Storms In Africa – Part 2
Author: Midnyteblue
Pairing: Jack/Daniel, Friendship/Slash
Rating: PG13
Spoilers: Holiday and Serpents Song (Major!)
Summary: Daniel uncovers some truths about himself whilst Jack worries
Disclaimer: Not mine never have been or will be. Fic inspired by the lovely Enya
AN: Thoughts and Dreams in *...*
Jack looked out from under the shade tent where he was sitting, A large handkerchief tied around his neck, pulled down from where it had been sitting over his nose and mouth to protect him from the desert sand. His eyes were focused on a lone figure only a few meters away.
Daniel was in his happy place which automatically put Jack into his happy place. He was glad they had come here, he felt they needed this – the time together – to reboot and recharge. It was the second week of their three week vacation and although the first week had been fairly relaxing it hadn't been un-eventful.
Jack looked around him and screwed up his nose slightly at the few puffs of cloud that were forming in the distance
"Daniel, we may have to head back soon." He called out. When Daniel looked over at him he pointed towards the horizon.
"I don't think it will come to much."
"You know as well as I do how quickly desert storms happen."
Daniel walked up to the tent and took the water bottle Jack offered him,
"Thanks. Yeah but they're coming from the wrong direction."
"Storms can spring up from anywhere."
Daniel raised an eyebrow at his partner,
"Are we still talking about weather events?"
"Well I was, but still – It's food for thought."
"Are you predicting something here Colonel?"
"Definitely not Dr Jackson."
"Well that's good then. I refuse to let anything spoil our trip."
"Good to hear. So I think we should head back in soon." Jack re-iterated
"Jack I really don't think a few clouds are going to bother us in any way." Daniel insisted. Jack looked at him unblinking, his eyes glinting mischievously. Daniel's breathing hitched slightly and he nodded, "On second thought, you never know what the day will bring."
"My thought exactly."
Within minutes Daniel was packed up and the pair were headed back to their hotel.
…
"Yes Sir, I understand. I'm not sure where he is, I think he flew in last night. Okay I'll call him. See you soon."
Jack hung up the phone and rolled over to lie on top of his partner,
"We've been summoned."
"That was fast."
"We do start back today. I think we should be happy we got our full three weeks"
"They were a good. I had a fun."
"I'm glad." Jack kissed him before rolling away and headed for the shower, "Care to join me?"
"Always." Daniel grinned.
Jack's face mirrored Daniels as the pair headed across the hall. The man Daniel had become over the past few weeks was not the man he had been and Jack was still getting used to it. He was a bit more outgoing, a lot happier and Jack had even noticed he was getting a bit more opinionated. Jack loved it. He only hoped it wouldn't all go backwards now that the holiday bubble was about to burst.
"So what's the emergency?"
"Nothing major I think. Hammond wants us back out there so he scheduled a briefing for 0800."
"Way to ease back into it."
"It could be worse. At least it's not a rescue mission."
"That's true."
"I don't want to go back to hiding." Daniel confessed, "The last few weeks, and the last few days especially have been amazing Jack."
"They really have been. Come here."
Jack pulled Daniel gently under the warm spray and wrapped his arms around his waist,
"Do you want to quit? Say the word and I will, I mean I've retired once already and I'd do it again."
"No I don't want to quit, not yet. I just wish we could have both – the amazing job and the amazing relationship."
"We can have both, but we do need to be careful. I don't care what happens to me but I do care what happens to you. I don't want to see you hurt again."
"I'm a lot stronger than what I was." Daniel pointed out.
"Yes you are."
"I just hate hiding."
"One day we won't have to." Jack promised
Daniel lent his head on Jack's shoulder, staying that way for a few minutes before taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders,
"Okay, another six months of hiding."
"Christmas will be here before we know it."
"We need to get the leave. Chelsea won't be too happy if we can't make the wedding."
"I can't believe she's planning it for Christmas."
"Technically it's two days before. It's going to be beautiful."
"A Winter wedding – it will be."
The pair finished showering and it wasn't long before they were out the door. Jack made sure to swing via Starbucks on the way to the mountain and in no time they were flashing their passes to gain entrance to the Cheyenne Facility.
"Home sweet Home." Jack muttered
"Maybe it won't be too bad." Daniel reasoned,
"Maybe." Jack agreed, "But I doubt it."
Though I walk through
Warm sands in Africa
Winds will grow soon
To storms in Africa.
*Oh God, my chest. Hurts...so tired.* "What happened?" Daniel opened his eyes, the fuzziness a sign his glasses were gone.
"Okay, just take it easy. You're not well." He saw Janet looking at a monitor next to him.
"Tell me about it." *Okay, I'm back at the SGC. Good.*
"Do you remember what happened?"
"I'm not sure, there was an old man. Teal'c called him Ma'chello."
"You know Teal'c?"
"Of course I do. What a dumb question."
"Okay, how do you know Teal'c?"
"What do you mean how do I know Teal'c." Daniel squinted at Janet only to realise he didn't have to squint as hard as usual. *What's going on?* he raised his hand to rub his eyes and noted very quickly it wasn't his hand that he was raising. "Oh geeze. I'm him aren't I."
"Who is it you think you are?" Janet queried whilst watching Daniel's heart rate elevate.
"Janet, It's me. I'm Daniel Jackson."|
"Excuse me?"
"I'm Daniel Jackson."
"Is that so?"
"And of course you don't believe me when I look like I'm two steps from my grave. Okay my name is Daniel Patrick Jackson. I live here in Colorado with my pet fish. My best friends name is Jack O'Neill and my favorite food is Thai."
Daniel took a deep breath which sent pain shooting across his chest. The heart monitor went into overdrive and Janet held out a hand to try and calm him down.
"Okay, okay, take it easy."
"Please get Jack, or Sam. Teal'c - anyone. Please I'm Daniel."
"Okay, well I know you will forgive me if I still seem a tad skeptical. you don't exactly look like Doctor Jackson."
"Things aren't always what they seem Dr Frasier." Daniel wheezed.
"No I guess they aren't."
"Please get Jack."
"Well you are certainly asking for the Colonel enough to make me wonder. Okay, let me see what I can do."
Janet walked out but turned just outside the door to look back in at the old man lying on the bed. Stranger things had happened than what he had been Daniel had somehow switched bodies with the elderly man then they were in for a whole new set of problems – the least of which was what the Colonel would say when he found out.
…
Daniel opened his eyes to find General Hammond staring down at him. He had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. Glancing around he saw Jack wasn't in sight.
*Come on people, I'm an old dying man – is seeing one guy too much to ask!*
"General Hammond."
"Doctor Frasier said you requested to see me."
"Yes Sir, I know I don't look like myself but Sir, I am Daniel Jackson. I really need you to believe me."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because there is someone out there pretending to be me and I'd very much like me to be...me."
Hammond looked at Janet who just shrugged,
"Could someone please get Jack. I swear I'm no risk to him or any of you right now."
"That is true sir." Janet agreed.
Hammond frowned a little but went and made the call. It wasn't long before the rest of SG1 were filing into the room.
"You called, Sir?"
"Jack, Sam, Teal'c, finally." Daniel breathed
"How does this gentleman know our names?" Jack inquired
*Please know me Jack - please.*
"General Hammond doesn't know."
"As I've been trying to tell the General and the good Doctor here, I am not Ma'chello, I am Daniel Jackson."
"Oh, here we go." *Pretty sure I was the only old guy in the bed this morning.*
"I realize what I look like, but I'm telling you that machine somehow switched us."
"He, knows a lot about Daniel."
*I know everything about Daniel.* "Ask me anything, something only Daniel would know."
