Thank you for the reviews - along with some good suggestions which I'm using here (Thanks PatriciaS). Hope you enjoy and love the feedback (thanks also 'pain in the mikta' for the catch - sometimes I write so fast my fingers think before my brain - I'll watch for that!)
The General was a little unsure as to what to do about Daniel and Teal'c. When it came to Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter there was little he could do – other than wait to hear back from the Tokra. With the other two members of SG1 it was a little different.
He agreed with Dr. Frasier that they had to get a sample of the substance that the two men had come in contact with. The problem was who to send to get it? He didn't want to expose any more of the men. They certainly didn't need more 'women haters' running around. On the other hand, with the way the locals viewed women they probably would get nowhere if a woman only team went to the planet.
Sighing, he rubbed his eyes. He had to make a decision soon. Daniel and Teal'c were showing no signs of improvement and it was creating a strain on everyone.
Teal'c had come out of surgery successfully; his symbiote quickly working to heal him. The problem was that he wouldn't let any of the female nurses approach him and they had a very limited number of male nurses. Warner was looking after Teal'c and they had given the available nurses double shifts but that couldn't go on much longer. Although, that probably didn't matter too much; with the way Teal'c healed he'd be ready soon to join Daniel in a security cell.
Just then he heard a soft knock on his door.
"Enter"
"General?" Frasier walked in, looking about as stressed as he was feeling.
"What is it Doctor? Is everything okay?"
"Well, nothings changed Sir, but I was wondering if you'd given any thought to us getting some of the chemical that affected Daniel and Teal'c. I really don't know what else to do – none of the tests show anything but they're not getting any better."
"Are you sure this substance is going to help?" he asked.
"I don't know. If it doesn't – then I really don't know what else to do."
"Doctor, what will be the danger in bringing this stuff back to earth? Can we contain it? The last thing we need is for it to get out and infect all the men at the SGC or beyond."
"I know. I thought about that General. What I was going to suggest is that I take a field lab with me and set it up there and do the tests. I don't feel comfortable about bringing it back either."
"Who are you planning to take with you? I'm afraid they're not going to respond well to a bunch of women but I don't want any more men exposed."
"I agree. I've had an idea Sir. I thought we could take one man – Major Griff maybe? The rest will be women."
"But that's the problem Doctor. They won't allow women near this stuff."
"I know, that's why I was thinking we'd disguise the women as men. You know, we could get a make-up artist in and give us fake beards and heavy eyebrows. If Griff did the speaking we might be able to carry it off."
"Sounds crazy Doctor – but that's never stopped us in the past. Okay, you have a go. Any idea how to find a make-up artist?
"Uh – I've already found one Sir – on the off chance you'd say yes. Cassie's drama teacher is a former professional make-up artist. He's amazing. He'll just need to be given clearance to get into the SGC."
"Okay, give me his name and I'll arrange it. Just make sure no one gives any information away. He can't know anything other than that this is a top secret mission."
"I know Sir. I'll make sure."
"Uh – one question Doctor."
"Yes Sir?"
"How are you going to pass as a man – you're a little …. short." He smiled, looking at the diminutive but fiery doctor.
She grinned back.
"I know General – believe me, I know! But I figure that the men on the planet won't. There are lots of cultures where the men are short. Anyway – I'll wear some tall boots!"
He laughed. "Okay Dr. Frasier. Get your make-up artist and get going. I'll speak with Major Griff. My only condition is I want to see you all before you leave. Somehow the thought of you in a beard cheers me up!"
"All right General – and thank you." Smiling, she left to get ready. She hoped to God this would work.
Teal'c had healed to the point that Dr. Warner decided he could leave. Actually, he really wanted him to leave. They were short staffed with only men being able to look after him and Warner was sick of hearing the vitriol against women pouring out of Teal'c's mouth. Calling security he asked them to please escort Teal'c to the same room as Daniel Jackson.
The security officers had all, at one time or another, engaged in training and combat sessions with Teal'c so they were well aware of how dangerous he could be. As a result, they brought a detail of six of their best trained men. One extra man came along and trailed behind, out of Teal'c's reach but close enough to zat him if he tried to escape.
