Seshat's Secrets
RATING: K, for language and eventual adult situation
DISCLAIMER: This is only for fun. All characters in this story belong to MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions.
TIME / PLACEMENT: Post Season Three, but before Daniel Ascends.
SUMMARY: The Goa'uld known as the Goddess Language, Numerology and Architecture is found encased in her sarcophagus. Daniel convinces the team the knowledge is invaluable. Will it be his awakening or his downfall?
SESHAT'S Secret - Chapter One
"So you're recommending we cease the exploration of P5J-323 altogether, Major?" General George Hammond sat at the head of the conference table reviewing the file of reports in front of him.
"Yes, sir." Major Carter referenced the data in her report. "The naquadah levels are so minute they barely register. With the density of the tectonic layer, excavation efforts would exceed the possible benefit."
"She means the ground is solid rock." Cornel Jack O'Neill bounced his mechanical pencil up and down on the eraser.
"Well, yes" Carter continued. "But the ore is extraordinarily dense. Our original attempts at drilling were, frankly, disastrous" After SG-1 cleared the area for exploration, the scientist brought through the Stargate attempted to use a portable laser drill and burned the circuits out before a six inch hole had been dug. "I think the crust of the area is some sort of volcanic flow. I will have to run further tests on the sample we brought back."
"Very well, then." The General closed his file and pushed away from the table. "I will suspend any further exploration of '323 until we have more information. Dismissed."
As SG-1 and the command staff poured out of the briefing room, an administrative aid stepped up. "Dr. Jackson, I have a message for you."
Daniel looked down at the yellow slip of paper. The note read:"Have a new find you have to see. Deir El Bahari. Catherine."
"Sir, she wouldn't give me any other information. . . not a phone number or a last name." The Airman tried to explain.
"It's alright, Marc. I know exactly what this means." Daniel Jackson felt his brows draw together. Whatever it was, Dr. Catherine Langford would not have sent a message to the SGC unless it was immediately relevant. He looked up in time to see General Hammond and Jack turn the corner into the General's office. He sprinted down the hall to catch up. "General!"
"Yes," They both stopped to wait for him.
"Hey, Jack. I'm sorry to interrupt. I just got this." He handed the note to Hammond. "If Dr. Langford is trying to reach me here. . . " Daniel began.
"It must be something important." The General nodded in understanding.
"Sir, she's probably not able to communicate on a secure line. I really think I need to find out more."
"Yeah. She probably doesn't want the locals to overhear about whatever Goa'uld souvenir she dug up." Jack shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I'd like permission to go to Egypt."
- - -
Stepping out the front door of his hotel, Daniel clipped the shades to his glasses and looked down the busy morning street. It's been quite a while since he'd been in Luxor. It never ceased to amaze him how so many things could change, and yet there be so many others that had been constant for hundreds of years.
"Dr. Jackson!" A younger man, British by the inflection of his voice, approached from a parked car across the street. "Dr. Langford sent me to fetch you. It's a pleasure to finally meet. I'm Will Simonson. I've heard many things about you."
"Really?" His eyebrows rose. Normally when met with fellow archeologist, they held back snickers.
Simonson laughed, "We've been friends for many years. Let's just say, Dr. Langford and I are happy to reside a little left of center."
"Okay, um, it's a pleasure to meet you, as well. Where is Catherine now?"
"Hatshepsut's Temple. Shall we go?" Simonson motioned to the awaiting car.
Passing a few tour groups, they walked the ramp into the shade and away from the heat of the rising sun. Inside, they passed a smaller group of students. Daniel couldn't help but smile as one young man excitedly translated an inscription. It seemed forever ago, but he could still remember the thrill of each new personal discovery.
"Ah, you're here!" A beaming, silver haired woman swooped around the corner and enveloped him in her arms.
He returned the hug with equal affection. "It's so good to see you." He whispered into her hair. "But, isn't this rather public?"
"Don't worry, my boy." Catherine pulled back, but only enough to look into his eyes. "This is definitely your expertise, and I have done all I can to keep it that way." A bright smile crossed her face again. "It really is so good to see you. When did you cut your hair?"
"That's a long story." He returned her smile. He had not realized how long it had been. He could see a few more lines, a little more shake in her voice.
