But, I Already Had That Removed

by drdjlover

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asd/drdjlover/butialre.php
Summary: While off-world, Daniel has a little problem, and only wants Jack to fix it

"Ahh, come on, General."

For the past hour, Jack had been sitting in the Hammond's office, trying to convince George to authorize some sort of an award for Daniel. He and Daniel had a discussion recently about the accolades everyone on SG1 had been given. Even Jack had been given a recent promotion to Second-In-Command of the entire SGC. Knowing that he could never 'be the man', he wasn't worried the promotion would bump Hammond out his chair.

"Look, Colonel, my hands are tied. He is already head of the Archeology and Linguistics departments. There is nowhere for him to be promoted to."

"Sir, come on. Everyone's been rewarded somehow over the last eight years. But Daniel..."

"He's a civilian. This is a military base. There is nothing I can authorize to give him."

Despondent, Jack made to leave.

"Why now, Jack?"

"You don't know?"

"What?"

"Daniel's tenth anniversary with the Stargate Program. It will be ten years on Thursday that Daniel cracked the first address on the cover stones. And shall we say, 'the rest is history'."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of that date. But, my hands are still tied."

"All right. Forgoing the medal, how about we reward Daniel with something that will actually mean something to him. There's been that long-range mission to those ruins..."

"PC7-102."

"Yeah. Let him have a little fun. Can you authorize a couple a' weeks for SG1 to study it?"

"You *want* to go to a planet to do research?"

"I can't believe I just asked for that... but, yeah."

"Must be love," responded the General, guessing about the special relationship Jack and Daniel had developed.

Smiling, "Yeah, it is."

Realizing what he said, and to whom, he closed his eyes, puffed out his cheeks and blew the deep breath he'd just taken out. Slowly raising his eyes to his commanding officer... "Um..."

"Didn't hear a thing, Jack."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now, about that extended mission. What do you have in mind?"

"It's a long walk to the ruins, but, aren't those bike things due soon?"

"Those bikes, as you call them, are the most expensive one-man vehicles ever made. When Doctor Jackson asked they be developed five years ago, I assumed they would take time. When the project finally got off the ground, it was determined that the possibilities of such technology would benefit the world in ways none of us ever dreamed. They were able to simulate the same type of technology to power just about anything. It's amazing."

"Really?"

"Really, Colonel. Doctor Jackson's simple idea of a bike for longer off-world trekking, utilizing the technology we negotiated for on PX9-076, will be able to save billions of dollars. Hopefully the technology will be used by virtually every company around the world."

"Wow. I had no idea that his suggestion would be taken so far."

"Neither did anyone else."

"I don't know what to say. I'm sure Daniel will..."

"Daniel will what?" questioned Daniel as he entered the General's office.

Daniel noticed the guppy looks he was getting from the two older men in the office. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to interrupt. Excuse me. I'll just..." and, motioning with his thumb over his shoulder, he backed out of the General's office.

"Permission to tell Daniel about the mission, sir?"

"Let's wait until the Jackleys arrive."

"Jackleys, sir?"

"That's the *real* name of the bikes. They're due in three days. You can spring it on him then. We'll set the mission to PC7-102 for Thursday. You'll disembark at 0900 hours, Colonel."

"Thank you, sir. Now to keep this from him for the next couple a' days."

"You and I are the only ones that know this information. If he hears about it, it won't be from me."

"Understood, sir. And, thank you again." Jack stood and shook the hand of his older friend, that handshake meaning so much to both of them.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

"So, because of the successful negotiations with the Froetions, you are being sent on this little excursion."

"I can't believe this. You're actually okaying this mission, sir?"

"That's what I'm telling you, Doctor Jackson."

"And, for the second part of the exciting news..."

Jack exited the conference room via the hallway. Daniel, Sam and Teal'c just shrugged and began talking amongst themselves. Moments later, Jack returned on one of the new bikes. Completely silent in it's running, it wasn't until General Hammond regained their that anyone responded.

"WOW!" exclaimed Daniel. "That's...?"

"Yeahsureyoubetcha."

"Four bikes have been delivered for your mission tomorrow, Doctor Jackson, along with custom trailers that will hold all of your equipment."

"Really?" The normally vocal Daniel was reduced to one-word sentences. The others began to laugh, finding it quite comical.

"SG1, you have a go. You disembark tomorrow at 0900. Dismissed."

News of the bikes traveled quickly throughout the mountain. It wasn't a secret that they had been requested by the SGC and the Pentagon for such exploration missions. However, as to when they would actually be created was not for common knowledge. So, as they were being taken to the storage area until needed, many people took the opportunity to ogle them.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Finally! I though I'd never make it back to this office before quitting time. God! I didn't know half of the people that stopped me for congratulations.

"Ahh, geez, I've only had a minute of peace, can you just... never mind. I always have time for my lover!"

"Good," replied Jack.

"You knew, didn't you?"

"Who, me?"

"You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"It was a secret. It was so hard to not say anything."

"I'll bet."

"Now, there are a few people who want to have a drink with you."

"What?"

"The General arranged for a small reception in the commissary. Sort of a congratulatory luncheon."

"Everyone knew about this?"

"Not before today. Emails were going out while we were in the briefing."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Do I have to?" Daniel whined.

"Yes, you have to. Just make an appearance for an hour to show your appreciation. The people there really do admire you, my agapitos."

"The camera's off," suggested Daniel.

Daniel's lips met with Jack's in a tender kiss. Eventually, he needed to draw oxygen in greater quantities than was being furnished by their gasps. Panting, and leaning his forehead on Jacks' he heard the ring of the phone, and automatically lifted the receiver.

"Yeah?"

"Dr. Jackson?"

Daniel, realizing who was on the other end, cleared his throat and answered, "Yes."

"Dr. Jackson, there are people here in the commissary that are awaiting your arrival."

"Oh, um, sorry, sir. I'll be right there."

Daniel hung up the phone and nearly died of embarrassment.

