Ancient Power
Part 2
Bright light penetrated his eyelids as he drifted back from the blackness that had held him. As before, he was disoriented, but this time the memories returned more quickly. Opening his eyes, squinting against the harsh light, Daniel found he was no longer surrounded by gray stone. Instead, he discovered he was outside, looking up into a brilliant blue sky illuminated by a blazing sun.
"Welcome back."
The familiar silky voice made his skin crawl. A shadow fell across him, blocking out the bright sun. And then he was looking at her face, dark eyes pinning him, smirk firmly in place.
He didn't respond—wouldn't play her games, wouldn't ask what was going on. Other than a headache that felt like needles had been driven into his skull, he was feeling pretty normal—in charge of his own faculties, including the ones he had just learned to control. Forget trying to escape, he had the opportunity to stop her, here and now.
"If you are thinking you can use your powers to stop me, think again." Anath reached down and caressed his cheek and, regardless of her words, he let the revulsion fuel his efforts to draw on his powers.
"You have already experienced its effects," she continued, regaining his attention. "The implant in your neck can be set at a low level, making you dizzy and disoriented, or it can hit you with enough force to render you unconscious. You do remember that, don't you?"
The buzzing sensation returned to his head and he realized she was demonstrating her power over him, distracting him from his efforts to draw on his power. The buzzing eased again and then disappeared. So that was how she had done it—an implant. If he tried to stop her, she could intervene and prevent it. Somehow, he needed to find a way to neutralize its effects.
"Instead of wasting your time trying to counter it, you should be trying to decide how you are going to save your friends."
My friends? Of course she was going to continue to use his teammates to get him to do what she wanted. Looks like it's on to round two. He wasn't in a hurry to be taken as a host, but he would do whatever he could to spare his friends any further harm.
"I've already given you a demonstration—what more do you want?"
"As entertaining as your earlier response was, it was merely—what is the Tau'ri expression?—small potatoes." She leaned closer, grasping his chin firmly. "I need to see what you are truly capable of—I want to see you draw on that limitless power of the Ancients. Simply put, I want something big."
She stood up, snapping her fingers, and Daniel felt the surface he was lying on begin to tilt. He quickly found himself upright, still secured by ankles and wrists, with an added strap around his waist.
Daniel could now see where he was—atop a hill overlooking a wide, grassy plain edged by scrubby trees. On either side of him people were assembled—Jaffa and local servants alike, all watching him.
Big. She wanted something big? What did she expect him to do? As if in answer to his question, Anath stepped to one side and pointed out across the plain. "Here is your task, Daniel. Your friends are waiting for you to save them."
He squinted, searching until his eyes landed on the three figures standing chained to posts in the middle of the plain. His heart rate accelerated along with his breathing as he looked at his friends, wondering what she expected him to save them from. There was nothing else in sight—no Jaffa, no humans, no alien wild beasts.
"Curious?" That smug smile was still in place as she taunted him.
Suddenly, a glider whizzed past overhead, crossing the open space before them. As it approached his teammates, Daniel watched, horrified, as its weapons fired, relieved seconds later to see a huge hole in the ground fifty yards in front of the captives.
"That was a demonstration. The next shot will be directed at SG-1, unless you can stop it."
Stop it? Stop a glider? Oh, God. He'd only tried small things, never anything on a large scale, and stopping a glider was definitely large scale. Did he even have that kind of power? If he couldn't find a way to use it, his friends would die.
"Wait! I've never done anything like that. I don't even know if I can. That much power might be too much for a human brain to handle."
"Oh, I believe you can, if it means saving the lives of your friends. I will give you five minutes to prepare."
Five minutes? She was crazy if she thought he could figure it out in five minutes. A desperate laugh caught in his throat. A crazy Goa'uld, imagine that. He was losing it here. "You can't expect me to figure it out that fast!"
"Four minutes."
Ahh! He wanted to scream—to kill her—to see her choking like she had before. His eyes snapped back to his friends, chained and waiting—waiting to die, waiting for him to save them.
He had to focus.
Taking several slow, deep breaths, Daniel closed his eyes and cleared his mind. No Anath, no people watching, no fear, no pain. The needles spearing his skull receded to nothing; he felt no bonds upon his body. He pulled inward, opening new doors until he reached his goal.
Blue eyes fluttered open and gazed out across the distance into the eyes of the three people he held most dear in the universe. As the distant whine of a glider drifted across the plain, a tiny smile began forming at the corners of his mouth.
Somehow, being chained to a post in the middle of a field wasn't something Jack thought he'd be doing today.
They'd been dragged from their cells, ringed to a ship, and deposited here. No chance for chit-chat about free Jaffa or helping them escape. He tried to shift his weight, but nothing relieved the dull ache in his side or the nausea that accompanied it. Something was definitely not right.
They had all seen the people gathered on the hill in front of the castle, watching and waiting. And, as expected, Anath was there with Daniel, who was strapped to some contraption that was holding him upright.
The three of them had watched as a glider came towards them, but had been unprepared for the blast that shook the ground and everything around it, leaving a crater in the earth in front of them.
As soon as he'd recovered from the blast, Jack glanced at Sam and Teal'c. He could see in their eyes that they knew what was coming, what Daniel's next test would be. None of them spoke, exchanging without words the feelings they were all sharing: faith that Daniel would do whatever he could, hope that this wasn't the end, and the kind of love only those who'd shared what they had could understand.
A shadow fell across them and Jack looked up to see the sun blotted out by a rolling bank of dark clouds. The whine of a glider could be heard, crescendoing as it came closer.
An odd sensation made Jack pull his eyes away from the sky and look towards the hill where he knew Daniel was watching them. Feeling strangely calm under the circumstances, Jack realized he knew what was about to happen, and a small smile found its way to his lips.
The glider appeared, racing across the sky, chased by boiling black clouds that seemed to move faster than the glider. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shot from the clouds, striking the glider which exploded in an enormous ball of flame.
Looking across to Sam and Teal'c, Jack saw their shocked expressions quickly transform into smiles. There was no doubt—Daniel had done it.
They were startled by another flash of lightning as it streaked across the sky and struck a turret on the castle wall. Chunks of stone rained down and the people watching on the hill began screaming and running. None of the pieces landed close to the crowd, but they continued to run for cover, the Jaffa barking orders and trying to reinstate order.
Knowing Daniel, Jack was sure his friend had purposely chosen a target that wouldn't injure anyone. It was done to cause panic, to keep Anath and her Jaffa occupied and maybe give the three of them a chance to escape. Way to go, buddy.
Jack pulled at the cuffs around his wrists, trying unsuccessfully to force them open. Sam and Teal'c were doing the same. Why couldn't at least one pair be rusty or loose?
Jack could feel blood beginning to coat the skin of his wrists but he kept at it, trying everything he could think of to get them off.
