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Daniel had watched his two friends as they sat together. He was terribly worried about Jack and hoped he would make it back home to Janet's care. He was happy however, to see that he and Sam seemed to be working things out – at least if their expressions were anything to go by.
He sighed, wishing everything didn't have to be so complicated. If Jack did make it, and Janet was able to 'fix' him there was still the matter of the regulations. That was unless Jack decided it was time to retire. Somehow, knowing the man, he didn't think that was going to happen anytime soon.
They decided to wait until dark before leaving the cave and attempting the rescue mission. Sam and Teal'c were going to help Jack back to their cloaked ship and then Teal'c would join them. What they were going to do at that point was still not decided.
They knew that Matsya had around 20 Jaffa – not too many compared to most Goa'uld, but enough to cause problems.
Then of course was the issue of what to do with everyone once they'd been rescued. Besides the 'breeding' women there were slaves, both male and female, children and the breeder men. None of them knew quite what to do about them. On the one hand, they were as much victims as anyone else – on the other hand many of them had been responsible for raping the women in order to 'impregnate' them. According to some reports there were those that had tried to refuse but had been forced to breed on pain of mutilation or death. Those ones they could forgive. It was the ones who had taken to their task with pleasure, using the women for their own enjoyment, that were the ones they didn't quite know how to deal with.
It might be a moot point, thought Daniel. They probably couldn't get everyone out anyway. Heck, they might not even be successful in getting anyone out.
"Takin' after Carter there?" a soft voice spoke up in the gathering dusk. Daniel turned and looked down at Jack. Sam had left to take a much-needed 'break' and Jack was on his own. He suddenly looked much worse than a moment ago; the shivering getting so bad that the coats covering him were in danger of falling off.
"Jack, are you okay?" he asked worriedly. The other man just shrugged – or at least it looked like an attempt at a shrug – the shaking making it almost impossible to tell. When his friend didn't answer Daniel continued. "Why am I taking after Sam?"
"Thinkin' too much. It'll ….be okay." Daniel really started to worry at the shakiness of his voice. The man looked and sounded like he was on his last legs. He got down and tried tucking the various jackets more firmly around him. He then reached out and felt Jack's forehead. Rather than the heat he had expected he was startled to feel the Colonel's ice-cold skin.
"I know Jack. Everything will be fine." God, he hoped so. Where was Sam? She seemed to know what to do to help O'Neill. He glanced over at Teal'c who also seemed worried and who was scanning the forest in the direction Sam had gone to use the 'latrine'.
"Teal'c, is something wrong?" he whispered to his friend. Jack had closed his eyes and appeared to be resting – or at least trying to.
"No, nothing is wrong. I am simply looking for Major Carter."
"She's only been gone for a couple of minutes. I'm sure she's okay."
"It is not Major Carter about whom I am worried."
"Huh?" Daniel looked at the Jaffa for a moment but then realized Teal'c was now looking down at Jack. It was clear that Teal'c too was afraid for Jack and wanted to Sam to return.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Sam came back and made a beeline straight for Jack. Sitting down she gently lifted his head and shoulders and rested them in her lap.
Daniel sat watching a bit longer. Suddenly he was sure that Jack's shivering seemed to get better. He was surprised but figured that jack was just a lot warmer being held by Sam. Still, he looked like he had suddenly regained some color as well. Interesting.
He stood up and walked over to Teal'c and sat down. It was at least another half an hour or so before they needed to head out.
"I'm really concerned Teal'c. I don't know if he's going to make it."
"He will make it. He is O'Neill."
"Yeah – but he's also human."
"I also know that he is one of the strongest humans I know. He will not let this defeat him."
"I sure hope you're right." There was a pause as both men looked over to where Sam was again stroking Jack's head and hair.
"It's amazing isn't it?" Teal'c turned and looked enquiringly at Daniel. "I mean, to see how good Sam is at looking after him. She seems to know what to do instinctively. I mean look, Jack seems better already."
"I believe he is."
"Really? So suddenly?"
Teal'c looked at Daniel until the archaeologist began to feel uncomfortable. It almost looked as if Teal'c were debating whether to tell him something or not.
"I believe that Major Carter should stay close by O'Neill's side. Her presence gives him the strength that he needs."
"Yeah, I think you're right. She's not going to be happy missing the rescue though."
"I believe you are incorrect Daniel Jackson. I do not believe she is even thinking of the rescue. Her whole focus is on O'Neill."
Daniel looked again at the two officers. Teal'c was right. Sam was paying little or no attention to anyone else. God, this was going to be hard when they got back.
"I feel so badly for them." He whispered, more to himself than anyone else. Teal'c however, replied.
"As do I Daniel Jackson, as do I."
