To Love, Honour And Obey 6

To Thine Own Self Be True

by Rubi

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asr/rubi/willpass06.php
Summary: Seth is in danger – how far will Daniel go to rescue him?
Info: Enjoy! Many thanks to TT my beta reader extraordinaire.

Jack walked into the room. It looked like a perfectly ordinary party; beautiful women and beautiful men standing around drinking and making small talk.

And then he spotted Daniel, holding on to Mitchell's arm, and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach.

Mitchell noticed Jack from across the room. He whispered to Daniel, who glanced at Jack. Jack had never seen such a look of loathing on Daniel's face before, even when he was talking about his days and nights with Mitchell.

Mitchell patted Daniel's hand as if reassuring him. Daniel nodded and walked out of the French windows into the garden.

Jack excused himself as he pushed through the party guests. Then Mitchell was there in front of him, blocking his way.

"Jack, can I get you a drink?"

Jack shook his head. "No, I just want to see Daniel."

Mitchell put his hand on Jack's chest to stop him going any further.

"Well I don't think he wants to see you right now Jack, so what do you say we give him some space, huh?"

Jack tried his best to keep his voice low; he didn't want to jeopardise Teal'c's plan. "You son of a bitch, what have you done to him?"

Mitchell kept his hand firmly on Jack's chest. He could feel Jack's heart pounding away. "Me, Jack? I didn't do anything."

~~

Seth lay on the bed, his lacerated back covered in sweet smelling oil.

Noma poured a little more oil from a small ornately decorated glass bottle onto Seth's back. Using her finger tips she massaged the oil gently into his torn flesh.

Seth winced at the pain, drawing his breath in through clenched teeth. "Jesus H that fuc... that hurts."

"I am sorry Chosen One. Please do not tell the Prince... I... will do better next time... be gentler."

Seth raised his head from the pillow. "What's with the Chosen one? My name is Seth."

The girl continued to massage the oil carefully into Seth's skin.

"As you wish my lord, but I can call you by your given name only when we are alone." she hesitated then spoke again. "My name... is Noma... I am the slave of Prince Omar Bin Ali, Crown Prince of Qaata, most merciful ruler of..."

Seth groaned. His back still hurt - Malik had certainly done a number on it.

~~

Daniel did his best to avoid Jack, always keeping some distance between them.

Daniel stood by himself in the garden, watching the bright lights of the multicoloured lanterns hanging from the trees reflected in the swimming pool.

The light distorted in the shimmering water mesmerised Daniel. He sipped on Mitchell's finest red wine from a large Waterford crystal glass. His mind was a jumble of pictures and feelings. Jack had hurt him and Cam had been his saviour, Cam would never let Jack hurt him again. How could he ever have trusted Jack?

The Prince's Rolls Royce drew up outside the villa. Teal'c stepped forward and opened the door.

Stepping out of the car, the Prince adjusted his tuxedo and entered through the open doors of the villa.

Mitchell was given word of the Prince's arrival by Teal'c, who he then instructed to find Daniel and bring him to him.

Jack stood and watched Daniel standing alone by the pool, one hand in his pants pocket, the other holding onto the delicate stem of the wine glass.

"Hey you," Jack called out to Daniel as he stepped out of the French windows.
Daniel spun around on his heels, the glass falling from his hand and shattering into pieces on the tiled floor.

"I've never had quite such a dramatic effect on a handsome man before," Jack quipped.

Daniel knelt down picking up the broken slivers of crystal.

Jack squatted down beside him, reaching out to help him pick up the jagged pieces. "Reminds me of the first time I saw you, back at the museum. You dropped your books, I helped you...."

Daniel kept his eyes downcast, not wanting to look into Jack's eyes for fear he would see what lurked beneath.

Both of them reached for the same piece of broken crystal. Daniel was a little too quick, catching his ring finger on the sharp edge. Pulling back quickly he tried to staunch the flow of blood by holding his finger to his mouth and sucking the warm blood oozing from the cut. Jack reached out, pulling Daniel's hand towards him. Taking a clean handkerchief from his pocket he wrapped it tightly around the wound.

Daniel pulled his hand away. "Don't!"

Jack looked at Daniel with surprise. "I'm sorry I was only trying to..."

Jumping to his feet, Daniel ran towards the French windows, desperate to get back to Cam and safety.

Jack stood and watched as Daniel disappeared back into the mêlée of the party, not noticing as Teal'c appeared to tell him that Mitchell was waiting for him.
"DanielJackson appears to be upset about something O'Neill."

Jack frowned "He does seem to be a bit on edge, doesn't he?"

Daniel found Cam. He felt safe with him, Jack wouldn't get him, Cam would keep him safe.

"Daniel, there's someone I want you to meet... a very special friend of mine..."

Daniel quickly regained his composure; he had learnt to switch to host mode from his time with Cam. "Prince Omar Bin Ali Masaa el kheer - a pleasure, as always.

Cam seems to have forgotten we have met before. Please can I offer you some refreshments?"

The Prince flashed his most dashing smile at Daniel. He had admired Daniel on many occasions but he had always been Mitchell's property – this time, he expected to walk off with him as his own.

"Mitchell I cannot fault you on your choice of companion, Daniel is most agreeable. And yes Daniel, a glass of Mitchell's finest champagne if you please."

Daniel knew he had to play out his part, so he fluttered his long eyelashes at the Prince. "With pleasure, your Highness."

The three off them laughed as Daniel beckoned to a handsome waiter who was carrying a tray of champagne flutes brimming with bubbling golden liquid.
Daniel handed a glass to the Prince then one to the Mitchell, finally taking one for himself.

Mitchell spoke first "Shall we continue this conversation somewhere less crowded?"

Daniel and the Prince nodded and followed Mitchell out into the garden.

~~

Noma sat at Seth's bedside throughout the night, renewing the salve on his back as he slept fitfully. Occasionally, Seth would call out in his sleep for a lost love he called 'Teal'c' and in response Noma would caress his face telling him that his love was close by. And Seth would once again settle and drift back to sleep.

During the night she asked the soldiers to summon the Prince's personal physician as Seth became delirious with a fever. After the physician's visit she tended to him, cooling his fevered body with wet sponges. Her hands trembled as she watched the cool water flow over his battered body and pool in the delicate cleft of his muscular ass.

Morning light, etching its way along the polished floor, found Noma's body draped across the edge of the bed. She lifted her head, and as the sun rose she fed Seth cool water mixed with honey for strength.

Seth lapped at the water as Noma tilted the cup up to his lips.

"Chosen One slowly, or you will be ill... there."

Taking the cup away she took a cloth and wiped his lips. She longed to taste their sweetness... they would taste of more than honey.

~~

Teal'c followed Mitchell, Daniel and the Prince out into the garden behind the villa. The formally set out gardens boasted a rose garden with a wooden arbour in the middle. The music from the party drifted across the lawn as the three men sat on the chairs under the arbour.

"So tell me about yourself Daniel," the Prince said, sipping on his champagne.

"I'm really not that interesting, just an academic trying to finish his thesis."

Mitchell patted Daniel's hand. "Come come beloved, you're so much more than that. He has a way of being so very modest and unassuming, your Highness, to the point of absurdity."

Mitchell sat back in his seat. "Daniel beloved, why don't you fetch us more drinks?"

As Daniel stood up to leave, Mitchell grabbed his arm. Pulling him down towards him he kissed him hard, catching his lower lip between his teeth, letting go only as Daniel pulled back. Daniel let out a low moan as his lips left Cam's.

The Prince caught a glimpse of Teal'c out of the corner of his eye. Leaning forwards he whispered to Mitchell, "Is the guard really necessary my friend?"

