Ba'al's Mothership
Daniel was amazed at the level of activity and coordination that happened on a Goa'uld mothership preparing for battle. It was evident that these men – or Jaffa rather – had spent years in training. They worked together like the proverbial 'well-oiled machine'. It was equally as clear that independent thought was severely frowned upon. Each man had his place and his job – he was to do what he was told, when and nothing more.
Teal'c seemed to be able to fit back in relatively well although he was still having some difficulty. That came more from the fact that he had been First Prime, and used to being in charge, than from any feeling of discomfort at having been away from this for so many years.
Daniel just tried to stay out of everyone's way. After his recent experience on Pol he stayed as close to home as possible. In this case it meant the small quarters Teal'c shared with three other Jaffa; Jac'tral and two others Daniel hadn't met before they'd arrived on the ship.
He'd actually grown to like Jac'tral. The Jaffa had a mind of his own and he was pretty positive that Teal'c was hoping to recruit him to the free Jaffa movement. His friend was being cautious however. Now was not the time to give themselves away.
Teal'c's 'unit', if it could be called that (actually, he called it a Z'fir) had been called away for some pre-battle instructions. Daniel hoped they'd find out some information that could help them locate and rescue Jack and Sam. They'd never faced such odds before – basically two against hundreds! He knew that stealth, courage and, hopefully, the assistance of their two friends, would be all that would bring them success.
While Daniel was waiting, in their small corner of the room, one of the other slaves came over.
"May I sit with you?" the man asked. If Daniel remembered correctly, his name was Kraneas and he was slave to Gro'Mal. Daniel had taken an instant disliking to the Jaffa. He was surly and arrogant and could be a problem.
"Sure, take a seat." He wondered if the man was simply anxious to talk or if there was some ulterior motive behind his friendliness. It was sad, Daniel pondered, that he had lost his innocence and trust of people after his years on SG1. At the same time, he knew his now suspicious nature was invaluable and could mean the difference between life and death for him and his friends.
"I hear you have come from far away? Is it true you come from a place called Shayan?"
"Yes." Daniel answered simply. Better not give too much away.
"My master had not heard of that place. He is very curious to learn more of this Shayan. He too desires to gain knowledge."
"Yeah – learning is a good thing." Yup – he was sure of it. This was not an innocent 'chat' between slaves.
"Were you in Shayan as well?"
"Uh, my master doesn't really like me to discuss it. I suggest your master talk to my master directly."
"But surely you can tell me some things. I too am interested."
"Really? Why?"
This seemed to stump the slave for a minute. There was no reason for a slave to show interest in anything!
"It is a good thing for a slave to understand all his master is interested in."
"Oh? I always thought a good slave minded his own business."
Kraneas jerked back at that – realizing that he'd pushed too far, too fast. Relaxing again he sat back.
"I did not mean to offend. I was simply interested. If you cannot speak of Shayan, tell me where you are from? How did you become slave to Master Tro'han?"
Since Daniel and Teal'c had discussed this, at length, on the journey here, he was ready with some quick answers although he didn't want to appear too eager to share knowledge.
"My parents were captured and taken to Andor many years ago. I was born into the service of my Master and have served him since I became an adult." He stopped, knowing that less was better. He could see the frustration on the other slave's face. Obviously he'd been told by Gro'Mal to find out as much as he could about Teal'c – or 'Tro'han'. This worried Daniel. The last thing they needed right now was trouble.
"My Master says he has heard of Shayan." Kraneas stopped, looking at Daniel closely as if waiting for a reaction.
Daniel looked back – something was wrong here. "Really? I thought you said your master hadn't heard of it."
"He knows it is the home of the Tauri."
Crap, thought Daniel. Now we're in for it. Teal'c, why did you have to try and be funny? Couldn't you have made up another name?
"Tauri? Who told you that? There were no Tauri there. It was a place for Jaffa." He tried to sound convincing.
Again Kraneas stopped. He was biting his lip, clearly trying to decide whether or not to continue. He looked up and caught Daniel's eye. Taking a deep breath, he continued.
