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CHAPTER THREE

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"Major, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but let's establish what we have here."

Teal'c regarded the general with a speculative brow, his hands folded on the briefing room table before him.

"We have an illustration on a cave wall depicting a second 'gate, a 'gate that appears to be located on an island. Is that correct?" continued General Hammond.

"Yes, sir," replied Major Carter.

"Do we even know where this island is?"

The major sat forward and splayed her fingers on the table. "I think I saw it, sir, on the horizon this morning when I was checking the perimeter."

"You think you saw it?"

Major Carter pursed her lips. "The drawings in the cave, General, were set up like a map. The location of the first 'gate to what I suspect is the island mirrors exactly the depiction on the wall."

"Teal'c?"

"I concur with Major Carter's assessment, General Hammond."

The general sat back in his chair and sighed heavily. "All right then, we'll send out a UAV in the morning. For now, let's assume you're right, Major, about the island's location. How do we redirect the wormhole to the second 'gate."

Teal'c watched his friend's eyes light up as they always did when she was putting forth her ideas. Like Daniel Jackson, her eyes reflected much of what she was feeling.

"I don't think that burying the first 'gate is an option because of time restraints, but we know we have to shut it down. Pulling the crystals from the DHD will stop someone from dialing out, but it won't stop an incoming wormhole. What we need to do is put a cover over it, similar to our iris, but one that doesn't leave space for the vortex to form."

General Hammond scowled. "A cover? Is there material in the vicinity to do that?"

Major Carter exchanged a look with Teal'c. "No, sir, there isn't."

"We believe the material to construct such a cover can be moved through the Stargate from here," explained Teal'c.

"Yes, sir," continued the major. "We build it on the planet then place it over the 'gate. When we dial out from here, the wormhole won't be able to form at that first 'gate so it will automatically be redirected to the island."

The general nodded then narrowed his eyes. "Is there a chance the second 'gate is submerged?"

Teal'c saw Major Carter swallow convulsively. "There's a chance, sir, given its location," she replied. "There's also a chance Daniel and the colonel were lost in transit and they're not even there."

General Hammond set his jaw. "We'll work under the assumption that they are, Major. We'll know for certain when the UAV sends back its images," he said. He braced his hands on the table and stood from his chair. "I'll talk to Sergeant Siler about getting the cover together and have a UAV prepped and ready to go first thing in the morning. I suggest you two get some much needed rest."

"Yes, sir," replied Major Carter as she too rose to her feet.

Teal'c stood and bowed his head in acknowledgement then he raised his chin and looked across the table at the major knowing neither one of them would find rest until their friends were back at their sides.

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Jack waited at the cell door for Daniel's group to return. He'd seen the woman Jaffa's death and the reality of what the Eye could do hit him like a physical blow. He'd also seen his friend's shocked face, the archeologist's eyes wide with incomprehension. After everything he'd seen in his life, Daniel still had a hard time accepting that cold hard cruelty existed, that death could be dished out with no second thoughts or remorse.

"Here they come," said Liam from just over Jack's shoulder.

Daniel appeared with his arm around Caleb who stumbled tiredly at the younger man's side. The archeologist lifted his eyes to meet Jack's as he approached the door. The colonel tried to give his friend a reassuring smile and Daniel nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Hey," greeted Jack as Daniel was pushed into the cell. He grabbed his friend's upper arm to steady him noting the younger man was just as filthy as he was. The day had been a rough one, a really rough one.

Jack moved to Caleb's other side and put an arm around the old man's waist taking some of the weight off the archeologist. Both men moved their elder friend to the corner in which they'd slept the previous night and gently lowered him down to sit against the wall.

"Thank you, you two," sighed Caleb sluggishly. "This body just isn't what it used to be."

"Get some rest," soothed Daniel.

The old man nodded then his chin dropped to his chest.

Jack cast a glance at his younger friend. "How are you holding up?" he asked.

Daniel closed his eyes then rubbed them with cut and bloody fingers. "I'm doing okay, Jack---you?"

"Great, hunky dory, jim dandy, things just couldn't be better."

Daniel dropped his hand and gave Jack a weak smile. "Looking forward to tomorrow then?"

"Oh, yeah sure you betcha."

Daniel sighed. "God, I'm tired."

"Yeah, me too. How's the side?"

Daniel's brow furrowed. "Fine---its fine, Jack."

Beneath the sweat and filth coating Daniel's face, Jack could see his friend's pallor.

"Don't they have showers around here?" continued the younger man.

"Daniel."

