Complete
Part 2
Two weeks later
The sun was high overhead when Daniel and the rest of his work crew sat down and leaned against the wall they had been working on. He closed his eyes and savored the short respite for his sore and aching muscles. He was nudged by Cimon sitting next to him, and looked up to see two women bringing their lunch. He took the bread and dried fruit that was offered and began to eat. A young boy followed the women with a bucket and ladle, offering them water. He was surprised they were being treated as well as they were—he hadn't expected to get a mid-day meal. Something had made them desperate for a work force, and they weren't taking any chances on losing it. However, two weeks of nothing but hard work and a diet of bread, dried fruit, an occasional piece of meat, and water had him losing weight and building muscle. He inwardly chuckled at the thought that some people would pay money for that combination. Some spa this was—a Goa'uld spa. They even got the mud treatments. Jack would appreciate the humor in that. Thoughts of Jack sobered his mood. Where were his friends now? Back at the SGC? Out scouring the galaxy for him? They must be having trouble finding me or they would have been here by now. They would find him, he'd just have to be patient. In the meantime, he'd been doing his homework. For the past two weeks they had been working on repairing weak spots in the outer wall. After the first week they had figured out how to weaken the mortar mixture they were using, leaving several spots that could be easily broken through if and when it became necessary. He had also taken note of the small number of Jaffa visible in the city. For some reason they were short-handed. The work crews were only supervised by two, and occasionally three, Jaffa at a time. Daniel knew that, given the right circumstances, they would be able to overpower their captors. He and the other men had discussed this at night in their sleeping room, and had tried to pass the information along to other crews when possible. Cimon was a natural leader and had been instrumental in spreading the word to the others.
Usually Val'nor supervised his group, which was fine with Daniel. He didn't allow anyone to slack off, but he wasn't unreasonably harsh, either. And, he allowed Daniel to translate for the group. This wasn't the case the few times Mal'rac—the head Jaffa's name, Daniel had learned—was in charge. The man took pleasure in tormenting the workers, and, when Daniel had tried to translate, he was rewarded with a blow to the head from the end of a staff weapon. He disliked all of the workers, but Daniel in particular. The feeling was mutual. His brief rest came to an end as the Jaffa ordered them back to work. He and Cimon joined the others and returned to their work repairing a wall. A short time later another small group of slaves approached their area, led by Mal'rac. Daniel hadn't seen these men before and wondered if they were new to the planet. He watched as they were led to a nearby area of broken stones. Mal'rac instructed them to start sorting the broken pieces into piles according to the type of stone. One man spoke up and Daniel recognized the language as Hindi. The man was saying that he didn't understand, but Mal'rac continued to give his orders with increasing anger. Daniel straightened from his work position and took a step forward.
"He doesn't understand you," he said in Goa'uld.
Val'nor quickly stepped forward and leveled his staff weapon to block Daniel's path.
"Do not speak."
Daniel looked at him imploringly and then back to the scene playing out in front of him. Mal'rac was pointing to the broken stones and insisting the men start sorting them. The slave finally shouted, "I don't understand!" which sent Mal'rac's fury over the edge. He pulled a whip from his belt and let it unroll. He pulled his arm back and, in a quick motion, snapped it in the air. The man cowered and covered his head with his arms. Daniel took another step forward, but Val'nor's staff weapon stopped him.
"Do not interfere—go back to work."
Daniel's own anger began to rise. The man was going to be whipped simply because he didn't understand? The lash came down across the man's shoulders, leaving a long, red stripe. He cried out in pain. Daniel clenched and unclenched his fists, his fury at the callousness of men like Mal'rac overwhelming him.
As Mal'rac lifted his hand for another blow, Daniel surged forward, grabbing the staff weapon and pushing it back at Val'nor, causing the Jaffa to stumble. As he went down, Daniel rushed the short distance to Mal'rac's side and grabbed the arm poised to strike.
"Stop—he doesn't understand you!"
The shock on the Jaffa's face was quickly replaced by anger.
"How dare you interfere! Seize him!"
Two Jaffa stepped forward and grabbed Daniel by the arms. He was aware of zats being primed, but spoke anyway.
"Listen to me! I can translate for..." He was cut off by a backhand across his face that sent him staggering, even in the Jaffas' grip.
"Silence!"
It was easy to comply since his jaw was too sore to move. He looked blurrily back at Mal'rac, seeing the hate in his eyes.
"This slave would interfere with the punishment of another," he spat, turning to address all those present.
"Therefore, he shall not only be punished for interfering, he shall also take the punishment of the other slave."
God, what have I done? These people won't listen to reason! But he knew he could not have stood by and watched the man beaten without trying to help.
"Jaffa, kree!"
The two Jaffa tightened their grip on his arms and pulled him past the new slaves to the center of the small plaza they were working in. He could have dug his heels in and resisted, but he knew it would have been a waste of time and energy. Surviving until his team arrived was paramount. He hoped he hadn't just shortened his chances.
The center of the plaza contained two tall, ornate posts with a chain hanging from each one. One Jaffa pulled a metal cuff from his belt and fastened it to Daniel's left wrist, then shoved him until he was standing between the poles. As Jack would say, crap! His arm was then pulled above his head and the chain was fastened to it. The same was done to his right wrist so that he was now standing with both arms raised and outstretched.