A clinking sound make him pause and look at his teammates. Teal'c held up blood-slickened wrists as his manacles dangled from the post. He quickly reached Jack's side and began to work on his cuffs.
After a few seconds of unsuccessful efforts, Jack stopped him. "Forget it, Teal'c, they're not coming off. Go—see if you can find a stargate and bring some backup."
Teal'c didn't reply but moved to Sam, trying with all his might to open her manacles.
The sound of a ship approaching brought all three heads up, searching the sky that was now blue again, all trace of dark clouds gone.
"T—go! We don't have time for this. Go find the gate and get help—now!"
"I am sorry," Teal'c replied, looking from Sam to Jack.
"It's okay, Teal'c. Go," Sam said urgently.
And then he was gone, running for the closest tree line. Just yards from his goal, a ship appeared, followed by rings which deposited half a dozen Jaffa between Teal'c and the trees.
Not willing to make it easy for them, Teal'c turned and began running at an angle towards a small copse of trees, zigzagging to throw off their aim. A zat brought him down before he could reach it.
Disheartened, Jack and Sam watched as the Jaffa surrounded their friend and secured him.
Jack glanced back to the hill, searching for Daniel. Jaffa were moving people back towards the castle but there was no sign of Daniel or Anath. It had been a valiant effort, but the odds were against them.
Then hands were on them, releasing them from the posts and herding them into the open where the ship was waiting to ring them aboard.
Even in the unpleasant situation Jack found himself in, his main worry was for Daniel. He couldn't have given Anath a bigger demonstration of his powers. If she took him as a host—and Jack had no doubt that was next on the agenda—the universe would be faced with a Goa'uld with the powers of the Ancients. What Anubis had aspired to, Anath would achieve. God help them all.
He knew where he was without even opening his eyes. Lying flat on his back, ankles and wrists tied down—again.
There was no disorientation this time; he remembered clearly the events that had taken place outside the castle overlooking the open plain. Remembered his friends chained to posts, awaiting their fate. Daniel had tried to give them a chance to escape. He had no idea if they'd been able to get away.
He wasn't sure if Anath had zapped him again—that was one thing that was still fuzzy. He remembered destroying the ship, how he'd felt the power flowing out of him, pain exploding in his head at the same time the ship did. Remembered pushing past the pain to release another bolt at the turret. Daniel wasn't sure if he'd passed out from the pain or from the implant.
A pounding headache still raged but he found he could reduce the level of pain if he relaxed and focused. And he felt weak, like he'd gone ten rounds against Teal'c. He knew he needed to rebuild his strength to prepare for what was to come. There was no reason for Anath to wait any longer; he had given her just what she'd asked for: something big.
Daniel knew he was only going to get one chance to finish this. If his plan worked, they would be rid of Anath and her Jaffa and Meryet's people would be free again. If this worked, the galaxy would be spared living under the thumb of a nearly all-powerful Goa'uld.
One question continued to puzzle him, though. Why hadn't the Ancients stopped him from using his powers? They had allowed Anubis to run unchecked just to punish Oma. What reason did they have for allowing him to use Ancient knowledge? He didn't know if he'd ever understand their thinking.
The sound of the door latch made him open his eyes. Meryet and her Jaffa shadows entered; this time her escort had grown to six Jaffa.
Meryet hesitated before crossing the room to stand next to him. Her eyes looked at him with something close to awe. "I have brought you water," she said, holding up a large cup. "I am to see that you are awake and well so that you may be taken to Anath."
This was it, then. Time was up. Once again he felt himself being raised to a sitting position. "I'm okay, Meryet."
She hesitated again before lifting the cup to his lips.
Using the cup to block his voice, Daniel whispered, "Meryet, did my friends get away?"
Her eyes became moist as she whispered back, "I am sorry, Daniel. They were returned to their cells."
Daniel's throat tightened. He knew it had been a long shot. It was time to put his plan into action, but there was one thing that had to be taken care of first.
He took a sip of water and made his final request. "Meryet, something is going to happen soon and I need you to do one last thing for me."
Distressed, Meryet reached out and put a hand on his arm. "Daniel, what is going to happen?"
"I don't have time to explain. Just promise me that when it happens, you'll get my friends to safety. They can help you and your people."
"Daniel, what about you?" She was trembling now; he could feel it through the hand resting on his arm. "Can you not use this great power you have to—"
"Enough!" The Jaffa began moving toward them.
"Please—promise me." He had to know that Jack, Sam, and Teal'c would be safe.
Two Jaffa yanked Meryet away from him, sloshing water from the cup. As they pulled her away, she called back to him, "I promise."
Two more Jaffa began to unfasten Daniel's restraints while two others kept zats trained on him. He felt the buzzing return to his head, but this time he found he was able to fight it, keeping himself alert and focused.
Not wanting to alert them to the fact his implant was no longer effective, Daniel remained compliant, conserving his strength for the task ahead. He allowed them to manacle his hands in front and do the same with his feet, leaving just enough room for him to walk.
They led him from the room and down the hall as before, bringing him once again to the cavernous throne room.
The room was empty except for Daniel and his guards. They positioned him so he was facing the throne. There was a creaking sound above his head and he looked up to see a chain lowering from the ceiling. One of the Jaffa grabbed it and attached the hook on the end to the chain between Daniel's wrists. The chain was raised, pulling his arms above his head, but leaving his feet firmly on the floor. He took a deep breath, calming himself, preparing for what he was about to do.
The door opened again and Anath entered with two Jaffa. Daniel felt the buzzing increase again and he fought to push it back. Obviously, they wanted to make sure he didn't go after Anath again.
She stopped in front of him and let her eyes travel up and down his body before looking him in the eye.
"Well, Daniel, I must say, you gave us all that we had hoped for."
"Glad I could entertain you." He kept his voice soft, hoping he was giving the impression that the implant was doing its job.
"Oh, it was most entertaining," she replied, smiling as she moved closer and placed a hand on his chest. "I can think of other ways you could entertain me."
She placed her other hand on his chest and leaned forward, brushing her lips against his before pressing harder, capturing his lips with hers.
It took all of Daniel's self control to keep from using his powers on her. But he needed to stay focused in order to draw on the power to a greater extent than he ever had.
He was so close.
Anath pulled back, running her tongue across her lips. "I have always had a female host. As much as I would like to enjoy the pleasures of your body, I believe it is time to find out what it is like to be in that body."
Daniel ignored her comments, pulling inward, drawing the power to the center of his being.
"Kor'ac will be here shortly with our guests. I wish them to bear witness as I take control of your mind and body."
He couldn't wait any longer—he had to do it before his friends arrived. Only Anath and her Jaffa were in the room and he was grateful neither Meryet nor any of her people would be affected.
