Disclaimer: Only the original characters in this story belong to me. The rest belong to Gecko, MGM, etc. I don't get any money for this - it just quiets the voices in my head so I can pretend to be sane.
A/N: This is an idea that has been bouncing around in my head for over a year. I finally found a way to express in a way that feels right - I hope you like it! By the way, all the chapters for this 'episode' are written. I will post them as I get them formatted, so it shouldn't be too long before the whole thing is online.
Episode Spoilers: No spoilers really - as long as you know about Daniel's ascension and return.
Summary: On what should be a fairly routine mission, Daniel makes a new friend and SG-1 finds a long lost Goa'uld.
Prologue
Nuit stepped from the Chapp'ai. The bright morning sun reflected off her midnight blue Gown; the silver stars that decorated her dress twinkled as if they were real. She was furious that Ra had banished her to this world with only a dozen human slaves. She, who had forgiven him his dalliances with Hathor, was banished for loving another. Nuit, goddess of the sky, would have her revenge. Was she not a queen? She would use these puny humans and their inevitable offspring to create an army of Jaffa. Then she would return to the Tau'ri world and claim her rightful place as its ruler. Ra would be vanquished and her lover would be pharaoh. Nuit smiled as she considered her plans.
Her human slaves were not waiting for her at the base of the platform. They would pay for their disobedience. They could not have gone far, she had only waited a few moments before following them through the wormhole.
Scanning the horizon, Nuit took note of the landscape. A lush, green forest skirted the eastern edge of the clearing. To the west was the edge of a plateau, beyond which an ocean sang its soothing lullaby. The barren plateau stretched north and south for as far as Nuit could see.
Knowing that her slaves could have only gone into the forest, Nuit squared her shoulders and sauntered after them. She did not have to go far into the shaded wood to find her errant humans. But they were not alone.
The twelve, scrawny humans had been met by a handful of alien creatures. Nuit thought they looked similar to Unas, but their skin was a bright green instead of the pallid gray. They must have been friendlier than an Unas because the slaves did not appear to be afraid. Rather, they were hiding behind the aliens – hiding from their queen.
One of the aliens spoke. "These creatures say that they are your slaves," it lisped.
"I am their god," Nuit answered. "As I am yours."
"We serve no god," the creature answered.
"You will serve me."
"We will not, and neither will these," he pointed to the humans that were cowering in fear.
Nuit drew herself up to her full height, her thick, black hair swinging across her shoulders, and her hand device began humming with power. Her eyes glowed white. "You will pay for your insolence!"
A sudden, brilliant flash of light and pain turned Nuit's smile to a gasp of shock. She was vaguely aware of murmuring voices and hands lifting her before she lapsed into darkness.
Rejoicing in their apparent freedom, the humans wished to throw Nuit's body over the edge of the cliff into the rocky ocean below. The aliens, however, held all life as sacred. They restrained the humans and instead fashioned a coffin for the fallen goddess. Around it they built a tomb and inside the tomb, they carved Nuit's brief part in the story of the world they called Vedra.
Thousands of years passed. The world above her tomb changed. The forest gave way to civilization. Ocean winds softened the edges of the plateau. The aliens sheltered the humans, taught them technology and culture. Eventually, the aliens passed on – they were an old race and dying when they encountered the humans on Vedra. Time sped by until the story of Nuit and the aliens that vanquished her were only a legend.
A pearlescent light surrounded her. How did I get into a sarcophagus? Nuit was confused, she did not feel as though she was in a Goa'uld healing chamber. In fact she still felt residual pain from whatever it was that put her in this condition. Slowly she rose from her horizontal position and looked around. There was a stone slab, where she had been laying and a brightly lit console. Before she could explore further she heard footsteps.
A young woman stood in the doorway to the chamber. "You...you're awake," the woman stuttered.
"We are awake and we demand to know what is going on," Nuit's voice echoed off the dark, stone walls.