Time slowed down. It was absolutely still in the plaza except for a slight breeze ruffling his hair and stirring the dust. Daniel found himself holding his breath in anticipation. He let it out slowly and tried to relax his tense muscles. The silence was broken by Mal'rac.
"This slave will take five lashes for his own punishment and five more for the other slave's punishment."
Ten? Daniel didn't know if he could survive that. And he knew Mal'rac wouldn't hold anything back. He tried to brace himself for what was to come. Facing the opposite side of the plaza, he couldn't see Cimon or the other workers, so he closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on Jack, Sam, and Teal'c. He drew strength thinking of them out there working on a way to find him. All he had to do was hang in there—how ironic was that? His team would get him through this.
And then the first blow landed and all coherent thought left him.
Colonel Jack O'Neill was not a happy camper. He barely noticed the wide berth the base personnel were giving him as he stormed through the halls of the SGC. Two weeks! It had been two weeks since the fiasco on P2R-171 and they were no closer to finding Daniel than they had been on day one. All messages requesting assistance from the Asgard and Tok'ra had gone unanswered. To top it off, Carter had hit a roadblock in her work on the DHD crystals and Teal'c had been unsuccessful in finding any Jaffa with information that could help them. Two weeks! Anything could have happened to Daniel in that time. Is he safe? Is he still waiting for us to come after him? Of course he is. Jack knew he wouldn't give up, but thoughts of what might be happening to his friend were eating at him. It's my fault he's missing and in the hands of some snakehead—and we don't even know which one! I shouldn't have left him alone. Jack had been having this same conversation with himself for two weeks and all it had gotten him was less sleep and more crabbiness.
He was snapped out of his self-recrimination by the sound of klaxons blaring and the announcement of "offworld activation." He raced down the hall and took the stairs to the control room two at a time.
"Whatcha got, Walter?"
"Waiting for the IDC, sir." A beat later he said, "It's the Asgard, sir. They're sending a message."
Thor's voice came over the speakers. "Greetings. This is Supreme Commander Thor of the Asgard."
Yes! Finally! Jack was hoping their luck had just changed.
"Thor, buddy. What's new?"
"Greetings, O'Neill. I apologize for the delay in answering your communication. All of our efforts at the moment are focused on our fight with the replicators. I regret that we have no information regarding the location of Dr. Jackson. I also regret that we cannot spare any of our people to assist Major Carter in her work on the crystals. In the event our situation improves, we will contact you again and offer what assistance we are able. Good luck in your efforts to locate Dr. Jackson."
Jack felt as though he'd been punched in the stomach. No help would be coming.
"Thanks. Good luck to you, too," he said with a sigh.
And with that, the exchange ended and the wormhole disengaged. The control room technicians silently watched as Jack closed his eyes and bowed his head, waiting as though they expected him to explode on the spot. Instead, he opened his eyes and looked at Sgt. Harriman. In a tight voice he said, "Inform Gen. Hammond of Thor's message, Sergeant."
"Yes, sir," he replied, then quietly added, "I'm sorry, sir."
Jack pursed his lips, a nod of his head his only response as he left the control room.
Teal'c opened his eyes to the soft glow of candles as he sat cross-legged in his quarters. It still disturbed him that he could no longer kel'no'reem, even though he had found similar rejuvenation in meditation. It had only been a short time ago that he had shared this room with Daniel Jackson, attempting to center himself in this manner. Then he was trying to come to terms with the loss of the strength his symbiote had provided. Now he was trying to come to terms with the loss of his friend. His attempts had been unsuccessful as thoughts of his failure to protect his friend continued to distract him. As did thoughts of his failure to locate him now. I should have known that the fact that the Goa'uld had not been present on the planet for many years was no reason to assume we were safe there. I should have sensed trouble sooner. I should have been quicker in tracking Daniel Jackson. What is the Tau'ri expression? Hindsight is 20/20? He knew he must now focus on finding a way to get Daniel Jackson back. He had hoped Master Bra'tac and the free Jaffa would be able to help, but so far they had not. He wondered how much effort they had put into this endeavor. Do they not realize how important Daniel Jackson is in the fight against the Goa'uld? His anger began to rise, but he quickly tempered it as he found he could not fault them for focusing on their own struggle for freedom. He knew they would contact him if they came across anything that would aid the search for Daniel Jackson.
Teal'c's concern now shifted to his friends and teammates. O'Neill and Major Carter were both dealing with the loss of Daniel Jackson in their own ways. And, in Teal'c's opinion, their methods were as ineffective as his. Rising from his position on the floor, Teal'c decided to go in search of his friends, focusing his efforts on helping the two teammates that were still within his power to aid.
Sweat poured down his face as he continued to pound the bag with both hands. His arms were becoming tired—how long had he been at it? But the pain was a distraction, so he kept at it. He knew this wasn't helping them find Daniel, but it gave him some measure of release to picture the bag as every Goa'uld they had encountered. Practice for when we find the real thing—the one who has Daniel. Ack! Don't go there—just focus on the bag, focus on the pain.
