Survival

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=120 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="01078642egerdp.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=428 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f64643.jpg"> <div> <B>Survival</B></div> <div>  <A NAME="survival"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> SG-1 and General Hammond were in the briefing room going over the latest mission reports when the gate activated.  They all frowned.  None of the off-world teams were due back for several days.  They moved to the control room, all feeling the tension that always followed an unscheduled activation of the gate.  It could be an attack, a visitor, or a team in trouble.</div> <bR> <div> "Receiving Tok'ra IDC," announced the gate technician.</div> <bR> <div> They all relaxed slightly, but some of the tension was still there.  An unanticipated visit from the Tok'ra often spelled trouble.  </div> <bR> <div> "Open the iris," General Hammond ordered.  </div> <bR> <div> Everyone watched as the iris spiraled open, and waited to see who would step through the gate.  It was Jacob Carter.</div> <bR> <div> "Dad!" Sam grinned, and rushed down to meet her father.  The others followed slowly, giving them time to greet each other.</div> <bR> <div> "Jacob," General Hammond said warmly, walking up to the pair.  "What brings you to our little corner of the galaxy?"</div> <bR> <div> "George," Jacob acknowledged, taking the proffered hand.  "The Tok'ra found something that might be of interest to you."</div> <bR> <div> "Shall we?" George asked, indicating that they should all move to the briefing room.  The group trooped upstairs and took their customary seats.  "What's this all about, Jacob?"</div> <bR> <div> "We think we've found the lost world of Acrethia."</div> <bR> <div> Teal'c raised an eyebrow.  "Indeed?"</div> <bR> <div> "Acrethia?" Daniel asked, intrigued as always.</div> <bR> <div> "It's a mythological world," Jacob explained.  "Legend has it that the population was highly advanced and the planet rich in minerals.  Supposedly a giant asteroid hit, and made it uninhabitable.  No one knows what happened to the population."  </div> <bR> <div> "How does this concern us?" George asked quickly, before Daniel could start peppering Jacob with questions.</div> <bR> <div> "One of the legends describes a metal that sounds like trinium."</div> <bR> <div> "Trinium?" Sam asked, instantly alert.  </div> <bR> <div> "Trinium," Jacob confirmed with a nod.</div> <bR> <div> "How much trinium?" Sam asked.</div> <bR> <div> "The legends say it flowed from the ground like rivers of silver.  It sounds like there were many, many rich veins of it close to the surface."</div> <bR> <div> "How did the Tok'ra find it?" Teal'c asked.</div> <bR> <div> "The legend states that it was the fourth planet in a five-planet system with three moons, one of which had a sequestered monastery.  The third planet was inhabitable, but didn't have intelligent life.  We happened to be flying by and noticed an uninhabited planet with three moons, one of which has ruins on it.  The third planet in the system is warm and very wet.  Much of its land mass is covered by dense jungle."</div> <bR> <div> "How long ago did this legend supposedly take place?" Daniel asked with interest.</div> <bR> <div> Teal'c answered that question.  "Eons ago, before the Goa'uld," he said softly. </div> <bR> <div> Sam spoke next.  "Did you go to the surface, take any samples?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Jacob shook his head.  "We were in a bit of a rush."</div> <bR> <div> "Can I ask why?" Jack asked, his voice slightly sarcastic.</div> <bR> <div> "I'd rather not say," Jacob answered with a smile.</div> <bR> <div> "Silly of me to ask," Jack snorted.</div> <bR> <div> Jacob gave him a fatherly smile and turned to the General.  "I thought you'd be interested in a potentially rich source of the metal."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes!" Sam answered for him.  "Our scientists have come up with hundreds of potential uses for it.  Its lightness and strength could revolutionize body armor.  It can be used to fashion extremely resilient and lightweight car parts, increasing gas mileage and decreasing dings and hail damage, and decrease the billions of dollars spent every year fixing them.  Buildings could be reinforced with beams made from trinium, making them safer in earthquake and hurricane zones.  Not to mention all the potential applications in electronics and medicine.  A large deposit could potentially alter the world's economy, allow us to focus on other things."</div> <bR> <div> "Do you have a gate address for us?" General Hammond asked.</div> <bR> <div> Jacob shook his head.  "No, we didn't detect a gate there.  I'm not sure if there ever was one.  The legends say they used space flight, not gate travel."</div> <bR> <div> "So . . . what?" Jack asked.  "We just click our heels together three times and wish ourselves there?"</div> <bR> <div> "No, Jack," Jacob said tolerantly.  "There is a planet with a gate about three days away.  My ship is waiting for us there if you want to go do some exploring." </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> General Hammond had given the go ahead.  The members of SG-1 had twenty four hours to prepare for the away mission.  </div> <bR> <div> Teal'c, as usual, didn't do much in way of preparation.  He Kel'no'reemed, packed a few essentials, including some of his favorite DVDs, then watched with amusement as his teammates scurried around.  </div> <bR> <div> Sam was a blur of activity.  She double checked her sample containers, then decided she needed more.  Her science staff kept getting under foot, bouncing around like bunnies, unable to contain their glee at the prospect of a huge supply of the metal.  They all kept talking over one another, their voices merging and mingling.  Jack stopped in to check Sam's progress and quickly left, shaking his head.  He didn't understand how any of them could keep the conversations separated, but Sam had given him a radiant smile, and he knew that she was in her element.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel was hounding Jacob mercilessly, asking questions about Acrethia, its myths and legends, picking the man's brain, trying to get a feel for its people and what their culture had been.  Jacob had given Daniel a complete and concise accounting of the legends, but Daniel had doggedly asked additional questions, making Jacob repeat certain tales, trying to jostle the last bit of information from the older man's brain.</div> <bR> <div> Jack double checked the supply list, making sure there was extra turkey for Teal'c, a huge supply of coffee for Sam and Daniel, and managed to slip in a few DVDs of his favorite Simpson's episodes.  Finally, everything was ready for their midmorning departure the next day.  He knew that Sam and Teal'c would spend the night on the base, but hoped that he could persuade Daniel to come home for a few hours.  They wouldn't have the chance to be alone for at least a week once the mission started.  He thought for a few minutes, formed a plan of attack, and headed for Daniel's office.               </div> <div>  </div> <div> As expected, Daniel was in a flurry of activity.  He was in full research mode, leafing through books, discarding some, placing others onto a growing pile.  Jack watched him from the door for a few moments, trying not to smile, then assumed an indifferent expression and sauntered in.  "Hey, Daniel.  What'cha doin?"</div> <bR> <div> "Research," Daniel answered absently, not bothering looking up from the leather bound book he was reading.  </div> <bR> <div> "Find anything interesting?" Jack asked, as he casually picked up an artifact from one of the shelves.  Playing with Daniel's treasures was a sure way to wind him up.  He saw Daniel tense up out of the corner of his eye, and with careful calculation placed the object back on a different shelf.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel snapped his book shut and put it on the pile with the others.  "Jack, I'm really busy.  Don't you have stuff to do?"</div> <bR> <div> "Already done."  Jack picked up a piece of fragile pottery and peered inside.  He heard a barely concealed hiss of breath.  </div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad you're done, but I still have a lot to do.  Why don't you go see if Sam needs help?"  It was almost a plea.</div> <bR> <div> "Already did that, too."  Jack put the pottery back and wandered over to the pile of books, picking one up at random.  He started leafing through the pages.  "Do you need any of the books you have at home?"</div> <bR> <div> "Uh, maybe.  But I don't think I'll have time to go get them."</div> <bR> <div> Jack shrugged.  It was time to hook Daniel and reel him in.  "It would be a shame if one of them had the information you needed and you didn't have it."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at him with deep suspicion.  He knew he was being played, and knew that no one did that better than Jack, but the man had a point.  There were a few books he really might need.  "You going home?"  He tried to sound casual.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah.  Thought I'd water the plants, empty the fridge."  Jack put the book he was holding back.</div> <bR> <div> "Could you bring a few books back with you?"</div> <bR> <div> "I suppose," Jack agreed with studied ease.  </div> <bR> <div> "I need the one with the Orion constellation on the front cover."</div> <bR> <div> "Um, right.  That would be the blue one."  Jack turned slightly and started fiddling with some pens on Daniel's desk.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  Jack knew damned well it wasn't blue.  "It's the green one," he said in a carefully controlled voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, right," Jack said, eyebrows raised as if surprised by new found information.  "Green."</div> <bR> <div> "And the one that has the translations from P5X-147."</div> <bR> <div> "And that would be the . . . "</div> <bR> <div> "Black.  It's black."  Daniel's voice was tightly controlled now.</div> <bR> <div> "Riiiight.  Black," Jack said in a distracted voice.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel swore silently.  He <I>needed</I> those journals, dammit!  Especially now that Jack had stoked his paranoia about missing something.  He really should go get them himself, but he still had lots to do here.  He glared at Jack, who was randomly clicking on files in his computer.  "You'll remember to bring them back?" he asked, trying not to let the desperation show in his voice.  </div> <bR> <div> "What?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel wanted to scream in frustration.  Instead, he kept his voice soft and quiet.  "The books.  You'll remember to bring them?"</div> <bR> <div> "Sure," Jack said casually.  "The black and blue."</div> <bR> <div> "Green!  I need the green one!"  Daniel was practically choking on the words, keeping tight control of the impulse to wring Jack's neck.  "I need the black and <I>green</I> ones."</div> <bR> <div> "No problem."  Jack moved to stand in front of Daniel, reached out to pat his cheek in the most condescending manner he could manage, and headed for the door.  "I'll remember.  See ya tomorrow."  </div> <bR> <div> "Green!"  Daniel called after him, desperation now clear in his voice.  "The black and GREEN!"</div> <bR> <div> Jack chuckled quietly to himself as he walked to the locker room.  Mission accomplished.  Daniel wouldn't be able to stand the thought of not having those books and should be home in a few hours.  He changed, feeling immensely pleased with himself, and left the mountain.   </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at his watch for the hundredth time and resisted the impulse to call Jack.  He looked at the now neatly packed books.  A quick run home shouldn't be a problem.  He would come right back and finish up, catch a little sleep, and be ready to go on time.  He stopped briefly to check on Sam's progress.  She was still working furiously, getting everything ready for the mission, but was smiling happily about it.  She'd be fine, and didn't need him getting under foot.  Teal'c was spending his remaining time catching up on some of his favorite talk shows.   Daniel walked to the locker room, changed, and headed up to his car. </div> <bR> <div> His thoughts turned to Jack during the drive home.  A smile ghosted over his lips at the way Jack had played him.  Jack knew him well.  Very well.  It was only natural, considering the years they'd been friends, and the months they'd been lovers.  He should be pissed, but couldn't help admiring Jack's strategy.  Jack was a born leader, and knew how to get what he wanted from his team.  Right now he wanted a little time with Daniel.  Daniel admitted to himself that he had no problem with that.  He was pretty much packed, and a little quality time with Jack seemed very appealing at the moment.  His cock twitched in anticipation. </div> <bR> <div> He pulled into the driveway and carefully assumed a pissy, put-upon expression.  He could play a few games himself.  He got out of the car and walked to the door, used his key to let himself in, and allowed the door to slam shut behind him.  He quickly threw the deadbolt, and stalked into the kitchen where Jack was cooking an evening meal.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack threw a glance over his shoulder, then continued chopping vegetables on the cutting board.  "Daniel!  What'cha doing here?"    </div> <bR> <div> "You can be such a bastard, Jack."  </div> <bR> <div> Jack snorted in amusement.  "You just now figuring this out?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel quickly walked up behind Jack and pressed into him, rolling his hips, letting Jack feel his growing arousal.  "You would've brought the right books."</div> <bR> <div> "You just now figuring this out?" Jack asked again, laughing out loud, and pushing back against Daniel.</div> <bR> <div> "Asshole," Daniel hissed, and wrapped his arms around Jack.  One arm slithered down to his groin, the other up to encircle his chest, pinching one of his nipples, hard.</div> <bR> <div> Jack caught his breath and dropped the knife, vaguely noticing that it clattered to the floor.  He groaned and let his head fall back to rest on Daniel's shoulder.  His hands reached back and grasped Daniel's hips, pulling him closer.</div> <bR> <div> "You deliberately wound me up," Daniel growled, biting the shell of Jack's ear.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack shivered, and nodded slightly.  "Didn't take much."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel roughly pulled Jack's shirt out of the waistband of his shorts and pushed his hand underneath it to the nipple, gently caressing it this time.  His other hand wormed its way inside the loose shorts, squeezing the growing erection.  "You like seeing me squirm?" he asked in a soft, dangerous voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh yeah!" Jack answered with a smile, and tried to turn in Daniel's arms.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel tightened his grip on Jack's groin and bit his neck, hard, forcing him to stop moving.</div> <bR> <div> Jack froze.  His cock thickened to full hardness.  Oh shit!  He loved Daniel like this.  Hard, driven, <I>alpha</I>.  But he wasn't the kind of man to just give in.  Daniel would have to fight for it, and they both knew it.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel started a slow caress of Jack's dick, moved his hips, slowly humping, using his entire body to arouse, make Jack burn.  "It's your turn to squirm, flyboy," he said in a low, throaty voice.  </div> <bR> <div> "I do <I>not </I>squirm," Jack protested, unable to keep his hips from moving.  "I've <I>never </I>squirmed."  Moving his hips the way he was wasn't squirming.  Not at all!  Wriggling maybe, but definitely not squirming.  There was a difference.<I> </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>"</I>You're doing it already," Daniel chuckled wickedly, moving his hand from Jack's chest to the button of his shorts, quickly slipping it through the hole.  </div> <bR> <div> "Not!" Jack protested, forcing his hips to stop moving.  </div> <bR> <div> "Are," came the smug reply.</div> <bR> <div> "Not!"</div> <bR> <div> "Are." </div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack growled in warning.  It wasn't going to be that easy.  He wasn't ready to give in yet, even though he wanted to, wanted to feel Daniel sliding inside him.</div> <bR> <div> "Jack." Daniel answered with a smirk.  Now that Jack's shorts were loosened, he moved his hand lower, cupped Jack's balls gently, and rolled them.</div> <bR> <div> Jack couldn't help it.  His hips rocked into the sensation, heat tingled deep in his belly.  He moved his hands to Daniel's wrists, gripping them tightly, trying to make Daniel stop fondling, just for a moment, so that he could turn around.</div> <bR> <div> "Squirming again," Daniel taunted.  He loved it when Jack did that.  </div> <bR> <div> There wasn't much Jack could do with his balls firmly in Daniel's grasp, so he changed tactics.  He relaxed back against Daniel's muscular chest.  "Okay, maybe I squirm a little," he admitted.</div> <bR> <div> "Just a little," Daniel purred, and moved his hands to the waist of Jack's shorts, preparing to push them down.  He knew Jack was up to something.  He never gave in this easily, but it was all part of the game, and incredibly erotic.  </div> <bR> <div> That was what Jack was waiting for.  He pivoted on the balls of his feet, grabbed Daniel's biceps, and swung them both around, so that Daniel was against the counter.  He pushed his groin against Daniel's, and caught his lips in a dominating kiss.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel was thrown off guard.  That had been a good move, but the battle wasn't done yet. Their tongues clashed.  He struggled against the iron grip on his arms, and while Jack was distracted by that, snaked his leg behind Jack's, hooking his heel behind Jack's foot.  He softened his lips and tongue, submitting to the kiss, and waited.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack moaned  as he felt Daniel yield, and moved to deepen the kiss, releasing one of Daniel's arms and moving that hand up to his nape, cradling his skull.  His mouth became coaxing.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel groaned deep in his throat and rolled his hips forward, feeling the shudders that raced through Jack at the contact.  He moved his free arm around Jack's back, pulling him closer.  Jack went willingly, letting his body melt against Daniel's.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel struck with lightening speed.  He curled his foot behind Jack's ankle and pulled his foot out from underneath him, at the same time using his weight and the arm behind Jack's back to push his lover off balance.  They both crashed to the floor, Daniel on top.  Jack used their momentum to roll them over, and covered Daniel's body with his own, trying to pin him with his weight.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel fought and squirmed his way from underneath, slithering out of Jack's grasp, and hooked his foot around Jack's thigh, rolling them over again, back toward the counter, and the knife.  He scrambled to his knees and made a grab for Jack's arms.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack bucked his hips, pitching Daniel forward so that he'd be forced to slap his hands to the floor for balance.  </div> <bR> <div> Instead, Daniel allowed himself to fall forward, and managed to successfully capture Jack's arms, while pressing his whole body into Jack, effectively pinning him.  They were both breathing harshly, their cocks throbbing and straining, lust darkening their eyes.  </div> <bR> <div> "Seems like you've got me where you want me," Jack said huskily.  And pretty much where he wanted to be himself.</div> <bR> <div> "Seems like it," Daniel agreed, and licked his neck, from the base to his chin.  He was hot and hard and wanting, his cock straining against the fabric of his pants.  He knelt up, straddling Jack's chest, trapping Jack's arms with his thighs, and ripped his shirt off over his head.  The knife glinted a few inches from his knee.  He got a glimmer of an idea and reached for it.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack's eyes widened in mock surprise.  "Oooooo.  What'cha gonna do with that knife, Dannyboy?"  He was struggling not to laugh.  He had faced down vicious prison guards, been pinned down by snipers, hunted by determined enemy troops, not to mention the Goa'uld.  A knife-wielding archeologist wasn't much of a threat.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled softly.  "You don't think I'll use it?"  Because Jack was wrong, and he should know that.  They'd fought side by side, and Jack knew what he was capable of.  Not that he'd hurt Jack, but Jack wasn't taking him very seriously, and he should.  He wasn't quite the pushover Jack seemed to think he was, and it was time to change some of those notions.  He moved back to Jack's hips and slipped the knife under the hem of his shirt, jerking it up and ripping the material.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey!"  Jack griped, laughing still.  "I like this shirt!"  Somehow this all struck him as hilariously funny. </div> <bR> <div> Daniel took the two torn ends in his hands and yanked, ripping the shirt a few inches.</div> <bR> <div> "Ooooooo!  Alpha male!" Jack taunted, and wriggled his hips again.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel calmly looked down at him, then with a flick of his wrist had the knife pressed to Jack's throat.  "Don't move," he said very softly, and moved off Jack to kneel to the side.  He dragged  the knife down Jack's body until it reached his inner thigh below the leg of the shorts, then scraped upward, the sharp edge shaving a path through Jack's hair.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack felt his balls draw up protectively, and felt the slightest shiver of fear.  Daniel had a very dangerous, calculating look in his eye.  Not that he'd ever hurt him, but Daniel didn't like to be pushed.  "Careful with that knife, Daniel," he said, refusing to acknowledge that his voice broke.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel glanced up at Jack's face and smiled, continuing to draw the knife up under the leg of Jack's shorts.  When he had the knife a few inches up the length of material, he twisted his wrist, bringing the sharp edge up, and jerked through the cloth.</div> <bR> <div> "Christ, Daniel," Jack breathed, and swallowed, hard.     </div> <bR> <div> "Shhhhhhhh," Daniel commanded quietly.  "Don't move."  He moved the blade up further and sliced through the cloth, continuing until he'd exposed a good portion of Jack's groin.  "No underwear," he murmured.  "I like that."</div> <bR> <div> Jack was breathing heavily, a mixture of fear and arousal making his heart race.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel moved the knife to Jack's stomach, underneath his shirt, and allowed the blunt edge to ghost along his ribs.  Jack's stomach muscles quivered, tensed at the feel of cold steel, trying to shrink away from the chill.  