Watch Your Step

by Nancy

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asn/nancy/watchyou.php
Summary: One false step and Daniel stumbles into trouble.
Info: This story first appeared in the e-zine, Ancient's Gate XIII: Men Like Us.

Jack blinked the sleep out of his eyes and smiled. He loved this time of the morning. There was a time when he hated mornings. Well, not mornings per se, just the fact of waking up ... alone. Now, however, he looked forward to waking up because he wasn't alone. He turned his head and gazed at his best friend, teammate, and lover, stretched out beside him, still in a deep sleep.

Jack watched the steady rise and fall of Daniel's chest, marvelling at the athletic physique. Daniel had always been in good physical shape, but years spent with the flagship team of Stargate Command had literally sculpted Daniel into an Adonis. Of course, Jack was a little biased. He loved the man: heart, soul and body. Jack's eyes travelled upwards to Daniel's face and his breath caught in his throat as it always did during these quiet moments of reflection. In a word, Daniel was beautiful. Slowly, reverently, Jack reached out a tentative hand to stroke the side of his lover's face, only to stop mid-reach as a sharp, burning pain lanced through his arm.

"Colonel, what are you doing?" Doctor Janet Fraiser chastised, grasping Jack's arm and easing him back onto the bed.

"Daniel?" Jack said, looking in confusion at the empty space beside him.

"Colonel O'Neill?" Janet said carefully, a worried frown on her face.

Jack blinked slowly, his dark eyes taking in his surroundings. The infirmary. Crap. His eyes closed in resignation then snapped open.

"Daniel!" he demanded.

"Colonel, you have to relax. You're injured and I don't want to have to repair any stitches," Janet said.

"Daniel, where's Daniel?"

"He's not here," Janet replied. "Colonel, do you remember what happened?"

Jack looked at her and frowned. Happened? He glanced down at his bandaged arm. What the hell did happen? He closed his eyes ... and remembered.

***********

"That's two dinners you have to cook for me," Jack grinned, pulling Daniel up from the ground.

"Are you sure you didn't sneak out and dig these damn holes?" Daniel muttered, dusting the dirt off his fatigues.

"Would I do something like that?" Jack asked in wide-eyed innocence.

"To get a free dinner? Damn right you would," Daniel said. "And whose idea was it to make a stupid bet like 'whoever trips, cooks dinner'?"

Jack chuckled and gave Daniel's boonie a playful tug. "Don't be such a sorehead. Besides, you agreed."

"You distracted me," Daniel accused.

"Did not."

"Did too."

"When?" Jack queried.

Daniel glanced around to make sure Teal'c and Sam were well out of ear-shot. His gaze swung back to Jack.

"When you had your hand down my pants and your tongue in my ear," he whispered.

"Oh, right," Jack said, nodding in fond remembrance. "Tell you what. You cook dinner and I'll give you a massage," Jack suggested.

Daniel's eyes lit up with interest. "Full body?"

"Three course meal?" Jack countered.

"Deal."

Jack smiled, knowing he'd won on both counts. A meal and Daniel. What more could a man want?

"You tricked me," Daniel said indignantly, but his eyes twinkled.

Jack grinned and wished for the thousandth time he could just reach out and hug his lover.

Daniel read the desire in Jack's eyes and smiled. "Some day, Jack," he said softly.

"Yeah, some day," Jack sighed, contenting his physical urge by dusting off Daniel's jacket.

"Daniel, are you all right?" Sam asked as she and Teal'c joined the two men.

"You saw that, did you?" Daniel asked, chagrined.

"It was kind of hard to miss," Sam said, smiling.

"Unlike that hole," Jack said, earning a glare from Daniel.

"Indeed,' Teal'c said quietly, crouching by the hold.

"Teal'c?" Jack queried, his skin prickling.

"This hole was meant to be concealed, O'Neill," Teal'c said, his fingers scraping at the coarse soil.

Jack's senses went on high alert and his hands instinctively clutched his P-90.

Sensing her CO's unease and concern, Sam, too, held her weapon tightly as she scanned their surroundings.

"Teal'c, are you saying this is man-made?" Daniel inquired, his interest piqued by the thought of civilization.

"I believe so, Daniel Jackson."

"Crap, just what we need," Jack grumbled. "Snakes?"

"No, O'Neill."

"Enemies of the snakes?" Jack asked hopefully.

"Perhaps. I regret I can not elaborate further," Teal'c said.

"The UAV showed no signs of life," Jack said. "We've been here two days and we've seen nothing."

"This hole is not recent, O'Neill," Teal'c responded.

"Well, maybe it's just an old gopher-hole, or whatever creatures live here, or lived here," Jack said.

"It's a hole, Jack. It doesn't lead to a warren or anything," Daniel said.

"Teal'c, do you know what the hole is for?" Sam asked.

"To trap prey."

"I really did not want to hear that," Jack growled. "Okay, kids, party's over. We're getting the hell out of here."

"Wait a minute, Jack. What kind of prey, Teal'c?" Daniel asked. "This hole isn't very deep."

"Indeed, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c agreed. "It would appear the intent is not to injure."

"Great, let's go!" Jack ordered.

"Then how does it trap something?" Daniel asked. "I suppose you could break an ankle or something and be easy to catch."

"Damnit, Daniel, it can wait," Jack growled. "Teal'c what are you doing?"

"If I am correct, O'Neill," Teal'c said, reaching gingerly into the hole, "there should be..."

"What? There should be what?" Jack asked, looking over his shoulder, expecting imminent danger.

"Daniel Jackson, please show me the sole of your boot," Teal'c requested.

"My boot?"

Daniel looked apprehensively at Jack then leaned on him while he presented his boot to Teal'c.

"As I feared," Teal'c said solemnly, inspecting the boot.

"What?" Jack, Daniel and Sam chimed in unison.

"There is something embedded in Daniel Jackson's boot," Teal'c explained. "I believe it to be a tracking device of some kind."