He was so focused he didn't hear Teal'c until he spoke. "O'Neill."
It startled him enough that his fist missed the bag and he staggered a bit.
"T! Give a guy some warning, will ya?"
"That is what I was attempting to do."
"Well, it didn't work."
"Indeed."
O'Neill gave him a sideways glance and moved to the bench to pick up his towel. He sat down and leaned back against the wall, wiping his face with the towel.
"What brings you here, T?"
"I was searching for you, O'Neill."
"Well, congratulations, you found me. You can check that off your list."
"I do not have a list. I came to get you so that together we might go to Major Carter's lab and ask her to join us for a meal."
"Not hungry. Besides, I don't think it would be a good idea to interrupt Carter right now. She's not having much luck with the crystals and I really don't want to be the one she takes out her frustration on."
"That is precisely why we need to persuade her to join us. Our attempts to deal with the disappearance of Daniel Jackson separately have been unsuccessful. I believe it is time for us to .....regroup. We will be much more effective in searching for a solution if we work together as a team. That is where our strength lies."
O'Neill twisted the towel between his hands and released it. He knew Teal'c was right. Each of them struggling with the problem on their own was getting them nowhere. It was time for them to pull together and come up with a new plan. He had no idea what that plan would be or how eating together in the commissary would help, but he looked up at Teal'c and said, "You're right, T. Time for a new plan. I'm just not sure how blue jello is going to help."
Half an hour later found the three teammates sitting at a commissary table eating lunch. Sam knew the Colonel was a little surprised at how easily she had capitulated. She had been reluctant at first, but the combination of Teal'c's "togetherness" speech and the lure of blue jello had won her over. She was actually glad to get away from the lab for awhile and was enjoying the company of her teammates.
Their small talk had dwindled down and they were left picking at the remains of their meal.
Teal'c broke the silence. "Major Carter, our individual efforts to find Daniel Jackson have been unsuccessful. I believe it is time we worked together to find a solution."
"Teal'c's right, Carter. It's time for us to do a little brainstorming."
Teal'c arched his eyebrow and looked quizzically at O'Neill.
"Hey, it's a word!"
"I am unfamiliar with this term."
"It means to 'put our heads together to come up with an idea.' You know, get the ole brain schnapps firing."
Sam choked on the diet Coke she had just sipped.
Teal'c continued to raise his eyebrow. "Is this not an alcoholic beverage?"
Her coughing fit ended and she brushed a tear from her eye. "I think the colonel means 'synapses', Teal'c."
Seeing he still required more explanation, she continued. "Synapses transmit information along the nerves. Certain messages follow specific paths in the...", her voice trailed off, her eyes widening.
O'Neill watched her as a second of silence ticked by. "Carter?" Oh, yeah. He could see the light bulb had come on. "Carter! Care to share?"
"Oh! Yes, sir. It's... I just realized we've probably been looking at this from the wrong angle." Her excitement was evident as she began explaining. "It was what you said, sir, about the schnapps, . .er . .synapses firing. It's given me an idea on a different way to approach the recording of the gate symbols. If we..."
"Ah!," he interjected, raising a finger to halt her flow of words. "It's okay. I'm sure it's a great idea, so go—calculate, experiment—and keep us posted."
"Actually, it was your great idea, sir. Thanks for your help," she said as she rose from the table and headed for her lab.
O'Neill stared after her, mouth agape. His idea?
With a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, Teal'c turned to him. "As I stated, O'Neill, we are stronger when we work together."
Turning his surprised look back to Teal'c, all he could say was, "Indeed."
He was on fire. It erupted in his back and flowed like lava through every nerve in his body. He tried to arch away from it, but was held fast by the chains attached to his wrists. That was just the first one! he thought as his brain began to function again. He held in the gasp that tried to escape his lips, not wanting to give Mal'rac the satisfaction of hearing him scream, and needing to be strong for the others who were being forced to watch the cruelty playing out before them. But there were nine more strokes to go and he didn't know how long his resolve would last.
The second strike landed, snaking its way across his back, releasing its venom to join the fire already burning there. His heart was racing, pumping the fire and venom all the way to his fingers, his toes, weakening him. A low moan was the only sound he let out. He was losing the ability to think clearly again.
The third blow fanned the flames and sent them racing through his body again. A grunt of pain forced its way out. He jerked forward again, and once again was brought up short by the chains; the pain it caused his wrists was overshadowed by the fire burning in the rest of his body.
After the fourth, his arms and legs began to quiver, forcing him to focus his remaining strength on staying upright. His grunt of pain was longer and louder this time. How many? He was losing track of the number of lashes.