It was finally time to get going. Jack had insisted that he could walk so they'd let him stand. That had lasted all of two seconds before he collapsed as if his legs were made of jello. Without further ado, Teal'c lifted him in a modified fireman carry and began to walk through the woods. Sam followed.
Daniel, Gro'Mal, Kraneas and D'jindra then turned the other direction. Daniel motioned with his hand for D'jindra to lead the way – which he did after a moment's hesitation.
"If he tries anything, shoot him." Said Daniel to Gro'Mal, pointing at his zat. Gro'Mal simply nodded.
It took just under 40 minutes before they reached their destination. D'jindra warned them to keep down and be quiet. They had come to a small, unremarkable clearing in the woods. No one, looking at it, would suspect anything. After ensuring no one was near, D'jindra walked up to what looked like a fallen tree trunk. Pointing at it he then stepped back. Daniel and Kraneas approached while Gro'Mal continued to keep his eye on the evil little man.
"What is it?" Daniel asked, looking around but not seeing anything.
"It is here. The entrance to the caverns." He pointed down again at the trunk. Daniel squatted down and looked everywhere but could see nothing.
"I don't see anything."
"You are not supposed to", answered D'jindra, his voice laced with sarcasm. "That is why it is called a 'secret' entrance." The little gnome of a man reached down and pushed something. Instantly the 'top' of the trunk opened and a ladder going down into the ground could be seen.
"Whoa! Won't there be someone watching the entrance?" Daniel stepped back and held his gun in front of him.
"Possibly although they may be further down the corridor. It is more likely that my Lord has most of his Jaffa guarding the compound entrance. That is where he would expect any attack to come. I am the only other one who knows of this entrance."
"You and the builders!" Daniel glanced up and saw a strange expression on D'jindra's face. Okay, he suspected that the builders didn't long outlive the completion of these tunnels.
"How are we going to do this?" Daniel asked. He didn't want to send anyone down to their death.
"I will go first", Gro'Mal grunted. He was a man of few words but immense courage. "Once I have ensured it is safe the rest of you may follow."
"Are you sure?" Kraneas looked at his companion of the last two years. They had never become friends, but he had developed a respect for the taciturn Jaffa who was willing to risk his life in order to destroy the power the Goa'uld held over much of the Galaxy.
"I am sure. I expect you to 'watch my back' as the Tauri expression goes."
"Of course. What about D'jindra?" Everyone looked to Daniel who had become the 'defacto' leader of this little mission. Boy, had he come a long way since that first mission to Abydos!
"We can't afford to leave him here to escape. I guess we'll have to take him along."
"But he will give us away." Gro'Mal was also a Jaffa who did not trust easily – a trait which had saved his life many times over.
"Yes, that's why I'm afraid we'll have to tie his hands and gag him." Daniel looked at D'jindra, "sorry about that but I'm afraid we don't trust you." Gro'Mal also volunteered to tie Matsya's henchman up. This was one task he seemed to enjoy.
"Kraneas, can you go back and meet Teal'c at the spot we agreed upon and bring him here. We're going to need all the help we can get."
It was almost an hour later before Kraneas and Teal'c returned to the clearing.
"How's everything?" Daniel asked.
"It is fine, Daniel Jackson. O'Neill and Major Carter are safely aboard the vessel. She will have it ready to leave when we return with the captives."
"Okay, let's go then." With Gro'Mal in the lead the troop made their way to the entrance. The quiet Jaffa made his way down the ladder and gestured it was safe before the others followed.
"Which way now?" Daniel turned to a gagged and bound D'jindra. The man looked furious but had no choice. With a sharp nod he indicated the corridor on the right.
"Remember, if you trick us I will kill you." growled Gro'Mal. He was not kidding.
The five men made their way slowly down the dark and damp corridor. They could hear nothing but the dripping of water, a clear sign that the underground stream was close.
Teal'c, who had taken over the lead, stopped and lifted his hand. Everyone else stopped and listened. Very faintly the sound of children crying could be heard. They were coming to the place where the prisoners were being held.
With gestures reminiscent of Jack, Daniel indicated how the impromptu team was to split up and move forward. He and Teal'c went first, followed by D'jindra and then Gro'Mal and Kraneas brought up the rear.
After a few minutes they came to a wooden doorway which was barred on the corridor side. It was clear, from the voices of women and children inside, that Matsya was keeping his slaves locked up.
Teal'c carefully lifted the bar and slowly opened the door. As the space grew wider the voices from within began to fade until there was silence. With a deep breath, Teal'c pushed the door the last few inches and then moved to the side, out of range of possible weapons. After a couple of minutes, when nothing had happened, Teal'c moved and looked into the room.