"That was the General. He's wondering why I'm not mingling with everyone down in the commissary."

"I'm sure he knows why you're late."

"What?"

"He guessed, and I inadvertently, sort of, confirmed it."

"He knows?"

"Yep."

"And?"

"And the admission never took place. Why?"

"I'm sorry, it's just still new to me that people actually know about us."

"Not people, Daniel. Just Janet and now George."

"All right."

"Let's get to the reception, spend an hour, and then I'm taking you out to dinner."

"Dinner?"

"Yep. Got reservations at Omatou's for 7:00 tonight."

"Really?"

It wasn't a secret that Jack knew it was Daniel's favorite, although expensive, Japanese steak house. But, Daniel was told time and again that he was worth it. The restaurant, an hours' drive outside of town, was a perfect spot where they could have intimate dinners without being interrupted.

"Yes. Thought we'd have our own reception. A small, private, reception."

Jack began to nibble on Daniel's ear and neck, causing Daniel to moan with arousal. Suddenly, the nibbling stopped and Daniel opened his eyes to see Jack smiling at him.

"Come on."

Jack and Daniel straightened their uniforms and headed out the door to the reception.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

"Dinner was great. Thank you, Jack."

"It was my pleasure."

Daniel felt like reimbursing Jack for the wonderful meal they'd just returned home from. As the two entered their master bedroom, Daniel felt Jack's body pressed against his back, and he turned around in Jack's arms. He began to divest Jack of his clothing, not caring where the items landed. Lips met newly exposed skin as Daniel took the lead in their lovemaking. Daniel backed Jack up to the bed and laid him down. Not wanting to break the contact of any part of their bodies, they rolled and scooted until they were in the middle of the large king size bed. Daniel broke the kiss, and Jack moaned.

"I'm coming back, don't worry," Daniel gave a peck on the tip of Jack's nose, "I just want to get you out of these."

Daniel slipped Jack's pants and boxers off slowly, again paying homage to each and every inch of blessedly naked skin. He made his way back up Jack's legs, stopping at his groin.

"There is nothing as perfect, in my humble opinion, than your erect penis," confessed Daniel as he licked up the large vein on the underneath of Jack's shaft, knowing that simple maneuver drove Jack to the brink. "My ultimate favorite item to eat. If this was the only thing to provide sustenance for the rest of my life, I'd be a happy camper," continued Daniel as he suckled and laved Jack's hardened cock.

Daniel felt Jack slowly turning to a sixty-nine position, so he could, in turn, suck on Daniels' weeping and enlarged penis. When he was deep-throated by Jack, it was all Daniel could do to not come.

"Ahhhhhh!"

"Is that the best that my multi-linguistic lover can do?" chuckled Jack.

When Daniel could piece together actual words, he panted, "Give a guy some warning next time!"

"Nah. I like the surprise attack method."

The small banter gave Daniel the time he needed to focus on retrieving the lube from the nightstand, and cool down a tad. He was grateful they no longer used condoms as they had in the beginning. They were exclusive and had been since the beginning of their sexual relationship almost five years ago. Actually, on both of their parts, except for the occasional wacko System Lord, they had been celibate for years beforehand too. Janet tested them regularly at the base, so there was no chance of spreading anything from other planets.

Daniel, tube in hand, knelt in between Jack's splayed legs. Warming the gel on his fingers, he applied another dollop and went about opening his lover. Daniel's cock began to enlarge again as he began his endeavors with Jack's gorgeous ass.

"Oh, god, I love your fingers there," said Jack.

Daniel knew that Jack loved to have his ass to be played with, and he loved rimming his mate

"Here. Let me. This night is yours. Let me give to you."

"No. You've done so much for me already, I want to give you this."

The kissing and sucking on various parts of Jack's upper body continued as Daniel squirted another small dollop of gel onto his fingers, and slid two into Jack. Daniel loved knowing he could make Jack squirm. He loved the sounds that only he could make Jack utter. The soft gasps and mewls of pleasure coming from Jack went straight to Daniel's groin. As Daniel entered Jack with three fingers, Jack's heels were beginning to dig their way into the mattress.

"Ready, baby?" Daniel asked.

"Please." Jack groaned

"I'm gonna fuck you sooo good. You're gonna feel me every time you move for the next week."

"YES!"

As he began to enter Jack's now relaxed and ready opening, he moaned with delight. He pushed in, as slowly as he could to increase the pleasure and to try to draw it out as long as possible. Daniel cherished the times that they made love. There was nothing more treasured than the gifting of one's self to their lover, and the receiving of that gift.

This was even more of a gift and Daniel knew it. For Jack to be the receiver of their loving was uncommon. Not that Jack always topped; but, it was his preferred position. So, for Jack to roll onto his back and open himself up for Daniel, to be the recipient of their coupling, was something special.

Daniel began moving in and pulling out of Jack's entrance, the tenderness of the act almost overwhelming the lovers. As Daniel's thrusting continued, it stroked Jack's prostate

Need, however, eventually overtook them. After a slow build-up, Daniel began to thrust, and Jack matched each thrust, pushing upward. Eventually, Daniel's thrusts became urgent, and he plunged deeply into Jack's passageway. Daniel took hold of Jack's leaking cock, and matched the force of his driving hips. Desperate for the two of them to come together, and knowing that he was ahead of Jack, Daniel increased his ministrations on Jack's cock to a fevered pitch.

Daniel's thrusting continually massaged Jack's prostate and he felt Jack's cock thicken in anticipation of it's release.

Finally, with a last deep plunge into Jack's ass, and a last long pull and squeeze of his leaking cock, the two screamed together as their release was torn from them simultaneously.

"OH, GOD! JACK!"

"YES! DANIEL!"

The milking of Jack's dick ended as Jack leaned forward and brought Daniel down along with him. They continued to pant in an attempt to draw breath into their starved lungs. Daniel tried to pull away from Jack so as not to crush him, but Jack held onto his lover, and he simply turned them onto their sides. The last thing Daniel remembered were the 'I love you' murmurs as they both fell into an orgasm-induced sleep.

