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CHAPTER THREE
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Sam quieted her breathing as she heard the footfalls drawing closer. She peered out from her hiding place to see Janar and four of her squat sentries. The sentries scanned the ground, but the premier's eyes were tracking the woods. Sam swallowed hard; Daniel.
"There," hissed Janar and she raised one of the weapons she wore slung around her neck. "You can't run fast enough, Dr. Jackson."
The major used every bit of her control to keep from crying out a warning to her friend; she was his only hope. She watched as Janar's rifle moved, following its prey and asked whatever gods were listening that the premier's aim be off.
Then she fired and Sam couldn't help but flinch.
"Got him."
"Oh, God---Daniel," murmured the major.
"Premier, they've separated. Major Carter went this way," announced one of the sentries, his eyes studying the underbrush in which Sam lay.
"Doesn't matter," replied Janar. "The toxin will start working in the next few hours; we'll continue to track the boy. By morning, he'll be mine. If the little major makes it out of here, there's nothing she can do; she can't leave through the Stargate. I'll get her after I've taken care of Dr. Jackson."
"Yes, ma'am."
Sam watched the group head off in the same direction Daniel had run only moments before, Janar's words replaying in her mind like a mantra; by morning, he'll be mine. Slowly and carefully, Sam slipped out from beneath the prickly underbrush then stood, her eyes cast out over the forest; by morning he'll be mine. She looked up at the sky, the sun not quite visible yet on its arc up from the horizon and knew she had about twenty-four hours, twenty-four hours to save her friend.
Swallowing against the pain throbbing in her ankle, Sam hobbled as quickly as she could toward the township, toward what she hoped was Daniel's salvation.
The rain hit in mid-afternoon, the drops mixing with Sam's exasperated tears as both coursed down her scraped cheeks; by morning, he'll be mine.
"Daniel, I'm sorry," Sam whispered brokenly as she fell to her knees, the heavy rain soaking her light-weight clothing. She bowed her head, the only sounds her retched breathing and the harsh pitter patter of the drops cascading from the darkened sky. She squeezed her eyes shut and saw her friend's face on the backs of her eyelids; by morning, he'll be mine.
Sam clenched her teeth and pushed herself to her feet. "He won't be yours, Janar," she spat. "He won't ever be yours." She cast her eyes forward then narrowed them against the rain. "Oh, God," she gasped. Just visible through the trees she could make out the deep red tiles of the government building's roof; she'd made it.
The major cleared the tree line, lurching down the grassy slope toward the back entrance to the building, her eyes scanning for sentries. She slipped on the wet grass and hit the ground hard, but pushed herself immediately back to her feet, Daniel's face urging her forward.
She reached the entrance and hit the control panel, the door sliding opened in response. Stepping inside, Sam allowed herself a brief respite as she leaned against the wall, her chin dropping to her chest, the door whooshing closed behind her.
"Are you all right?"
The major started then raised her eyes to see a young Domorakai woman standing before her.
"You're one of the off-worlders, aren't you?" continued the woman.
Sam's brows puckered; the woman's gray eyes held no fear, only concern. "Yes, I am."
"What are you doing here? I thought you were with the premier at her home."
"I was---I was out hiking and got caught in the rain."
The woman smiled kindly. "You got lost, didn't you," she guessed. "Come with me, ma'am. I'll contact Premier Janar while you change into dry clothing."
"Uh---thank you, but weren't you on your way out?"
The woman waved a dismissive hand. "I was just going to take a break, watch the rain, ma'am. That can wait."
"Okay, thanks. Is Janar's personal physician here? I hurt my ankle and I was hoping he could take a look at it."
"Dr. Ne'el 'is' here," replied the Domorakai. "Here, lean on me." She ducked under Sam's arm and steadied the major against her side. "I'll take you to Dr. Ne'el first."
Sam balked. "What about security?"
"What about it? Oh, don't worry---everyone knows who you are. You're guests of the premier. Besides, most of the sentries are up at the house. They go wherever she goes."
