Title:  SACRIFICE

Author: Imagine

Feedback: on list or [email protected]

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/limagine647

Rating: NC17

Pairing: J/D

Category:   Slash.   AU.   First Time.  Angst.   Adventure.  Hurt/Comfort

Date:   18^th June 2004

Status: Complete

Season/Spoilers:  Late Season Three

Archive: AlphaGate; Area 52; The Cartouche. Anyone else please ask.

 

Synopsis:  Sacrifice means giving up something; for Daniel it means giving up everything as SG1 discover when he accidentally falls through a Quantum Mirror.

 

Notes:  Thanks to my Beta, Gateroller, couldn’t do it without you hun.

 

Warnings:  Violence; Torture; AU Character Death

 

SACRIFICE

by Imagine

 

 

Daniel was getting more frustrated by the hour.  The Mahir were very obliging except for the one thing he wanted.  The council was quite happy to come to an agreement for the possible mining of Naquada; Sam and Teal’c were out checking the soil just on the edge of the small town.  The MALP readings had been extremely promising.  Jack was getting on very well with Sempra, their version of a general as best as Daniel could work out and discussions about the small laser-like weapon were progressing apace.  Yet for some reason he couldn’t get to the bottom of why they wouldn’t allow him to enter the Temple, which he was pretty damned sure was of Goa’uld in origin.

 

The Mahir made no secret of the fact that the Goa’uld once ruled their world but it had been many centuries since – in their words – the God decided to leave.  Daniel had, of course, tried to get more details but apparently the old writings didn’t say why and as they were in the Temple, Daniel couldn’t get access to see them. 

 

They’d been talking for hours and no matter what Daniel offered, what he suggested, that fact that he pleaded, nothing worked. Suddenly Hahn held up his hands and suggested that while he couldn’t allow Daniel to enter the Temple to see the writings he would perhaps agree to have a sample brought to him.

 

Jack kept glancing at his watch and Daniel knew it was fast approaching the time that he would need to go to the Gate and report into General Hammond.  Jack wouldn’t normally want to leave Daniel on his own but he was perfectly safe here in the Town Agora.

 

Daniel politely asked permission to retire for a moment and went to speak to Jack.

 

“You go, Jack, I’m fine here.  Teal’c and Sam are nearby anyway.”

 

Jack frowned for a moment.  He knew how frustrated Daniel was over this whole Temple business and for the first time the officials agreed to send someone to bring a sample of the writings to show him.  Jack didn’t have the heart to drag him away now.

 

“Sure, okay.  I don’t have to warn you…”

 

“No, Jack,” Daniel smiled and Jack grinned in response.

 

“I’ll be back in thirty,” he said cheerfully as with a slight bow to the Council he left.

 

Daniel watched Jack leave and he couldn’t help the quick flash of desire that stole through him watching the impressive figure he cut.  It didn’t matter that he had spent three years in his company, had seen him at his best and his worst, ever since he’d recognised that the feelings he now had were more than those of a best friend, he saw Jack in a different light now. 

 

Whereas before Jack could casually pass by him buck naked in the showers and Daniel wouldn’t give it a second thought, Daniel was now be turned on by just the sight of him in his BDU’s.  Strange, he thought, how he could be ignorant of his own inner thoughts and feelings until the moment the floodgates opened and it all came pouring out.  Sometimes he wished that particular door had never opened, it was too hard, too painful to love somebody he could never have.  Yet he couldn’t find it in his heart to regret the swell of feeling this love brought.  His heart had been empty for too long and he’d never even realised it until his heart was full again.

 

Hahn called him to return to the talks and he reluctantly pulled his thoughts back to the Mahir.

 

~~~~~

 

As Jack left the town precincts and headed out into the countryside he raised a hand to Teal’c who was standing a short distance away watching Carter fill her little sample bottles with more patience than Jack ever could.  Teal’c acknowledged him with a small bow.  Jack knew he wouldn’t need to remind Teal’c that Daniel was on his own still talking with the council; he trusted the man to keep an eye on both of them while he made his quick trip to the Gate and back.

 

He actually appreciated the time to himself.  The walk to the Gate would allow him to get better control of his wandering thoughts.  Having to sit in the council chamber with Daniel for so many hours was not conducive to a calm Jack O’Neill.  He enjoyed Daniel-watching and he couldn’t do that comfortably under the eagle eye of half a dozen crafty old men.  He had to portray the perfect C.O., protecting the ambassador which was how the Mahir saw Daniel.  They accepted that Jack was in nominal charge of the mission but that Daniel was the spokesperson for his people and it was therefore natural that he would should be treated with respect and be protected. 

 

The protection was no problem and Jack respected Daniel more than anyone he had ever met; he also lusted after him like no one else he had ever met.  He almost wished it was just lust he felt for the man.  Lust after his body he couldn’t deny but he also desired his heart and soul.  Jack had only ever been in love like this once before and he had married her.  He wasn’t even sure if what he felt for Daniel wasn’t even more than he’d felt for Sarah.  He’d never even touched Daniel, well not in that way anyhow and he was pretty sure he hadn’t felt this wrapped up in Sarah until they consummated their relationship.

 

He also knew that a relationship with Daniel was what he would like to have but it was also the last thing he expected.  He was pretty sure Daniel loved him but he was also sure – almost sure – that it was only as his best friend.  When he allowed himself to fantasise he imagined that they indulged in hot, down and dirty sex.  Occasionally when he was in a mellower, romantic mood the down and dirty became sensual and passionate as Daniel told him he loved him.  Jack knew which he really wanted.  Down and dirty was fun, sensual and passionate was permanent.  Not that he’d refuse Daniel if he wanted down and dirty too.  Oh god, I’m rambling.  Get your head out of your ass.  Your ass not his!

 

Shaking his head in disgust at himself Jack realised he was almost at the Gate.  He climbed the last small hillock and the steps were visible now.  He made a beeline for the DHD just to the left of the steps.  He’d reached it and his hand was just poised to press the first glyph when the Gate began to turn.  He froze for a moment in shock.  He quickly checked his watch, he couldn’t possibly be late, and even if he was Hammond wouldn’t contact them so quickly, he would allow them time to be overdue. 

 

He quickly dropped behind the DHD, the only cover for half a mile which was where the forest began. He knew he was in a bad position if hostiles were to come through the Gate but he had no choice.  Most of the path back to the town was through open meadowland, with just the forest bordering the path on the south side. 

 

The wormhole opened and Jack’s nightmare came to fruition when a group of Jaffa came through.  One immediately headed for the DHD and Jack did the only thing he could, he brought up his P90 and sent a burst in the direction of the Jaffa headed for him then sweeping the weapon in an arc even as the first Jaffa fell.  He took down four of them but already more Jaffa were coming through the open wormhole.

 

Jack knew he wasn’t going to survive this time.  He was alone and he was already vastly outnumbered and they were still arriving through the Gate.  He’d always believed he would die on the battlefield and for that he had no regrets.  The only thing he did regret was that he’d never told Daniel how he felt about him.  Somehow he’d always believed that one day he would pluck up the courage to tell the archaeologist how very much he loved him.  Now that day would never come and he felt swamped by the unexpected pain of loss.

 

Brushing aside his swirling emotions he hunkered down lower behind the DHD and just poured as much fire into the oncoming horde as he could.  He never even saw the Jaffa moving so carefully behind him.  He’d forgotten for that brief fateful moment just how very quiet Teal’c could be when he needed.  This Jaffa must have taken lessons from Bra’tak too it would seem.  He stood not more than six feet from Jack when he shot him with his zat. 

 

Shaking with the effect from the zat and struggling against the pain Jack rolled over to face the man who had shot him, needing to face the second shot that he was sure was going to follow.  He didn’t expect to be clouted in the temple by a staff weapon inside.  His world went black.

 

~~~~~~

 

Teal’c was kneeling beside Major Carter helping her to pack up her samples carefully in the special case provided.  He shouldered her pack together with his own to allow her to carry her precious cargo.  The major was looking forward to the dinner that was shortly to take place in the Agora.  As honoured guests the Tau’ri were being very well looked after by the Mahir.  As usual Daniel seemed to have made a very good impression and was the favoured of their group though for once the usually abrasive O’Neill was on fine form, charming Sempra in particular.  Sam was joking about the colonel trying to prove to Daniel that he could be diplomatic when the need arose.

 

Suddenly Teal’c stopped and was clearly listening. 

 

“What is it Teal’c?”

 

He didn’t answer at first, slowly turning to stare in the direction of the Gate.

 

“I am unsure MajorCarter but I believe something is wrong.”  He listened for a moment longer then said sharply, “Hurry, get to DanielJackson!”

 

She never had a chance to follow the hasty instruction as the ground in front of her exploded with the familiar discharge of a staff weapon. 

 

They were in a very bad position, exposed as they were outside the environs of the small town.  They dropped to the ground immediately, both swinging their weapons towards the now visible swiftly oncoming Jaffa.  It was immediately obvious the odds of their survival if they stayed where they were would be slim; there were just too many of the enemy and they had no cover. 

 

Carter yelled above the noise of her P90 and the numerous staff weapons, “We need to make a run for the town gate!”

 

Teal’c merely nodded and by unspoken agreement they rose to their feet and began to run, leaving both packs and her sample case on the ground.  They couldn’t afford the extra weight. 

 

They so nearly made it when Sam was hit in the side by a staff blast and fell to the ground with a cry of pain.  Teal’c dropped to his knees, one hand still firing towards the oncoming Jaffa as the other attempted to pull the major to her feet.  She staggered and with his hand still holding her bicep they attempted to run again.

 

The Jaffa, knowing a weakened target when they saw one, concentrated their fire on her, bringing her down again, this time with a blast to her back. 

 

“Go, Teal’c,” she gasped out.  “You can’t help me now, go to Daniel.”

 

Neither of them mentioned the colonel, they both knew he had been near the Gate when the Jaffa came through, the odds were that he was already dead.  Either way there was no way to get to him. They both knew if he’d been there what orders he would have given.

 

Giving a last sad look at the dying woman, Teal’c obeyed her last request and ran to try to protect the civilian member of their team and their very good friend.

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel was just wondering how much longer it would be before Jack returned.  He expected he would arrive with Sam and Teal’c, he would have to pass their position on his return from checking in and as it was nearing dinner time they would be coming in too. 

 

He had some news when they finally arrived.  The sample of writings had been brought from the Temple and the Council meeting broke up to allow him time to study and try and decipher the language that only the priests supposedly understood. 

 

Not surprisingly it was written in Goa’uld, though of an older dialect that Daniel was having a little difficulty with.  However, he now knew the name of the ‘God’ that had once ruled there.

 

He could just imagine the sarcastic remarks that Jack would make when he told him that it was the god of fertility and sexual potency, Min, who had ruled here, especially when he told him that the way to worship him was by orgiastic festivals.  His amusement was quickly tempered with sadness that all this talk of sex and orgasms would be no more than a joke to Jack when Daniel would like nothing more than to be orgasmic with him.

 

Daniel jumped to his feet in shock at the sound of gunfire interspersed with the dull echo of staff blast fire.  Jack!  Horror flooded through him when he realised that the most obvious way the Jaffa could have arrived was through the Gate – which was exactly where Jack was. 

 

He ran from the Agora and headed to where he knew Sam and Teal’c were working; they could in fact be on their way back – please god, with Jack.  Yet, Daniel couldn’t help the terrible chill that pervaded his being with the certainty that Jack was in the thick of things.

 

In the streets the people were running and with half his mind Daniel registered that it was not so much panic as people running to get off the streets, running into their homes and barring the doors. Yet they weren’t running around in a terrible panic as one would expect of a people invaded by the soldiers of a God they believed to have left centuries before. Something didn’t quite make sense. He pushed his misgivings to the back of his mind; he didn’t have time to ponder them now.

 

He almost reached the town gate before he saw the first Jaffa and he quickly flattened himself behind the garden wall of one the houses, quickly and quietly working his way around the house to come out nearer the town gate and hopefully out of sight of the invading Jaffa.

 

As he moved cautiously around the far side of the house, almost at the gate he saw the familiar figure of Teal’c staggering injured, still attempting to fire.  Daniel was horrified to see the wounds on his friend’s body.  Teal’c stumbled toward where Daniel was hiding, presumably trying to find somewhere to secret himself. 

 

Teal’c’s eyes widened when he spotted Daniel hiding behind the wall.  He carefully crawled to his friend.

 

“Run,” he gasped.  “I cannot …protect you.  Not much…time.”

 

“Oh, Teal’c.  Sam?”  He swallowed.  “Jack?”

 

“Dead.  O’Neill, I do not know, probably.”  Daniel closed his eyes for a second and then he shut the pain away and reached out for Teal’c. 

 

The Jaffa pushed his hand away, “Go…now!” Teal’c gasped desperately.  “I will give you what time I can.”   With that he forced himself to his knees and turned his back on Daniel to fire again at the approaching Jaffa.

 

With a last painful look Daniel slipped back into the shadows.  He knew what Teal’c wanted him to do.  The inhabitants were human and Daniel could speak the language perfectly.  He could blend in and Min’s Jaffa would never know once he got rid of his uniform.  Yet he wasn’t concerned with himself, he wanted, he needed to know what had happened to Jack.  Sam was already dead and Teal’c would soon follow and as distressed as that made him feel, not knowing what happened to Jack was tearing him apart.

 

He would take half the unspoken advice and steal some local clothing.  The Mahir wore leggings of a soft material with a matching tunic over which a tabard of soft leather.  On their feet they wore soft short bootees, so different from the green BDU’s he was wearing. The heavy jacket and wide pants tucked into strong boots stood out a mile.

 

He needed to get outside the town but he also knew he needed to find different clothing first.  He scanned the houses in the immediate vicinity and in the garden of one there was a line of clothes drying.  He hurried over and much to his relief he saw a set of leggings and a tunic.  The leggings looked a little short but he was sure he could get them on.  But he also needed a tabard and some soft boots. Tucking his spoils under his arm he headed for the back of the house. 

 

He could see half a dozen people all clustered around the large window at the front of the house, watching the Jaffa marching along the streets.  His luck was in, he should be able to enter the house unseen and if his luck held find the other items he needed.  He opened the door and slipped quietly inside, making his way immediately up the stairs to the back room.  There were three rooms off a central small hall.  Daniel quickly went to the nearest and there on a hook on the wall was a tabard and underneath was a pair of boots.  There was still a lot of noise from outside so he risked changing in the room.  As he suspected the leggings were a little short but the tunic and tabard fit him well enough. The boots were actually a little large and he could just tuck the leggings inside the boot tops. 

 

Carrying his uniform and boots to hide somewhere outside he hurried from the house.  Again hugging the walls he made his way to the town gate wondering how the hell he could get past the Jaffa who were still pouring through.

 

He was just debating the possibility of climbing over the town wall when he heard a commotion.  Turning back to the sound he saw the Jaffa part to allow someone to enter through the gate.  He saw a large well built man sporting a gold emblem on his forehead.  The First Prime.  Daniel craned his neck to try and get a view of the emblem to see if he could confirm his supposition about the Goa’uld who ruled this world and as soon as he saw the jagged thunderbolt he knew he was correct. It was the sign of Min.  He dropped his eyes and recoiled in shock at what he saw. 

 

In the man’s hand he was holding the thick end of a rope and pulling behind him, dragging in the dirt was Jack O’Neill.  The other end of the rope was attached to his ankles and his arms were thrown loosely over his head as he bounced over the uneven ground.  Oddly, Daniel was grateful to see his eyes were closed as he assumed the Jaffa was pulling Jack’s body.  His heart was breaking to see his love dead but he knew it would be even worse to see him at the mercy of a power-crazed Goa’uld without chance of rescue.

 

Then suddenly, the Prime bent down and hauled Jack to his feet, shaking him like a rag doll.  To Daniel’s horror, with a low groan Jack’s eyes lolled open before sliding shut again.  Oh dear, god, no he’s still alive.

 

Why was life so perverse?  Only moments ago he’d planned to go and find Jack and help him escape, help him live. Daniel needed Jack to live so that he too would have a future.  Now only a few minutes later, Daniel wished Jack had died quickly from a staff blast rather than face his terrible painful future, for Daniel had no illusions that the Goa’uld would torture Jack for whatever information Min thought he might gain.

 

He watched forlornly as the Jaffa slapped Jack hard across the face and dropped him back to the ground like a sack of potatoes.  Taking a firm grip on the rope he began his parade through the town streets, heading for the Agora.  Or perhaps Daniel thought with sudden insight, to the Temple. 

 

It was suddenly clear.  They had refused him entry to the Temple because they knew the Goa’uld would soon return.  He had never left all those centuries ago; it was all some devious plan, though he didn’t yet have enough information to deduce the real reason why.

 

He straightened his shoulders, shook off his despair and fear.  He was now Jack’s only possible chance.  With the rest of SG1 dead – how could he think that so calmly, so casually? – and the Gate for all intents and purposes closed to the SGC, there was no one else.  Gathering his courage and his will, he followed the macabre spectacle as it moved towards the centre of town.

