For those of you who followed my last two stories I warn you that this is slightly different. Although I am a die-hard J/S shipper this story is not primarily ship – although it certainly underlies it – and will appear later if the muse takes me there (or my readers!). This will be a darker fic with more adventure/whump. There may be graphic violence so for those who don't like I suggest you don't read. I'm sorry – I keep doing it to poor Jack but it's only because I love him.

I never pay too much attention to time frame – all I can say is that in this story Sam is a Major and Daniel is present.

A special thank you to all my faithful readers and reviewers from my past stories (you know who you are!). You made the whole experience so much fun that I'm continuing!

Of course, as always, the characters are not mine – they're only borrowed, roughed up a bit and returned in their original condition.

Now …. on with the show.

"From the little we could tell, the planet's civilization appears to resemble that of mid to late eighteenth century New England or Western Europe. For the most part it looks to be an agrarian, pre-industrialist society. And, as far as we could tell, there is no Goa'uld presence." Daniel was in his element, studying the notes in front of him and explaining them as if he were lecturing to a class of university students, rather than an eclectic group made up of three military men and one military woman/scientist.

"If it's a pre-industrialist, agrarian society", O'Neill interrupted, looking quite proud of himself as he uttered these words, "then why the heck are we going? It's not like we'll find anything to help us in our fight against the Goa'uld. We don't need plows and horses – unless of course we think that manure might help us. Hey, maybe the snakes don't like sh-"

"Colonel!" Hammond interjected quickly, not wanting O'Neill to get going! "Normally I'd agree with you, but there's more. Dr. Jackson, please go on."

"Thank you General. Well, as I was saying, for the most part it looks to be pre-industrialist. However SG8 was able to get some footage that showed what seemed to be a couple of instances of technology being used that was far in advance of what a civilization of this kind should have. It is an anomaly and I've suggested to General Hammond that we should return and check it out." Looking quite pleased Daniel sat back, pushing up his glasses to indicate he was finished.

"What kind of technology?" asked O'Neill, his interest piqued.

"Major Carter, why don't you show the Colonel."

O'Neill turned to look at his 2IC, his eyebrows raised in enquiry. Looking at her he saw the same excitement that existed on Daniel's face. Yup, his two science geeks were at it again – all worked up over the next piece of whatever they could discover. If he were to be honest, he felt a bit of excitement too, although he'd never let his team see that. No, he had to play the cranky, bored commander. Hey – he had an image to uphold!

It did give him a sense of pleasure, however, to see their enthusiasm – especially Carter. Her face lit up and her blue, luminous eyes glowed when she was worked up about something. And man - could he drown in those eyes.

Okay O'Neill, get a grip – Carter was starting to show him some film brought back by Major Jameson and his team.

"See here Colonel", she said, pointing to an image, "this man appears to be holding some kind of hi-tech equipment." He looked and saw that the metal rod the man was carrying suddenly started to glow. "If you'll notice, the man in front of him suddenly falls to the ground – it looks like in pain. It appears as this is some kind of weapon although it doesn't look like it did any permanent damage." Here O'Neill could see that the second man quickly got to his feet, bowed to the first man and ran off.

"Interesting. Any idea what it is exactly?"

"Well, we think it may be something like a pain stick although it's not Goa'uld technology – at least nothing that we've seen before. Here's a second instance."

O'Neill looked closely and saw another man approach what appeared to be a simple metal pole stuck in the ground. As he walked up to it he took a metallic looking disc from his pocket. Placing it on the side of the pole he turned it. Immediately, a soft light surrounded the pole.

"Okay, what's that all about?"

"We don't know Sir. We can't figure it out but it obviously works on some kind of internal power source. We really think we should go back and check this out."

"Yeah I guess. What about Jameson and his crew? Didn't they get any answers?"

"Well, Colonel, according to his report the people weren't very forthcoming. He indicated they were wary of strangers and really wouldn't talk to him or his men. We thought you might have better luck with Dr. Jackson and Major Carter along. Even if they can't get the natives to talk to you they may be able to figure out what you're seeing. So, if there are no more questions – get yourselves ready to ship out in an hour. You have 24 to see what you can find out and then check back in. Dismissed people."