The archeologist closed his eyes again and set his jaw. "Jack I'm fine."

"We are allowed to wash every sixth day," said Liam as he suddenly appeared at Jack's elbow.

"Sweet," replied Jack tersely, his gaze still on Daniel who had opened his eyes and was staring fixedly at the wall above Caleb's head.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Nope, not a damned thing," replied Jack then he turned his gaze to Liam. "So every sixth day, huh?"

Liam looked from Daniel to Jack. "Yes. There is a pool that is fed by the sea when the tide is high. It is there we are allowed to bathe. We will be taken there in two days time."

Jack nodded then he finally noticed that Liam was holding blankets. He arched his brows expectantly at the other man.

Liam smiled somewhat sheepishly. "These are for you," he said as he handed Jack the blankets. "I apologize we didn't give them to you last night, but---." He looked at Daniel. "I am ashamed to say this, but we'd all forgotten what it was like to look out for each other. What you did today, Daniel, giving that woman your water ration---well, you made us all remember something about who we once were---before this place."

Daniel turned his head and regarded Liam with a confused pucker between his brows.

"I know it seems simple to you---giving that woman your water---but it wasn't a simple thing at all."

Jack watched Daniel's eyes slowly move from Liam to the floor. His irritation with the younger man quickly melted away and he felt a wave of pride take its place.

He tossed one of the blankets to the archeologist. "Why don't you put this over Caleb."

Daniel nodded then opened the blanket and laid it carefully over their slumbering friend. Caleb didn't even budge as the younger man tucked the corners back behind Caleb's shoulders to anchor them.

When Daniel straightened, Jack handed him another blanket and his friend smiled in thanks.

The colonel turned his gaze to Liam. "Has anyone ever tried to get out of here---escape?"

The other man nodded. "Only once."

"And?" prompted the colonel.

"And you now sleep in their space and under their blankets." Liam motioned the two men further into their corner then he looked from one to the other. "Three men and one woman tried the last time Balor went out to---gather more slaves. You see, the guards are more lax when their god is away."

"What happened?" asked Daniel. "Did they make it?"

"They made it out, of that I am certain, but how far I don't know. They were captured and three were placed on the platform, the one at the edge of the Safety."

Jack's mind flashed back to that day and he could vividly recall the platform of which Liam spoke. He'd wondered at the time for what it was used, but hadn't been able to ask as the Fomorian guards had signaled the end of their break.

He scowled. "Only three?"

Liam swallowed convulsively. "One was made to watch."

"Watch what?" Daniel asked hesitantly.

"Their deaths," replied the other man. "Three were strapped to the frames that are embedded in the stone and the other, Hamad, was made to stand below and watch the Eye take them. Balor was there, up top. He'd returned only that morning from his gathering. He appeared with the three by magic then sat on his throne to watch."

"Magic?"

Liam nodded. "We were all made to watch."

Jack exchanged a knowing look with Daniel and he saw the realization instantly in his friend's eyes; there were Goa'uld rings on top of the platform.

"Liam? Did Balor leave in the same way he arrived?" asked Daniel.

"Yes."

"Did he push anything? Did his guards push anything?"

The other man frowned. "He only pushed something on the back of his hand," he replied. "Why? Is that important? It is magic."

Daniel looked at Jack. "He controls the rings from a wrist device. He took it off when he had me in his chambers. Maybe I could get him to take me back there----."

"No---no way, Daniel---ain't going to happen."

"Jack."

"Daniel? What is it about 'no' do you not understand?"

"It may be our only way out of here."

Jack canted his head and regarded his young friend. "No," he said simply then he turned his attention to Liam. "How did the four manage to escape?"

Liam's eyes widened then he shook his head. "You will be killed as well," he said. "You mustn't try to leave---ever."

"Listen, we have friends out there who I'm positive are trying to find us. We just need a---a plan B in case plan A goes south. Where is this---Hamed"

"Hamad," interjected Daniel helpfully.

Jack waved a dismissive hand. "Whatever, can we talk to him?"

"Hamad is dead. He was not the same after---their deaths. He blamed himself. One day he just stopped working and sat down."

"And the Eye killed him," concluded the archeologist.

Liam nodded.

"But they managed to get out somehow," pressed Jack. "How?"

"A cave under the water."

"Where? In the pool?"

"Yes, Hamad found it."

Jack looked at Daniel. "There must be a way into the tunnel system from there."

"That is what Hamad and the others thought, too. Apparently they were right."

"Will you show us the entrance?"

"I can not swim well enough," replied Liam.

