Tiata's prediction came true sooner than they figured. Instead of giving the team the night, the door opened after only about an hours worth of sleep. The four were hustled by two slaves, out of their room, and up to the base of the dais. They had allowed only enough time for Jack to throw his jacket over his shoulders. Shak'ar was already seated, his lion companion once again at his side. While the Ruler was taking note of the crimson stained bandages on Jack's chest, Daniel and the rest of the team were peering intently at the tapestry. While Sam and Teal'c could not actually read the markings, they hoped to remember as much as they could to help later. Daniel's eyes widened as he read on from where he had left off. The history was definitely an interesting one.

Shak'ar called Jack up on to the dais, and had him kneel, with the help of the two servants. When Sam saw this, she cringed. She knew that Jack's leg was not yet healed, and that Jack had a real problem about kneeling before Lords. Neither was probably filling him with much comfort at this moment. As she watched though, she was filled with a sense of pride in her Commanding Officer. He showed no sign of weakness in front of the tyrant leader.

Jack's mind rebelled as he was forced to kneel. He wanted nothing more than to wipe the smug look off of the other man's face, but knew he had to go along with things to give his team a chance to gain more precious information. The man in front of him had to have a weakness, everyone did, it was just a matter of finding it.

Shak'ar, for his part, was enjoying things. He had never had anything but the pitiful residents of this world brought before him, and he so enjoyed a challenge. This one in front of him, meeting his gaze, particularly intrigued him. Looking at the bandages, he was surprised at the strong appearance of the man. It had been a hard blow, and set his mind to wonder how much more the man could take. He decided to find out, and the opportunity to find out presented itself at that moment.

Daniel was continuing his study of the tapestry, when the sudden urge to sneeze threatened to overwhelm him. He tried to hold it back, knowing the reaction it had provoked the last time. Even with the painkiller, his head still ached abominably, which was not helping his effort. Much as he tried however, it escaped him. Once, twice, three times he sneezed in succession. When the fit had passed, he looked up. The look on the leader's face was frightening.

Shak'ar was delighted. Now that he had been informed by Tiata that this 'sneeze' was harmless, it gave him the excuse he was looking for. Gesturing to his companion, the big cat got up and moved to stand directly in front of Daniel. For his part, Daniel was frozen. He knew firsthand what the cat could do without even trying, and he also knew that the team needed him to finish figuring out the tapestry.

Jack stepped in at that point, or rather, stepped up. He needed to distract Shak'ar, and the lion, from Daniel. He placed himself directly in front of the leader's view. "Um, excuse me, is there a problem here?" he asked Shak'ar, with just the slightest hint of sarcasm.

This was what Shak'ar was waiting for. Seeing how Jack had come to his friend's defence earlier, he had been willing to bet the man would do so again, and he was right. Pretending to be outraged, Shak'ar started to yell. "You dare to defy me, infidel?! Guards, hold him".

The two slaves from earlier came forward and took Jack's arms. No weapons were needed, as the men were accompanied by Jaguars, who seemed to take pride in showing their strong, white teeth.

"This man has questioned my person. He has shown blatant disregard for our laws, and shall be punished", Shak'ar announced.

"What law has he broken?" Sam yelled out.

Shak'ar appeared not to notice the question, but answered in such a way that it seemed they would have been his own next words. "He interfered with the punishment we would have given 'that one'", as he gestured in Daniel's direction. "As such, he will take the punishment in his place".

With a nod, the slaves took Jack behind the dais, and through a door behind the tapestry. The massive lion then returned to Shak'ar. He turned to the remainder of the team. "You may remain here, but do not attempt to leave. My loyal servants will be watching". As he spoke, more felines came out of the shadows, and came to rest near the three friends. Shak'ar then rose from the throne, and left. He had other sights to see.

Once they were alone, in a matter of speaking, Daniel turned to the others, his face a mask of despair. "What have I done?"

"You did not do anything Daniel Jackson. If you had not sneezed, Shak'ar would have found another reason to act. I have met men like him before. He is bored, and the Colonel is providing a diversion to him. The Colonel knows this, and is playing his game in order to give us time to finish. Let us not disappoint him". Teal'c could see his words lighten Daniel's guilt, and spurn him into action, just as he intended.

Sam caught Teal'c's eye, and nodded her approval.

The team studied the tapestry. Some time later, a particular set of markings caught Daniel's eye, and he set to work translating. "I found something" he called to the others excitedly. "I think this will help us. Look here, this passage explains the link that exists between the cats, and the humans". Before he could explain, Daniel heard noise from behind the curtain. Shak'ar had returned.

Seating himself on his throne, he surveyed the three people beneath him. His short time with the Colonel had proven extremely satisfying, and he was looking forward to another session. In the meantime, he was content. Licking his lips like a cat licks it's chops, he grinned, then gave a short clap. The two slaves returned with Jack walking between them, his jacket still draped over his shoulders. From their vantage point, the team could see nothing amiss. The bandages on his chest appeared saturated, but undisturbed, and aside from the paleness of his face, he seemed unmarked. Jack was moved into position in front of the throne, and this time when motioned to kneel, he did so without protest.

The ruler looked at Jack's position of supplication with satisfaction, then spoke imperiously. " You shall now return to your room. Food and water will be provided". He looked Jack in the eye, and his golden eyes seemed to hold an unspoken promise. "I look forward to meeting you again Colonel". He gave a short laugh, then rose and walked behind the tapestry and through the door.

As the three team-mates rushed to Jack, he stood up, moving stiffly. They fired questions at him, that he couldn't sort out. As he held up his hand to halt the flow of words, he staggered. Teal'c rushed to grab one arm and Sam took the other.

"Sir, are you okay?" Sam questioned with obvious concern in her voice.

