Daniel wandered through the black crystal corridors of the Tok'Ra world having woken about an hour previous and taken a warm bath, courtesy of their Hosts.

The weary team had spent the whole of yesterday, upon arrival, in discussions with the High Council. A lengthy meeting, it involved trying to ascertain what information the Tok'ra wanted them to present to the Rectog's Royalty in their defense in this absurd 'Right to Life' judgment. All four team members had been present at the hearing and after many hours of deliberation, they had a fairly sizable list of 'good doings' that the Tok'ra had carried out in the Universe that *could* hold them in good steed with the Rectog - enough that they would allow the Tok'Ra to continue as a race.

The Rectogs were, as Jack so delicately put it at the hearing the day before, the 'bullies of the playground'. They took out entire races because the civilization could not suitably justify their 'purpose' for life to the satisfaction of the Rectog's Royal Council. This was where SG-1 came into the picture. They were, to borrow an analogy, the 'witnesses' for the defense. They would each speak on behalf of the Tok'Ra and then a messenger would be summoned up to the awaiting vessel for the 'closing argument'. A decision was then made as to whether the race had impressed the Rectogs, and they - and their messenger - were allowed to go freely. If they hadn't, acid rain - literally - fell from the ship and the painful cries of the people below could be heard carried on the winds until every last one of the civilization was wiped out. Even buried beneath the surface like they were was no protection from the stripping rain. Eventually the world could not support life and whatever might have survived the first sweep, died slowly of starvation.

Jack had put in a suggestion at that point that the SG-1 team be allowed   to return to earth as soon as they'd made their contributions. Sam had glared at him, unwilling to desert her father, but the colonel ordered her through the gate with them. No offence, Jack had told the High Council, but if acid rain was going to fall at the time of the verdict, then they weren't hanging around for that! He promised to check back with them in a few days time - a promise the rest of the room knew to be invalid as SG-1 had no idea of the world's coordinates. The colonel had merely shrugged, not concerned to have been discovered and, in a way, almost taking glee in the fact that the Tok'Ra knew he knew that.

While the rest of SG-1 felt uneasy about the decision, they agreed and then continued to listen as the role of the Messenger was explained. As best that Daniel could make out, the messenger might well be the Lawyer of the Defense team, taken on board the ship while the 'witnesses' and experts spoke from the world via a large square device that acted like a virtual screen on the ship. No one saw or heard from the Messenger until they were returned to the world after the decision was made.

Many times the messenger was returned - dead. Suspicion throughout the solar system was that the Rectog's merely killed for the sake of killing. The Rectog's argued that the messenger was not strong enough to survive the mind probes in place during the trial. These mind probes detected whether the defense was telling the truth in the eyes of the messenger or not. If the defense told a falsehood the screen would indicate a red line and the Rectogs would send the rain down immediately - wiping out that civilization on the strength of a lie.

Many times there were no one left of the civilization to argue that point anyway, but word spread throughout the planets and the Rectog's were greatly feared on many worlds. It was at this point that Teal'c admitted that even Apophis was frightened of the Rectogs, and it was, apparently, one of the reasons the Gou'alds populated so many different worlds - so that the race could never really be extinct.

The whole council heard tales of how - only occasionally - a messenger would survive. If they'd been successful, they were returned to the planet to rejoin their people, however most of the time they did not return intact. The probe stole some of their memories, or their abilities - sometimes the messenger couldn't even recall their name. If was for this reason alone that the messenger was usually a volunteer. Someone fool-hearty enough to believe that they could make the difference or the wisest one of the race, or the most eloquent one who could win the case for the Race. Sometimes they were the only choice - the only hope - of the civilization and if the volunteer didn't at least attempt to save them, they were no better off when the world was wiped clean by the rancorous Rectogs.

Discussion turned at that point to the messenger and to whom might be chosen to represent the Tok'Ra in the eyes of the Rectogs. At first Selmak was chosen - being the oldest and wisest of the Tok'Ra. This choice made Sam extremely uncomfortable but her first instincts of protest were soon curbed as she reminded herself that Selmak held the deciding vote on this matter and no matter how much she protested, it would do no good in the end. She chose to sit quietly and bow her head instead, honoring her father's bravery with her own yet hoping the whole time that another choice was made instead. Martouf observed her surreptitiously from the corner of his eye.

