Possession 2

Honour

by Sistine

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ass/sistine/possession02.php
Summary: Sex, lies and prolonged absences make for a testing time

Tuesday

Three whole months.

Looking at the date on his computer, Daniel couldn't believe it. It had been three whole months since Jack had been trapped on Edora. Three months and a few days since Jack had kissed him.

Not that Daniel was counting or anything.

He was still thinking about that kiss and all it stood for. He remembered it as if it were yesterday. But it wasn't. It was three months ago.

A lifetime ago.

Or at least that's the way it felt to Daniel, although he wouldn't admit that to anyone. Except maybe Jack. But Jack wasn't there to admit it to. Nor was he around to make Daniel eat and sleep, or to cut off his lectures in mid-sentence, or to keep him company on Friday nights.

He missed Jack. A lot.

The week they'd spent on Edora together before the meteorite shower had been like the old days - relaxed and friendly. Jack had put no pressure on Daniel to make up his mind about their relationship, not even mentioning it once. Daniel had still been uncertain of his response when the meteorite hit the gate. But now, after three long months to think about it, he was certain.

He loved Jack. He wanted - needed - Jack.

It wasn't fair that he'd realised this when he couldn't do anything about it. And he couldn't tell anyone either. He needed someone he could talk to but given the closed society he was currently living in, there was no-one. Occasionally he'd looked up at the stars and talk to Sha'uri about it. He liked to think that she'd approve but he'd never know for sure. But it helped. Other times he'd written it down instead. His journal was full of all the emotions that he couldn't talk about, and it was written in a combination of languages so that if anyone tried to read it, they wouldn't be able to understand it. He had to protect both himself and Jack.

Speaking of protecting, Teal'c had been unusually visible since Edora. Daniel had never realised just how little Teal'c actually visited until the Jaffa started dropping by every day. He also never realised just how much under the protection of Jack he had been until Jack was gone. Teal'c had smoothly stepped into the role of protector and all those who thought that Daniel would be fair game without the colonel there suddenly found an even bigger obstacle in Teal'c. For that, Daniel was profoundly grateful. He had enough to cope with; he didn't want to have to cope with harassment from some of the men as well.

Sam had been busy with the particle beam, so it had fallen upon Teal'c to fulfil the role of Mother Hen as well. Daniel very quickly learnt that Jaffa were impervious to the fluttering of eyelashes, and therefore when Teal'c said he had to eat or sleep, Daniel had to do so. Even so, Daniel had still lost some weight because Teal'c couldn't make him do anything when he was at his apartment. Once Teal'c had worked that out though, Daniel had been gently coerced into staying many nights in Teal'c's quarters where the Jaffa could keep an eye on him. And strangely enough, Daniel had been able to sleep there. Given their history, Teal'c should've been the last person he felt safe with but then, Daniel had never been normal.

"DanielJackson," Teal'c said from the doorway, making the archaeologist jump.

"Teal'c! How many times have I told you not to do that?" Daniel reached for his coffee to settle his nerves.

"On several occasions. However, I do not believe the fault lies with me on this occasion," the Jaffa stated, having seen the young man lost in thought when he had entered the room.

Daniel couldn't argue with that. "Don't tell me it's lunchtime already?" It had become a habit for them to share lunch together.

"It is not. Major Carter has completed the particle beam and wishes to test it."

The linguist was up out of his chair before Teal'c had finished the sentence. Sam finishing the beam meant that they were one step closer to getting Jack back.

"DanielJackson." Teal'c reached out to stop the young man from leaving the office. There was something he needed to say first. "O'Neill will be returned to you."

'Returned to you'. Daniel noted the deliberate use of the words, then remembered that Teal'c knew about Jack's feelings. How could he have forgotten that? He knew how; he was so wrapped up in his hurt that he'd forgotten the little details, like that his team-mates would be missing Jack almost as much as he. Deciding to confide in his friend, he stated, "I love him, Teal'c. But what if he doesn't love me anymore?" It was the first time he'd put voice to that fear. "Laira was certainly interested."

"O'Neill's feelings for you are of long-standing, DanielJackson. I do not believe they will have changed." Of that, he was certain. O'Neill was a man of honourable character and deep emotions. Three months would have no effect on his feelings for the young scholar.

"I wish I could believe you." There was a nagging fear inside of him that once again, someone he loved was going to leave him. He'd never understood how Jack could love him in the first place anyway.

"You only need believe in O'Neill."

'I believe in you'. Jack's words to him only a couple of months ago. And he'd proven it when he'd admitted his feelings to Daniel, believing that the linguist would understand them and possibly return them. Believing and trusting in Daniel. And the archaeologist knew that Jack didn't love easily, therefore the love he had for Daniel had to be genuine and deep. He wouldn't fall out of love easily. "I do."

Teal'c inclined his head. He knew DanielJackson would see the truth of O'Neill's love for him eventually. "All will be well then." He moved out of the way so that the young man could go past him. He only hoped they were successful in retrieving O'Neill.

* * * * *

Wednesday

Jack watched the splash settle back into the middle of the wormhole with mixed feelings. He'd grown used to Edora, being apart of the community. He knew his team would try to get him back but a part of him had wondered whether they'd ever succeed. He liked Laira, he really did, but there was a space inside him that she could never fill, a part of his soul that belonged to only one person.

And that was Daniel.

He was sure Laira had known that there was something missing in their relationship but she'd never once asked him about it. For that he was grateful. How would he have explained that he wanted to be back on Earth making love with Daniel? Once again, fate had had the last laugh, consigning him to this planet just when he had a chance at happiness. Or maybe fate was showing him just how dull life would be without Daniel in it; giving him a chance to really think things through. He had. He still wanted Daniel.

Of course, a lot of it depended on whether Daniel wanted him. The linguist would've had three months to think things over, maybe even found someone else. Then where would that leave Jack?

People started coming through the wormhole. Carter first, her face lighting up when she saw him, then some of the Edoran refugees. And finally Daniel. Jack's first thought was that he'd lost a little weight; the second was how beautiful Daniel was when his face lit up.

"Colonel?" Sam followed the colonel's line of sight to Daniel and felt something wrench inside. Jealousy, she recognised it as. She'd missed Jack so much over the past few months and it seemed like he hadn't even noticed she was here. "Sir?"

Jack dragged his eyes back to his 2IC who was standing in front of him. "Carter."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine." He turned his head as Daniel walked up to them. "Daniel."

"Jack." Daniel couldn't believe they'd done it. They were standing here with Jack again. Shouldn't Jack be looking happier to see them? "Miss us?"

"What, with all the excitement going on here?" Jack tried to be his usual jovial self but it fell flat. He hadn't been himself for three months and it had only been yesterday that he'd decided that he'd have to move on with his life. That decision, followed by SG-1's appearance, had thrown him. "I'm sorry, I just..."

"I know." And Daniel did. He'd experienced the same feelings when Jack had come back for him on Abydos. There was always a sense of unrealness about it.

Sam looked between the two men who were communicating on a level she couldn't understand. It wasn't fair when they did this because it excluded her. And why did it feel like she was going to have to fight for the colonel's attention? "We should take the refugees back, sir."

"Right." Jack composed himself as best he could. He needed to say goodbye to Laira and then he could go home.

With Daniel.

So why was he so apprehensive?

* * * * *

Looking around his locker, it seemed like he'd never been away. Everything was exactly how he'd left it; an indication that his team had never given up hope of getting him back. He ran his fingers over his uniforms, the feel of them starting to bring home the reality that he was actually... home. He hadn't worn a uniform for ages. It was... strange.

"Hey." Daniel stood in the doorway, quietly watching Jack. He was still pinching himself that it was real, that they had brought Jack home. And he knew the decision he'd made was the right one. He now needed to know whether Jack still felt the same.

"Hey." Jack didn't know whether he could cope with Daniel now. It had been all he could think about, getting home to Daniel, but right now, he had a lot of mixed feelings about everything. He was also a little scared at what Daniel might have to say about their relationship now.

"You okay?"

"Yeah." Great conversation, O'Neill, Jack thought as he pulled out the clothes he'd worn to the base before the mission to Edora. They were still there after all that time, as if he'd only left yesterday. But he hadn't. And that lost time was weighing heavily on him.

Daniel moved into the locker room, closing the door behind him. Jack looked a little lost and it was time for Daniel to repay the kindness Jack had showed him all those years ago. "There, uh, isn't any food at your place. If you want, you can - you can stay with me tonight."

The question hung there between them as Jack considered his answer. He knew Daniel wasn't offering this lightly, especially after what had transpired between them before the mission. He watched Daniel's face become shuttered and his arms cross his chest as the silence dragged on.

"I'm sorry, you probably want to go home," Daniel managed to say as his heart sank, and he turned to leave. It looked as if Teal'c was wrong. Jack had changed his mind. He should've known.

"Daniel." Jack took a couple of steps towards the young man, who had stopped, still facing the door. "Give me five minutes, okay?"

The linguist turned to face Jack, a question in his eyes. "You're coming...?"

"With you, yes." But he didn't know if he could talk tonight. Hopefully Daniel would understand that.

Daniel opened his mouth then closed it again. Jack was probably just tired and confused. He knew the feeling. "I'll wait for you outside."

Jack nodded and watched Daniel leave the room. How was he going to work through this without hurting Daniel's feelings? He still loved Daniel but he didn't know whether he should be with Daniel. In effect, he'd cheated on Daniel with Laira, and he knew he'd have to confess that to the young man. How would Daniel take it? Grabbing his towel he headed into the shower to think.

Outside the locker room, Daniel waited patiently, if a little nervously. What would happen between them now? Daniel didn't want to get his hopes up because then he wouldn't be so disappointed if nothing happened.

"Hey, Jackson." Makepeace spied the civilian leaning against the wall and decided to have a little fun. He knew O'Neill had returned - that was why Jackson was obviously waiting there. "I hear O'Neill's back."

"He is." Daniel crossed his arms. He really didn't like Makepeace, especially given the proposition that had been voiced a month ago.

"It must've been pretty lonely without him in your bed. Oh, but wait - you had the Jaffa instead. That must've been quite a change." Robert made sure he was within the linguist's personal space, and had the pleasure of seeing him on the defensive.

Daniel gritted his teeth. He should've known that Teal'c's behaviour would give rise to a new set of rumours.

"Are you planning on telling the colonel what you got up to while he was away? After all, he probably had a great time with the locals." Actually Robert was a little envious of that, and he had no doubt that O'Neill had been doing exactly that.

Flattening himself against the wall so that he could get as far away from Makepeace as possible, Daniel turned his head to one side. He would not dignify this with a response.

Robert grinned. He loved winding Jackson up. He'd love doing him too - the innocence and beauty were a guaranteed turn-on. "If O'Neill doesn't want you any more, just remember my offer."

Never in a million years, Daniel thought, wishing that Jack would hurry up. "Haven't you got someone else you can annoy, Makepeace?" He cringed at the chuckle that escaped the marine's lips at the less-than-biting words.

"Later, Jackson." Robert was just about to step away when the locker room door opened.

"What's going on?" Jack asked, his gaze immediately registering that Daniel was upset. "Makepeace?"

"Just came down to say hello, Jack. I heard you were back."

"You heard right." Jack glanced again at Daniel. Something was wrong. "I'm just heading home."

"Of course. Take good care of him, Doctor Jackson." With that parting shot, Makepeace left.

"Danny?"

"Let's go." Daniel was not going to discuss this with Jack right now, or probably ever. It was too humiliating and besides which, Jack didn't need to hear about Daniel's problems on his first night back.

Jack had one last go at getting his linguist to talk. "Daniel..."

"Jack, it's nothing." Daniel got into the elevator and pressed the button for the surface.

Noting the tone of voice, Jack said nothing as he followed Daniel into the elevator. He'd get it out of Daniel later when his guard was down.

* * * * *

There was little conversation during dinner, neither man quite knowing what to say to the other. Daniel wanted to know what happened with Laira, and Jack wanted to know how Makepeace had upset Daniel, but neither wanted to ask, fearing it would result in harsh words and hurt feelings.

