Darts of Eros

By

CJ

Col. Jack OπNeill sat on the bed and waited for the man he loved to come back into the room. After a long day of training and learning new protocols, all Jack really wanted was to sleep, but instead heπd cleaned himself up and sat down to wait.

He knew it wouldnπt be long, but it seemed like forever, because the longer he waited the more time he had to think. After all, this wasnπt just a change in his life, this was a frigginπ earthquake.

Had he ever thought of a man like this before?

Not sure. Maybe.

Better not to go there.

Not that it made any difference. Nope. Cause he was sure as hell thinkinπ that way now, wasnπt he? This was just about as fucked up a situation as Jack OπNeill had ever managed to get himself into. If the brass ever found out, his career would be toast. Even without ≥Donπt ask, donπt tell≤, there would be plenty of doubts about his ability to commandãand that was the least of it. Brass doubting him was one thingãdoubting himself was a hell of a lot more worrying.

Was he fit to command?

If he had to choose between his lover and anyone else, hell, between his lover and the whole goddamn planet, would he be able to make the correct choice? Could he be trusted to even know what the correct choice was?

Jack scrubbed his face with both hands and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.

Damn.

At that moment the door opened.

≥Youπre slouching, Jack.≤ his lover sighed with exasperation and shook his head.

≥Sorry, long day.≤ Jack sat up straight and tried maintain his train of thought as his throat went dry and cock jumped at the sight of the man. Tall, slim, golden hair and blue eyes.

Damn.

Canπt live without this, he thought. Donπt want to.

His lover walked up and brushed the back of his hand against Jackπs cheek. Jack leaned into it as if the touch alone was sucking all his strength away.

≥I suppose we will just have to punish you again until you can remember the correct posture for awaiting me, and the correct language to address me with,≤ his lover was smiling now, and Jack could see the anticipation and smell his arousal. Jackπs body answered in kind, while his mind shut down most higher processes.

Without thinking, Jack leaned in, rubbing his face in the crotch of his loverπs robes, pressing his cheek against the clear evidence of the other manπs lust. ≥Yes, please, my Lord,≤ he said, falling immediately into his so recently, and painfully, learned responses.

There was an unearthly chuckle from above. ≥So sweet, Jack. Youπve learned to ask so sweetly.≤ Hearing the depth of the voice Jack knew that if he looked up he would see his loverπs glowing eyes, so he simply buried his face further in his Lordπs robes, nodded and said, ≥Anything for you, my Lord Eros.≤

n ß n ß n

≥Eros? As in Cupid?≤ Sam echoed Jacob, obviously puzzled at her fatherπs reluctance to give more details on what had happened to her commanding officer and friend, Jack OπNeill.

Daniel understood her feelings; he wanted details. He wanted a plan for getting Jack back. ≥Why in the world would Apophis give him to another Goaπuld? Is Eros a more powerful System Lord or something?≤

The briefing room was a little crowded with General Hammond, Sam, and Tealπc and both Jacob and Anise representing the Tokπra. Even so, it felt empty to Daniel. Jack was gone. Had been gone. For ten fucking DAYS his best friend and CO had been missing and now they find out that heπs been given toã

≥Some tubby cherub with heart-shaped arrows?≤ Samπs sarcasm sounded so much like Jack himself that it made Danielπs heart hurt. When the Colonel was around, Sam balanced him as a good second in command should. But when she was in charge, Daniel often saw her putting on many of Jackπs mannerisms the same way she put on the mantle of command.

≥Major.≤ General Hammond shot her the same quelling look he used on Jack.

Daniel had his own habits, of course. He admitted this to himself as he mentally picked up the gauntlet and launched into a lecture on the Greek god of love. ≥Eros was actually a fairly powerful god with sway over mortal hearts. In traditional myths he is portrayed as a handsome young man with strong passions and a keen sense of irony. He often used love as a tool for punishment: forcing mortals to fall in love with someone or something inappropriate. But I agree with Sam, it seems an odd persona for a System Lord to choose.≤ Daniel raised his eyebrows in an implied question and waited for Jacob to elaborate.

≥More importantly, what happened to the Colonelπs back-up? You said your agents would be able to assist in getting him out!≤ Sam leaned in across the table, the accusing look in her eyes another echo of Jack.

≥We thought if Apophis was alive, and this new fleet being put together did belong to him, then he would want to keep Jack close, but our agent had no time to set up an extraction. Apophis sent Jack to Eros almost immediately. As for his persona, Eros is not a System Lord at all,≤ Jacob stated, and Daniel expected him to go on and explain exactly what this Goaπuld was; but the older man simply sat and studied the top of the table intently.

Tealπc spoke up, ≥Is OπNeill going through the usual training process? I have never heard of Eros training one that was not sold or presented as a temple offering. Do you know which of these fates is planned for OπNeill?≤

≥Sold?≤ Sam asked, shooting a glance first at Tealπc and then at her father.

≥What training?≤ Daniel asked almost at the same time.

There was silence.