 

~~~~~

 

Jack was trying to stay conscious, fighting the darkness creeping along his vision and the pain pounding through his abused body.  He desperately wanted to know what had happened to Daniel.  He already knew that Carter was dead.  The First Prime, his name was something like Cannon or maybe Cranor, had taken great pleasure in showing him the major’s body and then proceeded to beat him as two Jaffa held him; the bastard’s idea of showing his superiority to the upstart Tau’ri apparently.

 

He wasn’t yet sure what had happened to Teal’c.  He knew of only two reasons Teal’c would have left Carter; one she was already dead and there was nothing to be gained by staying with her.  Secondly, and Jack thought this was the more likely, he had gone to protect Daniel, most likely at Carter’s command.  Though Jack suspected Teal’c wouldn’t have left her if she wasn’t already beyond help. 

 

So possibly – god I hope so – Teal’c had managed to protect Daniel, maybe even get him out of town to safety.  Safety?  Did that even exist in this place now?

 

The damned Prime was pulling him again.  He seemed to take great pride in dragging him around by his heels.  He’d been tied and dragged like this ever since they’d found poor Carter’s body outside the walls. Jack had tried to fight back, tried to get free only to receive a kick to the back of his legs and a fist in his solar plexus, doubling him up in a vain attempt to protect his abdomen.  He gave up then, realising he needed to conserve what strength he had left for when it might be needed to help Daniel or Teal’c if the chance arose.  He was trying not to think about the inevitable torture waiting for him.

 

Jack had no idea who the Goa’uld was who ruled this world.  He’d seen the emblem on the foreheads of the Jaffa but didn’t recognise it. Hopefully whoever it was wouldn’t recognise him or that he was SG1.  He prayed that Daniel’s existence would remain hidden.

 

The Jaffa were forcing the populace to come out of their homes.  Surprisingly, to Jack, it appeared as if there had been little fighting. Other than SG1 and a few young men, all of whom had been killed, the Jaffa had simply walked from the Gate to the town.  Herded by the Jaffa and in the wake of the Prime, everyone was heading for the centre of town, towards the steps of the Agora.

 

When the Prime reached the steps he halted, dragging Jack along the ground until he lay in a heap at the Jaffa’s feet.  The Jaffa commander bent down, knife in hand and Jack tensed wondering if he’d misjudged the situation after all and the Prime was going to kill him in the centre of town as an example for the locals.  The man gave him a disdainful glance before with a quick slice he cut the rope from Jack’s ankles.

 

Everyone waited in silence.  Jack could hear his own breath gasping from his lips, as he fought his pain and despair.  Then he heard it, the distinctive sound of transport rings forming…

 

~~~~~~

 

Daniel tried to keep pace with the Prime so he could keep as close to Jack as possible as he was hauled along towards the Agora.  He was positive now that something special was going to happen there, so he wasn’t surprised to hear the ominous sound.  He watched as the huge metal rings, made from Naquada, flashed down one after the other until they filled with a flash of light as the Goa’uld Min materialised surrounded by three guards. 

 

He was dressed gaudily in a short, stiff Egyptian style kilt in gold, topped with a short bolero-style sleeveless jacket in white also edged with gold.  From his shoulders hung a long cloak, flung back.  It was gold edged with white.  He was not quite as tall as Daniel but sturdier of build and he cut a very impressive figure with his dark hair and clear green eyes.

 

As soon as he materialised everyone dropped to their knees and bowed their heads.  Daniel followed suit.  Almost immediately the Prime rose again and moved directly in front of his god.

 

“My Lord, I have a gift for your amusement.  This is the leader of the Tau’ri scum.  I allowed him to live so he may answer your questions.”

 

“What of his companions?” the voice of the Goa’uld echoed harshly.

 

“Dead, my Lord.  A female and a sholva.”

 

“Sholva?”

 

“He bore the mark of the First Prime of Apophis but he fought with the Tau’ri.”

 

“Ah, I have heard of this one.  Pity he is dead, Cryon he would have been quite a prize.”

 

Jack reeled at the news that Teal’c was also dead but he hung on to his relief like a lifeline that no mention had been made of Daniel.

 

To underline the terrible words of the Prime, Cryon, two Jaffa pushed their way through the crowd which rose to their feet to allow passage.  They were each dragging a body behind them, Sam and Teal’c.  They didn’t stop until they dropped them at the feet of Cryon, directly in front of Jack.  Hearing they were dead was one thing, observing their unseeing eyes somehow looking accusingly at him, made the blood freeze in Jack’s veins.

 

Daniel clearly saw Jack’s face and felt his gut clench at the pain that flickered across his face as he looked at the bodies of his friends.  Daniel’s eyes were drawn to their bodies twisted like thrown away rag dolls and he had to swallow the bile that threatened to rise.

 

Min moved forward to stand on the step directly above Jack and he spoke in a low voice that only carried to those nearest.

 

“Know this, Tau’ri, I am your god and you will bend to my will.  I will take your world and prove that your kind is no more than an irritation to be swatted like an insect.”

 

“Ya think?” Jack said derogatively lurching to his feet to face his enemy eye to eye.

 

Daniel was both relieved and afraid to hear Jack speak, knowing that he would use his infamous sarcasm no matter the cost, yet buoyed by the knowledge that his will of iron still held strong as he stood swaying to face the Goa’uld.

 

Min raised his hand and Daniel was not surprised to see a ribbon device flare into life as the Goa’uld almost casually aimed it at Jack’s forehead.  Groaning and falling to his knees Jack suffered under the all-too-familiar pain.

 

Dismissing the Tau’ri by a flick of his wrist, Min moved forward to address the waiting crowd.

 

“My people, I am glad that you obeyed my standing command to occupy any strangers who travel through the Chappa’ai and send word to me of their arrival. You have learned well to obey your god and that you can never escape my wrath if you fail me.  You have unknowingly done me a great service in warning me of these particular strangers.  They are well known to me and have long been a thorn in my side and they will now learn they are no match for your god!”

 

With a sick heart Daniel realised that they’d been tricked – that he had been fooled, taken in by what they wanted to hear.

 

Min turned and walked the short distance to the Temple, which Daniel now realised was really his stronghold. Cryon grabbed a hold of Jack’s shoulder giving him a rough shove to follow in the wake of Min.

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel was rapidly reaching the end of his tether.  He knew without a shadow of a doubt now that he was Jack’s only chance of escape.  He had considered attempting to reach the Gate under the cover of darkness because even if Jack had been in contact with General Hammond before the Jaffa invaded, they were still overdue now for the next check-in.

 

However, he’d heard some Jaffa talking among themselves and it was clear from what they said that the Gate was heavily guarded. Apparently Min felt nowhere near as secure as he led the people to believe.  He wanted to ensure that no more Tau’ri could come through following the attempt earlier to send a machine.  Obviously Jack hadn’t reported in earlier and the general had sent a MALP through to see what the situation was when they had missed their second check-in.  By now Hammond would have assessed matters as being too dangerous to send any further teams and he had no choice but to count them as MIA.  He would not risk more personnel against such odds just to try and rescue them, no matter how he might personally wish to do so.  He would hope they could extricate themselves from whatever situation they found themselves in.

 

Daniel had to get inside the stronghold somehow.  He was wracking his brains to think of a way.  He dreaded to think what was happening to Jack inside that place while he sat quietly outside the Mahir version of an inn.

 

He could hear a Jaffa patrol approaching and wondered if it would do him any good to try and do something to get taken into custody, perhaps end up in the cells where he presumed Jack was being held.  Then he realised the Jaffa could just as easily kill him where he stood, it was unlikely they had any particular use for the locals which was all he appeared to be.  All my vaunted intelligence and I can’t think of a thing!

 

The patrol stopped and Daniel realised there were a few young locals with the patrol. One of Jaffa stared at him and for a moment he thought they knew who he was. Then another one called two young women over who had been talking nearby and a third Jaffa entered the building.  A moment later he exited bringing two young men with him. 

 

The first Jaffa indicated to Daniel and said, “Come, you have been honoured.  You will serve your god.”

 

One of the young women looked frightened and in a scared voice she asked, “What does the god require of us?”

 

“He requires servants for many reasons,” a Jaffa replied.

 

Another one laughed and added, “Yes, likes them young and pleasing to the eye.”

 

Every Goa’uld seemed the same Daniel thought, all they cared about was power and pleasure, control and domination and underpinning all of that was the desire for perfection.  They stole the bodies of unfortunate people unlucky enough to be born with desirable looks. The Goa’uld kept himself surrounded with good looking young men in case one day he would need a host and the young women would probably face the oldest problem in the world.

 

The passing thought occurred that Min may even like young men but he dismissed it as unimportant.  There were plenty of other younger, much more handsome men in the group than he was, he thought.

 

Daniel could hardly believe his luck that he had found a way inside.  Fate was on his side after all.

 

~~~~~

 

Finally Daniel stepped inside the forbidden building and it was most certainly not a temple, a palace was a better description; at least the Goa’uld version of one.  The golden walls were covered with the usual glyphs interspersed with grill work and the occasional tapestry.  He had been inside for about an hour.  When they first entered the ‘servants’ were split into two groups, one male and the other female.  Daniel and the other young men were taken into a room and told to strip and then they were led into an adjoining room where there was a large sunken pool in which they had to bathe.  When they had dried themselves they were all given new clothing to wear. 

 

Daniel shook his out and grimaced at what he found; a sleeveless tunic that could be tied loosely at the waist with the golden cord provided. There was also a pair of skin tight leggings that just about reached mid-thigh even though they didn’t exactly hide anything, rather outlining his attributes, so he was grateful to find that the tunic covered the leggings.

 

When they were all dressed in the servant’s garb they were taken to learn their new duties.  Daniel was assigned to the kitchens and instructed how to behave when serving in the throne room.  Awaiting his opportunity he palmed a small sharp knife and at the first opportunity slipped it inside his leggings where it was held tightly in place, grateful yet again that the tunic covered the leggings. 

 

A short time later he was given a large tray containing a tall, wide based crystal decanter and a few matching goblets.  One of the young women was given a tray of food and they were both told to go to the throne room and serve their god.  A Jaffa showed them the way but told them they would have to remember it in the future.  Daniel looked around carefully trying to work out the layout of the place.  Even though he was in a large building and not on a ship, the layout seemed remarkably similar to the interior of the larger Goa’uld vessels, the Hat’ak.  He hoped he would have an opportunity soon to escape his new duties and try to search for the cells and find Jack.

 

His opportunity came sooner than he’d expected when the First Prime demanded some more wine.  He quickly bowed and backed out of Min’s presence ostensibly to obey the command.  In fact as soon as he was outside he stowed the tray behind one of the decorative grills and headed down a long corridor, turning at the end to descend into the lower levels where the cells ought to be.

 

He was right about where the location of the cells but unfortunately he was wrong about Jack being there.  There were six cells and they were all empty. He was concerned as soon as he realised there were no guards, in fact no-one at all in this part of the complex.

 

He had a moment of panic that he was too late and that Jack was already dead but his logic quashed that.  There was no sign that anyone had even been down in this part of the stronghold for some time, it looked deserted, abandoned. No, wherever they were holding Jack it wasn’t down here.

 

Exhausted, physically and emotionally, Daniel leaned against one of the walls and allowed himself to slide down and sat hunched up, arms around his knees as he tried to think.

 

Suddenly it hit him; Min would want to keep his prize nearby so he could interrogate him at his leisure.  Polite way to describe torture.  Oh Jack!

 

More determined than ever to keep out of sight he carefully made his way back towards the throne room.  Hearing the click of a lock opening Daniel ducked back behind one of the grills and he watched as two Jaffa exited a room two doors away. 

 

“Yes, Cryon has been impressed anyway about how strong the prisoner is but still it is only a matter of time now,” the first said, turning back to his companion.

 

“No,” the other commented with a sly grin, “the Prime has never yet failed and he’s not used all his instruments yet.”

 

With a chill climbing up his spine Daniel watched as one of them locked the door and when the heavy sound of their footsteps had passed he swiftly moved to it, twisted the lightning bolt glyph and entered.

 

It was dim in the room and at first he couldn’t see anyone and he thought he’d made a mistake until he heard a faint sound.  Was that a moan?

 

He moved slowly into the room, afraid now at what he might find. In the half-light he spotted the figure huddled in the corner of the room and he sucked in his breath at the sight.

 

Jack was almost naked, his body only covered by the torn remnants of his boxers.  Hardly a patch of his skin was unmarked.  There were bruises, cuts, welts, the obvious striping caused by a whip across his back, interspersed with burn marks probably from the pain stick.  Daniel fell to his knees alongside him and tried to pull Jack into his arms, murmuring his name as he did so.

 

With a soft cry of pain, Jack slowly lifted his head and managed to open his swollen eyes a crack.  When he saw who was holding him, murmuring words of comfort to him Jack relaxed into the embrace with a contented smile.

 

With a voice like sandpaper, he murmured, “Daniel, you’re alive, thank god.”  He reached a bloodied hand up to try and touch his cheek but it fell before he could make contact.  “I’m so happy to see you safe, I was afraid.  Sam, Teal’c …they…they…”

 

“I know, Jack.  I saw them.  I have to get you out of here now.”

 

“No, you can’t,” he croaked.  “You go, now, please.  It’s too dangerous. Have you managed to keep a weapon?”

 

“I know it’s dangerous, god look at you.  I managed to steal a knife and there is no way I’m leaving here without you,” the archaeologist said determination in every line of his body.  “Come on let’s get you on your feet.”

 

Jack shook his head, “Sorry, Daniel but I can’t.  Besides the …obvious, they’ve broken my legs.  Can’t stand, let alone walk.”

 

Daniel was horrified.  “No!”

 

“You can’t help me, you must think about yourself now.”  Jack looked at Daniel as if he’d just realised what he was wearing.  “I see you managed to blend in.  I’m sorry it won’t be much of a life for you but at least it will be a life. Thank god they don’t seem to know about you, that we were four.”

 

“I can’t just walk away and leave you here.  You can’t expect me to simply carry on as if…as if…”

 

“Yes, I can, I do.  I’m as good as dead and you know it.  There is no way I can escape. Please Daniel, live.  Let me die knowing you are safe.”

 

Daniel stared at Jack, numb, not even able to let the tears flow. How can I just walk away, I can’t.  Oh, Jack, you have no idea.

 

Staring at his friend’s face Jack could see every thought flickering across his expressive face.  He knew he was running out of time.  Cryon would be back soon.

 

“Daniel, I’m sorry, so sorry but I have one …final …favour to ask of you.”  Daniel frowned at the crack in Jack’s voice as much as at the odd words.

 

“Favour?”

 

Jack closed his eyes a second, swallowed and then ploughed on.  “I need you to help me die.”

 

Eyes wide with shock, Daniel back away.  “No, no. No!”

 

“Daniel, please!  Don’t you see? I can’t escape; I’m going to die here… it’s just a matter of time. They’ll be coming for me again soon and I …don’t know how much more I can take.  Cryon has already promised me that next time he’ll...  He carries a large case with him …I admit I’m terrified that eventually he’ll break me, make me talk. You understand what he wants.  Min plans to invade Earth. I can’t betray the SGC, my world. I can’t!” he stopped, gasping for breath, squeezing Daniel’s hand.  “Please you must help me, Daniel. I’d rather die now.  Please, if you care for me at all, help me.  I wish I was strong enough to do it myself but anyway I don’t have anything.” He fell back exhausted.

 

Daniel knelt frozen in dread silence staring at Jack.  If I care for you at all?  

 

He was torn in two.  Logically he knew Jack was right. There was no way Daniel could get him out, not on his own and not in the condition Jack was in. They would keep torturing him, tearing him to pieces until either he talked or he finally died.  Daniel couldn’t bear the thought, yet he knew that Jack was doomed.

 

However, he didn’t know if he could do what Jack was asking.  He loved Jack so much.

 

As if Jack was reading his mind he softly said. “I know you care for me – you love me. “

 

Daniel gasped. 

 

“I think I’ve always known, Daniel.  Don’t you know I love you too? I always have.  Just couldn’t do anything about it.”  Jack said sadly.  Sighing he continued, “I’m sorry, so sorry for our missed opportunity and sorrier than I can say to ask you to do this, you of all people.” 

 

Daniel stared at him; for once in his life he has no words. Jack loves me?

 

Fighting against threatening tears, Jack said.  “Just go, leave me your knife and go.”

 

Daniel’s control broke and the tears came, slow and heavy.  “I can’t,” he whispered brokenly.

 

Daniel pulled out his knife, his hand shaking as he turned it over in his hand.  Jack eyed it, relief warring with regret. He lifted his eyes to Daniel’s face and was held by the love in those brilliant blue eyes. Staring into Jack’s eyes Daniel took him in his arms leaning down carefully so as not to hurt him more than he already was. 

 

Daniel was trembling or was it Jack?  The archaeologist wasn’t sure, didn’t think he would ever be sure of anything ever again. Jack relaxed into Daniel’s arms unconsciously catching his breath in anticipation of just one final pain to come.

 

Heart thudding in his chest, Daniel tenderly captured Jack’s lips and they shared their first and last kiss. As Jack closed his eyes and sighed with pleasure and relief into the kiss, Daniel steeled himself and firmly slid his knife in under Jack’s ribs as he’d been taught and up into his heart.  Jack’s eyes snapped open and he stared at Daniel whose eyes were now full of pain and with the ghost of a smile he closed his eyes and sighed his last breath.

 

Gathering Jack to him Daniel wept.

 

~~~~~

 

Finally, Daniel laid Jack down and shuffled backwards to settle a couple of feet away to sit hunched up staring at him.  How had his world degenerated into such a nightmare?  A few hours ago he was daydreaming of loving this man, sad because of the impossibility that Jack could ever return it.  Now at a time that should have provided his greatest joy, learning that Jack did indeed love him in return and in fact always had, instead he was flung into a pit of dark desolation.

 

He had freed Jack from his terrifying future only to create an empty one for himself.  What was there left for him now?  He understood now that he had always lived in the hope that perhaps one day …now that day could never come.  With a sigh of despair he got stiffly to his feet and stood looking at the relaxed expression on Jack's face; at least he'd been able to let him go in peace. 

 

He didn't know what to do with himself. All purpose was gone now.  He had no wish to live any sort of life in this place that had taken everything that was important in his life. 

