Title: Détente
Season: Sometime season 7
Spoilers: 3x14 Foothold
Summary: When captured on another planet, SG-1 encounters survivors of the Foothold aliens.
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and all of its parts are owned by people far greater than I, or at least far richer.
A/N: I watched some of season 3 a little while back, which planted this idea into my head. It's really too bad the show never dealt with this race again, and took such an easy cop out as "They all died... I hope." Anyway, I'm doing a slightly different chapter format, so due to length I'll probably only post a new one about every week.
détente - noun - A relaxing or easing, as of tension between rivals.
**
Jack drummed his fingers underneath the smooth wooden table. Diplomacy was not one of his hobbies, and he hated it when SG-1 was dragged into it. After all, a team was created specifically comprised of diplomats. And as was his luck, they were hung up in talks on another planet. So here he was, listening to Daniel drone on about trade and mutual benefits with occasional interruptions from Sam.
At least Teal'c looked equally bored, in his own subtle way.
"So you know the magics possessed by the Goa'uld," the clan leader, Gelan, said. His green tunic bunched as he leaned forward in his chair.
"It's not magic, Gelan, just technology," Sam replied.
When Gelan only stared, Daniel continued. "The Goa'uld employ devices that anyone can learn to create and use. We can begin teaching your people about such things in exchange for the trinium. There are many things we could learn from each other, technologically and culturally speaking."
Disinterested in Daniel's pitch, Gelan turned towards Jack. "As leader of this team you must know the most about these... technologies?"
"I'm no scientist," Jack said, hooking his thumb at Sam. "Carter's the one who specializes in that stuff."
"Really? I would assume a leader to have the most accumulated knowledge among his followers."
"Colonel O'Neill is most adept at utilizing the skills of those under his command. In this, his knowledge is vast." Teal'c spoke even before Jack had a chance to object. Jack was pleased with the compliment, and tempered the wide grin that wanted to appear into an approving smile.
"Forgive me," Gelan said. He turned towards Sam. "So you would teach us how to create these devices?"
She bit her lip as she considered her words. "Eventually. It will take time to get your people to understand the technology and how it works."
"Gelan, we offer more than just technology. We have medicines to cure and prevent diseases. These could greatly improve the quality of life of your people," Daniel said when Gelan looked less than impressed.
Jack didn't like the man's attitude. He seemed far too focused on the technology. Even Daniel's claims about the wonders of modern medicine didn't seem to affect Gelan. The Uderi were a fairly primitive people, still quite a ways from electricity if left to their own devices. Apparently their rustic lifestyle didn't breed patience.
Instant gratification types weren't generally good news for them.
"Look, Gelan," Jack began, "we've been at this a while. I think it's time we head back and let our leaders know where we stand. Take stock and continue this with fresher eyes."
He eyed Jack for several moments, then bowed his head slightly. "Very well, Colonel. I wish you safe travels through the Chappa'ai."
They left the village without much fanfare. People on the roads watched them pass, but didn't seem overly interested. Something about the whole situation was bugging Jack out. He had nothing concrete to go on, and the Joint Chiefs and Hammond wouldn't be very forgiving if he botched a simple trade mission for nothing. The obsession that Gelan showed, and the way the villagers eyed them just didn't mix well.
When they were far enough from civilization Jack sighed. "Anyone else think something is a bit hinky here?"
"I too found Gelan's behavior to be most unsettling," Teal'c agreed.
"You'd think he'd be more excited about the prospect of new medicines. Diseases can be as deadly as any war," Daniel said.
The sun was already low in the sky, they wouldn't be able to reach the Stargate before nightfall. Spending the night on the planet didn't appeal much to Jack. He did feel marginally better to be spending it on their own. His gut was twisted in knots.
Maybe when they returned SG-9 would be done with their prior engagement and be able to finish the negotiations.
Teal'c walked up from his position in the rear, falling in step beside Jack. "We are being followed."
Just great. "Numbers?"
"They conceal themselves, but there are many."
Jack spoke just loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Keep on your toes campers. We've got company."
He clutched the P90 in his hands just a little tighter. Jack could start to see the faint rustling of tree limbs further into the woods, and hear the occasional crack of debris. Whether it was because Teal'c had pointed it out, or their pursuers were becoming more careless, he couldn't tell. Glancing over his shoulder, he could tell Sam and Daniel saw the same thing. The only question that remained was how to handle it.
