Tethra

by Dee T

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/deetervo/tethra.php
Summary: On a mission to a fabled world, from which legend says no one ever returns, events take an unfortunate turn for the members of SG-1.

Chapter One - The Arrival

"I tire of this." The young man sat dejectedly, tracing circles in the powdery gray soil. "We come here each day, to press symbols into the controller at certain intervals. Nothing ever changes."

"Stop your complaining," the more rugged of the two youths chastised. "It is ordained by our lord so as to close the Chappa'Ai to unwanted visitors. You know this! We perform a most vital function by day..." He paused with a knowing smile, "as well as by night! You must agree... nighttime is most pleasurable."

Brushing himself off and shaking fine ash from golden ringlets, the boy shrugged in response and moved to the raised circle of symbols. The watery glow of the Chappa'Ai had already faded as they were debating, and it was past time to enter more symbols. His hand hesitated and pulled sharply back, as if shocked by touch of the stone.

"What is it? Why do you not proceed?"

"Haven't you ever wanted to be among those who did the choosing?" A mischievous tone, one born of rash ideas, crept into the first youth's voice.

"It is not our place. Our lord would..."

"Our lord would be greatly pleased should we make an acceptable find. And if we do not, no one would be the wiser!"

Before he could formulate the rest of his plan, the Chappa'Ai began to click and lights glow. Stumbling over each other, the boys rushed to the sole hiding place, a large rock, and breathlessly waited.

An odd device appeared, propelling itself about, whirring and buzzing. Burning with curiosity, the youths could barely remain hidden as the blue waves of the Chappa'Ai continued to shimmer. More time passed and the device stopped moving and quieted itself down. Taking the lead, the dark-haired youth rose to investigate.

"Someone comes, I can feel it," the first youth warned with a stern whisper, pulling his companion back to safety. Daring a furtive glance around the rock edge, his eyes widened as the urgency of his voice increased. "I see a curious thing," he relayed to his partner as he observed newcomers emerge from the Chappa'ai. "A female and a jaffa warrior, traveling together in foreign garb. What think you of them?"

"They are certain to be of no use to our lord. We shall simply send them away, and if your actions bring punishment upon me... you WILL regret it!" the taller, dark-haired youth angrily dismissed, not even bothering to take a look. Remembering their earlier attempts at hunting, he pulled a slender dart and crossbow from his cloak.

"Wait! Do not yet fire. More strangers arrive." The blonde youth cooed with appreciation as the next two humans stepped forward. "These! Now these require much closer examination. They appear so strong and virile! The one with the floppy adornment on his head there is a special appeal to him. I think he would be most gentle and yet strong with me. Do tell me what you think of them!"

"I am not certain. If they are warriors, it would not be advisable." Stretching to take a good look at whoever had caused such a reaction in his friend, the doubtful youth had a change of heart. "I can tell you with certainty that I would very much enjoy evaluating them. Ready your dart for when the Chappa'Ai closes, then act upon my signal."

The plan though ill conceived and rushed, was nonetheless successful. The newcomers were easily drugged and split up... half transported to a random set of symbols through the Chappa'Ai... and half carted off to be examined.

Chapter Two - The Examination

Daniel woke slowly, fighting his way past a cottony veil upon his senses. All feedback from the outside seemed distant... dulled. The first thing to clear was his hearing. Three people were discussing something... analyzing it actually... comparing notes. Their voices a quiet monotone, almost lulling him back to sleep.

That was until he realized he was unable to move... and something was resting on his thigh. It felt like flesh. He opened his eyes next and wished he hadn't. A hand, a male hand, was placed matter-of-factly on his thigh, and he was seated in a partly reclining chair, apparently the focus of much unwelcome attention. The figures standing around him were blurry, his glasses missing yet again, and his mind seemed to be working at half-speed. He became aware of his body bit by bit, at first noting the constrictive binding of his hands behind his back. His fingers throbbed in rhythm with his racing heart.

Trying to move his legs brought no results. They were painfully forced apart and tied in some manner outside his field of vision, he supposed to the chair legs. With a total body flush of embarrassment, he also noted he'd been stripped naked, with his only covering being a wide strap that ran tightly around his waist, further restricting movement.

The unanticipated horror and humiliation of being purposefully placed... obscenely open and vulnerable overwhelmed him. He started to hyperventilate, and tried closing his eyes to regain some composure. 'An explanation, there has to be a rational explanation,' he attempted to convince himself.

Voices filtered through to him once again, along with intimate, far-from-gentle touches. "The color is appealing and the length acceptable. Performance, however, is not guaranteed by appearance nor length." A snickering laughter passed through the group.

"Still he is somewhat young, handsome in appearance, and did you see how his skin tone changed with his increasing awareness? It became a pleasant shade of reddish-pink."

"He has kept himself pleasingly clean," a third voice added.

"Has anyone tried to test his responsiveness?"

"Responsiveness? He's been lying there as if dead." "Well, he wakens now. If he is to be fully functional, he must have proper reactivity and superior stamina. Hours of display and performance are sometimes required. He must take and give pleasure to those of greater and lesser rank, as well as please the eunuchs as they have need to be pleased."

A harsh voice intervened. "Do you presume to explain the way of things here to me? I am not convinced he has the makings of anything but a eunuch." With those words, a cold metal rod was shoved alongside Daniel's penis, and his softened flesh was painfully stretched beyond its maximum length.

Daniel's eyes flew open as he tried to free himself from the agonizing grasp.

"Oh look! He awakens completely! I had feared the sedative may have reacted badly for him, as his companion made full recovery much longer ago." Concerned violet eyes ringed in blonde curls peered into Daniel's own, with an attempt at a reassuring smile.

As Daniel desperately strove to voice his anger over such treatment, 'What the HELL are you doing? Get your hands off of me!' All that came out was a series of slurred, unintelligible nonsense. One of the young men attending to him seemed to sense his concerns, and stopped a moment to address Daniel directly. "Do not be alarmed. The numbing effect of the dart has been very slow to clear your system. Soon you will fully recover."

Daniel looked from the young man's face down to his own nakedness and restraints then locked eyes, with a mixture of fear, anger and defiance.

"Ah... yes... well... that... So sorry to have you awaken under these circumstances, but our lord arrives soon and he would not be pleased if you had not been evaluated and categorized by then. No... he would not be pleased at all! So... being unable as we were to ask you directly, we've set about determining whether you would make a better eunuch or pleasure slave."

Apparently unaffected by Daniel's disbelieving look of shock and horror, the youngster continued speaking. "This place has been created by our lord as a haven of relaxation and relief from the tensions that build in a man. There are no females here, as their ministrations are not preferred by our lord. The males who have the honor of serving here are arranged partly by our lord's preference and partly by ability and race into ranks. The eunuchs rank lowest. They must obey all commands given to them. Then by race and ability... as well as attractiveness... the rest are ranked. You must always submit to those of higher rank and of course our lord presides over all. We exist for his pleasure, all the while attending to the needs of each other so as to remain in harmonious coexistence. Try not to pay attention to Rolag. You will see, soon you will be very happy here."

Daniel's mouth suddenly felt very dry, and he was certain he'd faint if he weren't untied soon. There was little feeling left in his hands, and his legs were cramping from their unnatural position. Unnoticed by Daniel, an older attendant had filled his hands with warm oil, and now moved to Daniel's side. Unlike the concerned young man who had been explaining things, this one did not make eye contact with Daniel. He directed all comments to the youth. "I have told you, he will make a most exquisite eunuch! His skin is almost flawless... and now that I have seen him open his eyes... they shine with heavenly beauty. He is destined to provide pure pleasure for all who live here."

Daniel could hear the desire filling each word the man spoke, but they were words empty of concern, or humanity. He felt a shiver course through his body, that brought his knees to quaking, as he now sensed the large hands massaging his thighs and reaching under to rub his buttocks. He tried to arch away from the touch, but it was impossible to move. His feeble attempts at struggling brought cruel laughter from the man, as well as a strong slap to his genitals. Daniel groaned in response - glaring.

"Unless you wish to be rendered mute as well, I suggest you refrain from crying out," the older man commanded. "Enjoy it! This is only the beginning."

"To hell I will enjoy it, dammit!" Command of his voice had returned, but it wasn't doing him any good. The massage quickly progressed to include his genitals. His embarrassment deepened. He was more than being examined; he was about to be raped! Nothing in his experience or training had prepared him for this, and there seemed no way to avoid it.

The man standing over him grinned with lascivious intent and his laughter was cold, penetrating, and humorless. There was nothing appealing about him. He had the weathered appearance of an aging laborer and bore the attitude of one who'd been subjected to pain, and thoroughly enjoyed inflicting it upon others.

Daniel knew what sort of response they were looking for, and he'd be damned if he'd give it to them! The warm oil did feel incredibly good, but the anxiety over his captivity completely removed any question of his being able to perform sexually. So... for several minutes he remained massaged and limp.

The experienced hands moved to his rectum, and with practiced ease, fingers entered him... stretching none-too-gently... stimulating. Too his horror, Daniel felt his nipples register a level of arousal, but the rest of him remained remarkably under control. He willed himself not to respond.

"I told you!" the invader spoke to the others in the room. "I have now confirmed as I suspected. He is unable to stiffen appreciably, as you can all see. But let me insist again, I see much use for him." The man punctuated the last comment with a deep thrust of multiple fingers into Daniel.

Daniel felt his entire body flush and he groaned once again, pain mixed unbelievably with pleasure. Somehow his tormentor knew that he was beginning to respond. A satisfied, sickening grin crept across the man's face. Another finger entered, increasing the pressure, magnifying the pleasure-pain. Daniel had to turn his head away; it was his only way to escape. He found himself staring again into the young blonde's face. The lad seemed almost disappointed and spoke with a sigh, "Perhaps Rolag is right after all." His face brightened a bit as he added, "You do have a choice as to method of castration!"

Feeling his head swim, as the assault on his body continued, Daniel heard the youth listing off unspeakably brutal alternatives as if they were dinner choices. "There is a chemical method... not preferred by our lord, as the parts remain... and he finds that... distracting. So, that leaves the surgical method, with appropriate anesthesia of course. However, that is viewed as the coward's way and results in the lowest of the low rank even among the eunuchs. Finally, there is the method of tying off, whereby the sacs and penis are wrapped tightly by thin, strong cord, after having inserted a tube to prevent closure of the urine stream of course. Then, all is wrapped very tightly, and maintained for a number of days. During which you would be heavily drugged. Things just... shrivel and... eventually fall off! See?"

The youth laughed nervously and seemed prepared to open his robes... Daniel assumed to show him the results of such barbarism. Instead of looking with interest, as the youth had hoped, Daniel's stomach turned and he promptly wretched and passed out. That was not until he had lost control over the effects of the relentless massage and revealed a rather impressive erection to his tormentors and admirers.

Chapter Three - Where Are We?

Keeping a watchful eye, zat gun drawn, Teal'c sat cross-legged on the ground. Major Carter's head rested on his thigh. Several times he believed she would awaken, but slumber persisted. He was unable to determine how they arrived on this world, and half of his team was unaccounted for. The black, dense forest reminded him of the dark side of the Land of Light. He did not wish to encounter hostile forces or alien viruses. Staring with frustration at the DHD, he knew there was little more he could do until Major Carter did wake and determine the sequence for dialing Earth.

A large, black hand gently brushed the ash from golden hair, as she stirred restlessly. Teal'c had never allowed himself to view Major Carter as anything other than a warrior, but now, as he shielded her from harm and took in her beauty, he enjoyed the silken texture of her fair hair... her delicate skin. In this moment, she transformed into a lovely woman, and Teal'c became uncomfortable. Shifting too quickly, he was unable to react fast enough to catch her. Much to his concern, Major Carter's head slid off his leg and made a sudden impact with the ground.

"OW! Wha...... the....? Teal'c? Where are we? What happened?" Sam exclaimed as she sat up slowly, rubbing the back of her head.

"I am not certain Major Carter. It appears we are no longer in Tethra, the Land of Ashes. Are you in need of assistance to stand?"

Sam felt Teal'c's strengthening touch as he arm encircled her. She leaned into the support as she tried to make her legs respond. "The Colonel and Daniel, where are they?"

"I am hoping they did not fall into harm, as they do not appear to be here with us."

Teal'c continued to hold her as Sam tried to collect her thoughts. Standing upright was doing little for the process, as Sam suddenly felt light-headed and nauseous. "Teal'c. I really need to lie down," Sam managed to say just as the world dipped and twirled about her, and she lost consciousness once again.

Chapter Four - The Presentation

Sometime later, Daniel awoke, this time with great trepidation. Reflexively, his hand shot to his groin and he relaxed a bit as he found everything still intact. Mercifully, the second thought hit him, he was also untied. He did smell the worrisome odor of anesthetic, and felt a twinge in his chest muscle as he sat up. Looking down, he saw himself entirely nude, except for two lavish, gold and jewel adorned nipple rings - one embedded in each nipple - and a sparkling gold chain suspended between them. The chain attached to a golden ring, which had been threaded onto his penis.

Another thought... not a dream, no... all too real. What was going on here? Eunuchs, pleasure slaves, some sort of lord overseeing it all... Memories of his exam began to assault him. Shivering, he tried to block them out. It didn't feel good... did it? Couldn't have felt good, it was rape. Oh God! He'd been raped, and promises made of more to follow. What of the rest of SG-1? Were they subjected to a similar treatment?

After recovering slightly from the shock of apparent sexual slavery, he looked about the room. For the moment at least, he was alone and sitting on a bed in what appeared to be a barracks or dormitory. Sounds of someone at the door caused Daniel to search about for a suitable covering. There was none to be found. Folding his hands with modesty over his lap, he waited for the door to open, setting his mind to finding his missing team members and getting out of there, although he had no idea how.

"Oh! Please forgive, Daniel. I have so much to do and in my haste, I have allowed you to awaken unattended. You may call me by the name given to me at the time of my bindings. I am simply called - Slave. How may I assist you?"

It was the young attendant who had given him the digest version of castration methods. "You know my name?"

"Yes, yes. Your companion has been asking for you by name."

"Jack?"

"Yes, Jack. He will soon be presented to our lord for final determination of his status. This... Jack... found it hard to keep his place with respect. That is until we mentioned your presence here, and then he quieted considerably."

Daniel's heart sank. They were using him to manipulate Jack. "The others who came here with me?"

"I tried to explain, perhaps I was not very clear. No women. No jaffa warriors. This is a place of pleasure for my lord. No need to remind him of things that are worrisome..., and he does so love a beautiful man!"

Daniel saw the youth look lovingly at his body, and he blushed furiously at the implication. "Wh... wh... what is your given name? The name you were born with?" Daniel asked, refusing to call him 'slave'.

"I have no other name and truly no other purpose here," the youth answered honestly.

Seeing the uselessness of debating the subject, Daniel continued to question, "So my other friends are not welcome here. What has happened to them?"

"Oh. They were sent away. They won't be back though. As is the procedure when new members arrive, we have shut down the Chappa'Ai, and will leave it so until our lord commands otherwise."

"Your lord... is he a Goa'uld?"

Ignoring the question, or perhaps not understanding it, the boy continued. "You are also to be brought before our lord. I am relieved you are awake and suitably dressed."

"Suitably dressed?" Daniel echoed as he looked again at his definite lack of attire.

"When our lord favors us with a visit, to be dressed is to not be dressed." The boy then removed his robe, revealing what Daniel had earlier suspected. His body was free from any hair, indicative of his lack of male hormones. His genitals were... nonexistent. A small slit amid a bulge of skin was all that remained. The lad clearly enjoyed Daniel's inquisitive stare and took the liberty to explain. "I am first among the eunuchs, praised for my youth, beauty and responsiveness! You have never seen a eunuch before?" "No... no..." Daniel stammered. "Only... drawings. Ancient drawings...."

"What a pity," the boy responded. "This is all that remains of male adornments, a small opening where I pass urine. It does suffice."

Daniel had to drop his eyes as his stomach again roiled at the sight of the mutilation.

"Don't be shy," the youth breathed, as he advanced toward Daniel and reached out to tug his nipple chain lightly. He leaned into Daniel's chest and whispered, "I could give you much pleasure."

Daniel was momentarily stunned into silence, as the youth began to fondle him. Quickly he recovered and brushed the offending hand away. "You asked before how you could assist me. What I really want most is to get out of here with my companion and go back..."

