Friends and Enemies Part 8

By: Stacy L.

Jack O'Neill decided that it was far past time to tell his double just why he shouldn't be so quick to shove Daniel Jackson completely out of his life. Every time he broached the subject with O'Neill the man would find any excuse not to stay on the topic. His double was positive that when he pushed Daniel Jackson away he had made the correct choice. He was just beginning to see that choice might not have been so good after all, but the man was stubborn. He hated to admit when he was wrong. Jack decided to prove to his "twin" that the man made a huge mistake but still had time to fix that mistake if he would only make an attempt to do so. He looked at his double as he draped his arm across the back of the man's shoulders guiding him away from the group of onlookers. If he was even going to have a remote chance of convincing the man that reconciling with Daniel Jackson was the correct path to choose he needed some privacy to do so. As long as the Tok'ra and Captain Fraiser remained in the area he knew that he would get nowhere. What they needed was privacy so Jack made quick work of directing his double into a more private area to converse. He was damn tired of O'Neill complaining about his Daniel. He needed to talk some sense into the man before returning to his own reality. He only hoped that his double wasn't stupid enough to ignore him completely.

As Jack continued to guide his double to a private area inside the Tok'ra tunnels he became aware that his double was very angry. Well, that was just too damned bad because whether he had to tie the man down to talk to him or not they would speak.

O'Neill was definitely aggravated. His twin was irritating as hell! When Jack started to guide him down the hallway O'Neill's anger only arose with each step they took. How dare the man come into his life and reek such havoc? The issue of Doctor Jackson was a dead one in his book. The kid was a nuisance. He was cursed and it was HIS fault that Skaara had died. Why couldn't the damned archaeologist stay gone from his life? He sure as hell didn't need him! He was fine without the man. His life was much happier now... Shit, like hell it was! He was miserable, absolutely miserable. He couldn't continue to deny that he still had some inkling of feelings for the missing scientist. He hated to admit it but he did really, truly miss Doctor Jackson...a tiny bit, but he sure as hell didn't need his alternate standing over his shoulder spouting about how saintly the damned man was! Why was his alternate so determined to argue on Doctor Jackson's behalf? He knew that was exactly why Jack had separated him from the group and knowing that pissed him off even more.

O'Neill glared at his double demanding, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Jack didn't stop instead he continued to urge the stubborn man at his side to continue on down the hall further away from the others. He would talk to this man if it were the last thing he ever did. He would make the man listen to what he had to say!

Jack glanced at O'Neill briefly before answering, "I should be asking you that, Colonel. Tell me what is it about Daniel Jackson that angers you so much?"

Daniel Jackson, was he all this damned man thought about? What the hell was so goddamned important about Daniel Jackson, and why did his alternate continue to persist with the issue? The issue was dead. He would go after Jackson but ONLY to rescue him. He didn't care for the man. He had no room left in his heart to care besides the man was a murderer! He wasted little time voicing that out loud, "He killed Skaara!"

Jack rolled his eyes discovering that he wanted to beat the shit out of his alternate. Damn it but the man was stubborn and dense! He immediately cut off O'Neill's statement, "NO! Daniel would never kill anyone...at least not intentionally. Let me take a guess here, Colonel, Daniel pisses you off because he’s too much like you wish you were. You secretly admire and respect him but only show anger and rage towards him. You shove him away because you fear that you’re cursed and you feel that in shoving him away you’re protecting him, shielding him. Daniel is an innocent that reminds you so much of Charlie that it scares you. In fact, it scares the hell out of you."

Ouch! Okay, that comment definitely struck too close to home! Shit, one disadvantage to having a discussion with a man identical to you was that he knew what you were thinking and why you’ve done the things you have. Damn it!

O'Neill didn't like how close to the truth his alternate came with those statements so he immediately denied them, "You’re so full of shit!"

Jack stared intently at the man before him waiting for the man to openly admit his true reasons for being so cold and distant towards Daniel, but the man couldn't do it. He wasted little time calling his double on his damned lie, "Am I? I don't think so pal! Do you know that I AM you? I used to be you? You ARE me after Charlie died. You became so guilt ridden and so outraged over your son’s death that you started pushing everyone away. You decided that you were no longer worthy of anyone's respect, anyone's love, anyone's trust and then you met Daniel Jackson who trusted you completely, who chose to befriend you even after you encircled yourself with red flags warning everyone to stay the hell away. Then when you noticed that Daniel wouldn't leave, wouldn't give up on you, you decided for him."

"I never..."

No, no way. He never...or had he?

O'Neill realized that he was suddenly unable to discount everything that Jack had just told him. He had never deliberately drove Doctor Jackson away because the man had been getting too close to him had he? How petty did that now sound?

Shit! His twin was infuriating!

O'Neill discovered that he had no come back to send the man's way. He was literally struck speechless. DAMN! He glared at his double when the man continued cutting off his immediate denial, "Right Colonel... Do you realize that you can't fool me? I've been there. I am you only I had different experiences. We are the same, yet we are so different. Daniel's unwillingness to leave you no matter what scared the hell out of you, didn't it? It still does, doesn't it? His refusal to quit your team after all the shit you put him through scared the hell out of you, didn't it? You know what Colonel? That man still cares a hell of a lot about you. No one understands why, even Anubis can't understand why Daniel still cares so damned much for a cold-hearted bastard like you. What the hell he sees in you that's worth redemption and forgiveness beats the hell out of me. Even I couldn't comprehend why he never gave up on me. Then he had the damned nerve to jump between Ra and I selflessly giving up his life to save mine. Daniel died for me on Abydos. If not for Ra returning him to life to make him prove to the Abydonians that Ra was the only god Daniel would no longer be alive. He died to save me, to save my life. He died to save the life of someone who couldn't stand him. He died to save the life of a complete stranger because he cared enough for me to do so. He cared for me and he had no idea who the hell I even was. Tell me Colonel, did your Daniel also die for you?"

Jack watched his double's eyes and could see the answer there. Yes, his Daniel had also died for him. He continued to look intently at his twin continuing, "He did. You became extremely scared for him after that didn't you? You vowed to protect him at all costs by pushing him away. Pushing people away only serves to make you more miserable and alone. You're all alone in the world, aren't you Colonel? Now you’re beginning to see the error of your ways. You're beginning to see how you dug your own hole, and how you may never get back out of it. You became so devastated by Charlie's loss that you decided to never allow anyone to get close to you again. You’ll grow old and die a very lonely man if you continue to barricade yourself away from the world, Colonel. Daniel Jackson can help you heal; he can help you mend and start anew. Colonel, accept Daniel for who he is, for what he is. Allow him back into your life, back into your heart and you'll discover what a wonderful gift that man is. Trust me. Take it from someone who knows. Without Daniel Jackson I would've killed myself years ago. He helped me continue on with my life. He helped me get over Charlie. He helps me to deal with the memories and guilt Charlie's death continues to wrought within me. He's there whenever I need him. Colonel, Daniel Jackson not only saved my life on Abydos he saved me. He saved my soul. Don't allow him to disappear forever. You know where he’s being held, so go after him. Help him. He needs you now more than he ever did before. Go to him. Help him. Bring him back to his wife, his family and his life. Bring him back."

