Only a Moment - by Pho
part - 01
The tidal pool of simulated liquid spit out its travelers. Raucous klaxons screamed their warning as the travelers rolled head over heels down the ramp. Armed soldiers held fast, their weapons in a ready position. The noise died as the gate whooshed shut, leaving the only sound that of Jack O'Neill. "That was fun. Thank you Daniel. Teal'c your elbow is in my chest."
"I am sorry, O'Neill." The huge Jaffa moved quickly to extricate himself from the pile of humans.
The guards relaxed as the voice of General George Hammond commanded them to stand down. Turning to the still prone figures of SG-1 he did a lightning quick once-over for physical injuries, 'good, for once they're in one piece'. "Colonel, SG-1 has been gone less than an hour. What happened?"
O'Neill and Carter were already on their feet, saluting the older man briskly while Teal'c lifted Daniel off the floor. Jack replied simply. "Daniel happened."
"Jaaack, achoo! That's not, achoo!, fair." The protest was muffled in Kleenex.
"Actually, to be perfectly truthful, General, Daniel sneezed."
"Sneezed?"
"Yes, sir, the-"
"Achoo! General, the locals, achoo!"
Jack put a hand on Daniel's arm. "Daniel, I'll be giving the recap if you don't mind. You need to pay a visit to the Doc."
"No, I'm, achoo! Fine. ACHOO!"
"Ya think?"
Hammond shook his head in disbelief. "Doctor Jackson, report to the infirmary. SG-1, debriefing in twenty minutes." He returned the salutes from his two officers, nodded respectfully to the Jaffa, shook his head in disbelief at the still sneezing form of the archaeologist, and left the gate room. The guards followed swiftly behind him.
Twenty minutes later, all of SG-1 sat at the briefing room table. Daniel no longer sneezed, but his eyes were puffy and his nose was very, very red. Jack managed to restrain a grin, as the younger man continued to rub his arm. Dr. Fraiser had administered an injection which had succeeded in stopping his sneezing but had apparently been rather painful. 'Of course, Daniel doesn't like needles any better than I do.' His thoughts were cut-off as the General entered the room. Three out of the four members of SG-1 rose quickly in deference to the older man's rank. Daniel rose more slowly, almost as an afterthought.
"As you were." Hammond took his seat at the head of the table. "Colonel, if you'd be so kind as to report."
"Yes, sir. Before we go any farther, General, I believe that the situation can be salvaged but not by SG-1, sir. As the MALP survey indicated, the locals are located very close to the gate. We found them to be friendly, perhaps a little too friendly. They arrived at the gate bearing gifts of fruit and," he paused to grin at Daniel, who blushed a deep crimson. Taking pity on his friend, Jack continued quickly. "And flowers. Unfortunately they presented Daniel with a rather large floral lei which immediately caused him to begin to sneeze. The locals were rather affronted by this, but I think that given a team without allergies, they'll calm down."
"Is that all?" Hammond couldn't quite help but feel that his colonel was not telling the whole story.
Jack started to nod, but was interrupted by Jackson. "No, sir. The colonel left out the part where I tore the lei off of my neck and threw it to the ground. I'm sorry, sir, I think they could've dealt with my sneezing but chucking their present into the dirt, well, I won't be able to go back. I'm sorry, sir. This screw-up is all my fault."
Hammond sighed. "Do you agree with Colonel O'Neill's assessment that the situation can be salvaged?"
"Yes, sir, I do."
"Fine. SG-5 will return tomorrow. SG-1 you're on stand-down for twenty-four hours."
"Sir, we're fine. No holes." Jack left off 'this time'.
"Understood. However, the MALP has just returned with data on a rather interesting looking planet. The analysis should take about twelve hours. SG-1 will be heading out in twenty-eight hours. Any questions?"
"No sir."
"Dismissed."
The group rose respectfully as Hammond left the room.
"I'm sorry, Jack."
"Daniel, you can't help having allergies. Don't blame yourself. SG-5 will straighten out the situation, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get to look inside that temple on the hill."
"Really? You really think so? That would be great. It looked Greek, but with a touch of Egyptian. I think-"
"Whoa, Daniel, wait until you actually get a close-up look. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Excuse me, Doctor Jackson?" A young private stood nervously in front of the SG-1 team.
"Yes?" Daniel turned to the young man.
"Sir, a package arrived for you from Washington, sir. It's been cleared so I was told to give it to you as soon as you returned, sir."
Daniel took the package from the man. "Thank you. YES! I've been waiting for this. Jack, these are the two tapes I told you about..."
"Dismissed, Private." O'Neill could barely hide his amusement as his friend ripped into the heavy mailing paper.
"Thank you, sir." The boy replied gratefully, saluted quickly and fled the room.
"... from the Tutankhamen dig in 1922. Howard Carter..." Daniel spun to face Sam, "was he a relative of yours?"
She smiled easily at the younger man. "No, Daniel, just the same last name."
"Oh. Pity, I'd love some insight into the man, particularly when-"
"Uh, just a sec, Daniel. Colonel, now that I have some time, I'd like to review the telemetry from PSX937."
"Fine Major." Jack smiled at the pretty blond as she hurried from the room.
Before Daniel could start his monologue again, Teal'c interrupted. "O'Neill, I also must take my leave. I have promised Major Feretti that I would demonstrate Jaffa self-defense techniques. Now would seem to be a good time as I understand he is on base."
Jack managed to swallow a smile as he nodded dismissal to the heavy-set man.
Daniel looked bemused as he watched his friends disappear through the door. "Jack-"
"Uh, Daniel, I've got to scramble if I'm gonna get good tickets to the hockey game tonight."
"Oh. I understand." Disappointment was evident on the younger man's face.
"Why don't you come with me? I should be able to get two seats. They may not be great, but..."
"Thanks Jack, but I've been waiting for a long time to get hold of these and I'd..." His voice trailed off in embarrassment.
O'Neill smiled at his single-minded young friend. "Can I get a rain-check on the Tut..whatever lecture?"
"Really? I mean, yeah, I'll be glad to tell you everything." The blue eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I'm counting on that, Danny boy." Jack grinned as he ruffled the younger man's hair, before fleeing the briefing room.
"Jaaack!" Daniel shook his head in mock disbelief, then cheerfully headed for his lab, precious tapes in hand.
***********
Twenty-four hours later, O'Neill and Carter found themselves at the sentry post of SGC. "Carter, we've got to stop meeting like this. People will start to talk."
"Yes, sir. I quite agree." Her blue eyes sparkled with barely suppressed laughter as the young sentry's eyes widened noticeably. "You first, sir." She nodded toward the log book.
O'Neill signed his name quickly in a barely legible scrawl. As he handed Carter the pen, he turned to the sentry. "Sergeant, when Dr. Jackson checks in, hurry him on down, will ya?"
"Sir, Dr. Jackson has not signed out."
O'Neill's eyes narrowed. "He hasn't left SGC?"
"No, sir."
"I see. Thank you, Sergeant."
"Yes, sir. You're welcome, sir."
Jack strode purposely away from the entrance, Carter on his heels. "Dammit, Daniel."
"Colonel, Daniel was really excited about the tapes. He probably just forgot about the time and crashed here."
"You don't really believe that, do you Major?"
"Uh, no sir, I don't."
"Right. We've got four hours until we leave and I'm betting he had no sleep at all. Dammit Daniel. Carter, find Teal'c-"
"and do the final check on the equipment. Yes, sir, I know the drill."
"Am I that predictable, Major?"
"Oh, no, sir. Not always. Just when it comes to-"
"Daniel." Jack sighed. "Don't worry, Carter, I won't hurt him too badly."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate that, Colonel."
He managed a crooked grin as the elevator doors closed. It didn't take long for the elevator to reach the laboratory floors. Jack strode rapidly down the hall toward the lights in Daniel's lab. "Dammit Daniel, if you're not napping when I get inside, so help me..." Jack opened the door quietly, not wanting to awaken the young man if by some stroke of good fortune Daniel was asleep. "OH, GOD!" Slamming the intercom button, Jack nearly choked on his words. "Medical emergency - L7." Releasing the button, he moved slowly toward the figure huddled in the corner of the room, arms clutched around his chest, breath coming in short pain-filled gasps. Kneeling he reached out to brush the hair from the younger man's eyes. "Daniel? Easy buddy, it's Jack."
"Jack? Hurts, Jack."
Reaching out Jack pulled the trembling, glassy-eyed form into his arms. Rocking gently, the older man spoke softly. "Danny, it's okay, help's on the way."
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part - 02 ↑
"Doc?" Jack O'Neill's voice was heavy with concern as the petite doctor slipped out of the infirmary. He watched as Janet Frasier sank into the nearest chair.
"He's sleeping, Colonel. Pumped as full of painkillers as I can without knowing what caused his collapse. He's definitely suffering from shock, and in a great deal of pain, but there're no physical injuries. And before you ask, the results from his blood work didn't show anything that would cause this kind of reaction. Would you care to tell me exactly what happened?"
"I don't know."
"Colonel-"
"Seriously, Doc, I got to his lab, ready to read him the riot act if he hadn't slept before the mission, and there he was, backed as far into the corner as he could get. Look, Doc-"
"Was he saying anything?"
"What?"
"Colonel, I know you're anxious about him, but I really need to know as much as possible. Now, was he saying anything?"
Jack hesitated for a moment. "Not at first, but he was rocking back and forth, with his arms wrapped around his chest. As soon as I got to him he told me that it hurt. And his breathing was very shallow, almost like he was suffocating."
"Has anything unusual happened lately, either on a mission or just around here?"
"Until that sneezing thing, nothing at all had happened off planet. Could this be an allergy attack of some sort?"
Janet smiled grimly. "None that I know about, although there's always a first time. Now did-"
"Look, let's cut to the chase, is he going to be okay?"
"I don't know, not without knowing what caused his collapse." The implications were obvious.
"Can I see him?"
"Yes, but don't expect him to respond. I've got him heavily sedated." Janet found herself talking to air. Sighing she followed the colonel into the infirmary muttering, "Why do I even bother?"
*********
"Major Carter, I do not understand what it is that we are searching for. There is no indication that Daniel Jackson was attacked."
"I know, Teal'c, but something made him like... that." She shuddered at the memory of her friend lying ghost-pale and gasping on the gurney, gripping tightly to the only anchor he could find. It took only a moment for her to realize that Colonel O'Neill's hand had become Daniel's anchor. She and Teal'c had made good time from the gate room, arriving on the heels of the medical team. The colonel left them in the lab with instructions to tear the place apart, if that's what it would take to find out what had happened to Daniel. She'd barely managed to keep Teal'c from following the instructions literally. Moving around yet another cluttered counter, she knelt to pick up Daniel's discarded jacket. Her hand froze as she caught sight of the seeds stuck to the inside of the collar. Frowning she reached toward them, but thought better of it. Rising quickly, she moved to the intercom. "Containment unit to L7."
"Major Carter, is there a problem?"
"There very well could be, Teal'c. The seeds on Daniel's collar should have been found when we returned."
"Would not Daniel Jackson have noticed them?"
"I doubt it. These don't have spurs, Teal'c. They act kinda like beggar's lice."
"Why would Daniel Jackson wear something belonging to a beggar?"
Sam barely concealed a grin. "Uh, no, Teal'c, it's a type of plant."
"Major?"
"Over here, Airman. Get the jacket down to the Botany lab. These seeds are now their number one priority. I'm on my way to clear it with the General."
"Yes, Ma'am."
*********
Daniel was indeed sleeping, but his face was still too pale. Jack stared at the younger man. "God, Daniel, you really scared me and we weren't even off planet. Do I have to put a leash on you at home too?" *Hell. It isn't fair. Hasn't the kid been through enough, what could possibly have happened in his lab?* Looking up, he spotted a nurse, *Damn, I don't know her name*, changing the IV. Whirling, he turned to face the doctor. "What's that?"
"Glucose, Colonel, Daniel's blood sugar was low. I suspect he hasn't eaten in a while."
"Oh. I thought..."
"No, sir. I won't be giving him any more drugs until I get a better idea what happened."
"I can help you with that."
O'Neill whirled at the sound of Carter's voice. "You found something." It was not a question.
"Yes, sir." Her tone was flat, almost emotionless, and Janet realized that the sight of Daniel so pale and still was bothering the Major more than she cared to admit. "I think that the floral lei was more than it seemed, Colonel, Doctor. I found some seeds on the inside of Daniel's jacket collar. When Carlisle in Botany broke some open, there was a foul smelling oil inside. She can't be sure until she finishes the analysis but she thinks that the oil contains some sort of drug."
"But, but nothing showed in his blood work! Of course," Janet sighed, "since it's alien, we wouldn't know what to look for. Dammit!"
"Major, are you saying those people deliberately did this to Daniel?"