"My Master was told this by Sel'mak. You may have heard of him?" '
"Did you say 'Selmak?" he practically squeaked.
"Shhh! Yes – do you know of him?"
"Uh maybe. Don't think he's from Andor though and I don't remember him being on Shayan." Wait and see Daniel, wait and see.
"I believe he has gone to Shayan many times. I believe he has gone to see the great 'Ham'mond', leader of the Tauri."
"Okay. Where did you get this information? What is this about?" Daniel was worried, but also angry. He couldn't figure out what was going on.
Kraneas looked around, making sure they were still alone in the small room. Leaning forward he whispered one word,
"Tokra"
Just at that moment Teal'c walked into the room, laughing at something said to him by his companion, Jak'tral. As soon as he saw the two Jaffa, Kraneas leapt to his feet and headed over to his Master's corner of the room. Daniel gazed after him; hope beginning to blossom in his chest.
Although he agreed with Jack most of the time when it concerned the Tokra, he knew they could use all the allies they could get. Maybe too they could get word back to the Tokra and from there to the SGC. Things just might be looking up.
Teal'c finally came over and sat down.
"Food and water, slave!" he demanded. Daniel knew that his friend had to keep up appearances but he was starting to get worried that Teal'c was beginning to enjoy this just a little too much. He hesitated just a second, looking directly at Teal'c, who looked back and raised his eyebrow. Silently Daniel tried to convey a message – don't start believing this scenario, he seemed to say.
Teal'c stared for just a minute and then bowed his head, recognizing the need to keep focused. It was just that the whole situation reminded him of some of the good parts of his younger years. He knew that this wouldn't continue, and he wouldn't give up his freedom for anything, but he also acknowledged that he had allowed himself to enjoy the nostalgia of the situation just a bit too much.
Daniel finally stood and got food and drink, knowing it would look suspicious if he didn't and would force Teal'c to discipline him. As he returned with the light luncheon Teal'c gestured for him to sit and gave him a portion.
"You treat your slave too well, my friend", called out Jak'tral. "He will get lazy and complacent." Okay, thought Daniel, you just went down in my estimation. So much for liking him.
"He is faithful to me", declared Teal'c. "I reward that. Treating slaves harshly makes them resent and hate you. They will then betray you when you do not expect it."
Jak'tral laughed. "You're smart Tro'han – and right. Hey D'nor, do you know how lucky you are?"
"Yes, my Lord"
"Well, in that case – how about bringing me something as well? Please?" he asked, winking at Teal'c.
"Yes, my Lord." Daniel stood and got some more food and took it to Jak'tral. He wasn't quite sure now where this Jaffa stood.
"Thank you D'Nor. You are a good servant. You don't happen to have a brother, do you?"
Daniel looked up at him, again not sure what to make of this. "No, my Lord."
"Oh, too bad. I could use a good slave." Stretching, Jac'tral laid down on his palette, arms behind his head.
"So Tro'han, what do you think will happen when we get to V'ratesh?" Daniel glanced quickly up at this. So, they knew where they were going.
"I believe Ba'al will be victorious. He is strong, the strongest of the System Lords. I do not believe Matsya will have a chance against him."
"You are probably right although he's managed to avoid any of the System Lords for many years. He's a sneaky devil. I would not put it past him to have a trick or two waiting for us."
"That is possible. What do you know of this 'Matsya'. We were told very little."
"Yes, Ba'al's officers are keeping things pretty quiet. I guess they don't want to give anything away. Well, I know that he produces amazing hosts – the best anywhere – and they command exorbitant prices. The hosts are said to last longer than any others and to be more beautiful and stronger. Some of the gods have tested the hosts – dissecting them to see what they could find."
"Did they learn anything?" Teal'c spoke dispassionately although Daniel felt sick. They were talking about the hosts as if they were bugs in a science experiment. These were human beings!
"Not really. All they found was that they were extremely healthy. They appeared to have no defects whatsoever. It is said that Matsya has a formula that makes it so." He stopped to take a bite of the bread.