Mitchell leant in to meet the Prince. "You can understand, your Highness, that I have to make sure my investment is secure... Daniel is worth a lot to me. Only today a new bidder has come forward, an industrialist who has already made his sealed bid."

Leaning further forward Mitchell added, "I wouldn't like you to miss out on this most extraordinary opportunity to add Daniel to you collection. He has served me well over the past few years apart from a slight hiccough when, for the shortest period, I lost track of him."

The Prince snorted. "My intelligence tells me that Daniel escaped from you for quite some time... more than a 'hiccough', I would say."

Mitchell smiled broadly. "Daniel has been well punished for his little indiscretions, your Highness. It is always the best stallions that are the hardest to break."

Slapping his hand on his knee, the Prince laughed. "And the best always costs, isn't that so, Mitchell? Ha ha."

~~

Jack hated parties. This party he hated even more than usual; he had only managed to glimpse Daniel from across the room, and he felt Daniel was avoiding him - but why?

"DanielJackson, has O'Neill done something to upset you?"

Daniel carried on walking. "I don't want to talk about it Teal'c, please just leave me alone."

Teal'c overtook Daniel and stood in front of him to halt his frantic progress.

"When I and O'Neill left you a few hours ago you were not as you are now.

Something has happened in those few hours DanielJackson and I am at a loss to think what that may be!"

Daniel clenched his jaw so hard that his teeth ached. As he began to talk to Teal'c, Daniel's hands became fists as a wave of anger overwhelmed him.

"He raped me...he raped me... Why did he do that, Teal'c? I trusted him and he betrayed me."

The muscles in Teal'c jaw flexed and his nostrils flared. "If CamMitchell has done what you say, I will kill him where he..."

Daniel ran his hand through his hair. Turning away from Teal'c he laughed, his laugh bordering on hysteria. "It wasn't Cam, it was Jack... Jack raped me."

Teal'c wrapped his large arms around Daniel and held him until he stopped shaking, supporting the man he had come to think of as a friend.

~~

Seth awoke this time from a pain-free sleep to the memory of the Princes punishment. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, he waited for his head to clear.

Going over in his mind the events that led to his whipping, he decided that as a means of self preservation he wanted to avoid another episode. Noma returned to Seth carrying a tray of food. Oranges and pomegranates adorned china plates.

Sweet juicy melon lay surrounded by succulent raspberries.

Seth shook his head as Noma placed it on the bed beside him. "I can't," he said flatly.

"But Chosen...." Seth glanced at Noma and she began again "Seth, please eat. If you do not I will be punished... the Prince will not be happy if his latest purchase dies before he..."

Seth stood up carefully, flexing the muscles in his back slowly. "Before he what? Rapes me? Fucks me? Let's not stop there. Let's play a game: how many different ways can this Prince of yours have sex with me?"

Noma blushed and excused herself, walking quickly towards the door.

"Wait... please wait. I'm sorry, it's just... all this, being on the ship then... missing Teal'c and Daniel. I can't stay here. My friends, they will come for me soon."

Noma shook her head "No one who comes here ever leaves unless the Prince says so. It would be better if you resign yourself to your life here. To torture yourself with thoughts of freedom... thoughts of a life out there... will make you go..." Noma stopped.

Seth continued her words, "Make me go insane? That's what you meant, isn't it? How many others has this happened to? How many...?" Seth held on to Noma's arms and shook her. "How many, Noma? Tell me!"

"Please Seth, let me go. I... I cannot tell you... I would be..."

Seth released her. "I'm sorry, I know you're frightened. I should never have asked you... Please just leave."

Noma turned to leave, then came back to face Seth. "The Prince, he has many men... a few like you are special to him. Some of the men, they... they escape the only way they know how; they stop living. They refuse to eat, but the Prince he has ways to make them... the soldiers, they..."

Noma's eyes filled with tears. Seth wondered what horrors she had seen. Putting his arms around her, he hugged her as he would his sister.

~~
Mitchell and the Prince sat together in the rose garden under the beauty of a clear night sky discussing payment for an object of beauty... Daniel.

"This industrialist, Mitchell, who is he? I know most of the Elite, and I also know that there are few of them that could, or would, bid against me."

Mitchell sighed. "Now your Highness, you know that the rules forbid me from discussing another member's bid."

"Ah, so they do... and do the rules also forbid you from making a bid? Because if memory serves me well, the last time I bid on Daniel you won the auction and kept Daniel for yourself."

Mitchell smirked. "That bid was completely above board. I didn't technically bid for Daniel."

"Let us not fall out over such a trivial incident, but rather let us look forward to my latest acquisition. I shall of course require Daniel to undergo a physical. I am sure that you look after your stable well, but goods that are damaged beyond repair are of no interest to me. And now, as to a price..." The Prince pulled out a sealed envelope from inside his jacket. "My bid. I trust it will be met with success.... I want Daniel, and this time I intend to get him. Do I make myself clear, Mitchell?"

Mitchell smiled as he took the envelope. "I haven't told Daniel he will be leaving me for another master. I want to avoid the ensuing drama; he can be rather emotional at times. It may be better if you just take him after the physical. I will make sure your jet is fuelled and ready, provided of course that you are successful."

The Prince drank in the beauty of the warm night. "Tell me more about Daniel."
"What do you want to know?"

"Well, what is he like under the lash?"

Mitchell smiled as memories came into his mind. "At his best, each time the lash lands on his smooth skin his flesh quivers as the muscles beneath ripple in time with the waves of pain. His screams are as a lover's cry of ecstasy as you ride him to orgasm."

"And he gives of this freely?"

"Hell, no! And even when you take him without the pain, Daniel never gives of himself completely. He always holds one small thing back; his love."

The Prince clapped his hands in delight. "Oh, a challenge! How wonderful! And tell me - this other bidder, how much of a threat is he?"

Mitchell knew this was his chance to get them all into the palace. "If I might make a suggestion, your Highness... the other bidder... it is always good to keep like-minded people on side, especially influential ones. Perhaps you could extend him an invitation to the palace? I will of course come with you to act as an intermediary. The bidder has shown an interest in starting up his own collection - a stable, if you would, and he would relish the opportunity to learn from a connoisseur such as yourself."

~~

Jack stood in a corner of the dinning room watching the door. It had been an hour since he had spoken to Elizabeth. More than ever, he needed her here.
Daniel was acting strangely and he was worried the effect being back in the villa was having on him. Elizabeth would be the best one to talk some sense into Daniel. She would know what to do.

~~

Teal'c had held onto Daniel until his friend pulled away from him. He knew the physical and mental pain that being betrayed by a lover could bring, and his heart ached for Daniel.

"DanielJackson, I find it very hard to believe that O'Neill would do such a thing to you."

Daniel took off his wire rimmed spectacles, closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're saying you don't believe me? You think I made this up?"

"No, DanielJackson. I believe that what you say is the truth as you believe it to be. But I also believe that being in this place has caused you so much pain it could have unbalanced your mind."

Daniel unbuttoned his dinner jacket and turned around. Pulling up his shirt, he showed Teal'c his back. Teal'c touched the six large dark blue bruises that contrasted the paleness of the skin. Daniel pulled back slightly as Teal'c touched him.

"They're called love bites.... but there is no love in them, just pain, domination and humiliation. He marked me as his, Teal'c. And next time..."

Teal'c knew his friend was incapable of such brutality, but if he was to believe Daniel then it must have been O'Neill.

"Where was CameronMitchell during this attack?"

Daniel looked confused as he searched his clouded memory. "I... he was... in the room with me. I remember his voice and Jack. In my mind I see Jack but hear Cam.

God Teal'c, I must be losing my mind. Nothing is real anymore, nothing makes any sense."

