Chapter Twenty-eight

Jack sat next to Daniel on the infirmary bed and said, "I hate asking you to do this, Danny."

Daniel didn't say anything for a moment as he pondered the situation. "Look, I know what's at stake here. We don't have much choice, do we?"

"No. Listen, I'm sorry I was so hard on you back on Henderson's ship. I really should have talked to you in private, not in front of the whole SGC crew."

"You were angry." Daniel stared at the wall on the side of the room and said, "I guess you want my resignation when this is all over." It wasn't a question as Daniel had already come to terms with it.

"NO! Damn it! No. You know, you have a way of getting me so pissed off at times… Look, you scared me, okay? I knew that if the Chinese got their hands on you and we couldn't find you, we'd never get you back. You could have just disappeared on that planet and we wouldn't know where to start looking for you."

"I'm sorry, Jack. I guess it never occurred to me that they would be desperate enough to do something like that. I told them 'no' and thought that was the end of it. I know now that I should have called you right away and let you know what's going on."

"Danny, promise me that if anything like this happens again, you'll call? Better yet, why don't we make it a point to get together by phone or in person once a week and chat. You can fill me in on all the SGC gossip and unload any problems you might be having."

"You don't trust me?" Daniel was hurt, thinking that their friendship had broken down again. Just like a few years ago when everything went to hell, before he ascended.

Jack noticed the hurt look in Daniel's eyes and said, "No, it's not like that. I trust you. It's other people I have a problem with. It's just a way to keep you safe. Will you at least think about it?"

"Sure. If I come back alive, we'll talk."

"You better come back. Vala would kill me!"

"Yeah, she probably would."

Jack put his right arm around Daniel's shoulders and gave him a brotherly shake. "Come back, okay?"

Daniel looked at Jack and nodded. "Yeah, sure, you betcha!"

0 0

General Landry left the control room and headed for his office, wishing that the long distance conversation he'd just had with his irate daughter had never taken place. The decision he'd made regarding Daniel Jackson was a very difficult one to make but they needed to find out exactly who was behind the plot to kidnap him and force him to work on the CSGC. It wasn't enough to say that certain individuals from a certain country were plotting his capture. They needed names and that was something Woolsey hadn't been able to give. In order to prove their claims of a conspiracy to the other members of the IOA, they needed facts. And the only way to get those facts was to get Daniel on the inside.

Carolyn had been furious. If it hadn't been a matter of national security, he wouldn't have gone against her wishes. Deep down, he knew that she understood that, but it didn't make it any easier for her to back off.

He placed a call to George and sat back as the phone rang. After a few pleasantries, he asked the former commander of the SGC how he'd managed to hold it all together.

"I'm serious, George. This is ghastly and I really can empathize with you. No wonder you retired!"

"Well, it wasn't retirement, at first. Being head of Home World Security was equally difficult, Hank. I'm still on the advisory panel to the President but he usually contacts me by phone, unless it's something really serious. I was surprised when he called me to the White House and told me Jack's plan. I know how much Jack and Daniel are friends and I can't imagine it was easy for him to come up with this plan. He's basically throwing Daniel into the Lion's Den."

"Yeah, I remember that Bible story and it almost didn't work out for that Daniel. As I recall, it took a miracle."

"Well, we might need one here before this is all over, Hank."

They hung up after agreeing to keep each other apprised of the situation.

0 0

Carolyn had Jack cornered in the VIP room and was shouting at the top of her lungs! She'd listed all the reasons why Daniel couldn't go back to the planet. She almost got on her knees and begged but she realized that when Jack O'Neill got his mind made up, there was no changing it.

Finally, it was as if the wind went right out of her sails. She sat down on the sofa and dropped her head into her hands. As she closed her eyes and tried to gain control of her temper, she felt Jack's hand on her shoulder and looked up to see him sit down next to her.

"Carolyn, I'm sorry. Believe me, if I thought there was any other way… I don't want to send Danny back down there but it's the only way we're going to find out who was behind the plot.