≥Jacob, Anise, I thought you came here to give us your report.≤ General Hammond prodded them, ≥We need to know what is happening to Colonel OπNeill.≤

Jacob looked over at Anise; Daniel would swear the old soldier was blushing. Anise pursed her lips and, with a sigh, stepped in to answer the teamπs questions.

≥We believe that Colonel OπNeill was given to Eros for two reasons: because Apophis believes Eros may be able to get the most information out of him, and because of a gifting ceremony that is going to occur in the near future. It is Erosπs task to prepare Colonel OπNeill for the ceremony,≤ Anise started.

≥So heπs some kind of torture master?≤ Daniel interrupted, trying not to visualize Jack tied out on a rack. ≥Not the job I would have picked for the god of love.≤

≥I think if you saw him at work, you might indeed call it torture, Daniel Jackson,≤ Tealπc said softly, ≥But those in the thrall of Eros, those trained by his hand, say it is the most intense of all pleasures. They say that they cannot live without it.≤

Danielπs eyes widened, and he and Sam traded a look of desperation.

≥Dad?≤ Sam said, looking to her father to deny the idea that was forming in her mind.

≥Iπm sorry, but all the evidence our sources can find indicates that Colonel OπNeill was given to Eros in order to be trained as a courtesan for Apophis.≤ Jacob confirmed, ≥There is evidence that Apophis intends to barter Jackπsä favors among the System Lords at the gifting ceremony.≤

Anise nodded. ≥It would be a great coup for Apophis to provide the leader of SG-1 as entertainment for his fellow lords. He would gain an immense boost to his reputation, which has suffered greatly due to the defeats handed him by the Tauπri, especially SG-1. To have Colonel OπNeill broken to the point of being a willing participant in the entertainmentã≤ She broke off, jumping a bit as Jacob kicked her under the table.

≥Oh Jesus!≤ Daniel couldnπt stop the images.

Jack spread-eagle on a bed being whipped. Jack hanging from the ceiling while some faceless Goaπuld tortured his cock and balls. Jack getting fucked up the ass by a snake.

Loving it.

Wanting it.

Begging for it.

≥NO!≤

The word might have been ripped from his own gut, but Daniel knew that he was beyond making any articulate utterances. He looked up and saw Tealπc standing, towering over the meeting.

≥Tealπc!≤ the General barked, ≥Sit down!≤

Tealπc ignored the order.

≥OπNeill is a warrior. I will not allow him to live out his days as a temple whore for the false gods.≤ Tealπcπs voice was a stone that Daniel allowed himself to build hope on. Of course. They would get Jack out. Tealπc would know about Eros and his habits. They would get Jack out.

≥So you understand what must be done?≤ Anise said, speaking straight to the Jaffa.

Daniel saw his friend the Jaffa nod slowly, and hopeπs foundation trembled.

Sam was flicking her gaze back and forth from Tealπc to the two Tokπra. It was obvious that she didnπt like the implications here either. ≥What do you mean? The only thing we can do is rescue the Colonel. That is our only option!≤ She looked desperately at the head of the table. ≥General?≤

≥We need to have the best understanding of the situation that we can, Major, before making a decision.≤ Hammond looked pointedly at Tealπc, who was still standing at the side of the table. ≥I want this briefing to continue until I feel we have all the information we need, and that isnπt yet! Tealπc, you will sit down and tell me what it is you and the Tokπra feel needs to be done, or you will leave this briefing and be placed on stand down for the duration. Is that clear?≤

≥My apologies, General Hammond.≤ Tealπc nodded his head to the general as he sat down.

≥Accepted,≤ the general snapped. ≥Now explain.≤

≥There can be no rescue from Eros this side of death.≤ Tealπc spoke softly, gently, and Danielπs hope shattered. ≥Those trained by Eros love their lord with a fanaticism I have never seen equaled anywhere else. They will do anything for him. They kill for him, die for him. They do not willingly leave him; in fact, being sent away is considered by his slaves to be the most grievous punishment. We cannot rescue OπNeill because he will not wish it.≤

≥We canπt condemn the Colonel for whatπs being done to him,≤ Sam argued, looking to Daniel for support. ≥If we have to get him out of there against his will, then fine, we do it and find a way to reverse the process when he gets back.≤

≥Jack might be resistant anyway,≤ Daniel offered. ≥Heπs had training against interrogations. Couldnπt that be why Apophis decided to give him up in the first place? Jack wouldnπt break?≤

Jacob nodded, but didnπt look hopeful. ≥Our sources tell us that Jack held out against every torture that Apophis tried on him, but what Eros does is different, Daniel. I donπt think Jack will be able to resist it.≤

≥No human could,≤ Anise said with glowing eyes that meant her symbiote was speaking, ≥Eros has studied the chemistry of the brain of many species, most especially Tauπri. He injects his subjects with a mixture of neurotransmitters that cause the subject to love their master with a completely obsessive devotion. It is not simulated or faked. It is REAL. Using that, and behavior modification, reward and punishment, he soon has any subject at his mercy.≤

≥So your main concern in all of this is what the Colonel will tell them?≤ Sam asked not bothering to keep the disgust out of her voice.