He may as well stay here and let the Jaffa take him, what did it matter?

 

Then his eyes fell on the knife still embedded in Jack's chest and his mouth dropped open with the realisation that such a stupid act would make Jack's death senseless.  Jack had died to protect the security of the SGC and Earth.  Daniel knew as much as Jack.  He must not be taken.  As much as he hated the idea he knew he must take Jack's advice and blend in with the locals.

 

Squaring his shoulders, he took a few deep breaths attempting to get a grip on his emotions.  Suddenly remembering one last service he had to do for Jack he reached down and removed his dog tags, holding them tightly in his hand before with one last lingering look at Jack he turned and moved towards the door. Carefully he opened it, slipped outside into the empty corridor, turning to head back to the kitchens.  He would have to make up some excuse to cover his long-delayed return with the wine to the throne room.  He would probably be punished for his laxity but that didn't matter, nothing mattered any more.

 

He hadn't gone very far when he heard the heavy footfalls of approaching Jaffa and he quickly hid, not wanting to be found in this area.  There were two of them, deep in conversation.

 

"How is it possible that no-one realised there were four of them?"

 

One of the Jaffa laughed sourly.  "It appears they were so afraid of my Lord Min that none of them wanted to correct his assumption that there had only been the three of them.  It was only when he asked about the discussions that took place, what exactly the Tau'ri wanted here that one of the old fools told of the younger one who did all the talking."

 

"Even so, why do they assume he could be here in the palace?"

 

"He was seen in the crowd when Cryon dragged their leader before Lord Min.  The leader of the council said the younger one was close to the leader and might want to help him. Apparently he was a handsome one and he may have used the gathering of my Lord's new servants as a means of entry."

 

"Well he's not as smart as they say then.  He's walked right into our hands.  No way is he going to get out of here now."

 

"No, Cryon has already gathered most of the servants and once he has them all one of the Mahir will soon pick him out."   

 

As their voices faded Daniel allowed himself to breathe again. What could he do now?  No way could he blend in with the other servants, it was too late for that.  He had to hide and hope maybe when things quietened down he could slip out of the palace then.  Perhaps he could hide out in the forest, surely they would relax their guard on the Gate one day soon and maybe he could escape, try and make his way home.  He couldn't go directly home, he knew that.  He no longer had his GDO and even if he did, his codes would be locked out by now.

 

However, first things first.  He had to hide but where?  The lower levels, there might be somewhere there. Very quietly and with extreme care he made his way back down to the lower levels looking for somewhere to hide.

 

The cells were on his left but he decided they wouldn't make a good hiding place, they were empty and the slightest sound echoed along the corridors.

 

He turned right instead and walked along another seemingly deserted corridor.  There were only two doors off the corridor before it turned right again at the end and when he got there he found himself facing a dead end.  There were two doors here, one on his left and the other opposite.  He opened the left door and found himself in a large storage area.  There were crates and drums, large boxes and tables topped with small boxes and loose items.  It reminded Daniel of the nether regions of innumerable museums back on Earth.  A veritable Aladdin's cave.  Perhaps he would be safe here for a while.

 

He moved towards the back wall of the room where some of the larger items were stored.

 

Slipping behind one of the large crates he sat down, knowing he was at the end of his tether, trying to still the too fast beat of his heart.

 

Perhaps sitting quiet for a while would help.

 

Five minutes later he decided nothing could help.  Sitting there only allowed his mind to slip back and relive the terrible moment he'd killed the man he loved.  He couldn't stop the feeling of the knife sliding into Jack's flesh, the warmth of the blood as it seeped over his hand.  He kept telling himself it was for the best but that didn't stop the guilt swamping him and the more the thoughts swirled around in his head the more chilled and quivery he felt.  Absently he wondered if he was going into shock.

 

For a moment he thought he was imagining things, hearing a voice that sounded like Teal'c, deep, echoing, then he realised he was hearing a voice.  Jaffa were approaching.

 

Belatedly realising he'd made a terrible mistake hiding out in the storage room he got to his feet.  He had trapped himself with no way out.  Jack would be furious with him.  The truth of the casual thought hit him like a ton of bricks and he felt actual physical pain for a moment. Shocked and panicking he staggered backward into a table covered with small objects and reaching out to steady himself his hand encountered one of the items.  It was a small triangular piece about the size of his hand. Absently, his attention on the door, all that separated him from the threat of the Jaffa, he touched a protuberance on the device. He didn't hear the slight buzzing because just then the door was flung open.  Desperately retreating to try and keep out of sight, he backed into a large stone like object and he felt a tingle run through him.  Quickly he turned to see what he'd collided with but he'd never seen anything like it before.

 

Dismissing it as unimportant he turned back to see what the Jaffa were up to - and he was shocked by what he saw.

 

The room was now dark and dusty, looking abandoned.  Gone were most of the crates and boxes.  The table where he had picked up the small object was now empty; he looked down at his hand just to make sure he'd not imagined it but the item was sitting there large as life.

 

Daniel was suddenly afraid.  What the hell's going on?  He didn't understand, yet he was grateful that the Jaffa too seemed to have vanished; the door to this room was still closed.

 

He began to speculate.  It must have something to do with whatever it was he'd backed into.  He turned again to look at the oddly shaped object.  It was a little larger than a man and vaguely triangular too, a mirror edged in stone.  He stared into the mirrored surface and it was only then that he realised it was not a mirror, the image he could see was not a reflection of the room he was now in but it the one he'd just left. 

 

He could still see the Jaffa searching and panicking in case they could follow him if he was seen, he desperately touched the device in his hand moving the small knob and the image shimmered and shifted, then darkened leaving Daniel standing alone. 

 

He had no idea where he was or what he could do.  Had he escaped or only fallen into another trap?

 

He stiffened as the door suddenly opened but there was no time to hide and in this much emptier room not much to conceal himself behind.  Immediately he realised whoever they were, they weren't Jaffa.  They were speaking in English.

 

~~~~

 

The voices fell silent when the three men spotted him.

 

"Dr. Jackson?" a surprised voice asked.

 

Daniel stared, unsure who was more shocked.  "Ferretti, how can you be here?" he gasped.

 

Major Ferretti moved slowly forward noting the wide eyes that couldn't keep still, the pallor of the skin and the rapid breathing.

 

"It's all right, Daniel," he said gently. He could hardly believe what he was seeing either.

"Everything is going to be fine."

 

Daniel shook his head and dropped his chin to his chest, "No, never again, never again."

 

"Sir?"  Lieutenant Frayer said, indicating the quantum mirror standing at the back of the room. 

 

Ferretti grimaced and nodded at the lieutenant and then he pulled out his radio and spoke quietly into it.  "Sir, you'd better get over here.  Take the west corridor and turn right at the end, room on the left. …. Someone you should meet. …No, sir you need to come, it's important. Yes sir." He signed off.

 

"It's too late now," Daniel was saying brokenly, "too late, too late."

 

Ferretti frowned; he'd never seen Daniel in such a state before.  Never seen him dressed so oddly either.

 

The door opened and Colonel Jack O'Neill walked through, "What on earth's going on…" he stopped on seeing Daniel, "Daniel?" he asked, his voice low.

 

Daniel went rigid and very, very pale. "No! No, no," he cried devastated. "It can't be, it can't; you're …dead, you're dead." 

 

He turned to Ferretti and then looked at each of the other two men but he wouldn't look in Jack's direction again.  Jack just stood still, watching and waiting.

 

Daniel's voice was high, hysterical as he spoke very quickly, almost as if he had to get the words out.  "I had to, you see, I had no choice.  He begged me. They were killing him by inches.  I had to …to…kill him quickly.  It was so much better.  They would have torn him to pieces, don't you see?  I had to, I had to."

 

Jack moved closer and asked very gently, "Who did you have to kill?"

 

Daniel turned haunted eyes to him, reaching out for a moment before quickly pulling his hand back.  "You.  I killed you.  Can you ever forgive me?"

 

Jack watched in horror as silent tears ran down Daniel's face.  He swallowed. "You killed …Jack to save him from death by torture?  The Goa'uld?" he asked softly.

 

"Min was going to invade Earth, he needed the information from Jack," Daniel said coldly. "He wanted to die."

 

"Wouldn't they just put him in a sarcophagus anyway?" asked Ferretti, frowning in confusion.

 

"What?" Daniel asked exhausted, "Why would they care to bury him like that?"

 

"Bury him?  I'm talking about reviving him!"

 

"What?" Daniel asked puzzled.

 

"A Goa'uld device that can restore life or heal terrible injuries," Ferretti answered.

 

Daniel stared as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.  "Restore life….heal?  I have never heard of such a device.  If this is true, they could…revive him? Even after …I stayed with him for about ten minutes after I…Can they really revive him?"

 

"Sam told me…" a voice interrupted from the doorway only to still at the sight that greeted him.  "Jack, what's going on?"

 

"Daniel…" Jack moved quickly over to the newcomer and took him aside to explain what little he had learned so far.

 

Watching Jack talk to another him, Daniel thought perhaps he had simply gone insane.  That would make things easier perhaps.  If he could imagine Jack was still alive…but no, why would he also imagine another Daniel?  He watched as Jack put a hand on the other Daniel's arm, so close, so tender.  He was so lonely.  Why couldn't Jack touch him like that?  Why would he want to?  That Daniel hadn't killed him had he?

 

Suddenly he laughed, a hysterical sound he couldn't control, rolling out of him.  The tears were rolling down his cheeks and he couldn't stop that either.

 

Jack and Daniel hurried over and Daniel reached for the distressed man but Jack grabbed his hand and stopped him. 

 

"You better not do that," he said with a pointed look and Daniel backed away.  Instead Jack took the broken man in his arms and pulled him close.  "Hush, Daniel it's all right. Hush, hush."  Jack continued to murmur to him, rocking him slightly in his arms as the distraught man clung to him.

 

"Have you explained to him that he has passed into another universe?" Daniel asked quietly.

 

He was still trying to process what Jack had told him.  The idea that he could ever kill Jack was just horrific to him.  He simply couldn't imagine being able to do that to his Jack. Then again if it was under such circumstances ….. 

 

"Not had chance yet," Jack answered.

 

"Alternative …universe?" the alternate Daniel asked brokenly as he pulled away from Jack.

 

"Yes," Daniel answered his counterpart.  "That device," he said pointing it out, "is called a quantum mirror and it can transport you into alternative universes.  This is not your universe, this is mine.  We can't both survive in the same universe.  Eventually you would die.  I'm sorry to have to add to your problems but you will have to go back"

 

"Go back?" the alternate Daniel said incredulously.  "Go back to what, torture and death?"

 

"I'm sorry but if you stay here you would die anyway."

 

"He has about forty-eight hours doesn't he?" Jack asked.

 

Daniel smiled, "Watch it, Jack, you're slipping."

 

"Shaddup," he grinned.

 

"Yeah," Daniel said turning again to his doppelganger.  "We know you can stay for about forty-eight hours before the entropic cascade failure becomes dangerous."

 

"Sir?"  Ferretti called Jack over to query something and the two Daniels were left alone.

 

"So, you're me?" the alternate said thoughtfully, not really taking in what Daniel had said.  "There are no Goa'uld here?"

 

Daniel shook his head, "No, it's deserted."

 

"No Mahir either?"

 

"Mahir?"

 

"Indigenous population."

 

"No, no-one."

 

"So he's safe then," the alternate sighed.

 

"Safe." Daniel agreed with a heartfelt sigh.

 

The alternate Daniel looked quickly across at Jack.  "You too?"

 

"Huh?" Daniel asked.

 

"Don't pretend, not with me.  I waited until it was too late.  I held him in my arms and we shared our first and last kiss and then I killed him.  I never knew, not until then that he loved me as I loved him. Don't waste it, tell him.  For god's sake tell him, don't be sad and lonely for want of a word."

 

The flush on Daniel's skin confirmed what he didn't say but they both knew the truth.

 

"This sarcophagus Ferretti mentioned, is it likely Min would have one?"

 

"We have never encountered Min but most of the Goa'uld we have met, have one.  I don't understand how come you've never heard of it.  They need it to survive as long as they do."

 

"I thought they just needed to keep changing hosts."

 

"Well yeah but they can keep hosts alive for hundreds or thousands of years by continual use of a sarcophagus.  It keeps them young but a side-effect is the megalomania they all display."

 

"So then they could put …Jack in one and …and bring him back.  They could be torturing him again….oh, god it was all for nothing.  Oh god!"  His voice rose and attracted Jack's attention again.  "He was so afraid.  We have to do something."

 

"What is it, what…?" Jack queried

 

"You understand, don't you?" The alternate turned to Jack.  "He was so afraid they would finally break him. They had tortured him so badly and he'd held out but they said…they told him…  He was afraid he would betray the SGC, Earth.  Don't you see? That's why it was so important but if they have this sarcophagus device… We have to help him, get him away somehow.  Please you have to help me to save my world."

 

~~~~~~

 

Daniel felt he was experiencing déjà vu, only in reverse.  He remembered saying very similar words to another Jack in another universe. On that occasion he had survived to return home whereas they had all died.  He had carried a measure of guilt for that ever since and he couldn't help but feel he owed a debt, one he could never repay to those he owed but perhaps he could repay it in kind.  Save another Earth in another universe.

 

"Jack," he began.

 

"Daniel, please.  You know I can't simply mount a rescue into an alternative universe without orders…"

 

"We don't have time to wait for you to return to the SGC and get permission, we don't know what they..."

 

"Which is exactly the point," Jack interrupted.  "We know very little beyond what you have told us.  We don't know how many Jaffa he has, where the sarcophagus might be, there are just too many variables.  I only have eight - nine counting you - against an unknown force."

 

"Look, I know where Jack was held when he was being tortured.  In an anteroom to Min's throne room.  I bet the sarcophagus is kept nearby too if it is as important as Daniel here says.  Most of the Jaffa are guarding the Gate, or patrolling either outside or in the town.  He has a few servants and a couple of hangers on.  I had to serve drinks in the throne room.  I know my way around this place.  I can get you to where Jack was being held."  He stopped looking around.  "You said you were eight, where are the other three?"

 

"Sam and Teal'c are with Mattison checking…"

 

"Sam and Teal'c?" the alternate Daniel said, his face white.

 

"What is it?"

 

"They died… they never had a chance," alternate Daniel said sadly.

 

"I'm so sorry, I can imagine …well, no actually I can't," Daniel replied.

 

"Daniel," Jack interrupted speaking to the alternate.  "Believe me, I understand both your distress and your need to help …Jack but you must know that it is not possible for me to simply charge through that thing," he waved his P90 in the direction of the quantum mirror.  He straightened his back.  "We're going back to the SGC and put our case to Hammond and if he agrees we'll return and mount a rescue."

 

"If he agrees?" queried the alternate Daniel.

 

"He will," Daniel said firmly.  "We'll make him."

 

~~~~~~

 

General Hammond waited for SG1 and SG2 to walk back through the event horizon wondering who the ‘plus one’ was that the Colonel O’Neill had cryptically referred to.  He noted the odd combination of wry amusement and asperity in the colonel’s voice and had the feeling he would find the encounter interesting.

 

Did I say interesting?  One Dr. Jackson was interesting and two were …his first thought was fascinating but on seeing the expression in the other Dr. Jackson’s eyes he amended his opinion to perturbing.

 

Two hours later he thought devastating was a better description of the alternate Dr. Jackson’s condition and gruelling was an accurate description of the mission Hammond had just approved for SG1 and SG2. 

 

It hadn’t been an easy decision for him to make because as much as he wished to acquiesce to the alternate Daniel’s demand for help, heartily backed up by his own universe’s version of the indomitable archaeologist he was being asked to send his own personnel into a situation which had already destroyed one SG1. 

 

Jack suggested that if they rescued O’Neill they wouldn’t only be saving one man but most likely the alternative universe Earth because, as second-in-command of the SGC, he had invaluable information that should not be divulged under any circumstances.  Daniel reminded him that even repeated use of the sarcophagus could prove deadly in the long term and the alternate Daniel had been pensive about that.  Daniel had taken him to one side to explain about the sarcophagus in more detail while Jack and Ferretti offered suggestions for trying to get O’Neill and the alternate Daniel from the palace to the Stargate. 

 

In the end the general had been overwhelmed by reasoned arguments, common sense, emotion and his own desire.  The emotion hadn’t only come from the alternative Daniel but from every member of SG1, including Teal’c who may have only said a few words but as usual with the Jaffa the words had been telling.

 

“Does not this O’Neill deserve our help?”

 

Colonel O’Neill put forward an excellent plan of action based on the information provided by the alternate Daniel but the general had been in the difficult position of having to forbid the attempt to take them to the Stargate once they had freed O’Neill.  The information supplied by the alternate Daniel was enough to convince him of the possibility of success in rescuing O’Neill inside the palace but not of any real chance of success in getting them safely to the Gate considering the odds they were facing. Furthermore, he found it impossible to believe they could then safely return to the Palace and reach the quantum mirror in the basement storage rooms.

 

Even the alternate Daniel had to agree with his interpretation of the situation.

 

“What can we do? We can’t come back here; you said we couldn’t survive in a universe where another version of us already exists.”

 

“The quantum mirror leads to many universes,” Carter explained. 

 

Jack could see she was about to launch into a detailed scientific explanation, so he quickly interrupted her, “Yeah, your options are unlimited.”

 

“I wouldn’t exactly say that, Jack,” Daniel answered with a frown.

 

“Okay, sure but you gotta admit they’ll have a few choices,” Jack grinned at Daniel.

 

The alternate Daniel looked from one to the other and then around the table at these other versions of people he knew so well.  It was obvious that there must be many universes they wouldn’t be able to stay in for the same reason they couldn’t stay in this one but surely there must be others out there where things weren’t so …parallel.  He knew Hammond was right and he would be condemning them all to death if they attempted to return home through the Stargate. 

 

He went rigid in his seat at that thought. Only a couple of hours ago he believed his life was over because the man he loved was dead.  Anything, any chance at all to live any kind of life with his Jack would be heaven after that.

 

