Chapter 4

Daniel woke up slowly. He rolled over and looked at his surroundings. Teal'c was sitting by the door, on guard as usual. Rothman was snoring lightly two rolls down. Sam was not in sight, so hopefully she was getting some sleep. Jack was sleeping in the next roll over. Ferretti and his team were spread out in rolls nearby.

Once again, Daniel couldn't remember going to bed the previous evening. This was not good. He must have been too exhausted to care. Well, he was awake now, and thankfully the vision in his left eye had improved somewhat overnight. The headache had improved to some extent as well. Daniel was anxious to get back to the temple, but knew that that would not be allowed until morning. 'No use just laying here. If I could just slide out of this bag … I can …take a look at the carvings on Sam's box.'

He was halfway out when an iron grip clamped down on his shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?" came an angry whisper.

"Sam wanted me to take a look at the box," he whispered back.

"Daniel," Jack sounded exasperated, "Don't push it. Can you even see the box now?"

"Yes," he replied defensively. "Now may be one of my few chances, Jack. I can't sleep anyway."

Sam, three rolls down, rolled over at the noise. Jack gave up and gestured Daniel to the fire. This mission was not going well and the faster they could solve these damn puzzles and get home, all the better. It would be light in another hour anyway, and this was why Daniel had come.

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Kahamu had slept fitfully all night. He knew that the elders would dispose of the visitors if they couldn't complete the tasks soon. He didn't want that to happen, Kahamu enjoyed talking with the open Kayahani who treated him as if he were also of import. If there was only some way that he could help the visitors complete their goals.

If Daniel was truly a sacred man, he would be able to read the Saishu. But Daniel had explained to him that the message was important, not just the language in which it was presented. This made sense to Kahamu.

He was also worried that his new friend's vision problems were hurting his ability to read the ancient text. Maybe this Kayahani just needed some of the sacred herbs to help him remember the language. Kahamu was not allowed to speak of the herb garden that he tended, but he had lived in the temple long enough to know some of the special traits of the sacred herbs and how it helped the Kayahani whenever they were sick or in pain. Yes, that was what Daniel needed. He quietly opened his door and crept down the hall to his garden.

Kahamu was in a good mood when he met the two visitors the next day. "Daniel!" he waited until the guards left them at the temple doors, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. Would this help you?" He looked around before handing Daniel a well-worn book about the size of a thin paperback. In it was more of the same words and symbols. Kahamu could barely restrain himself. "This is a prayer book that belongs to one of our oldest. He has not touched it for a long time. Daniel, I know some of these prayers. He used to read them to himself each night as I helped put him to bed. I know which words go with each page."

"Kahamu, this is wonderful!" Daniel stopped and looked at his young assistant. "This could make all the difference in translating the text efficiently, and …" then his features dropped as he looked suspiciously at his assistant, "But couldn't you get in trouble for this?"

"Only if they catch me. And, this book has gathered dust under Mahaina's bed for many cycles now. He will not notice it is missing."

Daniel smiled at him as he carefully covered the valuable book. He was aware of what the young man had risked to bring this to him. "This will be invaluable to us. Thank you!"

Kahamu bounced on his heels. This was only half of his surprise. As Daniel sat down against the pillar to look at the prayer book, Kahamu brought out tea for the two men, carefully handing the taller cup to Daniel. Gratefully, it was accepted.

Kahamu had had to guess at the dosage of course, but he was pleased that Daniel would soon be feeling much better. He sat down to tell Daniel the prayers. Yes, this was going to be a very good day indeed.

The tea was good. Coffee would have been nicer, but for some reason, the tea made him feel better than he had for quite some time. His head wasn't throbbing as much anymore. Even the pain in his left eye that had been bothering him so much seemed to have diminished.

Kahamu supplied him with tea all day long. Daniel was beginning to feel that he might float out of the temple. They had made a lot of progress on the translation. The prayer book had been of considerable help, and the fact that his head and eyes weren't bothering him so much had allowed him to make several key discoveries. He couldn't believe that it was almost sunset.