≥We knew, as he did, that there was always the possibility he would be caught while trying to locate Apophis; plans were set up in advance. As soon as Jack went missing, we started changing all our procedures; all our operations that he was aware of have been scrubbed or their target changed.≤ Jacob told them. ≥We donπt think there is anything he can tell them now that would hurt us.≤

≥Then why donπt we just let him go.≤ Danielπs whispered statement silenced everyone.

≥Danielã≤ Sam started, but her teammate cut her off.

≥Tealπc and the Tokπra seem to think heπsã≤ Daniel choked for a moment, ≥happy. Hell, according to Anise, here, heπs in LOVE. Weπve taken every precaution against any of our precious secrets getting out. So why donπt we just leave him if you all think heπs so content to be there!≤ Daniel slammed his hands against the table and glared at everyone equally. He knew the moment the anger left him he would cry. Cry for Jack. But it wouldnπt be here.

≥Precisely because of this sort of feeling we must kill OπNeill!≤ Anise hissed back at Daniel. ≥As long as they have him, they can use him against you emotionally. Eros feels nothing for your colonel; he will turn him over to Apophis after instructing OπNeill to obey his new master. Then Apophis will present him at the gifting ceremony, parade him before the other lords and trade his body for political advantage. What will that do to you, his friends? To others here in the SGC? Think of the leverage it will give Apophis to send you images of the Colonel doing his bidding. And what if you got him back? How would you prove he was cured of his infatuation with Eros? I tell you, none taken from Eros has EVER recovered. They kill themselves or they escape back to him. OπNeill is a fine man, but he cannot resist the hold Eros will undoubtedly place on him.≤

≥You donπt know Colonel OπNeill.≤ The generalπs voice was low and steady. ≥We will give him the chance, as much as we can. SG- 1, you and SG-3 will prepare to move out. Jacob, I need anything you have on the compound where they are holding the Colonel. Major, you, Tealπc and Jacob work out a retrieval plan.≤

Anise started to protest, but General Hammond just held up his hand for silence. ≥Should Aniseπs worst case scenario be true, we need a back-up solution. Tealπc?≤

The Jaffa nodded, ≥It will be done, General Hammond.≤

≥Good. Dismissed.≤ The general gathered his papers and left.

Daniel sat at the table, unable to move.

Jack.

They were going to kill Jack.

Oh God.

n ß n ß n

≥What am I to do with you, Jack?≤ Eros asked, tipping Jackπs chin up with the handle of his whip.

≥Iπm guessing letting me go is not an option, my Lord?≤ Jack let a bit of his old sarcasm show through. God knows what he would do if Eros took him up on it. Jack didnπt think he could even imagine life without his lover, but something in him made him ask.

≥You ask to be let go?≤ Erosπs eyes narrowed dangerously. ≥Shall I send you to Apophis now?≤

He knew he walked a fine line with Eros when he didnπt just suck it up and play obedient servant. But what the heck, it had been a couple of days since his last reprimand, and the ache in his nipples and the sting across his ass-cheeks had almost completely faded. Obviously he needed a refresher course, right?

Right. Youπre an idiot, OπNeill. Your ass stops hurting for a minute and you want to heat it up again immediately?

His knees, though, didnπt need any help. They were killing him as he knelt on the stone floor of his bed chamber. Jack wondered briefly if that was why there were no carpets or rugs in the room, but it didnπt matter. If his love told him to kneel here, naked, hands clasped behind his back, then he would. You betcha.

Exactly how he had gotten to this point was something Jackπs mind skittered around the edges of, like a pit in his psyche that he only just avoided falling into.

Eros had bade him wait here after the evening meal. Jack hadnπt eaten much. That was trouble. Since getting his collar and shackles yesterday, he just hadnπt been able to eat. He could see they were a perfect fit, but the leather-lined gold bands felt constricting. Especially the collar. Like he couldnπt swallow past it. Heπd hate it, except Eros had put it on him.

Eros was staring at him through slit eyes, still awaiting his answer.

≥Whatever you want, my Lord.≤ Jack knew better than to get smart with that answer. No, no, no, no. Not doing this with Apophis. No way in hell. What he did for Eros out of love, Apophis would have to beat out of him, and Apophis would enjoy it.

God, why couldnπt that asshole just stay dead?

≥Tell me why you did not eat your evening meal,≤ Eros demanded.

≥I wasnπt hungry, my Lord.≤ Jack answered.

The ache in his back was picking up now to match his throbbing knees. Jack thought longingly of the bed covered in blue silk, but resisted the urge to glance that way. The room was dim, but Eros knew every flick of an eyelash in his lovers. Glancing at the bed would probably only get Jack more time on the floor.

The color of the silk sheets reminded him of Danielπs eyes.

≥And your midday meal?≤

≥The same, my Lord,≤ Jack answered with a little shrug.

≥You barely eat enough to keep yourself healthy!≤ Eros snapped, and grabbed Jack roughly by the hair and pulled his head back to look into his eyes. ≥When will you learn that this body is not yours anymore?≤

≥Habit of a lifetime, my Lord; hard to break.≤

≥Insolence!≤

Eros pulled Jack to his feet and Jackπs arms instinctively went around his loverπs waist as his mouth was taken in a bruising kiss. In the next beat of his heart the wonder of it all bloomed fresh in his mind.

