MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

by Trish Williams

Copyright © 2001

 

If we are not our brother’s keeper, let us at least not be his executioner – Marlon Brando

 

 

Daniel could hardly contain himself.

A few days ago, SG-1 had managed to come across the descendants of a civilization which served as a living lesson in medieval history.  While Sam was more enamored with what these people could provide, and Jack with how they’d managed to drive out the Goa’uld and keep them out for centuries, Daniel was more intrigued with the history and culture of the planet’s people.  He dimmed the lights, then cued up the LCD projector, anxious to brief General Hammond on the amazing discoveries they’d made on this mission.

Daniel brought up the first slide showing the planet’s surface.  “For the past five days we’ve been on P6G-246, otherwise known as Idania by the indigenous peoples there.”

“Have you found out what earth civilization these people are descendants of?” Hammond asked as he poured himself a glass of water.

“From interviews with some of the Elders, and observation of some of the customs, it looks as if they’re descendants of this civilization.” Daniel clicked the mouse and advanced the screen to the next slide, an artist’s interpretation of a large city.  “The medieval Kingdom of Mali, which thrived as a dominant power in West Africa from the Thirteenth to the Fifteenth Centuries, was one most prosperous of its time.  Trade mostly consisted of gold and salt, which went across the Sahara desert into Egypt.”

 “When I think Medieval times, I think of fiery dragons and castles in Europe,” Sam said as she squinted at the drawing on screen.

“And so do a lot of noted scholars, so don’t feel too bad,” Daniel assured her with a grin.  “The medieval era of nations outside of Europe is usually ignored because of their connotation with the ‘dark’ ages, and what some scholars and historians perceive to be a lack of direct impact on modern western society.  While science, mathematics and medicine pretty much stagnated in Western Europe during that time, it flourished in other parts of the world like Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

“I guess they weren’t drilling holes in people’s heads,” Jack quipped, drumming his fingers on the shiny wood table for emphasis. 

“Or boiling people in oil,” she added, recalling how two months ago, SG-1 had the lovely fortune of visiting a planet populated by Christians abducted from Europe during the middle ages by the Goa’uld.  Thankfully on Idania, there was no sign of an Unas pretending to be one of Sokar’s minions.  As far as Sam was concerned, she wasn’t anxious to run into another Unas any time soon.

“But they did have cultural influences that live even today,” Daniel told them as he moved closer to the screen.  “Through the Diaspora that started in the Sixteenth Century, aspects of Malian and other West African cultures are seen in the United States and Europe.”

“Diaspora?” Jack looked to Daniel for an explanation.

“The…academic term for slavery in the Americas.”

A part of Jack wanted to make a quip about calling it what it was, but let it go for now.  “Yet another political correctness term, Daniel?”

The archaeologist gave him a diplomatic smile, then advanced the projector to another slide.  On the screen was a very detailed object that looked like an article of furniture.  “From what I’ve been able to gather, the people of Idania, at least the ones we’ve made contact with, seem to closely resemble the Ashanti.  Now, the Ashanti were one of the major ethnic groups of Ghana before they were conquered by Mali,” he said, motioning the remote in the direction of the screen.  “The symbol of power being an ornately carved stool, one for each elder clan.  But what’s the most interesting is, the monarchy has a written history and practices some aspects of Islam, while the common people have an oral tradition and practice ancestor worship.”

Hammond put his glass back down on the table. “What system of government is used on Idania?”

“The ruling body consists of a council of elders among which a ruler, or Mansa, is selected,” Sam recounted.  “The Elders and Mansa are matrilinearly descended but patriarchal in rule.”

“The Idanians have a saying about that very thing,” Jack said, folding his hands to his chest.  “That only a mother is sure of her children.  I’m thinking it’s a low-tech solution to a paternity test.”

“Actually Jack, you’re not that far off,” Daniel said, grinning inwardly as Jack looked shocked that he was actually right.  “It’s a practice similar to that practiced in ancient Egypt.  Given the extensive trade between the two empires its not a far cry to assume there would be some cultural similarities and influences.”

“Do you think Ra had them brought there?” Hammond postulated.  “Possibly through the Antarctic gate since the one in ancient Egypt was obviously buried by then?”

“According to the Idanians, how they got there is a mystery only known to the Elders,” Sam told him.  “And they could have been brought there in ships for all we know.  All anyone can say is they were brought there by a god they call Mansa.”

Hammond’s brow furrowed. “You think this…Mansa was a Goa’uld?”

Daniel advanced to a slide of a drawing of dark-skinned man on a throne being admired by courtiers and subjects.  “If Mansa Sundiata was indeed a Goa’uld, he probably didn’t assume the role of one, per se.  He led a successful rebellion against the oppressive rule of Sumanguru, the Susu leader who had taken control of the Ghanian empire. As Mansa, he established a cultural exchange system whereby the sons and daughters of prominent leaders would spend time in foreign courts, thus promoting understanding and a better chance of peace among nations.”

“Sort of like Yu was,” Hammond commented.

Daniel nodded.  “But the Mansa that most well known in Earth history is Mansa Musa.”  He clicked another slide that depicted a man on a camel tossing gold coins into an eager crowd.  “On a pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Mecca, he and his entourage put so much gold into circulation that it dropped the price of it in Egypt.”

Jack couldn’t resist.  “How far?” he asked.

Daniel tapped the remote in his hand. “The economy didn’t recover for twelve years.”

The Colonel let out a long whistle.  “Damn, that’s a lot of gold.”

“And since the Mansa of Mali valued religious freedom, they didn’t force everyone to convert to Islam.  The nobility and those wishing to curry favor did.  A Goa’uld’s usual m.o. is to forcibly convert the slave population.”

Hammond had another theory.  “Then maybe the original Mansa who brought them there was another alien race.  Like the Asgard.  Perhaps they somehow protect the Idanians from the Goa’uld.”

 “But the natives say of those we call the Goa’uld, none of them have come through the Stargate in centuries,” Jack told them.  “But with our arrival they’re pretty spooked they might come back sooner rather than later.  And I remember one elder telling me something about the last time the Goa’uld were there, they committed a grave transgression in order to free their people and drive out the snakes.”  Secretly, Jack wondered if the Idanians had utilized the services of Saint Patrick to accomplish the deed.

Hammond cleared his throat. “Is this civilization technically advanced enough to defend themselves against a Goa’uld attack?”

