So sorry – on the road again with no time and limited email access!
Thank you to all the reviewers of the last chapter who caught my huge mistake! I wasn't quite sure how to fix it, so finally decided I would have to rewrite some of the previous chapter to correct my mistake. I suggest that all of you (who haven't already read my repost) go back to the last chapter and read it again as I have made some changes. So sorry about this folks.
"We've arrived folks", Jacob called. "Time to check out planet number one."
Jack stood and walked over to the front of the Tel'tak and looked out the clear view screen to the planet far below. "You're sure this is the most likely planet?"
"We don't know a lot about it other than the fact that Nirrti had one of her main laboratories here. The Tokra has been too busy keeping up with everything going on in the galaxy to check out every planet once controlled by a dead Goa'uld." Jacob checked his controls, not looking at Jack as he spoke.
Jack's face had blanched, his mind flooded with images of Nirrti and some of the things she'd done. "Do we know what kind of things she did here?" Jack asked. He really didn't want to end up on a planet with a bunch of mutants with super powers.
"Not really, although there were reports it had to do with developing extraordinary physical strength. No one reported seeing any of the actual results and the planet was well guarded in her time." Jacob swung around in his chair and glanced over at the Colonel. "I guess now's your time to find out."
"Okay everyone", O'Neill announced to his teammates. "We don't know what we're going to find here, but Jacob informs me that good old Nirrti may have been creating a bunch of super-strong people. Take care and watch each other's backs."
"We always do O'Neill", Teal'c said calmly.
Jack gave him a swift grin. "I know buddy – just sayin'."
Teal'c nodded and waited with the others for Jacob to ring them down.
"Ok –ay", Jack did a 360 of the small square into which the rings deposited them. It was surrounded on all sides by simple two story, red-hued buildings. At each corner a narrow path led back, most likely further into the city. "Kind of quiet."
"There doesn't appear to be anyone present", Teal'c said, stating the obvious.
Daniel frowned and began to move forward, stopped when Jack grabbed his arm. "Wait a second", he said. "Let's figure out what we've got here."
"But there's no one around", Daniel said, sighing in frustration.
"You know better than that Daniel", Sam told him, carefully perusing the empty square. "This could easily be an ambush."
"Yeah right", the archaeologist muttered. "They figured out we were coming and so all rushed and hid", he scoffed.
"Maybe", Jack agreed seriously. He gave a quick glance at his friend and sometimes irritating team member. "What if they have equipment that saw the Tel'tak", he said softly.
"Sorry", Daniel sighed, knowing he was in the wrong. "Okay, so what are we going to do?"
"Let's split up", the Colonel answered. "You and Teal'c head in that direction – maybe knock on some doors. Carter and I will head over there", he pointed with his chin, "and do the same. And -"
"I know, I know – we'll watch our backs", Daniel gave a sheepish grin and headed off with Teal'c.
Jack watched after him for just a few seconds, pleased when he saw Daniel pull out his weapon and look around carefully.
"He knows what he's doing Sir", Carter said in his ear.
"Yeah, I know", he grinned. "He only occasionally forgets– he just needs a bit of a reminder now and then. Shall we Major", he gestured with his hand towards the buildings on the opposite side from where Daniel and Teal'c were headed.
For the first few minutes they saw and heard nothing. It appeared as if everything was deserted. "Do you think there's anyone here?" Sam asked, keeping a close eye on the darkened shadows around them. They'd decided to investigate down one of the narrow streets and very little light seemed to make its way in.
"Doesn't look like it, does it", Jack was also watching carefully, hating the feeling of being closed in on two sides. "Feels like a western movie", he suddenly said. "I almost expect a bad guy dressed in black to appear at the end of the street, a pistol in hand."
Sam couldn't help but grin at the picture, although her concentration didn't waiver. "You're right, that's exactly what it feels like. Maybe John Wayne or Clint Eastwood will show up to save us."
"You don't think I'll do?" Jack grinned over at her. "You don't see me as a hero out of a western?"
She considered him for a moment and then nodded seriously. "Actually Sir – you'd be perfect. I can see you on a horse."
He grinned again and opened his mouth to say something when a 'bang' to his right stopped him dead. With a quick look and a gesture to Sam he moved quickly to the side of the doorway from where the sound had originated.
