[05/09/2017]
Chapter Fifteen: Some Traditions Still Prevail
Daniel approached the sparring mat as Teal'c grabbed the fallen warrior. Once satisfied with the warrior's well-being, the Jaffa bowed his head in thanks and walked over to the archaeologist. A concerned expression instantly triggered a raised eyebrow on Teal'c's facial features, questioning the Doctor's bothersome demeanour.
Daniel stepped closer, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Teal'c. His blue eyes observed the next sparring match, whilst the Jaffa gazed at the market place.
"How long do we need to keep this up for before Haran responds?"
"Not long, for he approaches."
The archaeologist spun around, scrutinizing the advancing Haran and his men.
"Dr Jackson. Teal'c."
The Arab called out, hands extended towards them. A bright smile lined his lips.
"I see you have made yourself at home, going as far as to sway my men into showing you our skills. I hope they are still in one piece, since your Jaffa friend here has quite the reputation."
Daniel pretended to be charmed, smiling in return as he replied. "Haran, glad you could finally grace us with your presence." His smile fell and turned deadpan. He got straight to the point. "Where's Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter?"
"I am afraid they are busy at the moment."
"Haran." A forced sigh slipped through his lips, sternly gazing at the smirking leader. "I'll be honest with you, we know we're not guests and we don't take well to being held against our will."
"I beg to differ. I have given you the freedom to roam about my facility, study our culture, and join in on the fighting. I should say you are very well treated."
"Yet, you refuse to take us to our teammates. That's confinement Haran, not freedom."
"I have heard what is on your mind and have to insist that your stay, unfortunately, is permanent. A request agreed upon by your Colonel and Major. If you wish to further express your misgivings, I will be forced to show you what confinement is." Haran declared haughtily.
Behind Daniel and Teal'c, the men on the sparring mat discontinued their practice and joined the SG1 members, gazes scrutinizing.
Sighting the commotion, Sharif, the clan's second-in-command, silently emerged from the main tent, and walked towards the conversing men. He stood behind his Commander who was engrossed by the archaeologist.
"Okay, we definitely have a conflict with that statement."
Daniel glanced the Jaffa beside him, felt his presence move from his position and slightly towards Haran, who stood unflustered, ten feet away.
"There's no way in hell that Jack and Sam would agree to sucha preposterous request. In fact, if they knew what you were planning on doing with us, they would have shot you by now."
The leader remained silent, smile not wavering, yet unknowingly permitting the archaeologist to goad him.
"Where we come from, our team is deemed as important, which means, our leader will not stop until every rock on your planet has been overturned. Now it appears you know who we are and what has transpired since our arrival via the Ring. Then, you should know this to be true. No?" An inquisitive brow quirked with his question, while a small sneer curled his lips.
"I do, Dr Jackson. However, would you look a gift horse in the mouth? It is our way to welcome guests into our clan. Make them comfortable, and integrate them into our family." Haran paused briefly, his hands show casing the facility. "Whatever is yours is mine." He lowered them, his gaze now boring the archaeologist. "Would you dishonour this code, because your friends have received a different welcoming? You would dare insult our way of life. You leader can send his men, you will be dead before they reach the canyon."
The archaeologist smiled deviously, ignoring the arrogant threat.
They had been waiting patiently for the Arab to mention his honour code. However advanced they may be, old Bedouin traditions still held prominence in this clan and this was a good thing for SG1.
"What do you think Teal'c?" Daniel asked head tilted in the Jaffa's direction.
The warrior acknowledged his friend, and then his gaze slowly panned towards Haran, expression stoic, eyes blazing, "I believe Bedu tradition runs thick in his blood."
"Speaking of which . . ." Jackson nodded at Sharif, who grabbed Haran's biceps, forcing his arms into a lock behind his back.
"What is this?" Haran hissed furiously, fighting against the hold.
"Oh, we did more than just sway your men, Haran. We listened intently, especially when they mentioned why you have such a keen interest in Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill. Seems you have a little business on the side with the System Lord Ba'al, facilitating assassins on his behalf, in exchange for capture of SG teams and those who dare to defy him. Apparently, SG1 hits the top of the list, which is only natural. We've ticked off a lot of Goa'ulds to receive sucha esteemed honour."
Daniel smiled his famous I gotcha smile and waited forbearingly for the leader to defend himself. The Arab remained surprisingly quiet, scowling dangerously.