After voicing his opinion, Jack waited no longer. He simply turned and headed back to the main area leaving his double to contemplate and think through what he had just said. The man was a fool, a total fool. Jack doubted his words had any effect, but he couldn't just leave without speaking his piece. He had to at least try to reach the lonely, heartless man that looked exactly like him. He knew that he could say no more... Oh he could say tons of things but if O'Neill wasn't listening then nothing would change. He only hoped that the man would find his way back to Daniel Jackson or he would die a very lonely, angry, bitter man in the end.

He sighed heavily as neared the main corridor where the Tok'ra and Captain Fraiser still remained. God, if only he could think of some way to convince his double to reconcile with Daniel...but that goal seemed nearly impossible. Well at least he could go home knowing that he had tried to reach the man, trying to reach him was better than doing nothing at all.

As Jack headed back towards the main room he doubled over as another tremor grabbed him. He nearly fell over leaning heavily against the wall to support his weight. He clenched his eyes tightly shut as he patiently waited for the tremors to once again subside. God, that was a bad one! He had to get back to his own world and soon! Jack knew the risks he was taking in remaining here. If he didn't return to his own time, his own reality, soon then he would die. He was growing closer and closer to the point of no return.

Jack inhaled deeply focusing on regaining his control. He quickly covered up the fact that he just had another tremor. He didn't feel like entering the room and having to explain to Fraiser why he looked so ill, yet again. When he felt well enough to proceed he stood preparing to enter the room once more.

Colonel O'Neill had no idea how to even react to all that his alternate spoke of. He knew that he had made a lot of mistakes and obviously one of his biggest mistakes was shoving an annoying archaeologist out of his life and treating the man as if he didn't really exist. Now he had lost him. He lost the man months ago when he had so willingly given him over to the enemy and now, yet again, the man needed his help.

O'Neill found that all of his instincts were screaming at him to run, run far away and let Doctor Jackson get himself away from Seth. As those thoughts solidified he froze realizing that he was ready to abandon the man again, but he couldn't do that. Jackson was a member of his team, snaked or not, and he deserved to be rescued. He didn't deserve to remain Seth's prisoner.

He had to help Daniel. He just had to. All of his instincts were shouting no, to abandon him, but he couldn't do that. He just couldn't, not this time. He needed to start taking some damned responsibilities and stop moping and lashing out at everyone. He needed to move on with his life.

As a new thought arose in his mind, O'Neill loudly cursed before quickly finding his way to the transport rings. It was now time that he risked his own life to save a man he had condemned to a grisly fate. It was up to him to rescue Doctor Jackson from Seth. Doctor Jackson wouldn't even be in that dungeon if he hadn't allowed Isis' First Prime to march him away without saying a word or doing anything to stop it. His team had already acquired the address for Avaris, and he could no longer avoid the unavoidable. He decided he had better go now before he chickened out.

O'Neill attempted to activate the rings but quickly discovered he didn't need to as they automatically fell down around him, instantly transporting him to the surface. He was sure that he had heard someone ordering him to stop, but he chose not to listen. He pulled out the handwritten address for Avaris and quickly made his way to the DHD. Once there he punched in the code. If he moved quickly no one would even realize that he was gone. He punched the address in just like he had seen Doctor Jackson and Captain Fraiser do so often in the past. When the wormhole engaged he inhaled deeply and, without a second thought or backward glance, he dove in.

Jack felt confident enough that he could now enter the room completely composed. As he started to head back to the main conference room a Tok'ra quickly approached him. Jack jumped in surprise, at first, then looked at the Tok'ra. The man before him seemed distressed and anxious prompting Jack to inquire, "Everything all right?"

The Tok'ra glanced up at Jack shaking his head no. He swallowed hard then continued to explain, "No. I fear...the other you did something rather drastic."

"What did he do?"

God, did he kill himself? Jack hoped not. Shit, he should've never left the man alone! What could the idiot have done now? He didn't like the feelings of unease now flowing throughout his body as he observed the Tok'ra before him. He waited on edge for the man to continue as the Tok'ra quickly added, "I am afraid that he accessed our rings then fled...through the Stargate."

Jack stared intently at the Tok'ra before him for the longest time not exactly sure how to react to such news. As he finally comprehended what the man was telling him he sighed in relief. Thank God the man didn't kill himself. He wouldn't have been surprised, at all, if the Tok'ra would've reported the man committed suicide. It was very obvious to Jack that his double was a bit...unstable mentally and emotionally.

Jack shook his head as he wondered about what was just relayed to him. O'Neill used the rings to transport to the surface of Tethys, but why? Why go to the rings? What was his crazy alternate up to now?

As Jack snapped out of his momentary shock he immediately demanded, "WHAT? Where the hell would he go?"

The man before him lowered his head finding some difficulty in looking directly at Jack. He was positive that the other man was heading to Sutekh's planet, but how could he inform this man of his suspicions? He quickly provided the answer, "I fear he went to Avaris...alone."

"Shit! We better tell the others. Damn it, I should've seen this coming!"

Avaris? The man went to Avaris? Alone? Was he crazy? What the hell was the man thinking when he did that?

Jack glanced up at the Tok'ra as he commented, "You could not have known."

"The hell I couldn't! Damn it, he's me for crying out loud! I should've known he'd go all gung ho on me and try to recover Daniel himself! Damn it!"

"You cannot blame yourself."

"The hell I can't! We need to tell the others."

Damn it, he should've at least been prepared for his alternate to pull a stupid stunt like that. Now the man was on some planet all alone looking for his Daniel with no clue where he was, except that Daniel was also there...somewhere. He was sure O’Neill wouldn't get too far before he was captured. Seth would have guards placed at or near the gate, and his double would be captured rather quickly. Damn it! How could he have not thought of that?

Jack shook his head in disgust. He should’ve considered his double reacting that way. Shit, it was his fault the man was now there! If he wouldn't have pushed...ah hell!

Jack sighed deeply in frustration then entered the conference room preparing to pass on the news. He noticed that he now had everyone's complete and undivided attention. Well, he had to tell them soon and now would be the best time to do so. He glanced at each Tok'ra present in the room then paused looking intently at Janet Fraiser as he announced, "I fear I have some rather...bad news."

Captain Fraiser immediately jerked her head up staring intently in Jack's direction as she asked, "Colonel?"

"Jack, please."

"Sorry. Jack, what is it?"

Captain Fraiser obviously knew that something was wrong. She looked at him in worry as he continued to explain, "It seems your Colonel decided to become more active in locating your Daniel Jackson."

"What do you mean?" asked Fraiser in confusion. Colonel O'Neill had suddenly decided to become more active in their search for Doctor Jackson? Why? How? For what reason? She found herself continuing to stare at Jack waiting for his answer to all the questions now buzzing in her head.

Jack didn't disappoint her as he answered, "He...he used the rings to beam to the planet's surface..."

As Jack told her that, Janet stared at him realizing that she didn't even know how to react to that statement. O'Neill returned to the planet's surface? But why? What reason would the Colonel have for returning?

She continued to stare at Jack when her voice returned, "Jack, where is he?"

Jack immediately lowered his head preparing to deliver the bad news. Well, she needed to know where her Commanding Officer was, and he wanted to tell her the news instead of the Tok'ra. He swallowed hard as he glanced back up continuing, "He used the Stargate to travel to Avaris...alone."

