“ Gerak has gained the support of two more systems. At this rate, we will not have enough votes to overcome his latest group of proposals.” Rak’nor paced the small antechamber just off of the main council chambers. Ten more minutes and they would be returning to vote on another minor procedural matter. Teal’c knew that Rak’nor was concerned at the way these “minor procedural matters” were more and more benefitting the power hungry Gerak and his factions.
“You must not lose hope, Rak’nor. There are still many Jaffa coming to Dakara. The Council will be determined by a majority of all of us. We are free now, and we shall all have a voice.” Teal’c sat back in one of the chairs scattered throughout the room. His face portrayed calm, but his mind seethed at the back-room dealing occurring in this holy location. Major Davis had described the circumstances as Machiavellian, and once Teal’c understood the reference, he had to agree. This was not how he expected the free Jaffa nation to be after the final battle with the Replicators.
“Your time with the Tau’ri prevents you from realizing how much following tradition is all that stops infighting among our people. Many are still adjusting to the idea the Goa’uld are gone and were never gods. You don’t comprehend the importance tradition still holds for many of our people. ”
Teal’c bristled at the implication. “And your dismissal of ideas from Major Davis and his team shows short-sightedness in considering the opinions of those who have enjoyed freedom longer than we.”
Rak’nor
crossed and sat in front of Apophis’s former First
Prime. They had first met years ago,
when Teal’c had been Rak’nor’s captive.
The strength of character Teal’c showed
facing torture and death had made Rak’nor defy his
Goa’uld master and help Teal’c escape.
Each considered that he owed the other his life.
But that did not mean the two friends were
agreeing in this case. Teal’c knew
Rak’nor believed his friend was blinded by his allegiance
to the Tau’ri, that his years with SG-1 made many
Jaffa seeing him as an outsider.
By contrast, Teal’c felt that
Rak’nor’s focus on the petty bickering of some of the
recently freed Jaffa was making him lose sight
of the bigger aim of creating an institution that would respect and govern Teal’c started to argue again, “
Bra’tac...” “ Bra’tac
is old, my friend, and has not been a First Prime for many years.
He has lost the art of politics in his work
for the resistence, as have you.” Teal’c bristled.
“I know what needs to be done.” Rak’nor
sighed, “I know you do, Teal’c, but your idealism...” The rest of his words were cut
off as Mac’cha, a young warrior, burst into the
room. “Master Teal’c.
Colonel Mitchell has just arrived from the
Chapp’ai.” Teal’c rose, puzzled.
“Colonel Mitchell?
Where is he?” The main
antechamber. I tried to explain
that this was only a short recess before a vote, but he insists upon seeing
you. I didn’t know what to do, so I...I
left him there.” Teal’c nodded and started out of
the room. At the doorway, he paused and
looked back to Rak’nor.
“I understand your concerns, my friend.
We will do what is needed.” Teal’c heard Rak’nor
sigh before he followed Mac’cha out of the room. ---- Teal’c strode into the main
corridor outside the High Council chambers.
Colonel Mitchell was pacing between two of the columns.
The first time he had met the man face to
face, Cameron Mitchell was bedridden from injuries sustained saving SG-1 and
others in the Battle of Antarctica.
Teal’c kept his face stoic, but inwardly smiled.
Since that first meeting, the few times he
had seen the young colonel the man was a bundle of energy, always moving, and
usually with a bounce to his step. It
was as if his near-death experience had given him a newfound appreciation for
life. It reminded him of the early days
of SG-1, when Captain Carter and Daniel Jackson were brimming with excitement
over new worlds. Many battles and the
loss of comrades and loved ones had long ago quenched that enthusiastic fire in
his friends. This newfound appreciation of
life also seemed to have a downside of impatience in the young colonel.
Teal’c had to admit he was putting off naming
“replacements” to the premiere team he had been a member of for so long, but it
had only been a short time since Mitchell made the request.
“ ColonelMitchell, I
have not yet had a chance to consider names for your...” Mitchell shook his head,
striding quickly towards Teal’c as soon as he spotted the former First Prime.
“I’m not here for that.
It’s Doctor Jackson.” Teal’c’s eyes widened.
“ DanielJackson?”