"Come on, follow me." She took Daniel's hand, leading him further into the temple. All of the others fell away and soon he found them standing alone, in front of a locked fence, blocking off a hole in the wall of one of the Temple's smaller off-shoot chambers. As Catherine dug out the key and opened the gate she began to explain in hushed tones. "A team of archeologists from Germany were cataloging the inscriptions back here, when one found a seam that was inconsistant with the other masonry. A seam, Daniel, not and outline of script. A geologist in the team confirmed the stone was not cut from the same quarry and it was carefully removed. As soon as they peaked through, they knew they'd found something important. Thankfully, my contact with the Egyptian government recognized this may be an unusual find. He stopped the dig and contacted me."
"Bet that ticked the German team off." He followed her through the small opening and waited as she turned on the lights strung from the generator.
"They're furious, but no where nearly as much as they will be when they find out they won't get access to the dig at all." She flipped the switch and flooded the stone chamber with light.
Daniel's chest tightened and his mouth moved, looking for words that would not come. Spread before him, the massive vessel dominated the room. Even though dust heavily covered the surface, he could make out the hieroglyphs and controls. He walked a slow circle around it, looking at every surface, but not touching.
"Daniel, is that a. . ."
"Goa'uld Sarcophagus." He breathed. "And it's occupied."
- - -
"It's true!" Samantha Carter practically slid around the corner and into the SGC Lab, wide-eyed and panting.
"Indeed, it is true." Teal'c leaned against the nearby counter. He watched Dr. Jackson sketch all of the inscriptions into his journal. Tothe Jaffa'sright rested his staff weapon for the 'unlikely event the sarcophagus becomes active.'
"I actually get away from this place for a couple days when we have leave and you find a sarcophagus while I'm gone." She shook her head, smiling. "It's not fair."
"Well, Sam." Daniel pushed his glasses back into place. "Technically a group of German archeologists made the discovery."
"Semantics." Jack O'Neill sauntered into the lab. "So which snakehead do we have in the box?"
"Really, it's very amazing." Daniel began to pace around the head of the sarcophagus, hovering his hand over the inscriptions. "I think this is Seshat. At least this is her sarcophagus. She was found in a sub-chamber of the Temple of Hatshepsut in the rock of Deir el-Bahri. There's evidence that the temple has been ransacked and restored many times since Hatshepsut's rein. The room this was found in wasn't a tomb. It was like a . . . a storage chamber. I got the stone tablet that the team removed to access the chamber. I think it was put into place years, centuries, after the pharaohs remodeled the temple. Now, what if for some reason Seshat went into hiding. . ."
"Or was imprisoned." Teal'c interjected.
"Okay, yeah, or imprisoned and walled up. She could have been in hibernation for a millennia."
"So who's this Sasha cat?" Jack bent a paperclip into odd shapes.
"Seshat." Daniel corrected. "She was a scribe, a record keeper; the goddess of recording history, architecture, of mathematics and geometry. No temples to her have been found but hieroglyphs depict her in many, many texts. She's the only one, the only woman, shown actually writing." He was speaking faster, lost in his element. "She was said to be the daughter and possible wife of Thoth, who's her male counterpart. Seshat recorded everything of significance. She was said to be logical, analytical and yet intuitive. However, in the Pyramid Texts she's referred to as 'The Lady of the House' and the 'Foremost of Builders'. In fact, it's said she oversaw the Pedjeshes or the 'Stretching of the Cord'. It was a foundation ritual. The beginning, the placing and planning of the pyramids. She – " He stopped tapping his fingers against his lips. "What if she's one of the builders of the Goa'uld Motherships?"
"Well that would be something." Jack tried not to gape.
"Questions is, do we wake her up?"
- - -
"Are you both out of your mind?" Jack leaned forward, mockingly hitting his forehead on the conference table. "We've got a Goa'uld on ice and you want to wake her up! Poked any bears with short sticks lately?"
"Jack," Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose, searching for the best way to make the Colonel understand. "There is a strong possibility she has not only the knowledge of how Goa'uld technology works, but how to actually build it . She's referenced as 'Lady of Builders' and from the Second Dynasty on she was said to preside over all the major constructions. Myth indicates she was an advisor or an observer to the kings, not an oppressor. Supposedly the priesthood of Thoth overtook her priesthood. It's conceivable she may not even agree with the rule of the System Lords. The Egyptians referred to her as a sort of Fairy Godmother figure. Besides, the likelihood Seshat has a hand device or a weapon in the sarcophagus is minimal, so we'll have held prisoner."
