The following morning, Daniel crawled out of his tent. The breeze that wafted down from upriver had a slight chill and feel of moistness to it. He frowned in that direction.

Behind him, Teal'c also emerged from his tent. Watching the younger man he noted the expression on his face. "Is there something wrong, Danieljackson?"

The archaeologist shook his head and looked over at his friend. "No, not really. It just feels like we have some weather heading our way."

The Jaffa nodded. "Yes, I believe you to be correct. There is more moisture in the atmosphere, and the wind seems to have shifted. Will this cause a problem?"

"Well, not normally, but the location of our dig site is a bit precarious for working in the rain." The younger man replied, glancing across the small canyon towards the ruins. "We could sit here and wait out the storm, if there is a storm coming, or we could go ahead and get started, stay at the dig and then wait out the storm until it rains out."

"What storm is that, Daniel?" Jacob Carter came up behind the two men. "Do you expect bad weather?"

Daniel nodded at the older man and flashed him a smile. "I believe so. I can feel it in the desert air."

Carter looked around with a perplexed glance. "Really? Doesn't feel any different to me."

Jackson chuckled softly. "Trust me on this, Jacob. I've weathered many a deluge in very dry areas. Ground that doesn't normally have lots of moisture can't handle lots of rain well. It mainly just runs off in flash floods. He pointed to the riverbed below the cliff they were standing on. "In places like this." Then he pointed to the cliff dwellings, "cutting off it off to places like that, and our escape route."

Jacob saw the concern and nodded. "So, what do you want to do?"

"Well, that's what we were discussing. We could wait, not knowing how long it would be; or we could go ahead and get started with the understanding that we'd be cut off until the water subsided." He shrugged. That's if the river even comes up."

"So?" Jacob pressed.

Daniel looked at Teal'c then glanced across to the ruins. "I think I'd like to go ahead and get started." He shrugged. "If we do have to wait it out, we might as well be productive."

Teal'c nodded. He knew that Danieljackson wanted to do this particular job and return to Earth as quickly as possible to be with Majorcarter. "Very well, I will begin to gather the tools that we will need."

Daniel nodded and went back into the tent to get his instruments and journals that he would use to document any discoveries.

-------

Several hours later, they were setting up in the outer room of the largest cliff dwelling. There were some pictographs evident on the walls, some artifacts that had apparently just been left behind, and signs of a fire pit in the center of the room. Daniel frowned.

Jacob looked around the room then at the archaeologist. "Doesn't look like much."

"No, actually, it doesn't look good at all." He looked back at Carter, "Did the Tok'ra dig crew say why they are so sure that this is an Ancient's site?"

The old General shook his head. "No, they just said it had the possibility of being of great assistance to the Tok'ra and Earth."

"Well, perhaps they can see something that a plain old human type can't." Jackson tried to grin. "I can't believe they'd cry wolf over nothing."

"I know, but I sure can't see anything and if they can, I should be able too." Jacob nodded in the signature sign of personality change. Selmac spoke for the first time on the trip. "Doctor Jackson, it is good to work with you again."

Daniel schooled his features not to reflect surprise. "Selmac, nice of you to invite us."

Jacob/Selmac looked as if he/she were trying to be very relaxed to help him adjust. "I am sorry that there is not much here to interest you."

"Oh, no, no. It's not that." He tried to smile encouragingly. "Just because something isn't readily apparent doesn't mean it's not there. Sometimes it just takes a little detective work."

"Detective work, yes. Jacob says that is very important." His slightly altered face smiled impishly. "Searching for clues can be exciting."

"Yes, yes it can be." His smile was sincere this time. "But it's even more exciting when you find something."

Teal'c entered the cave of the ruins carrying the last of the equipment. He looked at the two men as they were arranging the equipment in the order Daniel preferred. He knew the young scientist wanted to get everything correct so that they could finish quickly and return to earth and Samanthacarter.