Likewise, Rothman couldn't believe the change that had come over Daniel during the day. It was amazing the improvement in his demeanor. He didn't need Robert's help to describe the text. He even made it back to their quarters without being led all the way.

"Daniel," Jack was waiting for him at the door.

"Hello, Jack."

Jack tilted his head and studied his injured teammate. "You're looking amazingly chipper."

"I am? Yes, I guess I'm just feeling … better." Daniel shrugged his shoulders and walked over to Sam and sat down.

Jack looked suspiciously at both archeologists as they walked across the room. Something wasn't 'right' here.

"Want me to look at that again now, Sam?"

Sam looked at him. Daniel seemed to be seeing everything with much more clarity than before. She held out the cube, a little off to one side, yet Daniel easily reached out to claim it. Just this morning he'd had a lot more problems. She directed her gaze to the colonel who was also watching Daniel with concern.

"So, you're not having problems with your eye anymore?"

"Ahh…," Daniel was carefully turning the cube and examining all the markings, "…no." He looked up. "No, it's the strangest thing, but sometime before lunch my vision started to improve. By the end of the day, I'd say I have 90 of my vision back."

"Well, let me check your other eye while you're here."

Daniel raised his eyebrows. "Sure, let's try it."

Sam carefully removed the bandage from his right eye. Daniel found that it was hard to open now that it had been closed for so long. If only he could see through this eye as well. Gingerly he raised his eyelid and was greeted with nothing but black. Unconsciously, his shoulders slumped.

Noticing his disappointment, Sam quickly re-applied a clean patch. "Could you make anything out of those markings?"

"Oh, yeah." He shook himself back to the task at hand, just what Sam had hoped for. "It appears to be some sort of a power source. It seems to suggest that by opening the panel …"

"There's a panel?" Sam slid forward again.

"Here. By pushing these symbols in … the …following … order…" The polygon that framed the carvings popped off the cube. Inside was a slot, and some additional carvings.

"Whoa. That's exactly what I've been looking for, a control panel." Sam picked up the ejected piece and slid it into the open slot. The cube began to glow, and another compartment opened to reveal additional controls.

Jack decided to leave them to it. He was feeling better about their chances of getting off of the planet soon, and he had to admit, it was good to see Daniel's spirit up again. He strolled over to join Teal'c at the door.

They were still discussing their back-up plan when Dr. Rothman joined them.

"The party's over there, Rothman." Jack gestured to where Daniel and Sam were having an animated conversation. Rothman looked like he wanted to say something, but he paused at Jack's words.

"Right," he answered slowly. Then he nodded, turned and walked away. Jack thought about calling him back, but Teal'c interrupted that thought by continuing their earlier discussion.

Daniel had helped Sam all that he could, and his head was starting to throb. He was also feeling a little shaky and restless. Worst of all, the spots in his vision were returning. He got up to walk around and realized that what he really wanted was a tall glass of Kahamu's tea. He asked Robertson if they had been provided with any drinks, but water was all that was available.

Damn, his head was hurting. He decided to lay down before anyone could see how shaky he really felt. He was sure his vision would be better in the morning.

Meanwhile, Robert was watching Daniel. He had a weak theory that he'd wanted to bring to Colonel O'Neill's attention, but he had no facts to back it up, and he could see that the colonel had to time for him right now. Another piece fit in his puzzle when he heard Daniel as for a drink, but avoid the water. He'd see if his theory held up in the morning, then he'd go to the colonel.

Daniel tossed throughout the night. Jack finally had to grab his shoulder to get him to settle down, but was shocked at the heat radiating from the arm. "Daniel." He reached over to his forehead. The archeologist was burning up. Daniel jumped at the contact and his hands flew to his eyes. Jack put his hand back on his friend's shoulder. "Easy … we're still on P3X-589. How are you feeling?"

Daniel just groaned. Cautiously Jack pulled Daniel's hands away from his eyes. Daniel complied, but Jack could see how much they were hurting. "Daniel, how many fingers?"

