Title: On a Slow Ride Through Molasses

Author: Flatkatsi

Email: flatkatsi@optusnet.com.au

Status: Complete

Category: Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Jackfic Monthly Challenge entry for May - 'frustration'

Pairings: None

Spoilers: Small ones for 'Legacy' and 'Fair Game'

Season: 3/4

Rating: 13+

Content Warnings: Slight adult themes, violence

Archive: Jackfic, Incoming Wormhole

Summary: SG-1 offworld and unable to get home. Need I say more?

Disclaimer: Stargate Sg-1 and its characters are the property of Stargate (II) Productions, Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. This story is for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. This story may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author.

Author Note: Mainly beta'd by Dee, with help from Yllek.

On a Slow Ride Through Molasses

It was there, right in front of him. He could just reach out and. . .

Jack sat back, his muscles quivering just from the imagined movement. He eased himself back as far as he could, feeling the coolness of the plastic-like substance of the wall through his T-shirt. The corner was hard against his spine, but at least it gave him some support, support he sorely needed if he wasn't to slip sideways. If he went down he doubted he could get back up.

"Colonel – I'm sorry, sir." Ferretti's voice seemed to drift to him across a vast distance, echoing strangely, and Jack realised he had shut his eyes. He didn't bother opening them, just nodded and turned away. There was a rustling, then a grunt followed by noisy swallowing. He didn't need to see to know Lou was drinking from the large bowl set just a few short inches from Jack's position.

God, what he wouldn't give for just one mouthful. Without conscious thought his eyes snapped open and his gaze latched on to Lou's bent head. The major was kneeling, lapping at the water like an animal, his arm stretched backwards, the chain tethering it to the wall taut and pulled to its fullest extent.

Lou sat back on his heels, his gaze meeting Jack's briefly before he turned his head away, looking uncomfortable, but not before the drops of liquid beading on his lips caused Jack to swallow back a groan of frustration.

They had been here for three days – three interminable days forced to do nothing but sit and wish he was anywhere but in this surprisingly clean prison. The walls were painted a cheerful pale violet color, even the simple toilet facility partitioned off in one corner color co-ordinated – as was the bowl on the floor at his feet. There were blankets in a pleasantly contrasting shade of blue, and the small window set high in the far wall was curtained in a light gauze fabric patterned with soft swirls that looked to Jack like clouds in a summer sky.

He had plenty of time to contemplate the curtain while SG-2 and the rest of SG-1 were off on their daily exercise and bathing routine. The first time the other seven in the cell with him had been unhooked from their long leads and taken out he had panicked, thinking the worst, but they returned a couple of hours later none the worst for their experience, in fact way better off than he was. Apparently they had been allowed to wash, then were taken into a large fenced yard where they had been left out in the sunshine until they were once again brought back to the cell, their left hands cuffed to their tethers once more.

"O'Neill!"

He jerked awake, shifting his weight as he pushed back against the wall, and gave Teal'c a grateful nod. It wouldn't do to fall.

Yes, their captors had been more than generous to his men – it seemed it was only their leader they had a problem with.

Him.

"The guards change twice while we're in the exercise yard, sir." Carter spoke in a low voice – even though the locals didn't seem to speak any language they recognised it didn't do to assume they couldn't understand. "And they carried out the same ritual today as yesterday, so it could be some sort of religious observance."

"I think it must be, Jack. They faced the direction of the stargate each time and seemed to be praying. It's understandable if some Goa'uld has been visiting here."

"Probably praying the snake'll stay away."

Carter gave a small laugh at Ferretti's comment. "Whatever the reason, I think we can use that ritual to our advantage. Their attention is definitely less on us and more on praying."

Jack nodded, the strong leather gag chafing and sticking on his sweaty skin. He swallowed and straightened, unable to prevent a cough that rose from deep inside and pushed its way up. He rode it out, head down and eyes closed. It was several minutes before he was able to relax a little, raising his head to press it against the wall.

Whatever they were going to do to escape they'd have to do it quickly or do it without him. Three days with no food or water was taking a toll that soon would be beyond his ability from which to recover. The next time he drifted off, he would probably stay drifted.

Daniel seemed to think it was something he said, but Jack didn't think so. No – it was that huge cosmic joke that had painted a target on his back and stuck a 'kick me' sign over the bullseye. He had barely spoken two words, and he doubted they had even understood those. Nope – he was the leader of their intrepid band and that seemed to be more than enough.

Daniel's attempts at communication had been met with total indifference and a simple 'meet and greet' had degenerated into farce within minutes. Totally outnumbered and not wanting to provoke a bloodbath, the two SGC teams had been disarmed and marched off the short distance to this conveniently situated prison, nice and handy to entertain any unsuspecting travellers who walked uninvited on to their planet.