"Why do you believe my Lord Ba'al wishes to conquer Matsya? Surely he has no need of that many hosts?"
"No, the word is that it's not about the hosts but about two Tauri who Matsya captured. He refused to give them to Ba'al, only promising their offspring to him. Although my Lord agreed, he was determined to have the Tauri. It is said the man is his sworn enemy."
"I am surprised a simple Tauri would be such an enemy. Are they not a weak and insignificant race?"
"Yes, but it is said this man has the blood of the Ancient ones in him – that he is special. I do not know if it is true but it is my Lord's decision. We follow where he leads."
"Indeed."
Things grew quiet in the room as Jak'tral leaned back and dozed. Kraneas busied himself with his master's things. Daniel dearly wanted to speak with Teal'c about what the slave had said but knew he had to be careful. A little while later the door slid open and in walked Gro'Mal who simply grunted and sat down.
His slave scurried around and served him. The large and taciturn Jaffa (or Tokra, Daniel wondered) didn't appear to pay any attention to his slave, just accepting, as his due, all that Kraneas did.
"What do you think, Andoran?" the Jaffa grunted softly. He moved over until he was sitting next to Teal'c who looked up slowly, his eyebrows raised.
"Think about what, my friend?"
"About what Ba'al is planning? Do you think it's wise?" Gro'Mal was speaking softly, not wanting to disturb the sleeping Jak'tral.
"I think our Lord knows if it is wise. It is not up to lowly Jaffa to make that determination."
"Lowly Jaffa? I don't think you were ever a lowly Jaffa." Gro'Mal turned away and began to pick his teeth, sucking on his finger nails when he was done.
Gross, thought Daniel. Surely he can't be Tokra? As irritating as they were, they were a pretty refined race – not boors like this one.
"Where do you hail from Gro'Mal?" Okay, Teal'c was taking the lead. Interesting!
"I come from a planet called Kar'ter. You may have heard of it?"
There was a tiny pause, so small Daniel was sure no one else noticed, before Teal'c spoke again.
"I do believe I may have although I have not met anyone from there. Tell me about it."
Gro'Mal looked over at Teal'c, his eyes slightly narrowed. They were both circling around each other.
"It is a great planet – one of the oldest in our system. It is said that many years ago the planet was sick and was dying. It was then that a wise Goa'uld came and saved it. It is now a mighty planet, full of much wisdom and strong warriors."
"Yes, I have heard as much. You must be proud. Do you communicate with your people on Kar'ter?" Oooh – careful Teal'c!
"Yes, when I am able. Those there know I am on a great mission with my Lord Ba'al. They have wished me well and know that we will prosper."
"Are there others from your planet in service to my Lord Ba'al?"
"No, it is only I, although they desire to send more." He leaned over, obtensively to help himself to a piece of fruit from the bowl in front of Teal'c. As he did so he whispered quickly,
"More are being sent – from Shayan." With that he leaned back and grinned, taking a bite of apple. Teal'c looked indifferent, if a bit disgusted at the uncouth Jaffa. Daniel felt surge of hope.
Things were looking up.
Mithrad's House
"Colonel. Come on Sir, wake up." Someone was shaking him but he really didn't want to get up. He felt chilled and couldn't face getting up and going on patrol. It was too early. He wanted to sleep some more.
"Nrph" he replied groggily. The Sergeant must be a sadist, he thought. It was still dark out.
"Come on Sir, you have to wake up." This time the shaking was harder. With a groan he finally opened his eyes. He looked straight at the gorgeous blond shaking him. Oh yeah, this was a dream – and what a great one! As she scowled at him he changed his mind – okay, so not great. What's she got up her trous – Wait! It was Carter.
"Carter?" he mumbled. "Whatcha doin' in my bedroom?" he shivered. Damn, it was cold.
"Sir, come on. We've got to leave."
"Leave? Why?"
She looked down in frustration. The Colonel was looking terrible again and was very obviously out of it. He appeared almost drunk and was shivering uncontrollably.
