The Gift

by Canadagal

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asc/canadagal/thegift.php
Summary: Sometimes a gift is never really appreciated until you almost lose it. Jack and Daniel go on an amazing journey together as they treasure something unexpected

CHAPTER ONE

"Come on kids, time to go home," Jack said as he looked to the other members of his SG1 team. They had been on PX7-222 for almost 6 weeks and they were tired of the scenery. It had been a very intense mission that started off with some hostility by the locals but after some creative negotiating by Daniel and Jack, they finally agreed to share in some cultural and technical exchanges.

"I am going to be so glad to sleep in a real bed again," Daniel said as he put the last of his books into his back pack. "I am tired of sleeping on the ground," he grumbled as he hoisted his pack on his shoulder. For some reason the pack seemed even heavier than usual as he struggled under the weight.

"We'd still be here if the Colonel hadn't stepped in and helped with the negotiations," Sam Carter reminded the linguist.

Daniel nodded. "Jack might like to act like he's not smart, but he can think circles around us if he really wanted to," he said honestly.

"That makes him the smartest one of us all," Sam said in complete agreement.

"O'Neill chooses to keep his vast intellect private to keep his adversaries unaware of how wise he truly is," Teal'c added. "it is a sign of a superior warrior."

Jack walked back into the group. "Am I the only one that wants to go home?" he asked, as he eyed his team curiously.

"Ah, no sorry Jack, was just packing up," Daniel apologized slightly as he grunted the pack back onto his shoulder.

"DanielJackson did you require me to carry your pack?" Teal'c asked, seeing Daniel strain under the weight.

"Na that's okay. I must be a little tired," Daniel reasoned. "Thanks anyway Teal'c."

The foursome headed to the Stargate accompanied by the Brigmalayians. Just before they left, Jack and Daniel went to say good bye to the king. "It has been an honour to meet you," Daniel said, very respectfully. "We have enjoyed sharing knowledge and technology with you"

King Rhontomic nodded to Daniel then turned to address Jack. "Colonel O'Neill you have been a most worthy negotiator," he nodded his head regally. "I look forward to further exchanges between our people and yours."

"We'll be back your highness," Jack assured him. "It has been a very successful visit," he said with a smile.

"We wish you well on your journey. Take all the gifts we have sent and treasure the knowledge and know that each was given to you with our deepest respect. Your people may not be ready to handle all our technology but we have sent you the ones we think you ARE ready for," he said sincerely.

He turned to Daniel, "Dr. Jackson, you are a man of great insight and wisdom. We hope you are worthy of the gift we have shared with YOU," he said cryptically.

Daniel looked at him oddly, "I can assure you I will treat them all with the highest respect," Daniel replied, thinking about the vast collection of scrolls and tablets that had been offered to him to study.

King Rhontomic smiled, which was a rare thing for the man. "Time shall tell," he said as he watched the four travelers walk up the steps that led to the Stargate and soon disappear into the wormhole.

The four stepped back through the Stargate at the other end and were warmly greeted by General Hammond. "Welcome home SG1," he said, "get checked out in the infirmary and we will debrief in one hour" he said.

"Thanks General. It was a great mission," Jack said as he sat his pack down. "Pretty typical, they had stuff, we had stuff, their stuff was better. We did bring back several crates of things to translate and some plant stuff that will keep our wonder twins excited for weeks" he said with a grin.

The General shook his head. "One hour Colonel and you can tell me a few more 'specific' details," he laughed lightly as he headed back to his office.

The four SG1 members headed to the infirmary for their post mission check up. When they entered they found Dr. Frazier waiting for them.

"This is how I like to see SG1," she said with a smile. "No bandages, no stretchers, all vertical and coming in under their own steam, especially you and Daniel, sir."

"Everyone's a comedian" Jack said as he sat down on one of the examination beds. Less than an hour later all four were checked out. They headed out of the infirmary and off to grab a shower before the debriefing.

Daniel pulled his locker open. "I can't wait to finish the debriefing and head home" he said, looking over at Jack. "We have one night to pack before we head off for our trip."

Jack smiled. "I still can't believe I let you talk me into going to Egypt on an archeological dig," he said with a laugh. "Guess that's payback for making you go ice fishing in Minnesota."

"You damn right," Daniel laughed, "Besides you're going to have a great time. Sun, Sand, scorpions, and camels. What's there not to love."

"How much time do I have to make that list?" Jack teased.

Daniel swatted Jack with his towel as he headed to the shower stall. "Smart ass," he retorted as he headed into the warm stream of water.

Jack grabbed his towel and followed in behind. He raised his eye brows appreciatively as he watched Daniel lather his body up and rinse himself clean.

Daniel turned and saw Jack standing in the flow of water but hadn't started to get clean. "You need some help over there?" Daniel said, as he disturbed Jack's daydream.

"Huh, oh no I've got it," Jack said as he blushed slightly having been caught looking where he shouldn't be at work. He quickly washed up and headed out of the shower.

Daniel was waiting for him so they could go to the debriefing together. It took only a few minutes for the two to dress into clean BDU's and head off in the direction of the debriefing room.

When they walked in they found Teal'c and Carter already there. "Colonel, Dr. Jackson," the General greeted them as the last two members of the team took their seats.

The group spent the next two hours going over the specifics of their mission, explaining to the General about the advanced power source the Brigmalayians had discovered.

"Sounds like the scientists are going to have their hands full for a while going through some of this technology," General Hammond said as he saw that the team was finally wrapping up. "It's nice that we were able to fulfill our mandate and gather new technology. That should keep the boys in Washington happy for a while." Hammond continued, "what were the people like there in general?"

"Very private people initially," Daniel said. "They were reluctant to talk to us, I think because they thought we weren't very intelligent but after some long discussions they realized that we were all on the same side. They too have had to deal with the Goa'uld and know the pending threat they pose."

"Would a return mission be feasible?" the General asked.

Jack nodded. "King Rhontimic was very gracious as we left. He wished us well and I think he's hoping we can come back again," he said. "He said that the gifts he has bestowed on us were all that he thought we could "handle," Jack repeated.

"Yeah that's what he said. He hoped we were worthy of them," Daniel added, remembering the parting discussing with the ruling head of the planet.

"Good work you four," the General said. "Colonel O'Neill, Dr. Jackson you two are going to be missed for the next 10 weeks," he said. "I'm not sure how many strings you pulled to make it happen, but your leave starts tomorrow at 0700."

Jack and Daniel smiled. "I cashed in a boat load of favors and IOU's to get this time off," Jack said, as he raised his eyebrows to Daniel, "hope it's worth it"

Daniel ignored the sarcasm in Jack's tone, "We catch our flight to Egypt at 1300 tomorrow," he said excitedly.

"I still can't believe you are going to a dig site," Sam said as she shook her head.

"Me either Carter," Jack replied back.

"Don't injury yourself when you ride those bump infested equines," Teal'c said with a nod.

"Camels Teal'c, they're camels," Daniel said with a laugh.

"Indeed," Teal'c said with a slight nod.

"We'll see you in a few weeks," Jack said as he stood up.

Daniel was excited, he couldn't believe he was finally heading to a dig site again. It had been almost 4 years since he had been on one.

When the two headed home he started to pull his clothes together. He bent down to grab some socks out of his bottom drawer and had to grab onto his dresser instantly as he felt a rush of lightheadedness wash over him.

Daniel shook his head, trying to clear it. "Guess I need to eat something," he said as he sat down on the bed.

Jack walked into the bedroom, "How many batteries should I pack for my Game Boy?" he asked coming in. He saw Daniel sitting on the bed, slightly pale. "You okay?" he asked.

"Just a little light headed," Daniel said. "I guess I better eat something."

Jack looked at his watch. "It's past lunch so I'm guessing that would be a good idea."

"And Jack, you're not really bringing your Game Boy, are you?" Daniel asked.

Jack grinned, "Yep," he said as he picked up the two boxes of batteries and put them in his suitcase.

"What's wrong with my Game Boy?" Jack asked, feigning indignation.

"Nothing," Daniel said, "I just hope you enjoy snuggling up with it at night," he said with a smirk.

"Daaniel!," Jack said.

Daniel grinned, "bring the darn thing then," he said as he gave into Jack's sultry brown eyes that were batting furiously at him.

Daniel shook his head but stopped when the motion made him feel dizzy again. Jack noticed Daniel scrunch his eyes closed. "Enough packing. Let's get you something to eat," he said. "Stay here, I'll bring you a sandwich."

Daniel nodded as he sat back against the pillows and waited for the lightheaded feeling to leave. Jack was back in 10 minutes with a tray of sandwiches, some juice and sliced fruit.

"Thanks Jack," Daniel said as he watched Jack place the tray on the nightstand. "Ah, where's the coffee?" he asked

"In the fridge where we keep it," Jack said back. "You need nourishment not caffeine."

Daniel pouted as he grabbed a sandwich and started to eat it. "No coffee, sheesh," he grumbled but he managed to eat the meal without his caffeine dose. When he was done eating he felt a little better.

"How's the head?" Jack asked.

"Better," Daniel replied. "Guess I was hungry."

"We should finish packing and get everything by the front door. Carter is picking us up at 0900 hours tomorrow," he said.

"Why so early?" Daniel asked, confused why they had to leave at nine when their flight wasn't until one in the afternoon.

"She and Teal'c want to take us to breakfast before we leave," Jack explained. "They're both being temporarily reassigned to other teams until we get back"

"That's nice of them," he said, as he closed his suitcase. He paused for a minute. "You really are okay with going aren't you?" he asked, "all sarcasm aside."

Jack saw Daniel looking at him seriously. "I am fine with it Danny. I love to tease you but I wouldn't have requested this lengthy of a leave just on a whim. I want you to be happy and participating in a dig is very important to you. You've gone fishing and camping with me many times. This time it's your turn to fulfill your dream and I want to be there to share it with you," Jack explained.

Daniel smiled widely.

"Danny you are aware that if there is a major incident back here we could be recalled, don't you?" Jack reminded him.

Daniel nodded. "I know. That was part of the deal," he said. "I remember General Hammond saying that we have to check in with him every four days."

Jack nodded, "I've already packed two converters for international use," he said "Need to be able to keep my cell phone charged up."

"I still can't believe you negotiated with the General that that SGC has to pay your cell phone bill," Daniel said with a laugh.

Jack winked at Daniel, "and you say you're the team's negotiator," he ribbed Daniel. "Danny my boy, I've been negotiating deals longer than you've been playing in dirt."

The two finished getting their stuff ready for their trip the next day and headed off to bed early. They knew the jetlag was going to be a factor as they traveled so they wanted a good night sleep before they took off.

When they were both in bed they pulled each other close. "Good night sweetheart," Jack said as he kissed Daniel gently. Jack was glad that no one thought twice about he and Daniel sharing his house while Daniel's apartment was undergoing the longest renovation in home building history.

"Good night Jack," Daniel said sleepily. The two snuggled close and went to sleep.

CHAPTER 2

The next couple days were a blur as they took off on their long flight to Egypt. It took 22 hours to get there and by the time they arrived Daniel was exhausted. "I don't feel this worn out traveling through the Stargate," Daniel said as he sat down on the chair in the hotel room they were staying. They had planned to spend one night in the hotel before joining the dig team.

"It's been a pretty hectic pace we've had over the last few weeks," Jack reminded him. "I'm pretty beat myself," he said. "Be right back," Jack added, as he headed to the bathroom to tend to business.

Daniel nodded. "Guess that's it," he said as he laid back on the bed. In a matter of 5 minutes he was out like a light.

Jack came back a few minutes later and was surprised to see Daniel already asleep. Jack leaned down and kissed Daniel gently on the lips. "Sleep well my love," he said as he covered him up.

Jack flipped through the local newspaper before turning on the television. He had a working knowledge of the native language so he was able to follow most of the dialogue. He dozed himself for a couple hours before his grumbling stomach finally made itself well known.

"Danny come on let's get something to eat," Jack said giving Daniel a shake. "I'm starved."

Daniel reluctantly climbed out of bed. He washed his face and cleaned his glasses. "Man I can't figure out why I'm so tired," he said as he joined Jack out in the hall. The two headed to the hotel restaurant to eat.

Jack ordered himself a steak with all the trimmings. Daniel's stomach wasn't really in the mood for something that heavy so he settled for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. The two chatted while they waited for the food to arrive.

"What time is Ali Morhomad coming to get us tomorrow?" Jack asked, as he nibbled on the breadsticks that were on the table.

"Around eight," Daniel said, as he sipped his coffee slowly. "He said it's best to get an early start."

"I think I'm going to like this guy" Jack said with a grin. "and heck he already knows how much you love to get up in the morning"

Daniel didn't get a chance to reply to the comment as the food arrived at the table. Jack dug into his food with enthusiasm. "This is good," Jack said as he cut into his thick steak.

Daniel looked over at Jack's plate and his stomach flipped instantly. The site of the steak juice on the plate made him feel almost green. "Excuse me," Daniel gasped, as he jumped to his feet. He made a frantic dash across the restaurant to the bathroom. He barely made it to the stall before he started to throw up. He dropped to his knees and continued to hurl until his stomach almost ached. When he felt it was safe to stand up he flushed the toilet and came out of the stall.

Daniel wasn't surprised to see Jack standing in the bathroom waiting for him. "What the heck was that all about?" he asked, worriedly.

"Guess the jet lag hit me hard this time," Daniel said as he rinsed his mouth out. "Sorry about that," he apologized.

"Hey don't worry about. When you made a bee line for this place I figured you weren't feeling to ship shape," Jack said, with a sympathetic smile.

"You mind if I just go back to the room?" Daniel asked, as he headed to the door.

"I can come with you," Jack offered.

"Why don't you finish your supper and then come up," Daniel said. "You need to eat even if I can't right now."

Jack nodded. "I won't be long," he said, as the two parted ways. Daniel went back to the room and was immediately sick to his stomach again. He dragged himself to bed and flopped down.

By the time Jack came in 20 minutes later, Daniel was cocooned in the blankets sound asleep.

Jack decided to call Daniel's friend and delay them joining the dig team for an extra couple days to allow Daniel to recover from his jet lag.

"That's right Ali, Daniel's been pretty sick to his stomach all night," Jack explained. "I think we'll just stay here another day or two and then we'll join you" Jack finished up the call and then went to change the booking for their room, adding on at least one or possibly two more nights. When he came back Daniel still hadn't moved.

Jack climbed in the bed beside Daniel and went to sleep. Jack was a light sleeper, after years of being in the military, so he was very much aware of his surroundings even when asleep. When Daniel bolted out of the bed at five in the morning, Jack was awake immediately. When he heard Daniel retching in the bathroom he got to his feet and went to see what was wrong.

Daniel had nothing left in his stomach but he still felt like he wanted to throw up. "Easy Danny," Jack soothed as he rubbed Daniel's shoulders gently.

"God Jack, I feel so horrible," Daniel said, as he slumped down on the floor beside the toilet.

"It'll pass in a day or so," Jack said sympathetically, "You're just run down a little and the jet lag hit you hard."

Daniel nodded, afraid if he opened his mouth he would start to hurl again.

"I called Ali and told him you were sick. We are going to meet up with him in a couple days," Jack said.

"But Jack I wanted to get to the dig site right away," Daniel said disappointed that his big plans were being delayed.

"Do you really think you're in any condition to be in the desert right now?" Jack asked.

Daniel shoulders slumped, "guess not," he admitted reluctantly. "But I will be better by tomorrow," he assured his lover.

"We'll see," Jack said "And before you argue, no Daniel we're not going until you really do feel better and eat something ... and keep it down," Jack said in his best Colonel no nonsense tone.

"And you think Frazier is bossy," Daniel said with a snort.

"Who do you think I learned this attitude from," Jack shot back, as he tried to stifle a smile. "Now let's get you back to bed," he said as he helped Daniel to his feet.

Daniel allowed Jack to guide him back to the bed and crawled back in. He slept on and off for the next few hours finally waking around two in the afternoon.

Jack had been watching television and didn't notice Daniel wake up. "You actually watching that?" Daniel asked, seeing Jack viewing a local channel.

"Yeah, but there's not much on during the day," he said. "I thought I'd catch up on the local news," Jack explained.

Daniel suddenly was enlightened, "I forgot you speak the language," he said, "you told me that a long time ago."

"It's been years but most of its still pretty easy to follow," Jack said. "Never thought I'd need to use it again, but heck I guess everything serves a purpose eventually" Jack then turned to focus on Daniel more closely. "So how are you feeling?" he asked.

"Hungry," Daniel said with a grin. "I could eat a horse right now."

"Now that sounds better," Jack said with relief. "Why don't we ease into eating and leave the equines for Teal'c to talk about. How about we try some toast and fruit to start," Jack suggested.

"And coffee," Daniel added.

Jack shook his head, "you are feeling better," he said, "and coffee," he added with a smirk.

Daniel ran through the shower and the two headed down stairs to have an early supper. Daniel ate his light fare of food with ease and drank several cups of coffee. When they got back to the room they both were much fuller and content.

Jack picked up his phone and called SGC to check in with Hammond. After a brief conversation with his commanding officer, Jack hung up and put the phone back on the charger. "All is clear," he told Daniel.

"We should call Ali and tell him we are ready to go tomorrow," Daniel said eagerly. "I feel much better and we should get started on the dig"

"How about we wait one more day just to be sure you're really better," Jack suggested, "and we can ....." Jack paused, not believing what he was about to say, "we could check out the Egyptian museum that's only a couple blocks away."

"You in a museum?" Daniel said with shock. "Are you sure you're not suffering from some strange side affect that I don't know about?"

"Laugh it up Spacemonkey," Jack said. "See if I offer to go to a museum again," he snapped back, trying to sounds serious but the twinkle in his eyes was betraying him.

"I guess we can wait one more day," Daniel said. "And thanks Jack," he said, knowing the sacrifice Jack was making going to a museum.

Jack crawled in the bed beside Daniel. "Care to show me how much you appreciate me going to the museum?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Sure," Daniel said as he reached for his sexy lover. The two spent the rest of the afternoon satisfying each other as they savored each other's bodies and reminded themselves just how incredible their love was for each other.

The next morning they were both up and dressed by 09:30. "We'll grab some breakfast and they head out," Jack said, hoping for some miracle that Daniel wouldn't subject him to a whole day of museum snooping.

"We don't have to go Jack," Daniel offered, "I know you were only offering to be nice yesterday."

"Danny just put your boots on and let's go," Jack said, as he pointed to the pair that had been discarded the day before beside the bed.

Daniel leaned down to get them and his head immediately started to spin again. He sucked in a breath, 'this is stupid ,' he said to himself, convincing himself that the jet lag was the culprit. He focused on his boots and after an initial struggle he got them on and tied. Jack had been shaving in the bathroom and didn't see Danny suffer his second bout of dizziness.

"Ready to go?" Jack asked, when he emerged clean shaven again.

Daniel nodded as he and Jack headed out the door. They caught a taxi to the museum, not wanting to get lost in the city. They spent the next few hours wandering through the exhibits as Daniel was in his glory looking at all the amazing discoveries.

Daniel sat down on a bench and took a long drink from his bottled water. "You ready to go back?" he asked Jack.

"Already?" Jack asked, surprised that Daniel was done.

"I've had enough," Daniel said. "Let's go back to the hotel."

"You sure you're feeling okay?" Jack asked, as alarm bells rang in his head. "You are willingly leaving a museum before it closes and before you are dragged out kicking and screaming"

Daniel snorted, "I've been here before and I've had enough looking for today," he said quietly. "I just want to go back to the hotel, is that so hard to understand," Daniel said, as the water he just consumed suddenly didn't want to stay in. He sucked in a slow breath trying to will it to stay put.

"Danny?" Jack looked at him cautiously.

"Let's just go," Daniel said as he got to his feet and headed to the exit. Jack followed right behind him, as he kept getting a feeling in the pit of his stomach that there something wrong with Daniel again.

The drive back to the hotel seemed to take forever to Daniel as he kept breathing slowly trying to keep his stomach down. By the time the vehicle pulled up to the hotel, Daniel grabbed the handle and threw the door open and dashed inside leaving Jack behind to pay the fare.

Jack followed Daniel in as soon as he was able to, not sure exactly where he went. He looked around and saw the concierge and asked if he had seen another American run into the hotel moments earlier.

"Yes sir, he ran to the restroom," he said, pointing to the washroom on the far side of the lobby. Jack thanked the man and headed off to find Daniel.

"Danny you in here?" Jack asked, as he entered the room. The distinct sound of someone retching answered Jack's question.

Danny came out a couple minutes later and went to wash his face at the sink. "Don't ask," he said as he looked at Jack in the mirror. Daniel never said another word as he walked out of the bathroom and headed to their room, suddenly grateful that they were only on the second floor and he didn't have to attempt the elevator.

Jack kept a close distance to his slightly green lover as he watched Daniel struggle with the door to the room. "Here Danny let me get that," Jack offered as he dug out his card. He swiped it and the door instantly unlocked.

Daniel wearily walked over to the bed and sat down heavily. "This is just crap," he complained. "I felt better all day yesterday and now it hits me again."

Jack went rummaging through his bags. "Danny I think you might be dehydrated a little. Why don't you take a salt pill and I'll get you some more bottled water," Jack offered. "I wish I thought of this yesterday, it might have helped."

Danny was too green to care at that moment. He swallowed the salt tablet and slowly drank the cold water. He finally felt his stomach settle as he rested a while longer.

The two spent the rest of the day in the room. Jack went and got them some food and they stayed in to eat it. Daniel seemed to have perked up after eating and the salt pill and Jack felt confident that he had figured out what was ailing his lover.

By the next morning the two were up and eager to get started in there adventure. Ali showed up right at eight as planned.

"Dr. Jackson it is so good to see you," he said as he shook Daniel's hand. "And Colonel O'Neill I've heard so many good things about you," he added, turning to face the to other man in the group.

"Ali it's good to finally meet you. I feel we practically know each already with all the phone calls we've had over the last couple days," Jack said lightly.

"I am glad you are feeling better Dr. Jackson," Ali said sympathetically. The three headed to the SUV that was waiting outside. Three hours later Ali pulled up to a camp that had been set up by one of the smaller pyramids. "Here is our camp," Ali said as he climbed out of the vehicle. "We have arranged for you two to share a tent together" he said pointing to the last tent in the row. "The bedding and water bottles are already stocked in there, and anything else you might require can be brought to you later," he said.

The head archeologist came over to greet Daniel. "Dr. Jackson it is so good to meet you," he said extending his hand. "Dr. Betherly," he said introducing himself.

"I am pleased to finally meet you," Daniel said, almost in a hero worship tone. The man standing in front of him was someone who Daniel looked up to greatly in the field. "Dr. Betherly I would like you to meet Colonel O'Neill," he said, introducing Jack to the other archeologist. "Dr. Betherly was one of the few archeologists who didn't shun me after my fiasco with the archaeology community. He was very kind and supportive"

"That's good to hear, " Jack smiled, "and you can just call me Jack," he said, as he shook the man's hand. "I don't think out here my rank mean's a whole lot," he smiled.

"You can call me Stuart," Dr. Betherly responded back warmly. "We don't stand on formality here either."

Jack and Daniel unpacked their stuff from Ali's vehicle and set up their tent to their liking. They changed into some more appropriate clothes for the day and after putting on their hats and sunscreen they went to meet up with the team.

Dr. Betherly was reviewing the progress of the day before with the gathered team. He explained what area they were going to be working in and how they were going to break up into groups to do it. He saw Jack and Daniel walk into the gathering. "I would like you all to welcome Dr. Daniel Jackson and Colonel Jack O'Neill to our group. They are going to be spending a few weeks with us," he said.

The two were warmly greeted by the many other members of the crew. It was a warm and inviting bunch and the two men immediately felt at ease.

"Okay we head out in 20 minutes, grab your packs and don't forget your extra water and sunscreen. It's supposed to be 110 degrees today," Dr. Betherly reminded them all.

Jack went back to the tent to get his pack and watched for Daniel to follow. He came out with both their packs as he stood back and watched Daniel looking at the artifacts that were being categorized on a table by several archeology students. Daniel was right in his element pointing out aspects to the treasures that the students, and their instructors in fact, hadn't realized. Jack smiled. 'this was definitely a good idea,' he said to himself.

Daniel looked around and saw Jack. "We ready to go?" he asked, as he grabbed the heavy pack of tools from Jack.

Jack watched him struggle with it. "Here let's switch packs. Mine's no where near as heavy," he said, knowing he wasn't carrying the set of tools Daniel had in his. "Now you are going to be happy I packed my Game Boy," he teased. "It's lighter to carry."

Daniel was going to protest the switch but Jack had already lugged Daniel's pack on his shoulder leaving his lighter one on the ground in front of his friend. "Thanks," Daniel murmured as he shouldered the bag and headed off.

CHAPTER 3

The next few days were exhilarating for Daniel. He was part of a crew that had discovered a hidden chamber deep inside one of the pyramids. When the group got to the solid wall in the chamber, archeologists before them had always believed the chamber to be solid. Daniel wasn't convinced. Late in the evening, Daniel and Jack were sitting in their tent as Daniel continued to work.

"There's something here, Jack, I know it," Daniel insisted. "These words are trying to tell me something," he said as he stared at the words over and over. He had been scribbling feverishly in his notebook for hours, trying to decipher the meaning behind the encoded pictographs but Daniel hadn't figured it out yet.

"If there's something to find here, you'll figure it out," Jack said confidently. "You're the best."

Daniel shook his head. "No I'm not," he said humbly, "I just do what I can."

"You're too modest," Jack reminded him. "You don't give yourself enough credit for what you do know."

Daniel took the pencil out of his mouth and smirked at Jack. "Gee doesn't that sound like someone I know," he bantered back, "who's the one that's so good at playing the role of the "dumb" Colonel, when he could spin circles around most of us."

"Who me?" Jack feigned innocence. "I'm just a dumb jock that carries a big gun," he said innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Yeah right," Daniel said. Daniel put his book and pencil down, "Jack why do you do that?" he asked.

"Do what?" Jack asked back, really not knowing what Daniel was talking about.

"Why do you sell yourself short and let people think you're not so bright at times?" Daniel inquired.

Jack didn't answer for a minute, trying to formulate the right words. "Danny we all have our roles on our team," he began. "You're the word guy and the one that can make scribbles make sense; Carter she's our techno guru and Teal'c he's the one we rely on for back up and to add his insight into Goa'uld knowledge. I'm the team leader. I have to keep you all working in the same direction," he looked at Daniel for a minute before he continued.

"I know you think I am 'playing dumb' but what I am doing is only showing the cards that needs to be shown in each given situation," He said. "I don't want to reveal too much and not leave me anything in my arsenal that I could use later."

Daniel's eyes were wide open. "In other words, you think playing 'dumb' works to your advantage sometimes," he said.

"Perhaps," Jack grinned, "but then in cases like the Brigmalayians, they needed me to play more of my cards and they saw it all," he said.

Daniel leaned over and kissed Jack tenderly, "not sure how I deserved someone like you, but I sure am glad I gotcha," he said.

"And you Dannyboy are stuck with me," Jack said, "and my Game Boy," he smirked as he held up his electronic toy.

Jack sat back and continued to play his game while Danny kept working on his notes. "I need more coffee," he said holding up his cup. He got to his feet to head out to the canteen tent that was kept open 24/7 when he suddenly felt faint. "J'ck," he managed to say before his knees buckled and he went down.

"Danny!" Jack yelled as he ran to the crumpled man on the ground. Daniel's eyes were closed and he was pale, even in the dim light being thrown by the two lanterns.