As prisons went, they could have, and frequently were, thrown into worse. The food was regular and while not gourmet cuisine it was a cut above the normal dry bread and thin soup – at least so he had been told. His hands were locked tight behind his back and fixed by a chain to the wall, while the others were just too far away to reach him, even if they could have done something.

As an exquisite refinement of his torture, the water and food were placed right beside him, close enough that it could be reached by his companions while he could do nothing but watch.

At first they had been reluctant to eat and Jack had grown frustrated at his inability to yell at them. What was the point in them starving themselves? Who would it help? If they had any chance of escape they had to be fit and ready. It was Teal'c who talked sense into them in Jack's place, giving them exactly the same talking to Jack would have if he'd been able, albeit without the shouting.

A wave of dizziness hit and Jack lifted his head, breathing hard. The dizziness was becoming almost a permanent condition, making it hard to concentrate. He opened his eyes, the cell blurring as it swayed, the walls surging in to meet him then receding in an undulating pattern that made his stomach rebel. He felt something rise within him, and the acid taste of bile filled his mouth.

Oh shit! His desperate swallows did little to help, just prolonging his panicking struggles as the gag blocked any chance he might have had to breathe.

"Colonel?"

He hear voices shouting and merging, chains rattled near him, but it all became nothing but background noise to the choking gurgles from his own throat as he succumbed to the darkness.

 **********

"Help!"

Daniel joined his voice to the others already shouting for the guards, his horrified gaze fixed on Jack's convulsing body. He stretched as far as he could, feeling the metal of the chain tearing his skin, but ignoring it as he tried to find those extra inches that would allow him to reach his friend – extra inches that meant the difference between life and death. He was aware that beside him Teal'c was doing the same, loud grunts of exertion coming from the normally quiet Jaffa.

Jack's struggles had ceased and he lay still now, only a slight bubbling sound showing he still strained to breathe, but even as Daniel watched, the sound ceased and Jack's body went incredibly limp.

It had all happened so suddenly. After days of watching their commander die a slow death from dehydration, it seemed inconceivable that the end had come in just a few short minutes.

Hands grabbed him, pulling him back. He stayed where he fell for a second, breathing hard, then started to struggle up again, straining to see what was happening. One of the burley, yellow-clad, guards was removing the gag from Jack's mouth, while another was unlocking his hands. Then he was gone – hauled out, his arms dragging across the floor as their captors pulled him by his legs. Daniel winced at the sound of the hard thump of Jack's head hitting the side of the doorframe.

"Jack." He muttered the name softly as he stood staring at the still open door.

"Shit! They can't do that. Hey!" Lou's frustrated shouts finally brought Daniel's attention back to his fellow prisoners. "Was he breathing? He was, wasn't he?" Ferretti turned, imploring the others to answer in the affirmative.

"I don't know." Sam's eyes briefly met Daniel's then flittered away as she shook her head, looking down at her feet. Daniel could see the moment her training kicked back in – her shoulders stiffened and she lifted her head once more. "There's nothing we can do for the Colonel now. We have to get out of here and get him back home."

"And just how do you propose we do that?"

She glared fiercely back at him. "We've already found a weakness, now we just have to exploit it. I know it looks impossible at the moment, but I'm not prepared to give up." Her eyes gleamed with suppressed emotion. "Are you?"

"No. No, of course not. I'm just worried about Jack." Daniel gave Sam glare for glare. He wasn't suggesting just give up, and never had been, but he didn't want vague plans, he wanted action – now. He turned away, feeling the worry growing in the room. The two younger members of SG-2 both sat frowning, while Captain Jones was still staring at the doorway.

He shouldn't be bickering with Sam. It wasn't helping the situation one bit.

"I'm sorry, Sam." He watched as his teammate turned back to face him, and summoned up a slight smile. "You're right. Let's go over what we know about the prison. We may have missed something."

"Good idea." Lou sat back down, pulling his blanket over his legs. The temperature in the cell dropped at the same time each day, as the light grew dim in the small high window.

Teal'c was the first to move, beckoning them closer until they huddled together, keeping their voices low.

 **********

Jack was only dimly aware of the efforts his captors took to revive him. He was turned on his side and something was stuck down his throat, clearing it out, then he was pulled up and it felt as if a rock was being pounded violently on his back. He was too weak to protest as his throat spasmed and filled with the acidic taste of bile

He was laid back down and something was pressed against his lips. The sensation of liquid slipping into his mouth almost had him crying with pleasure, but it was over all too soon and his head spun, sending him back towards the darkness.

". . . died. We need to find . . ."