Instead of answering, Daniel inexplicably lashed out at the nearest target. "Get away from me," he growled.

"Hey, hey, easy … I just want to see what's hurting you.'

Daniel staggered up and backed into the wall. He felt trapped and defensive. "I've…I've got to … to go for a walk."

"Don't we all," Jack automatically replied, but then realized that the man in front of him wasn't kidding.

Daniel knew the direction of the door, but either because of the low light in the room, or because his vision had seriously deteriorated overnight, he couldn't see it. He began to shake.

Jack put his hand out to steady him, but Daniel didn't see it that way. He bolted, tripping over Jack's roll as he ran in the direction of the door.

Teal'c who had remained at his post at the door easily caught the frenzied man as he arrived. Daniel kicked out at him and yelled to be let go. Hearing the commotion, the guards approached the door.

"Let me out!" Daniel screamed. "Let me go! I need to get out of here." When he saw what must be guards, his brain partially clicked in. "I am Kayahani. You must take me to the temple. I must go there at once." At least that would get him out of this suffocating room. "Take me to Kahamu!"

"Sorry to bother you." Jack stepped between Daniel and the guards and signaled Teal'c to move Daniel away from the door and silence the much too verbal linguist. "He always gets nightmares when we're on long missions."

By this time, out of the sight of the guards, Teal'c's hand was covering Daniel's mouth while his strong arms prevented any escape. Daniel was frantic. He didn't know why, but he had to get out of there. He didn't know where to go either, but it was anywhere other than where he was. His heart was hammering in his chest. Someone reached out to touch the side of his face. He couldn't let her do it. Full blown panic set in. He kicked out, hard, and made contact with someone, but the arms did not release him. Suddenly a stabbing pain went through his left eye and straight into his head. He screamed, then his whole world went dark.

Kahamu was beginning to worry. He'd waited at the top of the path for much longer than the other days. Where was Daniel and his friend? The priests weren't planning anything for them or there would have been preparations in the temple. It couldn't be the tea, Daniel had felt so much better yesterday after he drank it. Maybe he was just delayed.

Running back up the steps to the temple, Kahamu decided to bring a cup of tea down to Daniel. It was a good excuse to find out what the delay was, and Daniel was so pleased to have had it yesterday. Maybe he should put a few more herbs in the drink to help Daniel get started today. Yes, that would do it.

As Kahamu approached the guards, he stopped at the larger of the two. "Where have you been? Has Dr. Jackson not yet requested escort to the temple?"

The guard shifted slightly. "The holy one was calling out in the night, but the other one said it was just the dreams, his visions, disturbing him. They have not approached the door since."

Kahamu gestured them ahead. He followed as the stockier guard stepped through the shield. It took Kahamu a few seconds to adjust to the darker room, and then he searched the room for Daniel.

"Where is he?"

Jack stepped forward. He had had enough of this interminable waiting. He couldn't contribute directly to their tasks. Worse, he, Teal'c and Ferretti had yet to find an avenue of escape. He was sure their time was running out. Maybe Kahamu could intervene for them. He did seem to care what happened to Daniel, anyway. "He needs to go home now. We all need to go home."

"Were is he? Let me see him." Kahamu didn't understand.

"He's sleeping."

Kahamu was worried now. He looked at the lone woman. She was watching him carefully. "Can I not see Daniel?"

At the mention of his name, the stressed linguist struggled valiantly in the grasp of Teal'c's arms. Kahamu turned at the sound and peered into the far dark corner of the room. Motioning the guard over, Kahamu forced his way toward Daniel.

"How dare you treat a holy man in such as way!" he demanded. "You are truly heathens."

Ferretti immediately stepped forward to prevent the young monk from getting any closer to his friend.

"Let him go!" Kahamu demanded of Teal'c.

"I will not." Teal'c's deep voice resonated through the room. "He is delirious and must be restrained so he will not hurt himself."

