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He wasn't even surprised. He realized, in fact, that it was inevitable. Of COURSE it was Baal – it couldn't be anyone else. So far, the worst moments of his life were being replayed, in some strange fashion, step by step.
There was Charlie – although thank God he hadn't had to relive the accident! In some bizarre way that encounter could even have been described as positive. It had brought some closure, if not to Charlie's death, at least to some of his intense feelings of grief and guilt. It had still been hard, though, and he had felt dreadful for what it had put Sam through.
Next was Iraq and the lovely memories (!) of that incident. Don't even need to go there, he thought. And he really wanted to avoid thinking about the brain-squashing thing. So, the fact that his favorite snakehead was here, and had the woman he loved, was totally in keeping with the rest of his day/week – whatever!
Right at this moment, Jack officially hated all things alien, all prophecies, and all tests of 'worthiness'. Yessiree – he'd had enough of all of the above. For the first time ever, he actually missed his desk at the Pentagon.
"Just give me some politicians, paperwork and protocol and I'll be happy", he snorted.
The Shaman continued to look at him strangely, not sure what to make of this visitor to their village with his odd clothing and outlandish way of speaking. All he knew was that this man was the one who would bring them freedom. He had seen all the signs in the past few days and was certain the time had arrived.
"The men in my village will help you retrieve your friend", he said. "All that we ask is that you rid us of the Evil One."
"Sure, no problem! One little evil Goa'uld shouldn't be hard to get rid of. I'll just make my way through his hundreds of trained, deadly Jaffa, walk up to him and shoot him. That should be easy. Just point me in the right direction!"
"You say it's easy. You must have great power. We will lead you to him at first light tomorrow."
"Hey, I was just kidding! It's not going to be easy. In fact, it's bloody well impossible. How can one man, armed with only a knife, and a dozen or so primitive warriors (no disrespect intended) possibly hope to defeat one of the toughest of all the System Lords."
The Shaman looked at him in confusion – not understanding much of anything he said.
"I do not know these 'System Lords' – I only know you are to rid us of the Evil One. It has been prophesied"
"Okay, okay, I've got it! I guess I don't really have a choice anyway. There's no way I'll leave Sam in the clutches of that Bastard! So, what's our plan gonna be?"
At that, the Shaman called over the young warrior who had first met Jack. He sat down and together the men discussed their plan of action.
Although Jack was entirely skeptical that it would work, he knew that they had to do something and this seemed the best way.
Qircamo (he had discovered the name of his newly found warrior friend) told him of the great 'flying mountain' that was home to Hadad. He told of how this 'mountain' would come and go, bearing the Evil One and his minions. It was so large, it could cover the sky and would come with a mighty roar- always heralding death and the loss of many of their young.
It was apparent, from his description that Qircamo was talking about Baal's mothership. Damn, thought Jack, that just made it all that much harder. If Baal really did have Carter, she would most likely be inside of the Ha'tak. That meant that somehow, he and the natives would have to get past countless Jaffa, sneak in the ship, find their way around, locate Carter and then get out – all before Baal discovered them. Of course, even if they got out and got away there was really no place to go.
Jack had tried asking both the Shaman and Qircamo about a Stargate but neither of them seemed to understand what he was asking. That, and the fact that Baal and/or his Jaffa always arrived via ship, seemed to indicate that there was no gate on this planet.
So – just escaping was obviously not good enough. There was no way to hide for long and Baal would simply take it out on the natives anyway.
That meant, of course, Plan B – steal a Tel'tak and make it off the planet as fast as humanly possible. No wait! Plan B wasn't good enough either – that would still leave the natives at the mercy of Baal.
So, Plan C was now on the table. Retrieve Carter, kill Baal, convert all the Jaffa to Teal'c's 'free Jaffa movement', and steal the Mothership. Easy, no problem. He was Jack O'Neill, savior of the galaxy and intended savior of the whole damn universe. This'll be a walk in the park …... NOT!
The next morning, shortly before sunrise, Qircamo, Jack and 12 native warriors headed out to try and defeat Baal, the fiercest of the System Lords.
As they walked, as quietly and stealthily as possible, Jack thought about their plan and the likelihood of their success. Not only did he know it was unlikely that they could win, he was pretty sure Baal must know he was on his way. He would know that Carter wouldn't be on the planet alone. He just hoped that Baal hadn't tried to get information from Sam. He remembered, only too well, Baal's methods.