He looked around the chamber, hopeful that
Mitchell meant the archeologist was with him, but knew before the colonel
responded that it was empty hope. Teal’c
had never met anyone more likely to get into trouble than the man he considered
a brother, Doctor Daniel Jackson. “Teal’c, I’m sorry, but he’s
sick. He collapsed coming out of one of
the science labs. His vital signs are
low, and the medical staff can’t revive him.” “Do they know the cause?”
Teal’c’s mind was racing.
Who knows what his friend could have been
studying...wait, Daniel Jackson should not have been working on any projects.
He was preparing to leave for Atlantis on the
Daedelus today.
They had said their farewells the last time Teal’c was on Earth five
days ago. “Well, that’s why I came.
I was hoping you could help us out with
that. Vala Mal
Doran came to the SGC,” Mitchell paused, “do you know who...” “I am familiar with the woman,”
Teal’c growled. Daniel Jackson had
explained what had happened on the first, aborted follow-up mission to the
Atlantis expedition, including meeting the pirate of questionable motives who
had an uncomfortable interest in the archeologist.
He remembered O’Neill’s response to Daniel’s
report. “She sounds like trouble with a
capital T... no offense Teal’c.” If this
woman was at the SGC now, she was very likely the source of his friend’s
illness. “Yeah, well...She came and
slapped a bracelet on Dr. Jackson’s wrist with a matching one on hers.
They’ve tried everything to get it off, but
nada so far. When I left, General Landry
was about to question her. Dr. Jackson
said the markings were Goa’uld. I was
hoping you might know what they were.” Mitchell held out a few
photographs. Teal’c took them and
studied them intently. They were close
ups of a small gold item.
A couple were of the bracelet stretched out, but most were
taken while wrapped around a wrist.
Teal’c drew the pictures closer to a torchlight.
It couldn’t be. “How long were
DanielJackson and Vala separated
before he collapsed?” Mitchell was taken aback by the
question. “Separated?
They weren’t like handcuffs, Teal’c.” Teal’c held back his
temper. Of course Colonel Mitchell did
not understand. But time was of the
essence. “For how long were they out of
each other’s presence?” “Uh, I’m not sure.
General Landry ordered her to the brig after
this happened and then...” Mitchell
tilted his head in thoughtful gesture.
“Not more than a couple of hours.” Teal’c pulled a small paper out
of his robes and wrote something quickly.
Mac’cha was still hovering nearby.
Teal’c handed him the note.
“Give this to Rak’nor.
Tell him to provide my vote by proxy.
I will return as soon as I am able.”
He barely waited for the young warrior’s
acknowledgment before moving to the Stargate.
Mitchell was so stunned at Teal’c’s rapid motions that it took him a
moment to catch up, double-timing his steps to catch up to the
Jaffa’s long strides. “Teal’c?” “We must return to Earth
immediately. What is the condition of
Vala?”
Vala? Like I
said, General Landry was about to question her.” “Then she was alert when you
left.” Mitchell drawled out his assent
with a puzzled expression on his face. “There may still be time.”
Teal’c reached the DHD and was already
dialing the familiar coordinates to the planet that offered him refuge after
his betrayal of Apophis. “Teal’c, what’s going on?” “I believe the item may be
kor mak.” “You know what it is?
That’s great!”
Teal’c could tell Mitchell was relieved that
some of the mystery was solved. He
probably hoped they’d be able to get the device off of Daniel.
So did Teal’c, but he regretted the limits of
his knowledge, and that there was not much he could do
for his friend. “I hope I am wrong,
ColonelMitchell. If
I am correct, DanielJackson is in grave danger.” Mitchell’s mouth formed an “oh”
expression as the Stargate burst into life. ---- General Landry was there to
greet them as soon as they clambered down the ramp.
“Teal’c, I wasn’t expecting you to return
with Colonel Mitchell.” Teal’c could
tell Landry wasn’t in the least surprised to see him. “What is the status of
DanielJackson and Vala?”
Teal’c was barely able to remember his
ingrained protocol of bowing his head in respect to the SGC’s commander before
exposing his concern for the health of his friend and the woman who caused his
distress. Landry blinked and glanced at
Mitchell. “Teal’c seems to know what the
bracelets are.” Mitchell shrugged his explanation. Landry nodded.
