Part 3

They walked out the wormhole on the planet. Captain Morrison came to greet Jack, "It's good to see you again sir. It's just a pity it's under these circumstances."

"Yes. And you're no further forward in finding out what happened?"

"No sir. The Pyrians say they've never seen this before."

"Who do I have to speak to?"

"The leader of the village is Darium. I'll get Corporal Ross to escort you."

"Thanks. Let's go kids."

They walked along the path towards the village. "Where is the building you were looking at?" Jack asked Daniel.

"It was at the back of the village. I can take you there."

"Best be careful and not let him touch anything," Mitchell sniped.

All hell broke loose as Daniel threw himself on Mitchell knocking them both to the ground. He punched his face a few times before Jack could drag him off. He held Daniel around the waist and Teal'c helped Mitchell to his feet. Blood was pouring from his nose. He wiped his hand across it. Daniel tried to get free of Jack's hold but he was held tightly. "Stop it!" Jack shouted.

"He's a bast....." Daniel shouted. "Just like all the people I've had to put up with over the years. Always trying to drag me down."

"Enough," Jack said shaking Daniel again. He looked over at Mitchell," And you keep your mouth shut unless you've got something constructive to say. Understand me Colonel?"

Mitchell stood to attention," Yes sir."

"Carter, help him get cleaned up."

"I don't need help." This was his worst nightmare. All these people were Jackson's friends and would always take his side. There was no way he could win this. "I can look after myself."

Jack had heard this phrase many times, usually coming out of Daniel's mouth. Did these two not realise how alike they were? "I didn't ask your opinion. Keep moving on, Daniel and I'll meet you at the village." He drew Daniel off to the side. They sat down on an old tree trunk that was lying on the ground. "I am not happy with your behaviour Daniel."

"He provoked me," Daniel stated angrily.

"You didn't have to hit him."

"And why not, because he's one of your flyboys. Can't do no wrong can they?"

"No. Because I know you know better."

"Well maybe I'm tired of knowing better. You're the one who likes to get into the action. I'm just doing what you like to do."

"And have you ever seen me strike out in anger? You damn near broke his nose."

"So? Sue me."

That was it. Jack grabbed Daniel by the back of his t shirt and pulled him over his knee." You've been asking for this all day."

"No!"

Jack started hitting his backside. "This stops now. No more temper tantrums. No attitude. No fighting. Got it?"

He kept going until Daniel said," I got it. I promise." He pulled Daniel to his feet. Tears were trailing down his face. He couldn't look Jack in the face.

"You'd better keep that promise." Daniel nodded. Jack lifted his hand and wiped the tears from Daniels' face. He pulled him into a hug. Daniel started to cry even more.

"I'm sorry Jack." He held him closer.

"You have to understand it's not Mitchell's fault either. He's trying to cope with this too. And I'll be speaking to him about the snide remarks as well. He's not going to be too comfortable either when I've finished."

He held Daniel and then handed him a handkerchief with water to wipe his face. "I'm okay now Jack."

They continued their walk to the village. Sam, Teal'c and Mitchell were talking to an older man. "Sir this is Darium."

"Jack O'Neill." Jack held his hand out.

The man invited them into the village. "You are welcome to eat with us."

"Think we'll stick with our own rations until we know what happened to these two," Jack said pointing to Daniel and Mitchell.

"You are welcome to stay in this house while you are here."

"Thanks." They went inside. "Daniel, Teal'c and Carter can you stay here. Mitchell can show me the temple."

Carter said, "Won't you need Daniel?"

"Not yet. Come on Mitchell."

Mitchell showed him the way. "Why did you not want Jackson here? He's the expert."

"I wanted to speak with you. You keep goading Daniel and you're going to get into trouble. I warned you before we left." He delivered a hard swat to his backside.

"Ow!"

"That's a warning. Your last."

"And Jackson gets off scot free as usual."

"No he's been told as well. I expect both of you to try and get on. If not I can send you back to base and wait for my report."

"I'd rather stay here."

"Good now let's go back."

TBC