"Jacobcarter," he spoke as he sat the heavy box down in the center of the floor. "The storm is forming in the north with rapidity. If you do not wish to spend the time with us here, perhaps you should leave before you are trapped here also."

Carter looked up at the Jaffa, "That was the most polite bum's rush I've gotten in a long time." He stood up and nodded to Daniel. "Well, as much fun as you seem to be having here Daniel, I guess I'll just leave you to your work."

"Sure, tell Jack what's happened if we get flooded in here," Daniel replied absentmindedly, all ready concentrating on the work at hand.

"Will he believe me?" Jacob asked with a smile.

"No," Teal'c replied deadpan. "but please, tell him anyway."

"I'll do that." Jacob smiled at the big man. "I'll do just that. Take care of Daniel for us."

"I will do that, also."

-------

Daniel shifted his position, trying to get more comfortable. When he had awoken and was still half-asleep, he had tried to curl up to retain some of his body heat. But the discovery that he couldn't move had been a real wake up call. After a bit of wiggling, he had discovered that he was lying flat on his back, his legs tied together and to a large rock. His hands were bound to a metal ring that was partially buried in the earthen floor of the room. This had seriously impeded his initial desire to get up and run away like hell. He was still in the same position several hours later. Daniel jerked on the rope that held his hands above his head. ŒNope, that wasn't gonna happen. Greeeeat, I'm now officially channeling Jack.' He thought to himself. ŒPeachy, just flaming peachy. If I play my cards right, I should get shot with a staff weapon fairly soon, at which point I will be able to remember which hurts worse, his staff weapon or my ribbon device. This will also enable me to decide if I should be plain old Daniel Jackson or heroic Daniel Jackson, Jack-clone, for the rest of my life, which may not be long anyway.

After another fifteen minutes of struggling which did nothing except irritate his wrists and exacerbate his temper, he finally lay back and stared at the rough ceiling. He started to reconstruct how he had gotten here. He was on the Tok'ra's new home world, ostensibly brought here to do an archaeological survey to discover if these ruins could possibly be from the race known as The Ancients. He'd come with Jacob Carter and Teal'c. Been met by a Tok'ra woman named Merrick and escorted here. They had started to work and it had started to rain. Jacob left so that he wouldn't be trapped here at the dig with them. The last thing he remembered, they had decided to eat the last of the fresh food given them by the Tok'ra, since the MRE's would last indefinitely and they were kept for later. Then, they had unrolled their sleeping bags and gone to bed...and he woke up here. And now, he had to pee...really bad. This was so not a good thing.

He lay there for several more hours, tied hand and foot. There was no apparent concern for his safety or his physical comfort. Maybe the flood held up his captors. or maybe they had just decided to leave him here to die.

--------

He awoke with a boot tapping him uncomfortably on the ribcage. He looked up at the owner of the boot. It was Merrick.

"Doctor Jackson. Are you awake?"

Peering up at the Tok'ra, he grunted. "Yes, thank you for asking." After a brief moment when he realized that the woman was not a rescue party, he continued. "What's going on, Merrick?'

The woman smiled down at him. "Nothing at this particular moment, however, that will change before too much longer."

"Well," Daniel commented, "since nothing is going on right now, could you please untie me?"

Merrick smiled easily at him. "Doctor Jackson, please.... What do you take me for?"

"I was hoping I could take you for a woman, er, Tok'ra who would allow me the dignity of a potty break, before I pee all over myself." Daniel shifted his position with a frown. "I'd rather remain relatively easy to be around, but I won't be if I don't get some relief fairly soon. I will become er, somewhat riper to the nose."

The young woman looked at him suspiciously. "Really, Doctor Jackson..."

"Look, think about it. I've been here, what...eight or ten hours." He said as calmly as possible. "I don't know about the rest of the galaxy, but humans have certain needs that do require attending too." Just talking about the action was making it harder to bear. "They include such things as eating, drinking, and peeing." He looked up at her. "Please."