"WHAT?" spoke Janet Fraiser in complete shock. Colonel O'Neill used the Stargate to journey to Avaris? What the hell for? He didn't care one inkling about Doctor Jackson so why the hell would he risk his own life to go to that planet? It didn't make any sense...unless she had been wrong about the Colonel's true feelings concerning one particular archaeologist.

She refocused on Jack as he added "He’s most likely a prisoner of Seth's now."

"What happened? Why would he...?"

"I had a little chat with him...about Daniel, himself, his life up to this point... I left him alone to think. Well he thought all right. He headed for the rings and traveled to Avaris alone. He's now in danger."

"Why would he even...I mean he hates Daniel."

Jack shook his head no immediately then added in a softer tone of voice, "No he doesn't. You see he pushed Daniel away as a defense. He didn't want anyone close to him. Closeness leads to danger, which leads to death, so he shoved Daniel away but he never stopped caring for the man. He went to Avaris alone with the sole purpose of freeing Daniel, but he failed to think of the dangers such a rash decision could have."

Colonel O'Neill went after Doctor Jackson alone? He was now most likely imprisoned on Seth's planet, as well? Fraiser couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she couldn't deny the truth of what had happened either. They had to go after him. They had to go after both of them.

Fraiser voiced her opinion loudly, "We have to go after him."

Jack looked up at her nodding his head in agreement then simply replied, “You do. I can't."

"But why?" questioned Fraiser in confusion.

"I have to return to my world. I only have a few hours left."

"The tremors? My God, I forgot. So much has been happening..."

Jack couldn't remain here. The tremors were pushing him closer and closer to death. How could she have forgotten about that already? She shook her head as Jack spoke again, "They're getting worse, closer, more intense."

He had to go back. If he remained here then he would surely die. He had to go back. Fraiser found that she was sad to see him go. She enjoyed talking with this alternate Jack and the alternate Daniel. She would miss them both. She was very grateful for all that they had done for the people of her reality. She was sure that their unexpected appearances would create some definite changes in her reality. Most of those changes would be for the better.

Fraiser smiled at Jack then gently urged, "You have to return, Jack. We'll be fine. Thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it...we all appreciate it. Now you must return to the ring of stones and go back."

Jack looked at Martouf. Martouf smiled his way finding that he was a little bit disappointed to be saying goodbye to the man already. Martouf actually liked him. He had a feeling he'd like Anubis' new host as well. He quickly volunteered to help Jack to the rings as he nodded his head replying, "I will gladly escort you to the surface."

Jack looked intensely towards Martouf then questioned in concern, "But will you help these people? Will you at least attempt to aid them?"

Martouf paused to consider Jack's question. The man was still concerned for these people. He was trying to assure himself that the Tok'ra would at least offer to aid Anubis' new host. Martouf softened his voice as he responded, "We cannot guarantee anything. Many Tok'ra have died at the hands of the Tau'ri..."

Captain Fraiser interceded, "And for that we are deeply sorry. We didn’t know or understand that there was a difference..."

"Between us and the Goa'uld?"

"Yes."

"If we are to eventually align ourselves with you we have to have something in return. We cannot exchange and share knowledge with your people if you do not have anything to offer us in return. We are few and have lost many to your people. We have yet to find one among you who is honorable."

Jack felt himself tensing as Martouf said that. Shit, maybe the man wasn't going to help these people after all. But Jack had been so sure that the Tok'ra would willingly help. He couldn't very well leave here knowing that the Tok'ra were going to stay out of the whole situation. They had to help. He muttered, "Marty..."

Martouf turned to the man before him with an honest look stretching across his face. He then spoke up, "You Jack, we...I trust you."

"You...you do?"

"You seem very sincere in your want to help these people who are not your people, and you know much of us. We do not know about those who are of this world. Captain Fraiser?"

"Yes?"

"How do you feel knowing that I am a human who shares his body with one of the creatures you despise? Would you willingly become a host if you were asked?"

"Uh...no. I'm sorry."

"At least you are honest. We cannot form alliances with those who are sickened at the thought of what we are."

"I didn't say that I would be sickened. I don't really understand the host-symbiote connection."

"No one among you is host to us..."

Jack interrupted saying, "That's not entirely true, Marty."

"What do you mean?"

"Daniel Jackson is Anubis' host, and he’s a member of the SGC."

"And he is not sickened by the idea of having a symbiote within?"

"No. In fact, those two get along well. I've watched them. Anubis is just a tad bit overprotective of Daniel though, especially when I'm around."

Martouf nodded his head glad to hear that Anubis was so protective of his host. He added, "A symbiote vows to protect their host."

"Yeah, he does all right. Daniel's mighty protective of him, as well."

Anubis' host was very protective of him as well? Good, he was happy to hear that both symbiote and host were very protective of one another. He wanted to meet this host of Anubis' and told Jack, "I would like to meet this Daniel Jackson."

"You may get the chance..."

Jack groaned suddenly as a tremor seized him. He doubled over at the waist hissing as the tremors wracked his body. He waited patiently for them to pass. When they ceased he sighed in relief. It was then that he felt a gentle arm now firmly supporting his weight. When he looked up Captain Fraiser was there. He smiled saying, "Thanks."

Captain Fraiser was now very worried for Jack. He didn't look good at all. He looked deathly pale and that tremor was a bad one. He didn't have a whole lot of time left before he would die. He had to get back to his reality. She gently urged, "You have to return to your world. Your time is running out. If you stay any longer you'll die."

"I know."

Martouf interrupted, "Then we must not delay. Come. I will escort you to the surface."

Martouf approached Jack looping his arm across Jack's shoulders in an effort to support his weight. He noticed that Jack didn't look as if he would be able to support himself. In fact, the man looked as if he was about to pass out. His face was much too pale and he was hanging heavily on Martouf for support. The man was definitely in danger and needed to get back to his world now. Martouf began to help Jack head for the rings.

Janet spoke up, "Colonel, it’s been a pleasure meeting you and your Doctor Jackson. Thank you...both of you. You may have been able to do what no one else has for our O'Neill."

Jack smiled at her then paused before saying, "He needs to accept Daniel for whom and what he is, Captain. That means he must accept Daniel AND Anubis. Daniel won’t allow separation. He and Anubis are far too close. They’ve forged a deep bond among one another. If your O'Neill can't accept Daniel and Anubis then Daniel will leave. He must accept them both. You must ensure that he doesn't force Daniel to be separated."

"Will they ever separate?"

"Anubis was holding back because Daniel's original wish was to be separated so Anubis tried to keep from bonding too closely with Daniel. Daniel has made it very clear to Anubis that he no longer wants separation. Host and symbiote won't separate until Daniel dies. When Daniel dies Anubis will require a new host to continue living."

"So Daniel doesn't have much of a life?"

"Actually one of the advantages of being blended is that the host lives, can live, for a couple hundred years. Daniel will outlive you if he isn't killed."

"Wow. Are you sure?"

"Ask Marty. He'll gladly explain to you all you want to know about the Tok'ra."

"I will. Thank you again, and Jack I hope you’re successful in locating your Daniel Jackson. I'm sorry for what has happened."

"Thank you. It's been a pleasure. Captain, watch them both."

"I will."

