The Night Sun Part 7
By: Stacy
L.
Jack
O'Neill anxiously checked the time. Teal'c had been gone almost an hour. The
Jaffa had appeared in Anubis' throne room and had freed both Jack and Daniel
leading them to this building. He had left them over an hour ago to help Sam
and Za'tar. What was going on? Jack hoped that Teal'c had not been discovered
and, likewise, captured by Anubis or Osiris. If Teal'c were captured then he’d
have to get Sam and Teal'c both out. Damn it! He heard coughing suddenly
erupting from behind him and ran over to his friend. There were jackal guards
in the area and he didn't want to be discovered, so he immediately placed his
hand securely over Daniel's mouth in order to silence his coughs. Daniel
must've felt the touch because he jumped violently awake, jerking upwards and
screaming into Jack's hand now clamped tightly over his mouth.
Daniel
grabbed for the hand trying to yank it off of his mouth and struggled as he
felt himself being pulled backwards against someone. The person's right arm
snaked around him successfully pinning his arms to his body. Daniel tried to
fight but was too weak. He mentally cursed his weakened state and his broken
ribs as they constricted painfully as he labored to breathe while coughing and
nearly panicking. He thought he was going to hyperventilate and felt both arms
now holding him tense further. He mentally ordered himself to calm down before
he lost all breath. Panicking was making him wheeze and breathe even harder,
which was driving his lungs to expand and constrict more rapidly pushing
against his badly damaged rib cage so hard that he feared his ribs were digging
into his lungs and would break further. As Daniel focused on calming himself,
while still in the violent throes of coughs, he faintly realized that someone
was speaking to him in hushed gentle tones. The voice sounded strained and
worried; he knew that voice. He made himself mentally focus on that voice
hoping that, in doing so, he could regain control of his rapid shaky breathing
and his surmounting panic. He concentrated hard on that voice, recognizing it,
and tried to ignore the severe anguish presently tearing throughout his body
and mind. The pain in his head was so extreme he thought for sure he'd pass out
again shortly. He also could feel his resistance faltering extremely rapidly.
He could still feel someone's right arm gripped around his body, pinning his
arms to his sides and a hand clamped over his mouth tightly. He felt his panic
threatening to come back again but heard the voice speaking his name in a
hushed whisper. He listened, "Daniel...Daniel, please listen to me. It's
Jack, Daniel. It's Jack. I can't remove my hands yet. I’m so sorry. Your coughs
will only draw the guards back this way. I can't remove my hand, not yet.
Please understand Daniel...Daniel..."
Jack
released a deep breath and a heavy sigh as he realized that Daniel stilled in
his arms, no longer fighting, no longer having the energy to fight him. He had
only meant to keep Daniel silent, to keep his coughs silent. Anubis' guards had
been in the vicinity when Daniel had started coughing. He didn't think. He only
reacted and ended up panicking his friend instead. He had realized his mistake as soon as Daniel started fighting
and resisting him. He did the only thing he could think of and pulled his
friend against him holding him firmly, desperate to keep him quiet so as not to
reveal their present location. The guards were so close that any noise would
draw them, including Daniel's violent coughs. He had done the only thing he could
think of to silence his friend so they wouldn't be found. He never expected his
friend to react so quickly and struggle so much to get free. Even for his
present condition Daniel was a strong fighter. Damn, he never would've expected
Daniel to be able to fight so much being as weak as he is. Daniel's violent
struggles both surprised him and scared the hell out of him. He had immediately
thought of the broken ribs and all the other injuries he couldn't see on his
friend's body and how the struggling could do more damage then good. He
immediately began talking to Daniel in a low whisper so the sound of his voice
wouldn't draw those guards. He knew he had to calm Daniel down. He was a little
surprised when Daniel had stilled in his arms. He found himself wondering if it
was because he heard Jack or because he simply didn't have the strength to
continue the battle. Either way Jack was extremely glad he stilled and
continued talking to Daniel to reach him and calm him.
Daniel
recognized the voice. It was Jack. Thank God! He had panicked when he was
grabbed. He had been off guard and brought rapidly awake by the sudden pressure
against his mouth. It had scared him to death because he had no idea what was
going on. He had awaken immediately after that hand covered his mouth and
couldn't think as the brutal coughs stole his breath. He had at first thought
the hand was suffocating him because he sure as hell couldn't breathe. He had
to force himself to relax and felt the strength go out of himself. When he
stilled he heard the voice of his friend. A voice he recognized and the voice
served as a balm to his already frayed nerves. He then realized the reason he
struggled to breathe was not because of the hand over his mouth. It was because
of the coughs shaking his body, gripping it and causing more damage then good.
To make matters worse, the coughs not only stole his breath but ignited the
stabbing agony in his rib cage. The pain was so severe in his chest that he
nearly passed out. Then to add to the rib cage, his head was still throbbing
and pounding extremely hard. He could hear his heart beating, pulsating in his
ears, which only increased the constant pressure he already had in his head.
That damned shock device's aftereffects were almost as bad as the electrical shock
the damned thing discharged. Some how he had heard and recognized Jack's voice.
Jack was telling him to relax, that he had no choice he had to keep Daniel
quiet because there were guards in the immediate vicinity. He was telling him
over and over to relax and calling his name in a whisper telling Daniel he was
the one holding him and urging him to relax. As soon as he realized who now
held him he did start to relax. He felt his coughs subside and stop. Thank God.
Those coughing fits were horrible. He heard Jack asking if he was all right so
he shook his head yes. Jack again asked him almost as if to assure himself that
Daniel was fine. Daniel shook his head yes again groaning as pain reverberated
throughout his mind at the simple movement. He clenched his eyes tightly shut
praying that pressure in his head would soon ease, but he knew from past
exposures to that damned shock device that the pain would stay with him for
several more days. Damn it! He felt Jack's grip across his body ease up and
Jack slowly moved his hand as if he was afraid that Daniel would either cough
violently again or scream. Daniel managed to choke out, "I'm okay
Jack..."
He
swore he heard Jack sighing out loud in relief as he spoke those words. Jack
released him then turned Daniel to face him. He said, "I'm sorry Daniel.
I'm so sorry. I never wanted..."
"I
understand."
"You
do?"
"Yes...Jack..."
Jack
had half expected Daniel to scream when he had started to release him, so he
had asked his question a second time making sure that Daniel had shaken his
head yes. When he was sure he slowly eased up on him still fearing that Daniel
might scream when Daniel said that he was okay. Thank God for that! When Daniel
had struggled earlier Jack's fear had increased. He was afraid for Daniel,
afraid the man wouldn't regain control of his breathing… He was afraid Daniel's
struggles would cause more harm to himself. When Daniel had ceased his
struggles Jack had thought his prayers had been answered and, at that
particular moment, he hadn't cared if it was weakness or Daniel recognizing who
held him that caused Daniel to end his struggles. He was just glad Daniel had
stopped. He looked at his friend now and could see the fever in him, the
exhausted ness and the pain. His friend's eyes had been constantly overlaid
with pain ever since he had found Daniel and had been locked in the cell with
him. Jack couldn't even begin to imagine what all Osiris, or his First Prime,
did to his friend to cause that pain to be a constant in Daniel's striking blue
eyes. Jack knew Daniel was in extreme pain right now. Jotham, the supposed
Tok'ra spy, had told him what Daniel had been exposed to earlier in the day and
the aftereffects of that exposure. Jotham had said that the aftereffects were a
combination of making a person extremely weak and leaving them with a severe
migraine. Jack had a feeling that Daniel still had that severe migraine and
from what Jotham had said he would have it for several days. He glanced up when
he saw Daniel falter and immediately reached out to steady him. Daniel
muttered, "Jack...I'm going to pass out again..."
"Daniel..."
Jack
no sooner got Daniel's name past his lips when his friend's eyes rolled back in
his head until Jack could only see the white's of his eyes then his eyelids slipped
shut and his body crumpled. Jack's reflexes were quick as he managed to catch
Daniel before he fell to the floor. Damn it! Daniel was so weak and in so much
pain! What little strength he had the fever stole, greedily sucking at the
reserves of strength Daniel would need to continue on. He had no choice he had
to get Daniel off of this planet and soon. He would have to go on ahead without
Teal'c and Sam. He had to get Daniel to the rings. If he didn't Daniel might
not make it. He had a radio when he had first found Daniel but Kelsham
confiscated it leaving Jack with no way to contact Jacob. Should he chance
getting Daniel to the Stargate? No. It was too risky. Jacob told them
beforehand just how heavily guarded Anubis kept it. He shifted Daniel in his
arms noticing how light Daniel felt. He had lost some weight, weight that he
needed. Jack found that due to the weight loss he could handle the heavy burden
of his friend. Lifting Daniel now while he was unconscious would be like
lifting dead weight, but Jack really didn't have much of a choice. He would
have to find cover that would conceal him and Daniel from the guards while out
in that forest. He had to move soon. If he stayed here much longer this close
to Sekhem their chances of being recaptured would increase by the minutes. He
had to get Daniel out of there. If they were recaptured Kelsham would depart on
the morrow with Daniel as his captive and take Daniel some where no one would
ever be able to find him again. They had to move. Jack eased Daniel into his
arms. He would be able to carry his friend a bit since he had lost some weight,
but the longer he held Daniel the quicker he weakened and the heavier Daniel
would become. He had to get going. He couldn't wait on Teal'c much longer. He
would get Daniel to Jacob who would get him help then go back for the rest of
his team. He had no other choice if Daniel was going to make it off of this
planet and away from Osiris.
His
mind made up, Jack shifted Daniel in his arms placing his left arm under Daniel's
bent knees and using his right arm to brace Daniel's shoulders. Daniel's head
rolled gently towards Jack and rested against Jack's chest. Good, he'd rather
have Daniel's head resting against him then flopping around. He eased to the
doorway looking out, seeing there was no one within the vicinity. It was now or
never. Jack slowly made his way towards the jungle concealing himself the best
he could while carrying his unconscious friend. He sighed in relief when he
entered the woods. He had looked at the sky earlier to determine which
direction to head. He wished he had his compass, but for now he'd have to use
the sky to guide him and the little "trail markers" him and Sam had
used to mark their path. Inconspicuous trail markers...a broken branch here or
there a pile of rocks, small marks on a few trees...all were obvious
indications of a "trail" if you knew what to look for.
Jack
noticed that the longer he held Daniel the heavier he became. Jack knew that
would happen but pushed on. After an hour of hiking he had to stop. His arms
were screaming in protest of his heavy burden. He scanned the woods for guards
and for possible hiding spots. When he found a natural spot that seemed to be
full of thick brush that could serve as good camouflage he carried Daniel over
there, careful not to disturb any of the cover. He was glad that Daniel still
wore his camouflage pants and that Jotham had returned Daniel's flack jacket.
Both would serve to help better camouflage him. Jack gently placed his
unconscious friend on the ground then pulled old branches, some still covered
with crinkled leaves, over to Daniel placing them around him to conceal him
better. He kneeled beside Daniel then said, "Daniel, I'm going to make a
sweep of the area, okay? You just stay here and try to stay quiet."
Jack
knew that Daniel couldn't really hear him, but he felt a lot better telling
Daniel where he was going anyway. After he glanced at his friend once again and
double-checked the natural camouflage he left Daniel to make a quick sweep of
the area.
While
Jack scoped the area he suddenly heard twigs snap. It had been quiet until that
moment. The snapping of the twigs echoed throughout the jungle terrain of
Ta-hetchet announcing someone's presence. He felt the hair at the back of his
neck raise and stand on end. Someone was here. He was no longer alone and
Daniel was left unguarded and unprotected, not to mention unconscious. Shit! If
he was captured...Jack tried not to think of the ifs in this situation. Instead
he chose to slowly scan the trees. They were out there...somewhere he just
didn't know where and just couldn't see them. 'Where are you you son of a
bitch?' Jack muttered to himself. He knew that he was not alone his whole body
was on alert screaming a warning at him. He listened to those warnings. They
saved his life, and the lives of his teammates, on more than one occasion. He
had learned a long time ago to listen to those warnings when they went off
inside himself. His instincts never failed him and they were screaming at him
that he was no longer alone. There was someone, or several people, out there in
those woods somewhere. Jack just couldn't see them. What the hell were they
waiting for? Jack to roll out the goddamned red carpet or something? Oh he
would give them a welcome one they would never forget. There was no way in hell
he was about to give Daniel back over to Osiris. No way in hell! He wanted to
yell, to scream, to tell them just to show themselves but he remained
stubbornly silent his mind working on overtime thinking up a million possible
ways to escape, a million ways this could end. His mind quickly calculated his
chances and the possibilities and options he still had available to him. Thank
you God for all of that military training... Okay options...basic options were
fight, flee or freeze...well, freezing was definitely not an option...unless he
wanted to end up at the firing end of Jaffa staff weapon. No thank you! Been
there, done that, don't care to repeat that! Okay option two...stay and
fight... Well, definitely better than freezing, but he was just one man. One
man against an entire army was not very good odds. He had no idea how many
enemies were out there only that he was not alone. He had only himself and not
a whole hell of a lot of weaponry...not to mention, an unconscious friend in
these woods who, as long as he was totally unconscious, would not be able to
defend himself. Okay so option two wouldn't work, that left option three:
fleeing. Okay fleeing was good, he could do fleeing...or rather retreating as
quietly and as quickly as he possibly could then disappearing. Damn, he hated
these kinds of situations! Fleeing was his choice. Now his next question...had
he been spotted? Surely if they had seen him they would've fired on him
already...unless they wanted Daniel. Then they might be waiting to follow him
expecting him to lead them to Osiris' prized prisoner. No way in hell would
Osiris get his, or was it her, grubby hands on Daniel again! No way in hell!
Okay, so making his way back to Daniel was not an option. He had to lead them
away from his young friend and do his damnedest to avoid being caught himself.
His mind made up, Jack beat a hasty retreat slipping out of the immediate area
as quickly and as quietly as he possibly could. He headed the opposite
direction, away from Daniel. If they were following him to locate Daniel then
they were in for a big surprise. He’d never lead them to his unconscious
friend. Never! He'd rather die then reveal Daniel's locale. Osiris and Kelsham
would never get their hands on Daniel again. No way in hell!
As
Jack continued on he started weaving deliberately not walking a straight path
meandering between trees and foliage. When he got behind a huge tree he took
off at a dead run fleeing as fast as he possibly could, running until he could
go no further. He collapsed later leaning against a huge rock for support. He
listened as he caught his breath. He didn't hear anything. He sat there waiting
for his heart rate to slow down and to catch his breath listening to everything,
listening for any sounds. He heard nothing. Had he lost them? He hoped so. When
he finally calmed himself he got up again, still listening for sounds. He had
to start making his way back to Daniel but he couldn't use the trail he had
just created in his fleeing frenzy. He looked up at the sky wishing he had a
damned compass again. He found the setting sun and headed back towards it.
Daniel was in that direction.
What
seemed like hours later Jack finally found his natural marker that indicated
where Daniel was concealed. It was about damned time! He had started worrying
that he had lost Daniel in these woods forever but his gut instinct had told
him he was heading the right way and he always listened to his gut instincts.
As he passed one of his natural markers he jumped as a figure stepped into his
path. Jack pulled out the zat gun Teal'c had handed him at the small building
earlier. He raised it his hand gripped on the trigger ready to fire when he saw
who it was. He held up his hand then said, "God Teal'c, thought I told you
not to do that ever again!"
"O'Neill,
I am pleased to have finally found you."
"Where’s
Sam?"
Another
figure stepped out from behind the tree. She was smiling, "Sir..."
Then
Za'tar approached. Jack then asked, "What the hell took you so damned
long?"
"It
is a long story, O'Neill."
"A
very long story, sir."
"Well,
I'd love to hear it."
"O'Neill,
where is Daniel Jackson?"
"He
lost consciousness earlier, so I hid him then surveyed the area."
"So
Daniel’s with you, sir?"
"Well,
not with me...I have him hidden."
"Where?"
"This
way."
They
followed Jack wondering as five minutes later they still had not come across
their friend. Sam became worried which contributed to her next question,
"Sir, are you sure we are going the right way? Shouldn't we...?"
As
she went to finish her statement Jack separated from the group hurrying over to
what appeared to be nothing more than shrubs and undergrowth. Sam fell silent
looking at Jack in concern. Jack was moving branches then she heard him say in
a gentle tone of voice, "Hey buddy, how are you? Miss me?"
He
felt for Daniel's pulse sighing in relief when he found it. Daniel coughed then
awoke choking out, "Jack? That you?"
"Yeah
Danny, it's me."
"Cold
Jack..."
"Come
on. Let's get you off of this cold ground."
Daniel
nodded and was very grateful when Jack helped him to sit up. As soon as he was
upright he lapsed into violent coughing. He could feel his throat constricting
in protest, and his ribs sent waves of pain flooding his system. He started
gasping and wheezing as drawing breath was more of a struggle. Jack spoke
softly to him encouraging him to breathe slowly and relax. As his coughing
subsided and he tried to calm his breathing he became aware that he was leaning
on Jack again. Jack was holding him gently in his arms and rocking him gently
telling him to relax and focus on breathing. He had his eyes closed then said,
"Thanks Jack..."
"You
all right now?"
"Yes...for
now..."
Daniel
still kept his eyes shut and tried to speak again but his voice was failing. He
slipped his tongue out to wet his lips wincing mentally as his tongue found the
split on his bottom lip. Then Daniel swallowed hard saying, "Jack...got to
stop doing this..."
"Doing
what Danny?"
"Shouldn't
be leaning...on you all time..."
"Ah
Daniel, what did I say about that before? What are friends for?"
Daniel
smiled weakly then said, "I remember..."
"Good..."
"Jack..."
"Yeah
Daniel?"
"Thirsty...wa...do
we have...water?"