“ Vala collapsed
soon after Dr. Jackson. She’s in the
infirmary under guard.” “Are they in proximity to each
other, GeneralLandry?” Proximity?”
“I believe these bracelets are ‘
kor mak’, a little known Goa’uld
device used to transport prisoners. If
the guard and prisoner are out of range of each other for long, they will
die.” “Notify the infirmary.”
Landry ordered the control room.
“Do you know how to remove the devices?”
Landry motioned to Teal’c and the three departed
the Gate room. “I do not.”
Deep regret tinged the
Jaffa’s voice. Landry merely grunted.
“Hmm.
Well if what you say is true, then hopefully
we can at least maintain their health by keeping them together until we figure
out a way to get the damn things off of them.”
Landry shook his head. “If Dr.
Jackson recovers, I’m sure he’s going to love that side effect.
He can’t stand being in the same room with
the woman.” “ DanielJackson
will recover.” Landry gave him an appraising
look. “I hope so, Teal’c.”
The leader of SG-5 approached them in the
corridor. “I’m sure you know your way to
the infirmary. I have to speak to the
Major.” Of course.
Thank you, GeneralLandry.” Teal’c continued the familiar
route down the corridor. Colonel
Mitchell followed like a silent, jittery shadow behind him.
Teal’c didn’t mind.
The colonel’s presence was almost a
comfort. After reading reports of the
Antarctic battle, Jack called him a lucky charm.
In this case, Teal’c hoped so. Even after almost two years, he
still expected to see the petite auburn haired form of Dr. Janet Fraiser
whenever he entered the medical wing of the base.
But she was gone, killed heroically in the
line of duty, and the SGC had gone through three CMOs
since then. This latest doctor, Carolyn
Lam, had been approached by General O’Neill before he stepped down as head of
the SGC. Teal’c knew O’Neill would not
leave the people under his command with anyone less than the best. Teal’c was aware of the presence
of Vala in a bed near the door, but his attention was
directed to where Daniel Jackson laid.
He was unprepared for the other visitor sitting vigil, a very familiar
figure half in shadows. “O’Neill.
I did not know you were here.” Finishing up
some business in town. Was about
to take off when Hank told me about Daniel.
What about you?” Teal’c inclined his head at the
dark haired man at his side. “
ColonelMitchell informed me of DanielJackson’s
condition.” Teal’c noted the
straightened posture of the young hero in the presence of O’Neill. “He did, did he?”
O’Neill appraised the young man in a
thoughtful manner. “Dr. Jackson’s research showed
the markings were Goa’uld, sir.”
Mitchell cleared his throat. To
Teal’c, he almost appeared nervous. “I
thought he could help.” O’Neill nodded.
“Good man.”
He turned his attention back to the prone figure on the bed.
Mitchell recognized the dismissal and moved
to talk to the staff. Teal’c moved to the right side
of Daniel’s bed and lifted the limp arm.
The bracelet looked just as he expected it would from Colonel Mitchell’s
pictures. It was only the little used
symbol of Cronus in its design that had caused Teal’c
to even remember the old rumor of kor
mak. His fingers
found the archeologist’s pulse on his wrist.
It was weak, but fairly steady.
At least that was some comfort.
He gently laid Daniel’s hand back on the mattress.
“It is as I have feared.
I regret I know of no way to remove the
device.” Colonel Mitchell approached the
bed. “The nurse said that
Vala’s been here in the room since her own collapse.
Daniel arrested once, but stabilized soon
after they both started being monitored.
The medical team never made the connection until the general called with
your information about having to be in proximity of each other.” Teal’c nodded in acknowledgment. The general chimed in, “Yeah,
he’s been the same since I got here an hour ago, but Dr. Lam seems pleased at
his vital signs.” O’Neill spared a
backwards glance at the figure of Vala unconscious at
the other side of the infirmary. “Some
piece of work, eh? Daniel sure knows how
to pick ’ em.” Teal’c was very familiar with
his friend’s caustic brand of humor, and also how he used it to hide deeper
emotions, like the concern they were both feeling for Daniel.
“Indeed.” “The Daedalus
is supposed to leave in a few minutes.”
A cryptic smile crossed O’Neill’s features.
“I told Daniel he’s not meant to go to
Atlantis.” He shook his head.
