Friends and Enemies Part 3

By: Stacy L.

Major Samantha Carter had to talk to her CO. She had to tell him that this Daniel, the Daniel that returned with them from PQR-189, wasn't their Daniel. She had to tell him that Daniel possessed a symbiote within him. But how could she tell him something like that? He has to know. He has a right to know. She had spent last evening speaking with Daniel, the alternate, and his symbiote. She found the discussions interesting and found that she liked this Daniel almost as much as her own. She also actually liked Anubis. Now that was a very scary thought seeing he was a parasite within a human. She really missed her Daniel though. She kept hoping that he was safe and that he had only switched places with his alternate. She convinced herself that is what happened not wanting to even consider that he may now be dead. She hasn't yet told Jack about Daniel and she knew that she had to. She saw Jack heading down the hallway and decided that now was as good a time as any, "Sir?"

"Hi Carter."

"I need to speak with you."

"Sure, no problem." Jack watched her expectantly waiting patiently for her to begin. She didn't say anything instead she glanced at him nervously then added, "Alone."

"Sounds serious." Jack could tell that something was definitely bothering Major Carter. He became even more worried when she responded to his last comment, "It is."

"About what?" Jack questioned. His worry only continued increasing by the minute and as she answered his question his worry tripled, "Daniel."

Jack stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention saying, "What about Daniel?"

"Privately sir."

Jack nodded in response to her request then followed Sam to her lab, opened the door and commented, "After you."

Sam entered her office then waited for the Colonel to close the door. Once it was closed Jack turned to her inquiring, "Now what's this about Daniel?"

"He... Daniel isn't who you think he is."

"What? Carter this is ridiculous." Daniel wasn't who he thought he was? What the hell was that supposed to mean? What was Carter talking about?

Sam continued, "When we left PQR-189 we brought back a...stowaway if you would."

"What? Carter, make sense here."

"That light and those stones... They didn't just knock Daniel unconscious."

"What?"

"They...something happened. They did something to Daniel. He was...switched."

"WHAT?" He was switched? The stones did something to Daniel? Jack became even more concerned as he tried to grasp what Carter was telling him. He glanced up as she attempted to answer his question, "Switched sir, Daniel was switched. Some how our Daniel switched places with an alternate reality Daniel."

"WHAT? No, that's impossible. Only those mirrors can do that and I ordered ours destroyed."

"Sir, this Daniel...he carries a symbiote within him. I've sensed it even have spoken with it as has Teal'c..."

"A symbiote? No." The Daniel that accompanied them through the Stargate has a symbiote in him? No, Jack didn't want to believe that, but if Sam and Teal'c both sensed the symbiote then it was true. Which meant that Daniel was now missing. No, how could this be happening? How could the Daniel that was now with them not be...their Daniel?

"The symbiote is a Tok'ra by the name of Anubis."

"But..."

This couldn't be happening. Where was their Daniel? He only half listened to Carter as she continued. He was very worried for their now missing young friend. God, what if Daniel was hurt or in danger? What if he couldn't make it back? What if...? Jack slammed a door on those thoughts. He would be no good to Daniel if he continued to think of all the what ifs in this situation. He had to relax. Sam said that they were switched. Okay so Daniel could probably switch back, right? She said that Daniel was in an alternate reality... Okay, Daniel has traveled to parallel worlds before. He would be just fine. He had to be. His attention was drawn back to Sam as he quieted his own fears. He focused on what she was saying, "Our Daniel would never willingly accept a symbiote. We both know that and we both know why. An X-ray would probably show the symbiote if you don't believe me."

"So what do we do?"

"The only thing I can think of would be to go back to PQR-189 and hope the circle of stones will reverse what they've done."

"So let's go," Jack replied enthusiastically. At least he would be doing something to help locate Daniel. Maybe she was right, maybe all they needed to do was go back to that planet and retrieve him. Anything would be better then sitting here and waiting.

Sam quickly doused Jack's enthusiasm as she added, "Slight problem sir."

"Which is?" Great, now what was the problem? What was Sam so worried about? This would work...returning to that planet had to work. Sam added, with her usual knack of pointing out the obvious, "We have never run into this problem before. They switched places. Something else is going on here, sir..."

Shit! Sam was right, as usual. They never have had this problem before. They had no idea what caused the switch to occur. That could mean only one thing: they couldn't help Daniel if they didn't know how he was switched in the first place. Damn it there had to be a way! There just had to be!

Sam continued, "Sir this Daniel described that planet perfectly, but he called it Tethys."

"Tethys? I know that name."

"You would. I believe it's the name of one of Saturn's moons but in this situation it's the name of a planet. I believe that what this Daniel is calling Tethys we’re calling PQR-189."

"Okay so what's the problem?" Where was Sam going with this line of thought? One thing he had learned about her over the years is that, much like Daniel, Sam took the long way around the obvious. She knew what she wanted to say, but she wasn't exactly sure how to word it in such a way that it could be coherent. Sam and Daniel's minds worked on a much higher level than Jack's did when it came to problem solving. They both had minds that traveled rapidly, jumping from one idea to another until all those thoughts could come together in an organized manner. Jack had grown used to the way Sam and Daniel thought through things. It always awed him to watch the two working together, or even separate, on a problem. They were both fascinating to watch when an idea formed in their minds. Daniel and Sam could get so caught up in figuring something out that they would both lose track of time and forget there were other things they needed to take care of. Jack and Teal'c sometimes ran themselves ragged trying to keep the two scientists eating, drinking and sleeping when problems nagged at them. They both could get so wrapped up in a problem that everything else just kind of fell to the wayside. Of course, Daniel was much, much worse than Sam was in that particular area. But even with Sam sometimes it took a lot of running on Jack and Teal'c's part to keep her healthy, as well. Jack smiled as he thought of how involved his two teammates could get when faced with a problem. He was very glad that they were both members of his team. Without them, Jack's team would be in a lot of trouble. Jack jumped as Sam's voice broke into his thoughts... Now what was she talking about? Oh right, she was trying to explain why this was happening.

