Part 1
A/N: So this is a story that I had written a few years ago that I just found and decided it has some potential as a short story. I hope you agree. Let me know what you think.
Daniel and Sam look at the stars that are shimering above them.
"This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time," Daniel says.
"I have to agree with you Daniel," Sam says, her voice full of awe.
"Why do you think I have a telescope on my roof?" Jack asks as the group starts walking away from the gate.
"So, not that I am complaining, but weren't we supposed to come here during the day time?" Jack says after walking several kilometers.
"Well from the data we were able to collect form the MALP Sir; it is only light for a few hours here. The only explanation I could think of is that perhaps the stargate is closer to the northern pole of this planet," Sam says.
"So, we couldn't time our trip so that it would be light?" Jack asks.
Sam smiles, "If my watch is correct we should see the sunrise in about an hour."
"So just in time to reach the village as it comes to life," Daniel says.
Teal'c takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
Jack looks at him, "Do you smell something?"
"It smells like the place I lived as a young boy."
Daniel sneezes.
"I thought you were on some medication to fix that," Jack says.
Daniel pulls a rag out of his pocket and blows his nose, "I think there is something in the air here that is setting off my allergies."
"Considering it's dark here more often than light I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if there are plants that we have never seen before," Sam says.
"And what is that assumption based on?" Jack asks.
"Just the fact that there is breathable air."
"Well if this planet seems clear then we can send a science team to find out exactly what plant life is here," Jack says.
Daniel sneezes again.
"Good thing we aren't trying to keep quiet," Sam says with a smile.
"Are you gonna be okay Danny boy?" Jack asks as Daniel sneezes again.
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
Jack stops and looks at Daniel.
"If something changes and I need to leave I will tell you," Daniel says, before wiping his nose again.
"Good."
After walking a few more kilometers Teal'c stops.
"I believe we have reached the village."
Jack looks into the distance where Teal'c is pointing just in time to see the faint lights of what is sure to be the town fade as a blue light begins to wipe away the darkness. Jack squints against the light as he pulls his sunglasses on.
"Wow, that is bright."
"We should get to the village as soon as we can, I'm not sure how long we can handle being in this light before it will affect us," Sam says.
"And while we are picking up the pace can you enlighten me as to how it can affect us?" Jack asks.
"Well it will start as a headache first and if left untended it could begin to drive us mad."
"Great, that sounds like fun. I can't believe that General Hammond allowed this mission to happen knowing that it could drive us mad," Daniel says.
"As long as we limit our direct exposure that would take months or even years given how short the daytime is on this planet."
"So if we stay out of the light it won't affect us as much?" Jack asks, summarizing her statements.
Sam smiles, "Yes, Sir."
As they walk into the village Daniel is the first to notice that there is nothing moving.
"Is it just me or does this place look like a ghost town?" he asks.
"Daniel Jackson, I do not see these ghosts of which you speak."
"That is the point Teal'c. There is nothing to be seen," Jack explains.
As they walk down what appears to be the main street Sam hears a quiet noise behind them.
She turns and raises her weapon, but sees nothing.
"Carter?"
"I heard something Sir. It was coming from that direction."
Jack raises his weapon and moves in the direction that Sam is indicating. As he draws near a building the front door swing opens and a woman looks at him in shock.
Daniel steps forward quickly, "Hi, my name is Daniel Jackson; we don't want to hurt you."
Jack lowers his weapon and motions for Sam and Teal'c to do the same.
"What are you doing outside at this hour?" she asks.
"We just arrived thru the Stargate," Daniel says.
"Stargate?"
"Yeah, it's a big ring that..."
"Oh, you mean the doorway to Susa."
"Susa? Really? That is fascinating," Daniel say turning to Jack as he adjusts his glasses.
"I know that I am going to regret asking but, why is that fascinating Daniel?"
"I think these people could be from the ancient Persian time period."
Daniel turns back to the woman as she starts to speak again.
"My name is Ashtad and my husband is Jamshid. We would be honored if you abide with us until the sky is dark."
She gestures for them to enter.
"Thank you," Daniel says as they enter the small house.
Sam looks around the house and in the corner sees a man setting a bowl on a table.
"We were preparing to sup, would you join us?" Ashtad asks as she closes the front door.
