The Mercy of Mot
Part 3
He was awakened by a voice. An urgent voice telling him in a none-too-happy tone to get up. Jack must be trying to wake him up. But when had Jack learned to speak Phoenician?
"Jack?"
The voice urged him a little louder, followed by a poke in the ribs. He opened his eyes to see one of the Phoenician guards standing over him. Okay, so not Jack. Evidently, he wasn't moving fast enough, because the guard grabbed his arm and pulled him into a sitting position. He hissed as the movement pulled on his wound.
Another guard moved in front of him, grabbed his hands, and began tying them together. Alarmed, he looked around to see Sam and the archaeologists being given the same treatment. There was no sign of Jack and the others, or of Melqart, Philos, or Yara.
"The council is about to convene—we must go," the guard ordered.
Daniel stood up, a little light-headed, but definitely feeling better than he had for the last several days. He'd have to thank Janet for trekking cross-country to take care of him. He looked across at Sam; he'd have to thank her, too, for getting him through this. He thought about how many times one of the team had looked after another—all the tight situations they had been in, all the battles. Again he wondered how he could ever consider leaving them.
He was pulled forward with the others and marched down the hall again. They soon re-entered the arena where villagers were already filing in, taking seats on the stone risers. He searched for Jack and Teal'c, but couldn't spot them.
The six prisoners were led to the same spot they had occupied the day before and once again pushed to their knees. Eshmun and the other council members filed in and took their seats. After a few minutes, Eshmun rose and approached the prisoners. Daniel felt a flutter of panic as he waited to hear the council's decision. Surely they wouldn't choose death.
Eshmun lifted his hands, asking for the crowd to be silent.
"Citizens of Carthia, the council has debated the matter of the desecration of the sacred city and has reached a decision."
He turned and faced Daniel.
"You have claimed the Right of Archigia. Do you wish to recant your claim?"
"No." At least he knew Sam and the others would be set free.
"Very well. You alone will stand as the accused. The punishment for defiling the sacred city is death. However, these are unusual circumstances which have required closer scrutiny. It is the decision of the council that the sentence of death may be lifted if three citizens of Carthia will stand and speak in support of the accused."
Daniel felt relief wash over him at the pronouncement that the sentence of death had been lifted. But his worry returned upon hearing three people were going to have to speak on his behalf. Who among their citizens would support him—a total stranger who had committed a crime against them?
"I will speak for Daniel Jackson."
Daniel whipped his head to the side to see Yara standing in the crowd of onlookers. She looked at Daniel and smiled. He smiled back, grateful for everything she had done.
"Daniel and his friends did not know they were breaking our laws—they meant no harm." Eshmun dipped his head to Yara in acknowledgement. His gaze traveled over the crowd, searching for anyone else who would speak on Daniel's behalf. The arena remained silent.
Daniel searched the crowd for Adon and his father. Surely they would speak for him? Maybe Melqart had changed his mind about the strangers. Daniel had thought he had formed a trust with the man, but maybe he was wrong. If Melqart had changed his mind, he would keep Adon from speaking, too.
Daniel dropped his chin to his chest. He knew it was unlikely that two other people would speak for him—no one else had gotten to know him.
Sam whispered to him, "Daniel, what's going on?"
Daniel kept his head down and didn't answer, hoping someone else would speak. But the arena remained silent, sealing his fate. He lifted his head and looked at Eshmun who returned his gaze. Daniel thought he almost looked regretful.
"If there is no one else—"
Loud voices from the entrance interrupted Eshmun's words. Everyone turned to see Melqart, Adon, and two other men pushing their way into the arena. The four stopped behind Daniel's group, and as they got closer, Daniel could see they were out of breath and that a couple of them had cuts on their faces.
"May I be allowed to speak?" Melqart asked, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.
"Yes," Eshmun replied. "What has happened?"
"Adon and I were on our way to the arena when we were stopped by a group of men who told us to go home and stay away from the proceedings. We managed to get away from them and made our way here."
Daniel processed that information and looked back at Eshmun. He saw the council leader briefly turn and look disapprovingly at the other council members. Obviously, someone had tried to keep Adon and Melqart from speaking.
Eshmun turned back to Melqart. "The council has decided to lift the sentence of death if three citizens will speak on behalf of Daniel Jackson. Do any of you wish to speak for him?" "I will speak for Daniel Jackson." It was Adon's voice that Daniel heard. "He saved my life from a nimur even though he had the opportunity to escape. His friends came to get him, but he insisted on following our laws by being brought to the city to face the council. He is an honorable man and should be forgiven his trespass."
Daniel turned to look at the young man who smiled and tipped his head to Daniel, who smiled in return.
"Two people have spoken in support of Daniel Jackson. Is there anyone else?"
"I will speak for Daniel Jackson."
Daniel turned back at the sound of Melqart's voice.
"I did not treat him kindly at the beginning; I was angry that these strangers were in the sacred city. But even after the way I treated him, he still offered his friendship. He saved my son from the nimur, even though he could have escaped. He does not deserve death."
Eshmun's expression changed to one of relief. "Three citizens have spoken on behalf of the accused, therefore the sentence of death is lifted."
People in the crowd began turning to their neighbor, talking loudly at the pronouncement. Most seemed happy with the outcome, but a few appeared angry.
Daniel let out the breath he didn't realize he had been holding. Sam whispered to him. "Daniel, what's happening?"
He realized he had never explained anything to her. "Three people spoke on my behalf and the sentence of death has been lifted."
She knew there was more to it than that, but was relieved things had gone their way. "That's great, Daniel. Are we going to let us go now?"