He was trying not to think too closely about Baal or about what was happening. Even though he had seen and spoken with Baal a number of times since his own pleasant stay at Chez Snakehead, the presence, hell even the name, of his arch enemy could send chills down his spine and cause his heart to pound.
He was aware, and honest enough with himself, to realize that he had never truly dealt with all that Baal had done to him. It was still very much a part of the block of memories and personal anguish that existed in an ever-growing corner of his soul. He avoided, ignored and suppressed it during the day but often the memories came back at night when he had little control.
He hadn't thought anything could be worse than those memories of his time spent like a defenseless spider caught in the web of a malevolent being's personal playtime. He now knew there was something worse and that was the thought of Sam caught in that self-same web.
He acknowledged that the smartest thing he could do for now was to not think of her, to simply do what he had to do and concentrate on the plan and nothing else. Before he quite let go of his thoughts about her he did send up one quick prayer asking that she be safe and unharmed!
It took them approximately 4 hours before they grew close enough that they could see the Ha'Tak in the distance. As yet, they hadn't seen any Jaffa but they had stayed away from the more usual paths and had traveled as quietly as possible. The natives were masters of this, used to traveling the jungle paths and staying as much out of the way of Baal's soldiers as possible.
It was almost a shock, therefore, when the natives and Jack came across what appeared to be a small hunting party, what they were hunting, (whether animal or human) was unclear. Fortunately, the natives were the first to see the others and efficiently disabled the 4 Jaffa, quickly dispatching them before they had the chance to raise an alarm.
Jack immediately went up to the Jaffa and collected their weapons – 4 staff weapons and 4 zats. That increased their possibility for success substantially he thought.
"All right. Let's remove their armor and 4 of us can dress as Jaffa. We'll act as if we've captured the rest of you." Jack then bent over and began to strip one of the bodies. When finished, he donned the armor of the Jaffa.
The natives began to strip the remaining Jaffa and three of them also dressed in the armor. Immediately they were finished, Jack took his zat and shot the Jaffa three times, removing all evidence of their presence.
"Let's go and remember, you are our prisoners now so look suitably chastened", he instructed.
The party grew nearer and nearer the Ha'tak. Once they came across another group of Jaffa but Jack simply said a quick 'hello' in Goa'uld and indicated they were reporting back with native prisoners. The commander of the Jaffa troop simply grunted and nodded, heading out in the opposite direction.
"I did not know you spoke the language of the Evil One", questioned Qircamo?
"Neither did I", answered Jack. (Okay, he thought, another new language for my repertoire – Daniel, you'd better watch out). "But I must say it's very convenient. Daniel would be proud!"
"Who is Dan yel?"
"He's an archaeo … ah, actually, he's my friend. My very good friend. He also speaks many languages and is very good at meeting people. I think he helped me when I first met you and thought you were going to skewer me on your spear."
"Yes, well I considered it but you soon spoke and I knew you were a good man! So, we did not choose to 'skewer' you."
"For which I'm very appreciative!"
All the while they were speaking the native's team had moved closer and closer to the mothership. No one else had, as yet, bothered them although Jack was worried that there would be some kind of checkpoint before they could enter the ship. He just hoped he could talk his way past it if there was one!
'Teal'c, now's the time I could really use you', he sighed to himself. Not only Teal'c's strength and prowess in battle, but his knowledge of Jaffa tactics would make a huge difference. As much as Qircamo and his men were helpful, he really, really missed his team. After years of working together they could communicate without words and each brought something special, something critical to the mix.
"Teal'c, if you can hear me buddy, your help would be great about now!"
Daniel continued to sit, waiting to see if anything more would appear. It had been still for a while now, the previous 'show' had finished. Suddenly, he noticed that Teal'c appeared to be listening to something, although Daniel could hear nothing.
"Teal'c, what is it?"
" I believe something is happening, Daniel Jackson. Look, again the aliens are showing us." He pointed to the same area in the field where once more the two comrades could see a silent picture. At first, all they could see were 4 Jaffa who had appeared to have captured some of the natives. They could not see Jack anywhere and Teal'c and Daniel wondered what the picture was trying to show them. At that moment, however, they saw one of the Jaffa gesture in a way that looked very familiar – using Earth military sign language to direct one of the other Jaffa.
