CHAPTER XI - Show And Tell

Returning to Earth proved almost anti-climatic. They didn’t meet any wargs while in the cave network, nor did they come across any problems as they made their way back, following the same markings on the walls as before. About to reach the Stargate, they encountered SG-5, the team attempting their rescue, and together they ‘gated home.

The worst parts were having to deal with Fraiser, who insisted on examining them from head to toe, gleefully performing test after test, and, of course, the debriefing with General Hammond.

“You’re telling me you actually left Major Griskan back on the planet?” the general asked, the disbelief in his voice obvious.

Jack cleared his throat as he toyed with his pen. “Well, sir, at the time it seemed like the right thing to do. It still is,” he said, trying to ignore the fact Daniel was sitting by his side, close enough for him to feel the other man’s body heat. It was quite distracting. “Hori needed someone to help him settle into his role as the Henuan ruler, even if only for a short while. And as Daniel pointed out, the place is the archaeological discovery of the century.”

Daniel nodded eagerly. “We’re talking about a mixture of so many cultures and civilizations, it will take months to catalogue all the structures, even with SG-11 helping out, sir.”

“I’m not disagreeing with you, Dr. Jackson. But this puts me in the awkward position of having to explain to the President, the Joint Chiefs, and the Russian Government why I have what is in essence a non-SGC member living on another planet.”

“Ah. With all due respect, sir, Major Griskan is one of us,” Jack argued, noting the surprised expression on his superior’s face, but he was not about to admit he actually liked the Russian. “And we - he - can actually do some good there, for a change.”

“Indeed,” Teal’c agreed. “The Henua are a peaceful people, worthy of our help. Should we not do unto others as we would have them do unto us?”

Jack blinked at the Jaffa. Teal’c could say little at times, but when he spoke, usually it was a mouth full.

“What he said,” he gestured towards Teal’c. “It might be us someday, sir.”

Hammond sighed. “Very well. Can’t really say I fault your reasoning, or your actions. However, in order for everyone involved in this situation to be satisfied, I will have to collect on a few markers, not to mention smooth some very ruffled feathers.”

“Hey, if anyone can do it, sir....” Jack left the rest unsaid, knowing his words were true. By the end of the day, Sasha would undoubtedly have permission to stay in Henua for as long as General Hammond saw fit. “I would also like to recommend that Major Griskan be made a permanent member of the SGC, sir. He proved his worth on this mission, tenfold.” He gave Hammond a rueful glance. “Apparently, some Russians you can trust.”

“I will take that under advisement, Colonel. I want your reports on this mission on my desk by 17:00, people.” Before Jack could protest, Hammond raised a hand. “I know you’re tired and want some downtime, you don’t need to tell me that. In exchange for your reports signed, sealed, and delivered on time, you get the rest of the week off. I expect you back here on Monday morning, 08:00 sharp. Dismissed.”

Jack waited until Sam and Teal’c had left before following Daniel out of the room. “Want to have lunch with me?”

Daniel glanced at him from the top of his glasses. “And the reports?”

“We’ll do ‘em afterwards. What ya say?”

Daniel shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

They headed for the commissary, side by side, shoulders brushing occasionally. Jack could hardly remember filling his plate or taking a bite to eat. All he recalled was looking at Daniel, taking in every expression, listening to that soothing voice, and basking in the warmth of rare, but heartfelt laughter. It was as if now that he had admitted to his feelings, the floodgates had been opened and he was left wanting even more than before.

And from the scorching glances being aimed in his direction, Daniel was experiencing exactly the same thing. Apparently it was time for the two sticks of dynamite to fuse into one and go out with a bang.

At exactly five minutes to five in the afternoon, Jack sauntered into Daniel’s office. “Ready to leave?”

He saw Daniel sign his report, sta
nd up stiffly, and stretch lazily. “Yeah. All done. Just need to hand the report over to General Hammond.”

Feeling decisively wicked, Jack walked up to Daniel, grabbed his arm, and pulled him against a wall just outside of the security camera’s reach. They were so close their chests touched lightly as they breathed, brown eyes locked on blue.

“Think we can do that date thing we were talking about on Henua now? Your place, takeout, beer, wine, maybe some necking if you’re up for it,” he whispered, not wanting to be overheard.

“I’m up for it. Probably for more than necking too,” Daniel said just as softly.

“Yeah?” Jack purred, enjoying the way Daniel swallowed in reaction.

“Yeah. Just, uh, how much experience do you have on this...” Daniel gestured vaguely between them. “Subject?”

“Now, now, Daniel, you really should know better than that. A gentleman never tells.” He bit Daniel’s earlobe gently, before pulling back. “I’ll be happy to show ya, though. I’ll start the car; meet you outside in five minutes. Be there or....”

A parting wink and Jack exited the office, leaving a very obviously aroused and pissed off Daniel behind. He could hardly wait for the payback.

Daniel closed the door of his apartment, and as he finished locking it, was grabbed from behind in a crushing grip as two eager hands started roaming over his cashmere sweater. He moaned happily as his nipples hardened, turning quickly to face his unrepentant assailant.

They had both showered and changed to civvies back at the base, and Daniel stared approvingly at the sight of Jack in tight black Levis, snug brown t-shirt, and leather jacket. Spending time looking at Jack’s jeans-covered ass had been one of the first clues as to Daniel’s changing feelings towards the other man. You simply don’t ogle your best friend’s butt, no matter how firm and ripe it looks, or how much it begs to be touched.

“Daniel?” Jack was still a little out of breath from their rushed flight up the stairs and the delicious groping, but he was beginning to look worried. “Second thoughts?”

Daniel realized he had merely turned around and stood staring at Jack, failing to say anything or make any particular move. He shook his head slowly.

“No, sorry. I was just admiring the view,” he said, nearly laughing aloud as Jack preened at his words. He reached for the leather jacket, pushing it off the broad shoulders, Jack offering no resistance as the t-shirt followed close behind, leaving the salt and pepper hair endearingly messy.

“My turn,” Jack panted, and soon Daniel’s sweater was flying through the air.

Their lips locked together in a fierce, passionate kiss as clumsy hands worked buttons and zippers. They parted long enough to peel away tight jeans, and to toe off shoes and socks. Then they were all over each other again, kissing feverishly, hands sliding over pliant flesh, fingers carding through each other’s hair, making love standing there in the hallway, against the door, trying to quench the hunger of so many years in the space of a heartbeat.

Daniel felt one of Jack’s hands reach between them and find his erection, pumping it firmly. He groaned at the heated touch, throwing his head back in ecstasy, beyond caring as it connected forcefully with wood. Jack seemed to agree with this new position, for his mouth fastened on Daniel’s neck, nibbling hard enough to leave his skin tingling.

Not really knowing what he was doing, but wanting Jack to experience the same pleasure flooding his whole being, Daniel grasped Jack’s equally hard cock and started matching his lover’s rhythm.

“Fuck,” Jack moaned, sealing their mouths together again, his free hand grabbing the back of Daniel’s neck, holding him a willing captive, and kissing him breathless.

Daniel felt his world spiraling out of control, helpless to know what was pushing him over the edge more effectively, the taste of Jack’s mouth as it took ownership of his, the wonderful feeling of the strong body glued to every inch of him, or the hand pumping his cock fast and hard now.

Jack broke the kiss then, crying out as he came all over Daniel’s hand and stomach. But the huskiness and vulnerability in that small sound was enough to drive Daniel to his own climax, Jack’s name escaping his lips as he wound both arms tightly around the other man’s frame.

Feeling weak and spent, they dropped to the floor, still holding each other, both panting harshly.

“That was pathetic,” Jack finally rasped. “I haven’t come this fast since I was sixteen.”

Daniel leaned tiredly against the wall, smiling weakly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” Jack assured him, almost religiously. “If this was our first time together, I may actually pass out when we get to the main course.”

“Crude, Jack. Speaking of main course, though, why don’t you go take a shower, while I order some takeout?” Daniel suggested. “Pizza okay?”

Jack leered. “Wouldn’t you rather take a shower with me?”

“Wonderful as it seems, I might pass out. I’m starving.”

Jack sighed dramatically. “Spoilsport. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

Daniel caressed a thigh tenderly. “I’ll find out soon enough. Won’t I?”

The smile Jack gave him did something to his heart. “Yeah, Daniel,” he replied, all seriousness now. “You will. That, and much more. I love you.”

Surprised that Jack had been the one to actually say the words first, Daniel could do little but nod. “So do I. Love you, I mean. I do. I love you,” he babbled, flushing at his awkwardness.

Jack chuckled. “I got it, Daniel, it’s okay. Now, get us something to eat and be quick about it. Oh, and turn on the TV.”

“Any particular channel?” Daniel asked caustically, already resigned to watch endless hockey games.

“National Geographic.”

Daniel startled. “Okay, who are you and what have you done to the real Jack O’Neill?”

Jack gave him a sweet peck on the cheek. “They’re airing a documentary on astronomy tonight that I’d like to watch,” he explained. “About that pizza?”

“Coming right up.” Daniel donned his clothes, wincing at the stickiness on his skin. He would have to shower as well, before eating.

He watched Jack stroll into the bathroom, rumpled clothes in his arms, and sighed contentedly. So this was what it felt like to be granted your heart’s desire. No wonder people spent most of their lives with their heads in the clouds when they were in love. Having to work around Jack was going to be murder from now on. It would be next to impossible to keep his hands to himself; but as much as Daniel cared for Sam and Teal’c, he wasn’t about to give them a free show. He would just have to control himself. At least they had the next few days to get used to the feeling.

Rising to his feet, he walked into the living room, stopping as something caught his attention. Just before going to PX3-904 one of his few remaining friends in the academic community had sent him a beautiful African tribal mask, a fourteen-inch black and white zebra face, hand-carved from Muhuhu wood, African mahogany, by an artisan of the Akamba tribe in Kenya.

Daniel had fallen in love with it instantly, deciding to find a place for it before going off world, instead of putting it off for who knew how long. But the wall he had chosen was bare. The nail he had hammered in was still there, but the mask wasn’t. Instead, it was resting on top of the piano, well away from its intended perch.

He frowned. But he could have sworn.... Hadn’t he hung it up? He distinctly remembered straightening it, going to the far side of the room to admire his newest possession, smiling at a job well done. Maybe he had dreamt it all?

But the nail was there, right where it should be.

Shaking his head, Daniel decided to give up for the moment. Handling the mask carefully, he placed it over the nail, balancing it slowly so it wouldn’t swing to one side. He stepped back to make sure it looked centered, once again appreciating the work and care involved in making such a delicate piece.

His stomach rumbled loudly, and his mind went back on track; order pizza and then shower. The mystery of the mask could wait for later, for when his hunger was sated, his body clean, and Jack was entwined with him on the sofa, watching a show about some of the places they might one day get to visit.

Daniel awoke with a start, not sure what had disturbed him. Some time after the National Geographic documentary had ended, they’d made it to his bed, too tired to do little more than cuddle up together, and share a few kisses before falling asleep. Jack had rolled over sometime during the night, his back pressed against Daniel’s chest.

Daniel sat up carefully, not wanting to disturb him, and slipped out of bed. After making a stop in the bathroom, he padded into the kitchen. It felt a little chilly in the apartment, but then again he was gallivanting around in his boxer shorts, so it was no wonder. He poured himself a glass of water and took a couple swallows, turning to head back for the bedroom, taking the water with him.

He remembered the African mask, and his eyes focused on the wall of their own volition. He took an involuntary step back, barely avoiding dropping the glass from a hand that suddenly shook. Because the mask wasn’t up, not where he was certain he had hanged it up.

This time it was lying on the floor, leaning against the opposite wall where it should have been.

CHAPTER XII - Spirits

Daniel woke up to a warm body spooned behind him; a hard cock nestled between his buttocks, and an arm draped over his waist. On any other morning, it would have been heaven. But after an almost sleepless night spent wondering about the African mask, he was feeling more than a little on edge, and unable to appreciate the gift that was having Jack share his bed.

He knew there had to be a logical reason as to why the mask had ended up in the opposite corner of the living room. Dozens of possibilities had crossed his mind during wide-awake hours - an invisible being much like the Reetou or Oma had hitched a ride with them from 904 undetected, and was now intent on making his life miserable; or maybe he had taken to sleepwalking and was unaware of the fact; or perhaps some of the food or drink on Henua had somehow altered his chemical balance and he was suffering from blackouts. But these were all the ramblings of a tired mind desperate for an answer.

It had to be an intruder. After all, it would explain what had startled him awake so abruptly. But he had been through the apartment, searching for any signs of strangers, and found nothing. No marks on the door, no picked lock, no other objects out of place, no evidence of anyone having been there. Besides, nothing had been stolen. Who would break into a house just to move a mask out of place?

The one thing he knew for certain was he hadn’t imagined it. He had hung up the mask the day before. Daniel shuddered as he remembered Dr. MacKenzie, with his complacent ways and padded room. He was definitely not doing that one again, no way, no how. It might take him a while, but he would get to the bottom of this.

Wanting to give his exhausted brain a rest, he rolled over slowly, closing his eyes and yawning. He snuggled up against Jack, wrapping arms and legs around him in a drowsy hug. When he opened his eyes again, Daniel found very affectionate brown irises gazing back at him.

“Good morning,” Daniel greeted softly, reaching up to tousle Jack’s short hair.

“Ya think?” Jack teased with a smile, leaning over for a kiss.

Their mouths met in a deep, slow, lingering kiss as Daniel trailed his hands down his lover’s flanks, down to his hips and thighs, arousing Jack, edging him into lovemaking. But even as he felt Jack’s hard cock brush against his own, the touch inflamed him as well. They rolled about in the bed, using hips and legs to wrestle playfully, until Jack finally used his bigger body to pin Daniel down.

Daniel found the other man’s lips again and nibbled on the lower one, his tongue caressing it sensually, dragging a moan out of Jack. He released Jack’s mouth to nip his neck, even as strong arms wrapped around him, reaching down to grasp his buttocks. Daniel thrust his hips forward, frantic, wanting Jack to take him over the edge. He moved his body against Jack’s, heated flesh sliding on heated flesh, stroking the sculptured chest with greedy hands.

Daniel pushed up against Jack with his whole frame, trembling as Jack thrust back. They couldn't seem to get enough, touching every part of each other they could reach, hands and mouths moving incessantly, lapping, sucking, nibbling, rubbing calves and thighs together, delirious with the pleasure they were creating.

Rubbing their bodies together with fierce passion, lips locked in a consuming kiss, they drove each other closer to the brink until finally Daniel broke away, head thrown back, body writhing as he came, the shattering release shaking him utterly. Still panting, but determined not to leave his partner behind, Daniel’s hand closed around Jack’s still erect cock, and a few electrifying strokes was all it took for him to climax as well, shuddering into ecstasy.

“Now that’s what I call a good morning,” Jack remarked a few minutes later, arms casually draped over Daniel’s form, their legs still entwined.

“Yeah,” Daniel sighed, melting into the mattress.

Jack lifted his head from its perch on Daniel’s shoulder. “You okay?”

Daniel ran his fingers lightly over Jack’s back and shoulders in a lingering caress. “Better now.”

“That implies that you weren’t okay before.”

“Hmm. Jack, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Jack sat up slowly. “Sounds serious.”

“It is,” Daniel said, sitting up as well. “Before we went to Henua I got this African mask from a friend -”

“The zebra face?” Jack interrupted.

Daniel nodded, surprised Jack had noticed it at all. “Yeah.”

“Thought it looked new,” Jack observed. “Go on.”

“Well, I-I hung it up before we went off world, but yesterday when we got home it wasn’t up on the wall, it was on top of the piano. I figured maybe I’d just thought about doing it, but never actually gotten around to it. The nail was there, though, so I just placed the mask up again and forgot about it. Last night I woke up for no apparent reason. Since I was awake, I went to the bathroom and to get some water. When I looked at the mask, it was on the floor, but on the opposite side of the room from where it should have been.”

Jack remained silent for a long while, evidently absorbing what Daniel was telling him. “So what you’re basically saying is that while you might have forgotten to hang it up the first time, you’re sure you did it yesterday. And that last night when you got up it wasn’t in its place.”

“Right,” Daniel confirmed carefully.

“Is it up now?”

“Haven’t checked yet. I did put it back.”

Jack jumped up from the bed, taking Daniel’s hand in his and pulling him along. “Let’s have a look, shall we?”

They trudged naked into the living room, and Daniel couldn’t decide if he was relieved or frustrated when they saw the zebra face in its place.

“Jack -” he began.

“You checked the place out?” Jack asked, suddenly.

“What?” Daniel startled.

“For intruders,” Jack specified. “I’m skeptical by nature, Daniel, so ghosts and curses are out. I’m assuming it’s not someone or something we picked up on Henua, or we would have noticed it before somehow. Besides, the first time the mask moved you were already off world. That leaves us with humans.”

