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Chapter 12 - Recruitment
The Nasyans
Lup-1 exited the wormhole into the dark forest of the Land of Light. Sam took a deep breath of air in the darkness and took in the smells that surrounded them. She didn't need light to easily find the path that the others had taken to the Land of Light through the darkness. The scent trail was clear.
"This way," she directed her team and headed down the path towards the light side. Her new senses felt alive, even in her 'human' body. Her human eyes could even see better in the dark.
Lup-1 crossed the threshold from dark to light, from forest to plains. Sam blinked as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. She could see the Minoan city in the distance and the Nasyan encampment further down the small valley by a stream. She motioned to her team and they began to move towards the encampment. Most of the smaller tents were for families, but there was one large tent in the center for larger gatherings. This is the tent Lup-1 headed for.
They were soon spotted as they neared the encampment, greeted and welcomed into the central meeting tent. Their arrival had gathered the Nasyans to the tent. Sam welcomed the chance to give these people a different lifestyle than second-hand offerings from the Land of Light.
"Welcome, I am Sam. I came to see if any of you would like to join us, the Gen'Lup, in battling our enemies, like the goa'uld or Ori, across the galaxy. I know that many of you Nasyans have not been happy here with the Land of Light. With us, you would not be safe. But you would be able to fight back against those who want to enslave other humans," Sam offered the gathered group.
A man sitting in front frowned, "Who are the gould?"
Sam smiled at him, "They were the ones who pretended to be your gods for centuries. Ra, Apophis, Hathor, Isis, Osiris, Camulus, Ba'al, and so on. They often let their eyes glow and spoke in a dual tone voice. They were not gods. Just powerful alien parasites who used technology to enslave humans. The Ori are worse. The Gen'Lup oppose all who enslave human populations, either as gods or with other means."
"How can we join you?" a young man asked with hope in his eyes.
Sam nodded at him, "You would have to go with us and when you do that, you would change. You need to know how you would change before you join us. We cannot change you back to what you are now. If you go, you go forever." Then she nodded to Nick on her team to change for the crowd.
Nick had prepared and was ready. He shifted into a wolf in front of the crowd. The air in the tent immediately changed to hostile.
An older woman bitterly scowled at them, "Why do you show us a wolf? You know it is a hated symbol of evil among the Nasyans."
Sam immediately stood before Nick. "Actually, we didn't know that. But thank you for informing us." She motioned to Nick to change back.
Nick quickly shifted back and dressed. He stayed behind Sam and surrounded by his team mates. Lup-1 was now fully alert and ready for action aware that they were surrounded by a hostile crowd.
"Thank you for hearing our offer, but I think it is time for us to leave now," Sam said before the hostile group.
Sam gave a quick hand sign to her team and they slipped out of the tent with Sam right behind them. They quickly left the Nasyan encampment and disappeared back into the dark forest before slowly making their way back to the Stargate and Sanctuary avoiding all the people in the thick trees.
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The Hak'tyl
Lup-2 exited the active wormhole into the early morning. The clearing was empty of all threats, but Teal'c's new senses of sound and scent easily found the hidden Hak'tyl warriors guarding the Stargate. He stopped his new team in the center of the clearing some distance from the Stargate.
Teal'c addressed his team, "Show no surprise, but be ready." He then turned to one of the guard positions he scented. He planted his staff weapon and placed his right hand behind his back, in a rest position. He then addressed the clearing and made sure he was clearly heard at all the positions, "I am Teal'c, friend of the Hak'tyl. My friends and I seek and audience with Ishta, your leader."
Behind him, Teal'c could hear his team take similar positions in a circle, taking his lead. He gave a faint smile in approval as he continued to watch the guard position.
The guard finally broke position and came forward, "I greet you." The warrior was a tall woman with a firm face. She glanced over the group and nodded, then gestured to one of the other guard positions. "I am Mor'ta. I have sent for Ishta. We have heard rumors that you were ill. I can see they were false."
Teal'c returned the head nod, "I greet you in return, Mor'ta. We will wait for Ishta."
Ishta rushed into the clearing startling the guarding Hak'tyl. Lup-2 had heard her coming quickly through the forest and were prepared for her sudden arrival.
"Teal'c," Ishta greeted, breathlessly.
"Ishta," Teal'c replied, calmly. He breathed in her scent deeply and was filled with a sense of peace. He had understood Samantha's loneliness and need for a partner. But until this moment, he had not found someone that could fill that role for him.
Teal'c had come to the Hak'tyl to offer the cure for the goa'uld curse, not to find a partner. He truly wanted to give the Jaffa a path forward without the goa'uld. He knew Ishta would not be swayed just to be his partner. She would be driven to protect her people first. As it should be. As was right.
"I have brought news that you should hear first," Teal'c said easily. "I would also like to speak to Rya'c and his wife, and Master Bra'tac, if possible," he added, enjoying her nearness.
Ishta smiled, "We can talk back at camp. Mor'ta, send someone for Master Bra'tac. Rya'c and Kar'yn are at camp. You can see them after we speak."
"Lead the way," Teal'c gestured with a smile. His pleasure at seeing he showing on his face.
