Title: The Hunting Fields
Date: December 23, 1999
Status: Complete
Author: Jmas
Category: drama, angst, h/c…various other things….
Rating: PG-13 for language
Email: jjmasg1@bellsouth.net
Archive: Stargate Fan, Heliopolis, Belle, Place of Our Legacy
Disclaimer: Characters are property of MGM, etc.
Spoilers: Most every ep to date
Summary: A piece of writing found in modern in Egypt leads
the team to a far off world to settle an old debt
Author's note: This began with the title, all else followed....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 1
It was a world...as similar and as different as the dozens
of other worlds they had visited through the Stargate. The
desert sands, the scruffy trees, the monumental ruins themselves
could belong to countless other planets they had come across
in the past few years.
The only difference was...this world was Earth.
Dr. Daniel Jackson smiled to himself there in the bright sunlight,
wondering when his perceptions had so changed that his so-called
home world would become one of many, no longer the singular
miracle it had once seemed. Daniel felt a vague sense of gratitude
that he alone in this academic grouping truly understood how
close Earth had come to sharing the fate of many of those other
worlds on the other side of the 'gate.
Daniel could see his companion and team leader, Colonel Jack
O'Neill, standing at the back of the small crowd, trying unsuccessfully
not to look bored by all the hoopla centered around the discovery
of an unknown, at least in the experience of the archeological
community of Earth, example of ancient writing. Daniel knew
that his friend was more than a little intolerant of the bluff
and bluster surrounding them, especially considering the fact
that Daniel had been forced to come here under an assumed persona,
complete with the necessity to speak a foreign language, because
two of the men involved in the discovery had also been instrumental
in getting Daniel discredited among his peers nearly four years
ago.
Daniel had followed the discovery of the writing through television
and Internet reports, and had shamelessly used his unique status
as a valued member of Stargate Command to gain access to reports
less public. After scrutinizing photographs for several days...and
nights...Daniel had confirmed his initial impressions that
the writing was Goa'uld in origin. Again Daniel found himself
in the unique position of being the only living expert on Earth
when it came to the language of Earth's greatest enemies, another
fact that could never become generally known.
Jack had, quite surprisingly, supported Daniel's decision
to come to Egypt; had initiated it in fact, by insisting to
General Hammond that Daniel had to get a firsthand
look at the writings. General Hammond hadn't so much as questioned
Jack's request, personally seeing to the necessary arrangements,
providing the necessary clearances and identities required
to get Daniel into this elite gathering.
Daniel was still a little dazed by it all; it had taken some
very upper-level maneuvering to get him here, and he couldn't
entirely comprehend exactly how he had managed to earn such
trust.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
From his vantage point at the back of the group of stuffed
shirts, Jack could make an educated guess concerning the thoughts
behind his friend's expression. He knew Daniel well enough
by now to know that he would probably never fully comprehend
how valuable he was to SGC; it simply wasn't in the younger
man's character to conceive of his multitude of talents and
contributions, not to mention his intrinsic courage and commitment,
as worthy of any extraordinary merit. Thanks to the denigration
of his former peers, among other things, Jack knew that Daniel
found it difficult to accept the admiration and respect of
his new peers. Jack was more than a little relieved that, over
time, and at least with them, Daniel had come out of that reticence
to a very large extent.
Jack couldn't read his friend's expression as clearly as he
would have liked, partly due to the beard Daniel had grown
as part of this new persona provided by the CIA...along with
the blessings of the real Cultural Attaché to the Canadian
government. Jack had teased the younger man mercilessly about
the new look, but had to admit that with the shorter hair and
the beard the man he'd traveled here with bore little resemblance
to the shaggy, and hopelessly geeky, scientist he'd met nearly
four years ago.
Daniel had grown, and Jack knew it wasn't just a matter of
getting older. Life had taught his friend more than a few hard
lessons, and Daniel was a very apt pupil. Jack knew that a
lot of the credit for his team's strength rested on Daniel's
shoulders; although Daniel, in his usual self-effacing way,
would never fully grasp how vital his presence had become to
the team. Jack remembered once referring to Daniel as the voice
and conscience of SG1 and that hadn't changed, but the intervening
years had brought with them the realization that Daniel was
also the empathetic soul of their group; always taking that
extra step, always offering the hand of friendship, always
feeling the successes and the losses with such an unrestrained
depth that Jack often wondered how Daniel could function so
effectively and still maintain an even keel.
Watching Daniel as he listened intently to the posturing windbag
who'd found the writing they'd come here to see--one of the
two who could possibly recognize Daniel, Jack realized that
even without the extra precautions these men would never see
the long-haired theorist they'd laughed off the stage so long
ago.
That man no longer existed.
<><><><><><><><><>
Watching his former colleague at the makeshift podium, Daniel
couldn't help but feel a twinge of impatience at the stodgy
man's self-important speech. Association with a certain Air
Force Colonel had rubbed off on Daniel to the extent that he
found the academic blustering of his former peers designed
more to foster that same self-importance than to advance knowledge.
Association with SGC and all the wonders he'd encountered in
his time there had taught Daniel that increasing knowledge
was the only true motivation; something he'd always
known, but had rarely been allowed to exercise in academia.
Finally, it seemed like the speaker was winding down and they
would get their first look at the wall that contained the writing.
Daniel felt rather than saw Jack fall into step beside him
as they moved into the dig site. A portion of Daniel's brain
randomly and automatically deciphered the purely Earth-bound
hieroglyphs they passed; it had become second nature to Daniel
to interpret things on the fly and he'd had more than a little
practice at it. As the small group finally arrived at the central
chamber, a sheet that had been dramatically draped over the
opposite wall was dropped.
Daniel felt his jaw drop a little and was aware of Jack's
eyes watching him behind the ever-present sunglasses. Long
acquaintance with Jack's protective nature had taught Daniel
to expect, and occasionally even welcome, the vigilance Jack
extended toward those he considered his family--SG1. Although
at times Daniel found this particular tendency to be a bit
stifling, he had adjusted to it; coming to accept that he rather
enjoyed the feeling of belonging. Daniel shook his head, acknowledging
his friend's worried expression, but Daniel knew that this
was neither the time nor the place for him to share with Jack
the fact that they were all in very deep trouble.
Chapter 2
Jack had known they couldn't be lucky enough to get away from
the dig site without incident; he'd been right. He'd no sooner
seen that light of discovery and impending trouble appear in
Daniel's eyes than he heard a voice behind him.
"Professeur Paquette?"
Luckily Daniel wasn't so deeply in thought as to forget his
assumed name, but even as his friend turned to confront the
speaker Jack knew from Daniel's expression just who it had
to be. The posturing windbag. The one who knew Daniel from
before.
"Oui?" Daniel's attitude changed instantly into
one of bored disinterest. The posturing windbag...Jack couldn't
remember his name.... obviously expected Professor Michel Paquette,
Cultural Attaché to the Canadian government, to recognize
him. Jack didn't know much French, just enough to order a drink
and to tell if he was being insulted, but it was obvious that
Daniel wasn't giving the self-important archeologist much ground.
"Et vous êtes?"
"Jonathan Rosenthal. J'étais un des premiers à decouvrir
le nouvel système d'écriture."
Jack had heard enough French to recognize the fact
that Rosenthal spoke it badly. Daniel's expression grew ever
more detached.
"Et puis...?"
Rosenthal looked flustered, "Votre reputaton vous precède,
monsieur. Je voulais savoir si vous avez eu des impressions
au sujet de la présentation?"
"Ma impression, monsieur, est que vous n'avez aucune
idée de que vous avez ici et selon toute probabilité,
vous ne sera jamais."
Jack nearly laughed as whatever Daniel said caused Rosenthal
to go red, literally and figuratively.
"Et je suppose que vous le savez?" The man's tone
was indignant. Daniel gave him a long hard look. In Jack's
opinion they were treading on very shaky ground here, Rosenthal
could put two and two together at any moment...but Daniel was
obviously throwing himself into his role, and Jack trusted
the younger man not to push things too far.
"Plus qu'un cul ignare comme vous-même irez avoir
jamais." With those final words, Daniel turned on his
heels motioning with an imperious hand for Jack to follow.
Jack looked at the deflated...angry...windbag for a moment. "He
gets that way..."
Jack trotted after Daniel, playing the good sycophant, and
asked, "What did you just say to him?" Actually,
Jack was pretty sure that at least one of the words involved
a body part...or a barn animal.
Daniel just shook his head, smiling just a little "The
truth. He doesn't know what he's got here...and he never will."
Daniel kept walking, leaving Jack confused...and with little
choice but to follow.
By the time they reached the hotel, Jack had given up trying
to get Daniel to reveal what had been said at the dig site.
It was obvious Daniel had already put it out of his mind in
favor of something more important.... the writing. As they
packed and made their way to the airport, Daniel remained stubbornly
silent and distracted. Jack maneuvered his friend through customs
and onto the plane with the ease of long practice with Daniel's
focused concentration, but Jack had very nearly exhausted his
limited supply of patience waiting for Daniel to reveal whatever
it was that had caused his face to drain of color and the pupils
of his unusual blue eyes to dilate to near total blackness.
But Jack had learned to read Daniel's eyes the hard way, through
life and death experiences, and infinitely painful situations.
Jack had learned all he needed to know about his friend by
watching those eyes, and right now Daniel's eyes were telling
Jack that something big was coming...something bad. And that
same long experience had taught him that pushing Daniel wasn't
going to bring answers any faster.
Daniel was staring blankly through the window of the small
jet that Hammond had commandeered for their use, part of the
cover story designed to lend authenticity to Daniel's assumed
credentials. But even now, thousands of feet above the ocean,
Daniel refused to talk about what he'd read on that wall and
Jack knew that nothing he could say would force Daniel to speak
until he was ready.
Jack pulled out a couple of the prepared meals the pilot had
stowed in the cabin for them and watched Daniel pick absently
at his food; his friend's body was present, but his mind? It
sure wasn't on the clouds passing by the window. Jack knew
very well that Daniel wasn't even seeing the clouds; Daniel's
mind was hard at work, churning over whatever he'd learned
in Egypt...and what it meant for all of them. Daniel never stopped thinking.
By some means inaccessible to most of them, Daniel processed
information on multiple levels and arrived at conclusions that,
more often than not, proved correct...and to Jack that was
the bottom line.
Daniel finally fell asleep, still looking out of the window,
and Jack draped his coat over the younger man. As he settled
in to get some sleep himself, Jack realized that the past few
months since Sha'uri died had been particularly difficult for
Daniel, and it didn't look like things were going to be improving
much in the near future.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Daniel was dreaming...
// A desert landscape stretched before him, the heat rising
in distorting waves. Amidst the shimmering horizon, a figure
approached. As Daniel watched the figure came closer, coalescing
into features both familiar and alien. Ra. But, somehow,
not. The too perfect features softened and sympathetic, as
they had never been in life. The not-Ra came closer; smiling
in an expression that was almost kind and handed Daniel a
scroll. As Daniel unrolled the parchment, he realized it
was written in Goa'uld, a warning, just like the one he'd
read on the wall. When Daniel looked up the image of Ra was
gone. As Daniel started to read the words again, the scroll
ignited in his hands.... //
Daniel woke up suddenly; biting off the outcry that almost
escaped his lips. He sat up in the darkened cabin, trying to
control his shaky breathing. Jack was apparently undisturbed
on the lounge a few feet away; the worry lines from earlier
still etched on his face. Daniel laughed at the sudden thought
that while he couldn't stop thinking in his sleep, Jack couldn't
stop worrying.
Daniel knew in his heart that both of them would be getting
a lot of practice at those particular idiosyncrasies in the
very near future.
Jack had awakened instantly when Daniel had come awake, the
stifled gasp had been more than enough to alert the older man.
Jack had observed over time that Daniel had multiple levels
of dreams: the come-awake-screaming kind that required steady,
and sometimes forcible grounding to reality; the take-a-few-minutes-to-ground-himself
kind that usually didn't require more than a steady presence
and a little talking afterward; the get-up-and-move kind that
generally just needed them to keep him from getting lost in
the dark while his mind cleared, and then there were the too-hard-to-talk-about-so-don't-even-ask
kind of dreams that Jack had yet to find a way to help his
friend through. Jack realized this was the get-up-and-move
kind as he heard Daniel rise and start pacing the small cabin.
If this problem was invading Daniel's dreams, then Jack knew
it, whatever it was, was worse than he'd originally
thought. He only hoped that when it did come, they would be
ready.
Chapter 3
Major Samantha Carter knew something was up with her teammate
from the moment Daniel stepped out of the elevator at the bottom
of Cheyenne Mountain. Sam was almost as adept at reading Daniel's
expressions as the colonel was. The tight-lipped intensity
combined with Daniel's reluctance to look any of them directly
in the eye told her that the young scientist was onto something
big.
Daniel had walked into the SGC, snagged Teal'c with a distracted
wave of his hand and disappeared within his lab. Sam had turned
to look at the colonel, but received only a minimal head shake
which told her that the colonel was as much in the dark as
she was.