They awoke to the sound of the alarm the next morning, practically glued to each other with dried ejaculate. Jack reached to turn off the annoying buzz and opened his eyes to the sight of his lover smiling at him.

"Thank you for such a wonderful celebration, Jack. You have no idea how much that meant to me."

"My pleasure."

Jack caressed Daniel's face with his right hand and slowly the two closed the gap between their mouths to start the day off with a passionate kiss.

"Unfortunately, we don't have time for this," Daniel said eventually. "We need to be at the mountain in ninety minutes. This mission is going to be great!"

"Share a shower with me?"

"I think I can manage that. You go start the water, and get it nice and hot," sounding as provocative as he could, "I'm going start the coffee."

Daniel ran downstairs to set the coffee maker to begin. As he ascended the stairs, he began to think to himself about how wonderful his life was. Having Jack as his Agapitos just made the universe right. Smiling to himself, he entered the bathroom, stripped, and climbed into the hot shower with his lover.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Once at the Mountain, SG1 went about getting their pre-mission exams.

"Well, Doctor Jackson, anything you want to admit to before I begin my exam?" questioned Janet Frasier. The petite physician always performed all of Daniel and Jack's exams since she was the only doctor privy to their special relationship.

"Not me. But, I'm sure that Colonel O'Neill might," Daniel replied grinning from ear to ear.

Janet responded with a raised eyebrow and a smirk that matched Daniel's grin.

Eventually, all of SG1, along with the new bikes and their gear for the next fourteen days were assembled in the Gateroom.

"SG1, you have a go. Godspeed," bellowed General Hammond from the Control Room.

"Thank you, sir," Jack responded with a pseudo-salute.

Daniel saw the trailers for each bike were laden down with supplies and the relay beacons that were also being used for the first time by the SGC.

"Are these the beacons?"

"Yeah, Daniel. We need to set them every ten miles and we'll be able to receive the messages from the SGC. We can't call out obviously, but with the six-hour check in times, there shouldn't be any problem," Sam replied.

"Right. None of the surveys so far revealed any type of indigenous people."

"No lions, tigers, or bears either," chimed in Jack with a smirk.

The FREDs that carried the bikes and their trailers preceded the team through the wormhole. Once on the other side, the wormhole shut down while preparations were made to head out to the ruins.

"Okay, Carter, send back the FREDs and we'll be on our way."

Carter did as instructed, "We'll check in with you in six hours, General. SG1 out."

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Three Days Later

They had traversed over three hundreds miles so far. The ride was smooth without too many holes, so the journey had been pleasant.

"All right guys," Jack said over the quiet hum of the bikes, "time to set another tower."

SG1 dismounted their bikes and began to set the next relay tower. Jack and Teal'c surveyed for signs of attackers, and Daniel and Sam set up the communication booster.

"Look, Jack, there's nothing to indicate that anyone has been here for centuries. Why don't you just relax and forget about the search and destroy routine."

Daniel had seen nothing as of yet to be alarmed about. No reason to worry that they were going to be attacked at any moment. No signs of recent life on the beautiful planet. Granted they had seen only a small part of the planet, but all in all he was convinced there was no reason to be concerned.

"Let's set up camp for the night, folks. We've gone our distance and then some for the day, no reason to push ourselves."

"I shall retrieve water for the night, O'Neill," stated Teal'c. With that, Jack, Daniel and Sam handed Teal'c their canteens. He found the collapsible water bucket in their gear and walked towards the river they had been riding parallel to.

Daniel knew the water of the river had been tested almost immediately upon their arrival on the planet for any impurities. None were found, and he was glad they didn't have to use the purification tablets they all carried. Although the tablets made the water safe to drink, the pills seemed to leave an after taste that he never could get used to. The taste was enough to put him off food for the duration of any excursion, and he knew that made Jack a little antsy.

Finally finished with his camp site duties, Daniel made the first pot of coffee while the second pot of water was heated for their MREs.

As the evening wore on, though, Daniel was feeling more and more wrong. Not like something was going to attack them, he just felt sick. An upset stomach, and abdominal pains.

"I'm gonna turn in, guys. Wake me when it's my watch. See you all in the morning." Daniel stood, and retreated to the tent he shared with Jack.

"Anyone think that Daniel actually turning in without someone telling him is a little odd?"

"Come to think of it, you're right, sir."

"Perhaps it is the amount of fresh air that DanielJackson is actually breathing. He is normally within the Mountain for sometimes days at a time, breathing only the recycled air of the base."

"Makes sense, sir."

"Okay. I'm gonna take first and fourth watch then. And no arguments. You two might as well turn in too. Tomorrow should bring us to the ruins and then the fun just might begin."

Teal'c and Sam stood, and retreated to their shared tent. Knowing that she would need to be awake in three hours for her turn at security for the team, Sam set her watch alarm for two hours, forty-five minutes. That gave her time to redress and perform other personal duties before relieving the Colonel.

Upon being relieved from watch, Jack crawled into his tent with Daniel. Strangely enough, Daniel hadn't bothered undressing. No matter how tired Daniel was, he was always changed into something more comfortable than his uniform to sleep in. Daniel would bring shorts or sweats depending on the climate of the planet they were visiting.

No, Daniel simply was laying on top of his sleeping bag. Jack was as quiet as he could be in removing his equipment and boots, then curled up inside his own bag, and was almost immediately asleep himself.

Five and a half hours later, Jack's watch alarm was going off. As he sat up, he glanced at Daniel, and was shocked. Jack thought the temperature was at least seventy degrees, and yet Daniel had, at some point during the night crawled inside his sleeping bag, and was still shivering.

Jack reached out his hand to feel Daniel's forehead, and discovered that he definitely had a fever. Enough of a fever to actually cause his lover to be breathing heavily.