Teal'c helped Daniel fix his clothing, finally straightening his bow tie. He looked on Daniel as a younger brother in need of help and guidance.

"DanielJackson, we can leave this place now. I cannot risk your sanity for my love of Seth - the price is too high. You will need to talk to O'Neill, give him a chance to explain, and I will talk with CameronMitchell."

Daniel's eyes reflected the light coming from the villa - they seemed to sparkle. "I'm not going anywhere, Teal'c. I came here to find Seth and that's exactly what I intend to do."

Teal'c bowed his head to Daniel. "We should go back into the villa, DanielJackson, the bidding is about to begin."

"Oh yeah, like I could forget that," Daniel snarked.

Both men walked back through the garden, Teal'c with his hand securely on Daniel's shoulder.

~~

Jack was close enough to the door to hear some raised voices from outside. Putting aside his wine glass he walked towards the hall.

Elizabeth stood facing down two of Mitchell's men. Jack was impressed; she wasn't backing down even though both men had their guns drawn.

Jack moved quickly to intercede. "Darling, where have you been? I've been worried about you. I distinctly remember telling Nicoli to bring you here himself."

Jack embraced Elizabeth. Kissing her on the cheek he whispered in her ear, "Just play along with me here."

Jack turned to the two men. "Guys is this really necessary? I mean, this lady is with me."

Weir tried to disguise her shocked look with a girlish giggle. "Why Jack you silly bunny, you didn't leave any directions for me to follow. Gentlemen I am so sorry that I called you mindless apes, please forgive me."

The two men replaced their guns in their shoulder holsters under their jackets and returned to standing guard. Jack took Weir by her arm, leading her on into the party.

Most of the people had assembled awaiting the bidding on a number of men, all of whom knew nothing about what was about to happen to them. Some had been employed as waiters for the night, some as escorts, but all unaware of their potential fate.

~~

The shrill sound of Mitchell tapping a gold pen on the side of a crystal wine glass brought everyone's attention to the front of the room. Mitchell was loving every moment of it, with Daniel once more by his side and the thrill of the bidding to come.

"Members of the Elite, it is my pleasure to welcome you here to this... occasion."
Turning to the row of waiters, he addressed them "I would like to thank the waiting staff for being so attentive during the evening, I'm sure everyone will agree. For tonight your work is over gentlemen, but if you would indulge me, would the following men remain behind - Carl, Simon and Luke. I have further special duties for you to perform. The rest of you may leave."

Jack never took his eyes off Daniel as the rest of the men left the room. He knew Daniel - he knew this was as painful as hell for him to watch. He also knew he could do nothing to help him.

"I will now ask the guards to lock and bar the exits from this room." He smiled as he looked directly at Jack. "Anyone attempting to leave will of course be shot."

Jack lifted his champagne glass in salute, acknowledging Mitchell's words mockingly.

Elizabeth moved closer to Jack. "You're not going to let this happen are you Jack? For god's sake Jack, these are human beings and they're being sold off like cattle." Her voice rose as she became more insistent.

"Keep your voice down Elizabeth or you will jeopardise all our lives. All I need from you right now is one of your most charming smiles."

Elizabeth backed away from Jack. She needed a drink and a way out of the bedlam.

A look of fear flashed across the faces of the three chosen men. Daniel closed his eyes, wanting to shut out the memory of the horror of realisation which must only now be dawning in their minds.

Mitchell nodded to the guards who stood at the back of the room. They each grabbed one of the men pinning their arms behind them and pushed them to where Mitchell stood.

Simon, one of the men, hit out at his guard catching him on the side of his head. The guard retaliated with a blow to Simon's face knocking him to the floor. The guard raised his hand to repeat the attack. Daniel stepped forward and blocked the punch.

"Cam, you can't allow this... please. He will be damaged, it may lower the bid."
Mitchell waved his hand and the guard stopped the attack, reaching down to pull the now bleeding Simon to his feet.

Mitchell continued, "Well Ladies and Gentlemen, as you can see tonight's auction may well prove to be eventful, and as Simon has already introduced himself we shall start with him. I have received four sealed bids for...."

Mitchell was interrupted by Simon shouting at him "What the fuck are you talking about... what bids? I am not an object to be bid on, let me go now."

Mitchell smiled as he addressed the room. "Well, it seems we have a feisty one here - a most tempestuous male. I dare say he will take some punishment before he is tamed by the lash."

Before Simon could say anything else a silk scarf was tied around his face, cutting into his mouth. He shook his head as he tried in vain to move his head away.

Mitchell picked up the envelopes and ripped open the first one. Taking out a small piece of paper he read it out loud. "The Count de Provence bids $400,000. The room erupted into laughter and applause. Jack managed a couple of claps but his heart wasn't in it.

"And the next bid is from Lord Peter - $300,000, sorry about that."

A small rotund man in the front row shrugged his shoulders and raised his glass as the crowd clapped him.

"And from Sung May, a bid of just $150,000. Oh dear, I think you undervalued this fine specimen. The next and last bid is from Cassie Levi - a present for her husband, isn't that nice? Well, let's hope you get more than this at the divorce... $200,000. So it is my great pleasure to invite the Count to come up here and take possession of his goods."

Daniel could feel the blood draining from his face as the memory of his bidding came flooding back to him - the fear, the confusion, the horror.

Looking at Simon he could see all that and more. As the Count approached him, Simon visibly trembled. He tried to recoil away from the man who had just brought him. Daniel wanted to scream, but all he could do was to stand and watch as the other two men were auctioned of just like Simon. Jack watched passively and thought how strange it was that people react differently. Simon was taken from the room kicking and screaming despite the gag, the other two men walked to their fates with the ice cold fatalism of men on death row.

"And to bring this evening to its climax..." unbridled childish giggles from the Elite "...I have decided, as you know, to auction off my Daniel."

Daniel knew his part had to be convincing as he looked shocked, grabbing at Mitchell's hand.

"Cam, no! I'm sorry... I'm sorry I left... that I escaped... please don't do this."

Mitchell gave a signal and one of his guards stepped behind Daniel, tying his hands firmly behind his back.

"Hush now beloved or I will have your pretty mouth gagged."

Jack pushed his way to the front of the group, taking up his position beside the Prince.

Mitchell continued, "I will be sorry to see my beloved leave my service, but I am sure he will be just as forthcoming in his service to his new master. And so to the bidding."

Taking two envelopes from his pocket, Mitchell opened the first one, "We have a bid of $750,000 from a new member of the Elite, who wants to be known only as the Duke. Murmurs of excitement ran round the room – that was one of the highest sums ever bid in Mitchell's auctions. But they also all know how much the Prince wanted him – would it be enough? And the last bid for Daniel is from the Prince.

As you know, the Prince has one of the best stables in the world of the two legged variety."

Laughter again ran through the room. Mitchell continued, "The Prince has bid... $1,000,000".

There was a gasp from the rest of the guests – the highest price ever for an acquisition. Clearly the Prince had intended to ensure that he and no other walked off with Daniel tonight. The room erupted into prolonged applause.

"I declare that Daniel is now owned by the Prince. If your Highness would please come and take possession of your property. Of course, the customary physical will be carried out before any monies are exchanged."

Mitchell walked towards the Prince and shook his hand warmly. As Daniel was pulled out of the room he saw Mitchell introducing Jack to the Prince.

"Your Highness, if I might introduce your opponent in tonight's bidding - the Duke."

Jack took the hand of the man he would rather have killed then let touch his Daniel, but he had a part to play and for Teal'c's sake he would play it out.

"Never met a real life Prince before. Wait till I tell the guys at the golf club - they will just flip! Please wait here, I have someone I want you to meet."