"Let's talk back in our room Major". Jack said. He righted himself proudly, moved out of the grips of his friends, and ignoring the two escorting slaves, he headed to their quarters, the rest of the team in tow.

As he entered the room, Jack posture seemed to sag, and he sat heavily on the nearest cushion, a groan tearing itself from his lips. At his movement, his jacket dislodged itself and fell to the ground beside him, exposing his bare torso. The bandages on his chest had soaked through, and a slow trickle of thick red fluid ran from beneath them.

Teal'c moved to Jack's side. As he went to remove the bandages, he placed his hand on Jack's unseen back. Jack hissed loudly, and pulled away from Teal'c's touch. Sam was approaching with more bandages in hand and noticed the movement.

"Sir? What's wrong?" She looked at Teal'c who had just raised his hand in front of him. It was covered in blood.

Teal'c gently turned Jack away from him in order to see his back. His jaw tightened as he saw the lash marks that covered the skin. Sam and Daniel approached and saw the state of the injury.

Teal'c turned to Tiata. "What is the meaning of this?"

Tiata looked sadly at the angry Jaffa. "It was the Shak'ar's ruling that he take one lash for each of your friend's sneezes"

Daniel was too shocked to speak, so Sam did it for him. "I can count pretty well, and that's more than three!" her voice shook with barely suppressed anger.

Teal'c answered her. "It was three lashes. It is called a 'cat-o-nine-tails'. One handle, nine whips. I have seen it in use before".

Sam was outraged. "We need to get out of here before they kill him. Look at him!. He can't take much more".

Jack's cheeks burned with an ever increasing fever, and sweat beaded his forehead. Lines of pain creased his face, and he appeared unaware of their gaze.

Sam rummaged through their gear, and grabbed the Colonel's previously discarded t-shirt. She tore it in two, and discarded the part covered with now dried blood from the initial injury. She bunched up the remainder, and dipped it into a basin of water. Moving to Jack's side, she started trying to clean him up. Gently she pressed on the bloody lashes, flinching as Jack tensed underneath her hand.

As Daniel watched, he finally regained his voice, although it was laced with bitterness. "I think I know how".

No one jumped more than Daniel when Jack interrupted. "How?" came the weak question.

"Well, um" the archaeologist stammered.

Jack forced himself to look through the fog that had descended on him. It was time to deal with their situation. He could give in to the pain later. "Come on Danny. If you know something, tell us. Shak'ar won't leave us alone for long". Jack winced as he said that. Shak'ar had left him with the definite impression that he was looking forward to the next meeting.

That statement spurred Daniel on. "It seems that Shak'ar looks like he does because he is a hybrid. That's how the cats learned to communicate with the humans. They bred a genetic hybrid that enables the exchange of thought".

Sam mulled this over. "I don't see how that's possible. That technology doesn't even exist on Earth yet, and these people are almost primitive in comparison. Besides, he couldn't have survived that long, could he?".

"I don't know how it happened. I think that Shak'ar comes from a long line of hybrids. It doesn't say how they manage it though. Maybe the technology was lost, or destroyed. The legend isn't very clear on that. What it does indicate though, is that Shak'ar is the key. Without him, they lose cohesion. If we can destroy him, we destroy the link. Then we may have the cats to contend with, but the humans will be free from them". Daniel paused as he looked at the others. "Oh, one more thing, and it's a biggie. These cats are carnivores. They eat the punished and the elderly. That's why the population looks so young. At a predetermined age, the elders are taken away".

The group sat in stunned silence for a minute, digesting all they had heard. Tiata sat forgotten in the corner. The talk of a link disturbed him, but hearing that his people were being used for food had come as a shock. He knew that the elderly left when they came of age, but it had never been explained. It was just the way it had always been, and like everything else on his world, it was never explained. As he thought about it, a feeling came over Tiata that he had never before experienced. It was rage, and a sense of injustice. He decided at that moment to help the strangers, regardless of the consequences. Until now, he had relayed all pertinent information to Shak'ar. He would no longer do this, he told himself. At least nothing of value.

Jack hauled himself up to standing, and shook free of Sam's hands as she tried to stop him. They needed to get out, and he had to help. Shaking his head clear of the ever persistent fog that seemed to surround him, he started talking. "Okay. Here's the plan. When we go back, I'll distract Shak'ar. Teal'c, I want you to place a little C-4 under the throne. Don't set the timer though. We'll have to use the remote detonator. Hopefully it won't be noticed on you. Lucky for us, he hasn't confiscated our stuff. Sam, I want you to use the distraction to get our weapons. Daniel, you will help her. After that, we hope the cats will be distracted enough that we can make a break for the Stargate. Any questions?"

Daniel looked at him as though Jack had gone crazy. In fact, he was sure of it. "Are you nuts? Look at you! How do you plan on distracting him?"

Jack grinned ruefully. "I don't think it will take much. He seems to have it out for me. You guys just be ready".

An unexpected voice joined them. "I too will help. I have many friends in the village. I will ask for their help. They will not go against Shak'ar, but they may agree to keep their cats away from you. Once you are out in the desert, they will not follow you. Few are allowed to roam the sands. If you can make it out of the village, you will be free. I will wait for you where we first met. There I can provide you with water, and help you to find your way back to the Great Circle.

The team looked at him. They knew what he would be risking to help. "Thank you Tiata". Sam spoke for them all.

While they waited for the next summons, Sam took the opportunity to check Jack's injuries. While he kept saying they were nothing, she knew that was not the case. His back bore twenty-seven lashes. While none went very deep, they were oozing down his back, and movement was obviously painful. His leg had seized up from the strain of the last few days, and the gashes on his chest had become badly inflamed. He was running a fever in a valiant attempt by his body to fight the infection. All in all, she was surprised to see him on his feet, let alone preparing to go to war. There was not much that she could do for him. They had already re-bandaged his torn chest. She had poured more disinfectant on the seeping gashes, but the infection needed antibiotics that they did not carry in their field packs. He taken a few pain pills to gain some relief, and was now resting, awaiting their next audience.