Daniel closed his eyes, feeling a core of energy churning within him. Unaware of any sound, no longer feeling the shackles against his skin, his mind was free—connected with everything around him. He drew on that connection, letting it feed the energy within him.
And then he let it go.
Far below the throne room, Jack, Sam, and Teal'c watched Kor'ac and his Jaffa enter the cell block.
After the ship had returned them to the castle, they had been dumped back in their cells and chained again. Teal'c had regained consciousness along the way, and had fought them as they secured him in his cell.
Jack's side throbbed with a deep ache and he had simply sat, back to the wall, and closed his eyes, strength fading fast.
Sam had done the same, the realization that they were stuck here hitting home with full force.
Now Kor'ac faced Jack's cell. "Anath wishes you to be present when she claims her new host."
Oh, God. Jack had known this was coming but the last thing he wanted to do was watch. Damn. He wanted to kick himself. How could he be so selfish? The least he could do—the least all three of them could do—was be there for Daniel. Be there to reassure him they would do everything in their power to get him back. He almost laughed out loud at that—as though they had any power right now. But they would be there and they would watch every unpleasant step and they would let Daniel know that this wasn't the end.
Just as Jack started to respond to Kor'ac, an explosion erupted somewhere above them, shaking the walls hard enough to send pieces of stone and dust raining down.
The startled Jaffa looked at each other in confusion. "We are under attack!" Kor'ac yelled, heading for the door. "Jaffa, kree!"
His men quickly followed, leaving the three teammates alone to wonder what was happening.
"Who do you suppose is attacking them?" Sam asked, rising to her feet. A small hope glimmered that the SGC had somehow found them, but Sam knew it was unlikely.
"Perhaps Ba'al has discovered Anath's deception and seeks retribution."
"Or maybe Daniel's the one seeking retribution," Jack suggested. Teal'c gave a bow of his head in agreement.
Several minutes ticked by, but they heard no other explosions or weapons fire. The door to the cell block had been left open and a face appeared, peeking around the corner.
It was the servant girl who'd visited them earlier. She looked cautiously around the cell block and glanced over her shoulder before entering and running to Jack's cell. What she held in her hand had Jack rising to his feet—it was a staff weapon.
"Yes!" he said as she pushed it through the bars to him. He stretched to the end of his tether and was able to grab it. Aiming it at the chain attached to his foot, he fired, severing the links. He could deal with the metal around his ankle.
Next, Jack shot the lock on the cell door, then quickly moved to his teammates' cells and freed them.
"We must hurry if we are to escape the citadel," Meryet urged them.
"What's your name?" Sam asked.
"Meryet. Please, my people are fighting the Jaffa but I do not know if they will be successful. We must go now." She headed for the door.
"Wait," Jack said, pulling her to a stop. "Do you know where Daniel is?"
"Yes. I promised him I would help you."
"Where is he, Meryet?"
Meryet's eyes held sadness and fear. "He was taken to Anath. He asked me to take you to safety. Now please, we must go!"
"Thanks for helping us," Jack said, "but we're not leaving without Daniel."
"We cannot go to the throne room; there will be too many Jaffa. I can show you a secret way out of the citadel. You will be safe." She was pleading with them now, but there was no way they would go without Daniel.
"You go," Jack told her. "We're going after Daniel. Can you tell us how to find this secret passage?"
Meryet looked at each of the strangers, seeing the determination in their faces. She wished to save Daniel, too, but was afraid they would be outnumbered by the Jaffa, even though her own people were taking advantage of the chaos created by the explosion to fight back. She didn't know who these strangers were, didn't understand the power held by the one named Daniel, but he had been kind to her and even though he faced possible death, his first concern had been for his friends. And he had told her they would help her people. Maybe she needed to help them first.
"I will go with you. I wish to save Daniel, also, and then I can show you the way."
"No, Meryet, it's too dangerous," Sam argued. "Get to safety; we'll find the way ourselves."
"No, you will not. It is well hidden. If you wish to find it, you will need me."
"Oh, for— We don't have time for this. All right, come with us." Shaking his head, Jack muttered, "Just as stubborn as Daniel."
Jack handed the staff weapon to Teal'c. "Lead the way, Teal'c. Meryet, do you know where we can get more weapons?"
"There were some in a storage room at the top of the stairs. It is usually guarded, though."
"Okay, let's go."
They made their way through the halls and up the stairs without encountering anyone. However, once they reached the top, they found a different situation. The sounds of combat could be heard from more than one direction, but luckily, the storage room was unguarded.
Stepping inside, Sam and Teal'c kept watch while Jack and Meryet searched for weapons.
"Looks like they grabbed what they could when the fighting broke out," Jack said.
Finally, they found a couple of zats in a crate. Jack handed one to Sam and kept the other himself. "Let's go find Daniel." Jack looked at Meryet. "Which way?"
"They were taking him to the throne room—this way," she pointed down the hall.
Teal'c led the way followed by Meryet and Sam, with Jack guarding their six. Most of the fighting sounded like it had moved away from them, so they were surprised to run into a couple of Jaffa just as they turned the corner to the throne room. Teal'c brought one down with his staff weapon while Sam felled the other with her zat, firing it twice.
The doors to the huge room were slightly ajar and they cautiously peered inside before pushing them open the rest of the way and entering.
The floor was littered with pieces of stone that had fallen along with the bodies of about eight Jaffa, but what caught Jack's attention was the limp body hanging by the wrists from a huge chain anchored to the ceiling.
Teal'c kept watch over the door while Sam and Jack rushed to Daniel. Meryet stood back, watching, tears beginning to run freely down her cheeks.
"Daniel!" Jack called, receiving no response.
His friend's head was hanging down, eyes closed, all of his weight supported by his chained wrists. Sam placed her fingers against his neck, trying to calm her own breathing as she searched for a pulse.
Her eyes darted to Jack's. "He's alive."
"Thank God. Let's get him out of these. Teal'c—need your help here."
"Wait, sir," Sam interrupted. "He might be... compromised."
After a couple of seconds, Jack pressed, "Well?"
"I don't sense a symbiote."
Jack let out a sigh of relief. "Okay, Teal'c."
Sam traded places with Teal'c watching the door while Jack held Daniel around the waist. Teal'c took aim, severing the chains between Daniel's wrists. Jack suddenly had the full weight of their archaeologist in his arms. Gently, he lowered Daniel to the floor and began looking for injuries. There was nothing obvious except for his abraded wrists, but a trickle of blood from Daniel's nose had Jack concerned. Straightening Daniel's legs, Jack gave Teal'c ample room to fire on the chain between his feet.
Meryet moved closer. "He lives?"
"Yeah, he does."
"Sir, what about Anath?"
"We don't have the time or manpower to go after her now. Let's get Daniel outta here. T—don't think I can carry him. Wanna do the honors?"
