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CHAPTER FIVE

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Daniel wasn't ready to get up yet, but the hand on his shoulder was insistent. He tried to bat it away and hide beneath the smelly blanket that covered him, but his body wouldn't respond.

"Come on, Daniel."

The archeologist heard the words so close to his ear then he slowly became aware of a much louder sound echoing around inside his throbbing head; the wake-up call.

"Come on, buddy, don't do this to me."

Daniel slowly forced his eyes to open and he saw the face hovering just over his. He knew that face, those worried brown eyes, that gray hair then realization dawned.

"Jack?"

"Yeah, you okay?"

"Um---," replied the archeologist around a cotton-dry tongue. "I'm not sure?"

Jack laid the back of his hand on Daniel's forehead. "You're really burning up," he said, his eyebrows furrowed. "I can do all the work, but we've got to get you to your feet. Mutt and Jeff aren't going to wait much longer."

"Let me help."

Daniel narrowed his eyes to see another face hover into view; Liam. With the help of both men, the archeologist managed to stand. His t-shirt was damp with sweat, but he felt oddly cold as he was helped through the cell door.

"Where are we going?"

Jack's arm tightened around Daniel's waist. "To get cleaned up," he replied. "The cold water should help lower your body temperature, too."

"Okay."

The further they walked, the more alert Daniel became. He tried to lessen the burden on his two friends and managed to get his feet to take his weight. His eyes adjusted to the early morning light as the men crossed from the darkness of the prison into the outdoors.

"Can you take him alone?" asked Liam quietly. "The trail is really only wide enough for two at a time."

"I've got him," replied Jack.

"I can walk on my own," muttered Daniel.

"Yeah, sure you can."

"I can."

"No, Daniel, you can't."

"Yes, Jack, I can."

"For crying out loud, do not argue with me this early in the morning, okay?"

Daniel dropped his gaze to the trail ahead of him, feeling suitably chastised. He felt Jack adjust his grip on the wrist that rested on his friend's shoulder and his hand tighten at his waist.

The going up the trail to the top of the cliff wall was rough, the gravel loose beneath their feet, but finally the two men crested the top. Daniel couldn't help but gasp. Spread out before them was the sea lit by the pink of the sun peeking just over the horizon; it was stunning. Then he heard Jack curse and the archeologist looked to his right to see the familiar pyramid of a Goa'uld ha'tak reaching for the sky.

"You must keep moving," urged Liam from behind them.

Daniel let Jack guide him and he did his best to carry his own weight as they traversed the rocky trail toward the seashore.

"I didn't realize the quarries were so deep," said Jack softly.

A menacing growl rose up from a few yards behind and the colonel fell silent.

Daniel looked ahead to see Larry, Curly, and Moe walking to the outside of his cellmates and beyond them, a few more guards Daniel had never seen before. He realized that their entire cell had been allowed to leave at the same time.

After walking another hundred yards, they came upon the pool. Daniel immediately saw that there was only one way in or out and from Jack's furrowed brow, knew that his friend had seen the same thing. Jack's eyes scanned the calm waters and Daniel wondered what was going on in the older man's quick mind. Then he balked; the cave, he was considering finding the cave.

Jack threw him a look and pushed him forward. "Damn it, move," he hissed between his teeth.

As they approached the wide trail that led down to the water's edge, Daniel tried to think beyond the pain in his side and the pounding in his head. He trusted Jack with everything in him, questioned Colonel O'Neill's command decisions from time to time, but trusted Jack the man and his friend implicitly. Jack knew what he was doing and Daniel would do all that he could to help.

When they reached the shoreline of the pool, Jack helped Daniel to sit then looked from the archeologist down to his own boots which he bent and started to unlace. Daniel took the cue and removed his own heavy boots and his socks. Jack then reached down to hook his hand under Daniel's arm to hoist him back to his feet. The sharp movement elicited a yelp of pain from the archeologist and an apologetic look from the colonel.

Standing at Jack's side, Daniel waded into the cold water, his teeth immediately chattering in reaction. He looked at Jack who was watching him worriedly, his friend not reacting to the cold like Daniel was. The archeologist wondered just how high his temperature was as the sandy bottom beneath his feet gave way to nothingness.