He held up three of his fingers and slowly counted down to one. When he was finished he moved quickly and kicked in the door. Sam moved over to the side, covering him with her weapon.
Without a pause Jack rushed through the door, getting in and out of the open doorway as quickly as possible. It was then he stopped dead.
Staring at him from a corner of the room were a group of – men, although Jack didn't know if that was even accurate. They were obviously sentient beings, but were so deformed as to barely resemble humans. He felt the nausea rise in his throat – this was clearly more evidence of Nirrti's doing.
"Plzzzze", one of them wailed, his arm outstretched in entreaty.
"Sir?" Sam's agonized voice pulled him out of his horrified stare.
"Nirrti", he growled in reply. "God – DAMN her!" The creatures backed away at his shout, huddling together in obvious fear.
"I think you're frightening them Sir", Sam said softly. She took a tentative step forward, causing the group to move back again. She stopped then and smiled. "It's okay", she said gently. "We won't hurt you. What are your names?"
Jack watched as Sam used her magic to calm the beings down. It took a few minutes, and they were still skittish, but at least seemed willing to communicate.
Understanding them was difficult as their facial deformities made speaking difficult. Because of their slurred speech it took Jack a few minutes to realize that these – people – were intelligent, not the simple creatures he'd first thought them to be.
He shook his head, disgusted at himself for jumping to conclusions just because of someone's appearance. You think he'd know better by now.
"How many of you are there?" Jack finally asked. It was all well and good for Carter to make them feel at ease, but they needed some answers, which they'd only get if he asked them directly.
"Twoo dzn", one of them – apparently the leader – answered.
"Two dozen?" Jack repeated. "On the whole planet?"
The man nodded again. "Thrs – de- ed",
"They've all died?" Carter asked carefully. She gave a quick look towards the Colonel. "Are there any other people here, or just you?"
"Jst – we", he answered.
Jack let out a deep breath. This certainly wouldn't be a planet for Ra'mash to find surrogates. He gave another look at the poor pathetic souls gazing at him with hope. But damn – they couldn't just leave these guys here. From the look of them they were half starved. He sighed. "Uh – do you need help?"
The men – there were five of them – swiftly looked at one another and then the leader faced him. "Plzze".
"Sir?" Carter was regarding him with no expression on her face. "Uh – how?" she asked. She knew they didn't have the supplies or people to help – and they needed to find Ra'mash before it was too late.
Jack ran his hand through his hair, leaving it sticking straight up into the air. Sam had to bite her lip to keep from smiling – although a quick glance at Nirrti's victims stopped that urge quickly. "What are we going to do?"
"We're going to have Jacob get in touch with his Tokra buddies. If they won't help then we'll have to put out an emergency call to the Asgard.
Sam nodded and then smiled at the men in the corner. "We're going to get some help for you, okay?"
"Kay", one of them hissed. "Tax."
"You're welcome", she said. "It may take a while for someone to come – but it doesn't mean we've forgotten you, okay? It may just be a little while."
The leader nodded and watched as the two of them made their way out of the small room, back out into the street.
"God – that's so -"
"Disgusting", Jack interrupted. "I mean disgusting that someone could hurt other human beings like that – not that they're disgusting." He stopped for a moment, obviously extremely touched by what he'd seen. "Well make sure and get them help." With that Jack clicked his radio until Teal'c finally answered.
"Anything Teal'c?"
"Nothing as of yet O'Neill", the alien replied. "We have seen little of interest."
"Okay then, let's get out of here. This place gives me the creeps."
"What are 'creeps', O'Neill?" Teal'c asked, a puzzled frown on his face.
"Uh – it just means that it uh – was kind of creepy."
Teal'c raised his eyebrows in confusion, looking down at the radio in his hand.. It was Sam's voice which finally put him out of his misery.
"It simply means the place made us uncomfortable Teal'c", she explained. "It's like a ghost town."
Jack walked swiftly towards the rendezvous site where Teal'c and Daniel were waiting. "We found a handful of survivors", he told them.
"Really?" Daniel's eyes perked up. "Where are they?" he started to look around at the still empty square. "Did you speak with them?"
"They're back there", Jack gestured with his head over his shoulder. "And yes, we spoke with them. Didn't get much information except that they were used in Nirrti's experiments."
