To Love, Honour And Obey 5

If It Be A Sin

by Rubi

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asr/rubi/willpass05.php
Summary: Can Daniel vanquish his demons? Will Mitchell tear Jack and Daniel apart?
Info: Toasted Toad to the rescue once again. And to you the reader, thanks for taking the time to read my stories

Jack paced the floor. "He what?"

Sheppard poured himself another glass of wine. "This morning during the handover at the prison hospital an ambulance arrived with a doctor and a technician - they had all the right papers. The staff let Mitchell go with them. They didn't know anything was wrong 'till they checked later on when the governor came with warrants for Mitchell's transfer to FBI custody."

Sheppard threw back the rest of the wine.

"And..." Jack was becoming inpatient.

Sheppard picked up the half empty bottle and poured another drink. "And we have both men who broke Mitchell out on tape: It was Teal'c and Doctor Hammond."

~~

Teal'c had found Hammond cowering in his office under his desk as he was searching for Seth.

Dragging Hammond out from his hiding place, he slammed him onto the desktop.

"Where is he?"

Hammond held his hands over his face to protect himself. "Who... who do you mean? Who are you looking for?"

Teal'c shook Hammond, banging his head on the desk.

Hammond tried to placate Teal'c "Tell me his name. Who are you looking for?"

"Seth... his name is Seth. Mitchell has him and I want him back. Now tell me where he is."

Teal'c drew his fist back to hit Hammond.

"I know him... I know him he was here. A few days ago Mitchell had him transferred somewhere.

I don't know where, I swear I don't know."

Teal'c released his grip on Hammond, letting the man slide off the desk and onto the floor.

Outside the sound of gunfire came closer. Grabbing Hammond, Teal'c pushed him towards the office door, flicking the light switch off before opening it. Holding Hammond with one hand he levelled his gun over Hammond's shoulder, pushing the quivering man forward.

As they approached the service elevator the sound of a helicopter's beating blades came echoing down the elevator shaft. Pushing open the elevator door, Teal'c roughly pushed Hammond in. Closing the door behind them, he pressed the basement button and the elevator sprang to life, lurching as it began its descent.

Picking himself up off the floor, Hammond dusted the dirt from his clothes. "I have to thank you for saving me."

Teal'c held up his hand. "I do not want your thanks. What I need is your help."

~~

Teal'c watched as the paramedic crew brought the man out on a stretcher. From his vantage point he could make out Mitchell's face past the oxygen mask and blankets.

As the ambulance pulled away with a police escort, Jack came out with his arm around a distressed Daniel.

Sheppard helped get him in to a car. Teal'c watched as the car sped off, happy that Jack and Daniel had been reunited and were safe in Sheppard's care.

Turning to Hammond, Teal'c smiled. "We need to talk."

Hammond nodded. "I have an apartment a couple of blocks from here. No one knows about it. I use it for...special guests"

Teal'c grimaced as Hammond put the emphasis on 'special'.

Hammond put down the phone and turned to Teal'c. "They have taken Mitchell to Queensboro' Correctional Facility. It's a minimum-security prison but it has an excellent hospital facility capable of treating his injuries. A friend of mine - well actually he's a golfing buddy - has just called me back to let me know that Mitchell was admitted the night my clinic was attacked. As far as I know he's safely behind bars. He can't hurt anyone any more."

Teal'c thought for a moment. "Then doctor, it is up to you and I to break him out."

~~

Jack ran into the room when he heard Daniel's scream.

As he switched on the light by the bed he could see that Daniel was bathed in sweat. His eyes wide with fear, he was fighting with an unknown assailant, shouting out unintelligible words in ancient Egyptian.

Jack held Daniel's shoulders back against the mattress to stop him from harming himself.

"Daniel...Daniel, wake up....come on Daniel, you need to wake up now."

Daniel opened his eyes. "Jack... oh thank god, it's you." Feeling on the table next to the bed for his glasses he put them on. "My head, it hurts so much. If I could just have a little of the drug Dr Hammond gave me I'm sure it would..."

Jack shook his head. "No Daniel, you don't need it, you said so yourself. It was just Mitchell's way of controlling you."

Daniel pushed past Jack. "I need it Jack, it keeps me calm. You know it keeps me sane... just a little Jack, please."

Jack sighed. "No baby, this is for your own good, please believe me."

Daniel walked to the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind him. Jack followed, reaching the door just as Daniel turned the lock. He tried the door handle.

"Danny come on, open the door."

Daniel stood with his back to the door, putting his hands over his ears to block out Jack's voice. He slid slowly down the door until he was sitting on the bathroom floor, rocking rhythmically back and forth, trying not to scream as the voices in his head took over.

Jack had thought about bursting the door open, but after what Daniel had been through he didn't want to push him further over the edge. He reluctantly left Daniel and went back into the lounge to call for help to call Sheppard.

Daniel needed help-professional-help and Sheppard might just have the answer.

~~

"I came as soon as I could. Where is he?" Sheppard was breathless as Jack let him in.

Jack indicated the locked bathroom door.

"How long has he been in there?"

Jack ran his hands through his hair. "An hour, maybe a little more."

Sheppard followed Jack. The door was still locked.

"Hey Daniel it's me, it's Shepp... it's John. Remember... we met last night. How's it goin' buddy?"

Jack looked puzzle as he mouthed, "How's it goin'?"

Sheppard held his hands out and shrugged his shoulders. What did you say to someone who had been through what Daniel had been through?

Sheppard walked back into the bedroom. Jack followed.

"The drug Hammond gave him, we've just had it analysed. Amongst other things, it has traces of antipsychotic drugs and opiates. No wonder Daniel wants more. Mitchell was trying to make him dependant on it."

Jack punched the air in anger. "Son of a bitch, that's why Daniel reacted the way he did when we found him. I want you to get him the help he needs. The best there is, money no object, get whoever is number one in their field, and bring them here."

As Jack went back to try and talk to Daniel, Sheppard was on his phone. "That's what I said. I want Elizabeth Weir here in the next two hours.... What should you tell her? As little as possible."

~~

The knocking on Elizabeth Weir's front door was insistent, and annoying; a knocking that no matter what, just couldn't be ignored.

Wrapping her robe around her she headed down the stairs. Lifting the blind on the front door, she could see two of the government's finest men in black standing on her doorstep.

Sighing, she drew the bolts back on the door, leaving the chain on just in case.

She'd had had dealings with government agents before they weren't her favourite people.

"Can I help you gentlemen?"

She never understood why the ubiquitous men in black wore sunglasses even at night.

"We have orders from General Landry to take you to a location where your skills are needed urgently, Ma'am. If you would please come with us."

Elizabeth didn't hide her displeasure, but as she was on the government payroll she knew she had no choice.

"Just let me get dressed, at least."

~~

The two men nodded and turned their backs to the door to await her return.

The journey by car and helicopter gave her time to collect her thoughts.

"You can at least brief me on my mission?"

The two men looked at each other and shook their heads. "We are sorry Dr Weir, we have no details. All we know is the location we are to escort you to."

With nothing else to occupy her, Weir sat and mused over in her mind how two men in government employ could be so... for all her knowledge of the human psyche, the only word that sprang to mind was 'creepy'. The helicopter began its decent into Manhattan. The sight was spectacular - the city spread out before her, the lights of the sky scrapers like jewelled boxes.

Passing over Central Park, even in the dark was a delight. Usually she was taken to drab government buildings, in drab army barracks, but not today.

As they landed on the roof of a large apartment building her two companions handed her over to a rather unshaven, unkempt, ruffle headed, handsome man.

As the helicopter took off Sheppard had to shout to be heard over the noise.

"Welcome to New York Dr Weir, my name is Sheppard, John Sheppard. If you would like to follow me I'll take you to your next assignment."

The elevator ride down to the penthouse was short, only enough time for strained pleasantries to be exchanged between the two of them.

"So are you going to tell me why I was pulled from my bed in the middle of the night?"

Sheppard pointed the way as Elizabeth followed him. "If you would just follow me, Dr Weir"

"Please call me Elizabeth, and if that's a polite way to say stop asking questions... I can just as easily catch a flight home."

Sheppard opened the door to Jack's apartment and Elizabeth walked in. The lounge was bigger than Elizabeth's entire home, it was furnished comfortably, with exquisite works of art hanging from every wall.

"I think there has been some mistake, Mr Sheppard. I work with traumatised soldiers and prisoners of war, not with spoilt little rich...."

"Daniel isn't spoilt or, technically, rich, but what he is, is a traumatised prisoner."

Elizabeth knew she had been put in her place by someone who loved this 'Daniel' person.

"I'm Elizabeth Weir. And you are so right, I should not have prejudged Daniel."

Jack extended his hand. He liked this woman; she could admit it when she was wrong.

Elizabeth shook Jack's hand firmly, noting that he too had a good firm handshake. She could not fail to note also that he was a good looking man.

The three of them sat in the lounge opposite each other.

"Can you tell me why I'm here?"

Jack gathered his thoughts "Daniel, my partner, he has some problems... some emotional problems. It all began when I kidnapped him..."

~~

Teal'c had devised a plan, but it included Dr Hammond, a fact he wasn't happy with; he didn't know what Hammond was in with Mitchell for, but he had a bad feeling about it.

"You will have to find an ambulance if we are to get Mitchell out of the prison hospital. I can get forged documents so they will release him to us."

"But I thought you hated Mitchell as much as anyone Teal'c?"

Teal'c bowed his head. "Indeed I do, but he is my only hope of finding my friend, Seth."

Hammond looked a Teal'c. "He must be a good friend?"

"Indeed, a very good friend"

Hammond didn't ask again.

~~

Teal'c handed the documentation to the prison guard as Hammond talked to the nurse on duty.

With help, they moved Mitchell over onto the stretcher. The two men then walked quickly back to the ambulance.

As they were being waved through the last set of locked doors out to the waiting ambulance, the guard appeared at the other end of the corridor. Teal'c and Hammond stiffened as he started gesticulating at them.