Finally, after much deliberation, Kerrul, -another wise old Tok'ra -was chosen and Sam's audible sigh did not go unnoticed by Martouf or Jacob, the older Carter reaching out his hand and squeezing his daughter's as he gave her a quick wink. Jack wondered to himself if Kerrul was chosen because he was most expendable, but the old guy did seem to know his facts when it came to the good -doings of the Tok'Ra over the years. The somber group moved on to discuss the order with which the SG-1 team would address the Rectog Royalty. It was agreed that Jack and Sam would go into the hearing first, with Daniel and Teal'c doing a second shift should the event go on for a few days - as it had been known to do! Soon the meeting was called to a close and the SG-1 team were shown to their quarters, all occupying a separate chamber built especially for them with a crystal.

*

During the night Daniel had gotten up and wandered into Teal'c's chamber, crawling onto the hard ledge (that was meant to be the bed) with him and, wrapped in his lover's arm, he fell asleep finally. At some time in the night Teal'c must have heard a noise and moved away into the next chamber, because Daniel woke alone, with no Teal'c in sight. On investigation, he found him in the chamber Daniel had been assigned and the Jaffa explained that he'd woken early and moved away, for fear that someone should stumble upon them. Daniel nodded, apologizing for the irrational act, but the large face tilted with a warm smile as Teal'c looked at his contrite lover and he told him that it wouldn't concern him if others  discovered their truth. Daniel had merely rolled his eyes then went off in search of breakfast, finding, instead, the hot bath....

*

Now he was clean and filled with a hearty breakfast - and in search of Jack. The hearing was scheduled to begin any time now, and Daniel was about to give up hope - thinking that Jack had already been summoned by the High Council - when he stumbled upon the colonel in the room with a large water fountain in the center. He stopped at the water, scooping a cup of the liquid up and sipped it while keeping an eye on the man curled up in the corner. After a few moment Jack growled as he uncurled his long legs.

"I'm not doing anything," he mumbled gruffly.

Daniel arched his brow as he feigned innocence. "Sorry?"

Jack turned around, slamming his booted feet on to the uneven floor with a loud thud. Then he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I said I'm not doing anything. There's no point in watching me!"

Daniel wet his lips quickly then took a tentative step in Jack's direction. "I thought you might need to talk... to.. someone..."

Jack lifted his face. "No." Then with a sardonic grin he said, "Thank you!" He got up and pushed past Daniel but the anthropologist grabbed his upper arm, and kept him near.

"I'm not the enemy, Jack!" He hissed through his teeth. Jack turned his head and looked at him. "It's not my fault!" They remained in locked stares then Daniel added in a soft voice, "Any more than it was your fault...."

They both knew what he was referring to. The whole 'Graham Simmons' episode. Jack blinked and lowered his eyes to look at Daniel's mouth. Slowly he flickered his view up to the blue eyes once more. Sam rushed into the room and scurried to a stop as she saw the two of them so close together. Wondering, briefly, what she'd interrupted she reported, breathlessly, "Colonel! The contact has been made!"

Jack's gaze shifted over to her then he nodded. "Thank you, Carter." She looked between the two men then turned and trotted from the room. Jack looked back at Daniel. "Can we talk about this later?" He said. It was partly an order, partly a request. Daniel released his vice-like grip as he nodded and stepped back. Jack tugged his jacket as he walked away, following Sam to the High Council's room.

*

Daniel was still in the room, waiting with Teal'c when Sam and Jack returned from the meeting. They heard them before they saw them, Sam's voice was raised in alarm as she spoke to Jack.

"Sir, you can't do this!"

As the officers entered the room Daniel jumped to his feet and Teal'c came across to huddle with them.

"What's happened?" The anxious anthropologist asked, his eyes darting from one face to the other quickly. Sam sighed and rolled her eyes as Jack tilted his head to address Daniel.

"Kerrul died this morning."

"Oh, that's so sad.." Daniel murmured while Jack tightened his lips and rolled his eyes.

