From: Dee Tervo
Part 15
Daniel was no longer certain he was living out something he was predestined
to do. Images of Jack under tons of collapsed stone mingled with long
suppressed visions of his own parents' crushed bodies. He absently wiped his
hands on his clothing, trying to remove the blood from knuckles rubbed raw as
he frantically tried to dig his parents out. Helpless. He felt so entirely
alone and helpless. Too disheartened to eat or even think clearly, he sat in
the corner of the large Hall, guarded at all exits, and simply waited for
whatever Ra would do to him. The curiosity, the awe, the urge to fight - had
all left him. Servant girls began to bring in large urns filled with oils and
white powder and large amounts of linens - he barely took notice.
****
Out in the streets of Per-Ra, the great city of Ra, the people were gathering in large groups. Their faith in Ra had become shaken in recent times. He was no longer the great God protector, teacher and provider of all things magical and wonderful. He had changed, and they had obeyed him out of fear of his enormous power. The collapse of the pyramid was a sign, and everyone knew it. There was a power, a presence in the city greater than Ra himself. The people were finding their voice, rediscovering their courage. Some talked of challenging Ra, while some even dared to say that Ra was a false god. These were dangerous times, and the people continued to look to the golden stranger to lead them. They began to call out for his release.
****
The leader of the Horus guard entered the Hall quietly. The Supreme Lord would not be pleased to know that he was speaking with the stranger. As he watched Daniel sitting, dejected, filled with self-pity, the Horus leader questioned his own feelings. 'It is not possible that this one could challenge Ra...and yet...' He approached Daniel and commanded [Stand and talk to me, strange one!] Daniel did not respond. [Get on your feet and speak! You have little time left!] the Horus pleaded.
The urgency of the Horus' voice pulled Daniel from his dark despairing - perhaps there was still hope for Jack - if Ra were using the sarcophagus...he must be using it. Daniel began to find his strength and his eyes brightened with a new sense of purpose as he stood to face his enemy. Boldly he addressed the guard [I saw fear in your eyes when we last spoke. I've come to reveal to the people of this place what you've known is true all along...Ra is not a god. He is flesh and blood. He is not immortal, nor is he all-powerful - he simply uses advanced technology. When the people discover the truth...]
The Horus cut him off [You speak a great sacrilege! Ra has decided that you will never speak to anyone - ever again.]
Daniel would not be silenced, [You do know Ra is not a god. He has begun to think of himself as one, but I don't think he's convinced you - entirely. I came with another...]
[Yes, another stranger was chased by the Ghaffir into the pyramid, and was about to be captured when the walls fell down upon him. As we speak, they are digging to find his body. The fellahin believe he might be a god, and Ra wants to show his dead body...the fellahin think you might be a god...] The Horus ended his statement much like a question and waited for Daniel's response.
[I have seen...in a...a vision...what is about to happen here. If you help me, I will protect you from the destruction that is about to come. You must tell Ra that I am willing to do whatever he asks, in return for one favor - that the other stranger's life be restored by Ra's sarcophagus.] Daniel studied the man's eyes and saw disbelief and confusion there.
[Then you are not a god?] the Horus asked again.
[I am no more of a god than Ra is...but there are things I know and understand...I come from a future time - a time when Ra is no more...the other stranger and myself... killed him.] Immediately Daniel wondered if he'd revealed too much, but somehow he had to shift the loyalty of this guard and the truth seemed the best way.
Time had run out, and Daniel did not know if he had convinced the guard. A large unit of Ghaffir entered the Hall joined by a group of servant girls. Now Daniel wished he had paid closer attention to the urns. The white powder - the smell of it - so familiar... natron...hydrated sodium carbonate...it was used in embalming. Now he realized what the oils and linens were for. Keeping his voice as steady as possible, fighting back the rising fear he asked, [So, you have come to kill and mummify me? That is how your lord will keep me quiet?]
Everyone in the room stiffened as a soft voice responded to Daniel's question [Kill you? No. You must die, but you will not be killed.]
All of the nightmares were coming to life. Daniel did not have to turn around to see whose voice had answered him. The Ghaffir advanced, grabbing Daniel by the arms and pulling him to Ra's feet. He was forced to kneel and not allowed to look up. His stomach turned as he felt Ra's fingers gently stroke his hair. The rest of the room, the entire city, seemed to fade away until it was only himself and Ra. Daring to do what he knew was forbidden he looked up into Ra's eyes...the expression he saw was tender, almost loving.