Daniel and Sam both jumped up, looking rather pleased, and hurried off to get ready. O'Neill looked over at Teal'c.

"So, whadya think T? Think we'll find anything?"

"I do not know O'Neill. I hope so but I am worried."

"Worried? Why?"

"There is something odd on that planet and anytime we have encountered something that is not right it usually leads to a negative outcome for SG1."

"Yeah – I know what you mean. Well, our job will be to protect the two kids. They're so excited I'm afraid they're not going to pay attention. Anyway, here's hoping this is a cake walk."

"Cake walk O'Neill? Why would we want cake on a mission?"

"No Teal'c … it's just an exp…. wait a minute! You know what I mean. In fact, I bet you know more earth expressions than I do."

Teal'c simply nodded his head once, slowly.

"Indeed, O'Neill. Learning your language and expressions is a 'cake walk'".

Laughing, O'Neill made his way out of the briefing room and headed for the locker room to get ready to head to P4T – whatever!

'Okay campers. We all present and accounted for?" O'Neill said, looking around at his Team as they exited the event horizon.

"All here Jack. Let's get going."

"Whoa, wait a second Daniel. I want to take a bit of a look see first. We don't know if these people are friendly or not. I know you're excited but let's be careful, okay?"

"Okay Jack. But hey, Jameson's team were here and they were just fine."

"I know, but he also said the people weren't very friendly. Look, you'll get your chance, okay. I just want to check things out first."

"All right", Daniel sighed, looking less than pleased. Why did Jack always have to take the fun out of everything? It was as if he expected everyone of being an enemy. Good old 'shoot first, ask questions later', Jack. He got so tired of it.

Glancing over at Sam Daniel realized that she was standing there, patiently waiting while Jack and Teal'c checked the surroundings. Sam understood the importance of discovery and meeting knew people so it also frustrated him when he saw her standing like a good little soldier. She'd never go against anything Jack said! ... Geesh – what was wrong with him! He was starting to sound petty. Take a rest Jackson – you'll get your chance.

Just at that moment Jack and Teal'c returned.

"Everything looks okay. There aren't any people about as far as we can tell. How far a walk to the village Carter?"

"It's about 5 cliks Sir in that direction", she gestured with her head. One of the things that was difficult when exploring new worlds was to determine direction since magnetic north could be different everywhere they went.

"All right. You take point Carter. I'll watch our six and Teal'c you keep an eye out for anything unusual."

"What about me Jack?"

"Daniel – you just stay out of trouble!"

"Thanks Jack! What, you don't trust me?"

"Sure I trust you Danny. I trust you with my life – it's your own I'm worried about. Look, you keep an eye out with Teal'c okay. I want us all to be sharp – there's something about this place that's giving me the creeps."

Looking skeptically at his leader, Daniel sighed, but headed out after Sam. He could hardly wait to get to the village.

They walked for over an hour before coming to civilization. The forest path was obviously little used so it had been a bit hard going. Once they had exited it they had begun to walk through clearly cultivated fields.

Finally arriving at the village they noticed that people were looking at them with suspicion. No one came to greet them – they simply scurried away as quickly as possible. Although most people were plainly dressed they did have some semblance of fashion – the women wearing brightly colored cloaks and the men sporting what looked like top hats. There were quite a number of people, however, that were dressed in clothes made of some kind of coarse, shapeless brown sacking material. These people all walked with their eyes downcast. At one point one of these people looked up and met Sam's eyes - immediately looking terrified, she scurried off quickly.

"I wonder what that was about?" Sam asked.

"I don't know – but I don't like it." muttered the Colonel. This was not a happy place at all.

Just then a very well dressed man approached the team. Short, bald and quite fat he had a falsely jovial expression on his face.

"Greetings strangers! Welcome to Lyconia. What brings you fine people here today?"

"Daniel – over to you", whispered the Colonel.

