APOPHIS' HA'TAK
The ha'tak's throne room was a bustle of activity. Jaffa and slaves alike hurriedly readied the room for the arrival of their gods. Varos had informed them that Apophis and his queen would be arriving on the ship in moments and would undoubtedly come to the throne room first. All had to be ready for them. The throne room's decorations had to be perfect for the return of the gods, the guards parade-ready. All the senior members of the royal household were present, ready to greet the pharaoh with his returning queen.
Even as the work was continuing, Varos and Klorel were waiting beside the throne, basking in the triumph of their victory. Many things would change. With the resurrected queen by their pharaoh's side and the pharaoh now having access to the one individual who could supply the Goa'uld with many secrets of the Tau'ri home world, they had the opportunity to devise a secret attack against the Tau'ri that would not be in violation of the Protected Planets treaty.
"You seem worried, Varos," Klorel said quietly.
"I am, my lord. Many things have changed this day, but I am not certain that all the changes are for the best."
"Retrieving the queen was a great success. Now we have Daniel Jackson as well."
"We must take care, my lord," Varos cautioned him. "We have taken a family as hosts. Apophis and Amaunet rule this regime. You are heir to the throne and I am the chief advisor. We hold the highest positions within any kingdom, but I do believe that our hosts' emotions and memories will hinder our abilities to perform our tasks effectively."
"You worry too much, my friend," Klorel told him. "It is precisely the fact that we have an entire family as hosts that will give us greater dominance over them. Will Kasuf fight you if he knows that his insolence will give me reason to hurt his son? No, Varos. It is a glorious day for us. Allow yourself to enjoy the day. There is no time for worry now."
"Perhaps. Yet I do caution you, my lord, be attentive to your host. I have every reason to believe that we may have initiated a serious mistake."
A slave entered the room and stood at attention. "Our pharaoh, Apophis and Queen Amaunet have arrived."
As one, each Jaffa, slave and Goa'uld turned and bowed as the royal procession entered the throne room. The surprise was evident on everyone's faces as they saw the new host for their pharaoh. They had been told by Varos of the fact, but seeing it as truth was rather unsettling.
Kintac approached them, bowing his head reverently but warily as he approached. The exhausted look on Apophis' face was a strange site to see. The implantation shouldn't have been extraordinarily tiring, but events could have easily occurred that the onlookers were unaware of. "My Pharaoh?" Kintac asked, "Are you well?"
"Your pharaoh is well, and your queen lives once again." was the tired answer. "What is our status?"
Kintac immediately took up his duty as First Prime. "We are underway back to Netu. The repairs to the ship will be completed shortly. By your orders, your Underlords are gathered together and are ready for their audience with you. Two of them—"
"Yes, we will attend to our duties momentarily." Apophis felt an internal nudge. Daniel Jackson was awake again and starting to struggle. It was a familiar sensation, but one long forgotten. His last host had fought initially, but quickly surrendered to his fate. Daniel Jackson would not give up as easily. His resurgence to consciousness would have to be dealt with later, when Apophis could enjoy tormenting him at his leisure. He did enjoy hearing his new host scream. "We will not appear before our Underlords dressed in this manner. Have them wait." Apophis was feeling the need to sit down for a moment. To rest—but rest would have to wait.
"Yes, my Pharaoh." Kintac bowed once more as Apophis and Amaunet passed them. Apophis did notice that the Jaffa that had carried Varos for those few days was not present.
"Kintac, where is Sar'ac?"
"Receiving a new prim'ta, my pharaoh. As you ordered."
Of course. He was receiving a new symbiote. That was good. That—
Why was he concerned with the health of a mere unimportant Jaffa again? What did a single fighter matter? These feelings of concern made no sense to him whatsoever.
~o~o~o~
The two Goa'ulds walked down the corridor to a dressing chamber. There, servants attended them by dressing them in regal finery. The servants obviously approved of their lord's new host. They continually glanced at him and the queen, their whispers somewhat suggestive in nature. Amaunet was almost jealous but felt a perverse pleasure that she was the one to have what others could only want. It was an empowering feeling.
Once the attendants left them alone, they both felt a sharp sting. They each pressed a hand to the back of their neck, and then knew nothing more. They fell into an immediate and deep unconsciousness.
