Not Man, Not Woman Be 1

Not Man, Not Woman Be

by Lady Arkin

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asl/larkin/notman01.php
Summary: Daniel has one secret that he's been able to keep a hidden...until he opens his big mouth. Now he's trapped off world and might never be able to go home again. What do you do when everyone hates you more than you do?
Info:

Notes: I feel the need to push the envelope of sexuality. Really what is sex anyway? Often times it can define us as human beings, pose barriers, create problems, or provide guidance. But what if you didn't have a clearly defined gender as created by society? What then? What do you do then? More importantly how do you exist in a world that needs to label everthing and everyone? Thank you Connor, Stellahobbit, and Melspeil.

PROLOGUE

Daniel walked around the hospital bed, tucking Jack in and making sure that he was warm and comfortable. He'd just finished exercising Jack's limbs the way he'd been taught. They could go through the routine efficiently now, however Daniel knew better then to rush through it. He deliberately went through it slowly, warming Jack up before going into the exercises that would keep his muscle tone intact.

Jack had stopped exercising long before this final stage of the virus. Running around playing make-believe, climbing trees and misbehaving couldn't be counted towards PT; at least Daniel didn't count it. Jack's body was still trim and toned, but the muscles hadn't been worked with the rigor that they were normally accustomed too. And hurting Jack was out of the question. Under the circumstances, Jack wouldn't be able to tell anyone if he was hurt or not; and having him exist in pain was the last thing that Daniel wanted to happen to the man.

Daniel fussed with the toys on the bed so that when Jack woke up the first thing he would see would be Mr. Chuckles and friends. The canvas that Sam and Teal'c had finger-painted in bright colors and hung over the curtained area of Jack's bed was still in place. He'd been horribly afraid of the infirmary and Daniel had asked Jack to pretend that they were at the circus so that he wouldn't be afraid. The dreamcatcher's were still up; the hanging mobiles. Nightmares had prompted him to tell the folklore behind the dreamcatcher; he'd convinced Jack that they would keep him safe. They were now a part of the nursery.

Everything was ready for him. All he had to do was wake up.

Daniel grabbed two fresh pillows that the nurse had left on a nearby table and took them over to the bed. He placed the pillows on Jack's lap and reached down for him. Daniel couldn't help but smooth down his hair before pulling him up.

"I'm going to wash you down in a few minutes, Jack. I know you don't get that sweaty after those exercises but I have to keep you clean, don't I?"

Daniel held the man to his chest tenderly before throwing away the old pillows.

"And Sam will be by later. I know you want to look your best for her."

He reached for the two fresh pillows and arranged them at the height that Jack preferred.

"Teal'c said he might come by too. He's training a few recruits today. You know how much he likes throwing those skinny little recruits around." Daniel couldn't help the smirk as he set Jack down. Daniel pulled away to the sight of those two brown eyes staring up at him.

"Jack?" Daniel gasped as he stared down into the half-lidded eyes looking right at him.

Daniel stopped himself. He squashed down the excitement and the rush of pleasure that seeing a sign of consciousness brought to him. Janet had warned him over and over again that, "Comatose victims often look as if they're awake. Sometimes they move, open their eyes, or even make sounds. Everyone moves in their sleep at some point, Daniel. Just because you moaned and kicked the covers off while you were dreaming doesn't mean that you were aware of it."

Daniel closed his eyes and breathed in deep a few times before he looked down at Jack again. Those deep brown eyes were still fixed on him. Daniel could swear that they were staring at him.

Daniel moved to the right slowly and watched Jack follow him with his eyes. As Jack's eyes rolled to the edge of his peripheral vision without any movement of his head, Daniel realized that Jack hadn't regained any use of his body. Daniel moved closer and then took a few steps back. He walked around the bed slowly watching Jack's eyes closely. On the other end of the bed Daniel leaned in and kissed Jack on the forehead.

"Welcome back, baby," Daniel whispered gently, "we've missed you."

CHAPTER 1 – THE EMPTY NEST

Daniel filled a bowl with warm water and added just a little bit of the hospital soap to it. He carefully undressed Jack as he said, "Look at you. I'm so proud of you. I told you that Janet was a good doctor. She made you all better. I haven't told them you're awake yet because I want to get you all clean first. But when the doctors and the nurses come I don't want you to get afraid, okay."

Daniel laid Jack out carefully as he touched him at every chance, "You have to be a big boy for me. Mr. Chuckles isn't afraid. He's been here the whole time watching over you. He loves you almost as much as I do." Daniel leaned in and kissed Jack again. "Because you're brave and strong and you're my big guy."

Daniel soaked the sponge and began with Jack's feet and legs.

"Daniel," a nurse called from the other side of the curtain.

"Don't come in!" Daniel snapped, harsher then he'd meant. He held on tightly to his temper as he gently said, "I'm busy with Colonel O'Neill."

"Sir-"

"I said don't come in. It can wait." Daniel said, making an effort to keep his tone gentle and calm.

"You both have a visitor-"

"They can wait. We're busy." The last thing that Daniel wanted was to scare Jack, or worse make him cry.

Daniel turned back and washed Jack's legs carefully as he listened for the sounds of the nurse retreating. It wasn't long before he heard the soft shoes squeaking in the opposite direction. By the time he was wiping down Jack's chest and stomach Daniel could hear murmuring at the other end of the infirmary.

"You'll see Jack; everything is going to be just fine. And we're going to have guests today. Remember Sam? She's that nice lady with the yellow hair. She brought you candy the last time she was here. Teal'c is the big dark man. They're nice. They made the tent up there. Do you remember? They're not scary at all. They're our friends; good friends."

Daniel finished wiping Jack's arms and face before rinsing out the sponge again and cleaning Jack's underarms. When he was finished he took the bowl away and emptied it into the sink in their curtained off enclosure. When he came back Daniel snapped on gloves.

"I want you to be a big boy." Daniel lowered the bed down. "I know how much you don't like it when other people come around but Mr. Chuckles and I will be right here." He unfastened Jack's diaper and realized that he needed a change. The changes went faster than at first. Jack hated the diapers and Daniel knew it, but until he got back control over his body there wasn't much recourse. It didn't surprise Daniel when Jack's first real movements involved squirming.

"Shh, shhh. I know. I know you don't like this, baby. It's okay," Daniel leant down, burying his face in Jack's neck. "It's okay. I have to. You know you don't like the nurses. Just let me finish real quick and then I'll dress you." Daniel kissed Jack's neck and nuzzled him before saying, "It'll be okay. I promise."

As usual he went through the motions quickly. He knew that Jack didn't like the sensation of someone invading such a personal space. But Daniel knew that he'd allow no one else near him; the man was violently opposed to a stranger changing him. Daniel went through the procedure efficiently. Daniel didn't think that it was so much the idea of being touched as it was the humiliation of the thing. The sights and smells of the diaper just seemed to weigh heavily on him; and Daniel got rid of both as fast as possible. He cleaned, powered, and diapered Jack and then pulled his hospital gown on neatly. The sheet was pulled up and as usual Jack began to settle down.

After the gloves came off, Daniel bent down and kissed Jack on the forehead before clearing away the powder, discarding the gloves, and washing his hands.

"Sir?" The nurse's nervous voice reached him again. "Your guests-"

"Tell them to come in," Daniel said mindlessly as he wiped his hands on a paper towel.

Daniel sat by Jack and watched him closely. Unlike usual, Jack didn't seem to have put the diaper change past him. He seemed to be almost sulking. His eyes were hooded low as he looked away. The tension was evident. Jack's forehead was creased. Daniel reached out and touched the crease. He hadn't seen that worry and stress-induced wrinkle on Jack's forehead in weeks – not since Jack and he had sat in Jack's living room as Jack confessed that something was wrong with him.

"Daniel," Sam called from the other side of the curtain.

They knew better than to barge in. He'd gone off on more than one person already. They all knew better.

"Come," Daniel said casually.

The curtain was pulled aside slowly and Samantha and Teal'c came into their space. Daniel saw the gifts they carried.

Daniel smiled warmly. "Hey guys. It's nice to see you. Jack's awake."

Sam was the first to step forward and look closer.

"He is awake," she said a bit in awe. "Janet didn't say anything."

"She doesn't know yet," Daniel said off-hand.

"You haven't told her?" Sam said amazed.

"She scares Jack." Daniel said smoothly. "I wanted him to get comfortable with the idea of seeing her before I called her over."

Sam stepped forward and put her gift on the nightstand; a small lamp with a cut-out lamp shade. "I think you'll like this. Teal'c and I went shopping. I know you didn't like the last gift I bought you but we think this will be much better." Sam twisted a small crank and then turned on a light. The curtained enclosure lit up with little stars that shone out on the white cloth. The lampshade began to spin slowly as it plucked out 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'

Daniel smiled and said, "That's perfect, Sam. I'm sure he loves it, but he's a little down in the mouth right now. You know how moody he gets around guests."

Sam nodded and took a few steps away from the bed as she said, "I'm glad your better, Sir. You look better."

Teal'c stepped forward and gave Daniel a small bag. "Sugary concoctions. Of the kind he spoke about when he was still able to request food."

Daniel opened the bag and smiled. "Twinkies!" Daniel turned to Jack and excitedly said, "Do you hear that Jack? You're getting Twinkies after dinner!"

No smile. No reaction. Nothing. Not even a look.

"Jack?" Daniel said as he brushed the back of his hand across Jack's cheek.

Jack squirmed again. He rolled his eyes away. The tension and the worry line were still there.

"Daniel?" Sam asked.

"I don't know," Daniel said far more honestly than he should have. "He's been like this for the past few minutes. I think he's upset." As he continued to watch his friend a stray thought struck Daniel. "Guys, I don't want to rush the two of you away, but..."

"It's fine," Sam said, already turning away. "I'll stop by later. Let me know if there's anything I can do."

"Sure," Daniel said like he always responded. Not that he ever asked anyone for help with Jack.

As usual, Teal'c was just a little harder to get rid of.

"You need rest," Teal'c said quietly.

"I've been taking lots of naps. I'm fine."

"You are not fine."

"If I was really tired and really in need-"

"You'd say nothing and continue as you have been these past few weeks." Teal'c cocked his head slightly and repeated, "You need rest."

"Well, Jack's awake now."

"And I'm sure that you will find more reason to do something for him. You need rest."

Daniel looked away and realized that he'd found yet another breaking point. "Since you can't take a hint, I'll tell you to leave now. I'm fine. If I wasn't fine I'd ask the two of you for help, but I don't, so I won't." Coldly Daniel said, "Leave."

Daniel turned away and fussed with Jack's sheets. He fetched Jack's blankie and carefully arranged it around him.

When he turned around Daniel thankfully found that Teal'c was gone and that the little lampshade had stopped chiming out its song. Daniel turned off the lamp's light and sat down close to Jack.

"Good," Daniel said. "Teal'c's a nice guy, but I can't let them take me away from you. I made you a promise." Daniel stroked Jack's hair back. "I intend to make good on it."

Daniel found the bed control and elevated Jack to a sitting position.

"Jack?" Daniel said as he lifted Jack's chin up. "I know you don't want to look at me and that you'd rather I went away right now but I need to talk to you."

A part of Daniel wasn't shocked when Jack's eyes reluctantly met his.

"Jack if you understand what I'm saying I want you to blink once for yes and twice for no."

Jack blinked once.

"Are you five years old?"

Two blinks.

"Are you forty something?"

One blink.

Daniel sat back in the chair and breathed out. He wiped his face and wasn't sure if he was feeling relief or an aneurism.

"I can explain what's going on. But first I need to know how much you remember. Okay?"

One blink.

"Do you remember the mission to P3K223?"

One blink.

"What about the pizza night that we had the next day?"

Nothing at first, and then eventually one blink.

"Do you remember getting sick?"

Two blinks.

Daniel sat up slowly and said, "Alright, then I need to catch you up on the last three weeks."

Daniel paused as he tried to think of the best possible way to explain it. Finally, he settled on the truth.

"It wasn't evident at first. You started experiencing symptoms...small things, memory loss mostly. You didn't tell anyone. You called my house while we were on down time and you didn't make any sense. You kept calling me Tommy. I got worried and went over. The stove was on and there was dry pan burning on it. The refrigerator was open; the living room was a mess. You were outside in your backyard talking to yourself. I brought you in to the infirmary as quickly as I could.

"After a lot of tests Frasier realized that you'd contracted some weird virus. It didn't show up on any of the standard tests. Sometime during the mission you scratched yourself on some brush. The locals were familiar with the virus but the local cure didn't help you. Our metabolic rate is different enough that you needed an entirely different vaccine made. In the meantime, the virus was going to run its course.

"You were terrified when you found out the symptoms. You asked me to take care of you and I have, Jack. I haven't let anyone see you. I took you to your cabin. I've done all the work myself. The...umm," Daniel quickly pointed from the little lamp on the nightstand, to Mr. Chuckles, to the colorful tent top. "You, umm, there was an, uh, a regression. You thought you were a little kid. Your memories just kept slipping away. Then you stared to loose control over your bodily functions. And then you started to loose consciousness."

Daniel felt the pain in his own words.

"Sam and Teal'c came to get us when the vaccine was ready. By then you were so used to me, and you didn't remember anyone else that they scared you. I had to keep you isolated and entertained so that you wouldn't notice that we weren't at the lake anymore." Daniel voice trailed off as he realized that if Jack was back; it didn't matter anymore. It was over.

~ ~ ~

By the time Janet heard that her worst patient had woken, Daniel was already exercising Jack's hands. Jack pushed, pulled, and flexed with the effort of man that hated where he was and refused to accept it as he battled against his own flesh. Daniel found that Jack had little control over his body, minimal control over his head movements, and still needed the diaper, but he knew that it wouldn't last. He could see Jack's commitment to get up and leave.

~ ~ ~

There was another diaper change that night, just before dinner. Not surprisingly, Jack wasn't interested in eating much.

"I'm glad that Janet thinks you're well enough for therapy." Daniel said as he scooped up another spoonful of applesauce. He brought it up to Jack's lips and managed to get at least half in before Jack pulled away. "Tomorrow we start the hard stuff, Jack. You're going to need your strength. What do you think?" Daniel asked as he wiped Jack's mouth. "Twinkies for breakfast?"

Daniel was sure that Jack tried to suppress it but he smiled just the same. Jack finally looked at him and managed a sloppy nod.

"It's a plan." Daniel folded the napkin as he said, "I know you hate this. Concentrate on taking control of your body again. I'll have everything ready tomorrow morning. With a little luck you won't need the diaper. If you can go all day without any accidents I'll take it off tomorrow, okay?"

Jack seemed to hesitantly nod before looking away again.

"Okay," Daniel said as he took the tray away.

When he came back it was with the newspaper in hand. Teal'c had already helped him take down the colorful tent top. The toys had been cleared out; even Mr. Chuckles was in the boxes in the corner. He had to keep Jack entertained somehow, and Daniel wasn't sure just how much Jack's eye sight had improved. Daniel pulled out the sports section and began reading. He read to Jack until he looked up and found that he'd fallen asleep. Daniel tucked him in, turned off the lights and settled into the next bed.

~ ~ ~

The physical therapist worked Jack on the ground until he was sweaty from the effort. The warm-up had taken its toll on Jack's still limp body, but he looked determined.

Braces were put on Jack's legs and two orderlies helped him up to the bars. Daniel watched, edgy and nervous, as Jack began to take his first steps with the help of both men. At every step Daniel wanted to rush in and stop it. He wanted to protect Jack from the pain, but Daniel knew that was the worst thing that he could do. He stood by, willing himself to the spot that he stood on as he watched sweat and effort roll off Jack as he stumbled from one end of the parallel bars to the other.

When he was turned over to Daniel again he took Jack back to the infirmary. He closed off the curtain from the world and settled back into their routine. Daniel undressed Jack, bathed him, changed his diaper, and then dressed him again.

Dinner began the way it had the previous day. Jack just lay there, staring up at the dull ceiling without any light in his eyes as he ignored the food that Daniel offered.

Daniel let the spoonful of mashed potatoes fall back onto the tray. For a moment he was lost, he had no idea how to improve the situation.

Daniel looked at Jack and off-handedly as he said, "Would you like me to workout with you again before bed? More exercise might clear your head."

Jack suddenly looked up at Daniel with a mixture of desperation and hope. Daniel couldn't help the smile.

"If you eat," Daniel said. "I'll exercise your legs and your arms. You'll do better tomorrow. You'll see. You're the strongest man I know." Daniel loaded the spoon again. "The most stubborn and pig-headed one too." Jack took the potatoes this time. "It's only been three days, Jack. It took you three weeks to deteriorate into a coma and you were there for five days straight. You can't expect to just pop back up." Daniel offered Jack a spoonful of scrambled eggs and gravy which were taken in easily. "So we'll just work you twice as hard. We'll get you back on the active list before long, but if I see you give up; I'll stop helping you."

CHAPTER 2 – PARTING COMPANY

There were several accidents that kept the diaper on Jack for a solid week. Out of all that had happened during his recovery, Daniel knew that it was the worst possible thing that had happened to him. Jack got back his ability to move, even to sit up, he was standing on his own, even had the dexterity to unzip himself, but he couldn't seem to control his bowels. And Daniel clearly saw the shame and humiliation every time he saw the signs that Jack needed a change.

By the time Jack had his speech back, they were working on phasing out the diaper. Jack didn't want to talk about it. It was just there; a terrible part of his current existence. It hung over him in a dark cloud that emanated off his body in waves of misery.

It was during one of those dreaded diaper changes that Daniel realized that their relationship had been forever altered. Jack stared at the white curtain as Daniel removed the soiled diaper and wiped him. Jack's fists clenched the hospital's rails as Daniel begrudgingly turned him and carefully applied a little rash cream. Jack was starting to chafe at the crease above his thighs; and Daniel knew that it couldn't feel good. He powdered Jack carefully and smoothed the powder into Jack's soft skin. Jack's jaw was clenched tight; he wouldn't speak again for at least another half hour while he boiled in self-anger and hate. Jack's breathing was hard and fast.

Daniel surreptitiously watched him as he gently turned Jack and adjusted the diaper under him and secured it in place.

Daniel turned away and snapped off his gloves. He deposited them in a medical waste bin and went to wash his hands. As he stood at the sink he took his time as he tried to push the tears away. Every instinct in his body told him that there wasn't a way to put things back the way they were. He knew it inside. It would never be the same again.

Daniel swallowed hard and resolved to take this wherever it was going to go.

He wiped his hands on the stiff paper towel and threw it away before returning to Jack. He pulled up Jack's blankie. Daniel didn't call it that anymore, but he knew that Jack liked the soft warm thing. Daniel hadn't had the heart to take it away. He tucked Jack in and turned off the overhead light before walking to his bed next to Jack's.

As he lay watching the ceiling, Daniel realized that he would do anything for Jack. Whether he was asked to or not.

~ ~ ~

Hammond had kept asking him if he was sure.

He was. There was no middle ground as far as he could tell.

Daniel even had the perfect replacement for SG-1. Martin Vanlendingham was both an archeologist and linguist. Daniel didn't particularly like the man, but he seemed to have an easy manner with military personnel and had so far made fast friends with every team he'd been assigned to. Martin just seemed to be one of the guys. He was like-minded with the military which was probably why he and Daniel didn't get on well. Martin loved the military and fit in as if he'd been meant for it.

In a real way a part of Daniel envied Martin. Daniel didn't need much in life. He didn't demand wealth or notoriety. He didn't even need the respect of his peers. Hell, his life thus far proved that he didn't need the respect of his peers and then some. But Martin fit in. His career outside of the mountain had been as successful as the one under it. Martin was just one of the guys; an average guy. A buddy. And that, Daniel truly envied.

Daniel wiped his eyes again for the umpteenth time that day before a tear could form. He shook off the thoughts going through his head and tried to think about the translation in front of him.

He was sure that Martin would slip into the regular SG-1 dynamic with far less trouble then Daniel had. What's more, Daniel was sure that Martin and Jack would get on far better then they ever did. In the very least, Daniel owed Jack that.

~ ~ ~

Daniel started avoiding the commissary almost instantly.

He hadn't realized just how hard it would be to see his team with someone else; or just how easy it would be to replace him. When he had walked into the dining area and saw them all sitting around laughing and joking with one another, Daniel felt as if he'd been stabbed in the chest. He walked out, locked his office door, and had skipped both lunch and dinner that day.

Lately, he'd been either skipping meals or eating at odd hours. He knew that it was just a pathetic attempt at preserving his own sense of self-importance, but he just didn't want to see them again...couldn't see them again.

A part of him wanted to think that he was invaluable, important, and needed, but he knew that he could replaced at any moment. He'd already been written off as dead several times; this time his pulse was still there but he might as well be in his grave for all the good that he was to anyone.

He got up and walked the length of his office. He'd arranged, organized, and categorized everything to date. As he scanned his shelves, Daniel realized that he'd never seen his office so neat. The store rooms were in the same state. He'd spent the better half of the last week there making sure that everything was perfect.

It had taken the last three months but the database project that he'd been dreaming about for years was now a reality; it was up and running. It had taken a lot of begging and quite a bit of nagging at the General but he got the palm pilots, the extra laptops, the extra computer power, data storage space in the main frames, and the programmers to make his project reality. Instead of guessing, or lugging along heavy reference books, all his team or anyone needed to do was draw the figure or glyph on the palm pilot and upload it into their laptop. The database would search and bring up all possible words and meanings.

Daniel was sure that it would not only cut down the translation times it would also cut the amount of time that each team needed to be on any given planet thereby making each exploratory trip through the gate that much safer for his friends.

He wound up near his In Box. He looked at it carefully and realized that he'd never seen his In Box empty. It was fitting.

Daniel made up his mind in that moment. He reached into his desk and pulled out the letter that he'd typed, and retyped over the past two months but had never found the guts to sign. He slide out his desk drawer and pulled out a pen. He signed it. He folded it carefully and tucked it into a plain white envelope. Daniel shut down his computer, turned off his reading lamps, and turned out the light.

He knew that he wasn't entitled to take anything for security reasons. He'd already taken home the few personal items that he'd bothered to bring in. There was nothing in the office that was his alone any longer. The space was ready for its next occupant.

Daniel rode the elevator with far less emotion than he'd expected. He exited and walked towards General Hammond's office in a rather good mood.

To his surprise the General's aide was standing outside.

"Doctor Jackson," the young man said, surprised to see him.

"Hey, Robert. Is the General in?"

"Yes, but he's on the phone. I can interrupt if it's important."

"No," Daniel said quickly. "Don't bother. It's not important at all." Daniel offered the young Corporal the unmarked letter. "Could you please see to it that he gets this? It's pretty self explanatory." Daniel turned to leave when his feet stopped. He realized that he might not get another chance. "Robert?"

"Yes, Doctor Jackson?" The young man said, straightening up.

Daniel had noticed long ago that he always seemed ready to be given those demanding orders that never seemed to come.

"I just wanted to thank you," Daniel said simply. "Without your research into the budget and all the calls you made, I never would have received the funding for the database."

The General's aide smiled. "You're welcome, sir. Is there something else that I can do?"

"No," Daniel said with a sad smile. "Just...thank you. Some days, friends are hard to come by and I appreciate it. That's all."

Daniel turned and left. He even remembered to slip his hands into his pockets in an effort to look as nonchalant as possible. He wasn't sure if he managed it, but he tried.

He rode the elevator up to sixteen then switched, taking the next elevator up to the top. Once there he checked out for, what he assumed would be, the last time. Once the guard nodded to him Daniel smiled, pulled his ID and electronic pass off the belt clip on his uniform and left it on the desk.

"Sir?"

"It's okay, Max," Daniel said. "The General's going to want it."

Daniel turned without another word and left.

He realized as he approached his car that he now had no other reason to return to Cheyenne Mountain. He was free of the place. He had nowhere else to go, but at least he didn't have to come back and face anyone.

Daniel unlocked the door to his car, and climbed inside. He buckled his belt and settled into the seat. As he looked around inside his brand new car he realized that it was the largest and most extravagant thing he'd ever splurged on for himself. Now, he regretted it to a degree. In his time with the SGC he'd been paid very well. He'd managed to save at least a third of every paycheck. Now he was glad.

He turned the ignition and set the car into reverse. The next great challenge would be to find a job in the 'real' world. A job that would include an entire profession of people that thought that he was either out of his mind or an idiot. Daniel backed the car out sighing. He set the car in drive and slowly began the journey out of the covered parking.

"Doctor Jackson!" he heard someone scream.

Daniel looked in his rearview mirror to find Max running towards him at a full sprint. Daniel pressed the window's power button and wondered briefly if he'd hit someone's car again.

"Doctor," Max panted as he came to the car door.

"Everything alright?"

"No, sir. I can't let you leave. The General's requested your presence. Right now."

Daniel watched the man as he tried to regain himself, the momentary exertion ending.

"Did he say why?' Daniel asked.

"I don't have that information, sir. Please park your car and come inside."

Daniel felt his jaw tense. He did as he was asked, simply because he knew that security wouldn't let him go anywhere without the General's okay.

Daniel was given his ID and pass back and then escorted back down. Apparently Max had been instructed to see him to the General's door, because that's exactly what he did.

The door was wide open. The General's aide was waiting for him by the door.

"He'd like to see you," Robert said with a tense look.

Daniel walked inside to find the General reading over his resignation letter. The door thudded closed behind him.

"Please sit down, Daniel."

Daniel felt himself take a deep breath before he did as he was asked. A part of him felt as if he'd done something wrong and had been sent to his father for a whopping. The other part of him felt insulted that he had to justify himself to anyone. He was a grown man. If he wanted to quit like a big coward and run for the hills then it was his sacred, God-given, American right to paint himself yellow, dip himself in feathers, and do just that!

The General's eyes scanned over the letter far longer than Daniel thought was actually necessary. When he finally did put the paper down it was to ask, "So what's really going on?"

"I don't understand, sir. I wrote-"

"Oh, I know what you wrote. I'm not asking you about the pretty words you've drafted for the record. I'm asking you what is going on. Since this question seems beyond you at present I'm going to elaborate." The General leaned in and said, "When you wanted off SG-1 I thought maybe you just needed a rest. Taking care of Jack through that sickness must have taken its toll on you. When you had that computer project in mind I was doubtful but I can see now that it was a hell of an idea. Everyone likes it, especially the field teams.

"Now that the translation project is finished I figured you'd ask to be put back on SG-1. Instead," Hammond said, holding up the letter. "I find myself with your resignation in my hands. So what happened?"

"Have you ever had to wear a diaper, sir?" Daniel looked up into Hammond's frown. "I mean since childhood."

There was a moment of silence.

"Jack had to, and I changed them. I powdered him. I rubbed cream on him when he got rashes. And when he absolutely tried to stop his bowels from moving because he hated all of it so much that he started hating himself," Daniel swallowed before he admitted, "I'm also the person that had to stick my finger up his ass to get him going again."

"So you're uncomfortable around him?"

"No, sir," Daniel replied. He swallowed hard and then managed to say, "He doesn't want to look at me. It's uncomfortable for him to have to deal with me. I can see it. He's never said anything. He wouldn't. I'm sure that as far as he's concerned it never happened."

"Then why?"

"Because it did and I know that it's there." Daniel looked away and then added, "Doctor Vanlendingham has filled my place quite well, sir. There haven't been any complaints. SG-1 is fully functional. I've read their last two reports; there aren't any problems."

"Daniel," Hammond said, a bit annoyed. "I didn't approve Doctor Vanlendingham's appointment so that you could bow out. He was a temporary replacement at best. And quite frankly I won't accept your resignation. You're too important to this program."

Daniel didn't contradict him. He didn't believe the General, but he just couldn't bring himself to argue on such a ridiculous point like his own importance.

"I didn't see this," Hammond said as he fed the letter into a shredder under his desk. Daniel heard the mechanism whirl briefly. "If you don't want a team assignment then I'll be more than happy to keep you on permanent assignment as Cultural Director but I won't accept your resignation."

"Sir, what about-"

"Colonel O'Neill is a big boy," the General drawled, "he'll get over it. And for the record, I had to change my wife's diaper when she was dying. It's not easy watching someone that you care about decline. You had to watch him go down and then go through the agony of clawing his way back up to normal again. And I'm sorry." Hammond leaned back as he thought about it. "I think maybe you need a vacation, son. You've lost your perspective. You need to get away, and I suggest you do it now. Now get out and don't come back for a week or I'll have you forcibly thrown off-base. But make sure that you come back, am I clear?"

Daniel somehow managed a smile which felt more like a grimace. He nodded and left.

~ ~ ~

He'd spent the first three days of his vacation soaked in more reality than he cared for. In small specialized academic communities like archeology and linguistics, word travels exceedingly fast. There were very few people that were still willing to speak with him. Daniel was sure that the majority of them wouldn't admit to anyone that they actually still spoke to him, but they did contact him...when they needed help with something. He was sure that no one was willing to stick their neck out for him to any degree. So, he went to everyone that was willing to listen and just asked if there were any positions available.

He found twelve positions in various parts of the country and a handful in several other countries. Daniel knew that he was overqualified for all of them, but it didn't matter. All he needed was to get in somewhere that would have him. He faxed and emailed his CV along with supporting documents of his degrees, education, and samples of his translation abilities to all the potential employers. Within an hour the very short, polite, and formal rejection letters began to roll out of his fax machine.

It took a day for the rest of the rejections to come in. Daniel just sat back and sighed at what life had handed him. He picked up the pile of rejections and threw them into his trash. He sat back in his chair and realized that the days working in the archeological community were truly gone. He probably never would rejoin it again; his name bore too much of a stigma.

Daniel logged onto the internet and began searching universities across the nation for any available teaching jobs. He spent the next four days of his vacation calling, emailing, faxing and trying his damndest to set up interviews for teaching positions. Anything that would pay a halfway decent wage that he could live on.

But nothing worked out right for him. His applications were either turned down immediately or ignored outright. The three interviews that he was able to set up seemed to fall apart and in the end he wound up where he'd begun.

Sunday evening, the last day of his vacation, he found himself on his couch getting drunk as quickly as he could. He didn't even bother with the ice or a glass. Daniel took long, deep pulls from the bottle of Bacardi until he thought he could sleep. Then he stretched out and just let it happen.

CHAPTER 3 – GODS' HONEST TRUTH

The trip through was the usual, though his intent was different.

He stepped through to the other side and saw what was awaiting him. Hammond still had SG-1 on slow and easy missions. Supposedly, it was Hammond's attempt to break Vanlingham and Jack back into the swing of things. At the impromptu briefing he was given as he was being dragged onto base, into uniform, and through the 'gate, he'd been told by Hammond that, "All I wanted them to do was meet and greet. For Pete's sake! They went and did something stupid and now these folks are threatening to send me their heads!"

On the other side of the wormhole he glanced around the room and saw what they had gotten themselves into. Dominating the room at the far end was an enormous golden statue of Hermes. And at Hermes' side were what Daniel could only surmise to be early representations of his children, Pan and Hermaphroditus. Daniel saw the Egyptian/Middle Eastern influences all around him and a thousand questions immediately crowded his mind. He squashed them down as he spotted the frown on his Royal Highness, seated on a small throne that looked ceremonial rather than regal. It seemed out of place and situated just in front of Hermes...as if for effect. The room was filled with armed guards, most of who were neatly placed behind his friends, weapons drawn, and at the ready. Even if those weapons were swords and spears, he had no doubt that they were razor sharp and more than adequate for the job.

He heard the 'gate shut down and stepped forward. He took the three steps down off the dais and began to remove his own weapons. As he took off his holster he glanced at the floor before him. How could he not? A perfect replica of the 'gate had been created in mosaic on the marble floor and Daniel was in awe. As his field and Swiss army knives joined his other weapons he reminded himself to mind his eyes. When finished, he stepped forward.

Twenty feet from His Majesty, Daniel fell down to his knees and prostrated himself flat on the ground before the man as was right...or so he assumed based on the cultures that he saw represented. Under normal circumstances he would have stood and walked ten feet or so and do it again before presenting himself, but given the situation he went for the big grovel. Daniel crawled forward keeping his head and his eyes down.

When close enough he let his voice rise up so that everyone could hear him say, "Oh great king, O son of the great giver of knowledge, O son of the great messenger whose wings shelter all that man has, O son of light and darkness in whom all men reside. I come before thee in homage. This unworthy servant begs for mercy for him and his people. Mercy which is undeserved, but asked in hope that His Majesty's vast benevolence will shine upon us, will forgive us our ignorance, our empty minds!"

Daniel let his head fall to the ground and he stayed still as he waited. Several moments passed in stillness.

After a long and tense silence the king finally said, "At least there be one among you who knows how to approach royalty. You may rise, servant."

With the man's first words Daniel was glad that he'd used his Greek. He also realized that his pronunciation was a little off; this culture's language had evolved into an Egyptian/Greek mixture which he was sure he could compensate for as he heard more of the language spoken. Daniel sat back on his haunches, keeping his eyes on the ground.

There was another pause before the king said, "And what is your business here?"

"We beg your forgiveness, O mighty king. I beg your forgiveness. For my sins, please do not punish my friends. My transgressions are my own to bear and no one should have to shed their blood for those acts that I have committed and failed to commit."

"How have you sinned? It was they who insulted our person. They that trespassed across the sacred. They that have insulted the Almighty. And they that will pay with their blood."

Daniel pounded his chest as he said, "My sin! My sin! I failed them, O great Lord, O son of the great one who sees all men's sins! Here I am! I! It is my duty among my people to educate them so that they can walk into the presence of a king, so that they may speak, so that they may conduct business on behalf of our world. If they have failed then only I may be blamed. I failed. I am the only one who should be blamed. It is my duty," Daniel dared to look to the side at his friends, '"my privilege to take their place. I beg you to allow me to take their place."

After a long moment he heard the king ask, "What privilege?"

"I'm no warrior, my Lord." Daniel felt this truth sweep over him. "And, I'm not much of a scribe. I've failed in every possible manner, my Lord. I ask you to end my life." Daniel swallowed hard and pushed aside the sorrow. "I ask that you allow these great warriors to leave unharmed. Their lives are worth so much more. I can be replaced; they cannot. If your will is to kill them; our world will suffer greatly. I ask that you do as you will with me. I give myself freely."

With his last word Daniel lay out on the floor, face down, with his arms stretched out before him.

Daniel closed his eyes and listened hard.

He heard the rustle of robes as someone walked towards him. He heard the man's sandals stepping along the marble floors. Nearby, the sandals pivoted, crushing some small grain of sand.

"And why should I do anything that you ask of me?" the king said from his seat.

"I fall upon thy mercy, O great one. No more. I beg to serve my people one last time...and perhaps in the same breath I could provide your royal person with entertainment."

"Up, let us see your face."

Daniel did as he was asked, careful to not raise his eyes.

"Lift your eyes."

As Daniel lifted his eyes he saw His Majesty for the first time. Immediately, Daniel's questions grew two-fold. The person that he was looking at was more European in appearance then he had thought possible. And, the knowledge didn't fit in with the décor. The long, straight features that didn't fit in with the kohl-rimmed eyes, or the Egyptian inspired gown that the man wore were a puzzle.

The man at Daniel's side leaned down over him. By his dress it was obvious that he wasn't royalty but a man of great importance just the same. His first word to the king was, "Soft."

"Yes," the king agreed. "But not far enough."

The man made a rumbling sound of agreement, and then said, "A shame. Such eyes, there's beauty."

"Yes, shame," the sovereign said, apparently loosing interest. He turned away, "Your life is spared. Return to your master content in the knowledge that you've fulfilled your role, scribe."

"Master!" Daniel shouted quickly.

The king turned to look at him slowly, unhappily. Daniel saw that the man look displeased to be argued with; the subject, it appeared, had been closed.

"They will be killed at my pleasure," the ruler said. "There is nothing that you can give me in return."

Daniel knew that he was being truthful. There wasn't. So he grasped at the only straw that he could think of.

"My Lord, perhaps there is something. I know nothing of your world and I won't presume to know anything of your culture, or your ways. But I see the great Hermes and I know of him. I see his great children. The sons of light. The half goat, half man. We call him Pan. Lord, god, and saint of fields, woods, and shepherds and flocks. And Hermaphroditus a god of love, half-man with all the vigor of a man, but also half-woman with all the delicacy and beauty. Many in our history honored people like him, and then there were those that considered those born like Hermaphroditus to be monstrosities. Coming rarely into the world as they do, they were thought to have the quality of sagging the future, sometimes for evil and sometimes for good."

Daniel watched the king smirk and the man at his side shake his head solemnly.

"Then I am sorry that I will only be able to kill these," the king said with a flick of his hand. "Your people know no respect and see nothing of true worth."

"Then the children of Hermaphroditus are honored here?"

The sovereign smiled and said, "We honor the tenants of our gods."

"Then in the name of Hermaphroditus, my father and my image, I ask you for their lives."

Any humor that might have been in the room disappeared quickly. Like water fallen on parched earth, the atmosphere grew stressed and thick. The silence deepened until Daniel was sure that he could hear his own heart beat in those long moments following his statement, his admission, his shame. He realized quickly that it wasn't just the sovereign, it was everyone. The guards looked angry, insulted, almost as if they were willing to attack...with or without orders.