“Unfortunately no,” Sam said with a sigh.  “But what’s the most interesting is there is virtually no disease on that world.  No cancer, no Alzheimer’s, not even the flu.”

“And the infant mortality rate is close to that of Japan, which has the lowest rate on Earth,” Daniel said excitedly.  “We even witnessed a cesarean section being performed.  Both the baby and the mother survived and are in perfect health.”

Jack winced at the images his mind recalled of the incident Daniel spoke of. “Thanks for the memory,” he said.

Sam couldn’t help but notice Jack’s squeamishness.  “The people there just seem to die of plain old age, sir,” she told Hammond.

“Yeah, even some of the old folks could give Teal’c a run for his money,” Jack snorted.

“Speaking of Teal’c,” Hammond began, “first contact must be going pretty well for him to remain behind with the Idanians.”

Jack cleared his throat.  “Actually, he requested it, sir.”

Hammond looked surprised. “For what reason?”

“He’s showing the Idanians how we can help them defend themselves from the Goa’uld,” Sam replied.  “Basically, he’s in his element there.”

“Basically he’s too good to hang out with us anymore,” Jack joked.  “I gotta have a little talk with him.”

“I’ll admit,” Daniel said, “it’s not often we go to a world where he’s treated like royalty.”

And that was the truth.  It seemed every day they were there, Teal’c had been given some kind of wreath to wear around his neck.  The flowers were extremely fragrant, the smell reminding Sam of the gardenias in her grandmother’s garden.  The Elders and Mansa had made it a point to make sure Teal’c’s needs and desires were catered to before the rest of SG-1.  Given that usually Teal’c was usually regarded in fear and awe due to that very obvious gold tattoo on his forehead, Sam had to admit it was refreshing to see this happening.  Jack, of course, was suspicious but in his book, any race that could drive out the Goa’uld couldn’t be all that bad.

Daniel shut off the projector and turned up the room lights.  “When we first arrived, they insisted Teal’c be escorted at all times.  They also said he couldn’t leave the palace grounds.”

“Just a tad xenophobic,” Jack said with his trademark sarcasm.

Sam shook her head as she shifted in her seat.  “Considering the Goa’uld haven’t been there for centuries and then a Jaffa shows up, it would make anyone a bit antsy, sir.”

Daniel nodded as he slid into the empty seat between them.  “But he hasn’t been complaining.  The Elders have made it known that Teal’c is an honored guest.  But they claim he’s being kept at the palace for his own safety.”

Jack gave Hammond a look that said Daniel’s explanation was good, but he wanted to give his spin on it.  “Basically, the folks in charge don’t want to incite a riot because of a Jaffa sighting.”

“First Elder Xaeus has invited us to dinner this evening on behalf of Mansa Ibudan,” Daniel said, trying not to let Jack’s sarcasm take hold.  “There we can start to lay the framework for the treaty before Major Kovachek and his team take over.”

Sam put her palms flat against the smooth table, looking directly at General Hammond as she did so. “Sir, if we can seal this treaty, we’re looking at the potential to cure a slew of diseases here on earth.”

“What do they want in return?” Hammond asked.

“It appears they’ve got a bit of a population problem,” Jack answered with a grin.  “And when I hinted that we have ways to determine paternity, they practically broke out the champagne.”

Hammond didn’t look too excited about that.  “That may be a bit controversial,” he advised.

“Which is why I informed them we’re just sticking with helping them defend themselves and ways to better improve their agricultural resources,” Jack replied.  “They’re more than happy with that.”

“Well, if they’d like technology on family planning, I’m sure Doctor Frasier wouldn’t mind.  Inform the doctor she’ll be returning with you back to the planet.”

“I’ll be sure to inform her, sir,” Jack told the general.  “She’s going to be fascinated that practically no one suffers from disease on Idania.”

But one thing Daniel knew for sure--there was a disease on Idania that very few people were immune to.  And given what he’d observed over the past few days on that planet, Teal’c had succumbed to it.

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Teal’c felt surprisingly comfortable on this world.

Upon first arriving at this place, the Elders vehemently advised Mansa Ibudan, who was quite young to rule such a vast empire, that Teal’c was to be escorted at all times.  Teal’c did not let the situation bother him; more often than not the people on worlds SG-1 visited were afraid of him because he was Jaffa.  When O’Neill asked why such a thing was necessary, they said it was for Teal’c’s own safety.  Not wanting to endanger relations with the people of this world, Teal’c bowed to the will of the Idanians.  He did not like the idea of being ‘watched’, but the greater good needed to be served.  

His mind drifted to what he’d been doing on this planet since then.  The former First Prime of Apophis had spent most of his time on Idania observing how their soldiers trained for battle and the viability of their defenses.  Granted, they were not as skilled as Jaffa, but there was something most familiar to him about their movements.  It was as if he could predict each movement they made during battle exercises.  It was quite easy for him to subdue their best warriors during these exercises, and it was not long before they were in awe of him, and relentless in seeking his counsel about the Goa’uld.  The Idanian warriors treated him with a respect he had only seen as First Prime, and he wondered why.

As a matter of fact, he kept wondering why these people treated him the way they did.

Grasping the edge of the stone wall bordering the rooftop courtyard where he was currently standing, the Jaffa looked down upon the vast sprawl of the Idanian city.  The myriad of light-colored concrete structures were lit a light orange color from the setting sun.  In some of the open areas, Teal’c could see cooking fires being started, harried weavers trying to finish the work on their looms before the daylight ran out, and children playing in the side streets.  A part of him wanted to know what Goa’uld had brought them here, and how had they driven it away.  Surely these Idanians did not behave as slaves, worrying when their master would return.  They acted as if this world was indeed theirs in every sense.  Teal’c told himself he would not be truthful if he did not admit he envied these people.

For reasons no one would explain, except that he was Jaffa, he’d been forbidden from visiting the Idanian city.  O’Neill, Major Carter and Daniel Jackson had seen the marvels there, but Teal’c had been instructed to remain behind.  At first, such a thing bothered him greatly, but when his ‘escort’ informed him he was not the only one forbidden from visiting the city, suddenly seeing it was not so pressing.

Because his escort was a woman.