The major nodded then leaned into the young woman, her hand grasping the Domorakai's strong shoulder. "What's your name?" she asked.
"Mora---I'm an inventory specialist here. Wow, you are really soaked."
"Sorry."
"Oh, it'll dry. We don't normally get heavy rain at this time of year. I love it when it rains, don't you?"
"Uh---sure," replied Sam. She furrowed her brows, puzzled at Mora's relaxed nature; clearly the Domorakai had no knowledge of where Janar really was or what she was doing.
"Are you enjoying your stay at the premier's house? I understand it's beautiful inside. I've seen it from the outside, but I've never been invited in."
Mora continued to prattle on as she led Sam into the main atrium off of which several corridors branched. Other Domorakai passed them, some looking wide-eyed at Sam's dishevelment, but most simply nodding their greetings then continuing on their way. No one seemed afraid or at all surprised at the major's presence.
Sam looked down at Mora askance. "Do you ever go into the hall off Janar's greeting chambers?"
"No, I don't have clearance to even enter that area. Only Janar, her sentries, and a few high placed officials are allowed in there. Oh, and her guests, of course. She always takes her guests there---and Lord Cronus when he comes here."
"How often does he come here?"
"Too often, if you ask me," replied the Domorakai then her eyes widened, apparently surprised at her revealing response. "Lord Cronus visits every couple of months."
"You don't like him very much, do you."
Mora pursed her lips. "No, not really," she said, her voice low. "For many of us, he's just a man, but Premier Janar reveres him. Rumor has it that she---'pleases' him, if you know what I mean."
"I see."
"All of our guests arrive with him. You and your friends were the first to come through the Stargate alone in many years. Your timing was perfect seeing as our shield was malfunctioning. When Shalus was in power, he allowed guests to come through all the time; we didn't have a shield back then. I was just a little girl, but I remember the day Cronus came through with his Jaffa. Things began to change after that."
Sam frowned. "Shalus?"
"Janar's husband," replied Mora then her expression saddened. "He died about five years ago---under---um---mysterious circumstances. Janar took power and Karis left soon after."
"Karis left five years ago? He wasn't kidnapped?"
Mora tucked her chin. "No, why would you think that? Karis was angry with his mother. He thought she had something to do with Shalus' death. Many of us thought the same thing; still do, but there's nothing we can do while she's in power and while she has Cronus to support her."
"So Janar isn't a well-loved leader then."
"I've said way too much, ma'am. I have a bad habit of blathering on like an idiot. Please don't tell Janar what I've said. I need my job---I love my job so---."
Sam smiled and squeezed the shoulder beneath her hand. "Don't worry, Mora, I won't tell a soul."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Sam, my name is Sam."
Mora grinned, her cheeks flushing with color. "Thank you, Sam. I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be. You've been very helpful."
"Here's the science wing," announced the young woman.
Sam glanced down the hall to see a sentry standing guard outside a door at the end.
"I don't know why Janar always has Metak posted outside Dr. Ne'el's lab, but she does. He shouldn't bother us, though."
The major gritted her teeth then dropped her chin to her chest, watching Metak through her sodden fringe of bangs as Mora helped her hobble down the corridor.
The sentry turned and immediately drew his zat gun when his eyes fell on Sam.
"Metak?" prompted Mora. "What are you doing? She's a guest of the premier."
Sam slumped against Mora and the young woman adjusted her stance to hold up the major's dead weight. Metak stepped forward, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"Sam?" yelped Mora, her voice laced with worry. "Sam, what's wrong? Metak, help her---please."
Ignoring the sharp pain in her ankle, the major pushed off Mora and kicked out, knocking the zat from Metak's grip. The weapon clattered to the floor and Sam threw herself to the ground, her hand closing around the cool handle. In one swift motion, she rolled, turned and fired at Metak. The sentry crumpled to the floor in a heap.
"What are you doing?" asked Mora in surprise.
Sam turned the zat on the young woman then rose to her feet. "I'm sorry Mora, but I have no choice," she said. She motioned at the door. "Open it."
