CHAPTER FOUR THE BOOK IS SHINY
Daniel stood on Teal'c's shoulders, heaved the book up over the edge of the hole, and hauled himself out using the rope. As Teal'c climbed out, the archaelogist picked up his prize and looked around. Marie was seated on the base of a fallen pillar a few yards away, her hands covering her face, and Captain Carter was pacing in agitation. About two hundred yards to the east, Colonel O'Neill was walking back and forth, seeming to be in a similar state of disquiet.
Dr. Jackson approached Marie. What—what happened? he asked.
She dropped her hands and raised her gaze to his, looking greatly upset yet resigned. 'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak, she said, giving him a grim half-smile. The repetition, in a man's ear, would murder as it fell.
he asked, even more confused.
Never mind, she sighed. Her eyes flicked to the heavy tome he held under one arm. I see you found the book, she continued miserably.
What? This? Oh, yeah! I think it's the Book of the Dead or something. It's supposed to contain all the spells and rituals of the Ancient Egyptian mummification and funerary rites.
So I've heard, she said. Just don't read it.
What? What's wrong with reading it? It's just a book!
She stared at him. Now those are famous last words if I ever heard them.
For the love of God, Marie, it's a book! He looked over at Captain Carter, who had begun to chew her nails, occasionally glancing at the distant Colonel O'Neill. Okay, that's definitely not normal behaviour for her. What's got into her?
Marie hung her head. Water from a love spring.
A what? Did—did you say love spring?
I am concerned for Captain Carter, Teal'c said, approaching them. She is not acting normally.
Like I just said, she got splashed with water from a love spring, when Colonel O'Neill fell into it.
Love spring? Teal'c repeated. I am not familiar with this term.
Most Mundanes aren't, Marie explained. But I suppose you can guess what it does.
Daniel pondered. Well, from the name, I would guess that it's a magical spring that causes whoever drinks from it to fall in love with whomever they next see.
A little more than that, Marie said.
More than—? The realisation hit him. Oh, my God!!
Marie nodded slowly. Now you understand why I'm so upset. Not to mention how frustrated Captain Carter and Colonel O'Neill are!
Daniel shook his head. Jesus. It sounds like something you'd find in D
She looked up at him, and brightened for an instant. Oh, you play D&D too?
Uh, I used to, he explained. Back in high school. That was years ago. Then all my friends and I moved apart to go to college.
Years ago? Like how many years?
Oh, I don't know, like— He looked up at the sky, counting in his head. Ten or eleven. It was quite a while ago.
She cogitated on that briefly. So did you play First or Second Edition?
Uh—I think it was First. Yeah, it must have been. I remember when I was in college, they came out with a new version, but I couldn't get used to it. They changed all kinds of rules, messed everything up.
They've released Third Edition now. It's much better than Second Edition.
they heard O'Neill scream from afar, and he began running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Captain Carter jogged over to the group of three. Dear God. I don't know what I'm going to do.
Marie sighed and rubbed her hand over her face. Well, I'm not going to tell you what to do. I will, however, point out that there are only the five of us here, and we can all keep secrets. She looked up at Carter meaningfully.
Carter appeared to come close to blushing. What makes you think—
Marie sighed and leaned back on the pillar. Okay. I'll disclose something to you, Captain Carter. I'm psychic. I know what you're thinking.
At that point, Captain Carter really did blush ever-so-slightly. Or it could have been sunburn, Daniel thought. The captain staggered back and turned away, embarrassed. No offence, Marie, but I think you should stay out of my head about now.
Yeah, I think so too, Marie agreed tightly.
I CAN'T STAND THIS!! Colonel O'Neill roared from the distance. WHAT THE HELL ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?!!!
Daniel's heart was pounding. Is—is that why you joined SG-1? Because you're psionic?? He could hardly believe it.
Marie nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. well, I have to admit, I did lean on Uncle George a little in order to get placed on the team. I know it's kind of wrong, but I so desperately wanted to meet you, Dr. Jackson.
Me? Meet me? He felt flattered.
Teal'c turned to Marie. Marie Onosaka, do the effects of the love spring wear off after the two individuals involved have indulged their desires?
she answered, nodding. After some violent stork-summoning, they're back to normal.
Teal'c stepped over to Captain Carter, who was looking increasingly desperate. Captain Carter, the best solution to your problem is to capitulate for as long as necessary. I promise on my word as a warrior that I will not speak a word to anyone at the SGC.