Jack turned Daniel around and drew him back against him, wrapping a strong arm across Daniel's chest. "You all right?" he whispered lowly into the archeologist's ear.

Daniel just nodded. He did feel better, even more alert, the cold water numbing the pain in his side. He moved his arms in the water to help them stay afloat.

"You need to hold your breath when I say 'go'," continued the colonel.

There were no further instructions, but Daniel didn't need them. The two men moved out into the center of the pool then floated there waiting for what, Daniel didn't know.

Splashing and screaming suddenly broke the eerie silence and Jack gripped Daniel tighter, uttering quickly in his ear then pulling him under the water's surface. Daniel opened his eyes and kicked hard, following Jack down. The water was surprisingly clear or Daniel guessed it was since all he could make out were the blurred edges of huge rocks scattered across the pool's floor. He pulled his arm free of his friend's grip, feeling stronger with each passing moment, and followed him as Jack swam along the walls.

After only seconds, the colonel pointed at a sliver of black which stood out starkly against the lighter colors and he headed directly for it. Daniel could see it was the cave entrance, but that it had also been partially covered by a big rock. Jack immediately began trying to move the large hindrance and Daniel did his best to help, feeling his lungs beginning to burn from lack of oxygen. He wondered briefly if their attempt was a fool's errand then he felt the rock give. Jack moved aside as the big boulder rolled down further to rest on the floor of the pool. Peering through the sandy grit the rock had kicked up, Daniel could see Jack looking back at him asking silently if he was okay to proceed. Daniel nodded without hesitation and gave his friend a thumbs-up. Jack's eyes crinkled at the corners in thanks then he entered the cave, Daniel just behind.

They'd only gone a few yards when Daniel saw Jack falter and the deep crimson of blood in the water. Bubbles burst from his friend's mouth as he let go precious air. Daniel kicked hard and swam beneath the older man then latched onto the colonel's arm and dragged him along, using his other arm to stroke against the water and his legs to kick with all his strength.

Just as he thought his lungs would burst, Daniel broke the surface gasping. He pulled Jack up beside him, the older man immediately falling into a coughing fit as he spit up water and drew in oxygen at the same time. Daniel held on and moved across the little alcove to where a flat rock jutted out of the water. He helped Jack up then braced himself with his hands and pushed his own body up to collapse next to his friend. He peered up at the ceiling to see tiny beams of sunlight coming through tiny fissures in the rock then he closed his eyes and concentrated on steadying his own frantic breathing.

Jack coughed harshly. "This must be the place," he rasped.

Daniel sat up and looked down at the older man. "What happened?" he asked, but he could clearly see the blood trickling from his friend's hairline down across his temple to drip onto the rock.

"Guess I should've ducked."

"You think?"

Jack pushed himself up onto his elbows and skewered Daniel with an icy glare.

Daniel shook his head in fond exasperation then he raised his hand. "How many fingers do you see?"

Jack narrowed his eyes. "Fingers?"

"You're fine," concluded the archeologist dropping his hand back behind him to brace his body as he looked around.

"Looks like that's the ticket over there," Jack said as he pointed toward a dark spot in the opposite rock wall.

Daniel moved to slide back into the water, but gasped as the pain in his side awakened.

"Hey."

"I just moved too fast."

"You know, it really is okay to admit that it hurts like hell, Daniel."

Daniel looked up to see Jack's head canted, a smile barely curving his lips. "I will then---when it hurts like hell," he replied simply.

Jack snorted then sat up. "Let me go first then I'll help you. It's the least I can do after you just saved my ass from drowning." He slipped easily into the water then reached up to ease Daniel down. The water was a shock again, but the pain in his side eased its iron grip.

The two men swam silently across the little alcove then Jack hoisted himself up on a tiny rock shelf and looked into the small hole in the wall. He looked down at Daniel and nodded. The archeologist braced his forearms along the rock shelf so that Jack could use his shoulders to climb the rest of the way up into the narrow opening. The older man disappeared from view for a long moment and Daniel felt a wave of fear sweep over him.

"This is it."

