Friends and Enemies Part 7

By: Stacy L.

Set arrived on Avaris and immediately ordered his First Prime to escort Anubis to the dungeon. As they approached the gloomy dungeon Anubis heard his host speaking, "Well, now doesn't this place look nice? Love the aroma and ambience of the place."

"Daniel..."

"What?"

"Never mind."

As the guard opened the door to their cell he shoved Anubis inside ordering him against the far wall where he quickly secured chains on Anubis' wrists and ankles. Then the guard left locking the cell door behind him. Daniel didn't like their present predicament, at all. He said, “Oh Anubis, we get the deluxe suite, complete with shackles to restrain those unruly visitors."

"Well, I am glad that you are finding some humor in this situation, Daniel."

"Would you rather me inform you of just how bad our predicament is, Anubis?"

"No, I believe we both can see that we are in danger."

"Oh yeah. Set really knows how to extend hospitality, doesn't he?"

Daniel glanced around the interior of their cell. The place was dark and dank. The wall felt cool beneath his back. The cell could definitely use a cleaning. Daniel doubted that Set ever took much time to clean out his dungeon. He obviously wanted to make it as miserable as possible down here for his visitors. He cursed as he could feel the manacles against his flesh were as cold as ice. Shit, did the room even have any goddamned heat?

Anubis could read Daniel's thoughts just as easily as he could communicate with him, and Daniel's observations of the room were very accurate indeed. If they didn't manage to escape from this place they could both end up dying of pneumonia. The dungeon was not a very pleasant place to be. He definitely agreed with his host's perceptions of the place as he said, "Daniel, I do not believe that Sutekh has ever heard of hospitality."

Daniel propped his head against the wall as he added to Anubis' comment, "No, don't believe so. Either that or he needs a lot of practice...so now what?"

"We wait."

"Oh great, very good idea there, Anubis. Really encouraging."

"Do you have a better idea, Daniel?"

"Well...no, but..."

"Colonel O'Neill will find us. He knows that we are on Avaris."

Daniel hated to doubt the man he called his best friend, but he really didn't believe that O'Neill gave a damn about him one way or the other. He still loved O'Neill and still viewed the man as his friend, but he was no longer blind. Colonel O'Neill abandoned him just one too many times in his life for Daniel to trust him completely. He answered nonchalantly, "So he knows that we're here what good does that do us if he refuses to help?"

Anubis felt sad as he could sense Daniel's doubts regarding one Colonel Jack O'Neill. His host loved the Colonel deeply, but he could no longer trust the man completely. O'Neill had hurt Daniel severely when he had started to treat him as if he didn't exist and didn't matter. Anubis was so angry at O'Neill for his horrid treatment of his host, but there was little he could do to smooth out that relationship right now. He had to keep Daniel's hopes up so he answered, "He will not abandon you, Daniel...not this Jack O'Neill."

"Pardon me if I feel a bit...unsure of Colonel O'Neill's plans."

"Daniel, you trust him even though he has treated you horribly. He will not fail you."

Daniel knew that Anubis was right. The alternate Jack would never deliberately hurt him. He would do whatever he could to save him. Daniel also knew that the alternate Jack wouldn't be able to stay in this reality much longer so he would have to rely on his O'Neill to help him. Daniel found his anger towards O'Neill increasing again. He loved the Colonel but still felt anger regarding the man. Right now was one of those times his anger seemed to be winning out as he commented, "You know he gave me to Isis' First Prime that day. Do you know he didn't say one damned thing as I was led away? Nothing! He didn't even question where they were taking me or demand I be released. He failed to do his job. His job is to protect and lead his team and to defend them. He just left Ka'tar take me away."

“Perhaps he was in shock, Daniel."

"No, no. He probably wanted me gone, gone from his life so I would no longer be a burden to him, no longer be a reminder to him of Skaara. He wished me gone and he got his wish."

"Daniel, I do not believe that Colonel O'Neill wished you to be made a host... Why are you bringing up these memories again? You forgave O'Neill a long time ago for all the things he has done to you, so why bring up those memories?"

"I forgave him yes, but it still hurts to know that my best friend gave up on me when I needed him the most."

"And yet even after he has hurt you so you still find it in your heart to forgive him. You still care for him and trust him even after all he has done to you. You are an amazing human being, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel fell silent. Anubis wondered why Daniel decided to bring up all those old memories and realized that Daniel knew he could trust Colonel O'Neill but still had an inkling of doubt in his mind. Daniel had been badly hurt when Colonel O'Neill refused to acknowledge him. He was even more hurt when the man willingly gave him to Isis' First Prime without a word. Daniel had struggled a long time to forgive Jack O'Neill for doing that to him and here he was once again relying on the one man who had successfully failed him repetitively. Anubis sighed heavily. How many more times was Daniel Jackson going to be hurt by those who were supposed to care for him? Everyone eventually succeeded in hurting Daniel...that is everyone except his wife and he himself. Daniel didn't deserve to be hurt as often as he was. He is a good man that the fates dealt some very cruel blows to. Daniel deserved to be happy, to feel safe, to feel important and most importantly to feel loved, loved unconditionally. There were very few people that loved him unconditionally since the deaths of his parents. Daniel never did anything to deserve the life that fate handed him.

Daniel spoke quietly as he picked up on Anubis' thoughts, "It's my fault that they died, you know. I should have made my father listen to me."

"Daniel, you were a child, a mere eight-year-old. There was nothing you could do to help your parents. It was simply their time to move on."

Daniel added casually, "I'm cursed you know."

"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, Daniel Jackson! You are not cursed because if you were you would no longer have Samantha. People die, they move on. Life continues even after people move on. You cannot stop it. Everyone must pass on at some time. It is the natural course of things."

"Sometimes I just feel so alone."

"I know that you do, Daniel. It is only natural."