Daniel looked tensely from the king to the man next to him. Neither seemed to breathe in that time. They just watched him...waited, as if he were supposed to do something.

Time seemed to stretch out, slow down. No one spoke. He wasn't sure if it was because they didn't know what to say, or because he was supposed to follow the statement with something else. But he couldn't think of anything. There was nothing to say. It was the first time he'd ever uttered the words in any way, shape, or form; not even with Frasier...

The king opened his mouth but said nothing at first. It was a few moments before he made a sound.

"Careful," the king said with a frown, "besmirch the name of Hermaphroditus in my presence and you will pay a very hard price."

Daniel nodded slowly. "I stand my statement, Lord."

Daniel watched His Highness rub his chin slowly with a ring-adorned hand and felt himself looked over carefully. Finally the man nodded and said, "Then you will stand by your statement."

His Highness flicked his hand once, signaling to someone.

Daniel held still and waited.

In another moment Daniel felt the approach of several guards who quickly surrounded him.

"He'll be judged," the king said and Daniel felt several hands come down on him at once.

He closed his eyes and waited. The cold of a blade slid down his back. Instead of feeling pain he felt the pull and tug as his clothes were systematically cut away from him. He quickly began to panic as he felt that same blade cut into his pants and take away his privacy. As he felt the fabric falling away the panic began to set in.

The long held fear, anguish, and humiliation that he'd long suppressed began to bubble up in a loud, gut-wrenching howl of misery that began his fight for freedom. The hard hands and angry faces around him immediately secured him in place. Iron grips clamped down hard and fast. He struggled more, screaming out in hysteria as his legs were parted and the vulnerability of his position truly dawned on him. As he realized that the hands securing him were preventing any movement, not even a descent kick, Daniel cried out again. This time, he began to beg.

In the distance, he heard his friends screaming. Their shouts of mercy and injustice only served to fuel his panic as the king's well dressed companion loomed over him. For a fraction of a moment he saw someone behind him draw something dark down across his face. Then he felt something forced into his mouth. He tasted a leather strap of some kind. It was pushed back hard and his head was pulled down to the floor. He was forced to look up into the face of a nameless, angry looking soldier who easily pushed down on the leather bit that cut into the sides of his mouth and face.

Daniel could hear the king's companion before him. He felt the brush of the man's robes against his bare legs and it drove Daniel into a new level of panic. He heard the shouts of SG-1 rise up harder.

From his limited view Daniel saw the man kneel down between his legs. His paranoid mind expected pain, horror, violation. Even worse, there was nothing but time. The man leaned in between his legs for what seemed like a terrible eternity. Daniel felt himself slip from outright panic into unbelieving fear. The humiliation was too much. Tears slipped out of his eyes and down into his ears as the seconds turned into minutes; and nothing seemed to happen.

Finally, the man reached in and touched him. Daniel felt his breath freeze in his lungs as the fight in his limbs picked up again. He tried to scream out, to take it back, to run, to move away, anything to avoid someone touching him there. But he couldn't. He could do nothing about it, go nowhere; there was no escaping.

He felt the unknown man touch his penis, inspect it, evaluate it and Daniel shriveled up inside. He felt his guts churn in his stomach, and his mind slip away. In his panic Daniel felt his lungs constrict from lack of oxygen. He realized he'd been holding his breath and forced his lungs to breathe despite the fact that he didn't want to. With the strap in his mouth he was forced to breathe through his nostrils as hard and as fast as he could while his body continued to struggle automatically without regard. He fought for control of himself. Despite his emotions, his fears, and the terror coursing through his veins at the touch of this unknown person, he fought through it.

It was Teal'c's words that came to him in that moment, "Pain can be your ally, my friend. It can clear your head, remind you that you are alive, and spur you forward to do things that you never thought you would be able to do. The key to this is to be able to control your fear of it, all else will come as you need."

Daniel growled out through the strap as he bit into it. He felt two fingers slide into him and he growled again, refusing to give into what his mind was doing to him. Those fingers moved around inside of him and he felt himself opened up for inspection. Daniel clenched up as best he could and waited for it to begin.

He told himself that all he had to do was survive, survive and deal with it later. That was all. Just survive.

Then just as quickly as it all began, it ended.

The king's companion and the guards all seemed to instantly drop him and scatter away. Daniel immediately snapped his legs shut, grabbed up the shreds of his clothes and held them over his naked body.

He waited. It was a few long moments before the king stood from his seat and stepped down. As he approached, Daniel closed himself off, clutched the rags in his hands closer, and squeezed his eyes tight.

"Forgive us," the ruler said gently. "We had to test you. All are tested. You've proven yourself a child of Hermaphroditus."

A quick and hushed order was given by the king to someone. Daniel didn't care and didn't want to care as he struggled to regain his dignity.

Women approached. Daniel watched as the king and his companion stepped away and the women raised veils around him. A young girl who looked barely fourteen held up clothing in her hands.

"I am your servant Mall'e," she said with a smile as she knelt down in front of him, "I will help you dress.'

"No," he said, far harsher then he'd meant to. He took a deep breath and said, "I'd rather dress myself."

She bowed to him, offered clothing, and left the veiled enclosure.

Daniel stood still clutching the rags in front of his person. He looked around carefully and realized that the veils were dyed quite darkly. That the people on the other side probably couldn't see, and if they could, it wasn't all that clear. He quickly dropped the rags and picked up the clothes.

He expected a tunic. A peplos, some form of traditional Greek garment. Instead, he found something else. He held up the clothes and realized that one of the items was a full skirt with multiple petticoats. Not the unisex clothing he'd expected. Not even very Greek!

"I'm not wearing this," Daniel said clearly.

"I assure you that it is appropriate," His Highness responded from the other side of the veils.

"I'd rather have something else."

"If you put it on we can discuss your friends."

Daniel was smart enough to know when he had no choice in the matter. The underwear, he assumed, was the long linen cloth. He wrapped it around himself and tucked it in as he knew would be right and then he picked up the skirt. Reluctantly, he put on the close-fitting tunic with the low front that came to just above his flat chest.

"Mall'e," Daniel called softly.

A veil parted just far enough to let her in.

Without hesitating she untied the skirts waist and held it open for him to step into. She pulled it up and tied it at the back.

When he felt her pull away he said, "I'm ready."

The veils dropped and the women all around bowed to him deeply before turning and walking away.

Daniel felt his face flame up as he stood in front of everyone in the room. And he could feel all eyes directly on him, a thing he instantly hated.

The king took a few steps closer. Daniel couldn't help the instinctive steps that he took back.

"I understand why you mistrust me, Hiro. But you were unknown to us, and there have been pretenders in the past. We had to know that your claim was true."

Daniel said nothing. He only watched the man.

"As it is you may now be tested by the temple."

"What?" Daniel demanded as he took another step back.

The sovereign at least had the good sense to look embaressed as he said, "Not like that, Hiro. Here. This room is a puzzle. Solve the mystery within and you will prove yourself sacrosanct."

"And if I fail?" Daniel asked quickly.

"There is no punishment for failing, Hiro. It is only an opportunity granted to all of Hermaphroditus' children to prove themselves as belonging to the Hand of God." The king gave one quick bow of his head before returning to his small throne.

Daniel was left alone in the center of the large room.

His first instinct was to turn and check his friends. All of SG-1 were on their knees. Their hands were tied behind their backs and the spears at their backs pressed in high enough to force their heads down close to the floor.

"Sir," Daniel said, "might I first make a request?"

"If you wish it."

"Have my friends released. I'll tell them not to move, but they should at least stand. They've been like that for a long while now. It's hard on the knees."

The king paused for a moment and then instructed, "Release them."

"Guys," Daniel called out in English, "you can stand up but don't make any big movements."

"Daniel?" Jack called out as soon as the spear was off him.

As sure as he could manage Daniel said, "I'm fine. I'm just going to do something over here. Be good until I can get your asses out of here, okay?"

"Daniel?"

"I said in a minute, Jack!" Daniel snapped as he looked around the room again. This time he took his time.

The walls were about what he would expect. Greek and Egyptian symbols praising Hermes were everywhere on the walls. Tantilizing glimpses into sacred knowledge were everywhere. He clearly saw sacred geometry in the construction of the entire room, floor, celing area, and space, but he had more important things to do at the moment.

As usual he had to reign in his curiosity and concentrate on the problem at hand. He saw the first clues of what could have been part of the puzzle on the ceiling. A very specific set of stargate coordinates were emblazoned across the ceiling in gold and outlined in jewels. Daniel instinctively reached up to stick his hand into his jacket pocket in search for a pad and a pen. He managed to annoy himself when he looked down and realized that he was wearing a skirt, no pockets, and had nothing useful on him.

He stomped over to his clothes and rifled around in the mess of torn cloth until he found his favorite pen and a clean pad on which to write. He walked forward a few steps as he studied the ceiling. He took down the coordinates and then turned. He glanced up at the 'gate for reference and out of sheer habit he began to translate the glyphs into numbers.

When he was finished, he looked around the room and realized that there was nothing else. Everything else in the room was actually the way it was supposed to be. Daniel quickly wondered if that was the point.

He checked the pad in his hands and realized that whomever had picked the glyphs had deliberatly used sacred numbers.

"Sam!" Daniel called out in English. "The Fibonacci Series. Remind me what the numbers are again?"

"Stop," the king snapped. "You are not allowed help."

"I'm not a mathmatician, your Highness. Sam is. I was only requesting a recitation of what our science calls the Fibonacci numbers. They are in actuality the sacred numbers that appear to have been used to construct this temple."

"How much do you know of these numbers?" the man at the king's side asked.

"I know that that it's said that any object can be drawn using a straight line and a compass, that there is a natural and harmonious relationship between their natural growth and proportion that attracts human beings." Daniel looked around the room as he continued, "And I know that they were used here. I know that two, three, and five are the first numbers. I see their repetition here everywhere. The number three in particular is repeatedly used in this room. Three statues, three clusters of three pillars on each wall. Each of the designs on the walls are in clusters of threes, and in multiples of three. Then up there on the glyphs you have the second, fifth, eigth, and thirteenth glyphs, from your 'gate I think I understand what the other numbers are but I don't remember all of the Fibonacci numbers."

"No help," the sovereign repeated.

Daniel nodded and bowed to His Highness before turning back to the gate. Daniel looked down at the inlaid marble copy of the 'gate on the floor and then back at the stargate. There were seven glyphs on the ceiling but only two, five, and thirteen were on the gate. Three was missing, and he wasn't sure what the designations on the remaining four glyphs were.

Daniel sat on the floor and stared at the pad in his hands. If he remembered correctly the sacred numbers were based on two and three. Two plus three equaled five. Three plus five equaled eight. Five pluse eight equaled thirteen. Eight plus thirteen equaled twenty-one. Thirteen plus twenty-one equaled thirty-four, twenty-one plus thirty-four equaled fifty-five.

Looking up at the stargate he knew that there weren't enough actual coordinates on the ring to correlate to the numbers that he had. And it was strange that he didn't have three, since three was such a theme in the room. He was sure that it was clue.

On a hunch Daniel began at the first coordiante on the gate and continued to count clockwise around the ring until he had twenty-one, thirty-four, and fifty-five. He wasn't at all surprised when he continued to overlaped the numbers five, eight, and thirteen. Two and three didn't seem to be a part of the equation.

He looked up at the stargate and compared it to the figure on the ground. Quickly he realized that the marble copy of the 'gate on the floor was laid out wrong. Daniel knelt up and crawled towards it and realized that they were very wrong. Instead of being on predictable intervals along the ring, the glyphs had been arranged in a very specific pattern. One glyph on the upper left of the inlaid ring. One glyph sat on the top center, and the last on the very bottom.

"The golden gate," Daniel said to himself with a smile. "It has to be."

"Speak up," the king said loudly.

"We call it the gate of gold," Daniel translated into their language. "It's a measurement that created a doorway of harmonic proportion based on a ratio of one to two. The opening width is based on a square inscribed withing a semi-circle. If I am right then the solution is right." Daniel slid his hand down the smooth surface to the bottom of the inlaid stargate where the curve of the circle began to rise. He eyeballed the right location that would form a perfect rectangle when aligned with the other three points and said, "Here."

Daniel turned his head up to look at the king without moving his hand from where it rested on the circle.

The king seemed shaken but still managed to say, "Just don't scratch the floor."

Daniel nodded and peered closer. He felt a slight seam in the marble and blew away dust from it. Reluctantly, he waved over one of the guards that had previously held him down.

"Give me your sword," Daniel said to the man.

It was handed over without a word. Daniel carefully inserted the sharp blade into the seam and worked it in. He then wedged the marble tile up. As it went up he realized that it was bigger and heavier than he'd thought. The guard that helped him pry it up the rest of the way and laid it tile carefully to the side.

Daniel looked inside the hole and saw something wrapped in cloth. He reached down and into the musty smelling cache and pulled it up. The age of the thing was obvious and it almost instantly made his eyes water. He quite happily laid it on the floor and backed up so he could prostate himself before the ruler.

"If I have solved this puzzle to your satisfaction, my Lord, may we speak of my friends?"

"How did you know to do that, Hiro?"

"Golden proportions, the sacred number of 3.1415, and the numbers were laid out on the floor in a specific pattern. I've done as you have asked. Please, my Lord. May my friends leave in peace? I promise you that we won't ever return to your world if you allow us to leave."

The king grew very still. He even seemed to stop breathing for a long moment.

When he became amimated again the king said, "I'll let them leave, unharmed, I'll even give them their weapons...if you stay, Hiro."

Then bent down and picked up the cloth wrapped thing. He revealed a bushed silver crown with a high white dome. He brushed it off carefully, reverently. Daniel watched the man step up and place the crown on his head. Daniel's first thought was that it was heavy.

CHAPTER 4 – NOTHING LOST, NOTHING GAINED

Daniel watched the soverign standing in front of him unsure, and maybe a bit frightened. Not only the ruler, but the rest too looked uncertain as if his was the only opinion that mattered in the entire universe.

"Why do you keep calling me Hiro?" Daniel asked.

"It's," the king stopped and swallowed several times before he said, "a title for the children of our lord. A term of honor."

"I see."

Daniel looked at his friends. They'd only been on this planet for less than three hours but they looked tired, worn, and ready to leave.

"Did your guards hurt them?"

"Hiro, they were the enemy."

"But did they hurt them?" Daniel repeated himself, not caring for excuses.

"Not really. If I'd wanted them hurt I would have done it well. A day's rest, a hot meal; they will be fine. We have everything ready for you, Hiro. You may take your place at the Hand of God as you see fit."

Daniel watched the king bow to him and he found it odd enough.

"What does this crown signify, my Lord? And what is the Hand of God?"

"The crown is," the king said slowly enough for his hesitation to be seen, "a symbol of your divine place amongst all Hiro. You are primary. You will bring us luck, a symbol of fertility, and kingship. I know you will make a fine wife. I have no other, Hiro. You will be my first. I know your presence will ensure a great many children."

Daniel just stared.

As unsure as a gawky teenager, the man said, "I will give you the most comfortable life that you can imagine, Hiro. Our nation is extremely wealthy."

When he finally spoke, Daniel said, "What you've described to me is a high priest. You're talking about sacred sex, sex magic. When the king is fertile and does the appropriate rites, the nation is also fertile."

"Yes," the man said in releif, "you do understand. I'm glad. I knew you would. We can send your friends away now."

Daniel saw him turn to a servant. "No," Daniel said quickly, "no, now we negotiate. You need me. I don't need you."

His words created an instant hush in the room. The tension was back, only this time Daniel didn't care.

"Hiro," the king said carefully, "this is-"

"Your problem, not mine. It's easier for me if I just go back with my people. If I decide to stay here, there has to be a very good reason."

The king ordered everyone away. Even the king's companion left them. There was a sixty foot radius for them to speak in. Daniel walked to the dais which held the king's throne and he sat on the steps. He wasn't terribly surprised when the king joined him.

"You are Hiro," The king said, confused. "We know how to treat you properly. You will be given a place here. A place of honor. These people don't know what you are, they can't possibly. Look how you were dressed. The work they have you doing..."

"I'm good at my job. I've saved my world many times...with them," Daniel said with a nod. "I will admit that I've been having doubts about my place there but it's still my world."

The king stared off for a moment and then said, "Your people originally said something about trade."

Daniel nodded. "Yes, I know they wish to. But I wasn't at the full briefing. I don't know what they wanted."

"Very well," the king said decidedly. "Stay for a while, and then at the end of that time your people can return with negotiators and we will discuss whatever trade you wish."

Daniel watched the man closely. "You must really need me to stay."

It was obvious that the man didn't want to tip his hand and was in the middle of an internal battle. Finally, the king said, "Yes." The man rubbed his hands as he admitted, "The war goes badly. The crusade to recapture the Holy has failed miserably. I was told by my advisors that all the stars in the heavens said that the time was right, but it is not so. Men die every day. I come no closer to the Holy, and my people lose faith in me. My throne, my linage, and my life are in danger, Hiro. I need you to stay very badly."

Daniel thought for a moment and then said, "If I stay, I want no one to touch me."

The king said, "The torches will be lit but we will do nothing. In any matter, it's an old superstition. I won't speak of it to anyone if you do not."

"The torches?"

"The king has only one reason to approach the God's Hand. The torches are lit to announce it to the people so that everyone may celebrate in good fortune."

"Right," Daniel said, as noncommittally as possible. "Will I have privacy?"

"Of course, you are the Hiro. As of far, the only one in the nation. There was a child born a year ago, but she died." The king looked away as he said, "We have had very bad luck."

"And I am supposed to change that how?"

The man smiled. "By your presence."

Daniel thought about it and realized it was a good compromise. His presence on base wasn't a good idea at present and he did need some downtime. He needed to think.

"Alright, I'll stay. I'll stay for a time. At the end we'll begin to discuss trade negotiations. I'll tell my people to return in exactly..." Daniel wasn't sure what calandar they used, or even how many hours there were in a day on this planet. "Ninety days."

"A hundred," the king countered nervously.

"Very well," Daniel said, capitualting to the man's tension. "But know that I'm important to my people as well. They will want to come from time to time to check on me, to make sure that I'm well."

"Of course, they will be welcome."

"Shake on it," Daniel said, holding his hand out.

The king looked down confused.

"It's a way of sealing a bargin. By shaking my hand you swear on your honor that all that we have discussed will come to pass."

The man smiled and offered his hand. Daniel grasped it firmly and shook.

"Give me a few minutes," Daniel said, getting up. "I need to say goodbye and explain all this to them."

The king stood and bowed to Daniel with a smile.

Daniel walked towards the stargate. He waved to SG-1 to join him and waited in front of the 'gate. The room seemd to grow tense as the guards released SG-1 and watched them and Daniel walk towards the 'gate. Jack was the first one that reached him. Daniel instantly noted the scowl on his face.

Daniel managed to get the words, "Is everything okay?" out of his mouth before Jack shoved him back hard enough to drop him onto his butt. Daniel quickly scurried back until he hit the DHD. He stared up frightened and unsure as he looked over his friends.

"Sacrelige!" one of the guards called out. The others followed. Daniel watched as every temple guard in the room drew their weapons and rushed forward.

"Stop!" Daniel screamed in their language. "Stay back! This is between them and me!"

They stopped but the weapons weren't put away. The guards didn't walk away. They stood their ground and waited.

Daniel stood up, still a little spooked and softly asked, "I suggest you be careful or I won't be able to stop them from killing you."

"What are you?" Jack asked just as softly.

"Your friend," Daniel said tentativly and then he looked away, unable to meet Jack's eyes. "Please tell General Hammond that I'm going to be taking a short vacation. I've agreed to remain here for one hundred days. It seems that I've passed a very important test and they consider me to be a priest. I'll be treated well."

"What are you?" Jack asked again.

There was no doubt in Daniel's mind what Jack was asking him. He stared at the ground for a moment before he said, "No one was really sure when I was born. At first, they thought I was a girl. But when I was older I let my parents know that I was a boy. There weren't any birth records so there haven't been any problems regarding my sexual status."

The sounds of Vanlendingham retching violently caused him to look up. Daniel saw Jack's face pale as he took a step back.

"You should have said something," was all Jack was able to say. He didn't say anything else, or look at Daniel again. For the first time Daniel could remember, Jack walked around him to the DHD and dialed home.

Daniel turned to look at his other two team mates. Teal'c looked shocked and perhaps even unnerved, but it was hard to really be sure with him. Sam's cheeks were bright red and she looked at a loss for words.

Daniel pretended to ignore their reactions as he said, "Please tell the General that they'll be more than happy to discuss any trade when the hundred days are up."

With that Daniel turned and walked away. When he had reached the line of guards one of them, the one that had helped him with the marble tile, and - he was sure - the one that had gagged him, reached out for Daniel.

"I'm fine," Daniel said quickly. "Please make sure that they leave unharmed."

The guard nodded.

As Daniel reached the king's presence with his suddenly slow, tired steps he heard the final lock of the 'gate and the wormhole engage.

The king spoke to him but all Daniel could do was nod as he heard the 'gate shut down and his friends leave him.

~ ~ ~

The God's Hand turned out to be a rather nice gilded cage that Daniel didn't mind too much. The tower rose up high above a marvolous city. It was an effort to climb what he was sure amounted to at least ten stories up, but the view was great. And best of all he got the peace and quiet that he wanted. People were the last thing he needed.

Under the brilliant night sky of this world he saw a city that brought to mind what Alexandria or Rome must have looked like at night. A brilliant sea shimmered and undulated under the brilliance of a thousand stars, and a thousand homes twinkled with candle and fire light. From his place Daniel could make out those homes which had accomodations on their roof tops for hot nights.

Even with the moon up, the city was still awake enough to shout out when the first torches were lit. Daniel stood at the railing. The entire tower's top was built with a saucer shape that allowed for a wonderous three hundred and sixty degree view of the world. The king joined him on the balcony as the torches extending from the railing were lit. Then Daniel watched as a very brave servant climbed even higher along the side of the building and reached a nest at the very top. A fire was lit there and seemed only to spread and grow hotter until Daniel was sure that the light could be seen from a hundred miles away.

Within minutes, a roar rose up from the city. The people shouted, cried, and screamed in happiness. It wasn't long before Daniel saw people in the streets. Soon the sounds of music reached him. Even from that height he could see they were dancing in the streets.

"Hiro?" the king asked.

Daniel looked away. If it was possible, the happiness in the streets was making him even more depressed.

"Where do I sleep?"

"Come," His Highness said, leading him away.

Daniel found that his room was a sheer curtain surrounding a large bed and several pieces of solid looking furniture. Daniel was too tired to care that it looked like something out of an Arabian Nights story. He climbed onto the bed and closed his eyes. He was asleep before he could think to say anything else to His Highness.

~ ~ ~

Something woke him.

Daniel leaned up on his elbow and realized that he didn't know where he was.

Daniel realized that he must have made a noise because someone called out, "I'm here, Hiro."

Daniel sat up and looked in the direction that the voice had come from. "Oh, yeah," he said as he remembered what had happened earlier. Then, more melancholy, he remembered that his secret wasn't a secret anymore.

Another sound roused him from his drepressing thoughts. It sounded far away, whatever it was. Daniel stood and fought his way past the sheer cloth. He found His Highness on the balcony leaning on the railing as he watched the sea.

"What is your name?" Daniel asked, still tired and feeling that he hadn't slept near enough. "I forgot to ask your Highness."

The king's laugh was warm and low. "Cistus," the man said without turning away from the sea.

At least Daniel thought that Cistus was staring at the sea until he stepped closer. It looked as if there was a rampant fire burning in a small city not too far away. Ships on the sea sank into the ocean as they burnt. Daniel could hear the roar of dying men, invasion, attack, retreat, and pain. Hundreds of men fought under the light of rampant fire like minature dolls on a screen.

"Behold!" he said, "A great victory takes place in your honor, Hiro."

"Honor? What?"

"Without orders, Hiro. Without orders those dejected, demoralized men marched and took back Dehanija. The city is ours again."

Daniel looked out into the night and realized that His Highness was telling the truth.

"Soon," His Highness said as he breathed out, "they will start the march into Siarra itself and set fire to it from the inside out."

"No," Daniel said quickly. "No, please call them back. Isn't this enough?"

"We have our border city back, but all of Siarra once belonged to us. We take back only what was ours, Hiro."

"Was yours? Did you lose it?"

The moonlight was so bright at the top of the tower and the torches so big that Daniel clearly saw the muscles in Cistus' jaw jump at the question.

"Fifty years ago, rebels desecrated the temple vestible and stole away the Holy. They carried it along there," His Highness said pointing towards the burning city. "Dehanija is the connection between the wilds of Siarra and our land. Once on their side, their people rallied around the Holy and protected it. They took it so deep into their territory that we've never found it again."

"Rebels," Daniel said understanding. "Let me guess - they rallied around the Holy and founded a nation?"

His Highness snorted in disgust. "Nation. A nation of starving rabble. They raid border cities, fishing boats, anything they can get their dirty hands on. They're a plague. Those lands are ours by right!" The man girpped the railing hard as he growled, "They will be ours again."

"Call on your men to stop at the border and wait."

Cistus turned to look at him.

"Think," Daniel said gently, "not with anger or with hate but like the head of an army, a man of responsibility. Your men have been fighting for hours. I'm sure that yesterday they didn't expect they'd be doing this today. If they try to march into Siarra they will be slaughtered. You need provisions, well-rested men and supply lines."

Daniel could see that he had the man's ear.

"There is a saying on my world, an army marches on its stomach. And it is truth. From the sound of it Siarra is having a hard time feeding its own people. How will your men find food there if you are not able to get it to them? You won't. They'll be made vulnerable and then the enemy will defeat them on their own territory. War on your own land is hard enough."

His Highness turned and simply said, "Your crown is well earned. Thank you for...speaking sense to me."

Daniel bowed and His Highness left.

~ ~ ~

Daniel spent the next day trying to get more information on the war with Siarra. The courtiers that he approached had their own slant on the topic, and most of them were personal. Daniel tired of it quickly. In frustration he turned to Mall'e, who followed him around where ever he went, and asked, "Who keeps your history?"

Mall'e smiled and said, "Adevers of the House of Matt'ah. He's the official court historian, Hiro."

"Take me to him then," Daniel said.

Adevers turned out to be someone that Daniel liked instantly. The man's hands were smeared black with ink stains, his robes were simple and covered in blotches of ink with occassional ribbons of paper stuck on. Unlike most of the stylish men that Daniel saw in the palace, his hair was even oddly long and uneven. Jack wouldn't have hesitated to call Adevers a dweeb.

At first the man was intimidated and surprised, saying, "But Hiro, why come see me? I am a simple scribe, a man of no importance."

"I doubt that greatly, Adevers. I too am a scribe, and have come to see you as one scribe to another."

It was easy from there on. Jack would have called it, geek to geek; they got along famously once they realized that each had the same respect and love of the past as the other. Adevers took great pride in taking Daniel to his private library. The man wore a large key on a long silver chain around his neck. The moment the gates were opened to the library the servants scurried forward and lit the braziers.

Daniel found himself in true awe. Adevers private library turned out of be a massive room with thousands of scroll-filled cubby holes that rose up three stories. Daniel imagined that the Library of Alexandria must have looked something like it, smelling deeply of dust, wood, and paper.

"I am the keeper of this knowledge, Hiro. I preserve our past for the future."

"Yes, I understand. I understand better than you can know. And I know that I've come to the right person. I want no bias, no propaganda. All I want to know is why there is war with Siarra."

"Ah," Adevers said with a sad smile on his face. He looked unsure but finally said, "I have a great respect for your position, Hiro, but to do that is to not speak well of the crown."

"It will be between you and I. No one else need know anything. It's the victors that write the history, Adevers. I understand this, but I still need to know."

Adevers tapped the key to his library on his chin a few times before he took a few steps forward and told all the servants to leave. Daniel asked Mall'e to wait outside.

"But, Hiro?" she asked several times.

"It's my wish," Daniel said sternly. "Wait on the other side of the gate. I'll call you when we're finished."

Eventually she left and he was able to speak with Adevers. He was shown many scrolls and maps, and told a story which reminded Daniel very much of the Revolutionary War of his own country.

They weren't disturbed until one of his guards came in, spear in hand, and stood staring Adevers down threateningly.

"You should not have been left alone, Hiro," the guard said.

Daniel looked the man over and realized he was the one from the other day. He was the guard that had held the gag in his mouth, the one that helped him with the marble, the one that he'd spoken to when SG-1 left.

"What's your name?" Daniel asked.

The guard bowed to him and said, "Gadvin, your guard and servant, Hiro."

"Gadvin, please wait for me outside. I'm speaking with the historian."

"No," Gadvin said quickly, "I wouldn't be fulfilling my oaths to the temple if I did so. Your honor requires safe keeping."

Daniel felt his eyebrows rise up. "My honor, Gadvin, is just fine and requires no safe keeping from anyone."

Daniel saw Gadvin's face; the uncertainty and fear mixed with determination and confusion.

Adevers tapped Daniel on the shoulder.

"Since you aren't of our world I'll translate for you."

"Please," Daniel said.

"The temple guards take oaths on the pain of death. If you and I or you and anyone were to engage in sexual intercourse, the guards would be honor bound to kill themselves."

"And by anyone you mean anyone but His Highness?"

"Of course," Adevers replied.

Without turning Daniel said, "Gadvin?"

Daniel heard him snap to, "Yes, Hiro?"

"Stand back enough so that you can see us, but not hear us."

After a pause the man said, "Yes, Hiro." A clank of armor was followed by the sounds of the man marching away.

Daniel rubbed his temple and said, "You were saying."

"Children," Adevers said. "They're like children. Siarra throws a stick so Kasante throws a rock. It's been like this since they took the Holy."

"You haven't actually written that, have you?'

"Am I alive, Hiro? No scholar would dare write it, but we have mind enough to think it. The wars at this point are ridiculous. Both rulers are picking at scabs, trying to hurt each other in any way that they can. They hurl men, weapons and war at each other. What can we do except follow and hope to make it out alive?"

Daniel knew the man was right.

"Tell me about the white crown that I was given?"

Adevers sighed and said, "Things weren't always as they are now. When the Holy was in this land we were blessed with a great many Hiro. It's recorded that the Great Warrior King Melius had twelve Hiro in his court. But that was the problem. There were twelve, and each claimed to be the holiest but none could prove it. The religious frevor of the time was legendary and ferocious. It's said that the Warrior King created the crown to stop the Hiro from arguing, but I'm sure that it was more of a maneuver to quell the clergy from warring with one another, and so that he could put down the rivals that were threatening to use the Hiro against him."

Daniel nodded encouragingly like Jack always did when he was babbling.

"Melius created the crown and hid it in the temple. Every Hiro since has had a chance to solve the puzzle."

"How many had solved it?"

"You did." Adevers said solemenly.

"Does this make me powerful, Adevers?"

Adevers looked unsure for a moment; then he peeked over Daniel's shoulder to check the guard. He leaned in and carefully said, "If you think to take the crown, Hiro, it would be extremely dangerous."

Daniel found himself laughing. "No," he said, reassuring the man. "I don't want the crown. I want to bring peace to this world. To stop the warring."

Adevers nodded as he chewed his lower lip. He leaned in again and said, "Perhaps it would be easier to take the crown."

There was a moment of pause before they both laughed at the joke.

When the mirth was over Daniel asked, "But is it possible?"

Adevers looked up and around the room for a moment. "Perhaps," he finally said. "You have the white crown. There has not been a Hiro in a great many years. These are powerful symbols. Very powerful."

"Am I as powerful as the king?"

"Yes."

"More?"

"Given the right circumstances, yes."

Daniel nodded and said, "Thank you. You've helped me a great deal."

Daniel got up to leave when Adevers called him. He walked up to Daniel and said, "It has been my family's great honor to serve this kingdom as historians for six generations. I am honored that you have come to me for this. If there is anything else that I can do in your service, Hiro?"

The man bowed to Daniel deeply and with great reverence. Daniel felt a bit embarressed. A part of him felt as if he should be thanking the man and not the other way around. Unsure of what else to do, Daniel left without another word.

~ ~ ~

In late afternoon Gadvin approached Daniel as he sat, surrouned by scrolls, in one of the many rose gardens that surrounded the temple. Each scroll was about a different topic, and even after a half an hour of pawing through them Daniel still couldn't decide which one to read first.

"Hiro," Gadvin called. "I bring news from His Highness."

"Yes?" Daniel said waiting.

"His Royal Highness says that he will see you at the God's Hand soon." When Daniel didn't move the man added, "That you are to go there and wait for his arrival."

That he had to wait for the man to arrive so that the entire kingdom could stare up at the lit torches that proclaimed to the world that they were fucking irked Daniel almost immediately.

Reluctantly, Daniel rose to his feet and began the long journey up to the top of the tower. Outside the entrance, Mall'e took the scrolls from Daniel and rushed them to the guards. He noticed a wooden elevator being filled and then hoisted.

As Mall'e approached she said, "It's much easier this way, Hiro. It's too bad that it's too dangerous to put a person in it, isn't it?"

"Yes," Daniel said as he watched the wooden elevator being lifted up along the towering structure.

He was tired and winded when he made it to the top under his own power. But once there he noticed that there were servants everywhere. Some were cleaning, some were unloading the elevator, while others were just standing around waiting for orders.

Daniel found several board games had been set up on tables that hadn't been there previosly. There were more scrolls sitting around on other tables next to ink pots and cups filled with pens. Musical instruments had been brought up and were sitting around waiting to be played. There were even bowls of fruit strategically placed around the room.

Daniel instantly found it strange that there would be so many people around when His Highness had already declared - for all intents and purposes - that he wanted a fuck. On a hunch, Daniel walked towards the balcony.

Mall'e immediately called, "Hiro!" She caught herself and more gently said, "Perhaps you'd like something to eat or drink? The climb up was hard."

"I'm fine," Daniel said unhappily as he proceeded outside.

He leaned over the balcony and searched until he found what he was looking for. A crowd had gathered at the entrance of palace. The swell of people was so big that it curved around the streets and gardens and around to the temple. Guards were everywhere - on the streets and across the structures.

With his head over the balcony Daniel could hear the crowd yelling and screaming. There wasn't anything really coherent except for one word that he thought he heard repeated over and over again, Death.

Daniel ran from the balconey with the servants calling out after him. He clambered down the stairs as quickly as he could. Luckily, going down ten flights was a far cry easier than going up. Even with the conditioning that he received on base and in running during missions, he was still tired as all hell when he exited out at the bottom of the tower.

Gadvin and a dozen other guards were there waiting for him.

"Are you here to stop me?" Daniel puffed out.

"We have orders," Gadvin said weakly as the others stared at him haplessly.

"Well then," Daniel said as he straightened himself. "You're either going to have to kill me, or tie me up and drag me back up. Because that's the only way you're going to stop me."

Daniel marched straight ahead. The guards parted for him but he heard them following.

To his amazement, no one stopped him. The regular palace guards knelt when he approached but did nothing else. The courtiers that stood around all parted whenever he walked near. Daniel noticed that, like the king, he was given a ten foot radius of privacy in which to conduct his business.

As a crowd of noblemen parted, Daniel got his first glimpse of the court. King Cistus was attending the crowd and watching over some incident. As Daniel got closer he realized that he was presiding over an execution. A man was tied down, spread eagle to the floor. His executioner, a palace guard by his dress, stepped closer with a large forebooding axe in hand.

Daniel ran as fast as he could, screaming at the top of his lungs. The axe went up. Daniel dropped and slid along the slick marble, ending up between the executioner and the man, and covered him with his body. In the next second, Daniel heard an awful crack and crunch that was followed instantly by a shard biting into his skin. Someone fell; he heard it.

When nothing else happened Daniel looked up and saw the executioner had fallen down, off to one side. The man's face was pale with fright and he was panting hard from the shock. The axe was burried into the marble floor near Daniel's head. Daniel looked up with a bit of awe as he realized that the axe was buried quite well into the marble. It had only missed him by a few inches.

"What is the meaning of this?" the king demanded.

"Nothing," Daniel said easily. "Please proceed with your entertainment, my Lord. Don't mind me." Daniel laid his head down over the man lying beneath him.

The man beneath him stank of stale sweat. His beard was harsh and scratchy and rubbed against Daniel's face. The man was panting, fear rolled off of him thickly.

"Get up!" the king shouted. "This is justice."

"I see, my Lord." Daniel lifted his head just high enough to see a miserable looking woman chained next to a boy. Another boy lay out on a stretcher near the first two. "And will your justice see to them as well?"

"They are enemies!"

"Fearsome and awful in their power, I'm sure. I would never try to tell His Highness how to conduct his business. Please proceed." Daniel laid his head back down over the doomed man and waited.

"Guards! Remove the-"

As angryly and as loudly as he could he shouted, "Any man that dares to touch my person will have his balls shrivel up and fall off! I swear it! I swear it by the might of Lord Hermes!"