I promise too, Marie said. God, Captain Carter, just go with it. Your Will saves are admirable, but I think they're only harming you in the long run.
What's been stopping you? Daniel asked.
It's—it's against regulations for officers to have any sort of personal relationship, Captain Carter replied, her voice trembling. Shit. I'm sorry about this, guys. But thanks for understanding. She whirled around and tore off in O'Neill's direction, pulling off her jacket as she ran.
Daniel said. guess that takes care of Captain Carter and Colonel O'Neill met halfway, and she began dragging him toward one of the tents. Daniel turned away, embarrassed.
I wish to know what this Dungeons & Dragons of which you speak is, Teal'c said to Marie. A game, I presume.
Yeah. It's a fantasy role-playing game. THE fantasy role-playing game. Oh, you don't know what that means, do you? Well, it's like this
Dr. Jackson tuned Marie out and seated himself on the sandy ground, placing the Book of the Dead in his lap. It was firmly locked, having an eight-pointed indentation in the cover just like that in the lid of the sarcophagus. Remembering what O'Neill's solution had been, he walked away from Marie and Teal'c, set the Book on the ground, and gave it a blast from his Zat gun. The large metal locks flipped open, and he opened the cover. The cover and pages seemed to be made of slabs of some sort of metal or mineral—possibly naquadah, he thought. The hieroglyphics on the first page' were of an archaic system, but not completely unrecognisable.
call thee forth, he pieced together, reading in Egyptian, spirit whodwells in thedark underworld.
At his last words, a cloud passed over the sun and a chill gust of wind ruffled his hair. He thought he heard a distant, echoing roar from somewhere.
Marie screamed, hearing. YOU MUST NOT READ FROM THE BOOK!!!
I'm afraid it's a little late for that he said nervously, shutting the book.
A faint buzzing was heard in the distance, steadily growing louder. Marie wailed, running for one of the two unoccupied tents.
The moans and sighs from the occupied tent paused, and Colonel O'Neill's voice asked, what's that noise?
Carter's voice said, then was silent, listening. Sounds like a swarm of insects.
Get in the tents!! Marie shrieked to Daniel and Teal'c, beckoning them frantically.
Daniel ducked into the tent with Marie as Teal'c dived into the third, a little apart from the other two. Marie grabbed the zipper behind Daniel and yanked it up just as a dark, shifting cloud loomed over the horizon and swarmed past the distant Stargate.
Why, oh why weren't there any Medjai to warn us away? Marie moaned. You would have listened to them!
I—well, shit, I'm really sorry, Daniel said, unsure of what else to do. Outside, the swarm of insects reached the tent and began hitting the sides; the sound of their wings buzzing was almost deafening. I had no idea. Just what did I unleash? he shouted over the din.
**Imhotep,** came Marie's voice. He looked at her, surprised; her mouth hadn't moved. **That's right. I'm Sending to you telepathically.**
Im—Imhotep?' he thought. He searched his memory for the name; he knew he had heard it. The Egyptian architect, born into the commoner caste in the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom?'
**No.** She took a deep breath. **The High Priest of Pharaoh Seti the First.**
Huh? I've never heard of him.'
**Probably because his name was removed from all historical records when he——** Then her thought cut off. **Oh, of course you haven't heard of him! He was on this planet, not ours!**
suppose that makes sense' he thought, rather bemused.
They heard a squeal over the drone of the insects' wings. Colonel O'Neill, sir!! I never thought—! Daniel flinched, embarrassed, and knew he was blushing.
Marie's eyes were wide and staring, and Daniel thought for a second that she was even more mortified than he. But he realised that her lips were moving slightly, as if she were speaking silently.
She turned to him, and her eyes focused. **I don't know how Imhotep will regenerate,** she Sent. **In the movie, he stole the organs and vital fluids of the people who opened the chest that contained the Book of the Dead. But you didn't find the Book in a chest.**
No.' He had thought he heard faint music behind her Sending. I thought I heard music. Do you—do you have a song stuck in your head?'
She sighed. **Yes. I don't know where it came from.**
Well, why don't you sing it? That should help.'
**How?**
The best way to get rid of an earworm is to give it to someone else.'
**Oh, I wouldn't do that to you!** she Sent.
I don't care. I like your voice anyway.'
