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Runaway To Hell

Chapter Four

"So what is this place?" Annika asked, as they traveled up a floor in what she presumed was a freight elevator. "I keep getting a carnival feel with darker undertones."

"We cater to a elite clientele providing adult entertainment," Mahj'arc answered.

She let that process a moment. Tried to think of diplomatic term for whorehouse but drew a blank. Settled for a less seedy establishment. "It's a strip joint?"

"The Empyrean Loft," Mahj'arc waved a hand indicating the ship. "Is a bit more elaborate than that. We run a pleasure ship catering to whatever our clients desire, within reason. Gambling, theatrics, fine dining, recreational therapy..."

"Recreational therapy?"

"One of our most profitable endeavors. Our masseuses are rated the best in two galaxies."

"Masseuses, huh?" She gave a short chuckle. "I guess that's a better title than the alternatives."

"Our women and men are treated with the utmost courtesy," Veta said quietly, defending both his role as boss and the people in his employ.

"I didn't mean any disrespect, Veta," Annika hastily clarified. "I can see in your auras that the both of you care for your employees. But it goes beyond that. The people within these walls...it's like one big clandestine family. You look out for your own, protect each other." She had to stop herself from uttering, 'Never leave a man behind'. The protectiveness, the loyalty that was emanating from not only these two men but seemed to be oozing through the seams of the ship, was so similar to the atmosphere of the SGC that a stab of longing knifed through her. What is her team doing right now? What is Daniel doing? Did General Hammond manage to figure out a way to pass on my vision intel to the SG teams? Oh gods, how I miss that place, miss them. Drew in a calming breath. What she had done was for the best, it was the only option left. They would all be better off with her on the other side of the galaxy.

"That we do," Mahj'arc confirmed. He didn't miss the sad look that filtered across her face. Refrained from commenting about it. His little avenging angel may still be a total mystery, but he did know enough to surmise she wouldn't answer any direct questions about it. He instead continued with the explanation of the way things ran on his ship. "If the clients break the house rules they're banned for life, no exceptions...if they survive that is."

Pulling herself together, Annika welcomed the distraction. "What qualifies as breaking the rules?"

"Onboard ship, cheating at the tables, getting too rough with the masseuses, that sort of thing." Mahj'arc lead the way when the doors slid open on the next level which was a little more elaborately decorated than the holding cells below. "Off ship, being too loose with their tongues about what goes on here."

As they walked, Annika couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, so much so that she found herself darting looks over her shoulder. She was tempted to put it down to being paranoid due to her being on the run but it nagged at her. It felt familiar. Not the 'person' as such but the method of observation. Although 'observation' wasn't quite the right word, it was more like she was being guided. She didn't get a sense of malice. It was more an intense curiosity with a hint of desperation. If she could only pinpoint where it was coming from... "Do you have another psychic on board?"

Veta shook his head. "Not that we know of."

Annika stared at the smooth wall of the corridor they were passing. "What's behind there?"

"Crew and staff quarters."

"Can I go in there?" she asked. Whoever it was, was definitely behind there.

Mahj'arc raised and eyebrow. "Why?"

"Someone's calling me."

"I don't hear anything."

She gave a wry smile. "It's not that kind of call. I don't think they're even aware of doing it."

"Okay. The entrance is up here." Veta once again used the pyramid ring to open the door.

"Interesting key," Annika commented, seeing Mahj'arc also wore one.

"We used to use discs and old fashioned turn keys, but they kept getting lost."

Annika barely heard Mahj'arc's reply, her mind already focused on the SOS whispering in her ears.

The room they entered was like a giant recreation lounge with approximately forty people of various ages scattered around, chatting and relaxing as people did in their free time. She noticed that almost everyone wore similar rings though there was a range of colored stones.

"The color indicates...um...security clearance?"

Mahj'arc nodded. He wiggled his pinky. "This grants access to any room. The others are coded to the individual quarters, communal areas such as this one and their specific work areas." Her distracted acknowledgement of his answer told him she wasn't really listening. "So who's calling you?"

"I'm not sure yet." Her gaze swept the room, looking at the people's auras, hoping to get a fix. She couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but from the moment she stepped inside there was a very soft hum echoing in her ears. It seemed to be coming from the far corner. Ignoring the curious stares of the staff, she wove her way through the tables and chairs to a group of children quietly playing under the watchful eye of two women.