Jack tried to grasp onto consciousness, the deep voices impinging on the thoughts that flew chaotically through his mind.

"It is time . . . next stage . . . trust . . . "

He tried to make some sense out of what he was hearing, but he kept fading in and out. The few mouthfuls of water hadn't been enough to clear the awful taste from his mouth and he couldn't help it. He coughed.

The voices stopped.

Long seconds passed and Jack began to wonder if he had been left alone, when they began again.

" . . . awake. Did he hear?"

"If he did we must dispose of him."

Something sharp prodded him in the left thigh and he was unable to prevent his eyes from opening. He blinked at the sudden light, only able to see shadows and shapes looming over him. One shadow came closer, slowly coalescing into a face he didn't recognise. The man's brows moved together as he frowned down then abruptly pulled away, his place taken by other men.

"Get him up."

They obeyed the order immediately, yanking him by his still handcuffed arms and holding him upright. He tried to take some weight on his legs, but failed miserably, slumping in his captors' grasp. The sudden movement brought back the dizziness and Jack's eyes slammed shut.

"How is your Circle protected?"

Jack flinched back at the rush of breath in his face and opened his eyes to find the blurred face of the speaker thrust close into his. He shook his head, unable to speak even if he had been inclined to do so.

The man didn't raise his voice, but the words were edged with ice. "Tell me."

"Go…to…hell."

"Let him go."

The pressure on his arms was released and Jack found himself falling, only to have his throat grabbed by a large hand, its inhuman strength too much to struggle against.

"I will have your secrets. Lord Cronus will reward me well." The pressure began to increase and his already tender throat seemed to catch fire while the breath was forced from him.

"Stop!" The second voice brought the pressure to a halt as the grip was loosened. It was almost too late – his vision was filled with flashes of light, growing more violent by the minute. The men argued, their voices getting louder, but he couldn't make out the words through the noise of the blood rushing through his head.

Then he was flying across the room to land hard, the sharp corner of a metal table connecting with his forehead and bringing with it utter blackness and an all consuming silence.

 **********

It was late when they brought Colonel O'Neill back, dropping him unceremoniously in his corner. The SGC members all leapt to their feet at the first sounds from the corridor and they watched in relief as their commander was returned to them.

The ever-present light was dimmed at night, but it gave Teal'c enough illumination to see the shallow rise and fall of O'Neill's chest, and he allowed himself a small lessening of the tension he had felt since their capture.

"He's free." Daniel Jackson spoke quietly, as if scared that merely pointing out the fact would bring the guards back to rectify their mistake, but Teal'c could see that his commander's gag had also been removed, and could only surmise he had been left unrestrained on purpose.

"Colonel." To one side, Major Carter was straining forward as if by sheer willpower she could make the strong chain stretch enough to reach the man. Major Ferretti was the nearest to his position, and he knelt, calling out softly, yet urgently.

"Colonel. Jack. Come on, buddy."

His voice must have registered, because O'Neill gave a small groan and rolled a little, bringing himself away from the wall.

"That's it. Come on, sir." Major Carter joined her voice to that of Major Ferretti. Teal'c caught the small flicker of O'Neill's lids as he moaned again. Three days with no sustenance had left his teammate hollow cheeked and pale. Then sunken eyes stared back at him, moisture gleaming in their corners.

"T?"

Teal'c echoed Major Ferretti's posture, kneeling on the slightly spongy floor covering and stretching as far forward as possible.

"There is water here, O'Neill, but we are still restrained and cannot help you. You must reach it on your own."

"Easy." The word was so quietly spoken that Teal'c almost missed it. He nodded, recognising the spark of defiance that still burnt within the man lying so broken in front of him.

 ***********

Water. Teal'c said there was water if only he could reach it.

So reach it he must.

Jack edged forward slowly, pushing himself along by sheer will power. He could see the large bowl set into the floor and knew it was almost within his reach, but he was so weak – so dangerously weak.

Now he could see the small ripples on the water's surface as the floor moved slightly beneath his body.

It was so close.

He reached a shaking hand out, the tips of his fingers touching the bowl's cool side and dropped his head, the blood pounding in his skull.

So close.

He groaned with frustration.

Large fingers clasped his wrist, pulling him forward and warm arms encircled him. He was held tightly as a cupped hand touched his cracked lips.

"Drink, O'Neill."

He opened his mouth and let the liquid in.

 ************

The others watched as Teal'c held the Colonel to him, scooping water from the bowl and slowly allowing O'Neill to drink.

"Not too much," Major Carter warned, and Teal'c nodded, acknowledging her words. He stopped after a few minutes. The Colonel lifted one arm, but dropped it again, giving a small nod and let his head fall to rest against the Jaffa's chest. The hair on his forehead was dark with moisture and Teal'c brushed it aside, exposing an ugly gash.