It was only then that Daniel seemed to hear the throbbing anger in Jack's voice. His brown folded. "What happened?"
"They were terrified", Sam explained, following the Colonel quickly as he strode through the dusty square as if he couldn't get off this planet soon enough. She rather understood the feeling. "They'd been - uh – changed as a result and I think are having a hard time surviving. The Colonel promised we'd send help."
"Jack?" Daniel looked at him in surprise.
"What Daniel?" the Colonel kept moving quickly, wanting to get to the pick-up site as quickly as possible.
"Did you offer to help?"
"No", Jack answered sharply. At Daniel's look of surprise he relaxed slightly and relented. "I told them we'd send the Tokra or the Asgard to help them."
"Really?"
"Yes, really", Jack snapped. "Come on, let's get out of here."
Sam quietly grabbed Daniel's arm and leaned towards him. "Nirrti – left the people – horribly mutilated", she whispered. "The Colonel is upset." Daniel glanced at her suspiciously. She didn't look much better herself.
When they arrived back on the Tel'tak Jack quickly explained to Jacob that they needed to send help to the planet.
"Uh Jack, I don't know if the Tokra really have time -"
"Then they can make time", Jack turned on him in anger. "Those people need help – either yours or the Asgard. "I wanna hear that you've contacted someone and they're on the way." He turned and stomped away, dropping his pack against the wall. He swiftly followed it to the floor, leaning back against the wall with his head thrown back and his eyes closed.
Jacob stared at him for a moment and then glanced at his daughter. "Uh -"
"Do as he says Dad", she said softly. "They'll die if they don't get help soon."
Nothing was said for a long time although Jacob did send a message to the Tokra. It was a couple of hours before he heard anything back from them.
"Jack", the older man called softly, not wanting to disturb Daniel and Sam, both of whom were sleeping.
The Colonel slowly stood up and stretched and then wandered over to where Jacob was seated. "Yeah?"
"I just heard that the Asgard are going to stop by the planet and offer their help."
"Thanks Jacob." Jack sat down beside the former General. "Sorry if I was a bit -"
Jacob waved him off. "No, you weren't." He glanced sideways at the tired looking man next to him. "You okay?"
"Yeah", Jack took a deep breath. "I just wish this was over", he said. "I'd rather be fishing", he gave a lop-sided grin.
"We'll find him Jack, don't worry."
After a week of checking out the various planets that had been under Nirrti's control Jack did begin to worry. What if they didn't find Ra'mash? Could he live with the fact that children of his were out there – being raised by others as slaves or even – although he hoped to god it wouldn't come to that – as hosts. It was true that the Goa'uld empire was in decline and one after another of the Systems Lords were dying, but there were still worlds inhabited by lesser Goa'uld. It would be many years – generations even – before they died out completely.
If that happened – if they didn't find Ra'mash and the embryos, he'd just have to live with the knowledge, like he lived with so much other crap. He knew how to do it – how to box it up. His eyes found Sam and he flinched. God, he didn't want her to have to do that too. How would she cope?
"Sir?" she blinked at him, disturbed by his intense look. "Are you okay?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah Carter, I'm fine. Just thinkin'." He watched as she slowly came over and plunked herself down beside him.
"We're not going to find him, are we?"
"Hey, it's too early to be thinking that way", he told her, nudging her shoulder with his. "Think positively major. We still have a couple of planets to go of Jacob's original six and then there are some others he figured might be likely. We'll find him, I promise."
"You can't promise that Sir", she said with a short laugh.
"Sure I can Carter", he told her. "Just stop worrying and everything will be fine."
"But what if -"
"Uh uh", he warned her. "No 'what ifs'. We're gonna find him and strangle him and then head home."
"And the – "
"We'll make sure to get them Sam", he said gently, nudging her again. "Now just relax."
Just then Teal'c, who had taken over the piloting duties from Jacob, called back. "We have arrived", he informed everyone.
"Okay", Jack pushed himself to his feet and then reached down with his hand to help Sam. "So, what's the name of this one?"
"This is Teknora", Jacob told him. "It was a trading planet – probably still is. It had relatively more freedom than most planets under a Goa'uld's dominion. It was in their best interests to turn a blind eye to a lot of things in order to keep business going."
