From: Jennifer Goll
Part 21
The gates to the city of Per-Ra were in sight. Determination filled the fellahin. The golden one had led them to Ra's city. Now they turned to him for the order to attack. None came. The golden one continued to walk towards the gates. Confused, they looked at one another. What was going on here? Had they not been led here to begin the battle for their freedom? Why was the stranger still walking to the gates, so blindly? Could he not see the Ghaffir ready to fire at him?
Bekhat pushed through the front edges of the crowd, desperate to get to Daniel. Her Mistress's words echoed through her mind. The amulet. She had to remove it from his neck, in order to help him free himself from Ra's possession. She looked fearfully at the Ghaffir at the gates. They held their weapons tightly. To her relief, they were not yet aimed at the golden one. He was within feet of them.
She was in reach. Gathering up her courage, she tackled Daniel. They crashed to the ground. Daniel struggled to free himself of her weight, his eyes completely focused on the gates ahead. Bekhat tried to grab for the chain around his neck but he was too strong. Suddenly, other hands were there. They grabbed Daniel's shoulders, dragging him back to the crowd of fellahin. Bekhat looked up to see the other stranger, Oneal and Senjet, the former leader of the Horus Guards. With both of them holding onto Daniel, they dragged him, loudly protesting, back into the crowd and safety.
"Daniel. Danny, Quit struggling, will ya. It's me, Jack." Jack couldn't believe the strength in his friend's body as he fought to free himself. He kept mumbling about Ra, how he had to go to him, to follow him. Finally fed up with the young scientist, Jack straddled him, sitting on his stomach. The Eye of Ra winked at him in the sun's rays. He grabbed it and ripped it from Daniel's neck.
Inside his mind, walls suddenly came tumbling down. Daniel realized that Ra's voice no longer overwhelmed him. From a distance, he thought he heard Jack's voice calling to him. Farther away, he could feel Ra raging against him. He struggled to get his thoughts under control. But he was so weak; he just wanted to sleep for a long time.
[No, stay awake Daniel Jackson. To sleep means Ra will regain control over your mind. You are not yet free of him.] A beautiful woman appeared in his mind. Her eyes were glowing.
[Mistress. Help me. How do I fight him?] His voice was weak. He tried to reach out to her.
She smiled gently. [Remember your training. To have power over a god, just call him by his name. Look at him. Know what he is. False god, Goa'uld, tyrant. Look at him and call him by his name.]
Daniel turned in his mind, to the sound of the other voice. He looked at the beautiful god-boy standing there. He remembered Abydos and the pain inflicted on the people there. Sha're, his beloved wife taken from him by a goa'uld. All the pain and torture he had been subjected to in this time. Ra's betrayal of his promise to care for his people. He looked Ra in the eye and let all of his pain and hate and anger pour out of him. "You are the false god Ra. You are an alien parasite. You don't control me. I will no longer follow you." Ra screamed in outrage. He turned to glare at the woman standing behind Daniel. [You haven't defeated me yet.] She merely smiled at him as he vanished from Daniel's mind.
Jack watched anxiously as Daniel moaned. His eyelids fluttered then opened.
"J-Jack?"
"Yeah, Danny. I'm here." He helped Daniel sit up, frowning at his pale face. "You had me worried there. Are you alright?"
Daniel blinked, taking in his surroundings. Bekhat knelt on his other side. He smiled to ease the concern on her face.
"I'm okay. Just a little weak." He looked up at Jack. "What are we doing here and what is going on?"
"That, Daniel, is a very long story. Basically, you were right when you said that we may have been destined to be here. Come on. I've set up a base camp at the back of this crowd. I'll fill you in on what has been going on."
Jack helped Daniel to his feet. Turning, he looked at Senjet and Bekhat. [Bekhat, go ahead and get food and a doctor. Senjet, help me with Daniel here.]
Daniel's mouth fell open. Jack, fluently speaking Ancient Egyptian? And better than him, who had studied it and refined it here, in this time? "Jack..."
Jack grinned mischievously. "I bet my story is more interesting than yours."
****
Her knees were aching, but Maeti didn't move. She watched her Mistress work. Power filled the room. Sand and water swirled under her hands, forming to her commands.
[Maeti, the basket.]
She handed the basket to her. Something hissed and squirmed as she closed the lid tightly on the basket. Then she sat back, closing her eyes.
Finally, she straightened up and looked at Maeti. [Come child, it is time to join the battle. Be very careful with the basket.]
****
"So this Mistress person seems to be the same one that has been in my head for the past several weeks as well. Incredible. I wonder who she is?" Daniel finished eating and pushed the bowl away. He and Jack had spent the last several hours catching up on what had happened to them. Twilight covered the camp in shadows. The fellahin, at Jack's order, had moved about half a mile away from Per-Ra. Now they has settled down, patiently waiting his next orders. Without a word of protest, they obeyed him. Daniel was still amazed by all that had gone on since they had been split apart.
He frowned, suddenly realizing just where he had seen the necklace around Jack's neck. "Jack, you said that the Mistress gave this to you." Jack nodded. "Did she tell you what is means?"
"No. She said that it was a gift and that the fellahin would obey me when they saw it. Why? What is it?"
"I think it's called a tyet. My mind is still a little fuzzy. But, I think it's connected with the ankh symbol somehow; which is the symbol of life. This necklace, if I'm remembering correctly, is the symbol of divine and royal power. And the color is supposedly a symbolic representation of a goddess's blood. I just can't remember which goddess." Daniel frowned.
"Well, I don't think her name is important any ways. She's a goa'uld, just like Ra and Apophis and all the other goa'ulds pretending to be gods."
[O'Neill. I'm hurt that you consider me one of the false gods.]
The men whirled around. Standing behind them was the Mistress and Maeti. She smiled and moved passed them to the table. As she passed by Jack, she ran one hand lightly over his arm.
Jack frowned. Daniel looked intrigued.
[What the hell are you doing here?] Jack demanded. [I thought you told me that you were not going to be helping us in the battle?]
[And I'm not. But someone has to deal with Ra, or the battle will be over before it even begins. And I'm the only one here with the ability to do that.]