His ‘escort’, known among her people as Milayaka, wanted to know everything about him.  Where he had been, what he had seen, what his home world was like, what the Tau’ri were like and why he had turned against his Mansa.  She was not afraid of him.  If anything, she was in awe of him.  And she admired him in a way he had not felt in quite some time.  It was admiration based on physical attraction, not fear.  And the power of that attraction was growing with each day he spent in her company.

Teal’c did not believe Daniel’s theory that his attraction to Milayaka was partly due to his anger over Drey’auc having dissolved their marriage.  That had happened over a year ago.  True, he still held anger at his former wife’s actions, but she had taken action in the best interests of their son.  For that, he could not fault her.  But there was something about this Idanian noblewoman that intrigued him, and each day he looked forward to the simple yet informative art of conversation with her.

Smiling broadly, he turned his head sideways to observe Milayaka sitting under a nearby flowering tree, her hair being artfully arranged by a female servant.  Noticing he was looking, she smiled back, the warmth of it stirring feelings with him. And as custom dictated, the clan matriarch was nearby, watching him like a hawk.  She had told him quite bluntly of her familiarity with the behavior of soldiers.  She also made it very clear that any thoughts of compromising Milayaka’s virtue should be expunged from his mind.  As far as he was concerned, there was a snowball’s chance in Netu of him not having such thoughts.  Teal’c had already made up his mind that should she desire to ‘spend time’ with him, he would not turn her away.

The lascivious thoughts in his mind were interrupted by a strong male voice calling out sharply.  From what Teal’c could tell, the speaker was several yards away in one of the towers flanking the palace.  The voice called out several times, reciting the Enza or call to prayer as it was known to the Idanians.  Adjusting his stance, he turned his attention away from Milayaka to watch a gathering of men roll out brilliantly-colored carpets and genuflect several times in the direction of the setting sun.  From what Milayaka had told him, this was the third prayer of the day, or Sudat.  Daniel Jackson had told him that a certain religion on earth, Islam, had a similar practice.  So far the only earth religion he had been acquainted with was Christianity, and he made a mental note to inquire further of the archaeologist about this…Islam. 

“Do you desire a drink to quench your thirst, my lord?” asked a male servant dressed in dark blue robes.  He was short in stature, but most steadfast in attending to the Jaffa’s needs.  Teal’c recalled the servant’s name as Jelan.   He studied him for a few moments, noticing how he was as healthy as a Jaffa.

Actually, all the people on this planet were. 

“I do indeed,” he said.

The male servant poured a red liquid into a gold goblet and handed it to the Jaffa.  “Per your request, it is not fermented.”

“I deeply appreciate your diligence.” 

Teal’c took a long drink, then turned his attention back on Milayaka.  Noticing that another female servant had arrived and was tending to her feet.  Balancing the goblet between his thick fingers, he folded his free hand behind his back and leaned sideways onto the stone wall to get a better look at Milayaka, and what her servant was doing.  He noticed one of the servants plucking white flowers off of the tree, strategically placing them where her long, curly dark brown hair was gathered high upon her head. It was not the hairstyle that intrigued him right now, but the flowers being placed within it.

This particular bloom was everywhere on the planet, and each day Milayaka would bestow a large wreath upon him that was made from it.  When he asked why she did this, she said it was to bless him with health and long life.  Teal’c figured it must be working, because ever since he had come to the planet, the time he required for Kel-No-Reem was growing shorter and shorter.  He felt no less rejuvenated for the shorter sessions.  If anything, he felt stronger, and he had her to thank for it.

“My lord?” Jelan prompted.

“Yes?” Teal’c answered, not turning his gaze from Milayaka.

“You must leave this place.”

The Jaffa gave the servant a confused look.  “Tell me why.” Teal’c placed the goblet back on the tray the servant was holding.

“Leave,” Jelan strongly reiterated, looking back at the women gathered under the tree.  “Before she bewitches you.”

Teal’c let out a hearty laugh.  “She is hardly a threat to me.”

“That is what our ancestors thought,” the servant said, his expression still serious.  “And it was their downfall.”

“How was it a downfall to your ancestors?”

“Not my ancestors,” he said, his eyes boring into the Jaffa’s.  “I mean our ancestors.”

           

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

            Teal’c tried to get an explanation out of Jelan but all he would say is that it was not safe for him to speak further on the matter.  And although Teal’c had promised to protect him from those who would harm him upon speaking the truth, the servant still reiterated that he was in danger, and should leave this place immediately.  Jelan quickly took his leave, occasionally glancing back at the confused Jaffa.

            “Something troubles you?” a female voice asked.  The long grass made a rustling noise as she approached.

Teal’c turned around, pleased to find the voice belonged to Milayaka.  His brow was still furrowed in frustration at the servant.  “It is nothing,” he dismissed, his expression saying otherwise.

Milayaka watched the accused disappeared into one of the back entrances of the palace.  “Was that servant disrespectful to you?” she asked.  “If so, he will be severely punished.  You have my word.”

Teal’c’s gentle expression said she was mistaken.  “He was not disrespectful,” he told her, smiling broadly.  “I would have you note he has been most accommodating of my needs.  See that he is rewarded well.”

Milayaka bowed her head gently. “As you wish,” she said, her gold bracelets clinking softly as she folded her dark arms across her lap.  Then her expression turned to one of intrigue.  “I am curious.  What did he say to you?” 

“Nothing for you to become concerned over,” Teal’c assured her, knowing full well a part of him was concerned.  But for now, he just wanted to lose himself in the lyrical sounds of her speech.

“Then walk with me,” she politely requested, pulling up the skirts of her exquisitely detailed emerald gown so she could walk a little easier.  Folding his hands behind him, Teal’c followed her as she stepped onto the paved walkway that wound through the manicured courtyard back to the palace.  Servants were hurriedly finishing their work of lighting the torches along the walkway as the last of the sun’s light disappeared on the horizon.  A warm breeze blew by them, dredging up the intoxicating smell of the Bloom of Life.

Teal’c’s warrior instinct told him he was being watched.  He glanced back to see an elderly woman with her eyes squarely on him as he and Milayaka walked away.  She was following, albeit several feet behind them.

“Does your clan matriarch need to follow our every step?”

Milayaka smiled, causing her high cheekbones to show more prominently.  “She is wary of you.”

“As she should be.” A duplicitous grin crossed Teal’c’s face.  Milayaka gave him a look that said she knew what he was thinking, and wasn’t offended in the least.