Before Daniel could answer, Eshmun raised his hands asking once again for silence. "The accused will receive a lesser punishment in place of the sentence of death. He will be set on post in the plaza until sundown and any citizen who believes he should be punished may use the reed."
What? What was he talking about? He was still going to be punished? Daniel looked at Sam and she saw fear spreading across his face.
"What's going on, Daniel?"
"Release the other prisoners," Eshmun directed. He took hold of Daniel's arms and pulled him to his feet.
Sam and the others were also pulled to their feet, the guards untying their hands and leading them from the arena.
"Daniel! Daniel, what's happening?" she called as she was pulled away. He had told her the death sentence had been lifted, so what was going on? She searched the crowd for the colonel, spotting him a few rows up, obviously upset at not knowing what was happening.
Daniel didn't hear Sam; his full attention was on the man standing in front of him. What were they going to do to him? Fear gripped him as he struggled to understand the sentence that had been given him.
"I am sorry, Daniel Jackson. The council was split three to two on the sentence. I wish I could have prevented this. If only I could get them to see..." He shook his head. "It would not matter; the others are afraid that if we do not follow the ancient laws, Mot will return and punish us. This was a compromise. It is the best I could do."
They were afraid Mot would return? Daniel was trying to process what that meant, but his fear reasserted itself as the guards came and took him out of Eshmun's hold and began pulling him towards the exit.
"Wait! We can help you! Please, let me talk to—"
The shaft of a spear hitting his back cut off his words.
"Quiet!" the guard demanded.
He searched the crowd and saw Jack talking into his radio and remembered the SG teams waiting outside the city. Oh, God! Don't let them attack these people! Eshmun had given him hope that they might be open to the truth—that Mot would not be returning—and would be happy about it. There was a good chance these people could be their allies. And if Jack sent the teams in to try and stop this, innocent people would be killed.
"Jack!" But Jack couldn't hear him as he crossed the threshold of the arena and was pushed down the steps towards one side of the plaza.
The sound of hammering brought his attention around to the side of the plaza where a post a little over six feet tall was sticking up out of the ground. Several men were busy nailing another post horizontally to the top of the vertical post. Fear knotted in his chest at the sight and he understood what his punishment was going to be.
Jack had watched the proceedings from his seat in the crowd, frustrated that he couldn't understand what was being said. He had seen first Yara stand and speak, then Melqart, Adon, and two other men had pushed their way noisily into the arena, looking a little worse for wear, and also spoken to the council. Daniel had initially looked alarmed, then had hung his head in a defeated posture. Then, both Carter and Daniel appeared to relax at whatever Eshmun had announced. He had felt his own body relax somewhat, hoping that this was a good sign.
But then Eshmun had made another announcement and Jack had clearly seen fear on Daniel's face as he had turned towards Carter.
Now the prisoners were all being released, all but Daniel. Eshmun was talking directly to Daniel and Jack could see the guards heading their way. Crap.
He keyed his radio, confident the noise of the crowd would cover the sound.
"Warren, Coburn, what are your locations?"
"We followed the wall around to the left of the main gate. We found a secluded place and went over the wall. We're hiding behind a building—the area looks pretty deserted right now."
"That's because everyone's here. Coburn?"
"Took the opposite side, sir. There appear to be guards where the wall meets the harbor. We can handle them, though, sir."
"Stand by. We made need your help shortly."
"We're ready, sir," Coburn responded.
"Same here, sir," Warren agreed.
"O'Neill, Major Carter is trying to get our attention."
"Let's get down there and see what's goin' on."
The group made their way to the bottom of the arena, pushing their way through the crowd as it streamed out through the doorway and into the plaza.
As they reached the top of the steps, Sam and the four archaeologists managed to make their way over to them. But Jack's attention was on the activity at one side of the plaza. A tall post was standing upright and several men were holding another one.
"Sir!" Sam called as she pushed through the crowd to his side.
"You okay, Carter?"
"Yes, sir."
"Wanna tell me what's goin' on?" he pointed to the posts.
"I'm not sure, sir. Daniel said the death sentence had been lifted because three people had spoken in support of him. But then Eshmun said something else—I didn't find out what. That's when they let us go and kept Daniel."
"Crap!" he shouted as he saw that the men were nailing the second post crosswise on the first, and that Daniel was being led towards it. "Is that what I think it is?"
Sam took in the scene at the edge of the plaza and gasped. "Oh, my God!"
"Come on." Jack pushed his way through the throng, trying to get close to Daniel.
Daniel instinctively resisted the guards as they pulled him toward the post. This couldn't be what it looked like, but he knew it was. Why hadn't he considered it? It was a common practice among the Phoenicians just as it was with other peoples of that area and time. Alexander had nearly wiped out the male population of Tyre in the same manner.
The guards stopped in front of the post and untied his hands. Panic fluttered in his chest as they turned him around so his back was against the post. They took hold of his arms and stretched them out to either side against the horizontal beam. The panic eased when he saw them pull out lengths of rope—he would be spared the nails. The guards began lashing his wrists and upper arms to the beam, and, as someone removed his boots and socks and began tying his feet to the bottom of the post, he realized his feet would be firmly on the ground. Eshmun really had tried to make this easier on him.
He winced as his left arm was stretched out, pulling on his wound. The infected arrow wound might make this more difficult. He put his head back, finding the post was just tall enough for him to rest it there. He could get through this—all he had to do was stand here.
"Daniel!"
He heard his name being called and saw Jack, Sam, and Teal'c pushing their way through the crowd. They reached the front and tried to make their way to him, but were stopped by guards blocking their path with spears.