"Of course, we would be honored," Daniel answers quickly.
"I ask that you remove the covers from your feet before coming further in," Jamshid says.
"We will honor your wishes," Teal'c says and begins taking off his boots.
Daniel spends most of the meal asking questions and continues long after the rest of the team falls asleep. Jack wakes with a start and grabs for his sidearm. He reaches in the darkness to feel the floor around him and finds a body.
"Carter?"
Sam jumps, "Colonel?"
"Are you okay?"
"I seem to be. where are we?"
"Not sure, I can't see anything."
From somewhere in the darkness there is a shuffling noise followed by a light from a doorway.
"Oh, good you guys are awake. I have so much to tell you," Daniel says excitedly.
"You could start by telling my why its pitch black in here," Jack says as he stands up.
"It's because they don't put windows in any of the buildings. That is how they avoid the direct sunlight. You know Ashtad was telling me that there is only light for maybe 5 out of 30 hours on Sind."
Jack looks at Daniel, "Sind?"
"Yea, that is what they call this place."
"Is there a reason why they would pick that name?" Sam asks.
"In the ancient Persian days there was a city across a river just outside of Persia in what is now India that was called Sind. My best guess to explain this situation is that a Goa'uld posing as a Persian god took some people from the outlying villages and told them that she was going to give them a better life. But once they were here they didn't see her anymore and they began to develop how they needed to to survive."
"So if they don't go out in the light then how do they survive?" Sam asks.
"There is someone who comes thru the gate and brings them everything they need as far as food and other basic necessities and in return once a year there is a feast in his honor and they make some kind of sacrifice. Or at least that is how it sounds to me."
"What kind of sacrifice are we talking about here?" Sam asks.
"I'm not sure."
"I have seen no sign of animal life present on this planet," Teal'c says, as he joins the group.
"Oh what they sacrifice is not the biggest part of this story. It's the when that you will want to know about," Daniel says looking at Jack.
"Don't tell me it's happening sooner than later."
Daniel shrugs his shoulder slightly.
"I said don't tell me."
"Technically I didn't say anything."
"Okay, do you know when?"
"They have been preparing for his arrival the last few days."
"Well, I think we should take the time we have now to take a look around," Jack says.
As SG1 steps out of the building and into the street Jamshid and another young man greet them.
"Good health to you. I trust you had pleasant slumbers," Jamshid says.
"We did thank you and good health to you as well," Daniel says with a smile.
"I forget my manners. This is my son, Rashn."
"Nice to meet you Rashn, I'm Daniel and this is Jack, Sam and Teal'c," he says indicating each of them in turn.
"The honor is mine but I must inquire as to the reason for Sam to be with us?"
Daniel looks at Sam and then back to Rashn, "Because she is part of our team."
"I believe that my son was under the impression that she would be joining the other women of the village as they prepare for the coming of *Gæ," Jamshid explains quickly.
"And who is Gæ?" Sam asks.
"He is the one who will choose."
"And what will he choose?" Jack asks.
"Which of the most beautiful women will go to serve Ahriman," Rashn answers in a tone of voice that suggests that SG1 should already know this.
Daniel clears his throat as he and Jack exchange glances.
"And when is this happening?" Daniel asks Jamshid
"The next time the light shines in the sky he will come."
Jack smiles, "Will you excuse us while we contemplate this news?"
"Of course, and you will be welcome to join us in the feast to celebrate the arrival of Gæ."
"Oh thank you so much," Jack says as the men smile and resume walking past the house.
"Sir, it sounds like the Goa'uld sends someone to gather people from here rather than coming himself."
"I agree, but the question is what do we do? If we stay here we are likely to be recognized but if we leave then we have to report that this planet is under Goa'uld control."
"I do not like the idea of allowing this to continue," Teal'c says.
"I agree with Teal'c Sir."
"So do I Carter, but this was an exploratory mission. We don't have authorization to take action against anyone without proof that they are actually a Goa'uld."
"True, but we are always allowed to fight back if we find ourselves under attack from the enemy," Sam says.
Jack takes a breath, "Well I guess we should get ready to meet this Gæ then. I hope they have cake at this party."
*Gæ is pronounced guy.