[Great. How?]
Before she could answer, Senjet entered the camp. He bowed to her then turned to Jack. [The guards loyal to the Mistress have just sent word that they are ready. When we attack the gate, they will overpower as many of the Ghaffir as they can. Between the two groups, we should be able to enter the city quickly.]
Jack nodded. [Good. Get everyone ready. We move at full dark.]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 22
Background Information:
If I may, a little bit of background before I go on with the story. Sam, along with two sergeants from sg-3, have managed to travel back in time to the late 1940's Earth (about the time Ernest Littlefield was working with the Stargate). The time-linking device had been unwittingly attached to the Stargate on 1940's Earth, just before Sam's attempt to travel back to the time of Ra (to find Daniel and Jack). She has discovered a Soviet-fearing (cold war is just gearing up) woman-patronizing group of soldiers in control of the Stargate project.
Thanks to x-lander's great website suggestion, I have placed the 1940's Stargate at a place called "Site R" deep inside Raven Rock Mountain, Pennsylvania. It was a highly secretive, highly classified emergency relocation site for the Pentagon in the event of a nuclear disaster, and designed similarly to the NORAD/SPACECOM site at Cheyenne Mountain Complex, near Colorado Springs (hmmmmm!). What is even more interesting, is a part of Site R, specified as Site CREED. No one seems to know what went on at that part of the site, or what CREED stands for. And I quote the website "site CREED is apparently a highly-compartmentalized facility with a particularly sensitive mission. The former public affairs officer for Site-R claimed never to have heard of it. Another source indicated that someone assigned to Site-R once entered Site-CREED under questionable circumstances, and was quickly transferred to a far away military post in order to prevent the individual from telling others assigned to R about what he saw inside CREED" (hmmmmm!). Now, of course, this is all a fantasy of my own creation, but I couldn't resist putting Sam and the Stargate at Site CREED. Now on with the story!
****
Sam was growing increasingly frustrated and exhausted. She'd been here, wherever "here" was, for over a week now, constantly being questioned. The questions were always the same, and her answers purposefully vague. She couldn't give a current address, her serial number wasn't in existence, couldn't explain why she was there. Then came the barrage of psychological tests, 'Guess they figure I forgot who I was, or I was brainwashed, or a spy,' Sam thought to herself. She determined this was to be the day. She would finally reveal the truth and see what happened. What else could she do? Hopefully Johnson and Everett were doing OK. They wouldn't let her talk with them. She overheard discussions outside her cell door.
"Lieutenant Peters, you were there. You saw what happened. No one else here at CREED is willing to believe what you and I know is the truth. She came from another place through Heaven's Doorway. Avoiding that small bit of fact is going to make getting to what's going on and her purpose here a bit more difficult - don't you agree?" a soft, pleasant sounding voice asked the young lieutenant who first scooped Sam up off the floor. "Excuse me...aaaachooo!" the man sneezed, and Sam heard the sound of something falling to the ground.
"Professor? Your glasses," the lieutenant offered.
"Hmmm? What? Oh, thank you," the man responded.
'It couldn't be!' Sam was becoming excited now. 'The voice seemed so familiar, soft, firm, the sneeze... could Daniel actually have come here already? I hadn't thought of asking about Daniel or Jack here, I had just assumed I was in the wrong time... maybe...'
"I'll let you speak with her, briefly, but if anything goes wrong, it will mean my head," Peters reminded the man.
Sam watched the door open slowly, she was ready with a greeting on her lips "Da........ on't think we've had the pleasure of meeting," she mumbled, as it obviously wasn't Daniel. "I'm Doctor Samantha Carter." She reached out to shake the man's hand, sensing he was there to help her.
"I am truly pleased to meet you Samantha. I am Professor Langford."
He continued with a rather drawn out explanation of who he was and his background. Sam didn't hear him. She realized it was Catherine's father she was speaking to. Of course. He was overseeing the project Ernest Littlefield was working on. Sam interrupted "I know all about you, Professor, more than you could imagine." She lowered her voice, "We need to talk."
Turning to the Lieutenant, Langford asked "I don't suppose Samantha and I could go somewhere, have dinner perhaps?"
"Sorry Doctor. Orders expressly forbid any access to the outside by Miss Carter or the soldiers who were with her. It's national security. Even as we speak there are high level negotiations going on with the Russians for an exchange for these three, but first we have to find out what they know." The lieutenant parroted back in a very official fashion.
"It is precisely to find out what she knows that I wish to take her to dinner." Langford was exasperated now. "Well, unless someone changes their mind, I can be of no further assistance." As he made his way to the door, he looked intently at Sam and mouthed the words 'later...tonite,' and left.
****
Teal'c and his fellow Jaffa had waited many days and not heard back from the scientists, until finally the Stargate sprang to life and a MALP appeared. Teal'c approached the probe excitedly, informing General Hammond that he was well and in need of returning to Earth. The General gave clearance for his return trip. It was hard to say which group was more stunned; the SGC personnel witnessing the incoming travelers or the group of six Jaffa who accompanied Teal'c - who just stood, motionless, staring.
"Teal'c! We'd given up hope of any of SG-1 returning to base," the General welcomed him.
"I too am happy for a safe return. I have brought Jaffa who are willing to serve you. I assume you have detained their former masters?" Teal'c asked.
"Masters? What are you talking about?" the General was confused.
"Seven days prior to this day, three masters of these Jaffa attempted to come to Earth using the remote transmitter of Daniel Jackson and the code of SG-1. Were they not successful?" Teal'c was now unsure what had happened.
The General viewed their new 'guests' warily "I'll explain in debriefing, Teal'c, but we had already locked out SG-1's code." Turning to the guards on duty, "See that our visitors have comfortable quarters." "Now, Teal'c, tell me exactly where the rest of your team is."
****
It seemed an eternity before night fell. More questions. "Yes, I am still Captain Samantha Carter, United States Air ... What difference does it make? OK, you want the truth? Today, I'm the Queen of Sheeba!" Sam threw her hands up, as she gave up trying to make any sense whatsoever. Her interrogators finally left her alone, and she waited by the doorway of her cell. Soft noises in the corridor stiffened her to full alert. The door opened quietly as Prof. Langford motioned for her to follow. He whispered "We can't possibly leave the facility...too heavily guarded...but we can talk privately in my office. Come!"