Jack
glanced up at Teal'c and Sam who were now surrounding him and Daniel. Both were
extremely happy to see Daniel again but also worried for him. Jack swore he
could see glistening, faint glistening, at the corners of Sam's eyes... She
quickly lowered her gaze now fumbling in her jacket. She pulled out a bottle of
water. She screwed the lid off of the container and handed it to Jack. Jack
looked at her in question. She answered, "It was provided by Jotham and
Nivan..."
"And
you accepted it? Why?"
Daniel
muttered, "Sam is that...?"
"Yes
Daniel, it's me."
Daniel
opened his eyes seeing Sam's smiling face before him. He returned her smile
then said, "Good to see you..."
"Did
anyone ever teach you the meaning of duck?"
Daniel
started laughing at her smiling, joking face. Then he muttered,
"Don't...don't make laugh...hurts...it hurts when I laugh..."
"Oh,
I'm so sorry."
"Don't
be...needed it..."
"Daniel,
it's good to have you back."
"Good
to be...back..."
Jack
watched the interchange between Sam and Daniel then eyed up the water. Jotham
gave it to her...should he trust it was safe? Well, Daniel sorely needed water.
He was still badly dehydrated so Jack sent a silent prayer up to the heavens
that the water was indeed safe. He spoke, "Danny...Daniel?"
Daniel
glanced up at him. Jack continued, "We have water...would you like
some?"
"Yes...please."
"Okay.
Ready?"
Daniel
nodded so Jack pressed the bottle gently to Daniel's lips and tipped it until
the water flowed into his mouth. He pulled the bottle away shortly after that
allowing Daniel time to swallow what he just drank. Jack helped him drink as
much of the life-saving water as he could. Sam interrupted, "Oh
bread...Nivan gave us bread."
Daniel
smiled then said, "Jotham...I take it you met Jotham?"
"Yes
we did. He helped us escape."
"Helped
you escape? What happened?" questioned Jack.
"Long
story sir."
"It
is a very long story, O'Neill."
"Can't
wait for the briefing on this mission."
Sam
handed Jack bread, which he helped Daniel to eat then afterwards Jack said,
"We have to move. Daniel is still weak."
"I'll
be fine Jack..."
"Let
me be the judge of that, Daniel. Come on let's get up."
Daniel
struggled to comply and was extremely grateful when Teal'c offered him a hand.
He smiled at Teal'c and thanked him. The whole team knew that Daniel would need
help to stay upright. Sam said, "Okay Daniel, you'll be with me awhile.
Come on put your right arm across the back of my shoulders."
"No
Sam."
"Daniel,
don't argue with me."
"I'm
not...but I'm also not...putting my right arm across your shoulders."
"But..."
"Sam...I
can barely even lift my right arm..."
She
looked at him in confusion as he placed his left arm across her shoulders instead
of his right. He hated leaning on others for support but knew if he didn't he'd
never make it and he knew that Jack had struggled to carry him into these
woods...probably the reason Jack looked so tired. He would try to stay on his
feet as long as possible instead of making them carry him. He noticed Sam was
looking at him in confusion and question. She probably didn't know about the
staff wound. Daniel supplied her answer, "Blast wound to my
shoulder...delivered courtesy of Kelsham, Osiris' First Prime."
"WHAT?
Why?"
"For
insolence and defiance...disrespect to his lord...and for kicking
Kelsham."
"You
kicked Osiris' First Prime?"
Daniel
smiled slyly saying, "Yep, felt pretty damned good too...also caught
Osiris a few times."
Jack
interrupted, "Okay kids, time to go." He handed Sam the water, which
she put away and the remaining food. Then Jack commented, "We'll take
turns helping Daniel. Carter, when you start feeling tired speak up and I'll
help Daniel for awhile. All right?"
"Yes
sir."
"Let's
go...the woods are crawling with jackals tonight..."
Jack
smiled when he heard Daniel say his name as if to remind Jack his jokes were
rather bad. He replied, "Yes Daniel? You called..."
"Jack..."
"Let's
go campers."
Daniel
looked at Sam then rolled his eyes. Sam started laughing. Jack obviously hadn't
realized how bad his jokes were. Nice to see Jack didn't lose his sense of
humor when Daniel went missing. Thank heavens for small favors... Daniel smiled
then and allowed Sam to help aid him.
Daniel
noticed that tall trees and lush green vegetation surrounded them. Upon being
brought to the planet he had been unconscious due to a zat gun blast. He awoke
at the Stargate before Anubis. He hadn't seen much of the planet itself. Now that
he looked around it reminded him of a jungle, an Amazon jungle or a rainforest.
He found himself thinking of the Aztecs and the Olmecs. He half expected to see
a Mayan ziggurat protruding from the jungle floor, hidden amongst the wild
foliage and many vines. The forests of this planet were truly amazing. He could
hear howls of creatures, wild creatures, and birds that inhabited this planet.
There was a definite line drawn between Anubis' fortress and the jungle. It was
odd to see the huge differences. Here everything was alive, growing wild, lush
and fertile. All kinds of plants, shrubs and trees covered the area. It was
actually breathtaking and so unlike Anubis' fortress. His fortress was similar
to the Goa'uld mother ships. Gold hued walls covered in hieroglyphs in all of
the main rooms, even that last room Daniel had been held in with Jack, was very
ornate. His prison cell had been dark and dreary. There was a black tint to the
entire room but the walls themselves looked like marble...until he struck one
of them very hard succeeding in adding some more grooves to the multiple
bruises and cuts already covering his body. The wall he slid down had not been
smooth at all. It was rough like brick or cement and dug deeply into his tender
flesh tearing open skin as easily as a knife would have. The outside of the
complex was also unlike the forest. It was free of any vegetation. It was
almost as if Anubis had the area around his complex and the Stargate completely
cleared out.
As
Daniel continued to scan the area he found himself remembering his grandfather,
Nick Ballard. Then he wondered what ever made him think of the man who was now
on another planet learning of another culture. He realized he actually missed
Nick. When he was growing up he had been angry when his grandfather had refused
to take him under his wing after his parent's had died. He had only been eight
years old and had lost his own parents. He had been extremely angry that Nick
refused to take him in, but he understood why. What his grandfather didn't
realize at the time was how much Daniel would've loved to travel with him on
his many expeditions. Nick didn't think young children should constantly be
moved around. Young children needed stability. Of course Daniel would've gotten
a lot more stability if he had stayed with Nick instead of going into foster
care. He ended up shuffled around in the system a lot. He learned to cope with
the unexpectedness of the foster care system by getting lost in books. He had a
passion for learning and spent a lot more time one on one with books than with
people. He loved to learn and ancient history just fascinated him. He couldn't
get enough. He read so much and learned so much. Teal'c sometimes told Daniel
that he was amazed that someone so young knew so much. Daniel knew more than
most scholars in their fifties. Teal'c greatly respected Daniel and part of
that reason was because, for one so young, Daniel knew a lot. There weren't
many people who could say they knew over twenty different languages, but Daniel
had. Teal'c also respected Daniel's mind. The young man was brilliant. Daniel
smiled when he thought of how Nick would love this place. He was drawn from his
straying thoughts as Sam spoke up, "Daniel? Daniel, are you all
right?"
"Yeah
Sam. I'm fine..."
"What
were you thinking of just now?"
"Now?
Nick...how he'd love this place..."
"Oh...my
dad would probably love this place as well... Daniel, are you all right? You
don't need to rest?"
"I'm
fine."
"How's
the leg?"
Daniel
glanced up at her and as she looked into his intense blue gaze she could read
pain in those eyes. Daniel was in pain. She became worried. Daniel answered,
"Hurts like hell...but I'll live."
"Are
you sure you don't need a rest? Because if you do we can stop."
"No...I'm
fine. We need to keep moving. The longer we're on this planet...the higher the
chance of recapture..."
Jack
had glanced up when Sam questioned Daniel. He looked at his friend noticing
that Daniel was limping even heavier on his leg and hanging onto Sam heavier.
She now braced him at the chest, as well. He had his arm draped across her
shoulders, and she was supporting his weight. She had reached over with her
left hand and placed it firmly across his chest in an effort to keep him from slumping
forward any more then he already was. He could tell by looking at Daniel that
pain still filled him, but Daniel was stubborn. The guy had a stubborn streak
that ran a mile long. Daniel was a very stubborn, very determined young man who
refused to give up easily. Jack admired that about him guts and determination,
that's what Daniel had. He noticed that Daniel was growing tired again and
wondered if he should take Carter's suggestion and stop for a break, but Daniel
stubbornly said no that he didn't need a break and that they had to keep
moving. He had said the longer they remained on this planet the more likely
they were to be captured yet again. Daniel was right about that; Daniel was
always right. Jack learned that very quickly, but unlike the others, Jack knew
what injuries Daniel had sustained and he also knew that Daniel's head had to
be pounding extremely loudly in his ears. The aftereffects of that device
stayed with the victim several days afterwards. He knew that Daniel was trying
to ignore the insistent sharp pain in his head. He also knew with that kind of
pain Daniel would most likely black out again and soon. He was exhausted. Jack
could tell Daniel was struggling to remain alert and upright. Even with
Carter's support Daniel was fighting a losing battle. The fever also still
raged in him. Jack had a feeling that Daniel would probably have to be carried
off of this planet. He glanced at Carter to see how she was doing. She seemed
to be struggling only a little bit with her burden. She was determined not to
let Daniel fall and she was determined to continue helping him.
Jack
jerked his head back to Daniel when he heard a whimper of pain coming from
beside him. Daniel had stumbled and in doing so jolted his badly damaged rib
cage. Jack noticed Daniel set his lips in a grim line. He was clenching his
eyes tightly shut against the pain allowing Carter to lead him. Jack became
even more worried for his friend. He also noticed lines crossing Teal'c's
forehead as Teal'c looked at Daniel in concern. Daniel opened his eyes and
started watching his feet intently. Jack realized that he was probably trying
to watch where he was walking. He noticed Daniel falter a bit and heard his
friend moan then clench his eyes shut again. Jack questioned, "Daniel, do you
need to stop?"
No
response. The young archaeologist acted as if he hadn't even heard Jack speak.
Jack asked again, "Daniel, do you need to stop? Daniel?"
Daniel
kept his eyes closed tightly shut then asked in that hoarse voice of his,
hoarse because he was badly dehydrated, "Wha...what Jack?"
Jack
winced when he heard the straining of Daniel's voice. He questioned again, more
gently this time, "Do you need to stop?"
"No...No
Jack, I'm fine."
"Are
you? Really?"
Daniel
just then opened his eyes and glanced up at Jack. In those vivid blue eyes, now
dulled by pain, he saw Daniel's answer. No he wasn't fine. He was pushing
himself, and he was far from all right. Jack said, “Let's take a break."
Daniel
shook his head no then hissed as pain sliced at his head. He didn't even
realize he had voiced his pain. Sam became even more scared for him than
before. She was close enough to Daniel to hear his labored breathing and to
hear those low utterances of pain that were whispered. She knew Daniel was trying
not to voice his pain, but she could hear him. She looked at him noticing that
he was slumping against her even more. He was literally forcing himself onward.
She could tell he was. She could see the fever in him and the pain. Both were
at a constant. She also could see that he was completely exhausted. He was
practically dead on his feet. They had been walking now for over an hour and
Daniel had not complained once yet she could tell, could see, that he was
suffering. She added to Jack's statement, "Yes, I think we should stop a
moment."
"No,"
came Daniel's firm rejection. He continued, "No, we’re easy targets out
here...Osiris has to know I am gone... He wants me...he’ll not let me go. He's
even told me that several times. He
won't give up. He wants to make me suffer. Guards are in these woods right
now... We stop we could end up dead. We have to keep moving. Jack, you know we
do."
Jack
sighed heavily. He remembered a time when Daniel was rather innocent to such things.
Daniel had grown so much and learned so much since that first trip to Abydos.
He wasn't military but working so closely with the military these last five
years he picked up a lot...like how to make a risk assessment, which is exactly
what he obviously had already done, several times, on their trek through the
jungles of Ta-hetchet. He was thinking like a military person would, like a
soldier. That would explain his bold determination to continue on even though
he was about to collapse. He knew the risks should they stop even for a few
minutes. Guards were closing in. Daniel knew they were and knew that to stop
where they were now would make them sitting ducks. Jack urged, "You need a
break..."
"Jack,
they're probably flanking us now...coming from all sides... They have to know
we're in this jungle. If they continue to flank us they'll eventually find
us... How far to the rings?"
"Probably
half a days' walk, why?"
"Then
it's settled...we keep moving."
"Daniel..."
"Jack,
you know I'm right about this. Let's face it...half a days' walk...more like a
day with me. I'm slowing everyone down..."
"Don't
even suggest it! We've already discussed this! I am not leaving you here!"
"Jack..."
"NO!
I did not come all the way here to leave you behind with that psychotic
snakehead! NO!"
"Jack..."
"Daniel,
don't even say it! It's settled. You are getting off of this planet. We will
not leave you behind!"
"But
I’m endangering..."
"NO!"
"Jack
please...," half way through the complaint Daniel lapsed into his violent
coughing again. He nearly collapsed as the severe coughs shook his whole frame
and caused his throat to again constrict. The coughs tore at his ribs showing
no mercy as they literally rattled and shook his rib cage making fractured ribs
worse and nearly fracturing others. He couldn't focus. All he could do was
cough and gasp. He wanted to scream as the coughs lashed cruelly into him,
sending waves and waves of stabbing piercing pain to his ribs and causing the
pressure already present in his head to increase. He swore he was going to pass
out. He fought to regain his breathing and to draw oxygen into his lungs. He
felt himself go lax and waited for the impact of the ground as his already
battered body met it. He nearly sighed in relief when he felt the coughs
subsiding some. The attack was almost over. God, he needed to breathe! He
focused on calming himself and calming his breathing. As he stopped wheezing so
badly he became aware of where he was. He was in the jungles of Ta-hetchet being
pursued by guards of Anubis and Osiris. He felt something warm immediately
behind him. He was leaning against a wall of warmth. He jolted when he felt a
hand on his face. He screamed as the movement sent pain slicing throughout his
body again and felt pressure over his mouth. What? Something was covering his
mouth! He was about to panic, but then he smelled the familiar scent of Jack's
aftershave and relaxed. He opened his eyes seeing Jack's piercing gaze looking
back. He nodded his head so Jack slowly eased the hand away from his mouth.
Daniel choked out, "Sorry... Thanks Jack..."
"Now
tell me again how you don't need that break, Danny."
Jack's
soft, gentle voice moved over Daniel like a healing balm. He replied, "You
know I'm right...Jack."
Jack
sighed gently placing his hand against Daniel's forehead to check if the fever
seemed to increase at all. Jack added, "Yes you're right, Danny. You're
right but you are also ill, feverish, weak...you're hurt, Daniel, badly hurt
and I’m willing to take those risks to keep you alive."
"Even
if in doing so...the rest of you pay...?"
"Daniel,
we came here to rescue you. We knew the risks and we are all willing to take
them. If we are recaptured...well...we'll cross that bridge when we come to
it..."
"But..."
"No
buts Daniel, no buts... How are you feeling?"
"Same..."
"What
about your head?"
"What
about my head, Jack?"
"Daniel
I know Osiris used that...device on you. Jotham told me."
"Wha...what
device?"
"Daniel,
Jotham also told me that the aftereffects last for several days, especially in
a human who is not a host..."
"I'm
fine Jack, really I am."
"Okay...not
going to talk about it... How about explaining to me why you jump every time
someone touches your face?"
"What?
Jack..."
"Daniel,
you were never, ever that jittery before. Sam was stroking your face to calm
you and you jerked away as if she had screamed bloody murder..."
"Jack,
if this questioning is designed...to stall until I either black out or fall
asleep then stop it. We have to leave...now Jack."
Daniel
started to rise realizing suddenly that he had been leaning against Teal'c.
Well now that surprised him. Teal'c must've been the one to catch him when he
collapsed.
Teal'c
noticed Daniel struggling to stand then questioned, "Daniel Jackson, are
you in need of assistance?"
"Little
help...wouldn't hurt, Teal'c."
"All
you need do is ask." Teal'c quickly got to his feet and helped Daniel to
get up. Jack commented, "Daniel we're resting."
"No
we aren't...Jack, we have to go. You know it and I know it."
"Damn
it you are one stubborn son of a bitch!"
"Takes
one to know one Jack."
Sam
nearly choked when she heard Daniel say that. She nearly busted up laughing.
She couldn't stop a small giggle from slipping out. Jack looked at her saying,
"Carter?"
"Uh,
yes sir?"
"You're
not...laughing at your CO, are you?"
"Uh,
no...no sir..."
"Because
Carter, that could fall under the category of disrespect..."
Daniel
spoke up, "Jack, stop being an ass..."
"Uh..."
Jack was about to retort when Sam quickly got to Daniel's side placing her
right arm across his shoulders and her left hand against his chest to help
support him upright. Daniel accepted the aid placing his left arm across her
shoulders. Teal'c then moved to Daniel's right side to be there in case he
stumbled. They started walking when Daniel called back over his shoulder,
"Jack...you coming?" Sam looked at Daniel and smiled as she saw the
devilish gleam in Daniel's eyes. The pain and exhausted ness were still present
also but she was glad to see that Daniel could still joke around even being in
as bad a shape as he was presently.
Jack
came up behind them then said, "Daniel, after you're out of the infirmary
how about a game of hockey...ice hockey just the two of us?"
"Uh,
no thanks...Jack...would rather go fishing..."
"Fishing,
I can do that. Fishing's good...there's this beautiful lake in Minnesota where
the bass are this big..."
Daniel
looked at Sam and rolled his eyes then said, "Great looks like I'll be
going fishing when I get better...could someone just shoot me now,
please?"
"I
heard that!" came Jack's sudden reply. Teal'c looked at Daniel then said,
"I sympathize with you, Daniel Jackson...a suggestion if I may?"
"Please..."
