Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed. Very grateful and much kudos to you all. A longer chapter where things come to ahead. Hope you enjoy and as always, reviews much appreciated.
Chapter 20
It was close to evening when they finally started to get ready. They had spent most of the day in the second room. He and Carter sat close to each other, sharing space and each other as much as was possible. When they had entered the room, their hands intertwined, Daniel had given them a look and then a smirk. Teal'c and Bra'tac as ever had not given any indication that anything was not as expected.
Jacob was surprised. Raised eyebrows and then he said, "Now? Really."
"Yes, dad. Now." Sam had replied. Had given her father a stare that Jack knew too well. Once that had him reconsider some of his own actions in the past. Jacob had gone quiet, focused inward and Jack knew that he was conversing with Selmak. Whatever had gone on, ended up with Jacob giving a short nod in acquiescence and then walking away.
Jack hadn't followed. Instead, he and Sam had sat down in a corner, separate from the others as much as they could while they rested. He had fallen asleep in the end, his head on Sam's lap. A posture so familiar that it was only after he woke, that he realised that it had been with Kebetchet that he'd done it. When he hadn't known himself. When he had given Kebetchet the image of Carter.
The reality of waking up, with the real Sam Carter's hand on his head was so much more than he imagined. For the first time in six months, he had slept dreamless. His nightmares contained by her in a way that he couldn't describe.
"Ok. Bra'tac is going back to the ha'tak. He's going to wait for us while Jacob and I make our way there. The rest of you are going to the ship. If things go according to plan, we'll need Teal'c to pick us up at the back entrance. There's a sizable open arena there that has enough space for him to land the cargo ship. Keep it cloaked and if we miss the window, you leave. Understood."
He put his best voice of authority in the words. Made sure he had eye contact with this team. He didn't want them there. Didn't want them anywhere close to Anubis. What he was about to do…he couldn't take the chance of being distracted.
Anubis will use them to make sure he'd comply. Give in. Jacob more than anyone, understood that.
Daniel looked like he was going to protest but Sam placed a hand on his arm. Brought him to a pause and he visibly held his tongue and gave a terse nod of compliance. Teal'c was a quiet presence and when he met his gaze, he knew that the Jaffa would make sure Sam and Daniel were safe before he'd come back for him. He didn't doubt it at all.
He waited for the others to exit the second room. It left him and Sam alone. He pulled her into a hug and she shuddered. Held her and her arms tightened around him. Gripped tight to his shirt.
"I promise." He iterated again. Sighed. "After tonight, it's over." His voice was soft. He pushed her gently so that he could look at her. She met his gaze. He saw determination and courage. Her fearlessness that had drawn him in that first day when he had met her. "Hey," He smiled at her. "Not planning on dying."
Sam returned his smile with one of her own. "I know."
He leaned down. Kissed her but it was a slow investigation of who she was. Her lips opened to him and their tongues teased. The desperation of earlier was gone, replaced by a surety that no words would do justice to. He took his time. Enjoyed this intimacy with her and they were both out of breath when they finally broke the kiss. He leaned his forehead on hers. Eyes closed as they breathed the same air and then with a sigh, he stepped away from her.
He took out the cube. Held it in his hand.
"Jack?"
"It's going to be okay." He said. Gave her a smile even while his own heart felt like it was beating at a mile a minute. A thump he was sure she could see and he took a deep breath. Focused on reigning in his fear. "It'll be fine." He whispered. Not sure if it was for his own encouragement or to prove to Sam that he wasn't afraid.
He breathed. Tightened his fist around the cube, closed his eyes and opened himself up completely. Allowed the ancient device to do what it had wanted to do all along.
"Hello Jack."
He was back at the lake. Always the lake. She was standing by the water's edge. Waiting for him.
"It is done." He said to her. Held out his hand and the cube was there. A shimmering, pulsating beat of light. She nodded. Reached for it and plucked it from his hand. He felt empty. Nothing more than a shell that was left of all that he had been. All that he was.
"She's beautiful." Kebechet said. Watched him with eyes that were wise.
"Yes. She is." He didn't quite know what to do now. Knew that he was nowhere. He wondered what Sam was thinking.
Chosen one…
The whispers were back. A sibilant hiss that seemed entirely too satisfied with his final surrender. Kebechet unpacked the cube. Pulling it apart and it formed in her hands. A shimmering doorway was opening before him. Much like the stargate itself. It hummed and he smelled ozone and then with a final slurp, it settled.