Daniel was becoming angry with himself as he realized he was becoming depressed. Now that just would not do! He was past that, damn it! He was not about to allow himself to fall into depression. Forget it! Every dark tunnel had a brighter end. He would get out of here; they would both get out of here! He just had to be patient and help Anubis to come up with a plan to get away from Sutekh. He shook his head asking, "Why am I so...?"

Anubis picked up on Daniel's anger and frustrations immediately and understood where the emotions were coming from. He was quick to assure Daniel all of his emotions were normal and had a reason behind them as he answered, "For one you do not like small spaces and this cell is rather small. It is also rather dark. You are feeling...on edge, as you Tau'ri would say. That is most likely the reason why you are dredging up these old memories. You feel more relaxed when you talk."

Daniel smiled tenderly in response to Anubis' comments then added, "I probably drive you nuts."

"No, you do not."

"Well that's a surprise," came Daniel's response with the slightest edge of doubt to it.

Anubis was bothered by that edge of doubt so he softly questioned, "Why is that a surprise, young one?"

Daniel shrugged his shoulders as he answered, "I seem to be rather good at driving people nuts. Since no one stays with me..."

"Daniel stop."

"Well it's true."

Anubis realized what Daniel was doing to himself so he quickly cast all of his host's doubts aside as he answered with certainty, "No, it is not and you know so!"

Daniel fell silent as he agreed with his symbiote. He smiled when Anubis relaxed then simply replied, "Thanks Anubis."

"You are welcome, Daniel. Now get some rest, young one."

Daniel suggested, "Only if you get some rest also."

Anubis chuckled in response then answered, "You drive a hard bargain."

"And you are very stubborn."

Anubis smiled in response to that comment adding, "Much like someone else I know. I will go to sleep. Good night, young one."

"Good night, my friend."

Daniel then closed his eyes. As he started to drift asleep he sensed his symbiote was doing the same. Daniel remained alert until he was sure that Anubis followed his suggestion. When he sensed Anubis was now deep asleep he followed in suit finding that they were both equally exhausted.

* * * *

As Colonel O'Neill sat in the conference room he found himself again looking at those present. No one said a word. They all were just sitting there looking at him. O'Neill found himself focusing on the words that his double just spoke. His double said that Doctor Jackson was bitter towards him but that he forgave O'Neill a long time ago. O'Neill felt relieved when he heard that and was again surprised at just how special Doctor Jackson was. Jackson forgave him a long time ago? After all the shit he had put the man through, all the verbal lashings and physical abuse he had directed the young archaeologist's way the man still found it in his heart to forgive him? Colonel O'Neill found he was having a very hard time comprehending that. O'Neill was very unsure of how to respond to that admission and when his double said the symbiote within Doctor Jackson despised him because of how horribly he had treated the man O'Neill felt ashamed, a damned snake had more compassion than he did! Shit! He shook his head once again feeling very guilty for what he had done to his Jackson. My God, how could the man ever forgive him for all the wrongs he's committed?

As O'Neill again looked at each person in the conference room he made his decision. He would go after Doctor Jackson or die trying. Colonel O'Neill now realized that he needed to speak with General Hammond privately. He was determined to go after Doctor Jackson whether he was snaked or not. He'd be damned if he'd let the kid to rot in one of Seth's dungeons. He had failed Doctor Jackson several times already and he wasn't going to fail him again. His alternate self told him that Doctor Jackson's symbiote despised him. His symbiote...boy, did that ever sound so...wrong. He was positive that all Goa'uld were evil, but his double insisted the thing inside Doctor Jackson was friend not foe. He even said the thing attempted to help the Daniel of his own reality. He looked around the room, which was now filled with a tense silence. His alternate looked ready to beat the shit out of him. He decided his alternate probably had the right to do so after the way he had treated Doctor Jackson. He could see worry and fear, as well as hope, in Doctor Carter's eyes. They had found their Jackson and he had returned only to be taken prisoner by an enemy they knew little about. Isis was their main threat at the moment, and they didn’t know a whole hell of a lot about Seth either. What they did know was that Seth now held Jackson and that a rescue would have to be undertaken to get him back.

Colonel O'Neill suddenly spoke, "Wait I have a question. Why does Seth want Doctor Jackson?"

Everyone looked at him. Jack O'Neill was the first to respond, "In mythology Seth set out to destroy Isis. He wanted Isis to suffer so he killed Osiris. Anubis is considered Isis' mate."

"WHAT?"

"Since Anubis resides in your Daniel..."

"How do you know Isis and Seth have a past history?" questioned Captain Fraiser.

Jack smiled warmly then said, "I actually did listen to some of Daniel's many lectures...despite what most people may think. Danny's always..."

Jack fell silent as he thought of his friend. He missed Daniel terribly and continued to pray for his safe return. God, where was Daniel now? Was he still a prisoner of the NID? Was he still missing? He focused on Doctor Carter when she questioned, "Danny?"

"Yes Danny...sometimes I call him..."

Doctor Carter spoke softly, "No one calls him Danny except me..."

Jack could feel his heart ache for Samantha Jackson. He could hear the sadness in her tone of voice and knew that she was madly in love with the Daniel of this reality. He gentled his own voice making it comforting as he admitted, "Well, I think I'm one of the few that address him as such in my reality too."

Doctor Carter felt an incredible urge to cry but held back. She swallowed hard as she commented, "I just...it's really odd to look at you and hear you refer to Daniel as...Danny. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. As you can see Daniel and I are a lot closer than your Jack and your Daniel. We're best friends."

"Yes, he told us."

Jack's smile brightened as he questioned, "Did he now?"

"Yes," came Doctor Carter's simple response. As she looked into this Jack's face she found that she couldn't resist returning his smile. She inhaled deeply regaining her focus. She felt so much better now that she was smiling. She was sure that she could focus on their discussion once more.