"Request
a cell phone...from General Hammond."
"Teal'c,
stop giving him advice...when you fish you don't take cell phones..."
"And
make sure that you have a spare set of batteries, Daniel Jackson..."
"A
spare set of...Jack you didn't! That's why Teal'c hung up on me...because
you...?"
“I
said goodbye...then I tossed the batteries. We were supposed to be
fishing."
"Do
you know I had more questions for him?"
"We
were fishing, Daniel. You were supposed to be on leave attending a funeral and taking
a few personal days off not calling from an office inquiring about a couple of
dead gods..."
"Not
dead...Osiris is still very much alive...Isis, on the other hand..."
"Not
after I get my hands on him! After what he did to you..."
"Jack,
Sarah is important to me. She's an unwilling host...you just can't..."
"So
why didn't she try to help you...?" came Jack's quick retort. It made him
so angry knowing that she was there the entire time watching and couldn't even
offer aid to Daniel. The Goa'uld were a very parasitic and controlling race.
Jack couldn't even begin to imagine how she must have felt being a silent
witness to Daniel's torture. Daniel's next comment caught Jack off guard. He
could only gawk at Daniel when he answered, "She did Jack. Several
times."
"What?"
that comment made Jack stop dead in his tracks. He said, "Are you telling
me...?"
"Sarah's
still fighting Osiris."
"What?
I don't believe it..."
"It's
true...you know what the burns on my face are from, Jack...Osiris had planned
on killing me and reviving me...Sarah stopped him..."
"No
that's..."
"She
took control of her body long enough to yank that ribbon device away from my
skull. She saved my life Jack." Then Daniel fell silent saying no more.
Jack
didn't even know how to respond to that comment. This woman who Osiris now
possessed, Sarah, had actually stepped in and helped Daniel? Jack found that
concept hard to fathom. Of course he knew that the host remained intact, a
silent witness, a silent prisoner inside of their own mind. He had known
because of Klorel. Klorel had been the name of the Goa'uld larva selected to be
implanted in Skaara. Skaara had fought against the possession but failed to
win. He was lucky when Klorel ended up crashing on a planet named Tollana,
which just so happened to be the Tollan's new home world. The Tollans offered
help freely and a request was made: the separation of Klorel from Skaara.
Skaara had managed to surface long enough to request the separation. After the
request was made then a Triad was set up. The Triad was a trial in which three
parties would participate to argue their sides along with Klorel/Skaara. A
representative for Klorel was selected in the form of a Goa'uld named Lord
Zipacna. The neutral party came in the form of Lya. She was of the Nox and was
able to rule without bias. The representatives selected to argue on behalf of
Skaara were Jack and Daniel. They had learned on their trip to Tollana that the
Tok'ra had a way of separating host from parasite. There were risks of course
both could die as a result of the trauma of separation. The procedure was far
from full proof. The Triad voted in favor of Skaara and the procedure was
performed. Skaara and Klorel had been successfully separated and both lived
after the procedure. Jack and Daniel had been overjoyed and, in seeing the
results of such a procedure, both Jack and Daniel was given the knowledge that
a Goa'uld symbiote and a host could truly be separated. Neither Daniel nor Jack
ever forgot that. Jack was sure that even now Daniel was thinking of helping
Sarah by taking her there.
Sarah...Jack
had wondered who she was. How did she know Daniel? She must've known him some
how. His friend said that she meant a lot to him. She was an old friend. Sam
said that her and Daniel had grown up together. Jack still had a hard time
thinking that Daniel knew others outside of the SGC. He was so quiet, so silent
about his past. He spoke little of it, so little of it in fact that when Jack
found something out, even if it was just a small bit of information, it
surprised him. He never realized just how silent his friend was about his own
past until now. Why didn't he talk of it much? Sure he knew of Daniel's parents
being killed when he was eight and of Nick Ballard but even when they found out
about the grandfather who had abandoned an eight year old boy to go on a long
search for ancient artifacts and became obsessed with a crystal skull he had
discovered in Belize Jack had been extremely surprised to learn of him. He had
thought Daniel had no living relatives. Daniel spoke so little of his childhood
that Jack often wondered exactly what did happen to him. He knew Daniel had
been happy as a child until his parents were so tragically killed directly in
front of him, but after that the only information they knew was he had been in
the system and had become a brilliant scientist. He was very intelligent and so
young. Jack couldn't help but wonder if anything traumatic had happened to
Daniel while he had been in the system. Had his foster families cared for him
or...Jack shivered at the thought...were some of the foster families guilty of
hurting, of abusing, his friend? Jack didn't know; he doubted he'd ever know.
Daniel was so closed off when it came to his personal life history...of course
Jack was a lot like Daniel in that respect. He didn't talk much of his
childhood either. Come to think of it neither did Sam or Teal'c. All of his
teammates had secrets. Every one of them had a traumatic experience when they
were young. His team spoke little of their lives as children.
For
such an odd group of people his teammates had a lot of similarities in their
lives. It was so odd. Perhaps that was one of the reasons they had connected so
well and became such a close-knit group of people. None of them really had any
family left or around. Sam had her dad, who was usually on some mission to some
other world, and her brother who lived in another state. Daniel had his
grandfather who was presently on another planet learning the culture of an
alien race of beings. Teal'c had a wife and son who were presently also on
another planet. Jack had Sara, his wife...estranged now. She had moved and
hasn't spoken to him since that time when he had scared her to death by almost
dying only to show up in the flesh unharmed as his other self was about to
explode. They had arrived on a planet on one of their early missions in which
they had found these large blue crystals much of them had been destroyed by
staff weapons. Sam had said it looked like a mass graveyard on that planet.
Crystals were broken and seared, scattered near the Stargate. They had found
out later that those crystals were energy able to mimic a human being. Jack had
touched one of those complete crystals and had nearly died, so the crystal
mimicked him, copying him and returning through the Stargate with the rest of
his team to heal the damage he had caused. What the being of energy didn't
realize was the pain Jack had was not physical, not the damage the energy
itself inflicted upon him, but mental: the death of his son Charlie. As the
energy being started to break down it was rushed to a nearby hospital. Sara had
been with the energy O'Neill when Jack had arrived to get the energy being back
to the Stargate and home before it died. After that Sara had just left. She
hasn't spoken to Jack really since then, so Jack's only real family was his
teammates. The team of SG-1 was a family. They had each other; they could rely
on one another and depend on one another. They were close-knit and would do
anything for each other...anything. Even go to a highly guarded planet to
rescue a friend who had been abducted forcefully against his will only to be
tortured and beaten. The members of SG-1 were prepared to willingly trade their
lives for another member. The team of SG-1 was also very willing to help one
another out at any cost. If one of them were in danger they could rely on the
other three to be there to help them at any cost.
SG-1
and Za'tar continued on in silence for a time before one of them spoke. As Sam
spoke low Jack glanced up at her. She was still helping Daniel who was looking
rather ragged around the edges. He was struggling...a lot. He heard Daniel
mutter something to Sam then shake his head no as they continued on. He also
noticed that Teal'c was observing Daniel and seeing the concern on the Jaffa's
face for the man beside him worried Jack.
Sam
constantly glanced over at her friend. Daniel was growing weaker and hanging
heavily on her needing her support just to keep moving. She noticed that Daniel
was again struggling, worse now, to place one foot constantly in front of the
other. She kept glancing up at him hearing him wince and groan occasionally. He
didn't utter those obvious sounds of distress, strain and pain extremely loud.
She doubted that Jack could hear him at all. She was sure that Teal'c could
hear Daniel though. Daniel was faltering more and more with each step that he
took. Sam could tell that he was. He continued to rely on her more and more for
support. She watched as he dragged his feet and stumbled over obvious rocks and
tree roots jutting up from the ground. She was very surprised that Daniel
hadn't fallen yet. She could hear his breathing become heavier and a fine sheen
of sweat lay across his face, just enough sweat that his face glistened in the
remaining sunlight. Sam couldn't ignore Daniel's obvious signs of distress. She
asked quietly, "Daniel, are you all right?"
"Fine...I'm
fine Sam," came Daniel's quiet response. She continued, "Would you
like to rest?"
Daniel
shook his head no. Then he groaned as pain sliced at his already throbbing
head. He clenched his eyes tightly shut then opened them again continuing to
focus on the ground beneath his feet.
Daniel
knew that he was growing weaker with each step he took. He wouldn't be able to
stay upright much longer. He kept ordering himself, his legs, to move. Don't
stop. He couldn't stop or they would become easy prey. They had to keep moving.
He set his lips in a grim line determined to keep moving despite his
ever-increasing lethargy and extreme exhausted ness. Daniel refused to stop. He ordered himself onward. His left leg
was now throbbing and pounding excessively and he was limping very badly. His
right leg felt shaky, as well. It was badly bruised but didn't collapse under him...yet.
He found that even though he hated relying on another person he was exceedingly
grateful for Sam's support. Without Sam helping to keep him upright Daniel
knows he would've collapsed long ago. He was so tired, so tired and so drained.
He felt as if he could fall asleep walking. His mind was starting to get cloudy
as the forced sleep deprivation caused him to waver and stagger. He mentally
cursed as he slammed his left booted toe into a rock, scuffing up his combat
boots in the process and nearly falling as a result. He lost his balance
temporarily and feared that he'd knock Sam down, but thankfully he didn't. He
glanced up at her briefly noting how she was faring having to carry a
half-dead, six foot tall, young gentleman. Sam was doing well. Daniel winced as
he again tripped over another rock. Sam looked up at him hearing his softly
spoken retort. He thought for sure he'd fall down when a hand suddenly reached
out from his right side to steady him...Teal'c he knew it was Teal'c. He was
glad that Teal'c helped to steady him that time or he would've brought Sam down
with him. God, he hurt all over! His chest was screaming out in protest of his
heavy breathing. With each heavy deep breath he took it sent stabbing, biting
anguish tearing throughout his rib cage like fire. He heard himself beginning
to gasp as the strain of his efforts to draw in breath pulled and pushed on his
badly damaged rib cage. He tried to ignore the intense stabbing pain in his
chest area, but the further he walked the harder that became. He suddenly
started coughing again, heaving like he was going to pull up a lung. He
whimpered loudly as coughing only made that already severe pain in his chest
increase. He couldn't stop his brutal coughs. They nearly drove him to his
knees again. His coughs nearly turned into choking as they wracked his already
too thin frame shaking his body with the force of them. In between coughs he
gasped, struggling to pull oxygen into his lungs. When the coughs finally
started subsiding Daniel groaned loudly saying, "Oh God it hurts..."
He
clenched his eyes tightly shut against the pain trying desperately to relax
hoping that his breath would calm and the pain would abate. When he started to
get his bearings he became aware he was now leaning against something, or
rather against someone. As his awareness slowly began to return he realized
that he was no longer upright, so his legs must've buckled under him that time
and he hadn't even noticed that they had. He opened his eyes remembering Sam
and looked for her. He spoke just above a whisper, "Sam? Sorry Sam. Did I
hurt you?"
"No
Daniel. Teal'c and I both guided you down to the ground when your legs went
out."
"Thank
heavens. I'm sorry."
"Shh,
don't worry about it Daniel."
Daniel
kept his eyes closed swallowing hard. He hissed as his rapid breathing drove
stabbing pain to his ribs again. He could tell that he definitely was sitting.
He was sitting propped against Teal'c. He was a bit surprised when he realized
that Teal'c held him and not Jack. Where was Jack? Daniel looked around seeing
the older man standing bent at the knees looking intently at him. Daniel could
tell that his coughs frightened the hell out of Jack. He could see it in the
older man's gaze. He felt bad for upsetting Jack, but he couldn't help it.
Jack
had froze when Daniel began to cough violently again. He felt ice-cold chills
climb over him and felt goose bumps climbing his arms as he saw Daniel coughing
so violently that his legs refused to support him any longer. Thank God that Teal'c
had fast reflexes. The Jaffa noticed immediately when Daniel's body went
suddenly lax and had reacted quickly catching the young man before his body
impacted the ground. He hated watching his young friend laboring for breath.
The coughs were getting worse. They were gripping him longer and refusing to
release him. He noticed that Daniel was having obvious difficulty in breathing
when those coughs seized him. Most likely that was a result of his badly
damaged rib cage. As soon as Daniel's coughs stopped Jack ran over to his
friend to check and make sure the young man was all right. He nearly sighed out
loud in relief when Daniel questioned if Sam was all right. Thank God he was
all right now! But Jack knew the coughs would grip him again; it was only a matter
of time. He watched as Sam began to reach for Daniel then stopped herself and
questioned him. It was then that Daniel looked up. Jack could see the pain and
anguish was still very present in his friend, not to mention the fever. They
had to get Daniel off of the planet. He was only getting worse by the minute.
As
Sam reached for him Daniel refocused on her noticing her stop suddenly. He
could feel dampness on his cheeks and was sure he had shed tears that time,
tears of anguish, no doubt. As if Sam was suddenly reading his thoughts she
reached out again and gently wiped the moisture off of Daniel's face. He
dropped his head in response to such a tender gesture. Then she gently
questioned, "How are you feeling? Are you all right, Daniel?"
Daniel
then glanced up at her with those bright blue eyes of his, still dim with pain.
Sam noticed suddenly that Daniel was holding his left side. She asked,
"Daniel, may I look at your side?"
"What?"
"Your
side...may I look at it?" she questioned more gently this time.
Daniel
hesitated as he recalled just what lay under his shirt. She would be able to
see immediately the harsh evidence of his cruel torture and vile treatment, and
she would see the nasty bruises that now seemed to make up his chest. He
hesitantly caved in saying, "Might as well..."
Daniel
eased his hand off of his side, inhaling sharply as the simple movement
elicited more pain. He watched as she reached over to his t-shirt. She began to
gently ease the shirt upwards noticing Daniel flinch as she slightly bumped his
stomach area. She didn't know what exactly to expect but whatever it was didn't
prepare her for the dark ugly massive bruising now spanning Daniel's whole left
side of his rib cage. She paled upon seeing it. Sam felt queasy thinking of the
kind of pain Daniel must've suffered through to create such massive bruising on
his body. She was positive he had to have at least one broken rib. There was no
possible way that Daniel could've sustained such horrid bruising without also
acquiring a broken rib or two. She swallowed hard as she imagined what he had
endured at the hands of Osiris and Kelsham. As she started to recover from the
shock of seeing such a nasty injury she scanned other exposed areas of his
body. She felt chills climb her spine as she saw splashes of bruises here and
there. Some bruises were black, some were yellow and some were green with age.
It was obvious that Daniel had been beaten...badly several times from the looks
of it. Her throat constricted as her eyes fell to the various burns also
spanning the length of now exposed flesh. She knew all too well exactly what
had created such nasty burns. Daniel had been exposed to the shock device...and
from the amount of those burns present on his flesh he had been tortured with
it on several different occasions. She remembered suddenly the pain that
Jolinar had suffered from her exposure to such a device. She clenched her eyes
shut blocking out the memory then refocused on Daniel. In the short amount of
time that Daniel had been Osiris' prisoner he had been horribly beaten and
abused. As her eyes again strayed to the massive dark bruising that now made up
Daniel's chest she found herself wondering how Daniel could even still be
walking. He had been horribly, horribly beaten and abused but he still managed
to walk this far with such serious injuries. She silently cursed Osiris and
Kelsham. How the hell could someone be capable of inflicting such damage on another
and not feel any remorse for what they had just done? As she scanned his
exposed flesh yet again she became aware of just how minor some of the injuries
were. There were a lot of minor injuries...a lot. They were minor but
excessive...obviously Osiris also seemed to enjoy prolonging Daniel's suffering
making much of the injuries he sustained minor enough not to be
life-threatening but severe enough to keep him forever held in a constant grip
of pain and suffering. As she glanced at the left side of his rib cage again
she felt ill. God, what if Daniel not only had a broken rib but was bleeding
internally as well? The amount and severity of the marks that now marred his
flesh and sharply contrasted with his normal skin tone indicated that internal
damage could be a possibility. Now she understood why his breathing was so
labored at times and why he lapsed into violent coughs. Broken and bruised ribs
not only caused severe pain but also constricted breathing. The more severely
damaged they were the more the breathing was constricted. She glanced at Daniel
asking in a gentle voice, "Are you trying to kill yourself or
something?"
"What?"
She
shook her head to say never mind. Then she reached towards the badly bruised
area. Her hand shook as it hovered above those obvious indications of physical
abuse now marring Daniel's chest. She gently placed her hand against the injury
using very little pressure. Daniel cried out in pain. God! She didn't even know
what to say or do! She spoke up, "Daniel you have a broken rib..."
Daniel
glanced up at her saying in a clipped voice, as he tried to bite back the pain
her simple touch ignited, "Several actually...broken,
bruised...fractured..."
She
paled even further staring at Daniel in shocked horror and surprise. Daniel
shouldn't even be moving with damage that extensive. What if he fell a certain
way? He could send a broken rib directly into his lungs...and his coughing, his
coughing was so powerful that he could fracture even more ribs. She could see
that the overlaying tissue was swelled, as well, another indication that Daniel
had some broken and fractured ribs. She considered offering Daniel some
morphine for the pain, his pain had to be considerable, but she knew that he
would most likely refuse it. Daniel had a strong aversion to drugs of any type,
especially after experiencing a violent withdrawal several times in his life
already...
The
first time Daniel suffered the nasty symptoms of withdrawal was when they were
on P3R-636. Daniel had come across a woman preparing to throw herself over a
cliff to end her life. Daniel saved her, catching her just before she fell, and
yanked her away from the edge. The result of Daniel's actions caused SG-1 to be
captured as spies and worked as slaves. It seemed the girl he saved was a
princess and had a thing for Daniel, so she had him brought to her after he was
injured in the Naquadah mines they were working in. Shyla, as they later
learned was her name, nursed Daniel back to health and started encouraging him
to return to the sarcophagus again and again. She would say that he needed to
heal more and would lure him into it until Daniel became quite literally
addicted to it. The sarcophagus started to change him as well, turning their
gentle-natured, caring, loving friend into a wild-eyed, non-caring individual.
