Stepping into the metal cell that had become O’Neill’s world, Teal’c’s gaze immediately focused on his friend, his brother-in-arms, lying as if asleep on the mattress in the center of the room. His eyes widened minutely as an odor drifted on the air—one he’d become all too familiar with in his service to Apophis—one of the scents he always associated with fear and despair.

Never with O’Neill.

Teal’c closed his eyes, hesitating at the door, relegating his emotions to the back of his mind to be dealt with at another time.

His primary concern was for his friend.

"Doctor Fraiser," Teal’c said, opening his eyes to regard the petite doctor with a level gaze. She’d stopped in front of him, several feet into the room, turning when she’d sensed his hesitation. "It might be more advantageous for you to prepare yourself in the bedroom. I shall bring O’Neill to you momentarily."

Doctor Fraiser’s expression clouded for a moment before realization set in and she nodded silently, once. Moving quietly to the door, she placed a hand on Teal’c’s arm, her gesture the only thanks she could offer.

When he heard her steps retreating up the stairs, Teal’c turned his attention once more to O’Neill. His eyes were still closed, but Teal’c knew he was awake. Teal’c knew he’d been listening. O’Neill’s tightened jaw muscles gave him away.

Picking up the boxers that had been left in the pile of clothes at the door, Teal’c placed them on the floor next to O’Neill before moving once again, this time to the metal cabinet along the wall. Earlier, he had observed the hose hanging from a bracket on the wall. A number of small white towels were also on the shelf just above. Retrieving one, he carefully wet it, wringing it out to get any excess moisture from the cloth before he moved to kneel next to his friend.

O’Neill’s eyes were open this time.

"Teal’c…" O’Neill started, but his voice trailed off as if unsure of what to say. His eyes closed in frustration. Teal’c saved him the trouble.

"I would be honored if you would let me care for you, O’Neill. This need not go further than the two of us."

It took several minutes before O’Neill opened his eyes once again, fully revealing to Teal’c the depth of his embarrassment and shame. "Please…you don’t…"

Teal’c regarded him levelly. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, O’Neill, and you are not the first warrior I have cared for. Please, allow me this privilege."

O’Neill blinked once, finally, giving him permission to continue. His, eyes though, would not meet Teal’c’s.

Removing the blanket carefully, Teal’c put it to one side before moving in to begin his task. At the first touch of the cloth, O’Neill hissed and his eyes immediately closed, his face reddening. Teal’c worked quickly, efficiently, before finally pulling the loose-fitting boxer shorts into place.

By this time, however, O’Neill’s face clearly showing the agony he was experiencing, his breath coming in shallow gasps. Teal’c settled back on his heels, patiently waiting, allowing O’Neill to grasp onto his free-flowing emotions. Jack swallowed convulsively before his breathing slowed and became more even.

Teal’c was proud to know the man lying supine before him. He’d seen many other men in O’Neill’s place give up under such trying circumstances. This man continued to astound him with his inner core of strength and steel and with the conviction of his principles—all qualities of a great warrior.

Jack O’Neill expelled a long breath as soon as he heard Doc Fraiser leave the room, finally giving him a few minutes of privacy, if not peace. He knew what was coming. He knew how much it was going to take out of him—just that short trip up the stairs in Teal’c’s arms.

He’d never felt so helpless, so inadequate as he did right now. It was difficult just convincing himself that this life was worth it—worth all the pain and anguish he was undergoing.

Everything about this whole experience attacked him at his most basic level. It attacked who he was and what he stood for. He was supposed to be strong. He was supposed to be an example. He was supposed to be the one in control, the one protecting, the one offering support.

This time, though, it was the other way around and every little piece—every little acquiescence on his part—was killing him. Their in-drawn breaths, their barely covered gasps, and their long searching glances washed over him, multiplying until their exponential force was almost too overwhelming to bear.