"Okay, who's Cassandra?" Sam enquired
"She's a 12 year old girl, we found abandoned on P8X-987." *I wonder if I'll ever forget gate designations*
"P8X..?"
"...987, yeah." Sam finished
"Alright, lucky guess."
*We both know that wasn't a guess Jack.* Sam admonished silently
"Where was the Stargate found?" Hammond tried next
"At a dig in Giza."
Daniel's mind started to drift to a time only a week before where he had stood in the very spot it had once been. He was brought back to the present with Jack's next words,
"Alright, describe for me, the dress your sister wore last week, when I took her out."
"I don't have a sister, Jack, and if I did I wouldn't let you near her." Daniel stated pointedly. *You're mine Jack - or you will be when I can get my own body back. I don't want anything to do with this one.*
"Okay, lets assume for a moment that you are Daniel Jackson; then who the hell did we just send home?" Hammond exclaimed
"That would be the one called Ma'chello." Teal'c surmised, "And I do believe that this is Daniel Jackson."
"Okay let's bring Daniel...or whoever he is...back here so we can sort this out." The General commanded."
He left the infirmary with Sam and Teal'c in tow. Janet hesitated for a few more moments before following after them leaving Jack with Daniel.
"So...this is new."
"You said it yourself, a storm was coming."
"It is you in there." Jack spoke quietly
"Yeah it's me and I'd very much like to not be in here."
"Trust me, you're not as easy on the eyes as normal." Jack quipped before laying a hand briefly on Daniel's shoulder, "I'll fix this."
"I know you will. Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"If this is what it feels like to get old, I don't think I want to." Daniel admitted
"I've been there too remember."
"I know, still it doesn't make it any easier. And at least then you were...you."
"You're still you Daniel, or you will be as soon as I get my hands on the other guy."
Jack squeezed Daniel's shoulder a bit harder and stared into Daniel's eyes trying to convey an unspoken message. The meaning fell short at the strange colour of Ma'chello's eyes but beneath that Jack could see the compassion that was most definitely Daniel.
"I'll be back." Jack assured him. Daniel closed his eyes and stopped trying to fight the weariness that enveloped him.
…
After resolving to go back to the planet to retrieve the device, Jack stopped back into the infirmary to see Janet. He stood at the window overlooking Daniel's room,
"He slips in and out of consciousness." Janet explained
"Does he know what's going on?"
"Yes." Janet cringed at Jack's look, "His mind is young but the body is dying. There isn't much we can do to reverse the aging effect on the human body."
"Keep him alive Doc."
"I'm doing my best."
Janet continued to watch Daniel long after Jack had left,
*Keep fighting Daniel, this isn't going to be your end game if I have anything to say about it.*
…
*Well at least I'm not an old guy.* Jack tried joking with himself but it fell on his own deaf ears, *Well this wasn't exactly how I wanted this day to go.*
He was staring into a mirror with Teal'c sitting serenely only a short span away. It briefly crossed his mind that his body had never sat so still.
"You don't look so good, I mean I don't look so good."
"You will become increasingly ill as long as my symbiote does not have the opportunity to make the necessary repair."
"So you're telling me this is just gonna get worse?" *Put me down to NEVER have one of these things in me again.*
"If you do not perform Kel'no'reem it could lead to my death, rather your death."
*Not today it won't* "What do I do?
"Please, be seated."
Jack tried to replicate the instructions that Teal'c was giving him but he found his mind kept drifting to Daniel, dying in the infirmary,
*Why do you have to be so damned inquisitive! Because that's you and you wouldn't be you if you weren't curious.*
"O'Neill, you must concentrate."
"I am" *On Daniel.*
"I do not believe you."
*Damn Jaffa.*
…
"He's non-responsive...he's in a Coma." Sam took a deep breath as Janet delivered her verdict.
*Oh God, Jack is going to kill...someone. They had better find Ma'chello and soon,* "Who's going to tell the Colonel?"
…
Daniel opened his eyes and saw Jack sitting on the floor in front of him,
"Jack!"
Jack opened his eyes and looked up at his partner. Frowning slightly he looked around before realisation flooded him,
"Oh, wait if I'm here and you're here..."
"Jack are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"But this only happens if we're both asleep or sick or dead."
"I'm fine Danny, but I swear if you've died again I'm not resting till You've been brought back so I can kill you again!"
"I'm not dead, I don't think. I thought something had happened to you."
"No I'm doing Teal'c's thing. Kung-fu-reem."
"Kel'no'reem?"
"Sure that."
Daniel nodded and wondered briefly why Jack was meditating but chose not to pursue it,
"Jack if I don't make it out of this..."
"You'll make it out of this Daniel."
"But if I don't..."
"Then I'll bring you back so I can kill you again. Daniel you are not going anywhere."
"So much for an easy start back huh."
"I say it could have been worse."
"I don't see how." Daniel smiled and sat down next to Jack,
"Well at least there's no glowing eyes involved."
"Well there is that."
"And your body is still physically fine so when we get you back into it then nothing will be wrong."
"You're pretty confident."
"Well maybe it's this meditation thing making me feel all empowered."
"Maybe."
"Come here."
Jack pulled Daniel into a hug. Daniel sighed and lent up against Jack, his head resting on Jack's shoulder.
"I wish you wouldn't touch things you know."
"You're not exactly innocent of that either. Why exactly are you Kel-no'reeming?"
"Well I was trying to save you!"
"And you switched with Teal'c? Wow that's an interesting concept...all those muscles..."
"DANIEL JACKSON!"
Daniel laughed and kissed Jack,
"Don't stress, he's not my type."
"I hope not."
"Aren't you meant to be meditating, concentrating on healing or whatever it is that you're meditating for?"
"Junior got sick."
"Really, that's interesting."
"Apparently is happens all the time. Anyway I am mediating, I must be If we're here like this."
"Do you find this weird?"
"Not anymore. I actually value it, It means I always know what's going on with you."
"As long as we're asleep."
"It's better than nothing."
"Jack?"
"Hmm?"
"Bring me back."
...
Jack woke up suddenly with a rush,
"Woah! Sweet – Uh Teal'c? What are you doing?"
Jack looked up to find his face staring out from a mirror where It's head was covered in shaving cream and his hand was poised over it with a razor
"If I am to remain in this body, I must shave my head."
*Oh hell no!* "You're making a joke right?"
"I am not joking."
*I am NOT going prematurely bald.* "Teal'c you will NOT shave me head!"
"It is presently my head, O'Neill."
*Key word there!* "Teal'c this is temporary."
"And if it's not?"
*You'll be in for an interesting surprise when Daniel walks into the room...* "Just give them a chance to find Daniel okay? Teal'c I'm going to see General Hammond, promise me you won't touch the head until I get back!"
Jack left to find general Hammond with a stern game plan as to what would happen if the Jaffa touched a single hair on his head.
*Pretty sure mum will have something to say about that. The Military haircut was bad enough!*
He walked into the office and noticed Hammond did a slight double take when he did.
"Can I help you...uh...Jack?"
"Sir, I feel like I need to be involved in finding Daniel." *I need to be out there. And it's not Daniel, I know where Daniel is.*
"Well, I think we may have him, Son. Daniel's credit card was just used at a local diner."
*How the heck does he know how to use a credit card?* "Request Permission to go there, Sir."
"Denied. You'll remain here until they bring him in. Be patient Colonel."
*What! It's Daniel, well Daniel's body. that's my body to handle not anyone elses.* "I can't be patient. Sir, Daniel is dying and I'd rather we get to Ma'chello than some yahoo civvy-officer shooting him and blowing any chances we have of saving him."
"As much as I'd like to, you're not exactly yourself. Request denied."