"Daniel? Danny?"

The only response from Daniel was a low moan.

"Teal'c!"

Teal'c and then a shaken Carter appeared at the opening to the tent shared by Jack and Daniel.

"O'Neill?"

"Sir?"

"Daniel's sick. Carter, get your med pack."

Sam raced to her tent, retrieved the medical kit she always carried and returned to Daniel within moments. Jack moved towards the far end of the tent to allow Carter to check Daniel out.

"Teal'c, when is the next check in time?"

"Approximately seventy-six minutes from now."

"Okay, Teal'c, I want you to set up the lab tent. It's the largest structure we have and I have a feeling we're gonna need it."

"I will do so immediately."

"Carter?"

"I don't know yet. His fever is 102, and his pulse and respirations are elevated." Sam finished taking Daniel's blood pressure, her countenance that of concern.

"What?"

"Well, sir, his blood pressure is up too."

"Do what you can. I'm going outside to help Teal'c. The two of us should have the tent up in the next fifteen minutes or so."

Eventually, Jack and Teal' re-enter the tent housing Sam and the ill Daniel.

"The tent is up, how is he?"

"He hasn't changed. His eyes opened for a couple of seconds, but, that's been it."

"We should move DanielJackson before he awakens."

"I agree."

Jack leaned over and pulled Daniel into his arms.

"I shall assist you, O'Neill."

"I've got him, T."

Jack was able to carry Daniel to the new location by himself, carefully laying his companion on the table that was also set up.

Daniel began to awaken, as the concerned friends heard a series of moans.

"Daniel? Can you hear me?" queried Jack.

"Jack?" replied Daniel as he blinked to clear his vision. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? We were going to ask you that question."

"Daniel, does anything hurt?"

"Stomach, actually."

"Like you ate something that upset your stomach?"

"No. Here."

As Daniel laid his right hand over his lower right quadrant of his abdomen, Jack and Sam stared at each other, knowing what the other was thinking.

"Okay, Daniel. I'm going to feel around your abdomen a little. You tell me if anything hurts. Okay?"

"Yeah."

Sam started in the uppermost region of Daniel's left side and worked her way around to where Daniel had indicated the pain was. She had barely touched the area, and Daniel yelped.

"Aaghhh! That would be it!" Daniel responded to the probing by shoving Sam's hands away and curling over the area. "And let's not touch there again, okay?" Daniel continued as he panted in an attempt to control the pain.

"Okay. Let me give you an injection to help with the pain."

"No. That just makes me sicker than I am without it. You just don't touch me again, and I'll work on pain management through meditation." Daniel closed his eyes and began concentrating on his breathing. In through his nose and out through barely parted lips.

"Okay, but I am going to give you an injection of antibiotics just in case."

Sam looked at Jack and Teal'c and motioned with her head for them to exit with her.

"Sir, I'm not a doctor, but you saw."

"He already had that removed; four years ago. And almost died in the process!"

"I know that, sir. But all the symptoms are pointing to that."

"I know. Look, is it possible that when Oma gave him back human form, that she put everything back?"

"Sir?"

"In so far as down to making sure that everything was put back in it's proper place?" Jack queried.

"There's no other explanation..."

"SG1, this is Stargate Command, come in please."

"Perfect timing as usual, General. We have a bit of a problem and need to talk to Doctor Frasier immediately."

"Sergeant, get Doctor Frasier here a-sap. What is the problem, Colonel?"

"Well, sir, it seems that Daniel has, what appears to be, appendicitis."

"Colonel, need I remind you he had that removed four years ago?"

"I know that, sir," replied Carter, "but, all of Daniel's symptoms seem to point to that."

"What?" questioned Frasier proving she had heard part of the conversation upon her arrival.

"I'll let Sam bring you up to date."

"Okay, Sam, go ahead."

For the next several minutes Sam, along with Jack and Teal'c relayed their thoughts of the past three days of Daniels' behavior. The fact that he'd eaten less than even his normally small meals. The fact that he was quieter than his normally excited self. The fact that they all thought he was just *that excited* about this find that he had other things on his mind. They really never thought anything was wrong until an hour ago.

"What have you given Daniel for pain, Sam?"

"I don't have anything but Morphine."

"No Darvocet or Percoset?"

"No."

"You're supposed to have that with you all the time because of Daniel's allergy."

"I know that, Janet. But, it's not in my pack."

"I'm going to have a talk with the Lieutenant that packed your kit for you; and maybe hurt him enough to need that pain killer. I need to talk to Daniel."

Jack had already walked back into their tent, and informed Daniel that Janet was going to want to talk to him. The two listened to the conversation taking place outside.

"Okay, give me my mic," instructed Daniel as he grabbed the walkie-talkie from Jack's hand.

"Janet?"

"Daniel, how are you feeling?"

"Sick."

"Daniel..."

"All right, it hurts, okay!" admitted Daniel while trying to control the pain in his voice.

Daniel spoke with Janet for several minutes discussing where the pain was and the level of discomfort.

"Okay, honey. Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, are you still there"

As Jack exited the tent, each affirmed their attention to the conversation.

"All right. The signs and symptoms certainly point to appendicitis. Sam, you're going to have to keep him comfortable until I can get there. We can get a jeep through the gate, but, it's going to be several hours before I can be there. I'm going to have a set of instruments sent by UAV. If his temp goes above 103, or he becomes more symptomatic, you're going to have to do the surgery."

"Me?!"

"You've been trained, Major."

"Let's just hope you're here before that becomes necessary," confirmed Sam.

"Okay, SG1. The UAV will be launched within the next ten minutes, and should reach your location in approximately sixty minutes at top speed.

"Understood, sir. SG1 out."

"I have surgery information on my laptop, sir. I'm going to... study."

"You do that, Major."

Jack was despondent. His lover was laid out in the tent in front of him, and in great pain. Closing his eyes he pulled himself together and made his way back into the covering to talk to Daniel about the plans.

