Disclaimer: Not my characters, except Adrastos
A/N: Once again, I really appreciate the reviews. You're all so kind.
This has not been beta'd so all mistakes are mine.
There is one last chapter before the trials start, and then we'll see what Jack is up against. Please review. Enjoy!
Daniel stood at the door to the temple, looking out over the landscape, painted in swaths of pink and purple as the planet's sun broke the horizon. He'd not slept well, worry for Sam and Jack keeping him awake. He'd spoken with Adrastos late into the evening trying to glean as much information about the trials as possible. While Adrastos knew them, having done them himself, it was forbidden to tell exactly what would be met along the way. Despite Daniel's argument that he and Teal'c would not be facing the challenges themselves and could, therefore, know what was coming, Adrastos still refused. The only information he would give was that there were four and each dangerous in their own way. Daniel found this not at all helpful. He'd already figured the Goa'uld wouldn't make it easy.
"You are troubled, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said coming up behind him. "Do you not trust in O'Neill's abilities to free Major Carter?"
Daniel shook his head. He looked back at the statue of Sam. He wished he could communicate with her too, just to know she was well and give her some support, but he understood why it was Jack. "No, it's not that. I was just thinking. This is all so familiar, but in a backward, twisted kind of way. There are two myths on Earth that seem to be tangled up here. There is Pygmalion and Galatea, which is the story of a sculpture that fell in love with a beautiful statue he'd made. Aphrodite took pity on him and made the statue come to life. Then there's the story about Psyche and Eros, more commonly known by his Roman name, Cupid, and his mother, Aphrodite. Psyche was a beautiful woman who the people started to worship instead of Aphrodite."
"That indeed sounds similar to the story Adrastos told," Teal'c commented.
"Exactly!" Daniel said encouraged. "So, in the story, for revenge, Aphrodite sent her son, Eros, or Cupid, whichever you prefer, to strike Psyche with an arrow and make her fall in love with the most hideous man he could find. Of course she was so beautiful Eros fell in love with her and took her to his secret palace where they were married. He told her she could never look at his face, but curiosity once got the better of her and when she looked upon him, he flew away. Of course she was wielding a dagger, thinking he was some sort of beast, so you can't really blame him there. Anyway, Psyche was devastated and searched for him. There's a whole lot of other stuff in there, but in the interest of brevity, it's not important. Psyche appealed to Aphrodite, who assigned her four tasks, each incredibly difficult. If she completed them she could be with Eros. She did completed each one and after she and Eros were reunited, she was made a goddess herself."
Jack came up behind them. "That was brief?"
Daniel and Teal'c both turned to look at him. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he hadn't slept much either. It was no wonder though, Daniel thought, as Jack was the one who had the burden of trying to free Sam. "I could always give you the full version if you like."
"I'm good." Jack took a sip of the coffee he'd brewed. It was thick and bitter.
Field coffee at its finest, Sir.
Jack nearly jumped. Jesus, Carter. Don't sneak up on me like that. Are you trying to make me scald myself?
Sorry, Sir. Should I clear my throat next time?
Funny. And yes. He responded. He realized Daniel and Teal'c were staring at him.
Daniel's lips pursed together momentarily. "You okay there, Jack?"
"Peachy, Daniel. Just having a little conversation with Carter." He tapped his temple with one finger. "You know, the usual."
"So you can talk to her telepathically," Daniel accused. Jack winced at his mistake.
"You can still hear Major Carter?" Teal'c asked, looking back at the statue.
"Oh yeah, and it's just dandy." Jack smiled.
Hey!
Relax, Carter. I'm just joking.
I can shut up if you like.
Jack followed Teal'c's gaze and shook his head. No, no. At least this way I know you're there. He turned back to the Daniel. "She's a bit cranky this morning. I don't think she got much sleep."
"Is she okay though? Is she in any pain? Can you ask?"
You hear that, Carter?
Of course. I can hear everyone else, but apparently I can only talk to you.
So? He prompted. Are you okay? I mean, aside from the whole being turned into a statue thing.
Peachy, Sir. Jack could hear the sarcasm as she used his own words.
Seriously. Are you in any pain?
Sam gave something that sounded like a sigh. Sorry, Sir. It's not all that fun to be honest. I'm not in any real pain; I'm just really, really cold.
Jack chuckled, taking another sip of coffee. Well, you know, if you were wearing a little more clothing, you might be warmer.
Haha, Sir. It's not like I made the choice to be covered by what might pass for a scarf.
Hey, I'm not complaining. It's a good look on you. Jack could feel her irritation in his mind. Kidding. Just kidding. He was not kidding and he had the sneaking suspicion that she knew it.
I know, Sir. I'm just frustrated and tired. I can't sleep. Not that I don't want to, I just can't. It's very unsettling. I'm just kind of…here.
I'm so sorry, Carter. I'm going to get you out of there as soon as I can, I promise.
I have complete faith in you.
That makes one of us, Jack thought.
Um, I heard that, Sir.
Dammit.
TBC