“I did check. There’s no sign of anyone having been here, and nothing classified has been stolen, it was the first thing I checked. And who would break in just to move an artifact out of place?”

“Someone trying to screw with your mind, Daniel,” Jack told him evenly.

“So... you don’t think I’m losing it?” Daniel asked hesitantly.

Jack gave him a gentle smile, his hands rubbing Daniel’s arms in an obvious gesture of comfort. “No. I try never to make the same mistake twice. If you say you hung the mask, then you hung the mask. Now, who has access to your house keys?”

“You and Sam have a copy, and so does Mark Carlisle, the building’s caretaker. But Jack, I’ve known him for a long time; I was the one that got him the job here. He isn’t the type of person to do something like this, has no motive to, either. And I don’t think he’d hand out my keys to anyone.”

“Still.... Look, I promised Teal’c I would take him out for lunch today. Except for off world missions, he’s been cooped up on base for months. How about I go now, have a word with General Hammond about this? I’ll order a background check on Carlisle and get a forensics team here ASAP. I’ll call Carter and we can all meet up somewhere around noon and go out for lunch. How about going to Rookies? It’s been a while since we ate there as a team. By the time we’re finished, forensics should be done here too and we might have something to work with. What do ya say?”

Daniel kissed Jack lightly on the lips. “I love you.”

“Not the answer I was going for, but it works,” Jack quipped, all humor gone as he asked, “You going to be okay?”

Daniel sighed, feeling somewhat stupid. “Yeah. I think I’m over-reacting. It’s just a mask!”

“That keeps changing place on it’s own,” Jack said. “Better safe than sorry, especially in this business. I’m going to take a shower before heading for the Mountain. Wanna join me?”

Daniel shook his head with a smile. “Nah, you go. Teal’c will be waiting forever otherwise. I’ll make us breakfast instead. I’ll take my own shower after you’re gone, it’s safer.”

Jack shrugged. “Your loss,” he said, sauntering to the bathroom with a provocative swagger.

“Bastard!” Daniel huffed, amused.

“I heard that! No nookie for you tonight, Dannyboy.”

Daniel laughed at the idle threat, feeling better already. “As if!” he shouted back.

Life might be turning all kinds of crazy on him, but at least he still had Jack O’Neill. And that alone was worth all the weirdness in the world.

Daniel finished his second cup of coffee, feeling like a new man. He had taken a long, soothing shower, dressed in casual clothes, and eaten a hearty breakfast, all of which had helped him achieve some balance. Plus, Jack was probably with General Hammond at that very moment, and all Daniel had to do was wait for the forensics team to arrive and search for fingerprints or any other clues as to the intruder’s identity.

Unable to help himself, he walked into the living room, eyes focusing on the zebra face. Why would anyone want to mess with his head, as Jack had put it? The thought that it might be someone from the NID, Maybourne, or even Senator Kinsey had crossed his mind, but they would undoubtedly target Jack, not him. He was merely the civilian working under Colonel O’Neill’s command, and few very people outside of the SGC seemed to even notice him.

So who? And why?

‘Daniel....’ He felt a cold sweat breaking out on his skin as he heard the frighteningly familiar voice purring his name, the sound flowing gently all around him. ‘My Daniel....’

He squeezed his eyes shut at the sorrowful whisper. Sha’re was dead. He’d been there, seen her, touched her dead body. He knew this had to be a disgusting ploy perpetrated by the same person - or persons - making the zebra face change places. But it sounded so much like her....

‘Husband....’

It was her voice. No one would be able to fake Sha’re’s voice that well, even the accent and the strange way she always said his name was the same. And she hadn’t been to Earth, not once. How could anyone know what she sounded like?

‘My Daniel... I love you so much....’

The ringing of the phone startled him, and he picked it up with an unsteady hand. There was no number on the caller ID, so it couldn’t be Jack yet with news.

“Hello?”

“My Daniel,” Sha’re’s voice whispered, this time over the phone. “You hate me,” she added mournfully. “You promised me that you would always love me, that the Goa’uld in me would never be able to take that away from us. You lied, you left. Your heart belongs to another.”

“This isn’t going to work, you know? Sha’re’s dead,” he remarked, suddenly calm. Enough was enough; he was beginning to tire of all these childish pranks. “And dead people don’t make phone calls.”

The dial tone was his answer, but he was too pissed off to let it stop him now. About to dial *69 in an attempt to find out who the caller was, he was startled as the phone abruptly went dead. He was out the door before he could think, running down the stairs and out of the front entrance, just in time to see a van proclaiming to be from the phone company vanishing around the corner with a screeching of tires.

Going back inside, he saw Mark Carlisle behind the new security desk, regarding him with a perplexed expression. “Dr. Jackson, is everything all right?”

“That van outside....” Daniel began, still somewhat breathless.

“The one from the phone company? What about it?”

“What was it doing here?”

“Well, one of their technicians showed up about thirty minutes ago, said he had to replace some faulty wiring outside. He had identification and the paperwork seemed in order.”

“Check your outside line,” Daniel ordered softly.

Carlisle obeyed, his puzzlement increasing as he did so. “The line’s dead. I don’t understand. If the work wasn’t finished why did the man leave, and in such a hurry?”

“You have a cell phone, Mark?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Call the phone company, make sure the technician was the real thing,” Daniel told him, already knowing the answer would be negative. “If not, ask them to send someone over to fix the lines. Also, there should be a group of men arriving soon, looking for me. Send them up, but first I want you to give them a description of this man, Mark.”

“Of course, sir. Anything else?”

“You haven’t loaned my key to anyone, have you?”

Carlisle looked almost offended. “Of course not, Dr. Jackson. I keep the tenants’ keys with me at all times, and at night I keep them locked in a safe. And I’m the only one to touch them, nobody else.”

Daniel gave him a slight smile. “I wouldn’t expect anything else from you, Mark, but I had to ask.”

The other man nodded sagely. “There’s something wrong, isn’t there, sir?”

“Yes, Mark, there is. I’ll be in my apartment when those men I spoke of arrive.”

He trudged up the stairs to his apartment slowly now, his mind a whirlpool of conflicting thoughts. While he knew this was the handiwork of someone obviously out to get him, one thing puzzled him; he had said those words to Sha’re back on Abydos, about how he would always love her and how Amaunet would never be able to take that away from them.

It had been just as Sha’re was giving birth to Shifu, and they had been alone. Not even Teal’c or Kasuf had been with them at the time, and he had never told a soul about that conversation. So how could anyone else be privy to it? How? How was it possible?

He walked into his apartment, only to freeze in his tracks, a startled exclamation escaping his lips. The mask was once again on the floor. But this time the wall wasn’t empty. In the place formerly occupied by the zebra face was a painting. Of Sha’re in her Abydonian robes, dark hair loose and flowing in the breeze, gentle smile and warm eyes seeming to focus entirely on Daniel.

CHAPTER XIII - Matter Of Time

“You look like death warmed over,” Jack remarked as Daniel finally joined them at Rookies for lunch.

He had been at the restaurant with Teal’c and Sam waiting over thirty minutes for Daniel to show up, his worry mounting when he’d finally caught sight of the grim-looking man walking in.

“Sorry I’m late,” Daniel muttered as he sat down.

“Something wrong?” Sam asked, voice rich with concern. “The colonel told us about the mask.”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah, there’s something wrong. I spent the last hour speaking on the phone with General Hammond. Even as we speak there’s a forensics team going over my apartment and a code 3 team setting up surveillance.”

Jack sat up straight in his chair. “What happened?”

Daniel exhaled softly. “Whoever is trying to mess with my head - as you called it - is upping the stakes. Soon after you left, I began to hear Sha’re’s voice, whispering my name, calling me husband and my Daniel like she used to. The sound seemed to come from all around me. And this wasn’t someone faking her voice, it was Sha’re. I don’t know how, but no one could have faked her accent or her voice that perfectly. Then comes a phone call and it’s her again. And what she said....”

“Yes?” Jack prompted softly.

“She mentioned something I told her back on Abydos as she was giving birth to Shifu. But we were alone then, not even Teal’c or Kasuf were with us, Jack. No one could have known or heard that conversation. We were alone!” Daniel was clearly frustrated. “I know she’s dead, I know it’s not her, but how does this person or persons know all this personal stuff? And that’s not all! After the call, the line went dead, so I ran outside just in time to see a van from the phone company pulling away. Mark, the building’s caretaker, told me a man claiming to be a technician had showed up earlier, with all the correct paperwork, saying he had to replace some wiring.”

“An imposter?” Sam ventured.

“Yes. I asked Mark to call the company and they confirmed they hadn’t sent anyone. This technician was probably in contact with the person who made the call as Sha’re and that as soon as the call ended, he cut the lines so I couldn’t try to trace it. I told Mark to give the man’s description to the forensics team. I also asked him about my keys and he told me he hadn’t given them to anyone. I believe him.”

“There is more you have yet to recount,” Teal’c guessed.

Daniel nodded. “Yes. When I got back to the apartment the mask was on the floor again. And in its place was a painting of Sha’re in her Abydonian robes. It was perfect, could’ve been copied from life.”

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose. “Shit,” he whispered. “How the hell could they know what she looked like? She never visited Earth.”

“And how did this person manage to get into your apartment again?” Sam retorted.

Daniel flushed. “I forgot to close the door as I ran out. Couldn’t have made it easier for them.”

“Still, they were obviously expecting you to go down to the lobby to check on the phone lines,” Jack said. “That means they were probably hidden in the corridor. Maybe it’s one of your neighbors?”

Daniel shook his head. “I know them all pretty well. Most of them are old couples, and none of them would have the equipment or the means to pull off something like this. I agree that someone had to be watching and that as soon as I was out of the apartment they put up the painting. The padlock from the door leading to the roof was broken, and the fire stairs were lowered; they must have left that way, otherwise I would have seen them on my way back up.” He sighed. “There’s more, Jack.”

Jack rubbed his face hard. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”

“I think whoever’s doing this knows about us. During the phone call, she said and I quote: your heart belongs to another. Whom else could that refer to, but you?”

“Christ, but we must’ve been sending out signals like crazy,” Jack muttered, annoyed. “I mean, we just admitted out loud to ourselves and each other and we’ve been together in the true sense of the word for a day. But Griskan caught it right away and apparently so did this creep or creeps.”

“Jack, this could be dangerous for you,” Daniel observed worriedly. “If it gets out, if it reaches General Hammond’s ears.... No matter how he feels about you, he will be forced to act.”

Jack’s phone rang at that moment and he gestured for Daniel to wait. “O’Neill.”

“Colonel, General Hammond. I assume your team members are with you, Dr. Jackson in particular?”

“Yes, sir. May I inquire why?”

“I want you back here on the base ASAP. I have some news.”

“We’re on our way, sir.” Jack terminated the call, reached for his wallet, and threw some bills on the table. “That was General Hammond. There’s some news. Let’s go.” He looked at Daniel. “As for anyone at the SGC finding out about us, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. There isn’t anything we can do for now.”

The atmosphere in the debriefing room was tense, all eyes on General Hammond. Jack resisted the urge to fidget, or to tell his superior to get on with it. He could see the strain this situation was creating on Daniel and he wanted nothing more than to ease his lover’s pain.

“First of all, let me update you on the teams working on Dr. Jackson’s home,” the general began. “The code 3 team is done, and the men have evacuated the premises. The remote surveillance system is set up and a van is monitoring all movement from across the street. We’ll watch the place as long as it takes to get to the bottom of this.”

“And the forensics team?” Jack asked.

General Hammond shook his head. “They found no fingerprints, except for Dr. Jackson’s and your own. But they did come across something interesting. They found five devices spread throughout Dr. Jackson’s apartment, a sort of miniature record player set to reproduce a specific tape by remote control, in this case Sha’re’s voice. I agree with Dr. Jackson’s theory that the man pretending to be from the phone company was in contact with the person that made the phone call. It’s safe to say that since he was within range, he was also the one to activate those devices.”

“And they had a way to walk into my house at will. Either with a key, or considering the technology at their disposal, some other way,” Daniel said faintly. “I thought -”

“What, Dr. Jackson?” the general prompted.

“I thought this was recent, that someone was playing a sick joke, but....” Jack saw the horrified look on Daniel’s face as he turned to the general. “Sir, when I told you that Sha’re and I were alone during the conversation mentioned in today’s phone call, and that I never said a word about it to anyone.... Well, I did write it in my journal. As you know, I have a journal for each mission we’ve been on. And a videotape of Sha’re on Abydos, from my year spent there. Her voice can be heard clearly, as well as the way she referred to me. And she is always wearing the Abydonian robes. If whoever is doing this have had access to my apartment for months instead of just days as we’ve assumed, they would have had time to read all the journals, and to watch the tape.” He swallowed thickly. “And they know all about us; the SGC, the teams, the Stargate, the Goa’uld, our allies and enemies.... Everything.”

“So, we’re dealing with someone who besides having some kind of grudge against you, also has inside knowledge on all of us, and what we do,” Jack surmised ominously.

Daniel nodded, eyes focused fiercely on his hands. “In a word, yes. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, son,” General Hammond reassured. “What we need is to find whoever is doing this, for your own security. So far, they have kept to simple, if distasteful, tricks. But it might not stay that way. I want you all to watch your backs. While this seems solely focused on Dr. Jackson, there is nothing to say it will remain that way. I will see what I can do on this end.”

“Have you had Mark Carlisle checked, sir?” Jack asked, his thigh touching Daniel’s gently in a reassuring caress.

“Yes. Dr. Jackson appears to be correct when insisting Mr. Carlisle’s not involved in this sad affair. He has no criminal record, is in fact a national hero, having won a medal for saving a fellow soldier’s life during the Gulf War. For all intents and purposes, he is an upstanding citizen. We’ll keep an eye on him, of course, but I doubt he’s involved.” The general rose. “Now, you are supposed to be on downtime, and although these are not the best circumstances, it still stands. I have taken enough of your time as it is. Go on, get out of here.”

Jack saluted and left, knowing the others were right behind. “What now?” he asked. “We can still go out for lunch.”

Sam grimaced. “I’m not really in the mood to wait forever for a table, sir. I think I’ll go to the commissary and eat something there instead.”

“As will I,” Teal’c agreed.

Jack shrugged. “Suit yourselves. What about you?” he asked Daniel.

“I’m really not that hungry right now,” Daniel replied softly.

“Want a lift somewhere?” Jack asked.

“To your house?” Daniel said, with a small frown. “I don’t feel like going home today. Um, and could we just... sleep tonight?” he added, flushing slightly.

Jack sighed. “All right; time we had a little talk. Sam, Teal’c, we’ll meet you both tomorrow at noon, at Rookies, for lunch. If at first you don’t succeed....”

“Will do. Goodnight, sir. Bye, Daniel,” Sam waved, already walking away.

Teal’c bowed. “O’Neill, DanielJackson.”

Jack watched them until they disappeared around a corner, and then looked at Daniel. “You, with me.”

“Jack -” Daniel started.

“Not here,” Jack warned.

They made their way to his truck and he opened the doors, gesturing for Daniel to get in. He gunned the motor and seconds later they were on their way to his house.

“Did I say something wrong?” Daniel asked him.

“Yes. I’m not with you for the sex, Daniel. As mind-blowing as it has been so far, there’s more to this than that. I love you. As in I care about you, as in I want to be with you. Hanging out together, watching TV - hell - looking out the window’s okay, if you’re with me. You with me so far?” When Daniel nodded, he continued, “And I don’t expect us to have sex - make love - whatever, every night, or every morning, or every day. Lying together, cuddling or sleeping together is just as good, if not better.”

“You think our lovemaking is mind-blowing?” Daniel asked with a lopsided grin.

Jack gave him a feigned glare, relieved to see the mischief in the blue eyes. “I give you this big, emotional speech, and all you get out of it is that particular tidbit?”

“It’s an important tidbit,” Daniel assured with a small smile.

Jack chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it is. Listen, since we’re on deeply emotional topics here.... Being together doesn’t mean we forget everything else that happened before. If you want to talk about Sha’re, we can. I know this must be dredging up some pretty painful memories for you.”

“Wouldn’t it bother you?”

“No. Daniel, I love you, but there’s this part of me that will always love Sara. She was the mother of my son, my first serious relationship. You don’t forget stuff like that, you don’t let go that easily. You loved Sha’re and she loved you, and losing someone like that hurts, especially the way it happened.”

Daniel moved closer, resting his hand on Jack’s thigh. “The reason why I don’t want to go home.... I can’t look at that painting, Jack. I wouldn’t be able to stand it, not today. If looked at it, I would end up thinking about how young she really was, how much she did for her people, how much of her life was left to live. And then there’s the guilt, because I unburied the ‘Gate on Abydos, because I couldn’t save her, because she died. Because I never loved her as much I love you.”

