Sorry this is a bit shorter tonight as I had to work late . I'm afraid I won't be able to update for a couple of days as I'm in the middle of a move and my compute will be packed up. I should be back by Friday. Thanks again for the great reviews and keep them coming.
"So Dr. Jackson, what in hell is this all about? Since when do you go around trying to kill officers under my command for no reason?"
The General was visiting Daniel in this cell. As long as there were no women near he seemed reasonably calm, although he was still obsessed with the idea that all women were evil.
"I'm telling you the truth Sir. Major Carter is behind this. She's a traitor and the women on the base are in on it with her."
"What proof do you have Son? What exactly did she do?" Hammond wanted to get to the bottom of this quickly. He was tired and stressed enough as it was with two of his finest officers missing without the rest of SG1 going bonkers.
"She told the Goa'uld where to come to get Jack."
"Yes, but she was taken too."
"Well, that proves it General. They took her because she's one of them."
"But how do you know? What if she is as much of an innocent victim as O'Neill. You haven't given me any proof that she turned traitor."
"But don't you see Sir, you don't need proof. It's obvious. She's a woman – you don't need anything more than that."
Hammond sighed and rubbed his eyes. This was getting no where. It was very clear that there was something wrong with both Jackson and Teal'c. He just hope Frasier could discover that it was some sort of virus or something. Otherwise he'd have a hell of a time knowing what to do with two homicidal misogynists.
Okay, he needed to find out something more about what went on on the damn planet. Maybe that would help the doctor discover some source for this condition.
"So, tell me again Dr. Jackson, when did you first discover that women were evil?"
Daniel spent the next 20 minutes telling the General about the ceremony, the smoke, and his feeling of 'revelation' about women. Hammond wasn't sure if this meant anything but it was a place to start.
By the time Janet arrived at the Infirmary Teal'c had already been taken into surgery by Dr. Warner. She knew his symbiote would heal him pretty quickly but they still had to get the bullet out.
She returned to her office and pulled out the tests that had been done on both Teal'c and Daniel when they'd returned from the mission. She was hoping she could find something, anything that would point to what was wrong with them.
She'd never seen anything like this before. She stopped and laughed at that. Most of the stuff she saw anymore was stuff she'd never seen before. The bizarre, the inane, the terrifying and the just plain weird had become the norm around the SGC.
After a few minutes looking at the test results she laid them down in frustration. Nothing! Everything looked absolutely, totally normal. At least as far as Daniel was concerned. With Teal'c – well it was not always easy to tell. She'd become much better at figuring out Jaffa physiology but there was still a lot she didn't know. What she couldn't figure out was why he had been affected.
She was positive this had a physiological cause. The exposure to an unknown substance must have been the cause. But usually Teal'c's symbiote would protect him. In this case it hadn't seemed to. According to Daniel Teal'c had even acted as if drunk. She spared a small smile at that. It was something she would liked to have seen. In fact, seeing both Daniel and Teal'c drunk at the same time would have been a sight to behold. It must have been something out of a Laurel and Hardy comedy. Jack would be disappointed to have missed it.
The thought of the Colonel suddenly switched her mind to him and Sam. She hoped to God they were okay. One of these days they wouldn't come back from one of these missions. She quickly turned and knocked on her desk – she had to stop thinking that way – wouldn't want to jinx them.
"Janet?" the voice from behind startled her. She turned quickly.
"Jacob. I didn't see you there."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just got up – I was up all last night dealing with the council and thought I'd catch a few winks. When I woke up I heard all hell had broken loose. Is it true that the General shot Teal'c?"
"Yes", she let out a huff of breath. "He was trying to kill me and the General had to shoot him to save my life. He'll be okay. He's in surgery but I expect his symbiote is already repairing the damage."
"Say that again. Teal'c tried to kill you? What in hell for? Did you pull a Band-aid off too quickly or something."
"No, it's because I'm a woman."
"Because you're a woman? Okay, I can see why that might be a reason for some idiots – but Teal'c? He's one of the least sexist guys – or Jaffa – I know. Not that I know many Jaffa of course."
"Yeah, well that's not the worst of it. Daniel was the one who told him to kill me."
'Daniel? Our Daniel? Butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, save the world, save the whales, Daniel? You're kidding right?"
"Sadly no. I don't know what's wrong but they were exposed to something on that planet that has turned them against all women. I can't find anything in their tests though. I'm afraid we're going to have to send someone back to get samples of whatever that substance was."
"According to Daniel it was part of some sacred ceremony. It might be difficult to get a sample."
"Yes, I know. There's nothing else I can think of to do."
"Hey, you don't think Jack was affected by that too do you?" He suddenly worried about Sam.
"No, according to Daniel Jack was as "deceived" as the rest of the men. He didn't take part in that ceremony remember"
"Good. It's enough that they've been captured by some smarmy Goa'uld – they certainly don't need some alien virus on top of it."