Love.

He loved Eros. Man or Goaπuld, it didnπt matter to Jack. How could he even joke with Eros about leaving? That this was the one person he would spend the rest of his life with, the only one that could ease the aching need pulsing from Jackπs chest straight to his cock; this understanding was a gift. A gift from the only god he acknowledged now. The god of Love.

The kiss became a duel of tongues and teeth. Darting, sliding, nipping, along. Jackπs hands roamed the eternally youthful body: so beautiful! He could feel his own sides stroked and massaged, two cocks bumping, rubbing together through Erosπs linen kilt in jolts of the sweetest friction.

That someone like this could want him at all was just amazing to Jack.

Jackπs hands were up around Erosπs shoulders and the Goaπuld was holding him tight around the waist when there was suddenly a twitch of muscle, a scrape of metal-shaping nanites, and they were flying. Jack clutched his lover more tightly, willing himself not to look down. The twelve-foot wings that had sprouted from Erosπs back were fully functional and could be spread or retracted at will.

Without a word Eros flew with Jack out the opened skylight and into the vaulted cavern that housed the training centre.

As they settled on a football-field-sized platform that was suspended high above the living quarters, Jack tried frantically to think of a way off.

Eros chuckled as he retracted his wings. ≥You thought you could make me forget, Jack? It was a fine attempt, but I think punishment is indeed what is called for today.≤

Jack swallowed. ≥Yes, my lord.≤ He looked around the training platform nervously. He was now intimately familiar with every one of the staging areas and devices. The different swings and hammocks, the simple over-the-head manacles, the rack, the cage, the horse, the wheel; Eros had used them all on Jack more than once. And the longest moment of any session was always when waiting to be told which ones would be used.

Eros pinned him with steel blue eyes and smiled as he said, ≥Choose.≤

≥My lord?≤

≥Choose, Jack,≤ Eros repeated, still smiling. He went on to explain, ≥You want this, or you wouldnπt be trying to bait me and you would have eaten as instructed. So I give you the choice: Tell me which instruments you wish to use, or we can simply forgo the punishment entirely, glide back to my chamber and make love.≤

Jack started to shake. From relief, of course. No punishment. Jack OπNeill beats the system again. And gets hot sex with the man of his dreams. Perfect.

≥Jack?≤ Eros reminded him, ≥Iπm waiting. Choose or we leave now.≤ He leaned in, licked Jackπs ear and whispered, ≥I want you, Sweetness, whichever way I get to have you tonight. And I wonπt wait much longer for your decision.≤

Jack nodded and took a deep breath. Time to go. He should count himself lucky and enjoy an uncomplicated evening with his lover.

Then heard himself say, ≥The horse.≤

Oh shit, what was that?

Eros saw the shock in Jackπs face and chuckled as he reached out to ruffle the humanπs hair gently. ≥You really donπt know yourself yet, do you, Sweetness?≤

Jack couldnπt answer. Somewhere his mind had just switched off and he couldnπt make his mouth work even if he knew what words to use.

Punishment.

Christ on a crutch, what was he thinking?

Distantly he felt Erosπs hand on his back as the Goaπuld guided him over to the horse. It was like a vaulting horse, but a bit narrower with hooks and grips on the legs. Eros took him up to the side and stood behind him with his hands placed on Jackπs hips.

≥Get in the mount position,≤ Eros instructed Jack in a low voice.

Jack put one hand on either end of the horse and pushed up, leaning slightly forward until he was up on his toes, with his hips firmly against the side of the horse, and all his weight supported by his arms. His cock rubbed into the leather, already hard and trembling with desire. Deftly, Eros reached around him and repositioned it so that it pointed down, held in place by the pressure of leaning against the horse.

Jack moaned.

≥Hold your position, Jack.≤ Eros warned him and moved off to the rack at the left on which were hung various implements.

Jackπs arms were beginning to tremble with strain when Eros returned carrying several sizes of whips, a cat, three different paddles and a cane. He led them up in front of Jack.

≥Choose.≤

The trembling wasnπt just in his arms now and it wasnπt just from the strain. Jack took several short, shallow breaths and then leaned forward, kissing first Erosπs hand and then the short, broad, leather paddle.

≥Excellent.≤

Oh god, what was he doing? A single tear rolled down Jackπs cheek.

≥Beautiful.≤ Eros reached up and stroked the tear away. ≥Now complete the position and weπll begin.≤

Jack shuddered as he bent the rest of the way down over the horse, grabbing the handholds to steady himself. Eros touched the ring on his left hand to Jackπs wrist and ankle shackles causing them to mold themselves to the hooks on the horse and then stood back to admire the effect. Then he adjusted the hooks for the ankles, drawing them in a bit, framing Jackπs erection closely between his thighs.