Sam followed him down endless corridors. Looked so much like the SGC. Finally they reached a small room and slipped unnoticed inside. "I hope you will understand, I want you to tell me all you know," he began - an apologetic tone to his voice. "After you do, if you come from where I believe you come from..." he hesitated once again. "The Military will consider you part of the greatest possible threat to our existence on Earth, and you will likely be locked away from contact with any other person for a long, long time."
Sam swallowed hard. The truth had to come out now, and somehow she had to convince Langford not to tell anyone else and also trust her enough to help her use the Stargate one more time. Sam began her tale, "Professor Langford, no one on Earth is ready to hear what I'm about to tell you...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 23
There was a long silence as Sam finished her tale of a future time, Stargate travel, how they would once again locate Ernest Littlefield... she told him everything - figuring it was a long shot, but her only hope. She waited for Professor Langford's response. It was a long time coming.
"Miss..." Prof. Langford began.
"Doctor..." Sam corrected him.
"Yes, *Doctor* Carter. You have told me some very incredible things, but with such conviction. I want very much to believe you...but..." Langford looked doubtful.
"How else would I have known about your experiments with the Gate, how Ernest was lost? How can you explain how I got here to begin with?" Sam searched his eyes, looking for some sign of what he was thinking.
"I'm so sorry to tell you this, Doctor Carter, I do believe you...and perhaps those who also hear this conversation will believe you as well. But this is a military operation, and the Pentagon wants no security leaks," Langford explained.
"What? What are you saying? This room is bugged? I need your help, Professor. I need to activate the Gate. People's lives depend on..." Sam's words were cut short as a squad of soldiers burst into the room, led by the General himself.
"Little lady," the General began, "You put me in a most uncomfortable situation. Apparently, the Russians have never heard of you, or won't admit it. The really big wigs at the Pentagon want some answers to how you infiltrated this base and made use of some top-secret equipment in the process. Now, I have this story you cooked up for the Professor here. Seems you aren't willing to cooperate with anyone, are you?" he gave her a withering stare and waited for her 'true' confession.
"I've given you the truth, now if you'd only allow me to..." Sam patiently began again.
"Know what I won't allow?" the General thundered. "I won't allow you to be a thorn in my side any longer! Woman or not, I figure you to be some kind of spy or, worse yet, a traitor to your country. High treason is what I'm calling it. Tonight I'm ordering all three of you to be confined to the high security lock up, and tomorrow the tribunal will meet to decide what to do with you once and for all. Unless, of course, you want to tell me who you really work for and what your purpose is here?"
Sam could only stare at the man who refused to be reasoned with; not that she had a particularly 'reasonable' explanation. "I have nothing to add, but the Professor should understand that I am telling the truth."
Sam's heart sank as she received blank stares in return and was roughly handcuffed and marched off to the brig. Practically thrown inside, she was greeted by calls from the adjoining cell, "Captain Carter? That you? Thank God! We didn't know what had happened to you. Don't worry, we didn't tell them anything." It was Johnson and Everett.
"It's me, good job guys..." Sam sat down to think. The truth didn't appear to work, what else?
****
[Golden One?] it was Bekhat, she had found Daniel sleeping in a tent, resting up for the long night ahead.
Daniel had been lost in a dream, a wonderful dream - he was happy, enjoying some time with Sha're - watching the sun play off of her hair, her flirtatious grin as she encouraged him to follow her somewhere. He reached for her, embraced her with a loving kiss... slowly he became aware someone was calling to him, and the memory of where - and when - he was, came flooding back. He opened his eyes and saw a worried Bekhat smiling tenderly at him. [Bekhat? What's wrong? Is it time to...]
She silenced him with a touch of her finger to his lips and spoke softly, [I am fearful of the battle to come. You are very brave, but you are not a warrior. Ra will most surely take his anger out on you - and I am afraid... I am afraid you will not survive.] She knew now that she had fallen in love with this stranger. She hadn't allowed herself to even think of it before, but now she had to make it known to him. [I came to you so many days ago because my family wanted to appease the gods, I would have allowed you to take me that night, but you remained asleep.]
Daniel's eyes opened wider at the realization of what she was saying, [But you told me...you told me I...I mean I thought that I... I really just slept that night?]
[Now I want you to know how much I love you, how much I want to be with you - now - before we never see each other again.] Bekhat finished and looked away. She was afraid of his rejection.
Daniel drew her to him and held her lightly. He turned her face up to his and brushed her hair from her eyes. [I owe you so much...my very life. You are so beautiful...but I can't. You see, I never spoke of her, but I have a wife.]
This did not concern Bekhat. Many of the men she knew had many wives or a wife and many lovers. What was he trying to tell her? [I do not wish to replace your wife, I want to show you all of my love... please do not refuse me.]
Daniel didn't know how to answer her, he closed his eyes and tried to think, as he felt her warm lips press against his. The night was warm...to be alive and free from Ra felt so exhilarating...and the temptation was so great. He leaned into the kiss, pulling her tightly to him. Her perfume was intoxicating. No...this could not happen... and yet... the kiss lingered longer as her fingers massaged his chest.
A sharp voice at the tent entrance brought him back to reality, "Daniel! Get up. It's time." Jack was mobilizing the troops.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 24
Clouds moved lazily across the night sky. In between them, the stars shone brightly. A half moon hung above, casting its light on the moving bodies below.
Jack glanced up at the sky then back to the gates of Per-Ra. He could see the light from torches set around the gates. Everything inside was hidden from his view. Senjet, the former leader of the Horus guard stood at his side. The bulk of the fellahin army crouched on the sand behind him. [I don't like this.] Jack said, frowning at the gates. [Why aren't there more guards?]
[It is not our way to fight at night. Never has been.] Senjet replied. [Waging a war at night is shear foolishness, even for a God. You cannot see what is going on. That is why there is only the standard guard on the gates. They don't think you are foolish enough to attack till dawn. Come morning the guards will be crawling over the gates.]