It was clear to all of them, by simply looking at Teal'c, that he was waiting for any opportunity to make a break for it. They made sure that opportunity never came.
They all breathed a hearty sigh of relief when he was securely locked up.
"Teal'c – you're okay. Thank God!" Daniel stood up and greeted his friend.
"I am fine now Daniel Jackson. My symbiote healed me otherwise Dr. Frasier would have succeeded in killing me."
"Except it was the General who shot you."
"Yes, but only under the influence of the Doctor. I am afraid he is being controlled by them."
"Yeah – I think you're right. What are we going to do Teal'c? We have to get out of here and save Jack. Who knows what Sam is doing to him."
Right then Sam was doing nothing to him. She wasn't even with him. She waited for a long time, praying that he was going to be okay. Surely they wouldn't …..? No, Ba'al was expecting a child of theirs so surely they wouldn't give up so soon?
She wondered that they hadn't figured out artificial insemination yet. That would seem to be easier than trying to get them to … 'Mai'thun'. She laughed at that – why do humans always seem to need to find euphemisms for sex?
Then again, she didn't know how easy or … difficult … it would be to get a 'sample' from Jack without his cooperation. It just wasn't something she had ever really thought about. She grinned to herself – I wonder if they have 'Playgoa'uld' magazines here?
The grin quickly faded, however, as she got back to worrying about the Colonel. Even if they didn't harm him permanently they certainly seemed to like to torture him. The poor man always seemed to be the target of whatever creepy Goa'uld they ran into.
Well, whatever was happening she was going to have a talk with him when he came back. She was really beginning to think they should just go ahead and do it. She was on birth control so there'd be no consequences (at least physical ones). She knew it could really screw things up (no pun intended) between her and the Colonel but it was better than dying – or Jack being made a eunuch.
As for Pete – well, she just wouldn't tell him. She knew that was dishonest but it wasn't like she was being unfaithful through desire, just necessity. She ignored the pang of doubt that assailed her at these thoughts.
No, she was tired of seeing the Colonel tortured and her scared to death. She and Jack were just going to Mai'thun and that was the end of it.
It was not a feeling of – anticipation - that had just rushed through her – no it wasn't. It was simply …. relief. Yes, she decided, that's what it was. She was relieved.
Jack was really, really getting sick of being taken to see this guy. So far, each visit had brought pain or trauma and he didn't want any more. Still, it was better him than Sam. When the priests had said they were going to take her he'd truly panicked. He had to keep her safe; that was his job.
By the time they arrived at the little building Jack could feel the nervous sweat trickling down his back. He knew he was shaking, partly from cold, but mostly from fear. This was not going to be pleasant.
D'jindra was there, again playing with his jars and concoctions. Damn, doesn't the man ever go anywhere?
As they brought Jack into the room the small, evil man looked up, surprise on his face.
"How did it go?" he asked the priests. "I assume he fulfilled his duty?"
"No, my lord, he did not. He said he fell asleep."
There was a long pause – Jack was sure he could feel the malice building in the air.
"Asleep?" the man asked in a creepy, soft voice. "That is not possible. I gave him enough of the Tishra to ensure he would do what he has to do." He turned suddenly to Jack.
"What did you do? Who are you that you can withstand the Tishra? Answer me!"
"Uh – I guess the tissue stuff doesn't work on us Tauri. Don't you understand, you can't force us to do this. It goes against everything we stand for." Jack knew he was talking to thin air but he had to try.
"You would rather be made Tar'hok?"
Jack could feel the blood leave his face. God – if this was the choice he'd rather die. Still, he knew there was nothing, no threat, no pain,that would ever make him rape Sam.
"Of course not", he answered in a rather shaky voice. "Won't Ba'al be angry if you – do that?"
"Well, he won't be as pleased but we can still have a half Tauri child. I will simply have one of the other men impregnate the woman. You, I will make a slave to serve me."
"Chutrak!" he called over to one of the priests. Jack had the weird thought that now at least he knew one of their names – although it wasn't going to do him any good.
