Note: the story of the arytenoid cartilages is real and was given to me by my buddy Tamara. She told me this is what her professor used to say and do in the exact same circumstances! Thank you Tamara for the idea.

"If we're going to get him to speak", Dr. Warner informed everyone, "I think we're going to have to trick him."

"Trick him? I don't know if I like the sound of that Dr. Warner", Hammond said.

They were in the Briefing room and Sg1, minus the Colonel, General Hammond, the two doctors and Jacob Carter were all in attendance. Dr. Frasier had asked them all to come to plan a coarse of action for the Colonel now that – physically at least – he was on the mend.

"I think he's right Sir", Janet spoke up. "We're not trying to trick him into anything bad, but he has a mental block about speaking. He believes he can't and it's hard to overcome that. An old professor of mine who was an Otolaryngologist actually talked about this very phenomenon. He had a number of patients who had a psychogenic disorder, in other words, they had convinced themselves they couldn't speak and nothing he would say would convince them otherwise."

"So how did he handle it?" Daniel wanted to know.

Frasier smiled. "He tricked them." She went on to explain what she was planning and by the end of her explanation everyone was nodding, although cautiously.

"And what if it does not work?" Teal'c asked.

"Well", Janet sighed. "We won't be any worse off than we are now. I think we should give it a shot."

They discussed details and Dr. Warner agreed to look after it, figuring that the Colonel would be much less suspicious of him than of Janet. After that the meeting broke up and everyone returned to their duties.

Jack was lying flat, his hand raised above his face. He was pleased to see that the scars had faded substantially and were barely visible. And even though the hand was still incredibly weak, he could move it more easily now and had regained full feeling. They had already started him on physical therapy, which was exhausting but as long as he was making progress he could handle it.

The rest of him felt better too, although Janet and Warner had both explained that he needed more surgery. They needed to fix his knees and his left leg below the knee – and both ankles and feet. He grimaced when he thought about how they had become damaged, but then forced himself to stop thinking about it. He had enough to deal with in his dreams, he didn't need to worry about it during the day.

No, the day was left to worry about what was going to happen to him once they let him out of the hospital. His career was finished and he didn't know if there was much else he could do. Partly it depended on how well he healed. Without a voice, and with minimal use of his hands, he had no idea if there was anything he could do. And as much as he'd talked about going to his cabin to fish, he knew he'd get bored with that in a few weeks.

No, life was looking pretty bleak and there were moments when he wished he hadn't survived captivity. It's not that he was suicidal – he wouldn't actively try and kill himself – but he also didn't really want to live. What was there to live for?

"Colonel?" Dr. Warner walked into the room and grabbed Jack's chart. "How are you feeling today?"

He'd come to like the quiet doctor in the weeks he'd been back. He hadn't known him that well before, only having had to deal with him on the odd occasion. Janet tended to deal more with the everyday issues and Warner was usually brought in for surgeries or for consults. But Jack had some to realize what a fine doctor he was. He also appreciated that there was no bull-shit about Warner. He was upfront and honest, although with a gentle manner.

He lifted his hand briefly and dropped it back to the bed. It was his sign for 'hi, I'm just hunky dory thank you very much.'

"Good Colonel", Warner smiled and approached the bed, the chart tucked under his arm. "Your hand is looking good – better than we all expected I think. With continued therapy you may get almost full use of it back", Doc told him.

Jack looked at him in surprise. This was the first he'd heard that and suddenly things didn't look quite so bleak, at least, that was, until he remembered his voice.

"But then there's your throat and speech", Warner said, almost reading Jack's mind. "I was looking over Dr. Bell's report and have asked him to come back for a consult."

Jack frowned at him. What the hell was this? What good would a consult do? He glared at Warner.

"I know, I'm sure you think it's useless. But your health is much improved since Jacob Carter used the healing device on you. He feels that he was able to do quite a bit to help your vocal cords and I'd to have Dr. Bell check that out. I know you'll want to know for sure Colonel." Warner looked at him expectantly.

Jack wanted to shake his head, to refuse in whatever way he could. But one look at Warner told him that he'd be thought of as a coward for doing that. He didn't even want to imagine what his teammates would say. He knew he'd get the Jaffa eyebrow from Teal'c, nattering from Daniel, blue, water-filled eyes from Sam and hell from Janet. He sighed and nodded.

"That's wonderful Colonel!" Warner beamed at him and Jack felt like a kid again, praised for being a good boy. "I'll arrange it right away. And we're going to be scheduling your remaining surgeries in the next few days. Jacob can stay for a while and afterward we'll have him use the healing device again. That way you won't have a long recuperation and the results will be better."

Jack gave the Doc a wave as he left, not quite sure how he felt. He knew that he wasn't quite as depressed, but nor was he feeling that much more hopeful. He closed his eyes on a silent sigh. Life sucked.

"Colonel!" Dr. Bell walked into the room and gave him a smile. "I hear you're doing better?"

O'Neill nodded, eying the man suspiciously. He was carrying a black medical case and Jack had a sneaking suspicion he knew what was in there.

