Chapter 7 – Pay Dirt
Seven more worlds the stranger liberated from Goa'uld rule were found, but she was not. The leads she acquired from all these worlds now numbered over 100 potential targets. Prospects began to look dimmer for finding her.
But two weeks later, following Major Carter's suggestion to revisit the stranger's path, Master Bra'tac brought back the penultimate clue from P3R-693. No doubt Master Bra'tac's special manner and sensibilities could be credited for the lead. Rather than focus his inquiries on the information about other worlds the Jaffa gave Caine, he focused his inquiries on her reaction to it. None of the men spotted it, but the healer, a woman who had been present at the disclosure of addresses, had.
Master Bra'tac explained. "Among the numerous worlds revealed to the stranger, the Jaffa described to her a slave factory. There the resident Goa'uld, Babi, with the cooperation of allied Goa'ulds, brings children harvested from humans and Jaffa. These children were taken by force or exchanged by their parents for the protection of the gods. The Goa'uld take them young and train them. Some are immediately put to work as servants. They are challenged to compete for the good fortune of becoming hosts someday. The young Jaffa are indoctrinated to become warriors and carriers of their god's young. By keeping them isolated from outside influence, the Goa'uld insures complete control over their minds. When the children are old enough and fully conditioned, most are sold to the allied Goa'ulds. Apparently," Master Bra'tac lowered his head in revolt as he continued, "this world also serves as a pleasure planet for the Goa'uld."
"Good god!" General Hammond swore repulsed. The faces of the others shared his reaction.
"You think this was so horrible, she necessarily would have gone there?" Carter asked.
"No, Major. Unfortunately, to those who have dealt with the Goa'uld, as we and she have, this is not shocking. Undoubtedly, there are many horrible places among which to choose. I suggest immediate reconnaissance of the world mentioned only because of the reaction the healer saw. While the stranger's body and words showed no sign of loss of composure as this world was described, the healer saw the woman's eyes glaze over in such hatred and sadness that it was palpable."
"General, permission to dial-up . . .."
The General cut off Jack. "Send the MALP and the UAV immediately. Master Bra'tac, do we know what we may expect to find on this planet?"
Apparently the planet is far from the allied Goa'ulds who visit it. Most travel is by gate. The gate will be heavily fortified. There will be gliders and transports as the temple is not close to the gate. No mothership is likely; this Goa'uld is a businessman not a warlord."
"SG-1, depending on what the MALP and UAV show, be prepared to depart A.S.A.P.. SG-5 will be ready for back up if needed. Master Bra'tac, I hope we can count on you as well." The General could.
SG-1 headed for the door, when General Hammond called back to Colonel O'Neill. "Colonel, a word with you please."
"Sure."
"Jack, a word of caution. The mission I'm authorizing is to find this woman and obtain information and technology which aids Earth's defense. Nothing more. So as disgusting as what goes on this planet may be, unless it is absolutely necessary to accomplish the mission, SG-1 is not there to liberate the children. Leave it to her. I know that may be difficult for you to accept. But is it understood?"
Jack glared back with disbelief at General Hammond, who raised his hands with a small shrug to show understanding of Jack's frustration. Then, with a downward cast of his eyes, Jack rattled off "yessir." After all, as C.O., absolute necessity was pretty much in his ballpark to determine, and Jack knew how to write a mission report to cover his ass.