"Yes, my lord", answered the one with the braids.
"Find one of the men who looks as close to this one as possible. Take him to the woman and instruct him that he is to Mai'thun with her. He will stay with her until she conceives. Maybe Ba'al will not know. This one", he pointed to Jack, "this one will join your ranks. I can see we will not change his mind. Strap him to the table."
As Janet followed Major Griff down the steps from the gate she prayed that they would find what they were looking for. She was followed by Lieutenant Bigelow, an expert in biological warfare, Captain Andropolis, a chemist and Airman Chavez, a biologist. They were all exceptional in their specific areas and – most important – were all women.
Although to look at them you'd never know it, she laughed to herself. This was the unlikeliest group of Air Force personnel she'd ever seen. Griff, the only clean-shaven one amongst them, couldn't stop grinning every time he looked at his 'team'.
Bigelow had flaming red hair, which was striking on a woman – but right now it, along with the red bushy beard, made her look like ferocioius Viking Warrior of old. Andropolis actually didn't do too badly as a man. She was a tall, stocky woman with dark hair and eyes. The addition of a mustache made her look just like the Greek storekeeper in the neighborhood he'd grown up in. All the neighborhood kids had loved him – he was always handing out treats.
Chavez, well, she wasn't much bigger than Frasier and she was the one the most difficult to pass off as a man. She was a gorgeous Chilean woman and all the men on base had had fantasies about Cristina. Her long black hair, huge eyes and full lips had livened up the dreams of many a soldier on an off-world mission. The fact that she was married and totally faithful and in love with her husband just added to the fantasy.
Right now she looked like a tiny little man and one who was kind of effeminate. Wonder what they'll make of her/him, Griff wondered. He grinned again – this was a mission he'd remember for a long time.
Now Doc Frasier – she took the cake. She was the smallest but somehow did the best as a man. Maybe it was something in her demeanor or attitude. She looked like one of those little guys you really didn't want to mess with because they'd knock your block off and you'd be humiliated that someone so small was so much tougher than you were! Yup, that was Doc Frasier all right – to a tee.
Frasier walked up until she was beside him.
"Great team!" he said. She looked at him suspiciously, not sure of his meaning.
"They're smart", he continued. "If anyone can find the solution it'll be these people."
Janet smiled in return. Yes, they were good – and so was Griff. She'd always liked the man. He was low-keyed but with a real sense of humor. She knew he was a friend of Jack's and that always spoke well of a person. Jack was pretty picky about who he called friend.
"Yeah – they're great. And they've been real troopers about this whole thing. Cristina didn't even blink an eye when we asked her if we could cut her hair off."
"What's Antonio gonna say?" Antonio was her husband of six months.
"Oh, he'll probably be upset but they're still in the honeymoon phase so she'll be able to wrap him around her finger in no time. I'm sure she'll take his mind off it somehow."
They looked at each other and grinned.
"It really sucks doesn't it?" Griff asked. "The way they treat their women; makes you kind of realize what it must have been like years ago. I can't believe any race could treat their women so badly."
"Unfortunately it still happens even on earth." They were both silent, contemplating the horror of people who treated others so badly. They could hear the soft voices of the people behind. All of them were hopeful and yet worried about what was going to happen.
They finally reached the village after walking for just under an hour. Unlike when SG1 had first arrived there was little evidence of people. There were no men in the fields and the buildings almost looked deserted. Just as they were wondering if everyone had left they saw a man exit from one of the small houses. He glanced up, saw the team and stopped.
"Do your stuff Major", Janet spoke softly. She and the other women waited as Griff walked towards the man.
"Greetings" he said pleasantly. "We are friends of those who were here before. We mean you no harm."
"What is it you want?" the man spoke as if he didn't care one way or another.
"Our friends that were here – Daniel and Teal'c – they took part in one of your ceremonies and now they are ill. We've come to discover what it was that affected them and see if we can find a cure."
Although the man looked a bit curious at this, he also looked like he didn't really have the energy or desire to find out more.
"I do not know how this can be done. It does not affect the men of this planet. I do not believe there is a cure." He turned to walk away.