"Tracking device?" Jack muttered. "Crap. Daniel, get the damn boot off, and Teal'c, you blast it to kingdom come."

"The damage is already done, O'Neill. The tracer has been injected into Daniel Jackson."

"Tracer?" Jack said, his blood running cold.

Jack felt Daniel's hand clutch his shoulder a little tighter at Teal'c's words, and he fought down his own rising panic that this day had just gone for a shit.

"Teal'c, I didn't feel anything," Daniel said, afraid of what Teal'c was suggesting.

"You would not," Teal'c replied.

"Daniel, take your boot off," Jack said quietly.

Daniel glanced at Jack and saw the concern, but also the fierce determination that things would be okay. He nodded then bent to undo his laces.

Jack's dark eyes flashed up to Teal'c's. The latter's face was impassive, but his eyes reflected deep concern and foreboding. Jack swallowed hard and looked down at Daniel who was now sitting on the ground, pulling off his boot.

All eyes were on Teal'c as he inspected the boot. His jaw muscle twitched and he looked down at Daniel.

Without a word, Daniel removed his sock.

Jack and Teal'c knelt beside the younger man and Jack gently lifted Daniel's foot , wincing as Teal'c's sharp eyes found the offending mark: a small pin-point, red and slightly raised.

Daniel shivered as Jack's hand settled on his shoulder and squeezed. The news was bad.

"How does it work, Teal'c?" Jack asked quietly.

"Of that, I am not certain, O'Neill," he replied, "but I believe the concept is similar to your own radio tracking."

"I'm not detecting any radiation," Sam said, passing her meter over Daniel's foot. "Nanites, maybe?"

"Of that, I am uncertain, Major Carter. However, Daniel Jackson has been injected with a chemical which will slow him down, making him more susceptible to capture."

"How do you know all this, Teal'c?" Jack asked.

"I learned and saw many things as First Prime of Apophis."

"But this isn't Goa'uld," Jack said.

"It is not."

Daniel listened to the exchange going on around him. It didn't matter how Teal'c knew, or even how the tracking worked. Only one thing mattered: his friends were in danger.

"Jack, you'll have to—"

"No."

"Jack."

"It's not gonna happen, Daniel!" Jack said harshly.

"You're all victims if you stay with me!" Daniel retorted just as vehemently.

Daniel's words hung heavy in the air. He was right, and they all knew it. Daniel, and anyone with him, was a walking target.

"Teal'c, can you get that thing out of his boot?" Jack asked, looking off into the distance.

"I believe so, O'Neill."

"We'll split up," Jack said. "Carter, you and Teal'c head west, then north to the Stargate. Daniel and I'll head east then north."

"Sir—"

"That's an order, Major."

"Jack, you can't—"

"I'm only going to say this once, Daniel," Jack said, making eye contact with his friend. "No one gets left behind."

Daniel knew he could not talk Jack out of staying, and a selfish, scared part of him was glad, but the part that loved and cherished Jack was terrified.

"Jack, please," Daniel pleaded, his voice a mere whisper.

"We stay together," Jack said softly, his eyes gentle.

Daniel's eyes glistened with unshed tears at the knowledge Jack was prepared to risk capture and even death, rather than leave him. Daniel knew he would do the same if their positions were reversed, and he knew Jack knew it, too. He swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.

"Did you get it?" Jack asked Teal'c.

"Yes, "O'Neill," Teal'c replied, holding his hand out.

Jack looked at the needle-thin object with disdain. "Bury it," he ordered.

"Sir, it might help us figure out what's in Daniel. It could be invaluable to his recovery," Sam suggested.

Jack nodded approvingly, grateful to her assumption they would get Daniel home alive.

"Okay, but Daniel and I will take it with us. It might still have some juice left and there's no point in giving them, whoever they are, two moving targets," Jack explained. "Teal'c, what should we expect?"

"Daniel Jackson will experience muscle fatigue, leading to eventual paralysis," Teal'c replied.

"Peachy," Daniel muttered, lacing up his boot.

"You haven't put any weight on recently, have you?" Jack asked, attempting a lightness no one felt.

"How are your knees?" Daniel asked dryly.

Jack smiled and hauled Daniel to his feet.

"How quickly will this stuff act?" Jack asked.

"That I do not know, but I believe the more Daniel Jackson exerts himself, the more rapid the effects will be," Teal'c replied.

"Guess you'll have to carry me," Daniel said.

"In your dreams," Jack retorted.

Daniel smiled, but Jack could see the fear in his eyes. And the regret.

Jack tore his gaze from Daniel.

"Let's get this show on the road," he ordered. "Radio contact every thirty minutes."

Sam and Teal'c, unhappy with the decision of separating, nodded grimly.

"We'll see you soon," Sam said, hugging Daniel quickly.

"Count on it," Daniel murmured, surprised and pleased, but also a little dismayed by her open display of affection. She was clearly afraid and that didn't bode well for him.

"You, too, sir," Sam said, pulling back from Daniel and looking at Jack.

"Keep the gate warm, Major," Jack replied, "and don't step in any damn holes."

"We will be careful, O'Neill." Teal'c turned to Daniel and bowed slightly. "In the words of a great warrior, God speed, Daniel Jackson."

Daniel smiled. "God speed," he whispered.

************

Three check-ins later, Jack began to feel they had feared for naught when Daniel suddenly stumbled.

"Daniel?" he queried, steadying his friend.

"Foot's gone to sleep," Daniel murmured, stamping his foot.

Muscle fatigue followed by paralysis Jack thought grimly.

"Let's take a rest," Jack said calmly. "Stretch our muscles a bit."

"It's starting, Jack," Daniel said matter-of-fact.

"We don't know that. Now sit," Jack ordered.

Daniel sighed, but slumped to the ground. "What are you doing?" he asked, frowning as Jack started to unlace his boot.

"I'm going to massage your foot. Get the circulation going."

"Jack, I don't think—"

"Humour me, okay?" Jack requested, glancing up at Daniel.

