Who in the hell picks the middle of a damn jungle as the spot to build a palace? Jack wiped the sweat out of his eyes with his sleeve. Some damn snakehead no doubt. He felt a bead of sweat roll down his spine and twitched at the sensation.

Carter and her damned UAVs. Without the fly-over, Daniel would never have seen the pile of rocks barely hidden under the tree-cover a good two days’ hike through the jungle. I swear if we get there and it really is nothing more than a big pile of rocks I will hurt a certain archeologist.

He felt a tickle on the back of his neck and twisted his head. His neck made a satisfying pop but the irritation was still there. He slapped at it with his hand.

It didn’t help. The tickle became a full-fledged itch.

He scratched and kept walking.

The itch came back.

Rolling his shoulders, he tried to move his backpack into just the right spot to eliminate the now annoying itch.

No joy on the scratch.

Giving up on subtlety, he swung his arm around and scratched. Just a little farther… He stretched out his fingers to reach the spot. Ah…right there.

Satisfied he let his arm drop and nearly cursed as an unexpected root caught his boot and sent him stumbling. Watch where you’re going, idiot!

Once again, he wiped the sweat out of his eyes and concentrated on the trail. There was a path – barely. At least we don’t have to hack our way through this mess. Well, not yet.

He felt a prickle on the back of his right leg – mid thigh – where his holster strap rubbed.

Oh for…

Without losing his stride, he bent and hooked a finger under the strap and adjusted its position. He gave the itchy spot a quick scratch and straightened up again.

God, it’s hot out here.

He was tired.

He was also annoyed that he was tired.

The heat had made it nearly impossible to sleep. He’d tossed and turned, catching only a few minutes of rest here and there. He’d finally given up and kept Teal’c company during the last part of his watch.

He was paying for it now.

It’s not like this is a tough mission. So it’s a long walk in the heat. Big deal. His foot dragged again and he shook his head. You’re getting old, O’Neill.

He could feel a headache coming on.

Just great. He rubbed at a spot on his shoulder blade. Just what I need – a headache – one of those brown nosing, Goa’uld ass kissing Jaffa, smacked me with a staff weapon between the eyes, huge honkin’ headaches.

He reached up and pulled his cap down farther on his forehead. It seemed the light in the sky had declared war on his eyesight as well, causing the drum line in his head to pound even louder.

Aren’t jungles supposed to be shady all the time? Thicker tree cover seemed like a good idea now, even if it meant cutting a path. Anything would have been better than the on again off again glare of the sun.

He ducked under a low hanging branch. The path meandered crazily through the jungle. He expected the pack of demented foraging pygmies that must have cut this trail to come charging out of the underbrush at any second. Of course they’d be demented, he reasoned. The heat’s enough to drive anyone crazy!

He mopped his face with his shirt sleeve again and glanced quickly around to see how the kids were holding up in the heat. If it’s driving me this crazy, they must be completely miserable.

Carter and Daniel walked side-by-side, talking quietly. Teal’c brought up the rear.

None of them looked the least bit aggravated. If anything, they seemed to be enjoying the whole thing.

Probably working themselves into a near orgasmic frenzy over the thought of what might be waiting for them in their precious pile of rocks. Ignoring the dynamic duo, he turned his attention back to the trail.

Step by step and the sweat kept trickling. He could feel it – every drop. It rolled down the back of his neck, sending shivers up his spine and pooled in the small of his back, soaking the waistband of his BDUs. He felt damp all over. Tropical habitat was an understatement, Daniel.

“This is turning out to be a crappy day,” he muttered. He could hear Carter and Daniel babbling about the undiscovered treasures that might be hiding in the temple ahead. Normally their chatter was a reassuring sign that all was well with the mission. Right now the droning of their voices was beginning to sound like a cloud of gnats buzzing around his head and only added to his misery.

He tuned them out and narrowed his focus.

Step.

That’s not an itch.

Step.

I will not scratch.

Step.

Don’t scratch.

Step.

Focus. Don’t scratch.

Step.

It doesn’t itch.

Step.

I will not scratch.

Step.

Scratch.

Step.

Ah… A man has limits.

Step.

Step.

The itch moved.

Scratch.

Step.

Scratch, scratch.

Step.

Scratch. Stretch. Scratch.

Wiggle.

He glanced backward and caught Carter eyeing him with a strange look in her eyes. He gave her his classic raised eyebrow ‘What?’ expression and ignored the smirk he received in return.

Step.

Stretch. Scratch.

Step.

Stretch. Stretch. Stretch.

“Damn!” He couldn’t reach it. He twisted his arm, feeling for the spot in the center of his back.

He ducked as a branch almost whacked him in the face.

He nearly screamed in frustration when he felt a tingle on his left ankle. He twitched his foot but the itch remained. That’s it, he thought.

“Okay kids, take ten,” he ordered. “Keep an eye out for lurking nasties. We don’t need any alien bug bites with accompanying contagious diseases carried back to the SGC. And watch the trees too,” he added. “We don’t want anything dropping in on us unexpectedly.”

Speaking of trees, Jack thought, eyeing a nice large one covered with rough bark. That’ll do the trick! He dropped his pack and grabbed his canteen.

Daniel had already flopped to the ground; Carter sat beside him, legs tucked neatly underneath her. Teal’c remained standing, gazing into the jungle that surrounded them.

Jack slowly made his way over to the tree trunk and casually leaned his back against it. He took a swig from the canteen and checked the status of his team.

Daniel was babbling something about Aztec monuments and Carter was nodding in agreement. Teal’c had his back turned toward him.

Yeah, he urged silently. Never mind me.

He cautiously started moving up and down, searching for just the right spot.

There! He shifted a bit, angling for the best point of contact with the rough bark. Right there. He nearly groaned in pleasure as he found the source of the overwhelming itch just below his left shoulder blade. He wiggled a bit – happy to have at last reached the unreachable spot.

He closed his eyes in pure ecstasy and pushed harder against the tree, giving in to the urge to scratch.

That feels so damn—

“Uh, Jack?”

He opened his eyes but didn’t stop scratching. “What Daniel?” he demanded.

“You okay?” he asked. “You look like some whacked out version of a bear with a sore itch. Either that or you are really really fond of that tree.” Daniel snorted with barely suppressed laughter.

Jack stopped moving and glared at Daniel.

“Yes, Daniel. I’m fine. Just remind me to send a memo to the laundry department to suggest they change the damn soap again.” He reluctantly stepped away from the tree. “The stuff they are using makes my BDUs feel like they’re made of burlap.”

Daniel’s eyes widened and he quickly turned to look at Carter – who promptly turned away to deal with a sudden coughing fit.