Sam noticed Jack drifted a bit, so she said his name louder. She smiled when he focused on her. When she was sure that she had his undivided attention again she attempted to continue, "Daniel says that Tethys was the planet he was on when him and our Daniel switched places," she looked at the Colonel waiting to see if comprehension was dawning on his face, prepared to explain the problem to him better if he still didn't realize what it was. Obviously Jack wasn't following her line of thought and it hadn't helped that he had drifted for a moment there. Sam said, "Okay... This of course is all theoretical, but what if...that circle of stones is like the quantum mirror...capable of sending someone to an alternate reality...?"

"Carter..."

"Bear with me, sir... What if Daniel was never supposed to switch places with his alternate? What if those rocks, that circle, was supposed to only send someone to an alternate reality, not switch them completely?"

"Carter?"

"Yes sir?"

"Just say what you want to say."

"All right... What if they were never supposed to switch places?"

"But they did."

"Right... What if that was a fluke? What if...I don't know, what if having two Daniel's on the same planet at the same time some how messed up the space time continuum?"

"What?" Jack was now looking at her with one of his thoroughly confused expressions.

Okay, how better to explain this? Carter continued, "What if that ring of stone is like the quantum mirror, capable of sending someone to an alternate reality? Our Daniel was on PQR-189 at the same time that the alternate Daniel was on Tethys. If PQR-189 and Tethys are the exact same planet...and from the description they are virtually identical with the exception that we gave the planet a different name...what are the chances of that occurring...the chance that our Daniel and an alternate of his would be on the same planet at the same time? What are the chances that our Daniel stepped into the center of that circle and disappeared while his alternate was also on the planet but in a different reality? If that is truly what happened then couldn't such a coincidence some how...cause the switch to occur? Couldn't it be possible that an odd scenario like this could create some kind of time anomaly?"

"Carter, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Basically, having two Daniels on the same planet at the same time only in different realities could've messed the...what the rings were trying to do, sir. Since they were both in such close proximity to the circle of stones and they both were there around the same time... They were switched when they weren't supposed to be."

"This all sounds very...confusing... So Carter what you’re saying is because Daniel was so close to his...other self when he got beamed their closeness to the rings in both realities created a problem... Instead of just sending our Daniel to an alternate reality the power, if you would, of the rings switched them?"

"Yes."

“Does that mean we may never get our Daniel back?" God, Jack hoped not. He needed Daniel here. Please let Daniel not be lost in an alternate reality for the rest of his life.

"No, no. This is all just theory, sir."

Jack sighed in relief as Carter said that. He still felt a bit uneasy though. Daniel was out there and if Carter's theory was right...things didn't sound very promising for the young archaeologist. Jack voiced that opinion without thought, "Well, whether it's theory or not it doesn't sound good for Daniel."

"Okay just forget what I said."

"Forget? You felt strong enough to say it."

"All I was trying to say is that going to PQR-189 would probably send this Daniel back to his reality but not switch them back."

"Carter, let's just stay optimistic, shall we? I need to know that we have a chance of getting our Daniel back if what you're saying has actually happened."

"Oh it happened sir. Talk to him. You'll find that he's not the same Daniel we left on PQR-189."

"Talk to him? Where is he?"

"Still in Daniel's office, sir." Jack nodded then left heading for Daniel's office.

Carter sat down allowing her thoughts to wander for the moment. Oh, he was definitely not their Daniel. In another reality, another world, she and him were married. She was married to Daniel Jackson... No, that just sound so...wrong ...but obviously it had happened, just like her alternate self in another reality was married to Jack. It happened...but it was so strange to even contemplate. Sam shook her head to clear it and attempted to focus her thoughts elsewhere.

* * * * * *

Captain Janet Fraiser searched for Colonel Jack O'Neill. She knew that he wouldn’t be in the greatest mood. The confrontation between him and Daniel would still be very fresh in his mind, but she had to speak with him. She entered the briefing room seeing Colonel O'Neill sitting staring into space. She spoke, "Colonel O'Neill?"

"Go away!"

Two words. Okay that was better than silence, even though the words were yelled. Captain Fraiser straightened and approached the Colonel, encouraged by those two words. Usually in these situations if O'Neill refused to respond after several attempts at a conversation you could just forget about him speaking at all. If he said a word or two...you could get him talking...at least there was a chance that he might speak. Captain Fraiser stopped behind Colonel O'Neill. He snapped, "Didn't I order you to leave me alone, Captain?"

"Yes sir, but I'm not going to obey that order."

"WHY?"

"Why? Because we need to talk."

"There’s nothing to talk about."

"Oh, I think there is...Daniel Jackson." She watched Colonel O'Neill to see how he would react to the name. She saw his jaw tense up even more and he balled his hands up into fists…okay, so getting him to discuss what had just happened was going to prove a tad bit...challenging. Well, she could handle that. She focused on him completely when he snapped, "DON'T! Don't even say that name!"

"I'm afraid I can't follow that order either, sir. Whether you want to or not we must speak of Doctor Jackson."