Jack tried to stare down the General but he was quickly reminded that Hammond didn't get to his current rank on looks alone. Jack grimaced slightly but left without a further word and went to the infirmary.
Hammond sighed as Jack left. It wasn't easy dealing with Jack in the Jaffa body. He wasn't used to Teal'c doing anything more than nodding. Picking up the phone he put in a quick call to the local PD to gently re-iterate that no harm was to come to Daniel – or his body anyway. There was no way he wanted to deal with Jack if something happened.
*I wonder if they did actually go on separate holidays...* The General let the thought slip through his mind and he quickly dismissed it. He often wondered what was going on between the two men because it certainly seemed more than friendship and more than once he'd had to turn a blind eye, but it wasn't something he was allowed to think about and really as long as the pair were healthy and happy that was all that mattered to him. *I wonder if SG1 will ever have a quiet week.*
…
"You rang Sir?"
"Sit down Jack."
Jack shrugged and Hammond couldn't help the smile that formed at the sight of the usually composed Jafa taking a seat in front of him,
"We've located Daniel, or rather Ma'chello."
"Sweet, let's get this sorted."
"Well that's the thing - Captain Carter has already tried."
"Excuse me?"
"Ma'chello is here, at the SGC but he is refusing to help. both Captain Carter and I have had a word with him but he is saying he can't help."
"Can't or won't" Jack was speaking low and it didn't escape Hammond's notice that as a Jafa, Jack was downright scary."
"Captain Carter is escorting him in to see Daniel as we speak, we're hoping that if he can see what he has done he might have a change of heart."
"And If he doesn't?"
"I don't know what else we can do Jack. He maintains that the device was only designed to work one way."
"Oh I don't think so. General we have to make him give Daniel back. he's dying!"
"I am very aware of the situation Colonel, believe me."
"Well let me at him. Seriously, give me ten minutes with the guy, less, give me 5 and I'll get us what we need." jack stood up and moved closer to the General's desk
"I can't do that Colonel. not only do I think that would be counterproductive I have a sense what you're suggesting could be termed illegal."
"Sir please! I have to be with Daniel, I have to help him! I can't just sit around anymore, not when he's lying there dying."
"At this stage Jack I don't think that's in anyone's best interest unless you can control yourself." Jack took a deep breath and started pacing the floor, "I'll allow you into the observation gallery...but no contact!" Hammond called out as Jack shot out of the office. The sight of Teal'c's bald head running through the SGC was certainly a new experience for everyone.
Jack didn't stop till he reached the infirmary. Taking the stairs two at a time to the observation platform he saw Daniel, well Daniel's body standing over the bed. A quick glance told him Daniel – the real Daniel was awake and speaking with the man who had taken over his body.
"The Goa'uld use hosts because they think they are better than humans, because they believe they deserve it. You're a Goa'uld Ma'chello. I am nothing but a host to you." Daniel wheezed.
Jack placed a hand on the glass as the heart rate monitor spiked.
"I am not a Goa'uld." Ma'chello reiterated.
"My wife is still alive, there is a chance I could still save her, you are stealing that chance."
*Woah, why's he bringing Sha're into this? How long has this little chat been going?*
"Even if you still had this body, you will never find her."
*Don't go there buddy.*
"No, I will find her, I will find..."
The heart rate monitor went crazy as Daniel's head dropped back onto the pillow. Janet pushed Ma'chello aside in a rush to get to the bed. Jack's heart skipped and he held his breath,
"He's in de-fib, prepare the paddles. Come on Daniel." Janet began work on him, prepping his body for the electric current that would surge through him. "Wait a minute; I've got a heartbeat, but I don't know for how long. Give me one mil epi."
"If I could trade places with him again I would, but unfortunately I am the only one who cannot."
Jack's temper flared and it was only the look on Sams face that stopped him leaping through the glass.
"Wait a minute; you're the only who that can't?"
"Yes."
"Get Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c!"
*There it is! Way to go Sam.*
Jack ran out the door frightening the nurse who was on her way to page him,
"Sir...?"
"I know, I'll get Teal'c. Call the General!"
Jack ran to Teal'c quarters and in only a few minutes that pair were walking back into the infirmary.
"What's going on, Captain?"
Jack walked in with his hands in his pockets, it was the only thing he could think of doing to stop him attacking the man who was wearing his lovers body. Glancing quickly at Teal'c he noticed he frowned slightly when he entered,
*Sorry big guy.*
"I think I may have come up with a solution to this whole mess."
"Finally." Jack couldn't stop the elation come through into his voice
"Well, whatever you're gonna do, do it fast."
"Alright, it's a little complicated so I need you to do exactly as I say. We're going to have to play a little musical chairs with your bodies. First Colonel, you and Ma'chello will switch. Trust me, Colonel."
Jack couldn't help but be a little hesitant at what Sam was suggesting but he did as ordered and only a moment later he realised he was looking out of Daniel's body. Suddenly he registered two things; firstly he was *inside* Daniel – in intriguing prospect and one he preferred much more than being inside Teal'c's. Secondly Daniel's body seemed to have a similar reaction to his when in the presence of the other.
*Oh Danny, believe me the feeling is mutual.*
"Colonel?" Same inquired
"I'm here."
"How do you feel, physically?"
"Peachy."
"The transference was successful, physically we are fine, please continue, Captain."
*That sounds more like Teal'c. Let's hope this keeps working!* "Right, now you and Daniel should switch." Sam pointed to Teal'c. She helped put Daniel's hands on the device and a moment later Daniel blinked and looked around,
"Whoa, what a dream, what happened? *Hang on, this doesn't feel like my body, it's more...something.*
"I don't have time to explain right now Daniel, just bear with me."
"Okay."
"Danny boy."
Daniel turned and saw his own body and voice beckoning to him, the tone however was unmistakable,
"Jack?"
He walked over to Jack who put an arm around his shoulder and turned them away slightly from the other to talk quietly
"I'm in your body?" Daniel asked
"Yeah."
"I could definitely make some sort of comment about this."
"The though has crossed my mind." Jack smirked
"It's Jack and Daniel's turn to swap."
"Our turn." Jack motioned toward the device. within moments everyone was back in the body they had started the day with.
"Yes! Yes! Shave my head?" Jack walked over to Teal'c and after pretending to strangle him he patted him on the back instead.
"I'm back." Daniel exclaimed happily
"He's conscious again." Janet pointed out. The team walked over to the bed,
"Thank you for my holiday." Ma'chello spoke quietly to Daniel
"You're welcome"
Ma'chello fell back on the bed as the heart rate monitor once again flat-lined, this time no one made a move to intervene.
"Welcome back SG1."
"I always feel relieved to hear you say that." Jack smiled
"I feel relieved to say it. We'll debrief in thirty minutes. Is everyone feeling okay?"
"Whether you feel it or not, the three of you are getting checked out." Janet pointed to Daniel, Jack and teal'c.
"As if this day hasn't been traumatic enough." Daniel muttered
"You first Daniel."
"And after that Dr. Jackson, I'd like to see you for a minute." Hammond remarked before leaving the room,
"Have fun guys." Sam made a hasty retreat. Teal'c followed after Janet but Daniel stopped briefly by the bed Ma'chello was occupying.
"Don't feel sorry for him Daniel, he would have let you die."
"But he didn't. He had lost everything that was important to him but he was still fighting to survive. I kind of admire that."
"Only you would admire a man who thought nothing for you or your life."
"I think he liked my life, that's why he didn't want to go back."
"I'm not so sure he would have liked what I would have done to him."
Daniel smiled slightly and followed on after Teal'c.
...
That night Daniel invited Sam, Janet and Jack around for dinner to catch up after their three week break,
"So apparently Ma'chello racked up quite a large credit card charge at a diner in town."