"Martia!" Daniel exclaimed upon seeing the young woman sitting at one of the tables, her two young daughters held tightly in her arms. The archaeologist walked into the room, closely followed by the others.
"Daniel Jackson! Why are you here?" Martia asked. She suddenly saw D'jindra and gasped until she saw that he was tied. "What has happened?"
"Quickly. We've come to get you out of here. Are these all the women and children?" He looked around the room and saw that there must have been at least 40 women and even more children. Many of the women were in various stages of pregnancy and a few had young infants with them.
"Yes, as far as we know."
"Okay good." Daniel turned to Teal'c. "Can you get them out of here and up to the surface? You can take them to the ship." Unfortunately, neither Gro'Mal or Kraneas knew where to find it.
"How many others are there? Do you know?"
Martia looked up. "There are the men, both breeders and slaves. I think there are no more than about 15 all together." Some of the women started to murmur – clearly not liking the idea of bringing the men with them.
"They are rapists! Leave them to Lord Matsya!" The murmuring began to get louder. Then one of them noticed D'jindra and pointed him out to the others. The voices began to get louder.
"Teal'c, get them out of here before they give themselves away. The rest of us will check out the others." He turned to the women. "You must be quiet if you wish to escape. We will bring the men. Some of them are innocent. We will watch them carefully and when we are safe you can tell us which ones have hurt you." Daniel worried that this was going to become a terrible problem they would have to sort out.
As the women began silently following Teal'c Martia stopped and went over to Daniel.
"I am sorry. Your friends have disappeared. They were here but they were gone before we came here to hide."
"That's all right Martia. They're safe. They escaped and they're waiting for you."
Martia looked surprised. "Is O'Neill okay? I am surprised he is alive – unless he did what had to be done." Daniel looked at her and started to ask what she meant.
"Daniel Jackson, we must leave!" Teal'c was gesturing to Martia who turned and smiled at Daniel and left.
'Wonder what that was about?' Daniel wondered to himself. 'What was it Jack had to do?' Knowing he couldn't worry about it now he and the others made their way out of the room and continued down the corridor.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Jack had been sleeping since they'd arrived back at the ship. She'd given him another dose of D'jindra's medicine hoping it would help. Looking into the little bottle she worried that there were only one or two more doses. They had to make it back to Janet.
She spent a few minutes getting everything ready. Knowing it was going to be an extremely crowded trip back she hoped there was enough water and supplies.
She'd been playing around with the navigation device which was fortunately like most typical Goa'uld ships. She'd finally discovered a planet which seemed to have a Stargate and that was within a days flight of the planet they were on. She set the coordinates and then simply sat back to wait for Daniel, Teal'c and the others to return.
In the meantime she watched Jack as he slept. He'd been in a pretty bad way when they'd gotten back to the ship. She'd immediately given him the medicine and had sat beside him for a while, simply holding his hand. He'd appeared to relax a bit but now he was as bad off as ever.
With a soft hum of worry she stood up and went over to him. She didn't know if it helped him but it certainly made her feel better to be close. She laid her hand on his cheek and felt the frigid temperature of his skin. This was so strange – she'd never seen or heard of anything like this before.
As she sat waiting, she kept her hand on him and thought what a special – although sometimes highly irritating – man this was. She grinned when she thought of some of his answers to the various 'evil villains' that had captured them over the years. It always astounded her how he was able to keep his sense of humor and his sense of the absurd after all that he'd been through.
Don't be ridiculous Sam, she said to herself. The humor is how Ja- the Colonel deals with all the crap in his life. I guess he figures it's better to laugh than cry!
She was working hard to keep that very idea in her mind because right now she knew it would be very easy to burst into tears. She was worried, anxious, tired and still felt terriby nauseated. The thought of being pregnant kept popping into her mind.
Part of her knew that a pregnancy would really screw with her career and probably her life. Another part of her – probably the biggest part if she were honest with herself – was excited as hell about the possibility. She wasn't getting any younger and the thought of having a child to love – and a child of Jack's no less! – was amazingly seductive. She grinned when she thought what kind of child she and Jack would produce! She wondered what Charlie had been like. He was a cute kid, that she remembered. She expected he'd been mischievous like his father – but probably charming as hell.
She glanced down at Jack and noticed that he was resting much easier now. It seemed when she was near he was - ! That was strange. The more she thought about it the more she realized that he truly was better when she was close. Anytime she left, even when he was sleeping or unconscious, he would begin to shiver and go extremely pale. When she was close, and especially when she was touching him, he seemed to settle.
To make sure, and prove she wasn't imagining it, she stood up and moved away from him. It didn't take long at all – no more than a couple of minutes – for the shaking to increase in intensity. She watched for another couple of minutes and then went back and sat beside him and took his hand. Sure enough, he settled within seconds.