[I have thought long about this. You are a gift to me from beyond. I will come to know all you know and possess your powers. The High Priest was right, you will become one with me and the rebellion will stop.] Ra's hands moved slowly, deliberately down Daniel's shoulders and began stroking his back, testing the physical strength of his body. Daniel began to tremble, remembering how the Priest had threatened that he would become a host, but he never stopped looking Ra in the eyes.
[Such strength of mind and body... good,] Ra continued. His examination stopped at Daniel's injured hand. Daniel flinched as he lifted it up and motioned to a servant. It was Bekhat! She brought a jeweled bracelet and fastened it to Ra's hand - it began to glow. The feeling was pleasant, soothing as Ra placed the healing gem over Daniel's hand and soon the pain was completely gone. [Your body and mind will now be prepared using the burial wraps and ceremony. You will spend your last days in this way, until the glory of Ra takes hold of you.]
Daniel rose to his feet as Ra turned to leave, shouting out to him [I will not become a host to an alien parasite!]
Ra smiled, but did not turn around. He was not accustomed to such passion, such disobedience. It excited him to think of taking control of this host. [It is already begun,] was Ra's only response as he left the Hall.
Bekhat sank to her knees and wept silently. She had failed her Mistress and now the golden one would suffer the fate she feared most. She watched as he was dragged, struggling, to the embalming table. His robes had been removed, leaving a small wrap about his waist, and now his hands and feet were being rubbed with scented oils. Dusting with the white powder was next, and she had to turn her head as he coughed and sneezed violently. Oil soaked linen strips were wound about his hands and feet, immobilizing him on the table. She could watch no more, and left to pray to her Mistress in the temple. She did not notice the leader of the Horus guards was following her at a distance.
The true horror of being embalmed, alive, reached into Daniel's soul. His mind tried to analyze what was happening, distancing himself somehow from the event. Perhaps Ra believed he needed to prepare a host body before taking it. Maybe he did not yet possess the ribbon device, or didn't know how to use it. The natron dust burned his lungs as he struggled to breathe. The linen wraps wound ever tighter, as he felt them now being applied to his head. The servants did not respond to his pleas for them to stop and soon darkness overtook him as his eyes were covered. Openings were left for his nostrils, but the rest of him was completely encased now. He strained to hear any noises in the room, but could only hear the anxious beating of his own heart. He fought the rising feeling of claustrophobia and suffocation, but to no avail. These sensations overtook him, threatened to destroy him... delirium set in.
****
Meanwhile, on P4X357 (The Place of Eternity):
The scientists had watched Captain Carter intently as she dialed the coordinates for Earth. "Did you see? She entered a numerical code into the device on her wrist before entering the Chappa'Ai - the same code as the other one, she called Jackson, who was transported in time."
"We will confirm this code with the Jaffa. If it gains us entrance to Tau'Ri, we will gain important knowledge for the System Lords. Knowledge for which Apophis, in particular, will pay a high price."
Teal'c had developed a rapport with the other Jaffa on this world. He was curious to note they did not bear the mark of any god, instead they were pledged to serve the scientists. They told him of many new and wondrous devices. The sarcophagus, they noted, "still needed work" but when fine-tuned it would prolong the life of a Goa'uld and host as close to forever as possible. It was difficult for Teal'c to explain why he was pledged to this band of Tau'Ri, carefully avoiding the fact that he was a traitor and enemy to Apophis.
As the scientists returned to the main research building, the Jaffa snapped to attention. "We have seen your friend safely through the Chappa'Ai. She is most likely back to your command base, in our own time, however she holds the hope of entering the past time with her teammates. Now we find ourselves in need of your help, Teal'c."
"How can I help you?" Teal'c answered warily.
"We need to ask about the number code entered into this device." The scientist held up the remote transmitter he had taken from Daniel four weeks earlier. "What purpose does it serve?"
"I can not tell you of this," Teal'c firmly responded.
The scientists were shocked, as they could not comprehend any level of disobedience from a Jaffa. The other Jaffa were amazed as well. "It is not your place to deny us any request!" the leader shouted angrily. "No matter, we will test this code and return to deal with you later."
The three scientists, under Teal'c's watchful and worried eye, dialed the coordinates for Earth on the DHD and entered sg-1's code into the remote transmitter. They armed themselves with weapons Teal'c had never seen before, and disappeared into the Gate.