The guards finished securing Daniel to the posts and stepped away. Another guard faced the crowd and addressed them.
"By decree of the council, the prisoner will be set at post until sundown. No one may touch him except by the reed. At the end of the punishment, the prisoner will be freed and no one may take any other action against him."
Another guard moved forward and placed several sturdy reeds, each about three feet long, on the ground in front of Daniel. Four guards took up position around him.
Until sundown. Daniel guessed that would be about ten hours. He could handle it, but the reeds that had been placed at his feet were another matter. What were they going to do with them? The question was quickly answered.
A man stepped from the crowd and bent down, picking up one of the reeds.
"For defiling the sacred city," he said, moving in front of Daniel and striking him across his right arm.
"Ah!" Daniel jerked as the reed struck his arm which continued to sting.
"Hey!" he heard a familiar voice shout.
The man returned the reed to the pile and rejoined the crowd. Some of the people began to leave, evidently satisfied with Daniel's punishment. A few congregated in small groups and continued to watch from a distance.
Jack stopped as his path was blocked by a guard's spear. He had been relieved to see that Daniel was only tied to the post and that his feet were firmly on the ground. A vision of Daniel being nailed to the post and hoisted to hang from it had passed through his mind. This, at least, would be survivable. Except that Daniel was still not recovered from the infected wound.
Jack's plan was to watch and make sure Daniel was handling it until a man from the crowd picked up some kind of reed and struck Daniel's arm with it.
"Hey!" What the hell was going on?
Part of the crowd had dispersed, but some remained standing nearby. Jack watched as another man left one of the groups and headed for Daniel. As he picked up one of the reeds, Jack rushed at him.
"Teal'c! Give me a hand," he shouted as he grabbed the man's arm before he could strike Daniel.
Teal'c grabbed the man's other arm, but at the same moment, two of the guards leveled their spears at them, moving until they were inches from Jack and Teal'c's faces.
They shouted something—Jack didn't understand the words, but the meaning was clear.
"Jack!"
Jack turned his gaze to Daniel.
"Jack, don't. If you interfere, they might rescind their ruling and reinstate the death sentence. You have to stay out of it."
"Daniel, I'm not going to stand here and let them beat you. It's bad enough you have to stand tied to that post!"
"It's only until sundown, Jack. I can handle it. Eshmun said he was against this, but others are afraid if they don't follow the old laws, Mot will return and punish them. Don't you see, I think these people would be open to hearing the truth about the goa'uld. They could become our allies."
"Daniel Jackson, your previous injury will make this punishment more difficult."
"I know, Teal'c, but I have to show I'm willing to follow their rules. Then I think they'll listen to us."
Jack released the man's arm and motioned for Teal'c to do the same. As they backed away, the guards lowered their spears. The man moved close to Daniel, and, without making a statement, brought the reed down on Daniel's thigh. His thick BDU pants absorbed some of the sting, but not all. He flinched but didn't cry out.
The man returned the reed to the pile and walked away, glaring at Jack as he passed.
Janet and Reynolds had joined Sam, with the archaeologists following close behind. All of them came to stand behind Jack and Teal'c.
"Sir," Janet said, "I don't think Daniel can take much of this. He was still running a fever last night, and by looking at him, I'd bet he still has it."
"I know!" Jack snapped. "Sorry. I don't know what else to do. Daniel insists we shouldn't interfere, but I don't want to stand here and watch these people beat him. Ideas, anyone?"
A young man, probably in his teens, walked hesitantly to the pile of reeds and bent down, picking one up. Teal'c turned towards him and made a low, growling sound. The youth looked up at the Jaffa, eyes wide, then quickly dropped the reed and took off running down one of the streets.
"Well, that's an idea," Jack said. "We can just have Teal'c stand here and scare them off."
"It would be my pleasure, O'Neill."
"Knock yourself out, T."
"I fail to see how that would aid our situation, O'Neill."
"Just an expression—it means 'go ahead and give it all you've got."
"I see."
"Sir," Sam interrupted the exchange, "What about the SG teams? Do you think they can get in, help us get Daniel, and get out again without casualties?"
"I don't know, Carter. It's hard to tell how many of these troops they have in the city. Plus, they haven't returned our weapons, yet. I'd really like to get them back before we try anything."
"Maybe they're waiting for this to be over before they return them," Sam suggested.
"Well, for now, let's get comfortable here where we can keep an eye on Daniel," Jack said.
Jack, Sam, and Reynolds sat down close to Daniel while Janet took the archaeologists back to sit on the steps of the council building. Teal'c continued to stand, his presence a strong deterrent to anyone who might want to hurt his friend. No one else had approached Daniel and Jack hoped that had been the last of the disgruntled citizens.
A short time later, Jack looked up to see Yara and Melqart coming their way. Yara was carrying a water skin and Melqart held something wrapped in cloth. Jack and Reynolds got to their feet as they approached.
Yara said something and held up the water skin, pointing it towards Daniel. Jack nodded his head in agreement. She then walked up the one of the guards and spoke to him. He allowed her to pass and she moved to Daniel, offering him the water. When he had finished drinking, she handed the water skin to Melqart, took the cloth from him and unwrapped it, revealing some bread. The guard stopped her and she spoke again. Yara recovered the bread and handed it back to Melqart, scowling at the guard. She took a cloth, poured water on it, and wiped Daniel's face. Yara said a few more words to Daniel before rejoining Jack. She offered him the water skin and a short time later the SG members had all quenched their thirst. Melqart left the bread with them before he and Yara returned to the council building.