Mora's mouth dropped open but she moved quickly to the control panel and depressed the entry button. The door slid opened and Sam moved up close behind the other woman, the zat pressed to the small of the Domorakai's back.
"Sam, I don't understand."
"Get inside, Mora---hurry up."
Mora did as she was instructed and stepped into the laboratory, Sam right behind her. The major fingered the controls on the inside wall and the door slid closed behind them.
"What the hell is going on here?"
Sam's eyes moved to the bespectacled heavy-set man who stood across the small room. "Dr. Ne'el I presume?"
"Major Carter," guessed the doctor. He tipped his chin up and gazed at Sam with defiance. "You've made a very big mistake in coming here, Major."
"Ne'el, I've completed the---."
Sam turned the zat quickly on the middle-aged woman who entered from a side room. The woman dropped the vial she was holding and it shattered on the floor at her feet, splattering green liquid across the pristine white of her pants legs.
"Hold still, Treya," warned Ne'el.
"Mora does that room have an exit?" whispered the major.
"No. Sam---please, I don't---."
"I won't hurt you if you do exactly what I say, okay?"
The young woman nodded obediently.
The major directed her attention to the Domorakai doctor. "I need the anti-toxin," she demanded.
Ne'el smiled menacingly. "There is no anti-toxin," he snarled. "There has never been a need."
"Then you'll just have todevelop one."
"I don't think so, Major."
Sam wrapped her arm around Mora's neck then raised the zat gun at Treya.
Ne'el swallowed convulsively, his gray eyes darting to the other doctor then he quickly recovered his composure, his haughty expression returning. Too late, Sam thought; Treya was important to him. She fired the zat and the woman dropped hard to the floor, her body twitching then falling still.
"A second shot kills," stated the major evenly.
"You wouldn't."
"I will do anything to save my friend."
Ne'el's jaw tightened. "I told you---there is no anti-toxin," he hissed.
"Then you'd better get busy."
"No, Sam," whispered Mora. "You can't trust him."
"What?"
"He's loyal to Janar. He won't do anything that betrays her."
Sam tightened her arm around Mora's neck then shifted them away from the door, her zat still aimed at Treya. "Then get me the toxin," she demanded.
"Dr. Jackson is as good as dead."
"And so is she," replied Sam as she raised her weapon and fingered the trigger.
Ne'el raised his hands. "Wait! Don't kill her. The toxin won't do you any good anyway." He kept his hands raised as he crossed the room to a table. He picked up a vial and proffered it to Sam. "Here, take it."
Mora reached for the vial and grasped it then held it up, her eyes widening at the words scrolled across the label. "My, God, Dr. Ne'el. What are you doing with something like this?" She turned her head to peer up at Sam. "This is a poison. Did Janar use this on your friend?"
Sam nodded. "Mora, Daniel's life depends on this. Are you sure this is a toxin?"
"I'm positive."
"Janar will kill you for your betrayal, Mora," spat Ne'el.
"Not if she's dead," replied Sam.
"You're going to kill me?" squeaked Mora.
"No, not you---Janar."
"Oh---sorry."
"Where are our weapons? Our clothing?"
"I don't know."
"He does know," interjected Mora. "He requisitioned them first thing this morning."
Sam's eyes wandered around the room then settled on a large silver vat against the far wall. "You're the one who preserves the bodies."
"And it will be my pleasure when it comes time to process yours," retorted the doctor.
"What's going on?" asked Mora hesitantly. "What bodies?"
"I'll explain later," replied Sam. "Mora, I need you to search for my gear. Will you do that for me?"
The young woman nodded and Sam released her grip then watched as Mora began searching shelving units and storage closets. "Here," she exclaimed. She turned around holding the neatly folded BDUs in her hands.
"There should be two vests."
The Domorakai turned back to the closet. "They're here."
"Good, bring them to me---please."