Marie sighed. **If you don't mind.** She began singing in Japanese, but kept the link between their minds open, so Daniel understood what the lyrics meant.
Arashi no naka wo kake-nukete (Within the storm, trying to run out) / Yume ga mienai dark night (A night so dark you can't see your dreams) / Hitori-botchi wo dakishimenaide (Don't embrace being alone) / Ikazuchi yo hashire, anata no moto e (Run, thunder, to where you are) / Soshite tsutaete we believe you (And tell me we believe you) / Ichiman boruto no we believe you (Ten thousand volts, we believe you
As she continued through the refrain and second verse, a strange feeling spread throughout the tent, like static electricity. The hairs on Daniel's arms and neck rose slightly, and he thought he heard—or rather, sensed—just the slightest buzzing sound, an undercurrent beneath the roar of the insects around them. The tent began to smell faintly of ozone.
Oh my God! I've got to go outside! Marie cried, and leapt for the door. She unzipped it hastily and shot out, leaving the flap open behind her. Daniel watched her, surprised that no insects were coming in through the open door.
Marie raised her arms, and there was a strange noise, like shuddering winds. Squiggles of electricity coalesced from the air and hovered in a circle near her feet. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reached forward with both her hands. With a mighty zap, a bolt of lightning shot forth and arced through the swarm of insects. Scores of the bugs dropped to the ground. She repeated the gesture, and more fell. Daniel could only watch, speechless. How was she doing this?
When the vast majority of the locusts had been killed, Marie ducked back into the tent, breathing heavily. She smelled like ozone, and a few loose hairs on her forehead were sticking up.
What—what was that?! Daniel asked.
I—I—I don't know, she admitted, smoothing back her hair. I just—while I was singing, I felt—I felt like a Sorceress from Diablo II, and knew I could cast Lightning spells.
He was confused. Sorceress? Diablo II?
It's a computer game, she explained.
he said slowly.
One of the locusts entered the tent. Marie pointed at it, and a spark leapt from her finger and struck the insect. It fell to the floor, dead. this isI don't know what this is. I mean, I've always liked singing, but I didn't think— Her eyes widened as a realisation came over her. That must be what Kali meant! When she told me to sing for her. She—maybe she gave me—a magic talent!
I'm, uh, thrilled for you, I guess, Daniel said, still rather bemused by the whole event.
Captain Carter!! What are you doing? Colonel O'Neill demanded.
Ahh, sorry, sir! I thought—
Carry on, Captain! That's an order!
There was silence for a second. Yes, sir!
MUST YOU BE SO LOUD??!? Daniel wailed, his face burning.
The archaeologist and the librarian heard the zipper on Teal'c's tent unzip, and Daniel poked his head out. A few straggling locusts were buzzing around, but the main part of the swarm had passed—or been killed.
It appears to be safe now, Teal'c said. Then he spooked, reaching down to grab his staff-weapon from the ground. Daniel turned to look and saw a withered, skeletal form pulling itself hand-over-hand up the rope they had left dangling into the underground chamber.
Teal'c cried. The creature did not do so, and Teal'c repeated his command in Egyptian. Still the mummy advanced. Teal'c fired on it and blasted one of its arms off, but the thing did not appear intimidated. It took a step back, grabbed its detached member, and held it to its shoulder; Daniel saw the dried and charred flesh reattaching itself.
Oh my God, he muttered.
We are so screwed, Marie whimpered.
Why don't you just sing at him? Daniel asked.
I don't know what would work! she wailed.
The mummy—Imhotep, apparently—finished regenerating his wound and thrust its hands toward Teal'c. The Jaffa was lifted into the air and hovered there, surprised. Then he began screaming in pain, as Imhotep used his freaky undead powers to suck out Teal'c's vital essence to further regenerate himself.
Daniel cried, firing his Zat gun at the mummy. It flinched, but did not stop, so Daniel shot again. Imhotep staggered backwards and fell back into the hole. Teal'c fell to the ground with a dull thump.
Marie shrieked, and ran to his side.
What's going on out there?! Colonel O'Neill yelled.
Oh, nothing much, Daniel called back. Just a random mummy sucking the life out of Teal'c. Nothing you need to worry about!
Captain Carter shouted.
Kill it! O'Neill ordered.
I think we did, sir! Daniel replied.