"Hello – my name is Daniel. This is O'Neill", pointing to Jack, "Carter and Teal'c. We're peaceful travelers," Daniel answered, approaching the man with a smile. "We've traveled from our homeland to meet people and to see if we can establish trade." They had agreed that this was the best way to approach the people here. It looked like they were unaware of other planets – if the non-use of the gate was any indication.

"I am Frotush, leader of this village", he bowed his head slightly. "Trade? I'm afraid we have nothing to trade. We are satisfied with what we have. I'm sorry you have had a wasted journey."

"You do not wish to trade? Surely you have goods – even food you would be willing to share? We will pay a fair price."

"No – we want for nothing. Please you should leave. This is no place for strangers." The man's manner was quickly beginning to chill. He obviously wanted to get rid of these people.

"Okay, if you're not interested in trading, could we stay awhile? We'd like to get to know your people. We are interested in finding out about others. It's also a long way back to where we came from. We are tired and would like to rest."

"We have no provisions for strangers here. You must leave."

"Is there no place we can simply set up our things? We promise not to bother you. We are very tired" This was getting strange. They had rarely come across a people – at least not one obviously free of the Goa'uld – who were quite so inhospitable.

By this time the man looked very angry. He turned as if to call for someone when he suddenly stopped and turned back to Daniel. His face suddenly relaxed as if he'd had a pleasant thought.

Uh oh, thought Jack. Something's not right here!

"On second thought why don't you stay. I do not mean to be unfriendly – we are simply not used to strangers. We have little to offer but you may stay in the pradhé. I'm sorry we have nothing better to offer."

"Uh proday? What's that?"

"I think he means in the barn, Jack – with the animals."

"Oh, that proday. Sorry – didn't quite hear you. We're uh happy to stay with the animals. Some of my favorite people are animals."

Frobisher – or whatever he called himself – sent quite a dirty look Jack's way. He so doesn't have a sense of humor, thought Jack – a clear sign that these weren't nice people.

"Follow me. All I ask is that you do not speak unless spoken to. Our customs are very strict."

"Uh – could you tell me who the people are in the uh – brown outfits? They're very fashionable. I'd like to know where I could get one." Jack added, keeping the sarcasm carefully out of his voice.

Frotush stopped suddenly and turned angry eyes towards Jack.

"That could be arranged O'Neill", he hissed. Without explaining he turned around and kept walking.

Jack looked over at Daniel and Carter and shrugged his shoulders. What was that all about? Maybe he'd committed some kind of faux pas by asking about the brown people.

After walking a few more minutes they made it to the barn. There were no animals present although a strong smell of horses, cattle and manure permeated the room. At least it was warm as the air was beginning to turn chilly as night approached.

"Here you are. You may make yourselves at home here. Do not leave this building. We do not allow people out at night. You may get hurt. Also – I ask that you leave first thing in the morning."

With those words Frotush turned and headed for the door.

"Hey – what about water? What about, you know the facilities?"

Looking puzzled for a moment Frotush finally nodded once.

"I will have water brought to you as well as a bucket. That is all we can offer." He then turned and literally stomped off.

"Well! He's not very nice!" Jack said sarcastically. "So much for diplomacy Daniel."

"What! You're blaming me? I tried Jack."

"Hey, I know Daniel – I'm not blaming you. I just think these people have something stuck up their butts. We'd better see if we can check it out in the morning and then high tail it outta here. I'm not liking this place."

"For once I agree with you Jack. There's something about Frotush that I really didn't like. Something's off about this place. Any idea as to who those 'brown' people are? Frotush didn't want to answer."

"I expect they are some kind of lower class – maybe working people", interjected Carter. "Clearly there's a division of wealth just based on the way people dress."

"What about that "don't leave on pain of being hurt stuff? Do you think they've got guards?" pondered Jack.

"They may have O'Neill. Certainly we should be careful."

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Teal'c? Should we check it out?"

"I believe that would be a good idea. However we should wait until after they bring the water."

"Agreed! Let's eat something in the meantime campers."