"No, I agree."
"I have to head back Janet. I'm going to see if we've heard anything from any of our operatives. When I'm there I'll ask if any of the Tokra have heard of such a thing. Selmac hasn't but maybe someone else knows something that might help."
"Thanks Jacob, I appreciate that. And don't worry – we'll get Sam and the Colonel back. If anyone can get them out it's him."
"I know. As much as he sometimes makes me want to strangle him, there's no one I'd trust more with my Sammy."
The man he would trust with his daughter was just waking up out of a sound sleep. His body had finally given up after hours of pain and stress and he had slept so deeply he hadn't noticed anything.
His first realization, foggy though it was, on waking up was that there was something in his hand. It took him a second to realize what it was.
A breast! He was holding a breast and it was very nice. It'd been quite a while but he remembered clearly how much he liked them. He lay there, not thinking, just enjoying. Yes, this was definitely the life.
Oh my God! He suddenly woke up and realized whose breast he was holding. He was going to jerk his hand away when he decided that that would probably wake Sam and necessitate explanations and apologies. From the steady rise and fall of said – breast – he could tell she was still sleeping.
Okay, he had to do this very carefully, very slowly so as not to wake her. It was going to be difficult. He lay there for another few seconds (no – he wasn't procrastinating – he was waiting for a strategic moment). Gingerly he began to lift his hand, trying not to do anything that would wake her up. He'd almost reached safety when his thumb inadvertently brushed her …
"SIR!" she squeaked and jerked away – which left his hand hanging suspiciously in mid air. "What are you doing?"
"Uh – nothing?" he tried to sound nonchalant.
"Nothing? I thought you had your hand…."
"What? Where? My hand?" Okay, that was good.
"Did you have your hand on my … on me?"
"Hey, I was asleep okay? It wasn't intentional – you must have moved."
"Moved? Sir, I'm tied down – if anyone was going to move it was you."
"I'm sorry Carter –really. It was an accident – I promise."
"I know Sir", she sighed, "it's okay". She would never tell him – never admit this to a living soul, but she hadn't actually been sleeping. She'd woken up before O'Neill. When she'd first realized that the warmth she felt – there – was due to his hand encircling her she'd wanted to jump a mile high. Then, she'd discovered, with a very guilty conscience, that she quite enjoyed it. She figured it wouldn't matter if he didn't know she knew – or something like that.
She ended up dozing, almost asleep, enjoying the sensation. It was when he'd lifted his hand that she'd woken up fully again and jumped. She almost laughed at his expression – but she felt instead she'd give him a bit of a hard time. The Colonel with a guilt trip was a sight to behold.
By this time the Colonel had rolled over and was sitting up on the side of the bed. Damn, she shouldn't have given him a hard time. She really missed his presence next to her.
"Did you sleep well Sir?" she asked, trying to break the silence.
"What? Oh yeah. Slept really well. I guess I was exhausted. How about you? Were you cold?"
"I slept well too, although my right side was a bit chilly. I hope they come and release me soon. I'm getting really stiff."
"Yeah – by the look of things it must be morning already. I think they left us alone all night."
"Do you think they're going to know we didn't … you know?"
"Probably. I expect they're experts in this."
"God, I hope they don't decide to examine me or something."
"Carter, I'm really sorry about this. I hate that you're in this position – literally and figuratively. I'd do anything to get you out of here."
"Hey, it's not your fault Sir. I'm just glad they decided to pair us up. And we'll both get out of here."
The Colonel didn't answer. He really couldn't see a way out for him – not with this contraption on his chest and in his stomach. He glanced down ot the rings and again felt a sense of frustration. What kind of person would do this?
They both heard the door unlocking a moment later. Well, this is it, thought Jack. Somehow he didn't expect to enjoy the next few minutes.
The two creepy priests walked in and both looked rather unhappy.
"You did not do as you were commanded. You did not perform the Mai'thun."
"Okay – so how do you know? Are you peeping Tom's or what?"
Both priests ignored this.
"Why did you not do as you were instructed." The braided one asked again.
"Uh – because we don't do things like that just because we're told to. Sorry."
"You do not have a choice. You must do your duty. It's the will of our God."
"Well, a coupla things here – one, that's not my duty and two, he's not my God."
"You will be punished for disobeying."
"So, what's new?" Jack had expected this. Sam looked worried.
"Call the slave girl", Heidi said to the other guy. "She can look after the woman. You", he pointed to Jack, "will come with me." He held up the disc so Jack turned to Sam.
"I'm just gonna go for now. I'll be back." He turned to the priests again. "You're going to let her up aren't you? There's no reason to keep her tied up there."
"It is not your business. Come." The priest led Jack out into the other room. I guess this is it, he thought.