****
"Here we go again, General. Off world activation, sg-1 signal, and Sir, this time we do have incoming travelers," the Gate technician announced.
All eyes shifted from the closed iris to General Hammond, waiting for his orders, expecting the iris to be opened. He stood, unmoving. The order never came. Three loud thuds could be heard as bodies slammed against the iris, attempting to materialize. Each one brought a pained expression from the crew in the control room, but the General did not react. When it was over, he simply turned and calmly announced "I will be in my office. I need to file an official briefing on this incident. Send the report of the impact analysis to me as soon as it is complete." Slowly people regained their composure, and business went on as usual. There was no time to mourn.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 16
Dust hung heavy over the collapsed ruins of the pyramid. A day had passed since the earth had shook violently. And still the dust remained in the air. Some of the prisoners assigned to the task of digging for the bodies trapped within, whispered of a power hovering over the area. Why else would dust still linger unnaturally in the air. Why, as they inched towards the resting place of the stranger, would the walls shift and collapse just as they seem to reach their goal. Walls that had been deemed stable moments before they began digging. A new power had come to Egypt. One that appeared to challenge the Most Holy One. But would this new stranger be an ally or someone worse than Ra?
Deep within the pyramid, a snake slithered over the cool ground, its tongue flickering, tasting the air. Red eyes glowed from its head. Vibrations from above were dimly felt in its coils. Behind it, several robed figures followed.
Pain lanced through him as he fought his way back to consciousness. Darkness greeted him as his eyes opened. Jack screamed as he shifted his battered body to look around. Overwhelming pain rolled through him. From the wound in his side, the broken bones throughout his body. His breath rasped out of him from a punctured lung. As the pain subsided from overwhelming to borderline tolerable, he realized that he couldn't move. Rocks and sand covered him. He couldn't even tell if Maeti was anywhere near him. As the blackness once again rose up to swallow him, he hoped Daniel was faring far better than he was.
****
She stared into the calm waters of the pool. Images flickered within its black depths. In the back of her mind his life force grew weaker.
[Hurry.] she whispered.
The images in the water distorted, changing to the linen wrapped body of Daniel Jackson. His fear washed over her. [Calm, Daniel Jackson. You will be alright. You have endured much in the past. This, you can endure as well.]
Suddenly, glowing eyes reflected up at her from the pool. She hissed and drew back from the edge.
[Who are you, child? Why do you oppose me?] Ra's voice was soft, enticing. [Your power is strong, but no match for me.] He tilted his head to study her. [No matter. You will never defeat me. None of the other system lords and their offspring has come close to conquering me.] With that he vanished from her vision.
[Curse him] She stood up to pace the room. Too much power had been expended in the past days. He was getting to close to her. So far, her temple had protected her. If she continued to use her power, it would draw him quickly to her hiding place.
[I'm sorry Jack O'Neill] Closing her eyes, she reached out and gathered her power back into herself. Without her to bar the diggers passage, Ra's Ghaffir would soon find him. He would have helped her greatly in her plans, but he was only an unexpected gift. Her plans had already been set into motion before he and his friend had stumbled through the Chappa-Ai.
****
A shout rose up from the pyramid's entrance. The Ghaffir hurried to help the diggers with their burden. The leader of the Guards smiled. The Most Holy One would be very pleased.
Around him, the court grew silent. The Ghaffir, sent to the pyramid, approached his throne. The leader knelt before him. At his nod, the guards approached and laid down their burden. The cloth was removed from the bundle. Half-opened brown eyes stared sightlessly up at him. Brown hair was covered in dust and cut in an unusual style. Although the skin was dark, it was still lighter than the average Egyptian.
Ra smiled. The other stranger. He would parade his dead body before the crowds. Now the fellahin would believe that there was no other god than him and to defy him meant death.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 17
"Ma'am? Ma'am, are you all right?"
Sam was vaguely aware of a somewhat confused, but pleasant, voice calling to her. A young lieutenant reached down and offered her his hand. She hesitated. What had gone wrong? This must be Earth. It certainly seemed modern, and yet... Sam glanced warily about the room and noticed the other members of her team, Sergeants Johnson and Everett, were slowly getting to their feet. Now it clicked. This was the facility she saw in the tapes Daniel had found, the place where the Stargate had been activated one time for Ernest Littlefield. She refused the young man's offer of assistance, stood up and brushed herself off, mumbling something about being just fine.