Jack parked the truck in front of his house.

“You sorry about that?” he asked into the sudden silence.

Daniel shook his head. “No. I don’t regret loving you, Jack, or being with you. I regret that I could never love her, as she deserved. But this...” He placed his hand over Jack’s, on the steering wheel, “feels right, is right. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Jack smiled. “Good. Backatcha.” He took a key from his key ring, handing it over to Daniel. “Here, it’s my house key. Make yourself at home.”

Daniel frowned in confusion. “Aren’t you coming in with me?”

“I need to do some shopping, I’m out of everything. And there’s a painting I have to get rid of,” he said softly.

Bright blue eyes bore into his for a timeless moment, the emotions there saying more than words ever could. Finally, Daniel nodded.

“I’ll wait for you, then.” He brushed his lips over Jack’s. “Thank you, Jack.”

Before Jack could say anything, Daniel was out of the truck and jogging for the house. A few seconds of fumbling with the key, and he disappeared inside. Jack waited until he was certain everything was all right before he drove away, his mind already on the task ahead.

“You seem preoccupied.”

Sam lifted her eyes to look at Teal’c, sitting in front of her. They were both at the commissary, sharing a table and a meal, although neither seemed all that hungry, not judging by the amount of food still on their plates.

“I am,” Sam confirmed. “I’m worried about Daniel. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for him.” She glanced around, making sure no one was paying any attention to them. “Daniel and the colonel are still trying to come together, to work out this new thing between them. Something like this will undoubtedly stir things up and not in a good way. How are you supposed to rebuild your life with someone new, when the phantom of your dead wife keeps knocking on your door?”

Teal’c nodded. “Indeed. However, I believe it is only a matter of time before the person responsible for DanielJackson’s misfortune is found. General Hammond can be most determined when it comes to the people under his command.”

Sam nodded. “I know. But I have a bad feeling about this, Teal’c. This is just the beginning. This person can still do a lot of damage before getting caught. And I’m very afraid for them both.”

CHAPTER XIV - Into The Fire

Jack didn’t waste time getting rid of Sha’re’s painting. Scooting into an alley not far from Daniel’s apartment building, he threw it into the first steel drum he could find and torched it, watching with no small amount of satisfaction as it slowly burned to ashes.

Daniel hadn’t been lying; whoever had painted the canvas had known what they were doing. It was a perfect likeness, and Jack wasn’t above recognizing that looking too deeply into Sha’re’s affectionate eyes bothered even him. No wonder Daniel hadn’t wanted to go home to that. He would have felt the same.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Jack spun around to find a big, athletic man, armed with a gun and rather obviously up to no good, standing not three feet away from him. “Out for a walk, are we?”

Jack lifted his hands in a sign of surrender. “I have no quarrel with you.”

The man grinned, showing two missing teeth. “Now that’s just too bad, Jack, because I have one with you.”

Jack squinted at the man, trying to figure out if the stranger actually knew his name, or if it was just an expression. Either way, he had to think of something, a way to get out of this alive and unharmed, and quickly.

“I don’t have any money,” he said, not lying. He’d gone shopping first, so his truck was filled to the brim while his wallet had, at best, a couple of bucks.

The man shook his head. “No matter, it’s not money I’m after.”

Jack cocked his head to the side, assessing his opponent carefully. “Then what is it that you want?”

“Something you have, Jack. Either you cooperate and give it to me, or you die. And I don’t think either of us wants that, do we?”

“Not particularly, no,” Jack drawled sarcastically. “What do you want?”

“Your cell phone.”

Jack blinked. “Excuse me? You do know there’s a pay phone just around the corner, don’t you?”

The man chuckled. “Oh, but we need your phone for a very specific purpose. We’re going to call your boyfriend. Pretty, ain’t he? Surprisingly buff for someone that geeky looking, too. It’s been so much fun playing with him, watching him squirm as he tries to figure out what’s going on.”

“You son of a bitch!” Jack growled, infuriated, and advancing on the man, the weapon forgotten. “You’re the one doing all this stuff to him! Why?”

The man took a step back, the armed hand rising threateningly. “Now, now, Jack, behave yourself, or I’ll be forced to hurt you. And I’m not the only one involved in this. Definitely not the brains of the operation, if you get my meaning. Besides, this is all your fault.”

“My fault?” Jack gritted out, hands opening and closing in an effort to stop himself from charging against the other man.

“Yep. You see, some years ago you did something my boss didn’t like, didn’t like at all. And she decided the best way for you to pay was through the one person you loved most in the world. I bet having to watch Jackson go through everything that’s been happening and not being able to do anything has been driving you crazy, right?” The man chuckled. “Well, I’m sorry to say it’s about to get worse.” He began to circle Jack, forcing him to move as well, trying to keep the stranger within sight.

“Worse?” Jack echoed, fear freezing the blood in his veins.

“The boss has decided it’s time to push the envelope.” The man stopped suddenly, a smug smile on his face. “Say goodbye, Jack.”

The man squeezed the trigger and a dart pierced Jack’s neck with accurate precision. Almost immediately Jack felt his knees grow weak, his vision blurring, even as he watched helplessly as his attacker grew nearer. A sickening thud sounded through the silent afternoon as he finally surrendered to whatever foreign agent was coursing through his veins and fell unconscious on the hard asphalt.

Daniel paced Jack’s living room frantically, resisting the urge to check his watch yet again. Where the hell was Jack? He’d been gone for almost two hours, and that just wasn’t the other man’s style. He wouldn’t take this long and not let Daniel know something was up, that he would be late.

His cell phone rang then, and Daniel fumbled with it, relieved when he saw Jack’s name on the screen.

“Jack? Where are you? What’s going on?” he asked as he took the call.

“I think I’ve found the person responsible for all the stuff that’s been happening,” Jack whispered, so low that Daniel had to strain to hear him.

“How? What happened? You left here to go shopping, for Pete’s sake!”

“I’ll tell you later,” came the reply in the same hushed tone. “I already called General Hammond, but I thought you might want to be here as well.”

Daniel sighed in exasperation. Yes, he wanted to know who was behind all this craziness, but the idea of Jack out there somewhere, without any backup, didn’t feel right.

“All right, where are you?” He jotted down the address. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Just be careful, Jack.”

“I will, I promise. Hurry up.”

Daniel disconnected the call, then cursed as he realized he didn’t have any means of transportation, as Jack had given him a ride. “Great!” he muttered, already dialing the cab company.

Daniel cursed for the hundredth time as he walked briskly through ancient metal warehouses built close together, and the narrow alleys that ran between the structures. The cab driver had refused to take him all the way to the address Jack had given him, saying it was a dangerous part of town and was he certain he wanted to go there, so Daniel had been forced to walk the rest of the way.

He kept his head down, eyes on the ground, as he passed the homeless foraging the trash spilling from broken containers or the beggars sitting by the metal walls, extended hands asking for some spare coins.

Daniel spotted Jack’s truck just before he reached his destination. Patting the vehicle lovingly for a moment, he walked into the rundown warehouse carefully, not wanting to advertise his arrival, should Jack be right and the bad guys were actually in there.

Remembering Jack had mentioned the top floor, Daniel step inside the old looking service elevator - apparently the only other access to the building’s floors besides the stairs. Some heavy looking crates blocked those, and removing them was certain to generate enough of a racket to alert the world to his arrival. Not to mention he would be wasting precious time.

It would be safer to use the elevator and exit two floors down from where he wanted to be. He only hoped the elevator wasn’t one of those ancient death traps that creaked and groaned at the slighest movement; he might as well shout out he was in the building and save the cloak and dagger entrance for another time.

He lowered the steel door, closed the wooden door, and pressed the fifth floor button. The elevator began its slow ascent - thankfully silent - and then abruptly the light wavered and went out, leaving him in the dark. The cabin gave a sharp jolt, and then stopped.

“Oh, please,” he whispered, more annoyed than anything. “Come on, move, will ya?” As if propelled by his plea, the light came back and the elevator continued its climb. “All right!” he breathed, relieved.

The elevator had just passed the third floor when it happened again. Daniel waited a few seconds but this time the light didn’t kick back on.

“What is it with this damned contraption?” He fell silent as he heard what sounded like crackling and electric wires short-circuiting. “Uh-oh!”

He pushed the wooden door open and tried to see through the small window in the outer steel door. All he could see was the inside of the elevator shaft. He thought about calling for Jack, but then recalled the situation. If there was someone else in the warehouse with them, it could mean both their deaths.

He decided to open the steel door. The base of the elevator was barely level with the third floor, with only a small opening allowing any light inside, and Daniel felt his panic rising. While he wasn’t claustrophobic, the idea of being stuck in there for who knew how long....

Crouching on the floor, he realized he’d never fit through the opening - there was barely enough room for his arm, let alone his whole body.

“There’s something wrong,” he whispered, a sense of dread washing over him. He realized he couldn’t even be sure the call had been from Jack, the voice had been too low, enough not to be recognizable. What if this was a trap set up by the same people that had done all the other things? But this wasn’t a mere prank; he was in a life or death situation.

The sudden sound of running steps on the floor above him made him remain silent and alert. He sucked a startled breath as he suddenly realized what he was hearing - a male voice frantically shouting: “Fire! Fire! Everybody clear the building! Fire!”

Controlling his fear, Daniel looked through the opening, seeing two homeless men running down the stairs, fear written all over their faces.

“Hey! Hey! I’m stuck in the elevator!” he shouted, banging on the steel door. “Somebody help me!”

There was no one left to hear him, the corridor was deserted and eerily silent now. He was trapped alone in the burning building.

“Colonel O’Neill, sir?” Jack opened his eyes slowly at the sound of his name, to see Janet Frasier leaning over him. “Colonel, how are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been hit in the head,” he rasped. “Where am I?”

“In the USAF Academy Hospital, Colonel,” another voice replied, and Jack turned his head carefully to the side. General Hammond, Carter, and Teal’c were all standing by the window, sharing the same worried expression. “We received an anonymous call telling us where to find you,” the general continued. “This call was made from your phone. You were found unconscious in an alley, your wallet was still in your jacket, but your cell phone and your truck have been stolen. I’ve already contacted the local authorities; there’s an APB out on your vehicle.”

“Daniel!” Jack sat up abruptly, moaning at the sharp pain in his head.

“Easy,” Frasier soothed, patting him gently on the shoulder. “You took a nasty hit to the head, Colonel. We did a CAT scan just to be sure, and although there’s nothing wrong, you do have a concussion. You were also drugged, but whatever it was you were injected with, it seems to have dissipated rapidly from your blood stream.”

“Oh, joy!” he muttered. Second concussion in the space of a few days. It had to be some kind of record. “General, the man that attacked me wanted my cell phone so he could call Daniel. Probably pretending to be me and lure him somewhere. My guess is he was the same guy pretending to be from the phone company this morning. Daniel is staying at my house, you have to call him.”

“I’ll do it,” Sam said, already reaching for her cell phone.

Daniel did his best to ignore his plight as he dialed Jack’s cell number, half dreading getting an answer. If he was correct and the call he’d received earlier hadn’t been from Jack, it wasn’t very likely that his lover would be the one to greet him.

“Hello, Daniel,” purred a male voice as the connection was established. “I’ve been waiting for you to call.”

“Who are you? And what are you doing with Jack’s phone? Where is he?” he demanded to know.

“I could say something corny like I’m your worst nightmare, but I’m not going to go with clichés. I stole Jack’s phone and truck, if you must know. Don’t worry, your lover is fine. I watched the ambulance take him to the hospital myself. Probably has one hell of a concussion, though. He hit the ground rather hard.”

“You’re the man from this morning, from the phone company van,” Daniel guessed.

“Yep. Stole that one too. Oh, and I was the one to set the warehouse on fire. Feeling hot yet?” the man asked with a laugh.

“Why are you doing this?” Daniel asked, anger coloring his tone.

“Ask Jack. ‘Bye, Daniel.”

Daniel ended the call, and then tried a new number, Sam this time. “Daniel!” she exclaimed, answering on the first ring. “I was just about to call you! Are you okay? Where are you?”

“I’m in the warehouse district. I, uh, seem to be caught in a situation of sorts.”

“What’s wrong, Daniel?” Sam asked, and he could almost see the frown on her face.

“Well, um, I-I’m stuck in the elevator and the building’s on fire.”

“What!” she shouted.

“Yeah. Just my luck, huh?” Daniel quipped weakly. “Anyway, I already called the Fire Department, I can hear them outside. Just thought I’d let you know.... Sam, do you know anything about Jack? I know he was attacked and -”

“He’s at the USAF Hospital, I’m with him now,” Sam interrupted anxiously. “Teal’c, Janet, and General Hammond are here as well. Listen, Daniel, give me the address. We’ll be there as fast as we can.”

Daniel stammered the address, his heart squeezing painfully in his chest as he heard Jack’s voice in the background, arguing with Janet. “Sam?” he whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Tell Jack I love him?” he asked softly.

“You tell him,” she ordered, her voice choked up. “You’ll be seeing him in a few minutes. We’re all on our way. Just hang on, you hear me? Hang on.”

CHAPTER XV - Tangent

Daniel sat on the elevator floor, waiting for the firemen to reach him. When he’d made the call, he had mentioned his location, so all he could do was sit tight and wait. He squeezed his eyes shut as he heard the shattering of glass from the floors above; the fire was coming dangerously close now. The intense heat was already sapping what little energy he had left.

“Oh, God,” he moaned suddenly, opening his eyes and glancing through the small opening. The whole floor was beginning to fill with smoke, making his eyes water and breathing difficult. Trying hard not to panic, he removed his shirt and covered his mouth with it, trying to breathe slowly to minimize the smoke inhalation.

The sound of approaching steps and a voice calling his name cut through his silent panic. “Dr. Jackson? Dr. Daniel Jackson, are you okay?”

“Yes,” he replied, uncovering his face and smiling weakly at the fireman looking up at him. “Took you long enough.”

“I’m sorry. We’ve been trying to control the fire on the upper floors. I’m Dylan Thompson, by the way,” the fireman said through his mask. “We’re doing everything we can to get you out of there. The walls are steel, so they’ll keep the flames away.”

“What about the heat? I feel like I’m stuck in an oven!”

Dylan nodded. “I know. The others are on the fifth floor as we speak, looking for the elevator shaft. They’re going to send jets of water down the shaft - it will cool the air. I’ll stay here with you while they figure out a way to get you free.”

Daniel smiled gratefully at the young firefighter; he really didn’t want to remain alone in the sea of flames surrounding him.

Jack took a deep, sharp breath as Sam parked her Volvo just as a shower of glass and debris fell from the front of the burning building. It was a vision of hell; the three upper floors were completely wrapped in flames and the whole structure seemed about to collapse.

“My God....” Jack whispered from the passenger seat, watching the chaos of firemen, curious bystanders, and reporters crowding the area. Looking around, he saw General Hammond park his own vehicle, Janet, and Teal’c having ridden with him.

Jack exited the car slowly, allowing Sam to support him as they made their way to the others. General Hammond identified the fireman in command and stalked towards him, Jack and the others hot on his heels.

“I’m General Hammond, I called you a few minutes ago. One of my men is inside.”

The firefighter shook all of their hands as he nodded. “Stan Marshall. Dr. Jackson, we know. I just talked to one of my men. He’s still trapped in the elevator, but he’s okay. Apparently, the power went out just as the elevator was reaching the third floor. He managed to open the security doors, but there’s not enough room for him to pass through.”

“So what are you doing to get him out?” Jack growled. He knew it wasn’t the man’s fault, but his lover was inside that burning hell and he wanted something done. Fast. Before he took matters into his own hands, head injury or no head injury.

“Everything we can, sir,” Marshall replied, understanding clear in his voice. “I won’t lie to you. The conditions inside that building are unbearable. It’s an old structure, it doesn’t respect the legislation regarding fire hazard, and nearly every material in there is flammable.... And besides being out of control, the fire has been eating away at the warehouse for over twenty minutes now. I’ve had to get my men out of the top floors already. But I won’t give up on your friend.”

Jack nodded, a feeling of guilt washing over him. He looked up at the burning building. He couldn’t lose Daniel now, not when they had just found each other, when they had so much to look forward to. They just couldn’t seem to get it right; whenever things were beginning to look up, something would happen to ruin everything. It wasn’t fair, and neither deserved this, especially Daniel, who had been through so much already.

And now he stood to lose his life as well.

All because a ghost from Jack’s past had made it past the barriers to what was inside, seeing the love, the caring, the affection between them, and using it against them. To hurt them, to obtain some revenge on a hypothetical crime Jack wasn’t even aware of committing.