She stood in front of it. Majestic. He had no other words to describe what he was seeing. There was a peacefulness about her. A surety in what she was going to do. She turned to him. Smiled. Held out her hand to him and he took it.
They stepped through without another thought.
He woke up. He was in an extravagant room. Hazy translucent curtains hung from the ceiling. A doorway opened up to the outside, a big open space that smelled off early morning dew waved in. He heard the screech of a crane and the familiar slap of waves against the stairs that led down to the pool. He rolled over in the bed, warm and comfortable under the covers.
His arm closed over her. Pulled her close to his own body.
"Is it morning yet?"
Her voice was husky. She turned, lying on her stomach as she faced him. Dark lashes barely opened as she gave him a lazy smile.
"Early morning." He reached out to her. Watched a hand that wasn't his own, caress Kebetchet's hair. The silky feel of her strands flowed like butter through his fingers. He shifted, leaning onto one elbow, his own body stretched out lengthwise next to hers. He could feel the residual warmth of her body next to his.
"Too early, Amun." She stretched out and he changed position so that she could cuddle into his side. He laughed. Playfully bumped her nose with his finger. "There's a lot to be done still. The boats are not prepared as of yet. This is the first time that all the system lords are getting together."
She sighed. Pushed away from him and then moved to sit up. Pulling her legs close, she hugged herself as she leaned her head on her knees and looked down at him.
"We shouldn't be doing this." She finally said. "This is wrong."
He frowned. Sat up and turned, so he faced her full on. "Why? Stopping all this infighting. Stopping the wars between the system lords is a good thing, is it not. Your father has worked hard to get everyone to this point. Surely this outcome would be best for the galaxy."
"Maybe." Her features turned inwards. A look he had seen numerous times over the last few years. Kebetchet had changed. Was more inclined to mercy now. More inclined to be kind to those who served under her. Even the slaves revered her now. Told stories how she would bring water to those who needed it the most. That she was becoming the embodiment of who she represented.
Her father…Anubis was the opposite of his daughter. Amun gave a small shudder. He couldn't help it.
"Come on." He said, pushing the bedding to the side. Reached out an invitation and she took his hand as he pulled her up and out of bed. Held her close as they stood in the early morning rays coming through the doorway. He reached out, tucked her hair behind her ear. "It'll be fine. I promise." He said. He gently grabbed her chin, lifting her head and then he leaned down and kissed her. Lost himself in that sensation for a moment. To know that she was his and his alone.
She seemed to go with it and then she pulled away. Her hands on his chest as she leaned back.
"I've had another vision." She said simply.
His hands dropped from her. Hanging next to his sides as he watched her walk away. She picked up a tunic, slipping it on.
"The same?" He finally asked.
"Yes."
"Kebechet…"
She turned. Hugged herself. "No. Just don't…"
"These …Ancients. They are long gone. What does it matter?"
"It matters because my father aspires to be one of them." She finally blurted out. "He is forcing his way into a realm where he has no right."
"Fine. So, what if he does. Then you become the leader. Bring in the changes you want. No one can stop you then."
She shook her head. "He wants to start over."
He frowned. Uncertain of the meaning behind her words. She steps out of the doorway, to the pool and he makes his way to their cupboard. Grabbing a tunic for himself, he hurried out the doorway to find her already in the pool for her ritual morning cleanse. Dropping the tunic besides hers, he enters the pool as naked as she was. The water was cool against his skin and he looked up at the desert sky that was already a pale blue, promising more heat. They didn't say anything while they washed each other. The ritual calming against the storm of her revelation regarding her father's plans. He still didn't fully understand why she was so upset. If Anubis wanted to leave this plane for another, why not allow him. They would be better off without him in this realm.
Once they were done, they found two sheets left on a bench to dry themselves with. They sat down after they were dressed as personal slaves came in and drew the kohl around their eyes. His upper torso was oiled. Gold flecks in the oil reflected off the light, leading him to almost glow. They exited their room once his feet were nestled in leather sandals and everything set to satisfaction. Walked their way in procession to the main negotiation room. Anubis was already seated with the six other system lords. Amun inclined his head at Ba'al and Sokar. Ra was missing. Had clearly decided not to attend today's meeting.
