(A/N: I trust my convention for indicating Tok'ra (or for that matter, Goa'uld) symbiote speech as opposed to host speech is clear? Material enclosed in a combination of { } brackets and " " quotation marks is spoken aloud in the flanged, harmonic-laced symbiote voice. If at any point I am writing from within the POV of a Tok'ra and his/her host, I will indicate the non-voiced mental speech of the symbiote to the host by simply using { } brackets, without quotation marks.)
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You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. – Frank Crane (1861 - 1928)
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Cromwell stole a look at Tesni. She was watching her uncle, or whoever was currently in control of her uncle's body, with concern. "Bel has sent twenty-six Jaffa to Tir Awyr?" she asked. "Why? Tribute is not due again until the harvest festival."
{"I have no idea. We had no report that this was coming."} The reply was still in the Goa'uld voice, though the language was Pridanic.
Tesni shook her head. "Had you no one close to Bel at the moment, Sabar?"
{"We did, but there has been no report from him in several weeks."} Cadogan – or the Goa'uld, rather – turned back to his aide, speaking again in that other language, which must be Goa'uld. His aide replied in the same tongue but a completely human voice, before hurrying away.
Cromwell took all of this in, all the while trying to figure out what the hell he was going to do next. What have I gotten myself into? Who is this 'Sabar' character?
Cadogan bowed his head again, closing his eyes briefly. When he looked up, he spoke again to Tesni, this time in a normal human voice. "Well, this changes our plans somewhat." He glanced once more at Cromwell. "Your guest would seem to – "
Tesni cut him off. "He has nothing to do with any of this, Uncle."
Cadogan's expression was skeptical. "You can be so certain?"
She nodded. "I can. You have always trusted my sense for people before this. You would doubt me now?"
The cadlywydd simply looked at her for a long moment, before turning his gaze on Cromwell, who carefully kept his face impassive, despite the alarm bells still ringing in his mind. Cadogan finally turned back to his niece with a decisive nod. "I believe you are correct. Perhaps more importantly, Sabar trusts you as well." He paused a beat. "A part of me would prefer you remain here in Dinas Coedwyg, for safety's sake, until we find out more of what's going on, but I know better than to ask that."
Tesni gave him a small, tight smile. "You may order it, of course, and leave me no choice, but you know I wish you wouldn't."
"Nor shall I. Take your guest and go. Put him to use if he is willing; an extra set of hands will not go amiss right now, though I expect you will need to enlighten him somewhat. You will find Nenniaw and the others at the armory, if Gerlad has located them by now and passed along what Sabar told him. Otherwise, you are to locate them yourself and convey what has happened. Tell Nenniaw, if Gerlad has not, to draw arms and take whomever is available with him. We will meet you on the road." He ushered them toward the door as he spoke, dismissing them both with a curt nod.
Once in the hallway, Tesni hurried toward the stairs, descending them rapidly with Cromwell at her heels. The reception lobby was deserted, he noticed as they passed through on their way toward the door.
Outside the building, Cromwell grabbed Tesni's shoulder, halting her and spinning her to face him. "You want to tell me just what is going on here?" he demanded.
She looked pointedly at his hand on her shoulder, then stared him full in the face, her eyes blazing. "I had planned to, but you will let go of me."
He withdrew his hand, instead fixing her with his best you've got two seconds to explain yourself scowl. She glared back at him for a second, then looked skyward briefly before bringing her gaze back to his, more calmly this time. "Follow me, and I will explain as we go."
He shook his head, his jaw set. "Now, or I go nowhere with you."
Tesni sighed, visibly annoyed. "Do you still trust me?"
"I have no idea who I am supposed to trust right now. I was not expecting the cadlywydd to be your uncle. Nor did I expect him to be a Goa'uld."
"He is not Goa'uld," she replied coldly.
"Then explain that voice."
She gave him a long, appraising look. "Your people do not serve the Goa'uld."
"We most certainly do not."
"Nor do mine, or at the very least, not willingly nor for much longer." she responded. "I saw your face when you heard Sabar speak. You tried to hide your reaction, but you were not immediately successful. I saw not awe, not worship, not even fear. Only revulsion."
"I find them repulsive! But if Sabar is not Goa'uld, then what is he, Tesni?" It was more of a challenge than a question.
"Cadogan has dedicated his life to fighting against the Goa'uld, toward the freedom of our people. Sabar is of the Tok'ra, a people identical to the Goa'uld, except that they oppose the Goa'uld and their ways. A small group of them have allied with us, and Sabar is their leader. Cadogan is his willing host, and leads the Pridani, as well as our other allies, in this fight."
The Tok'ra? Cromwell recalled a report he'd read, outlining the SGC's discovery that there existed a faction of the Goa'uld species who stood in opposition to the System Lords and their enslavement of humans, and who existed in a truly symbiotic relationship with their human hosts. If the Tok'ra are active on this world...