Marie shook her head and sent Dr. Jackson a look. No mortal weapons can kill him.
I would hardly call the Zat guns mortal!
She huffed. Just come over here and help me with Teal'c!
Daniel rushed over. How is he? Then he caught his breath as he looked at his friend. Teal'c's flesh was shriveled and shrunken, as though he hadn't eaten in months. The Jaffa was groaning as Marie examined him, looking for any major wounds.
Teal'c's mouth moved, but no sound came out. Daniel got down on his knees and leaned over in order to better hear. Teal'c rasped. I fearit has been injured. He stiffened, and seemed to pass out.
Daniel said, looking up into Marie's eyes. He thinks his larval Goa'uld got hurt.
Marie looked horrified for a second, then closed her eyes and started singing. Dareka ga machi no dokoka de hitori naite-ru (Somewhere in the city, alone, someone is crying) / Dareka ga machi no dokoka de yoru ga tsurai (Somewhere in the city, someone has a trying night) / Koi wo suru tabi ni kizu-tsuki yasuku (It's so easy to get hurt when you're in love Daniel actually wasn't sure how he understood the words; he hadn't felt Marie's mind contact his.
As she sang, a warm pink glow suffused her hands, and she passed them over Teal'c's body, continuing to sing. Daniel watched as Teal'c returned to normal, his flesh rehydrating. His breathing became deeper and even, and he opened his eyes.
I am well again, he said, sitting up. But I do not know how.
I healed you, Marie answered. There were tiny beads of sweat standing out on her forehead, and her voice sounded a little scratchy, as though her throat were dry. Daniel worried for a moment that her magic singing was quickly wearing her out.
Teal'c put a hand to his chest, as if making sure he was intact. He looked over at Marie. I thank you, Marie Onosaka, he said simply.
Imhotep, meanwhile, had slowly climbed back up the rope. Daniel aimed his Zat gun, ready to fire again, but the mummy raised a hand, and the firearm flew from Daniel's grasp and landed in the sand. With a glance at Marie and Teal'c, the archaeologist dived for it, but was knocked back by an invisible force acting on him.
Daniel, he has psychokinetic powers! Marie called. I don't think you can——
he shouted, scrambling to his feet.
Fire! Mummies are especially vulnerable to fire! Or at least they were in First Edition; I don't know if they are anymore
She nodded. They still are! She closed her eyes, thinking. Fire songfire song
Hurry up! he shouted, edging away from Imhotep. The mummy suddenly leapt forward and grabbed the Zat gun, aiming it at the terrified archaeologist standing before him. Oh, shit! Daniel shrieked.
Marie cried triumphantly. Koi wa kageki ga ii wa (Extreme love is good) / Amai kotoba wa iya yo (Sweet words are bad) / Yume ni oboreru mae ni (Before I indulge my dreams) / Hitomi moyashite Go mad love (Burning eyes, go mad love)
Daniel noticed that as she sang, Imhotep did nothing. He was not frozen in place; he merely seemed to be motionless by choice. I wonder if this happens whenever she sings,' Daniel thought. If so, it's a GOOD thing!'
As Marie reached the refrain, she pointed a finger at Imhotep, and a wall of fire sprung up from the ground beneath him. He danced back, but another wall sprouted, blocking him. He roared in frustration and agony, and biting flies poured from his gaping maw.
Marie cried, sending another chain lightning bolt through the swarm.
Colonel O'Neill staggered out of the tent and towards them, pulling his jacket back on. What's been going on? —What the hell is that thing?!
That's the mummy Imhotep, sir! Marie cried, continuing to cast lightning bolts and occasionally sending a fireball in Imhotep's direction.
O'Neill watched her, slack-jawed, but did not comment. Instead, he dashed back to the tent and grabbed his gun from where it had been dropped on the desert floor. He whirled around and emptied a few rounds into Imhotep.
Colonel O'Neill, sir, that's not going to work! Marie shouted. No mortal weapons can kill him!
O'Neill yelled, and continued to fire.
Captain Carter popped out of the tent just as Imhotep blasted O'Neill backwards, and the two of them collided and landed on the ground in a sprawling heap. Carter was the first to extricate herself, and she shook herself and stared past Imhotep, her eyes and mouth wide with horror. Daniel glanced at where she was staring, just in time to see Heru-ur and several Horus Guards come out of the Stargate.
Things were going from very bad to much worse.