Daniel moved the blade flat, then up toward his chin, letting the dull edge graze a nipple on his way to the collar of Jack's shirt.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack's body shuddered and he tried unsuccessfully to stifle a gasp.  Daniel twisted the knife, bringing the keen edge up, and sliced through the collar of the shirt, then ripped down, cutting until the material had parted completely, exposing Jack's chest and belly to his gaze.  He kept the sharp edge up, touched Jack's neck with the tip, then slowly drew the knife down along Jack's body again, back to his vibrating belly.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack wasn't laughing any more.  This was a side of Daniel he was uncertain of.  The hard, unpredictable side.  <I>This</I> Daniel that shot up infant Goa'uld symbiotes, <I>this </I>Daniel that bated system lords and hard assed Marines.  Somehow it was incredibly erotic.  His cock pulsed, throbbing with arousal.  Daniel was handling that knife like a master.  Even though Jack knew he was perfectly safe, there was an edge of danger to this kind of play, an edge he didn't expect.  "Daniel," he choked.  </div> <bR> <div> "Shut up, Jack," Daniel said softly, never letting his attention waver from the knife's edge, allowing the sharp blade to slide underneath Jack's pulsing cockhead and brush the pubic hair, shaving just a bit from the wiry patch.  "Hold still," he cautioned again, and lightly pressed the sharp point into Jack's skin, carefully scratching, leaving the barest hint of his initials above Jack's hair line.</div> <bR> <div> Jack's cock grew harder at the feel of the blade and his balls drew up tighter.  Not in fear this time but in arousal.  Seeing Daniel like this, unwavering, cool, controlled, excited him in a way he'd never have suspected.  A tell-tale tingle started deep in his belly.  "Daniel!" he urged.  "Danny, please!  Hurry!"  If Daniel continued this kind of play it would all be over quickly.      </div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked up and caught Jack's eyes.  He knew that tone of voice.  "You there?" he asked.  </div> <div> Jack's quick nod had him on his feet.  He ripped his pants and briefs off, taking his shoes with them, and grabbed the oil from the counter.  He knelt back down and watched as Jack fumbled to push his shorts down. </div> <bR> <div> Jack lifted his hips with a groan, trying to ease the material past his rigid erection without touching or rubbing.  The slightest contact would send him over the edge.  Once the material was past his hips he collapsed back to the floor, allowing Daniel to finish the business of getting him naked.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel tore Jack's shorts off his legs and flung them across the room.  He knelt between Jack's thighs and opened the oil bottle, splashing its contents liberally over Jack's balls, watching it drizzle down behind.  He reached toward Jack's puckered entrance, meaning to prepare him, relax and stretch him.  </div> <bR> <div> "No!  Daniel!  Now!"  Jack was writhing on the floor, clutching at the tile, using all his willpower to not grab his dick and stroke.  He was close, so very close, and he wanted Daniel inside him when it happened.  "Please, Daniel!"  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel gave him a startled look, a little shocked by the reaction to the knife, but understanding it.  He poured more oil into his hand and quickly slicked up his cock.  He grabbed one of Jack's thighs and lifted it, draping it over his shoulder, then shuffled forward, positioning his erection at the spasming entrance.  He didn't pause but pushed, breaching the tight muscle, keeping a steady forward pressure.</div> <bR> <div> The pleasure/pain of penetration spiked through Jack.  He lifted his hips and groaned deeply.  His head thrashed back and forth.  "Daniel!  Now!"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gritted his teeth, and thrust forward, sliding all the way in.  Christ!  Jack was so very, very tight, and hot, and wanting, and it felt absolutely fucking incredible to have him like this, writhing and begging beneath him.  Daniel didn't pull out.  He ground down into Jack, rolling and twisting his hips in minute, deep movements, angling for Jack's sweet spot.</div> <bR> <div> Jack moved against him.  "DANIEL!"  His hips twisted one last time, giving his prostate a firm rub, and he came, without touching himself, in a gasping, convulsing shudder that almost forced Daniel out of him.  His muscles contracted harshly, ribbons of semen shot out of him, spattering his chin and chest and stomach.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel struggled to stay inside, reveling in the sharp contractions of Jack's passage around him, and pumped in time with the pulses, drawing the orgasm out.  His eyes were fixed on Jack's face, watching as his mouth gaped open, his breath hitched, his eyes squeezed shut, all his muscles tightening.</div> <bR> <div> Jack's body was no longer in his control.  It bucked and shuddered, then tried to get away from the stimulation.  Daniel pursued him, keeping the pressure on, until Jack shouted, "ENOUGH!"  and collapsed in a boneless heap, finally able to finish now that Daniel had stopped moving. </div> <bR> <div> Daniel was almost there himself, but not quite.  He rolled his hips lightly, then stopped again when Jack jerked and moaned with sensitivity.  He could wait.</div> <bR> <div> Gradually, Jack came back to himself enough to open his eyes a crack.  He looked into the extremely smug face of his lover and groaned, closing his eyes again.  "What did you do to me?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'd say we found a kink."  And what a reaction that kink had gotten him!  He'd never seen Jack so abandoned, needy, and thoroughly given over to sensation.  Jack usually liked to stay in control.  It was an amazing rush for Daniel to see him give himself over so completely. </div> <bR> <div> "Kink," Jack whispered thickly.  He shifted and felt that Daniel was still hard, still deep inside him.  He tried to squeeze his muscles, but they were depleted and barely twitched.  He chuckled ruefully.  "You didn't come?"</div> <bR> <div> "You didn't give me time," Daniel laughed, immensely pleased with himself.  He rolled his hips again, and was delighted that Jack didn't try to get away this time.  "Uh, you want me to go finish up in the bathroom?" he teased.</div> <bR> <div> "No!"  Jack tried to remove his calf from Daniel's shoulder, but his limbs weren't working yet.  He sighed regretfully.  "Don't think I'll be much help, though."  Because he couldn't move.  His muscles were spent.  He idly thought about napping on the floor, but was pretty sure there was a soft, comfortable bed nearby.  Oh well, the floor would have to do, just as soon as he got Daniel off.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed lightly, and moved Jack's leg from his shoulder to the floor.  He shuffled forward a bit more, bringing Jack's hips more fully onto his lap, and pulled back, until just the head of his cock was still inside.  He pressed forward smoothly, groaning at the silky heat, and started a slow, steady stroking.</div> <bR> <div> Jack opened his eyes again and locked them with Daniel's.  He managed to move a bit, slowly regaining some use of his muscles.  "You got me harder than hell with that knife," Jack said softly.  "Surprised me - got me right in the balls when you drew it up along my leg."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel doubted he'd ever forget that reaction.  He leaned forward and snared Jack's lips in a blistering kiss.</div> <bR> <div> Jack tried to lift his arms and found that they were finally working.  He wrapped them around Daniel's back.  "You made me <I>beg</I>," he whispered seductively.  "I don't beg for <I>any</I>body."</div> <div> Images flashed through Daniel's mind; echoes of Jack's pleas skittered through his brain.  He felt his balls tighten in response.</div> <bR> <div> "You made me come without touching my cock, Daniel," Jack purred as he gripped Daniel's ass.  He rolled his hips encouragingly.  "Made me scream."  He smiled as he felt the strength of the thrusts increase.  "You like that you can do that - make me scream and beg for more?"  He was getting aroused again from the memory.  Nowhere near hard, but warm and tingling deep in his belly.  He tightened his ass muscles as he nipped along Daniel's chin.  "You've never done that to me before - and I want you to do it again."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel moaned deeply, a slide show of pictures flashing through his brain.  Jack laughing, then demanding, then begging, his eyes dark with lust, writhing beneath him, then his face screwed up in the throes of his orgasm.  That last thought sent him careening over the edge.  "Jack!"  He jerked his hips forward, his cock pulsing, tingling shafts of pleasure racing up his legs and down his back, to wrap around his balls.  He was only aware of flashing lights behind his eyes, the rushing of blood in his ears, and the intense pleasure encasing his groin and spine.  He arched sharply, unleashing his release deep into Jack's body, than sank down, letting Jack take his weight while he struggled for breath.</div> <bR> <div> Jack held him, kissing and stroking, until his body stopped shaking.  Finally, Daniel drew a deep breath and raised up, looking Jack in the eye.  "I think you should wind me up more often," he said lazily, and brushed his lips against Jack's.</div> <bR> <div> "I certainly like the result."</div> <bR> <div> "So do I."  Daniel kissed him deeply, then rolled slightly to the side, hissing when his spent cock slipped out of Jack's body.  He snuggled up and rested his head on Jack's chest.  He fingered the ruined shirt, hanging in shreds about Jack's body.  "Sorry about the shirt," he said with a smirk.</div> <bR> <div> Jack merely snorted in response, and pulled Daniel closer.  They lay for a few minutes, enjoying the afterglow and the feel of each other's skin.  Eventually, the cold of the floor seeped into Jack's brain, and he groaned at the thought of moving.  </div> <bR> <div> "How's the back?" Daniel smiled.</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, just peachy!  Lying on the floor is good for it."</div> <bR> <div> "Smart ass."</div> <bR> <div> Jack slapped his hip.  "C'mon, help me up."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel rolled easily to his feet and reached for Jack's hand, pulling him up.  Jack swayed a little unsteadily, his head spinning slightly. "Shit, Daniel!"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed warmly and gathered Jack close, kissing him slow and deep.</div> <bR> <div> Jack smiled against his lips.  He pulled his head back and looked at Daniel, his eyes filled with warm affection.  "Hungry?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's stomach growled in response.  </div> <bR> <div> "I'll take that as a yes."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed and pulled the ruined shirt off Jack's arms.  "Shower first?" he invited. </div> <bR> <div> "Go start the water."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded and headed to the bathroom.  Jack opened the refrigerator, turned the steaks in their marinade, then joined Daniel under the stinging spray.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Jack did a last minute check.  Everything was ready to go.  They were heading through the gate in five minutes.  Sam hurried in, carrying her laptop, and secured it the MALP.  Teal'c was standing at the foot of the ramp, exuding the calm competence that Jack had come to rely on so heavily.  At the last minute, Daniel rushed in, holding one last book.  He found a spare nook in his pack and shoved it inside.  He looked up, flushed and happy, excited about discovering a new culture.  Jack felt a wash of pride and affection go through him.  His team was the best.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at Jack, noticing the straight back and easy stance.  His eyes sparkled as he looked into Jack's, but his face didn't give anything away.  Jack knew him well, however, and raised his eyebrows slightly in warning, but ruined the stern look with a lazy smile.  </div> <bR> <div> "Ready kids?"</div> <bR> <div> They heard Walter announcing the chevron locks and waited for the whoosh of the wormhole.  Once it was established, they sent the MALP through, then waited for the signal to go.  </div> <bR> <div> "SG-1, you have a go," Hammond announced.  "Good luck."</div> <bR> <div> Jack turned to look at the General in the control room.  "Thank you, sir.  It'll be a walk in the park."</div> <bR> <div> "I hope so, Colonel."</div> <bR> <div> Jack gave a salute, then turned with his team and walked up the ramp, through the shimmering event horizon, and onto the distant planet. </div> <bR> <div>  Jacob was waiting for them at the steps of the gate.  "Ready to go?"</div> <bR> <div> Sam was practically bouncing toward the ship.  "Let's get loaded and moving!"</div> <bR> <div> Jack and Jacob shared an indulgent smile and followed Sam.  Teal'c and Daniel maneuvered the MALP toward the ship.  In a short amount of time their equipment was stowed and they were ready to take off.  Jack and Daniel headed toward the gate for one last check-in.  They would be out of contact for the remainder of the mission.  Daniel dialed home, and a wormhole was established.  </div> <bR> <div> General Hammond's voice came over their radios.  "Is everything a go?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes sir," Jack answered.  "If we can keep Carter from blowing the engines in her haste to get there."</div> <bR> <div> George laughed.  "Understood.  We'll expect you in eight days."  Three to the planet, two to collect samples and do a quick survey, and three back.</div> <bR> <div> "Copy that.  Tell the mess hall that I expect a thick steak on my return."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll see what I can do.  Hammond, out."</div> <bR> <div> The wormhole shut down and the two men slowly headed back to the ship.  </div> <bR> <div> "How's your ass this morning?" Daniel teased, looking at Jack sideways through his eyelashes.</div> <bR> <div> Jack smirked.  "Sore.  I need to piss you off more often."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed quietly.  "I'm absolutely sure you will."</div> <bR> <div> "Had to do some pretty fast taking to get Janet to believe that the shaved part on my thigh was because I accidently dropped my razor this morning."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel was snickering in response when their conversation was cut short by an impatient Major.  "We're ready to lift off, sir."</div> <bR> <div> "On our way," Jack acknowledged into his radio. </div> <bR> <div> They entered the craft and made their way to the bridge.  Jacob started the engines and they lifted off smoothly.  They had a long established routine for extended space travel, and fell back into it quickly.  </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Jack woke with a start.  He'd been having a dream, an erotic dream, about Daniel.  It hadn't been a wet dream, not quite, but that was only because he had woken up before the grand finale.  What had disturbed him?  He listened to the balanced hum of the engines, felt the steady thrum of the deck beneath him.  Everything seemed to be in order.  He reached for Daniel, and his hand fell onto the empty space.  That's right.  Daniel was pulling bridge duty.  He didn't sleep easily when Daniel wasn't next to him, especially when they were on a mission.  He rolled to his feet, planning on doing a quick check on his teammate and the state of the ship, and adjusted his dick inside his pants.  He was hard and throbbing, but knew a quick walk would deflate his erection.    </div> <bR> <div> Jack entered the bridge and saw Daniel sprawled in the command chair, his hair tousled, his glasses falling down his nose, absorbed in a book.  Jack felt a wave of affection and protectiveness wash through him.  Daniel looked so vulnerable when he was like that.  "What'cha reading?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked up with a start.  "Jack!  What are you doing up?"  He did a quick scan of the controls, put the book down and stood up, stretching his whole body, arching back, his T-shirt riding up, letting Jack get a glimpse of firm belly.  </div> <bR> <div> "Woke up, thought I'd check on things."  Jack stepped into Daniel, cupped his skull, and pulled him into a tender kiss.  "I miss sleeping next to you."  Daniel gave him a soft smile of understanding.     </div> <bR> <div> Jack did a checked the controls, assuring himself that everything was okay.  He should probably go back to sleep, but wanted to spend some time with Daniel.  His life had changed for the better since they'd gotten together and he reveled in the joy of it.  "Why don't I go get the chess board?"</div> <bR> <div> "You don't want to get back to sleep?"</div> <bR> <div> "Nah.  I'd be up in an hour or two anyway.  I can sleep any old time."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's smile lit the room, and he nodded his consent.</div> <bR> <div> Jack got up and headed for the storage compartment where the rest of his team and Jacob were sleeping.  He entered quietly and started rummaging through his pack.  </div> <bR> <div> "Sir?"  Sam asked sleepily.</div> <bR> <div> "Go back to sleep, Carter." </div> <bR> <div> "Yes sir."  She snuggled back down, and fell asleep.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Jacob came out of kel'no'reem and decided to check on Daniel, not noticing that Jack wasn't in his spot.  He was entering the bridge when he heard quiet laughter.  </div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack complained.  "You can't make that move.  You're cheating!"  He picked up a piece and moved it back.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, yes," Daniel admitted.  "I couldn't have made that move if my rook had been in that position.  But it wasn't.  It was here."  He picked the rook up and moved it over one space.  "Stop trying to distract me, Jack."  He moved his rook again and sat back.  "Your move."</div> <bR> <div> "That trick always worked on Ferretti," Jack said with a smirk.</div> <bR> <div> "Ferretti was under your command," Daniel countered lightly.  "He wouldn't call you on it."</div> <bR> <div> Jack's voice was shocked.  "You're saying he let me win?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed.  "I'm just saying that I won't."</div> <bR> <div> Jacob smiled and returned to his bed, the sound of friendly bickering following him.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> "Jack," Jacob called.  "We're entering the system."</div> <bR> <div> Jack made his way to the bridge.  His team was already there.  They watched as the planet got larger.  Suddenly, Daniel caught his breath.  Jack turned his head to look at him.  "What?"</div> <bR> <div> "Look at the moon!"  Daniel was staring.  It wasn't what he expected at all.    </div> <bR> <div> The moon obviously had an atmosphere.  Lush jungle covered the landmasses, which were separated by water.  There didn't seem to be any continents, just an abundance of islands.  None of the islands were huge, but a few appeared to be at least a few miles across.  </div> <bR> <div> "Let's do a quick flyby," Jack requested.</div> <bR> <div> "Sure, Jack," Jacob agreed, and maneuvered the craft into the atmosphere.  "I'm getting some unusual readings."  He guided the craft toward one of the larger islands.</div> <div>     </div> <div> As they drew closer, details became clearer.  The land was densely overgrown, but structures underneath the lush greenery were visible, alternately soaring and peeking out of the growth here and there. </div> <bR> <div> "Oh my god!" Daniel breathed.   </div> <bR> <div> The visible structures appeared to have been constructed out of a type of rosy quartz, a delicate, almost translucent pink.  Building tops and graceful spires reached for the sky.  The tallest pinnacles were connected by airy walkways that seemed impossibly fragile.  Here and there were raised platforms, flat spaces on top of thin columns, spiral staircases swirling around the pillars, granting access to the high places.  The structures glowed where the sun struck them, and Daniel noticed that the sun literally showed through some of the spires, attesting to the thinness of the material used in their creation.  It was as if everything had been carved out of a single, enormous gem, its facets shimmering in the light.</div> <bR> <div> Jacob stopped the ship several hundred feet over the island, and took some readings.  "We're getting some trinium spikes here," he announced.</div> <bR> <div> "They must have used it to reinforce the stone!"  Daniel said in awe.  "Otherwise it would have crumbled by now."  He peered at one of the walkways.  "I can't believe it's still standing.  Any life signs?"</div> <bR> <div> "Plant, animal and insect," Sam confirmed.  "Nothing bigger than a cat."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel felt almost connected to the monastery, like he remembered walking its halls.  He could feel the vibrations of chiming bells in his bones, hear the soft echoes of song, taste the cool, loamy scented breezes.  He felt the warmth of the sun on his cheek, could see the shimmer of the stone around him, the way the sun dappled its walkways.  His fingers itched to feel the silky smooth rock, so slick it almost felt wet.  Peace and serenity emanated from the place, beckoning him.  He could almost hear the very walls murmuring to him, a soft, crystalline ringing, just beyond his hearing, beckoning him to touch, feel, experience, beseeching him to find its secrets.  </div> <bR> <div> "Jack!  I've got to go down there!"  It was part plea, part demand.</div> <bR> <div> "We'll come back."  Jack groaned in his head.  Daniel was going to be a handful until he got to explore.</div> <bR> <div> "You guys can drop me off and come back for me!"</div> <bR> <div> "No, absolutely not!"  Crap.  </div> <bR> <div> "You don't need me for the survey."  Come <I>on, </I>his eyes begged.  Please!</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack said, trying to be reasonable.  "It could be dangerous."</div> <bR> <div> "It's a ruin," Daniel pointed out with an edge of desperation.  "Not a thriving city.  I'll be fine."</div> <bR> <div> "This is also a completely alien culture we're dealing with.  We have no idea what they left behind."  </div> <bR> <div> "Jack!  This is a lost culture!  It's a once in a lifetime opportunity!"</div> <bR> <div> "No, Daniel," Jack said firmly.  "Our primary mission is to survey for trinium."</div> <bR> <div> "There's trinium down there!"  Trinium and writing and stories and relics and god only knew what else.</div> <bR> <div> "Trinium for mining."  </div> <bR> <div> "You don't need me for that!"</div> <bR> <div> "Ahhht!"  Jack held up his hand, cutting off any further argument.  His eyes, however, were soft with understanding.  "If everything checks out on the planet, I'll bring you back tomorrow."  He turned to Jacob.  "If you'll let me use the ship?"</div> <bR> <div> Jacob shrugged.  "Sure."</div> <bR> <div> "See?  