Hi. Thanks for your patience in waiting for the update. The good news is I'm moved into a house and am loving it! This will be a really short chapter tonight - just wanted to give you something. I'll write longer ones this weekend. Thanks for the kind comments and all the well-wished for my move. They worked! Thanks again.

Okay, he really felt like crap. Everything was aching – no, he took that back, everything but his arms which seemed to have no feeling whatsoever. He had a moment of panic, wondering what was wrong when he realized that the lack of feeling was due to the fact that his arms were tied behind his back. It had clearly been for a while considering the complete lack of feeling. He tried to move which brought to his attention that his legs were tied as well.

He was naked – except for the bloody rings and chain, but at least someone had covered him with a blanket. Lying on the floor though meant he was still very cold.

What the hell had happened, he wondered? The last thing he remembered he was being taken to see the sadist. He remembered being terrified they were going to turn him into one of those Tarhooks. Instead, D'jindra had jabbed him in the balls.. He'd never had a needle there before and didn't ever plan to repeat the experience!

But what had happened after that, and why was he tied up? He looked around and finally recognized that he was in Sam's room, on the floor. He noticed then that he was even tied to the foot of the bed. Okay, this was not good. Where was Sam? He couldn't see the top of the bed from his position so didn't know if she was there or not. He hoped to God she was okay.

After struggling for a few minutes he finally managed to sit up, his legs pulled out straight in front of him. His balance was off so it was uncomfortable but at lease he could see the bed and – thank heavens – the fact that Sam was in it.

She was curled up, a blanket pulled up over her. She had a frown, even in her sleep, and it looked as if she'd been crying. What had happened?

"Sam", he called. She was in a deep sleep and didn't respond.

"Sam", he said her name a bit louder with no response.

"Sam, come on. Help me here. Wake up! I need you to untie me." Maybe she was drugged, he worried. Normally she was a light sleeper. They all were – they had to be when on mission, their lives often depended on it. Still, she didn't wake up.

"MAJOR CARTER – WAKE UP!" he shouted. With that, he could no longer sit up and flopped back on the floor. He wasn't able to see her now but at least he could hear her start to stir.

He heard some mumbling and then silence.

"Sir?" a small, tentative voice came floating down from the bed.

"Yes Carter?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yup – just fine Major. Kinda lyin' around, takin' it easy. There's just one little thing. – I'm sorta tied up here."

"Oh"

Oh? Somehow he'd expected a bit different reaction. And, to top it off she hadn't even peeked her head over the edge of the bed to look at him.

"Sam?"

"Yes?"

"What's going on?"

"Uh ….. do you remember what happened Colonel?"

"No, if I did I wouldn't ask. Uh Carter … do ya think you could untie me. My arms and feet are completely numb."

There was more silence and then he heard some rustling. He finally saw her head look over the side of the bed at him.

He raised his eyebrows, wondering why she wasn't hurrying to help him. This really wasn't like her,

"Carter?"

"Are you alright Sir?"

"Yeah, I just told you – I'm fine, I just need you to untie me."

"I'm not sure I should Colonel. Maybe we should wait awhile?"

"Wait? Why in hell should we wait? I wanna get out of here Major." There was something really wrong. Had Sam gone bonkers?

"I just want to make sure you're okay. I'll undo you in a bit."

"Sam – what's going on? Why am I tied up?"

"You told me to Sir."

"I told you to? Why in hell would I do that? And why would you listen to me?"

"You really don't remember?"

"No, as I said before, if I remembered I wouldn't be asking you."

Taking a deep breath Sam turned and wrapped the blanket around herself. They still hadn't given her any clothes but at least now there were blankets. As soon as she was 'decent' she sat at the foot of the bed, legs hanging down, and looked at the Colonel.