"I believe that is O'Neill wearing Jaffa armor," suggested Teal'c
"Yeah, I think you're right. But what's he trying to do and why has he captured those natives?"
"I don't believe he has. I think they are working together. It is a ruse to fool the Jaffa on the planet. O'Neill is clearly trying to go somewhere without being recognized. Do you see Colonel Carter?"
"No, I can't see Sam at all. I hope she's okay. I really wish we knew what was happening."
With that the two men watched the scene unfolding in front of them. After just a couple of minutes, they suddenly realized where Jack and his 'band' were heading. In the background they could see the huge mothership.
"Don't tell me Jack is trying to get to the Ha'Tak. There's no way he and a few natives can make it in there on their own. What the hell's Jack trying to do?"
"I do not know, Daniel, but knowing O'Neill he would not attempt something like this unless it were absolutely necessary."
"I know, you're right. But what could … Oh my God, Sam! I'll bet you anything the Goa'uld's got Sam. Why else would she be missing?"
"I fear you are correct."
As they were speaking Teal'c and Daniel watched Jack and his men move closer to the Ha'Tak, trying to look nonchalant – as if simply returning with a few prisoners – and yet at the same time remain as inconspicuous as possible.
After a few moments they had gotten close to the Ha'Tak and Jack waived them to a halt, looking carefully around.
"Yes O'Neill", whispered Teal'c. "Do not go forward blindly. There will be Jaffa hidden, as you get closer to the entrance. You must discover them and disable them quietly without making others aware."
As he spoke, at appeared as if Jack were listening although in reality he could hear nothing. He simply felt an awareness, a sense that there was a benevolent presence guiding him.
"Teal'c buddy, I hope that's you!" He waived to the others and told them to move back, off the path and into the protection of the trees. Once hidden, Jack removed his armor in order to be able to move more quietly. Gesturing to three of the natives not in armor, he signaled that they were to follow him. Keeping to the trees the four men slowly, carefully made their way closer to the Ha'Tak.
Suddenly, Jack gestured for them to stop. With subtle hand signals he pointed out four Jaffa concealed along the side of the path – two on each side approximately 10 feet apart. He signaled for each native to set his sight on one of the guards. The small band then slowly moved towards the Jaffa, each holding their newly acquired zats. The three natives appeared uncomfortable with these foreign weapons but knew that their arrows would have little effect against Jaffa armor.
Jack put his arm up – signaling for the men to stop. With his hand still raised he began a slow count to three with his fingers. On three, all four men zatted their intended target, once, twice, three times and the hidden guards were gone.
Each of the four men remained still; waiting to ensure no one had heard or noticed the short and swift elimination of the guards. When is appeared as if they had succeeded, Jack sent one of the men back to get the others.
"O'Neill, you must take care, Teal'c intoned, watching the scene carefully. "There will be guards at the entrance of the Ha'Tak. They know all Jaffa coming and going and will recognize that you are not in the service of this Goa'uld. You must somehow get close and disarm them before they have time to raise the alarm."
"Qircamo, we have to try and get into the mothership without the alarm being raised. They're going to recognize that we're not Jaffa when we get close. I think it's best if only a couple of us try to go in. Tuia and Awe – since they are still wearing the armor, can pretend to hold you and me prisoner. We'll keep our zats concealed and our heads down and move in. As soon as we get close, you and I can get shots off. Let's hope there aren't more than two or three Jaffa, otherwise we're in trouble."
"What of the rest of my men," asked Qircamo
"They can remain out here – concealed – and watch for anything out of the ordinary. When we make it back out we may be coming out hot … ur fast – and if there is anyone after us they can hopefully pick them off."
Jack and Qircamo explained the plan to the rest of the band and then the four headed to the entrance of the Ha'Tak, making sure that no one else was coming or going.
Their plan succeeded as they had worked it out and soon all four were inside the mothership. Now the problem was to find Sam in the huge labyrinth that was a Goa'uld ship.
"Stick close kids. We could come across more Jaffa at any time. If you hear someone approaching just duck behind these walls here."
He could never figure out who the hell designed these ships with the extra space hidden behind a wall along all the hallways. It was the world's stupidest design, but one which had saved their butts on more than one occasion. I guess it can be put down to the extreme arrogance of the Goa'uld, he thought. The must figure nobody would dare attack them inside their own vessels.