The woman tried to surreptitiously move towards the console. Nuit moved to intercept her. "You will answer us. What is going on?"
When the woman didn't answer, Nuit reached out a hand and lifted the insolent human by the throat. The woman placed a well-aimed kick to Nuit's knee. Howling in pain, Nuit dropped the human. Rage bubbled inside the goddess.
How dare this lowly human, this slug, defy her? Focusing her rage into a back-handed slap, Nuit sent the woman flying. Intent only on punishing the rebellious slave, she snarled and attacked. This human woman would die for her impudence.
Chapter 1
"That's the last of it," Jack O'Neill set the heavy box down on top of other precariously stacked boxes. "I sent Carter and Teal'c on a pizza run. Daniel?"
"What? Oh, okay. Thanks," Daniel Jackson continued to frown at one of the boxes stacked on his new kitchen table.
"What is it?" Jack walked over to stand next to his friend. Jack imagined he could actually hear the cogs in Daniel's head grinding as his friend thought. "What's the matter, isn't it yours?" Jack knew that he and Carter along with Doctor Fraiser had chosen to store Daniel's belongings while he was gone. And even though it had been a year, they had all been careful to not mix Daniel stuff in with their own. He supposed it was possible that in the excitement of moving Daniel into his new house that something got picked up that shouldn't have.
"I've never seen this box before," Daniel finally said.
Jack shrugged. "Must be Carter's or Fraiser's. We'll just send it home with them later. Come on, let's unpack some of your kitchen stuff so we can eat when Carter and T get back."
"No, I think this belonged to my dad," Daniel said.
Jack whipped around, concern etched on his face. "S'cuse me?" Sure enough, on the side of the box, in faded black marker was: Dr. Mel Jackson PhD.
Daniel's blue eyes met Jack's brown ones. The archeologist nervously licked his suddenly dry lips.
"How could you not have seen this before?" Jack wondered aloud. "Oh wait – that's right. You've got so much crap it would take years to sort through it all." He lightened his remark with a smirk. Daniel's snort was the response he'd been looking for. "So, open it already," Jack said.
Taking a deep breath, Daniel opened the box. Packing peanuts spilled out. Daniel dug through them and began pulling out items.
The first was a framed photograph of a young woman holding a tiny infant. Daniel's eyes softened and Jack took the picture from him. "Your mom." It wasn't a question. Next came an Egyptian wedding cup – similar to the one Daniel had from his marriage to Sha're. More mementos followed; Daniel took the time to handle each one with fondness. Finally, he reached the bottom of the box and pulled out a leather bound journal.
Slowly, with his hand trembling slightly, Daniel opened the journal to the first page:
I've just gotten a job in Giza – working on a dig. I found out today that I'll be working with Claire Ballard. I've heard she's brilliant. I'm looking forward to this next adventure.
"It's my dad's," Daniel said. "It's from when he first met my mom."
Jack nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Yeah," Daniel agreed, but his mind was already thirty-some years in the past.
As Jack locked the door behind him, he pulled out his cell phone. "T? Hey, why don't you and Carter bring the pizza to my place?" He paused, "Daniel? He's fine, just a little preoccupied with something he found in one of the boxes." Another pause while he listened. "I'll tell you about it when we get to my house."
The next morning, SG-1 gathered in the large room outside General Hammond's office for their pre-mission briefing. A very nervous Janet Fraiser joined them – it wasn't very often she went on an off-world mission.
While they were waiting for the general, Daniel poured himself a cup of coffee. He held up the carafe, silently asking if anyone else wanted any. Only Janet nodded. Daniel set a steaming mug down in front of her, taking the seat to her right. He gave her an encouraging smile.
Hammond entered and the briefing commenced.
"P7S-232," Sam began, "is years ahead of Earth, technologically speaking. SG-6 has established friendly relations with them and they've agreed to trade their technology with us."
"In exchange for what?" Jack asked.