Martouf escorted Jack up to the planet's surface and helped him to the ring of rocks. Jack approached the very familiar pillar and hit the hieroglyph that would return him to his own reality. As his hand pressed against the cool stone surface, triggering the symbol, Jack felt another tremor seize him. He felt the ground shift beneath him as brightness suddenly filled his entire vision. He knew that he was passing out now and hoped that he had successfully pressed the right glyph to return him to his own time. Jack had little time to debate about that before blackness overwhelmed him and he succumbed to it easily.

* * * *

As Colonel O'Neill observed the guards on either side he silently cursed. What the hell had ever possessed him to travel to Avaris alone? Alone and without backup...what the hell had he been thinking? Of course, he knew what...Daniel Jackson. He had to help free Daniel Jackson. He no sooner arrived on Avaris before guards of Seth's captured him. He had little chance to escape them as they immediately subdued him.

O'Neill glanced at them as they led him through a very ornate building. The walls were all gold hued and raised hieroglyphs covered the entire surface of those walls from floor to ceiling. He had no doubt that he was now within a Goa'uld stronghold. He was in Sutekh's lair and he was at a great disadvantage. He knew next to nothing about the lay out of this place or about the Goa'uld lord he was being taken to. His situation didn’t look very promising. He was most definitely in a hell of a lot of trouble.

The guards quickly led O'Neill to a room. They shoved him roughly inside taking him to their lord. Seth was very angry when he heard the disturbance. He was rather enjoying tormenting one of his prisoners a little too much, and the guards were ruining his fun.

Seth turned away from his prisoner finding that he was definitely not in the mood to be interrupted. What did his guards want now? He made it very clear to them that he was not to be disturbed so what were they doing here now? He turned from the prisoner demanding, "Why have you disturbed me? I made it very clear that we were not to be disturbed."

"My Lord, I apologize. We found this human attempting to get onto the planet. We captured him at the chap'pai. We thought it important to bring him to you since he was with the one you now have."

Seth turned completely around as his guard made that last comment. He was irritated and angry. He didn't like to be interrupted when he was punishing a prisoner. He hesitantly turned his back to his captive focusing on his guards and the human they now held between them. This human he knew, for he had been with his hated enemy when they had taken Anubis from Tethys. He continued to glare at his guards still feeling a bit pissed that they had disturbed him. This was his first chance to...welcome his newest prisoner to his planet. He was so looking forward to it, and the untimely interruption made him furious.

Jack O'Neill was very angry with himself for being stupid enough to come here alone and without back up. Now he was also a prisoner of Seth's. Damn it! He only hoped that being captured would bring him closer to finding Doctor Jackson in this hellhole. He hated to admit it but being brought into this particular chamber was a bit unnerving, especially seeing Seth had a prisoner now strung up from the ceiling by his wrists. Obviously this was one room that the Goa'uld lord liked to carry out his “interrogations" in. O'Neill found himself shivering as the realization struck. He also found that no matter how hard he tried not to look his eyes continually strayed to that unfortunate prisoner. The prisoner was human, of that he had no doubt. He no longer wore a shirt, but he still wore pants. O'Neill noticed the pants were camos and felt an uneasy feeling sweep through him. Could this prisoner be a member of the SGC? God, he hoped not, so many soldiers on the SG teams had disappeared or were declared dead in the last few years that it could be a very real possibility. He noticed the man was secured with his back to him, which angered him because he couldn't see their face. The person's head was hanging as if they were unconscious, but Jack noticed that when Seth turned to focus on him the prisoner raised his head. He was obviously listening to the entire exchange.

Anubis had warned Daniel that Sutekh would soon come for them. He knew that Sutekh had a sarcophagus and knew that injuries could heal quickly. Sutekh's guards had come for them only a short time ago. He had zatted Daniel then shackled his wrists above his head after removing his shirt. Anubis kept trying to prepare Daniel for what lay ahead and continually apologized to his host for getting them into this predicament in the first place. So far Sutekh was all talk and no action but soon the torture would begin. When the torture began neither of them would be able to fight back much seeing their hands were now secured so damned tightly above their head that the circulation felt as if it was successfully cut off in each of their arms. Daniel and Anubis were conversing when they had heard the door to the chamber open. They had waited until Sutekh moved away from them before raising their head to listen. Both Daniel and Anubis were curious as to why Sutekh was interrupted. When they had heard the guard's comment both Daniel and Anubis fell silent listening to the conversation now going on behind them.

Seth examined the human before him. Oh yes, he most definitely remembered who the human was. The human had been with Anubis on Tethys. Perhaps he was Anubis' personal slave or guard? Seth was extremely interested in learning more about the man now before him. He approached Jack O'Neill gradually then said, "Indeed I do recognize you. Why have you come, human?"

O'Neill stared intently towards Seth then replied sarcastically, "Heard about Avaris, thought it would be a nice place to visit...thought it might be a nice place to retire."

O'Neill quickly regretted his sarcastic comment when Seth delivered a sucker punch that drove him directly to his knees. Seth grinned watching the human who was now bent over at the waist in pain then sneered, "Impudent humans. Will you never learn?"

O'Neill cursed when that fist connected with his gut a bit too hard for his liking. He had dropped immediately finding that breathing was now a struggle. He focused on his breathing trying to slow it down in an effort to ease the pain in his gut. Shit, but that strike hurt!

Daniel jerked his head up when he heard the voice of Sutekh's newest visitor. He struggled to believe what he was hearing...could Colonel O'Neill be in the room? He didn't need to ask that question because he knew. Daniel could recognize that voice almost anywhere. Colonel O'Neill was here now, but why?

He was sure that the man was his O'Neill, which confused him even more. His O'Neill didn't give a damn about him, so why the hell would he go through all the trouble of visiting Avaris? Daniel shook his head in wonder discovering that he was suddenly very interested in what brought the man to him. He commented to his symbiote, "Anubis that's Jack."

"How can you be so sure, Daniel?"

"I know his voice. Jack must have come to this planet in search for us."

"He is a fool. I told him not to come. He will die if he does not return to his own reality."

"Anubis, I don't think that’s the alternate Jack O'Neill. Wouldn't he be to the point now where he would have to return to his reality or die?"

"Your O'Neill would never risk his life to save you, young one."

"Oh ye of little faith."

Daniel then fell silent continuing to listen to the exchange. His interest was most definitely peaked. Colonel O'Neill had some reason for being on Avaris and there was only one reason Daniel could think of: to rescue him. Would the Colonel even risk his own life in order to save him?

O'Neill started to recover and again found himself looking at the unfortunate prisoner strung up by his wrists. How long had the man been hanging there? What were Seth's plans for his captive?

O'Neill shook his head trying to regain his focus. He needed to be worrying about himself here not about some stranger he didn't know a thing about. He attempted to turn back to Seth but found that he still couldn't look away from that prisoner. There was just something about the man hanging there by his wrists that drew his attention to him.

Seth turned following O'Neill's line of vision. When he saw that the man was looking at his prisoner he smirked suggesting, "Perhaps you are here to rescue someone?"

"No. Sorry."

"You seem rather interested in my prisoner."

"Just curious is all."

"Perhaps you know who he is?"

"No."

"Oh come now. You were with him when he was taken. You fired your weapon at me. Do not treat me as if I am a fool."

O’Neill now looked at Seth as if the man were crazy. What the hell was the Goa'uld talking about? He had no idea who that person was, and how would he know that person? He wasn't with anyone when they were taken, and he sure as hell never fired a weapon on the snakehead before him. He had never seen the Goa'uld lord before today, so what was he referring to?