"Well, don't weep! It seems the High Council would like to send one of *us* through instead.."

"Us?" The surprised young man looked from Sam to Teal'c then to Jack. "Why us?"

Jack looked at Sam then threw his hand in the air, indicating for her to explain it, while he paced the room. Daniel didn't know where to look. At Sam, who was talking to him, or at Jack, who was pacing angrily. Teal'c silently moved in behind his right shoulder, his attention on Sam's next words.

"High Council thinks that we might have a better chance of coming back - not actually being a member of the race that's on trial.."

"But how can we represent them? I mean, how can one of us know whether they are telling the truth or not?" He asked, his blue eyes wide and alert.

"My point exactly!" Jack said, dropping his hand and letting it slap against his thigh again. He shook his head and began to pace once more. Sam turned back to Daniel.

"Well, I must admit I think it's a little strange myself but do you recall what Trelop said yesterday? That there was once a case where the messenger was allowed to go free even though the Rectogs  destroyed the race, because the messenger wasn't of that world? He was merely the mediator."

Daniel tilted his head until his ear almost rest upon his shoulder. He gave a sharp nod. "Well, yeah I remember that, and I remember thinking how odd it was that a stranger mediated the Council..."

Sam shrugged. "Like I said, I don't get it myself, but the High Priestess spoke with the Rectogs this morning and asked if that was alright - they said yes."

Daniel's jaw slackened as he turned to look at Jack. "So, we have no say in this?"

With a roll of his eyes and a heavy shrug, Jack said sarcastically, "apparently not. Damn snake-heads have dropped us right in it again...!"

"Colonel," Sam said in a tight voice.

Daniel held his hand up. "No, I'm sorry Sam, I'm inclined to side with Jack on this one.."

The colonel stopped abruptly then raised a brow as he tilted his head. "You do?

Daniel gave him a double-take then said, "Don't look so surprised, Jack. I don't disagree with everything you say..."

"Usually.." Jack said with a slight nod.

Daniel frowned at him. "No, I don't! We have different opinions on a lot of things, but I resp..."

Martouf entered the chamber and instantly felt the anger as the room settled into a seething silence. "I have come at a bad time?"

Jack snorted. "No, come on in! Sit down - put your feet up while one of 'us' steps out and get our brain's fried for you!"

Daniel blinked at Jack's rather colorful sentence but he didn't verbally oppose him. Sam hugged herself tightly as she lowered her face, unable to look at Martouf at that moment. He cast his eyes around the four angry people then lowered his face.

"I came to say that I offered myself to stand as the messenger.."

Sam looked up quickly.

"And?" Jack asked, impatiently.

Martouf looked at him. "They rejected me."

"Of course they did!" The colonel said snidely. "After all, you're only a Tok'Ra... Far be it for a Tok'Ra to defend his own race!"

Daniel glared at Jack now then looked at Martouf. "On what grounds did they reject you?"

A little bashfully, Martouf lowered his face again. "They fear I will not represent them well."

"Oh, for crying out loud!"

The green eyes looked up from under golden lashes. "Your contact with the Asgards has not gone unnoticed in this solar system, Colonel O'Neill. The Rectogs find that interesting. The Asgards are one race that even they wish to make contact with. You have already established a level of respect in the eyes of the Rectogs. High Council feels that might go in our favor if you were to represent us.."

"You're kidding, right?" Jack snorted then shook his head.

"And you, Daniel," Martouf continued, his face holding a gentle smile as he looked at the kindly man. "You are greatly admired for your compassion and your incredible ability to communicate..."

"I.. I..?" The honey-brown brows knitted together as Daniel crossed his arms over his chest tightly. "Ah, thank you."

Martouf's smile broadened. "You are welcomed." He turned to Teal'c. "As one of Apophis' First Primes' you are of interest to them on a warrior level only. They are intrigued by your alliance with the Tau'ri however and they wish to understand what it is the Tau'ri have done to deserve your loyalty...but they would not accept a Jaffa as a Messenger.."

"Bang goes most of the Goa'uld race then..." Jack mumbled.

With patience, Martouf ignored Jack's barb. "A Jaffa can defend his own kind, Colonel, just not another race. I'm sorry, Teal'c."