When Jack assured himself that Doctor Carter was feeling a little better he returned to the original topic of conversation, "Getting back to Seth...we ran into him on our Earth a few years ago. He had his own little following. He used some chemical called Nishta to subdue his followers. He had his own little operation going. We tracked him..."

Captain Fraiser perked up asking, "Is he still alive?"

"No. Carter killed him with one of those ribbon devices."

Jack noticed Doctor Carter looking at him in shock then quickly explained, "As a result of carrying Jolinar for a time she can now operate some of the Goa'uld's technology... Did you know of Jolinar or...?"

"Yes...your Daniel told us about her briefly."

Jack smiled once more as he teasingly questioned, "What didn't he tell you?"

"He was trying to explain to us what a Tok'ra was," Doctor Carter quickly replied defensively.

Jack was taken a bit aback by Doctor Carter's sudden defense of Daniel. He gentled his voice yet again saying, "You don't need to defend him, Doctor. I was just commenting."

Doctor Carter felt a tad bit embarrassed when Jack told her that. She was so used to having to defend Daniel against her O'Neill that it was habit. She silently chastised herself for viewing this Jack in the same light and simply replied, "Oh..."

Jack had a feeling that it was a very common thing for Doctor Carter to speak up in Daniel's defense in this reality, especially to his double. He shook his head trying to imagine what life had been like for the alternate Doctor Jackson. God, to be despised and hated by this Colonel O'Neill...life must have been hell for the young man. Even he could tell how much the alternate Daniel still cared for this broken version of himself. God, what he must have gone through at the hands of this cold-hearted man. Jack remembered himself when he was like the O'Neill of this reality. He had shoved everyone away and was a rather cold-hearted bastard. He had very little doubt in his mind that this O'Neill probably regularly harassed and attempted to intimidate his Daniel. He probably feared his Daniel would die like all those other people he had cared about in his life and probably relied on whatever means possible to shove and push his Daniel away. Doctor Jackson was one stubborn son of a bitch. Jack had no doubts in his mind that the man chose to stay with this bitter O'Neill no matter how badly he was treated...that was just the way Daniel Jackson was.

Jack glanced up as Doctor Carter suddenly said, "Isis and Anubis...they were lovers?"

Jack looked at her for the longest time wondering where that question had come from. They were just discussing Seth and all of a sudden Doctor Carter was asking about Isis and Anubis? Jack sighed knowing that he would have to tell her about their relationship. He saw the hurt in her eyes and remembered that she was Daniel's wife in this reality. He had to proceed with caution. He had to tell her of their relationship, and he had to assure her that Daniel would never willingly cheat on her. God, she must feel as if he had cheated on her. She had to know that Isis probably already mated with Anubis several times. She had to, at least, suspect that her husband would've most likely been made to mate with Isis also...whether it was willingly or unwillingly. Daniel and Anubis were both undercover spies. They were spies for the Tok'ra Resistance so they had to play their part to the full extent. If Isis expected to mate with her Beloved neither of them could deny her or their cover might be blown.

Jack inhaled deeply preparing to deliver the news to Daniel's wife. He softened his voice as he said, "I assure you that Daniel didn't willingly mate with her."

Doctor Carter felt suddenly callous asking such a personal question of this man. She had no idea what possessed her to question her husband's fidelity. She knew that Daniel most likely did mate with Isis. He probably had no choice in the matter. She just didn't know what made her ask the question. She quickly responded to Jack's comment, "No, I wasn't thinking..."

Jack looked at Samantha Jackson in concern as he added, "Sure you were."

Doctor Carter started to shake her head in denial continuing, "No I trust Daniel. He'd never...unless he had no choice."

Jack continued to watch her. She was having a very hard time dealing with this new information. She knew that her husband most likely mated with Isis, but she was having a hard time accepting it. He gentled his voice further as he calmly questioned, "So why do you look as if the news of Isis and Anubis is killing you?"

Sam stared at Jack for the longest time, shocked that he was speaking so gently to her and looking extremely concerned. This was another side of their Colonel O'Neill they rarely, if ever, have seen. She couldn't speak at first then she said, "I...it just surprised me. I..."

Jack shook his head as he regretted telling Daniel's wife something Daniel, himself, should have told her. He quickly apologized, "I shouldn't have told you. I didn't have the right. Daniel should've been the one..."

"Do you think he'd even...?"

Would her husband even admit to making love with Isis if he had? She glanced up at Jack as he was very quick to answer that question "Yes, your Daniel is so much like my Daniel. The man couldn't lie to the woman he loves. He can't even bluff his way out of a poker game. The guy is just too damned honest. He would never keep that from you."

Doctor Carter knew that Jack was right about her husband, but she still had some doubts. She started to voice them, but Jack cut her off by asking her another question, "Do you trust Daniel?"

"What?"

"Do you trust your husband?"

"Yes of course, with my life and with my soul... He would never do anything to hurt me."

Jack nodded in response to that statement then he smiled and continued, "Then you have your answer."

Doctor Carter smiled up at Jack in return then said, "Thank you."

"Any time."

Colonel O'Neill felt a stab of anger and jealousy towards his alternate. The man was so...different. This Jack O'Neill was who he wished he was. The man offered comfort so easily and could easily speak to others. O'Neill found that he was just a bit envious of the man before him. He again found himself wondering...what if? What if he would have allowed Daniel Jackson to get closer to him? What if he wouldn't have devoted the last four years of his life trying anything and everything to send the young man packing? What if...? There were just too many what ifs, too many regrets and too many mistakes. He felt himself becoming angrier. He had definitely made a mess of his life now hadn't he? Could he ever undo all that he had already done? The task seemed totally impossible. He glanced up as his double spoke, "As I was saying...Anubis and Isis are...mates. It's a safe bet to say that since she’s such a powerful system lord most of the other system lords have, at least, heard of her mate. Set would naturally want to acquire Anubis, especially since his goal is to destroy Isis. He killed Osiris so the only other target is her new mate Anubis, and since Anubis resides in Daniel...naturally he would capture him. He had luck on his side. He must have already been on the planet when we arrived because there was no other way he could've known Anubis would be on PQR-189 at that time."