A man who carried himself with an authoritative air, approached her. Judging from his uniform, he was a general. Sam raised her hand in a salute, but he brushed past her and addressed her teammates. "Who the hell are you? I want your names, the name of your commanding officer, and I want to know how it is you've broken into this installation!"
The lieutenant spoke up, "General, sir, they didn't break in. They just appeared, like ghosts or something, out of some blue light that..."
The General cut him off "Will you stop blabbering Peters? You're telling me that hunk of metal I've been 'guarding' for a year now, actually DID something?" Turning back to the men he repeated his question "What are your names and who has issued your orders?"
Sam strode to the General's side "They are Sergeant Johnson and Sergeant Everett, and they report to me, Captain Samantha Carter." Behind her, Sam could hear chuckles and whispers from the crowd now assembling.
The General responded "Nice that you think so, honey, but I'd better get some real answers or you're all in a shit load of trouble! Hand me your gun, NOW!"
'Honey?' Sam thought, 'Oh boy, they aren't going to take too kindly to my being in command.' Reluctantly, she handed over her weapon, motioning that her teammates should as well. No need getting anyone killed here. "General, if I might explain..."
"Sweetheart, if I want you to tell me something, I'll ask you," the General snidely remarked. As he admired the advanced design of her rifle he asked "Do you speak Russian? SGC, that stand for Soviet... something ... Command?"
"What?" was Sam's stunned reply.
"Russian, Ruskie? I hear the commies put women to work in their military. Where did you get this gun?"
His stare was guarded, suspicious. What could she tell him? "I am an officer in the United States Air Force, and that gun is standard issue, at least on our missions."
The General grew increasingly frustrated and began barking orders to the lieutenant "I need answers, yesterday! Find accommodations for the 'lady' and the two soldiers here. Make them very secure accommodations. I need to find out their serial numbers - verify whether they have anything to do with our military. I'll also expect reports from the technical crew on what the hell just happened here. Dismissed."
The military machine sprung into rapid action, as all weapons and unknown gadgets were removed from the strangers and they were marched off to lock up. Sam tried to ask for Dr. Littlefield, but his name brought no reaction from the soldiers carrying out their orders. She thought about her father and realized he was probably a boy at the time. She became certain as she caught sight of a discarded newspaper. The dateline read 1947!
She was instructed to change into appropriate dress and wait for questioning. Then the heavy door to her cell swung shut and there was silence. Laid out on the bunk was a blue cotton dress 'Looks like a prison outfit' Sam remarked to herself. 'OK, what now?' It'd only be a matter of time until they brought in the psychiatrists if she told them the truth, but what else could she tell them?
****
Daniel felt calm, strangely calm, unnaturally calm. He was certain his sanity was leaving him. Perhaps this method of preparation broke down the human will so there was no fight left when the Goa'uld took over. Complete sensory deprivation. He'd read about it before, and how useful it could be in mind control. His mind, it was the last weapon he had left and he needed to fight to keep it. He could hear a woman's voice calling to him from the darkness. Bidding him to follow her, to stay strong just awhile longer. She also revealed what she wanted him to do - he was to help her destroy Ra. How comical that seemed to him now, in his condition, she was asking *him* for help.
Time was passing. It had to be passing, but he couldn't tell for certain. He had come to rely on the messages from his Mistress, his one tie to existence outside - when suddenly they stopped. No! How could she leave him now, when he needed her most. He tried to keep his mind active, remembering long forgotten texts, missions with SG-1, first memories of home and family, Sha're. When his mind would begin to slip, he'd start counting - anything to keep from sinking into catatonia. On the verge of breaking down, he felt himself being moved - rolled over onto his side. Muffled voices encircled him, but were indecipherable. He felt a slight pressure on his back and sensed that the wrappings were loosening slightly, as if they were being cut open. Certain it was time for the Goa'uld to take him over, to burrow itself into his spine - he summoned his remaining strength to fight.
It was a knife, he felt the pain as it cut a bit too deeply and punctured his skin. Instead of the expected piercing pain of the Goa'uld's entrance, he felt the knife move and begin cutting along his leg and behind his head. He was being freed from his mummification, but by whom? He began to wish he had been able to eat the food brought to him by the Horus guard. It had been far too long since he'd eaten and he became aware how weak he was.