Sam had tried to stay away, but after twelve hours without
so much as a trace of Daniel or Teal'c, she'd had enough. If
Daniel wasn't coming out, she was going in. Stopping by the
mess hall along the way she grabbed a bag of sandwiches and
some juice. Daniel seemed to live under the illusion that coffee
and candy constituted an acceptable diet. As she approached
Daniel's door, Sam wasn't entirely surprised to see the colonel
approaching from the opposite direction, pizza box in hand.
They stopped, each taking note of what the other was carrying
and laughed ruefully.
Over time the pattern of taking care of Daniel's physical
needs when that incredibly focused brain took over to the exclusion
of all other thoughts had been established early on. They all
had a tendency to be rather over-protective of the youngest
member of their team, and it certainly wasn't something that
Daniel fostered or encouraged; the scientist was almost compulsively
self-reliant. There was just something about him that inspired
them to look out for him, something beyond maternal...or paternal
in the colonel and Teal'c's case...something beyond friendship,
something deeper and more instinctive. Sam had long given up
trying to analyze it, accepting it as just another characteristic
of her second family...a characteristic that had grown even
stronger since the death of Daniel's wife. They were
his only family now.
Sam met the colonel at the lab door and started to knock when
the colonel stopped her with a headshake. It was better to
surprise Daniel at times like this; if they weren't invited
in the first place, Daniel couldn't very well throw them out...
The colonel opened the door quietly and they were both a little
surprised to see Teal'c motioning for them to remain silent.
There amid stacks of books and papers was Daniel, head bowed
over crossed arms...asleep.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Teal'c had been watching his young friend sleep for quite
some time. It still weighed heavily on the Jaffa's mind that
he had been the one who had been forced to kill Daniel Jackson's
wife in order to save the young man's life. Although Daniel
Jackson had spoken the words of forgiveness and had continued
to treat Teal'c in the same accepting manner, Teal'c had yet
to forgive himself and found himself analyzing Daniel Jackson's
every word and action in the light of his own self-recrimination.
Not once, but twice he had been instrumental in separating
the Daniel Jackson from the woman he loved...it was a fact
that Teal'c found extremely difficult to reconcile within his
own mind...
Teal'c had been more than a little pleased when Daniel Jackson
had enlisted his help in this new translation. For hours he
had watched Daniel Jackson work tirelessly, double-checking
and refining the words that so disturbed them both. Gradually,
Teal'c had watched the young scholar's energy flag. Teal'c
had continued speaking on the subject they were discussing,
carefully modulating his voice in a way he knew to be soothing.
He'd been rewarded by the slow dip of the scientist's head
finally coming to rest on his arms and the deepening of his
breath into sleep. For some strange, unfathomable reason, Teal'c
felt extremely gratified to have been able to perform this
small service for the young man he'd caused so much pain. It
was a small measure of payment towards the much greater debt
Teal'c still felt he owed.
When Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter entered the small lab,
food in hand, Teal'c had only been surprised that it had taken
them so long to come. O'Neill had looked duly impressed and
settled on the small sofa to wait. They all knew that Daniel
Jackson wouldn't allow his mind to rest for long.
Within a few minutes of the others' arrival, Daniel Jackson
stirred and woke with a start...looking around as if unsure
of his location. He came to awareness quickly, taking in the
fact that he had new 'guests'.
"Teal'c? How long...?" He asked in confusion.
"A matter of only minutes," Teal'c found himself
replying evenly, cringing inwardly at the 'white lie' he had
just told with impunity. Any length of time under an hour could be
described as minutes...
<><><><><><><>
Daniel looked around the small room at the concerned faces
of his closest friends. He had been acutely aware of their
increased protectiveness toward him since Sha'uri's death,
subtlety was *not* a strong suit for any of them. Part of him
was slightly irritated that they felt he needed taking care
of, while the other, more honest, part of him recognized that
just now he did...
It had been a long hard road to finding Sha'uri, a road filled
with heartache and pain; but also a road which had brought
him to this new family...an odd mix of people he had come to
recognize were very important to him, in a lot of ways.
They had been there for him through the long search, the close
calls and the final, tragic ending...and he'd been more than
a little glad that they were.
Tomorrow it would fall to him to be the one to tell them that
possibly the worst trial they'd ever faced was coming, but
tonight...just for a few hours...he wanted to be with his family.
Chapter 4
As SG1 waited for General Hammond's arrival in the briefing
room, Jack found himself growing more concerned by the moment.
Teal'c had taken on a much more restrained version of Daniel's
disturbed expression, an expression that had gotten worse rather
than better since their return. It was bad enough that Daniel
was acting so nervous, but if this thing was bad enough to
also upset Teal'c, then Jack knew they were in serious trouble.
None of them had gotten any sleep; Daniel had seemed to need
their company, a rare enough occurrence in itself, and had
made an effort to put aside the worried distraction that had
plagued him since Egypt. Daniel had seemed to simply enjoy
their company and that, more than anything else, had caused
Jack to worry. He hadn't missed Daniel's tenseness, and the
way the younger man had merely picked at the food they'd brought.
Jack knew beyond question that Daniel had been putting on a
front for them...trying to deny the problem they were about
to discover for as long as possible.
Jack noted that Daniel had fallen back into that studious
avoidance of direct eye contact and realized the young linguist
was trying to steady himself before the revelation of what
he and Teal'c had learned. Jack could see that Daniel either
expected an argument...or he expected not to be believed.
General Hammond arrived and moved quickly to his seat, looking
expectantly at Daniel, "Doctor Jackson?"
Daniel took a deep breath and stole a steadying glance at
Teal'c before starting into a brief history of Ra; outlining
the timeline of Ra's history on Earth and the approximate time
he was believed to have been 'cut off' by the ancient Egyptians
when they buried the Stargate.
Jack tried to restrain his impatience, he knew that Daniel
had to get to his point in his own unique, roundabout way,
but Jack's strongest suit...and possibly his greatest failing...was
his strong desire to get to the bottom line, to find out the
problem so he could start working on a solution. Sometimes
though, in his haste to get to that bottom line, Jack knew
he missed the finer points, the often important details, that
later proved to be key to a resolution. He really was trying
to work on that...
In this case, Jack's answer came more quickly than he expected...
<><><><><><><><><>
Daniel took a deep breath, sensing Jack's impatience and concern.
Daniel knew he was right...he just hoped his friends
and commander would see this as the very real threat that it
was.
Daniel licked dry lips before continuing, " Millennia
ago Ra made a bargain with the Pal'noor," he began, "a
race of very aggressive aliens who live in another galaxy...we
have the 'gate coordinates and astrophysics is working on the
exact location. They're feudal, from what I've been able to
gather, even more so than the Goa'uld."
Teal'c was nodding, " I have heard them spoken of many
times. It is very important to the System Lords to remain on
good terms with the Pal'noor, although I am unsure of the reason
why this is so."
Daniel nodded in agreement, "Anyway, Ra made some sort
of 'deal' with them...I don't know the details, it wasn't explained
in the writing...but payment is due...within three weeks."
Daniel waited for the reaction he had been expecting, but
it never came...They believed him. Hammond looked concerned,
Jack alarmed, Sam fascinated, but none of them looked at the
young linguist in disbelief. Jack was the first to speak; "Do
you think they know that Ra...um...kicked it?"
Daniel shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know, considering
the distance factor...it's possible, but...."
"We can't count on it, " Sam completed the thought.
Hammond was holding up a hand, "Was there any other information
given in the writing?"
Daniel nodded, looking once again at Teal'c, "Teal'c
and I both are sure there is a reference to a message to be
sent through the Stargate...outlining terms...And it should
come through in...um, two days. I need to get back to work
on the rest of the translation, try to get more details."
"All right then, Dr. Jackson." Hammond hesitated
before continuing, "I know that you and Teal'c have been
working on this non-stop since your return; I want you to take
twelve hours and rest...."
Daniel started to protest, but Jack cut him off. "Daniel.
Rest, then get back on it. When this message comes through,
we're all going to have to be at our best to figure out a plan."
Daniel started to open his mouth to protest once more, but
found himself looking at Jack's raised hand. Argument over.
Jack smiled suddenly, "And while you're at it, shave
off that beard...it really isn't you."
As Daniel got up to leave, his friends directly behind him,
he realized that Jack had said when...not if...the
message came through....
Daniel smiled; ducking his head quickly to hide the gratitude
he knew was showing in his eyes.
<><><><><><><><>
General George Hammond was concerned. He'd learned the hard
way to trust his lead linguist/archeologist/anthropologist.
Too many times they'd all dismissed Jackson's theories out
of hand, only to have that lack of trust thrown back in their
faces...often at a very large price. Hammond hadn't gotten
as far as he had in the military by repeating mistakes too
often. They were quite likely in very deep trouble here...
Hammond hadn't over-looked the frown on the young man's face...Jackson
hadn't really expected to be believed. But somewhere under
the reticence that Jackson had developed in the past couple
of years there was still something of the idealistic maverick...a
shadow of the passionate sureness that had always seemed so
much a part of Jackson. A part it had taken Hammond a long
time to get used to, but he would admit, if only to himself,
that it was a part he sometimes missed seeing more often.
Hammond dreaded what he had to do now. As dedicated as he
was to his work with the SGC, it just seemed sometimes that
he was always picking up the red phone on his desk to deliver
more bad news....
<><><><><>
Jack knew where he'd find Daniel.
Ever since Sha'uri had died, Daniel had gotten into the habit
of disappearing up to the mountaintop. Long stretches when
they were confined to base, or sometimes when things just got
too real, Jack would find him up there. Sometimes
Daniel would welcome his friend's solid presence and sometimes
he'd wave Jack away, asking to be left alone. Tonight, he didn't
wave so Jack moved forward to join Daniel under the trees.
Daniel looked over, nodding to Jack...a welcome, an acknowledgment
...something deep and unspoken...
Jack didn't need to ask whether Daniel had gotten any sleep;
Jack had never been one to waste words on questions with obvious
answers. At least Daniel had showered and shaved that damnable
beard off. Daniel was looking at him with a mix of curiosity
and dread. Jack knew his friend expected Jack to yell at him
for being up here when he should be asleep, but Jack couldn't
find it in him to yell at Daniel right now. The curiosity,
though, that Jack couldn't quite fathom.
"What?"
Daniel shook his head, "Nothing...."
Jack just looked at him.
Daniel smiled that same slight smile Jack had seen as they
left the briefing room earlier. "Just...thanks..."
Jack wasn't entirely sure just what Daniel was thanking him
for, but... "Anytime."
Chapter 5
Teal'c watched his friends closely. They had gathered together
in the control room to await the message that he and Daniel
were certain would come this day. That had been nine hours
ago. Teal'c had watched their mood go from anticipatory to
concerned, and had begun to observe the shadows of defeat in
the eyes of Daniel Jackson. Not long ago it would have taken
much more than this to put those shadows there. Teal'c was
sure that Major Carter and O'Neill had noticed this as well,
and shared his grief at the changes that had come over the
younger man.
Daniel Jackson was sitting apart from them, his eyes staring
blankly through the observation window, lost in thoughts that
they could only begin to guess at. Teal'c feared that if this
message did not arrive, Daniel Jackson would slip further away
from them, down the long path of self-doubt and self-recrimination
that had so recently begun to plague him. Teal'c privately
felt that this new aspect of their usually, and sometimes nearly
fatally, optimistic friend was a direct result of his failure
to rescue his wife.
For all his own assumed guilt over the events surrounding
Sha'uri's death, Teal'c was certain that Daniel Jackson's perceptions
were as much or more clouded by his own failure than the fact
that Teal'c had killed her...
<><><><><><>
Sam tried to carry on as if this were a normal day, as if
they were waiting for UAV or MALP results and not waiting to
see if the fate of Earth itself would hang in the balance by
day's end, but it was getting more difficult with each passing
moment....
The colonel was ostensibly oblivious to all the tension in
the room, but Sam knew better. The small hand movements and
the not-so-subtle glances at Daniel told her that. Teal'c was
also studying the young scientist with an intensity that gave
Sam a very good clue as to where the Jaffa's thoughts were
traveling. And Daniel...was worried. Sam could see the white
knuckles as Daniel's hands clenched again and again as his
head rested on his crossed arms. Daniel was right, they all
knew it. It seemed like the only one who doubted it, or doubted
himself, was Daniel.
Sam had a bitter flashback to the events surrounding Apophis'
attempted attack on Earth; none of them had truly believed
Daniel then when he'd tried to convince them that an attack
was coming. In the end it had been Daniel's own conviction
and persuasiveness that had gotten them to go through that
gate. Sam wondered to herself why they hadn't learned their
lesson then when it came to believing in Daniel. But it had
taken Machello's machines to finally teach them that, and they
had resolved as a group to never allow that sort of thing to
happen again...and then came the thing about the child...the
Harseisis. Sam was inclined to believe it; she'd recognized
the word from Jolinar's memories as soon as he'd spoken it.
How else could Daniel have known about the things the Harseisis
might know? But the colonel...well, they still had a long way
to go.
For all that might come as a result, Sam wished the message
would come through...and soon.
<><><><><><>
Jack knew what Daniel was thinking. He knew the doubt, the
frustration, the need...that drove Daniel on the best of days.