"It must have happened when they dragged him out. Do you feel any injuries other than the cut?" Sam leaned forward trying to see better, annoyed that she was the furthest of any of them from the injured man. She raised her voice. "Sir, you need to stay awake. You could have a concussion."

Teal'c's searching fingers, combined with her words, provoked an immediate reaction. The Colonel flinched, trying to pull his head from his teammate's reach – a fruitless exercise given his position in Teal'c's lap. He muttered something as he moved, but Sam wasn't able to make out the words. She did catch the momentary hurt that flared in Teal'c's face, before it was carefully masked. "I apologise if I caused you more pain, O'Neill. That was not my intention."

" . . .know." Colonel O'Neill twisted a little in Teal'c's grip, his eyes scanning the room, until they came to rest on her. She held his gaze and spoke as clearly as she could.

"Please try to stay awake, Colonel."

He nodded and winced, then the tip of his tongue came out to lick his lips.

"Water."

Teal'c bent forward again, bringing a cupped hand up to the parched lips, but this time they didn't open. The Colonel's head lolled to one side in the massive arms and Teal'c looked down in consternation.

"He is unconscious, Major Carter." He held his fingertips to the Colonel's throat. "His pulse is rapid."

Sam chewed her lip. The Colonel shouldn't be allowed to sleep with a head injury, but there was really no way he could be expected to stay conscious. Getting Teal'c to try and wake him would probably do more harm than good, so she contended herself with merely asking for more information.

Her heart sank as Teal'c gave his report. The cut on Colonel O'Neill's head was already surrounded by a livid bruise. In his weakened condition any injury was doubly serious.

They needed to get him back home.

 **********

Daniel felt like he had barely gotten to sleep when he was shaken awake. He lifted his head, surprised to see Sam kneeling beside him. She put a finger to her lips in a gesture for silence, whispering.

"We have a visitor.

He sat up quickly, looking around as he grabbed for his glasses. The vague shape in the far corner of the room coalesced into the solid figure of a small thin man, dressed in the familiar yellow overalls of the guards. 

"What's going on?" 

"That's what we're about to find out, but he brought a present." She held out a key, gesturing to Daniel's hand. It took a few seconds of jiggling, but his wrist was soon released from the cuff. Sam lowered the now loose chain gently, careful to prevent any noise as it fell to the ground. 

"How's Jack?" 

"He's awake, but I don't think he's taking much in." Daniel looked towards the two figures, still on the floor where they had been when he fell asleep. Jack was wrapped in one of the blankets, the crude bandage made from a piece of Teal'c's shirt bound over the cut on his head. Sam continued, "Teal'c managed to get some more water into him though, so that's something." 

Daniel made to move towards his teammates, but was stopped by Sam. She put a hand on his arm and shook her head. "We need you to help find out what's happening. He's . . . ," she gestured with her head towards the guard, ". . . a bit hard to understand."

"But . . . "

Daniel was about to protest, only to have his words cut off as Sam continued in a harsh whisper. "I know you want to be with the Colonel, so do I, but I need you to focus. This may be our best chance to get out of here." 

Daniel nodded, knowing she was right, and moved as quietly as possible to the group huddled together on the far side of the cell. Lou looked up at their approach. 

"Daniel, this is Jaahn Fegul. He says he wants to help us escape. Jaahn, this is Daniel Jackson." 

Jaahn made a strange gesture with his left hand that Daniel took to be a greeting. "I was just explaining to Major Ferretti that we must leave immediately, or we will be discovered." His English was good, but spoken with a heavy accent. He repeated the gesture, and Daniel realized it wasn't a greeting, but instead indicated urgency. 

Lou looked to Sam and Daniel knew they had reached some unspoken agreement when he nodded. "Alright - Bob, you help Teal'c with Colonel O'Neill." He turned away from Lieutenant Rutledge and back to the local man. "How do we get past the guards on the gate?" 

Jaahn shook his head, frowning. "No, we cannot go through the Circle. It is much too heavily guarded. I will hide you in a house in the nearby town and lay a false trail into the hills." 

"We need to get Jack." 

Once again Daniel's protests were cut off, as the small man stood, his expression almost one of anger. "I have risked much to free you. If you continue to delay it will be for nothing. Come!" 

There was nothing more to say, so Daniel nodded, hurrying to where Teal'c was already standing, one of Jack's arms over his shoulder, while Rutledge had the other one. Daniel understood why Ferretti had picked the Lieutenant for the job as his height was only an inch or so under Teal'c's, making the task of carrying Jack easier. Daniel gathered up the discarded blanket, along with two more, not sure what they would find at their destination, and followed the others out the door. He was near the back of the group, Captain Jones taking the rear position.  