The archeologist saw Jack's head appear and he let go a relieved sigh. The older man reached down with one hand and held on while Daniel levered himself up, his feet finding purchase on the narrow rock shelf. Jack moved aside as Daniel slid in beside him then motioned him to move ahead. Daniel could hear his friend turning his body around in the narrow passage behind him as the archeologist crawled forward then a cold hand squeezed his ankle.

"Do you think they've noticed us missing yet?"

"Depends on how long Liam was able to distract them," Jack replied. "We haven't been gone all that long so my guess is not yet. Just a few couple more feet to your right, Daniel."

The archeologist crawled forward then saw what Jack had meant; another small tunnel branched off from the one in which they currently lay. He could see, though, that this tunnel was shorter as he noticed artificial light only a few yards ahead.

"Let me go first."

"Jack."

"Daniel?"

Daniel sighed then moved beyond the opening so that Jack could crawl in first. He then back pedaled and crawled in after his friend.

Jack turned his head to look back at Daniel. "There's quite a drop to the floor so be careful," he warned.

Daniel watched as Jack turned himself around, rolled onto his belly then slid feet first out of the tunnel. He heard the thud of a body hitting a hard surface then an uttered curse.

"Okay, come on."

The archeologist slid forward then turned his body as his friend had done. He inched backward gasping as the tunnel surface rubbed against his wounds through his t-shirt. He pushed his upper body up and continued back awkwardly until he felt hands grip both calves.

"Oh, this is SO not your best side, Daniel," teased Jack as the archeologist pushed himself even further along. "I've got you---that's right, take it slow."

Then Daniel was falling. Strong arms wrapped around him and helped slow his tumble to the floor below. He landed on Jack and heard a grunt from his friend.

He cringed. "Sorry."

"No problem," came the pained response.

Daniel rolled off the older man and gave the colonel an apologetic look. Jack sat up and waved him off then he gazed around.

"Any idea which way is out?" asked Daniel in confusion.

Jack pointed his finger with conviction. "That way," he stated. He climbed to his feet then helped Daniel up. "How's the side?"

"Fine, how's the head."

Jack gave his friend a patient look.

"Okay, it hurts like hell," Daniel replied reluctantly.

The colonel raised a hand and pressed his palm against Daniel's forehead. "You're still warm, but the water helped I think---for now anyway."

Daniel jerked away. "I'll be fine, Jack," he insisted, uncomfortable with the attention.

Jack pursed his lips then nodded. "Let's say we get the hell out of Dodge then."

They moved quickly through the tunnel, Jack leading the way, peering into each and every dark corner or branching tunnel and Daniel had to wonder at the man's sense of direction. He was completely and utterly turned around, the only directions of which he was certain being up and down.

He stopped suddenly when something reached his ears. "Jack," he hissed.

The colonel stopped and turned, coming back quickly to Daniel's side. "What is it?"

"Do you hear that?"

Jack's head canted and his brows furrowed. "Wha---?" he began then he grabbed Daniel's arm. "Run."

As they ran side by side through the tunnel, the footfalls echoed loudly, reverberating off the walls; the Fomorians were coming in more than one direction.

Then Daniel hit what his brain quickly registered to be an invisible barrier and he flew backwards, hitting the floor hard. He squeezed his eyes shut, every nerve ending in his body on fire at one time. He opened his eyes and saw Jack laying mere inches away staring back at him. Only then did Daniel realize he couldn't move.

"The paralysis is a nice little side-effect, don't you think?"

Balor came into view and knelt on the other side of Jack, a bright smile lighting his face as he looked down first at the colonel then over to Daniel.

"I wouldn't exactly say its 'nice'," retorted Jack.

The Goa'uld chortled. "You honestly thought you two could escape," he said then his eyes narrowed as he regarded the archeologist. "You don't look so well, Daniel Jackson."

"Being shocked to within inches of your life will do that to a guy," snapped the colonel.

"I suppose," replied Balor. "This barrier is ingenious, if I do say so myself. You won't get shocked coming into my fortress, but---well, you know what happens going out." He chuckled then raised an index finger and tapped it against his lower lip. "I can't remember now who gave it to me----."

"Gave it to you?" repeated Jack incredulously.

Balor dropped his hand then stood. "You do know this will not go unpunished, don't you? Pity, too. You're both strong and capable workers."

