
angry that the human got in another very good kick that he viciously swatted
the recorder. Then he spoke ordering a guard to enter then ordered him to fire
his staff weapon at the human. The guard raised his staff weapon preparing to
kill the human when Osiris changed his mind saying, "No. Do not kill him
yet. Shoot him in the leg...make it a flesh wound."
"Yes
My Lord," with that said the guard fired the weapon. Daniel screamed out
in his unconscious state as he felt the burning, searing slice of the Jaffa
staff weapon striking his upper left leg. His mind registered that he had been
shot, but he could do nothing about it.
Osiris
checked the new flesh wound noticing that the flesh still burned where the
wound now lay. He smirked wickedly when he saw that the wound was only minor, a
grazing shot that would heal nicely without scarring, even without using the
sarcophagus, but it would hurt like hell. Osiris then turned leaving the room
and his prisoner to suffer his anguish and torment alone.
Kelsham
glanced once again at the human smirking even broader than before when he saw
the nasty staff burn. He started to chuckle then followed his lord out of the
cell.
* * * *
As
Jotham later entered the room he paled seeing the new raw exposed bloody flesh
of Doctor Jackson's upper left leg. He ran over to Doctor Jackson fearing that
his first death was close at hand. He felt for a pulse and felt it beating
stronger than he expected. He noticed that Daniel wasn't struggling as much as
before with his breathing...this at least was a good sign. He noticed that
Daniel wasn't unconscious now in fact he slept deeply. Jotham wondered if
Daniel had slipped from unconsciousness into a deep sleep and as he examined
the newest injuries to Doctor Jackson's body it was confirmed: another burn lay
on the flesh at the base of Daniel's neck. He was positive the young man was no
longer unconscious only in a very deep state of rest. He was glad for that.
Deep sleep was better than the sleep of unconsciousness and Doctor Jackson
needed all the sleep he could possibly get. His latest injuries could prove to be
the death of him. He noticed a new wound on Daniel's shoulder and lower kidney.
They looked like stab wounds. Jotham prayed Doctor Jackson's friends would soon
find him. They had to find him. He was growing weaker and death was closing in.
He prayed that they would find him before Osiris began killing him and
resurrecting him. He hated to think of what would befall Daniel if no one ever
came for him. He would have to blow his cover. He wouldn't be able to watch
Daniel being returned to life then beaten this badly if not worse all over
again only to die, be brought back to life and again made to suffer. It would
never end; the cycle of life, death, resurrection and torture would never end
for Daniel Jackson. His life was going to be hell, a nightmare existence; he’d
be a prisoner for all eternity unless he was rescued or Jotham got him out. He
would not allow Daniel to be condemned to a life of unending torture.
He
stood just watching the young man, listening to his still shaky breathing and
watching him. He could tell just by studying the young man how much Daniel was
suffering. He scanned Doctor Jackson's body again staring in shock when he saw
the amount of blood that ran down Daniel's arms from his severely chafed cut up
wrists. Doctor Jackson looked so weak and frail hanging there. The young man
was a fighter. Most people would've given up when the ribs cracked and broke,
but not Daniel. He still hung there struggling against his labored breathing.
Most of the injuries on Doctor Jackson's body were induced solely for the
purpose of causing him agony. The worst injury right now was the ribs. His ribs
were cracked and badly bruised. The other severe injury was the side effects
left behind from the use of the shock device. It left the young archaeologist extremely
weak, filled with pain, and left with an extreme migraine for several days
after application. The other major concern was Doctor Jackson's dehydration and
starvation. The young archaeologist hasn't eaten in over five days and he
provided the man with water, but Doctor Jackson could only swallow a little.
Lack of nourishment and liquid only heightened the danger Daniel was already
in, heightened it and weakened him even further. He felt the young man's
forehead, which felt slightly warm. A touch of fever was with him, but it was
still relatively low key, but of course his fever would not remain so low grade
for very long.
Jotham
stayed with Daniel for a bit longer. There was little he could do for the man.
The man was in a deep state of rest. Jotham didn't have the heart to wake him.
He also didn't want to leave the man alone, so he remained watching over Daniel
for a time before finally deciding he had better leave or he would risk
discovery. As he neared the cell door he took one last glance at Daniel before
leaving. He would have to come back and hope that Daniel will be alert enough
to accept some of the precious water and food he so badly needed to get in his
system to survive.
* * * *
Daniel
vaguely heard someone approaching his cell early the next morning. Somewhere in
the back of his mind he heard a whispered warning. Osiris and Kelsham were most
likely back again to continue what they had started days ago. He felt himself
tense as a wave of anxiety and fear swept over him. What would they do to him
now? He was sure whatever they did it
would be far from pleasant. He pushed his fear to the back of his mind and
opened his eyes to slits immediately seeing the floor of the room doing a crazy
pitch as paralyzing pain pierced the dark recesses of his mind. He clenched his
eyes shut waiting for his world to right itself. Then he tried again opening
his eyes. He struggled to place his feet under his body gritting his teeth and
wincing as he felt the newest pain in his upper left leg. He could see the
nasty flesh wound marring his body and was sure it was given to him courtesy of
Osiris...probably his punishment for lashing out and kicking the Goa'uld
yesterday. It burned and seared like a son of a bitch, but he tried not to
notice. He again struggled to place his feet under him. He managed to get his
right leg under him, despite the painful bruising there that he had received
from Kelsham the other day, but his left leg struggled to comply with his
demands. He heard his cell door open and footsteps echo in the room as someone
entered. He struggled to glance up, but as he did so his head pounded its loud
complaints at the attempt. Daniel gritted his teeth preparing to try again and
this time managed to raise his head at least high enough to see the one now
before him. He stared ice daggers towards Osiris as he saw the Goa'uld now
standing before him.
