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CHAPTER TWO
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Jack couldn't help but pace. He walked in front of the cell door bars skewering the two guards standing on either side with his best glare. Mutt and Jeff, he decided. Those were appropriate names for the two giant men. He peered further down the corridor in the direction in which Balor had taken Daniel and saw three more guards; Larry, Curly and Moe.
"I'm sure Daniel is fine."
The colonel glanced down to see Caleb standing beside him considering him with gentle green eyes.
"There's no reason for Balor to hurt him," continued the old man.
"You obviously have never dealt with the Goa'uld before," replied Jack. He jerked his chin toward the group of prisoners lining the cell around him. "Have they said anything yet?"
Caleb shook his head. "They're scared---of us, of Balor---just scared."
The sound of footfalls reached Jack's ears and he craned his neck to see as far down the corridor as he could. Two Fomorians approached the cell with Daniel walking unsteadily between them. Jack could see the blood spattering the younger man's face and soaking his clothing and he cursed.
Daniel raised a placating hand. "I'm fine, Jack," he said tiredly. "It isn't my blood."
The two guards opened the door, shoved Daniel inside then quickly slammed the door closed again. Daniel stumbled and nearly fell but caught himself with a sharp gasp.
"Are you sure it's not your blood?" asked Jack as he took his friend's arm to steady him.
Daniel swallowed, but nodded. "Balor killed one of his guards who---um---got a little out of hand."
"What happened?"
The archeologist moved slowly away from Jack toward the far wall and the other prisoners parted and backed away watching him warily. Daniel lowered himself to sit with his back against the wall.
"Daniel?" Jack prompted again.
"He just wanted to know who we are. I told him we're---."
"Peaceful explorers, yadda, yadda, I know the spiel. What happened to his goon?"
Daniel glanced up at the older man. "He stepped out of line, Jack," he snapped then he closed his eyes briefly to calm his sudden flash of anger. "He doesn't seem to know who we are."
Jack noted his friend's quick change of subject and went with it, mentally filing the guard's death and Daniel's reaction to it for follow-up at a later time. "What do you mean?"
"Our jackets, the gear he took---he didn't recognize the---um---." The younger man pointed at his upper arm and circled his finger.
"The insignia," replied Jack. "He doesn't know about---the extent of our explorations? That's a little weird, isn't it?"
"I agree. He said we're to work in the quarries."
"Quarries?"
"We all work in the quarries."
Jack turned his head to see a man around his own age step forward from the others. The man scrubbed a dirty hand through his unkempt black hair then regarded Jack with brown eyes. His body was tense and he was clearly unsure of his new cellmates, but he held Jack's gaze steadily.
"We're building a temple for Lord Balor," the man continued. "You will see soon enough."
"And you are?"
"I am Liam. I'm sorry we didn't give you a warmer welcome."
"Well, a banner would have been nice," replied Jack with a motion of his arm that encompassed one wall.
Liam started slightly at Jack's response then his lips curved slightly into an unsure smile.
"How long have you been here?" asked Daniel from where he still sat on the floor, Caleb kneeling at his side.
"A few weeks," replied Liam. "My township was raided one morning by Balor's guards. They gathered all of the men and women and left our children with our elders."
"Then you live here---on this world?" asked Caleb.
"I do and so do some of the others, but not all came from here. Others came on Balor's ship."
"He gathered them," added Daniel off-handedly.
"Ship?" interjected Jack with raised eyebrows. He looked from Liam to Daniel.
Daniel pursed his lips. "A ha'tak, Jack."
"Crap. I suppose it was expected given our illustrious host."
"You seem to know a lot about Lord Balor."
Jack shrugged then waved a dismissive hand. "We've met plenty like him, Liam. Let's just leave it at that."
Liam didn't look very accepting of Jack's response, but he nodded regardless. "We should settle in for the night. Morning comes quickly around here," he commented then he motioned toward the back corner of the cell. "You can sleep there. It's available."
"Available?" prompted Jack.
"Yes---available," replied Liam simply then he turned away.