A frightened look came to the boy's eyes. "Do not ever say such things! Men have disappeared after saying such things, and I know they did not go home! You have little time, you must appear soon before our lord and he will decide your rank. Let us go quickly. Even now, Rolag pleas with our lord for you to become a eunuch, or at the very least, a lower rank than he."

"Will I see Jack?" Daniel asked.

"Yes."

Daniel desperately wanted to see Jack and make certain he was okay, even if it meant parading around in the nude for some leering, bastard Goa'uld, so he followed willingly.

Upon reaching the throne room, Daniel barely concealed his joy at seeing Jack across the room. Jack... so composed... Jack... raising his eyebrows at Daniel... concerned, yet confident. Proud defiance radiated from the man. Thank God for this truth... Jack was there and he was okay. It was as if nothing could ever touch his soul, not even this complete degradation.

On closer inspection, Daniel saw that Jack was also undressed but unlike himself, Jack's arms remained bound tightly behind his back, and his ankles were hobbled together. 'Guess he's been giving them a hard time,' Daniel thought. Daniel's eyes traveled over his teammate's body, at first checking for outward signs of maltreatment, then his gaze lingered on the nipple adornments. Jack had been given clamps and a heavy gold chain. Daniel felt growing arousal within him, that he quickly dismissed. He attempted to tell Jack with his eyes that everything was going to be alright, when trumpets sounded and the two new arrivals were pushed to kneel.

A smooth, high-pitched voice announced, "All who dwell here welcome our lord, returning from victory in battle, and in need of relaxation, celebration and release. All kneel in supplication to our lord, the mighty Heru'Ur!"

Heru'Ur walked swiftly into the room, nodding to those present and stopping midway between Jack and Daniel. Upon catching sight of the new humans, his arrogant scowl was replaced with a malicious grin. "Your lord is greatly pleased indeed! I was not told the new slaves were Tau'ri. Now..." Heru'Ur stated with clear enjoyment, "I find I must decide, as I am in need of both a eunuch to serve me and a fully functional slave for my bed. Which... shall... be... which? Hmmmm??"

~~~~

'Daniel! Oh God... Daniel's all right.' No one would confirm to Jack where any of his team was. 'Other than looking nervous as hell, and being buck naked... he really seemed okay.' Jack wasn't paying attention to Heru'Ur's prancing and dancing, he was all eyes for Daniel. 'Was he trying to reassure me? They have him trussed up and looking good - waaaay too good for this place. If anyone so much as lays a finger on him... Geez... His nipples are pierced! I thought clamps were bad - that's gotta hurt. Sure hope they didn't try anything else. What did the bastard Goa'uld say? Eunuch? Bed slave? Crap... Daniel... Why him, huh? How about playin' with me?' Jack watched helplessly bound as two jaffa grabbed Daniel by each arm and deposited him in front of Heru'Ur. 'He remembers Abydos, Danny, but so do we. We beat him there, and we will again, if you can hold on.' Jack watched a nightmare come to life as Heru'Ur's hand began to stroke Daniel's chest.

~~~~

"I shall not rush to judgment," Heru'Ur teasingly spoke as he pulled sharply on the chain attached to Daniel's cock and nipple rings. "After all, the decision is permanent and cannot be reversed. I have gone too long without the pleasures of mating. Come proud Tau'ri," Heru'Ur commanded to Daniel. "Convince me, in my bed chamber, that you would serve me better if you were not a eunuch."

Jack dared not to speak, but voiced his anger in glares and fist-clenched tremors. 'His bedchamber? Over my dead body!' His gut twisted at the realization that Daniel had already received much the same treatment as he had. Somehow for him to have endured that kind of tying down and invasion... he knew he'd survive... but Daniel... Jack gritted his teeth as he watched Heru'Ur stroke Daniel's hair. There was no way he'd let that snakehead use Daniel like that... Daniel... stripped... adorned... blushing... lips quivering...

His military instincts in high gear, he looked around the room for any possible escape route. 'A plan... there always had to be a plan. Not likely this time. Room full of armed guards... one exit... and one pompous Goa'uld...' His attention returned to the scene before him. Apparently Heru'Ur was sensing his frustration. 'Dammit to hell!' There was no hiding it. Jack couldn't stand the thought of Heru'Ur even looking at Daniel, never mind touching him. Jack's knuckles were turning an odd shade of white.

Heru'Ur clearly enjoyed the torment he was causing, and decided to stay a moment longer. Memories of his last encounter with these slaves came back to him in detail. He nodded toward Jack with a gesture to the kneeling Daniel, "This is the one who risked his life for you? Who attacked me with his bare hands to protect you? What would you sacrifice for him? Anything? Perhaps... everything?" Continuing to watch Jack's reaction, Heru'Ur loosened the cord about his waist, and dropped his pants. To Daniel he instructed, "You will stiffen your lord and take him into your mouth. Heru'Ur desires to grant you the supreme honor of releasing deeply into your throat."

No denying it now, Daniel was going to be mouth-fucked in plain view of 50 others, including one who thought the world of him - who would give him anything - sacrifice everything. Jack pulled tightly against the chains holding him fast. He could do nothing but watch as Daniel began to tentatively lick the proffered member. He looked like he was going to be sick.

Heru'Ur spread his legs and leaned against Daniel's lips, pressing - demanding entrance. Jack could hear a slight gagging sound as Daniel held his breath and took the Goa'uld into his mouth. Heru'Ur inflated like a damned balloon - then went at it. He slammed into Daniel's throat, commanding him to suck, hard.

Jack could see tears forming in Daniel's eyes. He was crying and turning a dusky shade of blue. Son-of-a-bitch was choking him! It wasn't the first time his freedom had been taken away, and he was no stranger to watching a teammate being interrogated, threatened, beaten'Ķ even killed. He'd never lost control - wasn't an option - survival depended on a cool-headed leader. But now as he watched Daniel trying his damnedest to give Heru'Ur what he demanded... as Jack was made to passively kneel and watch that thick, long, hard-on abuse Daniel's mouth and soul... he felt a torturing of his own heart... against which he had little defense.

~~~~

This had to be the high point of Heru'Ur's week... make that month... hell, possibly year! He already knew the slave would have little trouble getting him to stiffen, he could stiffen just thinking about the pleasures to follow. But the sweetness of having the slave who challenged him... humiliated him with a knife of all things... looking daggers at him as that slave helplessly watched Lord Heru'Ur penetrate the mouth of his companion... ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! So stimulating! And to add to his euphoria, the slave kneeling before him... taking him deep with strong, moist sucking... agile tongue flicking... this slave was giving him masterful pleasure.

The room politely applauded as Heru'Ur arched his back and rapidly signaled his orgasm, grasping Daniel's hair and shoving himself deeper still into his captive's throat... shuddering and smiling with relief.

Not thinking of the consequences, a choking Daniel spat the poison seed onto the floor, and immediately wiped all traces from his lips with the back of his hand. The room silenced.

Rather than explosive anger, Heru'Ur calmly gestured about the room, asking, "What is the punishment for such disrespect?" "To become of lowest rank!" the room answered as one. Carefully tucking himself back into his pants, Heru'Ur let his right hand rest on Daniel's head and decreed a loss of manhood celebration for this Tau'ri to be held after one day of preparation. Turning to Jack he added, "So, it would seem you are to be the fortunate one!"

Chapter Five - From Bad to Worse

Angry thoughts surged through Jack's mind as he was dragged from the display and preening room to the bedchamber. No preparation... no ceremony. He was basically manhandled into the room, tossed onto the bed and his restraints adjusted so he was cuffed by one wrist and three feet of chain to the headboard.

'This was deep shit. Definitely deep shit. Damn snakehead was gonna make him pay... probably for all of it. Cimmeria, Hathor-mother-of-all-popsicles, defying him on Abydos...

Then there was Daniel. Had to admit, Daniel looked good... worried... but not hurt... yet. That was one plus. Whenever that bastard snakehead made Daniel take his...

God... Eunuch? Did the goddamn bastard really say eunuch? Now he expects to have some kind of fun. Fat chance.'

Using his free hand, Jack gingerly removed the nipple clamps. "OWWW... JEEZ... that HURTS!" he blurted, attempting to rub circulation back.

After only a short wait, Heru'Ur entered... naked and obviously turned-on. "Tau'ri slave! On your knees. Kree!"

"I'd rather not," Jack firmly responded.

~~~~

Daniel watched Jack dragged, struggling against his bonds, into Heru'Ur's bed chamber. Daniel was forced to wait alongside Rolag outside the door. Judging from the sounds of non-cooperation within and the desirous looks from Rolag, Daniel knew it would be a long night.

"Listen to them," Rolag grunted. "It makes me lust for release listening to the spirit of your friend as he fights off the advances of our lord. Would you fight in similar fashion should I attempt..."

Daniel's look said... 'Don't even try, mister.'

Rolag backed down. "Our lord demands us to be patient. However, I will be first to take you, once your rank has been determined."

Despite his attempts at blocking the sounds, Daniel could hear enough of orders barked and punishment meted, to know that Heru'Ur demanded cooperative slaves, apparently if he had to beat the 'cooperation' into them.

~~~~

Moving swiftly to the side of the bed, Heru'Ur grabbed Jack by the shoulders and easily tossed him on the floor. His cuffed arm pulled tightly back against the chain.

Reflexes kicked in as Jack got his legs under him and tried to stand.

Before he could, a strong, well-aimed backhand caught him across the face and sent him sprawling once more. Certain he'd come very close to dislocating his shoulder, Jack moved more cautiously, opting to kneel. This much he'd give. He would wait for the right moment.

"Good!" Heru'Ur rewarded him. "A bit slow to respond, but soon you will do immediate bidding."

Jack cast his eyes downward. Didn't particularly want to look face-to-.... Certainly didn't want a repeat of what Daniel had endured, although he could think of a few painful things he'd do if the Goa'uld tried it.. 'Daniel... dammit to hell... what was happening to Daniel?'

"Now, I command you to kiss the hand you offended and ask your lord what you might do to please him." The voice. Rough. Haughty.

Jack closed his eyes and pursed his lips tightly closed. The touch of Heru'Ur's hand gently against his cheek sent shivers of revulsion all over. 'Bite him? Oh wouldn't that take the cake... but Daniel.'

The hand continued to move, until the palm was placed over Jack's lips. It was sweaty... hot... smelled of power and death. Jack remained motionless.

"Now! I command it!" Heru'Ur spoke louder, his impatience rising.

Jack opened his eyes, looking past the hand... beyond the weeping weapon of erection... up Heru'Ur's body to meet the eyes of his tormentor. It was all written there. Heru'Ur the smug... the arrogant... fully expecting Jack to cave in with spirit-broken groveling... and start kissing and fuck the night away. Jack didn't smile, although he wanted to. The posturing idiot had no idea who he was dealing with. None. So much to Jack's advantage.

The Goa'uld tipped his head with an impatient look.

Jack opened his mouth, never breaking eye contact... and spat.

After only a second of shock, Heru'Ur exploded into what Jack figured was a ton of barn-burning, Goa'uld cuss words. Flinching at the onslaught, Jack prepared for the worst. As certain as bad feelings... it came.

With determined sadism, Heru'Ur began to attack the slave who had now repeatedly defied him. Twisting the bound arm tightly behind his captive, he

threw Jack onto the bed, then barehanded, enjoyed beating him into submission. First blood was drawn as Jack felt his lip split. As a shark, Heru'Ur targeted the blood and covered Jack's mouth with his own. Jack was drowning under the onslaught of a self-proclaimed god.

Jack tried to wrest himself free from the intimately brutal intrusion, but his head was held fast. A tongue invaded, and Jack took his chance. This time he did bite... hard... and as the two warriors' blood mingled, Jack brought up his leg to make full contact with Heru'Ur's bursting erection.

The Goa'uld recoiled, not allowing the human to see his discomfort.

The intensity of the attack immediately lessened. Jack needed the time out. He'd been worked over but good... and everything hurt. He began to wonder when the real business was going to happen. Brain drain wrist things, zats, the fun toys. Maybe that wasn't part of the rules here, maybe it was some wacko, one-on-one sex... power... submission thing. Jack ground out the words with pain-filled determination, "You can go to hell if you expect me to willingly become your sex slave. AIN'T... GONNA... HAPPEN...!"

Heru'Ur stood rubbing his bruised member with an almost boylike hurt. "You will regret this."

The next words Heru'Ur spoke threw a switch inside Jack, from fury to freefall. The bastard was calling for Daniel to be brought in. 'The only way to protect Daniel was... oh god...'

~~~~

There was another sound of skin striking skin, and a groan, softer this time. "Bring me the one soon to become a eunuch," Heru'Ur yelled through the closed door. Daniel was led immediately inside, blindfolded and restrained. Heru'Ur then ordered Rolag to place his sharpest blade at the base of Daniel's genitals.

Standing motionless as the cold metal pressed into him, Daniel held his breath.

~~~~

Jack began to struggle once more as his other arm was cuffed to the headboard. Now, he was tied face down on the bed, his arms fastened securely to the headboard by chains. He managed to flip onto his back just as Daniel was brought into the room.

Alone he would go out fighting. No question there. But this... He looked at Daniel... tied... blindfolded... stock-still... bowie knife at his genitals... oh god. Jack understood what was required long before Heru'Ur said a word.

~~~~

"I demand that you submit and allow me to take you, or I shall have the ceremony now, without the benefit of a priest or numbing drugs. I doubt he would survive." Heru'Ur proclaimed.

There was a long silence. Daniel knew what Jack must be struggling with... and he also knew what Jack would do to protect him. At that moment, he wished he'd fought harder. He wished he'd refused to comply with Heru'Ur's orders. He wanted to no longer exist, and thereby give Jack the freedom to defend himself. After a while, he heard the bed shift and Heru'Ur spoke in a silky voice, "Better... much better. Spread wider, take me entirely in, then as I gift you with my seed, thank me for it."

~~~~

'Submit to him... take him in. THANK him! Goddammit! All in front of Daniel. And if Heru'Ur decided not to keep his end of the bargain? No choice...'

Jack could see only one way. If he did as he was told, Daniel might have a chance. It all came down to Daniel now. He needed to protect him... any way he could. The need was far greater than being his commanding officer. He had to spare Daniel any more horrors of this place, no matter what it took... even if it meant giving the enemy full advantage... even if...

Jack felt a burning in his chest and an explosion of emotion. This was likely the hardest thing Colonel Jonathan O'Neill had ever done for country or teammate... the biggest sacrifice... for which there'd never be a Medal of Honor. Colonel Jonathan O'Neill... US Airforce... Special Ops... Special Assignment... Asgaard Special Envoy... many times decorated for bravery... heroism... turned himself over on the bed... moved into position steeling himself as best he could for the rape he knew would follow, and surrendered.

~~~~

Daniel could hear Jack groan. He supposed it was the pain of entry... after all, Heru'Ur was huge. This was followed by sickening grunts of Heru'Ur's pleasure.

~~~~

No one in the room moved. Apparently Daniel was going to be forced to stand like that for the whole thing. Jack tried to silently ride the waves of burning pain and pressure as Heru'Ur took him, but more than once a groan of pain escaped his lips.

Heru'Ur would grunt and encourage the sound of Jack's pain, as sweat oozed down Jack's back and neck... falling freely from the impassioned, triumphant lord who thrust into his slave with recklessness and mixing with Jack's blood that began to ooze from the forced joining.

To Jack's absolute horror and confusion, the stimulation began to arouse him. Heru'Ur noted with descriptive pleasure the wakening of Jack's erection. "See how the slave enjoys the mighty Heru'Ur! Stiff and full of want, he can find release among the eunuchs later." With laughter and a mighty satisfied roar, Heru'Ur orgasmed.

Before Jack could collapse into his own humiliation and pain... there was yet one more thing. One more... and he'd have bought Daniel a bit more time. How could he ever bring himself to say it? Had to be now, or all was for nothing. The Goa'uld accomplished what months in an Iraqi prison... alone... could not. This time it was self given up for love of an other.

A small voice spoke, "Thank you."

~~~~

Daniel could finally breathe as the knife was removed from its threatening position. Once again, Jack had made a great sacrifice for him, and Daniel couldn't help wondering if it would be of any ultimate consequence.

