From: Dee Tervo
Part One
Jack's mind was reeling. Jackson was shot, hell his whole stomach was blown away! He knew it was wrong, it was all wrong, bringing a scientist into battle. But this was more than a battle; it was survival against something believed to be a god. He felt himself being dragged off by one of the masked creatures. Why did he feel so goddamn guilty? This was war! Who the hell was Jackson trying to protect anyway? Jumping in front of that blast! He dimly heard a metal clang, and felt himself falling... falling. God! The coldness of the water shocked him into awareness.
Jumping up suddenly, and gasping for breath, Jack nearly toppled the field gear neatly piled by the tent entrance. He was shaking, disoriented. "I need a drink," he muttered, as he found his way outside into the chill of the desert night.
"You awake too? It's hard to sleep here, with so much to learn. It'll be morning soon," Daniel was sitting by the fire, studying notes hastily scribbled earlier in the day. As he looked more closely at Jack, he realized the man wasn't up for a leisurely stroll. His eyes looked vacant, haunted. Putting down the notebook, Daniel motioned for Jack to join him, "S'matter? Sand man bring you some bad dreams?"
"You don't know the half of it!" O'Neill gruffly responded, as he reluctantly joined Daniel by the fire. There was something about this place that seemed all too familiar, it looked similar to Abydos - that first mission, yet there was something else... something more. It *felt* like Abydos, no - not exactly - it felt more like Ra! "This place makes me think of when... oh, never mind."
"Sam's certainly happy to be here. She's discovered a reference to some new technology, a device that from the writings seems to be called a 'linking device' or 'bridging device' - who knows. I also found drawings that seem to represent two 'great circles'. They could mean there are two Stargates on this world. It'll be some time before we sort it all out." Daniel looked again at Jack, staring absently into the flames, "You all right? It reminds me of Abydos too, kinda gave me the chills actually. Jack?"
"Hmmm? What were you saying?" Jack snapped out of his reflection at the sound of his name.
"Hey, if you don't want to talk, I'll just..." Daniel began.
Jack spoke quietly, with extreme seriousness "Sometimes, when we're alone out here like this, I remember what it was like to come face to face with Ra. What it felt like to see you... you know, when you were..." he stopped himself, "Makes me think all over again how important it is that we're here, doing all this. At least I'll never see Ra again - except in those damnable dreams."
Daniel knew what Jack meant about the dreams. Dr. Frasier said the dreaming was a symptom of post traumatic stress, only problem is, the team kept going from one stressful situation to another. There was never any time to recover, to let down their guard. And this place, why did it seem so close to Ra? Why indeed? He began to leaf through his notes excitedly, "There's something here, Jack. The Goa'uld were working on something very important here. Somehow, there's a connection to Ra. I just can't work it out."
He was interrupted by a distant rumbling sound, beginning low and increasing in intensity. Everything around them began to shake and vibrate. "P4Xwhatever quake?" Jack asked. It ended almost as soon as it had begun.
"Maybe," Jackson replied, "or maybe someone's using the other Gate?"
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From: Suzie Bagley
Part Two
Daniel sighed, and began sorting through his notes to find the picture of the two circles. If only people would listen to him the first time he said something instead of drifting off while he was talking to them. "Like I said before, I found some notes that indicated that there might be two Stargates on the planet. And besides, that quake felt exactly like the time you and Sam tried to contact Earth through the...."
"Yeah, yeah, I remember that time," Jack cut him off, not wanting to remember the incident. He looked up as Carter emerged from her tent, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Anybody else feel that?" she asked as she joined the two men by the fire.
"That earthquake? Yup. Daniel seems to think it came from a second Stargate on the planet."
"A second Stargate? What makes you think there's another Stargate here?" she asked, inadvertently asking the question Daniel was still in the process of answering for Jack.
"I'm getting to that." He continued flipping through his notes and stopped when he found the page he was looking for. He held it up triumphantly. "Aha! Here we go! Take a look at this picture. Does that look like a Stargate to you?"
Carter took the sheet from him and leaned closer to the fire to get a better look, O'Neill glancing at it over her shoulder. On the page were two circles surrounded by various hieroglyphic shapes. A large pool of water sat directly between the two circles. To the north and the south of the pool were two buildings, neither of which was labeled. The two buildings and the two circles formed a cross like the directions on a compass.
"Hmm... a map of some kind?" Jack suggested.
"If only it were lighter out we could see if there's a lake somewhere near this Stargate," Daniel replied, motioning at the Stargate which was still in view behind their tent. "If this picture is a map and these circles do represent Stargates, then the other one is probably pretty close. Which would explain the quake."
"What do these writings say on the top of the sheet?" Sam asked.
"Nothing important. Just something like 'This is the holy place of....'"
"The holy place of who?" O'Neill asked suspiciously.
"I don't know. The rest of the writing is pretty smeared. I can't make any more out."
Carter nodded. "Ok. So, we wait until morning then take a better look around. What were you guys doing up at this hour in the first place?"
"Can't sleep," both men responded at the same moment. O'Neill rolled his eyes, his earlier nightmare and concerns about Ra forgotten for the time being.
"I found too much great information here. It looks like there's an Egyptian-type civilization here. From the writings we found in the temple, I'm guessing that they're probably of an origin similar to the Abydonians. What about that 'linking' device you found, Sam?"
"It looks amazing, but unfortunately I haven't gotten anywhere with it. It looks like it might attach to a Stargate, but I'm not sure how to do it or what it would do even do once we got it attached. But I've got some ideas. We'll just have to...."
"Wait until morning. Right," O'Neill yawned, just wanting to get back to sleep again.
Silence fell over them as Carter and Daniel stared at the map. Suddenly, Teal'c, who had been keeping watch a few yards away, hurried toward them. "O'Neill!"
"What it is, Teal'c?" he answered and sat up straighter, alarmed by the Jaffa's tone.
"There are lights in the distance. They appear to be approaching this location. We must hide at once."
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From: Dee Tervo
Part Three
'No time to pull up the tents,' thought Jack. "Daniel" he whispered through his teeth, "Douse the fire! Everyone, grab what gear you can and head for the other side of that rise. Now!"
The team scrambled to load up with whatever they could, looking regretfully back at what they were forced to leave behind. Daniel, juggling scrolls, notebooks, his pack, some important artifacts, a camcorder and other hastily grabbed items, was having a particularly hard time. "Slow down, will ya?" he called to the others as they disappeared behind a hill up ahead. "Damn! My notes and the drawings about the two circles! I must have left them next to the fire." He dumped what he was carrying on the ground and set back to retrieve the lost notes, he knew they were irreplaceable, much too important to just leave behind. Besides, Jack sure was jumpy tonight. He didn't even know if the lights Teal'c saw were from friendly inhabitants of this world.
Through the early morning twilight, he could make out forms of men searching about their campsite, looking in the tent, talking among themselves. He strained to hear what language they were speaking, but the sounds were too muffled - he needed to get a little closer, but there was little cover.
"C'mon Daniel!" Sam called back over her shoulder. Not getting any response, she looked back and couldn't see him anywhere. Alarmed, she ran ahead to catch up with the others, "Colonel? I just checked and it seems, well, it seems Daniel isn't with us, sir." She waited for some sort of explosive reaction, but surprisingly she saw a 'well just it figures doesn't it' look come over the Colonel's face.
"Daniel showed me what I think amounts to a map of this place. He thinks there might be another Stargate on the other side of that oasis down there. Possibly, that's where the lights came from, at any rate, it would be a good idea to check it out. Teal'c, you and Carter go on ahead and see what you find, wait there for Daniel and I'll go back and see what's keeping him." Jack's last words were barely audible to Sam and Teal'c as he vanished back into the predawn night in search of Daniel.
A soft click of metal behind him told Daniel he had misjudged just how close to get to the unknown group. The halting voice of a Jaffa guard, made him certain the mistake would be costly. He rose on command and lifted his arms out by his sides, "Don't shoot, I was just leaving." Daniel's attempt at humor was lost on the guard, as he was prodded toward the others at the campsite. 'Oh, somehow I think Jack's not going to be too happy about this!' Daniel said to himself. The men, some dressed in clothing unidentifiable to Daniel, began to question him asking whom he was, where he came from, and why he had come to the Place of Eternity. Daniel hesitantly responded, "Ummm, Daniel Jackson, Earth and, what did you say? Place of Eternity?" They made no more moves toward him, but instructed him to remove his sidearm and any other equipment he was carrying and hand them over.
Jack tried to calm himself down as he passed the pile of discarded gear dropped by Daniel. 'This is going to be the last, the very last time I do something like this, because I'm going to make certain this is the last time Jackson pulls a stupid stunt like...' He stopped fuming to himself when he saw Daniel in the distance, encircled by a group of men. If he caught them by surprise, he might just be able to get Daniel out and dial the Gate before anyone challenged his gun. Nervously, he noted the group began to move Daniel toward the DHD.
Sam let out a low whistle as she saw the second Stargate appear over the top of yet another sand dune. "Teal'c, Daniel was right. There is a second Gate. And look, it has one of those strange devices attached to it. Maybe it links the two Gates together, but why? What would that do?"
"Captain Carter, watch out for the wire at your feet!" Teal'c yelled in warning, but it was too late. Sam had tripped over a wire, carefully hidden in the sand. A loud siren blared into the dim light.
"A kind of burglar alarm?" Sam wondered aloud. She didn't have much time to consider, as a large group of armed men began advancing on their position. "Where'd they come from?"
"This we can talk of later" Teal'c answered. "Now, we must go through the Stargate. It is no longer possible to wait for O'Neill."
"How do we know this Gate works the same as the one we just came through?" Sam quickly asked, eyeing the alien device attached to it.
Teal'c didn't answer. He aimed his staff weapon at the advancing men and waited for Sam to dial the coordinates. The Gate responded and Sam instantly used her remote transmitter to send the signal through to SGC. "Here goes," she breathed, as they ran to the welcoming gatelight.
Jack tossed a grenade over the sand dunes, and watched as the group holding Daniel reacted, and began moving away from the DHD. Daniel sensed it was SG-1 coming to his aid, and began to dial home. As the captors turned to react to Daniel's furious dialing, Jack moved into view and waved them away with his gun. "Jack! Boy am I glad."
"Don't! Don't talk to me now!" Jack shouted as he glared at Daniel.
The Gate responded, but the surface of the event horizon seemed different somehow, less even; darker in some areas lighter in others. Daniel noticed this and was about to comment to Jack as he was sending the remote code, but thought better of it, having just been ordered not to speak. "Here goes," Daniel commented, as they stepped together into oblivion.
"Yes, I said incoming travelers, SG-1 signal, sir. Now, I'm receiving a second signal, couldn't be more than a second behind the first, also SG-1, sir!" the gate tech announced, greatly perplexed.
"What the devil could that mean?" demanded General Hammond, certain he'd seen all the quirky things the Gate was capable of doing. He watched with anticipation as two forms appeared through the shimmering light, "Captain Carter! Teal'c! Are Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson with you?"
Jack and Daniel exited the Gate to a brilliant sunlit desert. "OK, Daniel, I know you know the symbols for Earth, now where did you dial?" Jack questioned, now barely civil in his tone of voice.
Daniel needed only to take in the scene for one minute and he knew where he was. Shocked, he simply sat down and stared at the activity around him "Earth" was his only answer to Jack.
Jack wasn't comprehending, "Yah, I said you know the symbols for Earth, then I asked where we are. Recognize the language? Anything?"
Daniel wasn't sure now if he was dreaming. The people weren't speaking some derivation of ancient Egyptian, they were speaking in the ancient tongue itself, as near as he could figure - having only heard an approximation of it on Abydos. And the scene that played out before him was an alive and bustling Giza plateau, looking just like he'd imagined it would have, so long ago.
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From: Yuma
Part 4
"Daniel?" Jack's voice brought Daniel back to reality. "Are you going to figure this out or do I have to click my heels together and start chanting 'there's no place like home'?"
"Start chanting." Daniel mumbled as he stared at the impossible scene before him. Everything was rushing over him at once. The sand was warm even underneath his boots. The wind that blew over the two men was as hot as the winds were in Abydos. It caressed his face like a hovering breath from god. The people! The people were dressed in cloths rather than clothing, wrapped around their waists and below. Some of them had wraps around their heads. They were dark from the days long spent under the sun and they were still underneath the unforgiving heat as they labored to move the huge stones across the sands.
"Daniel?"
"The... This- this isn't possible, Jack." Daniel whispered. He didn't dare speak up, irrationally fearing that his loud voice would shatter this illusion before him and set him back to his own reality. To his own time.
"Th-this is an exact replica of ancient Egypt." Daniel said in a stunned voice. "I've never seen ancient Egypt of course, way before my time or anyone's time, but the scrolls and writings of the times and recounts by the Greeks and Nephatis a-and Heraphetus had described this scene perfectly, but it's not possible, is it, Jack? This shouldn't be here because this is before but we're from now and -"
"Whoa, whoa!" Jack put his hands together to a sign of time out. "Back up a bit, Daniel."
Daniel blinked owlishly at the colonel. "To where?"
"From the word 'the'!" Jack grinned crookedly. "You're talking way too fast with way too many syllables.
Daniel had the decency to look sheepish. "Sorry, Jack."
Nodding, Jack indicated the scene before him with a swoop of his hand. Mentally, he was hoping that gesture would wipe the illusion away, but it didn't. 'Well, shit.', Jack thought as he continued. "You're saying this is an exact replica of ancient Egypt? So it may not be actually ancient Egypt, right?"
Daniel numbly nodded, his eyes glued to the scene before him. Jack sighed as he continued. "Abydos was like a city out of the past, too, remember Daniel? This could be the same thing."
"B-but-"
"No buts. No jumping on some time traveling theory here." Jack frowned at Daniel. "And I want you to stay close to me. If you start running off again for some god damn scroll, writing on some dead leaf or an ancient rock, I'm chaining you to my side permanently."
Daniel, eyes still glued to the scene before him, only nodded. Suddenly, he realized someone was pointing at them from a distance. Before he could say anything to Jack, a crowd flocked over to the hill where they and the Stargate stood. With an ancient cry so loud that it made Daniel jump, the people stood there staring at them then went down on their knees and bowed. Like dominoes, the people before them and surging to all the way behind, the people went down on their knees before the two men.
"You ever get the feeling that you've been here before?" Jack muttered.
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From: Dee Tervo
Part Five
An unimagined feeling of excitement was building inside Daniel as he continued to gaze awestruck. This was it. It was really it! He wasn't dreaming, fantasizing, recreating, simulating. He was really there, it had to be. As much as he was reminded of Abydos, there were distinct differences - first of all, only one sun. The sand too seemed finer in texture, more like... Earth. Everything seemed just like Earth, and at the same time, nothing like the Earth he knew. "Jack, listen to me, carefully. If this is" and he hesitated, not believing he what he was about to say, "If this is ancient Egypt, and we've just arrived through the Stargate, we don't know who..."
Jack was also struck by how familiar things seemed, so similar to his memories of Abydos. This had to be some other god-forsaken planet taken over by the Goa'ulds. Maybe Daniel misread the symbols. They had to Gate back to Earth now, then check this place out later. "Daniel," Jack interrupted without realizing Daniel had spoken to him at all, "get to the DHD and dial home. I know this place looks fascinating, but we really should..."
"Jack!" Daniel shouted now to get the Colonel's attention. "Let me do a little reality check for you, OK?" he was speaking faster now, sensing the need to get Jack to comprehend. "I don't see a DHD anywhere, do you? Even if we find one, and dial home, it won't work. We *are* home, Jack! This *is* Earth, and I don't have a clue how we got here, back to now I mean."
The two men stared at each other not knowing what to do next. Jack was sure Daniel had really lost it this time, yet he seemed so damn certain. He found himself wishing it were nighttime, just one good look at the sky would show them they were nowhere near Earth. "All right, if I go along with this H. G. Wells idea for now, what do you suggest we do?"
"I was about to say, we don't know who is in power here, if the Goa'ulds are around, and if Ra is around... The people are calling out to us 'Naturu', that means 'gods', so I guess it's safe to assume that there's not been any sort of rebellion, and they're used to 'gods' coming through the Stargate. If I had to guess, I'd place us around the time of the Pharaoh Cheops..." his voice trailed off as he noticed a group of people beginning to approach the Gate. "Jack, no matter what, I don't think you should talk."
"Did you say I should stop talking?" Jack asked incredulously.
"Yes, I did. I hope I can speak the language well enough, but we don't want to have to start explaining what English is all about, now do we? I'll tell them you are 'Natur' who does not speak."
"Terrific," was Jack's less than enthusiastic response.
The people approached cautiously, offering them gifts. Jack wondered if Daniel was enjoying their predicament, at least for the moment. He watched the archeologist converse freely with the ghosts of the past he'd studied so well. Obediently, Jack remained silent, nodding occasionally to those who spoke to him, although he noted that no one dared to make eye contact. He reluctantly followed the group as they made their way into what seemed to be a marketplace. Daniel stopped to stare at various items of pottery, statues. Following Daniel's cue, Jack walked up a flight of stairs, entered a darkened room, and waited in frustration for Daniel to finish talking. When their escorts had finally departed, Jack anxiously asked "What did you find out?"
"More than I could ever have imagined," Daniel dreamily replied. Then, realizing the Colonel wasn't talking about ancient cultures, he cleared his throat and continued "Not too much that's really helpful I'm afraid. I've convinced them that we are new 'gods' and we'd like to go to the temple. They mentioned a temple guard, a 'Ghaffir', maybe their way of saying Jaffa, would come to escort us tomorrow. For now, they want to feed and 'pleasure' us!"
As he finished saying this, two young women, Jack guessed they couldn't be more than fourteen, carried in baskets of bread and fruit and skins filled with drink. Remembering he was 'the god who did not speak', Jack silently allowed one of them to break off pieces of bread for him and pour the strong wine into his mouth. He didn't realize just how thirsty he was, and began to drink deeply.
The girl who approached Daniel would not lift up her head, and blushed immediately as he tried to speak to her. She would not allow Daniel to feed himself, although he began to protest. She knew her place, her duty, and she trembled visibly as she thought of sharing a bed with this god tonight. Her father instructed her that she must do this, for the good of her family and her village. 'The gods do take', her father had reminded her, 'but they also give in abundance'. This god spoke gently to her, how unusual. She boldly dared to look into his eyes, sensing no threat there, and gasped at what she saw! Eyes more blue than the sky! She quickly looked down. This god was different. His way of speaking was different. What could it mean? No matter, she went back to her work of giving him food and drink, he would take his pleasure and be gone - as she had learned from her sisters.
Having served all the food and wine, the girls left the room. Jack felt a warm tingling and a buzz in his head as he realized this was his first meal of the day. "Drinking before noon, can't be good for us, huh?" He looked over to see Daniel sprawled lazily on a sleeping mat. "And you! Who can't drink more than two beers. You OK?" He was beginning to feel seriously drunk now, and could only imagine how it might be affecting his teammate.
"I don't think I can sit up right now, Jaacckk." Daniel's words were slurred and his thoughts jumbled. "Guess I'll have to get used to this kind of food."
"Not too used to it." Jack sternly ordered. "We're gonna find a way home."
"Ya, sure! Anything you say, Jack! Know what I think?" Daniel was rambling now in a half-shocked, half-drunk haze "I think we were born for this moment! Now everything... everything that's happened to us in our lives makes sense. It all has a reason."
"What the hell are you mumbling about?" Jack asked crossly.
"If you'd listen for once, you might just find out. Why were my folks arche... arc... Ancient things people? Why did they have to die? So I could sstudy my life away and learn all about this." He gestured around the room. "And you! If you weren't in the air force, if Charlie hadn't died," he wagged his finger at Jack, "no Abydos for you, no Stargate project - you wouldn't be here either. So it all comes down to here and now." He got up and staggered to Jack's side, placing an arm around him and staring directly into his face "We were destined to be here. That's all. Whatever we're supposed to do, and
I think it's impor... imp... Really big. We don't have to worry about getting back home. I don't think we ever will."
The room became deathly quiet, as the impact of those words sunk in to both men. Then, with a big sigh, Daniel lay down and passed out cold. "Daniel?" Jack asked, slapping him lightly on the cheek - no response. "C'mon Daniel, for cryin out loud, it wasn't *that* much wine!" Jack looked hesitantly at the doorway, as the two young women had returned. Without emotion, they dropped their cloaks revealing their naked bodies, and then they dropped to their knees - bowing before him.
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Time was dragging by for Sam and the rest of SGC. It had been three hours since she and Teal'c had returned from P4X357. Repeated attempts at dialing back to the planet had failed. Something had gone wrong with the Stargates there. She was determined to figure it out. Sam looked at Teal'c, whose ever-calm exterior gave no clue to whatever worries he was having over his missing comrades. "General Hammond said the SG-1 remote signal came through twice, but we only sent it once. All I can figure is that Jack and Daniel must have activated the other Gate, at roughly the same time."
"Perhaps this action would have overloaded the Stargate and sent them elsewhere. This we have seen happen before," Teal'c observed.
"But where? Our only hope of finding out is back on P4X357, let's try to dial up again." Sam moved to the doorway, hoping they could locate the rest of the team. Hoping, in fact, that the diverted wormhole did lead somewhere, and not off into an interstellar dead end. No. She wouldn't allow herself to dwell on that possibility, she determined that they were still alive and out there some place, and that she would find them.
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In this part, all text in [brackets] is meant to signify ancient egyptian. Poor Jack. Definitely not having one of his better days.
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From: Jennifer Goll
Part 6
Jack couldn't believe that this was happening. The two girls were now kneeling naked before him and a passed out Daniel. He was still buzzed from whatever drink they had given him. Remembering that he wasn't supposed to speak, he gestured for them to get up. They refused to look up, steadfastly awaiting their fate. Now, the edges of Jack's vision began to turn gray. His head was spinning. He felt like he had been on one of his weekend long benders. The girls looked at one another then one of them, the older of the two shot him a quick glance out of the corner of her eyes. Jack again gestured for them to rise, to put their clothes back on.
They were baffled. Were not the gods pleased with their appearance. Were they not desirable enough for them. Fear swept through them. If the gods took a dislike to them, what would happen to them, to their families? Maeti, the eldest of the two took a deep breath, gathered her courage and raised her head to gaze directly at the one who did not speak. He swayed where he sat, his eyes out of focus. He was very handsome, penetrating brown eyes, hair that held the briefest glint of sun. His clothes were very strange, unlike
anything she had ever seen. He gestured to her again. He did not seem displeased with her and Bekhat. Again he gestured. Then he leaned over and shook his friend. His friend did not stir.
"For crying out loud, Daniel. You are an unbelievably cheap drunk." Jack shook Daniel again. No response. He sighed, then looked back at the girls. They were now looking at him, wide-eyed. "Ah damn." Jack cursed. His hazy mind had forgotten to keep his mouth shut. Rising unsteadily to his feet, he staggered past the girls and picked up one of their robes. He held it out to them. The oldest hesitatingly took it from him, unsure of what he wanted. He gestured to her to put it on. She hesitated then slid it on. He passed the rest of the clothes to the other girl. She kept her head down, trembling slightly at his presence. As he stepped back, he gestured once more for them to stand up.
Maeti looked at Bekhat in confusion. Then she looked at the god who had just sat down again. His brief words to his friend were foreign, alien. He didn't want either of them but he also did not seem angry with them. Who was this strange god? Strangely, he did not seem a threat to her. Taking hold of Bekhat's hand she rose to her feet. He nodded in approval. Bekhat was still shivering. She moved slightly behind Maeti. Her eyes glanced quickly at the golden hair, blue eyed god who was still passed out. A god that got drunk on their ceremonial wine? Were they even gods at all, even though they had come
through the chappa-ai like all the other gods.
[My lord, do we not please you? Do you not find us desirable?] Maeti spoke to the brown eyed man. He tilted his head, a look of confusion on his face.
[My lord, tell us what you would like us to do.] She gestured to Bekhat. [My friend, Bekhat, is an excellent dancer. I am told I am an accomplished singer. We are being trained to join the Temple of the goddess. Perhaps you would like us to perform for you?]
"Bekhat?" Jack looked at the other girl. He didn't understand a single word she was saying to him. God, he wished Daniel was awake. He pointed to the younger girl. "Bekhat?" The girl nodded, a puzzled expression on her face. He moved his finger to the other girl. She just looked at him. "Bekhat" He pointed to the other girl, Bekhat, again, then at her. Her eyes widened in understanding. [Maeti] She said, gesturing to herself. "Maeti" Jack parroted. Maeti nodded. Jack pointed to himself. "O'Neill"
[O-neay] The words felt strange in Maeti's mouth. He shook his head. "O-Neill" He drew the word out, enunciating the syllables. [O-neal] Maeti tried again. Jack nodded.
A god that wanted to know their names and wanted them to know his name. Maeti was beyond confused. To know the real name of a god was to have power over him or her. Why would this god, this O-neal, tell them his real name. The other one had said he was the god that did not speak. Why would he give them this power over him. She looked at Bekhat. Bekhat only shrugged.
The gray areas of his vision were increasing and the roaring in his ears was growing louder. Jack shook his head, trying to clear it. What the hell was in that wine? A wave of dizziness hit him hard. He decided to stretch out beside the still unconscious Daniel. As his head hit the ground he blacked out.
[Perhaps they are not gods.] Maeti whispered to Bekhat, keeping a watchful eye on the now sleeping O-neal.
[Then, what are they? They came through the chappa-ai as our gods do. But they wear such strange clothes.] Bekhat replied, equally softly.
Maeti contemplated the sleeping men. Then she came to a decision.