Osiris
glared back at Jackson then said, "I am growing impatient with you, Doctor
Jackson. Your insolence will be the death of you yet. I am going to enjoy the
next thousand years of your suffering by my hand. The sarcophagus can guarantee
you will live only to suffer again and again for as long as I choose to keep
you. How long do you believe you could hold on before I break you? How many
times do you have to suffer and die before you are driven totally insane?
Doctor Jackson, you may go free if you would tell me what I want to know."
"I've
already told you...I don't know anything."
Daniel
noticed Sarah's eyes suddenly glow bright white and watched as the ribbon
device was raised above his forehead. Daniel tensed up horribly preparing
himself for the agony he knew was sure to follow. He stared at the device
watching as it sparked and came to life. He would not scream. He vowed not to
scream. In the next instant overwhelming torment filled his mind as the device
drilled deep into his brain feeling as if it were burning a hole right through
his skull. Daniel wanted to scream but found he couldn’t even voice it. The
device held him in its grip drilling into his mind, seizing him in its painful
wretched hold forcing all thoughts to shatter to the far recesses of his own
mind. He started to breathe deeply trying to fight the inkiness and dizziness
threatening to grab him and pull him under.
Osiris
didn't remove the device. He only glared at Daniel Jackson, a murderous gleam
in his eyes, as the device now held the young man transfixed, captivated, in
its painful grip. He felt rage fill him and wanted to kill Daniel this time.
Kill him just for the satisfaction and then bring him back from the dead only
to do this to him all over again. He chuckled evilly as Jackson's body went
slack and his eyes started to drift shut as death threatened to take the young
man on a journey to the other side...
Daniel
tried to struggle against the firm grip of pain that the device held him
temporarily transfixed in. He felt the agony only increase as the device
drilled deeper and deeper into his head. He could feel his senses starting to
disappear, feel blackness threatening to overtake him. He started to see
blinding light before his vision and hear buzzing, a very insistent buzzing, in
his head. When Osiris did not remove the device Daniel froze and before he
realized it an anguished scream tore free from his lips piercing the air in his
prison cell. His screams of terror and agony bounced off of the walls. He
wondered what was going on. Who was screaming? He suddenly realized those
screams of torment were coming from himself. He felt his body start to go lax
then saw the images beginning to flash ever so slowly in his mind: his wife
Sha're on their wedding day, Jack reaching over to pat him on the shoulder
smiling at him and telling him that he did good, Sam laughing as they sat
around the room chatting, Teal'c looking at him with respect in his eyes and
nodding his head... Images and more images filled his mind as the pain started
to hit its apex. Daniel was positive his first death was about to occur. He was
positive that this was it. He knew that he would awake again healthy and alive
only to be tortured again. He was prepared for death when suddenly the device
was shut off. Daniel watched through slitted eyelids as Osiris' hand flew
violently backwards away from him almost as if someone had just seized Osiris’
arm and used immense strength to yank the hand away. As the invading darkness
consumed him and the pain sent him on a downward spiral to oblivion, Daniel
only thought of one thing... Sarah had saved him.
* * * *
Sarah
was still there in her body. She remained in the back of herself, the back of
her own mind. She at first didn't understand what was happening to her the day
Osiris took control. She had been extremely curious as to what the canopic jar
had contained. She had remembered Daniel teasing when they were young that
curiosity killed the cat and that her curiosity would get her into trouble.
Daniel was just as curious as she was. Their curiosity was part of what drew
them together. She remembered Daniel telling her the story of Pandora. Pandora
had been given a box and was told never to open it, but her curiosity won out.
She had opened the box and everything escaped, except for hope. She had trapped
hope inside, which provided all mankind with hope. As Sarah had prepared to
break the seal of the jar she had remembered that story so clearly as if
Daniel, himself, were standing there in the room telling it to her. She
should've listened to his warnings because now it was too late. She had opened
the canopic jar and had felt horrid pain as what felt like a snake entered her
body. In that instant she had felt the invasion of a second mind within herself
so different and so foreign to her own. She had been confused, not sure of what
had happened. Soon she had crept into a small spot in the back of her own mind
retreating as another mind, another soul, seized her body. She fought against
the intruder but to no avail. She retreated then as if in a dream. She was a
silent witness to all the horrible things Osiris, as she soon learned was the
intruder in her own body, did. It was as if she were trapped in a dream, or
rather a living nightmare. She could see herself doing things, but could not
stop herself.
She
still remembered the day she had boarded a plane to Cairo and found herself in
one of Osiris' temples. As she entered she saw her friend, Doctor Stephen
Raynor, approach the far wall of the temple then she felt Osiris take his
control. She watched helplessly as Stephen was flung viciously to the ground
bleeding internally and unable to move. As she had heard the approach of
another vehicle she had retreated into the shadows to watch as two young woman
entered. The first had a gun raised in the ready. Sarah had been confused.
Where did they come from, and why were they here? Following them was a third
person, a much taller individual, a male. As he stepped through the door Sarah
nearly called out. It was Daniel; he had come.
Osiris pushed her back by sending a shock wave of pain to her. She
nearly lost her battle then, but she clung to consciousness her eyes never
leaving Daniel for a moment. She had watched him as if in a fog, desperate to
want to call out a warning to him for what she knew, could read in the second
mind, Osiris had planned to do next. She couldn't speak; she could only watch.
She watched as Daniel spoke with Stephen asking him what had happened and why
he had come. She was aware of Stephen speaking to Daniel as the darker-haired
woman was examining him. She must've been a doctor. She ran her hand down
across Stephen's still form then said, "Daniel, we have to get him out of
here..."
Sarah
had watched as Daniel looked intently at Stephen, worry evident on his face,
then he questioned, "Stephen, who did this to you?"
Before
she realized what was happening she was stepping out of the shadows to approach
the four strangers. Osiris glared in Daniel's direction making Sarah tense as
he spoke, "I did."
