Jericho Rose

Usual disclaimers. Original characters of Rhi, Zach, Gwynn ap Nudd and Creiddylad are mine. The rest belong to MGM and I just borrowed and played with them.
Sequel details: Marya requested a sequel to No Greater Love. So here it is. This takes place 3 months later.
Summary: Rhi goes on her first mission after blending with Zach.
Authors Notes: In Welsh mythology, Gwynn ap Nudd was a deity, Lord of the Underworld and leader of the Wild Hunt. He escorted the souls of the dead there, and led a pack of supernatural hounds, the Cwn Annwn. He kidnapped Creiddylad, causing a battle with Gwythyr ap Greidawl, her betrothed. Gwynn and Gwythr's fight, which began on May Day, represented the contest between summer and winter.
Rating: R for violence or reference to violence. Although I thought V was for violence :)

Jericho Rose
By Tels

“In the desert where almost nothing grows you'll find the most beautiful rose takes its name from Jericho a miracle of life. I know a place I can't deny where even a Jericho rose would die…” The Alchemist - Lyrics and music by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy.

The chevrons locked and the vortex kawooshed out over the desert sand. As it solidified into the blue rippling event horizon the guards hidden in the dunes readied their weapons. Two laughing figures emerged and as the gate shut down behind them, the guards stood down recognising them as two of their own. One left to report to Malek as was customary whenever anyone used the gate.

Rhi stood there in her husband's arms and shook her head. “No it doesn't.”

“Does to,” Jacob told her kissing her nose. “I won fair and square.”

“You cheated,” she protested.

Jacob moved his hands to her waist and tickled her. “I do not cheat,” he smiled.

Rhi screamed in laughter trying to get away. “Not fair,” she cried.

“Since when does Jacob play fair?” Selmak asked not letting her go.

Rhi poked her tongue out. “Never,” she said.

Selmak tickled her again then pulled her in tightly and kissed her firmly giving control back to Jacob mid kiss.

That never ceased to amaze Rhi. They were so different in their touch and mannerisms yet their love for her and Zach never wavered in its consistency or constancy. She kissed him back, her hand caressing the back of his neck. After a few she broke off and looked at him. “Not doing it,” she said pulling free.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. “Oh yes you are,” he said. “Both of you are cos you lost.”

Rhi looked back at him in the same tone of voice. “I don't think so. You distracted me otherwise I would have beaten you easily.”

Jacob shook his head. “Nope, I happen to be better, stronger and faster than you…”

“That's the most sexist remark I have ever heard,” she spluttered.

Jacob poked his tongue out at her. “But being the kind generous man I am…” He broke of as Rhi cackled with laugher. “And despite being hurt by your uncalled for reaction… I'll give you a second chance,” he finished.

Not needing to be told again Rhi set off across the sand knowing she didn't stand a chance of outrunning him, she just liked teasing him.

Jacob easily caught her up and tackled her pulling her down to the sand. He kissed her again. “Not bad for an old man eh?” he grinned.

Zach grinned up at him. “Nope… for an old guy you're pretty fit.”

Jacob looked at down at him pinning his arms above his head. “Fit?” he asked.

Zach nodded. “According to Rhi fit in every sense of the word.”

Jacob threw his head back and laughed. “Does she now?”

Rhi nodded. “So does that mean I don't have to?”

Jacob shook his head and leaned over her. “Flattery will get you nowhere my love,” he said kissing her. He was oblivious to the world around him as Rhi and Zach filled his senses. His wife's presence made him feel whole. Her laughter made him feel so alive. Her touch made him feel so loved. Nothing else mattered as their kiss deepened.

Until that is when someone with a slight cough had to make their presence known. Jacob opened an eye to see a shadow over him and Rhi, blocking out the sun. He sighed, more than a tad annoyed at the intrusion, and looked up. “Jared…That's a nasty cough you have there. You should get Malek to fix it for you.” Reluctantly he got to his feet and helped Rhi up. He brushed the sand from his clothes, tempted to brush the sand from hers but managed to restrain the impulse.

Jared smiled. “You two should go get a room,” he teased. “How was your time away?” he asked letting Malek fore at his insistence.

Jacob nodded. “It was wonderful. I was just trying to solve an argument.”

Malek looked at him. <Novel way of solving an argument> he commented to Jared.

<Maybe it will work on the council> Jared shot back flippantly. <Wanna try it? I'm sure Garshaw or…>

<No! And neither will you.>

<You know Mal you need to lighten up a bit.>

<Maybe but this is not the time. Not with what I have to do now.> He looked at Rhi, “Did you lose?” he asked.

Rhi nodded. “Yeah. I did. But I don't mind losing this one. Even if he did win by default cos he cheated.” She brushed the sand from her uniform and ran her fingers through her hair. “Ewww sandy,” she complained.

Jacob looked at her. “Your fault.”

“Mine? You pulled me down.”

“And so what if I did?”

Malek shook his head. “When you've quite finished,” he said. “I didn't come out here to watch the children play.”

Jacob looked at him. “Sorry,” he apologised. “What can we do for you?” he asked, pulling Rhi closer to him.

Malek took a deep breath, reassuming his base commander image. “Walk with me,” he said heading back towards the rings.

Rhi and Jacob followed, hand in hand. Rhi half wondered if there was some new law about making love on the surface and they were gonna have the book thrown at them for attempting to break it.

Malek glanced at them. “Actually its Rhi and Zach we need. Something's come up and we need them to go on a mission for a couple of days.”

Rhi looked at him in shock. “What?” she whispered, feeling Jacob's hand gently tighten around hers . “But I work here… in the healing chambers… the council agreed that.”

Malek nodded. “I know but a situation has developed and we need Zach's help.”

Zach came fore and looked at him. “Why us?” he asked bluntly as they ringed down into the tunnels.

Malek looked at him. “Because only you know the layout of the village,” he said. “You have been there before, know the villagers. You are the only one we can send.”

Zach shook his head. “That maybe so but it would be Jordan they knew not Rhi.”

Malek stopped. “Zach… it looks as if one of the system lords is establishing a power base in the Zeta sector. We need to know one way or the other. It has to be you.”

“Where?”

“ Tenare,” Malek said shortly.

Zach looked at him then at Jacob. “I should at least read the reports and speak with the council. I will go and shower and then do that.”

“Ok hon,” Jacob smiled, kissing Rhi's hand. He watched Zach head off towards their quarters and didn't turn his attention to Malek until his wife was out of listening range and out of sight. Then he grabbed Malek, pulling him to the side of the tunnel. “A word,” he said not giving Malek a choice.

“My office,” Malek said.

Jacob wasn't happy and the closer they got to Malek's office the more unhappy he got. As soon as they got there he looked at him. “Malek, Rhi is not ready for any mission yet. Never mind this one. She has had no experience and zero training for undercover operations. She's a medic for Pete's sake and a trainee one at that. You promised she would not be sent anywhere for at least a year and then I would train her first.”

Malek looked at him. “We have no choices here. Zach is the only operative available with the information and background knowledge. He will be in control for the duration of the mission, not Rhi.”

Selmak looked up eyes flashing. “Jacob is right to be concerned. Rhi has come so far the past few months. However, the scars are still fresh and have yet to completely heal. She still has the nightmares. Although they have dulled down quite a bit, they are still enough to make her wake screaming and crying several times a week. If something should go wrong she could be set back. And this time she may not recover. Have you any idea how long it took us to gain her trust and for her to rebuild her confidence?”

Malek looked at her hard. “Sel, Rhi is not that timid and traumatised young woman we first met a few months back. She has grown and developed, mainly thanks to you and Jacob. But she * is* Tok'ra. She and Zach both understand what their duties are. He will be fore the entire mission. There is no need for concern; he will take excellent care of her.”

Jacob humphed silently.

Selmak turned inward for a moment, surprised by the sudden surge of deep, sorrowful emotions coming from her host . <What's wrong?> she asked, <Do you not believe him?>

Selmak dived into his memories. She didn't have to go far as his emotions had already brought the relevant memories to the surface within his mind. <Like the way you felt on the day Alison died… you knew something was wrong but didn't know what.>

<Yeah… til I got the phone call… Sel I can't let her go alone…> Jacob said pulling back into the part of his mind which was his alone.

Again, she was surprised as this wasn't the Jacob she had come to know. Worried now, Selmak looked at Malek. “Let us go with her.”

Malek shook his head. “They have to go alone.”

“Then let us take them by ship and wait in orbit for them…That way if something goes wrong we can get them out fast.”

“I'm sorry… she has to go alone and by the Chappa'ai. You and Jacob can see her off if you wish.” He knew that the gate was guarded and that Selmak and Jacob both knew that. The guards would prevent Jacob from following her. “Selmak you surprise me… It's a simple recon mission. I have never known you worry so much over one.”

Selmak looked at him. “From Jacob's experience no recon mission is ever simple. Especially when you send a young, inexperienced, newly blended operative out there alone,” she said emphasising each word.

“Zach has the experience Selmak you know that. They will be fine.”

“They'd better be.” Selmak looked down at herself. Jacob's feeling overwhelming her as was the sudden need to be with Zach and Rhi. “I should go and shower before the council meeting.”

Malek looked at her. “You can't attend this one… and before you argue with me you know the rules as well as I do. Need to know.”

Jacob suddenly pushed fore. “Dammit Malek I'm her husband. I do need to know. It's my right!”

“Jacob you of all people understand why you cannot be there. Was Alison there during all your briefings before your missions? Did you confide in her the dangerous tasks that were before you? Tell her where you were being sent and put the entire mission in jeopardy?”

Jacob remained silent, though inside he was screaming. This was different, why couldn't Malek see that?!

“And when she gets back you'll be there for the debriefing. Just give them space to learn Jacob.” Malek paused. “I know you and Selmak have your reservations. If there was anyone else to send they would you know that. Just see her off and be there when she gets back.”

Jacob nodded curtly and went to find his wife. When she was nowhere to be found he assumed she was in with the council and grabbing a change of clothes headed to the pools to bathe. He had half a mind to barge in on the council meeting but knew Malek would just as soon zat him for stepping within ten feet of the council chambers.

--- --- --- --- --- ---

Listening to the council Zach realised things were worse than he had first thought. It wasn't simply the rise of a new system lord. It was the resurgence of an old one. One he had had dealings with in the past: but he had naturally assumed was dead. He'd killed him. Looking up he interrupted, “I killed him myself,” he said.

Garshaw looked at him. “You killed him?”

Zach nodded, the memory flooding back. “About a year before Rhi and I blended,” he said rubbing the back of his neck.

Malek looked at him. “I still owe you for saving my life,” he told him.

Zach smiled at him. “No my friend,” he said. “You gave us sanctuary when we needed it most. There is no debt to repay.”

Garshaw looked at Zach. “Tell us,” she said.

“We'd received Intel that Gwynn ap Nudd was using a mine on a planet in the Valhalla Sector to build naquadria enhanced weapons. I was sent to find out how accurate this was and if necessary destroy the mines.” He paused. “Unfortunately things didn't go according to plan and I bumped into Gwynn; quite literally actually.” He paused and glanced at Malek wondering how much detail they needed. “To cut a long story short, I ended up in the sarc a few times. I managed to destroy the mines and escape but Gwynn somehow traced me, invaded the base and took Malek prisoner.”

There was movement just outside the room. Then Aldwin stuck his head round the door. “Apologies,” he said. “Malek you are needed in the communications room.”

Malek nodded and got up leaving the room.

Garshaw watched him go and then nodded to Zach. “Continue.”

