They were picking through and packing up the tableware they planned to sell the next day at market. The mood was jovial. Linnus shared some wine and they were in a merry mood anticipating the profits that would roll in. Crassus strolled through to harass them, questioning whether or not they would be allowed to continue with their enterprise. He leered at Sam to goad Jack, trying to push him enough to make that fatal mistake so Crassus could lawfully retaliate. But Crassus love money as much as anything and since he skimmed a percentage of the profits from the slaves handy work, he let them be. On the way back to their cottage Jack slipped his arm around Sam and spun her around.
"If thing keep on like this we'll be able to buy your freedom."
"Mine"
"Well I thought it were better to at least get one of us out of here."
"I don't want to leave without you. It's just I'd rather not be out there with you here."
Fearing for her safety in a world full of men like Crassus he found much of his previous resolve dissolving.
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On the journey to the market town Crassus could not help but let his news out. Today more of the profit would be his because before the day was up he would be the overseer of Villa Fecunda and Cletus would join the household of the lord Pius Primus. They would only have part of the day to sell their wares, Cletus would hand over the keys to the Villa in the afternoon and then make his way to the mansion of the lord. Jack knew that this would probably mean hardships for him and all the slaves, possibly the ruin of all the work done to renew the Villa but Sam, Crassus coveted Sam. Jack thought about killing Crassus on the way back to the villa but he couldn't think of a way to explain his absence. And also he knew that if Crassus was found dead all at the Villa would suffer. He would spend the rest of day trying to formulate a plan.
At the market Linnus and Jack set up shop, spreading a blanket on the ground to display their wares. Among their late morning customers was Jacob Carter.
The deep resonant voice of the Goa'uld brought Linnus to his knees. Jack after a moment followed suit with the biggest grin plastered across his face.
"My lord, I am so happy to see you."
Jack slipped Linnus a coin and sent him off for an early lunch.
"Jacob, my god, am I glad to see you. Look you have got to go now to Villa Fecunda and get Sam." He became adamant "Buy her, steal her, whatever, just get her out now. Please Jacob. You have a ship? I'll draw you a map." Jack went on frantically "I'll make a list of the goods that will impress Cletus, the overseer. Buy them and use them to bargain with. And for Christ sake hurry. I'll be back in the afternoon – don't leave without me."
Jacob at first had the urge to kid with the man on his knees before him but tensed at the urgency in Jack's voice. His daughter was in jeopardy and he left immediately to secure her safety.
After loading the trade good on board Jacob, Retu Charlie, and Teal'c took the tel'tac straight away to the Villa. Jacob was greeted by Cletus who hadn't such an esteemed visitor to this farm in all his days. Jacob spun a long tale of the wayward daughter who ran away with a no-account and was then kidnapped by slavers and here he was, to ransom his child and if she insisted, her lover.
The haggling took on monumental proportions. Cletus took pity on the father's plight and was duly impressed by his wealth but he needed to live up to the expectations of the new position that his lord had placed him in, so he drove a hard bargain and demanded a steep price for Sam. Cletus and Jacob finally agreed that he would sell Sam for the agreed for price and Jack would remain there until the rest of the price could be met. Jacob intimated that Sam might be happy to be well shed of him in hopes to drive down the price and reach a deal that day. This ploy failed. Only when the bargain had been struck was Sam allowed to see her father.
At this point the wagon with Crassus, Jack and Linnus arrived. Jack had sincerely wished that Sam would have been safely tucked in her father's arms by now. He was elated to think that today he and Sam would be united with friends and family and on their way home. Cletus made the introduction of Jacob to Crassus, addressing Crassus as the new overseer of Villa Fecunda. Jack at this point did not know that his freedom had not been procured but Sam did. Crassus spoke privately and heatedly to Cletus, who was only satisfied when he saw the wealth in goods and gold being produced for the female slave. She was a beauty but not as beautiful as the share of the wealth he would receive from the transaction. As she was handed over to her father, Crassus slapped Jack into chains. Jacob was livid but could not interfere with their custom. Although he wanted to force the issue and take Jack with him, the planet was well defended and his aging ship would more than likely prove an easy target. He demanded that this slave be in good condition when he returned. Jack tried not to let the pain of disappointment, the feelings of abandonment show in his face. Jacob assured them he would return for his daughters pet. Sam was not having any of this. She demanded that her father return when he could afford them both – she would not leave her husband. But both Jack and Jacob were insistent that she leave and she leave now.
Sam now understood how Jack felt the day in Apophis unfinished ship on the other side of the force field – freedom and life, right there for the taking but not without the other, preferring death to separation. Jacob pulled her away.
Jack said "Go just go"
"NO"
Jacob and Teal'c just about lifted her off her feet. She continued to struggle and shout. Jack could hear her as the door to the tel'tac slid shut.
