Martouf/Lantash were standing outside the palace - the former seat of their government. They had found that there were guesthouses with electricity and warm water close to this area, and they had spent the night in a real bed. They had bathed, and had eaten a warm meal. They were feeling much better and everything appeared more manageable.

As they walked up to the small line of people near the main entrance, they saw the group of huge Jaffa keeping guard. They were very intimidating and the people were terrified.

*I can feel that humming sensation again - the naquadah resonating with naquadah somewhere else. It just appeared, like...like a zap in the brain or something...*

*Yes, the guards are Jaffa. They have immature symbiotes in their pouches.* Lantash showed Martouf an image of a Jaffa pouch with a larval Goa'uld looking out.

*...but they can't sense you, right?*

*Correct. The Jaffa do not communicate with their symbiotes, and they are none the wiser, as they cannot distinguish between a Tok'ra, a Goa'uld, or another Jaffa which is passing them. We will be safe.*

They got past the Jaffa without problems after displaying their exquisite jewelry.

Together with the rest of the small group bringing offerings, they were led into a huge room, which had previously been used only for state dinners and similar occasions. Lantash pointed out that since the palace was from the time of Anubis, it was probably back to its original use. In any case, they were led to the far end of the room, just inside the doors, and told to wait.

About 30 minutes later, 'Lord' Zefina entered the room from the other end. She was dressed in a fairly revealing, close-fitting dress which was very flattering. A flowing robe fell from her shoulders. While the cloth was rich and heavily embroidered with gold, it was not tasteless or over the top as the outfit Nephthys had worn. Zefina truly looked like a goddess, and Martouf just stared at her with his mouth agape until Lantash took control and closed it for him.

Zefina sat down with a flowing motion and looked regally over at the group of Setonans who clearly did not know if they were more afraid or more stunned by her.

"I am ready to receive your gifts, my loyal subjects..." she turned to the Jaffa standing beside her. "Bring forth the first one."

He bowed deeply, then went over to the small group.

"You will go to her, one at a time. Fall down on your knees and offer her your gifts. Pray that they will be accepted. Do not speak unless spoken to!" he sighed. How could these pathetic human slaves be so totally ignorant of even the most simple parts of correct behaviour towards ones God...however, the resent week had told him it was indeed possible. They knew absolutely nothing. It would be his job to make sure they learned some manners.

Lantash had maneuvered them so they would be last. There were no reason to have any more witnesses than necessary, as Zefina would have to kill them all if something went wrong.

Finally it was their turn. Martouf again had control, with Lantash working to try and calm him, so he would not be too nervous. As they got closer, they sensed the familiar zap of naquadah. They saw Zefina react. She had sensed it too, and was ready for anything, including an ashrak. She had no way of recognizing Lantash.

Martouf walked up to a few feet from her throne, sweating nervously despite Lantash's best efforts. He looked at her shortly, then bowed his head and kneeled down in front of her, lifting the gift towards her.

She took the offered jewelry, immediately noticing the tunnel crystal. Getting up, she walked to the young man kneeling in front of her and thoughtfully ran her hand down his neck, looking for a scar. Finding none, she made a decision.

"Get up, young one, and let me have a look at you." She grabbed hold of him, pulling him to his feet. Martouf stumbled slightly, but she steadied him as she fondled his upper arm.

Martouf blushed deeply, feeling irritated at Lantash who was snickering instead of helping him.

Zefina turned to her Jaffa. "Have him prepared and sent to my bed chamber. This wretched world might just prove entertaining."

The Jaffa grabbed hold of a shocked Martouf and pulled him out of the room.

Later, after having been bathed and dressed in something Martouf did not even consider clothing, they found themselves in a luxurious bedroom, waiting for Zefina.

Still shocked by the thought of what Zefina might do, Martouf sat down on the bed and looked stiffly in front of himself.

*Martouf is going to be a sex slave...Martouf is going to be a sex slave...* Lantash snickered evilly.

*Shut up! You're the one who is married! If you don't do something, I am going to tell your mates about this!"

*Zefina has always liked them young...* Lantash grinned, then sobered, hugging his host. *Relax. She was just looking for a way to speak to us in private, without compromising her position. She will not take advantage of you - or me. Besides, Jolinar would kill her...*

Moments later the door opened and Zefina entered, ordering the Jaffa away. She was dressed in very little, and Martouf again stared at her with his mouth open, while Lantash was giggling.

"So, my young friend...it seems obvious that you are more than you appear to be...and just as obvious that you are not a Goa'uld. So...who are you?"

Martouf's head bowed, and Lantash took control, having finally managed to get his laughter in check, shamelessly eyeing her obvious attributes.

"Hello, Zefina. You are looking great...as always. I see you have not lost your taste for young men...I am Lantash. This is Martouf, my new host."