"I don't think she's going to want to put Carter into glass slippers! She'll want to kill us."
Daniel groaned. Leaning back in his chair, he tossed his glasses onto the table. All that information and all Jack heard was 'fairy godmother'. Great.
"Sir." Samantha attempted the tactical approach. "We can attempt to open the sarcophagus under the heaviest of security. From what Daniel and Teal'c have told me, there's a real possibility she may consider an exchange of information. The knowledge could be invaluable to our battle with the Goa'uld and the advancement of our own technology."
"Exchange for what?" General Hammond finally interrupted.
"Well, that's the question, isn't it?" Jack threw his hands up. "And I can't believe you're in on this lame-brain plan!" He gestured at Teal'c.
"What exact is your take on this plan?" The General inquired.
"I agree with DanielJackson that the risk of Seshat being armed is minimal. If she attempts to fight us in such a situation, it would be a fatal mistake." One eyebrow rose. "Among the Jaffa there are few tales of Seshat. She is mentioned in tales told to children to teach them to think of the effects of their choices."
"Completely benign references." Daniel nodded.
"Swell." Jack still hated the idea.
"You realize we're talking about awaking her, just to kill her if she doesn't cooperate." Dr. Frazier added.
"Yes, we are." The General pursed his lips. "I am not comfortable with the idea of leaving her as is, only to have her awaken on her own to surprise us. Nor am I comfortable with destroying her outright." He turned to Teal'c. "You're confident that your team will be able to contain her?"
"Yes, GeneralHammond."
"Very well. As much as I share your trepidation, Colonel, I'm going to approve Dr. Jackson's plan. I want full containment and quarantine measures in place. Let's get his over with as quickly as possible, Doctor."
Hours later the sarcophagus was moved to a secure room which offered more of a tactical advantage than the previous room. Positioned around the room, Teal'c placed a unit of SGC SF, all heavily armed. Ventilation systems were closed and strict quarantine protocols were followed. Above, several of SGC Command watched through thick plexi-glass windows. Daniel, sighed. He really hoped they were doing the right thing.
"Go ahead, Doctor." The General spoke into the microphone. "Wake her up."
"But no matter how bitchy she gets, I'm not making coffee." Jack threw in before the mike cut off.
Reading the hieroglyphs one more time, Daniel keyed on the sarcophagus' controls. It lit up and the great cover began rolling open. He took several steps back as the soldiers around him trained their weapons on the lone occupant. Tentatively taking a step closer, Daniel tried to get a better look.
The female lay motionless. Her long black hair spilled around her shoulders as if it were arranged perfectly after she'd reclined. A gold band circled her head bearing Seshat's cartouche. The leopard skin tunic began at her neck, but left her arms bare. Daniel couldn't help smiling to himself.
Her hands lifted. His smile disappeared and he stepped back. The delicate, long fingered hands were devoid of weapons or any other adornment. They came to rest lightly on her face as she drew a raked breath. She held her hands up, turn each over and examining them carefully.
Seshat sat up slowly, looking around without expression. Her dark, nearly black, eyes came to rest on Daniel. He had taken another step toward her. "Where am I? Who awakens me?" She asked in clear and steady Goa'uld.
"You are far away from where you were lain to rest." Daniel began. "I am Daniel Jackson. We have brought you here for safety." He thought, 'well, ours anyway'.
"How long?"
"More than a millennia." Daniel answered. "Are you Seshat?"
She nodded once. "Where is Ra? Thoth?"
'Here goes,' Daniel thought. Her reaction to the news would probably be the determining factor of this encounter. "Thoth is no longer on this world. Ra is dead."
Seshat's eyes grew wider. Then a scowl crossed her beautiful face. "Deceiver. Do not lie to me."
"No, there is no lie. I tell only the truth. The Goa'uld are no longer on this world. They are no longer considered our gods."
She stood up in the sarcophagus. The soldiers' weapons trailed her movement. Glancing about her expression became wary. "Then why have you awakened me? What will you have of me?"
"I am an archeologist and a linguist. We wish an exchange of information. I would like you to teach me."
"I no longer have priests. They have been taken. Destroyed."