~~~~

 

Jack watched them, the two Daniels, standing side by side, though a little distance apart, never touching, so similar yet he knew he could tell which was his Daniel.  His Daniel.  That sounded so possessive – and why not.  If only he could possess him.

 

He and Daniel were close, best friends who would do whatever was necessary for each other’s health and safety.  He knew it would tear Daniel apart to be in a situation such as his alternative had faced yet he couldn’t help the belief that the grief the alternate Daniel had showed when they found him was …more. 

 

He wondered if his supposition about the relationship between his alternative and the nervous man across the Gateroom was accurate and if he was right, what did that say about his chances with Daniel?

 

He’d been in love with his archaeologist for quite a while now.  He couldn’t pin down exactly how long he’d felt that way but he could say exactly when he accepted that he did feel that way. 

 

It was a little over eighteen months ago when he’d been forced to leave Daniel on Klorel’s ship, believing he was dying from a staff blast.  His heart had been ripped out by that terrible choice and he was grateful that he too would die soon when the other ship exploded. Then when he’d miraculously survived he’d been swamped by guilt that he’d made it when the man he loved had been abandoned to die.  So when he saw him walking, alive and whole, across the Gateroom smiling nervously, Jack had felt his heart begin to beat again. He knew then he loved this man more than his own life and he had carried that secret deep inside ever since.

 

Now for the first time he considered the possibility that maybe Daniel could return his feelings if he was correctly interpreting what he thought he’d witnessed the first time he saw the alternate Daniel.  Was it possible that what he‘d always believed was deep friendship was really love? If only.  The trouble was he could hardly go and ask – ‘hey Daniel, you in love with me by any chance?’ – sure that’d work!

 

His musings were interrupted by the appearance of SG2.

 

“Glad you could join us, Lou.”

 

“Thought you could do with some help, sir, I mean two of ‘em.  Two Daniels has got to be an embarrassment of riches.”

 

Just the right one is all I want, Jack thought, glancing at Daniel.

 

“Hey, Ferretti, you should think yourself lucky!” Daniel called, catching Jack staring at him.  His heart thudded in his chest as he remembered the words of the alternative Daniel and for the first time he allowed himself to think about his relationship with Jack.  Until that moment, when he learned that his love wasn’t one sided for the other two in an alternative universe, he wondered how his Jack really felt about him.  Was it possible? 

 

“Sure, Doc, sure,” Ferretti laughed.

 

Distractedly, Daniel nodded at Ferretti but his mind was occupied with trying to decide how best to find out the answer to his question.

 

“Good thing we decided to differentiate between you two or it would really be confusing,” Ferretti added. 

 

That was truer than ever since the alternate had cleaned himself up and borrowed a pair of Daniel’s BDU’s.  For clarity it had been agreed that the alternate would be Daniel and the other would be referred to as Danny, which, he secretly admitted to Daniel, was a nickname he wouldn’t normally allow anyone to use except for Jack.  Daniel knew exactly what he meant, it was something only his Jack had ever called him and even that was a rarity.

 

“If you’re ready gentleman,” the general said from the control room, “you have a go.”

 

~~~~~

 

The first question that needed to be answered before the mission could take place was how to find the correct universe, since Daniel had needed to flick off the control device to escape the Jaffa. Once Sam had explained the problem to him he had come up with a suggestion. It wasn’t a definitive answer but the best that he could suggest was if the room looked identical to the one he had left and there was no control device on the table opposite the mirror then the odds were it was the correct universe. 

 

Standing before the quantum mirror Daniel followed Sam’s advice and turned the dial in very tiny increments.  He’d confirmed that he never touched it after turning it off and it was hoped it would still be set very close to his own universe.  On the fourth increment they were staring at a very cluttered version of the dark and dusty room they were standing in.  Daniel moved a step closer.

 

“Careful,” Jack said quietly and he stopped.

 

“I think this is it, look you can even see the outline of its shape in the fine layer of dust from where I took it from the table.”

 

“I think he’s right,” Danny agreed.

 

“Well you would, wouldn’t ya,” Jack ribbed.  “Okay, this is it then,” he added seriously. They all knew what to do so he didn’t need to say anything more and he calmly led the way through the quantum mirror with Teal’c at his side. 

 

The two Daniels followed close behind and Sam and Ferretti with SG2 brought up the rear. 

 

As arranged, Ferretti left two men to guard the ‘back door’ and keep the mirror safe.

 

Daniel led them through the corridors, Jack close on his shoulder.  Danny was keeping close to Teal’c as per Jack’s instructions.  Jack trusted Teal’c to protect the younger man when he couldn’t. No way was Jack letting anything happen to Danny.  They had an important discussion looming on the horizon and if being willing to talk about serious stuff didn’t prove how important it was to Jack, nothing would. Trouble was, Danny didn’t know about it yet.

 

When they reached the crossroads in the corridor where one direction led to the cells, Sam and Ferretti carefully checked them all just in case O’Neill had been moved there, assuming he’d been revived in a sarcophagus, while Jack and the others guarded the crossroads.  Daniel doubted that he would be kept in the cells but Jack decided it was best to leave no stone unturned.

 

They soon returned and Carter reported that all the cells were empty.

 

Daniel turned and led them up towards the kitchens from where he could show them the way to the throne room and the anteroom where he has last seen …O’Neill. He found it hard to think of him as O’Neill but it was necessary to have a differentiation. 

 

Of course he had no idea if there was a sarcophagus let alone where such a device would be kept. 

 

He felt terrible for hoping the thing existed because it meant that the man he loved could have been revived and tortured again and again during the last few interminable hours since he had …killed him.  Yet what was the alternative? That his Jack was irrevocably dead and he’d have to live with the knowledge that he had ended the life of the man he loved?  He could tell himself a million times that he acted to help his friend, at his request but that wouldn’t stop the guilt.

 

He felt a hand on his arm and he looked up into familiar brown eyes and the shock of that realisation brought him back to the here and now. He hadn’t even realised he’d stopped moving until that moment.

 

“Daniel, get a grip,” Jack said quietly.  “We must keep moving.  Don’t forget this is your universe; we’re the ones with the clock ticking.”

 

He nodded and turned to walk slowly along the corridor, listening carefully.  They hadn’t gone very far when Daniel stopped and Jack put a hand on his shoulder and they slipped behind the decorative grill. Daniel knew from the last time he’d been forced to hide there that there was a large space behind this particular piece of Goa’uld frippery.

 

The sound of Jaffa marching was clearly audible up ahead.

 

Daniel quietly told them that the kitchens were just ahead and that it wasn’t unusual for Jaffa to drop in and collect their meals. The kitchens were always very busy, full of cooking staff and servants coming and going besides the occasional appearance of the Jaffa. 

 

“We need Intel,” Jack said thoughtfully, glancing over towards Daniel who had already begun to remove his BDU’s under which he was still wearing the garb of a servant.

 

“Daniel,” Danny said.  “I know what you’re feeling, please don’t take any risks.  He wouldn’t forgive you for it,” he added looking at Jack not Daniel.  He wasn’t surprised to find that Jack was staring back at him.  At one time he’d have dismissed that as just Jack in protective mode but ever since Daniel’s confession he looked at each action of Jack’s from a different prospective.

 

“We can argue that point after we get him out,” Daniel smiled. “He always did enjoy a good argument.”

 

“Yeah,” Danny agreed.

 

“Hey!” Jack said and Danny dropped his head with a grin.  Jack kept his face straight but inside he was grinning too.  The two of them were like twins, no, closer, they were the same person weren’t they?  What did that say about him and his counterpart? How close were he and his Daniel?  Had he been brave enough to tell Daniel the truth?  If the man was still alive, Jack was determined to find out.

 

~~~~

 

“Should I not accompany DanielJackson?” Teal’c asked.  He was wearing his Jaffa outfit but it still wasn’t an ideal disguise because of his gold emblem though it was decided it should pass muster in an emergency.

 

“Not this time, Teal’c.  He can get more info alone,” Jack replied.

 

Danny moved closer to Jack, “You’re worried about him,” it wasn’t a question.

 

Jack frowned at Danny, unsure what he meant by the question.  “Sure, aren’t you?”

 

Smiling gently, Danny said, “Yeah, but my name’s not Jack.”

 

Before Jack could answer that cryptic remark Danny had walked over to talk to Sam.

 

Teal’c moved closer to Jack, “DannyJackson alludes to the close …relationship between O’Neill and DanielJackson.”  Jack nodded absently, wondering if he was the only one confused.  “I believe,” Teal’c added with a raised eyebrow before moving back to keep an eye on the corridor beyond. 

 

Did Teal’c mean he believed what he said or that he wasn’t sure whether he believed what Danny said...?

 

What? Jack wondered, totally confused now.  Then he glanced between Teal’c and Danny.  Danny’s comment obviously meant something to Teal’c.  Damn but he didn’t have time for this now.

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel walked calmly into the kitchen, filled a tray with a jug of wine and some goblets and, keeping his eyes on his tray, moved across the kitchen towards the exit leading to the corridor where the throne room was located.  His intention was to check the anteroom where he had last …seen Jack.  If it was empty – and he still didn’t know how he felt about that – he would assume Jack could be alive and try to check the other few chambers surrounding the throne room. 

 

If there was still no sign of Jack, or of this sarcophagus that Danny had described, then he would risk entering the throne room.  He didn’t expect he would be recognised, he was doubtful that any of the Mahir would be present, though if he was honest he had no particular reason to believe that either way, it was a risk he was prepared to take.  This, of course, was exactly what Danny had warned him against, precisely because Danny knew he would take the risk. 

 

Figuratively shaking his head Daniel walked briskly to the door and before his emotions took hold he quickly knocked and attempted to open the door.  No one answered and he looked both ways down the corridor before turning the glyph that would unlock it.  With his heart pounding he entered.  It looked exactly the same as the last time he had seen it except for the important absence of the body of Jack O’Neill.  The table in the centre of the room with its straps at each corner; the rope fastened off on a hook on the side wall, the other end of which led to the pulley and chain in the centre of the ceiling.  This room could have only one use but at the moment it was standing empty.  Daniel sagged in a mixture of remorse and relief but he quickly pulled himself together, he didn’t have time for self-pity.

 

He slipped outside again, locking the door behind him.

 

He moved to the next door, across the corridor.  Again he settled his tray, knocked and tried to open the door.  It was also locked.  Carefully he opened it and entered.  This time he was in someone’s personal quarters.  It wasn’t the Goa’uld’s room, it was not plush enough.  There was a large bed and other furniture, comfortable yet functional.  Across the room there was another door and he covered the distance swiftly and looked inside.  There was a small sunken pool and behind a screen there were the usual facilities. Moving back into the main room he threw open one of the large closets and inside were the accoutrements of a First Prime.  He was in Cryon’s quarters. For a moment Daniel felt a cold rage such as he’d never known before.  He knew the kind of anger that heated his blood and made his temples pound but this was different.  If Cryon were to walk in now Daniel knew he could kill him without compunction. The realisation scared him.  It also made him determined to find his Jack.

 

He left the room and locked the door.  He was moving to the next room when a voice called out.

 

“You!  Bring that wine here.” 

 

Desperately trying to calm his racing nerves Daniel turned to face the newcomer.  It was Dendra, Min’s Steward and the man in charge of the servants. This minor Goa’uld had instructed Daniel, along with the other young people chosen at the same time, in how to behave in front of Min. Keeping his head lowered in case the man remembered his face, Daniel approached.

 

“Yes, my Lord?”  Daniel said quietly.

 

“You have been tardy!” Dendra snapped turning his back clearly expecting Daniel to follow.  “Hurry, my Lord Min is waiting.”

 

Daniel obeyed and went quickly after him towards the golden double doors at the end of the corridor.  Dendra opened them and shooed him inside. 

 

He almost dropped the tray at the sight that greeted him.

 

Min was seated on the edge of his throne smiling at Cryon who stood a few feet away. 

There was a man on his knees at the feet of the Prime.  The man was dressed in a nondescript outfit of indeterminate colour, as if whatever colour it had once been was leeched out of it. The Jaffa held one end of a long metal bar which was pushed through the gap created by the bent arms shackled behind the man who was being forced to kneel at his feet. His ankles were also shackled and he had a collar around his neck with a chain attached that was presently trailing across the floor.

 

Daniel recognised Cryon’s victim without being able to see his face and he quickly scanned him for any sign of injuries but nothing was visible.  Of course it was impossible to tell what the one piece garment he was wearing might hide. 

 

If Daniel needed any proof, the man raised his head and spoke. 

 

“Didja work it out yet?  I ain’t gonna tell ya squat!”

 

~~~~~

 

He’s alive, dear god, he’s really alive!  Until that moment Daniel didn’t realise that he never really believed that Jack could have survived.  It was a hope he’d clung to, the sarcophagus a remarkable fantasy; a fantasy he could still hardly believe in even with the proof before him.  There was a roaring in his ears, pounding in his temples; he could feel the blood running through his veins, burning away the ice that had settled around his heart. He had been revived even as Jack had.

 

With a new confidence, Daniel purposely moved forward to offer a goblet of wine to Min and as per protocol he bowed his head keeping his eyes dipped, surreptitiously taking a quick look at Jack’s face.  He hoped to catch his friend’s eye and give him hope. However, Jack kept his eyes firmly on the ground in front of him. 

 

Min never even looked at the servant who offered him the wine; his eyes never left the prisoner in front of him.  He took a sip of the drink, glanced at Cryon and then smiled derisively at Jack.

 

“So, you wish to die for a third time?”

 

Third? My god, Jack!

 

O’Neill raised his head, straightened his back as much as he was able in his difficult position, and said, “Rather be dead than have to see your face you slimy, smug bastard of a snake…” 

 

It may have been a pale imitation of his usual snarky tone but it was still enough to earn him a slam in the side from Cryon’s booted foot.  Jack gasped and Daniel realised he was injured from more than just that one kick.

 

“Cryon,” Min imperiously ordered and with a slight bow the First Prime turned and moved towards the far side of the room, yanking the chain attached to the collar on Jack’s neck forcing him to follow.  Daniel knew which room Cryon was headed for.

 

As Jack passed Daniel, his back was to Min and the younger man was the only person who glimpsed the utter despair that Jack allowed to surface now he was no longer facing his persecutors.

 

Daniel carefully stepped back as if to keep out of the way of the prisoner as he was dragged across the room. In fact he was attempting to catch Jack’s eye hoping that his movement so close to the colonel would draw his eye. He lifted his tray so his hands were mid chest height and the items on the tray near his face and in fact it was the glitter of the golden tray that caused Jack’s eyes to flicker momentarily in his direction.  Daniel lifted his head and watched breathlessly as Jack’s eyes widened at the sight of him before he quickly looked down again.

 

I’m dreaming, I know I’m awake but I must be dreaming.  Jack could still see the pain in Daniel’s eyes when he’d held him as he died. O’Neill couldn’t remember actually dying; at least he didn’t think he could.  He remembered staring into Daniel’s eyes wishing he’d told him the truth before, regretting the time he’d wasted and then desperately trying to hang on to the vision as his sight dimmed. 

 

Next thing he remembered was squeezing his eyes shut against a bright light and for a moment he thought all those ideas about seeing a white light when one died were true.  Carefully he opened his eyes and panic slammed into him as he realised he was inside a sealed box. 

 

The panic turned to confusion when the lid suddenly slid open then widened in horror as Cryon looked in.

 

“Ah, welcome back,” he said with a chilling smile.  “You didn’t think we would allow you to die before you answered my Lord Min’s questions did you?  Do you understand now that he is your god?  Only he has the power of life and death over you.”

 

Terrifyingly Jack knew it was true now; not that he was a god but that he had a powerful machine that could somehow restore life.  The first time, Daniel had helped him die. The second time, Cryon tortured him but he had stubbornly held out, holding onto the terrible pain in Daniel’s eyes as he had held him after sliding the knife between his ribs. Jack couldn’t allow Daniel’s sacrifice to be in vain.  In the end, in frustration, Cryon had thrust the pain stick into the base of his skull until he thought his brain would burst and he’d gratefully given in to the blackness.  When he awoke this last time in the machine, sarcophagus Cryon called it, he felt an odd sense of triumph that he had gone to his death without giving up any secrets.

 

Now once again Cryon was dragging him into that room where he had already died twice.  Either somehow Daniel had discovered he was still alive and come back for him, or more likely he thought, the pain and fear had finally driven him insane.  As much as he would love to see Daniel again he didn’t want him to risk his life in a futile attempt at rescue, so the ever resourceful Jack O’Neill prayed that he was going insane.

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel watched out of the corner of his eye as his Jack – O’Neill – staggered away and swore to himself that the older man wasn’t walking out of his life.  He would rescue him but he had no illusions that it would be easy and he was more grateful that he would ever be able to say for the help of his alternatives and their friends.  Now he had to get back to Danny and Jack and tell them what he’d learned so they could formulate a plan.  An outline idea had been put forward back the SGC but now he could offer specifics.

 

The door to the throne room opened and Dendra returned with two servant girls carrying large platters of food. He led them to a long table against the far wall and fussed over them as they laid out the food to his satisfaction. 

 

Daniel noticed that Min was watching with an indulgent smile on his face and he bowed and backed away as the Goa’uld rose and moved over towards the obviously nervous girls.  Min stepped up behind one of the girls, leaned over to whisper in her ear as one of his hands drifted up and down her back.  Daniel didn’t need to hear the words to know what he was suggesting to the young woman.  He watched as her back stiffened and she stood frozen like a statue as Min caressed her neck and then suddenly he gripped her tightly, forcing her head back to swoop in and take her lips in a fierce kiss.  The other girl paled and stepped back, suddenly dropping her eyes.  Dendra just laughed and continued to arrange the table to his satisfaction.

 

Feeling sorry for the girl but taking advantage of the distraction just the same, Daniel moved quietly and quickly towards the door.  He opened it, moved through and hurried down the hall to where the others were hiding safely.

 

“Thank god!” Danny said as he rounded the grill work.  “Jack was just deciding if he should send Teal’c after you.”

 

“No, no.  I’m fine.  Everything went smoothly,” Daniel answered distractedly.  Suddenly, he smiled, looking from one to the other, “I found him.  You were right he is alive.  He was in the throne room.  They …they revived him and …and,” he took a quick breath, “they killed him again since …he was still …he wouldn’t…”

 

“They tortured him to death because he would not surrender the information,” Teal’c intoned solemnly.  “He is stronger than he believed.”

 

Daniel nodded; he wouldn’t allow himself to think about that. “And that bastard of a First Prime has just taken him back into that room again.  They’re going to start all over again.  We have to stop them, we have to.”

 

So far Jack had been quiet, watching Daniel, trying to imagine what he must have felt seeing the man he’d killed only a few hours ago …alive.  He had faced torture himself and knew the most important thing was to have that special something to focus on, to hang onto and he believed he knew exactly what it was that motivated his counterpart.  He found it difficult to imagine what it had felt like asking someone who he knew loved him to help him die but he thought he knew how desperately angry he would have felt to find the agony that had caused was for nought.  That anger, that pain for his Daniel would have been enough to strengthen his spirit, sustain his desire but he also knew that the sarcophagus would eventually drain that away from O’Neill like water squeezed from a sponge.  They had to get him out and now.

 

“We don’t have much time, let’s finalise our plans.  Okay, Daniel, give us chapter and verse.”

 

Swiftly yet in great detail Daniel reported what he’d seen and done.  He confirmed that Cryon was in exactly the same room he had described in the briefing.  He had two guards with him, the same two men that Daniel had overheard.  It seemed like a lifetime ago now but it was less than twenty-four hours since he’d overheard them discussing the prisoner Cryon had tortured.

 

Daniel described the throne room in relation to the anteroom.  There were three guards in the room with Min plus Dendra, if he was still there and usually one or two servants.  There was also another exit across the room Cryon was using, that led to Min’s bedchamber. Daniel didn’t know if anyone was in that room.

 

Nodding, Jack smiled wolfishly.  “Won’t matter.” 

 