Jack left Mitchell and the Prince congratulating each other while he went in search of Elizabeth.

~~

Daniel knew the routine - he had seen it more times than he cared to remember. As he was pushed towards the small drawing room, he could hear Simon's voice - he was arguing with someone.

"Get the fuck off me you fuck, I don't want my blood taken."

Daniel was pushed into the room just in time to see three of the guards wrestling Simon onto the floor as a familiar voice tried to calm him.

"Come on now son, this won't take long. Then I can get these apes to let you up."

It was Dr Hammond.

Daniel could just make Simon out under the twisted tangle of bodies, his right arm being forced out. Dr Hammond carefully pushed the glinting needle deep into the bulging vein of Simon's arm and slowly the test tubes filled with blood.

"Let him up" Hammond gave the order. The guards stayed where they were, although Simon had stopped struggling. Daniel reached down and took hold of Simon's hand, pulling him up as the guards eventually released him. As Hammond and the guards went to take Luke's blood, Daniel and Simon sat together on the sofa.

Daniel could see a lot of himself in Simon a few years ago - scared, frightened, alone and ready to hit back.

"Daniel... my name it's Daniel. You really don't want to piss these guards off - after all, they're only doing a job."

"Where have I heard that one before? Tell me Daniel, why are you so calm about all of this?"

Daniel shook his head. "'Calm' – well, that's the last word I would use, but may be it's because I've been here before."

Simon looked at Daniel, a thousand questions on his mind. "Have you ever tried to...you know... get away? I will just as soon as I can. Hey, they can't watch me 24/7 can they?"

Daniel smiled at Simon's naïveté. "I have heard that the Count is kind to his men. He uses the whip, but only as a last resort. If you try to escape he may well decide to sell you to someone who will be less kind, or he might send you for training. The Prince who has acquired me sometimes undertakes the training of difficult men. He has a trainer named Ba'al who is notoriously cruel."

~~

"Elizabeth, where have you been?" Jack had found Weir by the champagne fountain refilling her glass again.

"Oh Jack, want some? It's quite delicious really, if you can stand the tiny bubbles going up your nose. Bidding over so soon? I do hope Daniel went for a good price."

Jack took the glass from Weir's hand. "Why Dr Weir, I do believe you're drunk."
"Why Jack, I do believe you're right."

"This is not part of the plan, Elizabeth."

Weir giggled. "Oh yes, the plan, mustn't forget the plan. Tell me Jack, thisss plan of yours..."

Putting her arms around Jack's neck, Weir brought him in close, kissing him lightly on the lips. Reaching up, Jack pulled her arms from around his neck, gently pushing her away.

"Elizabeth, I don't think this is what either of us wants, do you? Now I have to get back to Mitchell and the Prince. I have to make sure we get that invite back to the palace."

Recollecting herself, Elizabeth blushed. "Jack, forgive me - champagne and I don't seem to mix. You must think me... If you'll excuse me, I'll go freshen up."

~~

Seth was grateful for Noma's company. Each day she tended his wounds and fetched him his food. He had grown fond of her, but his heart and his body ached for Teal'c.

Although his room was large Seth longed to leave it, to walk around the fountain in the courtyard, to see the sky. He had tried to ask Noma if she could convince the Prince to let him go outside to breathe the fresh air.

"You could tell him I won't try and escape, I give him my word. I just need to leave this room, just for a little while. I've never liked to be confined."

Noma shook her head "In the Prince's absence he leaves Ba'al in charge. He has the power to make the decisions. He will not let you out of here for fear that you may escape. If you do the Prince will have his head and everyone else will be punished. I am sorry Seth, but I cannot help you."

~~

Sobered by what he had learned from Daniel, Simon had fallen silent. Minutes ticked passed. Suddenly, he began his questioning again. "Is that all they will do to me? Take my blood, I mean?" Simon sat close to Daniel.

"No... there is more to the examination than that. I'm afraid it's a bit more invasive. The Count will want to make sure you are not damaged. The way he looks at it is he has paid good money for pristine goods and that's what he wants."

"What will happen if he...the Count... isn't happy with me? I mean I'm not... you know... I'm not a virgin. I have been with both men and women."

Daniel touched Simon gently on his arm. "The Count will be happy with you, you won't have anything to worry about."

Hammond re-entered the room and stood in front of them as they continued to talk. "Simon, you have to go with the guard now. I need to take some blood from Daniel here."

Daniel hugged Simon as he stood up and watched as the guards led him out of the room.

"We meet again Dr Hammond," Daniel quipped.

Hammond fastened the tourniquet around Daniels arm. "So we do son. Now just keep still while I take a little..." Daniel jumped at the sound of a single shot being fired. He pulled his arm away sharply.

"What was that? Dr Hammond, what was that?"

Hammond repositioned Daniel's arm and unsheathed the needle. "I'm sorry son but one of his tests came up positive. The bid for Simon has been voided."

Daniel knew what Hammond meant - he had seen it happen once before. Cam was usually rigorous in his selection of the men, but sometimes mistakes could be made. Now Simon had paid the price. Once auctioned, he could not be allowed to go free to tell the world about the Elite. Tears flowed freely down Daniel's face as he mourned for a man he hardly knew.

~~

The sound of the gunshot reverberated around the room, but none of the Elite seemed moved except for Jack who was busy trying to ingratiate himself with the Prince and Mitchell as they shared a joke.

"What the..."

The Prince laughed. "Oh dear Mitchell, I do hope that wasn't my latest acquisition being voided"

Mitchell lifted his glass in a toast. "Well if it is, let's hope the cheque cleared first!"

The Prince and Mitchell clinked their glasses. Both men held their glasses aloft waiting for Jack to do the same. Jack quickly changed his look of concern to a smile and joined them in their sick toast.

As the Prince excused himself and walked away to rekindle old acquaintances, Jack grabbed at Mitchell's arm, grinning inanely at him so the rest of the Elite wouldn't see the anger and fear rising in him. "What the fuck just happened?"

Mitchell copied Jack and grinned back. "Dr Hammond has orders to terminate any goods that he finds damaged or contaminated. The bids for those items are then voided."

Jack smiled sweetly at an elegantly dressed young woman who walked by him.

"Daniel?"

Mitchell waved at the same young woman. "Not unless you're to blame. I kept Daniel clean and healthy when he was with me."

Jack let his mask slip and his face became angry as his voice rose. "You son of a bitch..."

Mitchell grabbed Jack and slapped him on the back jovially. The Prince had returned just in time to hear Jack's fraught words. Mitchell was in the middle of damage limitation

"Jack, you're a sore loser. Get over it, the Prince won. Now be a good sportsman. I tell you what - I have my eye on a beautiful specimen, ex-special forces. Body of an Olympic athlete. He's yours."

The Prince stood behind Mitchell. "Are you keeping the good ones under the table, to use a common euphemism, my friend?"

Mitchell laughed. "No but Jack here is a little bit of a sore loser your Highness. He had hoped to use Daniel as the start of a stable. I was just telling him of your successes."

The Prince glowed with pride as he told Jack of his newest arrival - a man called Seth. "You see Jack... may I call you Jack?"

Jack nodded politely, while in his mind he was ripping this sadistic bastard's head off.

"You see Jack, I like a challenge. The harder they are to break, the more I enjoy it. Take Seth - before I left, I felt a little taste of the lash was necessary to soften him up somewhat. Usually two, at the most three strokes and most men will be begging for release, but Seth took five lashes and did not beg. Once they're unconscious... well, the fun is gone, dead horse and all that."
Mitchell could see Jack's jaw flex. "If I may your Highness, Jack, being new to the Elite, has not had a chance to see a master at work breaking in a new acquisition, and I am sure you will be in a hurry to get Daniel safely back to the palace."