As the wrap was removed from his head, he heard a familiar male voice. It took a minute to place it. Yes, the Horus guard. His eyes opened slowly. The world seemed hazy and dark. He was unable to speak or even react. Looking down on him were the Horus guard and Bekhat. Ra was nowhere to be seen. Bekhat offered him a sip of drink, but he couldn't swallow - it simply ran out of his mouth and down the side of his face. Concerned, Bekhat motioned to the guard to pick Daniel up and carry him out. They must move quickly, before the deceit was discovered. Daniel offered no resistance as he was gently wrapped in robes, hoisted over the guard's shoulder and carried away. He glanced back to the table where he had been laying and wondered if this were all a hallucination, for on the table he saw - himself - or at least a person wrapped in a linen casing where he had just been. The last words he remembered hearing were from Bekhat "Come Golden One, to the temple of the Mistress. She expects much of you."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 18
[Mistress]
She turned to see four of her followers approach her. They were covered in dust and sand. Carefully, they laid down their burden at her feet. The cloth was drawn back. She smiled, delight lighting up her face.
****
[Oneal. Wake up.] The voice was soft and feminine.
Jack groaned and rolled over. Cool sheets whispered over his body. A giggle sounded from somewhere behind him. Suddenly he was wide awake. He jerked up right in bed. Running his hands over his body, he discovered that all of his injuries were gone. He felt wonderful. No pain, no fatigue; just the feel of life coursing through his body. Tossing back the sheet, he got out of bed. More giggling erupted. Turning, Jack saw Maeti standing at the foot of the bed. She was blushing and holding out some sort of cloth. Glancing down, Jack realized he was stark naked. He grabbed the garment from Maeti, but had trouble trying to figure out how to put it on. Still blushing, Maeti showed him how to wrap it around his hips. Stepping back, she looked him over from top to bottom.
[You look very much like an Egyptian now.]
[Ya think?]She tilted her head at his strange phrase.
[Never mind.]Suddenly, memories came pouring back. [How the hell did we get out of the pyramid. The last thing I remember, we were trapped under tons of rock. And I was hurt. And so were you.]Jack said, staring suspiciously at Maeti. Her face was unmarked, no cuts or scars marring her pretty features.
[My Mistress protected us. She dug us out and brought us back to her temple. She also healed us.]
His expression was skeptical. [And this was the same Mistress that had you lead us into the pyramid in the first place. The same Mistress that has been playing around in my head.]
Maeti couldn't understand Jack's distrust of her Mistress.[ She has protected us from the Most Holy One. What she has done is for our protection.]
[Uh-huh]
[If you had been left on your own, you would be in the hands of Ra and undoubtedly dead by now.] Jack turned to see a beautiful woman enter the room. Long black hair fell below her shoulders. Her black eyes flashed with intelligence and spirit. Her gold jewelry and white dress emphasized her olive skin. She smiled at him warmly.
[What I have done has been for your protection. Without it, you would be dead. You and your friend.]
She came closer to him, studying him intently. [I have healed your injuries, both inside and out.] Raising one hand, she ran it lightly over his arm and chest. [Maeti is right. You look very much like an Egyptian. The weeks in the prison pit have darkened your skin and honed your body even further.]
Jack stepped back. A memory of glowing red eyes flashed into his mind. [Who are you? Are you a goa'uld?] She merely continued to smile up at him. He tried again. [You said you have been protecting me the past several weeks. Why?] He narrowed his eyes at her. [And how is it protection when I was held in that hell hole of a prison pit.]
[That hell hole you refer to, is the last place Ra would have looked for you. It was also the safest place to keep you out of trouble. I also gave you the ability to speak my language so that you could survive. Without it, the overseer would have killed you.]
The thought that had been teasing the back of his mind emerged. He glared at her. [You dropped the pyramid onto of us.]
[Yes.] Calmly, she watched him as he turned to pace the room.
[Why?]
[To prevent Ra's Ghaffir from capturing you. I had intended to lead you further into the tunnels before bringing it down, but you were injured and the Ghaffir were almost within reach of you.]
[Alright. You have been protecting me from Ra. Why?]
[The answer to that will have to wait a little bit longer.] He scowled at her, not at all impressed with her and her answers. She smiled. Her followers had found him and Maeti just as she had withdrawn her power back into herself. Although she would have briefly mourned the loss of him and his skills, she was secretly glad he was still alive and able to help her. And perhaps his stubbornness and spirit drew her to him. It had been a long time since she had faced a man not intimated by her and more than willing to stand his ground against her.
[You mentioned my friend. Do you know where he is?] Jack tried to keep the concern he felt out of his voice.
Before she could answer, a male servant entered the room. [Mistress, they have arrived.]