Sarah
watched as Daniel jumped to his feet raising what appeared to be a tranquilizer
gun directly at her. He spoke her name and Sarah desperately tried to respond
but with no luck. Osiris turned towards the two women driving them back with
some device that was almost like a shock wave of pure energy. She could only
watch in horror as the women flew violently backwards striking the wall behind
them then crumpling to the floor. In the next instant Osiris was bearing down
on Daniel who had managed to pull out his gun. She found herself wondering
since when did Daniel Jackson carry a weapon, and since when had he been
willing to use it? She watched as he tried to raise it to fire then wondered
what he had been doing the last five or so years of his life. She watched in
dazed horror as her right hand reached out with deadly intent gripping Daniel
around the throat and squeezing. She saw pain flare up in his eyes and wanted
desperately to get to him but was too weak to fight the one who now possessed her.
She could only wonder when words exited her mouth that were not her own,
"Daniel Jackson, you seem to know much of the Goa'uld..."
She
heard the clatter as the gun he had held in his hand only a moment before
clattered uselessly to the ground. Then she found herself wondering what the
other person inside of her had said. He seemed to know much of the Goa'uld?
What the hell was a Goa'uld and how on earth could Daniel have any clue what
was being said? The voice that was not her own continued, "...Much more
than any other human that I have encountered since my awakening... Now tell me
where is the Stargate?"
Sarah
wondered what the Stargate was and tried to focus on Daniel as an image of a
huge round metallic circle with a shimmering pool of water in its center
entered her mind. She didn't understand what she was seeing. Daniel's voice
drew her attention again as he muttered, "I don't know what you're talking
about."
She
watched helplessly as Daniel was then flung to the ground carelessly. He then
brought his right hand to his throat in an effort to soothe the new pain.
Osiris turned his back to Daniel saying something about the temple once being
filled with worshippers then questioning about a brother. Sarah didn't understand
what was going on at all. How could Daniel answer these questions? There was no
way he could. How could he know what this Osiris was even talking about? She
was shocked as Daniel looked up, still on his knees, and spoke, "Uh...you
mean Seth? Uh... He's dead we, uh...we killed him."
"You
lie."
"No,
no. We also killed Ra and, uh, Hathor...uh, who else?...Sokhar..."
Sarah
was completely caught off guard. Daniel knew of whom this Osiris was talking
about and he said they had killed Ra, Hathor and Sokhar? That was
impossible...they were all deities...Ancient Egyptian deities. Gods and
goddesses of Ancient Egypt, but that was all mythology...wasn't it? Sarah felt
herself growing colder, Daniel knew a lot more about what was going on here
then she did. He knew, had known, about these...things that took over her. Was
this his Top Secret project? The one that made him disappear, drop off of the
face of the Earth, for the last five years? He had told her that he was
involved in something incredible, but didn't elaborate on that statement much
other than to say that what the world knew of Ancient Egypt just barely
scratched the surface. He had told her nothing more just that he would
disappear again, like before. She had been very angry at him for refusing to
tell her what he was involved in and lashed out at him saying, "Stephen
was right...you never should've come back."
She
had regretted that comment directly after she had spoken it aloud, but it had
been too late to call back those words of hurt. She knew they had hurt Daniel.
He had covered his emotions up rather well, but she couldn't miss how he had
held her gaze only a moment longer before quickly down casting his eyes. He
turned away from her then and just walked away leaving her feeling extremely guilty
and angry with herself for saying such a thing.
She
was aware of the other being inside of her continuing "You have come far
it is true, but you are weak... Even now you are torn between your desire to
kill me and your concern for my host..."
Sarah
had felt anger and rage at being referred to as a host, so the creature,
entity, inside of her own body was a parasite? She was beginning to understand
better what had happened to her. She watched Daniel wishing she could speak to
him once again. He had recovered from the tight grip that had been previously
held on his throat and now he looked up at her dropping his head as
the...parasite questioned where his queen was. How could Daniel possibly answer
that question? But once again he surprised her as he spoke, "She was
trapped like you... We have the jar..."
Sarah
felt suddenly angry with Daniel. He knew a lot more than he had let on, and she
felt somewhat betrayed. She realized it wasn't betrayal she felt towards him
but hurt, hurt because Daniel couldn't confide in her, couldn't tell her his
secret, couldn't tell her what he has been doing with his life these last few
years. She was sure he had left because of her. They had dated for a time, but
their relationship came to a shaky halt. Shortly after they decided not to date
any longer and to just become friends Daniel had disappeared publishing no
papers, no books...nothing. It was as if he had literally dropped off of the
face of the Earth. It was a surprise to see him at the funeral, but she had felt
better about their last parting. She remembered, all too well, Daniel's next
comment and what had followed. Osiris asked where the jar was and Daniel said
he wasn't going to tell him. Osiris had told Daniel that he was mistaken then
raised that hand device above his forehead. Light burst forth from the
unfamiliar technological weapon. She wanted desperately to get out to help
Daniel anyway she could when she saw that he was in pain and was fighting
against it. Daniel had suddenly struck out, and she felt a sharp pain pierce
her abdomen. When Osiris looked back up Daniel was bent over sharply at the
waist holding his head on the floor. She watched as he brought his right hand
up to comfort the pain in his head. She tried to fight again, but could do
nothing. After that she remembered the cold threat her...parasite spoke,
"Make no mistake Osiris will return...and the rivers of the Earth will run
red with blood..."
That
threat still haunted Sarah even now. She had lost herself for a while after
that. She was there but Osiris gained complete control, or so he thought. When
Osiris arrived on this planet and ordered Daniel to be taken to a cell she had
returned staying in the background. Daniel's presence brought Sarah back. She
started fighting Osiris when the Goa'uld began to torture Daniel. She had
struggled against him, fighting him, desperate to help Daniel in any way she
could. It wasn't until the day that Daniel had kicked her that she had managed
to gain control of herself, but only long enough to say a few words to him. His
horrible screams of pain and the pain she saw etched on his face when Osiris
gripped his hair jerking his head upright was enough to send her fighting
harder. She managed to speak to him, apologizing for hurting him. She knew of
what Osiris had in store for Daniel yet and she knew she would not be able to
stop it so she spoke to him again apologizing for causing him pain. Osiris had
been outraged at her attempts to fight him and had directed pain towards her
again. Then he threatened to kill Daniel if she fought him anymore. He had told
her that if she continued to fight him he would kill Daniel and not revive him.