The Prince cocked his head to one side. "I... I'm not too sure..."

Jack jumped in as he saw the opportunity slipping away. "What Mitchell is trying to say in his own inept way, your Highness, is could I solicit an invite to the palace? You know, check out the right things to do? Wouldn't want to be too soft on the little buggers now, would I?"

Slapping Jack hard on his back the Prince bellowed with laughter "Of course my friend, of course. And you Mitchell, you must also come."

A very contrite Elizabeth Weir sidled up to Jack. "Please excuse me, gentlemen. Jack, I'm going back to the hotel now, I have a migraine. I'll take the car."

The Prince took Weir's hand and kissed the inside of her wrist just at the pulse point. "Jack, you never said you had such a beautiful acquisition. If you ever tire of her and seek to hold an auction, let me know. I also keep up the family tradition for the outside world of stocking a harem. She would make a most delightful addition."

Weir could feel a tide of nausea creeping up her body. She wasn't sure if it was the overindulgence of the champagne or the slimy creepiness of the man holding her hand, but she instinctively knew she didn't like him. Pulling her hand away, she did little to hide her contempt for him, raising her hand, index finger outstretched, to remonstrate with the Prince.

Jack quickly spun her around to face him. "Yes, do that. Go back to the hotel and wait for me."

Jack pulled her away to one side. When out of earshot, Jack turned on her. "What the hell do you think you are doing Elizabeth? You're going to jeopardise the whole operation."

"Operation? Jack, have you listened to yourself? This is real. My god, I just heard a gunshot! God only knows what has just happened... and since when have I been one of your acquisitions, huhh?"

"Since you barged into the conversation uninvited Elizabeth. But I think you may inadvertently have helped. The Prince has just invited me back to the palace with him and Daniel... and now Elizabeth, that invite includes my acquisition - you."

Weir's face darkened "Like fucking hell it does. Let me tell you, if you think that I...."

As the Prince approached them, Jack had to do something quick. He had to make the Prince think he was her master, so as Weir continued to admonish him, Jack picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and headed for the door as she tried to kick at him, shouting for him to let her go. He slapped her hard on her ass.

Turning to the Prince he added, "Thank you for your kind invitation your Highness. All the arrangements can be handled through Mitchell."

With that, Jack nodded at the guards who opened the door for him. Grinning at the Prince, he brought his hand down with a sharp slap on Weir's behind. She squealed in pain.

Jack smiled. "And let that be a lesson to you Elizabeth. Modify your behaviour or you will be punished with a stern flogging!"

The Prince turned to the other members of the Elite who had gathered at the sound of the commotion. Pointing at Jack the Prince commented, "Now that's a real man!"

~~

Hammond slowly pulled the needle from Daniels arm, replacing it with tape and a ball of cotton wool. Grabbing a couple of tissues from a nearby box he handed them to Daniel. "Here son, dry your eyes," he said in his distinctive Texan drawl.

Daniel took the tissues gratefully, blowing his nose and wiping his eyes with the other tissue.

"Allergies" Daniel smiled weakly.

Hammond smiled back. "Of course it is, son."

Daniel sat forward on the edge of the couch. "Dr Hammond could I ask you a question?"

Hammond nodded looking around to make sure the guards weren't listening.

Daniel continued, "The others are they okay, I mean... the tests?"

Daniel glanced behind him. He could see the other two men sitting apart, a guard standing over each of them, their heads bowed, faces impassive, the tell-tale signs of venapuncture masked by a small cotton ball and tape.

Hammond stood in front of Daniel. "Son, you know I can't tell you that." Turning to leave, Hammond looked back at Daniel. He winked at him then added, "But everything looks fine. Now if you excuse me I have to prepare for your medicals."

Daniel tried to stand up but a hand from behind him pushed him back down.

Daniel rolled his eyes, turning to face his guard. "Paulo, please. I just want to stretch my legs, that's all. You can watch me, I'll only walk over to the window. I won't even open it I promise."

Paulo nodded. He knew Daniel was a good kid. Daniel had interceded on his behalf with Mitchell on a couple of occasions when Mitchell had been angry at him for something stupid he'd done.

"Okay Daniel but no funny business right? Mitchell nearly had my ass for letting you jump overboard in New York."

Daniel smiled.

The two auctioned men sat quietly... too quietly. Daniel had seen it before - the delay in realisation, the overwhelming rage as the brain grasps the enormity of what's happening. When it all boiled over then the shit would hit the fan.

That's what the guards were there for; they waited and watched for the inevitable response.

Daniel stood by a large window. It overlooked the driveway to the villa. From it all the comings and goings could be seen. He watched as Mrs Levi stormed out of the party, her face pinched as she knocked a guard to one-side as he tried in vain to halt her exit.

"Don't you fucking touch me you imbecile!" she ranted.

Daniel stifled a giggle, she would have to think of another present for Mr Levi's birthday.

As her car screamed away down the drive Daniel caught a glimpse of Jack, a red silk gown flowing across his body, then he saw Weir's head bobbing up and down over Jack's shoulder.

"What the hell?"

The exclamation must have been louder than he had intended. Paulo shouted from across the room, "Daniel that's enough, come back and sit down, the doc will be calling you in soon. Hey, you don't want to miss your turn do yah?"

Daniel closed the drapes and returned to his seat.

~~

Jack threw Weir into the car. "You, Elizabeth, will do as you are told. Go back to the hotel and wait for me. And I'm sorry about the you know what on your you know where."

The awkwardness of the situation was compounded by the voice from the driver's seat. "Why Jack O'Neill, you dog." It was Sheppard

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jack whispered harshly.

"Jack did you want all the excitement to yourself? I mean, running out on your own security team. It's lucky for you that we have a code."

Jack shook his head. "You have a code?"

"No. But if we did I'm sure that there would be something to cover this type of thing."

Weir had slumped into a drunken sleep on the back seat of the car, her head resting on the soft leather. Sheppard strained to look at her. "And what have you done to our Princess? She looks, dare I say it, drunk!"

Jack snorted. "Cut the crap Sheppard. Take her back to the hotel and put her to bed....alone! I need you both ready to leave tomorrow morning for Qaatar"

Sheppard gave a curt salute. "Will do boss."
Jack watched as the car sped down the drive. He wished that he and Danny were in the back seat nuzzling into each other. God, he missed him.

~~

Back in the villa the party was just breaking up.

Mitchell hurried up to Jack. "There's a problem - the Prince wants you and I to be present at Daniel's physical."

Jack tried to maintain his cool. "No one said anything about a physical, what fucking physical?"

"After the auction the new owners have the right to be present at the physical examination. They can also invite up to three people with them. It's a great honour which the Prince has decided to bestow on you and I. You have to accept graciously or risk insulting him. If you do you can kiss goodbye to the invitation to the palace and Seth."

The Prince approached the two men. "Jack will you join me in an exploration of Daniel?"

Jack didn't appreciate hearing Daniel spoken of in such a way, but forced himself to smile back at the Prince. "Lead on your Highness."

~~

Hammond opened the door between the two rooms. All eyes turned to look at him but his gaze fell on Luke. Crooking his finger he beckoned him. When Luke didn't respond Hammond nodded his head at Luke's guard, barking out an order. "Bring him."

The guard grabbed Luke under his arm and pulled him to his feet. The young man fell as his legs failed to respond in time.

Daniel reached out to catch him, only to be admonished by Paulo. "Daniel, leave him!"

Daniel tried again to help Luke, only to be pushed back by Paulo. "I have permission from Mitchell to restrain you if you continue to disobey, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to undergo the physical cuffed now, would you?"