"So what can we do?" questioned Doctor Carter in concern and worry.

Jack looked at her then said, "I know he's on Avaris."

"Right, but where is Avaris?"

Jack sighed in frustration. He had no answer to give her. He had no idea where Avaris even was. All he knew was that Daniel had been taken there and that the planet was under the rule of Seth. He looked at each person in the room answering, "I don't know."

Doctor Carter felt her hope starting to die as she questioned, "So we can't help him?"

Jack looked at her in concern then continued, "I think we should return to PQR-189 and see what we can turn up."

Colonel O'Neill interrupted, "Now that's a very long shot."

Jack retorted, "It is a long shot, a very long shot, but it's the only shot we have!"

Captain Fraiser looked at General Hammond before interrupting, "Sir, he's right. We have no knowledge of where Avaris or Set is. We need to do standard recon..."

"Agreed but not before Doctor Carter examines you," Hammond replied as he nodded his head towards Jack.

Jack looked at Sam Carter smiling he said, "Well then lead the way."

After declaring the alternate Jack clear a mission was set up to depart late the next day. As their departure time arrived General Hammond once again found himself standing in the control room watching what was left of SG-1 and the alternate Jack O'Neill walk up the ramp. He sent a silent prayer up to the heavens that this mission would be a success. He prayed for the safe return of every member departing to Tethys. Hammond then pulled the microphone to him saying, "SG-1, you have a go. Bring Doctor Jackson back this time."

General Hammond then watched as Captain Fraiser and the two O'Neill's entered the wormhole. He hoped that this mission was a success and he also hoped the alternate Jack would be all right. They all knew the dangers should he remain in this reality too long, and he'd already lost several hours of the precious little time he had left before the tremors claimed him.

Hammond continued to pray for the safe return of every member of SG-1, including Doctor Jackson. He hoped that this time they would be able to retrieve the missing SGC member. He hoped that this time luck would be on SG-1's side. They needed lots of luck to make this mission a complete success. He again found himself wondering about the missing archaeologist. He was a prisoner of Seth's being held against his will, yet again. He was sure the man was probably in a dungeon and suffering all sorts of horrible abuse. God, that kid had so much bad luck. He often wondered why Daniel Jackson always seemed to be the one who was hurt or injured. Fate must have something against the young man. Hammond found himself wondering if his alternate had as many problems with his archaeologist as he did. Jack had said in the meeting that his Daniel was still missing. Hammond was sure that his own double probably got as stressed out as he did worrying about SG-1. SG-1 must be fated to have bad luck in every reality. He sighed heavily then turned away from the embarkation room and headed back to his office.

* * * *

The small recon team arrived on PQR-189 without a hitch, each member of SG-1 found themselves again surveying the planet. They were sure that the planet was now firmly imbedded in their minds. Tethys seemed to be like Grand Central Station...everything occurred here. It was rather spooky knowing that the planet seemed to be in the center of this whole mess. Both Daniel's were switched on Tethys and both Daniel's were abducted from Tethys. Well, maybe the fates decided it was time that each Daniel shared an experience. It was rather creepy knowing that this planet is where both Daniel's ran into bad luck, so maybe the planet had something against Daniel Jackson. Weird coincidences like this made Captain Fraiser wonder. She found that it was absolutely amazing that such a thing could even occur. Her thoughts abruptly ended as the alternate Jack commented, "Does anyone else feel like we've been here before?"

Captain Fraiser smiled. It was like deja vu all over again. They had all been here several times before. This planet had a strange aura about it...maybe it had something to do with that mystical circle of stones so near the gate. She looked at Jack replying, "It's even more beautiful than it was the last time we were here. This place is truly amazing."

Jack pointed to the ring of stones saying, "That's where Daniel was when Seth captured him."

As Jack pointed out that mysterious ring again Fraiser voiced her thoughts aloud, "Isn't it strange how so much seems to be occurring around the rocks?"

"Yes, strange."

Jack found it very strange, indeed. The rocks were beginning to freak him out. What the hell was their true purpose for being on this planet? Why did so much occur within those damned rocks? He felt chills climb his spine as a sense of unease swept across his body. He wondered why he felt suddenly so apprehensive. Those rocks were not to be tampered with. They held some secret that should have never been unlocked. Jack had no idea why he felt so certain about that but he did. He shook his head to clear it...enough wondering, they were here to locate Daniel. They had to get him back. Jack looked at those rocks intently then headed towards them.

As they approached the circle of stones they were unprepared for the sudden emergence of people who surrounded them holding staff weapons. Jack was first to react as he immediately stepped in front of Fraiser in a defensive stance. His double did the same. Jack didn't like the looks of this at all. Things just seemed to keep going from bad to worse. Jack quickly gave voice to the disquiet within him, "Well, this isn't good."

Colonel O'Neill looked at his double nervously. He looked around noticing that they were totally surrounded he then urged, "Well, say something..."

Jack glared at his alternate snapping back, "Look I don't do very good at introductions. That's Daniel's thing."

One of the men closest Jack grew impatient as he demanded, "Identify yourselves!"

Jack eyed up the strangers leerily then responded sarcastically, "Why don't you go first? Be my guest."

"Colonel!" came Jack's double's angry response. What the hell was his double doing? Damn it, he was going to get them killed! Colonel O'Neill continued to survey the crowd of people surrounding them with staff weapons in their hands. This was not the time or place to be sarcastic. Colonel O'Neill glared at his double in outrage. The nerve of the man!

O'Neill's quick retort to his double managed to attract the attention of the one speaking with Jack. When the man glanced behind Jack and saw the other person he didn't know what to say or how to even react. There were two identical men here. What was going on? Wasn't that impossible? He shook his head choosing to ignore the obvious evidence of two identical men then demanded, "What is your purpose here?"