Jack laid Daniel down on his sleeping bag and went to grab a cloth. He stuck his head out of the tent and yelled for someone to come and help. "we need the doctor," he said, "Daniel's passed out," he said motioning to the man lying on the sleeping bag.

Jack wiped Daniel's face with the cool rag, hoping that it was the heat that made his lover collapse. When he saw that Daniel was starting to come around he was relieved. The tent flap opened and the camp doctor came into sight.

"What happened?" Dr. Jenkins, the camp doctor asked.

"He was working on his notes when he got to his feet and the next thing I knew he was on the ground," Jack explained.

The doctor did a quick examination. "I think we're looking at dehydration from the heat," he deduced. "We need to get him cooled off and get him hydrated again" The doctor set up an IV so that the process could be sped up. "This should help," he said.

Jack was not unfamiliar with the process of treating dehydration, having seen it many times on their off world missions. "He's not been feeling well since we arrived in Egypt. The jet lag hit him hard also," he told the physician.

"I am going to recommend he stay away from the dig site tomorrow and rest and then we will see how Dr. Jackson is feeling," he said.

"J'ck," Daniel mumbled as he finally found his voice again, "what happn'd?" he asked.

"You passed out," Jack said, as he wiped Daniel's brow with a cool cloth. "Too much heat."

"Kay," Danny mumbled, as he tried to refocus on the space around him.

"How are you feeling Dr. Jackson?" the doctor asked him.

"Light headed and a little sick to my stomach, " Daniel replied.

"That definitely sounds like the heat got to you Dr. Jackson," the physician said, "I think the IV will help and you should be back on your feet in a day or so."

"Thanks," Daniel said, "sorry to disturb you so late at night," he apologized.

"Don't worry about it," the doctor smiled, as he patted his patient's shoulder. "That's what they keep me around for" He looked over at Jack. "I think you have things under control here," he said as he put his stuff back in his pack and headed out. "If he gets worse again let me know," he said. "I'll come back in a couple hours to check on the IV."

Jack shook his hand as the doctor left. He settled back down beside Daniel who was dozing on the sleeping bag. "Space Monkey you have to stop scaring me like this," he said, in a gentle scolding tone. "I don't care for the passing out routine you got going here," he said.

"Me either," Daniel said. "I'm sorry Jack. This trip isn't turning out the way I planned it at all," he apologized.

"Danny don't you dare apologize for getting sick. You can't help that," Jack said firmly. "Now you just go to sleep and let that stuff," he motioned towards the IV, "work"

Daniel nodded as he closed his eyes and started to drift off to sleep. The routine of feeling rotten and then perfectly fine repeated itself several times over the next few weeks. Daniel would have a few great days and then suddenly it was like every ounce of his energy would be sucked out of him and he would find it hard to even get out of bed.

One morning he got up before Jack and stared down at his hands. "what the hell is going on with me? " he said quietly to himself. "I can't seem to get a handle on this.'

"Danny?" Jack called over, as he felt the empty spot beside him in the bed.

"Over here Jack," Danny said, as he put his glasses on. "Shit," Daniel suddenly cursed as his stomach revolted again on him. Jack barely had enough time to get a basket under his friend's mouth before he was hurling again.

When it stopped after a few minutes Daniel sat back on his heels. "This is ridiculous," he said. "The doctor has checked my blood, checked my urine, everything shows mild dehydration. Why the hell do I keep getting sick like that?" Daniel complained.

"Danny do you think it's time we just headed home?" Jack asked softly. "You really aren't getting much out of this trip."

Daniel hung his head. He could see the dream of his slipping away again. "I was so close to figuring out that pictograph," he said. "I wanted to be part of something that people could see, not just ..." he didn't need to fill in the blanks.

"Not just part of stuff that is "classified" and therefore not allowed to be shared with your peers," Jack said, looking down at Daniel, "right?"

Daniel nodded, "yeah," he said feeling a little foolish for wanting the accolades for his work.

"One more week Daniel," Jack said, "if you aren't feeling back to yourself by then, we are going home," Jack said firmly, "maybe you can get those pictographs figured out by then," Jack conceded.

Daniel smiled slightly, still feeling like his stomach was on the verge of complaining again. "A week," he nodded.

The next day Daniel again returned to his normal self again. He stayed in the tent staring at his notes as he struggled with the translation. Jack's scheduled calls to General Hammond had continued to be uneventful.

The first five weeks of their vacation flew by as they continued the cycle of sick/healthy for Daniel. He was having one of his better days when he and Jack were in the last chamber by themselves. Daniel was staring at the wall again, and his notes. Comparing words, markings and other relevant information. Suddenly his eyes flew open. "I've got it," he said excitedly. He grabbed the small step ladder and climbed up the side of the chamber.

Jack was down further in the chamber leaning against the wall. "Daniel," he called as he saw his lover ascending the ladder.

"I've got it Jack," he said. He was leaning over the arch in the chamber. In his hand was a tool used to clear out crevices in rock. He traced the edges of the wall and slowly one more single line came into view. "Here it is," he said triumphantly. "The missing link" Daniel sounded like a kid with a new toy.

Jack wasn't following Daniel's logic. "I don't see it," Jack admitted.

Daniel sighed, "see these pictographs... ," he said motioning to a collection on the opposite wall. "They all speak of the hidden truth," he explained. "The truth was never known . The last line was never revealed," he continued. "This marking. .," Daniel said, pointing to the last symbol Daniel had just found, "is the missing symbol," he said with a smile. "It shows the truth lays where the sun and the moon meet," he said, reading the symbols.

Daniel was so excited he wanted to explode. He climbed down the ladder. "You see what this means, don't you?" Daniel so badly wanted Jack to follow.

"The sun and the moon meet in the evening sky," Jack said, not sure if he was on the right track.

"Exactly. They meet on the horizon," Daniel elaborated. He walked around the room, his head spinning around until he found the pictograph he wanted. He saw the Egyptian figures kneeling at the summit of a great pyramid. In the background was the sunset and the moon rising behind it. Daniel went to the picture and took his knife out. He carefully slid his knife blade alone the line of the sun and moon rays. Daniel's mouth dropped open when a passage way opened up behind the picture. A small, hidden room came into sight.

Daniel never said a word as he allowed his eyes to travel around the room. It was filled with artifacts, pictographs and other well preserved items.

"You did it Danny," Jack said, as he put his arm around Daniel's waist.

Daniel had tears in his eyes. "I did it," he said with a smile. "and they can't take this one away from me," he said with a satisfied tone to his voice.

Jack understood exactly what he meant. "No they can't Danny," he said proudly. "This one was all you."

Jack left Daniel to look at the room while he went to find Dr. Betherly. He soon returned with the head archeologist and his team.

"Dr. Jackson this is amazing," the man said as he stepped into the chamber. Daniel was videotaping everything. He was careful not to touch anything to alter its original presentation. "how did you figure it out?" he asked in awe. "We've looked for this chamber for months."

Daniel smiled, and Jack proudly stood back as Daniel explained how he deciphered the clues. Daniel was in his glory and Jack was content to just stand back and let him have the long over due moment.

"This discovery is going to be a significant find," Dr. Betherly said. "You're going to be written up in the journals for years to come."

Daniel felt a sense of worth suddenly as he knew he had finally achieved a level of status with his piers in a forum where his efforts could be acknowledged openly.

"Thanks Stuart, I am just glad I didn't give up on the translations, I was sure... " Daniel suddenly felt light headed again and Jack recognized the pale look on his face.

"Daniel," Jack said as he went to support his lover as Daniel's knees buckled. "I gottcha," he said as he lifted Daniel into his arms. "Contact the doctor, I'm going to carry him back to our tent," he said as he headed towards the entrance of the pyramid.

Jack's knees were protesting by the time he got back to their tent but he wasn't going to let anyone else tend to his lover. The doctor met him at the tent again. "Again?" he said, seeing the condition that Daniel was in.

Jack nodded, "yeah, again," he said, with concern. "Treat him as well as you can. I'm taking him home tomorrow," he said.

"I think that would be the best thing. Whatever ails your friend is something that needs to be further investigated than what am able to do here," the doctor said.

Jack agreed. "I know just the place for him," he said as he thought of Janet and her vast array of knowledge. "I know exactly what he needs."

Jack packed up their stuff as Daniel continued to sleep. The all too familiar IV in his arm indicative of how bad he was feeling again.

By the next morning Daniel was feeling better and was trying to talk Jack into staying longer but Jack wasn't going to be swayed. "Daniel you and I are going home," he said. "I've given you more than enough latitude here, but you aren't getting better and you know it," Jack said sympathetically.

Daniel frowned, he hated that Jack was right. "But what about the new discovery, I finally got the chamber open and now..." he stopped.

"Danny I know you want to stay, but we really need to know why you keep passing out and are sick all the time. Stuart has already said you will be credited with this find so your work won't be dismissed" Jack assured him.

Daniel sighed, "I guess we need to go home," he agreed, "but maybe ..." he stopped, not bothering to fill in the blank.

"Danny I promise we'll come back here again some day," Jack said, "and you can show me more of the pyramids."

Daniel smiled. "and you never break your promises," he said as he squeezed Jack's hand.

Jack kissed Danny tenderly before the two of them stepped out of the tent. Daniel was stunned when the entire dig team was waiting for them. The group broke into thunderous applause. Daniel was overwhelmed.

Dr. Betherly came up to the two of them. "I want you to see the email I just sent to the department of archeology in Washington," he said, handing the piece of paper to Daniel.

Daniel clutched the paper to his chest. "thank you," he whispered softly, his throat feeling like it was almost closing in.

Jack put his arm on Daniel's back. "Time to go," he said softly, not wanting to break up the moment, but knowing that their flight left in 6 hours and they still had a 3 hour drive back to the city.

As the two climbed into Ali's vehicle, Daniel looked back at the pyramids. "I made a difference Jack," he said. "and damn it feels good"

Jack patted Daniel's leg. "You've been making a difference for years, this one is just one that you don't have to keep a secret," he said, as he whispered in Daniel's ear.

Daniel nodded as he leaned against Jack's shoulder. The ride made Daniel tired and he soon was asleep on Jack's shoulder.

CHAPTER 4

The fight was over 22 hours in length and Daniel seemed to be getting more and more nauseous as the flight continued. The only thing he could keep down was water and even that was a struggle. Jack was never so glad to hear the final landing announcement as they reached Denver. He had made the decision not to contact SG so that they could arrive under little fanfare.

"Come on Daniel, almost home," Jack said as they made their way to a taxi. With all their gear stowed in the trunk they headed back to Jack's house. When they pulled up the taxi driver helped Jack carry everything in as Daniel only managed to get himself inside. Once Jack paid the driver he closed the door and went to find Daniel.

"Babe where are you?" Jack called, as he went looking for his missing lover.

The sound of retching told Jack where Daniel was. Jack opened the bathroom to the all too familiar site of Daniel hunched over the toilet throwing up. Jack took his place behind Daniel, supporting him as he fought to get the nausea under control. Jack had a cool cloth ready for him as he was done.

"Tomorrow we go and see Janet," he said, as he guided Daniel to bed. "We need to know what's going on with you," he said.

Daniel didn't even argue, he just stumbled to the bed and dropped into it. He laid in bed willing the feeling to go away.

Jack shook his head. "What can I do for you?" he asked, softly as he brushed the hair out of Daniel's eyes.

"You're doing it," Daniel replied, "you're here," he said.

"I wish I could do more," Jack said, feeling like his hands were tied. "There has to be something I can get you or do to help."

Daniel shook his head. "Nothing," he said, "just stay here, okay" Daniel looked into Jack's eyes. "I just like you being here"

"Not going anywhere Space Monkey," Jack said with a forced smile, "me and my game boy will stay right here while you sleep."

"Kay thanks," Daniel said as he finally gave into sleep. Daniel woke up a few hours later and found Jack sleeping in the chair beside him. He smiled as he got to his feet, heading for the bathroom. 'at least the nausea is gone for now,' he said with relief.

He was in the bathroom tending to business when his eyes grew wide in shock. "what the hell?" he stared at the blood in his boxer shorts. He knew Jack and he hadn't made love in a few days so it wasn't from anything they caused by accident.

Daniel opened the door and yelled down the hall, "Jack can you come here please!"

Jack could hear the fear in Daniel's voice as he rushed down the hall "What's wrong?" he asked, as he saw Daniel standing against the wall, his boxers still on the floor where he had dropped them.

"That," he said, pointing to the spots of blood in his briefs.

Jack furrowed his brow. "We didn't. . ,." he stammered, "I mean. ." Jack didn't quite know how to say what he was trying to get out.

"No we didn't," Daniel agreed. "It's not from that," he said. His voice caught. "What the hell is wrong with me," he said, suddenly even more afraid.

"I think it's time to see Janet," Jack said. "Let's get you dressed and we'll head to the mountain to see her."

"We're not even supposed to be here," Daniel said, "she might not even be there."

Jack sat Daniel down on the toilet as he went to get him some clean clothes. "Let's get you dressed and then we'll check if she's there."

A few minutes and one phone call later and Jack was informed that Dr. Frazier was on base that day. "Okay Danny time to see the lady with the sharp needles and the charming bedside manner" Jack said trying to keep the conversation light.

"Right now I wouldn't care if she took out her sharpest needles, if she could make me feel better," Daniel admitted.

Jack frowned. Daniel normally was a horrible patient and for him to be complacent about going to see Dr. Frazier spoke volumes about how bad he felt.

They pulled into the parking lot 40 minutes later. As Jack eased Daniel out of the vehicle he could see that he was struggling again. "Jack," Daniel said quietly, "I can do it," he said, trying to preserve some dignity.

"I've got your six," Jack said as he walked so closely behind Daniel he was almost attached to him.

Daniel kept his eyes focused ahead of him trying to keep his destination in mind. Jack could see him wavering. "Danny come on let me help you," he whispered close to him.

Daniel looked ahead at the elevator. "almost there," he said. as Jack swiped his card to authorize them to go the level that the SGC was on. When the doors opened Jack was glad that the elevator was empty. The two entered the elevator and headed down. The shifting in his balance was unsettling for Daniel as he clung to Jack's arm, trying to stay on his feet.

"Jack help me," Daniel said as he suddenly felt light headed again. Jack never hesitated as he scooped Daniel into his arms. "Just lean against me babe, I've got you," he said close to Daniel's ear so that camera's in the elevator couldn't detect any of the audio.

Daniel closed his eyes as he put his head on Jack's shoulder. "No matter what, don't leave, okay," Daniel said quietly.

"Not going anywhere," Jack assured him. "We're in this together."

When the doors opened at the subbasement level Jack was relieved to see Janet Frazier and her medical team waiting. The cameraman had notified them of Dr. Jackson's collapse in the elevator and they were standing by.

"We've got him," Janet said as she tried to get Jack to back away and let them through. Jack hesitantly stepped back as Daniel was wheeled down the corridor to the infirmary.

"Let's get some blood drawn and I want him on a nasal cannula," Janet ordered, as she looked at the pale face of her patient.

The nurse took the required vitals while Janet stepped to the side to talk to Jack. "What's going on here?" she asked.

"You tell me. Danny's been sick on and off since before we went to Egypt. He's nauseous, light headed, passing out and he's tired all the time, and Janet,. ." Jack paused to make sure no one was in ear shot of them, . "today Daniel found blood in his shorts" he said.

"Did you two...," she didn't need to ask the complete question.

"Not for a few days," Jack said quickly, knowing that Janet was one of the few people at SGC that knew about their 'real' relationship. "This has nothing to do with that," he assured her.

"Let's wait for the blood work to come back, maybe there's a virus playing out here," she said.

"Oh and Janet, while we were in Egypt the doctor there had to keep giving him IV's to keep him from dehydrating," Jack added. "It was the weirdest thing, he'd be sicker than a dog for a couple days, but once he got the IV going he'd perk right back up."

Janet furrowed her brow. "I think we need to see that lab work," she said.

Jack went to sit with Daniel who was now changed into a hospital gown and had an IV going in his arm again. He was also breathing with a nasal cannula. "Jack, I'm scared," he said, hoping no one else would hear him.

"I know," Jack answered softly, "me too" he admitted, as he squeezed Daniel's shoulder. "But Janet will figure this out. She'll bring out the sharp needles and make you all better fast," he said trying to force himself to stay positive.

Daniel nodded, "yeah," he said as he closed his eyes again.

A few minutes later, Teal'c, Sam and General Hammond made their appearance in the infirmary. "I heard you were back sir" Sam said as the three of them walked up. "What happened to Daniel?"

"We're not sure," Jack said. "he's been sick on and off for the last few weeks," he said, as he watched Daniel sleeping fitfully. "We're just waiting for the lab work to come back to see what's going on."

"DanielJackson will be well soon," Teal'c said calmly.

"I sure hope so big guy. I've got to tell you this has got me just a little worried here," Jack said, as he looked at the sleeping figure in the bed. "It's really knocked him for a loop."

Janet came back a short time later. "There's nothing here that explains it," she said. "His iron's a little low but that's about it," she said frustrated.

"Did you check everything?" Jack asked.

"I ordered all the standard tests," Janet assured him. "I can have them repeat them I suppose," she said. "I will call the lab right now."

The wait was long and tedious as everyone waited for the new lab results to come back. Janet walked in with the folder that was just handed to her. "I have the new results," she said, "and judging from this they ran every possible test," she said.

Her eyes scanned the papers as she read the numbers. "Well that can't be right," she said, as she stared at the paper.

"What's that?" Jack asked, "does it show something?" he asked.

"Daniel's human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is high. That makes no sense," Janet explained. "The only time it is raised in men is if there is a possibility of cancer, but all the white blood counts are normal," she said completely confused.

"Janet what is this human chorionic gonadotropin test used for?" Jack asked.

Janet turned to look at the Colonel. "It's a test we use on women to see if they are pregnant," she said.

Jack's face registered the shock. "pregnant, but that's ridiculous," he said.

"I know that and you know that, but there has to be a reason for this test result," Janet said. "Let's do an ultrasound to see if there is anything unusual there," she said.

"Can I come?" Jack asked.

Janet was about to say no but the look on Jack's face told her that she would be in for a fight if she did. "Okay, but just stay beside Daniel and you need to keep him calm," she said.

Jack nodded as they approached the bed. Teal'c, Sam and the General were chatting with Daniel at the time. "We are going to do one more test Daniel," Janet said as her eyes met Jack's. "This should tell us where we stand on things"

"What kind of test?" Daniel asked.

"We're going to do an ultrasound to see if there is something amiss that we can see," Janet said, not wanting to even mention the other reason they were doing the test.

A few minutes later the machine was rolled into place and everyone but Jack was sent back to the waiting room again.

"Daniel this doesn't hurt at all," Janet assured him as she saw him reach for Jack's hand instinctively. "Hang on a minute," she said as she moved a screen between the bed and the camera angle so that Daniel's privacy was now assured.

"Thanks Janet," Jack said, seeing what she was doing.

She smiled as she put some gel on Daniel's stomach.

"Shit that's cold," Daniel complained, "you keep that stuff in the freezer?" he asked, sarcastically.

Janet laughed as she started to rub the wand around Daniel's abdomen. She noted that everything seemed to be okay, but as she traveled lower something caught her eye. She pressed the wand over and over in the same place.

"I don't believe it," she finally said out loud.

"What?" Jack and Daniel said almost at the same time.

"I'm going to turn the screen so you can see it," she said, as she wheeled the monitor around.

"What are we looking for?" Daniel asked, suddenly terrified that perhaps Janet had found a tumor or something.

Janet rubbed the wand on the same spot she had earlier. "See that," she said pointing to a specific spot on the screen.

Daniel and Jack tried to lean forward to see closer. "What is it?" Jack asked.

"You're not going to believe this, but that's a baby," Janet said quietly.

Daniel's jaw dropped, and Jack sat back firmly in his chair. "A what?" Jack asked, stunned.

"That's about a nine week old fetus inside you," Janet said, "and before you ask, I have absolutely no idea how this happened"

Daniel's face went pale. "I'm pregnant," he squeaked out.

Janet nodded sympathetically, "that's right hun, about nine weeks from what I can tell"

"Oh shit," Daniel said as he suddenly knew he was going to be sick. Jack and Janet both recognized the panicked look on Daniel's face as the doctor quickly grabbed a basin just in time as Daniel lost his lunch.

"There is no way I can be pregnant Janet, I'm a guy for God sakes," Daniel said, when he finally got a grip on things again.

"I know that," Janet said, "but you both saw it, there is a real baby inside of you"

"Is it an alien baby?" Daniel asked, thinking that somehow something was implanted in him without his knowledge.

"No the fetus looks like a perfectly normal human baby," Janet assured him. "This would also explain how horrible you are feeling," she said. "Your body is going crazy with the changes and it's making you sick"

Jack hadn't said much during this whole time. Daniel looked over at him. "Jack, you okay?" he asked, suddenly worried about the silence from the usually outspoken Colonel.

"Just taking it all in Danny," Jack said, trying to sound calmer than he felt.

"Now what?" Daniel asked, "I mean um, shit I don't know what I mean," he said as he tried to roll away from Jack and Janet's eyes.

"Now we stick together and figure this out," Jack said, as he reached for Daniel's hand.

"really?" Daniel asked, seeing for the first time the worry on Jack's face.

"I told you I wasn't going anywhere and I meant it," Jack said, "I don't break promises, remember"

Daniel smiled, "no you don't," he said.

They both turned to Janet. "Now what?" Daniel asked.

"The first thing we need to do is give you some hormones for your body to help it adjust and something for the morning sickness," she said.

Daniel chuckled when he heard the term, "whoever coined that phrase should be shot. It's not morning sickness, its morning, noon and night sickness. If I spend anymore time in my bathroom I'm giving up linguistics to become a damn plumber," he grumbled.

That broke some of the tension of the moment as Jack and Janet could laugh freely with him. "I am going to need to monitor you closely and see how your body is handling the condition," Janet said.

"My condition," Daniel said with mixed feelings. He put his hand on his abdomen, "I can not believe there is a baby inside of me," he said.

"Is there anyway to know who's DNA the baby has?" Daniel asked, worried about how the baby was created.

"I can run a test and find out," Janet said. "I won't have the results for a couple hours," she said. "I will need to withdraw a small amount of fluid. This procedure is called a Chorionic villus sampling. I will insert a catheter into the cervix and withdraw a small amount of tissue using suction. The ultrasound will be my guide," Janet explained. She saw the strained look on Daniel and Jack's faces. "Not to worry, this test is not painful and only takes a minute," she assured them. In a matter of a few minutes Janet had extracted the necessary fluid and was sending the sample to the lab for analysis.

"Can we keep this private for a few days until we've had a chance to, well you know..." Daniel asked, looking at the doctor pleadingly.

"I should inform the General about what's going on," Janet said, but when she saw the looks on both Jack and Daniel's face. "I can give you a few hours," she offered, "That's the best I can do."

Daniel nodded. "I'll take it," he said.

Janet walked off and left Jack and Daniel alone. "What are we going to do?" Daniel asked. "This is just nuts" Daniel ran his hand though his hair nervously.

"Danny I know you're scared, so am I, but we're going to be okay," Jack assured him. He looked around and realized Janet had left the screen up. "Come here," he said as he pulled Daniel up into his arms. "I love you and we will get through this," Jack said as he ran his hand soothingly on Daniel's back.

Daniel sucked in the warmth of Jack's embrace like a anchor. Everything seemed almost surreal and Jack was the one thing that was tangible. He could still feel his solid presence and he was clinging to that. "Just don't leave," Danny said, his voice showing his vulnerability.

"Never," Jack said, "I promise," he soothed, "no matter what"

The two stayed in each other's arms as Janet put a do not disturb warning on the room. She knew the two men needed some privacy as they tried to digest what they had just learned.

CHAPTER 5

Time seemed to stand still as they waited for Janet to come back and let them know if Daniel's baby was human and what DNA make up it had.

Daniel had fallen asleep on Jack's shoulder and Jack didn't have the heart to move him so he left him there. Janet walked back in with a folder in her hands. "I have the DNA results," she said quietly. "We can wait until he wakes up if you like," she said softly.

"No, I promised Danny I'd wake him when you got back," Jack said as he rubbed Daniel's back. "Come on sweetie, Janet's back with the test results," he said into Daniel's ear.

Daniel forced his eyes open. "Sorry Janet, didn't mean to fall asleep," he apologized as he put his glasses back on, after getting them from Jack.

"Nothing to apologize for," Janet assured him. "Pregnancy can make a person very tired," she said.

Jack wanted to get down to business. "So you have the results there?" he asked, motioning to the folder in the doctor's hand.

"Yeah," Janet said. "I haven't even read them yet," she said as she opened the folder and took out the single piece of paper that could change everything. She read the numbers and nodded.

"So am I carrying some freaky monster?" Daniel asked trying to make light of the severity of the situation.

"Not unless you think the Colonel is freaky," she said with a smile. "The results show the baby is a combination of both your DNA's," she said.

"This is my baby too?" Jack said, as he gently placed his hand on Daniel's stomach.

"That's right Colonel. Somehow you are part of this whole bizarre event," Janet said. "You two are going to be parents," she said, having trouble getting those words out.

Jack and Daniel were stunned but surprisingly, not repulsed by the idea. "my child," Daniel said with a slight smile as he rubbed his stomach tenderly.

Jack put his hand over Daniel's, "ours," he said. That one word spoke with more impact to Daniel than a lengthy soliloquy.

"I am going to inform the General about what's going on," Janet said, hoping the two understood her obligation to inform the man in charge about pressing medical situations.

"Why don't you ask him, Teal'c and Carter to come in. We should tell them together," Jack said, as he received a nod from Daniel.

A few minutes later the General, Teal'c and Carter all came into the room. "Dr. Frazier said you two wanted to speak to us," he said.

Jack grabbed Daniel's hand, not worrying about the consequences at that moment. "Sir, we have a complication that seems to have come up," Jack began.

Daniel looked positively shell shocked as he waited for Jack to explain the situation.

"Seems that Daniel here is pregnant," Jack said.

"Colonel I don't know what kind of joke this is but I don't think it's funny," General Hammond said, sounding irritated.

"Wish I was joking, sir," Jack said.

"I really am pregnant," Daniel said, finally speaking for himself.

"Well how in Sam-blazes is that possible?" the General demanded to know, looking at Dr. Frazier for answers.

"I have no idea General," Janet said, interjecting herself into the conversation. "All we know for sure is that Dr. Jackson is about 9 weeks pregnant and that..." she paused.

Daniel and Jack looked at each other as Jack squeezed Daniel's hand gently. "and that the baby is both Danny's and mine," Jack said, as he completed the doctor's sentence.

The room became uncomfortably silent.

"Jack can we go home?" Daniel asked. "I'm tired and I just want to get out of here," he said, as he went to swing his legs off the bed.

"You're not going anywhere son, until we figure out what in hell caused you to be in this" .. Hammond pointed to Daniel's stomach. " condition," General Hammond said.

"Is there a risk of this thing being infected with some kind a chemical warfare that could be harmful to earth?" Sam asked, not meaning to sound callus as she recalled how Cassie had been used by the Goa'uld along with Teal'c's son Ry'ac to destroy them.

"Chemical warfare," Daniel squeaked in a voice that registered his shock, "this isn't a thing," he protested. "I have no bloody idea how I got in this state, but this is no THING inside me. It's a baby. Our baby," he said as he looked to Jack for his support.

"That's right Carter, so in the future could you refrain from calling the little guy a Thing. We wouldn't want to hurt his feelings now, would we?" Jack said, in a tone that was both light but blunt.

"Sorry sir, my apologies. I was just ..." Sam stammered.

"O'Neill, DanielJackson, this is indeed an unexpected but a good thing. This child shall be raised to be a very wise warrior," Teal'c said with a nod.

