Ancient Legacy chapter 7
The Jaffa that had come through the gate had taken cover behind it and set up an unending barrage of fire, but not before Teal'c had seen the emblem of Ba'al emblazoned on their foreheads. Sam, Teal'c, and SG-7 had taken up position behind some boulders and returned fire.
"Teal'c, don't you think it's odd that only a handful came through the gate?" Sam asked between shots.
"Yes, I expected more to follow."
"And they haven't even made a move from behind the gate."
She exchanged a tense look with her teammate, then ceased firing. Teal'c did the same and Sam signaled SG-7 to stop, also. They waited to see what, if any, move the Jaffa would make.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed—the unmistakable sign of an Asgard beam. Several of the Jaffa vanished and a second beam flashed, taking another group of Jaffa with it. A third beam left the clearing empty of Jaffa.
"They were a diversion." Sam's anger at being 'had' was evident in her face.
"It would appear so." Teal'c was equally irritated with the ruse.
Sam quickly clicked her radio. "Sir, the Jaffa were beamed away. Have you found Daniel?"
There was no reply to her call. She looked anxiously to Teal'c, whose forehead was creased with concern. He quickly got to his feet. "We must return to the Tok'ra base immediately."
"Let's go," Sam agreed, signaling the others to move out.
~oOo~
When the light faded, Jack wasn't surprised to find they were on a ha'tak. More specifically, in a large cargo hold on a ha'tak. He turned slightly, examining the room which held the usual Jaffa with staff weapons aimed in his direction. What did surprise him was the stargate sitting on a platform at one end of the room. Good to know. If it was operational, it was a possible way off the ship.
"Move," the Jaffa in charge barked.
The escort closed in on Jack, urging him forward. He made sure Daniel was secure across his shoulder and began walking towards the door. Just as he reached the entrance, he heard the familiar sound of the big ring turning. Definitely good news.
Jack was guided through the halls, passing continuous gilded panels that typified a goa'uld mothership. He hoped wherever they were headed wasn't far. It'd been awhile since he'd had to carry anyone like this and his knees were protesting the added weight.
His concern for his friend continued to mount—he hadn't felt a twitch or heard a peep out of Daniel since he'd found him. What the hell had the Tok'ra done to him? Jack needed to get him to a doctor, but instead they were trapped on Ba'al's ship and Jack doubted the goa'uld would be inclined to offer medical attention. Unless, of course, he put Daniel in a sarcophagus. Which bought him back to what the Jaffa had said: 'We have what we came for.' What did Ba'al want with Daniel and how had he known where to find him?
Maybe he was about to find out. The Jaffa had come to a stop in front of a set of golden double doors and Jack was pretty sure what—who—they would find on the other side. The Jaffa in charge pushed the doors open and Jack was marched into the room and straight to the throne at the opposite end. The throne occupied by a very smug-looking Ba'al.
A few feet in front of the throne, the Jaffa stopped. One of them started to pull Daniel out of Jack's grasp and Jack took a step back. "I don't think so."
Two more Jaffa moved quickly to grab Jack by the arms, allowing Daniel to be pulled off of his shoulder and laid on his back on the floor.
Ba'al slowly rose from his throne and began to descend the few steps to the floor. He nonchalantly approached Daniel's prone form, looking down at the unmoving body laid out before him. He used a booted foot to nudge Daniel and Jack briefly pulled against the arms holding him. He knew he was wasting his time trying to hide his reaction—Ba'al knew them too well.
Ba'al glanced at Jack, noticing his reaction, a malevolent smile playing across his lips. His foot struck Daniel again, with more force, causing the body to move. Still no sign of awareness came from Daniel. Ba'al watched Jack for another reaction, but Jack controlled his anger and forced himself to stand still.
Ba'al left Daniel and moved to stand in front of Jack. "We expected the pleasure of Doctor Jackson's company, but not that of General O'Neill."
"Believe me, it wasn't my idea," Jack quipped.
"This is indeed fortuitous. I have been informed that all of the Tok'ra equipment was destroyed. Perhaps you can be of assistance, first by telling us what is wrong with Doctor Jackson."
"He did mention he was a little tired," Jack offered. Ba'al knew about the Tok'ra's attempts to gain access to Daniel's memories, which meant the snake was undoubtedly after the same thing. This was bad.
"Ah, so you suggest he is merely sleeping? Or perhaps he is—what is the Tau'ri expression—'playing possum'?" Ba'al nodded to his first Prime who walked over to a nearby wall and removed a metal rod from a holder.