Daniel leaned back on his hands in resignation and watched as Jack's large, rough hands worked his foot up and down. He couldn't feel a thing. He didn't know which was worse, the total absence of sensation, or the grim and desperate determination on Jack's face.

"Jack," he said gently.

"Give it time," Jack grunted, massaging the limp foot even harder.

"We don't have time, Jack," Daniel insisted quietly.

"I thought you liked my massages?" Jack said tightly, trying to ignore what Daniel was obviously saying.

"I love your massages," Daniel whispered, his voice breaking.

Jack looked up quickly and saw tears in his friend's eyes. He scrambled up and hugged Daniel close to his chest, his own eyes stinging as strong arms wrapped around him in return.

Jack breathed in the scent of his friend and lover. They became lovers a few short months ago and Jack remembered every encounter, from the hesitant, awkward fumbling of their first kiss to the heated, passionate, mind-melting sex of their last lovemaking three nights ago.

"This feels good," Daniel murmured, revelling in Jack's love and strength.

"Sure does,' Jack agreed, squeezing Daniel tighter. He kissed Daniel's neck then kissed his way up to a pair of ready and willing lips. They kissed long, hard and deep.

"Colonel, do you copy?"

Both men jumped at the sudden query.

"Her timing sucks," Jack muttered, resting his forehead on Daniel's with a wistful sigh.

Daniel snickered and kissed Jack lightly. "Answer her."

"Copy that, Carter."

"How's Daniel, sir?"

Jack glanced at Daniel with eyes still dark with desire.

Daniel gave Jack a warning nudge with his elbow, eliciting a lecherous grin from the older man.

"He's a pain in the ass," Jack replied, 'but well worth it' he mouthed for Daniel's benefit.

"Sir?"

"It's Jack pretending to be funny, Sam," Daniel interjected loudly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Daniel," Sam commiserated.

"It's okay," Daniel sighed.

"Hey!" Jack said indignantly.

Daniel smiled then gestured to Jack to tell Sam the truth.

Jack nodded and placed his hand on Daniel's nape.

"Daniel can't feel anything in his foot. We've stopped to take a little rest. How far are you from the Stargate?"

"We should be there in an hour, sir. Teal'c spotted a couple of those traps Daniel stepped in. It's slowing us down a little. How about you?"

"Negative on the traps, Major, but we probably haven't covered as much ground as you and Teal'c," Jack replied.

"How long, sir?"

Jack looked at Daniel, the latter studiously trying to ignore the conversation.

"As soon as we can, Carter. O'Neill out."

Jack nudged Daniel. "Hey."

Daniel looked up to see a look of such love he thought his heart would burst. "Hey," Daniel smiled.

Jack leaned over and kissed Daniel on the nose. "Ready to go home, Stumpy?

Daniel laughed which ruined his pretend affront at the new nickname.

"Come on, let's see what you can do," Jack said, helping Daniel to his feet.

"This feels strange," Daniel murmured, looking down at his unresponsive foot.

"Think of it as being on stilts," Jack suggested.

"I was never any good at that."

"That's because you didn't try," Jack said.

Daniel looked at Jack oddly and Jack shrugged.

"I just find it hard to believe you wouldn't be good at anything you put your mind to," he said.

"Are you saying that because I'm hot in bed?" Daniel asked with narrowed eyes.

"Busted," Jack laughed, hugging Daniel impulsively.

Daniel immediately wrapped his arms around Jack and held him tight.

Both men knew they were losing precious time, but their hearts and souls could not be denied.

Daniel pulled back first, his desire to get Jack to the Stargate and safety overriding his selfish need to feel cherished.

"Let's go home," he said.

Jack smiled, but he couldn't hide the sadness or the fear in his face; looks which served to fuel Daniel's desire to get them home as soon as possible.

**********

Jack was right. When Daniel put his mind to it, he got a pretty good rhythm going, but the pace and the alien substance coursing through his veins were taking their toll. Daniel was sweating profusely and his breathing was ragged.

"Let's take a breather," Jack said.

"Where the hell is it?" Daniel gasped, leaning heavily on Jack.

"It's a lot closer than it was," Jack said. "We're making good progress."

Daniel shook his head. "No, I'm holding you back."

"We've been through this, Daniel," Jack sighed. "Nothing is holding me back. I'm where I want to be, which is with you. Sure, I'd rather we were on some island paradise, naked and writhing in passion on a sun-drenched beach, but if my only choice is here with a sick, sweaty, and crabby archaeologist, then this is heaven."

Daniel stared at Jack then shook his head. "You've really got it bad, don't you?"

Jack grinned and gave Daniel a wet, sloppy kiss.

"Take a break while I check in with Carter and Teal'c."

'I have to ...," Daniel said, gesturing vaguely to some bushes.

Jack was going to tell Daniel to just take a leak where he was, but he didn't want him to feel any more miserable than he already did. "Don't go far," he said quietly.

Jack watched Daniel hop away, his heart breaking at the sight. He winced and held his breath as Daniel stumbled, breathing out in relief when he corrected himself and remained upright. He nodded approvingly when Daniel stopped a short distance away. He just hoped it was because he actually listened to him, rather than due to pure exhaustion.

Jack scanned the terrain for the thousandth time for any signs of danger. He was also second-guessing his actions. Did he do the right thing, splitting up the team, or did he act out of his own selfish need to keep Daniel to himself?

"Carter, Teal'c, you copy?" Jack inquired, keeping one eye on Daniel, the other on their surroundings.

"Copy, sir. We 're in sight of the Stargate," Sam replied.

"That's good to hear, Carter," Jack replied. Wish we could say the same.

"How far are you, Colonel?"

"A couple more hours at least," Jack replied.

"What of Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c voice intoned.

"Holding his own," Jack said.

"Has the paralysis spread, sir?" Sam asked.

"Not that he's said," Jack reported, watching Daniel return. "I don't think–shit! I'll call you back," he said, abruptly ending the transmission.