"Thanks Teal'c," Daniel said, glad that someone was actually positive about this whole mess.

Janet came and handed Daniel two pill bottles. "These are for the nausea and this is the hormones that we discussed," she said. "I think you're going to feel a little better in a few days after your body's hormones level off," she said.

"So can I go home?" Daniel asked again, hoping that they would take pity on him and let him leave.

The General looked at Dr. Frazier. "Is it safe for him to go home?" he asked.

"General he's pregnant not contagious," Janet said. "We don't quarantine pregnant woman so I don't think we should be doing that with Dr. Jackson," she said. "Colonel O'Neill has assured me that he's going to be with him so I think it would be fine for him to go home"

"We need to find out what caused this," the General said. "We can't have this thing happen again to anyone else."

"General I will ask you to not address this baby as a thing also. You wouldn't show this disrespect to a female member of our crew, so don't do it to Daniel," he said. "This is hard enough without that being thrown into the mix," Jack said.

"Now if you will excuse us, Daniel and I still have almost 5 weeks left of our leave and we intend to use them," Jack said.

"But Colonel," the General began to protest.

"It's already approved, Sir" Jack reminded his boss. "Only if there is an emergency, remember, and I think we're already having our own emergency so that's enough....Sir."

Daniel grabbed his pants and hoped that people would have the decency to leave while he dressed. At that moment he didn't really give a damn. He needed to get away from the penetrating eyes of General Hammond and Sam Carter.

A few minutes later Jack and Daniel were topside and heading out of the mountain. The drive home was quiet as both men were lost in their own thoughts.

When they got home they walked into the house and mechanically sat down at the kitchen table. "Want something to drink?" Jack asked as he reached for a beer.

"Coffee, no scrap that, Janet said no more coffee," Daniel said, " milk," Daniel said, making a face.

Jack grinned. "This might be a good thing. Just think Daniel our coffee budget will go down considerably. We could always use that extra cash to help pay down the national debt," Jack teased.

"Smart ass," Daniel said, as he picked up the glass of milk that Jack handed him. The two drank in silence each watching each other closely.

"Jack what are we really going to do here?" Daniel asked. "And how the hell did I end up pregnant?"

"The first thing you're going to do is calm down. Getting worked up isn't going to help JD so we might as well keep things cool," Jack reasoned.

"JD?" Daniel repeated the nickname, as he looked at Jack.

"Well that baby is a combination of you and me so why not JD?" Jack explained.

Why not DJ?" Daniel countered.

"I'm older," Jack said, "and wiser," Jack teased.

"I'm the one carrying him or her so that should give me top billing," Daniel defended the name switch.

"DJ... JD... hmm. Okay DJ is fine," Jack decided.

"But I kind of like JD," Daniel said after pondering for a minute.

"DJ," Jack argued.

"JD," Daniel bantered back.

"DJ," Jack spared back.

"JD," Daniel said crossing his arms.

"Fine JD it is," Jack said with a grin.

Daniel looked at Jack. "You tricked me," he said, suddenly realizing he had been manipulated.

"Who me?" Jack said, impishly. "Thought you were the master negotiator," Jack quipped.

"I think I've just been beaten by the master," Daniel said, as he watched Jack smugly blow on his knuckles and rub them on his chest.

"Like taking candy from a baby," Jack said with a laugh. "You hear that JD, your daddies are both going to be battling it out for you," he said as he patted Daniel's stomach.

"Daddies," Daniel's eyebrow went up. "I'm going to be a dad?" he suddenly realized what the full implication of what was going on hit him.

"We're both going to be dads," Jack said.

"Oh man," Daniel said as he felt like his head was spinning. This time it wasn't from feeling sick, but rather from the sheer enormity of what he was facing.

"Danny?" Jack said, with concern, "you okay?" he asked gently.

"I can't do this Jack. I can't have a baby," Daniel said. "I'm scared"

Jack pulled Daniel into his warm embrace. "I know you are Space Monkey but I'm going to be right beside you no matter what the future holds."

Daniel pulled back slightly so he could look at Jack. "We don't even know if I can carry this baby. I mean look at me, I'm this skinny runt who drinks too much coffee, works too many hours and only eats when food is darn near forced on me," Daniel explained. "How am I going to carry a baby."

"Let's take this one day at a time. You already know the coffee is out. You are also on leave right now so work won't be a problem and as for eating, that's what you have me for. To make sure you both are being well fed," Jack said.

"You make this sound so easy but Jack what if something goes wrong. I know this is crazy but I want this baby. I can't believe I'm hearing myself saying this. This baby is part of you and I already love it," Daniel said emotionally. "Sheesh, just great, now the hormones are going to make me turn into a weeping suck," Daniel said slightly disgusted.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. You need to let your body adjust to everything," Jack said.

"Promise me if I start to bawl at Hallmark commercials and baby kittens that you will shoot me," Daniel said, trying to sound serious.

"Deal," Jack said with a smirk.

"Let's go and watch some television and relax," Jack suggested. They had talked enough and it was time to just unwind for a while. The night passed quietly by as the two let themselves drift off in their own thoughts.

When bed time arrived they both headed off to their bedroom. Daniel pulled off his clothes and climbed into the bed. They normally slept in the nude and nothing was going to change that. Jack pulled Daniel onto his chest, "here, just lie back and relax" Jack said, as he started to rub Daniel's stomach. As Daniel fell asleep to the soothing touch, Jack leaned down and kissed Danny's stomach, "I love you too JD," he said softly as he laid back and went to sleep, with a protective arm around Daniel.

The two men slept soundly, exhausted after their long flight and the subsequent trip to the mountain. They slept late into the next morning, Daniel woke up first as his bladder was protesting being in bed way too long. He crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take care of business.

After washing his face and hands he stared in the full length mirror. "Well Daniel you certainly have got yourself into a real mess this time," he said to the reflection in the mirror. "and be honest with yourself, you have no idea how in the hell you are going to do this," he kept chatting with himself. "I know Jack thinks I can do this, and I want to do this," Daniel said, as he rubbed his tummy, "but can I?" he wondered. "Is it really possible for me to carry this baby?" Daniel was a man of logic and reason, but this whole situation was not logical, reasonable or translatable. It was totally out of his realm of knowledge.

"Danny you talking to yourself?" Jack asked, as he heard the voice in the bathroom. Daniel quickly turned to leave but saw Jack standing in the door way. "Daniel, you're glowing," Jack said.

"Knock it off Jack," Daniel said as he tried to get past. Jack put his hand out to stop him and ended up brushing against Daniel's nipples. "ouch," Daniel complained instantly.

Jack pulled his arm back. "Did I hurt you?" Jack asked, immediately feeling bad that he caused Daniel pain.

"Oh sweet," Daniel said sarcastically, "my breasts are swollen and sore."

Jack had the decency to look away as Daniel touched his own nipples and felt the mild swelling that was so typical of early stages of pregnancy. "Why didn't I notice this before?" he asked out loud.

"Because you were too busy puking to pay attention to it," Jack said, thinking he was helping.

"What other little gems am I in store for?" Daniel asked, "Do you know?"

Jack grinned, "well I remember Sarah seemed to visit the bathroom a lot," he said. "And she had a sore back a lot."

"Terrific, just more and more fun times ahead," Daniel said, as he rolled his eyes. "I need coffee, shit no coffee," he swore.

"Let me make you some juice," Jack offered as he grabbed his robe off the back of the door.

Daniel grabbed his and headed off behind Jack. "At least I don't feel like throwing up everything but my toenails today," Daniel said, looking for a positive thing.

"That's probably those hormones that Janet gave you," Jack said. "You need to take them this morning again," he said, as he fished the pill bottle off the counter.

Daniel swallowed the 3 tablets with his juice. "I can not believe I have to go months with no coffee. Man that just sucks," he complained.

"We can always get your decaf," Jack offered.

"I'd rather drink goat piss," Daniel spat out. "Same flavour."

Jack laughed as he sipped his own glass of juice. He had the decency not to make himself any coffee when his coffee addicted lover was being deprived of his caffeine fix.

After the two ate some toast and finished their juice they both headed off to grab a shower. Daniel was done first and dressed quickly. He felt a little better so he had some energy to do things. He headed to the hall way to start putting their stuff away from the trip.

Jack walked in and saw Daniel carrying two suitcases into the bedroom. "What are you doing?" he asked, as he ran to take the heavy bags from him.

"I was putting my stuff away," Daniel said, not understanding why Jack was getting all worked up

"Daniel you have to be careful," Jack said as he lifted the suitcase onto the bed. "We don't know how stable this pregnancy is, and we want you to be safe."

Daniel shook his head. "I'm not a fragile doll," he protested. "it's was only a suitcase," he said annoyed.

Jack pulled Daniel onto the bed with him. "I know babe, but for now indulge me. I'm going to want to protect you and our baby," Jack said patting Daniel's stomach. "and I'm scared that something could happen to you because of this."

"Jack I can't spend the next 7 months being treated like a porcelain doll," Daniel said. "I have to be able to do my work," Daniel said.

"Danny there is no way Dr. Frazier is going to clear you for off world missions," Jack said. "We don't know what affect the Stargate would have on the baby."

Daniel blew out a frustrated breath, "I know," he said. "But I can't be housebound either."

"You won't be. Just give it a few days to settle in and then we can figure out what to do," Jack said, trying to placate his frustrated lover. "I am sure Janet is working on a master plan as we speak," Jack grinned.

"No doubt," Daniel said.

CHAPTER 6

The two stayed close to home for the next week, fielding calls from Teal'c, Janet and General Hammond. Each one expressing concern but not pushing too hard at the moment.

The next week Daniel had to go back in for another check up with Janet. He was starting to feel heavier but he hoped it was just his imagination. Jack had to go and get some files from his office but he told Daniel he would be back in just a minute. As soon as Jack left Janet appeared.

"How was your week?" Janet asked, as she performed the typical pregnancy examination, which was anything but typical, because the patient happened to be a man.

"Fine," Daniel answered, very distracted.

"Something wrong?" Janet asked, wanting to be sure that Daniel was honest with her about his condition.

"Still doesn't seem real," Daniel said. "Does everyone here at SGC know about it now?" he asked.

"We've kept it pretty quiet," Janet said. "So very few people are aware of your condition"

Daniel rolled his eyes. "My condition," he said, hating that term. "Sounds like something fatal"

"No Daniel," Janet said gently, patting him on the arm, "it's what we say when women are pregnant too."

"But women are SUPPOSED to be able to get pregnant, not men. I have swollen breasts, my ass is getting bigger, my nausea likes to show up when it wants to and damn it these hormones are really starting to piss me off," Daniel said as he wiped a tear out of his eye.

Janet patted his arm again sympathetically. "I wish there was a magical cure for all this but there isn't," she said, but then she turned serious. "We do have to discuss this pregnancy seriously now."

"What do you mean?" Daniel asked. "Is there something else?"

"Daniel we have to discuss the reality of this," Janet said. "Do you really think you are going to want to carry this baby for possibly 35 weeks or so?" she asked.

"Is there some other way for this baby to be carried?" Daniel asked.

"Daniel there is another option," Janet said, quietly, as she let the words sink in.

Suddenly Daniel realized what Janet was talking about. "Are you suggesting I abort this baby?" he asked, feeling like he couldn't even breathe as the words came out.

"It is a possible option to solve this problem," Janet suggested. "I'm not telling you to do that, I am just pointing out all your alternatives," she said. "I have to be honest with you, we have no idea if you can carry this baby to term or not. It's not something that I can go and research and find the answers. You are the only man I have ever known that has gotten pregnant."

"That doesn't mean we have to kill it because we're not sure what could happen," Daniel said.

"General Hammond and I have been talking and we wonder if this might be the best option for you," Janet said. "Considering your importance to the SG program, this pregnancy would take you out of active duty for a very long time," Janet said, repeating what the General had said to her. She was sure the words sounded hollow and cold but she was told by the General that Daniel needed to hear them.

"You have no right to decide for me what's best. This is my baby and my body," Daniel protested.

"Daniel calm down. We were only discussing options. No one is going to decide for you," Janet said, as she saw Daniel getting himself more and more worked up.

"I'll see you later," Daniel said, as he jumped off the examination table. He stormed out of the room, thoroughly pissed off. He headed off to Jack's office to find him so they could go home. When he got to the elevator he stood off to himself as he waited for it to arrive.

He watched two airmen whispering and pointing as he waited with his hands crossed. "knock it off," he said, as he pushed past them into the elevator. Daniel was not in the mood for gossip especially when he was the topic of it.

The airmen got in the elevator right behind him. He pushed the button to the floor where Jack's office was.

"Wrong floor Dr. Jackson, your nursery is on the 22nd floor," they laughed.

"Just shut up," Daniel said, his level of annoyance rising.

"Is the little mommy going to cry if we don't," one of the airmen said.

"Can we pat the baby?" the taller of the two airmen said as he approached Daniel. He reached his hand out to touch Daniel's stomach as Daniel pushed his hand away.

"Leave me the hell alone," he snarled, his temper starting to flair.

"Ah look, he's going to cry now," the airman continued to laugh as they continued to pester the already infuriated linguist.

Daniel was too mad to be afraid. He raised his arms up, "one more step and you will find out that this geek isn't as wimpy as you think I am."

The two Airmen stepped closer. "Big talk for a man in your 'delicate condition," they shot back.

"That is none of your business," Daniel said heatedly.

"It's all over the base. You're knocked up, always knew you were a bit of a freak," the taller airman said, as he pushed Daniel against the wall. The jostling continued until Daniel reached the correct level. He shoved past the two as he headed out of the elevator. Just as he was stepping out the door the airman gave him one final push and Daniel stumbled out of the elevator and fell to the floor.

The door swung closed as Daniel lay on the ground. He stayed where he was as he tried to get his dizziness under control. He had no idea how long he laid there until he was suddenly being gently turned over onto his back. "Danny what happened?" Jack asked, as Jack's face came into view.

"J'ck," Daniel mumbled as he tried to focus.

"Danny let me get you to the infirmary," Jack said.

"NO! I'm just a little light headed, it'll pass" Daniel said almost yelling. "Janet wants to kill the baby," he said frantically.

"What?" Jack said in disbelief.

"Just take me home" Daniel said, "Get me away from here" he said.

"Sorry no can do, Danny," Jack said gently. "Let's go to my private quarters until you are feeling better," Jack offered as a compromise. "If you aren't feeling better in an hour I AM taking you to the infirmary."

True to his word Jack helped Daniel to his private residence and watched as he fell into a sound sleep almost immediately. Jack wanted so badly to know what had happened but knew at the moment sleep was the most important thing When Daniel woke up a few hours later he was feeling better. They headed out of the building and soon were on their way back to Jack's house. When they got home Daniel went and collapsed on the couch.

"So you going to tell me what's going on?" Jack asked.

"It's a fucking mess," Daniel said. "Two airmen pushed me around and that's how I fell," Daniel said, "and to make it even worse, Janet tells me that she and the General were talking and they think that killing our baby is the best solution."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Jack asked, stunned by what Daniel was saying.

"Janet said that I am too valuable to the SGC program to be out of commission long enough to have this baby, blah, blah, blah," Daniel said bitterly.

"That sounds more like something the Pentagon would say," Jack said. "And there is no way in hell they are going to kill our baby." Jack put a protective arm around Daniel.

Daniel sank back, "Jack what are we doing here?" he said, in a very tired, drained voice.

"We are sitting on our couch, cuddling a little and talking about ordering a pizza," Jack said lightly.

"I'm serious," Daniel said. "This pregnancy is something that can change our lives forever."

"Absolutely and I'm counting on it," Jack said.

What about the mess at the SGC?" Daniel asked. "What do we do about that?" he asked.

"We tell them all to go to hell," Jack said. "They don't want to get on board with this baby then to hell with them. You are my family and if they don't like it well frankly I don't give a damn."

"Your family?" Daniel repeated his words.

"Isn't that what we are?" Jack asked, suddenly worried he had stepped over the line.

"You've never said that before," Daniel said.

"Ah Danny, I thought you knew that," Jack said as he tousled Daniel's hair. "You have been the other half of my heart for so long that I can't imagine you not being there."

Daniel reached over to pull Jack down beside him. "I love you Jack."

"Love you too Danny," Jack said as the two exchanged a very warm and tender kiss.

"More," Daniel pleaded as he felt his body responding to the sensations pulsing through him.

Jack forced himself to put on the brakes. "I'd love to do more babe, but we have to be careful for now, little JD might not like the wild ride," he said with a pretend leer.

The phone broke up the banter between the two as Jack got up to answer it. "Yes sir, he is here. No sir, he can't come back to the base. You want to discuss options," Jack paused, "there are no options," he said. "Daniel is pregnant. Daniel is going to have our baby. That is the only option. God willing he can carry this baby to term but NO there is no other options on the table," Jack said bluntly, not caring that he was going toe to toe with his superior officer.

"No you can't talk to him" Jack said. "he's sleeping," Jack lied.

Daniel watched Jack curiously. He had never seen Jack stand up to his boss like this before. Daniel made hand motions like he would take the call, but Jack waved him off.

"No sir, I don't think the pentagon see the big picture here," Jack said. "This is my child also. I have absolutely no idea how this happened but we are NOT going to do anything to jeopardize it."

There was a long pause. "I will see you in a few days... Sir," Jack said before he hung up.

"Jack?" Daniel said as he watched his lover sit down beside him.

"The General and I had a slight disagreement," Jack said. "I think he knows now that I am not backing down on this."

"What does he want from me?" Daniel asked.

"They want to study you," Jack said. "Monitor your condition and find out how you got pregnant," Jack explained. "As you can tell I told him no."

Daniel smiled slightly, "I think you told him more than just no."

"When we return to the base, I am relocating my office so I will be sharing your office with you. If they want Dr. Jackson and my services then they are going to do it O'Neill style," Jack said. "No long days. No off world missions, and absolutely no way in hell you are going to be harassed by anyone on base," Jack said firmly. "and the next airmen that makes trouble for you is going to find out that I don't have the reputation I do for nothing."

"Jack I know you just want to protect me, but I am capable of taking care of myself," Daniel assured him.

"I know you are, but you aren't exactly yourself right now," Jack reminded him. "And I have a vested interested in your condition," Jack said with a grin.

"You can't protect me from everything," Daniel reminded his other half, "I know that and so do you."

"I am going to do my damn best," Jack said, "So you just worry about the baby and I will take care of the other stuff."

Daniel started to laugh a hard, long belly laugh.

"What's so funny?" Jack asked as he watched Daniel darn near fall over from laughing so hard.

"Did you hear yourself?" Daniel asked, "you sound like the typical husband talking to the little woman," he said trying to stop his outburst of giggles. "I'll just sit around barefoot and pregnant and you can go to work and take care of the "man" type things."

Jack rolled his eyes, "you're nuts," he said.

"I have to be to put up with you," Daniel said, and for the first time since the whole mess began he actually felt a little better. "Thanks Jack."

"For what?"

"For making me feel like it really might be okay," Daniel said.

Jack went and put his arms around his younger lover. "It will be," Jack whispered into Daniel's ear.

CHAPTER 7

The next few days were quiet in the O'Neill home. Daniel rested as instructed; took his medications and ate as much food as Jack could get into him. When Janet came out to check on him the following week she was pleased to see him looking better.

"Everything looks good so far," she said with a smile. "the baby's heartbeat is strong and you seem to be looking a lot better than the last time I saw you."

Daniel didn't want to talk to Janet. He was still pissed off at her for even remotely suggesting that he abort the baby.

"Daniel please talk to me," she asked him softly. "I know you are mad at me but that wasn't my idea to bring all that up," she said. "The General was ordered by the pentagon to get rid of this problem," Janet said, "General Hammond had to go all the way to the president get them to back down and let the choice be yours . I was just acting as your doctor and giving you the options. I apologize that I handled this so poorly."

"This is my body. My baby and no one, not the military, not the scientists, no one is going to take this baby away from me," Daniel said firmly.

"We don't want to do that," Janet quickly said, as she heard Jack coming into the room. "We just want to know how this is possible for you to be pregnant. This is a medical breakthrough that a man can conceive a child." She tried to appeal to the scholar in Daniel. "It's something to be celebrated and to learn all we can about this miracle that is growing inside of you."

"And how exactly should we be 'celebrating' this miracle?" Jack asked, the sarcastic tone very clear.

Janet was feeling uncomfortable. "Look you two, I'm not the enemy here. I am here as your doctor and your friend. I am also telling you there are people that want to study this event, learn how it happened and see if it can be duplicated."

"It can't," Jack said. "I've been doing a lot of thinking and I know when this happened."

"You know how?" Daniel asked, sitting up straighter.

"The Brigmalayians, " Jack said. "I think they did this."

Daniel looked at Jack curiously, thinking back to their last off world mission that took place several weeks ago. "Their gift to me," Daniel said, repeating the words of King Rhontomic.

"Some gift huh," Jack said raising his eyebrows.

Daniel nodded as it now started to make sense. "King Rhontomic looked at me and asked if I would be worthy of the gift they gave me. He made it seem like he was saying that to me specifically," he remembered.

"Exactly," Jack said, "at the time we thought he meant scrolls, rocks, you know the kinds of stuff that gets archeologists heart going all pitter patter, but I think he was giving you just a little something more special."

Daniel ran his hand over his stomach. "just a little," he said with a grin.

Janet looked at the two, "if this is the case, we need to go back to that planet and find out more about male pregnancies. Perhaps they will let us know what physical change they caused in you to allow you to carry this baby," Janet said.

"King Rhontomic did say we could come back but I'm not sure he would be willing to tell us much. He seemed to think he shared all we " could handle" and that was all that he was going to give us," Jack said.

Janet turned very serious. "We need to know more" she said. "Right now the baby is small and you're not having too much difficulty with the pregnancy, but what happens when this baby starts to really grow. Is your body going to be able to handle it? Are you going to be able to carry this baby to term or close to it without jeopardizing your life or that of your child?" Janet posed several questions.

The room got quiet for a minute. "Is there a risk to Daniel with the pregnancy?" Jack asked, barely able to choke out the words.

"We just don't know at this stage," Janet said. "If the Brigmalayians would just share their information we would know what we are facing."

Jack was deep in thought. "We will get that information from them," he said. "They started all this, and they damn well will help us."

"Jack we can't go in there guns a blazing demanding answers," Daniel said, diplomatically. "I think that we have to be careful how we approach this. They may even deny being the ones that caused this . ." Daniel pointed to his stomach, "to even be here"

"Then I guess we'll just have to go and ask them," Jack said, standing up.

Daniel suddenly felt very overwhelmed again. "Now?" he asked.

Jack saw the change in Daniel's facial expression. "No babe, not now," he said. "We can wait a few days and then we will go and "chat" with them."

Daniel nodded. "That would be better," he said.

"I brought you more hormone pills and some vitamins that I need you to take as well," Janet said, handing over the bottles to Daniel. "You need to take these ones 3 times a day, make sure you take them with plenty of water. The vitamins are 2 times a day, morning and night. Make sure you take the nausea pills as required" she continued to ramble on. "I will also need to do an ultrasound in about 4 weeks to see how you are progressing. I also would like to monitor your blood and urine to make sure there are no abnormalities showing up."

Jack watched Daniel and could see that he wasn't even paying attention anymore. He was just sitting there rubbing his stomach and staring through Janet.

"Janet I am sure we can figure this all out," Jack said, hoping to cut her off before she got totally wound up.

"It's important that you follow all these directions," Janet said, pointing to the prescription list. She was about to delve into another round of information when Jack finally stopped off.

"Major I think that will be all for today," he said stiffly.

"But," Janet started to protest.

Jack followed with his eyes to Daniel, "I said that's enough."

Janet saw the blank look on Daniel's face. "You're right sir. I will be going now," she said. "If you have any questions please call me," she said as she grabbed her coat and bag and made a quick exit.

After Janet left Jack returned to find Daniel sitting on the couch staring at the pile of bottles, the literature Janet had brought and the list of instructions.

Jack came and sat with him. "How you doing?" he asked.

"Honestly?" Daniel said, looking at Jack with eyes wide as saucers.

"Yeah," Jack said.

"Like I have lost control here," Daniel said. "This baby inside me has made things so crazy and yet I can't imagine doing anything to change it." He stopped to really think about his words. "Jack this is going to get really complicated. There is no way they are going to leave me alone while I'm pregnant. I know that" The fear in his eyes was betraying him. "I'm scared that they're going to forget this is a little person inside of me and think of it like Sam did, like a "thing."

"It's not a thing," Jack said gently. "JD doesn't like that name," he tried to soothe the obviously distraught man.

Daniel tried to force a smile to his face. "No he or she doesn't."

Jack looked at the tension on Daniel's face and knew what he needed. "Let's go fishing," he said suddenly. "We can be at the cabin in a few hours if we head out now."

"Jack we can't," Daniel protested. "What about?"

"What about nothing, Danny. You need some time to get a handle on this. With the phone ringing and Janet popping over, you aren't going to get that," Jack said.

"I know," Daniel said, in a voice so quiet Jack had to strain to hear it. "You sure about this?" Daniel asked.

Jack went to the closet and held up his fishing pole. "Absolutely," he said with a grin.

Within 2 hours the two were packed and on the road. Daniel was dozing in the seat beside Jack as they headed off to their hideaway. When Jack pulled into the cabin he could almost feel the tension melt away. "Come on babe, we're here," he said, as he touched Daniel's shoulder.

Daniel stumbled out of the truck as he woke up from his groggy state. He made his way into the cabin and onto the couch. "Man I'm so tired," he said, as he put his head back.

"That's normal Danny," Jack said, as he carried the luggage inside. "Your body's working overtime here making our baby grow."

"Jack doesn't that just sound totally wacky to say that?" Daniel asked.

"A little," Jack said with a grin, "but I'm getting used to it."

"Glad one of us is," Daniel said, "all I know is I feel like I'm getting fatter and my body doesn't feel like my own anymore."

"Technically you're sharing it for a while," Jack said with a smirk, "But little JD will give it back to you when she's done with it."

"She?" Daniel said, "How did you arbitrarily decide this is a girl"

"We could say he if you like," Jack bantered back. "I just hate to call the baby an It."

"Eww never," Daniel said, "he, she, or JD works for me."

The two settled into a very comfortable routine for the next few days. Daniel was gaining more weight and he had finally developed a little bump in his tummy that finally showed he was pregnant.

The two were sitting on the couch watching a video when the cell phone rang. "O'Neill," Jack said, answering his phone. "Yes Janet he's fine," Jack said, with a sigh. "He's taking his vitamins, and all the other stuff you sent."

Jack stopped talking and listened to Janet ramble on.

"Janet he's looking better now that people stopped pestering him," Jack said. "No we're not coming back for another two weeks," Jack said. "Then you can do that ultrasound thing you said needed to be done."

General Hammond grabbed the phone from Janet Frazier. "Colonel O'Neill I hope you know what you're doing there. This pregnancy is top secret and we don't need to compromise the secrecy of the Stargate program to pacify you," he said, slightly annoyed.

"General I can assure you, where Daniel and I are is completely private. The only living creatures around here are squirrels, birds and fish."

"NO FISH!" Daniel yelled from the background.

Jack laughed, "according to Daniel we don't have to worry about the fish spilling the beans about his condition."

"Colonel O'Neill I will expect you two to be back at the mountain in two weeks. That is as much time as I am going to give you," General Hammond said. "We need you back to SGC and Dr. Jackson needs to be monitored in a proper facility."

"Sir with all due respect, Daniel is probably getting better care here than under the penetrating eye of Janet and all her cronies," Jack said. "And General just so you know, when Daniel comes back, he's not going to be subjected to any studies. He is a person, not a lab rat, you got that," Jack said, his tone bordering on insubordination.