Crap. That had backfired. Jack was all too familiar with a goa'uld pain stick and the last thing he wanted was for Daniel to have a repeat experience with it—especially not knowing what had already been done to him.
"Now wait a minute. Why don't you let me try waking him up? He can be pretty grumpy when he wakes up."
Ba'al's smile grew. "I'll take my chances." He looked at the First Prime. "Dreg'nor, please awaken Doctor Jackson."
The First Prime stepped up to Daniel's limp form and reached out with the pain stick. Jack started to dart forward, but the two Jaffa holding him tightened their grips. Dreg'nor touched the stick to Daniel's arm. Daniel's body stiffened as shafts of light poured from his mouth, but the only sound was the buzzing of the stick's energy. Dreg'nor removed the pain stick but Daniel didn't move or make a sound. The First Prime looked to Ba'al.
"Again," the goa'uld ordered.
"Stop it!" Jack shouted, no longer trying to hide his feelings. He was ignored while Dreg'nor touched the stick to Daniel's stomach. Again the body stiffened and light poured from his mouth and around edges of his eyes, but once again Daniel remained unmoving and silent. Dreg'nor removed the stick, confusion evident on his face.
Jack pulled even harder and was pushed to his knees, the Jaffa gripping his arms painfully tight.
Ba'al's forehead wrinkled and he moved closer, examining Daniel. "Does he live?"
Dreg'nor bent down and checked for a pulse and then to see if Daniel was breathing. Jack held his breath—afraid to hear the reply.
"He lives, my lord."
Relief washed over Jack and he quit pulling against his captors. He's alive for now, but something's seriously wrong if a pain stick doesn't have any affect.
"How curious," Ba'al continued, turning towards Jack. "What has happened to him, O'Neill?"
"Not a clue." Which was the truth.
"Come now, you were with him. You must know how he can be revived."
"I wouldn't tell you even if I knew. The Tok'ra did something to him before I got there."
"Forgive me if I don't take your word for it."
"I don't care if you believe me or not—I can't tell you what I don't know."
"You took great pleasure in taunting me at our last meeting."
"Hey, it's what I do."
Ba'al moved closer until he was standing over Jack who was still on his knees. "Our situations are now reversed and when I finish with you, we shall see what is left of your pride."
Someday, Jack decided, he was going to have to learn not to bait the bad guys—it usually came back to bite him in the butt. Like now.
Ba'al gave a slight nod to his First Prime who moved from Daniel to Jack, extending the pain stick. The two Jaffa restraining him let go just before the stick made contact with Jack's shoulder.
Jack knew what was coming and also knew there was nothing he could do to prepare for it. Fire erupted in his shoulder and quickly spread to the rest of his body. He couldn't hold back voicing his pain as fiery light spilled out of his mouth and eyes. The stick was removed and he collapsed to the floor, panting.
"Now that I have your attention," Ba'al gloated, "tell me what has been done to Doctor Jackson and what information the Tok'ra were able to obtain from him."
"I . . . told you . . . don't know," Jack continued to pant between words.
"Don't make this unpleasant. Tell me what I want to know."
"Go . . . to . . . hell." So much for not baiting.
Daggers of fire attacked his body once again and another cry escaped as the light spilled out of him. The pain suddenly eased and he lay in a haze, limbs trembling. Damn, I'm getting too old for this.
"Shall I have Dreg'nor continue or are you ready to answer my questions?"
Jack continued to lie on the floor, eyes tightly shut, breathing hard. He didn't bother to answer. He was aware of Ba'al moving back to sit on his throne.
"Dreg'nor, take General O'Neill to a place where he can spend some time considering my questions. Have Doctor Jackson taken to our scientists. Perhaps they will be able to revive him and extract the knowledge we desire."
"Yes, my lord." Dreg'nor signaled to several of his men and they moved towards Jack and Daniel.
"Wait," Ba'al halted them, moving down from his throne once again. He bent down next to Jack and grabbed his arm, running his fingers from elbow to wrist. "Here." His fingers stopped on spot on Jack's forearm.
Ba'al moved back, allowing the Jaffa to take his place. Another Jaffa flipped Jack onto his stomach and pressed his face into the floor while another Jaffa held Jack's arm securely. Dreg'nor pulled out his knife and proceeded to make a slit in Jack's arm.
"Gah!" Jack grunted as he tried unsuccessfully to twist away.
