ANCIENT LEGACY

By Denny J

EMAIL: Denny J

"Unscheduled offworld activation!"

The announcement rang through the halls of the SGC and in General Jack O'Neill's office. He looked up from his paperwork and grimaced as the speaker blared the message again.

Was a team due to check in or return? He didn't remember seeing that on his daily schedule. Searching the top of his desk for said schedule, he came up empty-handed. A quick survey of his in-box produced the same result.

Wait. He had used a piece of paper to make that airplane while listening to someone in Pentagon scheduling rattle on about tomorrow's top brass visit. Reaching for his trash can, he discovered someone had emptied it. On second thought, he was sure it was still on his desk-somewhere.

Meanwhile, a third message reminded him that someone was dialing in and he should probably go see who it was. Which sounded a lot more exciting than reviewing files for the meeting with the brass.

He quickly left his office and headed down the stairs to the control room.

Arriving at Walter's side, he glanced over the tech's shoulder. "What've you got, Walter?"

"No IDC, yet, sir. SGs 3 and 9 are offworld, but not due to check in until tomorrow."

At that moment, Daniel Jackson came bounding up the stairs, coming to stand alongside Jack.

"Hey, Daniel. What are you doin' here?"

"Hey, Jack. Just wanted to see who was dialing our gate. SGs 3 and 9 aren't due to check in yet, so-"

"How do you know that?"

"It was on this week's schedule. Remember, we talked about it in Monday's briefing?"

"Yes, Daniel, I remember Monday's briefing," Jack said with mock patience as he glared at Daniel.

"Receiving IDC, sir. It's the Tok'ra."

"We haven't heard from them since Jacob died," Daniel stated.

"Oy." It had only been a couple of months but it still hadn't been long enough for Jack.

"Jack?" The voice held some urgency and Jack saw that Daniel was looking at him with eyebrows raised. "Don't you think we should . . . " Daniel's hand turned in circles, index finger rotating as if that completed his sentence.

"Oh, I suppose," Jack replied with a sigh. "Walter, open the iris."

"Yes, sir." The reply was quick, as was Walter's hand as he pressed it to the screen.

Metallic whirring accompanied the iris retraction, revealing the blue event horizon. Several seconds ticked by and Jack exchanged a glance with Daniel. Two figures suddenly emerged from the wormhole, taking two steps before coming to a stop facing the armed SFs.

"I don't believe it," Daniel said as he stared at their visitors.

"Well, there's something I never thought we'd see again," Jack stated. "Just like a bad penny," he muttered under his breath.

There on the ramp stood Anise.

Daniel and Walter both looked at Jack expectantly. Jack rolled his eyes, then bent and grasped the microphone. "Stand down."

The SFs relaxed and lowered their weapons as the visitors continued to stand on the ramp. As the wormhole shut down, Jack turned and headed for the stairs with Daniel on his heels. They entered the gateroom, and, as Anise caught Jack's eye, she dipped her head and began descending the ramp with her companion, a young man carrying a small leather case.

Jack noted that she hadn't changed much--no signs of aging, which was to be expected he decided. Her sense of fashion hadn't changed, either; she wore a tight-fitting leather skirt and low-cut leather top along with thigh-high boots.

"General O'Neill, Doctor Jackson, it is a pleasure to see you again," her dual voice intoned.

"Yes, it's always a pleasure, isn't it, Daniel?" Jack turned slightly to look at his friend.

"Welcome to the SGC," Daniel said, ignoring Jack. "It's been a long time since we've seen you."

"Yes, it has. I have been doing research, which is why I have come. May we continue our conversation in the briefing room?"

"If we must," Jack replied. "After you." He made a sweeping motion with his arm.

She dipped her head again and began walking towards the stairs, followed by her companion. As Jack fell in beside Daniel, he whispered, "Mark my words, this will not end well."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Everyone had taken seats around the briefing table--Anise and her companion on Jack's left and Daniel on his right.

"This is Paresh, my assistant," Anise said. "Paresh, this is General Jack O'Neill and Doctor Daniel Jackson."

"I am pleased to finally meet you," the young man added. "I have heard much about you."

"All good, I hope," Jack commented with a smirk.

"What brings you to the SGC?" Daniel asked with a sideways glance at Jack.

"We have made what we believe is an important discovery and are in need of your assistance," Anise replied, pinning Daniel with her gaze.

Jack looked from Anise to Daniel and back, not liking the implication of that request. "What kind of assistance?"

Her attention moved back to Jack. "Actually, it is Doctor Jackson's help that we require."

The anxiety that had begun when Jack had first realized who their visitor was quickly hitched up a notch at her statement. His bad feeling was getting stronger.

"How can I help you?" Daniel asked.

"We have discovered some ruins that are Ancient in design."

Jack watched Daniel's eyebrows shoot upwards at that statement. Anise turned to Paresh who was opening the case he had brought. He pulled out a small device and handed it to Anise. She took it and pressed a pad on the top. A screen lit up, revealing a picture of some type of writing on what looked like stone. She handed the screen across the table and Daniel reached for it, holding it reverently as he began scrutinizing it.

The briefing room remained silent while Daniel continued to examine the writing on the screen. Until Jack couldn't stand it anymore. "Daniel?"

Daniel lifted his head and looked at Jack, eyes wide, as though he just realized Jack was there.

"Care to share, Daniel?"

"Uh, well, it's Ancient, but it's a variation I've never seen."

"Can you read it?" Anise asked.

"Maybe . . . some . . . a little."

The room went quiet again. Jack's glare was wasted as the other man had returned his attention to the screen.

"Well, what does it say?"

"I'm not really sure. It talks about great power and something being hidden. It'll take some time to work it out." Daniel looked across at Anise. "Have you been able to decipher any of it?"

"Very little. That is why we are seeking your help-your expertise with Ancient is well-known."

"This looks like only a portion of the entire text. Have you brought the rest for me to look at?"

"No. The writing covers an entire wall in the ruins. We did not want to risk bringing images of the entire wall, for fear of what would happen if they fell into the wrong hands."

"Oh?" Jack was interested now. "Why would someone be interested enough to steal it?"

"We are aware of the events that occurred on Dakara. However, there are still goa'uld out there, Ba'al included, who are searching for other Ancient technology that would help them rebuild their power and possibly give them an advantage over all others."

"And you think this writing describes Ancient weapons?" Jack asked.

"Yes, we do. We believe it is extremely urgent that we decipher this writing and locate any weapons or other technology before someone else finds it."

"Well, I'm going to have to see more to be able to decipher it," Daniel pointed out.

"Which is precisely why we wish for you to accompany us to the ruins."

There it was, Jack thought, the other shoe dropping. It gave Jack some small satisfaction to have the Tok'ra-especially Anise-come running to them for help, or more precisely, Daniel's help. But at the same time, there was no way he was going to send Daniel offworld with this woman, treaty or no treaty.

"Daniel is pretty valuable to the SGC. I don't think we can spare him right now."

"Jack?" A glance at Daniel revealed pinched eyebrows and a set jaw. Daniel wasn't going to let this go easily.

"No, Daniel." Like that's gonna work.

"Jack, this could really be important."

"It's always important, Daniel. We need you here, so, no."

"General O'Neill," Anise interrupted, "The council feels this is most urgent and wishes to remind you of the treaty between our people."

"Jack, there's nothing urgent for me to work on here. I think I should go."

"Daniel, Carter's off playing at Area 51 and Teal'c's off working with Bra'tac getting the Jaffa organized. And I have a big meeting with the brass tomorrow, which means SG-1 is unavailable."

"Doctor Jackson will be well-protected while he is with us," Anise placated. "You need not send a team with him."

"Not gonna happen. Daniel's not going anywhere without backup."

"SG-7 is the next team in line for a mission-they could go with me," Daniel suggested.

Jack suddenly wondered how they had gone from Daniel not going to deciding which team was going to accompany him.

"That would be acceptable, General. But we must hurry." Anise didn't give Jack time to disagree. "How soon can you be ready to leave, Doctor Jackson?"

"Just give me a couple of hours to get some things wrapped up and I'll be ready to go."

"Now just hold on a minute," Jack ordered. When he had everyone's attention, he turned to Daniel and saw the eagerness in his eyes. He already knew what the answer would be but he asked the question anyway, hoping Daniel would at least take a minute to think it over. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, Jack." The answer came without hesitation. So much for thinking it over. Daniel continued, "We need to figure this out before one of the goa'uld becomes aware of it."

Daniel paused, seeing the concern etched on Jack's face. "I'll be fine, Jack."

Jack sighed deeply and looked from Daniel to Anise. He knew what the answer would be if they took this to his superiors; with the prospect of more Ancient weapons looming, they wouldn't be able to get Daniel through the gate fast enough. He was stuck. "All right. Daniel can go with you, accompanied by SG-7. But I'm only gonna say this once-he'd better come back in perfect health or you can kiss that treaty goodbye."

Anise looked suitably chastised. "You have my word, General."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stepping to the doorway of the room, Jack silently observed the man who was stuffing books into his pack like a kid who was just told he was going to Disneyland. Jack had tried to think of an argument that would keep Daniel here, but none of his ideas sounded convincing, even to himself.

Jack always worried about his team-and they were still his team, even if he wasn't going through the gate with them anymore-whenever they went offworld without him. And now, not only was Daniel going through the gate without him, he was going without the rest of SG-1, too. He really had a bad feeling about this. There was just one argument he hadn't ruled out and it was time to give it a shot.

He strode nonchalantly into the room and stopped next to Daniel's desk.

"Daniel."

Daniel paused in his packing and looked up. "Hey, Jack. Almost ready." He went back to organizing his pack, sticking some power bars into one pocket.

"Uh, Daniel." Daniel looked up at him but didn't stop his packing. Jack forged ahead. "Are you sure you want to go off with her? Alone?"

Daniel did stop then and gave Jack his full attention, so Jack continued. "You know, seeing how the snake has a 'thing' for you?"

Daniel's eyebrows climbed past the rim of his glasses. "A 'thing'?"

"Yeah, you know-the 'hots'?"

Daniel's face twisted into a grimace. "I'd forgotten about that." He paused. "That's just . . . disturbing."

"I know!" Jack agreed.

"Thanks for reminding me, but I'm still going." Daniel returned to his packing.

"Well, you can't blame me for trying."

Jack could see Daniel trying to suppress a smile. Securing the closures on his pack, he faced Jack again.

"I'll be fine, Jack. SG-7 will be with me. If there really are more Ancient weapons out there, we need to find them before the goa'uld do."