~~~~~~

 

Daniel left their hiding place making sure the corridor was clear.  He clicked once on the radio Jack had given him to signal it was clear and the others swiftly followed.  He led them towards the throne room, pointing out to Ferretti on the way the entrance to the anteroom from the corridor and the major stationed himself outside the door.  The others moved on to the throne room entrance. The corridor was still empty.

 

Daniel turned the glyph and opened the door and Jack, Teal’c and Sam burst through weapons up and ready, Danny only a split-second behind.  Jack aimed his P90 directly at Min while Teal’c turned to the left, Sam to the right, Danny on her heels, each of them pointing a primed zat.  As Daniel had reported there was one guard either side of the door and the third was stationed outside the entrance to the bedchamber.  The guards were little more than an honour guard for their god and were totally unprepared for a team of well trained, well prepared and motivated Tau’ri; they didn’t stand a chance.  While Jack casually kept his weapon trained on Min, the other three members of SG1 each took out a guard.

 

Lieutenant Frayer kept out of the way and alert; he was the one who shoved Dendra back against the overfilled surface while the female servant cowered at the end of the table.

 

Teal’c and Daniel reached the anteroom door in a matter of seconds.

 

Danny moved over to stand beside Jack and Min’s mouth dropped open as he stared at Jack and then he suddenly glanced over to the retreating form of Daniel as he slipped into the anteroom in Teal’c’s wake.  Obviously the ‘god’ was thrown by the sight of the doppelgangers.

 

“Where is the other servant girl?” Danny asked Min but the Goa’uld merely opened and closed his mouth rather like a fish.

 

Frayer seeing that Min was too confused to answer shoved his zat into the neck of Dendra and asked sharply, “Where is she?”

 

“The bedchamber, she is in the bedchamber.”

 

“Anyone else in there?” Frayer continued.

 

“No, no only my Lord Min and his chosen may enter,” Dendra replied nervously.

 

At almost that exact moment, Sam returned with a young woman in tow.  She was no longer dressed in the servant garb; she was now wearing a full length, sheer tunic that left very little to the imagination.  She ran over to the other servant girl and they wrapped their arms around each other.

 

Suddenly there was the sound of crashing and shouting from the anteroom.  Jack nodded at Danny who ran into the other room.

 

He was greeted by the sight of a Jaffa, Cryon he assumed, being held in a headlock by Teal’c, whose normally stoic expression was twisted in anger.  The two guards who had been present were both lying on the ground, whether unconscious or dead Danny couldn’t tell, though as Ferretti stood over them he assumed they were only unconscious.  Not that he cared much either way especially when he saw Daniel cradling O’Neill who was stretched out on the ground, gently brushing the hair from his brow. 

 

O’Neill was once again virtually naked.  The shackles were still attached to his wrists; it appeared that someone, presumably Daniel, had simply loosened the rope and allowed the chains holding up the prisoner to drop to the ground.  Cryon hadn’t had him in this room for very long yet already there were clear marks of abuse on his body where he had been tortured.

 

Daniel was brushing his fingers down his cheeks and murmuring to him but it seemed that O’Neill didn’t believe he was really there.

 

“Jack,” Daniel was saying, “it’s me, I’m here, I came back for you.  Please, Jack, it’s not a dream, I swear.”

 

“Knew it would happen, knew I’d finally go over the edge.  Glad you’re here though just the same.  Not too bad being crazy if you’re here with me.”

 

“No, Jack, no.  Oh, god how do I explain this?” Daniel looked around desperately and seeing Danny his face screwed up in confusion and Danny hurried over.

 

“Tell him about the sarcophagus, you wouldn’t know about that,” Danny suggested.

 

“Yes, that’s it. Jack, I found out about this machine they have, the sarcophagus and that they would use it to revive you. I couldn’t leave you behind, I couldn’t.”

 

Jack’s tracked his face and he frowned.  Then he looked up and his eyes widened when he saw Danny and he struggled in Daniel’s grasp. 

 

“It’s okay, Jack.  Please.  You’re not seeing things.”

 

O’Neill wasn’t listening, trapped in his own fear and confusion.  Danny backed away, hurrying to inform Jack of the situation. 

 

Teal’c came over, leaving Cryon lying in a crumpled heap in the corner. “We need to take O’Neill back to the SGC,” he said quietly.

 

When Danny hurried out of the anteroom, for a moment Jack feared the worst but when the archaeologist quickly explained he left Sam to watch the prisoners, with a loudly voiced order to zat anyone who even breathed too hard, then he accompanied Danny to the anteroom.

 

His expression hardened when he saw his counterpart.  He marched over to him and said firmly, “For crying out loud, this is a bit too familiar. We seem to get ourselves worked over a bit too often.”

 

The man at his feet jerked at the sound of his voice and lifted his head. 

 

“It’s okay Jack,” Daniel said. “He’s a …carbon copy of you and over there is a copy of me but we’re all real.  It’s a long story but they came to help us.”

 

“Big guy,” Jack said to Teal’c, “can you pick him up?  We need to get out of here.”

 

Reluctantly Daniel released O’Neill to Teal’c’s tender care and they moved back into the throne room.  Before they crossed the threshold the sound of a zat firing greeted them.

 

“Carter,” Jack said “what, couldn’t wait?”

 

“He really oughtn’t to say things like that,” Sam replied huffily, staring down at the unconscious Goa’uld at her feet.

 

“Okay, but ought I to ask what he said?” Jack asked with a wry grin.

 

“Not sure it’s advisable, sir,” she replied, trying to hide a grin and not quite succeeding.

 

Then she saw O’Neill and her mouth thinned and her eyes narrowed.  “Sure I shouldn’t do it a second time, sir?” she asked pointing her zat at Min again.

 

“Please, please, no!” Dendra spoke up for the first time.

 

Daniel moved forward and stared at Dendra before moving his gaze to the young women supporting each other.  He’d seen the fear and revulsion in their eyes earlier and he turned to Jack.  “He’s like every other Goa’uld I’ve ever met, a monster who preys on the weak.  Why should he receive mercy when he has never given any?”  Without another word he turned and shot Min a second and a third time.

 

“Well that was surprising,” Jack said laconically.

 

“Really?” asked Danny.

 

Jack stared at him and then at the alternate Jack in Teal’c’s arms and said softly, “Perhaps not.”

 

“What about them?” Sam asked, indicating Dendra and the women.

 

“Zat him!” Ferretti sounded disgusted.

 

“They just seem scared,” Frayer added indicating the women. 

 

Daniel turned from the now open doorway.  “They are …were terrified of him.  He was a predator.”  He looked at the women.  “Go back to the kitchen and keep quiet and no one will ever know you were here when it happened.”

 

They nodded at him and ran quickly past everyone and out into the corridor.

 

“Daniel?” Jack said, part question, part censure.

 

“Jack, they’ll be here after we’ve gone, they’re not gonna risk reprisal.  They will keep quiet for their own sakes.”  He looked pointedly at Dendra, “Once he is gone there’ll be no witnesses left.”

 

“Sir?” Frayer asked.

 

 “Do it,” was all Jack said and they left to the faint sound of a zat firing.

 

~~~~~

 

They had almost reached the lower levels when they were spotted by a small group of Jaffa, one of whom challenged them.  Ferretti, bringing up the rear, turned and fired at them, still using his zat.  It had been determined that as this was intended to be a covert mission zats were the better weapon.  Only Teal’c had his staff, presently being carried by Daniel, while Jack had his ubiquitous P90. 

 

Jack told Teal’c to keep going and sent Daniel with him to act as both guide and guard if necessary.  As they were already almost at the cells and so far they hadn’t seen any Jaffa down there, they expected any attack to come from their rear so Jack and the others acted as a rearguard.  The sound of the Jaffa’s staff weapons naturally brought more of them and it soon became a running battle. 

 

Jack smiled grimly.  From the Jaffa point of view they probably thought they were chasing them towards a dead end in the depths of the palace. If they even knew what the quantum mirror was, which seemed doubtful if it had been gathering dust in the storeroom, it seemed they’d forgotten it was there.

 

“Carter, check on Teal’c!”

 

Without replying she turned and ran down the corridor.  After a few moments Jack ordered Danny to follow her; there had been no sound of staff blasts from the direction of the storeroom, nor any shouts of warning from Carter.  Danny might question him on some things but he knew he could always rely on him to obey immediately in the heat of battle.

 

They kept backing up slowly and carefully, covering each other, moving in a classic leapfrog movement; moving back one at a time, covering one and another as they retreated down the corridor until they reached the last corner and Jack kept it covered, waiting to be called.

 

“Sir!” Frayer shouted, “Now!”

 

Jack fired off one last spray from his P90 and turned and ran.  He entered the storeroom to see Teal’c, still carrying O’Neill, on the other side of the mirror with Daniel and Carter.  Danny and Ferretti were waiting to cross over; Frayer was waiting for him by the door.

 

“Go!” he yelled to Danny and Ferretti, as Frayer covered his back.  The Lieutenant backed up, keeping his eye on the door as Jack slammed it and then together they drew one of the large crates across the door to block it before finally running to the mirror, touching it together.  Jack felt the eerie electric current pass through him for a moment and then he was on the other side.

 

Daniel sighed with relief and flicked off the remote controller.

 

Turning to O’Neill, on his feet now but leaning against Teal’c, Daniel said, “You’re safe now, Jack, we both are.”

 

“Where are we?” O’Neill asked hoarsely, looking aware for the first time since they had found him.

 

Daniel glanced around at his new friends, looking for an answer to that question himself.

 

“At the beginning?” Danny wondered.

 

~~~~~

 

“Don’tcha think it might be an idea to put some pants on before we head back to the Gate?” Jack suggested.  Daniel was still dressed in his servant’s garb and O’Neill wore only a pair of ripped and very short leggings. 

 

Danny quickly moved over to the pile of packs that had been left behind when they’d gone through to the alternative universe.  He searched until he found his own and opening it pulled out two sets of BDU’s.  For once his pack wasn’t filled with books.

 

“Shouldn’t I try some field dressings, sir?” Carter asked looking at O’Neill’s back, chest and arms which were criss-crossed with whip or welt marks and a few small burns.  His wrists were badly abraded from where he’d been hanging in the shackles. His legs were scratched and bruised but otherwise seemed undamaged.  Wearing pants wouldn’t be a problem though trying to put anything over his upper body would be painful.

 

“Most of it has clotted,” Jack said, studying the wounds.  He gave his counterpart a shrug as if saying been there, done that.  “Just quick basic dressings to keep it covered.  We need to get him to Fraiser.”  Jack realised O’Neill seemed stronger already since escaping from the clutches of Min and Cryon.

 

Danny handed both sets of BDU’s to Daniel who he obviously expected to help O’Neill put his on. Daniel quickly pulled his pants on and went to help O’Neill but the colonel yanked the uniform from Daniel’s hands.

 

“Don’t need any help, I can manage,” he said gruffly.

 

Daniel looked hurt but he didn’t say anything, just stood nearby; he wanted to assist but he knew how proud his Jack was. 

 

What Daniel didn’t know was that it wasn’t pride that made him act that way. O’Neill was confusing fantasy with reality believing it was only in his dreams that Daniel told him he loved him.  That dream had been his only comfort, his only place of refuge when he had no other escape.  He was now afraid he would accidentally betray his secret.  Daniel was his friend, he couldn’t risk that friendship, it was too important. He was afraid that if Daniel touched him just now, when his emotions were so near the surface, he would give himself away.

 

However, it soon became obvious that he couldn’t manage, his hands were shaking and his legs were unsteady.  Daniel darted forward to support and help him and catching his eye for a second, one long glorious second, Daniel saw raw hunger before Jack dropped his eyes. When he raised them again to nod his thanks to Daniel for helping him, O’Neill had clamped down on his emotions. 

 

Daniel wasn’t sure exactly what was going on but he did know that O’Neill’s confession still held true. He could wait.

 

As soon as they were ready Jack led them back to the Gate as fast as O’Neill could travel.  Teal’c assisted O’Neill whenever necessary; he was still a little unsteady but was determined to walk through the Gate under his own steam. Daniel walked just behind drinking in the sight of the man he loved, revelling in the fact that no matter what that bastard Cryon had done to him his spirit was still strong.

 

When they finally stepped onto the ramp on the other side of the Gate, O’Neill was exhausted, moving on fumes.  Sam had hurried on ahead to warn the general that they had succeeded but that medical attention was necessary.  Dr. Fraiser was waiting for him and for once the intractable Colonel O’Neill climbed quietly onto the gurney.

 

Without asking anyone’s permission Daniel followed never leaving his side.

 

Jack made to follow, Danny close on his heels when the general’s voice stopped them. “Colonel, Dr. Jackson, we have solved one problem and landed ourselves with another one.”

 

“Yes, sir, I know,” Jack answered, “but Daniel was right.  That …Goa’uld had already killed him once more and stuck him in the damned machine.  Whatever future they face it’s gotta be better than the alternative.”

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel watched from his position against the back wall, out of the way of Fraiser and her nurses but with a good view of O’Neill.  He knew enough of Fraiser’s medical jargon to confirm that Jack’s injuries whilst unpleasant were not ultimately serious.  All his wounds were thoroughly cleaned and she put him on antibiotics and painkillers.  He was also dehydrated and he couldn’t remember when he last ate so she prepared to treat that as well.

 

Daniel was finally allowed to sit down next to his bed and he reached out to take Jack’s hand, as they did with each other when they were injured and stuck in Janet’s infirmary.

 

O’Neill had his eyes closed but gripped Daniel’s hand tightly for a moment before relaxing his grip.

 

Suddenly the infirmary seemed to be invaded.  This universe’s SG1 came in, Jack and Danny bickering about how near they should stand and Sam telling them it wouldn’t be them who would be affected.

 

“It would appear to be a little late to be concerned over this now when we have just spent considerable time in close proximity,” Teal’c said, planting himself at the end of O’Neill’s bed. 

 

Daniel, watching the familiar pose was particularly struck with a sense of loss when he realised this was not his Teal’c.  Then he glanced at Sam and suddenly he was overwhelmed by grief.  He had been so busy grieving over Jack and then fighting to get him free that he’d never taken the time to really acknowledge the loss of his friends.  Not only that but he suddenly realised that he would never see any of his other friends again.

 

Danny saw his counterpart suddenly lose colour and he followed his line of vision and with an unsurprising insight he realised what had suddenly happened.  He had an urge to go over and put his arms around him but knew he was the last person who could help.

 

“Sam,” he said softly.  “Daniel.” 

 

Just the name was enough for Sam to jump up and see what was wrong.  One look at his face and she put her arms around his shoulders and her chin on top of his head.

 

In his distress Daniel inadvertently squeezed O’Neill’s hand; he was just dropping off to sleep and he groggily opened his eyes.  When he saw the silent tears on Daniel’s cheek as he was hugged by Carter he correctly surmised what was going on.  His eyes met those of his counterpart and Jack looked from one member of his team to another, resting finally on Danny.  O’Neill followed his glance and understood in that moment that more than just their names were the same, it might be a different universe but it seemed certain things were universal.