Amun came to a standstill. Kebechet gave him a brief look and then stepped up so she stood at her father's right-hand side. Amun stepped away so that he was behind her, against the wall. Each of the system lords had a retainer. One of their own kind and not a human slave to bear witness to this day. All of them lining the wall of the room behind each master.
He stood with his feet wide. Arms casually folded in front of his body. Relaxed in every sense.
"I am pleased that you are able to join us for this event." Anubis smiled. Hands wide in a welcome, he looked ever the host. He was dangerous. Amun was well aware of what Anubis was capable of. Those who underestimate him, do so at their own peril. Many a system lord or aspiring upcoming goa'uld had met their death at the hands of the man before them. He briefly wondered why the system lords indulged him. Allowed him to host this or if it was another tactic.
Anubis raised a goblet of red wine and the others joined him. Glasses held high, he blessed the union of the new system lords and then taking a long sip, he sat down and the others followed.
"Lord Anubis, you've managed to amass an impressive army in a short amount of time. That is why we have agreed to this meeting." Ba'al stated calmly. Looking at the others, who all gave him a subtle nod while also trying to move slightly away from Ba'al. Amun managed not to snigger as he watched the manoeuvring of the others while at the same time showing their support.
"And yet Lord Ra is notably absent." Lord Yu stated. "Did you not invite him?"
Amun had to give it to the other man. A subtle question asked out of seeming curiosity but with the bite of a sand viper.
"My understanding is that there is an uprising on his home planet. The pheasants have decided that they did not need him as their lord anymore."
Lord Yu raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware…"
Anubis waved a hand. "A recent development. He sends his regrets but feels the need to quell this before it spreads outwards to other planets."
"Should we then not defer the meeting until such time he can join us?"
"Ah, but if we do it will allow time for Apophis to rise to the challenge."
"Let them fight it out." Sokar growled. "We will rule what is left once they're done."
"That may be but then it's going to be a long, drawn-out war with massive casualties." Anubis finally spoke up. "I'm sure that none of us want that."
"What do you propose?" Lord Yu asked calmly.
"There is a place…", Anubis said, "that is not mapped and has no stargate. I found some ancient artefacts there that might be of some use to us."
Amun saw that Anubis suddenly had everyone's attention. Especially Lord Yu's.
"You're not talking about Hades?" Sokar was half-risen. "That is forbidden. Not even Ra would dare…"
"Do you see Lord Ra here?" Anubis was clearly annoyed. He shifted on his seat and Kebetchet looked frozen. Amun saw her take a small step back before she seemed to remember herself. She resolutely straightened, her hand resting on her father's chair.
"Those that have gone before should not be trifled with." Sokar's voice was threatening. "They are powerful and we have no defence if they decide to interfere."
Anubis laughed. "They are cowards." He finally replied. "They have this rule about noninterference. We can do what we want. They won't stop us."
Lord Yu rose. Crossed his arms and with his chin out, stated with dignity, "I will not be party to this travesty. Whatever you have planned, Anubis, I want no part off." With that he turned, and walked away. Amun could clearly see the anger this action had provoked in Anubis. He was clearly not pleased when Sokar rose and followed Yu and then the others. Only Lord Ba'al remained. Brown eyes scrutinised Anubis with interest.
"You're staying?" Anubis asked the other.
Ba'al grinned. "Well, you know I'm always partial to new technologies, Anubis. Let me see what these trinkets are that you brought and we can then have a discussion on what would be beneficial for both of us."
Anubis seemed to consider Ba'al's offer. Was silent and then he pressed a hidden button on his chair. Small transport rings came down and Amun found that he was almost craning his head, to see what it was that was transported down. It was a small round table and on it was a black tablet, written in the language of the ancients, a small grey box, a black lacquered jewellery box and a white stone that seemed to glow with an inner light.
Ba'al rose and walked up to the table. Hands clasped behind his back; he circled the table while inspecting its contents with interest.
"May I?" Ba'al asked, reaching out a hand at Anubis' nod. He picked up the tablet. Turning it in his hands, he frowned at the foreign writing set out on it.
"Do you know what it says?" Ba'al asked.
"It's the pathway to ascension." Anubis said calmly. "A step-by-step guide on how to reach the higher plane where the Ancients reside."