Finally Jack couldn't stand it any longer, all this skirting around their feelings. "I missed you."

Daniel was surprised. "You did?"

Jack nodded. "It was like a piece of me was missing." Who said he couldn't do romantic?

"Wha-? Um, me too," Daniel admitted cautiously. Well, it had. And it had forced him to re-evaluate why that was so. He could see that there was something else that Jack wanted to say. "There's a 'but', isn't there?"

How did Daniel know that? Jack sighed. "I wasn't expecting to come home. I knew you guys would do everything you could to bring me back but..."

"You were starting to make your life there," Daniel finished quietly. He understood.

Jack looked down at his hands, acknowledging the truth of that statement with his actions. He knew Daniel understood, having been through a similar thing. "It all feels so... weird, being back, you know?"

"I know. Like a dream."

"Exactly." Jack looked up again. "I spent a lot of time initially wondering what you guys were planning, how you were going to get me home, but after a while I stopped wondering."

"We were looking at other options to get you back," Daniel satisfied Jack's curiosity about the plans. "Like the Tollan sending a ship, but for some reason they rescinded their help about three weeks ago. No excuses were given. So this was basically our only hope." He had been very upset with their so-called allies. They'd given him no plausible reason.

"Probably afraid I might steal their ship or something," Jack said half-seriously. "You guys got me back by yourselves, so who needed them anyway?"

Daniel gave a small smile. He'd missed Jack's comments about their allies, even if he didn't always agree with them. "Sam and Teal'c did it, not me. There was nothing for me to do." Except wait.

"You didn't give up. That was enough." That was more than Jack had done. He'd given up. Or given in, one or the other.

"Was it?" It didn't feel enough.

"Yes." Jack looked Daniel directly in the eye and decided to be honest. "I don't think my feelings for you have changed but at the moment I..."

"Don't know what to think," Daniel finished for him somewhat sadly. "I understand."

"Do you?" Jack didn't think so. "It just means that I need a little time to sort myself out again, readjust, so to speak."

Daniel said nothing for a few moments, processing what that meant. Jack would have to readjust to being back on Earth, sure, but it sounded like he was going to have to sort out his feelings too. Which meant now was as good as time as any to ask the one question that had been worrying him. "Did you sleep with Laira?" He couldn't look at Jack as he asked the question.

Jack opened his mouth to lie but decided that their relationship needed to be based on honesty. "Once." He didn't say when. "It didn't mean anything though, Daniel. She just wanted a child."

"Your child, Jack! She wanted your child!" Daniel felt sick. Jack had betrayed him, had told Daniel he loved him and then slept with someone else, someone who could give him the one thing Daniel couldn't - a child. Granted, he and Jack weren't actually an item but it didn't lessen the feelings of hurt and betrayal. Just when he'd decided to trust Jack with his heart, he had to go and do this!

Jack saw the pain in Daniel's eyes and wished he could do something to erase them. He should've lied about it but then when Daniel eventually found out, as he inevitably would, it would hurt even more. He didn't know what to say. "Daniel..."

"I was going to say 'yes', Jack," Daniel admitted softly as tears formed in his eyes. He watched Jack puzzle out what he meant then realise what Daniel was talking about, his face a mixture of emotions that the linguist didn't want to try to identify. "You made me realise that I loved you, that I could have a home with you."

What could Jack say to that? He sat there in stunned silence, hardly daring to believe what he'd just heard. Daniel loved him; that's why Jack's actions hurt him so deeply.

"How can I believe you now?" How could he believe that Jack would want someone like him when he had slept with Laira? Or when there was someone like Sam that would be much more suitable because she'd be able to give him a family?

Daniel's voice cut deep. "I don't know," Jack replied with a sinking heart. If only he'd known to wait one more day. "All I ask is that you try." He was asking a lot, he knew that. "I made a mistake with Laira and I'm sorry. But not a day went by when I didn't think of you, of what you'd be doing, and what we should be doing together."

He could forgive Jack just about anything but his feelings were still too new and the wounds too raw for that to happen immediately. "I think we both need some time to decide exactly what we want." Daniel needed to know that Jack would be thinking of him, not Laira, when they were making love.

Jack nodded. He knew that he still wanted Daniel but also that the linguist would accept nothing less than all of Jack's love. There would be no room for the likes of Laira. If he thought that Jack was settling for him, Daniel would not enter a relationship with him. All or nothing. "We're still friends though, right?"

"Right." For the moment. If it didn't get too painful. "I'll get some blankets for the couch."

Jack watched Daniel leave the room, unhappiness evident in his posture. Jack felt guilty at having made his archaeologist unhappy and knew he would have to do something about it.

Tomorrow.

* * * * *

Friday

Two days later, Jack was summoned to General Hammond's office after the counselling session. Jack hated the counselling but understood that he would have to undergo it if he wanted to go off-world again with SG-1.

Nothing had been resolved with Daniel yet. They were both trying to act normally but while there was still the 'relationship' thing hanging over them, things were a little strained. Jack wished he could rewind the clock to just after the visit from Urgo. Everything had been going so well then, even though that was the time that he'd realised what he'd felt for Daniel. If he could go back and do things differently, he would. He'd have to talk to Daniel tonight though. They couldn't go on like this.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Jack asked as he walked into the general's office.

"Close the door and sit down." Hammond was all business. He'd had some disturbing news the previous night and had finally made a decision about it.

Jack did as instructed, his curiosity rising. What did the general want to talk to him about?

"How are you settling back in, Jack?"

"You know me, general. It's like I never left. The paperwork's still there, Daniel and Carter are still talking about things with big words, and my favourite hockey team is still on a winning streak." Jack grinned at the general, then sobered at the patient look he received. "I'm getting there, sir."

"I'm glad to hear it. You've been missed around here." Hammond had noticed two people in particular who had missed Jack terribly, much as they had tried to hide it.

"Thank-you, sir." The general was buttering him up for something.

"If you're up to it, there's something important I need to discuss with you." This was probably not going to go over well.

"Critically important?" At the general's nod, Jack sighed. "I'm up to it, general."

The more Jack listened to the accusations from the Tollan, Nox and Asgard, the more suspicious he became, not to mention angry at their allies. Hammond was definitely not telling him something.

"They're insisting that we apprehend the thieves ourselves," George continued.

"Why? To prove it's not us? If we're such petty thieves, wouldn't we just stitch someone up for it?" Some trust their allies placed in them.

"I think it's supposed to be more along the lines of not wanting to get involved with Earth matters. And before you say anything," Hammond held up a hand to forestall the comment, "I'd like to know just who's been going around stealing from them also."

"I bet it's Maybourne." No question about it. "So how do we 'prove our worthiness'?" The general said nothing. "Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like this?"

"Because you're not." Hammond outlined the plan he and the Tollan had developed for the colonel to go undercover and catch the thieves.

"With all due respect, sir, no way. If my team doesn't know about it, I'm not doing it." He did not want his kids, especially Daniel, to doubt him at the moment.

"They can't know about it, Jack. Their reactions need to be genuine." Hammond had known Jack wouldn't like this.

Jack decided to take a chance. "Just Daniel then, sir. He told me the other night that he had finally found a home with SG-1." Well, with him specifically but Jack couldn't exactly say that. "He's had enough disappointments in his life, sir. I can't do this to him."

The general knew just how much the two men depended on each other, and how much the archaeologist trusted the older man. But the young doctor couldn't lie very well and therefore could not be told, and he told Jack as much. "He'll understand."

Yeah, but will he forgive me? Jack thought. He wasn't going to be able to talk the general around this. The fallout was not going to be pretty because Daniel was not going to accept that his Jack was a bad person. "Okay, what's the plan?"

* * * * *

"We have to talk," Jack stated as he entered his friend's apartment that evening.

Daniel stood, holding the door open, slightly dumbfounded. It wasn't often he'd heard those words coming out of Jack O'Neill's mouth. It usually preceded a conversation Daniel didn't want to participate in. Slowly he shut the door and then with arms crossed, he followed the older man into the living area.

Jack hated that he was going to have to put a stop to their involvement before they were even involved but it was necessary. And if Daniel forgave him after the mission was all over, maybe, just maybe, they could start over. "I've been thinking..."

Uh-oh, Daniel couldn't help thinking, although he didn't realise he'd said it out loud until Jack glared at him. "Sorry."

"As I was saying, I've been thinking. About us." He looked at Daniel to see if the linguist would interrupt but there was only silence. However, he noticed that Daniel was currently self-hugging. That was a bad sign. "I don't think we should rush into anything. Committing to each other is a huge step and I'm not sure I'm ready for it at the moment."

Daniel nodded. It would change their lives forever, and Jack was still adjusting from the last big change in his life. He understood. He refrained from pointing out that had it been three months ago, Jack wouldn't be wanting to wait; in fact, he didn't want to think about that because it just reminded him of what had happened on Edora. "Me... uh, me, too." What, he was going to admit that he'd wanted Jack to waltz into the apartment and kiss him?

"Really?" Jack didn't believe that. Every signal Daniel was sending out said that he was lying.

Again Daniel nodded. "Really." He really wanted Jack to leave now because he didn't know how much longer he could hold it together.

"Okay." There was nothing Jack could do except accept Daniel's word and keep an eye on him as much as possible. "You know that doesn't mean I won't ever be ready."

"You just need some time, I know. I understand, Jack."

Jack wanted to go over to Daniel and comfort him so much it hurt - him, that was, not Daniel. The young man was in protective mode, arms hugging his chest. Jack hated the Tollan, the Asgard, the Nox and Hammond so much for putting him in this position. This was going to hurt Daniel so deeply because Jack would have to do everything he could to stop the linguist from getting involved. Just when Daniel had felt confident enough to open his heart to Jack, the older man had to stomp all over it first with Laira and now with this. Jack wanted to protect Daniel from the scum that were running the theft ring, so he would have to do whatever it took to ensure that. And if Daniel hated him for it, then he'd have to live with that. "I don't want this to change us, okay, Daniel? We can still be friends."

"Sure, Jack." Now get out! Friends? How dare Jack do this to him! He followed the older man to the door.

"I'm sorry, Daniel, I really am." Jack took one last look at those hurt-filled eyes.

"You always are," Daniel pointed out. And being sorry never stopped Jack from hurting him again, or stopped him from allowing himself to be hurt. When would he learn?

Daniel closed the door then sank down to the floor, resting his head against the door. He waited until he thought Jack would be out of earshot and then he let the tears fall. He tried to stifle the sobs as best he could but some still escaped. He knew that it had all been too good to last. Jack had had plenty of time to think on Edora and since he'd come home, and obviously he'd decided that he didn't love Daniel after all. It had been a mistake, a case of confused feelings. And damn him, he'd made Daniel fall in love with him. If he hadn't, Daniel wouldn't be feeling so miserable right now. Jack didn't want him. He'd have to live with that and move on, like he always did. The unlovable Doctor Jackson.

Jack stood quietly outside Daniel's door and listened to the muffled sobs. He'd made Daniel cry. Daniel was so unhappy about Jack's decision that he was actually crying. Jack wished he could march straight back in there and kiss Daniel better, and then go back to Hammond and say that the deal was off. But he couldn't do either of those things; the latter because he couldn't explain his reasons to the general, and the former because he had to keep up the act. Otherwise Earth would lose a few of their main allies, not to mention their protectors, and he'd lose his job.

The Tollan and Asgard were going to owe him big time for this.

* * * * *

Monday

Teal'c left DanielJackson's office, slightly disturbed. His brother's demeanour was listless, indicating that he was trying to hide some big emotions. And since he kept indicating that he was fine, that meant that he wasn't going to bother anyone else with his problems. Or problem, the source of which Teal'c was heading for right now.

O'Neill was in the commissary when Teal'c found him. He did not look much better than DanielJackson. But Teal'c ignored that for the moment, only noting that his supposition was indeed correct. "O'Neill."

"Hey, Teal'c," Jack said as he looked up at the Jaffa's looming presence. "What's up?"

"That is what I wish to talk to you about." Teal'c turned and head out of the commissary.