"I know," Jack agreed softly. "I just wish SG-1 were going with you and the Tok'ra weren't."

Daniel placed a hand on Jack's shoulder. "So do I."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A short time later Jack and Daniel were standing at the foot of the gate ramp, along with Anise, Paresh, and SG-7. The seventh chevron locked into place and the liquid cloud whooshed outward from the gate, settling into the rippling event horizon.

"Well, you kids behave yourselves and don't forget to call home," Jack said.

"I didn't realize we were going to summer camp, Jack," Daniel replied with a smirk.

"Playing in some ruins is probably like going to camp for you, Daniel," Jack retorted. Turning to the leader of SG-7, he instructed, "Major, check in is in twenty-four hours-don't be late."

"Yes, sir," Major McKenna responded.

The members of SG-7 moved into position, surrounding Daniel and he glanced back to see Jack smiling.

"Hey, Doctor J," Lieutenant Carson said as he took his place beside Daniel, "We've got your six."

And apparently my three and nine as well, Daniel thought looking at his escort. This was definitely Jack's doing. "Hi, Luke, it's good to have you along."

"Lookin' forward to it," the lieutenant replied with a smile.

"Let's move out," Major McKenna ordered, moving into position in front of Daniel.

Jack watched as Anise and Paresh led the way, followed by McKenna, Daniel and SG-7. Just before stepping through the gate, Daniel turned and gave a nod of his head to Jack. Then they were gone and the gate shut down, leaving the room silent. Jack continued to stare at the inactive gate for a few seconds, remembering the private conversation he'd had with Major McKenna. Do not, under any circumstances, leave Daniel alone, even for a second. At the first sign of trouble, yank him out of there-and be prepared for a fight if you do. And don't trust the Tok'ra. Other instructions had been given, but those were the most important. Jack turned and headed for his office, wishing he were going with Daniel instead of preparing for tomorrow's meeting. Sometimes being "the man" sucked.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Daniel stepped out of the gate into bright sunshine. Lifting a hand to shade his eyes, he scanned his surroundings.

The gate sat on a stone platform in a clearing in the midst of a dense green forest. The air was warm and carried the pungent smell of mossy earth and decaying wood. Insects buzzed the air and colorful birds flitted from tree to tree.

He breathed deeply, savoring the feeling of traveling through the gate to explore. They weren't here to fight the goa'uld or the replicators; they were here to decipher an ancient language and unlock its secrets. How long had it been since he had done that? Too long. And yes, it might lead to Ancient weapons but he tried not to focus on that-he preferred to think of being able to work at his leisure, not under impossible time constraints to finish. Well, except for the fact that Jack had given him five days. But, if he was making progress he knew he'd be able to talk Jack into extending the deadline.

SG-7 exited the gate behind him, weapons raised. The two Tok'ra had stopped at the base of the gate platform. Anise held her hand up, signaling for the rest of them to stop. She announced to the forest, "This is Anise. We have returned from Earth-our mission was successful. It is safe to show yourselves."

Movement in the trees caught Daniel's attention and he watched as four Tok'ra-spread evenly around the gate-revealed themselves. They stood facing the travelers, zats raised.

Anise turned to SG-7's leader. "Major McKenna, please ask your men to lower their weapons."

Major McKenna shifted uncomfortably, looking over the Tok'ra facing them. Daniel could tell he was reluctant to do so. This wasn't getting them off on the right foot.

"Please Major, they're our allies," Daniel urged.

Major McKenna glanced at Daniel, then turned to his men. "Lower your weapons."

SG-7 did as ordered and the Tok'ra followed suit, putting away their zats before moving to join the group at the gate. Daniel inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He hoped things wouldn't be this tense the entire time they were working here.

"You must be Doctor Jackson," one of the new Tok'ra said. He looked like a man in his early thirties (who knew how old he really was, thanks to the symbiote), with light brown hair and green eyes.

"Yes, I am," Daniel replied, extending his hand.

The Tok'ra grasped it, smiling. "I am Trovahn. I have admired your work for quite some time and am pleased you have come to lend your expertise."

"Thank you. I'm happy to be here. I hope I can be of help to you."

"It is getting late and we have some distance to travel to reach the ruins." Anise had told them it was about a two hour walk from the gate.

Daniel searched for a path and spotted a narrow dirt trail leading away from the gate before becoming lost in the trees. It appeared to be the only one, and looked as though they would be lucky to be able to walk two abreast.

They organized themselves so there were two Tok'ra in the lead, followed by Major McKenna and Lieutenant Roth. Anise and Daniel were next, followed by rest of the Tok'ra and the other two members of SG-7.

Daniel clipped his sunglasses on and adjusted his pack. He was already sweating in the brilliant sunshine before they'd even begun walking. The travelers headed down the path, conversation minimal as each concentrated on their footing-avoiding the numerous tree roots covering the trail.

A few minutes into their hike, the path began winding through an area strewn with large boulders. As Daniel reached out to steady himself, the unmistakable sound of zats firing filled the air. He reached for his sidearm as he dove to the ground, scrambling behind a boulder where he was joined by Major McKenna.

Daniel searched the area, seeing Griffen and Matthews unconscious on the path. Lieutenant Carson had taken cover behind the boulder next to them.

"Lieutenant," McKenna called out, "get Doctor Jackson back to the gate."

"No! I'm not leaving," Daniel countered.

"General O'Neill gave me specific orders," McKenna said as he fired at whoever was shooting at them from the boulders on the opposite side of the path.

"I don't care," Daniel continued to resist. He had lost track of Anise and the rest of their Tok'ra escort. Who the hell was shooting at them? Who even knew they were here?

Suddenly, zats sounded from behind him and Daniel watched as McKenna was enveloped by the familiar blue electrical charge, dropping him to the ground. Turning quickly, Daniel saw three Tok'ra facing him, zats raised. A sideways glance revealed Carson had also been felled.

"You are surrounded, Doctor Jackson," Anise's voice sounded as she stepped from behind the boulder. "Drop the weapon." Trovahn and another Tok'ra stepped around the boulder to join her.

He slowly rose, weapon still in hand, and turned to Anise. "What's going on?"

"I am sorry, Doctor Jackson. We need you and this was the only way we could get you alone."

"I've already agreed to help you. Why do you need me alone? SG-7 wouldn't have interfered with our work."

"I am afraid they would have interfered when they discovered our work does not involve translations."

Daniel was really confused now. They weren't working on translations? "What are we working on?"

"It will all be explained when we reach our destination. Please, give your weapon to Trovahn."

Oh, this was so not good. "Uh, I think I'd like to hang on to it until I get some answers."

"We do not have time for this," Anise continued. "All will be explained to you, but now we must go."

Trovahn stepped closer to Daniel and reached out for the weapon. "You are outnumbered-please hand it over."

Six zats were trained on him. He might be able to take out one or two of them, but not all. And did he really want to kill them? Choose your battles. They hadn't hurt him--yet--so there was always the chance he could talk his way out of this at some point. Knowing he didn't have much choice, he reluctantly held his weapon out and let Trovahn take it from him.

"Thank you, Doctor Jackson," Anise said. "Now, please, let us return to the stargate."

The gate? Then they weren't going to stay on this planet. He knew that would make it next to impossible for the SGC to find him. Where were they going? What did they need him for that they didn't want the SGC to know about? The situation was getting worse by the minute.

Four Tok'ra surrounded him, zats still trained on him, and urged him to start walking. As they stepped back onto the path, he saw four more Tok'ra, two of whom were working on securing the hands of the unconscious members of SG-7. The other two headed toward McKenna and Carson.

"What are you going to do with SG-7?"

"They will be left where your people can find them."

Daniel stopped suddenly. "You're leaving them here? Something might happen to them. Wild animals or-"

"They will be protected from harm," Anise interrupted him. "We must hurry-keep moving."

One guard grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him back in the direction they had been going, giving him a shove. With a last glance back at the men who were being left behind, Daniel resumed his trek back to the gate.

In a few minutes they reached the clearing where the stargate sat. Anise stopped the group in front of the DHD. She turned and faced Daniel, giving orders to his guards. "Prepare him."

That didn't sound good and Daniel lashed out at the guard who moved close to him, knocking the zat out of his hand. Before Daniel could strike again, a blow to the back of his head sent him to his knees. Hands grabbed his arms and pulled him upright again.

"Please do not make this more difficult," Anise pleaded, looking truly distressed.

Daniel rubbed the back of his head while other hands searched him, removing his GDO, radio, knife, and finally his pack.

"Maybe if you'd tell me what's going on," he said angrily.

"In due time." She turned away from him and faced the gate.

The hands searching him grasped his wrists and pulled them behind his back. He felt metal snap around them, securing them in place. Next, his glasses were removed and a piece of cloth covered his eyes and was secured at the back of his head. Panic flared briefly in his chest. Now even he wouldn't know where he was. How had a simple request for help from an ally turned into a kidnapping? And how could he stop them from taking him through the gate?

"You're jeopardizing our treaty," he warned.

There was no response as he heard the DHD symbols being pressed and the ring begin to turn.

"Anise, it's not too late. Let me go and we can still talk about this."

His words were ignored again. The gate finished locking and Daniel heard the familiar whoosh of the wormhole connecting. Hands latched on to his upper arms and he was led up the steps and into the unknown.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Daniel felt off-balance as he exited the wormhole. Blindfolded and without the use of his arms, he stumbled and would have fallen but the hands gripping him steadied him and prevented it.

Guided down the steps, Daniel was then pulled forward. Evidently, he wasn't going to be allowed to see his surroundings since no one removed the blindfold. The path beneath his feet was fairly smooth-possibly dirt-and he was able to walk at a decent pace with only a couple of stumbles. Occasionally, the path rose and fell over small hills. The sun beat warmly down, only rarely obscured by what Daniel assumed were trees.

He couldn't tell how much time had passed, but eventually he was guided down a somewhat steeper path that ended in complete shade. Here the group stopped and he heard a scraping sound.

Daniel was pushed forward again into cooler air and onto a floor that was hard and smooth like stone. The blindfold was suddenly pulled away and he blinked until his eyes adjusted to the light. He glanced around at the familiar crystal walls of a Tok'ra tunnel.

"This way," Anise directed.

Hands still bound, Daniel followed her through the tunnel, guards still surrounding him. They passed a couple of connecting tunnels, but overall, the place seemed small. Definitely not like the large complexes on Vorash and Ravanna. He only saw two other Tok'ra on their trek, making him wonder where everyone was.