The woods got denser just a few feet ahead. When they got into the thick of it, Jack signaled for everyone to take cover. It was best to get this over with now, whatever it was, than wait for nightfall. There was little doubt in Jack's mind that their intentions were less than honorable.
"We know you're out there!" Jack called out. "Step out and identify yourselves now!"
A deep voice replied. "Gelan wishes you to return to the hospitality of his home."
"That's an awfully kind offer, but we've already explained the situation to him. We have a curfew and daddy just hates it when we break it."
"Gelan has changed his mind, and it is not an offer."
Jack cursed under his breath. The situation was devolving fast. They'd already moved from being welcomed to receiving thinly veiled threats. While they had vastly superior weapons to what he had seen in the village, an arrow could kill just as surely as a bullet. If there were enough of them out in the fringes things could get messy very fast.
"I'm afraid we can't do that. You're just going to have to go back and give Gelan our apologies." Jack looked between the rest of his team, noting they didn't like the situation any better than he did.
"We will use force if we must," the man replied.
Jack sighed. "And so will we. I promise you don't want us to start shooting."
A man stepped out from the trees. Dark paint streaked his face, his clothes layered in dirt to add to the camouflage. He held a short spear, with a bow slung over a shoulder. He stood in a relaxed position. "I do not doubt your skill, Colonel. However, are you certain you can fend all of us off?"
The forest came alive in sound. Men stepped out from behind every conceivable crevice. Not only were they grossly outnumbered, but since they had stopped to make a stand, they were now surrounded. Dozens, maybe even a hundred men were around them. Jack had no doubt that they could thin those numbers substantially, but they wouldn't be able to get them all. Not before their position was overrun.
The man that first stepped out spoke again. "We may fight here, and ensure your deaths, or you may surrender, and ensure your survival. These are your options."
"You heard the man," Jack said softly, so their attackers couldn't hear.
"Resistance would mean certain failure, but their victory would be at a high toll," Teal'c replied.
Daniel shook his head. "They don't sound like they're very worried about the body count."
"We know they want something from us, sir. General Hammond should have time to realize we're overdue and work out a rescue," Sam added.
"Yeah," Jack sighed, "I thought so." He stood up, raising his hands as he stepped out from behind the tree. "I guess we'll see what Gelan wants to say."
*
They were divested of their flak vests, packs, and all of their equipment. Sam pulled at the ropes tying her hands behind her back and found them to be quite sound. The walk back into town was quiet, Jack tried to engage conversation but their captors weren't talking.
When they were back at Gelan's house, torches were burning brightly against the enveloping night. A dozen of the men entered the opulent home with them. Gelan was seated at the same large table they had been at hours before, eating from various plates of food set before him.
He smiled. "I see you gave into reason and surrendered yourselves."
Jack's head cocked tiredly. "Didn't give us much of a choice, now did you?"
"Certainly not. I wanted the choice to be abundantly clear to you."
Sam frowned and stepped forward. "Gelan, our people won't just ignore this. When we don't return, they'll want to know what happened."
"You can show your wisdom and save your people from an incident by letting us go now. There must have been some sort of misunderstanding," Daniel said.
Gelan shook his head, standing from the table. He walked around the barrier with his hands clasped together. "Your people may wonder, but they will be powerless to act. When we flushed the Goa'uld from this place, they left a giant curtain that stops intruders from using the Chappa'ai. It took many months for them to give up on returning. Again we shall keep it in place as long as necessary."
"Whatever you hope to get from us you could have gotten through peaceful means," Sam said. She couldn't see the wisdom in breaking all chances at a diplomatic relationship with Earth over four prisoners.
"Perhaps, but not in a timely manner. And why give up our resources for something we can have for free?"
Gelan motioned with one hand and the guards pulled them all back out of the house. They were marched behind the village into the foothills, the path lit by a long string of torches. Only the twelve men escorted them now, the rest left for whatever passed as their lives. Sam took in the surroundings, the area around the road was wide open. Tree shadows started far in the distance on either side.
Slipping out then wasn't an option, she had two men clutching at her shoulders, bunching the fabric of her jacket as they urged her along. The others were similarly restrained. Soon the entrance in the side of the mountain came into view as they rounded the slope. Sam immediately recognized the mine shaft for what it was.
So all this had been to give them four more people to toil away in the trinium mine?
"Well, this should be fun!" Jack exclaimed with mock enthusiasm. Even in the firelight Sam could see the others staring at him in disapproval.