"No," Daniel smiled. "I will not worship. I only wish to learn your knowledge."
"You say Ra is dead."
"Yes."
"What has become of the Goa'uld? Make your answer complete." Her regal posture reminded Daniel he was dealing with a being who considered herself a god.
"That would take a great deal of time." He tried to explain. "Since Ra's defeat, many Goa'uld battled each other. To find a measure of peace, a collective of the most powerful have positioned themselves as system lords, with many Goa'uld aligning themselves in their service."
"All Goa'uld have aligned themselves with a stronger house?"
"Not all. Some have resisted the path taken by the Goa'uld. They held a different philosophy. Now they are the Tok'ra."
"Egeria." Seshat breathed.
"Yes!" Daniel continued excitedly. "She led the way for the Tok'ra. You know of her?"
Seshat again nodded only once. Teal'c lowered his staff just a hair. She registered this movement. She turned back to Daniel. "Are you aligned with Apophis?"
"No." Teal'c answered, though he was not the one addressed. "Once I was his First Prime, but I fought along side my people to free the Jaffa from Apophis' rule. I am now a free Jaffa. I choose to align myself with these Tau'ri because I believe them honorable."
"You fear I may attack."
"We are wary." Daniel explained.
"Yet you seek my knowledge."
"We do not want to harm you, but we will not allow you to harm our people." Daniel nodded.
She seemed to consider her situation. Coming to a decision, she againinclined her headonce. "I wish to learn more about the state of the Goa'uld, the Tok'ra, and the Tau'ri. In exchange, I will teach you. I give you my vow I will not harm your people, and I will stay within your dwelling. I will learn and contemplate for the next seven rises of the sun. For that time, you need not fear me." She held out her hand expectantly for aid to step down.
Daniel broke out in a big smile and rushed forward to take her hand. He helped her step out of the sarcophagus, surprised at her petite stature. Seshat only stood to his chin. Teal'c lowered his weapon completely and motioned for the others to do the same. He bowed his head slightly at Seshat.
Daniel looked up to the observation room. Jack was animatedly gesturing for him to explain. "This is Seshat. She wishes to learn more of us, the Tok'ra and what has become of the Goa'uld. She's vowed to harm no one and remain as our, um, guest for at least seven days without argument." He explained in English.
Sam beamed with a silent 'told you so' look at O'Neil. He just threw his hands up and walked out of the observation room. The General and Dr. Frazier were exchanging words as they, too, left the room. Sam watched them leave before turning back to Daniel with a covert thumbs-up.
The large steel doors slid open. General Hammond and Dr. Frazier entered, trailed by an annoyed looking Colonel. Daniel turned to Seshat. "This is General Hammond. He is the leader of our facility. This is Dr. Frazier, a healer. And this, is Col. O'Neill. He is second in command."
"We welcome the opportunity to learn from one another." General Hammond spoke directly to the small woman.
Daniel translated as they exchanged pleasantries.
"Daniel, please explain to her that Dr. Frazier will have to examine her before releasing her from quarantine. We also need to explain to her the rules of her stay and what she should expect from our security."
Seshat watched the exchange between the leader and Daniel. She attempted to interpret their language, but she did not have enough references yet. Daniel again spoke to her in Goa'uld. He explained the desire of their healer and the restrictions placed upon her stay.
"Very well, Daniel. I agree." He spoke again to the leader and Seshat identified what must be the female pronoun. Daniel offered to lead her to the healer's place. She placed her hand lightly upon his offered arm. He took her through brightly lit artificial halls. To Daniel's left walk the healer woman, Frazier. They spoke to one another in their own tongue. Seshat listened intently, though her eyes remained on the path ahead. Patterns and words began to fall into place in her mind.
When they reached the room Daniel explained what would be taking place and stayed by her side. Two soldiers stood guard nearby. As Frazier held devices to her and touched her for the examination, Daniel continued to interpret with ease.
"Daniel, do you speak as the people?" She spoke in pure ancient Egyptian.
"Yes," He changed languages as well. "I speak Egyptian of old."
"How many tongues have you?" Seshat asked, switching again to Goa'uld.
"I, uh," he shoved his hands into his pockets. "I speak 23 languages."
"Is this common of people today?"
"No" He laughed, slightly embarrassed. "It's not."