Seeing him there, clearly uncomfortable and confused, made her feel terribly guilty. At the same time, she still felt traumatized over the events of the past evening. Watching the Colonel become like a wild animal and try to attack her had been beyond disturbing. What was as bad was listening to all the horrible things he'd said. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't get his words out of her mind. Thinking back on it she should have gagged him but at the time she didn't even think of such a thing. It had been bad enough tying him up.

"They gave you something."

"Yeah, I remember that – boy do I remember that!" He suddenly stopped; his eyes narrowed looking at Sam. What was it the two loony priests and D'jindra were talking about? He thought back, trying to remember through his still fuzzy thoughts.

Oh God – they took him there because he'd refused to – make babies – with Carter. So D'jinny had shot him in the balls. That's the last thing he remembered, but something bad must have happened after that.

"Sam, tell me what happened. I need to know." This time his voice had taken on a slightly panicked note. He was really frightened over what he might have done.

Sam had her head down and refused to look up. She began to speak in a soft voice.

"They brought you back and you looked bad – like something was wrong. You looked …. wild. You then told me to tie you up."

"Just like that – I walked in and said 'tie me up'? There must have been some reason for me to do that."

"They gave you something Sir – something that made you", here she stopped. How did she tell him?.

"That made me what? Come on, spit it out Major. You're worrying me here."

She knew it must be frustrating for him. She should have just told him in a matter of fact way – as if it was no big deal. Now, of course, she'd not only worried him but made it out to be a big deal. Okay Sam, just spit it out.

"They gave you some kind of alien Viagra Sir. It caused you to be quite … 'aroused' and you were afraid you were going to attack me so you told me to tie you up. I did. The drug lasted most of the night until you finally passed out."

He was silent, realizing how out of control this situation had become. As soon as she had told him what had happened he remembered bits and pieces, although still not much.

"I didn't hurt you did I?" That was his biggest fear.

"No. I managed to get you tied before the drug really hit. You didn't hurt me."

"You said 'before' the drug really hit – what did I do 'after' it hit?" He was getting more worried every second.

"You tried to get out of the ties, Sir. You fought for a long time. You're probably going to be pretty sore."

"Already am Major."

Something in Sam's tone disturbed him. Looking closely at her he saw that she still refused to meet his eyes.

"What else?"

"What Colonel?"

"What else? What else did I do?"

"Nothing."

"Somehow I don't believe you Sam. Come on – what else?"

"You just said some things."

When she didn't continue he prodded her again.

"What kind of things?"

"Nothing important Colonel. You were drugged."

"Sam – speak to me. What did I say? You're obviously upset and you're scaring me."

"Sir, it was the drugs talking, not you. It really doesn't matter exactly what. It was just that it was hard to listen to you say those things, even though I know it really wasn't you."

"I'm guessing from that that I said some – inappropriate things?"

He could see a small smile on her face at that.

"Yes Sir – you could say that."

"How inappropriate?"

"Uh … very!"

"Very? God Carter, I'm sorry. I guess I can imagine what kind of things but please believe me – I would never say – heck, I'd never think those kind of things about you. It really was the drugs Sam."

She finally brought her head up and looked directly at him. "I know Sir. It was just kind of upsetting to see you – and hear you – like that."

"But you're sure nothing else happened?"

"No, I promise, nothing else."

"All right – can you untie me then?"

She looked at him carefully. She was going to make sure this was not some kind of trick caused by the drug.

She jumped off the bed and knelt down beside him. She intentionally brushed up against him, wanting to see his reaction. If the drug was still in his system this would probably cause a reaction. If not, well then she'd let him go.

It was a good thing she couldn't read his mind as he definitely felt a reaction when she grew near him. No, it wasn't drug induced – it was all Jack. He just couldn't help his reaction.

"Can you roll over a bit so I can get the ties off your wrists?"

"Of course." He managed to turn a bit, worried that he was going to lose the blanket. Although he guessed that was a moot point at this stage. He assumed he'd been totally naked while under the affects of the drug. And she said he'd been 'aroused'! Great! Nice to know Sam had pretty much witnessed everything about him now. He'd just have to not think about it too hard (okay, wrong word O'Neill – get a grip).