And lately Daniel hadn't been having very many of his *best*
days. Daniel was a thinker...pure and simple...and beyond that
particular talent and all it encompassed, he was a very insecure
young man. For all they'd been through together, for all the
many ways that Daniel had repeatedly proven himself...that
was Jack's bottom-line analysis of his best friend.
For now, Daniel was back in shutout mode...and Jack hated
seeing the younger man torture himself that way. He believed
Daniel, more importantly...he believed in Daniel.
Sam, Teal'c, even Hammond believed Daniel. Why couldn't Daniel...?
Even as he thought it, Jack knew the answer, and berated himself
once again for being the cause of it. It had been such a little
thing at the time, Daniel had finally told them about Sha'uri's
message...Jack had wanted to believe it, tried to believe it,
but his doubting nature had gotten the better of him and he'd
let that disbelief show....
Jack just wanted to get to the part of this that would let
them take action, waiting was a long way from being his strong
suit. Whatever was going to happen...he wanted it to be now,
if only to take that frown off Daniel's face....
As Jack watched, he saw Daniel's eyes close. Jack knew that,
despite orders, Daniel hadn't gotten more than a few hours
of troubled sleep in nearly a week. His friend was exhausted;
mentally, physically and emotionally...and when this all came
to a head, that was *not* the condition he wanted his team
scientist to be in....
The incoming wormhole alert sounded then and Daniel's head
snapped up, his eyes blinking blearily at Sergeant Harriman,
the technician on duty at the central computer. Harriman looked
over at Daniel directly. "Incoming wormhole...." The
pause seemed to linger endlessly. "Unknown origin. Transmission
coming through...."
As all the others gathered around Harriman, Jack was the only
one to see the pained relief on Daniel's face and to hear the
immense sigh he released before going to join the rest of them.
Chapter 6
Sergeant Harriman looked at Doctor Jackson in triumph and
was rewarded by one of the slight, shy smiles that all of the
support staff strived to receive from the brilliant scientist.
It wasn't any one particular thing that made them all so eager
to please their favorite civilian SG team member; it was a
lot of things. They all knew how difficult things had been
for Dr. Jackson and they certainly knew that he'd recently
lost the wife he'd searched so long for, but it wasn't sympathy
they felt for him.
Harriman knew very well that Dr. Jackson was held in a certain
amount of awe among the staff. While most of them were military,
they were also largely technically oriented and often regarded
as invisible by the field officers, but never by Dr. Jackson.
He knew them all by name, took the time to thank them, took
the time to *see* them in ways the others didn't. And in return
they took it upon themselves to take care of him...sometimes
in ways as simple as making sure he had a fresh supply of pencils
so he wouldn't have to ask.
For all of his brilliance, Dr. Jackson always treated them
as equals. The man almost died saving the planet,
for goodness sake, and two days later he was asking after Simmons'
sick mother. In Harriman's estimation the SGC was darn lucky
to have Dr. Jackson and it pained him to see the sad shadows
in the young scientist's tired eyes.
Harriman looked at Dr. Jackson again and could see his lips
moving silently as his mind automatically started translating
the message as it came through. Harriman passed over a pen
and pad, and received another...albeit slightly distracted...smile.
Whatever this message meant, Harriman was sure that Dr. Jackson
and SG1 would take care of it. They always did.
<><><><><><><><><>
Teal'c had not been surprised when Daniel Jackson had requested
his presence for another round of translation. Transcribing
the spoken Goa'uld from the audiotape had been a tedious task.
Interference had blurred the words in many places, and completely
obliterated them in others. By transcribing what they could
make out and going back to fill in the blanks, they were fairly
certain that they had come as close as was possible to an accurate
translation.
They had worked well into the night and Teal'c found himself
growing more and more concerned about Daniel Jackson. The young
scholar had always been the sort of person to focus on a task
to the exclusion of all else, but Teal'c could see that this
time it was different. Daniel Jackson was literally driving
himself to exhaustion, refusing to yield to the needs of his
tired body. Teal'c knew as well as Daniel Jackson how important
this was, but they had time. They knew that now.
It seemed to Teal'c that Daniel Jackson was once again avoiding
sleep. It was a pattern the team had come to recognize at the
very beginning of their association. It had started with Sha'uri's
abduction and continued well into the first year. Eventually
it had seemed to get better, but each new trauma had brought
a return of that pattern...sometimes lasting only a few days,
sometimes longer. Now Teal'c was certain that this was a return
of that pattern and his thoughts brought him directly back
to what he believed was the cause...Sha'uri's death.
O'Neill had spoken only briefly of the events on Netu, mentioning
that somehow Apophis had manipulated their memories in an attempt
to gain information. None of his teammates had offered more
than a general description of that experience, but Teal'c knew
that all of them had returned to Earth very disturbed by it.
Given what he knew of Apophis' cruelty, Teal'c knew that his
former master would have spared SG1 nothing...and Daniel Jackson
even less. When Daniel Jackson had revealed his knowledge of
Apophis' child and its whereabouts before Apophis' 'death'...none
of them had ever guessed that his passing would not be a permanent
condition. Daniel Jackson had made a grave enemy on that day.
Teal'c could only guess the sort of nightmares that being in
Apophis' control had caused his young friend.
Teal'c rose to leave, reminding Daniel Jackson of the hour
and that he should rest before the briefing, less than six
hours away. A bare nod and a tight smile made no promises,
a subtle point that was not lost on Teal'c. Teal'c could not
bring himself to argue further with Daniel Jackson, but he
knew someone who could...and would.
<><><><><><><><>
Daniel wasn't entirely surprised by Jack's arrival at his
lab in the middle of the night. Daniel hadn't missed Teal'c's
concerned looks...or the looks he was getting from the rest
of the team lately. He truly appreciated their concern, but....his
mind simply refused to shut down. He would try to rest, but
couldn't seem to stop thinking, and the few times he had actually
slept...he'd come awake in terror at the dreams that didn't
seem to want to go away. Dreams of Sha'uri, of Amaunet, of
Apophis...and lately dreams of Ra, trying to tell him something,
some subtle message that he couldn't quite grasp...
Lying there on his office sofa, Daniel knew it was Jack at
his door, even without looking. Years of practice had attuned
his hearing to Jack's unique stride.
"C'mon in, Jack,"
The exasperated sigh behind him told Daniel that his team
leader was not happy to find him awake. Moments later Jack's
face appeared in Daniel's fuzzy field of vision and, even without
his glasses, Daniel could see the concern on Jack's face.
"Daniel..."
Daniel nodded acknowledging what he already knew Jack was
going to say.
"What's going on, Daniel?"
Jack's tone was almost casual, but Daniel knew better than
to be deceived by Jack's tones. Jack could speak volumes with
a single word. Daniel shook his head and looked over at Jack,
sitting across from him in the desk chair.
"It's nothing, it's everything...." Daniel waved
a vague hand upward.
"This is going to be bad, Jack."
Jack let out a deep sigh. "It's already bad, Daniel.
If you don't get some rest before all of this...." Jack
waved a hand of his own toward Daniel's paper-strewn worktable, " I
don't know if I can let you come along on this if you aren't
up to par...."
Daniel had expected that particular threat; this wasn't the
first time Jack had used it. "I know, I'll go see Janet
tomorrow..." Jack looked at Daniel in disbelief. "And
you'll take whatever she gives you?"
Daniel looked up with a small smile of concession. "Of
course I will. You're going to need me on this one, Jack."
Jack looked down at him for a long moment before standing. "We always need
you, Daniel. Don't you know that by now?" Daniel could
only lie there, blinking in shock, as Jack's footsteps faded
away.
Chapter 7
"The message gives us three things: a set of gate coordinates,
a date and time they expect Ra's representatives, and the terms
for the meeting." Hammond had been dreading this briefing
and hadn't slept very well. Looking at the bleary faces around
the table, he guessed he hadn't been the only one. O'Neill
was blinking heavily, Carter was on her second cup of coffee,
even Teal'c looked particularly hollow-eyed...though Hammond
still wasn't sure if Teal'c actually slept. And Jackson...
A concerned glance at Colonel O'Neill told Hammond that SG1's
leader was aware of the problem and dealing with it.
Jackson was continuing, "Major Carter's team is working
on the coordinates, the time is five days from now, and, um,
the terms for the meeting...." Jackson seemed to hesitate
a moment before continuing. "They said Ra could send one
Goa'uld aide, two Jaffa, and, um, two 'attendants'."
Colonel O'Neill held up his hand in question. "Attendants
as in..."
Teal'c rescued the obviously embarrassed Jackson by interposing, "Slaves."
Colonel O'Neill seemed strangely amused at the thought. "Well,
I'm not going to go as a Jaffa...no offense, Teal'c."
"Understood," Teal'c, almost, smiled.
Colonel O"Neill started summing up, "So Daniel,
I guess that makes you the boss Goa'uld; Carter, we need to
find out what the stylish Goa'uld 'attendants' are wearing
these days, and..."
Jackson jumped in when O'Neill trailed off, "And we're
one Jaffa short of a pair."
Colonel O'Neill traded glances with Hammond. "Connor?
Johnson? They're big enough, strong enough to pass for Jaffa...as
long as they don't do a Junior-search. Connor's more even-tempered
though and we've worked with him before."
Hammond nodded. "I'll pull him immediately. We've got
five days, people. Figure out what we're going to need and
let's get going on it."
<><><><><><><><>
As the meeting broke up, Jack made his way to Daniel, a question
in his eyes. Daniel nodded and pulled a bottle of pills out
of his pocket. Jack smiled in smug satisfaction at having this
particular order followed. "Then I want you to take one
now and go get some sleep."
Even as Daniel started to protest, Jack stopped him. "Daniel,
we have five days. We've got your notes, we know what we need;
by the time you wake up we'll have it all here. *Then* we can
get to work on getting ready to go."
Daniel nodded, but hesitated a moment as if another thought
had occurred to him.
"Uh uh," Jack stopped him. "Later. Do I have
to come and tuck you in?" Daniel shook his head ruefully,
mumbling something as he turned to leave. To Jack it sounded
like, "Night, Mom."
<><><><><><><><>
Connor was more than a little shocked to be asked to accompany
SG1 on a mission, but also rather pleased. They'd really come
through for him during that whole mess with Hanson and he'd
never forgotten it. He liked O'Neill's style, Carter's dedication,
Teal'c's quiet competence and Jackson's unexpected courage.
He'd never forget the way that whole team had worked together
to get them out of the mess Hanson had made on that planet.
Connor had been somewhat at loose ends since leaving SG-11,
pretty much acting as support staff for other teams. This was
going to be a bit more of a stretch, but Connor found himself
looking forward to working with SG1 once again.
When General Hammond had come to inform him of the role he'd
be playing in this mission, Connor had been a little dubious.
Him? As a Jaffa? It looked like he'd be spending a lot of time
with Teal'c in the near future. He just hoped they weren't
going to try to put on one of those gold tattoos...
Chapter 8
// Ra approached through the waves of heat, holding out
the scroll in his hand. As Daniel reached to take it, Ra
smiled...almost sympathetically. The boy-god was no more.
This was just a young boy, once painfully innocent, whose
soul had remained untouched corrupted by the demon that was
the Goa'uld. His eyes were full of a haunting pain, as if
he remembered the boy he had once been, but could no longer
fully touch him.
Daniel tried again to read the scroll and again watched
it disappear in a flash of fire. Looking up at Ra again,
Daniel tried to ask what it meant. Ra just shook his head,
smiling that sad, secret smile and disappeared. //
Daniel woke up suddenly, unsure of where he was until he saw
the light beneath the door. His quarters at the SGC. He reached
out and turned on the bedside lamp, automatically looking at
his watch. Thirteen hours...? He hadn't had this much
sleep in... He couldn't remember ever sleeping this long at
a stretch unless he was unconscious or ill.
He raised up slowly, feeling somewhat light-headed; possibly
a side effect from the tranquilizer or, more likely, hunger.
Daniel realized he hadn't eaten anything more substantial than
cookies in nearly two days...a fact he didn't intend
to share with his teammates. His stomach growled suddenly as
he put on a reasonably fresh shirt, and he laughed at himself
as he went off in search of what passed for real food
inside Cheyenne Mountain.
<><><><><><><>
Sam saw Daniel as he entered the break room and headed straight
for the coffeepot. By the time Daniel had settled at a table,
Sam had a stack of cellophane-wrapped sandwiches ready for
him. One or the other of them had been stationed here for the
past four hours. Sam had almost laughed when the colonel 'suggested'
someone should check up on Daniel to see if he was still alive.
After peeking into Daniel's room long enough to assure himself
that their friend was, in fact, still breathing, the colonel
had parked himself in the break room. When Daniel finally stirred,
he would have to pass the open door. Sam had returned two hours
later to take over the Daniel-watch.
Daniel gave her a yawning smile of gratitude and sipped at
his coffee before reaching for one. Sam sighed a little to
herself as she noted that some of the dark shadows had faded
beneath Daniel's eyes; the shadows within his eyes...well,
she wasn't expecting miracles after one day's sleep. As Daniel
selected his next culinary victim, Sam noted that the faint
exhaustion tremors in his hands seemed to have disappeared.