Jack just grunted. An uneasy feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach. Something was not right. His instincts in battle had never been wrong before. Now, they were screaming at him and he didn't get where he was today by ignoring them.
"Daniel!"
Daniel emerged from the darkness. "What is it, Jack?"
"I want you to take a quarter of the fellahin and keep them in reserve when we attack. Even if it looks like we are in trouble, keep them back." Jack's voice was grim.
"Jack?" The dark hid his face from him, but Daniel could feel the tension in the other man.
"I've got a very bad feeling about this, Danny. If things go wrong, get yourself and the rest of them the hell out of here. Wait till the dust settles then start planning another way to go after Ra." Jack gripped his shoulder, trying to emphasize that his orders be obeyed. "No matter what happens to me and the others, get out of here if things go bad. And try your damnest to get back to our time."
Daniel's reply was soft. "Alright, Jack."
Jack hesitated then nodded. He could only hope Daniel would obey him in this.
As Daniel disappeared back into the dark, he was replaced by a shapely form. [Do you move now?]
[Yes.] Jack felt the Mistress brush against him as she stopped in front of him. Her scent wafted over him.
[Good. Soon Ra will be gone from this place forever.]
[You seem awfully certain that this is going to work.]
She smiled, reaching up to caress his cheek. [I have seen the future, O'Neill, from your own mind.]
Jack's breath caught as she stepped closer to him. [Even the future is not set in stone.] His last words were swallowed by her mouth on his. The kiss was deep, passionate. Before he could respond, she broke it by moving away from him.
[We will see, won't we.] With that, she turned to walk back into the night.
Jack stared after her, his tongue running over his lips, tasting her on them. He glanced at Senjet, who was trying not to smile. [I think our Mistress likes you a lot, Oneal.] Jack scowled at him.
Turning to the people behind him, he motioned them to move forward. They responded, quietly following him to the gates.
The guards in front of the gates drowsily watched the night. They knew come morning that the battle would begin. But tonight was just another night on guard duty. Suddenly, forms flowed from the darkness. Before either of them could sound the alarm, hands grabbed them, dragging them away. Arrows were notched in crudely fashioned bows. They flew quietly into the night, striking deep into their targets. The guards on the upper levels of the gates fell to the ground, clutching at their chests.
Jack grimly surveyed the scene. No movement. This was way too easy. But there was no other way into the city. They had to move or risk losing this one chance at overthrowing Ra. He motioned for the battering ram to come forward. Several of the fellahin guided it to the heavy, wooden gates. The gates groaned under the ram's pounding. Inward, they bent and cracked. Finally they gave way and the fellahin flowed into the city of Per-Ra.
They met no resistance as they moved further into the city. At the head of the army, Jack and Senjet exchanged looks. [The guards loyal to the Mistress are not here.] Senjet whispered. [They were to have taken out the guards on the inside of the gates, but no one was there.] Suddenly, he tripped over something.
[Oh hell.] Jack cursed, bringing the light from one of the torches, that had been passed to him, over the object Senjet had tripped over. Or rather body. He moved the light into the shadows ahead of them. More bodies littered the street.
[They are my guards, the ones on our side.] Horror filled Senjet's voice. The bodies had been stabbed repeatedly. Blood pooled around them.
Lights blazed around them. They looked up to see guards emerging from their cover. The light of many torches light up the city. A sound echoed from behind them. They turned to see the gates sliding closed behind them. The inner gates, reinforced with metal, cleverly hidden in the dark recesses of the city walls. Ones that moved on tracks unlike the outer gates that swung open. More guards moved in front of them, closing around the fellahin.
[Welcome to Per-Ra.]
They turned to see Ra, silhouetted on his balcony. He smiled. [Since you have dared to rise up against me, you will now suffer for this insolence. Kill them all and bring me the bodies of their leaders.]
Jack watched as the guards approached. They may all die but not with out a long and bloody fight on their hands. He and Senjet stood back to back, weapons raised. The rest of his army, determination on their faces, also raised their weapons.
****
"Jack!"
Daniel screamed his friend's name as he watched the gates close. He moved forward, then stopped, Jack's words echoing in his ear. Ruthlessly, he brought himself under control. Jack wanted him to take the rest of the fellahin out of here if things had turned bad. And he would do so, for now. He wasn't going to let Jack die in this place if he could help it.
[Daniel Jackson.] He turned to see the Mistress and the girls approaching him. [We must move now.]
[What do you mean?] Daniel asked, as Bekhat grabbed his arm, pulling him after the Mistress.
[It is time for me to deal with Ra.]
[How? The gates are closed now. We can't get in.]
She glanced over her shoulder at him. [There is another way into Ra's court. One that requires only the four of us. Maeti, careful with that basket.] Daniel could dimly make out a basket clutched tightly in Maeti's arms.
[What is in there?]
No answer. Daniel sighed, running to catch up with her. If Jack was to be saved, he better stick with this Mistress. If only he could remember which goddess was represented by the tyet that Jack was wearing. Maybe it would come to him later. Now, all that was important was Jack and overthrowing Ra.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 25
"Teal'c, you are asking me to authorize this mission with very little to go on but a fantastic tale of yours and a 'feeling' of Captain Carter's. I just don't know," General Hammond was wavering. His trust in the stolid Jaffa had never been misplaced before, and he had no other clue how to effect a rescue of the other members of the team. "Let's run through the plan one more time, shall we? You intend to travel to this Place of Eternity and use the two Gates there to join Captain Carter in ancient Egypt and then proceed to rescue Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson?"
"That is correct, General Hammond. I also wish to bring several of the Jaffa from the Place of Eternity with me. They would serve as valuable aids in the time of Ra, and they do not possess the mark of Apophis as I do."
"As much as it goes against my rational thoughts, I am agreeing to give you permission. You are set for a go in six hours. Oh, one more thing," the General continued, "seems as if the folks in SG-9 have some ideas on how you ought to dress - so that you'd be less inclined to draw attention to yourselves."
"Very well, General, and thank you," Teal'c answered, very eager to begin his search for his teammates.