Another hour passed before someone else approached. The man was about as tall as Teal'c and almost as solidly built. Teal'c gave him his best threatening look, but it didn't deter him. He picked up one of the reeds and marched up to Daniel.
Daniel tried not to show any fear as the big man leaned into his face.
"Your punishment should have been greater for defiling the sacred city, but I will abide by the council's ruling." With that, he unleashed a powerful stroke across Daniel's chest, leaving a bright red stripe.
"Ahhh!" Daniel threw his head back against the post, his breathing becoming faster as he dealt with the pain lancing across his chest.
"Hey! That wasn't necessary!" Jack yelled, springing to his feet. The guards readied their spears in anticipation of a confrontation.
The big man gave Jack a sour look before dropping the reed and walking away.
"Daniel, are you all right?" Sam asked.
Daniel didn't answer, but stood with his eyes closed, trying to slow his breathing.
Jack started to walk over to him, but the guards stopped them.
"It's... it's okay, Jack," Daniel said, still gasping. "Won't be... much longer."
Jack turned away from Daniel and nodded for Carter and Teal'c to join him.
"I think we should chance bringing in SG-3 and 5. We really need to put an end to this."
"I believe that would effectively end any chance of an alliance with these people," Teal'c stated.
"Yeah, well, at this point I don't really care if we make friends with them or not."
"Sir, we would still have to get all the way back to the gate. These people would probably come after us, and this is their territory—they would have the advantage."
Jack pulled off his cap, slapping it against his knee in frustration. He could call in SG-3 and 5, get Daniel out, and try to get all of these people all the way back to the gate. There was a good chance that people would be killed. Or, he could sit and wait it out while Daniel continued to suffer, and maybe get these people to help them get back to the gate. He knew what Daniel would say: don't risk a lot of lives for his. Easier said than done.
Jack looked back at his friend. Daniel's eyes were still closed, but his breathing had returned to normal. A few more hours—could Daniel hang on that long? He hoped so, because it looked like they were going to wait it out.
He touched his radio. "Warren, Coburn, what's your status?"
"Still taking cover behind some buildings. We've seen a few more people, but no one's spotted us."
"Coburn?"
"Just outside the city gate near the harbor."
"Stay put until you hear from me. Looks like we're gonna let this play out. Hopefully, I'll be getting back to you around sundown."
"Understood, sir," both replied. "Good luck, sir," Coburn added.
Pulling his cap on, Jack turned back to Sam and Teal'c. "All right, we wait."
The late afternoon sun was beating down on the plaza and on those waiting for the day to end. There wasn't a single tree in the plaza—nothing to provide any shade to those standing vigil or to the focus of that vigil.
Jack wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at his friend. It had to be worse for Daniel; tied to a post, welts from being struck with reeds, and an infected arrow wound. His friend's head hung down, sweat dripping into the dirt. Resting or passed out? Fortunately, the only people to make a move to pick up a reed in the last several hours were some young boys—probably not more than ten years old. Teal'c hadn't even had to give him his threatening look; the guards had shooed them away. Apparently, only adults were allowed to inflict punishment.
Jack checked his watch again, guessing there were only a couple of hours left before Daniel was free. Movement from the direction of the council building caught his attention. He watched as two council members—unmistakable in their purple robes— exited the building with one of the village men. The two councilmen argued briefly before one of them spoke to the villager, who turned, descended the stairs and disappeared into the town. The councilmen went back inside the building, still arguing.
Jack watched the man go with a feeling of unease. Daniel had briefly filled him in on what had happened with Melqart and Adon and now Jack was worried that some of the council members weren't going to be content to let things play out as Eshmun had decreed.
Glancing back to the council building, he saw Yara and Melqart appear again, carrying more water and food.
Yara was allowed to tend to Daniel again, rousing him to take the water, but again the guards wouldn't permit him to have food. Afterwards, the rest of them were offered the same.
"Thank you," Jack said, knowing they wouldn't understand the words, but feeling the need to say something after all she had done.
Yara seemed to understand and smiled, patting Jack on the arm.
"O'Neill."
Turning at Teal'c's call, Jack saw that another man was walking towards them. He stooped and picked up one of the reeds and walked up to Daniel. He didn't say a word, but brought the reed down on Daniel's left arm. There was a sharp intake of breath from Daniel as the reed stung his skin. Jack clenched his fists as he watched; he had hoped they had seen the last of those who wanted to punish Daniel.
Instead of leaving, the man brought the reed down on Daniel's arm again, and this time Daniel did cry out.
Teal'c moved quickly, grabbing the man's arm as the guards moved in. They took him from Teal'c's grasp, and two of the guards led him away while the other two went back to their posts.
Jack looked at his friend with his head hanging down again, eyes closed, and wondered how much more of this Daniel could take. Jack glanced towards the horizon once again, willing the sun to sink below it.
Voices brought his attention back to the plaza. A group of about a dozen men, faces contorted in anger, was crossing it, headed straight for Daniel.
No, no, no! Jack saw Teal'c look his way, ready to take on the entire group if Jack gave the word. Instead, Jack shook his head. Was he really going to stand by while these men beat his friend? The same arguments he had considered earlier made an instant replay in his head. Personally, he didn't think any amount of naquadah was worth this. His hand itched to reach for his radio—to call SG 3 and 5 to come in, guns blazing. But he knew he wouldn't. Not yet.
The group reached Daniel and stopped. One man reached for a reed, walked up to Daniel without a word and struck him hard on the right shoulder. Daniel didn't lift his head, but only flinched and released a moan. When the first man finished, a second man picked up a reed and unleashed it on Daniel's left forearm. Jack watched Daniel's body flinch, but this time no sound escaped.