After a very short walk, the group stopped at the entrance to a small room. Daniel was guided inside, and while three of the guards stood with zats aimed at him, the fourth released his bound hands.

"You may rest here for awhile. I will send someone for you when we are ready to talk with you." Anise's voice had changed-it was human. This was the host, Freya.

"Can't you tell me what's going on?"

"All will be explained shortly. I am sorry you must wait. Please know that this is very important, Doctor Jackson. We do need your help." She turned and moved back to the doorway. "I will have some food sent to you."

"Wait-"

But she had already left the room. Cell, actually, he thought. Might as well call it what it is. The guards outside the door pressed a control and Daniel saw the shimmer of a force field fill the doorway.

Turning back to the room, he saw there was a small sleeping platform against one wall and a small, round table with a single chair against another. He dropped down on the cot, rubbing his sore wrists, and tried to figure out what the Tok'ra could possibly want that would make them go to such lengths to get him alone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Daniel still had his watch and was able to see that an hour had passed since he'd been brought to this room-cell-whatever. A half hour had gone by since they'd brought him a plate of food and some water. Between the hike from the gate and the time he'd been in his cell, he'd had plenty of time to contemplate why he'd been kidnapped. He knew it must be pretty important to the Tok'ra if they were willing to risk their treaty with Earth.

But what did they want him for if not to translate? They had access to all of the SGC's mission reports and had been brought up-to-date on current events when Jacob died. So, he couldn't tell them anything they didn't already know. Unless . . . What if they thought he could tell them more? An uneasiness began to settle over him.

Just then, Anise appeared in the doorway. "Doctor Jackson, we are ready for you." The voice indicated that the symbiote was back.

The force field on the doorway lifted and the guards in the hall raised their zats and aimed them at him. "Please come with me."

Daniel knew it wouldn't do much good to resist; the only way he was going to get answers was to go talk with the Council. He moved towards the door and a guard held out what looked like a pair of silver bracelets.

"That's not necessary," he said, stiffening.

Anise looked at him earnestly. "Will you cooperate?"

"I give you my word," he replied, hoping this meant he would remain free.

Anise began to smile, but quickly sobered. "Very well. Those won't be needed, Alevron."

The guard glanced from Anise to Daniel and back, his lips parting as though he wanted to protest. Instead, he put the cuffs away without a word and stepped aside so Daniel could pass. It was then Daniel realized this was the guard he had punched.

Anise led the way, Daniel surrounded by guards, and they quickly arrived at another room. Daniel expected to see a large meeting room like the one on Ravanna, but instead found himself in a much smaller space. There was an average-size round table in the center of the room, with eight chairs spaced around it. Four of those chairs were occupied by Tok'ra, the rest empty. Daniel began to wonder if the Tok'ra population was decreasing faster than they had thought. He recognized two of the Tok'ra, Paresh and Trovahn, but not the other two-a man with brown hair and eyes who looked to be in his forties, and a woman with dark hair and green eyes, probably in her thirties. Anise indicated Daniel should sit and took the chair next to him.

The Tok'ra he didn't know spoke. "I am Gairven and this is Melaina. It is good to finally meet you, Doctor Jackson."

"Well, I would say the same if I hadn't been kidnapped and brought here against my will."

"We are sorry for that," Gairven said, "but we could not take the chance that someone would find this place."

"Earth is your ally." Daniel's frustration seeped into his words. "Why does the High Council need to hide from us?"

The other Tok'ra glanced uncomfortably at each other, but Gairven continued to hold Daniel's gaze as he answered. "Because we are not the High Council."

"Excuse me?" What the heck was going on?

"We are a group of mostly scientists working without the knowledge or approval of the High Council."

Renegade Tok'ra? Daniel's gut clenched. What was their agenda? Why would they feel the need to conceal their activities from the High Council? And why did they need him?

"What do you want?" he asked warily.

Anise took over from Gairven. "We have been quite interested in events that have taken place over the past two years, since your return to human form."

There was no question in Daniel's mind where this was leading. General Hammond had managed to put a stop to Area 51's demands that they get a chance to "study" him after his first return from the higher plane with a well-placed call to the President. Jack had done the same after his second, more recent return. If his own people wanted to study him, he shouldn't be surprised that the Tok'ra did, too.

Only they weren't making a request. A secret faction had kidnapped him and taken him God knew where, and he had a feeling they weren't going to settle for asking him a few questions. They probably weren't going to take "I don't remember" for an answer and just send him on his way. These were scientists; they arrived at answers by study and experimentation.

He had to put a stop to this-there was no way he was going to let them poke around in his brain and possibly succeed in gaining access to Ancient knowledge, if there was any there for them to find.

"If you've read the reports you know I can't remember anything from when I was ascended."

"That is what you have stated officially," Anise stressed the word, "but we know you have, on occasion, been able to access that knowledge. You remembered the location of Bra'tac and Ry'ac and aided in their rescue. You were also able to stop the replicators while one of the human form replicator probed you mind."

"Those were unusual situations. I can't just tap into a well of Ancient knowledge whenever I feel like it."

"As we understand it, the second time you descended, you returned to human form of your own volition. You were not sent back by the Others and did not have your memory erased. We believe you still hold that knowledge and, with our help, it can be accessed."

Damn. They had read the SGC reports. The last thing he wanted was for someone-anyone-to be able to tap into the knowledge of the Ancients. He didn't trust anyone, Earth or the Tok'ra, to use that knowledge wisely. And he wasn't sure what would happen to him if the knowledge were released. Thoughts of Jack slowly deteriorating as the Ancient knowledge overwrote his brain flashed through his mind. Not something he wanted to experience personally.

"What if I say no?"

The Tok'ra fidgeted uncomfortably again. Anise reached over and placed a hand on his arm, but it was Freya's voice that spoke. "Doctor Jackson, I cannot stress how important this is. The victory at Dakara did not rid the galaxy of the goa'uld. There are still some out there and we must do whatever we can to protect ourselves and to prevent them from rebuilding their power. Please, you must help us."

Daniel took a deep, calming breath. How could he get them to understand? "The power of the Ancients is too great for anyone-human or Tok'ra-to handle. We don't need it to defeat the remaining goa'uld. Their power has been greatly diminished and they have lost their Jaffa armies. Don't ask me to do this."

The room was silent for a few seconds before Gairven spoke. "I am sorry, Doctor Jackson, but we do not agree. We were hoping you would help us willingly, but your consent is not required. Trovahn, is everything ready?"

"It is."

"Then take Doctor Jackson and prepare him immediately."

His plea had fallen on deaf ears-he was out of options. He didn't know what they had in mind, but he didn't want any part of it. Trovahn and Paresh left their seats and moved around the table towards him. Daniel glanced at Anise-Freya-whoever, and saw the sad, resigned look in her eyes. He would get no support from her.

There was obviously a small number of Tok'ra here. That meant there was a chance-a slim one-that he could get away and make it back to the gate. It was worth a try. Before Trovahn and Paresh could take hold of him, he jumped up, picking up his chair and tossing it at Trovahn, who was closest. He dove for the door and headed into the hallway, surprising the guard standing outside. The man reached for his zat, but Daniel was quicker, swinging his right fist at the man's jaw. The blow knocked the Tok'ra to the floor and Daniel took off down the hall, the sound of footsteps following him.

He turned a corner and continued running, passing a couple of startled Tok'ra along the way. Turning another corner, he came face to face with two Tok'ra, zats aimed straight at him. He lifted his hands in surrender just as a stream of blue energy enveloped him. He didn't feel the impact as his limp body hit the floor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His head felt fuzzy and there was a dull throb behind his eyes. Sounds began to filter through the haze and he was soon able to distinguish them as voices. Daniel decided to risk opening his eyes, shutting them tightly as light sent spikes of pain through his head. He tried again, more slowly, and was able to distinguish a plain, bare wall in front of him. He also determined that he was sitting upright. Starting to turn his head to scan his surroundings, he discovered he couldn't move it. Panicking, he tried to move his arms and legs, finding he was totally immobilized.

A face leaned into his field of vision-it was Anise.

"Doctor Jackson? How are you feeling?"

"Peachy. What's going on?" He tried to keep his voice steady.

"We are ready to begin our first attempt at accessing the Ancient knowledge."

Daniel felt her press something against his temple and push; he flinched as it sent a jab of pain through his head. A memory device.

"Don't do this." He tried to move against his restraints, but they held him fast.

"You have experienced the memory device before so you are familiar with how it works," she continued, ignoring his plea. "We will begin at a low setting."

Anise touched the control device to the disk on his temple and he stiffened. A screen was rolled in front of him showing what looked like static on a TV screen. The lines of static began to jump around and Daniel focused all of his attention on clearing his mind.

"What do you remember of the accident on Kelowna?" Gairven's voice was at his ear.

A quick flash of Jonas' face appeared on the screen and disappeared, followed by another flash of the window breaking as he hurled himself through it. That too faded, leaving the screen in static again as Daniel concentrated harder.

"What did you feel when you were dying of radiation poisoning?"

Daniel's breathing sped up as faint images appeared on the screen and began to sharpen: Janet's face leaning over him, whispering words of comfort, a nurse with a roll of bandages, Sam crying, Jack sitting with his head in his hand. He worked on slowing his breathing, not letting his mind wander from the images of his friends' faces, drawing strength from thoughts of their friendship.

"Was there much pain?"

He continued to focus on his friends, trying to avoid thinking about the horrible pain he had felt. He knew they were trying to find something that would break down his defenses. Slowly, pain did begin to form, starting in his center and radiating out through his arms and legs, intensifying. It was like experiencing his death all over again. He knew he couldn't take this for long.

"What did you feel when your body became energy?"

An image of Jack flashed on the screen, his voice soft, "Jacob, stop." Panting with the pain, Daniel forced his mind to think of Jack: Jack fishing, Jack watching hockey, Jack playing with his artifacts. The images created a slide show on the screen. The pain began to ease, but his body continued to tingle with pins and needles.

"This is not effective," Gairven stated. "His mind is too strong. Increase the intensity two levels."

Anise looked from Daniel to Gairven and back, hesitating briefly before touching the control to the disk on his temple. A buzzing filled his ears and he tried to stay focused.

"What did you see when your body ascended?"

Sweat began to run down his face and neck and his body quivered as he strained to resist focusing on the question, instead keeping images of Jack in his mind.

"Did you see Oma Desala?"

The screen flickered but the images of Jack remained. Jack eating pie, Jack walking up the ramp to the gate.

"Did you meet other ascended?"