[Summon the Mistress here. She will know what to do with them. She will speak to their slumbering minds to understand if they truly are gods or something else.]
Bekhat nodded and hurried out of the room. Maeti sat down cross-legged in a darkened corner of the room. She watched them sleep. Both so handsome in their own way. And O-neal's brief words to his friend, unlike anything she had ever heard.
[Maeti?]
Maeti quickly rose from where she was sitting.
[Mistress] She bowed from the waist to the woman standing in the doorway. Bekhat hovered behind her.
The woman was very beautiful. Olive skin, long shining black hair. Her black eyes seemed into read Maeti's soul. Her white linen dress and gold armbands and headband only emphasized her beauty. She looked at the two men still sleeping.
[So these are the two gods who have arrived through the chappa-ai.] She smiled gently at Maeti and Bekhat. Then she moved to the men's side. Standing over O-neal she extended her open palm over his forehead. A red jewel glowed from her palm, lighting up his face. She closed her eyes in concentration.
Suddenly she gasped, her eyes flying open. Stepping back from him she looked at him in renewed amazement.
[Mistress, what is it?] Bekhat asked.
She turned to look at the girls. [You did very well in telling me about these men. Now, you must swear to me that you will tell no one else that I was here. Not even the other Gods. And, you must always stay near them.]
Her eyes bore into the girls' eyes. They trembled under the strength of her gaze. To not tell even the other Gods? What, who were these men?
[Do not worry. I will protect you and your families as I have always done.] She looked beyond their heads to the men sleeping. Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. Yes, they would be very helpful to her.
As she gazed at them, her eyes glowed.
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From: Dee Tervo
Part 7
Daniel woke slowly. The air was still, silent. He lay there, on his side, thinking - not wanting to open his eyes. When he finally did look around, the room was dark, but through the doorway he could see the first hints of sunrise lightening the sky. 'Whoa, I've been asleep 16 or more hours!' He glanced about the room and noted Jack was not there. Across from him, on a sleeping mat, was one of the young women from yesterday. Then he felt something move behind him, and rolling over, saw the girl who had tended to him -laying by his side, smiling contentedly in her sleep. As he began to sit up, she awakened. A momentary fear flashed through her eyes, then she relaxed, remembering the words of her Mistress - these gods, or men - whoever they were - were important, and she was to stay by this one's side at all times.
[Good morning. I must have been more tired than I thought.] Daniel spoke to her.
A mischievous smile came over her face, 'he doesn't remember yesterday'. He was drunk from the wine. [Last night was wonderful, you were wonderful,] she offered in a shy voice.
Daniel was flustered now. What happened last night? [Oh. Ummmm. I was? Well... ummm...]
Bekhat boldly continued. [Now I am proud to be pledged to you, as your servant, for the rest of your stay here!]
Daniel rose to his feet, he had to find Jack. [Yes! Ummm... that's great! You were wonderful too!] he sputtered, patting her on the head. He noticed Jack, standing outside their room, looking out onto the market square and up at the predawn sky, and he went to join him.
"Hi. How are you doing?" Daniel asked.
"Expected to be more hung over, really I'm doing OK, considering" Jack answered. "Daniel, I was sure we weren't on Earth - then moonlight woke me up. I came out. It's our moon all right - and look - Venus - good ole morning star, right where she's supposed to be. This just doesn't make sense. Maybe we aren't back in time. Maybe it's an alternate reality thing we've got going here? An Earth where the Goa'ulds never left?"
"Yes", Daniel responded, "I've thought about that too. I need more information to figure things out. Jack? What exactly do you remember from yesterday? After we got here, I mean."
"I remember watching you pass out, then. Oh, I think I talked with the village women. They came back to, well, give us some presents or something like that."
"You talked with them?" Daniel raised his brow "I thought we agreed you shouldn't."
"Well, they thought we wanted to... you know... it was awkward, and I was more than a little drunk. Then I think I passed out too - and woke up about an hour or so ago."
Daniel's fingers were nervously drumming as he leaned against the wall, "I'm afraid we might have woken up much earlier than that, but we don't remember. I also think we may not have behaved in a... gentlemanly manor!"
"Huh? Maeti and Bekhat told you that?" Jack asked, amused but also concerned - not knowing how much he could trust the women.
Uncomfortable with the entire conversation, and somewhat surprised that Jack knew the women's names and he did not, Daniel continued "Well, yes, also they are determined to be our slaves, as long as we are here."
Jack gave him a sly look, "Guess we'll just have to play along. What do we do next?"
Not liking the ease with which Jack accepted the events of last night, but also not willing to debate things, Daniel changed the subject. "The Ghaffir, that's Jaffa I guess, will come for us in the morning. I didn't have a chance to tell you some of the things I learned yesterday. I think they're actually going to bring us to Per-Ra!" Daniel waited for an astounded reaction from Jack, but soon realized there would be none, and continued "That's the city of the sun, Heliopolis in Greek. On the plateau, I saw the Great Pyramid, and thought we were in Khufu, umm Cheops' time, but now I know it must be later, maybe 2,500 to 2,200 B.C."
"Daniel?" Jack tried to get his attention.
"Clearly the king, well, they come to be called pharaohs in later times, is proclaiming himself a god, that he's from Ra" Daniel continued, oblivious to Jack's interruption.
"Hey, Daniel, let's..." Jack sensed he was going to have to hear the rest of what Daniel was burning to let out.
"Jack, I think we've traveled to the time of Ra's golden age, when he was worshipped as the most important of all gods, and also when he was beginning to abuse the people who served him." Daniel finally finished and allowed himself to take a breath.
"Does any of this help us figure out how to get out of here?" Jack asked directly.
"I told you, that's not possible" came Daniel's matter of fact response. "Per-Ra is about 6 miles northeast of the Giza plateau. We should be there by this afternoon." Even as Daniel had said the words, he couldn't believe the reality of it. To be just hours away from something that had always been unreachable. This was beyond incredible!
Jack did not like the sense of joy and peace that flowed from Daniel. He needed to shock his team mate, archeologist or not, back into an awareness of their situation, and he grew more frustrated and angry "I REFUSE to believe there is no way back, and I am ORDERING you to change your view and get back to planning a way out!"
"Ordering me?" was Daniel's somewhat hurt response. The men became aware of the women at the doorway now, motioning for them to come back in. A breakfast was laid out for them - more bread, fruit, and this time, beer.
Jack smelled the beverage, and turned up his nose "A bit too early for me! Ask them what else they've got to drink!"
Daniel was about to remind Jack that he shouldn't be speaking, but thought better of it "I'm afraid this is it. The staple Egyptian diet. They couldn't trust the purity of the water. Guess we'll just have a bit of a buzz on until we get used to it!" He could now observe his 'servant' more closely. Had Sha're looked that young? Should he tell her last night was a mistake? Certainly he wouldn't repeat it. Best not to mention it at all. [Thank you for the meal. Will you join us?] Daniel offered.
Maeti and Bekhat sat down to eat with their god-men. If only the Mistress could open their ears to understand the wondrous words these strangers spoke. At least the golden one could make himself understood when he wished.
++++
It had been a full 24 hours now since the team had separated. Sam had succeeded in opening the Gate and sending the MALP through. It was the Gate near their campsite, and the surrounding area appeared deserted. Sam was grateful for that. She had held her breath, hoping the MALP would not send images of her teammates' bodies. Unfortunately, it did not send any indication of what might have happened to them either. A return mission with SG-3 had been authorized, but for now she had been ordered to a six-hour rest period. Rest? Impossible. Instead she lay on her bunk, pouring over her notes on the linking device. They had been there such a short time. Frustration grew as she realized there simply wasn't enough information to draw any conclusions. Where are you? Somehow you've got to get word to me, some kind of sign that you're alive - something to direct me to you.
+++
The Ghaffir arrived, looking curiously at O'Neill and Jackson. Daniel whispered "I think they can sense we're not Goa'ulds." Without speaking, they lead the men past the caravan waiting to bring them to Per-Ra and into a large stone hall. Drawings of the sun's rays and people in worship, caught Daniel's attention. He reacted to Jack's elbow in his side, as a Horus guard entered and began to speak. The Ghaffir blocked the exit to the hall, only the women had been let inside. "I think he's talking to you, Jack" Daniel again whispered, as the Horus guard motioned for Jack to approach him.
Daniel could only catch bits of the conversation. The Horus guard was asking Jack to answer one of the riddles from the Book of the Dead. Unable to comply or even comprehend, Jack stood silently. 'He's going to take Jack's silence as disobedience or lack of knowledge. Either way, he's gonna figure out quickly we aren't from the gods' Daniel worried.
Maeti was not worried. O'Neal was being sentenced for not pleasing the gods, not answering the magical questions. She knew the sentence would cause him discomfort, but there was no place this servant guard of Ra could place O'Neal that the Mistress could not go to him and sustain him. Yes! He was sentenced to hunger and thirst as punishment, most likely in the prison pit. She would tell the Mistress and all would be well.
Jack knew something was being asked of him, but he didn't have a clue what. He decided not to draw his weapon. Now wasn't the time or place to give that away. He didn't resist as the Ghaffir lead him away, and noted that Maeti was smiling reassuringly to him. How bad could this be? Daniel, however, looked very nervous. Jack hoped his impulsive friend wouldn't get himself into worse trouble when he was questioned.
Now, Jack was gone. 'To a place of eternal hunger and thirst? Damn, why hadn't they asked me first'. Daniel didn't have much time to reflect on this, as it was now his turn.
"You will answer the holy questions and if you are pleasing to Neturu, you will be spared!" the guard commanded to Daniel.
"I must see the most holy one," Daniel bravely demanded.
"You will not speak unless asked a question, fellahin!" the guard haughtily commanded.
"Fellahin? Peasant? I have come through the Chappa'ai, and I know of things only Neturu know. You must allow me..." Daniel's words were cut off by a sharp blow to the back of his head and shoulders. The Ghaffir were expert in wielding their staffs and obedient to the Horus commands. Daniel crumpled onto the ground, groaning.
Bekhat became very afraid. The golden one is asking to see Ra? That is one place he must never go! No one can help him there. If he does not enter Per- Ra as a priest or god, then he will never return - and not even the Mistress can help him!
"You just might amuse the Supreme Lord. He will want to hear you talk of all you know of the Chappa'ai. You are a strangely dressed and disrespectful fellahin. You will pay a price for speaking so boldly out of turn!" The Horus guard next issued a series of commands to the Ghaffir.
Daniel regretted having spoken out. Perhaps he had been too insistent, this wasn't going as he had planned. First, a blindfold was applied to Daniel's eyes, next he tried to spit out the cloth gag as he felt sandy rags being forced into his mouth. Ropes bound his arms tightly behind his back, and another set was placed around his ankles, giving him only a stride's length to walk. Some sort of amulet, tied to a necklace, was placed around his neck, perhaps a sign of ownership? Finally, a rope was tied to his neck and he was dragged out to the caravan. He tried to listen for any sign of Jack still being with him. Nothing. A few people were laughing, ridiculing him for pretending to be a god. He sensed that he was being tied behind the animals in the caravan, not exactly how he imagined entering Per-Ra. He tried to swallow, but his mouth was bone dry. The combination of the sun's heat and the beer for breakfast made him dizzy. He struggled to keep himself upright and walking, knowing that if he stumbled he'd be dragged by the neck. The last words of the Horus guard came back to him, giving him a chill even in the desert heat - I am going to Heliopolis, ...for the amusement of Ra!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 8
In the soft glow of a dressing table lamp, an accomplished scholar was slowly transforming back into an idealistic young woman. Not merely the layers of makeup and perfume that were stripping away the years, something beneath the surface was changing too. Catherine Langford glanced at her reflection in the mirror one last time. *There. That just about does it,* she mused. *Still, something is missing,* Catherine began rummaging through her jewelry box to find something suitable to finish things off. She wanted to look perfect tonight. Earnest was taking her out for a night on the town: dinner, dancing
-- the works. Funny how she used to take all of those things for granted. Used to take Earnest for granted too for that matter. Right up until...until that terrible day. The day of the "accident".
Catherine shook herself back to the present. None of that mattered now. Somehow, through the miracle of the stargate, Earnest had been returned to her. She had know from the first moment that she had seen it, that her fate and that of that wondrous circle would be forever intertwined. Suddenly, Catherine knew exactly what was needed to complete her attire for the evening...
****
Daniel figured that he had been walking for about fifteen minutes. He could hear voices getting louder and more excited. *The caravan must be approaching the city,* he thought. The group came to a sudden stop and Daniel bounced into four or five smelly animals before managing to regain his balance. Two rough hands dragged Daniel out of the herd. He felt himself being shoved roughly through what might have been a doorway.
Assuming that he was being taken directly to the temple, Daniel was surprised to note that the voices of the crowd had faded into the distance. The guard wrenched off the blindfold and quickly undid his ropes, shoving him to the ground.
"You will remain here until Ra is...ready to be entertained," he said mockingly. Before Daniel had a chance to open his mouth, the guard had slammed the door shut.
Daniel quickly pulled the gag out of his mouth. His chafed wrists burned in protest from the sudden move, but it was worth it to be able to breathe freely again. He took a deep gulp of air and quickly suffered for his thoughtless haste. After he had managed to cough most of the coarse sand out of his mouth and throat, Daniel began to look around at his cell.
The first thing he noticed after the heavy door that the guard had slammed and the dirt floor that he had been thrown onto was the fact that he was alone. *They must not be booked too full this time of year,* he thought looking around at the large room with its many sets of chains fastened to the walls.
Daniel slid over to a wall and buried his head in his hands. *What have I done? Why did I have to open my big mouth? Jack's always telling me that I should shut up. I guess he was right this time.* Daniel's mind raced from thought to thought while his fingers played absently with the chain around his neck. When he finally ran out of frantic thoughts, he noticed what he was holding.
He couldn't believe his eyes -- it was a medallion just like the one that Catherine had found at Giza. *Won't Catherine be amazed when she sees this!* He was astonished by the similarities: same size, same shape, same carvings, same little moon-shaped dent up by the chain...
Daniel didn't have too long to contemplate his discovery. As heard the loud footsteps approaching, he tried to think of how he could use the medallion to send a message back to his friends on earth, uh, in the twentieth century. The inscription on the medallion caught his attention: "Ra lives forever." Quickly he picked up a stone and made a careful mark on the medallion. He was just in time to let go of it before the guard opened the door...
****
Catherine reached down to pull the amulet out of its familiar place hanging by her heart. It went perfectly with her dress, and it symbolized what this evening was all about -- what her life was all about. As she turned it over so the front would show, she glanced at the inscription: "Ra lives again." Not believing what she had just read, she read it once more: "Ra lives again." *No, it should be "Ra lives forever.",* she thought. She knew that inscription like she knew her own name. She had read it every night before going to sleep since she was a small child. As she took a closer look at the writing, she noticed that someone had carefully changed the last symbol. The word 'forever' had been cleverly changed to 'again'. Not that it would have been that difficult. The words shared a similar symbol. But who would have done that and why? And even more importantly, when? She hadn't taken that necklace off for even a moment after Jack had returned it to her. She thought about it for a few minutes, but couldn't come up with any possibilities. Tomorrow she would call Daniel. Maybe he would have some ideas...
****
Sam had been pacing most of the night and into the early morning. She and Teal'c had gone over the last few moments of their mission more times than she could count, but they were still coming up empty. *Think, Carter! What are you missing?* She had asked herself that same question a hundred times in the past few hours and still had come up with nothing.
"Captain Carter," said a technician at the door, "There's a phone call for you."
"Thanks." *Great,* she muttered, *Just what I need, another distraction.* "Hello."
"Hello. Sam?"
"Catherine? What are you doing calling here? I mean, what can I do for you? How have you been? "
"Actually, I was calling to talk to Daniel, but they wouldn't let me talk to him. They didn't give any explanation. What going on with him?"
"Um, he's not here."
"Do you know when he is expected back?"
"Actually, he's missing. The colonel too. They disappeared the last time we came back through the gate. They were..."
"What do you mean by missing? Do you have any idea where they are?"
"No. I was hoping for a clue or a message of some kind, but I haven't been able to find anything helpful yet."
"I think I may be able to help you there. Why don't you come over to my house, and I'll explain. Do you still remember how to get there?"
"Yeah. I'll see you in about twenty minutes."
****
After Sam heard Catherine explain what she had found the previous evening, she realized why she had asked to talk to Daniel. "Maybe we could go over to his apartment. He has lots of journals and private notes. Maybe we could find a clue in there."
"If you don't mind my asking, how do you know about his journals? I've known Daniel for quite a few years now, and he won't even share them with me."
"Um, that's a long story."
"Why don't you tell me on the way over there," Catherine asked, intrigued.
****
Catherine and Sam searched through Daniel's journals for hours. At first, Sam felt funny rooting through Daniel's private stuff. But she had been through most of it before, and, after all, they were doing it for his sake.
Around noon, Sam found what she was looking for. Or, at least, she hoped so. Buried in the middle of one of Daniel's earliest journals there was a symbol of two circles and a triangle. At first, Sam didn't think anything of it. But then she realized that the middle figure wasn't really a triangle after all -- it was a pyramid. And, it bore an uncanny resemblance to the symbol they had found with the two circles and the pool while exploring on P4X357...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 9
Sam knew the answers remained back on that mysterious world where the team had become separated. She also sensed a totally unreasonable explanation of the missing men's whereabouts, but wouldn't allow herself to focus on the possibility. 'Sure Carter,' she mused to herself, 'start running around insisting on time travel and looking into the past to find Daniel and the Colonel, and they'll have you under observation and off the recon team.' As they prepared to ship out, she found Teal'c her only willing confidant, "Did you mention once that the Goa'uld were experimenting with time travel?"
Teal'c seemed mildly surprised at her question, but obliged with an answer "Yes, I believe there was great interest in using the Stargate to gain control of time, but the experiments were never successful. Why do you ask this, Captain Carter?"
"I've uncovered a few clues, feelings mostly, that have me wondering if the overload on the Stargate from two wormholes converging might not alter space - time in such a way as to enable time travel. The wormholes converging... bridging... LINKING!" Sam was very excited now, having a good idea what the nature of the 'linking' device might be, "Teal'c, we need to move quickly. I think I have an idea where the others are!"
"Where?" asked Teal'c greatly intrigued.
"Earth!" was Sam's enigmatic reply. "I'll tell you more later!"
****
SG-3 lead by Captain Carter and Teal'c exited the Gate on P4X357 to a bright sunlit afternoon. They made their way, weapons drawn, to the second Gate - this time being careful not to set off any alarms. Teal'c signaled that he had spotted some activity in a building just over a set of dunes, and the team fanned out to investigate. Coming closer to the stone structure, they could hear voices. Sam took up a position under an open window and listened. The voices were Goa'uld.
"But there is no way visitors to this place could understand the technology and use it at will. They must have stumbled on it, or are experimenting with it much as we are," a calm and reasoned voice was stating.
"What if one of the System Lords has solved the mystery? They would become most powerful if they could use the Place of Eternity," another proposed.
"They were not Goa'uld. The equipment they left behind is unlike anything we've seen before," the third commented.
Peeking inside, Sam noted there were no Jaffa guards and only three men seated at a table. They appeared to be unarmed. She motioned for SG-3 to advance, and quickly the building was surrounded and the people inside held at gunpoint. The men offered no resistance, and seemed truly afraid. Sam approached the seated men warily "We won't hurt you as long as you tell us what we need to know. Members of our team are missing and we think it has something to do with your Stargates here, and that linking device. We are familiar with the Goa'uld, and have been very successful in defending ourselves, so don't try anything foolish!"
One of the men seemed to relax a bit, and then smiled "The only ones behaving foolishly here are the ones running about waving weapons. We are not soldiers, we are scientists. The ways of the System Lords both amuse and terrify us."
Teal'c quickly asked "You are Goa'uld?"
"Yes, Jaffa! We are Goa'uld, but we have set ourselves as a class apart from the warlike ones. It is because of us that the Goa'uld thrive. Ra, Apophis, the others, they would like to believe they are the ones who control the fate of the Goa'uld as well as all the other races they dominate, but we are the ones who provide them with the knowledge and understanding necessary to use the technology they appropriate from other worlds. It is because of us that the Goa'uld advanced enough to begin using the... what did you call them... Stargates? Nice word for them, actually." The man triumphantly finished, as his eyes flashed with excitement over the shocked reaction of his captors. He now addressed Carter, "You are familiar with the Goa'uld? You have not met us. Seems you have no knowledge of us, am I correct?"
Sam chose her words carefully. This would explain so much of what she had long wondered about. The Goa'uld she had encountered did not seem to understand the technology they were using. She had never seen a laboratory, any signs of advanced research or experimentation. The knowledge these scientists must possess intrigued her greatly, but she also knew her trust could not be handed to them. Their motives were clearly those of maintaining and contributing to the Goa'uld planetary domination. "What I know or don't know is not important. You should be aware that I too understand and appreciate the value of science, and I expect your full cooperation in finding my missing teammates."
"Please, sit down and join our discussion," the man offered.
Sam and her team remained standing, guns ready to fire. "No matter" the man sighed, "if you do understand science, you are foremost military in nature. Too bad." The man shook his head and continued "We were just talking about where you might have come from and what might have happened when you left as you did. This world is called the Place of Eternity, both because it seems to hold the key to time eternal and because we have spent an eternity trying to understand it. I am willing to share with you what I know, but I am confident it will do you no good in finding your friends. Whatever race built this technology did not leave enough information behind for us to be able to adjust the controls. We seem able to influence time, but in a completely random fashion. My personal theory is that the race who built the "Stargates" left for a preferred time once they perfected the fine tuning of the time device."
Another one of the men spoke up "I was there when your friends departed. Two men, correct? One seemed as anxious to fire weaponry as you all do! We did not intend to harm them. We were simply going to send them off of this world as they had no business being here."
"Apparently, in their stupidity, they activated the Chappa'Ai at precisely the same time as you activated the one that was linked. It is most likely they have traveled in time, however you will not be able to determine to what time, and there is no way to retrieve them," the scientist in charge explained.
"What you easily call 'stupidity' was lack of knowledge, and you are wrong, I think I do know where in time they have gone to, at least roughly," Sam confidently stated. "The Stargate was functioning during an ancient time on our world, then it was buried for thousands of years, activated briefly about 50 years ago and now is operating in the present time."
The scientist erupted into critical laughter, "That's 'rough' all right. Even if you knew exactly when in the past they were, and you don't, we cannot reproduce the event which caused them to be transported there. The device seems to preselect, and we cannot find a way to alter it. Then again, you have no way to know if it is not the future they have been transported to as well."
"Oh, I think I do know," Sam remarked mysteriously. "Now, I need to see all the information you have on the alien device, then we'll send back to my world for some computer analysis." She stopped talking as she noticed the man shaking his head, no. "What? You will not help us?"
"We certainly will help you. It is mutually interesting to work on the linking device. But you will not return to your world, nor will you communicate with it. When we became aware that you had returned through the Chappa'Ai, the dialing devices were disabled and the Chappa'Ai locked." Instinctively, SG-3 raised their weapons in a threatening response to this news. "Please, put down your weapons. You need our help, right? We will all be working together for a long time, so we might as well get along." Again the scientist smiled, relaxed and put his feet up on the table.
Sam felt she had no choice but to order her team to comply, as she joined the men at the table to ponder the most difficult scientific puzzle of her life.
++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 10
She stood in the dying rays of the evening sun. Below her, tired workers drudged from the pits of stone and mud. An air of disspiritness hung over them. Faith in their gods dying under their feet. Love turning into hate. Day after day of unending labor. And for what. Temples, pyramids built for the gods but no reward for them, for their devotion and loyalty. What had happened to the benevolence and abundance the gods had given them. When had they become slaves and not a cherished people.
[Mistress!]
She turned to see Bekhat bowing to her.
[What is it, child?]
[The visitors. The Ghaffir have taken them. The golden one, Daniel, has been thrown into a prison in Per-Ra. He demanded to see the most holy one, Ra.]
[Not yet. They are not ready to see him yet.] She turned back to the scene before her. Images of Daniel Jackson flowed through her mind. Images taken from O'Neill's mind Impetuous. Absent-minded. Prone to taking off in pursuit of something that aroused his curiosity. Yes, it appeared he was all of these things. But he and his friend would serve her needs in the end. She turned back to Bekhat. [Do not fear, Bekhat. This was unexpected but not unforeseen.]
****
Daniel paced in his cell. If his sense of time was accurate, an entire day had passed since he and Jack had been separated. Where was Jack now. Was he alright? Was he even still alive? 'No, stop thinking about that, Daniel. Jack is strong. He will be alright.' "I have to get out of here." Suddenly, the cell door creaked open. Daniel whirled around to see Bekhat enter. She smiled up at him. [I have brought new clothes and food.] She gestured to the basket she was carrying.
[How did you get in here?] he demanded.
[The guards let me in. They knew I was your servant. I am to prepare you for the arrival of the High Priest.] She set the basket down. [Come and eat. He will be here soon.]
Daniel sat cross-legged on the ground as she pulled out a loaf of bread, fruit and ale. "Who is this high priest? Will he take me to see Ra?"
Bekhat looked at him in alarm. [You cannot see Ra. Only the priests and gods may approach him. To be anyone else means death. The high priest I speak of is the keeper our past. He serves the temple I was training to join.]
He studied her as he finished eating. She seemed very adamant that he not see Ra. He wondered why. And who, exactly, was this high priest. Maybe he could convince him to take him to Ra. Or at least figure out where Jack had been taken.
Bekhat turned her back as Daniel reached for the clothes in the basket. The golden one was determined to go to Ra. But her Mistress had said that she would prevent this. She sent a brief prayer that Maeti was fairing well with her stranger.