"Hey you guys, stop right there. Thought you could get away with it, didn't you...? He needs these meds to go with him; some sedation and antibiotics. If you ask me though it's wasted on a sleaze ball like him after what he did to that guy."

Hammond took the drugs from the guard, thanking him, then waved goodbye as he and Teal'c pushed the stretcher into the back of the ambulance. Switching the sirens on ensured a swift departure from the facility.

~~

Elizabeth Weir sat transfixed as Jack finished.

"...so we managed to track him down to a clinic here in Manhattan. A lot of good men died getting him out of there, doc. I think that's part of the problem - he doesn't think he deserves to live when so many people have given so much."

"Can I be honest with you Mr..?"

"O'Neill, but please call me Jack."

Weir sat back against the plump cushions.

"What has happened to Daniel is deplorable, especially what you and... Mitchell have put this young man through. You both want to possess him, and it's that possession which has driven him to what you describe as a breakdown. With the added drug addiction caused by his latest incarceration at the hands of Mitchell, I think both of you should..."

Weir stopped talking as a young man came into the room, his hands and face covered in blood.

"Jack, I think I ..." Daniel managed to stammer out the words as he slumped to the floor, his hands shaking, the deep lacerations in his wrists oozing blood.

Jack was first to reach him. "Oh Daniel, what have you done?"

Weir moved Jack to one side. "Out of the way. Get me some towels, bandages... anything to stop the bleeding, and then get me an ambulance stat!"

Daniel opened his eyes. "No Jack, no ambulances, no hospitals, no... please promise me."

Jack took a towel from Sheppard, dabbing at Daniel's bloodied face as Weir wrapped the other towels tightly around his lacerated wrist, trying to stem the blood.

"Sheppard, get my bag, I brought it with me on the helicopter. I have some supplies in it. I may be able to deal with this here just so long as he hasn't lost too much blood."

The cuts on Daniel's face were just light scratches. Most of the blood had come from his wrists.

Jack kissed Daniel's forehead as he helped Daniel lie back against him.

"Why, Daniel? Your wrists and your beautiful face."

Daniel smiled weakly. "Don't you see Jack, if I'm scarred then Cam won't want me any more, he'll leave me alone. He'll leave us alone."

Jack's eyes filled with tears at Daniel's words.

Weir put the last stitch in the laceration. Cutting off the surplus suture material, she placed a dressing across the wound and wrapped a bandage around it to keep it in place. As she put the final piece of tape in place, Daniel slept peacefully.

Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar Weir left, turning off the light behind her.

Jack stood up as she walked back into the room. "How is he?"

Weir rubbed her eyes - it had been some time since she had had to suture a wound, and the small stitches and the level of concentration needed had made her head ache.

"I gave him a mild sedative just to help him sleep. He won't wake till morning. Speaking about morning, I'll have to leave now if I'm to find a hotel room."

Jack handed her a cup of coffee. "You can stay here - there's loads of rooms, really there are. I keep finding more."

Weir laughed. "I can see why Daniel loves you, Jack"

"Wow, you got all that from our little talk before?"

Weir shook her head. "No, I got all that from talking to Daniel just now. He's very special... and very afraid."

Sheppard showed Weir to one of the rooms. She stripped off her clothes and climbed into bed for the second time that night.

~~

Dr Hammond changed the bag of saline on Mitchell's IV line. He checked his wounds making sure they weren't bleeding. Teal'c stood by the door, watching.

"How is he?"

"As well as can be expected considering your friend Jack pumped two bullets into him."

Teal'c smiled. "It is inadvisable to irk O'Neill too many times."

Hammond drew up the phial of antibiotic into a syringe. Finding the portal in the IV tubing he pushed the needle in.

Pushing the plunger home he watched the drug mix with the saline, toying with the idea of refilling the syringe with air, pumping that into the bastard's body, then waiting the couple of minutes as the air reached his heart... then watching as he flat-lined.

His blackmailer would be dead, and his problem over.

As he threw the syringe and needle into the yellow 'sharps' box, Hammond put the plan out of his mind... for now.

~~

Elizabeth showered and dressed before she went to find the kitchen. Why hadn't anyone given her a map?

Daniel and Jack were sitting together in the kitchen. Daniel was holding tightly onto a mug of coffee, Jack was busy scrambling eggs. Elizabeth's mouth watered and her stomach rumbled audibly. She patted her abdomen in apology.

"Sorry about that, haven't eaten in a while."

Daniel sipped slowly on his coffee as Elizabeth sat opposite him.

"Good morning Daniel, how are you feeling today?"

Daniel didn't move.

Jack turned and spooned eggs onto Daniel's plate. "He's not very talkative today, are you Danny?"

Jack spooned the rest of the eggs onto Elizabeth's plate and put a rack of toast in front of her.

"Well that's fine really, sometimes I don't feel like talking either," she said.

Daniel slammed down his mug onto the table so hard that its contents spilled over. Jack reached for a dishcloth to mop up the spill.

"Oh for god's sake Jack, leave it. I know what you are, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth ate a forkful of eggs. "And what do you think I am, Daniel?"

Daniel stirred his coffee then answered. "I think you're a goddamn shrink Elizabeth, a dyed-in-the-wool psychiatrist and Jack has brought you here to straighten the headcase out.

Please feel free to jump in and stop me if I'm wrong."

Elizabeth accepted the cup of coffee Jack offered.

"Play nice now Daniel, Elizabeth is only here to help you"

"Do you have any cream. Jack?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack nodded, instinctively understanding Elizabeth's hint for him to leave her alone with Daniel for a while.

"I'll have to pop to the market, take about five minutes. You'll be okay while I'm gone won't you Danny?"

Daniel ignored Jack and carried on stirring his coffee as Jack left.

Elizabeth looked at Daniel. "It's not his fault, you know" she said.

Daniel huffed. "So doctor, what's your diagnosis? Am I mad or what?"

Elizabeth carried on eating, answering in between mouthfuls. "I'll go for the 'or what'. I don't think you're mad, Daniel. I do think you're suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. That's my first impression, but mad... no, you're not mad"

"Jack thinks I am."

Elizabeth laughed. "And where did Jack get his medical degree?"

Daniel smiled. "So what happens next?"

Elizabeth put down her fork. "Well, next you eat your breakfast and later we can talk. How does that sound?"

Jack came back from the market breathless, carrying a quart of milk. He could have sent one of the team for it, but he knew Elizabeth had wanted him out of the way for a little while.

Opening the refrigerator door he put the quart of milk next to the other six quarts.

He was relieved to see Daniel smiling and relaxed as he chatted with Elizabeth.

~~

The two men took it in turns to watch Mitchell, sitting by his bed, changing his sheets, nursing him back to health... It was all Teal'c could do to stop himself from killing the man as he slept. Only the thought of Seth stopped him.... and that when Mitchell woke up, he could beat Seth's location out of him.

The low moan from Mitchell startled Teal'c. "You are awake CameronMitchell, how do you feel?"

Mitchell closed his eyes tight, then opened them again. "Damn, the nurses in this hospital are ugly. Teal'c, what you doin' here? I would have thought that you least of all would have wanted me to live. And here I am alive with you playing Florence Nightingale."

Teal'c reached for a pair of handcuffs from the nightstand. Flicking one cuff around Mitchell's wrist he fastened the other to the steel frame of the hospital bed.

Mitchell lifted his arm and pulled on the restraint. "Is this completely necessary? I mean, where am I going to go? Every cop from here to Texas is looking for me."

"I will call Dr Hammond and tell him you are awake."

Teal'c left Mitchell still pulling on the handcuffs – an unusual situation for him; it was usually he that did the restraining.

~~

Daniel and Elizabeth sat on the terrace of the apartment. The watery sunlight gave the air an Indian summer feel.

Jack had made his excuses about business to attend to and left them conveniently alone.

"It's a beautiful apartment you have, Daniel"

"It's not mine, it's Jack's!"

"But you share it with him?"

"I suppose I do in a way."

"Tell me about your childhood, your parents."

"Not much to tell really"

"Well, can you tell me about a time when you were happiest?"

"When Jack came back to me."

"Can you tell me a little more about how you felt and why?"

"I know you're going to think it's strange, but Jack kidnapping me was the best thing that ever happened to me."

"I'm not here to pass judgement on you, Daniel."

"I know you're not, but even now I feel..."

Elizabeth cocked her head to one side, waiting for Daniel to continue.

"Elizabeth, I fell in love with Jack, not because he made me, but because I wanted to – in the end, he let me make my own decision. He was the first human being I felt connected to.

Before that, with Cam, I... there were times when he was kind to me. Sometimes, when he wasn't hurting me... the rare times when he was being tender... I thought I might feel for him, love him even, but it wasn't a good love. Then the violence would begin again, and all I felt was fear."

"A good love? What do you mean?"

"God, it's all so mixed up. Jack... with him it's a pure love, a good love. With Cam it's a basic, primitive thing. He wanted me so much. I felt... desirable. I don't think I even realized until Jack that I could be desired and still have my wishes respected. He didn't touch me until I gave my permission."

"And do you think Cam loves you?"

"I'm sure he does, or thinks he does. Whenever we... made love... he was brutal. He hurt me in so many ways I can't even describe, and don't want to. But there were occasions when he could be loving and protective. If any of his 'guests' would... you know... try to do things other than have sex with me... things that might damage me... he would come in like a knight in shining armour and rescue me."

"Do you miss him?"

"That's what tears me up inside. Sometimes I do, but how can I admit it to Jack? I can't even admit it to myself. It would be easier if I were dead. Cam would find someone else, and so would Jack."

"Do you honestly think it would all stop there?"

"No, Jack would blame Cam and spend the rest of his days and money looking for him."

"So what do you think is the solution?"

"Well, I could spend six months with each of them."

Elizabeth's eyebrows arched upwards.

"I'm joking, Elizabeth. I just can't help thinking that the two of them make me complete.

When I'm with Jack I feel loved and secure. When I'm with Cam, it's raw, painful... different. God, I don't know."