They hurried through the dimly lit corridors, pausing at each corner to wait for Jaahn to give the go ahead. Jaahn halted their progress only once, motioning for them to hide in an unoccupied cell, then beckoning them out. Not long after that, they reached the entrance to the jail. There Jaahn halted them again, and after a rapid consultation with Sam and Lou, disappeared into a side room. Daniel could hear voices and assumed their guide was distracting the guards, a supposition confirmed when Lou waved them forward. Daniel followed Sam down the narrow passage and out into the open. She took a sharp left turn and disappeared from view, followed closely by the rest of the group and Daniel hurried to catch up. 

"Come on." Ferretti's voice had him staring in surprise, and he realized the major had stayed behind to make sure they were all out safely. His thoughts naturally turned to Jack and he began to run, soon coming alongside Teal'c. He didn't say anything, knowing silence was essential, but took a second to scan his friend's appearance quickly. Jack's head was down and he seemed to have lost consciousness once more - not surprising considering his weakened state. 

Footsteps sounded from behind them and Lou spun, stepping in front of the others, but relaxed a little at the sight of the local man hurrying toward them. 

"This way." He pushed his way to the front and led the way towards the cluster of buildings a short distance from the large jail building. Soon they were traveling through winding streets, moving further into the city. Tall buildings brushed shoulders with smaller ones, empty stalls lining the sides of the wider roads. It was at least half an hour before they came to a large house surrounded by a high stone wall. Trees thickly blanketed the windows, and the whole property had an air of neglect. Jaahn pushed the heavy gate open. 

Sam entered first, followed by Captain Jones. A few minutes later the captain beckoned them in and they stumbled up a short graveled path lined on each side by overgrown bushes until they reached the open door of the house. 

A short hall led to a large room, empty except for a rickety table. The room looked as if it hadn't been used in months, thick dust covering every surface. Daniel spotted a small fireplace in the centre of the wall to the left of the door and went to it. He laid one of the blankets he carried down and called Teal'c and Rutledge over. They carefully placed Jack on the blanket and Daniel covered him while Teal'c folded the third into a makeshift pillow. 

"Is he dead?" 

Daniel glared up at their benefactor, annoyed by the cool tone in his voice. 

"No. Is there any water or food?" 

Jaahn pointed towards the door. "The kitchen is through there. The water should still be running, but I will have to bring you food."

"Colin, go check out this kitchen. Take Van with you." Captain Jones and Lieutenant Nguyen quickly followed Ferretti's orders. 

"Now maybe someone will tell me what's going on," said Daniel. "I'm beginning to feel like I've fallen asleep half way through a movie and missed most of the plot." 

Lou shrugged. "There's not much to tell. Jaahn approached me when he did the regular check just after you fell asleep. When he said he'd help us escape and showed us the keys, we just ran with it. There didn't seem much to lose under the circumstances." His gaze moved to Jack's position and then back to Daniel. 

"Did he say why he was helping us?"

"Nope," Lou shook his head, "but then we haven't exactly had time to chat. What say we go find out?" Lou gave Sam a nod and she joined them.

Jaahn was staring down at Jack, a look on his face that Daniel found impossible to interpret. He turned at their approach and took a few steps away from the fireplace, perching his hip on the table.  

"I suppose you want to know why I'm helping you." He didn't wait for them to reply, continuing without pause. "Our country has been under the domination of the Goa'uld for centuries. Only a few question our obedience. I am one of them." He smiled crookedly, as if slightly embarrassed. "I was supervising the prisoners serving refreshments at a meeting of the Governor and his council when I heard them discussing you. The Tau'ri's fame has reached even here and the Governor has already told the Goa'uld we serve he has you." 

"What Goa'uld?" Sam interjected, exchanging worried looks with the others. 

"Lord Cronus." 

"Hell!" Lou's exclamation summed it up neatly. Daniel heard a grunt from Teal'c and looked over to see his teammate standing and coming to join them.

"Cronus is coming here?" His face was impassive, but Daniel could hear the edge in his voice.

Jaahn gave the Jaffa a startled glance before turning back to Lou, answering as if it had been the major who answered the question. "Lord Cronus is indeed coming in person. The Governor was quite excited by that. Cronus hasn't visited our country personally for many generations. That was why I had to move quickly. If I had waited one more day Cronus would have removed you from our planet."

"And why exactly did you do that?" Sam questioned. "What's in it for you?"

The man gave her a confused look before once again turning to Lou. "If you're asking what reward I gain from my actions, I hope you will be allies in our fight. Without help we will never be free of the Goa'uld." 