Carter was suddenly at his side, eyes bright with unshed tears. "Sir, we've got to do something—they're going to kill him!"
A third man landed a stroke on Daniel's shoulder.
"What? What do you want me to do? We've got no weapons; any move we make will bring the guards down on us." He hadn't meant to unleash his anger on her, but he couldn't hold it in.
She continued to try and find a solution. "What about SG—"
Her question went unfinished as they watched Adon and Cadmos push their way to the front of the line. Jack tensed; surely the boy Daniel had saved wouldn't hurt him?
Instead of picking up one of the reeds, he pulled an arrow from his quiver, broke it in two, and laid it on the ground. He then walked up to Daniel and made a deep bow, then backed away, keeping his head bowed. When he finished, Cadmos did the same.
The group that was there to punish Daniel looked around nervously as more people began to file into the plaza. Two more picked up reeds and, one at a time, struck Daniel on the stomach and arm. Jack could see Daniel's body jerk in response, but his head remained down and no sounds came from him.
Melqart watched the young men, then, with a word to Yara, joined them in front of Daniel, offering his own deep bow. Jack recognized other members of the group that had captured his teammates began to cross the plaza, joining in. The guards looked unsure of how to handle the situation. The group continued to grow, more townspeople coming to join the crowd until the area in front of Daniel held several dozen people. The guards looked tense, but made no move towards the people who were all outside of the area where Daniel was.
More people continued to join the crowd and Jack guessed that close to fifty people were now bowing in respect to his friend. Jack was surprised and relieved at their show of support for Daniel. Frankly, he had expected to see a long line of people interested in punishing the stranger who had broken their law. But they hadn't materialized—there had only been a handful, including this group that was obviously working for one or more of the disgruntled council members. Maybe more people were against this than for it. And maybe these people would be open to hearing the truth—maybe even worth forming an alliance with.
The crowd that had come to support Daniel remained standing in front of him as the minutes ticked by. No one else came to lift a reed against him. The rest of the group that had come to hurt Daniel disappeared into the village, obviously intimidated by the size of those opposing them.
The minutes stretched into an hour, and still the crowd stood in front of the man tied to the post. Jack glanced toward the horizon; sunset was not far away. It couldn't be fast enough for Jack as he appraised his friend's condition. Daniel hadn't raised his head in the past forty-five minutes. The welts looked red and angry, but not life threatening. But those combined with his previous injury could be dangerous.
Teal'c stood with the crowd while Sam was sitting with Janet and the archaeologists in the shade of the council building. Reynolds was walking the perimeter of the plaza. Jack found himself pacing, his eyes alternating between Daniel, Sam's group, and the council building.
Suddenly, the doors of the building opened and Eshmun and the other council members exited, descended the steps, and headed for Daniel. The crowd parted to let them through, and the council members stopped in front of Daniel and turned to face the crowd.
More of the villagers began filling the plaza as Eshmun addressed the crowd.
"Citizens of Carthia, it is now sundown and the prisoner has completed his punishment. No one may take any other action against him."
He motioned to the guards who quickly moved to release Daniel from the post.
Someone taking hold of his arms roused him. At first, he thought someone was striking him with a reed, but there was no pain. No, they were untying the ropes. He opened his eyes and turned his head, seeing one of the guards working on the rope. Another was undoing the rope around his ankles. As the ropes came undone, he started to pitch forward, but a guard caught him and eased him gently to the ground.
"Let me through!" That was a familiar voice. He turned his head, searching, until he saw Jack pushing his way through the crowd. Close on his heals was Teal'c.
"I've got you," Jack said as he took the place of the guard holding Daniel. "Teal'c, help me get him out of here."
They each took an arm and pulled him upright, or as close as they could get him with his legs not working. Realizing they would end up dragging Daniel, Jack motioned to Teal'c who grabbed Daniel's legs. Jack grabbed him under the arms and Daniel let out a grunt of pain. They began carrying their friend, but Eshmun stepped in front of them and bowed. When he rose, he extended his arm towards the council building in what appeared to be an invitation. It was the last place Jack wanted to go, but his first priority was to get Daniel checked out by Janet, and that was probably the best place to do it.
Jack nodded his head in agreement and Eshmun and the other council members led the way back to the building. Sam, Reynolds, and the four archaeologists were invited to join them.
Once inside, they were led to a different set of rooms. Eshmun entered one, inviting them to follow. It was a drastic change from the rooms they had occupied earlier. It was much larger, contained a real bed, a table laden with food, and several long couches.
Jack and Teal'c carried Daniel to the bed and laid him down. Janet quickly moved in to check him over. Sam joined Jack and they both hovered behind Janet. Teal'c and Reynolds moved about the room, checking for any threats, while the others made themselves comfortable on the couches.
"Janet?" Sam queried.
"His fever's back up. I need to treat these welts as well as his wound, and then we'll see how he's doing."
Daniel laid quietly, eyes closed, while Janet worked, an occasional grimace his only reaction to her ministrations. Yara had become Janet's shadow, and she was in the room and by Janet's side before she had finished assessing Daniel. Yara helped remove the old bandages, and then cleaned the wound. Sam moved closer, accepted a damp cloth from Yara, and began wiping Daniel's face. Jack could hear her talking softly to him as she stroked the cloth across his face. Janet applied medicine to the wound, patiently working around the two women, then bandaged it again with Yara's help. She also applied ointment to the ugly welts peppering his body.
Eshmun and three of the other council members had waited in the room while Janet tended Daniel. When the wounds had been treated, Eshmun approached the bed.