It was a knife to Jack’s heart, to think he might never have the chance to tell Daniel how much he really cared. Part of him wanted to reach out and never let go. The other wondered if he wasn’t making a mistake tying a brilliant, beautiful human being like Daniel to someone like himself - scarred, battered, afraid to love. But Daniel had picked him. Against all odds, Jack’s love was returned a thousand fold.

So it really didn’t matter. If they loved each other, their differences would balance each other, balance their relationship. And Jack loved Daniel in that same wholehearted way Daniel did everything in his life, and that was okay too.

“God, please... let him make it out all right,” he whispered softly.

Just then, a fireman ran up to them, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Sir, I think we found a way to reach Dr. Jackson,” he panted. “Simpson found the stairs leading to an old machine-house in the basement. There’s a way to lower the elevator a few feet manually. If someone joined Dylan on the first floor and then as the elevator went down pulled Jackson out....”

Marshall nodded. “Could work. Is Simpson still in the basement?”

“Yes, sir. He’s just waiting for the order to go ahead.”

“Okay, do it. I want you with Dylan.”

“Yes, sir!”

Jack watched the firefighter go with his heart in his hands. He knew it would be Daniel’s last chance at rescue. Marshall had sounded the alarm to clear the warehouse - the whole building was expected to collapse at any minute.

Daniel watched as a second firefighter joined Dylan and waved up at him.

“Dr. Jackson, I’m Bill Tyler. We’ve found a way to get you out of there. I need you to turn your feet toward us, so that when the time is right we can pull you out, okay?”

“Okay,” Daniel replied tiredly, even as he obeyed. “What’s the plan?”

“We have someone in the machine-house who’s going to lower the elevator manually. We can’t risk letting it descend all the way, there’s no way of knowing how long the cables will hold. So, we’re going to lower it just enough for you to fit through. We need you to get ready - feet first if you can. As soon as we can reach you, we’re going to grab you and pull you out. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“Okay, I’m going to tell my colleague to lower the elevator. Get ready.”

Seconds later, Daniel felt the elevator jolt, and then everything happened in a blur. Two pairs of strong hands grabbed his legs and pulled, and he slid into the arms of the two firemen. Too exhausted to stand on his own, he felt them carry him out the building and into the capable hands of the paramedics waiting outside.

He was laid down on a stretcher, an oxygen mask finally allowing him to breathe much-needed oxygen. He felt the gentle brush of a hand on his forehead and opened his eyes, looking straight into Jack’s too bright ones.

“Jack....” he breathed weakly.

“Hey, Spacemonkey,” Jack whispered. “They’re going to take you to the USAF Hospital to check you out. Mind if tag along? Janet even insisted we share a room,” he quipped.

Daniel shook his head, too weary to speak, but knowing Jack would understand. The stretcher was loaded into the ambulance and Jack climbed in, holding Daniel’s hand as if he didn’t have a care in the world. And maybe, Daniel ventured, for the moment he didn’t.

Daniel was forced to spend the night at the hospital for observation, but then again, so was Jack. And they did share a room, so it wasn’t all bad, even if they barely slept with the nurses checking on them every hour or so. The next morning a small assembly gathered in the room as Jack told General Hammond, Sam, and Teal’c about his meeting with his assailant in the alley the afternoon before.

Apparently between having been unconscious and then going to Daniel’s rescue, Jack hadn’t had time to tell his tale. Then it was Daniel’s turn. He told them about Jack’s call leading him to the warehouse, his conversation with the strange man, and his adventure in the elevator.

When they were both done, General Hammond nodded. “This is definitely getting out of hand, people. Colonel, do you have any idea who this woman might be and what she might have against you?”

Daniel watched Jack shake his head gingerly. “Not without further details, sir. It could be anything from my time in Special Ops to a stupid accident in a supermarket. We need to find this bastard, interrogate him, see what he knows, who this boss is.”

“Any news regarding the surveillance in my apartment?” Daniel asked.

“No one has been to your apartment since it has been set up. My guess is these people are aware of our surveillance, and they seem to be pushing the envelope indeed, as that man told Colonel O’Neill. You might have died in that fire, son. This is no laughing matter, and I am rapidly losing my patience. For now, I want you to stay with Colonel O’Neill. You will both be released this afternoon and I want you to remain within viewing distance of each other. The same goes for Major Carter and Teal’c, who will be stayed with the Major for the time being. I have also ordered your houses to be guarded 24/7, and I want you armed.”

“What about the Fire Department, sir?” Sam asked.

“They have been working with us on the case and evidence of foul play has been found. It was definitely arson. Unfortunately, nothing that might lead us to whoever set the warehouse on fire.”

“Sir, my truck?”

The general exchanged a brief glance with Sam. “Um, I’m afraid we haven’t found it yet, Colonel.”

“Sir, please,” Jack coaxed. “I can tell when you’re hiding something. What is it?”

General Hammond sighed. “All right, Colonel, your truck has been found. Another anonymous tip-off.”

Jack sat up anxiously. “Well, where is it?”

Sam cleared her throat awkwardly. “In a junkyard. It was stripped bare, beyond repair. I’m sorry, sir.”

Jack groaned. “My baby....”

Daniel fought his smile with some hardship. “Jack, it’s just a truck. You can buy a new one tomorrow.”

“Just a truck!” Jack repeated incredulously. “Just a truck? My baby wasn’t just a truck, Daniel. It was a dark green Ford F-250 Super Duty with extended cab, four wheel drive, airbag, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM Radio, alloy wheels, cruise control, fog lights, intermittent wipers, lumbar support, power brakes, power door locks, and lots, lots more...” he gestured aimlessly in the air, “cool stuff!”

“I stand corrected,” Daniel said wryly.

“Dr. Jackson, perhaps Major Carter would allow you to stay at her house instead?” General Hammond suggested with a teasing smile.

“Hey!” Jack protested. “I’m entitled to grieve here, I loved that truck. It was the light of my eyes.”

“Oh, really?” Daniel drawled, glaring at him.

Jack gave him a desperate look, glancing from Daniel to the general, obviously torn between wanting to appease Daniel and having to hold it in because of his superior. Daniel did his best to keep a wounded expression, enjoying this too much.

“Well, gentlemen, I can see you are both going to be fine, so I will leave you to rest. Teal’c, Major Carter, will you be staying or going with me?”

“Going, sir. Teal’c is going back to the base and I have some experiments waiting for me in the lab. Daniel, Colonel, I’m glad you’re both safe and back with us. I’ll call you tonight.”

Teal’c bowed. “As will I. Be well, my friends.”

Daniel watched them leave, waiting until they were finally alone to turn soulful eyes on Jack. “So, your baby was the light of your eyes, was she?”

Jack cleared his throat. “Now, Daniel, you’re not going to get jealous of a truck, are you? I mean, it’s just a truck.”

“That’s not what you just said a few minutes ago, Jack,” Daniel whispered, making sure his voice quivered just a little. He turned his head away, his shoulders shaking with the effort to hold his laughter.

“Oh, Jeez,” Jack whispered. Daniel heard him padding to the door, locking it, then toddling to Daniel’s bed. “Daniel?” he called out hesitantly.

It was all Daniel could take. The first snickers escaped his lips, increasing in volume, until he was laughing heartily, his mirth only getting worse at the scowl Jack gave him.

“You little shit!” he growled. “You were pulling my leg.”

Daniel wiped at his eyes with a hand. “I’m sorry, Jack, I just couldn’t resist. You know you can drive my Explorer until you get a new truck, right?” He looked up to see Jack regarding him seriously, the pain in his eyes clear. “Jack?” Daniel breathed.

“I thought I’d lost you,” Jack whispered, pulling Daniel close, and nearly smothering him in a tight embrace.

“You didn’t. I’m here,” Daniel soothed, returning the hug with equal strength. “We’re going to be fine, Jack. We’ll win this thing.”

“It was too close, Daniel, too damn close,” Jack said faintly, climbing into Daniel’s bed, and tugging at him until they were both lying down, bodies entwined together.

Nothing more was said as they cuddled on the small bed, content to be in each other’s arms for as long as possible, reassuring and reassured that they were both all right, that they had both escaped yet another close call. It was enough for now.

Or at least until footsteps echoed in the corridor and forced them apart and into their separate beds. Even then - and until the very last moment before they finally surrendered to their exhaustion - they never lost sight of each other.

CHAPTER XVI - Bloodlines

Aline looked down at her breakfast, not feeling hungry in the least, but knowing she had to keep her strength up. The coffee shop she had chosen was virtually empty, since it was still very early in the morning, and she took the opportunity to finally let her guard down for a while.

She was exhausted, bone-deep weary, sick of the waiting, of watching her quarry, of having to deal with that moron she had hired to help her. For three weeks now, ever since the warehouse fire, she had been unable to set any more of her ideas into motion. Her prey was never alone, always alert, and that made it difficult for her to act.

But it had to be done. Colonel Jack O’Neill had stolen the one person in her life she had ever loved: her brother, the other half of her soul. They had been so close, she was certain she had felt the exact moment when his heart had stopped beating.

She couldn’t remember a moment in her life when her twin hadn’t been by her side, supporting her, sharing his life with her. They had survived their parents’ death when they were ten; they had made it through their teenage years with their bastard uncle, the only living relative willing to take them in.

They had smoked their first joint together, gone out on their first double date together, gone to all the same schools, the same parties, shared the same friends. But now... now she was all alone in the world. It was impossible to envision her life, her future, without him. She didn’t even want to try.

There had only been one solution. To take her revenge on the man responsible for her pain; to get even with O’Neill. He had destroyed the blood of her blood, and he would suffer for it. She hit the colonel where she knew it would hurt the most; his heart. Because she had watched them for months, had known how they felt for each other before they did.

It had been fun to taunt Jackson at first, to confuse him, to bring back memories of a recent past that were certain to hurt him, and O’Neill by proxy. As for the fire... she had been almost sure Jackson wouldn’t die. And if he had, well, then her work would have been done.

She had been among the curious bystanders, watching as O’Neill suffered silently, witnessing the anguish on his face, the pain in his eyes as he waited to hear of his lover’s fate. But Jackson had survived, the firemen carrying him out of the burning building.

So now it was time for the final act; Daniel Jackson would have to die soon. Even if for it to happen she had to die herself. After all, she had nothing left to lose.

Turner smirked delightedly, his attention never wavering from Samantha Carter and Daniel Jackson. The two had spent the afternoon shopping and were now entering a bar, probably for a final, friendly drink to end the day.

He snatched his cell phone from his jacket and dialed his boss’ number.

“It’s me,” he said unnecessarily.

“What do you have for me, Turner?” Aline asked him from the other end.

“I’ve been following Jackson and the Carter woman all afternoon. It’s the first time in three weeks that Jackson isn’t with O’Neill or the black man. I’d do it now.”

“Where are they now?” she asked.

“In a bar,” Turner replied. “I can catch them on the way out, they won’t be expecting it.”

“You’re right; this might be the chance I’ve been waiting for. When they leave the bar, grab him.”

“And the woman?”

“Neutralize her, but don’t kill her.”

“Consider it done, boss.”

“Turner, don’t fail me.” She sounded hard, cold, leaving no doubt as to the warning in her voice.

“I won’t,” he promised, before ending the call. “I won’t,” he added to himself.

Daniel finished his drink with a contented sigh.

“You look like a new man,” Sam commented with a smile.

He smiled back. “I feel like a new man. There’s nothing I enjoy more than shopping for books, and I missed spending time with you, just the two of us. Besides, as much as I adore Jack, he was driving me crazy.”

“You know he’s only worried about you, Daniel,” Sam chided softly.

“I know, Sam, and I’ve been trying hard to play by his rules. But I’ve always been independent, and there are times when I need to be by myself, or do something different. Both Jack and Teal’c have been following me around incessantly for the past three weeks. And during all that time, I only ever left the house to go to work. I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Sam chuckled. “I guess being around Jack O’Neill twenty-four hours a day can be a daunting experience, especially when he’s in protective mode. Everything okay otherwise?”

He knew what she was asking and gave her what he knew had to be a goofy grin, but he couldn’t help himself. “Oh, yeah,” he breathed. “Underneath all that sarcasm and know-it-all attitude lives a big softy, Sam. We’re talking marshmallow, here. And well...” He shrugged faintly, “he’s pretty amazing.”

“So, you’re happy?”

He nodded eagerly. “Definitely.”

She returned the grin. “Good. Come on. It’s getting late, I better drive you home.”

They paid for their drinks, strolling leisurely out of the bar and down the street.

“Want to have dinner with us?” Daniel asked. “Teal’c will probably be there too. You can sleep over, if you want. It’s been a while since we spent a whole weekend together, the four of us.”

Sam shrugged, but seemed pleased with the invitation. “Why not?” she acquiesced, the keys to her Volvo dangling from her fingers.

They were reaching her vehicle, when a black van abruptly stopped in front of them, the squeal of tires loud in the approaching dusk. The side door slid open and a man stepped out. Daniel had never seen him before, but the face looked strangely familiar and he knew it was from the description both Jack and Mark Carlisle had given of the man involved in this whole twisted mess.

The man’s blank expression raised the hair on the back of Daniel’s neck.

“Can I help you?” Sam asked by his side, and Daniel could see her trying to go for her gun, while attempting to look non-threatening at the same time.

The man cackled gleefully. “Yeah, sweetheart. I’d like to request the pleasure of your friend’s company.”

Before either Sam or Daniel could move, he’d drawn a gun, firing it at them both in the blink of an eye. Daniel’s vision blurred even as he realized what kind of weapon the man was holding - a tranquilizer gun, probably the same used on Jack.

Just before the world went dark, he had the comforting thought that if the man wanted him and Sam dead he wouldn’t have drugged them. Then he knew no more.

Jack looked at his watch again. 20:00. He was going to chew Carter’s head royally for this one. He knew he was over-reacting and that his two geeks were probably lost in a bookstore somewhere surrounded by a ton of books they would never get to read, but still.... It was getting late. They should be having dinner, preparing dinner, ordering dinner. Whatever.

The phone rang and he jumped for it, ignoring Teal’c raised eyebrow.

“O’Neill,” he growled into the receiver.

“It’s me,” Sam said, her voice faint and somewhat muffled.

“Sam, where the hell are you?”

“‘Ospital,” she drawled slowly, as if it took an effort to utter every word. “Ba’tard drugged me. Took D’niel with him. Sorry, Jack, couldn’t stop ‘im. My f’ult.”

Jack rubbed his forehead tiredly. “Shit,” he muttered. “It’s not your fault, Sam. Sooner or later they were bound to try something again. What hospital are you in? The Academy?”

“No. Witness called 911, got sent to Memory ‘ospital.”

“You mean, Memorial.”

“S’what I said,” Sam said, appearing offended. “Called George ‘fore. Janet too. They’re c’ming.”

“George? Oy, he must’ve loved that,” Jack mumbled. “Teal’c and I are on our way, Sam. Stay put.”

He replaced the receiver, turning to Teal’c. “That was Sam. She’s in the hospital. Daniel’s been kidnapped,” he explained, trying to keep his voice from wavering.

Teal’c merely nodded, his countenance grim and determined. They left the house silently and jumped into Daniel’s Explorer, the vehicle he had been using lately. Jack drove mindlessly through the traffic. All he could think about was Daniel, and what he might be going through. If those bastards hurt one hair on his lover’s head he was going to kill them... slowly and very painfully.

They reached Colorado Springs Memorial Hospital in very little time, asking about Sam at the help desk and being told she was still in the ER. They met General Hammond there, pacing by the entrance.

“Colonel, Teal’c,” the general greeted. “Dr. Frasier is with the Major now. I believe we’ll be able to talk to her in a few minutes.”

Frasier emerged from behind the ER revolving doors at that moment, discarding a pair of latex gloves with a sharp snap.

“She’ll be fine. The hospital doesn’t have the necessary equipment to identify the drug, but it seems to be wearing off fast. I already took a blood sample to test later.”

“Is she lucid?” General Hammond asked. “She sounded, um, different on the phone.”

“She’s better, but rational thinking still takes an effort. You can ask her a few questions, but nothing too taxing for now. Come with me.”

They followed Fraiser to a division in the large ward, finding Carter behind closed curtains, sitting on a bed and swinging her legs back and forth.

“Major Carter?” General Hammond called gently.

Sam looked up, beaming at them. “George!” she squealed. “You came!”

The general cleared his throat awkwardly. “Yes, well.... Can you tell us what happened?”

Her smile vanished and her eyes misted, her expression sorrowful. “They took D’niel. Black van, one man. No plates. Shot us with darts.” She looked at Jack then, who had been trying to come to terms with the fact that this was his hard as nails second in command. “We had so much fun. D’niel said you’re a ma’shmallow, a big softy.”

Oh, he was going to kill Daniel for this one when he found him.

“Really? Carter... Sam, anything else you can tell us about the man?”