Once again, the request to attend the throne came all too soon. As they approached, it was obvious that Shak'ar had a plan, and from the looks he was giving, they knew that Jack was at the centre of it. The team was pulled to a halt in front of the dais. Shak'ar indicated for them to kneel. Sam, Daniel and Teal'c obeyed, but Jack stood his ground, as Shak'ar had known he would. The warrior was proud, and Shak'ar felt it his duty to break him.

Jack gave a little grin to his team as he was pulled towards the door behind the tapestry. This was all as he had planned. Now he had to hope that the rest of the plan worked as well.

Daniel and Sam manoeuvred themselves between Teal'c and the remaining felines in the room. When they felt that Teal'c was hidden well enough from view, Sam gave a discreet nod. Teal'c pulled the small block of grey explosive from his pocket, and quickly pressed the putty like material to the underside of the throne. He had already attached to remote code fuse to the material to save time. When he felt that the material was secure enough, he moved stealthily away from the dais, and rejoined his friends.

Sam then edged back to narrow the distance between her and their room. She still did not understand why Shak'ar had not confiscated their weapons. Then it occurred to her that perhaps he did not know about them. He had not been in their chambers, and had not seen them before the guns were removed from their persons. Tiata was the only one that knew about them, and he had probably not mentioned them. Either way, they were near, and she was grateful. Now she had to worry about the Colonel. She knew why he had gone with them, and she had to agree that there was not much choice, but she still couldn't help but worry.

Shak'ar must have heard her thoughts, as he emerged from his room at that moment. He was followed by his lion. As he sat, he smiled benevolently. "Your leader is a stubborn man. That must be why you follow him. Do not worry, I will change that soon". History repeated itself as he clapped his hands and the Colonel came into the room, half supported by the two male slaves. He was without his jacket to cover him this time.

Jack gave his team a weak grin, which disappeared quickly as the two slaves shoved him to the floor. Teal'c leaped forward to help, but the giant cat at the side of the throne turned to growl at him, stopping him in his tracks.

Jack painfully raised himself to a kneeling position. His back was a mass of blood and torn flesh, and lines of pain wore deep groves in his face. He turned to face the leader. Determination flooded his face, and Jack managed to get his feet under him and stood. He started to approach the malevolent figure on the throne, then remembered the explosives, and stayed where he was. Instead, he faced him squarely, stood tall and gave a feral grin. "I'm getting a little tired of this you know", he directed to the man on the throne. "I think it's time to do something about that..........Teal'c, anytime".

The look on Shak'ar's face turned from amusement, to confusion, to fear as he heard the click. After that, he knew nothing as the explosives underneath him blew, taking the golden throne, himself and the lion. Nothing survived.

As soon as Teal'c pressed the button on the remote, Sam and Daniel raced to retrieve their weapons. Teal'c ran to Jack to help him as they moved towards the main doors. As Daniel had predicted, the felines seem confused. Some moved towards them, but the majority ran up to the destroyed throne.

The team ran into the daylight and made their way down the street. Jack stumbled along, but Daniel came to offer support, leaving Sam and Teal'c free to clear the way. Twice Jack started to fall, but Daniel managed to keep him on his feet and moving. Villagers came forward, but as the team levelled their weapons, they backed off. Many though, just held on to the cats that threatened them. A few of the dangerous beasts broke away and came at them, but a volley of bullets on the ground in front, stopped them in their tracks. It seemed as though Tiata had managed to get to most of the people, and while not necessarily in favour of the escape, few tried to stop it.

They made it to the end of the street and out into the desert. Soon, they crested the hill near where they had first met Tiata. He waited at the bottom with his tiger. The team made their way down, with Teal'c taking over the role of helping the struggling Colonel. As they reached the bottom, they paused to regain their breath.

Tiata sent his great cat up to watch for signs of pursuit. As expected, there were none. He turned to the team, a grin on his face. "There is much confusion. Never have we been without a leader. It will be a while before order is restored".

"Who will be the next leader?" Daniel asked.

"I do not know. As I said, this has never happened before". Tiata looked thoughtful.

Sam piped up. "Well, you care about your people. You know how to provide for them, and it doesn't seem to take any mind control for you, and your cat to befriend each other", she indicated Teaka who continued to keep watch. "I'd say that you might try running for the job yourself".

"Yeah, except you should probably think about getting a new chair", Jack quipped, regretting speaking aloud as it turned the attention of the team to him.

Daniel approached him first, and walked around to check on Jack's back. The number of lashes seemed to have doubled. Many had even wrapped around to bloody his sides. To Daniel's eye, there seemed to be no skin left, yet here stood his friend, still making jokes. He shook his head in amazement. He took off his own t-shirt, and reached for some of the promised water. With Sam's help, they cleaned the wounds as best as possible, flinching in sympathy.

Now that the adrenaline of the escape had worn off, Jack was starting to feel the pain of every lash. This time, it was him who reached for the bottle of painkillers which was depleting rapidly. The team sat with him until the pills started to work, at which point, he stood up and started them on the march to the gate. They tried to protest, but he pointed out correctly, that Doctor Fraiser and the infirmary were on the other side of the gate, and last he remembered, it was not about to come to them. Realising that he was right, the rest of the team hoisted their gear, filed their canteens, and indicated for Tiata to lead the way. They had not moved more that a quarter mile from the village, when Jack's strength finally gave out and he collapsed to the sand.