[Bring them in here at once.] He bowed and hurried away. She turned back to Jack. [You want to know where your friend, Daniel Jackson is? He is here. Bekhat, Maeti's friend, and one of my spies, have brought him here.]
"Danny?!" Joy and worry clouded his voice, as Jack watched Bekhat and a Ghaffir carrying an unconscious Daniel came into the room. He was thin and pale. Jack hovered near him as the Ghaffir lowered him to the bed. Off to one side, Maeti and Bekhat were embracing tightly, each glad to see the other. The Mistress was content. Both men were now under her sight in her temple. Now, her plans could start. She smiled inwardly. And they would start with Ra discovering what had happened to the strangers.
****
The fellahin had gathered outside of Ra's court. The Most Holy One had ordered them to come. They milled about fearfully. Such summonsing meant only death and fear where once they had brought only joy at the sight of their God-Protector.
Ra emerged from inside. The crowd quieted down.
[There have been rumors of another god come to this land. Rumors that I will be overthrown and you, my people aiding this false god in such folly. I have always protected you. Helped you build this glorious civilization that exists today.]
He motioned to his guards to bring forth the stranger's body. [This is the false god. Let this be a warning to all who would oppose me. Death will only follow you if you choose not to follow me.]
The murmurings in the crowd grew louder. Fingers pointed to the body. Ra turned to look at the body. He stiffened, rage pouring through him. A Ghaffir, one of his own guards. That was the dead body. Not the stranger's. He whirled around and stormed back inside. Guards scrambled out of his way. A servant fearfully approached him. Bowing low to the ground, he stammered out his message. The Golden One, who had been mummified alive was also gone. There was only the body of a dead man wrapped in linens. Ra howled his fury.
She had done this. Mocked him in front of the fellahin. Threw his power back in his face. She would pay dearly for this. So would the strangers. No mercy would be shown.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 19
Maeti and Bekhat were happily planning a great feast in celebration of life and victory. Although they had faltered in their faith, the Mistress had prevailed, and the two women sang Her praises. They were reunited with each other and the strangers they had come to serve and admire.
Jack barely took notice of the gaiety; he knelt by Daniel's side, shaking him lightly. He hadn't woken up since being carried in over an hour ago. What was wrong with him? He looked weakened but had no outward injuries...his lips were cracked and dry. 'Bastards probably tried to starve him to death,' Jack thought. "Daniel? Hey, you in there? I have a surprise for you, I've been taking language lessons!...If you wake up soon, we can get plastered together again...from the looks of things there'll be plenty to eat and drink!" Jack was really worried now. Why hadn't this 'mistress' person, whoever she was, come to help Daniel? "I'm not kidding around anymore Danny. Come on back to me." He dipped a rag in a bowl near the bed and drizzled the water over Daniel's parched lips. No response.
Maeti joined him now at the bedside, seeing the worry in Jack's eyes she encouraged him [Oneal, you must offer prayers to the Mistress to speed the healing of your friend. I will teach you how.]
Jack was visibly uncomfortable. The things that were happening to him were beyond all reasonable explanation, yet there had to be one. Praying to this mistress-god? No way! [I'm really not very good at that sort of thing,] he mumbled trying to avoid Maeti's intent gaze. [Haven't been to a...a 'church' in...waaay too long to remember.]
[A 'church'?] Maeti asked, trying to form the strange word. Oneal had made perfect sense in her language except for this new word 'church'.
[Temple, I guess you'd call it,] Jack answered.
Maeti smiled, these strangers made little sense at times [You are in a temple now ... one of the greatest! So, now, you pray - for if you do not ... the Mistress might become angry, and your friend will be no more.]
Jack wanted to tell her it was wrong to believe in false gods, he wanted to explain...explain what? He didn't even know what to believe himself. He looked down at Daniel's still form, feeling more frustrated over his inability to help...could a simple prayer hurt? Then he saw Daniel's lips begin to move, he was saying something in a tone below a whisper. Jack leaned closer to hear.
"So dark. It's like another world...all the light is gone. Not alone...Ra is with me. Help...me."
Jack jumped back at the words. Daniel must be dreaming something, either that or ... Jack tried to push away thoughts of Daniel being taken as a host. Memories came to him, of sitting at Kawalsky's side, watching him sleep, wondering what changes were going on in his body, his mind.
