Title: Cordesh
Author: Meushell
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, the stargate, the plotlines this is based on, or anything else from the show.
Summary: What happened with Cordesh? What happened with Jolinar's battle against the Goa'uld?
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Tok'ra (parts 1 and 2)
Beta-ed by: Lalene Brooks
Note: I don't know the timeline for certain things. I hope this doesn't interfere.

Part 1, Assignment

:.:.:October 1998:.:.:

"Cordesh! You must come with me and face questioning."

Nelay'en turned to the sound of being called, though he knew Garshaw would not find the one she seeked within him.

"I am not what I appear to be. Cordesh is no longer. I couldn't stop him. I am as guilty as he was."

"You must leave the tunnel and explain yourself Cordesh."

Fear gathered within him as the light of destruction came closer, but he stood bravely. "I don't deserve to remain among the Tok'ra." The light engulfed him, and Nelay'en died screaming in pain.

:.:.:March 1986:.:.:

"Cordesh!"

At hearing his symbiote being called by Garshaw, Nelay'en stopped in his tracks. He allowed Cordesh control as they turned.

Garshaw quickened her pace, but slowed when she saw they had stopped. "I was not sure if you had heard me. The council has a new assignment for you."

Cordesh's eyebrows raised slightly. It was not unusual to be assigned somewhere by the council, but he was usually part of the meeting where he was assigned. "Why was I not part of the meeting?" He was a member of the council afterall.

"It was only decided this morning, and if you recall-"

Cordesh nodded before she finished, remembering he hadn't been there this morning. "What is my assignment?"

"A routine infiltratration into Apophis' services. Some of the infant Goa'uld are soon ready to take hosts, and this would make for good timing."

Cordesh made a short nod. "When do I leave?"

"As soon as you can."

Tomorrow? Cordesh thought to his host.

Tomorrow, Nelay'en agreed.

Cordesh gave his host control, and Nelay'en looked towards Garshaw. "Then we will prepare." He headed for the Tok'ra clothing room, not needing to know anything more. A routine infiltration was their usual assignment.

The clothing room had everything needed to infiltrate. Nelay'en looked through the different clothes, deciding what would suit Apophis best. "Hello," he said as he heard someone enter the room. He did not know who had come in.

"Have you read all the recent reports concerning Apophis?" asked Rosha's voice.

Nelay'en glanced back to see her in the doorway and then returned to picking out clothes. "If you are referring to his new First Prime, I have. It might be helpful. The younger the Jaffa, the less likely he believes in the Tok'ra."

"The newer the First Prime, the most he will feel the need to prove he is worthy," Rosha replied quickly. "Tok'ra spies have always gotten passed Bra'tac. You will be the first to try to pass by Teal'c."

"You act like this is my first mission," Nelay'en said as he picked up clothes. "I have done this several times since I blended with Cordesh 146 years ago." He turned to her. "Much more than you, I might add."

"I meant no disrespect."

Nelay'en smiled. "I realize this. You worry whenever Martouf and Lantash go out on missions." He started looking for simple decoration to add to his clothes. "You do not need to add worry with everyone who goes on missions, yet you always do."

"You do not?" She asked in disbelief.

She is right about that, Cordesh thought quietly.

"We all worry."

Jolinar took control. "We worry whenever there is something not routine in a routine mission, and as you know, a new First Prime is cause for concern. I admit I do not know much about this Teal'c, but from what I have heard, I hope I never have to face the Jaffa. I probably wouldn't survive the encounter."

Nelay'en turned back to her after everything was picked out. "It will be my job to find out more about him."

Our job, Cordesh reminded.

Our job, of course.

"We have come to wish you well. We promised Martouf to go to Kiron with him tomorrow, and so we will not be here to give our farewell when you leave."

"We thank you." Taking the clothes and accessories, Nelay'en headed to his room.

:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:x:.:.:

The next day, Cordesh headed out of the tunnels, and he made it through the chaapa'ai. Rather than going to Chulak, he dialed to one of the other planets in Apophis's territory. He was grateful that the gate was not guarded. Knowing that some Jaffa were on the planet, he seeked them out. It would be less suspisious if he found them instead of the other way around.

Once he found them, they quickly raised their weapons to him.

Cordesh stayed calm as he spoke. "I have come to serve Apophis. My name is Odeth." As he looked around, he saw that none of the Jaffa had the mark of a First Prime.

One of the Jaffa stepped forward slightly, but kept his weapon on Cordesh. "You are to cooperate until we know this to be true."

"Of course," Cordesh replied and followed as he was gestured to do so. He was taken through rings up to a ship, and he found himself to be a bit surprised.

I did not realize Apophis was so near, Nelay'en thought.

Neither did I.

Cordesh was taken to Apophis, and he surveyed the situation. Standing by Apophis' side was the former First Prime, Bra'tac, instead of the current one. Teal'c is probably leading some battle against some other System Lord. Cordesh immediately kneeled. "I am Odeth, and I have come to serve my lord, Apophis."

Apophis grinned but was also wary. "Odeth..." He allowed a long pause, observing the new servant. Odeth may very well be who he said he was, a Goa'uld willing to serve him. However, he may also be a Tok'ra. "You may rise."

Cordesh stood and looked at Apophis' eyebrows, so the System Lord could not be sure if he was looking into his eyes or not. "How may I serve you?"

"Bra'tac will show you your new quarters. You will return here at my request so we may we will speak alone."

Cordesh knew that being shown where he'd be sleeping was a way for Apophis to stall and try to research what he could on "Odeth." He bowed his head in the very respectful manner. "Thank you, my lord." He waited until Bra'tac approached before looking towards him, so it would not be obvious that he already knew who Bra'tac was. He followed the Jaffa down one of the halls and towards the lower part of the ship.

It was a quiet walk, and the journey seemed long. Cordesh and Nelay'en both knew that time seemed to pass slow because they were nervous. What if Apophis did not approve of "Odeth?" What if Jolinar had been right about Teal'c being someone to worry about?

Bra'tac was respectful as he showed "Odeth" his new quarters. Minor Goa'uld automatically had higher rank than any Jaffa, so even if he was apalled, Bra'tac was very polite. As he watched the unknown man walk into the room, he allowed himself a second to glare. His face returned stoic before "Odeth" turned to him.

"You are Lord Apophis' First Prime?" Cordesh asked, wondering if perhaps the Tok'ra had been wrong about Teal'c taking over that job.

"No, his First Prime is away."

Cordesh looked to the gold on Bra'tac's forehead, wishing he had answered differently. It was not common for a First Prime to survive long enough to retire. However, Bra'tac was still clearly on good ground with Apophis. We may have to watch for him and Teal'c, he thought bitterly.

You can fool them both and Apophis with ease, Nelay'en thought in encouragement.

I hope you are correct.

To be continued...