The sarcophagus was stealing Daniel's humanity, Daniel's soul, with each usage
of it. When they were finally released they managed to coax Daniel to return
home with them. What occurred after that was a violent withdrawal as Daniel's
body began to break down and expel the addictive properties of the sarcophagus.
He became desperate to return to Shyla's planet, not knowing or really thinking
of whom he was, only wanting and needing that sarcophagus to make the violent withdrawal
cease. He ended up pulling a gun on Jack ready to pull the trigger until Jack
had told him what was happening. Daniel broke down after that and continued on
his path to recovery. That was the first time he had a violent withdrawal from
a substance.
On
one of their more recent missions Daniel had been off-world with another SG
team. Upon their return the members all became suicidal. One of the members
went as far as to throw himself into the Stargate as it was activating. He was
killed instantly. Later that day several members began to lose consciousness
and Daniel hadn't contacted anyone. Jack became concerned and drove to his
friend's house only to find Daniel standing on the edge of his balcony ready to
jump off. He tried talking Daniel down, but it was almost as if he didn't have
control over his own body. Just when Jack felt sure Daniel would jump Daniel
turned around saying Jack's name and asking what he was doing. Daniel had been
very scared that time. He had snapped back only to realize he stood on his
balcony ready to jump off. Jack helped Daniel down and guided him into his
home. Shortly after that Daniel passed out and nearly died. They discovered
later that there was a source of light that drew everyone. A device was
implanted in the base of the light projection that emitted a low level of
constant sound that, in essence, acted like a narcotic. If you strayed too far
away from that source you would start suffering withdrawal and die if you did
not return. Daniel had returned to Earth not realizing that he was even exposed
to such a substance. The withdrawal nearly killed him. He flat-lined in the
infirmary and the only way he managed to survive was because Jack had realized
that planet had something on it that could keep Daniel alive. Jack had been
desperate that day. He had yanked Daniel off of the infirmary bed he had been
on and literally flung him over his shoulder, carrying Daniel through the
Stargate to the planet. Within only a few minutes of his returning to the
planet Daniel awoke and was fine.
After
those two experiences Daniel had been extremely leery of drugs. Not to mention,
his experience in that institution...an insane asylum...when he was under the
effects of Ma'chello's little Goa'uld killing worms. They had diagnosed Daniel
with schizophrenia without really checking all their facts and kept him so
drugged that half the time he was either out cold or so far gone he had no clue
who he was. Then they noticed him returning to normal and discovered those
little buggers of Ma'chello's. Daniel was released immediately but he still
bore the emotional and psychological scars of what committing him to an
institution wrought on him. As a result, he asked Jack to promise that he'd
never let anyone lock him up in one of those places again...ever.
Since
Sam knew all this she knew Daniel would refuse the drugs. He would argue with
her right and left until she caved and did as he asked. The only way drugs were
getting into Daniel's system is if he was unconscious. Daniel was even starting
to have a strong aversion to needles, as well. She was sure that his aversion
to needles was rooted in his experiences while under the supervision of Doctor
Mackenzie. The man had kept Daniel so drugged up when he was in that padded
room that Daniel couldn't even think clearly. She remembered so vividly the day
they had visited and Daniel had spoke softly about how they took his glasses
because they were afraid that he'd try to hurt himself by breaking the lenses
and using the shards to cause himself bodily harm. She felt chills climb her
spine as she remembered him apologizing to them for being such a head case. She
remembered how he had become extremely afraid and agitated, pointing towards
them saying that "they" were here and trying to shrink away from whatever
he had seen. Sam shook her head to clear it...that was then and this was now.
She had to focus on the present, not think of the past...Drugs were out of the
question. Daniel would never accept them, never, not to mention morphine had
some nasty side effects...breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting and
drowsiness. All four of those side effects were possible. Daniel might or might
not experience them but in his present condition any of those could get him
killed or be the death of him. He was already having difficulty breathing, not
to mention, he was badly dehydrated and struggled just to eat. Osiris not only
physically abused Daniel but he neglected Daniel, as well. Osiris never
provided water or food for Daniel to ingest. It was obvious by looking at him.
He was grossly underweight. He had lost a good twenty pounds, if not more, in
the last few weeks. One of the first indications of starvation is the rapid
weight loss in the first week, which slows down as the body starts using the
remaining stores of fat in the body to sustain life. A person couldn't live
anymore then two months without food, which means Daniel could continue to
live, except that he was also badly dehydrated. The lack of sufficient water
intake combined with starvation would kill a person within only ten days. This
is how Sam knew someone had been providing Daniel with water and food because,
otherwise, Daniel would now be dead. She was sure she knew who that someone
was...Jotham. She would have to thank him if she ever saw him again for taking
care of Daniel when Osiris chose to neglect him.
Sam
looked at her friend noticing he was extremely exhausted. She wondered how
Daniel could even still be alert in his condition. She knew he needed something
for the pain but the risks were too high for him and he wouldn't accept drugs
without a fight. He even argued with Janet when she tried to give him some on
his many visits to the infirmary. Sam had watched the young Doctor administer
drugs to Daniel when he was no longer awake to protest and she only did that
when his suffering was extreme. She usually honored his wishes and understood
why he was so leery of drugs and needles. Sam had to tell Jack that Daniel
couldn't go on. She spoke up, "Sir," then she heard Daniel's soft hoarse
voice, "Sam no...we have to keep moving."
"But
Daniel..."
"We
can't stay here. I'll be fine just... We have to go."
"Daniel,
you're very badly hurt, you're weak and you’re exhausted..."
"No
Sam."
"Daniel,
you have to rest."
"No
I don't."
Jack
cut in, "Yes you do."
"Jack,
don't you start on me. You know as well as I do that if we stay here...Anubis'
guards will find us. We'd be recaptured and I'd be taken away. Osiris would
have Kelsham take me somewhere. He’d be able to get his revenge on Sam...you and
Teal'c would be sent back to Apophis...No Jack, no. I will not be responsible
for causing all of that to happen. We go..."
"Daniel..."
"Jack,
don't argue with me."
Jack
rolled his eyes throwing his hands in the air he commented, "Why does
everyone keep saying that to me? Daniel, you're as bad as Jacob!"
Daniel
watched Jack for only a moment longer before saying, "Teal'c, help me up
please."
"Daniel
Jackson, I feel that it is unwise of you to be moving."
"Well,
whether you help me or not I am getting up."
"Indeed
you are most stubborn."
"Yes,
several people have told me that already... Please Teal'c."
Teal'c
nodded his head then helped Daniel to his feet noticing how putting pressure on
the wounded leg caused Daniel to wince. He was standing, leaning heavily on his
right leg. Jack noticed also, which contributed to his next question,
"How's the leg?"
"Little
stiff, but it'll be fine..."
"You
need to let me know when you need a break. Do you hear me, Daniel? You let us
know."
"Yes
Jack." Jack watched Daniel intently and knew on instinct that Daniel would
do no such thing. He would remain silent pushing himself until his body could
take no more. He wouldn't stop until he lost consciousness. Damn, why did
Daniel have to be so damned stubborn all the time? Jack cocked his head still
watching Daniel who was in turn watching him.
Daniel
gritted his teeth, annoyed at Jack. Jack knew he had just lied. He wouldn't
stop until he could go no further. Daniel questioned half irritated, "What
Jack?"
"You
better let us know." Then Jack turned and took position at point. Za'tar
joined him. Sam went to help Daniel when Teal'c interrupted, "I will help
him Major Carter. You need a break."
"No
Teal'c, I..."
Daniel
looked at her noticing she was looking ragged around the edges, also. He said,
"It's all right, Sam. Teal'c will help me. You go on ahead with
Jack." Daniel could see her want to argue but as Teal'c braced his arm
across Daniel's shoulders she nodded her head and went over to Jack. Daniel
sighed in relief. She had been practically carrying him for the last several
hours. Daniel knew it hadn't been easy, especially with him constantly tripping
and growing weaker every minute. He was actually surprised she had supported
him for so long. He knew she was tired and exhausted from supporting him for
such a long distance. She needed a break.
Teal'c was quite capable of supporting Daniel. Daniel placed his left
arm across Teal'c's broad shoulders and the two started to follow Jack, Sam and
Za'tar.
As
they continued to travel onwards towards the transport rings Teal'c noticed
Daniel struggling harder and hanging heavily on him for support. Daniel was
indeed growing weaker by the minute. He noticed Daniel tripping several times
over very obvious tree roots protruding from the ground and knew that his
friend was only getting worse. Teal'c kept moving even though he could tell
Daniel was fast deteriorating. His reserves of strength were almost all used
up. He often wondered where his friend got energy when he was like this. It was
almost as if Daniel could pull that energy, that strength, right out of the
air. No matter how badly hurt or injured Daniel Jackson was he always found
hidden reserves of strength that motivated him to move on and not give up.
Daniel
was very glad that Teal'c was helping him. He was weaker now and could tell
that he was only getting worse. He was depending heavily on Teal'c, heavier
than he did on Sam. His legs were starting to ache and throb. His blast wound
on his thigh thrummed excessively. Each time he stepped it was as if he jarred
the wound. He could tell that he was now badly limping in fact his leg was
getting shakier by the minute. He had to keep moving or they would all be
captured so he drove himself, pushing himself to move faster and harder. He
noticed that he kept stumbling over rocks and tree roots that were very
noticeable, which only angered him further. Anger at his weakened state helped
add fuel to the fire of his determination. He refused to stop until his body
would no longer allow him to. As his leg muscles began to ache more so did his
head. The pain was nearly unbearable now. He could feel the constant pressure
in his skull and the insistent pounding of his blood as it pumped furiously
through his blood vessels. The pounding inside of his head only continued to
get louder, echoing through his mind, making him want to scream as the anguish
tore throughout his brain. It felt as if someone was constantly banging on his
skull. He couldn't focus on anything at the moment. He vaguely noticed the
ground beneath him go momentarily blurry. He was starting to get dizzy and
lightheaded. He started to see blackness at the edges of his vision. His field
of vision had narrowed considerably since he started walking. He knew that he
would pass out and he knew that he would not be able to stop it, but he was
determined to keep himself moving until that unconsciousness floating just
barely beyond his reach prepared to grab him and hold him, sucking him
downwards into nothingness. As the pain in his head tripled his vision narrowed
even further. Black and white spots started to dance before his eyes taunting
him at the same time that they were beckoning him to follow. Daniel watched as
the woods swam before his eyes and blurred out of focus. He stopped nearly
losing his balance as he clenched his eyes shut tightly in an effort to ward
off those damned spots now flashing before his vision. He groaned without even
realizing it causing Teal'c to stop and examine Daniel in concern. As soon as
he stopped Daniel felt himself falling backwards as his body attempted to go
limp on him. As he fell back into Teal'c the temporary physical contact served
to snap him back to alertness and he stood up again. He focused on the ground
again clenching his eyes closed as the ground began to shift and buck under his
feet. Teal'c's voice broke through his clouded mind as he suggested,
"Daniel Jackson, if you must rest then please do so."
"No...no...
I'm fine."
"You
are not fine. You must stop pushing yourself."
"I'm
not."
"Yes
you are."
"Teal'c
I'm fine. Let's go."
"You
push yourself even now. You must take care of yourself and stop worrying about
us. You are only harming yourself further by forcing yourself onward."
Daniel
glanced at Teal'c just then. Teal'c was right of course, but Daniel wouldn't
quit...not yet. He had to keep moving. They had to get off of this planet.
Teal'c
could see the stubbornness in Daniel, the refusal to quit. Daniel would continue
pushing himself even if he had to use up all of his energy to do so. The young
man was a very determined, very stubborn individual. Teal'c was no fool. He
knew exactly how Daniel was feeling. Jack had told him that Daniel had been
tortured earlier in the day by that shock device. Teal'c knew how debilitating
and how painful that device could be...especially on a human. Daniel had no
symbiote within him, which only amplified the effects of such a sinister
device. Teal'c could see the pain, even now, reflecting in Daniel's eyes. The
pain was a constant in his friend's eyes, the pain and the exhausted ness. He
had seen the same things in Daniel's eyes earlier. This was one of the reasons
he told Sam that he would help Daniel now. He knew that Daniel would soon lose
consciousness. His body would soon no longer be able to handle the stress and
strain that Daniel was placing on it and his body would simply just shut down
on him. Daniel's endurance was very high for a human being, but even the
strongest individuals would soon succumb after the trauma Daniel Jackson had
suffered through since his capture on P3X-173. Teal'c was there to catch Daniel
when his body finally did succumb to exhausted ness and unconsciousness. He
would be there to catch Daniel when he fell and then Teal'c would carry his
young friend. He was stronger than Sam or Jack because his symbiote gave him
added strength and added endurance. He would be able to carry Daniel a lot
further then his other two human companions.
Teal'c
glanced up no longer seeing Jack, Sam or Za'tar. They obviously didn't realize
that Teal'c and Daniel had stopped. He looked at Daniel now seeing that the
young man was ready to continue. Teal'c nodded his head and continued to help
Daniel onwards.
Daniel
no sooner started walking when he tripped over a log practically falling. He
muttered, "Damn it!" Daniel's left leg had nearly given out on him
just then. The only reason that he still remained upright was because of
Teal'c's aid. He inhaled shakily as the pain increased in his leg. Teal'c
patiently waited for his friend to recover. When he was sure Daniel could focus
he gently asked, "Daniel Jackson, are you all right?"
"Yes
Teal'c. Thanks," as soon as Daniel finished thanking Teal'c loud blasts
pierced the air. Daniel jerked his head up groaning as pain echoed back at him
for the sudden move. He felt lightheaded and almost passed out but as he heard
another weapon discharge he refocused and looked up at Teal'c in worry and
fear. Staff weapons, they were staff weapons being fired nearby, which could
only mean one thing: Anubis and Osiris had found them...
As
Daniel looked around him he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise on end
and chills tingle up his spine. Where the hell were Sam and Jack? There was no
sign of Sam, Jack or even Za'tar. Where the hell were they? He recalled
suddenly that they were ahead of Teal'c and him. SHIT! Could they have been
captured? He hoped not! He looked back at Teal'c softly questioning, "Jack
and Sam where...?"
"They
are ahead of us."
"Shit!
Damn it! Let's go!" It was his fault that they had been separated and it
was his fault if they had been captured. His present state had slowed everyone
down. They hadn't moved fast enough. Damn it, he hated being weak! He was now
positive that those blasts were most likely fired at his friends. He started to
move when Teal'c spoke up, "Daniel Jackson, if we investigate we too may
end up captured."
"We
have to at least look, Teal'c!"
Teal'c
nodded his head then helped Daniel onward. They didn't have far to travel
before they came across jackal guards. Teal'c and Daniel immediately ducked
down behind some dense shrubs for cover. Daniel bit his bottom lip so as not to
give voice to the pain the new position provided. He looked beyond the trees
and silently cursed. Sam, Jack and Za'tar were there. All three were on their
knees, their hands at their sides surrounded by jackal guards. Several guards
held staff weapons trained on the trio. One of the guards, Zo'lair, demanded,
"Where are the other two?"
Jack's
smart reply flowed over to their hiding place as he responded, "There are
no others."
"You
lie to protect your friends. What of Doctor Jackson?"
"Doctor
Jackson? Never heard of him."
Zo'lair
sneered at Jack saying, "You are a fool, Tau'ri. We will find them."
He muttered several words in Goa'uld then grabbed a zatnickatel. Zo'lair then
walked behind Jack and aimed the zat gun directly at the back of his head. He
then scanned the surrounding woods saying, "Your friend will come. He is a
Tau'ri. Friendship is very important to you Tau'ri. He will come."
"Afraid
not..."
Zo'lair
chuckled at the human's impudence then yelled, "Doctor Daniel Jackson, I
know that you are out there watching...if you show yourself we will not kill your
friends. Listen to me Doctor Jackson surrender now or your friends will be
killed. Our lord only has an interest in you. He will let your friends go if
you come with us quietly. If you do not come out then we will shoot your
friends. The choice is yours, Doctor Jackson. Surrender now or watch as your
friends are killed."
Daniel
didn't like the sudden turn of events. He glanced at Teal'c who had his mouth
set in a grim line. He then glanced back over at Sam and Jack. The zat gun in
the guard's hand was presently aimed directly at the back of Jack's head.
Daniel felt chills climb his spine as sudden deja vu gripped him; it was rather
eerie. He had experienced this same stand off once before. Only that time the
positions were reversed, the stakes were different and the situation was
different. He had been in Jack's place with Major Trofsky, one of Hathor's
goons, standing directly behind him saying almost the exact same thing, but not
at him, not that time. He had been trying to draw Sam out of hiding. The guards
had captured him along with Colonel Makepeace and his team. The Goa'uld had
threatened to kill Sam's friends one by one beginning with him if she did not
surrender. He had noticed how Trofsky had placed him directly in front of the
Stargate and directly in the center. He had held that zat gun aimed at Daniel
prepared to shoot to kill. Daniel had told Sam not to listen to the Goa'uld. He
had been waiting for the first discharge of the weapon when Jack had approached
the group pretending to be snaked. He informed Major Trofsky that his queen was
dead. The man refused to believe Jack because Hathor was a queen and a goddess.
She was immortal; she could not die. Jack kindly informed Trofsky that he had
been the one to slay Hathor. Daniel had prepared himself for death then when
shortly after that the Stargate came to life. As the wormhole engaged a small
ship flew through it. At first the ship scared the hell out of him and everyone
else. Then he had realized that the ship was firing on the guards. Preceding
that craft was Bra'tac, who had ordered the guards to surrender. As the craft
landed Daniel saw Teal'c and Hammond exit approaching them. He had been rather
surprised to see that Hammond had come to rescue them...