"Uh – excuse me!", Griff called. The man stopped and turned.
"What?"
"May we go and take a look at where the ceremony took place? Maybe we can find something."
"You may go but you will find nothing. Amdahl, or another priest, must be there to perform the ceremony." He again turned.
"Please, is Amdahl here?" The man stopped and nodded. He pointed to one of the other houses and then kept going, clearly not interested in the stranger.
"That was weird", he said to Janet who nodded. They had agreed the women would speak as little as possible.
"I'm gonna go check on this Amdahl. You wait here Doc." She nodded.
Griff walked over and knocked on the door. After a couple of minutes it slowly creeked open.
"Hello", Griff tried to peer into the darkened room. He could only see an outline of someone standing there.
"What do you want?"
"I'm here because my friends, Daniel and Teal'c, attended a ceremony with you. They are now ill and need help. Please, I understand you are the one who can help us."
The door opened wider. The man Griff saw in front of him was unshaved and looked almost ill. Like the first man he'd seen he looked lifeless, as if he didn't care about anything.
"Why should we help you? Your people brought us trouble."
"No – our people had nothing to do with it. In fact, two of our people were taken as well. We are working to bring them back and when we find them we will bring your women and children back as well."
"We do not want them back. They are evil." Normally, these words would have shocked and angered Griff. However, the tone in which they were uttered made him pause. It was almost as if the man thought he had to say that, but didn't really believe it.
"Okay – we'll keep them then." That brought a reaction! The man looked up quickly, anger in his eyes.
"No – they are our women, our children. You will return them."
"You said you didn't want them."
The man – Amdahl - looked like he was struggling with something. He finally closed his eyes and spoke softly.
"We want them back." He almost flinched at that as if expecting to be punished. This was just too weird!
"Okay, good. Now, can you help us? As I told you, our friends are sick and we're trying to figure out why. We are pretty sure it was the ceremony. We'd like to examine the room and the substance that was used. May we do that?"
Amdahl stood staring, again with a lifeless look on his face. Finally, he took a deep breath,
"I suppose it would be fine. It doesn't really matter now – the evil has gone. Only the old ones are left." He glanced at the other 'men' who were waiting behind Griff.
"Will they come as well?"
"Yes, they are the ones who understand these things." Amdahl just nodded.
"I will get my things and then I will come. No one else needs to be there. There is no reason anymore."
The man went back in his house and returned carrying a cloak and nothing more. He began walking out of the village, not even looking to see if the visitors were following. The members of the team all glanced at each other wondering what was going on. Amdahl's behavior was odd, to say the least.
As they trudged toward the temple Griff attempted to speak with the native man to try and find out what was happening. He finally began to speak, although with difficulty.
"Our whole lives we were taught that women were the evil amongst us – necessary but only to be tolerated. Then they were taken from us. We knew we should rejoice – but things are not better. Things are worse. We can no longer function as a village. The men are frightened, lost. It was supposed to be paradise without the women – instead it is hell."
Janet looked over and raised her (now very bushy) eyebrows. This was interesting but she wasn't sure what it meant for Daniel and Teal'c.
"But maybe it is because some women still remain?" Amdahl spoke, looking as if a revelation had occurred. "Maybe we are to get rid of the others – then we will be happy."
Oh God, she thought – what if they decided to kill the remaining women? She looked at the others who all had the same expressions of shock on their faces.
"Would you like us to take them away?" Griff asked. Janet looked at him approvingly – yes, that might work.
Amdahl looked indecisive. One the one hand, that would follow his teachings – on the other, the idea of no women scared the hell out of him.
"I will ask the other men. It must be a decision for all." Yes, he wasn't going to take full responsibility for this. Let everyone share it.
They arrived at the temple and the team saw what Daniel and Teal'c had seen – which wasn't a lot. Janet didn't have any idea, nor did she care, about the origins or creaters of the temple. All she wanted was to find a cure for her guys.
"Amdahl", Griff stopped the man. "I'm gonna stay out here" (this is what had been decided by Hammond when he'd given permission for them to go). "My job is to protect my team; they're the experts and will go with you."