Sarah had seen what Osiris was capable of and knew Osiris would do just that,
but today she couldn't stop fighting. She had read Osiris' intentions and knew
the parasite was going to just let Daniel die. As he was close to death Sarah
could take no more and managed to wrench Osiris' hand brutally away from Daniel
shortly before the man was going to take his last breath...
* * * *
Osiris
recovered quickly and mentally cursed Sarah then told her he would punish her
for that attack. He blocked his mind so she couldn't know what he was about to
do. Osiris approached Daniel then suddenly, without any remorse or regrets,
without any inkling of guilt he drove a vicious, brutal kick directly into
Daniel's gut. Sarah could only cry out in pain as she heard Daniel's loud,
desperate scream of extreme anguish tear from his lips. He screamed so horribly
and so loudly that Sarah began to cry. Osiris laughed viciously then said,
"Do not attempt to resist me again Sarah, or next time Daniel Jackson
won't be so lucky."
Osiris
eyed up Daniel with nothing but loathing and disgust in his eyes. The young
man's scream had subsided, and now he hung there groaning and wincing as he
labored to draw in breath. His breath was coming in short gasps and excessive
wheezing. Osiris knew that he either drove a rib into Doctor Jackson's lungs or
cracked the man's sternum. He didn't care. He could revive Daniel at any time.
He vowed to draw out the man's death and planned to do just that. He looked up
at Kelsham saying, "Check on him through out the night. When he no longer
draws breath bring him before me so that I may resurrect him."
"Yes
My Lord."
Osiris
then turned and left the room leaving his First Prime to gawk at the young
archaeologist in shocked surprise.
Daniel
had felt his body go limp and flaccid immediately after that hand was somehow
wrenched away from him. He was completely unprepared for what shortly followed,
thereafter. He had seen through his slitted eyes the anger, rage and pure
hatred in the Goa'uld's cold eyes, the expression so different then that of
Sarah's. He had never in all of his life seen such hatred and rage in those
eyes or that beautiful face. Sarah didn't have an evil bone in her body. She
was very compassionate and gave comfort easily. She smiled easily and laughed
easily. She had a very gentle nature about her. Her gentleness and compassion
was another thing that drew him to her like a magnet. He remembered so well
that girl, that woman, who now stood before him seething with rage and glowering
at him with pure hatred, pure dispassion in her eyes.
Osiris
held a vendetta against him…he knew ever since that time in the temple when he
had refused even under the pain of the hand device to tell Osiris where his
beloved queen was that he had made an enemy. He had only further angered the
Goa'uld when he had rammed the tranquilizer dart directly into him. Osiris had
vowed vengeance on him that day. He had vowed that Daniel would pay for his
impudence; he would pay for daring to attack the Goa'uld lord. He had also vowed on that same day that he
would one day return to exact revenge on the peoples of Earth… And now Osiris
had been handed his chance to exact that revenge that had started building so
long ago. It wasn't really all that long ago, it just seemed that way. So much
had happened to him and his team since his first encounter with Osiris, the
Ancient Egyptian god of the dead, the god of the Underworld that he had known
as soon as he recognized Osiris in that complex back on P3X-173 that Osiris
would attempt to capture him. He had read it in the Goa'uld's eyes. His
intentions were rather obvious, and Daniel had known that he was in trouble,
unless he had managed to get away. His failed escape attempt ended with him
collapsing as a zat blast sent him into unconsciousness. He wasn't surprised
that Osiris kept him chained, guarded around the clock and locked in a cell.
Osiris didn't want him to escape, and had even told him so on several
occasions. He refused to release his captive. Daniel had very few options
available to him for planning his escape. As long as the damned shackles held
him in their cold iron grip and those guards refused to leave his prison for
even a minute Daniel was flat out of luck. He had to get out of here. He had to
find a way. In every situation there was always a way out...always. One just
had to think through all of their options and determine which ones could be of
use if applied to the situation. He knew that he was on his own. His friends
would come for him...if they only knew where he was. The knowing where he was
at was most definitely a big problem. They couldn't help him if they couldn't
locate him, so it would be up to himself to get untangled from his present grim
situation.
As
quickly as those thoughts converged they snapped apart as Osiris drove an
extremely harsh kick directly into Daniel's abdomen. Daniel couldn't breathe,
couldn't scream, as the excruciating intense stabbing agony sliced through him.
He felt the air whoosh out of him then started to gasp for breath. A scream
tore from deep down inside of himself out of his mouth a scream that spoke
volumes about just how torturous and damaging that strike was to his insides.
He could've sworn he heard another loud crack coming from the vicinity of his
chest and prayed he had just imagined it. He feared a rib might’ve pierced his
lung. If that happened he would slowly bleed to death internally, and knowing
Osiris the Goa'uld would refuse to use the sarcophagus until he no longer drew
any breath. He would wait patiently as Daniel's life ebbed away wanting Daniel
to suffer a horrible death. When one died extremely slowly and painfully then
was resurrected it made one feel very scared and nervous knowing the same thing
could happen all over again. Daniel knew that was Osiris' game plan...make him
suffer and wait patiently until his breath stopped, revive him then put him
through the slow torture and the agonizingly slow death all over again...and
again, and again. Dying quickly, repetitively, would be a blessing compared to
having to die agonizingly, painfully slow as your body was broken and bloodied
on the inside and the outside. Daniel felt himself shiver at the thought then
felt himself falling headlong into the deep ever-encompassing blessed haven of
blackness, of unconsciousness where nothing could harm him and he was
temporarily safe. Where he was temporarily shielded from most of the pain. He
was unaware of how his fever spiked a bit, but then chills racked his body. He
was on the brink of shock, on the brink of fever, hovering suspended on the
very edge, close to falling over headlong into the sleep of eternity.
