The Lost One, by babs, devra and JoaG

The Lost One
by babs, devra, and JoaG

Comments:

This is an AU fic set in the town of Tok'ra Flats. Daniel has been missing for several months, and it's been rumoured that the DeSala gang are behind his abduction. Sheriff Jack and his faithful deputies Teal'c and Sam have been searching high and low for their missing friend and fellow deputy. Jack has sworn, once he gets his hands on Oma DeSala, she WILL be sorry for her actions.

The small party of three pulled up as they topped the rise, looking down into the valley resplendent with burgeoning signs of spring. The grass was thick and lush even this early in the season. The trees, although wearing a somewhat sparse growth of leaves, promised full-bloom in the near future. Early May flowers were blossoming; even amongst the shadier area of the woods. Their sweet scent tickled Jack's nose, but the odors of wood smoke and tanning hides were more pungent when the wind carried them to him.

The medium-sized Cheyenne tribe was camped to the southern side of the small, lush valley, close to a quick-flowing stream. Lean-tos were of the variety that told Jack this tribe was a nomadic one, although signs indicated that they had been camped here for several weeks. He hoped this was the right tribe, that after all these months of searching and worrying, their most recent clue would finally pan out in their favour.

Several children sounded the alarm as Jack kneed Hawk forward in a slow descent into the valley. Daniel's overo paint pony placidly kept pace next to him, his reins tied to Jack's saddle horn. By the time they reached the edge of the camp, several warriors had come forward. Although unarmed, they watched Jack's party approach cautiously.

Jack pulled Hawk to a stop and dismounted, handing the reins over to Sam. "You two stay here, just in case," he cautioned. The Cheyenne were fierce warriors, not one he'd wish to face in a fight. He continued on into the village alone, stopping just before a serious-looking individual who had come forward, obviously their leader. He had long, stone-gray hair that was pulled severely from his face and tied back in a long braid. A colourful necklace of stones, shells and beads adorned his neck and chest.

By then, most of the tribe had gathered close, the children quietly standing beside their mothers, the older boys positioned a step or two before the women in a protective stance.

Looking around the camp, Jack contemplated the little bit of Indian sign language he knew. He wondered if these people knew any Spanish or French. Between his pigeon Spanish and Teal'c's Creole, maybe they could understand one another.

"A-ho" // Hello, // Jack said in greeting. // I am looking for a white man, // Jack signed, while saying aloud, "Yo busco uno gringo."

The Chief stared at him silently, and Jack wondered if he should repeat himself. The hard eyes glanced over to Sam and Teal'c, both still sitting atop their horses, Daniel's beloved Feather noticeably riderless beside them.

"Nenaasestse," the man said gruffly, turning and moving towards the center of the camp. Jack followed the leader, taking long strides but trying not to look like he was running in the man's wake. Two other braves followed, ostensibly to make sure he didn't harm their leader.

They walked through the camp until they came to a small lean-to on its outskirts. A fire crackled before it and Jack noted that the entrance to the tent was open. As they neared, his heart began beating wildly, hoping against hope that finally, finally, they had found his missing friend, and that this wouldn't be yet another wild goose chase.

He reached the lean-to, seeing part of a knee and a hip, and a moccasined foot inside. The Chief said, "Ve'ho'e," motioning for Jack to come closer. Glancing once toward the Chief who stood waiting beside the small shelter, Jack bent his head and shoulders and stepped inside. A thin, wretched form sat in the corner, bolstered against a pile of furs. A colourful Navajo blanket was wrapped around him, shaking hands holding it close. A manacle with several inches of rusted chain and a filthy rope tied to its end encircled his right wrist, his left still sported the remains of healing wheals, evidence that he'd also worn a similar restraining bracelet there recently.

Long braided hair, half sun-bleached blond with the newer growth turning to a lighter brown, was evidence of the tribe's caring for him. But long strands had come free from the plait, one of which stretched across his nose and stuck to the man's sweat-laden face. Twin blooms of color in his lightly bearded cheeks were suggestive of a fever. Dull blue eyes stared straight ahead, the man's listless expression not showing the slightest reaction to their arrival. He coughed hoarsely, his thin chest labouring for a moment before catching his breath.

"Daniel," Jack whispered unbelievingly, shocked at the pitiful condition his friend was in. Eight months… eight long months, and they had finally found him. Jack knelt beside the obviously sick man, dismayed at the non-recognition.

"Hoovehe?" the Indian asked as he knelt beside Jack. When Jack looked at him quizzically, one of the two men who had accompanied them and who were squatting outside translated. "Amigo?"

"Si," Jack replied, relieved they could at least speak a smattering of Spanish. He returned his gaze to Daniel. A shiver coursed through the younger man's body and his hands tightened on the blanket.

"Evonese," the Chief called softly, reaching out and touching Daniel's foot. Daniel started, pulling his leg away and wincing when the movement obviously caused him pain. He dragged his eyes towards the Chief, listless and uncaring.

"Emasetsestahe," the elder man said while signing the word, his hand held in front of his neck, palm outwards, index and second fingers extending upwards and raising his hand until the tips of his fingers were as high as his head. He then clapped Jack on the shoulder. Daniel looked at Jack uninterestedly, not seeming to care that the Chief had just informed him that Jack was a friend. Daniel stared dully at the man who had been his best friend before returning his gaze back to the ground.

When Jack looked back at the Indian, the man said to him, "Ehaomohtahe. Me'ko," he continued, touching two fingers to his forehead and then rubbing his open palm against his chest in the Indian sign for illness. "Ehaomohtahe." He then pointed to his head again, repeating the words and movements.

'Brain sick'. Jack suddenly felt ill, his stomach roiling sickeningly and his head pounding with his heartbeat. He could see something was very wrong with Daniel other than his fever, just the fact that he wasn't looking at either of them didn't bode well.

"Eoneahta," the Chief continued, pressing his right hand flat against his right ear, making small circular motions with his hand close to the ear, then signing the word 'no'. God, Daniel was deaf?

The Chief made the sign for illness again, then slapped himself gently on his right thigh, his ribs, his shoulder and his head and ears. Jack guessed that those were Daniel's injuries; he wondered how the hell they were going to get him home. He doubted Daniel would be able to sit a horse. Jack wondered if they'd even be able to get him onto a horse in this condition.

The gray-haired man motioned Jack out, and reluctantly he followed, glancing back towards Daniel, who appeared to be staring into the fire, although Jack didn't think he was seeing the flames. They wound their way through the camp once more, and once Teal'c and Sam had spotted him, he waved them over. Small lads ran up to them to take their horses, eager to get a closer look at what white men rode.

He could see his friends' concerned faces as they neared.

"Daniel's here," Jack said the moment they joined him before a large teepee.

Sam's face broke out in a wide smile and Teal'c visibly relaxed. "Where is he? Why didn't you bring him with you?" She bit back her words at Jack's expression, paling significantly.

"He's not in a good way," he said.

"I want to see him," Sam said immediately.

"As do I," Teal'c agreed.

"In a minute," Jack told them. The Indian leader was inviting them to sit with him. Jack motioned for his friends to do so while he returned to his horse and removed the prepared package. By the time he returned to them and made himself comfortable on the ground, several women were offering food and drink.

Jack took a few morsels, knowing the hospitality was being offered freely. He wanted nothing more than to bring Daniel home to Janet Fraiser, but his dilemma was getting the very ill man there.

First off he needed to offer payment to the Chief for the care he'd given Daniel. It was merely a token of thanks, a courtesy acknowledging these people had done what many white folk would never do for theirs. He unwrapped the collection of spices and beads he'd bought from Mz. Nicci at the General Store. He set them out in a flourish before the Chief, smiling to himself as he noticed the women crowding close and babbling together in excitement. The older man grunted his approval and the women quickly descended on the gifts, Jack betting that some of those beads would soon be adorning their leader's necklace come morning.

"Evonese?" the gray-haired man questioned. He looked at Teal'c and said to him, "Le perdu?"

"Teal'c?" Jack questioned.

"It is French, O'Neill. It means 'the lost one'.

Jack recognized the first word as what the Cheyenne Chief had called Daniel when he tried to get his attention. Jesus, they were calling him 'the lost one'?

Jack nodded, making the sign for four people leaving. "Querimos salir," // we wish to leave, // he said in Spanish. The older man frowned before nodding, giving his assent. He stood up; their little meeting was over.

"Sheriff?" Sam asked as Jack led them back to Daniel's shelter.

His friends would see in a moment how badly off Daniel was, but he wanted to try and lessen the shock. "He didn't recognize me," he told them. "The Chief said he's deaf. He's obviously got a fever, he's got a bum leg and maybe broken or cracked ribs." He stopped a moment, turning to look at the man and woman who had searched nearly as diligently as he over the past months for signs of their wayward friend.

"The Chief called him 'the lost one'," Jack reiterated. "It's a pretty damned good description," he said before continuing on his way. It was several seconds before their footsteps started up again, his words taking a few moments to penetrate their shocked brains.

As they neared the shelter, Jack could see a women kneeling inside the tent beside Daniel, holding a cup held to his mouth as she tried to coax him to drink from it. At Sam's gasp, the woman looked up at them and smiled. She offered the cup to them, motioning towards Daniel with it. Jack knelt beside her, accepting the clay vessel.

Sam's eyes were brimming with unshed tears, and Jack could see her swallowing convulsively. Teal'c's jaw was grinding tightly, his eyes small pinpricks as Jack assumed he was contemplating punishment to those who had done this to their friend. Jack had no time for anger or sorrow, he needed Daniel back on his feet. He sniffed the liquid in his hand, then put a finger to it, tasting the willow bark and other familiar herbs which were being administered for Daniel's fever.

Jack touched Daniel's foot as the Chief had done, and the bloodshot blue eyes lifted from the small fire and turned towards him.

"Hey, Danny," Jack said softly. He shuffled forward once the woman had moved away, closing the distance between them. Sam and Teal'c went to Daniel's other side. The feverish man looked at them without expression.

Jack shook his foot, trying to get Daniel's attention again. When the dull blue eyes looked at Jack, he raised the cup to Daniel's mouth, tipping some of the medicine into his mouth. Daniel swallowed some while more dribbled down his chin.

Daniel wouldn't drink unless the liquid was actually placed in his mouth. Jack managed to get most of it into him before Daniel's teeth began chattering. He wiped the spilled water from Daniel's face with the blanket, and then pushed him slowly onto his side so that he was lying down on the furs. Daniel lay down submissively. Jack pulled another blanket from the bottom of the pile and unfolded it to spread over his friend. Jack had felt the heat of Daniel's fever as he wiped his face; he hoped the medication would help bring it down.

He had noticed that the right leg of Daniel's leather leggings had been sliced open and then tied together with several rawhide strips. Jack moved the blanket aside, exposing the leg. A bandage peeked through the upper part of Daniel's thigh. Jack saw how loosely the clothes hung on his friend and knew the people of this camp had provided them. They were too new and clean, without adornment. Obviously he was considered someone of non-importance in social stature, but nevertheless, worthy of their help.

Carter had picked up Daniel's hand and was examining the manacle. She winced as she looked at the skin underneath it. Even Jack could tell that his wrist was inflamed and infected. Someone had tried to poultice the area but the tight fit of the iron bracelet made it difficult to treat the injury.

"I can take this off," she said. "The lock looks like its rusted closed but I think with a bit of patience, I can pick the lock." She put his hand down gently onto his blanket-covered thigh, careful not to jar the manacle and irritate the wound.

"We need to bring him home," Jack said. "Teal'c, if you can ride ahead and bring back Doc Fraiser and a buckboard, Sam and I will try and get Daniel to the main road and we'll meet you guys there."

"I can make it to Tok'ra Flats in two days," Teal'c said. Jack knew the man could move like the wind despite his size. It would take at least two or three days for the buckboard to head on back up this way, and depending on how strong Daniel was, it would give Jack and Sam five days to make their way through the trails, a journey that would normally have taken no more than one.

"Jack, surely you don't expect Daniel to ride in his condition?" Sam said, aghast.

"Samantha," Teal'c said quietly. "These people have remained camped in this spot because of Daniel. They are nomadic and do not stay in one place for such a long period of time, but they must have known someone would come looking for him when they spoke of him to the others."

Jack watched Daniel's eyes close as his exhaustion overtook him. Sam was right, they shouldn't be trying to move Daniel right now, but he was so sick that it could be weeks before he'd be on the mend physically, and the sooner they could get him to Janet, the faster he'd start being himself.

And Teal'c was right, these people most likely were in violation of their treaty. They had taken a huge chance in remaining in one spot for so long. Jack was certain that the moment they rode away, the campsite would be cleared within an hour.

He pushed a few long, damp strands of hair from Daniel's face, trying to coax them back into the once-neat plait. He thanked God that these people had spoken to a few hunters, telling them of the injured white man they'd found. The hunters had returned home, spreading the news to their people. Mz. Angel, who had been away visiting relatives, heard this news and had cut her visit short, rushing back to Tok'ra Flats. He could still remember her excited face as she ran to the jailhouse, yelling for Jack, red faced and out of breath.

Daniel coughed, deep and wet.

"Teal'c, head out now. Sam and I will wait until Daniel wakes up and we'll start on our way."

"I will endeavour to return with Doctor Fraiser as quickly as possible," the large man said with a last worried look at his sleeping friend. He left the lean-to, the small shelter suddenly feeling large and airy without his bulk inside of it.

Jack and Sam sat with their friend for two hours, watching him sleep and listening to him cough. His fever went down a little, thanks to the willow bark. When Daniel woke up, drenched in sweat, Jack helped him sit and got the rest of the medicine into him.