Teal’c merely absorbed the information and
stayed standing by his friends. They both maintained a silent
vigil at Daniel’s bedside for another hour, before the tentative figure of
Walter Harriman entered the room. “General O’Neill, your plane is
prepped at Peterson to get you back to D.C. for your meeting with the
President.” To hell with
the President.” “Sir?” ,
Walter cringed.
Teal’c knew the sergeant, now chief master
sergeant, was used to O’Neill’s bluster by now, but it was
dangerous to cross Jack O’Neill when any of the original SG-1 needed his
attention. However, this was the
President, and even the legendary Jack O’Neill had to answer the call of his
nation’s Commander -in-Chief. Never mind,
Walter.” Jack sighed.
“The burdens of command,
Teal’c.” “Indeed, O’Neill.” “You’ll keep an eye on
him.” It wasn’t a question. “I will keep both eyes on him,
O’Neill.” Jack gave a small smile at the
old joke and clapped his old friend on the shoulder.
“I know you will, T.
I know you will.”
With a final look at the unconscious man, he
took his leave. Teal’c sat in O’Neill’s vacated
seat. How many times had he been in this
position, watching and waiting while one of the old SG-1 recovered from illness
or injury? He sat and waited, no longer
noting the passage of time. He sensed
Colonel Mitchell drag a chair over behind him and join
him in his watch. “How did this happen?” Teal’c listened in silence as
the Colonel explained the circumstances surrounding Vala’s
presence at the SGC, including the coded tablet.
Such an item would certainly catch the
archeologist’s attention. Interest in
all things Ancient was Daniel’s weakness.
Teal’c wondered at Vala’s use of the
bracelet. She was either a fool or a
cunning adversary. He would have to
observe her closely once his friend recovered.
After Mitchell finished his explanation, they both sat in silence. Aside from patient checks by the
medical staff, their vigil was only interrupted once by a nurse who said
Colonel Mitchell was wanted on the phone.
He went to the desk and spoke for a few minutes before returning to
Teal’c. “It’s Sam.
She just heard what happened.” Teal’c went to the phone to hear
the worried voice of Colonel Carter.
“Teal’c. Cameron told me you were
there. How’s Daniel?” Just hearing his friend was a
comfort to the Jaffa’s
heart. “He is still unconscious,
ColonelCarter, but his vital signs grow stronger.” He could hear a static through
the line as if the person on the other end let out a deep breath.
“I didn’t know, Teal’c.
I was waiting to see Daniel off here at the ‘
Daedalus’, and then he didn’t show up...” “The medical staff
believe he will regain consciousness soon.
I will remain here.” “I’m glad Teal’c.
I wish I could be there too, but...well, it’s
good you’re there.” She paused. “How are
you doing?” “The work on building a new
Jaffa Nation is arduous, but I believe it to be a noble task.” He could almost hear her
smile. “I know of no one better suited
to the job, Teal’c. Hopefully, I’ll see
you AND Daniel soon.” “I will look forward to it,
ColonelCarter.” He returned to his seat by Daniel
Jackson’s side. His mind drifted to the
recent separate paths his friends had chosen, and to memories of battles won
and accomplishments reached together.
Teal’c had foolishly thought with the defeat of the Goa’uld and the
Replicators, these days of impotent watching and waiting
while an internal struggle for life and health was fought by one of his
comrades were now behind him. Teal’c had always been a man of
action. These past few weeks had been
difficult for him. He was unused to
battling with words, and he chafed at the posturing of some on the floor of the
Jaffa council
chambers, especially ones like Gerak, who Teal’c felt
acted with dishonor on and off the battlefield.
Teal’c knew Rak’nor
was right. Many saw his time with the
Tau’ri as a weakness to exploit, or worse a betrayal of the free So now he sat in a more
familiar, though equally frustrated position.
Teal’c chafed at sitting vigil at a bedside.
He could fight no enemies here; any
adversaries were unseen. While his
presence could give Daniel Jackson strength, he would remain.
He looked down at his friend’s
arm, his mind lost in thought and
memories. When conscious, Daniel’s hands
were constantly moving, emphasizing some historical or anthropological
point. It was odd to see it so still. “Teal’c? ”,
a low voice groaned from the bed. Teal’c stood up in
surprise. He had not expected his friend
to return to consciousness so soon.