"Medically speaking," Janet jumped in, her nerves abating as her professional training took over. "They're about a hundred years behind us. According to SG-6's report, their average life expectancy is between forty- five and fifty years. Women die in childbirth at a rate of nearly fifty percent. They don't have antibiotics or vaccines, so the chances of surviving even a minor illness or injury are not good."
Sam picked up where Janet left off, "In exchange for Janet's help, the government of P7S-232 has agreed to allow us access to their university. I'll be working with several of their top engineers over the course of two weeks, learning all I can about their technology."
Daniel spoke up. "The people of '232 have only recently discovered their Stargate. There is a major archeological site set up in the surrounding area. They're uncovering more and more about their planet's history every day. SG-6 arranged for me to help out while Sam and Janet are working in the city."
"Arrangements have also been made for Colonel O'Neill and myself to have access to weapons facilities and shipyards while we are guests on this world." Teal'c added.
"Sounds like they have everything all planned out, Sir," Jack concluded.
"Alright," Hammond said. "You leave at oh-eight hundred tomorrow. Dismissed."
Jack and Daniel were the last to leave the briefing room; they could hear Sam and Janet discussing Cassie as the women made their way out into the corridor.
"Janet seems nervous," Daniel commented.
"Doc?" Jack said. "She'll be fine. She's a good soldier and a great doctor – but don't tell her I said that," he warned. "She just has too much time to think right now. Once she's on '232, she'll be so busy she won't have time to worry."
Daniel frowned, his concern still evident. Jack picked up on his friend's worry.
"You seem very concerned about Doctor Fraiser's feelings," he said.
Daniel's eyes widened. "What? No. I'm just saying..." he trailed off, lamely.
"Uh-huh," Jack grinned.
The next morning, everyone was geared up and in the 'Gate room a few minutes early. The F.R.E.D. was loaded up with all the supplies that SG-1 would need for their two week mission.
Waiting for permission to step through the 'Gate, SG-1 gathered at the base of the ramp. Daniel stood protectively close to Janet. The petite doctor bit her lip to hide her smile. When she caught Sam's eye, it was all the two women could do not to laugh. Struggling to regain her composure, Janet surreptitiously studied her archeologist friend.
Daniel had changed since his return to a corporeal existence. Before his ascension, he had been burned out. Too many months of burning the candle at both ends, Janet remembered. But now, he seemed full of energy and life. He had a fresh enthusiasm, which – according to Sam – had caused a whole new set of friendly arguments between the civilian and the Air Force Colonel.
His new attitude made him, if possible, even more attractive. But, Janet had moved past her 'crush' on one Doctor Daniel Jackson. In grieving his loss, she had realized that it was his friendship that she missed the most.
Daniel was an excellent observer. He often watched his friends without their knowledge. Since none of his team were exactly enthusiastic about sharing feelings – Daniel included – observing body language and facial expressions was often the only way to gauge their moods.
Daniel knew that his friends thought he had feelings for the SGC's Chief Medical Officer. And, to be truthful, he did. He had deep feelings of respect and admiration for Janet Fraiser. Her friendship over the past years had been one of the few constants in a tumultuous life.
In a way, his purely platonic feelings for the doctor made him sad. He found himself wishing for romantic companionship. In his father's journal, Daniel had read Mel Jackson's description of what it was like to work so closely with the woman he loved. Daniel was surprised at the feelings of jealousy and longing he had experienced while reading about his parents' courtship.
Daniel couldn't help startled his flinch when the wormhole splashed to life. He could only hope that no one else had noticed. Enough woolgathering, he told himself. Concentrate on the mission. Experience had taught every field member of the SGC the dangers of letting your mind wander while on another planet – no matter how peaceful it seemed.
The M.A.L.P. went through the 'Gate first. When the control room had received the data, showing exactly what was expected, Hammond gave SG-1 the green light to step through the wormhole.
