Frasier grabbed a cup of coffee and made her way to the table where Daniel and Teal'c were seated. She was a little surprised to see them sitting side by side rather than across from each other. It wasn't like most men to sit like that – usually one of them would have sat beside her.

Janet was worried. Ever since the guys had returned from their last mission they'd been a little 'off'. She couldn't quite explain it. They seemed to say and do the right things but there was a nervousness about them that confused her. It was just not like them – especially not like Teal'c who was usually Mr. Calm, Cool and Collected.

"So, how are you both doing?", she asked as she sat down. She poured some milk and sugar in her coffee and so missed the look that passed between the two men.

"We are fine, Dr. Frasier", Teal'c answered. See, there it is again, she thought. He just didn't sound right. For all his seriousness and seeming lack of outward emotion Teal'c had an essential warmth about him – at least around his friends. Today, that was missing.

"And how about you Daniel? Any side effects from the ceremony?"

"No, I'm fine too", he answered harshly. "So Janet, what have you been up to … ur lately?" Daniel was trying so hard to sound normal but it was difficult. He could feel his spine tingling with distaste.

"Oh, you know – working hard, being mom to a teenage girl – same old, same old." She was sure she saw Teal'c shudder when she referred to Cassie. What the hell was going on.

"Have either of you had any other symptoms since you've returned? Any headaches, nausea, dizziness?"

"We told you we were fine Janet. What part of that didn't you get? Typical woman." Daniel practically shouted.

"Okay, that's enough!" she stood up. "The two of you will report to the Infirmary immediately and get checked out. There is something definitely going on here."

Teal'c stood up, very slowly and glared at Janet. "You will not force us to go with you. We are fine and you will not drug us or brainwash us!"

Janet looked at him in shock. She then saw Daniel stand as well.

"Teal'c is right. We know what you're doing Janet – you and Sam and the others. We know now. You can no longer pull the wool over our eyes." The two men turned and walked towards the door.

"And don't try and stop us!" As soon as they'd left the Commissary Janet ran to the security intercom. Hitting it she called security to have them pick up Daniel and Teal'c

"And be careful", she cautioned. "I believe they may be dangerous. And whatever you do, don't send any female security guards!"

She quickly exited the room and ran to the General's office. She had to warn him.

Unfortunately, by the time she arrived she could see that the two men had gotten there first. What were they doing, she panicked? God, she hoped they weren't trying to hurt the General.

Two security guards walked up the stairs leading to the General's office. She motioned for them to be silent and mouthed for them to hide. She wanted to find out what was happening.

As she approached the door she heard the General shout a loud, "WHAT! You're crazy Dr. Jackson. There's no evidence of that at all. Where are you getting this from?"

On those words Janet knocked and quickly opened the door. "General!"

"Dr Frasier. What are you doing here?"

"Get her out General. She's got you brainwashed. She's in it with Sam."

"That's why I'm here Sir. Something's the matter with Dr. Jackson and with Teal'c. I've noticed that ever since they returned from the last mission they've been acting strangely."

"Yes, I noticed something was wrong as well. Do you know what it is?"

"General – please, don't believe her", Daniel begged. "The women, it's them. They've done something to all the men. Don't you see Sir, they're evil!"

"Who are 'evil' son? Who are you talking about?"

"The women. The women are evil."

"It is true General Hammond. The women are evil."

"Yes, I got that. But what women?"

"All women Sir. All the women are bad."

"Do you mean all the women on this base? Do you think they've come under some kind of brainwashing or alien influence?" He too remembered Hathor. It definitely wasn't one of his shining moments in command.

"No General Hammond. Daniel Jackson is telling you that all women are evil. They were created evil and will destroy our world unless we destroy them first."

"Okaaay", the General glanced over at Janet who gave a quick jerk of her head towards the door. He must have understood because he nodded – rubbing his chin at the same time to make it look like he was simply thinking.

"So, what do you think we should do?" he asked the two men.

"Arrest them, Sir. Get them all into security cells. Then we can interrogate them to find out where they've hidden Jack. It was Sam – she was behind it General. She was responsible for this."

"I think that's a good idea Dr. Jackson. I'll just call security and have them take Dr. Frasier." He reached down to pick up the phone when Teal'c's hand reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"I do not think so General", the Jaffa answered, his eyes almost closed and his nostrils flared. He looked like someone ready to fight. "I believe the General is also tricking us Daniel Jackson. He clearly is on the side of the women."