He had barely entered the room when the priest activated the disc. He held it on for longer this time, causing Jack to almost black out in pain. Finally, when the priest stopped he lay there, not only hurting, but dreadfully sick to his stomach. He was afraid he was going to throw up.
"You can not disobey. Your duty is to provide children for our Lord. He has made a bargain with Lord Ba'al. If he doesn't deliver he will be killed as will we. You will obey and you will take the woman."
"No", Jack gasped. It was difficult to speak. "Can't do it."
"What! Are you unable. We were not told this."
"You weren't? Oh, that's too bad. Yeah – old war wound."
"In that case we had better take you back to D'jindra – he may be able to fix you. If not, he will make you Tar'hok."
Jack squinted up at the Priest. He certainly didn't like the idea of seeing D'jindra again – nor did he like the sound of the tarhook.
"Uh – what's Tarhook?"
"Tar'hok – is this." He pulled open his robes and Jack gasped. The priest was a eunuch – all his genitals having been removed. Now he felt really sick. This was bad, very bad.
"Nope – don't think I need to see old D'jinny baby. I'm just fine. My war wound was on my finger – broke it while parachuting."
"You can perform?"
"If I want to. And I don't want to."
"You do not like women?"
He was careful what he said this time – he didn't want to end up in a worse situation.
"Yes, I like women fine. But on my world we don't – do that – with just anyone. We have to be mated with the woman." Okay, so he was stretching the truth a little - but they'd never know.
"It's against our religion, our beliefs to mate with someone we're not – mated with."
"You beliefs mean nothing here. Here you worship our God and do his bidding." He turned to his partner in crime.
"We will take him to D'jindra. He will know what to do."
Damn, double damn – not back to that sadist! He was really getting worried.
Sam felt incredibly relieved when she was released. The first thing she did was use the bathroom and then wrap herself in a blanket.
Solyara spoke "Why did the man not perform Mai'thun with you? Is there something wrong with him?"
Wrong with Jack? God, she hoped not.
"No, it's just this isn't something we do."
"What do you mean? It is commanded."
"No, you see we don't do this 'on command'. This is something we only do when we love someone."
"And you do not love the man? I thought you did – he is very handsome although a bit old."
"He's not old – and, well, it's complicated. You see, I'm seeing someone back home. I have a man already."
"You do? That is sad for now he will not be the father of your children. You are here to serve and will bear many children. When you are done you may be returned to your man."
Yeah – as if Pete would want her then, she thought.
"Do you know where they've taken Jack – the man who was with me?"
"They will probably take him to D'jindra." The way she said it Sam didn't get the feeling that this was a good thing.
"Who is this "D'jindra?"
"He is the one who punishes when we disobey. He also makes us do things we do not always wish to do. He frightens me. He is the one who punished – Jack? – when you arrived."
"What? He punished Jack. What did he do? I didn't see anything."
"Did you not notice the rings on his chest?"
"Yes, I thought they were a decoration – that's what he said."
"Yes, they can be used for that, but not by D'jindra. He used them to keep someone in control. He attaches a device to the inside of the stomach – the disc hanging from the chain controls this and causes much pain. It also keeps him from escaping for to leave the compound will cause it to activate."
"Does he know this? Jack? Does he know this?" she was starting to feel angry at one Colonel O'Neill.
"Yes, I am sure of it. D'jindra will have told him. I hear the pain is terrible and if it is on for too long the person will die."
God, she sat down on the bed. what were they going to do?
"I will bring you some food and you must eat. They will bring – Jack – back soon and you will perform the Mai'thun." She spoke confidently as if it were a foregone conclusion. What were they going to do?
Jack was practically dragged into the little building which housed the local version of the chief inquisitor. The little man was working on something – probably designing more interesting torture devices, thought Jack.
As he walked in, followed by the twins, D'jindra turned and looked at him and grinned. Damn but he hated that grin.
"You return Tauri? Why?" he turned to the Priests.
"He would not perform Mai'thun."
"He wouldn't. Why not?' he asked in surprise. In his experience most of the men quite liked to perform their duty.
"He says it is against his beliefs."
"Really? Did you explain that that means nothing here?"
"Yes. He still refuses."
"Okay, lay him on the table."
"Ah no. Come on. You don't need to do that again. It's not going to change my mind anyway."
"It is not your mind I am trying to change – it is your body.."
Crap! What did that mean? He'd better not plan on any more 'modifications' and he certainly didn't want to end up like the priests.
The Priest with the disc held it up and he slowly walked to the table. He knew they could just activate it and force him up anyway. He sat on the bed and could feel his palms grow sweaty.
"Lie down."
"That's okay. I'd much prefer to sit."
A sharp bolt of agony signaled the fact that the priest had activated the damn disc. The pain was so intense that he automatically laid down anyway. By the time it had stopped he realized he was once again tied down.