"There's nothing to say!"

Captain Fraiser noticed immediately how Colonel O'Neill quickly skirted the issue. Okay, he really didn't want to discuss Daniel. She decided to take another approach. Well, maybe she could get answers if she also hedged the issue just a bit. She commented, "Sir, he can't stay here..."

"Sure he can..." came Colonel O'Neill's quick retort.

"Sir, this isn't his reality. He needs to get back to his own world."

"Alternate realities? That is the most outrageous..."

Well, the roundabout approach wasn't working very well either. The man was just too damned stubborn for his own good. It was so obvious to her that he didn't want to discuss Daniel at all. She’d have to draw him out. She’d have to make him discuss what had transpired between Daniel and him. She decided to just delve into the topic cutting him off with a reply of her own, "Colonel, I know that you’re angry right now. Some of the things he said were uncalled for. He was wrong but..."

"NO! That's just it! He wasn't wrong about anything!"

Captain Fraiser fell completely silent shocked that Colonel O'Neill would even admit to some of Daniel's comments being correct. She asked, "What?"

"Whatever happened between him and his Jack...I don't know...I, I mean he let Daniel Jackson get extremely close to him. No one knows the things that man knows about me...not even OUR Daniel knows me that well. It's..."

"Scary? Scary that anyone could get that close to you? Perhaps him getting sent here has a purpose."

"WHAT?"

"I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason. We may not know the reason or understand the reason but it happens. Everything that goes on in our lives happens for some reason or another. Maybe this Daniel being switched happened so that you could reevaluate the friendship you chose to destroy."

"I don't want to talk about it!" came Colonel O'Neill's biting response.

"Colonel, it wasn't all Daniel's fault that Skaara was killed. We all were responsible...not just him."

"Didn't I just tell you that I don't want to talk about it, Captain?"

"Yes, you did but I think you need to discuss it."

"No I don't."

"I think you do."

"Captain..."

"Colonel we have a problem, a serious problem. A team is supposed to work together not be at each other's throats all the time. We need to be able to rely on each other and trust each other..."

"Our team is fine."

"No, it isn't. I can't trust everyone on our team."

"Jackson wouldn't fail you."

"It's not him I'm worried about, sir. I trust Daniel with my life. I know that I can rely on him to help me if I get into danger. Daniel's commitment to the team, his reliability, was never a question in my mind even after the Abydos mission. I know what type of person Doctor Jackson is..."

"So who's the problem?"

Captain Fraiser fell silent but Jack knew that she wanted to say him. He hated that. He was their CO for crying out loud! He has a responsibility to his team members, all his team members. In time of battle he couldn't be ruled by hatred and anger. He couldn't allow himself to be biased towards any member of his team. He thought he did well with that but obviously he didn't. He had failed. He failed his team, he failed Doctor Jackson and he failed himself. Doctor Jackson should've never been compromised on that mission to Maline. When he was captured and separated Jack had known that could only mean one thing: Jackson had been singled out for a purpose. He should've done whatever he could to help the young man, but he hadn't. In fact, he didn't really think of the danger to Doctor Jackson until it was too late. His mind flashed back to that mission...

Before they had departed for Maline Doctor Jackson and him had another one of their classic fights. The kind that made everyone flee the area immediately. The kind of fight that grew ugly very fast. Jack couldn't even remember what had started the fight. Neither of them should've been sent on that mission. Neither of them had been fit to go off-world, especially to meet and greet a planet of people they were in the process of forging a peace treaty with. Why would you send a team through to do peace talks when the members of the team itself couldn't even be civil to one another? Jack had left his anger build that day. He had noticed that, as usual Doctor Jackson quickly pushed those feelings of anger and rage to the back of his mind. He could do that push his feelings aside to deal with them later at a more convenient time. Daniel had known they needed to finalize the treaty so he temporarily buried all of his anger and rage to get the job done. Jack wasn't as good at pushing those emotions to the side, as Doctor Jackson so often did, and it pissed him off even more. He had been so angry with Doctor Jackson that, for the briefest minute, he had felt extremely glad to see the man led away as a captive...that brief moment in time served to chill him to the bone and served to haunt him even while asleep. One more nightmare, one more reminder to add to all the other mistakes that he had made in his lifetime. How could he be such a cold-hearted bastard to wish any ill harm to come to Doctor Jackson? At that moment in time he knew he really had no right to be a CO, no right at all. He had failed to do anything to help Doctor Jackson after that, feeling guilty and grossly inadequate when the realization that he had let bias rule, only for split second, struck him. Daniel Jackson paid the consequences for Jack's failure.

When he was told of what had happened to his young teammate and ex-friend he couldn't move, couldn't think, couldn't even breathe as nausea overwhelmed him. Doctor Jackson had been forcibly made a Goa'uld host and it was all Jack's fault, all his fault. But even after that fateful day Jack was still very angry with the man. He knew he needed to place the blame on someone else or he'd never be able to deal with it so he did as the alternate Daniel had said. He cast the blame on Doctor Jackson because that was the only way he could live with himself and with his failure. He couldn't even face Doctor Carter half of the time. He had a hard time looking at her knowing that because of him she had lost her husband, her one true love. He felt that Doctor Jackson didn't deserve her. He felt she had made a bad choice in a husband, but he couldn't deny that facts: Doctor Carter was happier than she had ever been when she was married to Doctor Jackson. She loved him deeply and he, in turn, deeply loved her. They were perfect for one another. Jack just didn't like to admit it. Now she grieved for that lost love. He noticed immediately how hard it was for her to face the alternate Daniel knowing that he was not her Daniel. When Daniel had called out for Sha're in his sleep and had told Doctor Carter that he missed her Doctor Carter had flinched finding it extremely difficult to look at this Daniel whose love was for a dead wife, for Sha're, and not for her. It hurt her, but she knew that she had no right to be angry with him. In his reality they were teammates and close friends not husband and wife. The Daniel that was with them now was deeply in love with an Abydonian woman who was now deceased in his reality. Jack was no fool. He could tell the Daniel now with them had been deeply in love with Sha're...and just like Doctor Carter had no right to be angry with this Daniel neither did he.