Seshat felt herself smile for the first time since awakening as she looked into his eyes that were color of sky. "Never place yourself aside because you have talent and knowledge others do not. Although the desire to be a part of others in society is universal, take pride in your uniqueness."
"Yeah, don't be embarrassed." Daniel agreed in English.
"Embarrassed?" Seshat spoke with perfect inflection.
"Feeling unease." He tried to explain. "Aware of your difference or inappropriate action."
She smiled, understanding. Frazier began to speak to him again. Words related in her mind. Examine. Test. Her. You. When the other woman stopped speaking, Daniel explained that everything was fine and they were free to continue.
"Daniel, name your language."
"English."
"English." She repeated. She patted the linen beside her. "Name this."
"Bed?"
"English."
"Oh," He returned her smile. "Bed." They continued for several minutes. Bed. Glass. Water. Drink. Stand. Sit. Walk. Man. Woman. Speak. Smile.
"Speak English, Daniel. Not Goa'uld. I . . . " She paused, searching for the word. "Learn."
"Alright." He was amazed, complete enamored. Daniel was certain he was grinning like a fool, but he was conversing with the 'goddess' that myth said created language. At the moment, Goa'uld or not, he felt like he was discovering the most significant piece of history he'd ever encountered – besides the Stargate. Most other Goa'uld were either acclimated to the current time or were self absorbed ego maniacs. Speaking with someone literally pluck from the era was amazing. She was there. Lived it. And for once, wasn't trying to kill him.
"Are you hungry? Would you like to eat?" Daniel motioned to his mouth.
"Yes."
- - -
The next morning Daniel came into the briefing with a fresh cup of coffee and more notated books than he shouldn't have been trying to carry with one arm. "Late night hitting the books?" Jack came up behind him, taking half the pile without asking.
"Um, yes. Actually." He half smiled.
"Get anywhere?" Jack tossed the books in front of Daniel's usual seat.
"She likes Jell-O."
"Oh, that's useful."
Daniel chuckled, enjoying the banter. It meant Jack was over his tizzy about being over-ruled. Soon they where joined by the rest of the team. Dr. Frazier explained her findings from her examine, which boiled down to 'she's fine'. Teal'c confirmed she had made no attempt to elude or dispute any of the security measures he put into place.
"So, did she tell you how to build a Mothership yet?" Jack turned to Daniel.
"Nooo." Daniel said slowly. "We did however spend several hours bringing her up to speed on the last two thousand years of history. It's really amazing. . ."
"So how do you say 'double tall latte' in ancient Egyptian?"
"Jack," Daniel tried to glare, but somehow it didn't carry the weight. "I was saying, it's amazing how quickly she's learned English."
"Seshat was able to learn English in one night." Sam leaned forward.
"For the most part, yes." Daniel began opening books. "Seshat's priesthood was taken over by Thoth. Her followers were either forced into Thoth's service or were killed outright. She became an advisor directly to the pharaohs, but her actions eventually enraged the other Goa'uld to such an extent that they imprisoned her."
"So she says."
"Jack. . ."
"No, Doctor." The General interrupted. "The Colonel's right. Do we have anything other than her word to corroborate her story?"
"Well," He shuffled a few more of the books around. "No temples to Seshat have ever been found. But she's repeatedly mentioned in many of pharaoh's text as everything from an architect to a census recorder for stolen treasures. And here, this reference is to the 'absorption' of Seshat's cult into Thoth's. Sir, I spent over seven hours with her yesterday and whatever genetic memory that make's the Goa'uld act how they do is not apparent. She was inquisitive and direct, but not aggressive."
"Perhaps she is biding her time while gathering intelligence. If she spent so much time with the Tau'ri she would undoubtedly be capable of such deception." Teal'c interjected.
"Maybe." The archeologist conceded.
"When do think we'll be able to approach her on more specific matters; topics of technology and Goa'uld tactics?" Sam asked.
"I was going to broach some of those topics today. In fact, later today or tomorrow I would like to meet in the lab with you, Sam, to go over some of the naquadah technology."
Sam agreed. "Just let me know when."
"Do you think we'll get anything useful from her, Doctor?"
"I believe so, General. She's just woken up to a completely different world. It may take a little time, but she's learning remarkably fast."
"And she hasn't tried to kill anyone yet. Just make sure she doesn't spritz you with any funky pheromones or anything."