'Sending Jaffa back in time to Goa'uld-controlled ancient Egypt,' Hammond thought as he shook his head, 'no General past, present, or future will ever need to make these kind of decisions under their command!'
****
Teal'c was pleased at the level of trust and responsibility that had been placed on his shoulders, as he stood next to the Gate in The Place of Eternity. Using walkie-talkies he coordinated dialing the first Gate precisely with that of the second, and stepped with two of the other Jaffa into what he hoped would be ancient Egypt and a successful rescue of the rest of SG-1.
Disorienting as it was, it took only a second for Teal'c to react to the threatening situation and to both level and arm his staff weapon. Hostile forces surrounded him, carrying guns, and wearing what appeared to be military uniforms. He was most definitely NOT in ancient Egypt. "I demand that we be directed to Captain Carter at once!" Teal'c ordered.
Lieutenant Peters nearly knocked flat every soldier he met as he ran straight to the General's office. He burst in, causing the General to spill his coffee straight down the front of himself, and all over the front page of the newspaper he'd been reading. He had been preoccupied with the headline news - "Rockwell crash rumored to be alien spacecraft."
"Sorry sir! Um, I didn't knock sir!" Peters apologized, trying to wipe up the mess.
The General disgustedly brushed the coffee from his uniform, dealing with spies, extraterrestrial devices, incompetent underlings... now what! "Is that what you came to tell me, Peters?"
Peters couldn't contain his excitement, "No, sir, General, sir! No, I did not come here to tell you that, sir!"
"To the point, NOW soldier!" the General snapped.
Not knowing how to begin, Peters simply blurted out "You're never going to believe this, sir, so you'd better come see for yourself. There are three aliens, dressed like... well... gosh, sir; they look like Egyptians, sir. They have these big... sticks... weapons they said... And they... well, they're asking to see the woman who came here a few days ago."
"What the HELL are you ranting about, Lieutenant? Aliens? Egyptians? I swear everyone's gone insane!" The General could feel his blood pressure rising.
"No, sir. If you'd just come see, they came through the Heaven's Doorway, just like the other three did... Blue light-liquid... same exact thing!" The Lieutenant listened to what he was saying and couldn't believe it himself.
The General put down his newspaper and with a look that clearly said, 'If this is some kind of joke you'll be court marshaled' and marched to the chamber that held the alien device. If any sight could make a war-seasoned commander weak at the knees, it would be the three Jaffa - dressed in skirts, cloaks and sandals - wielding weapons the likes of which he'd never seen before.
Teal'c was quick to recognize a person of authority and greeted the General, "I urgently need to speak with Captain Carter, could you direct me to her whereabouts?"
"C..c..c..ould I direct you?..... I... I..." the General simply couldn't respond. Ever since the war had ended, he'd been working on this CREED project (Center for Research into Extraterrestrial Energy Devices). Spent the entire last year guarding this metal ring, others had claimed was extraterrestrial. He never bought it for a minute, but if it could give us any advantage over the Russians, he was all for it. Now... now this! He was either going to be the savior of the world or the laughingstock of the entire military.
"It would also be most helpful if you could tell me exactly where I am!" Teal'c finished with the utmost of politeness and a small tug on his skirt. He felt it did not cover him adequately and he felt strangely dressed in the present circumstance.
Peters stepped in where the General could not and offered to take Teal'c to see Miss Carter. The entire group proceeded through the complex... the Jaffa being 'escorted' by soldiers which they, in turn, held at bay with staff weapons.
Relief was very evident on Sam's face to see that reinforcements had arrived. She had kept herself busy reading newspapers and from what she remembered of history, 1947 Earth was in the grip of a UFO wave of sightings. Everyone was in a panic about UFOs, aliens, and now with the crash at Rockwell. Sam knew exactly how to gain the General's full cooperation. She greeted Teal'c in a most unusual way "Oh Great Conqueror of the Galaxy, Teal'c of Chulak! I am now able to tell these... earthlings... our true purpose here."
Teal'c was entirely confused, "Are you feeling all right Captain Carter?"
Sam whispered something into his ear, but it did little to change his puzzled expression. He did, however raise and arm his staff weapon in mock preparation for battle. Carter demanded and promptly received the release of the sergeants who had come with her and an immediate meeting with the General. As she entered his office, she noted with satisfaction that he no longer referred to her as 'honey.'
****
800 miles from Per-RA, the great city of Babylon was buzzing, everywhere there was talk of a new and powerful being, come to save them from oppression. Babylon, whose very name spoke of it's true purpose, Babylon - Gate of Gods. The people had come to fear and hate the gods who entered through Babylon's Gate, but now there was one who offered hope. A being of land and water. One with a fearful appearance and a gentle manner - come to save the human race.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 26
The sand turned to red-stained mud. Weapons clashed over and over. Bodies fell to the ground. Some to rise and fight, others to never rise again. The battle raged under the light of many torches. Slowly, bitterly, the fellahin were driven back to the closed gates of Per-Ra. Relentlessly, the Ghaffir advanced, torchlight glinting off of their swords. The sounds of staff weapons mixed with the cries of the wounded and dying. The Ghaffir drove them back to their death at the gates.
Jack helplessly watched as the fellahin died around him. He may not have wanted to lead this battle, but these people were under his command now and it was up to him to keep them alive. His body ached. Blood flowed from the cuts and wounds on his body. Senjet no longer fought beside him. The flow of the battle tearing the two men apart. Dawn was approaching. With it, he knew that one way or the other the battle would be over and he would probably be dead.
At least Danny was safe. That thought gave him an sense of calm. Daniel was safe and he would try to get back home. One of them would leave this hellish place alive.
****
She didn't skulk. Daniel gave her extra points for that. She walked through the corridors as if she had a right and wasn't an intruder. Maeti followed on her heels, clutching the basket in her arms tightly. Bekhat walked at Daniel's side. They had entered Per-Ra through a hidden doorway several hours ago. Ever since, she had been leading them through twisting streets and corridors. Daniel felt so lost, sure that he would never be able to get back out on his own. As they walked, sounds of the battle grew louder. They must be nearing Ra's court, he thought.