She tried the experiment a few times until she was sure of what she was seeing. Okay, somehow her presence helped. But was it physical or emotional. Was it just that his subconscious needed her close by – or was it a physical reaction?
Whatever the reason, she knew that she had to stick close to him. She had to get him back to Janet.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Shh", Daniel held his finger up upon hearing voices – male voices this time. They didn't know if they had found the prisoners or the Jaffa. Daniel spared a quick thought, wishing Jaffa had the same 'voice changing thingy' that the Goa'uld had.
"I believe those to be Matsya's Jaffa, Dr. Jackson." Kraneas had been listening carefully. "They are speaking Goa'uld – and it's the pure Goa'uld spoken by Jaffa and their masters, not the dialects spoken by most humans."
"Okay – so quiet it is." Daniel motioned for the others to follow. They had to try and see if they could locate the men without the Jaffa being any the wiser!
They had almost gotten by the closed room when D'jindra intentionally threw himself against the door before Gro'Mal could stop him. Turning and laughing at the others D'jindra waited for his master to come and save him.
"Damn!" Daniel knew this was serious. Taking up a careful position behind a bend in the tunnel, he waited for the Jaffa. Kraneas and Gro'Mal did much the same, waiting for the attacking force to come out.
For the next few minutes a raging underground battle took place between Matsya's soldiers and the three man (or Jaffa, Tokra, Human) team. D'jindra was hiding carefully out of the line of fire.
It quickly became apparent to Daniel that they were not going to be able to retrieve the men and get back out of the underground caverns. The only way to make it back, safely, was to turn around now and hot-foot it out of here. He motioned for the others to fall back while he covered them. He could still see the figure of D'jindra cowering over to the side. Daniel spared a brief thought for the little man. He wondered it if was worth it to try and take him with them.
As the team was backing out, heading back the way they'd come, a blood-curdling scream ripped the night open. This was not a scream of pain or loss, but instead of anger and it was coming from behind them.
Daniel turned around and there was Lord Matsya running towards them. "What did you do with my women and children?" he was yelling. "They are mine and you have stolen them from me. You will die for this!"
"Ah, well." Daniel spoke, answering the Goa'uld who had started this whole journey. "You actually stole them, not us. We're simply here to take them back to their home planets. If I were you I'd simply work on remaining hidden. I think Ba'als soldiers are spitten' mad so you probably want to stay inside." He turned to head out.
It was at that moment that Matsya glanced over and saw his chief torturer and lieutenant. With another scream of rage he walked over and pulled the gag from around D'jindra's mouth.
"It was you!" he screamed. "You betrayed me! You deserve to die for this." Matsya brought out his hand in which a sharp dagger had been concealed and turned towards D'jindra."
The little man was clearly terrified and tried to beg. He backed away from the wrath of his God. His last thought, as he fell to the floor with a knife buried in his chest, was that Lord Matsya had not deserved his devotion.
Matsya then turned and tried to attack one of his enemies, but Gro'Mal simply grabbed him from behind and held on.
"I will kill you, all of you, for what you have done!" The Goa'uld was practically crying – his whole 'business' destroyed by a couple of Tauri' and their allies.
"I do not believe you will be able to accomplish that." Responded Teal'c. "We are leaving your planet and hope never to see you again!"
Matsya laughed bitterly. He knew his plans were dead, destroyed by Ba'al and the Tauri. Before they left however, he wanted to leave his enemies with something painful to think about.
"Is the one named 'O'Neill' dead as of yet?"
Daniel turned, a frown between his brows. "No, why would you ask that?"
"Because my men gave him Kopra and Roshu. Combined they are deadly, unless O'Neill is ready to do what must be done. I expect he would rather die first. Poor man – he doesn't have much time left!"
As Daniel stood there confused, wanting to ask for more information, the Goa'uld suddenly pulled a hand device from his robe. He lifted it to attack Daniel but Kraneas was there, with a zat. Once, twice, the zat sent a powerful charge through Matsya. Once more and he was gone.
"Thanks!" Daniel turned to Kraneas who simply nodded in reply. "Let's go folks, before the rest of the Jaffa figure this out." Some were still in the room, firing and making it impossible to go after the men. They had effectively blocked the corridor.
"What about the men?" Gro'Mal asked.
"Nothing we can do now. Maybe we can come back. If Ba'al's gone up in smoke with his ship his Jaffa are going to have other things to worry about than a few male slaves. We can come back and get them."
The newly formed 'team' made their way back to the surface and hurried off towards the ship. Before they left they made sure the 'tree' was closed and all traces had disappeared.
They now had to get everybody home safely!