“I find it difficult to believe someone like you does not have several wives, and a great number of children.”

“I had a wife,” Teal’c said, surprised he didn’t say it as somberly as he used to.  “And I have one child.  A son.”

Milayaka looked a little confused.  “Do your people always have such small families?”

“Infant mortality is a common occurrence among Jaffa.  Your people are indeed fortunate to have so many who have survived past childhood.”

“My father had three wives,” she said, noticing Teal’c was yet further intrigued.  “And my mother was Chief Wife.”

“Your people allow a man to have more than one wife?”

“This is disturbing to you?”

Teal’c knew it shouldn’t have been.  He’d been among the Tau’ri so long with their customs of only having one wife, that his reaction was more born out of curiosity than shock.  “It is not,” he replied, sidestepping one of the servants who was re-lighting a torch that had gone out.  “On Chulak, it is also permitted to have more than one wife.”

“Then that is yet another thing our people have in common,” she affirmed.  “In our sacred text it is written that a man is allowed to have more than one wife, but only if he can deal with both justly.”

“And could your father deal with all three justly?” 

Milayaka looked up at the stars beginning to show in the night sky.  “He tried as best he could. Unfortunately all three of his wives argued frequently about the scheduling of marital relations.”

Teal’c smiled inwardly, noting the same thing also happened among Jaffa, except arguing about it was not tolerated.  “In my culture, the position of second wife is indeed a difficult one.”

“Did you not desire a second wife?” Milayaka asked.

Teal’c just gave her a devilish smile in response.  “At one time I considered doing such a thing.  But the situation was most complicated so I did not.”  As they passed a group of bushes on each side of the walkway, Teal’c noticed yet again the same white flowers that seemed so prevalent on the planet.  He inhaled sharply, taking in the sweet smell.  For a reason he had not yet figured out, the smell was calming and pleasing at the same time, and downright impossible to ignore.

“Jealousy between wives can cause problems,” Milayaka said, regaining his attention.  “This I know.”

What Teal’c really wanted to know was why she was still without a husband.  If Milayaka were on Chulak, she would have been most overdue for marriage.  Not so much as to make a potential suitor think she was either incorrigible or lazy, but enough to raise a few eyebrows.  Regardless, such a thing was not considered good social policy on Chulak.  A father who could not marry off his daughters was not regarded favorably in Jaffa society. 

“Why have you not married?” Teal’c asked.

“Why have you not married again?”

Teal’c raised an eyebrow at her, intrigued at her sharp rejoinder.  “I believe I inquired of you first.”

Milayaka slid a slender arm around his muscular one. “Because I am attempting to marry for love.”

He relished the closer contact they were now experiencing. “Is it so hard to find on your world?” he asked, tossing a quick look backward.  The clan matriarch still followed, her eyes still trained on him.  The Jaffa just smiled back at her and returned his attention to Milayaka.

“Here on Idania, the Elders marry for property and kinship,” she explained.  “As long as the potential suitor has proven himself in battle, can prove the lineage to his clan is pure, and possesses the historical heirlooms, he is considered to be an acceptable husband.”

“And you have found none acceptable?”

The Idanian noblewoman sighed heavily.  “I have delayed the process for quite some time.  When I told my brother I was not ready to marry, he was most displeased.  He and the other clan matriarchs and Elders believe that I am unnecessarily prolonging the inevitable.”  A few silent moments passed between them, with only the sound of footsteps upon the cobblestone walkway and singing crickets to keep them company.  “Soon I will marry,” she continued, “but sadly it will be to a pretentious, strutting peacock chosen by the Elders, and he will treat me like a prize he has won in battle.  The ceremony will be lavish, the entire kingdom will come out to see us ride in the city streets, and for the first time in my existence, I will see what life outside the palace grounds is like.”

“That is unfortunate.” He could tell she was not at all looking forward to it.

“Doctor Jackson believes my people are Ashanti,” Milayaka said, changing the subject a bit.  “Do you know of them?”

“I do not,” Teal’c replied, noticing a trio of moons beginning to rise.  “But my friends and I believe your people were abducted by the Goa’uld.”

“The evil Mansas?”

Teal’c nodded.

“They have not been here for many generations,” she proclaimed.  “But word being whispered around the palace is that with the arrival of your friends, the evil Mansas may not be far behind.”

“We would do everything in our power to protect you.”

Now it was Milayaka’s turn to furrow her brow.  “Why?”

“On our world, the strong protect the weak.”

She patted his arm reassuringly.  “Our soldiers are formidable.  So much so that none of the other Kingdoms dare challenge us.  They have not done so for centuries.”

“Unless you improve your defenses, the Goa’uld will be victorious,” he told her, his eyes quite serious.  “That is why it behooves your people to enter into an alliance with the Tau’ri.”

“My people are most shrewd in the art of trade.  I am sure the representatives of Earth and Idania will come to a most equitable agreement in the best interest of both worlds.”

That led Teal’c to the next question he wanted to ask.  Even with the way he’d been treated, he couldn’t stop asking himself why.  Surely he was in no danger, but….

Teal’c slowly brought them to a stop.  “May I ask you a question, Milayaka?”

“Of course.  What is it you wish to know?” 

“Why am I being kept solely on the palace grounds?”  In his peripheral vision, he noticed the clan Matriarch had stopped as well.  “Is it because I am Jaffa?”

Milayaka gave him a guilty look.  “In part.  But the true foundation for the treaty has been built during the time we have shared in each other’s company.”  Milayaka interlaced her fingers with his, briefly tossing the clan Matriarch a defiant look as she did so.  “I have learned much of you, Teal’c,” she said earnestly, “especially that of your strength of character.  To be able to stand up to an evil Mansa and seek freedom for your people is most honorable.  The Earth people’s willingness to bring you into their circle demonstrates their ability to trust.  It impresses the Elders, and it impresses me.”

Teal’c bowed gracefully.  “I am honored you think so highly of me.”

“My brother values my counsel greatly,” she said.  “And from what I have told him of you, he is most impressed.  A treaty between Idania and the world that has embraced you will be made most expeditiously.  The Elders have told me the symbolic agreement to the treaty will take place at the evening meal.”

Teal’c was glad to hear this.  But his training as a warrior did not let him make his excitement too obvious.  “This news will be most gladly received by SG-1 upon their return this night.”