I'll have you back here first thing."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  He opened them again and stared at the island, every line of his body screaming with longing.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 1</div> <bR> <div> Jack piloted the ship back to the moon, smiling to himself at Daniel's barely contained energy.  The man was literally thrumming with excitement.  He heard Daniel draw in a sharp breath as the island monastery came into view.  "God, Jack!  Just look at that!"</div> <bR> <div> Jack let his gaze wander over the visible structures.  "It's pretty."  He chuckled inwardly.  That little comment was sure to get Daniel going.  He wasn't disappointed.</div> <bR> <div> "Pretty?  It's exquisite!"  Daniel continued babbling happily while Jack made fine adjustments to their flight plan, wanting to make a few passes over the complex before deciding on a place to land.  He moved the ship closer, to an altitude of fifty feet, and jumped when a strong, guttural alien voice came over the communications system.  </div> <bR> <div> "What was that?"  Jack made a quick scan of the control panel.</div> <bR> <div> "Shhhh!"  Daniel was listening intently.</div> <bR> <div> The message repeated,  then several seconds later a different message came over the system.  Jack watched as energy readings started flashing across the screen.  He instinctively started pulling up, just as Daniel urgently exclaimed, "Jack!"</div> <bR> <div> Some kind of red energy flashed out of the ruins and struck them.  The effect was like being whacked with a baseball bat.  The ship hurtled away from the island and out of the atmosphere, careening uncontrollably into space.  All the systems went haywire, then black as power was lost.  Jack struggled with the controls for a few moments, then gave up.  He had no control of the ship.  "What the fuck just happened?" he demanded harshly.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know!"  Daniel replayed the voice in his mind, trying to remember the inflection, syllables, tone.  "Maybe it was a warning?"</div> <bR> <div> "Oh, ya think?" Jack sniped.  He did a quick assessment of their situation.  They had no power, the ship was out of control, they couldn't radio for help, not that any was near, and they didn't have an engineer on board to fix a damned thing.  In retrospect, this whole thing had been a piss-poor idea.  He swore vehemently under his breath, then breathed a sigh of relief when emergency power came on-line.  At least they wouldn't suffocate.</div> <bR> <div> "I can't believe a deflection system is still working after all this time." Daniel said in awe.  "Do you know what this means?  That monastery is untouched.  It's exactly how they left it."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm sure that's all very interesting, but we've got bigger fish to fry at the moment.  Focus, Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook himself.  "Okay, what do we do?"</div> <bR> <div> "Think you can maybe go back and look at the power system?"</div> <bR> <div> "Okay."  Daniel got out of his chair and made his way to the engine room, stopping to fish a flashlight from his pack.  He opened the crystal drawer and stared for a few minutes before heading back to the command center where Jack was fiddling with the controls.  "The crystals are completely fried."</div> <bR> <div> "No way to fix them?"</div> <bR> <div> "There isn't anything left to fix."</div> <bR> <div> Jack took a deep breath and looked out into space.  "Okay.  Let me think."  A few moments later he spoke again.  "We have life support.  That's good."  Another minute.  "No communications.  That's bad.  No way of getting power back.  Another bad."</div> <bR> <div> They both watched silently as they neared Acrethia.  Jack keyed his mic without much hope.  "Carter, you copy?" </div> <bR> <div> Silence.</div> <bR> <div> "Carter, here's the scoop."  Jack outlined their dilemma.  Maybe there was an off chance she was picking the transmission up.  He gave a quick description of their heading, then stopped.  By now they were well out of range, if it had worked at all.  Acrethia was well behind them.  They were hurtling into the inner solar system.  Hopefully, they wouldn't crash into the sun.  A fiery death like that wouldn't hurt but for a split second, but the hours of contemplation and anticipation beforehand would drive him insane.  </div> <bR> <div> "We have several days worth of MREs," Daniel supplied in the way of encouragement.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, okay."  Jack thought a few moments more.  "Okay.  We won't be overdue for another four days.  Then it'll probably take a few for them to find a ship to look for us, a few for them to locate us.  That's ten days."</div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel said slowly.  "I always have a stash of chocolate and power bars, and Sam usually carries snacks.  We have water.  If we're careful, it should be enough."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded, his heart sinking.  If they were rescued in a ten-day time frame it would be enough, but he knew the odds of that.  Chances were it would take a lot longer.  He mentally shrugged his shoulders.  No use crying over spilt milk.  He gave Daniel a rakish grin and patted his stomach.  "I need to lose a few anyway."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gave him a relieved smile.  If Jack could joke, maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought.  "Oh, I don't know," he teased.  "I like your little paunch."</div> <bR> <div> Jack leered at him.  "You do?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smirked.  "Yeah.  It gives me a soft place to rest my head."</div> <bR> <div> Jack laughed and slid out of the chair.  "Let's go take inventory."        </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Daniel had been sitting and staring moodily out the window when his brain registered what he was seeing.  The third planet loomed ahead.  It was obviously a tropical climate.  The land masses were green and an enormous hurricane swirled out in the ocean.  He sat straighter when it occurred to him that the planet was squarely situated in the middle of the window, seemingly right in their path.  "Jack!" he called.</div> <bR> <div> Jack came in and stopped dead when he looked out the window.  He quickly sat in the pilot's seat, scanning ahead.  His jaw set in a firm line.  "Crap!"  If they were lucky they'd bounce off the atmosphere, but he didn't hold much hope of that happening.    </div> <bR> <div> "I'll go stow the packs."  Daniel got up and quickly secured everything, not wanting them to be hurt by flying debris, then made his way back to the chair.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack had tried the controls again, and growled in frustration when they didn't respond.  He had no way of controlling their entry.  This was going to be ugly.  "Brace yourself," he said sharply.  He was right.  They didn't bounce.  They entered the atmosphere in a fiery blaze, the heat of friction surrounding them.  Jack vaguely heard a shriek of metal as part of the hull peeled away, then the sudden decompression and rush of air that followed.  His brain registered flashes of color, tilted images, jumbles of sound.  He closed his eyes as the ground rushed up to meet them.  Then everything went black.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul looked around him in satisfaction.  His small camp was running smoothly.  The women were cooking and doing other womanly things quietly.  The few children who were old enough were studying, the younger ones being tended to.  His men were sitting quietly, meditating before the afternoon meeting.  This is what he liked.  Calm order.  One of the older girls giggled and glanced at one of the older boys.  Ska'thaul frowned and barked an order at her disapprovingly.  She gave a guilty start and turned back to her studies.  He'd have to talk to that one's mother.  She wasn't showing the reverence he demanded of his followers and would have to be reminded of how to behave.</div> <bR> <div> She made him burn.  </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul angrily fought his desire.  She was almost as tall as he was, almost four feet.  Her brown skin had taken on the honey-soft glow of fertility.  The leather clothing she wore clung to her lush curves, and even though they didn't have any decoration, because he'd forbidden such things, his eyes were drawn to her breasts and hips.  Her pushed out nose had a pert upturn, and her canine teeth glowed white, not yet taking on the yellow tinge of age.  She had started oozing a sexual appeal that made him very uncomfortable.</div> <bR> <div> The Chosen One should not have such thoughts. </div> <bR> <div> He had been a youngster when The Sight had come on him.  It was a rare and wonderful gift among his people and assured him a place in the leadership of the tribe.  Not necessarily the chief, but definitely a place in the hierarchy.  His family had gained status.  He was given the best tutors, better housing, a higher rank in the social order of the group.  He had been told how special he was, how rare his gift, how the Gods had touched him, and had taken those words to heart.  </div> <bR> <div> As he matured, he noticed things about his tribe that disturbed him.  His people indulged in sinful pursuits, spending time laughing and playing instead of in religious devotions.  They feasted instead of fasting.  The women flirted outrageously with the men, and the men pampered and spoiled them in return.  All this energy should have been devoted to serious study.  He started speaking out about the corruption, urging sobriety and restraint.  The people had smiled indulgently, but had ignored him, continuing with their sinful pleasures.  It continued that way for several years.  He continued to denounce their immoral ways.  They ignored him, gradually excluding him from the group, pushing him to the outskirts of their society.  He knew what they were doing, heard the whispered gossip about him, and his heart grew cold.    </div> <bR> <div> One night he'd dreamed of their destruction.</div> <bR> <div> His determination to save them had become more vigorous, and he'd spoken out with a ringing voice, telling them that he'd seen the end.  He spoke of the devastation to come, a fireball from the sky would herald their annihilation.  </div> <bR> <div> Most laughed, telling him that he was confused, that he was thinking of the old myth, but he knew differently.  He knew that the myth was really a prophecy, and the prophecy would mean their end.</div> <bR> <div> A few enlightened souls listened to him.  They saw the truth in his teaching and begged to learn more.  Ska'thaul led them away from the infidels he used to call clansmen.  His men and their families started their own community.  They had left the others with a mixture of sadness and elation.  Their split from the group was necessary, however.  He needed loyal men, men who would listen to him unquestioningly if they were to survive.  Ska'thaul knew that their continued existence would depend on it.    </div> <div>     </div> <div> He took firm control of his sinful thoughts and walked to the central area, letting his flock know that his teaching was about to begin and watched with pleasure as his people scurried to sit at his feet, vying for the best position in which to hear him speak.  He waited impatiently for them to calm then began his sermon, extolling the virtues of obedience and acceptance of their given roles in life.  </div> <bR> <div> A loud boom interrupted his speech.  </div> <bR> <div> He and his people looked up in shock and watched a fireball fall from the sky.  Ska'thaul felt a flood of zeal and ice-cold dread at the sight.  That tiny little voice that he'd pushed to the back of his mind, the one that told him he had misinterpreted the dream, tried to speak.  He firmly ignored it.  If this was The Event, if this was what he'd envisioned, his destiny was at hand.  He would go back to the village in triumph, ready to take his rightful place as a leader of all his people, not just these inadequate few.<I>  But what if I'm wrong</I>, the voice insisted.  <I>What if this isn't what the Gods wanted</I>?  Ska'thaul shook himself and struggled to regain his composure, fighting his inner voice.  He <I>was </I>The Chosen One!  It was his destiny.     </div> <bR> <div> His people looked to him with wonder and awe, some murmuring quietly.  He had promised them that this day would come, told them that if they went with him he'd protect them, vowed that they'd survive the destruction.  </div> <bR> <div> A woman screamed.</div> <bR> <div> People started babbling in fear, asking what they should do, looking to him for direction.  Ska'thaul barked for them to be quiet and thought furiously.  He felt an icy calm overtake him and called for his men to prepare themselves.  They'd have to go see what form the destruction would take. </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Daniel regained consciousness first, groaning at the pain in his head.  He carefully flexed his limbs.  Nothing seemed to be broken, just bruised and sore.  He glanced over at Jack and sighed in relief when he saw that he was unconscious, but breathing.  Daniel wormed his way out of the chair and the twisted metal surrounding him.  He stumbled among the debris as he made his way toward Jack across the tilted deck.  Jack's face was a mass of bruises.  He had a cut over one eye which bled copiously, and his legs were trapped under the wreckage of the console.  Daniel quickly found the medical kit and firmly held a pad of gauze to the cut with one hand, feeling along Jack's body with the other, paying careful attention to his neck, feeling for swelling or shifting in the bones.  Nothing seemed to be broken.  The scalp wound had stopped bleeding, so he carefully started pulling the debris away from Jack's legs.  He was moving a large piece of metal when Jack groaned and his eyelids fluttered.  "Jack?"  Daniel stopped what he was doing and cupped Jack's cheek in his hand.  "Hey, Jack.  You with me?" he asked.</div> <bR> <div> Jack groaned again and struggled to open his eyes.  His head lolled forward, then rolled back so that it rested against the back of the chair again.  "What happened?" he asked thickly.  </div> <bR> <div> "We crashed.  You're still trapped."  Daniel's hands moved back to the wreckage and he moved the large piece again.  Jack's deep groan of pain stilled his hands.  He looked carefully at the metal and felt his heart thud in his chest.  A large, sharp metal fragment had been bent down and embedded itself in Jack's thigh, up high, near his groin.  Daniel tried to gently rip the blood soaked fabric of Jack's pants so he could get a better look, but quickly realized that he might cause further damage if he jerked Jack's leg in the process.  He grabbed a pair of trauma scissors from the medical kit and cut the pants away, revealing the wound.  The roughly triangular fragment had started slicing about half way up his thigh and had continued, getting deeper as it went, until it had stopped a few inches from his groin.  Daniel swore under his breath.  There was no way to free Jack from the wreckage without removing that fragment.  The blood pooled beneath Jack's thigh was darker venous blood, not a bright red arterial spray.  He took that as a good sign, even though there seemed to be a lot of it.  "Jack.  I need you to help me."</div> <bR> <div> Jack opened his eyes again, blinking, trying to clear his vision.  He swallowed convulsively and shook his head.  "'Kay," he said hoarsely.  "What do I need to do?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel got a large compression bandage out and placed it near the top of the wound.  He took Jack's hand and put it over the bandage.  "When I pull the metal away, I need you to press down, hard.  Can you do that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Jack said distantly.  "I can do that."</div> <bR> <div> "Jack!" Daniel said sharply.  "Jack, focus!"</div> <bR> <div> Jack forced himself to meet Daniel's eyes.  The fear he saw there snapped through him.  He took a deep breath and focused.  "Okay, Daniel.  I understand."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel pressed Jack's hand down again.  "Press here, hard, okay?"  Jack nodded consent.  Daniel gripped the metal and took a deep breath.  "Now!"  He pulled, trying to back the fragment out along the same path that it had entered.  White-hot pain flashed through Jack, but he gamely pressed down as hard as he could.  He felt Daniel's hands move over his.  "Okay.  Okay, Jack.  It's out," came a soothing voice.  Daniel held firm pressure for several minutes.  The wound didn't seem to be bleeding excessively any more.  He breathed a sigh of relief and quickly wound the bandage around Jack's leg then tied the ends, snugging it down tightly.  He finished moving the wreckage and helped Jack out of the seat.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack leaned heavily on Daniel as they made their way to the cargo doors, but they both stopped short when they saw that the whole back end and side had been torn away.  "Jacob is gonna kill me," Jack muttered.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel found a spot that was only a few feet above ground and helped Jack out of the wrecked ship.  He eased Jack to the ground a few feet away and took a moment to evaluate their surroundings.  They had crashed in a forested area.  Large, lush trees surrounded them.  Dense, fern-like undergrowth cushioned the ground.  The air was heavy, and smelled rich and loamy.  It was hot and steamy, definitely a tropical climate.  He turned his attention back to Jack, checking him over carefully.  The worst wound seemed to be the leg.  "How do you feel?" he asked, running his hands over Jack's limbs.  </div> <bR> <div> "Like I just crashed a ship," came the croaked reply.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grinned with relief.  "I'd say that that was an appropriate response."  </div> <bR> <div> "Just don't ask me what day of the week it is."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed.  He had a hard time keeping the days straight when they were off-world, too.  "I wouldn't know the correct response to that.  I wouldn't be able to tell if you were concussed or not."</div> <bR> <div> Jack snorted and sat up, allowing Daniel to help him, but turned pale from the effort.  "What's our supply status?"</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know."</div> <bR> <div> "Go see what you can salvage," Jack said weakly, as dizziness overtook him.  "I'll just lie here like a new born kitten."  He eased himself back to the ground.  </div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel said, trying to keep his voice steady.  They were in really, really deep shit, and Jack being hurt made it even worse.  "I'll be right back, okay?"  Jack closed his eyes and nodded.  Daniel made his way back into the ship and rummaged through the wreckage.  He snagged the medical kit from the front, their packs and weapons, then made his way back outside.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack was grey from shock and pain.  Daniel felt an icy lump of fear settle into his stomach.  "Okay," he said, trying to sound confident.  "Our supplies survived.  All we have to do is sit tight until help arrives."</div> <bR> <div> Jack snorted and tried to sit up again, then turned green and collapsed back down.  "Jack!"  Daniel ran his hands over Jack's body again, this time paying special attention to his abdomen.  There didn't seem to be any extreme bruising or tender spots.  "Are you okay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," Jack gulped, taking deep breaths, obviously fighting nausea.  "Just feel a little sick."</div> <bR> <div> "Think you can hold down some pain killers?  Or do you want morphine?"</div> <bR> <div> "No!" Jack said sharply, then softened his voice.  "I need to keep a clear head.  Gimme some Tylenol first.  See if it helps."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel got two tablets and some water, then held Jack's head up and helped him swallow.  He eased Jack back down flat.  "I'm gonna take another look at that leg, okay?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded tersely.  He hissed through gritted teeth when Daniel undid the bandage, then tried to look when he heard Daniel curse softly under his breath.  "What?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel pushed him back down with one hand, the other pressing the pad of the bandage firmly back onto the wound.  Jack moaned and tried to twist away from the pain.  "How bad is it?" he gasped raggedly.  </div> <bR> <div> "Pretty bad."</div> <bR> <div> "Lemme see."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel moved one of the packs behind Jack and propped him up with it, so that he was half sitting, then pulled the edge of the bandage up so that Jack could see.  "Jesus," Jack whispered, then collapsed back against the pack.  The edges of the wound gaped open, and the inside looked like raw, ground meat.</div> <bR> <div> "Can you feel your foot?" Daniel asked.  Not that he could really do anything about it, but he needed to know that circulation was getting through, just for his own peace of mind.</div> <bR> <div> Jack considered for a moment, than Daniel saw his boot move as he wiggled his toes.  "Yeah," he said with relief.  "Yeah, I can feel my foot."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel breathed a sigh of relief as well.  At least there was that.  "Okay, that's good.  I need to clean it out, though.  Can you take that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Guess I have to," Jack snorted.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel gave a quick smile and got to work, cleaning and disinfecting as best he could, then tightly binding the wound, trying to line the edges up as closely as possible, knowing that no matter what he did, it would leave a terrible scar.  "You'll have another battle scar to add to the collection," he said lightly as he snugged down the bandage.  </div> <bR> <div> "I did it just for you, ya know," Jack gasped, sweat streaming down his face.  "I know how you like to lick them."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed softly, stowed the kit in his pack, and gave Jack a soft kiss.  "I'm gonna get a camp set up.  You'll be okay?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded and closed his eyes. Daniel watched as his breathing evened out, as he adjusted to the pain.  He swallowed the lump in his throat and started clearing a space for a fire.  It was certainly warm enough, but a fire would be necessary to heat food and boil water, not to mention that the smoke would help keep away the insects that were already buzzing around them. Most of the wood here was damp, but the fire starters in their packs would get a fire going, then the wood would dry out as it burned.  Once a space was cleared, he made several quick forays into the jungle, returning with armloads of fuel.  He piled them neatly close by, then got a small fire going, wanting to get it established before he added more logs.  He watched for a moment, satisfied that it had caught, then went to check on Jack.