"All right." He turned and looked at the rest of the strange group. He didn't know why, but they were the oddest men he'd seen – especially the red-headed one. He motioned for them to follow and then walked into the temple.
"Sit on the couches. Do you wish me to do the ceremony?" He wasn't sure who to ask now that the other man was outside.
They had agreed that, if need be, Andropolis would do the speaking for them. She had the deepest voice and could pass as a man much easier than the others.
"If you could simply tell us what the ceremony entails that would be helpful. Then, if we could, we would like a small sample of the substance you used."
Amdahl looked at the men carefully. He had never had such a request before and was uncertain if this was something he should be allowing. As long as there were no women present, however, he figured he would be okay.
"Fine. I will tell you of the ceremony first." He sat on one of the other couches and began to speak, staring off into space as if trying to remember everything.
"It is said that many, many years ago – long before my time – the world almost came to an end. The women of the village became haughty and proud, wanting power and glory for themselves. Their greed and their selfishness brought a plague on the village which killed many, many people. But, the women did not stop. They kept their anger, their hatred and the plague continued. Then one day, a savior came. A great light appeared from the sky and a temple appeared on earth. From the temple came twelve men, all dressed in white.
They spoke to the men of the village, telling them that the plague was caused by the hatred and greed of the women. For the village to be saved, the evil had to be seen and destroyed – or at least kept under control. Our people did not know how to do that but the wise saviors showed us how." He turned and looked at Andropolis.
"They gave us these jars", he pointed to the table at the front of the room, "and told us to come here, once a month and open the jars. They then taught us the words we were to say and their meaning. Finally, when we knew the words, they opened the jars and spoke them once more. Afterwards we could see the evil – we understood that it was the women among us. We had to keep them in control and one day, we would be free of them." He bowed his head and stayed silent for a moment. Amdahl then lifted his head and addressed all the 'men'.
"We kept them with us as we needed them but now – now it must be time to get rid of the evil." He then spoke softly, to himself. "but I didn't think it would be so hard."
"Come, I will teach you the words." He proceeded to repeat the words for the team, explaining their meaning. All of them had a hard time appearing interested without letting their fury show. What they were hearing was beyond sickening. It made each of them want to run back to the village and castrate the whole damn lot of them!
"Now that you know the words, I will open the jars."
"Wait", Janet spoke. The man looked at her in surprise – her voice was rather high-pitched.
"Sorry", she said, immediately lowering her voice. "I don't think you should open it yet. We have brought masks. After our friends got sick we worried that maybe this is harmful to people of our village."
Amdahl nodded, not sure what to make of these people but willing to go along with it for now. He waited for them to pull out very strange looking masks and gloves. When they were done he moved to the jars and opened the lids.
Bigelow was the first to approach. She took out some equipment and trapped some of the smoke as it left the jar. She turned and walked away, already working on a number of tests. The others followed quickly, taking samples and beginning their investigation. Janet was the last to approach. Glancing at Amdahl she silently asked approval to pick up one of the jars. He quickly shook his head but did let her touch it – just not lift it.
She tried to look inside the jar but could see nothing with the smoke pouring out. She then squatted down and tried to look at the jar from all angles, to see if there was anthing she could notice. She looked at each jar but they all looked the same. It was only as she glanced down, to the table, that she realized something. It was a pedestal table with one thick base underneath, rather than four legs. She carefully reached out and tapped the pedestal. It was hollow – or at least not solid. She rested her hands against it and could feel a warmth and a vibration coming from it. If she wasn't mistaken, something was coming up through the base and out of the jars. There must be something underground.
"Amdahl", she asked in a gruff voice. "do you refill the jars between ceremonies?"
"No!" he looked shocked. "It is always this way. It is holy – the wise ones left it for us."
"Okay, thanks." She went back to examining it. How was she going to find out what was down there with Amdahl present.
"Excuse me", she stood up. "I need to tell Griff something." When he looked confused she continued, "that is the man who first spoke with you." He nodded.
Janet made her way out of the room, leaving the other women with Amdahl. She took of her mask and gloves and left them in the front of the temple. When she found Griff she kept away from him.