"Does anyone else know where it is? Anyone who can show us?"

Liam bit his lower lip and shook his head. "No."

"Liam."

The other man took a step backward and raised a defensive hand. "I will not tell you, Jack. You will have to rely on your---plan A. I'm sorry." Then he turned and walked back to the spot against the wall where he slept.

"Damn it," spat Jack heatedly.

"He's scared, Jack. He doesn't want us to die, too."

"I know that Daniel," retorted the colonel.

"This is only the second day. Just give Sam and Teal'c some time. They'll find us---they always do."

Jack relaxed his shoulders and nodded. "The lights will be going out soon. We should probably get sleeping beauty there settled into a more comfortable position."

Daniel snorted as he took in Caleb's slumped form. As he knelt to help the old man, Jack watched his friend's slow and pained movements. He turned his head and glanced at Liam where the other man stood leaning, his hands braced against the wall. If there was a way to escape in that pool, Jack would find it if he had to do it alone; he had to get Daniel and Caleb out and back to the SGC.

The lights flickered out and Jack was surrounded by darkness.

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The clanging against the cell door bars awoke Daniel with a jerk. His side screamed at him with fury and the archeologist gasped sharply.

"What's wrong?" whispered Jack at his side.

"Nothing, I could just use a quieter wake-up call."

Jack grunted. "A phone call maybe? A nice soft voice saying wakey-wakey, Dr. Jackson? I'll talk to the front desk, see what they can do."

"Thanks."

The colonel sat up and stretched then pushed himself to his feet. "I think we're up first," he said as he stretched tired muscles again. "You get some more rest. You look like you need it."

Daniel sat up and slid his hips so that his back was braced against the wall. He grimaced and gritted his teeth against another wave of pain then raised his eyes to see Caleb watching him speculatively from where he lay a few feet away.

Jack turned and reached down to squeeze Daniel's shoulder. "I'll see you out there," he said then he joined Liam and the others to shuffle out of their cell.

Caleb watched them go then stood and stretched his own taxed body. Daniel let his eyes close and concentrated on breathing in such a way that the movement didn't pull at his wounds.

"Are you all right?"

Daniel opened his eyes and looked at Caleb.

The old man settled down slowly at the archeologist's side then sighed heavily, stretching his legs out before him. "He hurt you, didn't he?" he continued. "Balor?"

"Not Balor, one of his guards," replied Daniel quietly.

"How bad?"

"Just a couple scratches---nothing serious."

"You're in a lot of pain, Daniel. I can tell by the way you move."

Daniel sighed then dropped his head back against the wall behind him. "I'll be fine, Caleb. Don't worry about it."

"Why didn't you tell Jack? He already suspects something is wrong."

"Because he'd worry."

"Of course he would. He's your friend."

Daniel smiled. "He thinks he's my protector," he said.

"Ah, I see. And you believe you're his."

The archeologist looked at his companion sharply.

Caleb grinned then raised a crooked finger to shake it at Daniel. "Don't deny it, youngster," he teased. "You and Jack are more alike than either of you will admit."

Daniel pursed his lips and regarded his friend through narrowed eyes.

Caleb smiled smugly. "You know I'm right."

"Maybe."

"Definitely."

The archeologist shook his head in exasperated fondness. "How do you do it?" he asked then he waved his hand. "Stay so positive, I mean?"

"I don't know. I suppose because the alternative wouldn't help anything."

"You're making the best of a bad situation?"

"Yes, that's exactly right," replied the old man. He gave Daniel's leg a nudge with his own. "You do the same thing, you know, except you do it for others."

Daniel looked around at his cellmates. "I don't think I'm making their situation any better, Caleb."

Caleb winked at the archeologist. "Take it from me, Daniel, you are."

"I don't think so," replied Daniel with a sigh. He leaned his head back against the wall again. "Tell me about Adia."

"Ah, my sweet Adia," said Caleb wistfully. "I could go on and on about how she is all that is good in this world, Daniel, about how she sees only the sunshine and never the rain. How she is beauty and grace and truth, but I won't."

Daniel snorted. "Oh no?"

The old man chuckled. "No, all I will say is that I love her and she loves me."

"How long have you two been together?"

Caleb was silent a moment. "Sixty-one years this next month," he replied finally. "We were but children when we married, but we both knew even then that there would never be another."

"You must miss her so much."

"I do, but I know I will see her again. In this life or in the next, we will always be together."

Daniel turned his head to look at his new found friend. "You really believe that?" he asked. "That you'll always be together?"

