Okay you naughty readers – you've all jumped to the conclusion that Sam is pregnant! Tsk, tsk – wait and see - but please, keep reviewing!

The SGC

General Hammond hurried from his office as he heard the gate engaging. He knew no teams were expected back for at least 24 hours so he needed to see who was arriving.

"Who is it son?" he asked the technician in the control room.

"I don't know Sir, we're – no wait, we're receiving an IDC." He turned to look at the General. "It's the Tokra, Sir."

"Open the Iris." The General hoped it was good news. As of yet they hadn't heard anything of any of the members of SG1. Janet and her team had returned the day before, and he'd been relieved to hear their experiment had worked. At least if nothing else came of this they'd have helped a whole civilization get back on track.

The shimmering blue event horizon appeared and shortly thereafter a lone figure came through.

"Jacob!" Hammond turned and headed towards the stairs into the Gate room.

"I hope you have some good news for us?" he asked the former Air Force General.

"Well, I have news. I don't know if it's good or not."

Hammond sighed. Well, at least it was something – better than not knowing anything he supposed. He turned toward the technician in the Control Room.

"Have Dr. Frasier and Major Griff meet us in the Briefing Room immediately." Turning back to Jacob he spoke,

"Might as well tell all of us at once rather than having to repeat the story."

As the two men walked to the Briefing Room Hammond told Jacob about what had transpired on the 'women hating' planet.

"That's good George. At least now we can help Daniel and Teal'c."

"When we find them."

"Well, I can help with that." George looked over at him quizzically but just then Griff and Frasier walked in.

"You wanted to see us Sir?" asked Janet.

"Yes Doctor, Major. Jacob says he has some news for us. I'm waiting to hear it myself." The three officers turned and looked expectantly at the former General Carter.

"Well", he said heavily. "We've found Dr. Jackson and Teal'c."

"That's wonderful", exclaimed Janet. Things were definitely looking up.

When he didn't say any more Hammond looked at him. "There's more though Jacob. Where are they?"

"Well, one of our operatives has been working undercover for months with one of the System Lords. He saw Daniel and Teal'c arrive yesterday, on a ship carrying a number of Jaffa and slaves. They had come to join the System Lord's army on the planet Pol."

"Which System Lord?", asked Hammond. The name of the planet meant nothing to him however a sense of foreboding was already filling the room.

"Ba'al", Jacob answered simply.

"Ba'al?" exclaimed Griff. "Why the hell would they join Ba'al's forces? He wasn't the one who took Jack and Sam." Looking over at the General he grimaced. "Sorry Sir – I was just shocked."

"No worries son. I feel the same." Turning to his friend of many years George asked, "any idea as to why?"

"Our operative hasn't made contact with them so was unable to find out anything specific. He wasn't sure if he should in case they weren't working undercover but had really defected to Ba'al's service." When the humans in the room all began to object he swiftly continued. "Look, you know that many Tokra are still suspicious of the Jaffa – even 'Free Jaffa'. They have thousands of years of bad history between them. It doesn't take much, unfortunately, for the Tokra to be suspicious." Looking over at George he continued. "And the fact of the matter is that we don't really know what's happening. We know that both of them were affected by that chemical and have already done things not in their natures. We have to err on the side of caution."

Although painful, each person in the room knew that Jacob had a point. Still, they couldn't believe that Daniel or Teal'c would ever willingly join a Goa'uld. No, something else had to be happening here.

"But it could be possible that they were just caught up in something – that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time?" Hammond asked.

"It's possible, although the word is that Teal'c was pretty chummy with some of the other Jaffa. He certainly wasn't being held prisoner. Daniel was acting as his slave."

"How is it that they weren't discovered? Surely someone would have recognized Teal'c – or at least his tattoo."

"He was pretending to be from Andor." When that didn't get any reaction other than extreme puzzlement he continued,

"Andorans must keep their heads covered at all times – it's an important part of their religion. No Jaffa would ever force them to take off their covering. His tattoo wouldn't be seen."

"Well, that proves it", cried Janet in relief. "If they really had defected Teal'c would simply have claimed to have 'returned to the worship of the true god' or some such cr – ur stuff. They must be there for a good reason. But what could it be?"

"Well, there is something", Jacob continued. "Ba'al's forces are preparing for battle. Our operative said that an attack appears imminent – it could happen any day."

"God, what next!" exclaimed Hammond as he rubbed his hand over his bald head. "Any idea as to who he's planning to attack?"

"No, it's all very 'hush, hush' – which is itself very unusual. Usually the Goa'uld are pretty 'in your face' about any planned assault. They like to spread mayhem and terror in advance of the actual attack. The fact that this is being kept to only his most senior officers is strange."