"Okay," drawled out the colonel. He bent to grab Daniel's elbow then helped his friend up, noting the fine sheen of sweat on the younger man's face and the set of his jaw. "You sure you're okay?" he asked worriedly.
Daniel glanced quickly at the older man. "Fine---I'm fine, Jack, just a little sore from our earlier---um---trip through the 'gate."
"Ah right---when you used me as your cushion."
"I did thank you for that didn't I?"
Jack nodded, his lips twitching. "Yes, Daniel you did," he replied.
The three men settled down in their designated corner just as the lights went out. Jack stretched out on his back next to Daniel and peered up into the darkness, his hands pillowing his head against the hard stone floor. In the morning, he decided, he'd scope out possible means of escape and hopefully he'd come up with something to get them all out safe and sound.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful to you two boys," whispered Caleb from the other side of Daniel. "But I think I would have preferred staying behind on my world and facing the storms. These accommodations are seriously lacking."
Jack couldn't help but snort.
What seemed like only minutes later, the colonel awakened with a start. He waited in silence; something had pulled him from his sleep. Then he felt Daniel shifting restlessly beside him. The archeologist mumbled, his voice laced with obvious fear.
Jack rolled onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow. "Hey, hey," he soothed gently. "Easy there, Daniel."
"What is it?" asked Caleb from the inky darkness.
"He doesn't sleep so well," replied Jack quietly. "Especially after he's had an encounter with a Goa'uld." He reached out blindly and found his friend's shoulder. "Easy, easy."
"He said the same thing about you."
"What?"
"You were dreaming a little while ago," elaborated Caleb. "He said you didn't sleep so well either."
Jack's eyebrows puckered in befuddlement.
"He talked to you," continued Caleb. "Said that's what he'd always done and it generally calmed you down. He was right."
Jack grunted. "He's never said anything before," he replied.
"Have you ever said anything to him?" asked Caleb with a note of amusement in his voice.
The colonel felt his face warm with embarrassment. "Well---uh---no," he stammered uncomfortably then he cleared his throat. "Sorry you're not getting much sleep there, Caleb."
Jack imagined he could see the old man shrug. He looked down to where he knew Daniel was and gently continued rubbing the tense shoulder beneath his hand. The archeologist's mumbling quieted and he sighed, his body falling lax.
"How long have you known each other?"
"Seven years or thereabouts," Jack replied. "Thank you for not saying anything, Caleb, today with the Goa'uld. I know you paid for it, but you did the right thing."
"I had the feeling Balor wasn't exactly Mr. Friendly."
"You got that right."
Daniel jerked suddenly against Jack then mumbled again.
Jack could easily pick out the word 'stop' and his stomach knotted. "Shhhhh," he soothed as he patted Daniel's shoulder again. He heard Daniel's legs slide up then fall back down and his body shifted beneath Jack's hand. His friend then mumbled something unintelligible, but finally settled again.
"You should try to get some sleep," said Jack into the darkness. "I have a feeling we're in for quite a day tomorrow."
"I'll try."
Jack listened as both Caleb and Daniel's breathing evened out. He kept his hand where it lay but settled down on his side pillowing his head under his folded arm and closed his eyes. He knew Balor had hurt Daniel. He wouldn't be a good Goa'uld if he hadn't, but his friend wasn't talking. Jack could only hope that whatever Balor had done, the nightmares were the only residual damage.
When Jack opened his eyes next, he could tell by the light seeping in through cracks in the cell walls that morning had dawned. He could see the outline of Daniel's profile, the archeologist still sleeping albeit restlessly.
The colonel gently shook the shoulder still beneath his palm.
Daniel opened his eyes and blinked a few times then brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "I was really hoping it was all a bad dream," he grumbled.
"Nope, 'fraid not Danny me boy."
The archeologist pushed himself up to his elbows and tried but failed to hide his small groan of pain. "Wonder if they have any coffee."
Jack sat up and looked around at their cellmates who had also begun to stir. "I have a feeling you're out of luck there, Daniel. We can certainly ask Mutt over there though."
