Remember, Never to Forget--17
Suduko landed the craft in a clearing to the right of his friend's tavern and turned to his guests. "Let me do the talking at first… Trazdia is a good man, but he's suspicious of strangers. He was once part of Shazzia's slave guards, but he has since seen the light and we have mutually agreed that we need each other."
"Do you trust him?" Ronan asked.
"As much as I trust anyone," Suduko answered. "I have learned that trust is something we cannot afford to give 100 of the time…it makes us vulnerable to betrayal."
"You are a wise man, Suduko, but I believe trust is also something you give and receive from your friends when the time is right," Teyla told him.
"Teyla, you speak of things that I cannot deny, but it has never been easy for me to trust…not since my time with Shazzia," Suduko said and led them out of the craft. They entered the smoky tavern and stood watching the clients for several minutes before Suduko made his way to the long, dark colored counter where a large man with close set eyes stood with a towel in on hand.
"What brings you here, you miserable SOB?"
"It's not for your sunny disposition, Old Man!" Suduko said.
"I could gut you where you stand!"
"You'd lose your hand before it reached the weapon," Suduko said, planting his feet firmly on the ground as he stared at the other man.
"You always were full of crap, Suduko…"
"I'm not the only one," Suduko said and reached for the man's offered hand. He shook it gladly, feeling the strength hidden just below the surface.
"Who are they?" Trazdia asked of the others.
"They are the friends I told you about. Teyla Emmagan, Major Lorne, and Ronan…"
"Ronan…I have heard of you. You were a runner from Sateda?" Trazdia said and studied the big man. He knew of several runners, but none so well known as Ronan from Sateda. "Your story is well known amongst my people and it is an honor to meet one as distinguished as you."
Ronan reached out and took the man's hand, shaking it once before moving away. There was something about Trazdia he liked, but right now was not the time for making new friends, not while John Sheppard needed their help.
"Why did you come today, Suduko?" Trazdia asked seriously.
"I heard through several friends that you had information about Colonel John Sheppard," Suduko answered.
"Who is he?" Trazdia asked.
"A friend," Ronan answered softly.
"You should forget about him," Trazdia told him coldly.
"We can't do that," Lorne said. "Colonel Sheppard…"
"Belongs to a man who would and could kill you or anyone else who tries to take his property…"
"Hawk," Suduko said.
"That's right, my friend, and we both know Hawk's reputation. He's a mean bastard who enjoys watching his slaves fight for their lives and he's not above punishing them if they disobey."
"How do you know he has John?" Teyla asked.
"I have my sources," Trazdia told her. "Hawk has his own world and although he allows others to inhabit that world they go to him for permission to do anything. The world is beset by solar storms several times a cycle and during those times Hawk and the others go to ground until they end. They have a special underground chamber that is probably as big as or bigger than this retreat. It is there that the slaves are made to fight each other…most times to the death."
"We need to know the exact location of Hawk's home if we're going to mount any kind of rescue operation," Lorne said.
"You go in there and you'll wind up either dead or a slave again. Suduko, need I remind me you barely escaped with your life the last time?" Trazdia asked.
"I remember, Trazdia, and that's why I want to help these people find their friend," Suduko told him.
"Sheppard wouldn't leave us behind," Ronan said.
"Ronan is correct," Teyla agreed. "We would be grateful for whatever information you can give us."
"You can't seriously be considering an attack on Hawk's world?"
"They are, My Friend, and they just might be able to pull it off if you're willing to help us," Suduko said.
"You're serious about helping them in this foolhardy endeavor?"
"I am…Sheppard once belonged to Shazzia and she's…"
"Do you realize she is trying to get him back?"
"Shazzia wants Sheppard back?" Teyla asked worriedly.
"She has been speaking to Domitar and he in turn has spoken to several mutual friends. I have reason to believe she is going to attack Hawk's world and take Sheppard back. If I help you, Old Friend, you must remember that Domitar is a dangerous friend and even worse, he's a lethal enemy," Trazdia observed.
"I won't forget, but I am here asking for your help…"
"You know I'd do anything for you," Trazdia interrupted. "Have you spoken with the others?"
"No, I came to you first…hoping you would agree to speak for me…for my new friends and allies," Suduko said softly.
"I'll do what I can," Trazdia told him. "I'll speak with the others tonight and send word whether they've agreed to meet with you or not."
"That's all I ask…thanks," Suduko said and slapped the back of the other man's hand in a tribute of their unique friendship.
"Don't thank me yet…this could be a death sentence for both of us…or worse."