"So, no ideas at all?" The General didn't know what good this was going to do unless they could figure out why the two members of SG1 had joined with Ba'al.

"Well, there's just one thing – and I think it may explain why they're there."

"And?" they all waited until finally Jacob continued.

"The word is that the attack has to do with an old enemy of Ba'al's." He looked around the table at the worried faces and grimaced. "It is said that this enemy is one of the few who ever escaped from him. It is also said that this enemy is the same one who has killed many System Lords – and that he is Tauri."

Dead silence greeted his words. This made no sense. Ba'al was planning to attack another Goa'uld over Jack! What could this possibly mean?

Pol

"Please, my Master is Tro'han. He does not allow anyone to touch me." Daniel gasped. He had been forced up against the wall, his face pressed into the bricks and his arms held tightly behind his back. He was in a short alleyway, just having returned with food supplies for Teal'c and Jac'tral. He should have known better than to attempt to take a short cut.

The large Jaffa who was holding him just laughed as he pressed the slave further into the wall. He'd seen this one for the last few days and desired him. He figured that now he would have his chance.

Without saying another word the Jaffa reached around and attempted to undo Daniel's pants. He had some trouble, as he was unfamiliar with how the slave's strange clothing worked. Jaffa had never experienced zippers.

Daniel continued to struggle, knowing that things were bad. He tried to yell but found it impossible as his neck was held in a vice and his mouth was jammed against the brick. He even attempted to lash out with his feet but again, the Jaffa just laughed and moved his legs.

Frustrated with his inability to get the slave's clothes off easily, the attacker reached for his dagger. If need be he'd simply cut the pants away. It was then that Daniel had his chance. As he felt the grip on his arms loosen he pulled away, and turned around. He'd caught the Jaffa by surprise and quickly pushed against him with all his strength. As the man stumbled back, Daniel turned and fled as if his life (or at least his honor) depended on it.

It didn't take long for the Jaffa to follow. With a roar of rage he quickly regained his balance and raced after the insolent slave who dared refuse him.

Although Daniel was strong, and had spent many years in the field, he was no match for a 6'5" Jaffa with anger and lust coursing through him. He had almost made it out of the alley when he felt an arm grab him and pull him around.

"No!" he yelled. This time he didn't hesitate but called out again, "TRO'HAN!" With a grin the Jaffa forced him back up against the wall, this time slamming him in the kidney. With a gasp Daniel could feel his legs give out as the burning agony radiated from his lower back. God, he hoped there wasn't serious damage.

"Come on, stop.", he panted. "Tro'han will kill you for this."

"For a slave? I do not think so. I will offer to buy you for a good price. I would like to have you for my own pleasure."

This time, as the Jaffa reached around, he didn't attempt to remove Daniel's pants, he simply grabbed him in the groin.

"Aaagh!" screamed Daniel. Teal'c, where are you buddy? I really, really need you. Suddenly, on the heel of that thought, the body pressing against him was gone. It took a moment for him to catch his breath but, when he looked around, he could see that his attacker was effectively done for.

Teal'c stood over the would-be rapist, a furious look on his face. The Jaffa's face was covered in blood and it looked like his arm had been wrenched out of its socket. In fact, it looked almost as if it had been ripped off.

"Are you all right Daniel?" Teal'c looked at him in concern, although his eyes were still filled with rage.

"I … think so Te – Tro'han", he gasped. He couldn't stand up straight, the pain still spreading through his back. "Thanks. I thought I was … a goner there for a minute."

"You would have been more than a 'goner' if I had not heard your cries. You must take more care. This is a dangerous place for a human slave."

"Tell me about it." Daniel was finally able to stand a bit straighter, although he still felt awful. He noticed that he'd started to shake, reaction from the attack beginning to set in.

"Come, let us return to the tent. You must rest."

"What about him?" Daniel pointed down at the still unconscious Jaffa.

"You need not worry. He will not hurt you - or anyone again." It was then that Daniel noticed something that made him want to throw up. The Jaffa's groin was also covered in blood.

"Oh my God Teal'c! What did you do?"

"I did nothing. It was his own dagger. He had it out, ready to use on you. When I pulled him away he slipped and stabbed himself. I believe he will never again be able to force himself on anyone."

Daniel looked at his friend for a moment, wondering if Teal'c was telling the truth. After a moment he decided he really didn't want to know. He'd accept the story that the man had suffered at his own hand. As glad as he was to be out of this mess, he couldn't help but spare a small – a very small – amount of sympathy for the Jaffa.