While they were sitting on various mounds of hay, eating their supper, one of the 'brown' men appeared carrying two buckets. One was full of water, the other empty. He said nothing as he set the buckets down – simply turning quickly to leave.

"Hey you! Yes, you. What's your name?"

The man looked over at Jack in absolute terror, not answering.

"We're not going to hurt you – we just want to know who to thank." Jack said, nodding towards the buckets.

The man started to shake and then whimper. Daniel approached, simply to offer comfort and the man cringed – almost falling to the ground in abject fear.

"Please, we mean you no harm. You may go." With that the man turned and fled as fast as he could.

"Okay, that's really weird. Why was he so afraid of us?"

"I don't know. All the people here seem afraid."

"Except for Frumnuts!"

"Frotush" corrected Daniel absentmindedly. "I think those people may be oppressed in some way. The longer I'm here the more I don't like this place. Let's just see if we can find the technology and get out of here."

"What! I'm actually hearing Dr. Daniel Jackson wanting to leave early? Will wonders never cease?"

Waiting until it was totally dark and the village seemed to be asleep, Jack and Teal'c cautiously snuck out of the barn.

"Keep your eyes and ears open Daniel, Carter. We'll not be too long – just want to get a lay of the land. Be careful."

"You too Sir, Teal'c"

Jack could see very little as he exited the barn. Everything seemed unnaturally quiet – almost as if every one and every thing was holding its breath. He didn't see any thing out of the ordinary except for a faint glow that was coming from the center of the village. He motioned silently for Teal'c to head in the opposite direction – they'd do a circle of the town.

No lights were on anywhere, even though it couldn't have been very late. I guess that people go to bed early since it's a farming community, he decided. Probably have to be up with the chickens. Hmm, he thought, I wonder if they have chickens on this planet? Maybe they use parrots instead, he thought ridiculously. Wouldn't that be a sight?

As he let his mind wander slightly he still kept a close and wary eye on everything. He didn't want any surprises. So far, there were no guards to be seen. I wonder what Froguy meant when he said we could get hurt?

As Jack approached the center of the village he noticed that the light was coming from a metal pole. He remembered it from the video. It suddenly began to seem brighter. Hadn't it been white, he pondered? It started to look as if it were glowing red. I wonder if that means something?

Just as that thought appeared in his head, the red light shot out from the post and hit him square in the chest. Pain exploded throughout his body.

Pinned as if by a lance he couldn't move, couldn't even scream. The pain grew until he thought his body would literally explode. He couldn't catch his breath, couldn't swallow, couldn't move a muscle. Everything began to get dark and he thought to himself – this was it, he was going to die on some stupid planet.

Just as that thought came the light turned off and he felt to the ground. Still in excruciating pain he couldn't move – but at least he could breath. He heard running footsteps and then voices. He was lying on his side, his one arm trapped beneath him and the side of his face pressed into the dusty street. He couldn't move to look up but saw, out of his one eye, a pair of black boots appear by his head.

A very fuzzy voice was speaking but he was unable to understand the words – still racked, as he was, by the pain from the light.

".brmnk thcmk tohe. Bsfklj ..ring the others."

He heard those last words so things were getting clearer. He was feeling extremely worried, however, as he still couldn't move.

"Jack, oh God. Are you okay?" He saw Daniel's leg out of his one eye. He was unable to answer.

"Sir, Colonel. What happened?"

Yup – there's Carter. What about Teal'c he wondered?

The next thing he knew hands were rolling him on to his back. He groaned as the pain again spiked through him. Carter kneeled down and gently tried to check him over. He groaned again as even the lightest touch sent waves of agony coursing through his body

"What happened to him? What did you do?" asked Daniel.

Ole Frumnuts must be here, thought Jack.

"I did nothing. He disobeyed my orders. I told you all to stay in the pradhé. He did not listen so he has been punished."

"Punished? What did you do? What happened?"

"The Strolla hit him. It punishes only the wicked."