Hoping that they were doing the right thing, Jack took hold of Daniel's arm while Sam took hold of the other. Together they lifted Daniel onto his feet. The man nearly fell when his right leg was unable to hold his weight, but he quickly compensated by placing his weight on his uninjured leg.

They lifted Daniel's arms around their shoulders, and slowly pulled him forward, forcing him to take a step. He was limping heavily, his head hanging down, but at least he was moving. The heavy chain hanging from Daniel's wrist banged against Jack's arm with each step he took.

Together the three of them stepped away from the lean-to. Two very loud nickers informed Jack that their horses were close by. As they headed for their mounts, Daniel's head came up and he looked at the animals. Suddenly Daniel was pulling them forward, an eagerness evident in the way he was staring at the animals that hadn't been there for his friends.

Feather was pulling at his lead, his excitement at seeing Daniel making him restless and very vocal. Hawk wasn't much better, obviously he remembered Daniel even after all these months.

As Jack led Daniel over to Hawk, intent on having him ride double, Daniel suddenly pulled his arm away from Jack and he turned towards Feather. Sam was caught by surprise and suddenly Daniel was lurching to his horse. As Daniel caught himself on Feather's neck, the animal suddenly stood still, sensing that his master was sick. Daniel buried his face in the horse's mane, his arms going around and under the large neck. While the horse murmured and turned his head to touch his master with his nose, Jack stepped close to Daniel and placed a cautious hand on his back. He could feel his friend's body shaking, the effort of standing and walking evidently taking a toll on him.

Hawk, not to be outdone, stretched his head over and placed it on Daniel's shoulder, near Jack's hand. Jack felt Daniel's shaky inhalations, and Jack knew he needed to get him off his feet.

"Come on, Daniel," Jack coaxed, pulling him away from Feather's warm, solid body. But Daniel grabbed the horse's mane and stepped sideways. Before Jack could stop him, he'd raised his left leg, trying to place it into the stirrup.

His wounded right leg wasn't able to hold his weight and it crumpled beneath him. Jack grabbed Daniel while Sam grabbed Feather's reins to hold him steady. Once Jack got Daniel upright again, Daniel tried to mount his horse again.

"Wait. Daniel, wait," Jack said quickly, forgetting he couldn't hear as he tried to hold Daniel back. He could see his friend beginning to panic, obviously wanting to get up on the one thing that he appeared to recognize. Jack didn't care which horse they rode, he just wanted Daniel to get up into the saddle without injuring himself.

Suddenly they were surrounded by Indians, three of which took hold of Daniel and lifted him easily into the saddle. Daniel immediately leaned forward, laying his length along Feather's back, silently reaching along the proud neck to stroke along his jaw. Jack lifted an eyebrow at Sam, shrugged, and climbed into the saddle behind his friend.

Gently he pulled Daniel back into an upright position and wrapped his arm around Daniel's waist. The Chief and several others were standing beside them. He nodded his farewell, ready to turn the horse when he saw the leader take something from one of the women. He approached Jack with several items in his hands. One was the blanket that Daniel had had wrapped around him when Jack first saw him. Jack accepted it, enveloping his friend with it once more. Two small containers enclosed in straw came next. Jack opened one, and smiled when he saw it contained pemmican. The high caloric travelling food was something that Daniel could very well use right now. The other contained a liquid and a finger dipped into it revealed the bitter taste of white willow bark.

Several bundles were given to Sam, which Jack guessed were healing herbs. Jack handed her the pemmican and medicine, and she quickly packed everything into her saddlebag before climbing onto her mount and joining Jack, Hawk following placidly behind.

Daniel sat back against Jack, his full weight leaning heavily against his chest. Jack turned Feather towards the direction they'd come, heading out of the valley and back up to the wooded trail. Jack remembered an ideal campsite about three hours' ride from here. He hoped Daniel had the stamina to stay in the saddle until they reached it.

Soon Daniel was nodding off, his head flopping loosely on his neck with the movement of the horse. Occasionally he'd wake up and lift his head, only to have his chin fall heavily onto his chest moments later. Sometimes his coughing woke him up, Jack could feel him panting for breath after a bad spell. Daniel was a dead weight in the saddle, only Jack's hold on him keeping him from falling off.

Four hours later, travelling more slowly than Jack would have liked, the sun was low in the sky by the time Jack found the meadow he remembered. A stream trickled close by, providing fresh water. He shook Daniel awake and the heavy head before him lifted sluggishly. Jack had felt the rising heat of fever over the past hours and wished he had something stronger to give his friend for it. He knew they needed to take care of the infection in his wrist, and they needed to get a look at the wound on his thigh.

He waited till Sam dismounted and came to stand beside them before he carefully raised Daniel's sore leg over Feather's back. Slowly, he lowered Daniel to the ground and into Sam's arms. Immediately, Daniel's legs gave out and Sam caught him before he could land on the ground. Jack was down in a flash and between the two of them managed to lay him down gently.

"Take care of the horses, I'll get Daniel settled," Jack ordered. She nodded and led the animals away. Quickly unrolling their bedding, Jack had Daniel tucked into his bedroll in no time. Daniel lay on his back and turned his head, eyes squinting, watching Sam tend to the horses. Jack wondered what had happened to Daniel's glasses.

Working out of habit, Jack gathered wood and made a fire, drew water and set it to heat once the fire was roaring. When Sam returned, he went out into the woods and set several snares, hoping to catch some rabbit for supper.

Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, after getting Daniel to drink some of the willow bark concoction the Indians have given them, Jack unlaced the leather thongs that held the right side of Daniel's buckskin leggings together. Carefully he drew the leather open, exposing the bandage wrapped around the younger man's leg. As he undid the bandage and removed the poultice, a deep, inflamed wound was exposed. Sam winced, and drew aside some of the boiling water to allow it to cool. They could see that although the gash was infected, it was nevertheless showing signs of healing.

While Jack busied himself preparing another poultice, Sam poured a bit of oil onto the locking mechanism of Daniel's manacle. Then she spread her sewing implements around her. Gently placing Daniel's arm on her lap, she set to work trying to pick the lock with an assortment of awls, needles, hairpins and other long pointy things Jack didn't even want to question her about.

As they worked, Jack kept glancing at Daniel. He lay passively on the ground beside them, only the minute tightening of his eyes telling Jack of the pain he was experiencing. Jack took the now warm water and rinsed Daniel's thigh, then applied the poultice, wrapping it up once more before retying the laces on his clothes.

Sam continued to work diligently, bent over the metal bracelet, swearing softly to herself. Recalling that the Indian Chief had indicated other injuries, Jack raised Daniel's loose leather tunic and swore when he saw the assortment of bruises, burns and wheals decorating Daniel's chest, ribs and most likely his back. It looked to Jack that Daniel had been whipped over a period of time. Faint scars to still healing scabs littered Daniel's torso. Many of the bruises were fading, but several, especially around his ribs, told Jack that they were most likely still very painful. He pressed gently on the man's ribs, feeling the soft gasp of pain his touch incurred.

A cursory look at Daniel's shoulder showed swelling and bruising, but nothing appeared to be broken. Jack noted a small piece of dirty material with a rope twisted around it hanging around Daniel's neck. It had replaced the once-lovingly decorated piece of leather that Daniel had used as his medicine bag. And from what Jack could tell, it was definitely less full than what he remembered.

Jack got up and went to his saddlebags, from which he removed a bottle of liniment which he periodically used on his knee whenever it pained him. Returning to Daniel, he pushed the small make-do pouch aside, not wanting to get it any dirtier. Daniel grabbed for the pouch, his movement surprising Jack with its speed. His fingers clasped the small bag, his hand shaking visibly.

Jack clasped Daniel's hand with both of his, showing him he wasn't going to try and take it away from him. He raised Daniel's hand so the cord had some slack and then pulled it over his head, allowing Daniel full control over it. When his friend relaxed once more, Jack picked up the bottle of liniment.

Pouring some of the thick oil onto his hands, he began spreading it over Daniel's torso and shoulder. He could feel the thin body begin to relax after a while, his eyes closing as the heat of the balm penetrated his abused muscles.

A soft snick indicated that Sam finally freed Daniel from his shackle. Jack poured some of the heated water into a deep container and handed it to Sam. They dunked Daniel's hand and wrist into the liquid, allowing the water to cleanse the remains of dried herbs and dirt from the infected wound. Daniel's eyes flew open, his momentary lull free from pain drawn to a close.

Sweat beaded Daniel's face, indicative of the hurting he was surely experiencing. Jack wet a cloth and wiped the too-pale, too sunken face. Daniel didn't react as he stared towards the horses. Jack raised Daniel's hand, the one that was still clutching his medicine bag, and drew the string back over Daniel's head. He coaxed him to let it go and stuffed it underneath his tunic.

When Sam poulticed and bandaged Daniel's wrist, Jack rose to get more water and check on his snares. He was rewarded with three hares, enough for supper and leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.

He quickly skinned and gutted the animals, and placed them on skewers before the open fire. As he and Sam sat silently beside their injured friend, Jack contemplated what could have happened to Daniel to bring him to this state. He saw the frown on Sam's face and figured her thoughts mirrored his own. He was relieved to finally have found Daniel, but the anxiety over the younger man's fate was now replaced by the worry over his physical and mental condition.

The rabbits smelled good, and Jack realized he was hungry. When they were finally cooked, Jack handed one to Sam, and took another for himself. He pulled off a bite of the succulent meat, blowing on it a moment to cool it slightly, and leaned over Daniel. He touched Daniel's arm, getting the man's attention. When his friend looked at him, Jack held the food before him with what he thought was a hopeful look. Daniel looked at Jack, then at the tidbit held between his fingers, without interest. His eyes roamed back to where Feather was grazing.

Jack took the piece of rabbit meat and rubbed it against Daniel's lips. After a moment, his tongue came out to lick the juice. Jack teased him with it again, and when he opened his mouth, Jack pushed the morsel inside. Immediately Daniel began chewing slowly. Jack watched to make sure he didn't choke, but Daniel swallowed without difficulty. Jack fed him several more bites of rabbit, alternating with the pemmican, until Daniel turned away.

Grateful he had managed to get his friend to eat a little bit, Jack cut up several more bites and set the meat to boil in some water. He'd feed Daniel the broth next morning, it would keep warm by the fire overnight. Jack finished off his share of the meat, then accepted a cup of coffee from Sam.

"I've heard of people like this," Sam said quietly as they watched Daniel. "It's like they experienced something so horrible, they tried to hide away in their minds."

"I know," Jack said. He couldn't think of what had been so horrible to Daniel. His friend had had a hard life, his parents dying when he was young, but thanks to the goodness of a friend, Mike Burell, he had found a loving family with the Indians who had brought him up to be the man he now was. Then his wife Sha'nee had been killed, and Daniel had experienced many other horrendous things which sometimes crept up to haunt him while he slept.

But Daniel Jackson was one of the stubbornest and strongest men he'd ever met. Jack was going to do everything he could to bring Daniel back to them and by Sam's expression, he was sure he could count on her, and most likely most of the townsfolk of Tok'ra Flats.

"I've heard of people who hit their heads sometimes forget who they are," Jack supplied as he sucked a piece of meat from between his teeth.

"I haven't seen signs of a head injury," Sam said, "but we don't know how long he's been like this. It could have happened months ago."

"I wish we could've waited for Mike," Jack said. If the ranger had accompanied them, he'd at least have been able to question the Cheyenne people and get more details as to how they'd found Daniel, and in what state. But as soon as Mz. Angel had told him of the rumours of a tribe of Indians with an injured white man, Jack had taken off in a flash, with Sam and Teal'c barely having time to gather supplies and keep up with him.

Everyone had given up hope of finding Daniel, but not Jack. He had kept his saddlebags ready, all he needed to do was grab them and run. Now he was sorry he hadn't spoken to Janet and requested a variety of medicines, in case he'd find Daniel in such an awful state. It had never really occurred to him, and he berated himself for overlooking the fact that Daniel had been kidnapped eight months ago. Why would his captors go to the trouble of caring for their prisoner?

"By the time Ranger Burell would have met up with us, the tribe could have moved on," Sam said. She was right, Jack hadn't wanted to waste any time; and they'd still be sitting, cooling their heels in Tok'ra Flats, waiting for Jack's friend.

Jack went to stand up to relieve his bladder, and realized his friend might need to go to. Seeing Daniel was still awake, he got him onto his feet and helped him limp several feet into the darkening woods. He undid Daniel's clothes, holding the man steady. When Daniel made no move to relieve himself, Jack, still holding onto Daniel with one arm, freed himself with his other hand and watered the tree. After a moment, Daniel reached down and soon was wetting down the bark alongside Jack.

The sun had set by the time Jack got Daniel back into bed, and the only illumination came from the glowing coals and the quarter moon which was rising in the night sky. Jack fed more wood onto the fire, the spring temperature cooling off quickly now that the sun had set. Jack rose and draped another blanket over Daniel, noting that his friend was asleep.

Jack and Sam sat talking softly for a bit, while Jack put some powdered white willow bark to soak overnight, then they slid under their respective blankets to sleep. The horses would warn them if anyone approached, but Jack slept fitfully that night, Daniel's coughing waking him, and his worry over his friend prompting him to check on him every hour or so.

A loud scream ending in a cough and growl woke Jack up. Acting solely on instincts, Jack rolled into a crouch and grabbed his rifle. He noted Sam was already running towards the horses, her rifle in hand. Daniel rolled up in a parody of his old grace, making it to a crouching position until he placed his weight on his injured leg and he fell heavily to the ground. Jack, torn between checking on Daniel and protecting the horses, ran and knelt beside Daniel, his gun held ready in his hands.