By the time they'd arrived back at Jac'tral's tent Daniel was feeling like crap. He was really worried that something was terribly wrong. If that were so it was really going to screw with their plans. They, along with the other Jaffa, had been told to prepare for imminent battle. Ba'al's mothership was coming to pick them up the next day. They weren't sure were they were headed but the rumor was that it was to attack another Goa'uld – one who provided 'hosts' for Lord Ba'al.

As Daniel lay there in pain he decided that he would have to stay. Teal'c would just have to go without him. When he said this to his friend Teal'c simply looked at him for a moment. He then stood and walked out of the tent.

Well, that was nice. Daniel thought. Wonder what that was all about? He dozed for a while, feeling too sick to actually sleep, when the tent flap opened. Teal'c walked in with a man dressed in some kind of robes. Daniel couldn't tell if he was Jaffa or human. He didn't have a tattoo on his forehead but didn't look like a slave either.

"This is the one I told you about." Teal'c said to his companion.

"But he is a slave!" The robed man looked down in surprise.

"Yes, but a very valuable one to me. I have spent many years training him and I do not want to lose him."

"I see. Yes, it's difficult to find good slaves now days. So many of them have escaped and run off, probably to join the free Jaffa." Teal'c looked up at this, his eyebrow raised.

"I have not heard much of these 'free Jaffa'. Can you tell me about them?" He spoke as the other man reached into the pouch tied around his waist and pulled something out.

"I am surprised. Everyone seems to be talking about them. They are Jaffa who are running away from their service to their Gods and joining the fight with the Tokra and Tauri against the System Lords. The Goa'uld say there are few of them, that it's only a small number, but we've all heard differently." He glanced up quickly then, worried that he'd said too much. As 'Tro'han' continued to look interested, but not upset, he sighed in relief.

The Healer walked over to the slave and motioned for Tro'han to turn him over. Gently, Teal'c looked down at his human friend and winked! He then helped Daniel roll onto his front. The younger man groaned as the movement caused the pain to increase.

"I have been away. I was gone for seven years on a journey for knowledge and wisdom. I have only recently returned and have just heard of these 'free Jaffa'."

"Really? How interesting." As he spoke he held his hand over Daniel's back. The younger man could feel a warmth and tingling spread across his low back and into his thighs. It felt wonderful.

"You will have to tell me about it one day." The Healer continued to speak to the Jaffa as he healed his 'slave'. "I'm interested in finding out new things."

"How long have you been in service to my Lord Ba'al?" Teal'c asked.

"Since I was a child. My family was killed in an attack by my Lord Ba'al's forces and I was taken into service. I was trained to be a healer." He held the healing device over Daniel for a few more seconds. "There, that should be sufficient. He may be a bit sore but he should feel fine by tomorrow." They both looked down at the 'slave' who was now fast asleep. "Will he be accompanying you to the battle?"

"Yes. I rely on him to look after my weapons and to cook my meals. It allows me time to concentrate on the fight."

"Yes, well, this will be a short one I expect."

"Really? Why do you believe that is so?" Teal'c hadn't been able to find out much information. Most Jaffa didn't know anything and he'd avoided the senior officers in case one of them might recognize him. Maybe here he'd found someone with some information.

Teal'c offered the Healer a drink and something to eat. The man obviously liked to talk!

"Well, the word is that Ba'al is going to attack my Lord Matsya." When it seemed as if Tro'han didn't recognize the name the Healer continued. "Lord Matsya is known for his wonderful hosts. Many Goa'uld covet them but only the richest and most powerful can afford them. It is said that he has a secret that produces beautiful, healthy and strong hosts. Lately, he met with Lord Ba'al and sold him some new ones. He also told My Lord of two Tauri that he had captured. Ba'al was intrigued. He has a hatred for these Tauri the like of which I have never seen. It is said", and here the man's voice dropped to a whisper, "that it was a Tauri who bested My Lord. It is also the Tauri who have been responsible for the destruction of many System Lords."

"I still do not see why this would cause My Lord to wage war against this "Matsya"?

"Well, Matsya offered the child of the two Tauri to Lord Ba'al. He was to meet Ba'al in a month to prove that he had them and that the woman was with child."

"So? I still do not understand." Teal'c had begun to feel very disquieted by this time. He also realized that Daniel was now awake and listening intently.

"It turned out that Ba'al had a spy amongst Matsya's servants. This spy reported back and told Lord Ba'al, not only about the fact that Matsya did have the secret to making exceptional hosts – but he also told him about the Tauri."

"What about the Tauri?" Teal'c was still, waiting for the shoe to drop.