“Damned laundry fiends,” he muttered. “They do this on purpose you know,” he said a little louder. He stomped his way over to a fallen log and sat down. “They knew damn well we had a rain forest to trample through and what do they do? Add extra starch to my uniform. So help me, when I get back I’m finding the smallest toothbrush on the base and they’ll be scrubbing toilets ‘til they’re 90!”

He took another long pull from his canteen and looked up again to find three pairs of eyes trained on him.

“What?” he barked.

The three pairs of eyes suddenly found things more interesting to view.

Jack pulled his cap off and ran a hand through his sopping wet hair. Bad enough it itches like crazy, he thought. All this extra sweating is driving me mad. He thought about shucking his jacket but all the kamikaze tree branches made keeping the extra protection for his arms seem a prudent idea.

Of course, they look like they’re strolling through a city park! Carter and Daniel both only sported a light sheen of sweat – nothing more than he’d expect from a brisk walk – and even without Junior, Teal’c was his usual unflappable self. It’s all the scratching. If they had extra starch they’d be scratching too! Well maybe not Teal’c. He’d never stoop to doing anything as undignified as scratching an itch.

Jack leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He let his head drop and cradled it in his hands, closing his eyes. His head really felt like it was going to explode. He’d been looking forward to this mission although he’d never have told Daniel and Carter.

“You want one?”

Jack opened one eye to stare at the energy bar Daniel was offering.

“No.”

“Coconut.”

“I’m not hungry.” Jack closed his eye again. Get a clue, Daniel.

“Raspberry?”

Jack lifted his head. Daniel waved the snack in his face. Jack snatched it out of his hand.

“Thank you, Daniel,” he said through clenched teeth. “I’m sure this is just exactly what I need to make everything just peachy.”

“Sorry, I just thought you looked like you needed a little pick-me-up.”

“What I need is a long, cold shower. What I need is for more of your damned ancient wonders to be conveniently located within spitting distance of a stargate. What I need is for every Goa’uld in the universe to spontaneously combust.” Jack ripped open the foil wrapper of the energy bar and held the snack up for Daniel to see. “What I have is this nutritious, low cholesterol, military issued energy bar filled with fruity all-natural flavoring and a five-year shelf life!” He took a bite and chewed with exaggeration. “Mmmmmmmm… that sure hits the spot.”

“Perhaps this planet will provide us with the means to effect the eventual destruction of the Goa’uld.”

“Yes, Teal’c. Perhaps it will. What was I thinking? Today’s the day!” Jack stood up. “What are we wasting time for then? Let’s go!” He shoved the rest of the energy bar in his pocket and picked up his pack.

“Sir?”

“What’s the matter, Carter? You heard the man. Out of all the jungles on all the planets in the universe… the big prize just might be on this one. Teal’c’s got that magic feeling.” Jack shouldered his pack. “Besides… who needs rest? We’ve got energy bars.”

Jack ducked under a branch and headed on up the trail. He didn’t look back to see if they were following. He could hear them scrambling to get their packs.

“What got into him?” Daniel asked.

“I think you’d better drop it. And let’s hope there’s something worth finding in those ruins.”

“Indeed.”

The conversation ended as they came up behind him. Jack didn’t turn around.

* * * * *

“Daniel, wait.”

“But Jack!”

“We check the perimeter first and set up camp and then you can go play.” It didn’t look promising. A tumbledown collection of stone buildings stood in what had once been a clearing. They’d been able to see that at least one building was intact from the UAV images.

“We haven’t seen a sign of anyone!”

“Well then you don’t have to worry about someone getting to those ruins before you. Half an hour more won’t kill you.” Although it might just kill me.

He wanted to do nothing more than find the nearest shady spot and collapse in it for at least the next four hours. He’d sweated and itched and scratched for the last ten miles and the pounding in his head hadn’t let up. If anything it had gotten worse.

Half an hour. It wasn’t that long. Daniel and Carter would be good for hours once they’d set up camp. He and Teal’c would probably have to pry them away from the ruins with a crowbar when it got dark.

They split up and checked out the area. Jack ignored the fact that Daniel never really made it past the one building that was still completely standing.

Jack rounded a corner formed by two still intact walls and froze.

Yes!

He picked his way over the rubble from one collapsed wall and bent down on one knee at the edge of the pool. He let his hand trail in the water. It was cool and clean. He could see the bottom was inlaid with a pattern of tile and what looked like a series of steps or ledges on the far side. The water bubbled up from a rocky outcropping. It looked like a natural spring but someone had obviously decided to build around it. They’d constructed two narrow channels to divert the water’s flow. One formed the pool and the other twisted off in the opposite direction and created a small narrow stream that vanished into the undergrowth.

Goa’uld or not… whoever they are they have my undying gratitude.

Jack shifted his P-90 out of the way and took off his cap. Ignoring the little voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Doc’s, he leaned over and dunked his head under the water.

He lifted his head and reveled in the feel of the water dripping down his neck and soaking his collar.

“Sir, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” he asked. He slicked his hair back with one hand turned to face Carter.

“Is it safe?”

“I’m not drinking it.” Yet. “It’s a spring.”

Carter nodded and made her way across the fallen wall to stand beside him. “Looks like it was some sort of bath house maybe.” She pointed at the small stream. “The stream bed shifted and caused that wall to collapse.”

“I don’t care. At least the walls collapsed outward.”

Carter laughed. “You looked like you were getting ready to dive in there for a moment.”

“That’s not such a bad idea.”

“I’ll run a purity test.”

“As long as I’m first,” Jack said. “Find anything else interesting?”

“Not yet. Teal’c found a place for the camp. There’s a small clearing near the main building that’s not too overgrown.”

“Fine. I suppose Daniel’s already in the zone.”

“He’s got his video camera out. He found some sort of writing painted into the plaster on the inside of that building. Or what’s left of it at least. The humidity has caused most of it to crumble away already.”

“No honkin’ big space guns?”

“Doesn’t look like it.”

“Gee, who would have thought it? Oh wait…”

“Looks like you found the real prize anyway. I’ll let you know as soon as the test is done.”

“Thanks,” Jack said. “I’ll go give Teal’c a hand.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jack scrambled to his feet feeling every mile they’d walked in his bones. His entire body ached; he was already sweating again, and his back still itched.

He stumbled and had to do a quick sidestep to regain his balance.

Damn weeds. The ground must be uneven.

Jack slowed his pace so he could watch his footing. He really hoped Carter would have good news about the pool. After two days of traipsing through this jungle I deserve a break.

“O’Neill.”

Jack jerked his head up in surprise. He was already in the clearing. Teal’c had trampled down a space in the grass for the tents and was unpacking a set of flexible poles.

“You appear to be distracted, O’Neill.”

“Tired, T.”

“Did I not say you would regret your lack of sleep last night?”