Daniel's
thoughts were interrupted as Zo'lair yelled, "Surrender now Doctor
Jackson, or your friends will be killed!"
Daniel
prepared to rise when Teal'c placed a gentle restraining hand on his shoulder.
He was prepared to surrender. Teal'c whispered, "If you surrender you will
be recaptured and so will O'Neill and Carter. Osiris will not let them
go."
"I
know that Teal'c, but by surrendering I might be able to buy them some time to
escape."
"Osiris
will, no doubt, send you with Kelsham immediately to be taken off of this
world..."
"Teal'c,
what other choice do we have here? There is no other choice."
"There
is always another choice. You should know that better then anyone,
Daniel."
"You
have a plan? I'd love to hear it."
"We
will..."
Daniel
felt himself waver and silently cursed. Not now, damn it he couldn't black out
now! His vision began to swim before him and blur in and out of focus. He
couldn't do this, not now, damn it! His body stubbornly refused to listen. He
felt himself getting even more lightheaded and heard the ringing in his ears.
He silently yelled again, not now! He couldn't black out now! Please not now!
But as the ringing began in his ears he knew that he would lose consciousness
shortly. He had pushed himself to and beyond his limits. His body betrayed him
as he started seeing white light flashing before his eyes. He mentally cursed
his weakened state as everything wavered before him sickeningly. His ears
started to ring louder and he felt his eyes slide shut as his body went totally
lax. He managed to utter one word, "Teal'c..." before darkness
descended yet again, crashing all around him, sending him deep into the
pitch-blackness of oblivion. He felt his legs turn to jello and go out from
under him. He was aware of falling, falling fast then being caught in strong
arms just before his battered body impacted the hard ground and he was aware no
more.
Teal'c
glanced up when Daniel spoke his name responding, "Yes Daniel
Jackson..." His comment trailed off when he saw his friend collapse. He
noticed that Daniel was wavering and knew that Daniel would lose consciousness
soon, as Daniel had uttered his name Teal'c barely had enough time to react. He
saw his friend begin to collapse and caught him just before he fell to the
ground. As he looked at Daniel's face he could tell that Daniel's reserves of
strength had finally been reached. His body shut down on its own. Teal'c knew
that Daniel would pass out shortly but wished it hadn't been now. Now how would
he save his friends? He glanced down at his now unconscious friend seeing just
how ill and weak he was. His friend had pushed himself way too hard. Teal'c
should have stopped him and should have carried him despite his arguments.
Daniel was out cold and would probably remain that way for the next several
hours. Before he had time to really consider what to do next he gently placed
his unconscious friend on the ground. He glanced at Daniel once more before
returning his attention to his other three friends. What was he going to do
now? He had one unconscious friend and three captured friends and only himself
to help all four.
Teal'c
watched as the guard holding the zat gun presently on Jack gestured to the
guards to fan out in an attempt to flank Daniel and flush him out of hiding. He
noticed that after those guards departed only four remained with Jack, Sam and
Za'tar, as well as Zo'lair. Teal'c didn't like the sudden change in odds. The
guards were now attempting to surround Daniel and him. If they succeeded
neither Teal'c nor Daniel would get off of this planet. He had no choices left.
He had to attempt to flee now with Daniel before they were completely
surrounded. As long as they didn't have Daniel then Sam, Jack and Za'tar would
remain alive to use as weapons to draw him out. Teal'c hated leaving the other
three behind but he had little choice in the matter. If they stayed they too
would be captured with Jack, Sam and Za'tar and all of this would be for
naught. Teal'c would have to radio Jacob to inform him of their present
situation. He cursed as he heard Zo'lair order guards to go watch over the area
in the woods where the rings had been used recently...with guards there now
Teal'c and Daniel would be cut off from the transport rings which left them
with only one other option: to return the same way they had just come and head
for the Stargate. Teal'c didn't like that idea at all but Daniel and him were
now out of options. He had to move as well before they had no escape route
left. He kneeled beside his unconscious friend then carefully lifted Daniel
into his arms picking him up as if he were as light as a feather. As he placed
his arms under Daniel's shoulders and knees he heard his friend whimper in
pain. Teal'c bent towards Daniel then whispered, "Shh, I know that you are
in pain but you must be quiet my friend, or we will not be able to get you the
help that you need."
Teal'c
sighed in relief when Daniel again fell silent at his gentle urgings. He tensed
as Daniel moved his head hoping that he would still remain quiet. He sighed in
relief when Daniel merely moved his head to prop it against Teal'c's chest.
Teal'c was suddenly reminded of his son Ryac as Daniel used his chest for a
pillow. He swallowed hard at the memory then glanced up again after making sure
that his friend was still only unconscious. Teal'c slipped stealthily back into
the forest beginning to make his journey to the Stargate and taking extra
precaution not to jar Daniel by moving too fast. The odds were not in their
favor. To coin a phrase Teal'c has heard Jack say often he thought, 'This is turning
out to be a very bad day.'
* * * *
Jack,
Sam and Za'tar had continued onward when Teal'c had stopped with Daniel. Jack's
senses screamed a warning at him and just when he was about to react a staff
weapon was discharged near him. He stopped in sudden surprise as another blast
exploded near Sam. In the next minute they were surrounded by guards with no
possible escape route in sight. Jack silently cursed. They had failed and now
Daniel would again be Osiris' prisoner, but as he turned to see how Daniel was
faring he was surprised to see that Teal'c and Daniel were nowhere to be seen.
He quickly covered up his initial shock at that realization. He glanced at Sam
who whispered, "They had to stop...he needed a break."
At
that moment Jack didn't know whether he wanted to kiss Sam or shake her for
being so damned observant when he had not. He was just damned glad that Teal'c
and Daniel would still have a chance to get away. He only hoped the Jaffa would
realize that getting Daniel off of the planet was more important then saving
them. They could still escape. Daniel, however, needed immediate medical
attention. Soon he wouldn't be able to go on. As he was ordered to his knees
Jack only thought of his two friends still out there. He prayed that Teal'c
would realize what he had to do and do it. He also found himself scanning the
surrounding woods silently praying and urging his friends to remain hidden. He
hoped that the staff blasts were loud enough to be heard. If Daniel or Teal'c
had heard those weapons discharge then maybe they'd realize what lied ahead of
them and pull back before it was too late.
Jack
silently cursed Zo'lair as he used them against Daniel. When he heard Zo'lair
order Daniel to surrender or watch his friends be killed he silently ordered
Daniel to remain put. Daniel was the type of person who would risk his own life
in a split second if it meant he could save another. Daniel's mercy and
self-sacrifice were two traits that Jack greatly admired in the young
scientist. They were strengths, but Jack also knew that those strengths could
be used against Daniel. Zo'lair didn't know Daniel, but he knew that
threatening those Daniel cared for might be just the push he'd need to get
Daniel to surrender. Jack nervously glanced around half-expecting Daniel to
reveal his location in order to save his friends. He was extremely grateful as
the seconds turned into minutes and Daniel had still not shown himself. He
hoped the two were making a hasty retreat. He noticed how Zo'lair ordered the
jackal guards to spread out and encircle the area. They were attempting to
flank Daniel and Teal'c, knowing or at least suspecting, that the two were in
the immediate vicinity. He hoped and prayed that Teal'c and Daniel were again
on the move. They were now completely cut off from the transport rings, which
left them with only one alternative, a more dangerous alternative, but it was
the only one now available to them: heading back to Sekhem, back towards
Osiris, back towards Anubis' main complex and back to that heavily guarded
Stargate. He sent up a silent prayer to the heavens for Daniel and Teal'c's
safe departure through the Stargate.
Jack
noticed that they were now left with only four other guards, besides Zo'lair.
This could be a very big advantage...the odds of escape were higher now when
they had less enemies to deal with.
* * * *
Teal'c
continued on carrying his unconscious friend. He headed back towards Sekhem,
back towards the jackal's lair, back towards the one Goa'uld who desired to
destroy his friend. He would have to move quickly. He moved surprisingly fast
with the extra burden of Daniel in his arms but knew now was not the time to be
slow.
* * * *
Before
Jack had time to think he watched as Za'tar lunged for the Goa'uld and quickly
followed suit. Za'tar wrenched the zat gun away from Zo'lair's hands then
quickly turned to fire on the other four guards. Luck was with them this day
for the guards had been so surprised that Za'tar attacked they had failed to react
quickly enough. Jack, Sam and Za'tar were quicker. Za'tar zatted the other four
guards and, to Jack's great satisfaction, they all dropped like flies…not bad,
not bad at all.
Za'tar
glanced up at Sam and Jack saying, "We must go quickly. The others will
return shortly." Each of them grabbed weapons with Za'tar and Jack each
grabbing staff weapons while Sam grabbed two zats. Jack then spoke up pointing,
"The rings are this way."
"They
will be under heavy guard, Colonel O'Neill."
"We
have an advantage though, Za'tar. They don't know we're coming."
"This
is very true."
"Let's
go...quietly shall we?"
"Daniel
and Teal'c, sir?"
"Carter,
I don't think they'll come our way. They know they’re cut off from the
transport rings, which leaves..."
"The
Stargate...which is very heavily guarded, sir."
"They
have to get off of this planet on their own, Carter, to go after them would be
suicide. Anubis' guards are attempting to surround them. We have to go before
our escape is detected."
"But
sir..."
"If
they’re captured we’ll come back for them. We have no other choice,
Carter."
"Yes
sir..."
Sam didn't like it but knew they had little other choice in the matter. If they were to go after Daniel and Teal'c they would be captured by those guards. They had two choices: go to the Stargate...going through all of those jackal guards now prowling the woods and most likely be recaptured again or head for the rings. They would still have an army of jackal guards to get through, but they were much closer to the transport rings then to that Stargate and the chances of getting off the planet using those rings was much better than the alternative. They would have to wait to learn the fates of their other two friends. Right now they had to get away from the immediate area and get to those rings...before they were surrounded and all chance of escape was completely cut off.
* * * *
Later...
Teal'c
was certain they had lost most of the guards in the forest. He had to radio
Jacob Carter to let him know of their present situation. He made certain that
they were well hidden before making the call. When he was certain that they
were no longer in danger of being captured...at the moment...he pulled out his
radio and contacted Jacob who still remained aboard the Tel'tak orbiting
Ta-hetchet, "Jacob Carter this is Teal'c, do you read? Jacob
Carter..."
Jacob
nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard the radio come to life. As he recognized
Teal'c's voice he raced for the radio. Thank God! He hadn't heard from any of
SG-1 in over eight hours. He had become worried that they had all been
captured. Jacob grabbed up the radio replying, "I read you Teal'c. What is
happening?"
"Jacob
Carter, we have successfully departed Sekhem..."
Thank
heavens, thought Jacob. Teal'c continued, "We had been en route to the
transport rings when we were separated.
Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill have been captured along with
Za'tar."
"WHAT?
And what about you and Daniel?"
"Daniel
Jackson and I were forced to depart or be captured as well."
"So
what’s happening?"
"Major
Carter and Colonel O'Neill will be heading towards the transport rings. Major
Carter still has her radio. I am sure that once they have successfully escaped
she will contact you."
"And
what of you and Daniel?"
"We
have been cut off from the transport rings. We were forced to retreat."
"Retreat?
To where?"
"Daniel
Jackson and I will have to get to the Stargate..."
"Teal'c,
are you crazy?"
"We
have no other option, Jacob Carter."
"Bad
plan Teal'c, very bad plan! That Stargate is under heavy guard, not to mention
you’ll have to get past Sekhem to even get to that gate. You’re taking Daniel
directly back into the jackal's lair, Teal'c..."
"We
are unable to get to the rings, Jacob Carter. We have no other option."
"And
Daniel agrees with this?"
"He
does not know."
"HE
WHAT?"
"Daniel
Jackson is unconscious again. I have been carrying him. We had no choice."
"You’ll
need a GDO code to get through the gate, assuming that you even get that far,
or both of you will die when you impact Earth's iris, do you have a GDO code?
Teal'c?"
Dead
silence followed that question, which could only mean one thing...neither
Teal'c nor Daniel had the GDO code that they would need in order to inform the
SGC that friendlies were coming through the gate. They would be killed
instantly as they impacted the iris. Jacob questioned again, "Teal'c do
you or Daniel have the GDO?"
"Negative."
"Teal'c,
you can’t go through that Stargate. You’ll both be killed if you do so. We’re
too far from Earth to send a message that would get there on time..."
"We
will attempt to make it to the Stargate."
"Teal'c
that's suicide! Sure you may make it to the Stargate successfully, but what
will you do once you get there? Neither of you have a GDO. You’ll both be
killed! No Teal'c..."
"I
do..." came a quiet voice in the background. Jacob heard the voice then
demanded, "WHAT?"
Teal'c
heard the voice too, turning he saw Daniel Jackson now sitting up resting his
head on his bent knees. Teal'c felt relieved to see his young friend awake
again. He said, "It is good to see you awake again, my friend."
Teal'c
was interrupted as Jacob demanded, "Teal'c what’s going on?"
Daniel
glanced up then said, "I have a GDO...Jotham...he slipped it in my jacket.
He must have done it before...handing it to me. He had told me to check the
pocket, but I had forgotten. We have the GDO."
Teal'c
silently cheered. They had a way off of Ta-hetchet and had a way to let the
Tau'ri know who was coming, unannounced, through the gate. He questioned,
"Jacob Carter, did you hear that?"
"Yes
Teal'c...Daniel has the GDO...and Jotham must still be alive. Thank
heavens."
Jacob
had been extremely worried when Teal'c reported that they had no GDO. He knew
that if Teal'c and Daniel had managed to get beyond the guards to the gate they
would be killed when they attempted to gate home. He was so glad to hear
Daniel's voice and to hear that Daniel had the GDO. Jotham had some how managed
to get the device to him. Thank heavens for that! Jacob continued, "Then
it’s settled...Daniel and you will head for the Stargate. I’ll wait here to
transport Jack, Sam and Za'tar onto the Tel'tak. Good luck to you, my
friends...and Daniel it’s very good to once again hear your voice. Welcome
back."
Daniel smiled when he heard that comment then the radio went dead. Teal'c was now kneeling beside Daniel. He questioned, "Are you able to continue, Daniel Jackson?"
"I’ll
try...but I don't know how much longer it’ll be before I lose consciousness
again... I'm sorry Teal'c."
"You
have no need to apologize, Daniel."
"Sam,
Jack and your friend?"
"They
will leave Ta-hetchet via the rings. You and I must make it to the
Stargate."
"That's
crazy Teal'c. It's heavily guarded..."
"We
were cut off from the rings. If I had not left when I did they would have
captured us both. They were preparing to surround us. I did what I felt was
best."
Daniel glanced up at Teal'c then continued, "You did the right thing, Teal'c. Now let's get to that gate, shall we?"
"We
must remain quiet, Daniel Jackson. We have to get by Sekhem to get to the
Stargate. We must move quickly."
"Let's
go."
Teal'c
offered aid to his friend yet again bracing Daniel about the shoulders to help
support him and keep him upright. Daniel quickly draped his arm across the
Jaffa's strong shoulders gritting his teeth as the simple movement jarred his
rib cage. He would try his best to remain upright, but he knew that he would
black out again. It was inevitable. He was still extremely weak and still
gripped tightly in the aftereffects of that Goa'uld shock device. He would have
to try his best to remain conscious. He knew that his strength wouldn't hold
out for long. He had pushed himself too far. He had pushed himself to and
beyond his limits. He could already feel the lethargy and the weakness in him.
He would pass out soon but as long as he remained awake Daniel would keep
moving. He had to keep moving.
* * * *
Jack,
Sam and Za'tar headed in the general direction of the teleport rings, all too
aware of just how dire their present situation was. Jack whispered, "We'll
have to radio Jacob...I don't suppose..."
"I
have my radio, sir."
"Good.
We'll have to radio Jacob to let him know what's happening. Now would probably
be a good time."
"Yes
sir."
Sam
radioed Jacob. Jacob just ended his transmission with Teal'c and was surprised
when Sam's voice came from the radio.
He immediately picked it up saying, "I'm here Sam."
"Dad,
we’re heading for the teleport rings now."
"Teal'c
said you were captured."
"We
escaped. We're going to need you to...Teal'c said we were captured? You spoke
with him?"
"Yes
Sam."
"And...?"
"Teal'c
and Daniel are all right. They're heading for the Stargate."
"The
Stargate? But they don't have a GDO..."
"Daniel
does."
"How?"
"Jotham
put the GDO in his jacket before returning it to Daniel."
"Jotham?
I should have known...so they’re all right?"
"Yes
for now."
"Good.
We’re attempting to get to the rings now. We should be there in..." Sam
glanced up at Jack who held up five fingers then she continued, "...about
five minutes, so get ready to transport us. It's guarded so I'll radio you when
we're in position."
"I'll
be ready."
"See
you soon dad." Then they ended the transmission. She then turned to Jack
saying, "Colonel, Daniel and Teal'c are heading for the Stargate. Jotham
managed to return the GDO to Daniel..."
"Of
course! His jacket...clever..."
"Dad
will be waiting for us. I told him we’d radio when ready."
* * * *
As
Teal'c and Daniel neared Sekhem Daniel faltered. Teal'c looked up at him in
concern then questioned, "Do you need to rest?"
Daniel
quickly responded, "No...I was just kind of hoping that I wouldn't have to
see this place again...sorry."
"We
must go quietly. How do you feel?"
"Like
shit..."
Teal'c
glanced at him oddly. Daniel continued, "Tired...very tired..."
"That
is a normal response to such torture. How is your head?"
"It's
pounding...loudly, very loudly."
"A
side effect of the shock device."
"Unfortunately..."
"Will
you be able to make it?"
"I
have to make it, Teal'c. Let's go."
