Daniel sat up in bed, feeling so very glad to be alive - owing so much to the Nox, who had now saved his life more than once, and Bra'Tac who had somehow, miraculously delivered him from a sure death on Chulak. He looked at the Nox, gratitude flowing from his intent gaze. She told him there was no need to thank her. She was glad to end any suffering, to help anyone in need. Daniel could see that Sam looked well and asked her "You weren't taken by Callus? Are the others here as well?"
Until this moment, Sam hadn't thought of the whereabouts of the rest of sg-1. The elation she felt over her rescue and seeing Daniel apparently fully recovered, was quickly replaced by a gnawing fear and deep worry. Nareem could sense that something was very wrong, and guessed that it must have to do with Sam's missing friends. One thing was certain, Sam thought, she would not upset Daniel any further - not until she had a plan for finding Jack and Teal'c.
"Sam?" Daniel persisted, "I think I might know how to locate Callus, but I want to run a few things by Jack first! I had the 'pleasure' of spending some time in his cargo hold. There were several star charts on the walls, and what seemed to be an inventory book of his clients."
He started to get out of bed, when Dr. Frasier gently pushed him back onto the pillow. "Wait a minute, Daniel!" she ordered, "I'm not done running tests on you, and then General Hammond will be most anxious to hear how you managed to get yourself into such a state!"
Sam couldn't meet Daniel's eyes, questioning, pleading. She was finding it impossible to keep a secret from him, but even more difficult to tell him the news. Nareem saved her the trouble, "Daniel, your friends are still among the missing. It is feared that they have been sent to an unknown slave world. If anyone in the universe knows for certain where they are, it would be Callus." Daniel closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts, trying to control his feelings of hatred toward Callus. The image of Callus smiling behind a wall of dancing flames was forever burned into his memory. Never having been a violent man, Daniel did not understand his urges to kill this alien. It wasn't simply a matter of revenge, he told himself. If Callus were not stopped, more people would be enslaved, more people taken against their will and forced, as he was, to…to…no…he didn't want to think about it but thoughts of his maltreatment by Hathor came to him. He began to sweat, and tremble slightly; his blood pressure began to rise as if in response to a terrible stress. Dr. Frasier warned Nareem with a look that it was not a good time to cause Daniel any further worry. "I am sorry, Daniel. I just felt you should know," Nareem apologized.
General Hammond could keep silent no longer; "I need facts, quickly people!" He turned to Nareem, "Do you mean to tell me that Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c have been captured and sold as slaves? This requires an immediate recon and rescue mission!" "Dr. Frasier! If you have basically normal readouts on Dr. Jackson, he is to come directly to a debriefing and strategy meeting in my office! Captain Carter, I'll expect you there as well. Please show our guests to a place to relax until we know whether or not we need further input from them." Almost as an afterthought, he turned to Daniel and added "I was damn sure we were going to lose you this time, son! Glad you're back! Let's get to work!"
Daniel shrugged at Dr. Frasier "Well, doc! You heard the General's orders! Got to get back to work!" He jumped up and began to make his way to the locker room to get dressed. Dr. Frasier walked with him, for awhile in silence, then she asked "Dr. Jackson, you might be back to 100 percent by all my tests and measurements, but it doesn't take a degree in psychiatry to know that something terribly traumatizing happened to you. I'd feel a lot better certifying you able to go on another mission if you could talk to me about it."
"I don't have time to sit and talk about my feelings, or even what happened! If we wait any longer, it might be too late to rescue Jack and Teal'c, and if I get Callus in my sight…" Daniel paused, looked directly at Dr. Frasier and deliberately, slowly, with a calculated coldness, said "I will do my very best to kill him, the most painful way I know how!" Janet was afraid that something had snapped inside of Daniel, perhaps as a result of torture? This definitely was not the Daniel Jackson she had come to know. As his doctor, she knew he should not be part of the rescue mission. Something terrible was likely to happen. She also knew it would be impossible to convince anyone else of that fact.
************************************
Jack began to cough and sputter, as someone came to wake him up by dumping a pail of dirty water on his head. "Thanks, but I'd much prefer a bar of soap and a warm shower!" Jack quipped as he strained in the predawn light to see who was there, but the person had gone, having accomplished his duty. Truly Jack couldn't have felt more miserable. He was stiff beyond measure, dirty, achy and sunburned. He felt weak and his stomach called out loudly for food. All feelings about his own predicament aside, he felt so helpless about the fate of the rest of his team. How could he have allowed them to step right into a trap? He pictured Daniel, living a fate worse than death under the command of Hathor, if he were still alive. And Sam, God help anyone who tries anything with her! He tried not to think of her captured, at the mercy of a slave master. No, she'd probably fight, and if so, it was unlikely she was alive as well. Damned fine commanding officer I am thought Jack. Well, this isn't helping anything! He struggled to sit up and found the chains held him too tightly to stand up. He could hear a truck arriving and several Jaffa appeared, picked him up and threw him into the back. He couldn't be certain, but he thought the truck came to a stop outside of the house where he last saw Teal'c. His chains were loosened somewhat so that he could walk, although just barely. Without a word, the Jaffa guards fastened the end of his chains to a post in the yard, making him feel like a horse that had just been tied to the hitching post. Jack could hear laughter and the sounds of breakfast being prepared. He also distinctly heard a voice that could only be Teal'c's, but it was singing and laughing! Come on Teal'c, Jack said to himself. If this is some kind of trick; let me in on it quick!
After some time, the front door opened and Jack saw Larnan, accompanied by one of the Jaffa, approach him.
Teal'c recoiled at the sight of the colonel, haggard and dirty, chained to a post. "What are you doing to O'Neill?" asked Teal'c of Larnan.
"Well, Teal'c, I thought about it all night, and I do mean all night!" Larnan patronizingly explained. "Seems as if your 'friend' isn't going to be worth the effort of keeping him alive. I've had experience with people trained in the fighting forces of their planets. They just don't make good slaves! On the other hand, Ria wants you to stay here. Says you'd fit right in! Well now, that's A OK with me as long as you prove your loyalty to me!" Larnan handed Teal'c a staff weapon. "Shoot him and we'll go have breakfast!"
"I will not shoot O'Neill! He is not a threat to you! As for me, I have not yet decided whether or not to stay," Teal'c responded.
Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. Teal'c hadn't decided whether or not to stay? What had this 'Ria' told him?
Larnan laughed, "Teal'c you just don't get it, do you? You won't need to follow anyone's orders anymore if you stay here! This is one last… request…if you want to think of it that way. This guy's not important to me. I don't much care how he dies or who kills him, it's just that I want to know I can always trust you, Teal'c. This is the way to prove it, and show Ria and everyone else here that your family and your people are more important to you than some Earth person you happened to know for a short while. Teal'c, be a man! Grab your chance to make a life for yourself!"