“I am sure that it will,” she said, beginning to walk again.  Their hands remained linked together, each one not wanting to break contact.  “You should ready yourself for the evening meal.  It would honor my people greatly if you would wear the garments of our world.”  Milayaka looked him up and down.  “This Earth attire looks most restrictive.”

“It is indeed,” he said, relishing the thought of wearing comfortable, flowing robes instead of the somewhat restrictive fatigues he currently wore.

“Then your servants will prepare you.”  Slowly, a mischievous smile crept over her face.  She looked back at the clan Matriarch who still followed purposefully behind them.  “You wish to know more about my people and our ways?  And why we are so large in number?” Milayaka whispered low enough for him to hear, but not for anyone, especially the clan matriarch, to eavesdrop on.

“Yes,” Teal’c said in a normal voice.  He figure whispering would have given him away.

“Have one of your servants escort you to my chambers before the evening meal,” she said softly.  “And I will tell you.”

It was an offer Teal’c had no intentions of refusing. 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

“The Jaffa seems to be enjoying her company,” said a voice in the shadows.

“Quite,” another voice responded.

“Do you believe she will initiate the ritual?”

 “She will remain true to her training. It is in her nature.”

“We are taking a very big risk.  What if it does not work?”

“It must work,” the other voice pressed.  “The evil Mansas have not been here in many generations.  With the arrival of these Earth people, who is to say they will not come back?”

“The Earth people say they will help us defend ourselves.”

“We cannot count on that.  We must find a way to help ourselves.  And in turn, we may be able to help the Earth people as well.”

Unbeknownst to them, a servant scurried down the hallway, anxious to tell his lord yet again that his life was in danger….

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

“Well, someone has definitely been reading or watching B. Smith,” Jack said as he looked around the lavishly decorated circular foyer of the Idanian palace.  There were splashes of gold everywhere, the ornate craftsmanship showing in the intricate moldings, the graceful sculptures and the polished black marble floor.  He would have noticed more, but Jack was a little miffed the greeting party was running behind schedule. The Colonel sure hoped the food was good because as far as he was concerned, diplomacy absolutely sucked on an empty stomach.

“Who’s B. Smith?” Sam asked as she admired the craftsmanship of the Idanian artisans.

“Well, let’s just say if Martha Stewart were a hell of a lot more likeable, had real decorating ideas for normal folks, cooked real food you could actually identify, and could do it all within the time frame of a mere mortal, she’d be B. Smith.”

“Colonel, I’m surprised,” Janet remarked, her expression saying she knew exactly whom Jack spoke of.  “I didn’t think you watched those kind of shows.”

Jack patted his sidearm and rocked back and forth on his heels.  “Oh, you’d be amazed at what I watch in my spare time,” he said with a smirk.  “And speaking of watch, it would be nice if Teal’c were here to meet us.  Have you noticed how weird he’s been acting since we first came to this place?”  The Colonel emphasized his point by drawing a circle in the air near his left ear with a finger, hinting at the Jaffa’s mental state.

“I don’t know if you’d call it…weird,” Daniel offered, his fingers grazing the intricate detail of an ebony statue.  As he videotaped it for posterity and future research, he figured it was probably a representation of one of their ancestral Elders but for some reason the etched face was familiar to him.  “He’s getting to know the indigenous peoples of this world.”

“Is indigenous PC for ‘natives’?”

Daniel just shook his head, not relishing having to deal with Jacks’ perpetual sarcasm.  “The ‘natives’ of this world have reached out to him.  It’s nice to see Teal’c so deep into diplomacy.”  The archaeologist shut off the camera and stowed it away.

 “And it doesn’t hurt that they’re literally kissing his ass,” Jack snorted, looking briefly at how Janet was looking out at a nearby courtyard.  It was populated with those same white flowers that seemed to multiply like rabbits on this world. 

“No,” Daniel replied, a little annoyed.  “It doesn’t.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“It’s different, I’ll grant you that.” Daniel adjusted his glasses a bit.  “If anyone would know if we were in any real danger, it would be either you or Teal’c.  And both of you have made it pretty clear these people don’t mean us any harm.”

“At least not physically.”

Daniel gave him a strange look.  “What does that mean?”

“Shouldn’t you be sneezing like crazy with all these flowers around?”

“He should but the pollen isn’t affecting him for some reason,” Janet said, her eyes still on the flower populated courtyard.  She walked the few feet over to get a better look.

“And besides,” Daniel told him, “stop trying to change the subject.  What exactly do you mean, at least not physically?”

“I mean him and that Idanian princess.”

“Actually her title is First Daughter,” Sam corrected as she went to see just what Janet was so entranced with.

“Yeah, whatever.”  Jack looked around again, wondering where the hell First Elder Xaeus and that rather young Mansa Ibudan were.  Hoping to make the time pass by more quickly, he started walking the circumference of the foyer.  “When we first get here, they insist on Teal’c having an escort.  I mean they were downright militant about it.  And then this woman saunters in, a rather attractive woman mind you, and the Elders and potentates tell Teal’c this is who his escort is.  Now for what military or security reason do you think they had her attached at the hip to him?”

Daniel stepped away from the statue.  “It’s not like he complained or anything.  Would you?”

“That’s not the point.”  Jack slid his foot across the shiny floor, eliciting an ear-splitting squeak that made everyone give him a nasty stare.  “Sorry about that,” he sheepishly apologized.

“The point is Teal’c is actually enjoying the company of a rather attractive woman, and probably pleading our cause for them to initiate trade with us,” Daniel explained.

“I think she wants to initiate something, and it ain’t trade.”

Sam brushed off Jack’s flip comment as she rejoined them.  “Sir, like I told General Hammond, if we can enter into a treaty with these people, we could probably treat more diseases on earth than you can shake a stick at."

“I dunno.  I could shake a stick at a whole lot of things,” Jack said with a smile.  Sam didn’t return the expression.  Hers was dead serious.

“We’re talking everything from Alzheimer’s to AIDS, sir.”

Jack stopped in his tracks, not quite sure he’d heard that last one right.  “AIDS?” he asked, stunned and hopeful at the same time.

“Yes, sir,” Sam confirmed, her blue eyes full of conviction.  “And if we could find a cure for AIDS, it isn’t that far a stretch to extend that research to find a cure for Teal’c.”

“Seriously?”