“Yeah, you did. Believe me I would have slept if I could.” Jack dropped his own pack and loosened the straps that secured the second tent. “Shouldn’t be a problem tonight.”

“Daniel Jackson is surveying the building.” Teal’c anchored the tent pole with his foot and bent it into an arc, easily sliding the fabric until the tent walls bowed out and he was able to tuck the other end of the pole into the notch at the bottom.

“Carter told me. She’ll be along in a few. I found a spring that used to be part of a bathhouse and before you ask… I get first dibs.”

Jack unrolled his tent and snapped the poles together. Teal’c had already finished securing the second pole of the dome shaped tent and was unzipping the door.

“It is her turn to prepare the meal.”

“I’ll pass,” Jack said. He finished sliding the tent poles through the fabric loops.

“Are you not hungry, O’Neill?”

“Nah. Bath and bed… that’s all I need.” He still had the energy bar tucked in his pocket. I should be starving. Jack bent the tent pole and began to slide the fabric until it tightened but the bottom of the pole popped loose from the notch in the fabric. “Damn.” He dropped the pole and lifted up the corner of the tent to reinsert the pole. Once again, he began to slide the loops over the pole to bow the tent out. The fabric hung up on one of the joints in the pole. Jack tugged at the tent but it refused to budge. He jerked on it harder and the pole slipped loose from the bottom of the tent again.

“Crap!”

“Do you require assistance, O’Neill?”

Jack stared down at the tent. The once neat square of nylon was a tangled mess and the two tent poles stuck out wildly in an X shape. I’ve done this hundreds of times.

Teal’c was suddenly standing in front of him.

“O’Neill?”

Jack scratched at a spot on his ribcage and shook his head. “Sure, T. Have at it.” Jack stepped back and watched Teal’c bend down and straighten out the base of the tent.

“It has been a long day,” Teal’c said. He stood, bending the pole in his hand and tucking it into the notch on the opposite corner in one smooth motion.

“Yeah. I guess.”

The second pole was secured just as easily and Jack sighed. Shouldn’t Carter be done with that test by now?

“We will require wood for a fire.”

“Wood?”

“Do you not wish to build a fire, O’Neill?”

Jack wiped the sweat from his forehead and nodded. “Yeah, I guess so. Just don’t expect me to sit anywhere near it.”

“I will gather stones for a fire ring.”

“Right. I’ll go find some wood.”

Jack had seen plenty of dead wood along the clearing’s perimeter. He put the tent out of his mind and headed for the tree line.

I hope Daniel’s enjoying himself. Jack knew there was no doubt of it. Weapon or no weapon, Daniel was hard to disappoint as long as he had something old to putter around with and a puzzle to solve.

No Goa’uld. Apparently the whole planet to ourselves. It’s practically paradise.

Jack picked up a piece of wood and cradled it in his arm.

Too bad I feel like crap.

He found more wood as well as some smaller pieces that would make good kindling. Everything was dry – no surprise there – and would burn easily. He’d need more but this was enough for Teal’c to get a fire going.

Jack made his way back to their camp. Carter was there – stowing gear in the tents and checking her equipment. Jack dumped the wood on the ground near the fire pit Teal’c had prepared and Carter crawled out of the tent.

“Water’s clear, sir.”

“Peachy.” Jack eyed the meager pile of wood at his feet. I could pull rank. He knew they wouldn’t complain. They were all too familiar with his occasional moods and would forgive their grumpy, out-of-sorts colonel for slacking a bit.

But it wasn’t them he’d have to convince.

“I’m gonna go get more wood,” Jack said.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, Carter, I’m sure. I’m still first in the pool though.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jack turned and walked toward the tree line again. Why do I insist on torturing myself? He reached the shade of the trees and stopped to lean against a good-sized tree. Gotta get the Doc to prescribe some vitamins or something. SG1 was due for some downtime. Maybe it’s time to put a bug in the General’s ear when this mission is over.

He felt like he could flop down on the ground right here and sleep. He’d slept in worse places.

Wood. You’re getting more wood. Get your ass in gear, O’Neill. He didn’t budge. Moving would take energy and he seemed to be all out. Guess I should’ve had that power bar.

Gathering firewood wasn’t the only reason he had to move.

Damn.

Now that he’d thought about it the question of whether he’d move or not was no longer an option. He straightened up and turned to face the tree he’d been leaning against. He unbuttoned his fly. Hell, as much as I’ve sweated today I won’t be surprised if I’m piddling dust.

It wasn’t dust but he wasn’t exactly setting any records for quantity either. He completed his business fairly quickly and glanced down so he could get everything arranged properly again.

“What the hell?”

He was covered in tiny red bumps. Jack stepped back from the tree and frantically worked to undo his belt and the remaining buttons on his pants.

Bugs! It has to be bugs. I should’ve known all that freakin’ itching in a jungle wasn’t because of laundry soap.

He dropped his pants to his knees.

Shit!

The bumps spread all across his inner thighs and down the backs of his legs. There were a few that looked like watery blisters. Jack lifted up his t-shirt. His belly and chest looked even worse.

There was no sign of any creepy-crawlies.

Jack suddenly remembered he was standing in the middle of a jungle on another planet with his pants down around his ankles. He bent down and pulled his up his shorts and BDUs and tried not to scratch as he mentally checked off everything he’d come into contact with or had eaten in the past few days.

The spots seemed familiar somehow.

An image popped into his head. Charlie – at about two – squirming in his grasp as he attempted to apply calamine lotion to his chicken pox spots.

No way! Jack shook his head. He’d had them as a kid.

Jack buttoned up and wondered how he was going to explain his situation to his team. He walked back to the camp still puzzling over the origin of his mysterious… affliction. There hadn’t really been anything unusual that he could recall on any recent missions. Whatever the cause he was sure it would turn out be something related to an off-world mission. There just wasn’t any other logical explanation.

“Hey, Jack,” Daniel said. “I thought you were getting wood.”

Great. They’re all here. At least I only have to say this once.

Teal’c stood, abandoning the kindling he was arranging in the fire pit. Carter handed Daniel the digital camera she was holding and walked up to Jack.

“Sir, is everything okay?”

“Not exactly.”

“What is it?”

“It wasn’t the laundry soap.”

“What?”

“The itching. It wasn’t the soap.”

“What do you mean?” Carter looked at Teal’c and Daniel and back at Jack. “Sir, are you okay?”

Jack pulled his jacket open and lifted his t-shirt. “No, Carter. I am definitely not okay.”

“Oh my god!” She reached out her hand and Jack took a step backwards.

“Don’t touch. You don’t want it… trust me.”

“What is it?” Daniel asked.

“I’m not sure,” Jack answered. “It looks like—”

“Chicken pox,” Carter finished. “You mean to tell me you’ve never had chicken pox?”

“No! I mean yes… I’ve had them.”