"I know, but it's time we took control of our lives and rid ourselves of the threat from people like Shazzia and Hawk," Suduko said and motioned for the others to follow him out.
"What do we do now?" Teyla asked.
"We return to my home and wait for Trazdia to send word from the council of ten," Suduko said and wished he could give the trio better news, but it was out of his hands for now. He led them toward the craft that would take them back to his home, a trip that was made in silence as the others thought about their missing team mate.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Bekha watched as Denhere readied the Atlantian for transport down to Shazzia's palatial home. The man was still unconscious and should remain deeply asleep for at least another hour, but he wore restraints on both wrists and ankles in case the drug they'd used was inadequate. He knew Shazzia would be pleased with their acquisition, but it did not bode well for the new male.
"Will the High Priestess approve of this one?" Denhere asked fearfully.
"He is a male and he was a guest of Suduko's. I think she will be pleased…especially if he is one of John's friends," Bekha explained.
"How would that help her get John back?"
"I am not sure, but she will find a way and John will be back in her hands before long. Perhaps she will keep them both…"
"Hawk is dangerous…"
"Hawk will fall to our High Priestess' will before long," Bekha assured him and pointed to the new acquisition. "Pick him up and bring him along."
Denhere lifted the unconscious man and soon had him resting over his right shoulder, both arms lying limply against his back. He nodded his head that he was ready and waited for Bekha to open the main doors of the craft. He was strong and could easily carry the new captive the short distance to the main entrance to the chambers.
Bekha led the way to the High Priestess' main rooms and pushed the bell that chimed softly from inside. One of Shazzia's personal female slaves opened the door and beckoned them inside. "Inform the High Priestess that we bring her the treasure she was seeking," Bekha told her.
"Yes, Bekha," Doneria answered and hurried toward her owner's special meditative room.
It didn't take long for Shazzia to join them in the open foyer and the smile on her face showed how pleased she was with the newest acquisition. "Which one is this?"
"I am not sure, High Priestess, but I believe this one is called Rodney McKay…he is some kind of doctor," Bekha told her. He'd known the names of Suduko's guests and of the three men this one didn't seem to have any military training. Physically he seemed in good shape and from the look on Shazzia's face she was pleased with his appearance.
"He will do," Shazzia said and motioned for Bekha and Denhere to bring the captive along. She would keep him in her quarters in one of several caged areas she kept for special slaves. John had proven to dislike the cages and on several occasions he'd injured himself while trying to escape. The single bed placed against the far wall was the only furniture the prisoners were allowed and as an extra piece of inspiration she often stripped the bed and the virile male body that usually occupied it.
"What should we do with him?" Bekha asked, finding it strange that the woman had ordered McKay brought to her special quarters.
"Place him inside and leave us," Shazzia ordered.
"Is that wise, High Priestess? What if he comes to and tries something?"
"I can handle him, Bekha," the woman said confidently. She watched as the two men placed McKay on the bed and used the soft strips to secure his arms and legs to the bed. As soon as they finished they left the room, locking the main doors behind them. Shazzia raked her eyes over the unconscious man's body and smiled as he shifted slightly as if he sensed her scrutiny.
SGASGASGASGASGA
John was aware of Hawk's presence, but pretended to sleep as the bigger man examined his bonds. He remained silent and immobile until he felt the rod piercing his arms move and could not suppress the cry of pain that escaped his throat. His lips were clenched tightly, and he breathed through his nose as the nauseating pain of extraction continued. John could feel something wet running down his arms and realized the puncture wounds were bleeding. "God," he managed and sank back as he fought to free himself of the twisting agony.
"Let this be a lesson to you, John," Hawk warned. "I will not be defied especially while we are in the presence of others. You are a slave here and as such you will treat me and my followers with the respect you deserve…"
"Not…"
"Did you say something, John?"
"Not…a slave…never…"
"You are a stubborn man, John, but you are not strong enough to defy me," Hawk told him and pulled the captive to his knees before releasing his arms. He watched as his recalcitrant slave rubbed the feeling back into his arms before he reached out and forced the man to sit on the edge of the bed. "Stay!"
"I'm not a dog!" John snapped angrily, but remained where he was. The truth was he didn't think he could move if his life depended on it, but he wasn't about to let Hawk see his weakness.
"I have no idea what a dog is, but if it's some kind of property then you are indeed a dog," Hawk said and reached for the can of spray on the table beside the bed.
John was shocked at how gentle the big man was when he treated the injuries. The soothing spray cooled the burning fire in his forearms and made it possible for him to move his fingers and hands. He lifted his eyes to find his captor watching him, and refused to turn away as Hawk smiled at him.