Zach nodded. “Ignoring Delek's advice I took a ribbon device and a zat from the armoury, and went to rescue Malek. Gwynn was torturing him when I got there. Had I delayed he'd be dead now. I used the ribbon on Gwynn blasting him across the room. It became a ribbon fight. We both got hurt before I ended up zatting him. I could barely see but went to make sure Malek was okay. He was badly hurt, injuries from the ribbon mainly... There was a noise from behind me, I turned and zatted him two more times, disintegrating the body. So he's dead. I killed him myself,” he repeated.

Garshaw looked at him. “You killed the host. The symbiote escaped while you went to aid Malek.”

Zach shook his head. “No,” he said. “He's dead.”

“The Intel is 100% reliable,” Garshaw said firmly.

“It can't be! Surely there must be some mistake, some…”

“Zach!” Garshaw cut him off sharply.

He looked at her surprised.

Garshaw looked at him. “It's him. A new host – but it's him.”

“How did he get off the base? We'd have noticed a symbiote lying around especially when the med team came in to evac Malek.”

“There were several of us missing after the attack on the base. We assumed they had been buried under the tunnel collapses.”

“I don't remember,” Zach said, shaking his head.

“I'm not surprised. You were seriously injured yourself and passed out soon after the med team arrived.”

Zach looked away. “Yeah,” he said. Taking a deep steadying breath he asked, “So I ask again. How did that son of a snake get out of the base without a host?”

Garshaw watched him intently. “He took Iestyn as his new host.” Iestyn had been one of those listed as missing presumed killed as his body had never been found.

Zach looked at him in horror, the implications glaringly obvious. A system lord in a body once hosted by a Tok'ra would mean every piece of information they knew this system lord now knew. Codes, bases, strategic knowledge, everything. “No…” he whispered.

Garshaw nodded slowly and slid the padd across the table.

Zach picked it up and activated it, looking at the pictures. He closed his eyes recognising the Goa'uld instantly. The face was that of a one time friend and colleague, but the eyes… He had seen those eyes before; they had haunted his dreams for months until replaced by Rhi's nightmares of Ba'al. Some nights they were both in their dreams.

Garshaw touched Zach's arm gently, worried by how pale he had gone. “Zach are you okay?”

Zach looked up. “Yeah sorry I'm fine.” He dragged his mind back, pushing the memories of the days of torture at the hand of this particular system lord aside for now. He took a deep breath, ignoring the way his stomach was turning within him. “So do we know where he is?”

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur. Zach was given his instructions and despite arguing against it failed to dissuade them and was dismissed. He managed to leave the room with some dignity before giving control to Rhi. She ran down the tunnel and then doubled over losing what little she had eaten that morning.

Malek, who had been on his way back to the council chamber as she left, followed her keeping his distance until she straightened and leaned sobbing against the wall. Jared came fore and moving over to her pulled her into his arms, held her gently until the sobs stopped.

Then gradually steering her down the tunnels he led her to the quarters she and Jacob shared. He sat her down on the bed. “You feeling better now?” he asked handing her a glass of water.

Rhi took it and looked up. “I don't want to go” she whispered. “I'm not ready.”

Jared looked at her. “Zach has already agreed.”

“He had no choice,” Rhi whispered. “You know that.”

“The council believe you are the best choice for this assignment.”

Rhi shook her head and then her eyes glowed as Zach came fore. “No! I will not do that to her. She has been through too much to put her in that situation again.”

Jared looked at him. “Her or you?” he asked bluntly.

Zach's eyes glowed hot again, his temper rising. “You know what she went through with Ba'al. This will just put her back in the same situation again.”

“It won't happen,” Jared said.

“You know how he treats prisoners, especially women. If we get caught and brought before him…”

Malek stared hard at him. “It is not Rhi you are frightened for at all. It's you.”

“Wouldn't you be? Last mission I went on wasn't exactly a success was it remember? I came so close to losing everything. What if I don't get out this time? We've barely finished our honeymoon….”

Malek grabbed hold of Zach's arm. “Zach!” he said. “I know you are scared and in your position I would be too. But if the Intel is right and he is rebuilding his power base someone has to get us the proof we need so we can send in a strike team and prevent it. You should be able to get in and out before he realises.”

Rhi pulled control back from Zach. “At least let me tell Jacob and Selmak.”

Malek shook his head. “Rhi we can't do anything that would compromise you or Zach. Jacob and Selmak would go charging into the council and demand to follow you.” He smiled. “They'd follow you into hell if needed.”

Rhi looked down. “That's where the council have sent us,” she sighed, tears starting to fall again. “Don't they realise I've never done anything like this before.”

Malek looked at her. “Both Jared and I think you're ready for this…” he broke off and they both looked up as there was a tap on the door. “Your clothes Rhi,” Garshaw said gently pushing aside the curtain.

Malek took them and handed them to Rhi. “We'll leave you to change. We'll see you at the Chappa'ai in an hour.”

She took them and looked at him sadly, tears glistening in her eyes and watched them leave. <I'm scared> she said. <What if something happens?>

<Then we overcome and come home to our husband> Zach said with more confidence than he felt. He hugged her tightly as she put the clothes on the floor, then lay face down on the bed and sobbed

--- ---- --- --- --- --- ---

Jacob moved slowly through the tunnel wondering if Rhi was back yet. Nearing his quarters he heard the sound of sobbing echoing down the tunnels. He recognised it instantly as Rhi and broke into a run. He entered the room and ran over to the bed. “Hey,” he said softly gathering her into his arms. “Ssh don't cry my love, it's gonna be okay.”

Rhi clung to him, burying her face in his chest crying hard.

Jacob rocked her gently running a hand over her back and another through her hair. He spoke quietly to her trying to comfort her but knowing nothing he could say would ease how she felt. Or ease the way he felt. But he couldn't let his misgivings pass over to her. As she finally calmed he said, “What did they tell you?”

She shook her head. “I can't…” she whispered. “I want to but I can't. I don't want to do this.”

Jacob looked at her, his hands cupping her face wiping away the tears. “I know my love… but Zach will take care of you… you'll do fine.”

Rhi shivered. “I'm scared… too many what ifs.”

Jacob nodded. “I know.” He pushed her hair back from her face. “When do they want you to leave?” he asked his face inches away from hers.

“Soon… within an hour…”

Jacob looked at her. “Kay,” he whispered kissing her softly. His fingers worked the band in her hair setting it loose to cascade in waves over her shoulders.

Rhi closed her eyes kissing him back.

“You wearing this?” he whispered running kisses down her neck and back up.

“No… they brought me a dress.”

Jacob looked at her and smiled. “Then want some help changing out of this?” he asked his hand hovering over the fastenings of her tunic.

She nodded. “Yeah.”

Jacob smiled and slowly undid her tunic pushing it back from her shoulders. He looked at her and smiled. “I love you so much,” he told her. He gently undressed her taking his time over it, showing her just how much he loved her and how much she mattered to him.

Rhi helped him off with his clothes and let him slowly push her back onto the bed. The four of them kissed and embraced, slowly making love with a passion they had never experienced before.

Fifty minutes later Rhi lay and watched as Jacob put his uniform back on, trying to commit every detail of his body to memory. Then she looked at the clothes she had put on the floor. Reluctantly she got off the bed and slowly put them on, the undergarments tight and fitted, forcing her body into an unnatural hourglass shape which accentuated her curves and womanly figure, the dress the full length figure hugging sort that she hated. She put her hair up slowly, twisting the beads into her thick red hair. She removed her pendant and left it on the dresser. Then she looked in the mirror and took a deep breath hating what she saw. She straightened, and turned to her husband.

Jacob had sat and watched her dress. He ran his eyes appreciatively over her figure. ”You look lovely hon,” he told her pulling her into his arms and hugging her tightly.

She didn't answer, afraid that if she spoke her voice would betray her. She looked at the rings on her left hand. Tears started to form again.

“Ssh…let me,” he whispered, kissing each eyelid gently. He slowly pulled the rings from her finger, kissing the place where they had been and placed them on the little finger of his left hand. “It's the only way to keep you with me while you and Zach are away. And the moment you return, I will put them back where they belong.”

Rhi's bottom lip trembled as she looked down at her rings nestling next to his own. “Jacob,” she whispered.

He looked at her. “I'm here my love.”

“What if… I love you so much… I can't do this… please tell them I can't…” She looked up at him, terror in her eyes. Afraid that she wouldn't come home, that this was the last time she'd see him.

Jacob looked at her with sympathy and love in his eyes. He pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you both so very much hon,” he said, his eyes starting to glisten. “And you will come home I promise. It'll be fine. Zach knows what he's doing and he'll take care of you.”

Rhi leaned into him, holding him tightly and closing her eyes. She didn't want to go, didn't want any of this. But she had no choice. She had to do this at some point but she wasn't ready. She'd hoped that the first time Jacob would take her and show her the ropes.

He closed his eyes holding her tightly wishing so much he could be there for her, do this for her. Then he looked at her. “We should go,” he said. He kissed her and ran a hand down her face. “When you get back we'll go away for a bit. Go hide in our cavern, watch the sunrise over the rainbow falls.”

Rhi nodded. “I'd like that.” She swallowed hard. “I feel sick.”

Jacob stood up and taking her hand started towards the rings. “Its nerves,” he said. “Just trust Zach hon, he knows what he's doing.” They reached the gate and found Malek waiting for them.

Rhi looked at him, silently wishing him to say she didn't have to do this, but he didn't.

Malek looked at her. “I'll see you in a couple of days,” he said. “Should take no more than two, three at the most.”

Jacob hugged her tightly as Malek dialled the co-ordinates to Tenare.

Rhi clung to him taking in as much of him and his scent as she could. She responded to his kiss as the gate roared into life behind them. Then taking a deep breath she pulled back slightly. “I love you both so much,” she said. “We both do.”

“As do we,” Jacob said. He watched as she moved back and towards the gate.

She stood there for a moment silhouetted against it, then her eyes glowed as Zach took over, He raised his hand slightly in a gesture of goodbye and then turned and moved through the event horizon.

The gate shut down and Jacob felt as if a part himself had died. He felt incomplete without her beside him. The sight of her rings on his finger brought him no comfort. It just made him more aware of her absence and the empty space at his side.

“They will be fine, my friend,” Malek said, resting a comforting hand on Jacob's shoulder.

Jacob wrenched away. “Don't,” he said sharply. He turned and stormed off through the sand.

Malek went to follow him then felt Jared gently restraining him. < Let him be Mal. There is nothing you or anyone can say to comfort him right now. Let us just hope that Zach and Rhi come home quickly and safely.>

--- --- ---- --- --- --- --- ---

Zach had been walking for over two hours with no sign of life what so ever. Just trees and more trees. He kept going. He was sure the village was somewhere around here. It hadn't been that long since he was last here; not long enough for them to relocate the entire settlement and leave no trace of it. Unless he'd gone totally the wrong way which he didn't believe he had for a minute. After another 20 minutes he could hear voices. <At last> he thought. Pushing through the trees he saw houses, people and a thriving colony.

One of the men turned. “Are you alright?” he asked, seeing the dishevelled state the attractive woman was in.

“I am lost… I have been walking a long time.”

Before he could respond fire leapt from the sky and a massive explosion incinerated half the colony. Blown off his feet with the others Zach watched as flames leapt into the sky and the ground shook. He glanced skyward and saw a death glider shoot across the darkening sky firing as it came. The ground shook again.

Screams mixed with the explosions. A fleet of gliders descended through the smoke almost immediately and ground troops poured from them, their staff fire taking over from the orbital bombardment. Zach scrambled to his feet and ran with the rest of the colonists. People fell to the left and right of him, his breath came hard and fast as he ran. Darting in and out of the trees he tripped over a root and fell, crying out involuntarily as he landed awkwardly. There was movement behind him and a staff blast rang out, striking his arm. He screamed in pain. He struggled back to his feet and ran; his fear pushing him past the pain ignoring the blood which poured down his arm.