An uncomfortable silence descended over the court.

Daniel swallowed and then looked up at the king. As sweetly as he could he gave Cistus what Jack had sometimes called his big, blue-eyed stare, "You were saying, my Lord king?"

"He will be executed. You cannot lay there forever."

"I accept your challenge! I suggest you send for servants to bring something to clean the floor with. I had a lot to drink earlier and I will soon start to wet the nice marble floor. I know you were concerned about the floor earlier," Daniel smirked. "I say this only because His Highness' concerns are my concerns."

That muscle in the king's jaw jumped again.

"He's a criminal."

"And his crime?"

"A servant of Bohonte."

"Ah," Daniel said understanding. "And what did this criminal ever do? I mean, besides his duty to his king."

"He was captured during the battle of Dehanija. He killed several of our men defending that," the king pointed at the boy on the stretcher and seethed out the words, "bastard son of a whore!"

Daniel sat up and realized what was being told to him.

He stood and loudly said, "These four people are now under my protection and the protection of the god Hermes. You do not have the right to hurt a single one, and if you try, I'll strike at you in any way that I can."

The look that the king gave him was as black as pitch. In a low and threatening voice he said, "How dare you?"

"I wear the white crown that your own ancestor concieved. As the Warrior King Melius set it to be, then let it be done." Daniel could see that the man was unconvinced, "And let me tell you why."

Daniel looked down at the man at his feet. "Pardon me, sir. Is that your family over there?"

The frightened man nodded jerkily without saying a word.

Daniel looked at the woman and the boy that watched the proceeding with dry, dead, hate-filled eyes.

"Turn around," Daniel said to the king. "Turn and look at that boy there."

Cistus held his ground staring at Daniel, refusing to turn as he was asked.

"That boy looks at you with the same hate that you show the son of Bohonte. Little boys grow up and become men. When next you see him it will be in battle and he will be seeking revenge of you in any way that he can."

"What do I care for a servant's hate?" Cistus spat.

"You should, Cistus. That boy is someone that you should greatly fear. There is one of two things that will happen this day. Either you have your way and these people die here and your people are plunged into a war that you can't begin to imagine, or they don't - and you trust me."

"We have warred before!" Cistus screamed.

"And how many of those times," Daniel screamed back, "have you killed a prince of Siarra?"

There was silence again.

Daniel took the opportunity to calmly say, "You'll rally them into a frenzy. Those pathetic rebels that have just lost Dehanija will be given a reason to come together and swarm across Kasante. Very much like what you saw last night when your men marched without orders. The capture of the Holy gave them a reason to become one nation, and now you'll give them a reason to destroy this one."

Daniel walked five steps away and said, "You have to make a choice. I cannot do it for you."

He saw the burning anger of the king as Cistus turned and began to pace back and forth like a caged animal. The energy rolled off him in waves as he turned and swiped at the air.

In one scream the king said, "I-"

"Are so angry that you want to strike out?" Daniel shouted, finishing for him. Calmer, he added, "I know. It's been so long that you probably don't really remember why you're angry. You just are. And that anger is clouding your eyes. These people are mine."

Daniel turned and shouted, "Gadvin!" All of his guards rushed up at once. "Unchain this man."

Daniel went to the woman and the boy. He quickly looked them over. The boy had a small cut on his face but nothing else. However, the boy on the stretcher was a different story. Daniel realized why the boy had been captured. He'd taken a wound in his side that looked at least two days old. On first glance Daniel knew that it was infected. The boy had a bad fever, he was unconscious, and non-responsive. He didn't look like he could be moved far, and that was probably why he was captured.

"Damn," Daniel muttered to himself.

The woman at his side began to cry instantly, wailing, "Please, Hiro! I beg of you to save the boy! He's just a baby! Please! Please. Please..."

Daniel saw Mall'e break through the crowd and approach.

"Paper!" Daniel said to her. "Bring me paper and ink I need to write."

When Mall'e returned he wrote a brief note to Hammond describing the situation. He folded the note and left the boy saying, "Gadvin, I hold you responsible for the boy's life."

Daniel walked directly to the stargate and dialed home. As the last glyph was punched on the DHD he reached down for the transmitter that he kept in one of the pockets of his skirt. He refused to leave it behind for security reasons, and now he was glad. Once the code was in Daniel approached the watery surface and threw the note in.

As he returned to his charges Daniel saw the would-be executioner standing by. "You," Daniel said to the executioner. "Why were you chosen for this job?" Daniel said, pointing to the axe still embedded in the marble floor.

"To prove my loyalty, Hiro," the man said with a bow.

"No, that is how you prove that you are capable of murder. You'll prove your loyalty by waiting at the stargate." The man looked confused. "The Eye of God. My people will send someone or something through soon. You will bring it or them to me."

The man still looked confused.

Daniel smiled as he explained, "Your king does not realize that he needs this boy to live but you will ensure it for him. Now go."

Thankfully, the man did as he was told without further instruction.

Daniel returned to the sick boy and instructed his guards. The boy's stretcher was picked up carefully. The crowd was parted. And the boy was transported back to the Hand of God.

On the trip to the tower Daniel realized that there was no way the boy would survive a ten story climb. The elevator was their best bet to get him to the tower's top quickly and with minimal jostle.

"Set him here," Daniel said walking to a shady place. "Gadvin?"

"Yes, Hiro?" the man said, looking down at the sick boy with a sour look on his face.

"I want you and your men to go and check the elevator. I want the boy tied down to it and lifted up. He's far too sick to take him up the stairs." Gadvin pounded his chest and turned.

"And Gadvin," Daniel called. "I fully intend to stand beneath the elevator until the boy is received at the top. Make sure that the elevator is fully functional."

Gadvin seemed to freeze for a moment, and then walked away. As he watched his guards Daniel was very glad that their oaths were in place. Siarra didn't seem to have any friends among the temple guards.

CHAPTER 5 – THE BRANCH OF PEACE

Frasier came with her med pack and SG-2 backing her up. They had just settled the sick boy into Daniel's bed when Frasier came up the stairs, huffing and puffing as she panted, "You need an elevator!"

"Janet," Daniel said in utter relief, "we just settled your patient."

Major Ferretti wandered into the room still panting. He bent over and braced himself on his knees as he said, "Jesus Christ! I feel like I just ran an obstacle course."

"Try taking those stairs five or six times a day," Daniel said with a smile before turning away.

As usual, Janet worked her magic as everyone looked on nervously.

Daniel went and shooed away the prince's servants. He sat them at the other end of the room where they could see but not interfere.

"It's alright," Daniel said. "This woman is a great healer among my people. If anyone can save him, it's her. Please eat something, drink. He will be sick for some time and you will all need your strength."

Daniel had Mall'e bring them food and drink. Daniel even joined them to put them at ease. None of the prince's servants said much of anything at first.

The man's name was Tartin, the woman was Ebara, and the boy Helleck. The more Daniel spoke with the boy the more he realized that he'd been right about him. Whereas his parents were servants and had a servant's mentality, Daniel clearly saw that the boy was something different. Truth be told, the only reason that Daniel had even mentioned the boy to Cistus was because the boy looked like Jack: brown haired, brown eyed, with a lean body frame. The scary part was that the boy had the same eyes that Jack had, but with none of the humor. He looked serious, calculating, as if he was waiting for something to happen at any moment.

Daniel reached out and smoothed back Helleck's unruly hair back away from his face. As the boy's eyes met Daniel's he knew that the boy was more than just special. He was dangerous in the same controlled manner that Jack kept contained deep inside of him, where it hid until it was needed.

"I know someone on my world who could be your father, boy." Helleck barely reacted to Daniel's words. "Only he smothers that deadly, treacherous side of his nature with humor. He pretends to be a simpleton so that no one will know just how smart and formidable he really can be. You don't have that humor to cover it up; it's painfully obvious that you're going to grow up to be a man to be feared."

His mother looked uncomfortable and quietly said, "He's only a boy, Hiro. Pay him no mind."

Daniel only nodded and then finished the fruit in front of him.

~ ~ ~

Janet requested to stay for a few hours so she could be with the boy through the worst of it and Daniel was glad. He sat with her through it all and watched the boy struggle, Tartin's family prayed for the prince, and SG-2 lounged around bored.

Daniel got up from the hardwood chair and stretched out. He wandered over to a pitcher sitting on a table with several foods that the servants had put out. He poured himself a drink. Daniel noticed Lou sitting nearby lazily shuffling a deck of cards.

"Not a lot for you to do," Daniel said to him before drinking.

Lou just shook his head. "The location isn't exactly open to attack. One guy on the stairs pretty much does it," Lou sighed as he gathered his cards up and shoved them in a pocket. "So, do you think the kid's going to make it?"

"Frasier's hopeful," Daniel said, looking back at the short Doctor sitting by the bed.

Lou looked up, a little sad as he looked at the sheer-cloth draped bed, but it was the mournful look of a man who'd seen it before many times and would again.

"Lou," Daniel said quietly, "do you think we could talk?"

"Sure, Daniel."

Daniel led him out onto the balcony. He turned and found Lou waiting for him to speak.

He began by asking, "How's Jack?" Then he added, "And the rest of the team? Last time I saw them, they didn't look so hot."

Lou looked uncomfortable for a moment and then stepped closer to the railing.

"They didn't say much when they got back from this place. Hammond was worried when you sent the message through, so he sent us. We have orders to report in another," Lou checked his watch, "Two hours seventeen minutes or he sends in two Marine units to pull us out."

Daniel looked away and out over the scenery.

"For a mission that went bad that quickly, SG-1 kept a pretty tight lid from what I hear. Well," Lou said with a twitch, "Almost everyone. Vanlendingham's been acting...weird."

Daniel felt a prickle at the back of his neck. "Weird?"

"Some fucked up shit, Daniel. The guy's always been a wanna-be. You noticed that about him, right?"

"Yeah, but I thought he fit in."

Lou snorted and said, "Let's just say he's been tolerated. When I had to baby-sit him on that swampy planet so he could record those ruins, I almost shot him. The guy just wouldn't shut up. And I'm not talking about that lecturing thing that you do sometimes. This guy was all about the military and how great it was, and his gun collection, how cool the uniforms are, and how he always wanted to go Air Force. For weeks after it was like we had a growth on our collective asses. He'd show up when we were having lunch. He found out what bar we liked to get a few drinks at after work. He'd just show up everywhere so he could hang out with us and be one of the guys."

"Lou, why didn't you tell anyone?"

"Tell anyone what? That some pathetic little creep was stalking us? SG-2 would have been the laughing stock of the entire Mountain. Besides, we managed to get rid of him."

"I didn't know this," Daniel said suddenly worried.

"Don't worry, Jack knows. I gave him a heads-up the second I found out that who was being assigned to SG-1. The problem is that he's got that mind set, or at least he thinks he does. Every installation has its own culture. Cheyenne Mountain is a pretty relaxed atmosphere in which to work in." Lou touched him on the shoulder and said, "Look Daniel, I'm not going to ask you about your personal life because that's your business. But you gotta know that Vanlendingham's spreading some pretty fucked up rumors."

"Like what?" Daniel said calmly.

Lou paused for a moment and then slowly said, "Most of it starts with you being gay and ending with you being a chick." Lou shook his head and said, "I don't know. It's just all...fucked up."

"I guess the dress doesn't help, does it?" Daniel said with a smile that he couldn't help.

Lou mirrored his smile and said, "I don't know Daniel, blue is your color."

Daniel laughed with him, even if it was short-lived.

"I could say something," Lou offered. "Off base."

Daniel just shook his head, "No. But thanks, Lou. You're a good friend, but I have to ride this out the entire way."

~ ~ ~

Janet left medicines for the prince, instructions, and even her little black bag for Daniel.

"The level of medical understanding on this world is disgusting," she had spat out after one of the court physicians left the prince's side.

"They might not be trying too hard, Janet. This boy is a mortal enemy of this nation."

"Bullshit!" She said louder and harsher than he'd ever heard her say. "A doctor's first duty is to his patient, no matter who they are."

And that was where Daniel's next project was born. Not having much else to do he requested that Janet send him a basic text book on current practices that could be applied to this world so that he could translate it. A crate of books arrived from Earth for him and was delivered to his tower by Gadvin.

Daniel spent the next two weeks translating the medical textbooks to himself into plain and simple English and then translating that information into Kasante. He thought that it was an important project and that it was worth the time. And he really didn't have anything better to do with himself. He couldn't leave the tower without leaving Prince Damat vulnerable and he had already read so many scrolls that he was tired of them. Adevers continued to send him new scrolls daily, but it was all that Daniel could do to receive them with a smile for Adever's servants.

Damat turned out to be far older than Daniel had originally thought. When the boy looked up and said, "I'm a full sixteen years and already a man, Hiro," Daniel was quite amazed. While Helleck was younger, he was also taller than his eight years. Damat was smaller, much frailer looking, and next to Helleck didn't look his age at all.

Damat suffered two infections back-to-back and was so weak that Daniel was uncomfortable every time the boy needed to leave his bed to relieve himself. He was weak and slept most of the time which left Daniel with a lot of time in which to work.

While all this was happening Daniel watched Helleck come and go. The temple guards kept him apprised of the boy's moments. Helleck, it seemed, was not only spying on the temple, he was studying it.

Daniel sent for Adevers and met him in the tower's courtyard. Adevers stood around, nervously bowing occasionally.

"Will you please sit?" Daniel asked before shooing away his guards. "You have nothing to fear, my friend, and I need your counsel."

Those seemed to have been the only words Adevers needed to hear. He sat with a relieved smile and waited.

"The servant boy, Helleck. He spies on the temple. Do his people know it?"

Adevers paused for a moment before he said, "No, Hiro. The temple was changed much after the rebellion. The palace has been damaged and repaired much in the past fifty years as well. If they boy is spying that information would be very valuable to his people. Very few people are allowed into the heart of the temple."

"But I take him there almost every day. His mother asked me to take him so he could pray."

"Trickery," Adevers said with distaste.

"Intelligence. Who would suspect a boy with such an angelic face? Such beautiful brown eyes."

"A demon." Adevers said plainly.

"Yes, he is," Daniel said with a smile, "but a demon that a person can fall in love with quite easily. And all the while you really want to break his arm, but he's just so charming."

"The boy?" Adevers said confused.

Daniel turned away and cleared his throat. "Thank you," he said, patting Adever's arm absently. "This is all I needed to know."

"I'm here to serve you, Hiro," Adevers said, bowing as he left.

Daniel quickly noticed that when Helleck returned from the temple he'd always walk away to the screened area where the chamber pots were. Usually, he spent a great deal of time there, far too long to be relieving himself or jerking off.

One day, Daniel followed him there and walked around the screen. He caught Helleck with his shirt off, pressing a knife to his stomach. Daniel rushed forward and pulled the knife away. The boy had already managed to cut himself. Thin rivulets of blood ran down his stomach and into a linen cloth that he'd tucked in around his pants.

"What are you doing?" Daniel managed to ask before he noticed that there were a lot of cuts that scarred his torso. The boy was drawing a map of the temple across his body. "Oh, god. You are as crazy as Jack."

The boy just stared back for a moment before asking, "Are you going to punish me?"

"No. I am going to show you how to treat those wounds for infection before you wind up in a bed with a fever like Damat." Daniel handed him the knife back. He figured that it was better if the boy kept it rather than going out and trying to find something else with a sharp edge...something that could maybe put him at greater risk of infection. "Come to my work table when you're finished so that I can train you." As he walked away Daniel muttered, "You crazy, little, scatter-brained, mini-me Jack wanna-be weasel of a little midget."

That was the moment that Daniel realized that he might have an opening with King Bohonte. He walked out into the living quarters and said, "Tartin, I'll speak with you."

Daniel went to a nearby couch and made himself comfortable.

"Sit," Daniel said to the man. "Damat is better. I think that it's time we find a way to get him home."

Daniel saw the light grow in Tartin's eyes as he waited.

"I want you to make yourself ready. I'm going to speak with the king tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to put you on a ship under my banner. You'll go straight away to King Bohonte and tell him that his son is well." Daniel thought about it and added. "Does Bohonte have a ship of his own with his royal emblem on it?"

"The royal yacht bears His Highness's emblem on the bow and stern. The emblem also waves on the sails."

"Good. When you see His Highness you'll tell him to send that ship. If he's concerned with trickery he need not come. He can bring as many ships as he needs to in order to ensure his son's safety, but that ship will be the only one allowed into Kasante's harbor. So long as only that ship enters the harbor, there won't be a shot fired and the boy will be returned to him unharmed."

Tartin smiled and nodded.

"You'll return as soon as I can arrange for a ship. Your wife and son will stay, but I do give you my word of honor that they'll be safe. I'll give you my crown to take with you, Tartin. You'll be responsible for returning it to me when I give his highess his child back."

Tartin nodded stiffly and said, "As you say, so will I believe."

~ ~ ~

Daniel left the tower with every intention of having it out with Cistus. Daniel couldn't help the smile as he marched across the courtyard, through the short cut through to the temple, and then into the palace. Fighting with Cistus was fun. It was almost like the shouting matches that he often got into with Jack, only with Cistus he didn't get to end up laughing or kicking back with a beer in his hand. Cistus more often than not would throw a tantrum and then run off wherever it was that he went when he needed to cool down. Daniel had already found that, in order to win any match with Cistus he needed logic, a good argument, and the ability to out smart him. So far it hadn't been hard, but even Daniel knew that he was pushing his luck protecting the prince.

Daniel approached the king's chambers and immediately found the kings personal guards in his way.

"I'm on the king's business, and I demand entry." Apparently, that was all it took. The guards moved away and Daniel went to the door. He turned to his own guards and said, "I think I'm safe, Gadvin. Keep the men here."

Daniel was so intent on going over the argument that he'd built in his mind that he didn't notice anything else. If he had, he never would have gone straight into the king's bed chamber the way he did.

Daniel just stood there for a moment until his mind registered what his eyes were seeing. Cistus was on top of a younger man and fucking him hard and fast. When Daniel realized that he was intruding, he quickly said in English, "I'm so sorry," and walked out quickly.

He walked towards the door quickly, fully intent on sparing them both any further embarrassment when he heard Cistus shout, "Stop, Hiro! Please!"

It was the please that stopped Daniel. It sounded panicky and tense. Daniel turned and found Cistus pulling a robe on and fastening it around his waist.

"Come, please," Cistus said taking Daniel's hand and pulling him away towards an ante chamber. "Please," He repeated again.

Daniel watched Cistus wipe his face with his hands as he calmed his breath down and regained his composure. Before Cistus could start yelling Daniel said, "I'm sorry I didn't knock. I should have."

Cistus just watched Daniel at first. Then he said, "Swear to me that you won't tell anyone what you saw."

Daniel watched the man in turn. His Highness seemed more then worried, he looked down right terrified.

"Is it illegal or immoral on your world for two men to be together? When you mentioned that you wanted me to become your first wife, I assumed that it was acceptable here."

"It is," the king said tensely.

Daniel watched Cistus and then gently asked, "He's a servant, isn't he?"

To Daniel's amazement Cistus actually managed to look hurt before he turned his eyes away.

"This is a bad thing?" Daniel asked curiously. "You are king. Who can tell you what to do?"

"I already have, Hiro. My own words condemn me in this matter. Please promise me?"

"Done," Daniel said easily, "on my honor as your Hiro."

Cistus nodded and Daniel stood as he said, "You also have my apology for intruding."

Daniel thought about leaving immediately, but then he heard something made of glass breaking. Daniel rushed to the bedroom and found the young man threatening to cut himself with a shard of glass.

"Stop!" Daniel yelled. "Put that down immediately!"

"Peditis!" Cistus chastised a moment later from behind Daniel.

Peditis stood still holding the broken glass. His face was full of grief as he sobbed, "I bring my Lord only pain. It's better if I don't exist."

Cistus pried the shard out of his lover's hand and held him close as he spoke to him quietly.

Daniel now felt as if he were truly intruding. He turned to leave when Cistus called for him to stay.

"You and I should speak, Hiro," Cistus said, still looking at the young man in his arms. "We have many things to say."

Peditis nodded and turned to leave.

Daniel quickly said, "Please, I'd like water."

"You should probably stay," Cistus said. "Some of it concerns you, and all of it you already know."

Cistus pulled the robe tighter around himself and sat. Daniel walked up and took a seat opposite the king.

"Four years ago my father fell ill and died so suddenly that they hailed me king while I was still on the road, returning to visit my sick father. I arrived to a people in mourning, more responsibility than I ever wanted, and a future so oppressive that I gave serious consideration to walking away from it." Cistus fell back into his chair and seemed to wilt from his admission. "You can't imagine how much I hated all of this. I was trapped in a place I didn't want to be in, doing what I didn't want to do, and everyone looked to me for all of their answers. I felt as if I might go mad.

"One night I called for food, hoping that it might ease a headache. But I didn't want to eat, so I called for drink."

"If you can't be happy, be numb."

"Exactly!" Cistus agreed. "As I sat there the servant looked down at me and touched my hand." Cistus smiled more content than Daniel had ever seen. "Just like that I felt better. So I asked him to stay and speak with me. He told me a story. He is a good story teller.

Cistus shrugged and said, "Every night I called on him. Listening to his voice calmed me. I didn't feel as if I had to be the all powerful king around him. I don't know if that makes sense?"

"It does. I understand having to wear a mask for people. Their wanting you to fulfill a certain role."

Cistus nodded. "We'd talk sometimes, and other times we played Dago together." Daniel saw Cistus' eyes followed Peditis around the room. "One night, in the middle of a game, I reached for him." Cistus sighed heavily and said, "My father did the same thing. He reached for a servant, only he got her pregnant."

Peditis brought a tray and offered his king a clear glass containing a red liquid before offering Daniel a glass of water.

"He must have gotten sentimental in his old age. He hid the child away and protected her. Then along comes Cistus, becomes king, inherits a kingdom that is a snarled mess, and there is a girl child with a claim to the throne."

"He hid her?" Daniel asked. "Why..."

"She shouldn't have been allowed to live," Cistus said loudly. "She's a weakness. Any noble with dreams of the crown could snatch her away and try to rule through her children. The clergy could use her to rise up against me, or use her as reason for my removal. They hate my father, blame him for losing the Holy. Who is to say that if they find out about the girl, they won't accuse my father of whatever immoral acts they can think of and use her against me?"

Cistus drank half the drink in one gulp. He closed his eyes and swallowed. He breathed a few times before he said, "I had to condemn her."

"Is she dead?" Daniel asked hesitantly.

"You have a servant, don't you?" Cistus demanded.

Daniel watched him for a moment and then said, "Mall'e?"

Cistus brought the glass up to his lips as he said, "She has to live out her life in that tower, under guard."

Slowly, Daniel said, "No marriage, no children, and - if I weren't there - no company. You could always offer her into a politcal marriage, anything would be better than that kind of life."

Cistus stared off into the distance as he said, "She's a danger to me. There are always those that want to subvert the crown. As it is, my military thinks that I've gone weak. In stopping at the border they think I've lost my nerve. After seeing you stop the execution that would have secured my place, they now think that you are leading me around by my jemo."

"I see," Daniel said quietly. "Then I should fix this as quickly as possible."

"I don't see how. My generals are due to arrive any minute, and they don't come to drink tea!"

"And you were working off a little tension before the tension?"

Cistus smiled and then shrugged.

"Peditis," Daniel called as he put down his glass of water. "Does the king have a bath?"

"Yes, Hiro," Peditis said pointing.

Daniel turned and found a large sunken bath and smiled. "Oh, good. Don't bother getting dressed, Cistus. We're going to bathe."

Cistus' only response was to slurp his drink up loudly.

Daniel had never gotten into a hot tub with two men. For all intents and purposes, had never gotten into a hot tub at all. He found it odd at first until he realized that Cistus really only had eyes for Peditis. Daniel relaxed into it and tried to enjoy the hot bath. The tower had a great many luxuries, but running water wasn't one of them. The marble tiles in the king's chambers were heated and Daniel was sure that the ancient method of lighting fires under the stone subfloor was still very much alive in Kasante.

Peditis had just stripped and was wading into the water, offering them a platter of fruit when the generals finally did make an appearance. The doors burst open so hard and so loudly that Daniel sunk down into the water, waiting for the shots that never came. Peditis rushed to dump the tray with one hand and take up a large linen towel with the other. He held it up in front of Daniel and stayed that way, shielding him until the men were gone.

"Well," Cistus said with no certain amount of bile, "now that you've managed to insult my Hiro, what else do you have in mind?"

"Sir," Gadvin said rushing forward, "we take responsibility."

"I'm sure you do, guard. But it is your job to be in the Hiro's presence, not theirs. Now take them out of here!"

When they'd gone Peditis moved away and sat next to Cistus in the steamy water. Daniel noticed that Peditis leaned in close and laid his head on Cistus' shoulder. Cistus smiled and said, "Yes, I feel better now. I can use that to push their conversation away for a few days yet...a week or two if I play it right."

"No one can say that we aren't lovers now."

"It doesn't fix everything, Atch."

"Atch?"

"I don't like the name Daniel. It's vulgar. Atch is much prettier, softer."

"Then you may call me this if you like." Daniel bit the bullet, "We can't keep the boy prince here."

"We? We didn't want to keep him alive. We didn't ask for him. We didn't hide him away in that tower."

Daniel wanted to say something but bit his tongue instead.

After a moment, Cistus said, "I know. You were right of course. To kill him is dangerous and to keep him insanity."

"We need to give him back."

"The highest ransom that I can think of is the Holy."

Daniel shook his head, "Bohonte would never give anything up for the boy. To do so would be to look weak in front of his men. I've been speaking to Damat and learning Siarra's history. They rely on might to rule. If he bows to you he loses his life and his crown. He can't afford the slightest bit of weakness after the way your troops took Dehanija."

"I am not going to just give him back!" Cistus cried out.

Peditis smoothed Cistus' face and chest lovingly. Daniel saw the king calm down, and he made a mental note to keep Peditis around for big arguments.

"I wasn't thinking of just handing the boy over. I was thinking of making a peace offering to Bohonte."

"Peace," Cistus said, as if he had a bad taste in his mouth.

"Do you understand how Bohonte thinks, my Lord?"

Cistus snorted. "I've fought against him enough times."

"Can you anticipate his next move?"

"Most of the time, the man hasn't a single drop of creativity to him. Those military types never do."

"Do you understand how he fights?"

"I've beaten him enough times."

"Then why would you want to trade him for someone else?"

Cistus paused for a moment.

"Tell me something, my Lord. What would happen if Bohonte did bow down to trade for his boy? Or, if he were suddenly removed from his throne? Who would replace him?"

"Any of a dozen."

"You understand Siarra better than I, what would his replacement be like?"

Cistus looked unhappy as he chewed out the words, "Worse, much worse. He'd have to prove that he was smarter, stronger, and braver than his predecessor."

"It sounds like an opponent that would cause a great deal of trouble. Perhaps giving the boy back is a big step towards peace. And at the least, a good way to maintain the status quo."

There was a pause from Cistus before he said, "He'll expect a trick."

"Yes, he will. But this will all be done under my banner and I will give him my personal guarantee. I wish to send his servant back to him with the news of his son's return."

"Atch, I know that you want to do the right thing but our enemies are animals. They don't care if you are a Hiro, they respect nothing."

"Then I'll have to bark louder than anyone else."

CHAPTER 6 – HOW DEALS ARE MADE

For whatever reason, Cistus entrusted Peditis to Daniel. In open court Cistus approached Daniel and said, "I think you do too much, Hiro."

Daniel just smiled and said, "You do? Then His Highness thinks far too much of me. I am undeserving."

"I've heard of this book you are writing. All the hours you spend working on it. Perhaps you need more help?"

Daniel just waited to see where this was going.

Finally, Cistus said, "I'll give you one of my servants. I think that would be best."

Daniel bowed and accepted. He wasn't shocked when Peditis soon arrived at the tower with a bundle of his things in hand.

That same day Daniel took Peditis to the temple garden. They brought a lunch. Daniel even remembered to bring enough for his guards.

They sat on the eastern side of the temple steps that over looked the gardens. An ancient tree loomed over that part of the temple, casting a permanent shadow that kept it pleasantly cool and allowed a generous breeze to blow inside.

"This tree is massive; it must be at least a thousand years old."

"One thousand, five hundred, and forty nine years, Hiro," Peditis said easily before taking a bite of cheese. He stopped in mid-chew and said, "Forgive me, Hiro. I shouldn't have corrected you."

"I don't mind," Daniel said easily, "Please tell me how you know the trees age with such accuracy?"

Peditis blushed slightly and pointed to the mountains in the distance. "There are the mountains that my people came from, Hiro. Peasants. People who didn't know to read or write. Stories had to be handed down father to son. For forty generations my family has handed down the stories that we carry. For a long time it was because there was no historian and my line felt that it was our duty to preserve the truth. Now," Peditis shrugged, "it's just duty to our ancestors, to honor them."

"Tell me?" Daniel said as he made himself comfortable.

Peditis smiled and then nodded.

"The great god had called for a great warrior to rise up and defend his temple from the Interlopers. In the year of the great battle of Melius, the Great Warrior King gathered together the bravest men that he could find in all the land. Their armies were great and powerful, their weapons mighty and their courage without end. The warrior had but a few scant men that were trained in the arts of war. So he called on his people," Peditis stood and held out his hand as he said, "'To thee I call! O my people! The great Hermes himself hath spoken to me and told me these words! Gather only the bravest of mine children and defeat mine enemy! In mine name, in mine name there shall be victory that no one can imagine. Thy will triumph oh valorous soul. Thy will win a crown that I mineself will place upon thy head."

Peditis lowered his hand and dramatically swept his hands up, "'Verily I say to thee, come! Come and we will win a kingdom the like of which hath never been seen before!'" Peditis lowered his arms and continued, "And the people followed him. An army of untrained people came down from those mountains," Peditis said, pointing to the mountains that were his ancestral home, "All along the route the great warrior instructed those who would listen in the dance of the sword. They came down the mountains swarming like ants. Not a speck of dirt could be seen for the multitudes. The land was nothing but a mass of moving people. And the Interlopers feared. The Interlopers attacked because of that fear, and the people ran towards them without fear. They attacked the Interlopers with their farming tools, those that had no tools picked up rocks or sticks. Their numbers were so great that the Interlopers were overwhelmed by them.

"The Great Warrior King Melius charged the army at its head like a viper." Peditis took up an imaginary sword in his hands and began to renact the fight in a fluid dance as he said, "He attacked like a wild man leading the way for his army, lining the way with dead so that his people would find the way to the temple's doors. He fought for three days and three nights without rest, food, or water."

Daniel watched, rather impressed as Peditis sparred with his imaginary sword with an impressive amount of expertise. Where ever the story was coming from; he did know it by heart.

"When the war was over the dead watered the fields. All had been lost, save the temple. The bodies within the holy temple were piled so high that the Warrior King could barely stand amid the carnage. But there at the Eye of God was Hermes and he said, 'Hail, great warrior, approach me without fear! Thee who have proved thy bravery have nothing to fear from I! Thy who have defended mine temple, upheld mine name are mine brothers, and I shall hold thee near.' The great warrior did as he was instructed. Without fear and with great reverence, the great warrior went to the god Hermes and knelt at his feet. Hermes removed the golden crown from his own noble head and placed it upon the head of Melius.

"Then Hermes promised Melius that he would return but that in the meantime, he'd leave his children behind to speak in his name. Thus the Hiro came into creation. After the promise was made the great Hermes caused the Eye to open. When Hermes left, the Eye blinked closed.

"This is when Adivus of Hath came out of where he had been hiding. Adivus had survived the terrible battle by the greatest of luck. He was no warrior like the great king, only a simple farmer but he had listened and learned when the great warrior showed the people the dance of the sword. He had been too afraid to approach while the god was there, but once the god left he approached Melius saying, 'Hail great king! Thy name will forever be venerated!' At seeing that someone else had survived, Melius was overjoyed. He took Adivus into his arms and held him. Melius promised the simple man in front of him that because of his bravery he'd be greatly rewarded. Together, both men walked away from the temple to the great river that flowed by it. They washed away the gore from the battle and sat.

"Melius at long last felt the drain of the three days of fighting. He sat by the river bank and rested. Adivus found his pouch at that time and he was able to offer his king a meal, meal bread and seeds. Melius divided the food evenly so Adivus could eat too, but as he divided the food he found that there was an extra seed. Melius looked down at it and said, 'Such a little thing.' 'Yes, mine lord king,' replied Adivus, 'but that is a Minter seed. The seed is small but it grows mighty indeed.' Melius laughed and said, 'Then let us have some good today. On this field of battle let us have a birth.' Melius gave to Adivus the seed and told him to choose the best place to plant it. Adivus chose to plant it at the curve of the great river where the water would feed it on one side and temple would shelter it on the other."

Peditis sat next to Daniel again as he said, "That battle took place one thousand five hundred and fifty years ago in the middle of spring."

"How do you know it was spring?"

"Because, Hiro, meal bread and Minter seeds can only be found during early spring."

Daniel looked out and scanned the grounds. "What happened to the river?"

"I asked my father the same question, Hiro. And he said that the river dried up five generations ago as a great drought changed the mighty river's course north. It now joins the sea just above Dehanija."

"Is that story true?"

Peditis looked almost shocked, "Yes, Hiro! I would never tell you lies. My father was a very wise man. He promised me that every word was true."

"And were your people greatly rewarded as Melius promised?"

"Yes," Peditis said with a big smile that lit up his pale green eyes. "We've been kept as servants since that day. Our masters have treated my family very well. Very well, Hiro."

Daniel caught the slight blush to Peditis' face. He wasn't sure if it was due to being in love or a true contentment with his position, but a part of Daniel envied Peditis.

~ ~ ~

Daniel grew concerned when Gadvin asked to speak with him just before he entered the tower.

"Go on, Peditis. I'll be along in a moment."

The guard waited until he saw Peditis enter the tower before he said, "It's my duty to report to you that your new servant has broken sacred law, Hiro."

"Peditis?" Daniel said in disbelief, "No, Gadvin you have to be wrong."

"I'm not," Gadvin said stiffly. "At the temple during the story the boy danced a fight for you."

"It was very good."

"Yes," Gadvin agreed, "it was very good. I don't know where he saw it or who taught it to him but that dance is sacred temple knowledge. He shouldn't know to do it."

"There must be a mistake."

"Hiro, I know of what I speak. I know my training. That dance is as old as the temple itself. Every temple guard has known it for a thousand generations. It's the basis of our fighting stances and techniques. If the boy was spying on the training then he committed wrong. If someone taught it to him then they committed wrong. Either way, the boy needs to be punished."

Daniel watched the man carefully and said, "Gadvin, I understand that you have strong feelings about this. I'm sure that your men will too. But I'm going to ask that you swear them all to secrecy and let me handle this in my own way."

"Hiro-"

"These are my wishes. Please comply."

With a nod, Daniel knew that he'd be obeyed. But now he had an entirely new problem.

~ ~ ~

It was near dinner time when Mall'e came in slightly flustered and looking apologetic.

"Forgive the intrusion, Hiro," she said with a bow. "The guards have come. They say that you have a guest."

Daniel looked down at his dinner and decided that he didn't care. "I'm eating."

"I told them that, Hiro. But they said that guest came through the Eye of God."

Daniel left; there wasn't even a decision to make.

Almost thirty minutes later he arrived in the temple and found Sam sitting on the dais that held the stargate. He smiled the second he saw her and walked up feeling happier then he'd felt in a long time.

"Hey."

"Hey," she said unsure.

He didn't miss that she looked over his dress of the day.

He shrugged and said, "I have to wear them. It's the official Hiro uniform."

"Hiro?"

"My title here." He suddenly wasn't sure what to do with his hands as he said, "It's nice to see you. Do I get a hug?"

"I wasn't sure if..."

"You don't have to."

She came in slowly and leaned into him. He didn't hesitate to put his arms around her and hold her.

"I'm still the same guy," he said into her hair. "And you smell good."

She laughed and pulled away as she ran her hand down his chest. "It's odd seeing you like this."

"Oh, you think? Everyday I get to pick a different dress to wear. I hate it. The only saving grace that I have is that I get to wear guy underwear, or at least what passes for underwear here." He shrugged. He knew she didn't need or want to hear it. "Doesn't matter. I'll get through it. So how is everyone?"

"Fine," she said as she reached back to the dais.

For a moment, Daniel was sure she'd brought a care package. He had a sudden severe pang for chocolate and coffee...even stronger than the one's that he got early in the mornings.

For some reason he just couldn't hide the disappointment as she pulled a laptop out of her backpack and handed it to him.

"We've been having some problems with the translation program. It isn't a programming problem. We're pretty sure it's something in the information that you uploaded to it. There's just so much, we weren't sure where to start."

Daniel looked at it rather than at her. He sat down on the top step of the dais and booted the computer up. He started his translation program and realized that they now included graphics.

"U.T.M.?"

"Universal Translation Matrix."

"Military and acronyms," Daniel mumbled to himself. "Always got to name everything. So what's the problem?"

"Anything that's typed in with a Latin base comes up garbage."