Daniel nodded to Luke. "Hey you'll be alright. It doesn't last long, not really. It will be over for you soon, I promise."

Luke scrambled to his feet and hesitantly approached the door. Daniel watched as the door was closed and locked behind them.

Daniel sat with his hands over his ears rocking backwards and forwards. He tried to ignore the sound of Luke pleading with Hammond not to touch him and the sounds of violence as Luke evidently tried to escape. Then the screams began.

Daniel knew he wouldn't see Luke again after the physicals - the Elite took possession of the Chosen immediately after the medical check, taking them back to which ever luxury cesspit they had crawled out of.

Then the screaming stopped. Daniel could feel his heart thudding in his chest as he waited for the door to open again and for Hammond to summon one of them.

The click of the door unlocking commanded their complete attention.
Hammond stood in the doorway drying his hands on paper towels. Gazing around the room he decided to leave the other man till after Daniel's turn.

Daniel, he reasoned, knew what was to come and might be more willing to cooperate. The other younger man like the last would probably freak out and need to be held down by the guards so Daniel would be next.

Hammond finished drying his hands. "Daniel it's time son, you're next. Come with me."

Daniel thought about not resisting, thought about just walking in calmly, but he knew he had to maintain the illusion of not wanting to leave Cam so he stayed seated.

Hammond nodded at Paulo who stood next to Daniel. "Hey Daniel the Doc says you're next. Let's not keep old Doc Hammond waiting."

Paulo tapped Daniel on the shoulder trying to get his attention, but Daniel just sat and stared at Hammond. Grabbing at Daniel's upper arm Paulo tried to pull Daniel to his feet. Daniel resisted pulling his arm away sharply, catching Paulo in the balls with his elbow.

Paulo quickly recovered his composure and looked to Hammond for orders.

Hammond shook his head with regret. "Bring him, carry him if you have to, but get him in here stripped and on my table in ten minutes." Addressing Daniel he added, "Son, you disappoint me."

~~

Mitchell led Jack and the Prince out into the garden. The warmth of the evening had been replaced by the chill of the late night.

Mitchell beckoned for one of his guards. "Your Highness would you like a whiskey? We have time until Daniel is ready. Jack how about you?"

Both Jack and the Prince nodded. "Good then bring us three whiskeys out here on the terrace and be sure to tell Hammond to let us know when he's ready."

The three men sat together on the terrace as the Prince expounded on the wonders of owning another human being.

Jack gulped down most of the whiskey as soon as it was placed in front of him - it was the only way he could stomach the Prince's description of the punishments he had inflicted on some of his Chosen when they had disobeyed or failed to please him in bed.

The conversation was interrupted by one of the guards whispering to Mitchell. Jack just caught the words 'Daniel', 'fight' and 'restraints'. He knew his love would not go willingly.

Mitchell finished off the last of his drink then stood up. "Gentlemen I think Dr Hammond is ready for us now. If you will follow me I will take you to the medical room."

Jack couldn't help himself. "You have a medical room here in your home?"

Mitchell laughed. "Sometimes my guests get a little too...."

Jack didn't want to know any more.
The room was large and tiled white from floor to ceiling. Cabinets of surgical instruments filled one wall. A large bright light extending from the ceiling in the middle of the room starkly illuminated a modern theatre table.

Lying on the table was Daniel looking cold and frightened. Jack wanted to run to him and smother him in warm kisses.

~~

Daniel knew that Paulo would tell Cam about his disobedience but he didn't care. His part in Seth's rescue had to be convincing for everyone.

"Daniel this is your last chance to walk in there like a man," Paulo said as he pulled at Daniel's arm again.

Daniel stood up and walked towards the door. Just before he reached it he changed direction, running towards the other door and the outside world.

He felt hands grabbing at his body as the guards brought him crashing face down onto the hard floor. His arms were wrenched behind him as he tried to resist and he felt the harsh coldness of the metal as the handcuffs encircled both his wrists and clicked smoothly into place.

Daniel was carried face down by Paulo and three other guards. His shoulders hurt as the men pulled him roughly into the medical room and onto the table. One of the men pushed his head down onto the table pinning it in place so Daniel couldn't move.

Hammond's voice came softly from nearby. "How in the name of Hades am I supposed to examine him like that? Unfasten those cuffs and turn him over."

Paulo complained, "But Doc it took four of us to get him in here. What if...?"

"Don't 'what if' me. The table has leather restraints on it. Fit them on his hands and feet if necessary. Oh and Paulo, make sure you strip him first."

Paulo nodded muttering and cursing under his breath as he began to take Daniel's shoes off him.

Daniel clenched his jaw in defiance. He tried his best to resist but Paulo and his friends were determined. In the end they decided to put the leather restraints on Daniel first and then cut off his clothes. Daniel's struggles were useless, serving only to bring back all too many memories of Cam's past attacks on him.

Stripped and fully restrained Daniel was thankful when Hammond took pity on him, covering him with a thin white sheet. The intensity of the light above him meant he had to close his eyes to avoid the glare. He opened his eyes again at the sound of Hammond's voice.

"Son, I can understand how you must feel..."

Daniel frowned at the idea that Hammond would know how humiliated and scared he felt.

"Well may be I don't, but we can do this the hard way," Hammond gestured towards the four guards standing in the shadows of the room, "Or we can do this the easy way, with the minimum amount of pain and discomfort possible, but to do that I need your full co-operation. Do you understand?"

Daniel nodded.
"Take the restraints off him but if he starts again I want them put back on. Good, now during the exam I will need to put your legs up in these stirrups."

Hammond pointed to two metal poles set into either side of the table. On top of each of the poles was a foot long gutter shaped padded attachment. "I will place your legs in these. Don't be afraid, it just makes the examination easier for both you and me, and it will be easier for the Prince to see whatever the hell he needs to see."

Daniel could feel his face flush. He hated being treated like a piece of prime meat - an object. In a low voice he managed to say, "Yes I understand."

Daniel turned his head at the sound of a door opening and Cam's voice. "This way your Highness, Jack."

Daniel watched wide eyed as the three men sat in chairs to the left side of him.

He bit his lip painfully. He had fully expected Cam and the Prince to be there, but not Jack - not him here to watch this indignity.

A small tear formed in the corner of his right eye and slowly made its way down his cheek Daniel was grateful that no one saw it. Daniel avoided turning his head to look at Jack he didn't want to think about him not now.

~~

Seth had spent most of the day alone in his room waiting for Noma to return.

When she did he would try and get some information from her about the layout of the palace.

Teal'c had quoted Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' on many occasions during their training 'If you cause your opponents to be unaware of the place and time of your battle, you can always win.'

Seth lay on the bed thinking of Teal'c and that one night they shared. Seth savoured the memory of Teal'c, his ebony body stark against the milk white sheets of the bed, toned and glistening in a pre-rapture glow.

In his mind he could still see the curve of Teal'c's butt as he traced Teal'c's backbone with his tongue from the nape of his neck down over the cleft of his firm ass, then down, plunging his tongue ever deeper to find that tight sweet hole, delicately rimming it with his tongue, tracing the soft flesh. Pushing into the ring of muscle, listening to Teal'c moaning his approval, softly begging him for more.

Seth closed his eyes, his hands moving to the memory of where and how Teal'c had touched him, first ghosting over his nipples then feeling the smoothness of his own skin, following it down underneath his robe. His cock twitched as he touched it making his body shudder.

Circling his index finger over the slit he spread the small drop of moisture over the firming head. Gripping the stiff shaft he moved his hand up and down, all the time playing images of Teal'c through his mind.

Arching his back he felt his balls twitch. He increased the rhythm as he felt the pressure build closer and closer... then Noma's voice, low and urgent, "No you must not...you must not spill your precious seed for your own pleasure, it is not permitted. If the Prince or Ba'al finds out we will be punished. Please stop!"