Jack suddenly realized that ever since this Daniel appeared here he has been treating him like the plague: ignoring him, being brisk with him and just barely civil to him. He had seen hurt in the man's blue eyes when he had acted so hostile. This Daniel cared for Jack, his Jack, deeply. They were best friends and cared deeply for one another. When he looked at this Daniel so full of life and spirit, so free, he felt sad and upset for their Daniel. He saw hope in Daniel's eyes. A chance at reforming a bond of friendship that should've never been broken in the first place...but his Daniel was gone, a host to a Goa'uld, on another Earth.

* * * * * *

Jack O'Neill hesitantly approached Daniel's office still a bit shocked by the news Major Carter had delivered. This was an alternate Daniel? One who possessed a Goa'uld larva? Jack shook at those thoughts then knocked on the door. He heard the voice of his friend inviting him to come in. He stepped into the room. Daniel Jackson looked up at Jack then glared coldly at him. Whoa, this definitely was not the Daniel he knows! Jack could almost feel the coldness increase in the room as Daniel looked at him with those eyes full of bitterness and anger. He found himself quickly wondering just what happened to the man to put that rage and hatred in those eyes. Jack hesitantly questioned, "Do you mind if I...come in?"

"Yes as a matter of fact I do," came Daniel's quick reply.

Whoa, this definitely wasn't his Daniel. This Daniel sounded a bit angry with him. Forget angry, this snake was very pissed with him. He looked at Jack as if he were nothing. Damn, what the hell was with this snake? Why was he so outraged? He recognized the Goa'uld voice immediately. He wasn't too keen on hearing that voice coming from his friend. So the symbiote was presently in control? He was a Tok'ra, or so Sam had said, which meant that he’d willingly allow Daniel to speak. Jack quickly discovered that he would rather talk with the host than the snake residing in his friend right now. Jack cleared his throat then asked, "May I have a moment with Daniel?"

"No," came the symbiote's abrupt reply.

"No? Why?" Jack stared wondering just what the hell this snake was up to. Why the hell wouldn't he allow Daniel to speak freely? Had the parasite lied about being a Tok'ra? God, Jack hoped not. He hated to think of his friend being possessed by any Goa'uld but if he had a choice in the matter he would definitely want Daniel to become a host to a Tok'ra. At least then Daniel would have some freedom and not be trapped in his own mind and body.

The symbiote quickly replied, "Because."

Because? That was all the thing had to say? Because? He couldn't speak with Daniel because...because why? What the hell was the snake trying to pull? Damned snake had lied! Jack said, "So all that talk about you being a Tok'ra and..."

"My host is presently sleeping, Colonel O'Neill," came the symbiote's harsh reply. Jack couldn't help but notice that this Goa'uld didn't like him all that much. Oh that was great, just great. Jack inhaled deeply then asked, "Which means what exactly?"

"Exactly what I said. He is sleeping."

"You suppressed him, didn't you? You slimy..."

"No Colonel O'Neill, my host is resting. I did not do anything to him. He was tired so he decided to rest...of his own free will, Colonel."

"Right and I'm supposed to believe you?"

"Yes you are," replied Anubis with a very distinct edge of rage lining his voice.

"How do I know that you're not holding him prisoner in his own mind?"

Daniel's eyes flared bright white as anger filled Anubis. He glared at Jack O'Neill and felt the stirrings of his host. How dare this man before him accuse him of deliberately imprisoning his host! He had some damned nerve! The bastard! Anubis felt his anger begin to subside a bit as he heard Daniel's muttered whisper, "Anubis...are you all right?"

"Yes young one."

"You seem angry."

"I am fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Daniel, I am sure."

Anubis glanced back at Jack then continued, "Rest young one. Go back to sleep. I am fine."

"You're sure?"

"Yes I am."

"'Kay."

Anubis smiled tenderly as he heard Daniel's sleepy voice responding to him. His host meant a great deal to him and he cared deeply for the man he now shared his life with. Anubis could sense Daniel calming and drifting asleep once again. He then focused on Colonel O'Neill who was looking at him with a puzzled expression on his face. Anubis said, "Colonel O'Neill..."

"Young one? What...?"

"Colonel..."

"Who are you calling young one?"

"I did not mean to speak aloud. I was talking to Daniel. He sensed my anger towards you and started to awake."

"Were you calling me...?"

"No Colonel O'Neill, I was calling Daniel young one."

"He's not young."

"To me he is very young. I am much older than he. I have been alive much longer than Daniel. Daniel is very young..."

"Why do you call him young one?"

"That is of no concern to you, Colonel. What goes on between my host and I is of no concern to you."

"When it's Daniel we're talking about it is my concern," Jack responded with a bit more force behind those words then he had intended.

Anubis snapped back at him, "Yes, you care so much for him that you abandoned him when he needed you the most! How could you be so cruel?"

"What are you talking about? I have never abandoned Daniel! NEVER!"