"It would be my pleasure." Teal'c handed Jack his weapon then lifted Daniel and settled him over his shoulder, accepting the staff back.
"Meryet, show us the way," Jack directed.
"This way," she directed, heading for the door behind the throne.
Jack stopped her as she reached it. He pressed a finger to his lips asking for silence as he took hold of the knob and opened the door. Finding the passageway empty, he motioned for them to move out. The faint sounds of fighting could still be heard in the distance. Hopefully it would stay far from them and they would be able to make it out without further confrontation.
With Meryet's guidance, they soon found themselves passing through a kitchen, the floor strewn with food and dishes as if it had been the scene of a struggle. At the back of the room they found the body of one of the servants with a staff blast to his chest. Meryet knelt next to the body. "It is Semur."
Sam knelt next to her and felt for a pulse. She looked up at Meryet. "I'm sorry."
Meryet nodded her head and stood. "This way," she said, leaving the body to continue their trek.
They came to a storage room and entered. At the back was a tall shelf and Meryet motioned towards it. "It is behind this."
Teal'c and Jack each took hold of one side of the shelf and moved it away from the wall. Behind it was a door. They pulled it open and peered into the passage beyond.
"Pretty dark," Jack commented. "What do you use for light?"
"I do not know; I have never been this way," Meryet replied.
"How do you know it leads out?" Jack asked.
"In the past a few of our people explored the ancient citadel. They discovered this passage and described how they passed through it to the outside."
"Well, I guess it's better than going back through the castle and running into any Jaffa. We're gonna need some light, though."
"Sir," Carter got his attention. "These might work." She walked over to the wall and pulled out an unlit sconce. "There was a fire in the kitchen—"
"Good thinking. Light two of 'em."
She grabbed another one and went back to the kitchen, returning seconds later with two lit sconces. She handed one of them to Jack.
"Okay, I'll go first with Meryet, Teal'c you come next with Daniel, and Carter, you've got our six."
Jack led the way into the dark passage, moving slowly with the light held out in front of him, zat in the other hand. Soon they found themselves descending narrow stairs slick with algae that squished between their toes as they stepped. For a while, the only sounds were their breathing and the clinking of the chains still dangling from their shackles. As they continued downward, the air became cooler and damper and they felt a slight breeze which told them there had to be an exit somewhere.
"Why haven't you used this to escape before now?" Jack asked Meryet.
"The Jaffa watch us closely. It would be difficult to escape this way without being detected. We also know that if any of us escaped, our families would be punished."
"What made them fight back today?"
"Daniel told me something was going to happen and that when it did, I should get you to safety. I thought he must be going to use his power against the Jaffa, so I told my people to be ready to take advantage of it."
Smart girl. "I hope they were successful," Jack replied.
"As do I."
The stairs ended and the group found they were in a passageway carved from the rock the castle was built on. There was a new sound here: the sound of dripping water. They had a choice of going left or right. It was equally dark in either direction, but the breeze was coming from their left, so that was the course they took. They stopped off the stairs into the passage and immediately water engulfed their legs up to mid-calf level. Jack looked questioningly at Meryet, who smiled and nodded her head in reassurance that they were on the right path.
Jack wished they had been wearing some kind of footwear when they were kidnapped—even house shoes would have afforded some protection. There was no telling what might be lurking in the water waiting for a bare foot to step on it.
They moved slowly, cautiously placing their steps on the uncertain path. Teal'c had the extra burden of carrying Daniel. Jack's concern grew with every minute that passed with Daniel still unconscious. They stopped and checked his breathing and heart rate, resuming their journey when they were satisfied that he wasn't getting worse.
Jack consoled himself with the knowledge that Daniel had been unconscious a long time after their encounter with Ba'al. His thoughts returned to the scene in the throne room—an entire room of dead Jaffa, Daniel hanging by his wrists, and no Anath. Had Daniel been responsible for the explosion they'd heard? Is that what had killed the Jaffa? And where was Anath? He had a feeling his questions weren't going to be answered any time soon.
The cold water they were trudging through, combined with the cool breeze blowing across his bare chest, sent a chill up Jack's spine. Not to mention the increasingly sharp pain in his side. He hoped they would come to the end of the passage—the sooner the better. They'd be lucky if they didn't all catch pneumonia. He turned back to look at Daniel still hanging limp over Teal'c's shoulder. This couldn't be doing him much good, either.
"How's he doin'?"
The group came to a halt as Sam checked him over.
"About the same," she announced. She used a corner of her T-Shirt to reach over and wipe another drop of blood from under Daniel's nose. She looked up at Jack, concern lining her face.
Damn. Jack had no idea what was wrong with Daniel and there was nothing they could do for him. They didn't even have a first aid kit. They needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
"All right, let's keep movin'. Any idea how much further we have to go?"
"I am sorry, I do not," Meryet replied.
Swell. But he didn't say anything, just smiled and nodded his head.
A splash brought them all to a stop again.
"What was that?" Sam asked.
"Fish." Jack said.
"Fish?" Sam's voice was tinged with doubt.
"Yep, fish. Let's pick it up." Jack didn't sound convincing to his own ears, but there wasn't much they could do about it.
They increased their pace, sloshing through the darkness, no longer cautious of their steps. A yelp of surprise from Sam broke the silence.
"Carter?"
"Something brushed my leg."
"Just a fish. Keep moving."
"Yes, sir."
A startled "Ah!" from Meryet a few seconds later had them increasing their pace yet again. Jack felt more than one smooth form brush his own leg. A loud splash was followed by Sam's "Sir!" and then she was twisting and turning and kicking.
"What's wrong?" Jack said as he splashed through the water towards her.
"Something's got a hold of my leg—wrapped around it maybe."
Jack handed his torch to Meryet and took Sam's torch from her while she leaned against the wall and lifted her foot out of the water. He tried not to wince as he looked at the ugly, lumpy gray mass wrapped around Sam's ankle. It was scaly and had a long, thick body that hung from her leg. At first glance it looked like a symbiote, but a closer inspection proved it clearly wasn't. Jack reached over and tried pulling it off; it had a firm grasp on her leg and wasn't letting go.
"Zat won't work," Jack observed, "it'd get you, too, and with this water, probably the rest of us."
"I will use my staff weapon."
"Uh, isn't it gonna be a little hard to do that without hitting Carter?"
"You doubt my ability?"
"No, no! It's just, you've got Daniel, too, and it's kinda..." Who was he kidding? Teal'c could probably do it blindfolded. "Go for it."
Sam looked up sharply at Jack, eyes wide with a kind of 'deer in the headlights' look.
"I will take great care, Colonel Carter."
She transferred her gaze to Teal'c and relaxed slightly. "I know you will."