As he opened the flap to the large tent, he was glad they erected it once Daniel fell ill. His eyes became accustomed to the dimness of the tent in time to see Daniel wince in pain, and curl around his midsection.

"Are you okay?"

"Oh, god, Jack it hurts" replied Daniel as he panted in pain.

Stroking Daniels hair, Jack tried to soothe his mate, "We're working on that, Danny. Frasier thinks it's appendicitis."

"But, I already had that removed!"

"I know. We're thinking that Oma replaced it when you were sent back. We both noticed other differences too, remember?" smirked Jack.

"Yeah, but you liked that difference. I'm *not* liking this!"

"Just relax, we're doing all we can."

"What?"

"Frasier's on her way. They also sent a UAV with a duplicate set of instruments; in case Sam has to do something before Janet gets here."

"No. Not Sam. You."

"No."

"It's either you, or I wait for Janet."

"Daniel... I can't. You know that."

Daniel stared at his companion, as a single tear dripped down his temple, and his lower lip began to tremble.

"Sam can't."

"Why?"

"She just can't!"

"I'm gonna' ask again, and I want a better answer. Why?"

With his defenses so low, Daniel began telling Jack about a confrontation that had occurred three days prior to the beginning of this mission.

"She came into my lab with proof of our relationship."

{{Flashback}}

"Daniel, this is so great," The lovers stood in Jack's kitchen as he continued, "the card, the flowers, dinner that's been delivered from my favorite bistro, everything is perfect. Who'd a thunk that I'd like being romanced." He dropped a kiss on Daniel's lips as he embraced his lover. "This being our first Valentines Day together, what else do you want to do?" questioned Jack raising an eyebrow to his lover.

Daniel grabbed Jack and slowly began to divest him of his clothing. "I think I have an idea. Good thing we decided to stay in, because I don't think I'd be allowed to do this to you in public."

Just as the final button was undone on Jack's shirt, the doorbell rang. "Damn. Maybe who ever it is will go away." With that, Jack finished unsnapping Daniel's shirt and slid it down his arms as their kissing continued.

However, the doorbell rang again, and voices were heard on the other side of the door.

"It's okay, Teal'c. I saw the Colonel's and Daniel's cars both in the driveway. They're probably out back and didn't hear the bell. I have a key, we'll just use it."

Daniel and Jack gasped as they heard Sam. Rushing to replace their clothing, Jack realized that he still held onto the romantic card that Daniel had given him. Spying The Meaning of Cuneiform sitting on the side counter, Jack shoved the card into the tome just before the front door opened, and Sam and Teal'c entered.

Daniel had rushed to the back deck while Jack remained in the kitchen pulling bottles of beer from the frig.

"Sir? Daniel?"

"Carter. What brings you here?" questioned Jack as he emerged from the kitchen, beers in hand.

"Since it seems that none of us have a Valentine, I thought that maybe it would be nice to make tonight team night. We could all go to O'Malley's for dinner."

"Not a bad idea, Sam," Daniel said as he entered through the sliding glass doors.

"It seems that this day is a celebration of love on your planet. I would be honored to be in the presence of those that I love this evening."

"Teal'c, that sounds like a great idea. To party together as friends. I'll grab my coat. Daniel, you want to grab yours too, and we can all head out. I'll drive."

{{End Flashback}}

"I remember. We had a great time."

"Right. But the following Monday, if you remember, I needed to get to the base early and you brought the book in with you so I didn't have to go back myself for it. According to Sam, she went to your office looking for you. You weren't there. She hung around a few minutes, and noticed my book on your desk. She apparently picked it up. You evidently forgot the card was in it, and she found it." Daniel stopped his explanation, panting with pain.

"Daniel, just rest. We'll work this out later."

"No. I need for you to understand."

{{Flashback}}

'I can't wait until this translation is finished. I wish I remembered what I did with that book on cuneiform I was using last week,' thought Daniel, as he worked through the text laid out on the desk in his lab.

Without preamble, Sam marched into his office.

"Hey, Sam," Daniel said in greeting as he glanced up.

Without a word, Sam dropped the card onto the table in front of Daniel, and looked directly into his eyes. Unable to read he face as he normally could, Daniel whispered, "What are you going to do?"

Sam glared back for what seemed to be an eternity. Then she turned and exited the lab without uttering a sound.

"Sam, wait!" Daniel yelled as he chased after the Major and stopped her in the next hallway, his concern for Jack foremost in his thoughts.

"This is not the time or the place to discuss this," stated Sam, very contained and icily. Without a backward glance, she continued on her way, leaving Daniel staring after her, still in panic mode.

{{End Flashback}}

Daniel concluded the tale of the confrontation between the two friends, as he panted and hissed with pain. Daniel could only think that Sam felt wronged, somehow, that Daniel was the one that Jack would choose to risk his career for, and he hadn't done that for her.

"Daniel, enough. I get the picture," Jack said, easing Daniel back to the pillow, as Daniel finished the story through his pain.

"We never got to discuss what she was planning on doing. How she felt about it; about us."

"Look, Daniel, if she hasn't done something about this in the last three weeks, then I don't think she's planning on doing anything."

"I know you've been trained as a medic, Jack."

"Daniel. That was 20 years ago."

"You remember."

"Do you know what you're asking of me?"

"I know."

"Do you?"

"Let's just wait and see."

Trying to placate his lover. Jack stroked Daniel's hair and whispered words of love until he felt Daniel relaxing into a light sleep.

"Sir, the UAV has arrived with the equipment," Sam informed him. "Doctor Frasier has also indicated that she is on the planet and making good time. Her arrival is estimated at four hours."

"Understood."

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Daniel seemed to finally be in a sort of trance, controlling his pain again through meditation, so Jack stood and exited. He needed to confront Major Carter, and was ready to do so.

"Major!" Jack marched past her purposefully towards a outcropping of trees.