She nodded eagerly. “Same one from b’fore, that attacked you in the all’y. Matched Carlisle’s descri’tion too.”

Jack stayed silent, having been expecting as much. The game was back on and the rules had changed yet again. Either way, Daniel had better be okay, or there wouldn’t be any place on Earth where those fuckers would be able to hide. He had spent the last years of his life killing vicious snakes; humans, by comparison, were easy marks.

Slowly, Daniel crept back into consciousness. The first thing his tired brain registered was the extreme cold where he was, the second, how thirsty and hungry he felt.

Sighing wearily, he opened his eyes and looked around. He was in a room, wooden walls, probably a cabin of some sort. There wasn’t much in the small space, only the slim bed where he was lying and a couple of chairs. The floor was covered with dirt and there was a moldy scent in the air.

He sat up carefully, feeling slightly dizzy. He rubbed his hands up and down his arms to get the circulation going and keep the cold at bay a little. Feeling more like himself, he got up gingerly and checked the door. Like he was expecting, it was locked, but at least he wasn’t tied up and could move around.

His watch was missing, as were his wallet, Beretta, and cellular; but by the scarce light coming into the room through the boards covering the only existing window, he could tell it was morning already. He frowned as he remembered what had happened. So, where was he now? And was Sam okay and somewhere in the house as well, or had she been left behind?

He sighed as he sat on the bed. Nothing he could do at the moment but wait. Maybe he would finally get told what this was all about. As if summoned by his thoughts, he heard the sound of jingling keys, and got up to meet his jailers.

The door opened and an amused voice greeted him, “I see you’re finally awake! It’s about damn time too!”

Daniel looked at the woman before him, having no idea who she was. She had to be the boss the man that attacked Jack in the alley had referred to, but what was she doing here? Why show herself now?

“Who are you? Where’s Sam? Why are you doing all this?” he shot at her.

She laughed and Daniel took the opportunity to watch her more closely. She was probably in her mid-thirties, tall and slim, with long, wavy brown hair, and hazel eyes, from which shone nothing but cruel insanity.

“Your friend stayed behind, I had no interest in her. As for why I’m doing this....” She sat in one of the chairs in the room. “Your lover had my brother killed about three years ago, Dr. Jackson. And since Armin was the most important person in the world to me, I decided Colonel O’Neill should taste some of his own medicine. After careful investigation, I decided you were the most important person in the world to him. Tit for tat, you might say.”

“So all those stupid pranks with the mask, the phone call, Sha’re’s voice, the painting, the fire.... All that was you?”

She nodded. “Yes. My brother always said to start small, then build from there. That’s what I did. Have you ever seen a rat trapped in a maze, trying to get out? Nothing like a touch of confusion in your life to make you go round in circles.”

“Now what?” Daniel asked, half-afraid to know the answer.

“Now I watch O’Neill search uselessly for you, day after day, hoping against all odds to find you alive,” she replied. “And the moment he loses hope, is the moment when I will deliver your dead body right to his front door. Turner!” she called.

The man Daniel recognized from the night before walked in with a plate of food and some water, placing them on the floor. “Enjoy,” he grinned. “Might be your last meal.”

“I’m afraid I have to leave you for now,” the woman told him, a mock-sad expression on her face. “I have a phone call to make to a certain Air Force Colonel. I’ll come by later. Hope you enjoy your stay.”

She left the room, with Turner right behind her. Daniel waited until the key turned in the lock and he was alone again, before dropping back on the bed dejectedly.

“I’ve got to find a way out of here,” he muttered to himself.

One way or another, he would have to escape from the cabin. Maybe it wouldn’t be too hard. If his calculations were correct, only Turner had been left behind. Now all Daniel needed was a way to free himself from his wooden cage.

CHAPTER XVII - Desperate Measures

Eight hours after Daniel had been taken from him, Jack sat at the conference table in the briefing room, wishing there was something more he could do to help search for his missing lover. The authorities had been contacted and the Air Force was using all of its resources, but so far they had no leads.

He had spent a sleepless night foraging through his memory files, calling shadows from his Special Ops years, collecting favors; and still, there were no clues, no inkling as to this mysterious woman’s identity or what he might have done to cause her wrath.

A hand on his shoulder made him look up directly into General Hammond’s understanding eyes.

“We’ll find him, Jack.”

Jack nodded, incapable of speaking due to the lump in his throat. He was too frightened for his lover. Daniel had to be okay, he just had to. It had been bad enough with the fire at the warehouse, and now this.... If they didn’t find this woman and her men soon, Jack knew he’d go crazy.

Sergeant Davis ran into the room, panting for breath. “Phone call for Colonel O’Neill,” he rasped. “It’s a woman, said it’s about Dr. Jackson. I patched it through to your office, General. And it’s already being traced.”

“Good work, Sergeant. Jack.”

Jack and the general rushed into the office, Hammond placing the call on speaker. “Who’s this?” Jack growled angrily. “Where’s Daniel?”

A woman laughed. “I take it you’re Colonel O’Neill?”

Jack clenched his jaw, but controlled his temper. “Yes. Who are you? What do you want?”

“Simple,” she purred. “I want you to suffer as I did when you destroyed all I held dear in my life. How does it feel, Jack, to know you might never get to see him alive again?”

Her voice was abruptly replaced by the dial tone. Davis appeared mere seconds later, shaking his head sadly. Not enough time to trace the call. They were back to square one.

Daniel regarded the boards covering the window with a critical eye. The wood looked putrid. Perhaps if he kicked it hard enough, or maybe if he threw his whole weight against it, it would break. Definitely worth a shot, anything to get out of this damned place.

Walking over to the other side of the room, he swayed his body back and forth, gaining momentum, before running as swiftly as possible in the limited space and throwing himself against the rotten wood. He hit the ground with a dull thud, drawing a greedy breath, as all the oxygen seemed to leave his body on impact. But he had been successful; he was out of the shack, free from his captivity.

He jumped to his feet and began to run deep into the surrounding forest. He knew it wouldn’t be long before his jailer realized he had escaped. Seconds later he heard Turner yelling after him, followed by the sound of gunshots, but he kept running. There was no stopping now.

Sam walked into the commissary, spotting the colonel immediately. He was sitting alone, nursing a cup of coffee, pale-faced, with dark smudges under his eyes. She took the chair in front of him.

“Sir? Colonel? I heard about the woman’s call. Any news?” He just shook his head. “How are you doing, sir?”

He looked up at her, lifting his head slowly, as if it weighed too much.

“Honestly? I feel like shit,” he said so softly she nearly didn’t hear him. “You?”

She gave him a lopsided grin. “Been better. That drug was something else. Good thing it dissipated rapidly.” Their eyes locked. “How are you holding up?” she asked gently.

“I lo -” he began roughly, freezing as he seemed to realize where they were. “Uh, he’s my best friend, Carter,” he amended, but she could see the love and the pain lurking in his eyes. “If anything were to happen to him, I don’t know -”

“Hey, shhh....” she interjected. “We’ll find him. You have to keep the faith, sir. In you and him. You and I and Teal’c, we know, we know, he’s a pretty resourceful guy. Yeah, he can find trouble like no one I’ve ever seen before, but he’s also amazing at coming out of it basically unscathed. You’ll get him back soon enough, you’ll see.”

Jack smiled sadly, touching her hand briefly. “Thanks, Sam.”

“Don’t mention it.” She swallowed hard. “Besides, I... I need him to be here with us as well. He’s my friend too... and I want him back.”

Daniel had been running for hours when he stumbled and went down onto his knees. Head down, hands flat on the sodden earth, he stood panting, miserable, wishing he could be anywhere but in that damned forest. The weather had grown progressively worse during the morning, with dark clouds hovering in the sky and the fierce wind increasing, until finally it had begun to rain. Correction - it had begun to pour.

He was exhausted, but he stubbornly pushed himself to his feet, leaning heavily on a tree for support. Resting against the trunk, he studied his surroundings. He had no idea of how far he had gone, or even if he was heading in the right direction, acknowledging to himself that he was lost.

He had been deprived of all sense of time and place. The rain formed a heavy curtain all around him, virtually blinding him; and although it was hard to tell due to the angry skies, he would venture a guess that it was already afternoon.

The vegetation was dense, the ground uneven, and he had quickly learned to keep his eyes down. Even so, he was covered in cuts and bruises, his body protesting its brutal treatment, and making headway was nearly impossible. And he had a feeling his trek into the badlands was far from over.

Daniel hunched over against the powerful willow, and blinked the streaming water out of his eyes. He couldn’t even be certain if Turner was still after him or not; and what was even worse, he had lost his glasses, making his view of the world around him even dimmer.

He pushed himself off the tree, knowing he had to keep going, shuddering as a gust of wind hit his nearly unprotected body. He was wearing but a thin coat, his only shield against Nature’s elements. And the coat, the t-shirt underneath, and his jeans were beyond wet now, their clinging dampness far from improving the situation.

He stood at the edge of a precipice, staring down in dismay at the river below, with its strong current and muddy waters. What now? He couldn’t go forward, and turning back....

“Jump,” a voice ordered from behind him, the sound almost lost to the violence of the storm.

Daniel swung around, coming face to face with an armed Turner. “No.”

“Jump!” the man demanded again. “Or I will shoot you!”

“No!” Daniel shouted back, incensed. “Do your own dirty work!” He saw Turner aim the gun at him and pull the trigger, but no bullet hit him, no shot echoed around them. “Out of bullets, Turner? What are you going to do now?”

“You are going to jump, Jackson, if I have to push you!” Turner growled furiously.

Daniel planted his feet into the sodden ground, spread his arms wide, and tipped his face upward, heedless of the deluge cascading down from the dark clouds.

“Come and get me, you bastard!”

Not the smartest thing you ever did, Dannyboy, his mind warned him somewhat hysterically as he watched Turner advance on him, face twisted in mad rage. Daniel dug in his heels unconsciously, but his efforts were in vain. He swayed on unsteady legs for a moment as he was shoved backwards, hands frantically gripping air first and then cloth.

Time seemed to slow down and every sound came to an abrupt halt as he realized he was falling helplessly, taking Turner with him. A thousand needles pierced his body just as he hit the icy cold water of the murky river below. Pain shattered his chest and head, driving all the air forcefully out of his lungs as he opened his mouth to scream in dual agony.

He tasted water in his mouth, its acidic flavor choking him, until he knew he was drowning. Losing his grasp on the other man, he kicked fiercely against the current, breaching the surface with panting gasps as he fought desperately to stay conscious. It was a tough battle for survival; the river was flooding, its pull too tenacious, its current too vicious.

He succumbed to fatigue without being certain if he had won.

When Daniel came to, he was soaked, a terrifying cold taking hold of his every cell. He lifted his head from the soft, moist soil, his vision blurry and unfocused. He ignored the sharp pain battering his body as he slowly, painfully rose to his feet, swaying precariously in the chilling breeze.

Wiping an arm across his face, he squinted against the drizzle. There was no sign of Turner anywhere; with any luck the man had drowned. Plodding along the bank, Daniel tried to decide what course to take. He took a few steps, but ended up falling on his butt, his legs refusing to take his weight.

He looked up at the sky. The rain was finally stopping, but it was getting darker. It would be night soon. Glancing around, he spotted a cave; high enough that he wouldn’t have to worry about the river rising any further, and he would have some measure of protection from the weather, should it get any worse.

Staring up at the falling dusk, Daniel made his decision. He was wet, hungry, thirsty, exhausted, and close to unconsciousness, so he might as well rest there for the night. Besides, as far as he could tell, he was still miles from civilization, and it would be too dangerous to wander through the woods at night.

Climbing up to the cave took some doing, but he was finally inside, sighing as the rock gave him some shelter against the fresh night air. He dropped to the floor, lying flat on his back, biting worriedly at his bottom lip. By his calculations, he had escaped from the cabin over twelve hours ago. The cold, the lack of water, and nourishment, his soaked state, and the harsh conditions he was in… it was an accident waiting to happen.

If he didn’t find some help the next day, he would be in some serious trouble. While Turner might no longer be an issue - at least for the moment - sickness was. He had swallowed water from the polluted river and his clothes were beyond wet. He knew he should take them off, but without something else to replace them, he would be left vulnerable to the freezing temperatures. So, either way, he lost.

He drifted off then, too exhausted to function, even as his body came alive, shifting occasionally back and forth between chills. He didn’t sleep much, worried about his situation, he kept waking repeatedly, feeling more tired each time. It was close to dawn when he finally surrendered to his exhaustion.

Jack slipped quietly mountaintop, with barely a word to anyone. He should be sleeping, but while he had tried, closing his eyes only made him think of Daniel more. It was now twenty-four hours since the kidnapping. Jack was dead on his feet, but sleep simply refused to come. Somehow being awake made him feel closer to his missing lover.

He leaned against a tree, ignorant of the cool night breeze, looking up at the starry sky with a sigh. At least the storm had blown away and the new day promised to be a cloudless one.

Footsteps alerted him to the presence of an intruder in his solitary little corner of the world, but he didn’t turn around. He knew who it had to be, could almost feel the other man’s powerful aura reaching out to him.

“I have heard of a Tau’ri costume, of wishing upon a star,” Teal’c said, staring up at the sky as well.

“Not sure that would work here, T,” Jack whispered brokenly.

They remained silent for a long time, Jack finding some comfort in Teal’c’s company. It felt good to have the other man by his side, to gather strength from their friendship without having to rely on words. He did that with other people. With Teal’c.... Teal’c seemed to understand him on a basic level where words had no meaning, and Jack appreciated that more than he would ever be able to explain.

“You’re a good friend, Teal’c,” he said, wanting Teal’c to know how he felt.

“As are you, O’Neill. I do not regret pledging my allegiance to you or the SGC. It was a wise decision, one I shall never lament.”

“He’s out there, Teal’c,” Jack gritted out, suddenly. “Why the hell can’t we find him?”

Teal’c put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We will, my friend, we have to. The world would suffer too great a loss otherwise.”

“And so would I,” Jack affirmed weakly. He watched a falling star light up the sky; and despite what he had stated earlier, he squeezed his eyes shut and made a wish. “Hang in there, Spacemonkey, hang in there.”

CHAPTER XVIII - Window Of Opportunity

Daniel woke with a moan, eyes opened at half-mast against the morning light. Though he had known what to expect, he was still surprised by how much worse he felt today. Everything seemed to ache, including his sore muscles and stiff neck, and he could have sworn that he heard his joints creaking as he struggled to sit. One thing he wasn’t imagining was the growling coming from his stomach. But it wasn’t to be helped - not yet anyway.

Forcing himself to stand, he left the relative security of the cave, and resumed his march under the early morning sun, keeping the pace as fast as he could make it. He attempted to wet his parched lips, but there was no saliva left in his mouth. He was also shivering, and his skin felt far too warm, which meant he was running a fever.

He kept walking, going slower each passing hour as his strength gave out. He was practically dragging his feet across the forest, willpower the only thing keeping him going, as he stumbled his way through the trees. The lack of rest, food, and water was starting to take their toll. He was dehydrated and the fevered sweat ailing his body was only making it worse.

He nearly sobbed with relief when some time later he spotted a stream running close by. Spooning his hands to scoop the water, he drank greedily, paying no attention to his complaining stomach. After he quenched his thirst, he stood, swaying slightly, and closed his eyes and mind to the gloominess of his thoughts.

He was definitely sick and getting worse. Besides aching all over and the fatigue clawing at him, he felt weak, dizzy, and sick to his stomach. Shaking his head, he forced himself to keep going, his skull pounding in rhythm with his every step. He kept moving, though, knowing that it was the only chance he had of actually making it out of this wilderness alive.

As minutes slowly crawled into hours, he dreamed of hot showers, a table filled with all of his favorite dishes, and the comfort of his soft mattress - with Jack spooned behind him, embracing him tightly. And while he thought of all this, he ignored the increasing cough, the way his throat hurt and his eyes watered as he stumbled through the forest.

His legs suddenly became entangled in a large root and he fell, crying out as his jeans were ripped and his knee badly hurt, possibly sprained. He swallowed a sob as he inspected his newest injury. It was throbbing painfully; and in spite of having little blood, the wound would make it even harder to walk.

Trembling with fever and at the end of his rope, he stood yet again; head drooped as he trudged wearily through the trees, growing steadily weaker. He didn’t know how long he would be able to keep going, but he was determined to forge ahead until he dropped.

Limping, exhausted, starving, and thirsty, he made his way slowly through the woods, stopping abruptly as something caught his attention. Heart beating wildly in his chest, he hobbled closer to the looming shadow until he was certain he wasn’t hallucinating. It was a cabin, a God damned cabin. Salvation at last.