Both eyebrows raised at this statement. Ba'al had a look of surprise mixed with respect that couldn't be mistaken.
"Seriously? And they just left this lying around?" Putting the tablet down, he reached for the white stone. Hefting it in his hand, his thumb caressed the smooth surface. "Why bother?" Ba'al finally asked.
Anubis had risen. Was standing next to Ba'al by the table. He reached out. Picked up the grey box. His fingers danced over the surface. Seemed to find buttons or indentations that weren't obvious.
"What is it that every system lord out there wants?" Anubis countered.
"Power."
Anubis smiled. "Exactly." He placed the grey box down. Lights blinked on it and then settled down and finally faded away. "Imagine you knew the future. Could anticipate every move made. Would that not make you the most powerful being?"
"There are stories…" Ba'al was contemplative. Looked towards Anubis as he put the white stone down. "You cannot ascend unless there is some good in you." Ba'al sneered around the word good. Clearly not impressed. "How do you plan on doing this when, well, when you're you."
Anubis picked up the white stone. A white glimmer inside seemed to strengthen. Pulsating softly.
"Oma." Anubis said cryptically.
"What is Oma?" Ba'al asked. He folded his arms across his chest. Anubis placed the white stone back on the pedestal.
"She is one of the ancients. I've been in talks with her. Been discussing my moral obligations and what it is I hope to achieve." He chuckled. "It's been …enlightening."
"The uprising?" Ba'al seemed to have gained sudden insight. "That was your doing."
Anubis shrugged. "Are you interested?"
Ba'al held his silence only for a short time and then he nodded. "The others might come onboard." He finally stated.
"Ba. No. They've shown clearly where their alliance lies."
"What's next?"
"Father…" Kebetchet seemed to have been forgotten. Anubis turned to his daughter with a raised eyebrow.
"You cannot be serious. This is taboo. In all the years that we have ruled this galaxy, we have always followed the precepts set out by those before us. The prophecy and warning were clear on what would happen if we chose to ignore them. You bring death to us all if you do this."
"Nothing more than tales to scare children at night." Anubis clearly wasn't impressed that Kebechet had dared to oppose him. She stepped up. Laid a hand on his arm. Imploring him.
"Father. Please. Don't do this. Nothing good will come of this. I will not be privy to it."
Amun saw the glare Anubis threw Kebechet's way. He took a step forward, unsure what he would do. Ba'al gave a very slight shake of his head, standing behind Anubis and Amun clenched his fists. Then deliberately released the tension in them.
"Then there is nothing further to discuss." Anubis reached out. The white stone in his hand and then he did something. Amun was never entirely sure what it was but the next instance a white light pulsed outward. Enveloped Kebechet, forming a latticework of light around her body. He reached for her but she was there and the next blink…she was gone.
He turned to Anubis. Anger and grief briefly gave him courage. He reached for Anubis when he felt agony slice into his back. He turned, his body and mind numb as his legs folded underneath him.
"Good riddance." He heard Anubis say and then his vision faded and darkness descended.
"Jack?"
He jolted. His eyes opened and he scrambled backwards, his hand going to the small of his back.
There was nothing there. No blood. No gaping holes. No smirking Ba'al with a knife dipped in his blood.
"What the hell." He finally managed to mutter. Blinked. Calmed his breathing. Kebechet didn't meet his searching gaze. Kept herself busy at a table. It looked similar to the one in the vision…he wasn't entirely sure what to call it. A little history lesson, it seems. The birth of Anubis and the death of his daughter. All rolled into one.
Some family relations really are screwed up, he thought. He looked around, rising from the floor. They were somewhere inside the ha'tak. He had no idea how they had gotten here from the room he'd been in with Sam. The room was dark. Barley lit by small light sconces set in the wall at regular intervals. It was medium sized. Definitely smaller than the throne room but bigger than any other room he'd seen on the ha'tak. Not that he'd been privy to it really. His exposure usually reserved to the throne room, his cell and smaller side rooms when hiding from Jaffa patrols. To one side of the room where Kebechet was currently, sat a circular table. The other wall was stacked with crates. Dark grey and light absorbing. He stepped up to the table.
"Ok, care to tell me what that was all about?"
She glanced up at him. Put down the small, jewellery box she had held in hands.