Daniel and Sha'uri stood there, not knowing what had just transpired. They were very aware that they were the ones in control at that moment, and they could no longer hear the voices of their captors. They were too stunned to even move.
"My Dan'yel?" Sha'uri's voice was a little shaky. She was confused. She reached out a hand and touched her husband's cheek. It was real enough. It wasn't a dream or a tormented vision her demon sometimes punished her with. "I was … didn't I … what is happening?"
"You're alive," Daniel answered, taking her hand in his own and bringing it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. "I knew the Asgard brought back Amaunet, but he didn't say if you were alive again."
"The Asgard? Why did he do this?"
Before Daniel could utter his own confusion, the room was bathed in a bright light. An Asgard stood in the middle of the room, seemingly unconcerned or unaffected by recent events. It was the alien Daniel had seen in the altar room on Abydos.
"I don't know," he said, reaching out and pulling her close, "but I think he's going to tell us." He faced the Asgard knowing there was anger leaping from his eyes. "Would you care to explain?" Daniel asked. He hated being confused.
"I am Loki. We have not had the pleasure of meeting before, and I am distressed that our meeting now is under these circumstances."
Okay. Forget confusing. Daniel quickly moved to tower over the Asgard. He took care not to move his head quickly or too far left or right. The entrance wound was still painful despite the Goa'uld's famed speed-healing ability. Sha'uri stood beside him, her anger and curiosity reflected in her stance and expression. No one was going to believe this when he got home. If he got home.
"And these circumstances would be … what?" Daniel demanded to know. "Or can you tell us with them in our heads?"
"You need have no worry about Apophis or Amaunet, Doctor Jackson. Before I revived your wife, I implanted a micro cellular neural implant in the base of her cerebral cortex. I also implanted one in you before you materialized on this side of the Stargate. The device has been absorbed into your cerebral cortex which is the biological point of connection for the symbiote. They will remain unaware of it. With this device, I have control over the symbiotes within you. For the moment, they are in a state of suspension, perhaps what you would call hibernation. They will not know that any time has elapsed nor will they have any knowledge of our conversation. I have also blocked their access to your memories, therefore you are both safe from either symbiote gaining sensitive information. As of this moment, you are two separate beings. I will keep it so for the moment."
Typical Asgard reasoning. "Loki, could you please explain exactly what you're talking about, because right now, I'm just a little confused. And what do you mean for the moment?"
"The details of my motivation are very cumbersome. I would not wish to bore you—"
"No, that's quite all right," Daniel commented. "Please, bore away. The longer you keep us here, the less time we're prisoners in our own bodies."
"Many years ago, the Asgard and the Goa'uld were not yet engaged in open warfare but were standing on the brink of it. My children created defensive weapons against the Goa'uld should they attack Asgard outposts. My mate hid with them on Cimmeria where our son Fenrir began work on one of his weapons: the Hammer. The Goa'uld discovered the nature of their work and attacked. My mate barely escaped, our children did not. Rescue attempts only returned their bodies to us. Thor assisted in the hunt for Fenrir and helped carry him to Valhalla for burial. Jormungand's body was returned according to a treaty with the Goa'uld. Our daughter, Hel, died from the wounds inflicted by the Goa'ulds' torture devices. The Asgard threatened retaliation, but afterwards, under threat of open war with the Asgard, the Goa'uld agreed to revoke all claims to Cimmeria. Thor completed work on the Hammer, and Cimmeria became a safe haven for all sentient beings."
"And this involves us … how?" Daniel asked.
"Thor grieved with us when the Goa'uld killed our children. He swore that when the moment for vengeance arrived, he would stand at our side and aid us in any manner necessary. This he vowed before Odin and the Asgard Council." Loki looked Daniel directly in the eye. "Apophis was the System Lord who murdered our children. His desire to revive his mate and take you for a host offered me an opportunity. It is through you I will take my revenge."
"And you want revenge for your children's deaths?" Sha'uri asked him.
"It is our right to seek revenge, yet we are acting without Thor's knowledge or consent."
That explained a great many things. "And Apophis didn't recognize you?" Daniel asked in his turn.
