Author's Notes: Thank you for the suggestions as to what I should write, but I actually had all five planned out from the beginning. However, I'm thinking about writing a sequel of sorts called Five Daniels That Could've Been, where it follows canon up to a point and then diverges to create different circumstances in a similar manner to this miniseries.

The character Alav is borrowed from my good friend Kat (DarkJediPrincess) with her permission.

The Fourth Daniel – Tok'ra

Daniel mentally propped his head up on a fist as he listened to the council drone on and on. God, this is so dull, he thought idly. If I'd known what was in store for me when I opened that canopic jar, I never would've done it. I'm going to die from sheer boredom.

A foreign flicker of amusement, something he was only marginally used to now, brushed against his mind. (Daniel, come now, don't be silly. I will sustain your life if you feel you are in danger from politicians.)

This is all just so pointless he elaborated. The Tok'ra do nothing but talk, talk, talk…and meanwhile the Goa'uld are enslaving more and more planets.

The Goa'uld. They were something he was still trying to adjust to, even more than having an alien snake wrapped around his spine. On some level he was thrilled to have his theories finally proven, but on the other hand, it was nearly impossible to believe that a race of aliens were still masquerading as ancient Earth gods.

(Daniel, child, one day you will understand. The Tok'ra work by infiltration and a network of spies, sabotaging in small amounts. Our goals are long-term and you may not see results immediately.)

Outwardly, Daniel's face was impassive as they listened to Garshaw outlining a new plan to send a Tok'ra operative to masquerade as a minor Goa'uld in order to infiltrate Ra's court. Alav, Daniel sighed, my only problem with your goals being long-term is that most of my people see the downfall of the Goa'uld in their lifetimes. You symbiotes live for thousands of years, but unblended humans live to be a hundred years old if they're lucky.

(This is true,) the Tok'ra symbiote agreed reluctantly. (Don't worry, Daniel, I agree that the plans of the Tok'ra are not necessarily in the best interests of the Tau'ri. We will talk of this more later and propose a better solution to the council.)

Daniel smiled, unknowingly doing so outwardly as well. Thanks, Alav.

"-and that is why Alav and his host are perfect for this job."

If Alav hadn't been in control, Daniel would've jumped in surprise. What? What did we just get volunteered for? he asked rapidly, having lost track of the conversation.

(We are going to infiltrate Ra's court as a minor Goa'uld,) Alav replied, sounding likewise nervous about the plan. He sensed Daniel picking up on his unease, and sent a wave of reassurance. (Do not trouble yourself. I am confident in our ability to deceive Ra and his underlings.)

I hope you're right.

"Then if you will excuse us," Alav said through Daniel's mouth, using the traditional metallic voice of the symbiote, "we have much to do to prepare ourselves." He bowed Daniel's head to the other council members as they stood. (Daniel, child, what we are about to do is very risky. Are you up to it?) Alav asked suddenly as they headed for the tunnels.

Absolutely, Daniel replied, taking back control of his own body and heading for their quarters. I'm ready when you are.