"We're looking for someone," came O'Neill's quick reply.

The man glanced at the person before him whom he had addressed the first time then answered, "Well you have found someone."

He then gave an order to the others surrounding them. The strangers quickly corralled the remaining members of SG-1 closer together. Before any of them could even react rings rapidly descended around them and transported them to another destination.

Jack glanced around when they were finally to their destination. He expected to see a Goa'uld mother ship or a temple but as he looked around he felt a bit relieved. He recognized the place they were now at. They were deep underground. He sighed in relief. His double, on the other hand, seemed to be very nervous. O'Neill looked around questioning, "What the hell? Where the hell are we?"

Jack spoke up in an oddly calm voice, "Well this is eerily familiar... Relax Colonel, we're not in danger."

"The hell we aren't!"

"Trust me."

"Trust you? Yeah, right."

"You know you really need to get that damned chip off your shoulder..."

"I need to what?" O'Neill felt outraged. They had just been surrounded and transported to God knows where and all his damned alternate could think of was to insult him? What the hell! He was ready to retort when Captain Fraiser yelled, "Colonels please! This isn't helping our situation any!"

The men still surrounding them exchanged curious glances as the O'Neill's glared at one another before Jack added, "She's right, you know. Arguing isn't helping here. We're searching for Daniel not arguing with one another."

O'Neill wanted to wrap his hands around his double's neck and just squeeze. The man was impossible! He growled out, "Why you..."

Captain Fraiser rolled her eyes, shrugging her shoulders to the onlookers as she ordered, "Colonel's stop! You can argue with...yourselves later. Right now we have a problem."

The O'Neill's glared at each other a moment longer. They looked as if they were ready to tear one another apart limb for damned limb. Jack came to his senses first as he assured Fraiser, "No, we don't have a problem."

Captain Fraiser stared at him in disbelief. What did he mean they didn't have a problem? They were surrounded by people carrying staff weapons in a strange place, so how could they not have a problem? She shook her head in confusion questioning, "Why? We're..."

Jack calmed himself down then looked at Fraiser. He gentled his voice as he prepared to introduce Fraiser and O'Neill to their captors. Jack continued, "Captain...Colonel, meet the Tok'ra."

As Jack said that both the Colonel and Fraiser turned to stare at him asking in unison, "WHAT?"

Well, now that managed to successfully get their undivided attentions. Jack continued, "I told you that the Tok'ra existed."

Captain Fraiser was the first to recover as she spoke, "Yes but..."

Jack turned to look at the man beside him. He knew who the man was. He never expected to see him again. Jack looked at Captain Fraiser then O'Neill as he introduced them to an old friend saying, "This man beside me is Martouf...host to Lantesh...Well, at least he was host to Lantesh in my reality...that is before he was...killed for attempting to kill the president but that's a long story..."

"He attempted to kill your president and you say they can be trusted?"

"Yes. He was under the influence of an alien technology. He was...in essence, programmed to assassinate. Trust me I know what I'm talking about here. We're in the Tok'ra tunnels."

The one that Jack addressed as Martouf questioned, "You know my name so what is yours?"

"Mine? Colonel Jack O'Neill from the Tau'ri home world."

"And these other two?"

"Captain Janet Fraiser and he's also Jack O'Neill...don't ask it's a very long story. So Marty, do you believe in alternate realities?"

Martouf looked at him puzzled as he asked, "Marty?"

Jack smirked then quickly apologized, "Sorry that was my nickname for..."

"Your Martouf?"

"Yes."

Martouf found that these visitors were, indeed, very strange. Why were they even here on this planet? He quickly questioned, "Why are you here?"

Jack was ready for the question and provided the answer, "We came here searching for our friend Doctor Daniel Jackson."

"I am not familiar with that name."

Jack smiled at Martouf then patted him on the back as he continued his explanation, "Well you're in luck. It seems he has a friend...Daniel managed to pick up someone you may be familiar with. Daniel is host to Anubis...the Tok'ra spy you had in Isis' midst."

Martouf looked more intently at the one calling himself Jack. He knew of Anubis? He also knew that Anubis was a spy? How was that even possible? He found that very hard to believe but knew it had to be investigated so he responded, "I see. You must come with us, please."

"Sure."

The members of SG-1 followed Martouf to the Council Chambers where Martouf indicated a place for them to sit. Jack remained standing as Captain Fraiser and his double both took seats at the table. Martouf addressed Jack once more, "You must wait here while I speak with High Councilor Selmac."

Jack was surprised when Martouf mentioned Selmac. He wasn't even sure if the Tok'ra would still be alive in this reality. In Jack's reality Jacob Carter was Selmac's host. In this reality Jacob Carter had died of cancer, so Jack was sure Selmac wouldn't be alive. He found that he was glad there was another Tok'ra here whom he knew. He questioned, "Selmac? He's a High Councilor here?"

"Yes. You have heard of Selmac?"

Martouf found his curiosity was now peaked. This man, this stranger, knew him and recognized Selmac? He found that knowledge was intriguing. He wanted to know more about these strangers who arrived on Tethys. He glanced at...Jack once more as the man answered, "Yes I have. Only in my world he's liaison between the Tau'ri and the Tok'ra."

Selmac was a liaison between the Tok'ra and the Tau'ri? Martouf found that idea just a bit hard to accept. He kept his opinion to himself as he excused himself, "I see. I will be back shortly."

Colonel O'Neill looked around noticing there were still guards surrounding them. If these people were as friendly as his double said then why were they still surrounded by guards? He found that his instincts were screaming a warning. They could be in a lot of danger here, especially if the Tok'ra of his world were evil. O'Neill found himself silently praying that they were friends. Right now they were definitely far outnumbered and if these...Tok'ra decided to kill them the job would be very easy, indeed. O'Neill eyed up his double suspiciously saying, "Are you sure they can be trusted? I don't like this...at all."