Daniel looked at the ground in confusion, but before he could wrap his mind around what happened, strong hands gripped his shoulders.

"Daniel, you okay?"

Daniel looked up into concerned, brown eyes. "I can't feel my legs," he said, his voice a mere whisper.

"It's okay," Jack said, clasping Daniel to his chest. "Carter and Teal'c are almost at the gate. They'll contact Hammond and get help."

"Jack, I need you to listen to me," Daniel said.

"No!" Jack said hotly. "I am not leaving you, Daniel. Will you get that through that thick skull of yours?"

"Just listen, please," Daniel insisted, his voice muffled in Jack's chest.

Jack eased his convulsive grip and drew back, giving Daniel some breathing space.

"Jack, whatever is happening to me, I don't think Janet will be able to fix it," Daniel said.

"We don't know that."

"No, we don't," Daniel conceded tiredly, "but it's a pretty good bet. I've got an alien substance in me."

"So, you're suggesting we let whomever, or whatever set these traps, to track you down and capture you?" Jack asked incredulously.

"If they wanted to kill me, I'd have been dead long ago," Daniel reasoned.

"Christ, Danny," Jack sighed, trying not to pay heed to his friend's logic. Some things were also worse than death, but he wasn't going to voice that opinion.

"You know I'm right. I'm always right," Daniel teased, nudging Jack and coaxing a reluctant smile.

"Right or wrong, you stay, I stay," Jack said, "and that is not negotiable."

Daniel knew better than to argue. Besides, he did not want what could be his last moments with Jack to be spent arguing. "All right," Daniel agreed, "but you make sure to tell Hammond it was your idea."

Jack laughed and kissed the top of Daniel's head. "Are you kidding? If I left you alone on purpose, Hammond would string me up by the short and curlies."

"Ouch," Daniel winced.

"Ouch, indeed," Jack said. "Speaking of which," he added, reaching for his radio. "Carter, Teal'c, you copy?"

"What's happening, sir?" Sam's frantic voice yelled in his ear.

"We're okay, Carter, but the damn paralysis has spread to the other leg."

"I will return and assist you, O'Neill," Teal'c's voice boomed.

"Thanks, T, but Daniel and I are going to sit this one out."

"Sir?"

"Daniel's got this theory and you know his track record," Jack replied.

"Daniel Jackson is always correct," Teal'c said.

"He doesn't need a swelled head on top of everything else, Teal'c," Jack admonished, rubbing a conciliatory hand up and down Daniel's back in response to the latter's glare.

"Colonel, you're not serious?" Sam asked. "You're going to just sit there and allow yourselves to be captured?"

"Not us, me," Daniel replied, leaning towards the radio.

"What?" Jack said sharply, staring at Daniel.

"If we're both captured, how can you rescue me?" Daniel inquired reasonably.

"Carter, I'll get back to you," Jack barked, shutting off the transmission before Sam could protest.

"Don't look at me like that. You know I'm right," Daniel said, averting his eyes from Jack. "You can hide in the trees over there. Oh, you better give me that dart thing, just in case it's still active. Defeats the purpose if they find you, too. I wonder if–"

"Daniel."

"... they're collecting for a zoo or something?" Daniel continued, blithely ignoring Jack.

"Daniel!"

"Be fitting if I end up in a museum or—"

"Daniel!" Jack said sharply, grabbing the younger man's arms to get his attention.

Daniel stared down at Jack's hands then looked up slowly.

Frightened, blue eyes nearly knocked Jack back on his heels.

"Daniel?"

"I can't feel your hands, Jack. I can't feel anything," Daniel whispered.

Jack's hands immediately cradled Daniel's face, his thumbs gently caressing under his eyes. "Can you feel me now?"

Daniel nodded and choked back a sob.

"Danny" Jack murmured, hugging him close. "We'll beat this; we'll find a way."

Holding Daniel was like looking a rag-doll and Jack's tears stained both their faces. "You're my life, Daniel. I will not leave you. Ever," he vowed, holding his cheek tight to Daniel's.

"You'll regret those words," Daniel teased, finding that inner strength which always amazed Jack.

Jack laughed and kissed Daniel soundly on the mouth. "Eat me," he grinned.

"Tease," Daniel smiled, licking his lips to savour Jack's taste. His smile soon faded and he turned to the side.

"What is it?" Jack inquired.

"I hear something," Daniel whispered.

Jack concentrated and heard a faint hum.

"This might be it," Daniel whispered. "Now, Jack."

"Daniel," Jack murmured miserably.

"Hurry, you can't be seen," Daniel insisted.

"I won't lose you," Jack promised, kissing Daniel and easing him back gently.

Jack ran to the trees, swiping blindly at the stinging tears in his eyes and second-guessing himself every step of the way. It was all wrong. If they 'beamed' Daniel away or took him away in a ship, how in the hell would he ever find him? He never should have split the team.

"Crap," he muttered as he hunkered down in the forest to wait.

The wait was short. A small vessel appeared in the sky and landed halfway between Jack and Daniel. Two figures, one large and one small, emerged from the craft.

Jack clutched his weapon as the small one hurried on stubby legs over to Daniel. The large alien shouted something incomprehensible to Jack, but the little one stopped dead in its tracks.

What, you think Daniel's a threat? Jack thought bitterly, as he shifted his position to keep Daniel in view.

**********

With a mixture of awe and trepidation, Daniel watched the approaching figures. They appeared reptilian, but in a soft way, no bony or sharp protuberances like the Unas. The sudden vocalization of the larger one set Daniel's teeth on edge, and he knew it must be taking all of Jack's control to keep himself concealed. The smaller one jerked to a halt and lowered its head, and Daniel got the distinct feeling it was pouting. He wondered whether he was witnessing a parent/offspring, or teacher/pupil scenario. As the large one slowly approached, Daniel sucked in a shaky breath. He couldn't move, but he could still speak.