“Then how…”

“I don’t know!”

“You must have been exposed somehow.”

“We would have heard about it if someone at the SGC had them, Carter. And I haven’t been around any sick kids lately.”

“Yes, you have.”

Everyone turned to look at Daniel.

“What?” Jack asked.

“Deandra Piorordas.”

“That little girl on 429? She wasn’t sick,” Carter said.

Jack nodded, remembering the child. Little Dee and her brother had followed him around for days – right up until the day they’d left.

“Her brother said she wasn’t feeling well,” Jack said. “When we got ready to gate home she wasn’t there.”

“Well that’s must be it. She must have been contagious before she showed any symptoms.”

“It still doesn’t explain how I got them when I’ve already had them!”

“Maybe they’re alien chicken pox?”

“Daniel, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.”

“No, sir. He has a point. It could be a different strain of the virus.”

“One that all of Doc’s needles and pills missed? Are you kidding me?”

“She can’t plan for every possibility.”

“I really wish she had planned for this one.” Jack slipped his jacket off. He had spots on his arms too.

“Looks like they broke out everywhere that was covered. Probably due to the heat.” Carter placed the back of her hand against his forehead. “You feel hot.”

“Ya think?”

“You didn’t realize you had a fever?”

“I’m in a damned jungle, Carter!” Jack pushed her hand away and tugged off his t-shirt. “How’s my back?” He twisted so she could see.

“Covered. You shouldn’t have scratched.”

“Well, I know that now!”

“Wow, Jack. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a bad case before. How far down—”

“All the way, Daniel. Thanks ever so much for mentioning it.”

Daniel laughed and Jack scowled at him.

“Damn it, Daniel. It’s not funny. How would you like it if you had spots on your…” Carter’s eyes widened.

“Willy?”

“Teal’c! For cryin’ out loud!”

“Is that not the correct usage of the term, O’Neill?”

Carter and Daniel both burst out laughing and Jack was certain Teal’c was smirking at him.

“I’m so glad this amuses everyone,” Jack grumbled.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m sure it’s really… uncomfortable.”

“You have no idea.” Jack pushed past her and dug in his pack for a fresh t-shirt. “Do we have anything for itching?” he asked.

“Probably not enough,” Carter answered. “I hate to say it, sir, but it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. When they start to scab over…”

“Don’t. Just… don’t.” Two days. Two long, hot, itch-filled days through the jungle. Jack snatched up the t-shirt and headed for the spring.

“Jack, where are you going? Shouldn’t we pack and head back?”

Jack stopped walking and turned to face them again. “I thought you wanted to study these ruins, Daniel?”

“Well, yeah… but you’re sick.”

“I’ll be fine. It’s just a little itching. It’ll be dark soon anyway. We’ll head back tomorrow. Make the most of the time you have. I plan to.”

Jack turned and walked away. Now more than ever a good long soak was just what he needed.

* * * * *

Jack leaned his head back and let it rest on the top step of pool. The step – ledge really – that he was lying on was wide enough to let him stretch out. The water was deep enough to come up to his chin. It was cool and soothing and almost felt good enough to make him forget about the itching – if his entire body hadn’t been covered with the damn spots.

He closed his eyes and let the water support him. It was chilly, but it felt good to have all the sweat washed from his body.

And it felt good to be still. It really had been a long two days.

He knew he should be getting back to camp. The others would want their turn in the pool as well.

A few more minutes. They won’t mind if I stay a little longer.

* * * * *

“O’Neill.”

Jack jumped, sloshing water over the edge of the pool. Teal’c placed a hand on his shoulder. “Do not remove yourself from the water yet.”

“What?”

“You must have fallen asleep, sir.”

“Carter!” Jack sank back down into the water. She was on the far side of the pool standing next to Daniel. “Can’t a man have a little privacy?”

“You have been gone for several hours, O’Neill. It is nearly dark.”

Jack realized he was right. The light had faded. The last rays of the sun were blocked by the two walls that remained standing. Deep shadows fell across the once sunny pool. Jack shivered. The chilly water no longer felt so inviting.

“We were worried,” Carter said.

“You nearly scared us to death when we saw you lying there,” Daniel added.

“So I took a little nap. Big deal!” The last thing he remembered he’d been thinking about going back to the camp. I must have been more tired than I realized.

“We believed you may have been in need of assistance.”

“I’ve been bathing myself for a long time, T.” Asleep! Naked as a jaybird and on another planet and I fall asleep so soundly they walk right up on me. Good move, Jack. Way to inspire confidence.

“I am sorry, O’Neill.”

“S’alright, Teal’c. You were just trying to help.” Jack sat up; he was careful to keep his lower half submerged however. “Why don’t you guys head on back to camp,” he suggested. “I’ll be along in a minute.”

“Sir, are you sure?”

“Yes, Carter. I’m pretty sure I don’t need the three of you to help me get my pants on!”

“I will remain, O’Neill.”

“Fine. Whatever. Carter… you go. Now.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I uh… I think I’ll go with Sam.”

The two of them left leaving Jack alone with Teal’c.

“I can dress myself you know.”

“I do not doubt your ability to do so, O’Neill.” Teal’c stood up and backed away from the pool. “But I do not believe it is wise to leave you unattended. You are not yourself.”

“Indeed.” Teal’c’s eyebrow hitched up at the use of the familiar word.

Jack stood up and shivered as the air hit his wet skin. Not hot now. He snatched up his boxers and quickly stepped into them. There was no way he was going to try to dry off any part of his blessedly itch-free – for the moment – anatomy. He grimaced as the elastic waistband irritated the blisters on the small of his back. He eyed the BDU pants in disgust. It wasn’t going to be pleasant.

Naked isn’t so bad is it? Carter is a big girl. He pictured Hammond’s reaction if he stepped through the gate doing the full monty. Nope. Not gonna happen. A two-day hike through a jungle in the all-together might be possible but facing his commanding officer in such a state just wasn’t feasible.

Jack eased his left leg into the pants trying not to let the fabric rub the boils. The right leg followed and he buttoned up quickly. That wasn’t so bad.

The t-shirt was next. He thought about going without but the cooler early evening air was enough to give him goosebumps – not exactly a pleasant sensation under the best of circumstances and certainly enough to drive him mad in his present condition.

Jack slipped the shirt over his head and gingerly snaked his arms through. He had a few rough moments when the material bunched up around his neck but managed to tug it down just as Teal’c reached out to give him a hand.

“I had it.”

Teal’c nodded once.

Jack rolled his shoulders – not scratching – and sat down on one of the larger boulders that defined the edge of the pool to put on his socks and boots. Teal’c watched him intently but never said a word. Jack tied the last knot and sat up.

“What?”

The eyebrow lifted again.