He saw that Daniel was simply stunned, probably from the shock and pain of the fall. He apologized softly to his friend and continued on towards the three horses, which were dancing and whickering nervously.

"There," Sam said, pointing at a shadow in the dimly lit woods. The sun was just rising, making things hard to see. A growl and another cough brought Jack's attention to the puma. Sam raised her rifle, taking aim just above the large cat. The blast of the gunshot scared the beast, as did the exploding bark and branches above its head. It took off in a golden flash.

Jack turned to Daniel and saw he was curled in a ball, hands held over his ears. As Sam went to calm their mounts, Jack rushed over to their friend. His eyes were tightly closed, and his breaths came in loud pants. Had the gunshot startled him? But the Indian Chief had said Daniel couldn't hear… Wait! That wasn't right. Daniel had heard the cougar's scream; the sound had obviously woken him up, as it had Jack. And damn, Daniel had heard the horses' greeting when he'd first seen them yesterday, the image of Daniel's head coming up at Feather's welcome flitting through Jack's mind.

Daniel could hear, thank God! That was one less worry they had to agonize over.

Jack lifted the panicked man up into a seated position and then pulled him against his chest. He reached for the discarded blankets and covered Daniel's body with them while he rocked his friend slowly in his arms.

The movement seemed to calm Daniel, and after a while he took his hands down from his ears. He lay limply against Jack while one hand anchored itself onto Jack's shirt.

"Daniel," Jack said softly when Daniel seemed relaxed. "Wa-ya. It's Ta-wa-di, your da-ni-ta-ga" // Coyote, it's Hawk, your blood brother. //

The hand tightened slightly at Jack's words, but other than that small action, Daniel remained still. "Wa-ya, I know you're scared and sick. But it's going to be okay. I'm taking you home. Ehu. Understand? We're going home. Me, Samantha, and U-gi-da-li, we're all taking you ehu. You remembered U-gi-da-li, didn't you? He was happy to see you yesterday, as was Hawk. The horses missed you, my da-ni-ta-ga. As did your friends."

At his words, Daniel turned his head to look towards the horses, and Jack knew that Daniel was able to understand him. He squeezed Daniel slightly in his arms, and felt the man relax totally against him.

Once he was asleep, Jack carefully put him down onto the ground. Making sure Daniel was comfortable, Jack got up, relieved himself, washed in the cold water, then built up the fire and began heating water for breakfast.

"The Chief was wrong," Jack told Sam once she joined him after taking care of her morning ablutions. "Daniel can hear. He heard the cougar, it woke him up." Jack saw her frown and then she smiled. "He recognized Feather yesterday," she said. "But what scared him just now? Was it the cougar? Or the gunshot?"

"I'm betting towards the gun, it seemed like he was all set to protect the horses from that varmint. Maybe it was the sound of the gun itself, or just loud noises. He's still pretty skittish, although he's not showing any outward reaction."

She nodded as she reached over and pulled long strands of hair back out of Daniel's face. "I have a brush, do you think he'd let us re-braid his hair?"

"Might be worth a try," Jack said. Daniel usually kept his hair shoulder length, just long enough to be carefree, but somehow long enough to always look like he needed a cut. He eyed Daniel's growth of beard. Someone had been keeping it trimmed to a certain extent, so most likely Daniel wouldn't fight them on their trying to neaten him up a little. Anyways, Daniel hated beard growth. Growing up with Indians, his whiskers were one thing that always put him apart from the people who had taken him in. He had always been clean-shaven and hated not being able to shave.

Sam made breakfast while Jack heated some more water, shaved and brewed some herbs for Daniel's fever. Once they'd eaten, Jack woke Daniel. After teasing the dead bugs that had found their way into the liquid overnight, Jack got Daniel to drink the rest of the medicine that had been given them. He then fed him the broth he'd made the night before, along with some more pemmican. He noticed Daniel scratching his cheeks, and thought of bringing up the subject of a shave. He changed the poultices on Daniel's leg and wrist and then decided to broach the subject.

"Daniel," Jack said, taking his friend's hand and letting Daniel's knuckles rub against his bristled cheek. "Do you want me to take this off?" He then raised Daniel's fingers and rubbed them against his own smoothly-shaven cheek. Daniel didn't react, so Jack wet a portion of Daniel's face and applied shaving cream. He carefully drew the sharp edge of his razor over Daniel's face, half expecting a reaction to the blade. But Daniel simply lay there, uncaring. Half relieved and half disappointed, he quickly shaved Daniel, then finished up by wiping his face with a damp cloth.

"There ya go," Jack said, taking Daniel's hand again and passing it over his now-smooth cheek. Jack let go of Daniel's hand and Daniel curled up onto his side. Jack got up to start packing and saddling the horses while Sam cleaned their pots and dishes. As he worked, he noticed several times that although Daniel lay quietly ignoring them, his hand, which he'd brought up near his face, would occasionally touch his cheek.

Almost finished, Sam and Jack sat Daniel up, then Sam positioned herself behind him. She removed the thong that held Daniel's hair and quickly passed her fingers through his long tresses, straightening the hair. Slowly she placed her brush against Daniel's temple and drew it back. Daniel closed his eyes at the sensation. She looked at Jack with widened eyes, eyebrows raised, not being able to see Daniel's face. Jack made a quick circular motion with his fingers, indicating she should continue. She continued to brush his hair for a few minutes before dropping the implement and with nimble fingers, quickly plaited the long hair and tied it.

"Sam, why don't you bring Feather over here in a minute," Jack suggested, as he made ready to lift Daniel to his feet. As she singled the horse from the others, Jack led Daniel away and urged him to relieve himself. Sam led the horse to where both men stood standing, one leaning heavily against the other. She turned Feather so that he was close to Daniel, ready to be mounted. When Daniel raised his left leg to mount, Jack was ready, pushing Daniel up off his right leg and straight up onto the saddle. Daniel flopped onto Feather's back but was unable to pull his leg over his haunches. Sam quickly ran to Feather's other side and pulled Daniel's leg over and down.

Daniel was breathing heavily and Jack quickly drew his moccasined foot from the stirrup so he could mount up behind. Sam handed Jack Daniel's blanket before picking up the rest of the bedding. She was mounted in a minute, and Jack allowed her to take the lead today.

They travelled for what Jack assumed was close to three hours. Jack wished he could stop and let Daniel down to rest, but getting him up onto the horse was just too painful to attempt too often. Daniel dozed, feverish and in obvious pain. Jack would have wanted to travel longer, but when Daniel jerked awake and grabbed his thigh, Jack knew his friend had had enough.

"Sam," Jack called ahead. Her blond head turned to look at him, worry framing her face.

"Find us a spot to camp," he said, while whispering to Danny, "Hold on just a bit longer, Wa-ya. We'll be stopping soon to rest."

Ten minutes later Sam led them out of the woods and into a small meadow. There was no running water nearby but they had enough water with them. Again, Jack lowered Daniel to the ground and into Sam's arms, where he collapsed bonelessly. She went down with him this time, trying to get beneath him to soften the fall.

Jack kicked out of his stirrups and slid off Feather, jumping to the ground beside the two. Daniel's eyes were tightly squeezed, his face straining with the pain he was experiencing.

"You okay?" Jack asked as she slid from beneath Daniel. Although their friend had lost a lot of weight, he had fallen hard on top of her.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She dusted herself off and went to their supplies, removing the medicine. Jack propped Daniel up against his shoulder while Sam tipped the liquid into his mouth. Daniel shivered as the wind picked up. Jack looked around, noting that it looked like rain.

"Damn," he said. Jack decided he wasn't going to chance travelling in wet weather and hoped this was going to blow over soon. He lay Daniel down and began looking for a good spot for building a shelter.

Thirty minutes later, he had built a little refuge of branches and leaves, with a small fire burning inside. Sam and Daniel were enclosed within, the horses were taken care of and the sky looked ready to pour any moment. A clap of thunder confirmed that the storm was nearly upon them. Jack joined them just as the first large droplets hit.

Daniel was sleeping, the medicine finally having kicked in. Jack and Sam sat in their dry little shelter, waiting for the storm to pass. Jack pulled out a pack of cards and soon they were playing poker, listening to the rain, thunder, and Daniel's coughing.

It was mid-afternoon when Jack finally decided to travel a few more miles.

"I'll take care of the horses," Sam offered as she got up.

"Daniel, wake up," Jack said softly as he shook Daniel's uninjured shoulder. Bleary eyes opened, then closed. "Come on, buddy," Jack urged, not letting him go back to sleep by pulling Daniel up and allowing him to lean against his chest. Jack reached for his canteen and gave Daniel some water.

He kept an eye on Sam's progress with their mounts, knowing he still had some time before getting Daniel up and out.

"Wa-ya," Jack said, taking Daniel's chin and making sure Daniel was looking at Jack. His face burned with fever beneath his fingers despite the willow bark tea. "I need you to tell me when you need something. Like earlier, I need to know when you hurt so much you can't go on. Or if you're thirsty, or hungry, or just plain feeling poorly. I know you don't wanna talk right now, Daniel, but there are other ways of letting me know."

Jack signed the Indian word for 'water', then 'food', then 'sick'. "See, you know all of these, you can still tell me what you need." Daniel blinked slowly, his eyes almost impossibly blue in the afternoon light. "I can't help you if you don't let me know what's wrong, understand?" Jack let go of Daniel and the other man's head drooped back down onto Jack's shoulder. But then Daniel raised his hand, fingers spread, and rubbed them weakly against his chest.

"Yeah, I know you're feeling sick," Jack whispered, hating the fact that he had to haul Daniel back up onto Feather and force him to ride for a couple more hours.

The next twenty-four hours passed much in the same way. Apart from that one time, which Jack now wasn't sure if he'd mistaken as an attempt at communication, Daniel continued to be withdrawn.

Late in the afternoon of the third day, Daniel's fever spiked and Jack decided they weren't going to travel any further that day. When Daniel's temperature continued to rise steadily, Jack stripped him down to his breechclout, and he and Sam bathed their friend with tepid water. That Daniel didn't protest at Jack removing his medicine pouch was testament to how ill he was. Taking no chances, Jack pressed it into Daniel's slightly curled fist and wrapped the cord around his palm loosely for safekeeping.

Once Jack removed Daniel's leggings, he was horrified to see a brand on Daniel's left hip. It was a small circle with an inverted V inside of it – the sign of the DeSala family. Rage tore through Jack as he imagined the pain Daniel must have gone through when the branding iron was put to his flesh.

They were so close, only another two or three hours and they'd reach the main road. If Daniel wasn't any better by tomorrow, Jack decided they would stay put and rest for the day. In any case, they'd probably reach the meeting place before Teal'c and Doc Fraiser.

Daniel's fever raged throughout the afternoon and both Sam and Jack did their best in trying to keep it down. They had used the last of the herbs for the poultice and Jack knew that even if they had more, it wasn't doing much good anymore. They had to try something different.

"I'll be back," Jack said as he strode off into the woods, looking for a beehive. He berated himself for not doing this sooner, but Daniel had appeared to be on the mend. Daniel had once saved Jack's leg, if not his life, with this treatment, and Jack had seen it work on others since.

Finally finding what he was looking for, Jack returned to the camp and went back to the hive with a burning branch. Once he'd smoked the bees, he took some of their honey, wrapping the honeycomb in a clean handkerchief. After mashing most of it up, he applied the sticky stuff to Daniel's wounds and wrapped them up with clean bandages.

This time when Jack offered Daniel some willow bark tea, he mixed the rest of the honey into the bitter drink, knowing also that it would soothe Daniel's throat and ease his coughing. He wiped Daniel's dripping face with a wet cloth and prayed that the honey would do the trick.

Neither slept that night, both taking turns in bathing Daniel's overly hot body. The next morning Daniel appeared to be slightly better, his fever was down somewhat and he slept most of the day. But by late evening his fever rose again and Jack and Sam were hard-pressed in trying to keep it down.

Finally just before the sun rose, Daniel's fever broke. Now Jack covered Daniel's sweating form to keep him from catching a chill. Soon the blankets were soaked and Jack had to replace them with dry ones.

This was the day they were supposed to meet up with Teal'c and Janet, and they were still a few hours away from the main road. Once Daniel appeared to be comfortable, Jack allowed him to sleep for a while, then woke him in order to get him dressed.

Daniel was extremely weak, barely able to stand. They got him up onto Hawk, this time instead of having him sitting astride the horse, they positioned Daniel as if he was riding side-saddle. It would be easier on his leg, but harder for Jack to keep hold of him.

Daniel slumped against Jack, limp and exhausted. His head was nestled against Jack's shoulder, and Jack knew he was sleeping by the way he breathed. By the time they finally rode out of the trees and onto the road, Jack's arms were aching from holding Daniel steady against him.

They found a campsite in full view of the road, and settled down to wait. Jack noted that there were no signs of wagons having passed recently so there was little chance that they'd missed their friends. Once Daniel was made comfortable and was sleeping, Jack sent Sam ahead to meet Teal'c and the others.

An hour later the sound of a trotting rider roused Jack from the doze he'd fallen into. Expecting Sam, he was glad to see Teal'c's large form coming towards him. It had to mean that the help would be here soon.

He stood up and clasped the big man's arm when he dismounted.

"They are not far behind," Teal'c said as his eyes went to Daniel's sleeping form. "Samantha has informed us that Daniel is very ill. She has remained behind to give the doctor details on his illness."

"He's doing a mite better today," Jack informed Teal'c as they both sat beside their still-sleeping friend. "But he'll do better once he's home. I for one will be glad to see him in his own bed, and talking."