"It is not yet dawn, and I find I do not tire. Prepare the Tau'ri for the ceremony now. It will begin after sunrise. I wish to bear witness. Go! Now! Have the prize eunuch prepare him," Heru'Ur scoffed.

"You can go to hell you bastard!" Daniel yelled, and found himself immediately gagged.

~~~~

Jack could only watch, once again helpless to act, wondering if there might be some way to convince Heru'Ur to change his mind... and knowing if it were at all possible... it would cost him... big time.

Chapter Six - Fatal Attraction

Sam woke, this time more clear-headed. She was comfortable and warm - wrapped in a strong hug. Her eyelids fluttered as she momentarily relaxed. Then she tensed and her eyes popped open. "Teal'c?"

"Yes Major Carter, it is I. You have awakened fully this time?"

Sam felt his embrace loosen, and gentle hands smoothed her hair and jacket. She sat up slowly, untangling herself from Teal'c's body. In the dim light, she could make out Teal'c's bare chest. "Why are we... where are we... what happened to your shirt?" This was making absolutely no sense. It seemed as if she'd fallen asleep in Teal'c's arms.

"The night grew cold. I was unsuccessful in my attempts to waken you, so I provided my jacket as a blanket and my shirt as your pillow. Are you feeling better?" Teal'c sat up and reached under her chin, turning her face to his, meeting her gaze. Intense brown eyes searched blue for a definite sign that he need not worry anymore.

She wrapped her hands about his, as his finger trailed slowly up the side of her cheek and traced the outline of her mouth. She'd never seen Teal'c like this - it was surreal. The concern, which flooded from his eyes, bathed her in a warm glow. This place was unsettling - she couldn't get her wits about her. Teal'c leaned forward. For the tiniest moment, she thought he might kiss her, and she would enjoy. Instead she pulled back slightly and answered, "I'm... I'm just fine. Do you know where Jack and Daniel are?" She took in their surroundings. "Guess we're not on Tethra."

In an outpouring of joy and relief, Teal'c bear-hugged Sam and lifted her to a stand. With uncharacteristic exuberance, Teal'c spoke, "My heart sings that you are unharmed! I do agree, we have traveled elsewhere. This could explain in part the myths of Tethra, a land of ashes from which no one returns."

Sam left Teal'c's side and made her way to the DHD pedestal. "We could literally be - anywhere. You're certain the Colonel and Daniel aren't here?"

Teal'c nodded his assent. "I have seen no indication of anyone else on this world."

Sam interrupted her study of the DHD. Teal'c had moved behind her and wrapped his large arms around her once again. She smelled the sweat of his body, and felt his warm breath on her neck. He'd never acted like this around her before. Something very strange was going on - and yet - a very large part of her didn't want it to stop. "I... umm... need to..." He was biting her ear, and kissing her lightly. "We need to look around a little for... ahhh... some clues to... ummm... where..." Her voice trailed off as Teal'c turned her gently around and full lips joined hers in a desirous kiss.

Chapter Seven - The Preparation

It was the same room, Daniel could sense it, where he'd first woken up. Trying to speak into the gag did no good. Hands guided him to a table, helped him lie upon it and promptly strapped him down. He was unable to move a muscle. Small noises reached his ears, metal on metal, and nervously he wondered exactly what 'prepared for the ceremony' meant. What if the ceremony was simply the unveiling of a finished product? That would mean the preparation was... something that sent fear coursing through him.

Antiseptic smell again... but this time the sound of blade sharpening on stone. In spite of very much wanting to appear brave, Daniel began sweating and trembling.

A soothing voice spoke to him, "Daniel, I must apologize for not instructing you on the proper way to please our lord. Where you come from, perhaps it is allowed to expel the products of mating such as you did, but not here. You have much to learn! Do not fear, I have many potions at my disposal to make all of this appear to you as nothing more than a dream. The pain will be hardly noticeable, and once you've recovered all will seem as it should be. You and I shall work side-by-side, providing for the needs and pleasure of all. It seems to me that the least of rank possess great power in bed."

Daniel tried to shake his head 'No' but it was firmly secured in place. The gag prevented all but the smallest of whimpering sounds to escape. "There, there... You will feel better soon." With these words, the eunuch slave rubbed Daniel's forearm with antiseptic and injected him with drug.

Daniel's body instantly relaxed, although his thoughts continued to churn. He flinched at the coldness of the blade, as first his facial hair and next his pubic hair was meticulously shaven. An unrealistic giddiness enveloped him... a shave... was that all? A shave?

Next he felt a warm, wetness about his genitals... kisses... licks... It felt good, and in his drugged haze images of Jack settled into his mind. Jack... he began to harden, if it were only Jack... Reality intruded into the daydream, as the boy stopped momentarily to explain how much he wanted to please Daniel... while he was still physically able to be pleased. His heart began to race as his mind and body alternately fought off and welcomed the touch.

In an explosive fury, the door flew open causing the youth to immediately withdraw to a submissive position, eyes downcast. Daniel didn't need to see who it was. He could feel him long before he uttered a word... a commanding strength.

"You're outta here. All finished. Leave us alone," Jack ordered.

Instantly the boy bowed and left, closing the door behind him.

Daniel wondered if he'd been imagining things. Why would Jack be ordering others around... walking about unguarded?

"You OK? He didn't..." Jack moved to Daniel's side, lifting off the blindfold and gag, and giving him a careful once over.

Blushing as Jack's gaze seemed to dwell a bit longer than necessary on his fully-shaven front, Daniel stuttered, "N...n...n.... no... I'm... he... it's... just a shave." "Good," Jack sighed, gently loosening the restraints and assisting Daniel to a wobbly stand. "There's still some time left to get a couple hours sleep, then we'll see about getting you home."

Too much had happened, leaving Daniel unable to formulate his thoughts. He numbly allowed himself to be led to one of the larger bunks and eased down onto the mattress. "Home?" he softly asked.

"You cold?" Concerned brown eyes noticed the slight trembles and goose bumps.

"A little," Daniel admitted.

Jack disappeared for a moment, returning with a large, silken comforter. As he laid it over Daniel, the trained eyes of the anthropologist noted a marking on Jack's bicep. Jack flinched and pulled back as Daniel reached up to touch it with an inquiring look. "It's nothing... some stupid tattoo."

"It's Heru'Ur's symbol," Daniel corrected as he thought out loud. "And along with it, a sign of favor and high ranking... Jack...?" Earnest blue eyes searched brown for a revelation of what had been sacrificed to bargain for freedom.

No answer was forthcoming, as Jack turned away busying himself with the military correctness of the bedclothes.

Daniel began to notice other things... a golden chain about Jack's neck... red, swollen welts across his back... He asked the next question, praying the answer wasn't something he couldn't bear to hear. "You agreed to stay, didn't you? In exchange for doing whatever he wants, I'm going to be set free?"

Jack didn't answer. He didn't need to. He sat gingerly on the bed, obviously still uncomfortable from his prior ordeal, and buried his face in his hands. Finally, he spoke, "He's given us the rest of tonight. That's it. Alone. He won't bother us. Tomorrow, after I see you've been released..."

Jack's voice had turned hard. Daniel knew exactly what would happen after he was gone. The Colonel wasn't planning on any long-term enslavement. He was staring down death with only a few hours respite. Hours... hours!... A sense of panic filled Daniel, with an urge to tell Jack everything. How this could have been the fulfillment of his greatest fantasy alone... with Jack... in bed... so ready...

Right.

In another reality maybe. He'd never told him... never. There'd been a few kisses... and those were after Jack had way too many beers. No, he'd never told him, and now time was running out. No words would come. He watched Jack withdraw further into himself. Slowly Daniel sat up and offered a touch... a reassuring rub to Jack's aching shoulders... shoulders that always held much more than their share.

Jack required no more provocation. He reached around Daniel with a bone-crushing hug, pressing him hard onto the bed. The heated response that followed made gate-travel seem a mild form of recreation.

~~~~

So controlled... normally so calculating... driven by orders and protocol... not now. Jack had lost it. He couldn't control his emotions or his actions, and he was definitely out of his element. Months of sexual tension had been building within him, to the point where it had become almost painful to be alone with Daniel. The couple of times he'd slipped... had a drink... dared a kiss... he'd explained away with some dumb ass joke. Something about Daniel being "too cute to resist" and thankfully Daniel had let it blow over.

But now... as Heru'Ur's humiliation left him torn... hurting... and dying for release, he found Daniel's perfumed, shaven body coupled with sincere concern and tender touches... all too much. Grabbing and tumbling with Daniel into the soft bed, he was certain he saw a pleased expression... encouragement to continue.

Silky smoothness everywhere. Warm, wet penetrating kisses. So hot. Aching to take him - fill him - love him. Daniel seemed lost in oblivion, coming up only for gulps of air, then descending into deep kisses once again. Everywhere Jack touched him, Daniel responded. 'Damn! Who knew he could react like that?'

What Heru'Ur had done to both of them was a distant memory. It couldn't touch them anymore. The strength of their combined desire lifted them above it all. This was heaven on earth, even if it was half a galaxy away.

Daniel turned and presented to him the best looking ass he'd ever seen. DAMN! The man felt SO good! There wasn't much time. Big H had forbidden him to even see Daniel, let alone be with him. Urgency pushed him, need propelled him, and without giving Daniel the opportunity to refuse, Jack began to prepare him.

Tight. Hotter than hot. Clamping down on him. Jack tried to ease in slowly, giving Daniel time to stretch and adjust, but every groan of Daniel's followed by unintelligible mutterings, made Jack thrust harder and deeper.

Sounds of ecstasy filled the room, as Daniel bucked and rotated beneath him. Jack grabbed onto Daniel's shoulders and rode him hard. Coherent thought was no longer possible. He wanted to scream how much he loved this man, his soul mate, but the most he could say was Daniel's name - over and over.

Climax came quickly for both men. Jack slumped forward, burying his face in the salty sweetness of Daniel's neck. Slowly their breathing evened out.

Daniel spoke first, his words muffled by the pillow.

Shifting his weight and pulling himself out and off of Daniel, Jack rolled onto his back, enjoying the warm flush of after-glow. A contentment-thick voice asked, "What's that you said, Daniel?"

"I hope that was okay... I mean... the drugs still have me a bit tipsy..."

Jack froze, echoing Daniel's comment, "Drugs?"

"Yeah, they... ahhh... something for if I had "surgery", so I wouldn't feel... so it would all seem okay... like a dream... and I wouldn't resist..." Daniel's voice slurred a bit and softened. Then he quieted entirely, except for a slight snore.

Jack stared a long while at the ceiling, hating himself. He wished he'd been stronger... wished Heru'Ur had killed him back in bed... wished he'd not just put his teammate and best friend through a perversion of drugged date-rape. 'How the hell could I have misread everything so badly? Thinking that Daniel, all doped up and disoriented, was actually turned on and wanting to... Dammit-to-hell...' Exhaustion eventually won out over self-loathing, and Jack slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Eight - The Morning After

Lashes fluttered. Thirst drew him to wakefulness. He licked his lips... and could still taste... JACK!

A slightly panicked and still groggy Daniel sat up to find his... lover. Jack was still sleeping, looking so peaceful. Calm now after the sexual storm that was Jack O'Neill letting loose. More relaxed, Daniel made his way on shaky legs to the wash basin, wondering what had just happened.

Wanting Jack... that much he understood and longed for, but the circumstances threw him. Did Jack need to release pent-up frustration after so many hours at the mercy and complete control of Heru'Ur? Was he simply looking to Daniel for comfort... affirmation that he'd done the right thing, and was still respected?

A more sinister motive came to mind. Was Jack following more of Heru'Ur's orders? What he could remember of the sex had been rough... very much a turn-on... but definitely rough... hard... all business sex. It had come to rapid completion and then sleep.

Daniel looked about in the still-dark room for any signs they had been observed. Finding none, he returned to the bedside. Jack's essence clung to him... filled him. Daniel wanted nothing more than to believe what had just happened was love and desire, but he did know better.

He had tried to ignore the after effects of Heru'Ur's forced entry... but they couldn't be hidden. Jack had been in obvious pain... still oozing blood... and Daniel could only guess at the price Jack paid deep inside, to have relented so easily.

Daniel felt renewed anger growing within him. What right did Jack have thinking he could sacrifice everything for his freedom? Saying you're in charge to the enemy is one thing... but allowing this?

A deep, uncertain voice brought him out of his thoughts. "Daniel? You okay?"

Daniel knew what he had to say, although he wished things were much different. "Yes, I'm fine. In fact, I want you to know I understand... and I'm not upset with you."

"You aren't?" 'Dammit O'Neill... why can't you just talk to the guy?' Jack berated himself as he stared in wonder at the young man who was even now forgiving him for being so weak... acting on impulse and need... not waiting for an indication of acceptance...

"No!" Daniel insisted. "How could I be? I figured you did what you did because it was all part of what Heru'Ur wanted you to do. He didn't give you a choice, did he?" Moist, blue eyes waited for brown eyes to smile... for Jack to tell him it wasn't that way at all. Tell him... he did it ... because he wanted to be with Daniel more than anything else.

But it was not to be.

"Right! How did you know? He... gave me an ultimatum... and I... god... I'm so sorry Daniel. I..." Jack's voice caught. He couldn't say anything else. Daniel had forgiven him and given him a way to place all the blame on the Goa'uld. Resourceful guy.

Jack wished it were harder for him to lie.

~~~~

There was activity in the hallway. Both men lay silently contemplating what the new day would bring. Daniel didn't believe for one minute that Heru'Ur intended to neither spare him nor set him free. He became increasingly determined to prevent Jack from any more acts of self-sacrifice on his account. His body hardly mattered... nothing seemed to matter after the mockery of last night. One solace... if Jack wasn't in love with him, he sure as hell was loyal to him, and Daniel was going to repay that loyalty by getting Jack out of this mess.

Jack knew Daniel was not asleep, but he didn't want to talk. There was too much risk... that he'd slip... that he'd let out feelings Daniel couldn't possibly deal with. He formulated a plan. He needed to get Daniel to the Gate, then the rest seemed easy. He heard them talk about a power room, and Carter had shown him how to set a naquada reactor on self-destruct. She'd joked about not always running around with C-4 in your pockets. Jack shifted in bed, feeling every inch of his lack of pockets.

As he debated whether or not to let Daniel in on the plan, it became a moot point. He was being summoned to the doorway by one of Big H's all-business lackeys. Big guy... absolutely NO sense of humor. He felt Daniel's arm reach around him, insisting without words that he stay.

"Gotta go Daniel. Everything's gonna work out. You stay here and stay covered up." Jack stood, tucked the blanket around Daniel and looked down into sad blue eyes. "Geezus! I'm not sayin goodbye, okay?"

"Right Jack." Daniel rolled over and faced the wall, not wanting to watch them take Jack away.

Chapter Nine - Alien Overdrive

'Major Samantha Carter! What the hell is wrong with you?' Sam questioned her reflection as she splashed her face with cold, pitch-black lake water. She had spent the better part of ten hours trying to avoid Teal'c. He seemed to be growing increasingly agitated, and whenever they were near each other... he couldn't keep his hands off her! Even more disconcerting was the fact that she found his advances harder to resist each time. Moments ago she'd run off saying she needed to go to the bathroom. 'Can't keep using that excuse!'

The blackness of the forest made it difficult to tell if it was night or day. Sam figured she was past due for sleep, but she was reluctant to let down her guard. 'Who am I afraid of? Teal'c? There must be something about this place. Something knocked us out... cupid's arrow maybe? Or perhaps there's some alien aphrodisiac in the air? I sound like a candidate for MacKenzie's rubber room! Focus Carter. C'mon...'

The sound of a low, rhythmic chant brought her out of her reflections. Curiosity moved her to the opposite side of a thicket, from which she could observe - unseen. The sight left her breathless. There, standing atop a large rock, bathed in a soft shaft of light, stood Teal'c. He had removed every bit of clothing and reached in a supplicative manner skyward. He remained statue-like, glistening with sweat.

Sam knew she should look away, however an overpowering force kept her transfixed. Slowly he reached toward his abdomen, gently easing the symbiote from its pouch. The infant Goa'uld made no sound. It slithered from Teal'c's hand onto his chest, leaving sparkling trails of thick mucous in its wake.

Teal'c's chants turned to groans of pleasure as the Goa'uld encircled his upper thighs and criss-crossed his groin. His breathing quickened as an erection began to build. The symbiote wrapped itself alternately around each of Teal'c's testicles, then curled about the base of his engorged penis, pulsating in time with the jaffa's ragged-breathed groans.

Sam felt her own breathing quicken. The world was growing much too hot. She stared as the rock-hard muscles of his buttocks tightened, nipples hardened, and a clenched-fist primal roar erupted. Teal'c orgasmed with such force, he lost control and fell to his knees, quaking. It took every bit of Sam's willpower to resist stripping herself and running to his side.

"SAMANTHA?" a thunderous voice called out, but she was already gone - off through the forest with absolutely NO idea what to do next.