Jack's instinct for trouble told him that Teal'c had noticed Daniel's behaviour and was now going to pull the concerned Jaffa act. Great. Just what he needed to make his day. He'd already had enough trouble talking Daniel into making the appeal on Tollana - which was all going to be for nought - not to mention coping with basically rejecting Daniel's love, without a know-it-all Jaffa demanding to know why. This was not going to be pretty.

Teal'c waited until they were inside his quarters before speaking. "You have hurt DanielJackson."

Cut to the chase, why don't you, Teal'c? "Yes." There was no point in denying it.

"This is not an honourable action, O'Neill." Teal'c had himself told the archaeologist that the colonel's feelings would not have changed. Had they or was there another motivation?

"I know." And his actions over the next couple of weeks were going to be less so. "Teal'c, believe me, I didn't want to. But I've got a lot going on in my head at the moment and it wouldn't be fair to Daniel to start anything now."

One slightly raised eyebrow told Jack exactly what Teal'c thought of that reason.

"Look, Teal'c, I can't discuss this right now. Rest assured I still love him but I can't do anything about it at the moment." That was probably more than he should have said.

"DanielJackson loves you deeply," Teal'c reminded O'Neill.

"Teal'c!" Jack bit out in frustration. He was very much aware of Daniel's feelings - couldn't be more aware at the moment. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Jack looked Teal'c in the eye. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have a very good reason, you know that. Just... trust me, okay. It'll all work out." He hoped.

"Has DanielJackson told you what happened while you were away?"

Jack's mind immediately flashed to Makepeace. He'd forgotten to inquire from Daniel what had been going on that day outside the locker room. "No, he hasn't."

Silently, Teal'c berated the young scholar for his stubbornness. "Then I will only say that some of the people of this base tried to take advantage of your absence." DanielJackson had never disclosed just how many had propositioned him but Teal'c had observed the men on the base and correctly assessed the threat.

"Some of the men?" Jack questioned and received a blank look in return. So he wasn't going to get any more info out of Teal'c, and he doubted that Daniel would tell him at the moment. That left more subtle techniques, such as collecting information from someone who was almost as protective of Daniel as he was - Ferretti. "The stubborn son of a-" he started to say as he headed towards the door.

"O'Neill."

Jack stopped in his tracks.

"I will look after DanielJackson," Teal'c promised. "Always."

"Thank-you."

Teal'c was thoughtful after O'Neill left. The warrior was hiding something, that was certain. That it was to protect DanielJackson was also certain. Teal'c resolved to be extra observant of O'Neill's actions. Something was going to happen soon.

Jack walked away from Teal'c's quarters, angry that Daniel hadn't told him that some of the men had been hitting on him. Part of that was overprotective jealousy, he recognised that, but part of it was fuelled by fear. Daniel was extremely vulnerable to that kind of attack, as the incident with Jack three months ago had proved. And not even Jack could protect him 24/7. The thought of what might happen while he was off undercover was enough to tighten his chest in fear. There was nothing he could do about it now. He'd just have to rely on Teal'c to keep Daniel safe. And keep him well away from the likes of Makepeace...

* * * * *

Friday

'Shut up, Daniel!'

The words resonated inside the linguist's mind as he followed Jack to the gate on Tollana. It was the first time Jack had ever said those words directly to him, and they hurt, more than he ever thought they would. And Jack's actions, stealing from the Tollan... it wasn't right, and Jack knew it wasn't right, yet he was doing it - had done it. It wasn't like him.

Yet Jack hadn't really been himself since he had returned from Edora. His behaviour had been slightly off, especially since their last conversation when Jack had rejected a deeper relationship between them. Which was the cause and which was the effect? Had Jack's whole attitude changed while he was away? Daniel hoped not but based on the evidence, he had to admit it was possible.

"Jack..." he tried one more time before they stepped through the gate.

"No, Daniel," Jack cut him off. He could not listen to the young man's disapproval right now. It was going to take all that he had to get through this and listening to Daniel would make it that much harder.

SG-1 stepped through the gate. Hammond greeted them at the bottom of the ramp at the SGC. He could tell by the looks everyone was wearing that phase one of the plan had been carried out. On the surface, though, he ignored those looks and concentrated on Colonel O'Neill. "Was the meeting successful?"

"I suppose you might say that, sir," Jack replied, not looking at his team-mates.

"Good. Debriefing will be in thirty minutes." He watched as SG-1 quietly left the gateroom, the colonel separated from his friends. The general hoped that the fallout from this did not damage the flagship team beyond repair. However, he was confident in Jack's ability to fix any damage done.

The atmosphere was still very subdued when the team arrived at the locker room. Sam went in first and quickly got changed, then left the men to it.

Daniel avoided looking at Jack. He still couldn't believe that Jack had stolen that weapons-deactivator. Why would he have done that? Jack was a good person, he...

'Shut up, Daniel!' Jack's voice again echoed through Daniel's mind, once again stabbing at his heart. Jack had sounded impatient, dismissive, perhaps a little angry. He hadn't exactly been overly friendly towards Daniel during the past week, which had increased the doubts in the linguist's mind. This just added fuel to the fire. With a heavy heart, Daniel quickly finished getting changed and left before the other two.

In the briefing room, he found Sam already there, and he sat down next to her, glad that Jack wouldn't be able to sit next to him. That feeling, however, was short-lived when Jack sat down directly across from him. Daniel still refused to look at him, noticing that Sam was similarly avoiding Jack. Neither of them could believe that the man they loved had done this.

Teal'c remained standing until Hammond came into the room. He had been contemplating O'Neill's actions. They were not the actions of an honourable man. O'Neill was one of the most honourable men that he knew. Therefore something was not right. He had observed that O'Neill had not been himself, though, since he had come back from Edora. But Teal'c did not believe that was the reason for the theft. There had to be another reason.

"As you were," Hammond said as he came into the briefing room. "Sorry to keep you waiting. So, what is this device you've brought back?"

"It's the thing the Tollan used to disable our weapons the last time we were there," Jack replied.

Hammond looked pleased. "And it really works?"

"Worked on us. And the Goa'uld's." And maybe they could have a shot at backwards-engineering it before they handed it back... no, probably wouldn't have time. Oh well.

"This should come in handy. Good job," Hammond praised the team, still pretending not to see that the rest weren't happy.

"Thank-you, sir." Jack sounded very proud of himself.

"So, what did you have to promise them in return, Doctor Jackson?"

"Actually, General, we didn't have to promise to," he finally lifted his eyes to Jack, "give them anything."

Jack returned the look carefully. He wasn't going to let those blue eyes make him feel worse than he already was. Then he looked away as Daniel looked down.

"They just gave you the device as a reward for saving them from the Goa'uld?"

No-one answered at first. Jack looked over at Daniel, who replied, "Actually, the Tollan refused to give us any technology." He didn't lift his gaze from the table until the end.

"Offered us a nice fruit basket though," Jack added.

"I'm confused. How did you get the device?" Hammond looked around at everyone. No-one would meet his gaze. "Major Carter?"

Sam had been hoping she wouldn't be asked anything. She hadn't been able to come up with an idea on what to say. "Uh..."

"I took it, sir," Jack cut in, saving Carter from having to dob him in. It was about time that he and the general got around to their little shouting match anyway.

"Took it?"

"Yes."

"You stole it?!" the general asked with the appropriate amount of indignation.

"I like to think of it as 'borrowed', sir. Major Carter can figure out how to reproduce it and we'll give it back." He could see Sam wasn't a happy camper, her disbelief and hurt evident in her eyes.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing!"

Join the club, general, Sam thought as she stared at her team leader. What had got into the colonel?

"You and your team stole an alien device from an extremely advanced alien culture." Hammond didn't have to fake the incredulous tone of voice. He just had to think about his reaction if it was real.

"They won't retaliate, if that's what you're worried about. Not their way. Right, Daniel?" Jack hated to do this to Daniel but... he had to.

Daniel looked at Jack, his face for once masking most of what he felt. There was still a tinge of hurt in the expression but mostly it was blank. Numb, much like his heart.

"This command has already been accused of stealing from several other alien cultures, colonel. Until now, we've denied it. Perhaps that was a bit premature."

Other thefts? Daniel's interest was caught. Had there been more after the Touchstone? If so, had they managed to get the stuff back to Earth without the second Stargate?

"Dare I ask how many other items you've stolen?"

"None. This is the first." At least that was truthful. He couldn't look at Daniel. That numb look before spoke volumes about what Daniel was thinking - or not thinking - about.

"Colonel, you don't seem to understand how serious this matter is. You and your team have committed a court-martiallable offence."

"To be fair - General - I did it. Carter and Daniel protested." Neither of whom were looking very happy or comfortable at the moment. "And Teal'c... well, he really didn't say anything but I could tell he was opposed to my actions by the way he cocked his head and sort of raised his eyebrow..." Teal'c's inscrutable visage was the source of many in-jokes amongst the team.

"Enough, Colonel! Doctor Jackson, Major Carter and Teal'c, you will return this device immediately to the Tollan and hopefully, smooth over what must be some very ruffled feathers." Although the Tollan would be arriving soon anyway.

"Yes, sir," Sam managed to say.

"Why?" Time to play the part of the righteous thief. He ignored the looks from his team. "Our core mission is to go through that gate and find technologies we can use to defend against Goa'uld incursion. Am I right?" He'd had it drummed into him enough times from the politicians, etc.

"You are bordering on insubordination. We do not steal from friendlies," Hammond admonished a little angrily.

"Well, with no due respect, General, that's just plain stupid!"

"Colonel-"

"And since the Pentagon won't approve our back-up program, we have no choice..."

Daniel's interested picked up with those words. Back-up program? What was that and why was Jack so angry about it?

"Colonel, do not go there!" Hammond warned.

"We have no choice," Jack continued, "to take whatever steps we need to get what we need!" Oh, that felt good. All the anger that had been building in him over the past week had found a release.

Hammond found that his anger wasn't hard to generate either. "As long as I am in command of the SGC, we will hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards."

"And when the Goa'uld wipe us out because we have nothing with which to defend ourselves, I'm sure we'll all feel great about ourselves and our high moral standards!"

"Colonel O'Neill, you are out of line, now stand down!" Hammond noticed the looks of surprise on the others' faces, although interestingly, Doctor Jackson's expression was more sad than shocked. The general had heard from his sources that the relationship between the colonel and the archaeologist had been strained since Edora. He didn't want to guess at the reason.

Jack subsided, his fingers dancing on the tabletop. He didn't want to hear the next part but the words were part of the charade.

"Colonel O'Neill, I am hereby relieving you of your command. You are to report to the infirmary and stay there until I send for you."

"No holding cell, sir?" His eyes did not leave his fingers.

"That could very well be your next stop if you say another word, colonel."

[Incoming traveller.]

The Tollan, Hammond thought. Good timing. "Now get down to the infirmary and submit yourself for a complete examination. Teal'c, escort him." Hammond stood, Jack and Sam following suit. Daniel remained seated. He was still processing everything.

"And Teal'c, you are no longer under Colonel O'Neill's command. Is that understood?"

The nod Teal'c gave was followed by verbal assurance. He then escorted O'Neill from the room. He was greatly disturbed by recent events and would use the time to assess the situation.

Daniel didn't want to move. He'd just witnessed Jack lose his command over the theft and subsequent insubordination. This wasn't like Jack. He would not throw away his career like that. Unless, of course, he had an extremely good reason for doing so. And at the moment, Daniel had no idea what that would be.

* * * * *

Teal'c strode into DanielJackson's office after the meeting with GeneralHammond. His instincts after hearing the news were to tell the scholar of what had transpired; however, it appeared MajorCarter would have to be told also as she was waiting in the office as well.

"Well?" Sam inquired.

"O'Neill is retiring."

"What?" came the simultaneous response from the two scientists.

"Why?" Daniel wanted to know. There went Jack's career; a career that had been more important to him than Daniel was. And yet here he was, throwing it away. It didn't make sense.

"That is the option that GeneralHammond recommended," Teal'c replied.