"What!" You can't be serious? We've done nothing. Jack just went for a stroll and got hit with this thing. We've done nothing to .."

"SILENCE! You will be quiet. The Strolla has spoken. It does not harm those who are good – only the evil ones. O'Neill will be further punished and then will be made nogratia. You will be sent with him to Holleria where you will be sold."

"WHAT! What the hell are you talking about? Sold! I don't think so. We're free people – we're simply travelers. Look, we'll leave your village right away. You don't ever have to see us again."

Frotush gestured slightly with his head. At that four very large men came up. Two of them grabbed Daniel and two reached down and lifted Carter to her feet, away from Jack. Dragging the two team mates away they were forced to leave Jack lying in the dirt, still unable to move.

Frotush looked down at Jack and grinned.

"Now, for you! You will be sorry that you came here O'Neill. You wanted to wear the brown clothes – I am sorry – you will not. But you will see your friends where them. They are the clothes of slaves. For you – well, your fate will be worse! Take him. Tomorrow will begin your journey to hell!"

With that he walked away.

Two of the 'brown' people came up to O'Neill. Grabbing his arms they began to drag him across the ground – not being careful of anything in their path. Jack did not know what was wrong with him. Something in that light had seriously affected him – he still couldn't speak or move, but boy, could he feel.

He was seriously worried, not just for himself, but for Daniel and Sam. The only saving grace was that Teal'c didn't seem to have been caught. Hopefully he would be able to get them out of this predicament.

They finally arrived to wherever they were taking him. All Jack knew was that now, along with the pain from the light, he was also covered in a multitude of scratches and bruises from his journey.

He felt ropes being tied around his wrists and then, suddenly, he was being hoisted up in the air. As his head fell back he saw that the ropes had been thrown over a wooden bar and the two men who had dragged him here were pulling on the other ends. Eventually, he was pulled just high enough so that his toes were barely touching the ground. The men secured their ends of the rope on rings placed on the wall beside him. They then went and retrieved two more ropes which they quickly tied around his ankles. They then pulled the ropes as far to the sides as they could, pulling his legs out until they were painfully stretched. The ropes were again tied into the rings against the wall.

The position in which he found himself simply increased the pain tenfold. He could barely catch his breath. The weight and pull on his wrists made him feel as if his hands and shoulders were being ripped apart. The worst, however, was the incredible pull on his back and groin – the unnatural stretch of his legs causing tremendous pressure on muscles, joints and sinews. He started to feel sick as the pain continued and grew. Unable to stop himself, he began to heave. He seriously thought that this might be it – he was afraid that he was going to suffocate on his own vomit.

Fortunately, the heaves stopped just as black spots began to appear in his eyes. His mouth tasted terrible and he was covered in the smelly remains of his dinner. Feeling increasingly weak and disoriented he had trouble remembering what had happened and where he was. The night stretched ahead of him filled with nightmares and visions of hell. By the time morning came his world had dissolved into nothing more than one of pain and hurt.

"Daniel, what are they doing with Jack? It looked serious – it looked like he was really hurt. What are we going to do?"

"Sam – come on. There's no point worrying. We have to figure a way out of this. For Jack's sake."

"I'm sorry – you're right Daniel. I just hated to see him lying there. He looked like he was in such pain. God, I wish I knew what they were planning. Where do you think he is?"

"They probably have him in a separate room or something. I'm sure he'll be okay Sam", he said more to comfort himself than her. "I wonder where Teal'c is?"

"Hopefully he's free and can get us out of here. God, Daniel – what's wrong with these people?"

"I don't know Sam. I think Frotush and maybe a few others have power over the rest of the people. I expect they're using some kind of alien technology to create fear and control everyone. So, any ideas as to how we're going to get out of this?"

The two team mates were being held in what looked like a small storage room. It contained nothing but a couple of old, empty crates on which they were seated. There were no windows and the door was securely fastened. The men who had brought them had removed anything and everything from them except their clothes. They had even removed their boots.