"I think there's a chamber or something under the ceremonial table. Do you think you could scout around and see if you can find anything? Be careful though, it might be protected."
"No problem Doc, be glad to. Keep me from getting' bored."
"Okay – but remember – I don't want any excitement. I like being bored. It means everyone is safe and healthy!"
"Sure thing Doc", he grinned. "I'll be careful – don't worry." He then headed off to see if he could find anything.
She returned to the room to see her team busy at work. She knew that the people she'd brought with her were much more expert that she was in this so instead of looking at the substance she continued to wander around the building.
Eventually she came back to the couches and sat on one of them. Her mind began to wander and she thought of Jack and Sam and how they were making out. It would be horrible if they never found them.
As she sat thinking her hand began to aimlessly wander over the couch. Her fingers suddenly came into contact with something hard under the top cushion. Curious, she scooted down beside it and lifted it slightly. She could see some kind of tube running out from underneath. Beside that it looked like some kind of electronic control.
What the hell? This was more than some simple smoke. There were a bunch of things going on here.
"Amdahl", she called in her 'man' voice. "Come here for a minute." He stood up and walked to where she was kneeling beside the couch.
"Do you know what this is?" She pointed to the tube and the control.
He looked totally shocked. In all his years doing the ceremony he'd never seen this.
He simply shook his head.
"Can you tell me if there is anything else you do in the ceremony? Anything other than the words and opening the jars."
He looked at her in confusion for a minute but finally spoke. "The only other thing is I pass my hand over the sun."
"Over the sun? How do you do that?" She looked but could see no windows where anyone could see the sun.
"No, over here." He stood up and led her to the front table. It was only then that she saw the carving in the table. He was right, it looked like a sun – and was inlaid with some kind of shiny metal that could have been gold.
"You wave your hand over this? What happens then?"
"Nothing – I mean I then open the jars and continue to speak – that is all."
"Okay, thank you." She turned to find the others all looking at her. They'd noticed something was up.
"I may have found something else. Chavez, can you stand by the couch and see what happens when I put my hand over this? Bigelow, you too – but you can take a sample if anything comes out. Andropolis – you keep an eye on all of us – make sure nothing happens."
Bigelow and Andropolis both answered a quick 'Yes Sir'. Unfortunately, Chavez said "Yes Ma'am". As soon as the words left her mouth she looked stricken. Janet glanced quickly at Amdahl but apparently he hadn't noticed, still intrigued by what she'd found.
Chavez gave a tiny frown of apology but Janet just waved her to the couch to observe. Once everyone was in place she put her hand over the sun carving. At first, nothing happened. It took almost a minute but a thin stream of something exited the tube. It was clear – Bigelow could only tell by the feel, not the sight. She quickly took a sample.
What was more interesting was the glow that started on the device beside the tube. It clearly was emitting some kind of electronic pulse. Janet watched for a second. Something was in the back of her mind. She had a feeling she was getting closer to the answer.
"All right. I think that's all for now." Janet turned to Amdahl. "Thank you so much for showing us this. If it's all right with you we'd like to stay on you p … in your village, for another day or so to study what we've found. Is that okay?"
"Yes, that is fine. Unfortunately I cannot offer you the hospitality of my home. My .. wife is gone and I cannot ..." He actually sounded forlorn. This was a switch.
Probably just sad he's got to do his own cooking and cleaning, thought Janet cynically.
By the time they left the temple, putting their masks and gloves in a biohazard bag and washing themselves using strong medical wipes, they made their way outside. Griff was sitting calmly on the grass, looking as if he hadn't moved since they arrived.
They all walked back towards the village, none of them speaking very much. Just outside the village Griff stopped and turned towards the native man.
"Thank you. I think we'll set up camp here. We appreciate all you've done for us. We're simply going to study the results. And remember – if you want us to take the women the offer's still open."
Amdahl nodded and began to walk away, but suddenly stopped. Turning to Griff he asked, "Why would you want our women? Do you not fear the evil?"