"Sir, we're being held captive, remember? We agreed to try and escape tonight. You have to concentrate, okay?" He looked at her for another minute until it started to sink in. Oh yeah, they were being held by that jerk Matsya who wanted them to f - ! He sat up suddenly, clutching the blankets around himself.
"Oh God! Sorry Carter", he shivered again. The medicine had warn off and he needed another shot. His brain felt like sludge and he was freezing again. How to get Sam away so he could sneak some?
"Could I have some wwwaatttter, Mmmmajor?" She looked at him worriedly for a second and then nodded. As she headed towards the cupboard which held the water jug he quickly put his hand down the side of the mattress and pulled out the little bottle. He quickly gave himself a drop, under the tongue. Now, where to keep this? He stuck it in the waist of the blanket wrapped around him. He'd have to find a better place.
He took the water and attempted to drink, although he was shivering so badly most of it spilled down his chest – which only made him feel colder.
Sam looked over at the Colonel, worried that whatever was wrong had come back. How were they going to escape with O'Neill in this condition? As she watched him, however, the shivering seemed to lessen. After a few more minutes he looked up and his eyes seemed much clearer. He still didn't look well, but not as bad a before.
"Are you okay now Sir?"
"Right as rain, Major. Sorry – I think I was just a little chilly and thirsty. I'm better now." She looked skeptical but, if he could make it, now was their chance.
They had decided that the best time to try and make their escape was about two hours after darkness. It was about 30 minutes before the change in shift and the guards would be tired and thinking of their break – rather than a break out! Fortunately the planet's moon was in its 'new' phase and cast little light.
They would try and make it out of the small bathroom window. It would be a tight fit for Jack but hopefully he could squeeze through. It was on the back side of the house and there were fewer guards. One Jaffa would circle the perimeter of the camp but they had him timed so would wait for him to pass by before attempting the escape.
Once they'd gotten out they'd head towards the ship – they hoped it would be there. They would then try and steal it and escape. They felt terrible about leaving the prisoners and slaves but knew they couldn't hope to rescue them all at this time. Their plan was to return, with help, to free those on the planet.
It hadn't seemed like there was much in the way of defences. Matsya relied more on secrecy that weapons. He kept his prisoners in – and didn't worry too much about keeping others out.
His arrogance, or that of D'jindra, had meant that Jack and Sam weren't guarded too closely. They thought that the chest 'medallion' would ensure his captivity.
Jack looked down at the chains on his chest, now without the medallion. He hoped and prayed that it would be okay, that it wouldn't activate with the sphere attached. He and Sam had discussed whether or not to take it with them or leave it. They finally decided that Sam would carry it but keep it away from Jack.
"Okay Sir. Ready?"
"Ready when you are Major. You go first." Jack had managed to secure the small medicine bottle around his waist, under a strip of blanket he'd torn off. Hopefully it would stay there even if he lost the blanket.
"Uh Sir, I think you should go first."
"Why?"
"Well, if you get stuck I can push you by standing on the toilet. I won't be able to reach to help you from the other side."
"Good point Major. Okay, here goes."
He stood on the toilet and carefully opened the small window. Loosening the hinges he removed it completely. Both the human's hearts stopped when a loud 'squeak' rent the air. They waited but no one came running so they kept going. Jack pulled himself up and stuck his arms and then his head through.
Oh yeah, this was going to be tight! He'd wrapped the blanket tightly around his waist but was afraid it wasn't going to survive the trip. He expected he'd end up scraping some of his tender bits as well!
He pulled himself through, getting stuck a couple of times. Sam tried to help but it really didn't do much good – it was more a case of 'pull' rather than 'push'. At one point she did help by pushing on his butt. She'd given a small 'sorry Sir' before placing her hands on his backside and trying to help him through the window. As much as it hurt to try and squash himself through, he got a small stab of pleasure from the feel of her hands.
You're a pervert, Jack, he said to himself. Buy hey – might as well take enjoyment from the small things - there's not much else.