Daniel knocked fiercely on the door; and upon receiving no reply, ventured inside. A layer of dust carpeted the interior, confirming his suspicions that it was probably a seasonal habitation. He glanced around the single room shack, finding a cupboard, moaning happily as he found a bottle of wine and a jar of cookies.

He ate and drank his fill, the alcohol leaving him somewhat giddy, but generally making him feel one hundred percent better. His heart nearly stopped when his eyes roamed the small cabin and he spotted a phone by the corner.

Hands shaking he reached for it, picking up the receiver and nearly whooping for joy as he heard the dial tone. Pressing the numbers carefully, he waited until the connection was made and a voice answered on the other side.

“Hello? This is Dr. Daniel Jackson. Could you please patch this call through to Colonel O’Neill? Thank you.”

He couldn’t believe it. Could he? Jack made his way to General Hammond’s office with Carter, Teal’c, and Janet right at his heels, hoping this wasn’t another prank from the madwoman.

“Hello?” he asked hesitantly, barely acknowledging his superior sitting behind his desk.

“Jack,” the voice on the other side sighed, a voice he would have known anywhere.

“Daniel! Where are you? Are you okay?”

“No idea where I am, you’re going to have to trace the call.”

“Already being done,” the general assured.

“And for my second question?” Jack insisted.

“I’ve been better,” came the soft reply. “I escaped yesterday morning, spent all this time walking around in this damned forest. I’m definitely not Boy Scout material. I’ve got more cuts and bruises than I care to count, my whole body aches, I think I have a sprained knee, I’m running a fever...” Another sigh. “And until thirty minutes ago, I was dying for something to eat and drink.”

“And those responsible for your abduction, DanielJackson?” Teal’c asked.

“The woman is somewhere in town. Never found out her name. The man, Turner... he may be dead, I’m not sure. He pushed me off a cliff into a river yesterday, but I dragged him along. If he didn’t know how to swim or couldn’t fight the current, he might’ve drowned. I haven’t seen him or any signs he’s around since we both fell into the river.”

“Anything they might have said that can help us learn their identity, son?” General Hammond asked.

A pause and then, “Yeah... yeah. The woman, she told me Jack had her brother killed about three years ago, called him Armin. Does that name mean anything to you?”

Jack paced the small office with a frown.

“Armin, Armin....” He froze suddenly. “Son of a bitch!” he exclaimed, giving the general an apologetic grimace. “Armin Selig, the reporter that approached me in Washington about the Stargate. You know, when the President was supposed to present Carter and I with the Air Medal?” He turned to General Hammond. “As I remember, you told me his death had been an accident.”

“It was,” Hammond assured. “We’ve never been able to find the car or the driver that hit Selig.”

“She thinks you ordered him dead, Jack,” Daniel said from the other end of the line. “And nothing you say is going to change that. I got the feeling she wasn’t playing with a full deck.”

Seeing Davis give them a thumbs up, Jack nodded. “All right, Daniel, sit tight. We’ve got your location and we’re on our way.”

“I’ll be waiting. Hurry up, I want to go home.”

“You mean to the hospital, don’t you?” Janet said with a teasing grin.

A disgruntled groan and Daniel ended the call. Jack looked eagerly at General Hammond, feeling revitalized and full of energy for the first time in almost two days.

“Sir? Permission to go rescue our wayward scientist from planet... Earth?”

Hammond smiled. “Go.”

“Thank you, sir. Teal’c, Carter, you’re with me. Time to bring our boy home.”

Daniel had been dozing in a chair, when he was hauled up to his feet and crushed in a bear hug. He relaxed in Jack’s enveloping arms, feeling love, and warmth, and safety, for the first time in two days.

“Hey, Jack,” he breathed, the strain from the past days causing him to melt further into the other man.

He felt lips brush over his matted hair, then Jack’s choked voice, “I missed you, Daniel.”

Daniel lifted his head from Jack’s shoulder with a smile. “Missed you too. Love you.”

“I love you too, Daniel.”

They kissed passionately, lost in each other, savoring the feel of being back together, of being reunited, as friends, as lovers. They stayed locked in the tender embrace for a long time, Daniel soaking up strength from his lover, feeling Jack’s hands rubbing his back and arms soothingly, both of them swaying back and forth slightly. A clearing of throat finally registered and Daniel pulled back, seeing Teal’c and a faintly flushed Sam by the doorway, cell phone in hand.

“Sorry to interrupt, guys, but I have Janet on the phone, demanding to know how Daniel is and ordering us to take him to the hospital ASAP.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Jack said, taking hold of the phone.

Daniel didn’t get to hear a word of what was said, as he was hugged again, this time by Sam. “I’m so sorry, Daniel,” she whispered into his ear.

“What for?” he asked, surprised, stepping back just enough to see her face.

“I didn’t stop him,” she said, shame written all over her face. “I should have done something more to help you. Everything that happened to you is my fault.”

Daniel touched her cheek gently. “Don’t be silly, Sam. There was nothing you could have done. And knowing that you weren’t with me, that you were safe, was one of the things that kept me going. Wouldn’t you have felt the same if our positions had been reversed?”

“Yes, but -”

He placed a finger to her lips. “What’s done is done, Sam, you can’t change it. You have nothing to feel guilty about and I’m fine. Well, slightly banged up, but okay.” He shrugged. “The rest are just details.”

Sam nodded, stepping aside so that it was Teal’c turn. He clasped Daniel’s forearm in a warrior’s greeting.

“Daniel, my heart rejoices at the sight of you alive and unharmed. Hope was beginning to fail us.”

“I’m glad to be back as well, Teal’c,” Daniel assured him with a smile.

Jack closed Sam’s cellular, handing it over to her.

“Okay, people, Frasier and I have reached a compromise. No hospital for you, Daniel -”

“Good, because I don’t need it,” Daniel interrupted surly. “A few days at home, resting, and I’ll be as good as new.”

“But,” Jack continued as if Daniel hadn’t spoken, “there’s a visit to the infirmary for you in the near future. As in, as soon as we reach the Mountain.”

Daniel groaned as he hopped outside. “Do I have to? I want to go home, eat until I burst, have a long, hot, decadent shower, and then get a full night’s sleep without some annoying nurse waking me up every hour to ask how I am sleeping.”

“Quit your whining,” Jack ordered with feigned ferocity. “You’re going and that’s final.”

Daniel pouted. “Bastard! I’ve just spent two days in hell and because of you there’s more torture coming my way. Being poked and prodded, suffering the humiliation of having a dozen people or so looking at all my private parts....”

Jack gave him a smirk. “Well, at least now you know why I don’t like trees.”

Daniel shuddered theatrically. “I think I’m going to put all my plants up for adoption!”

They climbed into the Air Force Jeep Jack had commandeered and drove back to the base at full speed. As he watched the trees go by, Daniel fervently hoped their next missions were to desert-covered planets.

His time in the infirmary was about as unpleasant as Daniel had been expecting. Janet spared him the humiliation of having a dozen people looking at all his private parts, saving the pleasure all for herself. He spent so much time being bandaged, tested for every disease known to man, and fed multicolored pills that he was asleep on his feet by the time she was finally done.

He was discharged on the condition that he was to go home - Jack's home, of course - and get plenty of rest. Mumbling an assent, he limped off the base with a hovering Jack right behind him. He allowed his lover to support him to the Explorer, drive him to their destination, and drag him to what had become their home for the past weeks.

He was taken directly to the bedroom, dressed in warm, fuzzy PJs, and tucked into bed.

“How are you? Do you need anything?” Jack asked, obviously still worried about him.

“I’m fine, mother-hen,” Daniel replied with a gentle smile. “Besides the knee sprain, a touch of the flu, and the cuts and bruises there’s nothing wrong with me, so stop hovering. If the Goa’uld could see the leader of SG-1 now, they would laugh to death.”

“Um, okay. So, you mind if I join you?”

Jack’s voice sounded so hesitant that Daniel immediately opened his arms to him. “Aw, Jack.... Come here, you.”

Jack climbed into the bed very carefully, staying on top of the covers, his head finding Daniel’s shoulder. “Missed you,” he whispered, falling asleep almost as soon as he had uttered the words.

Daniel ran his fingers over the salt and pepper hair tenderly. “So did I, Jack, so did I.”

Daniel slept for nearly twenty-four hours, his body recuperating from the abuse suffered during the previous days. He was alone in the bed when he woke, but on the pillow next to him was a red rose and a note from Jack, saying he had gone back to the base to talk to General Hammond and would be back soon.

He toddled to the bathroom as his bladder was complaining from neglect, and then returned to the bed, lying down and staring at the rose for a long time. He fell asleep thinking about Jack, the word marshmallow playing round and round in his mind.

CHAPTER XIX - Revelations

Jack returned home to find his bedroom - and more precisely, his bed - deserted. The glass of orange juice he had left by the nightstand was empty, the pills dutifully gone, which meant Daniel was carrying out Janet’s instructions to the letter.

Hearing the shower being turned off, Jack grinned, sauntering into the bathroom just in time to see his very naked lover reaching out for a towel. He captured the wandering hand.

“Let me,” he purred, looking deeply into wide blue eyes as he snatched the towel from the railing.

Jack wrapped the towel around his lover’s moist body, toweling him slowly, lovingly. When he was done, he placed both hands on Daniel’s hips, marching him into the bedroom.

“Off to bed with you,” he ordered softly.

“Jack -” Daniel began to protest.

Jack touched a finger to Daniel’s lips. “Lie down, Daniel. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Daniel’s gaze searched his, boring into him, probably trying to guess his intentions. Jack wasn’t about to show his hand, not yet anyway; and waited patiently until finally Daniel obeyed, lying down on his back. Satisfied, Jack nodded, and under his lover’s watchful eye, took off all of his clothes, slowly uncovering his body, smiling as he heard Daniel’s little moan of appreciation.

He joined Daniel on the bed, kneeling between his legs, and covering the much-coveted body with his own. He began to rain feather-light kisses onto Daniel’s forehead, cheeks, and jaw line, his tongue tracing a trail of fire down his lover’s neck and onto his chest.

Jack’s lips moved teasingly to one nipple, his tongue gently circling the sensitive skin, until the little nub hardened under such tender ministrations. He nibbled on the rosy nub, and Daniel gasped and arched towards him, increasing the heated contact between their bodies.

Jack chuckled wickedly and traced kisses across his lover’s smooth chest, until he reached the other nipple. He repeated the sweet torture, leaving Daniel panting desperately. More light kisses led him down the taut abdomen, to the nest of curls between his lover’s thighs. His tongue teased, gently circling the tip of the hard cock, his lips closing around the head. Daniel bucked, trying to push upwards into the welcoming heat surrounding him, but Jack restrained him by placing strong hands on his hips, forcefully holding him to the bed.

“Jack, please,” Daniel begged, hands gripping the sheets in a white-knuckle hold.

Taking pity on his lover, Jack’s mouth finally swallowed Daniel’s weeping shaft while his left hand reached out, digits gently caressing the younger man’s balls. He stroked around the scrotum gently, trailing his fingers from scrotum to anus and back again.

Grabbing the massage oil from the table, Jack coated his hand, allowing one of his fingers to linger against his lover’s opening for a moment, before gradually slipping it inside, his lips and tongue still teasing Daniel’s cock mercilessly.

He eased a second finger in and moved them around inside Daniel gently, feeling the ring of muscles relax. He felt, more than heard, his lover’s moan as his teasing digits found that special point of pleasure. His self control about gone as well, Jack removed his fingers. His body covered Daniel’s once more, their erections brushing together, a moan escaping both their lips.

Jack looked down at the beloved face of his lover, his hand caressing a soft cheek tenderly. “I love you, Daniel,” he whispered, wishing he could say more, so much more, but finding the words stuck in his throat.

Daniel nodded, apparently understanding his need to be close, to be together again. “I love you too, Jack. Do it, please.”

Jack moved down the bed a little, so that his cock could push against Daniel’s opening. He held still for a moment, feeling his lover trembling wantonly beneath him, and then slowly pushed his throbbing cock into the young man’s pliant body. As he finally slid fully into that desirable warmth, his lips captured Daniel’s in the kiss that he had withheld until now. His tongue plundered that sweet mouth, just as his cock possessed Daniel thoroughly.

As their tongues battled together lazily, Jack began to move, long, slow thrusts in and out of his lover’s body. He grasped Daniel’s erection, his fingers pumping slowly, prolonging the pleasure for both of them. Daniel whimpered into his mouth, matching Jack thrust for thrust, lifting his hips and allowing Jack to move deeper, pushing harder into the hand holding him.

Jack’s movements became quicker, more frantic, more demanding, pushing them both onwards. He heard Daniel shout his name aloud, felt the spasm in the cock he held, as Daniel spilled his seed over Jack’s hand and their bodies. The tightening of the addictive body under his left Jack no option; and with a groan, he exploded deep within his lover. Finally spent, he collapsed over Daniel, trying to support his weight on his forearms so as not to crush him.

“You were right,” Daniel whispered some time later. “I didn’t regret it.”

Jack snorted. “I certainly hope not!” Both laughed and then Daniel yawned widely. Jack caressed the short, soft hair and smiled. “You’re still tired.”

“It’s those pills Janet gave me,” Daniel complained. “I’ve done nothing but sleep for the past day and a half.” He yawned again. “Stay?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t move for the world,” Jack vowed.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Okay.”

Daniel snuggled trustingly against him and promptly fell asleep. Jack stood watching him for a long time, wondering at how far they had come, wondering where the future would take them. He smiled inwardly as he realized it didn’t really matter, not as long as they were together.

He knew that eventually someone would find out about them. Maybe someone at the SGC, perhaps even General Hammond or Janet Fraiser, who were two of the closest people to them and would undoubtedly notice the subtle changes they wouldn’t be able to avoid. But they would face whatever came their way with their heads raised high, and even retirement didn’t sound so bad if the payoff was being able to spend the rest of his life with Daniel by his side.

The next morning, Daniel found himself in the briefing room with the rest of SG-1, General Hammond, and Janet Fraiser. Now that they had solid clues to work with, the general finally had some information for them, and Daniel for one couldn’t wait. He wanted Turner and the Selig woman caught once and for all, so he could put the last weeks firmly behind him.

The general opened one of the files in front of him. “Between the composite drawing Carlisle supplied and Turner’s last name, we have a match for our man. His full name is Melvin Turner, and he has a list of convictions longer than my arm. From extortion to assault, attempted murder, kidnapping, rape.... There was very little he didn’t try. Our people are searching the river’s banks, but so far no body has been found. For the time being, we should assume he’s alive. Also, we have some men stationed in the cabin where you were held captive, Dr. Jackson, although I doubt anyone will return there. However, our people did recover your wallet and watch.”

He gave the items back to Daniel, who nodded gratefully. “Thank you, sir. Any further information on Turner?”

“Only that he was released from jail approximately eight months ago. There’s an APB out on him, I expect it’s only a matter of time before he’s captured. If he’s alive.”

“And Miss Selig?” Jack asked caustically.

“Aline Selig, Armin Selig’s twin sister. You’ll find a picture of her in the files containing all this information,” Janet replied, gesturing to the folders in front of each of them. “It was the most recent we could find. She witnessed her parents’ deaths during a bank robbery when she was only ten. They were both shot right in front of her. Since then she’s been in and out of mental institutions, being highly unstable.”

Jack’s brows rose up to his hairline in feigned surprise. “No kidding? Unstable, huh?”

Daniel had to smile as Janet ignored Jack with her usual practicality.

“She did spend some time with an uncle in between crises, a Thomas Selig,” she continued. “Armin lived with him until he went to college.”

“Where can we find Thomas Selig?” Teal’c asked, leaving Daniel with no doubt as to his friend’s plan. Selig Senior would be one very unhappy man if Teal’c ever got a hold of him.

“You can’t,” General Hammond replied. “He suffered a heart attack two years ago, died instantly.” He exhaled softly. “We do have a lead, someone that might takes us to Miss Selig and her accomplice.”

When the general’s eyes turned to him, Daniel felt his heart skip a beat. “Who?” he queried softly.

“Aline Selig was in a mental clinic at the time of her brother’s death. She was released a little over a year ago, but she still keeps regular appointments with her doctor,” Janet told them. “There was little he could tell me, due to doctor-patient confidentiality; but he did say she seemed very happy and was currently seeing someone, a man by the name of Mark Carlisle.”

Daniel rubbed his forehead tiredly. “Well, at least now some things make sense. Besides being my building’s caretaker, Mark also lives there. He has a small apartment on my floor. It would be easy for her to get hold of the tenants’ keys and make a copy of mine without him being aware. It would also be ridiculously easy to control my movements, to know when I would be out and break into my apartment to read the journals and watch the tape from Abydos.”

“By the way, one of the things her doctor told me was about Aline’s favorite hobby,” Janet added. “Painting. Apparently, she’s quite good at it.”