Stubbornly Daniel held himself back from that edge. He would not fall over. He
refused to...
* * * *
Jack
O'Neill jerked upright as another nightmare plagued him. He had been
remembering when he was a prisoner of war on one of his Special Ops missions.
In the dream his face became that of Daniel Jackson's as the tortures began.
Jack couldn't stand to see his young friend being hurt so severely and jolted
awake breathing heavily and sweating. He felt cold all over as he remembered so
vividly those flashes of his screams turning into Daniel's screams...himself
becoming Daniel... Jack quickly wrapped his arms protectively around himself
like he so often saw Daniel do when he was afraid or worried. It was an
unconscious gesture on Daniel's part and an unconscious gesture on Jack's part
as well, although it has been quite a while since Jack saw Daniel do that. He
hugged his arms tightly to himself in an effort to ward off the chills that
wracked his body. Those dreams, the dreams of his haunted past, always made him
feel nervous, afraid, even helpless… The dreams were the only real outward sign
that Jack had any inadequacies himself. He rarely left anyone else see that
side of him...except Daniel had seen.
Daniel had seen but never said anything about it and had never faulted
the Colonel. All he would say was that Jack was only human and in being human
feeling somewhat inadequate occasionally was totally natural. Even so Jack
still found himself glancing nervously around the cargo bay of the Tel'tak for
any signs or indications of his fellow teammates. He was alone. Thank heavens
for that. They must've been with Jacob at the helm and Jack had somehow managed
to fall asleep. He realized his jacket lay in his lap as if someone had tried
to cover him with it. No doubt Carter or Teal'c had come down, saw him asleep
and covered him with his own jacket. They were always doing things like that.
They were a team all right, always watching out for one another and offering
comfort where it was needed. His team had formed a strong bond over the course
of the last few years. They were almost like a family. He was very proud of
every member of his team. Sam and Daniel were brilliant scientists and Teal'c
was a great friend, protector and leader. Jack had very few doubts in his mind
about his fellow team members. They all had their own unique gifts, and they
respected one another. He had a lot of confidence in his team members. He felt
that was a great comfort. All of them were quite capable of taking charge if it
was deemed necessary. Even Daniel could probably do well if he was in charge. The
man had learned a lot over the last few years, he was also very resourceful,
and even though he wasn't the military type at all Jack was sure Daniel could
hold his own if necessary.
As
Jack thought of the still missing young man he felt sadness and fear washing
over him. Thoughts of what his young team member was going through at the hands
of Osiris were still very present in his mind. He had to get out of here. Jack
got up and made his way to the helm feeling that he no longer wanted to be
alone.
As
Jack approached the helm he saw Sam and Teal'c standing behind Jacob, who was
controlling the ship. Sam had heard his approach and glanced up. She smiled at
Jack asking, "Hey Colonel, feeling better?"
"Why
didn't anybody wake me?"
"You
have not slept since our departure from Earth, O'Neill. You were in need of
rest."
"How
long was I...?"
"Nine
hours..."
"NINE
HOURS?"
"Sir
you were exhausted, so Teal'c and I decided to leave you rest."
"For
nine hours? Major..."
Jacob
interrupted, "You needed the rest, Jack."
"No
I didn't...I'm fine."
"Jack,
you will be no good to Daniel if you are exhausted and walking around dead on
your feet. You needed the rest."
"Jacob..."
"Don't
argue with me, Jack. You know that I'm right."
Jack
rolled his eyes at that comment...so he had been asleep for nine hours? And no
one had bothered to wake him because they knew, they just somehow knew, he
wasn't sleeping. Daniel's disappearance was eating him up inside. He was always
like that. When any member of his team went missing he couldn't sleep. He
worried excessively. Daniel had even told him multiple times that he worried
too much. Sam had even told him that on several occasions...even Teal'c had.
Well after all he was their Colonel and it was his job to worry...though Janet
often would harp at him for worrying. She would warn him of how worrying could
harm him and cause him more stress. Doctor Fraiser was always like that. He
wondered though if the woman ever took any of her own advice that she so often
offered to the members of the SGC. Jack found himself smiling at that thought
then he looked at Jacob questioning, "How much longer, Jacob?"
"At
least a day and a half. We're closer now...much closer."
"Not
close enough."
"Jack,
we'll get him back."
"Damn
right we'll get him back! We damned well better get him back!"
* * * *
Jotham
approached Daniel and gently lifted up his head. Jotham couldn't miss the slight
burns on the man's forehead and bridge of his nose. The burns were like
sunburn; they looked red and told of exactly what had transpired. Daniel had
again been exposed to the ribbon device and this time Osiris had meant to kill
him. Jotham found himself wondering what had made Osiris stop. It was obvious
by the newest burn marks on Daniel's face that he had come dangerously close to
dying at the mercy of the ribbon device, yet he still drew breath...knowing
this greatly puzzled Jotham. Jotham also couldn't help but notice just how
shaky the young man's breathing had become. He found himself examining the
man's body and noticed severe ugly bruising directly over and around Daniel's
lower rib cage and sternum. He feared the worst. He glanced nervously around
the room deciding that if he was going to get Doctor Jackson out of here he
must do it soon. He also knew that Daniel wouldn't last much longer if what he
feared lay beneath that bruised flesh was true. He noticed the guards remained
stoic standing still as death at the door to Daniel's cell. He looked around
again then listened as he shakily pulled a device out of his pocket. He
listened intently for footsteps and upon hearing none he slipped the Tok'ra
healing device on his right hand. To heal a person using such a device the
person should usually be laid flat on his back...that was not going to happen
in Daniel Jackson's case. He knew that placing Doctor Jackson in the
sarcophagus would heal him internally and externally, but he also knew that
with every use of the sarcophagus a little bit of a person's soul was eroded
away. That's why his race, the Tok'ra, never used the sarcophagus. He wasn't
about to rely on that sarcophagus now either. He would try his best to heal
what he was sure was a badly fractured or broken sternum then work on his plan
to get Daniel out of this place. He slowly held the device over Daniel's chest.