Sam nodded. "It would have been that or a court-martial." She couldn't believe that the colonel was retiring... again. Nor could she work out the sudden change in his attitude. Maybe the enforced stay on Edora had made him see things differently.

"Why did he do it in the first place?" Daniel continued, hoping that someone else might have an answer. "It's not like him."

"I said that to him earlier, and he said he hadn't been himself since he met me and now he was." Sam hadn't been too sure how to take that. Part of her wanted to be the influence but the rest of her said that it had been Daniel's long-reaching influence.

Daniel remembered the Jack he'd first met, and how even in that year apart, the older man had changed for the better, especially regarding the whole 'will to live' thing. But he didn't think that even the first Jack would've done this, so he couldn't see how Jack was acting like himself again. "He never would've done this," he informed them. Daniel crossed his arms across his chest, holding his hurt and confusion in.

"So what's he doing?"

"I don't know."

Sam looked carefully at Daniel. There was something more to his reaction than met the eye. Guiltily remembering that she hadn't been keeping an eye on him recently, she resolved to do so now. With the colonel out of the picture permanently, he would be more vulnerable to attacks. "Maybe one of us should talk to him."

No-one volunteered themselves. They all knew how hard Jack would be to talk to, especially if he was in 'a mood'.

"Daniel...?"

"No." the archaeologist was quick in his refusal. "I can't."

"Well, the colonel's not going to talk to me," Sam stated.

"Nor do I believe he would confide in me," Teal'c intoned. The only person the warrior opened up to was the young linguist. However, considering their relationship at present, he may not.

Daniel looked at his friends in despair. He couldn't go see Jack, not with the way things were between them. "I can't," he repeated as he stood up and headed out the door.

Sam turned to Teal'c, a query in her expression. She only received a raised eyebrow in return. So either Teal'c didn't have much more of an idea of what was going on or he just wasn't telling. "Great," she said, heading out of the office to find Daniel.

* * * * *

Saturday

Somewhat nervously, Daniel got out of his car and walked up Jack's driveway. The last time he did this, he was going to confront Jack about his feelings before the mission to Edora. Now he was doing the same thing but it was Jack's feelings about the SGC that he was going to question this time.

He'd spent the night thinking about what would have motivated Jack to steal from the Tollan. He didn't buy the line about taking what they needed to defend against the Goa'uld; Jack just was not a thief, no matter what he thought about needing to defend Earth.

The reason that had made the most - but not complete - sense was a stray comment Jack had made in the briefing the previous day about a back-up program. Obviously Jack had been involved in the planning of that program and was upset when it didn't get the go-ahead. But was that enough of a reason to do this? Maybe Jack thought so, although he wouldn't be the man Daniel know if he did. Only one way to find out.

He raised his hand and pressed the doorbell twice. When he didn't hear footsteps, Daniel pressed it again. This time he heard footsteps and quickly put on his 'game face'.

The door opened and Jack impassively stood there, his face not revealing a single hint of how he felt to see Daniel.

"Hi," was all Daniel could muster up to say. One look at Jack's face had him wanting to turn around and walk away but he knew he needed to see this through.

"What do you want?" Jack had been hoping - futilely as it turned out - that Daniel would stay away. He hadn't wanted Danny to get involved in this, and Jack had a feeling the young man would end up more hurt than before.

"I'm not, uh, I'm not sure, to tell you the truth." Yesterday he hadn't wanted to come. When he'd woken up this morning, though, something inside of him had wanted to know why Jack had done this. So here he was. "I'm here to talk, I guess."

"So talk." Jack took a mouthful of beer, trying to act nonchalant. Oh, this was going to be bad.

Daniel didn't want to stay on the doorstep and talk. "You got another one of those?"

"Yeah."

"Feel like sharing?" Daniel asked when it became apparent that Jack wasn't going to offer.

"Beer? Sure." Jack turned and went into the kitchen, leaving Daniel in the doorway. He was going to have to shut Daniel down fast if anything personal came up - he didn't want anyone listening to that kind of conversation because then Daniel could be in danger too.

Daniel closed the door behind him and walked into the living room. Jack obviously wasn't in a talking mood, which meant it had been a bad idea to come. But since he was here, he might as well see what information he could get. "So... how are you feelin' about all this?"

"Yes to the beer. No to the feelings." Could he make it much plainer that he didn't want to talk? He handed the beer over to Daniel.

"That's, uh, too bad because I don't really like beer." He mainly drank it to keep Jack company.

"Stop your worryin'. I'm fine." Jack made himself comfortable in the armchair across from Daniel, looking his fill. Why did Daniel have to be so attractive? Not only that, but why couldn't Daniel be angry about the whole thing instead of understanding? It would certainly make Jack's job a little easier.

"Really?" Daniel was sceptical. "That's, uh, that's funny because I didn't - I didn't figure you for the early retirement type anymore." He put his beer on the table unopened; he needed a clear head.

When Jack didn't respond, just lifted his hands in a vague 'well, now I am' gesture, Daniel continued. "There's another reason you're angry, isn't there?"

"Oh, here we go. Pop psyche 101, right?" Which reason had Daniel come up with?

Daniel lifted his finger to silence Jack. "No. When we were in the briefing, you said something..." - what was the exact wording? - "about the Pentagon not giving us the back-up we requested. What, uh... what were you talking about?"

Clever boy, Danny, you latched onto the reason we gave you to stop you thinking about other possible reasons, Jack thought as he avoided looking at the linguist. "Hammond and I were planning a secondary SGC base off-world. It was gonna serve as a back-up in case ours was attacked." He lifted his eyes to Daniel's. "I was going to command."

And Jack hadn't told him? What about their supposed relationship? What about SG-1? What about wanting to be out in the field instead of behind a desk? Pushing those questions aside, Daniel tried to understand Jack's feelings about this. "Then the Pentagon pulled the plug. So you're acting out because you're hurt... because you didn't get a command." It was more a question than a statement.

"Give me a break, Daniel." It wasn't his style. "Their denial of the program was just another indication that they're not serious about attaining our goals."

"Which you think is obtaining weapons and technology."

"Protecting ourselves." Jack used his finger in a Daniel-type gesture as he corrected what the younger man was saying. And there was some truth in what he had said - they really did need to protect themselves against the Goa'uld.

"But isn't our mission also about establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations with other cultures?" He thought he'd convinced Jack that being diplomatic was a good thing.

"What's the point, if we don't gain anything to help our other interests?"

"Well, there's a lot we can learn from people like the Tollan that has nothing to do with technology or weapons."

Yeah, like how to be arrogantly confident about their invulnerability, and how not to share with other races. "Stuff that interests people like you, Daniel, not people like me." All that culture stuff had never interested him except when it got Danny all nice and excited. "I want to see tangible gains from our efforts. And if people like the Tollan don't want to share, then we should just take."

Daniel was stunned. "You really believe that?" It would be like putting a loaded gun into the hands of a child; it had been Jack, in fact, who had come up with that analogy, referring to giving the likes of Kinsey some Tollan weapons. It didn't make sense that Jack had suddenly changed his tune.

"Being sweet and nice isn't going to stop three or four motherships if they decide to come back again. I'd rather be a thief and alive than honest and dead; it's a cliche but there it is." He steeled himself against the sad look in Daniel's eyes. God, he hated this.

Daniel tried to hide the sadness that he was feeling. How could he have been so wrong about Jack? "If you really believe that, I guess, uh, I guess I never really knew you at all." He had been so sure that he knew Jack, even though Jack's admission of love had surprised him. But this...

"Come one, you're a bright guy. You had to sense some of this?" Daniel remained silent, giving Jack time to formulate his next words. He had to stop Daniel from thinking about things. "Then no, I... I guess you couldn't relate to me any more than I could to you."

Daniel swallowed the lump in his throat. "So this, uh, this whole friendship thing we've been working on these past three years..." Which had meant so much to him.

"Apparently not much of a foundation there, huh?" The words tore at Jack's heart and he could only imagine how much they were hurting Daniel. Immediately, he wanted to go over there and hold Daniel tightly, and tell him that he hadn't meant a word of it, that he was still in love with the young man. But he forced himself to sit there and look at the pain in Daniel's eyes. If Daniel didn't forgive him for this, he'd just blown his only hope of happiness.

Daniel couldn't stay there any longer. He wasn't going to cry in front of Jack. His heart felt like it had been torn in two. No foundation? He could hardly breathe through the hurt.

He picked up his jacket and walked out of Jack's house. No foundation. How long had Jack felt that way? Before or after he'd decided to toy with Daniel's feelings? If he'd really been thinking that for a while, why had he told Daniel that he loved him? Why the sudden turnaround?

'Because he was lying in there,' a voice inside him stated through the hurt.

'Why would he do that?'

'To protect you.'

'From what?' Daniel got into his car and sat there for a moment as he argued with himself.

'I don't know. But he definitely wanted you to know that you were wrong about him. Or maybe you weren't the only one he was trying to convince.'

The phrase 'thou doest protest too much' popped into Daniel's head. Jack had worked hard to convince him of his supposed beliefs. Why?

Because someone else was listening to the conversation.

Daniel couldn't say how he knew that but he was certain that it was true. Jack hadn't told him to leave at the front door but had invited Daniel in and then had proceeded to destroy the linguist's belief in him. It could've easily been done at the door. But it hadn't been. Because the living room was bugged and Jack needed someone to hear him reject Daniel. But who? Daniel's thoughts were racing as he turned the ignition key and started the car.

Jack watched the car slowly pull away from the curb. He hoped the NID had enjoyed the show. Nothing should convince them more than if he opposed everything that Daniel stood for. He just wished there had been another way to do it.

* * * * *

Monday

Sam hurried up to the briefing room, anxious to catch Daniel before the general arrived. She hadn't seen him since he'd run off on Friday. That meant he'd had all weekend to brood about the colonel, much like she had. She also wanted to know if Daniel had gone to see him, because despite what he'd said, Daniel would've had to know why. Her little brother looked up to Jack so much - they all did - but Daniel was the closest to the colonel. There's no way he could sit back and watch the colonel's career disappear without a fight.

Daniel was standing near the window, his arms crossed, staring down at the Stargate when she arrived. Walking up to him, she put a hand on his back and asked, "How was your weekend, Daniel?"

The concern in her voice alerted Daniel to what she was really asking. But he didn't want to talk about it, so he just shrugged and replied, "Okay."

"Did you see the colonel?"

He wanted to lie but he knew Sam was worried too. "Yes."

"And?"

And then he'd spent the rest of the weekend worried about what Jack had got himself into. He'd put the pieces of the puzzle together and had come up with a working theory. Someone had accused the SGC of stealing from them; Jack had stolen something from the Tollan during a trip to convince the Tollan to share their technology; Jack had cut his ties with the SGC, including one horrible conversation with his best friend; Jack was acting very much out of character. It all added up to Jack going after the thieves. And since Jack wouldn't have known about the thieves on his own, he had to have been told by someone, presumably the general, who was willingly letting Jack head into danger.

Daniel was ninety-nine percent certain that this was the case, anyway. There was still a small part of him that told him that he was just making up excuses for Jack not wanting him, but Daniel ignored that voice. Jack was doing something that he was keeping the rest of the team away from. Which meant it could get dangerous.

"Daniel?" Sam queried when the archaeologist remained silent.

He couldn't tell Sam his theory; it would raise too many questions. "He's not coming back, Sam." It wasn't hard to let a hint of sadness creep into his voice. "He's... I don't know... changed, I guess."

Sam gently rubbed Daniel's back, keeping the touch light. "You okay?"

"I will be." He pushed his glasses up to rub the bridge of his nose. He was so tired of trying to figure things out, of holding his emotions in. How long would he be able to keep it up before someone noticed that something was wrong?

He moved away from the window and Sam followed him. They had just settled themselves closer to the staircase, Sam leaning against the railing, when Teal'c walked into the room, striding purposely up to his friends.

"For what purpose were we summoned?" His kel'noreem had been interrupted for this.

"My guess is we're getting our fourth." Please let it be someone I can work with, Daniel prayed. If it wasn't, he'd be in trouble.