"I am sorry I could not prevent this, Daniel Jackson. Acharbas will be punished for interfering with the council's ruling. We would still like to discuss the possibility of friendship, if it is not too late."
"I would like that too, Eshmun," he replied, opening his eyes. "I think our people would still be willing to talk."
"That is good news. Rest and we will save the discussion until morning."
"Thank you," Daniel said.
Yara held a water skin for Daniel while Sam tilted his head to drink.
"Daniel, what's he saying?" Jack asked.
"That they would still like to discuss an alliance, Jack," he replied as Sam eased him back to the pillow.
"Are you kidding me? After what they did?"
"Jack."
"We'll talk about this later, Daniel."
Daniel sighed; he really wasn't up to a debate right now. It could wait until morning.
Eshmun opened another door that led to an adjoining room, indicating the group should use it. He and the other council members then bowed and left. Daniel was given food and more water, plus Janet's pills. He settled back into the bed, relishing the softness of the sheets, and was soon asleep.
"First, we want to thank you for respecting our laws and for agreeing to speak with us even after all that has happened."
Eshmun and the other council members had come early the next morning and were seated in the large bedroom, along with the SG members and archaeologists. Daniel was propped up in the bed with several pillows stuffed behind him. It had been decided to hold the meeting there rather than moving Daniel. Jack and Sam had taken turns sitting with him through the night, with Janet occasionally checking on him, while Teal'c had installed himself as guard, stopping only briefly to kelnoreem.
Jack had watched Carter sitting on the edge of Daniel's bed, soothing him when he became restless, and gently wiping his face with a cool cloth to ease the fever. Jack could see the connection between the two had become even stronger during their ordeal, and that Carter was reluctant to leave Daniel's side. He had only been able to get her to go to bed by ordering her. As Jack took his turn sitting with his friend, he found himself hoping this bond would be strong enough to keep Daniel from leaving them.
"Now, tell us where you are from. We have never encountered people who do not speak our language," Eshmun continued. "Philos and Melqart say you are the only one of your group who does."
Daniel shifted uncomfortably, each wound protesting as he did. He had been given a soft, loose, Carthian shirt to wear, which covered the welts without irritating them. Janet had treated his wounds again, and he had been dosed with antibiotic and pain reliever, but he still felt like crap.
Daniel considered Eshmun's questions, and, not knowing how the news that they had come through the stargate would be received, he decided on a different tack.
"Yes, I am the only one who speaks your language. I know many languages and my job is to communicate with people we meet. These four people," he gestured towards the archaeologists, "are from a place far away, in the opposite direction of the sacred city. I believe their ancestors and yours may be the same."
"What about you and the woman, and those that have come to take you back? Where is your home?"
He really wanted to tell Eshmun the truth—what else could he say that would make sense? If they became allies, they would have to know sooner or later. But he didn't want to risk any retaliation for what he was going to say.
"Eshmun, before I answer, do I have your permission to speak freely without fear of being punished?"
Eshmun gave him an appraising look before turning to the other council members. "I agree; what do the rest of you say?"
The council members all consented to listen without reproach.
"Daniel?"
"Jack?"
"You're supposed to be translating. What did they all just agree on?"
"I want to be able to tell them about the stargate without offending them."
"And?"
"And, they agreed."
"Your friend is upset about what has happened. He is very protective of you," Eshmun observed.
"Yes, his job is to make sure we are safe and he feels he has failed in that duty."
"Ah, I see. I hope he will forgive us and be open to establishing a friendship."
"Um, he's working on it," Daniel replied with a sideways glance at Jack, who narrowed his eyes at his friend, wondering what was being discussed.
"Now, as to where we're from," Daniel hesitated briefly before continuing, deciding he would have to tell them eventually, "we came through the stargate from a world far away called Earth."
The council members all looked startled at this revelation.
"Are you saying you came through the holy ring?" Eshmun asked.
"Yes, it is a portal that goes to many worlds. We are explorers who travel through it, making friends with those we meet."
"But the ring is only used by Mot," another member said.
"No, it is used by many different peoples." Taking a chance that he was right about their feelings towards Mot, Daniel continued. "We have met many different races in our travels; some have been friendly, some have not. We know of a very powerful race who takes on the role of gods, usually ruling entire planets and sometimes enslaving people. Teal'c," he pointed to his friend, "was once in service to this race—the Goa'uld—until he realized they were not gods and left. He joined us to try and free people enslaved by the goa'uld. He knows of Mot and says that he was killed many years ago."
"It is a lie!"
"I do not believe it!"
"Could this be true?"
The members were clearly upset and shocked by Daniel's words. He remained silent while they continued to discuss what he had told them.
"Daniel—wanna fill us in?"
"I told them we came through the stargate."
"Is that wise?"
"They're going to find out sooner or later. It's better to tell them before we actually have to go back through it. And... I also told them about the Goa'uld and that Mot was one of them."
"You just told them their god isn't a god?" Sam asked.
"Yeah, that's what they're discussing now."
The group appeared to finish their discussion and Eshmun turned back to Daniel.
"This is a very controversial subject, Daniel. Let me tell you a little of our history and maybe you will understand our situation."
"Many of our people believe that our ancestors were created by Mot, and that he established the sacred city of Byblos from which to rule. Others believe our ancestors came from another world and were brought through the holy ring by Mot. Mot would occasionally leave through the ring, sometimes being gone for long periods of time. He always instructed the people to continue to send offerings to him through the ring until he returned. Then a time came, many, many years ago, when Mot left through the ring and did not return. Years passed, and this caused much disagreement among the people of Byblos on what should be done. One group decided to leave Byblos and establish their own city—Carthia. They continued to visit and trade with the people of Byblos, who continued to live in the sacred city, until one year our people returned and discovered the city in ruins and the people gone. Fearing Mot had punished them, our people sought to make sure they did not displease him, in the event he returned, and continued to make a pilgrimage once a year to send offerings through to Mot. They hoped that in this way they could appease him and he would not return to punish them. It is also the reason we have kept his laws."