"That's wonderful. They told me you've healed up quite nicely and have asked me to come reexamine your throat." He looked at the man in the bed seriously. "I know you don't want me to put anything down your throat, but unfortunately that's the only way I can really check. Would you prefer to be sedated?"

Hell yes, thought Jack. He was terrified about something going down there. But he also knew he had to learn to deal with it, and the best way was to simply get it over with. The only problem was, he didn't really want to be alone when it happened.

"If it helps, your teammates and Dr. Frasier have all offered to remain during the test. It might take your mind off of things."

He nodded abruptly. Might as well get it over with now.

"Good for you Colonel! Any preference as to which one you'd like to have come in? They're all waiting in the hallway."

That actually got a grin from him – and an answering one from the doctor. His friends – they were all a bunch of mother hens!

He shrugged, not wanting to make that decision, even though he knew who he'd always like to have hold his hand.

"Why don't I ask Dr. Frasier and one of your teammates to come in? It will be too crowded otherwise."

Jack again nodded and waited as the doctor left the room. He leaned back and closed his eyes, hoping to get his heart to stop trying to escape out of his chest and run screaming down the hallway. Just then the door opened and Dr. Bell walked in, followed by Frasier and Carter. Thank God!

"Hi Sir. I hope it's okay that I came in? If you don't want me to stay I'm happy to have Daniel or Teal'c be with you instead?"

He shook his head and made a motion with his head. He needed her beside him. And if she held his hand, so much the better.

Frasier smiled at him. "Good for you Colonel", she said softly. He blinked. For a moment he thought she was praising him for wanting to hold Sam's hand, but then realized it was for his decision to go ahead with the procedure. He lifted his eyebrow at her but finally nodded.

Dr. Bell spent the next few minutes getting his equipment ready. Jack had to force his eyes away from the instruments of torture – stop, he told himself. Don't even joke about things like that. These were medical tools and all they were going to do was help him. It would not hurt and Sam was with him.

She seemed to sense his angst and moved in front of the good doctor. Frasier was on his other side and suddenly started telling him all sorts of stories about Cassie. He began to relax, thinking again how lucky he was to have such friends.

"Alright Colonel!" Bell came up to the edge of the bed and smiled. "I'm ready to go. This will only take a minute or so. If anything starts to bother you, just hold up your hand and I'll stop immediately, okay? You are in control and I'll do what you want at all times."

Jack gave a jerky nod and took a deep breath. Sam squeezed his hand and Janet reached out and touched his arm. He could do this.

Except when the damn instrument went down his throat he was sure he was going to pass out. He couldn't breathe! All he could do was remember Raijin and the pain and humiliation. He felt tears gather in his eyes and wanted to cry –and to scream, but he couldn't. That was the whole point. The sadistic Goa'uld had stolen his voice.

"Hmm", Bell said, pulling out the scope. "Well Colonel, the last time I was here I was able to determine that your arytenoid cartilages were dislocated. Unfortunately the damage was too much to attempt to fix. However – and this is very strange – you have healed remarkably well. Well enough, I would say, that I can fix that up for you. It will only take a second. Can I try?"

Jack looked at him in confusion. The arty what? He glanced at Janet and she was smiling and looking like she knew exactly what the Doctor was talking about.

"That's great news Sir", she told him. "Why don't you let him try?"

Sam just nodded at him, a beaming smile on her face. He knew he was defeated. He looked over at Bell and again gave a nod.

"Good. I'm afraid I'm going to have to put this down your throat again, but I promise, it will only be for a few short seconds. That should be all it takes."

He agreed, although he had to take a deep breath. God, he felt like he wanted to puke.

The scope made it's way down his throat for a second time and he could see the Doctor's look of concentration. He felt something touch his throat – inducing almost instant panic, but before he had a chance to react the scope was withdrawn.

"Excellent!" Dr. Bell smiled. "I was able to relocate the arytenoid cartilages and you should now be able to vocalize! Of course, don't expect miracles right away. You'll only be able to whisper at first, and it's important not to overdo it, but with therapy we should have you talking up a storm in no time. Unfortunately your voice may always be soft – softer than before – but you should be able to speak."

Jack nodded his thanks to the doctor, although he wasn't quite sure how he felt about this whole thing. Instead of feeling euphoric, a black cloud descended on him. So he could speak – but could he speak? Did he want to? Did he deserve to. Raijin had had him well-trained and he truly didn't know if he could overcome that.

More than two days had passed since Dr. Bell had left, and he hadn't attempted one word. He hadn't even tried, fearing what, he didn't know. It was crazy. It was irrational, and it was real. He still couldn't speak.

His teammates were disappointed, that he knew and so were Dr. Frasier and Dr. Warner. He hated disappointing them, but he was so afraid!

"I thought for sure he'd try", Daniel said dejectedly as they ate breakfast in the Commissary. Teal'c and Sam were both picking at their food as well.

"I think we keep forgetting what he went through", Sam murmured. "He was tortured for months into not using his voice. Why should we think that one fake cure would make him speak is beyond me."