Griff glanced at his teammates, hoping they'd forgive him. "Well, we're rather short of women on – in my village. We need them to cook and clean and have children. We have figured out a way to counteract the evil so it doesn't affect us."
"Really? What do you do?" The man actually sounded excited, for the first time that day.
"Uh it's called chocolate. Works wonders!" He glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw that Janet was either really mad or was trying not to laugh – either way he knew he'd never hear the end of this.
'Maybe when you return you can bring us some of the 'choc – o -late'?" Amdahl asked pleadingly.
"Of course – we'd be glad to."
Satisfied, the man turned and walked to his village. Maybe they'd find the answer through the help of these strangers.
Griff slowly turned back and looked at the others. They were all, to a woman, glaring at him, hands on their hips.
"Hey – I had to make it sound real. I was trying to help those women. You know I don't mean it." He sounded quite defensive.
The women all burst out laughing. "Chocolate, Major?" Janet asked.
Griff grinned – "Hey it always works for my wife. Makes her much happier – and when she's happy –"
"You're happy", they all chorused together.
"Yup!"
Once they'd set up camp they all sat around the fire and after a little bit of 'chit chat' (mostly complaining about their fake facial hair and chest straps) they began comparing notes. Griff told them that he'd found some kind of entrance way - a metal cover - hidden in the grass over by a copse of trees. There was no way to open it and it didn't look like anyone had touched it for years. He felt it might be significant, as did Janet. She hadn't said much the whole evening but sat deep in thought. The others eventually noticed and it was Chavez who finally asked.
"Dr. Frasier? You okay?"
She lifted her head slowly and looked at her teammates.
"I think I may know what's going on."
"Okay, okay, I'll cooperate." Jack cried in desperation. He was terrified, literally shaking, over the thought of what they were going to do. He didn't know how he would have reacted if it was just the threat to him – he hoped that he would do anything to save Sam – but the fact was it wasn't just him that was in danger. They were planning on having some stranger rape her until she got pregnant. He couldn't let that happen.
As much as he hated the thought of what it meant for him – for the two of them – at least he'd show her tenderness and consideration. In fact, she'd never know it of course, but he'd make love to her with love. Of course, it would still be rape and he'd never forgive himself – but hopefully it wouldn't be quite so bad for her as if it were a stranger.
D'jindra looked at him triumphantly. "I knew the threat of Tar'hok would ensure your cooperation. You are not as brave as you made out Tauri!"
Jack laughed to himself. These guys had no idea of loyalty or sacrifice. There was no way they'd ever suspect that he was doing this for Sam, not for himself (okay, be honest here O'Neill, you're definitely gonna benefit as well. The thought of 'singin' soprano' definitely didn't appeal).
"Uh – there's just one thing." He figured he'd give it a try.
"What?" D'jindra asked impatiently.
"The women – and the men – on my world don't ever 'Mai'thun' without going through a 'courting' time. In fact, without that a woman can't get pregnant. Our physiologies prevent that unless the couple is 'joined'. That can take time."
"How much time", the gnome asked suspiciously.
"Uh sometimes three or four months."
"What! You lie. You are saying this to avoid your duty."
"No, no. It's the truth. Look, you can even check her out" (forgive me Sam!). She'd not fertile right now – she can't get pregnant. Not until we go through the joining."
"What does this 'joining' entail?" Oh please, thought Jack. please buy this!
"The man and woman are left alone in a house or cabin - uh house in the woods – they get to know each other, to fall in love. Once that happens they go through a ceremony and then, afterward, they can 'Mai'thun'. Then, the woman can get pregnant." Okay – pretty unlikely but there are a lot of weird people out there.
"Left alone? Completely alone?"
"Ye –eees. Except they're provided food, drink, etc. but no outside interference. That way they can fall in love and uh 'join'". If D'jindra bought this maybe they'd be given enough time to either figure a way out or be rescued.
"We will examine the woman. Peltrak!" (okay, so now he knew both their names). "Go and get the woman and bring her here." He turned back to Jack.
"If you are telling the truth I will give you two months. After that time you will fulfill your duty or I will intervene. If you lie, you will do Mai'thun – or I will carry out my earlier threat."