Jack was breathing hard now and trying not to give in to full blown panic. It wasnπt the punishment itself; heπd been through that several times now and knew that Eros wouldnπt do anything to cause permanent damage. His lover could even make some punishments pure pleasure, but Jack had never been here by choice before. Heπd never asked for punishment.

Eros started with his hand, as Jack had requested. First one cheek then the other. Stopping now and then to pinch or stroke his slaveπs ass. Jack didnπt make a noise at first. He wouldnπt. As each blow fell, he became angrier that he had gotten himself into this situation. Not just the punishment today, but surviving this far. He had hoped during his brief stay with Apophis that heπd just die there, but the old Goaπuld knew a thing or two about keeping Tauπri alive.

Or had Jack wanted it? Like provoking the punishment today, asking for it even after being given the choice to run away.

In any case, here he was: Colonel Jack OπNeill in love with Love and getting his butt well and truly warmed. It was stinging now, both cheeks, and his breathing was speeding up, becoming shallower. Jack fought for control. Deepened his breathing. OK. Gonna ride this out.

≥You are thinking too much, Sweetness,≤ Eros growled just as he paused to pick up the paddle. Without waiting for Jack to answer, the Goaπuld unleashed a hail of blows with the broad leather implement.

No stinging now. It hurt. It fucking HURT.

There was a low keening noise rising from his chest that Jack couldnπt stop, and realized he didnπt want to stop. His cock was throbbing, his ass was on fire. He started bucking against the horse.

Yes!

Then the blows slowed.

Jack wailed, ≥Donπt stop, donπt stop, donπtstopdonπtstopã≤

≥Why are we here, Jack?≤ Eros asked him, so softly that Jack had to hold his breath to hear the words. Held it until another crack from the paddle forced the air out of his lungs and left him gasping

≥M-my Lord?≤

≥You refuse to follow simple instructions.≤

Whack!

≥Sorry! Sorrysorrysorryã≤

≥You continue to forget your place when speaking with me.≤

Whack!

≥Iπll stop! Promise! Justã Please!≤

≥Please what? Tell me, Jack.≤

Whack!

≥Donπt you stop! Please, donπt stop! Need it, dammit! Need this!≤

≥Tell me, Jack. Tell me why.≤

The blows sped up again, each one a lightening bolt going from Jackπs crotch to the top of his head. His cock was practically vibrating against the leather side of the horse, slick with sweat and pre-cum. And as the blows increased in numbers and ferocity, words spilled from Jackπs lips in a river that he couldnπt block.

≥Need it! Left them! Hurt them! God, hurt Sam and Daniel, especially. Supposed to protect them, make sure nothing bad happens to them! My KIDS, dammit! Just like Charlie! Not supposed to leave them! Not supposed to betray them! Tealπc will think I sold out! He gave up everything to help us, and I betrayed him! Samπll never understand! And Daniel, oh God, another hur, another loss! Iπm sorry, Daniel! Sorry! Betrayed them all, God dammit!≤

≥How, Jack?≤ Without slowing down the rhythm of blows, Eros shouted his last question over the slap of the paddle and Jackπs sobs, ≥How did you betray them?≤

≥I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU, YOU GODDAMN SNAKE!≤

Sobs ripped through Jack as he bucked up against the horse seeking release and oblivion, but he stayed balanced on the edge. The frustration made him scream louder than any blow from the paddle had.

The paddling stopped, and Jack felt his loverπs hands stroking his back gently as Eros crooned in his ear, ≥Yes, Sweetness. You love me.≤

Then the hands were sliding down his tender ass, and for a moment Jack thought that Eros would take the final step in his training.

≥Yesyesyesyesãin me, god, yes, pleaseã≤

≥Ah, no, Sweetness, you havenπt earned that yet,≤ Eros said.

Jack wailed in frustration.

≥Want it, do you?≤

≥Oh yes, pleaseãwant it, need it, please!≤

≥Show me now, Jack. Come for me.≤ Eros cupped Jackπs aching balls and stroked his shaft as he urged him on. ≥Spill for me. Let me see how much you love me.≤

It was enough. He finally came. Hot semen shot down his legs as his whole body contracted around the horse, and for a moment he couldnπt breathe as sobs and screams and words he no longer understood poured from his lips while his lordπs hands kept moving over his cock and balls and gentle words were whispered across his back.

Then Eros was touching his ring to Jackπs shackles and collar to disconnect them from the hooks. The sobs didnπt stop; if anything, they got worse as he felt himself lifted off the leather horse and carried into the recovery area on the training platform.

≥Hush, Sweetness, hush. Not your fault. Who can resist the God of Love?≤ Erosπs soft words wrapped around Jack as he felt himself being lowered into a pool of warm water, Eros going with him, still cradling him and speaking softly. ≥We have the root of it now, you can let it go. You are under the will of your God here and cannot be blamed for leaving your old life behind.≤

He felt Erosπs hand on his cheek, forcing him to face the Goaπuld. His lover looked at him through the shining eyes of the beautiful body he inhabited and spoke in a deep resonant voice, ≥You love me. You are mine. Your prior attachments are as nothing now, Sweetness. It is good that we have purged this from you.≤

Jack felt the strong urge to grin at his lover and tell him to get over himself. He was talking to Colonel Jack OπNeill, slayer of Ra, who may have come down in the world a bit, but still knew a snake was a snakeãeven if said snake could push every button an old Colonel didnπt even know he had.