"I didn't know that was going to happen." She finally muttered. "I'm sorry…"
He reached for her. His own feelings still very much stuck with the Amun guy. Warring inside him and he couldn't pull them apart. She closed her eyes when his hand cupped her cheek. Leaned into his hand. Jack held it there for a moment and then reality sunk its claws in and he pulled back. Dropping his hand to his side.
"Well…now a whole lot of …stuff… makes more sense." He grimaced. "How did we get here?"
"The portal." Kebechet said. "The ancient device can be used as a mini stargate. Take you where you want to go."
"Oh." He shifted. Things were still murky. He was certain Carter would make sense of this. Maybe get excited but he found that he was tired. Just wanted this over with. He wanted to go home. Wanted pizza, a beer and the Simpsons. And if he was very very lucky, Carter would be there with him. Yup. He could go with that. Not that he'd thought about what's going to happen next beyond his immediate need to see Anubis not alive anymore.
"Anywhere?" He asked, finally cottoning on to what she was saying.
"In close proximity, Jack. Same planet, yes. Other planets, no."
"Oh." Darn it. Not that he had any idea how the whole thing worked. Kebechet was the one that had manipulated it inside his head. Or outside his head but somewhere else. It was getting confusing and he decided to just go with the flow of it. He knew his role. He could deal with it.
With a sound of triumph, she finally opened the jewellery box. Inside the box was lined with blue satin. Cliché if he ever saw it. There must be some hidden rule somewhere around these things. Just like you found gaudy gold in throne rooms. Of dumb henchman. Closed doors and looming bosses who liked their voices too much.
She took out the white stone that was nestled inside it. He frowned.
"Isn't that…"
She grimaced. "Yes."
"Will it work on Anubis?" He asked.
Determination stole over her. She reached out and picked up his hand. Turned it so that his palm was up and placed the stone on it. It was surprisingly warm to the touch. Not uncomfortably so but inside a small glow started. And then pulsed in a steady pattern.
"Jack." She brought his focus back on her. "You need to place this on his chest like so." She said, pulling his hand until it rested on her chest. He could feel her life beat beneath his fingers. The stone warm between them. A barrier that seemed impossible but at the same time, it felt like it wasn't there. He frowned.
"You need to activate it with your mind."
"What?" He took a step back. His hand with the stone moved away from her body and he turned the pulsating rock in his hand.
"This," she said as she closed his hand over the stone, "seeks truth. It will reveal all of who you are when you are ensnared in its web. There is no escape." He saw terror in her eyes. She looked away. "I saw myself when I was in its grip. It…" She sighed. "It showed me everything."
"Then how?" He wanted to get rid of the rock. Shake it off and walk away. Find a more conventional way to kill Anubis. A good bomb strategically placed would do the trick. Surely not even Anubis would be able to walk away from a great big ball of fire.
She gave him a wistful smile. "It takes you to another plane. Oma found me there. She saved me."
"What's to stop Oma from doing the same with Anubis?" He asked.
"The Others are not happy with what Anubis had done. They had sent him back as punishment and they're waiting for Oma to fix her mistake."
"Ah…so all of this is …politics." He grimaced. "Yeah, okay. I can see how that would work." He took the stone and pushed it into the pocket of his pants.
"Here." She said, indicating to him a spot on the floor. He remembered the transport rings. She opened a panel on the wall and rearranged the crystals before rushing over to where he stood. She was in place when the rings came down and when he looked around, they were in the side room he remembered from the vision or dream. He wasn't sure what to classify it as.
They stepped away and this time he knew where they were going. His own memories merging with those from the history lesson he'd been taken on. They were deep in the ha'tak now, away from the throne room in a part of the ship that he'd never actually seen or visited. But Amun had. And it was his memories that were guiding him now as much as Kebechet was. The same overwhelming feeling of protectiveness rolled over him and he found it difficult to separate his own feelings from that of Amun. He stepped closer to Kebechet, so that he walked right behind her at her right elbow. She glanced at him when he did this but didn't say anything more. Took his action for what it was.
They went down two more levels, successfully evading the few Jaffa that were still around. They finally came to a standstill in front of a closed door. Behind this door was Anubis' personal quarters. Jack wasn't sure if the half-ascended being even slept in his state. Maybe he read a lot like Daniel or tinkered with ancient devices like Carter. He shook his head at that thought. It wouldn't matter in the end. Kebechet pressed a code into the pad that stood to the side of the door against the wall richly decorated with hieroglyphics. Probably donating all of Anubis' wonderful conquests etc.