The hum was definitely coming from here, though she still couldn't identify precisely from who. The children ranged from toddlers to about twelve years old. A dark haired boy was playing cards with a girl, who she recognized as being the child in Mahj'arc's arms on the planet. The pair's similarity in facial features labeled them both as Mahj'arc's children. She became sidetracked when she noticed the sofa seemed to be glowing. She blinked. It was odd for a piece of furniture to have an aura. It was only then that it registered that the sofa was not pushed up against the wall in the traditional arrangement. There was quite a large gap behind. Being careful not to disturb the children she approached the couch and peeked over it.

Another little girl, this one about eight years old with blonde hair, was behind it. She was lying on her stomach on the floor with numerous bits of broken down technology scattered around her. She was intently working on a tiny circuit board and didn't notice she had an audience until Annika's shadow fell over her.

"You're blocking my light," she grumbled not looking up.

From the corner of her eye Annika saw Mahj'arc frown at the waspish tone. Annika forestalled the automatic rebuke at the child's manners with a wave of her hand. She shifted a step aside. "I'm sorry. Is that better?"

The girl's head shot up at the unfamiliar voice.

Because of her blonde hair, Annika had assumed the child belonged to one of the other staff members, however the blue eyes that now stared up at her were the spitting image of Mahj'arc's.

For a long moment she studied Annika. "Yes." Her head dipped back down.

"What are you making?" Annika was making conversation, trying to puzzle out the riot of colors in the girl's aura.

"I'm repairing one of Gardin's toys. He broke it. I'm only doing it to stop him from crying about it. It's annoying."

Her heart wrenched as she clued in to the reason of the sparkling haze that surrounded the girl's tumult of emotions. Holy shit, that's just cruel. She managed to keep her voice neutral. "Whatever your reasons, I'm sure he will appreciate the effort."

She didn't acknowledge the comment instead making an abrupt change of subject. "Your hair's wrong," she muttered.

"Sachee, that's enough," Mahj'arc said firmly then turned apologetically to Annika. "I'm sorry, my daughter's not normally so rude to guests."

A smile tweaked her lips. "Yes, she is. But she's right. My hair is wrong, as I'm sure Veta can confirm."

The security guard shifted uncomfortably at the reference to his strip search of her.

"Can we talk in a less public place?" she asked.

Mahj'arc nodded and led the way to a smaller room that was set up as a private lounge. He sat down on the couch, while Veta leaned on the arm and motioned for her to sit.

Cautiously she perched on a second couch opposite them. Was grateful when she didn't get any flashes of the chair's history. "Tell me about Sachee."

Mahj'arc shrugged. "She's my oldest child...A year ago she was a happy kid...now she's become sullen and withdrawn...we're hoping it's just a phase." He paused. "I don't know what you want me to say."

"Okay. How about I throw out some statements..." She took a deep breath. "People think she's spoiled because she hates anything secondhand or used. The other children think she's a snob because she won't play with them anymore and holds herself aloof. She doesn't seek affection, probably shies away from even a hug from you and your wife. I'd bet everything in my possession that if anyone goes behind that couch she throws a temper tantrum, and she knows if anyone has...intruded...there, even if she wasn't present when they did."

"You saw all that?" Mahj'arc's eyes went wide. "A vision? But you didn't touch anything."

"No, not a vision. More like history repeating itself." Annika could see the untapped power within the girl and recognized her behavior as a replica of herself when her gift had started emerging. Her heart ached for her, for Sachee was years younger than she had been.

"I don't understand."

"You see a sullen, unsociable child who is driving you to your wits end." Annika's smile was wistfully sad. "I see a fledgling seer, confused and scared, protecting herself in the only way she knows how."

Both men's jaws dropped open in astonishment.

"That's...that's ridiculous," Mahj'arc spluttered.

Annika tried a different tact. "How was her behavior this morning before you went down to the planet?"

Veta and Mahj'arc exchanged looks.

"She was more unruly than usual. Tipped her juice everywhere, forcing us to change clothes. Dragging her feet, making us very late. Then claimed she was feeling sick..." his voice tapered off. At the time he and his wife had put it down to just another temper tantrum, trying to seek attention. But now with Annika's claim, her actions took on a whole different perspective.

"She was trying to stop you from going down to the planet," Veta had reached the same conclusion.

"I think her gift is just emerging, so she's not having clear visions like you saw me have...at least not yet. It's probably more like 'simple' feelings...feeling good or bad. At least that's how it started for me."

Mahj'arc paled. "That's what she said this morning...not that she was feeling sick, but feeling bad."