~~~~

A bit of time and distance restored Sam's senses. Finding her walkie-talkie she called out, "Teal'c? You there? Carter here. Teal'c, do you read me?"

A surprisingly controlled voice responded, "Yes, Major Carter, I am here. I advise you to suitably arm yourself. You have my blessing to impede my progress should I try to approach you again."

"I'm afraid that's not going to work. When you get close, the last thing I want to do is "impede" you."

"I was concerned about the possibility of that happening."

"How about if we just agree to stay apart while I work on the coordinates?"

"You would not be able to avoid me for long, Samantha. My tracking abilities make me aware of your direction and distance at all times. Please know that I would rather kill myself than do harm to you."

"Do you know what's happening to us?"

"Yes. My symbiote has determined it is past time for me to father more offspring, for future use of the Goa'uld. It has also determined that you would make a most suitable mate. From what I can determine, my own hormone levels have increased 100 fold and my symbiote has begun to manufacture chemicals to which your body responds most dramatically when you draw near to me."

"Your symbiote wants you to mate... with me?" Sam repeated in amazement.

"Yes. I am so strongly compelled, it replaces all other thought. I tell you with certainty that I will be unable to refrain from taking you, if much more time passes. I am truly sorry."

"Teal'c, is there any way to communicate with your symbiote? Let it know this isn't what you want?" Sam stared at the silent receiver. "Teal'c?" Again there was no response. While one hand gripped her sidearm, Sam began nervously scanning the woods about her. "They never covered this in basic."

Chapter Ten - Secrets Revealed

Jack was typically prepared for anything. Very few things shocked him, and when it came to the Goa'uld, he found them a rather unimaginative bunch. They rarely threw him off-guard. Yesterday with Heru'Ur might have proved an exception. Having one of those snakes in his ass ran a close second to having one inside his head. Jack supposed Heru'Ur was going to be doing more strutting and showing off. That would be just fine. The more certain he was that Jack had been defeated, the easier it would be to bring him down.

As Jack was led into the throne room, it became immediately apparent that this session was not entirely about Jack. Heru'Ur sat upon his throne... all gold and sparkles... draped with purple and red fabric. He wore no clothing, except for that wrist device of his. Sitting on the floor to his right was that blond, curly haired kid. He was trying to relax as Heru'Ur stroked his head and back, much like someone would pet a cat... but his eyes were wild and he bit his lip continuously.

Heru'Ur motioned with a tilt of his head for Jack to sit. Jack obeyed. No confrontations... not yet.

A flick of Heru'Ur's wrist and a tug to the boy's arm, and the kid climbed up on Heru'Ur's lap... sitting facing out toward Jack. As Heru'Ur spoke, he absently stroked the boy's front and pinched his nipples.

Jack wanted to look away. The bastard was a real sicko, but he knew too well about mind games and signs of weakness. Jack sat with a fixed stare, revealing nothing.

"Certain facts have come to my attention, regarding the way in which you were chosen, human," Heru'Ur began.

The boy's eyes widened and his legs began to tremble.

"If you want my take on things," Jack responded, "it isn't very informative. I came. I saw two minutes of your lovely world, and woke up being poked on a table."

"How many were with you?"

Jack hesitated. He still didn't have a good fix on where Teal'c and Carter were, although he'd been told they were sent away.

"Choose your words carefully, human. If you speak falsely, there will be no bargain between us."

"Three others. Same four you partied with on Abydos," Jack answered.

Heru'Ur's petting became harder, nails raking down flesh. The boy was shaking all over now, tears forming in his eyes. Without warning, Heru'Ur stood, sending the boy crashing to the floor.

He immediately went to his knees in full supplication. "Mighty lord, I intended no disobedience. The two I provided have given you pleasure, have they not?"

"What you have done is jeopardize this entire world!"

"NO! My lord!"

"No? NO? You contradict ME?"

"No, my lord! I would never put you in harm's way. I live only to serve you."

This was turning ugly very fast. Jack began to wonder what his role was in all of this.

"Do you know what is done to those who are not chosen?"

"No, my lord."

"This has been kept from you due to your sensitive nature. This is why you were not given the task of choosing. They are killed. Those that are not chosen are killed... not sent off only to return out of vengeance... or even simple curiosity."

The boy blanched. His crime was fully known, and he greatly feared punishment. Weeping loudly, he fell at Heru'Ur's feet, kissing them... groveling... begging for mercy. From what Jack could see of the hateful gleam in Heru'Ur's eye, the bastard was enjoying this, and there would certainly be no mercy. This time Jack had to look away. Apparently he had this kid to thank for sparing their lives, and he wanted nothing more than to wring Heru'Ur's neck... filthy... son-of-a...

"I will not kill you, as you have performed well until this point. I will instead give you the chance to defend yourself in battle."

"Battle? Oh my lord! No! Please! I do not know how to do battle, I am not a warrior!" The boy began to hyperventilate and turn an even paler shade.

"Do not worry, very little knowledge is required. A simple weapon, yet most effective, as this human would attest." A clap of Heru'Ur's hands delivered the choice of weaponry.

Jack swallowed hard as one was presented to him... a knife.

"You would agree, human? Simple and most effective?"

The boy held his knife with disgust between thumb and first finger... arm outstretched. He shuffled to Jack's feet, still on his knees, sensing he stood a better chance with the human. "Please, sir, do not harm me. I will do anything you wish. Satisfy your every whim. Please!" Earnest, fright-filled eyes begged Jack for mercy.

Jack met Heru'Ur's commanding stare. "We had an agreement. This was not part of it... and so far you haven't..."

"Perhaps we should talk about others who have failed to keep my commands. The knife match can wait, while things are made a bit more interesting."

Daniel was brought into the room. He was dressed in a loose-fitting white robe, that opened in the front. His skin glistened as if it had been rubbed with oil.

'Shit... didn't follow commands, dammit O'Neill' Jack tried to look anywhere but at Daniel.

Heru'Ur sat thoughtfully stroking his chin, contemplating his captives. After a purposeful silence, he spoke to Jack. "What say you, human? The punishment for not following my orders to stay away from your companion?"

'Stay away?' Daniel's eyes sought out Jack's. 'Did Heru'Ur really say... stay away? That would mean last night was...'

Jack didn't look at Daniel. He remained staring with purpose of will at Heru'Ur. "I didn't."

"Do not BEGIN to lie to me!" Heru'Ur shouted. "You knew what was expected. I have detected the odor of another's sex upon you, and yours upon him." He gestured to Daniel. "Though not unexpected, it can not go unpunished. Our agreement is... no longer."

Jack stood with anger flashing in his features. "To hell it is!" He grabbed tightly onto the knife.

"There is one chance to redeem yourself. You will fight."

Seeing Jack's intent, the youth spoke out bravely, "Your friend will survive far better as a eunuch than either of you will... should you attempt an attack on our lord. And you both will fare well if I do submit." He reached for Jack's knife and brought it to the side of his neck, opening himself meekly, waiting for the end.

"You call this a fight? I will NOT kill for you," Jack asserted sheathing the knife.

"Very well. You have made your choice. Take him to the priest," Heru'Ur indicated of Daniel. "You have not spared this disobedient slave either. He will receive punishment from another's hand. And, as for you, you will witness the great skill of the priest... firsthand. Perhaps he will even require your assistance."

The kid was a mess. He lost complete control of himself, broke down crying, and had to be carried from the room. Daniel, amid all the confusion, finally figured out that the dreaded ceremony was next on the agenda. Jack could hear him calling his name as the guards pulled him down the corridor.

A forced calm began to settle over Jack. There was no question what he had to do... and now was the time. He sized up the single guard assigned to lead him to Daniel's torture chamber. He could take him on a bad day... not that this day was good... and he was going to find a way to even up the odds.

Chapter Eleven - The Ceremony

So this was it - the time had come. So many emotions flooded Daniel's being. Fear, a minor emotion, one he'd had plenty of practice controlling. Embarrassment at the longing gazes from the other men he passed on the way to the Ceremony, knowing he was destined to be taken by any who so demanded. Wonder at the turn of events in Heru'Ur's throne room. Jack made love to him last night, not because of a direct order of Heru'Ur, but in direct opposition to the Goa'uld's orders! Confusion over why Jack wouldn't admit that to him. Before he realized it, he'd been marched the entire length of the complex and stood before the holy temple rooms.

His guards pushed him inside, withdrew and fastened the door behind him. The temple looked familiar, ancient Greek in design. Beautifully carved statues, altars of sacrifice, pits to build fires in offering to the gods. It was peaceful here - a place of worship and knowledge that resonated with the core of who he was. A small hope crept into his mind. Surely the priests in a place such as this could be reasoned with. They would not force him to yield his body to such brutality.

A hooded figure approached as Daniel swallowed hard, preparing to plead his case. The priest motioned for Daniel to follow him to a candle-lit chamber and entreated him to sit in a chair. A chill breeze brought goose bumps to Daniel's arms. He welcomed his robe and wrapped it tighter about himself. Daniel complied with the request to sit, watching the priest light a succession of incense burners. The aromatic scent blended with the mesmerizing song of the priest's prayers. On a table, lay the tools of the priest's trade - many lengths of strong twine, a thin cannulae, and several bottled potions. Daniel was able to translate some of the prayer. It was a request for wisdom and sureness of hand in performing the removal of manhood ceremony - not for the priest's own good, but for the good of all, by command of the gods.

"This is wrong," Daniel simply stated.

"Wrong? Why so, young man?" The priest seemed mildly surprised and responded as one would to a young child.

Daniel returned the priest's condescending smile with a determined plea. "It is wrong if one would sooner die."

"You would sooner die?"

"This should not be forced upon me. I should be given a choice."

"Your god has decided."

Daniel was certain the priest's tone was disdainful, almost mocking. He took a gamble and continued. "Not my god. Heru'Ur is no god. He is an evil alien creature - a Goa'uld - inhabiting a human body. I do not believe in him or his authority. A true priest would know this as well. He would not force others to sacrifice to a false god."

"That is blasphemy," the priest cautioned.

"It is truth," Daniel countered. "As a priest, teacher, healer and keeper of the ancient ways, do you stand for truth?"

"Heru'Ur has commanded. He decides what is truth, and no one can oppose him."

"You're wrong. Many have opposed him and won. The Tau'ri have..."

"Silence! You will have us both killed, and for what purpose? Heru'Ur has commanded the ceremony and has chosen the method of castration. I have no choice. I do have potions for the pain and they will help you to forget."

Daniel bolted from his chair, searching the corridors frantically for a way out of the temple. The priest didn't bother to pursue him. He let Daniel discover the only exit was the fastened door.

Daniel stood, heart pounding, back against the door, staring into the darkened temple rooms for some sign of the priest. A slight sting, and his hand flew up to swat an offending mosquito. Instead, his fingertips brushed a small dart, embedded in his neck. His knees buckled as he pitched forward. "Please... No..."

A robed figure chanted a final blessing, then all was blackness.

Chapter Twelve - Not Exactly in the Nick of Time

Jack didn't quite plan things this way, but it would have to do. He'd been incredibly lucky, found the reactor, set the controls and made his way back, hopefully in time to locate Daniel - all unnoticed. At least so he thought. A couple of jaffa discovered him, and dragged him back to kneel in front of Heru'Ur's throne.

"This is getting old," Jack quipped with feigned boredom, all the while hoping the Goa'uld kept smiling like that - right up to the time he was blown to smithereens.

"I had wanted you to witness the ceremony. It does not surprise me that you would take the cowards way and run off. It is now completed." Heru'Ur looked for signs of horror or anger from Jack.

Although he was heartsick, Jack refused to give Heru'Ur any satisfaction. He remained determined to find Daniel and get to hell out of there. Injured or not, he was going to get Daniel home.

"I am most anxious to try, but I am informed that the newest eunuch will not be able to mate for some time. He must heal properly. Tell me, does he please in coupling as well as he does by mouth?"

Jack's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. 'Sticks and stones' he thought.

"Speak to me of how he groans his pleasure as you release within him."

Jack kept silent, dropping his eyes, blocking the mental images the words brought forward.

"I have it!" Heru'Ur chuckled madly. "We shall bring him into our bed. One shall enter him while the other..."

"Enough! I get the picture!" Jack was sweating now, and more certain than ever that he'd free Daniel or die trying.