"Defiant to the end," Hawk said with a hint of admiration. Never before had a slave taken such liberties, but there was something about John that reminded him of himself. Perhaps they were kindred spirits and had been destined to meet, if so Hawk was glad he was the one with the upper hand. "Now, John, there is something I need you to do."
"What?" John snapped, relieved that the constant pain had subsided enough to allow him to think straight.
"Kudrone says the Ancient Gene is strong in you and there are many ancient devices you could operate for us. I am going to allow you to see my special collection and you will try to make them work."
"What's in it for me?" John asked.
"Perhaps, if you do well you could buy your freedom," Hawk lied. There was no way he would ever allow this man his freedom, it would be like having himself as an enemy, only more dangerous. "Come…Kudrone and the others are waiting."
John didn't believe his captor would allow him to leave, but for now he had little choice, but to go along with him. He silently cursed and tried to jerk away when a leash was attached to his collar, but Hawk simply laughed, the sound grating on John's frazzled nerves.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Suduko knew something was wrong even before he landed his craft. Kierra and Bendor were running toward them, but there was no sign of Dr. Rodney McKay.
"Something's wrong," Ronan said from the co-pilot's seat as Suduko opened the rear hatch and they exited the craft.
"Suduko, thank God you have returned…"
"What is wrong, Kierra?"
"Dr. McKay…something happened to him," Bendor answered.
"Where is he?" Teyla asked worriedly.
"We do not know. He wanted to be alone and came outside while we were preparing the evening meal, but he never returned. We found this in the clearing near the back of the property," Kierra explained and passed her brother a small pointed dart.
Suduko lifted it to his nose and took a deep breath before grimacing in disgust. "Shazzia," he whispered.
"How do you know?" Lorne asked.
"My brother was her prisoner for a long time and he knows what Shazzia will do," Kierra explained. "He was a victim of her poisons on several occasions."
"We need to go after him!" Ronan snapped.
"Do you know where Shazzia would take him?" Teyla asked.
"She would take him to her fortress," Suduko answered.
"Then we need to go…"
"Ronan, it's not that simple," Suduko told the angered Setedan.
"Why not…we go in and we take back what belongs to us!" Ronan snarled.
"I wish it was that easy, but Shazzia's fortress is near impregnable," Suduko told them. "It would take something far beyond our ships and weapons to break through those barriers."
"You did it before and you were willing to help us rescue John Sheppard," Teyla observed.
"Sheppard is not Shazzia's prisoner," Suduko explained.
"Are you afraid…"
"Suduko has offered to help," Kierra snapped.
"Suduko, what if we supplied the crafts and the weapons?" Lorne asked hopefully.
"You would need something a lot faster than my ship and weapons that can break through the strongest alloys known in this galaxy," Suduko explained.
"I believe we can deliver both," Lorne said with a hint of humor.
"If you can then we'll need to work out a plan and act on it before Shazzia decides to sell McKay on the open market," Suduko warned as they hurried toward the house.
"We will need to contact our base," Lorne said.
"Another trip into orbit?" Suduko said, hopeful that they really could storm Shazzia's fortress and end her reign of terror once and for all.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Rodney wrinkled his nose and tried to bat away the offending odor, but his arms refused to move. His eyes shot open and panic flashed through his brain when his eyes focused on the woman seated on the edge of the bed. A cool breeze blew across his semi naked body and he flinched when she ran her nails down his bare chest.
"Welcome to my home, Dr. McKay," Shazzia said, her fingers continuing their downward exploration of his body.
"Who are you?" McKay asked, fighting off the effects of whatever he'd been given.
"I am High Priestess Shazzia of Denubia…"
"Shazzia!" McKay snarled, fighting to come off the bed. "Where is he?"
"Who?"
"John Sheppard….where is he?"
"He is no longer my guest, Dr. McKay," Shazzia told him, smiling as she pinched the skin around his navel. "Now, you however are and as such I believe you should no the rules to which you will abide."
"I've never been one for rules," the Canadian told her.
"Then you will pay the price," Shazzia said and pressed something against his side.
McKay cried out as his body arched upward on the bed and finally collapsed against the mattress. He fought the nausea churning through his gut as he stared into her eyes. 'God, I finally get the beautiful alien and she's a bitch,' he thought as consciousness left him.
Shazzia smiled as she exited the room and placed the small object on the shelf. Perhaps when the time came she would keep both John Sheppard and Rodney McKay and enjoy them at her own leisure.
TBC