Chapter 3

September 19, 1931

Palace of Osiris, Egypt

"So, I don't suppose there is any chance me and the Big Guy can take over guard duty for a bit while you have a smoke break? You know what they say about second-hand smoke, right?"

Savoretti frowned and continued to puff on his cigarette while watching the newcomers unpack the tripod cameras. "Mi scusi, signor. Dr. Steward say not to leave you. For your own protection - the temple can be dangerous place. Many locals say it's cursed."

Jack sighed as he pulled out a black, S-shaped contraption from within the bag. Although the Reol ring had given Montgomery false memories the old professor still kept enough wits about him not to leave near-strangers unguarded at his worksite. As Steward was showing David Jansson the unearthed artifacts the rest of the group were allowed to wonder the temple and take photos for the magazine... as long as they were supervised by Savoretti and two of his goons.

"They never make it easy, do they T?"

"Indeed."

Savoretti nearly choked on his cigarette as a lightning bolt flew from the device in O'Neil's hand and struck the closest guard. Before the man even hit the ground the Chief of Security was already reaching for his Luger but Jack proved faster, placing a zat-blast straight in the middle of the Italian's chest. Courage left the final sentry as he turned to flee only to feel an electric sting slam into his back.


Awareness returned to Savoretti slowly. At first it took the form of a vague unease as he drifted out of his semi-lucid state, but it quickly transformed into panic as the memory of the old soldier with the ray-gun rose to the surface. With adrenalin washing away any remaining grogginess the guard attempted to shoot to his feet only to feel rope bite into his wrists and ankles.

Realizing he was tied up, the Italian quickly looked around to assess the situation. He found himself lying next to the rest of his men in a dark corner of the room while two of the strangers were busy at the other end of the chamber. Initially Savoretti thought it might be a trick of the flickering torch-light, but when his eyes adjusted to the surroundings he realized that part of the stone wall where the newcomers were standing was removed, revealing a large panel that pulsated with unnatural orange light.

The one called Martin Lantgrich stood stock-still by the panel with his palm outstretched towards it as if performing some arcane ritual. By contrast the grey-haired soldier was constantly moving, pacing around and bouncing rocks off the walls in an effort to fight off either boredom or nervousness.

"You know, why am I stuck here with you instead of helping Teal'c and Carter find the Big Honking Space-battery anyway?" O'Neill asked after managing to smack a wall-painting of Anubis with a well-placed stone-throw to the deity's snout.

Martin turned away from his task and glowered at O'Neill with annoyance. Even though he kept his voice steady frustration bleed through into his reply "This is the only location from which Osiris' shuttle & its many internal defense systems can be accessed remotely by someone proficient with a hand device. Since this task calls for our full concentration we are left vulnerable to outside threats and require protection. As you possess neither Samantha's intimate knowledge of Z.P.M.s nor Teal'c's familiarity with the layout of Goa'uld ships the task of staying behind and providing security has fallen to you."

Jack snorted and shook his head, throwing a pebble at the relief of Isis. "Yeah well, I'll be sure to let you know if your snaky butt is in danger, but so far the most menacing thing we've encountered are the Three Stooges over there."

Before the other man could reply a voice filled the room seemingly from nowhere. "Sir? We got it. Tell Martauf to ring us back."

The mood in the room shifted in an instant. The soldier stood ready while the young man returned his attention to the wall. He waved his hand and the panel grew brighter. With a metallic screech large metal rings descended from the ceiling and hovered in the air before emitting a blinding flash of light.

Savoretti was left blind for a moment but when his vision returned the rings were gone. In their place stood the Bisharin savage and the journalist's wife, proudly holding a large glowing crystal in her arms.

Overwhelmed by the sight, the Italian couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief. "Perbacca! -"

A second later the guard regretted his outburst as the strangers turned in his direction and realized he was awake.

"Oh, hey, you're awake!" Jack begun in an upbeat tone "Sorry about earlier but we couldn't let you fellas see what we were up to - it was for your protection."

Savoretti frowned "What is-"

"Ah-ah-ah! I know you have many questions but Marty here will take care of them, won't you?" O'Neill said as he gave Martauf a friendly slap on the back.

The younger man nodded, following the General's hint. "Very well - let me begin by explaining the karakesh." the Tok'Ra approached the flabbergasted guard with his arm outstretched, showing the hand device. The Italian could now see the stranger wore an unusual bracelet - a large, spiraling thing adorned with a palm-jewel that gave off a warm hypnotic light. Savoretti felt his strength & resolve inexplicably weaken just by looking at it's eldrich glow, yet he could not help but to stare.

"A fascinating multi-tool," Martauf continued even though the guard was hardly paying attention "the Goa'uld use it to invoke fear, to torture and to control ships. But ashrake assassins and Tok'Ra spies can also use it to induce amnesia."

Savoretti saw the device's glow brighten and the memories of the last few hours begun to evaporate like dew in the bright morning sun. His mind felt lethargic now, his body leaden and slow. Unable to resist the pull of the jewel he let the light wash over him, taking him into warm oblivion.