Leaning back against the wall, Sam raised her leg as high as she could, holding it as steady as possible. Teal'c backed up a few paces, lifted his staff one-handed, and took aim. Jack and Meryet used the torches to illuminate the target. Teal'c fired, the flash filling the chamber around them, the shot severing the body just below Sam's leg. The part that was still wrapped around her ankle released and fell into the water along with the severed piece. A frenzy of splashing followed as other creatures went after the severed pieces.
Carnivorous, then. Jack could tell the others were thinking the same thing.
"You okay?" he asked Sam.
"I think so."
"Good. Let's move it while these guys are busy."
They moved quickly, not encountering any more schools of the carnivorous creatures. Finally, a faint light began to glow far down the tunnel. Minutes later they found themselves facing a jumble of stones that had apparently broken off from the ceiling and were now partially blocking their way. There was an opening though which some light was shining, but they were going to have to climb to get to it.
Jack drew in a shaky breath and let it out, running a hand through his hair. They'd had nothing to eat or drink in who knows how long and the pain in his side was constant now, stabbing him if he took a deep breath. He wanted nothing more than to lie down and sleep, but he had to hold it together—had to get them out of here and hopefully to a place where they could all regain their strength and find help for Daniel.
He surveyed the rest of his group, all looking as worn out as he felt. They were going to have to push on a little longer, though. But no way was he going to be able to climb carrying both torch and zat. Hopefully, they wouldn't need the light anymore. Choice made, he extinguished the torch.
"I'll go first and check it out. Teal'c, you bring Daniel next, then Sam and Meryet can follow."
Jack got no argument, so he turned and began climbing over the rocks. Even though sharp edges bit at his feet, the climb turned out to be fairly easy. He soon reached the top of the pile and looked out into the fading light of evening. Below him the land sloped downward then leveled out into an area of dense trees. They would only have to travel a short distance in the open before they reached the cover of the trees.
Turning back to the others, he urged them forward. Teal'c began climbing, Daniel still over his shoulder, using his staff weapon as a climbing stick. Soon they were all out and descending towards the trees. Looking back to the opening, Jack could see it was well-hidden by boulders strewn across the slope.
Once they reached the trees, they continued on a short distance until Jack called a halt.
"Let's take a break."
Jack helped Teal'c lay Daniel down on an area of soft grass. Sam checked him out again, announcing his condition unchanged. They all found a rock or tree to lean against and sat down, thankful to get off their feet.
"Meryet, is there a Stargate here?"
She looked confused and he tried again. "Chappa'ai? Big metal ring?"
That clicked. "The Portal?"
"Yes, where is it?"
"It is two days journey from here. Why do you need to visit the Portal?"
"Long story." Two days. He didn't know if any of them were up to a two-day trek.
But, if they were going to attempt it, they would need to rest and eat first and regain some strength. And maybe Daniel would wake up.
Meryet seemed to know what he was thinking. "If you are going to make the journey, you must first rest. We are not far from my village, and in the darkness we can enter without being seen. We can give you food and water and a place to rest."
Jack wondered if the Jaffa were out looking for them already; if they were, he knew where they'd go first. But what other option did they have?
"Sounds good. You do know that as soon as the Jaffa realize we're gone, they'll search the village."
Meryet smiled. "We are used to hiding things from the Jaffa."
That was something the villagers had figured out fast, Jack was sure. "Okay, lead the way."
Half an hour later they were at the outskirts of the village. Darkness had fallen, aiding their efforts to remain hidden. So far, there had been no sign of the Jaffa.
Meryet led them through deserted back streets, silent except for an occasional dog barking. They arrived at a small house and Meryet knocked softly on the rear door. An older, gray-haired woman opened it and stood staring in surprise.
"Meryet!" The woman reached her arms out towards her.
"Shh." Meryet placed a finger to her lips. "We must not be discovered. Let us in, Henut."
Henut's gaze traveled to each of the people at her door, lingering on Teal'c and his burden.
"He is Jaffa," Henut said, taking a step back into her home.
"He is a friend," Meryet reassured her. "He fights alongside these people against Anath."
Henut looked from Teal'c to Meryet and back. "Very well, come in." She moved aside and allowed them to enter.
"How is it that you are here and not at the citadel?" she asked once they were all standing in what appeared to be a kitchen.
"It is a very long story," Meryet replied. "Henut, this is Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and the one he is carrying is Daniel. I helped them escape from Anath. We must hide them—the Jaffa will be searching for them."
"Curse Anath and her Jaffa. Of course we will hide them," Henut said without hesitation. Jack knew none of these people would hold any love for Anath and her Jaffa, but this woman was taking a big risk by hiding them. Jack decided he liked her.
Moving across the kitchen, Henut opened the door to a small storage room lined with shelves. Pulling back the rug on the floor, she revealed a door. She pulled it open and Jack could see a ladder going down.
"If the Jaffa come, you can hide here," Henut pointed to the ladder. "For now, come with me."
She led them to a room with a single bed. Teal'c laid Daniel on it and Sam moved to check him over again.
"What is wrong with the young man?"
"Uh, we're not really sure," Jack replied. "Anath did something to him."
"That woman is evil. She has enslaved our people and kills those who displease her."
"These people want to help us, Henut," Meryet said. "Anath brought them here because Daniel has great power. She wants to use that power and she hurt Daniel and his friends in order to gain his cooperation."
Henut's anger was palpable. "What can I do to help?"
"Could you get me something to cover him with?" Sam asked, her hand on Daniel's forehead, checking for fever.
"Of course. I will bring clothes for all of you, along with food. Meryet, get some blankets for our guests."
The two women left to gather the items. Jack sat down on the edge of Daniel's bed. "How is he?"
"The same, sir. Heart rate and breathing are fine, no fever. And there hasn't been any more blood from his nose."
"Small favors," Jack responded. He reached over and brushed the hair back from Daniel's forehead, a strong need to satisfy himself that there was no fever. Probably because he felt helpless to do anything else.
As if in response, a soft moan was released from the man on the bed.
"Daniel?" Jack was aware of Teal'c moving closer to the bed, hoping like the rest of them that their friend would wake up and be fine.
Another moan and Daniel rolled his head from one side to the other. His eyes remained closed.
"Daniel, can you wake up?" Sam gently coaxed.
"Asordo." The word was faint and breathy.
"What did he say?" Jack asked.
"I believe he spoke in Ancient," Teal'c offered.
"Aveo." Another softly spoken word as Daniel continued to move his head, eyes still closed.
"You understand any of it?" Jack asked.
"I believe he said, 'goodbye'."
"What?" Jack turned back to Daniel. "C'mon, Daniel, wake up and speak to me—in English."
Eyelids fluttered and blue eyes were finally revealed.
"Hey—welcome back." Jack leaned closer and Daniel turned his eyes to him.
"Clementia." Okay, this was getting a little old. And a little weird.
"Daniel, can you speak in English?"
"Terre."
"That means Earth," Sam interjected.