Unwrapping the sandwich, he looked up at her almost apologetically
and asked how the preparations were going. Sam shook her head
at the apology...only Daniel would feel the need to apologize
for starving himself...and launched into a rundown of what
they'd been up to while he slept.
They'd sent to the Tok'ra for the appropriate costumes. Teal'c
was teaching the finer points of a Horus guard's uniform, as
well as proper protocol. The colonel and Sam had been working
on ways to conceal as many weapons and other necessary items
in their things and on themselves as was possible. Daniel nodded
at each new item, interposing a few questions between bites.
As Daniel absently reached for another sandwich, the colonel
entered the room. When his dark eyes took in the fact that
Daniel was not only awake, but also eating with obvious enthusiasm;
he grinned broadly at Sam before joining them at the table.
"Oh. Hi, Jack," Daniel smiled briefly before continuing
with his previous topic without missing a syllable.
Sam tried to control her own bright smile, just enjoying the
fact that Daniel was acting more like himself than he had in
a long time.
<><><><><><>
Jack had been on his way to relieve Carter when he had heard
a familiar voice in the break room, a familiar tone and inflection
that had been missing for a long time. Looking in the door,
he had seen Daniel reach for what was obviously his third sandwich,
so caught up in his conversation that he didn't even seem to
realize he was doing it. As he joined half of his team at the
table, Jack was pleased to see the difference in the younger
man; this was what he wanted to see.
Daniel's part in the coming mission would be the most stressful
of all. Only Daniel and Teal'c could speak the language, and
only Daniel could do any real talking once the negotiations
started. Jaffa...and definitely not attendants...
were not in the habit of joining in on important conversations.
Once things got underway, Daniel would be virtually on his
own.
Once again, fate had conspired to put the fate of the Earth
in Daniel's hands. Jack knew that Daniel could, and would,
handle it. Not long ago, Jack had said that he believed in Daniel...and
that hadn't changed. If anything the events on Netu and the
mess with Linea had affirmed that declaration. It still irked
Jack that once again Daniel had been forced to give up something
important to him in order to do what was right; but his willingness
to do exactly that was one of the many things Jack respected
about Daniel. Jack just wondered at the cosmic injustice that
seemed to have decreed that Daniel would always be the one
doing the giving up.
Watching Daniel smile at Carter's story about Connor and the
tattoo Teal'c had promised, Jack was struck by the level, reserved
gaze of his friend. In the past few months, something in Daniel
had pulled back...hopefully just to regroup...but whatever
it was, Jack missed it.
Chapter 9
Connor watched SG1 as they made their final checks. In less
than 24 hours they would be on their way to Pal'noor. Connor
had been exceedingly relieved to discover that the tattoo Teal'c
had promised would be one of the inked on variety,
not the inked in sort. As Teal'c had almost haughtily
informed Connor, only the First Primes to a Goa'uld were honored
with the gold variety. Connor was beginning to suspect that
Teal'c had a definite...albeit subtle...sense of humor beneath
that reserved exterior. Colonel O'Neill was complaining once
again, loudly, about his wardrobe...and his status. Dr. Jackson...Daniel,
as the young scientist had insisted...made an offhand remark
about 'eunuchs' that caused O'Neill to look at him strangely,
before breaking into a laugh that seemed to ease the tension
in the entire room. Even General Hammond smiled.
After working with SG1 for several days, Connor was amazed
at how this seemingly mismatched group of people worked together
so seamlessly. Even back in the early days, SG1 had been pretty
tight, but now...
They were like extensions of each other, finishing each other's
thoughts, eliciting a smile with a word or a glance. When one
of them hurt, they all hurt...Connor hadn't missed the concern
for Daniel.
From what Connor understood the younger man was the focal
point of this mission; they were support for him.
Daniel would be doing all of the talking in these negotiations.
Watching Daniel check off his list of items for the ornate
Goa'uld traveling case, Connor found himself all the more confidant
that, once again, Earth was in good hands with SG1.
<><><><><><><><>
Teal'c was as certain as possible that they were prepared.
For days now, he and Daniel Jackson had been speaking in Goa'uld
to one another whenever possible. Teal'c was as impressed as
always with Daniel Jackson's acuity in the ancient language.
The young man's accent was minimal, barely detectable even
to Teal'c who was alert to such nuances. A great deal of pressure
rested on Daniel Jackson. General Hammond had informed them
at he last briefing that the 'higher ups' had ordered the preparation
of a bomb...in the event that they failed. Should they not
return within a week, the bomb would be sent through...ostensibly
to remove the Pal'noor threat. Teal'c doubted that possibility
and had voiced that doubt at the briefing. If the Goa'uld feared
the Pal'noor, then they were a very formidable enemy, indeed.
Daniel Jackson now had not only the fate of Earth on his young
shoulders, but also the fate of the innocent people who undoubtedly
resided on the planet they were going to. It was a heavy responsibility
and Teal'c was glad to see that his friend appeared to be bearing
up so well under it.
O'Neill was doing everything necessary to alleviate that stress,
as well as ensuring that Daniel Jackson was rested and well-fed.
The hollowness of Daniel Jackson's eyes had faded somewhat,
now replaced by a concerned resolve. Teal'c was sure that resolve
was based on more solid ground than it had been a week ago.
None of them knew if this mission would end here or if this
was only the beginning. But Teal'c knew in his warrior's heart
that his team, his friends, would prevail. There was no other
possibility.
<><><><><><><><>
Sam was glad that the deadline was growing closer. As she
put the finishing touches on her costume, she stuck her tongue
out at her reflection in the mirror. She had her own opinions
about the function of female 'attendants' based on the costume
the Tok'ra had provided. She wished once again that her father
or Martouf had been available for this mission; she didn't
feel disloyal for the thought, even Daniel had expressed the
possibility...but both were on missions of their own. No one
wanted to place something this important in the hands of an
unknown Tok'ra. Aldwin had done a lot of damage to their faith
in the Tok'ra as a whole with his actions above Netu.
Sam knew that Daniel was as capable and prepared as anyone
could be. His confidence level was vastly improved from a week
ago and Sam was sure that the hesitancy and doubt they'd witnessed
then had been as much a result of needing them to believe,
once again, something that sounded unbelievable.
Sam knew that the colonel had made every effort to show that
his natural disbelief in things not seen, touched, tasted or
felt in his experience would always be his first gut reaction;
it was in no way reflective of a lack of faith in Daniel's
formidable abilities.
Sam wondered if it all hadn't been a matter of exhaustion.
None of them had been given much of a respite since Sha'uri's
death. And Sam knew from personal experience that grief was
a life-long process. Maybe when all of this was over they'd
have time to get away...just the four of them...and ease some
of the stress they'd all been feeling.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Daniel laughed outright at the spectacle Jack was making of
himself in his 'attendant's' garb. The silky material was cut
to be open at the chest and very short in length.
"Maybe I should have been a Jaffa," Jack
groused again. "Didn't anybody tell the Tok'ra I'd be
the one wearing this?"
"I believe Garshaw knew it," Daniel couldn't help
chiming in as he studied his friend's outfit. "Look at
the bright side, at least the cloak will cover...most of you."
Jack's return glare was withering and Daniel tried, unsuccessfully,
to hide another smile as he turned back to finish dressing.
His own clothing was of the form-fitting variety the Goa'uld
seemed to favor, leggings, boots, and tunic...all in a rich
blue material complete with gold and jewels. Daniel would be
wearing Sam's ribbon device; he couldn't use it, but if necessary,
he could pass it off to Sam. The healing device had been sewn
into his cloak and, hopefully, wouldn't be needed.
Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Daniel had to fight
down a surge of revulsion. The clothes he wore represented
the only thing he had ever truly hated in his life...the Goa'uld,
but he forced his mind to focus on the task. Looking up, Daniel
caught Jack looking at him in concern and shook his head.
"It's okay, Jack, it's just...."
Jack nodded in understanding. "I know, kinda makes your
skin crawl."
Daniel smiled a little, turning away from the mirror. "Something
like that..."
Jack gave Daniel an appraising look. "Well, you look...covered."
Jack's grin was infectious and Daniel returned it with a self-deprecating
smile.
"The military isn't the only place where rank brings
privileges, Jack." Daniel sidestepped the good-natured
slap he knew was coming and headed for the door.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Jack felt something inside of him loosen up at Daniel's teasing.
It had been a long time since they'd been able to be this relaxed
together. He felt like he could safely say that Daniel was
as ready for this mission as he could ever be. Between the
four of them...Connor included, the guy was really learning
fast how things worked with SG1....they'd managed to force
Daniel to rest and eat at fairly regular intervals. Daniel
had admitted to Jack that he was still having some bad dreams,
but Janet's little pills had made a great difference in the
amount of actual sleep he was getting.
Jack was ready to get the show on the cosmic road, and as
he entered the gate room, he could see his team was, too. Connor
and Teal'c had taken up positions on either side of Daniel
as the wormhole engaged...an honor guard in every sense of
the word. Jack and Carter picked up the traveling case and,
as a unit, they turned back to look up at the control room.
Hammond raised a hand in a gesture of luck, smiling that worried
smile they'd come to know so well. Even Harriman was looking
at them with a hopeful expression.
Looking around at his team, Jack had to resist the instinct
that would have put him in the lead.
"After you, Big D."
Daniel shook his head and, taking a deep breath, stepped through
the gate.
Chapter 10
Jack's first impression as he exited the wormhole was that
Pal'noor, or wherever this was, was depressing. Everything
around the Stargate, not that there was much to see beyond
the high stone wall surrounding the gate on all sides, was
a dull, dirty gray. The air itself, under the swirling clouds,
was thick with despair.
A chiming noise caught their attention as footsteps approached
from behind the stone wall. A group of...people...came forward
slowly. They were vaguely humanoid, slightly shorter than any
of them on average, but solidly built and well muscled under
a layer of coarse fur that seemed to cover their entire bodies.
Slitted eyes looked out from furred faces that revealed nothing
but haughty distrust. One of them stepped forward to greet
Daniel in Goa'uld.
Jack recognized a few words, but was more caught up in the
change in Daniel's aspect. Goodness knew, Daniel had more up
close and personal experience with the head Goa'uld than any
of them...Ra, Apophis, Heru'ur, Hathor, Amaunet. In a very
real way, Daniel had done more than his share of homework when
it came to the capital-A attitude that was the Goa'uld. He
had the look, the mannerisms, down to a fine art.
The head Pal'noor was obviously following the pleasantries
that universally attended such occasions as this. Daniel was
looking around and nodding in a perpetually bored and unimpressed
way. He waved a hand negligently back in their direction and
the Pal'noor nodded, indicating that they should follow.
Beyond the wall was a city much like many of the others they
had encountered in their travels. Except for some subtle differences
in architecture, even Jack could see that this city could have
belonged to any Earth city, circa 1700. The stonework, the
heavy timbers all spoke of a somewhat simplistic society. Of
course they knew better than to accept things on face value.
The main street they were being led down directly faced what
could only be called a castle; high stone parapets overshadowed
even the tallest buildings of the city. Jack had a distinctly
uneasy feeling that everything on this planet was built for
function, not aesthetics. There were no decorative touches,
nothing to indicate character or individuality...and in Jack's
experience that could mean big trouble.
They were escorted to the second floor of the castle and shown
to a suite of rooms on the second level. The Pal'noor who had
done all the talking so far indicated the bedrooms and facilities,
as well as an assortment of odd-looking food. He bowed slightly
to Daniel and left them alone.
Jack started to speak, remaining silent for so long had stressed
his natural proclivity to lead with his mouth, but Teal'c raised
a hand in warning and began to search the room. Connor found
the first device, obviously some sort of listening device,
and a more thorough search turned up four more. Daniel opened
the bottle of amber liquid on the table and dropped them all
into it, replacing the bottle on the table.
Teal'c nodded approval. "It is an expected component
of such negotiations."
Jack smiled, tightly, "You mean we just got one up on
them?" Teal'c looked confused, but Daniel nodded. "Something
like that. They may look rather primitive, but they
are definitely technologically advanced."
"What makes you think that? " Connor asked curiously.
Carter waved a hand toward the windows, the gray skies over
the dirty city. "Pollution."
Daniel moved to sit on the low, leather-covered sofa. "The
one who brought us here is Tel'nat, He's the leader of this
faction of the Pal'noor. It's what we thought; they're very
feudal...only coming together against greater common enemies.
I don't trust him."
It was quite a statement for Daniel, who tended to come down
on the too-trusting side of any encounter. Jack looked more
carefully at Daniel and noted the tight-lips and the tense
way he was holding his hands. This Tel'nat had made Daniel
extremely uncomfortable...without knowing what had been said,
Jack couldn't know why...but if this guy made Daniel nervous,
Jack knew they'd have to be all the more wary around him.
<><><><><><><><><>
Teal'c hadn't missed the things Daniel Jackson had chosen not to
reveal about Tel'nat. If forced to make an assessment based
on the overheard conversation, Teal'c would characterize the
Pal'noor as calculating, probably cruel, and possibly possessed
of what passed for honor among his people. Tel'nat had spoken
of Ra only briefly, but with no real interest. Several poorly
concealed attempts had been made to elicit information, all
neatly evaded by Daniel Jackson. Teal'c had been unexpectedly
disturbed by the young man's too-perfect imitation of his hated
enemies...as well as the way that the younger man had tricked
the Pal'noor. Deceit was not a characteristic Teal'c was comfortable
associating with Daniel Jackson. From Daniel Jackson's ill
expression when Tel'nat had finally left them alone, Teal'c
was sure that it did not sit well with his young friend either.