The two of them talked and laughed as the sun began to set over Central Park.

"Hey Daniel, I think we've made some progress here. The thing you have to know is that none of this is your fault. Everything that has happened to you has been by other people's hands..."

"So I'm cured then?" Daniel clapped his hands together in mock glee.

"I never said that. We have a long way to go... a very long way. If it were that easy – hey, I'd be out of a job, wouldn't I? Now I think I need a nice hot drink, it's getting chilly out here."

Elizabeth stood up. Shaking the numbness out of her legs she held out her hand towards Daniel. She waited for him to take hold of her hand then pulled him to his feet.

Daniel smiled. "Thank you."

"For what? I haven't done anything, only listened."

"For just that, for listening."

~~

Seth opened his eyes. He was still in the small cabin, lying on the same stinking bunk.

Looking out of the porthole all he could see was what he had been able to see for the past four days: sea.

At first, the rocking of the boat had brought its own problems, but his body had overcome that. The one thing it couldn't overcome was the food he was brought to eat, or the lack of it.

His captors gave him a litre bottle of water per day. He saved it and eked it out over the day, but there was none left over for washing himself. One bathroom visit a day meant the porthole came in very useful for other purposes...

The first two days he had waited for Teal'c to rescue him, but when no rescue came, he knew he was on his own.

Keeping his mind active was part of his training; searching the cabin for a way of escape, working through scenarios. He had counted ten different captors - not Mitchell's usual thugs, these looked more like Korean sailors. If he was on one of Mitchell's cargo vessels he could be at sea for weeks. What better place to hide a prisoner than on a moving prison?

No one would ever find him.

~~

Hammond peeled back the dressing, pulling the last of it off as it stuck to the dried blood weeping from the wound.

Mitchell inhaled sharply, the air whistling past his teeth. "Son of a bitch. I'll give you that one doc, but next time..."

Inspecting the abdominal wound, Hammond used his gloved finger to probe further in.

Mitchell gritted his teeth. "Just damn well cover it up. I'll find someone to see to it when I get home."

Hammond replaced the dressing, securing it with a length of micropore tape.

"Take this fucking thing out of my arm as well."

Teal'c reached for Mitchell's arm and, taking hold of the clear plastic IV line, he pulled it unceremoniously out of Mitchell's arm, to cries of pain from Mitchell.

"Is there anything more I can do for you, CameronMitchell?"

Mitchell held his hand over the site were the IV had been, trying to staunch the flow of blood. "No thank you Teal'c, I think I can manage the rest myself. You've done enough already."

The note of sarcasm in Mitchell's voice tinged with pain made Teal'c smile as he clasped his hands behind his back and walked out of the room.

The next day Mitchell felt well enough to get out of bed. After breakfast, Teal'c brought him some clothes.

"Where's my phone?"

Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Your phone, CameronMitchell?"

"Yes my goddamn phone, where is it? I need to contact my people"

"I would think that the New York police have it as evidence."

Taking a deep breath and trying to keep his composure, Mitchell tried again. "Okay then, can I borrow yours so I can call my people?"

Teal'c took his phone from his pants pocket. "A phone like this one, maybe?"

Mitchell stretched out his hand to take Teal'c's phone from him. Just as he did, Teal'c quickly replaced it in his pocket.

"I do not think that would be wise considering your condition, and the fact that you still have my friend Seth prisoner."

It hurt Mitchell to laugh but he couldn't resist it. "Is that what you call him nowadays?

'My friend Seth'? How about 'fuck buddy'? Tell me Teal'c, do you top or bottom? Judging by how Seth performed for me I would say he could take it either way."

Teal'c knew Mitchell was goading him and for Seth's sake he would not give in to the rising anger that threatened to overwhelm him. The small trickle of blood that escaped from under his fingernails as he dug them into the palms of his hands reminded him of the pain he would make Mitchell endure once his lover was safe.

~~

"I don't want a blow by blow account of what you said, and she said."

Jack followed Daniel around the room as he pulled open the draw in the bureau, stuffing socks in. Jack put his hand on Daniel's to try and stop the whirlwind that was Daniel from moving around the room stuffing laundry in the wrong draws.

"They don't go in there, Daniel."

Pouting, Daniel threw the rest of the laundry at Jack.

"Don't they? Well, do it your bloody self then."

Jack threw the laundry on the floor.

"Oh good Jack, that was really mature, now you can hold your breath and go blue for all I care."

Jack inhaled a large breath of air and stood in front of Daniel his arms crossed against his chest, his foot tapping on the floor. He waited. Daniel crossed his arms to mirror Jack.

After a couple of minutes Jack was looking decidedly blue.

"Jack, breathe... Jack, please breathe... okay you win, I'm sorry. Now will you breathe?"

Jack let his lungs exhale the captive air in one big whoosh, which ended in a laugh.

Staggering to the bed, Jack sat doubled up with laughter.

Daniel pushed him backwards onto the bed, tickling him. "Oh so you think that's funny, do you, huh? That's funny; me worried about you, that's funny?"

Jack tried to escape from the ticklish onslaught by pushing himself backwards up the bed with Daniel in hot pursuit.

"Okay Daniel... I give up! Stop now, please..."

The two men lay breathless side by side, their laboured breathing interspersed with giggles, their heads touching, bodies askew. Daniel rolled over onto his stomach - he could see Jack better that way. Picking a thread from one of the cushions he played absentmindedly with it.

"She asked me about us - Elizabeth, that is. She wanted to know about us." Jack turned on his side, his head raised up on his bent arm, stroking Daniel's hair.

"Want to tell me what you said?"

Daniel picked at the thread. "No, not yet. I'm not ready. You don't mind, do you? Only if it will make you angry I... I will tell you everything we say..."

Jack ruffled Daniel's hair "Love, you don't have to tell me anything, not unless you want to, and not until you're ready, right? I'm just happy you're feeling better."

Daniel leaned over and planted a kiss on Jack's lips. It was the first sexual contact they had had since before Daniel was taken on Ellis Island. Daniel pulled back to gauge Jack's reaction to the kiss. Jack's eyes were closed, his face tilted up waiting for the next one.

"You want another one?" Daniel asked, acting surprised.

"Yeah! And another and another... please."

Daniel's kiss was more urgent this time, the stirring between his legs sending shivers through his body. Jack opened his mouth as Daniel probed further with his tongue. Lapping at Jacks tongue, muffled moans escaped him as his urgency grew.

Jack lay back on the bed as Daniel climbed on top of him, pushing his hips down, grinding himself onto Jack's body, his hands pulling at Jack's pants, bodies twisting and writhing.

This was not how Jack wanted it, but it was what Daniel wanted, needed... hot, animal sex.

"Oh baby I need you. Strip for me, show me your body. Show me your fucking cock, let me see you."

Jack tried his best to take his clothes off, but with Daniel pinning him to the bed it took time... too much time for Daniel, who impatiently ripped at Jack's shirt, sending buttons flying like missiles across the room.

Jack held Daniel's hands to stop him doing the same to his pants. "Daniel, let me do this. You take yours off."

Daniel nodded. Kneeling on the bed, he quickly took off his clothes. Throwing them on the floor, he turned his attention back to Jack. Jack felt his body slammed back onto the mattress as he kicked his pants and shoes off. Daniel covered him with kisses, working his way down Jack's body, licking and lapping as he went.

Jack gasped and mewed in response as Daniel hit all of his hot spots; nipples pulled and nipped at, sweat licked and savoured like nectar, then on down to Jack's cock. After Daniel's foreplay, it was erect and ready, pre-cum forming at the slit.

Jack watched as Daniel made eye contact with him. Never taking his eyes off Jack, Daniel's nose wrinkled as he smiled.

Licking at the few precious drops, Daniel used his tongue to smear the pre-cum across his lips, then made his way cat-like up Jack's body. In an instant he was on Jack's lips, sharing his precious gift with him, the two of them sealed together in body and spirit.

Daniel turned his attention back where it was longed for; taking Jack's cock into his mouth he circled the purple head with his tongue, whipping it around and around, sending Jack wild. Then he moved on down the shaft, taking all of Jack's hardness into his throat, wanting more till he was at the root, twisting his head around the shaft.

Jack moaned loudly, biting his lip, Daniel's name on his lips like a silent passionate prayer.

Pulling his head back, and off, the delicious hot shaft, Daniel whispered, "Jack, flip for me baby."

Jack turned over onto his front, grabbing a pillow and placing it under his hips while Daniel searched in the night stand for the lube. Jack gathered another pillow into his arms, pulling and pushing it under his chest.

Daniel slathered the cold lube on to his erect pulsating cock. He wanted to be joined with Jack, be part of him, make him scream his name as he came.

"Open up for me, Jack."

Jack moved his hands behind him. Holding onto the cheeks of his ass, he spread them open so Daniel could gaze upon the tight hole. Daniel stroked Jack's back from his neck down to his tail, his hips thrusting forward. A flash of a memory of Cam doing the same to him barged into Daniel's brain for the briefest of moments. But Daniel was determined not to allow Cam to spoil this for him.

Cam had never let Daniel be in control during sex, had always forced him to be submissive. In fact, most of the time, Cam had simply forced him.

But Now Jack had given him this gift, he would be the one in control.

Pulling back, Daniel stopped himself from plundering Jack there and then. He was not like Cam - he would not be like him.

Pushing a finger towards the pouting hole, Daniel gently circled then pushed in just slightly, breaching the ring of muscle.

Jack gasped and moaned his disappointment as Daniel pulled back and out again.

"Feel good baby? Want more? Ask me to fuck you. Say 'fuck me Daniel, please'."

Jack pushed back, hoping Daniel's finger would once more make contact with his hole giving him some consolation from the emptiness he felt.

"Do you want one?" Daniel pushed his index finger in . "Or..." Daniel pulled out and returned, pushing two fingers into Jack.

"More please, oh god, more than that."

Daniel tutted. "You are a slut, O'Neill... a wanton slut, aren't you? Say it. Say it, or I go no further."