It was awkward since Daniel was bent over so sharply at the waist. Jotham could
really use the young man's help, or even a second person's help right about
now. He moved closer to Daniel placing his left arm around the back of Daniel's
waist. He lifted the man the best he could. The chore didn't prove as hard as
he had expected. In a weeks' time Daniel Jackson had lost at least fifteen pounds,
maybe even more. If Jotham hadn't of managed to get the young archaeologist to
eat and drink even the small amount he has Jackson would probably be dead. He
was glad now that he was so insistent with the man. Daniel looked unhealthily
pale and skinny. He looked very frail in his present condition. Jotham would
have to work harder at making the man eat and drink if he were going to survive
much longer. Osiris had been very neglectful in his treatment of Doctor
Jackson. Probably thinking that Jackson had no need for water or food since the
sarcophagus could easily raise the man from the dead...and making a man starve
slowly to death was another form of torture. Osiris probably enjoyed knowing
Jackson was slowly starving to death. Jotham felt chills climb his spine at
those thoughts.
He
focused on the job at hand as he got Jackson in the best position possible to
do this while the man remained shackled. He placed the unconscious man against
his own body trying to lean backwards some to allow Daniel to rest propped
upright against him while still being restrained. He hated feeling the young
man's head lop against his shoulder as he used his own body to support Jackson
upright. It was a bit awkward for Jotham to support the man. Daniel was so much
taller than he. The man had to be about six feet, had to be. Jotham was only
5'7". He had a feeling that if Jackson had been any heavier he would've
been totally unable to hold the man upright while his weight weighed Jotham
down. He also knew that if Jackson weren’t now slumped the man's head would’ve
never lopped onto Jotham's shoulder. Jackson was almost on his knees lying
limp, unable to support his own weight due to the nasty staff weapon blast on
his upper left leg and the nasty bruising across his upper right leg where
Kelsham had kicked him multiple times. As he looked into Daniel's face he
noticed that the man was as still as death itself. The only indication that
Daniel Jackson was still alive was the sound of his wheezing as he shakily
inhaled and exhaled attempting to drag into his lungs what oxygen he could with
the severe damage he had sustained to his rib cage and sternum.
Jotham
held the Tok'ra healing device above Jackson's chest closing his eyes he drew
on the power that would bring it to life. He could feel the device come to life
as a low hum elicited from its activation. He focused on the device and on
Daniel's breathing patterns. He had a feeling the device wouldn't be able to
heal all the broken ribs in the man but at least it would heal some of them. He
concentrated hearing Daniel's shallow, ragged wheezing start to smooth out. The
man's breathing seemed to increase and he groaned in response to the device's
healing powers. As Jotham focused on healing the young man's severe injuries he
saw, in his mind's eye, the damage that had been done to him. Daniel's sternum
had a severe fracture to it and if Daniel would've jerked awake or had been
yanked upwards part of that bone would've been driven directly into his heart.
The young man would've quite possibly died. Jotham tried to heal more of the
severe injuries. He could see in his mind's eye that Daniel had several broken
ribs and several fractured as well. Jotham attempted to heal those also, but he
had worked so hard on attempting to fuse the sternum bone together that he
could only mend one broken rib. Then he felt himself collapse as the healing
device drained his strength.
Daniel
started to fall backwards but as his arms tensed up, and falling backwards
created great strain on his arms, Daniel came awake screaming. He forced
himself forward again sensing just how close his arms had come to breaking. He
inhaled deeply quickly regretting the move as pain stabbed at his rib cage. He
noticed that the pain wasn't as severe as before. Had he been placed in the
sarcophagus? Had he died and been brought back again? As Daniel again opened
his eyes he felt the pain slicing in his head. He groaned then swallowed hard.
He again opened his eyes seeing the nasty staff burn on his upper left leg.
Then he felt the knife wounds...no he hadn't died...not yet anyway. So how on
earth could the severe pain in his chest have eased up some? As he tried to
force his legs under him his leg struck something. Daniel jerked around the
best he could while chained to see what he had hit. Of course he mentally
cursed himself in every language he knew for being stupid enough to jerk when
he had so many injuries. His body revolted against the painful jerk and Daniel
nearly screamed again feeling lightheadedness swamp him, threatening to send
him unconscious again. He tried to focus on his breathing noticing that he was
still wheezing but not nearly as bad as he had been. When he was certain he'd
be able to turn without blacking out again he did so watching as the whole room
did a sickening pitch to the left then the right. He felt lightheadedness seize
him then but valiantly fought it back. He clenched his eyes shut waiting for
his mind to focus then reopened them. Glancing down, he was shocked to see
Jotham on the floor. Daniel became suddenly afraid. Had Osiris discovered who
Jotham really was and killed him? If so where was he? Daniel slowly scanned his
cell all too aware of just how much the room swayed sickeningly before him and
how his vision kept focusing and unfocusing. He managed some how to ascertain
that the two were alone, except for those jackal guards still keeping watch.
They seemed totally oblivious to the fact that someone now laid at his feet.
Daniel whispered, "Jotham? Jotham..."
He
tried to raise his voice hearing how low it was, but lack of water prevented
him from being able to talk louder then a hoarse whisper. He tried to stand but
his legs gave out on him sending him flying rapidly downwards only to be jerked
to a painful halt as the shackles stopped him. Daniel nearly screamed out again
as the jolt caused the pain in his mind and body to go off like a bomb. He
could feel himself wavering again but knew he had to stay alert a little while
longer. If Jotham was found on the floor...Osiris just might kill him. Daniel
scanned the young man for injuries and noticed his hand. As Daniel stared at
Jotham's hand he recognized the healing device the Tok'ra often used. Now he
understood why the pain in his chest had eased up some and why the man was not
responding to his many attempts to awaken him. Jotham must've used the device
on Daniel healing what he could and draining his own strength in the process.