"Do you wish to see him?" Heru'Ur motioned to the ever-present guards, "Bring me the newest eunuch, as well as the disobedient boy and Rolag - with his choice of weaponry." Heru'Ur watched the sullen human slave remain staring at the floor. "This should be exquisitely entertaining!"

~~~~

PAIN!!! Intense agony. Burning, throbbing, about-to-pass-out-again pain all centered in his groin. The after effects of the drugs left his mouth pasty dry. It didn't occur to him to ask for water. He hoped he'd die soon.

The "procedure" was covered up. White bandage-wraps tightly encircled his midsection from just below his navel to the top of his thighs. No bleeding was visible. God did it hurt! Tossing his head side-to-side, Daniel tried to grip the bed coverings and realized his hands were sealed in mittens and his wrists cuffed to each side. He couldn't loosen the wrap, even if he wanted to.

He tried not to think of what he must look like. It sure felt like the "tying off" method - where the parts just... An involuntary groan escaped his lips. He was drenched in sweat. Someone entered the room. He didn't have the energy to look at them.

A quiet voice spoke, "Your body responded well. You are strong." The priest waited for a reaction, but received none. "You are being summoned to an audience before your god. It will be painful to walk. Would you like more potion for the pain?"

Daniel shook his head, 'no'. Wasn't it enough that Heru'Ur took his genitals, now he had to be paraded around as well? Soon his escorts arrived, lifting him roughly from the bed and forcing him to walk briskly. Daniel's mind was shutting down. He could barely react.

Not until he heard Rolag's voice did he open his eyes. "Hello sweet slave," the man tormented Daniel. "I command you to give me a kiss - strengthen me for battle."

Daniel could see Jack across the room, sitting at Heru'Ur's feet. The fair-haired boy sat on the floor, crying in the middle of the room. Rolag stood inches from him, leaning in to claim his kiss. Daniel's entire body flushed, as the jaffa guards held him immobile. Jack was watching and Rolag's tongue was probing halfway to Daniel's stomach.

"Enough!" Heru'Ur commanded. "Leave some of him for others to sample."

Chapter Thirteen - Definitely Time to Go

Daniel's discomfort was plainly visible to Jack. The way he stood, with his legs held impossibly separated, knees buckling. How he tried to move as little as possible. And he looked so very tired... and in pain. He longed to tell Daniel how much he was loved. Maybe it would help ease the hurt... the loss.

Heru'Ur motioned and Jack was expected to sidle up closer to him. "Come human. Combat excites me. I require companionship."

Jack didn't move. He kept staring at Daniel. A well-placed boot to his side sent stabbing pains through is chest and propelled him to the desired position.

Heru'Ur was feeling pleased. These Tau'ri weren't half as much trouble as he'd imagined them to be. To hear Apophis talk, one would think the ancient ones themselves had been reborn in these humans. Certainly not now. Not here. This was Heru'Ur's finest hour, and he would enjoy it. "Do battle now!"

Jack felt Heru'Ur slip his hand inside his thigh, stroking him. "Daniel doesn't look good."

"The eunuch no longer will be called by a male name. He is 'Daniel' no more. One word suffices to describe him, much like I call you human. Eunuch says enough, in fact it says everything."

"Whatever you want to call him, he looks real bad. You should let him lie down." Jack was so intent on watching Daniel, he hardly noticed how intimate Heru'Ur's stroking had become. As he forced himself to look away from Daniel briefly, to try to get this snakehead to pay attention to how deathly white Daniel was, Jack was again caught off-guard.

Heru'Ur had another full hard-on, and was issuing instructions to a guard to bring lubricant. Jack knew who the intended partner was. "Look," Jack stopped short and counted to three under his breath. He absolutely had to keep calm. Time was running out. "My lord," he began again, fighting back the urge to gag on the words.

Heru'Ur dropped everything he was doing and gave his full attention to Jack.

"It seems as if you are preparing to mate - again?"

"I have found that mating while watching combat to the death provides ultimate satisfaction."

"Sounds - kinky - maybe I'd enjoy it too."

Heru'Ur narrowed his eyes. "You have no choice. Whether you enjoy or not is of no concern to me."

"I guarantee I'd perform better if my mind wasn't on how really bad Da'- theeu' the eunuch - looks. Let me help him lie down, and I'll do whatever you want."

"Whatever I want? Very well. Your offer intrigues me. I do find it amusing that you think the eunuch could benefit from lying down. Go. The guard goes as well."

Jack raced across the room to Daniel's side, arriving just as he was about to collapse. Jack grabbed hold of him and turned him toward the exit from the room. Rapidly he released the wrist cuffs and pulled off the mitts.

"Jack, what's happening? We have to stop that fight - the kid's gonna die. We'," Daniel protested.

"Shhh." Jack cautioned, speaking in a low whisper. The guard walked unknowingly five paces behind. "Everyone's going to die. I set the reactor. We have to go. Now!"

"You did WHAT?" Daniel fairly shouted.

"Shhh, will you? The reactor, remember? Our ticket out of here." Jack had no idea where Daniel's strong reaction was coming from.

Grabbing hold of Jack at the shoulders, Daniel looked him in the eyes, words tumbling out in a rush. "The planet is unstable. The others have been talking about earthquakes and signs of increasing pressure. An explosion like that would set off the volcanoes, and this place - this whole world - would blow. It would be just like Tollana, remember?"

As Daniel's warning sank in, Jack's mind raced to think of a doubly quick escape plan, only to be interrupted by the sound of a staff weapon charging.

"HUMANS, KREE!" The command echoed down the hall as ten of Heru'Ur's guards pressed closer to them. Jack was roughly grabbed and thrown to the floor. "Your treachery has been discovered in the power room. Our lord desires your presence here no longer." A circle of jaffa formed about him - all with weapons charged.

Daniel stared with horror, thinking he might throw himself within the circle - end it all - with Jack at his side. Sounded good. Sounded nuts. Sounded... Sound... There was a deep rumbling sound off in the distance but rapidly growing closer. Barely able to stand, mustering his loudest voice and best Goa'uld tongue, Daniel shouted a warning. "Kree jaffa! Kel metak vishna etrak kono'ol. Set'at!"

The guards didn't wait for him to finish. They bolted and ran off.

Jack sat dumbfounded, staring at his unlikely rescuer. "What in heaven's name did you tell them?"

"That the volcano's gonna blow and we're all about to die." With that revelation, the walls of Heru'Ur's complex began to shake and groan.

Jack was on his feet, supporting Daniel, trying to make his way toward what he remembered as an exit. Panicked men appeared, running in dozens of differing directions. Smoke and the odor of sulfur filled the passageways.

"I can't," Daniel mumbled in a pain-filled voice. "I'm holding you back. I can't move anymore - it hurts too damn much, and I'm too weak. Sorry." Daniel leaned against a wall and slid to the floor.

"You can't quit now. We're close."

"You go - I - ahhhhh." Intense pain ripped through Daniel. The potions had worn off completely. "Look at me! I'm not even sure I WANT to live. GO!"

"I can't just - 'go'! You hear?"

"You can be one stubborn ass, you know?"

"Thanks. You too! What'll it be? Walk or ride?"

"I'll try again." Daniel gritted his teeth and allowed Jack to pull him to a stand. At that moment, a mob of terrified men came barreling down the hall. Swept up in the melee, Jack and Daniel were moved rapidly along. Soon, Jack had lost sight of Daniel in the tumult.

Once outside, Jack became aware of someone grabbing onto his arm. It was the blonde kid, shouting something to him. "Sir! I know a way to the Chappa'Ai. A safe way, protected from the cinder and ash, through the rock. Come!"

Jack squinted to see a cave-like opening in a rock face off to their left. The kid was racing toward it, while the rest of the group was making its way around the mountain. "I need to find my friend," Jack yelled.

The boy nodded his understanding. "Come through the rock, then go straight on the other side. The Chappa'Ai is not far. I will make it ready for you." Blonde curls disappeared from view.

Jack's eyes were tearing as breaths came in short gasps. The air was getting hotter by the second. He had no idea where to begin looking for Daniel, or if he'd even made it outside. A glint of gold through the ash storm caught his attention. Wiping his eyes of soot, he made out four figures. Heru'Ur, two of his jaffa, and Daniel.

Heru'Ur seemed ready to activate the ring transport, when he saw Jack standing there. "Once again we part company, but this time human I have something of great value to you." Amidst all the destruction, Jack could see Heru'Ur smile.

The ground began to shake intensely, knocking everyone flat. The jaffa carrying Daniel didn't bother to pick him up as he sprinted for safety. Heru'Ur stood raging at the uncontrollable forces of nature about him, and screaming unheard orders to his jaffa.

Jack seized the opportunity to crawl to Daniel's side, sling him over his shoulder with a loud grunt, and make his way toward the cave. His lungs, knees, and back all commanded him to cease and desist. He kept on going. It was a miracle that he made it to the Stargate, but there it was a sweet, welcoming, blue pool. He didn't take time to ask the kid where they were going. The three rushed through as Tethra groaned. The process of reclamation continued unimpeded.

Chapter 14 - Free At Last

'Free! We're safe and we're alive! What a rush!' Jack wanted to kiss the ground on whatever world they'd just stepped foot upon. That is until a sobering thought hit him as he looked at Daniel lying on the grass, foot moving to stave off the pain. There was someone who wouldn't feel safe anywhere right now.

He didn't know what to say. Words of reassurance seemed so empty. "Daniel?" Jack squatted, offering a supportive touch. "Your friend here helped us get out of that place. We should be home before you know it." Jack waited for some acknowledgment from Daniel, but received none.

The boy interrupted. "Daniel asked me one time what name I was called by. No one had asked in such a long time, I'd almost forgotten. It is Hector." He joined Jack at Daniel's side, absently massaging Jack's shoulders as he spoke. "I know you are a close friend to Daniel, but what he is experiencing, you could never understand. For me it had purpose, it was a sacrifice but also an honor. For Daniel, as I now understand things, it will be a life-long curse. As for now, the pain is greater than anything he has ever felt, and the loss to him must be overwhelming."

Hector knelt by Daniel's side and attempted to wipe the ash-laden sweat from his face. "I am sorry for the pain I have caused you to suffer." To Jack he added, "Will he find it in his heart to forgive me?"

"I can't say he's ever been through anything like this before, but he can understand other people and forgive them... like no one else I know. Is there anything you can do to help him with the pain?" As Hector contemplated what to do, Jack stood lost in thought. He wanted to take the last couple of days out of Daniel's life, including when they'd made love. From what Daniel believed, that ultimate act of sharing body and soul was little more than another of Heru'Ur's rapes and now Daniel had been emasculated as well. The two events would be forever joined in Jack's memory.

"I will try to ease his suffering. If a knife was not used, he may yet be somewhat intact. It is difficult to say with so much time passing. I will try removing the bandages."

"I'll scout around and try to figure out where we are. Do you know this place, Hector?"

"No. All I know is my home world and Tethra. I chose the symbols for this world, as they were the ones I used when I sent your other friends away."

"Other friends? You mean Teal'c and Carter are here?"

"If by Teal'c and Carter you mean a woman and a jaffa, yes. They at least were here. Jack, I can tell you are avoiding discussion of how Daniel is changed. Speaking from experience, if you would treat him with love and respect and learn to admire his new body..."

"Yeah," Jack cut him off. "We'll have plenty of time for that. You do what you can to help him. I'll be back as soon as I find out if Carter and Teal'c are still here." Jack disappeared into the darkness of the underbrush.

Hector knew the priests were masters at their craft. There was little hope of finding anything salvageable, but he owed it to Daniel to try. He unfastened the knot at the top of the bandage and slowly began to unwrap it.

Daniel tried feebly to stay the boy's hand.

"It is I, Hector, you must let me try to help you."

Finally opening his eyes, Daniel regarded the boy. "Hector - so, you do have a name. I'm probably going crazy, but it still feels like I have a... Like everything is still - there. Should it still hurt this much if everything was gone?"

"Tying off is a very painful method. You are supposed to remain under the influence of potions for many days. I am sorry Daniel, if you still hold hopes of regaining function, it will not happen. At best I could save the outermost of parts, but the damage is done. You are male no more."

Daniel squeezed his eyes shut and lay motionless.

"Shall I continue?"

"Where's Jack?"

"He's off looking for your friends."

"Get it done, Hector."

"The pain is likely to worsen as the pressure bandage eases. I have no potions. Would you like to bite down on a stick?"

"Open the bandages Hector. Stop stalling and stop acting like you are responsible. It's not your fault."

Hector continued to unwrap the coverings, slowly liberating reddened flesh. As the layers of bandage decreased, Hector noticed a definite bulge where Daniel's parts ought to be. Two more layers and he arrived at the final bit of covering. A relieved yet concerned expression flitted across his face.

"Daniel, listen carefully. I do not know why, but the priest has not performed the usual rites. He has encased your maleness within an extremely tight-fitting belt, rendering you unable to perform, but you have retained all your parts, at least for now. If we do not remove the belt soon, it may yet have the desired effect. How can I remove such a belt when I have no idea how it is fastened or what it is made from?"

For the first time, Daniel began to have true hope. The priest did have integrity after all! He'd allowed Daniel a reprieve in the event he was telling the truth, and could in fact defeat the false god and get himself free.

Chapter 15 - It's All In the Timing

The touch sent shivers of excitement all over her. "Don't stop. Don't ever stop!" she cried, panting and opening her legs wider. She'd never been touched like that - with such a precise combination of stroking, pressing, squeezing - she was kept teetering on the verge of exploding. A warm tingle steadily built over every part of her body. Everything became an erogenous zone. She never knew he was such a masterful lover. 'Dream - must be a dream.' Sam's groggy powers of reasoning tried to kick in. 'So tired, nodded off, just for a bit. No sign of Teal'c.'

"NO!" She was fully awake now, as if thinking of Teal'c's name shocked her into awareness. She was not alone. Teal'c had apparently discovered her as she lay in exhausted sleep, and was now exploring her body with fingertips and tongue.

He pulled back slightly as he saw her wake up. His body signaled its readiness, but his eyes spoke of indecision and self-recrimination. The symbiote moved restlessly in its pouch, occasionally appearing through the slits, then retreating again.

"It is time." Teal'c spoke, sounding more remorseful than eager.

"Yes," Sam found herself responding. The two of them were dancing to the hormonal tune set by the larval Goa'uld.

"You are certain, Samantha?"

"Yes." Even though a part of Sam could still realize that this was all wrong, she undressed fully and her body opened itself to receive him.

Teal'c resumed his stimulation and applied his oral skills to her breasts, while his hands explored the warmth between her legs.

A voice that could only belong to one person registered with both of them instantaneously. "Hell... OH?! What's goin' on here?"

"Sir!"

"Your timing is most inopportune, O'Neill."

"If... if I could explain sir... mmmffffmffm" Sam's attempt at speech was lost in a wet, penetrating kiss. She pulled strongly away for a second and managed to shout "TEAL'C!"

"OK, something's very wrong here. Teal'c, the Major sounds as if she wants you to stop... now!"

Teal'c grunted in response, and continued to move on top of his somewhat reluctant mate.

"Teal'c - STOP - NOW! That's an order!" Jack commanded as he placed a restraining arm on the jaffa's broad shoulder.

Teal'c shrugged off Jack's grip as one would a fly.

Realizing Teal'c had no intentions of stopping, Jack attempted to place him in a wrestling hold and wound up getting tossed through the air, landing hard on the ground.

As Teal'c turned to face his opponent, Sam had the chance to move away. Having Teal'c's energy focused elsewhere seemed to give Sam the opportunity to break free from the Goa'uld influence. "I'm so glad to see you." Sam rushed to explain. "I was doing my best to avoid Teal'c, and I had no idea where you were, but I fell asleep... and... Sir? Where are your clothes? And where's Daniel?" Cringing as Jack was sent flying again, Sam added, "Watch out, sir. It's hard to explain, but Teal'c's not gonna take 'no' for an answer. Trust me."

"Carter! I wouldn't mind a little help here!"

"Yes sir, I understand that, and I would really like to help you, but I'm finding it... hard to... ummm... I'm really confused right now."

"Has everyone gone crazy?" Jack yelled, narrowly avoiding a full punch as he ducked and rolled.

Teal'c's words did little to clear up Jack's confusion. "I deeply regret, O'Neill, that I will be forced to incapacitate you, should you continue to prevent my advances."

Jack was panting hard from exertion. After all he endured in the company of Heru'Ur and goons, he wasn't ready for this kind of workout. "Carter, what've we got here? Super-powered, touched virus? What?" Jack never heard her response, as a powerful left hook knocked him out cold.

~~~~

"Hector? Hector! Stop! It's not working, and the pain's getting worse." Daniel swore he could taste blood from biting down so hard on his lip. He really did try his best to lie still as Hector tugged and prodded, but even a slight movement of whatever device had been clamped on him, sent jolts of pain to his gut.

"I must not stop. From what I can see of your skin, the color is not good. I will have twice failed you, if I can not loosen your bindings soon." Hector's tone was desperate.

"Calm down and hold on a minute. Do you know how to make a fire? It's so dark here. Could you do that so I can get a better look at..." Daniel waved his hand toward his groin, feeling sick to his stomach.

"I am not skilled in creating fire, but I could open the Chappa'Ai, and you could use the light. Is that not so?"

"I guess we could try that. Did you say that Jack was out looking for my friends?"

"Yes, he should return soon. Do not worry."

But Daniel was worried, as he stared off into the woods, trying not to imagine the hundred and one nasty things that could befall Jack. While he waited for Hector to turn on the light, Daniel allowed his hands to explore his bindings for the first time. It felt as if his penis had been threaded into an impossibly small sleeve, made of something hard... ceramic-like. A tiny opening at the end allowed a cannulae to protrude, giving him a way to urinate. Dehydration had pretty much removed that need, so far. His encased penis was then bent back between his legs and his entire package - scrotum and all - was bound in a fine, wire mesh. This was welded or attached to metal belts which wrapped around each leg and around his lower abdomen. Everything felt seamless, but Daniel continued to search for a lock.

A whoosh of gate-energy, and Daniel could see clearly what his fingers had established. He could also see how deep red everything looked. Hector was right. It didn't look good, and it felt even worse.

Hector rejoined Daniel, giving him a comforting squeeze. "Does the light help?"

"Some... I was just thinking how much this reminds me of what they call a male chastity belt on my home world."

Hector's eyes grew wide. "They wear such things on your world?"

"Just for fun. I mean... not nearly as tight as this... It's hard to explain."

"Have you discovered a way to remove it?"

"Not yet, but there has to be a way. The priest must have intended for me to get it off once I escaped. Right?" Daniel waited for Hector's response, as the lovely, violet-eyed boy stared into his soul.

Hector didn't answer right away. It was entirely possible that his former lord had ordained this new method of prolonged castration, just for Daniel. "Even if it can not be removed, Daniel, I will always have very fond feelings for you." He encouraged Daniel to lie back down and rest his head upon a welcoming lap. "You should also know that Jack has quite strong feelings, but I sense he is unsure what you feel for him."

Chapter 16 - And Then There Were Four

"Jack's been gone a while now." Daniel could barely talk. The burning sensation between his legs had progressed beyond unbearable. Hector had tried massaging his shoulders and head to get him to relax, but any touches, even Hector's loving and gentle ones, were painful. "Hector, you have to go find him. He might need help. I'll be ok here."

Hector paced, nervously wringing his hands. "I shall try to locate your friend. I shall also think of some way to free you. There is no request you could ever make that I could refuse, but I must tell you - I find it very hard to leave your side."