"Colonel," General Hammond raised his voice slightly.

"George, this is my child Daniel is carrying. Give us a break," Jack said, trying to appeal to the General as a friend and not a superior officer. "We just want to do whatever is necessary to protect our baby, wouldn't you do the same for yours?"

The General stopped talking to reconsider his words. "I understand," he said sincerely. "We will do that as well. You have my word on it, no studies, no unnecessary tests, nothing evasive to either Dr. Jackson or the baby so long as it's not necessary to assured the continued health of Dr. Jackson and the baby."

"Then we will be back in two weeks," Jack said, "and who knows maybe I might have caught a fish or two by then," Jack said as he hung up.

Daniel shook his head. "You have a better chance of becoming friends with Apophis catching a fish in that lake," he laughed.

"I love to hear that," Jack said, as he watched the sparkle in Danny's eyes.

"What?" Daniel asked, confused.

"Your laugh," Jack said. "It's been kind of absent lately, I'm glad you found it again."

"Me too," Daniel said, as he sipped his juice, longing desperately for a cup of coffee.

Daniel got up one morning and went to put on his pants. "Damn it," he cursed as he tossed them across the room. "I can't fit these things anymore!"

Jack heard him yelling and came into the room. "Something wrong?" he asked.

"I'm getting fat," Daniel said, "look at me," he said pointing to his now swelling abdomen and enlarged hips. "I'm going to be huge by the time this is all over with," he grumbled.

"You're not fat, your pregnant, keep telling yourself that," Jack said as he kissed Daniel gently.

Daniel grabbed the cup of coffee out of Jack's hand and took a long sip. "Awww," he said, "that's so good."

"Daniel you know you're not supposed to be drinking coffee," Jack reminded him.

"Bite me!" Daniel snapped. "One cup, damn it. It's only one cup. I have had to change everything else in my life, if I want one damn cup of coffee I'm going to have it," Daniel said as he kicked the foot of the bed. He was in a bad mood and his lack of caffeine was just contributing to it.

Jack didn't protest Daniel drinking his coffee. He had been very accommodating to all the changes his body was going through. Jack figured one cup of coffee a day wasn't going to hurt anything.

After seeing Daniel empty the cup he looked at his lover. "Feel any better?" he asked.

" A little," Daniel said. "I'm still fat, bloated and cranky," he said. "And I want to have more coffee."

"Sorry Space Monkey no more coffee, but as for the fat part, I brought you some larger size clothes in case you out grew yours," Jack said, as he went into the closet and grabbed two shopping bags. "There's everything in there from shirts to shorts to pants," he said holding up the two bags. Jack added, "and for the record, you're not fat, you're beautiful."

Daniel snorted, "yeah right a beautiful swelling beach ball," he said as he looked at his ever expanding body.

"Check out the clothes Danny," Jack said as he placed the two bags on the bed.

Daniel grinned, "new clothes, and they might even fit over my belly," he said as he fished through the bags. "When did you have time to do this?" Daniel asked.

"Ever heard of online shopping?" Jack asked with a lilt to his voice. "I've become quite a whiz at it," he said. "And they have overnight delivery. I had them delivered the morning before we left to come here."

"Times are a changing, Jack O'Neill shopping on line. Next thing you will be telling me is you surf EBay," Daniel laughed.

"Where do you think I bought that new spinner reel for my rod?" Jack said, raising his eyebrows.

Daniel burst out laughing. "Okay now I know the world has gone crazy," he said. "You are the man that also said computers were just too complicated and a waste of time, now you are an EBay junkie."

Jack smiled, "you'd be surprised what I know how to do with a computer, but don't tell Carter, I want her to feel important."

Daniel's voice softened, "no I wouldn't," he said. "You my darling, are a like a chameleon, you can change your spots and no one can see it coming."

"I hope I never do that to you," Jack said. "I want you to know the real Jack O'Neill. Not Colonel O'Neill, not Special Ops O'Neill, or the other roles I have played in the past." Jack intentionally left out the darker parts of his background, "I want you to see me for who I really am."

Daniel pulled Jack into his arms. "Every time I look in your eyes I see the real you. The love, the passion and the genuine desire to protect me, er, us." Daniel stopped to pat his bulge in his stomach, " shows me the depth of a character you have."

"Okay enough of this heavy shit, you want some breakfast?" Jack asked, as he tried to switch topics.

"Not very hungry today," Daniel said.

"Okay so you want toast, fruit and cereal" Jack said, as he headed to the door.

Jaaaaack," Daniel grumbled.

"Sorry kiddo but no skipping meals. JD needs to gain weight and that means you do too," he said. "and no offense but you aren't exactly the most diligent at eating."

Daniel got dressed into a pair of comfortable sweat pants and a t-shirt before joining Jack in the kitchen. He saw the food on his plate and knew there was no point in arguing with Jack about it. He sat down like the petulant child and picked at it. "I said I wasn't hungry," he groused.

"But JD is," Jack said, with a quick retort.

Daniel picked at the food for a while longer, managing to eat the toast and the fruit but disregarding the cereal. "According to my calculations I am about 12 weeks pregnant," he said, looking at the chart he had been maintaining since the first time they heard about the pregnancy. "This charts says the first trimester is the most critical stage of the pregnancy," he said as he read the information.

"So you are 12 weeks right?" Jack said, looking over his shoulder. "That means next week is the last week of this trimester?"

"That's right," Daniel said, "that is if we are going by a typical female pregnancy," he added.

"So far everything seems to be following this chart," Jack said, reading the columns. "The nausea, the swollen... um, well you know," Jack stammered, "not to mention the little pot belly you are getting" he said with a grin.

Daniel blushed as he continued to read, "and according to this chart we should be feeling movement in the next 3 weeks or so" he said. "This is all fascinating stuff," Daniel said.

"Hate to tell you this Danny, but women have been experiencing this for centuries," Jack reminded his lover.

Daniel stuck his tongue out at Jack. "I need to have this information. I should really get on my laptop and research pregnancy more. I am sure there are lots of websites where I could find out more specific details," Daniel said.

"No websites, no research, nothing Daniel. The more you read the more you will stress yourself out. I want you to just enjoy this. We have no clue what we are going to be facing so let's just take each day as it comes and handle each situation as it arises," Jack said.

"But Jack..." Daniel started to protest.

"No Daniel. I'm serious. You tend to be just a little obsessive with things. I don't want you to be worrying yourself sick by reading horror stories about pregnancies," Jack tried to reason with his lover. "Come on babe, you know this is not going to be easy all the time, let's not look for problems before they come."

Daniel reached out for Jack's arms. "Can we just cuddle for a while," he asked.

"Now that you can do," Jack grinned. The two laid back on the couch and watched a DVD that Jack had put in the machine. Daniel's hands were wondering up and down Jack's chest as he enjoyed touching him. He could see that Jack was enjoying the feelings also. He looked at Jack out of his peripheral vision and saw Jack breathing starting to increase. He grinned to himself. He ran his fingers down so he was stroking Jack's cock through his pants.

"Geeze Danny," Jack grumbled as he tried to shift himself to make himself more comfortable. "Watch what you're touching."

Daniel smirked, "I was," he said, as he continued to touch Jack's now erect cock.

"Danny we can't," Jack said, trying to think ice so he would go back down.

"We can't make love but I sure can pleasure you," Daniel said as he unbuttoned Jack's pants and slid his hand inside.

"Oh crap," Jack gasped as Daniel's fingers wrapped around his cock. "That feels so good" he panted.

Daniel started to tug on the pants as he wanted Jack to pull them off. Jack got the hint and raised his bottom of the couch so Daniel could pull his now way too tight pants off. He saw Jack's erect cock come into view. "All for me," Daniel said as he wrapped his fingers around it again. He slid himself down on the floor so he could take Jack into his mouth .

"Oh sweet mercy," Jack gasped as he felt Daniel's mouth on his cock. Daniel was a master at sucking his cock and he knew how to drive Jack crazy. He ran his tongue up and down the under side of his cock, as he increased the tempo of his strokes. "don't stop, don't stop," Jack kept mumbling as his mind was going blank.

Daniel had no intention of stopping as he slid Jack's cock deeper into his mouth. When he saw that Jack's breathing was almost at the point of hyperventilating he pulled the cock almost all the way out and then sucked it back in hard as he could. That was all it took to send Jack over the edge. Jack cried out as he exploded into Daniel's mouth. His eyes glassy, his breathing frantic and his hands clutching the couch hard trying to keep from flying off.

When Jack finally could see straight he saw Daniel back up on the couch beside him, his arms holding him gently as he watched Jack come back down from his earth shattering orgasm.

"Thanks," Jack said, as he took a deep cleansing breath..

"I love you," Daniel said, as he laid back against Jack's chest.

"Love you too babe," Jack said, as he stroked Daniel's hair. As soon as Jack got his breath back he reached for Daniel's still erect cock. "Your turn," Jack said with a grin.

Daniel smiled eagerly as Jack started to tug his clothes off. "Oh yeah," Daniel panted. "I need you so bad."

"All for you Space Monkey," Jack smiled as he began to stroke Daniel's cock enthusiastically. "Hope JD can plug her ears, because I'm going to make her daddy scream."

Jack slid down so he was facing Daniel's now weeping cock. Jack could see the need in his lover's eyes as he slid Daniel's cock into his mouth. "Just lay back and enjoy," Jack said as he began to run his tongue up and down the rigid shaft. He picked up his tempo as he could see Daniel's breathing becoming more and more rapid. "Lights out behind the eyes time," Jack grinned as he slid a single digit into Daniel's ass and stroked his prostate while he was sucking hard.

"Oh jeez, yes," Daniel moaned, "I'm going..... oh yes....." Daniel lost all ability to speak as Jack ran his finger over Daniel's prostate one more time. Daniel opened his mouth and screamed wildly as he exploded hard and fast into Jack's awaiting mouth. Jack swallowed the offering eagerly as he watched his sexy, pregnant lover come unglued.

When Daniel finally could think coherently again, he smiled at Jack, who was now snuggled up close beside him. "Thanks," he whispered softly as he tried to stifle a yawn. Jack leaned over and kissed Daniel as the two contently stayed on the couch and slept the afternoon away.

CHAPTER 8

The next few days were spent fishing, watching movies and just relaxing. Daniel knew that the magic 13th week was only two days away and he was relieved to know that he had made it a third of the way through.

The two also knew that their return to the mountain was looming. With each passing day, they knew it was one day closer to returning to the outside world. It had been nice to hide out and just be themselves for a while but they both knew it was going to end.

"Hey Jack can you come here for a minute," Daniel yelled as he found himself on the floor of the bedroom.

Jack was towel drying his hair as he walked into the room. He immediately went down beside Daniel. "What happened?" he asked, immediately concerned by Daniel's appearance on the floor.

"I tried to get out of bed and the room started to spin," Daniel explained. "I feel like I'm going to be sick, but I can't get up."

Jack put a supportive arm around Daniel's waist as he helped him to his feet. The nausea that had been threatening to appear suddenly showed up and Daniel started to get sick almost immediately. Jack tried to get him to the bathroom but Daniel too busy puking to move. Jack had to settle for holding a garbage can under Daniel and holding him from falling.

When the nausea bout finally subsided Daniel fell back down onto the bed. "Shit I thought that stuff was over with," he said bitterly.

"I guess it comes and goes as it wants," Jack said. "According to some websites I was researching, morning sickness can make an appearance an any time through a pregnancy."

"A website you were reading?" Daniel said, in shock. "You told ME no research," he said perturbed.

"But I don't over do it. I go and find the answer to one question, not 200,000 like you," Jack said. "That's the difference between me and you. I do things in moderation."

"HA! Daniel snorted. "Who has 35 Gameboy games. 25 fishing reels and six boxes fishing tackle but never catches fish. Not to mention the never ending collection of Fruit Loops?" Daniel laughed. "Don't tell me about you being Mr. Moderation."

Jack started to laugh before he turned serious. "You feeling any better now?" he asked.

"Yeah," Daniel said. "I just think I'll sleep for an hour before we go and sit out on the back deck."

"Want some help back to the bed?" Jack offered.

"Think I'll just stay here," Daniel said, not wanting to get off the couch. "Just wake up in six months," he said as he threw a blanket over his head.

"Sorry babe, no can do. You'd start to stink after a while. Besides I'd miss these wonderful bonding moments we share as you hurl up your cookies."

"Smart ass," Daniel said, as he threw a pillow at Jack.

"And you love it," Jack bantered back.

"Good thing. I wouldn't just have any man's baby you know," Daniel joked.

By the middle of the following week Jack and Daniel were forced to pack up from their little hideaway and head back to civilization. Daniel was now officially into his second trimester having made it just past the 13 week mark. His little bulge was becoming more noticeable.

"Do we have everything?" Jack asked, as he walked through the cabin one more time.

"I think so," Daniel said, as he grabbed for his lap top.

"Then we better get going," Jack said reluctantly. He locked up the door and the two headed out. "It's going to be a long drive."

"Especially with the number of times I have to stop to pee," Daniel said shaking his head.

The trip, which normally took about four hours, ended up taking over five and a half hours with Daniel needing to stop frequently to use the bathroom or just to walk around as his back hurt from sitting.

When they approached the outskirts of Colorado Spring Daniel sucked in a breath. "Guess we really have to go back, don't we," he said, more as a rhetorical question than a real one.

"Afraid so Danny," Jack said softly, Jack grabbed Daniel's hand. "It'll be okay," he said.

"You don't really know that Jack," Daniel said. "It's been great that Janet let us have these few weeks while things were settling in, but now it's time for it all to get real"

"It's already real Daniel," Jack reminded him. "We just have to get through 25 more weeks and then it will be all over with."

"25 week," Daniel said shaking his head, "that sounds like a lifetime."

Jack rubbed the bulge in Daniel's stomach. "His or her life is counting on us," he said as he turned down the street that led to the mountain. Jack had promised Janet Frazier that they would head straight to the mountain when they got back. It had been a fair compromise when she allowed them to stay away for a few weeks. She checked in on Daniel almost daily but because there were no complications and Jack reported that Daniel was eating and resting as ordered, she let them have their reprieve.

When they drove into the compound Jack could see Daniel's face pale. "You going to be sick?" he asked, thinking the nausea was making an appearance.

"No," Daniel shook his head. "Just afraid that we're never going to be able to be alone again until this is all over with."

"We'll find time to be together," Jack said. "I promise."

Daniel smiled at Jack. "And you never break your promises."

"Yasureyoubetcha," Jack said with a grin. Jack pulled his vehicle into his normal parking spot.

"Jack is it really obvious" Daniel asked, as he climbed out of the truck. "I mean. .." Daniel stammered.

"No Danny, it's not really obvious," Jack assured him. "Just put my jacket on and you'll be fine," he said.

Daniel grabbed Jack's coat and buttoned it up loosely. He wanted to keep people from staring at him as they walked into the building. "Ready?" Jack asked.

"No but I guess I never really will be," Daniel said. The two headed inside. Eyes spun around to look at them as they walked down the corridor towards the elevator.

Jack leaned close to Daniel's ear. "Just focus on me," he said softly. "Don't worry about them."

Daniel sucked in a breath and kept going. They turned the corner and immediately a conversation between three Marines stopped. Whispers started as they passed.

Jack spun around and faced the three. "I want you in my office, one hour. Do you hear me?" he snapped.

The three flushed, "Yes Colonel," they said as they immediately disbursed.

The two went into the elevator and headed down. Janet met them at the elevator door. "Welcome back," she said warmly.

"Hi Janet," Daniel said as the three walked towards the infirmary. When Janet didn't stop Daniel was a little surprised but Jack wasn't.

"I have arranged for you to have private quarters as per Colonel O'Neill's request" she said. "It is a modified VIP room," she explained. "It will be useful when you need to stay on base."

"I don't want to stay on base," Daniel protested. "There hasn't been any real problems. Can't I just get checked over and go home?"

They turned the corner and saw the General waiting to see them. "Afraid not Daniel," Janet said. "This is considered high security now," she said.

"Welcome back Colonel O'Neill, Dr. Jackson," General Hammond said as the two men approached him.

They all headed into the private room. "Daniel I'm going to have to give you an examination," Janet said. "I need to run some tests and blood work as well," she explained.

"What tests?" Jack asked, seeing that Daniel was still stunned by the fact that he wasn't going to be allowed to leave the base.

"Standard tests that are run on women that are pregnant, Colonel," Janet said.

"Nothing extra, right Major," Jack said, emphasizing the rank difference.

"Nothing that isn't absolutely necessary," Janet assured him.

"Jack I don't want to stay here," Daniel said, suddenly feeling very claustrophobic. "I want to go home."

"Dr. Jackson until this condition is gone you will have to remain on base," General Hammond said. "We can't have you wondering around Colorado Springs. How would you explain a pregnant man?"

"General I am not military. I don't want to be a prisoner here for the next 6 months," Daniel protested. "I feel like I have committed a crime and am being treated like a criminal."

"Not at all, son," General Hammond said "We just want to keep you and that..." he stammered, "We just want what is best for you."

"General how can you want what is best for me when you can't even say that I am carrying a baby? You can't even choke those words out," Daniel said bitterly.

"You are not a prisoner," General Hammond tried to assure him.

"Then can I leave?" Daniel asked.

"No," the General said.

"Daniel we talked about this," Jack reminded Daniel. "We both knew this was coming," he said quietly.

"Doctor, Sir, can you give us a few minutes here," Jack asked, trying to convince them to leave so he could calm Daniel down.

"We'll be back in a few minutes," Janet said, as she and the General left the room.

Jack went over and put his jacket over the camera. "First thing we're going to do is get rid of that," he said. "Daniel you know this is for your own good," he tried to appease his upset lover.

"Jack you can come and go as you please. Because I am carrying your baby, I am being held like some freak show exhibit," Daniel spat out.

"Danny," Jack soothed, as he pulled Daniel close to him. "You know that's not true. Janet needs to keep a close eye on you," Jack said softly. "We all want what's best for you and I promised I won't leave you alone and I won't," Jack said. "Come with me," he said as he guided Daniel into the room further. "Take a look in the closet," he said.

Daniel went over and opened the door. The closet was filled with clothes that belonged to Jack and to Daniel.

"Your things?" Daniel said, confused.

"That's right Space Monkey. There are two bedrooms in this place. One for you and one for me," Jack said.

"You knew about this place?" Daniel asked.

"I had a hunch you wouldn't be allowed back off base when I called Janet yesterday," Jack said. "I didn't see any point in upsetting you so I didn't say anything," Jack explained. "hope you understand. I just insisted on a few modifications and that it be two bedrooms so that you could have a "friend" stay with you."

"You're really not leaving?" Daniel asked.

"Nope. Staying until the day we have that baby," Jack said. "Then we can figure out what to do after that."

Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. "At least I won't be alone," he said.

"Danny I promised you wouldn't be," Jack reminded him.

Daniel nodded, "I remember."

"So are we ready to let them back in?" Jack asked.

"Jack can we do something about the cameras?" Daniel asked.

"Let me work on that," Jack said. "I will see what I can do."

Jack went and let the General and Janet back into the private suite. "Are you okay now Daniel?" Janet asked.

"Jack explained things a little clearer," Daniel said, a little more complacent.

"Colonel we need to debrief," General Hammond said.

"Daniel I will be back shortly," Jack assured his nervous friend. "Janet will take good care of you while I'm gone."

"You won't be long?" Daniel asked, hating to sound desperate but feeling very much out of his element at the moment.

"No son, he won't be long," General Hammond said, with an understanding smile.

After Jack and the General walked out Janet turned to Daniel. "I need you to change into a gown so I can examine you" she said. "I have some in the bedroom drawer" she told him.

Daniel did as he was asked as he pulled off Jack's coat and put it on the bed beside him. He didn't want it out of his sight yet. When Janet came in a few minutes later she was a little surprised to see the slight bump on Daniel's abdomen.

"Guess I look a little pregnant, huh?" Daniel asked, after seeing the look of surprise on Janet's face.

"A little," she admitted. "We're going to start with some simple things and then draw blood work and get you to give us a urine sample. Do you think you can do that?" she asked.

Daniel started to laugh. "That is one thing I don't have any trouble doing," he said. "I seem to be in the bathroom a whole lot more now"

Janet smiled. "Now that's a typical thing for all pregnant moms," she said.

Janet took Daniel's vitals and listened to his heart. She also put him on a scale so she could see how much weight he had gained.

"You've put on eight pounds," she said pleased with the weight gain. "I guess Colonel O'Neill is good at getting you to eat," she said.

"He's very persuasive," Daniel said, remembering how many times Jack had to cajole him into eating.

"Did you want to see the baby on the ultrasound again?" she asked.

"Can we wait until Jack gets back?" Daniel asked.

"Sure," Janet said. "Why don't I draw the blood work and you can fill this cup for me," she said, holding up the specimen cup.

"Be right back," Daniel said as he headed to the bathroom. He returned a minute later with the requested sample.

Janet made quick work collecting the blood samples.

Meanwhile, in the General's office, Jack walked in and was surprised to see Colonel Maybourne waiting there.

"What is he doing here?" Jack asked, "as if I didn't know."

"We are here to find out about this miraculous pregnancy, Jack" Maybourne said. "I have a team of doctors that are anxious to study Daniel Jackson's physiology and determine how this could have happened," he explained.

"General I told you no study projects," Jack said bluntly.

"Colonel you have no say in this," Maybourne said.

"On the contrary I think I do. As one of the parents of that unborn child I have a right to protect my child," Jack said. "And I know that Daniel isn't going to let you do anything to him either."

"This is a military base and we follow orders here," Maybourne reminded Jack. "The scientific community would be booming if they got their hands on the technology to have men who could carry children..."

Jack started to laugh. "I can't see that being a big draw for most men," he scoffed. "Puking, passing out, swollen ankles, peeing all time. Yeah right, men would be lining up for blocks to sign on for that."

"General you can't possibly have allowed this," Jack said, looking to his commanding officer.

"I told Maybourne we would discuss this with you," Hammond said. "The decision is not his to make, it is Dr. Jackson and Colonel O'Neill's."

"Jack cut me some slack here. I need to give the big boys something. I could care less about some baby, how about a trade off . . " Maybourne began to bargain knowing he had an opportunity here as well as keep one Special/Black Ops trained, Jack O'Neill off his back. Thought not everyone knew about the latter part of Jack's illustrious career and for good reason.

"What kind of tradeoff?" Jack asked curiously.

"Weapons, intelligence, something I can take back and keep the talking heads happy with," Maybourne proposed. "You get me something from these people and I will make this whole thing seems insignificant and no one will bother Dr. Jackson, AND the little detail about the baby being yours will somehow disappear."

"Why would you do that?" Jack asked, skeptical, "You're not exactly known as a 'nice guy'."

"Jack I'm hurt," Harry pouted for all of three seconds, then smiled his most charming smile which never really worked on Jack but came natural to Harry. "Because contrary to popular belief, I am not a total Jack ass and I can only guess how rough this is going to be on Dr. Jackson," Maybourne said. "I've read the review from Dr. Frazier and she has speculated that there could be serious medical complications ahead for him," Maybourne continued, "I really like the kid and I don't want to add to his misery."

"Well miracles never cease to amaze me, Harry Maybourne has a heart," Jack said sarcastically.

"And Besides your...own...personal...history, with children," Harry had the sense to show just a hint of sincerity on this topic before moving on, "You'd owe me one," he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Ah!" Jack said knowingly. "You had me worried there for a moment, Harry, thought you found religion...seems like a racket you'd fit well into," Jack added.

"So do we have a deal?" Maybourne asked ignoring Jack's barbs. "You get me something else more "interesting" and I will make this situation disappear in the files."

Jack nodded his head. "Yeah I'll find you something," he agreed, as he stuck out his hand, "and I can't believe I find myself saying this, but thanks."

Maybourne grabbed his hand, "Jack I mean sincerely, good luck. I think you and Dr. Jackson have a long road ahead of you and I will do what I can to help keep it smooth at least on my end"

The two Colonels met with their eyes and Jack saw the sincerity. "I will await hearing from you Jack," Maybourne said before he stepped towards the door to leave. "Besides, there are worst things than having Colonel Jack O'Neill OWE me one," he added with his most sly smile before leaving.

Jack watched the closed door a moment before facing the General, "I'd say shoot me now, Sir, but I would rather stick around for Daniel and the baby," he said, his eyes showing he was teasing. "Besides, I'd like to know when they cloned that guy and sent the nice one this way?" Jack asked sarcastically.

General Hammond smiled, "I have no idea. I had a little chat with him before you got here, maybe that helped a little" but Hammond knew it was more along the bizarre rapport that existed between Maybourne and O'Neill..

"Thanks sir, Danny and I really appreciate your support. I know this hasn't got to be easy for you," Jack said.

"I have your request to be assigned to desk duty until the baby is born. Your request is granted," Hammond said. "I know you will be instrumental in keeping things on even keel with Dr. Jackson, so I think it is in everyone's best interest if you don't do any off world missions unless unavoidable" The General paused, "and no it won't be easy but I know what it's like to lose a child and I won't be a party to putting that baby at risk. You are authorized to do whatever is necessary to protect the welfare of both Dr. Jackson and that child."

"Thank you sir," Jack said. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get back to Daniel."

"Jack, off the record, how's he doing?" Hammond asked.

"Off the record." Jack looked at the camera.

The General reached in his desk and switched it off. "Speak freely now."

"George, he's scared. This is just been a lot to handle. We're doing our best but it's a day to day thing. We don't have a clue what we're facing but we're determined to do it together."

"Together as in..." the words were left unspoken.

"As in , don't ask, don't tell," Jack said.

The General nodded. "We're off the record so don't worry. You won't have any repercussions from me. Just be careful," he said.

"George the cameras in the VIP room. Couldn't Danny have a little privacy? If he's going to be stuck on base for the next five or six months he can't feel like he's been watched all the time."

"I will have them removed," the General said. "We have to keep them on when he's around the base for security reasons, but in the actual quarters, they're not needed."

"Thank you sir," Jack said. "Now if you will excuse me."

"You're dismissed, Colonel," General Hammond said, as he watched Jack sprint from the room.

When Jack walked back into the VIP room Janet and Daniel were waiting for him.

"Everything okay?" Jack asked.

"Looks good so far," Janet said, "we were waiting for you before we did the last test."

"The ultrasound," Daniel said. "We get to look at the baby again," he said with a little grin.

"First things first," Jack said, as he went over and disabled the cameras. "The General and I discussed these and we have agreed they are to be removed."

Daniel smiled. "Thanks," he said.

"So do you two want to see this baby?" Janet asked, as she wheeled the machine into place.

Daniel nodded as Jack's eyes went to the screen. "Same as before Daniel, the gel is going to be a little cool but I took it out of the freezer earlier so it won't be so cold," she joked remembering Daniel's complaint from last time.

Janet pulled up Daniel's gown and spread a generous amount of gel on his abdomen. Then she picked up the wand and started to compile her data. "There it is," she said with a smile.

She was quiet for a minute as she brought the image of the baby into focus. "That gentlemen is your baby." she said, pointing to the image on the screen.

"Can you tell if it's a boy or girl?" Jack asked.

"Do you want to know?" Janet asked, looking at Daniel.

Daniel nodded. "We talked about this and it would be great to call the baby her or him."

Janet continued to move the wand around. "As far as I can tell," she paused, "you two are having a baby girl," she said with a grin.

"A daughter?" Jack said quietly. "Danny we're going to have a girl."

"You happy Jack?" Daniel asked, seeing the expression on Jack's face.

