Still Day Three


Jack woke up with a splitting headache just in time to see Daniel sold off from the slave auction. He was sitting in the bright afternoon sunshine in the middle of a public square. The podium let the buyers see the human wares. Teal'c glowered and looked ferocious. The bidding began in earnest. Finally, someone won. Teal'c was detailed off to a gladiator stable. From the reaction of the crowd, they approved. And now it was his turn.

The auctioneer had Jack paraded up to the podium. Jack just glowered at him. "So, I guess I don't get to see Emerald City, eh?" A sharp jerk on his chains nearly pitched him forward on his face. He twisted his ankle and felt something pop. Jerked up again, he stood wincing.

"See, this old gent still has a good physique." The auctioneer proclaimed the virtues of the Colonel. "It's said he is educated, for a barbarian." That brought some chuckles. "I don't think he's suited to field work, but he's a good worker for someone's household." Jack stared at the man in disbelief. "What do I hear for him?" No one bid. "Oh surely, someone needs a houseman, a butler, perhaps a doorkeeper?"

"Geez, it's not like I'm on my last legs." Jack muttered.

"We have a bid. Are you serious? You bid only 50 silver denarii for a gentleman of this quality? He would bring status to any doorway. Let me hear another bid." The man looked around and finally someone else offered 50 silver denarii and 20 bronze sestertii. "I'm insulted. He's got all his teeth and is in fine physical form. Take his shirt off." Jack started to object when a bid rang out that got everyone's attention. "Now that's a bid worthy of a fine specimen like this. We have a bid of 10 gold aurei!" Do I hear more?" No one answered. The little man broke into a sweat. "Then he is sold at 10 gold aurei!" The man wiped his brow as Jack was led away, still smirking at the auctioneer.

"Told ya." Jack jeered at the auctioneer.

In the building next to the slave auction, Jack got his metal identification bracelet locked then soldered on. He watched while his papers were processed to the winning bidder. The man didn't look like much. Jack studied him trying to figure out why someone bid so much when no one else would. But the serious young man was a cipher. Wordlessly, he took possession of O'Neill and indicated the way out. At a carriage, he stopped and turned to address O'Neill.

"I am told you are a dangerous man." Jack eyed the stranger with a practiced stare. "You should know that I am not your enemy. I am acting for someone else. My name is Marcus. And so I am instructed to warn you."

"Go on."

"According to the law, and your new master has no say in this, the penalty for a slave escaping is to be flogged. For a second attempt, he will be flogged, sold to the mines, and then worked to death. The penalty for a slave murdering another slave is flogging and being sold to the mines. The penalty for a slave injuring or murdering his master or anyone in his master's household is death by crucifixion after a prolonged torture and watching the death of all the other slaves of the household die first. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yeah. I got it."

"Good. Then I am instructed to say you will be treated kindly. You are indeed a fortunate man to belong to such a house. Now get in the carriage and don't cause any trouble. After you meet your new master, we shall consider removing your shackles."

"Oy. Look, Marcus, I'm Colonel Jack O'Neill. This is all a big mistake. I give you my word of honor I will not try to escape. Just take the damn things off now." Jack held out his hands with a look that said just do it. The other man considered the request. He looked into O'Neill's eyes and saw reasonableness, and still he hesitated. "I swear I will not harm anyone nor try to escape before I have met this master person. C'mon." The man looked into O'Neill's eyes judging his intent. And then he shook his head no.

"I can't take the risk. You are a criminal barbarian. I don't know why I was told to buy you. But it's a bad idea."

Jack hesitated. "Look, you seem like an ok guy. I've got to find my friends and know they are ok."

"This is not the time. Believe me, there is more going on than you understand. Let's go to the estate. It's the best thing for everyone. I mean that sincerely." It was Jack's turn to study his benefactor. Slowly he understood this was not the time to make his move.

"Ok, I've had enough of this place. Let's blow this popsicle stand." Jack waited until the man seated himself, and then climbed in too. The man held a gun on him. Silently, Jack turned to look out the window wondering how things got so out of hand.


"You claim to be an educated barbarian?" The officious looking man gave Daniel a dubious once-over. "Read this." He handed Daniel a book. Daniel opened it and skimmed it. Then he began aloud.

"Can you do sums?"

"I can do much more than that. I am knowledgeable in many subjects."

"Fine, you begin tomorrow. We have several boys in the household who need a teacher who can handle them. The last one had to be sold for being inept and drunk. I trust we won't have that problem with you?"

"No, sir." Daniel kept his eyes down.

"Then get cleaned up and have something to eat. The maids will show you where you sleep. And I warn you. If you try to escape, you will only wind up being worked to death in the mines after a good flogging. Do your job and you will find life is pleasant in this household." The man waved, indicating Daniel should be unchained and taken away.

Following the servants, Daniel was seated in a waiting area and released. Someone brought him food. No one spoke until he was finished. Another servant led him outside to be bathed. Well, at least these folks are clean, thought Daniel. He carefully noticed his surroundings looking for a way out. For the moment, he decided to go with it until he figured out where he was.