Daniel motioned for Hector to come closer, and spoke to him in a tight-lipped whisper. "I appreciate all you have done. Now you have to go."

Hector leaned, letting his lips lightly brush Daniel's cheek. "Daniel," he breathed. "May I kiss you? I - need to... to feel you kiss me back... I do not know of the dangers of this place. Parting may mean we never see each other again..."

The soft blue light flickered as the forest sounds hummed around them. The depth of Hector's caring held Daniel in a magical moment... distanced from the horror and pain. He smiled slightly, nodding his consent.

Hector placed a warm cheek softly against Daniel's, then he shifted... lips fluttering over Daniel's face - centering on his mouth. Tender softness melded with welcoming strength... a bittersweet kiss. Hector suddenly felt faint. "Be strong," he rushed to say in a shaky voice, then he vanished into the gloom.

As the wormhole shut down, Daniel was alone in the dark unable to move. "Hurry up Jack. What the hell's keeping you?"

~~~~

Teal'c could almost feel the blow to his own jaw, as he watched the Colonel head for the ground. He stared disbelieving at his fist, then at the wide-eyed look of accusation in the Major's eyes.

"Colonel O'Neill!" Teal'c knelt by the man he'd just flattened. "Major Carter, I fear he will not be responsive for some time. I hope I did not injure him severely. Please assist me in making him more comfortable." Seeing Jack hurt, as a consequence of his own actions had apparently doused his hormonal fire... at least for the time being.

Sam bunched up her jacket and fashioned a pillow for the Colonel's head. Then she returned to her discarded clothes and began to dress... keeping a watchful eye on Teal'c. "Something must have happened to Daniel, or else the Colonel wouldn't be traveling alone. I don't think they'd simply split up. Teal'c, are you able to go looking for Daniel, while I wait for the Colonel to come to?... Teal'c?"

"I am sincerely sorry. I have disgraced myself."

"You weren't in control... you had no..."

"That is not an acceptable excuse!" Teal'c shouted. "A jaffa never loses control. NEVER!" He turned away in angered silence.

Sam could hear the Colonel moaning softly. She moved to his side and whispered, "Sir, I hope you can hear me, and do exactly as I say, even though it might seem to make no sense. Teal'c's is doing much better now that he thinks you're hurt. Sounds crazy, I know, but trust me - now would not be a good time to wake up!"

Having regained some composure, Teal'c returned to Sam's side. "How is he doing, Major Carter?"

"He's... ahhh... going to be out for a while longer... You really should see if you can find your clothes, and then..." Sam's words were interrupted as a young man ran at them from the woods.

Teal'c instinctively reached out, grabbed the boy, and effortlessly restrained him.

"What have you done!" Hector screeched with alarm. "I do not understand the ways of your people. Daniel is hurt and now you have hurt Jack as well! Is he not your friend?" Hector reflexively began to relax in the firm grip of the naked jaffa. This was an all-too-familiar position for him. He sensed a strong sexual tension in the man, and it set his body quivering, but he had no impression of aggression or personal threat.

Sam grew excited at the news. "You've been with the Colonel and Daniel? You know where Daniel is?"

Jack lay there, eyes firmly shut... listening - trying to make sense of the conversation. Where the hell was he? And what truck just hit him?

"There is far more to tell than I am able at this urgent time," Hector began. "I had been living in Tethra since I was sixteen, living in service to my lord."

"Since you were... sixteen?" Sam's voice carried the doubt and curiosity caused by the youth's appearance. She'd have sworn he wasn't a day over sixteen now.

"I was brought to Tethra twenty years ago. It is usual for my people to retain a youthful appearance well into advancing years, and with this my lord was greatly pleased. That, combined with the fact that I lack the male hormones that would have brought forth signs of adult maturity... I do appear as a boy to you."

"Your appearance... as well as the softness of your skin... is most pleasing," Teal'c growled, holding Hector more tightly to his chest.

"Please forgive Teal'c.... ummm..." Sam raised her eyebrow, not knowing what to call the young man.

"Hector... my name is Hector. And there is no need to forgive the jaffa's response to me. I am truly flattered..." Hector began to blush, and lose his concentration. 'Not at good thing,' he told himself. Lightly stroking Teal'c's forearms, he continued with his message. "You must both listen to what I tell you now. I was able to escape from Tethra, just prior to the volcanic explosions, with the help of Jack and Daniel. Jack is fine..." Hector glanced at the Colonel sprawled on the ground. "Well... he was fine when I last saw him. As fine as one might expect, as Heru'Ur was not kind in his treatment of Jack... "

"Heru'Ur?" Sam and Teal'c asked in unison, as Teal'c released Hector from his grasp.

Hector sighed impatiently. "I did tell you the story is a long one! It is Daniel that I am most worried about. He has undergone a... a binding procedure..." Hector looked from Sam to Teal'c... hoping for some sign that they knew what he was talking about... and received none. "He is in the process of becoming as I am... a eunuch... unless something can be done to remedy. He is in much pain... and we may already be too late!"

Sam was momentarily stunned by the boy's revelation. "By all means, take us to him!" Sam insisted. To Jack she added, "It's okay, Colonel, you can get up now."

Jack sat up slowly as the pieces to the puzzle began to interconnect. "Once we're outta here, Carter, you're gonna have to tell me what the heck I walked in on before."

"Yes sir," Sam answered, still regarding Teal'c with a bit of apprehension.

The unlikely rescue party moved out, retracing Hector's path to the Stargate. Sam walked a step behind the group... comprised of a naked-as-the-day-he-was-born jaffa, a naked -except for a golden necklace and tattoo - commanding officer, and a lot-older-and-experienced-than-he-appeared, naked eunuch. She realized then and there that she would never survive the debriefing.

~~~~

After a short walk, they arrived. All eyes turned to Hector as Jack spoke first. "Well? Where is he?"

Hector stood in puzzled, open-mouthed silence. Either Daniel had gotten up and walked away... through the dense undergrowth, avoiding the path... an extremely unlikely prospect considering the fact that he was unable even to sit up... or...

"He is not here. Someone must have taken him away!"

Chapter 17 - Help From Above

"I knew I should not have left him! He was completely defenseless, unable to move.. Barely able to kiss..." Hector looked at Jack's inquisitive expression and continued with more carefully chosen words, "barely able to say goodbye."

"He was in no shape to walk around?" Jack couldn't believe just as things were starting to settle down, that he'd lost Daniel once again. There had to be a mistake.

"That is correct. His pain was quite strong."

"Teal'c, when you checked this place out, did you find any sign of natives? Friendly or otherwise?"

"Most recently I have been - distracted - however my initial explorations revealed no signs of life apart from insects and birds."

"So what does that leave us?"

"It is possible, sir, that someone came through the Stargate. Hector mentioned a run-in with Heru'Ur?"

"Doesn't make sense that anyone, especially one of Heru'Ur's goons, would just take Daniel and disappear..."

"I don't know, sir..."

"Time grows very short. Daniel needs help and three times now I have failed him." Hector turned, burying his face in Teal'c's shoulder, sobbing.

~~~~

Jack ordered a methodical search of the surrounding woods, which turned up nothing. No sign of Daniel... no sign that anyone or anything else had ever been there. In exasperation he leaned against a tree, rubbing his eyes... exhaustion plain on his face.

"Sir? When did you last eat anything?" Sam voiced her concern.

"I can't remember. They weren't real big on hospitality to newcomers."

Sam noticed for the first time how entirely drained the Colonel looked, as well as all the bruises and welts he had sustained. "Colonel, I've got my med kit, and some rations... we'll get a fire going, find something for you and Hector to wear, and I'd like to have a look at those injuries... if I may."

"Sounds good Carter," Jack spoke in a subdued voice. "I... I can help with the food and fire. Guess I was hoping you might have come up with some ideas about gettin' us back home."

"I haven't found anything here to give me clues. I was going to try a series of random dialings... gate addresses we know, with slight modifications for point of origin. It's pretty much a long-shot, but it's.all I can think of."

"Yeah well... we seem to be gettin' by on long-shots lately. Might as well give it a go."

"Just give me some time, sir. We'll get back home... and we'll find Daniel too."

"Yup... let's get moving on dinner and the fire." That was enough discussion. He really needed to be doing something... instead of thinking about all the ways he screwed up... and left Daniel on his own... to be mutilated by the snake bastard... and now... Where the hell was he now?

~~~~

After building a makeshift lean-to, Teal'c retired to practice kel'noreem, first announcing that his symbiote needed "in-depth communication."

Jack had to comment, in spite of the situation, "Junior's in trouble now!"

Sam was trying to stay awake, but finally gave in to the demands of her sleep-deprived body. "Wake me in six, sir. I'll take second watch."

This left Hector and Jack, each wrapped in rain ponchos and blankets, sitting in the firelight... poking at their MRE's.

Making a disgusted face, Hector commented, "What suffices for nutrition on your world is not very appetizing."

"Oh... you'll see... when we bring you there... all the joys of steak and potatoes...."

Hector tried to adjust the blanket and plastic poncho into something flattering. "Your clothing is also most unbecoming... and itchy!"

"Quit complaining, will ya? Just be glad you're free, okay?"

"Free." Hector's voice was lifeless. He no longer had a home, a god, and a purpose. "Free to do what? Live where? Daniel has told me there are no eunuchs among you. I would live in shame on your world, or as some oddity."

"We could send you home... to your home," Jack offered.

Hector did not respond, and gave no indication of why he'd be less than eager to go home. More time passed, with the fire crackling. "You have not yet asked me about Daniel. It upsets you to speak of him, does it not?"

"I'm in charge of this team. I'm responsible for what happens to them. Of course it 'upsets' me if one of them gets hurt... or disappears."

"Why is it that I see much more than duty and responsibility in your eyes? You do not feel the same emotions for Carter and Teal'c." Hector tried to get Jack to look at him, to no avail.

Shifting uncomfortably, Jack stared up into the darkened canopy. "Maybe it has bothered me more than usual... with Daniel getting hurt like... like that."

"That does not explain all that I sense. It is not 'bothered' emotions I feel from you... it is love. Daniel feels this strongly for you as well." Hector wasn't certain Jack had heard him. In fact, he seemed intensely interested in his 'macaroni and cheese'.

"Avoiding speaking of things does not help." Still Jack remained silent. "Perhaps you would like to know what I discovered when I removed Daniel's bandages?"

Jack choked in mid-swallow. "Yeah... of course I want to know." He winced. "How bad is it?"

"I discovered a most unusual thing. The priest fashioned what Daniel called a 'chastity belt' - only much tighter and with no lock or obvious way for it to be removed."

"Chastity belt?" Jack echoed, hope sounding in his voice. "Then if we can remove it... he's gonna be ok?"

"That was Daniel's hope as well. I am not so certain. It may already be too late."

Jack rose to a tight, angered stance. "Well, I, for one, am not giving up! Not when it comes to Daniel... you got that? I'll take him any way I can... no matter what's happened to his body... as long as he's back... safe and next to me. I won't even use the words 'too late'!"

"Yes, sir!" Hector responded, inwardly happy. This was a man very much in love, and as long as they could find Daniel, he had every confidence that Daniel would be well cared for. A slight pang of yearning passed through him as he wondered if Jack might be persuaded to keep two eunuchs.

~~~~ Lying on a woven leaf mat in a much-too-hot, overly bright, gently swaying room, Daniel tried to recall the events of the last few hours. They'd left him alone for the moment... he hoped for a good long while.

He remembered lying on the ground... trying to sleep... feeling chilly and weak. The pain just wouldn't quit. Then there was movement all about him in the dark. Silent, swiftly shifting shapes... spectral... For a brief moment Daniel thought they might pass by, but they soon gathered about him. He experienced light touches all over his body. Daniel remained frozen in place, not even breathing. He couldn't tell if they were humanoid... whether the touches were fingers... tentacles... wings... There was an air of purpose... of intelligence. He wasn't afraid, exactly. The most eerie thing was the complete absence of sound.

Suddenly, a combined force lifted him up. "Ohhh," he grunted. "Stop! STOP! It HURTS!" His body was shifted within their grasp, as they began to move. He still couldn't make out any features in the darkness. "Please! Put me down!" It was useless to struggle. He was being held tight.

They continued moving as if they couldn't hear him. The group came to a halt at the base of an enormous tree. At first Daniel thought it was a rock face... the side of a mountain... until he brushed against the bark. The beings paused, as if deciding what to do, then a muscular arm - yes - definitely felt like an arm... hooked around Daniel's waist and held him tight. Instantly he was moving, this time upward.

Straight up. Effortlessly the being made the climb up the endless trunk. Each movement brought a fresh jolt of pain with an accompanying grunt. Talking seemed to be of no use. Either it couldn't hear him, or didn't understand. And... he wasn't exactly at his top form as far as communication was concerned. By this time the only coherent word he was able to repeat was "please!"

Making matters worse, his acrophobia began to kick in when Daniel estimated they'd climbed at least five or six hundred feet. The canopy above was still rather dense, but light was beginning to filter down... enough for Daniel to see his captors for the first time.

No wonder he couldn't see them in the blackness of the forest floor. They were as dark as night themselves. Their shape was roughly humanoid... head, torso, arms, and legs... but that's where the similarity ended. The arms and legs were extremely long and muscular. Instead of two hands and feet, they appeared to have four hands... each with long gripping claws at the end of slender fingers.

Daniel tried to focus on them... not the distance to the ground... but that was hard to do as he hung helplessly puppet-like in the climber's grasp. Closing his eyes only increased the swaying nausea, so he continued observing. Dark, shiny, jet-black skin... perhaps well adapted to life atop the trees in strong sunlight. The hair... long... black too. Facial features were difficult to make out... especially hanging upside down... swinging... God! It was so far to the ground!

Again he tried to communicate. There was no indication from the beings that he'd even made a sound. Yet, they did seem to react to each other. At least they looked toward each other, tilted heads, and apparently responded... all in silence.

The climb couldn't have taken more than ten minutes when they reached their destination. Daniel kept his eyes tightly shut as they emerged into blinding sunlight atop the canopy. As he was placed on his feet, he tried very hard not to think of how high up he was... but as the surface he was standing upon began to sway precariously... he felt his knees collapsing, and a strong arm grabbing him as he began to slip off.

Claws raked across the skin of his back, and held fast to the only thing they could... the belt about his waist. Tough decision to make in a matter of seconds... living through his worst nightmare of falling to a certain death... or having to endure suspension from his custom-fitted torture device. The choice was not his to make, as his rescuer lifted him squirming and groaning, back to firmer ground.

Clinging to the plant fiber walkway, lying face down, Daniel began to hyperventilate. The air was oppressively hot and humid. He couldn't convince himself that he wouldn't fall if he moved even a single muscle, and the pain... At this point, a bowie knife seemed a far more humane choice.

"A dream," he said, trying to bring himself to wakefulness. He was certain that stress, fatigue and dehydration had conspired to give him hallucinations or daymares... possibly both.

But it was no dream; Daniel was quick to realize. These unknown beings with an undeclared purpose had hauled him up from the ground and tossed him in this hut, then stood and stared at him for the longest time in remaining in total silence, then they were gone. The possibility always existed that they intended to help him... or maybe he was about to be served up as the main course for dinner.

Footsteps told him he wouldn't have to wait much longer to find out.

Chapter 18 - One Alien's Blessing is Another Man's Curse

Jack wasn't about to sleep. Tired as he felt, he was also gate-lagged. His internal clock was having the damnedest time trying to figure out if it was night or day in this never-ending darkness. Felt odd to be without a watch for so long. He'd finally stopped reading his wrist every half-hour. Adrenaline was key... fueled by constant worry. Damn! He hated to misplace anything, especially people, most especially Daniel. He really needed to hold him, but those feelings along with fear and uncertainty, were not things he could voice to a single soul.

Hector had started carrying on about being cold, tired and lonely... finally asking if he could sleep with Teal'c. Jack couldn't come up with a reason to tell him no. He certainly was old enough to know what he might be getting in to. Also... a big plus... a satisfied jaffa would be of much greater use to the team right about now.

Jack lay back on his elbows, staring at the fire. "Hold on Daniel, I can't be there with you... wherever you are... whatever's goin' on... but if God's still listening to me after a lifetime of sinning, I'm praying He watches over you... and holds you when I can't."

Sam woke to the soft sound of the Colonel's voice. She peeked out of her tent, still staying within the warmth of her bag. Everything seemed fine, he was just... talking to no one in particular... Glancing at her watch, she realized there was still time for a few more winks. Settling back to sleep, she heard the unmistakable sound of a desirous jaffa... a sound she'd learned intimately.

Having the Colonel a few yards away was somewhat reassuring, but after the last go-round, she really didn't want to get him involved. As she planned a course of action, Sam paid closer attention to the sounds, and knew she'd have nothing to fear from Teal'c, at least not now.

A voice could be heard amidst Teal'c's lustful groans. "See? Now you shall experience why I was Heru'Ur's prize eunuch!"

Teal'c was hopelessly blabbering some combination of Goa'uld and English, to which Hector responded with teasing laughter. "Jaffa pride themselves on being great lovers and possessing tireless stamina. If I continue to ride atop you like this, we shall see how you compare!"

Sam could hear Teal'c moaning with such satisfied pleasure... she began to grow very uncomfortable in the overly hot and confining sleeping bag. Her glance returned to the firelight... and one lone Colonel. He must be able to hear the ruckus from the neighboring lean-to, but he wasn't reacting. He simply sat, blankly staring at the fire.

Clearly she wasn't going to get any sleep, so she made her way outside... opting to stand by the man who was a million miles away. Nothing seemed right to say... 'If you were me... you'd say stop beating up on yourself'... Ugh... 'Not your fault, sir' ...Nope... 'Teal'c and Hector are sure hitting it off well...' After many false starts in her mind, Sam noticed that the Colonel was patting the ground next to him, offering her a seat.

As she sat, he spoke first. "He's here Carter. He's here and he's alive. I have no idea how, but I'm certain."

They watched the fire together in silence.