Great now all they needed was Osiris or Kelsham to come storming in here, see
the man on the floor, and see the device... Jotham would be killed as a
traitor, his cover blown. Osiris would be warned that someone might come and
Daniel would be moved. He shut a door on his thoughts just then finding that he
didn't like the direction that they were taking. He was trying to think of what
he could do to get through to the man when Jotham suddenly groaned. Daniel
spoke his name again and Jotham slowly arose. Jotham focused on the young man
then smiled saying, "It is very good to see you awake, Daniel. You had me
a bit worried..."
"I
had you worried? Hell, you were...lying at my feet... You had me worried."
"It
is good to hear your voice again..."
Daniel
gave him a feeble smile. Jotham smiled back but as he saw Daniel starting to go
lax again his smile turned into a frown. He said, "Daniel you must rest.
We have a long journey ahead of us. I will get you out of here. You must
rest."
"What...what
did you do?"
"Your
injuries are severe. You had a badly fractured sternum..."
"Had?"
"Yes,
had... I managed to mend it, but the bone is still weak. Another strike could
fracture it again. The device fused it together, but I was not able to make the
bone stronger. Your body will have to do that on its own. I also managed to
heal one broken rib..."
"One?
So that means there are more..."
"I
am afraid so Daniel. You have several broken, fractured and bruised
ribs..."
"Great...no
wonder my ribs still hurt...like hell...and I'm still wheezing..."
"I
tried my best Daniel, but..."
"Thank
you...thank you, Jotham...for helping me."
"But
I could not heal you completely... I am not well-versed in using this device. I
am still learning. I am sorry I could not do more for you."
"You've
done...more than you...realize."
Daniel
then lapsed into a violent cough groaning as his still unhealed ribs were
jarred. Blackness threatened to close in on him. Jotham spoke, "Rest now.
You must rest."
"'Kay."
Daniel
was ready to follow that order when a question popped into his mind. He looked
at Jotham again then questioned, "Jotham...?"
"Yes
Daniel?"
"You
say that you’re Tok'ra..."
"Yes
I am."
"So...why
did you just lose consciousness?"
Daniel
watched as Jotham dropped his head. Daniel knew that the Tok'ra inside of
Jotham wanted to speak and as Jotham looked back up the voice changed to that
of the symbiote’s. Daniel looked at him with questions burning in his eyes.
As
Nivan looked at Daniel through Jotham's eyes he expected to see fear or
confusion on the young man's face, but Daniel reacted as if he knew what to
expect and what had just happened. Daniel knew that another soul, another being
was now speaking. Daniel questioned, "What is your name?"
"Doctor
Jackson, I am Nivan. I am very pleased to meet you. I see that you are familiar
with our ways. You have some knowledge of the Tok'ra..."
Daniel
didn't speak only continued to watch silently. Nivan nodded his head saying,
"We owe you a debt of gratitude, Doctor Jackson."
"What
for? I didn't...do anything."
"You
have not revealed any information about us or the Resistance. You have remained
silent vowing even now that you have no knowledge of what Osiris questions. You
have also remained silent regarding Jotham's regular visits to your cell...
Thank you for that."
"So
answer my question...why?"
"Why
I have waited so long to reveal myself to you? Why Jotham lost consciousness
when healing you with the device? Jotham is young and would like to learn how
to use our devices on his own. When a person needs healing I am the one who
generally undertakes the task."
"So
why didn't you?"
"Because
Jotham wanted to. He respects you and he fears greatly for your safety. He
worries about you even when he is not here with you."
"Why
have you waited...so long to..."
Daniel's
voice broke as he lapsed into an attack of violent coughing. He dropped his
head clenching his eyes tightly shut against the agony slicing at him from his
badly damaged rib cage. Each cough sent searing, blinding pain throughout his
chest. When he finally stopped coughing he swallowed hard feeling himself
struggling for breath. He could feel his rib cage shaking and rattling
violently as he struggled to pull oxygen into his lungs. He started gasping and
focused on slowing down his breathing and regaining control. When he stopped
wheezing and managed to regain a relatively normal breathing pattern he felt a
hand rubbing up and down across his back. He glanced up tasting the coppery,
metallic flavor of blood in his mouth and felt wetness at the corner of his
mouth. That time he had coughed up blood...Daniel knew what that could be a
sign of and prayed a rib didn't puncture one of his lungs. He glanced at the
person rubbing his back as his body stopped shuddering in response to the
violent coughing it just underwent. He looked into Jotham's eyes then muttered,
"Thank you, Jotham."
"You
are welcome, Doctor Jackson."
"Sorry,
I meant Nivan..."
Nivan
smiled at Daniel then said, "Jotham has managed to fuse your sternum, but
you still have many fractured and broken ribs Doctor Jackson..."
"Yeah,
I kind of noticed that..."
"I
saw the damage that has been done to you. The device will not heal anymore.
Just in healing your sternum the device was barely effective."
"Thank
you...any way..."
"You
are welcome... Jotham is right, Doctor Jackson, you must get some rest."
"Okay..."
"But
first you need to try to eat and drink."
"I
don't think I can."
"You
must try. You must try to keep all the food and water down that you possibly
can. Doctor Jackson, you are very close to dying from starvation. You must
eat... Please..."
"I'll
try."
"Very
well..."
"I
said I would try that doesn't mean I can."
"All
I ask of you, Doctor Jackson, is that you at least try."
Daniel
smiled gently towards Nivan in response to that comment. Nivan returned the
smile then pulled out the bread that Jotham had taken for the young man. He
said, "Bread...we have brought bread. Bread will be easier for your
stomach to handle then anything else. You must start slowly...a little bit at a
time. I must warn you Doctor Jackson, you will feel as if you want to expel the
food but you must struggle to keep it down. Without nourishment you will die.
Your body will want to reject the food, but you must force yourself to keep it
down."