 

General Hammond arrived to see how the alternate O’Neill was doing to find SG1 surrounding his bed and comforting an obviously upset Daniel.  Judiciously ignoring the emotive scene he strode over to the bed and at his approach Jack’s calm greeting brought everyone’s attention by their C.O., Sam released Daniel and stood back.

 

“How are you feeling, colonel?” the general solicitously asked O’Neill. “Better, sir, thank you. Tired,” he replied, his eyes drifting shut again as he fought to keep them open.

 

“The doc has him pumped full of painkillers, sir.” Jack piped up.

 

“You sleep now, colonel,” the general said softly.  Then he turned to the others. “We have much to discuss and very little time.  Let’s take this to the briefing room and allow the colonel his rest.”

 

Daniel looked at O’Neill and told the general he didn’t want him to wake up alone. 

 

“He won’t son,” Hammond said, glancing at Janet who was watching from behind Teal’c.

 

“Don’t worry,” she said stepping closer.  “I’ll make sure someone sits with him and I’ll be called the instant he shows any sign of waking.”

 

The general nodded and leaving the doctor to look after her patient he led the others out.

 

Daniel followed them out, turning at the last moment and he surprised Jack watching him with half-closed eyes that he swiftly allowed to close.  Daniel saw the longing visible there before Jack realised he was caught and he smiled because in a flash of understanding he realised that Jack was unsure of Daniel’s feelings.

 

~~~~~

 

It would seem obvious wouldn’t it?  They couldn’t go home and they couldn’t stay here.  They had a forty-eight hour deadline and they had already used four hours of that. Janet had even commented she didn’t know if there would be any added effect from the few hours Daniel had already spent in this universe the first time.  She had recommended to the general that the sooner they find a way the better.  The only problem she saw was that of O’Neill’s condition but unfortunately they had no choice.  If they stayed longer they would die anyway.  She would do what she could for him in the short time she had and would ensure they had enough medical supplies when they finally went through the mirror again.

 

Jack pointed out it shouldn’t be too difficult to pick alternatives to try.  Just look out for the most abandoned room they could find.  There must be a lot of universes out there where the Goa’uld had been defeated long since, or even abandoned the planet.

 

“Yes, sir,” Sam interposed, “but then what?  Do they simply stay on that planet?  Will you be able to survive there?” Carter asked Daniel.

 

“Would you want to?” Danny spoke up.

 

“Huh?” Jack asked.

 

“They’re still us, Jack.  Could you imagine staying on that planet for the rest of your life?

I couldn’t.  Besides the obvious fact of the war against the Goa’uld, I …need more than simply existing.” 

 

“No,” Daniel said, “to answer your question I wouldn’t want to stay there and I don’t expect Jack – O’Neill – would either.  There is a Gate on that world; we could go anywhere, any address I can remember.”

 

“But how will you know if there is even a Goa’uld war in that universe, how will you know if those addresses even work?” Hammond wondered.

 

“A safe address?” Danny suggested.

 

“Such as?” Jack asked.

 

“Cimmeria.” Daniel said with a smile.

 

“The Land of Light,” Teal’c volunteered.

 

“The Nox world?”

 

“Not sure if their Gate is open to us,” Danny said.

 

“The Nox?” Daniel looked puzzled.  “Never heard of them.”

 

“Oh, you missed out there.  They think we are very young.” Jack grinned.

 

“Going off at tangents here gentleman,” Hammond said. “Remember our time constraints.”

 

“How will I know when we go through if there is a Jack and Daniel already living in that universe?” Daniel said thoughtfully.

 

“Entropic cascade failure, I told you about that,” Sam said.

 

“Yeah, I know but that planet is millions of light years from Earth, half way across the galaxy.  Will it still affect us?  I mean I have been pretty close to Danny and have felt okay, at least so far,” he added looking over at Danny across the table.

 

“We need Dr. Fraiser for this,” Hammond said, picking up the phone.

 

“You haven’t felt anything at all?" asked Danny.

 

“Just once, when you touched me accidentally.  It was like a mild electric shock, nothing when you have kept your distance.”

 

“I can’t remember how long it took last time,” Jack commented.

 

“Last time?” Daniel asked.

 

“When Carter’s …doppelganger came for a visit.”

 

“That was the first time we saw it,” Carter interjected. 

 

“Scary,” Jack said with a shiver.

 

“Thanks Jack,” Danny said sarcastically.

 

Dr. Fraiser arrived then and before Daniel could ask she told him a nurse was sitting at O’Neill’s bedside but that he was sleeping peacefully.

 

After hearing Daniel’s question about distance affecting the possibility of entropic cascade failure, she admitted she had been thinking about that very thing herself as she had been sitting by O’Neill’s bed.  She knew how far from Earth the mirror was but she admitted she had no evidence on which to base a theory; all she could do was speculate.

 

“Daniel was just saying that he has felt nothing so far except for one time I accidentally touched him and then it was like a mild electric shock.”

 

“You’ve had no major reactions yet, Daniel but I’m afraid it can’t be much longer before you do.”

 

Daniel nodded slowly.  “What about Jack?  He is so much weaker.”

 

“Yes but he’ll be fine for a while yet, he hasn’t been here as long as you have…”

 

“…you’re counting my earlier visit, you do think my time is even more limited?” Daniel interrupted standing.

 

“No, I mean yes, I am counting the earlier visit in my expectations but I am not suggesting your time limit this time is any less.  I’m just being cautious but I would expect some reaction around the twenty-four hour mark.”

 

“The thing is we don’t really have time for all this… circular talking,” Jack said.  “We need to come to a decision.”

 

“I can’t do that without speaking to Jack,” Daniel said. “Not that we really have many options,” he added softly, almost to himself.

 

It was late and Hammond broke up the meeting with orders for everyone to rest and with an agreement to meet up again early in the morning for a quick briefing to make final arrangements for SG1 to accompany O’Neill and Daniel back to the mirror. 

 

Daniel returned with Fraiser to the infirmary to see O’Neill and was pleasantly surprised to find him awake and looking better.  He glanced at Janet.

 

“He is a strong-willed man, Daniel, you know that.  He knows he is on a time limit.  He is still hurting but…” she let the sentence hang.

 

Daniel stood by the bedside and the nurse nodded at him and then left.  He sat in the chair, reached out but allowed his hand to rest on the bedcovers near to Jack’s hand.

 

“How are you, really?  No bravado please, Jack.”

 

“Would I do that?” he smiled. Daniel merely raised an eyebrow. “Okay, okay. Cryon really loved his job but you got me out this time before he really hit his stride.”

 

“We need to talk about our plans for the future, Jack.”

 

“I know we don’t have much time here, Doc Fraiser has already explained that to me. We don’t have much of an option do we?  We go back through the mirror.”

 

Daniel nodded.  How could he explain to Jack that he wanted to discuss more than that, in fact how could he discuss it in the infirmary. “I’ll just be a minute,” he said quickly, getting to his feet.

 

“Daniel?” O’Neill called but the younger man kept walking, heading for Janet’s office. 

 

Daniel knocked on the doorframe and Janet raised an eyebrow in invitation to enter.

 

“Janet, sorry, Dr. Fraiser.”

 

“Janet is okay," she smiled. “We’re friends here too.”

 

He nodded, “I need to talk to Jack privately. Can he be moved to a VIP suite?”

 

“You can talk privately here, Daniel, just pull the curtains and no one will interrupt you, trust me.”

 

“It isn’t that I don’t trust you Janet, it’s just …it’s different, there is privacy and then there is privacy.”  He didn’t say anything else but he met her gaze squarely.  The Janet Fraiser he knew was remarkably insightful and he expected no less from this version. 

 

She frowned for a moment staring at him, noting his slight flush and his bright eyes and then her face cleared. “Yes, I can see you have your whole future to talk about. All right, Daniel I’ll make arrangements but understand this; physically he is obviously hurt but psychologically he is in much worse shape. He has died twice and was tortured unmercifully. If he was staying here I’d recommend counselling.”  Daniel was obviously about to comment and she smiled, “I know, my Colonel O’Neill would throw a hissy fit too but I have to warn you what you might be facing; at the very least depression and bouts of irrational anger probably with little or no warning.”

 

“I understand, I know something about post traumatic stress disorder but I don’t have a choice do I?”  He smiled, “Besides which, I want to help him.”  The smile faded, “I owe him.”

 

She frowned at that but made no comment.  Instead she said gently, “And how about you? The general filled me in; I’d prescribe counselling for you too.”

 

So she knew everything, he wasn’t really surprised that she had guessed the rest so easily either. Probably his Janet would’ve understood in the same way; she knew them both so well.  He would miss her.  He shook his head to lose that sorry thought.

 

“Let’s just say getting him back has helped me enormously.”

 

She raised an eyebrow, “Maybe but I know you, you’ll still carry that guilt with you.”

 

He shrugged, no use denying it.

 

After a quick check on his condition she allowed Daniel to take O’Neill to a VIP room for the night, providing he travelled by wheelchair along with his drip.  O’Neill was puzzled by this turn of events but he didn’t say anything.  Anywhere out of the infirmary had to be an improvement.

 

~~~~~

 

Daniel closed the door behind them and then pushed Jack’s chair over to the bed and helped him settle. 

 

“Don’t fuss, Daniel,” Jack said as Daniel checked his IV bottle was set properly.  “Talk to me.”  He’d been patient long enough.

 

Daniel raised a hand, indicating he should wait a minute and then strode purposely towards the security camera in the corner, its red light blinking. He reached up and pulled out the camera feed cable. 

 

“Daniel?”

 

He walked over to the desk, picked up the phone and dialled.   “General Hammond, sir, I have disabled the camera in the VIP room.”

 

“That is against SOP, doctor you know that,” the general replied.

 

“I know, sir but this is not our SGC and in a few hours we’ll be leaving to forge our own future and we have a right to make our own choices. Without meaning to be impolite, our lives are no concern of your SCG and its rules and regulations.”

 

Daniel kept eye contact with Jack during this little speech and he wasn’t surprised to see the older man’s eyes widen at what he’d said.

 

“I see,” Hammond said slowly, clearly considering Daniel’s words.  “Very well, in these special circumstances.”  He sounded reluctant but he’d always been a pragmatic man.

 

As Daniel replaced the handset, Jack asked, “Why was that so important. You’ve already discussed all the options with them haven’t you?”

 

“All except the most important one and that’s between you and me,” Daniel answered walking slowly towards the bed.  “Whatever happens, our lives are inextricably linked, they have been since the day we met and this is just one more fork in the road; a difficult one to be sure, but one that I’ll be eternally grateful to share with you.” He smiled and perched on the edge of the bed, staring into Jack’s eyes which had held his ever since the phone call.  His smiled faded and his eyes dropped.  “When I …killed you I thought my world had come crumbling down.  I finally had what I had always wanted and I couldn’t keep it.”  He lifted his eyes again to find Jack frowning. He also noticed that he was breathing faster too. 

 

Daniel edged closer.  “Have you really forgotten or is that like me you can hardly believe it really happened? You knew Jack, you told me you’d always known.  It was real, Jack.  You told me you loved me too.”  Jack gasped and stared, his eyes bright.  “You know,” Daniel continued his voice suddenly husky. “I don’t think I ever actually told you, I think I was too busy kissing you and then…then….  Can you ever forgive me?” he asked, the tears he refused to let fall clear in his eyes. 

 

Jack’s eyes widened as he finally realised the truth. His heart was beating so hard that he thought Daniel must be able to hear it.  It hadn’t been a dream, a creation to help him cope.  It was real.  Dear god, it was real. 

 

“I think I can forgive you if you let me hear the words,” he said breathlessly.

 

“Oh, Jack, I love you so much,” Daniel said, reaching out to touch the beloved face and then following the fingers with his lips, tracing along Jack’s jaw until he finally took possession of his lips, carefully supporting his weight to keep it off Jack.

 

Gasping for breath they broke apart, eyes sparkling and blood pounding.  “All that needs forgiving,” Jack whispered softly, “was my cowardice in not telling you sooner.”

 

~~~~

 

Daniel awoke the next morning feeling warm and comfortable.  Jack had insisted he sleep in the bed with him.  He’d argued at first, not because he didn’t want to but because he was afraid of hurting Jack.

 

“Daniel, get in here,” he said, lifting the edge of the sheet.  “I’ll feel a damn sight better with you alongside me.  I can’t touch you yet but I sure as hell can fantasise about it.”

 

“So you don’t want to talk about our future?”

 

“Yeah, just not sure it’s a good idea discussing my fantasies with the star of them when we’re like this, you might get some ideas I can’t make good on.”

 

Daniel grinned, “That wasn’t exactly the future I was talking about.”

 

“I know but I don’t want to think about that tonight.  We’ll have enough time to worry about that tomorrow.  I just wanna hold you …I need to know, to feel you.  Everything has come back to me now.  I can remember when I awoke in that machine the first time.  I didn’t really understand what had happened, just that you were gone.  I was glad, for you I mean that you were safe but I …I, damn…”

 

“Say it, Jack.”

 

“I needed you,” he said softly.

 

“Oh, Jack. You have no idea how empty, how …cold and alone I felt when I thought I’d lost you. You told me to go and live a life but without you I couldn’t imagine how I could do that. I needed you too.”

 

Daniel lay quietly for a while just letting Jack hold him.

 

“You know, in an odd way we’re lucky,” he said quietly.

 

“Lucky?”

 

“We can be ourselves; we don’t have to hide the way we feel. We can choose the life we live.  Whether to stay with the SGC if we find one in an alternate universe out there, or make another kind of life entirely. Yet here, they have no such luxury.”

 

“They?” queried Jack.

 

“Jack and Danny.”

 

“You mean they feel the same as we do?  How do you know that?”

 

“I’ve spent more time with them than you have.  To me it was obvious and when I asked Danny he didn’t deny the way he felt.  They just haven’t told each other yet.”

 

“You know, I have seen it,” Jack said thoughtfully.  “Just once, in the infirmary.  When …when you were …when Carter was comforting you, he looked around at his team, you know thinking how lucky he was to still have them and then I saw the look he gave Danny.”

 

“Would you still, if you could return to our SGC, would you still want …this with me?”

 

“You asking me if you think Jack will risk it for Danny?”

 

“Yeah,” Daniel said softly.

 

“I would,” Jack said, pulling Daniel in for lingering kiss, a promise of much to come.

 

~~~~

 

Janet came to see O’Neill in the VIP room and found him sitting up looking remarkably improved.

 

“Well, colonel,” she said with a smile, “Daniel’s suggestion seems to have worked wonders,” she said after a quick examination and then she glanced at the remains of a breakfast tray.  “Did you eat your fair share of that?”

 

“Yep, feeling really hungry this morning.  Drank plenty of juice too. He,” he indicated Daniel sitting over at the desk, “drank both coffees.”

 

She smiled but made no comment. Coffee wasn’t on his menu just now anyway and they both knew it. “How’s the pain this morning on a scale of one to ten? Be honest, sir.  I need to know so I can ensure you take the correct dose with you.”

 

“Three,” he said quickly.

 

“Didn’t have to think about it?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

He smiled, “Knew you’d ask.”

 

She returned his smile and simply said, “Ah.”

 

“Seriously, doc, compared to yesterday I’m feeling much better,” he couldn’t help but glance at Daniel as he spoke and she surmised that his psychological condition had a lot to do with his physical improvement.

 

“All right, I will report your improvement to the general.”

 

“Doc,” he said as she turned to leave, “D’ya suppose I can leave the wheelchair behind?”

 

“It would make it so much easier,” Daniel spoke up.

 

“Tell me how you feel after walking to the briefing,” she said with a slight smile.

 

As she left Daniel brought the colonel his clothes.  “Do you want me to help you dress?” the question might have been simple, the expression on his face wasn’t.

 

“No,” Jack replied, “you get too close to me and I might end up wanting to undress you.”

 

“Promises, promises.”

 

“Yeah, and one day soon I’ll make good,” Jack growled.

 

They’d just left the VIP room heading for the briefing room when it happened.  O’Neill was talking to Daniel when suddenly he realised that the younger man was no longer beside him.  He turned back and was shocked by the sight that greeted him. 

 

Daniel was bent over slightly holding his abdomen, face twisted in pain and even as O’Neill watched his whole body shook and seemed to suddenly move so fast that he was in two places at once and yet he never actually moved at all.  It looked as if Daniel’s body was coming apart and then reforming constantly and his mouth was open in a silent scream. 

 

O’Neill moved as if to help him, to touch him when a sudden yell stopped him.

 

“NO! Don’t touch him.”  It was Sam Carter, hurrying along the corridor.  She had been on her way to the briefing room too. She halted alongside O’Neill, a tentative hand on his arm. “It’ll pass in a moment.”

 

She was correct; it ended virtually as she said the words and Daniel was left shocked and with residual aches and pains but he claimed he was fine.

 

O’Neill put a cautious arm around him and Carter suggested they go to the infirmary and she would report the situation to the briefing room.