"Punish me, Balor. Daniel was just following my lead."

"Jack."

"Following your lead or not, Jack O'Neill, he still tried to escape," stated the Goa'uld. He stepped over the colonel to kneel beside Daniel. "Why is it he is so protective of you, Daniel Jackson?"

"He's that way with everyone," Daniel replied.

"Oh, I think not. There is something about you that has earned his devotion. What pray tell could that be?"

"Leave him alone."

Balor turned and glanced over his shoulder at Jack. "I suppose it really doesn't matter anymore, now does it," he said easily then he looked back at Daniel appraisingly and the archeologist knew it still did matter to the Goa'uld. "Bring them."

Daniel was hauled to his feet and he felt his wounds pull; he couldn't help the groan that escaped his lips. He saw Jack cringe as well as Moe pulled him up with such force Daniel thought surely he'd dislocated his friend's arm. Larry hefted the archeologist easily against his hip and dragged him through the tunnel behind Balor. He could hear Jack's heated curses just over his shoulder as he too was dragged unceremoniously along.

After only a few hundred feet, Daniel could feel a tingling sensation creeping over his limbs as feeling returned. He managed to find his footing and shifted in Larry's grip to ease the pressure against his damaged side.

"You doing okay, Daniel?"

"I can feel my legs now."

"Yeah, so can I---got my arms back, too."

"Silence!" bellowed Balor from just ahead of Larry.

Daniel craned his neck to look behind him to see Jack more or less walking at Moe's side, the big Fomorian dwarfing the tall colonel with his mass. For some strange reason, the archeologist found the sight amusing and he bit his lip against an ill-timed smile.

He turned his gaze back to Balor and swallowed hard; he wasn't feeling very well, too hot suddenly, way too hot. A drop of water rolled into one eye from his still-damp hair and he managed to raise a hand to swipe it away. Darkness loomed in his periphery and Daniel lost his footing. Larry held him easily, but the sudden jerk of the Fomorian's hand against his side made Daniel yelp.

"Daniel?"

The archeologist couldn't answer as the darkness in his peripheral vision began crowding him. He closed his eyes and felt Larry stop suddenly.

"Take them to the quarries," Balor commanded. "I will join you there shortly."

Larry began moving again and Daniel could hear Jack calling to him worriedly, his voice growing ever more distant until it faded beneath the sound of the blood rushing through Daniel's ears.

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Sam watched as the fifth chevron locked. She shifted her rifle in her grip and forced her shoulders to relax. Beside her, Teal'c stood stoically, his staff weapon held loosely at his side. She looked around her; the best and the brightest, she thought proudly. They were all dressed in desert fatigues to help them blend into the dry and sandy landscape of the island on P8C-904.

The sixth chevron locked and Sam looked back up at the big Stargate. She bit her lip as the 'gate turned seeking out the seventh chevron then a cheer went up when it locked into place and the big vortex shot out.

Sam closed her eyes briefly in silent thanks then opened them to see the kawoosh settle into a placid event horizon.

"Bring 'em home, people!"

The major turned her head to see Hammond standing just over Harriman's shoulder in the control room looking down at the SG teams with pride. She gave him a salute then started up the ramp after SG-3, Teal'c at her side. She crossed into the event horizon and the next thing she knew, she was standing in the sandy grass on the island. The other teams poured out of the 'gate quickly behind her and all moved stealthily in search of cover. The wormhole disengaged and the landscape was bathed in the early glow of dawn.

Sam looked to see Colonel Reynolds signaling for everyone to move out. The eight teams combined into two and one moved quickly in the direction of the transport rings. The major and Teal'c moved in silence with the other team that was to handle the assault from above ground. They were working on the assumption that there was a tunnel system below, an assumption in which Sam had the utmost confidence. If that assumption turned out to be wrong, though, the other team would join the first up top.

Sam's radio crackled to life and she heard Major Jansen reporting that they'd manage to engage the rings and were in the tunnel system and moving toward the stronghold. Sam noted the surprise in his voice as he reported they'd met with no resistance. She wondered briefly why then turned her focus back to the ground ahead of her.

As the sun began its climb up from the horizon, Sam moved quickly and quietly over the sand and grass toward where she hoped fervently she would find the colonel and Daniel---secure and whole.