"No, sir. Remember, they've been on that world for millennia, they could very well be immune to the seed's effects."
"Ya think? Well," O'Neill's remarks were cut-off by the muted sounds of klaxons announcing an incoming traveler. "Carter?"
"I don't know, sir. No one's due back, yet."
Jack headed for the door. "Doc, take care of him. Carter, you're with me."
**********
General Hammond was already in the control room by the time O'Neill and Carter arrived. "Signal?"
"SG-5, sir."
"Dammit, they just left a couple of hours ago. Get medical up here, stat."
The gate whooshed its energy field down the ramp, then swallowed it again, mellowing into the shimmering liquid of the iris. A bedraggled team of explorers emerged through the pool and collapsed onto the ramp. Colonel Makepeace was the last one through. As Dr. Frasier raced with her medics towards the wounded men, Makepeace's eyes focused on Jack O'Neill. "You said they were *friendly*, Colonel." He was practically spitting in anger as he waved his arm around the room. "Does this look *friendly* to you?"
************
Jack O'Neill sat silently, flanked by Carter and Teal'c, at the briefing room table as the commander of SG-5 gave his report. "There was no one at the gate when we arrived, General. The village SG-1 reported being near the gate was deserted. It looked like everyone just packed up and left, probably right after SG-1's visit. The only other structure visible was the temple so we headed there."
"They abandoned their homes?" Carter asked in surprise. "Uh, sorry, sir."
Makepeace looked in her direction. "That's what I said, Major. We saw absolutely no sign of human life until we were about one hundred yards from the temple. Then Captain Noble noticed we were being followed, very professionally. About a dozen of your friendly villagers..." Makepeace turned scathing eyes on O'Neill, "were between us and the gate. We still weren't worried. After all, we had SG-1's reports..."
Jack winced inwardly at the other man's words.
The SG-5 commander paused for a moment and stared down at his hands, then turned to face O'Neill. "Colonel, I apologize. I was out of order, sir. You did not deserve that. You weren't there long enough to know what was going on." Returning his attention to the General, Makepeace continued. "More people began to appear from the woods on either side of the temple, then what I assume was a priest of some sort came out of the doors. He asked what we had done with the 'Yige'. We were at a complete loss until they brought out the remains of a floral wreath."
"What!"
"I'm sorry, Colonel. I saw Dr. Jackson in the infirmary. I hope Dr. Frasier can help him."
O'Neill nodded wordlessly as Makepeace went on. "From what Lt. Higgins can figure out, Dr. Jackson's been selected for some sort of ceremony and they want him back. When they realized he wasn't with us, they attacked. We barely made it back to the gate."
General Hammond sighed. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to write off this world as hostile. Good job, gentlemen."
"Uh, General, it's not quite that simple. If Lt. Higgins was interpreting correctly, then Dr. Jackson's got seven days to live. I hope he was wrong."
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part - 03 ↑
Six hours. It had only been six hours since Makepeace had made his report. And only two since Dr. Frasier had confirmed what the SG-5 commander had reported - Daniel Jackson was dying. An all-consuming guilt played on the collective conscience's of SG-1 as each member remembered the moment the wreath had been placed around the young scientist's neck. An action which, in light of the poison, could now be interpreted as possibly hostile.
Jack O'Neill cursed inwardly as he watched the younger man sitting completely still and silent on the other side of the briefing table. That in itself proved the severity of the situation, Daniel Jackson was rarely either quiet or still.
Janet Frasier was speaking to the team, his team, but Jack had eyes only for the youngest member. Daniel, suddenly aware of the scrutiny, looked up to meet Jack's eyes and smiled ruefully, his blue eyes not quite able to conceal his fear or the shadows of pain, or, Jack realized, his concern for his friends. 'Dammit, Daniel, not us, don't worry about us. You're the one in ... trouble.' Somehow, even with the diagnosis, Jack could not bring himself to believe Daniel was dying. Not his Danny-boy. O'Neill forced himself to return the smile, then focused on the Doctor's words.
"No, General. The botany lab's been working non-stop, but the seeds by themselves are not the poison. The initial analysis indicates that they have combined with something else in the lei to produce the toxin. Frankly, I have no idea what. We really have to have that garland, sir."
"What can we expect from this poison, Doctor?"
"It's hard to say, General. Obviously from the initial reaction Doctor Jackson had, part of the toxin suppresses breathing, causing the victim a great deal of pain as he tries to catch his breath." She smiled apologetically at the young scientist as she continued. "I would only be guessing if I tried to predict other symptoms."
"How l...?" The words seemed to stick in his throat and Daniel cleared it softly, then tried again. "How long do I have?"
"Daniel, we just don't know that much about this poison."
"Janet, you're my friend. Just tell me. Will I be ... dead in seven days?"
"We're working on an antidote right now, Daniel."
"Just ... answer the question. Please, Janet."
"Yes, Daniel. From what we've found so far, from the onset of symptoms, and extrapolating based on your body's metabolism, I would say that seven days is accurate."
"Then General, with your permission, SG-1 will return to PSC932 and recover that lei." Jack carefully concealed his anger and fear behind the veneer of a career military officer.
"Approved. Dr. Jackson, please return to the infirmary."
"Sir? I need to go with SG-1."
"Dr. Jackson, based on Dr. Frasier's report you are in no condition to go anywhere."
"With all due respect, General, based on Colonel Makepeace's report, SG-1 doesn't stand," Daniel paused to catch his breath, "a chance of getting that garland without ... me present. The main reason his men were ... injured is because I wasn't there." He gasped in air, eyes intent only on the General, oblivious to the concerned looks his labored breathing was drawing.
"Son, I really can't sanction..."
"Begging the General's pardon," Jack interrupted, knowing he'd probably hate himself later, "but Daniel's right. Without him along, we won't get close to that wreath-thingie. Besides, the natives might have an antidote for whatever they gave him. Providing it was a deliberate poisoning and not accidental, that is."
The General studied his team for a long moment, before reluctantly consenting. "SG-1, departure time, one hour."
***********
Once again SG-1 stood in front of the ramp and waited for the energy surge to dissipate. Jack took stock of his people. Daniel was much, much too pale, but appeared to be okay, so far. The injection that Janet Frasier had given the young man was apparently working; the pain had obviously lessened and he was far less shaky than he'd appeared after the briefing. His breathing was still much too ragged, but they had few options here. The doctor had included several of her wonder drugs in their backpacks. While none of them would stop the poison from doing its nasty work, she'd assured Jack that they would help Daniel deal with the pain that the poison was causing. 'But,' Jack thought angrily, 'not for long.' He noticed that Teal'c had positioned himself directly behind the young scientist and Carter was also not too far away. Nodding approval of their decision, he put on his best CO manner. "OK, kids, time's a wasting."
As Jack emerged from the gate, he was once again struck by the intrinsic beauty of the place. 'Yeah, a veritable Garden of Eden,' he groused, 'with the snake coming in the form of flowers.' As the rest of SG-1 arrived, they quickly deployed into a defensive ring around the startled scientist.
"Excuse me? But what are you people doing?"
Jack pointedly ignored the question when he spoke. "Well, Daniel, you wanted to get a look at that temple. Let's get a move on."
Daniel's attention shifted to the temple in the distance. "Oh! I'd almost forgotten how beautiful it was. Do you think they'll let us inside?" He spoke with all the eagerness of youth, temporarily forgetting the reason for their return.
"Count on it." Jack responded purposefully as he took a firm grip on Daniel's arm. His friend's struggle to breathe as he spoke, had not gone unnoticed by the Colonel. The team would obviously not be moving fast. "And, no, Daniel, you're not going first. Carter, take the point."
"Yes, sir." Casting a concerned glance at Daniel, Sam forced her military training to the forefront and moved out ahead of SG-1. A slight nod of her head as she passed O'Neill, told the Colonel she'd be setting a slow, steady pace.
Just like SG-5, the team was almost at the temple before the first of the watchers appeared.
"O'Neill, there are a dozen natives to our rear."
"Thanks Teal'c. Got 'em. Carter?"
"Yes, sir. Six more on either side."
Daniel looked around, puzzled. "I don't see anything."
"Eyes front, Daniel. Don't let 'em know we know and stay close to me."
"Jack..."
"Just do it, Jackson." O'Neill's warning radar was in high gear. Something did not feel quite right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. This reception committee was almost identical to that reported by SG-5, but different somehow. Reaching forward he pulled Daniel back to his side. "I said stay close."
"Sir!" Carter nodded toward the temple. A line of natives was emerging from the temple doors. Dressed in white, almost classical Grecian robes, they differed radically in appearance from the more casually clad villagers.
"What is that?" Jack asked with amazement as a tall figure in an elaborate mask brought up the rear of the procession.
Daniel gave a long low whistle. "YES! I told you it was Greek with a touch of Egyptian."
"Danny-boy, please explain." Under normal circumstances Jack's patience with the archaeologist was almost infinite, but this was different. There was no time to waste on ancient cultures, the kid was dying and in typical Daniel Jackson fashion was ignoring that fact, concentrating instead on his all-consuming desire to learn.
"Oh, sorry Jack. The jackal mask appears to represent Anubis and at a Greek temple. Marvelous."
"Ya think?"
"Yes, I've never seen him represented in a Grecian temple before, Jack. I wonder if there's a statue of him inside."
"Uh, Danny, just out of curiosity, what was this Anub guy's job description?"
"Hmmm, Oh he was kinda in charge of embalming. It was his job to preserve the dead. Whoa. What's this?" If possible, Daniel's eyes grew even wider with surprise.
A second figure emerged from the temple doors with another elaborate mask, shaped like a rabbit.
"Sweet. What is it?"
"It's another form of Anubis. When in the rabbit's head, he was known as Upuaut, who had the additional job of conducting souls to their judgment. Jack, I really need to get into that temple."
"Danny-boy, I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"Why not? It's not everyday that we get to see a Greek temple..."
"Were you even listening to yourself?"
"What?"
Jack took a deep breath. "Daniel, listen to me carefully. You have been poisoned, by these people for some reason, intentionally or not. You gasp for air every time you speak. Without the Doc's wonder drugs, you'd be in a lot of pain. The two dudes coming out of the temple represent the dead. Are you seeing a problem with this?"
"Oh, yeah, I, uh, see what you mean. This could be bad."
"Ya think?"
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part - 04 ↑
The SG-1 team closed ranks around Daniel as the procession grew closer. "Guys, this really isn't necessary."
"Stow it, Daniel."
"Jack, do you speak their language?"
"Uh, no." The colonel responded as he tightened his grip on his M-16.
"Well, I do. I mean, they've already poisoned me, what else can they do?"
O'Neill reluctantly moved aside to allow the younger man access to the approaching entourage. "I really hate it when he's right."
"Sir?" Sam shot him a confused look.
"Nothing, Carter, just keep alert. I have a really bad feeling about this."
"Yes, sir."
Daniel moved easily outside the circle of his friends, and waited for the approaching group. The line of worshipers split into neat rows on either side of the SG-1 team. At a command from the Anubis priest, the rows of people knelt in the dirt and bowed to Daniel Jackson. The other priest moved forward. "We welcome the return of the Yige. If you will come this way, all is in readiness."
Daniel quickly translated for the others.
Jack eyed the group skeptically. "Any idea what a 'Yige' is?"
"Not a clue."
"Okay, strike that. Next question: Readiness for what?"
"I don't know."
"Sweet."
"Look, Jack, we might as well go with them. I've ... we've got nothing to lose."
'Except you, Daniel.' Jack clamped down tightly on his thoughts. "Okay, but everyone stays together."
With the exception of the priests and SG-1, the entire group of worshipers remained at the bottom of the steps as the assemblage returned to the temple. Upuaut frowned and held up a hand to stop SG-1's forward motion into the temple. "Your weapons are not necessary."
Daniel started to translate, but was stopped by Jack. "I get the picture, Daniel. Tell Yuppie there that we'll be keeping our firearms."
"Jack, they may not let us inside."
"Tough." Inspiration struck like lightening. "Tell him that we are the guardians of the Yige."
"Excellent idea, Colonel O'Neill."
"Thanks, Teal'c. I have my moments."
Daniel frowned skeptically at the Colonel, then complied with the older man's instructions. To his surprise, the priests accepted the explanation.
SG-1 followed the priests up the wide, seemingly never-ending steps toward the landing. Even with the frequent stops they'd made on Daniel's behalf, they were all slightly winded by the time they reached the top. The exceptions were Teal'c and the priests. Jack shot that group a dirty look while keeping a close eye on Daniel. The medication the young scientist had received in the infirmary had eased the obvious discomfort he'd been in, but Dr. Frasier had no idea how long it would last. The older man frowned as he realized Daniel could barely catch his breath and was sweating profusely. A movement behind him caught his attention and he turned, relaxing as he realized it was only Carter, trying to get a better look at Daniel. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack thought he saw Daniel wince in pain, but couldn't turn quickly enough to be certain. Cursing under his breath, he moved closer still to the younger man.