Sam was at his side quickly. Jack's pulse was rapid and weak, and despite the fever, he felt cold. He was still awake, but not very alert. She looked at the others. "He's going into shock". She looked at Tiata. "Is there any place that's safe that we can move him to? Somewhere close-by?"

Tiata shook his head vehemently.

"That's not good enough. There must be somewhere?" Sam spoke frantically.

Teal'c looked at her thoughtfully. "What about that building we saw before, Major Carter? I do not believe that it is far from our present location".

Tiata looked at him in shock. "You cannot go there! It is forbidden"

Daniel looked at him angrily. "Forbidden or not, we're going. Our friend needs help. Now you said before that you would help us. Will you keep your word, or not?"

Tiata looked into the great golden eyes of his feline companion. He seemed to weigh out what he saw there. Turning to the waiting team, he nodded sadly. "I will take you there. Come, it is this way". Saying that, he turned to the barren desert and started to walk.

At Sam's signal, Teal'c picked the fallen Colonel up, apologising for the pain he was causing at the contact with the flayed skin, and together they followed their two guides across the dunes.

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The team arrived at the dilapidated building about two hours later. The walk had proved difficult as the area held many more dunes than their previous course. Teal'c had also been weighed down by a now unconscious Colonel.

Daniel and Sam scouted the outside of the building, looking for an entrance. They found one on the side opposite to them. For all its run down appearance, the building seemed quite strong. It almost seemed that it's facade was a ruse. The doors were locked with a simple mechanism that was easily picked. The two went back to retrieve the rest of the team. As they gathered up their gear, Daniel turned to Tiata who had been hanging back.

"Are you coming?" he queried.

Tiata shook his head violently. " No, no, no! It is forbidden. I brought you here, but I will not enter. I will stay nearby. If you need me, you may come to me, but I cannot enter that place". He spun on his heel and walked away from a bemused Daniel.

Shrugging his shoulders, Daniel turned an followed the others through the doors, into the darkened chamber beyond.

As they waited for their eyes to adjust, their other senses kicked in. A faint humming noise was heard, and the air vibrated minutely.

Teal'c eyes adapted quickly. He gently set Jack on the floor, leaning against a wall. He then found a rectangular pad on the wall near the door. He pressed it cautiously, and the room lit up. The team took a collective step back as they took in the scene. Control panels lined one wall, and machinery was scattered in the main portion of the room. Most surprising of all, was the appearance of two massive, interconnected chambers on the far end of the room.

A sound coming from the form beside them shook them out of their musings.

Jack moaned softly as he slowly came to. His body felt as though it were on fire. Movement was painful, and he felt nauseous. Flashes of colours danced in front of his eyes, and his head was spinning. He tried to talk, but the words seemed to catch in his throat. He heard some words spoken, but understanding them seemed like too much effort. He was also aware of movement near him and the sound of someone fumbling with something, but again, he couldn't seem to make the effort to figure out what was going on.

"Just take it easy Jack", Daniel said beside him. He looked on as Teal'c drew forth a first aid kit from his pack. The team used to carry just one such kit, but given their history of injuries, Janet had insisted that each member of the team now carry one. Daniel was grateful for that foresight. Having used one kit completely in the village, they would now have been in trouble without more.

Daniel moved over to make room for the Jaffa. Teal'c deftly drew a measure of morphine, and injected it into his friend. Jack visibly relaxed as the drug sent him back to blessed unconsciousness.

Teal'c removed his field jacket and put it on the ground. He then gathered up the Colonel, and gently placed Jack on the jacket, lying on his side. Lash marks were unavoidable even there, but there was no way to position the man without aggravating some injury. Moving the medical kit closer to him, Teal'c started to tend to his friend. Sam moved to his side to help, while Daniel looked on, his eyes drawn to the wall that Jack had previously rested on. It was stained red with blood, and Daniel felt his stomach churn. While Teal'c worked, Sam quietly handed him supplies. The Jaffa started on the chest wound. He removed the soiled dressings, and inspected the wounds. While pleased to see that his stitch work continued to hold, he was dismayed that despite their best efforts, the infection was running rampant. All he could do was disinfect, and rebind them. He moved around to get a better look at Jack's flailed back. The first time had been ugly, but this was shocking. The wounds criss-crossed, and overlapped. In some places, the white of ribs showed through.

Daniel turned away so as not to see any more, all the while cursing that it wasn't him who got to blow up Shak'ar.

Sam struggled to keep her own emotions in check. Jack had done nothing at all to deserve this kind of punishment. She wondered at the determination he had shown in facing the now deceased ruler. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she concentrated on Teal'c's actions. He poured the rest of the disinfectant from the kit onto Jack's back. His jaw clenched as a moan came from the depths of Jack's subconscious. Given the nature of the injury, he decided that exposure to the air would be more healing than trying to bind the wounds, so he finished his ministrations by covering his friend with the lightweight survival blanket folded in the bottom of the kit. He took some scraps of cloth they had saved, wet one with water from the canteen and placed it on Jack's brow. With that done, he sat heavily beside the tousled head, and ran his hands over his face.

Daniel looked at the two men. "Is he going to be okay?"

Teal'c looked solemnly at the linguist. "I wish that I could give you an affirmative Daniel Jackson, but I cannot. He is sick with fever and infection, and he suffers from shock. Teal'c looked down and could see the minute shivers that surged through Jack's body. He needs more help than we can provide".

Daniel looked at his sleeping friend in frustration. He started to speak, but turned on his heel and started to pace the room instead. He was quickly joined by Sam. She placed her hand lightly on his shoulder, and turned him gently to face her.

"Daniel stop. I know you're upset, we all are. But this won't help. We need to find a way to get Jack back home. Help me look around. Maybe we can find something here of use". She met his gaze with her own, and breathed a soft sigh of relief when he finally nodded.