"A noble cause." Teal'c's gruff voice pulled Daniel's attention to his friend. "May I ask how many are of like-mind?" 

This time Jaahn answered him directly, albeit with a look of distaste on his face as if he'd just swallowed something that disagreed with him. "We are many, however our number is spread amongst several cities and towns. Here in Jagoitvic I lead more than one hundred." 

"How do you plan to get us past the guard on the Gate?" Daniel brought the conversation back to the point, mindful of Jack's condition. 

"We must wait for the right moment. I will contact some of my men and they will watch the Circle. When they have reported the situation we can make plans. It is getting light - I will have to hurry so as not be been seen. Hopefully your escape will not be noticed for some time."

"I'll come with you." Lou straightened, ready to leave. "We need supplies as well." He looked towards Jack. "Especially food."

"And something to carry water in." Captain Jones's voice came from the door. "There's nothing here at all. The water is fine, but I don't know how we'll get it to the Colonel."

"No!" Jaahn almost shouted, his tone emphatic, "You cannot come with me, you would be too conspicuous and your presence would endanger my men." He raised a hand at Lou's protest. "No. I do not have time to argue. Stay here and keep as quiet as possible. I shall bring food when I return." He was already half out the door before they could protest, then turned with a last comment. "Do not use the fireplace. This house has been empty for months and any smoke would attract notice."

Lou made as if to follow, but obviously thought better of it. He eyed the others, one eyebrow raised in a quizzical look. "Opinions?"

"I don't see that we have much choice but to do as Jaahn suggested." Sam moved towards Jack as she spoke, lowering her voice slightly as she approached the injured man.

Daniel snorted as he followed. "Ordered more like."

"You have to remember, he risked his life to free us." She turned back to Lou. "Are you planning on sending someone out to reconnoiter? 

"I'll get Jones and Rutledge to take a look around the grounds, but I don't want them going into the city - it's too risky." The two members of SG-2 nodded in response. "Find the best place to observe what's going on outside, Colin, maybe in one of those trees near the wall, just be careful you're not seen. Send Bob back to report." 

"What about us?"

Daniel replied before Lou could, knowing he'd spotted the same thing. "I don't think it would be a good idea if either you or Teal'c were seen. Jaahn's attitude reflected what little I've observed of this culture since our capture. It appears to be a white, male dominated society. It's best if you both kept your heads down until we know more."

"I agree. I also think the same applies to Van." Lou gave the young Lieutenant a half smile of apology. "But could you both give the house a thorough check? You know what to look for - especially the most defendable room if we need it."

Sam grimaced. "I'm really looking forward to finding a society where it's the white males who are treated as second rate citizens. I think I'd be tempted to move there." She knelt, her knees knocking dust into the air. Teal'c had already resumed his position beside Jack and didn't look like he was willing to move any time soon. "He looks a little better."

Teal'c nodded in agreement. "We should attempt to give him more water." 

"We'll make finding something to carry it in our first priority." Sam stood, brushing off her knees, and with a gesture for Van to accompany her, left to carry out the tasks assigned her. 

Daniel took her place beside Jack, noting the unnatural pallor of his skin, but Sam was right - he did look a little better. Just as he was thinking that, his friend's eyes opened and he squinted up at him as if the light hurt them, before moving his gaze off his face to look around the room. 

"Hey." Daniel spoke softly.

"Dan . . ." Jack swallowed and tried again, his voice hoarse from long disuse. "Where?" 

Lou moved from his position near the door and was with them in a few short strides. "Hi, Colonel. We've escaped. We're holed up in a house in the city. Don't worry, we'll have you back home in no time." 

"Water?" The word was accompanied by the licking of his lips.  

Daniel reached out and touched Jack's shoulder. "We're working on that." 

"Good." And Jack fell asleep once more.

 ***********

Jack was unable to restrain a groan as Teal'c raised his head, the movement pulling at the gash and sending spikes of pain to join the ones already seemingly taken up permanent residence in his skull. He sipped at the water gratefully, cursing the weakness that prevented him from sitting on his own.

Apparently they'd been in the house for almost three days, not that he remembered much of it. Food had been delivered by their mysterious benefactor, including some soft porridge-like glug that tasted remarkably good – but then anything would taste good after so long without food. And it certainly slipped down his parched throat easily. He could feel his strength returning slowly, but he was still unable to concentrate for more than a few minutes at a time. Carter's explanation of a severe concussion from having his head thumped seemed to fit the symptoms he was experiencing, symptoms he was unfortunately all too familiar with.

From what he could gather, they were holed up in a house, waiting for the opportunity to slip through the stargate. The guard who'd helped them escape wasn't there, having left before light, apparently to meet with his contacts and find out what was going on. He hated lying helplessly while others did all the work, but Ferretti and Carter seemed to think it was all under control. He wondered just how under control it could be with Cronus now on the scene and apparently fully aware who the escapees were.