Once again the Sacred Ring sent a great wave outwards and formed a pool of standing water. The Priests came rushing out to see it. The Centurion came running from his tent too. Then a strange mechanical bird came out of the pool and flew off. Some of the men shot at it. But it was already too high. A few of the men were on the ground praying.

"Centurion," the High Priest began. "We must tell the Emperor of the signs. This hasn't happened in generations."

"What happened the last time, Priest?"

"A ten year old boy appeared from the center."

"And then what happened?"

"We sent him to the Emperor. No one knows what happened to him after that."

"What did he say?"

"Only that he was someplace else before. And many years before that, we had some strangely dressed people come and ask to speak to our leader."

"And what happened to them?"

"We sent them to the Emperor and never heard anything more about it."

"Can we make that happen?" The Centurion pointed to the active Stargate.

"Yes. But every time we have sent someone into the Ring, no one ever comes back." The High Priest looked worried. "We think it leads to Hades, the afterlife. And Persephone returns through it to bring Spring and also enters back to start Winter."

"Why would the barbarians attack it? Do they think they can prevent the gods from changing the seasons?" The Centurion looked thoughtful. "I don't know why they attacked it. But you're right. The Emperor must be told."


It was late afternoon before the carriage entered through the gates of the estate. The walls were provided privacy from the road. The alley of olive trees shaded the drive up to the main house. The compound stood in a long rectangle. In the center were three pools with fountains in their centers. At the far end was the two-story adobe home with a porch and balcony around the circumference. Large oak trees shaded the lawn and side porches. Low buildings lining either side of the main structure were covered with columned walkways. They were a hive of activity. Cooking smells wafted on the light summer breeze towards him. Jack realized he was very hungry. The groom drove the carriage back towards the road and exited the gates. Jack studied the layout planning his way out.

Two women came out of one of the low buildings, their long skirts billowing in the breeze. Both women acknowledged Marcus and looked worried at the sight of the newcomer. "This is Jack O'Neill. He is part of our household now. See to his needs and get him bathed and fed." Turning back to Jack, Marcus continued. "This is Drusilla and Julia. They are the maids of the household. Let them take care of you and mind them for now." Jack nodded. "After you have cleaned up and eaten, you will rest tonight."

"When do I meet this master?"

"Later after you are presentable. Just relax. No one is going to harm you here. Do you understand?" Jack sighed his assent.

"Look, Marcus, do me a favor, take these off. I won't hurt anyone, you have my word." Jack held out his hands. Marcus considered it.

"You might hurt these women." He turned to walk away.

"I don't hurt women and children. C'mon. I won't run." The two men's eyes met. Then Marcus instructed the chains removed and turned to walk into the main house.

"Hello, ladies." Jack composed his face to a pleasant mask.

"Your name is Jack?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Come, we'll get you some supper and warm a bath. Does that sound alright?"

"Sounds great." Jack watched them turn and lead him to one of the rooms off the colonnade. Several men were eating at a rustic table. One moved aside to let him sit down. A plate of food appeared with utensils. Then a woman set down a large cup of water. He drank gratefully. "More please." She refilled his cup. He drained it again. She refilled it again. Then Jack set to his meal. It was quite good actually. Well, well, things were looking up. Amazing how the world seemed better after eating. The others left to go about their chores. Julia came to take his plate away.

"Did you have enough, Jack?"

"Yes, thank you. Now what?"

"Now you get a long hot soak in the bath. Sound good?"

"Yes. Sounds really good." He got up to follow her to another room across the way. His foot hurt and he was limping. Jack surveyed the scene; a stool rested next to a bucket of water with soap and washcloths lying on a bench. The tub was just visible in the room behind. The other maid, Drusilla, was checking its temperature. Jack waited for them to leave; only they didn't.

"Let's get these clothes off so we can have them laundered." Julia commanded. A younger girl came with a basket to receive the clothing. She stood there waiting.

"Um, I would rather do this in private, alone."

"Nonsense, we've seen it all before. And who would wash your back?" Julia was no nonsense. She was the sort of woman who could run a nursing staff with most of them afraid of her. Drusilla came into the room.

"Isn't he ready yet? The water will get cold."

"He's shy."

"Oh, great. Look, I've been up since dawn. Just stop wasting time and let us get you bathed. Then everyone can go to bed."

Jack knew he had been the victim of a tag team. Then he decided to enjoy it. He removed his torn and bloodstained shirt, dropping it in the basket. He sat down to remove his boots and so on. But he demanded a towel for modesty. The women rolled their eyes and handed one over. Then they began to scrub him down. Jack wasn't used to being handled by experts at baths. It didn't take long before he was rinsing off the soap from his hair and then got doused with buckets of warm water.

"Off with you then. We'll leave you for ten minutes. Any longer and you'll drown falling asleep you will." They snorted their laughter and turned around to mop up the water. Jack slipped into the tub with a groan of relief. Three days of bouncing around in wagons and carriages over pothole-ridden roads had his back in agony. The shackles threw off his balance. Compensating only strained his knees, shoulders, and lower back. He closed his eyes only to be shaken awake moments later.