"Hello, my name is Daniel Jackson."

**********

Ever the diplomat, Jack thought with pride and admiration as he heard Daniel's declaration.

Jack watched warily as the smaller creature clutched at the bigger one and jabbered. Crap, I hate this.

**********

"I'm a visitor to your world," Daniel said gently. He knew his words would sound as strange to them as theirs did to him, but it was all he had. His eyes flickered to the ornate armband on the large alien's arm. Weapon or ornament? With his limited mobility, he did not think he would be construed as a threat. Correction. He hoped he wouldn't be viewed as a threat.

"Please, can you help me?" Daniel asked.

**********

Nothing good is coming out of this, Jack thought grimly. If they take him away, what the hell am I supposed to do? I can't follow them. What the hell was Daniel thinking? Crap, what the hell was I thinking?

"Colonel, do you copy?"

Shit! "Carter, radio silence," Jack hissed, but it was too late. Two reptilian heads whipped around to Jack's direction. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

Jack stood up and held his hands out.

"Hi there! Easy, I'm not a threat," he said as he slowly advanced towards them.

********

Daniel watched helplessly as Jack drew closer. The young alien appeared scared and clung tightly to the larger one.

"Jack, stop!" Daniel yelled.

Jack stopped. "Daniel?"

"The little one's scared," Daniel called, "and the other's one's getting nervous."

"Meaning protective," Jack murmured. "Great, so what the hell do I do now?" he asked, raising his voice.

"I don't—" Daniel's words cut off in a strangled gasp.

"Daniel!"

"Can't...breathe," Daniel wheezed..

"Daniel!" Jack shouted and ran forwards.

*********

"He couldn't breathe," Jack said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The damn paralysis must have reached his lungs. I couldn't stand there and do nothing so I ran to him then the big guy threw his arm up. I felt a sharp pain; there was a bright light and something like a shock wave. Next thing I know, I woke up here. What happened?"

"Teal'c and Major Carter went back after you ordered radio silence," Janet explained. "They knew something had gone wrong. You were injured and unconscious. There was no sign of Dr. Jackson."

"They must have taken him in their ship. We have to go back," Jack said.

"SG-3 and 5 have already gone back to P7Y-641, and so have Sam and Teal'c," Janet explained softly. "There was no sign of Daniel."

"Then we keep going back until we find him," Jack said tightly.

"Colonel–"

"We don't leave our people behind," Jack growled.

"The colonel is right, Doctor. We don't leave our people behind."

"General Hammond," Janet said, turning to see her superior.

"I'd like a word with Colonel O'Neill," Hammond requested.

"Of course, sir," Janet replied, relieved to hand her patient over for the time being. "I'll be in my office."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"I should've brought Daniel back with us," Jack berated himself. "I shouldn't have listened to him. It was a lame ass idea."

"Colonel, you don't know that," Hammond said kindly. "Bringing Dr. Jackson back in the condition he was could just as easily been his death sentence."

"Instead, he's God knows where, having God knows what done to him," Jack said. "For all we know, he could be dead and stuffed in some freakish museum, for crying out loud."

"Or, he could be reasoning with his captors and making new friends," Hammond replied. "We've underestimated Dr. Jackson before."

Jack thumped his head back on the pillow. He should have stayed with Daniel. He needed to be with Daniel. Now, all he could do is wait. Wait for Daniel to save himself.

"Get some rest, Jack. When Dr. Fraiser declares you fit, and I will try to speed up the process, you have my permission to return to P7Y," Hammond said.

"Thank you, sir," Jack replied softly.

**********

Daniel's relief at being able to breathe and feel his limbs was short-lived by the uncertainty of what happed to Jack. He remembered the sudden loss of being able to breathe, Jack's shout, then the sight of his friend running towards him. What followed after was a blur: the small creature screaming, the large one pointing something at Jack, Jack going down, and then Daniel was lifted and carried. He could see Jack on the ground, his hand clutching his arm. He's okay. Jack's okay. I have to believe that.

Daniel paced the small confines of his cage, testing the strength of the bars for the umpteenth time. Even if he got out, he wouldn't know where to go. He remembered the aliens arriving in a ship, so presumably, they took him aboard that same ship, but where he was now, he had no idea. He clutched the bars and shouted. Someone had to be here. There were bowls of food and water on the floor. He had sipped and tasted both cautiously. Both were palatable, but he ate sparingly, opting for a granola bar from his jacket. He was pleased and surprised to wake up fully clothed. Of course, he had no weapons, but he had everything else, including his journal and pens. If talking got him nowhere, he could always draw.

"Hello! Is anyone there? I need to talk to someone!" Daniel shouted.

*********

"Incoming wormhole!" Sergeant Walter Harrimann announced. "It's SG1's IDC, sir."

"Open the iris,' Hammond replied.

Everyone in the control room watched as Sam, Teal'c and Jack stepped through the event horizon. One look at their body language answered George's question. They didn't find Daniel Jackson. Five days and counting. Daniel Jackson was officially declared missing in action, but as each day wore on, the toll was greater on his teammates, none more so than Jack O'Neill.

"Colonel?"

"Nothing, sir," Jack replied, his eyes downcast. "Maybe next—"

"Colonel, there won't be a next time," George said gravely.

Jack looked up sharply and Sam and Teal'c stopped dead in their tracks.

"You know we can't spend the resources scouring a planet that Dr. Jackson most likely isn't even on anymore," Hammond said, hating every word coming out of his mouth. "This is not open to discussion, people," he declared, holding up his hand to forestall their objections. "However, I have pulled a considerable number of strings and we will station a MALP on the planet. But until we hear from Dr. Jackson himself, or one of our allies learns of his whereabouts, the search and rescue effort is terminated. I don't like this any more than you do, but my hands are tied. Dismissed."

A quiet and subdued SG-1 left the gateroom. George turned and looked back at the Stargate. "Come home soon, Dr. Jackson," he said softly. "The light is on."