"I know but he's already been tortured, he's malnourished and for heaven's sake, he was on his honeymoon! The last blood test showed that that unknown drug is finally out of his system but I'm still worried about long term effects. Now you want to tear him away from Vala and he could get killed. Do you know what that'll do to her?"

"I know. But, she and Daniel both know the risks with this job. They've accepted the fact that they could die at any time when they go through that gate. Yet, they go ahead and march right on through it."

Carolyn was confused. "I thought he was your friend."

Jack looked down at his hands and was quiet for a moment. "When I first met Daniel in the mid 90's, I couldn't stand him. I didn't like scientists and he was a geek on top of it. He didn't know a gun from a knife, must less how to use either one and that's only a slight exaggeration. He was an awkward, annoying, long-haired bookworm and we had absolutely nothing in common. When he showed up at Cheyenne Mountain and unlocked the Stargate, I was impressed with his ability but I still didn't like him."

"Why?" Carolyn looked up at him as she sat there and wondered what kind of man Jack was back then.

"I haven't talked about his very much but I'll explain it to you. My wife and I had a little boy who was a ray of sunshine for both of us. He was very bright, funny and good. I didn't have a whole lot of 'good,' in my life until he came along. He was one of the brightest stars in my universe. One day, he went into our bedroom and found my handgun. I don't really know what happened but I remember hearing the shot and when I got to my bedroom, his brains were all over the wall."

Carolyn covered her mouth and then said, "Oh no! Jack, I'm so sorry!"

"Me too. It was a long time ago but it all happened a few months before I met Daniel. Carolyn, he is the reason I'm alive now. Not just because he's saved my life countless times since the inception of the SGC, but if it hadn't been for him, I would have died." He held his index and middle fingers about an inch apart and said, "I came this close to committing suicide. I was called out of retirement and my plan was to die on that mission. Daniel had only been at Cheyenne Mountain two weeks when he figured out that the symbols on the cover stone were constellations. And, this from an Archaeologist. What did he know about space?"

"He's brilliant, isn't he?"

"More than that. It's hard to explain who Daniel really is. He's kind to a fault. He always tries to find a diplomatic solution to the intergalactic nightmares we come across. He would try to reason with the most impossible creatures even when he knew they wanted to kill him. The only exception to that rule was Apophis and one time when Apophis was dead and his host came forward all scared and near death himself, Daniel calmed him down and helped that poor guy believe that he would be reunited with his wife and children in the afterlife. He never held it against him, even though Apophis had used that man to rape his wife."

"I didn't know that. I haven't known him for long but I've noticed how everyone cares about him. Even the toughest Marines look out for him."

"Yeah, he's like a much loved kid brother to all of us even though he's older than most of the military personnel around here. Anyway, on our first mission, we went to Abydos and got tangled up with Ra. That's where Danny met his wife, Sha're, by the way. Okay so, we got captured and Daniel and I were brought to the throne room where Daniel did something that still makes my hair curl when I think about it. A fight broke out and one of Ra's guards sent a blast from a staff weapon right towards me. Daniel jumped right in front of it and died trying to save my life. I'd only known him for a few days and he'd given his life for mine. That was the first time he died. Ra put him in a sarcophagus and brought him back to life but that event turned my life around. We finally destroyed Ra and managed to get back to earth with Daniel's help and we've been friends ever since. Carolyn, when I tell you that I don't send him back willingly, I mean it. If I had any other way, I would find it. But, our time has run out and if we're going to catch these traitors, we have to send him back."

Carolyn was quiet for a few moments and then said, "Okay. I understand. Have you talked to him about it?"

"Yes. When you were up talking with your dad. He's scared, Carolyn. But, he's one of the bravest men I've ever met and he's agreed to go ahead with the plan."

She nodded and said, "Thanks for explaining it to me. I know it wasn't easy."

He stood and helped her to her feet and said, "You're welcome. Now, let's go find our favorite dweeb and get him ready."

She smiled at him as he opened the door and followed her to the infirmary.