Daniel's eyes widened suddenly, and O'Neill quickly followed his friend's line of sight. The landing on which they now stood was in reality nothing more than a large portico, with the columns carefully positioned to give the illusion of walls. Oversize double doors were decorated with an inlaid set of scales overlapping both doors. Jack saw Daniel's lips move, but no sound emerged. Concern laced his tones. "What's wrong, Daniel?"
"Hmmm... Oh, nothing. It's just the images on the door appear to be the Scales of Truth."
"What?"
"Scales of Truth. Upuaut used them to protect the dead-" Daniel's words were cutoff as the doors swung slowly open, splitting the scales in two.
As the massive scales separated, Jack shivered slightly, unable to shake the impression that his team was being weighed and measured. "Daniel, just what do these Scales protect the dead from?"
"Dying the second death in the underworld." The younger man's words faded as the doors completed their outward movement.
Anubis motioned SG-1 to enter. Sam gasped in astonishment as the inner sanctuary came into view. The upper level, visible from afar, belonged to an inner temple, constructed in the center of the surrounding portico. The stairs leading into the inner chamber provided the only visible way down to the lower level. A matching stairway on the inner building climbed skyward toward a second story portico of exactly the same construction as the exterior one. "Holy Hannah, it's got to be four stories tall."
"Ya think?" Jack mumbled in quiet appreciation of the temple's design. It had the same clean lines and massive columns common to Grecian structures such as the Parthenon. The Anubis priest motioned impatiently and the group began the long trek towards the floor below. As they walked slowly down the steps toward the inner sanctuary, Daniel stumbled. Only a quick save by O'Neill kept him on his feet. "Daniel?"
The younger man's face was covered with perspiration as he turned to look at his friend. "Just lost my balance, Jack. Got a little dizzy. Doc said that might happen."
"Dizzy, hell. You're in pain," It was not a question, "and you're gasping like a fish out of water."
"Well, maybe, just a little."
"Ya think? Carter, get me a hypodermic."
"Not now, Jack. We've got to get inside." He nodded toward the inner temple.
Jack frowned again at the steps duplicated on the other building. He'd never seen so many stairs, and he wasn't sure Daniel was up to the strain of another long climb. "Daniel."
"Please, Jack, I don't know why, I just know it's important."
O'Neill glared at the man for a moment before responding. "Fine. But you fall again and I won't ask permission."
"Okay."
To Daniel's disappointment, the priests led the group around the inner temple, away from the stairs. Carter gasped as they rounded the corner; directly ahead of them was a botanical wonderland that would have been the pride and joy of any gardener on Earth. A waterfall cascaded over large boulders. The spray from the water served to moisten the wide variety of plant life on display. Lush green vines looped across wires draped between the inner and outer porticos, and hanging baskets spilled over to almost touch the ground. The falls ended in a large pool of water, alive with small colorful fish, somewhat resembling the Koi of Earth. The pool spread out in all directions throughout the garden, with access to other areas provided by curved bridges. Raised beds lined the pathways to the garden. Flowers of all shapes and sizes nestled among bright green foliage. The priests led the way across a bridge toward an open area in front of the falls.
"Sweet."
"It's magnificent, sir." The awe in Carter's voice kept her tones low and reverent.
"It is very impressive." The Jaffa's demeanor never changed but his words revealed his feelings.
"ACHOOO! It is, ACHOOO!, very full of pollen." Daniel grabbed for another Kleenex as the group reached the center of the garden.
The Anubis priest frowned. "The Yige is not pleased?"
"What? No, ACHOOO!, the Yige is very pleased. Thank you." He barely managed to control another sneeze.
A smile lit the priest's face. "Excellent. You will wait here?"
"ACHOOO! Yes, we'd be delighted to wait here."
The priests nodded and vanished into the foliage. Daniel sank gratefully onto a curved bench and buried his head in his hands. At a nod from O'Neill, Carter plunged a hypodermic into the exhausted man's arm. "Thanks Sam."
She smiled in what she hoped was a reassuring manner, then rose to face O'Neill. "Sir, Daniel's sneezing just like he was when they put that lei on his neck."
"Indeed O'Neill, some of these flowers appear to have been used to make up the necklace."
Jack looked around, suspiciously. "Are we in any danger?"
"Unknown, sir, but since the lei was actually placed around Daniel's neck, and he was the only one poisoned, I suspect it takes physical contact with the plants."
"Terrific. Start collecting specimens. Anything that looks like it might have been in that damned wreath. But use your gloves." Daniel rose from the bench as Carter and Teal'c moved toward the flowers. "Whoa, Daniel, where do you think you're going?"
"I'm better. I'd thought I'd help."
"You thought wrong."
"Jack, I'm fine."
"Daniel, you've been poisoned. The wonder drugs are helping you but I don't think the Doc wanted you exerting yourself anymore than absolutely necessary." Jack shook his head to stifle a yawn. "Stay here and rest. I'll go check on the others."
Daniel sat motionless and watched with weary eyes as his friend disappeared down the path. Leaning back against the bench, he yawned deeply. "Guess I'm more tired than I thought." As he slipped into a deep sleep he thought he heard O'Neill's voice yelling something about Carter and games.
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part - 05 ↑
"Ooooohhh, my head." Jack O'Neill clutched his head in his hands for a moment, then glanced warily around. The night sky held no moon, but there were shadows resting near him. "Carter, Teal'c, Daniel?"
"Major Carter still sleeps, O'Neill, but Daniel Jackson is not with us."
"Dammit to hell. I should have seen this coming. Uh, Teal'c, any idea where we are, I can't seem to focus."
"We are at the Stargate, Colonel O'Neill."
A second low moan, this time from Sam, caught the attention of the men. "Welcome back, Major."
"Yes, sir. What happened?"
"Well, I suspect we got booted out of Oz, but the wicked witch kept Daniel."
"Sir, are you all right?" Concern laced Sam's tones.
"Just peachy, Major, and yourself?"
"Headache, sir, but it's going away."
O'Neill rose slowly to his feet. "Teal'c, how long?"
"Approximately ten Earth hours, Colonel O'Neill. I myself have been awake only an hour. It appears it was a trap."
"Ya think?"
Carter stood shakily. "Whoa. Whatever they used packed quite a punch. What now, Colonel?"
"We go get Daniel."
"That may not be possible, Colonel O'Neill."
"Why not?"
"When I awakened and determined that Daniel Jackson was not with us, I attempted to return to the temple."
"Attempted?"
"Yes, Colonel O'Neill, it appears that we can no longer leave the vicinity of the Stargate."
"Excuse me?"
"There is a force field of some strength that prevents our leaving the area."
"We'll just see about that." O'Neill moved swiftly in the direction of the temple.
"O'Neill, do not..."
"Colonel, I don't think..."
The dual warnings went unheeded. Carter openly winced, and even the large Jaffa flinched, as a barrier flared to life and the Colonel was suddenly thrown past their positions, landing with a heavy thud by the DHD.
***********
Feminine giggles surrounded him and for a moment Daniel was on Abydos, in the moments before he'd been given Shau'ri. He slowly opened his eyes and saw ... nothing. Fear coursed through his being and he sat bolt upright, the cloth which shielded his eyes from the lights dropping to his lap. His breathing harsh with suppressed panic, he glanced around him, trying to understand what had happened. His military issued clothing had been removed and he was now dressed in white. His glasses were nowhere to be found. The feminine giggles attracted his attention and he looked in the direction the sounds had come from. "Hello." More giggles. 'Well, that was a start.' "Where are my friends?" No response. 'Let's try that again.' "Tall man with gray hair, big guy with gold tattoo. No? How about a blond woman with short hair. Great. Well, could you at least tell me where I am?"
"You are in the temple of Nephthys."
Daniel whirled to find that the speaker was the Anubis priest. "Thank you. Where are my friends?"
"Not here."
'This is going well.' "Uh, I see that, but are they all right?"
"Of course. We could do no harm to the servants of the Yige."
"That's, uh, great. I'd like to ask-"
"I must leave you now to prepare for the ceremony of receiving. Do not worry. All will be made clear in time."
"Terrific. Uh, thanks very much. Well, how about my glasses?" Daniel watched as the priest clapped his hands, sending the serving girls scurrying for the exit. Anubis, for lack of a better name, bowed, then walked politely through the door. The heavy wooden door clanged shut and Daniel grimaced as he heard a metallic key in the lock. 'So much for honored guest status. Now, how do I get out of here?'
**********
Jack O'Neill watched helplessly as Samantha Carter took notes and readings hoping to find a chink in the barrier that separated them from Daniel. Worry consumed him as he remembered the shots that Daniel had not had. He feared the worst for his young friend. Shit, this whole planet sucked. Frustration would not be denied as he suddenly whirled and kicked the base of the DHD. "DAMMIT!"
"Sir?" Carter turned concerned eyes to her CO.
"Have you collected all the information you can about the barrier?"
"Yes, sir. It appears to be..."
"Carter."
"Uh, sorry, sir."
"Do you and Teal'c still have the flower specimens in your bags?"
"Yes, sir. All of our equipment was left at the gate with us."
"Fine. We'll get the specimens back to the botanical lab and your information to the engineering lab."
"We can't just leave without Daniel, sir!"
"Can and will, Major." He forestalled her protest with a raised hand. "I understand how you feel, but facts don't lie. We cannot make it through this barrier without assistance. And Daniel is still poisoned, wherever he is. Neither problem can be solved by staying here." As Carter nodded and moved to dial home, O'Neill stared at the temple in the distance. Somewhere in that massive structure, Daniel Jackson was, hopefully, still alive. 'We're coming back for you, Daniel, I promise. I won't leave you behind again.'
**********
Daniel circled his prison for the umpteenth time. The windows had proven absolutely useless, he'd gotten dizzy just standing near them, besides they were much too narrow for him to squeeze through. There was no way he could escape that way. The door was also a formidable barrier and he suspected that even Teal'c could not have broken it down. Damn it! He'd been alone in this room for hours. It was about damn time that.. Hours? Why wasn't he in pain? It had taken less than three hours from the shot in the infirmary until he really needed one in the garden. Could they have given him the antidote? Or was this only another phase in the poison's cycle of destruction? He passed too close to one of the many floral arrangements in the room, and immediately succumbed to another round of sneezing. Finally recovering, he sank tiredly onto the bed, and buried his head in his hands. His friends were missing, he could only pray they were unharmed, and he was a prisoner in a tower room. The whole scenario was surreal, sounding more like a fairy tale, than a SGC mission.
Another bout of sneezing proved too much for the young man's nerves and he reacted by angrily hurling the closest ornate vase out of the window.
The silken voice took him unawares. "Do the flowers not please the Yige?"
************
The gate shimmered into life and Jack O'Neill was once again the first one through. The remainder of SG-1 and SG-5 followed rapidly on his heels. O'Neill had been disappointed to find that all other SG teams were on assignment, or on leave. That left only the two healthy members of SG-5 who were cleared to return to the planet.
O'Neill stared angrily in the direction of the barrier. "Think this will work, Carter?" Twelve hours of waiting and pacing had done little for his mood.
"I think so, sir. The lab results showed that the phase would shift enough to bring down the barrier. We..."
"Just do it, Major."
Hiding a smile, she responded. "Yes, sir. Captain Noble, would you and Teal'c set the transmitters about five feet off the gate and as close to the barrier as you can get?"
The SG-5 second and the Jaffa nodded their agreement and moved to hurriedly set up their equipment. Jack watched, bemused, as his Major set up her own confusing display of electronics. O'Neill joined Makepeace by the DHD.
"Think that'll work?" Makepeace asked.
"It's got to work. It's our only shot at getting Daniel back."
The two men watched in silence as Carter checked her readings. She turned to face her superior officers. "I think it's ready, sirs."
"You think?"
"It's the best we can do with the info we have, sir."
"Try it, Major."
She nodded, then motioned Noble and Teal'c away from their devices. She took a deep breath then pressed a button. A red flash momentarily blinded her and she cried out, quickly covering her eyes.
Jack took a step forward. "Carter!"
"I'm all right, sir, just forgot about the flash."
"Dammit, Carter. I have enough gray hair."
"Yes, sir." Her attention turned back to the electronics and she smiled. "The barrier should be down, sir."
"I will attempt it first, O'Neill." Teal'c was through the *barrier* before Jack could order him back.
"Good work, Carter."
"Thank you, sir."
Colonel Makepeace smiled grimly. "What now Colonel?"
"We head for the temple. I'd also like to see if we can find a talkative villager."
"I will be happy to seek out a villager who can be made to speak."
"Teal'c, I don't think the Colonel meant it that way. Right, sir?"
O'Neill studied the horizon intently.