Teal'c
nodded and the two continued on. As they neared Sekhem, getting closer and
closer to the complex, Teal'c could see Daniel getting anxious. He had no
desire to be any where near Sekhem. Teal'c knew that as they neared the complex
Daniel recalled more and more of the brutality he had suffered at Osiris and
Kelsham's hands. He could tell that his young friend did not care for this
place all that much. He also knew that many very unpleasant memories, all very
recent, were coming to the surface. He could see Daniel remembering, all too
clearly, those fresh memories of his recent torture and abuse. Daniel's obvious
outward anxiety as they drew closer to Sekhem was the first sign Teal'c has
seen his young friend exhibit that indicated he was traumatized by his
captivity. All the physical marks were present on his body but Teal'c had seen
none of the emotional and mental trauma that such brutal captivity could
wrought on an individual. He questioned gently, "Daniel Jackson are you
able to continue?"
Daniel
glanced up then said, "Yes Teal'c... I'm fine really." Teal'c
inclined his head in response. Then he continued helping Daniel to walk.
They
carefully and silently made their way around Sekhem inching and ducking behind
buildings to keep out of sight. As soon as they were on the grounds of Sekhem the
trees were no more. Anubis had cleared the area of all trees so that left
Daniel and Teal'c with very little cover available. They had to get by Sekhem
to get to the Stargate. There was no other way around the complex.
Daniel
glanced up at Teal'c and bit his lower lip as they ducked behind a building in
response to the loud CLOMP, CLOMP heading in their general direction. Jackal
guards were patrolling the area. Daniel bit gently into his lip, clenching his
fists and his eyes shut to keep silent as the crouching position made his ribs,
his whole body, flood with pain. He had to keep silent even though he wanted to
scream as pain encompassed him. He remained stubbornly silent breathing slowly
so as not to make the ribs throb any more than they already were. As each CLOMP
echoed to them from those jackal guards monitoring Daniel found himself
groaning low. Each CLOMP, CLOMP echoed in his mind causing the already horrible
migraine to only get worse. He jumped as a hand touched his arm and nearly
screamed. Teal'c whispered close to his ear, "It is only I, Daniel
Jackson."
Daniel
felt his sudden fear at physical contact instantly recede upon hearing Teal'c's
voice. Damn it but he was sensitive to physical contact now! It was even more
heightened here at Sekhem, probably another lovely side effect of his captivity
in this facility. Jack had questioned him earlier as to why he jumped every
time someone touched his face. He hadn't said anything. He knew part of that heightened response was
due to Osiris' little mind games. The ones he played on Daniel when he used
Sarah and his past history with her against him. Those were the worst parts of
his torture, not so much the beatings and shockings, he could deal with those
and move on but the psychological torment that Osiris used...now that would
take a little bit longer to deal with. Sure the physical beatings and the
shockings had a strong effect on Daniel but not as strong as the mind games
Osiris rather seemed to enjoy playing. Daniel's thoughts were halted as Teal'c's
voice again spoke near his ear, "We may now continue, Daniel Jackson. Are
you ready?"
"Yes..."
He
bit into his lower lip groaning as Teal'c helped him to his feet. The pain was
extreme; Daniel felt himself wavering as he got on his feet. Teal'c immediately
braced his arm across the back of his shoulders supporting Daniel yet again.
God, he'd have to remember to give Teal'c a huge thanks for all of the help
he's been providing. Without Teal'c's help Daniel knew that he'd never have
made it this far. He muttered, "Thanks Teal'c."
"You
are welcome, Daniel Jackson. We must continue."
"Yes,
we must."
They
continued on, neither were very thrilled to be back at Sekhem. They both wanted
to just leave this place and never return. They both stopped as they had visual
sight of the Stargate in the far distance. As they had expected the gate was
very heavily guarded. They would have to do some fancy footwork if they were
ever going to make it to that gate without being spotted and captured. Daniel
looked at Teal'c then questioned, "So what do you think?"
"I
think that we have our work cut out for us as you Tau'ri would say."
Daniel
smiled at the Jaffa then replied, "I concur."
Teal'c
glanced at his friend and couldn't help but grin in response to Daniel's
comment. Daniel Jackson would be fine. It would take some time for him to get
completely over what happened to him here, but he would be just fine. Teal'c
knew this to be fact. He then turned back towards the Stargate... Now if only
they could get off of this planet...
A
new voice came from behind them causing Teal'c to jerk rapidly around and
Daniel to jump, "What are you doing here?"
Daniel
turned in response to that new voice as it continued, "Daniel, you should
not be back here if Kelsham..."
"Jotham,
we had no choice. We were cut off from the rings. We have to get out of
here..."
"You
intend to go to the Stargate? Daniel, that is very foolish."
"We
have no other choice."
Daniel
suddenly clenched his eyes shut as more pain sliced at him. He would black out
soon. He knew that he would just please, please not yet... Jotham approached
Daniel gently placing his cool palm against Daniel's forehead and cheeks. He
eyed Daniel up worriedly saying, "Your fever is higher. You cannot run, my
friend. You are too weak."
Daniel
opened his eyes focusing on Jotham and simply replied, "I have to
run."
"I
will go with you..."
"No."
"Daniel
your friend will need help. You cannot fight in your present condition. You
will soon lose consciousness again. You know that you will and I know that you
will. You need my help."
"You've
already helped enough."
"I
will help your friend and you to get free of Osiris. If you are recaptured then
you will be moved. You need my help...now more than ever Daniel. You know that
I am right."
"Yes,"
came Daniel's only reply before he turned back to again examine their escape
route. This was not going to be easy...
* * * *
Jack,
Sam and Za'tar had also finally made it to their destination, like Daniel and
Teal'c their escape route was also heavily guarded. 'Great just great,' Jack
thought. Now what the hell were they going to do? Guards combed the surrounding
area with staff weapons raised, prepared to shoot on sight. Jack scanned the
area. Just how many guards were out there? Damn, he had been hoping that since
these guards were completely oblivious to the fact that Zo'lair's prisoners
had, in fact, escaped that they would have this place less heavily guarded.
Well, Daniel and Teal'c were still out there maybe this little welcoming party
was for them should they some how managed to even get this far. Damn it, how
were they going to get out of this one? What they needed was a distraction. He
glanced at Carter and she at him...obviously Carter had come to the exact same
conclusion that Jack had.
Za'tar
glanced at the two Tau'ri with him. They were a most curious race. He had interacted
with very few from the Tau'ri home world in his lifetime. The three that meant
so much to his Jaffa friend were very strong, indeed. At first he had little
hope for the one called Daniel Jackson. When he had seen the young Tau'ri as he
was brought before Anubis he hadn't expected that spirit, that defiance. The
young Tau'ri was a strong one, a fighter, as was his other two friends. When
Teal'c had informed him that the young Tau'ri had been exposed to the Goa'uld
shock device Za'tar had never expected the young man to stay conscious for so
long afterwards. He had a stubborn streak a mile wide...or so one of his
friends had said. Za'tar had seen that stubbornness, that determination to
never give up. Without him even doing anything, Daniel Jackson had earned
Za'tar's respect. The determination and spiritedness in the young Tau'ri was a
very admirable quality, indeed. He also respected the young man's willingness
to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. He had told his friends several
times that he would slow them down and every time he was about to prove his
point the older man, Jack O'Neill, would not hear of it. These three Tau'ri and
his Jaffa friend were extremely close. Za'tar could see how much one cared for
the other. They were not only a team but a family. Teal'c had told him of their
connectedness and upon telling him that these Tau'ri were not only his friends
but his family was all the reason Za'tar had needed to join his friend in his
rescue attempt. He saw why Teal'c would risk so much for the sake of one of the
Tau'ri. Teal'c was extremely close to his teammates. He was still stoic, a
result of his training as First Prime of Apophis, but these Tau'ri seemed to
know his friend very well and his friend seemed to know them just as well.
Za'tar
made up his mind. He would distract the jackal guards long enough to allow
these two Tau'ri to escape. They had no other options. Za'tar spoke, "I
will lead them away from the transport rings to allow escape..."
"No..."
"You
will have to get to those transport rings. You have no other option. I will be
the distraction."
"We
are not leaving you behind! We never leave anyone behind!"
"I
will join you after I have distracted Anubis' guards."
"You're
coming with us."
"I
will come." Za'tar was shocked to hear the older Tau'ri, O'Neill, say that
they would not leave him behind. They never left anyone behind. These Tau'ri
not only had strength, they had honor. O'Neill and Carter didn't even know him
yet both said that he was coming with them. Za'tar found that he not only
greatly respected Daniel Jackson, but now he also respected Carter and O'Neill.
He was beginning to see why these Tau'ri were so special to his friend. Za'tar
again glanced around. He searched for a location that he could draw the guards
to. He glanced back at the Tau'ri then said, "I will lead them away from
the immediate area. You must radio your friend quickly for they will most
likely not stay gone for long."
"Good
luck Za'tar," replied Jack.
Za'tar
then left the two heading around the immediate perimeter surrounding the
location those transport rings would appear.
He headed a good distance away then fired a staff weapon. Jack and Sam
watched as all but three guards headed to that immediate area. Jack said,
"NOW!"
He
jumped up quickly zatting the first guard. Carter followed in suit firing on
the other two guards. They crumpled to the ground immediately. She and Jack ran
for the teleport rings. Sam glanced at Jack nervously. Where was Za'tar? Jack
waited as seconds turned into minutes. He looked at Carter saying, "I'm
going after him. You had better radio your father and have him prepared. I have
a feeling we’re going to have to get out of here very quickly."
"Yes
sir."
Sam
watched as Jack headed in the direction that Za'tar had. She radioed,
"Dad? Dad, this is Sam."
"Sam,
are you ready to be transported?"
"Not
yet...Za'tar distracted the guards and has not returned. The Colonel went after
him. Be prepared to ring us up on my say.
We may have to get out of here quickly."
"I'll
wait for your signal."
* * * *
Za'tar
ran into the woods firing a staff weapon to attract the guards. He could hear
them heading his way. He made a break for it trying to give the two Tau'ri time
to get to those rings. He doubted very much that he'd be joining them. As he
continued to flee a staff weapon fired. He felt the pain of the impact as a new
wound opened up on his shoulder. He continued to run ignoring the pain when he
ran directly into Zo'lair. Zo'lair had only been zatted once, enough to
temporarily paralyze him. He had recovered. Zo'lair glared coldly at Za'tar
then said, "I have no use for you, Shol'va. It is the Tau'ri that I want. You
will tell me where they are or you will die."
"I
will tell you nothing and I shall die free. I shall die free."
Za'tar
waited for the killing blow as Zo'lair aimed the weapon at him...the deathblow
never came.
* * * *
Daniel
looked up at his friend again. They had to get to that Stargate. They had no
other choice, but the odds were greatly stacked against them. They had to get
by all of those guards. There were just too many of them. Daniel questioned,
"I take it that you have a plan?"
Teal'c
glanced at Daniel and Daniel could read his answer in the Jaffa's face. He
inhaled deeply, regretting it as soon as pain echoed back at him. Then he
continued, "Nope, no plan...okay. So what do you suggest we do?"
"I
do not know Daniel Jackson, but we must get you home. We must get you medical
care, so we must do something."
Jotham
looked from Daniel to Teal'c then back to Daniel again. Daniel Jackson was fast
weakening. He was running on nothing except pure adrenaline now and Jotham
could see the adrenaline was even starting to dissipate. Daniel was actually
shaking whether he realized it or not. His body was shaking from lack of sleep,
lack of food and lack of water. The fever had increased and the young scientist
was more lethargic. Daniel would not remain upright much longer. Jotham had to
do something and he had to do it fast or Daniel Jackson would not make it off
of this planet.
Daniel
could feel his reserves of strength fast dwindling. He knew that he was
completely exhausted and he knew that he would soon collapse again. He refused
to let the darkness constantly trying to encompass him win. He had to stay
awake; he had to stay conscious. Once on the other side of that gate he could
sleep. He just had to wait until they were on the other side. He just had to wait a little while longer.
He could do that.
Jotham
glanced at the Jaffa saying, "Perhaps I could be of some assistance in
that area. Neither Osiris nor Anubis know that I am Tok'ra. They believe me to
be loyal to the Goa'uld. I could use that to our advantage. I shall
return."
Daniel
and Teal'c watched as Jotham headed over to one of the guards near the
Stargate. He said something to them and several of the guards departed, so now
instead of an entourage of guards they were down to four. Well, four was better
then a ton. Jotham watched as the other guards departed then, when he was sure
that they were too far away to see what he was about to do, he zatted the other
four. The Stargate was now very accessible. Jotham waved them to come. Teal'c
helped Daniel to his feet and helped to lead him over to where Jotham now
stood. Daniel asked, "What did you tell them?"
"That
you and your team were captured and Anubis needed them to help lead you back
here."
Daniel
then spoke up, "Uh Jotham...could you please not point that at me?"
"What?
Oh sorry."
"Thank
you."
Jotham
had the zat gun raised still in the ready. He didn't realize that he had it
aimed directly at Daniel until the man spoke up. He lowered it immediately then said, "We must go. It will
not be long before it is discovered that the Stargate has been left
unguarded."
They
approached the DHD and Teal'c began to input the address as Daniel prepared to
send their GDO code through immediately after the wormhole was engaged. Before
Teal'c was able to input the final symbol a staff weapon fired. Daniel jumped
watching as Teal'c's leg suddenly gave out on him. He noticed the blood
immediately...Teal'c had been wounded. He then glanced up at the guards
noticing that they were now heading in his direction. Daniel could only think
of one thing to say, "SHIT!"
Daniel
quickly focused on the DHD inputting the rest of the Stargate address. He was aware
that a weapon started firing beside him...Jotham! Jotham was firing the zat gun
at the fast approaching guards. Daniel quickly finished punching in Earth's
address then sent the GDO code through. Jotham hollered over his shoulder,
"Daniel, you must go now! I will not be able to hold them off much
longer!"
Daniel
quickly went over to Teal'c's side and reached down for his friend. Teal'c had
already begun to rise to his feet the best he could in his present condition.
Teal'c got to his feet leaning heavily onto his left leg. He quickly braced his
arm across Daniel's shoulders saying, "We must go now."
"But
your leg..."
"Will
be fine."
Jotham
shouted out a second command, "GO!"
Teal'c
looked at Daniel questioning, "Did you send the GDO...?"
"Yes
Teal'c...let's go."
* * * * * * * *
General
George Hammond had been worried about the fate of SG-1 ever since their
departure from Earth. He had heard nothing from them and was wondering if they
had found Daniel Jackson. That was over two weeks ago and they had heard
nothing from SG-1 or the Tok'ra since. He was worried, extremely worried. What
if they had found Daniel and were captured with him? Worse yet, what if they
haven't found Daniel and he was still with Osiris? Damn it! He hated this, the
waiting for days for something, for anything to be reported to him regarding
his still missing team. He felt so damned helpless knowing that SG-1 was out
there and knowing that if they had not contacted Earth by now they were either
prisoners or hadn't found Daniel yet...or they were dead. His thoughts came to
an abrupt halt as shrill alarms began to sound. Someone was attempting to
access the Stargate. No team was expected due back. Hammond quickly made his
way to the control room demanding, "What is going on?"
"Unidentified
incoming traveler...off world activation."
"No
code yet?"
"No
sir..."
Hammond
watched as armed guards entered the embarkation room guns upraised and pointed
directly at the Stargate. He became suddenly nervous as no codes came up. The
man continued, "Still no code sir."
Hammond
waited for the impact of the unlucky traveler or travelers as they struck
Earth's iris...it never came. The officer suddenly yelled, "I have a GDO!
It's SG-1, sir!"
"Open
the iris! I need a medical team to the embarkation room STAT!"
He
then ran into the embarkation room watching as the iris disappeared. The wormhole
remained activated but no one was coming through yet. Where the hell were they?
* * * * * * * *
Daniel
and Teal'c began to ascend the ramp to the Stargate as blast fire continued to
erupt all around them. Daniel turned yelling, "Jotham let's go! NOW!"
Jotham
started heading towards Daniel and Teal'c as a staff weapon blast suddenly
exploded near him. Daniel saw him fall and felt chills climb his back. He
yelled, "Teal'c, we have to help Jotham!"
"You
must go now, Daniel Jackson! I will get Jotham."
Daniel
felt his adrenaline beginning to pump anew and jumped as a blast erupted right
by his head. He ran up the ramp throwing himself as hard and as fast as he
could through the Stargate as another blast erupted to his left shattering a
stone pedestal as it impacted.
Jotham
thought that he had been shot but discovered he was not so he quickly got to
his feet and saw the Jaffa heading towards him. He yelled, "GO! I will be
right behind you! GO!"
Teal'c
obeyed but waited until he was sure that Jotham would have enough time to get
through the Stargate. Teal'c then stepped through the gate with Jotham
immediately behind him just a split second before they were surrounded.
* * * * * * * *
Hammond
waited patiently. What the hell was going on? Where was his team? What was
happening on the other side of that wormhole? He jumped in sudden surprise as
someone dove through the gate impacting the ramp hard then rolling violently
down it. Debris, shattered rock, followed the first traveler. SG-1 was
obviously under fire. He ran over to the fallen person glancing up as a second
then a third person exited the gate. Teal'c's voice boomed, "Close the
iris! Shut it down!" Then Teal'c's leg gave out on him as he fell towards
the floor. Jotham quickly reacted stepping forward he caught the Jaffa and
prevented him from impacting with the floor itself.
Hammond
spoke up, "Teal'c..."
"I
will be fine, General Hammond. You must help Doctor Jackson. He is in need of
immediate medical attention."
Doctor
Jackson...Daniel! Daniel had been the first to exit the Stargate. He ran over
to the young archaeologist taking in his too still form. He reached out and
began to slowly ease the man over onto his back trying his best not to jar the
man in case he had any severe injuries. He was unprepared for what happened
next. As soon as Daniel was rolled onto his back the young man grabbed a hold
of Hammond's arm with incredible strength then yanked him downwards immediately
ramming the deadly blade of a knife against Hammond's throat...
