Remember, Never to Forget---21
Suduko watched as Hank Wallace worked the controls of the Puddle Jumper. The man seemed very good at what he did, but Suduko never relaxed when someone else piloted a ship. His men were ready and had been introduced to Wallace's team and knew exactly what was expected of them. They would hit Shazzia's fortress wit everything they had and hopefully they would rescue McKay before the High Priestess did too much damage.
Suduko remembered his own time in her hands and shuddered at the thought of how easily she could and would cause pain. The times she'd had him punished for any slight made him wonder if McKay could survive a day in her clutches. He bore the scars to prove just how cruel Shazzia was, but he'd let it shape the man he was and not let it make him bitter.
"What's the story behind the High Priestess?" Wallace asked curiously. He had some of the information from Lorne, but felt there was a lot more and that this man could fill in some blanks.
"I do not know what you mean," Suduko answered.
"She's a slaver…so why hasn't anyone stopped her before or does your world condone slavery?"
"My world does not condone slavery…it is something we despise, but Shazzia does not give a damn what is right. She takes what she wants and enslaves or kills anyone who tries to stop her."
"So why don't your people put a stop to it?"
"Our ships are not capable of penetrating her fortress, but yours are and hopefully we will be able to stop her from doing this to anyone else. My men are well versed in what is to come and they will take her out if they see an opportunity," Suduko explained as the ship broke through the atmosphere and he spotted Shazzia Fortress in the distance.
"Sonofa…that thing's a monster," Wallace exclaimed.
"As I said it's impregnable with our ships," Suduko told him. The Fortress was built on a small moon that orbited the planet and harvested the power from the sun. It was an amazing piece of architecture, yet he wanted to destroy the thing and the woman who resided there.
"Well, we're cloaked now and they won't even know we're there," Wallace said.
"I hope not, Major, because if she feels threatened she won't hesitate to destroy this ship," Suduko said and checked his weapon as they approached the coordinates.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Evan Lorne piloted the Puddle Jumper closer to the Fortress and wondered whether this mission was a foolhardy venture, then again most of their missions were. The teams took their lives in their hands when they stepped through a gate or flew a mission such as this one, yet they never hesitated to follow it through. He glanced sideways at Ronan and knew the Setedan did not fully trust Trazdia and his men, but right now they needed the extra help. The Jumpers had already been cloaked and he hoped Shazzia had no way of discovering her fortress was being invaded.
"Major, the entrance we're looking for is on the opposite side of that stone wall. You'll need to get as close to the outer edge as possible and use the gravity of the fortress pull you in. It's something we found out from Suduko when he escaped from Shazzia," Trazdia explained.
"Won't we hit the wall?" Ronan asked.
"No, that's what most people think, but the force of the gravity brings you within a hundred feet of the opening. Shazzia thinks she's impregnable here and has used the natural barrier as a means of keeping out invaders. She seems to think no one will be able to fly this path except for her ships," Trazdia told them.
"She is in for a rude awakening," Teyla offered, growing quiet when Hank Wallace made contact with them.
"Evan, we're in position…there's no sign of any ships or other forms of defense."
"Same here, Hank, just be careful," Lorne advised.
"Stay frosty."
"You too…see you on the other side."
"All right, people, let's do this," Lorne said and piloted the ship closer to the outer fringes of the Fortress.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Rodney felt something tickling his face, but before he could enjoy the sensation, pain slammed through him and he fought to breathe past whatever was constricting his air supply. "Car…Carson," he rasped, frowning at how weak his voice sounded and finally managed to get his eyes open.
"This is so not good," he whispered as his eyes took in his surroundings. His memory returned with the discovery and he looked around in search of his captor. Shazzia was no where to be seen and he breathed a sigh of relief before sitting up. He realized something else and silently cursed the woman for taking away his clothing and not bothering to give him anything he could use to cover himself with.
The second thing he discovered was a metal band wrapped around his ankle and a length of chain attached to it and a hoop set in the floor. He tried to work the locking mechanism, but it was useless and he turned his attention to the hoop, but that too, held him fast. He heard a sound at the door and turned to find his captor standing there with a hint of a smile on her face.
"So, you are finally awake," Shazzia said and moved into the room.
"Where are my clothes?" McKay asked, his voice rising as she stepped into the room.
"I told you there was no need of hiding your body in my presence," Shazzia told him and sat on the Chaise lounge beside him. "Come sit with me, Rodney…"
"I'd rather not…"
"It was not a request," Shazzia snapped and tugged on the chain. She smiled when her reluctant captive moved toward her, but sat as far away as he could. She moved closer to him and cupped his chin with her right hand. "What should I do with you, Rodney?"
"Let me go," McKay answered simply.
"That is not going to happen, but you do need to be punished for what you did to my ship. You cost me many Shoclaws and I will not let that go…perhaps a public whipping is in order?"