But once again what came out of his mouth was something entirely different from what he had planned.

≥Yes, my Lord.≤ The pleasure slave called Sweetness nodded and then fell asleep in the warm waters of the tub, curled up safe in the arms of his God.

ã

Eros personally carried his unconscious slave back to his own room after the bath and tucked him into bed. He gazed fondly at his newest work and knew that this one would be special, perhaps his greatest piece. He would have to arrange the Gifting to show Sweetness to best advantage somehow. It was no good leaving it to Apophis; he had no subtlety.

Thinking of the impatient System Lord made Eros frown. That one had no appreciation for the work Eros did. How many thousands of years had Apophis lived, and still he thought only of his own advancement in the political games and warring that passed for Goaπuld government. Eros knew there was more, and he saw it in his Sweetness lying there before him. His work. His art.

A soft voice came from the bedroom doorway, ≥My Lord?≤

Eros turned to find Ariste, his factor, standing at the door awaiting his attention.

Eros turned and went to the door, not wanting to wake Sweetness just yet.

≥What is it, Ariste?≤

≥The Lord Apophis has arrived and is requesting an audience.≤ The young man answered, his head bowed and his voice low. He was beautiful, with black hair and olive skin which gleamed with oil.

≥Donπt you mean he demands my presence?≤ Eros chuckled.

Ariste bowed his head even lower, not knowing how best to answer that. Apophis had been demanding and angry, had spoken as if the Lord Eros were no more than a minion. Ariste did not like it, but knew better than to be rude to his lordπs guest.

≥It is all right, Ariste, I know the Lord Apophis has inflated ideas of his importance here. Unlike most of our guests, he brings the outside in with him.≤ Eros petted the young manπs hair soothingly. ≥It canπt be helped. You were polite?≤

≥Of course, my Lord.≤ Ariste looked up startled. Surely Eros did not doubt his ability?

≥And where did you leave him waiting?≤ Eros asked as he moved his hands down to Aristeπs shoulders. The factor was wearing the belted white linen tunic that all Erosπs personal servants wore. At his masterπs touch, Aristeπs tunic began to tent at the crotch.

≥In the eyrie chamber, my Lord.≤ Ariste got the sentence out in a reasonably controlled voice, but couldnπt stop himself from leaning slightly into his masterπs touch. It had been several days since he had had his Lordπs personal attention.

Eros chuckled, ≥Well done, Ariste!≤

The eyrie chamber was grand enough for any System Lord; built as it was into the side of the mountain it had a commanding view of the valley, and was opulently appointed with silk cushions, gold fittings and crystal ornaments. It was also just about as far from the training area as possible.

The young factor smiled slightly at his lordπs pleasure. To Eros, Ariste was a perfect study of devotion. He was simple and charming, not like the complex Tauπri that was fast becoming Erosπs most challenging work.

Eros traced patterns down the front of the young manπs tunic, paused to pinch a nipple, then went lower and gave a sharp tug at what he found there. The gasps elicited were sweetly gratifying.

≥Come, Ariste, attend me while we give Apophis time to enjoy the view.≤

≥Yes, my Lord. Thank you, my Lord!≤

Eros chuckled again. There was something to be said for simple pleasures.

n ß n ß n

It had taken a full day for the Tokπra to return to the SGC with enough information for a battle plan to be put together. Daniel had spent the day reading up on Eros and his myths, looking for anything that might help in freeing Jack. Heπd also taken time to talk to Janet about ways to bring the colonel back to himself.

It wouldnπt be enough to bring the manπs body home if he his soul couldnπt be recovered.

On the table spread out between them was a map of Erosπs compound showing the settlement at the foot of the mountain and the entrance to the cavern that housed the training facility and Erosπs own residence.

≥Our source tells us that the Gifting is taking place in three nights. There is a supply shipment going into the training facility that afternoon. We can arrange to have you hidden in containers to be included in the shipment that morning. That gives you two days to formulate your attack plans and memorize this model,≤ Anise told the three remaining members of SG-1 as they sat in the briefing room. ≥But once you are inside, we will have no way of assisting you.≤

≥It will be sufficient,≤ Tealπc told her nodding.

≥More than sufficient,≤ Sam agreed with narrowed eyes, ≥I donπt see why we need to wait that long. I thought one of the reasons you agreed to help us with this was to avoid having the Colonel used in the Gifting ceremony. Why are we waiting until the last minute?≤

≥It will be easier to for you to infiltrate the complex with the increased gate traffic caused by the guests and supplies arriving for the ceremony,≤ Jacob answered, but didnπt meet his daughterπs eyes.

≥OK, I guess I can see how that would make it easier.≤ Sam nodded, but Daniel could see that she was not fully convinced. Neither was he.