It was a bit difficult turning over without feeling in a good portion of his body and with his legs tied to the bed. He must have moved enough because he could tell she was doing something. Unfortunately, he still couldn't feel anything.

"There, all done. I'll do your ankles now. You can bring your arms forward Sir"

"Uh, actually I can't. I can't really feel them", he mumbled.

"I'm so sorry Sir!" She sounded horribly guilty. After she'd quickly released his ankles she reached over and took his arms and pulled them forward. She then began to rub up and down his arms, trying to get the blood circulating.

He looked down at his hands and felt a bit concerned. They were terribly swollen and his wrists were bruised and bloody. He had very obviously fought like hell to get out of the ties. It must have been pretty scarey indeed for Sam.

"This is going to hurt Sir", she said as she continued to rub his arms. He knew that was going to be true but even so was surprised when the pain of nerves returning to life suddenly hit.

"Ow! Oh crap that hurts." He tried to pull away from Carter, her rubbing was really causing it to hurt even more.

"No Sir – let me do this. I know it's painful but we need to get the circulation back. I'm really sorry about this." She again sounded extremely guilty.

"Hey – I'm glad you did. I'll get over the pain shortly. If I'd … attacked you I never would have gotten over it." He continued to grimace as his legs were now added to the tingling burning pain that was moving up and down his arms. Of course, pain from the bruised and torn ankles and wrists made it even worse.

"We need to clean those up", Sam commented, looking at the blood. "You don't want to get that infected."

"I think infection's the least of our worries right now." By this time the feeling had pretty much returned and it was starting to hurt less. He really wanted to get off the floor as his butt was freezing.

"Help me up here Carter." He held his hand up, knowing he was so stiff he'd probably fall right over.

She held her arm down and pulled as he attempted to stand. He almost didn't make it – the combination of numbness and stiffness making it difficult to gain balance. The fact that he was carefully holding the blanket around himself didn't make it any easier either.

"There! Thanks. If you don't mind I'd kinda like to lie down. I'm freezing and still kinda sore."

"Of course. Here, let me help." She put her arm under his and helped him walk – or hobble – over to the bed where he collapsed. She reached down and lifted his legs. Once he was flat she tucked his blanket around him.

"Better?"

"Yeah – thanks. Why don't you join me? I mean – why don't you relax on the bed. No point standing on a cold, hard floor."

"Okay", she sat down on the edge of the bed, really wishing she could cuddle up next to him.

"Relax Carter. I'm not going to bite." This, when she stayed perched on the edge of the mattress. "I promise, the drug's all gone. I won't hurt you."

If only he knew it had nothing to do with that but rather the fact that she was craving some comfort. The last night had been terrifying. She was frightened and confused and desperately wanted a shoulder – preferably his shoulder – to lean on.

He must have caught on to her feelings because he looked at her intently.

"Carter?"

"Yes Sir", she snifled. God, don't let her cry, she thought.

"Come here."

"What?"

"Come here."

"Why?"

"Why? Because you're upset, because I'm feeling horrible for what I put you through and I'm also freezing. I think we both need some comfort. I think it's time for a little more snuggling – just between Colonel and Major" he was careful to say – he didn't want to worry her further.

She looked at him uncertainly. What did he mean by that? Well, whatever he meant, she really, really wanted to 'snuggle'.

"Come on Major, get your butt over here and help warm me up. I just spent the night on the floor."

"Okay", she murmured. Without looking at him she slithered over, keeping the blanket firmly around herself. When she got about four inches from him she stopped.

He sighed. She really wasn't going to make this easy. He managed to scoot over those few inches until he was touching her. They were both cocooned in their respective blankets, which kind of defeated the purpose. At the same time, they were both without clothes and that was a very dangerous position to be in. If they weren't careful they could end up doing what the damn Goa'uld wanted them to do anyway.