Daniel closed his eyes, thinking of all the years these people had continued to send offerings through the gate to appease a 'god' who had been dead for centuries. And he had endured his punishment because they had been afraid of going against Mot's laws. But he had seen that many of these people might be open to hearing the truth—that they wanted change if they could be sure they wouldn't be punished for it. And if they would trust him—if they would let his team show them the truth of what the gate was—they could be free to make those changes.
Jack had waited semi-patiently while Eshmun had given his little speech, then watched as Daniel closed his eyes without responding. Jack knew Daniel wasn't really up to a lengthy conversation; the beating had been a setback to his healing. A few seconds of silence was all Jack could take.
"Daniel?"
As Daniel remained silent, Janet moved to his side, checking him for fever. "This may be too much for him, sir; he's still very sick."
"No, Janet, I'm okay." Daniel opened his eyes again and met her concerned look. His gaze drifted to Jack and Sam who had risen from their chairs and were standing next to his bed. He could see Teal'c standing a few feet away, watching him. He suddenly felt overwhelmed at the concern these people— his friends—had for him. Jack and Teal'c had pushed themselves for two days to catch up with him and Sam. Sam—she had stayed behind to talk him into staying on SG-1 and ended up being forced to walk cross-country with a concussion, all the while looking after him. How could he even think of leaving them? What could he possibly do with his life that would be as fulfilling as going through the gate with them? So they had been skeptical about Sha're's son—could he blame them? It did sound a little far-fetched. But he knew that if he asked them, they would put their doubts aside and do whatever they could to help him. Hadn't they allowed him to go through with the punishment, even though they wanted to put a stop to it, in order to give him the chance to form an alliance with these people? He realized that he had been blinded by his grief; even though he would no longer be searching for his wife, he knew that he needed to continue going through the gate. He couldn't go back and change the past; he could only go forward and try to make a difference in the future. It's what Sha're would want him to do.
He was suddenly tired, as though the last of his strength was had been drained away, but he knew he still needed to convince Eshmun and the council that what he told them was true, and in doing so, free these people from the shadow of the Goa'uld.
"Eshmun, come with us to the holy ring and let us show you that what I'm telling you is the truth. You can even travel through the ring with us. This is a chance for your people to be free to determine the course of their own lives—to no longer let Mot and his laws govern them."
The council members discussed Daniel's offer while Daniel explained the situation to everyone else.
"We accept, Daniel," Eshmun said. "However, your group must undergo the cleansing ritual before they can enter the sacred city."
"We will gladly honor your tradition, Eshmun," Daniel agreed, relieved that they were willing to return to the ruins and hopeful that they had just made new allies.
Daniel informed his friends that the council was prepared to go to the ruins and see how the stargate worked. He shifted in the bed and let out a moan as wounds protested the movement.
"I suggest we leave as soon as possible, Colonel," Janet said. "Daniel's infection is being stubborn and I really need to get him to the infirmary where I can check him out more thoroughly."
"Janet?" Sam's simple inquiry was full of concern.
"He's holding his own for now, but I'd really feel better if we could get him back as soon as possible."
"All right, what are we waiting for?" Jack stated. "Daniel, ask if we can get that litter back."
"Jack—"
"And don't even think about telling me you don't need it."
Daniel snapped his mouth shut, cutting off any retort. But then his lips curved into a smile at the way his friend anticipated his response. "Okay."
"No agrum— What?"
Daniel continued to smile as he asked Eshmun if they could leave right away, and if they could get the litter that had brought him here. Truth be told, he knew there was no way he was walking back to the gate. At the moment he was having trouble just keeping his eyes open.
The council agreed and left to prepare for the trip while the SG members did the same. Jack contacted the SG teams that were in hiding and told them to come to the council building. A short time later, Philo and Melqart came to the room carrying Daniel's litter. They informed everyone that they would be joining them on the trip back to the city. Daniel was transferred to the litter, Jack and Teal'c taking hold of the ends, and everyone made their way to the entrance of the building.
When they reached the entrance, the SG teams were waiting for them at the base of the steps. Word had traveled quickly, and a large crowd had gathered, waiting for the council members to arrive. Jack and Teal'c set Daniel's litter down at the top of the steps. Guards approached and handed them their confiscated weapons. Sam moved to Daniel's side and knelt down next to him. His eyes were closed again, and she gently roused him.
"How are you doing?" she asked, laying a hand on his arm. His eyes opened at her touch and she could see the fever hadn't relinquished its hold.
"I'll be fine, Sam," he replied, placing his own hand on top of hers, taking in her bandaged wrists and feeling overwhelming gratitude that they had both survived. "How's your head?"
"Much better—Janet thinks it's only a mild concussion."
"Thanks for looking after me on the trip here, Sam."
"I think you did your share of looking after me, Daniel." She hesitated for a couple of seconds, getting up the nerve to plunge ahead with what she needed to say. This might be her last chance to convince Daniel to stay with SG-1.
"Daniel, when you were really sick I promised to help you find Sha're's son."
He looked confused. "I... I don't remember that."
"That's okay, your fever was pretty high and I heard you calling for Sha're. I just want you to know that I do believe you and I want to help you look for the boy. I know Sha're's gone, Daniel, and I know how much that must hurt, but we're still here and we care about you—we don't want to lose you."