Finally, he was through. He dropped to the ground, almost hitting his head and a lonely rock. He quickly stood, checking to make sure everything was still where it was supposed to be, including the medicine. He'd been right about the blanket – it had fallen back into the bathroom.
Suddenly, it came flying out and landed on top of him. Thanks! He sent a silent word of gratitude to Sam. He really didn't want to be traipsing through the forest in his birthday suit.
Soon Sam's arms, then head, then torso appeared. She was much thinner and the trip was relatively painless. He did grab her so she wouldn't fall, as he'd done. When she'd managed to get out completely she dropped into his arms. They stood for a while, making sure that they hadn't been heard. When all remained quiet they turned towards the fence.
This was going to be the hardest part, they knew. They'd taken a couple of the tools from the house and Sam had tied them in a piece of blanket which she'd wrapped around herself. As they went to the darkest part of the compound, and the one the farthest away from the guard station, she pulled open the small pack and pulled out what looked like a small saw. As Jack knelt down, Sam turned and kept watch.
He worked for a while, as quietly as he could. By the time he was done he'd made six foot and hand holds in the fence. There was no way he could have sawed through it to make a big enough hole to crawl through, and anyway, it would have advertised their escape. As it was, they should be able to climb up and over now that they had some 'steps'.
This time Jack indicated for Sam to go first. He could help push her up if she needed it, although he didn't think she did. This was pretty basic stuff for soldiers. First however, she tossed over the other pack she had made which contained some of their 'home-made' weapons.
He was right – she quickly and easily made it over. He could hear her soft 'oooph' as she dropped down the almost 10 foot drop on the other side. He hoped she hadn't done any damage.
Okay, he was next. He started out by putting his hands in two of the grooves and then lifted his foot. It was only then that he realized how weak he was. Crap! He didn't know if he could make it. Normally this would have been child's play – now it looked like Mount Everest.
He tried to pull himself up but his arms were shaking – this time not from cold, but from weakness.
"Sir?' he heard a frantic whisper. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing Carter", he whispered back. He had to be able to make it. Finally, refusing to give up, he managed to pull himself up. Still shaking and afraid he was going to fall, he kept going. It was purely adrenaline and obstinacy – because he really didn't have the strength.
Thank God, he thought as he pulled himself up the last little bit. Peering over the top he looked down and could see Carter's worried face looking up. With a small groan he pulled himself up the last bit until he was balanced on the top of the fence, his torso on one side, his hips and legs on the other. Knowing there was no way he could bring his legs over he simply closed his eyes.
"Oh well, here goes." He leaned forward and dropped, head first, down the other side of the fence.
"Jack!" she screeched in a whisper as he dropped. She tried to catch him but only managed to grab him around his waist as he fell. It didn't stop him, but it did slow his descent. He still banged into the ground head first, his neck seeming to bend back too far.
Damn – he can't have broken his neck, she thought, quickly kneeling down beside him. His eyes were shut and she couldn't tell if he was breathing. Not wanting to move him, worried that he'd injured his back or neck (if he was still alive), she sat dazed, wondering what to do.
"Crap", a small, craggy voice floated out of the night.
"Sir?" she asked, hopefully. "Are you okay?" He was beginning to move. He rolled over on his side, and brought his hands up to his neck.
"I'm going to have a hell of a stiff neck and an even worse headache", he groaned.
"Sir?" she asked, still worried.
"I'm okay Carter – just sore."
"Why did you come over like that? You could have killed yourself?" Now that he was okay she grew angry. It was a stupid stunt!
"Sorry – couldn't help it."
"What? Why not? All you had to do was kick your legs over and come down feet first. Any first year cadet could have done it!"
He looked at her in surprise. This wasn't like Carter – she would never speak to a superior officer like this.
"Uh –"
"I'm sorry Sir", she gasped. "I don't know – I shouldn't – I was just worried Sir."