On the other side of the galaxy, several members of the local government greeted SG-1. "Ah, you must be Colonel O'Neill," said one man, stepping forward. "I am Claudius, Chancellor of Vedra. It is my honor to welcome you and your team to our world."
"Uh, thanks," Jack said. "This is Major Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, and Doctor Fraiser."
Claudius favored them all with a bright smile. "This is my fellow public servant, Virgil. He is the Historical Curator for Vedra. He will be staying at the excavation site with Doctor Jackson. The rest of you will come to the city with me. You will be introduced to your counterparts there."
The Vedrans led their guests to a specially prepared tent where an elaborate meal was laid out. Though they were vigorously encouraged to eat, O'Neill and his team only nibbled on a sampling of the food – just to be polite. During the meal, Chancellor Claudius asked many questions. He encouraged SG-1 to do the same.
"After all, how can we be friends if we do not get to know one another?" Claudius asked. After the meal, Claudius escorted SG-1, sans Daniel, to a waiting vehicle. Two uniformed men unloaded the supplies from the F.R.E.D to a second vehicle and were waiting for the order to move out.
"Keep in touch, Daniel," Jack ordered.
"You will all be provided with comlinks for your use while you are on Vedra," Claudius pulled out his own comlink. It looked like a very sophisticated cell phone. "With the 'link you can communicate, visually, with anyone, anywhere on the planet."
"Sweet," Jack said. "But I bet the roaming charges are outrageous."
Claudius frowned, not understanding. There was an awkward silence. "Uh, never mind," Jack finally said. "Thanks."
Claudius smiled. "Well, come along. There are many people anxious to meet you."
When the transport vehicles had pulled away, Virgil turned to Daniel. "Shall I show you around?"
"Please, lead on," Daniel followed his guide into the heart of the excavation.
They walked through the camp, white tents fluttering slightly in the breeze. Virgil pointed out the sleeping tents and the community tent, where everyone gathered in the evenings to compare notes and relax. All the cooking, Virgil explained was done at the far edge of camp in a permanent building that had running water and electricity.
Daniel nodded; it was a very impressive set up.
People scurried everywhere, respectfully getting out of Virgil's way. He stopped now and again to comment on an artifact and introduce Daniel. The other archeologists greeted Daniel warmly.
"My sister, Eve, is the head archeologist," Virgil explained. "Archeology is a fairly new study for Vedra, so most of the people you see are novices. But Eve has been studying Vedra's history for her entire life. She's the one who discovered the Stargate and organized the entire operation to excavate the surrounding area."
"Really?" Daniel was impressed.
"I have to warn you, though. She can be a bit...difficult when it comes to what she perceives as an interference or distraction. She wasn't very happy when I told her you were coming."
Daniel nodded. He was used to getting a less than enthusiastic reception from other archeologists.
"This," Virgil gestured to a low, stone structure that was half-covered in vines, "is our biggest find yet."
Daniel walked slowly up to the entrance. Two stone columns, covered in markings, flanked the doorway. "What language is this?" he asked. "I've never seen it before."
Before Virgil could answer, a young man emerged into the daylight. He blinked his eyes a few times before he noticed Daniel and Virgil.
"Virg!" he shouted.
"Hey, Ty," Virgil smiled and gave the younger man a light hug. "This is Doctor Daniel Jackson," he introduced. "Our visitor from Earth."
Daniel shook hands with Ty, "It's nice to meet you."
"This is Ty. He's the one assistant that can put up with Eve when she's working." Virgil patted Ty on the shoulder, sympathetically.
"Yeah," Ty said, distracted. "I've got to go get Eve a new power pack. I'll see you around," he waved as he began to walk away.
"Hey Ty," Virgil called. "Where is Eve?"
"Down the stairs off the main hall. When you reach the corner turn right. She's about thirty meters down the hall."
"Thanks!" Virgil called as Ty ran off.