Jack swallowed hard. "I'm a slut... a wanton slut. Just fuck me Daniel, now!"

Daniel smiled as he slid three fingers in, twisting them around, spreading them open, making Jack ready for him.

Daniel's cut wrists began to ache with the effort, but the basic urge to fuck overrode the pain he felt. Jack arched his back, raising his ass up in the air, presenting himself for Daniel to use as he wanted.

Daniel levelled his cock lining up with Jack's hole, and pushed into him.

Jack buried his head deep into the pillow and screamed out, but the pain and burning lasted moments. Daniel pushed in a little further then pulled back, then advanced further, pulling back slightly to try and delay the pleasure, before plunging deep inside Jack.

Jack groaned as Daniel glided over his prostate, sending spasms of pleasure rippling through his entire body. Daniel's hand snaked under Jack's body, seeking out and finding his straining cock. Pumping on the shaft, Daniel milked Jack, his hot sticky cum shooting over his hand and the sheets below.

Daniel pushed one final time into Jack, flooding him with his cum. Daniel threw his head back and growled as his body flooded with ripples of pleasure. His ass muscles flexed as he pushed and rode out the last of his orgasm.

As the orgasm subsided he slowly withdrew, slapping Jack on the ass as he did.

"Well bitch, how was it for you?"

Jack's voice was muffled; he still had his face pressed into the pillow. "This bitch...is well...satisfied."

Jack didn't want to move - he wanted to die this happy, but the sensation of cooling sticky cum spurred him on. He managed to stand slowly and walk naked to the bathroom.

Switching on the shower he took two large bath towels out of the cupboard; one for him and one for Daniel.

"Hey Danny, no slacking. Come have your shower... Daniel!"

Daniel's voice echoed from the bedroom. "In a minute, Cam!"

Daniel walked into the bathroom as Jack was stepping under the shower. "Jack I... erm... I don't know why I said that."

Jack plunged his face under the warm water. "Said what Daniel? I'm sorry, I never heard a thing - the shower, you know."

Daniel stepped into the shower behind Jack, and tentatively put his arms around his lover's waist, hugging him close.

Jack turned slightly and smiled at Daniel. Would Daniel ever forget Mitchell?

~~

Jack had left Daniel in bed sleeping. His first thoughts were of the night before - more specifically, of Daniel calling him Cam.

Elizabeth was already in the kitchen struggling with the coffee maker. "These things faze me a little - I'm not technically minded really."

Jack took the coffee pot from her. "You sit, you're a guest in my home. I get to mess with the coffee maker. I tell you, the instruction book for this thing was like the manual for the Space Shuttle."

Elizabeth busied herself taking mugs from the cupboard and putting them on the counter top. "Daniel alright?" she enquired.

Jack snapped back "Yes! Why shouldn't he be?"

Elizabeth frowned. "Did something happen last night, Jack?"

Jack threw the coffee filter in the sink. "Yes... yes something happened last night. I had some of the best sex I've ever had in my life."

"And that's bad why?"

"Because Doctor Weir, my beautiful funny sexy Daniel, after we had made love, called me 'Cam'."

Elizabeth put her hand over her mouth to hide a broad smile.

Jack raised his eyebrows. "And tell me oh wise doctor, why is that funny?"

"Because Jack, you're over reacting. Have you never done that before? God, I remember screaming out Donny Osmond's name once in the height of passion."

Jack's eyes opened wider and his eyebrows arched higher. "Doctor Weir...you were a Donny Osmond fan? Really, you do surprise me."

Elizabeth opened the fridge door. Taking out some milk, she sat down. "After what he's been through, it's not surprising he's mixed up. You have to make allowances for him Jack, give him space."

Jack went back to making the coffee.

"Should my ears be burning?" Daniel stretched his arms stifling a yawn. "Any news from Teal'c?"

Jack spooned Daniel's favourite coffee into the filter. "I'll check with Sheppard later. After we've had coffee, how about we find a diner and have breakfast? Elizabeth, why don't you join us?"

Weir shook her head. "If you don't mind I'll stay here and catch up on some work. I've neglected my e-mails"

Jack switched the coffee maker on. "Yeah see Daniel, it's just like I said. Never neglect your e-mails."

~~

Jack's conversation with Sheppard was short and to the point. Teal'c hadn't been in contact, and on hearing that Jack and Daniel would be going out, Sheppard had immediately ordered two men to follow them.

Jack made sure Sheppard knew that the men should follow at a discreet distance, so as not to upset Daniel.

~~

Daniel opened the diner menu. Running his finger down the list of food he pouted and wrinkled his nose as he read.

"Well, at least you're pouting more than you're doin' that other thing with your nose that you do."

Daniel peered at Jack over the top of the menu. "I do not pout... and what thing I do with my nose?"

"Oh you do so pout, and when you smile your little button nose wrinkles and everything."

Daniel hid behind the menu again. "Okay, I've decided. How about you?"

On cue the waitress appeared to take their order.

"Yeah, what can I get for you guys?"

Jack carried on looking through his menu as Daniel closed his. "Okay, I'll go first. I'll have two eggs over easy, side order of home fries, Canadian bacon and sausage."

Jack was just about to order when Daniel continued. "Two pancakes with maple syrup and butter, some toast and a coffee, thanks! Oooh and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, thank you."

The waitress turned to Jack. "And for you, hun?"

Jack put his menu down "I'll have two egg whites lightly whipped on dry wholemeal toast and a peppermint tea."

Daniel frowned. "Jaaccck!"

"Oh okay then, I'll have the same as him, only hold the butter. Gotta watch my weight."

Jack patted his abdomen.

The waitress returned with two hot cups of coffee. "There you go hun, enjoy."

As the waitress left, Daniel began to play with the sugar cubes. Taking them out of a bowl on the table in front of him and stacking them one on top of the other he built a small wall three rows high.

"God but it's good to be normal again."

Jack wondered just how normal Daniel would feel if he knew the men sitting two tables away were part of his security team and heavily armed.

"You think all this is normal?" Jack asked.

Daniel continued to build his wall with him on one side and Jack on the other. He loved to sit and talk.

"To just to sit in a diner, with ordinary everyday people. No guards or security staff. There aren't any security staff are there Jack?"

The waitress brought their breakfast. Jack was grateful he didn't have to answer Daniel's question.

There was barely enough room on the table for all the food they'd ordered, when the waitress brought it.

"We need a bigger table," Daniel joked.

"Or a smaller stomach. I don't know what made me order so much food."

Both men tucked into their breakfast while in a car parked across the street a camera shutter clicked.

~~

"Look I told you I don't speak Korean, I'm sorry."

The small Korean pushed the gun deeper into Seth's ribs. "Bbali...bbali!"

"Look I'm sorry, you little shit! Just tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it. I don't understand you."

The small Korean man pushed the barrel of the gun hard into Seth's back, pushing him forward. Seth turned around to confront the man. He knew if he tried to fight back in the close confinement of the ship, he would receive a bullet in his back at point blank range for his trouble.

"Bbali....bbali," the man repeated over and over, pushing him up the narrow stairs.

As Seth came out on the deck of the ship he shielded his eyes from the bright glare of the hot sun.

His guard held the gun on him, while a second man stood in front of him, shouting an order at him "Sonmok...sonmok."

The man held out his own tightly clasped hands in front of him. Seth understood what he meant. "Son...mok - that means you want me to put my hands together. Like this?"

Seth clasped his hands in front of him. The man took a length of cord from his pocket and began to wrap it tightly around Seth's wrists.

The man kept bowing to Seth repeating the same word over and over "Mianhamnida...Mianhamnida."

Seth instinctively knew from the look in his eyes what the man was saying - he was saying he was 'Sorry', but why now?

He didn't have to wait long for his answer, as the gentle patter of helicopter blades broke the silence. Seth was ushered to the side rail of the ship as the helicopter began its descent onto the deck.

Seth shielded his eyes from the wind and dust kicked up as the helicopter landed. As the blades slowed to a halt the second man approached the passenger door and, bowing low, he opened it.

At first Seth couldn't see past the bowing man. Then he spotted a pair of well tailored dark blue pants. The visitor extended his foot as Seth watched. Then as the visitor stood up, Seth gasped. The man looked like a Greek god. A sharp dresser, sallow skinned with dark hair. Hand made leather shoes completed the man's immaculate look. In his hand he carried a brown leather attaché case. Walking towards Seth the well dressed man handed the attaché case to the Korean who had apologised to Seth. The visitor instructed Seth sharply.

"Open your mouth." Seth was shocked by the well dressed man's Oxford English accent.

"I am an American citizen. I demand to be taken to the nearest American Embassy," Seth managed to stammer out. The man began to clap his hands slowly together.

"Oh, bravo. Nearest embassy, is it?" He stood so close to Seth that he could almost taste the man's aftershave. Grabbing Seth by the jaw, he tried to prise his mouth open.

Seth pushed the man away. "Get the fuck off me, mother-fucker."

The man nodded to the Korean with the gun. Stepping forward, the man again dug the gun into Seth's ribs.

"I will inspect my property," the man said coldly.

Another push in the ribs, and Seth reluctantly opened his mouth. The man tutted and frowned as he walked in a tight circle around Seth, touching his body as he went.

"Don't do that..." Seth remonstrated with the man.

"Ah, feisty. I like that in my men."

Gesturing for the man holding the attaché case to step forward, the visitor took the case from him. Clicking open the two combination locks he opened it. Seth gasped - as the case was opened the sunlight hit something shiny; the case contained a gold bar.

The two Koreans smiled toothless grins as the well dressed man closed and relocked the case, handing it back to the man who bowed low. Seth had the distinctly unpleasant feeling he had just met market price.

"My name is Prince Omar Bin Ali, sixteenth in line to the throne of Qaata. I have just completed my purchase of you, and you now belong to me."

Seth shook his head. "The fuck I do. I am an American..."

The Prince dismissed Seth's remonstrations with a flick of his hand. "Get in the helicopter or I will have you carried into it."