"No…look, I did what I had to do to help those people…"
"You did not even know those people and you interfered in something that was none of your business," Shazzia snapped, putting pressure on his chin as she stared into his eyes. "I believe you will find I do not take kindly to the destruction of my property…"
"Those people had lives and had a right to live free…"
"That is an old argument that means nothing to me, Rodney. John was as stubborn as you, and he fought, but I believe I made him see the error in his ways. He bares my mark and when I get him back he will be punished for what you did…"
"What? Wait a minute! Why should John be punished for something I did?"
"Because I believe that will be the best punishment for both of you. I do believe you would rather face a whipping in public than see John hurt," Shazzia told him and finally released his chin, smiling when he reached up to rub the reddened area. She could see the bruises on his throat in the shape of her fingers and gently reached out to touch the area.
"Don't…"
"Don't what, Rodney? Don't do this?" she asked and pressed her lips against his, smiling when he tried to move away from her touch. "I do believe you will make a good bed warmer for me."
"I choose who I go to bed with," McKay spat, but the look on her face told him she could and would do exactly as she said. 'If I ever wish for the beautiful alien again I'll shoot myself,' he thought as she pulled him closer and he had little choice, but to give in to her touch.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Evan Lorne flew the Puddle Jumper as close to the fortress as possible and was amazed to find Trazdia's information was correct. The Jumper was so close to the outer wall he was sure they would collide, but it didn't happen and an opening appeared in the impregnable fortress. He fought the Jumper's systems, not really comfortable with the loss of control or the vibrations caused by the close proximity to Shazzia's home.
"Just let the ship fly itself, Major," Trazdia explained.
"It feels like it's going to crash!" Lorne observed.
"It won't…unless you continue to fight the gravity," Trazdia told him.
"Perhaps you should do as he says, Major," Teyla offered, relieved when Lorne did as she suggested and the buffeting of the ship eased as it slipped through the opening and inside the fortress. There were several guards near the entrance, but they took no notice of the ship and raised no alarm.
"We need to put the jumper somewhere where it won't be discovered," Lorne explained.
"What about putting it behind that ship?" Ronan asked. "It's bigger than the Jumper and we'll be able to get out without being seen."
"That should work," Lorne agreed and easily maneuvered the Jumper between the larger ship and the wall, relieved to be back in complete control of his ship. He listened and watched for any sign that they'd been discovered, but no one approached them and he sighed in relief.
"Evan, we're in position."
"So are we, Hank, take your team and let Suduko lead the way. We'll be right on your tail and secure a safe path for retreat," Lorne answered.
"Be careful, Evan…"
"You too, Hank," Lorne said, and nodded to Ronan to open the Jumper's hatch. He moved out into the bay and held his weapon to his shoulder as he waited for the others to join him.
Trazdia and his men lined up against the opposite wall and motioned that they were ready whenever Lorne was. He nodded to two of his best men and they moved to take care of the guard. It didn't take long to dispose of them and hide their bodies in a dark alcove before rejoining Lorne and his team.
Teyla ducked low and raced toward the open doorway, not all that surprised to find the corridor beyond empty. Suduko had told them Shazzia thought her fortress impregnable and only posted guards when she was expecting company. The hallway was lit by wall sconces that barely drove back the darkness and she knew this was in their favor. If they could make it to the High Priestess's chambers they just might rescue Rodney McKay and get out with minimal damage.
"Ron, you and Marcus check the corridor that branches off to the right. Make sure no one can surprise us from that direction," Lorne explained and watched the two people move to complete his orders. Trazdia took control of his own men and followed the rest of Lorne's team along the dimly lit corridor. The major knew they'd been lucky so far, but expected that luck to run out before long because somehow he knew High Priestess Shazzia was not stupid, reckless, maybe, but stupid no. It was only a matter of time before they reached the inner part of the fortress and ran into more of her guards.
"Major, there's a three way juncture ahead and we need to be careful. There could be guards or surveillance equipment…if we're caught now I doubt we'd be able to get McKay and get out of here," Trazdia explained.
"Charlie, you and Tyler take the right fork," Lorne explained.
"Corbone and Starchurg will take the left while the rest of us continue along the main route," Trazdia offered and motioned for Lorne to take the lead. He held his gun close to his body, one that was the simplest form of the weapon the Atlantians used, but he felt at home with it.
Lorne nodded and moved stealthily along the corridor, checking everything in sight. His instincts were on high alert for anything that might tell them their presence had been detected. He glanced at his watch and noted they'd been in the fortress for less than fifteen minutes, yet it felt like a lifetime.
"Major," Trazdia called softly and waited for Lorne to turn toward him. "The High Priestess's chambers should be around the next corner. She is bound to have guards stationed there and we must be careful not to give away our presence until Suduko and the others are in place."
"All right…we stay here," Lorne said and turned to see Teyla and Ronan nearby. He nodded to both and hoped things went easy, but deep down he knew nothing was ever easy.
"Evan, we're in position…have you seen any hostiles?"
"Just the guards in the bay, but that don't mean there aren't any. Stay frosty and be careful," Lorne warned.