"You wouldn't. You're paranoid."

"Hey..."

O'Neill didn't like how nonchalant his double was being. Damn it but the man was annoying! He hoped that he wasn't as annoying as his double. He glared at Jack as the man smirked at him and continued, "Relax. I felt the same way when we first met them too."

He felt the same way? Was that comment supposed to put O'Neill's mind at ease? Well, it sure as hell didn't! He found that he wanted to know just how his double ever met this race of beings. His curiosity drove him to question, "How did you meet them?"

"How? Through Carter actually."

Carter? No, that was impossible because Samantha Jackson never journeyed through the Stargate. O'Neill quickly caught himself as he remembered that in his alternate's reality Carter was a Major. The alternate Daniel Jackson had told him that. God, but this alternate reality stuff was really confusing! O'Neill shook his head then asked, "Oh, she found their location?"

"No."

"Then how...?"

"She KNEW their location."

"But..."

"Jolinar."

Jolinar? Who the hell was Jolinar? O'Neill recognized the name and tried to search his memory for it when he remembered that Jolinar was a Tok'ra. Captain Fraiser filled in the rest of the blanks as she interrupted, "The symbiote that inhabited her for a short time?"

"Yes. Jolinar died to give Sam life. She left behind feelings, memories, images imprinted in Sam's mind."

"She?"

O'Neill looked at his twin a few moments longer. A symbiote had a gender? Now that was totally crazy. He focused on Jack as the man continued, "Well, symbiotes don't have a gender per se but Jolinar was considered female because she always took female hosts until she had jumped into a Nassian man to hide from the Ash'rack."

"Nassian man? What?"

"Oh sorry. Too much information, too fast?"

"Yes."

"Sorry. I'll slow down. It was through Jolinar's memories her...psyche I guess you could call it, that Sam knew where the Tok'ra home world was. She had visions of the Tok'ra in danger...She gave us the address and we decided it was a considerable risk to seek them out."

"And did you?"

"Yes. We formed an alliance. We've been allies for the last three, four years or so."

"You allied yourselves with Goa'ulds? Are you insane?"

Martouf entered at that point followed by Selmac. Both stopped and were ready to speak on their behalf when, to their surprise, the one man who seemed to know them defended them saying, "They are not Goa'ulds and they despise being called Goa'uld so I suggest you not address them as such."

O'Neill wasn't buying it because to him a snake was a snake. He voiced that opinion rather loudly "They have snakes in them, right?"

"Symbiotes, yes."

"Then they're Goa'uld."

Jack mentally cursed. Damn it, talking to his double was like trying to pull teeth. The man was so set in his ways that he refused to even listen. Jack started to shake his head in denial as he continued, "No, No they're a resistance group hidden within the Goa'uld system lords."

"Yeah right. This is crazy."

Fraiser was also about tired of O'Neill's constant bickering and questioning. Jack was quickly discovering that talking to O'Neill was like talking to a damned wall. She found herself snickering at that thought. Jack was learning how much of a pain in the ass his double could be. She wondered if he found himself noticing all the weaknesses in his double and then comparing himself. She focused on O'Neill as she interrupted, "Colonel, he said his world has been allied with the Tok'ra for the last three or four years. Daniel said the exact same thing. I think if he's been associated with them that long we should listen to him. Besides it's Daniel we're here trying to locate."

Jack gave Captain Fraiser a grateful smile as he continued, "Yes Daniel who, if you haven't forgotten already Colonel, is a host to Anubis...so whether you like it or not if you want Daniel back you'll have to accept the Tok'ra and accept that he IS a Tok'ra host, so get used to the idea, Colonel."

O'Neill didn't seem too happy to hear that coming from his alternate. What the hell did he mean he would have to accept Doctor Jackson back into his life with a damned snake in him? Was he totally insane? He was determined to remove that damned snake from Jackson if he had to yank the damned thing out himself! He snapped, "That damned snake took him by force!"

Jack sighed heavily as he continued to attempt to convince his double that Anubis was not to be feared. He stared intently into his double's eyes as he added, "If Anubis would have refused Isis would have killed the host and symbiote. Anubis had no alternatives his host was already dead. He needed a new host quickly and Daniel ended up being the one Isis selected."

O'Neill continued to glare at his twin daring Jack to make a liar out of his Daniel when he commented, "He told us that the Tok'ra take voluntary hosts..."

Jack glared at his double realizing what the man was trying to pull. He calmed himself saying simply, "Yeah they do."

"Then this...Anubis is a Goa'uld."

"No he isn't."

God, why was O'Neill so damned determined to prove Anubis was a Goa'uld? The answer was simple enough...because he was afraid of the symbiote within his Daniel and he didn't want anything to do with them. Also by convincing himself that the symbiote within his Daniel was a Goa'uld then O'Neill could find a way to call off the search so he wouldn't have to confront the man he spent the last four years hating for no reason at all. Jack was ready to kill the man when O'Neill again insisted, "But he took Doctor Jackson by force!"

"To save both of their lives. They get along great now. Why can't you accept that your Daniel doesn't want to be separated from Anubis, Colonel?"

"How was the alliance reached? Did you have anything to offer?"

Well, now that was a quick topic change. If Jack didn't know himself as well as he did he wouldn't have been able to catch his double's obvious attempt at changing the topic. Well, if his double didn't want to discuss Daniel or Anubis then that was fine...for now. Jack was determined to breech the topic again in the very near future. He then glanced at his double saying, "Yes we..." but before he had the chance to finish his sentence he doubled over in pain, groaning as the cascade tremors suddenly swamped him. He clenched his hands into fists as he waited out the painful tremors. After they passed all he could mutter was, "Shit that hurt!"

Captain Fraiser was now holding onto him and looking at him in worry. She asked in concern, "Are you all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine Doc."