“Very seriously,” Janet added as she walked back towards them.  “AIDS patients already have weakened immune systems.  And the disease runs rampant because the afflicted have little or no immune system left to fight off infection.”

Jack knew all of this made sense, but it didn’t help quell the feeling that was really bothering him.  “Well, now that you put it that way…I guess what I’m saying is…I can see the benefit of getting a potential cure but…”

“You’re still worried about Teal’c.  Why?” Daniel asked.  He still couldn’t figure out why Jack was seemingly ‘stuck on stupid’ with this one.  Daniel quickly told himself Jack wasn’t stupid, he was just a little overprotective when it came to Teal’c.  “He’s a big boy, Jack,” he assured.

“I’ve just got a bad feeling I can’t shake.”

Sam thought she had it figured out.  “I just don’t think we’re used to Teal’c smiling so much,” she said, smiling a little herself.

“Well, considering his wife effectively divorced him over a year ago, it’s nice to see him like this,” Daniel told them. 

“Like what?” Jack asked.

“You know….”

“In love?” Janet asked, becoming even further intrigued in the discussion.

Jack snorted.  “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Then how would you describe it?”

“Well, it’s sort of how you get back into the dating game after being dumped.  Know what I mean?”  He looked directly at Daniel when he said that.

“Not really but I’ll take your word for it,” Daniel told him.  “Let me just come out and say it, Jack.  Teal’c isn’t about to go around sleeping with the natives.”

            “Aren’t they indigenous peoples?” Jack said with a snort.

Janet could see right to what was going on.  “Maybe a part of you is a little…jealous?” she teased, causing Jack to toss up his hands in frustration.

“Oh for crying out loud…”

“You are,” Daniel prodded.  “I can see it in your face.  It’s not like Milayaka gave him a cake and said, ‘It is only for you’.”

Sam couldn’t help but laugh at the memory.  “He’s got a point, sir,” she said, ignoring the look from her CO that effectively said, ‘bite me’.

“Granted, she’s had to escort Teal’c around, but he hasn’t exactly been upset about it,” Daniel said, remembering Teal’c’s stunned expression when Milayaka was first introduced to him.  “And we all know Teal’c doesn’t do anything he does not want to do.  And they did offer him the option to have another escort if the one assigned to him was not to his satisfaction.”

“Let me ask you a question, Daniel,” Jack said, cocking his head to the side.  “If you were Teal’c, would you have thrown her back?”

The archaeologist remembered the sight of the beautiful, bejeweled and quite shapely woman, clad in red and gold robes, who was introduced as Teal’c’s escort around Idania.  Even he had to pick his jaw up off the floor upon seeing her.  And as for Teal’c, when he saw her, something came out of his mouth in his language that could be loosely translated into one English word: Damn.

Daniel let his breath out slowly.   “No, I can’t say that I would have.”

“Would you guys just relax?” Janet pleaded.  “From what I’m hearing he’s just spending time with her. You know, being…diplomatic.”

“Yeah.  It’s not like he’s going to marry her or something,” Sam muttered.

“Speaking of Martha Stewart,” Janet began, “those gardens we passed on the way in here are tended to so well they’d make her jealous.”

“I’d really like to smack Martha Stewart,” Sam said with distaste.  “Really, really hard.”  Ever time she saw that woman’s magazine in the supermarket, it made her realize just how poorly-decorated her apartment was. 

“Then you’ll definitely like B. Smith,” Jack assured her.  “Trust me on that.”

“The white one seems to grow everywhere,” Daniel commented, noticing a few garlands of the flower streamed down from floor to ceiling in certain portions of the foyer.  “The Idanians call it the Bloom of Life.”

“Considering the potential it holds I can see why,” Janet replied.  “As a matter of fact….”  The SGC CMO looked up when she heard footsteps coming their way.

Jack quickly straightened.   “We’re on,” he said, trying like hell to stifle his first instinct to tell them it was about high damn time they got here.

“Our earth friends have returned!” the First Elder exclaimed as he entered the foyer.  Regardless of his ornate finery, he exuded much more confidence and regality than Mansa Ibudan, who just stood there trying his best to look important.  It made Jack wonder how the hell this guy had come into power.  He was too young to lead, and his inexperience just screamed that he was only a figurehead with no real authority. 

“We have indeed.  And we’ve brought another person along,” Jack said, gesturing in Janet’s direction.  “This is Doctor Frasier.”

Xaeus looked confused.  “A doctor?”

“A healer,” Daniel translated.

“Ah,” the First Elder replied, instantly understanding. He turned his attention to the petite doctor. “Then you are familiar with the wonders your comrades have seen?”

“They have told me there is virtually no sickness on your world,” she said, her tone hinting that she’d believe it when she saw it.

“That is correct,” Xaeus confirmed proudly.

“And the preliminary tests we’ve done on that flower you have growing here holds great promise.” Janet tried not to let her excitement get the better of her.  “There are many diseases on earth that could be treated with this.”

Xaeus’ face lit up in anticipation.  “Then we are to be allies in trade?” he asked hopefully.

“We are to be allies in trade,” Jack confirmed, taking pride in that he’d just made the old guy’s day.

“This is wonderful!” Xaeus exclaimed.  He simultaneously clapped both of his hands on Jack’s and Ibudan’s shoulders, and looked up at the large statue Daniel had videotaped earlier.  “May the great Mansa be praised!”

“W...we are honored that you join us this night,” Mansa Ibudan said.  He seemed embarrassed for tripping over the words, but SG-1 could clearly see he was sincere.

“As are we,” Daniel said.  He bowed reverently in the Mansa’s direction, making the young man smile in response.

Jack clapped his hands together and asked, “So, where’s Teal’c?”

“He and my sister will arrive shortly,” Ibudan replied.

“He sure has been spending quite some time with her.”

“Jack….” Daniel warned.

“What?” he asked innocently.

“Please don’t start.”

“I agree with Daniel,” Janet said.  “Let’s not go there again, shall we?”

The looks Jack got from his teammates made him decide to back off.  At least for now anyway.

“Come,” the First Elder said, motioning for SG-1 to follow him and the boy king as they began walking towards the banquet hall.  “We shall dine shortly, and celebrate the alliance of our two worlds.”

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Teal’c couldn’t remember the last time he had been this relaxed.