Merrick thought a moment and then finally relented. "Very well, it has been a long time." She gave Daniel a stern look. "But no tricks, I want you whole and intact. Do not make me injure you." She bent and cut the rope that bound Jackson's ankles together.

"Believe me, I would prefer that option myself." He replied as Merrick then cut the rope that held him to the floor ring, but leaving his hands secured together. The Tok'ra watched him struggle to his feet then led him through another doorway and to a cliffside opening that faced away from the base camp. Since his hands remained tied, Daniel had a little bit of trouble with his fly buttons but finally was able to reach everything and he sighed as he released his bladder. After a few minutes, he finished and tried to refasten himself. Merrick pulled him around to face her and reached in to do the buttoning for him. Daniel blushed a bright pink as the woman's hands brushed against his genitals.

Merrick smiled at him. "Very fetching, Doctor Jackson. Don't tempt me too soon."

Daniel looked up in surprise. "What? I don't understand."

"You will soon enough. Don't be concerned." The Tok'ra finished the buttons, tightened her hold on the rope and led him back into the first room. She indicated a camp chair that had been part of their equipment. As the captive sat down in the chair, Merrick proceeded to loop the rope around and through the light piece of furniture. "I know you'll be able to move this around, Doctor Jackson but be aware, I do have a zatniketel. I will not damage you, but I can hurt you."

Daniel nodded his understanding. "Where's Teal'c?" He asked conversationally, looking around.

"Your Jaffa is safe enough. He is being restrained in another part of the ruins." Merrick looked at him seriously. "He is too dangerous a creature to allow close while my plan is being brought to fruition."

"Ah, yes. Well, he can be a dangerous man, I'll agree with that, but not normally without good reason."

"Oh, I dare say that he would argue that he will have plenty of reasons to become dangerous." The Tok'ra nodded agreeably.

"Why?" Daniel decided that he might as well find out what he could, even if he wasn't sure that he would like the answer.

"No doubt he will perceive what is planned for you as reason enough." Merrick paused a moment. "But you will understand, once it is explained to you I'm sure."

"Just because I understand something, doesn't mean I will approve of it."

"This is so." Merrick nodded pleasantly. "But it still doesn't mean that you have a choice."

As she finished securing him, an old man tottered slowly into the room. Merrick immediately turned from Daniel went to his assistance. She kissed him on the cheek. "Joaab, you should not be here. It is too dangerous for you. Where is Pamont?"

"Nonsense, love. IŒm fine, Pamont is unloading some supplies for us." The elderly man smiled, then he noticed Jackson. "Who is this?"

"This is the human I was telling you about."

Joaab looked at him critically. "He's very young."

"Of course, I wanted a perfect specimen." Merrick stepped up beside the old man. "And he's very handsome."

"Yes, yes he is." The older man turned to look at the other. "Merrick, I can understand your enthusiasm now."

"This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone. Jackson here is their foremost Archaeologist, reportedly a genius by their standards. He's young, relatively healthy, and as you've all ready noticed, very attractive."

"Yes," Joaab shook his head. "He is acceptable."

"And it's so perfect...who else should be the greatest Archaeologist of all the Tok'ra, of the entire galaxy, but you my love. When you blend with Daniel Jackson, not only will you have both your knowledge and his knowledge...you will have your youth and beauty again." She smiled happily. "We can be together as we once were." Merrick reached for Joaab and pulled him into a gentle hug. "We can be as one again."

The old Tok'ra looked at the young woman, pushing her arms down from around himself. "Merrick, whatever makes you happy, dearest, IŒll be satisfied."

"This is the host I have selected for you." The young woman returned her arms to Joaab's body in an intimate embrace. "He is our future."

Daniel was listening to their conversation with growing understanding and horror. ŒMy God, they, well, Merrick wanted to make him a host...for this elderly Tok'ra!' "Uh, excuse me..."

The two Tok'ra looked at him from where they stood. Merrick's expression was one of excitement. "What?" She demanded, obviously not wanting to be bothered. The elderly Tok'ra smiled down at him.