"Damn. What are we going to do? I figured this might happen."

"Maybe we should take him to the planet and have him go through the ceremony. Then he will see clearly."

"Yeah, that might be an idea." He turned to the General. "We're going to go back and then you'll understand Sir. What about her?" He motioned towards Janet.

"Maybe we should kill her." Teal'c answered calmly. "That way she will not be able to warn the others."

"Hmmm. That may be the only way Teal'c. Did you bring your zat?"

"No, I do not generally carry a weapon when in the SGC. That must change until all the women are gone."

"Yes, unfortunately I agree." He turned sharply towards the Doctor. "You see Janet? You see? This is what you're making us do. This is what we've become because of you women. I can hardly wait until you're gone." He walked over to the door and turned back quickly.

"Teal'c, you watch them carefully. I'm gonna go get some weapons and I'll be right back. We'll start with Frasier and go from there. Then we'll have to find a way to get the men to the planet."

"I will do as you say Daniel."

Daniel walked out the door, closing it behind him. He hoped Walter wasn't around anywhere as he might have trouble convincing the little sargeant.

He walked a short way down the hall when suddenly, two security guards popped out from behind a doorway, their guns held on him.

"Stop Dr. Jackson. Don't move."

Daniel groaned in frustration – he'd been so close. "Come on guys, it's me. Why are you pointing your guns at me?"

The security guards didn't blink. They'd been well trained to expect all sorts of weird situations in the SGC. They knew they'd simply have to follow instructions. If it was a mistake then so be it – they couldn't be disciplined for doing what they'd been ordered to do.

"Come on Sir. Don't make it difficult. You're to come with us." The tall SF motioned with his gun, instructing Daniel to move ahead. As he did so, the archaeologist/scientist turned and, using one of the moves Teal'c had taught him, downed the man in one easy motion. He then turned to the other SF but before he had the chance to follow through he was hit with a zat blast.

Damn!

Teal'c waited patiently in the General's office, keeping his eye on both prisoners but especially on Janet. Who knew what she had with her. The General was simply leaning up against his desk, waiting.

"Teal'c, you've got to know this isn't true. Something's wrong with you and Daniel. You picked up some kind of virus or something – it's making you act strangely."

"It is not I who am acting strangely General. It is you and the other men of the SGC. The women have deceived you."

"What about O'Neill? Was he deceived as well?"

"Unfortunately yes. They took him before he had a chance to be deprogrammed."

Janet and Hammond looked at each other, relieved. At least they wouldn't have to worry about Jack coming back hating women – as long as he did come back.

Frasier realized, as she glanced at the General, that he was trying to communicate something else to her. At first she couldn't figure out what the small movement of his hand, the one on the side away from Teal'c, meant. She then saw him trying to point to his desk. Okay, Sir got it. She coughed to let him know.

"So Teal'c, you figured out that the women are all working together in a plot did you?" she asked casually, trying to get his attention focused solely on her. "That was pretty good of you. We thought you men were all too clueless to figure it out. Sam and I used to laugh about it all the time. Yeah, the great men of the SGC – all deceived by a bunch of women."

"You will not speak, woman!" Teal'c walked closer to her. She backed up pulling him away from the General. Although in truth, she was also frightened. It wouldn't take much for him to kill her with his bare hands. In fact, she wondered why he hadn't thought of that already.

"Why not Teal'c", she pushed. "Afraid that I might 'brainwash' you again? It was so easy the first time. Maybe we should try it again."

"YOU WILL NOT SPEAK!" he roared, advancing on her. His eyes were unfocused and his hands shook. She backed away quickly, knowing that her life truly was in danger.

"Stop right there Teal'c or I'll have to shoot." Thank God. She almost collapsed in relief upon hearing the General's voice. Except Teal'c kept coming for her.

"Uh General?" she croaked.

"TEAL'C! STOP!" The Jaffa, the friend who had always been there for them, the man who had carried Cassie on his shoulders and had even played Barbies with her reached out and grasped her around the throat. Just as he started to squeeze she heard a shot ring out. Teal'c's eyes grew big and in that moment she swore he had come back to them. Just as quickly those same eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed.