"It is said that the Tauri male who was captured is the very one who defeated Ba'al. He still wants the child, to make it a host, but he also wants the Tauri – both the man and the woman. He also figures to get the secret so that he can make his own hosts. Some believe that he plans to have these Tauri produce many, many children – that he will start his own army with them!"

The healer sat back, pleased to have been able to impart such juicy gossip. When he looked at the face of Troh'an he quickly panicked. The Jaffa looked furious and suddenly, he feared for his life.

"But – this is all rumor. I do not know if this is true. My Lord Ba'al is good and all-powerful. His ways are not to be known to his lowly servants." The Healer was practically babbling in fear.

It took a few moments before Teal'c realized what had happened. He looked up at the Healer.

"Do not worry. All that you have told me will stay with me. I will not repeat what you have said and I thank you for sharing this knowledge with me. I thank you too for healing my slave. He is very valuable to me. How much do I owe you?"

"No, no. It will cost you nothing, my lord. I am happy to have been of service!" The poor man backed out of the tent, wanting nothing more than to run away and hide.

"Oh my God Teal'c! What are we going to do?" Daniel sat up. He felt much better although still a little sore and weak.

"Do? We will do as we planned Daniel Jackson. We will accompany Ba'al's troops to the battle against Matsya. At least we know for a fact that O'Neill is there. We will save him, of that I have no doubt."

"And Sam", whispered Daniel, "and Sam".

Mithrad's House

He started to worry again when Sam didn't come out of the bathroom right away. He'd knocked a couple of times and she'd answered, simply saying to 'leave her alone'. He would then hear more sounds of her throwing up.

He really hoped she was okay. They had to get out of here and get back to Janet. He just hoped she could help them both! He didn't know if Sam had the same thing as him or not – certainly her symptoms were different. So far, all he'd noticed was the nausea, which had just hit her this morn -.

He stopped and suddenly had to sit down on the side of the bed before his knees gave out on him. Nausea? Morning? No, it couldn't be. Could it? She couldn't be pregnant – she was on birth control, for God's sake. She'd told him that; told him that it was still good for a few weeks!

But then again, they'd been given that Koprushu crap – and who knew what that did. Maybe it counteracted the birth control. Heck, certain earth medicines had the same affect! It was possible – but it would be awful.

To bring a child into this situation was the worst thing he could imagine. Losing a child in death had been soul-destroying – the worst thing in his life. The thought of having one made a host was equally as horrifying.

He lowered his head into his hands, feeling despair. There was also the fact that he was probably going to die! His only legacy in this universe was going to be a child who was a scum sucking Goa'uld! He groaned in anguish – what could they do? They'd already been here a few weeks and – wait!

The timing was all wrong. It's true they 'd been here a few weeks but it hadn't been that long since he and Sam had 'Mai'thuned' –he laughed bitterly. No, it had been only a few days since they had stopped doing – that – and they'd only been doing it for a few days anyway. No, there was no way she'd be getting morning sickness this early. It must be something else.

Relieved at first, he then felt bad. What if it was some serious illness? Pregnancy would certainly be better than that and they would still have time to figure out how to get away.

His head was spinning with all the possibilities when the door to the bathroom finally opened and Sam came out. She looked terrible – her face was completely white and her hair was damp and standing on end. She'd clearly tried to clean herself up but she desperately looked like she needed to be in bed.

"Come on Carter. You'd better lie down. You look like crap!"

"Thanks Sir", she answered, her voice flat. He wasn't sure if she was really thanking him or whether she was being sarcastic in response to his comment. Feeling guilty, he helped her onto the bed and tucked the blankets around her. He desperately wanted to join her; partly because he still was freezing, although not as bad as before, and partly because he wanted to offer her some comfort. He knew that wouldn't be appreciated.

"Can I get you anything?"

"Maybe a glass of water." She had to be pretty dehydrated by now. He went over and got her a glass. He then helped her sit up as she took a long drink. Sighing she finished it and lay back down.

"Thank you." This time it was meant more sincerely. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Hey Carter – we've been abused, starved, tortured and enslaved by a Goa'uld. I think maybe your body is just telling you it's had enough. I'm sure you'll feel better soon."

"I hope so. There's nothing I hate more than the stomach flu."

"Yeah, you and me both – except maybe having holes poked into me by aliens – that's worse."

"And being sucked into a computer – that was pretty awful."

"Yeah, that'd be not so nice. How about the pain stick?"

"Yuch – the pain stick is really bad."

"I think the 'stuck to the wall like a bug' was one of my least favorites."