Number five pushed him over the edge. Unable to hold it in any longer, a ragged scream tore from his throat, echoing through the small plaza. His legs buckled beneath him, leaving him hanging by his arms. Sweat rolled down his face, his shoulders, his back, mixing with the blood seeping from the lash marks. Focus. He needed to find something to focus on the get him through this. His team. Images of his friends floated through his hazy brain. Will I ever see them again? Jack. 'Don't give up on me, Daniel. Don't you dare give up!' Sam. 'Hang in there, Daniel, we'll find you. I don't want to lose you again.' Teal'c. 'Remain strong, Daniel Jackson. Do not lose faith.' He knew they were doing everything they could to find him. And he knew they were counting on him to survive and return to them. His resolve began to harden again, mixed with a rising anger. I didn't give up ascension so I could be a slave to a parasite who thinks it's a god. Using his flagging strength, he managed to get his feet under him and stand, albeit shakily, once again.
He swayed slightly as he tried to remain on his feet. A sound penetrated the haze surrounding him and he realized someone was speaking. It was Val'nor and Mal'rac.
". . . not interfere. It is not your place to question my decisions."
"But my lord, I believe his skills may be of use to us. He may not survive the rest of the punishment, and we would be wasting those skills."
"Silence! The sentence will be carried out in full. If the slave survives, you may question him then."
Was Val'nor trying to help him? It didn't sound like he was having much success.
Mal'rac addressed the crowd. "The slave has received his punishment. He will now receive the other slave's punishment—five lashes."
Daniel took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind of everything but the faces of his friends. Survive. Don't give up.
Lash number six reignited the fire and sent another scream echoing through the plaza. He swayed again, but kept his feet under him.
Jack. Sam. Teal'c.
He stood shakily, waiting for the next blow.
It never came. A new voice interrupted the proceedings.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Mal'rac responded, "My lord, Kresh'nar, this slave tried to interfere with another slave's punishment. He is receiving his punishment along with the other slave's punishment."
"What are these punishments?"
"Five lashes each, my lord."
Mal'rac's calling him 'My Lord'. He must be the First Prime.
"Very well, but take care that you do not become overzealous in administering the sentence. We do not want to lose a worker unnecessarily."
"My lord, may I be permitted to speak?" It was Val'nor again.
"Speak! What do you wish to tell me?"
"My lord, I believe this slave has valuable skills that we cannot afford to lose."
"What skills do you refer to?"
"He has the ability to speak many languages, my lord. I have heard him speak at least four. He understands the different groups of slaves we have recently acquired."
"Is this true, Mal'rac?"
"My lord, he is but a common slave. What language he speaks is unimportant."
"I will decide what is important. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Is it true he speaks many languages?"
"I do not know, my lord. Val'nor is the one most often supervising this group."
"Val'nor, what else do you know of this slave?"
"My lord, he appears quite intelligent. I have heard him speak Goa'uld, the languages of both groups of slaves here, plus one other I do not know. He is being punished because he offered to translate Mal'rac's orders to this new group of slaves. He could be a valuable asset to our god, but I am afraid if his punishment is too severe he will not live to be of service."
There was silence following Val'nor's plea. It was obvious Kresh'nar was considering the information Val'nor had given him.
Daniel used the respite to try and regain his strength and clear his mind. He knew Val'nor was trying to help him. What did he think they would do with him? Right now, Daniel didn't care as long as the beating stopped. For the moment he was still standing, but he could feel his legs weakening again and his vision beginning to grey. The afternoon sun was also taking its toll on his already abused body. Sweat was running into his eyes, dripping off his bowed head, evaporating as it hit the scorched ground. He tried not to succumb to the haze enveloping him. He had to stay conscious long enough to hear Kresh'nar's decision.
"You are right, Val'nor. This slave may be of service to our god. I decree his punishment over."
"But, my lord..." interrupted Mal'rac.
"Silence! Do not challenge me," Kresh'nar commanded. Turning to Val'nor he said, "Take the slave and heal his wounds. Inform me when he is recovered and he will be presented to our god."
"Yes, my lord."
Daniel felt hands holding his arms, heard the chains being released. As he was lowered to the ground, he felt relief wash over him, quickly followed by blackness that took everything away.
2 Days Later
Awareness gradually began to return and Daniel realized he was lying on something soft. He was hot, but something cool was being wiped gently across his cheek, his neck, and down his arm. Soft hands brushed the hair away from his face.
Where was he? He struggled to remember, but his brain felt fuzzy. The hands continued to gently stroke his hair and the cool cloth again wiped at his cheek. I must be sick. Sha're was always after him about staying out in the sun too long, but he knew better than to let himself get dehydrated. Maybe I should ask her...
"Sha're?"
The hands suddenly stopped and he heard a small gasp come from their owner. He had startled her. Was something wrong?
"Sha're?"
He tried to lift his head and twist his body to look at her. Agony flared through his back and he let out a strangled moan, dropping his head back to rest on the cool sheets.
The hands were back, wiping his face with the cloth again as a voice tried to sooth him.
"Shh. Lie still and rest."
"Wh... what..." he tried to ask what had happened but the pain was making it hard to focus on saying the right words.
The owner of the voice — Sha're's voice?—seemed to understand. "You were injured and you have a fever. Just rest so your body can heal."
Rest. He could do that. The gentle strokes through his hair and the cool cloth against his hot skin lulled him back to sleep.