Janet immediately got down and checked his pulse. It was there, but extremely weak.

The door burst open and a number of SF's swarmed the room.

"At ease men. Everything's fine. Airman, call the Infirmary and have them send up a med team right away." He spoke quickly to one of the SF's.

"Dr. Jackson is –"

"We've got him Sir. He's in a holding cell."

"Good work men. Dr. Frasier, how is he." Hammond walked over and looked down at Teal'c, the concern and guilt obvious on his face.

"It's a serious wound Sir but hopefully Junior will take care of it." She looked up at her commanding officer. "Don't worry – he's strong. You did the right thing. I think he would have snapped my neck."

He nodded at her. He knew she was right – it somehow didn't make him feel much better.

The Med team arrived and quickly wisked Teal'c off to the Infirmary. He decided to go visit Dr. Jackson and see if they could get to the bottom of this. This was all they needed on top of Jack and Sam missing. God, some days he wished he could stay in bed.

The guards led Jack back out of the small building and towards the one where they had taken Sam. He felt sick – not because of what he'd just been through – but out of fear for what was ahead.

There was no way he would ever do what they wanted but was worried about the consequences of his refusal. He knew things looked back for both him and Sam. He prayed to God she was okay. The idea of her 'being prepared' made him shiver.

Speaking of which ….. He no longer had a shirt and it was cold. More than that, however, the entire world could see the damned – rings and chain. He felt totally humiliated. He hoped he'd be given some clothes, and soon.

They arrived at the building and he was shoved through the door (again!). He entered a large room with no one in it. Okay, this was strange. Just then a panel opened at the back and out walked two – men? At least he thought they were men although he couldn't quite tell. They were either feminine men or masculine women! They walked up to the guards.

"Is this the Devdaso?" The shorter of the two – uh guys – asked.

"Yes. This is he."

"I see he has been marked. That is good – he looks very pleasing."

Oh boy, this was really creepy, he thought. The other guy – the one who wore his black hair in two long braids was staring at his chest. He crossed his arms over it, hiding the evidence.

Heidi (he might as well call them something) laughed. "We will take him now. Did D'jindra give you the disk?"

"Yes", the guard handed him the small control device. They obviously realized they had to control him somehow.

"We will take him now. You may leave." The two guards actually bowed and turned and left. Who were these guys, Jack wondered.

As if they had heard him Short Boy turned and spoke.

"We are priests in the service of our Lord. We see to the Devdasos. We will make sure that you fulfill your duty."

"Hmmm –nope, don't think so." Jack answered. Heidi calmly reached down and touched the disk. Of course Jack immediately fell to the floor in agony.

It only lasted a few seconds but it left him weak and breathless. As he lay there he said to himself, why oh why Jack can't you ever learn to shut the hell up!

"You will stand now." Looking extremely pissed he rolled to his knees and then got to his feet. No point getting zapped again at this point.

"Now you will come with us." One walked in front, the one with the disk a few feet behind. They lead him through the panel into a room with a large bath and tables around the room.

"You will bathe." They pointed to the water. Okay – might as well. He was feeling pretty awful, especially after throwing up. He stripped the rest of his clothes and walked into the water. He turned around and caught the two priests eyeing him closely.

Shit, he thought – this was extremely uncomfortable. If he wasn't mistaken these two were leering at him. He submerged himself quickly in the water and washed as unobtrusively as possible. He had trouble with his chest as it was still very tender. Every time he looked at it he found himself getting angry.

"You may get out now."

"Okay – you got a towel? I'm a little chilly."

One of the two Bobsy twins walked over and picked up a fluffy white towel. He unfolded it and stood there waiting."

"Uh you can just toss it on the bed there. I'll get it. Been drying myself since I was a kid."

But the man – Short Boy – stood with the towel. "You will come out now."

"Okay, okay" he answered as he saw Heidi lift the disk. "I'm comin'."

He stepped out, hands strategically placed and walked to the guy with the towel. He reached out (with one hand, the other left in place) to grab the towel but Short Boy stepped back.

"Turn around", he instructed. Jack looked at him for a moment but saw the determination in his eyes so decided to go along with it. God – this was getting worse every minute. He found that he was really shaky with everything that was happening.