****
"Damn."
Maeti bit her lip as she helped O'neal ease his tattered shirt off. Working in the prison pit had not been kind to him. His back was a mass of red welts and cuts from the overseer's whip. Because he could not understand her language, he could not understand what the overseer wanted him to do. Taken as disobedience, his lack of understanding caused the whip to strike him frequently. The lashes grew deeper and harder the more he failed to obey. If only he understood the way the golden one did, for all his funny accent.
Jack cursed again as Maeti ran a damp cloth over his back, cleaning the wounds. His face, arms and hands were burned red by the sun, increasing his agony. She made a soothing sound as he hissed again. What he wouldn't give for Daniel to be with him now. He only hoped that Daniel was being better treated then he was. From what he had seen today, he was in some sort of prison where hard labor was the order of the day.
He looked out over the land. The sky was dark, the stars shining bright and clear. He could make several of the constellations. Familiar constellations that told him he was on Earth; thousands of years in the past. He sighed. The Stargate had taken him and the team to many places over the past years. Who would have figured that it would also take them to the past. He wondered where Sam and Teal'c were. SGC hopefully, trying to figure out how to find them and bring them home.
'My sidearm!' The thought that had been tugging at his mind for most of the day finally became clear. Where was his weapon. He had had it most of the day but it seemed to have disappeared during one of the frequent disagreements with the whip. Ignoring the pain in his body, he twisted around to look through what was left of his clothes. Nothing. It wasn't here. Dammit, where was it. If the natives had it, no telling what would happen.
[O'neal.]
He turned to look at her. She held a bundle of cloth. Pulling one corner free, she uncovered his gun. Jack took it from her. Turning it over in his hands he examined it. The safety was still on. But other than a coat of dust it appeared to be fine. He glanced at Maeti. She returned his glance calmly. For some unexplained reason, he felt that he could trust her. Hesitating a moment longer, wondering all the while why he trusted her, he gave the gun back to her. She wrapped it up again and placed it in the basket she had brought with her. Throughout the day, she had been near him, bringing him water when he needed it and a soothing touch after a punishing session with the overseer. When the prisoners had laid down their tools she had took him to this secluded spot, not too far away from the other prisoners' sleeping area.
Suddenly, a spasm gripped him. Jack cried out as pain swept over him from his injured back. Maeti laid a cool hand on his shoulder, offering him comfort as he writhed in pain. She could do no more for him. She didn't have any herbs to ease the pain. Softly, she began to sing, hoping it would help.
A deeper, feminine voice joined her. Gasping, she looked up to see her Mistress.
[So our visitor has had a hard time.] She moved to Jack's side. "Hush, O'Neill. The pain will soon be gone." As she spoke, the jewel in her hand glowed. His muscles relaxed under its glow, flesh partially healing.
Jack groaned. The pain in his back was subsiding. He rolled over to look up at the woman kneeling beside him. His mouth dropped open in shock. Her eyes were glowing. "You're a goa'uld!" He jerked away from her, forgetting that she wouldn't understand him.
She merely smiled at him. Then it hit him. She had spoken to him in English. "How can you understand me? English wasn't spoken when you guys were first here."
"I learned it from your mind." She replied. "The night you first came here. Do not worry, I have no plans to harm you. I have need of you. However..." Her voice trailed off as she studied him. "I think it is best that you remain here for now." Quickly, before he could react, she raised her palm to him. The red glow held him in place, froze his muscles. Her voice came to him from a distance. Whispering in his mind what she wanted him to do. Watch. Learn. Plan.
Maeti looked at the unconscious man then up at her Mistress. Uncertainty shone in her eyes.
With that she walked into the night, the darkness swallowing her whole.
****
[Bah. Pathetic. You are no more fellahin then I am the god Ra.]
The old man walked around Daniel, examining him from head to toe. He seemed to dislike what he saw. Daniel looked at Bekhat, who stood off to one side. She merely looked back at him. He sighed. No help there. The old man, or rather the high priest, came to stand in front of him.
[No wonder you were thrown in here. Demanding to see the most holy one. But for the Ghaffir to take you as a fellahin does the fellahin a grave insult.] He looked Daniel up and down again. Daniel tried hard not to fidget. He had not felt like a lowly undergrad student being dressed down by the top professor in Egyptology since his first year in university.
[You are a foreigner from a distant land, are you not?] Daniel started at this statement. Before he could answer, the priest was walking around him again. [It would certainly account for your sheer arrogance in assuming you would be allowed to see the most holy one.]
[I am a scholar, here to learn more about your country.] Daniel answered, grasping at the cover the priest had inadvertently given him.
[A scholar, eh. Perhaps. But you are too young, too impetuous. An apprentice is more like it.] The priest looked at him thoughtfully. [If you are really here to learn, I have need of a scribe. You do understand our written word, do you not?]
[Yes-s-s.] Daniel stuttered.
[Good. You will apprentice with me. As I am sure Bekhat has told you, I am keeper of the past. This means I maintain the records of our glorious past in our library, near the city of Ra. You will help me transcribe those records that are decaying. Do you think you can do that? ]
An ancient library containing the total past of Egypt? And he was going to work in it? Daniel was in shock. Not only was he in his favorite time period, but he was going to be able to study it up close.
Outside, in a building near the prison, she smiled. What better way to distract a scholar from the present than to lose him in the past records of the past he so dearly loved.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 11
Daniel spent days working in the ancient library. The High Priest treated him very well; daily he was rewarded with food and luxurious sleeping quarters. Bekhat told him Jack was being cared for, so he lost himself in studies of present time antiquity. Copying the scrolls for the priests, he used reeds and papyrus, but he had managed to salvage a few pens and used these to take detailed notes for himself on all he had read.
He had perfected his ability to speak ancient Egyptian, his accent almost gone - and with it his desire to return to the present had vanished as well. It was replaced by his quest for knowledge and the steadily increasing feeling that he could be instrumental in the rebellion against Ra. The High Priest continually praised Daniel, certain his choice for a scribe was a good one. Occasionally, messengers from the Most Holy One would inquire about the stranger, expressing Ra's curiosity to meet him and learn what he knows, but the Priest protected Daniel and sheltered him away. Life was truly good. Daniel knew he was born for this, and before he realized it, three weeks had passed.
Bekhat watched as the golden scribe, as she liked to call him, worked tirelessly. He would glance up at her once in awhile, smiling - telling her of some "new" discovery he had made. He never spoke of family, home; it was as if he came from another world entirely. He did, however, remain concerned about his friend and was once again asking her about O'neal.
"When will you take me to see my friend? I know you tell me he is well, but there are some things I need to talk with him about," Daniel asked her.
Bekhat responded reassuringly, "Do not worry so of him. My Mistress has brought him into her Temple to train. He no longer labors in the pit and it seems as if the servants of the Mighty One have forgotten about him."
Daniel asked once again, trying to remain patient "It's important that I speak with him. Could you ask your mistress for me if it would be possible to arrange a meeting?"
"If it will soothe your mind, I will ask." Bekhat felt great affection for this golden scribe, and could deny him nothing, although he rarely asked for anything, often trying to do things for her. His ways were strange indeed. She made her way down the corridors of the stone library, when she heard a commotion behind her. There was shouting and a pained cry - it sounded like her master! Running now, she returned to his room to see an assembly of Horus guard encircling the golden one, led by the High Priest himself! The Priest was angrily waving a collection of scrolls in the air, as her master was being forced to kneel at his feet, the point of a Horus guard staff holding him there. The golden one was in such pain, but she could see no injury. What had happened? Her heart pounded in fear as she slipped unnoticed to the back of the room.
The High Priest was shrieking and screaming now "What manner of writing is this? Are you a spy from a far off place? Or do you serve a god who opposes the Mighty One? Speak now or I will command the guard to break your other hand!"
Daniel knew he didn't have time to think of a believable explanation. The High Priest had found his notes, written in English - who had he written them for? The pain in his writing hand was intense - the guard had burst in grabbed him by the arm and slowly crushed his hand. "I am not a spy! What place greater than this could I have come from? And, I serve no gods of this place." He instantly knew he'd chosen his words poorly; as the Priest commanded - the guard flipped him onto his back and pressed his foot at Daniel's throat. He struggled to breathe - to stay conscious.
The High Priest was fearful now that he had brought an enemy of Ra to the Holy City; he must act quickly "You do not serve the Supreme Lord? I had dismissed the fellahin accounts of you coming through the Chappa'Ai - I knew you were not a god. Now these strange writings and this magical device" he held up a pen "tell me you come from a place of the gods. I have decided, you are now ready, it is time for you to see your Supreme Lord!"
'This is not as it should be' thought Bekhat. 'I must tell the Mistress' She continued to watch, too afraid to move, as the Horus guard yanked on Daniel's robes and pulled him - coughing and wheezing - back to a kneeling position.
The Priest spoke venomously into Daniel's face "What god do you serve? Apophis?" Daniel could only shake his head 'no'. "You are an ungrateful infidel! An enemy of the Supreme One!" the Priest shouted, striking Daniel with a hard slap across his face. "I will tell the Most Powerful One that you have been chosen as a child of the gods. It will not matter where you are from before." The Priest grinned wickedly, "You wanted so much to see Him? Now you will know Him very well."
Daniel was sick. Was the High Priest talking of making him a host? He moved to help Bekhat as he saw the Ghaffir dragging her off. This was met with a kick to his stomach, causing him to fall on the floor, clutching his broken hand to his side. As he was also dragged off, he heard the Priest order Bekhat to be brought to the Temple of Ra where she would dance and sing for her god's pleasure. He found himself returned to his prison cell and shackled to the wall by his broken hand. The throbbing pain would not ease. His feelings of hatred toward the Goa'uld intensified there in the pained darkness.
****
Sam felt strangely comfortable in the company of these alien scholars and scientists. They had allowed her to send a few messages back to SGC, but she imagined General Hammond was none too pleased at the thought of his missing team members. She never allowed herself to forget who and what these scientists were, but their knowledge astounded her. It had been exactly 22 days and six hours since the team had been separated. Very little progress had been made toward finding them.
Now, as she stared at all the diagrams, notes, and inscriptions - a thought came to her. 'What if the process of time travel required not only two functioning gates, but two linking devices as well. That could explain why there appeared to be no way to set the time coordinates and they seemed totally random. If you attempted to travel to another world, in another time, you would gate to a time when there was a linking device present. If Katherine's necklace were a possible clue that Jack and Daniel were in ancient Egypt at the time of Ra, perhaps Ra possessed one of these devices.' She hurried to bring her ideas to the others. If this were true, it should be easy to repeat the process and return to the same period of time her teammates had traveled to. The problem remained, however, of how to return to the present. What if the second gate had not yet been constructed on Earth? So much remained to be figured out and tested. Constantly she was tormented by worry: what if it was already too late to save Daniel and the colonel? What if it was not possible to find them? And what if, in trying so desperately to rescue her team, she also gave the key for time travel to Earth's greatest enemy? Even the lives of her two closest friends could not be ransomed at that great of a price.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 12
[You dare to defy me!]
The High priest cowered before her. Rage rolled from her in waves. Her dark eyes burned through him.
[Mistress. The strange tools he had. The writing on these papers. He is a spy from one of the other gods. He came through the chappa-Ai. I felt it was my duty to have the Ghaffir take him to the Most Holy one.] He couldn't meet her eyes. Never had he seen her so angry.
[Did you not think that I knew who he was. And where he came from.] She walked away from him. Anger filled her footsteps as she paced. Suddenly, she whirled back to face the priest.
[Do you not serve in my Temple? Did you not pledge to obey me and to honor me when you took the oath of High Priest? By calling in the Ghaffir of Ra you openly broke your oath to me. Through your actions you declared that it is Ra, not me, whom you obey and serve.] She moved closer to him.
[Priest. First and foremost, you serve me. Not Ra. Me. When I ordered you to take him as your apprentice I expected you to obey me. No matter what strange things he did. To call the Horus guard to imprison him is a clear violation of my orders.] She tipped his head up to meet her eyes. [You defied me. For that, you will pay dearly.] Her eyes began to glow. She placed her palm on his forehead.
[You will no longer serve in any temple. I strip you of your abilities to read, to write and to speak. You will always remember that you were once in an honored position. Even as age dims your mind. You will remember that once you could read and write and the glories and power that knowledge gave you. Further, you are to wander the streets as a beggar, silent and illiterate until a ripe old age.]
He collapsed to the ground as she moved away. Guards silently emerged from the shadows. They picked him up and carried him away. He would be left on the streets to begin his new life.
She stood in the balcony overlooking the city. Anger blinded her to everything around her. Betrayed by her own High priest. Daniel in the hands of Ra's Ghaffir. As a entertainer in Ra's court, Bekhat would be safe. She would have one of her spies in the court watch over her. As for Daniel, she could not help him right now without exposing herself and her plans. He would have to stay where he was. With any luck, he would not be killed.
As for his friend, Jack. Ah, Jack.. She smiled at the thought of him. Handsome and determined. But more important, a military man, with its cunningness and training ingrained in him. He was safe where he was in the prison pit with Maeti to watch over him. She wondered how he had reacted the morning he woke up and could fluently speak Egyptian. Laughter bubbled out of her. Shocked, undoubtedly. Confused and more than a little concerned about who had been playing in his mind. He would not remember her until she was ready for him to remember.
Gradually, the city came into focus for her. Her anger and betrayal had subsided, although not forgotten. Plans could be changed, they could always be changed. The men's arrival to this time was a gift. Had they not arrived, she would still have carried out her plan. Events had taken a unexpected turn with Daniel's imprisonment; not quite for the better. But she would have her way in the end. There could be no other outcome.
++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 13
There was a somber air about the briefing room. General Hammond had ordered a meeting of all commanders of sg teams, topic of discussion: deciding the protocol for locking out the remote transmitter codes for sg-1 and sg-3. "We are faced with yet another unprecedented situation. It has been 23 days since contact was lost with Colonel O'Neill and Dr. Jackson. Although Captain Carter has maintained intermittent contact between her party and SGC, it has only been through remote messages and repeated attempts on our part to send a MALP have failed. I don't think it's necessary for me to list the possible dangers if the transmitters and codes have fallen into enemy hands. I've called this meeting to determine if now is the time to lock out the transmitter codes - permanently." The General was obviously uncomfortable about even proposing such a drastic measure.
After much heated debate, it was decided that sg-1's code should be locked out immediately, as no one knew the situation of Jackson and O'Neill. Captain Carter would be given one more week, then at 30 days precisely - since the 'event' on P4X357, the remote code for sg-3 would also be locked out.
Captain Morse from sg-6 voiced what every one else did not want to consider "Sir, am I correct in my understanding that, as of now, if Col. O'Neill or Dr. Jackson do manage to free themselves and dial home - even if they enter their remote code - the iris will not open?"
Capt. Morse continued "Sir, they won't have any way of knowing this. They will enter the Stargate from where ever they are and that will be the last ride they ever take." No one responded to the Captain's remark. It just hung in the air for all to reflect upon, as the General dismissed them and they went about their duties.
The General returned to his office and sunk back in his chair when his speaker calmly announced "General, sir, sg-1 code locked out."
"God help them," Hammond breathed.
****
Daniel had not slept well, perhaps not at all. He was unable to sit on the floor as his hand was chained too high on the wall, so instead he leaned against the wall - trying to press himself into it and get a precious bit of rest. He had managed to tear off a section of his robe and bind his hand, but it was of little help - the throbbing pain continued mercilessly. He was so thirsty. Maybe they were going to let him die there. Occasionally he had slipped into a delirium, seeing images of Sam - working to find them, Jack - probably in worse shape than he was, Sha're - smiling, encouraging him to hold on, and once he saw the image of a goddess - a beautiful woman with glowing eyes, calling him to serve her. Whoa, where did that come from?
He tried to clear his head and concentrate. How long had he been imprisoned? Now it was early morning, he could hear the sounds of people moving about. Some were excitedly talking about the High Priest. Daniel strained to hear and at once couldn't believe what he translated. It seems the Priest disappeared not long after having him arrested, and a few people thought a new beggar on the streets bore an uncanny resemblance to the High Priest. In hushed tones the voices were talking about a power mightier than Ra, and that if they continue to serve Ra a terrible fate will come upon them. One woman stated what Daniel feared most - the new stranger must be a powerful enemy of Ra, come to destroy all those who believe in Him.
Daniel knew Ra would have spies in the crowd, and tried to prepare himself for what must be coming next. He would no longer be brought before Ra for entertainment - he would be presented as an enemy. His planning was interrupted by loud noises outside his door; 'This is it,' he thought and prepared himself for the worst.
Two Ghaffir entered and roughly unchained him. Knowing how they enjoyed inflicting pain, Daniel fought back the urge to cry out and allowed himself to be pulled along without a fight. Two Horus guards and more Ghaffir joined the procession. They walked a great distance, miles through the sand. Daniel was so weak now, exhausted and thirsty - his delirium returned - more images of the beautiful and powerful woman. "Yes," he weakly moaned "Yes, Mistress, I will serve you, tell me how" then he collapsed to his knees.
One of the Horus guards, helmet lowered, approached Daniel "What god do you serve? Do you speak of The Supreme Lord? This night you will see Him, but you must be made ready."
An inner strength, unknown even to Daniel, began to take hold of him. He rose to his feet and stared defiantly into the Horus guard's eyes. He was certain he saw a flicker of fear as the Horus returned his stare. "I will not be made to serve your god, and if you continue to follow him it will mean your destruction as well! I have been to places you cannot imagine. I know the future - your future - and I know of powers even Ra..." The mention of Ra's name was forbidden, and reflexively the Ghaffir attacked Daniel and knocked him unconscious.
****
Ra sat in silent contemplation. He had ordered the removal of the strange device from the Chappa'Ai, and it now sat before him. He studied it and wondered if the device had somehow brought forth the stranger. Were not there two strangers? He would send spies to find the location of the other. Things in this world were not going well. Those who served him grew restless, almost defiant. Perhaps the stranger would bring him knowledge he needed to strengthen his power. How best to gain this knowledge. The High Priest had determined the stranger should become a host. Yes, this was possible, but there were other ways, unpleasant though they were, to take knowledge from such as these. Ra was amused. The strangers were interesting puzzles indeed.
****
"Off world activation, sir! SG-1's code, but no incoming travelers, yet," the Gate technician announced. All eyes at SGC were on the closed iris of the Stargate.
****
"Colonel, sir! Something terrible is happening! We had just attached the new piece to the artifact, when the whole thing began to shake and a huge blast of some kind of liquid... no... light... no... energy-liquid-light came out of the thing, then, well sir, you won't believe what happened then!" People were running in all directions, alarms blaring.
Sam felt herself falling as she exited the Gate. She was aware there was some sort of ladder or set of steps at the base, but she didn't have time to react to them and climb down, she simply tumbled down the entire length of them. She found herself sprawled at the feet of some very confused military men. It looked like Earth, but when?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 14
The sun shone merciless above him. The desert stretched out to infinity, sand shimmering under the sun's rays. In the near distance, the half completed form of a pyramid rose out of the desert.
Jack paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Four weeks had passed since he had been in this hellhole. Daily, he and the other prisoners toiled. They carved huge blocks of rock out of the land; pulling them across the sand under a hot sun. Through sweat and blood, they were building a pyramid for the gods. Had Daniel been here, he would have been awestruck by the reality of watching an actual pyramid being built. But he wasn't here and Jack was growing more worried and frustrated as the days passed. His servant, Maeti had said that Daniel was being well cared for. Jack didn't buy that for one minute. The last day or so, a worried look had clouded Maeti's face. She wouldn't tell him what was wrong. Only that her Mistress was looking after them. Some Mistress, to leave her followers in this hell.
Then there was the unexplained fact that he could now fluently speak Egyptian. When he had awoken after his first day here, he had discovered this fascinating new ability. To complicate matters, the whiplashes on his back had been partially healed. He didn't like it at all. Someone, undoubtedly this Mistress, had been messing with his head. And messing with his mind was not a very good way to endear herself to him.
A whip cracked over his head. Jack jerked around to see the head overseer behind him. The man was riding a black horse. Grinning maliciously at Jack, he snapped the whip again, just missing Jack's face. Jack gritted his teeth and turned back to his work. Ever since his first day here, the overseer had taken great pains to harass him. From overheard comments from the other prisoners, the overseer was very skilled with the whip and took every opportunity to show off. Jack made every attempt to try and avoid him. Maeti's presence also help to divert some of the flack. She was the only woman in the prison and seem to come and go as she pleased. She claimed that her Mistress protected her and would punish anyone who would harm her. Since she was Jack's servant, some of that protection seemed to encompass him as well.
****
They were closing in on him. First Daniel was imprisoned by her former High Priest. Now, Ra's Ghaffir were on the point of discovering her other gift from the future. This would not be tolerated. She sat down in front of the pool of water. Staring into the calm waters she softly spoke a name. [Maeti]
****
"Oh hell."
There were Jaffa approaching them. More important, they were the Horus Guard from the looks of their headpieces and armor. Jack ducked behind one of the blocks of rock littering the base of the pyramid. Deep down, he knew they were looking for him.
He peeked around one corner. His fellow prisoners were being rounded up and taken to the guards. He had to get out of here. One look at him and they would have him. Weeks under a brutal sun had darkened his skin, but not as dark as a native Egyptian. But where could he go. Nothing but sand and thirst existed. Without water or provisions of some sort he would not survive very long.
[Oneal!]
He turned to see Maeti hurrying towards him. She carried a heavy bundle of cloth over one arm. As she said this, she pulled a hooded robe from the bundle. She donned an identical robe, leaving the hood down.
[Where exactly can we go. There is nothing but miles of desert. The guards are to heavily armed to overpower.]
[My Mistress has told me where to go.] She glanced at the guards. They were nearing the end of the prisoners and growing restless. [We have to hurry.]
Jack hesitated. Maeti, he felt he could trust. But her Mistress was another matter entirely. Especially after she had been wandering through his head.
[Stubborn O'Neill. Who do you think has kept you from Ra this long?] The voice in his head was feminine and familiar. [Follow Maeti. She knows where to go. Trust her.]
Maeti was already ahead of him. Sighing, he followed her. She was heading towards the entrance to the pyramid. Catching up to her where she was waiting impatiently, he saw the guards finishing up their inspection. One of them was talking to the head overseer.
[Hurry Oneal. They are going to search the area for you now.] She tugged at his robe.
[In there?]
She was leading them into the darkened chambers of the pyramid.
[Over there. He is the one you want.]The overseer's voice rang out.
Jack tossed a quick glance over his shoulder then entered the entrance after Maeti. Inside, torches light up the darkness. The cool air was a blessing after the sun's deadly heat. As they hurried down the long tunnel, deeper into the pyramid, Jack could hear the heavy footsteps and clanking armor of the Ghaffir behind them. The tunnel sloped downwards. Suddenly, Maeti darted left, into another, smaller tunnel. The torches were spaced less frequently, the darkness more encompassing. Even without the light, Maeti seemed to know exactly where they were going.
[Stop!]
A burst of light briefly lit up the area. Jack stumbled and fell, his side burning. His hand came away wet. Pain lanced through him. The staff weapon had caught him on his lower right side.
[Oneal!] Maeti tugged at him. Several more staff weapons fired. Rocks fell from the ceiling. A faint tremor flowed through the ground. [Please, you have to get up. Just a little further to go.] With both of them pushing and pulling, he managed to get to his feet. Blackness was beginning to cloud his vision. The pain in his side was intense.
The guards were almost on top of them. The ground shook beneath them, the intensity growing. Maeti looked ahead. So close. They were almost there. An energy burst shattered the rock in front of her. She screamed as a piece hit her in the face.
[Look out!] Jack shoved Maeti to the ground, throwing his body over hers as a large chunk of the ceiling came crashing down on them.
The pyramid shook as the earth rocked violently . Half finished pillars crashed and broke apart. The remaining Ghaffir struggled up the tunnels to the entrance. Walls crashed down upon them. Outside, from a safe distance, the overseer watched in horror as the pyramid collapsed into itself. Layer upon layer shattering under the fury of the earth.
"Jack!" Daniel woke up from his delirium. Fever shook his body. His heart was racing. He had been dreaming. Walls falling, the earth shaking, and his friend being buried under tons of rock. A dream. It was just a dream. But a sick feeling in his stomach told him differently.
A game piece toppled over on the board. Ra looked up from the game, feeling the distant tremors race through his feet. He looked out the window, seeing only the sights of the city, but feeling the release of power.
A cloud of dust hovered over the ruins of a pyramid. The air was still, almost silent.
Even the birds were quiet.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 30
Daniel's finger drew large circles in the sand, the air was beginning to chill considerably but the ground still held some warmth. He hadn't wanted to join in the celebrating - his mind too full of things he needed to talk to someone about, someone that is who hadn't been drinking themselves silly. He'd gone looking for Jack, and found him snoring peacefully in a tent, so he left him to his much-needed rest.
Isis... he wanted to explain to Jack all about the goddess - was she really a goddess? He also wanted to tell him that the people were planning to topple the Stargate and bury it - as a final statement of their liberation from Ra. Getting home seemed less and less of a possibility. His notes! A brief smile flashed across Daniel's face. Had the high priest destroyed them, or would they be unearthed in some future dig? He lay back now and studied the stars, wondering if he could make a life for himself in this time... and suddenly craving a strong cup of coffee. No one to talk to - save the wind as it whispered the sand gently about him. The sounds of the partiers grew more faint as he tried to sleep.
[You have knowledge of Babylon?]