"Yeah, I got that one," Jack agreed. "Daniel, do you know who I am?" Jack pointed to himself and smiled encouragingly.
"Amacuse."
Jack had no idea what was going on with his friend, but he was worried that there had been some permanent damage this time. He exchanged concerned looks with Teal'c and Sam before turning his attention back to Daniel.
He patted his own chest. "Jack."
Daniel blinked a couple of times before repeating, "Jack."
"Yes! Now we're gettin' somewhere. Daniel, do you remember what happened?"
"Jack."
"Yes, I'm Jack and you're Daniel and this is Sam and Teal'c."
Daniel's eyes traveled from Jack to Sam to Teal'c and back. "Jack."
Jack sighed and ran his hand across his face. This was not going well.
"Daniel, are you hurt?" Sam asked.
Daniel turned his head to look at Sam. "Sam." His gaze passed to Teal'c. "Teal'c."
Sam smiled a brilliant smile in return. "Yeah, it's me, and Teal'c's here, too. Are you hurt?"
Jack wondered if he was going to continue with the name game, but was surprised when Daniel answered. "No. Don't... think so."
Well, the reply was slow and confused, but at least Daniel had said something besides a name and had said it in English. Daniel looked back at Jack. "Safe?"
Jack leaned forward again, placing a hand on Daniel's arm. "Yeah, Daniel, you're safe."
"No... you."
Jack almost laughed. Daniel had been through hell—had just spent the past half dozen hours unconscious—and he was worried about them. "Yeah, we're all safe."
At that moment, Henut and Meryet returned with blankets and food; Meryet dropped the blankets on a chair and rushed to Daniel's side. "Daniel, are you all right? I was so worried about you."
Daniel watched her closely, eyebrows scrunched in concentration. "Mer... Meryet?"
Meryet looked at Jack, silently asking if something was wrong with Daniel.
"He's still a little out of it," Jack explained.
She looked back at Daniel, taking his hand between hers. "Rest. We will take care of you."
"Rest," Daniel repeated. "Grrrrresssst." A faint smile touched his lips as eyelids fluttered and closed.
"Well, that was... strange," Jack commented.
"Yeah, he really seemed confused," Sam said.
"Perhaps after he has rested he will be more... alert," Teal'c suggested.
"Check him over thoroughly, Carter. We don't know what might have been done to him. And check for a bump on his head—that might explain the..." He twirled his finger in a circle around his head.
"Yes, sir." Sam began a more extensive search for injuries, beginning with Daniel's head.
Meryet released Daniel's hand and went to the pile of blankets. "Here are some blankets and some clothes," she said, holding up a pair of pants and a tunic. "There are enough for all of you. I will see if I can find some shoes. Just ask Henut if you need anything. I will return shortly."
She left and Henut indicated the tray she had set on a small table. "Here is food and water. Eat and then rest. I will keep watch for the Jaffa." Not waiting for a response, she left the room.
Sam finished her examination, finding no injuries other than his abraded wrists. Each of them used a cloth to clean up, changed into the native clothes, and then dug into the tray of food. Jack decided that if Daniel didn't rouse on his own in the next few hours, they would wake him up. The man needed nourishment as much as they did.
They alternated two sleeping, one on watch. Jack trusted Henut, but felt more secure if one of them was also on guard. Jack was dying to get the story on what had happened in the throne room but he wondered if Daniel would even remember it when he woke up. Daniel's behavior had Jack worried. He'd woken up speaking Ancient, for cryin' out loud! And then when he did start speaking English, it'd been nothing but names and simple phrases. Definitely un-Daniel like.
Jack's body was telling him it was about to crash, so he laid down with a blanket over him, trying not to aggravate the pain in his side that was now burning like he'd been stuck with a hot poker. Probably should have let Carter look at it. That was his last thought as sleep took him.
Jack's turn at watch had been uneventful; in fact, he wished he had something to take his mind off the pain in his side. It felt like some creature had sunk its claws into him and wouldn't let go.
Daniel had continued to sleep peacefully, but late in Jack's watch, he began to mumble and move restlessly. Jack gingerly moved to sit on the edge of the bed, taking care not to aggravate the pain, and felt Daniel's forehead. No fever. It appeared Daniel was having a bad dream and didn't he have a lot to choose from in that department? Jack decided it was time to wake his friend. He still had had nothing to eat or drink since leaving the citadel.
"Daniel," he called softly, trying not to disturb the others, "wake up."
Daniel continued to moan, his movements becoming increasingly agitated. Time to bring it to an end.
Jack placed his hands on either side of Daniel's head, holding it still. "C'mon, Daniel, snap out of it."
Daniel's eyes flew open and Jack was startled by the depth of the anger in them.
"Daniel, it's me, Jack."
Blue eyes blinked twice and each time the anger lessened. Jack continued to hold Daniel's head, making sure his friend focused on him.
"Are you with me now, Daniel?"
"Jack?"
"Yeah, it's me." Jack let out the breath he'd been holding. "You awake now?"
"Where?"
Oh, not back to one word sentences. "At a house in the village. Meryet brought us here."
That explanation was met with silence as Jack watched Daniel's forehead wrinkle in concentration. Several seconds passed before Daniel spoke.
"How?"
Jack had hoped that sleep would help Daniel and he would wake up and be back to normal. It didn't look like that was happening. Maybe he needed to try pushing a little harder.
"What's the last thing you remember?"
He released his hold on Daniel's head. Several emotions took turns crossing Daniel's features: fear, anger, and something else Jack couldn't place.
"Anath."
Jack cocked his head, eyebrow raised, waiting for more. It didn't come. "What about Anath? What happened?"
Daniel closed his eyes, pulled in a shaky breath and let it out. "She was... going to... a host."
Jack barely heard the last part but he could fill in the blanks and understand what was going to happen in that throne room. But it hadn't—Carter and Teal'c hadn't felt the presence of a symbiote. So what had happened?
"You stopped her."
No words, only a slight nod of affirmation.
"Did you kill her?"
Daniel's moist eyes opened and looked straight into Jack's. Another nod, but no words. Daniel's mouth shut tightly in a grim line. Jack knew that explosion had to be Daniel fighting back. He didn't know exactly what Daniel had done, but its effectiveness was obvious.
"You had no choice—you couldn't let her take you as a host."
"Others... "
"It killed the Jaffa, too." Daniel shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. Was Daniel feeling guilty for killing the Jaffa? They had killed a lot of Jaffa over the years, so Jack wasn't sure why this was bothering Daniel so much.
"There was nothing you could do, Daniel. It had to go down that way."
Daniel opened his eyes and shook his head again. "No control... I could've... could've... killed you all."
Jack got it now. Daniel wasn't worried about the Jaffa; he was worried that he might have killed everyone else, too. On the upside, he'd spoken an entire sentence; Jack took that as a good sign. He moved both hands to grasp his friend's arms, wanting to make sure he had Daniel's full attention.