Mora obliged and stepped back to Sam's side, a vest in each hand. The major did a quick scan of Daniel's then sighed with relief when she saw the bulge in the side pocket; the GDO was there.
"What are you going to do?"
"I've got to get Ne'el through the Stargate," explained Sam as she took the vest. "Do you know where I can find a tok?"
"Metak will have one. Sam, take me with you."
The major shook her head. "It's too dangerous, Mora."
"But you can't leave me here---they'll know I helped you."
"Not if they find you unconscious. As far as Metak and Treya are concerned, you were forced."
"I can help you get to the Stargate, deflect any questions from my people."
"Mora."
"Sam, please. I 'need' to do this. I don't want Janar to kill your friend."
The major pursed her lips then relented. "All right," she replied. "With the gear should be two hand guns."
"I saw them." Mora quickly moved back to the closet and rummaged around.
"Mora?" prompted the major, suddenly afraid her trust had been misplaced.
"I only found one." The woman pulled out Daniel's Beretta. She held it carefully and brought it back to Sam. "Here."
Sam did a quick look, happy to see it was still loaded then tucked the zat into her waistband and gripped the hand gun, pointing it at Ne'el. "Move," she ordered tersely.
"You won't get away with this, Major. And even if you manage to get me back to your world, I'll never help you."
"I said move."
Ne'el took a last look at Treya then stepped across the room to the door. At Sam's prompting, he pressed the button and the door slid aside. The major moved up close behind the doctor and shoved the barrel of the Beretta into the small of the Domorakai's back then with Mora in the lead, they moved out of the laboratory.
"I'll get the tok," whispered the young woman as she knelt by the still unconscious sentry. She patted his side pocket then smiled in triumph as she pulled out the little device.
"There's an exit out of Janar's trophy room. We'll use that," said Sam.
Mora led them up the corridor then out into the atrium. She crossed the few yards to the entrance to the main greeting chamber then entered, moving quickly to the corridor lined with all of Janar's kills. Sam heard the young woman gasp as she peered into each alcove.
When Sam opened the double doors at the end of the hallway, Mora froze and swore vehemently.
"This is what you meant by bodies," the Domorakai murmured. "Karis!" She ran to the display case in which stood the young man in battle gear. "No, no---not Karis, not him!"
Sam swallowed the bile that rose in her throat. "Janar's Karis?" she managed. "She did this to her own son?"
"Yes," sobbed Mora. "I always wondered what happened to him, but I never imagined this---never."
"I'm sorry, Mora, but we've got to go."
The young woman stood still, staring into the vacant gray eyes, her hand pressed flat against the glass that encased Janar's son.
"Mora!" shouted Sam.
Mora turned sharply then walked up to Ne'el, her tears catching in the light. "You knew she was a monster and you never tried to stop her?" she demanded. "She did this to innocent people. She did this to her own son."
"She is our leader, a fact you shouldn't forget."
"She killed her child and then brought him back here and put him on display!"
"Karis turned his back on her, Mora. He deserved what he got."
Mora's mouth contorted in repulsion then she spit in Ne'el's face. "Domorakai will learn what Janar is and mark my words she will be our leader no more."
As Sam shoved the irate Ne'el toward the exit after Mora, she couldn't help the satisfied smile that curved her lips.
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"Anything?"
Teal'c watched the technician shake her head. "No, sir."
"Damn it," cursed O'Neill who stood rigidly at Teal'c's side. The colonel pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes and swore again.
"Now what, Doctor?" asked General Hammond.
Dr. Janet Fraiser shook her head. "I honestly don't know, General," she sighed in resignation. "We thought it had to do with naquadah since it's found in Cronus' blood, but we've tried every combination of mineral we can think of with it---it isn't working."
"You think?" snapped O'Neill bitterly.
"Colonel."
O'Neill dropped his hands to his sides. "I'm sorry, sir, but we're running out of time here---time that Daniel doesn't have."
"I'm aware of that, Colonel," replied the general. He turned to look at Dr. Lee who stood behind him, the stocky scientist's posture conveying his defeat. "Are you certain this reads a person's blood?"