"Mutt?"
"Yeah," replied the colonel. "Mutt and Jeff guard our cell and down the corridor somewhere are Larry, Curly, and Moe."
"When did you ask them their names?" asked Caleb as he sat up next to Daniel. "I didn't even think they could talk."
Jack exchanged an amused look with the archeologist.
"That's not their real names, Caleb," explained Daniel kindly. "Just names Jack picked out for them."
Caleb snickered good-naturedly. "I actually had an uncle named Moe," he chortled. "He looked nothing like this Moe, however."
Jack pushed himself to his feet then stretched. "I certainly hope not."
The lights came on suddenly and the colonel narrowed his eyes against their brightness. He looked to the cell door to see and hear Jeff drag a metal baton back and forth across its bars. Those who were still sleeping awoke quickly to the clatter and immediately rose. Only then did Jack notice they all had blankets; ratty blankets, but blankets nonetheless. He grunted his irritation.
"What's going on?" asked Daniel.
Jack turned and looked down to see his friend rising slowly, one hand covering his ribcage.
Daniel met the colonel's eyes and shrugged. "Pulled some muscles---," he began.
Jack frowned. "Coming through the 'gate, I know, I know," he replied in a tone that left no question he didn't quite believe the younger man.
Daniel set his jaw and lifted his chin slightly in stubborn defiance then lowered a hand to help Caleb up.
"They move us out in separate groups," said Liam as he crossed the floor to stand in front of Jack. "They can monitor us easier that way."
"What, no breakfast?"
"They feed us in the Safety later."
"Safety?" prompted Daniel.
Jeff growled loudly then unlocked the door as Mutt stood back with his staff weapon hissing to life.
"I'll explain later," said Liam hurriedly. "We mustn't delay."
Jack shrugged one shoulder at Daniel then turned to follow Liam to the door. He passed through then heard harsh grunting behind him and turned his head. Jeff had thrown a giant arm out to block Daniel and Caleb from leaving.
"They'll be out in a few minutes," hissed Liam quickly grabbing the colonel's elbow. "We must hurry, Jack O'Neill."
Jack tried to catch a glimpse of Daniel, but Mutt blocked his view with his bulk. The Fomorian growled and shoved Jack forward with his staff weapon.
"Hurry," urged Liam again. "That one has no patience."
The colonel followed the others up the corridor in the opposite direction from where Balor had taken Daniel the previous afternoon. Up ahead he could see the bright light of day through the exit and he craned his neck to see over the taller prisoners ahead of him. He could make out one of the quarries but couldn't withhold a gasp when he stepped out of the cellblock to see the scale of the rock pits.
"Damn."
"That was my initial reaction as well," whispered Liam. "There are two quarries – a lower and an upper."
Jack's eyes trailed over the white rock to land on the early makings of a big temple being built into the cliff face that rose out of what he guessed was the upper quarry. The Goa'uld thought big, he thought with a stunned shake of his head.
"Come this way," beckoned Liam.
As he made his way down into the lower quarry, Jack looked up and assessed the sheer rock walls surrounding him. He narrowed his eyes as his gaze settled on a huge black mass at the top of one wall.
"That is the Eye."
Jack's eyes widened. "As in Evil?" he asked.
Liam shrugged. "That is appropriate, I guess," he replied. "There beneath it in the shade of the wall is the Safety. That is where we take our water and our meals. It is only in the Safety that we can stop."
"Stop?"
"The Eye knows when we falter. It will kill if we stop working. Its gaze can not reach the Safety."
Jack gritted his teeth. "Balor of the Evil Eye," he hissed. "Daniel will be thrilled."
Liam scowled and threw a confused glance at Jack.
"That's sarcasm, Liam. Heavy---heavy sarcasm."
"I see," replied the other man then he looked back to the trail before him. "There is no conversing in the quarries, only in the Safety. And if someone falls, do not go to help. The Eye does not differentiate between weakness and goodness."
"Got it---no talking and no helping. Anything else?"
Liam shook his head. "We must be silent now."