 

~~~~~

 

After the first incidence of entropic cascade failure Doc Fraiser suggested they didn’t delay any further with the planned mission unless there was any particular reason. 

 

Of course, there was nothing to stop them going immediately.  They could look at the situation from every angle, discuss it until everyone was exhausted but in the end it all came down to chance.  Daniel and O’Neill would step through the mirror when they saw the best choice for an alternative universe but it would still be guesswork and everyone knew it. 

 

It was Danny who pointed out that the sooner they got to the mirror the more time they had to check out alternatives.  They would have time for a quick reconnoitre and if it was a mistake there would be time for a second or third choice.  However many they needed or could take in the time left to them in this universe.

 

Hammond gave them a go as soon as they had all the supplies ready in the Gateroom.  Besides medical supplies, the SGC was giving them food, water, a tent, a couple of changes of clothes, weapons and ammunition. They also supplied them with a couple of radios and even a GDO, just in case.

 

SG1 was going to accompany them.  It wasn’t deemed necessary to send any further back-up as the planet was known to be deserted.

 

Finally, they were ready to ship out.  Hammond, Fraiser, Ferretti and a few other old hands came to see them off.  It may not be their Colonel O’Neill and Dr. Jackson leaving but they were so alike it was difficult to feel that.

 

O’Neill and Daniel had the same feeling of familiarity and for them it was even more difficult.  It was like saying goodbye to their friends, friends they would never see again, even the odds of meeting other duplicates wasn’t high in their expectations.

 

The Gate dialled and the wormhole burst forth and with a last look behind them Daniel and O’Neill left for their new beginning. 

 

~~~~~~

 

The trip from the gate to the abandoned palace didn’t take long and soon they were facing the quantum mirror again. 

 

Daniel took the small control device from his pocket and Sam and Danny came over to talk to him about it, Danny not getting too close. 

 

Teal’c was standing guard in the corridor outside, not that it was really necessary but Teal’c felt comfortable keeping a watch over his young charges.

 

Jack and O’Neill kept out of the way and watched the scientists at work, discussing the various options they could take.  O’Neill moved as close as he dared to Jack and he spoke quietly to his doppelganger.

 

“Not got much time so gonna make this quick.”

 

Jack frowned, “What?”

 

“I love Daniel and he loves me.  Had to die to find that out, don’t wait as long as I did.  Tell him now.”

 

Jack’s mouth dropped open but his mind zeroed in on one fact and he swiftly closed it again to ask, “He loves you?”

 

“Oh yeah,” and there was awe in O’Neill’s voice. He also flashed his counterpart a knowing grin.

 

“I thought I saw something when he looked at you,” Jack said wistfully.

 

“I saw the same look,” O’Neill said.

 

“Lucky bastard,” Jack murmured.

 

“Fool, I meant I saw it in Danny’s eyes,” he smiled at the stunned expression on Jack’s face.

 

“I dreamed but I never really hoped,” Jack admitted.

 

“Talk to him, don’t live your life in fear and regret.”

 

The words hit Jack hard.  He’d long accepted that it was fear that stopped him admitting his feelings to the younger man and he realized that O’Neill was correct.  If he didn’t do something the fear would cause him a lifetime of regret.

 

“Jack!”  They both turned at the call to find Danny staring at them. This was the second time he’d had to call them because they were talking so intently and he couldn’t help wondering what it was they were talking about.

 

The mirror was now activated and O’Neill realised they were looking at another universe, maybe the one in which he’d died.  The dusty room they were standing in was gone and instead there was a room full of packing cases and tables of artefacts.

 

“Is it?” he asked in a low voice.

 

“No,” Daniel answered, not needing an explanation of the question.  “If you look you can see the remote controller still on the table, there,” he pointed and sure enough the controller was still on there.

 

“So, another universe where Min still rules,” Jack said moving forward, O’Neill in tow.

 

Daniel switched universes again and this time there was no room, no palace just a large dusty plain. No sign of the town, the crops in the fields, not even the trees which were a bane of O’Neill’s existence. This looked more like a blasted world, perhaps the result of a war or some natural disaster. 

 

Another flick of the switch and another room.  This one was clearly abandoned, even emptier than the one they were standing in.

 

Daniel turned to look at O’Neill, “What do you think?”

 

“We should try it,” he said.

 

They had decided that Daniel and O’Neill should go through on their own first, have a quick look around and if things looked promising they would come back for their supplies.

 

“Sure you’re up for this?” Jack suddenly asked O’Neill.

 

O’Neill raised an eyebrow and gave his counterpart a trademark grin, “Even in my present condition I could probably take you.”

 

Jack laughed, “You’ll do.”

 

O’Neill took Daniel’s hand and they both touched the mirror and stepped through.

 

“Watch your backs,” Sam called after them and Daniel raised a hand in acknowledgement.

 

Jack watched as they disappeared from view and he turned to Danny standing alongside him, worry etched on his face.

 

O’Neill’s words echoed in Jack’s mind.  If his doppelganger was right Danny had feelings for him, not just as his best friend, whom he cherished but as much more. He’d had dreams of such a relationship between them but he’d always believed it was one-sided.  The last day or so, after observing their counterparts, he allowed himself to explore the possibility that Danny might feel the same. e’d  If only it were true, all his dreams would be fulfilled. 

 

Don’t live your life in fear and regret. He knew that was exactly what he’d do if he never even took the chance. 

 

Danny turned to face him a question on his lips but it died as he saw the expression on Jack’s face.

 

“We need to talk,” Jack said and Danny’s eyes went wide.

 

“You’re offering to talk, about something …serious?” Danny asked with a smile.

 

“Yeah, sure,” he grinned.  “It does happen ya know.”

 

“It does?”

 

“Danny.”

 

“Sorry, right.”  He suddenly realised just how serious Jack really was and a shiver of excitement danced up his spine. Could it be?  Was Daniel correct about his supposition that Jack cared for him? O’Neill, would he have said anything to Jack? God, could that have been what they were talking about?  “When?” Danny asked breathlessly as the questions swirled in his mind.

 

“After the mission, when the general dismisses us, will you come to my place?”

 

“Do I get dinner?”

 

“You can have whatever you want,” Jack replied his eyes holding Danny’s.

 

“Then I’ll be there.”

 

~~~~~

 

Danny was pacing, wondering what was holding them up.  They’d been gone for almost forty-five minutes, surely more than enough time to scope out the area.  Jack was perched on the end of the table his attention divided between Danny and the mirror.

 

“Do you think you could stop pacing?” Sam asked, “Besides the fact that you’re driving me nuts, you’re raising dust.  For someone with allergies, you should know better.”

 

“I’m worried,” he admitted, stopping beside Jack and looking at him.

 

“You want us to go after them?” Jack asked incredulously.

 

“No, I suppose not,” he replied just not very convincingly.

 

Jack had no intention of risking their lives, as selfish as that sounded but he didn’t relish telling Danny that, so he was doubly grateful to see O’Neill and Daniel enter the room on the other side of the mirror.  O’Neill raised his hand and made the sign circle sign with his thumb and forefinger to indicate success, though perhaps the smile on Daniel’s face was even more telling.

 

“It’s good,” O’Neill said as they came back through.  “No sign of any Goa’uld or Jaffa, not even any natives.  Just like here.  Even checked out as far as that low ridge overlooking the Gate.  It was clear.”

 

“No need to check out any alternatives?” Jack queried.

 

“Don’t see the point; it can’t be any better than this,” O’Neill replied.  “We got the supplies the general sent and there’s plenty of water and game.  We can survive here until we can find somewhere better.”

 

“It’s happening again, I can …feel it,” Daniel gasped.  “It’s gonna…”  Suddenly he was overcome by another entropic attack and they all watched helplessly as his body seemed to shake apart.  He collapsed into O’Neill’s arms.

 

“Get him through,” Jack ordered, “we’ll bring all the gear.”

 

O’Neill lifted Daniel and almost ran back through the mirror.  Jack and the others moved everything through and stacked it in the corner of the other mirror room.

 

Daniel was fully recovered by then but he was still leaning against O’Neill who was sitting on the floor his back against the table leg.

 

“We’ll wait here for two days just to make sure there is no entropic cascade thingy,” O’Neill said.  “I know that’s no guarantee there isn’t another Jack and Daniel in this universe but at least if we’re okay and we find later there are doppelgangers here at least by then we’ll know we’ve got a bolt hole here and we can search again.”

 

“Sounds like a plan,” Jack smiled. 

 

“We wish you everything you wish for yourselves,” Danny said quietly.

 

“I think I got my wish, here’s to yours,” Daniel replied giving a sketchy salute.

 

There was a round of goodbyes, hugs from Sam, which O’Neill suffered with only a modicum of embarrassment and a bow from the waist from Teal’c before SG1 slowly passed back through the mirror leaving the two men to their new future.

 

~~~~~

 

With a smile Jack said, “Right, kids let head for home.”

 

They left the palace and headed back through the deserted city.

 

“Sir,” Sam said, “I never did get all my samples, could I collect a few on the way back.  We have time.”

 

Jack wanted to refuse.  All he wanted was to get home and talk to Danny but how could he explain that to the general if Carter put his refusal in her report.

 

“Very well Carter but make it quick.  It’s been a trying day and I’d really like to get back.”

 

“Danny,” Carter began.

 

“Er, now they’ve gone could we revert to Daniel again please?”

 

“Might take a bit of getting used to,” Jack grinned.

 

“Daniel,” repeated Carter smiling at the return to normalcy.  “If the colonel doesn’t object, you said you wanted to take a look at that obelisk, the one on the road from the Gate.  You could have a quick look while I…”

 

“Thank you, Carter,” Jack interrupted testily. 

 

“You’re welcome, sir,” she replied without a hint of remorse.

 

Daniel laughed.  “What a great idea, Sam, thanks.  Jack?” he asked, almost certain that the colonel wouldn’t refuse. 

 

“Go ahead, knock yourself out. Teal’c go with Carter, I’ll go with Daniel.  You’ve got one hour and then hightail it to meet us at the obelisk and then – and no arguments Daniel – then we head for the Gate.”

 

“Argue, me?” Daniel asked, all wide eyed and innocent.

 

“Oh, fer cryin’ out loud!”

 

Daniel laughed.

 

At the city wall they split up, Sam and Teal’c turning east parallel to the wall while Jack and Daniel headed north along the road to the Gate. The obelisk wasn’t very far from the town, in a small clearing to the east of the road.  Daniel had surmised it was some kind of marker but he couldn’t be sure what for until he had studied it more closely.

 

“You know I kinda liked calling you Danny,” Jack said quietly.

 

“It was the nickname my parents called me and I’ve never let anyone use it since.”

 

“I’ve used it a couple of times, before now I mean,” Jack said glancing at the younger man.

 

“I know,” Daniel replied softly.

 

Neither man spoke again and shortly they reached the obelisk. Jack sat on a nearby fallen block of stone while Daniel investigated.  The obelisk was covered by two different languages.  One was Goa’uld, the other he didn’t recognise.  He assumed it was the language of the natives who had either died out or perhaps been transplanted once again by the Goa’uld.  If he could get a sample with a comparison of Goa’uld from the same obelisk it could probably help him translate this new language, or more likely this mutated language.

 

While he worked making notes and taking rubbings Jack thought over their last conversation.  Daniel had never complained to him in the past about his use of the diminutive, Danny and yet he said he never let anyone else use it.  Yet one more clue to his acceptance of Jack’s idiosyncrasies, an acceptance Jack realised also extended to his touches, something else Daniel didn’t tolerate from anyone else. 

 

Why had he never realised before the leniency Daniel allowed him. His behaviour was just second nature to him, his need to touch was ingrained; he didn’t even know he was doing it half the time, yet Daniel never called him on it.  Neither had he really thought about it as he casually called Daniel any nickname he chose whether they were playfully insulting or just this variation of his name. Now he saw just how blind he’d been. For years Daniel had been wordlessly telling him how much he cared, how much Jack meant to him.

 

That evening, Jack would return the favour.  He would do something he found very hard to do; he would talk about his feelings.

 

Unable to sit any longer Jack began a perimeter patrol, circling just a little farther on each small circuit, always keeping Daniel in view, even when his circuit finally reached the stand of trees.  The position took him the furthest from Daniel and in the direction of the Gate and he began to move closer to his archaeologist again.

 

He stopped, unsure of what he thought he’d heard. Then it came again and suddenly he was running. He heard that sound in his nightmares and for once he was grateful that they made so much noise with their damned armour.

 

Daniel was still engrossed in his rubbing and Jack wished now that he’d made them head straight home. He shook that thought away, no time for regrets only for action.

When he was near enough that his voice wouldn’t carry too far, he called out.

 

“Daniel, pack up now!”

 

Daniel frowned but didn’t hesitate. Jack’s behaviour could only mean one thing, trouble. Stuffing his papers into his pocket, Daniel asked, “What?”

 

Breathing hard, Jack said, “Jaffa, must’ve come through the Gate.  Gotta get under cover.”  They grabbed up their packs and ran quickly for the trees, Jack keeping watch on the road to the Gate all the way. 

 

Daniel ran deep enough into the woods before he stopped behind the trunk of a large tree, gasping to get his breathing under control.  From this vantage point they could see the road but couldn’t be seen themselves.  Jack dropped to his knees beside Daniel.  His P90 was in one hand while the other was clicking on his radio.

 

“Carter,” he said quietly.

 

“Sir?” came the immediate reply.

 

“Pack up, leave no sign of your presence and get into the woods that run the east end of the town.  We have company, Jaffa.”

 

“Acknowledged O’Neill,” Teal’c replied as Sam quickly put away her equipment.  “Where are you?”

 

“We are in the trees east of the obelisk. Remember that big tree, roughly where the road bends sharply?”

 

“Of course,” Teal’c replied.

 

Jack smiled, of course he would.  “Right, we’ll rendezvous there.”  Jack clicked off his radio.

 

Jack didn’t need to tell Teal’c and Carter to be cautious.  He had a good team and he trusted them.  He knew Daniel, who loved to argue about just anything and everything, would obey him without question in a possible combat situation.

 

“Why not wait for them to come to us? We’re nearer the Gate.” Daniel queried.

 

“Because I want us all together ASAP.  I … I remember all too clearly what happened to the other SG1 team, Daniel.  They were separated…  We’re stronger together.”  Jack blessed that timely reminder because he might have done just as Daniel suggested and though he was not a believer in fate; neither would he ignore a warning, especially not one with so high a price.

 

Daniel removed his handgun from its holster, never a happy choice for him but one he made without regret when the need arose. He followed Jack as they moved swiftly through the undergrowth. 

 

Jack was just grateful there was no evidence at the Gate that an SG team was on this planet.  There’d been no need to send a MALP when they’d come through today so there was nothing for a prospective enemy to find.  If they kept hidden they should be safe.

 

He glanced back at Daniel and found the younger man looking at him, concern mirrored in his eyes. He wanted to reach out and touch him, reassure him but instead he turned and quickened their pace.

 

They reached the large tree first. It was very near the edge of the wood which at that point was nearer the road as it angled to approach the town gates. Even as they watched the path Teal’c and Sam arrived and Jack breathed a sigh of relief that the team was together.

 

Just then the Jaffa came into view and any doubt as to which Goa’uld it might be was dispelled.  They were marching in a formation of four across and there must have been about thirty of them. In the centre the tall figure of Cryon was clearly visible.  He was marching just ahead of his ‘god’ Min.

 

“I wonder how many Jaffa they have left to guard the Gate,” Jack said.

 

“The First Prime would determine the necessity for a rearguard,” said Teal’c.

 

“So, his character would influence that, yes?” Daniel asked.  When Teal’c cocked his head to one side he continued.  “From what the other Daniel said this Cryon sounds like a proud egotist; I doubt he thinks anything could touch him.”

 

“So, he’s unlikely to be apprehensive about any threat,” Jack commented.

 

“I concur.  I suspect he would only leave a small guard, possibly four or six Jaffa,” Teal’c said.

 

Jack smiled, “No contest then.”

 

Min and his cortege were out of sight now and SG1 cautiously headed for the Gate keeping to the trees.

 

Eventually they reached the edge of the tree line and there was only a small hillock between them and the Gate in the small hollow beyond. Jack sent Teal’c to scout out the Gate while they lay low and waited.  For a big man Teal’c was remarkably quiet and Jack had no doubt the Jaffa would never know he’d been in their vicinity.

 

It wasn’t long before he was back to report there were six Jaffa; two in close proximity to the Gate and the DHD, the other four in a loose semi-circle out front of the Gate.

 

“So, there is no one behind the Gate,” Jack said thoughtfully. The problem was that the land behind the Gate was virtually flat and open for about a mile till it rose slowly to form the foothills of the mountain range beyond.  Turning to Teal’c he said, “Can you do it?”

 

Teal’c’s expression was about as near to a smile as the man ever displayed.

 

“Good.  Give me time to get across the other side of the Gate. Carter you cover this side, Daniel as soon as the coast is clear you dial us out.”  Jack moved closer to Daniel and said quietly, “You back up Carter but your prime duty is to get to the DHD but don’t go too soon.  We’re gonna take ‘em all out Danny, got it?”

 

Daniel knew Jack couldn’t guarantee that, he didn’t know just how good these Jaffa were. He also knew that if he saw a good opening he would take it but he wouldn’t risk his life to do it which was exactly what Jack was telling him.  He would wait until the time was right.  Jack had asked him to back up Sam; he hadn’t asked him to pick a target.  Jack was well aware that Daniel could and would kill if he had to but it was never his first choice.  Daniel knew if it was a choice between a Jaffa and his friends…

 

“Be careful, Jack,” he said quietly as the colonel turned away from him.  Jack hesitated a moment and then carried on walking. 

 

Jack had a modicum of cover for about half-way across the front of the gate thanks to the small hillock.  Unfortunately it petered out and then he was faced with open country. Pushing his weapon in front he squirmed his way slowly across, disturbing the foot-high grass as little as possible. 

 

Daniel’s heart was in his mouth as Jack crossed the open space.  He knew how good Jack was at this but that didn’t stop him worrying. 

 

While Jack made his tortuous way to the other side of the Gate, Teal’c moved around the back in much the same way.  