Together they scanned the room. They moved from one machine to another. Both were fascinated by what they saw, but neither found anything that might help with their present task. Finally they admitted defeat, and moved over to talk with Teal'c. Leaning their backs against the wall, they bent their knees and slid down into a sitting position, carefully avoiding any contact with the crimson stain.

"Well guys. Any suggestions?" Sam asked. The role of leader was an uncomfortable one to her. As second in command of SG1, leadership fell to her if the Colonel was unable to fill the role. Given his condition, she felt that this was one of those times.

"I think that one of us should go to the Stargate, and bring some help back Major Carter", Teal'c paused to rewet the cloth on Jack's forehead. "I do not think that it is safe to try to move him further".

"I agree Teal'c, and I think that you should be the one to go". Before the others could launch a protest, she explained. "You are the fastest, and the best able to track your way through the desert. Daniel and I will look after the Colonel, and maybe we can figure out some of these machines while we're at it".

Teal'c could not argue with her rational, nor would he have been inclined to do so. When he joined SG1, he had pledged to serve them. Instead, he merely gave a slight incline of the head. "I will leave immediately Major Carter", and with those words, he rose and left.

Daniel watched him leave, then turned his gaze on Sam. "Well, now what?"

Sam took a quick look around the room, then shifted to look at Jack. He was still unconscious, but was showing signs of waking.

"You stay here and tend to the Colonel, and I'll see if I can't make some sense of this stuff". She swept her arm to indicate the room around them.

Daniel nodded in agreement, and moved to take his place at Jack's head. He leaned over and felt the feverish brow. Jack had been shifting in his sleep, but settled under the touch. He began to murmur. Daniel leaned in to hear the words. Jack ceased mumbling, but opened his brown eyes instead. He saw Daniel right away.

"Hi Jack. How are you feeling?" the words sounded inane even to Daniel, but Jack didn't seem to notice.

"Peachy", he croaked. "You?"

Daniel never ceased to be amazed at Jack's determination to watch out for his team, as once again, he was inquiring into the welfare of one of his own.

"I'm fine. Bit of a headache still, but that's it". He was lying. His head still ached terribly, causing him to wonder about concussion, but he wasn't about to tell Jack that.

He didn't need to as Jack promptly replied "Liar".

Daniel just grinned in response.

Jack moved slightly and hissed in pain. Before Daniel could even ask, Jack spoke again. "So what's our status?"

Knowing it was impossible to hide anything from his friend, Daniel answered truthfully. "We are in one of those buildings we saw. Sam is trying to figure out how to make some of the things we found work, and Teal'c has gone for help". Daniel paused for a moment wondering whether or not to say more. Deciding that Jack wouldn't appreciate being lied to, Daniel continued. "We are safe for now, but you're not doing so good Jack".

Brown eyes met blue, and held the gaze for a moment. "Thanks Danny", he whispered sincerely. A shudder went through him, tearing an "Oh God!" from his lips.

As Jack tried to breath through the pain, Daniel fumbled with the med. kit and found what he was looking for. He quickly swabbed Jack's exposed arm and injected the morphine. In no time, Jack's breathing eased off. Expecting to find his friend once again unconscious, Daniel was surprised to see an intense pair of eyes watching him.

"A guy could get to like this stuff", Jack mumbled.

Daniel just smiled sadly as he checked the cloth on Jack's forehead. It was already warm and almost dry. He rewet it, and replaced it. He then helped lift Jack's head enough for his friend to take a sip of water. Daniel was starting to worry about dehydration. The fever was depleting Jack's necessary body fluids, and it was imperative to replace them.

While Daniel continued to help Jack, Sam put her mind to figuring out the equipment. She moved slowly from control panel to panel. Nothing was making sense. She changed her focus to the large chambers. She went over to the left one. It had an obvious door, with a window in it. She peeked in. The chamber was empty, with the exception of a small stool. She moved to the other one. It was an identical twin. She shifted her gaze to the mass of wires connected to the top of both units. They joined in the middle, and ran backwards to join a third set. She traced the line the third set followed. They led to a large sphere tucked in behind the two main chambers. She hadn't noticed it previously, as it was barely visible from the main part of the room, and what could be seen blended in. She walked around the right hand chamber, and approached the sphere. It had the same door and window as the other two, but no stool inside. She opened the door cautiously. The air inside was breathable, but stale. It also smelt faintly of something familiar. Sam was starting to get a bad feeling. She looked over to where Daniel sat with Jack. He was talking to the prone man, but whether Jack was awake to hear it or not, she couldn't tell.

Sam walked quietly over to the pair. Jack appeared to have fallen asleep. As Daniel looked up at her, she jerked her head in the opposite direction. He nodded and looked at Jack. Satisfied that he could leave for a few moments, he quietly got to his feet and followed Sam.

When they were out of earshot, she told him what she had found.

"Daniel, I think this is where they create that hybrid. Come take a look". She showed him the chambers. "I think they put a human in on of these, a cat in the other, and presto, you end up with the combination in the third".

Daniel looked at her incredulously. "You mean like The Fly?"

"I think so. Creatures like Shak'ar aren't bred, they're created". She bit her lip in consternation. "Daniel, we have to talk to Tiata. Do you think you can find him and bring him here?"

"Um, I guess so". His eyes flicked over to take in the slumbering form on the floor. "What about Jack?"

"I'll watch him. You just bring Tiata back as quickly as possible. Daniel......use your gun if you have to. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen here soon, and only he can answer my questions".

Daniel was shocked by her intensity. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he read the implications in her words. Without further coaxing, he left to search the desert.

