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Chapter 14: A race towards damnation

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Part 1

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25 October 1996

Colorado Springs

Colorado, United States

Earth

Milky Way Galaxy

After seeing a small part of the city through a window in the ground vehicle carrying her around, Lyda better understood what her Lord wanted to achieve. She already knew enough of this Earth to be aware that this was a relatively small city, one of the hundreds, if not thousands. That by itself was impressive. There were just a few civilizations in the galaxy outside the Goa'uld she was aware of that could boast anything like this. And the Goa'uld – they would have never allowed this many humans to live anywhere this free or enjoy even the primitive technologies she was seeing.

The Tok'ra knew why that was the case. Yet, she was finally beginning to fully understand why and how it held back the Goa'uld… and that perhaps the Tok'ra would do little to change this if they managed to bring down the System Lords. All the plans and efforts she knew of were meant to systematically weaken the current rulers of the galaxy and, one day, kill them. What would come next? There was precious little discussion on the matter.

Her Lord, on the other hand, had the power to honestly claim to be a God and, importantly, a vision for the future Lyda was here to help realize. Zena agreed wholeheartedly. How could her host not do so when she both beheld the divinity that was Perun and now had even more proof of what the Goa'uld denied to most people in the galaxy?

They finally arrived at their destination – a 'hotel' where the Tok'ra would live for the time being until she could purchase a suitable residence and establish the 'companies' that would be aiding in achieving Perun's vision. Lyda curiously observed the uniformed humans working at the place, who greeted her party with unexpected grace and deference, even if it was far from the bowing and scrapping she was familiar with from her earlier life. If it wasn't for the changes she experienced thanks to her Lord, the shock of everything around her would have been hard to hide.

The security and guide provided by her human allies ensured that everything went smoothly. Lyda experienced the novelty of seeing humans who appeared wealthy and powerful in a way that even the trusted Lot'taurs of the System Lords couldn't even dream of. She got to ride yet another elevator. However, this one felt smoother and even played fascinating, soothing music for those inside. Finally, the Tok'ra reached her home for the time being – it was a large suite on the top floor of the building.

Even if she wanted to, Lyda could find no fault in the place – it was richly and tastefully decorated, and the lack of gold was refreshing. The only potential issue was the primitive technology available; however, that simply couldn't be helped for the time being. Besides, Lyda was here to at least partially solve that issue the locals had.

The Tok'ra's estimate of her hosts rose up a notch when they produced a group of lawyers shortly after her party settled down and had her luggage stowed around the suite. Upon her arrival, it was clear that the humans expected that she would need days to acclimate and rest before going to work. Once she dissuaded them of that notion, it was a question of how fast they could get things done.

The arrival of six men and women, all wearing dark clothing of the cut a lot of the locals apparently preferred, was a good sign. To Lyda's experienced eye, both the needlework and materials used were high quality – something that, in most words, even the wealthiest of humans could seldom afford…. Or dare show themselves wearing if they could. More importantly, the group seemed sharp and professional. They were obviously very curious as well. How competent they were remained to be seen.

One Charles Grant – of the Grant, Franklin, and Trent law firm- was the lawyers' leader. He was a large, aging human whose hair was mostly gray.

"Lady Lyda, is it?" The man asked in a measured tone, in an odd accent to the Tok'ra's ears.

"That is correct, Mr. Grant? It is Mr. Grant, not Lord Grant?" Lyda inquired.

"Mr. Grant would be sufficient, my Lady," He opened a black leather case he came in with and retrieved a stack of folders. "First order of business, to be covered by the privileges and protections entailed as our client, you need to sign a standard retainer contract."

"Yes, my guide explained that much," Lyda nodded and picked up the offered leather-bound folder and the writing utensil the lawyer gave her.

She spent a bit of time slowly reading the content of the document. It appeared legit, though she could not really know how legally sound the thing was. Not that it mattered at the end of the day. Any meaningful treachery would be spiting at Perun's benevolence and dealt with accordingly. Lyda signed the document and gave the folder back.