It was as if they were able to look directly into him, directly into his core, his most protected place, to see his very soul—his soul that had become so numb and cold. It would be easier for him to just curl up and die. It wouldn’t be nearly as painful or appalling.

After all that he’d been through, would anyone be able to save him—bring him back from that dark place where he’d gone?

He didn’t know. If he couldn’t even help himself, what hope did he hold out for anyone else’s success?

He heard, rather that saw, Doc and Teal’c arrive, hearing their footfalls upon the stairs heralding their return. And as soon as Jack heard Teal’c’s voice and his request to Doc Fraiser to wait upstairs, he knew exactly what Teal’c had in mind. It was just as Jack feared—that small part of his soul that was left was openly exposed.

He watched as Teal’c walked to the closet, his movements sure and precise. When Teal’c finally kneeled at his side, Jack could barely contain his mortification.

"Teal’c…" he started to say, but stopped. What could he say? He couldn’t even bear thinking about it, let alone speak about what he’d done, what he’d experienced.

Teal’c’s voice, though, was kind and reverent, embodying a depth of understanding that surprised Jack in its intensity. "I would be honored if you would let me care for you, O’Neill. This need not go further than the two of us."

Even though he had guessed at what Teal’c was going to do, he was touched by his kindness. They were truly brothers-in-arms. But even so, to be so helpless, so inadequate in this regard, was humiliating. It was not necessary. "Please…you don’t…"

Teal’c’s gaze was even and solemn, showing no discomfort, only warmth and devotion. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, O’Neill, and you are not the first warrior I have cared for. Please, allow me this privilege."

After several beats of his heart, Jack finally blinked once, giving Teal’c the permission he requested—as another part of his pride and soul was slowly washed away along with the urine. He couldn’t find it in himself to meet Teal’c’s eyes.

Jack closed his eyes as he felt his face flush, embarrassment rising to the surface as Teal’c efficiently went about his task. The pain, though, was as intense as he feared it would be. The final touch—the slight pressure from the waistband of the loose-fitting boxers—sent a wave of fire through his midsection.

Controlling the pain was difficult. He knew that he didn’t have much left—his stores of energy and stamina were quickly being depleted. His breath coming in gasps, he tried to concentrate as Doc Fraiser had taught him—to focus on his breaths and to gradually slow them down. Even as he concentrated, part of his mind knew that it wouldn’t last—that he wouldn’t be able to hold it together.

"O’Neill, I believe Doctor Fraiser desires our presence upstairs," Teal’c said quietly.

Jack opened an eye, his breathing almost regular. "I know."

"Are you prepared?"

"No…not really," Jack admitted. Teal’c would see through his lies and there was no reason to be deceitful—especially to this man.

"I do not believe Doctor Fraiser will wait much longer." Teal’c looked down at him with a level gaze.

"I know…" Jack said, looking the Jaffa in the eye. "God, it’s going to hurt."

"I shall endeavor to be careful, O’Neill."

"I know you will, buddy." Jack paused, trying to push everything back into a little box in the corner of his mind. He braced himself the best he could, but he knew that no matter what he did, it would hurt. He glanced quickly at Teal’c, watching the Jaffa watching him. Procrastinating wouldn’t help. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Okay, Teal’c, I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be."

Teal’c nodded solemnly. "I apologize for whatever pain I am about to cause you," Teal’c said, preparing to lift O’Neill’s dead weight.

"It’s okay," Jack said, the only thing he could get out before Teal’c grabbed his shoulders, lifting him to a seated position. The pain raced down his arm and up into his skull, and was quickly joined by another line of fire under his knees where Teal’c had slid his other arm.

"Agh," Jack roared, trying to hold in his cries as best he could, but failing miserably. And he knew that it was only going to get worse. He tried to push the anguish back, tried to shove it in the little crate where it belonged—it wasn’t working as well as he’d hoped.

Rising, Teal’c easily lifted him, carrying him as if he were a small child, sweeping out the door and up the stairs.