Realizing what had happened he relaxed. As a parent he'd known what it was like to see your child hurt because of a crazy stunt. Once assured they were okay you usually got totally pissed off – he'd done it with Charlie a number of times and always felt guilty afterward.
"It's okay Carter, I understand."
"But I still don't Sir."
He looked at her with a question in his eyes.
"I still don't understand. What happened? Was something wrong?" By this time they had started moving through the forest, careful to keep an ear out for anything. Jack felt like total crap – the weakness from his 'addiction' affecting him along with the added joy of a raging headache and neck that felt like it was in a vice.
Knowing that she deserved the truth – and let's face it, he'd look like a fool otherwise – he decided to tell the truth.
"I'm still pretty weak Carter – from whatever bug hit me. I had trouble getting up and couldn't pull myself the final bit. I knew it was either go over head first or not at all."
She stopped at that and looked at him, worried again. He wasn't getting better, no matter what he said. She knew there was no point in saying anything so she gave a small smile and nodded. She had to get him back to Janet. Please God, let the ship be there.
As they started up again it dawned on her that the device in his stomach hadn't 'gone off'. She'd been so upset over his fall she'd totally forgotten about it. So, obviously, had he.
"Sir", she whispered. "How's your stomach?"
"Huh?"
"Your stomach – the device Sir."
He glanced down and then back at her with a grin. He put his hand up and gave the 'okay' sign. That was one good thing anyway.
Finally they arrived at the clearing. Staying hidden in the woods they looked out to see how many guards were present. They could see two, although expected there were more inside.
They communicated silently, using their military sign language. This was something they knew well. They each took one of the 'daggers' they had fashioned using some of Mithrad's tools. They weren't much but they were better than nothing. It would really come down to the element of surprise, they both knew.
As they each approached one of the Jaffa they waited until the time was right. Without a sound they moved behind their respective targets and struck.
Sam was successful immediately. The Jaffa crumpled, dead. Jack, however, did not have the same success. His reflexes, as well as his strength, were severely affected by his illness. As he reached up behind the Jaffa something – a small sound or movement, gave him away. The Jaffa turned quickly and raised his staff weapon.
Jack was too close for the guard to get a shot off but he was able to use the staff weapon as a club. He thwacked Jack across the middle, causing him to bend over in agony. The Jaffa then lifted it to crush the back of Jack's skull. Before he had a chance to bring it down, something hit him in the back. It took a moment before the Jaffa realized that, not only was there another enemy, that enemy had just killed him.
He dropped to the ground, his last thought one of regret. His master had taught him to be wary of just such a thing. Too bad he hadn't learned.
Sam ran up to Jack and bent down, checking to see if he were all right.
"I'm okay Carter. Just winded, and embarrassed. I'm not usually so pathetic!"
"You're sick Colonel. It's amazing you've gotten this far. Come on – let's see what's inside." She grabbed the Jaffa's staff weapon and zat – passing the smaller weapon to Jack. She didn't think he could handle a staff weapon in the shape he was in.
There had been no movement or anything since they'd attacked the two guards. It had only taken a few seconds and had been done relatively silently. They were worried at what they'd find inside, however.
As they made their way to the door of the ship they looked around, making sure there was no one else watching. They couldn't quite believe that Matsya would leave his ship quite so unguarded!
They reached the door and again signaled to one another. Standing pressed up against the side of the ship, to either side of the door, Sam pressed the entrance pad. The doors swooshed open and they both turned and threw themselves inside.
Sam came to a standing position almost immediately. Three Jaffa sat at a small table, playing some kind of game. They stared at her for a brief instant, shocked, and then all stood up, reaching for their weapons. She began shooting with her staff weapon. She got two of them right away although the third made it to his weapon and turned it on her.
Where the hell was the Colonel, she thought? Just as the Jaffa went to shoot she got a quick shot off and downed him. Shaking a bit, it had been close, she checked to make sure they were all taken care of. When she was sure they were safe she turned to the Colonel, still wondering why he hadn't shot the zat.
Jack was writhing on the floor, holding his stomach. They had celebrated too soon.