When the walked over to Daniel's bed, they saw that he had dressed into similar clothing he'd worn when he was first rescued. The nurse had removed the wrap from his ankle and his face showed that he was in a lot of pain. Vala was sitting next to him, shooting daggers at Jack.

"You're a monster, Jack O'Neill! I hate you!" She turned towards Daniel and wept quietly. Daniel, for his part, was speechless. He really didn't want to go back but he had agreed only because he didn't really know of any other way to accomplish the task.

"I'll be fine, Vala. If things go bad, they'll beam me out."

"And we'll know that how?" She was sarcastic but he didn't get angry with her.

"Don't worry. They'll know. I promise I'll come back."

"Daniel, you can't promise that. How many times have you died? You should know better than to give me a promise that you can't keep!" She got up and left the room in anger.

Jack watched as Daniel tried to keep his emotions under control. "I'm sorry, Daniel. If there was any other way…."

"I know. Believe me, I know."

Carolyn stepped up to Daniel and said, "I've talked to Doctor Fulkerson about this and we thought it would be best to give you a mild sedative before you left." She handed him a small white pill and a glass of water.

Daniel looked at the pill and then up at her and said, "What? Are you afraid I'll back out at the last minute?"

She shook her head, "No, it's nothing like that. When they find you, it has to appear that you've been washed up on shore. The Odyssey is cloaked and we're right above the beach. The heat signatures tell us there are search teams in the area looking for you, we presume. We'll put you down not too far from them. The flash will look like lightning so nobody will realize you've beamed in. It isn't strong enough to put you to sleep, it'll just make you groggy."

Daniel looked at her and Jack and then took the pill and washed it down with the water.

Jack looked at Carolyn and said, "You know that Daniel gets drunk really easy, right? One pill will probably put him out."

"Now you tell me!" Daniel said.

"Don't worry. It's mild, I promise."

They chatted for a few minutes, waiting for the pill to start to take effect.

From the overhead speaker, they heard an airman announce, "Doctor Jackson, to the transporter bay. Doctor Jackson, to the transporter bay."

Daniel looked at Jack and said, "I guess that's my ride." He got up off the bed winced as he tried to put some weight on his foot.

Jack said, "Whoa, big guy," and grabbed Daniel's arm to steady him. "Be careful."

"Easy for you to say, Jack. You're not being dropped onto a beach during a hurricane."

Carolyn grabbed a wheel chair and held it for Daniel as he settled himself into it. Jack pushed the chair as they took the elevator and then walked down the hall towards the transport bay. Sam and Teal'c were waiting for them, as well as Mitchell.

"Umm… hey it's nice of you to see me off."

Sam stepped forward and gave him a hug. "Come back to us, okay?"

"I will, Sam. Thanks," he said as he hugged her back.

He turned towards Teal'c and watched his close friend come forward. "I would accompany you to watch your back if I were permitted, Daniel Jackson."

"I know, Teal'c. That means a lot to me." He nodded towards his friend and saw Mitchell approach.

"You better come back in one piece, Jackson. We just got the band back together and I need my piano player."

Daniel smiled, "Take care of our back up singer, will ya?"

"We will. Don't worry about her." Cam looked around the room and said, "Where is she, by the way?"

"I was hoping she'd show up before I left. I know she must have heard the com but she's really upset."

Jack looked at one of the technicians and said, "What's the conditions down there, airman?"

"Sir, the winds are 74 miles per hour with heavy rain. Possible tornadoes in the area."

Jack blanched at the thought of what he'd asked Daniel to do. "I'm sorry, Danny."

Daniel looked a bit loopy as he said, "I know. Hey, I've already been to hell, how bad can this be? Piece of cake, right?"

"Right." Jack patted Danny's shoulder and said, "Ready?"

"No, but I'm going anyway." He gingerly moved out of the chair and laid down on his back on the transporter platform and nodded to the technician. Just then, Vala came running into the room and he yelled, "Wait!"

She ran to him, dropped to her knees and put her arms around him. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to get angry!"

"I know, I know." Daniel tried to soothe her as the others watched. "I'll be back, I promise." He brushed her hair behind her ear and said, "I will. It's going to be okay."