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack's color was better, but still not normal.  He had fallen into a restless sleep, twisting and moaning slightly.  Daniel considered morphine again, but decided against it until Jack asked.  Daniel broke out the tent and found a relatively level place to pitch it, taking a measure of comfort from the familiar task.  He was pounding in the last stake when he heard a rustling sound in the jungle.  He stood, instantly alert, and quickly made his way over to Jack, nudging him awake with his foot, and reached for his weapon.  </div> <bR> <div> "Wha?" Jack groused, then froze when he saw Daniel's ready stance.  He looked in the direction Daniel was facing and swore softly under his breath.  </div> <bR> <div> They watched as a large number of aliens made their way through the jungle toward them.  There were at least thirty in the group, and they were obviously warriors.  Each carried a spear, and many had slings tucked into their waist bands.  Jack let his eyes travel over their features.  They were short and stocky, an average of four feet tall, and all wearing clothing made from hides.  Their skin was a light brown, and their features were pushed out by human standards, giving them a slightly porcine appearance.  Long yellow canine teeth protruding from their mouths completed the look.  They all had painted symbols on their exposed skin, white, blue, red, and yellow patterns enhancing their features, making them look more fierce, and they appeared to avoid regular bathing.  "Daniel," he breathed quietly.  "Help me up."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel reached down with one arm, but kept his other hand on his weapon, and his eyes on the approaching party.  He braced himself, then grunted, pulling Jack to his feet.  Jack swayed dizzily for a moment, and felt the blood drain from his face, his heartbeat increase, but kept his feet.  "Okay?" Daniel asked.</div> <bR> <div> Jack took a deep, shaky breath, and felt himself steady.  "Yeah," he answered, just as.  "Hand me my weapon."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel handed him the P-90 he was holding, and reached for the other that was on the ground near their packs.  Movement caught his eye.  There was another group of warriors coming in from the right, maybe ten in this group.  "Jack," he said  in warning.</div> <bR> <div> Jack swore quietly when he spotted the reinforcements.  No way, not even with a P-90, could he take them all out, not in this dense jungle.  Daniel had his hand a few inches from his weapon when a sharp, guttural sound came from one of the natives.  It sounded distinctly like a warning, so he froze, not moving away, but no closer, either.  He turned his head and listened intently.  One of the warriors, a leader of some kind, if the decorations were anything to go by, was speaking to him.  He slowly straightened and turned his full attention toward the leader, and alien with a broad streak of silver running through his hair, and listened to the tone and inflection of his voice, the cadence of the speech.  He thought he recognized a word, a word from the moon's protection system, when the leaders last sentence ended with a distinctive up lilt, and he gestured aggressively toward the ship, obviously asking a question.  </div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?" Jack breathed.  These natives had him edgy.  Their eyes were filled with malice and aggression–and something else–a fanatical light.  "Do you understand them?"</div> <bR> <div> "No," Daniel answered, and took a step toward the leader, who was about twenty feet away, next to and slightly behind a large tree.  He raised his hands to show that he didn't have any weapons, and spoke  and calmly.  "We're peaceful explorers... "   His standard opening line.</div> <bR> <div> The leader's eyes flared.  He barked out another question, gesturing at them, then the ship.  Daniel tried again, smiling and keeping his movements small and non-threatening.</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul listened to the alien speech uncertainly, not understanding, and not liking that one bit.  He studied their unusual features: one was obviously hurt, and the metal structure behind them was a twisted wreck.  Wouldn't destroyers be strong and whole? He hated the uncertainty that he felt, the little shiver of doubt that raced up his spine.  No!  A wave of fear and indiscriminate hatred washed through him, stiffening his resolve.  No, his course was set.  This had to be it, the Event long prophesied.  His warriors were watching him.  He couldn't falter now.</div> <bR> <div> He was silently grateful that he'd had the foresight to split the group.  Some of his men were coming in from the north.  These two oddities should be easy to handle. </div> <bR> <div> Daniel watched as resolve flickered across the warrior's face and he made a quick, snapping motion with his hand.  The warriors sprang as if launched from a catapult, and immediately rushed toward Jack and Daniel.</div> <bR> <div> "GET DOWN!" Jack roared, and opened fire, sweeping from left to right.  He saw Daniel instantly drop below his line of fire, and three or four of the enemy fall.  The other warriors saw as well, and dived for cover.  Jack was vaguely disappointed that Silver Streak hadn't been hit.  The crafty bastard had stepped behind the tree right at the moment he gave the charge order.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel had to make a lightening fast decision.  Jack would need his help, so he only had one hand free to grab either his weapon, or his pack.  He chose his pack, snatched it up, and turned toward Jack.  "C'MON!" he shouted, and stood, grabbing one of Jack's arms, slinging it around his shoulders.  They needed to find a much better place to make a stand.  There were enough warriors out there to surround them easily. </div> <bR> <div> Jack didn't hesitate.  Tactical retreat was the only option.  He leaned heavily on Daniel and allowed himself to be helped.  They worked well together, years of field time giving them a knowledge of each other's movements, an almost instinctual awareness of which way the other would go.   They made their way quickly through the trees, hearing the crash of the horde following, but falling behind.  Their one advantage was height.  Their longer legs allowed them to move more quickly, and even though Jack was hurt and not moving as nimbly as he normally would, they soon outdistanced their pursuers.</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel!" Jack gasped after about half and hour.  "I think we lost them.  Let's slow down a bit."  He felt like he'd run a marathon, and was breathing raggedly and sweating profusely.  Blood loss and pain had made him weak, and he had a sneaking suspicion that his wound was bleeding again.</div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel agreed, and slowed to a quick walk, but still kept moving.  "Let's just get a little further away.  We're probably still in their territory."</div> <bR> <div> "I think I'm bleeding again."  Jack could feel the rivulets of stickiness running down his leg.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel stopped immediately and dropped to his knees, taking a close look.  "Yeah, you are."  He quickly opened his pack and pulled out another bandage, tying it tightly over the top of the other.  "Can you go any further?"</div> <bR> <div> "I'm good to go," Jack panted, trying to calm his breathing.  He really did feel terrible, lightheaded and dizzy, but they needed some distance from their pursers before he could rest.  "C'mon.  Let's move out."</div> <bR> <div> They traveled for another hour before Jack felt it was safe to stop.  "Let's take ten," he gasped.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at him, noticed the greenish tinge to his skin, and nodded quickly, looking around for a good place to sit.  He found a large tree trunk and eased Jack down onto it.  "How ya doin?"  He handed Jack his canteen and offered him a power bar, which Jack refused.  </div> <bR> <div> "Would be better if we were at the cabin," Jack grunted, then took several swallows of water.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, the bugs are about the same size," Daniel noted wryly.</div> <bR> <div> Jack snorted out a short laugh.  "Think they gave up?"</div> <bR> <div> "Don't know.  We might still be in their territory."  Daniel peered back the way they had come, relieved to see no signs of pursuit.  </div> <bR> <div> "Okay, help me up."  Jack reached a hand to Daniel and let the other man help him to his feet.  "Let's see if we can get a little more distance before nightfall."</div> <bR> <div> They moved at a steady but slow pace for several more hours until it became too dark to see more than a few feet ahead.  "Let's stop here," Daniel said when they came to a small clearing.  "No sense getting an eye poked out or breaking a leg stumbling around in the dark."  He helped Jack sink to the ground.  </div> <bR> <div> "Cold camp," Jack said weakly.</div> <bR> <div> "Yep," Daniel agreed.  "Let me see your wound."  He fished a penlight out of his pack, held it between his teeth, and removed the soaked bandages.  A sigh of relief escaped him when he saw that the bleeding had stopped completely.  He gently cleaned the area, washed away as much of the blood as he could, and wrapped a fresh bandage around it.  "I'm gonna go bury these," he said , gathering up the soiled material.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded.  "I'll be waiting."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel walked several hundred feet away, making careful note of his direction, and buried the bloody bandages as deeply as he could, then made his way back to Jack.  "Hey," he said quietly when he kneeled back down.  "Here."  He handed Jack the canteen and a power bar.  "You need to eat something."</div> <bR> <div> Jack grunted, took several gulps of water, and a bite of the bar.  It tasted like chalk.  He resisted the urge to spit it out, and choked down half of it before handing the rest back to Daniel.  "Enough for now."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded.  "Okay, why don't you get some sleep?  I'll keep watch.  Want any morphine?"</div> <div> Jack was obviously in pain.  Morphine would help him relax.  He rummaged through his pack, finding the emergency blanket.  They didn't need the heat, but sleeping would be much more comfortable off the damp ground.</div> <bR> <div> "Nah," Jack said.  "It's just a scratch."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed quietly.  "All right, tough guy.  Let me know?"</div> <bR> <div> "Will do."  Jack rustled around, found a relatively comfortable position, and promptly fell into a fitful doze.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel stared back the way they'd come.  What had made the natives so hostile?</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 2</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul stood off by himself, thinking about the previous day.  None of it made sense.  The strangers had run.  Wouldn't strangers bent on destruction stay and fight?  He shook his head and prepared to perform the ceremony that gave him The Sight.  The vision was dark, of course, but he could discern the general direction of the interlopers.  He climbed to his feet wearily.  They'd stalked throughout the night and wouldn't rest until the strange ones were destroyed. He moved onward, not allowing himself to grieve for those already lost.  There would be time to mourn later.  He pointed in the direction they needed to go.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack woke up to Daniel shaking his shoulder and hissing is his ear.  "They've found us."  He looked in the direction that Daniel was pointing and saw a large, well-dispersed group of warriors moving their way through the early morning gloom, flitting from tree to tree, not making targets of themselves.  </div> <bR> <div> "Sonofabitch!" he exclaimed.  "Let's move out."  He stood with Daniel's help and cringed from the shout of recognition and the pain that shot up his thigh and groin.  Just as they entered the trees, Jack heard a whistling sound and instinctively ducked.  A sling cast stone thunked against a nearby tree at head height.  "Shit!"  Jack gasped, and turned, bringing his weapon up and firing a volley of shots toward their adversaries.  The warriors had been expecting something of the sort and ducked to safety behind trees, giving Jack nothing to target.  He turned, slung his arm around Daniel's waiting shoulder, and they slowly made their way into the jungle, Jack hobbling with stiffness.</div> <bR> <div> They traveled, not losing their pursuers, but not gaining either, until Jack's limbs started warming up.  Gradually, they lengthened their lead.  The silence of the chase spooked them both.  Except for that one initial shout of discovery, the warriors hadn't made a sound.  They weren't out to drive interlopers from their territory.  Their intent was to capture or kill.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel caught movement out of the corner of his eye.  There was another party coming from the left.  "More company," he said with a quick jerk of his head, and veered off to the right.</div> <bR> <div> Finally, Jack and Daniel gained some distance and lost sight of the war party.</div> <bR> <div> "Why haven't they given up?" Jack panted quietly.  "They must know that we can't hurt them."</div> <bR> <div> "Well, we did kill several of their people," Daniel reminded him.  "They obviously see us as a threat."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah, but we did that because they attacked first."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grunted in a non-committal way.  They continued on for several minutes, trying to lengthen their lead.     </div> <bR> <div> "Maybe," Jack continued.  "Our ship landed on someone important."  </div> <bR> <div> "What are the odds of that?" Daniel huffed, a little out of breath from Jack's added weight.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, I didn't see any ruby slippers sticking out from under the ship."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel snorted.  "If you had, we'd already be home."</div> <bR> <div> They continued, gaining distance.  "You know we're being hunted," Jack said quietly.</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah," came the soft reply.  "Or herded."</div> <bR> <div> "Yeah."  Jack thought for a moment.  "What are they pushing us toward?"</div> <bR> <div> "A trap."</div> <bR> <div> Jack thought for a few moments.  "What's our ordnance status?"</div> <bR> <div> "Bullets in your P-90 are it.  My nine mil with an extra clip.  Any C-4?"</div> <bR> <div> "One block with two detonators in my vest."</div> <bR> <div> "Not much," Daniel said.</div> <bR> <div> "It'll have to be enough."</div> <bR> <div> "Why don't we head south a bit, then back the way we came?  Circle around?  They wouldn't expect that," Daniel said.</div> <bR> <div> "Good idea."</div> <bR> <div> They turned south and went in a more or less straight path for several hours.  The sun had reached its peak, turning the jungle into a sweat bath.  Not that the night was much different, but the humidity seemed to increase even more, which should have been impossible, but somehow wasn't.  Rivers of sweat trickled down Daniel's face.  He hadn't slept in more than thirty hours, and his eyes were burning with fatigue.  The sweat didn't help.  During one of their frequent breaks, he tiredly pulled a bandana from his pack and tied it around his head to help soak up the sweat.  "How's the leg?" he asked, taking a large gulp of water.</div> <bR> <div> "Holding up," Jack answered, voice drooping with fatigue.  The muggy heat was sapping what little strength he had.  </div> <bR> <div> "Want to stay here?  Rest up a bit?"</div> <bR> <div> "Tell ya what," Jack said, noticing how tired Daniel looked.  "Why don't you catch a nap, and I'll keep an eye out."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gave him a tired smile.  "Wake me in an hour or so."  He lowered himself to the leaves, closed his eyes, and fell promptly to sleep.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul called his men close.  He knelt in an opening in the trees and started chanting while he removed a revered vessel from its protective sack.  He chose several different ingredients, all carefully kept in different pouches.  Inadvertent combining would be dangerous spiritually as well as physically.  After carefully measuring and pouring, he added the final, sacred component while his warrior's watched with awe and fear.  He carefully rotated the vessel, allowing everything to mix slowly, and watched as the reaction took place, preparing himself.  A small puff of smoke swelled up, and he leaned forward, inhaling deeply, then held his breath, keeping the smoke deep in his lungs, and carefully placed the vessel on the ground.  To break it would be blasphemous and the power of his visions sometimes overwhelmed him.  He closed his eyes and turned his head, almost scenting the air.  His men looked on, chanting and swaying, lending their help to the magic.  After a long minute his eyes popped open and he barked a harsh command, feeling a rush of relief and pleasure.  He knew where they needed to go next. </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Jack managed to choke down a power bar, chasing it with large sips of water.  At least water wasn't a problem, they frequently came upon small streams.  He silently thanked whoever had decided to add small water filters to their packs.  The tablets they used made the water taste funny.  The only problem was that the filters took time, and they hadn't been able to use one during their flight.  He scanned their surroundings, noticing the mossy green trees, the lazy buzz of insects, the way water condensed and dripped off the leaves, anything to take his mind off how sick he felt.  His leg alternated between throbbing and stabbing pain.  His stomach felt queasy.  He was short of breath, and had to fight the constant demand of his body to lie down.  He'd lost a lot of blood, and his body knew it.  He took a few minutes to change his bandage, fighting the nausea he felt when he saw the raw, jagged wound.  Jesus fucking Christ!  It was a wonder he could walk at all. </div> <bR> <div> Daniel had been asleep for several hours when Jack heard a snap of a breaking twig.  He instantly hobbled over to Daniel, bringing his weapon up toward the direction of the sound, and nudged the sleeping man with his toe.  To his credit, Daniel didn't wake the way he normally did, groggy and incoherent.  He came instantly awake and rolled to his feet.  "What?" he breathed.  Jack nodded silently in the direction of the noise, his eyes scanning, trying to catch movement.  Daniel scanned too, readying his hand gun and gathering up his pack, preparing to take flight or fight.  Another snap of a twig and they both honed in on the sound, eyes straining, trying to see the cause as Daniel shouldered his pack. </div> <bR> <div> Casually, with no concern for them, an animal shuffled into view.  It was about the size of a large sheep.  Short, thin hair in alternating white and brown patches mottled its hide.  Its long, prehensile nose rooted in the leaves, seeking its next meal.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel snorted a laugh.  "Kill it, Jack!" he snickered, and holstered his weapon.</div> <bR> <div> "Smart ass," Jack countered, weak with relief.  He kept a close eye on the animal until it moved beyond his sight, then lowered his weapon.  </div> <bR> <div> "How long was I out?" Daniel asked, lowering his pack to the ground.</div> <bR> <div> "Couple of hours," Jack answered, and leaned weakly against a convenient boulder.  He watched while Daniel rummaged through his pack and produced another power bar.</div> <bR> <div> "Okay, I'll eat while we move."</div> <bR> <div> They walked at a slow but steady pace, Jack leaning heavily on Daniel,  until the sun set, then settled down for the night. "Do you think they're still after us?" Daniel asked, while he heated an MRE with a can of Sterno.  They had opted for a cold camp again.</div> <bR> <div> "Don't know," Jack grunted.  "Let's assume they are."</div> <bR> <div> "We need a defensible position."</div> <bR> <div> "No shit!" Jack snipped.  "Let me know when you find one!"  They hadn't come across anything even remotely appropriate during the day, and Jack was feeling beyond sick and frustrated. Constantly running went against his grain, even when it was the best option.  Daniel looked at him with a steady gaze, and Jack felt a surge of guilt over his outburst.  "Sorry," he grunted by way of apology.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel silently handed him a portion of the food and they ate quietly for a while.  </div> <bR> <div> "This is my fault," Daniel said.  "For wanting to see that monastery."</div> <bR> <div> "No!"  Aw shit.  Of course Daniel would think that.  "No.  Actually, it's mine.  I shouldn't have split the team.  Carter could have probably fixed the ship."</div> <bR> <div> "No," Daniel disagreed.  "Those crystals were burnt.  No chance of repair."</div> <bR> <div> They continued eating.  "Tell you what," Jack said,  "let's blame the folks who made that deflection device."  That earned him a grin. </div> <bR> <div> "Deal."  </div> <bR> <div> They finished eating and got ready for the night.  Jack stretched out on the silver blanket, trying to get as comfortable as his leg and the humidity would let him.  "Daniel," he said quietly, but with conviction.  "This really isn't your fault."  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel knelt next to him and took his hand.  "Thank you," he whispered. </div> <bR> <div> Jack smiled into his eyes.  "Call me if you need me."</div> <bR> <div> "Always," Daniel promised, kissed him quickly, then left to make a quick sweep of the perimeter.</div> <bR> <div> Jack closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the night jungle-- insects, water, the occasional call of a hunting creature.  He relaxed his body and let sleep overtake him.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 3</div> <bR> <div> Jack awoke with a start.  It was still dark and it had grown foggy.  The air seemed almost luminescent, the thick mist drifting soundlessly through the trees, muffling every sound.  He held very still, wondering what had startled him.  He sat up slowly and saw the barest outline of Daniel a few feet away and watched him sneeze, trying to muffle the sound in a bandana.  Allergies.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey," he called quietly, letting Daniel know he was awake.  "Why don't you catch a little nap?"</div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel agreed quickly, coming toward him out of the gloom.  "Just until it gets light enough to travel."</div> <bR> <div> Jack held his hand out, letting Daniel pull him to his feet, took the P-90, and watched with amusement as Daniel flopped down, squirmed around a bit, then promptly fell asleep.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Jack woke Daniel with a cup of lukewarm, instant coffee.  The fog was still thick, but the diffused light of dawn had lightened the atmosphere a bit.    </div> <bR> <div> "It's not Starbucks, but it'll do," Daniel said gratefully as he took a sip.  Jack had heated an MRE and they ate quietly, somehow unwilling to break the heavy, oppressive silence of the jungle.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel had walked into the trees to relieve himself when Jack heard it, the barest rustling of leaves, a muffled snap.  He searched the surrounding trees, desperately praying that it was another animal.  A hint of movement caught his eye before the fog closed around him again.  He focused his attention on that area, impatiently waiting for the mist to part.  There!  A figure moved.  Upright.  Not an animal.  He cursed silently and moved behind a protective tree, clicking his radio twice, warning Daniel.  A sound behind him.  He whirled around, almost losing his precarious balance, and brought his weapon up.   Daniel loomed out of the fog.  Jack breathed a sigh of relief and indicated with hand signals the direction of their single foe and that they were moving out.</div> <bR> <div> "Pack," Daniel mouthed silently, and motioned toward their camp.  Jack swore vehemently under his breath and risked a quick look.  Their pack, with medical supplies, food, and water filter, was barely visible in the foggy remains of their camp, but hidden from their enemies sight by a large rock.  Daniel looked as well and caught a brief, ghostly glimpse of their opponent, squatting, studying something close to the ground before the fog closed again.  Their camp hadn't been spotted yet.  Jack resolutely unsheathed his knife.  His gut told him that this alien was a forward scout, alone, but that others were probably within shouting distance.  It would have to be quick and silent.  And soon, before the inevitable shout of discovery brought the whole tribe upon them.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at him with raised eyebrows and disbelief.  No way could Jack do this.</div> <bR> <div> "What?" Jack mouthed with a distinctly snarky expression.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at Jack's leg, then back to his face.  He shook his head and gestured to himself.  He'd do it.</div> <bR> <div> Jack studied him intently for a moment, then motioned him to come closer.  He captured the back of Daniel's skull when he stepped near and  moved so that his lips brushed Daniel's ear.  "Silent, Daniel.  It has to be silent," he breathed.  Daniel nodded in understanding.  "Be careful."  He gave a final squeeze to Daniel's neck and let go, watching as he melted into the fog.  He turned back toward their foe, his heart hammering even faster than it had been, straining to hear above the rush of blood in his ears.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel circled around, quietly but quickly, taking special care where he put his feet.  He controlled his breathing, which threatened to accelerate to gasping pants.  When he judged he'd gone far enough, he turned toward the spot he had last seen the warrior.  There!  He was still kneeling.  His head down, searching the ground for signs of passage.  Daniel started to creep up on him and froze when the alien stood up and started moving toward the camp.  He'd have to act quickly now.  The pack would be in sight within the next few steps.  His eyes were on the scout when his foot hit a rock.  The warrior stopped, cocking his head, trying to decipher where the sound had come from.  Daniel grabbed the opportunity.  He sprang forward, grasped the much shorter alien from behind around the forehead, drew his head back sharply, and slit his throat.  </div> <bR> <div> The sickening sound of gurgling breath as blood  filled his lungs and the final thud as he dropped to the ground were the only sounds the warrior made.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel heard a crashing sound coming at him through the trees, and looked up to see Jack lurching toward him through the fog wreathed forest, weapon at the ready.</div> <bR> <div> Jack took in the scene in front of him.  Daniel with blood covering his hands, the crumpled alien at his feet, pulsing his remaining blood onto the carpet of leaves.  He felt a deep sorrow.  Not for the warrior, but for Daniel.  "You okay?" he asked gently.</div> <bR> <div> "No," was Daniel's clipped answer.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack moved a step closer.  "It's us or them, Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> "I know.  Doesn't mean I have to like it."  Daniel pushed past Jack toward the pack.  "C'mon, let's get the hell out of here."  </div> <bR> <div> They gathered their supplies and trudged onward, Daniel supporting Jack, helping him over downed trees and small streams.  Each man was quiet, alone with his thoughts.  Jack's main focus was on keeping himself on his feet and moving.  A quiet voice kept whispering to him, telling him how nice it would be to lie down, give up.  He kept vehemently telling that voice to shut the fuck up.  But he did give it one concession.  He gave himself permission to pass out as soon as they were safe.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's thoughts weren't much cheerier.  He kept dwelling on the last sound the warrior had made, that sickening gurgling.  He knew it had been necessary, but the whole damned situation was so fucking stupid!  They weren't a threat to these people, well, not until they had been attacked.  All they had wanted was to make a nice little camp next to the wrecked ship and wait for rescue.  Now it was a chase, a contest to see who would make a mistake, who would be caught off guard, and he didn't know why.  But he did know one thing.  The odds were stacked against him and Jack.  They couldn't keep up this pace much longer, and there was little chance of a rescue in the near future.  As he thought that thought, he felt his resolve strengthen.  If they wanted a fight, they'd have a fight.  He would never give up.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~       </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul wearily knelt by his dead warrior and allowed his head to bow in grief.  Another of his people dead.  He straightened his spine and started resolutely chanting, preparing for another ceremony.  He would grieve later.  Now more than ever he knew they must find and destroy the intruders.  The destruction they'd already wrought was trivial compared to the annihilation he had seen.  He would pursue them to the ends of the land.  </div> <bR> <div> He must not fail.  </div> <bR> <div> His people, his land, their very existence depended on victory.  </div> <bR> <div> He desperately hoped that his warriors didn't notice his hands shaking as he added the final ingredient to the mix.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> The fog burned off around midday, but the humidity remained high.  Gradually they both became conscious of a dull roaring sound, more felt than heard.  "Waterfall?" Daniel asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Think so," Jack panted.  </div> <bR> <div> "Well, it's official.  We're lost."  </div> <bR> <div> Jack snorted but didn't have the strength to reply.  The sound grew until it thundered in their ears.  They came upon the gorge suddenly, the trees ending right at the cliff's edge.  The canyon was about fifty feet deep and twice that wide.  A roaring waterfall thundered down a steep cliff about a quarter of a mile upstream.  The walls of the gorge were made of a dark broken stone covered with a slimy looking moss.</div> <bR> <div> "Jack!" Daniel shouted, making himself heard over the sound of the rushing water.  "If we find a bridge, we can blow it after we cross."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded wearily.  "Up or down?" he shouted.  He didn't know if upstream was a viable option for him.  They'd have to climb up the precipitous cliff, and it was several hundred feet of vertical, sheer rock from what he could see.</div> <bR> <div> "Civilizations are usually downstream."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded in agreement, too drained to talk unnecessarily.  Both of them felt apprehensive about following the gorge so closely.  It gave them one less avenue of escape, trapped by the sharp drop-off, but the past days had proven that the aliens fell behind quickly, and even though they'd only been moving for a few hours instead of the whole day, they felt they had enough of a lead to be safe.  Besides, finding a bridge and blowing it behind them might insure that the hunt stopped, and both were more than willing to take the risk.  </div> <bR> <div> They had traveled for several miles when Daniel got a prickly feeling between his shoulder blades.  He shrugged uncomfortably, thinking it may be an insect, but the feeling continued.  He couldn't explain why, maybe it was a movement out of the corner of his eye, maybe it was a stray scent, but he suddenly <I>knew </I>that they'd been found.  He stopped short, almost causing Jack to lose his balance.  "Fuck," he whispered, and looked through the trees.  They were here, and it looked like all of them.  The warriors had cast a loose net, a wide ring around them, and were moving in, tightening the circle, leaving no avenue of escape.  He looked around them wildly, hoping to spot an opening.  Maybe if Jack had been healthy... </div> <bR> <div> Jack looked as well, frantically trying to spot an escape route.  He brought his weapon up, and squeezed off a spray of bullets, slowing the aliens' advance, but it was only a matter of time until they were captured or killed.  His gaze dropped to the river swirling below.  They had stopped near a calmer spot, the currents sluggishly eddying against the rocky bank.  <I>Calm waters run deep, </I>he thought, and prayed that it was true in this case.  They'd have to leap out as strongly as they could, but should make it into the water and not smash into a rocky outcropping, and hopefully not slam themselves into a submerged boulder or a shallow bottom.  He let loose a few more shots, roaring, "JUMP!" at the same time.  He saw Daniel leap, then whirled and flung himself into the air.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel hit feet first, plunging down in a swirl of air bubbles.  His descent slowed before he touched bottom, and he started pulling strongly for the surface, struggling against the drag of his clothing and the pack.  His head broke the surface of the warm, murky water and he looked around frantically, trying to spot Jack.  The current here was strong, and he fought against it for a moment, then realized that he had no hope against the full force of the river and let himself be swept away.</div> <bR> <div> Jack didn't hit as cleanly as Daniel.  He was tilted slightly to his bad side, and the impact of his leg with the water made him gasp with pain.  A good amount of muddy water flooded his lungs and it was only because of intense self-control that he didn't panic from the drowning sensation.  He tore at the water, struggling toward air.  His head finally broke the surface and he sputtered and coughed harshly, struggling to clear the filthy water from his lungs, his whole body convulsing from the force of his gagging.  Panic threatened to overwhelm him again when he felt himself dragged down by the weight of his clothes.  He fought to stay alive, to clear his lungs and not be dragged down into the dark depths of the river.</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul watched in disbelief as the intruders threw themselves off the cliff.  He rushed to the edge but couldn't see what fate had befallen them.  He fervently prayed that the river would kill them.  </div> <bR> <div> His warriors were extremely fatigued, and a ceremony at this point would be fruitless.  He told them to make camp and gratefully sank to the leaves, letting his own fatigue be known.  He'd perform the ceremony in the morning, and Gods willing, they'd be able to go home.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel was desperately struggling to survive.  The river's currents grabbed at him.  Eddies and undertows near the edge threatened to plunge him to the bottom while a powerful central current rushed him along.  He fought to keep his head above water.  His pack was dragging him down.  He finally unfastened it and let the river whisk it away.  He'd killed an alien for that damned pack, but dying himself to keep it would be idiotic.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel was growing tired.  Lack of sleep and the stresses of the last few days had already sapped his strength.  He kept looking for a sand bar, an overhanging tree, anything to save himself from drowning.  A strong undertow grabbed him in a strangle hold and plunged him to the bottom, bouncing and scraping him along like a rag doll.  He held his breath until he thought his lungs would burst and his oxygen starved brain started dimming, then the river relented and let him struggle to the surface.  He drew in huge gasps of air before he was pulled under again.</div> <bR> <div> The feel of water flooding his mouth shocked Daniel back to awareness.  He struggled to the surface once again and distantly wondered how many more times he'd be able to reach air before the river refused to let him go.  He fought.  Fought to breathe, endure, survive.   </div> <bR> <div> Some time later, a distant part of his mind whispered that the river had changed.  Daniel blinked his eyes clear of silty water and strained to see.  He realized that the river had flowed out of the gorge.  No longer confined by the sheer walls, the river had spread out and slowed.  He paddled weakly for the shore, felt his knees scrape bottom and crawled until he was half out of the water, then collapsed, completely spent. </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 4</div> <bR> <div> Daniel opened his eyes to the black of night.  He'd been out for hours.  He was still half in the water, so he raised up on shaky limbs and crawled up to dry land before collapsing onto his back, grateful that he was still alive.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack.</div> <bR> <div> Thoughts of Jack jolted through him.  He lifted a shaking hand and unhooked his radio from his vest.  It seemed to be intact, and he breathed a sigh of relief.  He keyed the radio.  "Jack?"  It came out a hoarse croak.  He cleared his throat a few times and tried again.  "Jack?"  It came out a bit clearer this time.  He listened for a few seconds for an answer.  The radio remained silent.  "JACK!" he shouted into the mic.  If Jack was still alive, he'd probably be badly hurt and possibly unconscious.  He looked at the RF receiver.  There!  A signal.  Weak but readable.  He lurched shakily to his feet, leaning against a convenient tree until his legs would support his weight and moved downstream toward the signal, refusing to think that maybe the radio had been torn loose and wasn't guiding him to his lover and best friend. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Daniel stumbled through the darkness, branches slapping his face and snagging his clothes.  Exposed tree roots sent him sprawling.  Clinging vines ripe with thorns tore his face and hands.  His knife wasn't meant for hacking through dense jungle.  He had to slash and saw at the rough vines and undergrowth, his progress agonizingly slow.  </div> <bR> <div> Dawn started brightening the sky.  Daniel moved faster, but still slowly.  His glasses were long gone and everything was a blur.  His head was pounding, every swing of his arm sending a jarring pain up through his shoulder to his skull.  He stubbornly ignored it and kept moving forward.  He frequently found himself caught in thickets of thorns and fern-like plants, places too dense to chop through, and had to backtrack, making him want to scream with frustration.  He seriously considered swimming down stream, but the thought of going back into that river made his blood run cold.  It wasn't only the fact that he'd almost drowned.  Large rivers in tropical regions usually had predators of some kind.  Not exactly like Earth's, but close enough.  The thought of schools of piranha, crocodiles, anaconda, and various flesh-eating alien species kept him out of the water.  </div> <bR> <div> Every few minutes he spoke into the radio, calling Jack's name, then he'd say that he was on his way, beg Jack to hold on just a little longer.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul readied the implements for another ceremony, his warriors watching him closely.  A puff of smoke, a vision.  He opened his eyes slowly.  They wouldn't be going home yet.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> The RF signal strengthened as the sunlight did.  Daniel's arms felt like they had lead weights attached to them, but he kept chopping his way downstream, the strengthening signal making him dig deep into his own reserves.</div> <bR> <div> He stopped for a break at midmorning, his arms and legs feeling like jello, his hands and face deeply scratched and bleeding.  He took a swallow of water from his canteen and tried the radio again.  "Jack, you there?"  </div> <bR> <div> A click of response. </div> <bR> <div> Daniel's heart soared.  "Jack!  I'm on my way!" he shouted and lunged to his feet.  </div> <bR> <div> "Damned finger slipped off the key," came Jack's voice.  He sounded weak, but alive.  Definitely alive.</div> <bR> <div> "What's your situation?" asked Daniel as he started slashing his way through the jungle.</div> <bR> <div> "Well, let's see," Jack said sarcastically.  "I just woke up.  I feel like a drowned rat.  I think my leg is infected.  There's an evil looking bird with a very large beak eyeballing me like I might make a good lunch.  And I'm pretty damned sure we've missed this week's Simpson's episode."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel breathed a huge sigh of relief.  "Copy that.  I'm making my way to you now."</div> <bR> <div> "I'm heading your way as well.  Slowly.  Your situation?"</div> <bR> <div> "Same as yours except the infection and bird."</div> <bR> <div> "Copy that.  Meet you in the middle."</div> <bR> <div> They found each other about a half an hour later.  Jack took one long look at Daniel and caught him in a crushing hug.  "You look like shit," he whispered against Daniel's neck.</div> <bR> <div> "You're not looking too hot yourself," Daniel replied and kissed him, hard, tasting blood and dirt and the underlying taste of Jack.  "Thought I'd lost you," he murmured against his lips.</div> <bR> <div> "Wasn't too sure I'd make it myself," Jack said and pulled away.</div> <bR> <div> "At least we're both on the same side of the river.  Let me see that leg," Daniel said, and helped Jack sit on a downed tree.  The compression bandage was gone, lost in the swirling waters of the river.  He untied the makeshift bandage Jack had cut from the bottom of his shirt and swore  when he saw the wound.  The jagged edges looked angry,  the tissue surrounding the wound red and inflamed.  He could see that Jack had tried to clean it, there wasn't a lot of debris or dirt embedded in the flesh, but a thick liquid had started oozing out.  "Take any antibiotics?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack shook his head.  "Either all washed away of some idiot forgot to pack them."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel quickly unbuttoned a pocket in his vest and breathed a sigh of relief.  "Here," he said, offering a foil packet to Jack.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack took it, ripped it open with his teeth, and mixed it with the water remaining in his canteen.  He chugged it, grimacing slightly at the moldy, bitter taste of the drug.  "We need more water," he gasped, slightly out of breath.  </div> <bR> <div> "I lost the filter.  Actually, lost everything.  Let my pack go."  </div> <bR> <div> "Filtered water is for sissies," Jack said, despite the fact that he liked it.  He reached his hand to Daniel for help up.  "We'll use the tablets."  He groaned as he got to his feet.  "Daniel... I lost the P-90."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel patted his securely holstered beretta.  "Still got mine, but lost the extra clip.  Think they're still after us?"</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe," Jack answered, puffing slightly from the effort to stand.  "But there's no way they could track us.  We're miles down river.  Could have come ashore anywhere, or most likely they think we drowned.  I think we lost them."</div> <bR> <div> "I hope you're right," Daniel said, and looped Jack's arm around his neck.  </div> <bR> <div> They decided to head inland from the river, try to find a smaller stream.  The silty water of the river would need to settle before they could drink it and they knew from experience that the area was criss-crossed with numerous small streams which flowed over rocky beds, making the water cleaner.  Jack leaned heavily on Daniel until they found one.  Daniel noticed that heat was pouring off Jack.  Fever.  They started to undress, wanting to wash the silty mud from their bodies and rinse their clothes clean.  The gritty dirt from the large river had gotten into every crease and crack, even their ears and the crease of their eyelids.  Jack was moving lethargically, weaving slightly as he stood, having trouble with the buttons of his pants.  </div> <bR> <div> "How ya doin?" Daniel asked, moving to help him.</div> <bR> <div> "Honestly?  Not good,"came the short reply.  </div> <bR> <div> "Ya know," Daniel said thoughtfully, pulling Jack's shirt off.  "Those cliffs bordering that gorge might have caves.  Maybe we could find a place to hole up?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack stared at him for a long second before answering.  He shook his head sadly.  "Can't believe I didn't think of that myself.  I must be sicker than I thought.  Let's go see if we can find one."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled at him.  "Okay.  Let's get cleaned up first."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel helped Jack to the middle of the shallow stream and eased him down onto a smooth, flat-topped boulder that was resting a few inches below the knee deep water.  He sank to his knees, letting the lukewarm water rush over him, sluicing away the grime.  He shuffled forward toward Jack and noticed a pocket of clean sand at the downstream side of the boulder.  Scooping up a handful, he scrubbed his arms, liking the way the sand washed away cleanly. He continued until his body was clean, his skin pink and glowing.  He stretched over to the bank and grabbed one of their T-shirts, rinsing it thoroughly,  then turned to Jack.</div> <bR> <div> Jack splashed at the water ineffectually, unable to really concentrate on the task.  He looked up when Daniel drew near and Daniel saw an incredibly heartbreaking, sad look pass over his face as his hand reached out to trace some of the welts and deep scratches on Daniel's arms.  </div> <bR> <div> "Danny," Jack whispered, his voice filled with regret.  The fever had lowered his defenses, making him vulnerable and allowing Daniel a rare glimpse of the real Jack.  A glimpse few people saw, the tender, inner parts of his soul.  "Danny, I'm sorry.  I'm supposed to keep you safe."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gathered Jack in his arms and held him gently.  "Shhhhhh," he murmured.  "It's okay.  Why don't you let me take care of you for a bit?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded wearily.  Daniel scooped up a large handful of sand and started gently scrubbing Jack's body, moving with care around the leg wound.  He  stroked up and down his arms and legs, scrubbed his back and chest with soothing circles, and gently massaged the sand through his hair.  Jack didn't help, just sat with his head drooping tiredly and let Daniel clean him.  When Daniel had finished, he helped Jack sit lower in the stream and rinse off, then move out of the water.  "Tell you what," he said as he applied a fresh length of torn shirt to Jack's wound.  "Why don't you take a nap while I clean the weapon and wash our clothes?"  </div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded and waited until Daniel had made a crude bed of soft ferns, then allowed himself to be lowered onto it, still naked.  He reached and touched Daniel tenderly on the cheek.  "I love you Daniel," he whispered.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at him, momentarily stunned.  They hadn't said it, not once in all the time they'd been together, but they both knew how the other felt.  Daniel swallowed the lump in his throat and kissed him.  "I know, Jack.  I love you too.  And I expect to hear it again when you aren't delirious with fever."</div> <bR> <div> "Promise."  Jack chuckled, closed his eyes, and slept.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul stood at the river bank and eyed the sky.  A storm was coming.  </div> <bR> <div> A big storm.  </div> <bR> <div> He shrugged his shoulders irritably, pushing that thought to the back of his mind.  They needed to cross the river.  His people weren't natural swimmers.  They had to fashion a safe way across and they were running out of time.  He called for his men to make rafts and stood on the bank, staring at the far shore.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Daniel let Jack sleep, using the time to clean his gun and their clothes.  He sorted through their meager supplies and put the C-4, detonators, and purifying tablets in his own vest.  Their survival was up to him now.  He sat for a few minutes, just looking at Jack.  He took in the broad shoulders, the clean line of his back, the gentle curve of his hip, and the long length of strong leg, almost overwhelmed by the love he felt for this man.  "We'll get out of this, Jack," he promised.  </div> <bR> <div> An hour later he noticed that the sky was darkening.  He looked up and saw ominous clouds moving toward them through the break in the trees.  He estimated that they were only a few miles from the cliffs.  It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to cover that distance.  Hopefully they'd find shelter before the storm hit.  He cut a wide strip from the bottom of his clean shirt.  "Jack," he said , waking him gently.  "There's a storm coming.  Let's change that bandage, get you dressed, and see if we can find that cave."</div> <bR> <div> It was several hours later and Daniel was becoming desperate.  His strength was rapidly waning.  The approaching storm was whipping the tops of the trees ferociously, sending showers of leaves, nuts and fruit raining down on them.  The fruit might have been edible, but Daniel wasn't willing to take the risk just yet.  Jack was burning up with fever, mumbling incoherently and unable to walk unaided, let alone help hack through the dense jungle.  Daniel sawed through a particularly thick vine and felt a rush of relief when he saw what lay behind it.  A large, dark, flat stone, covered in moss stood before him.  Evidently the jungle grew right up to the base of the cliff.  He opted for moving to the left, away from the river, and started hacking away with renewed strength.  After a few feet his excitement grew.  This wasn't a cliff.  It was a wall.  A large wall made with precisely fitted stones, making it look like an enormous jigsaw puzzle.  A wall meant civilization.  A vine-covered wall in a jungle usually meant ruins.  </div> <bR> <div> It was another half hour before he found an opening in the wall.  It looked like a tall, narrow gate had once guarded the entrance, but it had either been taken or decomposed.  He guided Jack down a long avenue, about five feet wide, lined on both sides by walls, obviously built for defense.  It would be easy to trap an encroaching army and annihilate them from vantage points atop the walls.  The ruins had been neglected for a very long time.  Trees grew in the avenue, making them struggle to squeeze past in places.  Other trees had collapsed parts of the walls, enormous roots succeeding where weather and time had failed.  Jack wasn't much help.  Daniel had to plead and cajole to get him through some of the trickier spots, over boulders and around tree trunks.  </div> <bR> <div> The leading edge of the storm finally broke, pelting them with rain.  In seconds they were drenched.  The wind picked up, its sound becoming a deafening roar.  The walls protected them from the worst of the wind, but Daniel felt a flood of relief when the avenue ended and he saw that it opened onto a square, densely overgrown.  A cleared area usually meant that buildings were near.  It seemed unlikely that whoever had built the wall hadn't built it around something worth protecting.  They plowed ahead through the driving rain.  Daniel caught a glimpse of something when a sheet of rain parted briefly.  There was a building ahead.  He hunched his head down and urged Jack to make a run for it.  Together, they stumbled toward their sanctuary.</div> <bR> <div> It took Daniel a few minutes to find an entrance and pull the vines aside.  Once inside, the sound of the wind lessened immediately.  The walls of the building were thick and well constructed.  It was very dim, but Daniel could make out a faint light coming from a few spots in the ceiling of the building where the roof had fallen.  The interior seemed to be perfectly square, each side about twenty feet long.  The floor was covered in dirt, but Daniel sensed that underneath the dirt was smooth stone.  The walls seemed much lighter than the weathered stone of the exterior, almost seeming to glow.  He took in all these details in a scant second.</div> <bR> <div> Jack, sensing that they were safe, allowed himself to sink to the ground.  </div> <bR> <div> "Jack!" Daniel shouted, holding on tight and allowing Jack's weight to buckle his knees, letting his body cushion Jack's fall.  He laid Jack out flat then heard something.  A loud, grunting noise from the corner.  Daniel didn't hesitate.  He snatched his firearm from his holster, pivoted on one knee, and fired three shots in quick succession.  He heard a squeal then a dull thud and was on his feet, moving cautiously toward the sound, the gun held firmly in his outstretched hand.  A large dark lump slowly took shape in the dim light.  He approached it gingerly, looking for signs of movement.  It was an animal, the same species that had startled them a few days ago, and very dead.  Daniel made a quick sweep of the building, making sure there weren't any other animals, then rushed back to Jack's side.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack was still burning up with fever, but his breathing was deep and regular.  Daniel took a few minutes to take stock of their situation.  Water wouldn't be a problem, the storm was deluging the area.  One of the holes in the ceiling had been caused by a downed tree.  Daniel could see that it leaned over the opening, sheltering it, and that a large branch had punctured the roof.  This branch acted like a down spout, directing a steady stream of water toward one corner of the room.  There were piles of dead leaves in several spots, giving Daniel some bedding material, and broken branches and twigs would be fuel for a fire.  Daniel smiled, for the first time in days it seemed, as he walked over to the dead animal and holstered his weapon.  If he could get a fire going, they'd have food, water, and shelter.  Not a bad way to ride out a storm.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel spent several sweaty minutes getting things set up to his liking.  His first task was to pile leaves into a soft bed for Jack.  Jack roused enough to move onto it, then sank back into a restless sleep.  Daniel busied himself with the fire, silently thankful that he had a packet of waterproof matches in his vest.  He used some leaves for kindling, then gradually added twigs and larger sticks until he had a good blaze going, pleased to see the smoke drifting toward one of the holes in the ceiling.  He  peeled the covering off two of the canteens before setting the metal containers next to the fire to heat, then unsheathed his knife and approached the animal.  Dinner, a roast for him and broth for Jack.  He quickly and efficiently sliced a good sized piece of meat from the animal's haunch and fashioned a spit to roast it, then put a handful of small pieces in one of the canteens for the broth.  He left it all to cook and pulled the beast to the far end of the chamber, out of the way, then returned to Jack's side.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack was writhing, muttering and crying out garbled words.  Daniel undid the makeshift bandage and retrieved one of the canteens.  He had put purifying tablets in them all when he'd filled them at the stream.  The iodine in the tablets should help combat the infection brewing in Jack's leg.  He rinsed and cleaned the wound deeply, grateful that Jack slept through it,  then soaked the bandage in the water before replacing it.  He refilled the canteen with fresh rain water and woke Jack enough to get him to drink, then cut another length of material  from his shirt.  He undressed Jack and sponged him down, using the water to cool him.  Once Jack had quieted, Daniel went to check on their meal.  The meat had started to sizzle, but Daniel didn't want to risk eating it until it was well cooked.  He couldn't wait much longer, however.  His stomach was growling and the smell of roasting meat had his mouth watering.  He cut several bite sized chunks and speared them with a stick, holding them in the flames until they were charred on the outside and cooked all the way through.  The first bite was heaven.  </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul and his men huddled underneath the trees, looking around fearfully as the wind sent branches and debris flying through the air.  Ska'thaul felt remorse and anger.  His men should be home with their families, keeping them safe from the wrath of the weather, not out on this hunt.  </div> <bR> <div> The small seed of doubt and fear was also growing in his mind.  If he was truly righteous in this quest, why had the Gods decided to impede him?  Wouldn't they help him?  He thought about the men they were chasing.  They ran instead of standing and fighting.  Wouldn't destroyers of worlds be brutal in their carnage?  Then it hit him.  In a moment of absolute clarity he saw what he had done, what he had become.  His pride and arrogance had made him lead these good men far from their village, from a life of love and community to a life of drudgery and harshness.  If they had all still been part of the village, if they had stayed, there would be many more warriors to help defeat the enemy.  His own pride and selfishness may very well be the key to their destruction.  He almost wailed in distress before his madness overtook him again.  No!  This was a test of his resolve, his will to protect his people.  He would not, <I>could</I> not fail.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#A040FF" FACE="Calligraph421 BT" >  </FONT>He knew, deep in his bones, that the survival of his race depended on his victory., and what a victory it would be!</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> The wind had grown from a roar to a shriek.  Daniel realized that it must be the hurricane that he'd seen swirling out in the ocean days before when they'd been approaching the planet.  He was grateful that they had found shelter, and for the first time since the chase had begun, felt secure.  They were safe as long as the storm lasted.  He woke Jack and coaxed him into drinking water laced with antibiotic, then a little broth.  He bathed Jack's wound in iodine water, sponged him down again, then got up to investigate their surroundings, unable to contain his curiosity.  He chose a branch to use for a torch, held it in the fire until it lit, then headed for the nearest wall.  </div> <bR> <div> The walls were covered in frescos.  The plaster was a pale grey, crumbled and ruined in places, quite well preserved in others.   Daniel circled the building, taking an overview of them, then started at the beginning, studying the story they told with care.  The first few showed a happy people, dancing and celebrating.  They ate, loved, laughed, and played, lived their lives with joy and wonder.  Then a ball of fire from the sky.  Destruction.  Death and despair.  Chaos.  The end of their existence.  </div> <bR> <div> This was the legend of Acrethia, Daniel realized.  Either the people who had built this place had known of Acrethia, or these people <I>were </I>the Acrethians, refugees who had migrated to this world when the asteroid hit had made their own planet uninhabitable.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel moved back to the wall showing the ball of fire.  He reached out and lightly traced the drawing.  He moved to the next scene.  People lying scattered on the ground.  Buildings destroyed.  Heartbreakingly few survivors kneeling and grieving.  Some had their heads bowed and buried in their hands.  Others wailed at the sky. </div> <bR> <div> He and Jack had come to this world in a ball of fire.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel felt his heart sink into his stomach.  If these people thought that he and Jack were going to bring destruction to their world, they would stop at nothing to destroy them.          </div> <bR> <div> The fire and Jack beckoned.  He sat next to Jack and stared into the flames, listening to the shrill keening of the wind.  They were safe, for now.  He looked over at Jack and whispered, "I hope I'm wrong."  But he rarely was.  Suddenly, he was too tired to keep his eyes open.  The stresses of their predicament took its toll.  He took off the bulky vest, curled up behind Jack, and slept like the dead.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 5</div> <bR> <div> Daniel awoke with a start.  The wind was still shrieking around them, but that wasn't what had woken him.  Jack was shivering with chills.  Daniel gathered him close and held him tightly, absorbing the tremors with his own body.  Gradually the chills subsided and they both slept.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> The wind had stopped.  Ska'thaul performed another ceremony, once again secure with the knowledge of what he must do.  A puff of smoke, a deep breath.  </div> <bR> <div> The vision.</div> <bR> <div> He looked up at his gathered warriors with stricken eyes.  "Kristok," he whispered in disbelief.  </div> <bR> <div> They shifted uneasily and looked at him with fear and dread.  Kristok.  The forbidden place.  The place of the ancestors. </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul looked at his frightened warriors and grew angry.  "Look!" he barked, pointing around him.  "Do you see the destruction?  Do you see what they've done?"  He grabbed one of the nearest men.  "They brought the storm!"  He looked into another's eyes.  "They used the wind to try to stop us!"  He stiffened his back, straightening to his full height and let his voice ring out.  "This is nothing!  They will destroy the world if we let them."  He watched in satisfaction as his words strengthened his men's faith in him.  "Let's finish this."  He headed out, confident that they would follow him.  </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~    </div> <bR> <div> Daniel awoke again and lay quietly for a moment.  The wind had stopped.  It was dead quiet outside, an ominous sound, like the planet was holding it's breath.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel reached over and felt Jack's forehead.  The fever hadn't broken.  </div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?" Jack asked in a hoarse whisper.  "What's going on?"    </div> <div>  </div> <div> "We're safe," Daniel answered.</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked at their surroundings.  "Where are we?"</div> <bR> <div> "I found some ruins," Daniel said with just a trace of smugness.</div> <bR> <div> Jack snuggled back against him.  "Why am I not surprised?" he asked, and drifted back into a fevered sleep.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel held him gently for a few minutes then quietly got up and fixed more antibiotic.  He woke Jack, got him to drink the whole canteen, sponged him down, and decided to check the weather.  Something didn't feel right.  The air had an expectant quality, not the usual calm feel after a storm.  He put on his vest and walked outside.  The carnage stopped him cold.  Gigantic trees were uprooted, their roots too shallow to hold them against the wind.  Almost all the branches were bare, stripped of leaves.  Many trees had been snapped in half, their tops either smashed on the ground or held up by neighboring trees.  The wind speed of that storm must have been enormous.  He looked straight overhead and saw clear sky.  His eyes strained to see through the trees and he got a glimpse of towering clouds moving swiftly toward them.  They were in the eye of the hurricane.  He turned to go back to Jack and their sanctuary when he heard chanting and felt an icy shiver of fear.  Their refuge had become a trap.  </div> <bR> <div> He followed the sound of the voices.  They were coming from outside the walls.  He cautiously moved down the narrow avenue, a plan forming in his mind.  If he could lure the whole hunting party into the tight space, he could possibly take them all out with the C-4.  The one major draw back was that he didn't have a remote detonator.  The two he had were timers.  He stopped briefly and divided the explosive into two halves, arming both and setting the timers on a ten-second delay.  He wasn't quite sure how he'd use them yet.  Maybe he could shove one under a fallen boulder.  First he had to assess the situation.  He flitted stealthily through the trees, keeping a sharp eye out for movement ahead and cursing his lack of glasses.  The break in the wall loomed ahead.  The aliens hadn't entered the gate yet.  He crouched low and crept up on them, grateful that their chanting seemed to be covering the little sounds his passage made.  </div> <bR> <div> They were standing in a loose circle, surrounding one man kneeling on the ground.  Daniel took the spotting scope out of his vest and peered through it, letting it help him focus on the scene before him.  </div> <bR> <div> The leader, the one with the silver streak in his hair had a vessel in his hands.  Daniel shivered when he realized it was a skull of some kind.  He watched as the warrior took various crushed plants and powders from different pouches and carefully measured them into the hollow of the skull.  The warrior added a few small, sharp teeth reverently, then took a sharp flint-like knife and gashed his palm, letting drops of his own blood rain down on the unlikely mixture.  Daniel watched as he rotated the skull gently, then leaned forward to breathe a puff of smoke.  The warrior held completely still for a second while his warriors chanted and swayed around him.  Daniel saw him give a startled twitch and watched his eyes pop open.  </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul almost shouted in alarm when the vision hit him.  He saw <I>himself.  </I>The intruder was right there with them.  His eyes snapped open and his head jerked around.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel froze in astonishment.  The warrior looked directly at him, locking eyes with him.  Daniel didn't hesitate longer.  He turned and fled, glancing back to see if they'd follow.  They did, this time shouting and whooping.  Their voices seemed to have a desperate edge, as if they needed to shout to keep their courage up.  Daniel reset the timer on one detonator for twenty seconds, tossed it underneath a fallen boulder, and sprinted for the building and Jack, counting down in his head.  With two seconds left he ducked safely behind a large tree, covered his ears and held his breath.  </div> <bR> <div> The explosion was massive, the boulders shattering and adding to the damage.  Daniel felt the heated shockwave pass and waited until the sound of raining chunks of rock stopped before stepping out to survey the damage.  The inner part of the avenue was destroyed, a bit of C-4 accomplishing what eons of erosion and weathering hadn't.  The walls had collapsed.  Daniel scanned the area looking for movement.  The immediate vicinity was still, except for the rolling clouds of smoke.  His eyes searched further and caught movement out by the gate.  His heart sank when he brought the scope to his eyes.  A handful of survivors cautiously moved through the entrance, including the leader.  Daniel swore vehemently.  He had the feeling that this one particular man was the cause of the hunt, the driving force behind it.  If he could kill that one alien, the others would probably lose heart and give up.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel felt a hint of a breeze and looked up in alarm.  The eye wall was upon them.  He raced back to the shelter and Jack, hoping that the hurricane would finish what he'd started.</div> <bR> <div> Jack had heard the explosion and guessed the cause.  He was weakly struggling with his clothing, trying to dress and pack their meager belongings.  He didn't know if he'd be able to run for it again, but had to try.  Just giving up wasn't an option.  He was trying to rise to his feet when Daniel burst through the doorway, the sudden shriek of the hurricane winds chasing him inside.  Jack felt a flush of relief at seeing Daniel.  He waited until Daniel was close before asking what had happened.  Daniel quickly outlined their situation, including that a few aliens had survived and were probably on their way.  Jack nodded and reached for Daniel's hand, trying again to stand.  His legs wouldn't support him.  He swallowed hard and looked at Daniel.  "I think this may be it," he said.  "I'm down for the count."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel knelt and hugged him fiercely.  "We're not done yet," he said firmly, and turned back toward the entrance, drawing his weapon.  He had ten shots left.</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul staggered toward the entrance, fighting the wind drunkenly, then dropped down and crawled, belly close to the ground.  The wind buffeted him, rolling him over and over, but still he persisted.  He'd spend his last breath trying to succeed.  He finally made it to the building and used the wall and vines to help him stand and fight the onslaught of wind and rain.  Only one of his warriors had made it through the storm with him.  They both staggered through the entrance together.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel saw them come through and gently squeezed the trigger of his hand gun.  