"Her rude comments," Annika spoke softly. "Has anyone looked beyond the tone she uses to the truth of her words? Or is she considered rude because she speaks the truth people would rather not hear?"

Still trying to absorb the bombshell Annika had just dropped in their laps, Veta asked a little dazedly, "What's the significance of the sofa space?"

"It's her haven. Her little spot that she has managed to...um...cleanse, most likely subconsciously, that's free from any...residue...of people. She's scared to touch anything or anyone in case she gets another one of those bad feelings she can't explain." Out of the corner of her eye she caught a tiny movement by the door, but she didn't acknowledge it yet. "The vision I had of you, it was like it was thrust into my mind...I think Sachee did that...that she knew it was important that someone understand what was trying to be shown to her...her subconscious cast a net and caught me."

Mahj'arc gave bewildered headshake. "How is that even possible? You must have been light years away."

She recalled her first encounter with an alternate universe, when Casey and Daniel's children had 'hijacked' her astral embodiment bringing her to them. "Oh, I've learned not to underestimate the power of a desperate mind, especially that of a frightened child who is worried for someone they love." Only then did she turn her head to the girl eavesdropping at the door. "Sachee, why don't you join us?"

The girl gave a start at being caught listening and cast a worried glance at her father.

Mahj'arc battled down the shock he was feeling. "It's alright, Sach', come in. Is it true? Did you know that something bad was going to happen to me today?"

Sachee gave a small wary nod as she approached.

"Was it a feeling or did you see it in your mind?" Annika asked gently, patting the cushion beside her. She wasn't really surprised when the girl halted a few feet away from her.

"Both," she admitted. "The picture was all fuzzy and I couldn't see it properly."

"Do you get these feelings all the time?"

"I didn't used to...but now it's getting worse."

"They can be scary, can't they?" Annika could see the wariness still hadn't abated in the girl. "Some of the things I see make me want to scream."

"You see things too?" Sachee's expression was one of disbelief. Her tone held a tinge of hope.

"All the time." Annika nodded with what she hoped was an encouraging smile. "I was a little older than you though when the visions started. I was so scared that I was going crazy because no one else was sensing what I was."

"Me too." Slowly she inched closer to the couch.

"Sachee, you're not going crazy." Annika tried to put as much conviction in her words as she could. "You have a very precious, very rare gift."

"Really?" Sachee was now pressed against the arm of the couch.

All three adults noticed that it had been almost automatic for her to pull the cuff of her long sleeved shirt over her hand so that her bare skin didn't touch the furniture.

"Really." Annika's smile widened. "You're very special."

Sachee returned the smile a little tentatively, but it dropped when her gaze darted to her dad.

Annika frowned, also glancing at the man. Instantly interpreted his aura. "Mahj'arc, wind in the guilt," she said softly. "Sachee, your daddy's not angry at you. He's angry at himself for not realizing what you've been going through."

The man gave a start. "You can feel...see...sense that?" His head rubbernecked between the both of them. "Both of you?"

Annika nodded immediately. Sachee was a hair's breath slower.

"Perhaps it would be better if you show Sachee how much you love her," Annika suggested.

"Of course I love her..."

"Think about it," she interrupted. "Words can be a lie."

"Oh. Right." Still bewildered he concentrated on his love for his eldest child.

Annika carefully studied Sachee's reaction once his aura switched.

The little girl blinked and her eyes became wide as saucers. Her arms wrapped around herself. "I feel it...it's like a big, big cuddle."

Mahj'arc saw the wonder on his daughter's face and he longed to replace her arms with his. His hand started to reach out then he caught himself, his eyes darting to Annika, recalling all that she had said regarding how this mystery ability worked. "Sachee, may I hug you for real?"

Annika felt tears prick her eyes as the little girl barely hesitated to run into the loving arms of her dad. It was quickly followed by another twist of pain to her heart. That hesitant concern that had been reflected in Mahj'arc's eyes, concern that had been for Sachee rather than any worry of what her touch of him would 'reveal' to her, was a replica of Daniel's all those months ago when he had first learned about her ability. Dammit, will every little thing remind me of Daniel and the life I've had to leave behind? She got to her feet. "I have to leave. Now. Can you take me back to my things?"

"What?" Mahj'arc was startled by the abruptness of her decision. "But you haven't had your promised meal yet."

"I've already remained too long in one spot as it is." She began backing out of the room.

"Wait!" Mahj'arc was on his feet in an instant.

"Daddy!" Sachee clung to him, pleading. "Don't let her go! Uncle Veta, please!"