He turned and stood with his eyes closed, waiting for something else awful to happen. As it was the priest simply walked up to him and wrapped him in the towel and then stepped back.

"Dry yourself."

"Okay, okay that's –" but this time he stopped himself. Okay, discretion Jack, discretion.

He quickly dried himself. When he was done he wrapped the towel around his body again. Normally, being a typical guy, he would have simply wrapped it around his waist. However, with the rings and the two creepy guys he thought it better to cover up as much as possible.

"You will take off the towel and lie down on the bed." He was instructed.

Okay, no way. This was it. He absolutely, positively wasn't going there – he didn't care how many times they zapped him. There was a limit and he'd just reached it.

"No." he said calmly but definitely. He looked the taller priest directly in the eye. He allowed all his years in command, all the awful things he'd resisted, the thought of friends and colleagues, all to stand behind him. Torture me if you will, he said silently. I will not do that!

The priests stared back at him. Something in his expression must have gotten through to them as the shorter priest turned to the other.

"Leave him. He does not need the oil. It is enough for now. Get the robe." The other priest – or maybe the assistant priest, thought Jack, walked to a table over in the corner and retrieved a long, silk robe. It was dark blue and thankfully, had a belt.

The priest handed it to him. Turning to the side he quickly whipped off the towel and put the robe on. Geesh, he felt like Hugh Heffner!

"Okay, all done. Now can I have something to eat and drink and maybe take a nap? It's been a rough day."

"Yes, you may eat and drink." Almost on cue a door opened and in walked two serving girls carrying dishes and a pitcher of water. They placed them on the side of the pool and bowing, left.

"Eat and drink. You will need your energy." Both priests laughed at their private joke.

Yeah right. Funny! As he sat down, knowing that he needed something so he wouldn't pass out, he wondered at what the plan was. He kinda figured out what was supposed to happen – but not how they were going to make it happen!

He quickly ate, sparing a brief thought about poison or drugs – but really, it didn't matter. It was eat or starve. Once he'd finished he wiped his face with the napkin. He did feel slightly better now that he'd had something to eat.

"It is now time for the Mai'thun. We will go." He walked towards another door to the left of the entrance.

"Uh – what's this 'my thune?" Jack had an idea but prayed it wasn't so.

Both priests turned and looked at him and smiled. "It will be very pleasant for you. It is the joining." They then opened the door and lead him through.

As he walked down a long corridor he could hear noises behind some of the other doors. He heard grunting and sobbing. He even heard a scream, which made him stop dead beside one of the doors. He wanted to break it open, pretty sure he knew what was going on but the priests waved him on, one of them holding up the disc. Finally, they arrived at the last door in the corridor.

This door was bigger and more elaborate than the others. There were sconces on each side which were lit with live flames.

"You are special, Devdaso. My Lord wants you treated well. You will enter and serve. If you do not – " he lifted the small disc. Yeah, yeah – he got it.

One of the priests leaned over and grabbed the door handle and opened it. He then motioned for Jack to enter. Taking a deep breath he walked through the door, which quickly closed – and was locked – behind him.

The light in the room was dim and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. All he really could see, at first, was a large four-poster bed in the middle of the huge room. In fact, there really wasn't much else in it except for a small night table with what looked like some bottles and creams.

At first he didn't notice the body on the bed. But then, as his eyes adjusted to the soft light, he saw that there was someone there.

"Hello?" he asked, walking towards the bed.

"Colonel, is that you?"

"Carter?"

"Oh thank God. Yes, it's me Sir. Please, don't come any closer."

"Why not Major? What's wrong?" He stopped but he was extremely worried by the tone in her voice.

"Uh – I'm not wearing any clothes Sir."

"Can you cover up with blankets or something?" he asked, relieved, although it confirmed his thoughts as to what was to take place.

"No. I'm tied to the bed."

"What!" he exploded. "Why the hell did they do that?'

"Because they say that on the first time many women refuse to co-operate and this makes it easier for the man ….. Sir." This time he could hear the tears in her voice. Oh no – she obviously had found out what this was about as well.

"Well for heavens sake, don't worry about that. Nothings going to happen and you're gonna be just fine." He wasn't quite sure what to do. He felt silly just standing there but at the same time he needed to try and help Sam.

"I'd better see if I can untie you. I promise to look away Major but I have to come closer."