"Told you that you would drown if we left you for more than ten minutes. Time to get out. Others want their bath tonight too." Reluctantly, Jack stood up after grabbing a towel the woman held out to him. With a grin, she half turned away. "Now, over there by the light." Julia indicated a table covered by a cloth. "Lie down, face down." She began to rub lotion on his back and arms.

"This isn't necessary. Really. I'm good."

"Aw stop your whining. You have to smell good tonight." The other woman checked his fingernails for dirt and cleaned them up. Then she checked his toes and heels.

"He doesn't take care of his feet much. I have to get the scraper." Drusilla got up to rummage in her basket. Out came a pumice stone and a sharp looking tool.

"Hey, whatcha doing with that?"

"Lie down. We know what we are doing. Have you ever seen a man whine so much, Julia?"

"No, not since last winter when that visiting magistrate complained of a bunion. Now, my Anthony, he knows how to take care of his feet. This is just pitiful."

Dru began to pumice off the dead skin on his heels. "Growing hooves are we, Jack?"

"Oy." Jack grumbled something about women taking over. They worked quickly to get his nails filed evenly.

"Ok, I'm going to shave you. Roll over." And then he got an expert barber job. "Smooth as a baby's bottom." Julia checked her work. "Here, clean your ears." She handed him a swab.

"You sure are thorough. Can I go now?"

"Not before we finish putting on the lotion." Both women giggled. "You have to feel a little softer, too."

"What?"

"Oh, he's nice enough looking, but I don't see it." Julia remarked.

"It's a first, for sure, Julia. I wouldn't have believed it but I suppose it's about time." Dru put her hands on her hips and tilted his head back. "Nose hairs, hold still." Jack wanted to flee.

"Get those ears, Dru. Can't have him looking like a hairy barbarian tonight." She grinned from ear to ear.

"Hey, who are you calling a barbarian, lady?"

"You, Jack. But you are coming along nicely. Here now, what's this?" Julia saw the gash from the bolt in the buckboard. "Ah, get my medkit." With swift sure hands, Julia bandaged him with ointment and gauze. "We'll check that tomorrow for infection."

"Maybe late tomorrow?" Dru giggled again. She was working the lotion into his feet and ankles. "He's bruised on the ankles too. And there's swelling."

"Tomorrow Jack, we apply poultices to draw out the bruising. You come back when you are awake and we'll fix those up. How are his wrists?"

"Some abrasion but not too deep. They'll bruise for a few days, nothing serious. But there's a big bump on his head." Dru considered. "Wish we had some ice."

"Um, ladies, can we just finish? I'm tired."

"You may be tired, but you aren't finished." Both women giggled and stood up. "You just do your best tonight."

"What?"

They looked at him and giggled some more. Dru handed him a tunic and a robe. Then she indicated some sandals. They weren't quite size 13 but close enough.

"A regular Adonis, isn't he?" Dru burst out laughing at her jest.

"As long as she thinks so." Julia shrugged.

"What?" Jack stood there feeling silly. "Care to share? What's going on?"

"Don't you know?"

"What?"

"Why you were bought?"

"Um, no." More giggles.

"The mistress has sent for you to attend her in her chambers."

"What?"

At that moment, a manservant appeared to show Jack out. He gave a quizzical look at the two housemaids laughing with abandon and shrugged. Women, who knew what they thought was funny? Jack padded after him.

"You can rest upstairs." The man indicated the door to the main house.

Entering the house from a side door, Jack climbed the stairs up to the second story. Down the corridor to the end he was shown into a large bedroom. At first Jack was surprised that he would be given quarters in the main house, let alone luxurious ones. Then he got confused. Clearly, this was a woman's bedroom. The lamps were softly lit displaying pastel fabrics draped across the canopy of the bed. A thick rug covered the floor. A mirror with a dressing table testified to feminine charms. Cosmetics and brushes lay in order on the table. More gauze fabric over the doors fluttered in the evening breeze. It was warm in the room, but not stuffy. The temperature had dropped off sharply as the suns set. Jack glanced out the window and realized the balcony was covered. He stepped outside wondering if he were in the wrong room. And then he got it.

Oh wow. This isn't real. I'm supposed to be the house stud? Jack started to chuckle. What a twist. This report would read like a romance novel, a real bodice ripper as his wife used to call them. Sara. For a moment, sadness washed over him. Then he pushed it into a compartment and shut the door. He had a real problem if the master was away and the mistress wanted to play. Yep, he had a real problem. Jack sighed. I knew it was too good to be true.


"Get in there with you, you big lunk." Teal'c entered the cellar with the other chained men. At least it was cool down here. That ride through the hot dry afternoon with four men in a little wagon was stifling. It reminded him of the times he transported Jaffa sentenced for desertion or cowardice in battle. Someone threw in a few loaves of bread and set down a pail of water with a ladle. A waste bucket with a lid was in the corner. Teal'c took his loaf, glaring at the man who tried to snatch it away. The man backed off. Teal'c checked the door. It was sturdy. So he settled in to kelnorim for the night.