"Can't we convince you to stay?" There was desperation to the father's tone. He had so many questions about his daughter's newfound ability. Needed answers that only the older seer, confident in her own abilities, could give.

"No." Annika shook her head. "It's not safe for me to remain." She wasn't sure her battered heart and resolve could take it.

"I'll offer you a job, name your price."

"Money is not the issue."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that blasphemous statement. What can I do to get you to stay?"

"Nothing. I have to keep moving."

Veta stepped forward though he didn't try to stop her. Searched for a way to verbally convince her to remain. "Lady, you're on a ship that specializes in dodging every kind of law enforcement this side of the galaxy. We are never in the one spot for longer than a day. You're on the run, what better place to hide out than on a ship that no one will admit exists?"

"Please." Mahj'arc didn't care that he was pleading with her. "It's the first time I've seen my daughter smile in months."

Every instinct in Annika was telling her to leave, and yet she found she couldn't deny the desperate plea. Her morals wouldn't let her abandon the little girl struggling with the gift. "I'll stay..." She forestalled the pleased looks that crossed father and daughter's faces by holding up her hand. "But only for a short while. Long enough to help Sachee gain some control over her ability or at least cope with it. My one request, which is not negotiable, is that you two," she gestured to Mahj'arc and Veta, "do not try to delve into my background. I have my reasons for leaving my home and they are nobody's business but my own."

The two men agreed, although Veta was slower with his nod.

"Sachee, for you the rules will be different. Working with you so closely, you are bound to get visions from me no matter what I do to try shield myself. I will explain what I can, but sometimes you're going to have to settle for a simple yes or no answer to confirm you're interpreting it correctly."

Sachee gave an eager nod. "Alright."

The girl was practically bouncing on the spot in excitement; an excitement that was mixed with relief and joy Annika well understood. She'd felt the same when she'd met Katie, the psychic who was the first to truly believe her and believe in her. However, when Sachee reached out to grasp her hand in friendship, Annika took a step back. She saw the girl's confusion and bewildered hurt at the gesture. Immediately she crouched down to Sachee's eye level. "Sachee, it's not what you think." The wariness was beginning to once again cloud the girl's eyes and she hurried on. "The last time I touched a psychic as powerful as you for the first time, the lady and I kind of got zapped as our mental energies collided."

Sachee considered that statement for a moment then cocked her head curiously. "Did it hurt?"

"No, it was just a bit of a surprise." Annika's eyes briefly lifted to the two men who were still bemused by the turn of events. "Today has been full of surprises for your daddy and Uncle Veta, I don't know that they can take much more."

She turned to study her father and honorary uncle then whispered conspiratorially to Annika. "They're tough. They can handle it."

A low chuckle escaped. "Okay, if you think so." Annika held out her hand.

Sachee took a deep breath. Pushing her sleeve clear so her fingers peeked out, she slowly reached out.

The instant their fingers made contact Annika felt the tingle that she had only felt once in her life shoot through her body. Prepared for it this time, rather than pull away as she had done with Casey, Annika folded her fingers around the smaller ones placed so trustingly in her grasp. The two mental energies, one wildly raw, one smoother and more controlled from practice, bounced and entwined like they were sentient beings, acknowledging the kindred power that was so very rare.

Mahj'arc and Veta were slightly in awe of what they were witnessing. They would swear that the air began to crackle with static electricity the moment the two had touched. The two psychics had closed their eyes and yet it was clear there was some kind of communication going on between them. For a few seconds, expressions of the utmost peace and happiness lit up their faces, then with a shared smile they drew apart.

"That was super freaky cool!" Sachee gave a delighted giggle. "Can we do it again?"

"It only happens once," Annika chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm.

"Oh." Sachee nevertheless reached out again in the hope of repeating the experience. She gave a little pout when no more sparks flew, then her expression changed to one of concern. Tentatively Sachee reached up to touch Annika's cheek. "Why are you so sad, Angel?"

Annika felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. For the last few minutes she had shoved aside her own private hell and focused on the distraction of Sachee and her developing gift. Had underestimated the 'strength' of Sachee's talent to break through the mental walls she had erected around herself. She couldn't stop the single tear that leaked out at the endearment. Gently she clasped the little girl's hand and pulled it away before the hot liquid dripped to her fingers. "Please, don't call me that."

"But that's your name, isn't it?" Bafflement creased her face.