"Does he not usually have visions? This should be no different than when he is home in his temple."

"Visions?" Sam asked.

Kahamu motioned to the nearest guard who stepped up to the large Jaffa and pointed his weapon at his chest. "Let him go."

Jack quickly stepped over to join Ferretti and Teal'c. Sam moved to position herself behind the guards, which caused the guard near the door stepped closer to cover her with his weapon. Observing the interactions, Jack decided to prevent the tensions from escalating into gunfire while his people were unarmed. He signaled Carter and Ferretti to stand down.

Kahamu watched Jack. Maybe they were heathens, but they didn't appear to want to hurt their holy man either. He looked at Jack. "I don't want to hurt him." He paused. "A drink may make him feel better."

Rothman moved forward, "Uh…Colonel,…"

"Not now, Rothman." Jack stepped up to the trapped man. "Daniel, can you hear me?"

Daniel nodded his head shakily.

At Jack's motion, Teal'c carefully released the trembling archeologist. Daniel rolled over clutching at his stomach, and tried to sit up. Sam moved quickly to his side to help him.

"Daniel, are you alright?" Kahamu kneeled down next to him. When he didn't get a response, he put the tea in his hand.

Sam reached out to intercept the liquid, "Daniel … I don't know if …"

But before she could do anything, Daniel brought the cup to his mouth and took a deep drink. Then, like a man dying of dehydration, he drained the cup in seconds.

"He must drink," scolded Kahamu. "The tea will help him feel better."

"Getting him home will make him feel better. Either let us go, or bring someone down here now who can. We need to get him back to our doctors…"

"No,…no…they won't let you go unless you complete the tasks required of you. They will kill all of you first."

"He can't read the damn book if he's too sick!"

Kahamu looked at Daniel. This man was right, but why was he so sick if he was drinking the tea? He would need to get Daniel back to the temple. He could care for him better up there. "I will take him with me."

"Oh no you won't." At Jack's words, the teams stepped forward with no regard for the weapons aimed at them. They formed a protective barricade around the linguist.

The larger guard stepped forward and pushed his gun into Jack's chest. "Move," he demanded.

Sam stepped forward, "At least let me go with him."

"No, only the holy are allowed in the temple.

Uncharacteristically, Rothman took the next step, "I'll go with him. I can help."

"Robert, this isn't open to …," but Jack was cut off by a weaker voice behind him.

"Jack," struggled Daniel, "I'll go with him." He stopped to take a ragged breath. "I'm so close. Let me finish." Daniel was definitely gaining strength before their eyes.

"Sir," Jack turned to look at Sam. She pointed to her eyes and then at Daniel. The archeologist's struggling eyes did seem to be tracking him.

"Daniel,…can you see me now?" The blue eyes were following him. "How many fingers?"

Squinting carefully toward Jack, Daniel pinched the top of his nose and tried again. "Four."

"I will take care of him," persisted Kahamu.

"Get us out of here!" Jack could be just as stubborn.

Amazingly, Daniel had gained his feet and was wobbling over to Kahamu. Jack grabbed his arm "Don't be stupid, Daniel. You were totally out of control last night, you couldn't even see us. Now you can barely walk."

Daniel was growing weary of the argument. "Yes, well who else is going to do this?" he snapped. He couldn't even admit it to himself, but he was just as interested in getting more of the tea from Kahamu as in completing the translation. If he could just get some more of the drink, he rationalized to himself, he could complete the translation and free all of them. He was tired of Jack's interference with his goal.

Unexpectedly, Daniel twisted free of Jack's grip and staggered desperately to Kahamu. The guards stepped in to protect the two men and began backing out of the room with Daniel behind them.

"Dammit, Daniel, …come back!" How could he have let that happen? Jack hadn't expected the movement, and certainly didn't think Daniel capable of moving more than two steps forward. He'd seriously misjudged the situation

"I'll be back soon," Daniel called out as his disappeared out the door.