********

Jack tossed his keys on the table and headed straight for the fridge. He grabbed a beer and pressed the cold glass to his forehead, squeezing back hot tears. He should have stayed with Daniel and been captured with him, anything but this goddamned waiting and uncertainty. He promised Daniel he would find him. Jack didn't know if he could keep that promise.

"I'm sorry, Daniel," he whispered, allowing the tears to fall.

**********

Daniel was exhausted. He'd spent countless hours trying to get someone's attention; attention beyond the food and water routine. Not that he wasn't grateful to get nourishment, but he had the unpleasant feeling he was in here for the 'long haul', and that simply was not acceptable. Days later, he hit pay dirt. The alien who had 'captured' him came in to see him.

"Please, I don't belong here," Daniel pleaded. "I know you don't wish me harm, otherwise I wouldn't be treated as well as I am," he said, gesturing to his Spartan conditions. He had food, a pallet for sleeping, and water for drinking and cleaning. The toilet facilities he didn't want to think about, but at least it was emptied and cleaned as needed.

"Look, I've drawn some pictures. I know you don't understand my words, but you've got eyes," Daniel said, spreading out several crude drawings. "I'm Daniel," he said, patting his chest. "Daniel. This here,' he said, pointing to a stick figure with glasses, "is me, Daniel. Daniel," he repeated, thumping his chest.

The alien cocked its head and grunted. It didn't sound anything at all like 'Daniel', but Daniel ran with it. "Yes, yes," he said excitedly, gesturing between himself and the prone stick figure in his drawing. "That's me! These," he said, pointing to the glasses in his drawing then using his hands to make circles over his own eyes, "are glasses. They help me to see." He mimed semi-blindness without his glasses and smiled happily with them on. It's a long shot, but if I can get the point across. He repeated the gesture a few times then cried out in dismay when the creature turned and left.

"Wait, wait, wait! We can forget the glasses! I've got more pictures! Please, come back! Ah, crap," Daniel muttered, banging his head lightly on the bars.

*****

"Thought I'd find you two here," Jack said, entering Daniel's lab

"I don't want him to think we're giving up. He seems...closer here," Sam explained, shrugging.

"I have always found Daniel Jackson's lab to be calming," Teal'c intoned.

"Calming?" Jack queried, looking around at the packed shelves, bench, desk and floor space. "You mean as calming as chaos can be?"

"Indeed," Teal'c bowed.

"He didn't finish his coffee," Sam said, picking up Daniel's mug.

"Well, he's gotta come back for that," Jack said, taking the mug from her. "Think he might be a little ticked about the mould though."

Jack walked over to the sink and poured the coffee out. The odour of the beans wafted up, engaging his senses and his memories. He turned the hot water on full and scrubbed the mug to hide his distress. I need you, Danny. Find your way back. I know you can do it.

********

Daniel woke with a start. He heard a grunting, guttural sound and flipped around in his pallet, almost falling out.

"You're back," he said excitedly, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He walked quickly to the bars and his jaw dropped.

"Oh, my God. My glasses," he whispered.

The alien passed his glasses through the bars. Daniel looked up and grinned.

"Thank you! Thank you!"

He eagerly removed the glasses from the alien's hand and put them on.

"Better. Much better," he said nodding. "Thank you," he repeated, and gave a little bow. He knew the creature might look upon it as subservience, but that was okay. They were communicating. "I'm doing it, Jack," he whispered. "I'm going to get out of here. Please, believe that."

*********

"Crap," Jack muttered, punching his pillow as he tried to get comfortable. He never realized how big his bed was until Daniel stopped sharing it with him. He used to grumble about his lover being a 'bed hog'. Never again would he complain, not that it was really a complaint. Truth was, Jack loved waking up with Daniel plastered to his body. Sighing, he tossed the pillow aside and buried his face in Daniel's pillow. He could still smell his lover and tears stung his eyes.

"I know you're trying, Daniel. You can do it. I love you."

Tear tracks dry on his cheeks, Jack finally succumbed to sleep with loving images of his best friend and lover helping him along

******

"This is me and this is Jack," Daniel explained, drawing a circle around two figures. "We belong together. We're a pair," he said, pointing to himself and his Jack figure. He held his hands together. "Together. We belong together," he repeated.

The creature shook its head and Daniel sighed in frustration.

"Okay, okay, how about these two? This is you and this is your son, or whoever the little one is," he said, holding his hand a few feet off the ground. "Come on, you understand, I know you do," Daniel muttered.

Daniel rocked back on his heels and lowered his head to his knees. Don't get agitated. We're making progress. He looked up and gazed into the intelligent alien eyes.

"It's okay, it's not your fault. Maybe I'm trying to hard," he said softly. He stood up and paced his cell. He figured he'd been on the planet six Earth days. He'd learned a lot in those days, the most important being Jack was alive. He'd been hurt, but not killed. In fact, the alien seemed quiet distraught when Daniel accused it of killing Jack. He never really believed Jack was dead, but his relief at getting confirmation was immeasurable

"Looks like a nice day," Daniel said, gesturing to the skylight. "Nice," he repeated, positioning himself so the sun shone warmly on his face.

The alien followed Daniel's gaze and grunted to itself. It held up its hand with a 'wait' gesture and left.

"Where would I go?" Daniel mused, as he sat down to wait.

Daniel didn't have long to wait. His new friend soon returned with one of the 'keepers' in tow. He couldn't think of his situation as anything but being 'kept'.

Quickly and gracefully, Daniel rose to his feet. He tried not to scowl at the strap of leather trailing from the alien's hand. He had the distinct feeling he was going to be taken for a walk. The keeper appeared less than thrilled with the alien's intention so Daniel sat down and willed himself to be still. Small and harmless, that's me.

*********

Walter sighed as the klaxons sounded. He knew it wouldn't be Dr. Jackson, just as he knew Colonel O'Neill would be hovering over his shoulder in any second.

"Walter?"