"It won't work Sir. They have me tied with metal cuffs, not ropes. You'd need a key to get me out of here."

"God Damn it!" he exploded.

"I couldn't agree more Colonel."

"Are you okay otherwise Major. They didn't hurt you did they?" he asked, concerned.

"No although I was bathed and, and – 'made ready'. It wasn't a great experience."

"Was it the priests?" He thought of the two creepy guys who had 'prepared' him.

"Priests? No, it was a slave girl. She thought this was a great honor."

"These people are sick. Uh Major, is there any way I can sit down – if I promise to close my eyes? I'm feeling kind of tired just standing here."

"Of course Sir", she said hesitatingly. Her voice still sounded pretty wobbly. He just realized what she had said when he first came in. She hadn't known that it would be him.

She thought she was going to be raped by some stranger. Oh God, poor Sam. No wonder she sounded upset.

He gingerly made his way over to the bed, keeping his eyes closed.

"Damn!"

"Are you okay Colonel?"

"Just stubbed my toe. I'll be fine Carter. There", he sighed in relief as he sat down. He was exhausted – and chilly he realized. This robe was definitely not made for warmth.

Oh Geeze – "Sam, how are you?"

"I'm okay Sir."

"No – are you hurt or hungry or cold?"

"Well, they fed me and I'm not hurt. I am a little cold but they didn't leave any blankets so there's not much we can do."

"I'm sorry Sam, what am I thinking? This time you close your eyes."

"Okay – why Sir?"

"I'm gonna share my robe with you Major. That's give you a little warmth and spare both our blushes. Now, keep those eyes closed – remember peaking at your CO is punishable offense!"

She giggled. She was starting to feel a bit better. She'd been terrified as she'd lain there, tied naked to the bed. She'd been shaking, as much in fear as with cold. When she'd heard his voice she'd wanted to get down on her knees and thank every deity she'd ever known anything about – if she could have of course.

Now it was brought back to her again, how safe this man made her feel. He made her believe in hope and goodness and light. Thank God for Jack O'Neill!

"What kind of punishment Sir?" she asked as she heard rustling and then the ripping of cloth.

"Oh, I don't know – a full course dinner with dessert – something like that."

"Home cooked or restaurant?"

"Can you cook Major?" he asked in some surprise.

"Of course I can cook. I just don't do it too often."

"Darn – I should have let you peak – that sounds good."

"Who says I didn't?"

"Major!" he actually squeaked. She had to laugh, or actually giggle, at that.

"I didn't Sir – but I must admit I was tempted."

He had ripped a couple of feet of material off the bottom of the robe. This he tied around his waist. Not terribly attractive but it served its purpose. The bad part was his chest was now bare. Maybe he'd ask Sam to keep her eyes closed?

He took the rest of the robe and held it in his hands. He hadn't turned to Sam, affording her the same privacy she was giving him. He would have to do so now, of course, if he wanted to cover her. This was going to be uncomfortable.

"Okay Major. I'm going to cover you up here. I'll try to look as little as possible, I promise, but I will have to turn around to do this."

"I understand Sir", she spoke softly but the teary sound had returned.

"I know Sam – this is hard and it's an awful pos – er situation for you to be in. I promise I'll be quick and I'll keep my eyes focused elsewhere. You just keep your eyes closed, okay."

"Mine? But why?"

"Uh – that'll make it easier for you" and me, he thought to himself.

"Okay"

"So here goes Major." He turned around and quickly draped the robe over her upper body. It came down midway between her waist and knees. Unfortunately the bottom got folded under and he got a clear, but quick, vision of parts he shouldn't be seeing.

God, he said to himself – she was shaved! He wonder if they did that or if she … stop thinking about it Jack. Although if they forced her to go through that he was going to kill them!

"Sir?" she asked, realizing he was still standing there.

"Just about done Major. I need to make one quick adjustment" he carefully pulled the material down, careful not to touch any part of his Major.

"All finished!" He took a deep breath. That had been awkward – but he couldn't help but notice how breathtakingly beautiful she was. He'd always known that, of course, but now he's seen the whole gorgeous package, even if only very briefly.

"Can I open my eyes now Sir?" she asked.

He quickly turned his back to her and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah, okay."

"Thank you Sir. That feels better."

"Still cold?"