Sam walked over, heaved a great sigh and sat by Jack. Without being aware of her actions, she wiped his brow and checked his pulse. Beside her, Jack stirred, but did not waken. He was caught in his own feverish dreams of claws, blood and pain.

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Teal'c made good time getting to the gate. On his own, he was capable of setting a fast pace which he could maintain for long periods of time. He was also aware of the urgency of his chore. He dialled home, and punched in the code on his GDO. As soon as the wormhole established itself, he went through.

General Hammond was waiting in the gateroom when Teal'c arrived. Without waiting for the General to ask, Teal'c requested a meeting in the debriefing room. He also asked that Doctor Fraiser attend. Hammond turned and led Teal'c out, at the same time as he had Doctor Fraiser paged.

The three sat down around the empty table. Teal'c quickly briefed them on the events to date. Janet looked for and received permission to assemble the medical team. Hammond queried Teal'c about possible strategies. Within an hour of his arrival, Teal'c and a rescue team were ready to leave. Medics and soldiers would accompany him back. They had with them a rover, capable of travelling in desert conditions. It would allow them faster travel, as well as the ability to transport the Colonel home. With a nod from General Hammond, they left. Janet stayed behind to ready the infirmary. She had been shocked at Teal'c's description of Jack's injuries, and wanted everything prepared for his return.

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Daniel didn't take long to find Tiata's tracks. He followed them for a short distance before coming across the native, and his cat. Daniel explained the urgent need he had for Tiata to accompany him. At first the man had refused. Daniel resorted to producing his fire-arm, but still the man said no. It wasn't until Teaka approached Daniel, and looked him carefully in the eyes that Tiata relented. Even so, Tiata refused to enter the building, although his refusals were less vehement than before. Daniel relieved Sam of her care-giving, and sent her out to question the man.

As she approached him, Sam was aware of Tiata's nervousness. She held her hands in front of her in a calming manner and walked slowly up to him.

"Tiata, thank you for coming. It was important that I talk to you, or we would not have called. I need to ask you some questions. It would really help us if you answer them as carefully as possible". At Tiata's reluctant nod, she continued.

"I need to know how the change from one ruler to another takes place. Does one die, then his offspring becomes ruler, or is someone appointed?"

Tiata thought this over carefully. "I cannot say with certainty. Shak'ar was ruler from the time I was a small child. I do not remember any other. I do however recall my father telling me of the previous one. He said Tunococ was a malevolent man, and that I was to never cross him. Not long after that, my father disappeared, as did his companion cat, Sitock".

Sam was disappointed. She had hoped for more information. Suddenly a thought occurred to her that nearly knocked her over. She looked carefully at Tiata, as she contemplated her next words. "Did your father leave just before Shak'ar took over?"

Tiata looked at her in surprise. "Come to think of it, yes".

Sam had two more questions. "How old was Shak'ar when he ascended the throne, and had you ever seen him before then?"

"I do not know his actual age, but he was an elder. I also do not recall having seen him before now that I think about it". Tiata did not appear to understand where she was going with her questions, and she was thankful about that.

"Thank you very much for your help. I cannot tell you how much this information means to me. You can leave again if you want. We will find you again if we need more". Sam gave him a genuine smile, which faded rapidly as she noticed a change in his expression.

Tiata's voice changed slightly as he answered. It appeared to deepen, and grow more rough. "You are welcome. If you have no objections however, I believe I will stay here with you. I will of course remain outside".

"Of course you may stay. We are the visitors here", Sam stammered.

"Yes........you are". He gave her a grin that reminded her for a moment of his tiger, and nothing like the man who had previously helped them.

Sam felt a shiver, even thought the desert sun was scorching overhead. She turned and walked quickly back into the building, feeling Tiata's eyes on her back the whole time.

As she entered, she walked quickly to Daniel, and a now conscious Jack. The Colonel's eyesight wasn't completely clear, but it was good enough to take in the expression on her face.

"Carter, what's wrong?" he asked in a hoarse whisper.

"Sir, we're in trouble. I think this place is where they 'create' their new leaders. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the next in line is waiting outside.

"What!" Jack hissed. "Who?"

"It's Tiata Sir. I think his father was Shak'ar".

Daniel jumped in. "How do you figure that Sam?"

"I just talked to him. Daniel, remember how I told you that those chambers somehow mix a man and a cat, and create a whole new beast?"

Daniel nodded.

"Well, Tiata's father, and his cat disappeared just after the death of the previous ruler. Then low and behold, here comes a new ruler that no one has ever seen before".

Jack propped himself up on his elbow, the effort that movement cost him was etched plainly on his face. "That could just be a coincidence Carter".

She nodded her agreement. "You're right Sir, it could. But only an hour ago, Tiata was this timid little man who was afraid to set foot near this building. Now he's outside, and he's changing".

Jack looked closely at her face. He could see the fear there, and he knew that emotion was not easily provoked in his second. "Changing how?"

An unexpected voice came from behind him. "Perhaps I can tell you Colonel. By the way, it's nice to see you looking so 'well'". Tiata stood in the doorway, Teaka at his side. Slowly he strode into the room. He was looking very pleased. His eavesdropping had been more successful than he had hoped.

"I must commend you Major, on figuring out our little secret. You did tell me earlier that I should consider ruling my people, did you not? I think I will take you up on that fine suggestion".

Daniel looked at him. "I don't understand. What's happening to you?"

Tiata looked the three over carefully, deciding what to tell them. He realised that it would not hurt to tell them the truth. They were going to die before they could pass the knowledge on anyway.

"It's rather ingenious how this all works actually. Yesterday, I myself did not possess this knowledge. It was not until you killed Shak'ar that I started to become aware. I thank you for that by the way. If it was not for your interference, I would not be in this situation now. You see, you were right Major Carter. Shak'ar was my father. I did not know this until now. I assumed that he disappeared the same way all elders did. It seems I was mistaken. Apparently, I am a Prince. All the rulers of this world, came from my family". Tiata was pacing slowly back and forth as he talked, facing the trio all the while.