The sudden loud voice asking him something so fearfully familiar startled him to full awareness. [Babylon?] he called out to the darkness. He hadn't allowed himself to think about it. Once a place he was so fond of studying, had now become a place and time too painful to think about, ever since Oannes. Daniel sat up and looked carefully about. No one was there.
The voice returned, and he realized it was in his own mind, [Babylon... you know of it?]
Daniel did not want to answer. The voice was that of Isis, possibly his only hope of a way home... but what if she had other plans for him... Finally he answered with his thoughts [Yes.]
[I will send you there. I require assistance to send you and O'Neill back to your own time.]
Daniel did a brief calculation [Babylon must be over 500 miles from here. How will you send me?]
Isis answered him [Over 800 ... miles ... Daniel. Your journey will be unlike any you have ever taken before. A journey of the mind, you will feel as if you are flying. Have you ever heard legends of flying carpets? They come from such journeys of the mind.]
[You are going to have me imagine I'm in Babylon? Why? What purpose will it achieve?] Daniel began to fear as he talked with the voice in his own head, that he was losing his sanity.
Isis laughed; mortals always needed to feel as if they understood everything! [It is a true and actual journey... not simply an imagining. Your body will not go, but your mind will travel there and find the help I need. You must know this is not without danger. Whatever your mind sees and believes happens to you on this journey, your body will respond to as something very, very real. It *is* an actual journey.]
[Why Babylon?] Daniel continued his questions - still pondering the possible danger to himself from something witnessed in his mind.
[Another of what you call 'Stargates' is there, and so is the mighty leader of the Oannes - Omorocca.] Isis finished with certainty that this mortal could not possibly require any more explanation.
At the sound of Omorocca's name, Daniel's head began to pound. He stood up and shouted out loud to his invisible ally and tormentor "I won't go there!"
Isis could not be angry with this man, who had suffered so greatly, but she was quickly losing patience. [You do not have a choice. I have commanded it.] Her voice faded as Daniel became aware of the approach of several temple guards. He offered no resistance as they escorted him to an unknown destination.
****
Morning came quickly, too quickly for Jack's liking. He rose up on one elbow, and then lay back down as he realized just about every bone and muscle in his body ached. His mind, however, was clear and his spirit light... the true feeling of the victorious warrior the morning after battle. With the danger removed, there would finally be time to figure out a way to get home. Slowly he willed his stiff body to get up and stepped out of the tent into the bright sun. Maeti, as always, was there to greet him with food and drink,
[You know... you really don't have to serve me like this,] Jack started to explain - but soon realized she wouldn't have it any other way. After looking around a bit, Jack asked her [So, is Daniel still asleep? He's usually such an early riser... too much ceremonial wine, hmm?]
Maeti answered matter of factly, [He was awakened much before dawn and has left for Babylon.]
Jack almost lost his breakfast at the thought of once again losing his friend, "WHAT?" he choked out.
[The Mistress sent him to do a task for her. He will return shortly,] Maeti answered shaking a bit. Oneal's anger always frightened her.
[Shortly? Let's see, that would be ... oh... a month, month and a half's caravan trip just to get there. What do you mean, 'shortly'? And if I know Daniel at all, I just know he wouldn't run off without letting me know. Well, he usually wouldn't.] Jack had had enough of the Mistress doing as she pleased. [Maeti, I need to speak with your Mistress... now!]
[No problem,] Maeti quickly responded. [She is in the temple. Come.] She led Jack to the throne room of the temple.
It was dark inside, but Jack could make out the form of a woman, bending over what appeared to be an open stone coffin. Coming closer, he saw the figure of a man lying inside - a glowing jewel set upon his forehead. Hesitantly, Jack called out "Hello? It's O'Neill. Could we finally talk?"
Isis knew that O'Neill would come. He felt such a need to look after his friend, but would he understand what she was about to tell him? "I know you have many questions, but I must continue to concentrate on Daniel, he has begun a journey." She was careful to avoid any mention of danger to O'Neill - he must not try to interfere... not now.
"Daniel? You've got Daniel in there? What the hell for?" Jack rushed over to his friend's side. Daniel looked fine; he appeared to be breathing. Jack listened closely; Daniel was saying something...
"It's more beautiful than any of the descriptions! I'm really here... I just can't believe that I'm actually here! I need some water though... the sun is so hot and I haven't had anything to drink... so thirsty..."
Jack reached in to grab Daniel's hand and noticed it felt very warm and dry. Daniel's lips were parched too and his clothes sweaty. Glaring at Isis now, Jack growled "What kind of spell have you put him under? He needs some water!"
Isis was certain now that it would be most difficult gaining Jack's understanding and cooperation "It will do no good to try to give him a drink of water. If he does not find water on his own, in Babylon, his body will die of thirst, no matter how much you have given him to drink! O'Neill, your friend must make this journey in order to get you home. I am asking you to trust me... to believe in me."
Jack's mind simply couldn't comprehend what was happening to Daniel, but as he listened more he knew that Daniel was in Babylon - or at least he completely believed he was there and so did his body. Should he trust this 'Mistress'? Daniel had babbled something about Isis... "What can I do to help him?" Jack asked, indicating he would go along with things... at least for now.
Isis relaxed a bit "You have already started... just keep hold of his hand."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 31
Jack tightened his grip on Daniel's hand trying to piece together the mutterings, "He's found a temple of some kind, a ziggurat," Jack found himself repeating. The room was silent, only Daniel's soft mumbling. Jack knew she was watching him, he could feel her strong gaze ... but he did not meet her eyes.
Isis continued to be drawn to this man, despite her intentions not to be. A man, who saw her power, yet did not fall in worship. A leader, a warrior... a lover? NO! She tried to refocus her thoughts to the man on his journey. Daniel would still require her constant attention should he find himself in trouble. As she leaned closer to Daniel, she brushed against O'Neill, and a shiver went through her. She could smell the traces of battle still on him, and feel the pounding of his strong heartbeat. It was impossible for her to love him, such a union was forbidden even by her own written code, and should any of her devoted followers discover their love - the law required the mortal be put to death. She had written it so as to reign in on her desires... keep her rule pure. Still she wanted this man, and the shudder that passed through O'Neill's body as she began to stroke his back, told her the desire was returned.
Jack knew it was important to keep watch over Daniel, but he found it next to impossible to concentrate while Daniel continually commented on inscriptions and artwork. There was definitely something else interfering with his concentration as well ... he was having a very hard time ignoring Isis. He felt her arm reach around his waist, pulling him into a soft embrace. He did not react. He felt her soft lips leaving a trail of kisses down his arm, stopping at his fingers - parting slightly to allow a finger to enter her mouth... a soft moan. He turned to face her now, and her eyes met his - sparkling as if they had diamonds on. Breathlessly he said what no mortal was meant to say "Isis..."
The sound of her name on mortal lips further ignited her desire. "Is this what you want, O'Neill? I warn you, it is forbidden..."
Jack heard the words, but they had no meaning for him. Forbidden by whom? There was something supernatural about her... she made him feel electric and helplessly lost in thoughts of wanting her. "Yes," he responded in a husky voice.
They turned away from Daniel now, and moved toward her sleeping chamber. The gem on Daniel's forehead began to slowly fade, unnoticed by Isis. Jack's look asked if Daniel would be alright, she reassured and calmed him with a touch to his lips. The yearning between them had simmered too long now and neither seemed able to resist the temptation of giving in to the desire.
Jack once again felt the fire of her kiss - how it burned and satisfied; yet created an even greater need. She lay back on her bed, inviting him to join her... encouraging his touch, no... demanding it. For his part, Jack knew this union would be unlike anything he had ever experienced... he was a man no longer in control of his emotions... his actions...
****
Senjet came looking for his Mistress. He must tell her of the fellahin plans to bury the Chappa'Ai. He wondered why she had not come to intervene, had she not told him it was not yet time? What could be keeping her? He hesitated outside her sleeping chamber, not wishing to disturb her, and yet it was of such great importance...
Their passion spent, the mortal and immortal blended into each other's arms and fell into a pleasured sleep. Isis knew better, she had promised herself to be careful, be watchful - should anyone find them... But this mortal had satisfied her in ways she never thought possible, and she allowed sleep to take her as she listened to O'Neill's relaxed breathing.
Senjet slowly pulled back the heavy drapery to his Mistress' chamber. A cry rose from his throat as he witnessed the violation that had occurred within [MISTRESS! IT IS FORBIDDEN!]
Jack woke as Senjet's hands pulled him roughly onto the floor. He smelled of Isis' perfume and body sweat and one of her veils remained wrapped about his neck. All he could hear was Senjet repeating [Fool!] Orienting himself, he turned to face his accuser [What are you doing?]
Senjet answered with a mixture of sadness and determination [You have broken the holy law, and committed the ultimate sacrilege. It is I who must ask you... what have you done?]
Jack looked to Isis for support, but there was none "You were told of the danger... that is was forbidden..." She dropped her eyes knowing what must happen next "I am sorry."
"OK," Jack tried to make sense of all of this, [Senjet, where I come from, when two people agree to...]
[People!] Senjet interrupted, [People, Oneal, but you have dared to take a goddess. Now, I must carry out the punishment.]
[What? Banishment? Locking me away? I'll be leaving soon anyway, so you don't have to worry about me,] Jack finished, hoping he'd negotiated a reprieve of sorts.
Isis paused as she was about to leave the chamber. She owed him an explanation, "Goodbye my brave O'Neill. It is wrong for you to suffer for my weakness, but it has taught me that I shall never be so weak again. The thing Senjet can not bring himself to tell you, is that you must be put to death." She left him staring open mouthed in disbelief as she went to tend to the one she had not yet lost.
Disappointment compounded disappointment, as Isis took hold of the gem that now ceased glowing entirely and smashed it on the floor. She had failed both of them - how could she summon Daniel back to her once more?
Senjet dragged a struggling O'Neill to the center courtyard of the marketplace, tying him to a large stone pillar. He called out to the people who began excitedly to assemble, announcing the charge against the stranger who had been their deliverer just the day before. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as Jack looked about in wonder at the crowd that had drawn about him in a large circle. Each person carried a stone, and he now knew the method of his execution... he was to be stoned to death. Within the crowd, Jack saw Maeti - tears ran down her cheeks, but in her hand also a tightly held stone.
Jack began to make eye contact with each and every person he could recognize in the crowd. Those he had fought with, celebrated with. They knew the law, but not a soul would begin the process of stoning him. Especially Senjet. He simply could not bring himself to kill this man, and allowed his stone to drop harmlessly to the ground.
Isis looked out from her temple and saw the hesitation in her followers, her heart happy at the thought of sparing O'Neill, but sadness quickly replaced the joy as she realized that she must exact the punishment.
Jack could see the crowd parting, making way for an approaching figure. It was Isis. Her expression was unreadable, but too distant and cold for Jack's liking. She did not have the appearance of someone coming to his rescue. [There are many ways for a man to die!] the Mistress announced to her subjects. [Witness this man's punishment, and know that your trust will never again be betrayed.] She turned to Jack, looking him forcefully in the eyes - then she touched his mouth. Immediately, Jack realized he could no longer speak. He tried to make a sound, but could not. He tensed and began to pull against the ropes holding him as he guessed what would be coming next. He was going to end up like the High Priest - deaf and blind, unable to speak! He would rather die, and she knew it. Unable to look at him any longer, Isis touched his eyes and ears and quickly turned away.
The complete absence of any sensory input was deafening. Jack felt his ropes being cut away, but had no clue where to go. He simply slid down the stone column and sat motionless. Maeti ran to him now, trying to get him to stand, but he would not. He simply remained where he was, silently cursing this 'goddess', cursing himself and beginning to seriously fear what the fates had in store for Daniel - who had only Isis to depend upon.
****
Daniel had begun his journey uneventfully enough, that is if you consider the sensation of being propelled 800 miles over the desert in the span of several hours - uneventful. There was no 'real' sensation during the imagined passage, so Daniel assumed it would all pass as some sort of dream, that is until he felt the strong thud of his landing unceremoniously at the very top of a ridge of sand dunes overlooking Babylon. He felt himself rolling down the dune, sand stinging his eyes, sifting into his mouth. He had not yet realized that he must will his body to work... the true sensation of a physical world he could not possibly be touching overwhelmed him. How could he feel the sand? How was it possible for him to truly feel the sand? His wonderings were soon ended as he faced certain suffocation if he didn't spit the mounting sand from his mouth. Coughing and choking, he rose unsteadily to view "The Gate of God" - Babylon.
Why was he so dizzy? Thirsty... yes he needed something to drink. All the while, he felt within his mind the reassuring presence of Isis. He could feel it as a steady thrumming - not painful, just there. As he walked slowly toward the city, he began to wonder if others would be able to see him. Up ahead he saw a group of merchants preparing to enter the city, and fell in step alongside of them. After walking a few paces, Daniel asked one of the men where he could get something to drink and to Daniel's relief and astonishment, the man showed him a place to rest and eat.
After having drank his fill, Daniel was about to ask about the Oannes, but then thought better of it. He still didn't know who he should trust, and clearly people were beginning to become suspicious of this stranger, who claimed to be from Egypt - but looked unlike any Egyptian and did not come by caravan. Before he created any more of a stir, this wonder-struck archeologist decided to go exploring. The city was large indeed by ancient standards and centered around a seven-story temple, or ziggurat. 'The Tower of Babel' Daniel marveled. The exterior inscriptions were difficult to translate and required all of his attention. He looked for signs of whether the Stargate might be found within.
He paused for awhile, something was wrong. He couldn't feel Isis any longer, the steady beat in his mind was gone. Having no other choice, he continued his exploration inside the darkened corridors of the Temple itself. A sharp click and a static buzz caused him to freeze in his tracks, definitely the sound of a staff weapon being armed. A helmeted figure stepped out of the darkness, [You have brought the tribute?] a deep voice questioned him.
Daniel tried to think of an appropriate response... he didn't know what such a tribute should be or who was demanding it. [Yes, my lord, I have left it just outside,] Daniel decided to answer.
Unexpectedly, the guard burst into laughter, [Many have come here as tribute to the gods. None have answered in such a curious fashion!] He reached out with his staff weapon and began to direct Daniel through the maze of passageways.
Suddenly, Daniel had a deep sense that things were going very, very wrong.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 32
He was beginning to feel cold; the sun must have set. Had he really sat there most of the day? Growls of hunger filled his stomach... nice to feel some sort of sensations.
Maeti returned now for one more attempt at getting the man to come with her. She placed O'Neill's hand on her face and stroked it down her hair, letting him know the only way she knew how that it was her. At first, he allowed her to take his hand, and she grew hopeful; then as the times before, he pulled back and turned away from her.
'What are you gonna do, Jack?' he asked himself. 'Sit here til you die?' It truly frightened him to be so helpless, to depend on another so totally. He didn't know how he would do it, but if he were to find shelter and food - he was determined to do a large part of it on his own.
Maeti's spirit soared as she watched him rise to a stand; instinctively - as a mother who guides a young toddler - she reached to direct him where to go. He batted her hands away and proceeded to walk - straight for a trough set up to feed the goats. She couldn't bear to look at him, at his humiliation as she heard him fall.
'DAMN!' Jack's mind screamed out, but curses with no sound were hollow, empty and brought no relief from the torment. He'd walked into something and flipped over it, landing face first in the dirt. Without any sense of how to break his fall, he'd managed to hit his head as well, and he felt a warm trickle of blood down his face.
She watched him rise again, this time turning into a stack of baskets - knocking them down around himself. Her heart broke for him as he tried to find a path to take free from fallen baskets. Maeti knew no enemy had ever rendered him so weak and defenseless, and hopeless. Anger rose within her, this was not the work of an enemy. This was by the hand of her protector, her Mistress; the one who was to guide and care for her people.
It was useless; there was no way he'd be able to do anything for himself. Maeti was next to him once again, he reached up to touch her face and felt the tears flowing down her cheeks. She knelt by him and cradled his head on her lap. Emotions of regret and despair took possession of the man, as he began to weep - his body shaking in large sobs. She had never seen a man cry, and definitely had not wanted to see this man do so. After some time, a merciful sleep took him. Knowing he'd most likely not move from that spot, Maeti covered him with her cloak and left some bread and drink next to him. She gave him a parting kiss on his head and went in search of her Mistress.
Isis had spent the remainder of the day watching over Daniel and resting. It had been a tiring few months for her, and she needed to plan what to do next for her newly freed people. Seeing Maeti approach, she greeted her warmly, [My child. What brings you here so late in the evening?]
Maeti was not interested in pleasantries and chatter, [You have become like Ra, and it only took you one day.]
Isis was taken aback, furious at the lack of respect from her servant, [You dare to speak to me like that?] Her tone turned threatening, [I will not stand for any disrespect, especially from you Maeti, whom I have treated so very well!]
[Oneal lies in the street, a man better off dead, and what is his crime? He allowed the people to see there is some human weakness in you, by loving you - and now your pride is destroying him. How long before it destroys us all?] Maeti's anger had unwisely dismissed all of her fear of the goddess. [Do you know what he still wears about his neck? Do you? Your amulet of protection. Is this what faith in you brings to people?]
Isis' eyes narrowed as she stepped toward Maeti, motioning for her to kneel, [Without faith in me, you would all have died by Ra's hand. One man... one man who ignored the law... he can cause you such doubt in your faith? You had no faith to begin with.]
Maeti began to tremble now, falling on her knees, her face to the floor. What punishment would her Mistress exact upon her? [Please! I beg of you! Look outside at the suffering you have caused this man and tell me it is just.]
Isis would not look. In her mind she already had felt O'Neill's pain, there was no need to look. [If he chooses not to eat, he will die,] was all she said, and she left Maeti shivering on the floor.
****
Senjet had finished his patrol of the city, walking home he saw his one time friend lying by the roadside. It wasn't pity that moved him, rather a deep respect for the man. Senjet lifted him up and took him home, determined to help him heal and to somehow undo what he had unknowingly caused to happen. He offered up a silent prayer to Isis, 'I had chosen to give my allegiance to the stronger power, but strength without wisdom and mercy becomes a godless quality. Only you can reverse your punishment.'
Isis heard his passionate plea, but her heart remained unmoved.
****
Daniel had been asked to sit in a large hall and wait. It seemed like hours had passed, and he had plenty of time to think. He wanted so much to tell Jack all about Isis, how he had seen her remove the Goa'uld that was Ra from his host. It would be so important to learn how she did this. He smiled as he thought of how attracted Jack was to her. 'Stay clear, Jack, you definitely don't want to go there...' Daniel warned him in his thoughts. He puzzled once again over why he no longer felt Isis' presence. How was he to return from this 'journey' if he couldn't contact her?
He turned toward a soft noise at the doorway, and caught sight of a very familiar being. It looked much like Nem, only larger - more muscular, 'Omorroca' Daniel thought.
[*You* are the tribute?] the being asked. [I require guards for my sanctuary. You are not suitable, you may leave.]
Daniel watched her turn to leave and for a moment was dumb struck. [You are Omorroca?] he asked just as she was about to disappear. [I'm... I'm not 'tribute' for you... I'm here to ask for your help.]
She moved across the room to Daniel's side, looking into his eyes, he felt into his soul as well. [There is something you need to tell me...]
Daniel licked his lips nervously, [I know of your mate. I've met Nem.] He searched her face for some sign of recognition or emotion. There was none. He continued, [I don't know how to say this, but I'm from a future time, and my friend and I need to use your Stargate... Chappa'Ai... to return to our time. Nem is there in the future, he's been waiting for you - thousands of years.] He couldn't bring himself to tell her that he knew of her future death at the hands of Belos. What if he somehow changed history because of this revelation? No, he must remain silent.
Finally she spoke [Nem does not wish my return. He despises a mate who chooses to travel to other worlds to wage battle... even more than he despises the Goa'uld.] She looked at him suspiciously now, [You are from Egypt? You serve the Goa'uld there!]
Daniel shook his head, [Ra is gone and he'll never return, I'm certain of it.]
Omorroca did not appear convinced, [How is it you know of the Chappa'Ai here?]
Clearing his throat, Daniel continued, with no guidance from Isis, he wasn't at all certain what to say, [The woman who drove Ra out of Heliopolis... she told me. She also told me that you must put the same symbols into your Chappa'Ai at precisely the same time as we are doing in Giza...ummm...Egypt. That will allow us to return to our time.]
[I do not believe you,] Omorroca simply stated.
Daniel tried to change her mind, [Nem told me you came to Earth to fight the Goa'uld. You will eventually be successful, but then the Goa'uld return in the future and Earth must face them again. I am part of that fight - you have to help me.]
[You are certain there is a Chappa'Ai here?] she asked warily.
[Yes.] sensing progress, Daniel rushed on, [I was told this, but I've also deciphered many of the inscriptions in the temple...you've placed it under water, haven't you?]
Omorroca felt a stronger sense of threat and distrust knowing her secret had been revealed, [No one was to know of this. I have hidden it away.]
Daniel grew fearful at her change of tone, [But it was possible to figure that out from some of the writings and drawings.]
[Silence!] she commanded. [You have been sent here to find the Chappa'Ai and enable its use once again for the Goa'uld! I can not allow a spy to remain among the people of Babylon, but I do not wish harm you. I will allow you to simply leave, and I will move the Gate of God once more.]
Her body language indicated that she expected Daniel to walk away and never return, but where was he to go? [I must ask you again, for your help. It seems you are our only hope,] he repeated.
She turned back to the young man and lifted her hand suddenly toward him. Daniel flinched, expecting an energy blast, but instead he felt her hand gently touching his head. She reacted with pleasure, her voice melodious [You do know of Nem! And you had heard reports of my death? Interesting! Your thoughts reveal to me that I have made the right decision, it is good for me to remain here and fight.] His true sincerity and desperate appeal changed her mind. [I will help you. After three circles of the sun, you will contact me with this.] She handed him a small metallic device. [At that time, I will do as you have asked.]
As silently as she had come, Omorroca now disappeared. Daniel wondered if he had indeed changed history. She almost seemed to expect reports of her death, what if it were a ruse so that she could go into hiding from the Goa'uld? Now she knew Nem wanted her to return... he wondered if she would. Quickly, Daniel left the temple, holding tightly to the alien device. Finally, something was going right! Now he had to figure out how to make the journey back.
The streets of Babylon were deserted as nighttime had come. He made his way to the city gate, and became aware of noises behind him. Suddenly, two men were on him, wrestling him to the ground. [A stranger? He must be carrying something of value,] a voice softly spoke. Not finding anything of interest, and fearing they would be identified, one of the men took out a knife made of carved bone. Daniel was about to scream out for help, as he felt the knife drag across his throat and the immediate choking sensation from having his windpipe sliced open. 'I can't be dying... this can't be real,' he tried to tell himself. 'Whatever my mind believes to be true, my body will react as such,' he remembered Isis' words. 'I believe that I will live,' he weakly told himself as he began to loose sensation. He was drowning in his own blood.
Isis ran to his side. Daniel was writhing and choking - all color draining from his face. She tried to reach his mind, but it was too far away. She saw blood drip from the corner of his mouth and knew she had little time left to help him, if she could at all. She fell to her knees and looked up to the heavens, calling out to a power even greater than she, [If this were meant to teach me the meaning of humility and mercy... I have learned it! If you could but spare this one, I will reverse my punishment... I swear it!]
All sounds ceased from within the stone coffin. Isis peered inside to see Daniel blinking up at her. Very weak, but very much alive, and she knew it was none of her doing. She smiled as she saw what he still clutched in his hand. She would send them home soon.
****
Jack woke in what felt like a bed, not having any idea what time it was. As he sat up, a strong, muscular arm gripped him and slapped him on the back. Who? Senjet? Whoever it was, was trying to signal to Jack that he had to do something. The person was tugging on his arm, pulling him to a stand, and then they tapped on the amulet around Jack's neck and began to pull him along. Jack supposed it was indeed Senjet, and the signal was meant to let Jack know they were going to see Isis. Yes, he wanted to confront her. Jack's strength had been restored by a night's rest and with it came a strong sense of anger. He would not roll over and die! If it was the warrior in him that she so admired, she would see that warrior again. He was not going to let her kill his spirit.
He held his head high, and proudly took hold of the person's elbow who was guiding him. With his free hand he ripped the amulet from around his neck and tossed it aside. 'Lady,' he thought to himself, 'Just who the hell do you think you are?'
Daniel had found the strength to sit up now, and was beginning to tell Isis what had happened, when he saw Jack and Senjet enter the room. No one spoke, but the expressions on all their faces told Daniel he had missed something really big, "Jack? What's the matter? Are you OK?"
Senjet was about to respond, when Isis silenced him with a wave of her hand. She stood in front of Jack, aware that he was sensing her presence. Before he could react, she bent down on one knee in deference to him, placing his hand on top of her head. 'What's this?' he thought. 'She's kneeling to me?' A strong voice spoke to his mind, asking for forgiveness in exchange for mercy. He shook his head 'yes.' Immediately, his senses were restored. Senjet knelt in true respect to the goddess who could now lead his people.
Jack, on his part, helped Isis to stand and then backed away. Leaving a distance between them that would forever remain. His eyes met Daniel's questioning look, and he could only shake his head. He had to try to figure out all that had happened to him, but not now. Now they had to concentrate on getting back home.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 33
Everett woke Sam at first light. "Sir, the sun should be up in a half hour or so."
"Thank you for waking me, Sergeant," she called from her tent, "Why don't you try to catch a little more sleep? I won't be ready for about an hour."