Movement to his left made him turn suddenly; agonising pain in his head, stars and then darkness. He fell into the encompassing blackness, his lifeless hand outstretched beside him. Strong hands turned him over. “She's pretty,” a voice said. “And Goa'uld. My Pharaoh will be pleased.” Then he stood. “Bring her.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

The jaffa at the console turned. “I have located the Chappa'ai Pharaoh.”

“Destroy it,” grinned the voice from the throne like seat, his long black hair tied back in a single ponytail showing the earrings he wore in both ears. He watched on the viewscreen as the beam leapt from the ship, cutting through the planets atmosphere easily. An explosion could be seen on the surface. He rose from the chair, his grey shirt matching his grey white breeches. “That's an end of it,” he said turning, his long grey cloak swirling around him. Taking long booted strides across the pel'tac he said “I will be… interrogating our prisoners. Set course for Halita Prime and take up a standard orbit there.”

Gwynn ap Nudd or Pharaoh, which was the title by which he preferred to be called by his subjects, made his way swiftly to the part of the ship where prisoners were. It had been twelve months now since he had taken a new host. It had been a stroke of genius using one of the Tok'ra scum. It meant he now had the memories of the Tok'ra too – at least some of them. Of course as he had taken the host the Shol'va within him had died – unfortunate but better than the alternative.

He swept into the hold and stood before them; hands on hips, watching them cower before him. All except the one on her own. She sat against the far wall, her eyes closed. He could sense the one within her from here. This should prove interesting. Turning his attention back to the others he said, “You are now mine. Your lives are mine. Your souls are mine. You will exist to service me.”

One of the women stood up. “Do not count on it,” she said. “We will die free. We will never bow to you.”

Gwynn raised an eyebrow and a dark glow began to emanate from him. It got bigger and stronger until suddenly, as it enveloped the prisoners and him completely, an almost black light began to pour out of him. The light got stronger and stronger, a paler light moving from the group of prisoners into him. As it did so the glow disappeared, leaving a black aura around every last one of them.

Then he quickly drew the jewelled sword which hung from his waist on a thin leather belt, with his right hand and plunged it into one of the prisoners. She screamed and arched back as black light shone through her. The black aura around her increased and intermingled with the black light until all the brightness was extinguished from the room. The darkness shone through her and spun round her, enveloping her and choking off her cries. Then it whirled round and upwards, moving towards Gwynn. It grew and grew then spun up into him. He stiffened and his aura glowed black for a minute. His eyes glowed red as they almost became fire for a second. He let out a demonic exultant cry, which echoed around the room.

He grinned at the prisoners. “Now you are mine for eternity.” He moved swiftly down the line absorbing all the souls; each one giving him the energy he needed to complete the transformation. By the time he had finished the transformation was complete and he had resumed his original features. His eyes dark and hard, his lips thin and cruel. The two dogs by his heels howled in delight as they recognised their master. He looked at the jaffa. “Dispose of the bodies.”

Flicking his ponytail behind him, he stood in front of the one remaining prisoner and pulled her to her feet by her injured arm. Blood ran freely from the wound at his touch and she cried out in pain. Her eyes sprung open. “No!” she gasped. She struggled. “Let me go!”

Raising his left hand to her head, a bright light shot out and hit her. A single piercing cry split the air and she stopped struggling. “Do not resist,” he told her. This one was Tok'ra. This would work to his advantage and he could kill two birds with one stone so to speak. He thought quickly wondering which one she was and what she had been doing on Tenare. He scowled at her increasing the intensity of the beam.

The pain escalated to a point where she could no longer see and her eyes squeezed tight shut. She screamed as she fell into the darkness. <JACOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>

Scooping her unconscious figure into his arms, Gwynn ap Nudd followed by his two hounds Cwn and Annwn, carried her from the cell into the medbay where he laid her on the bed. He looked at the jaffa. “Let us begin.”

Gwynn watched as the jaffa worked her over, slowly beating her and breaking her body. He felt no remorse at all. She was a Shol'va who deserved nothing but death. Just as the one who had inhabited the body he now possessed before him was. His memories had given him some information but this one could give him so much more. Death would come but not as soon as she wished. There was something familiar about her, some flash of recognition from the remains of his host but not of her, more the one she carried. <Who are you?> he wondered.

Gwynn smiled as the jaffa finished and stepped forward to admire their handiwork. “Excellent,” he said. “Make sure she does not regain consciousness just yet. When we arrive at Halita Prime you will ring to the surface with her. Wait two hours and then return her alone through the Chappa'ai to Myrddyn.”

The jaffa nodded. “Yes Pharaoh.”

Gwynn smirked. “By then we will be there. It is important she is barely conscious when you send her through the Chappa'ai.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Make sure she has this in her hand.” He moved over to the side and scrawled something on a piece of paper then handed it to the jaffa. “She was sent here for a reason,” he said. He ran a hand down Rhi's face. “And you will tell me what that reason is before you die. And more importantly you will tell me where your people are hiding and lead them here to me.”

--- --- --- ---- --

Three hours later…

The gate on Myrddyn activated sending the locals running to see who was coming through. Unusually this gate was in the middle of the town square. An industrial society the town was used to the gate being used, mainly by the servants of their god. The final chevron had locked and Lothar the town mayor stood ready to welcome the new arrivals.

The gate opened and once the wormhole had settled nothing happened. Then there was a single figure thrown through the event horizon. The figure landed with a thud and rolled down the steps before lying in a crumpled heap. The gate shut down. Lothar moved forwards, hunkering down by the figure. It was a woman he realised. He turned her over gently.

The woman moaned softly as he moved her. Lothar drew in a sharp breath. She had been badly beaten, her face unrecognisable, blood running from the many cuts over her body. There were bruises on her arms and he was no medic but he guessed from the way she gasped for breath that at least one of her ribs was broken.

Her eyes opened and tried to focus on the face above her. “Help…me…” she whispered her voice distorted and her eyes glowing faintly. “It hurts…”

The town doctor, Baker ran over. “She's hurt,” he said.

Lothar looked at him. “She is Goa'uld,” he said.

“We can not leave her on the street in that condition. Let me bring her inside. I can at least clean her up while someone contacts the jaffa.”

Nodding Lothar let him pick her up. As he did so something fell from her hand. Lothar bent and picked it up. “What's this?” he asked opening it, his face hardening as he read it slowly. “We had better take her to the palace immediately.”

Baker paused and looked at him. “Why? What does it say?”

“It is addressed to Pharaoh ap Nudd; claims this woman is Creiddylad .”

“ His wife? But she has been gone many seasons.”

Lothar nodded. “But do you want to risk it not being her?”

Baker carried her towards the palace. She moaned and tried to move. “Please don't…” she whispered, struggling to breathe.

“Keep still my lady. We will soon be arriving at the Pharaoh's palace.”

She shook her head once more and then passed out

--- --- --- --- --- ---

The First Prime escorted them through the corridors of the palace to the throne room. “Pharaoh,” Lachesis said bowing as he approached the throne.

Gwynn looked at Lachesis. “What is it?” he asked.

“Pharaoh, Mayor Lothar from the township wishes an audience.”

Gwynn nodded. “Show him in,” he said.

Lothar came in and bowed low. “Pharaoh,” he said. “The Chappa'ai was activated and a female thrown through.”

Gwynn raised an eyebrow. “And for this you bother me?”

Lothar looked down. “Pharaoh I apologise. I would not have but for the severity of her injuries and the fact she is like you – a god.”

“She's what??” Gwynn stood up, his eyes glowing. He was determined to make this look good.

Lothar made himself smaller. “Pharaoh, her eyes glowed and she had this note on her.”

Gwynn snatched the offered note and looked at it. His expression got darker and a malevolent smile crept over his face. “Where is she?” he demanded.

“She is here Pharaoh with Doc Baker in the antechamber. She was severely injured. We were going to treat her but when she spoke and we saw the note….”

Gwynn looked over at Lachesis, cutting Lothar off. “Bring the woman to me.”

Lachesis nodded and left the room. Within two minutes he had returned. He laid the woman at his lord's feet. Gwynn got up and looked down at her. “My love…” He looked at her and ran his hand down her face. “That's for leaving me.”

She moaned as his fingers moved torn flesh and broken bones then cried out as he slapped her hard. Opening her swollen eyes as much as she could, she looked at him, fear sparking in her eyes as she recognised him.

Gwynn smiled at her. “You're home,” he told her. “But you are a disgrace. Let's get you cleaned up.” He swung her effortlessly into his arms and carried her from the room.

Rhi let him carry her trying to raise Zach. But he was now totally unresponsive. That was worrying on its own but the last thing she remembered was getting captured and she was in even bigger trouble without Zach's help. She listened to the voices in the room and picked up from the fragments she overheard that her eyes had glowed when she was found her and she was a Goa'uld. <Great> she thought, must have been just before Zach passed out. <Zach please….>

There was still no answer but Jacob had taught her how to use Zach's voice if she needed to so she'd just have to pretend the best she could. A sound she didn't recognise made her struggle to open her eyes. From Zach's memories she knew it was a sarcophagus. She struggled as he placed her inside it. <Nooooooooo!!> she cried. She knew that the Tok'ra didn't use the sarcophagus because of the way it affected them. The lid closed plunging her into darkness then she knew no more.

--- --- ---- --- --- ---

Back on Kendarra Jacob just kept walking fast, almost to the point of running. He didn't even realise how long he had been outside until the sun was beginning to set as he stopped at the peak of a sand dune. It was his first sunset alone for some time now. <Sel…if something were to happen…>

<Ssh, nothing will happen. You must believe in that.> she said, hugging him tightly for she too felt alone and incomplete. <Two days that's all and they'll be back.>

Jacob sank to his knees, tears glistening golden in the rays of the setting sun. <Sel…I can't go through that kind of pain again. I barely survived Alison's death…I can't lose Rhi or Zach.>

Selmak only hugged him tighter as she didn't know what to say to him to comfort him.

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

One day later.

Gwynn sat there watching her. He was playing his part to perfection; alternating between the doting husband and jealous lover. Pleased to have her back and outraged at the way she had left him for someone else. All the time he was plotting. Someone as pretty as her must have someone back at the base who would miss her. He ran through the memories of his host. If only he knew the name of the one she carried then perhaps…

Rhi opened her eyes. She didn't recognise the ceiling or the bedposts. She turned her head noticing the purple satin sheets and bed hangings. She tried to move then discovered that her wrists were chained to the bed posts and the same for her ankles. She tugged hard for a moment then stopped as her gaze fell on the figure sat by the bed. She recognised him and shuddered inside in fear. <Zach you there?> she whispered still not getting a response. <Please…>

Gwynn watched her for a moment as she laid there, as myriad emotions crossed her face, finally settling on fear. “You're awake,” he said. “The sarcophagus has healed most of your injuries. Another few sessions and you should be completely healed.”

“What happened?” she whispered using Zach's voice. “Where am I?”

“Cut the act!” he hissed. “The Shol'va you carry will not respond so I know I am talking to the human host. The sarcophagus has an unfortunate effect on the Tok'ra scum. It leaves the host vulnerable and alone for several hours.”

She swallowed hard and looked at him. “Who are you?”

Gwynn nodded. “ Gwynn ap Nudd Pharaoh of this particular system. The question is, what is your name? Oh the people here think you are Creiddylad by the way. My wife, who was unfaithful to me and left me. And has been returned to me to pay for her sins.” He moved over to her. Sitting by her side he grasped her wrist tightly. “But I know better Shol'va!”

Rhi looked at him. “What are you talking about?”

“What is your name?”

Rhi turned away. “I'll tell you nothing,” she said. The blow to the side of her head was sudden and she cried out.

He gripped her face and turned it back to him. “Your name!” he repeated. “It's only fair… I've told you mine.”