“Just say what you’re thinking, Teal’c.”

“Very well.”

“Well?”

“Perhaps you should have acknowledged your condition sooner, O’Neill.”

“I didn’t know about the chicken pox until I went to take a pee!”

“It is not these… pox to which I refer. It is my belief that you have felt ill for some time – perhaps even before we began this mission.”

“No, I didn’t,” Jack protested.

Teal’c tilted his head slightly and stared at him.

“Not really…” Jack stood and picked up the t-shirt he had been wearing earlier. Teal’c continued to stare at him. “Okay… okay! Maybe I felt a little run down but that’s all. I swear.”

“Doctor Fraiser will be most displeased.”

“Yeah, I guess she will be.”

The two men picked their way around the pool and followed the path back to the camp.

Daniel was stoking up the fire. Carter was pulling out MREs. They both froze as Jack and Teal’c entered the camp.

“I’m fine. I had a good soak, a nice nap, got a little wrinkled…” Jack held up his hands to show them his puckered fingertips. “It’s all good.”

“Feeling better then?” Daniel asked.

“Uh… yeah. It still itches but overall it’s an improvement.

“Hungry, sir?”

Jack lowered himself to the folded tarp that was on the ground near the fire. “No, I’ll pass.”

“Oh come on, sir. Not even I could do damage to an MRE.”

“It’s not your cooking, Carter. I’m just not hungry.”

“Jack, you haven’t eaten all day.”

“He’s right, Colonel.”

“What, you guys are keeping track?”

“Well you know what they say about hindsight. Sam and I were talking and we sorta realized you’ve been a little off since we left Earth.”

“Don’t say it, Teal’c.” Jack shivered again and twisted his body until he was facing the fire more directly.

Carter walked over carrying a canteen and sat down next to him. “You should at least drink something.” She handed him the canteen and pulled a small bubble pack out of her pocket. “Daniel’s sharing his antihistamine. It might help with the itching.”

Jack took the pills from her and popped them out of their packets. “Thanks.” He washed them down with a long swig from the canteen and hoped they were strong enough to provide at least a little relief. Now that he was out of the water and dry – and clothed – the feeling of tiny little needles all over his body was returning.

“So, Daniel... did this place reveal any of the secrets of the universe?”

“Not exactly,” he admitted. “But it’s still pretty fascinating.”

“Of course it is.”

“From what I can gather this place was some sort of safe house for the wife or um… the consort of a Goa’uld.”

“Which one?” Carter asked. She pulled an MRE pouch from its heater bag and offered it to Jack. He shook his head and she frowned.

“I don’t know. There’s not that much left of the fresco.” Carter tossed the MRE to Daniel and he ripped it open and sniffed at the contents.

“The Goa’uld will often strike at what they perceive to be the enemy’s greatest weakness.” Teal’c accepted one of the pouches from Carter and sat down on the opposite side of the fire.

“The people they love,” Daniel said.

Jack laughed and they all looked at him. He shrugged. “You’re saying this snakehead squirreled some woman away on this planet because he loved her?”

“What’s so funny about that?” Daniel asked.

“Because they aren’t capable of it.” Jack said. “Love, I mean.”

“I don’t know, Jack.”

“Daniel, are you kidding me? Listen to what you’re saying for a minute, would ya?”

“I know what I’m saying. I just think it isn’t inconceivable that the Goa’uld are capable of feeling—”

“Power, Daniel. That’s it. Power and control and total domination of anything and everything in their paths. Whatever the reason this Goa’uld may have had for building this place you can bet it had absolutely nothing to do with love.”

The conversation stopped abruptly. The three of them were suddenly way too interested in eating their meals. Jack bent his legs and folded his arms across the tops of his knees. His knees didn’t itch and it kept the backs of his legs from rubbing on the ground.

“Is there any chance the Goa’uld left anything useful here?” Carter asked.

Jack smiled in the darkness as he stared into the fire. Trust Carter to ask the practical question.

“It is most unlikely,” Teal’c answered. “I believe this place was abandoned purposefully.”

“I thought we might find something,” Daniel said. “But I think Teal’c’s right. I mean this place was kinda the equivalent of a Motel 6 compared to a Goa’uld’s usual accommodations.”

At least she liked a good bath.

“If you’re right about this being a safe house then it was probably just temporary,” Carter reasoned. “And I haven’t been able to find any other reason for the Goa’uld to be interested in this planet. There’s nothing here.”

Jack closed his eyes and listened to his team tossing ideas and wild guesses back and forth. At least they aren’t hovering over me. He appreciated their concern but was happy to be left alone for now.

Somehow the conversation had shifted and Daniel was waxing poetic about the history of public bath houses in Rome. Carter chimed in with her thoughts on the engineering behind them and even Teal’c was sharing stories of his childhood and the hot springs that were a favorite spot on Chulak.

Jack let the voices fade out of his awareness. The warmth of the fire was pleasant and drove away the chill he’d felt since he’d climbed out of the water. Even the itching seemed to have lessened. Daniel’s antihistamines must be working.

Jack drifted.

* * * * *

“Colonel?”

Jack knew she was talking to him but was reluctant to open his eyes. He was comfortable and wary of ruining the moment.

“Sir?” He felt a hand on his back.

“What?” The hand lifted and Jack raised his head and opened his eyes.

“Maybe you should go lie down. You’d be more comfortable.”

Jack figured he couldn’t have been out for long. The fire hadn’t burned down very far.

“We will extend our watches, O’Neill. You must rest.”

“I thought that’s what I was doing?”

“Sorry, sir. That just didn’t look like it would be very comfortable for the long term.”

Jack unfolded his legs and hauled himself to his feet.

“Sorry about the watches.”

“Don’t worry about it, Jack. You’ve covered for us enough times,” said Daniel.

“Your stuff is in the left tent,” Carter told him.

Jack stumbled over to the nylon dome and unzipped the mosquito netting. He crawled in and sat with his feet outside the tent and unlaced his boots. He hated tracking dirt into the things; it always seemed to find its way into his sleeping bag. He pulled off his boots and left them sitting just outside the door. He was tugging his socks off as well when Carter crouched down in the doorway.

“Come to tuck me in, Major?”

“I thought you might want your canteen. Your fever will probably come back.”

“Great.” There’s something to look forward to tonight. He took the canteen from her and tossed it up near the top of his sleeping bag. He noticed the bag looked bulkier than usual and lifted up a corner. Two bags?

He looked at Carter. “What’s this?”

She shrugged. “One of us will be awake anyway. I figured more padding might be a good thing considering…”

“That I’m pretty much one big blister?”

“You’ll have the tent to yourself, too. Hopefully you can sleep through without someone coming in and out every few hours.”