He was released and rolled to his side, clutching his bleeding arm. His eyes came to rest on Daniel, the First Prime cutting out his locator chip while the other Jaffa stood ready to restrain Daniel if he woke. He didn't. He didn't flinch or make a sound as Dreg'nor cut his arm and removed the chip.
Dreg'nor carried both locators to Ba'al, offering them in his outstretched hand. "They have been removed, my lord."
Ba'al stood and looked over the bloody chips in the First Prime's hand. "Very good. Now, set them on the floor."
Dreg'nor obeyed, placing the locators on the floor at Ba'al's feet. With a smirking glance at Jack, Ba'al placed his boot on one, pressing until a crack could be heard. He did the same with the second chip.
"We wouldn't want any unexpected company, now would we?"
"Oh, I don't know," Jack gasped, still clutching his arm as he struggled to bring his breathing under control. "I always enjoy having company drop in."
Ba'al laughed. "Actually, I think some time by yourself would be beneficial."
Jack really didn't want to be separated from Daniel. His eyes darted to his friend still motionless on the floor.
Ba'al saw Jack's gaze pass to his friend. "Don't worry, we will keep Doctor Jackson occupied in your absence."
As the two Jaffa pulled Jack to his feet, he lunged forward, anger overriding everything else, and was brought up short by the hands like vises on his arms. "If you hurt him, so help me, I'll kill you myself."
Dreg'nor moved quickly, swinging the end of his staff weapon to impact with Jack's stomach. Jack began to double over, a grunt escaping, but was kept from hitting the floor by the two Jaffa holding his arms.
"You are in no position to make threats," Ba'al replied, all trace of a smile gone. "Take him away."
Jack continued to fight the Jaffa holding him but their grips remained firm as they dragged him from the room. Jack's last glimpse of Daniel showed Ba'al standing over him, brows pinched in thought.
~oOo~
Teal'c's feet hit the ramp as he exited the wormhole and he shifted to maintain his balance as he carried his burden into the gateroom. Armed SFs kept their weapons trained on the group as more people poured through the gate behind him. Colonel Carter and Major McKenna were already at the base of the ramp speaking to General Hammond and the Tok'ra Council member, Norvel.
The rebel Tok'ra exited the gate, surrounded by Kornan and his men. A medical team stood ready with a couple of gurneys. Teal'c walked up to one and carefully laid Anise on it, letting the medics move in to check the staff weapon wound in her chest.
Anise had barely been alive when they had discovered her in the Tok'ra lab. O'Neill and Daniel Jackson were no where to be found. Barely clinging to life, she had been unable to tell them what had happened to the men.
Teal'c watched as they rushed her from the gateroom, hoping the doctors—and her symbiote--would be able to save her. She might be their only link to finding O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. He turned back to the activity in the gateroom, joining Colonel Carter as she informed General Hammond and Norvel of the events that had transpired.
The Tok'ra prisoners stood with hands bound in Tok'ra designed metal restraints, looking nervously at the SFs guarding them.
"Let's take this to the briefing room," General Hammond was saying. "Norvel, your prisoners will be taken to holding cells until this can be sorted out."
"Very well," the council member agreed.
"Excuse me," Kornan interrupted, "but I believe Gairven and Trovahn should be present at the briefing. They were in charge of the operation and may be able to give us more information."
"All right," Hammond said, "bring them." Turning to Major McKenna, he directed, "Have your men escort the prisoners to the holding cells."
"Yes, sir." Orders were given and the prisoners were led from the room.
General Hammond and Norvel led the way to the stairs and Teal'c walked beside Colonel Carter as they followed. Major McKenna and Kornan brought up the rear, herding the two Tok'ra scientists in front of them.
A short time later, everyone was seated around the briefing room table. Gairven and Trovahn, hands still bound, sat between Norvel and Kornan on one side, while Teal'c, Colonel Carter, and Major McKenna sat on the other.
Hammond had taken his place in his old familiar spot at the head of the table and was addressing Colonel Carter. "Colonel, please tell us what happened."
"Yes, sir."
While Colonel Carter began relating the events on the planet, Teal'c looked carefully at each of the Tok'ra seated across from him. Norvel looked upset but was maintaining an air of calmness. Kornan was slightly agitated but holding his anger in check. Trovahn was nervous, fear evident in his face. Teal'c's gaze stopped on Gairven, assessing the man. His demeanor was in contrast to Trovahn's; instead of nervous and fearful, he appeared tense and angry. Was it because his work had been interrupted? Because they had been caught? The subject of Teal'c's scrutiny turned and locked gazes with him, and Teal'c immediately recognized the haughty look of disdain—like that a goa'uld would use with a servant or slave. A couple of seconds ticked by before Gairven averted his gaze.