Daniel knew he needed to find another way to resist. He began to mentally review the meditation steps Teal'c had taught him, hoping to relax his body while staying in control.

As he calmed himself, the screen began to settle into a plain, gray fuzz.

"What happened?" Gairven asked.

"I'm not sure," Trovahn replied.

"His vital signs are slowing," he heard Paresh add.

"He is using a technique to calm himself, much like kel'no'reem," Anise said.

"All right, let us introduce another stimulus," Gairved directed.

"Gairven, maybe we should let him rest for awhile and make another attempt later," Anise suggested.

"No, we must try now. You know that we could be discovered at any moment. The High Council will be searching as soon as they realize all of us are gone. And when their people do no check in, the Tau'ri will discover the deception and will stop at nothing to get Doctor Jackson back," Gairven reasoned. "They will look on us move favorably if we are able to provide them with important Ancient knowledge."

Trovahn stepped up to Daniel and pulled the neck of his t-shirt down, pressing a small, round disk to is chest. Another was pressed to the temple opposite the memory device.

Trovahn moved away and Anise stepped close to Daniel so that she was looking him in the eye. She placed a hand on his cheek. "I am sorry, Doct-Daniel."

"Please . . . help me," he whispered in a voice ragged with pain.

She shook her head. "I can't. Just give them what they want and this will all be over."

A tear trickled from his eye and she reached out with her finger, tenderly wiping it away. "I'm sorry," she repeated before moving out of his line of sight.

"Everyone clear? All right, begin," Gairven directed.

Pain like white-hot fire seized his body and he jerked in his restraints, a scream ripping from him before he lost consciousness.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Morning, Walter." Jack was met by the sergeant as he climbed the stairs to the briefing room. He'd already been at the SGC for several hours, but had yet to make it to his office.

"Morning, sir."

"It's an exciting day, Walter."

"It is, sir?"

"Oh, yes. A big meeting with the Washington big wigs. What could be more exciting?"

"Uh, I don't know, sir."

The reached the briefing room and Jack headed for his office. "Then you need to get out more, sergeant."

Walter stopped walking. "Yes, sir, I mean . . . yes, sir. Oh, there's someone waiting for you in-"

As Jack reached his door, a figure stepped into view.

"General Hammond!"

"Hello, Jack."

"I didn't expect to see you until the meeting, sir. You're here early."

"Yes, I am. I have something I want to discuss with you before the meeting."

The pleasant expression that had graced the general's face shifted, becoming more serious.

"Okay, have a seat." Jack closed the door and took his own seat behind the desk. It struck him how odd it was to be on this side and Hammond on the other. How many times had they been here, roles reversed?

Hammond sat down, leaning slightly forward, contributing to the sense of seriousness in the air.

"Jack, I'm going to lay it out for you. At the meeting this afternoon, a reassignment of personnel is going to be discussed."

Ah, oh. That didn't sound good. Jack braced himself for Hammond's next words.

"The Pentagon and the IOA agree that they would like to see Colonel Carter stay on at Area 51. They believe that, with the goa'uld threat pretty much eliminated, her expertise would be put to better use in research."

"What about SG-1? She's still the team leader."

Hammond looked as though he was about to deliver more bad news. "It's not just Colonel Carter, Jack. They want to reassign Doctor Jackson, too. You know he put in a request to go to Atlantis."

Yeah, he did. And he had been pretty pissed about it. But he knew how important this was to Daniel, and he wouldn't stand in his way. "Yes, sir, I'm aware of that. And I also know Teal'c plans to spend most of his time getting the Jaffa nation on its feet."

Jack felt a now familiar twinge of sadness at the thought of his teammates going their separate ways. Even though he no longer went through the gate with them, there was something comforting about knowing the rest of them were still a team and were still going through the gate.

Hammond shifted, leaning even closer to the desk. "That's not all, Jack."

He searched Hammond's face, trying to figure out how bad this was going to be. But he was patient and waited for the general to continue.

"The President has asked me to leave the position of Head of Homeworld Security and become a special advisor to him."

Now he couldn't keep quiet. "But, general, we need you there-the SGC needs someone who will look after their (its) interests in Washington."

"I agree, and so does the President."

Jack didn't see how that would be possible without Hammond. "But-"

Hammond held up a hand to cut him off. "That's why we have chosen you to take over the position."

Jack couldn't finish his sentence and was having trouble forming a new one. They wanted him to be Head of Homeworld Security? That would mean leaving the SGC, leaving his team, and going to Washington. He was just getting the hang of being "the man" at the SGC; how could he be "the man" at Homeland Security? "They actually want me?"

"It was my recommendation. In fact, my one stipulation for leaving the post was that you would be my replacement. The President was in agreement."

"Really-he was?"

Hammond chuckled then. "Yes, Jack, he was. You know this place and these people better than anyone and that's who we need in Washington looking out for them."

Jack pursed his lips as he considered what this would mean. Could he leave his team? Of course, Hammond had just said they would all be moving on to new projects. Maybe it was time he did, too. But who would run the SGC? If they didn't pick the right person, things could fall apart, just like they had under General Bauer.

"Have they chosen someone to run the SGC?"

"No, that will be your job. To be approved by the President and the IOA, of course. Does this mean you'll take the job?"

Did it? He needed a little time to think it through. "I'd like to give it some thought. You know, sleep on it, mull it over, run it up the flagpole and-"

"I get it, Jack." Hammond cut him off.

"How long do I have to decide?"

"A couple of days. The IOA isn't exactly a patient group."

"Oookay. I'll let you know. And General, thanks for the heads up."

"Anytime, Jack."

Glancing at the clock, Jack said, "It's almost time for Daniel and SG-7 to check in. Wanna come down and say 'hello'?"

"I'd like that. I miss seeing everyone here."

They left Jack's office and headed for the control room. Walter greeted them. "General Hammond, it's good to have you here, sir."

"Thank you. It's good to be here."

Jack glanced at his watch-a couple of minutes past check-in. No big deal.

The two generals continued to stand, watching the big ring below-the big, silent ring. Normal activity continued in the control room, with Walter giving them an occasional sideways glance.

Ten minutes came and went and still the gate remained quiet. Jack exchanged looks with Hammond, and he suddenly felt a pang of remorse for all the times the general had had to wait on SG-1 to check-in.

"Give them a few minutes, Jack," General Hammond said quietly.

Another five minutes was all Jack could take. He knew Major McKenna wouldn't miss a check-in-even by a few minutes--and risk Jack's wrath, unless something was preventing him from doing so.

"Walter, dial it up."

"Yes, sir." The sergeant began the dialing sequence while Jack stood trying to keep from thinking the worst.

The wormhole engaged and Walter made the radio call. "This is Stargate Command calling Doctor Jackson and SG-7. Please respond."

Silence. Walter made another request for contact but the radio remained silent. A third call was made with the same result.

"Shut it down, Sergeant, and get SG-3 up here ASAP. Tell Reynolds that I want to talk to him."

"Yes, sir."

"And Walter-"

"I'll contact Colonel Carter and Teal'c, sir."

Tight-lipped, Jack dipped his head in appreciation before he and Hammond headed for the stairs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

His entire body ached, muscles too sore to move, and his head felt like it was in a vise.

Daniel slowly opened his eyes, blinking until they adjusted to the light.

"How are you feeling?"

Daniel turned his head towards the voice, happy to find he could move it, and found himself looking at Anise's concerned face. But the voice had been human, which meant this was Freya.

"Been better." His own voice was raspy, his throat dry.

"Here." Freya held a cup and slipped a hand beneath his head to help him lift it. He took a sip, then another longer drink before putting his head back down.

He could tell he was back in his cell, but was relieved to find he was unrestrained. Which was a moot point since he hurt too much to move. And why was that?

"What happened?" His voice sounded only slightly better.

"There was a malfunction." Anise was back. "The equipment issued a much stronger charge than it should have. I am sorry."

"Yeah, well, that's comforting. I didn't know the Tok'ra were into torture."

"They were trying to find a way to break through to your subconscious. I believe this knowledge could be very valuable but I do not agree with some of their methods. I am truly sorry for what has happened."

"Then help me get out of here, or contact the SGC."

"I cannot. I would be stopped before I could reach the gate."

Daniel knew there was no way he could make it to the gate-he didn't think he could even get up from the platform he was lying on. The vise around his head tightened, making it throb. He closed his eyes, too tired to argue. A shiver ran through his limbs and he felt a blanket pulled up to his chin and a hand gently grasp his arm.

"It is a residual effect from the device. It will not last."

"Don't . . . let them use it again," he pleaded, eyes still closed.

"They are going to try another method. Please don't try to resist. Let them in-let them have what they're looking for and they will let you go."

"Please . . . no . . . " He didn't think he could take much more, didn't know how he could stop them from gaining access to the Ancient knowledge.

"I won't let them go too far-I promise."

He felt soft lips press a kiss to his forehead before he lost the battle to stay awake.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The air in the SGC briefing room was full of tension.

Jack sat at the head of the table, Hammond, Sam and Teal'c on his left and Colonel Reynolds and Major McKenna on his right. Walter's calls had brought Sam and Teal'c back before SG-5 had even returned from the planet.

They had sent a MALP first, then Reynolds had led SG-3 through the gate. Eventually, they had discovered SG-7 inside a containment field a short distance down a rough path leading from the gate.

SG-7, hands bound, was unhurt and the control for the containment field had been left in plain sight just outside the field, along with the team's packs and radios. They hadn't seen who attacked them, but Jack was getting a clear picture of the Tok'ra being their main suspects. The only thing missing had been Daniel, and what the Tok'ra wanted with him that required this elaborate set-up, Jack couldn't guess. Actually, there was one other thing they didn't have-a gate address to wherever they'd taken Daniel.

The silence that had fallen over the room was broken by the blaring announcement of another unscheduled offworld activation. Jack leapt from his chair and headed for the stairs, followed closely by Sam and Teal'c. Everyone else left the table and moved to the window, looking down on the gateroom as SFs filed in, taking positions around the room, weapons raised.

As Jack, Sam, and Teal'c reached the control room, Walter called out, "It's the Tok'ra, sir."

Jack didn't hesitate. "Open the iris."

Relief that this might be Daniel returning was tempered by the fear that something had happened to him and this was just the Tok'ra bringing the bad news. When did they ever bring good news?

The iris opened and everyone waited anxiously for someone to come through. Then the event horizon rippled as two figures emerged, took a few steps on to the ramp and stopped, looking upward to the control room.