Jack knew there was little more he could say or do. If this didn't work, he and Sam would simply have to go ahead and do it. He just hoped these perverts didn't expect to watch.
A few minutes later Peltrak walked in leading Sam. She was carefully wrapped in the blanket but looked frightened. As soon as she caught sight of Jack she breathed a sigh of relief. He looked okay.
"So, this is the woman? She is a bit old but very beautiful. I understand why My Lord Matsya wants the two of you to breed. You will have stunning children for my Lord Ba'al." He turned to Sam. "Lie on the table."
She looked at Jack, fear in her eyes. What was going on?
"I'm sorry Sam – they want to check you out to see if you're …. Uh … fertile. You see, I told them about the fact that we can't Mai'thun and you can't get pregnant until the courting period and joining is done. I explained that Tauri women are infertile until that time."
She instantly turned to D'jindra. "That is true. Did you not know that about Tauri women? That is why you could not force us to … do our duty." God he loved her, thought Jack, she's so brilliant and caught on right away.
"Lie down", the sadistic Goa'uld loving gnome of a pervert, repeated. He was clearly thrown by all this and that made him angry.
"What are you going to do?" she asked. Jack knew the quaver in her voice was real.
"See if what this man says is true. NOW LIE DOWN!" he shouted. With a look at Jack she sat on the table, carefully holding the blanket around her. D'jindra walked up and fiercely pulled it off, leaving her naked and vulnerable. Jack glanced around and saw that the priests and D'jindra were all learing at her. He wanted to rip their eyes out. If the priests handed already lost them he would also have torn off their balls.
He didn't know whether to look at Sam or not. He knew this would be horribly traumatic for her and didn't want to add to that. When he heard a distressed 'squeak' coming from her he glanced over and saw she was desperately looking at him. He gave her a small, encouraging smile and kept eye contact with her – offering her all his love and support.
As D'jindra continued his exam he could see tears form in her eyes and begin to fall. He wanted to rush over and kill the man and then take her in his arms. All he could do was continue to look at her.
It was finally over. Whatever equipment he'd used must have shown the truth. He turned to Sam.
"What the man says is true. You are not fertile. I have told him I will give you two months and then you will work to conceive the child. If you do not I have already informed this one" he gestured toward Jack, "that I will give you to another man and he will be made Tar'hok."
By her expression she was either terrified of the thought of being given to some other man – or she knew what Tar'hok meant. Probably both, he figured.
As D'jindra stepped back he was finally able to approach the table. Continuing to look Sam in the eye he gently reached down and covered her with the blanket. He could see she was shaking. He helped her sit up and then put his arm around her.
"So, what now?" he asked their captor.
"Now you will be taken to a house and locked in. You will be provided with food and water but nothing else. In two months we will come for you and check the woman. If she is fertile then it will be time for you to be" he grinned evilly, "joined".
He looked over to the two priests who were looking seriously disappointed. They were either missing the show or didn't like the fact that Jack and Sam had been given a reprieve.
"Take them to the small house that used to belong to Mithrad. They are to have nothing but food and water. Make sure they have no clothes", he laughed. "They will get to know each other better that way." He looked over at the two Tauri, "I will see you in two months." With that he began to fiddle with his potions once more, clearly losing interest in the human captives.
Jack and Sam were led to the opposite end of the compound. Sitting all alone, separated from all the other buildings, was a tiny house. It couldn't have more than one room at the most.
Chiclet – or was it Tic Tac – he couldn't tell the difference – spoke.
"This belonged to Mithrad. He was First Prime to My Lord Matsya until he was unfaithful. My Lord had his arms and legs cut off and he was left as food for the dogs. No one has lived here since." On that happy note he opened the door and motioned for Sam and Jack to enter. As they passed the two priests reached out and grabbed the blankets, pulling them off.
"Hey – we're gonna get cold."
"Then you can warm each other." The priests laughed.
The door closed and both Jack and Sam could hear it being locked. They glanced at each other and then away. Looking at the room they saw a table, two chairs, a bed and nothing else. This was going to be a long couple of months!