Clad in ornate white robes that billowed behind him with each graceful step, the Jaffa made his way towards Milayaka’s chambers.  He couldn’t believe how different he felt.  A part of him dared to say he felt younger, but the rational part of him said he was only imagining things.  Perhaps this place was awakening things in him that made him feel younger in spirit, not just in body.

This was one of those few times he being feared because he was Jaffa or ignored because he wasn’t human.  When SG-1 made first contact on other worlds, the usual scenario unfolded so many times Teal’c could bet a million shish’ta on it and get double his money back.  Jack or Daniel, or both, if it were a banner day, usually received the bulk of overt female attention.  Sure, Teal’c got the same admiring looks, but fear usually made them keep their distance.  And as for Carter, usually the male leaders either tried to acquire her as a bride, cajole Jack or Daniel into selling her to them, or worse.  Teal’c was grateful to share his knowledge of the Goa’uld with those who desired to defend themselves against the false gods, but it also would have been nice to have a female approach him who desired to spend time in his company.

And he desired Milayaka’s company as much as she desired his.

Female company wasn’t something he’d often had the luxury of.  And it had been over a year since he’d had any kind of physical contact with a woman.  And on that one occasion, the contact had come in the form of a kiss courtesy of a wife who had seen fit to have her marriage to him removed.  The fact that she’d married his best friend, Fro’tac, still made his blood burn.  Drey’auc claimed he was the only one who asked, but to this day Teal’c still didn’t believe that.  And that disbelief kept him from giving her his forgiveness.  He’d visited his son and his former wife twice since relocating them to the Land of Light, and each time they refrained from speaking of the man who temporarily took his place as his son’s father, and the one who kept Drey’auc’s bed warm at night.

Pausing just outside the door to her chambers, Teal’c questioned himself yet again why she would want to see him.  His libidinous twin had a very good idea why, but Teal’c refused to acknowledge that part of him right now.  Perhaps she wished to talk to him further about his world and the places he had been.  Maybe she wanted to learn more of the customs of his world and find out yet another ritual they had in common.  He enjoyed the pleasure of her company, and would miss it upon returning to Earth.  Being around Milayaka made him feel wanted. 

And he liked how that felt.

“There is still time, my lord,” Jelan pressed.  He slid between Teal’c and the doors as to physically stop him from entering.  “You could join the earth people in the dining hall now.  Her majesty will meet you there.”

The Jaffa gave the servant an amused look.  “Her majesty has extended me an invitation and I have accepted it,” Teal’c told Jelan.  “I would be remiss not to appear when I have given my word that I would do so.”

“I would not say such a thing and risk severe punishment if I did not believe your life was in danger.”

Teal’c folded his thick arms in front of him.  “You still feel she will…bewitch me?” he asked with an arched eyebrow.

Jelan cast his eyes to the floor.  “Please, my lord.  Do not take this lightly.”

“Then explain what you meant in the courtyard.  What did you mean by our ancestors?”

“You and I share the same blood.  We come from the same people.”

“You mean we have the same ancestors descended from the Tau’ri.”  When Jelan looked up at him, he seemed confused, so Teal’c clarified.  “The Earth people I arrived with.  My ancestors are descended from the peoples of Earth.”

“Possibly.  But it goes deeper than that.”

“How deep?”

Before Jelan could answer, the golden doors to Milayaka’s chamber opened to reveal lavishly decorated living quarters.  There were translucent white scarves that traversed the ceiling, jewel-toned pillows strewn about the white marble floor, a decadently dressed bed that was strategically perched right next to a small indoor sunken tub.  Teal’c hadn’t seen anything this sumptuous since being in Apophis’ palace on Chulak.

“Her majesty is expecting you, my lord,” a female servant announced.  She looked up at Teal’c and smiled briefly before lowering her head and waving him in.

“And where is her majesty?”

“I am here,” a familiar female voice said.  Milayaka appeared from the left side, clothed in the same white robes he wore except hers dipped suggestively in front.  With the white flowers in her hair, she looked almost angelic.  “It makes my heart glad to see you.”

“As it does mine,” he replied.  The thought then occurred to him that had they been on Chulak, their dress was what a couple would wear on their wedding night.  Teal’c brushed it aside as pure coincidence as he lost himself in the warm smile Milayaka flashed his way. 

“Jelan,” Milayaka called.

The dark-skinned servant bowed.  “Yes, your majesty?”

“Take Imani and tell the Earth people that Teal’c and I will join them shortly.”

“As you wish.”  Jelan and Imani bowed their heads and left Milayaka’s chambers.  Jelan hung back a little, giving Teal’c a worried look before closing the heavy golden doors behind him.

“Come with me,” Milayaka cooed, slipping her slender hand into the Jaffa’s muscular one.  She led him over to a plush bench, her eyes trained on his. Even as they sat down, the gaze was unbroken.

Teal’c noticed something was out of the ordinary.  “Where is your clan matriarch?”

“She is otherwise occupied,” Milayaka answered, almost blushing at the look Teal’c gave her.

“For someone so concerned with the preservation of your virtue, would it not behoove her to be present?”

“She approves of you keeping company with me.  You have passed her test.”

“Test?”

“My test actually,” Milayaka blushed suddenly, her dark brown skin becoming warmer.  “I am not very knowledgeable in the intentions of men.  Hence I sought her counsel.  I wished to gauge your patience, and what your true intention was towards my people…and me.”

Teal’c couldn’t help but smile at that.  “And what have you learned?”

Milayaka rose up from the bench, watching the Jaffa’s eyes track her movement.  “Would you like to know why we are such a…fertile people?” she asked, sauntering over to the tub.

“I would,” he rumbled softly.  Teal’c couldn’t tell if he was more interested in the story or hearing Milayaka tell it.  He leaned his arms forward onto his knees, clasping his hands in anticipation.

Milayaka sat down next to the sunken tub of water.  Stirring it with a slender finger, she caused the clusters of white flowers to swirl around like little boats in a light chop.  “Long ago,” she began, “a man and a woman came down from heaven, while another man and woman came out of the ground.”  Milayaka reached forward to retrieve a short garland of white flowers that lay on the adjacent edge of the tub.  With her eyes on Teal’c, she laid the garland upon the water, holding it at both ends so it would not sink.  “The Lord of Heaven also sent down a python, a slithering creature that posed no danger, which made a home in a river.”