Jack looked up quickly at the Eye and shivered; it felt like it was watching him.
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Sam shifted her grip on her automatic weapon and stared out over the sea spread out below her. The sun was just awakening turning the horizon to a bright pink. The major narrowed her eyes; she was sure she could see a small speck of land against the vivid color.
"Major Carter."
Sam turned. "Morning, Teal'c," she greeted. "How are the evacuees this morning?"
"They are adjusting adequately. Adia ValTori is preparing breakfast for everyone and I believe her granddaughter is investigating a nearby cave."
"Alone?"
"No. Lieutenant Scarsdale has accompanied her. She is a most curious individual, similar to Daniel Jackson in many ways."
Sam smiled affectionately. "He's still the curious scholar, isn't he? Even after all he's seen he still loves to discover."
"Indeed he does."
"Any word from the SGC?"
"Not as of yet."
Sam sighed then turned and began the walk down the hill she'd climbed only moments before. Teal'c was a comforting presence at her side, but she missed Daniel and the colonel; without them they were incomplete.
As they neared the encampment, Sam noticed Scarsdale and Gabriella running toward them.
"What is it?" asked the major.
Gabriella put her hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. "I've found something, Samantha, in the cave."
Sam scowled. "What?"
"She found some drawings on the wall," answered the fresh-faced lieutenant. "There's a chance there's another 'gate---here." He pointed to the ground for emphasis.
"A second Stargate?"
"Yes---come," replied Gabriella as she back-pedaled. "I will show you."
Sam and Teal'c followed the other two up a rocky embankment to where the entrance to the cave sat tucked away in shadow. Scarsdale lifted his heavy-duty light and shone it ahead of them as they entered.
"Here," said Gabriella excitedly. "You see, it's like a story board. It tells of the people who lived here before and of their travels." She pointed to the clear picture of a Stargate. "Here is the Great Ring we came through yesterday and over here is the other." She dragged her finger across the smooth rock then tapped it over the picture of the second 'gate.
Sam stepped closer. "Oh, my God," she whispered. "You're right."
"Is it possible that Papa and your friends are here, Samantha, at the second Great Ring?"
Sam couldn't help but smile. "Yes, Gabriella, it is entirely possible." She turned to look up at Teal'c who appeared oddly menacing in the artificial light. "It's just like what happened to Colonel O'Neill and me when we fled through the 'gate on P4A-771."
"You were separated from Daniel Jackson and myself."
"Yes, if the lightening hit the 'gate at the right moment, the wormhole would have been rerouted to the second 'gate just like what happened on Earth. They're here, Teal'c. They have to be."
"I concur," replied Teal'c. He leaned forward and peered at the drawing of the second 'gate. "It appears it is located on an island."
"I thought so, too," agreed Gabriella. "There are pictures of boats here---and here."
Sam followed the other woman's finger as it moved over the illustrations.
"We do not currently have---boats," commented the big Jaffa.
"It doesn't matter," replied Sam, her voice quivering with her growing excitement. "All we have to do is disable this Stargate." She tapped her finger over the first 'gate drawn on the wall.
"Excuse me, Major," interjected Scarsdale. "But why haven't the colonel and Dr. Jackson simply dialed Earth? There's nothing stopping an outgoing wormhole, is there?"
"Maybe the DHD is damaged or maybe---," Sam began then she faltered, unable to voice her concern that something else was preventing Daniel and O'Neill from dialing home.
Gabriella's smile faded. "You don't think they're dead, do you?" she asked.
"No, of course not," replied Sam, her initial anticipation dimmed somewhat. "The DHD just isn't working for some reason. They're here on this world, Gabriella, and now that we know that, we can go bring them home."
The other woman smiled again and nodded. "I must go tell Grandmother."
Sam glanced up at her warrior friend. "We need to get back to the SGC, tell the general," she said. "He'll want to send through a UAV."