Sam gave a little groan and climbed out of her tent. *Combat experience had taught her to be a light sleeper when she was in the field, but it hadn't made her a cheerful riser,* she thought ruefully. In the pre-dawn light, the dunes were already warming up and losing their silvery color. Two of P4X357's moons were still well above the horizon, and their light made it easy to move around camp without needing a flashlight. Sam took a few minutes to freshen up as best she could without wasting precious water and made a feeble attempt to shake some of the sand out of her uniform. Then, back in her tent, she grabbed some rations -- she hesitated to call them breakfast -- and sat down to review her notes one more time.
The thing that was still puzzling her the most was the matter of those two missing buildings that appeared in Daniel's drawings. In all their time spent here, neither she nor Teal'c had managed to locate them. But, she couldn't shake the feeling that they must be very important, that they were the missing pieces to the puzzle. Besides, she didn't seem to be getting very far with the linking devices with the limited information she had. At least she had made an educated guess as to how to use them, thank goodness, but she still had no idea how they worked. If the Jaffa scientists hadn't been able to figure them out after all these years, how could she hope to make any significant progress very quickly. And, as far as she could figure, the only way to use the linking device to gate home would be to have the device hooked to the gate at the SGC, in her time. *And there was no way that was going to happen, was there?* she thought to herself.
Glancing through the flap of her tent, Sam noticed that the sun had cleared the horizon, making it light enough to see the endless rolling desert. She hated the idea of doing her recon in the broad daylight, but if she had missed the buildings in daytime before, there was no way she was going to find them this time around if she was looking in the middle of the night. She stood up and went to rouse Everett again to watch the camp while she was gone.
****
After searching for five hours with no luck, Sam was ready to call it quits for the day. The hot sun was just reaching its zenith and Sam felt like she was beginning to bake despite her liberal application of sunblock an hour or so ago. Orienting herself on the map based on the locations of the two gates, Sam had set out from camp looking for what she decided would be the closer of the two buildings. After searching a very large area around where the building should be according to the old drawing, she decided to hike up to the other end of the "cross" that the buildings, pool, and gates made, and hope for better luck. That had been two hours ago, and she was no closer to locating the second building than she had been to the first.
Traipsing back to camp -- her pace could hardly be called hiking after dredging through soft sand half the day -- she caught a tantalizing glimpse of the pool over to the East. It would be so nice to take a quick swim, and she had seen no signs of Gou'ald activity all day. Their meeting place was a few dunes away, and she had not seen anyone in this area. Deciding that she needed to investigate the pool further sometime anyway, Sam made a swift decision and headed down the side of the dune.
When she had been to the pool the last time, she hadn't been very intrigued. It had just looked like an oasis, supplied by some hidden spring or a natural artesian well -- unusual in the middle of a desert, but certainly not unheard of. Funny, she hadn't remembered it being so rectangular last time. It had just had a long, uneven shape. As she got closer, she realized that there was a very low ledge around the edge of the pool. Sand had piled over much of it, concealing the straight edges, but Sam realized that it was obviously man-made. From the top of the dune, Sam had not been able to tell that the pool was not a natural body of water. Nature must have been reclaiming it for years, slowly filling it with sand and changing its shape. Within the next few decades it would win the battle. No wonder Sam had not realized that the pool was artificial a few days ago -- or was that fifty years from now? Whenever. She had given up on trying to make sense of it all.
In her enthusiasm, Sam had forgotten about her swim, but the sweat dripping off her forehead brought her mind back to the present. She put down her pack, did a mental inventory of her pockets for items that were heavy or would not take kindly to water, and removed her boots. Then she quietly slipped into the water. *Ahhh, that feels good,* she thought, smiling. She closed her eyes and ducked all the way under the surface. Opening her eyes under the water, she was surprised at how clear it was. She hadn't been able to see the bottom very well when she jumped in, and she had assumed that that was due to the water. Considering how clear it was, it must be deeper than her earlier estimate of eight to ten feet.
In any case, she didn't want to linger for very long. Trouble could appear at any time, and she would rather be shod and armed if it were to show up. Gliding back over to the side, Sam started to spring out onto the wall. Her hand slipped on a loose rock, and as she grabbed onto another, she bumped her flashlight off the side. Mentally cursing herself for her carelessness, she watched it fall slowly to the bottom. Sighing, she took a deep breath and dove back in. The heavy-duty flashlight would not have been harmed by its impromptu bath, and she didn't want to leave it behind.
As she kicked down to the bottom of the pool, her previous suspicions were confirmed. She guessed that she must be down about twelve feet by now. Slowly exhaling to relieve some of the pressure in her lungs, she swam the last few feet to the flashlight, and rolled herself around to kick off the bottom for the trip back up. In the middle of the turn, she noticed that she had come around to face the wall. What she saw next almost made her open her mouth in surprise. Fortunately, instinct prevented her from making that mistake and gulping water into her lungs.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 34
Sam took another quick glance at what she had just seen on the wall, before her protesting lungs told her that she had better get some air or she wouldn't being seeing anything else for a long while. Leaving the flashlight behind since she'd be right back down at the bottom again, Sam gave a kick off the bottom of the pool and swam back up to the surface, breaking through with a gasp. As soon as she had regained her breath, her mind started working on the improbable thing that her eyes had told her -- that there was a gaping doorway in the wall of the pool. *Now why would someone build a door underwater, * Sam mused.
Deciding to take a look around the pool before investigating the door further, she climbed back out onto the wall -- being careful not to knock anything else down into the pool -- and took a walk around the perimeter. She didn't notice anything of much interest except for the fact that the water in the middle of the pool seemed to be darker than the rest. Ordinarily, that wouldn't have been very surprising, except that she noticed that the area that was darker had a definite rectangular shape not unlike the edges of the pool itself.
Deciding to go in for a closer look, Sam dove back into the pool and swam the ten or fifteen yards out to the edge of the dark area. Gazing down hard through the water, and now grateful for the bright sun of local noon that made it possible for her to see further than she otherwise would have been able to, she noticed that there seemed to be some sort of wall framing the rectangle. Breathing in and out deeply several times to fill her lungs with fresh oxygen, Sam took a final deep breath and dove for the bottom. Finding that the wall wasn't as far down as she had expected it to be, she realized that it must be built up above the surface of the surrounding pool bottom five or six feet.
Holding onto the wall so that she wouldn't float back up to the surface, she looked around and realized that this wall surrounded an even deeper section of the pool. Thinking quickly, Sam decided that this deeper part of the pool must have been the original pool on the map, and that what she and Teal'c had thought was the pool before was really a water-filled courtyard that had surrounded the pool itself. The space she was floating in now must have been out in the open air well above the surface of the water when the courtyard and pool had originally been built. With excitement, Sam realized that the door she had just found must have originally been an ordinary entrance out in the open. Eager to learn more about it, Sam kicked back up to the surface and swam over to the edge where she had left her things.
Taking a minute at the side of the pool to catch her breath again, Sam climbed out and dove back in knowing that was the fastest way to reach the far-away bottom. She quickly relocated her flashlight and snapped it on, casting a beam of light that illuminated a narrow path in the water around her. Shining the flashlight's beam over onto the wall next to her, Sam could make out parts of a large door way set into the wall. She noticed some interesting relief work up at the top of the archway, but other than that, the doorway was plain and simple. Shining the flashlight into the opening, she watched the beam become quickly engulfed by the darkness. Deciding her lungs had once again reached their limit, she gave a swift kick back off the bottom and swam for the surface.
After making three more dives, Sam came to the conclusion that there was nothing else around the doorway that held any clues. And looking around at the surface of the pool, Sam realized that the small stone wall she had set her things on earlier didn't actually go around the entire pool, but only seemed to stretch for about ten feet on either side of the area where the doorway was. Sam decided that the large doorway and the face around it must have been built onto the side of a building which was now covered by the dunes sloping down to the water's edge. With excitement, Sam realized that this must have been one of the buildings that was on the map. No wonder she and Teal'c had been unable to find it before -- it must have been hidden away for hundreds of years.
Tired as she was, Sam decided that she wanted to investigate a little further before heading back to base camp. Sam had noted during her previous dives that, inside the doorway, there seemed to be the beginning of a stairway leading upward. Making a hopeful guess, she decided that the actual building must be hidden in the dune behind her, and that parts of it might still be above the water level.
Knowing that it would be risky to go inside the doorway not knowing if she would be able to find air on the other side or not, Sam looked around for a way to somehow prolong her air supply. Spying the loose rock that had caused her earlier downfall, she pried it free before once again cleansing her lungs, and then she slid it off the wall, holding on tightly, and let it drag her quickly to the bottom of the pool. Letting go of the rock at the bottom, Sam swung her flashlight back into position in front of the doorway, and after a moment's hesitation, swam through.
Shining the beam up what she presumed to be a staircase, Sam quickly swam along the light's path. Mentally calculating how far she was from the surface on her way up, she was beginning to feel that she had better turn around if she were ever going to make it back out of the pool. But before she had decided to turn back, the resistance against her right hand vanished, and she heard a splash above her. Realizing that she must have reached the surface inside the building, she broke through the top of the water, and, saying a silent prayer, took a breath. To her great relief, Sam found that she could breathe again.
She quickly aimed her flashlight at the ceiling of the room and all around and saw incredibly enough that she had not quite reached the top of the stairs. Climbing out the rest of the way, she was amazed to find herself in an underground room -- a dry underground room. The walls and floor were damp from all the water around, but the air was certainly breathable, and most of the place looked like it was still intact.
Suddenly realizing again how exhausted she was, and knowing that her explorations could take her days if not weeks, Sam decided that she had discovered enough for one day and was ready to head back to camp for the time being. She needed to get back in time to get dried off and rest for a little while because she and Teal'c would need to place the linking device on one of the stargates tonight just in case Daniel and Jack decided to gate back here in an attempt to gate back home.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 35
It was night time, of the last day they would remain in ancient Egypt. The two men had returned to the second story room where they had spent their first night. It was close to the Stargate. It was Bekhat's home. Isis had managed to convince the people to wait until the strangers had left before burying the Gate. Everything seemed peaceful, as Daniel and Jack enjoyed the wine and looked out over the sleeping city.
"I wonder if you'll still remember how to speak ancient Egyptian - once we return," Daniel aired his thoughts out loud to Jack.
Jack seemed preoccupied with thoughts of his own, and did not answer.
"Jack? What's on your mind?" Daniel prodded his friend.
"I've been meaning to tell you... what it was like, being deaf, dumb and blind. I can't even begin to describe it. One thing I can tell you is that when everything came back - it was as if my life was given back to me. I had the feeling I could start all over again. We really don't know what's going to happen when we go through the Gate tomorrow, do we?" Jack stared out the window.
"No. Isis seems to think the power of the two Gates will be enough to send us..." Daniel began.
"Send us where? We can't dial Earth, because we don't have our remote transmitters. Where do we go?" Jack knew this was the part of the puzzle left undecided.
"Back to where we started from, the Place of Eternity," Daniel simply responded. "We dial there, and hopefully someone's kept watch for us since we went missing from that location, and they would have a remote to get us home."
"And what if we go there in yet another time altogether? We have no idea how this whole thing works." Jack returned to staring out the window.
"What do you want me to say? That I can guarantee a definite way back home? Well, I can't, but we at least have to try," Daniel offered.
Jack turned to him now, and Daniel knew the entire meaning behind his simple question, "Why?"
The question hung there. It simply hung between them as they tried to decide whether or not to simply remain where they were. Finally Daniel found the words for what he was feeling, "Because we don't belong here. Because this isn't our time, it isn't our world, and because I know we're still very much needed in the future."
Jack had arrived at the same decision, and, looking up to the heavens said, "We go."
Daniel waited until Jack had fallen into a deep sleep, and silently slipped out the door, walking down the outside corridor to Bekhat's room. He could see her resting on a sleeping mat, the moonlight playing across her face, her chest slowly rising and falling. For the last two days, he had meant to say goodbye to her, but couldn't bring himself to do it. This would be his last chance. He couldn't deny that he had feelings for her; the thought of bringing her back to his time had even entered his head. He knew that wasn't possible. How much like Sha're she was... young, beautiful, spirited... and she had told him she loved him.
What would he say to her now? He walked to her side and quietly lay down next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her into a strong hug. He whispered to her in a tone so soft, it must have seemed like the breezes blowing [In another lifetime, Bekhat, we could have been together. Thank you for loving me.] She stirred slightly and smiled, but did not awaken. Daniel drifted off to sleep. He didn't want to disturb her pleasant dreams. He wanted always to remember her like this, in his arms.
Daniel woke with the first rays of the sun, and went to wake Jack and begin their journey. Neither man spoke, as they joined Isis at the Stargate in the early morning light. Daniel told her the symbols for the Place of Eternity and marveled as she brought the chevrons to life with a wave of her hand. The Gate stood ready, and Isis used the device provided by Omorroca to send a signal to her. Another signal flashed back in response. "It is time," Isis told them.
"Time," Jack repeated.
Without a glance back, the two travelers entered the Gatelight. The trip was far wilder than they remembered, and they were propelled out of the Gate with extreme force - ending up face first in sand once again. Sitting there for a moment, trying to clear their heads and orient themselves, they heard a warning shout. Impossible to tell if it was friendly or not, they scrambled over an adjacent dune and waited. Jack whispered what Daniel was thinking, "Ya think, after all this time, that was Carter's voice?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 36
The rising sun cast a purplish light over the sands. Teal'c stirred as it hit his eyes. He gently nudged his companion. Sergeant Johnson woke up quickly. He blinked the sleep from his eyes, looking around. The two of them had hidden themselves in the shadow of a sand dune. They were several miles from both Stargates and hopefully, far enough away that Captain Carter could work in peace at finding them a way home. Johnson noticed Teal'c moving up the ridge. He quickly and quietly joined him. He sucked in his breath at the scene below them that the darkness of night had hidden.
Sand stretched for miles around. No dunes or ridges marred the openness of the plain. Overnight, tents had been erected. They were spaced some distance from each other. In the middle of this sea, a much larger tent has also been put up. Johnson pulled out his binoculars.
"I don't see any signs of Jaffa around."
"The Jaffa are forbidden from this place. It is the great meeting of the System Lords." Teal'c whispered back, his eyes never leaving the scene. Memories filled his mind, memories of fifty years past.
"By bringing only themselves and no Jaffa, each Lord is stating that they would honor a temporary cessation of hostilities that exist between each other. That larger tent in the center is where they will hold their meeting tomorrow. From what I have seen, there are still several more gods to come."
Below them, a slender figure emerged from the larger tent. He looked around him, haughty and arrogant. Suddenly, his head turned toward them. Teal'c's hand shot out and knocked the binoculars from Johnson's hands. He pulled the man back to lie low. Johnson looked at him, questions in his eyes.
"It is Ra. The Supreme Lord of all."
"Yes it is. And he is most unhappy about you being out here."
They turned around to see two Jaffa pointing staff weapons at them. The Jaffa who had accompanied them from the present.
"Why have you turned against us?" Teal'c asked, his voice soft. "You are free now."
"We are only free when we serve our gods. A Jaffa's place is at our god's side, fulfilling his every command. It is foolish to believe that we can go against them. Being here has shown us the foolishness of our recent actions." One of the Jaffa moved behind them. He prodded Johnson to his feet. Teal'c followed, no hint of betrayal on his face. He thought he had gotten through to them but it appeared he had failed.
"We have seen what the Tauri have to offer and it pales in the might of Ra and the System Lords. They may fight against the gods but in the end they will fail and their world will just be another planet conquered by our gods."
Johnson swiftly moved, turning and grabbing the staff weapon behind him. Teal'c lunged for the Jaffa in front of him. They struggled briefly before he grabbed hold of the weapon. A blast erupted behind him. Hands grabbed him from behind. The heel of the staff weapon jabbed into his stomach, hard. A fist followed, deliberately digging deep. He cried out, feeling the pain from his larva. The fist had caught him in his pouch, going deep, penetrating into the safe haven of the womb. His larva was injured, broadcasting its' pain and distress to him.
He lay on the sand, trying to catch his breath. A gentle thought to his larva revealed how serious it was hurt. Although bad, it would heal with time and care. Things that he no longer had. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Johnson. A gaping hole in his chest told the story. Eyes glazed in death stared back at him. Rough hands pulled him up.
"Our Lord Ra wishes to see you. He is most curious about what you are doing here." The Jaffa dragged him down the hill, toward the encampment. Teal'c struggled to control his pain, knowing that his quickness in healing was reduced because of his injured larva. He was more vulnerable now then he had ever been and not just because of his injuries.
The Jaffa stopped in front of a slender figure of a boy, seated in a golden chair. They bowed deeply. Teal'c was pushed forward. He fell at the feet of the boy. He stayed where he was. A hand reached out, raising his chin. Teal'c found himself gazing into the gentle eyes of Ra. The hand moved lightly over his face, up his cheek to his forehead. Fingers traced the golden tattoo on his forehead.
"Jaffa of Apophis. Why are you here? You know it is forbidden." The voice was deep and warm. He remained silent. "These two Jaffa have told me that you no longer serve your Lord, that you now serve the Tauri. But that is impossible. No one has been to that planet since I left." Ra's eyes flashed in bitter remembrance of how he was driven out. So long ago, but he remembered it clearly. One day, she would pay and her beloved Tauri would once again serve him.
The Jaffa remained silent. He would be hard to break.. Pain flickered across his face before he could control it. Ra tilted his head, eyes half closed. "The child within is hurt. That will make things much easier for me." He turned back to the other Jaffa. "Take him to my other camp. Chain him up under the sun. I will deal with him later." He turned away as Teal'c was dragged away.
****
A man approached the throne. He bowed low before his god and lord, his armor rattling. Apophis motioned for him to rise and approach.
"We are almost there, my Jaffa. My beloved Ammonet and myself will be the only ones landing. Or rather the only ones seen. I have a command for you. You have performed better than I hoped for, for I have followed your training for a very long time. Through the long years as one of my guards you have never failed in your service to me. That is why you now stand before as my First Prime." He pulled a small vial from beside him.
"You are to kill Ra, my enemy. This poison can be administered on the blade of a knife or in his food. But, be careful. A peace may be in force, but none of the other System Lords will let that stop them from trying to decrease the number of their enemies." He smiled "So many of us in one place without our Jaffa is too much of a temptation to pass up."
"I will not fail you, my lord." Teal'c said, looking up at him.
"I know, my Jaffa. You have never failed me before."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 37
After waiting back at camp until well after nightfall, a worried Sam decided that she would have to hook up the linking device without the help of Teal'c. "Sergeant Everett," she called.
"Yes, Captain Carter?"
"We can't wait for Teal'c any longer. You and I will have to hook up the linking device ourselves." Sam checked her compass and then, grabbing one of the handles on the case that Everett had just dragged out of the tent, she pointed them in the direction of the gate farthest from the Goa'uld encampment.
****
After a bone-wearying trek across the dunes and a frustrated hour of fitting the device onto the stargate, Sam and Everett collapsed onto the sand to admire their handiwork.
"After all these months, what d'ya think are the odds that Colonel O'Neil and Dr. Jackson are going to gate back here?"
"I don't know, Steve. I just don't know. But we've done everything we possibly can to help. Now it's up to them," she replied, her voice trailing off at the end. "Let's head back."
They were halfway over the first dune when a whirring noise pierced the night. Glancing over her shoulder, Sam saw the gate coming to life. "Quick. Up here," she ordered. She and Everett had just enough time to hide at the top of the ridge before the chevrons lighted up the darkness and the whoosh filled the air.
They watched carefully as two figures came out of the gate. "Speak of the devil," Sam whispered under her breath. Calling out softly into the quiet night, Sam waved her arms, "Colonel, Daniel, up here." As they looked up and started up the dune, Sam let out a breath that she had been holding somewhere inside of her for weeks.
"Sir, I think it's best that we head back to camp. There's a gathering of Goa'uld less than a mile from here."
"Very well, Captain. Explanations can wait." He paused, then placed a hand on her shoulder, "It's good to see a familiar face."
"You have no idea. We've been working for weeks and we were running out of ideas as to how to get you back to our time. Of course, we're still not all the way back to our time. This is only 1947, you know. Oh, wait, you wouldn't know that. Well, it is. It's 1947," she rambled suddenly in nervous relief.
Daniel chimed in, "What? 1947? How'd we get to here?...um, or to now, rather."
"Well, it has to do with those linking devices that we found. I figured out how they worked -- well sorta -- when Teal'c and I went back to earth and ended up in 1947."
"Wait, you were back on earth, in 1947? But..."
Realizing that they would be here forever if he let the scientists continue like this, Jack decided to call a halt to the history session. "This can wait people. Let's get back to camp. Carter, which way?"
Glad to have someone else in charge for a while, Sam pointed in the direction she and Everett had come from. "This way, sir."
****
Back at camp, the team spent hours catching each other up on where and when they had been. The debriefing on this mission was going to fill a book. Sam decided that her adventure had been tame compared to Jack's and Daniel's. Miraculously, they'd not only survived... but everyone seemed uninjured. Only one thing kept the reunion somber. Sam voiced her concern over Teal'c's lack of contact with base camp.
"We'll search for him in the morning. We'll leave before daylight."
"Um, Jack. I think we should check out that underwater room that Sam discovered. There could be invaluable information in there. History, culture," he paused meaningfully, "the way back home."
"I think Daniel's right, sir. This may be our best chance. If Teal'c is in trouble, the Gou'ald might already be aware of our presence. Time may be running out."
With a sigh, Jack wondered why they even bothered to call him 'sir'. It wasn't like they ever listened to him anyway. Inwardly he grinned -- actually, they didn't always question his orders -- just when there was some alien culture or astrophysical phenomenon was around. Of course, in their line of work, that happened pretty often. "Okay, you two can go explore the pool and Everett and I will find Teal'c."
"Yes, sir."
"Thanks, Jack."
*Ah, at least that was a step in the right direction,* he decided.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 38
Sand swirled around in a cloud of dust as the rings landed on the ground. Blue light flashed as the rings were activated, carrying their cargo from the ship. Ra calmly watched from his position in his golden chair. His robes billowed out from the wind flowing through the encampment. Hands resting lightly on the chair arms, he watched the rings travel upward again, leaving behind two figures.
"You are late."
Apophis turned to look at the boy sitting in the chair. He bowed low, Amaunet following. "My apologies, Supreme Lord."
Ra tilted his head, studying him. Then he turned his head to Amaunet. He rose from his chair, his movements graceful and entrancing. He walked by Apophis, barely acknowledging him.
"Amaunet." His voice caressed her. He smiled into her eyes. "You are as lovely as always." As she smiled, he reached out to lightly stroke her cheek. Apophis hissed, his sudden move towards Ra, halted as he remembered who Ra was. Ra turned to him, still smiling. He let his hand linger on Amaunet's cheek, knowing how it was angering the other lord.
"It has been a very long time since we last met. Perhaps now you will reconsider becoming my consort again."
Before she could reply, Apophis spoke up. "She is my consort now, Ra. Her loyalty is with me."
Ra looked at him. His face was still calm, still lovely, but Apophis felt his eyes penetrating into him. He held his ground, refusing to look down.
"You have grown more insolent lately. This does not please me. Remember your place and who you are speaking to. I am Supreme Ruler of the System Lords by right of power and knowledge. I saved our race from dying by discovering the Tauri and how their bodies could be used as hosts and incubators for us and our children."
"Yes you did, but that was long ago. Now, your power grows weaker, your position no longer secure."
Ra's eyes flashed in anger. "You dare question my authority?"
Apophis finally bowed his head, casting his eyes downward in subjection and apology. Now was not the time for this. But soon.
****
Teal'c quietly circled around the encampment. For the past several hours, since landing on the planet, he had been scouting out the area. So far, all seem to be in place. Even the other three Jaffas that he had spotted. He knew them, all First Primes of the various System Lords. His lord had been right. This meeting was to tempting to pass up on the opportunity to settle old rivalries. Finding a place to rest that was well hidden and at some distance from the camp, he settled down. He felt naked without his armor. All he wore was the abdomen plate to protect his goa'uld larva and brown robes that blended in with the landscape. He left his staff weapon onboard the ship, carrying only the vial of poison, several knives and a zat gun. Nightfall was coming in several hours. That was when he would get closer to the camp to learn more of its layout.
****
"Colonel!"
Jack turned around to see Sergeant Everett bending over a figure. They had finally reached the place where the big goa'uld meeting was going on. He moved to Everett's side.
"Sir, it's Johnson. It looks like he's been hit with some kind of energy blast." A tremor marred his speech. Jack knew the two sergeants had been close friends and partners. He reached out to gently shut the dead man's eyes. There was nothing they could do for him, but Jack would make damn sure that they brought his body home for burial. He placed his hand on Everett's shoulder briefly.
"Have you seen any signs of Teal'c?"
"No sir. But there are plenty of signs of a scuffle around. Maybe, the goa'ulds have him prisoner."
"Lets hope not, Sergeant." The other man looked at him in question. "Teal'c told me that he was First Prime of Apophis at this time. The Jaffa live a very long time and if Apophis sees him here, he'll know something is very wrong. Come on. We need to learn more about the camp and what's going on."
The two men moved quietly away, unaware of the dark eyes watching them. Teal'c wondered who they were. The tall man, apparently the leader, was dressed in an Egyptian kilt. But the other man was clad in strange green clothes. And they both bore no Jaffa tattoo. His hiding place was too far away to understand what they were saying.
****
The sun beat down mercilessly. Teal'c could feel his skin burning under its harsh rays. The larva had grown quiet, but he could still feel its pain. It was also growing weaker, unable to heal itself or Teal'c in the unbearable heat.
The two Jaffa had taken him to Ra's hidden camp. There, he had been tied spread-eagle between two posts. The chains were unbreakable and there was no give to them. Blood flowed down his arms from where he had fought to free himself. Now, all he could do was wait and hope the others were alright.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 39
"This place is incredible, Sam. How did you say you found it, again?"