"Daniel you make me happy, this is just an amazing bonus," Jack said honestly. Suddenly he became aware of Janet's presence in the room.

"Don't mind me, I'm just part of the furniture," she said as she realized their discomfort.

"So does everything look okay?" Daniel asked, as Janet kept recording the information she needed.

"So far Daniel this has been a very routine pregnancy, which in itself is amazing considering everything," Janet said. "You are about 14 ½ weeks from what I can tell here and things are progressing normally so far."

"Except for the fact that I'm a guy, right," Daniel said with a slight grin.

"Well that does make it just a little complicated," Janet agreed, "But so far I am very pleased with your progress."

"Does that mean I can go back to work?" Daniel asked.

"Light duties," Janet said. "No off world missions and definitely no 18 hour days," she said.

"I will make sure of that," Jack said.

"I don't think my body would let me go that long right now," Daniel said. "I feel the urge to nap a lot lately," he admitted.

"That's the adjustment stage. You will regain more of your energy over the next few weeks," Janet said. "Well typically that is what happens with women."

"And we really don't know for sure anything, do we?" Jack asked, looking straight at Janet.

"Not really sir," she said.

"Janet what's got you so worried?" Daniel asked.

Janet couldn't hide her concern. "I just am not sure how you are going to physically carry this baby when she gets bigger. Right now she only weighs about a pound but what about when she gets to be five or six pounds, she's going to need a lot more space," Janet explained. "I am not sure how your body will handle the demands on it."

"There is no way to predict?" Jack asked.

"Sir this is all foreign to us," Janet said. "There are no documented cases that I can review to make an informed decision from. All we can do is monitor Daniel and adjust things as needed."

"Jack don't look so worried. The Brigmalayians called it a gift. Perhaps they know more about this than we realize and that it will be okay," Daniel reasoned.

Jack wasn't convinced. "I hope you're right," he said quietly.

"Daniel I think you should know that Maybourne was here earlier," Jack began. "He and I had a "chat" about your condition,"

"And he wants to study me, right?" Daniel said anxiously.

"Initially yes, but he and I came to a mutually agreeable deal,." Jack said.

"What kind of deal?" Daniel asked.

"He wants weapons or technical stuff and in exchange our little "situation," Jack said, patting Danny's tummy, "will become only a blip off the radar." he said.

"And Maybourne agreed to this?" Daniel asked, shocked.

"Not only did he agree, but you're going to find this hard to believe, but he actually wished us luck," Jack said, still finding it hard to believe himself.

"You're kidding?" Daniel replied.

"Nope," Jack said with a smirk, "and the General was right there so I know I'm not imaging it."

"Thanks for telling me," Daniel said with a smile. "At least I don't feel like I am being coddled like a child here."

"Never," Jack said honestly. "We will tackle all this together, but I am not going to shield you from the truth. I respect you too much for that."

"What now?" Daniel asked, looking at Janet.

"We monitor you. Keep a close eye on your blood pressure, blood counts, that kind of thing," she said. "We just have to wait and see I guess," she admitted.

"Can I go back to work now?" Daniel asked. "I know I can't leave the base, but I want to feel useful and get back to my translations"

"Just don't push yourself," Janet said gently. "We need you to pace yourself"

"I will make sure he takes care of himself," Jack assured her. "We are going to be sharing an office for a while."

"Really sir?" Janet said, surprised by the latest development.

"Just felt the urge to move my desk for a while," Jack said with a grin. "and I just knew how much Daniel would love the company"

"Yeah right," Daniel laughed. "Jack's going to mother hen me to death," he said.

"Good," Janet laughed. "I will leave you two alone," she said. "If you have any problems, and I mean even small ones, I want to know about it immediately."

"You will be the third person to know," Daniel assured her.

"Third?" Janet looked puzzled.

Daniel grinned at Jack, "I am sure he will know before you," he said.

Janet chuckled as she left the room. She enjoyed the rapport between the Colonel and Daniel and hoped that they could weather whatever this pregnancy was going to throw at them. Deep down she just knew it was a matter of time until things got more complicated.

Daniel got dressed and he and Jack headed out. "Might as well see what's piling up in my department," Daniel said as the two headed into the elevator.

"I have to grab some reports from my "old" office and I will meet up with you in a few minutes," Jack said as the two parted ways.

Daniel walked down to his office and went inside. His desk was buried in papers, computer discs, and several artifacts.

He kneeled down to look inside one of the collection containers that was on the ground. He wanted to lift the item onto his desk but it was quite heavy.

He stepped outside his office. "Marine can you give me a hand," he said to the passing soldier.

"What did you need?" he asked stepping into Daniel's office.

"Can you lift the box onto my desk?" Daniel asked, "It's quite heavy."

The Marine started to laugh. "What's the matter Dr. Jackson, don't want to over do it in your delicate condition," he laughed as he did as he was asked.

Daniel leaned in slightly so he could see the Marine's name band. He grabbed some paper and wrote it down.

"What are you doing?" the Marine asked.

"Just making sure that I have your name correct for my incident report for Colonel O'Neill," Daniel said. "Wouldn't want to misspell your name," he said.

"Report to the Colonel?" the Marine suddenly paled. "Is that necessary?" he asked, his voice rising slightly.

Daniel raised his eyebrows as he had seen Teal'c do on many occasions, "I guess that depends on your attitude from here on out," he said. "Now you are dismissed," he said, as he turned to his work.

Daniel opened up the box and started to look at the item. It was his favourite part of his work. Examining new items and translating things that others couldn't do. He sat with the mission notes and read the background on the artifact. He spent the next 2 hours staring at the artifact without even realizing how much time had passed. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't hear Jack come in.

"What are you looking at?" Jack asked, walking up to Daniel's desk.

"Something SG9 brought back from PX2-833," Daniel said.

Jack peered inside the box. "Looks exciting to me," he said lightly.

"Did you get your reports that you needed?" Daniel asked, seeing that Jack was empty handed.

"They are being brought down here when my desk is moved," Jack said. "They should be here in about an hour with the desk."

"What are people going to say when they see you and I sharing an office?" Daniel asked.

"That the Colonel has a right to have his office wherever he damn well pleases," Jack said bluntly.

"Jaaackkk," Daniel said, dragging out his name for emphasis.

"Daannniel," Jack repeated the gesture.

Daniel turned back to Jack, "thanks," was all he said as he turned back to his work.

Jack smiled as he walked out the door and back to his other office.

CHAPTER 9

Jack's new office was set up quite quickly as the two got into a routine of working together. They managed to not buck heads too often as they shared the now much more cramped space.

Jack was still away from his office quite regularly as he had many meetings to attend to. There were many little 'comments' that Daniel had to put up with as he walked the corridors but he didn't tell Jack about all them. He didn't want to feel like Jack had to baby-sit him all the time.

As Daniel entered his 18th week, he started to feel even more uncomfortable. His stomach had continued to swell and he felt like he was exploding out of his clothes. One morning they were getting ready for work as Daniel started a sneezing attack. Jack tossed Daniel the box of Kleenex from the table in front of him.

"Janet said my allergies would kick up with this pregnancy but what really sucks is that I can't take any of my allergy medication," Daniel grumbled.

"You know why Danny," Jack reminded him.

Daniel blew out a frustrated breath, "Yes Jack I know why," he said. "Nothing in the system that can hurt the baby, but damn it, I feel like there is NOTHING I am allowed to do," he grumbled. "Hell Janet even said no organic remedies. She doesn't want to take a chance on anything foreign being introduced into my body."

"It's not that bad, is it?" Jack asked gently.

"No Jack it's not that bad," Daniel said. "It's just getting harder and harder to adjust to all the changes." He looked down at his stomach. "I feel like my body isn't my own anymore. I have . . " Daniel paused. Daniel suddenly made a face.

"Danny?" Jack got up from his seat, "everything okay?"

"Come here," Daniel motioned to Jack. "Quick," he said.

Jack went immediately to Daniel's side. "Feel this," he said, as he put Jack's hand on his abdomen. Jack waited for a minute until he felt a movement under his fingers.

"Is that?" Jack asked, his eyes wide as saucers.

Daniel nodded, "that's our baby," he said with a grin. "I can't believe it. She really is moving around now."

Jack's face broke into an amazing smile. "It's so real now," he said in astonishment. "We're really doing this aren't we?"

"Yeah we are," Daniel said, "I've felt little flutters in my stomach but this is the first time it really felt like someone moving in there." Daniel wiped a single tear off his cheek, "Look at me, weepy again," he complained.

Jack looked up and there was a tear on his cheek as well. "Didn't know sappy was contagious," he said as he pulled Daniel into an embrace. "I love you," he said, "And I'm so proud of you."

Daniel smiled, "for what, whining, complaining and bitching?" he asked.

"For doing what I think is a pretty remarkable thing," Jack said honestly. "I don't know if I could handle all the things that have happened to you."

"Yeah you could," Daniel said sincerely. "You are such a natural parent you would do whatever it took to keep our child alive."

"Danny you are giving me something I never thought I would have again," Jack said, "A chance to be a father again," Jack said.

Daniel watched Jack's face cloud over. "When Charlie died I swore I would never have the chance to hear a child call me Daddy again. That chapter was over," Jack said. "Now here you are with our child inside of you. I don't have any idea why we were chosen to receive this gift, but Danny it's the greatest feeling in the world to know that we are going to have something in our lives that can show outwardly how much we love each other," Jack patted Daniel's stomach. "This child may have been put in you by some alien race, but it was made with our love."

"It's the one anchor that has kept me going through everything," Daniel said, not elaborating on all the taunts and teasing he had been enduring. "Your love surrounds me like a cocoon. It has been my rock in all the craziness. I am not sure what is going to happen with all this but I do know this. We are meant to be together. Military rules be damned, we are soul mates and no asinine rule can take that away from us."

"Never going to let them," Jack said. He put his hand on Daniel's stomach as the baby kicked again. "You hear that JD, your parents are sticking together no matter what."

"We better get to work before we both get too sappy for words here," Daniel said as he grabbed his jacket.

The two spent the morning working as Daniel's energy level had increased now that he had gone into the second trimester. He rested periodically but he didn't tire quite as easily.

"I have to go to the General's office for a meeting," Jack said. "I should be back in about two hours," he said as he grabbed some folders. "Teal'c said he'll be by a little later to go to lunch with you."

"Jack you don't have to keep sending people to watch me when you are away" Daniel said. "I am okay by myself."

"I am sure you are, " Jack smiled as he headed out the door.

Daniel continued to work for another hour before he felt slightly light headed and knew he better eat something. He got up and started for the commissary. Daniel's full bladder made its presence known. 'damn bathroom again, no wonder women complain they always have to go,' he thought to himself. He headed to the nearest washroom and slipped into a stall. His new 'condition' made him self conscious and he chose to keep to himself. He heard the door opened just as he was pulling himself together and stepped out of the stall to go to the sink.

"Jackson," he heard his name said with disdain.

Daniel saw the two Marines in the mirror and turned to face them. "What do you want?" he asked.

"God look at you," one of the Marines said as they took in the bulging stomach. "You're a disgrace around here," he said as the pair took a step forward.

Daniel's mind flashed to the self defense moves that Jack and Teal'c had embedded into his brain. 'there is no way in hell these two are going to hurt this baby, no matter what,' he thought to himself.

The first Marine reached for Daniel's arm as Daniel spun his wrist around and brought him to his knees. "Stay the hell away from me," Daniel said hotly. He put himself in a defensive stance, trying to prepare for the second man. His swollen abdomen did not give him the flexibility or the maneuverability normally afforded him in his training sessions with Jack and Teal'c.

The second Marine started to chuckle, "nice move for a pregnant woman," he smirked as he grabbed Daniel by the other arm. "Now what?" he asked as he knocked Daniel off balance.

Daniel used the sink as leverage to knee the second Marine in the groin. The second Marine bent over but didn't release his grip. Daniel inadvertently released his hold on the first man. The man leapt to his feet and shoved Daniel backwards and pinned him down on the sink his head hitting the mirror as he fell.

"This little bastard here," the Marine said as he poked at Daniel's stomach hard, "is going to make life a living hell on base for the next few months" he said bitterly, "I'd be doing the whole place a favour if I got rid of it."

"Back off!" Daniel yelled, suddenly terrified at what the man planned to do. Daniel tugged as hard as he could against the man, but he was off balance and not able to move. The second Marine was able to step to the side and avoid any attempt Daniel made to get at him. Daniel was completely at their mercy.

The Marine raised his fist and was about to drive it into Daniel's abdomen, Daniel's frantic pleas, "NOOOO!" echoed through the room when all of a sudden the Marine's arm jerked backward and the Marine went flying.

"It's not what you think," the second Marine said nervously seeing the fury on Teal'c face.

Teal'c turned to the second man and popped him in the face and the man crumpled at his feet. He immediately turned to Daniel who was still half sitting half standing against the sink and helped him to his feet.

"Oh shit," Daniel gasped as he rushed back to the stall. He dropped to his knees and became violently sick to his stomach.

Teal'c pulled the washroom door open and spotted one of Daniel's assistant's in the hall. "I need you get Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Frasier here immediately, tell them there is a problem with Dr. Jackson," he said as he stepped back into the washroom.

The assistant ran to the phone and called Jack's number. "Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c has asked that you come to the washroom in corridor 3. It's urgent!" the woman said.

Jack slammed his phone down and rushed to the elevator. He dashed into the bathroom as Daniel was being helped back to his feet by Teal'c. "What the hell happened here?" he asked as he saw Daniel shuffle to the sink to rinse his mouth.

Jack looked at Daniel and Teal'c and then the two Marines who were lying crumpled on the ground.

"Are you all right, Daniel?" Jack asked seeing how shaky Daniel looked on his feet. At that moment Janet came running in with a medical team. Daniel was gently guided to the gurney.

Janet quickly assessed Daniel's condition not seeing any physical signs of trauma. "What happened?" she asked.

Teal'c explained briefly what happened. "Let's get him back to his room," Janet said.

Janet looked at her assistant, "you can handle them," she said, disgusted.

Jack was incensed, part of him wanted to rip the two men limb for limb for what they did but the 'Colonel' part of him knew that was not the way to handle the situation. As Jack was leaving the room, following the gurney he "accidentally" kicked one of the Marines on his way. 'you're going to wish Teal'c killed you by the time I'm done with you,' Jack muttered quietly as he walked out of the room. Two SF officers showed up to escort the two unconscious Marines to the infirmary.

Jack followed the gurney back to the private quarters. After the door closed behind them "Danny talk to me," Jack said softly.

"How could they want to kill the baby?" Daniel asked, in disbelief. "What the heck has this child done to deserve such hatred?" Daniel ran a guarded hand over his bulging abdomen.

"Nothing sweetie," Jack said gently, "They're just narrow minded assholes who will be dealt with," he said. "Right now we need to have Janet check you out to make sure you're okay."

Daniel suddenly felt so tired, completely drained. "If Teal'c hadn't come in I don't know what would have happened?"

"Let's not think about that right now," Jack suggested. "We will handle this better from this point on," he assured Daniel.

Janet cleared Daniel's room so that Jack was the only one left when she began a more thorough examination.

When Janet reappeared she had a very serious look on her face. "He's awake now," she said.

"Is he okay?" Jack asked.

"He's spotting a little," Janet said. "We need to keep him in bed and quiet for a couple days and hopefully it will stop on its own."

"And the baby?" Jack asked worried.

"The ultrasound looked fine," Janet said. "We just need to be very cautious here and there can't be a repeat of what happened. Next time..." she stopped speaking.

Jack didn't need her to fill in that blank, he knew that next time they might not be so lucky. "There won't be a next time," he vowed.

"You can't guarantee that sir," Janet said honestly.

"Oh YES I can," Jack said.

Jack went into the room and saw Daniel laying propped up with a couple pillows. "Hey there," Jack said as he came to the side of the bed.

"Did Janet tell you I'm spotting?" Daniel asked, looking up at Jack. "That there is a chance I could lose the baby."

Jack nodded. "That's not going to happen Danny. She said a couple days rest and you should be good as new."

Daniel made a long face, "We don't know that," he said, "And what about next time?"

"No buts babe, this is NOT going to happen again," Jack said protectively. "I promise."

"Jack you can't promise that, no matter how much you want to protect me..." Daniel paused as he patted his stomach, "us," he changed his words to. "You can't guarantee there aren't other narrow minded jerks like today."

"Daniel have faith in me. I am going to make sure you aren't ever put in that situation again," Jack said. "Do you trust me?"

Daniel forced a smile to his face. "Always," he said.

"Then you rest and I will take care of this," Jack said. "You just do what Janet says and leave the rest to me."

"Don't do anything that could jeopardize your career," Daniel said, as he grabbed Jack's hand. "Promise me you won't do that."

Jack hesitated as he saw the serious look on Daniel's face. "I promise I'll be careful," he said. Jack saw Janet coming back into the room.

"Daniel I am going to give you a mild sedative. I want you to rest," she said. "Don't get out of bed for ANYTHING" she reminded him. She quickly administered the shot before Daniel could protest. "Now sleep," she said as she patted his arm kindly.

Danny slowly closed his eyes. "You'll be here when I wake up?" he asked Jack, who was hovering in the background.

"No place else I want to be," Jack said. "You sleep Space Monkey and I'll be back soon."

Jack and Janet stepped out of the room as they watched Daniel drift off to sleep. Teal'c and Sam were waiting in the other room. "Can you stay here while Teal'c and I speak with the General?" he asked, looking at Sam.

"Yes Sir," she answered respectfully.

"He will sleep for hours," Janet assured her, "and I will have a nurse that Daniel is comfortable with be here shortly"

"And Major, make sure no one comes in this room," Jack ordered.

"Yes sir," Carter said.

Jack and Teal'c headed to the General's office as Janet left to go back to the infirmary. Sam grabbed the file she had brought and went and sat down.

Jack and Teal'c went into the general's office as he hung up the phone. "I was expecting you Colonel" he said. "I heard there was an incident involving Daniel Jackson, care to elaborate on what happened?" the General asked.

"You better sit down, Sir," Jack said as the three took seats around the desk. Over the next 20 minutes both Jack and Teal'c filled the commander of the base in on the problem that Daniel faced and Jack elaborated on the altercation in the elevator as well. When he was done he was clenching his fists, trying to keep his temper in check.

"What do you recommend Colonel?" Hammond asked, knowing Jack already had an idea of what he wanted to do.

"Off the record or on?" Jack asked.

Hammond nodded and flipped the camera off. "Off the record first and then we will be "officially on the record later," he said.

When Jack was sure there was no recording device around, "I want to kill the two bastards that tried to kill my child" Jack said angrily. "On the record I want them charged to the fullest extent of the law."

"If your laws are insufficient, I would be willing to invoke Jaffa's revenge," Teal'c said dryly.

"As much as we all know they deserve that, we are still bound by the laws of our government," Hammond reluctantly said.

"I want them charge with attempted murder," Jack said coldly.

"Colonel we will leave that to the powers that be to handle the charges and how things will be handled from a legal standpoint," Hammond said, putting a finality to the topic. He continued in a new direction, "That does not solve the larger problem though, does it?"

"No, but I have an idea how to get on top of that too," Jack said. "I need to call a meeting so I can deal with this."

"Colonel I will leave you to handle this. You have my complete backing," Hammond said. "We need to keep Dr. Jackson safe from all this nonsense," he said. "That boy is going through enough without adding harassment and physical threats to the mix"

"I will take care of it," Jack said. "I'm going to need your help," he said, turning to Teal'c.

"You shall have it O'Neill," Teal'c said. "DanielJackson is my friend as well."

Jack smiled. "Now I need to get back to Danny. I will fill you in on the way what we are going to do" Jack said, "Oh, the two Marines in the infirmary?" he looked back at the General.

"I will take care of them," he said, "You're free to go Colonel."

While they walked back into the private room where Daniel was sleeping, Teal'c and Jack discussed "Operation Protect the Package" in detail.

Sam got to her feet as they entered the room. "Everything okay?" Jack asked, eyeing the bedroom.

"He slept the whole time," she said. Sam fidgeted for a minute before she spoke again. "Sir, I would like to apologize for my words before," she stammered. "I had no right to imply that the baby was anything other than a child."

"Carter I am sure Daniel knows that deep down," Jack said. "Just do him a favor and never call the baby an 'it' again, it makes him very cranky and our daughter would prefer to be called a "SHE."

"It's a girl?" Sam said incredulously.

"That's what Janet tells us," Jack said with a small smile.

"Now we need to get down to business," Jack said turning serious. "I hope we have your support too Carter," he said looking at the other member of his team.

"SG-1 sticks together," she said firmly.

"Good to hear," he said. Over the next hour the three conferred on the specifics of their plan. Sam went and took her notes to the computer to send out the notice for a "special" meeting Jack was holding the next day.

The rest of the evening was spent in quiet as Daniel slept and Jack hovered like a mother hen. When Daniel finally woke up that evening, Jack was sitting in the chair beside the bed, flipping idly through a report. His mind was 2 feet away on the man in the bed.

"Jack," Daniel said as he looked over at his lover.

"Right here sweetie," Jack said. "how you feeling?"

"Like I have to go to the bathroom," Daniel said as he reached for the covers.

"Ah ah ah," Jack said, as he reached for the urinal. "No getting out of bed, remember."

Daniel blew out a frustrated breath, "great, urinal in bed, that just sucks," he grumbled.

"Easy babe, I'll help," Jack said as he got up.

Daniel's face turned red. "Jack I can manage," he stammered.

Jack saw the embarrassment on Daniel's face. "Babe there isn't anything you have that I haven't seen already, several times in fact," Jack grinned.

"But..." Daniel whispered.

"Just let me help you," Jack said softly as he subtly helped Daniel with the task at hand. Daniel closed his eyes trying not to look at Jack as he tended to business. Jack was very discreet as he took care of things. When Daniel was settled again Jack sat back down.

"Are you going to tell me what happened today?" Jack asked.

"What's there to tell?" Daniel said frustrated. "I stop to take a pee and two Marine gorilla's decided I was some piece of garbage that they could push around." Daniel didn't meet Jack's eyes as he spoke.

"What are you leaving out?" Jack asked, he reached for Daniel's hand, caressing it as he tried to convince him to talk.

"Does it matter?" Daniel asked honestly, not even a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"It does to me," Jack said "We said we'd be honest with either other, well I'm counting on you to keep up your end of the bargain too."

Daniel sighed, "you don't play fair," he said with a frown. He looked at Jack for a long time before he continued. "This isn't the only time I've been harassed" he admitted. "I've just mostly ignored it as name calling. This is the first time it got physical," Daniel said meeting Jack's eyes. "The one Marine, Quenten, I think, said that he would be doing the entire base a favor if he just killed the baby," Daniel said with a choked voice. "I had my back against the wall trying to hold off the other guy and he was going to punch me in the stomach," Daniel said, as he saw the anger flair in Jack's eyes. "If Teal'c hadn't walked in... I just don't know how I could have stopped him".

"That bastard," Jack said, his voice choked with anger.

"What happened to them?" Daniel asked.

"At the moment they are in the brig awaiting charges," Jack said. "I am sure you will need to give a statement as will Teal'c on what happened."

Daniel shook his head, "this is such a mess," he said frustrated.

"Don't worry about it now. You're not going to be doing anything until you're feeling better," Jack assured him. "Let's just leave that in the General's hands to deal with now."

"The General did that for me?" Daniel said with shock.

"He cares too Danny," Jack said. "It took him a bit to get on board with this but I think he's on our side now, besides what those two did is a crime and they will be punished accordingly," Jack said firmly.

"So that's one down and how many to go?" Daniel asked.

"That will be taken care of tomorrow," Jack said.

"What will?" Daniel asked.

"Danny you said you trust me, right?" Jack asked, holding Daniel's hand gently.

"Yes," Daniel said, nodding his head.

"Then let me handle this okay," Jack said. "I need you to know that I will make sure that you are safe here at the mountain. You and our child don't need to live in fear here."

"Jack what are you going to do?"

"Just going to make things really clear."

Daniel saw the determined look on Jack's face. "I really can take care of myself you know."

"I know that," Jack said. "But indulge me, I want to take care of you too."

Daniel yawned. "I trust you," he said sleepily.

Jack pulled the blanket up over Daniel again. "Rest my dear" Jack ran his hand over Daniel's cheek.. "I love you."

"Love you," Daniel mumbled as he fell back asleep again.

Jack stayed in the chair beside the bed for the night. He never took his eyes off Daniel as he watched him sleep. 'I'm going to make sure these idiots know that If they hurt you they are going to regret the day they were born,' Jack thought to himself. 'no one, and I mean no one hurts someone I love.'

CHAPTER 10

In the morning Janet made an appearance just after eight am. "How are you feeling Daniel?" she asked.

"Not sure yet," he said rubbing his eyes. "Still trying to wake up."

"Let's see how you're doing today," she said as she took our her equipment.

Jack never moved from his spot beside the bed. His eyes riveted on Daniel's nervous face.

Janet smiled as she pulled her gloves off. "The spotting seems to have stopped," she said with relief.

"So can I get up then?" Daniel asked.

"Not today," she said. "One more day of rest is probably best before we let you back on your feet."

Daniel frowned. "I guess you're right," he admitted, "can I at least work in bed?" he asked.

"Dannnielll," Jack said, rolling his eyes. "Rest means horizontal, eyes closed, slow breathing" he said.

Daniel crossed his armed in a petulant motion. "Please?" he asked.

"The Colonel is right," Janet said, glancing at Jack, knowing he was grinning. "If you have another good day you can work for part of the day tomorrow."

"Fine," Daniel said slightly huffy, "can I at least read a book. I am really sick of staring at these wall."

"I will get you a book," Jack said, lightly.

"Jack I want one of MY books," Daniel said, "Not Sports Illustrated or the Hockey News. Or worse, one of your MAD Magazines."

"Don't worry I will get you a good book," Jack assured him. "I'll be back in an hour" he said with a smile. "I will have Sam bring you the book."

Before Daniel could complain anymore Jack headed out. He had a meeting to get to and he wanted to clear his head for a minute before he got there. He met Teal'c in the hall outside the meeting room.

"You ready big guy?" Jack asked, walking up.

"I am," Teal'c said with a regal bow. The passed Sam in the hall and Jack asked her to take a specific book from his office to Daniel to read. Sam grinned when she heard the title but did as she was asked. When she left the two continued on their way to the meeting.

The two headed into the crowded room, which contained the head of each and every SG team on the Mountain or a representative for those still off world. Teal'c took a seat to the left of the Colonel. Jack waited a minute before he stood up. "ATTENTION!," he said in the most stern Colonel voice he had.

There was a ripple of noise before it went silent and everyone got to their feet and stood at attention. "Have a seat and listen up as I am going to get right to the point here" he said, staring at each man one at a time as they sat down, backs straight. "Most of you are aware that Dr. Jackson has become pregnant through some unusual circumstances. What some of you may NOT be aware of is the campaign of harassment that has happened since this condition has become known," Jack paused intentionally letting the words sink in.

"I am here to explain a few details to you. Daniel is going through hell here. No man has ever had to go through the stages of pregnancy and believe me from what I've witnessed it's not easy. Instead of being a target of jokes and harassment he should be commended for sticking to something that most of us would never have the courage to do."

"Colonel what does this have to do with us?" Major Paulsen asked.

"I am getting to that," Jack said. "As of this moment I am holding each of you accountable for the actions of the members in your units," he said looking at each unit leader one by one. "That means if something happens to Daniel I will make sure not only will the Marine or Airmen suffer the consequences but you as their leader will as well."

"But sir that's not fair," Major Lewis complained. "I can't be every where watching my unit 24 hours a day."