Virgil led the way down into the temple. A half-flight of stairs opened up into a main hall. The wide room was strung with work lights. The walls were carved with intricate symbols. Daniel moved closer to study them. While the majority were completely new to Daniel, some of them appeared to be of ancient Goa'uld origin.
"This way," Virgil announced from the head of a stairway on the far side of the room. Intrigued, Daniel followed – though he undid the snap holding his pistol in its holster before descending any further.
Following the trail of lights, Virgil and Daniel followed Ty's instructions down into the heart of the tomb. As they got closer to their destination they heard a single voice speaking.
They rounded a corner and saw a woman holding up a very dim light and squinting as she tried to make out what was carved into the wall.
"Grozit! Tyrone, I told you to hurry with that power pack."
"Sorry, Eve, it's just me. We ran into Ty on his way to get your power pack. He should be back soon."
Eve's head whipped up and for a second she gave them a blank stare. "Virgil? Virgil!" The slender figure launched herself into the guide's arms.
After returning the fierce hug, Virgil stepped back. "Eve, I'd like you to meet Doctor Daniel Jackson. He's the archeologist that I told you about. The one that came through the Stargate."
Dutifully, Eve shook Daniel's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said.
"Likewise," Daniel smiled. "Can I help?"
Eve assessed the man standing in front of her. Her small hand was still encased in his much larger one. Virgil had warned her to 'play nice' with the visiting archeologist, but she really didn't want some history buff messing around on her excavation. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him to go away. Instead she said, "Can you read Vedran?"
"Uh, no. But I take good notes," Daniel said.
There was such an eager look in his bright blue eyes that Eve couldn't help but laugh. Daniel joined her as he reluctantly released her hand.
Loud footsteps echoed down the corridor. "Eve, I got your power pack as fast as I could," Ty said, out of breath.
"Thanks," she said, accepting the pack. She plugged it into her light and the corridor suddenly brightened.
While Eve immediately went back to work, Daniel took a good look at the woman he would be working with for the next few weeks. She was slightly shorter than Sam, coming up to his shoulders. She looked a little underweight – as if she forgot to eat when she was working. Her ginger- colored hair was pulled back into a braid. Her gray eyes focused intently on the inscriptions on the wall.
Ty gave Daniel a few instructions on using the handheld computer so he could take notes as Eve talked through her findings.
"Hey, Eve," Virgil said. "Now that you have a new assistant, do you mind if Ty and I head topside?"
Eve waved her hand. "Sure. Fine. Whatever," she didn't even look up.
In the city, the remaining members of SG-1 were escorted to an apartment in the center of town. There were two bedrooms, with their own facilities, and a large living area. An aide explained that the fixture on the wall was programmed with several food selections. He showed Sam and Teal'c how to use it.
Claudius waited until the tour was over before he took his leave, explaining that representatives from the hospital, the university and the shipyards would be by in the morning to collect them. He would see them, he explained, at a banquet to be held in their honor at the end of the week. With a slight bow the Chancellor excused himself.
"Nice digs," Jack commented.
"Not bad," Sam agreed.
"So, what do we do with the rest of our day?" Janet asked.
The aide explained that they were welcome to tour the city. Arrangements had been made for a transport vehicle to be at their disposal. They had only to use one of the 'links to call for it.
The next day flew by quickly. When they met back at the apartment, they shared notes.
Janet went first. "I can't believe what a sorry state their medical practice is in. With all the technology they have at their disposal, you'd think the health of their people would be a higher priority."
Sam frowned. "From what I saw today, I'm not sure they developed their own
technology."
Three pairs of eyes focused on the Major. "What do you mean, MajorCarter?" Teal'c asked.
"Well," Sam struggled to find words for her gut feeling. "They're very good at using the technology and keeping it in good repair, but I didn't see anyone building anything. When I asked about it, they just changed the subject."
"Well, whether or not they built them, these people have some really big, honkin' space ships," Jack quipped. "Don't they, T?"
"Indeed."