He really didn't care. His hand fumbled with his pocket where the stone was as the door slid open. Inside it was dark, which immediately raised the small hairs on the back of his neck. He reached out, snagged Kebechet before she entered and pulled her to the side. Glancing inside, he still wasn't happy. His stomach was churning and he had learned over the years not to discount the feeling.
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
The door started to slide closed when it stopped halfway. With an ominous groan, it slid open again. He was already moving away, pulling Kebechet with him when the familiar thread of Jaffa boots echoed down the corridor. He slipped into an alcove, flattened against the ornate wall covering. They moved past their position and he whispered into her ear. "Any other way in?"
She shook her head. He contemplated his options. There weren't many. They needed to do this. Get to Anubis but he wasn't suicidal. Wasn't about to go down in a blaze of glory at the expense of Anubis staying alive. He had made Sam a promise. He was damn well going to keep it. When the footsteps faded, they slipped out of the alcove and rapidly made their way down the corridor and into a side one that sat perpendicular to their position. Their steps echoed slightly back at them as they slid into the corridor. At the end they reached another T-section and they went right, moving away from Anubis' quarters.
"He's expecting us." He whispered to her. "It's a trap."
She nodded as they took another turn and then slid into another alcove when the familiar cadence of Jaffa boots vibrated down the corridor to them. When the Jaffa quartet had passed, they slipped into a side room. It was dark inside and the lightning came on when Kebechet pressed a button against the wall. It looked the same to Jack as all the other hieroglyphics but Amun inside him recognised the symbol for what it was. The duality inside him was making it hard to think. Hard to see how they were going to do this.
He just didn't want to wait another week or more. It would increase the chances of his team's capture. Of being right back to where this whole mess started, doing Anubis' will to save his team. He couldn't go through that again. Kebechet stood uncertain by the light switch – as he now called it – and he was just inside the room by the door still. He sighed. Took a good look around. There was a small cot against one side of the wall with a few personal items that sat neatly on shelves that were setup against one wall. A servant's quarters of personal slave. It didn't matter.
"Now what?" He asked.
"My father might have some knowledge of our intent but I do not think that he knows how we plan to do it."
"Perfect." He sat down on the cot. His headache was back. The bruises and cuts he had experienced during his fights at Marcus' arena was making itself known. He was regretting saying no to the healing that Jacob would have provided. It was unpleasant and not something he wasn't used to but not having to deal with the physical discomfort would've been helpful.
"All is not lost, Jack." Kebechet said as she moved closer. She hesitated and then sat down on the cot next to him. She took out the ancient device. It nestled in her hand. Looked unobtrusive and innocent in her palm. Somehow that small cube was responsible for his last six months. Was the reason why Anubis had focused on him. Suddenly his anger flared. He contained it with difficulty. Gritted his teeth and breathed through the feeling. It wasn't going to be helpful if he lost it here and now.
"This was one of the first ones my father found." Kebechet said softly. Closed her hand around the device. "He found it in old ruins on a world that had no stargate. It was well hidden and there was a tablet with it. It was written in the four languages of the original creators of the stargate. With it was a smaller tablet written in a very old style of goa'uld. My father wasn't the first one to have found it and whoever did, had felt it necessary to leave it in place with a warning." She paused. Seemed to gather her thoughts and then she continued. "He took it because the warning talked about what this could do. How this would allow anyone with the ancient gene, to manipulate it and open them up to be used as a host to those that have gone on to a higher plane. They had to be willing. It required absolute trust. Obviously my father was going to take what he wanted from you, Jack. He just needed you to be willing to open yourself to the device. After that, when you had opened Pandora's box, he could ascend and then return and take you when he wanted."
Jack nodded and then glanced at her sideways. Glad to see that her hand still remained closed over the cube. "What's the big deal with Pandora's box?" He finally asked.
"Did you not see what Merlin attempted?" Kebechet replied.
"He did something to it but it was all wrong." Jack said. "I knew the sequence. He wasn't doing it."
Kebechet gave a small sigh. He had seen that look on Carter multiple times when he had failed to follow her technical babble. Or when he had deliberately misconstrued what she had said.