Seeing Teal'c continue to hesitate, Larnan grew impatient. "Let me put it to you yet another way. If you choose not to kill this slave, I will have you both killed - and if you don't think I have the power to do it, you are making a great mistake in judgment! Do it now!"
Jack stood to face the Jaffa who had served him with so much loyalty. He couldn't read any emotion on the large man's face. "He won't do it, Larnan! He's more of a man than you can imagine being!" Jack called out.
Teal'c leveled the staff weapon. It responded to his sure touch as he clicked it to the armed position. "O'Neill, it should not end like this for you. I have come to call you my friend and do not do so lightly. Hopefully, I can make this painless for you. You can not understand what Ria offers to me. There are many that I have killed for my family, now it's your…TURN JACK!"
Jack immediately reacted to Teal'c's last words, and his mind raced. Jack? What? Oh Teal'c, either you've lost it completely, or there's a message in there from you, somewhere. Maybe it's a sign that you're putting me on? All right, make your move, I'm ready for it, …God I hope I'm right! Jack turned quickly to the side, holding his chains out behind him, as Teal'c fired a blast that destroyed the chains as well as the wooden post.
Escape still eluded them, however, as Larnan fired zat gun blasts, knocking them helplessly to the ground. "What a shame!" Larnan spoke in mock sadness. Then he called out to the women of the house "Give my apologies to Ria, but these two are going back to Callus. Maybe he'll give me a refund for defective merchandise, or at the very least I can try to resell them at market." He ordered them placed in the truck. He would take them through the ring by mid day.
Jack leaned over and whispered to Teal'c "You can call me Jack anytime, my friend!"
Daniel and General Hammond were already sitting at the table when Sam walked into the briefing room with Nareem close behind. For a brief moment, she was struck by how empty the room felt without the other half of the team. Trying to focus on the present, Sam said, "Sir, Nareem asked to be a part of this meeting because he believes he has some information that may help us."
"By all means, speak up, son. What do you know that could assist our mission?"
"I know the coordinates of the world that we just came from and a little bit about that planet. My companion and I spent three days there locating our Nox friend before she was put up for auction. Also, I haven't had a chance to mention this until now, but I saw Colonel O'Niell and Teal'c on that planet as well. I spotted them on the far side of the crowd after they were auctioned off. I tried to follow them, but there were too many people in between us. I followed them through the winding streets to another large, open square. I was just in time to see them thrown through a stargate. I wasn't close enough to stop them, but I did manage to see four of the symbols on the gate before it deactivated. Realizing I couldn't do anything further for the time being, I returned to my companion at the marketplace, and that's where I found Samantha." Nareem looked at Sam and held her gaze for a moment. Then he picked up a pen and tablet from the center of the table and wrote down the symbols he had seen.
"Sir," Daniel spoke up, "When I was trapped in Callus's cargo hold, I studied some of his star charts. Between those charts and these symbols, maybe we can narrow down the area." With that, he grabbed the tablet and ran out of the room oblivious to everyone around him.
Almost as an afterthought, the general said "Dismissed.", and everyone got up to follow Daniel.
They found him at the tactical map, circling stars and drawing lines. It was obvious that he was buried deep in thought and that he would be at the project for quite some time.
Knowing that Daniel worked best when left alone and that she wouldn't be able to help for a while, Sam asked Nareem if he would like to take a walk outside. When he replied with a nod and a smile, she led him out into the hallway and towards the elevator.
Halfway there he asked, "Would you like to take a shortcut?" When she didn't protest, he took her hand in his own and slowly walked over to the wall --and right through it.
Sam felt herself slide through the wall and then had the sensation of floating upwards before they suddenly emerged in the woods outside the base. "That was incredible!", exclaimed Sam, her eyes wide with wonder.
"It is only one of the countless things I could show you if you would allow me to, Samantha. I could teach you more about this universe than you could discover in ten lifetimes."
Needing to change the subject, Sam asked, "How's Schroeder?"
Nareem smiled. "He is quite well. Together, we have both been adjusting to our new world. I think he misses you sometimes, though."
"Really? What does he think of the Nox homeworld?"
"He is always out exploring and discovering new things, as am I. I have finally gotten to see those animals I have been dreaming about,Samantha. They are not the same as the centuries-lost Tollan animals, but they are fascinating creatures nonetheless." He paused before saying, "It's amazing how we can know so much about physics and chemistry and things that you don't even have words for yet, and still have so much to learn in other areas."
"I think we're finally beginning to learn that lesson on this planet, as well, though I'm sure it will take many more years. See, we're not so backwards as you thought.", teased Sam.
"I *never* thought you were inferior to me, Samantha. On the contrary, you know so much more about the workings of the heart than I. I think we lost that somewhere along the way in our relentless pursuit of the mind. Having met you, I'm beginning to doubt whether it was worth it. You've changed me, Samantha. I'm no longer the person I was before I met the people of your world. The others have changed as well, but a few don't realize it yet. It's ironic, don't you think. We were so worried about changing your lives, and it was you who changed us, not the other way around."
Sam didn't know what to say to that. She wasn't quite sure that she wanted to have that kind of power and she said as much.
"I wouldn't trade a hundred years for those few days spent here on your world. If you have changed us, Samantha, it is definitely for the better."
Again at a loss for words and becoming uncomfortable with where the conversation was going, she said, "I think we should be getting back. Daniel may need some help." *And so do I*, she added to herself.
Nareem took her hands in his in order to transport her back to the base, but he couldn't resist holding her like that for just a moment first. He stared straight into her eyes with a silent promise that this discussion was not over yet as far as he was concerned, and then he took them back through the earth.
In those few moments, a line from a famous poem ran through Sam's mind: "Had we but world enough, and time..." She sighed, momentarily allowing herself to wander into the dangerous realm of what ifs.
Jack and Teal'c had a long wait, tied up in chains under the hot suns. Teal'c explained all he had learned about Thalassia, and Jack, for one of the few times in his life, couldn't think of what to say. "Damn zat gun hurts like hell," he grumbled.
Teal'c responded "That is true."
Finally, Jack tried to express his appreciation for all that Teal'c had sacrificed for him, "You gave up so much for me."
"My people are not truly free here. They have sold their souls for a sense of believing they have freedom, while they live in a world of Larnan's creation. O'Neill, you have more than my loyalty as a soldier, you have my deep respect as a friend." Teal'c quietly finished.
"Still, I'd give anything to hear you laugh like that again!" Jack added.
"Perhaps if your jokes were to improve?" Teal'c said with a sideways glance at Jack.
"Gee, thanks!" Jack retorted. He watched Larnan approach to unchain them and take them through the Gate. The man was alone, armed only with a zat gun. This was good, thought Jack. Making a mental note of the symbols Larnan entered into the DHD, Jack held tightly to something long and thin, he had picked up from the back of the truck. Deciding to unchain Teal'c first, Larnan made the fatal mistake of turning his back to Jack. Swiftly and silently, Jack plunged the metal shard deep into Larnan's neck and pulled it to the side. Without a sound, the man fell dead onto the ground. Teal'c knew how lethal Jack could be, and stopped to silently admire his work, before they both left Thalassia bound for the slave market world and hopefully freedom.
