Disclaimer – You recognise it, I don't own it.
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Fifteen minutes later Jack wasn't sure whether to be appalled or impressed by Heero. He had gotten a few good blows in on Teal'c and was keeping the pressure up. Teal'c was matching the pressure though. In fact Jack was pretty sure that the kid had some broken ribs already. Heero was fast, that much was clear. He was attempting to wear Teal'c down, having realized that the older man was not going to be easy to take down any other way. Teal'c, on the other hand, was trying to get the fight over as quickly as possible. He had not had this much trouble fighting someone since he'd started training, unless he was dealing with Bra'tac.
They'd not organised the exchange for Daniel yet. Jack wanted complete control of the situation, before blindly rushing in. And without Teal'c's extra presence, he hadn't even tried to restrain the other boys. Not that they had moved. It was sort of eyrie. Jack would have sworn that Trowa and Wufei hadn't moved a single muscle.
The boy in Jack's grasp stirred slightly. Hands instinctively strained against their bonds.
"No you don't kid." Jack restrained the boy.
"Duo!" Quatre yelled, "Don't move! He shoots you again, you're dead." Duo had stopped moving at the end of Quatre's second sentence. "We'll get you out of this."
"So you're Duo, huh?" Jack looked down, "Nice to meet you. I'm Jack."
"You'd be better off letting me go." Duo declared, "My friends will kick your ass."
"Unlikely." Sam countered, "We've disarmed three."
"But not Heero." Duo pointed out, "He's my best friend. He won't back down."
"Your friend doesn't seem to care if you live or die." Jack retorted.
"Shows what you know." Duo fired back, "If Heero didn't care, you'd be dead already. If Heero didn't care, I wouldn't even be alive right now."
"How is he holding his own against Teal'c?" Carter was still flabbergasted.
"No one beats the Perfect Soldier." Duo smirked, "Not when he can see them coming."
"You're just children." Sam breathed.
"I ain't been a child for a long time." Duo fired back, "Nor has Heero. Nor have any of us."
"That's not right." Jack was appalled.
"But it's the truth." Duo retorted, "I don't lie."
"Damn it kid!" Jack tightened his grip, as Duo tried to take advantage of his surprise, "I don't want to have to kill you."
"What makes you think you can?" Duo smirked.
"Listen," Jack sighed, "The plan is to exchange you for the Space-Monkey… Daniel."
"You really call him that?" Duo was surprised, "I mean I know I call Wufei, Wuffers, Wu-man, Wu-wu… 'Course he tries to kill me for that."
"I don't think I want to know," Jack snorted, "Anyway, all we need to do is wait for Teal'c to finish fighting your friend. I'll give you twenty on the big guy."
"Are you nuts?!" Duo laughed, "He doesn't stand a chance. There is a reason we call Heero the Perfect Soldier. I'll put thirty on the little one."
"You're not one to talk." Jack pointed out, "What are you? A foot shorter than him? Or is it more?"
"Hey!" Duo protested, "It's not my fault I'm vertically challenged!"
"Oh!" Jack teased, "Big words? You sure you know what they mean?"
"Sure I do!" Duo chucked, "I'm not senile. Unlike some old men I know."
"Low blow kid," Jack stared, "I'm not as old as all that."
"Sure you are." Duo retorted, "I bet you're nearly as old as Pestilence."
"I have no clue what you just said." Jack sighed, "But I get the implication… And hey!"
"I call 'em how I see 'em." Duo fired back, "What's the name of that gun-thingy anyway. It really hurts."
"It's kinda hard to say." Jack looked embarrassed.
"Secret?" Duo tilted his head back.
"No," Jack smiled, "Hard to pronounce. I just call it a Zat-gun."
"Nice." Duo grinned, "You know I'm going to have to try and escape at some point, right?"
"As Daniel did." Jack agreed, "You'll be about as effective."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Duo smirked, "I'm an L2 brat. If I didn't know how to escape by now… I'd be dead."
"And I've been fighting for longer than you've been alive." Jack snorted, "If I didn't know how to keep one scrawny brat prisoner, I shouldn't be doing this."
"You still get a lot more points than a lot of soldiers." Duo shrugged, "During the war I got away a lot. You caught me."
"Not too hard." Jack pointed out, "You tripped."
"I hate fighting in sand," Duo retorted, "It always shifts. And I'm not scrawny!"
"I hate to tell you this kid," Jack laughed, "Yes you are. You're short. You're scrawny. You have a braid that's nearly your height in length. Makes you look like some kind of rat."
"Hey!" Duo protested, "And talking of my braid… Is there any particular reason why it's round my neck?"
"You have a habit of pulling explosives from it." Jack answered, "I didn't feel like dying today."
