Chapter 31

Heliopolis Base, ES-2

June 1st, 1949

The activation of the gate was once again a surprise, and the defense teams remained alert until Bra'tac's voice delivered his clearance code through the earpiece.

"Bra'tac, this is unexpected." The corporal on duty said.

"I must speak to your superiors immediately. I have discovered the whereabouts of Nerus."

"Give me a moment." Reaching for the radio, the corporal spoke. "Colonel Crowley, this is Corporal Gray. We've been contacted by Bra'tac. He says he needs to speak with you about having found someone called Nerus."

"Give me a moment."

A few seconds later, the colonel's voice came through the earpiece.

"Master Bra'tac, thank you for contacting us. I am authorizing you to come through the Stargate. Please wait while we lift the barrier."

The corporal gave the signal to raise the portcullis. As it reached it's open position, the corporal spoke again. "You're clear to come through."

As soon as the Jaffa was clear and the Stargate deactivated, the corporal gestured him over. "Follow me."

When they reached the room serving as Crowley's office, Crowley stood to greet them. The corporal snapped to attention, and Crowley nodded. "Thank you, corporal. Dismissed."

The corporal nodded and departed, and Crowley gestured to a seat. "Please, sit down."

Bra'tac complied. "Thank you for seeing me."

"You're welcome. You say you have located Nerus. This is big news. My superiors will want to hear. I will arrange a conference with them. I hope you understand that we are unwilling to allow you to know the symbols to our homeworld."

"I do. You are wise to be cautious."

"Before I make the arrangements, I need to know everything you can tell me about his location. How well guarded is he? What security measures are in place? Is there anything you can tell us about him that might be useful?"

"The facility is protected by a hundred Jaffa and possesses a dozen Ma'tok defense towers. There are always at least two Ha'taks in orbit, each with full death glider compliments and an escort of no fewer than five al'kesh, along with a dozen gliders on the ground. As for Nerus himself, he will likely possess a personal kara kesh and an elite honor guard.

"He is well-known for his prodigious ... appetites. He is known to be a master of Goa'uld devices. It is said he cares little who he serves so long as he is kept in his … indulgences, those being food and his work."

"It seems like we would have to commit considerable forces to his capture. I will definitely have to consult with my superiors to determine if the risk is worth it, and if we can formulate a plan."

Earth & ES-1 (conference via Alteran earpiece)

Later that day

"We know where he is. We know his defenses. The question is, how do we take him without losing more men and equipment than it is worth?" General Lawson asked.

Samuel closed his eyes and thought. A moment later, he spoke. "What if we don't take him by force?"

"Captain?" Crowley asked.

*Bra'tac said he enjoys food and his work. What if we bribed him with the chance to experience unique delicacies and to experiment with technology beyond that of the Goa'uld?"

"And how would we do this? We'd have to get to him to make the offer. And that means fighting our way in."

"Not necessarily. The Goa'uld are apparently known for underhanded dealings. Bra'tac, would you be willing to assemble a small team of your most loyal Jaffa and travel to this world under the guise of attempting to secure Nerus' services on Apophis' behalf? Could that secure you an audience?"

Bra'tac thought for a moment. "Perhaps. But I will go alone; I shall not risk other lives. If it goes poorly, I give you my word that I shall not give up your secrets, even if I must die to do so. There is a way to ensure there will be no corpse left."

"Very well. We'll pass this plan along to the top for final approval and further consideration. You should return to Apophis' domain. We will contact you through the established channels when we are ready."

ES-80

June 4th, 1949

The plan had been approved. Bra'tac would travel to Nerus' laboratory world and attempt to convince the Goa'uld scientist to join him in a meeting. A temporary facility had been established on ES-80, this one with a focus on providing samples of Earth cuisine and a film reel showing some of the advanced technology they had in their possession.

Most importantly, the facility had a number of measures in place for the possibility that Nerus would refuse to work with them. These ranged from simple kill teams to a super-blockbuster like they'd deployed on ES-4. These measures existed because, as had been pointed out during planning, if Nerus were to refuse and escape, he would pose a security risk.

Slade had military command of the situation, and full authorization to employ any means necessary to secure either Nerus' capture or elimination if Bra'tac succeeded in luring the Goa'uld to the planet.

He looked at Bra'tac as the Jaffa approached the pedestal. "Remember the plan. All you have to do is get him to come with you. And remember the code words for if we're going to have additional company. And if the attempt fails and he attempts to capture you ... "

"I die free." Bra'tac gestured to his collar, and more specifically the hidden ring of Composition C explosive wired to it. The destructive measure had been agreed upon after Bra'tac had revealed that the Goa'uld could apparently resurrect the dead, and that in Bra'tac's experience, only destruction of the head could prevent the process from being completely successful; it seemed the "sarcophagus" could only do so much with a destroyed brain.