"Right, Colonel?"
"Oh, yeah, right, Major. Okay kids, and Colonels, lets move out."
************
Whirling the young scientist found himself facing an extremely beautiful woman. Raven dark hair framed an oval face. The dark eyes were deep set and heavily lined with mascara. "How? Who?"
"We have been awaiting your arrival. Preparations are underway for the ceremony of receiving. We hope you will be pleased with our choice."
Daniel felt his thoughts muddle and his knees turn to mush. "I..I don't understand. Who, who are you?"
"We are called the high priestess of the goddess Nephthys. We welcome you to her temple." A slender hand reached out to touch his cheek.
"We?" Daniel was more than a little alarmed by the royal 'we'.
The smile on her lips did not reach her eyes. "Yes, Daniel Jackson, our sister has told us much of you. We look forward to enjoying pleasure in your arms."
Daniel could not quite suppress the gasp of horror as her eyes began to glow.
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The woman laughed openly at the young man's reaction. Her hand reached out once more to touch his face and he recoiled involuntarily. His arm swept up automatically, blocking her move and stepping backwards away from the woman as he did so. To his dismay, she countered his movement, succeeding in capturing his arm in a surprisingly strong grip. Jerking him forward, she reached past his face and cupped the back of his neck with her free hand. The royal plural disappeared as she addressed him. "Do not think you can escape me, Daniel Jackson." Her hold on his neck and arm tightened, increasing the pain, fear and confusion running rampant in the archaeologist's mind.
Gathering what was left of his wits, Daniel forced himself to look into her eyes. "Do the people below know that you're really Nephthys, not her high-priestess?"
She shrugged. "It is not important what they believe. They exist to serve me in whatever way I choose." Her smile deepened. "As do you."
"I don't think so."
"You will." The hand holding his neck suddenly dropped away. Simultaneously, her other hand brutally twisted his arm up and back, spinning the startled young man around, and jamming him face first into the wall. Forcing the captured arm even higher up his back, Nephthys slid her slender form as close as possible to the furious young man without actually touching him. Her free hand then began a casual, but intimate, examination of his body. His growl of protest was countered by a brutal punch to his kidneys. Biting his lip to keep from crying out in pain, Daniel barely heard her as she whispered once more into his ear. "You will."
**************
The wide variety of vegetation provided the two SG teams with excellent cover as they stealthily approached the temple grounds. A movement to their left was the only indication that Teal'c had returned, alone, from scouting ahead. Jack eyed him with undisguised disappointment. "Teal'c?"
"I am sorry, O'Neill, I was unable to obtain a villager. There is no one in sight."
"That's okay. We'll just have to get by without. ... You didn't see *anyone*?"
"I believe that is what I said, O'Neill."
"No one at all?"
"No, O'Neill. There is no one between ourselves and the temple. I believe the villagers may be inside the temple."
"For what?"
"I do not know, O'Neill."
"Sweet. Carter, you look like something's on your mind?"
"Sir, doesn't it strike you as odd that only Daniel received a lei?"
"He was selected as the Yige whatever, Carter."
"Yes, sir, I know, but within minutes of the villagers becoming aware of us, Daniel was gifted with the garland. Doesn't that strike you as strange?"
"So they liked his face. Get on with it, Carter."
"Well, sir, we *thought* Daniel'd offended them when he threw the lei to the ground, but then they attacked SG-5 when he wasn't with them. Let's face it. The MALP pictures of the temple pretty well guaranteed that Daniel would want to come here. He was so disappointed when he thought he'd be banned from that temple for good. And remember, SG-3 and SG-7 found the glyphs for this address on two entirely different planets. What I'm trying to say, sir, is what if this whole thing was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to capture Daniel? "
O'Neill stared at her. "Why?"
"The barrier at the gate was Goa'uld technology. I don't believe that these people are at the level of technology to be able to use it. That means-"
"A Goa'uld on site. Any idea which one?"
Carter gulped. "Well, sir, with the focus being Daniel, is it possible that, just maybe-"
"She's dead."
"I know you thought she died, sir, but-"
"Carter! *Hathor* is dead, departed, deceased. Just pick your favorite word."
"Yes, sir." Carter did not look convinced.
"O'Neill, Samantha Carter may be partially correct."
Jack's temper flared. "Dammit! I turned the bitch into a Frostie myself."
Teal'c's eyebrow lifted slightly at Jack's tone. "There is a false goddess associated with Anubis and Upuaut."
"*Who*?" Jack's voice was as frost-laden as the Goa'uld queen he'd killed.
"I have heard the name Nephthys mentioned in the court of Apophis, and O'Neill, I have also heard that she has ties to Hathor."
"What kind of *ties*?"
"I do not know, O'Neill. I do know that Hathor and Nephthys are not known to be enemies."
"Sweet, but it still doesn't change anything."
"Sir?"
"We still have to *find* Daniel."
***********
For long minutes after Nephthys departed, Daniel stood frozen, the words *you will* echoing in his mind. Another Goa'uld queen? Why him, dammit? What had he done? Won the most desirable Tau'ri award on the Goa'uld home world? Maybe it's not as bad as it looks. Right. Like he really believed that.
No pheromones though, not like, no - he wouldn't think of her. But Nephthys was Goa'uld. That meant, God, no, please no, a sarcophagus! He'd been in a sarcophagus. It was the simplest explanation for his being freed from the pain that had been his almost constant companion for... How long had it been? He couldn't remember. Never mind, it wasn't important. A *sarcophagus*! Please, no. He'd sworn never again. He'd given his word that he'd never use one again. Not his fault. It was *not* his fault. Jack would understand. "Oh, God, Jack. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Almost breathless with terror, the young man staggered to the couch and collapsed onto its cushions. He buried his head in his hands and struggled for control.
Endless minutes passed as he gradually recovered from the shocks of the last few hours. He cast a terrified glance at his hands, afraid he might once again see the beginnings of the tremors which marked him as an addict. To his relief, his hands were steady. He expelled his breath in a long sigh. "Okay, get a grip, Daniel. What's next? Oh yeah, the ceremony of receiving. Let me guess what I'm to receive. Well, I've got news for you, Nephthys. I won't be here." He stared at the narrow window. "One way or another, I won't be here."
***********
"O'Neill?"
"Here, Teal'c."
The Jaffa slid easily down the slope to kneel beside the SG teams. "Major Carter is correct. There is a Goa'uld presence here. Jaffa now guard the stairway to the entry level."
"How many?"
"Four. Two at the top, two at the bottom. The four alternate patrolling the portico area as well as the grounds below. And, there are the sounds of many people coming from inside the temple area. From the music and chanting coming from inside, I believe that the high priests will soon perform a ceremony of some sort. They are leading the crowd in prayers of thanksgiving for the appearance of the Yige."
"That's bad, very bad."
"Indeed. I fear for Daniel Jackson's safety."
"Any idea where Daniel is being held?"
"No, Colonel O'Neill. Were this a pyramid, I would suspect a dungeon, but I have never before seen this particular Goa'uld design."
"Okay, we're supposedly out of commission behind that barrier so they won't be expecting us. That gives us the advantage. The guards patrol separately?"
"That is correct, O'Neill."
"Carter, when's the last time you went climbing?"
"I was recertified three weeks ago, sir."
"Excellent. Colonel Makepeace, Captain Noble, will you be so kind as to join us in a little high air exercise?"
"Certainly, sir. It would be our pleasure."
"Let's move."
***********
Daniel once again paced the confines of his prison. His blood ran cold and he stopped dead in his tracks as he heard footsteps approaching. God, no. They were coming toward his door. But how many? Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the steps. One? Only one? This was good. Insulting, but good. Now for a weapon. But what?
His eyes surveyed the room. Everything was cushions and flowers. Lots and lots of flowers, and ... vases. Well, hell, why not, it worked in the old movies, sometimes. Daniel hastily removed the flowers from the largest vase, barely stifling a sneeze as he did so, and positioned himself behind the door.
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part - 07 ↑
Daniel stared at the door as he concentrated on the approaching footsteps. His heart jack-hammered in his chest, making it extremely difficult to hear. Blue eyes grew impossibly wide as the doorknob turned. Gulping, he clutched the vase in both hands, and waited an eternity for the door to open. The slender figure of the Anubis priest moved gracefully into the room and stopped dead in his tracks.
'It's now or never' Daniel thought as he brought the vase down on the other man's skull. For one horrifying moment, the priest remained upright, swaying slightly as if in a breeze, before folding into a neat heap at Daniel's feet.
"It worked. It actually worked." Kneeling beside the fallen man, the young archaeologist checked for a pulse, and to his infinite relief, found one. He dragged the unconscious priest further into the room. A thought briefly flitted through his consciousness, wondering why the man had come without his priestly garb, but was as quickly dismissed as inconsequential. Squinting back at the open door, he held his breath, releasing it only when he realized no one had followed the priest. Moving quickly to the door, he took a deep breath, then peered cautiously into the hall. There was no one in sight. He hoped. Without his glasses it was impossible to be sure. Muttering a low "I'm sorry" in the direction of the motionless priest, Daniel slipped into the hall.
***********
The SG teams pulled their simulated native garb from their packs and moved quickly to conceal the military issue knapsacks in the greenery surrounding the base of the temple. Jack once again thanked the powers that be for his Major, who had adamantly insisted the apparel of the temple workers would be of use.
The columns that lined the portico high above them were a mercenary's dream. Solid, easy to see, easy to catch with the grappling hook. Jack tugged on the line, and assured of its hold, swung up the side of the temple before the others could form a protest. He was quickly followed by Sam, Teal'c, and Noble. Makepeace brought up the rear. O'Neill surveyed his four companions. "Okay, that's the first step. Well, kids, what's say we head for the main lobby. Maybe we'll be in time for the double feature."
Noble shot the colonel a confused look. Makepeace just shook his head while Teal'c and Carter eyed their commander with obvious concern. The sarcasm was gone as O'Neill responded to their stares. "The inner temple, people. Daniel's got to be there. That's the most logical place to hold him." ... 'I hope.'
As Teal'c had reported, the portico itself was suspiciously clear of Jaffa. The two that were positioned at the top of the stairway had been easily avoided. 'Too easily.' Jack's inner radar warned. A quick glance into the lower chamber showed that, once again, Teal'c's assessment of the local populace was correct. The floor below them teamed with villagers and temple workers alike. The inner temple was the center of activity. Priests and priestesses moved easily among the local population, leading and encouraging the locals in a mind-numbing chant. Even the music, played by an unseen ensemble, was arranged in the rhythm of the chants.
"Teal'c can you understand what they're saying?"
"Yes, O'Neill. It appears they are engaged in a prayer of thankfulness for the safe return of the Yige." He expression grew slowly more severe as he concentrated on the words wafting their way upward.
"Teal'c, what's wrong?"
"I cannot be sure that I have interpreted this correctly, O'Neill."
"Just spit it out, Teal'c"
An eyebrow raised and Jack hurriedly revised his request. "I mean, just say it."
The Jaffa nodded. "The prayers request that the gods look favorably on the Yige and guide him in his ascension to godhood."
***********
The peephole slid closed and the Upuaut priest bowed respectfully to Nephthys. There was undeniable awe in his voice as he spoke in hushed tones. "It is as you predicted, my queen, the Yige does not truly appreciate the honor that is his."
The woman's smile contained nothing of warmth. "No, but that is of little consequence. His companions?"
"Also as you foretold my lady, they have returned with new companions."
"Where are they now?"
"They lay in wait at the foot of the temple, obviously desirous of gaining sight of the Yige."
"Indeed."
"Do you wish them brought before you, my queen?"
"Not at this time, Upuaut." She paused. "Anubis has gained great favor with us. Please tend to his injuries and see to an appropriate reward."
"Yes, my queen." The priest scurried away.
"Upuaut!"
"Yes, my queen?" The man turned to look back at the woman.
"The ceremony of receiving will not be held tonight. The time is not yet right. Please inform the people of our decision."
"Yes, my queen." He bowed and slid quickly through the door.
The Goa'uld queen watched him leave, then glanced through the peephole once more. "Run, Daniel Jackson, pursue your freedom while you still can, but, when at last I decide you have run enough I shall enjoy punishing you. Indeed I shall." She licked her lips in lascivious delight. "As for your companions, the system lords will pay a high price for your Jack O'Neill, and the rest of your friends. And Teal'c, the traitor, will bring the greatest price of all."
***********
Daniel practically glued his body to the wall as he moved down the hall, frantically trying to remember Jack's instructions on stealth. 'Become one with the environment.' That was lesson one. Daniel smiled as he remembered the Colonel's frustration with him as he'd failed time and time again to get the hang of camouflage. Somehow Jack's lessons had never made much sense. Until now. When he was trapped, alone, in a Goa'uld temple. Well, not quite trapped. He was out of that room, but he had no idea where he was, and worse, no idea where SG-1 was. The only thing he was sure of was the fact that he'd have to go down at some point. His former prison had had an excellent, if slightly dizzying, view of the landscape surrounding the temple.