Sam seemed to know she was in for a dressing-down, given the tone and the waves of displeasure emanating from her commanding officer. She followed behind, and he had the distinct impression, she knew exactly what the discussion was going to be about.

"I understand that you and Daniel had some sort of... confrontation... a while back. Care to tell me your side of the story?"

"Yes, sir. I found a card that was signed 'Love Daniel' on the floor of your office."

"That's right, Major. Love Daniel. I. Love. Daniel. We have been in a committed relationship for quite some time."

"I realized that. I've been avoiding discussing this with Daniel because of my own anger. The anger wasn't directed towards either you or Daniel, but at myself, sir. Angry that I didn't see it. I guess I was sulking a bit too. Why was I left out of the loop?"

"What loop?"

"Did you tell anyone about Daniel and yourself?"

"There are only two people at the SGC that know. The disclosure of this information was on a 'need to know basis' only. Dr. Frasier needed to know."

"And who's the other one?"

"I mistakenly admitted it to the general just the other day. *Everyone* is out of the loop on this Carter; not just you."

"And you would risk your career for Daniel?"

"That's right, Major."

"And, not me?"

"What do you mean, 'not you'?"

"Why wouldn't you risk your career for me?"

"Because I'm not in love with you."

"What about the 'a lot more than I'm supposed to' comment a few years ago? What about all the flirting?"

"What flirting?"

"You weren't flirting?"

"No. And that comment means exactly what it means; that I feel stronger than most commanders for everyone on my team. And that's all."

"You really love him? Like, LOVE him, love him?"

"That's right, Major. What about 'I LOVE HIM' do you not understand?"

"How about the fact that he's a guy!?"

"And?"

"Are you saying that you're gay?"

"I'm saying that I love Daniel Jackson. And if that statement makes me gay, then fine."

"I just wish that you had been up front with me. You had to have known that I was extremely attracted to you."

"I suppose I did, on some level."

"I just feel a little used, sir."

"I'm sorry, Sam. It was never an intention of mine to make you feel that way. I apologize for anything that I may have done, or said, to make you feel like I was leading you on."

Smiling, "Thank you, sir. I feel a lot better now that we've had this discussion. I'm sorry for any hurt feelings, either yours or Daniel's.

The two walked back to camp, Jack going directly into the tent. Immediately upon entering, he could see sweat pouring down Daniel's face, and hear him moaning.

"Daniel?"

"Oh... god, Jack," Daniel panted. "Make it stop. Aaghhh!" and Daniel curled sluggishly onto his side hugging his belly.

Jack grabbed the ear temperature device, took Daniel's temperature and instantly began to set things into motion.

"All right. We can't wait any longer. Daniel, your temp is over 103. We need to do this now." Pulling the blanket down and Daniel's shirt up, he noticed a distention in Daniel's midsection. Knowing that was a bad sign, he kept his panic under control and covered his friend back up. "Daniel, it's possible that your appendix has ruptured," Jack explained to his beloved, who was on the verge of unconsciousness. "Teal'c! Carter!"

Immediately, Teal'c entered the tent, followed shortly thereafter by Sam.

"O'Neill?"

"Sir?"

"We need to do this. Now."

"Teal'c, you contact Frasier and let her know what's going down."

"I'll get the equipment ready, sir. I've got the information up on my computer and I'm ready."

"Good. I'll get Daniel ready."

"You, sir?"

"I was a medic my first two years. I may not remember everything, but I remember how to prep someone for surgery."

"Thank you. I'll be right back."

"Jack?"

"Daniel. This is for the best, and you know it."

"I want you."

"I know you do. I'll be right here. I'll be monitoring you; all your vitals, and I'll do the anesthesia myself. Okay?"

"No. You."

"Daniel, you know that Sam is the best choice. She's doing the surgery, and that's final. Colonel's orders," Jack replied with a smirk.

Tears ran down Daniel's face, but he eventually conceded. "Okay." He knew that Sam was the best choice in his head, it was his heart that wanted Jack.

"Jack?" Daniel muttered feverishly.

"We're going to start here pretty soon."

Daniel felt Jack lean down to him; Jack's fingers carding through his sweat-dampened hair

Sam had seen the exchange between the two lovers as she entered the tent with her head bowed and tears in her eyes. The commitment between the two men was so apparent, it warmed her heart.

"Sir, I'm sorry for the way I treated both you and Daniel."

"You saw?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry."

"I'm not. I'm in love with him, Carter," If he dies, so will I, he finished the statement in thought.

"Do you think you can start the IV while I scrub?"

"Certainly."

Jack grabbed the necessary items and was able to start the IV on the first attempt, with minimal discomfort for Daniel.

"The IV is in, Carter."

Jack then took out a hypodermic and drew up the prescribed amount of Protopol to sedate Daniel, per the instructions sent by Janet.

"Okay, Daniel, this is just a sedative," and Jack injected the med into the port in the IV.

"All right, Daniel. Are you ready to go to sleep?" Jack smiled sympathetically.

"You, right?"

"Yeah, me."

"Love you."

"I love you too."

Jack, stationed at the head of the table, placed the mask over Daniel's mouth and nose, and pulled up slightly on Daniel's chin. "Just breathe normally, and count backwards from one hundred." The small portable gas tank that was sent through as part of the kit packed by Doctor Fraiser, was one that Jack had previous experience with and was able to recall precisely how to use it.

"One hundred, ninety-nine, ninety-eight, nnn-sss, nnn..."

After two more inhale/exhale cycles, Jack turned to his 2IC, "All right, Carter, he's out."

Jack began to monitor Daniel's pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. It would be a continuous task during the entire surgery.

"Okay. Teal'c, I need you to hand me the instruments."

"I will endeavor to assist you to my greatest ability, SamanthaCarter."

"Thank you."

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

"Two hours." Jack huffed. "I'm gonna' clean Daniel up, Carter, why don't you and Teal'c check on Frasier's progress."

"Yes, sir."