"Then perhaps we need to rethink your command if you can't control your unit," Jack said bluntly. "This harassment ends now. Do you hear me?" he said bluntly. "I am going to make this even more clear, the child that Daniel is carrying is mine by some strange circumstances. You better keep that in mind with the way you address this situation with your team members. Anyone, and I repeat anyone hurts MY child and even God himself won't be able to help you."

The room was dead silent. "Have I made myself perfectly clear?" Jack asked, expecting to hear only one answer, which he knew he better get.

"Yes sir," came the quick replies.

"Dismissed," Jack ordered as he and Teal'c remained behind to watch the dynamics of the group gathered as they left. After the room was cleared Jack turned to Teal'c. "You think they got the message?"

"Indeed," Teal'c said with a slight nod of his head.

The two headed back to the private quarters where Daniel was resting. Jack strolled into the bedroom. "You behaving?" he asked with a smile.

Daniel looked up at him. "What do you call this?" he asked, as he tossed a book at Jack.

"It's a classic," Jack said. "Every word written to captivate it's reader."

"The Homer Book?" Daniel laughed, "Everything one needs to know about Homer Simpson."

"Did you read it?" Jack asked.

"Did I have a choice?" Daniel retorted back, "it was either that or count the creases on the ceiling again."

"Sweet, so we could have an in-depth discussion on Homer later," Jack smiled.

Daniel rolled his eyes. "I can hardly wait," he bantered back.

Jack sat down on the chair beside Daniel. "Seriously, how you feeling?" he asked.

"A lot better," Daniel answered honestly. "Janet was here a few minutes ago and she said I could sit on the couch later to watch TV if I am careful moving around."

"I could get my Season one Set of the Simpson's for us to watch now that you are an expert on him," Jack suggested.

Jack I know what you are trying to do but we need to talk about what happened yesterday" Daniel said, turning serious.

"Danny I told you I would take care of it, and I am," Jack reminded him.

"But Jack we HAVE to talk about it," Daniel said, raising his voice slightly.

"Easy there, no getting yourself worked up, remember," Jack said, as he tried to ease Daniel's temper.

Daniel blew in a small breath, "fine, I will calm down, BUT you are going to tell me what's going on."

Jack nodded, "okay," he relented, seeing how determined Daniel was. "We promised honestly and that's what you're going to get" Jack spent the next hour detailing the discussion he had with General Hammond and then the meeting with the unit commanders. He intentionally left out the part about the veiled threat, but Daniel knew Jack well enough to know he would have made himself very clear.

"So now what, I get a babysitter? A shadow for the next 4 1/2 months?" Daniel was frustrated.

"You just get a little extra attention," Jack said, trying to minimize the fact that the entire base was now aware of his condition and would be watching him a little more closely.

"Guess we'll see."

"Trust me Danny it'll be fine."

The next day Daniel was released from bed rest and allowed to return to work half days. He was under strict orders to take regular breaks, not to stand too long and to alert Janet if there were any problems.

Daniel walked into his office at 9 am and found Jack already there working. "Good morning," Jack said, as he watched Daniel head to his pile of reports on his desk.

"Morning," Daniel said as he sat down. "I can't believe this pile," he shook his head. "It's going to take me hours to get this work done," he said softly to himself.

"You eat yet?" Jack asked.

"I had some toast and juice, Mom," Daniel said sarcastically.

"That will do for now, we can take a break later and get some fruit Loops," Jack said.

"I DON'T eat FRUIT LOOPS," Daniel informed him.

"It's a staple of a good breakfast" Jack assured him. "You will love it."

Daniel chose to ignore him as he pulled the first report out of the pile. He spent the next 3 hours reading the findings of PX2-921 that SG 9 had brought back. He got up and headed to his book shelf, looking for a particular translation book. He spotted it on the top shelf. He grabbed his small step ladder to climb up and get it.

"What are you doing?" Jack asked, seeing Daniel about to climb the ladder.

"Unless I have developed special powers, I am using the ladder to get my book," Daniel said, as he stepped on the first rung.

"I'll get it," Jack said, getting up.

Daniel stepped back down. "Fine," Daniel blew out a breath, "It's the third from the left on the top shelf," he said as he let Jack retrieve the book for him.

Daniel grabbed the book and sat back down to work. The pattern of Jack hovering became more obvious as the weeks progressed.

Soon Daniel reached 25 weeks and his condition remained stable with no major complications. Janet couldn't understand how his body was adjusting so well, but she didn't want to question their good fortune.

The baby continued to develop healthy and strong. "I can't believe I am already 25 weeks pregnant," Daniel said, as he stared at the calendar. "Only 14 more weeks to go," he sighed.

"We are getting close Danny," Jack said with a smile. "We are going to have to start picking out baby names soon."

"I've been researching that," Daniel said, "I have a list of possible choices." he handed Jack a paper with several girl names on it.

"Aphrodite? Venus? Jack shook his head. "I was thinking more like Jamie or Josephine so we could call her Jo."

"Jo?" Daniel shook his head. "We don't want a boy name for the baby."

"And what's wrong with boy names?" Sam asked walking in.

"Ah nothing," Daniel said quickly. "We are just kicking some ideas around."

"Colonel, General Hammond was looking for you," she said, as she sat down.

"I'll be back shortly," Jack said, as he watched Sam nod to him.

"Don't worry my babysitter will keep and eye on us," Daniel said, "we will behave."

Sam pulled a file out of her pile she brought and went back to work. She had learned over the last few weeks not to spar with Daniel when he was cranky. It was better to tune him out and let him vent for a minute then to debate and have the situation drag on.

Jack headed to the General's office. He tapped once as he walked in. "You wanted to see me sir?" Jack asked.

"Colonel O'Neill I have a mission that I need you to head up for the next few days," Hammond said. "SG-6 has missed three check in times and we need to send a SAR in to find them."

"And you want me to go right?" Jack asked.

"I need you to," Hammond said. "We are missing a bunch of good people out there and you're the best I have. I wouldn't ask otherwise."

"And who would I be taking with me?" Jack asked.

"SG-2 and SG-3 and your regular team, minus Dr. Jackson of course," Hammond said. "I am sorry Colonel but I have no other choice here. You should also know they're on P9X-872..."

"That's the planet we can't access except every 70 some hours isn't?" Jack asked, showing he does pay attention to the important things.

"Yes. They missed their check in and we have only have little over an hour to send a rescue team...then you'll be on your own for another 72 hrs. If it weren't for the huge deposit of Naquada..." Hammond looks pensive as he shakes his head, suddenly not finding the precious metal all that important."

"I understand, Sir. We will be ready to leave in one hour," Jack said, as he stood up.

"I know you'll bring them home, Jack," Hammond said."

Jack dashed back out of the General's office. He had such mixed feelings about going on the mission . He knew he HAD to go but he was worried about leaving Daniel alone and unguarded for the next 72 hours and possibly more if they missed their window of opportunity.

He headed to Daniel's office where he found Teal'c and Sam waiting. "We have a SAR in one hour," he said. "SG-6 has been missing for 76 hours now," he told his team.

Daniel got to his feet instinctively to go also but looked at his bulging stomach and sat back down. "Guess I'm not included, huh," he said.

"Sorry Danny, not this time," Jack said. "We won't be gone long," Jack assured him. "Just a few days," he added, not wanting Daniel to panic.

Teal'c and Sam headed off to gear up. "Let me walk you back to your room," Jack said as he and Daniel headed to the elevator.

When they went into the private quarters, Jack locked the door behind him. "You going to be okay?" he asked when the two were alone.

"I will be fine," Daniel said, "It's you that's going on some rescue mission. You better be careful."

"Careful is my middle name," Jack grinned.

"And all this time I thought it was Homer," Daniel teased back, trying to keep a brave face on.

"Come here," Jack said, as he pulled Daniel into his arms. "I will be fine Space Monkey. You just keep a good eye on little JD here," he said patting the now very swollen abdomen.

"It's kind of hard to miss her," Daniel forced a laugh. The two stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a few minutes before Jack reluctantly pulled out of the embrace.

"I have to go," he said. "You stay in your room as much as you can."

"Jack I still have work to do," Daniel reminded him. "And I will be careful."

Jack nodded as he headed out the door. He paused as he watched through the small window as he saw Daniel awkwardly sit down on the couch. He forced himself to turn and leave.

Daniel went into the bedroom where he had complete privacy and gave into the worried tears that had been threatening since he heard that Jack was going off world. "I really hate being emotional" he grumbled but he couldn't stop the flow of tears.

An hour later, Jack was waiting on the ramp with the rest of his team waiting for the Iris to open. Unbeknownst to him, Daniel had followed him down to the gate room to watch him leave. When the wormhole appeared Daniel suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to rush after them.

"SG-1, SG-2 and SG-3 you have a go," Hammond said, as he always did.

Daniel was drawn to the gate room. He went in and stood at the bottom of the ramp. Jack spotted him but knew he couldn't say anything.

"God speed," Hammond said as he turned to go to the control room to watch the teams leave. Daniel stayed at the bottom of the ramp, watching as members of SG-1, SG-2 and SG-3 went one by one through the open wormhole.

Daniel suddenly got a feeling that came over him that said he had to go with the rescue team. 'Jack is going to need me.' The feeling was so strong it was beyond overwhelming. He hesitated for a split second before he ran up the ramp just before they closed the iris and jumped through the open doorway. His actions had been so unexpected that no one reacted in time to stop him.

The strange feeling of floating always accompanied the SG teams as they glided through the stream to their new destination. When the members started popping out the other side, they immediately took up their defensive stance waiting for the rest of the teams to emerge.

Jack did a head count and thought everyone was there as the wormhole produced one last straggler.

Jack pulled his sunglasses off and stared at Daniel. "Daniel? What the hell are you doing here?" he asked, in disbelief.

"Hi Jack," Daniel said, as he struggled to climb to his feet from where he had been tossed having lost his balance when he arrived on the other side.

"Daniel are you completely out of your mind?" Jack asked, completely infuriated. He instinctively reached down so Daniel could use him as leverage to get up.

"I thought you might need a translator?" Daniel said meekly, trying to think of any plausible reason why he followed the team through the stargate.

"Dial the gate and send him home," Jack said as he turned to Carter.

"We can't sir We passed the window for using the stargate. There won't be another for 72 hours due to the multiple sun flares which we can't compensate for except when this planets moon acts as a buffer for us," Sam reminded the Colonel.

Jack blew out a frustrated breath, as he remembered the limitations of coming to this planet.

Jack nodded to Carter that he understood. "Teal'c, Carter you're with me," he said. "SG-2 you have the gate, AND you have Dr. Jackson," he said, looking at his friend Lt. Colonel Lou Ferretti . Daniel could hear the anger in Jack's voice. He knew he did a foolish thing and there was no way to fix it.

Jack took a step closer to Lou Ferretti , "keep an eye on him for me, okay?" he said not needing to elaborate on who he was talking about.

"Don't worry Jack, I'll keep an eye on your bratty archeologist," Lou assured Jack.

"Daniel you stay here with SG-2 and don't do anything foolish," Jack said in a no nonsense tone.

Daniel nodded. There was no way he was going to open his mouth and make things worse. Daniel watched as SG-1 and SG-3 turned to head off.

"Dr. Jackson we are going to set up camp," Lt. Colonel Ferretti said, "and we need to get you some proper clothes to wear."

"I am sorry, Colonel," Daniel apologized, feeling like a world class fool.

"Let's worry about that later. We need to get a perimeter set up and you need to get off your feet," Lou said, knowing from Jack that Daniel was not supposed to be pushing himself during his 'unusual condition.'

Within an hour a camp was established and Daniel was reluctantly resting in a tent. He tried to argue with Lou that he could help set up camp but was instantly put in his place. "You are NOT part of this mission, Dr. Jackson. You will stay in that tent and rest. If I have to make that an order I will," Lou said firmly. "You are already up to your eyeballs in shit with Jack, don't go for double or nothing here doc."

****

Jack's team walked steadily through the day, finally making camp as the sun started to set. They made plans to leave very early hoping to avoid walking again in the intense heat. As Jack laid back on his sleeping bag he could see Daniel's face. "What the hell were you thinking," he said to himself. "I hope you're all right, because we SO are going to talk when we get home," Jack shook his head in frustration as he made himself get some sleep.

The group was up and ready to leave by 5 am. It was decided that traveling in the morning before the heat of the sun was the best way to find the missing SG team. When everyone was geared up they started off. After a few more hours of walking they found themselves outside a small village. Jack made the hand motions to halt his team. He pointed out a small clearing about 200 yards from the village that the group should meet.

After everyone gathered together he began. "We need to send do some recon in that place," he said. "It's best if we wait until dark," Jack said. "Then we will do some looking around."

"We know SG-6 came this way from the tracks Teal'c found," Jack said quietly to his team and SG-3. Colonel Matthews. "I need you and Lieutenant Walker to go south on the perimeter. We need some recon of this place, in case SG-6 is being held hostage. Teal'c and I will go north and we'll meet you on the other side. Carter you and Lieutenant Tayback remain here," Jack said.

"Yes, sir," all replied, except Teal'c who only nodded his agreement.

"Two clicks on the radio, if it's safe one click then reply, otherwise two clicks remain radio silence. Carter, be our eyes from here. If there's trouble, contact Ferretti ," Jack added, then with a nod, Colonel Matthews and his man headed left, Jack and Teal'c went right.

Several hours later, Carter's radio clicked twice. She clicked once, "Carter," she said quietly, one hand still holding her binoculars at the all too quiet village in the distance.

"They're being held hostage alright, in the middle of the village, though I only saw Juarez, but the hut was large enough to hold all of SG-6," Jack said in a hushed voice. "I didn't see many guards, but Teal'c informed me these guys are slippery."

"Slippery, sir?" Carter asked, wondering what was meant by that.

Teal'c then got on the radio, "these villagers are called the Truvalics," Teal'c said. "They are a tribe that the Goa'uld tried to get hosts from. It was not easily done and the Goa'uld found it too difficult to capture them and moved onto other easier prey."

"Now you tell me," Jack's voice bleeding over Teal'c radio.

"I did not know until I saw them," Teal'c replied.

"Fine," Jack said, then got on his radio. "Carter, we're heading back your way. I think a night run will be our best bet. Quick in, quick out."

"Yes, sir," Carter replied. "I'll notify Colonel Ferretti of our situation and will await you here."

"See you in two," Jack said, knowing Carte realized that meant two hours as that's how long it took them to move quietly around the village and remain unseen.

Time passed as Jack outlined his plan, but all too soon it was time to go. "We are moving out in 30 minutes," Jack said, eyeing everyone to be sure they understood what they were to do, as everyone was dressed in their night camouflage, and blackout face. Then when the sun set, they moved quietly down toward the village, hoping to blend in with the shadows.

CHAPTER 11

The gate patrol was a quiet assignment as Lou kept an eye on both his team and his delinquent charge. He knew Daniel was impulsive on occasion but normally with good cause. He never believe Daniel was irresponsible man but at the moment his actions were giving him cause to rethink his opinion on that.

"I'll take the next watch," he told his lieutenants as he met up with the two men who had been monitoring the gate for the evening.

Lou grabbed his p90 and kept an eye on the perimeter. He never let his mind wander as he monitored the situation carefully. He walked the tree line when he was suddenly fell to the ground as a dart his him in the thigh. While Lou was unconscious he was tied and gagged.

Slowly and methodically each member of his team knocked unconscious with a dart and then tied up. Daniel had been sleeping in Lou's tent and he was startled awake by the sounds of feet rushing into the tent.

****

Back at the village, Jack's entire team had been caught off guard by villagers that camouflaged themselves as part of the ground, probably having taken notice of them regardless of their precautions. It was like the could materialize out of no where. When SG-1 and SG-3 came into the village to get their missing people they were systematically captured.

"Sir, how are we going to get out of this?" Sam asked, as she tried to wrestle with the ropes tying her hands.

"Not sure yet" Jack said. "Still working on plan B," he whispered to Carter. "Look, you sure we can't talk about this?" he asked the native in front of him.

"The Truvalics speak a language that has never been understood," Teal'c informed his CO.

"Sweet," Jack said sarcastically. "So we have no way of talking to them to let them know we mean them no harm."

"Any suggestions?" Jack asked, looking at Teal'c and Sam.

"Not at the moment, sir," Sam said.

"I have nothing as well, O'Neill," Teal'c replied.

"At least Daniel is safe," Jack said more to himself than to the others. "It's the last thing we need is for him to be in the middle of this."

The hours dragged on as Jack tried repeatedly to reason with the elders of the village. He tried in the few languages he knew, but all attempts to communicate were met with anger or silence.

"One thing about it sir, if we don't report back in thirty-six hours, General Hammond will send more reinforcements," Sam reasoned.

"We're still a long ways from the stargate and we have no idea what our hosts have planned for us, plus thirty-six hours is a long time," Jack said seriously. "We NEED to find a way out of this mess!"

****

Daniel was startled awake by a group of oddly dressed men brandishing spears.

They were shouting at him and waving their weapons in his direction.

"Easy there," Daniel said, trying to wake up. "Don't poke the baby," he said, pointing to the bulge in his stomach.

"Cretach?" the one man said.

Daniel's ears perked up. "Cretach," he nodded, pointing to his stomach.

The natives stopped poking at him as they looked at his swollen belly oddly.

"Trovoletch chretah," the man who seemed to be in charged asked.

"Yes I am carrying a Chretah," Daniel nodded. He pointed to himself, "Not Trovoletch (woman), Trevalit (man)."

"Shalitine," the men all dropped to their knees, in awe.

Daniel ran the words around in his head. The language the villagers was speaking was a mixture of several different languages. He pointed to himself, "Daniel," he said. Trevalit, Daniel," he repeated.

"Daniel," came the repeated words from the men.

'Okay we're making progress,' he thought to himself.

The one man came over and patted Daniel very gently on the stomach, "Shalitine (God)."

'Okay we'll go with that for now,' he thought, "anything to keep this baby safe," Daniel reasoned. "Even if they want to think I'm a God for the moment."

"Graphalitors?" Daniel asked, he motioned with his hands. "Where are my friends?" Daniel asked in the native language. The men had motioned for Daniel to go out of the tent with them. He could see Lou's team all tied up. The bound and gagged men were finally coming around, having been unconscious for a short time.

Daniel pointed to the SG-2 team. "What have they done?" he asked speaking their native language and listened carefully as the native replied also in their native tongue.

They betrayed the sacred right of our plant" Daniel was told, "Just like all the others we have collected."

"What have you done with them?" Daniel asked, worried that Jack and the rest of his SG1 team were in trouble.

"They are still alive," he was told.

"Shalitine needs to see his friends," Daniel said more insistently. Daniel caught Lou's eyes as they faced the group of spear wielding men.

"We will go to the village. Shalitine," came the reply from their captures.

The group walked slowly towards the village. It was a very long journey and Daniel grew tired as they went.

Lou saw Daniel start to waver and worked off his gag so he could speak. "Can he rest?" he asked, motioned with his head in Daniel's direction.

Their captures saw Daniel's obvious distress and stopped walking.

"We shall let you rest," the leader of the native party said as they saw Daniel drop down to sit on a tree stump they were passing.

"No I'm fine," Daniel insisted. "I want to see my friends."

Cretach," the man said pointing to Daniel's stomach.

"What's he saying?" Lou asked, concerned for Daniel and his men.

"Baby," Daniel replied as he nodded to the native warrior, "Graphalitors, I can rest when we get to your village."

They watched Daniel push himself back on his feet as he forced himself to start moving again. Daniel had not been tied up but was being watched carefully. He pondered trying to get a weapon but when Lou saw his eyes travel to the pack of guns being carried by one of the warriors he shook his head.

The group made camp for the night just as the sun was setting. The villagers didn't travel at night, as they explained to Daniel.

A lento was devised for Daniel and he was afforded the use of some of the blankets that had been taken from Lou Ferretti 's camp. Daniel reluctantly allowed himself to eat some of the food offered to him and then go to sleep. His body couldn't put off its demand to sleep any longer. As he drifted off to sleep he saw Lou watching him carefully.

Daniel fell into a restless sleep as his overactive imagination went into overdrive and imagined the worst for Jack, the rest of SG1 and the baby he was carrying. When he woke up with a start, it was still dark out. He looked around, trying to get his bearings.

"Shalitine," the warrior said, seeing Daniel sit up.

"Water," Daniel said with a husky voice. He was surprised at the gentleness to the man's motions as he brought the canteen to Daniel and held it so he could drink. Daniel nodded his thanks. He then motioned to the man that he needed to relieve himself. The warrior held out a hand and helped Daniel to his feet.

The two stepped out of the structure and the three other natives that were on their feet. A few words were exchanged before Daniel was escorted off. When he came back a few minutes later he went and sat at the fire with the warriors.

"You should be sleeping." The head of the party said to Daniel.

"I will sleep when I find my friends. I am worried about them," Daniel replied.

"A God does not need to worry. We shall arrive at the village tomorrow and you will see they are unharmed."

"Will you release them?" Daniel asked.

"They disrespected our planet."

"They did not know your rules. The stargate is a way of exploring the galaxies. We are peaceful explorers. We mean you no harm."

"But you travel with weapons and sneak into our village. You do not show respect."

"They could not talk to you. Your language is not something they understood."

"But you understand, you are God."

"I am Daniel, and I study words. It is what I do."

"You shall sleep now." The native said firmly, showing no fear of ordering THIS god around.

"But ..."

Sleep now, tomorrow we shall arrive at our village." The Elders will say what will happen to your friends," the native said and with a bow of respect left, Daniel to rest.

Daniel reluctantly got to his feet and went back to the lento. He wondered how they could think him a god one moment and boss him around the next, it was confusing. He slept fitfully for the rest of the night, worrying more than actual sleeping.

He was roused from his sleep early as he was told it was time to go. He saw Lou and his team being guided ahead of him. He noticed that this time the natives weren't being as rough as they guided the SG members towards the village. It was only another 3 hours before they arrived at the village.

When they came into the village they were immediately met by many more villagers who began to bow at Daniel's feet.

"You don't need to do that," Daniel insisted. "I am here in peace like my friends were," he explained.

"They broke the sacred right," he was told again.

"They didn't know. They didn't understand," Daniel explained. "You are wise people, can you show mercy to people who didn't understand your ways." Daniel paused, "ah," he gasped, as the baby kicked hard.

"DANIEL!" Lou shouted with concern seeing Daniel gasp in what he perceived in pain.

"God," the group dropped down again.

"Stop that," Daniel said. "I am not a god. I am a man that has been blessed with the chance to have this baby."

"Only sacred men are given the right to have a child," The Elder said. "You speak the truth."

"Can you please show me to my friends?" Daniel asked. "I have to see that they are all right."

"Come this way," the Elder said as he guided Daniel to a hut. "Your friends are in here."

Daniel nervously went with the man and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his entire team alive and the rest of the missing SG members in decent condition.

"Daniel what the hell are you doing here and where is SG-2?" Jack asked.

"Our camp was attacked and everyone in SG2 was taken captive" Daniel explained. "I have managed to convince the Elders that you came in peace and meant them no harm."

"Ah," Daniel gasped as JD kicked him solidly in the ribs again.

Jack and the other team members had their hands released and Jack went straight to Daniel's side. "You okay?" he asked, having watched Daniel's pained expression.

"I'm fine," Daniel said, unconvincingly.

"Can we go now?" Jack asked, as he turned to the elder. "We will go and leave your village as we found it," Daniel translated the words for Jack.

"Shalitine, ah na tachu," the Elder said," the Elder said, "Chretach," he pointed to Daniel's stomach.

Daniel nodded, "Cretach," he agreed.

He says we can go after I rest," Daniel explained to Jack and the others.

"We need to go now Daniel. You can rest after we leave this place," Jack said.

Daniel explained what Jack said. The dialogue continued for a few minutes before Daniel turned to Jack. "They have agreed," he said.

"Sir, what about the naquada?" Carter asked, followed by an eager look from Colonel Travers from SG-6.
Jack immediately began a second assessment of the village. Despite the new bonding between Daniel and the natives, he wasn't all together keen on a building friendship, and shook his head no. He knew they probably would think it was strictly because of Daniel, but Jack was no fool, these people didn't trust them and it would take time for trust to build and today was not that day.

"Daniel we have to go," Jack said, as he motioned forward. He turned to the elders, "I hope someday we can work together," he said. "I think we could help each other out."

Daniel explained what Jack said. "I must go now," he said to the Elders. "Thank you for your kindness and understanding."

"The baby shall come soon, you must be careful," the Elder said.

Daniel nodded, "soon," he agreed, "and I shall be careful of this special gift," Daniel said as he rubbed his stomach gently.

The SG group left the village and regrouped on the hill above it. They found their weapons sitting in a pile at the top of the hill waiting for them.

Daniel had remained quiet as he walked up the hill. He kept thinking about what the elder had said when he asked what they had planned to do with his friends if he hadn't shown up.

"We would have killed them all," he was told. They would have learned the lesson of respect."

Daniel didn't see how killing them all would have taught anything, and said as much. "More would have come and more...death is NEVER the answer," he told the Elders and saw they were considering it. He only hoped his words would make a difference for the next traveler that might stumble across this world. He also quietly thanked JD or whatever that motivated him to come, for he then would have lost Jack.

"I want a report on everyone's condition," Jack said, looking at the team leaders. "We need to know where we're at here."

A few minutes later Jack received the news that, other than some swollen wrists and empty bellies everyone was no worse for wear after their ordeal.

"We will go about 3 hours and camp for the night," Jack said.

The walk was long and tiring. Jack tried to keep a slower pace as he could see that Daniel was starting to wilt under the physical demands. "Why don't we rest for a bit?" Jack offered.

"I can keep up," Daniel said tonelessly as he kept his feet moving.

"No you can't," Jack said, as he pulled Daniel to a halt. "You are exhausted and you need to rest."

Daniel was wavering back and forth and Jack knew it was only a matter of a minute and Daniel was going to go down. Jack caught Daniel just before his knees buckles.

"Easy there babe, I've got you," Jack said softly as he laid Daniel back onto his jacket.

Sam came running up. "Everything okay, sir?" she asked.

"I think Daniel's just plain worn out," Jack said. "He can't walk anymore today."

Lou Ferretti came to the gathered group. "We can make camp here Colonel," he said, addressing Jack formally because there were other soldiers around.

Jack nodded. "SG1 and SG2 will stay here and set up camp. I want SG3 to keep going and secure the gate again," Jack ordered, knowing they wouldn't make it tonight, but would have a good start on them and that made Jack feel better.

A short time later camp was set up and Jack carried Daniel inside the tent. He could see the lines of exhaustion on Daniel's face. "you crazy fool," Jack said as he stroked Daniel's cheek. "why did you come after us?" Jack wanted so badly to be mad at Daniel but he was finding it increasingly difficult when he knew deep down that Daniel did it for him.

Jack, Lou and Teal'c sat around the fire talking as the evening continued

"Dr. Jackson really came through for us," Lou said. "He just wouldn't stop talking, trying to get those people to listen to him."

"He could have got himself killed," Jack said still annoyed.

"O'Neill, DanielJackson did what he believed was in the best interest of the team," Teal'c reasoned.

"But he..." Jack stopped as he tried to keep Daniel's condition out of the discussion.

"He is pregnant and that's got you scared to death, right," Lou said, patting Jack on the leg. "If my Peggy had done what Daniel did..." Lou shook his head, knowing no words were needed, and that Jack had every right to be upset.

Jack nodded. "We don't know what's going to happen as he gets further along, and with all this, I don't know what this could be doing to him ... them."

"How would he have handled it if we didn't come back because of those people?" Lou asked.

Jack shook his head, "I don't know, but at least he would have been safe. They both would have."