~~~~

Daniel had tears in his eyes. It was not possible to think beyond the stinging, throbbing pain. He no option but to sit with his legs spread wide... and try not to move... in order to avoid doubling over in pain.

A group of the others returned, lead by one, slightly larger with shimmering metallic colors painted on its body. Daniel couldn't readily tell male from female, and reluctantly categorized them as "it".

This 'leader' addressed Daniel. It plainly moved its mouth, but made absolutely no sound. Dark brown eyes stared, at first with patience and compassion... soon shifting to frustration... at the lack of response from Daniel.

"I don't understand you," was all Daniel could manage to say.

This brought a command gesture in response from the leader, and two of the others began to examine Daniel. His head was held fast, as fingers probed into his mouth. Mercifully stopping as he began to gag. His ears were prodded next, causing twinges of pain, as ear canals were scraped by long nails.

Then the leader pointed toward Daniel's groin.

"NO!" he screamed. "HURTS! NO!" He started frantically waving his hands, blocking their approach.

They took a step back, watching his reaction in puzzlement.

Looking around for something with which to communicate... he ripped several of the palm-like leaves from the floor mat and spelled a letter "H". "Hurts," he repeated, covering himself and making a pained expression.

A flicker of recognition seemed to pass over the leader's face, as it pointed at Daniel and nodded. Then in that same, mysterious, silent manner, it communicated with the others causing several to run off. The leader moved closer to Daniel, who by now was lying, breathing in raspy gasps, on the floor. It touched his head as if to reassure, then trailed long, black fingers down his chest, his waist, and toward the belt.

It was impossible to put up any more of a fight. Daniel followed the leader's actions with his eyes... knees trembling... as he forced himself to remain still. The leader pointed to something on the waist belt that Daniel hadn't noticed before, a small engraved symbol... Heru'Ur's symbol.

Daniel tried to make sense out of what was happening. Did it recognize the symbol? Another tilt of the leader's head with more silent lip moving, caused one of the others to hurry off... and return with two things. One was a ring made of metal. It looked as if it were meant to be worn as a collar, and it bore Heru'Ur's symbol. The other was a book... the cover of which was written in the Goa'uld language.

The leader pressed the book into Daniel's hands and gestured impatiently.

"Are you asking if I can read it?" Daniel shook his head a tentative 'yes'... "If I have time and if I can concentrate..."

The leader growled deep with frustration, and yanked Daniel to a sitting position... opened the book and thrust his face into it.

The rapid upward motion put pressure on places too sensitive to bear it. Daniel repeated his cry of "Hurts!"... grabbing at the crude letter H.

Calming slightly, the leader motioned for the others who had just reentered the room, to bring what they carried to Daniel's side. In a wooden cup, Daniel could see a fizzing liquid. It smelled acrid... strongly acidic. The leader made certain Daniel was watching as it dipped the metal collar into the liquid. The collar began to dissolve. In moments, it was reduced to a slimy liquid.

The leader did not ask Daniel for permission, although as Daniel found his arms and legs held fast... he knew what was being planned. The urge to fight what was about to happen crossed his mind at the same time as the overpowering need to be rid of the thing, even if everything dissolved away with it.

He couldn't watch... had to turn his head. Silence filled the room as he held his breath. He could hear the gurgling of the cup as it was positioned over him, and then the first drops of liquid hit the belt.

Immediately the belt got hot... the heat rapidly increasing. Daniel waited for the liquid to start burning through his flesh, but it didn't happen. Somehow, the stuff was caustic only to metal. Daniel's relief was short-lived as the belt became branding iron hot. He couldn't hold back any longer. He started to scream... loud and long... venting the pain... the anger... letting every last bit of it out.

They didn't stop. In fact the process sped up. Every bit of constricting belt, wire mesh, and ceramic tubing was coated with the liquid and immediately became unbearably hot. Then, as he was certain he was going to pass out, a container of ice cold liquid was poured over him... and the burning ceased. Only to be replaced by the sudden return of circulation... ripping Daniel from relief into the grip of agony yet again.

Not comprehending his continued discomfort, the leader once again offered Daniel the book. Daniel shook his head to refuse. He could barely see straight. His face was forced again into the pages.

Daniel blinked. Hard. A drawing... a fair-skinned man... rescuing the others... He was pulled to a stand, and could have sworn there was happiness in the room as the others gathered excitedly about the book and compared the drawing to him.

Daniel dared a peek at his crotch...

And...

Seeing nothing recognizable... promptly fainted.

Chapter 20 - Found and Lost

The plan, and hopefully there was still a very much alive and intact archeologist at the end of it all, was to send Hector and Teal'c up first. They were told to be all noisy and attention getting, while Sam and Jack followed just behind, a few trees apart.

Jack knew Teal'c would be able to hold his own if they encountered hostiles. As for Hector, the kid seemed fearless when it came to rescuing Daniel. Memories of Hector offering himself in sacrifice to Jack's knife crystallized as Jack huffed and puffed his way up the tree, suspended by ropes and anchors, following Carter's lead.

"You doing okay, sir?" she called down to him.

"Yup. Keep goin'... it's just a bit harder doing this in the buff. Even Tarzan had a damned loin cloth!"

"Sorry, sir. Teal'c and I didn't have anything to fit you."

"Just keep moving, I'll manage...OW!" Jack yelled as tree bark scraped very tender areas. "Eyes upward, Major. Keep goin'"

Jack could see in the brightening light that Teal'c had almost reached the treetop. On cue, an assembly of agitated aliens were forming along what appeared to be bridges, leading to Teal'c's tree. Jack froze and whispered for Sam to do the same. Once he was certain all attention was focused on Teal'c and Hector, Jack motioned for Sam to complete the climb.

Drenched in sweat and completely winded, Jack and Sam hid behind a leafy branch and squinting into the brilliant sunlight, observed the layout of the primitive arboreal camp.

Sam spoke in low tones, "Sir, the natives seem to be well-adapted to living in the trees. Just look at their skin color... the structure of their arms and legs... It's incredible that they were up here all this time, and we couldn't detect them from below."

"You see any sign of Daniel?"

Sam shook her head. Jack pointed at the half dozen huts, signaling where he intended to go first, and sending Sam off in another direction.

Jack's stomach tightened as he approached the largest of the structures. Something told him Daniel was in there. A quick glance over his shoulder told him Teal'c and Hector weren't having any difficulty holding the native's attention.

Jack tried to prepare himself for the worst... Daniel in excruciating pain... passed out God willing... or things could be much more gruesome. He had to be alive though. That much Jack just knew.

Two more shaky steps across a twine bridge and he was at the hut entrance. Fearing Daniel might have company, he didn't dare call out his name. Slowly he pushed open the woven door and stared at the sight before him.

Daniel! Standing there..... radiantly bathed in shafts of light, dressed as a South Sea warrior... complete with lei and woven jewelry.. A collar had been placed about his neck and fastened somehow to restrain him. He had a look of fiery defiance as when the door first opened... melting immediately into relief and then concern.

"Daniel!" Jack moved quickly to his side, noting a grimace on his face and tear-filled eyes. "Collar to tight? hold on a sec..." Jack unfastened the twine and helped guide Daniel to a sitting position on the floor. He couldn't resist smothering Daniel in a huge bear hug. He was not only alive, warm and responding to his touches... but he looked... hell... he looked like some kind of god!

"Jack! Jack... there's... there's this book... and it has..."

What's he saying? Something about a book? Even now? A book? "Daniel?" Damn, he's still going on about a book. "Daniel I'm not hearing you right now. Let me just... I need to..." Jack's iron grip on Daniel loosened as he began to rub Daniel's back, allowing the energy flowing from the touch to rejuvenate spent resources.

~~~~

Daniel stopped talking and stared into the eyes of a man who would follow him to the ends of the galaxy. All other thought escaped him as he was enveloped by Jack's bare-chested closeness. "I need you too," Daniel breathed into the side of Jack's neck.

Jack's hand rubbed lower to where the belt had been, then hesitated. "It's ok, you don't have to stop," Daniel encouraged, adding his own hand to Jack's and guiding it lower still. "I don't exactly recommend it, but these folks have a way to help you out - if you're ever in a bind..." A weary smile crossed Daniel's face as tentative hands tenderly touched every blessed inch. "We're not out of the woods yet, but I'm gonna be okay, especially now that you're here."

~~~~

'Gonna be okay' - Jack let the words wash over his heart, cleansing it of all wrongdoing and guilt. Reluctantly he shifted back to the reality of their situation. As much as he didn't want to think about aliens right now, there was that small matter of getting them all back down to the gate with the added challenge of being greatly outnumbered, then figuring how to dial home.

Jack did a better assessment of just how okay Daniel was. Other than the faint outline of a belt seemingly burnt in to his skin, and looking a bit dehydrated, Daniel did seem well. Good enough to kiss...

Becoming acutely aware of his bone-tiredness, Jack's mind didn't want to come up with any more plans. He wanted some peace and quiet... and Daniel.

Plans...

To hell with plans. Right now, right this minute, he needed to hold Daniel and to kiss him. Tell him without exchanging any words, just how much it meant to have him back.

Lips met in a strong, need-driven kiss. A kiss that gave as much as it took. One that said 'we've been through hell and we are still 'we', even more so.'

Hector's uncertain voice broke the spell. "I must interrupt this sweet reunion with news you will not like to hear, Jack."

The Colonel stood, offering a steadying hand as Daniel also rose. He noted that a large group of the natives stood outside the door. Teal'c was with them. "What is it Hector?"

"Apparently, we are all free to leave, but we cannot take Daniel with us. These beings believe he has been ordained to save their race. He must remain behind."

"Like hell he will!" Jack roared in response. "Somehow he made it through and we're going back together!"

Daniel spoke with a soothing hand on Jack's shoulder. "Hector, hold on a minute, you can understand them?"

"Some. They speak in barely audible tones and only a few words are recognizable to me as a dialect of Goa'uld. Quite enough to know that they mean for you to stay, and will allow the rest of us to leave, as long as we depart quickly." Unexpectedly, Hector smiled as he looked in amazed wonder at Daniel's front side. "May I also say, I am overjoyed to see you looking... so... whole!"

Jack cleared his throat and possessively stepped between Daniel and Hector, blocking the youth's view. "What if I don't agree?"

"What, sir?" Hector asked, losing his train of thought over Daniel's restored appearance.

"What if I don't agree to the leaving part?" Jack repeated.

"Then we shall all be forced to remain here, as they will destroy the circle device that opens the Chappa'Ai."

Sam pushed her way through the crowd, stopping with a wide-eyed stare next to Daniel. Bringing her attention fully back to Hector, she asked, "Can't we talk about this? Maybe of you interpret, we can come to an agreement. We could promise to send scientists... people who can help study their problem and work on solutions."

"They have their solution." Hector's eyes turned to Daniel. "They found you alone... a gift of the forest, just as their legends foretold. In order for everyone to be freed, you must agree to stay." To Jack he added, "The lord of these people gives us one daypart, then we must leave. My understanding is that it is a short length of time."

Jack wasn't able to hold back any longer. "I'm NOT buyin' it! I've only just found Daniel. Dammit! Do you have any idea how hard it is..." Emotion choked off any further comment.

"Jack. Jack look at me!" Daniel pleaded. "What choice do we have? Are you going to shoot your way out of here? Kill dozens of them, so that I can make a break for it?"

"If they're even thinking that they can hold you against your will..." Jack began in a deep, threatening tone.

Daniel interrupted. "If you care about my will, I won't. I can't let you kill them. Look, maybe I'll figure things out and maybe they'll let me leave before too long."

"Maybe? Maybe! No, as long as I'm in command of this mission, that's NOT acceptable!"

Staring at Jack with clear , steady eyes, Daniel spoke to Hector. "Go tell the leader or lord that I have agreed to stay. I want to go with them to make certain my friends are allowed to leave safely, then I will do whatever I can to help."

Jack shook his head. He knew that would be Daniel's choice. He also knew it would be unlikely Daniel would go along with any orders of his... if it meant others would die as a consequence of his own actions. How he wanted to lay him out with a good right cross, and knock some sense into him. The selfless nobility he loved and admired in Daniel was now going to separate them... possibly forever. "You're a damned fool if you do this." There. He'd said it. Jack stormed out of the hut, looking for the quickest way out of the trees and off this world.

The rest of the group followed him. The leader seemed most pleased at the successful turn of events. Only Hector remained behind to talk briefly with Daniel and accompany him on the journey to the Chappa'Ai.

Chapter 21 - In The Blink of a Chappa'Ai

Sam didn't think she'd ever seen the Colonel break camp so fast before. She put aside her pack for Daniel, along with everything she felt could safely be left off world.

Hector had tried to ask Jack whether or not he wanted to return to his world dressed in his poncho. The Colonel did not answer. Taking that as a 'no', Hector announced that he'd be bringing Jack's poncho to Daniel to wear. Hector had tried to don his own poncho in a somewhat flattering way, but ended up sighing and letting the cloth hang unattractively. He went off to locate Daniel.

Sam knew better than to engage the Colonel in conversation now. She understood completely how he felt about giving in to the enemy in a hostage situation. When Daniel showed up at the Gate, she still expected the Colonel to attempt forcible removal.

Jock stopped his pacing and directed a terse comment to his Major. "When we get back, no more civilians under my command. Even Teal'c enlists!"

A movement of bushes caught her eye, then she made out a small group approaching. Daniel was in the lead, dressed in a dark green plastic poncho, and carrying a book. Hector told Sam this book would give them the necessary information to open the Chappa'Ai to their home world.

Daniel proceeded directly to the DHD, and began to study the symbols. Tentatively he entered the first symbol, then activated them in a more rapid fashion. He didn't speak, but Sam guessed that he had to be very upset.

After the sixth symbol was pressed and the Chevron engaged, Jack stepped up to the pedestal and put a staying hand on top of Daniel's.

Daniel shrugged it off and pressed the final symbol. Jack countered by placing his hand on the center crystal and moved quickly to the gatelight. "Let's go folks. Hector! C'mon. You get to see my world at last."

The poncho-clad youth stumbled slightly as he walked up the steps of the Stargate. He drew the poncho tightly about him and wore the hood down over his face.

"Don't be shy. There are good people where we're going. You'll be just fine. Major? Code please."

Sam fumbled with the GDO, looking over her shoulder at Daniel. He had moved into the shadows and stood with his back to the Stargate. Even with the oversized poncho, Sam could tell he was standing with arms crossed. This was no way to say farewell.

"Sir, with respect, shouldn't we say good bye?"