Ishta started walking back down the path that she had taken through the woods in a rush. She slowed enough to allow him to catch up to her. "I was worried about you," she stated. "The Tau'ri had spread rumors that you and others were ill and could spread disease. I had not seen you for some time. I became concerned." Her scent was betraying her worry.
Teal'c was touched. Ishta had been concerned about him, even though her common sense said not to. "I am well at this time," he replied, to reassure her.
"I should have known, that with tretonin, you couldn't catch anything. I am sorry for my reaction," she stated, looking abashed. Her scent changed to shame.
"Do not be," Teal'c replied. "I was ill, in spite of tretonin. But I am well now. I am glad that you cared enough about my welfare. I find that I care about your welfare as well," he replied, letting her know that he cared for her as well.
They walked in silence for a while before coming up on the small encampment, enjoying each other's company.
Ishta directed them towards a tent off to one side where they could find some privacy. They settled in the tent and Teal'c sat before Ishta so he could relay the most important bits of news.
"When we were on Gamma site, SG-1 became infected with a virus. That virus mutated within Col Carter and Daniel Jackson into its current form. The first virus is what made me ill. The second virus is what repaired me," Teal'c started to relay the news.
"Wait," Ishta stopped him, "You were taking tretonin. How did you get ill?"
"That was much debated on the Gamma Site while I was in Quarantine." He paused, "While I was ill, I found that I no longer needed the tretonin shots. You know the wave of weakness that proceeds the next dose?" Teal'c asked.
Ishta nodded, familiar with the side-effect of the tretonin dose.
"That wave of weakness never came. I have been without tretonin for several months." Teal'c allowed the impact of that statement to hit Ishta.
Ishta stared at him with widened eyes and then narrowed her eyes, "What of your strength?"
Teal'c understood her question. Tretonin replaced the goa'uld symbiont in healing and an immune system, but also in long life and strength. "I am stronger than I was. I am different than before, but I consider the changes to be better than either with a symbiont or on tretonin."
Ishta was elated. "This is great news. How soon can we get this new treatment to all the Jaffa?" she exclaimed, excitedly.
Teal'c held up a hand. "There is more. These changes are not without some limitations."
"What limitations?" she asked.
"The first limitation is that everyone who contracted the second virus is still infectious. They can still spread the virus. We are learning more about this virus every day, but we do not want to give our enemies the same advantages that we have with the virus." He gave Ishta a direct look.
"I came to YOU because I trust YOU and the Hak'tyl to join us, the Gen'Lup, to bring battle to our enemies across the galaxy, like the goa'uld and the Ori. The Hak'tyl are warriors in need of a battle. The Gen'Lup have a battle and are in need of warriors."
He turned to Magnus, the Cimmerian on his team, "Please show Ishta what we can change into when fully infected with the virus."
Magnus nodded, then dropped his gear and before changing into a wolf in the tent.
Ishta took in the form of the wolf before here and turned back to Teal'c, "You all can do this?"
"Yes, Magnus is from Cimmeria and was recruited since we left Earth. He began to change forms after a few weeks. Changing forms is when we consider someone to be fully infected with the virus," Teal'c explained. "Cameron Mitchell and I have been experimenting with various types of fighting styles and shifting while fighting. The shifting really enhances the battle outcomes." Teal'c couldn't help smiling while he recounted the sparring he had been engaged in.
Magnus had shifted back to human form, "The shifted form also allows for increased tracking and hunting prey. Scent tracking in human form is also enhanced."
"Indeed," Teal'c added, "as is sound tracking."
Ishta considered all she had been told. "You are offering to infect the Hak'tyl? To give the warriors new battles to fight?"
"Yes, if you decide that the Hak'tyl should join the Gen'Lup. If you decide no, then I will visit with Rya'c and Kar'yn and leave," Teal'c said plainly.
"If we join the Gen'Lup, what happens?" Ishta asked.
Teal'c considered, then answered, "The Gen'Lup are hunted. To join us, the Hak'tyl will have to move to Sanctuary. There you can be become infected and safe from detection. Your warriors can train in their new forms to test their limits. They can also work with the others to help train them to Hak'tyl standards. I have done what I can, but I am only one."
"Teal'c is in high demand as a training resource," Bosco added.
Ishta was quiet for a few minutes as she considered all the options and then finally she nodded, "The Hak'tyl will join the Gen'Lup. We will address the group at the central fire. I will gather everyone. Go see Rya'c and Kar'yn."
"Thank you, Ishta. I look forward to working with you," Teal'c said earnestly. He had convinced her to join him. Together they would guide their warriors to battle. Teal'c smiled in satisfaction.
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Teal'c returned to the central campfire with Rya'c and Kar'yn. The rest of Lup-2 had gathered with Ishta and been joined by Bra'tac where they were gathering to address the group.
"Tek ma ta, Master Teal'c," Bra'tac greeted with a broad grin.
"Tek ma tal, Master Bra'tac," Teal'c returned. As with his son, his responses were more formal than usual. But he understood why he felt the distance from his closes Jaffa family. If this meeting went well, the distance would disappear and they would be family again. "I am glad you could join us," he stated.