[We must hurry. The battle is not going well.] The Mistress's voice gave away nothing she felt.
[Did you set Jack up to divert Ra's attention away from you?] Daniel asked, finally voiced the thought that had been growing in his mind. His fear for Jack was a constant companion. If this woman had set Jack up to die, then, whatever it took, she would pay the price.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. [I do not toss away the lives of my people in a senseless bloodbath merely to create a diversion. I believe that the battle could be won and still can be. Ra has already withdrawn his attention away from the battle, believing it to be over. That is one mistake he will live to regret. Now hurry!]
She could hear him pick up his pace. Silently she marveled at the unending curiosity and questions from her mortals. Even in danger, they never stop asking questions. Dimly, she felt the life force of O'Neill, his weariness and despair. Gathering a small amount of her power, she reached out to touch his mind. His mind cleared, his thoughts strengthened.
Leaving his mind, she stopped walking. In front of her was a wall painted with the history of Ra. She ran her hands over it, power flowing from her hands to the wall. A rumble, then part of the wall slid open. Dust rose from the opening. Another mistake made by Ra. So certain in his arrogance that he knew his court inside and else. Little realizing that the ancient city hid its own secrets. She stepped inside. Another tiny surge of power and the door closed behind the group. Daniel looked at with curiosity and awe. She sensed the questions burning in his mind.
****
They had reached the gates.. His mind felt clearer; the Mistress's touch growing to be a familiar presence in his mind. Despite the long and defeating battle, he could still feel the determination of the fellahin to go on with the battle.
The Ghaffir sensed victory. Their enemy's back was against the gate. They had no where to go and no hope of winning against the heavily armed Ghaffir. To their surprise, the fellahin leader raised his arm and pointed to them. Then, with a thundering war cry, they charged at the Ghaffir.
Taken by surprise, Ra's soldiers hesitated that one tiny moment. An answering cry behind them had the soldiers turning to see another group rising from the ground, hidden by the dead, charging at them. Senjet lead them. Too late, the Guards recognized the trap that had been laid.
****
Daniel peered around the corner. Eyes wide, he watched as Ra moved about the room. It was two chambers with Ra in the inner chamber that appeared to be his living quarters. There was no one else around. Daniel and the three women were hiding in one of the hidden corridors.
[Come my pet. It is time.]
Daniel turned back to see the Mistress reach into the basket. She crooned softly as she pulled out a hissing, writhing form. The snake's eyes flashed as she stroked its head. Holding it wrapped around her hands she moved past Daniel. Crouching, she let the snake slip from her hands to the floor. Its tongue flicked out tasting the air, then it moved. Coils moved as it slid across the floor, heading directly toward the inner chamber.
Daniel opened his mouth, but the Mistress placed a finger on his lips. Her voice flowed in his mind. [Remember your training, Dr Jackson, Egyptologist.] Daniel's mind was blank, confused. He had no idea what she was referring to. Outside, he could hear the fierce sounds of battle.
****
Slowly, the tides changed. The Ghaffir were being driven back, fighting every step of the way. The fellahin were relentless in their pursuit. Years of living under the oppressive yoke of their once god-protector were being washed away in the blood their enemies. The Ghaffir began to pray for aid from their god. Where was he? Why was he letting them be defeated by the fellahin?
A scream rang out. One of pain, it rose over all other sounds.
In his chambers, Ra clutched at his leg as he writhed on the ground. Never had he felt this much agony in his life. The poison raced quickly through his system. A pile of dust lay near him. The remains of the snake that had bitten him. A shadow fell across him. He looked up to see a beautiful woman standing over him. She smiled as another wave of pain twisted through his body.
[Not even your sarcophagus will heal you from this poison. You have lost, Ra.]
Behind her, Daniel's mouth fell open in shock as the idea that had started to bug him finally emerged. He knew who she was. It could be no other.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 27
Sam confronted her once arrogant tormentor and thoroughly enjoyed the advantage she now had "General, to say that you've been playing with fire is an understatement. While the rest of the world panics about a threat from space in UFOs, you have already compromised Earth's security by fiddling around with alien technology you couldn't possibly understand." A small voice inside of Sam echoed her last words back, adding 'even in 1999, this still holds true.'
"Uh...Miss...ummm...Ma'am...Doctor?...Captain?... Where did you say you were from again?" The General was trying hard to remain calm. When those 10-foot tall Egyptian aliens weren't around, she looked harmless enough.
"Chulak... it's a planet far across the galaxy... and I need to tell you if Heaven's Doorway remains open, Earth will come under an attack it can't possibly defend against." Sam rose to her feet to punctuate the importance of what she was saying.
"So, you are asking me to shut down the project? Close the Doorway? Is that it? Why?" the General persisted.
"You're not ready. Earth isn't ready. Maybe in 50 years or so," was Sam's cautious reply.
"The UFOs are all a hoax then?" he was certain he at least had a handle on that.
"I don't think you want the real answer to that, do you?" Sam asked, her eyes sparkling with a sense of mischief and full command of the situation.
"If the truth be told, there's been some pressure to moth ball this project ever since we lost Littlefield," the General commented with a sense of regret. The events of the past few days had been unreal to him. He wanted this woman, if that's what she was, out of there and the project closed as quickly as possible. Aliens be damned, he wasn't going to have others questioning his sanity.
Sam found herself thinking about Katherine, who must be feeling such pain and loss now... and Ernest - living out that horrible existence all alone - but she knew there was nothing she could do to change history. It could have unimaginable consequences, and she hoped there hadn't been any damage thus far. "The leader of my... army... and I will set up the Doorway to enable us to return to our planet. Afterward, we will test these coordinates and if they are still operational, I won't be able to stop any future threats to
Earth!"
"You have full clearance to do whatever it is you need to do, ummm..."
"Captain," Sam reminded him.
"Captain. Then I will personally pull the plug on the operation and bury it so deep under Classified stamps no one will ever find it again." He offered her a full salute as Sam left his office, then sinking back into his chair, he began to wonder about a good place of retirement.
Sam took Teal'c aside for some strategy planning, "You couldn't have come at a better time."