"I'm sorry, Colonel. It's SG-3 on their regular check-in." Walter was disappointed, too. Oddly enough, he felt like crying. He liked Daniel Jackson a great deal and missed him. Everyone did.

"Soon, Walter. I've got a feeling," Jack murmured.

"Me, too, sir."

Surprised, Walter felt a gentle, but firm hand on his shoulder.

"Keep the light on," Jack said softly.

"I will, sir," Walter replied, his throat tight.

Jack patted him on the shoulder. "Let's see how SG-3 is doing."

*******

My God, I am in a zoo.

Daniel looked at his surroundings: a beautiful park-like setting with numerous enclosures, some small, others enormous. Humanoids and animals were roaming about within their pens. Daniel wondered where the visitors were when he realized he must be in a quarantine area. Many of the occupants sported injuries or appeared ill.

Not a zoo, but a recovery centre or a refuge?

"Is that it?" Daniel asked, looking at his captor. "You think Jack hurt me? That he wanted to capture me? No, no, no. he was helping me! He didn't hurt me, you did, with-with-with the dart thing," he explained, pointing to his foot. "Here," he said, kneeling down and digging in the dirt. "I stepped in a hole like this and this thing," he said, holding up his finger, "went into my foot like this. I stepped in your trap."

To Daniel's surprise, the alien shook its head vehemently and vocalized even more vehemently.

"You didn't do this?" Daniel asked, looking up curiously.

Daniel watched in awe as the alien got down on its knees and redrew Daniel's own picture of him and Jack. The creature pointed to Jack, then to Daniel's hole.

"No," Daniel said, shaking his head. "Here," he said, drawing feverishly in the dirt. "Four of us came through this, the Stargate. I stepped in this," he explained, pointing to the hole he had dug. "These two went back to the Stargate this way; Jack and I went this way, but I collapsed," he explained mimicking paralysis. "We waited." Daniel drew what he hoped looked like a spaceship. "Then you and the little one came and took me away. I," he said, pointing to his stick figure and his chest, "have to go back to this planet and through the Stargate to my home, where I sleep," he added, miming sleep. "I need to be with him, with Jack."

Daniel held his breath as the alien studied his drawings. It then pointed to the drawings of Daniel and Jack, then looked at Daniel and clasped its hands together.

"Yessss," Daniel said, breathing out slowly, praying he was witnessing the universal sign of togetherness. "Jack and I are like this," he said, clasping his own hands together.

********

"Unscheduled Stargate activation!"

"Please, let this be him," Walter sighed to himself as SG-1 and General Hammond rushed into the control room.

"Oh, my God," Walter breathed.

"Son?" George inquired.

"Sir, it's him! It's Dr. Jackson's IDC!"

George felt all eyes on him. Everyone knew the protocol for missing personnel and IDC's. Dr. Jackson had been missing for six days. He looked at Jack and an understanding passed between them: Daniel would never endanger the SGC.

"Open the iris," George said quietly.

"Receiving MALP transmission," Walter grinned, feeling giddy.

The anxious group at the SGC crowded around the monitor and let out a cheer at the sight of Daniel tapping on the camera lens.

"Helloooo, is anyone there?"

"Daniel!" Jack bellowed, his grin threatening to tear his face.

"Jack! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Daniel. How about you?"

"Good, good. I'm good."

"You about ready to come home?" Jack asked.

"Love to, but, um, could you come here first?" Daniel replied. "I've got someone here who'd like to meet you." Daniel turned from the camera and motioned someone forward. "It's okay, it can't hurt you."

"Daniel?" Jack said slowly. "You didn't make friends with –whoa, not so close!" he groused as the alien's face filled the screen.

"Colonel, is that the creature that took Dr. Jackson?" Hammond inquired.

"It's ugly enough to be," Jack grimaced.

"You guys still there?" Daniel queried.

"Of course, we are!" Jack grumbled.

"Dr. Jackson, this is General Hammond. Are you in control of the situation?"

"Yes, General, I am. My, um, friend here is a little reluctant to let me go though. He wants to make sure I'm going home because I want to and not because I have to."

"Say what?" Jack cried incredulously.

"Yeah, it's, uh, kind of a long story," Daniel said. "Funny, in a way."

"Funny?" Jack demanded. "Damn it, Daniel. Do you have any idea—"

"Jack, please. Just come and get me, okay? General, I know this is unorthodox, but—"

"It's all right, son. You can explain when you get home. I'll send the colonel to get you."

"Thank you, sir. Um, Jack, try not to look too threatening, okay? Daniel out."

"Oy," Jack muttered, but his heart was beating a mile a minute. Daniel was alive, he was okay, and any minute now, he'd be in Jack's arms.

*********

Daniel counted down the minutes and his heart raced when the Stargate came to life. God, Jack, I've missed you. He looked back at his new friend and nodded encouragingly. "It's okay."

"Jack!" Daniel called when the older man stepped through the event horizon, his arm resting comfortably, but non-threateningly, on his P-90.

"Daniel, you really have to stop making new friends," Jack drawled, strolling towards him. "I'm not as young as I used to be."

"I was worried about you," Daniel said, quickly closing the gap between them.

"Crap, Daniel," Jack murmured, swinging his gun aside and wrapping his arms tight around the younger man. "I was worried sick," he breathed into Daniel's neck.

"I know. I'm sorry," Daniel said, soaking up Jack's love and warmth like a sponge. "I'm sorry I took so long."

Jack pulled back and studied Daniel's anxious face, his fingers lightly caressing a stubbled cheek.

"You're really okay? They didn't hurt you?"

"I'm really okay, Jack, and no, they didn't hurt me."

"God, I've missed you," Jack whispered.

"Me, too," Daniel smiled.

"Is that damn MALP on us?" Jack inquired.

"No," Daniel grinned.

"Good," Jack said as he pulled Daniel towards him and kissed him long and hard. Jack could have taken Daniel right then and there if it wasn't for the damn alien on-looker and the fact the MALP could be turned in their direction any minute. Instead, he plundered Daniel's mouth like there was no tomorrow.