"Lantash!" She looked at him in surprise for a moment, then recovered. "Lantash...do you remember, 3 years ago when Garshaw's pet lizard escaped and ate Malek's chocolate pudding?"

"It was Malek's pet, not Garshaw's...and it was a desert rat, not a lizard...and the chocolate pudding was Garshaw's. She was furious!"

"Lantash, I am so happy to see you...but what happened to Nemura?"

Lantash closed his eyes for a moment, his grief visible on his expression. Opening his eyes again, he answered her. "He was killed by Jaffa when we attempted to flee through the chaapa'ai. Martouf is from this planet. He volunteered to become my host."

"I am very sorry to hear Nemura is dead. He was a good friend." She went over to Lantash and gave him a hug. "You need to get away from the planet - I know you were sent here with Zarin, Malek, and Thoran. Are they well?"

"Yes, they are fine. Malek and Johan were hit as well, but the damage was limited and they are fully healed."

She nodded. "I may have a way to get you off the planet. Lexi arrives tomorrow, posing as a drug smuggler. She brings a type of opium which Nephthys favours for her orgies. When she leaves you can go with her. Where are the others hiding?"

"In caves in the mountains north of the city."

"Perfect. There is currently no working surveillance of that area, so she can land and pick them up unnoticed. I will arrange for it tomorrow..." She went over to the large sofa. "Sleep now. You may use the bed. It is much too soft for my host and I. The Jaffa will not bother us, and you can tell your cute young host that he does not need to fear me. I will control myself and abstain from ravaging him!" She smiled. "Besides, Jolinar might kill me if I did, even though she has not claimed him yet."

*Do not worry. She is merely joking. Jolinar is really nice, she is just somewhat protective of her mates...let us sleep. Then hopefully, tomorrow we will go with Lexi in her teltac.*

*A spaceship? I was looking forward to going through the chaapa'ai, but a spaceship is even more interesting!* Martouf said enthusiastically.

Lantash smiled at his eager young host. "Do not worry, you will be going through the chaapa'ai soon as well.*

-
Next morning. Having eaten a luxurious breakfast, Martouf and Lantash put on the clothing Zefina had found for them. Fortunately, it was less revealing than what they had been given yesterday, but it was still something neither would have chosen to wear. But given their role as Zefina's latest boytoy they could not really be overdressed.

Martouf stood in front of the mirror in the bedroom, looking at the offending clothing. While the silk was soft and pleasant, he did not like the deep V of the front, which left almost his entire breast naked, and continued down to about his navel.

"I am not going anywhere in this! They will laugh at me. I can't arrive in the Tok'ra tunnels looking like this the first time!*

*While I do not appreciate our current attire either, it could be much worse...in fact, we have all arrived wearing something that looked significantly worse, and covered less, at one time or another. Believe me...while the others may laugh and make fun it is good natured, and they have all tried it themselves.*

Zefina entered the room, smiling at them with a glint in her eyes. "It is really too bad that Jolinar has first claim - it would have been fun! Follow me, Lexi is waiting." She suddenly remembered something and turned to them again. "Before you leave...I have managed to obtain some information about Martouf's sister, Svala. She is still alive, but I am sorry to inform you that your fears have been proven correct. She has indeed been taken as a host, by Nephthys daughter, Neela - a queen herself. There is currently no way of freeing her, as she has been sent to marry one of Nephthys allies - the Minor System Lord Shesmu. Hopefully, one day we will be able to capture Neela and free Svala...Martouf, I promise you we will do our best." Zefina said.

Martouf nodded, looking unhappy, though relieved to know his sister was still alive.

Zefina led them out of a back entrance and they went to the waiting teltac. Lexi grinned as they entered, but did not say anything when Lantash sent her a warning look.

The teltac lifted off and pretended to start to leave the planet, then circled and returned to the mountains, looking for a place to land close to the caves where Malek, Zarin, and Thoran were waiting.

Finding a spot they landed, then walked up to where the others were hiding, approaching carefully, but openly, lest they be taken for enemies.

"Malek? Zarin? Thoran? It is I, Lantash," he said, just as Malek showed up around the corner from inside the cave.

"Lantash! Welcome back!" Malek looked him up and down and then grinned. "Nice outfit! I look forward to hearing how you got it..."

Lantash rolled his eyes. "Later, perhaps..."

-
Soon they were all safely aboard the teltac and it took off out towards space. Martouf walked up to the front of the ship and looked out at the starry night.

"First time on a space-faring vessel?" Lexi smiled at the young man.

"Yes...it is."

"Sit down next to me. We are just about to jump into hyperspace." Lexi smiled, as she tweaked the controls a little, then activated the hyper drive. The teltac accelerated abruptly, pressing them back into their seats. Martouf gasped and looked a combination of excited and fearful.

*You are evil...* Lexi's host remarked.

*Not at all - he loved it. Your first spaceflight should always be memorable,* she grinned.