She nodded and then kissed him. "I love you," she whispered to him.

"I love you more," he said back.

Sam came forward and helped Vala step away from the transport platform. Daniel nodded to the technician again and with a flash he was gone.

Vala broke down at that point and the rest of the team enfolded her in a hug as she wept. Jack stood back and watched and then left the room. SG-1 didn't include him anymore and they'd moved on to become a tight knit family. He didn't want to trouble them by his presence so he quietly headed for the elevators and then to his room, thinking about Charlie and wondering what would have happened if his boy had never died that awful day so many years before.

0 0

Daniel landed on the beach and immediately had to roll over and cover his face from the wind blowing the sand into his eyes, stinging them. Towering waves rolled in and within seconds he was covered is sea water and choking. He managed to get to his knees and crawl inland where he found a few rocks to rest behind and then passed out.

WWWW

Netan's guards were busy scouring the area, trying to find any survivors from the ship wreck. There were a few bodies laying face down on the beach but they couldn't find anyone alive.

One guard named Delmak shouted, "Are you sure they took the ship?"

"Yes," Orbon shouted back. "Witnesses saw them leave the harbor. They must have capsized. And it looks like the stuff washing up on the beach is part of the cargo. I saw some wine barrels down the coast a little ways."

They came upon a rocky section and looked around. That's when Delmak saw the foot sticking out past a boulder and saw there was a unconscious man laying amongst the rocks. He ran over to check the man's pulse and hailed Orbon to come and see what he found. "Isn't that the guy that we had locked up in the prison? I think his name was Jackson."

"Yeah, that's him. Is he alive?"

"Yeah. We'd better get him back to Netan. Tie his hands behind him and I'll go get the others with the wagon." He left and returned a few minutes later. Two other guards helped load Daniel onto the back of the horse drawn wagon and it slowly moved forward. The guards walked along behind it and talked. One asked if they'd found anyone else alive.

Orbon answered, "No, I think the rest of them are dead. His wife must be dead or we would have found her."

0 0

Daniel woke up in the cell chained to the wall by both hands and feet and found he had a splitting headache, besides. He looked around and saw two guards in the cell with him. 'I guess they aren't taking any chances.' He said, "Can I have some water?" They ignored him and just quietly talked to each other. 'Okay, I guess I get the silent treatment. That's okay, now that I'm awake, I'm sure someone will show up to question me, soon.' He was right. The door opened and Netan walked in.

"I have to give you credit, Doctor Jackson. You managed to escape even though you were drugged. Oh, by the way, where's your wife? And your friends? Oh, I guess they didn't survive the shipwreck then. Too bad." He laughed and then stepped closer. You've been drugged and asleep for a few days while I contacted those who I ransomed you to. They just arrived and are ready to take possession. Your new keeper has insisted that we allow you a shower and a clean change of clothing. She won't pay me until I concede to her terms."

"Her?"

"Yes, her. Now, we're going to unchain your hands but keep your feet shackled. I know you're not stupid enough to try to get away. Not under these circumstances. The guards are going to move you to one of their shower rooms and allow you to shower. Your chains will not be removed. Clothing has been provided so when you are finished, you will be brought to me." He turned and nodded to the two men whom each grabbed a hand and unchained it. His hands were forced behind him and then his legs were released. They each stood back and aimed their staff weapons at him and told him to move. He shuffled to the doorway where another guard pointed the way with his zat gun. It was tough going and it took a while but he finally made it to the shower room and was pushed to stand against one wall. Another guard came forward and cut off his clothing with a knife and threw the rags into a pile of refuse. That's when the fun started.

The guards lined up and took turns throwing ice cold water at him. There was no soap but he couldn't have used it if there had been any, being chained like he was.. They knocked him down and laughed at him as he tried to get up, but it was difficult with his hands tied behind him and his feet chained together. Finally, he gave up and just sat on the floor, waiting for them to finish having their fun. They gave up and then pulled him up and threw a loose fitting, coarsely woven piece of fabric over his head. It had a hole for his head and that was all.