She paused as she caught the title Jack used to address her with. She then said, "Uh Colonel, I...I mean Jack...that's Captain."

"Captain? Oh sorry. Right. I forgot."

Martouf found himself wondering what was wrong with the man before him but chose not to pursue that answer as he interrupted the conversation questioning, "Anubis has taken another host? Why?"

Jack looked up at him. He had forgotten that they were even there. The Tok'ra in the room must have been standing there the entire time and listening to the entire exchange. Jack said, "Anubis' host was badly injured. The injury was lethal."

Captain Fraiser added, "Isis didn't want to lose Anubis so she had our friend made a host."

"He did not volunteer?" came Martouf's worried response. If their friend didn't volunteer to become a willing host then Anubis broke their code...to never take a host by force. Martouf could only think of a few reasons that would push Anubis to make such a drastic decision. He didn't like the reasons that came to mind. They all were dangerous for Anubis.

Martouf focused on the woman as she replied, "Um…no."

Martouf didn't want to believe that Anubis would do such a thing. He found that he wanted to know why. He commented, "But that is not our ways. To take an unwilling host is..."

Jack interrupted, "If he hadn't of taken Daniel then he was positive that Isis would have killed them both."

"Does Isis know that he is Tok'ra?"

"No. She believes he's Goa'uld. She doesn't even know that Daniel is still with him."

"I see..."

Martouf had his answer. Anubis was forced to take an unwilling host to conceal the fact that he was a Tok'ra and to save the life of the man he entered, as well as his own life. He was glad that Anubis didn't just take Daniel Jackson because he needed a host. He felt much relief in knowing that Anubis had a very good reason for making such a drastic choice. He found that he wanted to know more about Anubis and his new host as he asked, "When did Anubis take your friend as a host?"

"Um about a year ago. They both get along very well. They had a rough beginning but managed to work through it."

Martouf was very glad to hear that. If this Daniel Jackson accepted Anubis and remained his host for a year then their bond must be very close. Anubis would have offered separation to his host but from what this man was telling him Daniel Jackson was very satisfied with the arrangement. Martouf found great joy in knowing that another Tok'ra had been saved. He wanted to meet this Daniel so he asked, "Where is he now?"

"If you are like the Tok'ra of my world you already know where he is."

"We do not understand."

"You have spies on every planet owned and controlled by the system lords. I'm sure that you have one on Seth's planet."

Avaris...Anubis was a prisoner on Avaris. Martouf had been uncertain of this, but now he feared that was the truth. Anubis was a prisoner of Sutekh, so Sutekh had been successful in his capture of Anubis. They had known when Sutekh arrived on Tethys that he had been searching for Anubis. They had hoped the search would be unsuccessful but it hadn't been and now Anubis and his young host were both prisoners of Sutekh. He glanced at Jack then said, "We must discuss this further. Please come. Join us in the conference room."

They followed Martouf and Selmac into the conference room where they met and discussed locating Daniel. It was decided that Colonel O'Neill would go to Avaris first accompanied by the remainder of his team. The Tok'ra gave him a device to use to contact them when they had information.

After the meeting Captain Fraiser looked at Jack O'Neill, who had just experienced another tremor. She moved him away from the group whispering, "Your time is growing short. You have to return to your reality soon or you will die."

"I'll go soon just be patient."

Fraiser watched Jack intensely. She knew what he was thinking. He wanted to stay and help them to locate their Daniel. He was willing to sacrifice himself to help the man. She would make sure that he didn't die here. She knew that his Daniel Jackson needed him as much as her Jackson needed Colonel O'Neill. She wasn't about to let him sacrifice himself here. He needed to return to his reality and to his Daniel. She gently spoke, "Jack..."

Jack knew she was going to attempt to urge him to leave Tethys, but he wasn't going...not yet. He needed to return to his reality but not until he had a one on one talk with his double. The man needed to realize that without Daniel Jackson in his life he would most likely die very lonely. He looked at Fraiser then said, "I want to speak with your Jack first. In fact, I think I need to speak to him."

"About?"

"A lot of things."

"Like what?"

"Like why he treats Daniel as a burden instead of one of the best damned things ever to happen to him."

"Jack, our O'Neill is very angry and bitter. He probably won't even listen."

"Then I'll make him listen..."

"He is very stubborn."

"I was like him at one time then Daniel entered my life. I have to at least try to get through to him...I think I need to get through to him."

Silence followed that comment then Captain Fraiser questioned, "Do you think they have found your Daniel Jackson? It has been almost thirty-six hours since you left your reality. Do you think...?"

Jack remained silent for the longest time feeling the pain of missing his best friend and knowing the man was probably being beaten and tortured. He swallowed hard as he answered, "I don't know. I shouldn't have left but I had no choice."

"I hope that he is found."

"So do I. So do I."

* * * * * *

Major Samantha Carter was certain she found Daniel's location. She quickly reported to Hammond's office with the news. They had been scouring warehouses in Nevada over the past day and a half. She managed to narrow their search down to four possibilities. She had informed Hammond, who looked up at her now. He shook his head looking at her in concern saying, "Major, this may not be where Doctor Jackson is being held."

Sam demanded, "Why not?" but she already knew why not. They had four warehouses to search yet and still Daniel might not be in any of them. She kept praying that they would find him soon and didn't like Hammond reminding her not to get her hopes up. She looked at him trying not to cry or break down. She missed Daniel and knew that his life was depending on her locating him as fast as she possibly could. If she didn't find him soon, or if she found him and lost him again then they might not be able to get to him on time. She shivered in response to that cryptic thought then forced herself to focus on the General as he continued, "You still have four other warehouses, Major."

"I...I know."

"What makes you think this is the one?"

"I...I don't know. I just..."