“So, she was probably the one to do Sha’re’s painting,” Jack surmised. “All right, so let’s us assume Turner’s alive and that he and Aline Selig are hiding somewhere in town. That leaves one very important question: how did she find out about us in the first place? My name was never mentioned in the accident report.”

“At this point we can only make conjectures, Colonel. Her brother might have told her something before he approached you, enough for her to begin a private investigation of her own. We did find out that before she began seeing Carlisle, she dated a...” The general skimmed through his papers. “Justin Schell. He worked for the Pentagon and was aware of the Stargate program. I would venture a guess that Schell was our leak at the time. How he and Armin might have met we have no idea. It’s also safe to say he disclosed the same information to Miss Selig, causing her to land on our doorstep.”

“Has Schell been questioned yet, sir?” Sam asked.

“Unfortunately he was involved in a hit and run accident some months ago. Died on the way to the hospital.”

“Convenient,” Sam commented.

“Very,” Jack agreed. “Especially since he died in the exact same way as Miss Selig’s brother. Let’s go have a talk with Carlisle, he might be able to shed some light on this. Sir?”

The general nodded. “Go. Keep me informed of any new developments.”

“Will do, sir.” Jack stood up briskly. “Move out, campers. We have a man to hunt down.”

Daniel rolled his eyes at the overly dramatic exit, but followed his lover and CO. While he was certain Mark wasn’t directly involved in any of this, he hoped the other man knew Aline Selig’s whereabouts. It was time to end this cat and mouse game.

Mark was behind the security desk at the apartment building, and upon spotting Daniel, grinned widely. “Dr. Jackson! It is good to see you. It’s been quite some time.”

Daniel smiled faintly. “Yes, well, work has been somewhat hectic lately. Listen, Mark, we need to have a word with you, in private.”

He noticed Mark staring briefly at his team members and swallow slightly. Daniel couldn’t see the others, since he had his back to them, but he could just imagine the glares on Jack and Teal’c’s faces. Better men - not to mention Goa’uld and a few other races - had crumbled under those matching scowls.

“Sure,” Mark finally said. “We can do it here, now. What can I do for you?”

“We’re trying to get in touch with Aline Selig. We were told you two were dating.”

Mark seemed vaguely curious, but he shrugged. “We were, at least until about three weeks ago. I thought I could cope with her past, but she could scare the devil sometimes with her weird moods.”

“Cope with her past?” Sam echoed.

“Um, I’m not sure I should be talking to you about this,” Mark said hesitantly. “I mean, Aline and I might have broken up, but still she was -”

“Mark,” Daniel interrupted. “This is very important. It’s imperative that we find her. If by her past you’re talking about her mental instability, we are aware of it. That’s one of the reasons we need to find her.”

Mark exhaled slowly. “She did something wrong, didn’t she?”

“What makes you say that?” Jack asked.

“Not sure, really. But she’d been acting strange for months now. And her mood swings.... One moment she was as giddy as a little girl, the next throwing stuff and yelling over the slightest things. No matter how much I tried, I just couldn’t get her to open up to me.”

“When was the last time you saw her?” Daniel asked.

“Like I said, about three weeks ago. The day all those men were here looking for you, remember? And when we had that man pretending to be from the phone company. That same afternoon we had a big fight and she left. I’ve tried calling her, but she hasn’t replied to any of my calls or messages. I gave up a week ago.”

“Can you give us her number and address?”

“Of course, Dr. Jackson.” Mark jotted down everything on a piece of paper. “Her place is very easy to find. It’s on North Nevada Avenue, almost next door to Murphy’s Tavern. I only went there once, but I remember it well. We went to the bar for a quick drink before dinner, but kept being interrupted by these scruffy looking men asking about her brother.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Her brother?”

“That’s what she told me when I asked her about it. Apparently, Aline and her brother were pretty well known at the bar. Well, he was only her half-brother, actually, as his name was Melvin Turner. I remember because I have a cousin with that name, Melvin. Anyway, these men would come up to our table and ask about her brother, how he was doing and if he had any extra jobs going on, stuff like that. Aline said her brother was some kind of entrepreneur.”

Daniel patted his shoulder. “Thank you for all your help, Mark. When this is over I’ll tell you as much as I can.”

Mark gave him a grateful look. “Thank you, I’d appreciate it. I know your work is very hush-hush and all that, but if it has anything to do with Aline....”

“I’ll explain as much as I can, Mark. Thanks again.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Daniel followed the others out of the building, watching as Jack dialed Aline’s cell number from his new phone, the old one never having been found.

A moment later Jack shook his head. “It’s disconnected. Let’s try her address. And if all else fails, there’s always Murphy’s Tavern,” he said with a grin. “I’ve been spoiling for a fight.”

Daniel groaned. “Oh, here we go again with the male testosterone. Isn’t it bad enough we got thrown out of O’Malley’s and forbidden to ever go back? I loved their steaks!”

“Hey, you were the one that resented being called a geek! Technically, you started the fight,” Jack said with a cheeky grin, leaving Daniel sputtering indignantly behind.

CHAPTER XX - The Serpent’s Lair

Disaster.

If there was one word capable of effectively describing the past few weeks and everything that had happened to her carefully detailed plans, that was it; disaster. Not one single scheme she had thought of had worked; months and months of meticulous preparation gone down the drain.

That Jackson bastard was like an eel, slipping through her fingers every time. The cock-sucking, faggot, son of a bitch! She wanted nothing more than to strangle him with her bare hands, to scratch those wide blue eyes of his out until he bled to death. How dare he fight her, to crush her vengeance to ashes?

She paced the room, feeling like tearing at her hair, choking on her rage and frustration. And that stupid Turner.... Where was he? Had he taken her money and disappeared now that things were getting too dangerous? Was he dead? Caught? That was unlikely; she had picked him precisely because he would rather die than go back to jail. And if he had been captured, chances were the cops would already have been knocking on her door. Not to mention it would have made the news.

Maybe he was hurt somewhere, injured, and unable to communicate with her. But he would have found a way by now, wouldn’t he? After all, he had been missing for over two days.

She sighed tiredly. More than likely he was dead, although she couldn’t venture how a nerdy guy like Jackson could have managed that one. Besides being twice his height and bulk, Turner had all the street schooling that a cleaned-nosed bookworm like Jackson lacked.

A knock on her door had her rushing for her purse, before she heard Turner’s voice calling, “Aline, it’s me. Open up.”

She allowed him entrance into the apartment, scowling fiercely at the man as they went into the den. “Where the hell have you been?” she spat.

“Trying to evade the pigs, what do you think?” He shook his head slowly. “This has gone too far, Aline. I want the rest of my money. I have to split town until things cool over.”

“This isn’t over yet,” she said.

“Yes, it is,” he said. “Look, I nearly died trying to kill Jackson. It’s a fucking miracle I didn’t drown in that damned river. I tried going back to the cabin where we kept him and it was crawling with cops and airmen. And you mentioned our names and your brother’s name to your prey. They’re already looking for me, and it won’t be long before they put two and two together and find out about you, if they haven’t already! I’m not going back to jail because of you, woman!”

She stared at him. Turner was right. Soon they would both be hunted down, wanted by the cops and the Air Force, to mention but a few. They would be alone, without help, and more vulnerable than ever before.

She couldn’t count on anyone else, so... she would have to do it herself. Oh, yes, but this was far from over. She would still have her revenge, and it would be the sweetest ever, as she would be the one to set it in motion. Sweet, sweet revenge.

She nodded, heading for the table and her purse. “I’ll give you the money.”

How easy it was, to open one’s purse, to reach for the gun inside. To turn around with a smile and... fire. She watched with a detached expression as Turner fell forward, a startled little sound leaving his parted lips. She watched for a long time as his blood spread from beneath his body, mingling with the white of the floor.

Then she grabbed her bag and left, never looking back.

Aline Selig’s home was a one-story house, spacious, clean, clinically decorated, and had all the charm and warmth of a mausoleum. Even the walls, ceiling, and floor were all painted in spotless white.

“Must be homesick,” Jack commented as they dispersed to search the place. At Daniel’s blank look, he explained, “For the mental institutions. The only thing missing is the antiseptic smell.”

“O’Neill.”

Jack followed Teal’c voice to a small den, grimacing at the bleeding body on the wax-polished floor, the crimson a stark contrast to the snow-colored wood he was lying on.

“Turner,” he said, recognizing the man immediately. “Don’t touch anything.” He dialed the Mountain. “This is Colonel O’Neill, patch me through to General Hammond.”

“Colonel,” the general answered mere seconds later. “Any news?”

“Yes, sir. Mark Carlisle was able to get us Aline Selig’s address, we’re here now. And so’s Turner. Apparently Selig’s trying to cut any loose ends; he’s dead. We could use a forensics team down here,” he added, giving Hammond the address.

“They will be there in thirty minutes, Colonel. Keep me posted.”

Jack ended the call, to see Carter inspecting an object standing on the desk. It was a clown, about fifteen-inches tall and made of plastic, a clock dial on its stomach. It obviously wasn’t working, as the hands weren’t moving. The doll’s jaw appeared to be movable, probably a way to shut off the alarm. At that moment it was slack, showing a row of perfect white teeth, while at the same time giving the impression that the clown was laughing.

He watched with a sudden sense of dread as Carter leaned forward, a single finger slipping under the clown’s jaw and closing its mouth.

“What did I just say?” he admonished peevishly. “About not touching anything?”

She gave him a hands caught in the cookie jar look.

“It was just... a finger, sir,” she said faintly.

Jack gestured wildly to the clown. “It’s ticking, Carter!”

Her expression quickly changed to he’s a doofus.

“It’s a clock. Sir,” she retorted, her tone clearing saying she shouldn’t have needed to point that out.

“Which wasn’t ticking before you touched it!” Jack growled. Four pairs of eyes turned to the clown, before exchanging widening glances. “Everybody out of the house! Now! It’s a bomb! Move it! Move it! Move it!”

They were barely out of the main door when the bomb went off, the loud explosion knocking them off their feet, Jack’s body covering Daniel’s protectively.

When all the dust and debris had settled down, they got up, watching what was left of the house burn to the ground, the twisted metal and flaming wood making a terrifying picture. For a long moment, Jack was unable to hear the car alarms wailing all around him, or the people running and screaming, his mind lost in a distant past he didn’t care to think about.

He shook his head slowly. “I’m getting too old for this shit,” he scowled. With a sigh, he called General Hammond. Again.

“Colonel? I wasn’t expecting to hear from you this fast,” the general said as soon as he was on the line.

“Yes, well,” Jack cleared his throat awkwardly. “Slight change in plans, sir. We don’t need a forensics team anymore.”

“You don’t?” The confusion in General Hammond’s voice was clear.

“No, sir.” Jack’s face wrinkled as he thought. “Do we have a bomb squad?”

“A bomb squad!” the general squawked.

Jack nodded in agreement as he looked at the burning rubble. “You’re right, sir, it’s far too late for that. Ah, maybe a demolition company?” he ventured with a shrug, looking at the others.

Murphy’s Tavern was closet-sized, dark, cramped with the lunch crowd, and cigarette smoke filled the air. All in all, not exactly the Ritz. Jack stopped at the entrance only long enough for his eyes to adjust to the change in light, and then strolled in with his team right behind him.

Spotting the bartender, he made a beeline for the man, aware of the sudden silence in the place, of all the stares following him. Ignoring everything, knowing his kids had his six, he focused on his quarry, nose wrinkling with disgust. The bartender was definitely a piece of work. The man was eating what had to be a giant, greasy hotdog, oil dripping off his chin and off his fingers and into his already filthy tank top.

Jack’s eyes must have lingered for too long, at least according to Grubby’s idea of etiquette, because he scowled. “Who you looking at?” he growled.

“You Murphy?”

“Who wants to know?” It was asked low and aggressively, but Jack ignored it.

“I’m looking for a woman, Aline Selig. Was told she frequented this... ah, fine establishment.”

“What’s it to you?”

Jack cocked his head and looked at Grubby, regarding him curiously. The man seemed to be going out of his way to antagonize him, no matter how evenly Jack asked the questions.

“Think it’s the face?” he asked Daniel sarcastically, hand touching his own cheek. “Can’t please everybody.”

Daniel just smiled and looked away, obviously trying not to laugh aloud. Jack exhaled slowly; so today wasn’t his day. One in the afternoon and he had already met with Hammond and Fraiser, seen a dead body, nearly been blown to bits, and gotten chewed up by his superior for his tacky sense of humor. Busy, busy day.

Then the guy jabbed him with his finger. “Well, what’s it to you?”

Jack glared at him. “We need to find her.”

The digit jabbed a second time. “Why? And what’s in it for me?”

Jack looked down at the finger poking him. It was a meaty forefinger, covered in grease from the hotdog. And it was leaving a definite mark on Jack’s confessedly already ruined t-shirt. But that wasn’t the point. The point was Grubby had no right to add more stains to the shirt. Even if Jack was going to throw it in the garbage first chance he got.

“Don’t do that,” he asked sweetly.

The guy nudged him a third time. “Or what?” he said. “You want to make something of it?”

Jack looked down again. Yep, the stain was still there, bigger now. Grubby jabbed again, laughing. Jack clamped his teeth; he was not going to start a barroom fight, no way, no how. He began a mental count to ten, inhaling and exhaling slowly like Daniel had taught him. One, two, three, four….

Then the guy poked him again.

“I told you not to do that,” Jack snapped.

“Why? What are you going to do about it?” Grubby taunted.

Jack restarted his count, one last try for the sake of mankind. Five, six, seven....

“You want to make something out of this?” the guy asked, finger ready to touch him once more.

Eight... Fuck it; enough was enough.

“All right, that’s it! What are you, deaf?” Jack hissed. “Touch me again and you’ll be sorry.”

The guy paused for a second. Then, of course, he went for it again. Jack caught the finger on the way in and snapped it at the first knuckle. Grubby cried out, snatching his hand away and cradling it against his chest.

“You son of a bitch!” he yelled angrily.

Jack waved a finger at him. “Now, now! I warned you, didn’t I? About Aline Selig?”

“Uh, sir?”

Carter’s voice had him turning around. She, Daniel, and Teal’c were closer now, their backs to him, watching the large group of irate-looking men surrounding them and trapping them against the counter.

“You don’t really want to do this, do you?” Jack asked the men, with what he hoped was a friendly smile. When it didn’t work, he glared instead. “He started it, for crying out loud!”

The first punch zinged past his head, leaving only the faint hiss of air swishing past his left ear. Instinctively, Jack ducked, crouching, immediately falling into fighting mode, diving and rolling with the punches as well as managing to dish out a few well placed ones of his own.

By that time, they had a full-sized fight on their hands. Glasses and bottles were flying through the air, an employee was brandishing a chair like a lion tamer, bodies were crashing to the floor, tables and chairs upended....

He tried to search for his team members but couldn’t make out any of them among the sea of rowdy men. A painful blow landed to his midsection then, but he managed to duck the next one, rolling and striking a low blow to his opponent. A punch to the jaw, and he was shoving the unconscious man into one of the last remaining tables.

As punch after punch after kick was thrown, more and more of the angry, drunken mob were joining in, and it got harder to evade the closed fists attempting to connect with flesh and bone. Jack did his best to stay out of the way, ducking from the occasional flying object.

“Enough!” Teal’c’s voice boomed suddenly, followed by a couple of shots fired into the air, quite literally scaring the drunken idiots out of their wits.

Jack glanced around immediately for his lover. A grin lit his face as he spotted the two senseless men at Daniel’s feet. Another one Daniel was holding by the shirt, fist ready to strike. Carter was next on his surveillance and she was faring just as well, with several men passed out around her and another few desperately trying to crawl out of her way.

Everyone settled down under the barrel of Teal’c’s gun, and Jack walked over bodies, wood, and broken glass to reach the bartender. “Now, as I was saying.... Aline Selig?”

Grubby swallowed nervously. “I don’t know where she is, only that she’s gone. I saw her leave about two hours ago, didn’t look like she was planning on coming back. And before you ask, yeah, she has a car; no I don’t know the license. It’s a Chrysler, one of them Cruiser models, silver.”

Jack looked around at the mass destruction in the bar.

“Wouldn’t it have been easier if you’d just said so in the first place?” He shook his head. “Hope you’ve got insurance. Come on, kids, let’s blow this joint.”

CHAPTER XXI - Point Of No Return

The first thing Aline did was get rid of her car. She left the Chrysler in an underground parking lot in a shopping mall. It would be days before anyone would notice it there. Then, using the fake ID Turner had made her, Alicia Selwyn rented a very nondescript black car, the kind to which no one would give a second look.

The next few days were spent driving around O’Neill’s street, checking the house, their working schedules, making sure they weren’t on any off world mission. It seemed that until she was caught, they were grounded, as they always got back home around the same time.