Reluctantly, Jack pulled back and rested his forehead on Daniel's. "Your friend is looking a little anxious," he whispered.

"Hmmm?" Daniel murmured, still dazed from Jack's passion.

"Your new buddy?" Jack said.

"What? Oh, God, where are my manners?" Daniel said, turning in alarm to see the alien.

"He looks kind of...confused," Jack said, cocking his head to the side.

"Oh, um, well, he may have thought you were my father."

"Your father?" Jack cried.

"I didn't want to get, you know, graphic with my pictures," Daniel explained.

"Pictures?"

"I said it was a long story," Daniel smiled. "Come on, I'll introduce you," he said, grasping Jack's hand.

"Peachy," Jack muttered, but he wrapped his fingers tight around Daniel's. He wasn't letting him go.

******

"The alien thought you were Daniel's father?" Sam asked, failing to stifle a guffaw.

"Laugh it up, Carter. If you'd been there you probably would've been Daniel's mother," Jack drawled.

"Point taken, sir." Mother, indeed. Slightly older sister, maybe.

"Jack, you could've been a brother or some other family member," Daniel said helpfully.

"Well, I think we set the record straight, don't you, Daniel?" Jack asked with a gleam in his eye.

"Straight? Um, yes, very straight," Daniel agreed, nodding vigorously.

"Well, Dr. Jackson, you certainly do get into some interesting situations," General Hammond observed.

"Indeed," Teal'c intoned.

"This is really a fascinating account, Daniel," Sam enthused. "You believe the aliens are conservationists?"

"I'm sure of it," Daniel replied. "They kept an eye on P7Y-641 because of those traps. They knew they were there. They'd confiscated the tracking device from poachers months ago, but they couldn't find and destroy the traps until someone was unlucky enough to step into one and trigger the tracker."

"Thank you, Daniel Jackson," Jack said glibly.

"Anyways," Daniel said, trying to ignore Jack, "when they came to get me, they didn't quite know what to make of me. Maybe they would have just treated me and released me if—"

"If I hadn't blundered in, startled them and screwed it all up," Jack interjected.

"No, your position was given away. Um, no offence," Daniel said apologetically, glancing at Sam. "Jack, you had to reveal yourself; you didn't have an option. You ran to my aid and thank you, I mean that, but unfortunately, they thought you were a hunter after its prey. If I hadn't lost the ability to breathe things may have turned out different," Daniel shrugged.

"Daniel Jackson, I do not understand why you and O'Neill insist on taking blame for events beyond your control," Teal'c stated, eyeing his two friends closely.

"Well said, Teal'c," Hammond agreed. "What transpired on P7Y was no one's fault. Let's just be thankful it ended well. To be safe, the address will be removed from the dialling program. Now, Dr. Jackson, take the rest of the day off and tomorrow. You've earned it."

"Thank you, General."

"Colonel O'Neill, see that he gets home safely."

"Yes, sir," Jack replied. Thank you, George.

*******

The walk to the elevator was quiet and Daniel was all too familiar with this particular Jack O'Neill 'quiet'. He had three options: ignore it, which really wasn't an option; wait for Jack to talk, but then he'd be on the defensive, or, once in the confines of the elevator, take the initiative and clear the air. He chose the latter.

"They didn't need to know," Daniel said quietly.

"Damn it, Daniel, you made the whole thing sound like a fucking walk in the park," Jack said angrily, slamming the stop button and lurching the elevator to a stop.

"But we both know it wasn't. We know what it was really like. Sam and Teal'c didn't want to leave us. Would telling the truth do them any favours? Would telling them I was scared shitless help anyone?"

"That's not the point, Daniel!" Jack retorted.

"No, the point is: my best friend and lover stayed with me. That's what you need to know, Jack. You're the one who held me in your arms and told me everything was going to be okay. That's what I needed to hear and to believe."

"They took you. I couldn't protect you. I didn't protect you," Jack said, his anger waning.

"Jack, don't you understand? You were with me the whole time. Here and here," Daniel said, pointing to his heart and head. "I knew you were going through hell, and I knew you were waiting for me. Jack, I used you to talk my way out. If that alien hadn't seen you, I would probably still be up there," Daniel said waving his hand overhead. "I didn't get a good look at their facilities, but I don't think a lot of their residents get returned to their homes. Their intentions are good, but ..."

"Zoos are full of good intentions," Jack said glumly.

"Something like that," Daniel murmured. "Now, we can belabour what should or should not have happened, or, you can start the elevator, take me home, wash me and have your wicked way with me, preferably at the same time, then feed me, put me to bed and we'll screw each other into unconsciousness".

"What, no coffee?" Jack croaked, shifting around his budding erection.

"Drive-thru on the way home," Daniel smiled.

:In that case, I want a preview," Jack said huskily, his eyes dark and inviting.

*******

"God, Jack, I can't believe we did that," Daniel gasped, zipping up his fly with shaking fingers.

"Crap, Daniel, if that's the preview, I'll never last through the main feature," Jack groaned.

"You all right in there?"

"Shit," Jack muttered, straightening his clothes. "Siler, that you?"

"Colonel O'Neill, is that you?"

"Yeah, elevator's acting up again. Thought you fixed this damn thing!" Jack replied, trying to calm his breathing.

"So did I, sir. Stay put, I'll be right back."

"Is he gone?" Daniel whispered.

"Yeah, I think so," Jack whispered back, his ear pressed to the door. "Come on, let's get while the getting's good," he said and started the elevator moving.

"Um, Jack, you've got some, uh, you know, on you," Daniel said, blushing and gesturing to the corner of Jack's mouth.

"What? Oh, "Jack said, flicking out his tongue and tasting Daniel's cum. "Mmm, just as good the second time around," he purred.

"Uh, you know the coffee thing?" Daniel said.

"Yeah?"

"Forget it. Just take me home. Now."

.