"Do you know where we are going, O'Neill?"
"Yeah – I think so although it's been a while. These Ha'Taks are pretty much all the same", he said, although inside he wasn't so sure.
Once more feeling as if someone was guiding him, he led his band of natives through the Goa'uld ship. Twice they had to conceal themselves as a troop of Jaffa passed, but fortunately weren't seen.
He knew they were getting closer to the area generally used to keep prisoners. He prayed that Sam was okay and that Baal didn't have his gravitational web thingy. He thought that Baal might have a bit of respect for Sam, at least more than he had for most beings, human or otherwise. He had seen Sam in action, and had worked with her to defeat the bugs. Maybe he would show her some kind of mercy.
Wishful thinking, most likely, he snorted to himself. Baal doesn't know the meaning of mercy! Just then, Jack heard footsteps approaching, accompanied by a voice he recognized.
"Speak of the Devil! Qircamo, quick, in here." He opened the door (now, how in the world did he know the code?) and motioned for the others to enter. He concealed himself outside, behind the convenient wall, listening to Baal as he passed.
"We will leave her for now and let her think on things. Soon I will return and then she will answer to me. I know O'Neill is here and I will have him. In the morning I want you to take a troop of soldiers and visit the closest village. Find him. If they do not give you the information you seek, begin killing the villagers until they tell you."
"Yes My Lord. We will do as you say."
Once Baal and his servant passed Jack quietly moved out into the main hall. Sam must be close by, he thought. They obviously had little time to get her and get out before Baal returned. They also had to get back to the village and warn the people that Baal's soldiers were coming.
He opened the door and motioned for Qircamo, Tuia and Awe to come out and they proceeded down the hall. After checking some of the rooms with no luck, they eventually came to a door with a number of Goa'uld symbols on it, specifying that this was a 'special' room of some kind. Jack looked at it for a moment and then instinctively began pressing a sequence of symbols.
"I don't know where I'm getting all this information and these abilities, but it's sure coming in handy", he said to himself. "It must be the aliens or maybe because of the latest 'download'.
With a soft 'woosh' the door slid back. He carefully looked into the room but could see nothing. Gesturing to the others to remain he slowly entered the room. Catching sight of something out of the corner of his eye he instantly turned toward the movement and raised his arm, prepared to zat whatever it was. Fortunately, he was able to stop himself in time, realizing that it was Carter who had launched herself at him.
Unfortunately, she didn't recognize him in the same brief moment and she continued her attack. She launched herself at Jack, not realizing it was he, and gave him a swift kick to the midsection.
"Carter" he gasped, bent over in pain "it's me, stop!"
"Jack, God Sir I'm sorry! I didn't know it was you."
"I got that Carter. At least I hope you didn't recognize me otherwise you and I have to have a serious talk. Man, you pack quite a kick", Jack was still trying to get his breath back and felt like he was going to lose his lunch.
"How did you find me Sir?"
"Well, I had a little help from some friends, both new and old. Come on, I'll tell you all about it but for now we have to get out of here. Let's go."
The two officers exited the room. Jack then motioned to the three natives waiting in the corridor. After very brief introductions they headed back quickly towards the exit.
Just as they got to the exit Jack stopped.
"What is it Sir? Why have we stopped?"
"I think we have to put an end to this. We'll not have another chance. We can't leave yet."
"What do you mean? Are you seriously suggesting we try and get to Baal. But Ja – Sir, that's suicide."
"Probably Sam – but I don't see any way around it. Where can we go that we're safe? We have to get rid of him. Qircamo, I want you to take your men and head back to the village. Warn your people that Baal's men are coming. Get everyone together and get away – go somewhere until it's safe."
"But what of you O'Neill? You cannot hope to defeat the Evil One on your own. He is too powerful."
"Don't worry Qircamo. I won't be on my own. Carter here is with me – in fact, my whole team is with me. Together we'll persevere. We're SG1!"
"Then I wish you well. You are a good man and the prophecy says you will be victorious. Our thoughts are with you."
Qircamo, Tuia and Awe then continued on to the exit and were soon lost to sight.
"All right Carter, it's just you an me," (and Danny and Teal'c he thought). "Let's go get us some snake!"