Seth continued to watch the human waiting patiently for the man to begin talking. When he didn't speak up readily Seth added, "Perhaps I should refresh your memory. Bring him."

The guard yanked O’Neill to his feet and dragged him over to the center of the room where his newest prisoner was now restrained. O'Neill continued to stare at the prisoner still having no clue as to the man's identity. He watched leerily as Seth walked behind the man and wasted little time in yanking the man's head back by his short hair. Shit, but that grip must hurt like a son of a bitch! O'Neill felt a pang of sympathy stab at him when he heard the man screaming in response to Seth's very cruel grip.

Seth glanced at O’Neill as he casually walked behind his prisoner. He reached out and immediately grabbed a huge lock of his prisoner's hair quickly entwining and threading that hair between his fingers. Then, with a sinister smirk in O'Neill's direction, Seth brutally yanked the man's head backwards.

Daniel couldn't help it as he screamed in response to that sudden cruel grip now being held in his hair. He felt a headache swamp him immediately and quickly clenched his eyes shut against the pain. He felt half faint but rapidly regained his focus. As Seth continued to yank back on his hair Daniel kept his eyes clenched tightly shut and gripped the chain securing his wrists in a death grip.

O'Neill found himself wincing and feeling for the poor unfortunate victim as Seth cruelly yanked his head back. The man's scream still echoed in O'Neill's ears refusing to leave him be. O'Neill had yet to see the face of the victim and glanced at Seth as the snake ordered, "Take a look at my prisoner, human."

The guard to Jack's right immediately shoved him in front of the person.

Seth snarled, "Recognize him?"

When O'Neill looked at the prisoner he gasped. He had to struggle to keep his face non-expressive. My God could this be...Daniel? No, that was impossible wasn't it? He watched as the prisoner opened his eyes and stared intensely at him. Vivid blue eyes clashed with dark brown eyes and recognition flared to life in both of them. My God the man was Doctor Jackson! O'Neill had found his missing teammate.

Daniel forced himself to open his eyes knowing that Sutekh's newest visitor now stood before him. He had to see for himself that Colonel O'Neill was, indeed, present in the room. Daniel couldn't believe it when his eyes fell onto the face of the man now standing before him. He inhaled sharply finding that speech had suddenly abandoned him. My God it was O'Neill. Colonel O'Neill had actually come for him? Daniel continued to stare at the man still shocked to see him present. He almost said Jack's name but held back knowing to allow Sutekh the knowledge that they, indeed, knew one another was not a good idea. He silently urged Jack not to say a word either.

Jack O'Neill couldn't speak, couldn't breathe, as Daniel's eyes clashed with his own. God, it was Daniel! He felt a massive amount of mixed feelings wash over him: anger, rage, relief, joy, hatred and sadness. All the emotions swirled together threatening to come to the surface. He fought to keep them at bay. He saw recognition in Daniel's eyes, as well. He saw Daniel in those eyes. He wondered if his alternate was telling him the truth that Daniel was inhabited by a symbiote who was a Tok'ra. This would explain why he saw Daniel in his eyes and not a stranger.

Seth interrupted Jack's thoughts as he questioned casually, "Have you come to retrieve Isis' mate? Is that why you are here? She would be most displeased if she were to find that Anubis' slave lost his master. I believe death is the penalty is it not, Anubis?"

O'Neill watched as Daniel's eyes closed then opened again. Jack could only stare when Daniel's eyes became bright white. What the hell? The voice that replied was Goa'uld as he spoke in a strange language...the language of the Goa'uld. Jack was sure that statement was an insult since Seth increased his grip on Daniel's hair. He still found himself staring into Daniel's eyes. He had been sure he had seen Daniel in there, but now he saw a stranger. Had he been wrong in what he saw? Was he just hoping against all hope that Daniel was in there like his alternate said he was?

Jack found now that he was seeing Daniel for the first time in almost a year that he really did miss the man and he wanted to say so much to him but not here, not now. Now they had to act as if they were strangers, which wasn't all that hard to begin with seeing they had been strangers for the better part of the last four years.

Seth spoke again, "Do you still deny that you know my prisoner?"

"Never seen him before in my life."

Seth grinned evilly in O'Neill's direction as he taunted, "Good. Then you will not mind if I have a little...fun with him."

Jack didn't like the sound of that. He was afraid of what Seth might do to Daniel. He watched as Seth quickly released his tight hold on the man's hair. He heard Daniel wince as his head fell forward. Seth smiled at his one guard and told him to bring the Goa'uld shock device, a shock device? He definitely didn't like the sound of that in the least.

Seth smiled maliciously as he continued "I searched for Anubis for quite some time before finally locating him. Now that I have him I do not plan to let him go any time soon."

"And this concerns me how?" Jack commented nonchalantly.

Seth smirked then fisted his right hand. Without thought or comment, he drove a harsh punch to Daniel's lower right kidney. He delighted in hearing Daniel gasp and seeing him arch backwards in response to the unexpected punch.

Jack clenched his jaw firmly shut finding that he suddenly wanted to kill the bastard for striking Daniel. He found the rage and anger in response to such a thing occurring shocked the hell out of him. He didn't care what happened to Doctor Jackson, right? Hadn't he spent the last four years of his life making sure the archaeologist knew how he hated and despised him? So why was he suddenly feeling so protective of the man? Damn it! Daniel Jackson killed Skaara! He killed him! But even as Jack tried to convince himself of that he couldn't seem to believe it as easily and as quickly as before. He felt chills climb his spine when he remembered recent discussions. Daniel Jackson's parents were killed right in front of him. He blamed himself. His foster families didn't help as they accused him of being a murderer themselves. He accused the man of being a murderer. When in truth, Jack was the murderer here. He was a murderer of trust, of innocence. He nearly murdered Daniel Jackson's soul by treating the man as if he were non-existent, as if he were unworthy of care and concern. God, he was so stupid!

Jack glanced up and saw that Seth was now watching him intently. He hoped no emotions showed on his face or in his eyes. If Seth realized seeing Doctor Jackson being beat around bothered him at all... He watched Seth as the Goa'uld stepped before Jackson and without a word or comment drove another fist directly into Daniel's gut, sucker punching him. Daniel gasped doubling over and coughing violently. Doctor Jackson groaned when he felt the shackles securing his wrists only tighten their brutal hold as he flew rapidly towards the floor. Jackson then cried out as the shackles cut and pierced at his nearly unmarred flesh. Jack saw the metal dig deep slicing open the flesh on Daniel's near perfect skin. He watched as blood began rushing from the new cuts and began snaking down his arms from his wrists, God that had to hurt. Daniel was still coughing violently struggling to pull air back into his lungs finding the task rather difficult as each time he inhaled it renewed the pain in the now bruised flesh.

Seth smirked at O'Neill in glee then drove a kick into Daniel's gut before the man even got full control of his breathing back from the last strike. Jack did pale that time as he heard an extremely loud crack echo throughout the room followed closely by Daniel's pain-filled scream as a rib, or ribs, snapped and broke under the onslaught of the vicious kick sent to his midriff. Oh God, the Goa'uld fuckin' broke Daniel's ribs! The fuckin' bastard! Jack so wanted to kill Seth for that strike!