"Indeed," Teal'c replied as he gazed upon Daniel's sleeping visage. "He has been sorely missed. Most of the townsfolk wished to accompany us. Doctor Fraiser had to inform them that seeing too many citizens at once would make Daniel uncomfortable. Finally we chose Dave Siler and Lou Ferretti to accompany us. The others were not pleased. The women, however, are endeavouring a cooking feast to ensure that our Deputy has plenty to eat in the coming weeks."

Jack smiled in anticipation of the meals that he knew would be coming their way once they got home. He tired quickly of his own cooking and he'd been eating a lot of it during the past months since he'd been on the trail hunting up any and all rumours over Daniel's disappearance.

"I hope you told them he won't have much of an appetite at first," Jack said, not wanting all the food to go to waste.

"They understand. They will be taking turns providing meals and such to coax Daniel's appetite, or as Mz. Lewie commented, 'to do our darndest to put some fat back on the poor boy's butt'.

Jack guffawed at that, then quickly stifled his laughter with a quick glance to see if he hadn't disturbed Daniel's sleep.

Hawk snorted and Jack looked up. The horse's keen hearing alerted Jack to approaching riders. He stood up and with a hand over his eyes, saw two horses coming towards them at a fast clip. He squinted in the bright light, and finally determined that it was two women. They slowed as they neared, and soon Janet Fraiser had scrambled off her horse and was kneeling beside Daniel. Sam dismounted a tad more slowly, and led the two horses towards the others. Jack could make out the lumbering form of the buckboard coming down the road, the dust cloud following it a clear indication of the speed it was travelling at. Jack hoped they didn't break a wheel before they arrived.

"Goddamn," Janet swore when she got a good look at Daniel. The petite woman quickly set to work examining Daniel, who never woke up at her gentle touch. When she peeled back the honey poultice, Jack could see, despite the sticky mess, that the wound's inflammation and redness had abated considerably.

"It looks a lot better today," he said as she re-bandaged Daniel's leg.

"That's good, because it's still pretty seriously infected," Janet replied. "I just wish we weren't so far away from home," she said with a sigh. "But he'll be better off under a roof and in a bed than out here on the ground." She turned to watch as the buckboard slowed and veered off to the right of them.

"Mz. Debi," Jack exclaimed, surprised to see the town's mayor climb off the large wagon. Her long, silky gray hair had come undone from its once neat bun and her cheeks were red from the sun and wind. But the windswept look complimented her face and her eyes twinkled as she greeted Jack.

"I expect you're a mite tired of eating plain beans, Sheriff," she said with a laugh. "I volunteered my services as cook."

"I'm looking forward to eating anything that wasn't cooked by me or Sam," Jack said with a smile. He ducked when Sam threw a stick at him. He felt giddy, lighthearted. He knew that Daniel wasn't out of the woods but the doc was here, she'd be able to help him, and he felt they were nearly as good as home now.

"It's good to see you guys," he continued as Lou Ferretti and Dave Siler climbed off their horses and joined the small crowd who stood awkwardly around their newly found Deputy.

"Okay, boys," Janet said as she stood up, wiping her hands on her pants. "Let's get our Deputy up into the buckboard and set off for home."

Teal'c bent down and picked Daniel up, carrying the lanky man cradled against his chest like a long-legged child. The movement finally woke Daniel up and he looked around, his gaze stopping on everyone, but no emotion reached his face. Jack jumped up onto the buckboard, and saw that a mattress from one of Mz. Debi's rooms had been placed in it, and was piled high with warm blankets. Jack pushed the coverings aside and then he and Lou took Daniel from Teal'c, placing him gently onto the mattress. Jack covered him up, glad that his friend was now comfortable.

Janet joined him in the wagon, she was obviously planning on riding with Daniel. Jack started to get up, intending on mounting Hawk when Daniel grabbed his hand. Fever-shiny eyes stared at him, silently pleading.

"You want me to stay?" Jack asked as he squatted back down beside Daniel. Daniel let go of Jack and shakily signed 'yes'. Jack smiled and sat down on the hard wooden boards beside Daniel.

"Here, you might be more comfortable sitting on this," Janet said, handing Jack a large, well-padded cushion. He noted she was sitting on one herself. The wagon lurched as Jack placed the cushion beneath him. They were going home, and they were finally bringing their Deputy back with them.

******

Jack paused as he stepped onto the shady veranda of Janet Fraiser's house, watching Mz. Fai and her family as they walked along the town's dusty street, heading towards home. Four of her children were running ahead of her, laughing and teasing one another, one of the town's dog running amongst their legs, barking excitedly. The eldest called out to the Sheriff as she skipped by. Jack waved back, grinning.

The youngest, a deaf and mute little girl new to the family, tried to keep up with the older children and when she stumbled and fell, Mz. Fai quickly picked her up and dusted her off. The dark-haired gypsy's fingers moved gracefully, and the little child frowned. The small, chubby fingers clumsily answered back, and the child took her adopted mother's hand as they continued on their way. As they passed Jack, Mz. Fai signed something to the little girl and she looked up at Jack and waved happily. Jack tipped his hat to them and waggled his fingers at the child.

Jack knocked and then opened the door to Janet's home, giving her warning that he was back. Thanks to a quick bath at Mz. Deb's bathhouse and a full stomach, compliments of Mayor Debi's chicken stew, Jack was feeling like a new man. The few hours away from Daniel's sickroom had re-energized him, as had the exercise and fresh air.

Hearing voices and a loud thump coming from the direction of Daniel's room, Jack hurried down the hallway of the house turned hospital. As he peered into the half-opened doorway, he saw Daniel huddled on the far side of the bare mattress with a thin sheet spread over his thin form, while Sam crouched on the floor beside him, stroking his hair and speaking quietly to him. Daniel was staring sightlessly at the wall. Jack noted the blankets and bedding lying discarded in a heap on the floor.

Another thump and an ensuing curse, and Jack realized the noise was coming from the next room over. Yet another thump and crash had Jack rushing there and he was greeted with the sight of Janet Fraiser trying to manhandle a large mattress from the unused bed.

"Need a hand?" he asked. Her face red and shiny with effort, she blew back strands of hair which had escaped her usually neat bun.

"Please," she uttered thankfully. "I need to change Daniel's mattress." Jack took the bulky object from her and carried it to the other room.

"Sam, could you get the basin and some water? Maybe the Sheriff can clean Daniel up while I change the bed?"

"Sure," Sam said as she got up with a final pat to Daniel's hair, who was still staring at nothing.

"What happened?" Jack questioned as he leaned the mattress alongside the bed.

"Daniel had a bit of an accident." Janet removed a clean nightshirt from the bureau and placed it on the small night table. The slight ammoniac smell of urine assailed his nostrils, answering his question while he noted the large, dark area where Daniel lay.

"An accident? This looks more like a flood," Jack exclaimed as he eyed the copious amount of liquid that had spread out around his sick friend.

"Would you mind helping Daniel onto the chair?"

Jack circled the bed and knelt where Sam had been moments before. The sheet was soaked around Daniel's hips and lower body, so he pulled it back. Daniel was shivering, either from fever or from the sodden clothes.

"Hey, Danny." Jack spoke softly, trying to get Daniel to look at him. His friend had been progressing well, despite the continued cough and fever, responding to his voice and touch, and occasionally to the women or to Teal'c. But at the moment, Jack knew from experience of the past few days that his friend was in a place that would take a bit of time for him to find his way out of.

Jack took a blanket that Janet handed him and wrapped it around Daniel, then grasped him under the arms and pulled him into a seated position, legs dangling over the side of the bed. Janet manoeuvred the chair beside him and Jack, in one quick movement, shifted Daniel from bed to chair.

"Let's get this wet thing offa you." He pulled the cotton sleeping wear over Daniel's head and held the blanket tightly closed against the chill of the room. Daniel sat limply with his head slumped and turned away from Jack.

Sam entered with a large steaming basin and washcloth, and while she and Janet exchanged the soiled mattress for the clean one, Jack quickly washed Daniel down. By the time he'd put on the clean clothing, the women had remade the bed.

It took Jack only a moment to get Daniel back under the covers. He sat on the bed beside his friend, his hand rubbing soothing circles on the bony shoulder. Daniel was still shivering, and Jack pulled the blankets up around his chin. He looked at Janet for an explanation.

"He slept most of the day. I just didn't think, I asked him earlier if he needed to go but he didn't answer… I just assumed…"

Jack flinched when he thought of how Daniel must have suffered, holding back the need to urinate. He didn't blame the doc, he put full accountability on himself for not making sure Daniel had been comfortable before leaving him alone. Jack had been taking care of most of Daniel's personal needs the past three days, and this break had been his first time out of the house.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with Daniel's throat?" They had discussed Daniel's not talking several times, with the doctor assuring them that his throat was fine, and that the problem being that he appeared to have forgotten how to speak.

"I'm positive. But I've sent a few telegrams to several associates asking if they've ever seen or heard of a case like this. Hopefully someone will get back to me soon with some positive news."

Daniel coughed, then blinked. His eyes shifted slightly, and Jack knew Daniel was coming back to them. He didn't know where his friend disappeared to during these short lapses, but he always came back after a little while.

"Wa-ya." Heavy-lidded blue eyes turned to Jack, and he smiled. "Hey."

A twitch at the corner of Daniel's mouth, and Jack knew his friend was back.

"I'll get Daniel something to eat seeing he's awake," Janet said. Soft footsteps told Jack the women had left the room.

"Daniel, compadre, we need to talk." Jack and Daniel had been through this several days ago, out in the woods while Jack was bringing him home. But since Daniel had slept through the most part of the week, he hadn't needed to communicate all that much with them. But Daniel was getting stronger, he needed to be able ask for help.

"Doc feels bad about what just happened. I know it wasn't her fault, or yours. But you have to let us know when you need something. When something hurts, when you're hungry. Damnit, even when you need to pee!" Daniel's eyes widened slightly and he quickly turned his head.

"No, there's nothing to be ashamed of here." Jack gently took hold of Daniel's chin and forced him to look at Jack. "But you *have* to tell us, we can't always know. You suffered for nothing, Wa-ya. You could have told Janet, and I don't mean with words." Jack made the sign for 'water', and 'outside'. "It's that easy, Danny. And if Janet didn't understand you, you could simply have pointed to the damn pisspot!"

Daniel's face flushed red, spreading up his ears and down his neck.

"Please try and understand we want to help you. But you have to help us, too. I know you're confused and feeling poorly and your leg's paining you. Remember, you told me you were sick a few days ago? But we want to make you better, and you don't have to hurt and be uncomfortable in the meantime? Comprendes?"

Daniel nodded after a short hesitation.

"Good." He squeezed Daniel's shoulder and got up off the bed as Janet returned with a steaming bowl of broth. As the doctor sat down on the bed beside Daniel and tried to coax him to take a few mouthfuls, Jack thought back to what had just happened to his friend. Even had Daniel attempted to use Indian signs to convey his distress, Jack wasn't certain that either woman would have understood. If Daniel wasn't willing to talk, there had to be an easy way for him to communicate…

"Doc." Janet looked up at Jack, spoon held to Daniel's tightly pursed lips.

"That little girl of Mz. Fai's, those small movements she does with her fingers. I noticed a lot of the townsfolk seem to be able to talk with her."

"That's right." Janet dropped the spoon into the bowl. "They're using American Sign Language. Darcy remembered reading something about it when little Aislin came to us, and she ordered Fai a book on how to speak using abbreviated signs. It's a lot more complex than the Indian Trade language, there's even an alphabet, if you can't remember the sign for the word, you can always spell it out."

Jack took the bowl from Janet and she smiled at him gratefully as they traded places. Jack held a spoonful of weak broth to Daniel's mouth and his friend reluctantly accepted the liquid.

"D'ya think maybe Mz. Fai might be willing to teach me 'n Daniel the basics? Maybe Sam and Teal'c also?" He fed Daniel a bit more broth, then waited patiently as the heat of the food triggered a coughing spell. When Janet didn't reply, he looked up at her and she raised a fisted hand, making a quick motion as if she were knocking on a door.

"I take it to mean that's a yes?"

Janet's face lit up as she smiled first at him, then at Daniel, who appeared to be more interested in their conversation than his supper. "I'll speak to Fai and see if she'd be willing to help you two out as soon as our Deputy is feeling stronger. I'm sure she'll be happy to do it."

"Thanks, Doc." Jack was sure that if a little five year old kid could master this new sign language thing, then Mz. Fai shouldn't have any problems with a stubborn and recalcitrant Deputy. Jack lifted another spoonful of broth and sighed when he saw Daniel clamp his lips together.

******

A small creaking sound insinuated itself into Daniel's warm, safe, cocooned world of soft bed and thick blankets, drawing him from the comforting sensation of sleep. The sound repeated itself, and Daniel knew it was caused by the shifting weight of someone sitting on the hard-backed wooden chair beside his bed.

A soft sniff and clearing of throat told him it was the man, and not the woman. Which was good, the tiny and energetic female would be there to poke and prod him, force food and medicine down his throat, with her large, expressive eyes seeming to want something from Daniel that he wasn't yet prepared to supply. But the man, on the other hand, had been doing the same things all this time, but without expecting anything from him.

The man appeared to understand Daniel and his desires before he himself knew he needed anything. He was familiar, from the timbre of his voice when he was patiently trying to get Daniel to eat something, to the way his eyes crinkled when something amusing caught his eye, to the way his hands constantly needed to keep busy. Daniel was sure he knew this man, from before, before the time of… darkness and nightmares. He turned in the bed, restless, trying to escape the hellish awakening of memories through movement.