The trip to the temple had been quite arduous. Daniel was extremely relieved to see Kahamu leave the room and return with a large pitcher of the wonderfully refreshing tea. He hurriedly gulped another cup, and slid down to a seat on the floor as Kahamu filled his cup again.

A part of the scientist's mind was concerned. He tried to suppress the thought, but it was persistent. Why was he so desperate to drink the tea? Why did he feel so much better after consuming it? How did a simple tea help him see his surrounding with such clarity? These questions did battle with the other part of his brain that was perfectly happy to just feel better for a change. Eventually, once another mug had been emptied, the scientist in him won out.

"Kahamu … how does the tea help me?"

"Are you not familiar with its effects? Do you not have a similar drink at your temple?"

"Well, not this exact kind. I drink a beverage called 'coffee'. It is made from a bean plant. It stimulates the brain and helps me stay awake when I am tired, but that is all." He struggled to ask the question he didn't want to ask. "What … exactly…is in your tea?"

Kahamu went back to his room and brought out some of the precious herbs. "Our tea is made from leaves of our Tola plants … but …I have been adding the holy herbs to your drink in order to ease your discomfort."

Daniel dropped his head. This was not good. Kahamu gave him a small bag of the herbs and Daniel let them run through his fingertips.

Kahamu looked worried. "Please don't tell the monks. They would be very upset if they felt that I had tried to influence the results of your challenges." He kneeled down next to Daniel.

"What, exactly …does this," he held up a small leaf, "do to a person?"

"It allows our monks to commune with the Gods … and in return for their service, our Gods provide the herbs which insure good health and long life."

Warning alarms were going off in one part of Daniel's brain, while the other did everything it could to suppress them. What was it he wanted to know …

"Uh…Kahamu …do…ah…all the monks…um … take the herbs?"

"Well, only after one has been accepted by the Gods. I,.." he dropped his eyes to the floor, "…am not yet allowed to partake. But I do tend the gardens where the herbs are grown."

"And,…" Daniel tightened his face in concentration. Stick with it, he told himself. "…do any of the monks stop taking the herb."

"No, no…no, they wouldn't do that. The gods punish those who turn their backs to them. I have only seen one disturbed man turn away from our gods. He never returned to the temple."

Oh yeah, … the warning alarms were beginning to sound even louder. This was not good. What should he do? He needed…NO! …he did not need the tea. He could stop. He got through that situation with the sarcophagus, … he could stop drinking the tea. He'd only had … how many cups? Just one more cup, then he could think clearly again. He reached for the pitcher and filled his own cup. NO! Just one more time ….

As soon as he drank the cup, he felt much stronger. Now he could give it up. He'd made the right decision. Now he could think clearly … hell, he was sure he could even see clearly. Carefully, he dared to remove the bandage covering his right eye. Yes! His vision was back!! What harm could there be to these herbs. They may have an annoying side effect, but look at the benefits! He hadn't felt so good in weeks! Time to get to work.

Well, he'd had to drink a few more cups of the tea during the afternoon, but it had been well worth it. Daniel was confident that he'd accurately completed the translation and they could all finally go home. His vision was back, and it was clear in both eyes. He still had to use his glasses, but his eyes were as good as they'd ever been. What a relief! He silenced the nagging worry in the back of his mind. He wouldn't have any problem giving up the herbs. Once he got home and was able to get a good night's sleep, it would all be fine.

He thanked Kahamu just outside the door and nodded to the guards to let him in. Kahamu told them to wait, and reached out to shake Daniel's hand. When they separated, a pouch of the herbs was in his palm. "In case you have any need during the night."

Unconsciously, Daniel slid the pouch into an old tear in his pocket so that the precious herbs were stored in his jacket lining. 'Why did I do that?' He knew he should …must … hand them back to Kahamu, but…he didn't.

"Daniel, you do not need the tea anymore. Just place a small leaf against your cheek. It will help you and allow you to commune with the gods till you return to your temple. I wish you much luck with your trials tomorrow. Hopefully we will meet again should you choose to return some day.