Daniel's reaction was immediate as the Goa'uld lord showed no mercy when kicking him so hard that bone broke under the impact. Daniel was now wheezing and choking. He was violently coughing and trying desperately to regain his breath. He knew something snapped in his ribcage and was sure it was a lower rib...or two. He forced himself to focus on his haggard breathing in an attempt to calm it. He tried to ignore the severe anguish in his gut and somehow managed to regain some of his focus. He heard Sutekh's taunting voice continue, "Anubis, was that your host screaming? Tell me are you such a coward that you would allow your host to come forth now to suffer your pain for you?"

Anubis' rage flew full force to the surface. How dare Sutekh accuse him of forcing Daniel to suffer this beating instead of him! He heard Daniel speaking softly, "Anubis, you need to relax. He's deliberately trying to goad you."

Anubis softened his own voice as he addressed his host, "I would never intentionally force you to endure my pain and suffering, young one."

Daniel sighed then responded, "I know that. Anubis, he doesn't even know that I still exist. As far as he knows I’m no more."

Daniel then focused on Sutekh once more as the Goa'uld continued, "It is an act of cowardice to allow your host to come forth only to suffer in your stead."

Anubis replied coldly, "My host is no more. He is dead."

"No host truly dies, Anubis. We both know that is not true."

Anubis lashed out with words again voicing something angrily that Jack couldn't understand. He found the conversation was proving to be rather interesting. Seth smiled sinisterly in response to the comment. He continued, "I see that speaking of your host greatly angers you. Why is that? Did he prove too much for you? Was your host more of a challenge then you first expected?"

Anubis said nothing only continued to glare at Sutekh anger and rage very present in his eyes. Sutekh sneered at him then said, "Anubis, I shall enjoy tormenting you."

Jack continued to watch the exchange finding it was very difficult to see Daniel Jackson at the mercy of this Goa'uld. He had been told that Anubis was a Tok'ra and Daniel a willing host. Could the information have been wrong? Anubis himself said that his host was no more. He couldn't tell if the statement was a bluff or not.

Seth glared at Anubis longer and O'Neill figured the Goa'uld forgot he was there but then Seth turned to face him, an evil sneer spreading across his face. So he hadn't forgotten that he had a...visitor? Jack watched as Seth then turned back to his quarry. He was focused on his prisoner intently.

Jack glanced at Daniel, yet again, watching as Anubis attempted to place his legs under him again. He was nearly successful in his attempt but before he succeeded Seth lashed out without warning driving a kick into Anubis' shin. He followed the kick up quickly by directing a punch to Anubis' left side then backhanding Anubis brutally across the face. Jack watched as the man's legs once again collapsed under him then winced as the man's head snapped violently to the right. Blood began to run freely from Daniel's nose. Jack found that he wanted to murder Seth but fought to keep a tight rein on his anger. He feared that if he allowed Seth to see each strike he drove to Daniel greatly bothered him then Seth would continue to beat Doctor Jackson just to torment him.

Jack watched Seth's First Prime enter the room and stared intently at the man's hand. He held some sort of device in his hand that looked eerily similar to a cattle prod. Could this be the shock device that Seth had requested? Jack felt chills climb his spine as the answer came back to him...yes, most likely it was. This was the weapon the evil system lord was going to use to torture Doctor Jackson. Shit, but that weapon looked very sinister. He was now most definitely worried for his young teammate.

Seth's First Prime entered the room holding the Goa'uld shock device. He handed it to his lord. Seth smirked as he wrapped his hands around the weapon. He drew much pleasure from activating the Goa'uld weapon. Seth so loved to use this implement of torture. He could tell that he was already getting excited about using it to torment his hated enemy.

Seth grinned as he glanced up at Anubis then taunted, "Do you still deny the existence of your host, Anubis? Shall I use this on you until you lose consciousness then enjoy tormenting your host?"

Anubis felt sudden fear for himself and for Daniel. He watched the evil Goa'uld as he continued to taunt him. As the shock device was activated Anubis felt himself uncontrollably jump in response. Daniel picked up on the movement instantly becoming very worried at Anubis' unexpected reaction. He could sense that the device was very unpleasant and that Anubis was leery of it. Daniel questioned, "Anubis, are you all right?"

Anubis knew that his host had picked up on his feelings regarding the weapon and immediately attempted to ease Daniel's mind by answering, "Yes young one. Go to sleep, now. Leave me in control."

"What? NO! What is that device?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Daniel."

"Anubis, tell me what it is or I will search your memories for the answer."

Anubis sighed saying, "You are most stubborn, Daniel. It is a Goa'uld weapon. One that is capable of eliciting great pain on its victim. The device was designed for use on a symbiote but also causes the host much pain. It is capable of sending a wave of agony throughout the body like lightening."

"Shock? It's like electric shock?"

"But much, much more painful. I must warn you Daniel, Sutekh will use the device on me until I lose consciousness and when he knows I am no longer alert he may decide to torment you as well. He does not know we equally share this body, but he knows that a host still remains even after possession only they are kept back by the Goa'uld who inhabits them. He knows that once I lose consciousness you will automatically surface. Like before, you will have difficulty sensing my presence within you but know that I am with you just unconscious."

"I understand."

Seth drew Anubis' full attention as he quickly placed the shock device against Daniel's bare skin. Immediately, the weapon began to send searing pain into Daniel's body. Anubis clenched his teeth firmly shut vowing not to scream until he could no longer hold back. Daniel simply gasped as he felt the sudden pain flaring up across his flesh. Shit, but that hurt! Okay, so this torture was going to be very unpleasant for them both. Great, just perfect...give an insane Goa'uld a weapon like that with which to torture. Shit! Daniel tensed preparing for the next bit of pain to illicit across his flesh.

Sutekh chuckled in response to his victim's immediate reaction to the device. He wasted little time once again placing it against the man's stomach and chest greatly enjoying applying it to the skin. He continued to press the device against Daniel's body again and again. He was very careful prolonging the torture for as long as he could. He would apply the device to Daniel's flesh then hold it in place for only short amounts of time enjoying burning Daniel's flesh. Sutekh loved to watch the man before him writhing and tensing in pain as he continued to burn his body repetitively. He drew much pleasure from observing his victims in agony, a captive in pain was a beautiful thing for him to behold. Sutekh derived some sort of a sick, demented thrill from tormenting his prisoners.

Daniel cursed as the Goa'uld continued to prod him with that damned device burning and searing the flesh off of his body while a surge of painful shock ricocheted throughout his being again and again. This certainly was not a pleasant experience. Daniel found that he wanted to scream but held back knowing that Sutekh would love to hear them scream in agony. He gritted his teeth as Sutekh again applied the crude device to skin. Daniel and his symbiote both ended up breathing heavily and struggling not to reveal to the evil system lord just how painful the torture was to them. They shared the pain equally each taking it and experiencing it as one, both host and symbiote were being cruelly tortured by Sutekh. Daniel refused to leave Anubis alone to face the Goa'uld and Anubis refused to allow his host to suffer so they both remained strong finding strength in one another as the evil system lord continued to torment them.

Daniel jerked his head upward watching Sutekh leerily as he walked behind them saying, "I am looking forward to meeting your host, Anubis. Is he as strong-willed as you or did you manage to bend his will and trap him deep within his own mind? I may even consider taking over your host myself once you are no more, but we shall see."