"We're not taking any chances unchaining you. You're covered enough that you won't embarrass the lady and that's the only reason you are. You're luck enough to get the 'shower,' Delmak said.

The guards lined the wide hallway like a gauntlet, each taking turns hitting him as he shuffled along. They reached a series of stairs and the guards noticed that it was taking too long for him to climb them with the chains so Orbon and Delmak each grabbed an elbow and pulled him to the top. Daniel was bruised and out of breath when they got to the room where Netan was waiting. The door was opened and he was prodded along with a staff weapon until he was standing about ten feet in front of Netan and then one swift chop behind the knees and he was kneeling. Without his glasses, he could barely make out the person standing on the other side of the room. She turned around and stepped closer.

"Do you remember me?"

Daniel looked up and nodded. "Shen Xiaoyi?"

"Yes. It is I." She turned to Netan and said, "Unchain him. I doubt he'd be able to run away, surrounded as he is by all your guards."

Netan nodded to Delmak and the shackles were removed. Daniel rubbed his wrists, noting how red and swollen they were. One of her men carried a small chest and opened it for Netan to see. Netan nodded when he saw the payment and then went to sit on his throne.

She stepped in front of Daniel and said, "Do you remember when I asked you you if in the beginning it had been my country and not the United States military that had given you the opportunity to travel to the stars through the Stargate, would it have made a difference to you?

"Yes, I remember. And I said no, I wouldn't have minded as long as the priority remained off-world exploration that could benefit Earth.

"I told you that someday I may hold you to that." She paused and then said, "Now is that time."

"Is that what this is all about? You had me kidnapped so that you could force me to work for the Chinese?"

"We did ask, first."

"And, I said 'no.' In the beginning, it was possible. It's not now. It would amount to treason. I won't do it."

"You have no choice. The ransom has been paid and my ship awaits. You will come along quietly." She turned and beckoned two of her own personal guards and the came forward to stand beside him and helped him to his feet. Then he was marched to the warehouse where the ring platform waited and soon he was on Shen's ship. They proceeded down a hallway and Shen opened a door and went inside. Daniel was led in and looked around, wondering where he was.

"This is your quarters while you are here. You will remain here until I tell you otherwise. You have a bedroom and a private bath just through there." She pointed to a doorway where Daniel could see a bed and some other furnishings. "There is clothing for you to wear and toiletries that I thought you might need."

"How nice of you," Danie said we a high degree of sarcasm. "You make it sound like I'm your guest instead of your prisoner."

Shen looked him in the eyes and said, "I was told to bring you to China. I was not told that you had to be treated badly. I had to act tough in front of Netan and his men or they wouldn't have let you go. I didn't want to. I'm trying to make this transition for you as easy as possible. I know you are grieving for your wife. I'm very sorry that she was lost and believe me, that was not our intention. You have been given a gift. A chance to work on the frontier of the Chinese Stargate Program. We hope that you will eventually come around to our way of thinking."

"Or what? You'll have me brainwashed?"

"I think that when you see what we have to offer, you will be willing to comply." She looked at him standing there in that tent like garment with his hair sticking out in all directions and said, "I doubt you were allowed to shower properly. Why don't you go ahead and take one while I order us something to eat."

"I'm not hungry."

She paused and then stepped forward to place her hand on his shoulder. "Daniel, I'm sorry that you were mistreated. I never wanted that to happen. When I first met you at Stargate Command, I found you to be a very kind, interesting man. I would like us to be friends. Nothing more. But, please, give this friendship a chance."

He thought about it for a moment and realized that in order to make this spy thing work, he would have to cooperate to some extent. "Okay. I'll try."

"Good!" Shen smiled. Now, go take that shower. I hate to say it but you smell."

He laughed and said, "No kidding. I'm not surprised you can't stand it. I can't stand it neither." Then he went into his bedroom and closed the door.

'Okay,' Shen thought, 'He's willing to try. I guess I can live with that.' She left the room and headed for the kitchen.