Seth looked around. What choice did he have? His hands were tied - literally. He slowly walked towards the rear door of the helicopter as instructed. Fastening the safety belt across his lap he sat impassive as the door slid shut and was locked. As the helicopter lifted off the deck Seth wasn't sorry to leave - he understood now why the man who bound his hands had kept telling him he was sorry.

Seth looked out of the window as the helicopter lifted off the ship's deck. The ship soon became like a small toy on the ocean. The Prince sat uncomfortably close to Seth. Leaning forward, he tapped the pilot on the shoulder.

A ball of smoke and flame billowed from inside the ship as an explosion split it in two. Minutes later, it sank.

~~

Mitchell's recuperative powers surprised even Dr Hammond. Teal'c had waited patiently for Hammond to give Mitchell the all clear; he didn't want to jeopardise his chances of getting Seth back. Hammond was happy. Soon he would be free of the blackmailer who had made his life hell for the past few months.

"So doc, how am I?"

Hammond pulled the sterile latex gloves off his hands with a snap. Opening the bin with his foot he threw then in one at a time.

"You're almost back to normal - or whatever can be classed as normal for you!"

Teal'c knocked at the open door. "May I come in Dr Hammond?" Teal'c asked, his voice low.

Hammond nodded. "Yes please do Teal'c."

Hammond was glad of the excuse to leave; his dislike of Mitchell as a man and as a patient had only increased. Teal'c closed the door after Hammond left.

"I wish to talk to you, CameronMitchell . I need your help to get Seth back. I want to know where he is, and you are the only one who knows."

Mitchell got slowly off the bed. Grimacing at the pain in his side, he walked towards the window looking out over the city street. "Now why would I do something like that?"

Teal'c stood firm. He knew of Mitchell's tactics. "Because I saved your life, and you must repay the debt."

"And if I tell you where Seth is and let's just say you get him back, what then? I'm not naive enough to think you saved me because you know that deep down inside I'm a great guy. I know the moment you get Seth back I will cease to be of any use to you. So you will forgive me if I don't jump at the opportunity to find Seth for you, but I'd rather keep my ace and return home safely. Don't want any anything to happen to me - a sudden fall, or I may shoot myself in the back - all by accident of course. No Teal'c, while I know where Seth is and you don't, that's my insurance policy."

"Is there nothing I can do to persuade you to take me to Seth?" Teal'c's face was expressionless as he turned away from Mitchell.

"But then again Teal'c, there may be something you can get me that I want in return."

Teal'c didn't want to turn around. He didn't want to see Mitchell's face, didn't want to hear him say the words.

"All I want is to talk with him, that's all - just talk. Jack can be there as well. I just want to hear him tell me he doesn't want me. You must know how I feel; I love him more than Jack ever can. Just let me see him. If he says no, I'm gone. Damn it, I'll even take you to Seth myself. That's the deal, take it or leave it."

As Teal'c and Mitchell left Hammond's apartment it had just begun to snow, a light dusting - enough to give the city a new identity.

~~

"More coffee hun?"

Daniel shook his head. "No thank you, I'm stuffed."

She turned to Jack moving forward with the coffee pot. "And you?"

Jack put his hand over his half full coffee mug. "Not for me, thanks. Can I have the check please?"

The waitress took a tattered notebook out of her apron pocket. Tearing a page off she gave it to Jack.

"Pay at the cash register on the way out." Turning to Daniel she smiled at him. "You have a nice day hun, and come back and see us soon, you hear?"

Daniel smiled back, his eyes sparkling.

"Must you do that?" Jack asked as he took his wallet from his pocket.

"Do what?"

"Flirt with the waitress."

"I was not flirting with her. Are you jealous? My god. Jack O'Neill, you're jealous."

"That's ridiculous. Of course I'm not."

"Are too"

"Am not"

"Too"

"Daniel, now you're being childish. What are we going to do with the rest of the day, where would you like to go now?"

Daniel looked out of the diner window. "Well, it will have to be somewhere indoors; it's starting to snow. I know where to go - follow me."

Jack paid the check then followed Daniel out onto the street just as he hailed a cab. They were glad to be out of the cold. Snuggling up next to each other they relaxed back.

"The Rose Centre, American Museum of Natural History, please."

The cab pulled out from the sidewalk. "You know, if you'd have told me you wanted to go to the Rose Centre, I would have..."

"Yes I know, Jack, you would have arranged a private screening and I could have walked around the exhibits on my own. But the joy is in other people's enjoyment of seeing their reactions."

Jack held up his finger to intercede.

"And no, Jack, getting your teams to pretend to be ordinary people is not the same."

Jack lowered his finger. "I wasn't going to say that at all."

"Really?"

"Well yes, but it would be safer all round."

Daniel nuzzled in closer to Jack. "Let's just pretend we're normal people for once."

"Well, I'm normal."

Daniel playfully punched Jack's arm. "Hey, I can see someone sleeping on his own tonight."

The cab drew up in front of the Rose Centre on West 81st Street. The flurries of snow were heavier now as Jack paid the cab, and they both hurried into the Museum.

"Jack, we have to get tickets. You want me to get them?"

Jack brushed the melting snow from Daniel's shoulder. "You stay here, I'll get them. Don't move."

Daniel's nose wrinkled as he smiled. "I won't."

Jack returned holding up two tickets. "Okay, I tried to get you in as a student, but hey, you look too old now. Where would you like to start?"

As they walked around the massive sphere that dominated the centre the two men talked.

"Space is... well... it's so..."

"Roomy or empty... perhaps lacking in substance?"

"No Jack, I was going to say awesome, but that doesn't seem to be enough. Have you ever considered going into space?"

"I did once briefly toy with the idea but I found a more handsome interest."

Daniel pouted. "Was that more handsome interest me?"

"Oh, you so know it was."

Jack followed Daniel up the spiral walkway that led into the body of the sphere and the planetarium show. Jack surreptitiously looked around, searching for the faces of his security team in the crowd.

Daniel turned back to admonish him for his slowness. "Jack, we'll miss the start. Come on."

Daniel reached out his hand for Jack to take.

"Coming." Jack felt reassured; he had seen two of his men standing by one of the exhibits. Now he felt safe.

~~

"CameronMitchell, I have received information on the whereabouts of O'Neill and DanielJackson: They are in a place called the Rose Centre, I believe it is a museum by Central Park. I will talk to them first. You will stay away while I do so. Once I have negotiated with them, we will sit and talk. You will tell DanielJackson what you need to say, and afterwards you will take me to Seth. Is that understood?"

Mitchell touched his index finger to his forehead in a mock salute. "Sure Teal'c, whatever you say buddy, whatever you say."

As Teal'c walked to the edge of the sidewalk to hail a cab, Mitchell whispered to himself, "For now."

~~

"Slow down Daniel and drink your coffee, the caffeine might calm you."

"Oh ha ha very funny, no but did you see the event horizon of that black hole? How everything that went in never came back out, not even light? What if the ancient Egyptians could travel somehow through space using black holes? Or maybe not black holes, but wormholes?"

"Whoa there Daniel, that's a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"

"But Jack, my research, that's what it was... is based on. You mean you paid my grant money and you didn't read any of my research?"

"To be fair Danny it wasn't your research I was interested in at the time."

Daniel drank his coffee. "And now? My research is part of me Jack, and I want to go back to it soon."

"Danny, I love everything about you. That includes your theories and your research. If you give me a brief synopsis of it I'm sure I could play catch-up."

Jack drank down the last of his coffee. When he looked back, Daniel was a deathly shade of white, his mouth partly open as if he was about to speak, but the words wouldn't leave his lips.

"Daniel, what's wrong?" Jack turned around in his seat to follow Daniel's line of sight. At the back of the museum café stood Teal'c.

~~

Elizabeth turned the page, reading about Daniel's early troubled life. No wonder he disliked psychiatrists, she thought. Her eyes ached - she had managed to read most of the dossier Jack had given her.

It went into great detail, except for an eighteen month gap - the period when Daniel was with Mitchell. That was missing. She wondered of the effect that being with Mitchell had had on him. From what he had said during their sessions together, at times he had both loved Mitchell and hated him.

She scribbled in the margin of the page 'Stockholm Syndrome??'

If Daniel had been affected by the Stockholm Syndrome, then he would have emotionally bonded with Mitchell as a strategy for survival.

Elizabeth searched back in her memory. There were four conditions that served as a foundation for the Stockholm Syndrome diagnosis: The presence of a perceived threat to the victim's physical or psychological survival and the belief that that threat would be carried out; the presence of a perceived small kindness from the captor to the victim; isolation from perspectives other than his own; and perceived inability to escape the situation.

She thought back over her conversations with Daniel. Daniel had believed that Mitchell would kill him if he tried to escape or refuse his sexual advances or disobey him. Daniel had told her how Mitchell had taken him off the streets of Rome and given him a home and time to pursue his passion of learning. Daniel had been kept isolated - he was not allowed any friends and lived in fear of Mitchell's anger. Finally, Mitchell had told Daniel that no one else would want him and he would not be safe anywhere except with him.

Elizabeth made her preliminary diagnosis: Daniel had been affected by the Stockholm Syndrome.

~~

"Why me?"

"Because you were on the market, and at a good price."

"Who....? Never mind, I think I know who sold me. It was Mitchell, wasn't it? Cam Mitchell?"

The Prince looked at his watch. "We will be landing at my palace in fifteen minutes. I will give you an idea of your duties for me."

Seth didn't try to hold back his disgust. "Duties? What duties?"

Taking a Swiss army knife from his pocket, the Prince pivoted out the blade. Seth backed away as far as he could.

"Oh no, I am...I just need to cut your bonds. Once we land there is no way back for you. You will be with me for as long as you please me."

Seth held his hands out for the rope to be removed. His wrists hurt. "And if I don't please you, what then?"

The Prince threw the cut rope on the floor. "Let's not think of such matters. You will please me... and my guests, if I wish."