With that said, Sutekh pressed the Goa'uld shock device to the back of Daniel's neck. Anubis and Daniel both screamed as pain flooded their body and snaked through their veins like electric. Daniel had never before felt such excruciating pain and torment. Both him and Anubis screamed together. Daniel began to buck and convulse in response to the extreme pain now enveloping him. Sutekh showed no mercy deliberately holding the device to the base of his neck longer than needed. He was determined to drive Anubis into unconsciousness. Daniel sensed Anubis finally succumbing to unconsciousness and as Anubis passed out Daniel's scream became all him. The deeper tones of the Goa'uld voice were no longer present.

Sutekh smiled victoriously when he heard the change in the voice. Anubis' host was now completely dominant. Good, now he could torment the host as well.

Sutekh chuckled as he pulled the device away from the base of Daniel's neck waiting patiently for the man to gain his focus. He watched dispassionately as the Tau'ri's head fell gently forward from exhaustion. The man was still alert but in pain. Sutekh listened to Anubis' host as he breathed heavily waiting for the man to recover and look up at him.

Jack had since struggled violently against the guard holding him feeling every nerve go on end and coldness swamp his veins as he heard Daniel's loud scream of anguish and saw his body convulse in response to the electric shock. Oh my God, but that device was horrid! Jack could only watch helplessly as his teammate continued to scream in that pain-filled voice as his body continued to wickedly buck and shake in reaction to the crude device he was being subjected to. SHIT! Goddamn it, he felt so helpless! How could he just stand here when his teammate was obviously being subjected to horrible abuse at the hands of this sick, twisted snakehead? He was extremely frustrated and very scared for Doctor Jackson. Oh God, what if he died at the hands of this psychotic Goa'uld?

Daniel felt the device being removed and allowed his head to fall forward. He found himself struggling to regain a normal semblance of breathing shocked that he was still awake. He could still feel the shock thrumming through his body continuing to expose him to pain. He could feel the pain lessening little by little but knew that he was now badly shaken. The device was indeed very sinister. No wonder Anubis was so worried about him being exposed to it. Shit!

Daniel spent a good five minutes regaining a normal breathing pattern. When his breath started to even out he became aware that Sutekh now stood directly before him.

Sutekh reacted immediately upon seeing the Tau'ri look up seizing a lock of Daniel's hair in his left hand. He glared sinisterly at the man as he yanked Daniel's head upwards. Daniel screamed and clenched his eyes tightly shut. He heard Sutekh demand he open his eyes. Daniel responded without thought, "Go to hell you fuckin' bastard!"

Sutekh's mouth widened into a triumphant grin as he said, "I see that I was indeed correct. You are a most spirited host, Doctor Jackson."

Daniel snapped his eyes open when he heard Sutekh refer to him by name. He glared at the Goa'uld who smirked at him triumphantly. How the hell could the snake even know who the hell he was?

Sutekh interrupted his thoughts as he continued, "Yes, I know your name. I make it a point to learn of my enemy."

"I am not your enemy."

"No, you are not but you are indeed host to the vile one Anubis."

Daniel almost spoke up in defense of Anubis. He forced himself to remain silent. Sutekh thought he was now here because the shock device knocked Anubis unconscious. He didn't know that Daniel had been there the entire time. Daniel wasn't about to clue him in either.

Sutekh spoke again, "Do you desire your freedom, Tau'ri?"

Daniel remained stoically silent as Sutekh continued, "I would gladly accept you as my host should you desire freedom from Anubis."

Anger sparked in the blue depths of Daniel's eyes as he wasted little time responding to the jeer, "I'd rather die."

Sutekh admired that spark of anger and spirit in the young man's eyes. Yes, he was seriously considering taking this man as his next host. He would be perfect. He simply commented, "So be it, but if I should decide that I want you as my new host Doctor Jackson, I will take you once I rid your body of the vile Anubis. Do you enjoy being a host?"

"What the hell do you think?"

"No you do not. You despise us. Anubis is very dominating. You hate us, do you not?"

Daniel struggled to put on a convincing act of showing hatred towards his symbiote and Sutekh. He couldn't allow the Goa'uld lord to see he was now a willing host to Anubis. He couldn't reveal that Anubis was a Tok'ra.

Sutekh reached out with his right hand and stroked Daniel's face. Daniel jerked violently away from the physical contact groaning as the movement placed more stress on the hold Sutekh kept on his hair. A headache, that had started immediately after the shock device was removed, increased three fold. Sutekh released his grip in Daniel's hair then backhanded him so harsh that the other side of his nose began to bleed as his head snapped violently to the side. Shit, but that fuckin' hurt! Sutekh yelled in rage, "You will learn to obey me, Tau'ri!"

"I don't think so."

A dangerous glint sparked in Sutekh's eyes in response to Daniel's comment. He sneered at the young man then taunted, "Yes, I believe I shall take you as my host. It will be great enjoyment affirming my mastery over you."

"No, I really don't think so!" came Daniel's retort followed closely by an insult he bit out in Goa'uld.

Sutekh became outraged and backhanded Daniel yet again. Daniel groaned as he jerked against the unyielding grip of the manacles imprisoning each of his wrists. The cold metal sliced deep and brutally into his tender flesh. He knew that his wrists were once again bleeding from the crude shackles. His face now burned painfully on both sides from each of the vicious strikes Sutekh delivered. He was ready to kill the bastard.

Sutekh turned to his guard ordering him to leave and take their newest visitor to his cell. He wanted to spend some quality time with Doctor Jackson...alone.

Sutekh watched as the guard led O'Neill out of the room then focused on Daniel once again. He said, "You are indeed a spirited one. I shall enjoy breaking you, bending you to my will and ruling you."

Daniel felt so angry and outraged that he drove a kick into Sutekh's gut. Sutekh doubled as Daniel's foot connected. Daniel felt triumphant but his triumph was short lived as he was struck viciously across the back by what felt like a cane or whip. He cursed as he remembered Sutekh's First Prime was now in the room. He groaned as yet again the implement the First Prime was using found his back leaving a trail of burning fire in its wake. Shit! Sutekh's First Prime then drove into Daniel striking him repeatedly viciously until Sutekh recovered and ordered him to cease. Daniel wanted to scream as his back was now alight in pain. Damn, but those strikes hurt like hell! He tried to ignore the new pain now flaring across his back focusing on Sutekh as he approached. Sutekh looked very pissed off and Daniel was sure it was due to the kick he had just delivered.

The evil lord immediately grabbed Daniel's chin squeezing his jaw bruisingly tight as he threatened menacingly, "You will pay."

He quickly released his firm grip on Daniel's jaw then drove kick after brutal kick to Daniel's stomach area.

Daniel screamed doubling painfully over crying out as the shackles dug into his wrists mercilessly. He could no longer breathe as the sadistic Goa'uld continued to show no mercy driving kick after vicious kick to his gut. Daniel vaguely heard Sutekh order his First Prime to continue the beating he had already started. Daniel's only thought, before the First Prime continued the beating, was that he would soon be in extreme pain. He was definitely not looking forward to being beaten by both Sutekh and his first in command. The beating was going to be a severe one...great.