The next time he woke he found he was still lying on his stomach on the bed. His mind felt a little clearer. The last thing he remembered was Sha're running her fingers through his hair and telling him to go to sleep. He opened his eyes, expecting to see the inside of their small home on Abydos. Instead, he saw plain, unadorned walls with a small, high window. There was a table against one wall, holding a basin and some cloths, and a small stool. The only other piece of furniture was the bed he was lying on. He was alone in the room. Where is Sha're? He shifted in an attempt to get up and pain flared across his back. It was as though the shock of it cleared the rest of the fog from his mind, and he suddenly remembered what had happened to him. There was no Sha're, and the pang of that loss hit him again, not lessened by the passage of time. He wasn't on Abydos. He was on a planet far from home and he was a slave. A slave who had been whipped for daring to cross a sadistic Jaffa. But someone had sat with him, wiped his face with a cool cloth and talked soothingly to him. He decided to get up and look for them. He carefully moved his arms under his body to try and push himself up, hopefully with minimal pain. Except that one of his arms was brought up short before he could get it under him. It was then he saw that the metal band on his wrist was attached to the wall by a chain. Evidently, they weren't taking any chances on his recuperating enough to escape. With a sigh, he moved back into the position he had been in on his stomach, the pain in his back easing slightly as he relaxed his muscles. Looks like I'm not going anywhere.
He heard light footsteps approach and pause at the doorway. He lifted his head to see a young woman staring back at him. Her long, dark hair and brown eyes were enough to make his heart overrule his brain once again, and he thought of Sha're. He knew it didn't matter how much time passed, his heart would always search for her. The young woman spoke as she stepped up to his bed.
"You are awake." He realized she was speaking ancient Egyptian. Sha're's language.
"Yes. Where am I?"
"You are in the servants' quarters of the palace."
"Are you the one who has been taking care of me?"
"Yes. My name is Makare."
"Thank you, Makare. I'm Daniel. Daniel Jackson."
Her eyes widened and she gasped, "It is true!"
It was then he noticed Val'nor standing in the doorway. He knew he probably shouldn't, but Daniel trusted the Jaffa. He had gotten him out of Mal'rac's hands. Val'nor moved into the room and then spoke, "Are you sure, Makare? We must be very careful."
She turned her gaze from Daniel to Val'nor. "I am sure. His name is Danyel. In his fever he called for Sha're. And his eyes," she said, shifting her gaze back to Daniel again, "are the color of the sky."
"What are you talking about, Makare?" Daniel asked.
It was Val'nor who answered. "When you were captured I was curious about you because of the color of your eyes, and because you spoke Goa'uld. Then I heard you speaking other languages and I began to believe you were Sha're's Daniel."
"Sha're's Daniel? What do you know of Sha're?" Daniel was confused. Why would this Jaffa know or be interested in Sha're? And how does he know about me? He tried to sit up once again, but was stopped by the chain and the pain in his back.
"Please lie still, Danyel. You are not yet healed, "Makare said.
"I am sorry about the chain, Daniel," Val'nor said, "but I am not allowed to leave you free."
Daniel gritted his teeth against the pain and lifted his head again. "Please. Tell me how you know about Sha're."
He saw a look pass between Makare and Val'nor. Val'nor gave a slight bow of his head and Makare turned her attention back to Daniel. She seemed to be gathering her thoughts, then she took a deep breath and began. "I was a servant in the palace of Apophis. Amaunet was my mistress."
Daniel couldn't believe what he was hearing. This woman had been with Sha're after she was taken. But how did she know about Sha're or about Daniel? Amaunet would have been in control, and she wouldn't have allowed Sha're to speak. He had so many questions.
Makare seemed to know what was going through his mind. She sat down beside the bed and placed her hand on his arm.
"I know you have many questions, Danyel, and I will try to answer them. When Sha're was brought to the palace, Amaunet was in control. However, not long after she arrived she became ill. It was then that Sha're was able to gain control and speak." Makare paused and wrapped both of her hands around Daniel's free one. "The reason Sha're was able to take control is because she was with child."
His brain slowly processed the information and when the realization of what it meant finally hit him, it was as though someone had taken hold of his heart and squeezed.
"Wh....what!?" He jerked upwards, ignoring the pain in his back and the metal of the cuff biting into his skin as he pulled it taut.
Val'nor put his hand on Daniel's shoulder and held him still. "Wait, Daniel. Let me unlock the chain." He proceeded to release the chain from the wall, but then moved it to his other wrist where he attached it with another cuff. "No one must see you unrestrained." He kept his hand on Daniel's shoulder, allowing him to sit up, but preventing him from moving off the bed.
Daniel looked imploringly at Makare. "Are you saying... are you saying it was my child?" his voice coming out almost in a whisper.
"Yes, Danyel."
His mouth had gone dry and his throat was tight, but he quietly asked, "What happened to the child?" He was almost afraid to hear the answer.
Makare now took both of Daniel's hands in hers as they sat face to face.
"When Apophis first discovered Sha're was pregnant, he was angry. He wanted to kill the child." She could feel him tense at the words, but he didn't interrupt her. "But then he decided to let the child be born, hoping it would be a future host for himself or Amaunet."
"Did she...?"
"Yes, she gave birth to a girl, Danyel."