The archaeologist did not for one minute believe that SG-1 was safe. Their encounter with Aris Boch on ... where the hell had that been? Didn't matter. Not really. The bounty hunter's change of heart had allowed SG-1 to return home to warn the other SG teams of the reward offered by the system lords. No one at SGC had been naive enough to believe the bounties were limited to only the SG-1 team. No, his friends were prisoners somewhere in this nightmare, and he was going to have to find them, somehow. If they hadn't already ... he was *not* going there.
The narrow, dark passageway he'd been groping his way along, suddenly opened up into three. Daniel groaned with frustration as he glanced warily down the three halls, unsure of the direction his feet should take. Two out of the three were moderately well-lit, the third was a dim as the direction from which he'd come. Having nothing to go on but instinct, Daniel chose the darkened corridor.
***********
Jack choked on Teal'c words. "Ascension to godhood?"
"That is what they are saying, O'Neill."
Carter's voice could not conceal the horror she felt. "Colonel, they're gonna put a symbiant in him!"
"Ya think?"
"Sir!"
"Gimme me a minute, Carter. I'm trying to think." Running his hands through his hair, O'Neill watched the crowd below with growing interest. A wicked grin settled on his lips. "Makepeace, how do you look in metal?"
The Marine colonel followed the other man's gaze. Jaffa, in full gear, were scattered throughout the crowd. Some stood stiffly at attention, while others wandered through the masses, obviously on the lookout for trouble. "O'Neill, you're not thinking..."
"Don't worry, Makepeace. Teal'c will show you the ropes."
"Terrific."
***********
The lack of Jaffa, or anyone else for that matter, was playing hell on Daniel's nerves. He'd seen no one since he'd conked the priest. Surely by now the man had been found. Why had the alarm not sounded? They should be combing the temple, searching for him. Oh God. There was only one explanation. His shoulders slumped with dismay as the reality struck home. It had been a ruse. She was playing games with him. *She* knew where he was and was playing with him. A light laugh behind him only served to increase the slouch in his shoulders. "And where might the Yige be going, Daniel? I do not recall giving you permission to leave."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 08 ↑
The descent to the ground level was accomplished quickly and without interruption. Once again warning bells went off in O'Neill's head, only to be silenced by the voice of reason. Using hand signals, the SG teams selected their victims and proceeded to stalk them. Soon two Jaffa had been efficiently disposed of and stripped of their outer garments, their unconscious forms bound, gagged and hidden safely away in the foliage of the gardens. Jack stood back, arms crossed, to admire *his* Jaffa. Teal'c was as obviously comfortable in the garments as Makepeace was miserable. "Buck up, Colonel. Hopefully it won't be for long."
"That's easy for you to say, O'Neill. You're not wearing metallic jockeys."
Jack's eyebrows rose slightly at the unexpected humor, but before he could respond in typical O'Neill fashion, a gong sounded. "What the hell?"
"Colonel, look!"
Jack followed the Major's gaze to see the Upuaut and Anubis priests walking toward center stage, as Jack thought of it. Was it his imagination or did the Anubis priest look somehow damaged? The two priests took positions on either side of a large ornate curtain, decorated with the same scales as the outer door. Jack frowned as the two men motioned for silence. In less time than he'd thought possible, a tense stillness came over the crowd. Both priests bowed low to the crowd then Upuaut raised his hands and started to speak. "Teal'c?"
"Just a moment, O'Neill." The Jaffa strained to hear. "O'Neill, the ceremony has been postponed."
"Sweet. For how long?"
"He does not say. Upuaut only says the gathering will be recalled in due time."
***********
Daniel turned slowly to face the Goa'uld queen. 'Don't let her see your fear. ... Right, who am I kidding?'
A brutal open hand met his cheek and sent him staggering against the wall. "I asked you a question, Daniel Jackson."
Pulling himself upright, the young man spoke softly. "What have you done with my friends?"
A series of hard slaps cost him his balance, throwing him to the floor. A sharp pain told him he'd bitten his tongue, the blood in his mouth adding nausea to the pain. A slender hand ran affectionately over his head, eliciting shudders of disgust from the archaeologist. Looping her fingers in his hair, she suddenly yanked upward, forcing the man to his feet. Her free hand slapped the wall, and a hidden panel slid open. With inhuman strength she threw Daniel into the room. He stumbled backwards in a vain attempt to stay on his feet, hitting hard against a metal bar. He barely suppressed a cry as he felt several ribs give way. Pain washed over his body and he felt light-headed. 'No! Mustn't pass out. Not now.' Using the bar for support, he attempted to steady himself with one hand while holding the other out in front of him, palm outward, in an attempt... To what? Stop her? God, how ridiculous the thought sounded.
Nephthys closed the distance between them, a feral smile on her lips. A blow to his outstretched arm spun him around, costing him his hold on the metal bar. His ribs protested the movement, even as his body followed the path dictated by the force of the impact. Daniel barely managed to stay upright by grabbing hold of a nearby metal post. His eyes glazed over with pain and his vision, already hampered by his missing glasses, became a haze of red. Belatedly, he realized that the red was actually blood forging a trail down his face, across his eyes. 'Odd, don't remember hitting my head.' A brutal kick to his backside hurled him forward and he lost his precarious hold on the metal post. Losing what remained of his balance he fell, landing not on the floor, but rather on a very large, very ornate bed, complete with a tall metal canopy, layered in satin and lace. 'Oh, shit. This is not good.' He almost heard Jack's voice replying 'ya think?' as he struggled to scramble further up the bed, away from Nephthys. His ribs by this time had given up their feeble protests and were in full-scale rebellion at each movement the young archaeologist made. A groan escaped his lips as he forced himself over, positioning his back against the satin headboard.
The Goa'uld queen stood at the foot of the bed, hands on her hips. "I understand from my sister that your talents are many." Daniel paled at her words. "But she always uses her little secret to gain cooperation. *My* little secret is much, much more fun. ... At least for me."
Daniel's eyes widened in horror as she turned her hand to display a ribbon device glowing in her palm. He glanced frantically around him, looking for a way to escape, but even the doorway through which he'd entered had vanished as if by magic.
"Pain or pleasure, Daniel, pleasure or pain. For me, it's all the same."
**********
The crowds were starting to disburse. The villagers were ushered unceremoniously from the main level up the stairs to their homes. The temple workers lingered a little longer before starting to converge at the stairway leading to the inner temple.
"Okay, here's our chance. Carter, Noble, and I will go with the temple workers to the inner temple. Makepeace, Teal'c, stay with the Jaffa as long as possible. Don't risk exposure. As soon as you're able, slip away and look for Daniel. We'll do the same." He checked the watch that he'd carefully concealed underneath his outfit. "We'll meet here in two hours."
"Right, Colonel."
"It will be done, Colonel O'Neill. Colonel Makepeace, if you will follow me and imitate my actions."
"Lead on, Teal'c"
**********
Daniel's face contorted with a silent scream as the ribbon device bore down upon his forehead. The pain was unbearable, but all he could do was bear it. The device stole the ability to do little more than cringe from its victims. To an outside observer, the mechanism froze its victim in time, effectively eliminating the ability to flee its advances. To the recipient, the ribbon device brought unimaginable suffering. Every part of Daniel's being threatened to explode with the agony. White-hot fire slid up and down sensitive nerve-endings. His jaw sagged open as screams attempted to force their way past his paralyzed vocal chords. Nephthys used the ribbon device with the skill of a master. Lowering the glowing bauble to almost touch Daniel's head, her smile deepened as she felt the screams pulsing through his body. Gradually, she eased the device away from his skull, allowing a small respite from the intense pain of close proximity. Then, when she sensed his nerve endings were beginning to recover, she jammed the ribbon device closer still to his skull, laughing aloud as pain and despair played for dominance in his eyes.
A knock on the door abruptly ended her fun. "Come!"
The Anubis priest entered slowly. "My queen."
"What is it, Anubis? I am not yet finished."
"My queen, his," he nodded toward Daniel, who was still held fast in the beam of the ribbon device, "his friends are not where the guards last reported them to be."
Her rapid turn to face the priest, disengaged the beam, allowing Daniel to collapse against the satin comforter. "WHAT!"
"I..I am sorry, my queen, his three companions and two others, have disappeared. Upuaut suspects they are within the temple grounds."
"Then find them Anubis, if you wish to remain high priest. Find them quickly."
The frightened man bowed repeatedly as he backed out of the room. Nephthys' eyes contained nothing but contempt as the priest vanished. She stood perfectly still for a moment before summoning her guards. "Jaffa! Kree!" Pointing to the gasping figure lying motionless on the bed, she ordered, "Secure him. He must not escape again."
Two large Jaffa moved forward and yanked Daniel to his feet. This time he could not suppress the scream as his broken ribs shifted in his chest. The young man was too far gone to fight them as his hands were pulled above his head and bound securely to the metal canopy. The Goa'uld queen smiled as he somehow managed to lift his head and glare in open defiance. Reaching forward she touched his face. "We are not yet finished, Daniel Jackson. The ceremony of receiving will be held tomorrow at sundown. We will have many hours together until then."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 09 ↑
O'Neill brought up the rear as he, Carter and Noble joined the throng of temple workers mounting the stairs into the inner temple. The three had waited until the last possible minute to join the group, hoping they would not be recognized as outsiders. 'Thank God for hoods.' Jack mumbled to himself as he pulled the white linen cloth more closely around his face. Noble stumbled about halfway up the stairs and only a quick catch by O'Neill saved the young Captain from a bad fall down the stairs.
"Sorry, sir." The young man's meek smile showed how embarrassed he was. "Can't quite get used to the skirts."
"Robes, Captain, robes." Jack was quick to correct him.
Simultaneously an amused chuckle came from Sam. "Oughta try it with heels, sir."
"No thanks, Carter, I'll pass. Whoa, what's this?" O'Neill cast a worried look over to where *his* Jaffa had been singled out and were now being addressed by, what Jack guessed, was the head Jaffa. To his relief, the two Jaffa bowed respectfully to their leader, then Teal'c led the way back down the stairs. 'Okay, they haven't been found out, they're just on an assignment.' Breathing easier, he turned and discovered that he had lagged behind the others. Carter and Noble had slowed their pace and were casually keeping an eye on the Colonel. A sudden breeze sent a small dust devil racing across the landing. O'Neill raised his hand to shield his eyes just as the breeze ruffled the bottom of the curtains. The unexpected motion attracted his attention and he was able to see stairs coming down from behind the ornate curtains. They were concealed from the lower level by a low wall, making the area look flat. Frowning, he moved closer. Catching Carter's eye, he motioned to the curtains. She nodded, tapped Noble on the shoulder and the pair began to work their way over to the curtains. Jack paused, waiting for his companions, then nonchalantly, he hoped, swept back part of the material and motioned Carter and Noble inside. Taking one last look around, he slipped behind the curtain himself.
***************
Daniel's breath now came in short, uneven gasps. Try as he would, the pain from his broken ribs was simply too great for him to get enough oxygen in his lungs. The lacerations on his wrists from his bonds had merged into a single bloody mess. His legs were mottled with bruises, some already turning a yellow-black underneath the thin white garments. One eye was swollen shut and somewhere along the line, his lip had split. A ragged gash on his forehead still oozed blood into his one remaining eye.
Nephthys' breath was also coming in short, uneven gasps. Her face glowed with pleasure and she licked her lips in satisfaction as she surveyed the damage she'd wrought on the young archaeologist. In an oddly compassionate move, she lifted his chin gently. "Jaffa! Kree! It's time." Stepping back she watched emotionlessly as two large Jaffa unbound the young man, catching him as he fell.
"Bring him."
*****************
Makepeace followed at an even pace behind Teal'c, even though his gut instinct said to run. He'd thought for sure they'd had it when the head honcho had singled them out. Teal'c had performed beautifully, and the Colonel really wished he knew what had been involved in the short verbal exchange on the landing. The only thing he was certain of was that O'Neill and party were heading deeper into the temple, and he and Teal'c were about as far away from them as they could get. Not a good thing. Hell, for that matter, he hadn't a clue as to what the Jaffa Captain had commanded them to do and Teal'c had not seen fit to enlighten him. Granted, there hadn't been much of a chance, but still, now that they were back on the ground level...
"Colonel Makepeace!"
'At last.' "Yes, Teal'c?" Makepeace tried not to sound over-anxious.
"We have been ordered to find the vile Tau'ri that have invaded the temple of Nephthys."
"Great. Just great. We gotta warn O'Neill."
"That will be difficult. We are on the bottom level."
"Teal'c, you don't really believe that those stairs are the only way up there, now do you?"