*******************************************
Based on Daniel Jackson's calculations, and the symbols seen by Nareem, Sam had worked out several possible destination quadrants of space to Gate to in order to locate the rest of sg-1. It was going to take awhile, but hopefully the computer could match to Stargate addresses in that area of space and the MALP could be sent on advance recon. Soon it became apparent that Nareem and the Nox were no longer willing to help. When Sam asked why, Nareem replied "My friend Aya senses that our good friend Daniel Jackson intends to go on this rescue mission with murderous intent!"
Sam answered "Yeah? Well, she's definitely wrong this time, Nareem. I know Daniel, and he might be anxious to rescue the others, and pretty shook up from whatever he went through, but he's not a murderer!"
"We will be leaving now," Nareem quietly announced, "We can not take part in a quest for violence!"
"Then you will do nothing to help us with the rescue?" Sam asked, confused and surprised.
"You give us no choice, for your people still to not understand the ways of the Nox and Tollans. I know I will return one day under better circumstances. I am truly glad I was able to help you, Samantha." Aya and Nareem left the SGC through the Gate, not requiring the computer to dial up an address. General Hammond arrived to the embarkation room just in time to see them leave, and looked questioningly at Sam.
Sam shrugged her shoulders "They don't need us, General, in fact I think the Nox find it hard to associate with us some times!"
Hammond asked her "How is the search going?"
"Could take awhile, sir, but I'm confident we'll find the world where Jack and Teal'c were sent, eventually."
"Carry on! Keep me informed of your progress!" Hammond ordered as he turned to leave.
Sam began to tire as night approached. She left her computer work to search for Daniel. He wasn't in any of his usual haunts - the lab, computer room, sleeping quarters. Sam noticed his firearm was removed from the weapons rack and on a hunch, she went to the firing range. Something about Daniel being there at all, coupled with Dr. Frasier's feelings and the Nox' prediction greatly unnerved Sam.
"Daniel?"
"Can't talk now!" he drew aim…fired.
"We need to talk."
"Can't" Drew aim…fired.
"How long have you been here?"
"Don't know." …fired.
"Is this really going to help?"
Daniel put down the gun, and turned to face her, "Nothing else is helping! Have you stopped to figure how long it's likely to be before you find this unknown world you're talking about - if at all? Teal'c and Jack might not even be there anymore. And as for Callus, we need to find out where he calls home!" Daniel paused then added "Sam, I found something on Chulak. Something important - to fight the Goa'uld."
"Good! Tell me more about it!" Sam encouraged.
"I…I…Hath…" he looked away unable to continue. Rapidly, he began again "It's a gun. Somehow it causes a Goa'uld to lose control of its host - at least temporarily. I used it on…Hathor. It released her host!"
"Daniel, is that why she punished you?" Sam gently asked.
"No! Actually she wanted to kill me after I used the gun!" he was still speaking way too fast. "Before that" he swallowed hard, "I was sold to her by Callus. She was still talking about my becoming pharaoh. There was a ceremony, and she had the tattoo cut into my chest…"
Sam inadvertently gave up a gasp "While you were conscious? It must have been so painful!"
Daniel continued as if he could not hear her "Then, once she 'owned' me, she expected to make love to me again! But I fought her as hard as I could, and someone left the gun for me. Sam, I saw Hathor lose control and her host emerge!"
"Why didn't you tell General Hammond about this?"
Daniel looked deeply into Sam's eyes, "I have to go back to Chulak. Bra'Tac and Mor'Ni must still have the submission weapon. I intend to free Sha're."
"You would go back to Chulak, alone, to free Sha're? Do you know for certain she's there?"
"No" came Daniel's very uncertain reply.
"You know the General would never go for this!"
"He will if my stated reason for going to Chulak is to find Callus' whereabouts. Everyone on Chulak seemed to know him. Perhaps Bra'Tac himself knows where he's from, and as Nareem said, Callus is our only lead." Daniel finished triumphantly.
Sam thought it all out, "I'll go with you, as long as that isn't just our "stated" mission. We go - we talk to Bra'Tac - find out how to find Jack and Teal'c - then we leave. OK?"
Daniel agreed all too quickly, "OK!"
Suspicious, Sam asked again, "So you agree to forget about the submission weapon and freeing Sha're?"
Daniel managed a small smile "You know me, Sam, always following orders!"
"Yeah" Sam said shaking her head "I do know you!"
***************************************
General Hammond saw them off, "SG-3 will support you as you exit the Gate, and they will maintain control of the Stargate on Chulak until you return. God speed!"
***************************************
When the cold air of the Chulak night hit Daniel's face, he felt a sense of dread well up inside of him. He hesitated. Sam checked his face for signs of what was going on in his head, but he was careful to hide his feelings. Securing the Gate was easy as forces loyal to Bra'Tac remained in control and recognized Daniel immediately. They could not tell Daniel where Master Bra'Tac was, as he had not returned from his trip to the Grand Palace earlier that day. Daniel and Sam headed for Hathor's palace, unaware that a young servant girl had observed everything from her secret library and very eagerly awaited her lover's return!
***************************************
As they exited the Gate to the bustling marketplace, Jack decided he would remain in chains and allow Teal'c to lead him about. They were able to fit in perfectly! Walking along a row of tables, Jack spotted something that greatly excited him, "Teal'c," he whispered, "On that table there - our remote transmitters!" Sure enough, for sale on the barker's table, was their ticket home! "See what they'll sell them to us for!"
Teal'c spoke awhile with the market vendors, and returned empty handed. "They are valuable, O'Neill, and I have nothing to offer them in return!"
"Offer them me!" Jack ordered.
Without hesitation, Teal'c made the offer and it was immediately accepted. As Teal'c returned, he had the remotes as well as a beautiful slave girl on each arm! "They insisted I take these women to complete a good trade!"
"Great! Oh, just…get back home! You might as well take them too! Return with backup as soon as you can. I don't know how long they'll keep me here, and if I get any leads on Sam, I'm going looking for her!" Jack whispered. His new "masters" came quickly and pulled him away. He was made to sit in a small crate and wait while they finished selling their wares.
Teal'c reluctantly left for Earth and was greeted by a much amazed General Hammond, as the slave girls looked about in awe! Not knowing quite how to explain things to Hammond, Teal'c began "These girls were received by me in a fair trade for Colonel O'Neill! He told me…"
"Teal'c," interrupted the General, "Do you know where the Colonel is, because I've got people in dangerous situations out looking for him!"
Teal'c straighten up, loosened the women's hold on his arms and reported "Yes General, sir, I do know the Stargate symbols!"
