This story is set at the close of the original SG1 series season 6 episode Paradise Lost. Contains flash backs and spoilers from season 6 and 7. This is the 3rd story in the Kate and Jack saga, where a series of unfortunate events have kept Kate and Jack apart. Despite the real Dr. Jackson's unfortunate demise, Daniel lives on in the shape of several of Caroline Dexter's clones.

Disclaimer: SG-1 and its characters belong to MGM, Kate and 'Dex' are of my own creation.

(Spoiler: SG1 episode Paradise Lost) Jack was tricked by Harry Maybourne into using some unknown technology to gain access to a planet said to be inhabited by a race known as the 'Furlings'. On the planet's moon and stranded without a way home they discovered that all the inhabitants were dead. Running out of food supplies they had to eat what was available on the planet, not realising until later that it had been tainted by the Gould, leaving them suffering from hallucinations and paranoia. This result was both men fighting for survival and almost killing each other. Jack realising that it was the food that was affecting their behaviour managed to survive Maybourne's assault and gain the upper hand by shooting Maybourne in the leg.

…..

Chapter 1:Harry's Secret.

As Maybourne lies badly wounded from the gunshot wound inflicted by Jack's firearm, he decides it is time Jack knew the truth about Kate's death.

The effects of the drug had now completely worn off as Jack tended to his bloody wound.

"Jack" Harry murmured as he tried to focus, the smell of barbecued fish wafting in the air above his lacerated body. "I need to confess" he said, barely coherent.

"I don't see any priests around here, do you?" answered Jack sarcastically.

"No" his throat was painful and dry "I mean I need to confess to you."

"I'm no clergyman Harry and if I remember rightly I do believe I sold my soul some time ago…and all because of you."

Harry managed a weak laugh and then coughed at his ensuing pain.

"I'm flattered Jack," he replied wincing as Jack pulled on the bandage he was applying "but this isn't about me" He groaned and drifted off as Jack pressed hard on the last bit of tape securing it.

Just then Jack heard the familiar sound of a ship approaching and looked up at the sky. A Tok'ra ship emerged from the clouds and started it's decent.

"Now that's a welcome sight if ever I saw one" he thought to himself and gave a large sigh of relief.

Half an hour later, O'Neill and Maybourne were both onboard the ship and Jack was on his way home. He had arranged for the Tok'ra to drop him off at the nearest planet with a Stargate, and then take Maybourne on to some distant little planet where he wouldn't be able to get into any more mischief.

Jack entered the room where Maybourne was stretched out on a bench trying to get some rest. He lifted his arm and sniffed and shrank away at his own stench.

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get back to the base is have a piping hot shower and a proper shave." He said as he stroked the stubble on his chin.

Maybourne opened his eyes on hearing him.

"Jack" he called out wearily. Jack flexed his shoulders and taking a deep breath and stretching his arms walked over to the bench on which he was laying.

As he looked him over he ground his teeth and pursed his lips before answering him.

"What's up?" he asked gingerly taking a peek under the bandage and cringing. "Yikes, I'd have gouged out a little less of your flesh if I'd have had the right tools you do know that right?" he paused.

"But there again you're lucky I didn't shoot you dead the way you came after me back there."

"It was a matter of survival Jack, my survival." replied Maybourne somewhat more lucid. "I knew you had a massive advantage over me ….the hallucinations and paranoia just made it worse."

Jack bowed his head and smiled. "Good job I'm a crack shot then!"

Jack turned to find a place to sit and leaning his head back against the wall, Jack closed his eyes.

"Jack" Maybourne lifted his head slightly to make sure Jack was listening.

"What?" Jack replied despairingly, his eyes remaining shut.

"It's about Kate," added Maybourne, a definite down tone in his voice.

Jack opened his eyes somewhat startled. "Kate's gone Harry, let's forget it." Jack replied sadly.

"Well…that's not entirely true" Maybourne paused as he lowered his head back down on the makeshift pillow. "….She's alive and I know where she is."

Jack struggled to believe what Maybourne was saying and images of the events leading up to Kate's disappearance almost six long months ago flashed through his head.

...

He had just brought Kate back to the SGC via the Stargate after disembarking at the new Tok'ra outpost. It was the first time Kate had actually seen the Stargate or visited Cheyenne Mountain and she may have found it a more pleasant experience, but it all went wrong the minute they stepped through the gate.

Jack was immediately reprimanded by General Hammond who with his steel like glare and expression to match, told him that he had a mountain of explaining to do. Jack noticed the rest of his team had skulked off on seeing Hammond's fury. And he did feel a bit sorry for Kate still dressed in her nightgown and wearing his jacket as she was led off to the infirmary under a barrage of questions she barely understood, let alone could answer.

He thought that once they'd established Kate was from earth she would be given a simple medical check to see if she had picked up any unknown viruses then she'd be given quarters and allowed to rest but she was led straight to the debriefing room where she was under a barrage of questions and confidentiality forms to sign.

Tired and woozy from the painkillers Dr Frasier had given her for her recovering dislocated shoulder, Kate was almost at breaking point when Jack (who had been allowed to shower and change) entered General Hammond's office and noticed her on the video screen. He addressed the General who had been curiously watching Kate as he waited patiently for Jack's explanation.

"Sir, is this really necessary?" Jack asked.
"Colonel O'Neill! Hammond exclaimed as he turned to address him.

"That's me sir" smirked Jack, quickly backing off at General Hammonds sudden eruption.

"Why is it that you constantly have such disregard for the rules?" spurted Hammond his steely eyes glued on Jack and his face red with rage.

"To which rules are you referring sir?" enquired Jack coyly.

"You were supposed to be on a designated surveillance mission," continued the General, "you were given a set of coordinates by the Tok'ra taking you directly to some distant planet. So why was it, moments after your departure an unidentified vessel bearing a remarkable resemblance to a Goa'uld cargo ship was detected in British airspace?"

"And who is this woman who seems to know more about SG1's mission than I probably do myself at this point." He added turning to the screen and making it evident he meant Kate.

"It'll all be made clear Sir… in my report, I assure you." Jack replied, wondering how much Kate had actually admitted to.

"Which you'll have ready on my table at 8:00 hours precisely" interrupted General Hammond. "Is that understood Colonel?"

"Yes Sir" replied Jack momentarily glancing back at the screen and noticing Kate bowed over the table with her head in her hands "Sir, may I make a suggestion" he paused and waited for the General to snap back but instead Hammond just stared indignantly.

"The trip here was pretty uncomfortable, maybe it would be a good idea to let her get some sleep, before any further questioning, just a couple of hours…. in a real bed." Jack ground his teeth and stared at one of the pictures on the General's wall to avoid looking directly at him.

"It's been quite a trying three days Sir." Jack added.

Jack more than frequently tested the General's patience, but on this occasion General Hammond saw that Kate was in some distress and agreed that Jack was probably right.

"As long as you are hundred percent sure that this woman poses no threat to our security?" asked General Hammond as Jack headed for the door.

"No doubt in my mind whatsoever Sir," replied Jack, already backing out of the room. Thank you Sir." Jack shouted back as he made a bee-line to the debriefing room.

Jack entered the room where Kate was being held and he pushed the unsigned document to one side and took Kate firmly by the arm. The lieutenant attending Kate went to draw his weapon. "You can stand down Lieutenant, General's orders".