≥The ceremonial gate is here,≤ Jacob pointed to the village square on the map and then to another spot at the centre of the cavern, ≥but for supplies and private transactions, Eros uses a gate here inside his complex. By coming in with the supplies you should be able to get past most of his defenses.≤

≥How does he manage the two gates so close together?≤ Sam asked frowning, ≥Can you be sure weπll arrive at the right one?≤

≥Eros schedules the use of the gates,≤ Anise explained. ≥The ceremonial gate is used during the day and shut down at night when the supply gate is in use.≤

≥What has your intelligence revealed concerning the number of guards we are likely to encounter?≤ Tealπc asked.

≥And where are they keeping Jack?≤ Daniel said breaking in with the one question that had been playing over and over in his head since theyπd started the briefing.

Anise answered Sam first. ≥Eros is not a System Lord. He has few Jaffa, but makes up for it with his own people from the village and from among his slaves. They will be easier to kill than the Jaffa, but they are very loyal to Eros. There will also be the Jaffa of the visiting System Lords, but Eros only allows them two each.≤ Then pursing her lips in disapproval, she pointed to another location on the map, well inside the cavern. ≥We think OπNeill is here. His quarters are next to Erosπs so that he may respond to his master more quickly and so that Eros may keep a close eye on him for training and correction.≤

Daniel kept his mind carefully blank as he listened to Anise. He knew that if he allowed himself to latch on to the image of Jack serving Eros, he would start shaking and he didnπt know if he could stop.

≥How many lords are going to be there?≤ Sam asked, ≥If they each have two Jaffa, then we could be looking at quite a force.≤

≥When SG-3 attacks the main gate, the visiting System Lords will leave through the private gate,≤ Tealπc stated with confidence. ≥They will not wish to stay for a conflict that is not theirs.≤

≥What about Apophis? What if he leaves and takes Jack with him?≤ Daniel asked.

≥He cannot,≤ Tealπc answered, ≥The other System Lords will leave because the fight is not theirs, but they will know this is a direct assault on Apophis. Since these are the very lords among whom he is seeking allies, he will have to go to the gate and face SG-3. To run would ruin any hopes he has of gaining support.≤

≥And if he runs, in spite of that,≤ Jacob added, ≥our agent with Apophis should be able to arrange for the colonelπs extraction.≤

≥Either way,≤ Anise said, ≥Apophisπs reputation will be ruined. None of these lords will associate with him after this.≤

≥Thatπs why youπre waiting.≤ Danielπs words burst out in a gasp as realization made his heart sink. ≥Itπs not the gate traffic or anything else: you just want to use this rescue to best advantage so youπre going to time the assault for greatest visibility, thus ruining Apophisπs chances for making any new alliances.≤

≥Damaging Apophisπs ability to regain his position of power was central to Colonel OπNeillπs mission brief,≤ Anise said in an oblique confirmation of Danielπs worst fears.

≥Well, getting whipped for somebodyπs pleasure wasnπt!≤ Daniel yelled, slamming his hands on the tabletop so hard the model shook. He had to get out of there; he couldnπt stand looking at Jacob and Anise for one more second.

≥Daniel!≤

Sam grabbed his arm and Daniel froze. Slowly, he lowered himself back into his seat.

≥Dad,≤ Samπs voice was low and ragged-edged as she tried to keep hold of her temper, ≥Is there any way to move up this time-table? The truth, Dad.≤

Jacob sighed and shook his head, ≥Not if you want Tokπra support and intelligence. Using the extraction to weaken Apophisπs position was the only reason the council approved the mission.≤

Sam nodded and then looked at her team, ≥So we do it. We go with what weπve got.≤

Tealπc nodded solemnly, Daniel too, even as he shook with anger.

≥You do understand that you will not be able to get him to leave Eros?≤ Anise asked again.

≥Youπve made your opinion of our chances clear, Anise,≤ Sam answered in a hard voice. ≥It doesnπt matter. We are going after Colonel OπNeill.≤

You tell her, Sam, Daniel thought to himself. ≥Itπs not like weπre going to give him a choice,≤ Daniel added. ≥I donπt care how Eros has warped his brain chemistry, Jack OπNeill would want to come home if he could.≤

He and Sam both steadfastly ignored the look exchanged by Tealπc and Anise.

n ß n ß n

Apophis was angry.

His Jaffa guards knew it; they kept their eyes forward and stood still as monoliths.

The cringing servants that had brought him drinks and exotic dishes also knew it; they knelt on the floor as close to the door as they could get without being accused of having left their illustrious guest.

The only one that did not seem to know it was the arrogant panderer that swept into the room, threw himself down on a convenient pile of cushions, grinned up at the System Lord and said, ≥My apologies, Lord Apophis. I was unavoidably detained.≤

The stink of sweat and sex that accompanied this statement left Apophis in no doubt as to what activity had rated a higher priority than meeting one of the most powerful System Lords in the quadrant. Apophis turned a freezing glare on his host. It had no affect.