Several comments on the long walk toward the castle had given
Teal'c the impression that the Pal'noor operated under some
variety of a code of honor, but those same comments made Teal'c
doubt the likelihood that it resembled any form akin to his
own, or that of the Tau'ri.
Teal'c had noted O'Neill's observation of Daniel Jackson's
reactions to the initial meetings with the Pal'noor leader.
O'Neill was well aware that something was not quite
right about the conversations that had taken place between
Daniel Jackson and Tel'nat. Teal'c expected to be questioned
later on the subject. He was not disappointed.
<><><><><><><><><>
The actual negotiations were not expected to start until the
next morning and Sam was glad they'd have this chance to settle
into their assumed roles. She'd seen how uptight Daniel had
been after the first encounter with Tel'nat. Maybe the extra
time would help him to process those first impressions.
Teal'c had reported to the three of them after Daniel had
retired for the night, complaining of a headache after spending
the evening in a particularly gloomy mood. The colonel had
ordered their friend to bed and the rest of them had gathered
to talk to Teal'c.
Teal'c told them about his perceptions concerning the alien
leader and affirmed that Daniel had done an excellent job...which
they all had fairly well suspected. They'd also been equally
aware of Daniel's discomfort with the part he had to play,
but as the colonel said...it was too late now to do anything
about it. Sam knew Daniel would continue to perform as expected,
but she was equally aware that they owed Daniel a big one when
they got back.
Sam had been heartened to see the deep concern in Connor's
eyes. The colonel had been right about Connor. The young captain
fit into their tightly knit group almost seamlessly, what he
lacked in experience with them...he more than made up for with
his competence and big heart. Sam had held a special liking
for Connor since the mess with Hanson, although she'd had to
fight down an occasional case of the tremors immediately following
the creepiness surrounding Tonane's spirits. If they had to
be stuck in this mess with anyone other that themselves, she
was glad it was Connor.
Chapter 11
Daniel had an irritatingly familiar feeling that he was walking
into a trap. Tel'nat had insisted that these meetings were
to be private, strictly between the two of them. One of the
Jaffa would be allowed to stand guard outside the
door, but only the two of them would be inside. Jack had rankled
at the idea, but realized in the end that they had no real
choice in the matter. It was what they had come here to do,
Daniel had argued...even as his own sense of trepidation grew...and
they weren't really in a position to argue with Tel'nat.
So Daniel had left with Teal'c and separated from him at the
door with a long look. Teal'c would be alert for any sign of
trouble; at the moment it was all they could do. As the doors
closed heavily, Daniel tried to compose himself, sitting down
at the table across from Tel'nat. The Pal'noor leader looked
at Daniel with an expression as unreadable as ever. The physiognomy
of the Pal'noor didn't lend itself well to the subtle facial
clues and body language that Daniel had come to read so well
in the more humanoid species they'd encountered.
"What then does Ra expect to pay us?"
Daniel had attended enough diplomacy classes to recognize
this sort of leading question. Tel'nat hoped to gain some clue
as to what Ra was willing to pay in order to see how
far they would go to appease the Pal'noor. Daniel countered
with a question of his own.
"What do the Pal'noor expect as payment?"
Tel'nat nodded. This was part of the game; haggling was an
age-old, and apparently universal, tradition. They bandied
about for awhile, neither of them giving any ground.
Tel'nat nodded again, his expression changing slightly. "And
how does Ra expect to pay at all...when he is dead?"
Daniel opened his mouth to respond, closing it just as quickly
as his brain processed the fact that Tel'nat had spoken in
English. Daniel felt his breathing stop for a moment and tried
to school his expression not to reveal his surprise.
"I do not understand," he answered in Goa'uld.
Tel'nat snarled in sudden derision, asking again, "How
can a dead man repay this debt, De'nall?" There was a
long pause in which Tel'nat stared deeply into Daniel's eyes. "Or
should I call you Daniel Jackson?"
Daniel only had time to register the fact that the word 'trouble'
didn't begin to cover their situation before he felt a sudden
shooting pain in the back of his head and the world went black.
<><><><><><><><><>
Jack was pacing the room with increasingly agitated strides.
Daniel had been gone nearly six hours and the waiting was beginning
to wear thin. A dozen times Jack had started for the door,
only to stop and mentally restrain the impulse to march to
the meeting chamber and just barge in. Regardless of diplomacy
and protocol, Jack was beyond the point of concern for Daniel
and edging into full-fledged worry. Only the consideration
that such an action might place his friend in even greater
danger made him turn around and resume his nervous pacing.
Jack knew that he was beginning to get on Carter and Connor's
nerves, but was past caring. Inaction was a foreign concept
to Jack, and he was starting to get that itch that told him
this situation was about to go from bad to worse. Hearing steadily
approaching footsteps outside the door, Jack felt his nerves
steel and alerted Connor to cover the door.
To their collective relief, Teal'c entered the room...but
Jack tensed again when he realized Daniel wasn't with the big
Jaffa.
"Teal'c?" Jack didn't have to ask the question.
Teal'c's expression told Jack all he needed to know. Even
as Teal'c began to explain that Daniel was missing, Jack was
moving. Gathering the few weapons they possessed, Jack headed
for the door knowing full well that his team would follow.
As they made their way down the oddly empty corridors, Teal'c
quietly explained that he'd heard nothing from his post outside
the meeting room door, but when a Pal'noor female had entered
the room with food...they'd discovered it was empty.
As they approached the heavy wooden doors, Jack noted with
a distracted edge of pride that his team deployed themselves
carefully on either side. Teal'c turned the latch carefully
and they stormed into the room, weapons at the ready.
There on the table, laid out almost dramatically under the
blue cloak, was Daniel.
Motioning for the others to cover him, Jack went over to check
out the still form. Daniel was breathing. His face was bruised
along the right cheekbone and blood ran freely from numerous
cuts on the back of his scalp.... he'd obviously been hit by
something breakable. Moving the cloak aside, Jack hissed quietly.
It was pretty obvious from his torn and dirty clothing that
Daniel had been beaten...thoroughly and for some length of
time. Jack could see several knife slashes along Daniel's arm,
nothing too deep or life threatening...just enough to draw
blood and inflict pain. Jack tapped the younger man on his
uninjured cheek and was relieved to hear Daniel moan as he
struggled to rouse himself.
"C'mon, kid. Time to go."
Daniel's eyes flew open at Jack's voice and he sat up, too
quickly, falling against Jack's supporting arm. Daniel steadied
himself, gathering his strength and his thoughts as Jack tried
to help him to the door.
"Jack...Tel'nat knows...."
Jack stopped at Daniel's tone. "Knows what?" Daniel
finally looked up at Jack then, his eyes reflecting pain and
more than a little fear. "Everything."
A voice from the back of the room froze all of them in place. "Daniel
Jackson is quite correct, Colonel O'Neill.... I do know everything." Tel'nat
stood behind them with two other Pal'noor. Jack barely had
time to raise his weapon as a burst of white light assailed
his senses and he felt his grip on Daniel slip, even as he
fell.
<><><><><><><><>
Connor woke up slowly, aware first of being cold. As more
of his thoughts cleared he realized the coldness was probably
due to the fact that he was lying on a damp hard surface. The
ground. He opened his eyes carefully, realizing the room was
quite dark, and sat up, waiting for his eyes to adjust.
A flash of gold to his left was his only warning before Teal'c
spoke.
"Are you well, Captain Connor?" The tone was low,
but tinged with concern. Connor felt himself oddly touched
to be included in what he knew was Teal'c small and exclusive
list of people to be concerned about.
"Yes, sir. I'm fine. Where are the others?" Teal'c
motioned with his head. The rest of SG1 was still unconscious,
though Major Carter was shifting restlessly already. Connor
remembered that Colonel O'Neill and Daniel had been closer
to the source of the strange light and would probably suffer
more from the weapon's effects.
Connor tried to rise and felt Teal'c's hand reach out to help
him. With a nod of thanks, Connor moved around carefully to
clear his head before moving to check on the major. She was
still a bit dazed, but waking quickly. He anticipated her questions
before she asked and informed her of their status. Even in
the dimness, Connor could see Major Carter's smile as he helped
her up slowly and together they moved to where Teal'c was trying
to rouse the colonel.
Colonel O'Neill came awake with his fists in motion, obviously
unable to see clearly yet. Major Carter and Teal'c spoke quietly
to let him know that although they weren't exactly safe, they
were together. Connor watched the relief visibly settle over
the colonel, to be just as quickly replaced by concern as he
spoke Daniel's name.
They all moved to the last member of the team. Even in the
dim light they could see how pale Daniel was, the scrapes and
bruises only served to heighten the impression. The colonel
moved to raise Daniel's head into his lap while the major checked
out the younger man's injuries. Connor knew that Daniel had
something of a reputation for accumulating more than his share
of injuries...and it certainly seemed like SG1 was pretty practiced
at taking care of them.
Even as Major Carter was wrapping up the bloody gashes across
Daniel's arm with a piece of cloth torn from the colonel's
cloak, Daniel stirred.
"Jack?"
The colonel sighed in relief. "We're here, Danny. What
the hell happened?"
Daniel blinked rapidly, trying to raise up...finally managing
with only a little support from the colonel. "Tel'nat...he
knew..."
"Yeah, you said that." The colonel said, almost
gently. "What exactly does he know?"
Daniel sighed deeply, pulling himself together with a visible
effort. "You, me, Ra."
"You, me, Ra...? As in...He knows we were the ones who
killed Ra?" The colonel looked alarmed. Connor wished
he knew the rest of that story.
Daniel nodded. "He knew us by name. Knows about Sha'uri...Apophis..."
The colonel sighed in exasperation. "Like he said...he
knows everything." Daniel nodded agreement, reaching out
a hand to use the colonel's shoulder to pull himself up. The
young scientist wobbled a little, but started pacing...even
Connor knew this was a good thing; Daniel did his best thinking
on his feet...especially if they were moving.
"He's either had contact with one or more of the Goa'uld
all along.... or he has a source of information...about us.
When they were...questioning me.... they seemed more interested
in how we'd managed to kill Ra than anything else..." Connor
could see Daniel's burst of adrenaline flagging. "I didn't
tell them anyth...."
Evidently the colonel had seen it, too...he was in a perfect
position to catch Daniel as he swayed and nearly fell. As Colonel
O'Neill, helped Daniel to sit down on the cold ground again,
he said, "I know you didn't, Daniel. But what I wonder
is...where did he find out about us?"
They were all startled by a soft moan from the furthest corner
of the cell. The colonel and Teal'c moved forward toward the
sound. Connor could hear a soft intake of breath from the colonel,
followed by a curse.
"Colonel?" The major asked.
"Dammit...it's Thor."
Chapter 12
Sam felt Daniel's sharp intake of breath under her supporting
hand. Thor? Here? In the few times they'd met, the little alien
had seemed so...untouchable. How did he wind up here, in the
none-too-gentle hands of the Pal'noor? Teal'c gently picked
up the small, gray alien and moved him into the lighter area
where they were. Daniel removed his cloak and Sam used it to
blanket the still, cold form.
The odds were good that Thor had been here for awhile. As
far as Sam could tell, there were no obvious injuries...and
she simply didn't know enough about the Asgard's physiology
to make any sort of guess as to his life signs; the tripping
rhythm at the alien's throat could mean anything.
"Guess that answers a few questions..." The colonel
observed with a dry concern. Sam knew the colonel was especially
fond of this particular Asgard, and she knew that the light
tone masked a deep anger at what had likely been done to the
gentle alien. Tel'nat had a lot to answer for.
"So, the gang's all here. Now what?" The colonel
asked of no one in particular.
As if on cue, a voice from outside the barred door answered
coldly, "Now, we shall see exactly what it is about the
Tau'ri that the Asgard find so redeeming."
It was Tel'nat.
Sam could see a fresh rush of anger ripple through Teal'c,
Connor and the colonel. Tel'nat's actions so far had been right
in line with Teal'c's earlier analysis and Daniel's unease.
Tel'nat had proven himself both cruel and calculating. Sam
could only hope that Teal'c's impression that the Pal'noor
possessed some alien form of honor would also prove true.
It could be their only chance of getting out of this thing
alive.
<><><><><><><><>
As he supported Daniel down the long hallway back toward the
conference room, Jack could feel Daniel trying to gather his
strength. Jack had a feeling that Daniel was hurt worse than
he was letting on; his lean frame trembled with the effort
of putting one foot in front of the other and Jack could see
beads of sweat forming on Daniel's forehead. Jack looked at
Daniel in concern, receiving a shrug and a headshake that told
him Daniel would tough it out; now was not a good time to bring
attention to any weaknesses. Thor, still wrapped in Daniel's
cloak, was being carried by Teal'c. Carter and Connor brought
up the rear, followed closely by two Pal'noor with those weird-looking
energy weapons. Jack could see his team was alert, searching
for any possible means of escape.