Two Tok'ra. And neither of them was Anise. Jack's heart plummeted to his shoes. He collected himself and managed to announce, "Stand down," before heading for the gate room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Daniel was back in the chair, only this time it was reclined slightly so he was looking at the ceiling. And he was restrained again, although he hadn't even had the energy to walk here on his own, much less put up a fight. His arms and legs were still burning, as though they had been pushed to their limits, and his head throbbed in time with his heartbeat.

Apparently, he'd been allowed to sleep for awhile. He had awakened to find Anise waiting with the 'morning meal', as she called it. But he hadn't had an appetite, and only managed to take a couple of bites and a few sips of water.

Two guards had half-carried, half-dragged him back to the chair room. Again, he had pleaded with them to reconsider; had reminded them of the damage they were doing to their alliance. He had been ignored, even by Anise, and had fallen silent, trying to conserve his energy for what was to come.

Anise moved into his line of sight. "We are ready to begin. Remember what I told you. This will be much easier on you if you do not fight it."

"This is a mistake. You can still stop it," he whispered.

Once again Anise reached out and placed a hand on his cheek. Her lips parted as though she was going to speak, but then they closed and she looked away. The hand left his cheek and she moved away.

Paresh moved close to him and Daniel felt a hand on his arm, followed by something cold and smooth being pressed against his forearm and then strapped to it. There was a small prick of his skin and he began to feel something warm slowly seep into his arm.

Oh, God! They were drugging him. What were they giving him? He had no strength to protest, so he lay still, waiting to feel the effects of whatever they'd given him.

The warmth spread up his arm and slowly began inching its way across his chest. Lightheaded, he closed his eyes, unable to hold them open, feeling the last of his strength fading. He didn't think he could continue to resist, which was probably the purpose of the drug.

A faint, tingling sensation filled his limbs and he felt like he was floating. It would be so easy to give in to the pleasant feeling, but a small part of him told him to resist it.

"Are we ready?" Gairven's voice drifted into his cocoon.

Daniel felt the memory device being pressed to his temple again, but he didn't flinch this time.

"Doctor Jackson? Can you hear me?"

"mmmm . . . " Don't answer. Don't let them in.

"Good. Now, tell us about the replicator ship you were taken to."

Images of the interior of the ship drifted into Daniel's mind-angled walls made of steel-colored replicator blocks.

"What happened when the Carter replicator confronted you?"

Sam's face appeared-but not really Sam. Same hair, same face, but the eyes were different-these were cold and unfeeling. Suddenly, he could feel the replicator blocks surrounding his ankles and wrists, securing him to the wall. The blocks on either side of his head began to move, extending until they encased his entire head except for his face, assuring that he could only look forward-at her. "Shall we begin?" not Carter said.

"His heart rate is increasing," Anise stated.

"Is it within acceptable levels?" Gairven asked.

"Yes."

"Then continue to monitor it," Gairven instructed. "What did the replicator do?" he asked Daniel.

The images shifted, and, instead of Replicator Carter's face, he was looking into the eyes of Oma Desala. "Daniel, I did not take your memories from you."

They were getting too close. Could he keep them from finding the knowledge the replicator had tapped into? Maybe there was a way.

Daniel ceased fighting the drug and relaxed into the floating sensation. He began to clear his mind, tuning out the questions that were being asked, searching. Searching for a place that was safe.

"What is happening? Why are we not receiving images?" Gairven's voice was agitated.

Daniel let the sounds flow over him, around him, through him.

"I . .. I don't know," Trovahn answered Gairven's urgent question as he checked the monitors in front of him.

"Is the drug still being administered?"

"Yes, the proper doses are being administered," Anise replied. She looked at Daniel, then back at Gairven. "I think he might be trying to attain a meditative state again."

"But how? The drug should keep him from being able to resist."

"I don't know," Anise replied.

Daniel no longer heard the words as he continued to pull into himself. The voices muted and blended into the quiet hum that now surrounded him.

"We must regain control," Gairven said, his agitation increasing. "Attach the stimulators."

"No!" Anise grabbed Trovahn's arm before he could place the disks on Daniel's skin.

"We are too close to stop now, Anise," Gairven stated. "Do not interfere. Either help, or I will have you confined." Two guards stepped further into the room.

"We do not know if they will work properly this time," she tried to reason.

"I believe it is worth the risk." Gairven nodded to Trovahn who pulled his arm from Anise's now lax grip. He attached the disks to Daniel as before and stepped back.

"Begin," Gairven ordered.

Daniel's body reacted to the stimulators, jerking in its restraints before becoming still once again.

"It has had no effect," Gairven observed. "Increase the intensity one level."

The pain being inflicted didn't register in his consciousness, so close was he to the sanctuary he sought. The second shock, however, threatened to pull him back, but Daniel pushed forward with renewed effort. The humming grew, obscuring the voices and the beeping of the machines.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"You're saying that a bunch of your scientists were missing and you didn't even notice?"

Jack was trying hard-oh, so hard-not to reach across the table and strangle Norvel, the Tok'ra High Council Representative. But he was the base commander-he was supposed to keep his cool and discuss things calmly. Be a good example and all that. Of course, the fact that the IOA representatives who had come for the previously scheduled meeting were also seated around the table, along with Hammond and a couple of other Pentagon people, including Major Davis, had some influence on his behavior-but not much. He was glad Carter and Teal'c were there also, because he knew they felt the same way he did.

"Their absence was covered for awhile by some of their subordinates, all of whom have been put under guard. Two of them were uncomfortable with the deception and came forward, giving us all of the information they had," Novel explained.

"Uncomfortable? Uncomfortable?" Jack's voice rose as he repeated the word. "Kidnapping an important member of the SGC-an ally-made them uncomfortable?"

Hammond clearing his throat diverted Jack's attention to him and they locked gazes. Message received.

"Why did they take Daniel?" Jack asked in a calmer voice, returning his attention to Norvel.

"After reading of the events with the replicators, several of the scientists believed it might be possible to access the Ancient knowledge in Doctor Jackson's mind."

The room remained silent, but concerned looks passed between many of those at the table.

"Just how are they planning to gain access to that knowledge? Daniel says he doesn't remember any of it," Sam asked.

Of course, Jack had wondered about this himself. Replicator Carter had gained access, and, by Daniel's own account, he had reciprocated by gaining access to her mind with the help of the Ancient knowledge she had tapped into. Daniel had never said that his memories had been erased a second time, and had come back to them with all of his other memories intact.

Once Area 51 had gotten wind of it, they had 'requested' time with Daniel to find out what he remembered. There was no way Jack was going to let them-or anyone else-mess with Daniel's mind. He had refused, and, backed by the President, Area 51 had backed down. It shouldn't surprise him that others, including the Tok'ra, would want a chance at tapping into the Ancient knowledge, if there was any there to tap into. A little voice was telling him they probably weren't the only ones who'd like a chance to dig around in Daniel's head and he mentally kicked himself for allowing Daniel to go offworld.

"If simply questioning him proved to be unproductive, they were prepared to use the memory device on him," Norvel answered.

That didn't sound too bad, Jack thought, not that Daniel would go for it. But Jack had a feeling this little renegade group wouldn't have gone to these lengths if they hadn't been prepared to go even further.

"And if that didn't work?" Jack asked, not really sure he wanted to know.

Norvel glanced at the faces gathered around the table before taking a deep breath. "They have developed two other procedures. One involves the placement of electrical stimulators, and the other involves the use of a new drug they have developed."

Jack's rage quickly rose to the boiling point. He wanted to open a wormhole and toss the Tok'ra into it. He wanted to take a zat and fire it once, twice, three times, at those responsible. He wanted to lock the Tok'ra in a room with Teal'c. But none of that would do Daniel any good. And right now, they needed to focus on finding their friend.

"Do you have any information on where they might be holding Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked, the tightness of his jaw telling Jack how much the big guy would like a chance to be alone in a room with the Tok'ra.

"Yes, one of those in collusion with the scientists revealed the coordinates to us. I can give them to your technician."

Jack sprang from his chair, placed his palms on the table, and leaned closer to Norvel. "Why didn't you say so when you came through the gate? We're wasting time with chit-chat while Daniel's out there being subjected to who knows what!"

Norvel looked remorseful as he replied. "Because we wanted to request that a contingent of Tok'ra be allowed to accompany you. We wish to take those responsible into custody."

Oh, it was all clear now. The High Council wanted to make sure the Tau'ri didn't kill the rebellious scientists. And Jack figured that wasn't all.

"You want to get your hands on whatever they're able to get from Daniel, don't you? Your first priority is the Ancient knowledge, isn't it?"

"General O'Neill, this group has acted without the knowledge or sanction of the High Council. We would never condone what they have done. However, if they have managed to access that knowledge, we feel that information should be preserved."

"And what about Daniel? Just another casualty of our 'alliance'? Well, forget it. The SGC can handle the situation without your help."

"General O'Neill," the IOA Representative, Russell Chapman, interrupted. "If they have managed to obtain Ancient knowledge, it should be retrieved."

"My first priority is Daniel. Everything else is secondary," Jack stated. He turned to Major McKenna. "Major, have SG-7 geared up and ready to go in fifteen."

"Yes, sir," McKenna replied eagerly, grateful for the chance to help get Doctor Jackson back.

"O'Neill, I request permission to accompany SG-7," Teal'c stated.

"I'd like to go, too, sir," Sam added.

"Oh, you both will, except you'll be going with me," Jack replied.

"General O'Neill," Chapman interjected, "the IOA would prefer you remain at the SGC and let-"

"I don't give a damn what you prefer; I'm going to accompany SG-1 on the Search and Rescue." This guy was almost as annoying as Woolsey, and Jack was glad the other IOA member wasn't present or he'd have his voice to contend with, too, he was sure. "General Hammond can take over for me until I get back." He pinned Norvel with a look that brooked no argument. "We need those coordinates now."

"General, we must insist you allow some of our people to accompany you." Norvel wasn't ready to back down just yet.

"Yes, in the interest of our alliance, we insist you allow the Tok'ra to accompany you," Chapman said, evidently abandoning any attempt to get Jack to stay at the SGC in favor of placating the Tok'ra.

In the interest of our alliance-ha! Jack didn't think their alliance was worth the paper it was written on at this point. He certainly wouldn't trust them again. Well, actually, he had never trusted them, so things really hadn't changed much.

"Fine, they can tag along, but I am going to make this clear one more time-our first priority is getting Daniel back, understood?" His gaze went from Norvel to Chapman, who both nodded their agreement. "General Hammond, requesting permission to temporarily transfer command of the SGC to you, sir."