The Jaffa tilted his head. "You propose to climb the walls?"
"I hope not. Call it a hunch but where's that waterfall?"
**************
Jack stared momentarily at the altar behind the curtains. A chill ran up his spine as he recognized the dark stains on the surface as blood. Hopefully, not human, but with the Goa'uld... Suppressing a shudder, he motioned for Carter to lead the way up the narrow stairway. Noble followed quickly. O'Neill soon joined them at the top of the stairs and watched as the Captain and Major ran their hands over an apparent dead end. "What the?"
"Just a minute, sir. There's definitely a door here, somewhere."
"Ya think?"
"Yes, sir, there're scratches on the stone, where it's probably opened." Carter took a moment to point to the floor.
"Got it, sirs." Noble pushed a small stone inward and the door began to swing toward the team.
"Way to go, kids." Before either junior officer could reply, O'Neill was through the opening. Carter met Noble's grin, then raced after the Colonel. They found him facing a three-way hall.
"Which way, sir?"
A grim-faced O'Neill turned to face his companions. "All three."
"Sir?"
"Getting into this place was too easy, Carter. I have a feeling we're running on borrowed time."
***************
As Makepeace had suspected, the waterfall concealed a narrow ladder. The wood groaned with the unexpected weight of two Jaffa in full armor. The Colonel was breathing heavily by the time he reached a small landing. He now had two options, continue upward or squeeze through the small opening in the wall. The obvious ill-repair of the ladder above the landing made his decision almost simple but his armor barely made it through the opening.
Teal'c eyed the small space with undisguised dismay. He could not see how he would fit, but he would try. His eyebrow raised in confusion as he realized that Makepeace was speaking, but not to him. The heavy Jaffa was barely able to scramble up the overhead ladder when a Jaffa guard poked a helmeted head through the opening for a brief look. The overlarge helmet created a blind spot above the Jaffa, preventing him from seeing Teal'c directly above him. Spotting no one, the helmet retreated. Teal'c listened as footsteps left, dragging something, Teal'c hoped not a body, away. Dropping back to the landing, he squeezed through the hole and prepared to follow the Marine's captors.
**************
The young SG-5 Captain faced a double hallway with dismay. Tossing a mental coin, Noble chose left and moved stealthily down the hall. Another opening presented itself and Noble froze as he thought he heard footsteps. Gulping, he moved forward slowly, then gasped as he found himself face-to-face with O'Neill. "Colonel!"
"Well, we know where that hall goes. Any doors?"
"None visible, sir."
"None on my hall, either." Jack looked closely at the young Captain. "Opinion?"
"Hidden doors, sir, this place is a damn maze with hidden doors."
"Sweet. Let's find Carter."
***************
Samantha Carter edged her way along the hallway she'd selected. The oddly shaped stones rubbed against her back as she tried to stay as close to the wall as possible. Her palm ran across a small knobby surface, and she gasped as a *stone* panel slid away to reveal a room filled with flowers. Cautiously she stepped into the room, jumping nervously as something crunched under her foot. Glancing down she saw broken shards from one of the vases. Her brow furrowed with confusion as she knelt to look at what she thought might be blood on one of the shards. Her hand froze as her line of sight found a familiar piece of metal underneath the chaise. "Holy Hannah!" Reaching under the furniture she retrieved Daniel's glasses. She cradled them in one hand as she once again reached for the blood covered ceramic shard. "Oh, God, Daniel. Where are you?"
****************
Daniel Jackson dangled limply between the two Jaffa as they followed their queen down a narrow hallway. Nephthys pressed another of her panels and the door revealed itself. Moving swiftly to the center of the room, she ran her hand over the controls of the elaborate golden sarcophagus. The top panels slid aside and she motioned her Jaffa forward. "Place him inside."
A weak, "no", and a brief but futile struggle was proof of the young man's determination to stay clear of the obscene creation. Far too easily, he was hoisted into the open cavity. Nephthys leaned over and fondled his face. "Rest, my dear Daniel. Rest and heal. And when you are healed, we can play the game again." Her laughter at the horror in his eyes echoed in Daniel's mind as the lid slid shut and he was bound into a healing darkness.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 10 ↑
Darkness. Silence. Those were the things Daniel noticed most as the lid slid slowly closed. They corroborated his memories of previous sarcophagus use. It wouldn't be long... There. Right on time. The inner lights on the inside of the thing flickered on, followed closely by the incessant whirring that he'd come to think of as 'the doctor'. A small, thin beam of red started at his head and ran down his body. Without his glasses, his field of vision didn't extend much past his chest, but he suspected the beam began at his head and finished at his feet. The faint warmth he'd felt from its glow tended to back that supposition. A quick cursory inspection of the damage. A once-over by an omnipotent machine. His tired mind screamed for release but his vocal chords refused to cooperate.
And he remembered. God, he remembered. Shyla. On Apophis' ship, he'd been too close to death to discern anything. But with her, for her... The *need* to save his enslaved friends had first driven him into continued use of the sarcophagus. The *need* to please Shyla had eased his conscience about ignoring the pain-filled pleas of his friends, and slipping more often into the device became easier with each passing hour. The *need* for its warmth, its comfort, its pleasures - the *need* for it had too soon replaced everything that was important to him, rendering him useless in saving either his friends, or himself. Too soon he'd found himself without hope of ever being reunited with Sha'uri, growing steadily more amenable to Shyla's proposals. He'd become completely bereft of freewill and intelligent thought, as he had given himself over to the sarcophagus' revitalizing clutches. Whispering a tearful, "God, no, I promised Jack," he forced his nightmare memories back to the dark recesses of his mind and focused on the healing he knew would soon begin.
The whirring increased as the beam moved slowly across his face. He fought to remain conscious as the pain from the bruises and lacerations began to heal. The chamber was growing warm. Suddenly a faint pulsing sound could be heard, growing louder as the warmth intensified. Daniel's eyelids began to flutter wildly as he tried to stay awake. They grew heavier with each passing moment, and soon closed completely. The pulsating sound grew louder, sounding more and more like the beating of a heart. At last he could no longer resist, and succumbed to the sarcophagus' power, fear gripping his soul as he remembered *her* words, "And when you are healed, we can play the game again."
***********
Jack led the way as he and Noble backtracked in search of Carter. He frowned as they approached a dead end with no Major in sight. They'd passed no further cutoffs and the disgruntled Colonel was starting to curse, not entirely under his breath. He agreed with Noble that the temple was a maze, filled with hidden rooms, and he had no idea how to find even one of them. But Carter had to be somewhere. He resisted, barely, the urge to call her. Motioning Noble to take one side of the corridor, he took the other, and began the search for hidden rooms.
***********
Makepeace's body actually bounced as he was roughly dropped into a pit, with the only exit being high above his head. 'Not good,' he thought anxiously. His Jaffa helmet had been yanked ruthlessly from his shoulders, almost taking his head with it, when the local goon squad had stumbled across him. The furious Captain had spat what appeared to be questions at him, in a language the Marine could never hope to understand. The overt anger died as the Jaffa finally recognized the futility of the exercise. An order issued to the rest of the guard had resulted in Makepeace being firmly secured and quick-marched away from his companion.
***********
"Colonel?" Jack whirled to find himself facing Samantha Carter.
"Major - don't do that!"
"Yes, sir."
His shoulders hunched as she silently handed him Daniel's glasses. "Where?"
She silently pointed to the door that was slowly disappearing into the wall. Moving quickly she pressed a rock-shaped panel and the door reversed its motion. The three officers walked quickly into the room. This time it was Jack's turn to stare at the décor. "They were under the chaise, sir."
"Sweet. Did you find anything else?"
"Yes, sir. There are broken pottery shards on the floor. S..some of them have blood on them."
O'Neill followed her line of sight, and knelt beside the ceramic pieces. He fingered a slim piece gingerly. "Did either of you think that Nubie-somebody-or-other..."
"Anubis, sir."
"Right. Anyhow, did either of you think he appeared a little, uh, damaged on stage?"
Sam thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it sir, he was a little pale and wobbly." Her eyes brightened. "You think Daniel escaped, sir?"
"No, but he thought he did." Jack closed his eyes at the thought of what his young friend would have suffered for the escape attempt.
"I don't understand, sir." It was Noble speaking this time. Carter seemed lost in thought.
Jack stood up slowly. "They let Daniel go. I suspect he was recaptured not too terribly far away from here."
"Why?"
"It's part of the game."
Noble looked puzzled. "I don't understand, sir."
Carter answered for him. "It's like you said, isn't it sir? Too easy."
"Right. We've probably been observed all, or at least, most of the time since we returned to this planet. They've set us up, and done a damn fine job of it."
The sound of hands clapping came from behind them. The younger officers whirled while the Colonel took his time, silently berating himself for leading his team into a trap. And such an obvious one, now that he took the time to really look. The woman that stood in the doorway was beautiful, and very, very pleased with herself. "You're very good, Colonel O'Neill." She moved forward and touched Sam's face. "And this must be Captain Carter."
Jack countered automatically. "Major, it's Major Carter."
"Indeed. Whatever." She turned her attention to Captain Noble. "But I don't know this one. Since I have your Daniel, and this is obviously not the traitor Teal'c, I insist on being introduced."
The Colonel motioned for Noble to remain silent. "This is Captain Noble."
"Not part of SG-1." She thought for a moment. "Hmmm, SG-5. That's right. You serve with, I believe, Colonel Makepeace, who I might add is also a guest of mine."
***********
The silent Jaffa stood guard, their sheer bulk enough to dissuade the curious from entering the chamber. The golden sarcophagus dominated the room from its central location on the raised platform. The silence in the room was suddenly broken by the sound of the device coming to life. The Jaffa turned their attention to the sarcophagus as the heavy lid began to open.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 11 ↑
'It was a trap. I have once again failed my companions by not realizing this earlier in this misadventure. The ease with which Colonel Makepeace was taken has only served to confirm my suspicions. Perhaps I should have spoken of my unease earlier to O'Neill, but it is not my way to speak without evidence, to *guess*. I believe that Daniel Jackson would argue with that. He would call it a hunch. I do not understand the difference.
It was difficult gaining entry to the inner chamber. The Jaffa uniform I wear is large, even on me, and for a moment, I feared that I had erred again in not removing the metal plating before attempting to slide through the narrow aperture to the inner chamber. As it was, I wasted valuable time forcing my torso through the opening. I stand here now, weighing my options. I no longer hear the Jaffa who have taken Colonel Makepeace. I do not know where they have taken the man. Likewise, I do not know where in this temple Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter and Captain Noble may be found, but I fear they will also soon be prisoners of this Nephthys. This mission has been well and truly compromised.
When I served Apophis as First Prime, there would have been no doubt as to the correct course of action. Those captured would have been considered lost, and left behind to whatever fate awaited them. O'Neill has taught me that this is not the correct way, that a true leader will sacrifice himself for the team as easily as the team will sacrifice itself for the leader. Colonel O'Neill is such a man. I believe that, despite their differences, Colonel Makepeace is one as well. I do not know Captain Noble, but Major Carter has also proven herself worthy of respect time and time again. There is also this - somewhere in this place Daniel Jackson is held against his will.
I remember the words of Aris Boch concerning the reward for the capture of SG-1, myself in particular, and of Colonel O'Neill's belief that the bounties extended to all SG teams, not just his own. If this is the truth, then Nephthys must plan to, as O'Neill would say, cash in.
My course of action is clear - I must attempt to rescue my teammates, although I am very much afraid that I am doomed to fail. That I may never see my companions, no, my friends again.'
His thoughts were the only thing that broke the silence of the corridors as Teal'c stealthily pursued Makepeace's captors. He knew the general direction that the Marine had been taken, and had so far been fortunate that no hallways branched off of the route he'd taken. As he traveled further into the temple, he was surprised to find no sign of additional chambers opening off of the halls. Confused, the Jaffa slowed his pace. Memory took him on a tour of the palaces and temples he'd frequented in the service of Apophis, and none were designed in this manner. His expression furrowed into a frown as he suddenly remembered Bratac's teachings. Temples built as endless mazes where secret halls and rooms abounded. The buildings were flights of fancy for the designers, a whim of a Goa'uld system lord to be indulged and nurtured at all costs. An architect who pleased his Goa'uld master could count on long life and a great deal of power and influence. Bratac's teachings went further, telling tales of endless mazes which brought only death to the unwary, be it friend or foe. Looking warily around him now, Teal'c slowed his pace and began to study the walls, and floors, for that which might be hidden. He could not afford to be captured nor killed. The lives of his friends rested solely upon him.