"We'll have a team ready in five minutes!" came the General's sure response.
****************************************
As it turned out, Jack did not have any minutes left. Callus was quick to notice him, and approached angrily, "Why has this been slave returned here? Was Larnan not pleased?" The others explained to their boss that the slave had been sold to them once again for some worthless jewelry and a few women. Certain he had received the better of the bargain, Callus was anxious to see if Jack could earn him some money in the fighting pit. "I will take him to fight. Has he been watered and fed?" asked Callus. "Ah, no matter, that can wait, if he survives the fights he can have a good meal!" Four men approached Jack and pulled him from the crate. Chains were again clamped around his neck, wrists and ankles, and he was marched through the street.
"What did you do with Captain Carter?" Jack demanded to know. "You remember, the only woman in our group?"
Callus did not want to give Jack the satisfaction of knowing she had escaped. Also it would mean that he would have to admit to losing her, so he created a tale of how she had been sold for a large sum to a master who now tortures her daily, and enjoys loving her as well. He watched Jack's anger silently building and figured it would help him fight even better, so he continued the elaborate story, as he loaded Jack into his spacecraft and headed for his home world.
By the time Teal'c and SG-4 arrived, Jack was nowhere to be found!
"Where's Bra'tac?" Sam asked as they entered the palace. "And M- um,"
"Mor'Ni. I don't know. The guards that were by the Stargate were Bra'tac's men. They said they didn't see him after he sent me home and headed back for the palace." Daniel said as he looked about the palace uneasily. He had expected more guards. There was no one. The halls were cold and empty, as cold as it was that night...
"Daniel?" Sam asked, snagging a bit of his fatigues when she realized that Daniel was shivering. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Daniel muttered, moving away from Sam's grasp and stared at the hallways. Sam wondered what it was he was seeing. With a slight shake, Daniel turned around, his face composed. "This is not the way to H- her chambers."
"Where does that lead to, Daniel?" Sam asked quietly, noting how his voice had faltered over Hathor's name. She now wished that Doctor Fraiser had an opportunity to talk with Daniel before they had left, but time was the essence and in the midst of her concern over Jack and Teal'c, Sam had believed too easily to Daniel's assurances that he was fine.
"They took me through those halls for the ceremony." Daniel whispered. He turned abruptly to the other direction. "Come on, Sam. The chambers should be-"
"Daniel." Sam's voice stopped him. "What ceremony?"
"This way." Now Daniel was the one tugging at her fatigues, his eyes a startling blue as they pleaded with Sam to leave well enough only.
Sam allowed herself to be led down the other way. She decided to let it go for now. This wasn't the time for talking, not here. But when this was over...Sam made a promise to herself to get Daniel to talk once the team is whole again.
The hallways all looked the same, but Daniel walked through them like as if he lived here all his life. Sam stole a glance to his face and realized that the scientist wasn't leading her with certainty, but with a glazed look of a sleepwalker. 'He probably sees this place in his nightmares.' Sam realized when they suddenly stopped.
"Is this it, Daniel?" Sam tightened her grip on her gun, checking briefly that the zat gun she had brought with her, was still fastened by her side.
"Yes." Daniel made no move to go in though. He looked at the walls, his palms at the door, making no move to push them open. "Sam, I-"
"It's okay, Daniel." Sam slipped a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tight tremors that Daniel was trying so hard to contain. "Let me go in. You wait out here, okay?" That was the wrong thing to say, because Daniel's head whipped up at the words.
"I'm okay." Daniel said it again, his voice harsh as if he was trying to convince not her, but himself. "But I don't know what to find in here. H-Hathor had discovered me hiding in here and had dragged me out. I-I shot her, but I don't know if she's dead. I don't really remember anything else. The next thing I remember was seeing you guys back on Earth." Daniel eyed the hallways dubiously. "I keep feeling like something's very wrong here. I thought maybe it was just me, but-"
"You've been through a very hard time." Sam said quietly, her hand squeezing his shoulder in sympathy, "A time I can't even begin to imagine. It's understandable that you would feel uneasy. Just keep reminding yourself one thing: we need to find out where Callus' home planet is and get Jack and Teal'c out. We need to find this library of yours and Bra'tac, then get the hell out of here."
"Callus." Daniel said his name with a grimace. His eyes went cold, his shoulder under Sam's hand grew stiff. He stepped away from her grasp and nodded. "I'm sorry. You're right. We have to find Jack and Teal'c. I have to find Callus."
Sam didn't say anything, but grew uneasy as she remembered Nareem's words. Murderous intent? She didn't believed him then, but now Sam was wondering if she was wrong.
Daniel abruptly pushed the doors open without warning, startling Sam out of her thoughts. He stormed in, his hands automaticly gripping his gun. Sam went in behind him and nearly ran into him when he came to a halt. She was going to ask him what was wrong when she saw the chaos before her.
"Oh my god." Sam breathed.
The room was in shambles. Daniel and Sam could barely make out two figures locked in combat. One was Jaffa, the other a small woman putting up a brave fight. When Daniel recognized Mor'Ni, he immediately fired at the attacking Jaffa, who cried out from his wounds and fell to the floor. Sam ran to help him, as Daniel reached for Mor'Ni. She was winded, but oddly composed -almost relaxed.
"Daniel!" Sam called out. "It's Bra'Tac! He's badly wounded!"
Daniel couldn't believe what she was saying, and ran to her side to see for himself. When he realized he had shot his friend, the man who had saved his life just a day ago, his mind became confused, disoriented. He looked to Mor'Ni for some sort of explanation.
Mor'Ni, now host to the Goa'uld Hathor, already knew what to say. It was well planned. She had set the stage and rehearsed the scene in her mind, now for the brilliant performance! "This Jaffa, who helped you escape from the Goddess, came back to the Palace. The one you knew as Hathor was lying dead on the ground. I knew it was my duty to try to help my Goddess, so I was trying to move her to the sarcophagus. Bra'Tac lost all control! He threatened me for my loyalty to the Gods, and removed Hathor's body to be destroyed, burned in fire I believe he said. He left me tied up here, and only now returned - I believe to kill me as well!"
Sam looked quickly about the chamber. Along a back wall, she could see an entrance door to what appeared to be a computer room. Some of the equipment appeared to be damaged, as if a weapon had recently been fired at it. In Bra'Tac's hand there was a small weapon, resembling a zat gun - the weapon of submission Daniel spoke of Sam wondered. Unnoticed by the others, she slipped the weapon into her pocket and tried to examine Bra'Tac's wounds. There were signs that his larval Goa'uld was beginning the healing process, but he was still losing a great deal of blood. "Daniel, help me move Bra'Tac to a better place to care for him." Inside she knew something was wrong, but she wasn't able to put the whole picture together. Perhaps when Bra'Tac recovered.