Carter loosened the ties that held back the outer door flaps. “Night, sir,” she said, letting the flaps roll loose. She tugged at the zipper and closed the gap. Jack did the same with the interior netting and made sure he zipped up the base of the netting as well. The last thing he needed was any six-legged visitors.

Jack stretched out on top of the bag and tried to find a comfortable position that didn’t irritate the bumps too badly. He finally settled on one side – half curled up. It wasn’t perfect but it was bearable. He closed his eyes and willed his hands to be still. Scratching is bad, Jack. His spine tingled in a dozen places and his chest actually seemed to… burn in a few spots. He tried to block out all awareness of other afflicted parts but wasn’t having much success.

I’ll never get back to sleep.

* * * * *

Jack woke shivering and soaked with sweat. His t-shirt clung to his skin and the sleeping bag was damp. His throat tickled and he coughed. He grabbed the canteen and unscrewed the top. He took a sip and winced as it slid down his throat. Jack tightened the top of the canteen and set it back down. His hands shook.

I gotta get out of these clothes. Jack hooked his fingers under the shirt and started to lift it up. He hissed in pain as the material stuck to the watery blisters on his chest and back. He peeled it away from his skin slowly and sighed in relief as he finally lifted it over his head and tossed the t-shirt in the corner of the tent.

The pants were a little easier to deal with because they were baggier. He decided to leave his boxers on not knowing if one of his team might get it in their heads to check on him.

He couldn’t stop shivering. Jack tugged at the sleeping bag he was seated on out from under him. He didn’t fancy the idea of climbing in the thing. It would be too confining and would probably make the itching even worse. He unzipped the bag and opened it up completely. Since his team had been kind enough to sacrifice one of the bags for him he could sleep on top of one and cover up with the other.

He settled back down on his other side and pulled the bag up around his head.

* * * * *

Jack swore as he shifted position and felt the tell-tale dampness that told him another one of the lesions on his back had broken open. He was sweating again and his entire body felt hot. He threw back the sleeping bag and groped for the canteen. His throat was sore and his head felt like it was stuffed full of cotton.

His fingers closed around the canteen and he sat up. He drank from it until it was empty and wished they had something to ease the pain his throat.

It must be nearly dawn. It felt like he’d been tossing and turning for hours. Jack checked his watch. Damn. 0130?

Jack scooted to the tent door and unzipped the netting and the outer flaps. He poked his head out and glanced around. In the soft glow of the low-banked fire, he spotted Teal’c sitting cross-legged on one of the tarps.

Teal’c turned his head toward Jack. “Are you unable to sleep, O’Neill?”

“I’ve slept off and on,” Jack said. “Between the itching and the hot and cold sweats it’s been touch and go.”

“Is there something you require?”

“You mean other than a way to get to the gate without a two-day hike through the jungle?”

Teal’c rose and walked over to the tent.

Jack held out the canteen. “I’ll settle for more water and a couple of Daniel’s pills.”

Teal’c nodded and took the canteen from him. Jack watched him as he switched the empty canteen for a full one and dug through Daniel’s pack for the box of antihistamines. Teal’c brought both items back and handed them to Jack.

“Thanks.” Jack ripped open the bubble pack and quickly swallowed the pills. He downed about a quarter of the water in the canteen before capping it and setting it down inside the tent.

“They are spreading,” Teal’c said.

“What?”

“You have… spots on your neck and chin.”

Jack’s hand flew up to his neck and he probed it with his fingers to feel the bumps that marked his skin.

“Damn. Guess I won’t be shaving tomorrow.”

“Should you not attempt to return to sleep?”

“Yeah.” Jack pulled the outer flaps closed. “Thanks for the water.”

“You are most welcome, O’Neill.”

Jack zipped up the tent and stretched out on the sleeping bag again. He pulled the top one halfway over him and tried to find a comfortable position. Is it possible to sleep on your fingertips and toes?

* * * * *

Hot… Why so hot?

He twisted and thrashed, straining to break loose of the oppressive weight that confined him.

Can’t breathe. His throat was on fire – raw with pain. Had he been screaming? A thousand tiny knives seemed to pierce his skin. His body burned where they pricked him. He tried to wrench himself away from the pinprick points of pain but there was no escape.

Trapped… helpless.

A face appeared. Shrewd, calculating eyes… angular jaw… neatly trimmed goatee.

Always the same questions. The figure in front him frowned, shaking his head. One hand held up a vial.

No… I don’t know. “I don’t remember!”

The figure smiled. Jack’s body tensed, his muscles clenched and released.

“End this!”

He felt a hand on his chest and he lashed out blindly. A hand caught his wrist and he opened his eyes. It was dark. A pale face bent over his. She was there again.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Sir?”

He felt his jaw tighten – his teeth grinding painfully. His head snapped back; his spine arched and he screwed his eyes shut.

“Teal’c! Daniel!” The voice seemed far away. His body shook and he clawed at the soft surface beneath him.

Not real. Daniel died! Alone… damned snake…

Again his head snapped back.

“Teal’c! He’s seizing!”

He was falling… spinning into the darkness.

* * * * *

Hands gripped him tightly – pinning his arms and legs. He felt movement. He was being lifted. Jack struggled. End this! It would just start all over again. When they pulled him out…

“Careful, Teal’c.”

“We are trying to help you, O’Neill. Do not resist.”

“Sam, are you sure about this?”

“Do you have a better suggestion?”

“I uh… no.”

“You’ll have to get in with him to keep his head up.”

The arms around him tightened and suddenly he was enveloped in a cool wetness. He flailed about, wrenching his legs free of the grip that held them. He kicked outward and was rewarded with a grunt as his foot connected. He twisted sharply and the arms encircling him slipped. Water filled his mouth; he choked and spluttered.

“O’Neill! You must cease.”

Strong hands gripped his wrists tightly. His arms were pulled across his chest and his hands were pulled in close to his armpits. A heavy weight pinned his legs.

There was a splash and he felt hands on his face.

“Colonel, open your eyes.”

He threw his head back – slamming it hard into the person who held him. The grip around his chest didn’t loosen.

“Sir! We’re trying to help.” The hands were on his face again, lifting his chin. “You’re sick. You have a fever.”

The snake… they’d put a snake in him!

“We’re on a mission… the jungle planet. You got sick, sir. Chicken pox… try to remember.”

A mission? Walking... I was walking. “Hot…” His eyes opened.

“Yes, sir. Look at me. Stop fighting us. You’re in the pool. Remember the pool?”

“Ca… Carter?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re safe, Jack. We’re not trying to hurt you.”

No! Daniel’s gone… “Not real… can’t help me.”

“You are mistaken, O’Neill. This is indeed real. You endanger your life if you continue in this manner. Please desist this resistance and allow us to aid you.”

The voices were familiar… non-threatening. The burning pinprick points of pain all over his body were slowly easing; his muscles relaxing. His strength was gone. He was tired… tired of fighting.