Maeti was fearful now, as she called Bekhat to her, [He speaks of Ra. He says Ra is with him. You told me he had not been taken, yet somehow Ra possesses him. I am afraid, my good friend, he is lost to us.] Bekhat refused to believe this and shook her head in stunned silence. The women began to pray, calling on their Mistress to intercede.
Jack decided on a more direct approach, he went in search of her.
****
The Mistress had withdrawn to her private chambers. She needed to strengthen and prepare herself for battle with Ra. His anger had reached out to her in a great wave of energy, and she reveled in it. His time was drawing to a close and her powers continued to increase. She smiled, feeling great satisfaction with herself. The smile began to fade as the prayers of her servants reached her. A mistake, hopefully not a significant one...she had been too weakened from healing Maeti and Oneal...too weakened to touch the mind of Daniel. Ra had powers still strange to her...if he controlled Daniel's mind.... She would not want to do it, but she if had to destroy Daniel to preserve her secrets - this she would do. Perhaps there was another way... Her thoughts were interrupted as Jack barged noisily in the entrance.
"There you are!" frustration evident in his barely civil tone "Tell me what the hell is going on, now, and get some help for..." he immediately stopped, as the woman before him became transformed with anger.
She rose to a stand, eyes flashing - her voice powerful and deep "You! You are not a believer! That I can accept, because we both need each other. You are of strong will and spirit. That I even encourage. But you will never, EVER, speak to me in the tone of an order. I will not allow it. Do you understand?"
The two faced each other for a seemingly endless moment. It was Jack who backed down "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. You saved my life, and I am grateful. I'm worried about my friend...he's saying stuff about Ra and...wait...*you* need *me*? What..."
She silenced him with a light touch to his lips, and stared into his eyes...the fire had not left them. "I will help your friend. I will ease his mind. He is safe now, do not worry." Her tone had abruptly changed to a soft, soothing one. She studied Oneal carefully now, every muscle every line. Such an independent spirit! He would never submit to her in prayer...perhaps he would submit in another way? She ran a fingertip up his arm and down his back as she walked behind him, still admiring. Feelings of longing for a man were strange to her, always feeling more like a mother and protector to the men who served her. Ah, but this one was different. It was so dangerous to love a mortal; dangerous for both. Danger excited her. She walked slowly to her bed and laid down, calling him softly to her side.
Jack didn't want to turn around, ...great...so *this* is what she needs me for? He turned ever so slowly, almost against his will. She was so beautiful. He had noticed this before, but hadn't allowed himself to appreciate it. He walked to the bed and sat next to her, thinking all the while that he should leave - before it was too late. But it was already too late. She pulled him down into a kiss that melted his will and set his soul on fire. Her perfect skin burned to his touch, and energy flowed from her - sending him into oblivion. For a brief moment, he wasn't sure if he would survive the ecstasy of her embrace - no matter, he simply could not fight it, he was swept away.
They were lost in the sensation of each other, failing to notice the cries for help coming from the outer temple rooms. It was Bekhat, [Mistress...please...come to us! Help us! The golden one has left the temple, saying that Ra has commanded it. Please!...]
Bekhat could wait no more. Perhaps the Mistress had already gone on ahead. She left the temple to follow Daniel. Already a crowd had formed around him in the street, assuming he had come to lead them in defeat of Ra, they gathered up what weapons they had and joined with him.
Daniel was unaware of the activity around him. A strong voice called out to his mind, and he was far too weak to resist.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 20
The crowd behind Daniel grew as he walked on, heading towards the city. The voice in his mind overwhelmed him. Coaxing, threatening, demanding, it drew him on.
In his court, Ra smiled. He sensed her trying to turn the stranger's mind away from him. Little did she know that he was completely under his control.
****
[Damn him]
She got up from the bed to pace angrily around the room. Jack watched her, not sure what was happening. Maeti silently entered the room, fear in her eyes. She watched her Mistress pace. [What the hell is going on?] Jack demanded. One minute, he had been losing himself in her arms, the next she was pulling away from him, cursing someone.
She paused in her pacing to glare at him. Her eyes were glowing. Jack tried not to flinch. What the hell was he thinking, to succumb to her.
[Your friend is under Ra's control. Daniel Jackson is heading back to him and taking many of the fellahin with him. ] She turned on one heel to continue pacing. All of her attempts to reach Daniel's mind had failed. It was if a wall had been built up around his thoughts.