The chair creaked a little more loudly and Daniel heard the tinkle of glass on glass, then water tumbling into something. He licked his lips; he was suddenly reminded that his mouth was dry and he was thirsty.

"Want some water, Danny?" The soft voice accompanied the rustle of cloth, and Daniel forced his eyes open.

He squinted up at the person, who was holding a half-filled glass near his lips.

"Hey, it's me, it's Jack," the man said gently. "Do you want some water?" he repeated. Daniel raised his head and was glad to see that the effort wasn't as hard as it had been the last few times. The man, Jack, reached over and supported Daniel's head and shoulders while holding the glass to his mouth. The cool water tasted glorious, soothing his throat and filling his empty stomach.

He was in a small, dimly lit utilitarian room. A lamp burned in a corner, although he could see sunlight peeking through the heavily curtained window. He hated this room, hated the gloom in which he lay. He had tried once to get up to pull the curtains back and allow the warm, rich sunshine in, but his body had betrayed him and he had collapsed on the floor. He had been placed back into the bed amidst much clucking and scolding from the petite woman, and he had turned away from her, shamefaced.

"You're looking a bit better," Jack said as he placed the glass beside the pitcher on the bureau beside him. "Got a bit more color in your cheeks, and your fever's nearly gone."

Daniel stared at the curtain, wishing he felt well enough to get up and tear it down. The air was stale in the room, and he could hear the faint sounds of birds cheeping and cicadas plying their love songs, and could almost imagine the wind rustling the leaves in the trees. Instead everything inside sounded muted, hollow. He fingered the bandage on his right wrist nervously, noting that his hands weren't quite as stiff as before.

"You hungry? Mz. Kiva sent over some bread pudding." Jack reached to uncover something behind him and Daniel turned to glare at the covered window once more. He jumped when a hand touched his shoulder, and he turned his attention back to the man beside him.

"You want the curtains open?" Jack asked. Daniel stared at him. He knew he had to reply to this, he wanted to reply to this, he knew he had once been able to speak. He could remember the sound of his voice, the way words had tumbled from his mouth when he was excited, the way he laughed or giggled, how his ears had hurt from the sound of his screams, which eventually had turned deep and hoarse when his voice had given out.

Daniel was on the verge of panicking, the memory of his screams along with the dimness of the room making his breathing come fast and breathless. Suddenly Jack was moving and the room was bathed in an eye-watering brightness. The panic receded slightly, but his breathlessness set off a coughing spell. Daniel curled up on himself, coughing so harshly he feared he would be sick. Finally, his chest eased and Daniel relaxed, clearing his throat a few times to get rid of the rasping sounds in his lungs.

More water appeared and he gladly swallowed it down.

"Better?" Jack asked as he sat back down and placed a couple of pillows behind Daniel's back, propping him up. Daniel knew he meant the curtains and not the water. Daniel gazed out the window, seeing the blur of greenery and blue sky. He felt his lips curling slightly. Yes, it was better with the warmth of the sun on his face.

"So, you up to eatin' a bite?" A spoonful of gooey, cinnamon-scented glob of something was placed before Daniel's lips. Daniel flicked his tongue, tasting the sweet dessert. It was delicious. Jack tipped the bit into his mouth and Daniel chewed it, tasting raisins and brown sugar. Two more bites and he was full. He turned his head aside when Jack held more to his mouth; if Daniel ate more he knew he wouldn't be able to keep the rich treat down.

"There's more if you want later," Jack said with his mouth full as he polished off the rest. Daniel smiled to himself at the sight; Jack appeared to have quite a sweet tooth. He licked his lips, tasting more of the sweet stuff on them. This was so much better than the tasteless broth the woman was forcing Daniel to drink.

Daniel stretched, realizing for the first time that he was mostly free of pain. His fever had left him today, his joints and muscles weren't aching so badly, and his leg was bearable if he didn't move it too much. He decided he was on the mend; briefly he wondered what had happened to him, but the visions of darkness flittered on the edges of his memory and he fidgeted in bed, trying to escape.

"Hey, I made you something," Jack informed him as he put the now empty bowl aside. He got up and picked up an object from the table by the door. Daniel could see it was a small, unadorned leather pouch.

"I saw your medicine pouch was missing. Thought maybe you'd like to use this one instead of the scrap of material you've got there." Jack briefly touched the slight lump under Daniel's night shirt. "Of course, if you'd rather wait till you're better and make your own, I understand. Or you can use this one until you make another…"

Daniel hesitated, afraid to accept what Jack was offering. Afraid of what it might mean if he took the gift. But knowing somehow that this man understood what the objects he kept close to his heart and his breath meant to him.

Jack had placed the pouch on Daniel's lap, and its light weight seemed to burn through the blankets, searing him with guilt. It was given in friendship, somehow Daniel knew that. And he'd been mistaken; the pouch wasn't unadorned, as he'd first thought. There was something on the corners…

With shaking hands, Daniel picked up the soft leather. He squinted at the figures and was able to make out a small figure of a hawk etched into one corner, and that of a coyote on the opposite corner. He glanced towards Jack, surprised. The work was exquisite.

"I thought you'd want to decorate it later, yourself, when you were stronger," Jack said. "But if you don't want it, it's okay, I understand."

No, he wanted this. It wasn't being given to him in friendship, it was being given with love. This man had called him blood brother; Daniel somehow knew he trusted this man with his life, had known it even in his pain-filled delirium and had reached towards him in his illness.

He reached inside his shirt and pulled out the filthy piece of material in which he'd wrapped his spiritual pieces. With a bit of difficulty, Daniel tried to unknot the cord that he'd looped around the scrap, holding everything secure inside. A warm hand stilled his fingers, and he permitted Jack to take it and untie the cord.

Jack handed it back to him, unopened. Daniel poured the few items he'd managed to save over the past few months; a small stone that looked like a soaring hawk, a medallion of Saint Patrick, and a clear piece of quartz crystal.

There had been more objects in there, he remembered the weight of the pouch and it used to be much more substantial. He knew he'd lost more than physical things with their loss. He'd lost part of himself, a part he could never replace. As with his memory, he suspected he would never find them again.

Daniel fingered the objects, not quite recalling where he had come by them, but knowing they meant something to him. He squeezed his palm shut over the encroaching feelings, the pain of the quartz cutting into his hand and bringing him back into focus.

"Daniel?" Jack asked, worry evident in his voice.

Daniel picked up the scrap of material and cord, and threw them away from him. He opened the pouch Jack had given him and reverently placed the three objects into it. As he looped it over his neck, he vowed that as soon as he was strong enough, he would begin decorating the pouch, giving it the embellishments that it so richly deserved.

The door opened with a rush of fresh air, and Daniel jumped, startled at the intrusion. The petite brown-haired woman swooped in, a cup held in her hands.

"Oh good, Daniel. You're awake," she said as she placed the cup beside the bed. She eyed the open curtain, and cocked her head at Daniel and he quickly lowered his gaze. "You want me to shut the curtain? It's kind of bright in here."

"He's fine, Doc," Jack said, patting Daniel's knee.

Daniel heard footsteps as the woman approached the bed. He could smell the broth; he wished it tasted half as good as it smelled, maybe then it wouldn't be so bad when he was forced to drink it.

He felt the mattress dip slightly as she sat down beside him. He flinched when her small hands touched his face, moving from forehead to cheek. "Good, your fever's down." She placed something cold on his chest and bent over slightly, listening to something apparently only she could hear. Daniel tried to push away from her but Jack quickly put a hand on his arm, stilling his movement. Daniel wished she would hurry up and get away from him. She seemed satisfied with what she found and placed a small hand on his arm to try and get his attention. He turned towards her reluctantly, wondering what she wanted.

"Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"

"I don't think he's hungry," Jack said. Daniel quickly glanced at the man, noting a guilty expression on his face. "Daniel just had a bit of bread pudding, I don't think he'll have room for your broth."

"Sheriff!" the lady exclaimed as she stood up, bristling in her anger. "You know that that stuff isn't nutritious. You should have waited until he ate some proper food before filling his stomach with that sort of thing."

"Yeah, well, he hates that healthy stuff of yours. At least he got to eat something he liked, for a change. Give the guy a break, won't you?"

"His appetite has been nearly non-existent, he needs to eat."

"So give him what he likes, something that'll put meat back on his bones instead of that swill."

Daniel let their words slide over him, unable to deal with their emotions. He turned away, suddenly tired, floating, seeking solace in the warmth of the sun.

"Danny?" A touch to his cheek, callused fingers rasping against stubble, reluctantly brought him back to himself. He couldn't refuse Jack, his voice was a beacon of safety, his eyes the glimmer of hope, his smile the promise of friendship.

"Hey, you looked like you were a little lost there." Jack smiled faintly at him and Daniel decided that Jack looked tired. He frowned, wondering why Jack just didn't lie down and get some sleep.

"I have something for you, Daniel." Daniel ignored the small woman, coming to the realization that maybe Jack was so tired because he was spending all his time here with him. He wanted to tell Jack to come and lie down and sleep beside him, the words were so close. He remembered something that Jack had said to him, that he could talk without words. He raised a hand, ready to make the symbol for sleep, when the woman bent over him suddenly.

"You asked me to order these for you since the others were bent, before you… left us, Daniel. I thought you might enjoy seeing the world in its proper perspective once again."

He had an impression of glass and thin metal rods and suddenly something cold was placed on his face. The room exploded in a riot of strange shapes, lines and colors, rendering him dizzy and nauseous. He batted at the offending item and it flew to the foot of the bed.

"Easy, Danny," Jack said as Daniel tried to edge away from the woman. "Doc, it's okay, you just spooked him." Jack reached over and picked up the strange object, folding it somehow until it appeared to be two small pieces of glass.

"I'll just put these here for safekeeping, okay?" The object was placed on the table beside Daniel, where he eyed it warily.

"I'm sorry, I should have known better." The woman shook her head, and Daniel averted his gaze, knowing he'd done something wrong and not quite sure what it was. She sighed heavily. "Call me if you need anything, Sheriff."

"Sure, Doc." The door opened and closed, and her footsteps faded as she walked away.

"I was thinking, maybe you'd like to sit outside tomorrow? I think I can sweet talk the doc into bringing you out into the sunshine. Would you like that, Daniel?"

Daniel blinked, thinking over the words. Outside, not in this room. Yes! Anything to escape the four walls and roof that surrounded him. He yearned for blue sky, fresh air, a breeze tickling his hair. He sighed softly as he turned his face towards the sunshine again.

"Danny?" Daniel tore his eyes away from freedom, the green and blue blur so tantalizingly close behind the clear glass window at the foot of the bed, yet beyond his ability to make it there on his own in his weakened condition.

"Do you want to go outside tomorrow? Can you let me know if that's what you want?" Jack's voice was soft, cajoling.

Daniel thought hard. Outside. He knew different variations of the word, and somehow knew they meant the same thing even though they all sounded so different; ga-nv-go-i, a fuera, dehors, anose, barrah, draussen. He could hear the words in his mind; even envisage little pictures of them drawn on a piece of paper. Hesitantly, he tried the only thing he was capable of at the moment. He used his hands to shakily sign the word.

"That's good, Daniel." The pleasure was evident in his voice as Jack warmly clasped Daniel's fingers. "We'll make a picnic out of it. Maybe Sam and Teal'c will join us, what do you think?"

Daniel pulled his hands away, wishing outside was now, not tomorrow. He was tired, and he remembered that Jack was tired also. Feeling brave, he signed one more word, his movements heavy and awkward.

// Sleep. //

"Okay, Danny. I'll let you get some rest. I can see you're tired."

// Sleep, // Daniel signed once more.

"I know. I'll let you get some sleep."

// Sleep. // Damnit, why wasn't Jack understanding him? He clenched his fists, then pointed at Jack, and signed the word again. Then he patted the space beside him on the bed.

// Tired. // Sleep. // Together. //

Smiling, Jack pushed a stray lock of hair off of Daniel's cheek and then pulled his boots off. With a tired sigh, he lay down beside Daniel, on top of the covers. Daniel scooted down carefully off the pillows, pushing one towards Jack. As Jack accepted it, Daniel took the top layer of blanket and pulled it off of him, trying to spread it over Jack's body.

"Thanks," Jack mumbled as he tossed the covering over his shoulder. Daniel watched as Jack's eyelids drooped closed, and soft snores soon told him that Jack was sleeping. Daniel turned onto his side and watched the nearly familiar face relax, the worry lines smoothing out, making him look younger.

When Jack snorted and turned, putting his back to Daniel, he remembered the object Jack had placed by the bed. He reached over and picked it up, examining it carefully. He'd been right, it consisted of two round pieces of glass cleverly held by thin metal strips. He held it out before him and looked through the glass. Everything appeared smaller.

Nervously recalling what the woman had done, slowly, carefully, he brought the object close to his face. Suddenly everything appeared clear, details exploded, colors became more vibrant and lines became sharp. Daniel glanced outside and made out the leaves fluttering in the trees, a crow sitting on a branch cawed as it spread its wings and lifted itself into the air. He watched it as it flew away, out of sight.

Daniel's mouth gaped open in surprise. He hadn't realized his vision had been poor until this very moment. A memory flitted through his mind's eye and he saw himself wiping the small glass pieces on a bit of soft cloth he'd worn around his neck. He realized these were a part of him, and had been for a long time. He lay there happily, looking out the window until his eyes closed and he slept alongside his friend.