"Who do you think it'll be?" Sam asked, inviting speculation. There were only a few officers on the base that she believed could lead the team.

"Oh, we'll probably get someone like Ferretti, and you'll get command."

Now, she knew Daniel was bright but he never seemed to grasp the concept of chain of command. Her promotion to Major was only recent; Ferretti, besides already having his own team, was higher up on the chain. "Oooh, I don't know about that. They'll probably go with someone higher than major." She could pretty much guarantee it.

Footsteps on the staircase alerted them to the general's arrival. And behind him was...

Daniel's heart sank. Makepeace. Someone who had never made any bones about the fact that he didn't like Daniel but who had privately offered to keep said linguist company in bed while Jack was away. Oh, this was not going to be good, and Daniel didn't really want to think about what Makepeace would do to him now they were on the same team, and without Jack to protect him.

"As you were," Hammond ordered, taking in the atmosphere at a glance. SG-1 were not happy. George didn't like signing them over to Makepeace but since it was only going to be for a short time, they'd all have to put up with it. "Since SG-1 is considered the flagship unit, it falls on me to ensure that you have the strongest possible leadership. Therefore, I'm reassigning the most senior officer we have in the field as your new commanding officer. Colonel Makepeace will be joining SG-1 immediately. I hope you'll make him feel welcome."

Not a chance, Daniel thought, knowing exactly how the colonel would want Daniel to welcome him. Not gonna happen. Throwing caution to the wind, he cautiously said, "Um, sir, uh, I-I don't wanna seem out of line here, uh, but since I'm a civilian here, I'm probably the only one who can say this..."

"Spit it out, Doctor."

If only the general knew what he really wanted to say. "Well, no offence, uh, but doesn't Major Carter deserve to take charge of SG-1?"

Robert's eyes hardened. So the geek was going to cause trouble, was he? Still thought he was too good for everyone else except O'Neill? Prissy on the outside and a slut on the inside, that was Robert's opinion of the doctor, although he'd never believed the rumours about the civilian and Teal'c. But the ones concerning O'Neill and Jackson... now that he could believe. And he wanted a taste too, and now that he was in command of SG-1, he'd make sure he got it.

"Major Carter has an exemplary record on the team, as recognised by her recent promotion to major. But major is a far cry from colonel."

"I understand, General." Sam shot a look at Daniel, wanting him to stop pushing things.

"I'm sorry, I don't," Daniel persisted. "What-what difference does it make what title she has? The-the point is the-"

"It's all right, Daniel. Really." What was he doing? It almost sounded like he was baiting Makepeace. But why on earth would he be doing that?

No, it wasn't all right, Daniel thought. None of it was all right. It wouldn't be until Jack returned from doing whatever he was doing. If he returned. He had to come back. He couldn't lose Jack again.

Hammond nodded. "Dismissed." He then strode out of the room, leaving the temporary SG-1 to get acquainted with each other. He had the feeling Makepeace would have his hands full with Doctor Jackson.

"I'm proud to join you folks," Robert said as he stepped up to the team - or more specifically, Jackson. He noted that the doctor wasn't looking at him; uncomfortable with the situation, no doubt. "I hope you can learn to trust my command as much as you did Colonel O'Neill's."

"I'm sure we will, sir," Sam stated, not at all sure that they would.

Daniel made a quick decision. He had to get along with Makepeace until Jack got back; he didn't want to be forced to get along. "I never really trusted Jack's command," - he trusted Jack - "but, uh... I'm open." He smiled at Makepeace and fluttered his eyelashes a little, knowing he was coming across as a flirt. Better that than someone who wanted to get beaten up by his new team leader.

"That's good." Robert was a little surprised at the change of attitude but he didn't show it. It appeared that the good doctor liked to be 'close' to the boss, whoever that happened to be. They'd have to discuss just how open Jackson was prepared to be at a later date. "Then I'll see you at our first briefing," he said to them all.

Teal'c merely bowed slightly and left the room. He was not happy with events. Makepeace was certainly a good warrior but there was something about him that was not honourable. And the way he'd smiled at DanielJackson was enough to make Teal'c suspicious. He would monitor ColonelMakepeace very carefully.

Makepeace was satisfied. The Jaffa might be a problem but the other two wouldn't be. And he'd finally got command of the flagship team. This was a good day.

Sam watched her new CO walk away. She was not happy with this nor was she happy with Daniel. First of all, he'd questioned the general's decision, making it seem like she'd been complaining, and then he'd flirted with Makepeace. One minute he'd been upset about Jack leaving, the next he was making eyes at someone else. She hadn't thought Daniel was that disloyal. And... flirting? What was Daniel doing? With a none too happy glance at Daniel, she also left the room.

Daniel was left alone in the room. He was going to be playing a dangerous game with Makepeace, walking a fine line between friendly and inviting the colonel to take him to bed. But he wanted to remain undamaged until Jack came back, therefore he was going to have to be - relatively - nice to Makepeace for a while.

He'd worked out that someone within the SGC had to be part of the thieving ring, passing on info about where to go and which teams would be where, and maybe also bringing stolen items back to Earth. So he couldn't let anyone see that he hadn't believed that Jack had turned bad but he had to keep an eye out for who the mole might be.

A small smile crossed his lips. Doctor Jackson, inter-galactic spy - it had a nice ring to it. Jack had always doubted his acting skills but when Daniel was motivated, he could do anything he put his mind to. And right now, he needed to keep himself - and Jack - safe by pretending not to know anything, by being mad at Jack, and trying to keep out of Makepeace's way.

* * * * *

Wednesday

For the next two days, Daniel kept himself busy, always making sure that Makepeace wouldn't be able to catch him alone. He was also paying more attention to the conversations around him, trying to find anyone who thought Jack had done the right thing. So far he'd come up with nothing. Everyone thought Jack was a traitor. Everyone except him.

Daniel was just picking up some books from his office when Makepeace finally caught up with him.

"You're a hard man to talk to, Doctor Jackson," Robert said, coming to stand near the linguist.

Daniel stood his ground. "I've been busy."

"So I hear." Makepeace leaned in closer. "So how come you didn't leave with O'Neill?"

"I still have things to do here," Daniel replied. Which was true - he just didn't specify what things. "And I can still see him after work if I want to."

"But you haven't. Why is that?" Robert took another step closer.

"You've been following me?" That was the only reason that Makepeace would know where Daniel had spent the last two evenings. If it wasn't enough that there was already one person on the base watching his actions, now there were two.

"I have my sources," Robert neatly avoided the question.

Daniel was beginning to get an idea of what sources they were. Someone was probably watching Jack's house, which meant if Makepeace knew that Daniel hadn't gone there, he might be connected to the ring. Oh, that was not good news. He remained silent, hoping that Makepeace would lose interest and leave.

"You're a smart guy, Jackson. I hate to see you throw yourself away on someone like O'Neill. He's not going to take you back." O'Neill was a fool to let the doctor go. If Robert had Jackson in his bed, he wouldn't let him leave.

"How do you know?"

Makepeace just smiled, making Daniel nervous. Was he referring to Saturday's conversation? There'd been nothing personal in that conversation up until the end, and even then it was just about their friendship.

"So, Doctor Jackson, just how 'open' to my command are you?" Robert asked, stepping up to stand right next to Daniel, practically breathing in his ear.

Not that open, Daniel thought, taking an automatic step away. "It depends on what you're talking about, colonel." The use of the title was deliberate.

Robert flicked his eyes to the open doors. He couldn't do anything at the moment. "We'll discuss it later in private." Somewhere where they wouldn't be disturbed by anyone. The locker room perhaps?

Daniel couldn't quite hide his apprehension. That kind of discussion was exactly what he'd been trying to avoid. "I'll see you later then," he said as he took the opportunity to escape. Much, much later.

Makepeace watched the linguist leave. There was an interesting aspect of innocence in Jackson's behaviour that was at odds with the knowing expression from the other day. No wonder O'Neill had kept coming back for more.

* * * * *

Later that day, Daniel entered the locker room, his thoughts on getting off the base before Makepeace caught up with him again. Because his concentration was elsewhere, he missed seeing who else was in the room until it was too late.

"Jackson."

The linguist spun around and found Makepeace standing right in front of him.

"It's time for that talk."

"I just have to, uh..." Daniel couldn't think of an excuse to get out of the room. He tried stepping back out of the colonel's reach but found his way blocked by a wall. "You can't..."

"I can't what?" Robert reached out, without moving from Jackson, and locked the door. He didn't want to be disturbed.

"Do whatever you're planning to do."

"You invited me to, doctor. In the briefing room, remember?" With a smile that had invited sin.

Daniel inwardly cursed himself. Maybe he'd gone a little over the top with the flirting. Would Makepeace accept temporary insanity as an excuse? No, probably not. "I was just being friendly."

"So'm I." Robert ran his hand down the archaeologist's arm, noting the automatic tensing.

"Listen, Sam could come in here any minute," Daniel stated desperately. What had he got himself into?

"She's busy writing up reports." He should know; he had made sure she was too busy to interrupt this. "It's just you and me."

Two days ago, Daniel had been fairly confident that he'd be able to stop Makepeace from... from doing this but now he was having second thoughts. A hand brushed lightly over his groin and he pushed it away.

"Uh-uh, Doctor Jackson. That's not being very 'open', is it?" Robert admonished the young man.

"I'm not feeling very 'open' at the moment," Daniel replied, annoyed at himself for getting into this mess.

"Well, that's too bad." Putting his hands on the wall either side of Daniel, low enough so that the linguist couldn't duck underneath, he leaned in and placed his lips solidly on Jackson's. He then pressed his body forward so that the young man was pinned in place.

Daniel forced himself to stay very still, and kept his lips closed so that Makepeace couldn't gain entrance to his mouth. He had no room to manoeuvre here; he would have to wait for an opportunity to break free.

He gasped when Makepeace reached between them and roughly grabbed his groin, giving the marine the opportunity to invade his mouth. Daniel grabbed the colonel's arm and tried to move it away but with only one hand, wasn't able to exert the strength needed. Wrenching his head to the side, Daniel managed to break free of the kiss. "Don't!"

"What's the matter, Jackson? Too rough for you?" Robert taunted, continuing to fondle the soft groin.

"As a matter of fact, yes," Daniel stated. He didn't look at Makepeace, keeping his face turned away.

Surprised, Robert stopped. It was probably only a line that Jackson was feeding him but it had an impact nonetheless. He couldn't imagine O'Neill as a gentle lover; a rough one seemed more in keeping with his character. "What, O'Neill never played rough?"

"Jack never did this to me, no," Daniel slightly avoided the question and totally ignored the incident a few months back.

Robert chuckled. "Well, it looks like you're going to learn something new today." He started the fondling again, chuckling when Daniel again tried to remove his hand. "Just relax, doctor."

"Get off me, colonel," Daniel said forcefully. He'd had enough of being treated like this.

"When we've had some fun," Makepeace replied, leaning in to capture the linguist's lips again. He suddenly felt something hard connect with his jaw - Daniel's fist - and he struck back, sending the young man to the floor.

Daniel gingerly felt his jaw, which fortunately wasn't broken. From the blood on his fingers, he realised that he had a split lip though. He sat there in shock, Makepeace standing over him.

"I thought you didn't like it rough, doc." Robert shook out his fist, the pain heightening the pleasure he was feeling. He crouched down next to Jackson and roughly gripped the short hair, forcing the young man's head to tilt backwards, exposing the vulnerable throat.

"I don't." His blow had hardly moved Makepeace at all - the man had an iron jaw. Daniel found himself being pulled upwards slightly to meet Makepeace's lips again, and he tried to twist his head away but the colonel's grip held him in place. He felt a tongue swipe over his lower lip, tasting the blood there, before trying to invade his mouth again. The pressure on his skull increased in an effort to get him to open his mouth, and teeth nibbled on his split lip until the pain caused his lips to part.

Makepeace swooped in, savouring the unique taste that was Jackson. The blood provided a salty contrast to the coffee-flavoured sweetness. He didn't care that Jackson wasn't responding; the civilian just needed to be shown how good this was going to be first.