Rhi took a deep breath. “ Elizabeth ,” she whispered. <But I will tell you nothing else.>

“Pretty name for a pretty woman,” he said. Then he put a hand round her throat and pulled her as upright as the restraints would allow, grinning as she cried out in pain. “You think you hurt now?” he told her. “Just you wait until I am through with you.”

--- ---- --- ---- ---

One week later.

Jacob was frantic with worry. A couple of days she had said, no more. It had been a week and there had been nothing. He had stormed into Malek's office at least once a day and begged, argued and even threatened Malek in his desire to go after her.

Malek wasn't happy about the delay either, but understood where Jacob was coming from. He had nothing he could tell him and sent him away promising to see what he could do despatching another team immediately. He also had had a nagging feeling something was wrong since day one. That call to the communication room had been nothing but a red herring as Jacob would say. Something petty and insignificant that could easily have waited until the briefing was over. When he finally did get news on Rhi's whereabouts his stomach plummeted.

Malek looked at Tomas. “Are you sure about this?”

Tomas nodded. “The Stargate on Tenare is no longer accessible. And this came in an hour ago” He handed Malek the pad.

Malek read it, his frown deepening. He finished reading and swore quietly. “Okay… thanks. I'll handle things from here. If anything else comes in come and find me immediately.”

Tomas nodded and left.

Malek watched him go and sighed heavily pinching the bridge of his nose. <How do I tell him?> he whispered.

<Carefully… neither he nor Selmak will take this well.>

 He got up and went in search of his friend.

--- --- --- --- ---

Jacob was sitting in the council chambers supposedly going through the requisition forms. It was boring and repetitive stuff but someone had to do it and right now he had nothing else to do. He sighed and looked at the one he'd just done to find he'd filled it in wrong. He sighed heavily and dropped it to the desk and looked up staring across the room. He glanced at the doorway and saw Malek standing there. His stomach fell and twisted within him. He'd seen the look on Malek's face before, on the doctor's faces the day Alison was killed and on his own when he was the one delivering the bad news. <No> he whispered. <Please… no.>

Malek glanced at the others in the room and as he crossed over to Jacob they got up and left, leaving the two men alone. Malek looked at Jacob, his heart heavy within him and sat down next to him.

Jacob looked at him. “Malek?” he whispered.

Malek looked down for a moment then back up. “I'm sorry,” he said quietly.

A wail filled Jacob's mind as Selmak cried out in grief. Tears filled his eyes. “No,” he whispered. “She can't be dead…” He slumped in the chair his heart breaking within him. He covered his face with his hands fighting for control of his emotions. “What happened?”

Malek took a deep breath. “When she still hadn't returned last night, I tried to send another team to Tenare,” he said gently. “They couldn't establish a wormhole. To rule out the possibility of a malfunction on our end they gated to Kendarra and tried from there. Same result. The Chappa'ai could not be activated.”

Jacob looked at him, a devastated look on his face. “So give me a ship,” he said. “I'll go find there myself.”

Malek shook his head. “I sent one last night. The village and Chappa'ai had been totally destroyed.” He put a hand on Jacob's arm. “There was evidence of aerial bombardment which would imply a mother ship and several death gliders. We know now that the village Zach was in was attacked by jaffa. There were no survivors, but there were too few bodies for a colony that size. My betting is he took prisoners.”

Jacob looked at him, that last phrase cutting through his grief. “What? Who took prisoners?”

“First there are some things you need to know. Things that I was not told either before you start yelling at me.”

Jacob nodded slowly. He didn't particularly want to hear the background. All he cared about was the fact that his wife, his life and his soul mate was gone.

Malek looked at him. “Gwynn ap Nudd is back,” he said. “She was sent to take him out.”

“What?!” Jacob managed, bile rising from his gut as he spoke. “How could you Malek? She's got no experience for goodness sake!! I don't believe I am hearing this. How long have you known he was back? The reports we have said he was dead. Zach killed him a year ago.”

Malek continued. “We have known there was someone new out there for some time now. Ten days ago Delek was scouting a planet for a possible new base when he saw him. He recognised Iestyn immediately. He was surrounded by seven or eight jaffa. His first thought was that Iestyn had been captured. Then one of them addressed him as Pharaoh ap Nudd.”

He paused then said, “He spent another day hiding out in the palace trying to determine if it was him. There was no doubt. So he came back and reported to the council. They decided the best person to go was Zach because of his prior knowledge experience with him.”

Jacob's eyes narrowed. “Delek,” he said, feeling Selmak's hackles rise at the mere mention of his name. “Did he put Zach's name forward to go?”

Malek looked at him recognising the anger starting to build in his best friend's eyes. “Calm down. That is top of my list to find out.”

Jacob pushed his chair back, his grief turning to anger. “I trusted you… believed you when you said this was a simple recon! My wife is gone and you want me to calm down!!” he yelled. “You can just go to hell!” He stood up and angrily knocked the pile of padds to the floor.

Malek looked at him. “Jacob let me explain…please! I didn't know about the true nature of the mission. I swear to you on our friendship that if I did, Rhi and Zach would never have gone! I was called out of the briefing for something that could have waited. Nothing was said before I left and by the time I got back it was over. And you can be damn sure I intend to look into this. I was told one thing while they were planning something else.”

Tomas came rushing in. “Malek,” he said breathlessly. “This just came in.” He handed Malek a padd.

Malek nodded and dismissed him and read the padd quickly

Jacob stood there fuming.

Selmak just as angry hissed a stream of obscenities that shocked even Jacob but for once he didn't comment.

Malek looked up from the padd. “Seems he's been located. Gone back to his palace on Myrddyn.”

Jacob looked at him. “Let me go.”

Malek shook his head. “No. You are too involved here. Plus we don't know she's there.”

“Malek you just said he probably took prisoners. I have to go. I'll go to Earth, get SG1 to help. This kind of op is just up their street.”

Malek shook his head again. “Jacob you have to promise me you won't leave this base. And don't go getting any ideas like last time and sneak off to Earth.”

Jacob looked at him. “I have my own GDO. You can't stop me.” He turned and headed out of the room.

Malek moved fast and grabbed Jacob's arm. “Jacob! As your friend I am asking you to let me handle this. Earth is off limits. You are too involved. I don't want to make it an order. Actually if it makes it easier I can order you not to go.”

Jacob glared at him. “My wife is dead… or at the best missing presumed dead. That son of a snake has to pay for what he did.”

Jared came fore and tightened his grip on Jacob's arm. “Yes he does have to pay,” he said gently. “And he will. Just promise me you will stay here and let us handle it. Give us time to find out what happened. To get someone to Myrddyn to see how things lie. Please.”

Jacob took a deep breath and looked Jared squarely in the eyes. “Alright,” he said slowly and heavily. “You have my word. I won't gate to Earth.”

“Thank you. And I am so sorry my friend. If there is anything…”

Jacob shook his head. “Just let us grieve in peace,” he said.

Jared nodded. “Again I am sorry.” He left the room.

Jacob sank heavily into the chair for a moment.

<Jacob you may have given your word but I did not give mine> Selmak said firmly.

 Jacob said .  He paused. <The gate will be guarded. They won't let us through to any planet. And Malek will no doubt take my GDO just in case.>

<So we take a ship> Selmak said. <Pick up my ribbon and zat. We'll take a ship and go to Earth. Sam will insist on coming with us you know that. Jacob we can't leave her with that… we have to go after them.>

<What…what if they truly are dead?>

<Then we take our revenge.>

--- --- --- --- ---

From where she lay bound to the bed, Rhi could just see through the window. Tears blurred her eyes, both of which were black. Numerous cuts and bruises covered her body and she knew it was only a matter of time before they returned to beat her again. Then when she passed out he'd put her back in the sarcophagus. She hadn't heard from Zach in days. But she had told him nothing.

She watched as the sun started to set. It's golden hue setting the mountains on the horizon on fire, the sky lighting up in a hundred different colours. It had been seven sunsets since she was taken. She wanted to go home. It was getting harder each time not to tell them anything. So far they had done nothing but hit her but she couldn't take much more. She would soon reach the point where she would do anything to make the pain stop, say anything to make them stop hurting her.

Tears slowly fell as she watched the sun set. <Jacob… Selmak…> she whispered in her thoughts. She imagined them lying beside her, wanting nothing more than to be in his arms. She fell asleep, pain filled dreams tormenting her as they had done each night since she had left home.

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Jacob waited ten minutes to give Jared time to be back in his office and then sprinted through the tunnels to his quarters and threw a few things into a pack, not really surprised that his GDO was missing. He headed to the hangers. He crept up behind the guard and knocked him out. Then moving fast before he was discovered he boarded one of the cargo ships and took off activating the cloak as soon as he could. <First stop Earth. Hang on my love, we're coming.>

--- --- --- --- --- ---

The measure of a woman's heart is just how deep and just how far a secret can be kept till it is only distant memory… I can't believe, can hardly breathe, without you by my side.

Jacob spent the 6 hour flight to Earth in a state of utter despair. His grief consumed him as he flew the ship on autopilot, neither him nor Selmak really aware of what they were doing. His original plan had been to fly to Acadia , the nearest planet with a gate and then gate to Earth but with no GDO that wasn't possible. His only choice therefore was to fly direct to Earth.

He sat on the Pel'tac his eyes red rimmed, his cheeks tear stained, the photo in his hand. He looked at it running his finger over the image of Rhi in her wedding dress and him next to her in his dress blues. Everything had been so perfect then, their whole lives before them. He didn't know how he was going to continue without them. He had never thought he would fall for anyone again and to have them taken away like this was more than he could bear. Memories filled his mind as he sat there, scattered images from when he met her and the first few stormy days.

It had never even crossed his mind the day he first laid eyes on the red head with emerald eyes and fantastic figure that she would become his wife. Not in his wildest dreams did he think he would find love again. And certainly not in his most secret fantasies did he believe for one moment that a woman like her would Ever fall for a man like him. He was a man past his prime, he was the first to admit that and Rhi… well she was a woman with her entire life in front of her.

But every minute since he knew he was in love with her had only increased his awareness of and amazement at her breathtaking beauty; her infectious smile which lit up the room and his mood instantly. She had the most enduring love for him and then of course, there was her fiery temper. Selmak had been right on that note; Rhi did have a temper to go with her lovely flame red hair. Fortunately her temper had never been targeted on him or Selmak and having seen her in full swing when she lashed out at Mark he had every intention of keeping it that way. Even then she had only done so to protect him.

Jacob buried his face in his hands. He had failed as a husband. He hadn't protected her and prevented her from going on this mission. He should have charged into the council meeting, told them in no uncertain terms that they couldn't send her. She was so scared, so upset. If he'd stopped this she would still be with him. He loved her so much. Each day was a gift… a love he'd never expected to find. She had captured his heart and held him fast. She had become his reason for living. And now she was gone. If there were prisoners she wasn't amongst them, he knew that, yet a small part of him still hoped.

Jacob's sobs for Rhi echoed deeply through Selmak as she grieved too. Just like Jacob was she too was alternating between grief and anger. Although right now at this precise moment, Selmak was more in touch with her growing rage as her thoughts lingered on vengeance. Once she had killed Gwynn, for kill him she would, she was going to go back and take out the murdering son of a snake on the council who insisted Rhi and Zach went on this mission. If need be she would kill all of them. Kill every last council member who had been in on this. Then she'd leave. If they were trying to get her off the council and away from the Tok'ra they had finally succeeded.

Selmak wondered if Zach would approve of her actions this time around. Last time he had got so angry with her and Jacob for trying to go after Ba'al when all he did was assault Rhi. That argument resulted in her and Zach not speaking to each other for a good two weeks if not longer. She smiled at the memory of how Jacob and Rhi forced them to make up and what had happened as a result of that. Rhi had taken the initiative there, one of the first steps in her recovery. Then she wept at the thought of losing Zach when he had just come back into her life. And she wept for Rhi, a woman who really wasn't Selmak's type, actually the type of woman that she hated, but a woman who freely gave so much love to both her and Jacob.