"You do the same and I'll buy you a drink when we get home."
"Works for me," Lorne said. He glanced around the corner and used hand signals to tell the others what he wanted them to do as they moved closer to Shazzia's private quarters.
SGASGASGASGASGA
John became aware of softness and turned slightly on his side as he pulled the blankets up over his body and snuggled into them. He couldn't remember ever feeling this warm, but something told him it wouldn't last. He sighed heavily and opened his eyes, frowning as he realized he was in a real bed and alone for the first time in God only knew how long. John pushed back the blankets and wondered who had taken away his clothing as memory returned with the opening of the door.
"How do you feel, John?" Kudrone asked.
"Don't know…what happened?"
"Hawk was showing you the valley and you passed out. He carried you back here and asked me to check you over. I convinced him you were exhausted and needed to sleep in a real bed without fear," Kudrone answered.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why would you do that for me?"
"Hawk has been good to me, John, but that does not mean I like what he does…"
"If you don't like what he does then why don't you stop him?"
"Because he's a coward, John," Hawk said, having heard the conversation. He knew Kudrone disliked what he did, but the man would never do anything to help the slaves, because he enjoyed the fringe benefits his position entailed. "Kudrone knows he can never do anything to help you, but he does like to act as if he can."
"Hawk, I didn't mean…"
"I know what you mean, Kudrone, but I'd rather you stopped giving my property false hope," Hawk warned. "Get dressed, John, there is more I want you to see."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then we return to my chambers and you can stay there until you're ready to see what I have to show you."
"I hate this," John said as Kudrone handed him the clothing that marked him as a slave.
"So you have said, but it does not matter…"
"Can you leave so I can get dressed?"
"Surely you are not shy, John?" Hawk asked with a hint of a smile.
"No, I just don't like an audience for everything I do."
"It does not matter what you like or don't like…property has no rights and therefore you will do as I say…"
"Go to hell!" John spat, anger getting the best of him as he stood defiantly facing his 'owner'.
"John, don't," Kudrone warned.
"Look, I didn't ask to be here and I damn well don't need anyone's permission…"
"That's where you're wrong, John," Hawk warned and latched onto the 'slave's' right wrist. "You will do as I say…when I say it or you'll find yourself chained to the bed in my chambers until you are ready to apologize…"
"Look, Hawk…"
"Master…"
"What?" John asked angrily.
"From now on you will call me master…"
"Like hell I will!" John spat and found himself being forced to his knees. Hawk's strength shone through as he towered over John and bent his wrist until they heard the unmistakable sound of bones breaking. John choked on a scream as his wrist remained locked in his tormentor's vice like grip.
"It is time you realized you do not have a choice here, John. I am your owner and can do as I wish with you! Do not make the mistake of thinking you have rights, because you do not!"
"Hawk, if you keep putting pressure on his wrist he'll need surgery to repair the damage!" Kudrone warned.
"John knows what is expected of him…say it, John!"
John could hardly breathe as the pain shot up his arm, sending nausea churning through his gut as the relentless pressure on his wrist continued. He felt the bitter taste of defeat and disgust when tears sprang unbidden to his eyes. He blinked them away and refused to lower his gaze as Hawk stood over him.
"Say it, John," Hawk ordered.
"No," John shook his head defiantly, but he knew his resolve was weakening as pain spread throughout his body. He kept his eyes locked on Hawk's and thought he saw something akin to respect there, but it was quickly smothered as the bigger man put more pressure on John's wrist. He swallowed several times in and effort to keep from losing the contents of his stomach, but the bitter taste of bile soon filled the back of his throat. He knew he could not win against this man, but defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, yet if he didn't he would choke on it.
"John, do not think you can win…"
"Yes, Mas…Master," John said, hatred and disgust evident in spite of the tremor in his voice.
"Very well…get dressed," Hawk ordered, releasing his 'slave's' wrist.
John cradled his injured hand against his chest and glared at the man who professed to be his owner. Pins and needles followed by dagger like pain swept through him as Kudrone reached for his arm.
"I should…"
"You should mind your own business, Kudrone!" Hawk spat.
"I apologize, Hawk, but if left untreated his hand and wrist will not heal properly and he will be defective. That is not what you wanted when you acquired him."
"Fix his wrist and bring him to my quarters when you are done!"
"Yes, Hawk," Kudrone said, sighing heavily when his friend left the room. He reached for John and helped him stand before seating him on the edge of the bed and gently probed the area that was even now beginning to show signs of bruising. "You really need to think before you speak, John."
"Leave it."
"I can't…you heard him," Kudrone said and continued touching the area until he found several breaks. "I'm going to need to set this and place it in a protective casing. Would you like something for pain?"
"Only from Carson," John whispered, overwhelmed by a sense of need. He had no idea who Carson was, but along with Rodney he seemed to be a safe haven in a storm of despair. He sat back and ignored the pain shooting up his arm as Kudrone manipulated the bones and set the wrist.
TBC