Daniel typed in a Latin word and watched the result. He typed in a few more and then tried variations as he watched the results. He thought he found the problem easily enough and then accessed the database.

"Mmm," he said after a minute of searching, "sorry about that. I misspelled a root word."

He fixed his mistake and then kept scanning the database for any other mistakes.

"Sam?"

"Yeah?"

"Who's been futzing with my program?"

Sam was quiet for a moment.

"There is a lot of shit in here that I didn't input, and some of it is wrong."

"Vanlendingham said that-"

Daniel slammed the laptop shut. He gently handed it to her and said, "Have Nyan go over his work with a fine tooth comb. It's wrong."

Daniel got up and managed to take three steps away before he stopped cold. "Oh, by the way? I don't ever remember the SGC ever floating anyone out and then abandoning them on purpose."

"We haven't-"

"I don't want to sound petty!" Daniel said far louder than he meant. He calmed himself down and tried to sound civil as he said, "You could have at least sent me a few candy bars. I'd have done it for you." He felt stupid as soon as the words were out of his mouth. "If you'll forgive me, my dinner's probably cold by now."

~ ~ ~

The next day Daniel went to visit Adevers. As usual they had a very nice conversation about the library before sitting down to business.

"Well?" Adevers asked.

Daniel smiled and said, "There was a river next to the temple. When did it dry up?"

Adevers laughed loudly enough to attract a lot of attention from the people milling around in the library. When he was able to speak Adevers said, "This is why I like you, Hiro! You have questions that are odder than mine! Come!" Adevers rose to his feet and trudged over to a shelf. He moved a ladder and stepped up two rungs to the right cubby hole. He pulled out several scrolls and then descended carefully cradling them in his arm.

"Here," Adevers said, opening a scroll. "No, that isn't it. Here." Adevers said opening another scroll. "No, that isn't it either. Medgius of Paran? What was that doing over there? Oh, these servants! They'll put anything on any shelf without care for its rightful place! Good help, Hiro, it's so hard to find these days! Let's see," Adevers said unrolling another scroll. "Ah, yes. The drought. It was ninety seven years ago that a great drought swept through the land. The superstitious say that it was caused by an evil curse placed on the kingdom by a malevolent demon."

"And the true cause?"

Adevers smiled and said, "Bad farming practices. It took almost twenty full years to right the mess that had been made to replenish the top soil and local vegetation."

"Did the river resurface?"

"Yes and no," Adevers said carefully, "if I remember my geography correctly. I believe that was just about after the drought that a new river appeared...farther north, the result of a small earthquake. Geologicaly speaking it's impossible for the river to have actually moved. I believe that a paper was written by Kastis of Verit that said something about a shift in the water tables."

Daniel nodded and then asked, "I have another question about the sacred teaching given to the temple guards. How important is it?"

Adevers made a 'hmm' sound as he found his key that hung near his belly. He tapped it on his chin as he said, "You were a part of your world's military, were you not?"

"Yes, in a manner of speaking. I was allowed to serve with them, but I wasn't a part of them."

"Apply that same mentality to the guards. The army and even the palace guards are allowed to serve with the temple guard, but they aren't a part of them. They are the best of the best. They do the impossible. They guard what is most valuable to our nation and our world. What knowledge is imparted to them is the most delicate. These are the words that Hermes gave to the Great Warrior King Melius. It's the definitive knowledge on killing, defence, and attack. In the wrong hands this information could be highly dangerous, highly dangerous."

"How is it punished?"

Adevers shook the key in the air as he said, "To transverse the sacred is to tempt death. What else?"

"Do you have a shovel?"

Adevers laughed again, this time harder than the first time.

"I need a shovel," Daniel asked again, still serious.

Adevers sobered up when he realized that Daniel was serious. "I'll have a servant fetch one."

"Good. In the mean time, could I make another request of you?"

"After the two good laughs that I have had this day, you may ask anything."

Daniel didn't hesitate to ask, "Find me the earliest account of the great battle of the Warrior King Melius. I'd like to read it."

~ ~ ~

Within twenty minutes Adevers had his acolytes searching through the library stacks to find the account of the Warrior King, and Daniel was walking out onto the temple grounds with a shovel in his hand as Adevers and his guards trailed after him. Daniel found the highest place that he could find. In the flat garden that high place turned out to be a large stone memorial to the battle of the Great Warrior King Melius. From the height Daniel saw a dip in the land that could have signified the presence of running water cutting through the land.

Much to the horror of his guard, Daniel jumped down from the memorial. He ignored them when more than one rushed up to see if he was unhurt. He took up the shovel even though Adevers insisted that he could carry it and then proceeded towards the dip. Daniel stood in the center of it and saw an edge that rose up slowly and then melded in with the rest of the garden. There were no definite signs of a river, but it was in the approximate location where Peditis' story had said that the river was. Close to the temple, near the tree, but there was no bend. The land should have been scared, but it looked quite even...except for a slight dip in the land that swept down towards an odd protrustion of stones and hard earth.

"This is as good a place as any."

"For what, Hiro?" Adevers asked.

"For digging." Daniel stabbed the shovel into the ground and removed his tunic.

"Hiro," Adevers said nervously, "perhaps the guards should dig?"

"No, I need to do this. For several reasons." Daniel threw his tunic at Adevers and began to work. "Did I ever tell you what my job is on my world, Adevers?"

"No, Hiro." Adevers said dumbfounded.

"My title is as an," and in English Daniel said, "Archeologist and Anthropologist." Then in Kasante he said, "It means that I study the past." Daniel said as he broke up the sod and removed a large section of it almost whole. He turned it over onto the grass and then began to dig down.

"An 'Archeologist' studies ancient artifacts, things, places, ruins and makes sense of history. An 'Anthropologist' is a person who studies the culture of people. Their languages, their customs, everything is important. And I have been studying your culture. See, I have a problem and I need to solve it. I can't solve it if you or anyone else does the digging for me. With any luck this won't take too long."

He removed the topsoil easily and then began digging into the sand beneath. After fifteen mintues of digging up sand Daniel slid the shovel in and felt resistence. He cleared the white sand at his feet carefully with his hands until he revealed black dirt. Daniel picked up a small handful and looked at it up close.

"Top soil," Daniel announced.

"What?" Adevers asked, stepping closer. "My," Adevers said looking into Daniel's hand. "It is." Adevers looked up and around them. "The grounds keepers must have filled in the dry river bed to even out the soil for the garden."

Adevers smiled in the way that a confrontation with proven history can delight those that truly understand it. Daniel smiled back, enjoying the moment with a man that he not only liked, but shared a great deal in common.

Daniel continued to remove the loose white sand as he cleared a bed of black dirt for closer study.

"If we found the temple's great river, Hiro, why continue to dig?"

"We haven't proven that this was a river, Adevers. Only that it was filled in at some point. I have to find something that says that there was water here. Deep water. Deep running water, not stagnant water."

Adevers was quiet for a moment and then he said, "A condic shell," waving his library's key at Daniel. "A small variety of condic live in rivers, the larger in the sea. They cannot survive in wells. I don't think that I've ever read an account where a condic was found in a well."

"Are they plentiful?" Daniel said as he continued his work.

"Oh, yes. In a river they are everywhere. They're good to eat too, but only if you harvest many of them. They have very little meat inside, you understand."

Daniel stood back and braced himself. He reached back with the the shovel and stabbed it as deeply as he could into the hard ground. He mounted the shovel with his sandaled foot and forced the blade down farther with his weight. When he was happy with it he pushed down and brought up a shovel full of dirt.

Daniel carried it over to the grass and sat. He carefully turned the shovel down and carefully removed the blade. He saw several layers and was quite pleased. Starting from the bottom he pointed to each latyer, "Here are times of plenty."

Adevers was instantly fascinated and came in closer to inspect too. "The darker soil, yes, I see."

"As you go up each layer is different. These are years. Here the soil suddenly turned brown and then here at the top it's almost chalky. These are skeletons." Daniel picked up a pinch of dirt and viewed the dark, miniscule objects that could easily go unseen as debris. He could make out delicate little bones. "Fish, birds maybe, lizards too I think. There must have been millions of them."

"The drought," Adevers agreed. "There are ancient rites to appease the gods with sacrifice. It was custom once to throw the bodies of the scarificed animals into the river. No wonder the grounds keepers burried the banks; the smell must have been encompassing." Adevers reached out and plucked one of the little bodies. A small, delicate looking shell. "A conic shell, Hiro," Adevers said as he offered the little thing to Daniel.

"Adevers," Daniel said offering it up, "our proof. This was the great river of the temple."

"And you dug it up yourself. Irrefutable proof from an inrrefutalbe person," Adevers said in understanding.

"Now," Daniel said, thinking ahead rapidly, "we have to tell the right people. We have to do this right. But first, the account of Melius."

~ ~ ~

The second Daniel was done reading the oldest account of the battle of Melius he asked for a copy to be written for him to take out of the library. Adevers said that it was highly unusual to do so, but for the Hiro...anything.

Daniel's next stop was at the Temple Conclave. According to Adevers they were the most learned men in the entire kingdom and therefore the world. Adevers also took no small personal satisfaction in informing Daniel that he too was of the Conclave. Adevers even volunteered to call an assembly at Daniel's request.

It took an hour for the Conclave to gather and sit. By then Daniel had everything in order.

There was a lot of pomp and circumstance. Daniel waded through it as he did with any other fraternal organization that he'd ever been forced to deal with.

Happily, when it was over, the floor was his.

"Gentlemen, thank you for arriving at such short notice for this gathering. I've come because I needed to speak with those that would understand the true importance of what I'm here to say. But first, I'm going to ask all of you to please bear with me."

Daniel nodded to Gadvin who opened the door to fetch Peditis. The young man came in meekly, already intimidated by the gathering of men around him.

"Peditis, I've told these men what a fine story teller you are. I was hoping that you'd recite for us your version of the battle of the Great Warrior King Melius."

Peditis looked truly frightened for a moment. He swallowed hard and then bowed, "If it is your wish, Hiro."

"Here," Gadvin said pulling out his sword and handing it to the young man, "you do it so well, you should use a sword."

Peditis tested the weight of the thing in his hand and then, a bit embarressed said, "That's very generous, guard. But this is very heavy and I've never done it with anything heavier than a wooden spoon."

Gadvin looked annoyed, but he took the sword back, and walked away.

Daniel wasn't surprised when Peditis went into his routine and performed the story word for word and action for action the way he had done previously. At the end of the performance Daniel applauded. Confused, but politely, the others in the room also applauded.

"Thank you, Peditis. You may leave now, with my thanks."

Peditis was all smiles as he left.

"Hiro," one of the men gathered asked. "We've all heard different versions of this story before. We have all grown up hearing these stories. Why is this one so important as to take us from our work?"

Daniel watched the frown on Adevers' face as he read over the sheet of paper in his hands, the first recorded account of the battle of the Warrior King Melius.

"Ask Adevers?" Daniel said still watching the man.

Adevers began to mumble to himself until it was loud enough for Daniel to hear him say, "It's exactly the same. How did you know, Hiro?"

Daniel smiled and decided that was a question that was best left unanswered. Instead he walked up and gently took the copy out of Adevers hand's and showed it to the room.

"Here," Daniel said, "is a copy of the oldest surviving account of the battle of Melius. My guards watched while the acolyles pulled the scrolls from their place at the library and copied it down for me. The story in my hands has several elements. First, the people that formed the army came from the Mountains of Hath. Second, Melius fought for three days and nights without taking food or water. Third, Hermes put his own crown on Melius' head. That is where this account ends." Daniel handed the paper over to the men sitting at the table.

"The account that Peditis tells over and over again is exactly the same each time. He never varies. And word for word the account is the same as what is recorded. All the elements are there. But the story doesn't end there. It goes on to describe a great river that ran behind the temple. It tells us that Melius gives Adivus a Minter seed to plant at the river's bend by the temple. And, it also tells that Melius swore an oath to a commoner.

"I thought that this was quite a lot of information for a simple servant to be in possession of, so not only did I ask Adevers to find this account for me, I also went out and dug where Peditis said the river should have been. Adevers confirmed that history recorded a drought that dried up the river. In digging there, we found this." Daniel pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket filled with the conic shells. "I'm told that these only live in running water."

There were murmers as the shells and the copy were passed around and inspected.

"There's more!" Daniel said, loud enough to get their attention. "Gadvin. Tell them what you told me yesterday."

"The fighting dance that the boy does is part of the temple guard's sacred knowledge."

And with those words a debating frenzy began. Daniel knew the tempo; he'd been a part of it before. Only this time, he was in the driver's seat and had authority over everyone present; and that made it easy.

~ ~ ~

That afternoon Cistus sent a servant to fetch him from the temple garden with news that something had arrived for him. A part of Daniel felt giddy and a part of him felt as if he'd extorted it out his team. He hadn't had coffee or chocolate in far too long and he felt deprived. He'd explained the coffee problem to Mall'e, how hard it was for him to wake up and how used to coffee he was. He'd described it to her, and even described the taste to her as best he could.

She had smiled and said, "We have something similar."

It wasn't. However, the fruity tasting drink did have some similar stimulant properties to it. At least, it was enough to jolt him awake until he could stand up under his own power.

Daniel couldn't help the big smile on his face that he wore all the way to the temple. It faded slightly when he saw a lonely little box sitting in front of the stargate. There was no one that he wanted to see, but at least there was the promise of coffee. Daniel approached the box feeling as if it were Christmas. He sat down on the top step of the dais and pulled it closer.

The box only said:

To: Daniel Jackson

From: Home

"Gadvin, lend me a blade."

Hesitantly, Gadvin searched himself. He pulled out several until he found the smallest.

"Is there some law which forbids a Hiro from holding a weapon?"

"I'm sure there isn't, Hiro, or I would have been notified." Gadvin handed the knife over. "I just don't want you to hurt yourself."

Daniel looked up at the man to see his face. "I'd laugh if I thought you had a sense of humor. But since I know that you're serious I choose to not become agitated."

"It's my job to protect you, Hiro."

"And, I'm a trained SGC soldier. I served on SG-1 which is what the temple guard is here. Don't insult me."

Daniel stabbed the box and then carefully cut the tape away.

He opened it and reached inside for the Hershey bars sitting on the top. Daniel froze as he pulled it out. The paper wrapper was wet. For a moment he thought it might be melted, but he knew the moisture wasn't chocolate. Daniel pulled away a box flap that was still in his way. He saw a wet bag of gourmet coffee beans; the only thing that someone had gone out to buy. It looked like the base vending machines had produced more candy bars, three packs of bubble gum, a few Twinkies, a few sugary looking cellophane wraped doughnuts, and several bags of potato chips. There was also a tee shirt, two pairs of socks, a pair of pants, his MP3 player, and several of his favorite books from his locker and office. And everything was soaked through with urine.

Daniel dropped the candy bar and smelled his hand just to be sure.

He pushed the box away and just sat there for a moment as he stared at it.

Gadvin stood by not saying anything for a long time. Finally, he said, "I'll have it burnt."

Daniel just nodded.

Gadvin knelt by him and said, "We love you, Hiro."

Daniel managed to smile as he said, "I've just realized that I've lost my home and can never return. You can't imagine what that feels like."

There was a pause before Gadvin said, "Yes, I can."

Daniel looked to meet his eyes.

"My father and I never...saw eye-to-eye. When I was ten he threw me out into the street and told me never to return. After I left he killed my mother. She was all the family I had left."

All Daniel could ask was, "What did you do?"

"Joined the king's guard and made a new place for myself. I was lucky. I was good at it. My birth gave me the privilege to join the palace guard. I excelled and was nominated to temple guard." Gadvin sighed softly. "It's not easy leaving what you know, but it isn't impossible either. And we already know how special you are."

~ ~ ~

Daniel arrived in the temple's 'gate room with far more trepidation then he thought was possible. He knew Gadvin was staring and that he'd immediately pick up on his unease, so Daniel sucked it up and plowed ahead despite what might be waiting for him there. He wasn't disappointed when he turned a corner and found Jack standing near the stargate holding his P-90 and staring at the temple guards with as much suspicion and distaste as they did him.

Daniel walked up and dismissed his guards. He wasn't surprised when they only walked a few feet away, just enough to give them a little privacy but close enough to kill his visitor if he tried anything. Gadvin didn't even bother to take the few steps away. Daniel could feel his presence and for once didn't feel uncomfortable about it.

Daniel turned and squared his shoulders. "It's nice to have a visitor."

"Yeah," Jack said warily. "So, do any of them understand..."

"No," Daniel said as he noticed that Jack was watching Gadvin critically, "we can talk freely."

Jack let the hold on his P-90 go. He braced his hands down on it instead, his hands never wandering far.

Daniel walked to a nearby bench and sat. He was glad when Jack followed him but didn't sit.

"So you remember when I was still...sick," Jack said uncomfortably, "and we had to communicate in other ways?"

"Yes."

"So, home?" Jack asked with a look.

Daniel purposefully kept from moving his eyes or blinking while he said, "I'm fine. I'm not going anywhere. I'm safe. And it's not too bad here." Daniel looked away and stared at his hands. "Is Hammond receiving my daily reports?"

"Far as I know. These guys follow you everywhere?"

"Yeah. They're my personal body guards. Has he said anything about them?"

"About who?"

Daniel looked up and said, "My reports, Jack."

Jack suddenly looked at him and shrugged. "The General doesn't usually report to me, Daniel. He does his thing, and I do mine."

Daniel nodded. Suddenly at a loss Daniel asked, "Why are you here?"

"Carter made a damn fine point. We did float you out and," Jack looked uncomfortable as he said, "I swore I'd never do that to anyone." Jack paused for a moment. "I need you to convince me that you're okay."

Daniel thought about it for a moment and then said, "I seriously thought about leaving the SGC after you got better. I knew you didn't want me there and after a while I didn't want me there either. I know the SGC, NID, NSA, or whatever other government agency was policing my life was keeping me from finding work."

"You can't just walk away."

"I was hoping. Any way," Daniel said, shrugging it off, "this place just fell into my lap. For all its faults, it's not that bad."

"I looked up the culture and references for the word Hiro."

Daniel didn't say anything, waiting for an actual question.

As if trying to spare him Jack gently whispered, "I know what they expect you to do."

"The temple workers of the ancient world weren't whores, Jack. Sacred sex was about appeasing one or many gods through sacred rites. In any case, those traditions have changed and evolved slightly on this world. I'm not expected to have ritual sex. The beliefs regarding the Hiro here have evolved from the ancient African beliefs that it's the king's strength and continued health that keeps the land healthy and the nation strong. So the presence of the Hiro in his life is necessary and beneficial. Here there is only an obligation to the king."

Jack's mouth hung open slightly as he stared. He recovered himself enough to say, "But that means that you have to-"

"Actually, I don't. Cistus doesn't like me in that way. We've come to an agreement that we'd put on a show for his people."

"Daniel-"

"I'm fine."

There was a pause. It was such an old argument that nothing had to be said. Daniel could just look at his face and know. He nodded and gave Jack a look before he saw the argument die on Jack's face.

"I never really saw a doctor about it. This is the kind of stuff you don't tell anyone. Janet I trust. I asked her to double check me thoroughly...I have a genetic condition called 5-alpha-reductase deficiency.

"I have a penis, Jack. The proper term is micro-penis. I also have small testicles, a vagina, and labia." Daniel heard himself say. What was there left to lose? Daniel swallowed hard. "I've seen you naked, Teal'c's bigger than you. Does that make you less of a man?"

"Hiro!" Cistus called out as he entered.

Daniel saw the look on his face.

Cistus walked up to the both of them but his eyes were on Jack. "We agreed on a hundred days."

"He's only come for a visit."

Cistus turned his head to look into Daniel's eyes as he said, "Is it over yet?"

"Very much," Daniel said easily. Then in English he said, "Thanks for coming to see me."

Cistus grabbed Daniel's hand and lead him away.

Unexpectedly, Daniel heard Jack blurt out, "Are you happy?"

It was an odd enough question to stop Daniel in his tracks. He looked at Cistus and motioned him to wait a moment before turning back.

Daniel thought about it. He really thought about it before he finally said, "I can't remember the last time that I was happy. With Shar'e, there was a lot of happiness there but there was a lot missing too. If there weren't missing parts I don't think that I would have uncovered the 'gate. No, Jack. I'm not happy. I'm not a person that's given to be happy. Usually, I'm just too busy trying to survive the people and circumstances around me."

Daniel realized that sounded rather pathetic. Unfortunately, it was also true.

"But I hope you find happy, Jack." Daniel recovered himself and much more professionally said, "Please tell General Hammond that I'll continue to send him daily reports on events as they happen."

Daniel then turned, took Cistus' hand, and walked out of the room. The moment they cleared it Daniel let go of Cistus and silently walked back to the tower so he could lock the door for a while and be alone with his thoughts.

~ ~ ~

The next day Daniel went to King Cistus and asked for a private audience. Cistus had been on his way to the gardens for a walk. He didn't hesitate to say, "Come Atch. We'll walk together."

As they decended down the palatial steps Daniel looked back and saw half the court watching them.

"Reach out for my hand, lover. There are people watching." When Cistus reached out and did just that Daniel said, "There was a definite rise in the mumurs of the crowd."

"Yes," Cistus said amazed, "there was. Well," Cistus said, pulling Daniel closer, "what have you to say to me?"

"I've come to bargain. And you are not to yell while we are playing the loving couple."

Cistus considered it and and then nodded, "Agreed. Now, what have you to trade?"

"A wife."

Cistus smirked. "You waste your time." He bent over to kiss Daniel's hand once.

Daniel smiled and said, "Then how about a consort by the name of Peditis?"

Cistus froze momentarily. "That is not funny."

"It wasn't meant to be. I am your Hiro. You don't belive that I can do a single damn thing for you and that's fine. Half the time I'd probably agree with you but this time I know that I can deliver. So I'm willing to strike a bargin with you."

Cistus still said nothing.

"If I can bring Peditis to you and have him accepted by the temple, the courtiers, and the kingdom, will you allow me to bring Prince Damat to Bohonte in my own way? And if in doing so, if I can bring Siarra to the negotiation table, will you consider peace?"

Cistus still said nothing for a long minute. "Hiro," Cistus said carefully, "if you put Peditis at my side my jemo is yours to lead me as you wish."

Just as Daniel was about to smile he added, "But if you fail, then you will support me in any way that I ask for the duration of your life."

"I won't stay here forever, Cistus."

"And what have you to return to?"

It was Daniel's turn to be quiet.

"He doesn't love you, Hiro." Daniel looked up at Cistus in surprise. "You are not that hard to read. I can give you a good home. Have you not enjoyed the life that you have led here? Do not tell me that you do not enjoy your life to date? Even the fighting, I know you enjoy it."

"Yes I do enjoy it. Fighting with you reminds me of someone that I care about," Daniel sighed. "But this isn't my world. And this life will grow boring for me. There is nothing for me to do."

"You are Hiro."

"I am useless. At home at least I had a purpose, Cistus. And I appreciate the offer. But the answer will always be no. Now, how about if I counter your offer with this; if I fail, I'll support you in all things, including all out war if it is your wish. But I have already given my word to Tartin and thus to Bohonte that the boy would be turned over without trickery. I won't offer them up. I can't."

Cistus nodded. "I've thought greatly on what you said previously and I've come to agree with you regarding Bohonte. He is a rival that I can live with. No trickery. But I have still to consider peace." Cistus turned away and said, "Go do whatever it is that you're planning. You can't possiblly worsen my life more than it already is. If you get me Peditis then we will speak on anything that you wish."

"Agreed," Daniel said with a deep bow before leaving the king to his walk.

~ ~ ~

The next day Daniel descended his tower fully intent on speaking with Adevers. He crossed the courtyard and slipped into the temple to take the short cut into the palace when the screams and yelling of a great many people caught his attention. Daniel ran to the vestibule that led to the main gallery of the temple and saw from there the crowds of people amassed inside.

"Hiro," one of his guards called as Daniel felt himself grabbed and dragged away.

Daniel broke free of them and rushed into the palace to find out what was happening. On his way to the throne room he passed Adevers standing at a great window bay that opened up to the streets in front of the palace. The man stood statue-like as he stared at the crowds gathered around the palace.

"Adevers, what's happened?"

Adevers laughed as the tears spilled out of his eyes.

Daniel walked up closer to the man and saw the state in which his friend was. Daniel waved the guards away and said, "Tell me, please. What's happened?"

Without looking up Adevers said, "You did not stay for it all, Hiro. I did. I was there. They were so ashamed that they had lost a part of our history that they intended on destroying all proof that it existed...starting with the boy. They hunted through the palace looking for anyone who could provide proof that the boy had contact with a temple guard so they could begin to take apart his story."

Adevers looked up to meet Daniel's eyes. "They didn't find anyone. They destroyed the conic shells and then went out to the place where we uncovered it." Adevers shook his head as he said, "The middle of the night, thirty old men in their finest robes dug and turned over soil to hide the truth. Our truth."

Adevers wiped his face with the back of his hand and said, "Somehow fifteen copies of the full story got out of the palace and out there...to them. The actors in the market place have been re-enacting the story of king Melius and Adivus all night and all day. The more people know the angrier they become. There is talk that this is where the cycles of bad luck in our country come from. A curse, Hiro. They speak of a curse and they demand to be told if the story is true or not."

"Odd," Daniel said, "don't you have fifteen acolytes in your service, Adevers?"

Adevers' sobs grew harder. "I couldn't let it die. It's my life!"

"Shh," Daniel said as he put his arm around his friend. "I know. I would have done the same." Daniel sighed. "Do you think they'll riot?"

"Yes." Adevers said without a doubt. "The mobs of the city have rioted for less a full fifteen times in our history. They'll do it again."

"Then go to your library. Have the most precious books safeguarded. Have all the torches put out, the windows secured, and have the guards lock themselves in with you. If they do riot the library must be preserved."

Adevers suddenly went stock still.

"No," Adevers said quietly, "not the library."

"It's happened before. Please go and safeguard the history. I have my own chores to attend to."

Daniel rushed back the way he'd come. As he crossed the courtyard he noticed that the temple guards had come in far closer to the building's structure. In full armor, they looked impressive and deadly. Daniel hurried to the tower's entrance.

"Thank the living god," Gadvin said, "hurry inside, Hiro. I'll send four guards to lock you in and act as your personal-"

"Where is Peditis? I need him, now."

Gadvin was silent for a moment. Then he turned and marched towards the tower's entrance.

"Gadvin, I'm speaking to you?"

"We found him this morning," Gadvin said, turning back slightly. "You did not entrust him to us." He opened the tower's door. "We didn't know."

Daniel looked inside and saw a bloody looking pair of bruise smudged legs.

"Oh, god." Daniel said as he rushed forward. "Peditis!"

Sitting on the floor, Peditis looked up through a face covered with heavy bruising. His lip was split and his clothes were ripped and bloody.

"Who did this? Who did this to you?" Daniel asked as the anger began to pour out of him.

"I'm well, Hiro. Just...tired. Just tired."

"What happened?" Daniel asked, staring at the boy, afraid to touch him, afraid to hurt him.

"I had to see my leader. Every servant in the palace is assigned a unit and a leader. They tell us what to do. I went the moment I awoke. It's my duty. Many of the leaders were there; they said that there was an investigation about me. They'd been questioned, that I'd done something very wrong. That I had to be punished." Daniel could only stare as Peditis asked, "Hiro, what did I do? I'll make it up however I can. I swear I will!"

Daniel could only hold him as the young man trembled in his arms.

"Hiro," Gadvin said after a few long moments. "Hiro, you must get to safety. We cannot protect you as well on the ground."

Daniel smiled as he looked up at Gadvin and said, "I have a friend that would say that you're shit out of luck. I'm not going anywhere."

Daniel pulled Peditis back enough to ask, "Tell me if you have family in the city, Peditis?"

Peditis sobbed out, "Please, mercy, Hiro, mercy. My kin have done nothing."

"That is why I must protect them. Do you have family in the city?"

Peditis nodded as he sniffed loudly. "In the old quarter, at the southend, near the cloth district. My cousins and their children live behind the old Dakoth House."

"I know where it is, Hiro." Gadvin volunteered.

"Go quickly and bring them back safely," Daniel said before turning back to Peditis. "Climb the tower, change your clothes, and wash so you don't scare them when they come. I'll explain everything when I return. Right now I have to stop this city from imploding."

Daniel marched out of the tower and across the courtyard again. This time twice the number of usual guards surrounded him. But instead of entering into the main gallery he took one of the side staircases to the next level and up again. At the top of the temple Daniel walked out onto the generous ledge that overlooked the grand city street in front of the temple. He was instantly pulled back by his guards.

"I'm going," Daniel growled. The guard took off a long cloth belt and tied it around Daniel's waist before bracing himself.

Daniel walked out between a statue of the Melius and some other long-dead king. He stood out overlooking the mob that had gathered. At first Daniel did nothing. He didn't have to. He was recognized instantly and the already exicted crowd grew louder. Daniel held up a hand and the crowd itself instantly fell silent.

"Kasante!" Daniel screamed out, "Hear me! I am the Hiro of Hiros and I wish to speak!

Daniel heard his own words echo back at him and nothing else as all went quiet.

"A few days ago I was eating with a servant when I asked for a story!" The story told itself and Daniel didn't even have to think about it as he gave it back to them word for word. "I find it amazing that the Temple Covenant did not know what a servant knew! What he and his line had been saying over and over again since the day that Melius arrived at the head of an army at this place!"

"Truth!" someone yelled out. "What is truth?"

Then the crowd picked up. And the pre-riot masses began churning again.

Daniel held his arms up again to calm them.

When there was enough silence Daniel yelled out, "I have dug in the temple grounds where the river was said to have been! I have seen the Minter tree that was described! I have read the account from the library that mirrors the story that all of you have heard! The Temple Covenant itself has turned the palace inside and out and not one shred of proof has been found that the story is a lie!

"Truth is that the Warrior King Melius swore an oath to his servant that he would be honored, and that oath has yet to be fullfilled! The line of Adivus of Hath lives! His descendants know the sacred knowledge of the temple guards because Melius taught it to Adivus!

"Every fifty years since the death of Melius something terrible has happened in this nation! A hundred years ago a drought devastated this land! Fifty years ago, the the theft of the Holy! I will not allow the sacking and burning of the great temple itself! Please! Go home! I swear to you that all will be made right! You have my word on it! Go home! And believe that I will not allow this injustice to continue!"

Somewhere, somehow, Daniel hit a nerve. The crowed milled for a few minutes and then began to disperse. He found it almost disturbing that by the time he reached the bottom floor of the temple he was already hearing people discuss just what form the Hiro's 'justice' would take.

~ ~ ~

When Daniel managed to get to the top of the tower he realized quickly that his justice would have to wait. Peditis had very fair skin and the bruises were growing darker by the second. With Ebara and Mall'e's help, Daniel treated the cuts and scrapes. He began with wrapping honey and vinegar-soaked strips of material around the boy. An old wives tale maybe, but Daniel had done it for himself often enough.

In the desert where there was no ice and with a child that had fallen a great deal over his own feet, Daniel could still remember his mother doing it for him too. The smell always reminded him of the desert. And in a strange way, of his parents.

By the time five children, in varying ages from eight to four, bounded through the door looking for their Uncle Peditis, they had him looking half-way decent again. Stinking of vinegar, but decent. Gadvin walked in a few moments later with a baby about two years old, holding a home-made doll. The doll was left with Gadvin as the baby ran to Peditis the moment she was put down. Lastly, two tired looking young women walked in carrying two baskets each and struggling to catch their breath.

Daniel approached them the moment he saw them.

"Welcome," he said as he went to them.

The woman on the left seemed to recognize Daniel and fell to the ground crying, "Hiro of Hiros!"

And then the second woman fell down.

"Please don't. Peditis! Tell them not to do this. It's alright, please. You are my guests, here."

"Addet, Ben'ai. It's alright," Peditis called gently. "The Hiro is offering us safety here. Let him show you hospitality. Don't be rude."

The two women rose up slowly.

"You're welcomed here," Daniel said stepping back to give them room. "And I think Peditis needs you both more than anyone else."

Peditis held his hand out to them and took them both in his arms. They held each other for a while before the children began to demand attention.

Daniel smiled and looked at Gadvin who was trying valiantly to look hard and uncaring. Then the baby walked back to Gadvin and said, "Woowie! Woowie!"

Gadvin reached down and gave the little girl her rag doll. She cooed and hugged it before returning to sit on Peditis' lap.

"Oh," Daniel said softly. "Perhaps I should call you Woowie from now on?"

And in that moment Daniel realized that he'd forgotten to bring a camera. What a shame!

CHAPTER 7 – CROSSING BRIDGES

On a night that was all calm and the wind blew softly, Daniel walked out onto the balcony and found Peditis sitting against a wall staring up at the sky.

"The children are asleep," Daniel said with a smile. "Prince Damat is sleeping well. That little demon guard of his hasn't tried to sneak out of the tower to spy on the temple all day. And I think that it is a good night."

Daniel watched the smile on Peditis' face as he slid down the wall to join him in stargazing.

"Which one is yours?" Peditis asked quietly.

Daniel looked up and tried to find a point of reference.

"I'm not exactly sure," he leaned forward and said, "there in that area, I think. It's easier to find it on the Eye of God than in the sky." Daniel stared at the studded sky. "You've been very quiet today. Almost morbid. I know it's crowded here, but..."

Peditis smiled. "This isn't crowded, Hiro. I was born in a home a fourth the size with more people living there than there were here today."

"Then what?"

"I - I suppose I'm worried. I've seen what happens to people who become important...to servants who think they are important. Someone always becomes angered and then does something about it." Peditis let his head fall back. "A beating is nothing; it heals." Hesitantly, Peditis said, "And you are far too generous."

"If you didn't want to be important, why love Cistus?"

"I should not, but I do. I fell in love with him very easily." Peditis smiled. "I can see his faults. I can see his short comings, but they do not matter. He is a good man with a good heart. He tries very hard to be a king for his people, not for himself, and that is precious. When he reached for me, I told myself that it was duty." Peditis looked ashamed. "It wasn't. I wanted him so much. It wasn't about his pleasure, Hiro. It was about mine."

Daniel could only envy him.

"Hiro, please do not punish my Lord or make me important to anyone. You've already honored my family line. The people know about the deeds of Adivus. Isn't that enough?"

Daniel reached out and gently touched Peditis' cheek. "Cistus doesn't deserve to have you. You could do so much better. And for what I'm going to do to you, I apologize." Daniel breathed in and admitted, "I've already made a deal. If I can elevate you and bind you to Cistus then I can return the little prince. That boy's return will not only buy me an audience with Bohonte, it could very well found peace. Perhaps even the opportunity for trade between both our worlds.

"I've looked over the mineral and geological studies that have been conducted the past few years across Kasante. My people thought there was a mineral here that is needed by us. But it isn't here in sufficient quantities to trade. The only place where it is available..."

"Is in Siarra." Peditis said nodding. "Kasante will trade for safe passage for your people and Siarra for mining rights."

"And my people build the weapons that they need to fight a terrible enemy that threaten every planet they encounter. We all become allies. And everyone...wins."

There was a stiff quiet after Daniel's last word.

"Very well," Peditis said finally. "I'll do whatever you ask, Hiro. But," he paused and swallowed hard. More quietly he said, "Might I ask for something, Hiro?"

"You are about to become royal consort to the king. You do not ask permission for anything. Say it again."

Peditis timidly said, "I would make a request of the Hiro."

"Still a little shy, but much better. And, you may ask whatever you wish."

"First, I will tell the Hiro that my parents died a long time ago. With the last great war my father, his brothers, and cousins went as was their duty. We train from the time that we can walk in the sword dances, but that was the first time my father's generation had to use it for real. They all went. My mother died in childbirth while my father was away. Only two returned...My uncles came back wounded and unable to work. My cousins and my uncles were all I had. I did not mind asking to be put into service in my father's place at the palace."

"How old were you?"

"Six." Peditis shook his head as he quickly said, "I was just another mouth to feed. There was no money. What I earned kept the family alive." Peditis lowered his eyes as he then said, "One of my uncles died a few weeks after his return. My other uncle decided to marry off Addet and Ben'ai while he still lived. He said that there was sickness in his lungs. He was right. He died shortly after they were married. Their husband was better at making children then feeding them."

Peditis looked away. "I was glad when he left. I've been caring for them since. But if you are to put me in a dangerous position then they are in danger and I can't have that. I need to know that they will be cared for, that my nieces and nephews will grow up, and that there will always be food on the table. I cannot put hardship on them."

"I could find them a husband, insure them a pension, or both. What would you rather see?"

Peditis didn't hesitate to say, "A good man worthy of being a husband; they were married to one man before. Their used to sharing. The children shouldn't be divided into households. How can they when they have been raised together? One good man, Hiro. The money is good, but those children need a father. They need a protector. We grew up with nothing; I know the girls can make do with what is given to them."

Daniel leaned in and nudged him. "Then it will be done as you say, your Highness."