His eyes closed and the voices faded.

* * * * *

Jack was floating. His body suspended in a coolness that wrapped around him and eased half-remembered aches. It felt good but he knew it wouldn’t last. The pain always came back.

“We could rig a sling.” The voice penetrated the fog he was in and tugged at his awareness.

“Perhaps I should return to the stargate to contact General Hammond and request Doctor Fraiser and her medical team?”

“Even then she’d have to get here. I don’t know if we should waste any more time than necessary.”

“Sam, if we try to transport him and he has more seizures…”

“I know, Daniel, but if we stay here and he gets worse then this pool isn’t going to be any help.”

Jack lifted his head and forced his eyes to open. Daylight. Carter was sitting on the edge of the pool, wet hair plastered to her head. Daniel was sitting next to her. “Stop talking about me… right here ya know.” His voice was hoarse, almost non-existent.

“Sir?” Carter slipped off the ledge and splashed over to him. “Sir, do you know where you are?”

“Jungle… UAV spotted ruins.” Jack’s throat closed up and he swallowed hard. Speaking was painful. “Two days from the gate.”

“You had a fever. Your temperature spiked and you had several seizures. We brought you to the pool to try to cool you down.”

“…worked.” Jack struggled to sit up and he felt Teal’c helping to lift his shoulders.

“You scared us, sir.”

Jack vaguely recalled images from his fever dreams and his moments of near consciousness as he’d lashed out against his team.

“Sorry,” he croaked. Jack gripped the pool’s edge with both hands and started to haul himself up. His feet slipped and his arms buckled. He fell back into the water and only Teal’c’s grip on his arm kept him from going under.

“Whoa, Jack! Take it easy,” said Daniel.

Jack got his feet back under him and again placed his hands on the edge of the pool. This time Teal’c and Carter helped and he managed to lift himself out of the water and sit on the edge. He looked down at his chest and shook his head. Many of the lesions on his body had darkened and some had already started to scab over. He still had plenty of watery blisters as well.

“Are you okay?”

“No, Daniel,” Jack said. His throat tickled unpleasantly and he started coughing. His chest tightened and drawing a full breath was difficult. “Water?” He was still coughing.

“You want to get back in the water?”

Jack pressed his hand to his chest and tried to breathe slowly. He shook his head at Daniel.

“I believe he desires water for drinking, Daniel Jackson.”

Jack nodded.

“Oh! Oh yeah… right.” Daniel scrambled for the pack that was a few feet away and returned with a canteen. He twisted the cap off and handed it to Jack.

Jack drank from it and the coughing finally subsided but the pressure in his chest remained. He set the canteen down and looked at his team. “Where are my clothes?”

“Sir, I don’t think—”

“I’m not gonna walk back in my skivvies, Carter.”

“Uh, Jack, I don’t think you’re walking anywhere.”

“Why not?”

“Why not?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Colonel, we thought maybe we could build a stretcher.”

“I heard. I’ll be fine. Just give me some time to get my strength back.”

He felt limp and wrung out. His muscles and joints ached and he still had a headache but he wasn’t about to let them haul him off this planet on his back.

“O’Neill, is this wise?”

“Just get me my clothes.”

* * * * *

They tried to argue but in the end they’d agreed. He’d compromised and let them split up his gear so he wouldn’t have anything to carry. Handing over his P90 to Teal’c had nearly been a deal breaker but there had been no signs of any hostiles and he’d finally given in.

Carter had insisted that he try to eat something and he’d managed half a helping of minestrone stew before putting his foot down and tossing the rest. He’d had aspirin and more of Daniel’s antihistamines. They had packed the camp while he watched and after one more final round of ‘Are you sure about this?’ they’d hit the trail.

The pace was slow and easy but no slower than it would have been with him strapped to a stretcher.

And if he had to stop every so often to catch his breath then what of it?

By midday he was sure he was going to rip Carter’s arm off if she stuck her hand on his forehead one more time to see if his fever was getting worse.

By late afternoon he was happy to call a halt and settle himself on the ground with his back against a tree while his team set up the camp again.

When they came to him with the plan for Teal’c to push on ahead and contact the SGC for a medical team he was too tired to argue – much. He, Carter, and Daniel would get back on the trail tomorrow and meet the team on its way in.

Teal’c was barely out of eyesight before Carter was bundling him off to sleep in the tent. A concession he was willing to go along with as it meant he could strip off his uniform again and get at least some relief from the constant itching.

The night passed rather uneventfully, if not uncomfortably – unless he counted Carter and Daniel popping in every half hour to check on him.

The ache in his chest grew worse and his voice dwindled down to a pathetic sounding squeak. It was hard to sound commanding when you talked like you were on a helium high.

He knew as soon as he woke up the next morning that Carter and Daniel had pulled a fast one and had let him sleep long past the time he’d planned to head out. He pulled on his clothes and tried not to be too grossed out by the scabs that dropped off his skin.

He unzipped the tent and stuck his head out. “Carter!” Damn it. Yelling just wasn’t any fun when you could barely manage a whisper.

“Morning, sir.”

“Is it still?”

“Sorry, sir. I thought you needed the sleep.”

“How are you feeling, Jack?”

“Itchy.”

“Teal’c radioed,” Carter said. “Janet’s already through the gate and they are on the way.”

“Great. Get packed.”

“Janet said we might want to stay put—”

“Did she order it, Daniel?”

“Not exactly,” Daniel admitted. “She said if you were um…”

“Delirious and irrational?”

“Those weren’t the words she used…”

“Colonel,” Carter interrupted. “Wouldn’t you rather rest some more?”

“No, Major. Not unless you happen to have an endless supply of calamine lotion hidden somewhere in one of those packs that has escaped notice until now.”

There was no secret stash of calamine so they’d packed again, radioed Teal’c and the medical team, and set out walking.

* * * * *

Doc’s fingers probed either side of his throat.

“There’s swelling,” she said.

“Ya think?” Jack squeaked. She dropped her hands and dug into her pack. Jack sighed when she lifted out a penlight.

“Open up, Colonel.”

Jack rolled his eyes but complied with the order. She stuck a tongue depressor in his mouth and shined the light down his throat and Jack wondered if there was some set of doctor rules somewhere that included a list of don’t-leave-home-without-it items.

“You’ve got lesions,” she said.

Jack’s eyes widened and he pushed her hand away. “In my mouth?”

“It happens, Colonel.”

Jack glanced around to make sure nobody was in earshot. “Other places too?”

Janet nodded and gave him what he hoped was a look of sympathy and not an attempt to keep from laughing.

“I admit you have a very severe case, sir.”

“Shouldn’t have them at all,” Jack argued.