"To use one of your own phrases, Daniel Jackson, we all look alike to the Goa'uld, and Loki is a popular name. I was able to hide my true identity by not attempting to hide it at all."
"And your revenge?" Daniel wanted to know. "I still don't understand how Kasuf, Sha'uri and I figure into it."
"Revenge can be subtle, Doctor Jackson. A simple happening can bring about a vengeance that will be felt for some time. The only living creature that Apophis truly cares about is Amaunet. He does not hold even his offspring in such high regard. To destroy her almost immediately after resurrecting her would harm Apophis in ways unimaginable. It would hurt him."
Loki then bowed his head. "I must apologize for my actions, Daniel Jackson," Loki's voice seemed remorseful. "I did not realize that Kasuf would be chosen as a host. For that, I am truly sorry. I did not wish him to be involved."
"My father is a slave to the demons," Sha'uri muttered. "You have allowed this to happen."
"It was not intentional," Loki's voice sounded sincere. "I will make what restitution I can to Kasuf for my lack of foresight."
"What exactly is your plan," Daniel asked him.
"At first, my plan was to resurrect Amaunet, eliminate her, and restore Sha'uri to you. Apophis would know that I was the one who destroyed that which he held most dear. I had not known that he was interested in taking you for a host, but once I was on Apophis' ship, I learned that those were his intentions. Then, the thought of you being able to take a similar revenge on Apophis seemed only fair. He has done great harm to your family, and I am aware of the customs on Abydos. The husband should protect his wife and family."
Daniel and Sha'uri looked at each other and then at Loki. "And?" Daniel asked.
Loki's head tilted as he gazed at the humans. "The neural implants will give you an advantage no other hosts have. You will have the opportunity to torment your oppressors. As I said, neither Goa'uld has been able to access your memories although they have been able to inflict great pain. I will need to return that amount of control to them until the time is right. You can speak with them, this you know, and words can have as powerful an effect on someone as a physical blow. Once the moment arrives, I will suppress the symbiotes again. You will be able to fight back."
"What about Skaara?" Sha'uri asked.
Loki's head bowed. "I will take any opportunity that presents itself in order to rescue your brother, but I am under strict rules concerning the methods of my revenge. I may take revenge on Apophis, but his offspring have not harmed me in any way."
Daniel knew the meaning behind that statement. "In other words, you can't help free Skaara because it's against the rules."
"No." Then, in a less-than-patient tone, Loki added, "That is all you need to know. I must now return control to the Goa'ulds. I will be observing them and will determine the best time to strike. Very soon, all will be as it once was."
With that said, Loki disappeared in a bright light. Once Daniel and Sha'uri were alone, they felt the sharp sting in the back of their necks, and then they were dragged down into the depths of their minds to be only witnesses to the evil around them.
Apophis and Amaunet stood there, neither remembered standing up or the precise moment Amaunet had moved into Apophis' arms, but after the day's events, neither was willing to pursue their confusion. With a shared mystified look, they left the dressing room and walked back to their throne room. Their Underlords awaited them.''
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
EARTH—SGC
"What?" Jack's voice left no room for confusion. "You saw Daniel in trouble and didn't do anything to help him?"
Malthus thought quickly. He had to do what he could to help. "Colonel O'Neill, it was only a few moments between the time we stepped through the Stargate and when Doctor Jackson was taken with the woman and the Jaffa by the transport rings."
"Excuse me," Jack interrupted. "Did you say a woman?"
"Yes. Abydonian. Young. Dark hair and eyes." Malthus waited for a response and was surprised to receive none. Finally, he said, "The Jaffa were loyal to Apophis. I can understand his sending troops after Doctor Jackson, but what would he want with the woman?"
For Hammond, the woman was important but had to be a secondary concern. "Did you find Master Kasuf in the Abydonian gate room?"
"Kasuf?" Malthus asked.
"Daniel Jackson's father-in-law. He requested his presence on Abydos this morning," the general explained.
"No, we didn't see anyone," Malthus answered sadly.
The angry, determined looks between the two Tau'ri spoke for themselves, but Malthus and the other Tok'ra didn't understand the language. There was nothing to be done. Arranging a rescue of Daniel Jackson would take up too many resources that neither Tau'ri nor Tok'ra could expend.