"I
understand."
"Are
you ready?"
Daniel
nodded his head yes in response and accepted the small piece of bread Nivan
offered him. As he chewed it he felt extremely ill and queasy but made himself
choke the food down. He uttered, "I'm going to be sick..."
"Do
not Doctor Jackson, remember what I told you. You must force yourself to keep
it down. Give it some time and the sickness will pass."
"I
don't know if I can..."
"Sure
you can, Doctor Jackson."
Daniel
felt ready to bring up the small bit of food he had just managed to swallow
then he felt a comforting hand stroking his back. Surprisingly enough the
gentle stroking across his back eased the pain and raw ache in his stomach. He
waited a bit longer before again shaking his head. He said, "Okay...I
think I'm ready..."
Nivan
helped him to eat the bread. Daniel struggled with forcing himself to eat then
forcing himself to keep the food down. He could only eat a half a piece of
bread before he no longer felt hungry. To Nivan that was a very good sign...as
long as Doctor Jackson could continue to keep the pathetically small piece of
food down long enough for it to feed his body much needed nourishment. He spoke
again, "You must drink water also. Do you think you can?"
"I'll
try..."
"Very
good Doctor Jackson."
Nivan
brought a glass of water to Daniel's lips and Daniel swallowed only a small
amount before he began coughing as the water lapped at his parched, raw throat.
Nivan mentally winced knowing just how hard a simple thing like drinking water
or eating food could be such a struggle, such a challenge, for Doctor Jackson
in his present condition. He gently coaxed Daniel to drink more water, but the
young archaeologist only sipped a little bit more before he turned his head
away and refused to accept any more.
Nivan
could sense Jotham's fear and worry for the young man. His host was very
concerned for the one calling himself Daniel Jackson. He looked at Doctor
Jackson again seeing the pain and tiredness in the younger man's gaze. Nivan
could tell that Doctor Jackson was extremely exhausted. He again suggested,
"You must rest now, Doctor Jackson... only rest will help you to heal. You
must try to rest."
"Okay..."
Daniel
slowly lowered his head closing his eyes. He listened as Nivan said, "To
answer your question Doctor Jackson..."
"Yeah?"
came Daniel's muttered response.
Nivan
could hear just how close to sleep the young man already was but he continued,
"I waited until today to introduce myself to you because I did not want to
upset you further."
"Upset
me?"
"The
host of Osiris...he woman...she is important to you is she not?"
Daniel
didn't respond he only glanced up again. Nivan replied, "I see that she
is. I can read it in your eyes. She was an unwilling host. Osiris stole her
body so that he could live...I did not want to upset you further, so I remained
silent. I have been leaving Jotham work with you. Jotham has asked me several
times to speak with you, but I did not. I felt it better if I not interact with
you knowing what has happened to this woman...and what has happened to your
wife."
Daniel
jerked his head up immediately upon hearing his wife mentioned and regretted
the move as pain sliced through his body. He very nearly screamed in response.
He felt the pain increasing in his body, threatening to engulf him yet again,
but he fought it back. He tried to focus on something, on anything. The whole
room seemed to sway and spin before his eyes. Daniel clenched his eyes tightly
shut in response waiting for his equilibrium to return to normal. When the
dizziness and pain finally began to subside some Daniel glanced up again.
Nivan, or was it Jotham now? Was looking at Daniel with a mixture of fear,
concern and worry. Daniel heard him speak and realized that Nivan was still
with him. Nivan spoke softly, "I am sorry Doctor Jackson... I should not
have mentioned your wife. I should have realized how much it would upset you. I
am sorry."
"You...you
know of my wife?"
"I
know that she is part of the reason Apophis has increased your bounty..."
"Does
Osiris...?"
"No,
he does not. I only know because of what I do. It is not your fault that Amunet
stole your wife, and it is not your fault that Osiris stole..."
"Sarah."
"...Sarah
either. Do not blame yourself for what has happened to them."
"How
can I not?"
"Blaming
yourself will only do more harm then good, Doctor Jackson. You cannot blame
yourself for something that you had no control over to begin with..."
Daniel
still looked at Nivan and felt his head droop downwards. He pulled his head up
and attempted to refocus on the man before him. His eyes seemed to cross over
and his energy level, what remained of it, seemed to have run out. As he
attempted to refocus on Nivan the Tok'ra said, "Doctor Jackson
rest...Please, you must rest before you fall down."
Daniel
replied, with a small smirk on his face, "Can't fall...remember?" He
yanked against his shackles then continued, "...Shackled...no chance of
falling..."
"Doctor
Jackson, you must try to rest. Please...we can discuss this later, for now you
must rest."
"'Kay."
Daniel lowered his head as he was no longer able to stay focused and tiredness
consumed him. Sleep quickly wrapped around him like a veil and soon he was
resting deeply.
Nivan
smiled, glad the man took his advice and decided to rest. Jotham was also glad
to see Daniel resting. Jotham had been happy earlier to see Daniel awake and
hear him talking, but he knew that Daniel was still in a lot of danger. He was
very weak from lack of food and water and despite managing to heal the young
man's sternum and a rib Daniel still had all of his other injuries and bruises.
He also knew that when Osiris returned and discovered that Daniel has not died
yet he would again torture the man just for being too damned stubborn to die on
him. Things were still looking rather grim for the young archaeologist.
Jotham
and Nivan couldn't help but take notice to the change in Daniel's skin color
either. Some of his color had returned but his face was still extremely
flushed. Jotham suddenly remembered the fever that had started in Daniel
earlier. Nivan heard the thought spoken in his mind so he reached over to feel
the man's head. He said, "Jotham he is warm...warmer than before, but the
fever is still low grade..."
"Yes
but for how long Nivan? For how long?"
"I
do not know... We must go now before Osiris returns again."
"I
know we must but..."
"We
will check on Doctor Jackson again, but we must go now."
Jotham
agreed with Nivan then gathered what he had brought with him before he finally
exited the room.
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