Daniel wanted to do nothing but comfort Mor'Ni. Her story didn't ring true to him, but he didn't care. As he drew nearer to her, all he wanted to do was hold her. Very powerful emotions came flooding through him, as he noticed a faint odor. Mor'Ni was so beautiful! How could he not have seen that before? And her sweet smell, where had he smelled that? Perhaps in the bathing pool. He remembered her touch as she had bathed and massaged him. Lost in desirous thoughts, he barely heard Sam.
"Daniel! Now!" Sam ordered growing desperately impatient.
Mor'Ni turned to face Sam and got her first good look at her. This is the one who led the rebellion in the place called SGC on the First World! So, she orders my beloved around? We will see about that!
Daniel reluctantly went to Sam's aid and helped her carry Bra'Tac to a comfortable bed. His color looked better, and the pressure bandages had stopped the blood loss. Sam was alone with Daniel for a brief moment, and decided to see if he agreed that things seemed odd, somehow. "Do you buy what Mor'Ni is saying? Doesn't seem as if Bra'Tac would do such a thing!"
"Well, I don't see Hathor anywhere. If she's dead, that would explain why there are no guards either. As for Bra'Tac attacking Mor'Ni, maybe the girl was confused and misunderstood his intentions. She's been through quite a bit in the last few days." Daniel thoughtfully responded.
"What about the library? Who tried to destroy it?" Sam continued.
"Stay here with Bra'Tac, I'll see what I can find out from Mor'Ni." Daniel offered. Sam wanted to tell him to remain cautious, to trust no one, to report back immediately if anything seemed wrong - but she stopped herself. I have to trust Daniel, to have faith in his judgment. He'll do the right thing, she said to herself as she watched him leave the room.
Daniel found Mor'Ni standing next to the computers. A few of them still were showing signs of functioning. He stood behind her, wrapping his arms about her and burying his face in her hair. She smiled and turned to face him. "I worried that you were dead. That you would never return to me!"
"I'm here." Daniel softly answered, "And sorry I ever left. We can talk more of you and I once I find someone. A bounty hunter, Callus is his name. I have some business with him, then I can devote myself to you!" Devote myself to you, why did he say that thought Daniel. Sorry he left? He had feelings for Mor'Ni that he was not aware of until this very moment. Where were they coming from? One thing was certain. He felt no remorse over Hathor's death; the thought of it made him almost giddy. Things were finally going well. Bra'Tac would recover, and lead them to Callus. He would have Mor'Ni...what else was there? Something else he had wanted to do while on Chulak...he couldn't think of it while gazing into the slave girl's sparkling green eyes. He had put all thoughts of Sha're, and the submission weapon out of his mind completely.
"My Goddess showed me how to work these wondrous machines," Mor'Ni explained. "No doubt they can find, and perhaps retrieve this 'Callus' for you! In the morning, I will show you. Now, it is late. You must be tired, my belov...my Daniel (she quickly covered up her mistake) I, myself, am very weary. Could you help me to my bed?"
Daniel drank in the sweet scent of Mor'Ni's breath. It sent his mind spinning, there was nothing she could ask him that he would not do. If not for her, he would still be a slave to Hathor. He gladly walked her to the Queen's bedchamber!
Hathor was charged with desire for her pharaoh, knowing how much he wanted her. Eventually, I have what I wish, including this one from the First World! She was certain there would be no escape this time, no means to resist her. She must decide when would be the right time to reveal who she truly was. Perhaps that would be best after the one called Carter was destroyed. All of that could wait until morning, for now there would be a glorious night in the Queen's bed!
Daniel hesitated as he walked through the doorway; "Must you sleep here?" He looked at the bed, still pulled apart from when he was held there by force. He could hear Hathor's voice in his mind; he remembered how hard it was to stay in control...it seemed something like what he was feeling now. Couldn't be. He told himself that he wanted to show affection to Mor'Ni and somehow it was getting all mixed up in his emotions for Hathor. "Mor'Ni, I can't do this. Not tonight. I'm really not feeling very well."
Mor'Ni lovingly removed his jacket and T-shirt and began to rub his shoulders. "I will help you feel better. I can replace all your worries and doubts with love and desire!" Her hands rubbed along Daniel's chest and she stopped. "You have removed the sign? Did you use the sarcophagus?"
Daniel made what would be a terrible error in judgment with his next request. "Do not ever speak to me about the sign or the owning ceremony! Never again! Do you understand?"
Memories of the pain might have helped him resist Hathor, as it did once before, but now he left himself completely within her power. Hathor silently agreed not to ask anything more, knowing full well that the sign would be replaced. "We can simply lie together for the night, if that is what you wish!"
Daniel had no choice but to allow himself to be swept away, and as he watched Mor'Ni disrobe, he lost all control. The world seemed to melt away, replaced by the heat of desire. He pulled the girl to him and they collapsed on the bed, locked in a passionate embrace.
"Daniel?" Sam called out to her teammate, as she stood unnoticed in the doorway. "Daniel, Bra'Tac is conscious. You really need to hear what he has to say, now!"
Daniel continued to make love to Mor'Ni, the desire and passion was all consuming. She was all that mattered to him. She had become his entire universe and he was lost in pleasing her. Hathor saw Sam calling from the doorway, uncertain how to approach them, and smiled wickedly. So, Bra'Tac has told her the truth, thought Hathor as she whispered in Daniel's ear "Yes, Our Beloved! Oh yessss!" Now is the time for action, oh but to be stopped now...Hathor sighed and whispered again "Our Pharaoh, the one called Carter wants to speak with you, and she orders you away from me now! What will you do?"
Daniel at last became aware of Sam's presence but couldn't hear her clearly. It was as if she were speaking to him from underwater. He looked from Sam to Mor'Ni. Did he see her eyes flash, as she angrily spoke, "You must not enter Our chambers unannounced!"? Our chambers, "our" chambers...a revelation came slowly to Daniel that was more horrible than he could have imagined; his worst enemy once again in full control of him! He was powerless, he knew it was Hathor but could do nothing to resist her.
Hathor moved behind Daniel, using him as a human shield, confident that Carter would not shoot. Sam raised her zat gun, "Move out of the way Daniel. You had no way to know. Help me to make things right." Daniel did not move, except to cover Hathor more fully.
"You won't shoot me, Sam," he said, sounding almost as if he had been drugged. "And you don't need to shoot Mor'Ni. She can help us find Jack! Give me your gun, and we'll find Jack together." Daniel began to move slowly toward Sam, reaching for her gun.
Sam suddenly remembered the other weapon she had taken from Bra'Tac. Would it harm Daniel, she wondered? Was it because of this weapon that Hathor's host died? If she forced Hathor to give up control of Mor'Ni, perhaps the girl could still help them - or would the weapon kill them both! She hesitated, not knowing which weapon to use, not wanting to use either one on Daniel. This hesitation was all that Daniel needed. He lunged at Sam, grabbing the zat gun from her grasp. She immediately put one of her hands up in the air, and with the other, she reached into her pocket. "Daniel, you can't shoot me! Please! At least listen to what Bra'Tac has to say first!"