Once inside the conference room, Jack helped Daniel into a
chair and sat beside him. Teal'c lay Thor near the fire and
took up a guarding stance beside him. Tel'nat allowed it and
motioned for Carter and Connor to also sit; as an act of passive
resistance, both soldiers looked first to Jack for permission
before being seated.
Tel'nat seemed amused by their actions and turned to Jack. "Your
'team' is quite loyal to you, O'Neill."
Jack was hardly new at 'cat and mouse'...and two could easily
play that game. "That surprises you?"
Tel'nat shook his head. "Not really. You are hardly the
first humans we've encountered...although you are the first
of the *modern* Tau'ri. Thor seems to consider you most unique
among even those."
Jack spared a glance toward their alien friend, then looked
at his team.
"Hear that, kids? We're unique."
Inwardly Jack was pleased at the thought, the little Asgard
was kind of a favorite of his as well...but Jack also wondered
just how much Thor had been put through before revealing so
much about them. Jack remembered Thor mentioning an enemy more
dangerous than the Goa'uld...could the Pal'noor be the ones?
A glance from Daniel told Jack that his friend was thinking
along the same lines, and if Jack knew Daniel...which he did....he
figured the scientist had probably reached that conclusion
long before now.
Tel'nat had watched Jack closely and hadn't missed the subtle
messages flashing between the two men. "You are the two
that killed Ra and Hathor. You also nearly destroyed Apophis.
You, Major Carter, killed Setesh. It seems the Pal'noor owe
you something of a debt. The Goa'uld have never posed us much
threat, but they are a rather consistent irritation."
Jack decided to play it cool. "Great, you owe us one...Can
we go now?"
Tel'nat laughed, a harsh barking noise. "One wonders
what it is in you that brings about such success...even against
opponents so obviously more technologically advanced?"
"Just lucky, I guess..." Jack offered with patently
false modesty.
"I do not believe that good fortune would account for
such consistent victory," Tel'nat offered, almost benignly. "We
shall have to see just what it is."
Jack didn't know what the furry alien meant by that statement,
but he was sure he wasn't going to like it.
<><><><><><><>
Thor had been awake and quietly listening to the exchange
between O'Neill and Tel'nat for some time. He felt a heavy
remorse that it had been his mind that had betrayed the Earth
team to Tel'nat. Pal'noor technology had been geared toward
defeating the Asgard for centuries and Thor had been shocked
to discover Tel'nat possessed a means of forcibly intruding
on Asgard thoughts and memories. Obviously the device did not
function on humans, or Tel'nat would simply take the knowledge
he desired. Undoubtedly, that had been the purpose of Daniel's
beating; the device hadn't worked on the young human so Tel'nat
had resorted to more primitive means.
Thor's race was empathetic, as well as somewhat telepathic...even
now Thor could feel Daniel's pain, a pain more deeply rooted
than the merely physical; obviously a great deal had occurred
since their last meeting on Earth. Thor had the lingering impression
of an untended physical injury, which was consuming the young
human's precious energy. O'Neill's blunt voice asked Tel'nat
what his intentions were. Thor knew before it was spoken that
his human friends were about to pay dearly for his personal
weakness.
Tel'nat's voice came quickly, full of barely concealed amusement
and curiosity. "I believe we shall send you hunting."
Chapter 13
Daniel felt Jack's hand grab for his arm as white light filled
the room. There was long moment of nauseating disorientation
and Daniel felt a sensation akin to weightlessness. Then he
hit the ground to the accompaniment of a blinding flash within
his own head and the crush of warm weight on his back that
sounded suspiciously like Jack.
"Dammit...I wish he'd quit doing that..."
Daniel was too busy trying to breathe beneath the pressure
of Jack's weight and the resulting rush of heat and pain to
respond verbally, but he managed to free an arm and swipe backward,
catching Jack's ear.
"Ow...What? Daniel?"
The weight disappeared immediately followed by gentle hands
on his shoulders, helping him to turn over. A wash of nausea
returned, and Daniel's world nearly faded to black again. Jack
seemed to realize what was going on, the hands guided Daniel's
head down.
"Deep breaths, Danny...Hang on to it...."
Daniel could feel Jack's weight shifting on the...ground?....and
heard his voice calling out for the rest of the team. There
was no response. As the blackness faded a little, Daniel tried
to look around. They were somewhere....else....
It was very dark, but somehow Daniel doubted that it was night.
Two deep-gold moons bathed the rocky landscape in a sickening
glow that resembled the orange-y cast Daniel had sometimes
seen at sunset after a summer storm.
There wasn't much to see. Hilly ground, rolling off into the
gloomy distance. A cool breeze brought the sickening scent
of decay, what life there was in this place, Daniel was sure,
didn't thrive.
Jack looked searchingly into Daniel's face, "You okay?"
Daniel nodded, not exactly lying. ...and they had
more important things to worry about.
"Where are we? And where are the others?"
Jack shook his head, scanning the distant hills. "I don't
know...and I don't know." Jack smiled wryly, "What
do you think that Tel'nat guy meant about sending us on a hunt?"
Daniel shook his head slightly, closing his eyes as the cool
breeze eased the nausea he'd been feeling. "Wish I knew..."
"You sure you're okay?" Daniel opened his eyes to
see the stark concern in Jack's eyes.
Daniel nodded again and reached out a hand, asking Jack to
help him up. Jack sighed, but took the hand. Daniel was pleased
that he managed to stand without swaying too much, and nodded
again at Jack.
"So what do we do now?"
With that irritating sense of timing that was becoming increasingly
familiar, Tel'nat's voice 'spoke' again. Daniel realized it
was originating from a nearly invisible device imbedded in
the rocks behind them.
"Now the hunt begins, Daniel Jackson."
Jack was obviously getting tired of the games the Pal'noor
leader was playing, asking with bad-tempered irritation, "Hunt
for what?"
That barking laugh sounded again. "The proper question
would be 'who',
Colonel O'Neill. Your teammates have been placed elsewhere,
that is your first objective. The second phase of the hunt
involves the Asgard known to you as Thor." A beam of light
shot out of the device, coalescing into an image of Thor in
a small room, lying on a bed of straw still wrapped in the
blue cloak. "If you can find one another, and if you
can reach Thor and free him...you will be sent back to your
world with no repercussions." Tel'nat's voice revealed
heavy doubt as to that possibility. "This place is a self-contained
world. You are no longer on Pal'noor. Your only escape is to
succeed in the hunt...or die in the attempt. This world has
food, water...the potential to produce weaponry. As an added
'convenience' we have provided more suitable clothing and one
knife for each of you...a simple tool. Few have survived the
hunt...but it has been done."
"That's it? We find our team, we find Thor...we're outta
here?" Jack sounded guardedly optimistic, but Daniel didn't
trust Tel'nat anymore now than he had the moment he'd met the
alien leader.
"There's more to it than that, isn't there?" Daniel
asked, tiredly.
"Just one minor detail...This world does have
certain varieties of animal life...among other dangers...that
you will have to avoid. The hunting fields were designed to
provide a challenge. We shall see if good fortune was indeed
the means for your success against the Goa'uld."
The light faded, the image dissipating into nothingness.
Daniel felt a sudden chill. He knew Tel'nat. If the
Pal'noor said this place was a 'challenge', Daniel was sure
that word was a massive understatement.
<><><><><><><><><>
Jack sighed loudly as he changed into the simple black jumpsuit
Tel'nat had provided...anything was preferable to the skirt
he'd been wearing since he'd gotten to Pal'noor. He'd known
this mission was going to be trouble...but he'd never expected
anything like this. He didn't like the look in Daniel's eyes...hell,
he didn't like how Daniel looked...
Even in the weird light of the twin moons, Jack could see
the lack of color in his friend's face, the creases of pain
between his brow as he returned from where he'd been changing
behind the rocks.
As if aware of his team leader's scrutiny, Daniel turned away
quickly.
"So where do we go from here?"
Jack allowed himself to be distracted; for now there was little
choice, they had to get moving. If...and Jack had no doubt
there was very little 'if' in this situation....there were
hostile creatures on this planet, they needed to find a way
to defend themselves, as well as find the rest of the team.
Jack was a firm believer in the tenet 'safety in numbers'...and
if those numbers consisted of SG1, then their odds would improve
greatly.
Jack knew they were flying blind right now, and he didn't
like the feeling. They didn't know where they were, they didn't
know where Thor was, and they didn't know what threats they
might encounter on their way to that unknown destination...or
even what direction to start out in.
"Any ideas?" Jack asked, admitting indirectly just
how hopeless the situation seemed.
Daniel paced around the rocky ground, moving rather stiffly
Jack noticed.
"I don't think this is just a test of physical strength.
Tel'nat is assessing everything about us."
"So you think there'll be clues?"
Daniel shrugged, wincing at the motion. "I dunno, Jack.
We don't have much to go on. I don't even know enough to guess
whether Tel'nat will keep his word when all of this is over."
Jack didn't miss the fact that Daniel was avoiding the "if" word.
Jack wondered if it was a matter of faith..or denial. Things
looked bad, but Jack knew his generally pessimistic nature
could often cloud his perceptions...just like Daniel's optimism
could often pull him too far in the other direction.
"One thing we can't do is nothing..." Jack
offered.
Daniel smiled a little at that. "Yeah. So we just...pick
a direction?"
Jack nodded with a grin. "Works for me."
Chapter 14
Sam was worried.
She could only assume that the colonel and Daniel had received
the same message they had. Connor and Teal'c agreed with her
that it made fairly good sense to head for the largest visible
landmark...a stone out-cropping shaped rather like one of the
statues Daniel kept on his desk. Sam hoped that, sub-consciously
or otherwise, their missing teammates would gravitate in the
same direction.
Sam had been almost as pleased as Connor that clothing had
been provided for them. It seemed the Jaffa uniform chafed
in some uncomfortable...and apparently unmentionable...places.
Sam had laughed at Connor's obvious, but very welcome, attempt
to lighten the mood. She had played along, responding that
it explained a lot about Jaffa temperament. Teal'c had merely
raised what Sam would swear was an amused eyebrow, offering
only that it was an 'acquired talent'. Sam refrained from asking
whether Teal'c referred to the uniform or the temperament.
As they walked, Sam worried. She hadn't missed noticing how
heavily Daniel had been leaning on the colonel as they'd been
marched to Tel'nat's conference room. Her brief examination
in the darkened cell, had revealed numerous cuts and bruises,
but there hadn't been time for much more than a cursory examination.
Sam just hoped that, wherever they were, Daniel and the colonel
were okay.
<><><><><><><><><><>
Connor was feeling rather optimistic. In spite of the seemingly
hopeless situation, he felt like SG1 would see it through.
Didn't they always? Connor had watched Major Carter and Teal'c
quickly assess their predicament and formulate a plan based
on as much of an advantage as they had ever needed...their
knowledge of their teammates.
Connor had been heartened by the major's willingness to join
in on his small joke...it proved that she wasn't one of those
officers who let command swell their heads, turning them into
hard-assed martinets in the blink of an eye. Even Teal'c had
joined in, confirming Connor's belief that a very keen wit
resided under that gold tattoo.
He hadn't exactly followed the major's line of reasoning,
but knowing SG1, he was confident that they knew what they
were doing. If he had to be stuck in an apparently hopeless
situation, Connor was glad it was with this particular group
of people.
<><><><><><><><><>
Teal'c was certain that O'Neill and Daniel Jackson were well.
There was no other alternative; they had been through too much
together to allow any other possibility. The resiliency of
their missing teammates was well known, and well founded.
O'Neill was one of the most resourceful leaders Teal'c had
ever known. The brash colonel's inventiveness and determination
had won Teal'c's loyalty long ago. O'Neill's dedication and
caring had burst through barriers Teal'c had held since his
earliest days as a Jaffa-in-training. Emotional closeness was
neither encouraged nor tolerated among the Jaffa ranks. The
closeness Teal'c felt for Bra'tac had only begun to prepare
him for the open acceptance of O'Neill...as well as the rest
of SG1.
Daniel Jackson had confused Teal'c from the very beginning.
Knowing what Teal'c had been, Daniel Jackson nonetheless came
to accept...and even rely...on the same Jaffa who had cost
him so much. Teal'c had learned a valuable lesson from Daniel
Jackson...a lesson he would carry all his life; forgiveness.
Teal'c had never contemplated the concept until he'd seen it
embodied in Daniel Jackson. For all of the pain Daniel Jackson
had gone through due to Teal'c's actions...all of the nightmares,
the waking horrors, the deep depressions...Teal'c had never
seen anger in the young man's eyes. Since Sha'uri's death,
Teal'c had seen many emotions pass through his young friend's
eyes, but never anger. Teal'c frankly believed that a measure
of honest anger might be the best thing for Daniel Jackson,
but he could not help but admire the intrinsic strength of
the young man that did not allow him to succumb to it.
Teal'c wished that they could rejoin their teammates, and
soon. It had become second nature for Teal'c to protect his
friends..he could not protect them if they were not together.