"Carter?"

"Sir?"

"Good job."

"Thank you, sir."

Teal'c and Sam left the tent and contacted Janet.

"DoctorFrasier will be here within the hour, O'Neill," Teal'c conveyed to his commander as he entered the tent several minutes later.

"Thank you, Teal'c."

Teal'c bowed and returned to the campfire that had dwindled to mere ashes, in an attempt to rekindle it for their evening meal.

Meanwhile, in the tent, Jack was able to place Daniel into the recovery position. Jack had sat next to Daniel on too many occasions during which any type of anesthesia had been used on him. While Daniel was still mostly unconscious, his body would revolt against the drugs.

Sure enough, not thirty minutes later, the vomiting started. Jack was ready for it, and was able to catch what escaped from Daniel's mouth. Jack then opened Daniel's jaw and did his best to wipe away any residue that remained.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Eventually, Doctor Frasier made it to the campsite, and went immediately to the tent containing her patient.

"Sir, how is Daniel?" asked Janet as she made her way through the tent opening. She found Jack sitting along side his lover, holding his hand.

"Janet! I'm glad you're here. He's still unconscious, but his vitals are stable."

Knowing that Janet was well aware of their relationship, he didn't feel it necessary to distance himself from Daniel, and continued his ministrations.

"Great. I see you've got him on his side. Any vomiting yet?"

"Some. About half an hour ago."

"Good. The Protopol is the newest of this type of drug. It is supposed to have the least amount of side effects. Seems to have worked."

"Right."

"Sir, why don't you stretch your legs while I examine Daniel?"

"But..."

"Sir."

"Sure." He knew it was a waste of breath and time to argue with Frasier at this point, so he agreed. Reluctantly, Jack stood. He leaned over and kissed Daniel and stroked the matted-down hair. "Do you need help moving him onto his back?"

"Yes, thank you." The two made short work of repositioning Daniel

"Okay, I'm gonna' just get a cup of coffee. I'll be back shortly." He exited the tent and headed straight for the pot on the fire. Jack filled his cup, sat down and tried to regroup. He was deep in thought when he felt another person sitting next to him.

"You are not weak, O'Neill," Teal'c began, "you are one of the bravest men I know, and I feel privileged to be at your side."

"How did you know what I was thinking?"

"A warrior has instinct."

"Right." Jack continued to stare into his mug, looking for the answers to the problems of the universe in the black liquid it held.

"It is common for Gow'kia to have strong emotional bonds between them. I have observed that the relationship between yourself and DanielJackson has become increasingly more intense over the past several years. I am, however, surprised that MajorCarter was unaware of your love for one other."

"I never told her."

"One only needs to look at you and he together, to realize your commitment to one another."

"We've tried to hide it. Nobody can know." Looking intently at his teammate, "You understand that, don't you, Teal'c?"

"I have heard of the regulations under your military law that prohibits two persons of the same gender to begin a sexual relationship with each other. However, I have never understood it. Amongst Jaffa warriors, it is this bond that makes the team work harder, and to become a closer knit unit. It is looked on as an honor to be called ones Gow'kia."

"Gow'kia?"

"Loosely translated, it means permanent beloved."

"Sir?" intoned Janet as she neared the campfire, "Daniel is doing well. I'd like to start back to the Gate as soon as possible though. He should be in the infirmary."

"I agree."

"I will assist MajorCarter in breaking camp, and we will follow, O'Neill."

"No, Teal'c, as leader..."

"Go, O'Neill. Your Gow'kia is in need."

The expression on Jack's face was that of indecision. The face of a commander, and a lover. Only when Janet spoke was the decision made.

"I will need help with Doctor Jackson on the trail back. I drove myself, and there is no way I can tend to my patient and drive too. So, I will definitely be needing someone to return with me. Seeing as that you are the one he trusts, that can only be you, Colonel."

He knew what she was doing, and she was doing it well. Playing on the vulnerability that Jack was feeling right now. He knew she was playing on his already frayed emotions, but, also wanting the best for Daniel.

"Oh. When you put it that way, of course I'll accompany you back, Doc. When do we leave?"

"I'd like to transport Daniel as soon as possible. Even though I'm going to sedate him for the trip, I want him to wake up first. So, as soon as he's fully coherent, and I do a preliminary exam, we'll head out."

"Okay. Teal'c, Carter, you two start packing up what you can."

Jack immediately straightened up, as if he heard something, and went to the tent. Inside, Daniel seemed to be beginning to return to consciousness. Jack turned Daniel to his left side, as he knew the first thing Daniel would do upon waking, was to vomit again. And sure as anything, that's what happened. Within minutes of Jack's return to his partner's side, Daniel's eyes fluttered opened and his lips turned up in a small smile at Jack.

But the tender moment was over quickly, as Daniel's stomach protested again, and he vomited painfully; Jack, helpless to watch other than to hold the emesis basin under Daniel's chin, as what little was left in Daniel's stomach attempted to make a reappearance. Daniel struggled with the dual abdominal pain; that of his incision and that of the stomach muscles used in the unpleasant vomiting.

"Let's get this into you, Daniel," Janet stated as she entered the tent and drew up an injection. "This should relieve the nausea rather quickly," and she injected Daniel in his right buttock.

"Thanks," was all Daniel could force out before his stomach rebelled again.

Within minutes though, the nausea began to subside, and Daniel rested his head again on the pillow, closing his eyes to the outside world, whimpering now and again in pain, as tears leaked from under the tightly closed eyelashes.

"Just try to relax. We're gonna' pack you up and head back to the SGC."

"Okay."

"Janet, I'm gonna go move your vehicle closer to the tent so we won't have to carry Daniel as far."

"That's a good idea, sir. You'll see I just brought a Jeep Wrangler, so the stretcher holding Daniel needs to be placed across the rear of the vehicle and tied down. Make sure there's enough room to place Daniel comfortably."

"You got it, Janet."