"What are you apologizing to him for? He's probably happy he doesn't have to go.."

"I am not, O'Neill..." Teal'c said quickly. Jack looked at him then screwed his face up as he nodded. He knew that, he was just sprouting off at Martouf!

"What about me?" Sam asked. Martouf looked at her and gave her a sympathetic smile.

"You are a woman, Samantha. They will not accept you as a messenger.."

"Great, so not only are they marauders, pillagers and rapists of lands.. but they're sexist as well!" She snorted. Jack gave a wry grin.

Turning to the group once more, Martouf continued, "I tell the truth, Colonel O'Neill. I wish I could represent my race, however it seems the High Council would prefer someone .. else..."

Sam jerked her chin slightly as she sensed the hurt from the young Tok'ra now. He had genuinely offered himself and the rejection, especially in favor of people who were not of his own race, appeared to hurt him greatly. She stepped up and touched her hand to his shoulder. He looked at her and saw her encouraging smile. "I speak the truth.." He told her softly. She nodded, giving him a gentle pat on his back as she smiled once more. He turned and left the room, and Sam turned to look into the angry eyes of her C.O.

"When you're quite ready..."

"You know, despite what he says, which, by the way, I feel is the truth, I can't believe the High Council  offered us to the Rectogs - without even consulting with us first!" Sam said, clearly upset at the Tok'Ra. A part of that, she hadn't come to realize just yet, was due to their rejection of Martouf's sincere offer.

"Would we expect anything else of them?" Jack asked sarcastically.

"Yes!" Sam snapped, then shrugged when he looked at her. "I'm sorry, Sir, but I did!"

"These people have been playing us for fools since they first met us, Carter!" Jack snarled. "Why would they be any different now?"

"Can we not simply say no to attending?" Teal'c asked.

"No. If we do, then the Rectogs will come after Earth - God knows, I don't think we could save *them*." Jack sighed as he rubbed his face.

"This is terrible!" Daniel muttered softly to himself as the realization that one of them *had* to go finally hit him. 

"I still can't believe they did that!" Sam said again.

"Well, someone has to go up there and sort this mess through!" Jack said fatalistically. Daniel twirled on the spot to look at him. Sam saw that and nodded.

"The colonel is offering to go..." she told the stupefied man as she stamped her foot and she shifted her weight onto her back foot, her hands firmly on her hips as she bowed her head. She was clearly not happy with that suggestion any more than Daniel seemed to be.

The anthropologist looked at Jack. "Is that wise?"

Sam's face jerked up. "My point exactly!"  Her attention turned sharply onto Jack.  "Sir, there's no saying what that device might do to you...!"  

Daniel held a finger up then lowered his face as he tapped the side of his finger against his lips.

"I believe Daniel was more concerned with O'Neill not being the right choice..." Teal'c said quietly as he watched his lover's reactions. 

Both officers turned to look at him. Jack's eyebrows arched high as he said, "Pardon?" He shifted his gaze onto the slightly blushing anthropologist.

"What I mean is.. that.. you're more of an..."

"Action man," Teal'c offered blandly, making Daniel cringe now.

"Teal'c.." He said, shooting his lover a quick, embarrassed smile. Teal'c arched his brow and lifted his chin into the air as he clasped his hands behind his back. Jack found the reaction interesting and tilted his head once more to look at Daniel. 

"What I mean is.."

"I'm not diplomatic enough, is that what you're saying, Daniel?"

Daniel gritted his teeth behind his smile as he said, "well... yeah.."

Sam sighed. "The Colonel's the only choice, Daniel. Teal'c isn't from earth, and I'm female - which counts me out in their prehistoric minds..."

"Well..." he gave a long deep growl, "what about me?"

"NO!" Jack and Teal'c both said together but Daniel only shot a quick look at his lover, silencing him again.

Turning his wide eyed gaze onto Jack, Daniel said, "I'm the logical choice here, Jack. Don't tell me you haven't seen that! You can't go - you're too valuable to earth..."

Teal'c bristled at Daniel's words.

"And you know zip about military procedures!" The colonel said.

"What military procedures?"

Jack shrugged. "Just in case there are any.." He muttered.