"I am happy to be of service to you Captain Carter, but I still do not understand why we are not in ancient Egypt. Are Daniel Jackson and Colonel O'Neill here as well?" Teal'c tried to comprehend their situation.
"No, as near as I can figure, they traveled to ancient times and we were sent to 1947. It must have to do with the linking device these folks had just attached to their Stargate. If we can take that linking device with us, back to present day Earth - then Daniel and the Colonel just might be able to Gate home... to the correct time that is." All of this was beginning to sound more incredible as she spoke.
"But, Captain Carter, the energy from two Stargates is required to travel in time. There is only one operational Gate here on Earth. Also, without the linking device already being on present day Earth - we could not travel to that time," Teal'c thought he had figured it out now, but the plan to either get back home or get to the rest of the team seemed highly unlikely.
"Then, we use this Gate to travel to the Place of Eternity. I know we'd be there in whatever equates to 1947 Earth time - but at least we know there are two Gates there - sound like a plan?" Sam searched Teal'c's face and saw the reassuring steadfast support she needed.
Teal'c nodded his agreement and they set about preparing the Stargate to send them on yet another unknown journey.
Once preparations were complete, the entire staff of the CREED project assembled to bid them farewell, three very alien looking Jaffa, two soldiers and one very mysterious woman in command of it all. The coordinates were manually dialed in, and the newest SGC team departed through the Doorway. Sam was careful to take the linking device with her, and gave one last look at the General who nodded his acknowledgment. They both knew that Carter had designed the system to overload and burn out after their departure. The General would take it from there, praying silently to himself that he never again would hear of Chulak or aliens or extraterrestrial energy devices.
****
The air was cold and the night especially dark as they exited the Gate on the Place of Eternity. The Jaffa who had chosen to accompany Teal'c had said very little during their time spent on Earth, but now grew fearful at being back on the world where they had been serving the Goa'uld. Teal'c tried to find out if they had come to that world 50 years prior... but they didn't seem to comprehend his questions.
Sam knew they must remain well hidden until they could come up with a plan... but what... how to dial up Earth in the year 1999? She sat next to Teal'c, leaning against him lost in thought. He felt her beginning to shiver from the cold and wrapped a large, protective arm around her "Captain Carter, I have every confidence you will find a means to direct us back home."
Not prone to self-doubt, Sam couldn't help but wonder what means that could possibly be, and whether she had finally encountered a problem neither intelligence, luck, or God's grace could help her out of. Drifting off to sleep she could faintly hear the warning shouts of one of her sergeants, "Captain! We sure picked a hell-of-a time to come to this place. Captain? You have to come see this... it seems to be some sort of meeting... and there's more Goa'ulds there than you can imagine possible!"
Teal'c helped Carter to her feet and approached the other Jaffa, "Do you have knowledge of such a meeting?"
Their fear was evident as one trembled in response "It is the great meeting of the System Lords, high and mighty gods of all that is! No Jaffa must witness this, no one who is not a god must see this! Ra himself has called this meeting. 100 seasons turned ago... in the past... 50 of your years."
Teal'c felt a fear course through him that he had not known for a long time, "Captain Carter, it is no longer safe to remain here."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 28
He glared at the woman standing over him, his body racked with pain. [You will never defeat me. I am god of this land. Nothing you do will change that.]
[You are dying, Ra. The poison in your body is killing you. Nothing, not even your sarcophagus will heal you.] She knelt down at his side. Leaning into him, she whispered. [Only I can heal you now.] Standing again, she walked around his writhing body. [You will leave this land, never to return again.]
Ra laughed, trying to ignore the chills and pain wracking his body. [Even if I leave, I can always come back. There are ways beyond the Chappa'Ai that you have no knowledge of. You are not strong enough or powerful enough to stop my return.]
[Yes. You are right. My powers have limits.] Her smile was grim. [I cannot stop you from returning to my land. But...] Her smile turned mysterious. [You will choose not to come to this land again. Of your own free will.]
[Never. This is my land, my people. They belong to me.]
[No, they follow me. They worship me. As they have always done. And will continue to do so.]
[You are no goddess. You are not even one of us, the System Lords.] Ra's body arched as pain washed over him. Panting, he fell back to the floor. [Where were you when I came? Where were you when the fellahin started to worship me? Nowhere. You were nowhere because you are nothing. A child playing with her powers is no match for the true powers of a god.]
[When you first came here, the fellahin willingly followed you. They worshiped you, trusted you. In return, you cared for them, loved them. You helped them in ways that I could not and was not willing to do.] Her eyes flashed. [But you turned on them, abused them, destroyed them. That I could not stand by and watch. They are my people. As they have always been.]
[I am their GOD!. I will do with them as I desire. If I want to kill them, I will do so. If I want monuments built for my pleasure, they will build them. They obey me. I will do with them what I want.]
[God?] Her voice dropped, dangerously quite. Her eyes glowed. [You are no god. Has it been so long that you have forgotten what you truly are? Perhaps it is time you remember.] She stretched out her palm over him. The red gem glowed in the center of her hand.
Ra screamed as the pain intensified. His body convulsed. He was... No! His mouth opened wider, screaming soundlessly. He was rising up, his senses being cut off. She could not do this.
"Oh my god!" Daniel whispered, his eyes wide. Unable to comprehend what was happening, he could only stand and watch.
She knelt down, pulling something out of Ra's mouth. She held it up. Weakly, it screeched. She examined it with contempt. Slender and white, almost a foot in length, it moved in her hands. [This is what you are. A worm. Nothing more, nothing less. Helpless, with no body to live in, to feed off, to control.]
She turned to her mortals, the goa'uld dangling from her hands. She raised her hands. [Bekhat, Maeti. This is Ra. This is your enemy. Powerful, only when in a mortal body. Helpless on its own. So easily crushed under my feet. Learn its form well.] The girls slowly approached her. Their eyes never leaving the creature in her hands, they carefully studied it. She looked beyond them to Daniel. He was pale, trembling. He looked back at her, mouthing her name. She smiled gently at him, tilting her head in acknowledgment.