Jack tried to keep his eyes open as they moved, wanting to see something other than the metal cell in which he had been imprisoned, but his eyes had a mind of their own. They wanted to close tightly to try and shut out the pain and the sights. They watered furiously as he kept forcing them open. His teeth were firmly fixed on his bottom lip, drawing a small bead of blood. Oddly enough, that small sharp pain and the metallic taste in his mouth helped him to concentrate, helped him to pull himself together as Teal'c laid him on the fresh clean sheet in the double bed upstairs.

Jack released a shuddering breath as soon Teal’c withdrew his hands, allowing Jack’s body to sink into the mattress.

He closed his eyes, letting the soft mattress surround him as he tried to calm his pounding heart and slow his ragged breathing.

Janet Fraiser was tired of waiting. She paced back and forth at the foot of the empty bed, anxious to get started, but worried about the pain she was going to cause. She’d already gotten a basin of mild soap and water and several clean cloths. She had gauze and Bacitracin ready for the more open wounds and Silvadene cream for the burns.

All she needed now was her patient.

Janet had just made up her mind to go back downstairs when Teal’c appeared in the doorway, the scantily clad Colonel in his arms.

She could not remember ever seeing him look so fragile, as if he could break under the slightest touch. She was grateful to Teal’c, though, for his foresight and compassion. She knew Jack would feel better if he had even a minimal amount of clothing on.

The Colonel’s eyes were tearing and a small rivulet of blood had begun to trickle down his bottom lip, where he’d bitten it through. Although he was obviously in pain, he was keeping it to himself. She was always amazed at his ability to do that—even under the most trying of circumstances and, in a way, she was pleased that he was able to do so once again. It had been unnerving to see him so vulnerable and emotional when she had first arrived.

Laying him gently on the bed, Teal’c stepped back, holding up his hand and indicating for her to wait before she approached the bed.

O’Neill’s eyes had closed once again and his forehead was furrowed in concentration, but as she waited she noticed that his breathing slowly returned to a more regular pattern. He was getting better at it, she realized.

When he finally opened his eyes a few minutes later, he looked directly at her, his gaze clear and focused.

"How are you doing, Colonel?" she asked stepping forward to sit beside him on the bed.

"Could be better, could be worse. Thirsty, though."

"I’m going to start an IV before I’m done, but I can get you some water if you’d like," Janet offered, rising to her feet once again.

O’Neill blinked once and offered a weak smile. "Yes…thank you."

Poking her head out the bedroom door, she caught Daniel’s eye. He was still lounging on the couch, although his eyes were starting to close. The events of the day were catching up with everyone, especially him. She smiled a little when she smelled the odor of freshly brewed coffee floating through the room. Apparently, Daniel had decided that he needed something to keep him going.

"Is everything okay, Janet?" Daniel asked, rising immediately to his feet, concern on his face.

"Yes, fine," Janet answered calmly. "Can you get the Colonel a glass of water?"

"Sure," Daniel said, turning on his heel and heading to the kitchen area. A minute later he returned, hesitating at the door, various emotions running across his face.

"Give us a few minutes, Daniel. I have to bandage the Colonel’s worst wounds and it’s not going to be pleasant." She took the glass from his hands, her eyes meeting his. "I’ll let you know when I’m done. Okay?"

Daniel nodded, disappointment on his face, but she knew he wasn’t surprised.

Closing the door behind her as Daniel headed back to his place on the couch, Janet turned to find that Teal’c had already propped O’Neill up the best he could, raising his head to make it easier for him to drink. She flashed Teal’c a grateful smile as she settled again on the bed.

The Colonel, although obviously embarrassed, drank greedily from the glass. "Slow down, Sir," she cautioned, pulling the glass away from his mouth. "You’re obviously dehydrated and I don’t want you to lose what little water you’re drinking."

Annoyance flashed through his eyes, but he knew the truth of her words. "I know."

Over the course of the next few minutes, he managed to slowly finish most the glass until his eyes were starting to close from the exertion. Teal’c carefully eased him back down as Janet moved to get a clean cloth and start on her task.

