He isn't the last person on Earth he'd have expected Baal to contact when he's in trouble – there's more than six billion others that are even less likely – but it's still a surprise. Baal seems to realise this, and stares at him unblinkingly, something mocking in his expression even though he's shaking with the effort required just to sit upright on the couch. "Neutral party," Baal explains, tersely and without the courtesy of awaiting the question before answering it. He always did like to appear omniscient. "Relatively speaking, of cou..." His voice peters out, and Paul can't help but be surprised. The Goa'uld hate to show weakness, no matter how much pain they're in. It's a survival trait bred into them at the most basic level.

Paul's hand – the one not holding a gun - is already heading for his mobile, for the SGC number he's got on speed dial.

"Wait, no – don't."