Daniel was at a disadvantage, seated in an awkward position on the floor, but he was able to bring his hands up and shove hard at Makepeace, making the marine overbalance and fall backwards. The linguist scrambled to his feet, ready to run, where there was a knock at the door. Both of them froze.

The door handle was jiggled and then Sam's voice called out, "Daniel, are you in there?"

Taking the opportunity, he replied, "Be out in a minute, Sam!"

Outside the door, Sam smiled. Daniel was the only one who locked the door, preserving his modesty in case anyone besides SG-1 happened to walk in. "No hurry!"

Yes, there was, Daniel thought, carefully feeling his split lip again. There was no way he was going to be able to hide that from her. He went over to his locker and quickly started to get changed, being careful not to show any skin in front of Makepeace.

"This isn't finished, Jackson," Makepeace threatened as he went past the civilian into the showers.

"Surprise, surprise," Daniel muttered as he finished getting changed. Next time he'd be better prepared. He unlocked the door and went outside into the corridor. "Makepeace is, uh, taking a shower," he told Sam.

"What happened?" Her eyes went from the bleeding lip to the locker room.

"It's nothing, Sam. It was just one of those arguments. You know." He only had to put up with Makepeace till Jack got back, and if it turned out that the officer wasn't part of - whatever - then there was still time for Daniel to report him.

Sam knew. Makepeace and Daniel had never got along so there was bound to be some conflict between them. However, she couldn't get the flirtatious look on Daniel's face out of her mind. Had that been the cause of the argument? "You sure?"

"Sam," Daniel warned. "I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" He shot her a grin and then headed off.

With doubts running through her mind, she watched him leave. He was hiding something; she knew that because he'd just said, 'I'm fine'. That always indicated that something was wrong. But she couldn't ask him what it was because he would only clam up. She'd just have to pay more attention to him; which, she thought guiltily, would help make up for the past three months. If he was getting hurt, she'd never forgive herself.

* * * * *

No sooner had Daniel closed the door to his apartment than he was sitting on the floor, back to the door, tears rolling down his cheeks. "What am I going to do, Jack?" he asked quietly, knowing that there would be no answer.

Today had been too close. He was under no illusions that Makepeace would have the strength to rape him, and there would be no gentleness; today proved that. Every day, the marine was likely to try something and eventually he'd get it if Daniel couldn't find a way to avoid being alone with him.

Daniel didn't bother to stop the sobs that escaped him; no-one would hear them anyway. He missed Jack so much. And knowing Jack was still around, heading into danger, made it worse. Daniel wanted to be there with him, protecting him from danger, or at least experiencing it with him.

It had only been two weeks since Jack had returned from Edora; twelve days since he had left Daniel in this same position after he'd appeared to reject the idea of a relationship between them. Daniel now suspected that Hammond had asked Jack to do this only days after he'd arrived back, forcing Jack to put their relationship on hold; at least, he hoped that was the reason. If Jack hadn't been lying, then Daniel's heart would break and he'd have to resign from the SGC.

Closing his eyes and leaning his head back so that it rested against the door, he remembered that brief kiss Jack had given him. It had been nice, shocking him to the core because he'd liked it. At the time he hadn't processed what he'd felt - that had come later. But he'd recognised the love behind it - the fact that Jack loved him, that was - even then. The knowledge of that love calmed him now. He had to hold onto that knowledge and believe in it. Believe that Jack would come back to him.

Calmer, Daniel got up and headed towards the kitchen. He just had to survive the next few weeks.

* * * * *

Monday

SG-1 stepped onto the ramp, returning from their first mission as a team. From the looks on their faces, Hammond could tell that it hadn't gone smoothly, and given the way both Major Carter and Teal'c were standing either side of Doctor Jackson, that the civilian and Colonel Makepeace hadn't got along. It took a unique leader to handle the strong-minded civilian, George thought, acknowledging just how good Jack was at handling him. It was promising to be an interesting briefing. "Welcome back SG-1!"

"Thank-you, sir," Sam replied. The mission hadn't taken all that long but it had felt like days. One could almost see the tension between Daniel and the colonel. And Daniel had been trying to ignore Makepeace as much as possible, she'd noticed - or perhaps 'avoid' might be a better term. He'd stuck to Sam's side like glue on the planet, all the time protesting to her that he was fine. During the week he'd been around at her lab a lot also. Given his behaviour, Sam would say that Daniel was afraid of Makepeace. And there was only two reasons why that would be so.

"How did the mission go?" Hammond asked.

"Milk run, sir," Robert replied. It hadn't exactly been the kind of mission he'd expected; there had been no action whatsoever, just Carter and Jackson getting soil samples.

"Good. Debriefing will be in an hour."

Several minutes later, the male component of SG-1 were waiting outside the locker room while Sam got showered and dressed. Daniel made sure that Teal'c was between him and Makepeace. Even though he knew the colonel couldn't do anything to him at the moment, and that it was sending a clear message to the marine that he was afraid, Daniel wanted to stay as far away as possible.

Teal'c protected DanielJackson, much as he had done the past few days. The scholar had used his quarters as a refuge twice the previous week, and Teal'c assumed this was to avoid ColonelMakepeace. Teal'c also believed that the warrior was the cause of DanielJackson's injuries, and knew that it would have been the result of the older man trying to sexually dominate the civilian, no matter what the younger man said. Realising this, the Jaffa had been very careful not to leave the two together.

Robert was getting frustrated. He had not been able to catch Jackson alone since last Wednesday. There was some comfort in the fact, though, that Jackson was afraid of him. That added to the thrill of the hunt. And soon Jackson would be caught, Robert had no doubt of that. And this time, he would possess the young body.

Daniel made sure that he showered next to Teal'c once they were in the locker room, and was ready to leave at the same time as the Jaffa. No way did he want to get caught naked with Makepeace. He'd managed to survive this long without getting caught again; he wasn't about to now.

* * * * *

Jack left Hammond's office, the final step in place. In an hour he'd be stepping through the gate on his way to the thieves' lair. Hopefully, after that, it wouldn't take too long to shut down the whole operation. then he could be back where he belonged.

It sounded like Makepeace was having some trouble with his team. Secretly he was pleased with that. SG-1 was his team, and he'd better get them back in one piece.

He was worried about Daniel though. Knowing how the young man reacted to authority, and knowing how Makepeace didn't like the civilian, he was worried about what the two of them might do to each other. Okay, okay, he was worried about what Makepeace might do to Daniel, especially given the young man's probably emotional state. Jack hoped that Teal'c was continuing to keep a close eye on the linguist; he hated to think what Makepeace could do.

* * * * *

Daniel was leaning over the sink in the locker room, trying to get control of his emotions after hearing that Jack was on the base, when an arm wrapped around his waist from behind, pulling him back against a hard body and trapping his legs against the sink. Looking in the mirror, he saw it was Makepeace, and momentarily froze in panic. He'd slipped up and now he was going to pay for it.

Robert put his right arm across Jackson's chest, holding the young man tight against him. He finally had the opportunity to get what he wanted. It would be all the sweeter knowing that O'Neill would finally be out of the way. "We never got to finish our 'discussion'," he said into Jackson's ear.

"That's because there was nothing to finish," Daniel replied, elbowing Makepeace in the stomach and trying to break free. It didn't work; the grip only got tighter, and he could feel the hard length of the solider pressing into him from behind. He was determined that Makepeace was not going to have sex with him though; no man but Jack was ever going to have that privilege.

Robert tilted Jackson's upper body back so that he could nibble on the young man's ear. "O'Neill's leaving, you know."

"What?" Daniel froze. Where was Jack going?

"Back to Edora. He must've had one hell of a time there," Robert insinuated. Of course, he knew exactly where O'Neill was going but he couldn't resist provoking Jackson with Jack's supposed infidelity. The kid was too loyal to O'Neill; he had to break that.

Daniel felt his heart wrench, even though he knew that Jack wasn't really going there... he hoped. Edora. Of all the places for Jack to pick, he had to choose the one that would hurt Daniel the most. Typical.

Robert moved down to feast on the side of Daniel's neck, enjoying the hurt he'd put into the kid's eyes. Maybe now he'd get some more co-operation. He bit down at the junction between the shoulder and the neck, leaving a red mark, claiming Jackson as his. His left hand untucked the linguist's t-shirt, and then he slid his hand onto the bare stomach. The kid felt so good.

Daniel instinctively sucked in his stomach, trying to get away from Makepeace's hand. But that didn't work, the hand just following the movement and then skimming over the bare skin. Daniel kept his eyes averted from the mirror, knowing he didn't want to see the tableau reflected there.

He lashed out again when he felt Makepeace start to slide his fingers underneath the waistband of his trousers. He managed to knock the hand away and forced Makepeace back a step but the victory was short-lived.

Robert shifted his right arm lower across Jackson's chest, trapping the young man's upper arms, and then stepped forward again. That pretty much ensured that Jackson wouldn't be able to escape. "Be careful, Spacemonkey. O'Neill's not around to protect you anymore."

"Don't call me that!" It was bad enough that Jack had called him that in the first place but for Makepeace to... that was just wrong.

"Why not?" Robert once again nipped at Daniel's ear as his left hand started exploring again. "Did Jack use it during sex?"

Daniel didn't know how to answer that. "No!" he said, deciding that it was really the truth. "Get off me!"

"Not until I get what I want." Robert slid his hand down again, holding tightly as Jackson tried to struggle, until he reached the soft genitals. "What's the matter, doc? Not having fun?" he asked as he fondled them.

"No," Daniel replied, ceasing his struggling. It had belatedly sunk in that Makepeace liked it when he struggled, so Daniel thought he'd try passive resistance for a while. His fear of the situation pretty much guaranteed that he wasn't going to respond to Makepeace's groping.

Robert rubbed his erection against Daniel, trying to encourage the young man, but to no avail. The linguist remained unresponsive to the stimulation. Oh well, he though, it wasn't as if he needed Jackson to be enthusiastic. Taking him this way would be just as satisfying. Moving his hand, he put it on the slim waist and pushed Jackson forward over the sink, forcing the young man to put his hands on the sink to balance. The hand that rested at Jackson's waist then moved around and under the trousers to explore the smooth behind. The skin was so smooth, the curves fitting beautifully into the palm of his hand. Jackson was going to be so hot and tight. Eagerly, Robert leaned forward and said with a hint of menace in his voice, "I'm going to take you right here and you're going to co-operate, understand?" He started undoing his trousers with one hand, creating a bit of space between himself and Jackson in order to do so.

Daniel nodded. Makepeace's right arm had loosened its grip because of the outstretched position of the linguist's arms. Therefore Daniel had one chance of getting free and he was going to take it. "Did you remember to lock the door?" As Makepeace's eyes flickered to the door, Daniel stepped down hard on the marine's foot, spun, and punched his attacker's groin as hard as possible.

Makepeace doubled up in pain, and Daniel used the opportunity to break free and escape. As soon as he got out of the locker room, he headed for the nearest utility closet. Once inside that, he locked the door and sank to the floor, his arms wrapping tightly about his knees.

That had been too close. If Makepeace hadn't shifted their positions, Daniel would be being raped right about now. It was only luck that he wasn't. It had been way too close.

It was a while before the shaking stopped. He'd heard no sign that Makepeace was looking for him, which meant it would probably be safe to leave the closet. The first thing he'd have to do was find Teal'c or Sam; although Makepeace probably wouldn't be up to doing much else today, it would be prudent to keep out of his way.

Cautiously he stepped out into the corridor. There was no-one in sight. Walking quickly, he headed towards Teal'c's quarters.

* * * * *

Jack watched the gate whoosh into life, his heart unhappy. Everyone was there to see him off, supposedly for the last time.

Everyone except Daniel.

Instinctively he knew that Daniel was watching, most likely from the control room, even though he couldn't see the young man. And it hurt that Daniel felt that he couldn't be there in the gateroom, although it was understandable why he wasn't. As far as Daniel knew, Jack was going back to be with Laira, confirming the scientist's belief that Jack would rather be with Laira than with him. How he wished he could tell Daniel otherwise.