"How’s the pain level, Colonel?" Janet asked, wetting the cloth in the bedside basin.

"Better, doesn’t seem as intense…either that or I’m getting used to it," he replied, his voice a little stronger, the hint of a wry grin on his face, turning up the corner of his mouth.

"That’s good to hear, maybe the paralysis is finally wearing off as well," Janet said, starting to clean the worst of the burns on his chest.

"That would be nice," he commented with a hiss as the cloth rubbed over the burn.

"Sorry," Janet said, grimacing, but continuing her task. Although it hurt her to cause him pain, she couldn’t stop every time he flinched. She’d never get done.

"Okay…" Jack said, closing his eyes.

She moved quickly, efficiently, cleaning the bloodiest of the wounds on his chest and legs and placing clean white bandages over them. Teal’c assisted as much as he could, patting the skin dry after she’d cleaned it and before she applied the Bacitracin and the clean gauze, securing it in place with small pieces of medical tape.

Jack had been cursing under his breath for a few minutes now. She wasn’t even close to being done and she was moving onto one of the most sensitive spots. She’d winced when she’d seen the welts in his groin area. Those were not going to be easy to dress and they were going to be slow to heal.

"Sir," she began, pausing, not sure how to say it.

"I know, Doc. Just, do it already," he hissed through clenched teeth.

Glancing at Teal’c, she nodded indicating for him to move the boxers that he’d placed on Jack so she could have easier access to the area. The hospital gowns, while annoying and breezy, were very useful.

Two of the welts were very deep and blistered. As soon as the cloth touched the first burn, Jack let loose a string of curses. She wasn’t expecting such a strong response and neither was Teal’c from the puzzled expression on his face, so Janet reasoned that it had to have been the combined pain that she’d been inflicting that was starting to overwhelm his senses.

As she started cleaning the second deep welt, Jack’s curses cut off in mid flow. She glanced up just in time to see his eyes roll back in his head.

Immediately she dropped the cloth and reached for his neck, checked his pulse. He was breathing regularly and his pulse was strong, if a little fast. Apparently, she’d hit a tender spot. This would make it a little easier, however.

"Teal’c, let’s try to get as much done as we can while he’s out," she said. Teal’c nodded and they immediately got to work.

When they finished, Teal’c returned the boxers to their rightful place. They flipped Jack over gently so he was lying on his stomach, and quickly bandaged the worst of the burns on the Colonel’s back. There were some deep cuts there as well. They moved quickly, but it still took time. Every now and then, they would hit a tender spot and O’Neill would groan unconsciously.

Once that was done, they rolled him back over and Janet started on his wrists.

The area was a mess of dried blood and flesh rubbed raw. This would hurt, Janet knew, but they worked quickly. A few minutes later, his wrists were bandaged, wrapped in several layers of clean gauze and secured with a single piece of medical tape.

His ankles were next.

They weren’t as bad as Janet thought they would be, but they also needed to be cleaned and bandaged. His feet, though, were another matter. The Colonel would not be walking anytime soon. The soles of both of his feet were a mass of bruises and welts, many of them deep. Janet sighed as she began cleaning and wrapping his feet.

This was the worst injury of this type that she’d seen in a very long time.

Lastly, Janet had to check the Colonel’s ribs. Janet took a breath to steady her own nerves before she pressed her fingers along his side. Even though she was expecting it, her breath caught in her throat when her fingers found a tender spot along O’Neill’s ribs. She winced as he groaned deeply. She really needed to get them x-rayed to confirm her suspicions, but until then, she decided they could be strapped in place just to be on the safe side.

"Teal’c," Janet said, grimacing. "I need to wrap his ribs and I’m going to need your help."

"Just instruct me what to do, Doctor Fraiser," Teal’c said evenly.

Moving O’Neill as little as possible, they managed to pad and gently wrap his chest with eight-inch wide Ace bandages.