 

Sam and Daniel waited.  She wouldn’t begin to fire until one of them did.  They had agreed on a time but if one were in position at the allotted time and the other wasn’t the weapons fire would begin on time anyway.  They had been a team for over three years and they had a good idea of each others’ abilities and she was pretty sure they had estimated enough time for both of them to get into position. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Daniel checking his watch.  He held up five fingers, five minutes to go.

 

She lay flat aiming at the man nearest to her.  She would take the two on this side, the colonel the two on the far side while Teal’c would take out the two nearest the Gate.  Great in theory but the odds on them staying nicely still like targets after the first shot was fired was zero.

 

She was counting off the seconds in her head now.  Almost.  Almost.  Suddenly Daniel tapped her on the shoulder, time was up.  She had a bead but she waited. 

 

Simultaneously a P90 and a staff weapon split the silence and two Jaffa fell, the third fell to her shot.  Of the remaining three, one dove behind the DHD, one launched himself flat on the ground where he’d been standing and the third ran towards the sound of Jack’s P90, firing his staff weapon in return.

 

By then Jack was ten feet to his right and the Jaffa spun as a spray of bullets hit him in the side.  He was dead before he hit the ground. 

 

The one that dove flat had automatically begun firing on Carter’s position even as he squirmed forward toward his side of the hillock.  His shots weren’t aimed accurately but they were fast and powerful enough to keep Carter’s head down until he was in a position that she couldn’t reach with a clear shot.  She edged to her right, towards the DHD while trying to get another bead on the Jaffa. 

 

Meanwhile Teal’c was moving his position to fire at the Jaffa who had taken refuge behind the DHD.  He needed to be careful of his staff blasts; he couldn’t risk damaging their way home.

 

Daniel was edging along with Sam, keeping one eye over the hillock and one eye on the DHD which meant he wasn’t really concentrating on either.

 

Meanwhile, Jack was on his feet and weaving his way across the open space avoiding shots occasionally being thrown his way by the Jaffa behind the DHD.  Daniel was suddenly aware of the direction of the Jaffa’s aim as he could see the bulbous end of the weapon peaking out from the side of the DHD.  He was tracking Jack. Daniel also knew that Teal’c was not in a position to kill the Jaffa yet.

 

Leaving Sam to take care of the Jaffa below her Daniel swiftly edged along the rim nearer to the DHD but he still couldn’t get a clear sight on the Jaffa, he could only see the soldier’s lower half.  Taking careful aim at the man’s knee he fired one shot. He might not like to use the weapon but that didn’t mean he wasn’t proficient.  Like everything else he attempted he worked hard until he’d mastered it. His shot was square on target.

 

The Jaffa jerked as the bullet hit, surged up to grab his injured leg and presented a perfect target for Teal’c.  He was dead before he even knew what killed him.

 

Jack heard the handgun fire and dropped to his stomach.  He knew there was only one reason Daniel would fire, if one of them were in danger.  He didn’t know if it was him but he reacted accordingly. 

 

The Jaffa below Sam moved to swing his weapon towards the sound of the new weapon and the prone Jack zeroed in on the movement and fired one shot through the man’s neck at the same time as Sam shot him from above.

 

With the six enemy accounted for all four of them rose to their feet and Daniel ran on down to the DHD.  He arrived there at the same time as Teal’c who unceremoniously pulled the dead Jaffa out of the way.

 

As Jack approached he smiled and said, “Now, that’s what I call teamwork!”

 

Daniel reached out to begin dialling when Jack said, “I just wish we’d had the chance to destroy that mirror.”

 

Hesitating, a surprised Daniel asked, “What?”

 

“If I’d known that slimy snake was gonna come through I would’ve.  I dread the idea of what that Goa’uld could do with that power at his fingertips.”

 

“Jack, that mirror had been there for a long time.  Min probably doesn’t have any idea what he’s got.  Anyway,” he grinned, “even if he did know he can’t operate it,” he added as he pulled a controller from his pocket.

 

“Where did you get that?” Sam asked reaching for the small device. 

 

“While we were waiting for them – Daniel and O’Neill – I rummaged through the pile of what looked like debris in the corner.  I found this among some other undamaged items. It just seemed like a good idea at the time to take it,” he shrugged.

 

~~~~~

 

Dropping his dirty uniform into the hamper, Daniel walked over to his locker to get dressed in his civvies.  He dropped his towel and pulled on his boxers when the locker room door opened.  Without looking round he knew that Jack had just walked in.  He seemed more aware than ever now of the older man.

 

Jack stared at the handsome, toned body of the man he loved, dressed only in a pair of boxers and licked his suddenly dry lips.

 

“Jack,” Daniel said, his back still turned as he pulled a white tee over his head and smoothed it over his chest.

 

God is he doing that on purpose?  “Daniel,” Jack said keeping his voice neutral.  “Still on for tonight?” he said as casually as he could.

 

Stepping over the bench to sit sideways so he could continue to dress and yet watch Jack, Daniel smiled, “You bet. I’ve never been so pleased that a briefing went so smoothly.  I’m kinda hungry, hope you’re planning to feed me well.”  He stood then to put his pants on and out of the corner of his eye, as he bent forward to pull them up, he saw Jack swallow. 

 

“Uh, yeah, sure,” Jack replied, most of his blood was fast flowing south and he could hardly remember what Daniel had asked.  He’d watched Daniel dress hundreds of times before in this very locker room and he’d never been affected like this before. Hell, he’d even seen him naked in the showers and until now he’d always managed to control his reactions. He’d battened down his own feelings for so long yet now he’d decided to act on those feelings he was overwhelmed by his own reactions.

 

“Okay, I’m ready,” Daniel said, pulling his jacket on.  “Anything you need to do?”

 

“No, no,” Jack took a breath trying to control himself, lifted his eyes to Daniel’s and it was then he saw the glint in the younger man’s eyes. Jack held his gaze a moment and Daniel suddenly ducked his head.  In that second Jack realised.  He knew.  Daniel knew.  His mind flashed back over the last few minutes and he smiled.  He was doing it on purpose. He wanted to see how Jack reacted.  Oh, Daniel …Danny.  I’ll show you how I’ll react.

 

“Let’s go, Danny,” he said softly.

 

Daniel smiled and followed him out of the locker room. They walked side by side to the elevators in silence, each man hyperaware of the other.  When it arrived the car was empty, they entered and stood on opposite sides, leaning back and watching each other on the long ride to the surface.

 

Daniel’s heart rate increased and his mouth went dry, he licked his lips.  He watched Jack eyes widen as he tracked the movement and Daniel felt his cock stir.

 

Unbidden the words slipped out, “He spoke to you didn’t he?” he whispered.

 

“He?” Jack replied huskily.

 

“O’Neill.”

 

Jack didn’t say anything, he just stared at Daniel, his breath quickening.  It was answer enough.

 

Driving home Jack had to focus to keep his mind on driving and not to keep looking at Daniel.  The younger man was sitting bolt upright, staring ahead and Jack supposed he was as nervous as he felt.  When they had to spot at traffic lights Jack glanced over and noticed Daniel’s hands clasped in his lap, his fingers the only part of him moving.

 

Raising his eyes Jack looked at his profile and Daniel suddenly turned and their eyes met.  They both jumped when a horn blared from behind and Jack realised the lights had changed colour.  He quickly sped off, suddenly desperate to get inside his house.

 

Jack turned into his drive, parked and turned off his engine.  The desperation was still there but now it was tempered with fear.  That word again.  He’d be damned if he would let it drag him down now. 

 

He turned to Daniel smiling and said, “Coming?”

 

Daniel suddenly choked and coughed, looking at Jack with his eyebrows nearly in his hairline.  Jack shrugged and got out of the truck.

 

Daniel followed him and Jack soon had his door open, ushering Daniel inside where he promptly leaned against the front door.

 

Jack started to move towards his kitchen but stopped when he realised Daniel wasn’t following.  He turned back.

 

“Daniel?  Thought you were hungry.”

 

“I am but I can’t eat when I’m this nervous.  Can we …talk first? You said you wanted to talk.”

 

Jack smiled wryly, “I did, didn’t I? Come on, sit with me.”  He led the way to his sofa and they sat at opposite ends, facing each other.

 

Jack closed his eyes a moment, took a breath and then opened them and began.  “You asked me if O’Neill spoke to me, he did.  He told me to stop allowing fear to rule my life making me live in regret.”

 

“Fear, you?”

 

“Oh yes,” Jack smiled.  “Fear of what I felt for you,” he added softly.

 

Daniel gasped and opened his mouth to speak but Jack held up a hand and realising how hard it was for Jack to speak about himself, he subsided.

 

“I’ve been in love with you for a long time though it took me a while to accept it for what it really was.” Jack sighed and dropped his eyes, studying the polish on his shoes.  “I shoved it deep inside because besides all the military bullshit you were married and crazy about your wife.  You were my best friend and I didn’t want to do anything to spoil that either so even after she …died, I just did my best to be what you needed.”  He looked up then and saw the understanding in Daniel’s eyes.  “Today, I began to wonder if maybe …perhaps I am what you need?”  It was definitely a question.

 

Daniel smiled, not just the slight curve of his lips, not even the smile that was rarely seen.  This was something new; a blinding smile that lit him from within and blazed out of his eyes.  Jack just stared and he didn’t even realise that Daniel had moved closer until he felt the heat of his touch on his face and he gasped.

 

“You are just what I need.  I love you too.”  Daniel leaned in and brushed his lips over Jack’s.

 

Suddenly Daniel found himself shoved back against the cushions of the sofa and a large desperate man sprawling over him.  Jack’s hands were on his shoulders and his lips were caught in a passionate duel that he happily surrendered as he opened up and let Jack in.  Daniel wrapped his arms around Jack holding the older man to him, one hand sliding up into his hair, holding his head down as Daniel revelled in finally having this man in his arms.

 

All too soon Jack pulled away, gasping for breath and staring at the flushed man beneath him.  He could hardly believe that after all this time he had finally, finally got Daniel exactly where he wanted. Daniel reached up to caress his neck and up behind his ear.  He smiled as he put the hand on the nape of Jack’s neck and pulled him back down into another kiss.  This time, a little less desperate, the passion gentler more erotic as they tasted each other, tongues darting in and our of each other’s mouths, licking and nipping lips until Jack began to lick along Daniel’s jaw. 

 

Daniel began to unfasten Jack’s shirt, hands shaking a little at the sensations the other man was evoking in him.  After the third attempt to open the second button Daniel cursed and yanked and the button flew off as the shirt ripped. Jack released Daniel’s tender flesh and laughed.

 

“Get this off,” Daniel growled.

 

“God, if you knew how often I dreamed of you saying that,” Jack murmured, scrambling to his feet to remove his shirt.

 

Daniel sat up, “What else have you dreamed?” he asked in a husky voice as Jack pulled the shirt off.  He had seen Jack naked many times but never before had it been for him.  He stood up and laid a land on Jack’s chest over his heart.  He could feel how fast it was beating, he could feel the heat and he could see the perspiration popping out on Jack’s skin. He let his hand drift over the chest, tangling his fingers in the hair, circling the nipples.

 

Jack’s breath was coming in pants, the movement of his hand eliciting sensations in his body.  He felt the tightness in his groin, the lift of his cock as his arousal grew.  Daniel had asked him something but for the life of him he couldn’t remember, he could only feel.

 

Daniel hands slipped lower and lower brushing his waistband even as he leaned in and kissed and licked at Jack’s nipples.

 

“Ah, god, Daniel,” Jack gasped as Daniel unfastened his pants.

 

Daniel lifted his head and saw Jack’s eyes tightly shut, his mouth open.  “You didn’t answer my question.”

 

“What?” Jack asked totally at a loss, his mind swirling with sensations, missing the touch he wanted so much.

 

“What else have you dreamed?”

 

“Not now, Danny, please!”

 

Daniel was awed by how much Jack wanted him, how much he could make him feel.  He was humbled by it. Quickly he shoved Jack’s pants down and gasped when he realised he had gone commando.

 

“I love you Jack,” he said softly.  He began to unfasten his own clothes and had removed his shirt and lifted his tee before he felt another pair of hands over his.

 

“Let me,” Jack said gruffly, taking the tee out of Daniel’s hands and lifting it over his head.  Jack swooped in and his mouth latched onto the spot between neck and shoulder, kissing and licking before he suddenly bit down drawing a gasp from Daniel. “I dream of kissing every inch of your body, I dream of licking and sucking your cock, I dream of sliding my fingers inside your body as you beg me to take you, to make you mine.  I dream of you loving me and wanting me.  I dream of you inside me filling me with your essence, taking me, owning me.”

 

“Oh god, Jack, god.  I want it, I want everything with you.”

 

Jack took his mouth again, sucking on the lower lip before sliding his tongue inside, searching out every crevice, tasting over and over, tongues caressing.  Jack released his mouth and Daniel tried to follow but Jack bent and latched on his nipples instead and now it was Daniel who moaned and arched and murmured his lover’s name over and over.  Jack unbuttoned Daniel’s pants and pushed them down, those pants that he’d watched Daniel put on in the locker room a lifetime ago.  His hand rubbed over the erection still trapped in Daniel’s boxers and he smiled as it filled even more.

 

“Please, please, please,” Daniel breathed.

 

Jack shoved off the boxers, going to his knees to take them off, slipping Daniel’s feet out of them.  He looked up to find Daniel looking down at him, awe in his face. Turning his gaze back to Daniel’s body he leaned in to nuzzle his groin, the scent overwhelming his senses, as his hands caressed up and down his thighs.  He licked Daniel’s shaft and the younger man automatically reached out to grip Jack’s shoulders as he shivered at the feeling.  Jack repeated the movement, swirling his tongue around the head tasting the pre-come as one hand cupped Daniel’s balls and the other moved around to caress his ass. 

 

Daniel moaned and squirmed and Jack held him tightly in position as he swallowed him whole, licking him along the vein underneath.

 

“Jack, Jack, Jack, oh god…”

 

Leaving one hand on Daniel’s waist to hold him steady, Jack moved the other back to his ass, stroking up and down the cleft as he sucked and licked his cock.  Daniel still had one hand on his shoulder, the other hand was in Jack’s hair and Jack absently wondered how many hairs he’d be missing afterwards.  The thought made him laugh and he gusted air around Daniel’s cock, and the younger man shuddering at the sensation. 

 

Jack knew Daniel wouldn’t be long now, and he sought out Daniel’s opening and circled it with a finger as he sucked at Daniel’s rock hard penis. 

 

“Jack, I’m gonna, I’m gonna….oh god…”

 

Jack gently pushed the finger into the tight opening as he sucked and licked and nipped Daniel’s cock until with a shiver and a long low moan Daniel came into Jack’s mouth.  He swallowed as much as he could, until Daniel’s legs finally gave out and Jack caught him as he slid to the floor.  Jack held him close as he trembled and panted for breath, eyes closed tight. 

 

As he came down from his high Daniel opened his eyes to find he was leaning against Jack, “Oh that was …that was…” he sighed, for once unable to find the words. 

 

He then realised Jack was still kneeling on the floor. “Oh, Jack, your knees.  I’m sorry.”

 

Jack smiled, “It was worth it.”

 

“Let’s go to your bed and really make it worth while,” Daniel grinned.

 

Carefully rising to his feet, Jack asked, “And what are gonna do to me, Dr. Jackson.”

 

“Oh, I thought I might beg you to take me, make me yours.”

 

Jack’s already hard cock hardened even more, “Oh god!” he murmured.

 

A little while later Daniel was lying squirming on Jack’s bed as Jack pressed a third lubed finger into Daniel’s passage and he’d just found what he had been searching for.  Daniel’s language when he had brushed his prostate had caused Jack to grin; his linguist knew some quite interesting words.

 

“Oh fer crying out loud, Jack, stop teasing and get that damned cock of yours inside me.”

 

“Don’t wanna hurt you, Danny. Just making sure you’re prepared…”

 

“Prepared? Any more prepared and I could get both of you in there!”

 

“Both of us? Ah!”  An irrational touch of jealousy caused Jack to push himself into Daniel a little more firmly than he planned but Daniel sighed as he was breached and Jack continued to push steadily inside until he was fully sheathed by his lover. 

 

He rested to allow Daniel to get used to the feel of him at the same time, he smiled as he realised he was finally inside the man he loved.  It was just perfect.

 

“Comfy?” Daniel laughed.

 

“Oh yeah.”

 

“Move it flyboy!  Wanna feel you come.”

 

Jack pulled back, almost all the way out and then he thrust in slowly at first then building up speed as Daniel thrust back and murmured encouragement over and over, telling him harder and faster, come on Jack, come on.  When he hit Daniel’s prostate the younger man arched off the bed and yelled Jack’s name. Jack watching his lover as he tossed his head from side to side murmuring nonsense, feeling his balls lift and the tingle begin in his toes. 

 

“I’m coming Danny, I’m coming, love you…gonna…coming…Dannnnyyyy!”

 

Daniel watched Jack as he screwed up his face and thrust powerfully into his body, he felt the warm come flood his body and watched as Jack’s eyes flew open staring into Daniel’s eyes as he yelled out his name.  Then Jack moaned and collapsed into his lover’s arms. 

 

~~~~

 

A little later they were cleaned up and happily lying in each other’s arms in Jack’s bed.

 

“Do you think they’ll be okay?” Daniel asked softly.

 

Jack didn’t need to ask who he meant. “Oh yeah, they have each other, that’s enough.”

 

“It is?”

 

“Yeah,” Jack smiled, “and I’ll be forever grateful that they helped me see that what I thought was beyond my reach, was just waiting for me to hold out my hand.”

 

 

FIN

 

 

 

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