Guards swarmed around the entrance of the mine, wielding spears and bows. They patrolled along narrow paths towards other entrances, she assumed. She had yet to see or hear any of the workers, but they were probably much deeper inside.
They were guided through a maze of tunnels. The walls were scarred from labor, angry gouges revealing where deposits had been removed. Sam wasn't particularly impressed by the shoring, and wondered if the predominantly wooden posts were what the Goa'uld had used when he had ruled the planet, or if they were just an improvisation by the new owners. Thick beams of wood between her and several hundred tons of rocks did not instill much comfort.
Finally they entered a large room. Bunks covered the floor, with only narrow aisles separating them. Many were occupied by dirty men covered in debris from their labor. They talked in hushed tones to their neighbors, some joking and others looking serious. That part did not settle well with Sam, as far as she could see there were only men.
Everyone got silent when they noticed the new arrivals, staring curiously.
One of their guards pointed inside the room. "Take a bed."
"What, no dinner?" the Colonel said, his tone rich with indignation.
"You will eat in the morning with everyone else."
With a shove they were pushed into the room, and left to the guards that lined the walls. She followed behind Jack as they made their way past the bunks near the front of the room, all of them being taken. They stopped at two empty bunks that were side-by-side.
"And this is why I don't like diplomatic missions," Jack said.
"I thought you didn't like them because they were so boring?" Daniel countered.
"Yeah, see? Either they bore you to death or they throw you into a mine. Whichever you get it's lose-lose."
Sam barely acknowledged them, too engrossed in the room. It was large, holding maybe five hundred beds. Over half of them were taken. The ceiling rose high, flourishing into a dome. Not that she could see very much from the torchlight, as it didn't illuminate the entire space. Its shape gave it extra strength, but that alone wouldn't keep the weight from crushing in on itself. The dimensions were simply too large to sustain.
"You appear troubled, Major Carter," Teal'c said.
Sam frowned, then looked at him. "Um, a little bit. This is a big space to carve out inside a mountain without any sort of support. I'm just not sure why it hasn't caved in already."
"Thanks, Carter. Now I will definitely sleep like a baby." Jack fixed her with a disapproving stare.
Sam gave a small smile. "Well, sir, I can't get a very good look with this light so I probably just can't see it. Maybe some type of trinium reinforced lattice. And... it hasn't collapsed yet."
"Thank you, my faith has now been restored," he deadpanned. Not knowing what else to do, Sam shrugged.
"So," Daniel switched subjects, "if he's telling the truth about the stargate, then General Hammond won't be able to send a rescue team through. And does anyone else find it strange that a Goa'uld has an iris-like device? Especially one that was ousted over a hundred years ago?"
Teal'c sat on the lower bunk opposite to Daniel. "The Goa'uld that ruled here was not very powerful. He would have had to use the limited means at his disposal to prevent the System Lords from taking a world with the potential value that this one possesses. A trinium mine would have been worth the cost of incursion, but not the trouble of arriving by ship."
"I love to be academic as much as the next guy, but the how or why here doesn't really affect our current situation. Bunk down, campers, we've got a long day ahead of us." With that the Colonel laid back on the bare mattress, pulling his cap down over his eyes.
Sam climbed up to the top bunk and followed suit.
*
His eyes were wide as he stared at them from across the room. Even in the flickering light he had no doubt as to their identities. The clothing alone was a dead giveaway. His hearts raced as the anger consumed him, and he barely bit back the hiss that wanted to erupt.
"Rodesh, it is them?" one of his companions, Jeefun, asked from the lower bunks. He did not look away from his quarry.
"Truly," he replied.
Sessn stood, climbing to the top of his own bunk to look. "Shryss has been merciful. She gives us the opportunity for revenge."
And they would take their revenge. His people demanded no less from them.
*
Teal'c looked down at his meal, a bowl of thin stew and a hunk of bread torn off a larger loaf. It was far better than some of the food they had been given in the past, but still not much to look at. They ate in the bunk room, apparently the only room large enough to house all the slaves at once. It also became apparent why all the front bunks were taken, when they had reached the food lines there were only a couple pieces of bread left. They had to tear the chunks even smaller and split them.
Two guards approached their bunks. Teal'c stood immediately, eyeing the men warily. He watched them grip their spears a little tighter, then the front one pointed at Sam. "You come with us."
Jack came between the guards and Sam. "What's this all about?"
"She has special skills Gelan wants utilized." The man pushed Jack aside and grabbed Sam.