"But you didn't, Daniel. We're fine. I think you were able to control it better than you think you did... or... something. You know what I mean. But later, when you're better, we're gonna have a talk about keeping stuff from you CO."
"Not my C—"
"Okay, from your friends, then. Now, do you think you could eat and drink something?"
A tiny smile pulled the corners of Daniel's mouth upward. "Yeah."
Jack smiled back. It was a start.
Sam had awakened to the sound of voices—one of which she had been anxious to hear again.
She found Daniel sitting up in bed, eating from a tray of food. Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed holding a cup of water.
"Daniel, how are you?" she asked as she moved to sit on the opposite side.
"Better. It's good to see you, Sam." He smiled one of those rare smiles that always made her feel warm inside.
Teal'c got up from his place across the room and walked over to stand next to the bed. "That is good to hear, Daniel Jackson. We were concerned for your welfare."
"Thanks, Teal'c."
"You wanna tell everyone what happened back in that throne room?" Jack asked.
Daniel's smile faded and he looked down at the tray in his lap.
"I knew Anath was ready to... to take me as a host, and I knew it was my last chance to stop her. I just wasn't sure if I could control the power—if I could keep it from reaching too far and killing everyone else."
Jack exchanged a look with Sam, both keenly aware Anath hadn't been in the room.
"I asked Meryet to get you all to safety, hoping if you survived, the chaos afterwards might give you a chance." No one missed the implication that Daniel hadn't expected to survive, either.
"It did Daniel," Sam said. "Meryet freed us and we found you and got out."
Daniel lifted his head again, searching Sam's eyes for a sign that there was more.
"Were they... were they all dead?"
"Yeah, Daniel, the Jaffa in the throne room were all dead."
Now it was Jack's turn to be scrutinized by that intense blue gaze.
"But... there's something you're not telling me," Daniel stated.
Jack started to take a deep breath before answering but the pain reminded him it wasn't a good idea so he settled for a shallow one. "Daniel, when we got there, Anath wasn't in the room."
Jack watched that information sink in. Once again, emotions played across Daniel's features—confusion, anger, and resignation.
"The only reason for her not to be there is because the Jaffa moved her. She has a sarcophagus." Daniel's voice was flat and resigned.
"We don't know that," Sam countered.
"It is a likely scenario," Teal'c said.
"Well, crap." This was so not what they needed.
Daniel closed his eyes and Jack knew he was beating himself up for not being able to finish her off once and for all. Knew he was dreading having to deal with the snake again. He wasn't looking forward to it himself.
The gate was two days away. They could make it, but Anath would probably be waiting. And even if they did get away and through the gate, she would always be out there, waiting to try again. Jack knew—they all did—that she would never give up now that she knew just what kind of power Daniel had. No, they needed to finish this. The question was, how? Daniel looked weak as a kitten and with the pain Jack was in, he knew he wasn't 100%, either. He also knew Sam was worn out, but relatively healthy, and Teal'c, well, Teal'c was as strong as an ox, as usual. But they were up against a Goa'uld, who was probably pretty pissed with one Tau'ri archaeologist, and however many Jaffa she had left. Could they count on the villagers for help? The odds weren't in their favor. And did they want to confront Anath here where the villagers were most likely to get the worst of it?
"Sir?"
Jack looked up, realizing he had been lost in thought.
"What are you thinking, sir?"
"That we need to put an end to this, preferably without causing a bunch of native casualties."
"What do you propose?" Teal'c asked.
"We should head for the gate and try our luck there. Anath will have to split her troops if she's trying to cover the gate. At least we'll be away from the village. If we're able to activate the gate, we might be able to send for reinforcements."
"I concur," Teal'c stated. "I do not believe we would be successful if we attempted a confrontation at the citadel."
"Carter?"
"I agree, sir. I think most of her forces would be here, protecting the citadel. I think our best chance is to head for the gate."
"Wait," Daniel spoke up. "What about Meryet and her people?"
"Daniel, if we leave, Anath won't have any reason to stay here."
A look of horror settled over Daniel's face. He closed his eyes tightly, his expression grim. "It's my fault, isn't it? It's my fault Meryet's people have been enslaved."
"Hush, Daniel." All eyes turned towards the door as Meryet and Henut entered.
"Meryet, I'm sorry—"
"Do not blame yourself for what that evil woman has done," she said moving to stand at the foot of the bed. "She alone is to blame."
Daniel began to shake his head and Jack put his hand on his shoulder. "She's right, Daniel. Let it go." Glancing to the others he said, "It's settled then, let's get ready to move out."
"You must not attempt this trip tonight," Meryet said. "The path is difficult, even more so in the dark. You should wait until it begins to get light. I have brought something to release you from the chains," she added, holding up a thin piece of metal.
"Thanks," Jack said as Meryet began working on his manacles. Hating to wait, but deciding they didn't need to make the trek any more difficult than it was already going to be, Jack agreed to Meryet's suggestion. "All right, we'll leave at first light."
"But, Jack—"
"Go to sleep, Daniel. It's gonna be a long hike tomorrow."
"But—"
"Aht! Don't say it. Just do as I ask, okay?"
The tension flowed out of Daniel and he almost smiled. "Okay. You win."
"Did everyone hear that? I want witnesses to Daniel conceding defeat." Jack stood up, grabbing his side and gasping as the pain flared.
"Jack?"
"It's okay."
"Sir, let me look at your side."
Jack came around to the end of the bed and lifted his shirt. Sam winced as she took in the bruises peppering his torso. One spectacular one stood out—on his right side.
"You might have some broken ribs or even internal bleeding."
"Don't think so. Besides, not much you can do about it."
"I can at least wrap it. Meryet, do you have some cloth I could use?"
Meryet had finished releasing Jack and Sam, and handed the key to Henut so she could release Daniel and Teal'c. "Yes. And I can give you something for the pain, also."
"Jack, maybe I can help."
"No, Daniel. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow. I'll be fine."
"But—"
"I thought I'd already won this argument."
Daniel narrowed his eyes in response, but dutifully lay back down. Truth be told, he was exhausted, but he wasn't about to let Jack know that. Meryet returned with some cloth and gave it to Sam. Jack moved across the room and sat down on a small stool while Sam began the job of binding his ribs. Henut gathered the shackles and left the room.
As Sam finished, Henut quietly entered again with a steaming cup. "Drink this," she said, handing it to Jack. "It will ease the pain."
"Thanks." He took it and sipped, then handed it back.
"You should drink it all."
"Naturally," Jack groused, but he continued to sip until it was gone.
Meryet and Henut left the room, Teal'c returned to his spot against one wall, and Jack gingerly lay down on top of a couple of folded blankets. Sam took the chair for her turn at watch.