Slade nodded. "I want to thank you for agreeing to try this. You might be helping us get the best advantage we can in fighting the Goa'uld."

"It is an honor to serve a noble cause such as the downfall of false gods." Bra'tac agreed, then moved to the pedestal and began inputting the symbols.

Nerus' laboratory world

Bra'tac emerged from the gate to find several Jaffa aiming their weapons at him. One spoke.

"Halt! What is your purpose here?"

"I am here as an emissary of Apophis. I seek an audience with Nerus. My master wishes to negotiate an arrangement with him."

The Jaffa looked at him, then held out a hand. "You will surrender your staff before you come any further."

Bra'tac nodded, offering the weapon butt-first.

The other Jaffa took it and nodded. "Follow me." He commanded.

The lead Jaffa took position in front of Bra'tac, with one more to the left and right, and one behind. The group proceeded to a large building, and entered. Once inside, Bra'tac was led through the facility to a room deep inside.

The lead Jaffa pressed a panel, and the door opened.

The occupant of the room turned around. "Sal'vak, what have I said about being-" the man stopped as he saw Bra'tac.

"Sal'vak, explain to me why you have brought a Serpent Guard here."

Sal'vak spoke. "Forgive me, Lord Nerus. He comes as an emissary of Apophis seeking audience with you."

Nerus nodded slowly. "And tell me, Serpent Guard, why should I listen to your proposal?"

"Lord Nerus, your talents are well known throughout the galaxy. My master has recently discovered certain … magics that he believes will be of interest to you. He wishes to secure an audience to discuss the possibility of securing your assistance. Should you agree, I am to immediately escort you to a world he has chosen as a meeting ground, a place to show you these magics."

Nerus smiled. "I see. Sal'vak, leave us and return to your duties."

ES-80

Some time later

The gate activated, and the defense team immediately leapt into action. Bra'tac's voice came over the earpiece, giving a short series of phrases that confirmed Nerus would be coming with him, along with a dozen Jaffa.

Slade frowned. A dozen would be tricky to take out quickly. But they could do it. The area was fortified. Every soldier here was armed with an intar, and more importantly had an earpiece, so they all now knew exactly what to expect

He gave the response code, and a few moments later, Bra'tac emerged with a rather fat man at his side. As the man looked around, taking a moment to register the situation as his Jaffa came through,the team sprang into action, opening fire with the intars.

After a few moments, the entire incoming party save for Bra'tac lay unconscious on the ground.

Slade nodded. "Excellent work, everyone. Get the Jaffa packed up for delivery back to Area 52. Move Nerus to the guest quarters, and get the banquet ready."

Nerus stirred. As he opened his eyes, he noticed he was in an unfamiliar room, sitting in a chair. A large table in front of him was filled with what appeared to be food. A man sat across from him.

The man smiled, then spoke. "Greetings. My name is Michael O'Hare. I apologize for the circumstances, but we had to be certain you were in a position to listen to us. We require your assistance. We would prefer if you were willing, but we can just as easily force you. To that end, we have prepared a feast for you, just a small sampling of the food we will provide should you agree. Please, eat, drink, and enjoy. We have prepared a presentation for you to show you the other part of our proposal."

"And what proposal would that be?"

"We are aware you enjoy research. We require your skill set in understanding and hopefully replicating advanced technology, beyond that of the Goa'uld."

Nerus nodded, perusing the selection of foods in front of him. "I have never seen any of these dishes before. The aromas are … intriguing. What sort of technology?"

"That of those who created the Stargates."

Nerus raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? That is indeed quite a proposal. Tell me more."

A few hours later, Bra'tac and several of his Jaffa stood with Nerus in front of the Stargate.

"Remember, we must act quickly. There is much I must recover before we enact this ruse. All my research data, a device to access it, and several experiments. Once that is done, I will activate the emergency destruction protocol. It will appear as though one of my experiments went awry and I have been killed."

Bra'tac nodded. "Remember, if you attempt to betray us, you will die at my hand."

Nerus nodded. "Rest assured, I have no intention of betraying my new friends. Baal has been an … acceptable patron, but there is only so much that can be done with what he has provided. I look forward to broadening my horizons. And my palate."

With that, they activated the Stargate and stepped through.

An hour later, the Stargate on ES-80 activated, and Bra'tac, Nerus, and the rest returned, laden with equipment.

Slade smirked. "I take it the mission was a success."

"Completely." Bra'tac replied. "The ruse should be successful. Nerus was quite compliant."

"Now that this is done, I would like to be taken to my new laboratory. And please provide more of that 'Cajun' food. The spice is quite delightful." Nerus said.

Slade nodded. "We'll see to it."