Zach wouldn't have hesitated to avenge her and Jacob's death. So he would approve of her and Jacob avenging his and Rhi's. How ironic, she thought to herself as it was her and Jacob charging off to exact vengeance on the murderer and not Rhi and Zach. If she were honest she had always expected to die first, especially with Jacob's predilection for getting hurt. But this... this was just so much more than she could bear.

There was just no reason for this. The council, which were supposedly on the same side, had succeeded where Ba'al had failed. Oh Gwynn may have committed the actual murder but the blame belonged solely to the council. She wondered what the best way to do it would be. Maybe poison in the water or food. Or maybe a ribbon or a zat or even one of the staff weapons from the armoury. That would be poetic justice. A fitting execution for the traitorous sons of snakes. Apart from Delek… She'd find something special for him. Something slow and painful. Something that would be worthy of the act he had committed. She searched though Jacob's memories and found one that would suit her purposes just right. An archaic English death reserved solely for those who had committed treason. Treason being the worst crime there was resulted in the worst death penalty they could come up with – being hung, drawn and quartered. That would do wonderfully.

However the time for killing those responsible was not yet so Selmak buried those thoughts, hiding them in the dark recesses of her mind where they could fester and grow and develop. She did not want her emotions for Zach and Rhi to overwhelm Jacob. He was already too overwhelmed at the moment with his own grief without having to deal with hers too.

Jacob could see Rhi now; the first time he'd told her he loved her, in the healing chambers on the base. The look on her face when he knelt before her and asked her to marry him in the mountains above Colorado Springs and the feeling of joy that flooded him and Selmak when she and Zach had said yes would remain with him til the day he died.

His tears fell faster as both he and Selmak then remembered their circle of light bonding ceremony on the cliffs on Kendarra, the rainbow high over the waterfalls, the sun setting over the mountains. The image of how she looked was burned forever in his memory as she stood with him on the day of their wedding. And afterwards, making love to her for the very first time. The scared look in her eyes gave way to trust, her love for him overcoming her fear as she responded to his touch in kind. The following morning, waking up and seeing her beautiful face beside him. Even now the scent of her sweet fragrance filled his senses.

--- --- --- ---

This had to rate amongst the most bizarre but at the same time most enjoyable and pleasurable feelings that Jacob had ever experienced. And certainly one of the weirdest. Although he was not in control of his own body he could feel each and every sensation as Selmak and Zach made love as if he were the one doing it. It was obvious to him just how much the two of them were still in love and how little their passion for each other had dimmed over the years.

Content now, Selmak gave control back to Jacob and curled up in their mind purring happily. <See four does go into two> she said knowing full well Zach had made sure Rhi had felt everything too. She stroked Jacob's mind affectionately. <Not so bad making love with someone else in your head huh?>

<No> he whispered. He opened his eyes and looked at the woman lying in his arms. She was smiling and he was sure it was the identical smile to the one he wore.

Rhi opened her eyes, feeling him shift his weight slightly. She moved too laying her head on his arm and looked at him, realising he was staring at her. “What?” she asked.

“Nothing… just lying here thinking that I am one lucky guy to have a wife as beautiful as you.”

Rhi blushed and buried her face in his neck. “Not,” she whispered.

Jacob held her tightly nesting his face in her hair. “You are beautiful,” he said. He turned her face to look at him, cupping it gently in his hand. “And I am lucky.”

She looked at him. “How so?”

“Because I found you and I love you and you love me.”

She nodded. “I do. I love you so very much. More than I ever thought it was possible to love someone.” She paused and looked over at the cave wall. “I…”

“What my love?” he asked her.

“Last night,” she started slowly.

Jacob pulled her close to him and dropped a kiss into her hair. He'd known she would want to talk about it and was ready for it.

Rhi took a deep breath. “I hadn't realised,” she said. “I honestly thought that you'd…” she broke off.

Jacob shook his head. “Never,” he said gently. “I love you. That means you have the right to say no, to argue with me…”

“I can't do that,” she whispered looking away.

Jacob steered her face back to look at him. “Yes you can,” he told her. “This is a partnership hon. Nothing happens unless both of us want it. And I want you to always be able to be honest with me.”

She nodded slowly.

He smiled and kissed her.

Rhi suddenly realised she was lying there with nothing on and blushed.

Jacob smiled. “What's up beautiful?” he asked knowing full well.

“Ummm,” she whispered blushing harder. She buried her face in his chest. “Like being with you.”

“And I like being with you.” He reached down and pulled the covers up over them.

Rhi shifted slightly, cautiously laying a hand on his chest. This was all so new to her, so strange. They'd only been married a few short hours and yet…She paused her hand suddenly realising what she was doing..

“Don't stop,” he said gently. He looked at her. “If you want to look, touch or ask just do so. I want you to know me, just like I want to know you. That way you'll know there is nothing to be afraid of.”

She looked up at him. “May I?” she asked.

Jacob nodded. “Only if I may then with you,” he said gently, not wanting her to be afraid of his touch either.

She looked down for an instant and then back up and nodded. “Yes… and then will…”

“Anything,” he said kissing her nose gently.

“Will you love me again?” she asked. “Like you did last night?”

Jacob smiled and hugged her. “Of course,” he said. “But first this.” He put his fingers over hers and gently encouraged them to move over him. “We have all the time in the universe.”

--- --- --- ---

Jacob rubbed a hand over his tired face. He was gonna cop hell from Malek for this when or if he got back. Like he had before after he went to Cintarra Prime when he'd been told not to. Malek's wrath however, would be infinitely more tolerable than this incredible heart breaking pain that he was enduring right now. He would do anything to help ease his pain as he couldn't stop thinking of Rhi. He adjusted course slightly, tears falling again, remembering how she developed from a woman who was terrified the first time he'd kissed her as she shivered by the fire on Kendarra, to the woman so comfortable with who she was as she kissed him, making him tremble with excitement.

--- --- --- --- ---

Rhi sat on the edge of the rocks pulling the brush though her hair. Jacob was laying on his back in the sunlight, his eyes closed but she didn't think for a moment he was asleep. She watched him, his lean form stretched out at the entrance to their cave. She really didn't know why she'd been so scared at first. He was the most compassionate and unselfish lover anyone could ever wish for.

Her dream lover, no more than that because even in her wildest dreams she had never dreamt she would find someone like this, someone who loved her unconditionally, someone who had infinite patience with her fears and was teaching her all she ever wanted to know and more. Jacob was more than willing to teach her, as was Zach. And Selmak too knew what it was like to be made love to as a woman and showed Jacob several ways to pleasure Rhi that he would not otherwise have thought of. In fact making love with Selmak was a whole new ball game.

Zach too after that first morning had not kept quiet. Then he had wanted Rhi to discover their husband's body for herself, to see what happened when she touched and kissed. Then he had told her how to pleasure a man since he had been a man and knew exactly what men like! He knew a few places for Rhi to pleasure Jacob that even Jacob had never thought of!

Setting the brush down, she looked out over the water for a moment then stood up and started walking carefully over the rocks towards the waterfall.

Jacob opened his eyes and watched her as she stood under the water running her hands through her hair. He noticed she was still dressed and shook his head. He got up and moved over to her.

Standing under the water she watched him walk towards her knowing what he was going to say.

“What are you doing>” he asked.

“Taking a shower,” she told him. “Why?”

Jacob put his hands on his hips and looked at her. “With your clothes on?”

Rhi tuned out Zach's laughter and looked down at herself. “Well I knew I'd forgotten something,” she said.

“I thought we'd had this conversation.” He looked at her. “Come here.”

She shook her head. “No.”

“No?” he smiled playfully. “Did you say no?” he took a step towards her.

Smiling Rhi stepped away from him. “I did. No. No no no no no no no.”

Jacob moved fast and grabbed hold of her. “No?” he asked again.

“Uh huh,” Rhi nodded. “No.” She looked at him. “So now what you gonna do>”

“This,” he said, brushing his lips against hers.

She opened her mouth in surprise and Jacob made the most of it, deepening the kiss, his arms going tightly round her pulling her up closely to him, his hands moving slowly over her back.

She cupped one hand round the back of his neck, her fingers pleasuring Selmak who moved and stretched under her touch, as the finger tips of her other hand unhurriedly caressed their way down his back. She could feel Jacob's instant reaction. “Mmmm,” she said pressing up against him. “Someone seems very pleased to see me.”

Jacob pulled back slightly and grinned at her. “Tell me who he is and I'll shoot him,” he replied, his hands still moving down her back. Then pressing his hands on the small of her back, he leaned forwards again, brushing against her deliberately, running kisses down her neck, his lips nibbling just where Zach lay.

Rhi tilted her head to give him better access. She could feel Zach stretch out to his full length as Jacob nipped and kissed his way down the length of her neck. “Perhaps…” she whispered, feeling her own body responding now.

Picking her up Jacob headed back up into the sunshine, his lips never losing contact with her skin. “You are going to catch cold,” he grinned. “You should get out of those wet clothes.”

She grinned wickedly at him. “You're wet too now.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Am I? Damn, does that mean I have to get out of mine too?”

In answer as he laid her on the blanket she slid her fingers under his shirt, gently moving them through the hairs that covered his chest. She smiled as he trembled slightly. “You ticklish?” she asked sliding her hands to his waist and then undoing his belt. She didn't take her eyes off his face as she gently slid her fingers below his clothes slowly undressing him.

Jacob looked at her undoing her shirt and pushing it back. “No more than you are,” he said lowering his face to kiss her passionately, his hands slowly moving over her as he first unclipped and then removed her bra, gently caressing and then kissing the exposed skin. Their cries of passion and ecstasy echoed off the canyon walls as they took each other to the stars.

--- --- --- --- ---

Jacob took a deep shuddering breath and realised that Earth was now looming large in the window. He must have automatically gone to sublight engines as he wasn't aware of having done it. He slid the photo back into his pocket and made sure the cloak was active before running his hands over the comm system activating the radio. It gave him a direct line to the SGC control room. “This is Jacob Carter of the Tok'ra. Patch me through to General O'Neill.”

There was a pause of a few minutes then Jack's voice came over the radio. “Jacob… so what's wrong with the gate then?”

“Long story… I need permission to land at Peterson AFB and then a car to get me to the SGC.” His voice trembled slightly. “Is Sam there?”

“No… she's on a mission. Is everything okay?”

Jacob bit his lip, his eyes filling again. He evaded the question. “Recall her Jack... please. I'll explain when I get there”

Jack nodded. “Consider it done. Land at Peterson, in the usual place. I'll clear it and come and pick you up myself. Thirty minutes.”

Jacob turned off the radio and headed into land.

Jack thumbed the microphone. “This is O'Neill, SG13 report to the gate room immediately. Kit up for a retrieval mission. Major Jameson report to my office stat.” Then he looked at Walter. “When SG13 are ready send them to where SG1 are. And get me Peterson AFB on the phone.”

Walter nodded. “I'll put the call through to your office.”

Jack nodded and headed to his office.

--- --- --- --- ---

The jaffa dragged her unconscious body across the stone floor and chained her to the wall. Gwynn had been particularly vindictive when once again she had refused to tell him anything. He had beaten her senseless and then had her locked in a cell rather than returned to the room she had been in. A collar was fastened round her neck not quite tight enough to cut off her ability to breathe, but almost. Metal cuffs were slapped round her wrists and a chain looped through them and then through her neck collar.

Next they threaded the chains through rings embedded into the wall and pulled her up. Her hands high over her head until her toes barely touched the floor. Then they left her. Gwynn had ordered that she remain like that all night and then until he was ready for her the following day.