"Is there anything you can do?"
"I'm going to call the bank in the morning and say the card was stolen, see if there is anything they can do."
"I don't know if there's even a way of screening for that in the future." Janet spoke aloud, "Other than having some sort of secret question. I mean It wasn't until Daniel answered some questions that we knew for sure it was him."
"Maybe that's not a bad idea." Sam theorised, "Everyone has a series of questions and answers that they have to answer, like when you forget your computer password."
"I'll talk to the General."
"You know it's been so quiet the past few weeks, I was almost bored. The worst I had was a broken ankle because a member of SG7 decided to trip over a tree root on a completely deserted planet."
"So you missed us then?" Jack quipped
"I did actually. I'm thinking of taking Cassie on a holiday."
"You should. the last few weeks have been fantastic." Daniel smiled, re-filling their glasses.
"Don't make me jealous."
"Seriously, You would have the same leave we do but I don't think you take much time off so you should. Take her away, go and have some fun. Take her to Disneyland or something"
"Disneyland?"
"I hear it's nice this time of year." Daniel grinned, getting up
"Who are you and what have you done with Daniel?"
"What do you mean?" Daniel called out as he headed into the kitchen to start on dessert.
"I mean who are you and what have you done with the quiet, shy and lovable man who left here three weeks ago. The one who's idea of fun was to curl up with a good book."
"That *is* my idea of fun. But there's more to life than a good book."
"See, my point stands!" Janet exclaimed
"And what's with the comment you made to me earlier, the Daniel I know wouldn't have retorted so quickly."Sam claimed
"What comment?" Jack enquired,
"I told him he wasn't allowed to die on me and he responded, quite quickly for a dying man, that at least he knew I wanted him around for more than his looks."
"Nice!"
"Just because I don't say things doesn't mean they don't pop into my head."
"Well I loved it, and if this is the new you then please, don't let him go away."
"I won't. I think this Daniel is here to stay."
"Well whatever made the change, don't let that go either."
"I wont." Daniel smiled, discreetly brushing Jacks hand as he placed a bowl in front of him.
When the girls had gone, Jack made Daniel sit down so he could finish the clean-up,
"Are you sure you're okay? you didn't eat much at dinner."
"I'm really full, and from the amount charged to my AMEX I can guess why."
"Yikes."
"Anyway, almost dying kind of takes the shine off food a little."
"But not wine?"
"Nope, I actually think it makes wine more appealing."
"Well that I can help with." Jack poured another glass for the pair of them before settling back on the couch. "Today was certainly interesting, Teal'c wanted to shave my head!"
"Oh geeze, that's not something I'd want to see."
"Me neither. I woke up just in time to stop it."
"Well I'm glad you did, I don't think I'd enjoy the bald look."
"You and me both."
"For what it's worth, today could have ended much worse."
"You could have died."
"You could have been stuck as Teal'c."
"Being you wasn't so bad. It felt...familiar."
"It did."
"I uh, noticed something today."
"What's that?"
"Well when I was you, when I saw me, I felt a sense of happiness. Nothing risqué although I wont lie it wasn't far off."
Daniel took a sip of wine and looked at his hands. Jack took the wine off him and leant down a bit to meet his gaze,
"Hey, are you embarrassed? Don't be."
"Why, because I can't control myself around you and now you know it. It's ridiculous"
"I know it and love it. Daniel we're not teenagers anymore and I cant even claim to be a young adult so knowing that you're attracted to me like that all the time is amazing."
"It seems juvenile."
"Feeling something is not juvenile, acting on those feelings all day every day might be but you don't do that."
"Sometimes I want to." Daniel admitted
"So do I." Jack agreed, "And please don't be embarrassed."
"I guess it didn't take much for me to go back to that huh."
"You almost died and then you found yourself in someone else's body, I think you're allowed to regress a bit."
"I know I shouldn't let stuff like this get to me."
"Body swapping?"
"No, emotion stuff."
"It get's to everyone, you're not alone in that. the point is to not let it get to you, feel it and move past it. Sometimes that can be done in a moment, sometimes longer. it took me months to deal with Charlie's death, it took me thirty seconds to get over Ma'chello dying." Daniel laughed and nodded, "And never be scared or embarrassed to tell me how you feel. I'm your...I hate labels."
"Some labels are okay."
"Doctor?"
"Colonel."
"Archaeologist."
"Pilot."
"Bed."
"Now."
The pair drained their glasses and turned off the lights before heading into Daniel's room.
…
The phone shrilled through the small apartment. Daniel groaned and reached for the cord by his bed. The phone crashed to the ground before he manged to pull it to his ear,
"Hello? Oh, hey General. Seriously? Okay um...sure an hour. That would be great Sir. I have no idea. Right, see you soon."
Glancing quickly at the clock Daniel saw they had only been in bed for three hours. *And asleep for much less.*
"Jack, the General wants us back at the SGC."
"What?"
"Something about the Tok'ra."
"Tell them to leave me alone."
"We're being briefed in an hour and I still have to find out where you are."
"I'm here." Jack pulled Daniel down and rolled on top of him, pinning him to the bed."
"I know that but the General doesn't."
"Two days in a row that man has woken me up. I have to say I'm not a fan."
"It's not his fault that we didn't get to bed till late."
"I know that. Since when did you become Mr Morning anyway?"
"The General promised me coffee if I could get you to the mountain in an hour."
"I can promise you something better if you don't find me for two hours."
"Are you defying a direct order?"
"The order was given to you, not me. I can be very difficult to find when I don't want to be found."
"I bet."
Daniel relented and wrapped his arms around Jack, his fingers playing with the short spikey strands of hair at the base of Jacks head
"A few more minutes."
"The Tok'ra...we just got out of one mess."
"It may just be Sam's dad...I think we had this conversation yesterday."
"Maybe it's our day starting again so we have a better one."
"Maybe." *Or maybe this is the eye of the storm*
How far to go
I cannot say.
How many more
Will journey this way?
"Who goes out camping on a work night?"
"I wanted some fresh air."
"You have a back deck!"
"I wanted space."
"You've been back at work for a day."
"And It was a long day."
"Did you almost die?"
"No but my head was almost shaved."
"Good Morning Colonel…had some trouble did you Doctor?"
"Who goes camping on a work night?!"
The General's mouth twitched slightly and Jack got the feeling that he didn't believe a word of their banter.
"What's going on General?"
"We had a message come through from someone we can only assume was the Tok'ra requesting a meeting. The co-ordinates line up with an address in our system.
"And they couldn't have called at a more reasonable hour?"
"The time could be a very reasonable hour wherever they have sent the message from O'Neill."
"Thanks Teal'c, very helpful."
"Can we be sure it was the Tok'ra?" Sam queried
"All we know is what we've been sent. I want SG1 to be the one to handle this."
"Just in case Sir?" Jack raised an eyebrow
"Exactly. You ship out in an hour, and this time I mean in an hour." The General stated pointedly.
The team rose and went to prepare for their upcoming mission. Twenty minutes later Jack wandered into Daniel's office with a cup in hand,
"A peace offering. Still love me?"
Daniel sniffed the cup, noticing the aroma of his favourite beans he smiled,
"I guess. I mean you come baring coffee so that's almost cheating."
"Hey, whatever works. Are you okay today? I never asked."
"I'm fine. No really I am, it happened and you're right I need to move past it. In the grand scheme of things, it's not the worst thing that's ever happened to me."
"No it's not."
"Any chance you can forget about it?"
"You want me to forget that you're attracted to me?"
"No I more meant could you forget that apparently I have the self control of a seventeen year old."|
"Right, how about this, I never forget that you're attracted to me and *you* never forget that the feeling is definitely mutual."