Still, it had been several hours since the archeologist had collapsed in
front of Doctor Lee. His friend’s blue
eyes were alert and focused on him. He
breathed a sigh of relief. “Daniel Jackson.” Mitchell also rose from his
vigil behind Teal’c. “How're you doing?” Daniel looked confused, and
Teal’c could tell he was replaying recent memories in his mind.
“Uh, fine...I think.
I don't know what happened.
I was...” “It's...the bracelet,” Mitchell
interrupted. Daniel lifted his arm and
studied the jewelry on his wrist. Teal’c
swallowed the rage he felt at the sight of that hated device.
If he could, he would snap the gold from his
friend’s arm in an instant, but he knew it was impossible. “They are called
kor mak.”
Teal’c studied his friend for any recognition
of the name. Daniel’s expression
remained blank and slightly puzzled. In
fact, he still seemed unsure of how and why Teal’c was there. Colonel Mitchell picked up on
this confusion. He spoke from Teal’c’s
shoulder. “Figured he
might know.” The colonel moved
away from Teal’c to stand in the corner of the infirmary. Teal’c could see Daniel was
processing all this. “Yeah, she said
they were some sort of weird Goa'uld Nut marriage thing.” There was no question
who the “she” was to which Daniel Jackson was
referring. He had no idea what the
Goa’uld Nut had to do with anything, but the device adorning his friend’s wrist
had nothing to do with marriage. He
cautiously replied, “I do not believe that to be the case.” “No?” Teal’c shook his head in
regret. “No.” Daniel sighed.
“Should've known.” Teal’c proceeded to tell his
friend all he knew of the kor mak.
Information was all he could provide to
Daniel Jackson. But, as he had learned
years ago from the archeologist, knowledge could be a greater weapon than the
sharpest blade or largest firearm. “I
have only heard of them in passing a very long time ago.
But I believe it was Cronus
who used this technology when a prisoner of value needed to be transported by
one of his Jaffa.
He would affix a bracelet such as this to
both the prisoner and the Jaffa
responsible for him. If they became
separated for more than a short amount of time, they would both become ill and
die.” One word caught Daniel’s
attention from Teal’c’s explanation.
“Both?” An angry female voice sounded
behind the Jaffa
warrior. “That's just about the
stupidest thing I've ever heard.” Teal'c turned and was surprised
to see the alien Vala was also now conscious. Upon spotting her, Daniel raised
himself to be leaning on his elbow. “You didn't know?”
Teal’c thought he heard an unusual edge in
Daniel’s voice. Vala
was unmoved. “Well, I knew it would make
you sick. I didn't know it would have
the same effect on me too.” Daniel pounded the mattress with
his fist. The venom in his voice was
obvious now as he yelled through clenched teeth, “How could you not KNOW?” Vala’s
voice raised with equal frustration.
“Because the person that I
stole it from didn't tell me that part!” Daniel grunted in rage and threw
one of his pillows at Vala with such vehemence it
shocked the normally unflappable Jaffa.
He had not seen his friend with such high
emotion, or at least not so that he would react with physical violence, even if
it was only a pillow. That was usually
an O’Neill reaction. Teal’c considered
this dangerous turn to his friend’s character.
He wondered if it was a side effect of the bracelet, or just a visceral
reaction to this untrustworthy figure.
Daniel flopped back onto his pillow, avoiding Teal’c’s questioning look. Teal’c had almost forgotten
Colonel Mitchell’s presence during this exchange until he spoke up.
“Question.
Why would the Goa'uld design these things
that way?” The answer should be obvious,
but then Teal’c reminded himself that Colonel Mitchell was a pilot and had not
had ground troop experience through the Stargate before this latest
assignment. “To punish the Right, of
course.” Teal’c’s attention was drawn
back to the archeologist’s low voice. “Can
you take it off?” Teal’c would give anything to be
able to give a different response than the one he spoke.
With his voice full of regret, he responded,
“I am sorry, Daniel Jackson. As I have
said , I have
only heard of this technology in passing.” Daniel raised himself up to fume
at Vala again.
“Please tell me you know how to take this off!” Vala
paused. “Yes, of course I do.”