Hammond explained the obvious to their guests since Jack was too angry to even attempt it. "If Apophis has taken Kasuf prisoner, then Daniel Jackson would do anything to rescue him. He may have had no choice but to surrender to the Jaffa." General Hammond had to reason his way to a less subjective decision.
"Sir, Daniel is a pivotal member of the SGC. If we lose him—"
"I know, Colonel. Malthus, we expect the full cooperation of the Tok'ra in this matter. We need to know exactly where Apophis has taken him.
"General, I understand your feelings on this event, but—"
"Sir, let me be perfectly blunt. Doctor Jackson's knowledge of this facility and our operations along with his own intelligence would make him a desired host or a valuable source of information. Need I elaborate further?" When he didn't receive an answer, he was forced to attend to the one duty he hated the most. Picking up the phone, he called down into the Control Room. "Sergeant Davis, change all access codes and protocols immediately. Change SG-1's GDO signature and lock out Doctor Jackson's signal. Then contact Teal'c and have him return immediately." To Jack, he said, "I'll call Jacob and Major Carter myself. We'll need their help in retrieving Doctor Jackson." He hated doing this. It was almost as if he were signing Doctor Jackson's death warrant, but although his position demanded that he preserve the security of the base and the planet, it didn't mean he would sit idly by and watch the young man disappear without doing anything about it. "Malthus, you'll need to contact the Tok'ra for any information they have now and how long it will take to contact your operatives I'm sure you've placed in Apophis' camp. Once we—"
"General Hammond," Malthus quickly interrupted, "if we can locate him, we will relay the information to you, but to maneuver all of our resources and operatives into a search for Doctor Jackson would be impossible."
"Why?" Jack asked, his patience definitely non-existent.
"You must understand that our people are currently involved—"
"Oh, we have to understand something the Tok'ra are telling us?" Jack asked in no uncertain terms, his brown eyes shooting fire, his voice flat and devoid of any friendly overtones, "You understand this. Daniel has done a great deal for the Tok'ra, and it's cost him plenty." He stood up, his height towering over Malthus. "And in view of the Earth/Tok'ra Alliance, we are not only anticipating your full assistance in this matter but fully expecting it. It is in your best interest to help as well as your long-term existence. Just remember that Daniel knows more about the Tok'ra than you want the Goa'uld to know about."
"Doctor Jackson would not surrender any information willingly," Malthus stated.
"You think he'll have a choice if he's turned into a host?" Jack yelled. "Do you honestly think we'd forget it if the Tok'ra threw Daniel to the wolves?"
Malthus didn't reply, but Donan took offense at Jack's insinuation. "Colonel O'Neill, if you are threatening—"
"I'm not threatening anybody. I'm just repeating what you guys tell us every time you come here begging for help. You either help us do this or we back out of the Alliance. Your words, not ours. You find Daniel. You know where Apophis hangs out. We'll get Daniel back ourselves. We know how the Tok'ra feel about selfless acts of courage or personal sacrifice."
The veiled insult did not go unnoticed. Malthus stood up straight, his gaze never leaving O'Neill's. "Colonel, we have been fighting the Goa'uld for two thousand years."
"Yeah, and one day you might actually succeed in doing something. So far, we've been kicking Goa'uld ass. You guys haven't done squat."
"Colonel, I take great exception to your insinuation!" Malthus retorted angrily.
General Hammond put up a quieting hand. "Colonel, stand down. Malthus, the Tok'ra will help us find Doctor Jackson under the conditions in the Earth/Tok'ra Alliance. You will contact your base and have them start looking. Immediately! Dismissed!"
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
APOPHIS' HA'TAK
Varos stood beside Apophis' throne. Chief advisor to the pharaoh. One step higher up the food chain than the First Prime. Amaunet stood opposite Varos with her hand on Apophis' shoulder, both she and her mate dressed in very conservative formal attire. Klorel rounded out the group by standing beside Varos.
They were an impressive sight to the uninitiated.
Daniel was forced to watch as Apophis held court over his minions. Every now and then, Apophis would tire of the endless debates being held among his Underlords and start amusing himself by tormenting Daniel. There were so many ways for a symbiote to inflict pain on its host, and Apophis was using every way he knew. Daniel knew that if he had a voice, he would be hoarse from screaming. He felt battered and bruised. He only knew the random excruciating episodes inflicted on him by his uninvited guest. The only solace he had was that Apophis was suffering the effects from the Blood of Sokar and couldn't heal the host body. In other words, Apophis didn't feel very well.