"We'll get him back to Dr. Frasier and she will make sure his wandering butt gets anchored really well this time," Lou joked lightly.

Jack smiled. "I am sure she will make sure he doesn't go anywhere without a ball and chain around his ankle."

"I do not feel this harsh device is necessary O'Neill, I am certain you will monitor his movements adequately," Teal's protested, not realizing they were joking.

"I'll take the first watch," Jack said, as he motioned that the conversation was over.

"Colonel why don't you just keep an eye on Daniel, we can handle the watches through the night?" Lou offered.

Jack nodded his appreciation. "We will break camp at 0700 tomorrow. We can wait for our window of opportunity to dial home at the gate, and hope the Natives are a patient bunch," he said as he headed off to his tent. When he crawled inside he found Daniel still asleep. He realized it had been a while since Daniel ate or drank anything so he gave him a gentle shake to wake him up.

"Come on Danny, you need to drink some water," Jack coaxed.

"Just tired," Daniel grumbled.

"I know you are but you have to eat something," Jack said firmly.

Daniel forced his eyes open as he looked around. He knew Jack was right. "Okay," he said cautiously. He reached out to take the canteen out of Jack's hand and swallowed a drink. He also took the power bar that Jack gave him and ate it without any protest.

Jack sat down on the ground, as he started to pull his clothes off before climbing into bed.

"Why don't you just yell at me and get it over with?" Daniel said, finally, the silence was almost stifling to him.

"No," Jack said as he laid down and rolled over.

"Jack."

"Home," is all Jack said and in that moment of silence Daniel knew he'd more than screwed up with Jack and that this matter went deeper than his being angry but hurt. Then suddenly it dawned on him, as he realized what really was going on, "Charlie. By putting him and the baby in harms way, it was Jack's nightmare all over again. Jack's greatest fear, losing another child."

Jack rolled back over and pulled Daniel gently onto his chest making it more comfortable for Daniel to sleep. Jack put a protective hand on Daniel's stomach. Jack never said a word but the single tear that Daniel felt drop from Jack's face onto his neck spoke volumes.

Jack slept restlessly through the night as he watched Daniel sleep. His mind was going a mile a minute as he thought about the baby, Daniel and what could happen as a result of everything that happened. "I can't lose another child" he thought to himself. "I don't think I would survive this time."

CHAPTER 12

In the morning everyone was up early. Jack let Daniel sleep as long as he could while the rest of the camp was broken down. Finally Jack had no choice but go and wake Daniel up. "Daniel, we're heading out soon," Jack said as he gave Daniel a shake.

"Okay, I'm up," Daniel said groggily. He rolled over to his side to try to get up. Jack watched Daniel struggle into his clothes before he reached out a hand to help him up.

"I'd let you sleep more, but we've got a ways to go and only a four hour window in which to gate home," Jack said, his eyes concerned, but he knew as did Daniel they had no choice in the matter. When the two exited the tent, they saw the rest of the group waiting.

"How you feeling Daniel?" Sam asked.

"I'm okay," Daniel answered, but the rings under his eyes contradicted his words. He was staggering trying to stay on his feet.

"We aren't going to let you walk any further Dr Jackson," Lou said. "My men have created a litter for you to be carried in."

Jack smiled appreciatively as he saw four soldiers walk up with a make shift gurney. "Lay down and rest Daniel," Jack said.

"That's not necessary," Daniel started to complain, "I can walk." He was embarrassed to be treated like a weakling.

"Dr. Jackson, I won't tell you again," Jack said, his use of Daniel's official title made it clear how serious Jack was. "We have a long journey ahead and we can't afford to be stopping as much as would be needed. So, you can either pick the stretcher or Teal'c, either way, you're not walking."

Daniel blew out a frustrated breath as he laid down on the stretcher. Sam covered him up with a blanket as he was lifted up.

Despite Daniel's assurance that he was capable of walking like the others, he fell asleep in about 10 minutes. Jack smirked as he watched Daniel sleeping so peacefully. He leaned into Lou, "like rocking a baby to sleep," he said with a slight smile.

Lou was standing right beside Jack, "and he's carrying your baby so it's about right," he said with a grin.

The hike back to the Stargate was long and tiring but eventually it came into view. SG3 had secured it but there was no more trouble from the natives this time.

They let Daniel continue to sleep as they all waited for the moon to get its butt in the right place so they could dial out. Jack was watching the seconds and when his Mickey mouse watch, given to him by Teal'c last year, struck the hour, Jack was on his feet.

"Carter dial us home," Jack said as he came close to the DHD. Jack let his eyes wander to Daniel still slept soundly.

Sam stepped up to the DHD and soon was entering her code. The wormhole opened and everyone headed up the steps to the gate.

The crazy, gut spinning ride finally ended at the ramp back at the SGC. The airmen carried the stretcher baring Daniel in it as they appeared. Jack was right behind them.

Janet was already in the gate room waiting for them. "We need to get him to the infirmary," she said as she came to Daniel's side, and over saw the stretcher being placed gently on the gurney she had waiting.

"Colonel I want to debrief in one hour," Hammond said, as he watched the rest of the SG teams emerging from the still open wormhole.

""Yes sir," Jack said.

"Good job everyone and welcome home all," Hammond said as he headed back to his office.

Jack sprinted after the gurney as Daniel was carried to the private quarters again. Janet had already ordered the necessary equipment to be brought there.

"Let's get a set of vitals and I want to prep him for an ultrasound," Janet said, as she looked to her nursing staff. Jack had followed Janet and the rest of the medical staff into the private infirmary. He watched as Daniel was gently changed into a hospital gown and his face and arms tenderly bathed to clean up the grime.

"Pulse 100, respiration is 26, BP 90/60."

"What's the temperature?" Janet asked.

"Temperature is 99 degrees."

"Let's get a blood count and a urine sample," Janet directed.

Jack stood off to the side watching intently as all the activity took place. When he saw the ultrasound machine moved into place he moved beside Daniel.

Janet squeezed the gel on Daniel's stomach, arousing him from his slumber with the cool slippery substance.

"Still keeping it in the freezer," Daniel mumbled as he started to wake up.

"Dr. Jackson how are you feeling?" Janet asked.

"Tired but okay" he said, "How's JD?" he asked.

Janet made an odd face, "JD?" she inquired.

Jack smirked, "that's the name for the little dudette inside him," he explained.

Janet nodded, "well let's see," she said as she moved the wand over Daniel's abdomen. She "uh huh" "uh huh" "oh," several times as Jack and Daniel held their breaths. Finally Daniel couldn't take any more.

"So did I hurt the baby because I was an idiot," he blurted out.

Janet smiled, "despite your sheer disregard for ALL the warnings I have placed on you, the baby appears to be unharmed from your little jaunt off world," she said. "BUT you are NOT going to be doing that again, you hear me Dr. Jackson."

Daniel slumped down in the bed, "Yes Janet," he said meekly. "I promise no more off world journeys."

"Are you done here?" Jack asked, eyeing the doctor, "Dr. Jackson and I have THINGS to discuss," he said.

"I am going to get an IV going to combat his dehydration but that will only take a minute," she said, sensing that the Colonel was about to give Daniel one heck of a lecture.

Daniel watched the nurse fuss around him for a minute with the IV before she left. As Daniel heard the thump of the door closing he knew the moment was at hand. "Before you get mad can I at least explain?" Daniel began.

"NO!" Jack said. "I am going to talk AND you are going to listen! You disobeyed a direct order NOT to go off world. You not only jeopardized the baby and yourself BUT you could have JEOPARDIZED the entire mission. What the heck were you thinking?" Jack paused.

Daniel thought that was an opening to reply but before he could even get a word in Jack continued. "You profess to be this extremely bright, intelligent person well you didn't prove it by me these last few days."

"Jack please can I say something?" Daniel asked quietly, not wanting to yell at this moment.

"No!" Jack shot back. "You are going to listen."

"Jack I know I scared you and I am sorry for that," Daniel tried to explain.

"You need to sleep now. We don't need to get into this!" Jack snapped.

"I think we do," Daniel answered. "You need to tell me what you're feeling."

"I am pissed off with your actions."

"I think It's more than that." Daniel replied.

"Just go to sleep."

"Not until you tell me what's got you so mad."

"Gee Daniel the fact that you are seven months pregnant and you decided to jump through a wormhole to a hostile planet. Hmm I wonder if that might have ticked me off," Jack said sarcastically.

"I'm not going to let you just blow this off with your sarcasm. Please Jack what's going on?"

Jack could see the face of his son flash before him as he looked at Daniel's stomach. He shook his head trying to brush away the image.

"It's nothing. Just get some rest. I have to go to a briefing."

"Jack...."

"Daniel."

Jack ... please."

Jack slumped down into a chair. "You both could have died, you do realize that, don't you?" he asked more calmly now.

"I really got this feeling like you needed me," Daniel explained. "I wasn't trying to harm the baby..."

"Danny I always need you, BUT I need you both to be safe. I can't lose another child," Jack paused, "I can't lose you either."

Daniel was stunned by the heartfelt plea of Jack's. "I'm sorry," Daniel said quietly.

"I have to get to the briefing," Jack said suddenly getting to his feet. "You stay here while I'm gone." Jack looked at Daniel with a very serious face. " I don't have to put a guard outside the door, do I?"

"No you don't," Daniel said, "I will be here," he said, "Just going to sleep for a while."

Jack nodded as he left the room. He went to the locker room to clean up before he went to the briefing room.

"Colonel," Hammond said, motioning for Jack to come in. "How's Dr. Jackson?"

"He's doing okay considering."

"Considering the fact that he blatantly disobeyed a direct order to stay in the SGC and not go off world you mean," Hammond added.

"I know sir."

"Care to share with me what happened?"

"I'm not exactly sure what motivated him to go but he said he had a feeling we were going to need him."

"A feeling?" Hammond said skeptically.

"I know sir that sounds pretty far fetched but in the end he was right," Jack admitted.

"In what way?"

"We ended up needing him to translate a language that was quite complex. The villagers were quite skilled and they were able to capture all the members of SG1, SG2 and SG3 rather quickly. Daniel had to translate to them that we weren't there to harm them."

"He really came in handy," Sam added, "the natives were fascinated by his condition and considered him to be a god because of it."

"Did he not compromise the mission?" Hammond enquired.

"He complicated things slightly but overall no he didn't compromise it," Jack said, not willing to throw Daniel to the wolves.

"Ferretti what do you have to add?" Hammond asked, needing all points of view of what happened before making his official report.

"Sir, Dr. Jackson was not a detriment to the mission. He acted in the best interest of all the SG teams in helping to get the prisoners released unharmed in the village," Lou said.

The briefing continued for another 45 minutes before Hammond dismissed everyone for three days of down time. Before Jack left he motioned for him to wait to speak with him privately. When the room was emptied Hammond spoke to him.

"Do I need to discipline him for his actions?" he asked, not as the commander of the base, but as a friend speaking to another.

"I don't think that will be necessary. He really knows what he did was wrong and he feels bad already," Jack insisted, "Besides I don't think punishing him would serve much of a purpose. He's not exactly in the condition to do much to rebel anymore."

"I will trust you to keep him under better control," Hammond said, seriously. "I don't want a repeat of this incident or I WILL be forced to do something more OFFICIAL!"

"I will take care of it sir, and thanks," Jack said as he headed out the door.

Jack headed back to Daniel's private quarters. He saw Daniel sleeping soundly when he came in. So many thoughts were running through his head as he just sat and watched.

The next couple days were very quiet as Daniel slept a lot and Jack stayed lost in his own thoughts. They spoke very little about the off world incident, both knowing the depth of pain the whole ordeal had caused for both of them but especially Jack.

Finally ten days after the off world fiasco Daniel was released to go back to work on a part time basis.

"Daniel I am very serious. I want you to only work about 3 hours a day," Janet said firmly. "And if you tire I want you to take breaks."

"I will," Daniel assured her. He was so bored he would have agreed to have his head shaved if it meant he could leave his little private room.

Jack had gone to a meeting early that morning so Daniel was free to head to his office to get started on the back log of translations that had piled up. He slipped on the very loose large baggy shirt and sweat pants before he left his room . He had long given up wearing BDU's when they all were too snug to be worn comfortably.

He went into his office and found three huge stacks of reports. "Guess I was missed,' he grinned to himself. The baby kicked him at that minute, "okay they missed us," he amended his words.

Daniel worked for the next two hours before he headed to the store room to get more writing paper. He unlocked the supply room and flipped on the switch. He looked on the main shelf but saw no writing tablets. He looked up and saw the bundle on the top shelf. 'that's never going to work,' he said to himself. He blew out a frustrated breath as he heard someone approach him from behind. A huge Marine stepped into the room.

"Did you need something Dr. Jackson?" he asked, very politely.

Daniel nodded. "Writing paper," he said, "but it's up there and I don't think me on a ladder is a very good idea right now," he sighed as he looked at his huge stomach.

The Marine smiled warmly, "my wife said the last trimester was the most awkward stage," he said sympathetically as he climbed the ladder to get the paper. "By the time our sons were born she was tired of feeling as she called it, like a swollen whale," he laughed lightly. "No offense," he said, suddenly afraid that he was insulting the linguist.

Daniel smiled, "none taken, and I can relate to the swollen whale feeling," Daniel patted his bulging abdomen. "I have a whole new respect for women now."

"My wife will be glad to hear that. She always said that she wanted me to go through just one pregnancy with her," the Marine grinned, "after watching all she's gone through, I can only admire what you have gone through as well," he said sincerely. "And I want you to know if you need any help with writing paper or anything else on those hard to reach shelves just ask for Sgt. Wilbury, and I will be right there."

"I appreciate that Sergeant," Daniel said warmly.

"Let's get these back to your office," Sgt. Wilbury said as he carried the large package of writing paper back down the hall. After they got back to the office Daniel took a seat on his chair again. "You need anything else Dr. Jackson before I take off?"

"I'm good thanks, and Sergeant, I appreciate the kind words. They really mean a lot."

"Dr. Jackson there are lots of guys and girls around here that are very impressed with what you've been through. Don't let the few jerks get to you . They just aren't worth it."

"Thanks again," Daniel said as he watched the Sergeant leave.

Daniel worked for another hour before the rumbling in his stomach finally told him it was time for lunch. He eased his now sore back out of his chair as he made his way down the hall. The efforts just to get around took a lot more effort as the pregnancy had hit the third trimester with a vengeance.

As Daniel entered the commissary the room went quiet. He looked around, hoping to find a familiar face to sit with as he ate. He went into the line to get something to eat. He had been pushing himself to keep his food intake to a normal level, not letting himself skip too many meals. His back was constantly sore now and he was getting worn out.

"Daniel I could have met you for lunch."

Daniels turned and saw Jack walk up to him. "I didn't know when you were going to be out of your meeting," Daniel explained.

"I am done now," Jack said, "let me get that for you," he picked up Daniel's tray and deposited his own food onto it as well.

"Jack I can carry my own food tray," Daniel complained.

"I know but you don't have to. I think you're carrying enough."

Daniel rolled his eyes. "I am getting tired of carrying this," he grumbled. "I feel so uncomfortable," he said, before he caught himself and shut up.

"Have you spoken to Janet about this?" Jack asked, concerned that Daniel was actually complaining about how he was feeling.

"There isn't anything she can do. It's just the weight of the baby and the strain on my back," Daniel explained. "Not much anyone can do."

By this time they had made their way to a table. Daniel started to ease himself into a chair. Jack watched the struggle and offered his arm as a balance so Daniel could ease himself down.

"It's even work sitting and hell standing is even more challenging."

"It's almost over Danny. Just hang in there," Jack said soothingly.

"Only nine more weeks," Daniel said. "If I can last that long."

"You're doing so good Daniel, I'm proud of you," Jack said quietly.

Daniel took his glasses off and wiped his eyes. "I just feel like it's been going on forever. That I have been pregnant forever."

The two finished eating in peace before they headed off to Daniel's private quarters. "I think I'm going to sleep for a while," Daniel said. "I feel very tired all of a sudden."

Jack helped ease Daniel into the bed and covered him up. "Sleep well babe, I love you," Jack said.

Daniel grabbed Jack's hand. "Stay" he said, "Lay with me."

Jack went and turned the lights down and crawled in beside Daniel. "Sleep now sweetheart. I'll be here."

Daniel smiled as Jack leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips. "I love you Jack," Daniel said as he faded off to sleep.

Jack didn't realize how tired he was as he too fell asleep along with Daniel. Several hours later he woke up with Daniel still in his arms. He gently eased Daniel off him and laid him back on a pillow. "You must really be tired," Jack said as he covered Daniel up.

Jack went and freshened up before heading off to get their supper. When he came back he went to wake up Daniel so they could eat.

"Come on Space Monkey time for supper," Jack said as he gave Daniel a gentle shake. "Daniel come on time for food."

Jack shook Daniel's shoulder again with no response again. "Daniel?" Jack's voice was catching as he shook Daniel a little harder but still Daniel didn't move.

He grabbed the call button that had been set up specially for Daniel and in a matter of a couple minutes Dr. Frasier and her team were running into the room.

"I couldn't wake him up for supper," Jack said. "I shook him but he just laid there."

Janet quickly examined Daniel, assessing him as well as she could. She took the baby's fetal heart rate as well. After several long minutes she came into the other room where Jack was waiting.

"Well?" Jack said, springing to his feet.

"I can't explain this sir, but he's in a coma," Janet said softly. "The baby appears to be fine. We are going to be running some tests to see if we can see what's causing this."

"He's in a coma?" Jack repeated back what he had just heard.

Janet nodded. "afraid so" she admitted. "I am going to assign a nurse to watch him at all times. Right now it's all we can do."

The next 48 hours were painfully slow for Jack. All the tests Janet ran came back clear. There was no reason why Daniel was in a coma, and there appeared to be no way to bring him out of it.

"I wish we could speak to the Brigmalayians about this procedure," Janet said frustrated as she read the latest lab results. "Perhaps they could shed some light on things."

"You want to speak to the Brigmalayians?" Jack asked.

"Are they not the race that caused this condition?" Teal'c asked.

Jack nodded. "Danny and I think so."

"Sir, perhaps we should go and talk to them," Sam suggested.

"Oh we're going to talk to them," Jack said, stone faced serious. "They are going to answer some questions about what they did to Danny."

"SG-1 you have a go to do some research, but remember to keep diplomatic ties open," General Hammond cautioned.

"Who me. I'm Mr. diplomacy," Jack said sarcastically as he looked back at Daniel. "Can I have a minute before we go?" he looked around the room.

The room emptied out as Jack took Daniel's hand in his. "Hang in there babe, I'm going to have a 'chat' with that king and see if he can shed some light on all this."

Daniel remained silent, locked away in his coma. Jack closed his eyes trying to find the words he needed to say. "Danny, the room's too quiet with you sleeping. I need you to open those baby blues of yours and tell me it's going to be okay, because right now it's not. I'm...," Jack paused. "I'm....," he stopped again, the words almost stuck in his throat..."I'm scared...," he whispered. "I don't want to be alone anymore. I need you and I need our baby. I need my family," Jack said, in a very hushed tone. "Don't leave me to face the world alone again."

Jack stayed very quiet as he listened to the soft rhythmic breathing. He prayed silently that whatever higher power there was would help bring Danny and the baby back to him safely. Finally he got to his feet. "I will be back as soon as I can Space Monkey . You just rest."

When he stepped out of the room Janet stopped him. "Sir, I hate to bring this up but we need to discuss this situation."

"Discuss what?" Jack asked, not sure what Janet was getting at.

"At the stage we are at, we aren't sure if a crisis happened if we could save both Daniel and the baby. I need to know if there is a choice to be made who's life do we save first?" she asked.

Jack looked like he had been punched in the gut. "You can't expect me to choose," he choked out.

"As the next of kin for the baby and the person that holds Daniel's power of attorney, you have the right to choose," Janet explained. "I am hoping it never comes to this, but we need to know your intentions."

Jack felt nauseous. "Give me a minute to think," he whispered. Janet nodded as she slipped off into another room. Jack went back into the room where Daniel lay. He stood and stared at the end of the bed, looking at both Daniel and the swollen abdomen.

He looked skyward, "what do I do?" he asked looking for divine inspiration.

Jack closed his eyes as he thought about all the scenarios of a world without Daniel, a world without the baby and a world with both of them gone. All of them seemed wrong. Finally he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He grabbed a piece of paper from Daniel's note book and put his thoughts to paper. When he was done he sealed them in an envelope and wrote the words, "for Dr. Frasier's eyes only," on the cover.

He found her in the hall, trying to look busy while she waited for him. He walked over to her. "Here," he said handing her the sealed envelope. "Don't open it unless you are at the stage," Jack said.

Janet nodded as she slipped the envelope into her pocket. "I hope I am never at that step," she said softly to herself.

A few minutes later Teal'c, Carter and Jack were on their way through the stargate back to Brigmalayia.

When the emerged on the other side they were greeted by the same welcoming committee that had the first time they went there. "Greetings and salutations from Brigmalayia," came the very proper response.

"Yeah whatever," Jack said, "I need to see your King," he insisted.

"His majesty is in the city," the two Brigmaylians said. "Follow us."

The SG team followed their guides back to the city. It was a short trip and a few minutes later they were shown into the throne room where the king was holding court with several of his followers.

"Colonel O'Neill it is with great joy that we welcome you," King Rhontomic said as he nodded his head regally.

"Yeah well it's good to see you too," Jack replied, his voice tight, reflecting his somber mood.

"What brings you to our city today?" the king asked.

"We are here because of Dr. Jackson. You know the linguist that we brought with us eight months ago. He's the one you gave the "gift" to," Jack said, his temper sitting right on the edge.

The King motioned with his hands to clear the room before he continued. Soon the only ones left in the room were the SG members, himself and two of his guards.

"I would think the time is drawing near for the gift to arrive," the king said with a smile.

"That's the problem. Dr. Jackson isn't doing well. We need you to come and talk to our doctors about this technique you use to impregnate a male" Carter explained.

"Impossible!" the king said. "I can not leave my city" he insisted. "I am needed here!"

"Your presence is also required on Earth," Teal'c said.

"I am sure your friend will produce a healthy off spring as do all the men we chose to have produce the gifts," the king tried to assure them.

"With all due respect, but we aren't just going to take your word for it here. Our doctors need to ask you some questions and you need to come with us," Jack said, his Mr. Diplomacy act waning fast.

"This is technology that is too advanced for your simple world. We can not share the knowledge with you. It is beyond your capabilities," the king said simply. . "I'm afraid I must remain here."

"I so don't think so," Jack said, suddenly pulling his zat gun out. "I really hate to do this," he said as he zated the two guards and grabbed the king. "But you ARE coming with us!" he said.

Jack stepped up to the king and in a matter of a few seconds the king was unconscious courtesy of a pressure point technique.

"Let's get back to the gate," Jack said.

"But sir?" Carter protested.

"Is there a problem Major?" Jack asked.

"Sir we can't just take the king like this," she insisted.

"We're not. I AM!" Jack said. "You won't be held accountable for this. I will make sure of it." Jack went to pick the king, but Teal'c stepped up.

"I shall carry him. You can cover me," Teal'c said as he easily put the man over his shoulder and the two headed to the door.

"Wait," Jack said, knowing that it would be way too easy for someone to notice the King being kidnapped and moved and ripped down some of the fine velvet curtains that were draped along the wall. "We can wrap him up in this. If anyone asks, it's a large rug...gift from the Kin," Jack smirked, his eyes giving a dark glow of pleasure.

Teal'c did was he was instructed, the placed the King over his shoulder and the two headed to the door.

Sam stood in the same place for a moment, not sure what to do. She reluctantly followed her CO out of the room. The three made a mad dash to the stargate. They were fortunate that their departure wasn't noticed immediately as they left the city. The two 'greeters' at the stargate posed no threat as they too were zatted by Jack as they approached. A few short minutes later and the four gated back to the SGC.

CHAPTER 13

General Hammond was awaiting their arrival at the end of the ramp. "What do you have there, Colonel?" Hammond asked as he watched Teal'c emerge with the 'rug' on his shoulder.

"This, sir, is King Rhontomic," Jack said as Teal'c unwrapped him. "Permission to take him to the infirmary," he asked.

"Are you insane, Colonel?" Hammond replied, his anger and shock showing. "Did I not say I wanted you to keep Diplomatic ties in GOOD condition? I not sure that kidnapping their KING qualifies...do you...Airman?" he asked Jack sternly.

"Sir, he's the only one who can help with Daniel's condition and he refused...I just helped him...see things my way," Jack replied. "And for the record, Carter had nothing to do with it."

"I'll be speaking with AIRMAN Carter later, in the mean time..." Hammond said, but Jack interrupted.

"Sir, may I at least take him to the infirmary?" he asked knowing that even a few hours might make a difference and he dared the King to deny Janet Napoleon Fraiser, when her patient's health was on the line.

"Granted," Hammond growled. "We will debrief in one hour, Colonel and you BETTER have a damn good explanation for this," Hammond said as he watched the group headed off towards the infirmary.

"What happened to him?" Janet asked, immediately going into doctor mode.

"He's just sleeping," Jack said. "He will be fine in a few minutes."

Teal'c laid the king down on the sofa as Janet went about examining the king. "He appears to be unharmed," she said.

Just then the king started to wake up. He sat up and looked around. "What am I doing here?" he asked, instantly alarmed.

"Just take it easy. You are here to help with Dr. Jackson," Jack said.

"I told you I couldn't come with you," the king insisted.

"Well I guess I must have missed that," Jack said. "But now that you are awake you come with me. I want to show you something," Jack motioned for the king to follow him.

"The rest of you stay out here," Jack said, "and just to make it official, that's an order," he added.

The rest of the people in the room stayed back as they watched Jack escort the king into the room where Daniel lay deep in a coma.

The king looked at Daniel with puzzlement. "What is the problem?" he asked.

"He's in a damn coma," Jack said curtly. "The doctors don't know what is wrong and he won't wake up."

"And this is a problem?" the king asked, sounding way too casual to Jack.

"I want to know what you did to him and what is wrong" Jack said tersely.

"I am sorry Colonel O'Neill, as I said before, I can not tell your people of our technology. It is beyond your level of ability to understand," the king said calmly. "Now you will return me to my planet?"

Jack suddenly snapped. He spun around and faced the king, standing only inches from his face. "You are staying right here to make sure Daniel is going to be okay. You said this baby was a gift and yet you are prepared to leave and let them both die," Jack lowered his voice so that only the king could hear him. "Listen very carefully, I am not prepared to lose another child nor am I going to lose Daniel. YOU are staying and you will cooperate! If they die, I have nothing left to live for and that means I will kill you before I kill myself."

The king looked into Jack's face. "You are serious," he said very quietly.

Jack walked over and closed the door. He turned to face the king. "I am deadly serious. I will NOT lose them and you will help me so that doesn't happen."

"I will stay," the King said finally.

"Good choice," Jack muttered under his breath.

The king went to Daniel's side to observe him. "He is in a state of Premaria."

"What is that?" Jack asked.

"It is the state before the child is born," the king replied.

"What can we do to wake him up?" Jack asked.

"Nothing," the king answered honestly. "All we can do is wait."

"That's not acceptable!" Jack snapped.

The king sighed, "it is not in my power to stop the state of Premaria. It is part of the process of Fligormiania. The last days of the growth period are very difficult for males to carry a child so Premaria helps the body cope with the demands."

"When will he wake up?" Jack asked, now paying closer attention.

"I do not know. Each experience is different. This is the most dangerous part of the Fligormiania, it is the stage where the body and mind are challenged to see if they are worthy of bringing the child forth. If it is deemed worthy then the man shall awake just as the child is ready to be born." The king paused.