"Sam?"

"Yes Sir?" she asked. She really wished she could get rid of the blanket and really snuggle with him. Oh dear … Pete! What was she thinking?

"Are you on …?" he stopped.

"What Sir?" she looked at him, confused.

"Uh, I just thought of something. Are you on birth control?" He felt terriby embarrassed to even ask but with everything that was going on he figured it was important to know. He hadn't wanted to ask because if she said yes that would just confirm that she and Pete were…. He had to stop thinking right there because it was just too upsetting.

"Yes Sir", Damn! He knew it.

"All female soldiers are required to when going off world. It's standard in case … well, in case something like this happens."

Unutterably relieved (it didn't mean she and Pete weren't but it allowed him the opportunity to believe they weren't.

Then her comment got through to him. "In case something like this happens? Do you honestly think that the powers that be in the AF could have possibly conceived (pardon the pun) of this scenario."

She giggled (God, that was so good to hear). "No Sir – but you know what I mean. They're afraid that a woman might get attacked – or, which is probably more likely – do something with a fellow soldier to get, you know, pregnant."

"Yeah, I guess so. But you haven't taken any since we've been here anyway so I guess it doesn't really matter."

"No Sir – or I mean yes. We use Depo Provera."

He looked confused.

"You know – the shot. It lasts for months at a time. I just got mine a few weeks ago."

"Okay – so no worries then. I mean – if something – or if we can't... Oh hell, you know what I mean Sam."

"Yes Colonel. I've thought that too. I'm sorry, I should have said something I just assumed you knew."

"Oh, I'm sure Janet probably told me at one time or another. It's just not the sort of thing I'm gonna pay too much attention to. You know – it's not a 'guy' kind of thing."

She laughed out loud at that. Typical male comment – as if procreation was only a 'female' kind of thing.

He looked at her suspiciously figuring, accurately, that that had been a 'men are so clueless, us women have to stick together' kind of laugh. He'd been married – he knew.

"Sorry Sir."

"No problem Carter. You feelin' a bit better."

"Yes", she answered in surprise. He'd done it again. God, Jack should bottle and market himself as an anti-worry/anti-stress device.

"Good. I hate to bring up bad stuff then but I'm thinkin' we should discuss what to do."

"Do you think we should tell them about the birth control."

"Hmmm", he gave it some serious thought. Would that give them a reprieve? It might give them extra time for rescue to come. On the other hand, it could endanger Sam if they thought she was safe from pregnancy. Since the Goa'uld had wanted the two of them to 'breed' he wouldn't chance having any other man touch her. If she was safe from pregnancy that might change.

"No, I don't think so. I don't see that that will help us. No, I think we should figure a way out."

"What about the device you're wearing?"

He looked at her in surprise. How had she known?

"Solyara told me. Why didn't you say something Colonel?" She looked at him accusingly.

"Didn't see a reason to Sam. It doesn't affect you."

"What do you mean?" she replied angrily. She almost sat up she was so ticked at him but at the last second remembered the blanket. "Of course it affects me. Anything that makes it difficult for you to escape is going to hinder me as well. I also might be able to help you with the device."

"I don't see how", he said, not addressing her first comment. "The device itself is inside me – the sadistic old gnome – D'jindra", he explained when she looked at him questioningly, "said it can only be removed through surgery."

"How did they get it inside you and why doesn't it just …. come out?"

"He stuck a tube down my throat and then stuck the thing in. It was somehow attached to my stomach wall so it won't …. as you say 'come out'. The rings are what activate it."

"May I take a look Sir? Maybe I can figure a way to remove them."

"That would be nice Carter. Sure, knock yourself out." He lay back on the bed and tugged the blanket down so his chest was showing. He refused to look at it any more as it was too depressing a site.

"May I touch?"

"Okay" he answered shortly. He so didn't want her touching, for a whole host of reasons, none of which he could say to her.