"You just relax, Daniel, and let us maneuver you. Okay?" The petit doctor assured her patient.

"Sure."

"All set," informed Jack as he entered the tent. "The jeep's just outside and ready to be loaded." Nearing his mate and taking his hand, "You all set for the trip back?"

"As ready as I can be," responded Daniel, giving a little squeeze to Jack's fingers.

"Okay, Daniel, I'm going to give you another pain injection."

"No, Janet, I'm fine."

"There's going to be a lot of jostling of the stretcher, and it's not going to feel too good."

"The drugs just make me feel too fuzzy. I'll be fine. It's really not so bad."

"I think you're wrong, but, I can't force you to accept it." She knew Daniel would, at some point in the near future, want the injection, so she placed the capped hypodermic into her pocket for quick retrieval. She then supervised Jack and Teal'c while they lifted the gurney holding Daniel. They went through the flap being held open by both Janet and Sam, and slid the bed onto the back of the make shift ambulance.

By the time Jack and Teal'c had Daniel tied down to the back of the rescue vehicle, Daniel was panting, pale and sweating in pain.

"Aaah... maybe that injection wouldn't <pant> be such a bad idea. Aaah," Daniel panted, eyes shut tightly while tears streamed down his temples onto the pillow below his head.

"Here you go, Daniel." Janet stated as she injected relief into the port of the IV. "This should help with the pain almost immediately."

Daniel continued to breathe shallowly and was trembling with the effort to control the pain, while feeling Jack holding his hand.

Jack prayed the drug would work quickly. Within minutes, Daniel fell into a drugged sleep and Jack was able to relax.

Janet checked Daniel's vital signs and deemed them within normal limits. "Let's get moving," she said as she climbed into the driver's seat.

Jack and Teal'c turned and looked at each other, both with raised eyebrows. Knowing better than to battle with the tiny physician, Jack jumped into the back along side Daniel.

Seeing that everyone that needed to be was aboard, she gunned the engine and sped off towards the Stargate.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Seven hours later, Daniel's eyes began to flutter and open. He immediately knew where he was; he had been in this same position way too many times not to. He recognized the sound of the heart monitor and the IV pump, the smell of the antiseptic and the feel of gauze bandages.

Figuring it must be the middle of the night, as the lights were dim, he scanned the immediate area. Then he felt the pressure on his right thigh. Lifting his head, he saw the head of his lover resting on his leg; the exhaustion extremely apparent on his face. Switching his gaze to the intertwined fingers of their hands, he returned his head to the softness of the plump pillow and realized that everything was right in the world, and he closed his eyes again.

The following morning, the whole of SG1 were in the infirmary.

It had been decided that the equipment would be left on the planet for a return trip that would be scheduled sometime in the not too distant future. Daniel still had his ruins to explore and this little, unintended side trip back to the SGC, would not deter Jack from fulfilling his promise to Daniel.

"You're doing just fine, Daniel. If you continue to, maybe I'll let you go home tomorrow; as long as you have someone to watch over you for the first week or so."

"That would be me, Janet," Jack replied as he saw her smiling back at him.

"Good. Then, as long as you're feeling up to visitors, I'm not going to kick everyone out."

"Thanks, Janet."

"So, how did you guys get back here so fast? It took us three days to make it that far. Have I been out that long?"

"No. Teal'c and I spoke with General Hammond at the next scheduled check-in, and he agreed that the equipment could be left on the planet. So, without the extra weight of the equipment, we were able to go much faster."

"MajorCarter also instructed me on the correct way to perform a soda tire."

"Huh?" questioned Jack.

"A pop-wheelie, sir."

"Right. Anyhow, we get to go back to the planet, at some point in the not-so-distant future. You'll still get those seven glorious days of digging and exploring those ruins to your hearts delight. It is something you earned. Just... no side trips next time. Promise?

"I'll do my best," snickered Daniel.

After a few moments of silence, Daniel continued, "Um, guys, can I have a few minutes alone with Sam?"

"Indeed, DanielJackson."

"Sure. I'm gonna head to the commissary, you want me to bring you anything?"

"Something chocolate would be nice. Thank you, Jack."

As Jack and Teal'c exited the infirmary, Daniel turned to Sam.

"Thank you. I appreciate you saving my life. I know I'm not your favorite person right now, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm really grateful for everything you did for me."

"Daniel. I need to apologize. I let my emotions get the best of me. I was hurt that I was left out of the loop, but the colonel explained that there was no 'loop' to be left out of. That there were only two people who knew about you two. I was angry with myself, not you. Angry that I didn't see what was going on right in front of me. I'm supposed to be good at observing things; guess I flunked this particular observation. Now that I see you two together, there is no doubt who Jack belongs with."

"Really?" Daniel's face lit up with a smile.

"Really. The sparkage between you two could light up times square on New Year's Eve."

"Sparkage? Is that really a word?"

"No. It just fits."

"I guess we need to dim the sparkage then?"

"No need. If people haven't seen it yet, they never will. Take a look at me. The four of us just about live in each others' back pockets, and I never saw it."

"I'm sorry. We couldn't tell anyone. Can we still be siblings?"

"Sure. I just *don't* want to hear about your sex life. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I guess I interrupted your plans that evening though."

"What evening?"

"Valentines Day."

Daniel's face blushed crimson, and Jack and Teal'c chose that moment to re-enter the infirmary. Seeing Daniel's face dark red, Jack hurried to the bedside, placing the chocolate pudding on the bed tray.

"Is your fever back up?"

"No. His face isn't red because of a fever. The reason is way better than that!"

Daniel and Sam began to laugh, and Daniel cringed with the pain of his abused abdomen, but continued right on laughing. And with laughter being the best medicine, he was sure to be out of the wretched infirmary the following day, and back into the arms of his lover.

Everything being as it should be, Daniel began eating the treat Jack brought, while the remaining members spoke about their plans for the downtime granted them because of Daniel's surgery.

End.