Chapter 15
As they pressed on toward the weird looking rocks Daniel had
arbitrarily chosen as a possible destination, Jack couldn't
help but notice that Daniel seemed to have an increasingly
hard time keeping up a steady pace. More than once, Jack had
caught the younger man holding his side as if hit by sudden
pain. When they'd reached a grove of stunted trees, Jack called
a halt and they'd taken the time to turn one of the knives
into a spear. Jack had cannibalized his attendant's garb to
fashion a quiver, using braided golden threads for a bowstring.
Daniel had fashioned the arrows, and done an impressive job
considering how little they had to work with. Jack had kept
the cloak intact, the thin material didn't offer much protection
but it was a choice of that or sleeping on the ground...so
he rolled it up and tied it with some strips from his tunic.
Daniel's clothes had suffered as much as he had; they were
too ragged to offer much in the way of useful material. Jack
had surreptitiously checked the outfit, noting several stains
and tears in the back of the tunic that they'd missed before.
Jack wondered what sort of damage Daniel was trying so hard
to conceal...and wondered if he should insist on looking. Daniel
was so damnably, stubbornly independent; this wouldn't be the
first time he'd concealed an injury to keep Jack from worrying...or
yelling. And, Jack knew, he would yell...it was a reflex. They'd
been hours away from Netu before any of them had realized how
high a price Daniel had paid to get that communication device
and save their hides; it was just part of Daniel's nature not
to complain when he was hurt. In the end, Jack had decided
to let things ride.
They walked for hours, but had no real way of knowing exactly
how long. The moons didn't seem to move, they or the planet...or
whatever...they were on obviously didn't rotate. When Jack
felt like they'd walked enough, he called a halt and started
a fire in the tried and true Boy Scout way...he rubbed two
sticks together. Jack had never been able to master that skill
as a boy, but this time it worked like a charm. They had gathered
some nuts and berries along the way and Jack divided them up.
Daniel nodded thanks and picked at the strange food with an
openly distrustful expression.
"C'mon, Daniel...They might even taste like chicken." It
was a bad, running joke, and Jack knew it was, but it was worth
it to see Daniel smile. Daniel tasted one of the nuts and looked
up at Jack, nodding, "They do..." Jack laughed obligingly
and ate some himself. They really did. "Must be some weird
universal decree..."
Daniel smiled again, and got up to put more wood on the small
fire. Jack didn't miss the wincing expression or the stiff
movements, or the sharp intake of breath as Daniel stood up.
"Okay, that's enough. Let me look at it." Jack ordered.
It was better to know what they were dealing with now, rather
than later when they ran up against one of those creatures
Tel'nat had warned them about. Daniel sat down, with a deep
breath...and no arguments...pulling down the coverall top and
turning his head away from Jack.
Jack moved around to get a look...and cursed. Daniel had been...'branded'...was
the only word Jack could come up with. Large, angry tracks
of burns dotted the young man's back. Tel'nat had clearly taken
his time trying to get Daniel to talk. Jack felt a fresh surge
of anger at the alien leader, a nearly blinding flash of rage
that he swiftly forced down before he really did yell at Daniel.
"Daniel...why didn't you say anything?" Jack tried
to keep his voice gentle. Daniel didn't need anything to add
to the pain that he'd carried with him all day.
Daniel shrugged as Jack started ripping strips of the tunic
for bandages. Burns were prone to infection and Jack hated
to think what they'd already been exposed to. Daniel cursed
himself as Jack wrapped his back as carefully as possible.
By the time Jack finished, Daniel was white and trembling.
Jack helped him get the jumpsuit back on and wrapped him up
in the cloak.
Daniel sighed shakily. "Thanks...I think."
"So...when did you plan to share...that....?"
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Jack asked it almost casually, but Daniel knew his friend
was still raging, nearly as angry with Daniel for not telling
him as he was with Tel'nat for doing it. Daniel wasn't sure
he could answer Jack. Until they'd gotten here, there hadn't
really been the time or the opportunity, after that....he just
wasn't sure. It just hadn't seemed necessary. Besides showing
the burns to Jack would have meant explanations, like the one
Jack was so obviously waiting for now.
"I don't know, Jack. It was...bad. I just..." Daniel
didn't want to explain it. It was just one more thing
he would learn to live with...or without....
Daniel closed his eyes against Jack's searching glare. He
knew Jack wasn't going to let it drop.
"Daniel...." Jack's voice was unexpectedly gentle,
surprising Daniel enough to make him look up. "What is
this?"
Daniel was caught off-guard by the question, but didn't have
to ask what Jack meant.
"It's...I dunno, Jack. Since...It's just hard to care
what..." Daniel trailed off, recognizing the feeling he
couldn't put into words...and knowing Jack did, too. He'd recognized
the same thing in Jack back on Abydos four years ago. Apathy,
a lack of interest in going on...Daniel knew he'd never seek
it out as actively as Jack had...but he just wasn't as sure
as he'd once been that it was all...worth it.
"It is, you know." The quiet admission stunned Daniel.
Jack was getting too good at reading his mind lately.
Daniel nodded, "I know...In my head, I know...."
Jack gave him a long look, opening his mouth to say something
else when they heard a sound in the bushes. Jack stood up quickly,
slipping an arrow into the bow, and Daniel grabbed the spear,
moving to stand at his side. There was a low growl and something
large and furry shot out of the shadows.
Chapter 16
Thor watched the holographic images Tel'nat was transmitting
with growing concern. He was uncertain of what had just passed
silently between Daniel and O'Neill, but the communication
seemed almost telepathic in nature. Thor felt in himself an
unfamiliar emotion...anger...upon seeing Daniel's injuries.
Such senseless torture was so foreign to the Asgard's nature
that he could not entirely fathom the concept.
Many centuries had passed in Asgard history since such barbarism
had been an option. Thor knew that such things existed in the
history of every world, but it had never been more than a remote
theory to him...something that had been, but was no more. Until
now. O'Neill had once made an impassioned plea on Thor's homeworld,
arguing that the Tau'ri were even now fighting a battle against
such barbarism as the Goa'uld were capable of. The Asgard Council
had been duly impressed by O'Neill's words, but had not really
let it affect their policies. The Tau'ri were a race to be
observed, but other than the mediation of the treaty, the Asgard
had no real intent to interfere in Earth's plight.
Watching the two men in the projection, Thor couldn't help
but notice the lines of pain and wisdom on both faces. Earth's
struggle was taking a toll on the humans. Daniel's deep eyes
spoke of much loss, and O'Neill's reflected an understanding
of that loss that could only come from having experienced it
himself. For the first time in many years, Thor questioned
the wisdom of the Council.
The sudden growling from the bushes caused Thor to back up
involuntarily and he could only watch helplessly as the two
humans prepared to do battle with their primitive weapons...
<><><><><><<>
Teal'c's head jerked up suddenly at the distant sound of growling.
His sense of hearing, enhanced just as were his other senses
by the infant Goa'uld he carried, was far more perceptive than
his human companions'.
Teal'c continued wrapping the stones to create the 'bola'
as Captain Connor had shown him. It appeared to him to be a
strange weapon, but Connor assured him that it would be highly
effective at long range. The sound increased in pitch, but
did not seem to be moving any closer to their encampment.
"Teal'c?" Major Carter had noticed his listening
stance.
"A creature, still quite some distance away," he
replied quietly, still focusing part of his attention on the
possible threat.
"We'll take turns at watch," Major Carter ordered,
receiving a nod of agreement from Teal'c and Connor. They had
established a fairly defensible encampment, started a fire
and scavenged some strange looking fruit; the only physical
need of great concern was water....as yet there had been no
indication of any.
An impossibly familiar noise in the same general direction
as the animal's growl caused Teal'c to stand, the bola dangling
from his hand.
"Teal'c? What is...?"
Teal'c raised a hand for silence and listened again.
The distant voice was unmistakable.
"O'Neill!"
<><><><><><><><><><>
Sam and Connor had no hope of keeping up with Teal'c's running
form, but they managed to keep the big Jaffa in sight and followed
as quickly as they could. They were close enough now to hear
the animal's scream...then there was silence. Trading glances
as they ran, Sam and Connor increased their pace.
Tearing around the rocks, Sam was shocked to see Daniel kneeling
on the ground next to the body of a very large cat-like creature.
A spear, much like the ones they had fashioned, protruded from
the animal's side. As she came closer, Sam could see the colonel
lying on the ground in front of the animal, his arm was scratched
but it didn't appear to be deep. Teal'c was assuring himself
that the animal was dead. Sam motioned for Connor to check
on Daniel while she went to help the colonel.
"You okay, sir?"
The colonel nodded, peeking beneath his fingers to check the
damage.
"Yeah...looks worse than it is..."
Sam helped him to his feet.
"Daniel?" The colonel was looking over at where
Connor was helping the younger man to sit near the fire.
Daniel nodded, still breathing deeply. Sam could see the color
draining from Daniel's face even now.
"Daniel, did you...?" She pointed in the direction
of the animal.
"Save my ass?" The colonel finished with a grimacing
smile. "You bet he did."
Daniel looked up with a bit of a smile, then slid to the ground
in a dead faint.
Chapter 17
Connor had looked away from Daniel for a moment. By the time
he looked back, the scientist was hitting the ground. Major
Carter ran over quickly.
"Is he hurt?"
Connor couldn't see any visible wounds and stated as much.
The colonel spoke from behind them, "Daniel was hurt...before."
They didn't have to ask when. Connor had figured there was
more wrong with Daniel than he'd let on to back in that cell.
They decided to return to the other campsite. There was no
way to know if the dead creature had a family, but if it did...they
didn't want to be around to meet it. Teal'c picked up Daniel
with infinite care and a look of raw guilt that puzzled Connor.
There was something going on there...
As they walked, the colonel explained about the wounds on
Daniel's back, he didn't go into detail about their source...he
didn't need to. Major Carter walked alongside Teal'c for a
moment, checking their unconscious teammate for fever. One
look at her face was enough to tell all of them that Daniel
Jackson was very sick.
"The healing device is..." Teal'c began hopefully.
"Sewn into Daniel's cloak..." Major Carter added.
"Which is with Thor." The colonel finished with
his usual pessimistic growl.
Connor caught himself doing a little double-take, sometimes
these people were downright eerie.
<><><><><><><><><><><>
Teal'c laid his burden down carefully on one of the thick
Jaffa cloaks that Major Carter laid over some soft grass.
Daniel Jackson was very hot. With Teal'c's help Major Carter
removed the young man's upper clothing to examine the wounds
O'Neill had spoken of; there 'was' infection there. Major Carter
wished aloud for water or a medkit or the healing device; all
of which were beyond their reach...for the moment. Major Carter
re-bandaged Daniel Jackson with clean strips from her slave
garment and they bundled him under the remaining cloaks.
Connor had done his considerable best with O'Neill's wound,
reporting it to be a lengthy gash but not too deep, and had
given him a piece of the fruit they had found. O'Neill moved
to Daniel Jackson's side, reaching out with his uninjured hand
to touch the younger man's forehead. Something passed over
O'Neill's face that Teal'c could only call rage...Teal'c guessed
that it was directed at Tel'nat. Although O'Neill had refrained
from explaining how Daniel Jackson had been injured, Teal'c
had been a Jaffa too long not to recognize the signs of torture
when he saw them. Teal'c knew there was much more to that story
than they had been told.
Teal'c had felt very helpless when he'd heard O'Neill shout
Daniel Jackson's name. He'd known they were so very far away...
As he'd run he had envisioned many possible scenarios of what
he'd find, but he'd never expected to see Daniel Jackson standing
over an alien creature leaning into a spear with all his strength
as the animal itself strained toward O'Neill. When Daniel Jackson
had finally fallen to his knees, Teal'c had run forward to
the animal...making certain that it was, indeed, dead. Major
Carter and Captain Connor had arrived only seconds later, sparing
Teal'c the necessity of choosing which of his friends to help.
Teal'c was more than a little relieved that they were all
finally together. It eased his mind considerably to know that,
whatever may come, at least they would face it together.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Jack was worried.
Daniel hadn't been in the best of condition when this thing
had started and fighting that creature had taken even more
out of him.
Jack was still amazed by the vision of his gentle friend wielding
the makeshift spear like a cat-toy as he tried to distract
the animal from its clear intent to have Jack for a midnight
snack. When he'd fallen under the powerful animal's onslaught,
Jack had been as afraid as he'd ever been in his life...
But Daniel had come through.
Jack hadn't realized just how much he'd come to count on that
quality in Daniel, that can not-will not-dare not give up stubbornness
that had brought them all through hell, figuratively and literally,
time and time again. It was a quality they all shared to some
degree.
Daniel was growing restless in his sleep and Jack reached
out a hand to touch his friend's shoulder. He was still so
hot. But that same stubbornness that had saved Jack's life
a few hours ago would keep Daniel with them. It had to.
But Jack knew now that there were things churning inside Daniel's
head that were all too familiar. Daniel had lived for Sha'uri;
three years of searching hadn't dimmed that ever-present hope
of someday finding her. That hope had pushed Daniel to keep
coming back, pushing him on when a lot of other people would
have quit. But she was gone now, leaving only a vague promise
of a hope for humanity in its place. Jack knew it was a poor
substitute, he'd seen that cold reality in Daniel's eyes across
the campfire. He could only try to help Daniel come to the
realization that had taken Jack himself so long to recognize...that
there *were* still things worth living for. None of those things
would ever replace what had been lost, but they did, eventually,
close the open wound that was your soul. Jack remembered the
kamikaze idiocy Daniel had exhibited when facing Apophis on
Netu. At the time, Jack had chalked it up to too-fresh memories
and that self-same stubbornness that wouldn't let Daniel give
an inch to a Goa'uld.