As Za'non continued to beat Daniel across the back he screamed in anguish, clenching his eyes tightly shut and gripping the chains on his wrists in a death grip. It wasn't long before Daniel no longer knew who was providing him with which strike. His whole body became alive in immense pain causing him to lose track of just how many times he was actually kicked and flailed as the two drove into him. Neither of them showed any mercy as they rained harsh strikes across his body repetitively. The strikes quickly became rapid and uncontrolled. Daniel soon was lost in the anguish and pain the beating was leaving behind. Sutekh and Za'non beat him until he could no longer focus. Daniel sensed he was about to pass out and, as he became aware of that fact, his whole world went black. He fell rapidly into the blessed oblivion that was tugging him deep into its comforting embrace. Daniel's strength left him as he collapsed against the chains encircling his wrists, now hanging only by the metal manacles still securing him to the ceiling.

Sutekh stopped the instant that his prisoner collapsed then ordered his First Prime to also stop. Sutekh then told Za'non to take Anubis to his cell.

He smirked as he looked at the young man now unconscious before him. He knew that he would draw much pleasure from torturing both Anubis and his young host. He would again torture the young man, but first he had to give Anubis sufficient time to heal his host. Once his host was healed then Sutekh could start the beating all over again.

Za'non nodded to his lord removing the shackles still imprisoning Anubis. He watched dispassionately as the man crumpled to the floor. Then he quickly gathered the unconscious man up in his arms and carried him to his cell.

O'Neill had been escorted to the cell that Daniel was being held in. He didn't realize they took him to Daniel's cell. He found that he couldn't sit. He constantly paced worrying about the condition of Doctor Jackson. He jumped up and ran to the door when he heard a guard enter. He looked out the window of the door hoping to catch a glimpse of Daniel. One of the guards stepped before his cell and ordered him to stand back. The guard quickly unlocked the cell aiming a staff weapon directly at Jack's chest. Jack obediently moved back against the wall and watched as another guard entered carrying someone. He looked at the person intently gasping as he realized the prisoner was Doctor Jackson. He made a step towards the one carrying his unconscious teammate and was shoved back as the guard before him rammed his staff weapon against his chest. He cursed wanting to get to his unconscious teammate, but wasn't about to challenge the guard so he watched as Daniel was dumped unceremoniously to the floor. He saw the guard, who had carried Daniel here, grab one of the shackles imbedded in the wall then seize Daniel's right arm. Jack spoke up in outrage, "You don't need to do that! Damn it, he's already unconscious how much of a threat can he be when he's unconscious?"

Jack gasped as the guard before him rammed the staff weapon brutally into his stomach. He doubled over in pain and fell to his knees. He could hear the shackles as they were being cruelly secured in place on each of Daniel's wrists and ankles. Then just as quickly as the guards entered, they left locking the cell.

Jack looked at Daniel feeling his heart aching in sympathy. God, if he would've only defended Daniel and fought Isis' forces when they took him Daniel wouldn't be in this mess.

Jack felt the pain in his gut ease enough that he could get up. He made his way quickly to Doctor Jackson's side staring at the face of the man he had vowed to hate for the rest of his life. He still wanted to hate him but found he couldn't. Without thinking of what he was doing Jack sat down beside Daniel, leaned against the wall and pulled Daniel upright bringing the unconscious archaeologist against his chest. Daniel was tethered to the wall, but the restraints allowed for a good bit of maneuverability. He wrapped his arms protectively around the now unconscious archaeologist and found himself staring off into space.

He gasped when he noticed the light pressure of Daniel's body pressed against him. God forgive him but he still wanted to hate the man. He just couldn't find the hatred within. He realized he was very surprised about that.

Jack looked at the face of the man he chose to ignore for the last four years. Daniel hadn't changed much since Isis' capture of him. His hair was short and he was tanner. Daniel looked physically stronger, and more muscle tone had been added to his body. Jack also noticed those lines of worry were no longer present in Daniel's face. He looked so innocent and so at peace. Jack wondered what the man has been going through since Isis' capture. What all has he seen? What all has he done? What has he been doing? Was he the same person he had been or did he change? Questions and more questions filled his mind, but no answers were very forthcoming.

Jack didn't like to offer any comfort or allow anyone to get close to him but right now he discovered he needed human contact desperately. He needed to feel Daniel Jackson against him, to feel the man in his arms. He needed to know that he had found Jackson and that Jackson was indeed still alive. He hasn't offered comfort to anyone in a very long time, except the alternate Daniel when he had had that nightmare. Now he found that he needed the contact. In feeling Daniel Jackson in his arms he was reassured that he had found the man...alive.

Jack began to scan Daniel's arms and body to see what injuries had been induced. As his eyes took in Daniel's left hand he stared at the gold band encircling the man's finger...his wedding ring. He still wore his wedding ring. Would a Goa'uld allow its host to hold on to something so personal? He doubted that very much...maybe Anubis was one of those...Tok'ra, after all. He continued to scan Daniel's arms wincing as he saw the blood and gouges lying under the shackles on his wrists. It was obvious that the man had been kept in chains since his capture. As Jack continued to scan the man's body he saw numerous red marks where he was sure Daniel had been just beaten. As his eyes fell to Daniel's chest he winced Seth hadn't returned the man's shirt and the multiple burns across his body were exposed. The burns contrasted boldly against Jackson's paler complexion. He felt anger surge through him as he saw those burns. He had witnessed Seth placing them there. It angered him to no end. He had been forced to witness his young teammate being tortured before him. Jack was so pissed off at Seth that he wanted to scream! Damn it, the young man in his arms sure as hell didn't deserve to be tortured so severely! Damn Seth! DAMN HIM!

Jack continued to survey Daniel's chest, he paused as his eyes fell to the necklace Daniel was wearing. Were those his dog tags? Could he still have those after all the time that had gone by? Jack shook his head in surprise as he stared intently at those tags still hanging from the young scientist's neck. As he looked at them he realized that they were indeed Daniel's dog tags. There was no way in hell a Goa'uld would allow its host to keep ID tags, as well. Anubis must be a Tok'ra. Doctor Jackson had disappeared almost a year ago yet he still wore his military tags and his wedding band? Amazing, absolutely amazing. He felt much more relieved as he noticed the man still owned some of his personal things. If Daniel Jackson still wore his wedding band and ID tags then there was a very good chance that he was sharing his body with the snake residing within him. Jack sighed as he felt a bit of comfort come from that simple observation.

Jack realized that he was suddenly tired. Today's events had taken a toll on him and he found he needed to rest. He propped his head against the cell wall and closed his eyes listening to Daniel’s breathing and drawing more comfort from the steady sound. As he continued to listen to his young teammate resting he soon found himself following the man's suggestion as he also drifted asleep.

* * * * * *

The Next Day...

Jameson returned to the room now serving as both Doctor Daniel Jackson's and Doctor Janet Fraiser's cells. Levinson wanted to see Jackson again. Jameson wasn't too happy to have James and Lance accompanying him. Daniel was awake again as was Janet. When Jameson entered the room he immediately looked at the young scientist resting on the bed. He knew that Doctor Jackson was far from healed, and he also knew that Levinson was preparing to beat him even more. Shit, he had to help the man escape. He didn't think that Daniel Jackson would be able to take many more beatings. He moved over to the bed as Lance approached still fearing that Lance would attempt to take a swing or two at Jackson if given an opportunity. The m