"That's only on special occasions." Duo corrected, "I was busy fixing stuff when Cattie called. So… where can I get one of these Zatties? 'Cos I'm telling ya, in my line of work… they would come in pretty useful."
"No way, kid." Jack shook his head, "They're a little dangerous."
"So am I." Duo smirked.
"You?" Jack laughed, "You're about as dangerous as a wet kitten."
"Really?" Duo's smirk only broadened.
That was all the warning, Jack got; Duo's hands moved. One forced the zat away from his head, causing Jack's instinctive shot to hit Sam. The other hand twisted Jack's arm, releasing the boy. An elbow collided with Jack's gut. Jack retaliated, desperately trying to tame the wet kitten turned wildcat. Jack had dropped the zat, in favour of grabbing Duo's wrists. However Duo would not go down without a fight, now that he was able to fight.
"Can you keep up, old-timer?" Duo chuckled.
"Are you mocking me?" Jack retorted.
"Course I am," Duo replied, "That's sort of what I do when I'm low on options."
"As well as most of the rest of the time." Wufei's voice agreed, as he laid his katana blade next to Jack's neck, "You have fought well. However you were outclassed by a superior fighter. You would be wise to surrender now."
Jack looked past Duo and saw that Quatre was placing some kind of cuffs around Sam's wrists. Trowa was collecting all the weapons that the boys had dropped. A quick glance towards Teal'c showed that there would be no back-up from that quarter anytime soon. Jack released Duo's wrists.
"A wise choice." Wufei stated, not moving his weapons in the slightest.
Duo dropped to the floor to pick up a small knife and the scraps of what used to be a zip-tie.
"Where the hell were you keeping that?" Jack stared.
"You really don't want to know." Duo replied, a grin on his face, "Thanks for helping out, Wuffers."
"I'll kill you later, Maxwell." Wufei growled, "Just cuff him."
"Ah, you love me." Duo teased, catching the pair of cuffs that Quatre tossed him, "Now, hands front." Duo addressed Jack.
Jack held out his arms. Duo clipped the cuffs over Jack's forearms, with ease indicating long practice. Jack studied the cuffs. The silvery metal was fairly thick, and ran from just above his wrists to a bit below his elbow. The two arm-pieces were joined by a solid linker, which displayed the keyhole in the centre.
"Interesting cuffs." Jack noted absently.
"What? These old things?" Duo grinned. He started to unwrap his braid from around his neck. The movement caused a flash of gold to catch Jack's eye. A gold cross was hanging around Duo's neck. The boy returned it to its place underneath his clothes in a swift movement, but Jack had seen it.
"What's that?" Jack asked, as Wufei removed the sword blade from his neck.
"It's not important." Duo turned away, "Anyone want to talk the big guy down? 'Cos as much as Heero's having fun, I'm gonna get bored real quick."
"I'll do it." Quatre answered, before raising his voice, "Please, stand down. We don't want anyone to get hurt."
Teal'c glanced over at the situation, Heero having backed off at Quatre's words. The implications of the boys were clear. There was no way Teal'c could defend his friends, nor could he escape with Heero ready to resume his assault at any time.
"Understood." Teal'c intoned, shifting into a non-threatening stance.
"Thanks mate!" Duo chirped, "Oi! Trowa! Chuck me some cuffs!"
Trowa shook his head slightly, a slight smile gracing his lips, before he chucked Duo a pair of cuffs.
"Arms front, big guy." Duo instructed, "And don't try anything. We'll take it out on you first."
Teal'c quirked an eyebrow in his silent form of agreement, as he presented his arms to Duo. Duo smiled as he fastened the cuffs around Teal'c's wrists.
"You know," Duo smirked, stepping backwards when he was done, "I respect you guys."
"What?" Jack frowned.
"You look out for each other," Duo shrugged, "You watch each others' backs. And if the big guy is anything to judge by, you're good fighters. The only problem I have with you… is that we're enemies. And I really wish we weren't."
"You know, kid," Jack smiled, "I wish we weren't too. You've got style. I've never known any human to fight Teal'c as an equal."
"I'll call the Maganacs." Quatre declared, pulling a flare gun out of a rucksack. He slammed the cartridge in, before aiming at the sky to pull the trigger. "I don't particularly want to spend the night in the desert. Not when there's a perfectly good bed available."
"Food as well?" Duo looked hopeful, his face lit by the green light from the flare.
"Idiot!" Wufei hit Duo, "Quatre has always been an honourable host."
"Sorry Cat." Duo looked embarrassed.
"That's alright," Quatre smiled, "I know what you meant. And yes, I'll make sure everyone gets some food. Even our guests."
"Yes!" Duo started to do a little dance, "Thanks Cattie. I'm just a little hungry."