"Yes – but not as bad as before."

"They keep it pretty cool in here. Probably to force ….." he stopped. They hadn't discussed this whole scenario yet. He figured this was going to be pretty difficult.

"Did you know what this was about Colonel?" She asked in a small voice.

"Yes", he answered baldly.

"Did you know it was going to be me?"

"Yes" another monosyllabic answer. He hoped she didn't think he had been planning to go through with this. If she did, he was going to feel incredibly hurt.

"Oh thank God - you came in here to try and rescue me didn't you?" he could hear the smile in her voice. Thank God – she did know him.

"Well, I thought I'd try but didn't figure we'd have much chance right now. I guess we're considered a prize catch. They're keeping a pretty close watch on us." He couldn't tell her yet about the device that was keeping him here. In fact, he wondered if he should tell her at all? He wanted her to find a way out for herself and if she had to leave him, well so be it!

"Did they tell you about Ba'al and the … making hosts .." she couldn't continue.

"Oh yeah. I guess Tauri hosts are at a premium. Good old Lord Matzo thinks he's hit pay dirt. The snaky bastard. God, I hate these guys more every time I come into contact with one of them."

"Me too. Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Why won't you turn and look at me? I'm covered up now." She sounded confused.

Crap – she was probably going to find out sooner or later – might as well be now.

"Okay, but don't laugh Carter." he said, partially in jest but mostly serious. He turned around slowly.

It took a little while before she noticed, but then he heard her indrawn breath.

"Sir! What happened? What did they do to you?"

"As you can see Carter – they decided a little 'decoration' was in order. I guess it's for the 'Devdaso's' – the servants of the Gods. Can't say as I like it though. Ferretti and the others will tease me unmercifully. I don't even want to think about what Daniel will say."

He tried to make a joke about it, to laugh it off, but she knew him well enough to know he was seriously upset. This must have been humiliating for him, she thought. This was not the kind of thing Air Force officers went and did. A tattoo – yeah, that was seen as okay – but pierced nipples? No way.

"Does it … hurt Sir?" she asked, not sure what else to say.

"Nah, just a little sore."

"What's the – thing – hanging down. It looks like there is writing on it."

"Yeah, I saw that." He gingerly lifted it up but then quickly dropped it. It pulled on his nipples which was a horrible feeling. "This is were we need Danny. He'd be fascinated and would try and figure it out."

"Well, don't worry about it Colonel. I won't say anything and you can have Janet remove it – them – when we get back."

"I know, I just really, really hate this place you know!"

"Me too." They both sat for a few minutes, contemplating the predicament they found themselves in, but also avoiding speaking about it. It was embarrassing for both of them.

"Colonel – what do you think is going to happen if we don't do what they want?" There, that was oblique enough.

"Don't have any idea. I'm sure it won't be pleasant though." He wouldn't say anything but he figured they'd probably use the disc thingy on him.

"I don't want either of us to get hurt but I really couldn't bare it if they hurt you over this."

"Don't worry – they can't do too much to us, not if they want us to …"

"Yeah, I guess you're right." The conversation died there, neither of them sure what else to say or do. Jack was starting to get really cold. He could feel the Goosebumps on his bare torso. The cold also made his nipples harden – which made them hurt. This was a really, really crappy day.

"Are you cold Major? And the truth okay?"

"Yes Sir. I'm freezing."

"Me too, so I'm gonna get closer. We're both covered, even if it is only a light robe – but we might as well share some body heat. No point in us both freezing to death."

He climbed up on to the bed, very carefully, making sure that he remained covered and the material didn't slip. He then scooted up beside Sam. He knew she must be terribly uncomfortable, lying spread-eagled as she was. He lay on his side, right up next to her and threw his left arm over her middle. He pressed one leg against hers, making sure that the naughty bits were not touching. All in all it was an awkward position but at least it provided some warmth. More than that, it provided comfort.

"Ever notice how much 'snugglin' we're doin' lately Carter?" he asked drowsily. He was so tired.

"Yes", she answered with a yawn of her own. "It's nice." She was so tired she didn't even realize what she was saying.

"Mmmmmn. Yeah, very nice." He was drifting into dreamland.

As the two officers slowly fell asleep, neither of them realized how close they'd become – not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Outside the room the two priests waited for the desire of their God to be fulfilled.