"Sure." Daniel muttered disbelievingly
"It's true! Are you sure you felt nothing yesterday?"
"No, I mean maybe…honestly I don't remember."
"Maybe you don't remember because you're used to the feeling."
Daniel frowned slightly but blinked as realisation came crashing in,
"Oh."
"Yeah oh. Now down that coffee, I have a strange feeling you're going to need it."
"Expecting something to happen?"
"With the Tok'ra, always."
…
General Hammond sat at his desk going over the Mission reports from the following week. It had been so quiet out there he wondered if the Goau'ld had heard that SG1 were on leave and decided to take a break themselves.
*With the exception of yesterday maybe they will have a quiet few weeks themselves.* he mused.
"Unscheduled Off World Activation!"
*Of course.*
The General rose quickly and walked down to the Control Room,
"It's SG1 Sir."
*And we're back in business.* "Open the Iris."
Hammond descended down to the Gate Room as SG1 came running through the gate with a casualty slung over Teal'c's back,
"Colonel?"
"General Hammond... Apophis. Apophis. General Hammond."
"We've met." The General tried to keep the contempt from his voice but failed.
"I demand Kel'mac!" Apophis cried. Everyone turned to Daniel who still seemed to be in a bit of shock over who he was standing near,
"I'm not really sure but I think what he's asking for is..."
"Sanctuary." Teal'c spat
"Right." Daniel agreed
"Why?" *Does he have a death wish?*
"I think some rival Goa'uld just kicked his ass." Jack smirked
"There were several other death gliders in pursuit when we took him prisoner, sir." Sam filled in
"I demand Kel'mac" Apophis shouted
"You're not in a position to demand anything, sir. Lock him up." *And do what?!*
"Sir, with all due respect, he is badly injured he is not going to be any use to you if we don't get him to the OR right now." Janet stated. Hammond relented and turned care over to her,
"Do what you need to keep him alive doctor. We got a lot of questions that need answers. I want four SF's posted at all times, if he attempts to escape, you're authorized to do what ever is necessary to stop him." He turned to SG1, "We'll debrief at 1100hrs."
"Yes sir." Jack monotoned before heading out, the rest of the team filed after him.
In the change room Jack sat in front of his locker, staring into the open door. *Why now!?*
"Are you feeling well O'Neill?"
"Just peachy."
"I detect you are not being sincere."
"Well I'd be lying if I said I felt great."
"Perhaps you need to see DoctorFraiser."
"I'm not going anywhere near that Snake."
"I do not understand. Has DoctorFraiser become a host without my knowledge?"
"Not her Teal'c."
"Apophis is no longer a threat O'Neill."
*Oh he most certainly is.* "Whatever you say Teal'c." *Just not in the way you think.*
Jack continued to sit after Teal'c had left. Only a few hours before he was lying in bed and now his worst enemy was literally on his doorstep with the key they needed to find Sha're. Jack was burning. He meant every word he said when he had told Daniel they would one day find her but a part of him had kind of hoped it would never happen. He didn't doubt Daniel or his loyalty, but Daniel had been loyal to Sha're too and it had only been her disappearance that brought him home in the first place.
*Why now?! We're finally in a good place – a happy place. We haven't even been back from holidays for two days! Seriously, give us a break!*
Jack threw his jacket into his locker and slammed the door.
"Woah, Jack. Something on you mind buddy?"
Jack looked up to find Lou Feretti standing in the doorway
"What are you doing here?"
"I passed Teal'c in the hall and he said something was up. He wasn't wrong."
"I'm fine."
"Yeah sure, and I'm the Queen of Sheba."
"Apophis is here in the Infirmary."
"So I've been told."
"I should have killed him."
"Maybe, but that's not you. You don't go and randomly kill people Jack, not without a direct order or to save a life. Something bigger is bugging you, come on Jack, I've known you for years. We may not be as close since the Doc came home but I still know you. What's really going on?"
"I don't know Lou, I just don't like having him here on base. Who knows what kind of poison he could spread."
"You never know, this may all turn out for the better."
"Nothing he'd involved with turns out for the better."
"Well maybe he can help us find the Doc's wife?"
Jack looked up at Lou and shook his head slightly,
"I gotta go."
He walked out leaving Lou with a frown on his face,
*What the heck is all that about?*
…
Anna walked past Daniel's office, glancing inside out of habit. Seeing Daniel sitting staring at nothing she backtracked and knocked on the door.
"Hey Daniel, are you okay?"
"Oh, hey Anna. Yeah I'm fine. Just thinking."
"Okay, well if there is anything I can do for you please let me know."
"I will. Thanks."
"Did you have a good holiday?" She asked, entering the room.
"Yeah I did. It was good to get away – refocus."
"I hear there's a few items on their way from Egypt. Couldn't help yourself could you."
"I could have brought back a whole lot more." Daniel admitted, "But I figured there was plenty of time to go back."
"Maybe the SGC could send a team there."
"You know I never thought of that. Not a bad Idea. I'll propose it to the General."
"Really!"
Daniel had to smile at her enthusiasm,
"You're an Archaeologist, how have you never been to Egypt?"
"It wasn't my focus. Now I realise how stupid that was."
"No focus of learning is stupid." Daniel assured her, "I mean we've already come across a whole world of Norse mythology, Macedonian may very well be next."
"It may be. I doubt it but you never know."
"No, you never do."
Anna went to speak but hesitated. Daniel smiled slightly and unconsciously reached out for the glowing orb on his desk – a present given to him by Anna in the hopes she could start a relationship with him. Unfortunately for her his heart had already been taken.
"Go on, ask me."
"Ask what?"
"Ask if it's true that Apophis is currently lying in the infirmary."
"Oh um, is it?"
"Yeah it is."
"And you're sure you're okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well…Because of…"
"My wife?"
"Yeah."
Daniel sighed and subconsciously gripped the orb a little tighter,
"He's the only one who could help me find her. Jack keeps telling me that we'll bring her back but in the end there's only one person who can do that and he's currently being operated on."
"I'm sure Colonel O'Neill has done what he can."
"Yeah, maybe." *Stop it Daniel, Jack is not the problem here.*
"Well try and stay positive."
"That seems a bit hard right now."
"Not hard just, impractical."
Daniel let out a burst of laughter which made Anna smile,
"Yeah, It's very impractical. Especially when I just want to hate the guy."
"I can't imagine you hating anyone Daniel."
Anna rested a hand lightly on Daniel's before leaving. Daniel allowed his smile to fade as he thought back over her words,
"I guess you don't really know me." He spoke aloud. He continued to sit there until another knock at the door roused him,
"Got a sec?"
"Hey Jack. Sure I guess." Jack coughed lightly as he walked in and Daniel realised he wasn't alone. Teal'c and Sam followed after him, "What's going on?"
"Apophis woke up. He mentioned someone by the name of Sokar."
"Really?"
"Yeah – So who is he?"
"Sokar is a Goa'uld of ancient times. He once was ruler of the system lords but was defeated by an alliance of Goa'uld many centuries ago. Apophis and Ra were among his conquerors." Teal'c supplied
"Where did he go?"
"Apophis himself believed him destroyed, but obviously he was mistaken."
"Well, if he was almost wiped out how bad could he be now...Its rhetorical Teal'c" *Not to self - don't joke with a Jafa.*
"His names also very old in Earth mythology. He was the most feared deity in ancient Egypt, the original God of Death." Daniel was flipping through some of his books.
"Got anything a little more up to date?"
"Well, I don't know what he's been up to lately, but according to the book of the dead, there was a time he ruled all of Earth, his land around Menthes were covered by darkness and inhabited by serpents."