She gave a large grin.
Teal’c was beginning to see how she could
cause such a vehement reaction in the usually easy-going archeologist.
“I mean...that's assuming that the person I
stole them from was honest about that part.” Daniel’s head dropped, and
Teal’c could tell he was barely holding on.
He hissed, “Just...do it.” “All right! ”,
Vala snapped back.
Then more calmly, she added, “As soon as we find the treasure, and I get
my fair share.” Daniel motioned for Teal'c to
come closer. “Okay.
Just to clarify.
When I kill her, I die?” Teal’c nodded.
The fact that DanielJackson
used “when” instead of “if” was not lost on the
Jaffa.
He too was becoming vexed at this strange woman.
The Jaffa
vowed to watch her closely. If possible,
he would wrench the vixen’s neck himself for what she was putting Daniel
through. Unfortunately, such action
would only result in his friend’s death as well, a fact he now had to impart to
the archeologist. “Just as if you left her proximity.” Daniel pinched the bridge of his
nose in a familiar gesture. “Or we could just find the
treasure.” Teal’c looked at Mitchell in
surprise. He had forgotten about the
colonel’s presence during the heated exchange between the infirmary’s two
patients. Teal’c could not understand
Colonel Mitchell’s suggestion. Was he actually
recommending they work with this dishonorable thief?
“The ' Daedalus'
left two hours ago. Sorry.”
Teal’c had forgotten about the scheduled
voyage to Atlantis. He remembered
O’Neill’s comments and watched his friend in sympathy as Daniel collapsed flat
onto his bed, visibly deflated. He could
see what Mitchell was trying to do. In
fact, he suspected the man was still cherishing the fruitless hope he, Daniel
and Colonel Carter would return to SG-1.
Mitchell continued in excitement. “Look, the tablet is written in
Ancient code, right? I know it's not the
lost city of Atlantis
we're looking
for here, but whatever it is could be worth finding.”
Teal’c considered this explanation.
Such a distraction might help Daniel Jackson
until they could remove the bracelets.
Besides this...woman would not be forthcoming in how to release his
friend from the bond until something was done with this tablet. Mitchell shrugged.
“Or you're just going to have to marry that
chick.” Vala
grinned from ear to ear, “Yeah! Let's
make babies!” Daniel merely sighed
heavily. Any further conversation was
interrupted by the medical staff, who realized their patients were now
conscious. “I will see you soon,
DanielJackson.”
Teal’c only paused to receive Daniel’s wan smile and nod of
acknowledgment before leaving the nurses and doctors to run their tests.
Now that his friend was conscious, there were
other matters to consider. Teal’c entered the control room
and requested Sergeant...no, Chief Harriman contact Dakara.
Before long, Rak’nor
answered his call. To Teal’c’s pleasure,
Rak’nor inquired after Daniel before reporting on the
council meetings. Teal’c felt the
pressure on his heart ease. Rak’nor informed him the
council was recessed for 48 hours, awaiting even more
Jaffa members.
In other news, they were successful in
defeating Gerak’s latest motion. Rak’nor
had things under control. Therefore
Teal’c would be able to remain with the friend who needed him.
While Daniel and Vala
worked on the tablet, he could assume his old role as protector of the
archeologist without guilt of missing obligations at Dakara.
Teal’c informed Rak’nor
he would return before the next session began and broke the connection.
He allowed a small grin to cross his
face. Once again he would be in Daniel
Jackson’s office, trying to unravel an ancient, and in this case, “Ancient”
puzzle. Reliving old times with one of
his closest friends would be a welcome respite from the
Jaffa politics that were now his daily life. He left the control room and
headed to the locker rooms. If he
planned to stay, he should shower and put on Tau’ri clothing.
His robes still carried the dust of
Dakara on them. In
his haste and concern, he had not bothered to change until he was certain
DanielJackson was out of danger. Yes, helping his friend with the
tablet would be a welcome break, and after all, it would only be for another
day... Fin.
September 11, 2005 The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp.
The Stargate, SG-I, the Goa'uld and all other characters
who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names,
titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MGM-UA Worldwide Television, Gekko Film Corp, Glassner/Wright Double Secret Productions and Stargate SG-I Prod. Ltd. Partnership. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.
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