"You forget Colonel, I know Daniel's memories and thoughts. I know how much you have hurt this young one. I will not allow you to do so anymore."

Jack understood what 'young one' was now. An endearment, a nickname...a name Anubis probably used to comfort his host when Daniel was in need of comforting. He could only stare at Anubis when he commented on how Jack hurt Daniel. He could tell, could sense, that Anubis was very angry with him. The hostility was so strong that it tinged the air around them. Jack said, "Whoa, whoa, wait just a damned minute here! I would never hurt Daniel, EVER! I care for him too damned much to harm him!"

"You lie!" Anubis spat out.

"About Daniel? Never!"

Anubis fell silent momentarily. He looked at Jack as the man continued, "I take it the Jack of your reality..."

Anubis flinched as he realized what had happened. He forgot that he was in an alternate reality temporarily. He was seeing the coldhearted bastard that refused to acknowledge Daniel's existence for the last four years. He had to apologize so he glanced up saying, "I am sorry, Colonel O'Neill. I was not thinking of the alternate reality. I am sorry. Daniel has been badly hurt by the Jack O'Neill of his world."

"Well then I'm a fool...I mean he's a fool."

"Daniel is no fool."

"No I meant me...Jack, your Jack. How has he hurt Daniel?"

"He treats Daniel as if he were a burden. Most of the time he does not even acknowledge my host's existence...even when he is in the same room. The Jack of my world holds a lot of anger and hatred towards my host. He is a very bitter man. He does not realize the pain he has wrought on Daniel, but I know. I share his thoughts, his feelings and his memories. I share his pain. Colonel O'Neill badly hurt Daniel."

"Why? How could anyone not like Daniel? The man is amazing... He's intelligent, compassionate... The man hates no one. How could anyone hurt him?"

"That I do not know, Colonel O'Neill, but our Jack O'Neill has done so, and even now he still continues to harm Daniel."

"Did something happen between them to...?"

"Yes...on Abydos."

"Abydos..."

"A young boy was killed. Colonel O'Neill blames Daniel for the boy's death."

"Who was the boy?"

"Skaara..."

"What?" Jack could only stare at the man before him. He was beginning to see where his alternate's anger and hatred towards Daniel first arose. If Skaara meant nearly as much to that Jack as Skaara meant to him... Jack was beginning to realize how a simple twist of fate could have changed him. But even if Skaara had been killed when Daniel and him faced Ra that still did not give Jack the right to treat his best friend so horribly. There was no excuse at all for what his alternate had put Daniel Jackson through. No excuse! His alternate self was a fool!

Anubis continued, "Skaara was killed and Sha're was left behind, abandoned by my host."

"Sha're? Daniel would never willingly leave her! He loved her too much!"

"He loved her enough to leave. He could not live with her knowing, or rather feeling, that he was solely responsible for her brother's death. He left her. He felt it was the right thing to do."

"Sha're was Daniel's wife. He lost her to Apophis."

"She still lives in our reality."

"Oh God, poor Danny."

"What?"

"If he did switch places and he's in your reality... He nearly died when he lost Sha're. To discover she is alive, but not his Sha're... It'll tear Daniel apart."

Jack remembered, even now, how much Sha're had meant to Daniel. Daniel had given up his life on Earth to be with her. He loved her and lived with her for a year on Abydos before Apophis arrived on Earth forcing the government to reopen the Stargate. Jack could still remember the look of sorrow and rage that had passed over Daniel when Sha're had been so cruelly taken from him. He had fallen deeply in love with the Abydonian beauty and when Apophis abducted her it cut Daniel like a knife. Daniel ended up devoting his life to again locating her. When he had finally located his wife he had to lose her all over again when Amunet tried to murder him. Daniel still grieved for his wife. Jack knew this to be true. Daniel managed to move on with his life but he still missed his wife terribly and he still mourned for her loss. He seemed to have accepted that his wife was gone now. He knew that she was finally at peace, but occasionally Jack would catch a hint of sadness in the blue depths of Daniel's eyes. He would see that sadness when Daniel would look at a picture of his wife or something would remind him of her. He managed to move on with his life, yet he still missed his wife deeply.

Anubis looked at Colonel O'Neill trying to read the man. He could see a definite difference between this Jack O'Neill and the one from his own reality. He spoke up, "Perhaps you do care for my host."

"Do? Yes I do. Daniel and I have been through a lot. He's my best friend. I care for him. I would never deliberately hurt him. I...I couldn't do that to him no matter angry I am."

"Perhaps our Jack O'Neill should take some lessons from you. He does not deserve my host as his friend."

"Daniel still cares for him, doesn't he?"

"Yes he does. I do not understand it myself. After all Colonel O'Neill has done to him I do not see how Daniel can still dare to care for the man."

"That's just Daniel. He has a big heart and easily forgives. Our Daniel is like that. He doesn't hate anyone. He's a very compassionate young man."

"I would like to meet your Daniel some day."

"Why?"

"Curiosity...to see how different he is from my host."

"Well, he doesn't have a symbiote in him."

"Yes so I have discovered. Why is that?"

"He would never willingly become a host...even to a Tok'ra, too many bad memories of the Goa'uld and their dominating race. The Goa'uld have caused Daniel much pain and suffering."

"I see."

"So...how...why did he become a host to you?"