* * * *
As
Za'tar waited for that final deathblow from Zo'lair he was ready to willingly
accept death, but before Zo'lair could direct that blow at him Za'tar watched
the Goa'uld jerk as blue electricity snapped and sparked around his body. As
Zo'lair collapsed to the ground, no longer drawing breath, Za'tar saw why.
Directly behind him stood the Tau'ri, Jack O'Neill, and upraised in his hand
was a zatnickatel. Two shots killed...Zo'lair was dead. He watched as O'Neill
fired the weapon again and Zo'lair disappeared forever. Za'tar didn't know what
to say or even how to react. The Tau'ri could've left him but he did not. Instead he came after him and ended up
saving his life. Yes, Teal'c's friends were truly worth the risks. Jack spoke
up, “Figured you could use a little help."
"Thank
you Colonel O'Neill, for saving my life. I owe you..."
"Nah,
you don't owe me anything. Come on, let's go. We have a Tel'tak to board."
Jack then reached down and helped Za'tar up.
Their
return trip to the transport rings was uneventful since the guards were still
scouting the woods for the Tau'ri and the four remaining guards were taking a
rather long nap. Za'tar and Jack approached Sam who radioed her father. They
were instantly transported onto the Tel'tak.
Once
on board they all relaxed but remained stoically silent. No one knew what
befell Teal'c or Daniel. All they could do was hope the two had made it
successfully off of Ta-hetchet.
* * * * * * * *
General
Hammond felt his body go on alert the instant he felt the deadly blade of the
knife digging into his throat. He heard the guards move and cock their weapons
preparing to fire if necessary. Hammond ordered, "Stand down! I said stand
down!"
The
men obediently did so. General Hammond then looked into Daniel's eyes. The
first thing he saw was the immense pain in them and the fever. The second thing
he saw was that Daniel was not here in the embarkation room. He was still on
Ta-hetchet. As soon as he had ordered his men to stand down he saw the
recognition spark in those eyes. Then he saw the shock in Daniel's eyes. Shock
at what he almost did. He watched as Daniel quickly removed the deadly blade
flinging it down the ramp. He spoke in a hoarse, pain-laced voice, "Oh
God...I'm so sorry General."
"No
problem... Welcome back son."
Daniel
smiled then said, "Glad to be back." Home, he was finally home. He
could rest now. He could let the darkness take him. He was finally home. Daniel
accepted the darkness, embracing it with open arms as that realization sank in.
He left his eyes slide shut and fell into the cavern of pitch-blackness.
General
Hammond felt the bruising grip on his arm suddenly ease up. He glanced at where
Daniel held his arm in that biting grip. When he glanced back he saw Daniel's
eyes roll back in his skull and all the strength instantly went out of him as
he went completely lax in Hammond's arms. Hammond yelled, "Med team!
WHERE'S THAT MED TEAM?"
He
felt Daniel's head roll gently against his left arm and knew that Jackson was
totally unconscious. He was ready to yell for the med team again when Doctor
Fraiser's voice cut in, "General, you’ll have to move so that we can get
to him."
Two
other med techs went over to Teal'c and began working on him. Janet watched
Hammond as he held the young man in his arms. Jotham approached the unconscious
archaeologist. Then he reached down gently brushing a stray strand of Daniel's
hair off of his forehead. He spoke in the voice of Nivan, "You are home,
young one. Now you must fight to live."
As
soon as that gravel voice spoke the guards again raised their weapons in the
ready. This time they were aiming for Jotham.
Teal'c ordered, "Do not! He is a friend of Daniel Jackson's!"
An
officer quickly responded, "He's a Goa'uld, General Hammond."
Teal'c
spoke again, "He is Tok'ra. Lower your weapons."
General
Hammond noticed how the young man who spoke in that Goa'uld voice was extremely
concerned for Daniel Jackson. He
ordered, "Stand down men," and they obeyed.
Nivan
watched as a stretcher was brought to Daniel's side. He saw them preparing to
lift Daniel then spoke up, "Please be careful with him. Doctor Jackson has
many injuries. You must take great care in moving him or you will only cause
him more pain."
Janet
questioned, "What are some of his injuries? Should we be careful not to
bump any when we lift him?"
"The
worst injuries are his broken ribs. Doctor Jackson has multiple fractures and
bruises to the left side of his rib cage. His right shoulder has also been
injured. Please be careful not to jolt those areas...and his leg, of course. He
is in a lot of pain. This young one has suffered much at the hands of Osiris."
Janet
nodded her head and aided in lifting him carefully up. They carefully placed
Daniel on the stretcher taking extra precaution not to jar any of the areas
Nivan warned them about. As they started to head to the infirmary with Daniel
Nivan turned to General Hammond saying, "With your permission sir, I would
like to be with Doctor Jackson."
"I
will need you to get a check up in the infirmary any how so you may come with
us."
"Thank
you."
Hammond
turned as he heard Teal'c snapping at a soldier saying, "I have no need of
assistance. I must go with Doctor Jackson." Then the Jaffa limped after
Jotham and Hammond. Hammond only rolled his eyes knowing that the Jaffa would
do as he wanted regardless of what he was told to do. He questioned,
"Where is the rest of SG-1, Teal'c?"
"Major
Carter and Colonel O'Neill are boarding the Tel'tak. They will return with
Jacob Carter. We were separated. Doctor Jackson and I had to go to the
Stargate. Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill had to go to the transport rings."
"I
see."
* * * *
Doctor
Janet Fraiser was used to her job, but she still felt queasy when dealing with
victims of torture. As she examined Doctor Jackson's body for any severe
injuries she couldn't help but notice the multiple bruises, burns and injuries
across the man's pale flesh that were indicative of torture. There was no
question in her mind Daniel Jackson had been tortured. He had not only been
tortured he had been starved and dehydrated. Osiris had been extremely cruel
and extremely neglectful with his prisoner.
She
had Daniel cleaned up and placed on a bed. He was dressed only in his underwear
for the time being so that she could see all of his injuries. When they had
first removed his pants she hadn't expected to see the nasty bruising that
covered his right leg. The blast burn
was very noticeable but she never expected those bruises to be covering his
right leg. Of course those injuries weren't too bad...bruises and blast wounds
she could handle, but as his jacket was removed the first thing she saw was his
wrists. He had obviously been kept in restraints the entire time. She started
to feel a bit ill when she saw those obvious indications that the man before
her had been kept in restraints. As her eyes traveled the lengths of his arms
she could see other bruises and scratches. Those weren't too bad either. She
noticed blood that rolled down his arm from his left shoulder. Some of it was
dry but most of it was wet. He had an injury there, she was sure of it.
As
his t-shirt was removed Daniel yelped out in pain. Janet ordered, "STOP!
Move slower, gently...he's injured there...ribs."
As
she glanced at his face again she could see the lines of pain etched across it.
She could also see the cuts and bruises again.
Someone had definitely worked him over...on several different occasions.
His face was bruised badly, his lower lip was split open and he had grooves, deep
scratches, splashed across his temple, upper jaw line and cheek bone. She
focused again on his abdomen when the nurse helping her replied, "Oh my
God..."
Janet
glanced at the flesh now exposed. As the woman continued to gently pull the
shirt off of Daniel she almost lost her lunch.
Daniel's chest was a mass of bruises dark ugly massive bruising covered
his left side and chest. Where his flesh wasn't bruised it was burned, badly
burned. Something had been pressed against his flesh that burned. As the nurse
continued to pull the shirt off of Daniel other burns, cuts and bruises were
revealed to her. Then she pulled the shirt up over his head revealing the nasty
shoulder wound. Oh he had been tortured, Daniel Jackson had most definitely
been tortured. What had they done to him? What happened to him while he was
Osiris' prisoner? Janet reached towards his rib cage. Her hand was shaking
badly. She inhaled deeply and made her hand still. She then placed her hand
very gently on Daniel's ribs. Daniel cried out in pain so loudly that Jotham
and Hammond came running into the room. When Hammond entered the room he heard
her speak softly, "It's all right. It's all right...calm down. Breathe
Daniel, that's it breathe."
Daniel
had come half awake as her light touch sent severe anguish thrumming through his
body. He was aware of the pain first and some how could hear a voice, a very
distant voice, hushing him and telling him that it was okay. He swallowed hard
concentrating on that voice. He heard her say about giving him some analgesic
drugs. He screamed no inside his mind. No drugs, please God no more drugs! He
would rather tolerate the excessive pain then accept drugs. No drugs, she had
promised him she would give him no drugs. He couldn't remember who she was
right now, his mind was so cloudy and he was so lethargic, so tired, but he did
remember that. She had promised him no needles and no drugs. Daniel screamed no
in his head again not realizing he verbalized his protests. He spoke loud
enough that Janet could hear him, "No."
"Daniel?
Daniel, can you hear me? Daniel..."
He
tried to open his eyes but no matter how he fought to do so his eyes stubbornly
refused to open. He inhaled deeply whimpering aloud as the simple act of
inhaling made his rib cage protest. He felt a hand on his face and attempted to
jerk away saying, "No...No... I don't know anything... I don't..."
Hammond
approached her looking from Daniel to her in concern. She spoke, "He's
muttering. I think he's also remembering...
Daniel? Daniel, can you hear me? Daniel? Give him 4 cc's..."
"No...no
drugs... You promised me."
"Daniel,
you're in so much pain. I..."
"No
please...promised..."
Hammond's
voice interrupted her thoughts as he questioned, "What's he talking about,
Doctor? You promised him you wouldn't give him pain killers?"
"Yes
I did."
"WHY?"
"Because
he asked me to sir, and I’ll respect his wishes."
"Doctor,
he's in so much pain..."
"No
General, I promised Daniel I’d never put him through that. No."
"But..."
"General,
Daniel is my patient and he doesn't wish to be given drugs. I respect Daniel's
wishes. We've discussed this before."
"Why
wasn't I ever told?"
"There
was no reason for you to know. Daniel prefers to keep his reasons for such
requests silent."
"It's
because of Mackenzie, isn't it? That bastard!"
"General,
will you please move away and allow me to tend to my patient."
Hammond
obeyed stepping backwards to give her room to continue working on Daniel.
Doctor Fraiser was all too aware that Hammond still stood behind her. She spoke
again, "General Hammond, I need you to leave the room so that I may focus
on my patient. I'll let you know when I'm done. Right now I need you out of
here, please."
General
Hammond listened. He told Jotham to come with him so they went to check on
Teal'c, allowing Janet to work on Daniel.
God
but his injuries were nasty. She noticed relatively quickly that most of the
injuries were induced to cause Daniel pain and make him suffer constantly. They
were designed to keep him in constant anguish. She felt chills climb her spine
at that thought. He had been gone over
two weeks. She wondered if he had died at all in that time. She had been very
disturbed to learn that Anubis had a sarcophagus and that if he so chose he
could repetitively kill Daniel then bring him back to life. She found herself
wondering if he had died several times or had only been threatened with such a
thing occurring. She whispered soothingly, “Daniel, I'm going to press my hand
gently against your left side. It will hurt. I'm sorry but I have to."
"'Kay..."
She
looked at him in surprise. He was still at least semi-conscious or else he
would've never been able to respond to her. She gently pressed against his
side. Daniel whimpered inhaling shakily as pain spread throughout his ribs and
chest. He swallowed hard muttering, "God, it hurts..."
"Shh...Shh...I
know it does. Relax Daniel. You need to relax for me. Can you breathe for me?
Inhale and exhale?"
"Yes..."
"Okay."
She
gently pressed against his rib cage listening to his breathing as he inhaled
and exhaled on her command. His airways sounded clear, that was a good sign. He
didn't have any fluid in his lungs...yet. She then continued to examine him and
worked on patching up his many cuts and injuries. She had to stitch the knife
wound present on his shoulder and worked on the staff burn. Then she said,
"I need to get to his back."
Daniel
was gently raised so that Janet could see his back. His back was also a mass of
bruises and burns. She saw a knife wound over top his kidney and bruises
splashed in various areas across his back, as well. She paled when she saw the
nasty burns at the base of Daniel's neck. These burns were worse and there were
a lot more of them. She couldn't even begin to imagine the pain and anguish he
must've suffered through or what would've caused such nasty burns in such
excess. After she finished his back she had him laid gently back down then
attended to the many scratches and grooves carved into the side of his face.
She
sighed in relief when she finished her exams. As she looked at the young man
she could tell that he was sleeping again. He was in a very deep sleep. Good,
sleep was one of the essentials for healing. She left his room after sitting
with him for a time. She would have to
give Hammond her report.
Later,
when she entered the briefing room three faces turned to her expectantly. She
spoke, "I’ve finished my exams of Doctor Jackson. He's sleeping
comfortably right now."
"How
is he?"
"Physically
he’ll heal, but mentally...that's something we'll just have to wait and see
on... He was tortured, obviously. He has multiple broken, fractured and bruised
ribs, evidence of a fractured sternum..."
General
Hammond spoke up suddenly, "Fractured sternum? Evidence?"
"Yes.
It appears to have been healed, not completely though."
Jotham
spoke up just then interrupting, "The sternum bone is still weak. Another
blow could fracture it again. It is fused together but not completely
healed..."
"Yes,
how did you...?" Janet began to question. Jotham replied, "Because I
am the one who healed it... I had to or he would have died."
Janet
nodded then continued, "He was starved and is badly dehydrated but
someone," she glanced briefly at Jotham then continued, "...has been
providing him with water and nourishment."
"How
can you be so sure, Doctor?" questioned Hammond.
"Because
if that person hadn't of helped him..."
Jotham
interrupted again, "Daniel would be dead now. Osiris was starving him to
death, intentionally. He knew that he could use the sarcophagus to return
Daniel to life. He enjoyed watching Daniel starve slowly to death. He also
refused to provide Daniel with water."
Everyone
looked at Jotham knowing, without having to be told, that Jotham had been
offering aid to Daniel the entire time he was on Ta-hetchet. Hammond felt so
much better knowing that someone had offered him aid. Janet was grateful
also...being tortured repetitively and not tended to, not visited, except to be
beaten again was horrible. Daniel had not been totally alone. Jotham had visited him, which in the end
could help Daniel to recover a lot faster than if he hadn't been helped by this
man.
Janet
continued with her report, "Daniel has several stab wounds and staff
wounds. He has multiple burns across the expanse of his chest and back and
multiple bruises. Most of his injuries, although they are excessive, are not
lethal. Most of his injuries were induced to keep him in constant pain. He's
exhausted, weak and malnourished. He should be awake soon though..."
Jotham
spoke up, "He will be in and out of consciousness over the next several
days."
"What?
No, he should be fine..."
"He
was tortured with the Goa'uld shock device. The burns at the base of his neck...they
are where he was prodded with the device. The device elicits electricity
throughout the entire body gripping the victim in constant pain. It leaves the
victim with an extreme migraine, a migraine that lasts for over three days.
Daniel will be in and out of consciousness until the aftereffects of that
weapon subside. The weapon was designed to keep the victim weak and in constant
pain for long periods of time."
"So
what are you saying?"
"Daniel
is in extreme pain, even now. He is still being tortured on the inside. There
is nothing that you can do for him. When the device was applied and discharged
he was automatically gripped in that pain. The Goa'uld shock device was
Kelsham's favorite weapon. He enjoyed torturing Daniel with it knowing what the
aftereffects were."
"You're
telling me he's still being tortured?"
"Yes...in
essence... You cannot stop it. Nothing will cease the pain, for the weapon has
already been discharged, the current has already entered his system. There is
nothing you can do except wait until the effects finally wear off. He will be
confused when he awakes. He always is. He'll most likely think that you are
Osiris. He will fight you. You must tell him what has happened. He will
remember once you tell him, remind him, of what has happened. Kelsham rather
enjoyed using the weapon because he knew it would weaken Daniel. They would
visit him at least once a day to torment him. He has been through a lot. He will need time to heal completely...both
mentally and physically. Daniel told me how much the host means to him...he had
to suffer by her hands. I cannot even begin to imagine how that would make one
feel."
"Yes..."
was all Janet could seem to say as she once again thought of the cruelty Daniel
had been exposed to. Jotham interrupted her thoughts questioning, "May I
please go see him? Please?"
"Yes
of course..."
"We
will debrief in one our, people. I'll meet you back here." announced
General Hammond.
* * * *
Jotham
and Teal'c entered Daniel's room to see how he was doing. Doctor Fraiser
followed in behind them. She approached her patient glancing at his still
bruised, cut up face. He was sleeping, deeply and peacefully. She had a feeling
that Daniel hasn't slept this peacefully in a while. She was glad to see it.
She commented, "He's resting."
"Good.
Daniel needs rest. He did not get much while on Ta-hetchet."
"Jotham,
just how long have you been lending him aid?"
"Since
the third day of his capture. I visited him at least once a day, sometimes
several times a day, to check on his condition and to make him drink water and
eat food. He at first refused to accept water from me..."
"Why?"
"Because
he had not been given any water, at all. Kelsham approached him on the second
day offering him water. Daniel would not accept it."
"Why?"
"He
was sure that the water was drugged."
"Was
it?"
"Yes.
I found out later that Osiris had planned to drug him in hopes that it would
make Daniel less alert and more easily coerced. When Osiris discovered that
Daniel refused to drink or eat he became outraged. I believe because Daniel
refused the drugged water, Osiris desired to punish him by giving him no nourishment
and no liquids. Osiris expected Daniel to be easy to interrogate, of course
Daniel was greatly misjudged. He refused to reveal anything and in fact gave
both Kelsham and Osiris a very difficult time while they interrogated
him."
"Osiris
obviously did not know that Daniel Jackson has a stubborn streak a mile wide,
as O'Neill would say."
"Yes."