"I don't know what you've told our friends, but we know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Alfahis exists, a machine that shapes and forms your planet to your liking. Deceptive little bugger, I must say. In addition, this Assayer also provides you with a virtual world where its analysis is very real; I believe we'll hear that soon enough from the Colonel – whom you've placed on various trials to forestall our attempt of escape. We also know this is how you train Ba'als assassin soldiers. Most importantly, we know that Sharif and your clan want no dealing in your business."
Daniel gazed at Sharif, who nodded in confirmation.
"He has agreed to respect one of your most sacred traditions, Light of Blood." Haran's eyes bulged in shock, for he understood its significance. Teal'c and Daniel smiled deviously. ". . . It will grant us passage to the Ring and get us away from Ba'al's monthly supply run; whose First Prime will reach your planet . . . by the end of the day."
Inserting his hands into his pants pockets, Dr Jackson's appearance reflected cockiness, the same kind of behaviour Haran had projected when they had first met.
The Arab writhed in Sharif's hold squirming like a mouse. Daniel, revelling in their success spoke, "Teal'c if you could . . ."
"Indeed." The Jaffa stepped forward, accepting a dagger from a nearby guard, whilst Sharif forced Haran's right hand to comply. He extended it towards Teal'c, who grabbed the resistant hand and cut the leader's palm. A hiss slipped through the Arab's lips as blood seeped from the wound.
The two warriors that flanked the archaeologist stepped around and secured Haran, freeing Sharif to use the leader's left hand to cut his own palm. He winced at the action and then proceeded to grab his leader's injured hand.
The two Bedu warriors watched as their blood mixed and dropped to the ground, and then Haran realized what was to ensue. He had to prevent his Captain from speaking, buy enough time for his replica to accomplish the final trial within Assayer.
"Colonel O'Neill's yet to complete his . . ."
"Save it Harry." Jackson shook his head. "Nothing will happen with Jack and Sam when we retrieve them. Your days of playing games are over." He stepped towards the warriors, their hands still in a vice grip. "Sharif, if you could please?"
He nodded in reply, amber eyes sternly gazing at his Commander.
"Our men witnessed my infliction by your hand Haran, and therefore according to law, I am entitled to take blood for blood; eye for eye; life for life. However, your proposed death is now on my head, paid for by my own blood. In this way, I offer mercy to you my brother. We are equals, yet due to my following, I have majority over everything that is Bedouin. Thus, you will surrender yourself and your men over to Ba'al. You will convince him that our clan no longer exists, Alfahis destroyed, and that you are the only survivors come to offer the last of your kind as servants."
"You know that will not work. He will send his Jaffa to see if this is true. Alfahis will scan them and reveal our hiding place."
"Michal disagrees. He knows Alfahis, how to prevent it from scanning them. In fact, he will program it to remove the canyon, shaping this valley into a different world. His Jaffa will come through the Ring and meet an environment so deceptive; they will turn back to their god."
Sharif let go of his hand.
Haran processed the information; he was so sure he had the upper hand. A coup had brewed under his nose without his knowledge and SG1 came and exploited it, worked it in their favour in order to free their people. It was clear that he had underestimated them, and his clan's alliance.
In the background, Sharif ordered, "Take him, gather his followers, and escort them to the Ring."
"Yes, Commander."
Haran cursed under his breath as the guards turned him away and led him in the direction of the horse stalls. His mind refusing to accept defeat, his thoughts spun in circles. Ba'al would have accepted his accomplishment, honoured their deal, and his warriors would have lived in peace. However, Sharif had planned it in such a manner that Bedu still lived on; dead to the world, but living peaceful lives they had sought after for hundreds of years.
Daniel and Teal'c gazed after the retreating figures, the Doctor asking, "Uh, Sharif, as thankful as we are, do you think it wise to send him away? He has been your leader for a long time, has intimate knowledge of your home. Wouldn't he betray you the moment Ba'al questioned his credibility?"
"Haran's too proud Dr Jackson, he will rather face his master than be disgraced. Furthermore, he's bound by blood. Even if he considered such a ploy, the bond we now share will prevent him from betraying me. Whether he breaks his promise or not, he will face death – his pride will see to it."
Smiling gently, Sharif gestured towards the entrance situated between the main tent and the market place. "As promised, let me take you to O'Neill and Samantha Carter. I am certain they will be relieved to see you."
"Thank you, Sharif, for everything. We couldn't have . . ." Daniel paused as a hand forestalled him.
"None of that Dr Jackson, it is I that should be thanking you. We are forever in your debt."
"Yes, ask Teal'c, we're known for our timing." He smiled sincerely. The Jaffa replied, "Indeed we are."