"I dropped my flashlight into the pool, well, actually, into the...," Sam broke off, deciding not to waste her breath. It was obvious that Daniel was no longer listening -- no longer *capable* of listening it seemed.
"That inscription -- above the doorway, you know -- I've been thinking about it. I think it means 'The Crossroads of Time'."
"Wow."
"Yeah, wow. Sam, this place could hold the --"
"Wait. Inscription? What inscription?"
"The symbols carved above the doorway in the pool wall. Didn't you see them? They were in the language of the ancients, the language from P3R272."
"I vaguely remember seeing some designs when I was first exploring, but after that, I was too busy to go back and look. I should have looked closer. And, I should have recognized the language -- I've seen it enough now," she paused, "But wait, how were you able to translate it? I didn't think you knew that much of it yet."
"Um, Jack and I have been working on it," he replied hesitantly.
"Jack? I thought he said that he didn't remember any of that stuff that they put in his head."
"Well...no, but...the stuff that we worked on translating, I think he actually learned some of it for real, so it stuck," he explained. "Don't ever let this slip out or Jack will kill me, but I think he actually enjoys the discovery," he grinned. "Sometimes, when we would finally figure out a new word, he would get this light in his eyes -- very un-Jack-like."
Sam grinned, knowing the feeling well herself. "His secret's safe with me. I wouldn't want to crush any budding scientific tendencies in him," she teased.
"How big is this place?"
"I don't really know. I only saw this room when I was here before. Then I decided that it was time to leave."
Daniel, of course, couldn't identify with that. He shrugged his shoulders, "Well, then let's take a look around."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 40
Jack was moving cautiously now. The threat was huge, one man down, one missing. He glanced back at Everett, walking a half pace behind him - fear and nervousness written all over his face. 'Not a good combination,' Jack thought as he watched Everett's finger twitch on the trigger of his gun. "It's gonna be OK. We'll find Teal'c and get back to Jackson and Carter, and no one's gonna get hurt. Hear me?" Jack tried to reassure the man.
"Yes sir! Colonel, sir!" was Everett's stiff reply, as sweat was beginning to form on his brow.
As O'Neill caught sight of movement in the camp below, he motioned for Everett to follow his lead; the two men lay on their stomachs surveying the scene below. Grateful for Everett's field glasses, Jack began a count of the enemy - 26 tents in all, hundreds of what appeared to be servants scurrying around, and several others strolling casually about, barking orders. Jack supposed these were Goa'ulds, but was too far away to hear. No sign of Jaffa or weaponry, also no sign of Teal'c.
A plan was beginning to come together in Jack's mind, "Sergeant - if we could get to one of the tents along the edge over there to the right - we could grab a couple robes and blend in as servants, then." Jack froze; he heard a faint sound behind him, ever so soft, yet unmistakable to his ear. Someone had unsheathed a knife, and with it the rubbing sound of metal on metal.
"What is it, sir?" Everett asked.
Jack brought his finger to his lips in a command for silence and motioned with his head behind them. He held up three fingers, counting down to one - then they turned, guns drawn, to face their enemy. Everett hesitated, then smiled, "Sir, it's Teal'c!" But his smile quickly faded, as he saw no sign of recognition from the Jaffa.
Jack suspected he was looking at his comrade, 50 years younger and still in service to Apophis; no longer his friend and ally, instead a lethal enemy. "Hold your fire!" he hissed at Everett. Killing this man before him would seriously alter history and more than likely lead to his own death on Chulak 50 years later.
Teal'c stopped short at the sound of his name. Ra must have brought these humans here, but how would they know his name? He felt at a great disadvantage to be without his staff weapon, and the zat gun was hidden under his robe. It would mean certain death for him if Ra should learn of his presence there.
Jack spoke first, "Teal'c, we don't want to hurt you." He hesitated, it wasn't going to be easy subduing the powerful Jaffa. "Hand me the knife, and turn around, hands behind your back."
Teal'c stood firm, unmoving. "Who are you? Do you serve Ra?"
Jack tried not to show any signs of weakness to his opponent, but the mention of Ra's name caught him off guard. Ra? Here... now? Memories of Abydos and Egypt flashed across his mind, and his hand trembled just briefly on his gun.
This reaction did not go unnoticed by Teal'c, "So, you do not serve Ra. You fear Ra? You should also fear Apophis, for he is soon to become Supreme Lord. What god do you serve?"
"None," Jack answered, matching Teal'c's penetrating stare.
"I did not expect you to tell the truth," Teal'c continued. "You would be wise not to have me as an enemy." Teal'c began to move slowly forward, cautiously eyeing the strange weaponry. Sensing they would not fire on him, Teal'c bent down and stabbed his knife into the sand, then he turned slowly around facing away from the men.
Jack circled around, giving him wide berth, "Cuff him, Sergeant," he commanded to Everett.
As Everett reached for one of Teal'c's hands, he felt the lightning quick reflexes of the Jaffa as he grabbed Everett's wrist and pulled him around by the neck. "It would be simple for me to break his neck," Teal'c threatened. Everett struggled to breathe and at the same time, tightened his grip on his gun. The gun fired into the night, a noisy barrage of bullets.
"Fool!" Teal'c yelled, as he hit Everett sharply across the back of his head, knocking him unconscious.
O'Neill, meanwhile, had taken aim with his sidearm to subdue Teal'c, aiming for his leg and was about to pull the trigger, when the sand around them exploded from staff weapon blasts. Instinctively, Jack threw himself on top of Everett and tried to take aim at the advancing enemy at the same time.
Teal'c still needed to avoid detection, so he retrieved his knife and slipped back into the darkness.
Jack's gunfire managed to hit one of the advancing Jaffa, wounding him in the side, but the other had moved too quickly off to one side. Seeing that the Jaffa had once again readied his staff weapon to fire, Jack threw down his gun and raised his arms, still on his knees, "We surrender! We have information for Ra." It wasn't much, but Jack hoped it would buy them some time.
The Jaffa approached the two men, stopping briefly to kick Everett over onto his back and observe that he was still breathing. Jack grimaced and swallowed hard as the Jaffa came to a stop directly in front of him, his staff leveled and armed. The Jaffa enjoyed pressing the sparking staff into Jack's stomach, as his hand began to pull on the firing mechanism. Nervously, Jack repeated, "I told you, we have infor..." The Jaffa cut him off mid-sentence by suddenly swinging the staff full around and hitting him in the stomach.
Jack was thrown onto his back, the wind knocked out of him - and as he struggled to regain his feet, he felt a strong blow to his head, then all faded to black.
****
Slowly awareness returned, and with it, the sensation of something cold and sharp at his throat. He could see the two Jaffa who had attacked him, lying dead in the sand. He tried to move, but sensed his hands were tied. Everett was still out - his hands cuffed.
Teal'c's voice spoke softly, menacingly into his ear, "Human, you know me, and you have information for Ra? I must assume you have somehow learned of my lord's plans for assassination. I need to learn exactly what you know and how it is you learned of such things."
Jack felt the knife press harder against his throat, unable to speak – he shook his head 'no'. Teal'c's desire to get information from him was all that was keeping him alive.
"You will regret your refusal to speak. After I hand you over to Apophis, you will long for the swift death I could have given you here and now!" Then again, Teal'c thought, perhaps these humans could help him achieve his mission. He would send this one into Ra's camp, dressed as a servant, and instruct him where to place the poison. The other would be kept as hostage. If this one failed, Teal'c knew he would still be free to try again, but if he succeeded, he could always be killed later. Teal'c explained in great detail what he expected Jack to do in exchange for his freedom. "Do you accept this offer I give you?"
Jack hesitatingly agreed. Teal'c was not to be underestimated, nor trusted - but he had no other choice. Jack gasped as the knife blade returned to his throat, "Know this. I will not hesitate to kill your friend if you do not do exactly as I demand. Now, you will tell me that you swear to serve Apophis as your lord and god."
O'Neill tried to force back the rage within him, but the words escaped his lips "Like hell I will!" He stared defiantly at Apophis' First Prime, no longer seeing him as Teal'c, and expecting some sort of physical reprisal.
Instead, Teal'c calmly moved to Everett's side, shaking him awake. He held his zat gun pointed at Everett's head, "Whom do you serve?"
The look of complete fear on the sergeant's face caused Jack to back down, what else could he do? He sat back, looking at the ground muttering "I serve Apophis." Quietly muttering, he added, "the damn snake." Under Teal'c's watchful eye, he started down toward the tents, the vial of poison firmly in his grasp.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 41
The sound of armor jingling roused Teal'c from the haze of pain he had slipped into. The sun was finally beginning to go down. But its rays still lanced into him. His skin was burning, aching. He looked up to see a tall Jaffa approaching him. He wore the tattoo of Ra on his forehead.
"You are Jaffa of Apophis. I am Nar'ui, First Prime of the Supreme Lord Ra. My lord has instructed me to discover what you know." He walked around Teal'c, studying him. Teal'c hissed as Nar'ui touched his back. "Your larva is injured or else you would not be suffering so severe a sunburn. That will make this easier for me."
Nar'ui gestured for his servant to approach. The boy did, careful to stay out of Teal'c's sight. Teal'c closed his eyes, knowing what was coming. He had heard of Nar'ui. He was considered a highly skilled interrogator. He could not see what was begin set up behind him but he knew many techniques a First Prime could use to entice information from prisoners.
A cool blade touched his back. The coolness of it against his burned skin was a very brief relief from the heat of the sun. The blade moved down his back, around his side, sliding over his pouch as Nar'ui moved in front of him. His face was blank as he turned the knife, the sharp edge sliding through Teal'c's skin. He hissed in pain as blood welled up from the long cut. The knife moved up his chest, turning onto its edge again. Another long cut appeared on his chest. His larva cried out to him, the pain was becoming too much for it to bear, its own injuries; Teal'c's wounds.
"Your larva is growing weaker, Jaffa. Tell me what you are doing here and I will stop." The knife cut into him several more times, going deeper with each cut. Teal'c remained silent. He would not give up any knowledge. To do so would endanger his friends and team.
Nar'ui walked around him again, the knife sliding over the Jaffa's skin. The Jaffa flinched in pain with each cut but didn't say anything. Stopping behind him, Nar'ui put down his knife. He picked up a whip from his instruments. Uncoiling it, he snapped it in a few practiced flicks. Finally, he coiled it around his arm.
"Once more Jaffa, tell me what you know."
No response.
The whip flicked out, cracking as it struck Teal'c hard. He grunted in pain. Before he could brace himself, it struck again. And again. And again.
****
The tent flaps had been rolled up to allow the cool evening air to circulate through the large tent. The golden chair had been moved to the head of the table. Ra sat in it, watching as the other System Lords enter the tent. They arranged themselves around the table according to rank. Apophis refused to look at Ra as he and Amaunet came in. Ra didn't let his anger at such a slight show. This lord was growing too arrogant lately.
Finally, everyone had arrived. They sat silently, watching Ra. He rose, graceful and elegant in his robes.
"I have called this meeting in order to settle new boundary line disputes that have emerged in the last hundred years. And to redistribute the new territories we have acquired. There are also several new System Lords among us." He directed his gaze to the two new lords at the furthest end of the table. "You will learn your place in the hierarchy at this meeting. As you gain more territory and power, you will slowly rise in rank. For now, sit, listen and understand what is going on here."
Apophis rose from his chair. He turned to look at Ra. "I propose we start with the Tau'ri homeworld."
Ra looked at him. "That world is my own by right of power and first discovery. It is not up for discussion here. You should know better than to bring it up."
"I understand the rules very clearly, my lord. However, you have not set foot on the planet for more than four thousand years. You have forbidden any of us from going there, either through the chappa'ai or by ship. By your own rules, a planet that has been left unused for more than a thousand years is to be redistributed among the other System Lords."
Ra's eyes started to glow. "I am aware of my own rules. What I do with the planets under my control does not concern you. And as Supreme Lord who saved the rest of the goa'ulds from dying, the source of that salvation is mine to do with as I please."
"It does when the planet is the homeworld for the Tau'ri, our hosts and incubators. Why have you forbidden us from going there anymore? It used to be your main base of power. Why do you no longer stay there?" Apophis moved from his chair, walking closer toward Ra.
"You have cut us off from our main supply of the tau'ri."
Ra's eyes bore into the other god. The rest of the System Lords shifted uneasily. Ra's anger at being questioned hung heavy in the air.
"There are enough tau'ri spread around our territories that the loss of their homeworld does us no harm."
Apophis persisted. "So you say. You told us four thousand years ago that the planet was forbidden to us. You gave us no reason, no evidence of why you have cut us off from this world." He moved even closer to Ra.
"What drove you from the planet, my lord? What could have defeated our most revered Supreme lord that you fled from Earth so long ago, never to return?"
Ra's eyes glowed with the rage pouring through him. His entire body was fused with it. "I was not driven from the tau'ri planet. The world is no longer
useful to us."
He moved down the table, toward the other god. His voice dropped, becoming softer, menacing.
"Do you question the decisions of your Supreme Lord? Do you question my order to never approach the tau'ri homeworld again?"
Apophis looked Ra directly in the eyes. "Yes, I do." Contempt filled his voice. "I believe that you were defeated and driven from that planet. That is why you do not want us to go there. To learn of your shame and disgrace at being defeated by so weak a species as the Tau'ri. Everyone here remembers the rage you were in when you first ordered us away from it."
He turned away from Ra, towards the other System Lords.
"I call into question the right of Ra to remain our Supreme Lord."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 42
Jack moved cautiously about the perimeter of the tents. He needed to learn of Teal'c's whereabouts - hopefully he was still alive. It had been easy for him to slip unnoticed into the camp, put on a robe, and - thanks to his months of hard labor under the Egyptian sun - he blended in nicely with the other 'slaves' in this place. Noticing a flurry of activity around a large center tent, Jack grabbed a basket and entered quietly. This was the central meeting place tent, here he was supposed to substitute the vial he'd been given for a bottle of spices next to Ra's food.
He had no intention of carrying out the First Prime's orders - Jack refused to call him Teal'c. He would instead get information on where they were holding Teal'c, then attempt to set both him and Everett free. At the same time he had to be sure the whole place wasn't thrown into a full alert - a Goa'uld search right now would more than likely result in Jackson and Carter's capture.
O'Neill kept a safe distance from the assembled "Lords" and could tell from the angry voices, that their meeting was not going well. His eyes stopped on Ra, there, unbelievably before him once again - proud, arrogant, eyes blazing. He was meeting a challenge from Apophis. How Jack longed for a grenade or two, to blow the whole place to kingdom come. No sarcophagus would help them then. The slaves were responding to requests from their Lords - apparently a break of sorts had been called in the meeting.
Jack froze as he heard Ra's soft, yet commanding voice call to him, demanding he bring wash water and cool him off.
'He doesn't know me,' Jack thought as he tried to rationalize away his fear. Not wanting to cause undue attention, Jack filled a bowl with water and approached Ra, head bent, hood covering his face. 'Of all the...' Jack muttered to himself as Ra motioned for him to wash his filthy feet. It was then that Nar'ui, Ra's First Prime, approached, "I have begun the interrogation of Teal'c. He will speak before the night is done, or he will be dead." Sweat began to pour down Jack's back as he listened to the detailed description of his friend's torture. "Another thing, my Lord," Nar'ui continued, "the two Jaffa who were guarding Teal'c were found dead. There must be other accomplices here as well. I have come to warn you."
Ra stiffened and threw a menacing look toward Apophis, "There are spies and enemies in this place. They are here to do me harm. I order this tent sealed off. All those present here are to be interrogated."
Apophis overheard Nar'ui's report, not at all surprised to see Ra's First Prime, despite the agreement of all the System Lords to come without Jaffa. Something was very wrong. Teal'c could not have been captured by Ra a day ago, he had been meeting with Apophis himself a few hours ago. Something indeed was very wrong, but he couldn't sort it out.
Ra's attention was drawn to Jack, "Do I know you, slave?"
Jack did not respond.
"Does anyone here know this slave?" No one answered. Jack's heart began to pound as Nar'ui roughly brought him to a stand and frisked him, discovering the small bottle of poison Teal'c had given him, strapped to his waist. Nar'ui handed the vial to Ra, who held it mockingly in front of Jack's face. "What is this? A medicine for my health, no doubt. Open your hand!" he commanded to Jack.
Reluctantly, Jack held out his hand, as Ra poured some of the contents of the vial - forming a small pool in the center of Jack's palm. The liquid was caustic and burned to the touch. Jack didn't flinch, and remained staring into Ra's eyes. Ra knew he needed the testimony of this slave, especially if the vial contained poison, "Come here!" he commanded to a young woman also serving in the tent. The woman walked obediently to Ra's side. "Feed her the liquid." Ra ordered to Jack.
In response, Jack wiped the contents of his palm off onto his robe.
Ra tipped his head in curiosity. "What manner of slave are you? You disobey an order of mine. Perhaps you are not a slave, perhaps an assassin." Ra motioned for Nar'ui to hold Jack's arms firmly at his side, while Ra opened his hand and once again poured the poison onto it. He lifted Jack's hand to the woman's mouth and studied his eyes. Jack showed no emotion, as the woman willingly drank as her Lord had commanded, and immediately fell convulsing on the ground.
"Now." Ra's icy tone sent shivers up Jack's spine, "You will drink." He poured some of the poison onto Nau'ri's hand and the Jaffa began to press it to Jack's lips. "Or, you will tell me who ordered you to kill me."
"You already know," Jack answered, "I was ordered to bring the poison here by Teal'c - and he was doing as Apophis instructed him."
With that announcement, the place erupted. Weapons appeared from nowhere, as the assembled Lords chose sides to do battle. Jack was momentarily forgotten, as he grabbed Nar'ui's zat gun and ran from the tent. He didn't have much time to find Teal'c, and he hoped he didn't run into his alter ego in the process. At least he'd evened the odds, now he had a weapon as well.
Sounds of weapon fire escalated behind him, as he noted the tent had now caught fire. He shuddered to think of what might have happened to Earth if these snakes could manage to work together. There was a scramble to get to transport rings as each Goa'uld made their way to their ships. In the wake of the impromptu battle, several lay dying, Jack regretted that Ra and Apophis didn't seem to be among them, as he climbed over a large dune and the tents disappeared from sight.
He tried to place exactly where he and Everett were when Teal'c first approached, and then guessed at the direction the two Jaffa must have come from. After walking awhile longer, he heard a soft moaning and a voice begging for water. It was Teal'c! Running to his side, Jack could tell, even in the complete darkness that the Jaffa was in very bad shape. He smelled of sweat and blood and his body was wracked with tremors. Loosening the ropes, Jack spoke softly, "Teal'c? It's O'Neill. Can you hear me?"
Teal'c's body and brain were on fire, the symbiote adding to his level of pain instead of alleviating it. He knew that he should recognize the voice calling to him, but he simply could not. He tensed, perhaps it was his tormentors returned to see his death. He reached up, and with what was left of his strength, pulled the man by the neck and threw him onto the ground.
"Whoa! Teal'c! It's me. It's OK." Jack had the sudden sick feeling that Teal'c had lost his memory and that Jack was nothing more than an unknown enemy to him. "Teal'c, remember Drey'Auc? Rya'c? The Land of Light? Yoourrrrr..." Jack fought back against the death grip strangle hold Teal'c put on his throat, and finally pulled free. Cautiously, he approached the Jaffa once more, and offered him water.
Teal'c accepted, his energy was spent now, and he was near death. He tried to focus on the words of this stranger, but his mind was too full of pain. With great effort, he spoke "Leave me. Let me die alone... a proud death. Go now." Then Teal'c drifted away, delirium washing over him.
Jack didn't know what else he could do. It was all up to Teal'c now, and his own inner strength to heal himself, but this time Jack knew it wouldn't be possible. He busied himself looking for things to build a fire, the desert night was growing colder. He sensed that he was being watched, and he could guess by whom. "You've seen the Jaffa lying outside the tent over there?" Jack called out to the darkness. "It's not a trick, no deception. That man is you. He's what you will become 50 years from now." There was no response.
"He's dying, or rather, you're dying." Only silence.
"I failed on your 'mission' - Ra knows about Apophis' plans, the whole meeting is shot to hell and everyone's going home." Jack put all the cards on the table.
Jack saw movement now, as the mighty warrior showed himself, "I also have not kept my bargain, your friend is dead. He tried to escape."
O'Neill hated this trained killer before him, and had no time to mourn Everett's passing. Instead, he had to work a deal with this man. Nodding toward Teal'c he asked, "Are you gonna help me save him? Save yourself?"
"Why should I believe you?" the First Prime growled.
"Because if you don't, your life ends right here, right now - 50 years into the future - just when your people are on the edge of freedom from the Goa'uld," Jack answered honestly.
Teal'c's eyes brightened at the mention of the word "freedom." "His larval Goa'uld cannot heal him and itself, it is too much. If I replace his symbiote with my own, he will live and all will heal with time." The two men stared at each other a long time. This act required so much trust between them, trust neither one had arrived at yet, but there was simply no more time.
"Look at him." Jack said at last. "Can you look into your own dying face, and do nothing?"
Finally, with a grunt of pain, this warrior, devoted servant to Apophis - yet man of great integrity - removed his symbiote and reached into the dying man's pouch to do the same. Jack had to look away as the switch of the larva was made, and as he looked back, the First Prime to Apophis had already vanished into the night. Teal'c began to sit up as he slowly regained his strength, "I am sorry O'Neill, for striking you. I was..."
"It's OK" Jack answered cutting him off, "I'm just really glad I got to know you when I did, Teal'c."
Jack helped Teal'c to stand and they began to make their way slowly back toward Daniel and Sam. "I believe you have saved my life, O'Neill, a debt I vow to repay."
Smiling for the first time in days, Jack responded "You really want to know who saved your life?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 43
Meanwhile, back at the pool....
The long set of steps had brought them up into the center of a platform in the middle of the room. Beginning to explore their surroundings, Daniel and Sam noticed doorways in the walls leading into other rooms. Turning around and doing a quick count, they decided that there were four.
By tacit agreement, they walked over to the one that they had been facing when they had first entered the room. Entering it, they found a small, rectangular room, with nothing in it. Walking around the perimeter of the main room clockwise, the nest door they stepped through led into a small, round room with the same lack of furnishings as the first.
When they came to the next empty room, a rectangle again, Daniel decided to take a closer look. This time, Daniel noticed that there was an inscription on the floor. He read it carefully: "The...Crossroads...of...Time." "Yep, I'm sure, Sam. That's definitely it. The Crossroads of Time. Same as above the doorway outside."
He moved in for a closer look, when Sam, remembering what had happened to Jack on P3R272, said "Wait! Daniel, I'm not so sure you want to get too close to that thing."
"Well, I don't think we have a choice. There's nothing else here that has given us any clues at all," he said. And with that, he stepped onto the inscription, and then jumped back, half afraid of what to expect.
The result was rather anti-climactic. Nothing happened at all.
As they left that room and entered the main chamber again, Sam noticed that something felt different. The room seemed brighter somehow, and there was a faint hum in the background. Looking around, she saw a glowing rectangle on the platform where she and Daniel had entered the room. "Look, over there." As they approached the glowing rectangle, Sam said, "We couldn't possibly have missed that. It must not have been here a minute ago."
Realizing the implication, they both dashed over to the circular room that they had visited, and as they approached the center of that room, they saw an inscription that they had missed when looking in through the doorway earlier. This time it was Sam who walked across the inscription.
Returning to the main chamber, they saw with delight that their hunch had been confirmed -- a glowing circle now appeared on the floor, 90 degrees around from the glowing rectangle. Retracing their steps back to the first rectangular room, they found another inscription, and walked over that one as well.
When they went back to check on the next glowing symbol, a nagging thought caught at Daniel's mind. "Sam," he said pensively, "This is starting to look really familiar. Where have we seen this before? Wait, it's the glyph from when we first came here -- the one that we decided must have been the two gates and the buildings and the pool. And look, the way these symbols have appeared on the floor. The hole we came up through is where the pool was, the rectangular rooms have turned in to two rectangular shapes like the buildings
-- "
"And that means," Sam interrupted, "That the circles represent the --"
"Stargates!" finished Daniel excitedly. "That's it! Crossroads!" he exclaimed, jumping up an down. "You know, the Ancients, the Builders of Roads. The Roads -- the Star Gates."
"And a map, in the form of a cross," Sam finished.
Slowly, they walked over to the last circular room. Approaching the center, they saw the last inscription reading "The Crossroads of Time." Not knowing what their discovery might bring, they both held their breaths, and together, stepped across the inscription...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 44
The wind howled mournfully as it swept through the remains of the encampment. Off to the east, Jack and Teal'c walked slowly back to Sam and Daniel's position. From time to time, Jack glanced over at his friend. Even with the healthy larva, Teal'c was still in pain and his wounds were slowly healing.
"Let's take a rest." Jack said. Before Teal'c could say anything, Jack sat down in the shadow of a large sand dune.
"I am alright, O'Neill."
"I know, my friend. But you were dying before the other Teal'c gave you his larva. Junior has to heal a lot of your injuries and it can't do that all at once. Besides, with the System Lords gone, there shouldn't be any immediate danger around."
They sat quietly for about an hour. Jack explained everything that had happened to him and Daniel in Ancient Egypt. He also told Teal'c about his encounter with the other Teal'c. Teal'c quietly mulled over these events.
"I am sorry for Sergeant Everett's death. The only thing I can say is I was a very different man then."
"I know Teal'c." Jack's voice was equally soft, letting his friend know that he understood.