The house became quiet but still Daniel lay awake. He opened his eyes, glancing to each of his friends. His eyes settled on Jack whose face was creased with lines of pain. Daniel knew his friend wasn't up to a long hike. If he did have broken ribs, they could cause internal damage if he over-exerted himself.
Sam got up and quietly tip-toed to the door, opened it slowly, and left the room. This was his chance.
Daniel sat up, pausing until his light-headedness eased. He slipped his feet out and onto the floor and stood, steadying himself with one hand against the wall. As quietly as he could, he moved to where Jack was lying and knelt down.
Sensing he was being watched, he looked up to find Teal'c's gaze on him. Teal'c said nothing and Daniel turned his attention back to Jack. Placing his hand over Jack's right side, he closed his eyes and let his mind focus. Gradually, he could feel the warmth building in his hand and then transferring to Jack. After a few seconds he opened his eyes, satisfied he had taken care of the problem.
He looked back at Teal'c, who simply dipped his head in acknowledgement. Daniel gave him a half smile and pushed himself up, shuffling on wobbly legs back to the bed. He slid under the blanket and felt the last of his energy evaporate. Closing his eyes, he drifted into peaceful sleep.
"Sir, wake up."
Jack was instantly awakened by the urgency in Sam's voice.
"What is it?" he asked as he got to his feet, expecting the pain to hit him again, but finding it was gone.
Teal'c was standing beside Sam and Meryet was at Daniel's side, trying to rouse him. Pale light was peaking around the curtains on the room's lone window. Dawn wasn't far away.
"Meryet says the Jaffa were seen approaching the village."
"Time to hit the road, then."
"Sir, they have a group of villagers as prisoners."
Jack ran a hand through his hair. This was just what they were trying to avoid—a slaughter of the townspeople, which is what he knew would happen if the Jaffa didn't get what they wanted.
"Do you think the other villagers can convince them we're not here?"
Meryet turned to look at Jack. "I do not know. Henut is at the village square. She and some of the others will try to convince them." She turned back to Daniel and continued to try and coax him to wake up.
Jack moved across the room to the bed and looked at his friend who was showing no sign of waking up. "What's wrong with Daniel?"
"I do not know. He appears fine, but will not wake up."
Sam sat down on the opposite side from Meryet and felt for fever. She checked his breathing and his heart rate. "I can't explain it, sir."
"Perhaps I can," Teal'c stated.
All eyes turned to him, waiting for an explanation.
"I believe Daniel Jackson is simply trying to replenish his energy."
"And why would he need to do that?" Jack asked, exasperated.
"He used his power to heal you, O'Neill."
So that was why his side didn't hurt. Son of a bitch. "Why did he do that? He needed to conserve his strength for the trip to the gate!"
"I believe he felt you would have difficulty making the trip otherwise," Teal'c explained.
"You knew?" Jack was almost livid. "Why didn't you stop him?"
"I agreed with his decision."
"Of all the—" Jack moved to the head of the bed, grabbed Daniel's shoulders, and shook. "Daniel, wake up!"
Daniel began to turn his head but appeared to still be asleep.
"Oh, no you don't." Jack pulled Daniel upright, holding tightly to his shoulders.
Daniel's eyes fluttered open and he stared uncomprehendingly into Jack's eyes.
"That's it, up and at em'."
"Jack?"
"Nope, we're not playin' that game again. Let's go," Jack cajoled, urging Daniel to stand.
"What's wrong?" Daniel asked as he swung his feet over the side of the bed and began to stand.
"The Jaffa are on their way to the village. We've gotta go." Jack looked intently at his friend. "And although I appreciate you healing me, you should have conserved your energy."
"You wouldn't have made it very far if I hadn't," Daniel countered.
Jack searched Daniel's eyes, realization dawning as to exactly what Daniel was implying. All of his anger dissolved. "Thanks."
Daniel smiled in return and then swayed as he took a step. Jack grabbed for him, putting a steadying hand around his waist.
"Here are some clothes for you, Daniel." Meryet held out a tunic and a pair of pants.
Daniel took them, and with Jack's steadying hand still on him, pulled it over his head. Deciding it would be easier to change pants sitting down, he moved back to the bed.
"There are shoes and boots here," Meryet said, pointing to the hallway. "I do not know if any are large enough for Teal'c, but you are welcome to them."
Sam and Teal'c went into the hall and returned a minute later with shoes for Jack and Daniel to try. Both men found a suitable pair and were quickly ready to go.
In the distance, a bell began to ring.
"That is the call to assemble in the square," Meryet explained. "The Jaffa must have arrived with their prisoners."
"Prisoners?" Daniel repeated. "Jack, what's going on?"
"The Jaffa have taken some of the villagers prisoner. Henut and some of the others are going to tell them we're not here. We need to leave before they start searching the town."
Daniel knew what this was all about. "They want me. Jack, they'll kill the villagers if they don't turn me over."
"We don't know that, Daniel. If we're not here, there won't be any reason to kill them."
He grabbed Daniel again, pulled him to his feet, and headed for the door. Once again, Daniel's legs didn't want to cooperate and Jack had to take part of his weight.
"Jack, they might need our help."
"Daniel."
Their forward motion halted as Daniel turned to look Jack in the eye. Jack knew he was feeling guilty that these people had been put in this situation—Jack didn't like it, either. Jack's other concern at the moment was that they wouldn't be able to move very fast with Daniel as wobbly as he was.
"Okay, Carter, Teal'c and I will check it out, but I want you to hide—Meryet's got the perfect place."
"Jack, I might be able to—"
"No. You're not one hundred percent as it is. Stay here and get your strength back; you'll need it for the trip to the gate."
Daniel knew he needed to compromise and he knew Jack was right, he wasn't a hundred percent. But he couldn't—wouldn't—stand by if the villagers were threatened. And if it came down to a confrontation, his team would need him. That he would keep to himself. He simply replied, "Okay."
"Good. Meryet, can you help Daniel to the hiding place? The three of us will go check it out and then come back for him."
"Yes, I will help him. And I will have some food and water ready for your trip when you return."
"Thanks. Daniel, stay low—we'll be back soon." All three picked up the weapons they'd been carrying— two zats and a staff weapon. Not much firepower, but hopefully, they wouldn't need it.
As Jack, Sam, and Teal'c left to see what was happening in the town square, Meryet helped Daniel to the hiding place, pleased to see him become steadier as they went.
Meryet opened the door in the floor and watched as Daniel descended the short ladder. "I will come back and close it if the Jaffa come. Call out if you need anything. I will bring you something to eat in a few minutes."
"Thanks," Daniel said, watching her go. As soon as her footsteps faded, Daniel crept back up the ladder. Finding his way to the back door, he carefully scanned the area outside before slipping out and heading towards the sound of the bell.