"Of course. If I go first, I will wait for her at the foot of the bridge. If she goes first, she will wait for me. When two souls are joined as ours are, they are joined for eternity. The heart that beats in my chest is hers, and in hers is mine. That's what we have chosen."

"I'd like to believe that's true."

"It is true, Daniel."

The archeologist sighed. "You mentioned a bridge?"

"The Bridge of Kavkamore. It is where our souls go to cross over to the next life. Adia and I agreed long ago that we would wait for the other at the foot of the bridge. If we crossed alone, we know we'd find each other eventually, but why waste all that time looking?"

"Good point."

"Is there someone waiting for you, youngster?"

Daniel closed his eyes and saw Sha're's beautiful face. "I hope so," he replied softly.

The sound of heavy footfalls drew the archeologist's attention to the cell door.

"Ah, our friends the Fomorians. Must be time for our shift," stated Caleb. He pushed himself slowly to his feet then reached an aged hand down to Daniel. "Will you be all right out there?"

Daniel took the proffered hand and levered himself up, gasping as pain flared in his side again. "I'll be fine, don't worry."

Caleb linked his arm around Daniel's and side by side, they made their way down the corridor and out into the quarry with the rest of their group. Daniel squinted against the bright sun and saw Jack and Liam working in the upper quarry. Jack's eyes met Daniel's and the colonel raised his hand up in greeting. Daniel gave his friend a quick wave of acknowledgement then his gaze moved higher to where the Eye sat watching---waiting. He swallowed hard then followed Caleb down into the lower quarry.

The morning hours passed in a haze of pain for Daniel as every movement pulled at his wounds. He'd managed to situate himself to where he was hauling the big rocks and not lifting them, but even the motion of pushing the cart hurt. He was also beginning to feel the tell tale signs of a fever; he was in trouble and he knew it.

Daniel straightened his stance and looked across to where Caleb was working. He wondered at the determination of the elderly man, watching as his friend lifted the smaller rocks then loaded them into the cart. Caleb looked up and smiled warmly then jerked his chin toward the Eye, silently reminding Daniel not to stand still too long. The archeologist nodded then bent his knees, grabbed the handles of the cart and lifted.

He was just returning for another load when he heard one of the Fomorians growling loudly. Daniel quickened his pace then stopped when he saw Caleb struggling to get to his feet, blood running down the side of his face from a deep gash in the side of his head.

"Oh, God," gasped Daniel. He dropped the cart and began to run across the uneven ground. "Caleb!"

Curly roared angrily. He hefted his staff weapon and fired at Daniel's feet.

"Caleb!" Daniel yelled again.

"Daniel!"

The archeologist heard Jack's warning cry echo against the quarry wall, but he kept moving. He slipped and fell then pushed himself up to his feet again. He cast a quick glance up to his right to see the Eye tracking Caleb's movement---or lack of movement, he amended with fear.

"Daniel, don't," whispered one of the archeologist's cellmates. The man - Sol, Daniel thought - grabbed his arm. "Don't," he warned again.

"I've got to help him," Daniel retorted harshly. "Someone has got to help him."

Another staff blast split the air and the impact kicked up gravel over Daniel's feet. He struggled to free himself from Sol's iron grip as he watched Caleb continue to struggle to rise. The others kept working, kept moving although their eyes were fixed on the old man. Murmurs tumbled from their mouths as they quietly urged their cellmate to get up.

"Let me go," hissed Daniel, but Sol's grip didn't ease.

Caleb fell back to his hands and knees. He lifted his head to stare up at the Eye then he turned his unfocused gaze to Daniel.

"Caleb."

The old man smiled, the blood flowing over his lips. "Tell Adia---the bridge," he said. "I'll be waiting there."

Daniel heard the hum start, low and ominous, as the Eye awakened. The hum grew louder and louder until the air around the archeologist vibrated from the sound.

"Caleb!"

The old man closed his eyes and turned his face skyward then everything exploded and he was gone.

"Move," hissed Sol into Daniel's ear. "You've got to move."

Daniel just stood, his body trembling with reaction, staring at the spot where his friend had been just seconds before. He was dead, Caleb was dead.

"Move!"

The archeologist started then forced his eyes up to the top of the wall where the Eye's gaze met his.

"Daniel!" shouted Jack urgently.

Sol jerked Daniel's arm roughly and pain darkened his vision, but he could still see the Eye staring back at him. He willed himself to move, walking blindly back to his cart as he watched the Eye turn away.

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CONTINUED

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