~o~o~o~
Apophis sat back on his throne, his mate, his son and his Grand Vizier at his side. All was right with his world.
Almost.
He could feel every fiber of the robe he was wearing. The usually soft fabric was scratching. His throne was hard despite the comfort of pillows. The sounds of his people milling about were deafening. The lights were too bright. Then, everything would correct itself, and he would feel fine, but only for a moment. Then, the pain and discomfort would start up again.
Daniel Jackson's physical state was annoying him and needed to be regenerated, but that would take time. Time was not a luxury he had at the moment. As soon as he could be spared from the mundane routines of ruling an empire, he would have the sarcophagus brought to him. Surely it was repaired by now. Unfortunately, that moment had not yet arrived.
"My pharaoh?" Amaunet leaned over him. "Are you well?"
Apophis pinched the bridge of his nose. How could a god get a headache? Gods do not get … the Blood of Sokar. Of course. That was the only explanation. Or perhaps that small area of the brain, what was that? There was this physical spot that still bothered Apophis, like a splinter that he couldn't see in his finger, but the Blood of Sokar was the most troubling. He had already healed the wounds Daniel Jackson received during the initial fight on Abydos and the implantation, but he didn't have the ability to break down the substance—no Goa'uld had—but withstanding its effects was discomforting. "This host is still suffering from the Blood of Sokar. This body is still feeling pain at undetermined intervals, and I cannot stop it."
Varos saw that the minor Goa'ulds were still listening to the bickering of two boisterous complainants and weren't watching Apophis. There were more entertaining scenes than a sitting Goa'uld. In any case, their concerns were petty, none so important that they should take up Apophis' valuable time. "My lord, if you would permit me, I will hear your Underlords complaints if you wish to retire early to repair your host body."
Apophis was grateful for his Grand Vizier's concern for his welfare … grateful? Why should a god be grateful when one of his subjects was merely performing his duty?
Perhaps taking an entire family as hosts for the ruling royal family was not a wise decision? Still, the satisfaction of revenge on Daniel Jackson was every bit as sweet as he had anticipated. He mentally stabbed at Daniel again, heard his host exclaim his agony. The use of threats against his family was an added bonus. However, he had no choice but to stay, no matter how uncomfortable he felt or how much he wished to torture his host.
"No, Varos. I must not show any weakness. Prepare a ship for Klorel. I will send him back to Netu to bring the sarcophagus to me. Loki has said that using the Chappa'ai was dangerous to my queen, and I will not leave her behind."
"Then may I suggest that the queen retire for the night? I mean no disrespect, only concern for the queen's well being."
Apophis turned to Amaunet. She looked rested, but Apophis sensed a willingness to follow Varos' advice. "Do you wish to retire, my love?"
"I would like to rest, only to await your attending me?"
Both Goa'ulds smiled. "This day, you may have your slightest wish granted."
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
ABYDOS GATE ROOM
SG-2 and SG-1 sans Carter and Daniel stood on the platform as Teal'c surveyed the area. There was no need to discuss the problem. There was no need to discuss how serious it was.
They already knew.
Jack O'Neill hadn't made one bad joke or one sarcastic comment since it had begun.
That meant they were in trouble.
That meant that Daniel Jackson was in danger.
Altogether, that meant that Jack O'Neill was pissed.
"O'Neill." Teal'c returned to the platform, his expression more grim than usual, Daniel's clothes in his hands. He was holding the GDO and the unfired weapon that he had found in the pockets. At least Apophis didn't get his hands on the GDO. "I count at least eight Jaffa. There are six other footprints evident."
"I'm not gonna like this, am I?"
"One set of prints I can identify as Kasuf's. Another belongs to an Asgard. Three others are human, one being Daniel Jackson."
"Asgard?" Jack asked him. "You're telling me an Asgard was here?" Then, "Wait a minute. That only adds up to five. What about number six?"
"That set of footprints belongs to Apophis."
"Damn."
"Indeed."