"All lies! Rebellious Jaffa! He will be punished and the rebellion stopped as well! We have our beloved by Our side and We are ready to rule once again. If a female fellahin of the First World is all that stands in Our way...Our pharaoh will take care of the problem!"
Both women waited for Daniel to react. For a long moment, he did nothing, then he looked back and forth between the two, and his expression revealed a great agony within him. Finally, Daniel knew what he had to do. It was one of the hardest things he had ever done. He must now raise the weapon, arm it, and fire it three times - forever taking care of the problem. Daniel began to sweat. He forced his arms and hands to do his bidding, although they seemed to conspire against him. Every movement was a torture, almost impossible. Sam held her breath and was ready to pull out the secretly held weapon - but it was too late. Daniel fired - once... twice...three times...and she was gone! He lost all of his strength and collapsed onto the bed.
Sam rushed to help him, and Hathor was no more! Daniel was crying uncontrollably as Sam held him tightly in her arms. She tried to imagine what kind of inner battle he had just fought, and she thanked him over and over for having the strength to resist and win. He looked anything like the victor, however, and Sam wondered whether he would be able to pull himself together. "Shh, it's all over now. It's all over." Sam kept repeating.
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Teal'c moved about the marketplace wielding his staff weapon like a man possessed. He found the sellers loyal to Callus, grabbing the leader and holding him up in the air with one hand, he announced "I am Teal'c, the Liberator! I can allow you to go free or kill you where you stand!"
The alien began to shake and stammered out a plea "Oh great one, Teal'c! What can we do to please you? Perhaps more slave girls? Perhaps something else?"
Teal'c slowly released him and demanded "You must tell me where to find Callus and the one I traveled with, O'Neill."
Despite his great fear of Teal'c and the rest of SG-4, the alien began to smile, then laugh. "Even you can not challenge Callus! As for this O'Neill, if he is the slave that just left with Callus for the fighting arena - you will not want to see what will be left of him!"
Teal'c looked threateningly into the man's hollow, black eyes, "If O'Neill is harmed in any way, I will return...and...you will wish that I did not return! You will direct me to this arena, now!"
Immediately, a ship and pilot were summoned. It was a small ship and could only fit the pilot, Teal'c and one member of SG-4. As they left in pursuit of Callus, Teal'c wondered if he would be too late to rescue his friend. I am coming, O'Neill, he said to himself, hold on just a while longer.
****************************************
Jack had enough of Callus' stories and wanted to strangle him with his manacled hands. He silently vowed that at the first opportunity he would make certain Callus never spoke again. For now, he had to wait, or else he'd never locate Sam or land this ship! Wonder if he plans to give me something to eat? When did I eat last, must be two days ago!
The ship made a practiced landing on the planet where Callus had proclaimed himself king. His slaves rushed to help him unload, but he waved them off, "Leave me be! I will be handling my new purchase personally! See his strength? See the fire in his eyes? I will break this one's spirit, and he will serve me alone!" To Jack he added, "Are you hungry? Of course you must be! Down on your knees, now, and beg me for food!"
Jack stood straighter still, trying to ignore the persistent rumbling of his stomach and how weak he was feeling.
Callus had an audience and was not to be ignored. "I know that you are hungry. You need food for strength to fight. Ask for it now, and I might agree to feed you. Continue to ignore me and you will receive an energy whipping!" The crowd reacted in fear of the severe punishment, and began to urge Jack to submit to Callus' wishes. This was something Jack wasn't about to do. His continued defiance had kept him alive so far.
Jack managed a confident smile and answered "Tell me where to find Captain Carter and when I'm free I might let you live!"
"You foolish Tau'Ri, to choose the energy whip! I give no second chances!" Callus motioned to several large men who each pulled on Jack's arms, roughly chaining him, face to a wall. His arms were raised high above his head, and his feet locked in place. Callus held up the sparkling black wand he had used on Daniel the day everything first went wrong, and set it to maximum strength. He pointed it a Jack and released a bolt of greenish blue energy.
Jack clenched his jaw, determined not to cry out. The pain was beyond description. Every cell in his body seemed to spark and burn at once, and it lingered long after the initial blast. "God! Oh my God!" was all Jack spoke.
Callus reluctantly set the weapon again. No one ever asked for another treatment before. "Do you agree to beg now?"
Jack hesitated, then slowly responded "Go to hell!" The instant the words left his lips, he once again felt the searing pain of another blast. He endured five treatments before slipping into unconsciousness. Callus knew the crowd now respected this slave for his courage and strength. Tomorrow, he would change all that.
Jack awoke with a groan and his body responded with a heated pain that shut his mouth quickly enough. However, the pain was what grounded him to the reality, bad as it was, than to the alternate- a dream that Jack wished would go away the minute he awoke. He had awaken from a dream where he had found Daniel and Sam on the planet with him. As he and Sam tried to get away, Jack realized Daniel was not following them. As Jack turned back and tried to pull the unmoving scientist away with him to escape, Jack realized he lost Sam. The feeling of helplessness that lingered from the dream, left a bad taste in his mouth.
Cautiously, Jack got up and winced. 'Okay, not a good idea, O'Neill. Definitely NOT one of your better ones.' He looked around and saw that his ankles were bound by chains. 'Okay, so running is out of the question.' Jack looked about his surroundings and was struck with déjà vu. The chambers were packed with people, all looking at him warily and bound with similar chains that prevented them from approaching anyone. The smells, the muffled cries, and the darkness reminded him of the prison in Chulak where Jack and his team was in when they first encountered Apophis and Teal'c.
Chulak. Daniel's in Chulak.
Jack felt a rage burning in his chest as it did before when Callus had told him of Sam's fate. He had to escape, take Callus and strangle Sam's whereabouts out of the scum with his bare hands. Then Jack will take him with him. He didn't care to learn more from the alien. He just wanted the alien closeby when he finds Sam and then Daniel. If anything had happened to them, Jack wanted Callus close by so he could personally break his leathery neck. He kept that thought in his head and it made the pain from the energy whips go away into a dull throb.
"You are the human I am to fight." A deep voice said from across the chambers.
Jack looked at that direction and found himself looking at a humanoid, dressed in what was once probably very fine clothing, now dirtied with abuse and neglect. The man stood as tall as Teal'c, maybe taller. His eyes were pupiless and big. The only thing that differentiate him from Jack was the webbed fingers he had. Despite the poor condition of his clothes, the man himself looked fit, very well fed.
"I am the champion." The man said, no pride in his voice at all.
"How nice for you." Jack said dryly, making no move to get up. He was perfectly contented to just sit there, looking up. It didn't hurt as much that way. He needed to conserve his strength for..other..things.