The hammer fell with a dull, grinding click.  Misfire.  He cursed loudly, cleared the chamber, and fired again.  Another grinding click.  The firing mechanism wasn't working, probably jammed with a small pebble.  He threw the useless weapon aside.  </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul looked at the two men with disbelief and felt another tremor of uncertainty pass through him.  These men were bedraggled and worn, one too sick to stand.  How could they possibly destroy his world?  He felt a surge of compassion run through him.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel watched the flicker of emotion pass over the alien's face, watched the uncertainty and felt a spark of hope.  He stood and moved quickly to the fresco, the one with the fireball.  He gestured toward it, then to himself and Jack, shaking his head sharply, gesturing no.  This wasn't them.</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul watched him closely.  The intruder was denying it, indicating that they weren't The Destroyers.  He looked at the fresco with wonder, saw his dream laid out in drawings.  His eyes fixed on the fireball again.  These men had come to his world in a fireball.  Wouldn't destroyers be deceitful?  Wouldn't they spin lies to protect themselves?  He remembered with a start that <I>he'd </I>attacked first.  <I>He'd </I>been the one to start this fight for survival.  His mind flitted to the men he'd lost.  Almost every single adult male of his tribe was dead.  He felt a crush of guilt at the thought that it was all his fault and felt hate swirl through him again.  No!  It was the strangers' fault!  The destruction was almost complete.   He fought his fear and guilt as he took his sling and a round stone from a pouch at his waist.  His lone companion raised his spear, aimed, and launched it swiftly.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel dropped and rolled out of the way of the spear.  It clattered harmlessly on the wall behind him.  He sprang instantly back to his feet, his hand snatching his last weapon, his knife, from its sheath.  He crouched, arms spread wide.</div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul swung the sling sharply over his head a few times, preparing to launch its deadly missile. Daniel stepped forward into the sling and took the weight of the stone with his left arm, hearing a sharp crack and feeling a flare of pain shoot through him.  He gritted his teeth, ignored it, and wrapped his hand around the sling, ripping it from the leaders grasp.  Ska'thaul grabbed for his flint knife and crouched low.  They started circling, Daniel's left arm dangling uselessly at his side.  Ska'thaul's shorter stature made him a difficult target.  His vital organs were much lower than Daniel was used to.  Daniel lunged.  Ska'thaul danced out of the way, then countered with a lunge of his own.  They darted and parried, each seeking an opening.  Moves were countered and answered.  Ska'thaul saw an opening and took it, thrusting forward.  It wasn't really a mistake, just maybe the slightest bit more forward movement than necessary, the barest shifting of weight,  but Daniel seized the opportunity.  He flinched out of the way, grabbed Ska'thaul's arm, and used his momentum to hurl him to the floor.  </div> <bR> <div> Ska'thaul landed on his back hard, the air whooshing out of his lungs.  Daniel was on him in an instant.  "Please don't make me do this," he pleaded.  The eyes looking back at him burned with a fanatical righteousness.  "I'm sorry," Daniel whispered, and plunged his knife into Ska'thaul's throat.  He watched as the eyes flickered and grew dim with death.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel drew a deep, shaky breath then heard a thrashing sound.  Jack!  He looked toward his partner.  The other warrior had his hands around Jack's throat, choking him.  Jack was fighting weakly, but didn't have the strength to protect himself.  Daniel ripped the knife from the leader's throat, flipped it in the air to grasp the blade, then hurled it at the alien's back.  The knife struck, burying itself to the hilt.  The alien stiffened in shock, then toppled over, letting go of Jack.  He drew a few gurgling breaths and died.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel was trembling as he crawled on his three working limbs to Jack, his legs refusing to support him.  He almost sobbed with relief when he saw Jack breathing.  "Jack!"   He touched the red marks on Jack's throat.  "Are you okay?"  </div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded weakly.  "Think I'll live," he rasped, tenderly feeling his throat.  He touched Daniel's arm gently.  "Broken?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded.  "Think so," </div> <bR> <div> "Are there more?" Jack asked, looking toward the entrance.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head.  "I think that's it."</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked at him with relief.  "You got them all?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel gestured toward Ska'thaul.  "That's the leader.  I think that any survivors will quietly go home without him to push them.  At least I hope so."</div> <bR> <div> Jack grunted and tried to push himself into a sitting position.  "Let's get your arm stabilized them move the trash outside."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head sadly.  "Not trash."  He explained about the legend, the fireball of destruction, and why he thought they'd been hunted so relentlessly.  Jack listened carefully while he helped bind Daniel's arm, not commenting but taking it all in.  When his arm was secure, Daniel kissed Jack.  "I'm gonna move them outside."  The storm still raged but had lessened in intensity.  The thought of pelting, cleansing rain seemed very appealing at the moment.  Daniel stripped to his underwear, grabbed one of the aliens by the arm and dragged him outside, did the same for the other, then stood in the torrent, letting the stinging rain pelt his skin, wash the blood from him, make him clean.  </div> <bR> <div> He padded back in and knelt next to Jack who had dozed off, and waited out the remainder of the storm.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Day 6</div> <bR> <div> Jack seemed improved, but still had a slight fever.  Daniel tended to him then walked outside.  He hoped to find a well or cistern nearby.  A quick check of the ruins didn't reveal anything suitable so he walked outside the walls looking for a convenient stream.  It would be good to stay in the ruins until they were rescued, but nearby water was essential.  He stopped and looked at some of the fruit that had been knocked to the ground.  Maybe they could cautiously incorporate it into their diet.  Meat alone wouldn't keep them alive for long, and he was afraid they might be here for a very long time.  </div> <bR> <div> He heard a startled gasp and whirled around reaching for his knife at the same time.  He saw a small native looking at him through the shredded foliage.  The alien looked young.  More like a child than an adult.  He stared at Daniel with huge, astonished eyes, his mouth hanging open.  Daniel smiled and started to move away, feeling his heart sink.  Where there were children there were adults.  He desperately hoped he could make it back to the ruins and Jack in enough time to gather their things before the adults found out they were there.  He silently cursed their luck.  He'd hoped to stay put, but that was impossible now.  He fervently hoped that Jack would be strong enough to travel.</div> <bR> <div> The boy noticed that Daniel still had the fruit in his hands and frowned.  He said something and gestured emphatically at the round, green produce.  Daniel halted and looked at him.  He held the fruit up and tilted his head, questioning.  The boy spoke again, the same words, then shook his head in frustration at not being understood.  He gestured again then got the light of an idea in his eyes.  He grabbed a similar fruit from the ground, pretended to take a bite, then theatrically clutched his neck, grimaced, then lurched around in circles before finally dropping to the ground in melodramatic convulsions, thrumming his heels on the ground, making the most of his performance.  </div> <bR> <div> "Okay," Daniel laughed.  "I get the idea.  Not good."  He threw the fruit away and shared a grin with the boy.  He took a chance.  Placing his hand firmly on his chest he spoke his name carefully.  "Daniel."</div> <bR> <div> The boy cocked his head, listening to the strange speech.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel did it again, placing his hand on his own chest.  "Daniel."  He then pointed at the boy, his head tilted in a question.</div> <bR> <div> The boy pointed at him and said hesitantly, "Dan-yel?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded and smiled.  He pointed to himself, said his name again, then pointed to the boy.</div> <bR> <div> The boy pointed to himself and said, "Tre'sek."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grinned and repeated the name, then pointed to the dangerous fruit, questioning.  They spent the next several minutes naming things, Daniel learning some of the basic words of the language.  Tre'sek pointed to Daniel's bound arm and asked a question.  Daniel touched his arm and gave a broad grimace, indicating it was hurt.  A feminine voice interrupted them, calling Tre'sek's name.  The boy gave a guilty start and looked apologetically at Daniel.  He said something, probably along the lines that his mother was looking for him and he was going to be in trouble for playing near the ruins and talking to strangers, then faded into the jungle.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel hurried back to the ruins, thinking.  The boy had been friendly, but that didn't mean the adults were.  But it wasn't fair to prejudge, either.  It was entirely possible that it was a different tribe, likely even, with all the distance they'd traveled from the crash site.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel scrabbled over the fallen rocks toward the building where he'd left Jack and saw that he was outside, weaving unsteadily, one arm outstretched to support himself against a tree while he took a leak.  "Jack," Daniel called, not wanting to startle him.</div> <bR> <div> "I'm glad you're here," Jack croaked.  "Not sure if I could make it back inside by myself." </div> <bR> <div> Daniel moved to Jack and slipped his arm around his waist.  He swallowed the lump in his throat before saying, "I met a boy in the jungle.  He knows we're here."</div> <bR> <div> Jack gave him a stricken look.  "I guess we need to move, then."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded hollowly.  Jack was in no condition to move, and they both knew it.  They were making their way back to the entrance of the building when they heard a feminine voice calling.  The both turned and saw three women and several children making their way toward them.  Daniel noticed that the women had slings at their waists, but weren't handling them in a threatening way.  The women stopped short when they saw them, whispered among themselves, then smiled in greeting as they drew closer.  Daniel smiled cautiously in return, then more strongly when he recognized Tre'sek.  </div> <bR> <div> The women moved confidently, sure of their ability to defend themselves and their children.  They were clean, much cleaner than the men who'd pursued them through the jungle, and hadn't painted themselves with clay.  Although their clothing was similar to the hunters', it seemed to be of a better quality.  One of the women pointed to the ruin and asked a question.  Daniel shook his head, indicating that he didn't understand.  The woman smiled again, then her smile faded as she saw Jack and his wounded leg.  She clucked in sympathy and reached for a pouch tied to her waist.  She pulled out a whitish root and made motions toward Jack's leg.</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?" Jack asked cautiously.</div> <bR> <div> "I think they want to help."</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked into her eyes and saw friendliness and concern.  He nodded weakly and sank to the ground.  The woman moved closer and gently inspected the wound, looed into Jack's eyes, smelled his breath, touched his brow, and murmured in concern again.  She pounded the root to a pulp between two rocks and applied it to the wound, binding it tightly with a length of hide.  She moved back to her companions who were keeping a watchful eye and spoke with them quietly for a few moments.  They turned toward Jack and Daniel and motioned for them to follow.</div> <bR> <div> Jack shook his head regretfully.  "I'm afraid I'm not going anywhere."</div> <bR> <div> The women looked at him thoughtfully, consulted again, then left, speaking to one another.  Tre'sek smiled encouragingly at Daniel and went with them.</div> <bR> <div> "What was that all about?" Jack asked.</div> <bR> <div> "I don't know."</div> <bR> <div> "Do we stay or run?" Jack asked, his voice weary.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel watched the women leave, their children laughing and playing around them.  He looked at Jack's bound wound.  Certainly the woman wouldn't have helped them if they were planning on going to get a war party.  "If I can find water, we stay," he said with certainty.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel settled Jack outside and went into the building, grabbed their meat source by one leg, and dragged it out, putting it a short distance from Jack.  He'd butcher it as soon as he found a good water supply.  He made his way back into the jungle and quickly found a nearby stream, its waters swollen from the aftermath of the hurricane.  He filled their empty canteens, returned to the ruins, and started butchering the animal, planning on cutting the meat into thin strips and drying it for jerky.</div> <bR> <div> About an hour into the task he heard a noise and looked up toward the gate.  Several men and women scrambled over the tumbled rocks toward them.  Daniel hastily got to his feet, his knife held firmly in his hands.  The C-4 in his vest was within reach, the timer still set for ten seconds.  His threat assessment of the visitors told him to wait on that, though.  They were approaching openly, not with a warlike intent.  Daniel noticed that several children, including Tre'sek followed behind the adults.  People intent on murder generally didn't bring their children along to watch.  </div> <bR> <div> The medicine woman drew ahead of her people and called out a greeting, complete with a smile.  Daniel smiled back and gestured them closer.  Tre'sek darted to the front, proud to have made the discovery of the strangers and started babbling.  Daniel caught his name amid the chatter.  Evidently he was being introduced.  </div> <bR> <div> A man stepped forward, his manner and dress showing that he was a man of some importance.  He looked Daniel over carefully, then slowly touched his chest.  "Althol."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel grinned.  "Pleased to meet you, Althol."</div> <bR> <div> The medicine woman introduced herself as Monska.  She motioned Daniel toward Jack and handed him a gourd filled with a pungent liquid, motioning for him to feed it to Jack.  Daniel sniffed it suspiciously and raised a questioning eyebrow.  She pantomimed drinking, then sleeping.  She took a long sinew and bone needle from a pouch at her waist and made sewing motions over Jack's leg.  Daniel nodded gratefully and roused Jack enough to drink.  They waited until Jack was deeply asleep before she removed the bandage and poultice.  She crushed handfuls of dried leaves deeply into the wound and bound it tightly again, then readied her supplies for surgery.</div> <bR> <div> After several minutes she unbound the wound and flushed it thoroughly.  Jack didn't move, his breathing kept to a deep and regular rhythm.  She nodded in satisfaction and grasped a small, sharp flint knife tightly.  She quickly debrided the wound and sewed it shut, leaving a long row of neat stitches.  Another crushed root poultice was applied, then she patted Daniel's shoulder reassuringly and returned to the small group of people waiting for her.  Althol nodded briefly in Daniel's direction and started leading his people toward home.</div> <bR> <div> "Wait!" Daniel called, then cut a large roast from the animal carcass.  "Thank you," he said, offering it to Monska.  She gave him a dazzling smile, took the offering, and followed her people into the gathering twilight.              </div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Epilogue</div> <bR> <div> Monska returned several times a day to attend her patient.  She was often accompanied by Tre'sek and others, all curious to know the unusual strangers who had come into their midst.  Daniel quickly learned their language and started looking forward to their visits.  He discovered that these were a loving, close-knit group, who cared deeply for their children and environment.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack grumbled and rubbed at his stitches.  "Damn, these things itch," he griped.  "When the hell is she gonna take them out?"</div> <bR> <div> "When they're ready, I suppose," Daniel said tolerantly.  Jack was being an irritable shit, but Daniel didn't mind, not really.  A bitchy Jack meant that he was feeling better.  He heard a call of greeting from Monska and hurried to help her over the fallen boulders.  </div> <bR> <div> "How is he today?" Monska asked, accepting Daniel's help.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled.  "Ummmm, I don't know the word."  He made a growling noise, muttered and griped, scowled, then looked at her expectantly.</div> <bR> <div> "Grumpy," she supplied with a grin.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Daniel agreed.  "Grumpy."</div> <bR> <div> "That's good!  Means he's healing."</div> <bR> <div> "Thanks to you," Daniel said.  He gave her arm a grateful squeeze.  "We're lucky I found Tre'sek in the jungle that day."</div> <bR> <div> Monska flushed with pleasure and walked up to her patient.  "Good morning, Jack.  How are you feeling today?" she asked.</div> <bR> <div> Jack grunted and rubbed his stitches.  "When are you gonna take these damned things out?"</div> <bR> <div> Monska listened to Daniel's translation and answered.  "Not until they're ready.  A few more days at least.  And stop scratching.  You'll irritate them."  She started to clean them carefully.</div> <bR> <div> "What'd she say?" Jack demanded.</div> <bR> <div> "She said not for a few more days and to stop acting like a baby," Daniel supplied.</div> <bR> <div> Jack glared at her suspiciously.  "Did she really say that?"</div> <bR> <div> "I might have paraphrased," Daniel admitted.</div> <bR> <div> She gave Jack a small, tightly capped bark container filled with a thick white tallow.  "Rub this on the stitches.  It'll help with the itching," she instructed, demonstrating how much to use.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack gave her a wide grin of appreciation and settled down for a nap.  Monska checked Daniel's arm, asking how it felt.  She had decided that it wasn't broken, just badly bruised, and seemed pleased that it was improving quickly.  They chatted for a while then Daniel walked her back to the gate.  She stopped and looked around with sorrow.  "Do you like it here, Daniel?"</div> <bR> <div> "What do you mean?"</div> <bR> <div> "This place," she gestured toward the thick walls and heavy buildings.  "So much sadness here."</div> <bR> <div> "Sadness?"</div> <bR> <div> "The ancestors built this out of mourning, grieving for their lost Acrethia.  The sadness still fills this space.  Can't you feel it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Your ancestors are from Acrethia?" Daniel asked, feeling a growing excitement.</div> <bR> <div> Monska nodded.  "They didn't mean to come here.  There was an accident.   A disaster followed by an accident and they ended up here.  They spent generations building this."  She touched one of the large boulders sadly.  "Finally, one of our wisest ancestors said that the mourning was destructive.  We needed to make <I>this </I>world our home.  Dwelling on what was lost would be our end."  She shrugged.  "So, we left, went out into the jungle and made a place there."  She moved toward the gate.  "You should come live in the village.  It's much better there."</div> <bR> <div> Jack and Daniel moved to the village the next day.  Jack insisted on traveling under his own power, even though he wasn't really up to it yet.  Monska watched him struggle for a while then turned to Daniel.  "Tell him to stop acting manly and accept help."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel bit his lip to keep from grinning and translated for her.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack gave him an annoyed look.  "More paraphrasing?" he asked, in a decidedly snarky tone of voice.</div> <bR> <div> "Uh, no.  That's an exact translation this time."</div> <bR> <div> Jack scowled at the sweetly smiling woman and threw his arm around Daniel's shoulder, leaning on him for support.</div> <bR> <div> They stopped at the edge of the village, taking in the scene before them.  Children laughed and played in the clearing between airy huts.  Adults were finishing up repairs to the thatched roofs and loosely woven, grass mat walls, fixing damage left over from the hurricane.  The men shouted to each other and laughed openly.  Women brought more thatch and gourds of water, chatting easily with the men.  Older children either helped the adults or flirted with each other around a large, central cooking area.  The overall ambiance was of a joyful community.</div> <bR> <div> Tre'sek saw them standing at the edge of the village and left his raucous group of friends to race toward them excitedly.  "Daniel!  Jack!  Are you going to stay here?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded.  "If it's okay."</div> <bR> <div> Tre'sek's face broke into a wide grin.  "We're having a feast tonight.  Will you sit by me?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel nodded in agreement and watched as the boy raced back to his friends, puffed up with the importance of knowing the strangers personally.  </div> <bR> <div> They were comfortably ensconced in a large, airy hut at the edge of the village.  Jack sank gratefully to the soft, grass filled mattress placed up on a wide shelf.  "It'll be nice to not sleep on the ground," he said with a contented sigh.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel saw that he was exhausted from their short trip.  "Why don't you rest up while I take a look around?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded and stretched out.  Daniel fussed around a bit, making sure he was comfortable, then got up to leave.  "Daniel," Jack said.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes?" Daniel said, sitting next to him again.</div> <bR> <div> Jack took his hand and looked into his eyes.  "Thank you for saving me."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel snorted and tried to pull his hand away.  "I didn't save you."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes, you did," Jack insisted gently.