~ ~ ~

Daniel paced up and down the length of the stargate waiting for a response. He held himself tighter as he tried to reassure himself that there was still time. That there would be time.

He suddenly laughed to himself. He saw several of his guards look at him with concern but he really didn't care. In his mind's eye Daniel could just see Hammond's face when he saw the request that he'd written on the parchment before throwing it through the wormhole. Daniel knew what they were probably thinking of him on the other side. Daniel knew that the entire SGC knew by now that he was walking around on another planet wearing a dress. Not even a robe, kilt, tunic, or vestment: but an honest to God dress. And now he'd requested make-up.

He couldn't help but laugh again.

He really wouldn't be able to go home again. If there was a line, he'd just crossed it. There was no way he'd be able to ever serve on a team again. At least not without getting himself fragged. As the stargate began to spin he realized that it wasn't death that he feared as much as the idea of the people that he'd come to depend on letting him get shot on purpose. And he had come to depend on the SGC, his team, his family for more than he wanted to admit.

The final cheveron locked and Daniel watched the vortex burst out and then back into a calm pool. A few seconds later Sam walked through with a backpack slug over her back.

"Hey," Daniel paused before adding, "I was expecting a box."

She looked bit unsure but said, "The General said your situation sounded unusual enough to be vital."

Daniel helped her as she shrugged off the backpack.

"I, uh," Sam swallowed. "I went through quite a few purses on base. I think I got what you need."

She opened the backpack and handed him a compacts and containers. "These are all about as fair as I could find. This is concealer. This is matte powder. This is foundation. And these," She said pulling out a zip lock bag of little sponges, "are for blending in the color."

"I've taken art classes. I get the concept. Just tell me you remembered brushes."

Sam pulled out a make-up case and handed it to Daniel. "It's mine, but you can have it. I won't ask-"

"Good," Daniel said taking it all into his hands. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek before running off. "Thank you," he shouted as he left the room.

He ran out of the temple and into the palace before cutting down the hall to the library with his guards in tow. It was the most private place that Daniel could find that close to the palace's side entrance that he and Peditis would use. Daniel laid the items that he carried on a table and told Peditis to sit.

"Hiro," Adevers called as he rushed up to him. "The priest came again. He says that the time is now. He reminds you that the anniversary of the great battle climaxes at noon."

"Good," Daniel said as he began to apply the creamy concealer to the boy's face. "Tell him to pull his lip over his head and swallow." Daniel met Adevers' eyes with a great big smile on his face. "My memory is not that bad. Find your courage and act as my agent. Tell him that it will happen at noon and not before."

"As you said before, Hiro. You push your luck. You've managed to avoid this for four days, they are afraid of punishment by the gods. You yourself declared another impending catastrophe. The only thing worse than losing the Holy would be an all-out invasion by Siarra and we have their prince. People speak of massacre and enslavement."

"I was at the meeting this morning, Adevers. Now go, I just need a few minutes here."

Adevers sighed, bowed, and said, "As you wish, Hiro."

Daniel couldn't help the smile. The few days had been worth it. The swelling was gone. Peditis didn't seem to be in pain any longer. All that had been left were several bruises here and there that were now disappearing with each stroke of the application sponge. Daniel suddenly realized that he might actually get away with it after all.

When he was finished Daniel opened a compact and showed it to Peditis.

As the boy marveled at his image Daniel knelt down in front of him and said, "No one knows now except the people who hurt you and yourself. My guards are forbidden from ever speaking to anyone. Your family won't say a word. I won't say a word. And, I've taken every liberty to threaten Prince Damat and his little demon friend. Until they're gone completely we can hide the bruises that remain."

Peditis smiled. "Thank you."

"Thank me by accepting when you are bound to Cistus."

Peditis nodded jerkily and Daniel reached for his hand.

"Gadvin," Daniel said as he rose to his full height. "Your men are to surround us at all times. No one is to approach or come near us until we are with the king. This ceremony will go through unimpeded. Am I understood?"

With a bow, they were all off.

The temple priests insisted on the binding ceremony happening within the temple. The senate wanted the ceremony happen in the palace. And Daniel had wanted it outside where everyone could see. Cistus had sat on his throne quietly pretending not to give a damn about it all when Daniel gave up the argument and went in for the kill. He walked away and leaned in to Cistus and said, "The more people that watch the less the chance of an assassination. If you want this to happen at all, trust me just a bit farther."

The ceremony was held outside between the palace and the temple. Both buildings had been situated near each other and connected by a high courtyard that stretched out between the two. Each building was held up by a massive peristyle; on each building it wrapped around, a continuous collonade of marble reaching up to heaven in gleaming white.

Soldiers lined all sides of the courtyard enclosing the king and his most trusted together for the ceremony. By the king's request, the nobility was given special privalage. The loudest to protest the binding; they were gathered together to witness the ceremony and enclosed together by more army soldiers.

Everyone else, had their choice to stand or sit where they pleased. The entire city was gathered in this way, to witness not only their king fullfilling an ancient promise, but to also see their own salvation.

When Daniel stepped out of the palace holding Peditis by the hand a great cheer went up all around them. Daniel delivered Peditis Cistus who stood in front of the priests and the prayers began. Daniel found it interesting when, in the middle of the ceremony, the crowd began to cry out for haste. Daniel saw the chief priest stalling. He saw the nervousness and hesitation. However, the massive crowd gathered all around them growing angier by the second put a little fire under their asses. Soon, Cistus and Peditis were bound.

The curse - which was very alive in the minds of the people - was now broken. Both men were happy. And most importantly, Daniel had the go-ahead to return Prince Damat to his father.

~ ~ ~

"Billiant! Simply brilliant!" Cistus shouted out as the doors to his chambers were closed. "It was beautiful! You played the priests exactly right!"

Daniel stood and watched Cistus carrying on as he wondered what it was all about.

"I've never seen anything like it before! Usualy those idiots find a way to use the words of the gods to get their way, but not this time. Not with you there."

As Cistus turned his back to them Daniel quickly turned to Peditis and asked with his hands what was going on. Peditis shrugged.

"Forgive me if I ever fail to believe in you," Cistus said, turning back. Daniel focussed. "I was angry at first. Oh, I was angry. I was wondering why you kept pushing the ceremony away and away. You didn't even give a reason. You just refused and I couldn't see why. And I was angry."

Cistus turned to remove his rings and placed them onto a nearby table. Peditis ran to his side to help him. As he was distracted Daniel turned to Gadvin a few feet away and asked him silently. Gadvin just gave him a look of bewilderment.

"And suddenly, at the last moment you come out. And none of them could do anything. I was ready to have the nobility arrested and held at sword point so they wouldn't disrupt the ceremony. But I didn't have to raise a hand, the angry crowd demanded and demanded."

Cistus kissed Peditis quickly and stroked his hair back before walking back to Daniel as he laughed, "When you came out the nobles were already asking to be let into the palace for safety. They were frightened of the mass of gathered people. And the priests couldn't stop it. Oh! They wanted to, but they would have risked a riot. It would have been all their fault, everything that happened after, if the ceremony hadn't gone through.

"You are brilliant," Cistus said, rushing up and grabbed Daniel by the shoulders. "Atch, you are indeed a Hiro and I do as you say."

"Even to let me take Damat to Bohonte myself?"

The high ended and Cistus let Daniel go. "That's far too dangerous," Cistus said in a flat tone.

"I'll take my personal guard."

"On an ocean, with no recourse, and my ship how far away exactly?"

Daniel was quiet for a moment. "I have the personal guarantee of Prince Damat that I will be returned."

"He is a boy! It is the father that I'd worry about, not the boy."

"We made a deal. And the king's word is the king's word."

Peditis intervened by placing his hand on Cistus' chest and saying, "The Hiro has yet to be wrong, love."

Daniel saw Cistus' eyes soften considerably as he looked at Peditis. Reluctantly Cistus said, "I am not going to be allowed to ever win another argument, am I?"

Peditis' eyes shone. "I'll love you anyway."

When Daniel leaned in and cheekily said, "I won't," he realized that perhaps he had been hanging out with Jack far too long.

~ ~ ~

"I must be popular," Daniel murmured when he saw Jack step through the 'gate. "Suddenly, everyone wants to visit."

"I was worried," Jack said with an annoyed look. "You asked for three bullet proof vests. What do you think we're going to think?"

"That I'm playing politics in a highly charged environment, maybe. And that there are people here that I want to see safe."

"Or that you're ass deep in trouble." Jack said as he climbed down the steps with the vests in his hand.

Daniel took the awkwardly balanced things with a smile. He walked to Peditis and told him to remove his himation. In the fashion of the long elaborate himations that Cistus wore in royal colors, Daniel made sure that the ones that Peditis wore were similar. Cistus had wanted full purple on Peditis to mirror his own himations. If it had been left to the king Peditis would walk around as his twin. Daniel and Peditis agreed that they should be white with just a boarder of royal purple in humility to Cistus. It was also a good way to hide what bruising remained on Peditis' arms; not that it was needed any longer. However, Peditis still wanted to hide, particularly the new bruising and scratches. Since the binding ceremony Daniel had tried to appeal to Cistus' more paranoid side so that Daniel could keep Peditis secluded in the Hand of God. It was meant as a way to limit Cistus' access to Peditis so that Peditis could finish healing with privacy. And then the danger really came.

In a quiet moment in the palace garden someone managed to sneak up on Peditis. The assassin had somehow gained access to the palace, gotten past the guards, servants and nobility without notice, and tried to kill the young man.

Daniel was truly impressed and mortified in equal amounts. Peditis was more capable than he seemed. Apparently, the 'dancing' that his father had taught him worked in self-defense just as easily as it did to entertain during a story. Peditis was shaken, bruised, and remorseful. He was found on the grass, in the garden, surrounded by rose bushes, sobbing next to a dead man.

"We'll put it over your tunic," Daniel said as he began the task of dressing the king's consort for his own protection. "These straps can start to chafe after a while."

"Who's the kid?" Jack asked.

"The king's consort. He was attacked. This is just a minor precaution."

Jack fell silent.

Daniel noticed Peditis staring at Jack for a while. When he looked away it was to say, "Is this your man?"

Daniel froze for a moment and without looking up from his work he said, "No. He's a friend...he was a friend. My unit's leader."

"He's handsome," Peditis said in a still mournful manner. As if trying to be convincing Peditis said, "You love him."

"Do you trust me?" Daniel asked, walking away from Peditis sharply and going to Gadvin. He drew a short sword from Gadvin's belt and walked back. "I asked you if you trust me?"

Peditis watched the approaching sword as he nodded.

Daniel pushed the sword into Peditis with a sweeping stab that ended at the vest. Daniel pulled the sword away as he gauged Peditis' reaction.

Peditis looked down and said, "You put a hole in my garb."

"We'll get you another one. If anyone threatens you again, you're safe."

Peditis simply nodded and said, "You should talk to him. He looked jealous when you were dressing me, it's a good sign."

Peditis walked away slowly.

Daniel watched the floor for a moment and then turned to Jack. "Thanks for coming. I appreciate the bother. But I should really stay with him; he's been kind of depressed lately."

"Yeah," Jack said, "I'll bet."

~ ~ ~

Between Adevers, Peditis, Gadvin, and himself, they managed to plan the delivery of Prince Damat. Cistus had four magnificent ships which bore the royal coat of arms. Daniel had a long boat painted white and the sails painted in the temple's emblem. Over that Daniel had a white domed silver crown painted.

By the time a soldier ran into the throne room and stiffly reported that the entire Siarran armada had been spotted sailing for Kasante, they were ready. Orders had been dispatched along every coastal city, settlement, and outpost, by royal decree no one was allowed to attack...until or unless Siarra broke the agreement with the Hiro.

Within an hour Daniel found himself standing on the deck of Cistus' personal ships sailing out to the center of the harbor. Daniel looked around at all the tense faces. Every temple guard stood on the decks of the ships. Daniel had ceremonial gold armor taken from the temple vaults for his men to wear; he'd demanded that every part be polished to a high shine. They wore their best cloaks, boots, and their fiercest looking weaponry.

"With protest," Gadvin said again for the hundredth time. "If my men are called upon to fight, Siarran swords will slice through this armor with little trouble."

"Gadvin, why are you worrying?" Daniel said as he passed the man. "You aren't called upon to fight."

Another guard leaned in to Gadvin and said, "At least we'll die pretty."

Daniel stepped closer to Cistus who watched Bohonte's royal yacht sailing into the harbor.

"This is stupid," Cistus said with a sour look on his face.

"You show your courage by being here. Even if he is not there his men will see that you do not fear them. Please trust me, my Lord Cistus."

Cistus turned his eyes to Daniel. "If they try to take you. I'll have the bells wrung. Every ship in the harbor will attack and this will descend into war, here and now. I don't care how many ships are out there. I'll do whatever I have to."

"Faith. Patience. Control," Daniel said. "I'll be back in about twenty minutes."

When Bohonte's ship stopped a few hundred yards from Cistus'. Daniel had the sailors man the long boat. He took along Gadvin and no other guard. Prince Damat, Helleck the little demon, and his mother Ebara were the only other passengers. The sailors manned the oars and the long boat was rowed out meet with Bohonte's ship.

"Ahoy!" Daniel said in English. Having always wanted to say it he found the opportunity to be a cause for a smile. "We seek permission to board your ship."

A man wearing armor and a crown leaned over the side as he grasped the ships railing and said, "My permission is given."

"I have only the one guard with me, your Highness. May he come with me?"

"Of course," the man said pulling away from the railing.

The boat was rowed closer to the ship and secured. Daniel stood rather haphazardly on the boat as it moved on the choppy water. He made his way to the rope ladder that descended down from the ship. He pulled his dress up and secured it so he could climb. He did so, steadily, and reached the top without a problem. Daniel loosened his skirts and let them fall to the deck before taking a step and presenting himself to the king.

Even if Daniel hadn't seen the drawings of him, Bohonte wasn't hard to find in the crowd. Just as Daniel had dressed his men, Bohonte was dressed in his finest. Just by looking at the man Daniel could see a warrior. A large, powerful man with a determination about him. Daniel could see in him the kind of man that was capable of rising up from nothing to become a ruler; it was evident.

"Hail Bohonte, ruler of Siarra. I am Daniel Jackson of Earth. I am Hiro. Everyone just seems to call me Hiro...except for his Royal Highness King Cistus who calls me Atch"

"He would," Bohonte said dryly. Then he repeated, "Daniel Jackson," as if tasting the name. "Foreign name. My agents reported you aren't of our world, Hiro of Hiros."

"Your Highness, is there a swing?" Daniel asked.

"Pardon?"

"I can't expect Ebara to make that climb. She'll need a swing lowered to bring her up."

Bohonte nodded to someone.

"Now, my son," Bohonte said shortly.

Daniel turned and saw Gadvin already standing behind him, daring anyone to approach. Daniel looked down and saw Damat having a hard time climbing up the rope ladder.

"Just a little more," Daniel said, quietly encouraging the boy.

When he was able to reach him, Daniel reached down and pulled. Once Damat was up Daniel took him to his father. The moment Bohonte saw his son his features softened and the hard soldier melted away leaving a vulnerable being.

"You should be very proud. This boy has an indomitable will to survive."

Bohonte reached for the boy and pulled him closer. He pulled up Damat's tunic and inspected the wounds sites.

"He tries to do far too much. For at least another fortnight you should keep him from running or playing."

Bohonte looked up as if insulted.

"He's been bedridden for almost his entire stay here. When I'd received him he had lost a massive amount of blood. The wound was terribly infected. He wasn't awake or responding. Even worse, he's suffered a second infection while he was recovering from the first."

Daniel looked down at the smiling boy. Damat had already explained that he wasn't allowed to be weak; it would only serve to harm his father. "Quite frankly, I don't know how he's survived. He shouldn't have. And even worse he doesn't like to obey me when I tell him to remain in bed. It's been all that we could do to keep him on his back and still."

Daniel looked up at the king and said, "He needs quiet, and rest, and lots of hot food. I've given to Ebara," Daniel looked back as he said her name and saw the woman already being lowered onto deck, "all the medicines that she needs to see to his health. I've instructed her in their use and she's familiar with what needs to be done."

Bohonte stooped down and asked his son, "You are well?"

Damat smiled and nodded his head happily. "Daniel's very nice. I've been well cared for, father. He and Mall'e have done everything for me. I've been shown nothing but kindness and respect."

"You're too skinny," the king said.

"I'm better, father. I'm eating more...now."

"This sickness hasn't run its full course yet, sire. He's still in danger of falling ill again. He needs rest."

Bohonte looked up and into Daniels eyes. "Then I suppose I owe you my gratitude?"

"No," Daniel said, "you owe me much more than that. I'll tell you why in just a moment."

Bohonte never looked away from Daniel.

Daniel turned to find Tartin holding his wife and his son for the first time since he left.

"Hello, Tartin," Daniel said.

Tartin straightened up and smiled. He left his family and walked to Daniel.

"As we agreed, Hiro," Tartin said pulling a sack off his back. He opened it and pulled out a cloth wrapped item.

"Thank you, Tartin," Daniel said with a grimace. Unfortuantlyy, he knew that it was important for him to wear the damn thing. Even if it was just so that Cistus, on his own ship, could identify him. As he put it on he couldn't help but think of a slew of gay jokes. The word, Queen kept popping into his head in a variety of incarnations.

Daniel put his crown on and then said, "Your Highness, I'm about to do you the greatest service imaginable. Do you see that boy?" Daniel said pointing to Helleck. Instinctively, Ebara pulled her son closer to her skirts as Helleck stucked his thumb into his mouth and produced the biggest, softest, puppy eyes ever seen. "The little demon is dangerous. I think that you should take him into your personal guard as soon as possible."

Bohonte laughed.

Daniel turned and faced the man.

"He's a servant. They don't serve as soldiers or as royal guard."

"If his strength isn't harnessed it'll run free and one day he'll ride on the back of a great army as he attacks a great kingdom."

"What do I care?"

"I didn't say that he'd be attacking Kasante. However, when power corrupts it corrupts completely. I have no wish to see him turn his sights towards Kasante once he has yours."

Bohonte held a slight smile on his face as he said, "You may lead Cistus around like a mindless animal...he is a mindless animal, but I have no need for anyone to think for me."

Daniel nodded and then walked up to Helleck and grabbed him by the hair like he did every other time he'd caught the little viper trying to gain access to the temple priest's sanctuary, or the king's chambers, or any of the other of a thousand places that he wasn't supposed to go. The boy went crazy the moment Daniel grabbed him and began fighting and screaming as hard as he could. Daniel pulled his tunic up over his head exposing his mid-section and tangled him in it.

"There," Daniel said, letting go of the boy and taking a step back.

Ebara screamed when she saw her boy and tried to go to him. Helleck quickly pulled away and stood facing Daniel fuming in anger.

"He's spent his sabbatical on Kasante spying. I've been watching this little monster carve a map of the temple on his body. He's been spying on me, the priests, my guards, the palace, anyone that he could get access to. If he was older I would have reported him immediately and had him executed but given his age I've been reluctant!" Daniel faced Bohonte and said, "You can take this information as you like. This boy can be kept a servant and then he'll take your kingdom one day, or you can harness his strength and teach him loyalty before he gets too old to learn. It's up to you."

Daniel turned to one of Bohonte's guards and said, "Give me your sword?"

The guard turned to the king, silently asking.

"I fear nothing," the king said.

With the sword in hand Daniel turned to Gadvin. Gadvin removed his breast plate revealing the black kevlar of a bullet proof vest. Daniel walked up and stabbed Gadvin in the chest as hard as he could. He pulled the sword away and turned back to the king.

"A trick," Bohonte spat.

"Actually, it's a gift. This is technology from my world. I'm making it a gift to you."

Gadvin pulled off the last of the Velcro fasteners with a loud snick and offered the vest to Daniel.

Daniel walked it to Bohonte and said, "You can do with it what you wish. It's yours. But know this. In exactly thirty four days from today my people will come. With them comes the opportunity for your nation to enter into trade a negotiation. My people know of the vast mineral wealth in your country and they're willing to pay a fair price. I already have the word of King Cistus that he will sit at the table and speak." Daniel shrugged. "You're being given a choice here. You can continue to fight and your people can continue to struggle and suffer. Or, you can enter into a peace treaty, and negotiate a trade agreement. You don't ever have to trade a single thing with Kasante if you wish. You don't even have to allow their ships to enter into your waters. My people seek agreements for passage through Kassante and then mining rights to Siarra."

Daniel turned and walked three steps towards the railing.

"What makes you think that I'll let you off this ship?"

Daniel bowed as he said, "For several reasons. First, I know you aren't stupid. You'd be risking all out war...again. Two, your son gave me his word of honor that I'd be let go. If you go against that, who would ever trust him? And third, if you try to take me and somehow get away; in thirty four days you'd have my people helping Cistus' armies; together they'd swarm your borders and kill whom they had to in order to get me back. I know that your people are strong but our weapons are better. Your people would be slaughtered." Daniel smiled and said, "Thank you for the audience, my Lord. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you. You are kind indeed. And I look forward to sitting down at a negotiation table with you and your advisors in the near future."

Daniel bowed again and then began the descent down to the longboat.

Once down in the boat Daniel called, "Your Highness! Your Highness!" When Bohonte had appeared over the railing again Daniel said, "Keep your course straight and steady. I'll try and keep my boat between yours and the lead ship. Just to be sure..."

Carefully, Daniel walked along the main plank that ran the length of the boat and walked to its bow. At the head, Daniel stood out and waved towards the awaiting ships hoping to relieve some of the tension that he knew was there.

"Men," Daniel called back to the sailors, "slow your rowing. I want the Siarran's to get out of the harbor before we rejoin the king."

~ ~ ~

Still on the boat they prepared to come into port. Daniel had already given orders that they were to take the river all the way into the heart of the city. Given the size of the ships, the way would be made slowly and carefully along the narrow river that flowed inland towards the closest dock to the palace. From there they would take chariots into the city all the way to the palace steps where Daniel had already talked the court into preparing a magnificent reception. The cities great temple housed fifteen vestal virgins, the greatest symbol of luck, were to greet the king on his entrance to the palace lining his way with rose petals. At the top of the palace steps the chief priest was to come forward and crown the king with a golden wreath. According the Adevers it was the definitive symbol of the Warrior King Melius.

All he lacked was a willing soveriegn.

"Why not?" Daniel asked for the third time.

"This is insane," Cistus said as he began to pace, "I knew you were up to something, but this?"

"What do you mean, but this? I have spent the better part of three days preparing a glorious reception for you and you will be a part of it or I will have to beat you! Peditis, you talk to him!"

Peditis stood by meekly and simply said, "Everything we've done is for you, your Highness."

Cistus saw the sad look on Peditis' face and deflated slightly as he said, "I can understand that, but these are things you know nothing about." Cistus turned to Daniel and half shouted, "The mob is ruled by fear! The moment this ship enters close enough to hear they will either hurl insults or worse. I do not plan on being on this deck. And I most certainly won't ride through the city in an open chariot."

Daniel just watched him. "You think they hate you."

"Think? No. I know it. I am blamed for everything that has happened in this nation since my father died and I want no part of it."

"They do not hate you, my Lord." Peditis said almost shocked. "The people are passionate, but there is no hate there."

Cistus turned to pace. Daniel watched him silently as he prowled the length of the ship's deck like a caged animal.

"The people only know what they have seen today." Daniel said at long last. He stepped up to the ship's bow and said, "Today the Siarran armadda came close enough to Kasante to be seen. One ship dared enter the harbor. They were given the Siarran prince back because His Majesty does not war on children, and he is a man of honor."

Cistus turned to look at his Hiro with a confused look on his face.

"On that ship," Daniel continued, "the king had the legendary palace guards dressed in holy armor, blessed by the temple priests. The sight of this was so terrifying to the Siarran's that they were chased off by the king's mighty vessels."

Daniel turned and faced Cistus he lifted his hands up before the ruler and said, "Hail Cistus, Warrior King."

Cistus looked unconvinced.

Daniel gave Peditis a look.

Peditis then raised his arms in the air and cried, "Hail Lord Cistus Warrior King, Defender of the Faithful."

Daniel smiled, "I like it." He said to Peditis. "And that will be your new title. Adevers will have a field day with this." He turned to Gadvin and said, "Issue orders that the king's new title is to be shouted as the ships enter the city."

Gadvin turned away to do his work.

Cistus still looked confused. After a moment he quietly asked, "Do you jest?"

"No," Daniel said, bringing him closer to the bow. "This day you will enter the city in triumph. Before the binding your people were terrified that the curse that's been spoken of would strike again."

Peditis took Cistus' other side and said, "This day my Lord has proven to the nation that he has defeated the curse as he has defeated Siarra."

Cistus smiled.

"The glory is yours, Highness," Daniel cooed. "You will enter with the son of Adivus on one side and the Hiro of Hiros on the other. Where is the folly here?"

Cistus looked happy for a moment and then the thinking turned on them as a frown began to set on his face.

"My Lord," Peditis said, rubbing Cistus' chest gently, "all will be well."

~ ~ ~

As they entered the city in glory Daniel realized that he'd missed his calling as a Public Relations agent. The people rushed to the harbors edge to wave and call out. People stood on roof tops, on carriages; they leaned out of windows, and cheered out loudly as the procession of ships sailed inland. Flowers were thrown on deack and onto the rivers's surface. It was beautiful.

The palace guards stood on the decks shouting out, "Hail Lord Cistus Warrior King, Defender of the Faithful! Hail Lord Cistus Warrior King, Defender of the Faithful! Hail Lord Cistus Warrior King, Defender of the Faithful!"

The crowds began to shout it out, and then the city.

~ ~ ~

Daniel sat in one of the chairs by the hearth and leaned back into it. Finally away from the feasting, dancing, gossiping courtiers, and the demands of his attention. Finally away from the people. Finally in the tower.

And soon he'd be able to close the door on Cistus after his 'duty' was over.

"Thank goodness," Daniel said as the last of the servants walked out closing the door behind him.

"We're alone," Cistus said taking the chair next to him. "The torches are lit. And the day is almost over."

Daniel tried to get comfortable as he put his feet up. His feet hurt, his legs were sore, and his back ached.

"You made so many speeches today," Daniel said, kicking off his sandals, "that I'm surprised your spit didn't dry up for good."

Cistus laughed. "It was a good day. And as soon as we are finished I'm going to go find my Peditis and finish this night off right."

They both sunk into a comfortable silence borne of exhaustion. The only sounds were the crackling fire and the sounds of joy that could still be heard floating up to the tower.

Cistus laughed again rather suddenly. "I can't believe they continue to celebrate."

Daniel looked into the fire. "When Bohonte sends ministers to speak with you about entering into the talks, you will be gracious. You won't speak of today, or how we've presented it to the people. He'll already know. I'm sure that he's done the same for his people. In Siarra today, King Bohonte and his military have had a mighty victory against you, your nation, and your army. They didn't lose a single man, their boats are intact, and they reclaimed the heir."

Cistus chuckled and said, "We do what we must, don't we?"

"Yes, we do."

"Why do you?"

Daniel turned to look at Cistus.

"Why are you here? Why do you help me so? Why do you do the things you do?"

Daniel smiled and gave the simplest explanation that he thought would make sense to the man. "Because I am your Hiro."

Cistus leaned towards him and gently said, "You can sell that rabble to the unwashed masses, but I know better." Cistus sat up and asked again, "Why do you do it?"

Daniel smied and then said, "Perhaps it keeps me busy?"

"What do you run from?"

"I never said that-"

"It's that soldier. The one with the deep set eyes. Peditis and I both think you love him. It's obvious to anyone willing to see." Cistus lazily slumped down into his chair. "Perhaps it is my own shortcoming. I do not understand your people. Why is it that they do not love their Hiros?"

"We're different," Daniel said without needing to think.

"But that is what makes you unique!"

"Being unable to truly be classified as one sex or the other makes it hard to function on my world. People think that there must be something wrong with you. That you did something or that you're immoral in some way." Daniel became annoyed with himself quickly. He was exhausted but he still managed to feel the pain. "I worked with my world's military. They see themselves as men of uncommon strength, valor, and bravery...true men. And true men cannot be seen to work with those that are not. In a way they think that it diminishes them."

Solemly, Cistus asked, "Are you forced to their beds?"

Daniel smiled. "No. But the rationale is often that I might force them."

Cistus laughed. "That's ridiculous. You are Hiro."

"The fear that I might somehow weaken them and make them like me is very alive on my world. It drives many to hate and even to kill. It is ridiculous and irriational. It is also the way it is." Daniel stood. "Now if you'll pardon me, your Highness, I am very tired and wish to make ready for bed. Leave as you see fit."

CHAPTER 8 -– WHAT OF ME?

It was during the mention of an inquiry before it actually became an inquiry that Daniel asked Gadvin to sit next to him so that they could speak. Gadvin was reluctant but Daniel thought that it was the perfect place. The Hiro's place of honor was far enough from everyone else that no one would hear them, but everyone would see them...espeacially Peditis. Peditis knew the topic already. Daniel had asked Peditis first; and he liked the idea. So it was while Peditis was being questioned by the temple priests that Daniel took the opportunity.

"You've been very loyal." Daniel said as he watched the man. Gadvin looked uncomfortable. "I'd like to ask something of you. It's not within the scope of your duties. I need you to know that if you decide to deny me, it won't be held against you in any way. You do have a life of your own and I wouldn't want to impede on that."

Gadvin became more serious than usual and quietly said, "You may ask anything of me, Hiro. It will be done."

Daniel smiled and tried to break it gently to Gadvin as he said, "You've met Addet and Ben'ai, Peditis' cousins. You know that they were both married and that their husband left one day. He was never seen again. You know that they have five children and that they are now without a husband and father."

Gadvin, if it was possible to concieve, managed to blush bright red. His mouth fell open and he just stared wide-eyed for a long moment. When he was able to recover himself it was to say, "I - I - I, uh, well, I, uh."

Daniel suddenly realized that was what he probably looked like when he did that same thing. He had to laugh.

"Don't worry," Daniel said as he turned his attention to Peditis. "I won't force you to do anything. You were just my first choice. You don't seem to have a family or anything to ground you. I thought that perhaps you could use some kind of change."

Peditis was busy answering questions and it hadn't turned in the direction that he'd imagined...yet.

"I've been where you are," Daniel continued to say. "I know what it's like to serve. You go off on one long mission after another and sometimes you count yourself lucky that you don't have anyone because there won't be anyone to mourn for you if you get careless. But," Daniel shook his head as he said, "it just doesn't make you feel any better when you walk into the cold empty place that you call home. There isn't anyone waiting for you. You don't have any fresh food in the place. No one cares if you live or die. That's hard."

Daniel looked back at Gadvin and realized that not only had he said too much, he'd managed get 'that' look out of the man. Daniel knew that it wasn't fair to hit that nerve so he quickly appologized and said, "We'll talk later."

The talk later had nothing to do with the ladies or Gadvin becoming an impromtu father and had everything to do with Peditis' father and uncles.

"What else can you tell us about their time during the war?"

"Nothing, Hiro. I've told the priests all I know today's in 'discussion.' What else can I say?"

"Much more before this is over. They're going to try to taint your name and the name of Adivus by going after the dead. They're going to ask if they did anything at all during that war that was even slightly wrong, immoral, or cowardly. Those men are going to blow anything you say out of proportion and call those dead men anything and everything that they can think of."

"I barely remember my father or my uncles!"

"You were alive," Daniel retorted.

Peditis turned and paced to a nearby window. "Why bother me? I had nothing to do with any of this. Why not just call on the men they fought with and question them?"

"There are people alive would could claim to have fought with your family?"

Peditis turned. "Yes, of course. Most of my father's generation went to stand with the king that year. I can name several who live within a stone's throw of my cousin's home."

Daniel turned to Gadvin and gave him a look.

When he turned to Peiditis he said, "You'll give me their names. You are too close to this. You'll be watched by the temple. I've no doubt of that. You'll stay here and go about your busienss as usual...and so will I." Daniel turned to Gadvin and said, "You're the only one who I can trust here. You'll be my eyes and ears. Find the men that fought with the sons of Adivus and see what they have to say. Do not influence them, no threats, and no bribes. When they are called before the temple priests I want it to be honorably. Just find out what they know."

~ ~ ~

The Starbucks cup was the first thing that Daniel's eyes zeroed in on. Venti. The familiar carboard sleeve with the two-tailed mermaid logo called to him in it's familiar siren's song.

He stared at the hand that held it and swallowed hard. It could only be Jack's hand, no one elses. As Jack came to stand in front of him, the cup was offered.

"Peace offering," Jack said with a smile.

Daniel looked down at the white topped cup and accepted it.

"I was hoping we could talk." Jack said unsure.

Daniel just held the warm cup in his hands as he nodded shakily.

For a brief moment Daniel didn't know if he should stand or sit. Since he'd sat previously, he decided to do so again. He walked past Jack and went to the benches.

"Is the kid doing better?" Jack asked as he sat down opposite Daniel.

"Who? Oh, Peditis. Yeah, much better."

"He looked...upset."

"Depressed," Daniel corrected, "he'd never killed anyone before."

Jack looked at Daniel questioningly.

"Self-defense," Daniel added, "an assasin attacked him when he was alone. He killed the guy before he even realized what was happening." Daniel felt a sudden kinship of understanding as he said, "He didn't know that he was capable of that kind of violence."

There was a tense silence that followed. Daniel wasn't sure what to do or what to say. So he did nothing.

Looking down he saw the warm cup still in his hand. He turned the cup so that the cap's drinking slit was facing him and he lifted it to his lips. Daniel didn't even drink. All he had to do was breathe in the sweet aroma for it to become offensive.

Daniel lowered the cup as he tried to think of a polite way to-

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Daniel said quickly.

"Is it the coffee? You should be in hog heaven right now."

Daniel opened his mouth to say something soothing, but Jack took the cup away before he could speak. Daniel watched Jack sniff and taste.

Jack lowered the cup with a unhappy look on his face. "This isn't what I ordered for you. I know that you don't like sugar or syrup." Jack was quiet for a moment and then said, "Sorry."

"S'okay. I really appreciate the thought behind it."

Jack played with the cup in his hand for a moment. "Lately, everything that I do turns to shit in my hands." Then he said, "This wasn't supposed to happen like this."

"How was it supposed to go?"

Jack shrugged. "You were supposed to smile the way you do when you you're about to get a caffine fix. It was supposed to grease the converstaion. You know, light stuff. How's everybody? Everyone's great. They say hi. Miss you. Come home soon."

Daniel nodded. "Sounds reasonable. What happens next?"

Jack cocked his head and said, "You keep drinking happily as I talk and somewhere in the conversation I work a few things in. Hammond wants me to tell you about the up coming talks, we need to get an action plan together."

"I'm already working on it."

"And Frasier's worried about your allergies."

"I'm fine."

Jack was suddenly silent again. Almost hesitantly he Jack finally said, "Sam and Teal'c wanted to know if you were ever coming home. You know...they worry."

Daniel leaned forward over his folded hands. "I don't want to stay here." Daniel mulled it over for a few more moments before he added. "They've been true to their word to me, but this isn't home."

"So you'll come back," Jack said hopefully. Then with much more control he added, "You know...Sam and Teal'c."

"Worry worts," Daniel mumbled.

"They are." Jack said shaking his head.

"Martin not working out?"

Jack growled a little before saying, "He's the true king of the idiots."

"Lou told me he might not work out," Daniel looked next to him. "Sorry. I really did want to find someone that would work out for you."

Daniel was more than a little surprised when Jack looked back and simply said, "Come home."

Daniel swallowed and nodded. "Only a few weeks left," Daniel said as he stood. He took a few steps away from Jack. He found rather quickly that he needed the space away from the man. It was hard to think when Jack got 'intense.' It was almost as if Jack's body heat went up twenty degrees and Daniel could feel him radiate. Even his scent intensified, and to Daniel that was too much. Jack smelled too good as was; more was bad.

Daniel didn't bother to look at him again. He simply said, "Thanks, Jack. I needed to hear that."

~ ~ ~

Daniel sat in the Adever's library rubbing his temples as he waited for it. He wasn't sure what 'it' would be but he knew it would come....they always came in threes. So far he only had two catastrophes on his hands and he couldn't wait two see what came next.

As he reviewed the past few weeks in his mind he realized that he was far more invested in this world than was probably healthy. He could feel a familiar stress-induced tension in his shoulders that he only usually felt when he'd been up all night with difficult translations as he slung back cup after cup of coffee while some impending doom hung over his head. This time, that tension had nothing to do with a translation, an off-world 'incident' with an SG team, a war ship, or his friends. This time, it had everything to do with hubris.

Daniel smirked at the thought. It was actually fitting in an odd ball kind of way. Hubris was often a common theme in Greek tragedies and mythology. It was actually rather unoriginal that he was now standing at the gates of moral hell because of it. Only in this Greek tragedy there would -hopefully- be no gods to punish the mortals for their sins wreaked upon the weak.