Jack watched as the one before him, who looked so much like his friend, inhaled deeply. He looked down and Jack had a feeling that he wouldn't like his answer. He watched as the man before him walked over to the picture of Sha're briefly touching the frame... Jack was reminded again of how Daniel would occasionally approach that picture of his wife and caress it as thoughts and memories of her would fill him. Life was so unfair to some people! Daniel had suffered so much in his young life yet he still remained strong, caring and forgiving. Daniel was definitely an amazing person. Jack focused again on Anubis waiting for the man to speak; Jack wasn't sure he would get an answer then Anubis began, "It was not an easy joining for either of us."

"Why?"

"Our world is under threat by a Goa'uld named Isis. She had been a protector of the Tau'ri, a mother goddess, until her beloved was murdered by Set. She fell into despair and became angry and bitter. She now vows to destroy all Tau'ri and all Tok'ra. She wants to become the supreme ruler of the system lords... She captured Daniel's team as soon as they arrived on a planet called Maline. She singled out my host and had him separated from his friends..."

"She..."

"My host was dying and had suffered a traumatic injury, a fatal injury."

"You were in need of a new host to survive?"

“Yes. Isis was, is, in love with me. After Osiris was killed she took an interest in me. She made her feelings very clear to me. When she saw my host she desired him, as well... She desired Daniel and I..."

"So she chose him to become your new host?"

"Yes."

"Against his will?"

"Yes, in fact, she had him...chained so that he could not fight her nor me..."

"I thought you said you were Tok'ra?"

"I am."

"Our Tok'ra don't force themselves on a host. They only take willing hosts."

Jack watched as the man before him bowed his head. He had a strong feeling that Anubis lowered his head because he felt guilt and pain at having to take Daniel as his host by force. Jack spoke up breaking the silence "You took him by force, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?"

"Yes. Daniel was an unwilling host. I...I stole his body so that I could live."

"Then you are no better than the Goa'uld!" Jack spat out.

Anubis glanced up at Jack and Jack could swear that he saw dampness at the corner of Daniel's eyes. He may have taken his host forcefully but it was obvious to Jack that Anubis felt extremely guilty for doing so. He spoke in a whisper so low that Jack could barely hear him, "Yes, I suppose that I am no better."

Jack immediately regretted his accusation. He could tell that Anubis was very upset over what he had done to Daniel. Jack questioned, "Did you have a choice?"

"No, I did not."

"Why?"

"If I would have hesitated even a moment then Isis would have destroyed us both. I could not allow that to happen so I...took Daniel as my host."

"You had no choice."

"No. Isis would have killed us both."

Anubis stopped as he heard the faint whisperings in his mind, "Yes she would have. I forgave you a long time ago. You need to forgive yourself, Anubis. You had no choice. I would be dead now, as would you, if you had hesitated. You must stop feeling guilty."

Anubis sent back a reply, "You should be resting, young one. Your body has not fully recovered from the shock to its system. You did not sleep last night either."

"Neither did you. So we both should be resting."

"Daniel..."

"Yes?"

"Please go to sleep. You must rest, young one."

"As must you, my friend. I can sense that you are very tired."

"Do not worry so about me. I will be fine."

"Will you?"

"Yes I will."

"I know you are speaking with Colonel O'Neill."

"Yes."

"I know how much he angers you."

"Yes."

"Let me take over."

"Daniel, you are exhausted. You will most likely collapse if I give control over to you."

"I'm not that tired."

"Really?"

"Yes really."

"I see. Daniel you must rest."

"So must you."

"You are most stubborn."

"I try my best."

"That you do... I can sense how much you would like to speak with Colonel O'Neill. Daniel, he is not our O'Neill. Remember that."

"Yes I do. Quit worrying about me."

"It is my job to worry about you, to care for you, to make sure that no harm comes to you, to protect you..."

"I thought that was my job."

"We share the responsibilities."

"Yes."

"Daniel, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes."

"You must get some sleep."

"And so must you."

"I will be here, Daniel."

"Some how I just knew that you would be."

Jack noticed Anubis fall silent and wondered why. He watched as Anubis lowered his head then raised it again. The voice that spoke was no longer that of the Goa'uld. The voice was Daniel's, "Hello Jack..."

"Daniel?"

"In a manner of speaking. God, it's been so long since I've called you that."

"What? Jack?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because for the last four years you didn't deserve it."

"And I do now?"

"You do, but not the Colonel of my reality. I’m glad you never gave up on me...I mean him. I wish it had been the same for me, but you’re just too bitter, too full of hatred and rage. You shut everyone out, including me."

"Oh God Danny, I'm so sorry you...I...treated you so badly. What a fool I am."

"Danny? Now that I haven't heard in years." Daniel smiled in response to that nickname. Colonel O'Neill use to call him that before their disastrous trip to Abydos. The nickname always reminded him of his parents. It felt good to hear the nickname again. Daniel glanced up at Jack smiling as the man questioned, "How could you still care for a jerk like me any way?"

"You are not a jerk."

"Well thanks but from what I've been hearing I am."

"Not you...your alternate. He..."

"Is a total asshole...why do you even bother?"

"Why do you have to ask me that, Colonel?"

"You're right. I don't."

"I’m very glad that you haven't treated your Daniel as an outcast. Don't ever do that to him."

"I could never do that to him..."

The man before him looked almost relieved at Jack's admission. Jack found himself wondering what life had been like for this Daniel. Obviously in this man's reality Jack was no longer his friend but his enemy. Jack couldn't even begin to imagine Daniel as his enemy. He was very glad they weren't.