"O'Neill must try", Teal'c said. "If he does not then he is letting Raijin win."

"Yeah, that may be so, but that doesn't help us now."

"Maybe it should", Teal'c said, suddenly standing up. He looked determined, which wasn't unusual for him, but which caused both of his companions to look at him in concern.

"What are you going to do Teal'c?" Daniel asked worriedly.

"I am going to do what needs to be done", he said. "We have been cautious around O'Neill, which has been necessary. But I believe it is time to make him realize what he is doing."

"But Teal'c!" Sam stood up slowly. "I don't know if we should do anything. He's still fragile."

"No – he is strong", the Jaffa looked ever more determined. He picked up his tray and, without another word, deposited it on the conveyor belt and then headed out the door. Sam and Daniel looked at one another and then they quickly followed him.

Teal'c made his way purposefully down the corridor. As much as he had sounded confident to his friends, inside he was afraid. Was this the right thing to do? Was he making a horrible mistake? Would he do more harm than good? He didn't know, although he did know he would never forgive himself if it turned out to be the case.

He arrived at O'Neill's room and stopped and took a deep breath. He'd passed Janet in the hall and she had given him a quick smile, but was clearly on her way to something else. He didn't see any other medical staff around. He opened the door.

"Colonel", he bowed his head.

Jack glanced up and gave his friend a small smile, although it didn't reach his eyes. It rarely did these days.

"May I ask you a question?" the tall man asked, looking down inscrutably at the still thin and pale man in the bed.

Jack frowned, seeming to realize something momentous was happening. With obvious hesitation he nodded.

"Do you wish Raijin to win?" Teal'c asked.

Jack's head jerked back in shock. What the hell? He scowled at his friend, but made no move to answer.

"I ask again, do you wish Raijin to win?"

Jack pressed his lips together, starting to feel angry.

"You do not answer my friend", Teal'c said softly. "Is it that you do not know, or that you do know but are too afraid to answer?"

Jack's eye's widened – in anger but also surprise. Why was Teal'c being so cruel? So wrapped up was he in confusion and fury that he failed to see the door open and his two other teammates sneak into his room.

Teal'c saw, but ignored them, his eyes only on his friend. He was more afraid than he had been for a long time, but he knew he had to continue. It was too late to stop.

"Raijin held you for many months. He tortured you and hurt you badly but I believe the worst thing he did was to take your voice. He knew this and reveled in being able to defeat you in this way. If you continue to not speak, you will have let him be victorious. He will always be able to say that he was the one to vanquish the great O – the great leader of the Tauri!"

Jack stared at him. But he had. Raijin had defeated him. He had vanquished him. There was nothing left of the man he was and he knew that. What use was it to try and fight it? He leaned back and closed his eyes, feeling even more defeated than he had before.

"Teal'c is right Sir", Sam's voice said softly. "But you can change that. You can prove him wrong. You can get well and you can speak – and you can prove to him that he is powerless over you. Don't let your – your fear keep you from thumbing your nose in his face. Prove it to him Sir. Show him that he is nothing and he cannot defeat the leader of the Tauri. He cannot defeat you."

Ah hell. He continued to lie with his eyes shut, agonizing over the words of his friends. But they didn't know. They couldn't know all he'd been through, all that had been done to him and he would never tell. But if they did know, they wouldn't ask this of him. They wouldn't expect him to rise above it and go on as if nothing had happened.

But they're not asking that of you, a small inner voice said to him. They're asking you to go on in spite of what happened. They know he'd been through hell, but they were asking him to rise above that and spit in the Goa'uld's eye.

Did he have it in him? Could he do it? Could he overcome all the pain and anguish and torture and simply speak?

If he did, then he was damn well gonna find some way to go after Raijin and not only spit in his eye – he was going to tell him exactly what he thought of him and then chop him into little, itsy bitsy pieces.

He didn't see the despair in his friends' eyes as they continued to watch him in silence. He had not opened his eyes or made any sign for many minutes and they were at the point where they were pretty sure things were hopeless. Teal'c even looked as if he had tears in his eyes. Sam knew that he would never forgive himself if this didn't work.

Suddenly the Colonel's eyes popped open. He stared straight up, at the ceiling, for another few minutes. He then blinked and looked over at Teal'c. He gave the big man a small grin. Next Daniel was given and nod and finally – he turned towards Sam.

He cleared his throat and could feel the sweat appear on his forehead. He cleared his throat again and took a deep breath. He could do this. He could do this. He wasn't going to let any old snakehead defeat him. Not good old Sadistic Bastard. He was going to speak and tell the world about the Goa'uld who had tried, but failed to defeat him.

He could do this. Jacob and the Doc had fixed whatever was wrong with his vocal cords and he could speak. He blinked at Sam, who was looking at him hopefully – but with real fear in her eyes. God, these people had stuck with him every step of the way. Just for their sakes alone he had to try. He could do it.

He opened his mouth, licked his lips and took another deep breath.

"Sam?" he whispered.