"Yes, sir and Dr. Fraiser agrees, we're just having a hard time figuring out which minerals or combination thereof triggers it."
Teal'c clasped his hands behind his back and stared down his nose at the Stargate below him. They'd been trying for hours to attain readings from the MALP that remained on P6R-552, but had yet to establish a wormhole. The Jaffa swallowed hard; Daniel Jackson's life was draining away with each passing failure.
When the 'gate snapped to life, Teal'c couldn't help but start slightly.
"Off-world activation," announced the technician over the blaring of the klaxon.
"What now?" muttered General Hammond as he leaned forward, his hands grasping the back of the technician's chair.
Teal'c watched as each chevron lit up then turned his focus to the monitor at which the general also stared.
"It's SG-1's IDC, sir!" exclaimed the technician excitedly.
"Open the iris!"
Teal'c followed quickly on the heels of O'Neill as they made their way down the stairs and into the 'gate room, General Hammond, Dr. Fraiser and Dr. Lee right behind him. They were immediately surrounded by MPs, their weapons raised and at the ready, their eyes locked on the opening iris.
"Come on, kids," urged O'Neill. "Come on."
An elder heavy-set Domorakai male stepped through the event horizon followed closely by a bruised and battered Major Carter, the latter limping heavily.
"Carter!" greeted O'Neill as he ran up the ramp. "You okay? Where's Daniel?"
"Daniel's still on Domorakai, sir."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but---God, so much has happened."
"Take it easy, Major," soothed General Hammond. "Just start at the beginning."
"There's no time, General. I've brought a sample of the toxin back," the major said as she held up a vial of gold liquid. "Janet is going to have to develop an anti-toxin, sir, and quickly. Daniel only has about twelve hours."
"How's he doing?"
"I don't know, Colonel. Please, I'll explain everything, but we've got to get started on the anti-toxin."
"Does not Premier Janar have it?" asked Teal'c.
"No, she's lied about everything---Karis, the kidnapping---everything," replied Major Carter. She handed the vial to Dr. Fraiser. "This is Dr. Ne'el, Janet, the man who developed the poison, but he's refusing to help."
"Well then, we'll just have to convince him otherwise, won't we," threatened O'Neill. "Teal'c, you know several methods of---persuasion, right?"
"Indeed I do."
Ne'el blanched slightly as his eyes looked to Teal'c then he tipped his chin up and glared at the warrior through his glasses. "I don't fear you, Jaffa," he announced defiantly.
"Oh, but you should," replied the colonel with a cold smile.
"Dr. Fraiser, you and Dr. Lee start on the anti-toxin," interjected General Hammond. "Major, I want you in the infirmary and Colonel, Teal'c? See what you can do about 'persuading' our guest to cooperate."
Teal'c met and held Ne'el's gray eyes and in them he saw fear, but he also saw the resolution of man who would die rather than defy his leader.
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Daniel hit the ground for what he thought was at least the hundredth time. She was behind him, he knew, always there---waiting.
The archeologist rolled over onto his back in the muddy earth and stared up at the darkening sky. He hurt, his upper back where the dart had hit him burning, his sweat mixing with his blood as it ran freely down his arms from the multiple abrasions he'd accumulated over his never-ending flight. He'd long ago lost the wrappings around his feet, but he hardly felt the pain from his torn and bloodied soles; the toxin at least had some benefits, he conceded.
"What's the matter, Dr. Jackson?"
Daniel squeezed his eyes closed at the sound of the voice as it floated over him. "Go to hell, Janar!" he shouted back.
"Now that's not very nice."
The archeologist opened his eyes then centered all his strength to push himself to his feet. He swayed alarmingly; God, he was so tired.
"You're feeling the effects now, aren't you?"
Daniel bit his lower lip as he forced his legs to carry him forward through the rain-soaked muck. His feet were almost completely numb and he knew by night fall, he wouldn't be able to walk at all. He'd managed to stay as close to the edge of the woods as possible, running in circles for the majority of the time after he'd left Sam. He smiled; Jack would be proud of him for not getting lost.