Sam and Daniel were caught up in the story. Tiata's motions seemed to have a sort of hypnotic effect on them. Jack saw this and frowned. He tried to figure out why he was not effected, but realised that from his vantage point, he was probably not getting the full effect. He looked at Tiata who appeared to be concentrating on the other two members of his team. He decided to take advantage of that fact. Slowly, he reached his left arm behind him, in an effort to snag the strap of his field pack. In it was his revolver. If he could reach it without being seen, he could stop things from getting out of hand. The movement was excruciating. Every nerve in his body was transmitting signals of pain. He broke out in a massive sweat, and had to grind his teeth together to stop from screaming. Still, he forced himself to move with agonising slowness, so as not to been seen.

Tiata continued. "It seems that we don't breed our own heirs. We create them. Oh don't get me wrong. We sire the children, but it takes another step to create a Lord. That is what this place is for, as you guessed. Teaka here and I, will become the next great ruler. As you noticed, we did not need any special link to communicate. That is a gift to members of my line. That is what separates us from the others". Tiata was moving towards the control panels with the same hypnotic movement. He flipped switches, and set dials as he continued to talk. "You will get to witness the creation of a new dynasty before you die. Do you not feel honoured?" He was obviously not expecting an answer, as he laughed and continued to work.

Jack's finger had just managed to hook the strap of the bag, and he was slowly drawing it towards himself. Tiata seemed totally unaware of his movements. When it was close enough, he reached his hand under the flap. Elation flooded through him, as his hand closed on the comforting metal of the gun. He was just drawing the gun forth, when a huge set of fangs clamped down on his wrist, halting his movement. Jack howled in pain, as the great cat tightened her bite.

Sam and Daniel were jolted out of their trance by Jack's cry. Both turned to see what had transpired and were shaken by the sight of their friend's wrist clamped in the lethal jaws. Neither had even noticed the tiger's approach. Blood flowed between the cat's teeth and down Jack's arm. The gun dangled from his numb fingers, before falling to the floor.

Tiata laughed from across the room. "Good try Colonel. Shak'ar was right. You are determined. Did you not realise that I see what Teaka sees. No? Too bad". He strode over to the trio. Quickly he grabbed the packs and moved them out of reach. On his command, Teaka let go of the Colonel, and moved in front of the threesome where she sat down to guard. Tiata took the Colonel's gun, and tucked it into the sash that held his robes.

Sam and Daniel rushed to Jack's side. He lay on his side, still propped on his elbow, his bloody left hand hugged to his chest. His eyes were shut tight and his face was screwed up in an expression of pain. His breath was coming in short, controlled puffs as he tried to breath through the pain, and his body was shaking visibly. He was unaware of his team-mates worried focus on him, and without their kits, they could not even give him a pain killer to ease his torment.

Sam turned furiously to Tiata. "You didn't have to do this!"

Tiata laughed. "Oh, but I did. I saw Shak'ar get such pleasure out of your Colonel, and I wanted a quick taste of that before I finish you off. Understand this Colonel", he turned his menacing gaze on Jack "if I so wanted, you would have no hand now. But enough of that". Tiata turned away from Sam and walked to the left hand chamber. He opened the door, then did the same to the right hand one. Walking back to the nearest control panel, he hit a final series of switches. He turned one final time to the trio. "Do not try to change any settings. The system is tamper proof. Once activated, it will not stop until it completes its task. Try to escape if you like. This procedure will take little time, and I would so enjoy the chance to hunt you down. I'm sure we will be quite hungry by then". He flashed them one final grin, then signalled Teaka.

The great cat rose softly and entered the right hand chamber, while Tiata entered the left. A hum was heard from the panel nearest the group, and the two doors slowly swung shut. Sam leapt up and ran to the nearest panel, pushing every button she could, to no avail. It seemed Tiata had spoken the truth when he said it was tamper proof.

Sam turned to the two men with uncharacteristic desperation in her eyes. " We have to do something".

A new sound was heard. It appeared the transformation had entered it's next phase.

Jack roused himself from his pain-filled world long enough to shout "Gun!"

Sam grabbed the nearest pack and fished out a revolver. She shot at the nearest chamber. The bullet just bounce off. She turned and shot a panel. It made no difference. She was beginning to think Tiata was right, when a new noise was heard. This time it came from behind her.

"Perhaps I might be of some assistance Major Carter". It was Teal'c, armed with his staff weapon. Without waiting for a reply, he closed the gap between him and the chambers, and began firing repeatedly.

Electrical pulses raced up and down the two chambers. Feedback raced down the connecting wires, and sparks flew. The panels near them started to short. Small explosions were seen throughout the room, and the noise was overwhelming. Suddenly, a sickening scream drowned out everything else. Then silence fell.

Teal'c, Daniel and Sam looked at each other, wondering what had happened. Slowly, Sam approached the left chamber and stopped. She hesitated before peaking in the window. The room was empty, She checked the right room, and found the same thing. Signalling for Teal'c to approach, she moved behind to the sphere. While Teal'c aimed the weapon at the door, she counted. On the count of three, she grabbed the handle and yanked the door open in one smooth motion. She sucked in her breath at the gruesome site that greeted her. Lying on the floor was a misshapen combination of man and cat. Neither was whole any more. There were too many arms, legs and features. Fur and skin were interspersed. Sam turned away before she lost her gorge. Teal'c closed the door on the sickening sight, and led her gently away.

Daniel was wrapping gauze around Jack's damaged wrist, to stem the flow of blood, when they approached. He looked up, the question unspoken on his face.