None of the injuries were life threatening, which was a good thing. Apparently, Wayne had wanted the Colonel to suffer for as long as possible. The damage and the pain he’d caused her friend sickened Janet.

By the time she was done inserting the IV needle in the back of his right hand, O’Neill was starting to come around, his fingers moving slightly under her touch.

"Sir?" she asked as his eyelids started fluttering. He groaned deeply before opening them fully.

"Oh, God," he muttered, his eyes slowly focusing on Janet’s face. He winced slightly, his gaze traveling down to his hand and the IV.

"How are you doing?"

"Could be better," he admitted after a moment’s contemplation. "But, I guess dead would be worse."

Janet smiled. He was feeling better. "Yes, dead would be bad." She paused before continuing, giving him a chance to catch his breath a little. "When you were coming around, your hand moved a little. Do you want to try moving anything else?"

"Sure," he said, closing his eyes and holding his breath. After a minute, he opened them again, an apologetic expression in his eyes. "Sorry. Must have been a fluke."

"That’s okay. Why don’t you rest? I’ll make sure someone is here with you at all times in case you need anything."

He offered her a weak smile. "Thanks."

"Try to get some sleep, Sir. It’ll help you get your strength back."

"Yes, Mom," he muttered, obediently closing his eyes.

She smiled again before turning back to Teal’c. "Do you mind running downstairs again for me?"

"What do you require Doctor Fraiser?" Teal’c asked.

"I know the Colonel was given some kind of drug. Could you take a quick look around downstairs and see if there’s anything left—an ampule, a needle, anything?"

Teal’c nodded solemnly. "I shall endeavor to locate what you request."

"Thanks," she said, watching as Teal’c made his way down the stairs, disappearing from her sight.

She sighed again softly, her eyes coming to rest on the man lying supine before her. His breath had quickly fallen into a regular pattern, his chest rising and falling in a gentle restful motion.

He was asleep. He must have been exhausted.

Janet moved quietly to the door, bringing the basin of water with her, but leaving the door slightly open. Daniel would probably be waiting to run in there anyway, she thought.

Now if only his healing would come as quickly as slumber did, he would be in good shape.

Daniel rose to his feet again as she walked into the living room and this time everyone else was also gathered there, all of them looking pale. Apparently, they’d heard some of the Colonel’s outcries and assumed the worst.

"He’s going to be okay," Janet said immediately, seeing relief wash over everyone’s face. Anne quickly moved to take the basin from her. Janet nodded her thanks and continued. "He’s resting now, relatively comfortably. Right now I want to check in with General Hammond and I also want to speak with whomever found the Colonel. It’ll help prepare me to treat him later."

"That would be me," Daniel said, raising his hand and wiggling his fingers.

"Okay, Daniel, now’s as good a time as any. Let’s talk," Janet said, indicating for him to follow her outside. She could really use a breath of fresh air.

"Actually, Janet," Sam interrupted, her voice quiet.

Turning, Janet saw a frown settle on Sam’s face. "What is it, Sam?"

"I think we might be able to do one better. I think Wayne taped everything."

Janet could feel the color draining from her face. "What?"

Sam hesitated before she spoke, and when she did, her voice was oddly quiet. "I found several closed circuit television sets in his office, stacked away in the closet. I saw the cameras in the room downstairs. We just have to find out where he recorded everything."

"Why didn’t you say anything before?" Daniel asked, his voice harsh.

"You yelled for Teal’c minutes after I found the television sets and I haven’t had the chance to say anything until now," Sam replied calmly.

Daniel’s face crumpled a little. "Oh."

Sam nodded silently, the stillness of the room settling over them.

After a few minutes Daniel moved toward the door to the bedroom. "If it’s all right with everyone, I’d like to sit with Jack for a little while."

Janet nodded, watching Daniel open the door and step inside.

Janet knew that he had a lot on his mind. Maybe now, Daniel would be able to forgive himself for something he had no control over.

Maybe.