He couldn't believe what she was telling him. Sha're had given birth to a child—their child. A girl. He had a daughter. Memories assailed him. Memories of lying on a blanket with Sha're, looking up at the stars, making plans for their future. Making plans for the family they would have. Plans for growing old together and watching their children and grandchildren grow up.
Plans that would never happen now. But there was one thing he still needed to know: what had happened to their daughter.
Makare was waiting for Daniel to come to terms with the shock of her news. She watched as he took a deep breath and looked into her eyes again. "Please tell me the rest, Makare."
"After the child was born, Apophis decided that he wanted a male child that could become his next host. He had obtained the knowledge of how to make the child grow faster in the womb, so that Sha're would only carry his child for several months."
So that's how she could already be pregnant with Apophis' child when I found her on Abydos.
Makare continued, "I was gone before she had the second child, so I cannot tell you what happened."
But Daniel could. He remembered every detail of being with Sha're while she gave birth to her son. Apophis' son. Every detail of the plea she sent through the hand device for Daniel to find the boy. Every detail of finding the boy and giving him over to the care of Oma Desala. Those memories were crystal clear. He still needed to know what had happened to his daughter. Daughter. The word still felt strange to him.
Makare's story continued. "Apophis told Sha're he was giving the child to another System Lord. He wanted her focused only on the new child he wanted to create. Amaunet was in control then and accepted Apophis' decision."
God, Sha're must have been dying inside. The child she wanted—we wanted—being taken away from her so she could have that parasite's child. Guilt for his failure to keep her fromthat fate weighed on his soul.
"I was chosen to go with the child to care for her. Val'nor was sent by Thoth to escort us here. I have looked after her ever since."
He had been sitting with his head down during the last part of her story, but jerked his head up at the last revelation.
"She... she's here?"
"Yes, she is with the others waiting for their time of joining. They are sent here to learn because Thoth is wise and keeps recorded here knowledge obtained from across the galaxy."
Val'nor spoke up, "For many years, Thoth has had an agreement with the other System Lords to teach their children and prepare them for joining, and in return the System Lords leave him in peace."
Daniel's head was beginning to throb. All he could think of was the fact that his daughter was here, on the same planet, in the same building, and he had to see her. Without regard for the pain in his head and back, he got to his feet, swaying slightly. "Please, I have to see her," he pleaded.
Val'nor put his hands on Daniel's shoulders and gently pushed him back down to sit on the bed. "You cannot simply walk through the palace, Daniel, even if you are with me. Many things have changed since your daughter was brought here. You must hear what I have to tell you. It may yet be possible for you to be with her." What else did he need to know? She was here and he needed to be with her. He scrubbed a hand over his face, jangling the chain. He was so tired and he knew he wasn't thinking straight. Val'nor said there was more he needed to know. And Jack would tell him to gather as much intel as possible. Val'nor had given him hope—Hope that there would be a way for him to be with his daughter.
"I'm sorry, Val'nor . You're right. Please tell me what I need to know."
"First you need to eat and rest, Danyel," Makare interjected. "You will be no good to yourself or your daughter unless you recover your strength."
"I will, Makare. But please, let Val'nor talk to me while I'm eating."
"Very well. I will go and get something for you to eat."
After Makare left the room, Val'nor began again. "Some time after sending the child here, Apophis came with his legions in ships. He said he needed more Jaffa to fight for him because he had lost many in battle. He threatened Thoth, even though he was breaking their long-standing agreement. Thoth's armies were no match for Apophis', so he gave in to his demands, handing over a large number of his Jaffa. Apophis also ordered the monument in the main plaza be erected so the other System Lords would know he was claiming this planet.
That explains seeing so few Jaffa. I wonder how many are left?
Makare reentered the room at that point, carrying a bowl and cup. She sat on the stool and handed Daniel the bowl. It looked like some sort of stew—a thick broth with chunks of vegetables and meat in it. The savory aroma filled his nose and his stomach growled. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was until that moment. He picked up the spoon and began to eat, discovering it tasted as good as it smelled.
"Not too fast, Danyel. The only thing we have been able to get into you the past few days is a little broth and water."
Daniel smiled and took the cup that Makare offered. He was expecting water, but instead found it was some type of tea. And it was good.
Val'nor continued his story. "The second thing that occurred was a devastating plague that struck, killing a large number of the slave population."
"That's why you are raiding planets and stealing the inhabitants," Daniel interrupted, also understanding now why the slaves were being treated relatively well.
Val'nor averted his eyes from Daniel's gaze. "Yes, I am ashamed that I have had to do that. No one should be a slave, including the Jaffa." He raised his eyes again to meet Daniel's. "Many of us wish to be free of the Goa'uld. We have heard of the Tau'ri and SG-1, and know that Teal'c fights alongside you in your battle against them. We are ready to join you."
So, another group who had heard of SG-1 and was inspired by Teal'c's break from the Goa'uld. This was good news. It meant there was a chance for escape—not just for him, but for all the slaves. And for his daughter.
"What has kept you from making your bid for freedom?"
"Those of us who desire freedom are outnumbered by those who are still loyal to Thoth. We also have not had contact with any free Jaffa to know where it is safe to go if we simply try to leave."