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked away and refused to meet his eyes again.  "All I did was kill a bunch of people."</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Jack acknowledged.  "But you did it to save us."</div> <bR> <div> "Don't make me out to be a hero, Jack," Daniel said, his voice filled with remorse.  He didn't feel like a hero.  Anything but, in fact.</div> <bR> <div> "You are a hero," Jack insisted.  "You did what needed to be done."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel sat stiffly for a moment then caught Jack's eyes, his own filled with pain and remorse.  "I wish there'd been another way," he whispered.</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Jack said and squeezed his hand.  </div> <bR> <div> They sat like that for a few minutes then Daniel gave Jack's hand a final squeeze and stood up.  "I'll be back soon," he said, kissed Jack and walked out into the village.</div> <bR> <div> Althol met Daniel as he was leaving the hut.  "Daniel!  I was coming to see how you and Jack were doing."</div> <bR> <div> "Getting settled," Daniel said with a smile.  "Thank you for letting us stay here."</div> <bR> <div> Althol smiled.  "May we talk?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel got an uncomfortable, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.  "Yes."  He waited.</div> <bR> <div> "We buried our brothers, the ones around Kristok."</div> <bR> <div> "Kristok?" </div> <bR> <div> The leader nodded.  "Kristok.  The forbidden place.  The place of our ancestors."</div> <bR> <div> "The ruins are Kristok?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes.  In old times it was forbidden to go there.  I feel that the wise ones didn't want our people to dwell there, living in the past.  Now we avoid it because the old unhappiness fills its walls."  Althol gestured around him at the laughing children and the open huts.  "This is much better, don't you think?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel listened to the laughter and friendly chatter taking place around him.  "Yes," he nodded with a smile.  "This is a better place."</div> <bR> <div> Althol smiled again.  "What happened to our brothers?  Was it the hurricane?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel considered lying, but in the end opted for honesty.  "No, not the hurricane."  He recounted the initial confrontation and the subsequent hunt, the days of being pursued through the jungle, and the final showdown.  "I didn't want it to happen that way," he finished, letting his pain and sorrow show. </div> <bR> <div> Althol nodded sadly.  "Ska'thaul had The Sight, and thought he should be revered because of it."</div> <bR> <div> "The Sight?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes.  Once every great while one of us is born with it.  The ability to see through another's eyes.  Ska'thaul had the gift, and because of that thought he had other gifts as well.  He dreamed of his own demise, a fireball from the skies, and proclaimed that the end was upon us all."  Althol started walking slowly toward the central cooking area and Daniel fell into step with him.  "He sought followers from my people, but most wouldn't listen.  He took a group of believers with him and left to start his own community, saying that we were evil because of how we lived and would bring the wrath of the Gods down on our own heads." </div> <bR> <div> "He saw his own demise?" Daniel asked, stunned.  The two men walked in silence for several steps, Daniel thinking swiftly.  "His prophecy was self-fulfilling."</div> <bR> <div> Althol nodded.  "I always feared that it would be so."</div> <bR> <div> "Are we still welcome here?" Daniel asked.</div> <bR> <div> Althol smiled at him.  "Yes, Daniel.  All are welcome here."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel woke Jack several hours later.  "Hey, you.  Up for a party?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack stretched and yawned hugely.  "Party?"</div> <bR> <div> "Seems we showed up on a feast day."</div> <bR> <div> Jack grinned.  "I'm always up for a party."  He sat up stiffly.</div> <bR> <div> "I learned something today," Daniel said thoughtfully.</div> <bR> <div> "What's that?" Jack asked, trying to stretch the kinks out of his back.     </div> <bR> <div> "I found out about Silver Streak."</div> <bR> <div> Jack froze.  "What did you find out?" </div> <bR> <div> "Althol told me that he was from here, that he had a gift called The Sight."  Daniel paused a moment.  "I watched him perform a ceremony, outside the ruins during the eye of the hurricane, " Daniel said quietly.  "He mixed several things in a skull, including his own blood, then breathed a puff of smoke that came from the mixture.  I think it had a narcotic effect."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded, urging him to continue.</div> <bR> <div> "Have you ever heard of remote viewing?"</div> <bR> <div> "Remote viewing?" Jack said with disbelief.  "You think he was remote viewing?"</div> <bR> <div> "Well, maybe.  They've done studies on people who claim they can do it.  They'll send out a person the viewer has never met to a random place, give the viewer a picture of the person, and ask him or her to draw what the person is looking at.  The results are very convincing."</div> <bR> <div> "And you think Silver Streak did that?"</div> <bR> <div> "Ska'thaul.  His name was Ska'thaul," Daniel spoke the name with regret.  "You didn't see how he locked eyes with me outside the wall," Daniel said with  a shudder.  "He flinched, then locked eyes with me.  It was like he could see himself through my eyes."  They were both silent for a few moments.  "And it makes a certain amount of sense.  How else could they keep finding us?"</div> <bR> <div> "Maybe you're right," Jack said gently.</div> <bR> <div> "They feel that The Sight is a gift from the Gods.  Ska'thaul also had a vision that he felt was from the Gods.  He said that destruction would come from the sky.  He was trying to destroy us to prevent us from destroying his world."</div> <bR> <div> Jack pulled Daniel into a tight hug.  "You know, don't you?" he murmured in his ear.  "You saw the fanatical light in his eyes.  If he thought he was on a holy quest he wouldn't have stopped.  Ever."</div> <bR> <div> "I know," Daniel said glumly.  "I just wish..."</div> <bR> <div> Jack held him tightly for several moments until he felt Daniel relax against him.  "Why don't we go join the party?" he whispered, listening as the sound of drums started beating a steady rhythm.  "Sounds like the band's starting."</div> <bR> <div> They walked to the central area together.  Tre'sek motioned wildly for them to sit by him.  Daniel helped Jack ease to the ground then went to help the men lift a cooked carcass from a pit oven.  There was a murmur of approval from the onlookers when the thick leaves were peeled away and clouds of mouth-watering steam wafted up from the meat.  Daniel stood aside and watched as  Althol neatly carved the beast, then lined up with the rest of the village to get his and Jack's share.  He added a vegetable stew and several chunks of a thick, sweet, sticky bread to their plates.  He handed Jack his plate and sat down beside him.  </div> <bR> <div> "You trying to fatten me up?" Jack asked, looking at the bounty of food on his plate.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel took in his gaunt appearance and smirked.  "Need to work on building up your paunch again," he said casually, and took a bite of the bread.</div> <bR> <div> Jack laughed and attacked his meal with vigor.</div> <bR> <div> The village feasted then gathered around the fires, settling in for stories as the light faded.  The drumming stopped and Althol sat so that everyone could see and hear him.  He smiled gently when a toddler ambled up to him and stretched his arms out, asking to be picked up.  Althol cradled the child in his lap and began, telling the story of how they'd come to this world, the story of their beginning.  Daniel translated for Jack, both listening intently to the tale.  Althol spoke of a place of reverence on the moon of Acrethia.  Daniel payed close attention, hoping to discover more about the ethereal ruins that had called to him.  </div> <bR> <div> The night deepened and the music started again.  People got up and danced.  Young adults flirted and teased each other.  Couples stole away into the night, their arms wrapped around each other.</div> <bR> <div> Jack watched with amusement and growing arousal.  "Seems like love is in the air," he noted wryly to Daniel.  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel had been looking through to crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Althol.  He had some questions about the monastery.  "Hmmm?" he asked absently, his eyes still searching.</div> <bR> <div> Jack cleared his throat.  "I said, seems like love is in the air."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel looked at him, watched as the light from the flames dance over his features, and caught his breath at the desire he clearly saw in Jack's eyes.  He raised his eyebrow quizzically.  "Think you're up for it?"</div> <bR> <div> "Are you flirting with me, Doctor Jackson?"</div> <bR> <div> "Is it working?"</div> <bR> <div> Jack laughed.  "I don't think I'm up for no-holds-barred, all out fucking, no," Jack admitted.  "But I can make love."  His eyes darted from Daniel's eyes to his lips and back again.  "I love you, Daniel.  Let me show you how much."</div> <bR> <div> "You promised me you'd say that again when you weren't delirious from fever," Daniel said, swallowing the lump in his throat.</div> <bR> <div> "I remember."   </div> <bR> <div> They were looking into each other's eyes when a loud burst of laughter from a group of teenagers brought them back to reality.  "C'mon," Daniel said, standing up and offering Jack a hand.  "Let's go before we give these nice people a show."</div> <bR> <div> Jack grinned and allowed Daniel to pull him to his feet.  He draped his arm around Daniel's shoulder and they made their way to their hut.  Once inside Jack turned to Daniel and kissed him gently.  "I love you, Daniel," he murmured against his lips.</div> <bR> <div> "I love you, too," Daniel whispered and kissed him back.  His lips fitted Jack's lower lip and he sucked gently, then he flicked his tongue against the sensitive flesh.</div> <bR> <div> Jack's lips parted and their tongues touched, caressing.  Jack tilted his head to the side, allowing their lips to fit together more fully and brought his hand to the nape of Daniel's neck, feeling the fine hairs there.  Daniel shivered under his touch and Jack moaned in appreciation.  He brushed his lips against Daniel's ear.  "You are so beautiful," he whispered, then flicked the delicate shell with his tongue, eliciting another shiver.  He moved back to Daniel's lips and touched them lightly with his own, rubbing back and forth before licking against Daniel's mouth.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel opened with a sigh and answered with his own tongue, caressing and stroking, deepening the kiss, keeping it slow and sweet.  </div> <bR> <div> The undressed each other, giving licking kisses to exposed skin then moving back, keeping their mouths and tongues busy with each other, keeping the intimate connection.  The last article of clothing was discarded and Jack held Daniel close, walking him backward toward the bed, keeping their groins and stomachs and chests and lips in close contact.  He balanced on his good leg and pressed Daniel back, until they were both stretched out on the sleeping platform, their lips sealed together, their tongues continuing their intimate dance.  They rearranged themselves comfortably, Daniel on his back and Jack half lying on him, kissing deeply and letting their hands glide over warm skin.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack kissed Daniel eyes, his nose, then his lips again.  "I love you," he breathed, then moved down to lick a nipple, biting gently, then placing a kiss over Daniel's heart.  "I love your courage."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head.  "Not courage.  I just do what I have to do."</div> <bR> <div> Jack smiled.  "That's what courage is."  He kissed Daniel's brow.  "I love your determination."</div> <bR> <div> "You used to call that stubbornness," Daniel teased. </div> <bR> <div> Jack smiled in acknowledgment and lifted one of Daniel's hands to his mouth, kissed the palm then each fingertip, letting his tongue flick over the sensitive tips.  "I love your strength."  He moved down to Daniel's stomach and licked around his navel, smiling at the shiver and gasp his tongue produced.  "I love how you respond to me."  He kissed Daniel again, stroking his palate, letting their tongues slide together.  His fingers wrapped around Daniel's straining cock, feeling the velvety skin and the drop of pre-come forming at the slit.  "I love making love with you."</div> <bR> <div> "Jack!" Daniel gasped and thrust into the warm hand surrounding him.</div> <bR> <div> Jack moved his hand to cup Daniel's balls, gently squeezing and rolling them between his fingers.  "I love you, Daniel," he whispered into his ear.  "All of you."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel groaned and brought Jack's lips back to his, opening his mouth wide, allowing Jack to kiss him deeply again.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack slid off Daniel to one side and ran his hand down to Daniel's hip, urging him to turn on his side, facing away.  He reached for the tallow that Monska had given him for his stitches and scooped a generous dollop onto his fingers.  He reached between Daniel's buttocks and ringed the opening before slowly pressing a finger inside, kissing the back of Daniel's neck at the same time.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel groaned and bore down, opening to Jack, allowing him to spread the soft tallow deep inside.  </div> <bR> <div> Jack ringed the entrance again until Daniel was writhing with pleasure then pressed in with two fingers, stroking deeply.  He found Daniel's gland and brushed it, getting a gasp of pleasure in response.  He rubbed his fingers in slow circles, stimulating Daniel from the inside until he was panting with delight.  "Are you ready?"   </div> <bR> <div> "Yes!" Daniel gasped. </div> <bR> <div> Jack withdrew his fingers and coated them with more tallow, then stroked his own throbbing erection with the greasy substance.  He spooned up closely behind Daniel, positioned his cock at the quivering hole and pushed forward slowly until he was buried in the tight warmth of Daniel's body.  "Daniel!" he cried, wrapping his arms firmly around his lover and holding him close, burying his face in Daniel's neck.  </div> <bR> <div> They stayed like that for long moments, not moving, just enjoying the feeling of connection and intimacy.</div> <bR> <div> Jack pulled back a bare inch then pushed in, gasping at the tight friction surrounding him.  Daniel snuggled back into Jack, trying to draw him closer.  They began a slow, steady rhythm, letting small movements draw their pleasure out.  Jack circled his hips, gliding his shaft over Daniel's prostate and felt him shiver from the electric tingles surging through him.  </div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Daniel sighed with contentment.  "Like that."  He reached behind him to grasp Jack's hip, directing him to repeat the movement.</div> <bR> <div> Jack complied and kept up a steady circling.  Long minutes later, amid the murmured endearments and encouragements, he noticed Daniel's breathing change, his breath becoming more irregular and ragged.  Daniel was close.  Jack didn't alter his pace.  He let the pleasure build by increments until he felt Daniel tremble in his arms.  He reached down, grasped Daniel's erection and stroked firmly, one stroke, and Daniel was coming, his back arching and his hips straining forward, a moan of ecstasy escaping his lips.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's orgasm throbbed around Jack's cock, squeezing him tightly.  That, in combination with the feel of Daniel jerking in his arms brought Jack to his own sweet release.</div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> Two days later Monska took Jack's stitches out.  He gave her a broad grin and kissed her cheek, making her laugh and  flush with pleasure.  "He's very bad," she noted to Daniel.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel laughed and looked at Jack affectionately.  "Yes," he agreed, taking in the rakish grin.  "Yes he is."</div> <bR> <div> The whole village had a habit of napping in the afternoon, dozing through the worst of the day's heat.  Jack and Daniel embraced the practice with vigor, retiring to their own hut when the villagers did for an afternoon doze.  Jack was asleep, but Daniel only drowsing when he heard a click then static.  He frowned and turned his head, not sure if he was dreaming or not.  The sound came again, then a voice.  </div> <bR> <div> "Daniel?  Colonel?  Do you copy?"</div> <bR> <div> Sam!  </div> <bR> <div> Daniel scrambled out of bed, waking Jack, and located his radio.  "Sam!" he shouted into it happily.  "Sam!  Are you guys okay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes!" Carter said, laughing with relief.  "We're good.  How about you?  Is the Colonel with you?  Are you two okay?"</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Daniel affirmed.  "Jack's here and we're both okay.  Had quite an adventure." </div> <bR> <div> "Copy that!  I can't wait to hear about it.  We'll ring you up."</div> <bR> <div> "Can you give us a few minutes?  We've made some friends here and need to say goodbye."</div> <bR> <div> "Copy that.  Let us know when you're ready.  Carter out."</div> <bR> <div> Jack and Daniel quietly gathered their meager belongings.  "It's funny," Daniel said.  "This world was terrible, but now I'm sad to leave."</div> <bR> <div> Jack nodded in agreement.  "I know.  I feel the same way."  He looked around him at the peaceful village.  "C'mon.  Let's go say goodbye."</div> <bR> <div> Their reunion was a boisterous affair.  Jack and Daniel were caught in a bone crushing hug from Teal'c, and a no less enthusiastic one from Carter.  Jacob retained his dignity by settling for a firm handshake.  Carter, Teal'c, and Jacob had been rescued almost immediately.  A Tok'ra friend of Selmac's had been curious about Acrethia and decided to take a look, rescuing the stranded three a few days after Jack and Daniel had gone missing.  They had scoured Acrethia and the moon, then further out into the solar system, but found no traces of Jacob's ship.  It was only after they entered the atmosphere of the planet that they'd picked up their RF signals.  Apparently, the atmosphere of the planet interfered with the signals, and they hadn't been able to pick up the crashed ship's distress beacon from space.</div> <bR> <div> Jack was explaining about the moon and the crash when Daniel interrupted him.  "Can we fly by the moon before we head out?"  </div> <bR> <div> Jack looked at him with disbelief.  "You've got to be kidding, right?"</div> <bR> <div> Daniel shook his head.  "No.  I think I know how to get into that monastery."</div> <bR> <div> "Daniel," Jack started with barely concealed impatience.  "There is no way we're going anywhere near that thing!"</div> <bR> <div> "It gave us two chances," Daniel said patiently.  "If it doesn't work the first time we'll get out of there before the defense system activates."</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked over at the Tok'ra.  "It's your ship."</div> <bR> <div> "Are you certain we'll be able to avoid activating the defense system?" the Tok'ra asked.</div> <bR> <div> "Yes," Daniel nodded certainly.  "The system gave us two chances before activating.  We'll have time to get away if it doesn't work."</div> <bR> <div> "I'll admit that I'm curious," the Tok'ra said, and maneuvered the ship toward the moon.  </div> <bR> <div> The craft made its way through the atmosphere and toward the island.  They were fifty feet from the tree tops when an alien voice came over the communications system.  "Welcome, those who know the voice of God."</div> <bR> <div> Daniel smiled and spoke a single word.  "Gratinksolsee."</div> <bR> <div> "Enter with peace and serenity," came the reply.</div> <bR> <div> Daniel's face broke into a wide grin of delight.  "It's safe.  We've been granted access."</div> <bR> <div> "How'd you figure it out?" Jack asked as the Tok'ra moved the ship to land.</div> <bR> <div> "I spoke with Althol.  He said there was one word that hadn't changed throughout their history.  A holy word of joy all his people knew.  Their legends said it granted access to this place."</div> <bR> <div> "He told you to say 'open sesame'?" Jack asked incredulously.</div> <bR> <div> "No," Daniel said.  "He told me to say Hallelujah."</div> <bR> <div> Jack looked at the delicate ruins rising from the foliage, then at the eager archeologist standing next to him.  "I think Hammond will forgive us for being a few more hours late," he said with a grin.  "Let's go take a look around."</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ~ <I>finis ~</I></div> <bR> <div> FB for this story can be sent to <A HREF="mailto:featherautant@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:featherautant@hotmail.com"><U>Feather Autant</U></A>.</div> <div> <A HREF="id3_sg1_slash.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stargate SG1 Slash Fiction"><U>Back to Fic List</U></A>     <A HREF="id2_directory.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Directory Listing"><U>Back to Directory</U></A>     <A HREF="id59_guest_authors.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guest Authors"><U>Back to Guest Authors</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <script> mypage="Survival"; </script>  <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.jellycounter.com/thenew/c/c.html?id=88453"></script><noscript><a href="http://www.jellycounter.com"><img src="http://www.jellycounter.com/thenew/c/c.html?id=88453&noscript=true" border="0"></a></noscript>   </div> </td> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=120 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="01178643.jpg"> <bR> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=52 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f64643.jpg"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="161" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 45 ><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="39" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="29"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Plotexpo.com"><U><IMG SRC="0181d270.jpg" border=0 width="29" height="39" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="15"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="45" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="15" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id161.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Letters to Daniel"><U><IMG SRC="017271d0.jpg" border=0 width="39" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id163.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sweet Dip"><U><IMG SRC="016271d0.jpg" border=0 width="39" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>