Sam tried to talk, but the sight flashed in front of her and she couldn't find the words. Teal'c answered for her. "They are dead. It appears that they had not fully changed when I interrupted the process". He looked at the stunned faces of Jack and Daniel. Then he turned his sights to the newest of the Colonel's list of injuries. "I do believe that it is time to return you home, O'Neill". He exited the building, and called for the medical team to follow him. Having heard Tiata's voice when he approached, Teal'c had given instructions to the team to wait outside while he made sure of the current situation.

An hour later, the ragtag team was on it's way home. The medics had started IV's and oxygen on Jack. They had moved him to a stretcher, but kept him on his side as Teal'c had done, and they put a cushion under his injured wrist to keep it elevated. Jack was also given another dose of morphine. He lapsed into unconsciousness soon after, and was unaware of the journey home.

Janet greeted the team in the gateroom, with a gurney and orderlies. Jack was whisked away, and she took a moment to greet the wayward team. Taking note of the shock on Sam's face, and the massive bruise on Daniel's, she sent a meaningful nod in Teal'c direction. He understood, and took his friends gently by the elbows and led them down the hall after the Doctor.

Teal'c sat with his team-mates while they waited for Janet. That took some time. It was hours before she emerged from Jack's room.

As the friends all jumped up to start asking questions, she held up her hand imperiously, and they immediately stopped, and re-seated themselves. She took a deep breath before she spoke, and looked each one in the face, so they would really understand what she had to say.

"The Colonel is going to be fine. He lost a lot of blood as you know, and the infection is a bad one, but nothing we can't treat. He's getting transfused as we speak, and some heavy antibiotics. I'm going to have to do some skin grafts to help heal his back though. He's being prepped for surgery as we speak so we can take some skin biopsies. . There is a new technique I want to use, whereby we can actually grow a persons' own skin cells. That way there is next to no chance of rejection, and the healing process is much faster. You can see him in a while, once he's in recovery. In the meantime, I want you to get some rest Sam and Teal'c, and you Daniel....... I want you checked out first. Judging by that bruise, you took a pretty good blow to the head. Let's get some x-rays and make sure everything is okay".

Left with no choice the team did as Janet asked. Almost. Sam curled up in the chair in Daniel's room while he was in x-ray. She was fast asleep by the time he was returned, and he was quick to follow. Teal'c however, stood watch over his friends as he waited for word on the Colonel.

It was much later that night when Janet came to get them. "Now he's under some pretty heavy sedation, so don't expect him to wake up. I just want to let you see him so you won't worry".

The trio followed Janet into the ICU where their friend lay sleeping, once again on his side. He arms were full of tubes, dripping both clear and crimson fluids into his veins. His wrist was expertly bandaged, and his chest was swathed in white. His back was draped loosely in gauze. He was shockingly pale and still, and more than one observer wondered about Janet's optimism. The monitors around him told a different story though. His breathing was regular, and his heart-rate was strong. Janet allowed them only a few moments before she shooed them out.

"I've never lied to you before, and I won't lie to you now. He will be fine in time. But it is going to be a long, painful convalescence and he is going to need you all. For now though, he needs time to heal. I'm going to keep him under sedation for the next few days while the tissue samples grow. I can't do the graphs until then, and his back will be extremely uncomfortable until I do. You may as well use that time to rest yourselves. Daniel, x-rays showed that you received a mild concussion. While I'm sure you still have a headache, you are past the point of worry. I'd like for you to stay here for tonight though, and after that, you are free to go home. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the Colonel".

The three looked at each other. Without saying a word, they knew each others thought, and as a unit, they headed for Daniel's hospital room. There they spent the night. Janet allowed them only short visits over the next few days, and as she had said, Jack was asleep through them all. On the fourth day, the graphs were ready. After a rather long, draining surgery, Janet once again found the three waiting.

She smiled at them tiredly. "I can't tell yet how successful we were. We won't know that until we see if the graphs take and that will take a couple of days. You can go see him though. I've cut down his sedatives now that he's done a little healing".

Once again, the three filed into Jack's room, and took their places beside his bed. This time however, they were rewarded by the gaze of tired brown eyes. "Hi" he croaked in his little used voice.

"Hey Jack", Daniel spoke. "How are you feeling?"

"Peachy Daniel, just peachy". Jack gave his team a tired smile, then drifted off to sleep.

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On the twelfth day, Janet grudgingly released Jack, with strict orders to rest, and a weeks supply of painkillers. She also gave the General a stern lecture about what 'light' duty entailed. It was apparent that her idea and his differed greatly.

Before taking Jack home, they had a quick meeting with the General. He had sent another team to the planet. All of the equipment they found was inoperative. As a safeguard however, the General had ordered everything dismantled and shipped to Earth. The second building they had seen was empty. Hammond had left a diplomatic team on the planet in an attempt to help the people restructure their society. He congratulated the team on a job well done, and put them on stand-down until Doctor Fraiser deemed Jack well enough to return. He said that part with a rueful smile on his face. He apparently did not relish facing the diminutive Doctor any time soon.

Daniel, Teal'c and Sam took it upon themselves to see to Jack's entertainment while he recuperated. They went out and rented the last three years of hockey All-Star games, and stocked the fridge with a full compliment of beer. Jack was not too happy about that part as Janet had forbidden him that particular indulgence. Daniel brought him a de-alcoholised brand so he wouldn't feel too badly. Between that and the regular pizza runs, Jack's mood had improved significantly.

As Daniel looked at his friends from the kitchen where he had been sent for yet another beer run, he recalled the last time he had been there. It had been under similar circumstances. All that had changed was that it was the four of them this time, as it should be. Daniel grinned as he headed back to the others.

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The End.