"It looked pretty painful Sir."

"It was."

"Turning into cavemen and women – that was not so great."

"It was – although that little tank top Carter! That made it almost worth while!"

She giggled. She hadn't thought of that for a long time.

"Being frozen in Antarctica – that was cold, really cold."

"Especially since you hid the fact that you were badly hurt."

"Hey – remember what I said – I didn't want you to put a splint on it!"

"Being taken over by Jolinar – that's one of my least favorites."

"Yeah", he grew quiet, remembering his own possession by a Tokra. "Yeah – can't say as I enjoyed my 'Tokra holiday' too much either".

She wished she hadn't mentioned Jolinar because it had brought up bad memories for the Colonel. She wished she could help him."

"It must have been really bad Sir", she said softly, unsure whether or not she was moving into forbidden territory.

"Pretty bad." He stopped, his mind returning to that very dark time. "The worst was knowing it would never end. No matter what I said or did, it would always continue. Oh, Bocce promised to end it if I told him, but I knew he wouldn't really end things. He was having too much fun." She stayed quiet, hoping he would continue to talk although it was painful to hear.

"Every time I was about to die I'd pray that I wouldn't wake up and every time I would. I'd wake up to that damn light in the sarcophagus and know it was about to start all over again."

He looked over at her, still caught up in his memories. "Do you know what it's like to have acid eating away at you from the inside?" She hoped it was a rhetorical question because she really didn't think she'd be able to answer him without bursting into tears.

"I think it's the worst Carter, definitely the worst." At that he took a deep breath and seemed to come back to the present. He looked at her and smiled slightly. "That's why we gotta get the hell out of here before Ba'al shows up. There's no way I want either of us to go through that."

She nodded, agreeing with him. She couldn't bear to see Jack in the clutches of that suave monster again.

"So Carter, how're you feeling now?"

Looking slightly surprised, she answered. "Much better Sir. The nausea is almost gone."

"See, what'd I tell ya – it was the 24 hour flu."

"What about you Sir? You look rather pale and you still seem to be shivering."

"Oh, I'm lots better Major. Still a bit of left over sickness but I'm sure I'll get better everyday, especially if we get our asses out of here."

Nodding, she sat up. "Let me work on that medallion again Colonel. If we can get it off today or tomorrow then we can see about leaving."

He walked over and picked up the small file, holding his blanket tightly around himself. He tried desperately not to show her how badly he still shook. No matter what, he couldn't seem to warm up. He just wished he could press himself against her naked body – that would warm him up! Down O'Neill, he told himself. Do not start getting amorous thoughts about Carter. She was a friend, nothing more – never anything more.

As she sat filing the link that held the medallion, he was able to look down at her bent head. His heart filled with love and tenderness for this woman. He knew he was often a bastard with her, especially lately, and he hated the thought that he was hurting her. He knew it was his defense mechanism (and okay, if he were being honest, it was also a small bit of jealousy towards Pete). He decided he had to stop being the sarcastic jerk he knew he could be and treat her better. He didn't have many days left, he figured. He'd like her to remember him fondly, not as a Jackass!

"I think this is going to come off real soon Sir. The core seems a bit softer and it's going faster now. In fact – ooph!" she gasped as the link suddenly broken and the medallion rolled across the floor.

"Hey, great job Major!" He suddenly felt a huge sense of relief, as if they now had a chance. They knew the layout of the camp and the times of the guard changes. With that information they could make their escape tonight!

Turning to Sam he reached out and grabbed her, pulling her to him and giving her a hug. "Thanks Sam!" He held her for a moment, feeling guilty for the pleasure he was taking in the hug. Knowing that he was indulging himself, he went to pull away. It was at that moment that he realized she was hugging back equally as fiercely and she wasn't letting go!

"Sam?" he murmured in her hair.

"Just hold me Jack, please?"

"Uh, okay, if you're sure?"

"I'm sure. I've missed this so much." He wasn't sure if she meant she'd missed him or if she'd missed being held by another person. Maybe she just missed Pete and was using him as a substitute. Oh for God's sake O'Neill, get a grip. What does it matter? Just enjoy it and give her some comfort. You both could use some.

"Come on. We both need to rest. It's gonna be a long night." Still hugging her he led her to the bed. Climbing up they both lay down and pulled the covers up. Turning to her again he wrapped his arms around her and she cuddled up to him. For the first time in days he began to feel warm.

As they both drifted off to sleep, knowing that tonight was their chance at freedom, they both rejoiced in the fact that they were again together, if only fleetingly. It gave them strength and resolve. If only they had known that they were equally loved, they would have been given even more.