Jack walked up the ramp, not looking back, not even to confirm that Daniel was watching. He couldn't. All those people he'd had to lie to were watching him leave, little knowing he'd be back. He hoped they'd all forgive him when he returned.

Especially Daniel.

Daniel watched, with mixed feelings, as Jack stepped into the event horizon. He knew - or rather, he hoped - that Jack would be back soon but he couldn't help feeling abandoned. That's why he was watching from afar so Jack wouldn't worry about what Daniel was sure was in his face. The older man needed to concentrate on his mission, not on Daniel. It wouldn't stop the worrying that Daniel was going to do, though. That would only stop when Jack was safely back at the SGC. In the meantime, he had to avoid Makepeace even more. There was only a few days left of being under his command.

One way or another.

* * * * *

Wednesday

"Daniel?"

"Mmm?" The archaeologist looked up absently at Sam. They'd been collecting soil samples quietly, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Do you miss him?"

"Who?"

"The colonel." Who else was there to miss? Sam thought.

"I miss Jack," Daniel corrected. He didn't miss 'the colonel' much but he missed Jack terribly. "It's kinda strange him not being around, you know."

Sam nodded. "I know." SG-1 just wasn't the same without him. "Although I still can't believe what he did."

"Me either." Daniel avoided her gaze.

"But I still..." Sam started.

"Miss him," Daniel finished for her. He wasn't the only one who was affected here; he'd just forgotten that - again - with everything else that was going on.

"Yeah." She did. It was worse than when the colonel was on Edora the first time. And it looked like Daniel was suffering as much as she was. She reached out and rested a hand on Daniel's arm. "You okay?"

"I will be." When Jack came back.

Sam quickly looked around before asking, "Has Colonel Makepeace hit you again?" She'd noticed the continuing trend of Daniel visiting her lab frequently since the split lip, and she'd decided that Daniel was avoiding situations where he'd be left alone with Makepeace. But she hadn't decided which of the two reasons why that would be was the correct one.

Daniel's eyes widened as he lifted his gaze to Sam. How did she... oh yeah, the split lip. "No, he - he hasn't hit me." That was true; the incident two days ago hadn't involved hitting.

"Has he done or said anything that he shouldn't have?" Sam recognised that Daniel was hiding something and wanted to know how he was being hurt. In fact, judging from the look in his eyes, he was getting hurt somehow, if not through hitting, then some other way.

Daniel tried for non-chalant shrug. "It's what he does best. He doesn't like me, Sam, and I don't like him," he forestalled the next inquiry. "But he's not going to do anything to jeopardise his command of SG-1." Not without careful planning first, anyway.

"You would tell me, wouldn't you, Daniel? If someone was hurting you?" Now she was really worried. She knew the linguist didn't like to bother anyone with his problems, the main exception being when Jack had assaulted him, and even then he only did it to make sure she was okay. The comment about Makepeace not jeopardising his command rang some alarm bells. Would the colonel sexually harass Daniel?

"Sam, how old do you think I am?" She made it sound like he needed protection from the schoolyard bully. "I can take care of myself." Although he'd prefer not to. What he really wanted - he could admit this to himself - was for Jack to come home and take care of him like he always had.

She didn't have time to formulate a response to that before she heard Makepeace arrive at the clearing.

"So, find any naqadah here?" Robert asked, coming to a halt a reasonable distance away from the other two.

"Yes, sir, there are some traces," Sam replied, noting that Daniel was busying himself with the soil samples. He was definitely afraid of Makepeace, she decided. Now all she needed to do was find out exactly why.

"Good. Need to run any more tests?" The mission was so boring. There was no action of any kind, no excitement - not something SG-1 was apparently used to.

"Just a few, sir."

"Well, you'd better get the equipment then, Major."

With an apologetic glance at Daniel, she stood up. "Yes, sir." It was only a quick walk back to the gate where they'd left the metal case full of scientific equipment. She'd be back in no time.

Robert waited until she was out of earshot before moving closer to Jackson. "You've been avoiding me again."

Daniel didn't even look up. He hadn't wanted Sam to leave them alone but he was the one who'd insisted that he could look after himself. "Gee, I wonder why that would be?" Makepeace couldn't do too much to him, not with the others close by.

"You've been hanging around O'Neill too much, kid," Robert said as he grabbed the collar of Jackson's jacket and hauled him to his feet. "While we're out in the field, you will show me some respect, got it? I'm not O'Neill; I'm not going to put up with your disregard for the chain of command just because we're screwing."

"Respect has to be earned, colonel, and you haven't earned mine," Daniel shot back. "And we're not 'screwing', not now, not ever." He was sick and tired of having to play hide-and-seek with Makepeace, and that made him angry. Makepeace should not be abusing his position like this. "I wonder what the general would say if he knew what you've been doing?"

Robert immediately let go of Jackson's jacket. The kid wouldn't... would he? "Your word against mine."

"Just as well I've got proof then," Daniel said, exposing the mark on his shoulder. The mark disgusted him every time he'd looked at it. "Or do you have some other explanation on how I got this?"

"You could be sleeping with anyone," Robert pointed out.

"But not with you. And that's really starting to annoy you, isn't it? I slept freely with Jack and goodness knows how many others but I won't sleep with you. Ever given any thought as to why?" Daniel wasn't stating facts about Jack - although he wished he was - he just using the rumours against the marine.

"You won't tell," Robert said confidently, ignoring the question. "You never tell. And you won't give up your career over this." He'd made sure that one way or another, Jackson would be out of the SGC if he said anything.

"I won't be the one losing my career," he replied, crossing his arms. "General Hammond will believe me over you."

"Who said I was going to say anything to the general?" That wasn't exactly what he had in mind.

There was no mistaking the threat - if he told, Makepeace would somehow arrange to have him spend a lot of time in the infirmary until Daniel either left or was 'accidentally' bashed to death. Daniel swallowed hard. He had no doubt that Makepeace would be able to arrange that, even from jail.

"Now, do we have an understanding, Doctor Jackson?" Robert moved to stand next to the linguist, invading his personal space, and placing a hand on the perfect behind, making sure that if the major returned, she wouldn't see anything. "Which will it be - your ass or your health?"

Oh boy, he was in trouble. Daniel ducked his head, trying to work out how to respond to that, and moved away from Makepeace's hand at the same time. Could he have some time to work out the least damaging option?

Robert stepped away as he heard Carter approaching. Her timing was terrible. One more minute and he would've had Jackson agreeing to give it up to him. Now that the civilian knew the rules, he should be more friendly back on Earth. "You have ten minutes to run those tests, Major," he said as he strode off.

Sam immediately went over to Daniel. She hadn't missed his self-hugging, which he'd stopped as soon as he'd seen her. Something was definitely going on. "Daniel..."

"Don't, Sam. Please," Daniel interrupted, aware that he was probably causing her to worry more but not having much of an option. He crouched down on the ground again. "We'd better do these tests."

Hidden in the trees on the other side of the clearing, Jack had been able to hear and see almost everything. And what he'd heard both disgusted him - Makepeace - and made him proud - Daniel.

He had followed Makepeace to the clearing, especially when he realised that it was in Daniel's direction. And he hadn't been able to do or say anything to protect the person he loved. That had been the hardest part, watching Makepeace put his hands on Daniel and make those threats, and not be able to stop him. And what had Daniel said about proof? Some sort of mark on his shoulder? - Jack hadn't been able to see. But it indicated that Makepeace had tried to take Daniel before, and the linguist must have stopped him. At what cost, though, and just how far did things get? Definitely something he was going to take it up with Daniel the first moment he could. All right, maybe the second moment - another declaration of love and some kissing should come first.

Jack crept back to his place near the gate. Makepeace was so dead for this.

* * * * *

"So, just to, ah, clarify - this whole past week, beginning with the appeal we made on Tollana, in which I-I did a lot of hard work, by the way... I take it that was all a scam?" Daniel had pretty much figured that out but he wanted it confirmed. He was also trying to avoid actually focusing on Jack; he didn't want to forgive those words just yet.

Jack stared at Daniel while Hammond and Travell explained what had happened. Oh yeah, his linguist was definitely not happy. Hands in pockets, head down - he'd seen that kind of unhappy body language only ten minutes ago on P3X-595, caused by Makepeace. Jack couldn't say he was thrilled by the comparison. He was, however, feeling good about arresting Makepeace; the marine deserved to be shot for what he did to Danny but incarceration was the next best thing.

"So you set that whole thing up on Tollana in the hopes the mole would think you were one of them and approached you." Sam couldn't believe they'd all missed working it out. The colonel had done such an excellent job of 'turning bad' that they'd all fallen for it.

"And you didn't think you could trust us to help?" Daniel questioned, looking directly at Jack, demanding silently to know the reasons behind the decision. All he knew at the moment was that Jack didn't trust him to have kept the operation a secret.

"We wanted to assure that your reaction to the colonel's behaviour was as it should be. And the Asgard insisted that Colonel O'Neill be the only one involved," Hammond replied. He could see it might take time for SG-1 to forgive their CO, Doctor Jackson especially.

"They like me," Jack shrugged off the words. Come on, Danny, say something. Please. But his linguist remained silent.

As Hammond and Travell left, Jack sauntered over to SG-1 and held out his arms. "I'm back." 'Please forgive me, I didn't want to do it', he tried to project.

Sam tried not to cave in to the colonel's charm; after all, he'd hurt them all with this latest stunt. Even so, she managed a smile and said, "It's good to have you back, sir." It was. She'd... missed him.

"Indeed." Teal'c was pleased that his brother was not as dishonourable as he had pretended to be. He was now able to understand O'Neill's actions in regard to DanielJackson. The warrior would have wanted to protect the scholar and therefore could not get involved at that particular time. However, there would be no obstacle preventing them from doing so now except if the younger man could not forgive the hurt.

"Thank-you." Jack turned to look at Daniel, who wouldn't meet his eyes. He had hurt the linguist so badly that a grovelling apology was definitely on the agenda. "Um, Daniel?" He wanted to talk in private - semi-private, at least - so he sort of led Daniel away from the gateroom.

Daniel followed, eyes still cast down and hands where they couldn't hit Jack. Being this close to Jack after so many months apart was hard. He wanted both to kiss Jack and yell at him for putting him through the past week or so. But he couldn't do either... not in public, anyway.

"That stuff I was talking about at my house... The place was bugged. I had to keep up the act." Talk to me, Danny, he projected at the archaeologist. Give me some hope that you'll forgive me.

"Um, it's... I understand." He'd even worked it out at the time but that revelation could wait till later.

"Obviously the whole friendship thing, the foundation, it's all solid." And he included their hopefully soon-to-be-consummated relationship as well.

"Uh, obviously, you don't - you don't have to worry about it... it's..." Is it, Jack? Daniel wondered. After you promised not to hurt me again, you went straight for the jugular. I don't know whether I can trust your words anymore.

"You don't have to worry," Jack mumbled over the top of Daniel's words, then the linguist's words sunk in. "No, no, no, I feel kinda... I do appreciate that you were the one that came to see if I was okay. That - that means something." Even though Daniel had been hurt, he'd still come to check on his best friend. That was Daniel, through and through.

"Uh, actually, no, it doesn't." Daniel looked at Jack properly for the first time in the conversation.

That stopped Jack in his tracks. What was Daniel saying? "Huh?"

Daniel knew that this would be a cheap shot but he was angry and hurt, and he wanted Jack to know just how much trust he'd have to win back. "Um, we, uh, drew straws." He waited for a beat. "I lost."

What the...? Jack watched Daniel walk away, and then saw the amused looks on his team-mate's faces. Okay, he had a lot of bridges to mend. Carter and Teal'c would be fairly easy but Daniel... those repairs could take some time. He'd better start grovelling soon.

* * * * *

Daniel had barely been back at his apartment for fifteen minutes when there was a knock on his door. Barefoot, he padded over to the door and opened it. He wasn't prepared for it to be Jack - although he should've known - and his momentary surprise allowed Jack to sweep into the room and kiss him briefly on the lips. Eyes wide with surprise, his gaze followed Jack as the older man went down into the living room. "What was that?"