"But these events do help clarify some things." Teal'c went on, looking at Jack. "When we were on Chulak, when we first met, I had the sense that I knew you from somewhere. The time under the Egyptian sun and your clothes create a very different appearance from that time."
Jack could imagine how different he looked right now then when he was dressed in fatigues and shades lighter in skin color.
"I also knew with certainty that you could free the prisoners on Chulak. That you could be an ally in the fight to free my people."
"When Daniel and I were in Egypt, he said he felt we were destined to be there. In the end it turns out he was right. I guess we were also destined to be here in this time, fifty years from our present. Although destiny is not something that I totally believe in."
He stood up, dusting himself off. Teal'c also rose and Jack was pleased to see the big man moving with more of his usual grace.
As they climbed up the dune, Jack noticed a stillness to the air. The wind had died down. Everything seemed calm.
"O'Neill."
Before Teal'c could say anything else, the wind rose up again. Full of fury and might, it howled over them. Sand swirled before it, getting into their clothes and skins.
"Sandstorm!"
At the top of the dune a wall of sand and darkness raced towards them, fleeing the wind. Jack felt his stomach twist in fear. Memories of the sandstorm on Abydos poured over him. But then he was safe behind walls. Now, they had no where to go.
They hunkered down together. Arms over their heads, trying to shield their eyes and noses. The storm hit them, rolling over them. Sand scoured their skin. The wind roared, dulling their senses. Darkness fell.
Driven by the wind, they stumbled onward, unable to see, unable to stop for fear of being buried by the flying sand. Time passed. Hours, days, minutes. They couldn't be sure. Reality was the wind in their ears, the sand in their skin.
But with the same speed it came, the storm died. The sun shone brightly. Slowly, their senses returned. They looked around at the changed landscape.
"Where the hell are we?" Jack asked.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 45
The entire landscape had shifted in the storm; it was impossible to get a sense of direction. There simply was no point of reference to use in attempting to locate Sam and Daniel, or the Stargate for that matter. Even that fact seemed of relatively minor concern now, as Jack realized they were without supplies, not even a single canteen of water. In the process of traveling between worlds and times, he'd forgotten how long it had been since he'd had a drink. Close as he could figure it had been 20 hours or so. Teal'c still seemed kind of shaky, although his wounds were beginning to heal, it would be a long process. They both needed rest, food and drink, but how to find it?
"O'Neill, I believe it is still not safe for us to remain here. From what I remember of this place, Apophis sent me in search of Ra after the meeting of the System Lords ended so abruptly. He wanted to know where Ra sought refuge. Before I left, he questioned me in great detail about what had happened here, and why I looked so poorly. He especially wanted to know who you were, O'Neill. He was convinced you were sworn to a rival Lord, and had intentionally destroyed his plot to overtake Ra. Apophis' anger toward you was very strong, and I heard that he continued to search for you on this planet for days after I left."
"Well? Don't keep me in suspense, Teal'c - does he find me?" Jack asked, suspecting what the answer might be.
"The reports were that he located you and had you dismembered for entertainment," Teal'c answered, a bit too matter-of-factly for Jack's liking.
"Gee, do you think you could act a bit more shook up about it? Never mind. Those "reports" could have been made up to save face or maybe it was some other guy." Jack's voice trailed off as he noted the approach of a death glider over the horizon. "We'll talk about this later. Let's get to some kind of cover!"
"Where does one find cover in the middle of a desert?" Teal'c yelled after him.
They ran hard, diving over the next dune. Rolling to a stop near the base of the dune, Jack began to cover himself up with sand - and Teal'c followed suit. The glider passed directly overhead, but gave no sign of whether or not they were detected - speeding off into the distance.
Spitting sand out of his mouth yet again, Jack wearily spoke "I don't think I'll ever go to the beach again, as long as I live. Let's go, Teal'c, with any luck we'll run into the rest of the team - or maybe an oasis."
"If there is an oasis nearby, you can be certain Apophis will have it well guarded," Teal'c sagely advised as they began to trudge along.
"Sweet," was all Jack could manage in reply. Hours passed. His mind began to wander as they made their way slowly through the shifting sand. So thirsty. What if the person Apophis dismembered for 'entertainment' was Daniel or Sam? He told himself that couldn't possibly be. Suddenly he flashed back to the brick pits in ancient Egypt... the thirst, all the pain. He began to feel weak and his steps began to falter.
"We will not be able to walk for much farther in this heat, O'Neill," when Jack didn't respond, Teal'c gently grabbed him by the shoulder, "O'Neill? Is everything alright?"
His mouth was too dry to speak, the landscape was shimmering and swirling about dizzily, "Ummm... gotta... rest... you... go... " Jack fell to his knees, unable to continue walking.
"I will not leave you. We will remain here, together, and walk under darkness," Teal'c sat in the sand and placed his friend's head in his lap, trying to provide what little shade he could. The sun continued to shine mercilessly. Teal'c was convinced it was Ra's revenge.
When the sun finally began to track low in the sky, the two men had fallen into an exhausted sleep. Neither of them could have known that the place they had chosen to rest was purposely avoided by all the life in that area of desert. Under the sand was refuge for something fast and deadly, something that was beginning to stir in response to the coming coolness of evening.
Jack found himself slowly waking, still weak but a bit refreshed from the much-needed sleep. It took a minute to register where he was. 'Thank God, we're still alive,' he thought. He wiped the sand from his eyes and was about to call out a greeting to Teal'c when he saw the Jaffa was frozen in place, a terrified expression on his face.
"O'Neill," Teal'c whispered through clenched teeth, "there are hundreds of them, and we have no weapons!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 46
Jack cursed as he turned to see what had terrified the Jaffa so much. The sand was moving, rolling. Dark bodies emerged from their shelter as the sun set over the horizon. Scorpions. Hundreds of them coming out of the sand. Their curled tails quivered as they moved. Carefully Jack looked around them. They were surrounded.
As one, the scorpions turned toward the two men. Both Jack and Teal'c froze, breathing very carefully. Hundreds of eyes fastened on them.
"Any ideas on how to get out of here?" Jack whispered to Teal'c. There was something unnerving about how all the scorpions were facing them.
"No. I have never seen insects act this way." Teal'c replied.
Jack slowly and carefully rose to his feet. Teal'c followed him. Keeping his eyes on the nasty little critters in front of him, Jack took one step sideways. The scorpions mimicked his move exactly.
"Damn."
Teal'c stepped away from Jack in the opposite direction. Another wave of scorpions also followed him.
"Now what?" Jack asked. They were trapped. Sand all around them, Apophis hunting them, and hundreds of scorpions playing follow the leader with them.
As if hearing his inner thoughts, the front section of scorpions started to advance on them. The men didn't move, knowing an equal number of the creatures were behind them.
This was definitely not a good way to go. Jack thought as he braced himself for their deadly sting. Death by scorpion bite. Their bodies left to rot in the sand. Sam and Daniel left with no clue to what had happened to them.
As the wave of dark moving bodies neared them, self-preservation had them taking a step back. Then another. Several more steps later and they realized that they still hadn't felt any stings, even though the scorpions were literally at their feet.
"O'Neill. Look behind us."
Jack took a quick look over his shoulder. Then he turned around, his mouth dropping in amazement.
The scorpions behind them had moved back as the front wave continued to move forward.
"What is going on here?" Jack demanded. The insects seemed to be herding them someplace.
"I do not like this, O'Neill. These creatures are unnatural." Teal'c replied. "In all my years of serving the goa'ulds I have never heard of scorpions or any other creature herding us as these ones are."
"Yeah. Well, I wonder what they will do if we decide we don't want to go with them. Kill us?"
Both men stopped. Nervously, they watched as the scorpions flowed around and between their feet. For a moment, Jack thought that the creatures were actually going to wander right past them.
With a hiss, its tail waving angrily in the air, one of the scorpions walked up Jack's sandaled foot. Jack cursed, jumping back as the tail stinger sank into his foot. He could hear Teal'c cry of pain, as several of them stung him. But there was no burning sensation as poison spread through his system. Several more stings had him start walking again.
"Okay. I guess they want us to go this way." He turned to look at Teal'c. The big Jaffa seemed alright. His complexion was still a little pale from his injuries but he seemed to be fine.
"I am fine. They merely stung me. There was no poison in their stings."
With the scorpions herding them, they walked further into the night desert. A full moon rose in the clear night sky. Its light illuminated the alien beauty of the land around them. Jack knew that he would never forget this strange night as they marched onward with their scorpion escort.
"Teal'c.
"I see it."
They had been walking for about a half an hour. Now, the sea of bodies in front of them was parting in two different directions. They were still being urged forward from behind. Only sand lay in front of them, but the scorpions continued to separate, only to rejoin as one body around a section of sand. Jack's unease grew even more. What was in front of them, that their escort refused to cross. He stopped walking only to have several of the critters sting him again.
Soon, they stood on the sand that had been avoided. The scorpions still surrounded them. They were motionless, waiting. Teal'c and Jack looked at one another, wondering what was coming next.
They didn't have to wait long. The ground suddenly gave out beneath them and they were swallowed up in a cascade of sand.
****
"My lady?"
The servant girl's voice was hushed, subservient. She knelt down in the entrance of her lady's bedchambers. Her head was bowed low as she waited patiently.
White gauze curtains stirred around the huge bed as one of the figures stirred. A feminine hand parted the curtains.
"What is it?"
"My lady. Strangers have entered the outer part of your sanctuary. The guards want to know how to deal with them."
"Do the guards know if one of them is the man who disrupted the System Lords meeting?"
"No my lady. They haven't seen them yet."
"Very well. Bring them to my court."
The servant girl bowed and silently left the room.
The woman lay back down again. Masculine arms encircled her waist drawing her close to him.
"My love, I have to go. Strangers have been found in my sanctuary." She whispered to her lover.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Dee Tervo
Part 47
Jack sat in the darkness, trying to piece together what had happened. He recalled the weird march of the scorpions and then the ground opening up - swallowing him. Then, he couldn't remember anything else. He must have blacked out. Best as he could figure, he was in an underground bunker of some sort - the door was locked and Teal'c was nowhere to be seen. His great thirst had returned, and now combined with a constant pounding in his head. He'd tried pacing, calling out, banging at the door... with no results. Silently, he vowed that should the door open up, no power on this planet was gonna keep him inside.
More time passed, he remained vigilant... ready to spring. Finally, he noticed it - a slight movement on the door latch, and he tensed. Slowly the door began to swing open, not waiting to see whom it might be, Jack pounced, knocking the large figure to the ground. As he readied himself for brutal hand to hand combat, the Colonel paused, "For the love of..."
Teal'c grabbed his friend about the shoulders and shook him, "O'Neill, you must be quiet! I have arranged for the servants to bring you food and drink, but it will be difficult to make our escape."
"What the hell's going on? Where are we?" Jack whispered in a strained voice.
"This is a private sanctuary of the Queen Amaunet. Only you are imprisoned here, O'Neill. Amaunet has recognized me and - as Apophis' First Prime - she has placed me in charge of your interrogation, that is... until you are placed in the service of Ra." Teal'c looked nervously at the door, knowing two Jaffa remained just outside.
"Ra? You've got to be kidding. Teal'c, tell me you're kidding. Is Ra here?" Jack's skin was beginning to crawl. It seemed he'd not seen the last of the System Lord ruler, and their last encounter had not gone especially well.
"I have only seen Amaunet, but it troubles me greatly that she speaks so freely of Ra. I sense that he is nearby, a fact certainly not known by Apophis. From what you've told me about the vial of poison and your confrontation with Ra in the meeting tent, I greatly fear that Ra will seek to destroy you. I pledge to defend you and do whatever I can." Teal'c's words were brave, but his voice had lost it's confidence. It was as if being there, among his former gods, had a mesmerizing effect on him. The old fear and forced beliefs came unbidden to his mind.
"So, what's the plan? I get something to drink and then... what? Are you free to take me out of here? Where ever 'here' is." Jack trusted Teal'c explicitly, but he didn't like the idea of being caged up, waiting for Apophis' Queen to decide what was to happen to him. Suddenly the thought struck him, Amaunet must have had a host before Sha're. He began to wonder what had happened, and if somehow he was destined to play a part in it.
Teal'c rushed to answer, as the servants were beginning to enter the room, "I will do whatever is in my power to free you."
Jack noticed, in addition to a meager meal, they brought a golden outfit. One of the women motioned for Jack to put it on, as she began to rub perfumed oils into his shoulders and back. "Gee, that's really nice, but I'm quite happy with what I have on, and although the rub is tempting," Jack began to refuse.
"Silence!" Teal'c ordered. "The Queen wishes to make an offering of you to Ra. She considers you to be a prize, much like a trophy. You are to look as such - and you are to remain silent or the punishment will be severe."
Uncomfortable doesn't begin to describe how he felt, poured into the extremely short skin tight golden tunic, now with the added effect of golden chains pinning back his arms and allowing him to walk at only a shuffling gait. He was being led to Amaunet's chamber by a squadron of Jaffa, he could no longer see Teal'c. Jack tried to put the words of the servant women out of his mind; the Queen's ruthless reputation had preceded her. They had laughed at him, teased that he would be made to serve the Queen's pleasure and then be torn limb from limb for Ra's enjoyment. He began to sweat, swallowing back his fear. He would not let it show... never.
His chains were locked to a pole atop a pedestal at the foot of her bed. He tried to look away as she entered the room majestically eating him up with her eyes. She walked to his side and continued to silently gaze up at him, stroking his leg - her hand brushing up the length of his inner thigh - stopping just short. She smiled as he inadvertently shuddered and closed his eyes. "So handsome. A truly handsome assassin. A present for my love."
He opened his eyes and glared at her. She responded with a smile, and stroked him once again. He was completely at her mercy, but she would put off her own satisfaction... for now. With these words she left him standing alone, wondering what was to come next.
'Her love?' Jack thought. Either Teal'c was wrong and he was to be given to Apophis, or Amaunet knew Ra far better than anyone realized. Either way, he didn't plan on staying around any longer, and hoped that Teal'c would come up with a plan very soon.
Someone entered the room, softly coming to stand behind him. Jack froze in place, waiting. Against his will, he began to tremble as a low, menacing voice victoriously commanded, "You shall now serve me properly, slave, and I shall enjoy your torment. Kneel before your true, Supreme Lord! Show me how a proud warrior begs for his life."
He knew better, but couldn't control his tongue, "You can go to hell," then he stopped short as a white-hot pain coursed through him, forcing him down to his knees. The world began to spin, and laughter rang in his ears as he felt yet another blast of punishing energy. Still he refused to beg. The chains held him fast, still kneeling, pulling heavily on them. Something made him invoke her name, it came to him almost as a prayer, "Isis," he choked out. The self- proclaimed god stopped his punishment, both surprised and intrigued.
"A memory, long forgotten." The Supreme Lord came to O'Neill's side, grabbing his hair and jerking back his head painfully. "Yes, you are Tau'ri. Has Isis sent you to kill me? You have failed. Hear me! You will not survive this night."
Jack looked into eyes that burned with a vengeful fire, silently hoping that Teal'c would find a way to free him, but feeling all the while that there would be no escape this time.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jennifer Goll
Part 48
Teal'c quietly approached his lord. Apophis stood looking out the window into the cold darkness of space. The Place of Eternity hung below the ship, clouds moving across the surface. Teal'c could see that his lord was frowning.
"My lord." He bowed low, waiting for Apophis to acknowledge him.
Apophis finally turned to him, motioning for him to rise and approach him. Teal'c did so.
"What have you found? Have you discovered where Ra is hidden?"
"No, my lord. There has been no sign of him at all. His ship is still in orbit on the other side of the planet but there is absolutely no sign of him on the ground. It is as if he has vanished. There has also been a recent sandstorm, either caused by nature or the combination of all the system lords leaving. If there had been any traces left, it has wiped them out."
Apophis whirled away from his First Prime in anger, his eyes glowing. He started to pace. His robe jerked around his feet as he strode angrily around the room.
"Damn him. Where has he gone? No one can vanished completely, not even the mighty Ra."
Teal'c watched him pace. He had never seen Apophis this angry before. After having come so close to achieving his goal of eliminating Ra, only to have victory slip out of his hands had driven him into a fury. Several Jaffa had already paid the price of his rage with their lives. Teal'c had banned all guards except himself from Apophis's quarters. Any updates on the search for the Supreme Lord were delivered by himself. He hoped that his presence would help spare any more senseless deaths of his Jaffa. So far it seemed to be working.
For a moment he wondered where the Tau'ri and his future self were. He hoped they were safe and well hidden. The consequences would be unimaginable if they were caught.
"One more sweep."
Teal'c's attention was jerked back as his lord spoke. Apophis's anger had drained. Now, he looked resigned.
"Have the deathgliders make one more pass. If they find nothing, we will go. There will be another opportunity to defeat Ra in the future."
"My Lord." Teal'c inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Should I inform the Queen of your plans to leave?"
Apophis's face soften at the mention of his Queen and beloved consort, Amuanet.
"No. She has left to go to her private sanctuary for awhile. She will join me on Chulak in a few weeks."
A soft sound drew their attention to the room's entrance. Teal'c's second in command stood there, nervously. Teal'c went to him. They talked in hush tones for a minute. Then Teal'c dismissed him and turned to Apophis.
"My lord, one of the deathgliders has reported seeing something to the south of the system lords meeting place. It appears to be a building or fortress of some kind hidden beneath the sand. Apparently the sandstorm has uncovered a small part of it. Enough that it caught the attention of one of the Jaffa. He did a scan and it reveals that there are life forms within it."
"Excellent." Anticipation gripped Apophis. "This could be Ra's hidden sanctuary. Assemble the Horus guards. I want to explore this place personally. If Ra is there, then I want to be there when he is caught."
Teal'c bowed and strode from the room to carry out his orders.
****
Pain wracked Jack's body from Ra's ribbon device. He glared at the Supreme Lord, defiance in his eyes. Amaunet watched in amusement.
"Isis is not here to save you, Tau'ri. You will die slowly and painfully, all the time knowing that your Mistress is not even powerful enough to save you." Ra smiled at him and Jack shuddered under that smile.
"Who is Isis?" Amaunet asked from where she reclined on the bed.
Ra stiffened then relaxed quickly, but not before Jack noticed.
"She is of no concern. Her powers are weak and irrelevant." Ra shrugged off the question.
"Yeah, well she was able to kick your sorry butt from Earth." Despite the threat of more pain, Jack wasn't able to resist taunting Ra. "Have you even been back to Earth or are you still licking your wounds?"
Ra struck him hard across his face. His body rocked with the force of the blow. His vision was blurry, his ears ringing and he could taste blood from his split lip.
Ra turned back to Amaunet, seeing questions in her eyes. Questions she knew better than to ask. He walked over to her and gently caressed her cheek. She leaned into his hand, her eyes drifting close in pleasure. Turning her head up, she met Ra's mouth. They kissed deeply, passionately with the familiar ease of long time lovers.
Jack watched from where he was chained. His vision was clearing but his ears were still ringing.
"I wonder what your husband, Apophis would say if he knew about your cozy little love nest with Ra."
The two gods looked over at him. Then Amaunet rose from the bed. Jack watched her glide towards him. Her hand went under his chin, forcing his eyes to meet hers.
"You are very defiant for a Tau'ri. I have never met one like you before. You are going to provide me with a great deal of pleasure."
Jack was saved from responding by a loud banging on the doors. Without waiting for permission to enter, a servant girl, followed by Ra's First Prime, Nar'ui hurried in. Both knelt down before their masters.
"My lord, my lady. Several of Apophis's deathgliders have landed just outside the palace. There is also a legion of Jaffa with them. I fear that they have discovered this place. They are setting up to invade the palace." Nar'ui delivered this message quickly before Ra or Amaunet could reproach them. He raised his head to look at his god.
"Apophis is with them."
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From: Dee Tervo
Part 49
Teal'c had heard Amaunet's servants talking, yet he still refused to believe the truth of what they were saying. He had not known of the long time affair his Queen had been having with Ra, and should Apophis discover this... the hardened warrior found himself shuddering at the thought. Now, as he planned how to free O'Neill from Ra's grasp - he realized the unthinkable was about to happen. Guards loyal to Amaunet were preparing to intercept a squadron of Jaffa from Apophis' ships - and they were being led by Apophis himself. Teal'c reasoned that his "other self" was most likely not accompanying Apophis, as he had no recollection of discovering Ra in the Place of Eternity.
It promised to be a monumental battle, and as Teal'c prepared to join with Apophis' forces, he offered a prayer to what gods may listen - that he could succeed in removing himself and O'Neill from the center of the battleground.
****
Inside Amaunet's chambers, Ra turned to confront his lover, "What treachery is this? You have summoned him? I should have known better than to trust you!"
Amaunet's eyes were wide with fear at the approach of her husband, "You could not believe that I would do this! If he should find you here with me, he will kill us both. We must convince him that you came here in search of the assassin Tau'ri, and that you now hold us both captive."
Ra began to smile, "You would like that, wouldn't you? Apophis would free you from blame and have even more reason to hate me, and all the while you would be free to continue consorting with your lover and your husband. Whom do you choose, Amaunet?"
All the while Jack struggled with the chains that held him in place. If armed Jaffa came shooting through the doorway, he'd be caught in the crossfire with no way to hide. He pulled furiously on the wrist manacles, but they only cut deep into his skin, as blood began to flow down his arms.
Amaunet chose her response carefully, "I choose the victor" She challenged Ra, knowing his pride would force him to fight Apophis and in the end, should he win, he would not refuse her love.
Ra brought her close to him in a grip that would have brought fear from any other woman, but not Amaunet. She continued to smile. "Then you have chosen me," Ra proclaimed, "And your cleverness and beauty have once again saved you."
****
Teal'c joined with the guard and stood at attention, watching Apophis approach. Gathering all his strength, he stepped forward, bowing slightly, "My lord! I have come to join you, and I have important news for you as
well."
Apophis stopped at the sound of his First Prime's voice, "You were ordered to remain aboard my ship. This 'news' had better be worth your disobedience of my direct order."
Teal'c knew he did not face a god, but the old fear threatened to return. He fought back the urge to kneel and beg for pardon, instead he swallowed and bravely responded, "Inside this palace you will indeed find Ra, but you will find him in the company of..." Teal'c hesitated, not knowing whether Apophis' anger would be turned toward the bearer of the news. "Your Queen has welcomed Ra to her chamber."
Apophis stiffened and gritted his teeth, "You will be punished for such lies, Teal'c!"
"I do not lie. My lord, you must know what waits for you within this palace. To not know would be a terrible embarrassment," Teal'c knew he must appeal to Apophis' vanity - and after so many years in his service, he knew it would work.
"My Queen!" the words were spoken in disgust. "There is no love for me then, and I am sure no love for Ra. She desires power and control. My 'adoring' Queen Amaunet."
Apophis issued the order for the Queen's chambers to be surrounded. Her guards offered little resistance against Apophis. Teal'c stood ready to enter the room, Apophis and five Jaffa at his side. Secretly he wondered what he would find there.
****
Ra did not fear Apophis, in fact he welcomed the chance to fight him directly. He stood ready for whatever challenge would be brought, with Nau'ri bravely at his side.
Amaunet retreated to stand behind her chained slave, opting to use him as a shield should the fighting become intense. Jack had begun to sweat heavily from the exertion of trying to free himself from the chains as he nervously eyed the door. The Queen could not help but admire the body of the man who stood before her; hot, golden-clothed, sweat mixed with blood. The threat of a battle to be fought over her, and the tempting vision of this slave greatly excited her.
Even as the door was being knocked down, Jack could hear a woman's voice in his ear and feel her touch under his tunic. If he did not die, she promised that she would have him in her bed and they would celebrate the victory of the new Supreme Lord and ruler together. "Lady, I wouldn't be making plans if I were you," Jack snarled in response - pulling as best he could away from her touch.
No weapons were fired as Apophis burst into the room. He eyed Ra cautiously, searching the chamber for Amaunet. He stared at Jack, chained at the foot of his Queen's bed and noticed Amaunet hiding behind him, "My Queen, why do you hide in fear? Your husband has returned. Surely you have done nothing that would cause me to be angry with you."
Amaunet froze. Apophis' voice was cold, angry. She was certain he knew. Not moving from her protected spot, she implored "My husband, at last you have come. Your enemy has come to torment me - and force me to do all manner of humiliating things with this slave!"
Ra smiled, confidently waiting. It was Apophis' move, and he seriously doubted the Goa'uld had the courage and strength to challenge him directly. He also knew Apophis wasn't buying a word Amaunet was saying.
Teal'c had managed to get O'Neill's attention and silently tried to signal to him that he would fire at the chains and attempt to release him, but for now everyone waited for Apophis to act.
"You would like that Amaunet? You would like me to believe this story of yours?" Apophis walked to his wife's side, anger burning in his eyes. "Do you want this slave?" He motioned for his Jaffa to pull Jack down from the pedestal and instructed them to hold him down on the bed. Apophis stood over Jack, a knife to his throat. Jack swallowed as he felt the coldness of the blade and the pressure on his neck. Teal'c tightened his grip on his staff weapon, readying himself. Amaunet stood mutely watching. What was Apophis up to?
"He means nothing to me. I could kill him." Apophis raised the knife, plunging it down an inch from Jack's neck deep into the bed covering. Jack froze, licking his lips. His enemy was baseline dangerous, but now he seemed insane with jealousy as well. "Or, I could order you to make love to him." Apophis motioned to Amaunet to join her slave on the bed. Haltingly she complied, afraid to refuse her husband anything he asked.
"Kiss him." Apophis ordered.