--- --- --- ---

Jacob landed the ship in the designated place at Peterson AFB and did the normal post flight checks. He sat there for a few before leaving the ship struggling to bring his emotions under control. The last thing he wanted was for Jack to see him cry. But the problem was now he'd started he couldn't stop. He took a deep breath of the clean mountain air and leaned against the side of the ship, the sun shining down from a cloudless blue sky, his whole life in shattered into myriads of tiny shards.

--- --- --- ---

Selmak looked over at Zach. “What do you mean my turn to cook?” she asked. ”You're the woman of the house now.”

“Hah!” He put her hands on his hips and poked his tongue out at her. “Because it is.”

“Why?” she repeated.

“Because it's Thursday, because Y comes before Z, because I say so and because I cooked last night,” he told her a twinkle in her eye.

Selmak shook her head and pulled him into her arms. “I got a better idea,” she said. “It's called take out.” She looked at him. “I take you out of the base and eat you under the stars.”

Zach's laughter echoed though the tunnels. “Sounds good to me.”

Jacob shook his head internally. <You can't live on love for ever Sel> he teased.

<Maybe not, but I intend to die trying> she replied.

--- --- --- ---

Jack had come alone to meet him. Something in Jacob's voice had warned him that all was not well. This was confirmed when he saw him leaning against the ship. Jacob looked like his world had ended. But more than that he looked old; like someone had turned off the light in his life. Jack parked the car on the runway tarmac and got out, moving over to him. “Jacob. On your own? I thought you and Rhi were joined at the hip these days.”

Jacob slowly raised his head and looked up. His voice gravely as he spoke. “Jack… thanks for coming.”

Jack looked at him, immediate concern filling him. “What's happened?” he asked.

Jacob took a deep breath rubbing a hand over his face.

Jack watched him and realised he was wearing Rhi's rings on his left hand. “Jacob? Where's Rhi?”

“She's dead,” Jacob managed, tears spilling from his eyes onto his cheeks.

Jack felt like he'd been kicked in the stomach. “Oh no… oh Jacob I am so sorry.” He instinctively reached out a hand and put it on the older man's shoulder offering what comfort he could where realistically there was none. His mind went back to the first time he had met Rhi and Zach only 4 short months previously and the timid young woman who had come to the base with Malek.

Timid yes, but stunningly beautiful and boy had it thrown him when that distorted voice had introduced herself as Zachariah. He could laugh now but at that point he could have picked his jaw up off the ground. Stunned just didn't come into his. It had thrown him completely. That had come hot on the heels of Jacob suddenly appearing demanding to take SG1 on a suicide mission. Yes he was hoping for a distraction that day, but that wasn't quite what he had in mind.

Jack watched as Jacob cloaked the ship and led him the twenty or so paces to the car and set off back to the base. As he drove he reflected again on that first meeting and how things had gone from bad to worse. He had made that awful mistimed comment and Zach had lost it.

He shook his head slightly. That woman sure packed a punch. He honestly didn't think she had it in her. Well the symbiote anyway. When Zach had retreated and Rhi was standing there, she seemed to shrink several inches and her personality changed abruptly. From tigress to mouse he thought. Who'd have thought that same woman would then be brawling in the street to defend the man she loved. Jacob had done wonders for her.

If he were honest he'd envied Jacob, finding love again at his age. Or should that be finding love again full stop. Yeah it probably should. It had taken most people by surprise, Sam most of all but he'd had words and she'd seen that this was a good thing. It had definitely done wonders for Jacob. He'd changed in the past 3 months, and the last team night they'd had at Sam's, Jacob and Rhi had been there for too and that had just been a whole lot of fun.

He turned off the highway and onto the road leading to the mountain. He glanced at Jacob. He had his eyes closed and Jack hoped he was sleeping. He looked down at Jacob's left hand with both his and Rhi's rings on it. He'd been honoured to have been the only one in on their secret. He smiled slightly at the memory, remembering how excited he felt for Jacob and Rhi and how proud he was to lead Rhi down the aisle and hand her to Jacob. She had looked so beautiful, positively glowing in her love for him. And Jacob had been the same. Those two were just made for each other. Or was it four including Zach and Selmak? Probably but who cares, it was a match very much made in heaven.

--- --- --- --- ---

Sam hugged Jacob tightly. “Congratulations,” she said the tears still evident on her face. “Why didn't you tell us?”

Jacob hugged her back. The sunlight glinted off the stars on his dress blues. “We thought we'd surprise you,” he said smiling.

“You did that alright Dad,” Mark said coming up to hug his father. “It was a lovely ceremony.”

Jacob looked at him and hugged him then pulled Rhi close to him, circling an arm round her waist. “You don't mind not knowing in advance?” he asked.

Mark shook his head. “It was perfect this way.” He laughed. “It's just so spontaneous.” He looked at Jacob. “Just realised Dad, you effectively eloped.”

Everyone laughed at that. Jacob kissed Rhi's cheek. “I guess we did,” he said slowly. “But we had our family here and that's what we wanted.”

Mark looked at Rhi. “Welcome to the family,” he said gently. He held out an arm to her and Rhi moved forwards into his embrace. “I may not be able to call you Mom right now,” he whispered to her so only she could hear. “But I'm not ruling it out one day.”

She looked at him, tears sparkling in her eyes. That meant more to her than any wedding gift. “Thank you.”

Jack smiled. “Give me your camera Mark,” he said and busied himself taking shots of all of them and then some of Jacob and Rhi on their own and the rest in various combinations.

Then they moved back up to the chalets where Jack proceeded to grill the chicken over the charcoal. The children who had changed out of their wedding clothes, ran round happily, chasing Daniel and Teal'c with water guns, both giving back as good as they got.

Coming outside with a tray of champagne Mark got soaked. He shook his head. “Who was that?” he demanded.

Ryan looked at Teal'c in horror expecting to get yelled at now. He hadn't intended to get his Dad wet at all.

Teal'c looked at him and then raised a hand. “It was I… you are not wet enough.”

Mark looked at him and then put the tray down. “Ryan give me your gun, this is war,” he said determined to get Teal'c back.

Jacob and Jack cracked up, their laughter echoing off the trees as Mark and Teal'c proceeded to shoot each other.

Rhi looked confused. “But I thought….”

Jacob kissed her. “He didn't… but it got Mark to ease up a bit. He'd have laid into Ryan and then things would have gone downhill.”

Jack handed round the champagne. “Ceasefire!” he ordered. He handed Mark and Teal'c a glass. “Big drips the pair of you,” he said. “Okay attention on deck. Let me first say in my official capacity as best man…”

“I thought that was Jacob,” Rhi said quietly.

Jack smiled as everyone laughed. “Okay second best man and giver away of the bride, that it is an honour to have been involved in helping to set this up.” He looked at them. “You two are made for each other and you'd just better take care of each other. Or Teal'c may get you with his water pistol.”

Teal'c promptly shot Jack which made everyone laugh again.

Jack semi glared at him. “You been practising too much,” he grumbled.

“Indeed,” Teal'c replied cheerfully.

“Anyway,” Jack continued wetly. He raised his glass. “To the bride and groom, may you have many years of health and happiness.”

“The bride and groom,” everyone chorused.

--- ---- --- --- --- ---

Arriving back at the SGC Jack showed his pass at the gate. The mood now was so different to what he had been remembering. Complete and utter joy replaced by total desolation and loneliness. He parked the car and he and Jacob walked to the front desk. Jack signed in and then slid the paper over to Jacob.

Swallowing hard, Jacob signed in. “Last time I did this was with Rhi,” he whispered. He took his pass and clipped it to his shirt. He looked at Jack. “Don't suppose you have a spare uniform do you?” he asked.

Jack nodded. “Sure, we'll go find you some BDU's. “

“Thanks.” Jacob followed Jack remotely through the corridors. They stopped and picked him up the uniform and he clutched it to his chest, hoping he'd get to their destination before breaking down again.

Jack looked at him. “Sam should be back soon,” he said.

Jacob nodded. “Thanks…” He didn't know how he was going to tell her. It was one thing to tell Jack but Sam… He swallowed hard, the sob welling up inside him threatening to break free too soon.

They reached the VIP quarters and Jack swiped the key card in the door before handing it to Jacob.

Jacob looked at it. “Give it to Sam… I'm not going anywhere.”

Jack nodded really wishing he could do more. “Jacob, if there is anything I can do,” he said softly.

Jacob looked at him. “I want to borrow SG1,” he whispered. <Déjà vu or what?> he commented sadly to Selmak.

Jack looked at him. “I'll schedule a briefing in a couple of hours. You can talk to them then. One thing… why come by ship?” he asked.

Before Jacob could answer the alert went off. “Incoming wormhole.” He looked at Jack. “Go.”

Jack nodded and headed off down the corridor.

Jacob let himself into the room, glad it wasn't Jack's office or the briefing room as both had the glass walls. This was one conversation he should have in private. He leaned against the wall and then sank to the floor, his knees up to his chest and his hands over his face. <Sel I can't do this…>

Selmak hugged him tightly. <We can… we must. Rhi and Zach would not want us to give up…>

<Heard that line before, 20 years ago…> he whispered. <The children need you, you have to keep going for them. But now they are grown up and don't need me…>

<They will always need you> she told him, her grief mingling with his. Truth be told, she didn't want to continue without them either.

Jacob curled up tighter. <Sel…> he whispered reaching out for her.

 she sobbed, her tears mingling with the ones running down Jacob's face. <It's not fair>

 he cried. “Why?” he repeated aloud pushing his head back into the wall. “Why her… Why not me?”

<Why not us?> Selmak added and hugged him tightly.

Jacob took a deep breath. <This was hard enough the first time… but to have to do it again.>

 Then a thought occurred to him. <We have no body to bury.>

<We can have a ceremony> Selmak whispered. <We can wrap some of her clothes and use those. We will remember her. Her death will not be in vain.> She hugged him again, united in their grief. <We will go to Myrddyn and we will track down this Gwynn ap Nudd and he will pay for what he did.>

Jacob nodded. <He will. No matter where he goes we will find him, if it takes a thousand years we will track him until he pays a hundred fold for what he took away from us.>

--- --- --- --- ---

In the control room Jack looked through the window as SG1 came through the gate, followed by SG13. They didn't look too happy at being recalled. He moved heavily down the stairs and into the gateroom. He didn't say anything, just stood there.

Sam rested her P90 on her arm. “What's up General? Why the early recall?” she asked. “We'd just started negotiations and SG13 arrive to bring us back.”

“Your Dad's here…He asked me to recall you.”

Slightly confused by that answer, Sam nevertheless smiled. She liked having her father come to visit. “Dad's here? Wonderful. Is Rhi with him? Where is he?” She looked round for him. Normally when he came to visit he was waiting in the gateroom for her.

Jack looked at her, a huge lump in his throat. “He… He's in the VIP quarters. Give me your gun. I'll check it in for you.”

She handed him her weapons suddenly wondering what was wrong. “Sir? What's wrong? Is he okay? He's not sick is he?”

Jack handed Sam the key card to the room. “He needs you,” he said quietly. “Go.”

Sam looked at him, her stomach turning somewhat, her initial annoyance at being recalled and joy at the news here Dad was here to see her turning to sick worry. She nodded and ran from the room.

Jack watched Sam leave and closed his eyes for a moment, his face clouding over again and the stiffness going from this stance.

Daniel looked at Teal'c and then back at Jack. “Jack?” he asked worriedly. “Jack what's happened?”

Jack looked at him and then at Teal'c. He took a deep breath and let it out in a loud sigh, his eyes glistening. “Rhiannon's dead,” he said his voice heavy with emotion.

Daniel looked at him, shock resonating though him. “Oh no… oh poor Jacob. How are he and Selmak doing?”