"You're always hungry." Quatre teased lightly.
"Where's Daniel?" Jack cut across the conversation.
"At your destination." Heero answered bluntly, "Unhurt."
It was the first time Jack had ever heard Heero's voice. A little part of him was amused by the fact that it seemed that Heero didn't talk much even when conscious. The much larger part of him was appalled that the boy's voice was so emotionless, so cold, so… much like a battle-weary soldier, only worse. In fact the whole way the boy stood reminded Jack of old soldiers, and himself, and Teal'c. This child had seen war. He knew Daniel had claimed the boys had, back when they invaded the base. But he hadn't believed it… not really believed it. Looking at each of the boys, he could see it now. Trowa's one eye was hard to discern any emotion from, but there was something there; something that Jack had only ever seen in warriors. His stance was ever ready for an attack, like Teal'c Trowa would never be caught off guard easily. Wufei was calculating, watching for the next move, not lowering his guard.
Quatre and Duo didn't quite fit in with the others. However Jack understood their faces very well. He wore his battle-scars like them, hidden under a smile. Although Quatre's smile was more refined and sophisticated than Duo's 'devil may care' grin. That didn't mean they weren't dangerous. In some ways they were more dangerous, after all who expected a smiling, jovial killer?
Duo slung an arm over Heero's shoulders, and started talking a mile a minute about nothing in particular. Jack couldn't help but smile, as initially Heero tensed before relaxing into the touch. A small smile graced his face now. It wasn't much, on another face, barely a twitch, but Jack got the impression that this was as close to a normal smile as Heero could manage.
Duo's other arm snaked out to curl around Wufei's neck. The Chinese boy shrugged it off, in a disdainful gesture, but the disdain didn't reach his eyes. It was almost as if the motion was automatic. Duo didn't seem to take any offence. Instead his arm shot out again, this time aimed at Quatre. Quatre danced out of the way, laughing as he did so. As Quatre danced backwards, he bumped into Trowa, who smiled slightly as he righted Quatre before the smaller boy could fall over.
Despite his situation Jack's grin didn't fade, even as he, Sam and Teal'c were loaded into the Maganacs' vehicles; their weapons stolen by the Maganacs. The five boys acted just like brothers. Just like a small gang of friends in any place he had ever visited. They may act like soldiers. They may have soldiers' minds and experiences. But those boys were just boys underneath that.
It was unusual to see grown men serving a young boy with such enthusiasm. However considering that Quatre called each man by name, and asked about their families as well… well, Jack could see where the loyalty came from. Duo also asked about families, but where Quatre was treated as a young Lord, Duo was more treated as the annoying younger brother, to be swatted at and teased when felt like. The other three boys were treated with respect, but no one attempted to get into their personal space. It was almost as if the Maganacs were in awe of Heero. They didn't wish to crowd Wufei. However they were slightly closer to Trowa, as if they had had more exposure to him.
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The journey didn't seem to take that long really. Jack assumed that they must not have been as far in to the dessert as he'd originally thought… or they'd been running towards civilization and away from the Stargate. Not unusual, he was pretty sure he'd done that before.
They got out in a surprisingly built up area. Jack's eyes widened. This was very different to what he'd been expecting. Obviously the small Maganac village was not the only example of a way of life on this planet. The buildings looked almost as if he was back in a city on Earth; a mixture of old-style building and skyscrapers. Not that Jack could see too much, the street-lights had been turned off. The reason why eluded Jack, but the moon was full, so he had some light at least. The Maganacs gently helped Sam off the truck, all the while cautious about her recovery. It made a little sense at least, unlike SG1 they had little to no knowledge about zats, so they would be cautious about her recovery. Maybe he could play that in their favour… Not so easily, Duo had been zatted as well… they wouldn't expect repercussions… but still… it was worth considering.
Jack, even wrapped up in his thoughts, still noted every turn in the building that he was led through heading towards the cells. The doors ran on electric locks. Jack almost smirked; give Sam five minutes and she'd be through those. After cracking Goa'uld locks in minutes, nothing gave Sam much trouble anymore. The cells were dimly lit, obviously mimicking the night outside, without sacrificing vision. A cell door was opened and all three prisoners were motioned in.
The first thing Jack saw was Daniel rising off one of the two bunk-beds in the room. The next was the silver cuffs that still decorated Daniel's forearms. Well, there went that hope. However the room had beds that weren't solid stone benches, judging by the squeak of the mattress as Daniel rose. The door shut and clicked closed, with surprising smoothness.
"What happened?" Daniel asked, "Did you managed to get word to…"
"No." Jack was blunt, "We went up against all five. They're a dangerous team."
"The boy Heero," Teal'c spoke solemnly, "He is a warrior."