General Hammond watched Major Carter intently. She looked very tired and very upset. He knows that she's been working overtime on locating Daniel. Everybody knew they were fighting against time. Time that Daniel Jackson didn't have a whole lot of. He was being held against his will and tortured for things he would never reveal. The ultimate ending would be his death. They would torture him and beat him until they got what they wanted from him and when he refused to yield they would continue. One of those beatings would go a little too far and kill him. Hammond shivered at that thought. Time was not on their side. Daniel Jackson was missing and in great danger. They had to find him soon. He could tell that Daniel's disappearance bothered Major Carter a lot. She wanted to find him and was determined to, but her searches kept coming up empty. He could see that Daniel's disappearance was definitely taking a toll on the woman before him. He commented gently, "You want him back. I understand that perfectly, Major. We all want Doctor Jackson back. I just don't want you to get your hopes up too high knowing there are several warehouses left still unexplored."

"I know. Sir, he has to be in one of them. He just has to be."

General Hammond proceeded with caution as he continued speaking in a softer tone of voice, "Let me also remind you Major, that the people responsible for Doctor Jackson's abduction are very smart. They will have plans already set up to move him should we get close to finding him."

"The NID."

"It's a very fair bet that the NID is involved in this. You know what they do with their prisoners."

"Yes but..."

"We need to be more discrete than usual. I don't want to allow them the opportunity to move Doctor Jackson before we locate him."

"Yes sir."

Hammond looked at her longer then gently ordered, "Dismissed."

Sam exited Hammond's office and searched for Teal'c to give him an update on the search for Daniel. She hated to admit it but Hammond was right. She shouldn’t be getting her hopes up. In truth, she wasn't sure if Daniel was even at this warehouse, but she wanted him to be there. She prayed that Daniel would be there. He was in great danger and the longer he remained MIA the less chance there would be of finding the man still alive.

Sam sensed that Daniel's time was very limited. She had been certain that once Daniel gave his captors what they wanted he would be killed, but now she feared that they wouldn't kill him. They would probably use him for something else. She feared that even if Daniel didn't give them what they wanted they would still keep him alive. They would keep Daniel alive until he could take no more abuse, until he could take no more beatings, until he simply couldn't take any more. Sam now felt certain that the NID wouldn't kill Daniel. No, they wouldn't kill him they would use him. They might make him a test subject in one of their insane experiments or use Daniel as collateral. Sam was positive that Daniel wouldn't be killed because he was much more valuable alive. She was, also, positive that Colonel Harry Maybourne was involved in Daniel's disappearance. Maybourne wanted revenge on Daniel and Sam was positive that his revenge would not involve Daniel's death. Oh no, Maybourne would make Daniel suffer; he would make Daniel pay for a very long time. Sam shivered at those cryptic thoughts. She hoped, she prayed, that she was wrong. If she was right then Daniel's being murdered at the hands of his captors would come as a blessing because Daniel would rather die then be made a subject in one of Maybourne's demented experiments, or one of the NID's inhumane experiments.

* * * *

Levinson continued to watch the monitor checking on the condition of his prisoner. Doctor Jackson remained unconscious only awaking occasionally, but not for very long. Levinson silently cursed again. The lashing was not supposed to be severe. His men were only supposed to lash the man enough to get his attention, but his men went overboard. Shit! The fools were totally careless! Ayanna continued to keep him updated on Jackson's condition. She said that he wasn't feverish, so that was a good sign, but the man was still not well. Damn it, his men were too hasty in their beating! If he lost Jackson he would kill them! He heard his door open and glanced up. His contact at the SGC entered the room. Levinson said, "I told you not to come here. What do you want?"

"The SGC will be here soon."

"WHAT?"

"They’ve been checking out warehouses in the state, and they’ve managed to narrow down their search to five possibilities. This warehouse is on that list. It's only a matter of time before they locate you and locate him," the man indicated Jackson by nodding towards the monitor. Then he continued, "If I were you I'd move Jackson today."

"Well, I don't have much of a choice, now do I?"

Damn it! Maybourne had warned him that SG-1 was relentless when one of their members went missing. He never expected the SGC to locate Jackson so damned fast! Now he would have to move the man as quickly as possible. Great, just great! Why couldn't things ever be easy? He felt his rage increase as his contact simply answered "No."

"Shit! All right, I'll have Jackson moved immediately, but first I need a small...favor."

"What?"

"I need Janet Fraiser."

Levinson's contact stared at him for the longest time in shock. Levinson waited patiently for the man's response. The man snapped out of his daze demanding, "WHAT? Are you insane? You can't abduct her! It's bad enough you have Jackson and now you're considering grabbing her?"

Levinson eyed up his contact then said evenly, "Not considering, planning... Look, he needs a doctor. We have none on staff and she knows his medical records. I need her with him!"

The man wondered why Levinson was suddenly demanding Fraiser. He also wondered why Jackson would need a doctor. It was then that he chose to look at the monitor, to really LOOK at that monitor. All he could manage to utter was, "Jesus! What the hell did you do to him? You told me he'd be beaten not... My God you're insane!"

"I ordered him lashed, yes, but not lashed that damned much! My men got a bit carried away. Look, I need her here. Can you do that or not?"

He stared at the screen longer, shocked at seeing the young scientist so battered. He knew Jackson needed a doctor. He needed something...Shit! He would have to obtain Fraiser. He doubted Levinson would get another doctor. It would have to be Fraiser. He nodded saying, "I'll bring her."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Then the man turned and left the room. He knew that he had to find a way to obtain Janet Fraiser. He had to formulate a plan and soon. Doctor Jackson didn't look like he had all that much time left. SHIT! What a mess!

Levinson looked at the monitor again, cursing at the fact that Jackson still was unresponsive. Damn it!

He was ready to sit down again when Maybourne entered. Oh great just who he wanted to see...the crazy psychotic renegade NID agent, just perfect.

Maybourne approached him inquiring, "How is the good doctor today?"

Levinson glanced up at Maybourne struggling not to glare at the man as he responded nonchalantly, "Still very much unconscious."

"WHAT?