"Have you thought of enlisting the help of the slaves?"
"Yes, although, as you have seen, many speak languages that we are unfamiliar with. This is where you can help us, Daniel."
Daniel mulled over Val'nor's words. They wanted him to help organize the slaves into a rebel force. This was exactly what they had been working on. Maybe it was due to Jack's influence, but he had a moment of slight hesitation when he considered trusting Val'nor. However, listening to him now and considering his actions so far, Daniel knew he could be trusted. But how was Daniel going to get the opportunity to disseminate information to the different groups of slaves? He was starting to feel drowsy, but he needed to know how Val'nor planned to accomplish this. He yawned and rubbed one eye with the heel of his hand. "The other slaves and I have already considered this, Val'nor. How do you plan on getting me into a position to talk to all the groups of slaves?"
Makare spoke up before Val'nor could answer. "You must rest now, Danyel. There will be plenty of time to discuss this later." Daniel finished the tea and handed the empty dishes to Makare. He could barely hold his head up now and didn't protest when Val'nor unhooked the chain from his wrist cuffs and reattached one to the wall. He allowed Makare to maneuver him back to his prone position on the bed, lying on his stomach once again.
"I have to treat the wounds on your back again, Danyel, but the tea I gave you will help lessen the pain."
He mumbled an "okay" and began to drift off. As Makare began her ministrations, Daniel's eyes opened slightly and he reached for her hand.
"What is it, Danyel?"
"You didn't tell me," he slurred, fighting to stay awake.
"Tell you what?"
"Her name."
Makare swept the hair from his forehead and rested her hand on his cheek.
"Dan'e." she said softly. "Your daughter's name is Dan'e."
3 Days Later
Daniel shuddered as the cascading water came into contact with the still tender skin on his back. The small amount of pain was a small price to pay for the pleasure of taking a shower in privacy. Well, except for the guard standing outside the door. Definitely better than the communal showers the slaves had to take at the end of each work day. Though they were usually so tired and the water felt so good, no one cared about privacy. He leaned against the wall, closed his eyes, and let the water soothe him.
It had been three days since he had learned that he had a daughter. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the idea. Makare had told him more each day about his daughter and their life in Thoth's palace. She also told him how Sha're had shared with her the story of the Tau'ri coming to Abydos and destroying Ra. Of how Daniel had stayed behind and married her. Of the things they had shared during that blissful, but short, year they had had together. Of how she discovered she was pregnant, waiting until she was sure before she told Daniel, which is what she had planned to do the very day Jack O'Neill had stepped through the stargate again. And she told her of the events that followed, depriving her of that chance. Of how devastated Sha're was when Apophis told her she would never see her daughter again. She hadn't been able to tell him through the hand device while Amaunet was trying to kill him, either. She must have thought their daughter was lost to them. She also knew how important it was that they find the Harsesis. No time to tell him, "Oh, by the way, we had a daughter but we'll never see her again." Sha're had suffered more than he had known. Tears stung his eyes and he lifted his head and let the spray wash them away.
Val'nor had come to talk to him again, also. He told Daniel of his plans to reunite him with Dan'e and to free themselves from Thoth.
When the plague struck, Thoth had lost many of his scribes and teachers. There was no one to teach the children and youth brought here by the System Lords, or translate when items in another language were acquired offworld. Now that they were bringing in slaves from worlds with unfamiliar languages, someone was needed to give instructions and teach them basic Goa'uld to understand their orders.
Val'nor said he would accompany Kresh'nar when Daniel was presented to Thoth. He planned to suggest Daniel be made teacher and translator, giving him access to his daughter and also all of the various groups of slaves. In this way he hoped to be able to spread their plans for a revolt.
The guard outside the door barked the Jaffa equivalent of "time's up", so Daniel turned off the water and reached for the 'towel' he'd been given. He dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. He opened the door and was met by the same Jaffa who had escorted him to the showers.
"Move," was all he said, pointing in the direction he wanted Daniel to go. A few steps down the hall and he said,
"In here." Daniel entered a room slightly larger, and with a bit more furniture, than the one he had been staying in. "Get dressed," was the next order. Obviously, that was the extent of the privacy he would have. He moved to the bed and picked up the piece of cloth used as an undergarment. Turning his back to the Jaffa, he removed the towel and put on the cloth. Next he picked up the new kilt, noticing it was made of finer cloth and edged with a design in gold and purple thread. He put it on and turned back to face the guard, waiting for the next order.
Before one could be given, two women entered carrying a tray of items Daniel couldn't discern, and a pair of sandals much nicer than the ones he had been wearing. He looked up from the tray into the eyes of the woman carrying it and recognized Kaytah's mother.
"Sellene! Are you all right?" he asked in her language.
"Yes, Danyel, I am fine," she said with a smile.
"Enough!" snapped the Jaffa. "Get dressed."
Giving the Jaffa a sideways glance, Daniel continued to whisper to Sellene. "Is Kaytah all right, too?" he asked, reaching for the sandals the second woman offered him.
"Yes, Danyel, she is fine."
"I'm sorry I brought her here, away from her home."