"Thanks, Sam, but—"
"Please, let me finish," she pleaded, squeezing his arm tighter. "Daniel, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. If you hadn't spoken to them in Phoenician and asked for Mot's mercy, they would have killed us. Instead, we have new allies."
"She's right, Daniel," Jack added as he moved closer to them. "That's why we need you on the team. Who else would have been able to do that?"
"Thanks, guys," Daniel replied, touched by their words and their efforts to keep him on the team. He had already considered what it would be like to leave the SGC. To never see Sam again. To never sit with her and discuss new discoveries over a cup of coffee. He thought of Teal'c, the man who had ended his wife's life. No, he could now think of him as the man who had ended her suffering. Daniel knew he would miss that comforting presence he had come to rely on. And he would miss the look on Jack's face as he tried to follow one of Sam's technical explanations. But would he miss Jack's clichés? His short temper? His strength? His friendship? Of course he would. He thought about what it must have taken for Jack to stand by and not interfere while he was beaten. He couldn't have asked for a stronger show of faith from his friend.
He realized that the pieces that had been torn from him throughout his life had been replaced with new ones. The pain of Sha're's loss would always be with him, but it would be softened by the friendship, support, and love given to him by these people—these friends—this new family he had become a part of. Daniel was sure now of where he belonged.
"I've thought about this a lot—"
"Daniel, we really need to talk about this when we get back and you're feeling better," Jack said adamantly, hoping with time they could change Daniel's mind about leaving. "And there's one other thing," he added, going down on one knee next to his friend. "I'm sorry about what I said, you know, back at the ruins. I was angry and, well, I said something stupid."
Daniel was touched by Jack's apology. "It's okay, Jack, really, but I've already made up—"
"Don't say you've already made up your mind. Take some time to think about it," Jack interrupted once again. Surely once they got Daniel back to the SGC and he had time to heal, they would be able to convince him to stay.
Daniel held up his hand, asking them to stop. "I was going to say that I've already decided to stay on SG-1."
"You— What?"
"I'm staying."
"That is indeed good news, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said.
Sam threw her arms around Daniel's neck and hugged him while Jack continued. "Oh." He paused a few seconds considering Daniel's change of heart. "You're sure you don't want to go back to archaeology?"
Daniel returned the hug before Sam released her hold and sat back.
"And give up all this?" Daniel replied, using his arm to indicate his injured body.
"Fun, huh?"
"Jack, you have a warped idea of what 'fun' is."
"Why, thank you, Daniel. Now—this calls for a team night. How 'bout a barbecue at my place when we get back?"
"Would this also involve the viewing of a movie?" Teal'c asked.
"You can pick it, big guy, as long as it's not "Star Wars." Teal'c simply raised an eyebrow.
"Colonel," Janet said, moving closer to the group. "I think you'd better postpone that barbecue for about a week."
"Janet?" Daniel said, looking her with concern.
"I'm going to be keeping you in the infirmary at least that long," she replied.
"But, Janet!" Daniel whined.
"Doctor's orders. No arguments, Daniel."
"Jack! Do something!"
"Sorry, Daniel. It's time for my physical—need I say more?"
Daniel closed his eyes, laying his head back and pinching the bridge of his nose. Was he really surprised? Janet always went way beyond thorough—the thought of being in her clutches for a week, subjected to every test imaginable, eating bland infirmary food, and given an embarrassing number of sponge baths, made a shiver run up his spine that had nothing to do with his fever.
At that moment the council members appeared at the top of the steps. Eshmun moved forward and addressed the crowd.
"People of Carthia. Our new friends wish us to form an alliance with their people. Two council members will remain here while the rest of us will travel to the sacred city to learn more about their people. Now, all of those traveling will take part in the cleansing ritual."
One of the council members stepped forward holding a large bowl, a towel draped over his arm. Eshmun gestured for the first person to approach. Each villager dipped their hands in the water and then dried them with the towel; afterwards Eshmun said a few words over their bowed head before moving on to the next. All of the SG members and archaeologists followed the same ritual, with Eshmun coming to Daniel's side to deliver the cleansing.
When everyone was finished, Eshmun addressed the crowd again.
"As a sign of our friendship, I wish to present our visitors with a small gift." Another council member handed him what looked like a round piece of metal on a strip of leather. He moved to Daniel's side, Jack and Teal'c helping him to sit up. Eshmun lifted the medallion over Daniel's head and draped it around his neck.
"Thank you," Daniel responded, taking hold of the shiny medallion and looking it over closely.
"Thank you, Daniel," Eshmun said in return, "We look forward to becoming allies and to trade with your people." He then returned to the top of the steps, directing the group to move out, as Daniel translated.
"There better be an awful lot of naquadah here, because I can't imagine what else these people could possibly have that we'd want to trade for," Jack muttered quietly as two members of SG-5 lifted Daniel's litter. Jack, Teal'c, and Sam all positioned themselves next to their friend as the caravan of people began to descend the steps.
"Daniel?" Sam asked as she moved next to him, her eyes on his medallion.
"What is it, Sam?"
"Can I see your medallion?"
"Sure," he replied, removing it from around his neck and handing it to her.
Sam took it, turning it over in her hands.
"Carter?"
"To answer your question, sir, this might be something worth trading for," she said, holding up the medallion. "I think this is trinium."
Jacks eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Really? Sweet!"
As their group began its journey back to the gate, Daniel smiled, looking at the friends that surrounded him, and thought to himself, Yes... yes it is.
The End