******

Daniel cracked open an eye at the sound of footsteps rustling through the grass, coming towards him. He was too relaxed to move; comfortably cocooned on a small mattress, wrapped in a light blanket, lying underneath a shade tree. He'd spent the past hour watching the clouds float by, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine on his face. He had wanted to complain when the doctor had eventually insisted that he be removed from the direct heat of the sun, but she had been adamant. But it was almost as pleasant underneath the tree; here he could see and hear the birds flitting from branch to branch.

He knew he'd slept on and off, the sun had moved considerably, and his stomach was beginning to let him know he hadn't eaten in a while. Bare feet soon came into his line of sight and he turned his head slightly to look up at Jack. His friend was carrying a small tray, and with a graceful movement, lowered himself to sit beside Daniel on the woollen blanket beside Daniel's pallet.

"Thought you might be hungry," Jack said as he placed the tray, which had a large upturned bowl over it, on the ground. Daniel stifled a sigh. Mealtimes usually consisted of Jack or the doctor's insisting he eat. At least now they let him eat outside whenever the weather was nice and he didn't have a fever. Daniel found that if he made an effort to swallow some of the stuff they placed before him, they'd soon leave him in peace. Most of it was bland and unsatisfying. Daniel would rather not eat it, but knew he needed the energy. And it was easier to eat than to listen to their nagging.

With Jack's help, Daniel pushed himself up until he was leaning against the tree trunk. A plate was placed on his lap and for a moment, Daniel had no idea what the food set before him consisted of.

"Bacon," Jack said as the aroma of the fried meat suddenly assailed him. His mouth began to water, and he knew he liked whatever this bacon was. "Hot bacon fat, molasses, cornbread and milk," Jack continued, breaking off a piece of the golden bread for himself, and dipping it into the oily concoction of melted bacon fat and dark molasses. Daniel tore a piece of bacon in half, dripping with the sticky stuff, and stuffed it into his mouth. It was delicious.

"I finally talked Doc into letting you eat something you used to enjoy. Looks like I made a good choice."

Daniel dipped a piece of buttered cornbread into the molasses, licking his fingers to get every sweet bit and smiling his thanks at Jack. He took a sip of cold milk, and couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten anything so enjoyable.

Before he knew it the plate was empty and he was satisfyingly full. And sleepy. A fly buzzed around his plate and Jack pushed the dish away from them, putting the bowl over it to keep the bugs away. Daniel yawned, and slid back down the tree to lie on his side. The frame pinched his ear and he shoved a finger behind it to adjust it. Since he'd discovered how clear his vision was with these bits of glass and metal, he'd refused to take them off, even when napping.

"Mz. Sel brought over some fresh picked wild strawberries, so maybe you'd like a bit of those with some cream for a snack later? And Mz. Carrie stopped by a little earlier and said she'd bring over some chicken stew and dumplings for supper."

Strawberries, and chicken. As Daniel's eyes began to close, he pictured something small and red and sweet, swimming in thick white liquid. As he lost himself in sleep, he saw the fleeting image of feathers and wondered if strawberries could fly.

******

Daniel wished the rose bushes decorating the front of the doctor's house grew larger and bushier, so he could hide himself behind them. Even though he enjoyed sitting on her front veranda and watching the townspeople walking or riding by, he wished they wouldn't call out to him when they spotted him. He preferred the back yard, where it was quieter and he had total privacy.

The clip clop of a horse had Daniel cringing into the blanket that covered his shoulders. Jack had insisted on it now that the sun had moved off, and Daniel appreciated its warmth as he sat in the shade.

The horse and carriage came closer, and Daniel quickly focused all of his attention on a bee that was happily cultivating the pollen from a large rose, trying to ignore the approaching wagon. To his horror, the carriage stopped before the house.

He glanced up and spotted what seemed to be a large number of people in the carriage, all looking at him. Quickly he glanced back down, wishing Jack would come out of the house and stand between him and these people, like he normally did. Daniel felt his breathing begin to quicken and his hands fisted in fear. Jack said he'd be back soon, where was he? Why hadn't Daniel protested at his leaving?

The swish of material rustling had Daniel flinching, his shoulders coming up to try and protect his neck.

"Allo, Dep'ty Dan'l," an excited, high-pitched voice yelled out. Whispered sounds drifted to him, and he made out the words 'shhh, don't yell at the Deputy, sweetheart', but he kept his eyes resolutely fixed on the wooden floorboards of the porch. With studious intensity, he watched an ant make its way across the cracks, tracking it as if his life depended on it, trying to ignore the strangers who were sure to assault his senses any second.

More whispers, and then the sound of footsteps nearing. He averted his face, unable to look directly upon the approaching intruder. The footsteps slowed slightly as they passed him, and to his intense relief, a brief warning knock on the door and the creak of it opening and closing meant that the visitor wasn't coming to speak to him. Daniel took a deep breath and laid his head back on the chair, letting the air out in a sigh, which ended with a cough.

Squeals and giggles reminded Daniel that he wasn't alone, and he glanced over at the wagon, seeing two small girls sitting in the front seat. His first glance at the carriage had given him the impression that there had been more, but he realized now that it had only been the one woman and the two children. The older one saw Daniel looking at them and waved, a large grin gracing her face. Somehow these small people seemed a little less threatening than adults, and Daniel shyly waggled his fingers back at her. The younger one saw Daniel and began jumping up and down on the seat, waving at him with both arms.

"Look at me, Dep'ty!" the little girl yelled. "Look at me!" The older one scolded the excited child, but instead of calming, the younger one got more excited. Daniel could hear the springs of the conveyance from where he sat, and saw the horse begin to get restless at the constant jarring.

The little girl nearly fell off the seat at one point and the older one finally grabbed her arm.

"Lizzy, stop it," she said, trying to get her off the seat.

"No!" the little girl screamed, jumping even higher. Daniel saw the accident coming, and without thinking, he got up and began limping/running towards the street. He stumbled down the stairs, hissing at the pain in his thigh and catching himself before he fell. He panted and wheezed, feeling his blood go cold as the horse finally had enough of the unnatural motion of the carriage behind it and began to prance nervously. The movement unbalanced the little girl and she fell off the wagon, screaming. The added cries of her older sister spooked the horse and it advanced forward a few steps, the foremost large wooden wheel passing over the little girl's leg.

In one quick movement, Daniel plucked the older child off of the carriage and put her down onto the dusty street before she tumbled off, then bent down and picked up the screaming, injured girl from beneath the carriage seconds before the horse took off down the road. His injured leg finally gave out with the added weight of the girl in his arms, and he tumbled onto his butt.

The girls' shrieks had alerted the people inside the house that something had happened and as Daniel held the sobbing form close to him, he heard footsteps racing towards them.

"Rachel! Lizzy!" a strangely accented female voice called out. Daniel cowered and hunched over the little girl, trying to protect her from hidden dangers. The child clutched at his shirt, her screams piercing his ears as they were punctuated with horrible, gasping sobs. Daniel squeezed his eyes shut as he held her tightly to his chest. The other child was crying loudly beside him, but he couldn't bring himself to look at her to make sure she was all right.

He could hear breathing beside him and there was more whispering nearby, but he ignored everything, his attention focused on the injured little girl in his arms. She needed help and Daniel wasn't sure what to do. Soon the other child was hiccupping and sobbing quietly, her cries muffled against something. Daniel had to help them, but he didn't know how. Tears slid down his cheeks as he buried his face in the sweet-smelling hair.

"Danny? Wa-ya?" He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder.

Jack, that was Jack! He'd know, he'd help. Daniel opened his eyes and ignoring the other forms surrounding him, looked up into his friend's concerned brown eyes.

"Daniel, can you give me the girl?" Jack asked gently, his hand squeezing him. Daniel looked down at the still-screaming child in his arms, noting her dress was dirty and that her leg was bleeding. There was a large scrape on her arm, and her lip was bloody. Jack would care for the child, Lizzy, but there was someone else who he should hand her to. With trembling breaths, Daniel scanned the faces around him. One stranger held the other child tightly against her as she knelt beside them, anxiously staring at Daniel.

She wasn't the one he was looking for, though. But kneeling on Jack's other side was the petite woman, the doctor, with the expressive brown eyes that were so different from Jack's. Feeling Daniel's gaze on her, she raised her eyes from the form of the child in his arms, and met Daniel's stare.

Slowly, he loosened his grip on the girl and extended her small body to the doctor. Lizzy wailed even more loudly when she felt Daniel letting her go, but Janet shushed her as she accepted her from Daniel, and laid her on the ground. Immediately Jack's arms were around Daniel as both women began examining the girl. Suddenly Daniel was shivering, and with relief he leaned against Jack's warm bulk. Jack's hand came up to stroke Daniel's hair, then gently brushed the tears which still fell down his face.

"I don't think her leg's broken, Athene, but it's pretty badly bruised," Janet said over the girl's wails. "I'll need to wash out the scrapes and there's a gash that might need a stitch or two. She's a pretty lucky little girl." Slowly the cries began to diminish as the child sought her mother's arms.

"Deputy Daniel saved her," Rachel piped in, still hiccupping. "She wouldn't listen to me, mummy, and when old Jigsaw got upset at her shenanigans, she fell off the wagon. Deputy Daniel picked me up really quick, too, before Jigsaw ran off. Why is Deputy Daniel crying, mummy?"

Realizing the older girl was talking about him, Daniel hid his face against Jack's shoulder.

"He was scared, honey," Jack said softly.

The sobs suddenly tapered off, and a small, hesitant voice spoke up, punctuated with hiccups and a few breathless gasps.

"Don' cry, Dep'ty Dan'l. Lizzy's not ascared anymore."

Daniel turned and looked at the little girl who was now sitting up and leaning against her mother's side. Her face was bloody, tear-streaked and dirty, but the vivacity of her young body and the concern for him shining out of her eyes warmed Daniel's heart. He smiled tremulously at her and was rewarded with a gap-toothed grin. He signed to Jack 'hospital', and Jack nodded.

"Yes, we'll bring her inside. Doc's gonna take right good care of her."

"What did he say?" Rachel asked curiously.

"He wanted to know if Doc was gonna bring her inside the surgery, honey," Jack explained.

"No, he didn't. That's not how Aislin talks."

"Shush, Rachel," Athene scolded. "Deputy Daniel is talking the way the Indians do, it's not quite the same thing what Aislin was taught."

"But mummy," Rachel said.

"Rachel, that's enough," the exasperated woman said.

"Do you want me to carry her inside?"

"No, thank you, Sheriff, I can manage," Athene's accented voice said steadily. "I think the Deputy might need your help, though." She smiled at them both as she picked up her youngest daughter, who put her arms around her mother's neck while Rachel grabbed a hold of Athene's dress, following her into the house.

Daniel struggled to straighten his legs and his thigh exploded in pain. He gasped, and Jack was pulling on his leg, evening the protesting muscles back into alignment. He felt pressure under his armpits and suddenly he was on his feet, Jack's arm holding him steady against him. The house seemed so far away, and Daniel wondered how he had managed to get into the street in so little time when he'd seen the horse ready to bolt.

With Jack's help, Daniel limped up to the house, not protesting when they passed the veranda and his abandoned chair, and went directly to his small room in the back of the house. By the time Jack helped him lie down, the petite doctor was there with a bit of water and her foul-tasting drugs. From the bitter taste of the potion, he knew it was the kind that would take the pain away, but would also make him sleepy.

He swallowed the liquid gratefully, anxious to ease the pain of his abused leg. He felt Jack pull his moccasins off and spread a blanket over him. A sharp wail and cry came through the open door, and Daniel tensed.

"It's okay, doc's just cleaning out her wounds. Nothing's broken, just a lot of scrapes and bruises. She's gonna be fine, Daniel."

Daniel tried to relax, unable to help himself from tensing every time there was a fresh outburst. Soon the cries stopped, and Daniel wondered if the little girl had been given something for her pain, as Daniel had.

He drifted on and off, aware of Jack's voice as he talked with the women. At one point he opened his eyes and saw Rachel standing beside his bed, staring at him. She giggled and ran out of the room when she saw he was awake.

The rustle of cloth roused him again and he opened his eyes to see Athene standing by his open door.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she said, looking at the floor for a moment. "But I did want to thank you for saving my daughters. I know it's difficult for you at the moment, Deputy. But most of the people here in town do care for you, and are very happy that you're back. When you're feeling better, I hope you'll return to Snugbury's for some ice cream. I've gotten two new flavours, and I think there's one you'll enjoy very much."

With a sad smile, she left Daniel alone with her words.

He was still drowsy when Jack came by later, carrying two bowls and two spoons.

"Hey, feel up for a snack?" Jack asked as he sat on the side of Daniel's bed. As Daniel pushed himself up against the headboard, Jack shoved a pillow behind his shoulders, and handed Daniel one of the bowls. To his surprise, it was cold. Winter cold. Icy cold. He looked at Jack in surprise, then to the mound of snow which sat in the bowl.

"It's ice cream," Jack explained as he gave Daniel a spoon. "This is the reason Mz. Athene stopped by today. She knows how much you love this stuff and thought maybe you'd enjoy a treat." Jack waved at the white stuff with his spoon. "Go ahead, take a bite."

Daniel watched as Jack dug his spoon into the snow. It looked liquidy as it began to melt, not quite snow, more like cream. Or maybe frozen cream. Iced cream… yes, that made sense.

Daniel tapped the cold stuff with his spoon, feeling it give. Carefully he put a bit in his mouth, feeling the cold sweetness instantly explode on his tongue and melt in his mouth. He grinned around the next spoonful, wagging his eyebrows at Jack.

"Yeah, I thought you'd enjoy it. And this is only vanilla, wait till you taste the chocolate flavour. And of course you can add things to it. Corn syrup or molasses and nuts and stuff."