Kornan was relating his story. "General O'Neill and Anise were going to release Doctor Jackson from the chair. General O'Neill said they would catch up. That is the last I saw of them."
"Sir," Colonel Carter interjected, "The Jaffa at the gate were beamed away. There's a good chance that's what happened to General O'Neill and Daniel."
"In that case, Ba'al has them," Teal'c stated solemnly.
"And that would also mean there's a spy in the Tok'ra ranks," Sam added.
Norvel turned to Gairven and Trovahn. "What do you know of this?"
Trovahn's voice wavered as he spoke. "Nothing, I swear. We simply wanted to gain access to the Ancient knowledge. I do not know of anyone who would associate with Ba'al or any other goa'uld."
Gairven spoke with firmness. "We were only working to aid the Tok'ra in defeating the remaining goa'uld. We would not be working for one of them."
Norvel was having trouble containing his anger. "General Hammond, we would like to take the prisoners back to our base for questioning."
"Councilor, two of our people are missing and the responsibility for that rests squarely on the shoulders of the Tok'ra. You may take the prisoners wherever you want after we have finished questioning them. They may know where Ba'al has taken our people."
"General, I insist on being present when they are questioned."
"I agree." Russell Chapman's voice carried from the doorway. He strode into the room and stood at the opposite end of the table from General Hammond. "Why was I not informed of this meeting?"
"You were occupied elsewhere and we couldn't postpone it. Two of our people are missing and I'm afraid time is of the essence. I will consent to Councilor Norvel being present at the questioning."
"General Hammond," Teal'c interrupted, "I request permission to escort the prisoners to the brig and participate in their questioning." His gaze settled on Gairven once again, who continued to return the look with restrained anger.
"Very well. Make sure they are questioned separately."
Teal'c rose and walked around the table, stopping behind Gairven. He placed a hand on the Tok'ra's shoulder. "You will come with me."
Gairven reacted by jumping up and pulling away from Teal'c's hand. "Do not touch me!"
Teal'c let his hand drop as SFs moved in with weapons raised. Gairven began walking towards the door and Teal'c fell in beside him.
Once in the hall, Teal'c spoke to the scientist in a low voice. "If you were a goa'uld and not a Tok'ra, I would break your neck for what you did to Daniel Jackson."
Gairven whirled and faced Teal'c, all control gone. "Do not speak to me in that manner, Shol'va."
A small smile played at the corner of Teal'c's lips. "Only a goa'uld would call me Shol'va. You are no Tok'ra."
Gairven lunged at him, but Teal'c was quicker, grabbing his bound hands with one hand and placing his other hand around the man's throat, pushing him up against the wall. SFs once again trained their weapons on the Tok'ra.
Those in the briefing room filed out into the hall looking for the source of the commotion.
"What's going on, Teal'c?" General Hammond asked.
"Here is your spy, Councilor Norvel. This man is a goa'uld."
"What? But he is one of our leading scientists!"
Teal'c loosened his hold on Gairven's throat but kept him securely against the wall. "I only worked with the Tok'ra so that I could gain access to the Ancient knowledge in Doctor Jackson's mind." He looked from Teal'c to Colonel Carter to General Hammond, the haughtiness returning to his features. "And now, Ba'al will no doubt have tapped into those memories himself. He will have taken our equipment and the data we recorded from Doctor Jackson."
"I wouldn't count on that," Carter said. "We found Anise on the floor of the lab. All of the equipment had been destroyed."
Shock flashed across Gairven's face and for the first time he looked unsure of himself. "You lie."
"We do not. O'Neill would not allow that information to fall into enemy hands. He would most certainly have destroyed the equipment."
Gairven was silent, processing the information. "Take him away," General Hammond ordered. Teal'c released his hold and the SFs herded the two scientists towards the elevators.
"How did you know?" Colonel Carter asked Teal'c.
"During the briefing he was not fearful of what would happen to him, only angry. And he did not like having a Jaffa in a position over him. In the hall he called me 'Shol'va'; a Tok'ra would not do such a thing."
"Good work," General Hammond added. "Why don't you go see if you can get him to tell you where Ba'al would take General O'Neill and Doctor Jackson?"
"It will be my pleasure, General Hammond." Teal'c gave a bow before striding towards the elevators, anticipating the coming interrogation.
~oOo~