"You are the human I will fight tomorrow." The man stated again. He eyed the gates that would open at first light. "You will die tomorrow."
"Pretty confident that you'll win?" Jack responded back with little humor in his voice. The alien shook his head sadly and Jack realized that it wasn't arrogance that colored the alien's response, but grief.
"No, just know that I HAVE to." the man sadly. "I have to live so I may have the chance."
"Chance?" Jack tried wiggling his toes inside his boots and winced, The energy whips had left a tingling sensation all over like as if his body went to sleep all at once. "What chance is that?"
"To escape." He said, but the voice revealed how long he had been here and how much hope had died with each surviving day.
"It might come sooner than you think." Jack quipped. He eyed the alien with an idea. "How familiar are you with the fighting grounds?"
"I remember every detail since my capture." The man shook his head. "It did me no good."
"Maybe you need a new head to think things over with." Jack grinned, pointing to himself.
Puzzled, the man felt his own head with his webbed fingers. "What is wrong with what I got?"
"Never mind, Teal'c." Jack muttered.
"Teal'c?"
"Someone you remind me of." Jack grinned. He leaned forward and dropped his voice lower. "Ever thrown a fight before?" Jack asked, feeling his energy level heightened as he thought of a plan.
Daniel wanted to sleep. He wanted to make the entire universe go away, forever. After a long while, he picked his head up from Sam's lap and softly told her, "I always wondered, deep down inside, what I was capable of. I wondered if my work for the SGC had changed me somehow, and I thought about what it had caused me to become. Now I know, I'm perfectly able to kill someone, not just in self defense, but to look them straight in the eye and pull the trigger..."
Sam tried to interrupt, but he would not allow her, and continued "I almost killed Bra'Tac, by some miracle he's alive. Now, I've killed a beautiful young girl! Mor'Ni's only crime was trying to help me! If I ever do find Sha're, the only way to free her will probably be to kill her as well!" He got up silently, dressed himself and went to find Bra'Tac.
Sam couldn't find the words to comfort him, as she watched Daniel leave. How could she tell him they all had their demons they carried inside? Somehow he had to come to terms with the death and destruction that was part of many missions, as she and Jack had been able to do. Daniel had to see it all as part of the bigger picture, the end justifying the means. For the longest time, Daniel's optimism and naiveté had protected him, now she prayed time would heal him, but she wasn't so certain. Sam sadly continued her thoughts about her troubled friend as she retraced her steps back to find Bra'Tac. Daniel had teetered on the edge of understanding the ways of the Nox - now the reality of life in their world had come crashing down on him. She decided to order him back to SGC, and she would continue on looking for Jack and Teal'c. By the time she found them, Daniel and Bra'Tac were hard at work on the computer system in Hathor's library. No one spoke of what had just happened.
"I have done it Daniel Jackson!" Bra'Tac proudly announced. "The location of Callus' home world and the method to send him messages! This must be what Hathor meant by 'retrieving' Callus."
A murderous coldness returned to Daniel's voice "Call him back, Bra'Tac. Promise him unimagined wealth if he returns within the day. Promise him anything he wants!"
"Daniel, I can handle things from here!" Sam spoke up. "You need to head back to Earth and get some help...for yourself."
"There's something I need to do first, I need to deal with Callus. I need to do it myself!" Daniel insisted.
"Why?" came Sam's simple question.
"Why? Because I have become incredibly skilled at taking care of problems, permanently!" was Daniel's proud reply, and for an instant he realized he had become as Jack was on that first mission to Abydos - so willing to sacrifice everything to complete one final act of destruction! How foreign Jack's ways had seemed to him. Back then, Daniel couldn't understand someone choosing death over life. That was a different Daniel, he continued thinking to himself, a Daniel who simply did not understand. Nothing made absolute sense to him anymore. The line between wrong and right, evil and good had become forever blurred. Even the ultimate act against the 'true' enemy - the destruction of Apophis and Klorel's ships - killed many Tok'Ra and those loyal to Bra'Tac, and did no harm to Apophis himself! Returning to the situation at hand, Daniel continued to argue with Sam "I've learned that the only sure way to eliminate problems is to do it yourself, one-on-one, you just aim and pull the..."
Sam couldn't stand to hear Daniel talk that way and now she fully understood Nareem's warnings. "You've got feelings going on inside that you need help with, Daniel. It's hard to make sense out of having to kill, but it doesn't mean you have to lose your humanity! Especially you! The part of you that treasures everyone and everything - that makes you want to study things, learn from them, preserve them. Don't allow yourself to lose that...not because of Hathor and certainly not because of Callus! If you allow this to change you, then Hathor has won! You are closer now to being her slave than you ever were!"
Enraged, Daniel began to scream at Sam, "Don't talk to me about MY feelings! And don't you DARE say that you understand about being made to serve Hathor!"
Bra'Tac had had enough of the quarreling and intervened, "I agree with Daniel Jackson! To talk further about the false god, Hathor, will achieve no purpose. We should see about sending a message, and freeing our friends, yes?"
An uneasy quiet settled between Sam and Daniel. She knew he would not return home voluntarily, and that it would take all her strength and determination to get him home in one piece - body and soul.
The slaves were let out into the fighting ring at first light. Callus was eager to see his new possession fight. He had bet a Months profit on the outcome. Jack blinked at the brightness of the sunlight and walked along obligingly. Hunger still gnawed at him, but it felt good to be out of chains at last. "Callus!" he called out as he caught sight of the bounty hunter in the viewing stands. "I definitely don't give any second chances!"
Callus smiled broadly, "I salute your courage! Be careful it is not simply stupidity! Fight well for me and you will rise to champion!"
A loud horn sounded, announcing the start of the contest. Jack was given a large metal spear with barbed ends. As he turned to face the current champion, his hands began to sweat. C'mon, Jack said under his breath, remember the plan! You want your freedom as much as I do!
The champion swung a large chain at Jack's head. It whistled by his ear, as Jack dove out of the way. The crowd applauded and points were awarded to the champion. Jack couldn't read his opponent's face. Had he changed his mind? Now was the time to find out. The champion approached Jack too closely, allowing O'Neill to grab hold of the chain, and flip the alien around. He is helping me, thought Jack, or else he's baiting me. Here goes! Jack muscled the chain around the champion's neck and pulled it tightly. The champion gasped and quickly fell - unmoving on the ground. "I've broken his neck!" Jack announced. "Happy now?"
The crowd was stunned. Never had a fight ended so quickly, especially a fight lost by the current champion! Members of the crowd started to accuse Callus of fixing the fight. He rose to defend himself, when one of his messengers arrived to bring important news. He was wanted in the communications room. He slipped out through the angry mob, instructing his guards to dispose of the champion and bring the Tau'Ri to him later. The group sent to retrieve O'Neill and the champion, were no match for the two of them. After a brief scuffle, Jack managed to escape. He found keys to the chains binding the others in one of the guard's pockets, and handed them to the champion. It's up to you now, to set the rest free. They exchanged parting looks of respect, and Jack began to search for Callus.