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Jack sat at Moe's feet in the deep shadow of the Safety and watched Daniel struggling toward consciousness. His friend's eyes opened for a brief moment then slid shut again, his body falling lax against Larry's feet. The Fomorian looked down at the archeologist with disgust, but did nothing to move him.

The sound of soft murmurs drew Jack's attention to the cellblock entrance and he saw all the slaves being funneled into the Safety. Liam's eyes met Jack's then fell to Daniel's supine body and the other man couldn't hide his fearful expression.

The slaves were lined up against the wall behind Jack and an eerie silence fell, a silence that sent shivers up Jack's spine. He cast his gaze across the quarry to see the line between shadow and sunlight drawing ever closer and knew with certainty that the end of his life and the life of his closest friend was linked to that line.

A flash of light drew Jack's gaze to the platform. The Goa'uld rings disappeared and Balor stood regally, dressed in royal blue robes, Curly standing at his side. The Goa'uld's dark eyes immediately found Jack's and he smiled. He reached out to gently stroke the wood frame beside him, his eyes never leaving Jack's and the colonel knew what was about to happen; he was the chosen spectator.

The sun crested the top of the wall and the shadow of the frame loomed across the quarry.

"Balor! He was following my orders!"

The Goa'uld jerked his chin at his minions then stepped into the deep shade provided by the wall.

"Balor! No!"

Moe pulled Jack to his feet then clamped his hands behind his back with an iron grip around the colonel's wrists. Jack struggled with all his might, but to no avail. He watched as Larry grabbed Daniel around the waist and lifted him like a rag doll up above his head to where Curly stood at the edge of the platform. The Fomorian grabbed Daniel under the arms and hoisted him, easily maneuvering the archeologist around to lay him back against the frame. Holding Daniel with one giant hand against his chest, Curly strapped the young man's wrists to the heavy wooden cross beams. Daniel's head lolled forward and Jack prayed fervently that his friend would remain unconscious.

A soft moan told him it wasn't going to be so.

"Jack?"

The colonel raged against the Fomorian's hold, but again found no give. "Daniel!" he called out. "Balor, you sonofabitch, let him go!"

From the darkness, Balor laughed. "His punishment is death and yours is living with it," he replied.

"Lord Balor, don't do this!" Liam shouted suddenly from behind Jack. "We will do anything you ask, just spare his life!"

A loud cacophony rose and the voices echoed around Jack, bouncing back and forth across the quarry.

"Silence!" roared Balor.

Daniel's head came up with a jerk and he looked around in confusion. "Jack? What's going on?"

Jack winced at his friend's uneasy tone. "Look at me, Daniel," he ordered. "I'm down here----look at me."

The younger man squinted in Jack's direction then his eyes moved up, the sunlight hitting him square in the face.

"No, Daniel! Damn it---look at me!"

"The Eye, Jack."

Jack swallowed his fear and cursed violently. "Daniel!" he shouted harshly.

Daniel's eyes lowered to Jack's face, his brows puckered, his forehead glistening with droplets of sweat. "God, Jack," he said so low the colonel had to strain to hear him.

"Just look at me, Daniel," Jack pleaded. "It's going to be okay."

The archeologist's eyes went skyward again and Jack could see his body trembling; he knew it wasn't from the still damp clothes or the fever raging through his friend. Daniel's gaze dropped to Jack's again and he managed a small smile.

"God, Danny, I'm sorry. I didn't---I wanted to----."

"I know, Jack."

The colonel sputtered, the words he wanted and needed to say to his friend just not making it from his heart to his lips. Daniel nodded; he knew and Jack felt his body sag with the knowledge, tears momentarily blurring his vision. He angrily blinked them away determined not to let them fall.

Jack looked up and over his shoulder at the Eye. "Oma, please," he whispered brokenly. He turned back to Daniel and held his eyes steadily as the tell tale hum of the awakening Eye reached his ears. Daniel's chest heaved with his quick breaths and his body shook, but he looked back at Jack with eyes full of quiet strength and conviction.

Then he raised his chin and stared death straight in the face.

"Daniel."

The hum grew louder and louder and Jack closed his eyes as the air split and shattered.

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CONTINUED

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