Seth was too close to pull back and the warmth of the come spilling over his hand meant he had disobeyed one of the Prince's most strict rules.

~~

Hammond snapped the rubber gloves onto his hands as he stood next to the table and addressed the three men. "Gentlemen with your permission I will begin the examination."

The Prince waved his hand for Hammond to continue. Leaning over to Mitchell, the Prince whispered.

Mitchell nodded. "Doctor, the Prince would like it if you gave a sort of commentary on what you are doing and, of course, your findings.
Hammond sighed. "Yes of course."

Daniel closed his eyes and listened to the distant sounds of the room; his own heartbeat swishing through his ears, Hammond's rubber gloves as he nervously adjusted them, the Prince and Cam talking almost reverently, and Jack breathing softly. Daniel knew it was Jack - he knew the rhythm, he knew the way Jack cleared his throat. It was Jack's way of saying 'Hey I'm here, I'm with you through this, you belong to no one but me'. A second then a third tear fell.

Hammond touched Daniel lightly on the shoulder. "You okay son? Now remember what I said and we'll get through this."

Hammond continued addressing the three men. "The specimen is a male in his early thirties, blue eyes, brown hair just above his shoulders. Height approximately six feet. Open your mouth please."

Daniel obeyed and opened his mouth as wide as he could, gagging on the tongue depressor as Hammond pressed his tongue down and shone a pencil torch into his mouth.

"There appears to be a small scar on the mucosa of the right cheek, cause at present unknown."

Mitchell put his hand to his lips, coughing as if to claim the scar as one inflicted on Daniel by him.

Hammond continued "All teeth appear intact and original. Okay then, let's see.

Signs of wounds from some type of thin blade to the face. These are healing nicely and should not scar. Left arm shows recent signs of a healing cut or laceration to the wrist which has been sutured to a high standard, all fingers and nails are present. The right arm has similar wounds, again healing well. A gold bracelet is in situ."

The Prince interrupted, "I want it removed at once."

Daniel turned his head, for the first time acknowledging the three men. "No! I mean please, your Highness, allow me the comfort of the bracelet just for a short while, I beg of you!"

If Mitchell had known what the bracelet meant to both Daniel and Jack and how it symbolised their love for each other, he would have had the guards remove it long ago, but thinking it was just the bracelet given to Daniel by his mother he didn't voice any objections. Hell, he wasn't a monster.

The Prince answered, "To show you how benevolent I can be to my latest acquisition I will allow this as a token of kindness, which you should remember in future. But when we return to the palace I will have the blacksmith cut the bracelet off – a symbolic act of your life with me, your new master. Carry on, Doctor Hammond."

Jack hadn't realised he was holding his breath until he began to feel faint; he knew how much the bracelet meant to Daniel and to him.

"The specimen has some old scarring on his chest, particularly around both nipples."

Jack could see Mitchell leaning towards the Prince. He could just make out what he was saying:

"I do find that with Daniel nipple clamps are most effective, especially if a small electric charge is administered through them."

The Prince listened, nodding his head slightly in approval. Jack could have done with a double whiskey.

Pulling the sheet from Daniel's body, leaving him completely naked, Hammond continued, "There appears to be some old scarring to the lower legs suggestive of manacles having been worn for long periods of time."

The Prince laughed. "Tell me Jack, what materials do you favour to bind your toys? Rope? Leather? Steel?"

Jack forced a smile. "Well Prince, I'm an old fashioned sadist - it's rope all the way for me."

Hammond signalled to Daniel to turn onto his front. When Daniel complied, the marks down his back were clearly visible.

Hammond went on, "Turning the subject over, we see that he has a series of contusions across his back and down his spine extending across both Gluteus maximus muscles".

Jack looked clueless. Mitchell offered a translation "He has love bites across his body and his ass, Jack."

Jack knew it wasn't he who had inflicted the 'love bites' on Daniel, and the only other person Daniel had been alone with was Mitchell. 'Son of a bitch...Mitchell', Jack thought. Daniel's reaction to being approached and his rejection of him - it was all down to Mitchell.

Hammond motioned to Daniel to turn over onto his back again, and then spoke to him. "Son, this is the part you're not going to like very much. Now, if the Prince permits, I can give you something to make you sleep through it or to relax you..."

The Prince interjected, "The Prince does not permit"

Hammond sighed - he had expected this. Most of the Elite refused permission, enjoying the suffering of their acquisitions. "I'm sorry son, but it's important that you are kept very still and that I am distracted as little as possible."

Hammond gestured for Paulo to step forward while he turned to take something from a metal tray behind him. Paulo took a ball gag from his pocket, placing the red ball firmly in Daniel's mouth and fastening the leather strap around his head. It would be very effective in stifling any noises Daniel tried to make.

Daniel had unwillingly worn one on many occasions with Cam.
Quickly, the other guards stepped forward and fastened the restraints around Daniel's arms and legs.

Daniel's body tensed as Hammond touched him.

"Relax, son!" Hammond soothed.

Coldly and clinically he picked up Daniel's limp cock in his gloved hands.

Taking hold of a culture swab from its sterile packet, Hammond fed the cotton bud end of it into the small slit of the head. Daniel squirmed pushing his head back onto the table. His back arched with the pain as the swab was forced to its full length down his urethral canal, then twisted around several times. Daniel strained and shouted past the ball gag, his knuckles white as he grabbed at the table edge.

"It's hurting him, he wants you to stop!" Jack shouted out.

Mitchell shot him a derisory glance. "Yeah great isn't it? Such a small object to create such exquisite pain."

If Jack didn't shut the fuck up he'd spoil the plan.

Hammond slowly withdrew the swab. "That's one done, now I'm going to have the guards fasten your legs up in the stirrups, okay? Nice and easy."

Daniel hated being touched and being in such a vulnerable position, naked and spread out, his ass on view to everyone in the room. By now his whole body was bathed in sweat as he waited for the next test and more pain. Mitchell led the Prince to the end of the table as Hammond detached the lower third of the table, folding it down out of the way. Daniel's pert round ass was on display, his legs supported up in the air by the stirrups.

"I wish to see more," the Prince insisted as if it were a business deal to be enjoyed.

Hammond moved the stirrups further apart. As Daniel's ass cheeks were spread, his small tight hole came into full view. Daniel could feel the cool of the air on his hole as it was exposed.

"Oh, how delightful!" the Prince enthused.

Hammond began to speak again "Examination of the subject's anal entrance shows signs of recent strenuous sexual activity. The anus is reddened and slightly torn, but no stitches are required and this should heal up quickly."

Daniel groaned – humiliation piled upon humiliation. He probably still had semen inside him, maybe leaking out for everyone's viewing pleasure.

Hammond reached out and picked up an eight inch long metal tube about an inch and a half in diameter with a removable metal insert which made the end into a smooth bullet shape. A small handle attached to the tube made manoeuvring it easier. As Daniel lifted his head from the table and saw the metal instrument being readied, a tube of lubricant being spread across its entire length, he began to panic, fighting to get off the table. An overwhelming instinct to escape took over, but he could not break free of the table's restraints. The sound of his muffled screams turned Jack's blood to ice.

Hammond sat on a small stool at the end of the table and very carefully introduced the end of the instrument into Daniel's body, sliding it slowly past the firm ring of muscle, all the time giving words of encouragement and reassurance.

Daniel clenched his butt muscles trying to halt the cold penetration into his body, but it continued. He felt once again the pain of being forcibly penetrated when his body wasn't ready - not unlike his days as entertainment for the Elite.

His already torn anus made the pain excruciating.