"Hello, uh, Joaab. My name is Daniel Jackson." He sat up straight in the chair and tried to keep his voice calm. "I'm an Archaeologist from Earth. The Tok'ra council had invited me here to excavate these ruins." He said precisely. "Or so I thought."

"It is good to meet you, Doctor Jackson." The older man returned, glancing at Merrick with a look of fondness. "I've heard good things of you from Jacob and Selmac." Joaab looked at him. "Though I had not heard that you were ill, Doctor Jackson."

Daniel was puzzled. "I'm not sick, Sir. I'm being held captive."

"But why else would you accept a symbiote, if you're not ill?" Joaab asked in confusion.

"But, I'm not ill, sir." Daniel stressed his words. "I'm a captive. I don't want a symbiote." He stated uncompromisingly, looking at Merrick. "I was asked to come here to work. We were told the Tok'ra council asked for me. But after I was here a day I was knocked unconscious, and now when I wake up to I find I am a prisoner. And, my companion is missing, I donŒt know what sheŒs done to TealŒc!"

Joaab looked angrily at the young woman. "Merrick! Is this true?"

The woman was unrepentant. "Joaab, darling, I looked for someone who was willing, but there was no one who was suitable. This one is highly intelligent, very well educated for a Taur'i, he has no family commitments, he's young, relatively healthy," the Tok'ra looked from the captive to Joaab, "and he's very beautiful. I want him to be your new host." She smiled and put her hand on the old man's chest. "He's perfect! Together we can live in these bodies for thousands of years."

"And for thousands of years I will fight you, Joaab." Daniel put in angrily. "For thousands of years I will remind you that I was taken against my will and you stole my life, my career, and my happiness for your own selfishness." He jerked against the bonds that held him. "She says that I have no family...you're wrong! My mate, my partner even now carries my child! That's why I was in a hurry to finish here. She's due to give birth in only a few more of our months. And she's had a difficult pregnancy. I need to be with her. I need to raise my child. If you take me, you not only steal my body from me, but from my family." He jerked ineffectively on the rope that tied him to the chair. "You can't do this to me!"

Merrick turned to him with a grim look on her face. "Oh, you're very wrong, Doctor Jackson. I can do this and I will."

-------

It was time for the daily check in from the Tok'ra home world. It had been four days and O'Neill was getting antsy. Though he had spoken to Jacob Carter each time, and the older man had assured him that the Archaeologist was busy at the dig, he had not spoken directly to either Daniel or Teal'c since the first day when they had arrived. He knew that Daniel had wanted to check on Sam regularly. Jacob had assured him that the younger member of his team and his watch-Jaffa had merely been delayed by the flooding of the route to the ruins. But something was pushing his Danny-alert buttons.

At the appointed check in time, the wormhole obediently ka-whooshed open, and the MALP transmission came through clearly.

Once again it was Jacob Carter's familiar face that appeared on the view screen. "Hello, George, Jack, Sammi. How's everybody doing? He seemed to be looking directly at his daughter."

"We're just fine, Jacob. How's everything going at the excavation site?" General Hammond replied to his old friend.

"Merrick reports that the work's going well, and in spite of Daniel's gloomy predictions when we first got here, a lot of good information will be forthcoming to the Tok'ra Council...and the SGC, of course." Jacob smiled.

Jack spoke impatiently through the good old boy repartee. "Jacob, where's Daniel?"

"He's still in the ruins. The river has crested, but it's still impassable." He shrugged. "They'll probably be able to get out in another three or four days."

"Jacob, Doctor Jackson was supposed to check in with us every three days." Hammond frowned at the image on the monitor. "Are you sure he's all right?"

"Well, that's what his reports are saying."

"But you haven't seen him, or spoken to him yourself?" Jack asked, glancing at Samantha Carter who looked back at him with a frown.

"Well, no not to him directly...but Merrick said..."