Daniel pulled a chair close and put his feet up. He stared at his sandals as he waited. As always, his guards waited nearby. Adevers' servants were nowhere to be seen. The braziers and lamps were lit, casting shadows haloed in orange light. The quiet, but for the breathing that he was sure he heard, was absolute. He could hear the dust setting on the shelves, scrolls, and tables. The fire burned loudly. And in an odd way, it was comforting.

For the first time that day Daniel coughed out harshly. He swallowed hard and settled back willing himself to relax. His body had involuntarily tensed as he realized that was number three. As he settled back, into the shape of the chair he listened patiently to his body. Without a stethoscope, doctor, or opinion; he knew that his lungs were wrong. He could feel it. Rationing out his allergy medication had been due to a stubborn reluctance to ask for anything from his own people. He knew that it was ridiculous but he also knew that those 'care packages' had kept coming. No one had said anything to him, at least not outright, but Daniel wasn't stupid. Slowly his allergies were getting worse and it was getting harder and harder to sleep at night without feeling as if he were drowning. Waking up with stuffed up sinuses, watery eyes, and hacking and spitting was almost worse.

Daniel was sure that he was getting sick. He knew all the signs. When he finally did get back he was probably looking at a generous stay in Janet's infirmary strapped to an IV. And yet Daniel couldn't bring himself to write to the General informing him of his current condition.

As far as Daniel was concerned, it really didn't matter.

Daniel took off his glasses and wiped his bleary eyes. He heard footfalls behind him as his expected arrivals entered the privacy that the library offered him. They stood there in silence as Daniel finished wiping them and put his glasses back on so he could go back to staring at his sandals.

"Well?" Daniel asked as he carefully folded his hands over his stomach.

"I was with His Highness this evening, Hiro," Peditis said quietly. "Quendo has been put in charge of the trial. He has sent a formal summons to His Highness of the Council's intent to proceed with the trial."

Daniel suppressed the chill that ran up his spine. The same man that had put his fingers inside of him and was to blame for the current headaches that had been unceremoniously dumped in his lap was now in charge of the trial. It might have been funny to Daniel if he wasn't a headliner in the unfolding tragedy.

"And?" Daniel said tensely.

"His Highness King Cistus-"

"I know who he is, Peditis," Daniel bothered to look up at the flustered young man, "just please tell me?"

Peditis looked away as he said, "He sends his apologies. The priests have him cornered. He says that he's done his best to keep Quendo away so that he wouldn't upset you. But in this matter he's the authority. The priests have unanimously agreed; until my father and uncles are cleared of the charges, Cistus can't intervene."

"Gadvin?" Daniel said, going back to staring at his sandals.

"There's nothing, Hiro. I've questioned every survivor in the city. Every single one of the descendants of Adivus behaved worthy of their name. They won't find anything."

Daniel nodded and then said, "And the other matter?"

The sudden quiet that descended over the small gathering was not comforting.

Daniel nodded and quietly said, "She's pregnant, and where there's one..."

He let a stiff breath out.

"Hiro," Gadvin said quietly, "there are ways-"

"Please don't open your mouth suggesting something that will anger me, Gadvin. I'm already upset." Daniel pulled his feet away from the chair and onto the ground. He stood up stiffly. His joints hurt suddenly and he didn't want to think of what that might mean.

"Does Cistus know yet?"

"No, Hiro," Peditis said quickly.

"We've contained this," Gadvin added. "The girl's families have been told that they have been retained by the temple for...duties."

"Where are they now?" Daniel asked in a quiet, almost frightened tone.

"Under guard at the royal Apshlia," Peditis said. He shuffled his feet and then added, "I thought it was best to keep them where the palace guard could be issued to isolate them. It's away from the temple and close enough to Cistus' apartments that I can see to them myself."

Daniel nodded and walked the length of the table. As he walked back to his men he said, "This can still be contained." Daniel tried to breathe in but found himself in a sudden coughing fit. He waved Peditis away and willed himself still. The moment he was able to, he said, "We need to do this fast and clean." Daniel rubbed his temple again, "I need to think."

"You need bed, Hiro," Gadvin murmured.

Daniel smiled. He was going to open his mouth and tell Gadvin just how much he'd sounded like Jack, but decided against it. Instead he said, "I can't climb those stairs."

"Come," Peditis said, taking Daniel's arm. "Cistus was already asleep when I left him. There are other beds in his apartment. They are comfortable and nearby."

~ ~ ~

He spent the trial that week riding the revulsion train that stopped at Exhaustionville, Immoralburg, Hypocritiacalton, with a stop at the city of You-Have-Got-To-Be-Fucking-Kidding-Me.

At first Daniel wasn't sure why the priests had appointed Quendo as the chief trail. He was sure that they were aware of Daniel's discomfort with the man. Even as the king's cousin, Daniel still outranked Quendo and the man's immediate hatred of Daniel was obvious. According to Peditis, his dismissal from court wasn't appreciated or wanted. Cistus had sent him away. Daniel was sure that the man had done what he felt he'd had to in order to secure the trial for himself. Probably as a way to get a foothold back into court. And finding something insidious about Peditis' dead relatives sounded like excellent blackmail material.

Three weeks, the man had been there three weeks and there were already massive problems. The only way that he could think to curtail any more problems from occuring was to appoint a contingent of men to surround Quendo's royal person at all times...for his own benefit. And as he'd told his men, "If he pisses, you help! He's never to be left alone. Priest or not, this man has already caused one pregnancy that I know of. I will not allow this to continue. Watch him!"

With an aching body, pain-filled joints, and a hacking cough that he couldn't seem to shake. Daniel refused to be absent for a single proceeding of the trial. Daniel made sure to also take every opportunity to correct the priests when they stepped out of bounds or tried to usurp the law or the truth to further their own aims. He made sure that the witnesses that stepped forward were treated with respect and heard out fully.

By the end of the first week Daniel was sure that the trial would end with Peditis' father and uncles receiving medals for heroism. He couldn't help the smirk as he thought how badly this all had gone...for the priests. Quendo in particular looked rather put out. The witnesses refused to leave. The priests objected immediately to anyone watching the proceedings but on Daniel's and Cistus' insistence the trail was opened to the public. If there was nothing to hide; then everyone was allowed to witness the proceeding. Even the king had been called to testify. A crowd had filled the temple to capacity every day. The current news of the trial was carried out to the crowds waiting outside every fifteen minutes by official court-sanctioned bearers. And the crowds didn't seem to be appreciating the opposition that the priests were creating at every turn.

Daniel slumped to one side and cursed his seat for not having a back. He hated not being able to sit back. And now he was dizzy.

"Gadvin!" Daniel called out far louder than he'd meant to.

His steadfast shadow appeared at his side in an instant.

"Hiro?" Gadvin asked concerned.

Daniel looked him over, "Take your chest plate and helmet off. Sit next to me."

True to form Gadvin didn't question and did as he was told. Once next to him, Daniel moved over and promptly leaned on him until his head was resting on Gadvin's strong shoulder.

"Forgive me for saying this, Hiro, but you haven't looked right for days."

Daniel smiled and then closed his eyes. The light in the room was far too bright and his head was pounding because of it.

"I'm fine," Daniel grunted huskily. His throat hurt from the constant coughing. He hid his face against Gadvin and gave up. It wasn't worth the effort to convince anyone that he was okay. He didn't feel it and he didn't really care.

Daniel felt Gadvin move jerkily and opened his eyes to the sight of the man calling someone over.

"Traitor," Daniel barked out painfully.

It wasn't a shock when Peditis appeared at his side and began to check him. The moment Peditis put his ear to Daniel's back, Daniel tried to move away. Between Gadvin and Peditis he was held. His face was touched, his neck, his chest.

"Lung sickness," Peditis finally said sadly, almost shocked.

"No," Daniel heard Cistus say, "the Hiro can't be that sick."

"I watched my uncle die from this, love. I know of what I speak. His people have great medicines. They can do something, I know it."

It took effort but Daniel finally managed to firmly say, "No."

Cistus knelt in front of him where he could look up into Daniel's eyes. "Hiro. You aren't well. Your people-"

Daniel shook his head and leaned forward. He felt himself practically fall against Cistus. Daniel grabbed at his elaborately folded and draped purple mantel, leant in and carefully controlled himself as he said, "Call them and they keep me. Your throne is in danger. End this farce so we can deal with the true matter."

Daniel slumped back and felt Gadvin take him into his arms, effectively holding him up.

Daniel felt his eyes roll back into his head. And for a blissful fraction of time he felt himself drift away peacefully only to be awoken by the sounds of a lot of people. A terrible taste filled Daniel's mouth. He swallowed and realized that his mouth felt hot and sticky...never a good sign.

Daniel looked over at Cistus who was orating to the crowd regarding the trial, the dead, heroes, wars, and how the trial had only served to open his eyes to the heroism of the common man.

Typical political bullshit, Daniel thought to himself.

"We can't carry the Hiro to the God's Hand," Gadvin said.

"Agreed," Peditis said. "I'll instruct the Palace Guard to bring a bed and set it in the Temple's inner sanctuary.

"Yes," Gadvin agreed, "it's easily defendable.

"And," Peditis said, "close to the God's Eye."

It wasn't long before Daniel thought that that he was flying. He felt something wrapped tightly around his chest that kept him weighted down to the ground. Immediately he instructed his limbs to break free. He wanted nothing more than to spread his arms out. He knew that if he could only do that he'd take off as light as a feather and float away into the distance.

"Jack," Daniel called out. Jack knew the feeling. Daniel knew he did. Jack flew. He would know.

~ ~ ~

The smell of something foul brought him out of his dreams and into pain. He awoke hot. His bones hurt and a feeling of weakness permeated his body instantly letting him know that he was very sick.

Daniel saw Cistus, Peditis, and Gadvin watching him.

"Hiro," Cistus called.

"Here," Daniel managed to say.

"Our doctors have done what they can. The book you translated of your people's medicine says that you have a pn-eumon-i-a," Cistus said carefully sounding out the foreign word.

Peditis offered him water as he said, "Please drink."

Daniel sipped as much water as he could take. He knew the routine.

When the cup was empty he licked his lips and fell back into the pillows. "More," he said hating the liquid. "While I'm awake."

His stomach felt full, but he knew that there would be no IV to keep him hydrated.

"You spoke of my throne?" Cistus asked stiffly.

"Quendo," Daniel said as a wave of dizziness swept over him.

The cup was brought to his lips and Daniel instinctively drank down all that he could before turning his head away.

Daniel looked at Peditis and asked, "The girls?"

"Safe," Peditis informed him, "you were right, Hiro. It wasn't just one of them. There are more."

Daniel nodded stiffly.

"Sit, Highness. You need to sit." Daniel said trying to clear the cobwebs from his mind.

"Does he plot against me?" Cistus asked, doing as he was told. "These two refuse to tell me, insisting that you must inform me."

"And they are right," Daniel said, concentrating on Cistus. Daniel reached out and took the man's hand, "Tell me true, will you ever take a wife? A woman? A woman to your bed? For children or otherwise?"

There was silence as Cistus leaned back. When he did lean in it was to say, "It's expected."

"No. Answer if you will. You're very good at putting things off and pretending. Do not pretend with me. Will you?"

Daniel saw the hesitation and even fear. Finally there was a slight shake of his head. Then came guilt.

"The linage," Cistus said, "I have to. I know this, but..."

"Then the tragedy isn't so."

"Tell me, what tragedy?" Cistus demanded.

"I've been told that you forced Quendo into priesthood."

"Force?" Cistus parroted. "No. He holds the same blood that I do. To speak truth, I'm not sure if he is cousin or brother to me. This makes him dangerous. I told him he could oversee the lands to the north or take priesthood and stay in Kasante. Does he use the temple against me?"

"Worse," Daniel said seriously. "The Vestal's have been violated."

For a long stretch Daniel thought that Cistus had turned to stone. He neither breathed, nor moved. He stared forward as if trying to wrap his mind around the words that had just been spoken.

Finally, after a great deal of time Cistus finally spoke. As if he were the one that was sick he croaked out a weak, "No."

Daniel breathed in as deeply as his lungs would allow. "A Vestal came to me and fell at my feet begging for my help. I asked her what was wrong. She was terrified of a death punishment. Her vows of chastity were broken." Daniel let the air out of his body and gulped in more. "She swore to me on Hermes' name that it wasn't voluntary. That she's been tricked by the priests and forced by your cousin. I couldn't believe her so I went to the High Priestess. With my first few words the woman broke down in tears and told me that there were others."

Cistus shook his head.

"Cistus," Peditis quietly said, "This is all true. The Hiro has allowed the trial so that we could cover our activities. While the priests have been busy blaming dead men we've been acting quietly."

Cistus was quiet, staring at the sheets that covered his Hiro.

"Not a tragedy," Daniel said gently. He squeezed Cistus' hand, "Listen." Daniel breathed in deeply several times before he attempted to speak. "At least one of the girls is pregnant. The child shares your blood, your linage. You have heirs if you want them."

Cistus shook his head as his face wrinkled with worry, disgust, fear...

"You want me to take his sin as my own?" Cistus asked incredulously. Quietly, he said, "He'll die in a great deal of pain."

Gadvin quietly said, "And the temple will be shaken to its foundation, the people will lose faith, and your name will be smeared for having allowed it."

Cistus looked at the soldier with contempt.

Without determent Gadvin followed by saying, "The Hiro's plan gives you heirs that you will never father, provides you with wives to help you rule a kingdom that you don't want to rule night and day, and takes away a scandal that could be dangerous to this nation...in every possible way. It also leaves you the opportunity to punish Quendo, later when no one is watching."

Daniel tugged on Cistus' hand, grabbing the man's attention.

"The perfect wives for you are chaste wives. Promise them that they may keep their vows, while doing their good works among the people."

Cistus just stared down at Daniel, unmoving and unsure.

Daniel felt more dizziness swirl his head. His attention and concentration rode along on the wave. He wasn't sure how long he faltered.

It was Peditis' voice that brought him back to consciousness.

"Hiro. Hiro. The Priestess is here to see you."

A hand smoothing back his hair roused him just a bit farther. Daniel opened his eyes and then fell back. He opened his eyes again; only this time he forced himself to pay attention and focus.

"Delina?" Daniel said recognizing the older woman.

She smiled in her motherly way and swept her hand back gently through his hair. "I'm here, Hiro. Your servant at your bidding."

"We need to speak," Daniel said, weakly.

Daniel swallowed again. His saliva felt thick and hot, far too hot to belong in his mouth. A cup appeared at his lips again and Daniel drank down as much as he could.

"Slowly," someone said.

Daniel obeyed for lack of anything else to do. He continued to drink until he felt nauseous. He didn't feel himself fall back or anyone lay him down. Daniel merely opened his eyes and found that he was lying on a pillow looking at the priestess again.

"A great wrong had been committed," Daniel said. "It must be put right."

She didn't respond but Daniel could read her objections, worries, and fears as they ran across her face.

"I know," Daniel said solemnly, "I know. This city has more Vestal Virgins than any other city in Kasante. The loss of one is manageable; the loss of all is not. To tell the people that a priest, a cousin of His Highness has violated the Vestals is suicide. Cistus offers a solution. He has no heirs and no wish to marry a woman. But the children that your Vestals may carry are his kin. If the fifteen of you were to agree to marry not only would you be allowed to continue in your work, you would also be allowed to keep your vows."

Delina shook her head, "Hiro-"

"He's never touched me." Daniel waited, watching her face.

Delina looked confused for a moment and then turned to look elsewhere. His body hurt too badly to follow her eyes, but he knew she was looking at Cistus.

"He has one wife, one person in his bed, and that is Peditis. No one else. All would marry him and in doing so be given his name. Those of you that bear a child will be allowed to raise it as they see fit. In time Cistus will pick his heir from those children. And in the interim all of you will continue to do the temple's work among the people."

"Hiro," Delina said, taking his hand, "I see what you are trying to do. But a Vestal is a servant, not a ruler. Our work is done in the name of Hermes. There are no politics."

"Perfect," Daniel said with a smile. "With your permission, I want Cistus to walk into the Senate and present the news of my impending death to the nation."

Delina looked about as horrified as he expected.

"My dying request to the Senate, the temple priests, and to the nation, is that they allow the marriages."

"Your people," Delina insisted, "they can heal you as they did the Siarran Prince."

"No," Daniel gasped as he shook his head weakly, "to give your people the keys to the gate that blocks our God's Eye is to drag your world into a war that you are not ready for. The Interlopers would destroy your world for that information. No one should have it."

Daniel coughed harshly and winced at the pain. His body relaxed back into the cushion of the bed as it subsided.

He opened his eyes and found Delina still there, "What could a queen whose only thoughts were to help her people do for the nation? How would those princes be raised?" Daniel found her hand on his. He covered her hand with his and somehow managed to lift his head as he said, "Cistus doesn't need a wife. He needs partners to help him tend to the nation. Partners that won't want his love or attention. Jealous lovers are a problem that he doesn't need. If I die before my people come, Delina, you and your sisteren will have to be the mothers of peace."

Daniel opened his mouth to say more but the words got caught in his throat with a coughing fit that wracked his body mercilessly. He felt himself held up by several hands as he began to cough up the small amount of liquid that he'd been able to take in earlier. It ran down his face, out of his nose and mouth. He felt everything teeter and go black.

CHAPTER 9 – THE JUST CAUSE

Cistus called the Senate to meet for the first time in his reign. He didn't particularly like the Senate body, nor did he enjoy dealing with them. As a matter of fact he rather detested everything that they stood for and often bypassed them all together, seeing them as a hinderance to any real progress that could otherwise be achieved. Unlike most of the Senate meetings, this one was called to the palace because Cistus knew that he'd be able to best control their movements and his own there.

He walked down the hallways that he'd walked most of his life, but this time was truly different. For the first time ever he realized just how beautiful the carved capitals on the columns overhead were. The frescoes and statues that dotted the palace were truly exquisite. He hated that this was the first time that he'd actuallly noticed and, he also feared, that it would be the last time he'd be able to discover something of that nature.

As he entered his own audience hall he felt, for the first time, as if he were a stranger there. Covered in head to toe in heavy robes he was sure that his and the temple guards with him struck an odd sight. He could hear the loud murmers of the assembled crowd and it hurt him right between the eyes. His sinuses had been bothering him that morning and he didn't like the pressure that had steadily been building up all night long. He wanted to call it exhaustion but he knew he'd only be kidding himself.

Cistus carefully removed the veil that covered the lower part of his face and then pulled off the hood he wore. The crowd picked up in noise and stood. He raised his hand for their silence as he told himself to be patient so that he could get through what he had to do.

Cistus looked around the room. Cistus knew that there had never before been a hearing like this called in their entire history. The old men of the Sentate sat on left side of the room, confusion painted on their faces. In the center of the room the Naval and Army generals sat, equally confused. And on the right side of the room Cistus had his special guests divided into two sections: the Temple Conclave and Kasante's Theatre Guild.

The Temple Conclave was odd enough, Cistus was sure that the tension in the room was due to the Guild's presence. And he had to smile at it. He found that his sense of humor, which he had thought long gone and buried with the acceptance of his crown, was still very much with him. And that discovery was the best one of all.

"Kasante, hear me!" Cistus said with as much authority as he could find within himself. "I speak to you as your soverign king, and for the first time in my life I think I undestand what that really means."

Cistus swallowed hard before continuing. "Today I bring you all here for very important reasons. I bring news. I bring decrees. And I bring change. It is for these reasons that I have gathered this varied group of individuals.

"The Senate!" Cistus said dramatically pointing towards the old men in white robes. "You who make the laws and sit in the courts. You are here to hear my message and weigh its merit for the others present.

"The military!" Cistus said going around the room. His hand changing from target to target. "You who protect our citizens, who uphold the laws. You are here to do as you are told.

"The Temple Conclave who protects our history, writes down our present, and preserves what we are for the generations. You are here to lend the wisdom of our ancestors.

"And the Theatre Guild. Our out of place guests; but not so out of place." His arms felt suddenly heavy and Cistus let them fall to his side. "I'm not a stupid man. I know the power to sway the masses of Kasante, and even of this world lies in your hands. Of all people, it is only your Guild that is allowed to travel freely between Kasante and Siarra. With or without knowing it your work influences what people think and thus popular opinion. And today, more than ever, I have need of this, friends."

Cistus walked a few steps to his throne. He considered sitting and then he rememberd his guards. There would be no sitting for them, so how could he take comfort? Even if the pain in his knees were beginning to hurt sharply.

"I know what is being said. I know that there is concern for the Hiro. I know that I ended the trials the other day rather suddenly, but I also had good reason. The Hiro of Hiros has been sick for some time and is getting worse." The murmers, gasps, and cries in the crowd were immediate. They made Cistus' head hurt terribly.

He held his arms up to quiet them, but no one paid attention.

"Please!" Cistus shouted. "Calm yourselves! Let me speak!"

Slowly the crowd settled enough so that he could be heard.

"There are times when a man looks around and realizes that everyone expects him to be more. I've found myself there more over the past few days than I ever wanted to be."

Cistus slowly walked a few steps down from his throne's dais. In mid-step he stopped and said, "The moment we realized that the Hiro was truly sick I begged him to open the God's Eye. I was refused. When he last opened his eyes, I begged again. The Hiro said to me that to do so would put our world in great risk. He insists that the Interlopers of our legends are not figments of the imagination. They are very real. He says that his world is at war with the Interlopers and that to war with them without the aide of Hermes would be suicide. If the Hiro were to give us the key to open the shield that protects his world's God's Eye, we would be endangering our entire world. The Hiro refuses to do this.

"Regardless, I've ordered guards to dial the Hiro's world at predictable intervals and send messages through to the other side on the slim chance that when they do open their shield to step through, that one message might get through. Furthermore, I've dispatched a messenger to Siarra aboard my personal flag ship asking for any aid that they can provide the Hiro. The temple's Vestal Virgins refuse to leave the Hiro and tend to not only the Hiro but to the others who have fallen ill.

"This sickness," Cistus felt his voice fail him for a moment. He cleared his throat and then continued. "This sickness is spreading. This is why I have ordered the temple sealed with me, my men, and everyone who has been exposed."

The crowd errupted at this. Several Senators stood and began walking towards Cistus.

"Stop!" Cistus shouted. "If you touch me I will order you locked in with us! We have no way of knowing what this disease will do!"

The Senators stopped and quickly stepped back to their seats.

Cistus looked out at the crowd of men as he shouted, "I will not allow this disease to spread out among my people! There has been enough hardship! This will end here! Either the physicians from the Hiro's world will come and help, or they won't!"

The sounds in the room suddenly died down to nothing. The sound of the fountain in the outer chamber could actually be heard as it bubbled and splashed. Cistus might not have been holding a weapon but he felt as victorious as Melius must have when he received his crown.

"I don't know what this disease is, but it can't go farther than the temple. Two guards, and the Hiro's own servant is already lying in a sweat and fever; there will be others. Siarra stands at our border waiting for prey. I won't allow my nation to crumble. I won't be remembered as the man that allowed his people to become enslaved."

Cistus instinctively wiped his hand across forehead. When he'd realized he'd done it he touched his face and realized the sand was running faster through the glass then he'd thought. He wiped his hand on his robe without another thought.

"This, countrymen, is what I needed you to know so that I could carry out the Hiro's last request. The Hiro worries over his people and over me. There are days when I wonder why anyone would want to worry over someone as worthless as myself, but he does. He insists that I marry. Before he fell sick the Hiro presented me with a choice of wives, all of the same...association. I refused instantly and told the Hiro that he had to better learn our culture. I thought his choice of wives poor and in bad taste.

"Then the Hiro grew sicker and asked me again. I refused again. Then the Hiro fell so sick that he was unconsious for an entire day. When he awoke his first words were to ask me to marry his choice." Cistus stopped speaking for dramatic effect, hoping that he looked reluctant enough before saying, "This time I accepted and met with the woman that I wish to name chief wife. The Hiro spoke with her and said to her the same. As a dying request the woman agreed to take the request back to her sisters. They deliberated and have tentatively accepted on the condition that the priesthood and Senate support this action.

"Before I tell you who these women are I will tell everyone present that the temple priests have given their consent to the marriages." Cistus looked down as he said, "I know that this will come as a surprise to many, but there is much happening. And time is a thing that I am in short supply of."

For some unknown reason, even to himself, Cistus found himself laughing at the inappropriatenes of his own joke. He ended the laughter with a slight wave of neausea that stole his smile away. He swallowed hard and said, "In our history they've been many things, but never politicians. This is why the Hiro feels that on his passing, the Vestal Virgins will become the harbingers of peace that we need so very badly."

The outrage was immediate and loud. Cistus held his head and willed the noise away. To his surprise, it worked.

When he looked up the crowd was quiet. A noise caught his attention. He turned and found Gadvin leaning over heavily on this throat as he coughed harshly. The sound echoed. The soldier looked embarassed but unable to control it. When the Palace Guard managed to straighten out the other who was standing next to him started.

Cistus turned to look at the crowd who stared in disbelief as the elite men of the Guard weakened under an unknown disease.

"Once," Cistus ventrued to say, "before the Interlopers came we held an elected system of government. That ended when Melius was given a crown by Hermes. If I have my history correct it is House At'hathen that held the last position of political presidency with one year to go. One civil uprising is all Bohonte needs to sweep in and take everything.

"I submitt, respectfully, to the honored Seante that I name a political heir. If this sickness is to kill me, my only wish is a smooth transition of power. Senator At'hathen should continue his ancestor's elected position. The Popular Assembly still exists to elect magistrates; it would be a simple matter to extend it to a presidental election."

The crowd looked too stunned to do much. And Cistus felt as if he stood with them in their bafflement.

"I leave a great burden on this gathering - I know this. But the more time that I spend here, the greather the chances that I will make someone here sick. As it is, I am ordering this room closed. You will all remain here until the Senate has reached a unanimous decision. The Senate will take their direction from the Temple Conclave in all historical matters. The military will hear their decision; those gathered here are of equal rank; together you will decide for yourselves if their decided course of action best suits this nation. If it does, you will follow their orders. If it does not then you will give them the time to decide on something else.

"Five days from now, each of you will be examined by the palace's physicians. If you are well, you may leave. If you are sick, you will be sent to the temple to die with us." Cistus turned to leave and carefully took the few steps up to the dais. His joints ached worse than before and he felt stiff.

Before leaving he turned to them one last time.

"Be careful gentlemen," Cistus warned. "All the while your words will be heard by the Theatre Guild. They will ensure that what you do here will be heard across this world and throughout history."

Cistus pulled his veil up across his face and pulled the hood down. He walked out with his guards; one of them was still coughing.

~ ~ ~

In the temple's hall Cistus found a vacant bench and sat. The veiw was as terrible as he'd ever seen in his life, but it was all he had.

From his seat he could see his fourteen-year-old sister lying on a pallet on the ground next to two guards who had sworn their lives to her. A Vestal wiped her sweaty brow with a wet rag as two others Vestals saw to the soldiers. Despite her position, her palor, and her dreary eyes, Mall'e was smiling a little as she spoke with the young Vestal.

Through the long, sleepless night he'd met with each Vestal and had heard their versions of what had happened. Despite the degredation that each woman had been through they were there, ministering to the sick. As yet, not a single Vestal had succumbed; for that he was grateful.

The Hiro's bed was placed in an alcove so that a rope could be strung between two statues and curtains hung to allow the Hiro privacy. His Peditis sat at the Hiro's side. The Hiro still looked delirious with fever. Peditis looked worn, but untouched by the disease and that was the one source of true strength that Cistus felt at the moment.

Peditis turned and somehow found a smile when he saw Cistus. A nearby Vestal took the wet rag from Peditis' hand and shooed him away. Peditis walked to him.

Peditis knelt at Cistus' feet with a smile and said, "I approve greatly of your choice in wives. They are many, hardworking, generous, kind, and I enjoy them greatly."

Cistus nodded as Peditis placed his hands on Cistus' knees. Cistus took them and held them lightly in his.

Cistus was about to open his mouth when Peditis reached up and stroked his sweaty brow.

Fearful and with disbelief, Peditis sobbed out a quiet, "No."

"My joints ache," Cistus finally admitted.

Peditis swallowed what he felt and firmly said, "No."

"I've been in pain since last night, but I knew you'd want me to rest. I could not tell you."

Peditis looked up angry and said, "No."

Gently, Cistus said, "I have to ask something of you?"

Peditis quickly said, "No." Peditis didn't give him the room to speak. "When you die, I die." Peditis said. "It's as simple as that."

The noise started again. Cistus felt each slide of the metal on the God's Eye slamming deep inside his brain. It felt constant and never ending. True to their training the Temple Guard fullfilled their orders without question and to the letter. The God's Eye had turned eight times already. Every hour it wreaked havoc on their senses. Cistus leaned forward and craddled his heavy head in his hands.

Peditis began to massage his temples and for a moment it felt better.

Then it was the Hiro's turn. Cistus heard him shout again. And again it was the same words over and over again.

"He calls for his soul," Cistus said taking Peditis' hands in his and pushing them gently away. "He can't help it," Cistus said with a nod as he looked over to the alcove where the Hiro lay. "When you lose your heart so completley the most important part of you always resides with the other." Cistus leaned forward and confided, "In the fever he doesn't know who he is and the barriers that he has put up to hide are melted away. That's why he calls out for this stupid man. Jack," Cistus said, prouncing it, "it's a ridiculous name. Not fitting for a warrior at all. But the Hiro can't help calling out, reaching out. He needs that other part of him. That little piece is that important."

Cistus looked down at the tears streaming down the still face of his lover. "You are my soul." Cistus held Peditis' hands tighter. "I love you with everything that I am. Please don't kill that."

Cistus saw the internal battle waging behind the green eyes that he fell in love with.

"Your Highness!" a shout called out.

Cistus looked up to find the God's Eye turning again.

"That isn't us!" A guard insisted.

CHAPTER 10 - NEW ORDER ALIGNS

Jack marched up the ramp with about as much humor as the loaded P-90 in his hands lent him. He walked through the 'gate to Kasante expecting the worse and feeling about as low as he'd ever felt in his life.

Arriving wasn't any more pleasant then he'd imagined. Behind his mask he came face-to-face with King Cistus. In person he looked sicker than when Jack had seen him on the monitor back on base as he cursed at the MALP in their Egyptian/Greek language as he pried the camera around by hand until they'd seen Daniel. They all looked sick in varying degrees; Daniel was the worst. Even from the distance Jack could see it. He could see the pale sweaty face, highlighted by feavered red-rimmed eyes. Lying unmoving on the stiff looking white sheets, he looked almost dead; Just a disease-influenced comatose body of a dear friend that he couldn't help.

Jack walked past everyone. He ignored the people that tried to catch his attention. He even ignored his own people when he broke the seal of his protective suit. The mask fell back behind his head and he stepped into the alcove where they'd set up a bed for Daniel. Jack knelt next to the bed as he heard Frasier and her people pile in and start to clear people away. Jack removed his protective gloves and checked Daniel's pulse as he leaned in.

To his relief he felt a steady, if slight, beat under the clamy skin. Daniel's breath against his ear was warm but haggard and that was worrying.

"Colonel, I need you gone," Fraiser's voice muffled out under her mask.

Jack nodded stupidly.

"Colonel," she warned again.

Jack stepped away allowing her to do her job. She and her people moved in quickly and efficiently.

He knew this dance. He stepped back slowly, knowing that they would need the room in which to do their job.

He wandered away, not looking at anything or anyone in particular. Eventually, he found himself standing somewhere near his team, leaning against some kind of a cold, marble statue.

"Not your fault, sir," Sam said from behind her mask.

Jack didn't respond. He looked up and saw watery eyes. He shifted his gaze to Teal'c.

They didn't need to really say anthing more. Everything that could have been said was when everyone at the SGC either became ill, or infected because of him. And it had to be him. Jack was the only person to fall sick in many months. He was the first to fall sick. Patient zero at the SGC. Every where he had walked he'd spread the malevolent virus. In less than a twenty-four hour window half the SGC was sick and/or getting sick. Jack was just glad that he hadn't been off base, it was his only saving grace.

Janet still had her doubts that Jack was the source of the infection. But Jack was sure. Daniel was all the proof that he needed.

Suddenly Jack noticed Vanlendingham just standing around and Jack couldn't help the fury that instantly spilled out of him.

"Are you just standing around like a lump on an ass? Shouldn't you maybe be asking the locals a few questions? Maybe?" Jack demanded loudly.

Vanlendingham had the decency to look at him sheepishly before opening and closing his mouth a few times before walking away.

His team said nothing to him. They kept each other company in silence as they listened to Frasier commanding her people and taking care of Daniel. It was the usual - that they'd gotten used to over the past week. For a few long minutes the familiar sounds filled their ears as they helplessly watched the activity around their fourth team member.

The annoying sound of Vanlendingham squawking on about something drew his attention away from the bustle around Daniel. Jack turned to find King Cistus walking towards him as he steadily ignored Vanlendingham. Jack watched Cistus say a single word and one of his guards stepped forward and physically removed Vanlendingham from the king's presence while shutting him up with a spear point.

"Why didn't we try that?" Jack murmured.

Cistus walked up to Jack and stared him in the eye. The man said something with meant nothing to Jack; his eyes had been directed at Daniel when he'd said it. Cistus looked quite serious and even a little angry as he'd spoken.

Jack felt the tears well up in his eyes. He couldn't help watery eyes, now more than ever.

Jack leaned forward and breathed in as deeply as he could. His lungs gurgled at first and then failed to cooperate as more thick mucus came loose. He pulled away and coughed as he pulled out a handkerchief to spit up into.

Cistus and his lover spoke a few words to each other.

When Jack looked up he pointed at his chest and said, "I started it." He turned to look at Daniel and said, "I gave it to him." Then he pointed around the room. "It's my fault. All of it. I did it."

Jack knew that they understood. The question was...what were they thinking? What was Cistus thinking? And what would he do about it?

Jack watched as the man half-smirked and turned away. His Highness coughed a few times and was helped by his husband to a bench where he could sit and watch what was happening with Daniel.

Jack turned and leaned heavily against the statue. He felt weaker than when he'd climbed out of his hospital bed so he could stumble down to the control room about the unauthorized activations of the 'gate every hour from Daniel's planet that were coming in without IDC codes.

Daniel was stabilized, put on an IV with the wonderful painkillers and a variety of drug cocktails that Frasier had been experimenting with. Jack could still feel them swimming around in his bloodstream. He wasn't sure if it was the drugs or the virus that were still making him dizzy from time-to-time but it wasn't long before he was sitting on the floor.

Janet moved from Daniel's side to the others around the room. Daniel seemed to be the worst, though the little girl lying on a pallet next to a couple of soldiers came close to getting her own IV. Everyone was inoculated. And tragedy was averted.

Even though Jack was sure that everyone knew that they would be fine, everyone still stared at the figure lying quiet and still on the bed.

~ ~ ~

Jack woke up from his uncomfortable position against the statue to the sound of an argument.

A tall woman who had the look of bearing, responsibility, and position was pacing in front of King Cistus in measured steps as she spoke unhappily at him, occasionally wagging her finger at him for emphasis.

For the first time he realized that all the women dressed alike. All their garments were the same; not just Grecian but uniformed. The same colors, the same painted borders around the hems, the same amount of gathering and overlap. They even wore the same hair styles, piled high in braids that swept back beneath adorning headdresses that resembled crowns. The same colored, sheer veils fell lightly at the sides of their faces.

And he wondered what was going on that would cause the woman to bitch quite so loudly and constantly. If the looks that SG-1 was getting from her friends were any indication, Jack knew that they were in for something unpleasant.

~ ~ ~

"In the name of the Omnipotent!" Delina exclaimed, raising her arms up towards the great statue that overlooked them. "I beg you oh great lord in the heavens that sees all things!"

Cistus felt his shoulders slump as the drama reached a climax. "Delina, I have a headache." Cistus rubbed his temple. "I don't know what that bossy, midget woman poked me in the arm with but I'm dizzy, my head hurts, and I can't do the religious inspired melodrama at the moment. Either boil it down or save it for another time."

Delina cupped her hands gently in front of her person as she studied him. Quietly, she said, "Very well. If you want to be ungodly and rude."

"May I?" he asked grimly.

"His Highness apologizes," Peditis said quickly as he placed a hand on his husband's shoulder. "He is sick and short-tempered, my lady."

Delina snorted a reply and said, "This will not be allowed to continue. The Omnipresent is not kind to those who treat his children thus. This is beyond sacrilege," she leaned in and darkly growled, "and I don't think that I need to tell you that there has been enough of that already."

Peditis stroked Cistus' head gently as he asked, "What do you propose be done, Priestess?"

"The Hiro cannot be allowed to leave. He is, by right, your responsibility, my Lord. You must convince him to stay. These people have made him sick. Who is to say that it wasn't done on purpose? Look at their behavior to date. How do we even know that they won't try to hurt him if he returns home? The Hiro's own words were that the children of Hermaphroditus are thought to be monstrosities there, against nature, things to be destroyed."

Delina began to pace again. "It is clear that this cannot be allowed. The Hiro is already weak and in need of constant care. My sisters and I are more than willing to do the work, and we can provide the guidance that he will need to lead our people in the religious rites. The holy month comes quickly and he is still not ready."