Now, though, Jack wondered if he shouldn't be keeping a special
eye on Daniel. This new attitude was both frightening and infuriating:
frightening because it ran so contrary to everything he'd come
to know about what made Daniel who he was...and infuriating
because Daniel just did *not* deserve it.
Jack had never known a better person than Daniel. He'd watched
his friend grow and change over these few years into someone
he respected and cared very much about. Some of those changes
had been good ones, some just...sad, but necessary ... but
some were tragically *wrong* in that larger cosmic sense that
Jack had always had so much trouble grasping. Life wasn't fair,
Jack knew that better than most; but Daniel had been more than
shortchanged when it came to receiving that very same quality
of fairness that he showed to almost everyone he met.
And Jack was getting more than a little ticked off at those
astral powers that be who kept piling it on....
Chapter 18
// Ra appeared through the desert heat, once again holding
out the scroll. Some part of Daniel watched as if from far
away, aware that it was a dream, but also aware that it was
important. Ra smiled that same inscrutable smile and the
scroll disappeared in a flash of fire in hands that seemed
very far away.... //
Daniel awoke with a sharp cry, becoming aware of the pain
in his back in a rush of sensation. Hands helped him roll over,
touched his forehead with a coolness that sent a chill through
his body.
"It's okay. Go back to sleep."
Jack. It was always Jack. The one remaining certainty in his
life. If Daniel hadn't stopped that thing....
Daniel felt another shiver that had nothing to do with cold.
He hated himself for feeling this way, hated allowing his emotions
to *need* that anchor, hated knowing that by feeling this way
he might also might feel that loss again if something should
happen to Jack...
Daniel shivered again, he didn't feel very well...it was hard
to think. He opened his eyes to see Jack looking down at him.
Daniel tried to speak, but had to lick dry lips before he could
manage it.
"Jack? Y'okay?"
Jack shook his head, laughing quietly.
"Fine. And you?" The words were casual, but the
tone told Daniel so much more. Jack was okay. Jack was grateful.
Jack was worried. Jack could say a lot with a few words. Daniel
almost laughed at his own absurd thoughts, but settled on a
slight nod.
"Not so hot..." Daniel hadn't meant for that to
slip out, but it was true. His back was on fire, his head throbbed
unmercifully and sweat was pouring off of him.
"I know it, Danny. Not much we can do about it right
now, though. Teal'c and Connor are scouting around for water
right now."
Daniel nodded. "How long have we been here?"
Jack shrugged, and looked away. "Not too long...."
Daniel knew Jack was lying and sat up quickly. "Dammit,
Jack, I'm not an invalid ..."
Even as he said it, Daniel felt the darkness gathering around
him, but fought past it. "We have to get going..."
Jack pushed him back down easily, "Hey, we're not on
a time limit here, Danny. We can afford to take a break."
Daniel shook his head. "No, Jack. We can't. Have you
forgotten about the bomb?"
<><><><><><><><><><>
Sam had been listening from her place on watch. She could
tell from the colonel's face that in all the excitement, he
had let it move down his list of priorities. The people of
Pal'noor, beings who no doubt were as mistreated by Tel'nat
as they had been, did not deserve to die. Of course, Sam reflected,
there was also the not insignificant fact that their way home
was the Pal'noor Stargate ... if they could get back there.
Trust Daniel to be thinking ahead of them all... even when
he was so sick.
Sam was worried about him, the infection had set in quickly...too
quickly. Who knew what sort of alien bacteria could have invaded
Daniel's system that he'd have no immunity to. It was a constant
concern for the SGC, but rare enough considering how many worlds
they visited on a weekly basis. What concerned her in this
case was the fact that this was a totally alien environment.
They'd been on very few worlds that had not in some way been
touched by a human presence and therefore human viruses and
bacteria...they'd been lucky so far. But Sam was afraid that
in this particular instance, even if they got Daniel home...Earth
means might not be sufficient. They had to get that
healing device.
Sam watched as the colonel finally gave in to Daniel's irrefutable
logic and helped the younger man to stand, wrapping one of
the Jaffa cloaks around his shoulders in a gesture both solicitous
and defeated. They both knew that Daniel belonged in a hospital,
but Sam seriously doubted if there was a hospital on Earth
that could help Daniel. Looking up to meet the colonel's gaze,
Sam realized he knew it, too. This hunt had taken on an entirely
new objective; it wasn't just about saving Earth anymore.
That grand and noble purpose was certainly their ultimate duty
and priority. But they both knew that saving Daniel's life
coincided with that first duty...and Sam didn't even want to
consider failing at either of them.
<><><><><><><><><>
Jack and Carter packed up their spartan camp while Daniel
paced around slowly, leaning on one of the spears for balance.
Jack could see his friend gathering his energy for the undoubtedly
long trek ahead of them. Daniel was moving far more steadily
than Jack would have given odds on just a few hours ago, although
he remained ghostly pale. In those fever-bright eyes, Jack
could see the determination building in Daniel. He'd make it...because
he had to.
Jack sighed again as he tied up the last of the bundles and
moved to stand beside Carter.
"That's it. As soon as Teal'c and Connor get back, we
can move out."
Carter nodded, glancing over to where Daniel was still pacing. "We've
got to find Thor, Colonel."
Jack knew what she wasn't saying. "We will,
Carter. We have to."
Chapter 19
Connor wasn't entirely sure what was going on with his teammates,
but he knew it was serious...and that Daniel was at the center
of it. Connor was more than a little impressed that Daniel
was plodding steadily onward...despite the increasingly obvious
effort on his face. There was a lot more to Doctor Daniel Jackson
than Connor would have ever expected. This curiously gentle,
intelligent man possessed a core of iron that would not let
him give up.
They still had no idea where they were going, but Connor couldn't
help joking that they were making good time. The colonel looked
up with a sardonic smile, the major actually laughed and even
Teal'c raised an eyebrow that made Connor wonder just how lost
the Jaffa actually was when it came to Earth humor. Daniel
nodded, a smile barely touching his eyes, and kept walking.
To Connor it seemed that all of Daniel's energy was focused
on the simple task of putting one foot in front of the other.
Connor realized suddenly that it probably was.
The terrain had been changing gradually as they walked; the
sparse rocky landscape giving way to sandy soil and finally
a sloping plain of bluish grass. Connor hoped the comparatively
healthier vegetation was a sign that they were nearing a water
source. They'd all been too long without water. The moisture-rich
fruit helped, but Connor knew that it would soon become a more
pressing need...especially for Daniel...
<><><><><><><><><><>
As Teal'c walked slightly behind Daniel Jackson, he couldn't
help but notice that the younger man was growing more ashen
by the moment. He could not continue much further without rest.
Teal'c traded a glance with O'Neill, who nodded and gave a
little head shake ... He saw it as well, but they would continue
for a while longer.
Teal'c's thoughts were interrupted by a low sound, a whisper-soft
gurgle that seemed to be fairly close. Water. Teal'c was sure
of it. He held up a hand to stop the others, asking in the
same gesture for silence.
There.
Teal'c moved forward a dozen paces, listened, moved again....
There, amidst the tall grasses...a small spring, barely more
than a trickle but it was water.
Motioning for the others to join him, Teal'c bent to touch
the surface of the water, sniffing gently, then tasting it.
Major Carter started to protest, but he had only to look at
her to still her protests. He was the only logical choice to
test the water, if something was wrong with it... his symbiote
would likely protect him. None of them mentioned the possibility
that his infant Goa'uld would not let any potentially harmful
substance affect him in the first place. The situation was
far too dire, they would have to take the chance.
<><><><><><><><><><>
As they all settled on the grass to wait, Jack looked over
at Daniel. His eyes were half-closed, masking the pain Jack
knew resided there. Carter had pulled out some of the cloth
left over from their servants' garb. If the water was deemed
safe, she intended to clean Daniel's wounds ... and Jack's
own. The possibility that the same bacteria that had infected
Daniel might also take hold of him had crossed Jack's mind
more than once.
Jack watched as Daniel's eyes widened and he rose unsteadily,
making for something in the distance. Jack jumped up and started
after him.
"Daniel...?"
Daniel raised a hand, motioning Jack forward. "Do you
see it?"
Jack strained his eyes in the direction Daniel pointed.
"What...?"
"Don't you see it, Jack?"
Jack peered at the copse of scrubby trees Daniel indicated.
He still didn't see ...
Daniel made a sound of impatience and strode unsteadily toward
the trees, Jack following in frustration. As the neared the
spot, Jack caught up to Daniel ... a protest on his lips that
Daniel was fevered and likely seeing things. Then he saw it,
too.
Imbedded in a tree trunk, barely visible amidst the tree's
own color ... was a small round disk with a symbol on it. Jack
looked at Daniel, the question in his eyes.
Daniel took a ragged breath, his fingers outlining the symbol
carefully.
"It's the symbol for the Asgard." Jack heard Daniel's
deep sigh, heard it cut off in the middle, and turned to see
Daniel hit his knees.
Chapter 20
Sam and Connor came running at the colonel's shout, helping
Daniel back to the water and forcing him to sit down despite
his protests. Sam figured it had been long enough since Teal'c
drank the water. Teal'c had been bending one of the pieces
of metal they'd saved from the Jaffa armor into a cone-shaped
cup. Sam dipped it into the water and raised the cup to Daniel's
lips, breathing a small prayer that they were doing the right
thing. Daniel sipped at the water slowly, as if sensing her
trepidation, then passed the cup off to the colonel. Sam dipped
her cloth strips into the water and advanced on Daniel. He
protested half-heartedly, but finally gave in. As Daniel gingerly
removed the top portion of his coverall, Sam unwound the bandages
gently. And gasped at what she saw. The infection had spread;
raw angry lines connected the spots of the original wounds.
Sam made Daniel lie down on his stomach and warned him to take
a deep breath, before draping the rags over his back. Daniel
hissed at the coldness, but didn't move.
Sam looked over at the colonel, shaking her head a little
to let him know that Daniel's condition wasn't good. Dipping
another cloth into the water, Sam moved to the colonel and
removed his bandages as well. She heard the colonel sigh as
they saw that the wound was clean. She washed the wound carefully
before re-wrapping it with fresh strips.
Together they moved to Daniel, who seemed to be asleep. The
colonel sat down beside the younger man, checking his temperature
reflexively. Daniel stirred, but didn't open his eyes.
"We're on the right track, aren't we, Jack?" Daniel
almost whispered. "Looks that way, Danny."
Daniel's head moved in a slight nod, "Good..."
"Just rest, Daniel," Sam cut in. "I want to
let the wounds soak for awhile."
" Okay, just for a minute...." Daniel's voice trailed
off and Sam was fairly confident that he was asleep. She gently
laid one of the cloaks over his shoulders and motioned for
the others to join her a short distance away.
<><><><><><><><><>
Daniel could hear the distant mutters of his friends. It didn't
take a Ph. D., any of them, to know they were talking about
him. Just like he didn't have to see his back to know it was
bad. The burning pain had grown from a background annoyance
to a constant, insistent companion. The heat of his body seemed
to generate from that point outward and it was growing worse.
Daniel didn't want to sleep, there was no time. As closely
as Daniel could calculate, they'd left Earth nearly three days
ago. That left them two more until the bomb was sent through.
Two days to find Thor, return to Pal'noor and go back through
the Stargate. That was if Tel'nat kept his word. Daniel still
had a few suspicions in that area. Tel'nat said they would
be returned through the gate ... not necessarily that they
would be sent through alive.
Daniel had been replaying his dream about Ra over and over
in his mind. He knew it was important, perhaps vitally so.
If only he could figure it out...
// Ra smiled, that same unfathomable smile. The scroll
was offered and taken. The scroll ignited in Daniel's hand.
Daniel tried to shout out a question, before Ra disappeared,
but was too late... //
<<><><><><><>
As Major Carter explained the seriousness of Daniel's condition,
Connor noticed the trio of concerned looks that turned toward
the sleeping form on the ground. Connor had glimpsed the young
scientist's back, he knew it was bad.
Connor was all the more impressed with SG1's caring and determination.
If they ever decided to add a fifth, Connor knew he'd be first
in line. This team was something special. Connor had been a
part of a lot of squads in his military career, there was always
a special closeness that came with being a part of a group
that risked life and limb on a daily basis. But Sg1 was unique,
even more so than Connor had originally suspected.
Their concern for their teammate was only part of it. They
knew each other, felt each other, believed in each other ...
without reservation. And in Connor's book, that made SG1 a
team in a million...
The colonel called for a break ... as long as Daniel needed
to ... and asked Connor and Teal'c to search the nearby trees
for food and further clues. Connor watched the colonel's eyes
promise vengeance for the pain their friend was going through
... and Connor really did feel as if Daniel was becoming a
friend. Connor traded a glance with the colonel that promised
any and all assistance to achieve it.
Part 2