Daniel couldn't believe anything could taste better than this. He was torn between eating it slowly, savouring every bite, to quickly stuffing it into his mouth before it all melted. Soon he was busy scraping the bottom of the bowl, then used his finger to scoop up the last bit of cool, sticky goodness.

"Well, I know what we'll be having for dessert from now on," Jack said with a smirk as he reached over and rubbed at something on Daniel's chin with his thumb. Daniel wiped at his face with his fingers, feeling the sticky stuff that had melted and run down his chin when he hadn't been able to eat it fast enough. Jack wiped his thumb on his pant legs, smiling.

Realizing the house was quiet, Daniel asked of the young child. // Baby? // he signed.

"She's fine. Athene's taken her home. Doc told her to keep her abed for a day or two, but I doubt she'll be able to keep that little bundle of wind still longer'n a couple hours. Might have learned not to jump on wagon seats, though."

Daniel smiled, remembering the vivacity the child had exhibited.

Jack removed Daniel's empty bowl and stacked it on top of his own, then placed them on the small table beside the bed. "Hey," he said quietly. Daniel looked at Jack questioningly.

"Ya did good today. That horse coulda spooked and stomped over the kid just as easily as running her over a second time with the wagon. I know how hard it was for you, Danny, and I know how appreciative Athene and the rest of the townsfolk are. I wish you could understand that nobody here wants to hurt you. They're all our friends, and they only want to help."

Daniel couldn't hold Jack's gaze, his words were making sense but couldn't assuage the fear that he still couldn't let go. Jack's hands came up to squeeze his nape.

"When you're ready, Daniel. I won't force you out there anytime before you're ready, okay? But I do know two little girls who might want to come a'calling in a day or two. With any luck, they might be bringing some more ice cream to make the visit sweeter."

Daniel smiled, thinking he could maybe handle two little girls.

"Good." Jack picked up the bowls. "You can nap a bit longer before supper; Mz. Myste promised to bring some fried chicken tonight. She's got some kind of secret herbs and spices she uses, you're gonna love it."

Daniel settled himself under the blankets, and waved at the bowls in Jack's hands.

"Yeah, and there's more ice cream. Gonna have to finish it all today 'cause the ice won't keep it froze for much longer."

'Good', Daniel thought to himself as he closed his eyes. Maybe this time he'd try a bit of syrup on top of his treat. He smacked his lips, thinking of mealtime.

******

Jack waited while Daniel slowly followed him to Fai's brightly covered wagon. Children were running around the grassy area surrounding the camp, their laughter loud in the early morning.

"Good morning, Sheriff," Fai said, her voice quiet. She shifted her gaze to Daniel a moment and then turned her attention back to Jack. "What can I do for both of you this fine morning?"

"Doc Janet said you had a book on that fancy hand talking you do with little Aislin," Jack began. Daniel was still about five steps behind him, evidently afraid to approach someone he didn't remember any closer. He wondered if he should have left Daniel back at the Emerald City or

with Janet or Sam.

"Oh yes, Janet spoke to me of it. American Sign Language. You are welcome to borrow it, Sheriff Jack. Perhaps you'd like me to show you and the Deputy the alphabet and some signs as a start?" Fai questioned. At Jack's nod, she waved her hand in the air. Jack watched as one of the older children stopped playing and tapped Aislin on her shoulder. The little girl's smile was bright as she caught sight of her adopted mama wanting her presence, and came running.

"Aislin," Fai began, signing for Aislin's benefit and speaking for Jack's. "The Sheriff would like you to help him learn how to sign. Do you think we can show him the alphabet?"

Jack grinned at the little girl's broad smile as she nodded. She made her chubby little hand into a fist with the thumb showing.

"This is A, Sheriff," Fai explained. Aislin continued looking at Jack, waiting for him to make the same letter. He did, and both Fai and Aislin nodded.

"Daniel, come on over here and sit with us." Jack motioned for his friend to come closer. He held his breath, wondering if Daniel would do it. He touched Daniel's shoulder reassuringly when the younger man approached. "It's gonna be fine. You remember Fai," he said, but at the flat look in Daniel's eyes, he wasn't so sure. "Look, this is A." Jack held up his fist for Daniel's inspection. He waited and then sighed when Daniel showed no interest in mimicking Jack's motions.

Aislin and Fai began guiding Jack through the alphabet. His heart sank when Daniel didn't make any of the signs despite appearing to watch them. Janet's warning that Daniel might be somehow damaged in his head came back to taunt him.

"Aislin wants you to do the alphabet, Sheriff," Fai said, interpreting her daughter's signs. Jack nodded and began to form his hand into the different shapes for the letters. When he finished, Aislin clapped her hands and smiled at him.

"Very good, Sheriff," Fai agreed. "I'll get the book for you. Any signs you can't find, you can always spell out letter by letter."

"Thank you." Jack nodded. He studied Fai's sign to Aislin. Fingertips to lips and then an open movement away, palm up. He repeated it, unsure. "Thank you?" he asked.

"Yes," Fai nodded. "That's thank you."

Jack smiled and squatted down to Aislin's level. // Thank you, // he signed. She smiled at him in return.

"I'll be getting that book for you now," Fai said, her voice sounding hoarse. She motioned for Jack to follow her a short distance. "Sheriff? The Deputy? I heard he was in pretty poor shape when you found him."

"Yes ma'am." Jack looked at his dusty boots. "Mighty poor shape. He's come a long way in the few weeks since we've brought him home. But..."

"He can hear?" Fai touched her ear.

"He can hear," Jack said, looking back at Daniel, who was standing with his arms wrapped around his waist. "But Doctor Fraiser believes the fever might have done something to his head. Made him simple minded." Saying it was so hard, as if it was real. "I don't know."

"I'm going to give you some herbs, Sheriff. Herbs to help the body heal. Herbs to help a troubled mind," Fai said before she stepped into her wagon.

Bowing his head in acknowledgement, Jack waited outside the wagon, smells of spices and herbs drifting out through the fabric hanging over what served as a door. He turned, looking back towards Daniel and saw him sitting cross legged on the ground, Aislin across from him, her small hands making shapes while Daniel watched with bemusement. The little girl finished whatever it was she was saying and stood, reaching out to pat Daniel's cheek before she ran off to join her siblings. Daniel raised a hand to his cheek, holding it there and Jack had to turn away. He'd seen the scars and wondered how many times during those eight months of captivity Daniel had been touched with anything approaching kindness. Jack was willing to bet it had been never. Fai emerged from her wagon, handing Jack a weighty cloth bag.

"You need anything else for Daniel, you come back to me."

Jack pulled some coins from his pocket, offering them to her. She shook her head, closing his fingers back over them.

"Heal him, Sheriff," she whispered. "Heal him."

******

Fai's words still haunted Jack as he watched Daniel pick at his food three days later. His hope the sign language would give Daniel the ability to communicate again had been false. His Deputy was sitting on the porch at Janet's again, watching who knew what. His injuries all nearly healed except for a limp that appeared when Daniel was overly tired.

"Daniel?" Jack asked, signing along with speaking, practice for him and a hope that some spark of Daniel's intelligence remained, making it an ingrained habit. "Eat. Stop playing with your food and eat it." He tapped the table, regretting it when Daniel hunched his shoulders to ward off an expected blow. Jack let his breath out between his teeth, reaching out to gently touch his friend's shoulder with one fingertip. "Look at me," Jack said, his accompanying signs and finger spelling precise and slow. "I will not hurt you. You are safe."

Daniel stared at him, his gaze flitting between Jack's lips and his hands. For just a moment, Jack thought he saw a glimpse of the old Daniel, but the sound of a dog barking in the town had Daniel looking away again.

"I'll be back, Daniel." Jack stood, shoving his hands in his pockets when he realized it was pointless to sign to someone who didn't even want to look at you.

Soft voices from the small kitchen at the back of Janet's house let him know where he could find the good doctor.

"Sheriff? Is there a problem?" Janet set down the teapot on the well-scrubbed wooden table.

"No, I..." Jack rubbed his boot along the floorboards. He didn't want to know, he told himself. He didn't want to hear the answer to his question.

"Jack? What's wrong?" Sam stood and handed him a cup of tea.

He wrapped his hands around the fine china cup, aware of how fragile it was and amazed the tea set had survived the journey to the Flats intact.

"He doesn't seem to understand." Jack said, the heat from the china seeping into his cold fingers. "I can't get Daniel to understand. I think maybe you were right, Doc. That somehow all that happened has addled his brain."

There was silence in the kitchen at Jack's confession and then his large hand was cupped in smaller ones.

"This cup looks fragile, doesn't it?" Janet said, one finger tracing its rim above Jack's hand. "But it survived a journey from China to France to Louisiana to Tok'ra Flats. It survived because all along the way, people cared enough to keep it safe because of what it meant to them. Daniel is strong, Jack. And if something has changed him…" Jack looked down as she paused and saw her brush her finger over a small nick on the rim. "Would it make a difference to you? Would he no longer be your friend? Would the people here no longer care for him?"

"Thanks, Doc." Jack cleared his throat before smiling at her and Sam. "I needed to remember that." He raised his cup in a salute and nodded when the ladies did the same. He drained the tea in one gulp, giving it to Sam before heading back to the porch.

The setting sun turned Daniel's hair to burnished copper as the younger man slowly rocked on the rocking chair. Jack stood quietly in the doorway, not wanting to startle him. Janet was right--it didn't matter if the Daniel as they used to know was gone, Jack would mourn the loss of the quick mind but what truly mattered was that Daniel was back. A flash of movement caught Jack's eye as Daniel shifted in his chair and he was out the door and across the porch in three large strides.

"Daniel?" Jack pointed to Daniel's hands as his Deputy shaped them into the alphabet. "Daniel? You understand?" Jack was almost laughing as he pointed and then signed. // Understand? //

A small smile graced Daniel's face as he repeated Jack's sign, and moved his hand in the sign for yes.

// You understand. // Jack could feel the smile on his face spreading until he thought it would split.

// I understand. // Daniel signed, his own smile growing larger to echo Jack's.

Daniel made a J and then a star and pointed at Jack.

"Yes, yes." Jack began to laugh in earnest. "Yes, Daniel. It's me. It's me, Jack." Unable to resist, he pulled his friend into a hug. "Welcome back, Daniel," he whispered. "Welcome home."

******

Daniel's nightmare woke both men and Jack's hands shot out, capturing and preventing the shivering body from toppling off the bed. Daniel resisted Jack's desire to entrap him in a bear hug, and used his feet to find purchase against the damp bed sheets to scoot his body from Jack's well-meaning intentions, until his back was flush with the wall under the window.

Jack threw his hands up in surrender. "Sorry, Daniel," he whispered, keeping his voice low, and his body angled between Daniel and the partially opened bedroom door, saddened that the only spark of life Daniel showed was during his nightly nightmare episodes.

Imperceptibly, Jack inched closer, and in response Daniel's hugged his knees to his chest. His face became buried in his drawn up knees and bandaged arms were flung over his head, essentially shrinking his lanky body into a tight ball. There had been no recognition in Daniel's eyes when he looked at Jack, save fear and resignation, two emotions that had been foreign to Daniel before his disappearance.

No tears, there were never any tears, nor shouting or anger. Just silence.

Tilting his head, Jack was able to get a better view of the night sky through the tiny window. He spoke slowly, enunciating each word.

"It's a clear night, Daniel. The stars are out lighting up the sky. I wish I could remember all the stories you've told me about the constellations." Jack leaned over, bending his neck awkwardly, his finger tapping the pane of glass. "Yup, there it is, same place always, the North Star, just like you said, brighter than the rest, guiding many an errant traveler home." Jack paused when he peripherally became aware that Daniel's head was no longer hidden. His chin rested on his knees, blue eyes clouded with fatigue and recurring fever, tracking Jack's movements, sliding from Jack's lips to his fingers.

Slowly, Jack made a fist with his right hand, placing it to his lips and then opened the bent fingers, laying the flat of the palm against his right cheek, trying out a sign that Mz. Fai had shown him today. A simple word, one that required no explanation. Expressionless, Daniel watched. Jack repeated the sequence to no avail, but by the third time, Jack had to withhold a shout of success as Daniel mirrored Jack's actions. Once, then twice.

Jack swallowed the monster-sized lump in his throat, repeating the sign for home, that he himself had learned just this morning. Gently, Jack pulled his friend into the bear hug he had been denied earlier. "Home, Daniel, that right you're home."

******

"Sheriff Jack! Sheriff Jack!" The excited voices of the schoolchildren floated from the schoolyard as Jack and Daniel approached.

Jack gave a quick glance at his silent companion, noticing Daniel's flinch and sudden tensing of muscles. "It's just the kids, Daniel. No one will hurt you." He stopped and touched Daniel's arm, trying to get the younger man's attention. // Friends, // he signed, interlocking his fingers together while also saying the word aloud. // Friends. // Jack made the gesture with more force and nodded his head as Daniel repeated the sign tentatively. "That's right, Daniel."

But his hopes that seeing the children would relax Daniel enough to approach people he didn't seem to remember were dashed. Daniel shook his head and pulled his arms around his waist. He moved over to the bushes the ladies of the town had planted by the schoolyard fence. Jack looked away from Daniel, noticing Mz. Babs had gathered the children around her and was speaking quietly. There were nods of little heads and the children went back to their games, ignoring Daniel but for a few curious glances.

"Hi there, Mz. Babs." Jack approached the schoolteacher as she sat on the steps leading up into the school. She looked up at him and then her eyes drifted to Daniel.

"How is he doing, Sheriff?" She raised her eyes to Jack again, holding one hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun.