She wanted to deny it, self-preservation to keep her identity hidden, even if it was an untraceable endearment. Yet, she knew how important it was for Sachee to know that her psychic radar was spot on. If she denied it, then it would only cause the fledging seer to doubt herself and her gift. "In another life it was." She struggled to hold herself together. Pasting a falsely bright smile on her face. "But I'm starting a new life so it's only fitting to create a new name."

"So what shall we call you?" she asked hesitantly, worried that she had offended her new friend.

"Why don't you think of a name?" Annika kept her hold on Sachee's hand, reassuring her.

"Me?" Eyes widened at the prospect.

"Sure. Why not?" Annika shrugged. "I trust that you'll come up with something suitable."

"I'll have to think about it," she said thoughtfully. "Can't give you any old name."

Veta cleared his throat. "Well, why you're deciding, how about we get our mystery guest settled in a room?"

"Daddy, can she stay in my room?" Sachee turned hopefully to her father. "I have a spare bed."

Mahj'arc caught the slight tensing of the woman's body. "How about we offer the spare room in our suite?" he suggested.

Annika gave him a grateful smile, but she responded to the crestfallen look on Sachee's face. "That sounds perfect. Our rooms should be our own private space. Like your little corner behind the couch."

Sachee seemed to accept that reasoning and she nodded with an eager grin.

Mahj'arc ruffled his daughter's hair. "Why don't we gather the belongings of 'she who has no name'," he gave Annika a teasing smile, though his eyes were filled with gratitude, "while Uncle Veta shows her the room?"

Another nod and Sachee was practically dragging her dad out of the room in excitement.

Veta watched father and daughter leave, astounded by the seemingly instantaneous change in the child he considered family. "Careful, I sense the makings of some serious hero worship brewing." Out of the corner of his eye he saw the psychic's head dip down.

"I'm no hero," she said softly. "Sachee's just happy to find someone who understands what she's going through."

"Who's talking about Sachee?" Veta turned to her sincerely. "Psychic tricks aside, you saved more than Mahj'arc's life today. You healed the rift between father and daughter."

"It was nice to be able to help."

The burly man didn't need to be psychic to know there was more to that quiet comment than he could ever hope to understand. He wouldn't probe. He'd simply observe and remember every little thing she let slip. Eventually he would solve the puzzle of the alien woman, who in less than a few hours had already changed the lives of those around her for the better. Vowed that somehow he'd return the favor. He started to head out of the room, motioning for her to follow. "Well, Mystery Lady, I don't know what star you flew in on, but I'm glad you landed here."

Annika didn't respond, just walked alongside, as he turned right, away from the lounging area to what were the crew quarters. The main corridor branched off to the regular rooms but he continued on to the very end. Using the pyramid ring he opened the door to reveal a large circular suite with eight closed doors. Striding across the room he gestured to the first two doors on the left. "Those are mine." Flapped his hand to the right. "Mahj'arc and Rinnie's room. Mahj'arc's other two kids, Nessa’s and Gardin's rooms, and Sachee's room. The other room is a study for Rinnie." He led her to the room next to his. "And this will be yours for as long as you want to stay." He opened the door to reveal a large bedroom.

The stark silver of the walls was muted by soft aqua and blue furnishings, but what captivated Annika was the large window giving a perfect view of the stars outside. "Thank you." She paused on the threshold, judging the thickness of the walls. "Don't suppose the walls here are soundproof?"

"They are to a degree." There was a teasing quirk to his lips. "Why? You planning on having rambunctious parties? Normally they're held on level two."

Annika's smile was an automatic response to lighthearted quip but it soon faltered. "No. I suffer from nightmares. Bad ones."

A A A

SG-1 was gathered on and around the couch reading the journal Daniel had discovered. For a long while there was only the sound of pages turning.

After the last week, Daniel didn't think that it was possible for him to feel any worse, any more lost, than he had been. He was wrong. The more he read of his wife's private thoughts the more sickened and horrified and angry he became. And those were only the emotions skimming the surface. There were others that his stunned mind couldn't comprehend yet.

"Wait, Daniel, go back a moment." Keelah was leaning over the back of the couch, studying the entries over his shoulder.

Daniel flicked back. "To here?"

Keelah nodded, scanning the page for what had nagged at her. Pointed to one sentence. "It could be that she was...emotional...when she wrote that, but it looks like her handwriting changed."

Four heads peered closer for a better look.

"You're right," Daniel said softly, inwardly cursing for not seeing such an obvious difference before. He turned the page to further down that entry. "Here it is again." Flicked more pages. "And again, and again. And each one puts a negative spin on what she was thinking...here..." he paused on one particular page.