As Jack continued to watch Daniel he noticed how the man before him appeared to be exhausted. Daniel looked ready to collapse. He looked as if he hadn't slept in over forty-eight hours. Jack wouldn't even find it the least bit surprising if that were the actual truth. He wondered why he hadn't noticed the tiredness in Daniel sooner and suggested, "Daniel, why don't you sit down."

"I'm fine."

"The hell you are! You're exhausted! Come on. Sit down."

As the man made no attempt to follow Jack's suggestion Jack instinctively touched Daniel, ignoring Daniel's sudden tenseness and flinching as he guided the young scientist into a chair. Jack glanced at Daniel in worry and concern. God, he knew this wasn't his Daniel but he still couldn't stop himself from being concerned about him. He had noticed how this man had jerked, flinching from his physical touch. What had his other self done to Daniel? Daniel never feared Jack. He never tensed upon Jack's physical contact. This Daniel did. He could see the hurt, the suffering, in the man's eyes. He was positive that his alternate self had placed that pain and sadness there. God, but he was a damned fool! How could his other self treat Daniel so horribly? Why couldn't he see how much Daniel was a blessing and not a burden? God, Jack sensed that he would be lost now if it hadn't been for a certain stubborn archaeologist entering his life and chipping away those layers of brick he had built up around himself.

Jack looked at Daniel again and noticed that Daniel was now leaning his head back against the chair. Daniel was definitely very tired. His eyes started to drift shut. The man was totally exhausted and fighting not to give in to his body's demands for sleep. Daniel was fighting a losing battle. How could this young man even fall asleep with Jack's presence in the room? After the suffering the other Jack put him through this Daniel shouldn't even be able to relax in his company, yet he was. Jack wanted to kill his alternate. This man still trusted that Jack O'Neill some and was able to feel safe enough to sleep in his presence. God, the man was such a total fool! Jack found that he wanted to beat the hell out of his other self for being so cruel towards Daniel. How could the man be so foolish, so blind as not to realize...? Jack only shook his head. He was bitterly disappointed with his alternate.

Jack watched as Daniel's eyes finally drifted gently closed. He noticed immediately that the man could no longer resist his body's insistent need for rest so he picked up the afghan, that Daniel kept in his office, and approached the young man. Jack shook his head smiling as he commented, "You’re just as stubborn as my Daniel. Even he doesn't know how to get some sleep when he should. You and Daniel really should work on that."

Jack's smile broadened as he placed the cover gently over Daniel. He jumped in surprise as Daniel's eyes opened and the vivid blue color turned to bright white. Anubis was back and he was watching Jack. Jack tried not to let that knowledge spook him and focused, instead, on gently tucking the cover around Daniel's thin frame. He glanced up at Anubis and noticed that the symbiote was also drifting to sleep. He never realized that symbiotes could become tired...actually he never really thought much about it. He noticed that Anubis was watching him with distrust in his eyes, but he was fighting as much as his host was to remain awake. Jack looked at him as Anubis continued to watch him. Jack gently prodded, "Aren't you supposed to take care of Daniel?"

"I do, Colonel O'Neill."

"He's exhausted and so are you."

"I am fine."

"You're just as stubborn as he is!"

Anubis smiled in response to that comment. He would have to agree with that statement himself. Both him and Daniel were very stubborn, indeed. He glanced up as Jack continued, "Sleep. No one will bother you."

"I do not trust you."

"Yeah well, I know that. Stop being stubborn and get some sleep."

"Do not tell me what to do, Colonel O'Neill."

"Oh, wouldn't dream of it."

Jack smirked as the symbiote also succumbed to sleep. His eyes, Daniel's eyes, drifted gently shut. Both host and symbiote were now fast asleep. God, but they were both stubborn, equally stubborn. Jack watched as the man before him slept. He looked so much like Daniel. He was Daniel, only not the Daniel of this reality. Where was Daniel? Jack hoped that the two had simply switched places. He hoped that his Daniel would soon find a way back. He missed him already despite only being told this morning what had occurred.

* * * * * *

Captain Janet Fraiser watched her silent CO. The man was so still and so silent. She became even more concerned for him. She could see his emotions. He was confused, angry, depressed...and the person at the center of all of those conflicting emotions was one Doctor Daniel Jackson. She had been surprised to hear half of the things that Daniel had said to his CO earlier. Their Daniel was never so outspoken. This Daniel met problems head on. He has only been with them a short while and yet he already knew, could read Jack, like a book. Janet wondered how that was even possible then she remembered his statement: he knows this Jack. He saw this Jack before when they had gone to Abydos. Abydos, there was that planet again. Why did everything seem to revolve around Abydos? She wished they would've never found that planet, but if not for Abydos then there would be no Stargate program.

They were sure that the gate only went to Abydos but had later discovered a room full of Stargate addresses on the desert planet. She shivered as she remembered just how they had located that room. When Sha're had learned of her brother's death she ran to the cave that held those addresses. Daniel had tried to speak with her but upon seeing how sad and upset she was and seeing what he had done to her, he had left. Skaara's death wasn't Daniel's fault. They all were liable, but like he always does, Daniel took on the burden of the guilt. He held himself solely responsible. Skaara's death was not Daniel's fault but Daniel believed that it was. The Colonel didn't help matters much either with his constant accusations and reminders that Daniel had made some mistakes during that mission. They all had made some bad mistakes on that mission, but Jack held Daniel solely accountable. In doing so he hurt Daniel severely. Daniel just accepted it, like always.

Colonel O'Neill's voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts as he said, "It's all my fault. Every damned bit of it is my fault."

"Sir...?"

"Skaara's death, Sha're's broken heart, Daniel's depression and insomnia, Daniel's possession...all of it...my fault."