"I promise, Jack."
- - -
"Unscheduled activation!" The alarm sounded.
Seshat dropped her paper. "What is that, Daniel?"
"Someone is activating our Stargate. There's nothing for you to worry about." He paused writing to assure her, but barely looked up. For the morning, she relayed her story and the take over of her cult. He attempted to cross reference all he could as she spoke, so there were dozens of books spread before him.
"Stargate? Explain."
"Our Chap'ai," he didn't look up from his fevered writing. It took him a moment to realize she did not respond. At last, he lifted his eyes to her. She sat across from him, straight backed and eyes wide. Some unidentifiable emotion flickered across her face, but it some drew into a scowl. "Um, is there something wrong?"
"You said the Goa'uld were gone from this world. You said we were safe from them here, yet your Chap'ai operates. Do not attempt to placate me with your illusions of safety. I am no fool, Daniel. A lie of omission is still a lie." She spat in Goa'uld.
"No, no." Daniel tried to place his hand over hers, but quickly pulled away at the look she gave him. "I did not lie. Yes, our Chap'ai operates. We explore with it. It is how we know of the Tok'ra and the Jaffa, but we are safe here – as safe as anywhere can be."
"How is it you would keep Apophis or any other from attacking if they so wished?" Seshat asked dubiously.
"We are part of a treaty – an agreement between the System Lords and the Asgard. We are protected here." He waited, hoping her rigidity would fade. It did not. "Please, Seshat, believe me."
Her posture relaxed and she looked down to her folded hands. "Daniel, I do not wish to go back to the Goa'uld." Her voice lost all of the alien intonation.
He sat there for a moment, absorbing what he just heard – not what she said, but HOW she said it. Perhaps she was closer to Tok'ra than he though. "You allow your host to speak?"
"I do not wish to speak of it." Seshat's voice returned. "However, it is true. I do not wish to relate with the Goa'uld."
"Um, okay." He fidgeted with his pen. "No one is going to make you rejoin the Goa'uld if you don't want to."
"If they discover I have awakened, I will be hunted."
"There are options if the situation came to that, but for right now, no one knows you're here. I will tell the General to keep your being here a secret until you decide what it is you would like to do. Please, Seshat, I really do want you to be able to trust me. I did not mean to omit anything on purpose."
She took in the sincerity of his voice and the look in his eyes. They were mesmerizing her, with the bluest of color and trueness of heart that shone through. He smiled sweetly and she found her fingers rising to barely touch the soft lips which spoke so many tongues. He did not move, neither pulling away nor leaning forward. He allowed the feather touch to sweep across his cheek and down to his chin. "I believe you."
- - -
Sam found Daniel in his office furiously typing on the computer. She waited a moment but he didn't look up. Finally, she cleared her throat.
His fingers still moved but he glanced up and smiled. "Just a sec."
Sam moved a couple files and a box of broken pottery, making herself room to sit on his work counter. She watched as he finished the section of his report. He could be as long worded as she could when reporting on a topic in his expertise. So she waited patiently.
He stopped, spinning his chair towards her. Daniel didn't even ask why she was there before recounting his discoveries of the day with Seshat. Sam smiled, listening intently. It was, after all, why she came to his office. "So you find her to be friendly?" She finally asked after Daniel paused his history lesson.
"Yes, actually." Daniel took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands, before looking back up at his friend. "She said she doesn't want to rejoin the Goa'uld. When SG-3 came through this morning, she froze. The idea that we have an active Stargate really frightened her."
"She could be lying to us, Daniel."
"True," he conceded. "But I really don't think she is."
"How can you be so sure?" Sam did want to doubt him, but she knew Daniel's desire to see the best in people, even if it wasn't really there.
"She let her host speak to me." He cocked his head and smirked.
"What?" Sam knew well what that meant. Only the Tok'ra lived symbiotically. Allowing the host to speak, and the two being in agreement, was unheard of for her time. It also made the meaningful exchange of information in their fight against the Goa'uld a real possibility. She could provide the pinnacle for a shift of power. "What did she say? I mean how is that possible?"
"She said she didn't want to talk about it."
"I think you'd better find out."
- - -
Well, there it is - chapter one of my first Stargate fic. Feedback is welcome . . . encouraged even!