Jack sighed. He wished he had better news to share with the townsfolk who evidently cared so much for their Deputy. He crouched down so Mz. Babs didn't get a crick in her neck. "His leg is finally healed and he's not coughing as much." It was the only positive thing he could think of. He took off his hat and scrubbed at his hair before putting it back on.

"I saw men like him," Mz. Babs mentioned, turning her attention to the children as they ran around the schoolyard. "The war."

Jack was silent. He'd seen his share of men in Daniel's state, too.

"In Philadelphia. I worked in a hospital." She pulled her gaze away from the children and fixed her eyes on Jack's face. "A lot of them were lost in their minds forever." She looked down at her hands, folded tightly on her lap.

"I'm not fixing to see that happen to him," Jack whispered, his throat tight. "We're gonna get our Deputy back, ma'am."

She gave him a hesitant smile. "I certainly hope so, Sheriff."

"Where did that cat come from?" Jack pointed to the large cat now lying by the tree. Kayla and Tessa Hammond, Mikey Ferretti, and Rose Siler were sitting on the ground, petting her along with what looked like three or four kittens.

"I don't know exactly. One morning about six or seven weeks ago, we heard this meowing from underneath the schoolhouse and Tommy Ferretti climbed under and found her and her kittens there. She must have sought shelter during that storm we had."

"Looks like Kayla and Tessa are going to have a kitten in the family soon." Jack nodded as he watched the children.

"They want the mama cat, too. I don't think the judge is overjoyed at the prospect of two cats in the household." Mz. Babs sighed. "They're old enough to leave their mama. I'm just hoping there are homes for all of them."

Jack glanced over at Daniel who was watching the children with the kittens with undisguised interest. He saw his Deputy take a step in their direction and then pause. Daniel tilted his head as if he was trying to figure out just what all the commotion was about. Kayla, Tessa and Rose bent their heads together and before Jack or Mz. Babs could stop them, they ran towards the Deputy. He backed up against the bushes, his hands coming up to ward them off.

"Here, Mr. Daniel. This is Taffy." Rose held out the scrawniest kitten of the bunch, a little caramel colored scrap with white paws. When Daniel hesitated, Kayla chimed in.

"Taffy's real friendly. She likes people a lot."

Jack hurried towards Daniel, who was staring down at the girls and the kitten, and froze as he saw Daniel reach out to touch one finger to the kitten's tiny head. A smile flitted across the Deputy's face as he stroked the soft fur, and the children pushed Taffy into his hands before running back to the other cats. Mz. Babs called the children to the schoolhouse once again and Jack was grateful she hadn't rung the bell.

"Hey, Daniel." Jack placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder. "What do you have there?"

Daniel held out the kitten in one hand. The kitten hissed at Jack as it squirmed in Daniel's hand, obviously not liking its legs dangling in the air. Daniel frowned and then pulled the little scrap closer to his chest, ignoring the hissing and spitting.

Jack felt a tug on his pants and looked down to see Aislin, Fai's little foundling, staring up at him. Daniel looked at the girl, his eyebrows raised in question.

She pointed to the kitten and made a rocking motion as if she held a baby and then moved one hand up to stroke pretend whiskers. She repeated the motion two more times and then ran away to join the children who were entering the schoolhouse.

"Kitten," Jack said, repeating the sign once more. "Kitten, Daniel." He waited, hoping Daniel would make the sign on his own. Daniel made the sign with one hand, unwilling to relinquish Taffy to Jack's keeping.

// Mz. Devra, // Daniel rapidly finger spelled.

"Yep, we'll take the kitten to Mz. Devra's office after we eat some lunch." Jack gently squeezed Daniel's shoulder, urging him in the direction of the Emerald City. At Daniel's emphatic headshake, he continued, "after lunch, Daniel. You need to eat something."

But the brief communication was over, Daniel staring at the ground as he walked, his long fingers stroking Taffy's fur.

Daniel grabbed Jack's arm when they walked into the cooler air of the Emerald City.

"What is it, buddy?" Jack asked. Daniel's hand was shaking. He allowed Daniel to take his hand and place it on the kitten that was now being held against his Deputy's chest.

"Ah," Jack nodded. "Must be content." The kitten's loud purr tickled Jack's fingertip and Daniel's eyes lit up with joy at the sensation. "How about we see if the Mayor can rustle up some grub for your little scrap when she gets our lunch?"

Daniel shook his head, frowning at Jack. // Taffy, // he spelled. // Taffy. //

"Taffy," Jack agreed. They sat down and the Mayor was soon out with two plates piled high with biscuits and gravy.

"Hope you boys are hungry. There's plenty more where that came from," Mz. Debi said when she came back with a pitcher of cold lemonade. She smiled at both of them and then quirked an eyebrow as she caught sight of the kitten nestled against Daniel's chest. "And what do we have here?"

Despite the Mayor's addressing him directly, Daniel looked to Jack, his eyes widening behind his spectacles. Jack could see Daniel's breathing quicken.

"She's not going to take Taffy away from you," Jack said softly, hazarding a guess at Daniel's fear.

It had been the right thing to say because Daniel relaxed at Jack's assurances. He lowered his arm, looking up at the Mayor as he revealed more of the kitten.

"What a little bit of a thing." The Mayor wiped her hands on her apron, not reaching out to touch the kitten, although Jack could tell her fingers were itching to stroke the soft fur.

// Taffy, // Daniel quickly spelled.

"He says its name is Taffy," Jack translated.

"Taffy it is, then. I'm going to go out to the kitchen. Teal'c brought me some fish early this morning. I'm sure I have a bit to feed to the poor little thing." At Daniel's tentative smile, she beamed back at him. "Dig in, boys. Your food will get cold."

Jack began eating his meal while Daniel used one finger to rub Taffy's head. "Come on, Daniel. Eat up." He waved his fork at Daniel's plate.

Daniel bent his head and picked up his fork, pushing the food around on his plate after taking a few bites.

"Doc Fraiser isn't going to be happy if we go to her office later and she finds out you haven't been gaining any weight," Jack warned, and then sighed. Daniel's attention was again focused on the cat. He had half a mind to take the kitten and hold it until Daniel actually ate something, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

The Mayor came out with a small dish and offered it to Daniel. She lifted Jack's plate. "Would you like some more, Sheriff?"

"No, thank you." Jack pushed back from the table. He gestured towards Daniel's plate. "I'll clean up Daniel's leavings."

Daniel looked up at the mention of his name and pushed his plate towards Jack.

// Eat, // Daniel signed before signing Mz. Devra's name once more. // Hurry. // He held out a tiny piece of fish to Taffy, looking surprised when the kitten ate it from his hand. When Jack didn't pick up his fork, Daniel frowned at him. // Hurry. //

"If you're planning on going to Mz. Devra's, you have some time. She's over at the stables looking at Samantha Carter's horse. Looks like he might have an eye infection."

"You know, Mz. Debi, I think maybe Daniel here might be able to eat some of your biscuits if you'd bring some honey with them."

"I can rustle up some of those." Mz. Debi disappeared into the kitchen once more.

Half an hour later, Jack and Daniel made their way down Main Street towards Mz. Devra's house and office. Taffy was snugly tucked inside of Daniel's shirt and his Deputy, despite his earlier eagerness, was dragging his steps the closer they got to the veterinarian's office.

"What's wrong, Daniel?" Jack stopped before they mounted the steps of the porch.

Daniel shook his head, motioning for Jack to go first.

Mz. Devra opened the door at their knock, smiling at both of them. "Good afternoon, Sheriff, Deputy. What can I do for you?"

Jack nudged Daniel through the door and they followed the veterinarian to the parlor she'd converted to an office.

"Tell Mz. Devra," Jack urged. He knew there was a point where Daniel needed to be able to communicate his needs and wants to folks other than him, and Taffy was Daniel's new pet. "You tell her what you want and I'll translate for you if she needs help understanding."

Mz. Devra, bless her heart, looked at Daniel directly. "May I help you with something, Deputy?"

Daniel pulled Taffy out from his shirt, but he stood looking from Jack to Mz. Devra and then back again. He ducked his head, licking his lips. He finally held Taffy out towards the veterinarian.

"You need to tell Mz. Devra what you need, Daniel," Jack repeated. The kitten meowed, not liking its position. Little legs pin wheeled in the air and Jack saw one tiny paw dig claws into Daniel's hand.

Daniel pushed the kitten further toward the vet, and Mz. Devra took it, placing it on the table, keeping her eyes on Daniel.

// Kitten, // Daniel signed, keeping his movements small and close to his body. // Kitten help. //

"Daniel says the kitten needs help," Jack translated. He moved closer to his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing. Daniel glanced at him. "Good job, Danny," Jack whispered.

"Does the kitten have a name?"

// Taffy. // Daniel made each letter slowly so Mz. Devra could copy it.

"Taffy," Jack repeated, speaking and spelling the word.

"Well, then, Deputy. Let's give your little Taffy an examination." Mz. Devra lifted a stethoscope off a nearby hook and began a thorough exam of the kitten.

Watching Daniel watching Mz. Devra, Jack had to force himself to remember to breathe. For the first time in a long while, it appeared that Daniel was taking an interest in the outside world again. It was the longest Jack remembered Daniel focusing on something since they'd found him sick in the camp.

// Kitten sick, // Daniel signed, bending down and signing again when Mz. Devra didn't notice his movements. He raised his eyebrows in question along with his gestures.

"Is Taffy sick?" Jack provided the voice.

"Oh no. Taffy is quite healthy, Deputy Daniel." Mz. Devra held the kitten up and lifted its tail. "And Taffy is a she," she pronounced after the final part of her exam. "She might be small but I have the feeling this little one has plenty of gumption in her." She smiled at Daniel as she handed Taffy back to him. "Here she is, Deputy. Do you have any questions about taking care of a kitten?"

Daniel shook his head, then brought one hand to his lips, touching them and then extending his palm outward. // Thank you. //

It was a sign that evidently needed no translation, Jack supposed. "You're welcome," Mz. Devra said.

"Come on, Daniel. Let's get to the jailhouse. I have some letters I need to write." Jack placed his hand on Daniel's shoulder, relieved that this time the other man stayed relaxed under his touch. He wasn't going to tell Daniel just who and what those letters were about. But since Daniel's return, Jack had been sending out at least ten letters a week to anyone who might have information on the DeSala gang, his need to punish them for what they'd done to Daniel overwhelming at times.

Daniel trailed after him as they walked down Main Street once again. Mz. Athene waved to them from Snugbury's. Jack returned the wave although Daniel seemed supremely uninterested in the thought of even going near the ice cream parlor. He wondered if there was ever going to be a time when Daniel ventured somewhere in the town by himself, if he was ever going to see the excitement that used to light his friend's eyes as he read a book or spoke with the townsfolk. Jack sighed as he walked up the two steps to the jailhouse. Daniel preceded him inside and settled on the floor with Taffy, reaching into his pocket for a piece of string. Jack sat down at his desk, looking down on Daniel's bowed head before he began to write a letter to an old companion from the Army who was now living in the northern part of California.

******

Even though the windows were open, the bedroom air was still and oppressive, the blanket pushed down to the foot of the bed and the sheets seemed coarse and uncomfortable against exposed arms and legs. The curtains hung limply with nary a breeze to stir them as the temperature of the past few days had steadily climbed, the warmest June at the Flats Jack could remember.

Daniel had drifted off to sleep before Jack, giving the Sheriff a rare opportunity to relax and read the local paper, compliments of the recovering Mz. Lewie. Sitting on the chair, Jack stretched out his long legs, propping his bare feet up on the mattress, turning each page slowly and quietly so not to awaken the slumbering man.

Before long Jack was yawning, the heat of the room and the comforting sound of Daniel's steady breathing lulling him to sleep in the bedside chair. Jack awoke, the sensation of being watched strong enough to pull him from his dreams. He stretched and massaged stiff neck muscles, smiling slightly as blue eyes followed his movements.

// Hi, // Jack signed, his throat too dry to even speak.

Daniel lifted his hand, waving hi before he shifted on the bed, searching for a cooler position.

// Hot, // he signed, wiping the sweat off his forehead with his bare arm, pulling his union suit away from his body in an attempt to aid with the flow of air.

Jack got up and poured a cup of lukewarm water for both himself and Daniel. Jack noted the lines of pain as the younger man sat up, retrieved the cup and greedily swallowed the liquid.

Jack sat on the bed, tapping Daniel's knee to gain his attention. His voice refreshed, Jack asked "How are you?"

Daniel handed his empty cup back to Jack, before dragging his right and left pointer fingers over his forehead.

// Headache, // he admitted, before lying down and placing his forearm across his eyes.

Jack replaced the cups on the dresser, turned the lantern low and lay down on the bed, his back against the headboard. Holding his breath, Jack sat immobile as Daniel slithered next to Jack and pressed his back against the length of the Sheriff's leg, seeking comfort.

Neither man slept. Daniel had migrated and now his head lay heavily in Jack's lap, the weight of which succeeded in adding to Jack's discomfort. Fingering the loose, sweaty hair that had broken free of the plait, Jack eyed the pouch of herbal tea Mz. Fai had given him today when Jack had mentioned Daniel's inability to sleep through the night, during his daily signing lessons. The chamomile, she had promised, was a natural sedative. But Daniel had sought comfort, had sought physical closeness from another human, and Jack was reluctant to disturb him for a cup of tea, even if it meant a night's rest.

Daniel's eyes were open, staring through the parted curtains into the night, stiffening then relaxing as Jack's fingers began a deep circular massage on Daniel's sweaty temple.

// Feels good. Thank you, // he managed to sign before his drooping eyelids closed.

******

The sound of thunder in the distance caused Jack to