"What are you going to do?" he asked, trying to sound blasé but in fact feeling quite nervous.
"Nothing very much". D'jindra walked across the room and pulled something from the cabinet. As he turned to walk back Jack could see that it was a needle and a vial of some kind of liquid. Okay, not good but better than if he'd been holding a knife.
D'jindra walked up and grinned that damn grin which usually meant he was going to do something terrible. He reached down and plunged the needle right in Jack's …
"Ow shit! God damnit, that hurt. Why did you do it there? You could have shot me in the butt or arm or something." He again felt sick to his stomach. He'd never received a needle in that tender area before and hoped never to experience it again.
"It is not your …."butt' or arm that is at issue." D'jindra turned back to the priests. "Leave him for 10 minutes and then you can return him to the woman. By then he will be ready." With that he walked out, much to Jack's delight.
He lay there, contemplating the ceiling and trying to get over that damn shot. He'd always hated needles but that took the cake. From now on he wouldn't complain about Janet poking him.
After a couple of minutes he started to feel strange. Not bad, just strange. His thoughts began to revolve around the brief glimpse he'd had of Sam last night. He tried to focus his mind elsewhere, feeling guilty for even thinking of such a thing, but found he couldn't. The next thing he knew he was starting to sweat and feel very – hot, in more ways than one.
"You gave me some kind of damn aphrodisiac, didn't you you bastard." He soon noticed that his body was reacting – giving evidence to his drug induced desire.
The two priests laughed when they saw the state he was in. Not very nice boys – just cause you're jealous! He knew he was losing the ability to think clearly. All he could think of was how much he wanted Sam.
The priests untied him and had to practically drag him back to the other building. The entire way flashes of a naked Sam, a laughing Sam, an eating Sam – hell, any kind of Sam, filled his mind. He could hardly wait to get to her and "Mai'thun" with her. He laughed softly to himself. Yup – he was going to Mai'thun her brains out!
They finally arrived at the room with the doors and pretty much threw him in.
"Enjoy Tauri! We will return when you are finished." Laughing, they closed and locked the door.
There she was, this time just sitting on the bed. Beautiful. God, he wanted her now.
"Sir? Colonel? Are you all right? Did they hurt you?"
He just stared at her, mesmerized.
She was extremely worried. The Colonel didn't look right. Something was wrong. She stood up to go to him.
"Colonel? Can you hear me? Are you okay."
He had a brief moment of sanity and knew that she was in real danger. With the state he was in right now he could easily end up raping her – and that was something he would never, ever forgive himself for – alien drug induced or not.
"Tie me up."
"What Sir?" She walked closer.
"Tie me up – now."
"Why Sir? What's wrong?"
"Order Sam – please, hurry. I can't hold out much longer. Please!" he begged, practically sobbing. "Gave me something – you have to tie me up."
She looked at him closely and saw a wild look in his eyes. She noticed also his state of arousal and realized what must be happening. They must have given him something to force him to attack her. With that realization came the motivation to do as he said. She walked to the bed, which now had both sheets and blankets, and stripped the top sheet. She quickly ripped it in strips. Turning she walked over towards him, staying just out of his reach.
"Okay Sir. I have the ties. What do you want me to do?"
He looked at her and thought how easy it would be to grab her and throw her on the bed. He could strip the clothes off her in a second. It would be so easy and so nice –
"SIR!" she shouted, trying to refocus him. It worked. He looked at her and grimaced. He then knelt on the ground and then laid down on his stomach – which must have been uncomfortable considering his state. He put his hands behind his back.
"Hurry … Sam. And be …. careful. I don't know how long I can hang on." She quickly knelt beside him, out of the way of his legs. She quickly grabbed his wrists and tied them as tightly as she could. As she moved to his legs he suddenly heaved himself up, with a wild look, and proceeded to try and attack her – even with his hands behind his back.
It took all over her combat training to finally get him pinned so that she could tie his legs. She figured she wouldn't have been able to even do that if it hadn't been for the fact that he was drugged and not at his fighting best.
When she had tied his legs she then tied a strip of cloth from his ankles to the frame of the bed. That would keep him even more secure.
He kept trying to remove the ties, frantic to get to her. He was like an animal and she was unable to calm him down or reason with him. After a little while, when he realized he couldn't get to her, he started spewing obscene suggestions as to what he wanted to do to her.
She knew it wasn't his fault – this wasn't the Colonel talking, not really. But still, it was upsetting. She could feel herself close to tears and tried to ignore the words coming from his mouth but it was almost impossible.
It went on for hours, until finally it looked as if the drug was wearing off. Jack finally slumped down, either asleep or unconscious. She got up on the bed and curled up under the blanket, exhausted and sick at heart.
"We have to get out of here. Please, someone help us." She cried until she fell asleep.