"Yesterday, you told me Bel was a god," he stated. "Why?"
"To gauge your response, so that I could know whether you viewed the Goa'uld as gods to be served, or as an enemy to be fought. You reacted as I had hoped you would. You ceased speaking of your world and people, and seemed bothered by my mention of Bel. That told me you and your people must be opposed either to the Goa'uld overall, or at least to Bel. Your reaction to Sabar just now told the rest of the tale. From it, I know that you oppose the Goa'uld themselves. That is good, because so do we. Bel only thinks he should be a god. My uncle and I, and a great many others, disagree with him. We had our fill of slavery long ago, and we will be once more free."
Cromwell was taken aback. Tesni was far more perceptive than he'd given her credit for. Apparently, she had been testing him all along. Well, didn't she tell you that she would vouch for you with the cadlywydd? That implies it's her job to decide whether a stranger like you is friend or foe. She's pegged you correctly, too. The enemy of your enemy is your friend, especially in this case.
"Fair enough," he conceded. "So you and your people are in open rebellion against Bel."
"We are. And unfortunately, my family and friends may be under attack right this moment by some of his Jaffa. I plan to do something about it. You have two choices: either help, or stay out of the way. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to carry out the cadlywydd's orders." Tesni turned on her heel and headed off in the direction she'd been going when Cromwell stopped her.
He stared after her for a beat, then shook his head abruptly and followed. 'Stay out of the way'? Not friggin' likely. After all, if for some reason he didn't get off this world anytime soon, these people's fight would be his own anyway. No time like the present to make it clear where he stood. Congratulations, Cromwell. Three weeks ago, you were thinking about the days when you and your team used to see regular action, before taking the job as the SGC's backup plan, and you were bored. Well, you've sure as hell found some action now.
As Cadogan had hoped, Nenniaw and the rest of their party were at the armory, a low stone building just down from the one where he and Tesni had met with the cadlywydd. A couple of dozen other people were there, too; mostly men, but with a few women among them. They send women into ground combat situations here? he thought. A second later, the realization struck him. Well, hell, the SGC does it, too, if half of what I've read in those mission reports is accurate.
Cromwell watched as weapons were distributed. He recognized both the long staff-like weapons and the smaller zat'nik'tels from reports and photos he'd been shown while being familiarized with things he might find himself encountering if called into the SGC to deal with an alien incursion. He'd never handled a physical example of either, however, and observed with interest as others checked their weapons over.
A messenger appeared, speaking quickly to Nenniaw, then leaving. Nenniaw gathered Dynawd, Celyn, Tesni and a couple of others. Cromwell shadowed Tesni. Nenniaw gave him an odd look, until Tesni took the other man aside, speaking too quietly for Cromwell to follow. From Nenniaw's expression, Cromwell surmised that she was relating the fact that Cadogan had accepted Tesni's assessment of him over Nenniaw's own. Fine, Nenniaw; I get it. You don't trust me. Your CO apparently does, though. And this may or may not actually be my fight, but it appears we share an enemy, so at least for the moment we're in this together. Deal with it.
Tesni returned to Cromwell's side as Nenniaw related what the messenger had said. "Scouts with short-range communicators say that only ten Jaffa remain at the compass circle. The remainder have entered the forest. Unfortunately, they have split into two parties. Eight are approaching Llanavon. For the moment, the other eight appear to be heading north, possibly on their way to the mines."
Cromwell found himself surprised at the thought of modern communications in the hands of people from what appeared to be a non-technological culture. The Tok'ra must be giving them military tech, like the communicators and the weapons. My guess is this is a completely underground movement, and that's why they keep things low-tech on the surface. I wonder how long this rebellion's been going on, and why the Goa'uld haven't simply quashed it before this? He was curious to learn more.
Tesni had left him for a moment, and now approached with a staff weapon. "Do you know how to use the ma'tok?" she asked.
"I have seen them, but never used one; my people have different weapons. Show me."
She did. The weapon had no scope and no sight, Cromwell noted. For someone accustomed to late twentieth-century firearms, it was a big adjustment – but really, what choice was there? Anything beat being sidelined. He didn't think he could have stood that.
Soon they were on the road, headed directly toward the stargate this time, by a different trail. Nenniaw led their party, while Celyn had taken another back toward Llanavon. As they moved out at a brisk canter, Cromwell was grateful for the willow bark tincture Tesni had provided him. Not that it did much more than take the edge off, especially when they slowed to a trot periodically. There was no help for it, however; the stargate had to be about ten miles away, and riding over distance with any useful speed required varying a mount's gait. Somehow, he managed it, pushing the pain of outraged muscles from his mind. Not much choice, really. I'd hardly have stayed behind in Dinas Coedwyg by myself. Never thought I'd miss that one Humvee in the motor pool with the busted seat springs, though.