As the helicopter began its descent, Seth looked out of the window. The palace was on the outskirts of a small town. A large wall surrounded the colourful buildings centred around an inner courtyard. A black and white fountain in the centre of the courtyard gave the whole scene a very 'Arabian Nights' look.

They landed close to the palace. A jeep with armed guards waited for them. Seth was escorted under guard to the jeep. The Prince joined him.

As the gates of the palace closed behind him, Seth looked back one last time at freedom.

~~

The room was large and cool. The curtains billowed as the breeze swept through. A large bed strewn with pillows and cushions of every colour sat in the centre of the room. None of it was to Seth's taste - he was a combats and tee shirt man.

It felt good to be free... well, as free as he could be, as he heard the door close and lock behind him. Walking to the far side of the room, he found what he was looking for: the bathroom.

Days of not being able to use the bathroom without permission made the experience all the sweeter. A large sunken bath - almost a small bathing pool - dominated the centre of the room. It had already been run for him and red rose petals floated silently and undisturbed on the top of the heavily scented water.

Seth had the overwhelming desire to strip off and plunge into the water to rid himself of the stench and memory of his captivity. The warm water soothed his aching body as it washed over him. Stretching out, he lay floating on the surface of the water. Even with his arms out spread he still couldn't touch the sides of the pool. His eyes began to close and he drifted slowly into sleep.

The sound of someone clearing their throat woke him up. It was the Prince.

"I'm sorry, I did not mean to disturb you, only you looked so beautiful just lying there like that."

Seth was suddenly aware that he was naked and felt the Prince's eyes studying his body in great detail. Seth knelt down so most of his body was hidden under the water.

The Prince laughed. "Mitchell's men aren't usually shy. Had I known I would have paid him extra. There was that one... that one time... now what was his name? Ah yes, Daniel. A beautiful body, lips, oh but he was Mitchell's. I did offer him two bars of gold for him but for some reason he declined. I heard that not long after that Daniel escaped."

Seth wanted to get out of the pool; he felt vulnerable, but if he did the Prince would be able to see him completely naked and soaking wet.

The Prince walked slowly around the edge of the bathing pool towards the corner where Seth had taken refuge. Picking up a large towel, the Prince stood by the small set of marble steps that led out of the pool.

The Prince held out the towel in front of him. "I promise I won't look if that saves your embarrassment."

Seth weighed up his options. He could stay where he was and freeze when the water cooled or he could take a chance and hope that the towel was all the Prince was offering. Seth moved through the water slowly. As he reached the steps he stood up, the water cascading off his lean body in small waterfalls, leaving his skin glistening wet.

Stepping towards the towel he was startled as the Prince wrapped the towel, and his arms, around him.

Seth pulled quickly away from him.

"Don't... do... that...again," Seth said in a slow deliberate voice, sounding out each word.

The Prince stepped back. "I will have some food sent to your room tonight, and then tomorrow we will have breakfast in my room."

~~

Teal'c stood and watched as Jack approached him.

"Teal'c, what are you doing here? I've had teams out looking for you for days. What happened to you that night at the clinic?" Jack whispered.

Teal'c looked beyond Jack to Daniel, who was still sitting at the table, watching.

"O'Neill, I need to talk to you and DanielJackson. It is a matter of life and death."

Jack put his hand reassuringly on Teal'c's shoulder. "Sure. Sure buddy, come and sit down."

Daniel nodded uneasily to Teal'c. The last time he had seen him Teal'c had handed him over to Mitchell in exchange for someone Teal'c thought was Seth but turned out to be one of Mitchell's dead guards.

"It is good to see you safe and well DanielJackson."

Daniel nodded. "And you, Teal'c. I'm sorry about Seth. Have you any idea where he is?"

Teal'c closed his eyes briefly. "I have a lead on his whereabouts, but I'm afraid I need the help of CameronMitchell in order to find him."

Daniel took off his wire-rimmed spectacles and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Oh my god he's sold him, hasn't he? The bastard has sold him to one of the Elite?"

Jack looked at Daniel. "Sold him to whom?"

Daniel put his spectacles back on and cleared his throat. "The 'Elite' - it's what Cam called his most trusted and ruthless circle of friends. Jack, we've got to get him back... Seth, I mean... we can't leave him like that. Please Jack we've got to help, no matter what."

Jack patted Daniel's hand. "Okay Danny calm down, we'll help. Where is he, Teal'c?"

Teal'c turned and gestured behind him. "Only one man knows who has Seth, O'Neill..."

Daniel watched as Cam Mitchell walked towards the table. He felt as if his heart would break through his chest. Jack didn't see Mitchell until he sat down beside Daniel.

Standing quickly, Jack knocked his chair over. It fell to the floor with a loud clatter. The whole café seemed to stop talking and look at them.

Teal'c grabbed hold of Jack's arm. "What the fuck is he doing here?" Jack growled.

"If you do not sit O'Neill we will draw attention to ourselves. CameronMitchell is the only one who can help us locate Seth."

Mitchell smiled "Yeah Jack, do as Teal'c says."

Daniel's close proximity to Mitchell made him panic. His breathing became laboured.

Mitchell watched him with growing amusement. "Hello sweet cheeks, miss me?"

Jack managed to make eye contact with Daniel, willing him to keep calm.

Daniel closed his eyes and nodded to Jack. He turned to face Mitchell. "No, not really."

Jack just about stopped himself from cheering. Daniel had stood up to his demon.

~~

"You brought him here Teal'c, why?"

Mitchell raised his hand. "I think that I can answer that, Jack."

Teal'c had never seen his friend so angry.

Daniel put his hand over Jack's to reassure him. "I know what the Elite are capable of, and if one of them has Seth then we have to get him back. He would do the same for me. Jack please, for my sake, I couldn't bear for it to happen to someone else."

Jack's jaw muscles twitched as he looked at Mitchell. "Okay, what do we have to do?"

Daniel turned to Mitchell. "Which one of the Elite has him? Which one of them did you sell him to?"

Mitchell tried to ignore Jack, directing his answer to Daniel alone. "The Prince."

Daniel gasped in disbelief. "Why in the name of all that's holy did you do that?"

"Simple - he offered the highest price."

Jack shook his head. "You auctioned him to the highest bidder? You've done this before? Auctioned another human being, I mean?"

Mitchell stayed quiet as Daniel answered for him "When I was... when I was in Rome... the Elite, they held parties. Young men were invited.... handsome young men. None of the men knew what the real intentions of the parties were until it was too late. If one of the Elite took a... fancy to one of them, he could leave a sealed bid with Cam. At the end of the night the bids were unsealed. The chosen ones, they had no idea... they were given champagne to drink... drugged champagne... and taken away. I never saw them again. They just vanished off the face of the Earth."

Jack spoke softly, holding on to Daniel's hand. "This man who has Seth... the Prince..."

Mitchell continued, "He comes from an oil rich Arabian family; he has the money to indulge his dark side and the anonymity to get away with it. Some of his excesses shocked even me, but it was business."

Teal'c shook with anger. "You have sold him to this man for profit - that makes you worse than him. CameronMitchell you will have to get us inside the palace."

Daniel took off his spectacles and began to clean them on a tissue. "We have to go back to Rome, back to the villa. Cam will host an Elite party, get the Prince to bid on me. To make it more realistic, Jack can be there as Cam's guest. It's part of human nature to want something someone else has. If Jack bids on me the Prince is sure to. He has tried before, but Cam managed to fix the bidding so I stayed with him."

Jack shifted uneasily in his chair. "And I'm supposed to be grateful for that?"

Daniel put his spectacles back on and pushed them further up the bridge of his nose. "If Cam hadn't fixed the bid we would never have met, so no Jack, no one is expecting you to be grateful. Thankful - yes, but grateful - no."

Teal'c looked around at the two security men led by Sheppard closing in on them. "I think you should explain to the security team why I and CameronMitchell are sitting at your table. I suggest we go back to your apartment O'Neill and discuss the plan further."

~~

Weir had just curled up on the sofa in Jack's apartment in front of a roaring fire with a glass of white wine. She opened the textbook on her lap at a chapter headed 'The Stockholm Syndrome: A Small Kindness.'

As she did she heard voices coming from the hall way outside. She could just about make out Jack's voice - it was raised and angry.

As the men entered the room, Weir stood up. "Jack... Daniel, you're back!"

The other two men with them were unknown to her. She smiled at Daniel, looking for a glimmer of reassurance.

Daniel smiled back. "Erm... Elizabeth, you haven't met our friend Teal'c. Teal'c, this is Dr Elizabeth Weir, my... friend."

Weir stepped forward and shook Teal'c's hand. "I've heard so much about you Teal'c, it's good to finally meet you."

Teal'c bowed his head. "It is good to meet you also Dr Weir"

"Oh please, call me Elizabeth." She added. "And who is this gentleman?"

Jack walked past Weir muttering to himself. Lifting the cut glass stopper off the decanter he poured himself a whiskey. Mitchell stood next to Teal'c looking unusually self-conscious.

"Well, if no one is going to introduce me I'll do it myself. I'm Cam Mitchell...Dr Elizabeth Weir."

Mitchell put his hand out expecting Weir to take it, but she walked over to sit next to Daniel.

Furrowing her brow, she looked at Daniel. "Daniel, are you okay with this? I mean, with him being here."

Daniel nodded.

Weir shook her head. "You're not convincing me, Daniel. Jack, what the hell were you thinking bringing him here like this?"

The sound of smashing glass reverberated around the room as Jack threw his half drunken glass into the fireplace. The whoosh of flame made everyone jump.

"For fucks sake Elizabeth, do you honestly think that I wanted to bring him here, huh? Do you think I wanted to have him anywhere near Daniel? I have no choice. Mitchell is the only one who knows where Seth is and how to get him back. Anyway, it was Daniel and Teal'c's idea."

Mitchell walked over to the liquor cabinet. Opening the mahogany polished doors he rummaged around the bottles of alcohol. At the back he found what he was looking for; a bottle of L'Esprit de Courvoisier.