Hearing a commotion in the street, Jack looked to see Teal'c moving several of Callus' slaves along with his staff weapon. As Teal'c saw Jack approach, he fought back an urge to run to him and hug him warmly. Instead he simply commented "It is good to see you, O'Neill!"
"My thoughts exactly, Teal'c!" Jack replied. "I'll fill you in on everything later, but for now we have to find a communications room - Callus is there."
It was easy to locate Callus, for the people of the planet were eager to help, sensing that Callus was no match for these invaders - and they wanted to be rid of him as well! Silently, Teal'c and Jack observed Callus speaking to a communication orb. The images weren't clearly visible, but Jack immediately recognized Sam and found himself tensing with nervous anticipation.
"Yes! She is the one who escaped from me, Jaffa! Why does Hathor wish to return her to me?" Callus was answering the orb.
"Hathor is greatly displeased with this woman from the first world, and would enjoy her return to slavery. The goddess is not a patient one, however, and will dispose of the woman herself if you do not come immediately!" the Jaffa responded.
Teal'c whispered to Jack, "I believe I know that voice! It is Bra'Tac!"
"Why would Bra'Tac be helping Hathor? No, it must be someone who sounds like him. Doesn't matter, if Sam is on Chulak, and most likely Daniel is there as well - we now have the way to get there! Our dear friend Callus!" Jack leaned back against the wall. For a moment, he had forgotten just how weak he was. Teal'c reached to support him.
Callus took a few minutes to consider the offer, "I accept! I will meet you at the usual place. Hathor will not regret doing business with me!"
As Callus entered his ship, he walked confidently to the pilot seat. Hearing a noise behind him, he turned to investigate. A smiling Jack O'Neill met his gaze as he froze at the controls. Callus felt a cold gun barrel pointed at the back of his head. "Tell me some more stories, Callus! It will pass the time as we travel to Chulak. Thank you by the way for finding Sam for me!" Jack truly enjoyed watching the alien squirm and sweat. The ship fired up, and they were on their way to rescue their teammates. "You got anything to eat on this ship?" Jack innocently asked.
****************************************
Sam was trying to contain her joy as word came through the Stargate that Teal'c was safe and a rescue mission was underway to free Jack. She knew Callus was on his way back to Chulak, but that was no longer their concern. She and Daniel could return to SGC, perhaps see whether they could assist in Jack's rescue. She tried to explain all this to Daniel, but he wasn't listening.
"You go back. I'll join you shortly," Daniel offered, preoccupied with his own thoughts. "That's really great news. About time something good happened."
"You are waiting for Callus, but there's no reason anymore. Leave with me now. Leave all those feelings behind as well," Sam offered.
"I will leave when I'm ready! I want to be alone now," Daniel had busied himself building a small memorial to Mor'Ni - a few small stones, and a wooden cross. Sam decided to give him some space, for just a little while. As soon as she had left, Daniel pulled out his backpack and removed from it two C-4 explosives with timers. He broke off the deactivation switches and strode out to where he knew Callus would be landing. He waited, a patient deathwatch. Callus would not know what hit him. Daniel planned to blow up the ship just as it landed.
A faint noise in the sky alerted him to Callus' approach. Sam realized that Daniel was no longer at Mor'Ni's grave, but found there two parts from a C-4 timer. Frantically, she began searching, calling out Daniel's name. Daniel could hear her off in the distance, as he set the timers. Two minutes? He'd need at least that long to get clear of the exploding ship. No. In that time Callus might escape or worse still, Sam might arrive and get hurt. 20 seconds was all he set on the timer. As the ship came to rest, Daniel hesitated. Once he pushed the timer, there was no turning back. Sam's angry words filled his mind "If you allow this to change you, Hathor has won...Hathor has won." Am I no better than Hathor he wondered? This is something I MUST do! Daniel closed his eyes and pushed the timer button. 20...19...18...17...16...15 No, he couldn't do this. His hatred of Callus simply was not enough to change him into a murderer. 14...13...12...11...10 He knew with relief that he had not changed, and he thought of how the Nox might think he had grown up a little that day. Holding on to the charges, Daniel began to run blindly. He would try to save Callus and in so doing, save himself. 9...8...7...6...5... Hoping he was far enough away from the ship, he reached back and threw the bombs as far away as he could, diving down for cover. 4...3...2... He knew it wasn't far enough away from him. He spoke what were to be his last words "Forgive me Sha're." 1...0...CRACK....BOOM!!
Sam could see Daniel running in the distance. She guessed he had set the charge under the ship and was trying to get away. She was confused when she saw him throw something, then he simply vanished in a bright explosion. "No! Oh, God, no!" Sam screamed as she ran to the site of the explosion. Nothing of Daniel remained, just a large smoking hole.
Jack and Teal'c ran out from the ship, weapons on the ready, anticipating hostile forces. Instead, they found Sam on her knees crying, mumbling something unintelligible about someone's death being all her fault. They helped her inside, dragging Callus behind them. When the whole story was told, Sam shuddered at how close Daniel had come to blowing up those he desperately wanted to avenge. "He couldn't do it, sir. He was so sure he'd become some kind of killing machine, but in the end he couldn't do it. I knew I needed to stay by him. I felt he might never return from this mission. I really dropped the ball on this one."
Still on a hostile world, Jack knew they didn't have the luxury to stay and mourn. He ordered them all to head for home. To Callus he said "I ought to kill you right now! Believe it or not, I can actually think of a better punishment! There is a certain world I, run by a wonderful little princess, Shyla, that needs a foreman to run the mining operation! Long hours! Hard work! But I'm sure you'd be happy to help, wouldn't you, Callus?"
*******************************************
It was an odd mixture of relief, happiness and grief that ran through the SGC that day. Everyone needed rest, then they would deal with Daniel's arrangements and a full debriefing for the General.
*******************************************
Nareem knew Daniel was going to need a lot of healing. He watched him dreaming, tossing and turning. The Nox smiled, "Our faith in this one was justified! He should stay here awhile and learn more from the Nox. He is ready now."
Daniel woke in the land of the Nox and immediately reasoned that they must have spirited him away exactly as the explosion was happening. The sound of the bomb still rang in his ears. They were all asking him to remain. He knew, with a great inner peace, that he was going to be whole again. If he decided to return to Earth and to the SGC, he knew he would be able to handle it. He looked at the world with a new wisdom others would continue to call optimism, naiveté.
© 1998 The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-I, the Goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of MGM-UA Worldwide Television, Gekko Film Corp, Glassner/Wright Double Secret Productions and Stargate SG-I Prod. Ltd. Partnership. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the authors.
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