"Request denied, Major. Hector and Teal'c are already through. Lets move out."

~~~~

Jack watched Carter's back dissolve into blue. As much as he knew he should, he simply could not bring himself to say good bye. There wasn't supposed to be a good bye, and there had already been far too many of them in his life. He never looked back. Jack simply stepped through the Stargate toward home and surrendered to the powerful tug of wormhole oblivion.

Jack stepped into the familiarity of the SGC, carrying a most unfamiliar emptiness inside.

"Close the iris." He heard the General's command.

He wanted to yell out... 'NO... WAIT... There's one more... Daniel's coming...' but he didn't... and Daniel wasn't. Jack felt very old, and in need of a long shower and some sleep. His mind raced through the events of the last few weeks, wondering what the hell he'd done. One thing was certain, he'd picked a fine time to start listening to Daniel.

"Colonel?" The voice resounded from the control room.

"Yes, General, Sir?"

"You might just want to wait just a moment before taking a stroll to your quarters. Major Carter has arranged for someone to bring you some clothes."

"Oh... uhhh....." For the first time, Jack looked down at his unclothed body and slowly turned away from the stares of the MP's and gate room staff. "Thank you, sir, I do appreciate that. By the way, have you seen Hector? I don't see him anywhere."

Before the General could respond, Jack felt a tap on his shoulder. Someone was draping a robe around his shoulders. He caught the color out of the corner of his eye. Royal Blue... It looked just like Daniel's robe... who the hell?

Jack spun around. His head knew it would just be some staff sergeant standing there... but...

"Jack! You look great in my robe!" Daniel was smiling ear to ear.

"What? You? How?"

Daniel simply continued smiling, opening his arms to a big hug.

"Will you please STOP giving me heart attacks like that!"

Chapter 22 - Miles to Go Before I Sleep

Daniel was ready with an explanation, but couldn't resist waiting for a minute... watching Jack's incredulous reaction flow from shock, to anger, to pure joy. "Hector volunteered to take my place, only we had to figure a way so that absolutely no one else knew."

"The ponchos," Jack guessed.

"Yes. He figured he'd be of more use on their world, helping them out, than he would be hanging around in ours. Although he did say something interesting... that he'd be willing to become Teal'c's personal assistant when he finished his work there."

Jack shrugged his shoulders in an apparently mystified fashion. "Oh?"

Whispering, Daniel added, "He also told me that he knew we belong together."

Sam had reappeared in the gateroom, waiting respectfully until her CO was dressed, now came up the ramp and overheard the last comment of Daniel's.

As she looked questioningly at the two men, Jack continued the thought, "... belong together... as a unit... as SG-1... no doubt."

"No doubt." Daniel echoed.

~~~~

Five hours after SG-1's return, the medical assessments were complete. General Hammond was most anxious to conduct the debriefing, and insisted it be held before anyone even thought about going home or even to their own quarters.

He looked around the table at an uncharacteristically silent group. "Well, I've said it already, but it's certainly worth repeating. Welcome back! This mission seems to have been quite a close call and I'm fortunate to have you all here, alive and well. I did hear reference to Heru'Ur and some sort of home base. I would like more details on this as well as what sort of things went on there. I also understand significant contact was made with a certain alien named 'Hector'."

Teal'c shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Sam reached for the pitcher of water.

"I'd like to know exactly how much he knows about us, but before we discuss these things, let's start with the medical assessment. Doctor Fraiser?"

"Major Carter is in good health and suffers no after-effects from her experience. Teal'c also seems to be well. He might be best to comment on any... significant contact with Hector." Janet then stared at the pile of papers in front of her, composing her thoughts. "General, this was a rather unusual mission on many counts. I feel I can report on all military personnel, however... Daniel... I'd like his permission first."

Daniel blushed, tapped his fingers on the tabletop, and looked briefly at Janet, then answered. "Sure. That's... ahhh... fine... I'm... fine with it. All for the good of the SGC and future missions, right?"

"General, as for my condition, I'll save Janet having to..." Jack began.

"Colonel, no, I can handle this... really." Janet interrupted.

More than irritated, General Hammond commanded, "I want someone to start saying something... NOW!"

"Yes, General!" Janet snapped to attention. "It would appear that both Colonel O'Neill and Doctor Jackson were captured by Heru'Ur's slaves on the world called 'Tethra'."

"Eunuch slaves," Daniel added for correctness.

"By Heru'Ur's 'eunuch' slaves," Janet repeated. "They were then subjected to stimulation and digital penetration, in order to evaluate suitability for... to see if they would be considered candidates for..."

Jack intervened to rescue an obviously flustered Doctor Fraiser. "Heru'Ur had his lackeys decide if newcomers would be better giving and exchanging sex - becoming a ranked love slave, or being on the complete receiving end as a eunuch love slave. Heru'Ur must get really tense running around playing god all the time."

Sam began to unconsciously fan herself with a briefing folder. The General just stared in open-mouthed silence.

Jack plowed on. "I can't comment on Daniel's personal experience as we were separated for awhile at first, but I was poked, pulled, prodded, cleaned and oiled, dressed only in jewelry, and brought to Big H. himself. Not too happy about it, I might add, but I wasn't hurt."

Daniel looked down at his crossed hands on the table and muttered, "Pretty much the same for me."

Teal'c interjected, "Major Carter and myself were not taken captive, but sent instead to another world."

Sam began drinking gulps of water and fanning herself more intensely.

Finding his voice at last, the General questioned, "So, Colonel, Heru'Ur knew who you were?"

"Oh yeah, most definitely. He... ahhh... I think he wanted to punish me, or something, by making Daniel... You see, sir, Heru'Ur was also naked... and demanded that Daniel..." Jack shot a 'you okay?' look at Daniel.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel spoke. "I think we can dispense of the customary level of detail, but what Heru'Ur wanted was... well he made me..."

Janet spoke with cool professionalism. "Oral sex. Heru'Ur forced Daniel to engage in very public, oral sex. While he did not suffer any physical effects from this, the psychological aftermath has to be significant. Looking around the room, I see far too many embarrassed faces. None of you have anything to be ashamed of... with the possible exception of Teal'c. General, Daniel complied as he had no other choice. Colonel O'Neill was being used as leverage against him. When he did not perform with a suitable level of respect, Heru'Ur decided Daniel would undergo a castration procedure."

Daniel rose immediately and walked the length of the room. The pretense was coffee, but in reality he couldn't sit still when he relived those memories.

The MP's on duty in the room grimaced and crossed their legs.

Janet continued. "Prior to the procedure, Heru'Ur used Daniel as a pawn to force Colonel O'Neill to surrender his body to anal penetration. This was done in exceptionally brutal fashion, after which the Colonel was tattooed and further beaten and humiliated. It is again my opinion that the physical damage will soon heal, but the psychological..."

"I told you, I'm fine," Jack firmly stated. "We are fine."

"I know you believe that, but things like this create feelings that often remain latent for days, even years, into the future. I recommend counseling." Janet looked to the General for confirmation.

'Oh yeah. Oh great. Who? Warner? MacKenzie? You? Just great."

"Colonel, I will determine the next steps," Hammond cautioned. "Let the Doctor continue her assessment."

"Yes, sir."

"Heru'Ur continued to play power games with Colonel O'Neill, offering freedom for Daniel if he was compliant. In the end, Daniel was sent to the priest for castration." Janet looked with sympathy at Daniel whose eyes looked everywhere in the room in order to avoid meeting anyone else's gaze.

"When they took Daniel away, I managed to get free and set the reactor to overload. By the time I returned to him, it was done already." Jack also tried to make eye contact with Daniel without success.

General Hammond, who had also felt the need to take a drink of water, spat the entire contents across the table. "Doctor Jackson! Are you...?"

Janet answered. "A eunuch? No, but he came as close as any man ever has and still return to normal. He was placed in an extremely restrictive device and forced to walk about, displaying himself to Heru'Ur and others. Presumably, had it not been removed, Daniel would be..."

"Singing soprano." Daniel winced as he completed her thought, and exchanged looks with Jack.

Needing to change the subject, Jack continued. "We managed to meet up again, just as all hell broke loose. The planet was erupting, and Hector got us to the stargate before everything blew. I don't know what happened to Heru'Ur, but experience has taught me never to assume those guys are gone. My guess is that he went back to his ship. Hector sent us to the place where he'd gated Carter and Teal'c."

Face flushed and swallowing nervously, Sam started to sink down in her chair as she anticipated the next topic of discussion.

Hammond placed his hands, palms down, on the table. "People, it would seem that little was gained in terms of strategic knowledge from this mission, and further discussion of what occurred on the second world can wait until everyone's had some rest and recuperation time."

Sam breathed an audible sigh of relief, which she quickly retracted as the General continued. "I do remain somewhat curious as to Teal'c's involvement in some sort of impropriety. Major Carter and Teal'c, if you two would remain, the rest of you are dismissed until further notice."

Jack gave a 'sorry about that' look to Carter, and added a 'shame on you' expression to Teal'c as he left the briefing room. He didn't look back to see if Daniel was following, as he made his way down the corridor toward the exit, parking lot and home. His clothes felt itchy and confining. His thoughts... far too jumbled to make any sense of. Jack was in definite shut down, run away mode. Been there many times before. Only this time... this time something big was missing.

Chapter 23 - The Phoenix

It was twilight when Jack arrived at his house. Nice, quiet, little place in hometown USA. He walked in the front door and stared at 'home.' All his favorite things for relaxing were there... music, beer, TV. Nothing appealed to him. Even the thought of stargazing was a turn off. The place was too quiet, and although surrounded by a lifetime of 'stuff' it felt empty.

Figuring it had to be some combination of physical and mental exhaustion, Jack crashed on the couch, reflexively clicking the remote. Still not comfortable, he decided the clothes had to go. He tossed his shirt and pants onto the floor and stretched out to the drone of TV-land voices. Not able to sleep, he thought he heard a soft noise at the front door. Not quite a knock... more of a tap.

A soft voice followed. "Jack? You there?"

Daniel. For some strange reason, Jack couldn't respond. He felt his energy increase and his heart rate kick up a notch.

"Jack?" The tone was more worried now.

Jack regained his senses and jumped up from the couch... a bit too quickly for the bandages on his back. Groaning and slowing down a little, Jack reached the door and flung it wide open... quite forgetting he was dressed only in his boxers.

"Hey! Can I come in?" Daniel stood in the doorway carrying a large brown bag. If he thought it was at all odd that Jack would be opening the door half-dressed, he didn't show it.

"Sure," Jack answered, stepping back into the house to invite Daniel inside. "What's up?"

"Well... if it's a bad time, I'll..."

"Who said anything about a bad time? C'mon in, sit down. What's in the bag?"

"I didn't feel much like being alone tonight... considering..." Daniel's voice dropped off. He didn't need to complete the sentence. Both men knew that alone meant little or no protection from the memories and inner tumult of feelings. "And I wanted to make us something... to celebrate."

"Oh? Sounds good."

"I also wanted to make sure..." Daniel hesitated.

"Make sure? Of what?"

"What you said to Janet... before... you said 'we're fine'. Are we fine?"

Jack felt Daniel's intense stare clear through to his soul, but he was special ops trained, dammit... wouldn't give in to this kind of interrogation easily. Evasive maneuvers... "So... what are you going to make? Dinner?"

Leaving his question hanging, Daniel made his way into Jack's kitchen, calling back over his shoulder, "You find us some good music or something. I'll join you in a minute."

Jack flipped off the TV and chose a light jazz CD. 'Are we fine?' kept playing through his mind. 'Damned if I know,' Jack answered inwardly. He could hear the whir of the blender and glasses tinkling from the kitchen, but there was a noticeable lack of conversation. Jack couldn't begin to think of where the two of them should start up again. Friends? Buddies? Teammates? Lovers? He waited in nervous silence for Daniel to reappear.

When he finally did, it was well worth the wait. Daniel had decided to join Jack in his manner of dress and entered the living room wearing only tight-fitting gray boxers. In his hands he carried two deep purple drinks in oversized glasses.

"A celebration drink of my own creation!" Daniel announced as he handed Jack a glass. "I call it... the phoenix."

"That's a... a bird..." Jack started.

"A fantastically beautiful mythical bird... all purple and red. It was burnt to ashes... only to rise again... even more beautiful than before." Daniel raised his glass. "To us... from Tethra to Phoenix... ashes to a new life."

Jack too raised his glass, looking with wonder at the man before him. "To us!" The drink tasted fruity, and had quite a kick to it. "It's good, Daniel."

"It's got plenty of liquor... and lots of passion fruit..." Daniel smiled coyly, joining Jack on the couch.

Jack finished the entire drink in a couple of large swallows, much to Daniel's amazement. "I meant what I said."

"Huh?"

"The... being fine part... I meant it."

"Oh." Daniel was silent for a moment. "The celebration and new life part... I meant that too."

"So... where do we go from here? I mean..." Jack found his questions cut off by a soft kiss to his lips. A kiss he could feel down to his toes. "Daniel... we..." Jack tried to talk, but Daniel didn't seem to want any part of it.

Daniel's hands fluttered over Jack's upper arms. "I like the tattoo... you do ancient Egyptian very well." Lips soon followed the finger touches, as Daniel covered Heru'Ur's mark with a claim all his own.

Jack was fighting back the urge to respond. After all, clearer heads had to prevail, didn't they? "What about what the Doc said? She said we were time bombs waiting to explode... or nut cases... or something."

Daniel was unfazed. "Seems as if I've heard that same speech a time or two before." His hands shifted lower, reaching inside Jack's boxers... creating quite a stir.

"And..." Jack fairly squeaked at the touch, trying to regain composure. "What about that stunt of yours back with those... whatever they were? Do you honestly think that you can go around the universe saving everything and everyone?"

Daniel shook his head an emphatic 'yes'. "Damned infuriating isn't it? How much like you I can be sometimes?"

"YOU are a pain in the..."

"Like I said... JUST like you!" Daniel had succeeded in freeing Jack from his boxers and was rewarded by a strong and most appetizing erection. He gently urged Jack to stand up, and dropped to his knees before him. This position... this was exactly what Daniel needed, in order to replace the horror of Heru'Ur's rape with the love and desire of Jack.

Jack could barely stand it. Daniel looked so good. So ready. So vulnerable... just like when... Violent images filled Jack's vision. Heru'Ur's rape of Daniel and himself. As much as his body and soul cried out... 'YES!' he spoke in a soft, strained voice, "I... I can't do this."

"You can," Daniel urged, nuzzling the base of Jack's cock.

"No."

"Yes." Daniel began to slowly, agonizingly lick Jack from base to tip.

"I only see you... being taken by him..." Jack again protested.

"Now look... really look at me and see. It's you. You are filling me. All of me. As it should be. Loving me..." Daniel brought Jack fully into his mouth, applying his hard won skills to his lover.

Jack began to move and respond to the deep throating that Daniel was willingly providing.

Daniel ran his hands up Jack's ass and pushed him in deeper still.

In an eruptive expression of love and gratitude, Jack exploded into Daniel's throat... feeling him suck and drink down every last drop. Jack fell limply back onto the couch, barely able to catch his breath.

Daniel sat smiling with his head on Jack's lap. "You okay?"

"Yeah, better than okay. How about we move into the bedroom? There's a thing or two I could show you." Jack began to smile the first truly contented smile he could remember having... in ... ages.

"Sure," Daniel immediately responded... very eager to make use of his once again functional organ. As they made their way along the hallway he asked, "Do you think Janet might consider this some form of therapy?"

Jack began to laugh in response. "Maybe... if you propose it to her."

Embracing, they tumbled into the sheets... safe... secure... loved. Soon Jack began searching for a tube of lubricant.

While he waited, Daniel mused, "I wonder what's become of Hector?"

"Oh... I imagine he's doing just fine," Jack answered, silencing Daniel with a smothering kiss. This time it was going to be nice and slow... in a weird way... Jack figured he had Tethra and Hector to thank for being with Daniel right now. And that was it for thinking...

~~~~

On a far-off world, Hector's frustrated voice could be heard. "NO. NO! A thousand times NO! How could a race be so... so... non-sexual! Let's start AGAIN, shall we?" Hector sighed deep and loud... wishing a certain tall, dark and handsome jaffa were still about.

The End!! At last!