Teal'c bowed his head slightly in agreement then fell into step beside Sam as they hurried out of the cave behind Gabriella and the lieutenant. They scrambled down the embankment and Gabriella ran ahead to where Adia was working to prepare breakfast. Sam immediately saw the old woman's face light up as her granddaughter pointed back at the cave and gesticulated wildly. Adia wiped her hands on her apron then approached Sam and Teal'c followed by many of the other evacuees.
"A second Great Ring?" began the elder woman. "My husband, he's there?"
"We believe so," replied Sam. She reached out and grasped Adia's upper arm. "Teal'c and I need to return to our world, but we'll keep in touch, okay?"
Adia nodded then her fine eyebrows puckered. "Yes, yes, of course. You will let us know either way, Samantha, won't you? If you can not find my Caleb---."
"Either way, Adia, I promise," replied the major then she turned to Scarsdale. "Lieutenant, would you let Major Castleman know Teal'c and I are leaving and bring him up to speed for me?"
"Yes, Major," replied the young man then he turned and jogged away.
"Oh, heavens," blurted Adia suddenly. "I must finish the morning meal." She looked up at Teal'c and smiled. "I have a good feeling about this." Then she turned and walked back to the makeshift commissary.
"I will accompany you to the Great Ring," offered Gabriella.
Sam nodded and with Teal'c on one side of her and Gabriella on the other, she headed quickly toward the Stargate.
"Thank you for all you've done for us," said the other woman as they walked. "We all appreciate the chance you took to get us away from the storms. You saved our lives."
"I'm glad we could help," replied Sam. "Gabriella, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Adia seems to be taking this all very well."
"She is a strong woman."
Sam shrugged. "I guess if it was my husband---."
"Oh, I understand," interrupted Gabriella. "We believe there is life after this one. Grandmother knows that whatever happens, she will see Papa again. They have a love that will continue through eternity."
"There are similar beliefs among my people," said Teal'c.
"Really?"
"Indeed."
"We're all not so different after all," commented Sam then she smiled. "Your grandparents are very lucky."
"Yes they are. They've cared for me since I was a child; my parents died of illness. I hope to one day find what they have together, someone who will wait for me at the bridge."
"The bridge?"
"The bridge to our next life. Grandmother and Papa have talked all my life of waiting for each other there. That is what I want for myself."
Sam nodded. "I think we all want that for ourselves," she said wistfully. She looked up to see the 'gate looming. "We'll send word back to Major Castleman, Gabriella. You'll know whatever happens."
The other woman pulled Sam into an unexpected hug. "Thank you," she whispered then she turned and hugged Teal'c.
The big Jaffa wrapped his big arms gently around the slender woman. "Inform Adia ValTori we will do our best to return her husband to her."
Gabriella pulled back and smiled up at Teal'c. "I will. Good luck."
Then Sam turned to the DHD and dialed Earth, their first step in getting her friends back.
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Daniel watched the Jaffa woman drain her cup then swipe its sides with her tongue for every last drop of moisture.
"Here, I think you need this more than me."
The woman looked up at the proffered cup of water Daniel held in his hand. "I do not take charity, Tau'ri," she replied.
"Tau'ri?" echoed Caleb from the archeologist's side.
"I know who you are and where you come from," replied the woman ignoring the old man and holding Daniel's gaze then she gasped and put her hand on her stomach.
"It isn't charity," tried Daniel. "Here---just take it. You're dehydrated."
The woman licked her cracked lips then grabbed the cup brusquely. As she drank, murmurs of surprise went up around Daniel.
"They don't understand why you gave me your ration."
"You needed it---can't they see that?"
"No one shares here, Tau'ri."
"Daniel---my name is Daniel. And this is Caleb."
"I am called Ren'auc."
"How did you get hurt?" asked Caleb.
"I fell a few days ago up there," Ren'auc replied with a jerk of her chin toward the temple. "All of the Jaffa work up there since we are so much stronger than the others." She paused and pressed her hand to her stomach again. "I am growing weaker by the day so I am now made to work here in the quarries."
Daniel's eyebrows puckered. "There's no doctor here?"
"No."
Caleb sat on the stone bench next to the Jaffa woman. "Won't they let you stay in the cell?"