He hooked his foot on an exposed root and fell, hitting the forest floor hard. "God, Jack, where are you?" he whispered brokenly. "Sam---Teal'c."
"Poor, poor boy---so all alone."
"Shut up! Just---shut up!"
"My, my, but what happened to the sweet young man who came through my Stargate?"
Daniel swiped angrily at the unbidden tears that escaped his eyes; she wasn't going to win. He pushed himself to his feet again and started forward into the darkening woods.
When the cloud-covered sun disappeared beneath the horizon, the archeologist fell and he knew he wouldn't be rising again; he'd lost all sensation in his legs. Using his elbows, Daniel dragged himself onward, knowing he needed to get as close to the forest's edge as he could; Jack would be searching for him soon.
Behind him, he heard the rustle of someone moving. She was watching him, always watching him---waiting.
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Janet peered through the microscope at the sample of Domorakai toxin. "We still don't have it," she announced dejectedly. "Though I think we're getting closer. Try some more of this." She handed Dr. Lee a small vial. "This just might do the trick."
"Right, okay."
Janet looked beyond her companion to see Sam hobbling through the door to the medical lab. "Where are your crutches?" she admonished.
Sam pursed her lips and had the courtesy to look chagrined. "They're back in my lab."
"A lot of good they'll do you there, Sam."
"So how's it going?"
Janet clenched her teeth but allowed the change of subject. "We're almost there."
"Can I help?"
"You're an astrophysicist, Sam, not a medical doctor."
Sam's brows furrowed. "Dr. Lee isn't a medical doctor either," she replied then she smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, that sounded so---so."
"Childish? Uh, ma'am," offered Lee without looking up from the solution over which he was poring.
"Bill," rebuked Janet.
Sam shrugged diffidently. "Not exactly the word I was looking for, but it works."
Janet canted her head and regarded her friend kindly. "I know you're worried about him, Sam. So am I---we all are."
The major leaned against the counter. "I left him alone, Janet, with that---that psychotic maniac."
"What other choice did you have? You had to get help."
Sam closed her eyes and dropped her chin to her chest. "I know, but he's all alone."
"Your coming back here was the right thing to do, Sam. You brought a Domorakai with you and because of that, the colonel can go get Daniel and bring him home."
"Thank God for Mora, the woman I ran into. If she hadn't helped me---." The major's voice faltered.
"But she did help you."
Sam looked up with grateful eyes. "Yeah, she did. She almost came back with me, too, but changed her mind at the last minute."
"I wonder why."
"How's it going in here, Doctors?"
Janet stood straighter at the sound of Hammond's deep voice. "Almost there, sir," she replied as the general strode into the room. "Dr. Lee?"
The scientist looked up and poked his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. "It's ready."
"Then let's take a look." Janet deftly replaced the prior sample under the microscope with a fresh one. She leaned over and peered through the scope again then gently touched a drop of what she hoped was the anti-toxin to the sample. "I think its working."
"Janet?" prompted Sam anxiously.
The doctor smiled. "That's it," she announced. "It's not perfect, but it'll work, General, if we can get to Daniel in time."
"Nice work, people," replied Hammond as he looked from Lee to Janet. "Dr. Fraiser, gear up. I'd like you to go to P6R-552 with Colonel O'Neill."
"Yes, sir---I'd like that, sir."
"I'll gear up, too, General," said Sam.
"Major, you can hardly walk. I'm sorry, but you'll have to remain here."
"But, General---."
"Major, they'll need to get to Dr. Jackson quickly---you'll only slow them down."
Sam's face fell, her expression a mixture of hurt and extreme disappointment.
"You know I'm right," added Hammond, his tone gentle. "You can stay here with me---I could really use the company."
"Yes, sir."
Hammond reached out and squeezed Sam's shoulder supportively. "Now I'm going to go find a certain colonel and tell him to go bring our boy home."
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CONTINUED
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