“I know, sir. I think Sam is right about this being a strain of the virus we haven’t seen on Earth. I’ll be able to tell you for sure after I take some cultures and run a few tests. But from what I can see everything looks like it is progressing fairly normally.” She stuck her stethoscope back in her ears and placed the head on his back. She thumped at a spot. “Take a deep breath.”

Jack did and she repeated the process several times.

“Honestly, Colonel, I’m more concerned with your constricted breathing. We need to get you back to the Earth and get some x-rays.”

“Janet, what about the seizures?”

Jack glared at Carter.

“Well, from what you told me, his fever was spiking pretty high.”

“He didn’t know where he was at or who we were,” Daniel added.

“I knew!” Jack protested.

“You said we weren’t real, Jack.”

“Okay!” Janet said. “I’m sure it was frightening but he came out of it when his temperature dropped. I doubt there was any permanent damage. He seems to be acting his normal self now.”

“Seem to be?” Jack asked.

“You shouldn’t be up and about, Colonel.”

“I’ll rest when we get back to Earth.”

“You’ll rest now,” Janet said firmly. “We brought a stretcher.”

“I can walk.”

“I’m sure you can but you won’t be doing it.” She held up a hand and shook her head. “That’s an order, Colonel.”

In spite of his objections Jack quickly found himself loaded on a stretcher and forced to enjoy the endlessly fascinating view of tree tops and sky.

The ceaseless rocking motion was oddly lulling and he soon slept.

* * * * *

“I’m walking!”

“Colonel, we’re just going to put you on another stretcher as soon as we gate through.”

“Fine, Doc, you do that but you’re not carrying me through that gate.”

“Janet, don’t try to understand why… just let him walk.”

Fraiser looked at Carter and shrugged. “Is he always like this?”

Carter grinned. “You should know as well as any of us.”

Jack realized he’d won the argument and stood up on surprisingly shaky legs. “Dial the gate, Major.”

“Yes, sir.”

Carter activated the glyphs and the wormhole flared into existence. She sent the IDC and nodded. “We’re ready, sir.”

Jack shook off Doc’s grip on his arm and stepped through the event horizon on his own.

* * * * *

“Say that again, Doc?”

“Pneumonia, Colonel.

“From a case of chicken pox?”

“Alien chicken pox,” Daniel said.

“This is so not happening,” Jack muttered.

“I’m afraid it is, sir. Janet showed me the x-rays.”

“I’m sorry, Colonel. I suspected it when I examined you on the planet but I wanted to be sure. It’s not life threatening… as long as you get plenty of rest and fluids and you—”

“Don’t say it, Doc!”

“There’s no choice, sir. You’ll need to stay here so I can monitor you.”

“How long?” he asked.

“Well, recovery from normal chicken pox can take up to two weeks in some cases.”

“Two weeks?”

“Yes, Colonel. Two weeks. If your lungs clear and there are no unusual complications I’m willing to let you move to your on-base quarters instead of staying in the infirmary.”

“Peachy.”

“Don’t worry, sir,” Carter said. “I’m sure we’ll figure out some way to keep you entertained.”

* * * * *

Jack wadded his napkin up and tossed it into the empty pizza box. He sat back and sighed. It felt great to be in his own quarters although home would have been so much better.

“Happy now, sir?”

“Oh yeah,” he answered. After a week of infirmary food it was amazing how good a few slices of lukewarm pizza could taste. He rubbed at his jaw.

“Do not scratch, O’Neill.”

Jack let his hand drop. In the past few days Teal’c had been known to slap his fingers if he caught Jack scratching. Fraiser had apparently appointed him to be Jack’s watch dog to prevent him from scratching them and causing a secondary infection. The last of the lesions were scabbed over and most of the itching was a dull memory but occasionally his hands just wouldn’t keep still. He hoped he’d be able to shave soon. He wasn’t sure if it was the last of the chicken pox on his face or the scraggle of a beard he’d been forced to endure that was itching.

“Think you guys can bring some beer next time?”

“No way, sir. Janet checks everything.”

“We’re lucky she agreed to the pizza,” Daniel said.

Carter was sitting on his bed, her legs tucked up underneath her, munching on her last slice of pizza. She was rubbing one hand idly across her collar bone.

Jack sat up straight and stared.

“Carter, what are you doing?”

“What?”

“What are you doing?” he repeated.

“Eating pizza?”

“No. Not that. Are you scratching?”

She stopped chewing and bent her head to try to get a good look at her collarbone. Jack stood up and walked over to her. “Let me see.” Carter dropped her hand and Jack hooked a finger under the collar of her t-shirt and pulled it back slightly.

“Please don’t tell me,” she pleaded.

“Okay, I won’t tell you.”

Carter shoved the remains of her pizza slice into his hands and jumped up. She ran to the mirror and examined the mark closely.

“Shit!”

* * * * *

Jack hummed as he stepped off the elevator and entered the corridor. He balanced the pizza box in one hand and a bag of books in the other.

As he approached the doors, Fraiser stepped out of the infirmary.

“How are they, Doc?”

“Miserable, Colonel.”

Jack laughed. “I know the feeling.”

“Well at least they are here instead of off-world. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about their condition getting as bad as yours… and if you had bothered to tell me you weren’t feeling well before that mission—”

“I know, I know. It was just bad timing, Doc.”

“Right. Bad timing.”

“So are they still okay for pizza?”

Fraiser nodded. “We just slathered them down with lotion so they should be whine-free for oh… half an hour at least. Save me a piece?”

“Sure, Doc.”

She smiled and walked up the corridor heading toward her office.

Jack pushed open the door and triumphantly held aloft the pizza box.

“Hey, kids! How are you feeling?” Three blister and lotion covered faces looked up at him. “Doc said I could bring you some real food.”

“Did you bring the books?” Daniel asked.

“Sure did. And I’ll go get your laptop as soon as we finish eating, Carter, so don’t ask.” Jack set the books down in chair and pulled a rolling table away from the foot of Teal’c’s bed for the pizza.

He flipped open the lid and passed slices to Carter and Daniel. “Teal’c, stop scratching or no pizza for you!”

“You’re really enjoying this aren’t you, sir?”

“Carter, I’m hurt that you would think such a thing!”

“Oh come on, Jack. Admit it,” said Daniel.

“Well, there does seem to be some sort of cosmic karmic justice in the whole thing.”

“I have done nothing to deserve this affliction, O’Neill.”

Jack couldn’t help it. He laughed.

“This is not humorous, O’Neill.”

“I know, T… and I’m sorry. Honest! But Doc says I was contagious before a single spot appeared. This was gonna happen no matter what!”

Teal’c ignored him and took a bite of pizza.

“There is good news,” Jack told them. “Doc’s pretty sure that there’s no way any of us will ever get the chicken pox again.”