"Unas. The first host of the Goa'uld." Teal'c corrected
"Well that makes sense. I mean if the Unas were the first ones then there had to be a time when both form of Goa'uld host co- existed, Unas and Human. Kind of like Neanderthals."
"Which is he?"
"I don't know, but his portion of Tu-at or the other world was filled with lakes of fire, the wicked were thrown into it - his punishment after torture and mutilation."
"Hell."
"Yeah. Basically he was the original Satan."
"Isn't that special?" Jack inwardly shuddered, *What would our world have been like without these guys to influence it I wonder.*
"Incoming Traveler"
"Speak of the devil."
Jack rolled his eyes and headed out of Daniel's office, leaving everyone to follow in his wake. They made it to the Control room as a obvious thud came from something hitting the closed Iris in front of the Stargate,
"Is there anyway to determine what that was?" Hammond questioned.
"Yes sir. We can get a radiation team in there to check the decay signature on the Iris." Sam answered
"I'm on it Captain. Radiation team to Gateroom." Simmons requested with a glance at the General
"In the mean time sir, I'd like to get back to the interrogation if I may." *I'm not letting this guy slip through our fingers.*
"Ok"
"Sir I'm kind of the resident on Sokar around here, I'd like a shot at the interrogation." Daniel asked.
Jack narrowed his eyes but Daniel avoided eye contact. Hammond turned to Jack who hesitated but eventually shrugged slightly,
"Yeah okay."
Daniel turned and left immediately. Jack followed him with his gaze but remained still,
"Sam, keep an eye on him will you?"
"Are you worried for DanielJackson, O'Neill?"
"Yes and no…I just think someone should keep an eye on him."
"Yes Sir." Sam nodded and followed after her teammate.
"Thoughts Colonel?"
"I don't think Sokar is the only thing on Daniel's mind Sir."
"Understood Colonel, but let's wait and see what happens
"Of course Sir."
Jack watched the Radiation team walk into the gate room and begin examining the Iris. Outwardly he was very interested in what was happening but within seconds his eyes had glazed over as his mind traveled inwards.
He wasn't a fan of Daniel being alone with Apophis. He wasn't too concerned about Daniel doing anything but he *was* concerned about what the pair would say to each other. Jack didn't believe Daniel's new-found spirit was quite so new-found, he did believe Daniel was only now allowing himself to tap into it but the thoughts were always there and if Daniel was letting himself feel and react to those thoughts then Jack had a feeling they were all about to see the part of Daniel's personality that had been nurtured by the years of hurt and neglect start to break free. It was a hard thought to process and left Jack feeling cold.
"Sir, I think I know what it was that came through. Captain Carter would know best Sir."
"Print out the readings and I'll give it to her." Jack muttered. Once the printout was in hand he walked it down to the Infirmary. Sam was standing just outside the door and Jack could hear Daniel's voice filter through,
"Amunet possesses her. Sha're is a Prisoner. She is somewhere I want you to tell me where."
Daniel's voice was low and smooth. Jack pursed his lips and Sam shrugged,
"It didn't take long for them to bring her up." Sam volunteered, "But it seems okay so far. Are those the readings?"
"Yeah, Someone mentioned the Tok'ra?"
"It looks like it." Sam agreed
"Actually them this time?"
"We won't know till they come through."
"Right."
They both stopped to listen again,
"We have no use for the child now. Amunet, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on her, she was a vessel for the queen."
"If you don't tell me where she is. I'll kill you right here."
Daniel's voice had dropped again and Jack's heart skipped a beat at the tone. He indicated for Sam to intervene and he walked into a side corridor a few steps away to re-group,
*That voice!*
A few moments later Sam walked past with Daniel in tow.
"All good?" Jack called out
"Jack?" Daniel stopped and stepped out of the way of a few Marines who were behind him before stepping into the corridor, "Everything is fine."
Jack glanced around before discreetly taking hold of Daniel's elbow,
"We'll find her."
Daniel recoiled slightly but stopped himself from reacting further at the hurt look in Jack's eyes
"Sorry."
Jack nodded and removed his hand,
"It's my fault."
The men looked sideways, away from each other,
"Talk later?" Daniel requested.
"Of course." Daniel nodded before walking away. Jack took a breath and rubbed his temples, *Headache! This day can't get any worse*
Dark skies fall on
Black earth and ivory.
Far from your sun
Clouds now close over me
Jack sat watching Daniel throughout the Briefing with Martouf,
*Or is it Lantesh? These guys will be the death of me.*
He noted Daniel's gaze appeared vacant and Jack knew he was with Sha're – wherever she was.
*I wonder If I have that effect on him? Stop it O'Neill! That's not the attitude to have here. Daniel is hurting and the bastard down in the Infirmary is the cause. He's the cause of this whole mess. You can only help Daniel if you focus so…focus.*
He made it through the meeting and once they were back down in the Infirmary he stood slightly apart from his partner, ready to jump in should he need to. They allowed Martouf to continue the questioning and Jack had to wonder just how many times Martouf had interrogated a prisoner. A new voice caused Daniel to startle and Jack was shaken out of his stupor
"Shemoie shemoie!"
"That's ancient Egyptian. This must be the host." Daniel was astounded *How long has it been since he last spoke?*
"Shimotay shimotay."
"Talk to him." Jack encouraged
"I don't know what to say." *I really don't!* Apophis passed out again, "Thousands of years trapped inside your own body. Its like a nightmare. It's Unimaginable."
"He won't be conscious again for a while."
"Then we will take our leave of you. I will tell you the co-ordinates to send us." Martouf looked at Sam
"We can question him together. We can share whatever information we can get."
"Incoming traveler!" came Simmons call
"Expecting someone?" Jack queried
"No."
Jack rolled his eyes as they once again filed out of the infirmary to head to the gate. *I could probably do this trip with my eyes closed today.*. In the Control room Simmons was relaying the General's orders,
"Keep that Iris closed." Hammond instructed
"Yes sir. Something is hitting the Iris." He exclaimed
"Sokar has found you." Martouf supplied
"How?"
"His pilots saw your kind flee with Apophis through the Chappa'ia. Symbols of the Tau'ri are well known among the Goa'uld."
*Time to file a change of address form.* "That Iris will hold."
"It's a Trinium Titanium alloy just a few microns from the event horizon. It won't allow matter to reintegrate." Sam confirmed
"Something is appearing. The iris is heating up"
"How is this possible?"
"The space between your metal barrier and the wormhole may be enough for particles of extremely high energy to reintegrate."
"Subatomic particles?"
"Yes."
"Are you saying he's firing a particle accelerator at the wormhole?"
The techno-speak between Sam and Martouf was making Jack's eyes water
"Captain?"
"Sir, we may be witnessing the decay of subatomic particles as they're being bombarded against the Iris. Small enough to reintegrate but moving at nearly light velocity. Sokar can modulate the particle stream enough to create an actual image."
"People of the Tau'ri you have taken what is mine. For this you will be destroyed."
Everyone stood with their mouths slightly ajar at the sound of Sokar's voice coming through the Stargate
"The iris is beginning to heat up sir." Simmons confirmed
"How long can they maintain this?"
"The longest single Goa'uld attack against the iris was 38 minutes, we think that's the maximum a wormhole can be maintained before collapsing."
"They're just going to dial us up and do all of this all over again." Daniel theorised
"This changes things. I better get on the phone with the President." Hammond walked towards his office leaving SG1 behind
"Can you help us?" Sam turned to Martouf
"I know of no way"
"Alright in the mean time, Carter why don't you see what you can get out of Apophis. His necks on the line here now too." Jack pressed
"Yes sir."