As the girls step back, she turned again and approached the body lying on the floor. With a whimpered screech, the goa'uld practically leapt from her hands, into the open mouth.
Ra slowly raised his head. Fear flashed in his eyes as she stepped into his sight. [You do not exist.] he whispered. [You cannot exist.] The voice was stronger, a hint of defiance and arrogance in it. She raised her hand slightly and he cowered. Bowing his head, he acknowledged defeat. [I will leave.]
****
The remaining Ghaffir were gathered in a circle, surrounded by triumphant fellahin. They stood glaring at the rejoicing crowd. Jack grinned at Senjet. They had done it. They had won. The Ghaffir were defeated and the city was theirs. The Gates to the city had been thrown open and the remaining fellahin left outside, poured in. Jack looked over the crowd, trying to spot Daniel. But he couldn't see him or the girls. He couldn't even see the Mistress. Worried, he looked again, hoping desperately that Daniel hadn't gotten into any more trouble.
Suddenly, the celebrating masses went silent. Heads turned. Ra appeared from the entrance to his court. But a Ra they had never seen before. Head down, fear and defeat emanating from him, he moved through the parting crowd. Following behind him was the Mistress, Bekhat, Maeti and Daniel.
"Daniel!" Jack pushed his way through the crowds to him. The younger man looked stunned.
"Jack." Daniel embraced him tightly, relief replacing all other emotions.
"We won, Danny. We won." Jack returned the embrace, grinning widely. Over Daniel's shoulder the girls smiled at him.
Pulling back, Jack gestured to Ra. "What the hell happened to him?"
"Well done, O'Neill." The Mistress appeared at his side. She smiled at him. Looking him over from head to foot, she said, "And not too damaged in the end."
"Many of the fellahin are dead."
Sadness crossed her features. "I know. Their deaths are not in vain. Ra has been defeated. He is leaving this land." "How?" She didn't answer him, instead moving away and gesturing to some of the fellahin. Four fellahin surrounded Ra.
"She defeated him, Jack." The slightly stunned look had reappeared on Daniel's face. "I don't exactly know how, but she did it." There was so much he wanted to tell Jack but the words were jumbled in his head. But one dominated over the chaos.
Daniel gripped Jack's arms. "She's Isis, Jack. Isis!" Wonder and awe infused his voice. "My god, I just watched Isis defeat Ra the way I studied in Egyptian mythology."
" Daniel, Danny. Who is Isis?" As usual, Jack was at a loss with Daniel's rambling.
Before he could answer, Maeti tugged on O'Neill's arm. [Come. Ra is being taken to the Chappa'Ai.]
****
The stargate towered over the crowd from its position. A cool breeze flowed over everyone. At the head of the crowd, Ra and the Ghaffir still loyal to him were pushed forward. The inner ring began to move, humming. The vibrations were felt by all. The final chevron engaged and the gate whooshed open, blue-white light rippling from it. Just before he stepped into the light, Ra raised his head. Catching sight of Jack and Daniel, he glared at them, hatred burning from his eyes.
"Not a happy camper, is he?" Jack commented lightly as the gate closed. "Good thing we already tangled with him two years ago."
Isis approached them. "You have both done well. Now it is time to celebrate. Then we will see about getting you home."
"I still have questions that haven't been answered yet." Jack said.
"Later, O'Neill."
He watched as she walked away from them. "Always later, with her." he muttered, covertly watching the sway of her hips. He caught Daniel grinning at him and scowled. Together, they followed, the sounds of celebrating already filling the air.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 29
"Okay people, let's move out. Setting up a secluded base camp is our first priority. After that, we'll see what we can do about getting back home. And about this...meeting."
"Captain Carter, request permission to do a little reconnaissance while we are still under cover of night. I believe that I can get close to this gathering of the System Lords. I may overhear something useful."
Sam considered for a moment. Obviously, the more information they had, the better, but the risk if Teal'c was captured was tremendous. "All right, Teal'c," she agreed hesitantly, "But don't feel that you have to do this."
"About that you are wrong, I believe, Captain Carter. Forces way beyond our comprehension have been controlling our actions for many weeks now. I do not think we have much choice if we are ever to leave this place and return back to your world."
Sam gave a rueful smile. "I believe you are right there. Okay, just be extremely careful. No more time surfing."
"What is this 'surfing'?"
"Never mind. Just be careful, okay?"
"Always."
"Good. Now we'll meet up..."
"Captain, permission to back up Teal'c," Johnson chipped in.
"Are you sure about that, Sergeant?" Sam asked.
"No, ma'am, but I figure he could use some help."
"Very well," smiled Sam. "Okay, Everett, you're with me. And you two gentlemen are...?" she gestured to their Jaffa companions.
"We have some reconnaissance of our own to do," the older one said mysteriously.
Sam wasn't happy about the idea of having them wondering around on their own, but she could hardly keep them prisoner, after all. "Alright, we'll meet back up with you later. I don't think any of us are going very far anytime soon. Everett and I will set up a base camp. Good luck gentlemen," she nodded to Teal'c and Johnson.
****
After crossing three sizeable ridges, Sam decided that they were far enough away to make their discovery unlikely. "Okay, this looks good enough. Let's get set up. Try to keep everything packed in close to the side of this dune."
Sam and Everett worked quietly to set up the gear that was originally intended to be used in ancient Egypt. Fortunately, their needs here were similar. In short order, they pitched two small desert camo tents and then unpacked the radio, rations, and other supplies.
Sam began rummaging through her notes. Well, her notes and Daniel's notes and everything else she had managed to learn about this place from the Jaffa scientists and Daniel's old journals back on Earth. She searched for a few minutes until she found the map of this place that Daniel had copied down from the writings he had found when they had first arrived here. That seemed like an eternity, but it was really only a few weeks ago. *Wonder what Jack and Daniel have been up to all this time?* she mused. Praying that they were alive and safe, she returned her attentions to the sketch in her hand.
"I guess I'll start tomorrow with these two buildings above and below the gate," she said quietly to no one in particular, "Funny that we never noticed them in all them time that we were here before. I guess I'll need to do some searching." Standing up, she said, "Everett, I'll take the first watch."
"Yes, sir."
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.