Teal'c stopped Jack from stepping forward again. "A confrontation here helps no one."
"It's ok, sir," Sam said, offering a nod as she was pulled away.
All three men watched her round the corner at the large doorway. It would be best if they could stay together, to maintain strength in numbers, but there was really nothing they could do if their captors wanted to break them up. They could only hope that she would be safe wherever they were going to take her, and that they'd see her again by the end of the day.
Moments after everyone else was ushered out into the active mine shafts. They were chained to a section of wall in groups of five, and only when they were secured were they given mining picks. A few slaves, who seemed to have garnered some sort of favor, were given a box shaped device with a slightly pointed front face. Teal'c instantly recognized their purpose, while Jack and Daniel looked at them curiously.
"They are stone cutters," Teal'c explained. "Lasers focus at the tip of the device and allow it to cut through stone with ease."
As he finished, they watched one of the men activate his cutter, a red glow emitting from the dull point. He pressed it against the wall, sheering chunks away with little effort. Everyone else began swinging their picks, making far less progress.
"Work!" a nearby guard shouted, motioning to their section.
Teal'c watched as Jack swung his pick gruffly, and then followed.
*
As Sam was led out of the mountain, she squinted against the brightness of the rising sun. She could see the village nestled in the distance, smoke rising from the chimneys of the houses. To the left of the buildings she could see the start of farmland, vast fields of crops she could only guess at from the distance.
The moment was short lived as the guards tugged her to the side, positioning her in front of a stone block. Shackles hung from a thick ring embedded in the stone, and a box shaped object resting on top. They fastened the shackles around her wrists and stepped back. She tugged at them, but they didn't give.
Not sure what they expected her to do, she turned to the guard standing at her left and stared at him. His brow furrowed, but he didn't respond.
"You're going to have to give me a hint," she said.
He stepped forward and picked up the object. Holding it out in front of him, with the point facing forward, he activated it. There was a brief hum of power, and she could see the point glow faintly. It began to flicker before dying out completely. The man shoved the object back down on the table.
"Fix it."
Sam glared at him. If it was like other Goa'uld technology, she could probably repair it fairly easily, but they didn't have to know that. "It's not that simple. I've never seen this device before."
The guard grabbed the collar of her jacket and yanked her back. While she was off balance he sneered in her face. "You'll figure it out if you want to eat."
He shoved her forward with equal viciousness. Sam's hands shot out to brace against the stone as momentum crashed her against it. She winced as the metal ring bit into her hip. Before he had a chance to do anything else, she picked up the device and looked for an access panel. Several small crystals of varying colors jutted out towards her. They appeared to be undamaged, which was a plus if they expected her to repair the thing.
At the risk of pissing the guard off again, she looked up at him. "I'm going to need some tools."
*
Daniel's body ached as they were escorted back to the bunk room. The guards had been certain to collect their tools before releasing the locks, removing their hopes of using them in an escape attempt. He passed through the food line, grabbing his portion before heading to their bunks.
When he got back there, Sam was already sitting on one of the bunks. Daniel smiled as he sat next to her. "Everything go ok?"
"As can be expected. How'd you guys manage?"
Jack sat down on the other bunk with his food. "Hi ho, hi ho!"
"What task were you charged with?" Teal'c asked. Daniel saw concern in his eyes.
She gave him a reassuring smile. "Apparently I'm the resident mechanic. They want me to repair the broken drilling devices."
"Sounds pretty cushy, Carter," Jack replied. He spoke around a mouthful of bread.
"Yes, sir." Sam glanced around to make sure no guards were nearby. "I've been working as slow as I can. From what I can gather a lot of them need repairs."
"That would make sense. There don't seem to be very many running down in the tunnels," Daniel said. Getting some more of the devices working would boost their productivity tremendously. The rocks confining the trinium ore were particularly dense, and those on the mining picks made dreadful progress against it.
Teal'c seemed to follow his thoughts. "This must be why Gelan chose to take us prisoner."
"How's it feel to be so popular, Major?" Jack teased. Daniel looked over at Sam and she frowned.
"They have me working outside of the mountain. However, there are two guards watching me and I'm chained to a stone slab. I don't see a way to try to escape from there."
Teal'c explained how they were equally well guarded within the mines. It seemed that escape wouldn't be on the menu until they learned a lot more about how things were run. Daniel wasn't really interested in learning more about this culture, the people seemed to have ousted the Goa'uld only to install their own ruling class to subjugate the masses.
He'd seen it enough times already.