"Well, if there are.. I've been following your tail for the past few years, Jack. I think I can fudge it where the military protocols are concerned!"

"No!" Jack said flatly.

"You're being stubborn!" Daniel hissed.

"Am not!"

"Are, too!"

"Am not!"

"Are, too!"

"Am.... Daniel !!! The answer is no!" Jack shouted. The younger man swirled on the spot, stomping from the room as he muttered under his breath. Jack looked at Sam and jerked his head, indicating for her to go to him. She obeyed and soon Jack and Teal'c remained in the room alone.

"Why do you not let Daniel go on this mission?"

"Because it's a suicide mission..."

"He clearly understands the situation."

"No."

"O'Neill, I have never challenged your orders before, but it seems to me that.."

Jack flung his hand out in the direction of the doorway. "This is Daniel we're talking about here, Teal'c!" He caught his breath as they stared at each other. "Daniel..!"

"I am aware of whom we are discussing," Teal'c said coolly.

The colonel snorted. "Are you? I don't think I'd be so gung-ho about sending my boyfriend into battle somehow.."

Teal'c's back straightened and his chest expanded with a deep breath. "Daniel Jackson is a member of SG-1, O'Neill, as am I. We have agreed not to let our private life interfere with our professional choices."

The colonel's eyes darkened and he flung his hand at the ceiling. "And so you're alright with the thought of me sending him off to .. that!!! No protection. Nothing. Zip! He's not allowed to have a gun.."

"Daniel does not need a weapon, O'Neill. He has a 'way' about him that speaks to many people..."

"Well, I'm not betting his life on his 'way' with the Rectogs. They are a warrior people, they KILL.. for sport. I'm not putting Daniel out as the sacrificial bunny-rabbit!"

"Would you send me?" Teal'c asked.

"Yes. In a heartbeat!" Jack said, sounding weary.

"Is that because I am a warrior, or is it because you are not in love with me?"

Jack's mouth gaped open as he stared into the small, black eyes. "What did you just say?"

"It would appear that you would have no problem sending either CaptainCarter or myself into this situation. I wonder, then, why you find ordering Daniel to go so hard."

Jack's brow furrowed deeply. "You think I'm saying no because I'm in love with him?" Teal'c brow arched as he tilted his head. "Oh, for crying out loud!" Jack sighed and threw his hands in the air. "I do not believe you! This is Daniel..."

"I am aware.." He bowed his head slightly.

"YOUR Daniel...."

Teal'c's head lifted once more. "Of that I am also aware..."

Jack swallowed as he stared into the dark eyes. "And you're fine with me sending him in there?"

"As I have explained O'Neill, Daniel and I have discussed this. It is an issue we are both aware may happen within the course of our relationship. It has come a little sooner than either of us anticipated, but our views were strong about this. The other would step back and not interfere..."

"You could let him go, just like that?" Jack asked in a low voice.

"I respect him enough to let him do his job..."

"He could be killed...!" Jack argued passionately.

"I know.."

"And you call that respect?" The colonel scoffed. Teal'c tilted his head as he locked his gaze with Jack's.

"I call that love, O'Neill."

Sam and Daniel reentered the room, the anthropologist geared up ready for a fight with the commanding officer. He was the right person for the job and he was damn well determined to tell Jack that!

Without moving his gaze, Jack addressed the two of them. "I've changed my mind. Daniel, suit up." Teal'c slowly closed his eyes and lowered his head in a show of gratitude towards Jack. Daniel spluttered, a little taken-aback by the change of heart.

"Oh, really?" He asked, his eyes flitting from Jack to Teal'c then back to Jack, his head tilting quizzically as he blinked rapidly.

"Yeah." Jack lowered his eyes. "Really." He looked up into the blue orbs then sighed. "Go and suit up. Martouf will help you." As Daniel started for the door, Jack said to him, "Then come back here..."

The younger man nodded, knowing that to mean he had to come back to say his 'good-byes'. They exchanged a long stare then Daniel blinked quickly and turned away, heading out of the room.

"Colonel, is this wise?" Sam asked, not happy about anyone going up.

"Carter, one of us has to go. You argued when it was me and now you're arguing because it's Daniel."