O'Neill looked at General Hammond who nodded to his second in command. "Jacob, Colonel O'Neill is going to come through. He needs to talk to Doctor Jackson about some things that need his attention."

"Well, sure, he's welcome, but why?"

"Well, I was supposed to have a one on one with him every other day." Jack put in; "I haven't spoken to him in four. Let's just say we need to clear some things up."

"Okay, Jack. That's fine." General Carter nodded affably. "It's late evening here, but we can start out early in the morning and be there by mid afternoon. Do you want to come now?"

Jack nodded. "I'll be there in thirty minutes." He advised the older man. "I've just got to go pack my dainties."

"I'll be waiting for you." Carter assured him. He looked at his daughter. "How are you feeling, Sammi?"

"I'm fine, Dad." She smiled at him, "The worst part of it is over, I think. Not nearly as nauseous in the mornings anymore."

"Yes, those first three months or so can be pretty bad." He nodded. "Do you need anything from me?"

She had an urge to tell him to send Daniel and Teal'c back, that she needed her team and her baby's father with her. But that wasn't possible, and she knew it. "No, Dad. Nothing so far. Thanks for asking though." She smiled bravely at him.

He looked suspiciously at her then at his old friend, Hammond. "Well, if you think of something, tell Jack so he can pass it on to me." At their nods, "Well, I'll see Jack here in twenty minutes or so...along with his dainties." The wormhole snapped shut ending their conversation.

-------

After O'Neill had left the observation room, he headed directly to the infirmary. Doctor Fraiser was in her office going over some medical files. He tapped lightly on the open door. "Doc, you got a minute?"

She smiled up at him and closed the manila folder she was looking at. "Certainly, Colonel. What can I do for you?"

He pulled up a chair close to her desk. "A favor, well, actually it's for Carter." She nodded. "I'm going to go check on Daniel and Teal'c. They've missed two check-ins, and I've got sort of a bad feeling going on here. So, I'm going to go check on them myself. I'll be gone at least two days, maybe three, and well, someone's been staying with her at night. I was wondering if you could keep an eye on her."

Janet nodded, She'd known about the men taking turns staying with their teammate and had privately thought it was not only a good idea, but terribly sweet of them to do it. She would happily take her turn at it. "Certainly, Colonel. Since it's Friday, Cassie was going to the game with her girlfriends and then spending the night over with them. We haven't had a girl's weekend out in a long time."

He smiled at the woman. "Now, I am worried, but you know that both Daniel and Carter take the word "fine" to a new and extensive meaning."

Janet smiled at him. "We'll just have a good time, and keep her fine. I know she'll feel better after you tell her that Daniel is fine, too."

-------

True to his word, thirty minutes later, Colonel Jack O'Neill reported back to the gateroom in full expedition gear, including his favorite P-90. Hammond and Carter were there to see him off, and Fraiser showed up just a few minutes behind him.

Hammond looked at the Colonel's weaponry and equipment. "Colonel O'Neill, the Tok'ra are our friends after all. You look like you're going hunting for bear."

"No, sir," he replied, adjusting his vest, "I'm going archaeologist hunting, and you know how dangerous THAT species is."

"Especially to anxious Air Force personnel." Hammond agreed with a chuckle. "Give my regards to Doctor Jackson, Teal'c and Jacob."

"Will do, Sir, and ladies." The chevrons locked in place behind him and the Stargate activated. "I'll see you in two or three days." He turned and went up the ramp, merging with the event horizon.

Janet put her hand through Sam's crossed arms and linked them together. "Come on, Sam. You're going to spend the weekend with Cassie and me, and we're going shopping!"

Carter smiled down at her best girl friend. "I am?" She knew then that the Colonel must have spoken to Janet as part of his preparation to going.

"Yes, and you're going to have a wonderful time. The guys have been monopolizing you too much. We're having a gal-bonding session, okay?"

Sam had to laugh. "Okay, gal, that's a deal."