"Jack, I wouldn't have expected anything less from you than a very, very expensive bottle of Cognac. What is it, $5000 a bottle? And it's stuffed at the back of the liquor cabinet. That's where we differ - I would put a bottle as beautiful as this on display for everyone to see. Don't you agree Jack that beauty should be seen and appreciated by everyone, not just the privileged few?"

Weir saw Jack's relaxed hands suddenly become fists. She tried to diffuse the tension. "Coffee! Anyone like a coffee? Daniel, you're a coffee fiend - come into the kitchen and help me. Then we can all sit round the table and talk, alright then?"

~~

Jack and Teal'c sat next to each other at the large dining table. Of the other eight chairs Mitchell had taken the one opposite Teal'c. Daniel sat next to Jack at the head of the table.

Elizabeth sat between Daniel and Mitchell; she thought it best to reassure Jack.

Teal'c began. "In order to rescue Seth, we must first gain entry to the Prince's palace at Qaata. To this end Mitchell has sketched a floor plan of where the Prince will be holding Seth."

From his pocket Cam took a roughly folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, he smoothed it out onto the highly polished table top. Taking a fountain pen from the breast pocket of his suit, Mitchell began to walk the other people through the plan.

"The palace is highly guarded. The Prince can afford the best of the best; he has investments himself and daddy also throws in a few million bucks every few months. But junior gets bored - very bored - and when he does, he goes out on the prowl for new blood. That's where I come in; I provide him with entertainment, the sort he can't buy at the local store. The wall around the palace is three feet thick. It may look like it's just made of clay but it has a steel reinforced core. The outer perimeter is patrolled by ten men, each armed with a P90 capable of discharging 900 rounds per minute and having an effective range of 220 yards. The perimeter is also patrolled by attack dogs. The inner perimeter has guard towers to the North, South, East and West. Two guards are in these towers at all times, each armed with the latest in laser guided heat seeking armaments. Should anyone succeed in getting through the outer defences, they will then have to negotiate the inner courtyard, which has high tech, pressure sensitive, pads randomly placed under the marble slabs. If you should stand on one of these pads the security system will be activated and laser guided weapons will open fire on the target. Inside the palace, there is little in the way of security apart from the biometric iris recognition for certain rooms, which will include Seth's."

Jack steepled his hands, tapping his index fingers against his lips. "A piece of cake, then!"

Mitchell threw the pen down on the table. "I only told you all this in order to emphasise the fact that my plan is the only way to get him out of there."

Weir raised her hand. "What plan?"

Jack played with his coffee cup. "Well, Mitchell here thinks the only way to get Seth back is to have a party... a bit of a get together if you will... for his friends - a nasty crowd known as the 'Elite'. You see Dr Weir, Mitchell wants to hold an auction..."

Weir tried not to look as confused as she felt. "And what is it that he is going to auction?"

Jack smiled sarcastically. "Why, Daniel, of course."

"Jack, you cannot be serious. You can't let that happen."

Daniel pushed his glasses further up his nose, then held up his finger as he interceded.

"It's my choice Elizabeth, I want to do this."

Weir turned on Mitchell. "Haven't you done enough to him? Surely there is another way to get Seth back. Jack you can't approve of this, tell him."

Jack held up his hands in mock surrender. "It's what Daniel wants."

"And that's it? Whatever Daniel wants, no matter if it's morally wrong? Are you so scared of losing him Jack that you'd let him do this out of a misguided sense of loyalty?"

Jack stood up leaning over the table towards Weir. "No Elizabeth, that's not it at all. It's not loyalty, it's love, and if it helps Daniel exorcise some of his demons..." Jack shot a glance at Mitchell "... then I'm all for it. If that's what it takes to get rid of Mitchell once and for all, out of our lives for good."

~~

Daniel shivered as he walked through the front door of the villa. Memories flooded his brain, bad memories. Jack tried to reassure him by putting his hand gently on his shoulder, but only succeeded in making him jump.

"Sorry Daniel. Look, we can turn around now, go back to the Jet. We could be back on the island in a few hours, what do you say?"

Daniel sighed. "Jack, you fuss too much. I can do this, I will do this... I have to do this, don't you see?"

"What I see Daniel, is a man who is putting himself in danger for someone he hardly knows."

Daniel's nose wrinkled as he smiled. "Like you wouldn't do the same. I'll be fine. You're going to be right there with me all the time. What can possibly happen to me?"

Mitchell approached the two men. "Ah Jack, I'll take you to your old room and Daniel, you're with me."

Jack laughed. "Like hell he is! If he's with anyone, he's with me."

Mitchell shook his head. "If you want this plan to work then the Prince has to believe that Daniel is still mine to sell. Anything that makes him suspect otherwise will mean the plan failing and the possibility that Teal'c will never get Seth back. If that's what you want then take Daniel home now."

Jack looked down at his feet. "If you're sure this is what you want, Daniel...?"

Daniel leaned in and kissed Jack on the lips. Putting his arms around his neck he pulled him in close, his hand, unseen by the others, finding its way down to Jack's crotch. He gently began to stroke the growing bulge in Jack's pants.

Whispering into Jack's ear Daniel said, "That's on account."

Jack smiled back at Daniel. "On account of what?"

"On account of the fact that I love you, and want only you."

Mitchell led the way up the staircase, talking as he went. "Teal'c, you'll be acting as one of my bodyguards. The Elite don't bring their own; they trust me to protect them while they're my guests here at the villa. Your quarters will be in the staff block. I'll get Paulo to take you there."

At the top of the stairs Daniel halted, looking down the hallway to the door to Mitchell's room, a room that held nothing but fear and loathing for him.

Mitchell placed his hand in the small of Daniel's back, pushing him slightly forward.

"Daniel, we have to get ready for the party, love."

Jack responded by grabbing Mitchell's hand. "Get your fucking hands offa him."

"No Jack, we have to do this properly. I'll go with him. I'll be alright really I will. We have to play this according to the book or it won't look... normal. You go and shower; I'll come and get you for the party. Please, Jack."

Jack didn't want to cause Daniel any more distress than being with Mitchell was already causing him so against his better judgement he nodded and walked to his room. Glancing back over his shoulder he watched as Daniel and Mitchell disappeared around a corner together.

Teal'c bowed his head then descended the stairs.

The bloody streak marks where Jack had repeatedly punched and hit it the last time he had been a guest of Mitchell's had been cleaned from the door.

Jack could still hear Daniel's screams echoing in his head. Throwing his leather suitcase onto the bed, Jack unzipped it. Taking his dress suit out, he hung it in the Louis the fourteenth wardrobe. Un-packing the rest of his clothes he placed them on the bed, not wanting to put them into the bureau drawers. The less contact he had with anything that belonged to Mitchell the better he would feel.

~~

Daniel stood in the open doorway as Mitchell pushed past him.

"Daniel... I said we have to get ready beloved, our guests will be here soon."

Daniel gazed around the room, his eyes searching out memories that haunted him.

Behind him the door closed shut. He turned quickly, grabbing for the door handle. Turning it he expected it to be locked but it opened easily. Peering out, he met the glare of a guard standing outside the room. Closing the door he leant against it. The painted wood was cool against his sweating forehead.

As he turned back around to see where Mitchell was, the far door opened and Mitchell walked naked from the bathroom.

For a moment Daniel was back in his nightmare, back with Cam getting ready for one of his parties. But this time he wouldn't end up entertaining Cam's guests, wouldn't end up being raped over and over again while Cam watched then took his turn.

"Hey baby, you don't look so good. Come sit down on the bed. I'll get you some water."

Cam led Daniel by the hand, turning him around to sit on the edge of the bed. Pouring him a glass of water from a carafe, Mitchell sat down next to him. He had seen Daniel like this before - usually after one of his special parties.

Daniel would stare vacantly into space. It was easier for Cam to control him when he was like this. In an almost trance-like state, he would obey readily and without question, as if he were locked away deep inside his own head, hiding from a reality that was too shocking for him to deal with...so he didn't.

Daniel's face showed no emotion as Mitchell touched him. "Okay then Danny, do you know who I am?"

Daniel nodded his head.

"Who am I?"

In a monotone Daniel replied, "Cam Mitchell."

Mitchell turned Daniel's head towards him and brushed his lips against Daniel's. "No Daniel, I'm Jack... you trust me, don't you?"

Daniel's blank face showed no emotion. "Jack... yes, of course."

Mitchell put his arm around Daniel's shoulders and gently laid him back onto the bed. His hands wandered quickly over Daniel's body, reacquainting him with his beloved. Daniel's eyes stared unfocused at Mitchell but his brain saw only Jack, his body responded to the love he felt for him.

"You do love me don't you Daniel?"

Daniel smiled as he pulled Mitchell on top of him. "Of course I love you, make me yours Jack, take me."

Mitchell licked along Daniel's jaw, his tongue enjoying the sweetness of his skin, then on down to his neck kissing and sucking on the soft skin. Daniel's hips bucked upwards to meet Mitchell's.

"Too soon to play Danny, far too soon."

Daniel moaned as his cock strained for release. "Please Jack, please, I need..."

Mitchell unbuttoned Daniel's shirt. Seeking out and finding his erect nipples, he sucked slowly on each of them.

"You want me to do this don't you Daniel, you want to feel my mouth on you?"

Daniel raised his head off the bed. "Oh god yes, Jack."

Laying his head back Daniel let the sensation wash over him, felt the warmth of Mitchell's tongue as it followed the curve of his body down to his hips, his breath hot against his skin.

Mitchell knew that Daniel loved Jack, and as he was now, his mind was being forced to retreat to be with Jack, someone he felt safe with. Mitchell would use that love to take Daniel away from Jack, make Jack suffer as he had, and it would begin here.

"What do you want me to do to you?" Mitchell asked.

Daniel put his hands on Mitchell's shoulders. "Everything, do everything. Whatever you want, Jack."

Mitchell laughed. "Even if I hurt you Daniel, cause you pain, made you bleed?"

Daniel stroked Mitchell's back slowly and sensuously. "I trust you Jack, you would never harm me."

"That's right Daniel, Jack would never harm you, and you trust me don't you?"