She gently reached out and touched one of the rings. He jerked away from her touch but then settled down. She moved closer, to get a better view.

"Does it hurt if I touch them Sir?" she asked.

"Don't think so – haven't really touched 'em."

She wasn't surprised at this. She figured he'd avoid even thinking about the rings. She reached out again and this time took one of the rings to see if she could see any markings or seams. She bent down closer to get a better look.

As she manipulated it a bit she could see the goosebumps rise on Jack's skin. He had his eyes closed but she could tell his breathing had sped up. She wondered if they really did hurt.

"Are you okay Colonel?"

"Fine", he answered. She was surprised at how 'squeaky' his voice was.

After a few more minute's examination she finally stopped. She would have liked to have gone on longer but found herself getting short of breath. She hoped there wasn't something in the air. Both she and the Colonel seemed to be having problems breathing.

"I'm sorry Sir. I can't really see anything. I expect you'll have to have them cut off."

"Yeah, kind of what I figured. Just remember Carter, you promised not to tell anyone."

"Of course not Sir, although just think how convenient it could be."

"Convenient?"

"Yes – you could hang your dogtags on it."

"Ha, ha" he answered sarcastically. "Just remember Carter – they might decide to do the same to you so I wouldn't laugh."

"I'm sorry Sir – I was just –"

"Ack! I know Carter. I wasn't upset – just giving you a hard time."

The two comrades lay for a while longer, not really snuggling, but close enough to give each other comfort. They didn't know what lay ahead but they both prayed this would come to an end soon.

It was not long before the door opened and in walked Tweedledum and Tweedledummer, the two priests.

"Did you Mai'thun?" asked head honcho. Boy, they sure didn't waist time on niceties did they? Nope, just right to the point.

"Oh yeah – sure", Jack answered. "We Mai'thuned all night. Now we're tuckered so you can leave us be. Maybe send in some food and drink – Mai'thuning makes you hungry you know."

The two looked at him carefully, trying to gage whether or not he was telling the truth. Finally, short guy spoke.

"We will examine the woman to see if you are telling the truth. If you are lying it will go badly for you."

"Okay", he sighed, "I lied. We didn't Mai'thun – I fell asleep."

"You fell asleep? Heidi asked incredulously. He must know the effects of that drug.

"Yeah, is that a problem? I need my beauty sleep."

The priests grew enraged. They had never had someone who withstood the will of the Gods like this one. The smaller priest reached in and took out the disk and proceeded to 'show' Sam how it worked.

"Enough! Stop it. You're going to kill him", shouted Sam. She tried to cradle him in her arms but he was afraid he was going to be sick. After everything that had happened he really, really didn't want to add 'vomiting in her lap' to his list.

The priests (he had to figure out their names) had finally finished with him. It was a good thing because he was feeling worse now than ever.

"This time we will take the woman. Maybe D'jindra can talk some sense into her."

"No!" Jack yelled. He didn't want that sick man to get his hands on Sam. Anything but that.

"Take me. Please. He can't hurt Sam – she's the one who will have the babies." He would try anything to protect her.

The two priests looked at each other, obviously carrying out some kind of private conversation. Finally, the 'numero uno' turned to Jack.

"Come then. We will take you with us now." One of them reached down and pulled him to his feet. He was surprised, and a little dismayed, to realize how sore and sick he felt. he only just managed to save the blanket. As he was pulled towards the door Sam spoke to him one last time,

"It'll be okay Sir. Just hand on.." With that he and the priest left the room.

The other one turned to Sam one last time.

"You know that if something happens to him it will be your fault? D'jindra will decide to make him Tar'hok if he refuses to Mai'thun with you."

"What is 'tar'hok?" she asked. The priest gave her the same demonstration he'd given Jack. Now she was really frightened.

Maybe the best thing was just getting it over with! Although knowing the Colonel, he would absolutely refuse, no matter what it cost him. She would just have to find a way!