"There are three ways to ascend. One way is to work your way to it, as the ancients have done or to help someone who has reached enlightenment to do it. Oma helped my father once he understood what was needed and it was only later that she realised her mistake. They can also ascend by reaching that point where their natural bodies have evolved to the point that they reach near ascension and the last method can be induced artificially. The ancients have left Pandora's box as a test. Those that are worthy will choose to let hope out. Will choose others above themselves. They would be worthy of ascension."
He gave a rueful chuckle. "So, the diner…"
"Yes, Jack. You have proven yourself. Oma gave you a choice. You could ascend or choose not to."
He grimaced. Oma had said death. But he had made her see that he had to go back. Even if it meant that he would never reach ascension. At this stage, he didn't care. As long as his team was safe. Alive. As long as they made it back home.
"The locked box prevented Anubis from following through with his plan."
He shrugged. "I still don't remember locking it." He said.
She chuckled. "My father wasn't happy when he found out that he couldn't use it. He had a big argument with Oma when he found out that she had split you in two. It meant that he couldn't force you. You had no memories that he could pull apart and the boy was protected."
"Yeah." He was quiet. That had not been a good day. He remembered it. He focused on his hands. Turn them this way and that. Fisted and opened it as he tried his best to suppress the whole unpleasantness of Anubis and the pain sticks. And when that hadn't worked…
He shuddered.
"I'm sorry." Kebechet curled a hand around his forearm. It was gentle. A grip of understanding and shared terror and pain with it. She had been there through it all. The lady at the lake, he had given her Carter's face and body without thought. It was only now that he realised that she had done what she could for him during that time. Had allowed him some reprieve from her father's attentions. A place he could rest and lay his head. A place where he could strengthen his resolve to not give in. He cleared his throat. Patted her hand and then leaned back on the cot. His back against the wall.
"Okay, Anubis can't ascend. And he can't use the ancient device again because you took his place. That about the gist of it?" He asked her. Watched as she took her hand away and then slid onto the cot, moving the pillow so she leaned against it and watching him.
She smiled. "Good summary."
"Any plans on how to get to dear old dad without being killed?" He asked casually.
"Mmmm." She closed her eyes. She looked relaxed. He had seen that look before. So, he left her to her thinking and closed his eyes. Vigilant in case the servant decided to make his way back to his room but also aware of the old adage. Rest when you can.
By his estimation more than an hour had passed before Kebechet stirred. She sat up and he opened his eyes.
"There is a way." She said, "It's not going to be easy, Jack."
"Hey, have you seen my life recently?" He gave her his famous Jack smirk. Winked at her when she saw his smile. "Besides, when is it ever easy?"
"Very well. It involves you giving yourself up. I will use this…" she said, indicating the cube, "…it's linked to you. When I activate it, it will bring me to you. It will be as if I'm stepping out of thin air. My father won't expect that. When he is distracted and the Jaffa focuses on me, you will have a moment to use the stone."
Oh, he could see so many things going wrong with that. Including the fact that he didn't think they'd allow him in Anubis' presence without searching him first. Kebechet seemed to anticipate him.
"It would be better if the stone stays with me." He took it out of his pocket, passing it to her and she got a mischievous look in her eye as she stood. "Any good at catching things, Jack?" She asked.
He grinned. "Always."
They made a few more variations on their plan. Jack felt motivated. His stomach had settled and he realised that his fear was the normal, pre-mission jitters but nothing like before. He felt they had a chance. That this could be successful if his luck held. That they had as much a chance now as good fortune could give him. He almost believed he saw Oma in the corner, giving him a nod of approval.
He left Kebechet in the bedroom and made his way out of the level.
He hid from the first Jaffa patrol that he encountered. Made his way almost all the way back to the throne room before he heard the next patrol. He went down on his knees in the middle of the corridor with his hands on his head and waited for them to arrive.
The surprise on He'rak's face was almost worth the new bruises he earned. After he was thoroughly searched, he was marched to the throne room and pushed back down on his knees before the chair. He didn't fight them. Had done this so many times before that it was as natural as breathing.
The hands on his shoulders dropped away at his compliance. Feet shuffled and then stood slightly behind him but with enough presence to interfere if he dared to try anything. Giving up like he did didn't seem to have been on the cards because He'rak had left shortly after he had been placed in the throne room. Jack was sure that the first prime had gone to inform his master that Jack had been caught. He waited patiently, aware that Kebechet would wait until she was certain her father was there, before activating the ancient device. He wasn't sure how she'd know, but he didn't doubt her.