Ren'auc shook her head. "We all work. When we no longer can, the Eye awakens."
Daniel looked up above his head at the black mass standing out against the blue sky.
"Thank you," continued Ren'auc as she handed Daniel the empty cup. "I appreciate your kindness."
The archeologist looked back at the woman and smiled. "You're one of Heru'ur's Jaffa?" he asked narrowing his eyes to look at the forehead marking.
"He was my god, yes."
"How did you wind up here?"
"I was fool-hardy enough to believe I was actually free," replied Ren'auc bitterly. "After the death of Heru'ur, my husband and I went into hiding from Apophis. Along with several other warriors, we stole a tel'tak and escaped to a world not ruled by the Goa'uld. We lived there amongst others like us---Jaffa who wanted to be free." She sighed dejectedly. "We let our guard down and when Balor's ship arrived, we were no longer battle-ready. My husband died as did many others. Those of us who survived were captured as slaves and brought here."
"I'm sorry, Ren'auc."
The woman gasped and bent forward coughing suddenly. She raised a hand to cover her mouth and when she lowered it, Daniel could see blood splattered in its palm. Ren'auc looked at it then wiped it on her pant leg.
She raised pleading eyes to the archeologist. "Take care here, Daniel," she said. "Balor does not know of the Tau'ri and your fight against the Goa'uld. He is not of the System Lords, but he is power-hungry like they are. If you and your friends defy him, he will kill you."
One of the Fomorians – Larry, Daniel thought – bellowed loudly and all the slaves gathered in the Safety began filing out into the sunlight. Daniel reached down to grasp Ren'auc's elbow. She smiled her thanks then rose slowly.
Caleb took Daniel's cup and his own and placed them back in a nearby barrel then started the walk back to the upper quarry. Ren'auc followed him with Daniel just behind.
The Jaffa turned just before crossing out of the shade of their safe-haven. "If something happens out there, Daniel, do not help me, okay? Promise me that."
"What?"
Ren'auc gripped his forearm hard. "Whatever happens, do not help," she repeated firmly then she released Daniel and crossed the line into the light and back under the watchful gaze of the Eye.
Daniel put a hand to his side as he made his way back up to the quarry. His t-shirt was warm against his palm where it lay pressed against the wounds lacing his ribcage. He inhaled a careful breath then expelled it just as carefully. The strenuous work of lifting the heavy rocks certainly hadn't helped and he knew that fresh blood had mixed with the old from the previous day. Although he missed Jack's reassuring presence at his side, Daniel was also relieved his friend wasn't in his group watching him the way he always did. He hoped the blood would be dry by the time the work shift was over.
The archeologist lifted his eyes from the rocky path to look at Ren'auc plodding just ahead of him. He felt for her. She had gained her freedom from one Goa'uld only to have it taken away by another. He watched her walk slowly over to where an empty cart lay waiting to be filled as he moved toward the center of the quarry with Caleb. He wondered briefly what she'd meant when she'd said not to help. Then a thought occurred to him and he turned sharply; she was getting weaker---weakness---kek.
Ren'auc stood perfectly still, her face upturned toward the Eye. From where he stood Daniel could see her lips moving, a look of quiet acceptance settling across her strong features.
The air suddenly vibrated with a low humming and Daniel looked up to the Eye. "Oh, God," he murmured.
One of the prisoners bumped into Daniel and he stumbled across the loose stone beneath his feet. His side screamed and he gasped at the pain.
"Move," hissed the woman who'd hit him.
The hum grew louder.
Daniel regained his balance and swung around just as the humming hit a fevered pitch. "No!" he shouted and took a step toward Ren'auc.
The Jaffa stood proudly, her shoulders thrown back in defiance as she faced her enemy.
Daniel had to shield his eyes against the Eye's fury and when he looked again, Ren'auc was gone.
The same woman who had bumped him before did so again and Daniel stumbled then bent to blindly reach for one of the rocks lying at his feet.
He continued to work the rest of the day as the Eye held watch.
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CONTINUED
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