"Won't I see you tomorrow at the trials?"

"No, I am not allowed to attend. Only the ones you met when you first arrived will hear your words. They will decide." He turned to go. "I will be praying for you."

Daniel nodded at Kahamu and stepped in front of the door to be let in.

"Colonel O'Neill.

Jack heard Teal'c's voice and turned to see Daniel entering. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I've got it, Jack. I've completed the translation!"

Well at least Daniel was pleased with himself, because Jack sure wasn't. He walked right up to the enthusiastic face and spoke dangerously quietly in his ear, "If you ever walk out against my orders like that again, Daniel…you will regret it."

Daniel stepped back and looked at Jack. What was he talking about? OK, when he left … he'd …ummm ….well …he couldn't remember. His face was a study in confusion. "Huh?"

"What, …you don't remember walking out on a direct order?" Jack hissed.

"To be honest, Jack …no. What's going on?" Daniel took another step backwards.

Seeing Daniel's obvious confusion, Jack softened his voice. "Rothman thinks that the tea you've been drinking was spiked … with a drug. It seems to give you energy, and helps with your sight."

Sam stepped in. "Where is your eye patch?"

"Uh," Daniel turned quickly to face her. "I … I don't need it anymore. See … see, I can see you. My eyes seem to have recovered."

"Don't you think that's a little suspicious, Daniel?"

"Daniel," Sam reiterated, "Someone has given you a drug."

"Yes."

Jack shook his head and stared open mouthed at Daniel. "YES?? What do you mean, yes."

"Well, I just realized it myself after I got to the temple today. Apparently their holy men regularly take an herb to allow them to commune with the gods."

"What?" Jack stepped forward.

"He believed that I needed this herb to allow me to translate the holy words. He felt he was helping me … and in a way he was. My eyes …" he gestured happily to his right eye, "I can see again! I doubt I could have finished the translation without it."

"Are you telling me that you took the herbs knowing full well that they could affect you?"

"Well, they did affect me. I can see." He turned to look pointedly to Jack. "I completed the translation."

"What about last night? Daniel, do I really need to remind you …"

Daniel glared at Jack. "It's an herb, not a sarcophagus."

"Hmm…I seem to remember someone saying …'And look, …no glasses.' Ring a bell?"

Daniel shook his head in frustration and moved to pass Jack until he felt an immovable force on his arm.

"Daniel, I'm sorry, but you know we're going to have to search you … Teal'c."

Teal'c moved next to Daniel. "Empty your pockets Daniel Jackson."

"Whaaat?"

"Empty your pockets Daniel Jackson."

"Oh, … for …" he twisted his arm to go past, but Teal'c's hand did not let go, it just hurt.

"If you do not comply, I will be forced to do it for you."

Daniel turned to Teal'c and opened his mouth to respond, but thought better of it. He reached in his pants pockets and removed some tissues, then turned his pockets inside out. Teal'c nodded and looked at his jacket. Daniel lips drew into a thin line. He pulled out some pens and a small notebook, a case for his glasses, a small picture, and half an MRE, then turned out those pockets as well. "Satisfied?"

"Remove your jacket Daniel Jackson."

"Great."

By now, SG-5 had given up trying to look like they hadn't heard anything, and had moved closer to watch.

Daniel looked around and dropped his head as he removed his jacket. Teal'c patted him down. The linguist was at a loss for words, he felt the distrust hanging heavily in the room.

Jack felt through all the pockets on his jacket and dropped it to the floor. "Sorry, Daniel, …we had to be sure."

"Right." He turned to Teal'c. "Are we done here?"

Teal'c bowed his head, but Sam stepped forward. "Can I take a look at your eye now?"

"No." He started to walk away, then backtracked to grab his jacket before laying down on his bedroll and facing the wall.

"OK, everyone, show's over." Self-consciously the others walked away. "Sam, you've got everything ready for the trials tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir."

"Teal'c" he muttered under his breath. "Keep an eye on him."