"You have been briefed on my nature?" The Tok'ra asked.

"That is correct, Lady Lyda. It was quite the shock," Grant's lips twitched, eventually forming a small, friendly smile.

"Then let us be all clear on a few points," Lyda spoke with her true voice, showing her nature. Her eyes glowed, and she offered a smile of her own. "My Lord and Master is not interested in whatever legal or political games you Earthlings like to play. I am here for a task, which while beneficial to you all, will serve Lord Perun's purposes and vision. How did he put it? If you play a stupid game, you will win stupid prizes. If we are crossed, it won't be legal consequences you will have to worry about."

Lady Sonia, Lyda's guide, groaned from the position she had taken beside her on the soft couch.

"That complicates things, especially as long as secrecy is paramount," Grant pointed out. "We are bound by the laws of the land."

"My Lord is interested in dealing with Earth as a whole, not just your nation, Mr. Grant. Sooner rather than later, secrecy should not be an issue. However, I know such things must be handled with care. I am willing to play along for the time being as long as my purpose isn't infringed to an unacceptable level."

"I am glad to hear that, Lady Lyda," Sonia's voice's relief was evident.

"With these formalities out of the way, what can we do for you today, Lady Lyda?" Grant asked.

"I have been assured that your government is ready to fast-track the paperwork required for the research, development, and manufacturing companies we would like to establish as joint ventures here in your nation," Lyda raised an eyebrow.

"Depending on the precise nature of what you want to achieve in the short term and what we have to build upon later, that can be very useful. In certain cases, it can take months or longer to straighten out all needed permits depending on the type of business in question," Grant noted.

"First research and development. Ideally, I would like a singular entity to handle them for ease of administration. We will work on advanced materials, power generation, aerospace development, and high-energy physics. Military applications for your defense and to free our own industrial capacity for items you can build for us will be something to focus on."

"Ah, military research and development as well? In theory, doing so will complicate things if the government is willing to play ball and smooth things over…" Grant looked at Sonia.

"This is a matter not of just national but global security. I have been assured that as much red tape as possible will disappear when you get the ball rolling, Mr. Grant."

"That should speed things up significantly. I will need more details, my Lady."

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Part 2

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Varanasai

Perun's domain

Milky Way galaxy

Ahsoka took his time observing the changes brought by Perun's Priests. He spoke with friends, allies, rivals, and even Jaffa, whom he usually loathed to think about. It simply wouldn't do to act without considering everything and seeing the truth of Perun's efforts on their world.

It was unfortunate that Ahsoka's initial impressions didn't change. If anything, everything he saw and heard in person was confirmed by the tales of many Jaffa he trusted. There was no arguing the truth. Perun's new ways were cracking the foundation of life on Varanasai. It was becoming increasingly evident that their new Lord wanted to break the caste system that was the foundation of life as they knew it, of their power and influence.

That simply wouldn't do. Jaffa were warriors! Humans were not their equals! Farmers, common workers…. How could such people even compare to the warriors blessed by the gods themselves?! The new ways were unnatural and dangerous.

After reaching that conclusion and seeing the proof of his fears, Ahsoka had little choice but to reach out to his fellow Jaffa elders. That is how many of them ended up on the roof of Sanga's manor. At the same time, hundreds celebrated the marriage of the venerable Prime's youngest daughter. The celebrations were as grand as one had to expect from one of the most famous old warriors on the planet, who was the head of an ancient and stories martial dynasty.

The cheers, laughter, and music surrounded the elders, sipping cool teas. The wedding offered an innocent and understandable reason for them to gather and discuss their fighting days, or so most people thought. Well, they usually did that late at night while various celebrations began dying out.

Not tonight. Their focus was on the future, not the past.

Sanga's gnarled fingers idly moved through his white beard. He took a sip of tea, then his watery eyes focused, and he clucked his tongue.