Janet
reached out gently placing her hand against Daniel's face. Daniel jerked awake
screaming as pain reverberated throughout his entire being. He looked wild-eyed
when he first awoke not sure of where he was. He heard a voice, soft spoken,
and gently speaking to him. Where the hell was he? God, he still hurt all over!
He had to focus. As he heard that voice he looked towards her then muttered,
"Janet..."
His
comment sounded more like a sigh of relief. She watched as he began to calm
down again. She never expected that her simple touch would make him wake up so
rapidly. She had seen fear in him upon first awaking. His response to touch was
definitely more heightened now than before he had been abducted. She was a bit
worried about that response. She smiled gently watching as Daniel clenched his
eyes tightly shut swallowing hard. She had no doubt that his sudden jerk to
consciousness sent his head and body throbbing painfully again. She questioned,
"Hey Daniel, how are you feeling?"
No
response. She became even more worried. She watched him intently waiting for a
response, any response. Then she saw his tongue slip out of his mouth and
travel across his lips. He was moistening his lips so that he could speak
clearer. Daniel then opened his eyes and looked at her a smile on his face as
he spoke in that hoarse raspy voice, "Fine Doctor Fraiser. I feel
better...thirs...I'm thirsty though."
"That’s
a very good sign. Hold on Daniel. We'll get you some water."
Teal'c
quickly got a glass of water for Daniel. He handed it to Doctor Fraiser. Daniel
struggled to sit upright. Teal'c stepped next to him and placed two gently
restraining hands on either side of Daniel's shoulders, very careful not to
bump the injuries on either. He spoke, "Daniel Jackson you must relax. You
must lay down."
"I'm
fine Teal'c"
"We
have had this discussion already, my friend. You must stop pushing yourself.
Now please lay back down." Teal'c saw defiance flit across Daniel's eyes
and waited for him to argue, but Daniel held his gaze only a moment longer
before allowing Teal'c to gently push him back against the mattress.
Daniel
wanted to argue with Teal'c, to say that he was fine. He hated being so weak.
He wanted to refuse to obey the Jaffa, but he was just too damned exhausted,
too damned tired, to even bother fighting the man right now, so he caved and
allowed Teal'c to guide him back onto the mattress. Janet spoke up, "I
have water."
Daniel
glanced at her then reached for the glass forgetting, yet again, how weak he
was. As he raised his arm he noticed his hand was shaking. God, he was so
damned weak! He hated this! Daniel angrily lowered his arm back to the
mattress. Janet could tell that Daniel was extremely frustrated. She spoke
gently, "Give it a few more days, Daniel. Your body has been through one
shock after another. You haven’t had sufficient food or water intake for several
weeks. Your strength will return in time. Right now your body needs to heal and
you need to recover. Your body is simply reminding you of that."
Daniel
didn't like what she was saying, but he knew that she was right. He found that
he did feel some what better hearing her say that. He nodded his head clenching
his eyes shut as pain echoed back at him as a result of the simple movement.
Then he opened his eyes looking at her again. She asked, "Are you
ready?"
"Yes."
Teal'c
sat down beside Daniel and helped raise him upright. Janet then pressed the
glass to Daniel's dry cracked lips as Teal'c helped aid him in drinking. He
swallowed only a little before he coughed violently as the cool water found his
raw, aching throat. He recovered managing to keep the water down and asked,
"More...please..."
Janet
continued to help him drink until he turned his head away to indicate that he
didn't want anymore. Teal'c gently guided Daniel back down onto the bed. Daniel
said, "Thanks Teal'c."
"You
are welcome, Daniel Jackson."
Daniel
smiled at his friend. Then suddenly
remembered Sam and Jack. He questioned, "Sam, Jack...where?"
"They
were transported to the Tel'tak by Jacob Carter."
"Do
we have confirmation that they actually are on that ship?"
"No,
not yet."
"So
they could still be there?"
"No,
I do not believe so."
"But..."
"Rest
my friend. You must rest and recover. We will let you know when Jacob Carter
contacts us with news. For now you must rest." Teal'c saw that spark again...Daniel
was ready to argue, but again he backed down. Teal'c knew why. Daniel would
argue if he were able. His friend was extremely weak and knew that he would
drain the small reserves of strength he had left if he argued so he remained
silent. Teal'c could tell that Daniel was angry at himself, angry at his
weakened state... He understood that anger all too well.
Janet
spoke, "You know Daniel, you really should stop getting yourself into
fixes just to see me. I'm always here. All you have to do is talk to me. You
don't have to get yourself hurt to get my attention."
"WHAT?"
Daniel questioned in sudden surprise and confusion. Then what she said
registered. He couldn't help it as he started laughing. He choked out between
laughs, "Oh God...don't make me...laugh...please...don't... It hurts...
God."
Janet
smiled at him once he regained control of his laughter. She continued,
"Rest Daniel...that’s an order. You need to sleep, okay?"
"'Kay...thanks..."
"Sure. Now get some sleep, Daniel."
Daniel
had very little difficulty doing as she suggested. He was so tired, so
exhausted, that his eyelids were automatically beginning to slide shut. In the
next instant Daniel was fast asleep again. Janet sighed in relief as she
watched the young man fall prey to much needed rest. She again smirked, glad
that he was back and glad that he was now able to recover.
* * * * * * * *
Jack
O'Neill was definitely cranky. While he was glad to finally be aboard the
Tel'tak heading home he still didn't know the fates of his other two friends.
He was sure that Daniel and Teal'c had made it home. They just had to be there!
But what if they weren't? What if they had been unable to make it to that Stargate
to get home? The gate was very heavily guarded even Jacob had said so. A ton of
guards against two were very bad odds. The odds were even worse seeing that one
of those two people was so weak and so badly injured that he could lose
consciousness at any time. What happened to Daniel and Teal'c? They were
finally heading home, back to Earth. Jacob had sent a message to General
Hammond informing him that Jack and Sam were fine, as well as Teal'c's friend,
but that message would take awhile to even reach Earth. Sam came up beside him
noticing that he was rather quiet. She questioned, "Sir, are you all
right?"
"Yeah,
I'm fine Carter..."
Fine?
Yeah right! Sam knew that he wasn't fine. He had been rather cryptically silent
since leaving Ta-hetchet. She of course knew why: Daniel and Teal'c. Neither of
them knew the fate of their friends yet. Did Teal'c and Daniel manage to get
successfully off of Ta-hetchet, as well? Or were they both now prisoners of
Osiris? God, she hoped not. Daniel had suffered a lot at that Goa'uld's hands.
She hoped, she prayed, that they managed to get away. She wanted to tell
herself that they were fine, that Daniel was probably sleeping away in the
infirmary under Janet's tender care, but she really couldn't because she didn't
know if it was so. She reached out placing a comforting hand on Jack's shoulder
saying, "They're fine. They are both very resourceful. I'm sure they made
it to Earth, sir."
"And
what if they didn't, Carter?"
"I'm
sure they did."
"But
what if..."
"Sir,
they’re fine. You have to believe that. Think positively sir. Daniel and Teal'c
are fine. They are back on Earth and Doctor Fraiser is fussing over Daniel
again. They're fine."
"I
hope so Carter. I really do hope so...because if they're not..."
Jack
fell silent and his unfinished comment made Sam feel suddenly uneasy...stop it!
Daniel and Teal'c are fine! They made it off of the planet! They're fine!
* * * * * * * *
Hammond
found himself looking at those obvious marks on the younger man's
face...evidence of his abduction and subsequent torture. He noticed the bad
bruising and scratching across the left side of Daniel's face. He had obviously
impacted something hard, a wall most likely, and as he had slumped in response
the wall dug into his face. Hammond winced as he thought of the pain those
marks probably induced. He also noticed the obvious burn marks on the center of
Daniel's forehead and the bridge of his nose...the ribbon device had been used
on him and he had nearly died as a result. The only way that device could've
caused such noticeable burning was if it was held there long enough to nearly
murder the young man. Those cryptic thoughts served to chill Hammond to the bone.
He continued to glance over the young man. The blanket was pulled up to his
waist. He was lying on his back his right arm draped over his damaged ribs,
probably in an effort to unconsciously soothe them, and his other arm lying at
his side. He had been propped upright a bit. Doctor Fraiser had added another
pillow, probably doing that in an effort to help the young man feel more
comfortable. Hammond glanced at Daniel's exposed arms. His eyes fell
immediately to his bandaged right shoulder. Beneath those bandages lay a wound
from a Jaffa staff weapon. As he continued to scan Daniel's exposed flesh he
could see the accumulation of bruises and cuts clashing sharply against his
lighter skin tone. On each arm were obvious
indentations from fingers, where someone had yanked him upright by his arms,
none too gently. His left arm was
almost a solid mass of bruised flesh. His whole left side was bruised worse
than his right side. He most definitely had impacted a wall, probably after
being brutally backhanded. Old and new bruises mixed across his face indicating
that he had obviously suffered vicious backhands a lot. Then there was his
wrists...his wrists spoke of his long time kept secured in restraints. He had
been kept restrained, chained the entire time. The shackles had done more than
bruise his flesh. They cut into his
flesh, tearing open raw skin and chafing his wrists until they bled. Hammond
shook his head still shocked at seeing the evidence of torture across the young
man's body. It made him so angry! Osiris had done this to him, damn him! He
reached out and gently gripped Daniel's left hand in his.
Daniel
jumped awake slightly. He opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. He found
himself staring at the lighted ceiling trying to recall where he was. Then he
remembered as he heard a familiar beeping off to his right, a heart monitor
hooked up to him to keep track of his heartbeat. He could feel the mattress
beneath him and breathed deeply but slowly managing to successfully not jar his
rib cage. He swallowed hard then licked his lips and turned to the person at
his bedside. God, but he felt so tired.
He could probably sleep for weeks and not care. He was just so
exhausted. As he looked up at his bedside visitor he smiled then spoke up,
"General..."
"How
are you feeling, son?"
"Tired...very
tired."
"You've
been through a lot. You need to rest."
"Jack?
Sam?"
"Nothing
yet. I'm sure we'll hear something soon."
"Teal'c?"
"He's
in his quarters...meditating. He'll be back to sit with you shortly."
Daniel
swallowed hard merely nodding his head slightly as his throat began to hurt and
throb from speaking a few simple words. Daniel closed his eyes and inhaled
slowly and deeply again. Then he looked up at the General. Hammond said,
"I'll let you rest, son."
"General?"
"Yes?"
"Sorry...I'm
sorry about...pulling that knife on you."
"I
know, son. I know."
"Sorry..."
Hammond's
mind flashed to earlier when Daniel had come flying through the gate. Hammond had
gone to his side slowly turning him over and had froze when the young man
grabbed him placing a deadly knife blade against his throat. It had caught him
off guard and scared him at first, but as he looked into the man's eyes he
could tell Daniel wasn't on Earth...at least not mentally. He thought that he
was still on Ta-hetchet and that Hammond was only touching him to grab him and
drag him back to Osiris for more torture. He had seen recognition spark in the
man's eyes when he ordered the guards to stand down. Daniel had tossed the
knife immediately and apologized. Hammond understood exactly what made Daniel
react in such a way. He glanced back up at the young man again seeing that his
eyes were closed. He was probably asleep again, but as Hammond started to pull
his hand gently away Daniel spoke again still keeping his eyes shut. He
questioned, "Thirsty...could I...?"
"Certainly
son. Hold on." Hammond quickly got a glass of water and brought it to
Daniel. He was ready to aid Daniel in drinking some of the water when the door
opened. Jotham entered and interrupted, "Here, let me do that."
Daniel
opened his eyes when he heard that familiar voice. He muttered,
"Jotham..."
"Hello
Daniel. How are you feeling?"
"I'm
tired...thirsty..."
"That
is good." He approached Daniel and helped him drink the water coaxing him
to drink more and to keep it down. As Hammond watched the exchange it was very
obvious to him that this was a familiar thing to Daniel. Obviously Jotham had
given Daniel water a lot while he was imprisoned. He smiled as Daniel responded
to the gentle urgings and coaxings. When the glass was half empty Jotham urged
him to accept more. Daniel stopped him saying, "No...can't...later...
Thank you."
"You
are welcome, my friend. Now you must rest."
Daniel
closed his eyes finding that it was a struggle just to stay alert. He could
feel sleep descending upon him once again and willingly allowed it to engulf
him. Jotham spoke softly, "Yes that is it, Daniel. Rest."
He
glanced up as the General's voice broke the sudden silence, "Thank
you...thank you for helping him while he was being held there."
Jotham
nodded his head then said, "He will sleep for a time, then reawaken. He
must rest to heal. I will sit with him awhile."
"Feel
free to."
"Thank
you General Hammond."
"You
are very welcome."
Janet
entered the room noticing the two men who were sitting a silent vigil over
Daniel. She approached looking at her patient.
She asked, "How’s he doing?"
"He's
sleeping, Doctor."
"Has
he awaken?"
"Yes
he has. I have just finished giving Daniel water. He has just now fallen asleep
again."
"Good,
good. He needs water and rest. He needs to eat, as well. Keep encouraging him
to drink fluids when he awakes. We have to get liquid back into his system.
He's running a low-grade fever, but it could spike at any time."
Jotham
gently placed a hand against Daniel's forehead. Daniel only came half awake as
the veil of sleep was just too seductive to completely resist. He muttered,
"No...I know nothing...I don't know anything... I can't tell you what
I...don't know..."
Jotham
hushed him talking soothingly to him until Daniel once again relaxed and let
sleep completely take him. Jotham gently removed his hand reporting, "He
is cooler now. His fever was higher when we were making our way to the
Stargate."
Doctor
Fraiser checked his heart rate and listened to his breathing then excused
herself and left the room. Jotham and General Hammond remained sitting with
him. Teal'c entered an hour later and took the seat that Hammond had been
occupying for the last hour.
* * * *
Over
the course of the following week they would visit Daniel and take turns sitting
by his bedside. He had been happy to finally hear the news that Jack and Sam
were alive, safe and on their way back to Earth. They had escaped using the
rings and had been traveling with Jacob. He was actually able to sit upright
without severe pain swamping him from his rib cage now. His ribs were far from healed but the pain
in them had at least receded some. He was sitting with Nyan who was telling him
of how they found him and of what all he missed since his disappearance. The man
was quite a talker, but Daniel didn't mind. He enjoyed spending time with his
friend and was glad to be finally home. He glanced up as Doctor Fraiser entered
his room. He looked at her in question then asked, "Doctor Fraiser
what...?"
"There
are some people here who would very much like to see you. Are you ready to
accept more visitors?"
"Sure..."
Daniel
watched as first Jacob, then Sam and Jack entered his room followed by Za'tar.
He smiled as he saw his friends. Jack walked over to him saying, "Hey
Danny, how are you doing? Ready for that fishing trip?"
"Hi
Jack. I'm glad you made it. I was beginning to get worried."
"You
know us Danny, we have nine lives."
Daniel's
smile broadened. Jack immediately hugged him saying, "I'm glad you're all
right. We were worried about you."
"I'm
fine Jack. Really."
Sam
waited patiently until Jack released Daniel before she gave him a hug, as well.
She said, "It's good to see you, Daniel. I'm glad you're back."
"Thanks
Sam."
"You
look good," interrupted Jack.
Sam
broke the hug and moved to the side so that Daniel could see his older friend.
Daniel responded, "I feel much better..."
"That's
what I like to hear..." then Jack sat down on the bed beside Daniel with
that look on his face. Daniel knew that something was coming. Then Jack continued,
"Now...about that fishing trip..."
Oh
no, here it was that damned fishing trip, of course Jack would remember that.
Daniel really wasn't all that crazy about fishing in fact he thought it was
completely boring. He had hoped Jack wasn't serious when he told Daniel on
Ta-hetchet that he would take him fishing as soon as they returned to Earth.
Daniel cleared his throat then started, "Yeah Jack...I've been meaning to
talk to you about that. You see..."
"Say
no more. I'm going to head home and get the jeep packed. We'll be ready to
go..."
Daniel
looked at Sam. She was of little help as she busted up laughing. Daniel mouthed
to her, "Help." Sam laughed harder.
Then she regained control of her laughter and looked at Jack, "Sir,
Daniel..."
Jack
cut her off before she could even say what she had planned as he interrupted,
"Don't worry Carter. I know exactly what you're going to say."
"You...you
do?"
"But
I promised Daniel I'd take him. You can come next time..."
Sam
stared at him for the longest moment not knowing what to say. The man was
impossible! She turned to Teal'c and mouthed, "What?" Teal'c was of
little help as he spoke, "Yes fishing...I am sure that you will enjoy it,
Daniel Jackson."
Daniel
groaned then said, "Someone, please, just shoot me now."
"Daniel,
we are going fishing. I promised that I'd take you. Besides you need some time
off. You'll enjoy it..."
Daniel
muttered, "Yeah about as much as I enjoy being in this infirmary..."
Jack
glanced at him with an expression on his face that seemed to be saying 'I heard
that.' Sam giggled again, which caused Daniel to direct a glare her way that
seemed to be saying 'Thank you so much for your help, Sam.' Teal'c interrupted
saying, "Daniel Jackson, you must not forget to request a cell
phone..."
"Teal'c,
I told you to stop giving Daniel advice."
"And
an extra set of batteries..."
"When
you fish you have no need for cell phones, Teal'c."
"Several
extra set of batteries..."
That
did it they all ended up laughing. When they finally got control of their
laughter Jack glanced at Daniel again saying, "I'm still taking you
fishing."
Daniel
rolled his eyes as he replied, "Oh great. Thanks Jack."
"Any
time."
Okay,
so he wasn't extremely excited about going to Minnesota with Jack on a fishing
trip and he knew that Jack would take him, even if he had to strap Daniel to
the jeep to get him there. At the moment Daniel didn't care. He was just glad
to be home, so glad to be surrounded by the people who meant the most to
him...this was home. He was finally home. Daniel smiled broadly at that
thought.
** THE END **
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