"I will accompany you." Teal'c maintained
"I need coffee." Daniel claimed
"I need something." Jack agreed
Daniel didn't respond before walking away so Jack took it as acceptance that he could join the younger man and together they walked down to the com.
"My head is killing me."
"Maybe you should see Janet."
"I'm not going anywhere near the infirmary until it's a little less crowded."
"I get that."
Daniel went and poured them both some coffee and they sat together at a corner table away from the late afternoon bustle.
"So, are we talking yet or are we doing that later?"
"I think later is best?"
"As long as later actually happens."
"It will."
"I'll hold you to that."
"Can you believe this week? We've only been back for two days."
"I think once this is over I'm putting in my leave for December."
"Good idea. Jack – did you ever have any intention of finding Sha're?"
"What?!" Jack lowered his voice as a few airmen turned in their direction
"It's a simple question Jack, yes or no?"
"How dare you ask me that!"
"I think it's a fair question. You've maintained from day one that we would find her but did you ever actually plan on doing that?"
"If I could. Daniel I know we haven't actively been searching for her but I told you we would find her – no I *promised* we would find her and I stand by my promises."
"Yeah, I guess."
Jack no longer bothered to mask his feelings. Daniel had not only hurt him but unwittingly he had given voice to Jack's feelings on the matter and Jack didn't like hearing it out loud.
"Daniel what have I done to make you doubt me?"
"Nothing I guess."
"Well I would appreciate it if you would stop accusing me of things."
Daniel sighed and sipped his coffee,
"Sorry."
"We'll definitely talk about this at home."
"Home?" Daniel queried
"Huh?"
"You said we'd talk at home."
"Well unless you want to go somewhere else."
"You still want me to go back to your place?"
*Our Place Danny - one day you'll think if it as home.* "Why wouldn't I?"
"I…don't know."
"Daniel no matter how hurt I am right now or how tense things obviously are here I have every intention of going home with you and talking this out. That's how a relationship works. You weather the storm, bunker down and ride it out."
"I…okay then."
"Okay, talking later. Can you at least have something to eat with that – who knows when we'll get our next window of opportunity."
Daniel looked at Jack, an epiphany forming,
"Jack – that's it!"
"What?"
"Our Window of opportunity. We need to create one."
"I'm lost."
"We dial out before they can dial in."
"Meaning the line will be busy and we'll have a bit of extra time."
"A window of opportunity."
"Geeze I love you." Jack smiled
"I love you to…I do."
"I know. Come on, let's go make it happen."
…
Jack made his way back to the infirmary. He still had fifteen minutes before they could attempt to dial out again after their first failed attempt. He had to admit that Daniel's idea was brilliant but executing it could be a completely different matter.
He was still smarting from Daniel's accusation back in the commissary and the thought of actually ending Apophis's life wasn't helping the matter, especially since they knew the host was still around. It was one part of his job that he didn't relish and one he'd tried to keep from Sara. He refused to talk to Daniel about those missions, no matter how much he asked and now the matter was right in front of him and not only that, Daniel was first hand witness. He walked into the room where Apophis was lying and stood by the bed,
"Apophis. We're sending you back."
"Shimotay. Shimotay."
*Oh geeze.* "Get Doctor Jackson down here." He called out. He didn't look to see if his orders had been heard, he just hoped they were. Within minutes Daniel was walking into the room,
"What's up?"
"The host – he's back."
"Oh I thought…never mind. What did he say?"
"What he said before – Shimmie Shake?"
"Shimotay?"
"Yeah that."
*A whole ancient language in your vocabulary and you can't even get a word of Ancient Egyptian right.*
Daniel had a small inward chuckle but quickly sobered at the current situation
"Okay I may need some references"
Apophis began to speak and Daniel walked over to listen. Pausing briefly he spoke the Ancient dialect and waited for a response. Finally it came,
"He says he's been in a never ending dream, he hoped to waken from it, to see his wife and his children."
*He had a wife and kids. How many lives does this guy have to screw up?* Jack sighed
"He was a scribe in the temple of Amun in Cardak, but that was another life time ago, before the...before the nightmare."
*I can't even imagine.*
"And now he awakens only to die again."
*Poor guy. But at least this death will be final.*
"Nomka yaydei a tou, pomra dunaray epia desipo gosofkaa eia kemota shalpell. Sheak anuson. Heyho. Heyho."
Daniel spoke the Dialect without any hesitation and Jack felt a tinge of pride at just how smart Daniel was.
"I said I will speak the words of power and renew the rights. He will be returned to Egypt and buried with honour. He will pass through the seven gates and see his wife and children again and rejoice with them forever. I'll be back." Daniel walked quickly from the room and Jack moved closer to the bed,
"It'll be over soon…I don't even know your name."
"My name is beyond you." Apophis spat. Jack stepped back and raised an eyebrow, "Help me."
"No."
"A host."
*You have got to be kidding.* "No."
"I am afraid."
"It's about time."
"Colonel." Janet called out, "The Goa'uld is dead, but the host is still alive."
*Come on Daniel.*
Daniel came running back in carrying a book and a few artifacts. He spoke gently to the Host and when he looked up he translated,
"I told him this funerary statue, will take his last breath and carry it back to Egypt."
*Lovely.*
Daniel sat back as the host breathed out his final breath.
"That's it. He's gone."
Jack wanted to give the younger man a hug but knew it was impossible. He simply stood there and waited. Daniel closed the book and looked around as Teal'c entered the room,
"Captain Carter has succeeded in creating an outgoing wormhole. Sokar cannot attack during this time."
"That's good."
"Yeah." Daniel agreed whilst continuing to stare at the body of Apophis. Teal'c went to the bed and wrapped the body in the sheet that was covering the bed. He lifted it into his arms and began to walk out leaving Daniel and Jack behind,
"Come on Daniel, let's get this over with."
They followed Teal'c back to the gate room and watched as he fed the body past the event horizon.
"What now?" Daniel wrapped his arms around himself
"We Wait." *Don't do this Daniel, we've made so much progress.*
"If Sokar wanted him alive then he'll just start up the attack again." Sam theorised
"No." Martouf shook his head, "I don't believe he will, Sokar has a sarcophagus in his possession. With it he can revive Apophis even through death and torture him as long as he pleases. Surely a fate he justly deserves."
"Says who?" Daniel turned and walked away.
Jack turned and watched him go but didn't follow. He noticed Sam looking at him and he shrugged a little whilst shaking his head. With nothing left to do they went and sat in the briefing room for close to thirty minutes before Hammond declared the situation over. Once Martouf had been sent to the designated Co-Ordinates Hammond dismissed them,
"We'll call if anything comes up – apart from that, go home. You all deserve some sleep."
"I swear If your voice is the first thing I hear in the morning Sir so help me…"
"Go home Jack. I'll see everyone here at 1100 hours."
Jack turned and headed straight for the change rooms. He changed and went via Daniel's office to find it empty. Too tired to try and figure it out he walked to the elevator and took the ride up. At the mid way point he found Daniel waiting for him.
"Are you going home?" he questioned
"Yeah – I think I will." Daniel spoke softly
They rode to the top and ran for the car park as they walked out into torrential rain. Jack couldn't help but wonder if it was an indication of things to come.
How far to go
I cannot say.
How many more
Will journey this way?
"Would you like a drink?" Jack asked as they walked inside his home
"On an empty stomach? Sure why not."
"Good point, Sandwich?"
"That's probably a better idea."
Daniel sat on the couch and closed his eyes. He was hoping that Jack would let the events of the past two days go but he knew that wasn't going to happen.
"You know, the last few days have sucked." Jack called out.
"Yeah, want to re-think retirement?"