"And if its not deemed worthy?" Jack spluttered.

"Then both the carrier and the child shall both perish," the King answered solemnly.

Jack threw the door open. "Janet you better get in here!" he yelled.

The doctor, along with Teal'c and Carter came into the room. "Tell Dr. Frasier what you call this coma that Daniel is in," he directed the king.

The king turned to face Janet and the others. He explained about the Premaria stage and its purpose.

"So in essence it is a way of helping Daniel handle the last part of the pregnancy?" Janet asked.

"There's more Doc," Jack said. "According to King Rhontomic here, there's no guarantee that Daniel will survive this stage."

"I do not understand your emotions. If Dr. Jackson is worthy he will awaken, if not, is it better not to know this now?" the king asked.

Jack grabbed the king by the throat and pushed him into the wall. "You damn well better hope he is judged worthy because if something happens to him, to either of them, God won't be able to help you."

"Colonel!" Janet yelled, trying to get Jack to release the choke hold on the king. as Teal'c placed a hand on Jack's wrist to show he meant to stop Jack from making a serious mistake.

Jack glared at the king, his eyes piercing a hole almost through him. "Do you understand me?" he said in almost a whisper.

The king nodded slowly.

Jack took a step back and let the king free. "We will wait here together until Daniel wakes up," he said.

"That could take many of your days," the king commented.

"Then you better be really good at waiting because as of right now you and I are going to be joined at the hip until I know this "gift" is going to arrive safely," Jack said coldly.

The temperature in the room dropped considerably as Jack stared down the king. Jack's piercing eyes told the king that he was skating on thin ice and not to cross the obviously out of control man.

"We shall wait then" the king said, trying to maintain even a minuscule of dignity.

"Sir, General Hammond wants to see both you and the King as soon as possible...he's concerned about a diplomatic incident," Carter said, needing to point out to her CO how thin of an ice HE was skating too.

"Please, inform your General Hammond that I am here by choice and I shall inform my people later," the King said, his manner calm as if he had never been threatened.

Janet, Sam and Teal'c stayed for a short time before they made their excuses to leave. The three of them had formed a silent agreement not to say anything about the threats to the king as long as Jack didn't cross the line and actually harm him.

Days went by with no change in Daniel's condition. Jack stayed locked away with the king only a few feet away. The two spoke very little as they watched the man in the bed remain still. They slept in the room on cots that Jack ordered to be brought in there. Food was also delivered to their very confined living space.

The General had ordered a VIP suite for the King, but the man declined, allowing Jack's decision of their 'living space' stand. On several occasions the General had offered to send the King home, that Jack would be punished for his actions, but again, the King stated he was there by his choice and there was no need to punish O'Neill for he did nothing wrong, and so it went as time passed.

Janet, Teal'c and Sam would come by on a regular basis but no matter what they said, Jack would not back down from his permanent vigil at Daniel's side. They could see the king was not harmed so they left him with Jack.

One morning Jack woke up early and saw that the king was still sleeping. They had been confined to their space for almost two weeks and to Jack's surprise the king continued to remain regardless of Hammond's offers. Jack went over to the bed and crawled into the space beside Daniel. "I miss you so much," he said brushing away a tear he hadn't allowed to be shed in front of anyone else. "This baby was our miracle, our chance to be a family. You have to be okay Space Monkey, both of you," Jack said softly. "It's been way too quiet without you around Space Monkey . I love you both."

The king woke up to the soft words. "You share your heart with him?" he asked quietly.

Jack was initially started by the other voice in the room as he turned and saw the king. He finally nodded. "Yes I do," he admitted. Jack sighed. "I am scared to death to lose him, and our child."

"I sensed your connection when I chose you two to create the gift," he said.

Jack was exhausted. He hadn't been sleeping much, he was afraid to leave Daniel's side in case he needed him. His anger had digressed to pure despair and fear.

"Daniel and I love each other," Jack said softly. "And despite all he had to go through to carry this baby, he wanted it so badly." Jack rubbed Daniel's abdomen gently. "Your gift caused him great distress. He was sick repeatedly. He ached constantly. He never wavered in his love for the little girl inside of him."

"If he has been true of heart through the whole Fligormiania then there should be no reason why he won't be successful in producing the offspring when the time is right."

"I wish it was that simple to just believe you," Jack shook his head. "But seeing him laying here like this makes it just a little hard to do. That's why you are going to stay until he wakes up in case there is something you need to help with."

A tap on the door broke up the conversation. General Hammond stepped into the room. "Colonel, your Highness," he said formally as he greeted the two men.

"We have received a communication from Brigmalayia insisting that the king return home," he said. "They are alarmed at how long he has been here."

Jack started to get up off the edge of the bed, but then just hung his head. He didn't have anymore fight left in him. "Just go," he said despondently. He knew that even if the King didn't press charges, Hammond was going to rake him over the coals for his actions. But at the moment all he cared about was his Danny and JD

The king turned to look at the Colonel before speaking. "Send word to Queen Taritanta that I shall be here for a while longer," he said. "I am needed here until the Fligormiania is complete."

Jack put his head up. "You don't have to stay," he said.

"I shall stay until this gift arrives," the king said. "General Hammond, you have my answer. Please inform my Queen of my decision."

"As you wish" General Hammond said, as he stepped back out of the room.

After the door closed Jack turned to the king, "You could have left long ago, why'd you stay?"

"I know now that you are not a man of threats or violence, but instead a man of deep passion. I think when I chose you two for this I was correct. I am sure that your love will be well soon," he said with a knowing smile.

Jack looked at Daniel, "I hope so," he whispered.

The next few weeks ticked by slowly as Jack and the king built a stronger rapport. They no longer were adversaries as they waited for the time for Daniel's baby to arrive.

When week 36 came, Janet started to breathe a relieved sigh. "I think this baby can be born any time now," she said. "We should think about doing a cesarean to speed up things" she suggested.

The king was confused, "cesarean?" he asked.

"We can surgically remove the baby," Janet explained. "At this stage of a pregnancy the baby can survive very well outside the womb now."

"You can't!" the king said instantly.

"But this is the best thing to make sure the baby survives," Janet explained.

"Perhaps, but if you do this procedure, Dr. Jackson won't survive the Fligormiania" the king said. "It must be completed before he will wake up."

Janet looked at Jack, "Sir?" she looked at Jack. "This is your decision. If we take the baby now, she should be fine, but it's up to you?"

Jack stared at Daniel, "and if we wait?" he asked.

"I am not sure about this Fligormiania?" Janet answered honestly. "Your Highness is there a chance that both of them could die if we let it go to the end?"

"Yes there is a chance that at the end, both the carrier and the child will perish," the king answered, "it is part of the procedure to determine whether the gift has been given to a worthy individual" he explained. "If you take this child now, Dr. Jackson will die, that is a guarantee."

Janet looked at Jack again. "We can wait sir another week or so for you to decide," she said. "But if we want to make sure the baby is okay we have to do it before 38 weeks. After that, I just don't want to risk it"

Jack stared at Daniel and the now very large bulge in Daniel's stomach. "How do I make this option?" he thought to himself. "How do I chose one over the other?"

After Janet finished her examination she looked back at Jack. "Everything looks good. His vitals are good. The baby's heart rate is excellent," she told him.

She could see the torment on Jack's face. "I will leave you alone, sir" she said. "If you need to talk I will be in my office."

Jack barely acknowledged her words as he stared at Danny. The king was now free to come and go as he wanted on the base, but remained with him majority of the time, yet now he. "I will go to your food location," he said. "I will be back in a short time."

After the door closed, Jack went and sat on the bed. He scooped Daniel into his arms. He was careful not to disturb the IVs but at that moment he needed to feel Daniel close to him. "Danny what do I do?" he whispered to his lover. "I can't decide here." Tears were running down his cheeks. His heart was breaking. "How do I chose one love over another?" Jack stayed in the bed and rocked Daniel in his arms.

"The choice is right in front of you" a voice said quietly behind him.

Jack turned to face the king. "I want to hate you so much for doing this to me," he said. "I hate this position I am in. Take me, if you must. If there has to be a sacrifice made to be sure that Daniel and the baby survive ...take me. I will give myself freely to this ritual," he said emotionally. "I'd rather die than let either of these two go."

The king nodded. "Then that will be the decision," he said, as he approached Jack. "You will be the one to be deemed worthy," he said. "If you are willing to die so they can live I will convey that to our Gods."

Jack swallowed hard. "What do I have to do?" he asked.

"You both need to come with me," he said. "It must be done now."

"We don't know if the Stargate will hurt the baby?" Jack said.

"We will not use the circle travel," the king told Jack. "I can take you there another way."

"How?" Jack asked.

"You have to trust me," the king said.

Jack looked at the king, "I have to leave a note telling the General where I went," he said.

"As you wish," the king replied.

Jack went to Daniel's laptop computer and typed up an email addressed to 4 people

When Jack was done with the email he set it to be delivered in two hours. He figured that would give them enough time on the planet before General Hammond sent a search team to find them.

"Okay I'm ready," Jack said, looking around. Jack scooped Daniel up in his arms as he looked at the King, for it seemed the man was busy unhooking Daniel as Jack wrote his letter and not a sound was heard from the machines, buying them even more time.

"We shall go now," the king said as he twisted a tiny crystal on his wrist band, as he held Jack's arm.

A few seconds later the three emerged on the planet surface. Jack was stunned. "You REALLY could have left any time you wanted to," he said.

The king nodded, "Yes," he said.

"Why didn't you go?" he asked.

"Initially you had me worried and I stayed to keep you from doing anything rash, but soon I realized that you were not a threat but that you needed me to be there to keep you from imploding emotionally," the king said.

A welcoming party arrived moments later and the three were taken to the castle. Daniel was immediately put into a beautiful room that was obviously set up for this procedure. Jack hovered right beside him, watching as Daniel was very gently laid on a large bed, that was covered with satin linens and royal crests on the pillow cases.

"It is time for you to face your decision" the king said. "Are you sure of this?" he asked.

Jack went to Daniel's bedside and kissed him tenderly on the lips. "I love you Danny," he said, "don't ever forget that."

He turned to the king. "I am sure," he said.

The king nodded. "Sit," he said as he motioned to a chair against the wall. Jack nodded as he sat down slowly onto the chair. "This will not hurt" he said as he held up a small circular device. "It will relax you." A sharp sound emitted from the center of the device and Jack slumped over immediately.

Hours went by as Jack remained unconscious.

CHAPTER 14

Back at the SGC the email arrived right on time. General Hammond's first response was to send a team to Brigmalayia to bring back his two SG-1 members.

Teal'c, Sam, Janet and Ferretti were soon on the ramp waiting for the Stargate to open up along with the rest of SG2.

"Good luck and God speed, bring them back," Hammond said.

The group headed through the open wormhole.

When they arrived at the other end the welcoming committee was there waiting. "We have been expecting you" they said as they watched the SG team arrive. "Come with us."

"Where is Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson?" Ferretti asked, bluntly.

"Come with us," was all the greeters would say. "The king wants to see you."

The group had no choice but to follow obediently.

****

In a chamber in another part of the city "Jack" Daniel blinked his eyes. "Oh it hurts Jack," Daniel gasped as he grabbed his stomach.

Daniel looked around as he tried to focus without his glasses. He felt around the bed and felt a lump beside him. "Jack, the baby," Daniel panted.

Jack blinked several times as he opened his eyes. He saw Daniel's face looking down at him. "Danny?" he said in shock.

"Yeah, oh man it hurts Jack. Help me," Daniel moaned, as the contractions were hitting him hard.

Jack jumped out of the bed and ran around to the other side of the bed. "Hang in there Space Monkey," he said as he ran to the door, throwing it open. He looked down the hall. "We need some help here!" he yelled as he ran back to Daniel's side.

The king and several other men in robes appeared in the room. "It is time," the man in a golden robe said with a bow. "The gift is about to arrive," he smiled.

Daniel was gasping in pain as he was being hit with sharp pains one after another. "Oh man it hurts so bad," he said as he grabbed Jack's hand tightly.

"Help him," Jack pleaded, totally lost what he could do to help with Daniel's pain.

The man in the golden robe came close to Daniel and nodded. He ran his hand down Daniel's abdomen to his groin area. "You are now ready to bring this child forth," he said, as he stepped back.

Daniel looked puzzled. "How?" he gasped.

"Your body shall expel the child with your own energy," the golden robed man said. "I have made your body ready for the procedure."

Two other men went and moved Daniel into the birthing position. Suddenly Daniel realized what they were talking about. "I am going to deliver this baby?" he said incredulity.

"You must," the golden robed man said. "It will signify the last stage of the Fligormiania."

Jack moved beside Daniel, stunned that Daniel's body had been transformed somehow to allow for a birth passage.

"Oh man I need to push," Daniel panted, as he felt the baby moving inside him. He felt Jack at his side.

At that moment, Teal'c, Sam, Ferretti and Frasier were shown into the room.

"We thought you could use someone familiar for this," the king said as he motioned for Janet to come to the bed.

"Shit it hurts," Daniel panted as he felt the urge to push again.

Janet's jaw dropped as she realized that Daniel was about to deliver the baby. She shook her head to focus without letting the million questions running through her head interfere with what she had to do.

"Okay Daniel you need to push," she said. "Colonel push him up to a sitting position," she said.

Jack moved behind Daniel, "come on Space Monkey, let's get this baby out of you," he said.

"I'm trying," Daniel said, "This isn't exactly easy," he said breathlessly.

"Okay Daniel bear down and push," Janet commanded.

Daniel sucked in a deep breath and with everything in him pushed as hard as he could. He exhaled, exhausted.

"You have to push again," Janet said.

Daniel grabbed onto Jack's arm as he forced himself up and to push even harder.

"I see the head," Janet said, excitedly. "Come on Daniel, one more push."

Jack wiped Daniel's sweaty brow. "Come on babe, you can do this," Jack coached him on.

"Ok JD let's get you born," Daniel said with steely determination. He clenched his eyes closed as he pushed again.

Teal'c, Carter and Ferretti were standing back against the wall, observing in silent amazement by the whole procedure. They never said a word as they watched the miraculous birth.

"One more push and she'll be out," Janet said.

"I can't," Daniel exhaled. "I'm tired" Daniel slumped back. "I just can't."

Jack leaned into his ear, "Please babe, for me. Do it for me," he said softly as he squeezed Daniel's shoulder gently.

Daniel looked into the eyes of pure love as he nodded, "Okay Janet one more," he said, as sweat ran down his face. With all the remaining energy he had left he pushed the baby out.

The sweet sound of a baby crying filled the room. "It's a beautiful baby girl," Janet said as she held up the newly delivered baby.

There were many moist eyes at that moment as the newest member of the SG family made her very vocal appearance.

Janet wiped the baby as well as she could before she laid her on Daniel's chest. "Here's your daughter," she said with a huge smile.

"Our daughter," Daniel said, as he and Jack stared at the baby.

Jack smile was mixed with sadness. "I can't believe you two are okay," he said with a relieved voice. Janet covered the baby up and stepped back as the man in the golden robe motioned her away.

"The Fligormiania is complete," he said, as he ran his hand down Daniel's stomach and down to his groin area again. "And now you are whole again," he said as he nodded before stepping back.

Daniel and Jack were too wrapped up in admiring the baby to pay much attention to what he was saying.

Janet looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"The procedure is complete, I have returned things to how they should be," he said.

Jack kissed Daniel on the forehead as he turned to the king. "I am ready now," he said, as he stepped away from the bed. "I will keep to my end of the deal."

"Jack what are you talking about?" Daniel asked, looking at his lover with concern.

"Daniel I love you and the baby. This is something I had to do for you both," Jack said. He stepped closer to the king.

The king motioned for Jack to come closer. "It's time," he said.

"Time for what?" Daniel asked, trying to sit up more in the bed. "Jack?"

"Your friend made the choice," the golden robed man said. "He will be judged and not you," he explained. "Fligormiania is the ultimate judgment and it is time," he said.

Jack saw Daniel trying to get out of bed. "No Danny, not this time. You stay here with the baby. It's going to be okay."

"Jack?" Daniel's voice carried with him as he left the room. Jack waved off Ferretti , Teal'c and Carter as he walked past them all.

The king raised up the circular device and activated it. The occupants in the room were immediately rendered unconscious.

****

The sound of a baby crying brought people out of their stupor.

Daniel opened his eyes and looked around. He saw the baby laying beside him in a basket, snuggled carefully in blankets.

The rest of SG-2, Teal'c, Carter and Frasier were there also. "Jack!" Daniel called out, looking around.

Carter and Teal'c were the first on their feet. "Where are we?" Carter asked, looking around.

Ferretti looked around. "We're in the gate room," he said.

"I concur," Teal'c said taking in his surroundings as several Marines came rushing in at their sudden arrival.

Daniel was trying to get to his feet. "Where's Jack?" he asked feeling disoriented.

"Daniel you have to stay off your feet,." Janet insisted.

"I have to find Jack," Daniel said, pushing himself off the ground. He felt instantly light headed but he didn't care. "Jack where are you?" he yelled.

The rest of the members of SG2 were getting to their feet, confused how they ended up back on earth without going through the stargate.

Hammond appeared almost immediately "How in the dickens did you get here without the stargate?" he asked.

No one knew the answer to that. "And where is Colonel O'Neill?" he asked.

"The email," Carter said suddenly.

"What email?" Daniel asked.

Sam pulled a copy she printed out of her pocket. Daniel forgot all his manners and snatched it from her and read it, his face paling as he read it. His face turned pale. "What sacrifice?" he asked, confused.

"I think he was willing to sacrifice himself for you two," Teal'c said, motioning to the baby beside Daniel.

Daniel shook his head. "Why?"

"I think you know the answer to that DanielJackson," Teal'c said, nodding, regally.

Daniel slumped to the floor, he did know the answer.

Janet ordered a wheelchair for Daniel to be brought back to his private room along with the baby. When they went in the door they were surprised to see King Rhontomic there.

"I see you have all recovered from your sleep," he said.

"Where is Jack?" Daniel asked, getting to his feet.

The king motioned towards the bedroom. "What you seek is in there," he said.

Daniel pushed past everyone to go into the room. Jack was laying on the bed, starting to stir. Daniel ran to his side. "Jack."

Jack rolled over onto his side and sat up. "Danny," he said with a smile. He turned to the king, "I don't understand."

"You two are the most worthy pair we have ever chosen. Your willingness to sacrifice yourself was the ultimate test. It was apparent from the moment we started to watch you, that there was nothing you wouldn't do for this family of yours," King Rhontimic said to Jack.

"Nothing," Jack agreed.

"I will go now. Be happy," King Rhontimic said as he turned to go.

"Thank you," Jack called after him.

King Rhontimic turned to face Jack. "even after all you have endured you say that?" he was confused.

Jack looked at Daniel, who was holding the baby again, and nodded. "Yeah I do," he said as he stood up. "You have filled my life with something I never thought I'd have again."

"And what if you had been deemed not worthy and your life was taken," King Rhontimic asked.

"Then I would have died for my family and I could have lived with that," Jack said honestly. "That is what it was all about, right."

"You are an astute man, O'Neill," the king said. "Wise beyond your years," he bowed to Jack.

He turned to Daniel, "You are very lucky to have him as your Shentahowa (life partner)," he said.

Daniel nodded, "I know."

Jack grinned, "Does that mean I get to name the baby?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

Daniel smirked, "Yes you can name her," he said, as he crossed his fingers that it wasn't Josephine.

"Sweet," Jack said, as he very gently pulled the baby into his arms. "I know the perfect name for you," he said as he kissed his daughter on the forehead. "Jadani Claire welcome to the world," he said proudly.

Daniel nodded, "Jadani Claire, I like that," he smiled.

"Hope you don't mind if we call her JD," Jack said with a grin.

"It's perfect," Daniel agreed. "Well JD hope you can handle having two dads that are going to be just a little over protective of you."

"A little?" Jack laughed. "I think this is one baby that is going to have the whole SGC watching her six."

A few minutes later Janet motioned for everyone to leave. After the room was cleared out she returned. "I need to examine you," she said to Daniel, "before I can leave you alone."

Daniel nodded that he understood. In a matter of a couple minutes Janet snapped off her gloves and smiled. "I have no clue how the Brigmalayians do what they do, but you are in surprisingly good condition," she said. "A little rest and you should be as good as new."

"I feel fine," Daniel assured her . "More than fine, I feel great," he squeezed Jack's hand, "Jack I don't understand one thing," Daniel turned to face his partner.

Jack smiled, "the test, right?" Jack asked.

Daniel nodded.

"Daniel remember a long time ago I told you I only reveal what I need to," Jack reminded Daniel, "well I realized that this test was something that needed to be completed without sacrifice to our family. You two needed to be okay. If I was to be taken it was the will that I was not worthy to have you two in my life, but ..." Jack winked, "I knew there was no way I was going to fail that test,' he said with a smirk.

"So you were gambling on yourself?" Daniel asked.

"I think I had pretty good odds to be okay," Jack chuckled, "and heck look what we got to show for it," he said peeking at the sleeping baby.

At that moment Jadani decided to kick up a fuss. "I think she's hungry," Jack said.

Daniel groaned, "I hope they don't expect me to, . ." he looked down, "damn they do," he said as he felt his swollen glands.

Jack smirked, "Guess they want you to have the whole experience," he chuckled.

Jack picked up Jadani and handed her to Daniel. "Okay time to eat," he said as he watched Daniel snuggle the baby to his bare chest.

"This is just too weird," Daniel said, as the baby instinctively began to nurse, "oh man that's...oh geeze," he said as he watched in amazement the baby taking nourishment from him.

Jack sat back against the pillow and watched with interest. "You're a natural at that, Danny."

"Oh shut up," Daniel said as he continued to nurse Jadani. "If you tell anyone about this I am going to, ...oh man JD not so hard," he grumbled.

"What's the matter Danny," Jack laughed.

"Never mind."

"Danny you know something."

"What's that?"

I know this is all kind of strange, but it feels good too."

"It does to me too Jack, even this," Daniel motioned to the baby.

Janet stepped into the room and saw what was going on. "I wondered about that," she said honestly, "I noticed that your glands were quite swollen."

"Janet you tell anyone about this and I personally can guarantee I will haunt you," Daniel threatened.

"I think its pretty amazing," Jack said.

"Me too," Janet agreed with a slight bit of envy with the bond that was already growing between parent and child.

"So when can we go home?" Daniel asked hoping to change the subject.

"In a couple days," Janet answered. "We want to keep an eye on you all for a couple more days to make sure everything is settled and then you can all go home."

"Can I at least get out of bed?" Daniel asked.

Janet nodded. "That's probably a good idea. You should try to get on your feet."

"Sweet, we can go for a walk and show the baby off," Jack grinned.

"I need to shower," Daniel looked down at himself. "I feel gross."

"I am sure the Colonel can help you with that," Janet smirked. "I think you will find everything you need for the baby in the other room," she said as she left.

The two showered and dressed, with Jack helping Daniel who was still a little light headed from too long off his feet. Daniel's body was almost back to normal size but he still liked the loose fit of the baggy clothes.

While Daniel was dressing Jack took JD out to the main room. "Look at what we have here sweetheart. Lots of pretty thing for you to wear," he grinned holding up a tiny pair of sleepers. Jack tenderly changed the baby's diaper and dressed her.

Daniel stood in the doorway watching Jack. "you're a pro at that," Daniel said as he took a slow step forward. Jack got to his feet and came to help Daniel to the couch.

"You are so good at taking care of things," Daniel commented.

"I promise I will always do my best to take care of my family," Jack answered.

"I know you will. You always have."

"Ready to go for a walk?" Jack asked, eyeing Daniel carefully, "Just lean on me and we'll go slow, okay?"

"Okay, just nice and easy," Daniel said, as he watched Jack wrap the baby in a blanket.

"Want me to carry her, or do you want to?" Jack asked.

"You mind carrying her? I still feel a little off here and I don't need to accidentally drop her," Daniel replied.

Jack grinned, "I never mind carrying this little angel." He picked her up and cradled her close to his body.

The O'Neill/Jackson family made a very slow walk down the corridor. As they passed people they could see the new little bundle in Jack's arms.

The three made their way to the briefing room where SG1 and SG2 were briefing the General on the mission. When Jack and Daniel walked in, everyone jumped to their feet.

"Sir," Sam said as she watched the two slowly head to the table.

"At ease," Jack said, as he eased Daniel down into a chair.

"So this is the newest member of the SG family," General Hammond said as he came to Jack's side.

"Yes sir, this is Jadani Claire," Jack said, intentionally leaving off a last name.

"Jadani Claire O'Neill," Daniel corrected him, "Or JD for short," Daniel smiled at Jack.

"O'Neill?" Jack looked at Daniel with surprise.

"She has my mother's name, I think she should have her father's name as well," Daniel explained.

"Well little lady welcome to our team," General Hammond said softly as he admired the tiny bundle in Jack's arms.

"She's so small," Sam commented.

"Trust me she was big enough," Daniel said, remembering the birth quite clearly. "All 5 ½ pounds of her."

How you feeling Dr. Jackson?" General Hammond asked.

"I'm okay sir," Daniel asked, "just a little tired."

Jack's ears perked up. "Did you want to head back?" he asked.

"Nah, I'm fine sitting here," Daniel assured him. "Besides, I think JD has a captive audience at the moment."

Sam was holding the baby and the members of SG-2 were standing around admiring her. Suddenly Jadani let our a soft whimper. "I am not sure what's wrong with her, sir?" Sam said with concern.

"She's either wet, hungry or tired," Jack said, "at this stage that's about all newborns are concerned with."

Jack went and took the baby back. "Daniel I think we better get back. I think she's hungry again," he commented. Jack looked over at Daniel who had fallen asleep on his arms at the table.

"Looks like the new mommy is tired," one of the SG2 members joked.

Suddenly several sets of eyes spun to look at him. "Excuse me?" Jack said, stepping forward.

The airmen had the decency to look embarrassed. "I was only joking," he said.

Lou stepped up to his crew member, "I trust you'll have plenty to time to ponder your joke when you clean the main corridor on your hands and knees with a toothbrush," he said. "Now go," he snapped.

"Yes, sir," the Airman responded with a firm salute before he dashed out of the door.

Jack looked back at Lou, "A toothbrush?" he smirked.

"Spur of the moment decision," Ferretti laughed. "I think we better get your tired friend back to his room."

"I shall assist DanielJackson," Teal'c said, as he scooped Daniel into his arms, like a small child.

As the O'Neill /Jackson family left the room, everyone stood back to watch.

"You think they'll be okay, sir?' Carter asked.

"I think they will be just fine. Colonel O'Neill will make sure of it," General Hammond said.

"I have no doubt of that," Sam replied.

"And we will be here every step of the way to support him," Lou added as the others nodded in agreement.

Back in the private quarters, Jack got Daniel all settled in bed before he took JD in his arms and started to feed her a bottle. "I know you would rather be fed by your other daddy, but he's pretty tuckered out right now," Jack cooed at the baby. He rocked gently in the chair as he fed the baby. "I love you sweetie" Jack said as he kissed JD before playing her back in her basket. Jack crawled in the bed beside Daniel and threw his arm around him. "Love you Space Monkey," he said as he pulled Daniel into his chest.

"Love you too Jack," Daniel mumbled as he continued to sleep.

As everyone in the room fell into a sound sleep, King Rhontimic and the golden robed man showed up quietly in the back ground. "We have chosen well."

The robed man nodded, "indeed," he said as he nodded. "I think this child will lead this world to greatness one day," he looked at the sleeping infant.

"And that shall be the greatest gift of all," King Rhontimic said, as the two silently disappeared.

The End