"Oh for crying out loud!" Jack kicked the bunk-beds, "They're just children. They shouldn't…"
"What happened?" Daniel insisted, "Fill me in!"
It took a while as first Jack filled Daniel in on what had happened, then Daniel was pressured for his story. Once both stories were told, all four sat in silence on the beds for a while.
"It's not as bad as it looks," Daniel announced, breaking the silence, "This is a jail. Not a prison."
"What?" Jack was confused, "Isn't that the same thing?"
"No," Daniel shook his head, "The guy across the hall, he got brought in on a drunk and disorderly charge. The guards told him that his wife would pick him up tomorrow."
"This is temporary." Jack twigged, "They're going to have to move us."
The broad smile on Daniel's lips was enough of an answer.
"They're going to have to move us." Sam started to grin as well.
The door clicked open, causing all heads to turn towards it. Duo stood in the doorway, holding a tray of food. Jack did a double-take as he noticed that there were four burgers and four rounds of French fries on the tray.
"None of you are vegetarians are you?" Duo asked, "Only if so, I'm going to have to do another run to the kitchen."
"Burgers, kid?" Jack stared.
"Hey," Duo protested in his defence, "If you want to try the weird stuff that Quatre's cooks churn out… Fine by me. But right now you're in cuffs. This is more finger food. Mine's upstairs. Cattie knows what I like."
"Don't we get the cuffs off?" Sam pressed.
"Oh come on!" Duo laughed, "It's not that bad. I've been stuck in those things for over a month straight. Doesn't hinder that much."
"Why you?" Jack frowned, "You're important, from what I've seen. So why were you sent to deliver food?"
"I don't do politics that well," Duo shrugged, "That's more the others' field. The Preventors have set time for food delivery, and this ain't one of them. This ain't the Maganacs' business. I didn't mind. I volunteered. Enjoy."
Duo placed the tray on the floor precisely in the middle of the room.
"Aren't you scared of us?" Daniel queried.
"Not really," Duo smiled, "You're just like us. All loyal. You just aren't as good as us."
"You caught us by surprise." Jack countered, "We came in peace."
"May be so," Duo shrugged, "Doesn't change a thing. We still had to rescue Heero from you."
Duo turned, his braid moving like a streamer behind him, as he proceeded to leave the cell.
"Get some rest." Duo suggested, not turning around, "We'll talk to you tomorrow… Or when it's actually light outside. 'Cause it's after midnight, so it's technically morning. I'm going to need either coffee or sleep. And I'm leaning towards the coffee… coffee… coffee… oh, chocolate!" the conversation had continued as Duo wandered down the corridor the door shut behind him, but his voice still audible through the small window in the door.
"Is it just me or does that kid sound a lot like Jack?" Daniel breached the silence that had settled, once Duo's voice had faded.
"Hey!" Jack protested, picking up a burger.
"I agree." Sam smirked, "You didn't hear the snark-fest earlier."
"There's something a little odd about this planet." Jack stated, changing the topic.
"What do you mean?" Daniel asked.
"The boy, Duo," Jack tried to explain, "He's wearing a cross."
"He was wearing something approximating to a priest's outfit when they invaded." Sam also noted, munching on a fry.
"He's no Father." Jack said, "But… there might be Fathers."
"I do not understand the significance, JackO'Neill." Those who knew Teal'c could hear the confusion in his voice.
"On Earth," Daniel started to explain, "There is a religion where the priests, sometimes known as Fathers, wear a similar outfit to what the braided kid wore when they captured me. The members of that religion can also wear a necklace with a cross for a pendant. That the exact same combination is worn on another planet is… surprising. And slightly… disturbing. Duo doesn't come across as particularly religious. The wearing of the outfit and the cross would indicate that he was… at least on Earth.
"Also if you add in the fact that each of the boys appears to have come from different cultural backgrounds… This planet was either governed by a collection of Goa'ulds, a particularly non-specific Goa'uld, or there's something else going on."
"I want to know what." Jack declared, "They're just children. And there's obviously no shortage of adults… So why are they soldiers? And who were they fighting?"
No one answered. No one could think of an answer. They ate their food, discussing options and plans, before falling onto the beds to sleep. However throughout the night, there was always someone on guard. Even if it seemed pointless, there wasn't much they could do in their defence anyway. The tray was made of a light plastic and would barely make a weapon. The plates were paper. They were defenceless.
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Thank you all for your reviews. If you're wondering when everything is taking place, its season 7 for SG1 and about a year and a half after Endless Waltz.
Please note, I like to work up to my back-story. The reasons behind Heero meeting the Goa'uld will occur in this story, but not for a few chapters. I'm being slightly cruel. However that part is written. So I'm not making this up.
Anyway… Looking forward to your opinions.