Suddenly her head came up and she hissed. The amulet. He was still wearing the Eye of Ra. [FOOL.] Her voice was harsh with self-condemnation. She should have probed his mind when he came here. Now events were starting to spiral out of her control.
Her pacing was abruptly halted by Jack stepping in front of her. His eyes flashed with anger and confusion. [Tell me what the hell is happening to Daniel.] His voice was low, determined.
Silently, she studied him. He was not going to back down until he knew what was going. And the only way she would gain his help was to tell him everything.
[Ra controls your friend's mind and I cannot break his control. Daniel is wearing the Eye of Ra, an amulet that denotes Ra's possession of him. Through it, Ra now controls him. He has commanded him to return to him.] Frustration crept into her voice. [And the fellahin are arming themselves and following him.]
[And why are they doing that?]
[Because they believe that he will help them overthrow him. But they will be slaughtered by the Ghaffir.]
She stepped closer to Jack. [You wanted to know why I was protecting you from Ra.] Her voice was low, seductive. [I am going to overthrow him. And you are going to help me.]
Jack stepped back. [I thought you wanted me in your bed.]
Her eyes widened, then she threw her head back and laughed. The sound of it washed over him, heightening his awareness of her.
[You never cease to amaze me, O'Neill. I have not gone to such lengths or expanded power just to entice you into my bed. That would only be an additional pleasure of you serving me. No, what I want from you is your military training, everything that is needed to gain an advantage against the Ghaffir. My fellahin are courageous, but they lack the knowledge of how to overcome their enemy. That is how you are going to help me.]
[Why should I help you, and how are you going to be a better ruler than Ra is?] Jack demanded.
Her eyes burned into him, into his soul. From a distance, he heard her . [Watch. Learn. Plan] and he was back in the prison pit. The other prisoners were talking quietly amongst themselves; about how Ra had turned against them, about a new power come to free them and to care for them. A power that was new, yet had been there all the time. Maeti pointed to some of the prisoners, telling him of what she had learned about them, their crimes that brought them here. Stealing a piece of bread to feed a starving family. Lateness in paying taxes because a swarm of locus had devoured his crop. He saw their determination to fight against Ra. Their confidence and trust that this new power would be kinder than their current God-Protector.
He staggered from the images, the sands and heat of the prison pit replaced by the cool stone walls of the Mistress's inner chambers.
[You do not know if I will be better than Ra. You will just have to trust me. And if you still are hesitant about helping me, then do it for your friend. I cannot help him and fight Ra at the same time. But I will make sure that he will not be killed in the battle against Ra. Bekhat is with him. She will try to remove the amulet from his neck. With that gone, there may be a chance to break Ra's hold over him.]
[And if I don't help you?]
[Then I withdraw my protection from you and your friend. You will be left to the mercies of Ra, with no hope of saving your friend or even of returning to your own time.]
Silence fell between them, each staring at the other. Finally, Jack sighed. [For Daniel's sake, I will help you. But if anything happens to him, you will pay for it. I don't care who or what you are.] Passion infused his words. His eyes burned with it. Her eyes reflected the same passions.
Without looking away from him, she spoke to Maeti. [Summon the Horus guard leader here. Bring the maps and the weapons and armor. We have a battle to plan.] Maeti bowed and hurried out of the room.
Moving away from Jack, she went over to a table near one wall. Opening up a small box, she carefully withdrew a piece of jewelry. Holding it in both hands, she walked back to him. He could see that it was some kind of necklace. It was made out of red stone or mineral. He didn't recognize the symbol, that was Daniel's field, but he knew it symbolized something very important. Its presence around his neck spoke of power and magic.
[What is this?] He asked, fingering the necklace. The metal was heavy and quickly warmed to his skin.
[A gift. When the fellahin see you wearing it, they will know that you serve me and will follow your orders.] She stepped back to survey him.
Just then Maeti rushed back into the room, maps and other items tumbling from her arms. Her eyes went wide at the sight of the necklace on Jack. At a warning look from her Mistress she closed her mouth and started to lay out the maps.
****
Onward, Daniel walked, unaware of anything but the voice in his head. He was oblivious to the fellahin following him, armed with field tools and hammers, anything that might be used as a weapon.
The Ghaffir stood silently at the gates to Per-Ra. Staff weapons held lightly. Eyes alert to the rising cloud of dust approaching the city.
Ra smiled. The fellahin were walking into a trap. Mindlessly following the Golden One, who was supposed to free them from his grasp. Never knowing that soon they would be slaughtered.
July, 2001 © 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.