He stretched his legs, the muscles clenching as he did so. Just getting to the bathroom was difficult, impossible without Teal'c or Daniel's help. The dizziness that plagued him didn't seem to be getting any better, and he had the unfortunate tendency to black out without warning. He knew Carter was worried, but there wasn't anything they could do until they got him back through the gate and into Frasier's hands.

"Jack?"

He started, surprised to find Daniel looming over him. Where had Teal'c gone? And when?

Oh, crap!

"Um?" That was all he could manage as his stomach roiled and he fought to control it. If only Daniel would stop swaying backwards and forwards. He couldn't take it any more, uttering a desperate, "Stand still." It was more of a plea that an order and he knew it came out with a touch of a whimper.

The other man dropped down to sit beside him on the wooden floor. The movement had him shutting his eyes, swallowing convulsively.

"Here."

The familiar shape of a cup was pushed against his hand, but he shook his head, regretting the action as soon as he made it, and waved it away.

"Colonel?"

Oh, good. Now Lou felt the need to join it. If they would just leave him alone, he'd be able to get himself back under control.

"I don't think he's with us properly yet. He blacked out again before and just woke."

Why didn't they shut the hell up? Each word was like a hammer blow to his skull.

"Jaahn's back. He's got a couple of his men with him, and some more supplies – Bob and Colin are helping to bring them into the house."

"Do they need a hand?"

"Nah – leave them to it. It would take a lot less time if Teal'c and Van could help, but they can barely stand to be in the same house as them, let alone the same room."

"Idiots. What about weapons?"

Jack grasped on to the only word of paramount interest to him. "Weapons?"

"No, sir." Ferretti must have knelt, because a hand was placed gently on his shoulder. "It seems they're in short supply and not even every member of the resistance group has one. They're reluctant to give any to us."

He opened his eyes but didn't try looking up, contenting himself with focussing on his own hands. "Let me talk to them."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Jack."

"Did I ask your opinion, Daniel?" He lifted his head, finding the swimming sensation going at last. "Bring  Jaahn here."

"Yes, sir." Ferretti obviously knew an order when he heard one, immediately standing.

Jack pushed himself up, slowly manoeuvring himself into a sitting position against the wall. He grunted as Daniel bent to help, but he had to admit it was only his teammate's strong arm that supported him enough to finally get semi-vertical.

"Are you sure you should be doing this?"

"I'm fine, don't worry about it."

There was a short silence, before Daniel spoke again. "Sam won't be happy."

"She'll get over it." But Jack couldn't help a tiny inward cringe at the thought of Carter's reaction when she found him sitting up. "I'll have that water now, thanks."

Daniel picked the cup up from the floor and lifted it to Jack's lips. Jack instinctively took it in both hands, but their trembling soon had him relinquishing it to Daniel's steadier ones. He winched a little as the liquid touched his still cracked lips, but swallowed as much as he could down in the one go and then sat back, already exhausted.

"Where's Carter?"

"She's at the wall, on watch with Teal'c."

Jack contented himself with a nod as the sound of footsteps had him twisting his head. This was his first real chance to meet the man that had rescued them, having been basically unconscious for most of the last few days and finding almost all of the period before that in the prison, a total blank.

The person walking next to Ferretti was short, white haired, skinny and rather inconsequential in appearance, the sort of man you'd pass by on the street without a second glance. Following him were three men of a completely different type – tall, broad and bulky. They looked like they could give Teal'c a run for his money in a fight. They were staring at him with unconcealed interest and a hint of distain, and he gave each a long look, pleased to see their eyes drop.

"It is good to see you looking better, Colonel. I was about to come check on you when Lou told me you were awake."

Jack contented himself with a small nod. There was something that he didn't like about this man, apart from the use of Ferretti's first name.

"About the weapons…" Out the corner of his eye he saw Daniel shift uncomfortably and was stunned to hear his teammate's voice interrupting him.

"Jack was just saying how grateful he was for your help. He was wondering if we could be provided with weapons to defend ourselves if our position is discovered."

Jack didn't try to disguise his growl of annoyance. "Daniel…"

Once again he found himself being interrupted.

"I really do not have the extra weapons to give you, but I can see your point." Jaahn said as he smiled benignly down. "I'll see what I can do. Maybe one of our hand weapons?" He gestured to the men with him. "These are some of my group – Hans, Kelvin, and Steffen." As he said each name the corresponding head nodded slightly and Jack found himself wincing as his ever-present headache made itself known again. He shut his eyes momentarily, and blinked in shock to find Jaahn already sitting cross-legged next to him. Damn, he thought, this man could move fast.