"Granted. I'll be more than happy to oversee the SGC while you're gone. Bring Doctor Jackson home."

"Thank you, sir. Norvel, give the coordinates to our gate technician and have your people meet us in the gateroom."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"He is still not responding to the stimulus," Trovahn stated.

"Increase the intensity two more levels," Gairven ordered.

"Gairven, stop," Anise pleaded. "You will kill him!"

"We will not kill him," Gairven replied. "However, we must find a level that will pull him out of the meditative state he is in and make him respond to the questions. You heard what was said-the memories are there. We are so close."

"I want that knowledge as much as you do, but the price is too high," Anise countered.

"You knew this was a possibility. Is the life of one human worth more than the knowledge of the Ancients?"

"Yes." Her response was stern and challenging.

"I do not agree, and neither does the rest of the group. Now, step aside; we must continue." Gairven moved around to face Daniel again. "Everyone clear? Trovahn, proceed."

~ ~ ~

The body in the chair jerked sharply in its bindings but the consciousness inside it only felt the pitch of the hum surrounding it raise, waiver, and gradually settle back into its previous tone and frequency. A sharp flash of bright white light accompanied the disruption, but it too gradually faded from white to yellow to orange, shifting through the spectrum before settling into the soft blues that swirled within the sanctuary.

~ ~ ~

Anise watched as Daniel's body jerked sharply within the restraints before going limp. Not a sound escaped from the man in the chair, and for a moment she thought he was dead. A quick survey of the monitors showed his heart rate and breathing had spiked, but were already settling back to previous levels. He was still alive.

"That should have some effect," Gairven said. "Doctor Jackson, can you hear me? What did the replicator find within your memories?"

There was no response from Daniel and the view screen still showed no images.

"How can this be?" Stress was apparent in Gairven's voice.

"I do not know," Trovahn replied. "The stimulus was at level five-it should have had some affect."

"Raise it to level seven and try again."

Without a word, Anise rushed forward and grabbed the device strapped to Daniel's arm, scrabbling to unfasten it.

"Stop her!" Gairven shouted just as Trovahn reached her, pulling her hands away from the device.

"Guards, take her out of here and confine her!"

"You've gone too far, Gairven-you're going to kill him! Trovahn, Paresh, this is wrong-we do not have the right to take his life. He and the Tau'ri have done much to help us. They are our allies. The knowledge in Doctor Jackson's conscious mind is more valuable than anything you might obtain from the Ancient knowledge; we cannot risk losing that. We can find another way! We can-"

The rest of her words were lost to those in the room as the guards physically pulled her through the doorway and down the hall.

Gairven focused an intense look on Trovahn. "Trovahn, level seven."

With a grim look on his face, Trovahn nodded.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The giant ring began to turn, locking on first one chevron, then another. The Tok'ra guarding it immediately took defensive stances around the base of the platform, holding tightly to their weapons. The wormhole flared to life and settled. A couple of seconds later, a silver sphere came flying through it, landing on the gate platform.

"Get-"

The warning was cut off in mid-shout as the sphere flashed a blinding light accompanied by a high pitched whine. After several more seconds, figures began to emerge through the rippling wormhole. When it shut down, eleven people-seven Tau'ri and four Tok'ra-stood with weapons raised. Spread around the base of the platform were three unconscious Tok'ra.

Jack silently signaled for SG-7 to fan out and check the perimeter. The Tok'ra took care of securing the unconscious men and moving them away from the gate. After a quick but thorough search, it was determined that no one else was in the vicinity.

The gate sat in a clearing surrounded by rocky hills with a few scattered trees here and there. A sandy path led away from the gate, heading off between large outcroppings of jagged boulders. They had been given a gate address, but no information on the lay of the land-only that the secret base was built into the side of one of the rocky hills about half an hour from the gate.

Leaving Carson and Matthews to guard the gate, Jack signaled for the rest of the group to double-time it and headed off down the path. Jack's gaze shifted from one side of the trail to the other, searching the rocks for hidden threats. He saw Teal'c do the same as he jogged a few paces in front of him. He knew their chances of being ambushed were slim-this was a very small group of Tok'ra they were dealing with. Norvel had said there were about fifteen scientists and assistants, but even he was unsure of the exact number. Jack still couldn't believe the High Council had been unaware of this covert operation. Fifteen people had set up a secret base on another planet and no one had noticed? And on top of that, they had used intel from their allies to plan and execute the kidnapping of an important member of the SGC. Daniel. They'd taken him because of his ascended memories and were doing who knows what to him right now.

Damn it! Jack mentally shook himself. He had been happy to let his anger take charge for awhile because it had kept him from thinking about what might be happening to his friend.

They had been jogging for fifteen minutes when Teal'c's voice brought him out of his contemplations. "O'Neill." Teal'c had stopped at the crest of a small rise and was staring down the path.

Jack sidled up next to him and followed his line of sight. The path dropped more sharply here, descending to the base of a tall, rocky hill that curved away, becoming lost behind some boulders The trees were slightly thicker here, shading the path.

Jack signaled a halt, deciding they were probably getting close to their goal. The rocky hill on their left rose and became almost a sheer cliff, so he sent Carter, Teal'c, McKenna, and Griffen off through the trees on their right. The rest of them stayed put, giving Sam's group time to circle around and scout for the entrance from the other side.

"Sir, we've found the entrance," Carter's hushed voice carried through Jack's radio. "There's only one guard watching from some nearby rocks."

"Can you take him out without raising the alarm?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do it."

"Yes, sir."

The faint sound of a zat firing reached Jack's group, followed by the crackling of his radio. "All clear, sir." He could always count on Carter.

"Acknowledged," Jack replied. To the rest of his group, he said, "Let's move out."

Only one guard. This was a small operation, which meant most of their manpower was focused on one thing-getting the Ancient knowledge. Once again, Jack found himself trying not to dwell on what might be happening to Daniel and instead, focus on getting him out. But he couldn't help it. This was the same fear he'd felt when Area 51 had tried to get their hands on Daniel. Fear that they would do irreparable damage to his friend's mind in the process, that they might even lose Daniel-if not physically, then mentally. He didn't care what arguments they presented, there was no knowledge they could gain that would be worth a person's life-worth Daniel's life.

Daniel didn't deserve that. The man had already given his life-more than once-to save humanity; he shouldn't be asked to give more. Fortunately, the President had agreed with him. It was one reason-the main one, actually-that Jack had decided to support Daniel's request to go to Atlantis. Daniel had worked so long and hard studying the Ancients; he deserved to have the opportunity to explore their city. And it would get him away from anyone--like the Trust--who decided a President's order wasn't enough to keep them from their goal. Jack hadn't figured on the Tok'ra going after Daniel, too. He wondered if Atlantis was far enough away to keep him safe from this sort of thing. Who was he kidding? This was Daniel he was talking about; he could find trouble crossing the street.

The group reached the bottom of the incline and followed the path as it curved around a large boulder. A few feet away, Sam and Teal'c's group was waiting for them. As Jack reached them, he could see the entrance to a cave nearly hidden by a thick cluster of trees.

Silently merging back into one group, Jack led the way inside, Carter at his side. The four Tok'ra followed, McKenna and Griffen behind them, with Teal'c bringing up the rear.

The crystal walls were familiar, though the size of the passage was smaller than previous Tok'ra tunnels Jack had been in. They were also pretty well deserted. Arriving at a corner, they cautiously peered around it, seeing a Tok'ra standing at the entrance of a room, apparently guarding something or someone. Trying not to get his hopes up that they'd found Daniel and this would be over quickly, Jack nodded to Carter who zatted the guard.

Quickly moving down the hall to the door, Jack peered inside, surprised to find Anise and not Daniel in the room. Carter released the force field and Anise rushed forward.

"General O'Neill, Colonel Carter, I am glad you are here."

"Anise, what are you doing in here?" Sam asked.

"I tried to stop them but they wouldn't listen," Anise replied, wiping at a tear track on her cheek.

"What are you talking about?" Jack asked. He'd never seen the woman show emotion like this. He was even more surprised that it was the Tok'ra who was speaking.

"I told them if they didn't stop, they would kill him."

Jack's anger flared, knowing exactly who she was talking about. "Where is he?"

"I will show you. We must hurry-I fear we may be too late."

So not what Jack wanted to hear. The room suddenly shook, a loud boom reverberating through the complex. Streams of dirt and pebbles briefly rained down on them.

"What was that?" Jack asked, looking at Anise who appeared as surprised as the rest of them.

"I don't know, sir," Sam answered. "It sounded like-"

"O'Neill! I believe we are under attack," Teal'c interrupted as he appeared at the room's entrance. Another boom shook the room again.

"General O'Neill," Matthew's voice came over Jack's radio. "The gate's being activated and we've spotted several gliders."

Crap. So much for an easy in and out mission. There must be a ship in orbit. Who it belonged to, how they'd found the secret base, and why they were interested in it were questions that would have to wait to be answered.

Jack turned to the Tok'ra leader. "Kornan, take your men and guard the entrance. Carter, you and Teal'c take McKenna and Griffen and go help Matthews and Carson at the gate. I'm going after Daniel."

"Yes, sir," Carter replied.

"I will show you the way," Anise offered.

"I will come also, General," Kornan said. "The rest of my people will guard the entrance."

"Fine, let's go," Jack agreed.

Carter and Teal'c, along with McKenna and Griffen, ran back the way they had come, the three Tok'ra following close behind.

Jack followed Anise through the deserted hallways, more shockwaves rattling the walls sending dirt cascading down. They only encountered two frightened Tok'ra who quickly surrendered. Kornan radioed his men to expect company and sent the two towards the entrance.

The group resumed their trek and a couple of minutes later, Anise called a halt. "Here is the room," she said, pointing a few feet ahead.

"Wait here," Jack instructed her.

"No, I want to come with you," Freya spoke this time. "We are partly responsible for Doctor Jackson being here. I'm sorry we could not stop them before they went too far. Anise and I want to help."

Jack thought it was a little late, but he could see that she was sincere about helping Daniel. "All right, but Kornan and I are going in first."

Kornan moved to Jack's side, handing Anise a zat. She took it and moved behind them.

On Jack's signal, he and Kornan burst into the room. Jack quickly assessed the situation, noting the six Tok'ra and their positions in the room: four were standing in front of various machines while two were focused on a chair in the center of the room. What was in the chair made Jack's breath catch in his throat. Daniel was strapped in, with what appeared to be a memory device on one temple and another smaller disk on the other. And he wasn't moving.