≥I want to know how OπNeill progresses,≤ Apophis demanded. ≥Will he be ready for the Gifting?≤

Eros looked up from the cushions with an expression that bordered on disrespectful and replied, ≥He will be more than ready. He will be the most magnificent thing ever brought out for the pleasure of the System Lords. But it will be a waste.≤

≥What do you mean?≤

≥A waste,≤ Eros said again. ≥All you see is a chance to humiliate an enemy. You will not see the art that imbues his responses.≤

≥ART!≤ The derision Apophis laced through that one word confirmed for Eros how different their goals were in the training of the Tauπri captive.

≥Do not be so quick to deride that which you, yourself, have requested,≤ Eros told him, keeping his voice cool as he reached out a hand for a goblet that was immediately presented by one of his slaves. ≥Is it not your intent to improve your standing with the other lords through the exhibit of this Tauπri? Have you not explicitly requested that he be made over to your specifications?≤

≥I have no use for art,≤ Apophis sneered. ≥I want to show them power. The power to bring my foes to their knees, groveling before me.≤ Apophis smiled and turned as if to look out the window, but what he saw was not the valley below, but a vision of Jack OπNeill spread out, humiliated, aroused and hating himself for it as Apophis took him and then granted his pleasures to the whichever System Lords would be most advantageous.

≥They will all see.≤ He was speaking to himself more than to Eros, as if he had forgotten the other Goaπuld was still in the room.

≥Indeed,≤ Eros said dryly. ≥What they will see is a System Lord holding a prize he does not know how to display.≤

≥You dareã!≤

≥Think, Lord Apophis!≤ Eros leaned forward, his eyes narrowed and his mouth just resisting the urge to sneer. ≥This is not the first Gifting you have attended. I know that in the past you came to be catered to by those who sought your favor, but now it is you who are seeking allies and you must realize that it is not simply the gift that will gain you merit in the eyes of the other lords. It is the display of your power through that gift.≤

Eros sat back again, slipping again into the role of dilettante. He almost laughed as he said, ≥And that is Art, my lord.≤

Apophis simmered with anger, his eyes glowing. The Jaffa and the slaves all held their breaths. There was not a more dangerous place on the planet at this moment and they all knew it.

Then the System Lord smiled.

≥Very well,≤ Apophis said. ≥Then you shall arrange it.≤

≥Arrange it, my lord?≤

≥You shall advise me. Choreograph this display that you feel is so critical. I do not care what it takes, but it must be more magnificent than any previous Gifting.≤

Eros chuckled, ≥I think I can promise you that, my lord. Just allow me to arrange matters, and this will be a Gifting they will never forget.≤

Apophis nodded and started to move to the door, gesturing to his Jaffa that he was leaving.

Eros called to the System Lord as he was about to pass between the kowtowing slaves on either side of the doorway, ≥Will you be keeping him after the Gifting? I would be happy to take him back as payment for the training.≤ Eros did not look directly at his guest. He kept his voice casual and twirled his goblet, as if contemplating the quality of the wine within.

Apophis snapped his head around to give Eros a sharp look. ≥He is mine. You will be paid for his training. I will keep him, and after the Gifting I will break him.≤

Eros froze, then slowly turned to look at Apophis with narrowed eyes. ≥There will be no need to break him. When he leaves here, he will be just as you specified: pliant and needy, but hating you and all Goaπuld as much as ever. He will be perfect,≤ he said.

≥He will be mine.≤ Apophis said with bared teeth, ≥and he will bring me the others. All of them: the Shovπla Tealπc, Samantha Carter, and most especially Daniel Jackson; and when they are all broken at my feet, then I will release them to Death and they will thank me.≤

Apophis was jerked out of his reverie by a snort from Eros, ≥I do not know these others that you name, and their fates mean nothing to me. OπNeill, however, is my work. I do not often have access to such challenging raw material. Generally, I create my art with those who come to me as offerings already in love with their god. OπNeill is unique in both his hatred of our kind and his love for the individual. Kill the others if you will, but return to me OπNeill.≤

≥Just see that he is trained; beyond that he is not your concern,≤ Apophis snarled and then strode out of the room, his Jaffa falling in behind him.

n ß n ß n

He stood at the door to the fun house in full battle gear. His P90 hung from his shoulder and he felt the extra clips in his belt.

The fun house itself was dim and lit with randomly placed strobes. There was a figure painted over the entranceãit could have been a laughing woman or a crying man. He wasnπt sure.

≥Go on, Colonel,≤ Carterπs voice came from behind and to his left, ≥Youπre covered.≤

He glanced back at her and nodded sharply, taking in her camouflage, make-up and high-heels. It seemed appropriate.

≥Go on, Jack,≤ Saraπs voice chimed in from his right. He turned and saw her standing in a flannel nightgown holding an infant Charlie. ≥You know no one ever gets past us. Go on.≤

Nodding again, but feeling a little guilty about using them for cover on this mission, Jack entered the fun house.

He was in a brightly lit hall of mirrors seeing his reflection over and over again: camo, P90, boots, sunglasses. He moved slowly, feeling his way along the walls. Suddenly he remembered why he was here.

Extraction.

Bring the target back or kill him.

Donπt get caught, and donπt leave anything for the enemy.

As he moved there was a sharp bend in the hall. The images in the mi