Cistus leaned his head against Peditis for a moment as he thought, and then he stood. He walked up to Delina and took her hand in his.

"Come," he said as he walked her closer to the soldiers in green. "That one is Jack."

"Odd name," Delina said.

"I know. I've said it several times myself. Whatever the case, this is the man that the Hiro calls for in his sleep. The one he always calls for. His reason and purpose is wrapped up in that sleepy looking idiot. What exactly do you expect me to say to the man that will convince him to stay with us? The Hiro doesn't even like having conversation with me. You'd have better luck having my Peditis ask him."

The Priestess calmly looked the man slumped against the statue.

"No," she finally said. "If the Hiro will not have you that is one thing. This one is clearly not good enough. I won't have it."

"I've already tried to tell Atch that. He won't listen." Cistus walked back to the bench on heavy legs as he said, "The moment the hundred days are up, he will leave."

Delina turned back with a deeply furrowed brow. A look of worry and pain crossed her face as she said, "Then we must in the least, in the very least, safeguard the Hiro's life. This nation has already tempted the wrath of the Omniscient. We can go no further without danger."

Cistus sat and felt his body sag down into place. He shrugged. "The Hiro loves this man so completely that he is willing to live in a place that hates what he is, who he is, and what he stands for. They will make no qualms about reminding him of that...daily. How do you protect someone from that?"

Delina paced back and forth slowly before the king once before turning to him and saying, "In my time as Vestal Priestess it has been my duty to, often times, punish for different reasons. It has been my experience, Your Royal Highness, that the Glorious One doesn't create accidents. That was my mother's saying. Even when it was my sister that broke her favorite jar during one of our arguments, she'd still punish us both. And as we both had to sit there and fashion a new one out of clay we'd be forced to talk, cooperate, and get it done. In the process we'd make up without knowing that we'd done so. This is what the Great One wishes us to take from life: to grow, to learn, to rise above the pettiness of our meager days so that we can learn to love one another."

"I'm listening," Cistus said, wondering where she was taking this lesson.

Delina straightened and logically said, "Well, if His Highness is being allowed fifteen wives, why not give the Hiro two husbands. One for this world and one to protect him on his own world?"

Cistus braced his elbows on his knees as he considered her words.

"I have the priests in my pocket. They'll do as I say or be punished for their crimes, but the Senate will never agree. " Cistus shook his head as he said, "It would take an act of god."

Delina smiled widely as she bowed, "Then we will ask each god to act on our behalf. There has been enough misery, enough tears." Delina turned and said, "Come sisters! We are needed."

Cistus watched those that were not sitting with the Hiro walk into the small chapel and fall to their knees in prayer; and those that were sitting with the Hiro knelt at his bed in prayer.

Cistus wasn't particularly religious. Never was. But when Peditis knelt down next to him and placed his folded hands on the stone bench. So Cistus knelt down too.

Peditis looked at him with a smile, but said nothing.

Cistus shrugged. "It can't possibly do any harm."

CHAPTER 11 – TIDES OF CHANGE

Three hours had passed since the arrival of the Hiro's people. It was now a full five hours since he'd unofficially denounced his throne for the greater good. He knew that there was a good chance that his throne was gone, that the republic had once again been resorted and that he'd never again be able to have it back. To his great surprise, a part of him mourned it. He'd never enjoyed the oppressive feel of the responsibility that weighed him down like a millstone; and yet facing its absence was suddenly a sorrow for him.

He watched Peditis walk around the room caring for the Vestals as he offered them a drink, or a bit of food and Cistus realized that if nothing else he still had what mattered. He made a decision in that moment. If his crown was truly gone, he was free of the politics and could now raise his sister and be the kind of husband that he should be...to the Vestals too, if they so chose.

"So melencholy," Peditis said as he stroked Cistus' hair. "What vexes you, my love?"

"My crown may be gone."

Peditis sat as he said, "I thought that this would please you. The great responsibility which sits with you, and only with you, will be no longer."

Cistus nodded. "Yes, I fully agree."

Peditis nudged Cistus.

Cistus looked at his lover and said, "You were right. It is more than responsibility. It's a part of me. I will miss it greatly."

"And serving you is a part of me. But I'll never leave you, so how could I miss you?"

Cistus put his arm around Peditis and held him close.

Someone cleared their throat from behind. As a matter of habit, Peditis moved away from Cistus and went to stand at the king's side at a discrete distance.

"Sir," one of the soldiers's said, "this man asked for entry. He wishes to speak with you."

Without asking the man to come closer the king raised his voice to say, "You understand that you may die here?"

The man bowed as he nodded his head. By his clothes and lack of familiarity, Cistus imagined him to either be a low servant or one of the Theatre Guild that he'd asked into the palace. Whatever the man had to say, he looked worried.

"Very well then. I have no other pressing matters. Step forward and speak. "

"With great respect," the man said still bowing, "you have great pressing matters. The men that you left in that room to sort out your affairs snap at each other like animals. General Nik'eldolus has already died in a duel. Numerous fights have broken out. I believe that it is only because you ordered them locked in that their fighting hasn't spread out into the streets and brought chaos to the city."

Cistus clearly heard the man. And yet he forced the man to repeat himself.

When the man was finished speaking there was a sick silence in the room.

Quietly, Peditis said, "Perhaps we didn't pray hard enough."

Cistus looked up and said, "Or perhaps we did and this is the response from the gods."

~ ~ ~

The Hiro's eyes were open for a full minute before Cistus was sure that he was truly awake.

"Atch," Cistus said poking the man in the side, "have you awoken?"

Cistus watched his Hiro make a sour face.

In an exhausted tone the Hiro said, "Why are you lying on my bed?"

Cistus smiled. "Good. You are awake. This is excellent because much has happened since you fell ill. We have a great deal to say."

Delina moved in with a bottle of water, the kind that the Hiro's people brought with a nipple so that none would spill. The High Priestess had already insited that a great many of the bottles be traded for so that they could be used in the new state hospitals that he would soon be constructing at the Vestals request.

The Hiro drank deeply, slowly, taking his fill. His lips were whiteish and cracked despite the oil that the Vestals rubbed on them. He needed water and Cistus stretched out while he waited for him to be finished.

When Delina was done fussing she sat nearby. Cistus knew that the lady had no intention of leaving them to speak privately. It was clear that she was more than interested in meddling as much as possible in the affairs of state, which suited him just fine.

The Hiro smacked his lips before saying, "What?"

"First I should tell you that if I didn't believe that you were the Hiro before I most certainly do now. You bring your good fortune to us in the strangest ways that I could not imagine."

"Cistus," Daniel said grumpy, his face drawn, "I don't care for your politics. Don't sell something to me, just tell me."

Cistus smiled and simply said, "I lost and gained my crown in the span of a morning."

Acth looked up confused.

"The sickness you carried. The Vestals came in voluntarily to care for the sick. The Temple Guard wouldn't leave you. It wasn't long until we, all in this room, were infected with it too. I had to close us in, lest it spread out to my people. Cistus lounged back happily as he took great pleasure in saying, "Of course this meant that the seat of power of this nation was in danger of an unforseen death and had no heir. I left with four guards once-"

Delina quickly cut in with a smile in her voice as she said, "In the book that you translated, you said that to prevent sickness from passing to others the mouth and nose had to be covered. And that no physical contact was to be made. I made sure to educate them, Hiro."

Daniel smiled.

"I called a meeting of the Senate." Cistus continued. "I invited the military generals, the Temple Conclave, and the Theatre Guild."

"Odd union." Daniel croaked out.

"I asked them to accept my proposal for an heir. The last political leader of our former republic still has a linage involved in politics."

Daniel picked his head up in amazement. "You offered up a new republic for your nation?"

"To survive, Kasante would have needed a fast transition of power."

The Hiro nodded, "To prevent a civil war. Or worse, Siarra attacking."

Cistus leaned in as he said, "And so I left them locked in my hall to discuss the matter. Within five minutes of my exodus from the room the military and Senators were all fighting amongst themselves for the crown. Each had their own arguments as to why they deserved it more."

"I'm sure," Daniel said with rapt attention.

"This went on for several hours. After a murder, countless fights, and several acts of bloodshed; one of the actors from the guild risked his life...at least he thought he did. He asked for entry into this room to bring me the news and to wait for his death once the sickness took him."

"Is he well, Cistus?"

Cistus smiled, "Your people are here. They've brought good medicine, enough for all."

Daniel's eyes widened. Despite the weakness in his limbs he grabbed onto Cistus with one hand and the bed with the other.

"Oh, no!" Delina fussed. "Hiro, you are weak!"

When they realzied that he was more stubborn than the weakness both Delina and Cistus helped him sit up right. Daniel smiled stupidly the moment he was sat up and he saw his team mates standing by. Sam waved at him and blew him a kiss. Teal'c bowed his head slightly in his way. Jack just stood there trying to smile. Daniel thought what a great sight he made as his head fell back weakly.

Daniel let out a breath that sounded more like a moan when he heard it.

Cistus laid him back down onto his pillow as Delina fussed.

"You need more rest, Hiro," Delina said kindly.

"Good," Daniel said happily.

"There is more, Hiro."

"Cistus," Delina said, "enough. He requires rest."

"This is business, woman. If I'm out of my sick bed for it then he can hear me from his sick bed."

"Shhh," Daniel said, "If you raise your voice to her I'll beat you with my shoe. Show your wife the respect she is due."

"He often forgets that word, Hiro," Delina said haughtily from her seat.

"And so," Cistus said, pushing their conversation aside, "I walked into the room and demanded all their arrests. Idiots, the lot of them. I told every man there that if they wanted my crown to step up and fight me for it. Not a single one dared. The quarrel ended.

"I dismissed the Theatre Guild with my thanks and thought no more of them; I sent them up to the east wing. I told them that after five days if none of them showed signs of sickness that they would be allowed to leave. But if they fell sick that there was medicine to treat it.

"The next day one of the palace guards came to inform me that the Theatre Guild was possibly breaking several laws by using my name in one of their productions. The man that was still here with us asked for mercy for his brethren. I gave it, after all I owed him. I sent him to his friends to find out was happening."

Daniel smiled. "Let me guess, a play where you are the hero that saves Kasante from the destruction from within?"

Cistus smiled so hard that his face almost cracked. "It's titled, King, Warrior, and Savior."

Daniel laughed. At least, it started as a laugh and ended as a fit that involved hacking up a great deal of mucus and the need to move to a better position to spit it out. When Daniel was finished and Delina had wiped his face, Daniel lay back down.

"Let me guess," Daniel said, "You're going to be benevolent with the Guild and allow them to produce this play?"

"Across the city, at the Temple's amphiteatre for as long as they wish, and then across the nation."

Delina leaned in as she said, "He's a shy one, this one is. What ever will we do to get him to open himself more?"

Daniel smiled at Cistus. "I told you that they loved you."

"But they trust you. And Siarra comes. I sent word that you were sick. Bohonte comes. He'll be here by tomorrow. The day after at the latest, ahead of the intended hour. I need you to be better."

Daniel nodded.

"He won't be," Delina insited, "if you continue to bother the Hiro. Now out! Out!"

Daniel watched Delina push Cistus around in her maternal way. Daniel felt himself float off into sleep to those sounds; it was comforting in a strange way.

CHAPTER 12 – SOMETHING ROTTEN

Jack watched as the Vestals fussed and hovered around Daniel. Though he was still coughing hard from time to time, he seemed better. He was moving more, and sleeping less. And Jack knew what was missing, what Daniel would want more than anything else.

Two of the Vestals busied themselves with cooking and tending the fire. They'd caught on quickly to the concept of MRE's and coffee. Jack had even brought along the bag of coffee, the expensive kind that he'd steadily been buying for Daniel every two weeks so he wouldn't be without. He gotten sick before he'd had the chance to envoy over to Daniel the latest outrageously expensive bag. Even the locals had appreciated the taste of the coffee. The full pound of ground beans was quickly being depleted as pot after pot was brewed; Jack was glad that he'd gotten the beans ground and not whole.

Janet walked over towards the small camping fire that they had going over the temple's central hearth; it was probably some holy receptacle...but made a very good stove.

Jack went to the fire and held his cup out to a Vestal. She smiled and poured him a cup.

"Blasa," he said.

After all, 'Make nice with those that do the cooking' was always his motto. 'Thank you,' 'please,' and 'more' were always the first words that he learnt anywhere that he went.

"Doctor," Jack said, walking towards her as he held out the steaming cup.

She looked surprised.

"Thank you, Colonel. That's very thoughtful of you."

He smiled as she sipped. She looked tired and worn out. No sooner had tragedy been averted at the SGC when they'd received the call to come. He knew that she hadn't rested or slept in God knew how long.

"Good, isn't it? Hits the spot. After not feeling well and all it's nice to have a little pick me up. Isn't it?" Jack tried to look innocent. He knew it wasn't working but he hoped that maybe he could get away with charming...cute at least.

"Ah," she said, lifting the cup,"is this the scratch on my back?"

"No," Jack said before smiling more, "I just see my dear, sick friend over there and I know that he could use a little, measly, insignificant cup of hot comfort...that's all."

She looked at him through a veil of exhaustion and said, "Fine. I'm too tired to really care. One cup maximum."

"You're a beautiful person, Frasier. And I appologize for all those things that I've said about you behind your back. You really are a great human being."

She wandered off to where the gear and several others were laying so she could catch some rest. As Jack watched her he caught Vanlendingham out of the corner of his eye. Jack knew that Vanlendingham was probably the source of about ninety-nine point nine percent of the current disgusting rumors floating around the SGC about Daniel and it was probably one of the reasons why the man made his skin crawl and his jaw twitch. There were moments where he thought he'd developed a permanent tick.

Jack walked over to him.

He wasn't surprised when Vanlendingham offered him the cup. Before Vanlendingham could say anything to him, Jack said, "Oh, no thanks. I'm trying to cut back on my caffeine."

Jack watched Vanlendingham carefully and caught the momentary flicker of the man's eyes as he looked down to the cup with uncertainty.

Before the man could go anywhere or do anything Jack said, "You know what...Martin? You and I seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot. Sit down. Let's chat for a while."

Uncertain, Vanlendingham said, "Sure."

"So Martin? Can I call you Martin? I love fishing. Can't get enough. I have a cabin and I like to get up there as often as I can. I like to just sit there. A beer in one hand, a pole in the other. Man! That's the life. When I retired...the first time that is, I used to go up there every single week. I think I should get a dog. Do you like dogs? I love dogs; they're my favorite people. Dogs and fish, that's what life should consist of," Jack knew that he could talk forever about fishing, so he did.

As he talked Jack noticed two things: Vanlendingham seemed nervous, and he never drank the coffee.

When he couldn't think of another thing to say about fishing, dogs, and his truck, Jack said, "You know, I think I'll join you in a cup of coffee."

Jack got up and poured himself a cup as quickly as he could. He didn't even fill the cup half way.

When he'd sat down again, Vanlendingham jumped up.

"I have to use the can," Vanlendingham said quickly as he pointed towards the small alcove in the corner that had been turned into an impromptu latrine.

"I'll come with you," Jack said helpfully, "What's a bosom buddy for?"

Vanlendingham looked around nervously. Several of the others were watching closely with confused looks on their faces.

"Don't worry," Jack said with a smile. He leaned in as he said, "If you have performance issues, I promise I won't watch." Jack pulled back and took a step. "Hey, why don't you drink down your coffee and we can go over to the latrine."

Vanlendingham took a step back.

Jack took another one forward.

"What's wrong Martin, don't you want to drink your nice cup of coffee? Oh, that's right!" Jack said taking another step towards him, "You poured that cup for Daniel."

Jack looked right at the man. In a tone that left no room for question he said, "Drink it."

Vanlendingham swallowed. He looked around wildly and realized that the rest of SGs 1 and 2 were gathered around with unhappy looks on their faces. In a panicked move he threw the coffee towards the fire.

Jack turned and said, "You missed. Carter, is there enough on that floor to test for foreign substances?"

"More than enough, sir."

Jack nodded and took the cup from Vanlendingham's hand. "Test this while you're at it."

Jack turned to the frightened man and coolly said, "Someone hold this bastard for me."

He neither was surprised nor upset when Teal'c rushed up and grabbed one arm while Lou grabbed the other. Between the two men they rushed Vanlendingham back into one of the large columns in the hall with all the force they had and then they stretched him out around it. Vanlendingham's eyes bulged out of his skull. He seemed to be having a hard time breathing.

Carter stepped up with a plastic baggie. Jack dropped the cup into it and looked around. He turned to find Fraiser standing by watching the proceedings with a dark look in her eyes that made Jack's skin crawl. Damned if that woman couldn't put the fear of God into a person. Jack hoped that Vanlendingham wasn't going to need any medical help, because it would be a real damn shame if Frasier had to go near the man with anything sharp while she was that angry.

Jack walked up and searched through the man's pockets. Every time Vanlendingham tried to make a sound Teal'c 'accidentally' caught one of his fingers and bent them back until he shut up again.

"Ooh," Jack said curiously as he patted a vest pocket. "What's this?"

Jack pulled out a small vial.

"Medicine?" Jack asked.

"Nose drops," Vanlendingham murmured painfully.

"Really? Have you taken them today? Probably not, let's pour a little into you. See what it does."

The sudden look of terror as Jack held the bottle to open it made Jack stop cold.

"I don't know," Vanlendingham sobbed. "He gave it to me and said that it would make anyone who came into contact sick."

"Who?" Jack asked quickly.

"I don't know," Vanlendingham panted. "He didn't seem to like you...wanted payback. I didn't offer anything. He gave it to me and left."

"You infected me and then I infected the base?"

"No!" Vanlendingham screamed out before either Teal'c or Lou could grab one of his fingers. "I don't have a problem with you, Colonel."

"But you do against Daniel?"

"He's a fucking queer!" Vanlendingham screamed incredulously.

"Quick show of hands," Jack said, looking around. "Anyone here ever get hit on by Daniel? Cruised? Ever catch him looking too closely at anything in the lockers?"

Jack went from one shaking head to another.

Jack turned back to the man and said, "Sell me another one."

"But you saw!"

"Saw what?" Jack asked.

"Him! When we were here! He isn't a he! He hasn't even got a fucking dick!" Vanlendingham shouted.

Jack just stared back at the man.

"You were here! You saw it! I'm not making this shit up! Just walk over there and pull the sheet!"

Jack turned to Lou's men and calmly said, "Escort the prisoner to General Hammond and explain what's happened. Tell him my report on this situation with come as soon as I can write it."

As the man was handcuffed and lead towards the 'gate, Jack took great pleasure in saying, "I know you're just gonna love prison. You'll get to meet all kinds of interesting, new friends."

Jack took the vial of liquid over to Frasier.

She accepted it with gloved hands and carefully packed it away for travel.

"Sir," she said without looking up from her chore, "Don't touch anyone. I'll send nurses to decontaminate you properly. You'll probably need more shots."

All he could say was, "Oh...goodie."

"Stay as contained as possible until I return."

"Understood," he said as he watched her pack herself up.

She walked towards the 'gate. The Doctor, Vanlendingham and SG-2 were gone in a few scant minutes.

As he watched the empty space where the blue rippling water had stood only seconds ago, Jack said, "I don't suppose that anyone here happened to bring a ball or a deck of cards?"

CHAPTER 13 – STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Cistus turned from his seat and saw the man that he knew had to be King Bohonte. He was stopped at the entrance to the hall by his guards. The little doctor woman walked over to him and held Bohonte and his men for another ten minutes before allowing them entry.

The new interpreter that the otherworlders had sent through was better than the last. He, in the least, didn't disturb Cistus to the core.

Cistus already knew that the Bohonte and his men would have to be 'inoculated' before entering...those needles that the woman kept using on everyone.

After a while of watching the Hiro sleep and the Hiro's man sitting off to one side watching the Hiro sleep, Cistus heard someone walk up behind him.

"Your Highness," he heard greeted from behind, "I am King Bohonte of Siarra."

"I'm too tired," Cistus said without bothering to stand, greet the man, or to even look at him, "I'm exhausted. I'm still sick. And I'm in no mood to stand on occasion."

Cistus turned slightly, just enough to look at the man. Cistus rubbed his bleary eyes and then looked at the man again. He looked like a soldier and far more capable than Cistus had imagined.

"I hear it said," Cistus said, "that you didn't often hold with pomp."

"I don't," Bohonte responded.

"Good," Cistus said moving over. "Sit. We need to speak...alone. Thank you everyone," Cistus said looking around him. "Now, go away."

Cistus knew that his soldiers wouldn't go far, and they didn't.

"Is she dying?" Bohonte asked as he sat.

"No, he isn't. The Hiro insists that he is male and not female. He gets upset if you say otherwise."

"I see." Bohonte said non-committedly.

"The Hiro was very near death. Our efforts to reach their world finally worked. They sent medicines." Cistus nodded towards the bed ahead of them where the Hiro lay. "He is recovering slowly but steadily."

There was a moment of silence.

"I hear that you plan to marry every Vestal Virgin that you could get your hands on."

"My but good news travels quickly." Cistus watched Mell'e walking back from the makeshift toilet that had been set up in a small alcove. Delina was walking next to her protectively as the girl walked close to the wall, leaning on it occasionally for support. "As a matter of fact, I find the Vestals to be the finest examples of womanhood available. They will make excellent wives. Thank you for your congratulations on our impending nuptials."

Delina turned her head and Cistus was able to get her attention. He waved them over.

"Speaking of weddings, the Hiro put an idea in my head that I have yet to to let go of. It seems that you have a son." Cistus looked back and saw only Bohonte's large guards. "You did not bring him?"

"Not in here. The prince is still on my ship surrounded by guards."

Cistus nodded. "Good. Let him stay there until we're sure that this won't continue to spread."

Delina arrived to stand before them with Mell'e. The girl teetered a little dizzily.

Cistus held his arms out as he said, "You look unwell, girl."

"I'm better," she said sleepily as she accepted his arms and went to sit on his lap.

"She's stronger, sire," Delina said as she smoothed back the girl's hair. "Much stronger, but she still grows weary easily."

Cistus nodded and turned to Mell'e. "I was just speaking with King Bohonte about his handsome son; you met him, didn't you?"

Tired or not, Mell'e's first reaction was a deep crimson blush that went down beyond the neckline of her dress.

"Ah," Cistus said, "I see you remember him."

"He was a nice boy," Mell'e retorted quickly. "He didn't do anything."

"I didn't think he had," Cistus said gently, "I was just about to ask His Highness if he was interested in a marriage contract between you and the little prince."

Mell'e's blush deepened even more. She seemed uncertain as to what she was supposed to say. Her first words were, "You said I couldn't ever marry."

"This is pure politics. My concern for your well being has nothing to do with it."

Mell'e smiled and then leaned in and hugged him tightly. Cistus leaned into it. He could smell the days of sweat and sickness on her, but it was still the best hug he'd had in quite some time.

"Who is she?" Bohonte asked, intruding on the moment.

Cistus pulled away and brushed Mell'e's hair back, "My sister." He turned to Bohonte and then corrected himself, "half-sister. My father left me a little present when he died. I've had to keep her out of the public's eye for security reasons."

Cistus motioned for Delina. Mell'e was getting heavy and seemed to be getting sleepier.

"Go on," Cistus said, "I'll speak with you later." He turned to Bohonte and said, "When the Hiro came I decided to give her to him. He's kept her company ever since. And when your boy stayed with us, the Hiro took him as well." Cistus let out a long breath. "I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have reservations about even suggesting this, but the Hiro has yet to be wrong about anything. I trust him...if not you."

Bohonte was quiet for a short while as he stared straight ahead at the Hiro. When he finally spoke it was to say, "If you bring this matter up at the negotiations, I suppose I could assume that it would be to propose some sort of truce?"

"Peace," Cistus said definitively, "true peace. No more war. We draw clear borders and respect them."

"And...the Holy?" Bohonte asked suspiciously.

Cistus folded his hands and leaned forward. "If I told you that we didn't want it back, I'd be lying. You can't afford to lose it and we want it back. I'm not even going to pretend that I have a solution for this problem. I'm better at creating problems then unraveling them." Cistus nodded towards the bed. "When the Hiro wakes, the negotiations will start. I say, let the Hiro sort it out."

Cautiously, Bohonte said, "Finally, something we can both agree on."

~ ~ ~

Daniel awoke to find himself lying on his side. His first action after opening his eyes and finding Jack sitting on the floor against the wall by his bed was to cough so violently that mucus spewed out his mouth and nose at the same time. He laid there for a moment, not knowing what to do while the thick muck hung off his face.

As the shame began to build up, Jack stood up on his knees and wiped his face with a handkerchief. Daniel wasn't sure if he should be grateful, embarrassed, or just angry at himself as he rolled back, exhausted into his pillow.

"I hope you're up for good, Danny."

Daniel clutched at the sheets as he thought whether or not he wanted to answer. Finally, he whispered, "Yes."

"Good. I have something very important to ask you and I need your answer to be as detailed as possible."

Daniel nodded a little.

"The care packages that we sent you, how much of the stuff did you eat?"

Daniel closed his eyes and dug into the sweaty sheets trying to hide. After a few seconds, Jack reached out and pulled him back.

"Please, Danny. This is important. How much did you eat?"

"None," Daniel finally murmured.

"None? None of what? I sent you a lot of coffee. The clothes. The candy bars. I know how much you love chocolate, Daniel."

Daniel looked up from the sheets and into Jack's face.

Daniel sniffed loudly and swallowed the nasty lump in his throat. He steadied himself before he was able to speak.

"When I got that first box I practically ripped the box open and I snatched up the first candy bar that I saw."

Jack just smiled knowingly.

Daniel looked away as he had to say, "Then I felt the wetness. Everything was soaked. I knew what it was but I wanted to think that I was wrong."

The smile on Jack's face faded.

"Let's just say that a box full of piss really makes a statement."

"It wasn't us," was Jack's knee-jerk response. Then the realization hit him between the eyes, "That asshole little bastard! I can't believe...I remember being on my way to the gateroom to deliver your box when I got called into a meeting. Vanlendingham offered to deliver it for me. I was in a hurry." Then weakly, Jack said, "I let him."

Jack looked into Daniel's hurt blue eyes and clearly said, "I'd never do anything like that to you. I don't care how angry, upset, or just plain pissed I was. I'd never do that." Jack wiped his face and said, "I know that I haven't been much of a friend to you lately. But those are my issues. I'm dealing with them."

Daniel watched Jack's hurt face. "Pretend you don't know." Daniel suggested.

Jack looked up confused. "Pretend?"

"Pretend that...you didn't see what I look like...that I'm still a man."

Jack was silent.

Daniel looked away and said, "I know that it's probably very weird to deal with me now, but I'm really not any different than I was before." Daniel swallowed hard. "I gave up on hating myself a long time ago, Jack. I can't do it. This is just what I am."

Daniel noticed the strange look on Jack's face. He wasn't sure what Jack was thinking. Usually it was easy for him to tell, but not this time.

What Daniel really didn't expect him to say was, "Vanlendingham made you sick. He tried to do it again yesterday, a virus in a liquid. Frasier said it was really concentrated stuff."

Jack sat down on the floor by the bed and looked down. "Near as I can tell, it was probably in the coffee I brought you. I only turned my back on him on base for a moment." Jack picked at his shoelace. "The only reason I asked about the care packages was for containment purposes. Frasier and King Cistus seem really concerned that it might have gotten into the water supply or to the people outside the palace."

"Gadvin," Daniel said exhausted.

"What?"

"You said care packages, as in plural."

"Yeah, we sent you eight."

"I saw one," Daniel said as he struggled to sit up. "I wasn't aware that you'd sent more." Daniel looked around and smiled when he saw Gadvin no more then fifteen feet away. Daniel motioned him over and lay back down. When Gadvin came into view, Daniel asked, "Were there more packages from my people?"

Gadvin looked unhappy at the topic, "I was trying to protect you."

Daniel managed a smile. "I'd expect nothing less. Where are they?"

Gadvin looked down at Jack with distaste before admitting, "I burnt them there on the altar."

"You are a good servant, and I thank you greatly." Daniel breathed in deeply before telling him, "One of the men that was here earlier was trying to poison me."

The look in Gadvin's eyes changed. "The man that they attacked and took away?" Gadvin thought quickly and then knelt down, "Please, Hiro. Ask them to bring him back. He should be tried here-"

"Shh. No. He's a citizen of our world and will be tried there. Jack was worried that he put the disease in the packages and that they had gotten out of the temple."

"No," Gadvin insisted, "I saw to it that each was burnt the moment I saw them. The seals on them were always intact."

"Thank you," Daniel murmured, "for being my guard."

Daniel closed his heavy eyes and fell asleep.

~ ~ ~

Daniel walked into the hall to smile brightly and hold his arms out to the boy. Damat rushed up and was enveloped easily in Daniel's arms. As he held him Daniel realized that the boy had filled out since he'd last seen him. The boy felt stronger, bigger, and even taller. He was glad.

When they pulled away Daniel took a good, hard look at him.

"A foot," Daniel said apprising him. "I think you've grown an entire foot since last I saw you." Daniel looked up to Bohonte, "What have you been feeding this child?"

"Everything," Damat said quickly, "I have my appetite back. I'm always hungry!"

Daniel smiled. "Good. My General sent pastries, sweets, and all kinds of good things for this meeting."

"And, more of that drink...coffee?"

Daniel's smile widened. "Yes, of course. He knows that I can't do without it."

The two kings and their parties approached. Damat walked away and stood by his father.

Daniel stood formerly and stated, "General Hammond wanted to formerly send his apologies. But these negotiations were pushed forward and he cannot join us for a few days. He said that he will to arrive as soon as the diplomatic envoy of our world is ready for travel."

"Are you able to speak for your people?" Bohonte asked as he took a seat.

"Yes, your Highnesses, I am able to speak for my people. The General trusts my judgment in these matters. I have all the information that I need to act on my world's behalf."

From there all of the representatives of the respective nations sat down at the table and the hearty discussions that could only happen during that kind of a negotiation began to take shape. To Daniel's shock most of the decisions had already been made. It was made known to Daniel during deliberations that Bohonte and Cistus had been meeting while he had been recovering. Only the details needed to be ironed out.

The war between Siarra and Kasante was all but finished. The signing of the marriage contract between Mell'e and Damat was a simple matter, but before that could take place both kings were adamant that the issue of the Holy needed to be settled. And neither ruler was willing to discuss the finalization of a contract until the matter was settled.

Daniel just looked incredulously at both men sitting on either side of the table. They even managed to glare at each other. Daniel just wanted to laugh at them but kept it inside.

"What is the Holy? No one has ever explained that to me."

Cistus said, "The Holy is our most sacred relic."

"A part of heaven left for us by our gods." Bohonte added.

Daniel thought about it for a moment and then asked, "Is it big, little, something that a man can carry?"

"Far too large for anything like that, Hiro." Bohonte said.

Cistus cut in, "Over the centuries Kasante's priests have overseen its protection. After the temple was inadvertently attacked by a mob several hundred years ago, it was decided that the Holy needed to be protected further. A small shrine made of solid gold was built to protect it. To touch the Holy is to tempt death. To touch the shrine is to be given blessings."

Cistus' voice trailed away.

Bohonte took up the telling. "There are rings on the Holy's shrine to thread long wooden poles through. It can be moved like that. If needed, a group of ten men can move it at least a mile in less than an hour."

Daniel nodded understanding, "That's how it was captured."

"Stolen," Cistus corrected.

"No," Daniel said quickly before anyone could respond, or add to the statement, "we aren't here for that. Tell me more about the object itself."

And they went around and around with it.

Kasante would insist that, "We demand the Holy back!"

And Siarra would insist that, "Never!"

And Daniel would be caught in the middle.

Daniel was actually more than glad when Jack walked into the room and shouted, "Doughnuts! Who wants a hot doughnut! Mmm, sugar!"

"Thank God," Daniel mumbled. "May I suggest that we take a break?" Daniel said a second before pushing away from the table and walking over to Jack.

When Jack turned to him Daniel quickly said, "Just please tell me that you have something chocolate, iced in chocolate...preferably with chocolate shavings all over.

Jack picked up a paper box and opened it as he said, "Will a thick slice of double chocolate fudge layered with chocolate ganosh and a side of hot caramel sauce do?"

Daniel looked down half-dazed. He opened his mouth but Jack beat him to it when he said, "Don't worry." Jack held up a Starbuck's cup. "I remembered, and I haven't let it out of my sight for a second."

Daniel took it happily.

"Why don't you sit before you fall?"

"Do I look that tired?"

"Yes."

Daniel found a couch and fell back into it. He brought his cup up to his nose and smelled the scent of fresh hot coffee before taking the first sip.

"You heated this up in a microwave."

"It's a long way from the store to the base. Are you complaining?"

"No, just conversation."

Jack sliced the cake quickly and poured a generous amount of the sauce onto the cake. He put the plate and a fork in Daniel's hands before sitting down next to him with a doughnut of his own.

"So," Jack said studying the doughnut, "what's up with the kids?"

"They're driving me nuts."

Jack found the perfect place to sink his teeth in. He bit off half the doughnut and chewed thoughtfully.

Daniel continued to say, "They're like two dogs with only one bone. They both want this artifact and they're willing to kill each other, and anyone else who gets in the way, to do it."

Jack swallowed and then said, "Yeah, same old story every time. If you can't break the bone in half-"

"No. Not possible."

Jack shrugged, "Well then you have to take it away from the both of them."

Jack then happily tossed the remaining piece of doughnut into his mouth.

Daniel watched Jack chew. "You know what? I think that might actually work."

As he contemplated his next move, Daniel picked up his fork and dug into the soft, moist, dark cake.

~ ~ ~

"You can't be serious?" Bohonte said, breaking the stunned silence that descended over everyone after Daniel had finished speaking.

"Oh, I'm quite serious. This is a reasonable and equitable resolution to this problem. You've both asked for my solution. And quite frankly, I don't think that either of you deserves to hold the Holy. To my understanding, based on what you yourselves have told me, the Holy belongs to all people. It belongs to no one person, and therefore no one nation."

"But to give it up? Bohonte said.

Daniel took the liberty of repeating himself. "Over a period of fifty years. That should be more than enough time for your nation to establish its identity. Without war to impede and harm your people's progress, you should be able to do great things."

Daniel turned toward Cistus, "And in return, Kasante will rebuild the city of Dehanija and at its highest place build a temple to house the Holy. The Palace Guards are the finest warriors on this planet. It's been my honor to realize this first hand. I think that it should be Palace Guards that stand guard over the Holy, preferably...those of the line of Adivus."

"Hiro?" Peditis said shocked.

"I'm sorry Peditis. I know that you'd rather be left out of this completely, but truth be known, you know the Palace Guard training better than they do. Your cousins know it too."

Peditis looked down as he admitted, "And the babies."

"They practice everyday, I've seen them. I can imagine no better warrior. Committed to an ideal, bound by tradition, with a father like that," Daniel said nodded toward Gadvin, "how could they turn out to be anything less than what's needed?"

Cistus was quiet for a moment as he thought. Then he turned to Peditis and said, "I won't agree to this point if you don't agree."

Peditis smiled at Cistus and then turned to Gadvin, "Did you decide if you wanted to marry my cousins?"

"Yes, quickly. But the Hiro became ill; there was no point in mentioning."

"Does that mean, yes?"

Gadvin smiled and nodded.

"Then as their husband, what do you say?"

"I say that if it will be the duty of my linage to guard that temple, that no one, Siarran or Kanatian may approach armed, or they will be killed."

Daniel stood and said, "Swear it to me on your sword, to protect it from enemies, foreign and domestic. Swear it for you and for all those that will follow you."

That Gadvin didn't hesitate to fall on his knees and swear on his sword didn't shock Daniel. Daniel knew that a blood oath didn't come easy to anyone, to this man in particular, but it did under these circumstances. As Gadvin rose, Daniel knew that the matter settled and peace was now possible.

CHAPTER 14 – OTHERS HAVE STARTED ON LESS

Daniel stepped through the Stargate still dressed in his Grecian Hiro attire. It was a dress that Mell'e had picked out specifically for the betrothal and wedding. Daniel had hated every stinking, full-skirt dress that he'd had to wear while he'd been a guest of Kasante, but some small romantic part of him was actually going to miss this one.

He strolled down the 'gateroom's ramp happy as a lark. General Hammond walked into the room quickly with a worried look on his face. Daniel wasn't surprised; they weren't scheduled to return for several more days...until the negotiations were over.

"What the hell happened?" were Hammond's first words.

Daniel curtsied in the way that he'd been taught when presenting himself before the king. As he rose gracefully, he said, "It is my duty to inform General Hammond that I have officially been made liaison between the planet Earth and Siarra; and as Hiro of the Kasante nation, it is my duty to state that the negotiations are over and have been for well over an hour."

The General didn't look as if he believed Daniel as he said, "The negotiations only started this morning?"

"It was the doughnuts," Jack said helpfully, "sir."

Daniel leaned over towards Jack and said, "Coffee, don't forget the coffee, Jack."