Another boom shook the room, sending the Tok'ra into a frenzy of activity around the machines. Still Daniel didn't move or even open his eyes. Not a good sign.

"Hold it!" Jack shouted, aiming his P-90 at the Tok'ra now giving him their full attention. "Let him go."

"General O'Neill," Matthews' voice over the radio made several of the Tok'ra jump. "We've got Jaffa coming through the gate."

Of course we do. "Hold 'em, Matthews. Help's on the way."

"Yes, sir."

Jack clicked his radio again. "Hear that, Carter?"

"Yes, sir, we're almost there."

"Good. We'll join you ASAP."

Previously frightened faces now registered full-fledged panic. One of the Tok'ra shouted, "We must save the data-help us!"

"No time," Jack snapped. "Now, let Daniel go."

"It does not matter, he is gone."

"What?" Jack moved quickly to Daniel's side and felt for a pulse, keeping his P-90 aimed at the Tok'ra who had spoken. Anise entered the room, zat raised and trained on the Tok'ra near the machines. She looked at Jack expectantly as he searched for a pulse. A slow, faint, but steady beat passed across his fingertips. "He's still alive." Jack exchanged a relieved look with Anise.

"He no longer responds to stimulus-his mind is lost," the Tok'ra stated. "Help us remove our equipment; we must save the data."

"Gairven, what have you done?" Kornan asked.

"Only what the High Council was afraid to do--attempt to gain access to the Ancient knowledge."

Jack grabbed Gairven's tunic and yanked him towards the door. "Get out if you wanna save your ass. Go on," he motioned with his gun to the other scientists in the room.

Kornan began moving towards Gairven just as another blast impacted the base, bigger than those previous, and the remaining scientists quickly headed for the door, abandoning their equipment.

Gairven was the only one to resist. "We cannot leave-" He was cut off as Kornan shoved him through the doorway.

"General O'Neill, Anise, are you coming?" Kornan asked.

"Not without Daniel. Go on, we'll catch up."

Anise gave Jack a small smile, grateful she was allowed to stay, and moved to Daniel's side, fingers reaching to release the restraints.

"Stand back," Jack warned as he pulled out his zat and aimed it at the abandoned equipment.

"Wait!" Anise interrupted, quickly removing the memory device, the second disk and a third disk attached to Daniel's chest. She nodded to Jack and turned back to Daniel, working on the remaining restraints. Jack was glad she was there now; Daniel could have still been linked to the equipment.

Jack fired repeatedly, making sure each machine had been hit. Bolts of blue energy danced around the machines, sparks flying and smoke curling from them. Jack had no idea what information they might have obtained from Daniel, but he had no intention of leaving anything for the goa'uld or anyone else to find. He briefly wondered who the Jaffa at the gate served. Which goa'uld they were dealing with?

Anise was gently talking to Daniel, her hand continuously smoothing his hair back from his face. Moving next to her, Jack could see Daniel's eyes were still mostly closed but a small sliver of blue was still visible.

"Daniel, wake up. It's me," Jack cajoled.

No response, no movement.

"C'mon, buddy, work with me. We've gotta go." Jack patted his cheek with no response, then took hold of Daniel's shoulders and shook forcefully; still there was no response. "Just gotta be stubborn, don't ya?"

Jack swiveled his P-90 around to the back and handed Anise his zat. He gently pulled Daniel forward, leaned over, and settled his friend's torso over his shoulder. With a grunt, Jack stood up, holding on to Daniel as he lay draped over Jack's shoulder, arms dangling down his back.

Bright white light flashed a few feet away and Jack found himself staring at a half dozen Jaffa, their staff weapons already taking aim. Hands full of a limp Daniel, Jack could only stand waiting for their next move. Anise, however, raised both zats, but before she could fire, a staff blast discharged, hitting her in the stomach and knocking her back to land in a heap at the base of the wall.

Jack braced for the next blast to be aimed at him, but instead, one of the Jaffa approached.

"You are O'Neill. Our lord will be pleased by this unexpected bonus."

Jack recognized the emblem on the Jaffa's forehead-it belonged to his old buddy, Ba'al.

"Anything to make ole Ba'al happy," he quipped.

The Jaffa sneered at him as he reached for Jack's radio, pulling it off of his vest and then dropping it to the floor where he crushed it with his boot. He then moved behind Jack and lifted Daniel's head for a better look.

"Excellent. We have what we came for, plus O'Neill. However, the equipment has been ruined," he added, scanning the still sparking machines. "It will be useless to us." Turning to his men, he ordered, "Jaffa, kree!"

Jack's thoughts processed this information while one of the Jaffa relieved Jack of his P-90, then patted him down, also confiscating his knife. The Jaffa had come for Daniel? What did they want with him and how had they known he was here? The situation was going from bad to worse in a hurry.

The leader faced Jack again. "You may continue to carry Doctor Jackson."

"Actually, I think Daniel and I would rather just stay here."

"One of my Jaffa will carry Doctor Jackson if you do not wish to do so." An evil smile spread across the Jaffa's face.

"No, no, I'll do it. Thanks anyway." He wasn't about to let the Jaffa get their hands on Daniel. "By the way, where are we going?"

"To be presented to your god."

Of course we are.

The Jaffa formed a circle around their prisoners and Jack gave a last glance to Anise lying still on the floor. In another flash of light, they were beamed away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Jaffa that had come through the gate had taken cover behind it and set up an unending barrage of fire, but not before Teal'c had seen the emblem of Ba'al emblazoned on their foreheads. Sam, Teal'c, and SG-7 had taken up position behind some boulders and returned fire.

"Teal'c, don't you think it's odd that only a handful came through the gate?" Sam asked between shots.

"Yes, I expected more to follow."

"And they haven't even made a move from behind the gate."

She exchanged a tense look with her teammate, then ceased firing. Teal'c did the same and Sam signaled SG-7 to stop, also. They waited to see what, if any, move the Jaffa would make.

Suddenly, a bright light flashed-the unmistakable sign of an Asgard beam. Several of the Jaffa vanished and a second beam flashed, taking another group of Jaffa with it. A third beam left the clearing empty of Jaffa.

"They were a diversion." Sam's anger at being 'had' was evident in her face.

"It would appear so." Teal'c was equally irritated with the ruse.

Sam quickly clicked her radio. "Sir, the Jaffa were beamed away. Have you found Daniel?"

There was no reply to her call. She looked anxiously to Teal'c, whose forehead was creased with concern. He quickly got to his feet. "We must return to the Tok'ra base immediately."

"Let's go," Sam agreed, signaling the others to move out.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When the light faded, Jack wasn't surprised to find they were on a ha'tak. More specifically, in a large cargo hold on a ha'tak. He turned slightly, examining the room which held the usual Jaffa with staff weapons aimed in his direction. What did surprise him was the stargate sitting on a platform at one end of the room. Good to know. If it was operational, it was a possible way off the ship.

"Move," the Jaffa in charge barked.

The escort closed in on Jack, urging him forward. He made sure Daniel was secure across his shoulder and began walking towards the door. Just as he reached the entrance, he heard the familiar sound of the big ring turning. Definitely good news.

Jack was guided through the halls, passing continuous gilded panels that typified a goa'uld mothership. He hoped wherever they were headed wasn't far. It'd been awhile since he'd had to carry anyone like this and his knees were protesting the added weight.

His concern for his friend continued to mount-he hadn't felt a twitch or heard a peep out of Daniel since he'd found him. What the hell had the Tok'ra done to him? Jack needed to get him to a doctor, but instead they were trapped on Ba'al's ship and Jack doubted the goa'uld would be inclined to offer medical attention. Unless, of course, he put Daniel in a sarcophagus. Which bought him back to what the Jaffa had said: 'We have what we came for.' What did Ba'al want with Daniel and how had he known where to find him?

Maybe he was about to find out. The Jaffa had come to a stop in front of a set of golden double doors and Jack was pretty sure what-who-they would find on the other side. The Jaffa in charge pushed the doors open and Jack was marched into the room and straight to the throne at the opposite end. The throne occupied by a very smug-looking Ba'al.

A few feet in front of the throne, the Jaffa stopped. One of them started to pull Daniel out of Jack's grasp and Jack took a step back. "I don't think so."

Two more Jaffa moved quickly to grab Jack by the arms, allowing Daniel to be pulled off of his shoulder and laid on his back on the floor.

Ba'al slowly rose from his throne and began to descend the few steps to the floor. He nonchalantly approached Daniel's prone form, looking down at the unmoving body laid out before him. He used a booted foot to nudge Daniel and Jack briefly pulled against the arms holding him. He knew he was wasting his time trying to hide his reaction-Ba'al knew them too well.

Ba'al glanced at Jack, noticing his reaction, a malevolent smile playing across his lips. His foot struck Daniel again, with more force, causing the body to move. Still no sign of awareness came from Daniel. Ba'al watched Jack for another reaction, but Jack controlled his anger and forced himself to stand still.

Ba'al left Daniel and moved to stand in front of Jack. "We expected the pleasure of Doctor Jackson's company, but not that of General O'Neill."

"Believe me, it wasn't my idea," Jack quipped.

"This is indeed fortuitous. I have been informed that all of the Tok'ra equipment was destroyed. Perhaps you can be of assistance, first by telling us what is wrong with Doctor Jackson."

"He did mention he was a little tired," Jack offered. Ba'al knew about the Tok'ra's attempts to gain access to Daniel's memories, which meant the snake was undoubtedly after the same thing. This was bad.

"Ah, so you suggest he is merely sleeping? Or perhaps he is-what is the Tau'ri expression-'playing possum'?" Ba'al nodded to his first Prime who walked over to a nearby wall and removed a metal rod from a holder.

Crap. That had backfired. Jack was all too familiar with a goa'uld pain stick and the last thing he wanted was for Daniel to have a repeat experience with it-especially not knowing what had already been done to him.

"Now wait a minute. Why don't you let me try waking him up? He can be pretty grumpy when he wakes up."

Ba'al's smile grew. "I'll take my chances." He looked at the First Prime. "Dreg'nor, please awaken Doctor Jackson."

The First Prime stepped up to Daniel's limp form and reached out with the pain stick. Jack started to dart forward, but the two Jaffa holding him tightened their grips. Dreg'nor touched the stick to Daniel's arm. Daniel's body stiffened as shafts of light poured from his mouth, but the only sound was the buzzing of the stick's energy. Dreg'nor removed the pain stick but Daniel didn't move or make a sound. The First Prime looked to Ba'al.

"Again," the goa'uld ordered.