Once again, he reflected on the bizarre situation in which he found himself. Energy weapons, in the hands of people on horseback, with spotty communications. A half-alien leader with a split personality. And one guy who doesn't even belong here. All of us up against a bunch of fanatical armored thugs with more energy weapons. Peachy. No, really, I'd like to wake up now.
They hadn't gone more than a mile or so before the sound of hoofbeats at a gallop closed from behind. Cadogan, his aide – Gerlad? – and two others joined them, reining their mounts to match pace with Nenniaw's. Cromwell and Tesni listened as the cadlywydd conferred with the local commander. "More trouble," began Cadogan, speaking in his own voice. "Apparently, they have come for palace slaves this time, at least in part. The Jaffa who went to Llanavon broke into two smaller groups. Four continued on, taking the western trail toward Bren Argoed. The other four remained in Llanavon, rounding up children over nine. They have at least a dozen, and when challenged, the Jaffa threatened to kill them before their families' eyes. Kidnapping, hostage situation, whatever you want to call it, this is ugly."
Nenniaw uttered a word Cromwell couldn't translate, and Tesni didn't bother to try. There was no need. Dynawd, also listening, had gone stark white; whether with fear or fury was anyone's guess. Cromwell surmised the men likely had children in the village.
"What of the other eight Jaffa?" Cromwell asked.
Cadogan turned in the saddle, shooting him a curious look. "At last sighting, they were still headed toward the mines, away from the compass circle toward the north," he replied.
"On foot?"
Cadogan nodded. "Naturally."
Ten at the stargate, four holding hostages in the village, four on their way west to what must be another village, and eight headed north. Strange way for them to break up their numbers, but if we can take advantage of it, good. Cromwell glanced around. We've got twenty people here, not counting Cadogan and Gerlad, and I saw at least fifteen move out with Celyn when he left. Celyn's people and ours are all mounted, so potentially we've got speed on our side, though obviously any actual fighting will be on foot. On the other hand, I know the Jaffa wear armor. Supposedly these weapons are effective against it, but I've never seen them in action. Shit. What the hell am I getting myself into here?
He was glad he wasn't the one in charge. The real question was, what would Cadogan do?
Tesni spoke to him, her voice low. "We have continued to supply Bel with tribute for many years, including naquadah from the mines, and other useful or valuable items, so that he would not suspect we were building up to outright rebellion. It has bought us time, but by now we were nearly ready to move openly, and giving him our children for his strange taste in slaves is more than we will stand for. He has already taken far too many of us as it is."
Cromwell nodded. "Is anyone in the village armed?"
"There is a hidden cache of weapons, and everyone in Llanavon over the age of sixteen knows how to use them, but with children held hostage, no one will dare."
"Of course." Dammit, this has all the makings of a disaster. I can feel it.
Cadogan directed the party to continue on toward the stargate. "We may be able to gain control of the chappa'ai. It will be up to Celyn to find some way to deal with the hostage situation in Llanavon. Runners will have already been sent by another route to alert Bren Argoed; with luck and forewarning, they can take care of the other four Jaffa."
Cromwell looked at Tesni. "What is a 'chappa'ai'?"
"The word used by Tok'ra, Goa'uld and Jaffa for the drws rhyng y byd. It is not uncommon for the cadlywydd to use Sabar's words for such things."
"I see." Cromwell wished there were a foolproof way to deal with what they were up against. He wondered if the Jaffa had rounded up teens among the would-be slaves. The thought of any of the Pridani villagers – especially children – as slaves or hostages was bad enough, but imagining Ris or Tegwyn in that situation made it even worse.
Within the hour, the party reached the near vicinity of the stargate, tying their mounts well back in the forest. Cadogan sent scouts ahead; they reported ten Jaffa still guarding the compass circle and the gate. "Something is odd about all of this," the Pridani leader observed, speaking again to Nenniaw and Dynawd. Tesni and Cromwell stood just a few feet away, neither party to nor excluded from the conversation. "Under normal circumstances, we might almost have expected a vessel to be sent if Bel were planning to take large amounts of cargo, such as ore from the mine, but we do know he has lost ships recently, thanks to the efforts of our operatives."
Nenniaw nodded at this, something like a smile crossing his face momentarily. "Then the Gallaeci were successful?"
It was Sabar who replied, Cadogan's head bowing briefly before the harmonic voice was heard, this time sounding oddly quiet to Cromwell's ears. {"They were, at least to a limited extent. This has been a long, slow business of late, but waiting until we could relieve him of some of his resources was definitely best."} The Tok'ra looked from Nenniaw to Dynawd and back. {"My guess is that Bel will wish to step up mine production to compensate for the naquadah lost. He was not expected to move quite this soon, however. And as for the slave raid – "} He broke off, shaking his head. {"Regardless. We need control of the chappa'ai. For the moment, we appear to have the element of surprise. Let us not waste it."}