"I am not, Danyel. I am glad she is with me, even though we have been separated from our kin. But I am worried about my husband and son."
"Don't worry, Sellene. I am sure they are fine. I saw Jaynat as we were being led to the stargate. He was alive and free." That much he could tell her without lying. There was no way he was going to tell her about his injury, though.
"Silence!" the Jaffa ordered again, this time punctuating it by shoving Daniel with his staff weapon, sending him sprawling.
"That will be enough, Lor'noc," Val'nor said as he entered the room. "What is the problem?"
"The slave was conversing with these women in a strange tongue. I ordered him to stop, but he continued."
"He is to be presented to Thoth. Do you want me to inform our god that you injured this valuable servant?"
"No, my lord," Lor'noc said, looking worried.
"You are dismissed. I will handle this myself."
"Yes, my lord."
After Lor'noc left, Val'nor turned to Daniel who had yet to get to his feet. "He is young and foolish, and craves the kind of power Mal'rac has. Are you injured?"
"I'm fine," Daniel replied, standing again.
"Then proceed with the preparations," Val'nor said, gesturing to the women and then to Daniel.
Sellene set the tray down and removed two ornate gold wrist bands. "Hold out your arms, Danyel." He did as he was told and Sellene fastened a band around each wrist. They were ornate, but Daniel noticed there was still a place to attach a chain. Next, she lifted a wide circular-shaped collar also made of gold and inset with various gems and stones. He inclined his head and she placed it on his shoulders, straightening it so it covered his upper chest and back.
The second woman stepped forward and took a jar from the tray. Sellene said, "Please sit down, Danyel." He sat on the edge of the bed and the second woman pulled up a small stool, sat down facing him and began to apply kohl to his eyes.
"Is this really necessary?" he sighed.
"If you want Thoth to think of you as a learned scribe and teacher, you must look like one," replied Val'nor. When the women finished, Val'nor motioned for them to leave.
"Wait," Daniel said, jumping to his feet. "May I speak to this woman first?" he asked, gesturing at Sellene. Val'nor hesitated, then nodded his permission.
Daniel took Sellene's hand in his. "Trust this man, Sellene. He has helped me and wishes to see your people and his free from the rule of this false god. If things work out, I will be contacting you with information on how we plan to accomplish this. Be careful that you only share this information with people you are certain you can trust."
"I will, Danyel. We will be ready when the time comes. And thank you," she said, leaning forward and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
The women departed and Val'nor turned to Daniel again. "What did you tell her?"
"That she should trust you. And to be ready when the time comes."
Satisfied, Val'nor now asked Daniel, "Are you ready to meet Thoth?"
"As I'll ever be."
"Remember to kneel and not raise your head until given permission. Kresh'nar will be accompanying us, but he will allow me to explain to Thoth what skills you have and suggest how he might use them. He will then most likely question you himself. You have prepared your answers?"
"Yes. I just hope my answers are convincing. He can't find out I am one of the Tau'ri."
"Good luck, Daniel," Val'nor said, extending his hand.
"Thank you, Val'nor," Daniel replied, extending his own hand and clasping arms with the Jaffa.
It had only been a few days since Sam had been inspired by her C.O. (she mentally shook her head at that thought) to try a different approach to studying the crystals. So far, she hadn't made any progress. She was frustrated to the point of distraction and she didn't like it. She glanced over at the calendar on the wall, adding up the days since Daniel had gone missing. It was too much like her experience a year ago. But this is different. At least we know Daniel is alive somewhere. At least, I hope he is. She slammed her fist down on the table, fighting back tears. Get a grip! This isn't going to help him!
"You're right, it's not," said a voice behind her.
Did I say that out loud? she thought as she turned to see said C.O. standing in the doorway.
"Sorry, sir."
"Give it a rest, Carter. It'll come to you eventually. Remember what they say: 'Las Vegas wasn't built in a day'."
"Yes, sir," she chuckled, feeling some of the tension leave her as she did. It was then she noticed he was dressed for a mission.
"Another S & R, sir?"
"Yeah. Hammond's going to let us check out an address the rebel Jaffa gave us. T's going with. So's SG-12."
Sam was grateful the general was continuing to let teams do S & R three weeks on. She was afraid if too much time passed he would be forced to call a halt to these missions. Part of her wanted to be out there searching for Daniel, but the other part of her knew the crystals might be their best chance at finding him. She jumped slightly when the colonel put his hand on her arm.
"I meant it, Carter. You'll figure it out. Daniel'l hang in there till we find him. Heck, he's probably got them all wrapped around his little finger and talked into letting him study every ancient text and building they have. We'll have to drag him away."
She laughed again and felt the last of her tension slip away. She felt so grateful to this man for being able to do that for her.
"You're probably right, sir. But I think I'll get back to work on these crystals, just in case he's ready to come home."
"You do that, Carter," he said with a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And Teal'c and I will go and check out this planet—just in case."
"Good luck, sir."
"Back atcha, Carter," he said, heading for the doorway.
"Sir?"
"What?" He paused and faced her again.
"Thanks."
A nod and a smile was his only response as he turned again and headed for the gateroom.