Jack shook his head. “They're not. I'll give him time with Sam then I want to find out what happened and see what we can do to help.”

Teal'c looked at him horrified. “How did this happen?” he asked.

“I don't know anymore than that right now, except the damn Tok'ra made him come here by cargo ship.”

“They what?!” Daniel asked a hint of anger coming through. “Isn't Jacob on the council still?”

Jack shrugged. “Seems the oldest and wisest just got kicked when he was already down,” he said sadly. “He wants to talk to you both in a couple of hours. Said he wants to borrow you. I'll set up the briefing room.” He turned and walked towards the door. “Oh… umm infirmary,” he said waving a hand.

Daniel watched him go. He ran a hand over his face. “I must be dreaming,” he whispered. “I don't believe it.”

Teal'c looked at him. “We must do what we can to support him and ColonelCarter.” He said slowly.

Daniel looked at him. “Oh…” he whispered. “Sam….” His heart went out to her. She had finally accepted Rhi as her father's wife and although didn't look on Rhi as a mother, she was her step-mom. He didn't envy Jacob the conversation he was about to have.

--- --- --- ---

Sam ran down the corridors to the VIP suite trying to work out why her father would come alone and hoping he or Selmak weren't sick. She knocked on the door and then opened it. “Dad?”

Jacob looked up from where he was still sitting hunched up on the floor. “Sam…” he managed. He just held out a hand to her, not having the energy to get up but, needing to feel her touch. He wanted to be comforted and to be told everything was going to okay. But it never would be now.

Sam's stomach fell as she saw the state he was in. He looked gaunt and haggard, his eyes red and full of tears that just wouldn't stop. She ran to his side, getting down beside him. “What's happened? What's wrong?” Maybe he was sick. She couldn't think of any other reason why he would look so bad. “Why didn't Rhi come?”

Jacob took a deep breath and looked down at the rings on his finger. There was no easy way to say this. He let out the breath is a long shuddering sigh. “Rhi's dead,” he whispered.

Sam paled. “Oh no, oh Dad I am so sorry,” she managed, the lump in her throat threatening to overwhelm her. She pulled her father into a hug, holding him as he sobbed. Tears welled up in her too. She'd only known Rhi a few months and had hated her at first for trying to replace her mother. But she hadn't. She'd become a friend.

--- --- ---- --- ---

Sam looked at Rhi across the kitchen as she pulled a tray of cookies from the oven. “They ready to go in yet?”

Rhi looked at the muffin tin in her hand. “I think so... I never made these before.”

“Never?” Sam asked.

Rhi shook her head. “That's what the kitchen staff was for…” She broke off. “That sounds terrible.”

Sam laughed. “Maybe… beats doing it yourself if you hate cooking though.”

Rhi looked at her. “Do you hate cooking?”

“It's a necessary evil… especially when its team night here. Teal'c is a secret muffin eater. Especially the chocolate ones. Apparently it has an affect on the jaffa.” She raised an eyebrow. “If you get my meaning.”

Rhi looked at her. “Does it? Have to remember that and send your father on his next mission with them then. He can distract the jaffa with them while he gets on with things.”

Sam laughed. “Speaking of which when is he going back to work? This is one long honeymoon.”

Rhi nodded. “But we're not complaining. They don't want to send me out until my training is complete and that won't even start for another ten months. Malek wants my healing training finished first. Then your father will take me out and show me the ropes.”

Sam nodded. “He's good at that.”

Rhi brought over the tray of muffins. “These okay?”

“They're great… we'll make a cook out of you yet.”

Rhi looked disconsolately over at the burnt loaf of bread and the blackened casserole dish that was in soaking. “I think that dish may disagree with you.”

Sam looked at it. “It'll come clean… soak it for a bit then the dishwasher will handle it. No one complained though.”

“They probably didn't dare.”

Sam put a hand on her arm. “Don't keep putting yourself down Rhi. For someone who had never even boiled an egg before yesterday you did brilliantly.” She paused. “You know I never thought this would happen.”

She reached out and smacked the hand that suddenly appeared over the plate of cookies with her spatula. “Wait til they're cool,” she said.

Jack pretended to look hurt then grabbed the entire plate and disappeared with it to the sound of cheers from the main room.

“Men!” Sam commented. “Where was I?”

Rhi watched as Sam put the muffins in to cook. “Thinking,” she said.

Sam nodded. “That's right. I was thinking how a few weeks back this never would have been possible. I didn't like you, to be honest.”

Rhi nodded. “And I thought you and Mark were spoilt brats who didn't give two hoots for your father's happiness.”

Sam looked at her. “We were wrong.”

Rhi smiled. “Yeah, way wrong. I gained twice over from this. Not only did I gain a husband who loves me so very much, I gained a friend in you.”

--- --- --- --- ---

Two hours later Jack and SG1 sat in the briefing room while Selmak told them of the events leading up to the mission which had had such disastrous consequences. Daniel had his laptop in front of him and was busy pulling up his notes on Gwynn ap Nudd. As luck would have it he'd just finished researching him. He'd come across a reference to a Creiddylad a couple of weeks back on P341-72J and that was the only excuse he'd needed for some particularly interesting reading and research.

Looking up he took a deep breath. “Okay,” he began summarising the pages of notes for them. “According to Welsh mythology, Gwynn ap Nudd was a deity, Lord of the Underworld and leader of the Wild Hunt. He would escort the souls of the dead there, accompanied by a pack of supernatural hounds, the Cwn Annwn. He kidnapped a woman called Creiddylad, causing a battle with Gwythyr ap Greidawl, her betrothed. Gwynn and Gwythr's fight, which began on May Day, represented the contest between summer and winter.”

Selmak looked at him. “That fits. This particular Goa'uld is always accompanied by two huge hounds known as Cwn and Annwn. Unlike most of the system lords he prefers grey or black clothing, usually unadorned, and carries no weapons apart from his ribbon device and a sword… The Armageddon Rider Sword to give its official title.”

Jack looked at her and then Daniel. “And that is?” he asked.

Daniel took a deep breath. “According to legend it removes the life essence from the soul and transfers it to the one using the sword. Whatever remains is sent to eternal damnation, everlasting pain and torment from which there is no chance of retrieval.”

Jack nodded slightly. “Nice guy.” He looked over at Selmak. “And the council sent Rhiannon to take him out? On her own?” He didn't quite believe what he was hearing. “And no one stopped them? Malek just let her go? You just let her go?” he finished before he realised what he'd said the words were out.

Selmak's eyes glowed hot. “ You think we would just let her go if we knew?? She is our wife! Our mate !” she spat slamming her hands down hard on the table, wishing she could hit Jack instead, but that would solve nothing. We would…” she broke off, taking a deep breath. <Die for them> she finished.

The music Rhi had chosen for their Earth wedding never seemed more appropriate than it did now. The lyrics filled her mind. You can't tell me it's not worth trying for, I can't help it, there's nothing I want more. I would fight for you, I'd lie for you, walk the wire for you, I'd die for you. You know it's true everything I do, I do it for you.

Selmak continued to glare at Jack, despite the fresh surge of grief filling her and her host. “They did not allow either Malek or us to know of their plans. And for that they will pay! Malek has sworn to me that he did not know and I believe him. I will take out Gwynn ap Nudd and then I will take my revenge on the council for allowing this to happen.”

Daniel looked up from his notes. “Is that wise? Taking out the council that is? How are they going to learn from their mistakes if you kill them?”

Selmak eyes glowed hot again. “It was NOT a mistake. They have wanted to get shot of me for many years now. They have finally got their wish. When this is done we are leaving the Tok'ra for good.”

Teal'c looked at her and nodded. “You should take your revenge SelmakoftheTok'ra,” he said. “Gwynn ap Nudd needs to pay for what he has done to you and to your mate. Honour demands no less than a just vengeance.”

Daniel nodded. “Yes in jaffa society and most other societies that is the case. And in Gwynn's case then yes I agree. He needs to pay for what he did. But the Tok'ra high council?”

Jack looked at them. “Let's deal with Gwynn first. Then deal with the council later.”

Sam looked at Selmak and reached over placing a hand on top of hers.

Selmak looked at her and nodded, knowing what her unspoken gesture meant and taking comfort in it. She took a deep breath. “General O'Neill, I wish to take SG1 with me to take out Gwynn.”

Sam looked over at Jack. “And if you don't let us go… I'll take personal leave and go. Rhi was more than just a friend, she was family. And family is important.”

Jack looked at her then over at Daniel and Teal'c. “And what about you two?”

Daniel looked at Jacob who had taken control back and at Sam. “Leave sounds good. Of course it'd be easier if we could use the gate. And went armed. And with back up.”

Teal'c nodded. “We should do this,” he said. “If there is the chance however faint that there are people held prisoner we should go.” He looked at Jacob. “We should also avenge the death of your wife. And prevent him from doing this to another family.”

Daniel looked up from the report something occurring to him. He started to speak but saw the grief just below the surface in Jacob's eyes and decided against. He turned back to his laptop and re-read it. He kidnapped Creiddylad, causing a battle with Gwythyr ap Greidawl, her betrothed . Was it possible he knew Rhi was Tok'ra and was hoping to draw them out? Or maybe that was just wishful thinking. Either way it wasn't fair to raise Jacob's hopes like this.

Jack nodded. “You have a go. Use the gate… that reminds me. Jacob why didn't they let you use the gate to get here?”

Jacob looked at him. “I'm not meant to be here. Malek told me I was too involved and to let them handle it.”

“So you went AWOL?” Jack said.

“I guess you could say that. I gave my word I would not gate to Earth. So I took a ship, intending to gate from another planet but Malek must have guessed I'd try to leave as he took my GDO along with all the others. With no GDO I ended up flying all the way here.”

Sam looked up. “So they wouldn't help you or let you use the gate?” she said astounded.

Jacob shook his head. “We're on our own,” he said quietly. Literally as it turned out.

Jack looked at him. “No... no you're not.” He looked at Sam. “I assume you don't mind if I put someone else in charge of SG1 for this mission.”

She looked at him, surprised but not going to argue. “Who did you have in mind Sir?”

“Me,” he said slowly looking at them. He'd given Rhi away at her wedding, he was as involved in this as the rest of them were. “We'll go take out this snake head and then, if you and Selmak still wish, we'll deal with the council.” He looked at Jacob. “It's the least I can do.”

“Thank you,” Jacob managed.

Jack nodded. “We gate out in two hours.”

Daniel looked at him. “Jack can I have a word in your office?”

Jack nodded. He'd noticed the look just now and recognised it as Daniel wanting to say something and keeping schtum for a reason. He led the way to his office and shut the door. “Spill,” he said.

Daniel nodded and moved over to Jack's computer. “May I?” As Jack nodded he shoved his disk in and brought up the report. “This bit,” he said pointing. “He kidnapped Creiddylad, causing a battle with Gwythyr ap Greidawl, her betrothed.”

Jack read a bit more and looked up at him. “And?” he said.

Daniel looked at him. “Gwynn, this Gwynn is a Goa'uld. He'd recognise the presence of another and probably even work out she was Tok'ra.”

Jack held up a hand. “Whoa back up a bit.”

Daniel nodded. “According to the report Selmak gave us, the colony was devastated. Not enough bodies were found and there was no sign of any blended remains on the planet.”

Jack nodded. “Yeah.”

“So he'd have taken prisoners right? New jaffa or hosts or just to take their souls if this version of Gwynn actually does that.”

Jack nodded again. “Okay… so…”

“What if Rhi was one of the prisoners? According to this he kidnapped Creiddylad and took her as his wife. He deliberate stole someone else's wife in order to draw out his arch enemy. If he took Rhiannon as a prisoner… Jack he'll know she's Tok'ra.”

“How?”