************
Jack was quick to note that the Goa'uld queen made no mention of Teal'c. When he last saw the Jaffa, Makepeace had been with him. O'Neill doubted they had willingly separated. The Colonel was no fool. Nephthys, if that was indeed its name, knew exactly who was in his party. That she had not mentioned Teal'c could only mean that he had not been captured. She was baiting him, but he would not take the lure. Two could play at the silence game. Besides, there was one other whose fate concerned him more than that of the Jaffa. Daniel. Teal'c was a Jaffa warrior and could more than take care of himself. Daniel, however, was an academician, albeit well-coached by O'Neill in self-defense. The young archaeologist had been suffering the debilitating effects of an unknown poison when O'Neill had last seen him. His first concern had to be with Daniel. Jack smiled evenly at the woman. "Where is Daniel?"
"Oh, right to the point, I see." Nephthys smiled benignly at the Colonel. "Daniel is resting at the moment. We were indulging ourselves in a little game and my Daniel became overtired. He is even now sleeping and regaining his strength. I do not understand why he is so important to you, this is the second time since he has joined us that he has been in need of *rest*."
Carter picked up on the hidden meaning of her words. "Oh, God, Colonel, she's put him in a sarcophagus."
Jack bit back his retort, quickly holding up a hand to silence the Major. "I'd like to see him, if you don't mind."
Nephthys glanced from his face to Carter's and back to his. "You hide your concern much better than Cap, uh, Major Carter. But do not worry, you will see him ... at the Ceremony of Receiving. Jaffa! Kree!" The room suddenly became overcrowded as what could only be termed a hoard of Jaffa entered. Nephthys' smile deepened. "Take them to join their friend." Whirling, she left the room as quickly as she'd appeared.
*************
Daniel's eyes slowly opened to the glare of the overhead lights. He squinted and reached up to grab the sides of the sarcophagus for support. Pulling upward he blinked quickly as his eyes tried to focus on the room around him. The Jaffa on guard made no move toward him, only watched intently as he regained his bearings. He felt ... good, no, better than good. He felt oddly euphoric. Happy. He hadn't felt like this since ... when? Why couldn't he remember? Were memories always this fuzzy when one came out of the device? He didn't know, and frankly, didn't care.
Gingerly, he climbed over the side and stood barefoot on the floor. The Jaffa made no move to stop him. He examined his body, inch by inch. He was whole. His injuries had been healed. A vague threat tickled his memory but he couldn't remember who or what he feared. Nor did he really care to try. He patted the side of the box, wondering again why the SGC didn't try to appropriate one. He'd really have to talk to Jack ... Jack! Oh, God. The euphoria vanished as he realized the path his thoughts had taken. His stomach roiled and he felt sick. Suddenly finding himself leaning for support on the golden abomination, his hands released it quickly as if the gold itself were on fire. Bereft of support, his shaking legs would no longer support his weight and he slipped into a heap on the floor. As he fell, a shadow passed over him and he heard her speak. "Now that you are healed, we can play the game again."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 12 ↑
'It was a trap. I've thought about it for quite some time now, since I first landed in this pit, and I can't come to any other conclusion. Should have seen it before. Why the hell didn't I? Shit! I know, too damn busy playing follow the leader. I relaxed and let O'Neill shoulder the burden alone. Damned stupid thing to do, and totally unfair to Jack. He had enough to worry about with Dr. ... Daniel missing and dying to boot. Great move Makepeace.
At least Teal'c didn't get caught. Wonder if that was part of the plan? Don't go there, Robert. Assume the others are still free. Right. There's a reason 'assume' starts with 'ass'.
Nine by seventeen. Approximately. Twenty-two feet high. At least. No wonder my ass hurts. Smooth stone walls. Stone floor. Correction. Dirty stone floor. Metal grate over top. Typical. And quite difficult to escape from. Dammit. No source of water. No facilities either. Hmmm. Either this is only a temporary holding cell or my hosts don't care. Not good.
Uh oh, footsteps. Marching footsteps, and lots of them. Looks like company's coming.'
******
The cold of the stone beneath him permeated his bones as Nephthys' words hit home. She was back, and he was at her mercy ... again. Daniel stared at the floor, suddenly interested in a line of ant-like insects marching toward the wall. He remained perfectly still, trying to regain his composure. The Goa'uld queen allowed his brief retreat for a short moment, then reached forward, entwined her fingers in his hair, and jerked him brutally to his feet. He swayed dizzily for a moment, then forced his eyes to meet hers. He glared wordlessly at the ageless woman, wondering for a brief moment who the poor soul was that was imprisoned for eternity with this particular Goa'uld.
******
'It was a trap. Of all the stupid, idiotic things to do! I, Colonel Jack O'Neill, fell for a trap. It was obvious from the start, at least for anyone with eyes to see it. And now, the three of us are being marched to who knows where. Hopefully wherever Makepeace is. At least Teal'c is still free. I do a quick check on Carter and Noble, and am proud to say I see nothing but the courage of professional soldiers. They hide their fear from the Jaffa surrounding us, but not from me. Okay, I know Carter's mannerisms best, but I'd be a fool not to have at least a cursory knowledge of those serving with the rest of the Stargate teams. You never know when your life may depend on one of them. Noble's a good man, I hope he won't have to die because of my stupidity. ... Dammit! I should have seen through the subterfuge much, much sooner.
I'm confused though. ... Get a grip, O'Neill. ... Why not take Danny when we first arrived, along with the rest of us? Doesn't make sense. ... Oh. Stupid Jack. Really stupid. We sent SG-5 in to play nice when we thought SG-1 had blown it. That's how she knew another SG team was on Earth. God! I even recommended another go. Poisoning Daniel was her trump card. The bitch. We had no choice but to return and she knew it. Then they took Daniel. Dammit-to-hell. We shouldn't have gone back for SG-5. Two more bounties for *her* damn coffers. Shit. I am sorry guys.'
******
The silence was familiar. The halls of this temple were as cold and uninviting as the halls of Apophis' palace. The throne room and royal chambers had been, Teal'c remembered, opulent and full of light, but the corridors frequented by the Jaffa and other staff had been devoid of decoration and boasted minimal light at best. Teal'c remembered Daniel Jackson had had a name for the stark environment. Spartan. These halls were the same but missing the adjoining rooms. Or were they? Teal'c eyed the walls more closely, looking for any anomalies. His Jaffa trained eyes soon landed on a stone that was slightly mismatched to the others. He tentatively ran his fingers over it, and a hidden door whooshed open. Ducking backwards against the wall, the Jaffa held his breath and waited for discovery. None came. Peering into the room, he frowned at the sight before him. The large bed would, by itself, have drawn his attention, but the floor was stained with dried blood, and leather-like ties dangled from a metal canopy. The ties were also stained with what looked like blood. Teal'c knelt and touched the stains. The blood on the floor was dry, but the leather-like ties held a hint of moisture, indicating to the warrior that the unfortunate soul had left here less than three hours before. Teal'c's frown turned into a snarl as he once again looked at the bed, then the blood. It suddenly became perfectly clear just who that prisoner had been. Daniel Jackson had been imprisoned here, and had clearly been tortured. Glancing once again at the bed, the Jaffa could only hope that the young man had not also been required to once again 'share' his DNA.
******
Nephthys met Daniel's glare with a smile on her lips and ice in her eyes. The look chilled the young archaeologist to the bone. He shivered in spite of himself, provoking laughter from the Goa'uld queen. Still keeping a tight grip on his hair with one hand, she ran the other over his newly healed face. Her fingers paused momentarily on his lips, then slid seductively down his chest, releasing the ties on his tunic as she went. As the material slid apart, she repositioned her hand on his bare chest. Daniel cringed and closed his eyes tightly, as she moved ever closer to him. Releasing her hold on his hair, she motioned for the Jaffa to leave. As the door closed, her free hand snaked its way around his neck, forcing his lips to meet hers. Daniel desperately attempted to push away but to no avail. Nephthys finally released him and laughed as he lost his balance, falling away from her. Her laughter intensified as she swatted a wall panel, revealing a doorway to another of her playpens. His eyes widened in horror, and his pale features washed completely out as she once again reminded him. "Pleasure or pain, Daniel. The choice is yours."
******
Makepeace moved as far away from the opening in the grate above his head as possible. He squatted on the floor, lazily drawing circles in the dust, as the action began above him. A small, almost unheard shriek, and Samantha Carter landed on the floor. Quickly rolling to her feet, she moved aside just in time to be replaced by John Noble. The Commander of SG-5 watched with concern as the two landed, very relieved that neither appeared to be injured. Carter quickly pulled Noble to one side. Gaining his feet, the Captain joined her in glaring upward. Neither had noticed the Colonel's presence as yet. Indistinct, but vocal cursing reached their ears and Jack O'Neill dropped into the pit. He landed harder than the other two, succeeding in knocking the breath out of himself as he hit the floor. As the other two pulled the gasping man into a standing position, Makepeace felt it was time to make his presence known. Carter and Noble both started slightly but O'Neill only stiffened almost imperceptibly as Makepeace finally spoke up. "Great rescue, O'Neill."
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O'Neill stared in shock at his Marine counterpart. 'God, the man has a sense of humor, who woulda thought.' "Been here long?"
Makepeace stood up, dusting off his hands as he rose. "Long enough."
"Find anything useful?"
"Nope."
"Oh. ... You okay?"
"Fine. ... Thanks for asking. You?"
"Peachy. We're all just peachy."
"That's good."
Carter and Noble watched the interplay between the two colonels, heads swiveling as if they were at a tennis match. As O'Neill opened his mouth to reply in kind to Makepeace's short statement, Carter interrupted. "Excuse me, sirs, but *cut this out* ... please ... sirs."
Noble's eyes widened as she spoke but he remained tactfully silent. O'Neill took in Carter's flashing eyes and jaw set in anger, then glanced at Makepeace. "Well, Colonel, the Major's right."
"Yes, yes she is. Did you find Jackson?"
"No, dammit. Teal'c?"
"Stroke of luck, that one there. He wasn't captured when the goon squad showed up. Concealed by a wall. He may still be free."
"Can't count on it. How high?"
"About twenty-two feet."
"Carter?"
"Sir?"
"How are you at picking locks ... one-handed?"
***********
Teal'c's fist tightened around the straps. His arm muscles tensed as he angrily yanked at the leather-like ties from the metal canopy. The ties didn't break free, but the framework did, collapsing in a metallic heap at the foot of the bed. The echoes bounced off the walls. Teal'c didn't flinch as the noise surrounded him. The Jaffa warrior instead eyed the door, hoping that those who had so injured his friend would give him the satisfaction of returning. Long minutes passed, and the doorway remained empty. Kicking the fallen canopy away from him in disgust, Teal'c left the room, once again in search of his companions, and vowing vengeance on the ones who had harmed Daniel Jackson.
***********
The tunic tore away from his body as Nephthys' strong hands forced him to his feet. His chest heaved as he struggled to regain control over his breathing, and his hands went automatically to the too loose ties around his trousers, unconsciously retying and knotting them. Using the slight distraction, Daniel hurriedly backed away, desperately placing the bed between himself and the Goa'uld queen. She frowned, angrily aware that her prey was temporarily out of her reach. Stopping in her tracks, she glowered at the young man. "Daniel, you cannot win. You will be mine before the ceremony tonight."
"Like hell I will." He dodged onto and over the bed as she suddenly lunged for him. He knew as he moved that sooner or later she would regain physical control of him. Glancing toward the only door, he silently moaned as he finally realized that the Jaffa guarded the exit, leaving him no escape. His lapse of watchfulness cost him dearly as impossibly strong hands recaptured their objective.
***********
"You holding up okay, Makepeace?" Jack called to the man beneath him.
The stockier, heavier set man answered through clenched teeth. "Just do it." The strain of supporting the two men above him showed in his voice.
"Noble you ready?"
"Ready, sir."
"All right, Carter, your turn."
"Colonel, are you..."
"Just do it, Major!" Makepeace's voice came out as a strained gasp.
The young blond hesitated only a fraction of a moment longer, then started her climb, wincing in sympathy as the Marine Colonel grunted under the addition of her weight. She climbed as quickly as possible, pausing only momentarily when Jack suddenly cried out. "Watch that foot, you damn near kicked my head."
"Sorry, sir." Carter slipped easily from O'Neill's shoulders to Noble's back. She smiled suddenly as she realized the young Captain was supporting as much of his weight as possible by clinging to a shallow hole in the wall just above his head, thus taking some of the burden off of the men below. He gasped slightly as her weight caused him to readjust his grip. Sweating profusely with the strain of the climb, she forced herself up his back and onto his shoulders. Reaching upward, she grabbed the ceiling bars with her right hand, hung limply for a moment, then sent her left hand upwards to join her right. Swinging off of Noble's back, she kicked her feet upwards, finally succeeding in looping her legs around the bars. Sighing in relief, she called out to the men. "I'm here."
Noble immediately pushed off and dropped easily to the ground. Jack followed suit, landing on his feet, breath coming in short gasps. "Sweet."