She lowered her face. "I guess.."

Jack reached out and touched her shoulder. "He's the best choice. He won't screw up.." Then he lifted his eyes to see Teal'c behind her. "He'll come back.." The large head tilted slightly, but tears did rim the lower lashes, Jack could see that clearly.

*

By the time Daniel reentered the room, the air was charged with suppressed emotions. Sam jumped to her feet to cross to him. He was now wearing a shiny silver suit designed to protect his flesh during the transfer to the ship in orbit. She stood before him, her bottom lip quivering slightly.

"Sam," he scolded her in a slightly mocking tone. She bit her lips together as she hugged him tightly. "I'll be back," he promised her as he returned her hug with one arm, the other hand was holding his helmet. She nodded, her blond hair getting trapped in his mouth as he breathed in again. Pulling back, they exchanged smiles before she turned away, rubbing the tears from her eyes quickly. He wet his lips as he watched her distress but Jack stepped up to him next and he looked at him.

"Time for me to say something profound I guess.." the colonel quipped. Daniel shook his head as he smiled at him. "Good, cos I .. I.." Jack lost his humor. Daniel started to blink quickly, then he swallowed.

"This isn't goodbye, Jack."

The gray head nodded. "Better not be. You still owe me for the pizza a while back.." Daniel laughed softly as he dipped his face.

"Well, I'll be sure to make good on that when I come home again."

Jack stared at him seriously then sighed as he tugged the collar of the silver suit. "Just come home. I'll wipe the slate clean..."

Daniel blinked and swallowed again as he nodded. "Okay. I'll hold you to that though," he said with a wry smile as he prodded Jack's stomach with his gloved finger. The colonel nodded then tugged him into a very tight hug.

"Come home, Danny..." He whispered, almost tearfully. Daniel adjusted his face so that his cheek pressed against Jack's warm neck. He jostled the helmet in his hand but still held it as he hugged Jack the best he could.

"I intend to!" His lips brushed the warm skin. Then he nudged his face against Jack's throat as he whispered, "but if I.. .. Look out for Teal'c for me.."

Jack pulled back slightly and looked into the teary blue eyes. "I promise." They exchanged nervous smile then hugged tightly again. Finally Jack allowed Daniel to step away from him and then his eyes shifted to find Teal'c. Jack's breath stalled in his throat as he watched the two men come together.

Daniel stood before Teal'c, and it was as if the rest of the room didn't exist. Jack coughed softly as he bowed his head, but not before seeing the confusion in Sam's eyes as she watched the two men hug. Daniel dropped the helmet to the floor as he wrapped both arms around Teal'c tightly, their bodies crushing together as close as they could. Jack coughed again and caught Sam's attention. She looked at him, her eyes asking the question for her but with a jerk of his head, he indicated for her to follow him out of the room. She stumbled behind him, glancing over her shoulder to see Daniel tugging his gloves off and cupping Teal'c's teary face in both hands. Jack gripped her by the front of her top and yanked her from the room, both of them stumbling into the corridor outside.

She swallowed hard as she jerked her thumb towards the room. "Colonel?"

"Don't ask- don't tell, Carter.." Jack said as he slumped back against the wall, one leg bending to rest his foot against the black crystal. Sam tilted her head as she stepped closer to him. He held his hand up and silenced any further questions from her as he shook his head. "None of our business!"

Placing her hands on her hips, she asked," Can I at least ask how long you've known?"

Shaking his head again, Jack diverted his eyes, choosing to look down at the floor instead. She sighed as she shifted footing then scuffled a bit when the two men emerged from the room. Shooting a nervous glance at Jack, she then looked at them. "Uh, ready?"

Daniel nodded as he tucked the helmet under his arm then he looked at Jack. The colonel patted his shoulder and together they headed off to the High Council, leaving Sam and Teal'c behind. She watched them until they disappeared then realized she was alone in the corridor, Teal'c having gone back into the room earlier.

She entered the room and saw the Jaffa in the corner of the room, sitting on the floor, legs crossed and in a state of meditation. She wondered if Kel'na'reem was going to help him cope with the next few hours. Going to a ledge near him, she sat quietly and waited.