Daniel rolled his eyes. “No entry scar… Jack you know what this mean?”

Jack nodded. “Not a word to Jacob… he's in enough pain right now without getting his hopes up unnecessarily. I'll speak to Teal'c and we can keep an eye out.”

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Her hair was pushed back from her face by the force of the wind blowing against her. She screamed as the car suddenly plummeted and fell quickly and at a steep angle. She could hear Jacob laughing and just tightened her grip on the handle bar in front of her. <How can they like this?> she asked Zach, screaming again as the ride went into a series of loops and twists.

<Its fun> Zach giggled.

Rhi just closed her eyes tight wishing it was over. Finally the ride ended and Jacob helped her from the car.

“Well?” he asked.

“I feel sick,” she answered, “Never again.”

Jacob hugged her tightly. “Okay hon.” He led her away from the rides and bought her something called a lemon slushie. Then they walked round some of the animal enclosures.

This was better she decided as they watched the dolphins and the killer whales. She laughed at the penguins and admired the hippos. Then as the day ended he took her to the beach house he'd rented. There on their private secluded beach, he made a fire and they picnicked as the sunset over the ocean. She watched him as he sat there. She loved him so much and he did so much for her. He was her light, her essence, the one thing that kept her going.

Jacob turned and looked at her. “Penny for your thoughts,” he said.

Rhi smiled at him. “You,” she said. “Just thinking how much I love you and how much you mean to me,”

Jacob smiled back. “Feeling's mutual hon.” He put an arm round her and looked out over the waves as the sun set behind them. Once it was dark he swept her into his arms and carried her back inside. He laid her on their bed making love to her the whole night through.

--- --- --- ---

The door was flung open, flooding the room with light. Rhi woke with a jump from her dreams of Jacob and screwed her eyes up tight, turning her head into the wall. Her arms hurt from being chained above her head and her legs ached from barely being able to touch the floor.

Lachesis looked at her. “Wake up,” he said releasing the chain holding her arms above her head. He laughed as Rhi fell to the floor unable to put her bound hands out to catch herself. A small cry escaped her as she landed awkwardly on her arm. She heard it crack and pain shot through her.

Lachesis pulled her to her feet. “You will bathe,” he told her. “Pharaoh ap Nudd wishes to see you.” He looped the chains through the neck collar she wore and dragged her from the room.

Rhi moved silently with him trying to keep up, knowing if she fell he would just drag her along the floor like a dog. She tried again to reach Zach but the repeated use of the sarcophagus had rendered him dormant. She missed him, missed his counsel. She wanted to go home but that was looking increasingly unlikely as the days passed. She stumbled once or twice, the neck collar tightening as she did. The jaffa brought her to a large room in a part of the palace she hadn't yet been in. A large bathtub stood in the centre of the room. Steam rose from the hot scented water which filled it.

Two jaffa stood inside the room by the door, preventing any escape. Lachesis untied her apart from the neck collar and looked at her. “Strip and bathe,” he told her.

Rhi looked at him. “No.” The pain from her broken arm making her feel sick and less inclined to co-operate.

He grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her close to him. Please with the small cry of pain this got from the woman he twisted the arm viciously. “You will do as you are told or I will do it for you,” he told her. “Bathe.”

Rhi looked at him and decided it would be better to comply than be forcibly bathed and touched by him. He needed no excuse to touch her as he proved every chance he got. She moved over to the tub and stood there for a moment waiting for him to leave.

Lachesis grinned nastily at her. “I am going nowhere,” he told her. “Bathe… I will not tell you again.” When she hesitated he finished “I can always remove the dress for you.”

Turning her back on him Rhi took off the remains of her dress and put one foot into the water. “Hot,” she whispered stepping back out again.

Losing patience Lachesis moved over to her and picked her up throwing her into the hot water. Hot enough to cause her skin to redden on contact but not hot enough to cause permanent damage, she gasped as the water covered her. He then grabbed her hair and forced her backwards under the water.

Rhi didn't close her mouth quickly enough and got a mouthful of water. She struggled needing to breath. After what seemed like an age but was no more than a couple of seconds she was pulled above the water.

Coughing and retching she was only dimly aware of him dumping a load of shampoo on her hair and rubbing it in. This time as he forced her backwards she took a deep breath. Again it seemed an age before he released her and pulled her upright again. He threw a wash cloth at her and raised an eyebrow.

Rhi picked it up and ignoring the fact he was watching her, she washed herself one handed, avoiding touching her broken arm.

Despite everything it was her first bath in almost 8 days and the water felt wonderful. Even if it was far too hot and hurt every part of her body. Her arm was swelling she realised which wasn't a good sign, especially with Zach unable to help in any way. She missed him more with each passing hour, and just felt desperately alone.

When she was done, Lachesis held out a towel to her. “Get out,” he told her. He held the towel far enough away that she couldn't reach it without standing up.

Rhi looked at him and closed her eyes for a moment. Then not showing how scared she was stood up and got out of the bath. She looked straight at the jaffa making no effort to take the towel from him.

After a moment he tossed her the towel and watched as she dried herself.

Rhi threw the towel to the floor. “Clothes?” she asked.

“Over there,” he told her.

She moved over to where he indicated and dressed slowly. She hadn't expected anything to be worse than the outfit the Tok'ra had given her but this one came close to being just that. It was hard to do it with one arm broken but somehow she managed to struggle into it. However it was a front fastening bodice and there was no way she could do it one handed.

“Let me,” Lachesis snarled and reached to do it.

She pulled the two parts of the bodice together with one hand and looked defiantly at Lachesis. Just then a noise at the door made him turn. “Leave us!”

Lachesis bowed and moved away.

Gwynn looked at Rhi and crossed over to her. “Why aren't you dressed?”

Rhi looked at him. “My arm is broken. I can't do the dress up.”

Gwynn knocked her hand away and did the fastenings up himself, keeping his eyes on her face. “Problem solved.” He ran his eye up and down her figure, the dress finishing just above her knee. “Very nice. You will join me for dinner. We have guests.”

She looked at him. “I'm not hungry.”

Gwynn gripped her broken arm tightly, causing a huge surge of pain to course though her. “You will join me for dinner and you will eat. Is that understood? You show me up and you will be punished Shol'va.”

“My name is Elizabeth,” she managed the pain threatening to make her lose consciousness.

Gwynn pulled her closer to him. “Your name is Creiddylad and you are my wife.”

Rhi looked at him bile rising in her throat. “What?”

He just raised an eyebrow. “And you will play that part to perfection is that understood.”

“And if I don't?”

“Then the Shol'va within you will be removed, tortured and executed while you watch.”

Rhi took a deep breath. she whispered to Zach knowing there would be no response.

Gwynn looked at her. “Is that understood?” he repeated.

Rhi nodded, wondering how far he wanted to take this wife thing, because she was married. Betraying Jacob and Selmak by sleeping with another man was something she would never do no matter what he threatened her with. She would rather die before allowing another man to touch her in such a manner as it was a right only given to her husband!

Gwynn ran a hand down her face, watching her flinch and pull away. “Don't,” he said. He curled a hand round the back of her neck. “You are my wife so act like it.” He looked at her arm. “My physician will heal this enough so you can eat and the sarcophagus will complete it later.”

--- --- --- --- ---

Malek made his way through the tunnels. While a part of him sympathized with Jacob's plight, a part of him was mad at Jacob for breaking his word.

<Technically he didn't> Jared said. <He said he wouldn't gate to Earth and he didn't.>

<No he stole a cargo ship. I have no choice here. You know that. We have to report him missing.>

<He's not missing… you know very well where he is.>

<He's AWOL Jared… and a ship is missing. As much as I don't want to I have to report this and send someone after him.>

Malek reached the council chambers. “Garshaw… it doesn't appear that Jacob is on the base.”

Garshaw looked at him. “Oh?”

“He took a cargo ship but I have a fair idea where he went.”

“Myrddyn,” Garshaw said. “Do nothing.”

Malek looked aghast at her. “What? How…”

“DO NOTHING! “ Garshaw repeated. “Jacob and Selmak will succeed where Rhiannon and Zachariah failed.”

Malek shook his head. “I don't believe I am hearing this. Surely you don't condone this course of action? Garshaw, the man just lost his mate! He's not in the right frame of mind to do anything right now.”

Garshaw just looked at him. “Gwynn ap Nudd must be taken out…at all costs! Those are the council's orders and they will be followed.”

Malek turned and left the room, heading for the communications room. He quickly contacted Earth and demanded to speak to General O'Neill. All he got was some officer named Walter who did a very good impression of the recorded message Jacob had told him about. He was told General O'Neill was not available and he was not at liberty to discuss the whereabouts of General O'Neill right now. In disgust Malek cut off the connection, deciding the best course of action would be to head to Earth himself.

He moved quickly to his quarters and picked up Jacob's GDO then looked at the ever present personal guards and filled them in on what he wanted to do. Other than Jacob and Jared of course, his escorts were the two he trusted the most. Then he set off for the rings.

--- --- --- --- --- ---

Rhi hated every minute of this. Being paraded around like some two bit showgirl, Gwynn's arm tight round her waist as he showed her off to the local townspeople. So unlike Jacob, who was proud to have her at his side, yet at the same time so humble about it because of her beauty. Actually maybe pet was more the word she was looking for. Especially the way he kept stroking her arm, knowing full well it still hurt as it was only partially healed. Or plaything… because he was toying with her; never letting her know where she stood with him. She knew he was planning on killing her, probably at least once. She knew that much about the sarcophagus technology.

She smiled like he wanted her to, made polite conversation, with his fingers digging painfully into her waist or her arm as a reminder to behave. She sat by his side at dinner. The mere smell made her mouth water as it had been days since she had eaten more than a bite of dry bread and a mouthful or so of water. The wine went straight to her head, the rich food making her stomach turn but she was hungry.

Once the meal was over Gwynn excused himself and left the room with Rhi. He took her back to the room she had spent the first few nights in. Rhi sat on the bed and looked at him. The room was starting to spin now and all she wanted to do was sleep.

Gwynn sat next to her. “Now you will tell me what I want to know,” he told her.

Rhi shook her head. “No,” she said slurring her words slightly. “You maythink you won here but youhaven't.”

Gwynn gripped her tightly. “You will tell me,” he said grinning at her nastily. “What is your name?”

“Told you… s'Elizabeth…”

Gwynn's eyes glowed harshly and his grip tightened. “No… the name of the one you carry within you.”

“Gotohell,” she muttered.

Gwynn backhanded her viciously, smiling as her head turned with an audible crack.

Rhi gasped her hand flying to her cheek, her fingers coming away bloodstained from where his ring had cut into her. She bit back the cry of pain as he grasped her broken arm and twisted it. “You will tell me,” he said. “Or he will suffer.” He looked up and nodded at the jaffa. “Show her what happens to those who disobey their god.”

--- --- --- --- --- ---

Jacob waited in the gate room, staring mournfully at the picture of Rhi. Jack came in followed by the rest of SG1. He nodded up at the control room and Walter started dialling the gate. Jack looked at Jacob. “I don't want a fight over this. I'm in charge here… you follow orders just like the others.”

Jacob nodded, tucking the photo in the breast pocket of his uniform.

“Now I mean that. I don't want you charging off on your own.”

Jacob nodded again. “Okay… so long as I kill him that's fine by me.”

Jack put a hand on Jacob's arm as the gate engaged. “He's all yours. You have my word.”

“Thank you.” He took a deep breath and then pulled the ribbon onto his left hand.

Sam looked at him. “Dad?” she said. She'd only seen him with it once before, knowing the Tok'ra preferred not to use them.

He looked at her. “It's Selmak's,” he said shortly. Then he looked at Jack. “We ready?”

Jack nodded and set off up the ramp and through the gate.

the conclusion

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