Makepeace said nothing as his trembling legs folded underneath him and he sank to the floor of the cell.
"Robert?" Jack's voice disguised none of the concern he felt.
"I'm ... okay, Jack," he gasped, "just ... don't ask me ... to do that ... again."
"Right. Carter?"
"Almost there, sir."
************
"Nooooo!" Daniel screamed and struck out in as much anger as panic when the woman pulled him toward the bed. The unexpected blow caught her square on the chin, causing a howl of rage and pain to issue from her lips. Her backhand hurled him face down on the floor. "I grow tired of these games. You *will* belong to me, Daniel Jackson. Jaffa! Kree!"
Two Jaffa entered the chamber quickly and bowed to their goddess.
"Seize him." Nephthys snarled.
Daniel shook his head to clear it as the Jaffa dragged him off the floor.
There was no smile for her victim this time. The Goa'uld queen glared at the young man for a moment. Drawing back, she punched him in the gut as hard as she could. Only the strong hold of the Jaffa kept him on his feet. More blows followed, too quickly for Daniel to even draw a breath. Tears streamed down his face as she used him for a human punching bag. Her rage left her as suddenly as it arrived, and she backed away, laughing as she did so. "We tire of your lack of cooperation, but there is a cure for that ailment. The ceremony of receiving will be held *now*, not tonight as scheduled. ... Prepare him. We will inform the priests." Once again, he noted foggily, she was using the royal 'we'. From somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind the words 'not good', came to mind. He barely noticed as she whirled and left the room. His ragged breathing filled the chamber as he attempted to bring oxygen into his starving lungs. The bruising on his abdomen kept him doubled over, even in the iron grip of the Jaffa warriors, as he was unceremoniously dragged down the hall.
*********
"Carter?"
"Just a minute, sir. I ... think ... I've about got ... it."
O'Neill nodded in frustration, then remembered the young blond dangling above his head couldn't see him. "Fine, Carter. You're doing fine." He hated having to send her, alone, in search of a rope or ladder or some other means of escape from this pit. His eyes caught sight of Noble staring in concern at the Major and he smiled as he realized his concern was shared by his companions. "She'll be fine, gentlemen."
"Never doubted it for a moment." There was a smile in Makepeace's eyes which told O'Neill that this Marine respected the Major's abilities as a scientist, and as a soldier. Staring up at Carter's slender form, Jack pondered the fact that the fates had blessed him by giving him the opportunity to serve with the rare combination of brains and courage that were Samantha Carter.
A hissed "Yes" and a metallic groan were all the notice the men on the floor received as Carter successfully undid the lock. Jack's congratulatory comments died on his lips as Sam gave a small shriek and disappeared through the grate, a dark hand firmly entwined around her wrist.
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"Carter!" Jack's worried shout echoed in the cell as he watched the young Major's feet disappear through the opening above him. Cursing in frustration he began to pace, all too aware that Makepeace and Noble were looking in concern toward the ceiling grate. Endless moments passed before her blond head reappeared.
"Colonel O'Neill?"
"Carter? You okay?" 'Stupid question, Jack.' "What happened?"
"I'm fine, sir. It was Teal'c. He pulled me up."
"Fantastic. The gang's all here, almost. Where is he now?"
Her face glued to the bars as she spoke softly. "He went to get a rope, sir, he spotted one a ways back. He'll be ..." A rope dropped into the cell.
"Climb up, O'Neill."
"What's that rope secured to?"
"I have it, O'Neill."
Jack sighed. "Nothing personal, Teal'c, but belay that rope to the bars."
"As you wish." Teal'c quickly tied off the rope and stood back as the three men in the cell climbed to the relative freedom of the hall.
Jack was the last to surface. "Any sign of Daniel?"
Teal'c frowned. "I have not seen him, however, I found a room where someone was recently tortured."
Jack filled in the blanks. "You believe it was Daniel."
"Yes, O'Neill, I ..." His words were cut off by the sound of a gong.
Makepeace glanced around him. "What the heck was that?"
"In Apophis' palace, a gong was used to summon the people to the temple to worship their god."
"Terrific." Jack spoke dryly. "Carter, didn't that Nephy-something say the ceremony of receiving would be tonight?"
"You saw her?" Makepeace asked surprised.
"Long story. Well, Carter?"
"Yes, sir, but if Teal'c's right, then she's changed her mind."
"Terrific. Teal'c, can you get us back outside, where the stage is?"
"Yes, O'Neill."
"Great. Once we get there, Makepeace, take Carter and Noble and put together a diversion. Teal'c and I will get Daniel."
Makepeace eyed his counterpart warily. "What kind of diversion?"
"Jeez, Makepeace, you're a Colonel, just wing it."
************
His feet skidded across the floor, and his arms felt as if they were being wrenched from their sockets. The throbbing in his shoulder blades was keeping time with the agony in his midsection. Fury replaced fear as the young archaeologist struggled to pull himself upright. He might be going to his death, but he'd be damned if he was going on his belly. No, he'd be on his feet until the bitter end. The Jaffa who held him merely tightened their grip as he finally managed to get his feet underneath him. A few staggered steps, and his balance returned. Ignoring the pain in his abdomen, he forced himself to stand upright. Soon he was walking between them.
************
"This has a familiar look." Makepeace spoke dryly as they entered the small chamber where he'd been captured. The gong once again began its appeal to the worshipers of Nephthys and the Marine turned to Teal'c. "How long do we have?"
The Jaffa looked solemn. "This is the second summons. If this queen behaves as Apophis, then there will be a third summons before the gates are locked."
"Sweet. Makepeace, I take it you know the way from here?"
"That would be correct, Colonel." Nodding at the small doorway, he ordered. "Carter, take the point. Noble, follow her. Down the ladder, and wait for me at the bottom. O'Neill?" Makepeace turned to face Jack even as the two younger officers moved quickly through the doorway.
"If I'm right, I can get us to the stage level without going outside, but we gotta get a move on, the witch mentioned something about us watching the ceremony."
"Special." Makepeace gave a thumb's up to his Air Force counterpart and disappeared through the doorway.
Jack watched the threesome as they disappeared down the ladder, then turned to Teal'c. "Let's go get Daniel."
"Indeed. That would seem to be an excellent idea, Colonel O'Neill."
************
Anubis approached the Goa'uld queen as she made her way toward the altar. "All is as you have commanded, my queen."
"Excellent. Has the final member of O'Neill's group been located?"
"No, my queen. It is believed the traitor Teal'c may have fled the temple, abandoning his companions to their fate."
Nephthys frowned. "Find him. A representative from the System Lords will arrive tomorrow to take possession of our prisoners. Teal'c must be among them."
"What of Daniel Jackson, my queen?"
She smiled as she fingered a brightly colored basket next to the altar. "He will remain here, as my pharaoh, for as long as I desire."
************
"Carter?" Makepeace reached the bottom of the ladder and easily spotted Noble, but Sam was nowhere in sight.
Her reply of "Here, sir" coincided with Noble's tilt of his head toward the back of the small chamber underneath the falls.
"Major, what are you doing?"
"Sorry, sir, but I believe I've found our diversion, at least part of it." She nodded toward a pile of dry wood, all that remained of the upper ladder.
Makepeace frowned and moved closer. He glanced at the rotting wood, then up at the ladder. "Noble, earlier I believe I saw some torches burning in the garden outside this cave. I need one." Glancing back at Sam, he added. "Lay out your kindling, Major, I'll get the fuel." As Noble slipped carefully out of the chamber behind the falls, he caught sight of Makepeace on the ladder, tugging the wooden rungs from their supports.
************
Teal'c was deep in thought as he followed Jack down the hall. "O'Neill?"
"What Teal'c?"
"We must not wander these halls for too long. The first gong summoned all but the Jaffa on watch to the gathering, but I do not believe we will be able to evade even those few for much longer."
"Ya think?"
"Yes, O'Neill, I think..."
"Never mind, Teal'c. If I'm right, we should be almost ... Ha! there." Directly in front of them were the backs of those temple workers privileged enough to be on stage with the Goa'uld queen. Motioning Teal'c to stay near him, O'Neill casually tossed the hood of his tunic over his head and moved deliberately to join the group on the stage. Teal'c quickly closed his Jaffa helmet and warily followed O'Neill. The Colonel skillfully edged his way through the onlookers and finally found himself in the front row. He frowned as he caught sight of Nephthys waiting *patiently* by the altar.
Nephthys raised her hands and a third gong sounded. Gradually a hush descended upon the temple. The Goa'uld queen spoke. "Our prayers have been answered. The Yige has been returned to us. Let the Yige now come forward and take his rightful place among the gods."
All eyes looked toward the other side of the stage. A low growl from Teal'c caused Jack to place a restraining hand on the Jaffa's arm. Daniel, obviously battered but seemingly in good health, was being *escorted* across the stage toward the altar. Jack could almost feel the tension in his young friend's body as Daniel passed within two feet of him, but the Colonel knew he could not make a move just yet. 'God, Makepeace, please get it in gear. We don't have much time here.'
************
Daniel's thoughts were in chaos as the Jaffa escorted him toward Nephthys. The Goa'uld queen stood waiting in front of an altar. The basket beside her looked innocuous enough but Daniel knew better. He instinctively slowed only to be prodded into forward motion by the Jaffa behind him. The glowing eyes of the queen looked him over from head to toe as he stood before her. "Our sister will be most envious of us, my Yige. Her pharaoh now belongs to us." Daniel reacted without thinking, as she reached out a hand to once again stroke his face, and he batted her hand away, hard. She frowned and seized his chin in her hand. "We are displeased, my Yige, most displeased. You must not fight what is to come, the symbiant could be damaged."
"Too bad." Daniel didn't even realize he'd spoken aloud until her grip tightened painfully on his chin.
"We shall enjoy watching the symbiant teach you obedience, my Yige. Indeed we shall." Nephthys nodded to the Jaffa, who stepped forward and lifted the struggling young man off his feet. They lowered the struggling figure onto the altar and bound him to its cold surface. His verbal protests caused Nephthys to frown and she added a gag to the indignities already bestowed upon him. Smiling wickedly, she stroked his hair. "Relax, my Yige. This will all be over in short order but for right now we do not wish you to frighten the symbiant." Kneeling she lifted the basket over her head and slowly displayed it to the cheers of the watching crowd. Nephthys smiled and lowered the basket. Reaching inside, she pulled out the symbiant and lovingly fondled its chin. The creature's jaws snapped at Daniel in eager anticipation of the joining. The young archaeologist whimpered inwardly as the Goa'uld queen raised the symbiant high over her head. "Behold, the gift of the gods." As the crowd below once again cheered, Daniel's blue eyes widened, and he began to struggle frantically against his bonds, when Nephthys began to lower the symbiant toward him.
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Carter barely restrained a cry as Daniel's struggling form was easily lifted into the air by the Jaffa surrounding the queen. The three on the lower landing watched in helpless horror as the young man was lowered to the surface of the altar and bound in place.
Captain Noble whispered frantically, "Sir, are we too late?"
"No. The witch up there hasn't taken the snake out of the basket." He took a deep breath to steady his nerves. "Do either of you see O'Neill or Teal'c anywhere?"
"No sir, they ... Wait, there on the left. Yes, sir. They're near the pillar closest to the stairway, sir. Colonel, I don't think they can get closer to Daniel without our diversion." Carter's voice betrayed her fear.
"Right, well the smoke should be ... shit!"
"What ... sir?" A new wave of unusually tall worshipers caused Sam to strain to see what the taller man was looking at.
"The snake's out of the damn basket. Noble, go stoke that goddamn fire. Carter, you're with me, and Noble?"
"Sir?"
"Meet in three at the stairs, so hustle man, hustle."
"Yes, sir." The young Captain slipped away through the crowd.
"Carter?"
"Sir?"
"Give me thirty seconds, then scream, loud."
Carter looked askance at the man. "Scream, sir?"
"Yeah, Major, a frightened, cowering, absolutely gut-wrenching woman's scream. You can do that, can't you?"
"Uh, yes, sir. I think so, sir."
"Don't think, Major, just do. Oh, and Major?"
"Yes sir?" The confused woman stared at the Marine Colonel.
"After you scream, run like hell ... for the stairs."
"Can do, sir."
*************
'Come on Makepeace. Where's that diversion?' Jack bristled as he watched Nephthys' treatment of his friend. 'We don't have...' His thoughts were interrupted by a piercing scream. "What the ... Teal'c was that Carter?"
"I believe that it may have been, O'Neill."
"Shit. I do *not* have time for this." The familiar voice was followed by another scream from a different location, then another, and another. "What the ..."
As the crowd below began to mill around in increasing confusion, Teal'c spoke quickly. "O'Neill, I believe that you now have your diversion."
"Ya think?"
*************
Noble raced as fast as possible toward the waterfall. The crowds were t