Jack snorted. "Things are the same here as on earth then. Anything for a buck!"
"Yup", Jacob agreed. "Now, I suggest you all change. There are clothes in the closets over there. You definitely don't want to appear wearing your Earth clothing. It might be easily recognized as there are probably folks from all over the galaxy here."
"As long as I don't have to wear robes or a loin cloth!" Jack complained. He'd been forced to wear both at different times in their travels. "Although if I have a choice I'll go with the robe."
"Oh, I don't know Sir", Sam grinned. "I kind of liked that little outfit you wore on P7T 3R9."
He narrowed his eyes at her. "P7T -?"
"You remember Jack – the one where you had to do that dance?" Daniel grinned as the scowl appeared on the older man's face.
"About as much as I remember P4I 8RS – you remember guys? The one where you both had to strip -"
"We remember Jack", Daniel answered, his cheeks flushing. Jack looked at Carter and couldn't help the bark of laughter that escaped him. She was as red as a cherry.
"I suggest you get dressed", Jacob told them drily. "Teal'c's already finished."
Jack checked out his friend and sighed in relief. Teal'c was wearing some kind of loose pants with a tunic over top. It actually looked rather comfortable and not at all embarrassing. He picked his out and went into the little room the Tel'tak provided as a bathroom. Daniel followed him in and they both quickly changed.
"There ya go Carter", Jack said merrily as he walked out. He had been right – the clothing was comfortable. He watched as Carter when to change, a bundle in her arms. "What's she wearing?" he asked, trying not to sound hopeful. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, but he rarely saw her in anything other than a uniform or jeans and couldn't help his treacherous male – interest – that wanted to see her in something – damn! She'd come out of the bathroom dressed in almost the identical clothing of pants and tunic that he wored. The only difference to theirs being that there was a small trim of embroidery around the wrists and ankles.
"Is there a problem?" Sam looked down worriedly at Jack's frown. Had she missed something? She'd be embarrassed if she discovered her fly was open or something. Of course this outfit didn't exactly have a fly but –
"No – no Carter, everything's good – fine – great." Jack closed his eyes and counted to five. "Sorry – just wondering about the planet."
He didn't have to wonder long as Jacob ringed them down on the outskirts of the city. They took one look around and could instantly tell this was a much different place than anything they'd yet visited.
"Wow", Daniel whistled. "They look like they're doing a roaring business here."
"They do indeed", Jack said, carefully checking out the crowd that was milling around some of the stalls. Off to his left was a clear path to what looked like the ocean or sea a short distance away. When he refocused on the sight before him he had a sudden longing to turn and head towards the water and forget about this part of it. "Come on folks – let's see if we can buy something."
They wandered around the market for the next hour. Fortunately Jacob had provided them with some currency – the kind that was used for interplanetary trade. "Buy some things", he'd told them, "otherwise you're going to stand out. Just look at things, enjoy, buy a little and then you can start asking questions."
"You're telling us to spread some money around first, before speaking with anyone."
"That's right. You'll get farther that way. They tread in information on these planets, as much as anything, but they have to have some trust in you first."
So, here they were, buying trinkets on a planet thousands of light years away from home. He purchased some jewelry for Cassie and Janet – and a bracelet for Sam. It was a small one – nothing special or fancy – and he didn't think she would object or be offended. Instead, when she looked at it he could see her eyes fill with tears. He felt instantly guilty until she looked up with a smile.
"It's beautiful Sir – thank you."
He shrugged,, suddenly embarrassed. "Hey, I'd better buy something for Daniel so he doesn't get jealous", he said quickly, wanting to change the subject.
"Well, I wouldn't suggest jewelry", she told him, a giggle in her voice.
"No?" He started looking at all the tables, filled with a combination of pure junk with a few good pieces thrown in. What in the world could he buy Daniel – or Teal'c for that matter?
"Aha!" he saw something at a small table on the other side of the street and hurried over, Sam in quick pursuit. He picked up an object from the table and lovingly stroked it.
"What's that Sir?" Sam said, moving up beside him. "Oh – it's a chess set. How lovely."
And it was lovely. It was made of some kind of luminescent stone, intricately carved into the shapes of various animals. The black players were made of some kind of onyx and the white players looked like they were made of marble. It was a beautiful set and he wanted it for Daniel.