"Yeah," Jack agreed, "the coffee was a real big hit too. Those people really love the java."

"I see," the General said as non-committal as possible. He'd seen the two-man act that these two could put on before; there was no sense in drawing it out.

Daniel selected the first sealed document in his hands and presented it to the General. "From both nations, a copy of the peace accord ending the fifty years of war...officially."

Daniel pulled out a second document and presented it to the General. "From both nations, a copy of a marriage contract betrothing Prince Damat of Siarra to Princess Mell'e of Kasante."

Daniel selected the next document and presented it to the General as he said, "From Kasante, a negotiated treaty for passage through their stargate, city, and across their waters for as long as we wish. They agreed on our terms and expect the first of many payments at the end of this month. Please make sure to note that we're on their calendar, not ours."

Then Daniel presented the slack-jawed General with the last document, "And from Siarra, the mining rights. In the end they opted for help in developing their society and infrastructure. They have a great deal of social problems to deal with. Fifty years of war has made them dependent on piracy to feed their population. If they can no longer do that they're going to be in real trouble, real soon."

Hammond nodded dumbly. "I'll take care of it."

~ ~ ~

Due to the daily reports that Daniel had sent through, the debriefing went rather quickly. The plan that Daniel and the royals had sketched out over the negotiation table was reviewed and Earth's place in that plan was confirmed again. Overall, Hammond was quite pleased and more than happy to report back to his higher-ups over the negotiated outcome, and the forecasts for the new naquadah mines that would soon be established.

Jack and Daniel were soon on their way to the locker rooms.

Daniel was soon standing in front of his locker. He leaned his forehead against the cool metal and felt a smile take him.

"You know," Jack said dryly, "you have to actually open the locker, the clothes won't absorb onto you."

Daniel looked up and said, "Really? Wow, Jack. Ten years of higher education and no one ever covered that topic like you just did!"

"Hey," Jack said taking off his black tee shirt, "that's why I'm a leader. I'm here to help my people."

Jack striped quickly while Daniel took his time removing the stiff dress and folding all the little parts that came off.

"Carter coming for that?" Jack said as he kicked off his pants.

"Yeah," Daniel said, unwinding a long wrapped cloth from around his waist, "she said she'd keep it in her office." Then Daniel murmered, "No way I'm taking this home."

"What's the matter, Danny? Afraid your next overnight guest might think that you've got hobbies?"

"No," Daniel said simply, "and you shouldn't either. How about if you take it-"

"Hell, no!" Jack said wrapping a towel around his waist. As he turned heading for the showers Daniel heard him mumble, "Looks better on you anyway."

Daniel tried not to react to the statement. He wasn't sure about it to begin with and there were others in the lockers. He pulled off the bodice and folded it neatly placing it on the bench. He reached back for the skirt and unbuttoned it. He stepped out of it carefully so that bell shaped thing stood upright like some mocking testimony to what he'd had to endure over the past few months.

Lou walked in and saw Daniel standing there in his wrapped linen diaper like underwear and then looked at the standing skirt.

"That," Lou said pointing, "looks painful."

"Try wearing it," Daniel said in disgust before rummaging through his locker for underpants.

He found a pair of well-worn, all cotton, men's briefs in his locker and felt the smile flood his face.

"You don't usually see that kind of reaction to drawers."

"Lou," Daniel said shaking his head, "you just don't understand. And I pride myself on being able to acclimatize into any society that I get my ass dropped into, but the three and a half months of this last one was just a touch much."

Daniel turned to his locker and carefully went over his own personal locker room guidelines. The ones that he'd lived by and had survived by.

Attitude.

I have every right to be here.

Penis-equipped or not, I am male. I belong.

As he began to sort through his clothes, a ritual that he always went through for stalling and preparation purposes, he scanned the room out of the corner of his eye. Daniel kept a blank facial expression as he went through the usual process and never looked at any one person too long. The fundamentals of heterosexual male locker room etiquette stated quite clearly that checking out other guys in the lockers was wrong. He knew that more than a few people on base would be curious about him after what he was sure had been said about him. He gave himself permission - if it became too much pressure or if he lacked the nerve this time - to simply pick up his garments and dress in a bathroom stall.

After all, he didn't have a towel on around his waist; keeping his towel on while dressing was a key factor for dressing successfully.

Positioning was always critical. And in the immediate vicinity next to him there was no one. Jack was usually his favorite locker mate. He was perfect in so many ways, primarily in that he never looked. He was pretty sure that it wasn't because he didn't want to get caught looking. Daniel just knew that Jack was very comfortable with himself. Jack wasn't the kind of guy that needed to make comparisons, for any reason.

Daniel knew that straight guys weren't supposed to but he knew more than anyone that every guy does. While standing around vulnerable and naked in a crowded shower or locker no one wants to get checked out...or worse get caught looking. Even if it's just making comparisons, getting caught was akin to getting caught checking someone out, whether you were doing it or not. And in a homophobic military environment that was the last thing you wanted.

With his immediate area safe Daniel loosened the linen cloth around his waist and quickly stepped into his regular underwear. Though cotton, it went on like silk. He pulled his pants out and stepped into them happily.

Without a shout or a scream roaring up around him, every passing second eased his nerves. Then a long whistle sliced right through that serenity.

Daniel's head snapped up. He turned to find Lou sitting on the bench behind him smiling as he chewed on his gum.

"You look real happy there, Daniel."

Daniel shook his head as he felt a blush, "No. You don't get to do anything like that to me while I'm half-naked. Thank you. I've had enough traumas to last me a lifetime."

Jack came in from his shower soon enough. They finished dressing together. Daniel felt an odd sort of comfort in the routine nature of it. The silence between them wasn't broken until Jack had his pants on.

"O'Malley's," Jack said as he reached for his shirt.

"No way," Daniel said as he brushed his hair back off his face, "they'll never let us back in there. Not after that fight...all the property damage."

"The Air Force covered us."

Daniel put his brush in his locker as he said, "And O'Mally himself told us never to go near his restaurant again...ever. Remember that lovely screaming fit? He said he'd have us arrested on sight."

"Yeah, well. Let's just say that I've been working on it. O'Mally and I both frequent the same church. Father Callahan has been softening him up for me. You know what the bible says about forgiving 'n stuff. Let's just say that I bought a whole lot of lottery tickets that the good Father couldn't move."

"You bribbed a priest?" Daniel said, trying to supress a chuckle.

"Bribe is such an ugly word. All I did was get around a few barriers."

"So you bribed a priest."

Jack put his jacket on as he said, "Why do you have to concentrate on the negative? Are you complaining?"

After a moment Daniel decided. "No. Let's go. I'll buy."

"Yeah, you will buy. I spent most of my paycheck on lottery tickets."

~ ~ ~

Daniel wasn't shocked when O'Mally's shouted at them, "I'm keeping a stern eye on you, O'Neill."

Heads turned, patrons stared, but they managed to get in. And Jack didn't even retort the statement. That shocked Daniel a bit. But at least they got a table.

They got their menus and stared at them until the waitress arrived. Their orders were taken. Daniel asked for wine. Jack asked for beer. They both asked for ketchup on the table at the same time and then smiled at each other.

It was when the waitress left that things got awkward.

Daniel picked at the table cloth as they both sat silently.

"I guess this is the part where we talk," Jack said, sounding a bit unsure of himself.

Daniel picked at a crusty spot on the table cloth where something had spilled and dried in place. "We don't have to."

There was a moment of quiet.

Jack let out a breath and finally said, "Yeah, we do."

Daniel looked up to find the unhappy look on Jack's face. Daniel didn't like the look at all, but he said nothing.

"I need to know why that happened and why I had to take that vow."

Daniel swallowed. "They don't trust our military."

"Well, there are parts that I don't trust either. But why-"

"Because they were afraid that someone would try to hurt me again. This way, I guess they figure, that there's someone looking out for me."

Jack stared into Daniel's eyes. "I'm always looking out for you."

Daniel looked away. "Maybe you just answered your own questions." Daniel pulled his napkin out from under his silverware and placed it in his lap just to be doing something with his hands. As he watched his folded hands in his lap he finally said, "I didn't know that they were going to request what they did. Cistus and Bohonte were meeting while I was recovering and they'd already discussed a lot of issues between them. By the time I stepped in, it was just a matter of smoothing out the edges of the agreements."

"Daniel," Jack asked tensely, "what did you tell them about us?"

Daniel looked up and met Jack's eyes again. "Nothing. The less I said, the more they jumped to their own conclusions."

"Then why didn't you correct those conclusions?"

"Jack," Daniel said patiently, "Greek society was highly accepting of homosexuality. It was something that was a part of their everyday existence. Peditis and Cistus weren't an oddity. That the king might have one or many male lovers was not something to be ashamed of or to keep a secret."

"But-"

"When they saw us and the tension between us they thought that it was unrequited love. I was, of course, madly in love with the seasoned warrior who spurned my love. This is why I was willing to come to your rescue even though you attacked me in front of everyone afterward. You left me there, but came back to see me." Daniel looked back down at his hands. "You upset me each time you came. Because, of course, I'm so in love with you that even seeing you for a few minutes shakes me completely."

Daniel swallowed hard and then said, "Their Holy days are coming. The Hiro plays a big role. They need me there. They wanted me back."

Daniel chewed on his lip for a moment. He looked up at Jack and leaned in. "I'm really very sorry. I know it must have been embarrassing for you."

It was Jack's turn to be quiet.

"Getting knighted was cool," Jack finally admitted. "A two-fer. Though I think that King Bohonte knew how to handle that sword better than Cistus. He almost clipped me."

When Daniel didn't laugh, Jack admitted, "Okay, bad joke." Before Daniel could respond the waitress arrived with a basket of warm bread covered with a linen napkin.

"I'll be right back with your drinks," she said enthusiastically.

The awkwardness was back. They sat in it for a good long while, each waiting for the other to speak first.

A big mug of beer was placed on the table in front of Jack. Jack had enough presence of mind to murmer a thank you. Daniel gratefully accepted his wine and drank half down in one gulp.

As the waitress put the ketchup on the table, she asked, "Would you like another?"

Daniel jerked a nod and then finished his wine. The waitress left again.

Jack watched the wait staff move back and forth across the restaurant for a few good long moments before he found the nerve to say, "Please explain the rest to me."

"What's to explain?"

Jack looked at Daniel, incredulously at his statement.

Daniel shrugged. "Look at their society. What's the best way to seal a deal, and to make sure that you do what they expect you to do?"

Daniel heard a deep "Mmm" come from Jack's throat which sounded a bit more like a growl than he would have liked.

Another glass was placed quietly on the table. The waitress had enough sense to pick up on the bad vibe at the table to go away without trying to speak to them again.

Jack picked up his beer and drank.

He put the mug down and fingered the cold surface thoughtfully. The only thing that came to his mind to contribute to what had been said far was, "I'm glad you didn't bring a copy of our contract. That would have been difficult to explain."

Jack looked up at Daniel.

Daniel's head was bent, he looked like he was busy memorizing the look of the wine in his glass.

When he spoke Daniel added an unenthusiastic, "Yeah."

"So what are we supposed to do now?" Jack asked the top of Daniel head.

Daniel looked up questioning.

"You know what I mean. We can't tell anyone what happened. What do we-"

"Pretend it didn't happen," Daniel said easily. "When I have to go back to the planet I'll quietly tell whatever staff I take and ask them to..."

Daniel wasn't sure how to end that statement.

"Lie," Jack said for Daniel. "Lie a whole lot to our nice new friends. Tell them that we're happy as pie. That our marriage may have started out a little rocky but that we're a regular Ozzie and Harriet now."

Daniel lowered his eyes as Jack kept speaking.

"They want to hear that we love each other so much that we appreciate that they forced us to publicly state it and then sign a marriage contract before they would even consider signing the mining contracts that we were after. Because what they did wasn't extortion at all."

Weakly, Daniel said, "They just wanted to help."

"Some help," Jack said as he picked his beer mug up and drank deeply.

Daniel licked his lips. "I seem to recall, Colonel, that you've done several bonehead things in your time too. All in the name of helping someone out."

"Daniel, you know damn well that for a friend-"

"I'm more than a friend," Daniel hissed, "to them I'm...everything."

Jack swallowed his next comment and just sat staring at the table cloth.

"I'm not hungry anymore," Daniel finally addmtted quietly.

Jack looked up and found Daniel holding his head in his hands.

"I'm sorry," Daniel said quietly.

"S'okay," Jack said. "We'll take it to go." Jack looked around. "I don't think this is the right place for this anyway."

Jack caught the waitress's attention and got their orders to go.

They were in the truck with their order in ten minutes and somehow managed it without uttering another word to one another. Jack started the truck and drove out of the parking lot.

"We're going to your place," Jack murmered to a very still looking Daniel. "It's closer."

CHAPTER 15 – I DON'T DO I DO...DO YOU?

Jack opened the refrigerator and found a six pack of his favorite beer on the top shelf. He smiled. He knew Daniel didn't care much for beer, but always had it around for him. Over the past months Jack had spent more and more time at Daniel's place as he contemplated the universe than he ever could have realized when he first walked in telling himself that he was just going to check on the fish. He'd gone through the beer that had been there and then replaced it with every visit. He'd cleaned up, kept it dust free so Daniel's allergies wouldn't act up when he returned. He even bothered to feed the fish. Daniel hadn't mentioned anything; and Jack wasn't ready to admit any of it. He knew he wouldn't. This was something he couldn't explain to himself let alone explain to someone else.

He slipped a long neck out of the carton and pulled out an unopened bottle of wine from a shelf.

He stopped at the counter to carefully open the wine bottle. His greatest fear while inserting the corkscrew was still pulling too hard and watching the cork crumble into the bottle, the way it had the first time he'd opened one for Daniel. He still wasn't sure why opening a bottle of wine for Daniel would cause him so much tension; it wasn't like he'd never successfully opened a bottle before!

He opened a drawer and pulled out silverware and a wine glass before heading back.

Daniel had already pulled their take out containers, opened them, and handed out napkins.

Jack poured Daniel a glass of wine.

He set the bottle down and then twisted the cap on his bottle. As he held the bottle Jack thought about making a toast to their marriage for about half a second. Then the bad taste of the lame joke reached even him, and it died on his lips.

"Thanks," Daniel said.

"What for?" Jack said taking a sip of his beer.

"For not saying what you were about to say."

Jack choked and felt the beer head down the wrong way. He pulled a napkin up to his lips and coughed. Daniel patted his back until it passed.

Jack looked at Daniel. He probably shouldn't have been surprised, but he was.

He let it go and picked up his knife and fork in lieu of some normalcy.

Jack cut a piece of his meat and then drowned it in gravy. He smelled it. Perfect and still hot. He put it in his mouth and began chewing happily.

Then Daniel said, "You didn't want me around anymore."

Despite the lack of context, Jack knew exactly what Daniel was talking about. Jack stopped chewing. The steak turned into sawdust in his mouth.

Quietly, Daniel added, "I had to leave."

Jack wanted to spit the half-chewed steak out, but found that he couldn't.

Daniel continued, "Then you found out about me, and I thought you hated me. There wasn't anything to come back to."

Jack forced himself to chew and swallow mechanically. Once the offending wad was out of his mouth, Jack stood up and walked away. It was a few steps towards the front door that he realized he was running away...again. He realized that of all the terrible things that he could do to Daniel that was the worst.

Jack scrubbed his fingers through his scalp roughly. He stood there for a moment, wondering how to say what he had to say. He wasn't sure. He didn't know. He couldn't start to figure it out.

Blindly, he said, "I was really, really angry."

"I know, Jack," Daniel whispered, "and I'm so sorry that happened to you."

Jack shut his eyes tightly, "I was angry at me." He breathed in deep and said, "None of it is your fault, Danny. I believe you when you said that I asked you to take care of me." Jack turned and looked at Daniel. He was hunched over and looking down at the food in front of him. "If I got sick right now, you're the first person, the only person, that I'd trust to take care of me. I love Frasier; but she sometimes scares the hell out of me. Teal'c is great but I'm not comfortable with him watching me be weak. And Carter's one of my men, even if that's not there, I need her to see me as more than a man. That's what commanding officers need to be."

Daniel nodded but said nothing.

"Put yourself in my place!" Jack said more forcefully than he'd meant to. "You wake up and you realize that you're about as useful as a second-hand condom! And your best friend is changing your diapers, constantly checking your diapers, rubbing cream and powdering your ass every ten minutes!"

Mournfully, Daniel whispered, "Sorry."

Just as dejected Jack added, "And you're enjoying every minute of the attention." Jack found a spot on the floor to stare at. "You can't keep the constant erections down. It takes every ounce of will to keep from embarrassing yourself. It gets so bad that you start praying that someone - anyone - will stick their hand down your diaper and lend you a hand because you haven't got the dexterity."

Jack shrugged. "No one does. So your only hope to get a minute alone so you can whack off is to get better. Even though you enjoy it when someone rubs you down and cleans you." Jack ran his hand through his hair again as he demanded, "How fucked up is that?"

Jack leaned in against the wall and concentrated hard on breathing in deeply. He heard Daniel push his chair back across the floor. Jack swallowed and tried to get some control over himself so he could leave with some dignity in tact. He knew he'd transfer out of the SGC as soon as he could before putting another retirement request through.

He never expected Daniel's arms to encircle his waist. Jack felt an unreasonable fear well up in him as he felt those strong arms hold him. He felt the sobs well up and out of his mouth and the tears pour down his face. Then he felt Daniel's face leaned in against his back. And for the first time in his life, Jack realized just how much he'd been missing.

As they stood together, their upper bodies touching, Jack stared at the wall. He felt a need to apologize to Daniel for making an ass out of himself. Then he wanted to excuse himself.

He was trying to think of the best way to do just that when he felt Daniel's hand moving. Jack looked down and found that Daniel had unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and was slowly wandering down the skin of his belly. When he felt Daniel's fingers slowly and methodically graze through his pubic hair Jack closed his eyes. One of Jack's hands remained on the wall; the other went down instinctively to the gentle touches that were enveloping his groin.

Jack moaned out as Daniel grabbed him and began to caress the head of his penis. Jack felt his hand enclose Daniel's through the layers of fabric as he matched Daniel's movements.

"Jack," Daniel said huskily, "I don't want dinner anymore."

Daniel began to pull away. Jack grabbed at his hand, keeping it where it was. Instead of pulling out Daniel gave a gentle tug. Jack obeyed quickly, turning and taking a step towards Daniel and right into a kiss.

The kiss deepened quickly as Jack's need grew. Daniel didn't play fair. As he kissed Jack, sinking in deeper into the yielding lips, he continued his rhythm on the head of Jack's weeping penis. The sudden moisture helped as Daniel tried hard to synchronize his actions. When Jack's hips bucked against him and he heard a deep moan emanate from Jack's throat, Daniel pulled away.

Daniel looked up into Jack's eyes and suggested, "Honeymoon?"

Jack didn't say anything.

Afraid that it might have been too much, too soon, Daniel added, "We'll do as much or as little as you want." Daniel leaned in closer as he said, "In the least I can finish you off."

Jack couldn't find his voice with Daniel's hand in his pants. Despite the loss he pulled at Daniel's hand. He felt another shudder when Daniel momentarily held tighter and the sensation went straight through his center and up his spine.

Daniel's face was buried in his chest; Jack pushed him away and looked into Daniel's eyes.

Jack shook his head, "I don't want a helping hand anymore, Danny. When I was in that bed, I'd have killed anyone for it, but not now. If I take you into your bedroom, I want sex. Hard, long, dirty, sex."

Daniel looked up, surprised.

"I don't know...I mean..."

"I'm fully functional, Jack. As a guy...I'm just not big enough to do some stuff. I can do the girl part...to an extent."

"Have you ever?"

Daniel looked away. "I've never been with a man. I've had offers, but how do you tell a guy that you don't have the equipment they expect?"

Jack licked his suddenly dry lips. "Are you sure?"

Daniel nodded. "I can take you."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"We'll have to go slow." Daniel leaned back into Jack. "It might be a good idea if we start off with something familiar like masturbation first, just so we can learn a little more about each other's bodies. Mine's a little different. And you look like you need to blow a little steam."

Jack smirked, "A little?"

Daniel grabbed a fistful of Jack's shirt and pulled as he walked back.

Nervously, Jack said, "You know, sometimes I get a little carried away, a little rough."

"I'll let you know," Daniel replied.

At the threshold of Daniel's bedroom Jack held his hands out and grabbed hold of the wood. Daniel let him go and walked towards his bed as he stripped. Jack watched him hungrily. He knew once he stepped inside the room there would be no turning back, no way to undo it.

Daniel's shirt fell to the floor. Jack watched the smooth, strong back as the well-worked muscles glided under the flawless skin. A slight sheen of sweat glistened delicately under the soft lights. He watched, captivated by the play of light across the younger man's body, as if it was the first time he'd ever seen it before. Why hadn't he ever noticed Daniel before?

"Are you coming in or not?"

Daniel's voice roused him from his musings. Jack realized with embarrassment that he had yet to walk inside the room. He knew he was gaping like a peeping-Tom but it was a nice view.

Jack made the choice.

He walked inside and closed the door. Jack began unbuttoning his clothes as he turned and walked in farther. Daniel was standing by his bed naked. Daniel's clothes were in a pile by his feet.

Jack noticed that Daniel didn't turn around and merely stood stiffly as if he was waiting for something terrible to happen. Jack removed his shirt and let it fall to the ground as he walked up.

He leaned into Daniel's ear and said to him, "Lie down."

Jack watched Daniel obey as he kicked off his shoes, and then toed off his socks as he pulled off his pants. Jack found it immensely satisfying to have Daniel watch him finish stripping. Jack climbed into bed and under the covers where Daniel was hiding.

Jack slid his body in next to Daniel's and watched the other man shudder. Jack pulled the sheets down off their torsos. Daniel went still.

"We can do this under the sheets," Daniel said.

"They get in my way," Jack replied.

"But-"

"How am I supposed to give you head like that? I'm old, Danny. I need light to see what I'm doing."

Daniel paled.

"Did you really think that I'd use you up without giving you anything in return? I'm a pretty selfish bastard most of the time, but I'd like to think that I'm not that bad."

Daniel seemed at a loss for words.

Jack pressed himself against Daniel and rolled him onto his back. Jack went in for another kiss. He slipped his tongue inside of Daniel's mouth and explored him carefully as he enjoyed the taste and feel.

He let his hands wander down slowly. It was different. Not just from a woman, Daniel's body was different from his own. Unscarred, smooth, and virtually hairless; the hard body beneath him welcomed him openly. Jack mapped out Daniel's chest by touch as he memorized the feel of Daniel's sweet mouth against his.

Jack pulled away and looked down at his Daniel lying on his back. His breath came hard. His lips were slighly swollen and pinkish.

Jack couldn't help the smile. Whatever fight was there before to argue with him was clearly gone. Jack leaned in and kissed Daniel's forehead once and then kissed Daniel's chin. The stubbled feel of his skin there made an interesting contrast to the rest of him. Jack went down farther and kissed Daniel's chest.

Jack kicked the sheets away and gently smoothed Daniel's stomach. He could feel the tension in Daniel's body and he didn't want to make him more frightened than he probably already was. As he touched it Jack realized that all that working out had more than done the trick. Daniel's abs were firm and tight. The young man had filled out beautifullly.

Jack leaned in and kissed Daniel's stomach, carefully rubbing his face across its planes.

He felt Daniel's hands come down and touch his shoulders. "You know you don't have to. I don't mind." Jack looked up to find Daniel swallowing hard. "I was kind of looking forward to you using me up."

"Don't worry," Jack said, "I will."

Jack pushed Daniel's knees apart while still staring into Daniel's eyes.

"I am curious," Jack admitted. "I know what a man looks like. And believe me, I do think of you as a man; I like the idea of fucking you as a man. But I'm used to women. And I'm curious as to how close you come."

Jack looked down slowly. He allowed his eyes to linger. His first impression was that Daniel looked like a child. His testicles were extremely undersized for a man his age, and his penis was smaller than his thumb. Jack ran the back of his hand down along Daniel's genitals.

Daniel had mentioned that he had a vagaina and labia. Jack found them easily. They looked like he thought they were supposed to on a woman. With his thighs splayed open Daniel's penis looked a great deal more like an enormous extended clitoris. Hot, ready, and waiting just for him; and the thought made Jack's mouth water.

He dipped his tounge inside, tasting Daniel on his tongue. Musky, deep, and rich; it was a unique taste that instantly reminded Jack of the contentment that he always sought out at his fishing pond. He delved his tongue back inside, tasting, teasting.

He opened Daniel up and attacked with everything that he had. He knew this dance. He was good at this; very good. He lent his expertise to the situaiton and allowed himself to enjoy it all.

Usually, Jack liked to bring a woman to orgasm a few times before actually entering her, but he wasn't sure just what kind of recovery time Daniel had. As Daniel's hips began to buck off the bed harshly, Jack pulled away. He decided not to chance it. He rubbed Daniel's stomach and kissed the inside of his thighs until he felt that it was safe enough to go back down.

It was the taste that drew him. Jack tried hard to define the taste, the sensation that it created in him. Contentment, relaxation, happiness...none of them were right, but the word 'home' came very close. The word 'mine' came even closer. Especially as Daniel clawed at him and pushed his head down farther.

Jack pulled away again, this time Daniel moaned out loudly as he pawed at Jack. Jack pushed his hands away and climbed his way up Daniel's body. He knew his way. It was all instinct. He met Daniel's lips as he entered him in one clean move. He didn't feel a barrier between them, but he did feel Daniel tense up at the sudden intrustion. A soft moan escaped his lover's lips and Jack kissed deeply and powerfully, exploring every depth and nuance as he went. It seemed that they met there forever.

He felt as if he was wrapped in love and held by eternity. Jack let go of Daniel's lips and looked down into his face. Daniel's eyes were so dilated that they seemed to be completely black.

Jack began to move against his lover slowly, steadily. Jack heard moaning, deep painful moaning and he realized that it was was coming from his own throat. With every push inside, those slick muscles contracted around him pulling him in deeper and deeper until he couldn't think straight. Soon he stopped thinking and let his body do what it was best at.

As he heard and felt Daniel reacting to his ministrations, Jack slowed himself down. He concentrated hard on extending his time; age and experience did have their advantages, and Jack wanted every advantage that he could get.

Daniel's frenzy increased. Jack heard him moan louder until finally he was crying out Jack's name. Daniel was bucking his hips up greedily as his knees and arms pinned Jack fiercely to him.

Jack thrust in deeply once more and felt Daniel's oragasm. He stopped just long enough to watch it, hear it, and feel it. He realized that Daniel really was fully functional as he felt Daniel's semen bathe his stomach.

Jack kissed Daniel's slightly parted lips. He smiled and then finished inside his love.

~ ~ ~

Daniel woke up alone in bed. His first response was an intense longing as the pain filled him. Then he sat up high enough to see the note lying on Jack's pillow.

Daniel snatched it up and read:

Daniel smiled and then lay back down. As he became more aware, he realized that he was sore between his legs. He could smell the sweat on his body and feel the dried semen on his skin. Though he enjoyed still being able to smell Jack on him, he wanted to be ready when Jack got back.

Reluctantly, he got up. First, he changed the sheets; hopefully, for later. Then he walked into the bathroom. He went through his usual routine of shaving and brushing his teeth before stepping into the shower.

Daniel turned the hot water tap on all the way and let the steamy water wash down his body. He couldn't help the big smile on his face. He felt better than fine; he was wonderful.

He grabbed a scrubby and his favorite body wash. He washed himself and he mindlessly began humming as the water lulled away any tension that he might have had left in him. The delicious scent of the soap filled the steamy air. Daniel stepped into the hot stream of water and allowed the water to sluce down his body. He'd never felt more relaxed than at that moment. He had to smile.

He knew. He just knew. Daniel opened his eyes and saw a bleary reflection on the wet tile in front of him.

"What took you so long?" Daniel asked the wall.

"Traffic," came the reply.

Daniel felt two caloused hands reach out and massage his buttocks.

Daniel turned just enough to see Jack's face.

"You got one cherry, time for the other?"

Jack looked up and smirked. "Daniel," he said in mock shock, "such language?"

Jack pulled him back and into his arms. Daniel reached up and kissed Jack hungrily. He stepped up as close as he could to Jack's body. Jack was moving him, adjusting him. Daniel followed his cues. Jack's thigh was soon between Daniel's legs and Jack was leaning him forward as Jack leaned back against the wall.

Daniel opened his eyes when he heard something snap open. He soon melted back into the kissing. Then he felt Jack's slick finger enter him. It felt strange for a moment and then he settled onto it. He was already excited. He felt the blood pumping in his veins, the familiar heat settling down low in his belly, and the unmistakble need to be touched.

Jack fullfilled the role perfectly. As Daniel discovered the innumerable joys of grinding against Jack's hairy thigh he felt Jack's fingers explore deeper inside of him as he loosened the way.

Daniel grabbed hold of Jack and even stood on the tips of his toes as that first strike of lightening shot up his body. It was all that he could do to keep breathing.

"Found it." Jack said trumphantly. "Let's see what kind of noise you can make."

Daniel leaned in and held on to Jack for dear life. It wasn't long before Jack's buried fingers were making him claw at the tiled wall. He panted heavily. He found out quickly that he liked having a man's fingers inside of him. Jack's fingers. They seemed huge as they stretched him, played with him, and made him want more. Every sensation was driving him insane. With every stroke inside his body Daniel couldn't help the bucking of his hips. He'd cried out and begged. With every sound, Jack seemed to want more from him. Daniel rubbed harder against Jack and a few moments later found himself lost in his own mind.

The sound of the taps being turned off brought him back to awareness. His skin felt cold. He was resting against Jack's chest. He felt a mixture of tension and exhilaration. The relaxation that had been there was gone. Daniel felt as tight as a bow string and ready to go off...he wanted more.

He looked up into Jack's all too satisfied face. "I should have tried this years ago. Shuts you up pretty good."

Daniel opened his mouth to speak. The retort changed in mid-sentence from 'Fuck you' to "Fuck me."

"If you insist." Jack said pulling Daniel closer. "Bed. Now."

Simple and direct. Directions Daniel thought he could follow. His legs weren't cooperating, but he wanted to follow them. When his watery knees failed to do as his brain asked, Jack picked him up and over his shoulder.

Daniel reached down to the beautiful butt in his face and kissed as he touched and caressed. Withtout warning he felt himself tossed down onto the bed.

Daniel smiled and rolled over.

Jack flipped the lube open and slicked himself up before ever touching the mattress. He knew that he was close. He didn't want to wait and he wanted this more than anything that he'd ever wanted in his life.

He knelt down on the mattress and reached for Daniel's hips. Daniel bent over farther and lowered his head, offering himself eagerly. Jack felt the sweat drip down his skin as he settled himself between Daniel's thighs and got his first real look at possible sex with another man.

Jack slipped his fingers inside of Daniel one last time, just to be sure that he was ready. Daniel's muscles clenched around his fingers and Jack had to close his eyes at the feeling before pulling his hand away.

Jack held Daniel's hips still and lined himself up. He pushed in very slowly. The heat was almost unbearable as he breached the first choking ring of muscle that made him want to scream out with joy. Daniel seemed to be welcoming him right inside. There were no barriers, no tension, no reason at all to stop.

It was just the two of them. Jack and Daniel loving each other and loving what they could do for each other.

Daniel pushed back onto Jack. Before Jack had found his rhythm Daniel was already pushing back onto him, fucking himself in short shallow thrusts. The sensation was titillating and new. Jack's dick was there for him, for his amusement. Daniel wasn't pushing hard enough to feel it hit his prostate but it was enough to get him ready for what he knew was going to come. Jack wasn't small, and he didn't want to have to stop it for anything.

The sight of Daniel's loosened hole taking his dick over and over again stole the breath out of Jack's lungs. He grabbed Daniel tighter and pulled him back hard as Jack pushed in as deep as he could.

There was a moment of silence. Daniel was the first thing that Jack became aware of; Daniel was panting again. Daniel breathed in hard, trying to make sense of what he was feeling. He was full, Jack had filled him completely. Daniel felt his chest tighten, and his eyes shut.

Jack memorized the feel and depth and then tried to go deeper on every subsequent thrust. He pulled Daniel towards him wanting more with every turn.

The first few thrusts were deep and agonizing. It wasn't physical pain, it was physical want. With every bit that Jack gave him, Daniel wanted more. He wanted more of Jack, more sex, more love, more... Though he doubted that he'd ever get full, Daniel tried. He screamed and clawed as he was offered more. All too soon Daniel felt another orgasm tear through him, blinding him to everything around him. He tried to push it away, to stave it off, but it was no good.

When he became aware again, Jack was still inside him pushing him deeper into the mattress. Daniel smiled as he felt the tension in Jack's body as he continued to pound Daniel down. Instinctively, Daniel knew that Jack was close. The slapping of their slick bodies against one antoher filled his ears and urged him forward.

"Fuck me, baby," Daniel lifted his head just high enough to say, "please fuck me. It's okay to fuck me harder! More! More! Jack! More!"

Daniel realized that happiness did have another step up as he felt Jack ejaculating violently on his prostate. He stayed with the sensation and felt the hot wetness bathing the inside of his body. Jack grew still and then collaspsed against him. Daniel lowered his face down onto the pillow and drifted off into contented sleep with Jack lying unconcious around him and in him.

EPILOGUE

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he woke up. Daniel opened his eyes to find Jack lying on his side watching him sleep. Daniel smiled and brushed his hand across his face.

"How long?" Daniel asked.

"About an hour."

Daniel smiled and turned on his side away from Jack. "Stop watching me."

"I want to watch you."

"Well," Daniel said into his pillow, "don't."

"If I'm not looking at you," Jack said as he slid in closer, "how am I going to give you your present?" When that didn't rouse Daniel, Jack also added, "And the coffee I went and bought you."

Daniel rolled over and looked up.

"Coffee slut," Jack said as he bent down for a kiss.

Daniel smiled against Jack's lips.

As Jack pulled away Daniel said, "Yes I am."

"What's that?" Jack asked nodding next to Daniel.

Daniel turned to look next to him. He saw the little, black, velvet box sitting on the pillow next to him. He turend to Jack and asked, "What is that?"

"I don't know," Jack said. "I guess you'd better open it."

Daniel picked it up and rolled over onto his stomach. He stuffed the pillow beneath his chest and studied the little box. Jack kissed Daniel's shoulder and waited.

Once again, Daniel asked, "What is it, Jack?"

And once again, Jack replied, "I don't know."

Daniel looked into Jack's chocolate brown eyes and refused to wonder or hope. He looked back at the box and opened it.

They both stared at the little box's contents for a few long minutes, neither speaking nor moving.

After far too much time had passed, Jack reached in and pulled the two rings out of the split black pillow.

"Nothing fancy," Jack said, "they're just bands."

Daniel nodded dumbly.

"I just thought that since we're supposed to be married that you might want to wear one...you know, when we go back."

Jack rolled away from Daniel. He hid the rings in his hand as he realized more and more that it had been a bigger bonehead thing to do than he'd thought.

Breathlessly, Daniel whispered, "Give me my ring."

Jack looked back at Daniel, "You sure?"

Daniel slid over to Jack and pushed the man down flat on his back. He leaned in and kissed Jack's lips lightly.

"I'm sure, Jack."

Jack smiled as the big blue eyes stared down at him with such infinite trust.

Jack showed Daniel the rings. He sized them up, one against the other. He left the slightly larger ring in his hand and reached for Daniel's right hand. Jack held the ring to his lips and kissed it before gently putting it onto its proper place.

When it was Daniel's turn he slid the ring into place and kissed Jack's hand tenderly.

"Danny," Jack said, hardly able to get the words out, "you do realize that I'm very much in love with you?"

Daniel smiled and quietly said, "I didn't know that."

"I'd like to give it a chance, Daniel."

"What?" Daniel asked dumbly.

"Our marriage?" Jack asked unsure.

Daniel smiled harder. "Are you sure? Marriage is a big step."

"No. Deciding to date again after being alone for so long is a big step. We're already married. The hard part is over; I'm just saying that we should give it a go and see if we can do it."

Daniel thought for a moment. "Does that mean that I'd have to move in?"

"Purely for security reasons. There have been two attempts on your life that we know of. And the person or persons that were staging it behind the scenes have yet to be found."

"And I guess that I'll be expected to provide sexual favors in return for this protection?"

"And don't forget food and boarding. When I'm done with you, you're free to roll over and fall asleep until we start again in the morning. Unless of course it's an emergency, in which case you'll be expected to fuck all night and in every position possible until I pass out." Jack stopped speaking, but before Daniel could reply Jack added, "But that rest only lasts until I regain conciousness again. In which case we fuck some more."

"Gee, Jack. That's so generous of you."

"Well, I'm a nice kind of guy, Daniel. I do plan on giving you a few hours of rest in between."

"Is this one of those rest stops, Jack?"

Jack smiled back at Daniel. "Maybe. Maybe not."

Jack rolled Daniel back onto his back as he said, "Let's find out."

The End

Next: Not Man, Woman Be