"Part of my apology," Jack explained. He'd thought about pinning the archaeologist to the wall and kissing him senseless but had figured that wouldn't go down too well. He turned to face Daniel, sincere brown eyes locking with hurt blue ones. "The short version actually. You want the long one too?"

"Yes, please." Daniel finally got his feet moving, and he went into the living room and sat down.

"Okay. I don't know whether you believe me but I really am sorry. I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you about the sting; I'm sorry I had to say those horrible things to you; and I'm sorry that I broke my promise to you. I am still in love with you - never stopped - and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I can't promise that this'll never happen again but I can promise you that every time you hurt, I will too. You're my life. Having to lie to you, knowing that I would hurt you, was one of the most painful things I've ever had to do. But if you don't trust me - or love me - any more, I'll understand." Jack finished his speech and looked for Daniel's reaction.

For his part, it was the longest speech that he'd ever heard Jack make. It was also the most romantic speech he'd ever had directed at him. His heart melted, failing to put up any resistance against forgiving Jack. His head, however, wasn't about to give in that easily. "Everything that you said last Saturday was a lie?"

"Yes," Jack stated firmly and promptly. Couldn't have been further from the truth, especially that whole foundation thing.

"Would you have said the same things if it had been Sam who came to talk to you?"

"Basically, yes." It wouldn't have hurt Carter in the same way though.

"When did you know about it?" Daniel asked, the answer very important to him.

Jack signed. "Two days after I got back from Edora."

"So the conversation that night...?"

"Was another lie, yes. I couldn't start anything because of the mission, much and all as I wanted to. And because I wasn't allowed to tell you, I had to... you know," Jack confessed.

Daniel remained silent for a moment, thinking everything over. Jack still loved him, still wanted him. "How do I know that this is the truth this time?"

"Because I'm here." Would he be prepared to risk his whole career and possibly his freedom if he didn't really love Daniel? Jack tried to project that thought into the three words that he spoke.

The simplicity of the statement went a long way to convincing Daniel of Jack's sincerity. "You were protecting me."

"Yes." Can't stop doing it.

"You didn't have to. I worked it out." Daniel saw Jack's surprise. "After the talk at your house, I figured out what you were doing."

"You did?" Jack knew Daniel was smart but he wasn't supposed to have been thinking things through. "How?"

"I trusted my heart," he said simply. "And you tried just a little too hard to convince me you'd turned. You almost had me fooled but not quite."

Jack smiled. He'd forgotten about Daniel in-built radar for sensing the good in him. "See, I told Hammond you'd be able to keep a secret." He was so proud of his linguist; he knew that if any of Daniel's reactions had been wrong, both of them could've ended up in deep trouble, therefore Daniel had been able to hide what he'd figured out.

"At least it's some consolation that the general didn't want Sam or Teal'c told either," Daniel commented, "although Teal'c didn't look too surprised when you came through the gate so he might've suspected something too."

Something to question Teal'c about later, Jack noted. "So, am I forgiven?"

"I don't know yet." Yes, yes, yes!! Daniel's heart screamed. "What you said was designed to hurt, Jack, and it did. A lot. Knowing it was deliberate makes it harder to forgive."

Jack took a risk and sat down next to the young man, taking Daniel's hand in his. "I know. I wish there had been some other way, or that our timing had been better. But as usual, our timing sucked." He received a small twitch of the lips for that comment.

"As usual," Daniel agreed, his breath hitching as Jack's thumb ghosted over his sensitive skin.

"Can I kiss you?" Jack asked, wanting to do this right.

Daniel nodded hesitantly. Would it be a gentle and brief kiss like the one earlier, or a harsher one? He braced himself as Jack came closer, not knowing exactly what to expect. A hand rested at the back of his neck to gently hold him in place, the fingers stroking softly. Such a contrast to the first kiss they'd shared.

Jack watched the conflicting emotions flash across Daniel's face and in his eyes. He could see the nervousness there, and knew that at least part of that was due to his alien-influenced attack. He released Daniel's hand and used his now free hand to brush the young man's fringe back. "It'll be okay," he promised just before he claimed Daniel's lips.

The linguist's first reaction was panic but it faded very quickly when he realised that it was going to be okay. There was nothing forced about this kiss, nothing hard or hungry, just a gentle passion. A tongue flickering across his lips invited him to part them a little, allowing Jack better access. The kiss deepened, Jack freely nibbling on the full lower lip, creating feelings in Daniel that he hadn't had for years. It scared him, this need that he felt. "Jack!" he managed to get out between their enjoined lips.

The older man immediately pulled back. He'd been enjoying the kiss that he had wanted for so long. Daniel's lips were just as soft as he'd imagined, and the linguist had just been beginning to open up and return the kiss. "What's wrong?"

"I want you so much, it scares me," Daniel admitted softly and with complete honesty.

"I know the feeling," Jack responded. He'd been feeling that way for months. And it also scared him that one wrong remark or action would cause him to lose Daniel. "We won't do anything you're not comfortable with. What about holding?"

Daniel nodded his permission and found himself drawn into a special full-body Jack O'Neill hug. Strong arms held him but didn't trap him, and one hand started to stroke the back of his neck in comforting way. "That feels nice," he murmured into Jack's shoulder.

"I aim to please." It did feel nice holding Daniel in his arms, having him this close. Some parts of him were enjoying it waaay too much but Jack kept himself under control. If it meant that he kept Daniel, he could take things nice and easy.

Jack planted a soft kiss in Daniel's hair then went back to watching his fingers stroke over the soft skin of Daniel's nape. He slid his fingers underneath the edge of the shirt and pulled it back slightly, wanting to see more skin. That was when he saw the 'proof'. "Daniel?"

"Hmm?" The archaeologist's voice sounded almost content.

"How did you get this?" he queried conversationally.

Daniel knew what he was talking about almost immediately. He sat up straight and tried to pull away. "It's nothing."

"If it was nothing, you wouldn't be worried," Jack pointed out and refused to let go. He put a finger under Daniel's chin and lifted the head until he could see into those beautiful blue eyes. "It was Makepeace, wasn't it?"

"Jack, I-"

"Daniel," the older man warned.

Crossing his arms and lowering his head in shame, Daniel replied, "Yes." Now Jack wouldn't want him anymore.

"How far did he get?" Jack wanted to know.

"Not very far," Daniel was happy to say. "He wanted to but I-I didn't."

"Did he hurt you?"

Daniel's tongue flicked out over his bottom lip, the one that had been split. Yes, he had been hurt but he couldn't explain how to Jack yet.

"I'll take that as a yes." It was just as well Makepeace was locked up because Jack felt like going there and killing him. "How often did he try?" Makepeace had his team for ten days.

"Twice."

"Only twice? That's all?" Somehow Jack doubted this.

"I, uh, I tried not to be alone with him." And that had been very hard.

Jack thought about that and what it implied. "You didn't tell anyone."

"No. I couldn't." It was bad enough that he was telling Jack, let alone anyone else.

Jack hugged Daniel to him again. He should've been there, although if he had been, the situation would never have arisen. "It's all right now," he said softly. "It's over."

Daniel held onto Jack, tears burning in his eyes but he wouldn't let them fall. It was all over; Jack was back now, and Makepeace wouldn't be able to hurt him again. Jack would try to keep him safe.

The older man could feel the fine tremors ghosting through the linguist's body, and felt guilty that he hadn't been able to protect him. He held on, stroking and soothing until the tremors stopped. He occasionally planted kisses in the soft hair as well, trying to comfort the young man.

Eventually Daniel felt composed enough to draw back. "I'm sorry," he said, not looking Jack in the eye.

"What for?" Jack stroked one cheek with the back of his fingers.

Daniel shrugged. "Everything."

"You don't have anything to be sorry about," Jack stated. "None of that was your fault."

"But-"

"Uh-uh." Jack placed a finger over Daniel's lips. "Not your fault." He replaced his finger with his lips, gently encouraging Daniel to join in. He smiled when he felt the tension leave Daniel and the young man start to return the kiss. This was what he had dreamed of, what he would do for the rest of his life. Jack slipped his fingers under Daniel's shirt to hold his waist; the bare skin felt so good. He kept the touch light after feeling Daniel tense slightly. Easy steps, he reminded himself.

After about a minute, Jack released Daniel's lips and moved his head back to examine his partner's reaction. There was still a little bit of fear in those beautiful eyes but there was also some passion and need. "Bed? And before you say anything," he quickly added as he felt Daniel tense even more, "just to sleep."

"Sleep?" Daniel echoed faintly, his senses still reeling from the kiss.

"Yes, Danny, you know - sleep. Where you lie down, close your eyes and let unconsciousness take you," Jack couldn't help teasing his soon-to-be lover.

"I know." A hint of sarcasm crept into Daniel's voice. "With you?" Jack's fingers were warm at his waist, a gentle yet insistent pressure on his skin.

"You comfortable with that?" Jack wasn't going to push.

Daniel thought about that for a moment. Was he? It wasn't like he'd never slept next to Jack before; this wouldn't be too much different. "Yes." He saw a flash of desire in Jack's eyes before the older man quickly controlled it.

"Okay then." Finding Daniel's hand again, Jack held onto it and pulled the young man up with him. "You organise the nightwear," - he hadn't brought any with him - "and I'll use the bathroom first, okay?"

Daniel just nodded as Jack led them into the bedroom. He couldn't believe this was happening. It had been so long since he'd realised that he was in love with Jack but nothing had happened during that time. Now he was going to bed with Jack. It felt like a dream.

In that slightly dazed state, he found some sweats and a t-shirt for Jack to wear, and then changed into another set himself. Previously when he'd thought about it, he hadn't expected any clothes to be necessary but then again, he hadn't quite expected to be this nervous either. He'd never done anything like this before, whereas Jack appeared to be confident about what he was doing. The contrast was embarrassing.

Jack came back into the room, pleased that Daniel had got changed. "Your turn." He accepted the clothes as Daniel went past him, then quickly got changed and lay down on top of the bed. It was hard to believe that he was finally here. All those months of wanting - loving - Daniel, and of nothing happening, to this - being in Daniel's bed. However eager he might be to make love with the young linguist, he would wait until Daniel was more comfortable with everything....

Wow, did he look sexy!! Jack rolled onto his side and propped himself up with one elbow as Daniel came back into the room. The linguist had on a pair of old grey sweats that hung deliciously low on his hips, and a navy blue t-shirt that brought out the colour in his eyes. You've got it bad, O'Neill, he thought to himself as Daniel self-consciously made his way over to the bed.

Daniel couldn't stop the blush as he felt Jack's eyes on him. "Ja-ack."

"Sorry." Jack got off the bed and got under the covers, holding up one corner invitingly.

Quickly, Daniel got into bed and immediately found himself sprawled against Jack. "Comfortable?" he asked sarcastically as Jack put his arms around Daniel and held him tight. The young man could feel the hard planes of Jack's body against his own, and was at once both excited and scared.

"Very, thank-you." He kissed the tip of Daniel's nose. Yep, he could definitely get used to this. "You?"

"Um..." Safe is what he felt, wrapped in Jack's arms. Also a bit weird. "I think so."

"Good." Jack rubbed his hand gently up and down Daniel's back. He wanted Daniel to relax. "I do love you, you know."

"I know. I-I love you too," Daniel replied, resting his head on Jack's chest, listening to the steady heartbeat. This wasn't a dream; Jack was really here, in his bed, showing more love and gentleness than Daniel had ever given him credit for. He rested one hand on Jack's chest, and one leg across Jack's. It felt so right, so good. He closed his eyes, content that he had Jack.

Jack felt Daniel relax and then his breathing evened out into that of sleep. He couldn't believe that Daniel trusted him enough to do this, especially after everything that had happened. But that was part of what he loved about the kid. And now that Daniel was his, he'd have to protect him even more - not overtly, of course. He would do everything he could to make Daniel happy, and nothing would ever part them.

They belonged with - and to - each other.

Next: Strength