After haggling with the salesman for almost ten minutes, Jack finally purchased it at a price both he and the merchant could feel good about. He watched at the man carefully wrapped the set in rags and placed the pieces in a small, covered basket.
Once finished with that, Jack had one more stop to make and that was to buy a present for Teal'c. In the end he picked up a ceremonial dagger that had been owned, at one time, by someone called the Gryph. He could only assume that this Gryph had 'shuffled off this mortal coil and no longer needed his dagger."
"There, all done. Now, I think it's time we started asking about good old Ra'mash."
For the rest of the day they continued to wander around the town – sometimes stopping to grab a snack or to look like they were still shopping. They began asking carefully and subtly about Ra'mash, but know one had seen or heard anything from such a man.
Jack was about ready to give up – his feet were killing him and he didn't want to do anymore shopping. He watched Sam as she seemed to pick up energy the more the day went on. Jack briefly wondered if it was because she was younger than him or whether it was that women – some women anyway – had a natural 'shopping' gene that men lack. He thought back to Sara and how she could spend hours in the mall while he'd collapse after the first hour.
He watched indulgently as Sam entered yet another clothing boutique and began to look through the items on display. He checked out the area and found a bench to sit on from where he could still see the small store and rest.
He groaned as he sat down and stretched his legs. He thought about Teal'c and Daniel and hoped they were having better luck that he and Carter were. He was about ready to head back to the Tel'tak, pretty sure that Ra'mash had never been on Teknora .
"You are waiting for your woman", the man who sat next to Jack on the small bench looked totally respectable, if also a bit tired.
"Uh – my friend – yes", he answered, looking curiously at the younger man.
"That is why this bench is here", the other man informed him with a grin. "There were too many husbands dropping from heat. My woman is over there," he pointed to a youngish woman holding a small child by the hand. "She can go for many trisecs without stopping."
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
Jack wouldn't have said much more, but the young man turned out to be a talkative sort. He introduced himself as Dar'on but after that Jack only listened with half an ear. It was a few minutes later that something he said finally caught his attention.
"I'm sorry – I missed that. What did you say?" Jack turned expectantly to the other man.
"Just that your woman is beautiful", Dar'on answered, "with her golden hair. You do not see that often. There was a man here who was looking for women such as her. He was offering good coin." It was only after he'd stopped speaking that he seemed to realize what he'd just implied. "I didn't mean it like that", he said in a rush. "I was not implying that your woman is of easy virtue. I think the man – he wanted the women to do something for him – oh, nothing bad I don't think but –" his voice faded as he realized he was digging himself into a deeper hole. What he didn't notice was Jack staring at him.
"Who was he", he asked. "The man?"
"The one who was looking for a woman?"
"Yes, yes – that one. What was he like?"
"Well, he was rather short for a man – quite short in fact. He also had this long black hair", the young man shuddered.
"Do you know his name?"
The young man frowned, his attention still on the figure of the blond woman seen through the boutique's window. "No, I didn't hear it. I just heard him asking if there were any women who wanted to make good coin doing a service for him."
"Did he find anyone?"
"Not here, not that I know", his companion said, looking at him strangely.
Jack realized he must sound too anxious so he forced himself to calm down. "Uh – he left then, did he?"
"Yes." The man nodded and didn't speak for a moment, seeming to size Jack up. After a while he appeared to relax again. "I think they told him to go to Radalla."
"Radalla? What's there?"
"That is a town about fifty paltar's from here. It is very poor – there is little in the way of crops or minerals. Someone suggested that he would be more likely to find a woman there in need of coin."
"How do I – you – how does one get there?" Jack asked, trying desperately to sound casual.
"You can hire a cart." Dar'on gestured down the street. "If you go there, and turn north at the next street you will come upon a man who hires out carts."
"Thank you!" Just then Jack saw Sam coming out, a new parcel in her arms. She gave him a sheepish grin and shrugged. "Sorry Sir – couldn't help myself." It was only then that she realized Jack was bouncing up and down on his feet and looked as if something serious had happened. "What is it?" she placed her hand on his forearm. "Tell me please – what's wrong."
"Nothing's wrong", he placed his hand over hers, keeping it effectively locked on his arm. "I think I may have found Ra'mash. At least, I know where he's gone."