"We are not here to celebrate, despite the occasion," Sanga's voice was still strong and stiff, even if his body showed his advanced age for all to see. "It pains me that my children and grandchildren would inherit a broken world if we do not act."

Murmurs of agreement sounded from around the well-polished table. The soft, cool wind brushed through the pavilion on the roof, a reminder of the changing seasons. Autumn was on the horizon. It would give the farmers more free time to listen to Perun's Priests. More and more of those people were changing, showing less and less of the proper deference the Jaffa deserved. Soon, too many of them would not know their place, which would be dangerous.

"Unfortunate things happen to those who go against traditions," Ahsoka murmured. "It is known."

Sanga slowly nodded his way. "There is an order to this world. We could no more become gods than a farmer could be a warrior. Those who forget the truth of Varanasai must remember it. It is known."

It was Ahsoka's turn to nod now. No one spoke of going against Perun's will. Such things were not done. Going against the gods ended in blood and tears. It was known.

Reminding the lower castes of their place, on the other hand?

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A night two weeks after the wedding of Sanga's youngest daughter, shadows glided towards one of the temples now under the aegis of Perun's Priests. Their compatriots have been observing the place for a long time, ensuring no single face would be seen loitering around for too long. They knew who and when they visited the temple. Late at night, no one was usually in the building, with Perun's Warrior Priests preferring to retire with his Jaffa in the nearby barracks.

That made this particular temple an excellent place to leave a message. Liberal application of various oils prepared the building to go up in flames. All that was needed then was a flame. A few tall candles put out of sight, enveloped by pieces of cloth halfway down, allowed the arsonists to slink away with time to spare before the first noticeable flames licked oil-soaked wood and more fabric.

By the time someone raised the alarm, the temple had already been an inferno, burning bright.

A few days later, the first lower caste human, a farmer, was confronted by a group of young Jaffa. It was late in the evening, and he was returning to his village after visiting a temple, where the new Priests saw something promising in him. No matter his dreams or aspirations, he was still a human, and they were Jaffa who trained for war their whole lives.

The youths walked away, leaving behind a broken and bleeding body.

The son of a relatively well-off human carpenter was the next human who suffered an unfortunate incident just before the carpenter's home mysteriously caught fire.

The incidents continued while Varanasai's Jaffa promised they were diligently investigating. Elders met, condemning the attacks as behavior not befitting true warriors. Yet, at the same time, they all agreed that this was what one could expect when the traditions keeping their society orderly were ignored. What could you expect of the people in the lower castes? They were in that position for a reason! Giving them ideas beyond their station would inevitably lead to violence, disorder, and problems, no matter what benefits there might be one day!

Perun's War Priests and Jaffa Primes stationed on the planet also met.

Mar'tok glowered at his assembled comrades.

"Lord Perun was right about this as well!" The Jaffa veteran growled. "Many of our brothers and sisters here refuse to follow our Lord's new path to greatness! We need to know how much of what is happening is caused by the Jaffa, who refuse to see the light and change, and how much is because our God's rivals are meddling! We need prisoners to interrogate."

"We will see to that, War Priest!" One of the Primes saluted with a fist, clapping his breastplate above the heart. "Just give us targets, and we will bring them intact enough!"

"We better speak with the people listening to us. They have lived here their whole lives. They must know both their fellow humans and the Jaffa overseeing the part of the planet they live on," Another Warrior Priest offered.

"We will do that. All of us will quietly speak to the faithful. They should be glad to help us before they suffer 'incidents' as well," Mar'tok spat the word. He was well aware that what was happening was at least in part a message from the local Elders, though they were being careful. Unfortunately, Lord Perun didn't have the time or number of true loyalists free at hand to deal with them just like they deserved.

That was just like their God foresaw. Bringing these new worlds into the fold properly would require a gentler touch and a lot of guile. Mar'tok was determined to do his best to live up to the trust Lord Perun put in him as the one responsible for the spiritual guidance of Varanasai.