She also took stock of where the surveillance teams were hiding, an amused smile on her face as she thought of the Latin saying Quis cusotdiet ipsos custodes - Who watches the watchers?. Soon enough she had the exact hours of the ‘changing of the guard’ memorized, and already knew the faces of the cops and airmen by heart.

The only thing left now was to hit them, hard. She didn’t even care which one she took with her anymore, Jackson, O’Neill, or both. But by the next day, it would all be over, one way or another. There would be no turning back.

Detective John Richardson was not a happy man. He hated to do security detail with a vengeance, either because his charges were usually a pain in the ass or the job was boring as hell. Plus, this time around he had the Air Force in it as well, and pulling rank on the PD, which really got up his nose.

And of course, he and his partner also didn’t know much about the case, as it was on a need-to-know basis, and apparently there wasn’t much they needed to know. Only that a nutcase seemed to be going out of her way to try and kill a geeky scientist, a Dr. Jackson, a civilian working with the Air Force. The CSPD had a file on the suspect, Aline Selig, but other information was sketchy, to say the least.

He glanced at his watch. Almost seven a.m. Another hour before their shift ended and he got to go home and sleep for a while. Working nights was something else he hated; it made sleeping during the day virtually impossible, as his neighbors seemed to take glee in making as much noise as humanly possible in order to keep him awake. Much longer of this surveillance crap and he might end up committing murder.

Looking at the trees and undergrowth nearby, he shook his head. Hank, his partner, had raced out of the car over five minutes ago to take a piss, and hadn’t returned yet. He’d probably got lost on the way back. How the hell he’d ended up being stuck with such a loser, he’d never know.

Crawling over to the passenger seat, he lowered the window. “Hank,” he called out in a hush. “Where the fuck are you, you asshole? Hank?”

No reply, but he heard a noise not far from where they were parked. Suddenly on alert, he got out of the vehicle, closing the door gently so as to not make a sound. Pulling out his gun, he walked carefully along the same track he had seen Hank disappear into.

When he heard the noise behind him, it was too late. He whirled around; the last thing he saw before he died was a woman holding a gun with a silencer to his heart and shooting.

Daniel yawned widely as he climbed behind the wheel of his Ford Explorer. He couldn’t wait for Jack to finally buy a new truck. His lover had basically commandeered his vehicle, hardly letting him drive at all. And Daniel was sick to death of car salesmen, dealers, and stands as Jack had dragged him to every single one in Colorado Springs in the elusive search for the perfect truck.

He started the SUV, wishing Jack would hurry up, as they were already late for work, when someone appeared in the back seat and aimed a gun at him.

“Drive,” came the command.

“Aline -”

“Drive!” she ordered anew. “Damn it!”

Daniel obeyed and slowly the Explorer began to drive away. He watched through the rearview mirror as Jack ran out of the house, arms opened wide in disbelief, before waving wildly at the surveillance team parked close by. That didn’t seem to work, and the last thing Daniel saw before turning a curb was his lover stomping towards the police car.

Aline laughed, obviously having watched as well. “Well, isn’t he going to get a nasty surprise,” she said.

“What are you talking about?”

“Your lover’s in for a shocker. I killed the two cops in the surveillance car, so there’s no use in going to them for help.” She looked at her watch. “And their replacements are only due in five minutes, plenty of time for us to get away. Now, leave your hands on the wheel, and keep driving,” she demanded, as she took Daniel’s new Beretta from him.

“Aline, Jack didn’t have anything to do with your brother’s death, you’ve got to believe that,” Daniel said, trying to reason with her. “He’s not that kind of man.”

She snorted. “Please! He was Special Ops. What do you think he did back then, steal candy from babies?” Her voice turned sorrowful. “He left me alone, killed the only person I could depend on, and for what? The public has the right to know about the Stargate, about what you do, about the Goa’uld.”

“Did Armin tell you about that?”

“Yes, although your journals certainly helped broaden my views on the matter.” Daniel could see her shake her head ruefully in the mirror. “How ironic is that? If I were to tell anyone about what I know, no one would believe me. I’d probably end up locked up again in one of those places.”

“How did Armin find out about us?” Daniel asked, unable to rein in his curiosity.

“He met an old friend from his high school days one night at a Government shindig. They had been pretty close, then lost contact. After that night, they took off where their friendship had left off and one day Justin told Armin all about this project he knew about. I can still remember Armin’s excitement when he came to see me at the clinic the next day, as he told me about traveling to the stars and aliens and new weapons and civilizations. He looked like a little kid in a toy store.”

“Justin Schell? The guy from the Pentagon?”

Her eyebrows rose in surprise, but she nodded. “Yeah. After Armin died and I was released, I got in touch with him. He was the one to tell me he thought O’Neill had been the one responsible for my brother’s death. Who else knew that Armin was aware of the Stargate project? He helped me a lot. Found me some nice little gadgets, including the ones that allowed me to play Sha’re’s voice back to you, told me all about the SG-1 team members, your backgrounds, where you lived.... All I had to do was hire a thug to do my dirty work for me, and set things up with Mark Carlisle so I could become his girlfriend and make a copy of your house key.”

“Why did you kill him?”

“Schell?” She shrugged faintly. “I didn’t, not exactly. Turner did it for me. In a way, Armin’s death was Justin’s fault too. If he hadn’t said anything to my brother.... Besides, he thought he owned me just because we were sleeping together. Went nuts when he heard I was sleeping with Mark as well. I thought it was quite fitting that he suffered the exact same ending as Armin, don’t you?”

Daniel was about to reply when the sudden sound of sirens stopped him. There were two squad cars behind them.

“Step on it!” Aline ordered with a growl.

A high-speed chase began throughout Colorado Springs then, with more and more police cars appearing after them. The Explorer was passing under a pedestrian bridge when Daniel turned the wheel in an abrupt move, and the truck hit a pillar at full force, knocking the breath out of him.

It had been a gamble, but unfortunately for him it didn’t pay off. Aline had her seat belt on, avoiding any serious injury that might have been caused by his dangerous maneuver.

“Nice try, Dr. Jackson,” she admired with a smile. “There’s definitely more to you than meets the eye.”

The squad cars were all around them now, the cops taking cover behind their own vehicles, their guns aimed at the truck and its occupants. Daniel glanced at all the grim faces, heart hammering in his chest as he spotted Jack getting out of one of the cars. This was it, he realized, they had reached the point of no return.

“Aline, this doesn’t have to end this way,” he said, unbuckling his seat belt and turning so he could look her in the eye. “Give yourself up. Don’t throw your life away like this. We can help you. We will help you, if you let us.”

She regarded him with genuine puzzlement. “You’re serious, aren’t you? Even after everything I did, you would at least try to help me. Why?”

Daniel looked up at the sky a little desperately, looking for inspiration.

“I don’t know, Aline. Maybe because sometimes we all get in a little too deep, because we all get a little crazy? Because sometimes life gets too out of control and we need someone to lend a hand? Because I know what it’s like to see your parents die right in front of you, because I know what it’s like to be all alone?” He reached out a hand to her hesitantly.

She shook her head, her eyes sad. “You can’t help me. There is something wrong in here,” she touched her temple with trembling fingers, then her heart, “and here. I tried after Armin died, I really did. But I can’t.” Her eyes strayed to the armed crowd surrounding them from afar. “How fitting that I should die like my parents,” she whispered flatly.

Daniel swallowed thickly. “Aline -”

Her hazel eyes focused on him again and she gave him a lopsided grin. “Take care of yourself, Daniel Jackson, and of that rat bastard O’Neill. I envy you, you know? What you two have....” She cocked her head wistfully. “You found what most people spend their whole lives searching for and can never grasp.”

The last words were barely out of her mouth, and Aline was exiting the Explorer, gun in her hand and trained on the dozens of cops aiming back at her. And then all hell broke loose.

Jack watched with a sense of dread as the Selig woman climbed out of the truck, the way she was facing up to the police, and her stance, bringing forth images of the showdowns he had seen in many western movies. He shuddered at the set look on her face, as she stood tall by the vehicle, refusing to cower behind it, arm raised, gun aimed in spite of being outnumbered.

A shouted warning to surrender went unheeded, and as she squeezed the trigger the police retaliated, firing round after round, Aline’s body convulsing with every hit, weapon slipping from lifeless fingers as she collapsed against the Explorer, slowly sliding to the ground.

“Stop firing!” Jack shouted angrily, worried sick about Daniel. He had seen his lover fall back as soon as the first bullets had been fired, disappearing from his view.

He ran to the truck as soon as the shooting stopped, practically ripping the driver’s door off in his mad rush to make certain that Daniel was safe. He found him on the truck’s floor, wedged between the front seats and the pedals, arms thrown protectively over his head. He was covered in glass from the shattered windows, but Jack could see no blood.

“Daniel?” he whispered anxiously.

Slowly, the head lifted and the arms moved out of the way. Wide blue eyes locked with his, far too bright for Jack’s comfort, but very much vibrant with life.

“I’m okay,” Daniel assured, crawling out of the vehicle and standing on unsteady legs.

Jack saw him stare at Aline’s body, the brightness in the blue irises increasing.

“And you call me a marshmallow,” he whispered softly, hand touching Daniel’s cheek tenderly, for once not caring what the men and women watching them might think or say. “How about we go back home? I’ll call General Hammond and let him handle this mess. That’s why they pay him the big bucks, anyway.” When Daniel nodded his assent, Jack shepherded him towards one of the squad cars. “Come on, let’s ask one of these nice police officers for a ride.”

Thirty minutes later, they were home and Jack was calling his superior and explaining the situation. The general agreed to take over with the local authorities, just as Jack knew he would. General Hammond might never say it aloud, but Jack knew that the older man had a soft spot where Daniel and SG-1 were concerned.

Noting the almost oppressive silence in the house, Jack went in search of his lover, finding him on the bed, fully clothed and on top of the covers. He joined Daniel, spooning behind him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist in a loving embrace.

“How you doing?” he breathed into an ear.

Daniel sighed gently. “Okay. I just.... She didn’t have to die.”

“I think she wanted to, Daniel. The look on her face.... She knew she had gone too far, that there was no way back.”

Daniel turned around to face him. “You think I’m too soft?”

Jack’s brows rose in surprise. “Because you care? God, Daniel,” he huffed, touching his forehead to Daniel’s. “That’s one of your better qualities, I hope you never lose it. In spite of everything you’ve been through in your life, in spite of everything you’ve seen, you still care. That’s one hell of a gift. You still believe in the goodness in people and that makes people want to be better.”

Daniel frowned. “I don’t get it.”

“I’ve seen you do it over and over again; other people, other races. They have never seen you before, but somehow they connect with you, they reach out to you. Chaka, Oma, the people of Abydos, Nem, Reese....” Jack cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I made a mistake with Reese, Daniel, and I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you, and there’s no excuse for what I said, that time and so many times before. But the point is you touch people, change their lives. You do realize that Aline could’ve easily killed you today, but that she chose not to? As painful as this might be to hear, the cops would’ve shot her whether she killed you or not. In the end, she did the right thing.”

Daniel snuggled against him, his head resting on Jack’s shoulder. “Sometimes it feels like a curse,” he said softly.

Jack brushed his fingers lightly over Daniel’s hair. “I know. But things will be different now. I’ll be there for you, and so will Sam and Teal’c and General Hammond and even the Energizer doctor.”

Daniel laughed, hitting him weakly on the chest. “Don’t be mean. Janet’s a good friend.”

“Yes, she is, and one of the few people I trust to watch my six. I just couldn’t help myself, my mouth runs faster than my brain,” Jack said with a smirk.

He watched Daniel’s eyes focusing on his mouth. “Jack?”

“Hmmm?” he cajoled faintly, body responding already to the unexpected arousal that seemed to thrum in the air between them.

“Why don’t you show me what else you can do with your mouth?” Daniel murmured huskily.

Jack chuckled, delighted. “It’ll be my pleasure.”

And that was the last coherent thing said by either one for a very long, long time.

Epilogue

Excerpt from the private journal of Dr. Daniel Jackson
June 20th, 2002

I can’t believe how long it has been since I have written anything down in this journal. I could say it was merely because General Hammond has been keeping us all busy - which isn’t exactly a lie - but that wouldn’t be the full extent of the truth either. It took me some time to come to grips with Aline’s death. Yes, she tried to have me killed, and yes, she brought back some memories I wish could stay buried, and yes, she wanted revenge for something that Jack wasn’t responsible for.

And yet, a part of me can’t help but understand her, to sympathize with her pain. Watching my parents die was one of the most traumatizing moments in my life. To this day, so many years past, I still have the occasional dream about it. Probably the only reason why I didn’t end up like Aline was because I had loving foster parents who took care of me, who helped me face up to my demons.

She and Armin didn’t have anyone but a drunken uncle who didn’t care about them one way or another. I read Aline’s file, and I was even more saddened by what I discovered. I was too late to save her, but someone else before me should have tried, should have made the effort.

But I guess it’s too late now, and there’s no point in wallowing in what could have been, what should have been. It won’t change the past; it won’t change what happened.

On a happier note, General Hammond managed to get Sasha Griskan permanently assigned to the SGC. I spent the last weeks with him and Hori at Henua, and those two look about as lovesick as Jack and I do when we’re together. It’s actually a wonderful sight. Hori has become a wise ruler under Sasha’s guidance, adored by his people, and with reason. The city never looked as beautiful or as prosperous and you can see the contentment in everyone’s faces.

Having been on Henua for so long was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I missed getting my hands dirty, so to speak, and helping Sasha and SG-11 catalogue all the archeological findings in that wondrous city helped me find my balance. A curse, because I haven’t been with Jack in way too long.

The last mission we were all on together was to P2A-018, a planet called Latona, to search for SG-9 and to try and fix a defensive device the natives named the Sentinel. And, of course, as usual with SG-1 it was a close call, but we managed to pull it off.

However, while I was in Henua, I know SG-1 has been on another two missions. The first one was to PS3-4C3. Apparently the Stargate took Jack and the others to a country, Kelowna, where naquadria, a variation of naquadah, could be found.

To cut a long story short, the Kelownans’ were building a bomb in an attempt to prevent a war with neighboring nations and there was a lab accident. The special advisor to the Kelownans’ High Minister, a Jonas Quinn, saved the day by removing the bomb’s core and disabling it. He was exposed to high levels of radiation and brought back to the SGC for treatment. Things were looking gloom when Jacob Carter showed up, and eventually managed to help him by using the healing device. It will be some time before Quinn is back on his feet, but at least he’s alive and recovering.

The second mission was to save Thor from Osiris and help rescue a stranded Asgard scientist. Another close call for the good guys, but they made it back in one piece, and just two hours after I had returned from Henua. I sat through the debriefing, exchanging covert glances with Jack, but General Hammond wanted their written reports on his desk before the end of the day, so I came back home to wait for Jack.

Being with Jack is different now. There’s a sense of danger and a sensual thrill that wasn’t there when we first got together. We were living under the same roof because of Aline and her thug, but once the threat was over and the surveillance in my apartment was removed, there was no excuse for me to remain at his place. Now we have to play hide and seek, always watching our backs, lest anyone finds out. I should hate it, we both should, but the truth is, it seems to be fueling our fire, and our sexual encounters are beyond anything I have experienced before.

A key turning in the lock brought Daniel out of his reverie and he closed his journal, a happy smile lighting up his face as he watched Jack saunter into his apartment. Before he could utter a word, Jack was grasping his wrists, imprisoning his hands, while at the same time pulling him to his feet.

Molding their bodies together, Jack nibbled on Daniel’s neck gently. “Missed you,” he whispered.

Daniel sighed, tipping his head back to give his lover better access. “Me too,” he admitted.

Jack leaned back just enough to look at him. “You know what I’ve been thinking about all this time we spent apart?”

There was a distinct gleam in Jack’s eyes and Daniel knew he should be careful, but even his lover’s particular brand of humor was a balm to his heart. “What?” he asked softly.

“You. Me. Whipped cream. Handcuffs,” Jack replied, each word punctuated with a gentle bite on Daniel’s left earlobe. “Or we could play Army? I’d lay down and you’d blow the hell outta me.”

Against his will, Daniel laughed, embracing the older man fiercely. “God, Jack, I hope you never change!”

Jack wiggled his eyebrows wickedly. “Is that a yes? I’d really like to see how you look when I’m naked.”

Daniel shook his head, feigning annoyance. “Will you cut it out with the pick-up lines? It’s not like I need them!” he grumbled, grabbing hold of Jack’s hand and dragging him to the bedroom.

“Are you saying you’re easy?” Jack asked with a teasing smile.

“With you, always. Come on, Colonel O’Neill, let’s play Pony. I promise to give you the ride of a lifetime.”

“Oy....” Jack murmured huskily as the door closed behind them.

THE END