Hammond could tell Daniel was fighting him. "You have to relax now Daniel. Just breathe slowly - the more you relax the sooner we'll be done."

Turning his head Daniel's eyes met Jack's. Jack mouthed silently to him, "I love you, never forget."

Daniel's body began to shake as he put his head back on to the table, but he found he needed to look at Jack... needed to make contact with him. Deep in his brain, Daniel drew on every memory of Jack he had - the sight, smell and sound of his lover. It wasn't Hammond or Mitchell or the Prince touching him coldly, examining him intimately, it was Jack - lovingly tender with light soft caresses. Turning his head he locked his eyes with Jack's while the Prince crooned over how well Mitchell had treated Daniel and what a fine piece of ass Daniel was. The signs of his previous captivity only made him more intoxicating to the Prince.

Then the pain became intense, the Prince becoming excited as Hammond withdrew the centre section, leaving the tube deep inside Daniel's body and exposing his inner passage. Hammond checked Daniel for any permanent damage or scarring that might detract from the Prince's enjoyment of Daniel.

Daniel's fantasy of him and Jack dissolved into more pain than Daniel could take.

"I want," the Prince began, "to see Daniel in all his glory. I want to see him erect and leaking, ready for me."

"As you wish, your Highness." Mitchell waved his hand at Hammond. "Do as he asks - use the electrodes, make it quick."

Daniel began to struggle in earnest, terror coursing through him, but he was helpless. Hammond shook his head in disbelief as he took two long spoon-shaped paddles from a metal table behind him. Drizzling some lube on them, he introduced them up into the steel tube and on into Daniel's rectum. Hammond checked the wires that snaked from the end of the paddles and into a small black box on the metal trolley next to him. Mitchell watched Jack's reaction to what was about to happen.

"Doc, could you please describe what you're doing for the Prince."

Hammond cleared his throat as he turned a dial that increased the electric charge to the paddles. "Why certainly, it's a method used to obtain semen specimens in the animal world. It's called electro ejaculation. These electrode paddles are placed as I am doing now next to the prostate gland. As I increase the current, if you gentlemen care to watch, you will see Daniel become erect and ejaculate."

Daniel could feel his face burn with embarrassment at being in such an undignified position with so many men looking at him. He wished Jack wasn't there to see him undergo this humiliating procedure - not that Jack would care, he had already had his fill earlier that night. Trying his best to fight against the blood pumping into his cock, Daniel closed his eyes and for the first time in a long while he sought temporary refuge in his safe place. Then he felt the tell tale signs of impending orgasm. The feeling of the warm fluid spurting onto his abdomen brought little comfort as the electrodes continued to stimulate his body.

In the distance Daniel could hear Paulo's voice "Way to go Danny boy, that's one impressive..."

Just as Daniel was about to beg for mercy, Hammond withdrew the instrument and the paddles slowly. Wiping away the now pink-tinged lube he motioned to the guards to release Daniel, and to reassemble the table and to put Daniel's legs down on it.

Paulo released the gag.

Jack tried to keep quiet but he couldn't, not where Daniel was concerned. "Does that happen to everyone?" he asked.

The Prince answered, "You must understand Jack that Daniel represents a large investment for me. My return lasts only as long as Daniel does - it's not as if I can breed from him.

Hammond addressed the Prince. "Your Highness, that concludes the examination. I would say that Daniel is physically fit and healthy - all his blood tests have come back negative. You've got yourself a bargain, Sir. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go and get drunk. Gentlemen."

Placing the sheet back over Daniel, Hammond left. As he did he patted Daniel on the shoulder. "I'm sorry, son."

Leaving the room Hammond knew he would have to drink enough whiskey so he could obliterate from his mind what he had just put the young man through.

Although he suspect there wasn't enough whiskey in the world to do that.

~~

Teal'c did as Jack had instructed him and waited outside the medical room. He listened to Daniel's screams of pain, his head bowed in silence. Teal'c vowed he would exact revenge on Mitchell.

Jack watched as the guards released Daniel's arms from the restraints but Daniel didn't move, he just lay staring into space, tears slipping slowly from the corners of his eyes.

His breath came ragged and quick. Jack wanted to run over to him, hold him and tell him everything would be alright, that he would take him away from all this back to Isis, back to their island. But he knew he couldn't. Daniel had sacrificed so much of himself to save Seth. If he rescued him now Daniel would never forgive him, and all Daniel's pain would have been in vain.

The Prince snaked his arm around Jack's shoulder, sweeping him out of the room.

Mitchell dismissed the guards as he walked over to the table. Daniel lay naked and shivering under the thin cotton sheet. A small area of the sheet stuck to his abdomen where he had been forced to ejaculate.

Mitchell knew in Daniel's mind he was far from that place. Mitchell stroked Daniel's sweat-dampened hair from his face as he bent lower whispering in Daniel's ear softly "Now I know you must have enjoyed that beloved. That was so good - being able to see so much of your body with others admiring you, all the while knowing that you belong to me. Hell, I almost shot my load myself and Jack, well...."

Daniel turned his head quickly to look at Mitchell.

"Ah so that's what it takes to bring you back, the mention of Jack." Mitchell placed his head on Daniel's chest, looking down his body, listening to his heart beating wildly in his chest. Daniel stayed very still as Mitchell carefully lifted the edge of the sheet covering Daniel. What Mitchell could see in his line of sight under the sheet made his cock twitch - the contours of flesh that made up Daniel's athletic body were spread out before him like a beautiful landscape.

Standing up, Mitchell pulled the sheet from Daniel's body with a theatrical flourish. Daniel didn't move as Mitchell patted his face heavily – a pat of domination, almost a slap.

Then he traced an index finger across Daniel's lower lip which was swollen from the ball gag being pushed into his mouth during the physical in an attempt to stifle his screams. After pulling Daniel's lip painfully, he then moved his finger down over his jaw, continuing on to his sensual collar bone, then down to intersect with the raspberry nub of one nipple which he started circling slowly.

Daniel fisted his hands trying to control the uncontrollable thing that was his autonomic system which was even now betraying him.

Mitchell continued his journey down Daniel's body, over his undulating ribs, across the firmness of his abs, then on.

Daniel squirmed trying to move away from Mitchell's onslaught. If he objected Cam would find a way to punish him, maybe even hurt Jack.

"I could stop this Daniel and leave you all alone or I could bring Jack back in here. You remember what Jack did to you earlier on? Well he just told me he wants to do that to you again only much, much worse."

Daniel tried to open his mouth to speak but Mitchell silenced him by putting his free hand across his mouth. Mitchell continued to trace a line down to Daniel's navel. Delicately and lightly he examined it then moved on to the mound of dark pubic hair that half hid Daniel's spent cock. With all the attention Daniel's body had received from Mitchell it had begun to swell. Daniel let out a muffled "No" as Mitchell smirked. The journey continued the short distance to Daniel's balls where Mitchell used his whole hand to cup and caress them.

Then he stopped and clasped his hands behind his back as if denying himself the pleasure of caressing Daniel any further.

Daniel snorted "Why...why did you stop?"

Mitchell didn't answer - he was starring at something. Daniel followed Mitchell's line of sight. Turning his head Daniel could see Jack watching from the open door, his face pale. Mitchell watched as Jack walked away then he touched Daniel's face leaning in so Daniel could feel the warm gust of air as he spoke.

"See how he betrays you my beloved, how he raped and hurt you, and then when you need him he leaves you bleeding and hurt. He doesn't love you anymore."

Daniel did his best to contain the tears, to keep them in, not to let Mitchell see how vulnerable he had become.

Mitchell kissed him gently on the lips and Daniel knew what he had to do.

Next: In Love We Trust.