"Stop it!" Jack shouted, no longer trying to hide his feelings. He was ignored while Dreg'nor touched the stick to Daniel's stomach. Again the body stiffened and light poured from his mouth and around edges of his eyes, but once again Daniel remained unmoving and silent. Dreg'nor removed the stick, confusion evident on his face.

Jack pulled even harder and was pushed to his knees, the Jaffa gripping his arms painfully tight.

Ba'al's forehead wrinkled and he moved closer, examining Daniel. "Does he live?"

Dreg'nor bent down and checked for a pulse and then to see if Daniel was breathing. Jack held his breath-afraid to hear the reply.

"He lives, my lord."

Relief washed over Jack and he quit pulling against his captors. He's alive for now, but something's seriously wrong if a pain stick doesn't have any affect.

"How curious," Ba'al continued, turning towards Jack. "What has happened to him, O'Neill?"

"Not a clue." Which was the truth.

"Come now, you were with him. You must know how he can be revived."

"I wouldn't tell you even if I knew. The Tok'ra did something to him before I got there."

"Forgive me if I don't take your word for it."

"I don't care if you believe me or not-I can't tell you what I don't know."

"You took great pleasure in taunting me at our last meeting."

"Hey, it's what I do."

Ba'al moved closer until he was standing over Jack who was still on his knees. "Our situations are now reversed and when I finish with you, we shall see what is left of your pride."

Someday, Jack decided, he was going to have to learn not to bait the bad guys-it usually came back to bite him in the butt. Like now.

Ba'al gave a slight nod to his First Prime who moved from Daniel to Jack, extending the pain stick. The two Jaffa restraining him let go just before the stick made contact with Jack's shoulder.

Jack knew what was coming and also knew there was nothing he could do to prepare for it. Fire erupted in his shoulder and quickly spread to the rest of his body. He couldn't hold back voicing his pain as fiery light spilled out of his mouth and eyes. The stick was removed and he collapsed to the floor, panting.

"Now that I have your attention," Ba'al gloated, "tell me what has been done to Doctor Jackson and what information the Tok'ra were able to obtain from him."

"I . . . told you . . . don't know," Jack continued to pant between words.

"Don't make this unpleasant. Tell me what I want to know."

"Go . . . to . . . hell." So much for not baiting.

Daggers of fire attacked his body once again and another cry escaped as the light spilled out of him. The pain suddenly eased and he lay in a haze, limbs trembling. Damn, I'm getting too old for this.

"Shall I have Dreg'nor continue or are you ready to answer my questions?"

Jack continued to lie on the floor, eyes tightly shut, breathing hard. He didn't bother to answer. He was aware of Ba'al moving back to sit on his throne.

"Dreg'nor, take General O'Neill to a place where he can spend some time considering my questions. Have Doctor Jackson taken to our scientists. Perhaps they will be able to revive him and extract the knowledge we desire."

"Yes, my lord." Dreg'nor signaled to several of his men and they moved towards Jack and Daniel.

"Wait," Ba'al halted them, moving down from his throne once again. He bent down next to Jack and grabbed his arm, running his fingers from elbow to wrist. "Here." His fingers stopped on spot on Jack's forearm.

Ba'al moved back, allowing the Jaffa to take his place. Another Jaffa flipped Jack onto his stomach and pressed his face into the floor while another Jaffa held Jack's arm securely. Dreg'nor pulled out his knife and proceeded to make a slit in Jack's arm.

"Gah!" Jack grunted as he tried unsuccessfully to twist away.

He was released and rolled to his side, clutching his bleeding arm. His eyes came to rest on Daniel, the First Prime cutting out his locator chip while the other Jaffa stood ready to restrain Daniel if he woke. He didn't. He didn't flinch or make a sound as Dreg'nor cut his arm and removed the chip.

Dreg'nor carried both locators to Ba'al, offering them in his outstretched hand. "They have been removed, my lord."

Ba'al stood and looked over the bloody chips in the First Prime's hand. "Very good. Now, set them on the floor."

Dreg'nor obeyed, placing the locators on the floor at Ba'al's feet. With a smirking glance at Jack, Ba'al placed his boot on one, pressing until a crack could be heard. He did the same with the second chip.

"We wouldn't want any unexpected company, now would we?"

"Oh, I don't know," Jack gasped, still clutching his arm as he struggled to bring his breathing under control. "I always enjoy having company drop in."

Ba'al laughed. "Actually, I think some time by yourself would be beneficial."

Jack really didn't want to be separated from Daniel. His eyes darted to his friend still motionless on the floor.

Ba'al saw Jack's gaze pass to his friend. "Don't worry, we will keep Doctor Jackson occupied in your absence."

As the two Jaffa pulled Jack to his feet, he lunged forward, anger overriding everything else, and was brought up short by the hands like vises on his arms. "If you hurt him, so help me, I'll kill you myself."

Dreg'nor moved quickly, swinging the end of his staff weapon to impact with Jack's stomach. Jack began to double over, a grunt escaping, but was kept from hitting the floor by the two Jaffa holding his arms.

"You are in no position to make threats," Ba'al replied, all trace of a smile gone. "Take him away."

Jack continued to fight the Jaffa holding him but their grips remained firm as they dragged him from the room. Jack's last glimpse of Daniel showed Ba'al standing over him, brows pinched in thought.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Teal'c's feet hit the ramp as he exited the wormhole and he shifted to maintain his balance as he carried his burden into the gateroom. Armed SFs kept their weapons trained on the group as more people poured through the gate behind him. Colonel Carter and Major McKenna were already at the base of the ramp speaking to General Hammond and the Tok'ra Council member, Norvel.

The rebel Tok'ra exited the gate, surrounded by Kornan and his men. A medical team stood ready with a couple of gurneys. Teal'c walked up to one and carefully laid Anise on it, letting the medics move in to check the staff weapon wound in her chest.

Anise had barely been alive when they had discovered her in the Tok'ra lab. O'Neill and Daniel Jackson were no where to be found. Barely clinging to life, she had been unable to tell them what had happened to the men.

Teal'c watched as they rushed her from the gateroom, hoping the doctors-and her symbiote--would be able to save her. She might be their only link to finding O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. He turned back to the activity in the gateroom, joining Colonel Carter as she informed General Hammond and Norvel of the events that had transpired.

The Tok'ra prisoners stood with hands bound in Tok'ra designed metal restraints, looking nervously at the SFs guarding them.

"Let's take this to the briefing room," General Hammond was saying. "Norvel, your prisoners will be taken to holding cells until this can be sorted out."

"Very well," the council member agreed.

"Excuse me," Kornan interrupted, "but I believe Gairven and Trovahn should be present at the briefing. They were in charge of the operation and may be able to give us more information."

"All right," Hammond said, "bring them." Turning to Major McKenna, he directed, "Have your men escort the prisoners to the holding cells."

"Yes, sir." Orders were given and the prisoners were led from the room.

General Hammond and Norvel led the way to the stairs and Teal'c walked beside Colonel Carter as they followed. Major McKenna and Kornan brought up the rear, herding the two Tok'ra scientists in front of them.

A short time later, everyone was seated around the briefing room table. Gairven and Trovahn, hands still bound, sat between Norvel and Kornan on one side, while Teal'c, Colonel Carter, and Major McKenna sat on the other.

Hammond had taken his place in his old familiar spot at the head of the table and was addressing Colonel Carter. "Colonel, please tell us what happened."

"Yes, sir."

While Colonel Carter began relating the events on the planet, Teal'c looked carefully at each of the Tok'ra seated across from him. Norvel looked upset but was maintaining an air of calmness. Kornan was slightly agitated but holding his anger in check. Trovahn was nervous, fear evident in his face. Teal'c's gaze stopped on Gairven, assessing the man. His demeanor was in contrast to Trovahn's; instead of nervous and fearful, he appeared tense and angry. Was it because his work had been interrupted? Because they had been caught? The subject of Teal'c's scrutiny turned and locked gazes with him, and Teal'c immediately recognized the haughty look of disdain-like that a goa'uld would use with a servant or slave. A couple of seconds ticked by before Gairven averted his gaze.

Kornan was relating his story. "General O'Neill and Anise were going to release Doctor Jackson from the chair. General O'Neill said they would catch up. That is the last I saw of them."

"Sir," Colonel Carter interjected, "The Jaffa at the gate were beamed away. There's a good chance that's what happened to General O'Neill and Daniel."

"In that case, Ba'al has them," Teal'c stated solemnly.

"And that would also mean there's a spy in the Tok'ra ranks," Sam added.

Norvel turned to Gairven and Trovahn. "What do you know of this?"

Trovahn's voice wavered as he spoke. "Nothing, I swear. We simply wanted to gain access to the Ancient knowledge. I do not know of anyone who would associate with Ba'al or any other goa'uld."

Gairven spoke with firmness. "We were only working to aid the Tok'ra in defeating the remaining goa'uld. We would not be working for one of them."

Norvel was having trouble containing his anger. "General Hammond, we would like to take the prisoners back to our base for questioning."

"Councilor, two of our people are missing and the responsibility for that rests squarely on the shoulders of the Tok'ra. You may take the prisoners wherever you want after we have finished questioning them. They may know where Ba'al has taken our people."

"General, I insist on being present when they are questioned."

"I agree." Russell Chapman's voice carried from the doorway. He strode into the room and stood at the opposite end of the table from General Hammond. "Why was I not informed of this meeting?"

"You were occupied elsewhere and we couldn't postpone it. Two of our people are missing and I'm afraid time is of the essence. I will consent to Councilor Norvel being present at the questioning."

"General Hammond," Teal'c interrupted, "I request permission to escort the prisoners to the brig and participate in their questioning." His gaze settled on Gairven once again, who continued to return the look with restrained anger.

"Very well. Make sure they are questioned separately."

Teal'c rose and walked around the table, stopping behind Gairven. He placed a hand on the Tok'ra's shoulder. "You will come with me."

Gairven reacted by jumping up and pulling away from Teal'c's hand. "Do not touch me!"

Teal'c let his hand drop as SFs moved in with weapons raised. Gairven began walking towards the door and Teal'c fell in beside him.

Once in the hall, Teal'c spoke to the scientist in a low voice. "If you were a goa'uld and not a Tok'ra, I would break your neck for what you did to Daniel Jackson."

Gairven whirled and faced Teal'c, all control gone. "Do not speak to me in that manner, Shol'va."

A small smile played at the corner of Teal'c's lips. "Only a goa'uld would call me Shol'va. You are no Tok'ra."

Gairven lunged at him, bu