"If you want me to." Jack spoke seriously
Daniel opened his eyes and looked up at Jack who was standing over him,
"I'm toasting us the sandwiches, I still haven't been able to go shopping since we came home so there's only frozen bread."
"That's fine."
"Coffee?"
"Always."
Jack started up the coffee machine and Daniel realised he wasn't the only one hoping to put off the inevitable. Taking a deep breath he stood up and walked into the kitchen,
"Want some help?"
"No it's okay."
"Jack…"
"Daniel…"
"Jack…"
"You were right."
Daniel lent back against the counter and folded his arms,
"About what?"
"About Sha're."
"In what way?" Daniel's voice became low and quiet and Jack cringed as he turned to him
"About me finding her."
"You never had any intention of trying to find her?"
"No I did, I do. I promised you we would find her and we will. If it's the last thing I do I will find her."
"It had better not be the last thing you do Jack. So what do you mean I was right?"
"I promised I'd find her for you – but that doesn't mean I want to."
"Oh."
Jack let out a loud sigh and put the down the towel he was holding,
"I'm sorry Danny, I really am. I never really admitted it to myself until today. A part of me Doesn't want to find her, even though I know it would mean everything to you."
"Why?"
"I guess I'm afraid of what finding her would mean. I know you would stay with me, at least I hope you would but a part of me thinks you would go back to her. I know," Jack put up a hand to stop Daniel's words, "You've told me you're with me for life, but I don't think I could hold you to that If you didn't want to and finding Sha're I guess would just be the culmination of my fears."
Daniel looked down at his hands and remained quiet for a while before looking up at Jack again,
"Jack, If the phone rang right now and you were told that Sarah was in an accident and was in the hospital what would you do?"
"I don't know, I'd…well honestly I'd go to the hospital to see if she was okay."
"If she was on life support? Would you stay with her?"
"There wouldn't be much I could do."
"But would you want to stay with her?"|
"Well, yeah I think I might."
"Why?"
"Because she's, well she was…my wife."
"And."
"And I love her, I get it. Danny I'm sorry."
"Don't apologise Jack. It's fine. I know that if the situation was reversed I'd be just as hesitant. Heck if you suddenly shot out of here after Sara I don't think I'd take it too well at all. I need to find Sha're Jack, for her, to save her because I love her. But that's it. I just want to make sure she's okay, I owe her that much."
"I get it, I never really thought of it that way, like in terms of Sara."
"Jack we have so many loose ends in our lives, I think for us both to be able to live our lives to their fullest we need to tie those up. I'm not expecting us to be able to do it tomorrow, heck it may take years and some we may never be able to but Sha're is definitely one of those loose ends."
"I don't think I see Sara as a loose end. She left my life years ago and it was quite final."
"I don't think she's a loose end either – but one day you will have to tell her."
"Yeah – one day."
Jack turned back to the coffee machine as it beeped to indicate it was ready and Daniel went to help Jack with their rather late dinner,
"You know I think we really need to go shopping tomorrow."
"It's a date."
The pair retired to the living room and Jack couldn't help the awkward feeling settling over him,
"Danny, today when you were with Snakehead."
"Call him Apophis Jack."
"Ugh, not if I can help it, anyway when you were with him, I couldn't help but overhear some of what you were saying."
"Uh huh."
"I don't know, I guess I was a bit worried. Danny that tone in your voice, that was new."
"I was angry, it's nothing."
"It's not nothing Daniel, that tone is one I hear in Black ops – cold, distant, I really believed what you were saying."
Daniel bit into his sandwich but didn't say anything,
"I love that you've opened up and you're embracing whatever inside you that's been lying dormant all these years, but that – was it really you?"
"Would you love me if it was?"
"Of course I would Danny, that's not the question here, I just want to make sure the beautiful soul inside you doesn't get crushed by the build-up of anger, hurt and resentment that's obviously sitting there just below the surface."
Daniel took a sip of coffee as he considered what to say,
"Jack, there aren't many things that I get upset over – okay there are a mountain of things I get upset over but only a few threaten to push me over the edge. He is one of them. I don't like what was done to him, I hate that even now he's being brought back to life and most likely being tortured again, but I also believe in justice. Whether that's delivered by a higher power or whatever I believe If someone has done wrong, they should be treated accordingly. Here on Earth that's Judge, Jury and Jail but out there…Jack he's just going back to murdering thousands, and even if he's not he'll be working for someone who will."
"But does that give you the right to deliver that justice?"
"No it doesn't, but Jack – right then, in that moment I truly believe I could have done it."
"I believe it too."
"So what does that say about me? Am I no better than him, that I contemplated taking a life simply because I was angry – because I could?."
"You were justifiably angry. Heck I wanted to kill him today too and I asked to on more than one occasion. Danny there is a part in all of us that wants to see rights being wronged; it's part of being human. But it's not up to us to make that call. There is nothing wrong with you feeling the hurt and pain but you also have to not let it control you."
"I know that."
"Today you let it control you and if Sam hadn't walked in when she did I don't like to think what would have happened. I mean among other things, we never would have met the host, and that was a good thing."
"It was. Jack that anger is a part of me. I feel it often."
"But you don't act on it and that is the important thing to remember."
"But what if one day I do? Jack; if something ever happened to you or, I don't know, If I ever run into…him…"
"Daniel if you ever run into him then you will have to be the one to hold me back."
"You know what I'm saying."
"Then we deal with it, together. We look at the situation and find a way to resolve it."
"Not everything has a peaceful solution Jack."
"Said the Pacifist."
Daniel chuckled and drained the last of his coffee,
"Want some more?"
"I think I need sleep."
"You read my mind."
Jack took their plates to the sink whilst Daniel locked up for the night. Once in bed Jack wrapped his arms around Daniel and drew him in close,
"Whatever happens Danny, remember that at the end of the day, this is all that matters. Us. As long as we have this right we'll be okay."
"I hope so."
"It's a new day Danny, let it go."
"Night Jack."
"Morning Danny."
Storms have come!
Rains wash the earth away
Dark skies fall down
Into another day.
Daniel watched from the bay window that looked out from Jack's room. In the distance the sky was beginning to lighten but the cloud cover and rain meant the sun wouldn't be rising that day.
He looked back towards the bed where Jack was sleeping before moving the lamp a little so the light was directed better over his journal
*I'm afraid what I felt today will remain with me forever. I wasn't lying, I get angry sometimes like everyone does but this went past that, today I felt pure hatred. I have never felt anything like it before. How did I go so quickly from being so happy to this? Only a week ago I was in Disneyland and now here I am sitting writing in my journal about things like hate.
*We joked about storms when we were in Egypt, it was only light hearted then but now here we are and in the space of three days I feel like we've been through a hurricane. Jack says we can weather anything but what if we can't? What if whatever I felt yesterday plants itself so deeply in me that nothing helps and one day I go over the edge.*
"Come back to bed Danny."
"A little longer."
*I guess it's up to me to curb it. I guess I'm just afraid I can't. What if I don't have the strength? It takes strength to maintain that feeling but it takes another kind of strength to tame it and I don't know which one I possess more and until the time comes I don't think I'll ever know.*
He looked back at Jack who he saw was now watching him from under the covers. He turned back to his journal one more time,
*Maybe I can start meditating with Teal'c or I can train more with Jack or Lou or someone, find an outlet so I stop building things up. Maybe it's time to learn a new language I don't know.*
He put his journal down and turned off the light. Pulling the curtains closed to stop the day coming in he crawled back into bed and pulled the covers up under his chin,
"Did it help?"
"I don't know." Daniel admitted, "I guess only time will tell."
Rains have now come
From storms in Africa
Time will go on
Through Storms in Africa
The End...For Now