Jack was still being held down by the Jaffa, and now found himself being kissed deeply and passionately... by the enemy. He wanted to vomit. He was unable to move away from her and had no choice but to lay there and let them do as they wished. Helplessness did not sit well with Colonel Jack O'Neill.
"Nice, my Queen. You are so entertaining. If you took this slave now, for your pleasure, it would mean nothing to me. You have servants, Jaffa... anyone you desire to fulfill your sexual wants. They would all mean nothing to me. But NO! You choose my greatest enemy!" Apophis was shouting now, his full anger revealed.
Ra watched the torment of his enemy with great pleasure. He also noted that the attention of everyone in the room was riveted to the Queen's bed. It would be simple for himself and Nau'ri to make an escape. For the moment, he would continue to watch.. this was truly amusing.
"How would my Queen like to know the feeling of powerlessness, lack of control, being at the mercy of everyone and anyone else? You will ANSWER ME!" Apophis screamed.
Amaunet was shaking all over, holding on to Jack for support, she dropped her eyes and began to beg, "Please, my husband, show mercy. I will do anything you ask of me. Please!" She began to weep.
"You will learn to humble yourself before your husband and lord. You will be removed from your host, Amaunet." Apophis began to smile as the full recognition of what he was saying appeared in Amaunet's eyes. "You will exist in the state of nothingness, much like you were after birth, until I decide you are worthy to return to me as Queen."
One of Amaunet's servant girls fell at Apophis' feet, "My lord! Do not do such a thing. She is your Queen. To punish her for a moment of weakness... please! Be merciful."
"Silence!" Apophis ordered, roughly pushing the girl to the floor. "It will pain me to be separated from you, dear Amaunet. But I will keep you safely by my side. Perhaps a sarcophagus filled with the fluids of life? You can exist there until you are truly humbled, and then I will choose a new host."
Amaunet panicked now, grabbing the knife, she held it protectively in front of her and began to move toward the door, "You would never do such a thing to your Queen!" she yelled at Apophis.
It was then that Ra took his opportunity to escape, firing a ribbon blast at the ceiling of the bedchamber, he and Nau'ri fled out the door as the ceiling came crashing down. The Jaffa loosened their grip on O'Neill just enough for him to pull away. He found his legs giving way as he jumped off the bed, and was struck across the back from a large chunk of falling stone. Strong arms began to pull the stone away, as Jack felt himself being pulled to a stand, "Hurry O'Neill! The room is beginning to fill with sand."
Teal'c helped Jack down the corridor and into a series of tunnels leading away from the palace. When they were far enough away from the sounds of battle, they stopped to rest.
"I regret I could not help you sooner, O'Neill," Teal'c began to apologize.
"Hey, we made it didn't we?" Jack attempted a smile, but his nerves were shot and he wasn't feeling all that great. "So, the rest is history, huh? Ra gets away and goes, I guess, to Abydos... only to run into me and Daniel again. And, Amaunet will get a new host after..." Jack didn't finish. It wasn't necessary. They both knew exactly what was destined to happen. "We have to find Daniel and Sam. Got any ideas how?"
"I was told these tunnels connect with many underground structures. Perhaps we will be successful locating them in this way. It will be safer than traveling through the desert," Teal'c answered.
They began walking again, as Teal'c looked at the man he now served. How he admired this man's resilience and courage. He longed to tell O'Neill this, and how much he owed him for liberation from the false gods, and so much more. But the words did not come to Teal'c's lips, for warriors there is much left unsaid. Instead, he simply stated, "I am glad to see that you are still with me, O'Neill."
"Yup, Teal'c, so am I," Jack responded as they continued on.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 50
Sam and Daniel walked back into the main room to see what would happen. As they watched the fourth shape light up on the floor, the background hum changed pitch and the room grew brighter. Looking up to find the source of the light, Sam was awed to see the "ceiling" come to life with a thousand tiny spots of light. Beyond speech, not for the first time today, she slapped Daniel on the arm.
Daniel looked up to see what the fuss was all about. The ceiling had been lit up with countless dots, curving lines, and strange shapes. Slowly, the jumbled mess began to make sense to Daniel as he recognized that the strange shapes were actually symbols -- very familiar symbols, in fact.
"Sam, those are stargate symbols."
"That looks like a map. A map of our galaxy."
"That would make sense. The stargate symbols are, after all, constellations." Daniel had a brief flashback to that night when he had first made that discovery. He could feel the newsprint in his hands, smell the dusty coverstone, and taste the coffee. *The bad coffee*, he laughed to himself. But most of all he remembered triumphantly tracing Orion, first on the newspaper, and then on the ancient coverstone. Orion, he started searching...Orion. "Sam, those symbols don't look familiar. Where's Orion? and Virgo? and Bootes?"
"You're right; I can't find them either. Wait, but there's Earth!"
Scanning for his second home, Daniel pointed, "And there's Abydos."
"And there's the symbol for Cimmeria."
"Sam, these are point-of-origin symbols, not constellation symbols," Daniel blurted out.
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From: Susannah
Part 51
After a long five hours of staring at the ceiling, Sam and Daniel had decided that their initial hunch was correct -- all the "landmarks" on the map were indeed Point of Origin symbols. Or at least they hadn't found any to the contrary that they recognized.
Working from memory, they had quickly made a list of the symbols they knew. Between the two of them, they had drawn at least a rough version of all thirty-nine symbols on the earth gate plus the Point of Origins of a few familiar worlds that they had visited more than once. Then they began to compare the list to the symbols on the ceiling.
Every now and then, Daniel had excitedly announced that he had remembered another seventh symbol that he had dialed to get home at one time or another. They had even shared a chuckle when Sam commented that it was a good thing that they were the "dialers" of the team. Had Jack and Teal'c been here instead, those two would have been lucky to come up with a dozen symbols. Sometimes it paid to be "The Scientists".
Each symbol they had found was painstakingly located on the map. One by one, they crossed off each entry on their list. When they were finished, they had found fifteen Point of Origin symbols and zero constellation symbols. So far, so good. Their elation at having their theory "proved" was quickly made hollow by the sobering thought that they really weren't any further than they had been when they first started. Daniel summed it up with a forlorn "Now what?"
****
"I think the lights are about to go out, Teal'c."
"Even the Goa'uld cannot make a torch last forever, O'Neill."
Jack wasn't sure if the Jaffa was trying to make a joke or not, so he just let it go with out comment -- rare for him, but he wasn't in the mood to try to explain anything in his present state of mind. After being imprisoned, tortured, and subjected to Amaunet's questionable "charms" -- and that was just in the past twenty-four hours, he couldn't even begin to list what had happened to him during the past four months or so -- he was now wandering helplessly around a maze of dusty, dreary, and soon-to-be-dark tunnels.
*What is it about these godforsaken desert planets?* He couldn't think of one mission on a planet with sand that had gone well: the original Abydos mission, of course; his two visits there since; the Tok'ra hideout; that weird place with the singing plants; that god-awful place with the little volcanoes and the big lake...Whoa! That memory jolted him out of his stroll down memory lane. Enough of that. Things were bad enough without borrowing trouble from the past.
"There's a new tunnel at the end of this room up ahead. We'll go down that one. Teal'c, you take the wall on the left, I'll take the one on the right. Let me know if you feel a doorway or cross-passage or anything else unusual. This better go somewhere because I don't see how we could possibly find our way back out of here once the light is gone."
With that, the torch finally gave out plunging them into darkness.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Susannah
Part 52
"O'Neill, I believe the air is getting colder."
Jack paused for a minute feeling the stone under his fingers, "My wall is getting damp."
"As is mine."
Jack's Special Forces-trained ears perked up. "Teal'c, do you hear something dripping?"
"I believe it is coming from somewhere up ahead," he gestured in the darkness.
A few steps later Jack said, "Yeah. I think we're getting close. It sounds--umph."
"O'Neill. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, Teal'c. I'm fine. I just walked into this wall," he hesitated, "This very slimy wall."
"The wall is...fuzzy."
"And wet."
"Very wet. It seems that we have come to the end of this passage. I can't find a doorway or other way out."
Jack felt around the wall himself and came to the same conclusion. He also noticed that the wall was rather bumpy underneath all the slimy stuff that he assumed was this planet's answer to moss. The "bumps" didn't feel natural either. They felt like little shapes divided by lines and rows. It was actually a very familiar layout now that he thought about it. "Teal'c, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"How would I know what you are thinking, O'Neill? I could not possibly --"
"Never mind." Jack decided to just spit it out. "I think this wall is Goa'uld."
"That would make sense," the other man replied without flinching, "This tunnel did come from the palace after all. Maybe the System Lord who ruled this palace centuries ago built a hidden exit."
Both men began to feel around on the wall for a serpent. It was a long shot, but at this point it was all they had. Jack found it first, about an arm's length in from the left wall just about at the height of his shoulder. "I think I've got it."
Having no idea what was on the other side of the wall but feeling that there really was no other choice, he pulled the serpent out of the wall and began to turn it...
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From: Susannah
Part 53
"This star map must have something to do with time travel. After all, we are in one of the buildings from the symbol I found when we first came here."
"Yeah, but where do you think the linking devices fit in? I don't remember seeing any dials or switches on them, let alone any glyphs from this room," Sam replied, waving her arm over her head.
"Maybe they don't," countered Daniel.
"Don't what?"
"Don't fit in with all this. You just said that the linking devices didn't look anything like the stuff in here."
"Yeah, so?"
"So maybe they have nothing to do with this."
"But we used them to time travel. The Goa'uld used them too --"
"Exactly. *They* probably built them. Look around you. This place was obviously created by the Ancients. It has their --", he paused, licking his lips, "-- their *signature* on it. They would never build something as crude as those linking things."
"So the Goa'uld built those devices because they couldn't figure out how to use this stuff."
"Or because they never found this place..."
****
As Jack turned the serpent-handle, a part of his mind suddenly wondered what a dripping wet wall was doing in the middle of the desert. Unfortunately, he didn't have time to ponder it before the water on the other side of the door pushed it open violently and began to pour into the dark tunnel. "Teal'c, look out! Hang on!"
Working on instinct, Jack reached his arm around through the opening and sought purchase on the other side of the wall. He had just found a hand-hold when he felt a heavy weight pulling on his leg causing him to slip. Guessing that he was the only thing his companion had found to hold onto, Jack frantically groped for another spot and hung on desperately.
Fortunately, the onslaught of water only lasted about a minute and a half. Any longer and the burning in Jack's lungs would have become unbearable. He could still feel Teal'c's iron grip on his leg, and figured that was a good sign -- that his warning had given the other man time to take a deep breath before he was submerged.
As he felt the pressure slack off, Jack tried to stand up. His second attempt was successful, and Teal'c soon joined him.
"It would appear that the water is leveling off," his companion noted.
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From: Dee Tervo
Part 54
With a mixture of shock and relief, Daniel and Sam witnessed a sodden jumble of arms and legs cascade into the room and slowly disentangle itself.
"It's the Colonel and Teal'c," Sam cried out. She noted that neither man looked well and quickly surmised they'd had a run-in with the goa'uld.
"Jack!" Daniel moved quickly to help steady him. There were welts and scrapes all over his barely clothed body. "You okay?"
"I'm gonna be alright... thanks to Teal'c. One thing though... I never want to see Ra again. Ever. Or any of that slimy bunch... Apophis... Amaunet..."
"Amaunet?" Daniel echoed with hollowness in his voice.
"I suggest we speak of our experiences after we have reached a place of greater safety. I recall a great battle happened in the skies above this planet as the forces of Ra and Apophis engaged one another. It would not be wise to remain here much longer," Teal'c cautioned.
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From: Susannah
Part 55
A half-hour after their dramatic entrance, Jack and Teal'c had been brought up to speed by Sam and Daniel. "So that's what we've been able to figure so far," finished Daniel. "By manipulating the shapes on the ceiling, we can selectively light up the symbols for Earth, but it doesn't seem to put us any closer to traveling in time."
"Just before your 'wet and wild' arrival, Daniel and I were discussing plans to find the other building, and hopefully find some clues there," Sam added.
Jack's confused "Other building?" prompted another ten minutes of explanation to cover everything that had been left out of the first 'full explanation' given.
After being briefed, Jack and Teal'c came to the same conclusion as the scientists: any further progress would require exploration of the so-called 'other building'.
"Let's move out, campers," intoned O'Neill.
* * * *
With half of the water drained out of the courtyard, it was simple to locate the doorway to the other building on the opposite side of the pool. Ignoring his injuries and exhaustion, Jack dove down the few feet to the top of the entrance and disappeared into the wall. About a minute later he popped back out saying, "There's air on the other side."
The team swam through the doorway one-by-one, with Daniel being careful to look for an inscription above the lintel as he went by.
An odd thought popped into Jack's head as he was swimming to the surface. "Hey, Teal'c. I guess it's a good thing Junior knows how to swim."
"My symbiote does not necessarily become exposed to the water, O'Neill. I am able to seal the pouch with my abdominal muscles for short periods of time."
"That must come in handy for diving boards," said Sam.
"Diving boards?"
"Yeah, like people who don't have to hold their noses when they jump in the swimming pool," added Daniel.
"Swimming pool?"
"Never mind," groaned Jack. "Let's take a look around."
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From Dee Tervo
Part 56
Daniel and Teal'c looked for promising clues in the many inscriptions, while Sam tried to make a cursory evaluation of the colonel's injuries.
"Ow!" Jack protested in mock alarm. "Carter, I told you I'm fine."
Sam looked at him doubtfully.
"At least I'm well enough to get home, then Janet can poke and prod to her heart's content. Find anything yet, Daniel?"
"Workin' on it," Daniel called over his shoulder. "Jack? Did you say Amaunet was here?" He forced his voice to be cool and scientific.
"Yeah. I met her - up close and personal. Not a good memory."
"I was thinking," Daniel continued speaking as he examined the walls of the room. "What if... what if we really could change history. If we destroyed Amaunet now, Apophis won't have a reason to come looking for a host for her, and the SGC program will never be reactivated. You wouldn't need to return to Abydos... and I'd still be with..." Daniel's voice caught in choked back emotion.
The desperately hopeful look on Daniel's face was too much for Jack to take. "There is absolutely no way any of us could get within a mile of her right now. She's locked up, and the place is infested with Goa'ulds trying to kill each other. If you and Carter can make this contraption work, we are outta here... and that's an order!" More calmly he added, "We can't change the future by what we do. I think we're just makin happen what was always supposed to happen... that's all."
"You're right. Of course you're right. I just thought..." Daniel closed his eyes and shook his head. "Enough thinking. I've just figured out how to travel the Crossroads of Time. The inscriptions tell how someone must turn on the desired coordinates in building one, then manipulate the time coordinates here -" Daniel gestured at an elaborate grid of numerical symbols. "It appears as if one of those tic marks represents a day on this planet. We simply need to calculate how much time would need to pass here in order to put us back to our present time on Earth - enter it - there - and when the two rooms 'sing in harmony', the two Gates have to be powered up. Then, we can leave."
"Daniel..." Sam stared at the evidence proving Daniel's theory, and then back at him. "If you're right, one of us will need to stay behind - here - while the rest of us split up and set the Gates. There's no possible way for the person who stays behind to make it to one of the Gates before they power down."
"That's right," Daniel answered calmly.
"That... that can't be right. We can't..." Sam began to search for the necessary flaw in Daniel's reasoning, but she wasn't finding it.
"Yes, you can." Daniel paused, licking his lips. "Jack and Teal'c need medical attention and I'll need you back on Earth, to figure out how to get me home."
"Now, hold on a minute here. If anyone's staying behind, that'd be me." Jack spoke up. As he tried to stand and add emphasis to his words, he felt his knees weaken and tremble. He sat back, obviously still suffering the after-effects of Ra's ribbon device.
What had started as a far-off rumble, now had built to a roar above them. The building was starting to shake, and fine cracks ran the length of the ceiling.
"Whoever is leaving, must go now. The fighting has begun and there is not much time," Teal'c warned.
Daniel turned to Teal'c. "Help Jack get to one of the Gates." He noticed that Sam was the only one who was still wearing a watch. "Somehow, we have to coordinate our timing."
"The Stargates are equidistant from this building. I suggest we start counting, at a slow and regular pace. When we reach an agreed-upon number, we shall all act," Teal'c suggested as he offered Jack his arm to stand.
"Five thousand?" Sam questioned.
Daniel nodded in agreement. He turned quickly and headed toward the first building, unable to make eye contact with Jack. A quiet voice made him pause.
"We're not leavin' you here. We will come back."
"Yeah, that's... uh... that's why I'm not saying goodbye. Careful Jack. Everyone... get home in one piece... one team... Okay?" The building started shaking violently, and their time for parting words had passed. Daniel dove under the water and never looked back.
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From: Dee Tervo
Part 57
By the time Daniel had reached 1,000 counting in his head, he'd managed to activate the symbols for Earth. He stood a moment, admiring the beauty and apparent simplicity of it all - wondering if they'd ever figure out how this worked.
A loud boom nearly knocked him off his feet, and the ceiling began to sag. 'One thousand two hundred fifty - time to get back to building two.' As he traveled back, he began to appreciate just how alone he was. He pictured how similar his last hours might have been on Ernest's planet... chasing after the meaning of life amid all the ancient gadgetry... with no possible way home... alone... always alone.
He stood in front of the time array, suddenly aware that he'd not yet done the calculations required to input the time sequence. He did his best to estimate the length of a 'Place of Eternity' day and convert the number to 'Earth' days - then figure the number of those 'Earth' days required to bring the team from 1947 to the present time... all the while keeping count in the back of his mind. "Three thousand... Let's see - in Earth days, we're talking eighteen thousand nine hundred and eighty... then there's the four months we've been gone.. Three thousand eighty-five... God... how is this ever going to work?" With the countdown continuing in his head, and a proposed set of time coordinates in front of him, Daniel stopped short. He didn't know if he should enter Place of Eternity days or the Earth equivalents. The numbers were very different.
The building was groaning loudly. Bits of sand began to sift through opening cracks above his head. He only had one chance at this. He had to enter a time when the Stargate was functional on Earth. His hand hesitated above the symbols. "Three thousand, six hundred and thirty..."
++++
It was slow going for Jack and Teal'c as the injured men moved cautiously across the desert battlefield. Images of Desert Storm and the battle against Ra's forces flashed through Jack's mind. The smell... sound... taste... of warfare, overwhelmed his senses. If this was the time and place for it all to end for him... it would be somehow fitting. He was quickly using up the last of his strength reserves, and as much as he tried not to, he thought of Daniel... left behind.
Finally, the Stargate was in sight. They had to lay low and time their approach between strafing runs of the death gliders. Jack watched the warring Goa'uld forces as they fiercely battled. 'Thousands of years and these guys are still fighting. Nothing changes.' He looked at Teal'c, muscles tensed, ready to sprint to the DHD and activate the symbols, all the while counting seconds. Teal'c certainly had changed. Maybe there was hope after all.
"Teal'c, do you think Hammond had a ceremony for us already? I figure he must have. We've been missing for four months. If we make it back, there's gonna be some party."
"O'Neill, we need to discuss celebration parties when we in fact return. For now, I must not lose count in order to precisely time the activation of the Stargate."
"I know. Keep counting. You know... you said 'when' we return, not if."
"Of course. I believe we shall all return safely." After a slight pause Teal'c added, "Four thousand two hundred thirty three."
"Okay Teal'c. We go in seven hundred sixty seven... then we start the celebrating."
Teal'c cast a wary glance upward. He remembered how the ships under his command had laid waste to this planet 50 years ago. He wondered which ship contained the man he no longer was. The thought was fleeting, as he returned to the synchronized count.
++++
Sam moved into place at the second Stargate, thankful that she'd not yet encountered any Goa'uld ships. It was almost time, four thousand nine hundred seventy two. Before she had time to react, a glider swooped and set the sand on fire with a rapid burst of weapons. The bomber was skilled and succeeded in creating a wall of flame between the DHD and the Gate. There was no time to wait for the fire to abate. "Four thousand nine hundred ninety nine... Five thousand!" Sam yelled as she punched the symbols. It was unbearably hot. She doubted her jacket would provide enough protection if she tried to run through the inferno. She could hear the familiar 'whoosh' and strained to look through the blinding flames for the wormhole. As the vortex of gate energy met the fire, the flames were instantly doused. For a millisecond, Sam wondered if the fire might be transported through the stabilizing wormhole ahead of her. Then, she stopped wondering, and ran for the Gate. The cold rush of gate travel consumed her, and rational thought was gone.
++++
Daniel had decided to use Place of Eternity years as his time travel constant. He hoped the Ancients thought similarly. By the time he reached five thousand, a section of the ceiling had crumbled away under the constant bombardment from above. It wasn't simply sand that poured in, but water as well. As Daniel finished entering the time coordinates, the room made a whirring sound and lights flashed. He took heart that all appeared to be working.
Within seconds, he was treading water and being lifted rapidly toward the ceiling. The water was murky due to the sand mixing in. There was no way he'd be able to dive down and find the exit doorway. Thoughts of dying there in the desert had crossed is mind, but not like this. Not drowning.
As he peered down into the dark water below him, ever mindful of the ceiling now inches away from his head, he saw a familiar blue, glowing circle of light. Had a third wormhole opened up in the floor? If he were wrong, diving down would be the last thing he ever did. Then again, he only had minutes of air left before the room filled entirely. Daniel lined himself up with the glowing blue circle, took a huge gulp of air, and dove.
++++
General Hammond watched as SG-1 walked confidently into the Gatelight, privately wondering what this new mission would discover. Before the wormhole shut down, the Gate began humming and a vortex of Gate energy spilled into the embarkation room. The General was momentarily speechless as he regarded this unknown phenomenon. As the Gate re-stabilized, the Gate technician inquired, "Do I close the iris, sir?"
Before Hammond could respond, a burst of flame erupted from the rippling blue pool, followed immediately by a deluge of water. "What in tarnashun?" Hammond sputtered.
The most incredible sight was yet to come. Captain Carter emerged first. As soon as he saw her, Hammond shouted, "Do *not* close the iris. I repeat, the iris remains open. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" responded the Gate tech.
Captain Carter, who had only left a minute earlier, now stood before them... tears in her eyes, hair and uniform singed, dripping in sweat, with sand falling out of her clothing. Her helmet and pack were missing.
"Captain?" the General began to question, as Teal'c and the colonel appeared on the ramp. They were dressed in Egyptian-style tunics, and Jack's skin was dark enough to rival Teal'c's complexion. Hammond called immediately for medics as he saw the men were barely standing.
"General" Jack fought to get control of his voice. "I regret to inform you that..." He never finished the sentence when a very wet, semi-conscious, Daniel Jackson exited the Gate along with another torrent of water... landing flat on his back.
He was also tanned, dressed in Egyptian clothing, and too exhausted to do more than lie there and weakly grin.
Energized by Daniel's unexpected appearance, Jack finished his sentence. "I regret that we took so long getting back, sir."
"Long? You hadn't been gone a minute." Hammond stood staring... entirely confused.
"A minute?" Daniel questioned while Janet began to fuss over him. "I timed it that close?"
"36.3 seconds precisely," the Gate tech corrected.
"Guess that means no hero's welcome?" Jack quipped as he waved aside an offered gurney.
"It also means no sad faces," Sam added.
"It is good to be back," Teal'c spoke up.
"Good... to be..." Hammond stuttered. "What the blazes could've happened in 36.3 seconds?"
Jack shot the rest of his team a wry look. He walked up to Hammond and wrapped his arm around the stunned man's shoulder. "George? How much time have you got?"
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Part 58 - Epilog
From Dee Tervo
Two weeks had passed. The team enjoyed a brief respite from the continual debriefings, report writing and medical exams, by taking a trip to the downtown park.
Jack hailed a paperboy on his route and asked for the evening paper. He intended to check the sports pages, but he couldn't take his eyes off the dateline. Unconsciously, he traced his fingers over the reassuring date. They honest and truly had made it back. What were the odds of that happening? Too damn scary to think about.
"It's so hard to believe it all really happened," Daniel offered. "I mean - everyone else is certain we were gone less than a minute."
"I wonder if the mechanism powering the Crossroads of Time is still functional. If we gated back there..." Sam began.
"Don't," Jack snapped. "Just this once, do me a big favor, and... don't?"
"I'm beginning to think the Ancients never left - as in got on board ships for other galaxies and abandoned all their technology... without a trace. I think they went somewhere else in time," Daniel mused aloud.
The Colorado setting sun was pleasantly warm as the group settled down to sit on the grass.
Teal'c offered up his thoughts. "If we possessed the capability to travel in time as easily as we travel the stars, I am wondering what each of us would choose to do."
"Damned scary thought if NID got hold of that," Jack cautioned.
"Even if we couldn't alter history... I bet we all have a time we'd like to relive, if only for a little while." Daniel seemed lost in personal yearning.
"Guess I need to throw in my two cents," Jack joined in. "I'm glad we can't do that... and... furthermore, the person who thought up time lines didn't get it. Time is... more like a circle... never really ending or beginning."
Teal'c furrowed his brow in deep thought. "Interesting."
Sam was also impressed. "Sir, that's... that's really very... deep."
"Well, thanks Carter... I think."
Daniel pulled away from his private reverie to watch and listen to his team... his friends... practically family... talking about time and space travel as easily as others might discuss the weather. He smiled, fully knowing how much he was gifted by being in this very place and time. "Anyone want to know what *I'm* thinking?" Daniel saw three sets of eyes regard him with friendship, respect and curiosity. He took a moment to reflect on the feel of the good Earth and listen to the peaceful happy sounds of the children at play. "I'm thinking, the Ancients could never have found a time any better than this."
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.