"I was unsure about the request from the Hak'tyl at first, but when I arrived and heard that you were here, I was most glad that I had accepted it," Bra'tac explained. "The council is still trying to gather forces together and find a place to make a stand."
Teal'c carefully examined his old teacher, "You cannot let the Free Jaffa Council know what you hear at this meeting."
"What can I tell them?" Master Bra'tac asked.
Teal'c considered the question, "I do not know. We will have to discuss it after the meeting."
Master Bra'tac gave him a considering look and then nodded, "Very well."
"We are ready, Teal'c," Ishta started.
Teal'c nodded and then turned to the assembled Hak'tyl gathered in the clearing. "Good morning, many of you know me. I am Teal'c, formerly of Chulak, formerly working with the Tau'ri. I have spoken to Ishta about what has happened to me and several of the Tau'ri."
He turned and gave a nod to Bra'tac, "Many of you have heard the rumors that the Tau'ri have been spreading about me and those with me. That I am ill and can spread disease."
"Vicious lies spread by cowards," Bra'tac said with anger.
Teal'c smiled at the support of his friend, "They were not ALL lies. But they were self-serving. I do carry a virus that has changed me, but I am not spreading it. I have been changed by the virus in many ways. But the most important way to me is that I no longer need tretonin any longer."
The whole group of Jaffa stared in wonder at him.
"Truly?" asked Bra'tac.
"Yes," Teal'c replied. "I have not lost strength. I have not lost the ability to heal almost any injury. Better, I can change forms. Magnus," he gestured to the Cimmerian.
Magnus smiled waiting for his cue, and changed into a wolf. Then Teal'c changed into a living version of a Serpent Guard with a full helmet. But this time the mouth moved when he spoke, "Because of this, we are forming a new people, the Gen'Lup. We have asked Ishta to allow us to offer you to join us as warriors. The Gen'Lup are going hunting for all the remaining goa'uld in the galaxy, the Ori, and any other threats to freedom. The price is becoming infected with this virus that makes us stronger and better warriors."
Bra'tac watched the mouth of the Serpent Guard with ill ease, "Are you sure that you are not just participating in kelmar'tokim?"
Teal'c as a Serpent Guard regarded him with his glowing eyes, "'Revenge by the Wearer of Horns' is not appropriate for this offense. It is more appropriate for an individual against an individual. And if we were to participate in kelmar'tokim, it would be against Earth. It is the Tau'ri that wanted to imprison us indefinitely to prevent the spread of this disease across the galaxy, or to control it."
"Hmmm," Bra'tac answered, considering.
"What about your calak?" woman in the middle spoke out.
Teal'c shifted back to his normal form, "I am not a priestess or a priest. I cannot answer that question. I think that my soul is the same as before. I still want to help the people of this galaxy to be free from the tyranny of the goa'uld and the Ori. But I am not an expert on the state of my calak."
Bosco looked over the crowd, "The Hak'tyl are some of the most highly respected warriors that I have ever worked with. I would be honored if the Hak'tyl would join the Gen'Lup and help us start to form our own culture as a new people. Right now, we have almost 100 people. If the Hak'tyl join, we would double that number, and most would be warriors. That means we could start fighting our enemies much sooner."
One warrior stood up in the back, "I will join. I no longer want to be chained down by a primtah or tretonin."
"As will I," another joined her.
"As will we," Kar'yn answered for both her and Rya'c. That made Teal'c smile. He had not told them of his change before the meeting.
"I will not," one woman said in the middle. "I worry about my calak."
Ishta stepped forward, "That is alright. Master Bra'tac can make sure that anyone who does not want to go, can find a new home among the other Jaffa camps."
"Indeed," Bra'tac echoed.
After the group had sorted itself out into those who would join and those who would not join, Teal'c pulled Bra'tac aside.
"Master Bra'tac, I know that you need to sort out these that do not want to join us, but I have not heard your answer," Teal'c asked.
"Teal'c, I would join you, if I could, but I am an old man and I have to keep the Free Jaffa Council from hiding," Bra'tac dissembled.
Teal'c chuckled, "You are not an old man. I can give you a week to take care of the Hak'tyl Jaffa and the Free Jaffa Council. Then I will find you and lead you to our Sanctuary. There you can train our warriors and lead your own team to fight the enemy with your experience."
Bra'tac snorted, "I am old. Do I look young to you? I cannot lead warriors as old as I am."
Teal'c smiled cryptically, "The best thing about this virus is that it 'heals' your body to what you remember is a baseline normal. What if your baseline normal is 50 years younger and in your prime? Or I no longer have my seal of Apophis?"
With this, Bra'tac watched as the gold seal of Apophis melted off his forehead, leaving bare skin. Then Bra'tac grinned. To be 50 years younger with all his years of experience would be a great thing. "Yes, I think that in one week, I would have accomplished everything I need to do."
"Good. Would you like to spar before you leave?" Teal'c asked.
"With you, old friend, of course," Bra'tac replied, his mind already wandering to leading young warriors into battle again.
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