"No Colonel..."

"Yes Captain. The world would be much better if I wasn't in it."

"Colonel, you're not seriously considering...?" Captain Fraiser swallowed hard as she realized what the Colonel was contemplating: suicide. She hadn't heard any mention of suicide since Skaara was killed. She hadn't liked hearing it then and didn't like hearing it now. She hoped that the Colonel wasn't serious. Surely he wouldn't...kill himself? God, she hoped not. Not only would that affect the Colonel it would kill Doctor Jackson, as well. Doctor Jackson would again take the blame and responsibility for the Colonel's stupid actions. Doctor Jackson couldn't live with any more guilt. The guilt was already too much for him. She had watched the man rapidly deteriorate as Colonel O'Neill continued to hold him solely accountable for the deaths of so many. She couldn't allow that to happen. She had to talk some sense into the Colonel before he did something drastic.

"No one would care," came the Colonel's near whisper of a response.

My God, was the Colonel so blind as not to realize how much he meant to the SGC, to SG-1, to Daniel Jackson? How could the man not see his own worth? The Daniel with them now told her and Doctor Carter earlier that the Colonel was on a self-destructive path. One in which he would fall into unless he opened up to someone. Captain Fraiser never realized just how true those words were until now. She looked at her dour CO. He was very depressed and angry. He was realizing the mistakes he had made. She only hoped that in realizing those mistakes he didn't lose himself in the revelations. She had a feeling that the Colonel was finally seeing how much he has hurt Doctor Jackson and those around him. The revelation would either make him stronger or kill him. She quickly jumped in to assure him that at least one person would care if he suddenly ceased living. She looked at him saying, "Daniel would care. You can't do that to him, sir."

"Daniel doesn't give a damn about me!"

"Then you're totally blind."

"Our Daniel doesn't give a damn."

"Yes he does."

"Why would he? Look what I've done to him."

"Because he has a big heart and is willing to forgive and forget. Colonel, how could you not see how much he still cares for you?"

"How could I have not realized he was on anti-depressants and sleeping pills, Captain? I’m his goddamned CO, yet I didn't see the obvious signs that he was asking for help!"

Anger, rage, self-loathing and guilt...Colonel O'Neill was experiencing all of those emotions right now. Captain Fraiser needed to get through to the man. She had to convince him that there were plenty of reasons to continue living. For the first time, in a very long time, Captain Fraiser felt scared. She was very scared that Colonel O'Neill might just kill himself. He was on the verge of committing suicide. She could see the helplessness and the hopelessness present in the man's eyes. God, she had to do something about this. But what could she do? Then she thought of an idea...if Colonel O'Neill perhaps talked with this alternate Daniel and saw how much he meant to the young archaeologist...maybe, just maybe, she could save him. Maybe this alternate Daniel could be the answer she was looking for. No one could get through to Colonel O'Neill, but she felt certain that Daniel Jackson could. She quickly encouraged, "Colonel you need to talk to him."

"He's gone. He has a Goa'uld in him now and that other Daniel..."

"You should talk to that other Daniel, Colonel. You said so yourself that he knows you very well. In his reality you’re best friends. I can see how much you mean to him."

"Not me. His Jack."

"Talk to him...civilly for once."

"We'll only argue. You've seen that."

"That's because you're too damned stubborn to... I'm sorry, sir..."

"What does he see in me...my other self?"

"Maybe you should ask him that."

"Fraiser, you're not helping here."

"Colonel, talk to him. He may not be our Daniel, but it may help you if you speak with him."

Colonel O'Neill fell completely silent again staring off into nowhere. Captain Fraiser was now very worried for him. She had been worried about him before. She had always known that he had contemplated suicide, but he never actually did it or spoke of it. Like their guest's O'Neill this man had also been struck hard by Charlie's death and absence. He never did quite recover from it. Then when they went to Abydos and met Skaara... Skaara had reminded Jack of his own son. She started to see some change in him. Then Skaara tragically died. To the Colonel it was almost as if he had lost Charlie all over again so he lashed out. Daniel Jackson just happened to be the most unfortunate. He was the person that the Colonel had targeted and blamed. Captain Fraiser didn't think it was a coincidence that the one person O'Neill was closest to was the first one he cruelly shoved away. She had a feeling that one of the main reasons he had shoved Doctor Jackson away was because he feared that if he didn't Daniel would also die. It seemed as if anyone O'Neill got close to ended up dying tragically. She couldn't help but wonder if the original reason he pushed Daniel away was because he feared that Jackson would meet the same fate as Charlie and Skaara. He didn't want to lose Daniel so he shoved him away and, as a result, he lost Daniel anyway. Daniel still cared for Jack she could tell that he did. She could see the truth of Daniel's feelings reflected in his eyes. Jack had pushed him away, refusing to acknowledge Daniel at all. He had pushed his friend away to protect him but, instead, Daniel was now a host to a Goa'uld. Jack had lost his friend anyway.

Captain Fraiser continued to observe her sullen CO. He was most definitely depressed, angry and confused. She gently urged, "Colonel, go talk to him."

She was sure that urging him to speak with Doctor Jackson was the right course of action. Doctor Jackson had told them earlier that he knew this O'Neill very well. He had managed to pull his O'Neill from the brink of committing suicide and maybe by talking to this man he could also get through to him. She was sure that if he spoke with Doctor Jackson then Colonel O'Neill would feel so much better about everything. He needed a friend right now. He needed someone who knew him very well and Doctor Jackson knew him better than anyone here.