"No – the door is solid and I don't see any other way out. We'll just have to wait until morning and see if Teal'c can help us. I'd say we should try and reason with them but I don't think that's going to help. Did you see Frotush? For some reason he seems to hate the Colonel. I think he's looking forward to whatever this punishment is."

"Yeah – I think you're right. It scares me. Let's just see if we can get out of this place as quick as possible."

The two slept fitfully throughout the night, worried for their commander and friend and also hoping that Teal'c would again come to their rescue.

Shortly after the sun rose the next morning (not that they could tell, closed as they were in the small, windowless room) the four men who had brought them to the room returned. Before they had a chance to react, their hands were pulled behind them and tied. A rope was then placed around their necks and they were led, like animals, out into the street.

"This is great", muttered Daniel. "being led like a dog!"

"QUIET", one of his guards yelled, jerking on the rope. Daniel gagged and fell to the ground, unable to breath. One of the men reached down and very slowly released the tension on the rope around his neck, laughing all the while.

Neither Daniel nor Sam said anything more. They simply continued to walk with their guards, all the while searching the village with their eyes, hoping to catch site of Teal'c.

They finally came to what was a large building. The rest of the villagers were streaming into it, obviously here to see the punishment, whatever that was.

As Sam and Daniel entered at first they couldn't see anything in the dark room. Suddenly, Sam gasped.

"Jack – oh my God."

Seeing where Sam was looking, Daniel turned his head and swore. Hanging like some animal, covered in vomit and filth was Jack. At first Daniel was relieved to see that Jack appeared unconscious. Just at that moment, however, he saw Jack's head move. After a couple of seconds Jack slowly lifted his head, barely having the strength to do so. His eyes were open only part way and he appeared completely dazed. After a couple of seconds he seemed to gather himself slightly and his gaze sharpened almost imperceptibly. He caught Daniel's eye and gave a very slight – almost unnoticeable grin.

Shit! Only Jack could be in a situation as dire as this, obviously in agony, and still try and make his team mates feel better.

"What did you do to him? How can you treat him this way? What kind of people are you?" Sam practically screamed.

"Shut her up" Frotush directed to one of the men holding Sam. The guard reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked to be a dirty handkerchief. Forcing it into her mouth he tied it around the back of her head, effectively silencing her.

Frotush then walked up to where Jack was hanging and began to speak.

"This one has been shown to be evil by the Stolla. He must not be allowed to pollute our world. He must pay the consequences. He will be punished. He will be outcast. He will be nogratia!"

With that you could hear a ripple of murmuring throughout the crowd. Looking around, Daniel caught expressions of horror on people's faces. Okay, whatever this 'nogratia' was, it was obviously bad!

"What are you going to do to him?" asked Daniel, trying to remain calm. The last thing that he wanted to do was anger Frotush.

"I will do nothing. The Stolla has spoken. He will receive what is his due as the evil one. From this day forward he will be marked. He will no longer have the right to call himself human. He will be treated like the animal he is. He will be taken to Holleria where he will live out his putrid life with others of his kind." Turning to one of his slaves he shouted.

"Bring me the tortulera."

The slave ran out of the room, returning very quickly with a metal object. It had a long poll and at the end was a flat metal plate, about 10" square. There was some kind of pattern on the metal, but it was impossible to tell what it was.

"Strip him! He no longer has the right to wear clothing."

Carter could not speak but she began to sob behind her gag – tears dripping from her eyes. Daniel simply looked horrified, praying for Teal'c to appear with his staff weapon and obliterate those responsible for this abomination.

Two of Frotush' henchmen approached Jack, each carrying a wicked looking knife. They began to cut Jack's clothes off. They didn't do it carefully – leaving many cuts along his body. Finally, after a few minutes, he hung there completely naked. He had closed his eyes and Daniel could not tell if his was conscious or not – he sincerely hoped he wasn't.

Frotus approached the man hanging there – the man on whom he focused all his hate. Raising the metal pole he held the flat piece close to Jack's chest.

"Suffer for what you are. Suffer oh evil one – for as long as you live!" With that he pressed the metal plate against Jack's chest.