Daniel gasped his answer as Mitchell reached inside his pants capturing hold of his pulsating cock.

Daniel's hips thrust up to meet Mitchell's hand. "Oh please Jack... please fuck me... I need you."

Mitchell wanted Daniel to believe that what he was about to do to him was Jack doing it, implant in his mind that Jack had also hurt him. He wanted Daniel to believe that he could trust no one, not even his beloved Jack. If he could make Daniel vulnerable again, make Jack the bad guy, then Daniel would come back to him. Back to at least what he knew was real for him.

"Tell me what to do Jack," Daniel's voice pleaded as small shudders of pleasure flowed through him.

"Then let's play a game beloved".

~~

Jack showered by himself, his arms empty. He wished Daniel were there with him. Shower play was so much fun with Daniel. The cries of 'Ow soap...Jack I have soap in my eyes...' Jack had never met a man like Daniel before; so strong in many ways, so child-like and vulnerable in others. That was why he loved him; because of that vulnerability. Not many people could show that much of themselves to others. Many would see it as a sign of weakness. Mitchell had, and like an animal he had pounced on it, using it against Daniel.

He tried to put out of his mind the fact that Mitchell was alone with his Danny. If he thought about it too much he would march into the room and, despite Daniels protestations, haul him over his shoulder and carry him back to the car for his own good.

But if he did he would be no better than Mitchell. Jack checked his watch; five thirty, two hours till the party. He would rest - it was going to be a long night ahead.

~~

Teal'c had tried to talk to the guards, asking them if a man called Seth had ever been at the villa. Most chose to ignore him, some shook their heads. No one actually talked to him.

Teal'c didn't blame them-Mitchell would have anyone who did killed on the spot.

Sitting on the bed in the small room, Teal'c crossed his legs and cleared his mind.

Relaxation did not come easy - meditation was his last refuge.

~~

Seth slept fitfully - the bed was large and soft, but he was used to sleeping bags and hard floors. A couple of times during the night he had contemplated just giving up and sleeping on the floor.

He heard the door unlock and open. A young girl glided in. Carrying a large tray of food she placed it on the table. Walking over to the window she drew back the drapes. The harsh light streamed in and Seth grimaced.

She stopped suddenly when she saw Seth looking at her. "My lord, you are awake?"

Seth sat up. "Yeah, I think I am. Either that or it's my Arabian nights dream again."

The girl bowed her head "Your meal my lord, I have brought it for you as the Prince requested. He says you are to eat something and to bathe, then the guards are to take you to him... my lord, if it pleases you I will..." The girl pointed towards the bathroom.

"Oh yes sure, you go... do whatever you have to do."

Seth wrapped a sheet from the bed around himself as he walked towards the table. He could smell the coffee before he saw it. Lifting the cup up he hesitated - his training took over - then he dismissed the idea of not drinking the coffee. Instead he took a mouthful. It was the most normal thing in the world to drink that first mouthful of coffee and yet here he was, captive in a palace by a Prince. Now that would make a good movie.

Lifting the polished metal covers off the plates Seth mused over each in turn; fruit, croissants, and eggs.

Reaching for a croissant he began to unpick it, hungrily pushing pieces into his mouth. The next two went down just as quickly. With the third, he managed to stop himself long enough to cover in strawberry preserve before devouring it. Walking over to the open window he looked out into the courtyard. The tinkling sound of running water mixed with the hard sound of guns being cocked as the guards saw him.

He thought it better to retreat back into the safety of his room. The girl was kneeling in the middle of the floor as he walked back towards the bed. "Hey you don't have to do that you know. Please stand up...you're making me feel...you know... Look, just stand up."

The girl stood but kept her head bowed.

"You can look at me."

The girl shook her head. "No my lord, the Prince is the only one who may look upon your beauty, no one else... I would be punished if I did."

"Look upon my what?"

The girl dropped to the floor. Her knees hit with a thud. "Please my lord, don't tell the Prince I have displeased you... you are his chosen one... no one else may look at you or touch you without the Prince saying so."

Seth frowned. "Who the fuck does he think he is?"

Seth stopped as the door opened.

~~

Daniel tried not to, but the pain was so bad, he had to bury his face in the pillow to muffle the scream. His hands were held above his head, held secure, the weight on his back gave him no room to move away. He couldn't remember the exact moment Jack had turned the pleasure into intense pain, but all his protestations had met with derisory remarks.

Mitchell lay on top of him whispering in his ear, "You like this don't you? This is all you're good for Daniel, an ass to be fucked, that's all you are. Just an ass and a sweet mouth on my cock, only for me, Jack O'Neill, you're a hole to be fucked again and again by me."

Daniel began to cry as Mitchell pushed deeper inside him. "Jack, please don't."

Mitchell took every opportunity to reinforce in Daniel's mind that it was his beloved Jack who was hurting him. As he pushed against Daniel he repeated. "Remember Daniel, I own you, your ass is mine to fuck wherever and whenever I please. No one else will ever want you again. Say it."

Daniel's voice was muffled by the pillow as Mitchell hit him across the head with his hand. "I said say it."

"I am nothing, I am just for you to fuck as you please... no Jack, you said you loved me, you said..."

"How could anyone love you...?"

As Mitchell came inside Daniel, the pillow was wet with Daniel's tears.

"You said you loved me... you said."

Mitchell released Daniel's hands and climbed off him. As he did Daniel curled up into a ball and wept.

Mitchell showered and dressed, then sat on the bed next to Daniel. Now it was time for the second part of his plan.

"Daniel, what's the matter, who did this to you? Daniel, tell me!" Mitchell stroked Daniel's hair away from his wet face. "Hey Daniel it's me, Cam. Tell me who did this to you baby?"

Mitchell lifted Daniel up and cradled him in his arms. "Was it Jack? Did Jack hurt you... son of a bitch, I'll..."

Daniel nodded and clung on to Mitchell, shaking. Mitchell knew his manipulation of Daniel's mind had worked. Jack was now the enemy.

"He... he said he loved me, Cam... but he hurt me."

Mitchell wiped the tears from Daniel's eyes. "You're safe now, Daniel. I won't let him anywhere near you. I'll look after you like I've always looked after you, baby. You know you can trust me... I'm the only one you can trust."

Daniel held on to Mitchell until his tears stopped.

~~

Seth was ushered into the Prince's room. The Prince was seated behind a large desk, tapping on a computer keyboard.

He stopped as Seth entered. "Come here Seth, I wish to speak to you. Our union will have to be postponed; something I have wanted for a long time has suddenly come onto the market and I need to travel to Rome. You will stay here - I cannot trust you enough to take you with me yet."

Seth sighed. "Look Prince, or whatever your name is, my friends will be looking for me. And they won't stop until they have me back, so why don't you just let me go, put it down to a bad investment."

The Prince laughed. "You are amusing, Seth. I have paid a great deal for you and I don't make bad investments. And I do expect a return on my money. You will service me whenever and however I say. And just so you know I am deadly serious, a little reminder of my power over your life."

The Prince clapped his hands together and behind him a curtain rose uncovering a large marble pillar. A set of manacles hung from the top and another set lay on the floor.

Seth licked his lips nervously. "You don't scare me."

The Prince smiled. "It is a foolish man who does not fear his master."

Seth was grabbed by his arms by two of the guards who had bought him to the Prince.

His feet slid along the polished floor as they pulled him towards the pillar. "Get the fuck off me!"

The Prince watched as his men chained Seth to the pillar. The chains were pulled tightly, effectively spread-eagling him out facing towards the cool marble of the pillar.

The Prince nodded to one of the guards who cut Seth's shirt off him exposing his toned back.

Walking over to Seth, the Prince ran his hand over Seth's back. "What pure skin - it seems a shame to mark it so unnecessarily, don't you think? But every child has to learn its lessons and this is your first one. Malik here is my best; he can inflict pain in ways you could not imagine even in you wildest nightmares. If you disobey me or answer me back with that smart American mouth of yours your punishment will be swift and without mercy. I will take great delight in every scream and whimper that issues forth from your mouth."

Seth pulled on the restraints. "You don't scare me, you son of a bitch."

The Prince nodded to Malik who walked to a nearby table and chose from an array of bull whips. Unwinding one, he flicked his wrist. The sound whistled past Seth's ear, splitting the air with a crack. Seth swallowed nervously, waiting for the pain. He didn't have to wait long.

The first strike hit between his shoulder blades. At first his brain failed to register the pain, too much adrenaline was flowing through his veins, but then came the second and with it the stinging burn of pain. With the third his knees buckled under him, and the manacles around his wrists took his body weight. Perspiration flowed down his forehead. He thought of Teal'c and that one night they had spent together - that one glorious night - and he smiled.

Seeing the smile on Seth's face the Prince nodded to Malik again. "It seems my love has not yet learnt his lesson. Another five lashes will make an impact, I think."

Before the last of the lashes had been given, Seth was unconscious. The Prince gave the order for him to be taken down and returned to his room.

The slave girl Noma was summoned to administer a salve to the deep cuts. The Prince was impressed; usually after three lashes even the strongest of them were begging for mercy. But this man made no sound at all... but there was always next time.

~~

Jack could hear the faint sound of music drifting up from the garden below. Glasses clinked and voices mumbled in a strange cacophony of sound - the party had begun.

He dressed in formal evening wear. Finishing tying his bow-tie, making sure the knot was just imperfect enough to show it was not the clip-on variety, he looked at himself in the mirror - he was happy with the finished effect. He checked his watch; seven thirty five, Daniel was late.

A knock on the door and Jack pulled it open quickly expecting Daniel but finding Teal'c instead.

"The party has begun, O'Neill. Your presence is requested."

Jack had never seen Teal'c dressed up before, but the man did cut a handsome figure.

"I was waiting for Daniel, he said he would come for me."

Teal'c bowed slightly. "He is downstairs with CameronMitchell already, O'Neill."

Jack smiled. "Okay then let's join the party, Teal'c

Next: To Thine Own Self Be True