"Do you feel up to talking, Colonel? I would like to learn more of your world and perhaps I can tell you more of mine."

He could only nod, mindful that they were relying on the man's help to get home. He was pleased to see Daniel also sink to the floor beside him, but less pleased when Jaahn's three companions completed the circle. With a glance to Jack for confirmation, Lou moved off, heading out the room to check the grounds.

"Are they still searching for us?"

Jaahn gave a short laugh at his question. "Indeed they are. Lord Cronus's Jaffa are scouring the countryside, while the guard on the gate has been tripled. The Governor has punished the men on duty the night you escaped – including me." He grimaced. "It wasn't pleasant, but I survived."

"What did they do?" Daniel asked, his tone sympathetic.

"I will not receive any pay for the next three periods and I have been suspended until they conduct an investigation." He smiled smugly. "The investigation is to be held after your recapture."

Daniel looked puzzled. "It seems unusual that Cronus didn't carry out the punishments himself and they seem rather lenient – not the standard Goa'uld reaction."

"That I can explain." Jaahn gave a deep belly laugh and continued. "It seems Lord Cronus had a meeting to attend and couldn't stay, although he has left a large contingent of his men to assure the search is being carried out with thoroughness. From what I was told, the Governor has been given very firm orders that you are to be in custody when he returns."

"No going to happen." Jack grunted the words, feeling the urgent need to fall asleep where he sat. He tried to get the conversation back on track. "The weapons…"

"Daniel tells me your world contains many cities larger than this one. Does each have a Circle?"

"No, we only…"

"How do you plan to get us back through the gate?"

For a moment Jaahn looked annoyed at Jack's cutting off of Daniel's reply, but his face immediately resumed its pleasant smile. "Don't worry – we have it all under control. You can let us handle everything. Just rest and regain your strength."

Jack shook his head. "What exactly do you want from us in return? This world is controlled by Cronus. You should know we can't just free your people from his rule. He's not just a minor Goa'uld, he's one of the System Lords."

"From what I've heard you have freed worlds from Goa'uld rule before. And your SGC is impervious to attack. Perhaps we could make our Circle protected as you have yours."

"We have a special code that prevents…"

"Daniel." This time Jack's voice brooked no argument and Daniel stopped, throwing a startled look in his direction. 

Jaahn gave another of his irritating smiles. "I understand. You do not trust us yet, even though we risk our life for you."

"I don't know you." Jack didn't feel the need to mince words – something about the whole situation seemed 'off' and he didn't like it at all. He turned away from Jaahn and back to his teammate. "Go get Major Ferretti."

"Ah, okay, Jack." Daniel threw a quick, apologetic look at the others and stood, hurrying from the room, leaving Jack alone with the four strangers.

Maybe he was overreacting, maybe it was just that he hadn't had a chance to get to know Jaahn. He felt the man's deep blue eyes on him and tried to control the anger that rose without warning.

"Your experience of our world has not been good, I fear. Unfortunately, as the leader, you were singled out for harsh punishment. I think it is good you escaped when you did."

"Thank you." Jack decided a little fence mending wouldn't go astray. "We're grateful for your help." He found his attention drawn to the middle of the three large men. Steffen? There was something vaguely familiar about him. A sudden jolt of pain shot through his head and he sat back, resting his head against the wall once more. "Do you all work in the prison?"

Jaahn shook his head and Jack realised he was yet to hear the others speak a single word. "No, my friends each do different work here in the city. Kelvin is a shopkeeper, Hans is a seller of targam, and Steffen works at the hospital. I am the only one of our group to work in the prison. It was very fortunate that I was assigned as your guard."

"Yes, very fortunate." Jack shut his eyes, willing the dizziness to leave.

"You do not look well, Colonel. There is water here. Would you like some?"

It was a deep voice, and one he thought he should know. He looked at the speaker, only to have the image before him blur as the edge of his vision fogged. Steffen had the water cup and was pouring something into it from a flask, his large hands dwarfing the small container. "Here, drink."

He tried to shake his head, but found the effort too much, unable to keep his eyes open.

"He needs a healer."

For a moment Jack thought Jaahn was talking to him, until Lou's voice replied.

"Yes. He doesn't seem to be getting any better."

"I tried to give him some water, but he refused it."

"Here, sir, you need to drink." The cup was once again put to his lips.

"No, he put...." But his words were soft, and almost impossible for even himself to perceive as he drifted away, the sweet tasting liquid slipping down his throat.

The last thing he heard were merely memories, floating up from a mind growing more confused by the second.

" . . . awake. Did he hear?" Angry voices raised in fierce argument and black agony.