It was an hour before he heard the familiar thread of Anubis' boots. He knew it by heart. His body clearly remembered and he swallowed his own terror down that it evoked. He subtly wiped his hands on his pants, but otherwise stayed quiet and compliant. He lifted his head and watched as Anubis came into view.
The half-ascended being was clearly not in a good mood. He held his hands behind his back, the cowl tilted slightly to the side as he came to a standstill. He was too far away and Jack needed him closer. Jack could see a face swirl into being and then disappear. It was disconcerting to say the least but he made the effort to keep his own face neutral.
"Welcome back, Jack." Anubis finally said. His voice echoed around the room. Seemed to come back at Jack in a more ominous tone. He shored up his courage. Reminded himself that this would soon end. That came what may, today, mark the end of Anubis.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Had nowhere else to go." He said simply in the end. He'rak was standing to the side, head down in supplication but he caught a look of pure hatred in the first prime's gaze when their eyes met.
"Where is your team?" Anubis asked casually. He still hasn't moved closer. Seemed content to stay where he was.
"They left."
Anubis seemed to consider his words. The cowl moved and a deeper swirl of blue, white and black churned inside it. Anubis unclasped his hands behind his back and turned to his first prime.
"Have you searched him?"
"Yes my lord."
"And…"
He'rak glared at Jack. "He had nothing on him, my lord."
Anubis indicated with his hand and a moment later, Jack found himself on the floor. He curled in as the pain stick continued; arms crossed over his chest. His own voice echoed back at him and he found he had tears in his eyes when the onslaught finally ended. He breathed through the pain. Eyes closed, he tuned everything out but Anubis.
Get closer, dammit.
"Where is the ancient device, Jack?"
He groaned. Slowly shifted until he half sat. "Which one?" He asked, just to spite the other.
He heard more than saw the Jaffa that had poked him, moving to stand closer.
"Have you found the ship?" Anubis was clearly not addressing him. He took the time to breathe. To focus on getting his muscles working again. He made small, subtle movements as he tested his range of motion.
"It is very well hidden, my lord." He'rak was almost whiny in his reply. Jack smirked and He'rak took a threatening step towards him. Anubis held up a hand and turned back to Jack.
"Jack?"
He grimaced. Glanced at the Jaffa who stood ready with the pain stick. "Do you think me stupid enough to ask them to tell me where it is so you can torture it out of me." He met Anubis full on, as much as it was possible with one that had no face. "I told them to leave. That I didn't need them to be used as leverage again."
Anubis let the silence stretch. Jack moved slowly, so that he was kneeling again. Tried to look as harmless as possible. His hands rested on his thighs, and he willed his body to not let his tension show.
"Why not leave with them?"
He took a deeper breath. Cleared his thoughts as much as he could. "I can't."
A face materialised out of the ether in Anubis' cowl. The fat lips were set in a smirk of satisfaction. Twin fires seemed to burn in the eye sockets. He took two steps closer to where Jack was kneeling.
That's it, you bastard. Come closer.
"Why?"
It was an innocuous question. So much hidden behind it. So much that could be said.
"I can't leave." He softened his voice to a whisper. Dropped his head down to his chest in utmost misery. "I tried and it wont let me."
Anubis took two steps closer. He was now less than four steps away. Achievable but not what Jack wanted. He clenched his fists. Waited patiently.
"Who has the ancient device, Jack?" Anubis asked, his voice soft and a false kindness attached to it. Jack had heard it a few times. Usually right before Anubis got really inventive with his torture. He shivered. Allowed his body to show his terror. He shook his head. Waited with bated breath and then it came.
Anubis closed the distance between them. Stood before him and his hand firmly settled on Jack's bowed head. Fingers curled around his hair and pulled his head back.
He had no idea how Kebechet had managed to time it. One moment they were alone, the next she was there. Standing right behind Anubis. He rose, his hand outstretched and he caught the stone in the same instant as the whine of staff weapons penetrated through his focus.
He heard the thud of the first one, as it met flesh while he slammed the stone over the chest area that Kebechet had indicated earlier. The stone was warm beneath his hand. Pulsated with light and as the next thud of an activated staff weapon came muted to his ear, he closed his eyes and willed the stone to life.