Now that the anomaly had been pointed out, the phrases in the altered handwriting seemed to jump off the page… Does that mean the nightmares have now become visions?... which makes the nightmare aura real… Or rather someone. Me… He'll think I'm crazy. Maybe I am… I need to leave… Another shudder ran through Daniel at that last phrase. His heart becoming heavier, he silently turned the page to the next entry, eyes searching for more of the changed script, dreading what he’d find.

Sam gave her head a shake in bewilderment. "Something is manipulating her. Taking an innocent thought or incident and twisting it. And whatever it is, it's doing it so subtly that she thinks those thoughts are her own."

Daniel nodded, flicking to the end pages. "The last entries are almost entirely in her handwriting. It didn't even have to nudge her thoughts anymore, she completely believes in what she's written."

As soon as those realizations were voiced Sam felt a strange sensation. "Whoa. Did anyone else feel that?"

For a moment there was only silence, then Teal'c spoke. "My eyesight just became clearer."

"Like a veil being lifted," Daniel murmured. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Keelah nod in agreement.

"Crap!" Jack thumped the arm of the couch. "Were we being messed with too?"

Daniel cast a pleading, guilt-ridden look to his friend. "Jack-"

"We'll take this to Hammond now." Jack was already on his feet. "Go over everything again with literally fresh eyes."

In less than two minutes the five of them were on their way to the base. Sam made a quick call to Hammond requesting an immediate meeting, and then rang Daniel's phone, hitting the speaker button to continue hashing out their theories while they drove.

Daniel flashed a smile from his place in the back of Teal'c's SUV to the pickup behind them.

"I think," Sam began, "whatever effects we experienced were due to our proximity to Annika...like a residual effect. It kept us from asking questions, from noticing the signs." She pushed down the thought that was skirting the edges of her mind. It was a sound theory; it was more than a grasp at hope that they also had been manipulated. Because if they hadn't been, what kind of friend did that make her...and not just her, all of the team...for not seeing, not even having a smidgen of a clue of the torment Annika was going through?

"Which would have only added to Annika's fears that she was going crazy." Keelah twisted sideways in the front passenger seat so that she could see both Daniel and Teal'c.

Teal'c finished the thought. "And because we have not been near her for a week, the hold the entity had over us has waned."

Daniel glanced down at the journal clutched in his hand. His mind agreed with the logic, yet his heart snarled at the cop out. How could he have missed this? Had he been using their bond as a crutch? Had he relied on it to the point that he'd missed the physical and visual signs of what she was going through?

"Daniel." Jack was watching his best friend as he drove. Recognized the signs of guilt tormenting him. "If we've been mind-fucked this is not your fault." From the corner of his eye he saw the same mix of self-reproach and guilt sitting heavily on Sam. Didn't need to see Teal'c's face to know he was battling the same demon because Jack was feeling it too. "This is not our fault."

Blue eyes stared back at him through the backseat window. The archaeologist didn't say anything, didn't need too.

Jack heaved a sigh. "Yeah, I know. Doesn't help saying it." At the silence that greeted him from all sides he voiced what they were all thinking to varying degrees. "We screwed up, should have known something was wrong." And voicing that didn't help any either.

Daniel's grip tightened on the journal. "Annika knew. It just wouldn't let her say it aloud." His earlier thought about their bond nagged at him. He should have picked up something, anything, from their link... He blinked as recognition hit. He hadn't felt anything through their bond because the feelings so heartbreakingly expressed in the journal weren't real. Their bond was a true reflection of both hers and his true feelings. The journal emotions were an illusion that whatever 'it' was had convinced her mind was real. It was a small consolation and did nothing to ease the guilt that he was feeling.

He turned to the last entry, the day before she had run.

His finger traced over the final words. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "My Angel, what hell are you going through?"

There was a small bump disturbing the flatness of the page. Daniel flicked through the pages looking for the source. Tucked in the sleeve of the leather covering was one of the modified memory devices. He held the disc gingerly. Instinct told him that the vision stored within was the 'proof' Annika had written about in that last entry. Fought down the sick feeling of fear of what it would reveal. Though he wanted to activate it now he refrained. Out in public as they were, there were too many civilians on the streets and in passing cars to risk them seeing the hologram. He held it up showing Jack and Sam. "Found one of the missing memory devices."

Jack gave a nod. "We'll play it when we get down below."

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