As he got up from the bench and walked over to her side, Teal’c wanted to know why her people seemingly worshiped a serpent.  He brushed it aside, figuring it was only a coincidence that he used to serve the serpent god, Apophis, and these people worshipped the python.  He slowly lowered his muscular frame down to sit next to her, his eyes telling her of his eagerness for her to continue the tale.

“In the beginning, men and women had no children.  They had no desire for one another and did not know the process of procreation and birth.”

Teal’c shook his head playfully.  “That is most unfortunate.  The process of procreation is quite pleasurable,” he said, hinting he knew this from experience rather than word-of-mouth.  “The desire a man and a woman have for each other only heightens the experience.  And the children that result are truly a blessing.” 

“I agree,” she concurred, feigning innocence at the advances his eyes were making.  “And it was the Python who taught them.”  Milayaka removed the garland from the water, placing it around her neck.

“How?” he asked, watching as Milayaka removed the garland from the water and placed it around her neck.  The water droplets found refuge among her robes, settling into places that teased the Jaffa to come and find if he dared.

“He asked the men and women if they had any children.  And on being told they had none, the Python said he would make the women conceive.”  Milayaka pressed a silencing finger to Teal’c’s lips when he began to ask another question.  “He told the couples to stand facing each other, then he went into the river and came out with his mouth full of water.”  She dipped her hands into the fragrant water, letting some run between her fingers. “This,” she said, indicating the water she held, “he sprayed on their bellies saying…” her words trailed off as she let the last remnants of water return from whence it came.

“What did the python say?” he pressed, edging closer to her.

Milayaka shook her head playfully and moved backwards by the same distance he’d approached.  “I cannot tell you.  It is forbidden to speak of.”

“Is it truly?  Or do you not desire to tell me?” he asked, feigning hurt feelings.  “Keeping secrets is not a good way to begin diplomatic relations between our people.”

Milayaka removed the garland from her neck and placed it around his, the remaining water droplets feeling like fire against his skin.  “You truly wish to know?” she asked, her eyes no longer radiating innocence.  It was pure unabashed desire he saw in those eyes as dark as his own.

Teal’c moved closer and said, “Yes.”  This time, the Idanian noblewoman did not move away.  The words she spoke into his ear was a language he did not know, but the way they were being spoken to him suddenly caused fireworks in his consciousness.

Milayaka smiled at the reaction she received, then continued her story.  “Then, the Python told the couples to go home and lie together.  And after that, the women conceived and bore children.”  Milayaka removed the garland from his neck, slowly immersing it into the water.  “These children took the spirit of the river where the Python lived as their clan spirit.  And among our people, it is forbidden to kill the python, for we owe it our very existence.”

“So you worship the serpent?” he said, leaning in closer.

Milayaka balanced his chin on the tip of her index finger. “In a way, yes.  It is yet another thing our people have in common.”

Teal’c wanted to remind her that Apophis was a false god, but that did not seem important right now.  “Suddenly, I am not famished for sustenance,” he said, tangling a hand in her hair.

“Neither am I,” she answered.

When his lips connected with hers, they both knew what they truly hungered for.

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Daniel marveled at the extravagance of the affair.

The Idanian idea of dinner was more like…dinner and a floor show.  There were troupes of dancers who performed with the type of precision that would make a drill sergeant jealous, magicians performing feats of illusion that dazzled the eyes and boggled the mind, and storytellers with tales that literally had SG-1 on the edge of their seats.  As far as he was concerned, the Idanian dinner theater could give Cirque du Solei a run for their money.

As he settled back in his chair to watch the current performers twirl flaming batons, the whole scene reminded him of the festival days on Abydos.  They were always full of life and excitement, especially after Ra was killed.  The festivals since then had taken on a special meaning.  Sha’re had always loved them, and the dinner performance reinforced how much he missed her. 

Daniel politely waved off a servant who approached with another golden charger full of delicious treats.  His spirit was willing, but physically he was as stuffed as a thanksgiving turkey.  He figured Jack would ask for a doggy bag to take back to Earth.  The Colonel had eaten more than Daniel, Janet or Sam.

The banquet hall erupted into the sounds of applause as the fire dancers finished their routine.  They extinguished their batons, then bowed before the elders and clan matriarchs before leaving.  Daniel decided to take advantage of the silence before another act came in.  Thankfully, the First Elder was seated next to him at the head table.

“First Elder Xaeus,” Daniel began, “I noticed a large sculpture in the foyer.  Do you know who it’s of?”

“Legend among the Twelve is that it is the first Mansa,” he answered gleefully.  “The one from which we have all descended.  The one who brought us here and provided us with impeccable health, vitality and fertility.  He decreed the sculpture be done in his image.”

“Yes, but do you know exactly who this Mansa was?”

“He provided the way for us to become fruitful, and populate our world.  We do not know his face, but from him, the lineage of the twelve Elders was born.”

Mansa Ibudan drew up his lanky frame and cleared his throat a few times.  “To our allies, I present to you the Council of Twelve and the Blessed Matriarchs.  Each has a seat of power from which to govern our people.”  Each Elder, including Xaeus, brought out an ornate stool, arranging them in a semi-circle in the middle of the dining hall.  The clan matriarchs then sat upon each ornate stool.  “And we protect that power, and show our allegiance by presenting the historical heirlooms.”

A cadence began in the distance.

At first, the sound didn’t bother Daniel.  But as it came closer, he became agitated.  He couldn’t explain why; it was something he knew.  The sound of soldiers’ feet grew louder and louder, and when they entered the dining hall, Daniel went for his sidearm so quickly he didn’t even consider the diplomatic implications of his actions.  Jack and Sam each had their sidearms out and the soldiers in their sights.  Janet took a bit longer to get to her sidearm, but once she did she was as ready as her comrades to take on this unexpected threat.

“Please! Lower your weapons,” Xaeus pleaded.

            Jack still had his trained on the soldiers in front of him.  “Tell them to lower theirs,” he warned.

            “They are only for decorative purposes,” Xaeus assured.  “Their function ceased generations ago.”

“Daniel,” Jack said slowly, emphasizing each syllable of the archaeologist’s name. “Tell me what you see those twelve guys holding in their left hands?”

Swallowing hard, Daniel blinked a few times before mustering up the strength to confirm what SG-1’s commanding officer saw. “Jack, those would be…staff weapons.”

“Carter,” Jack prompted, taking a quick look between her and the soldiers she was aiming at.  “Tell me what kind of helmets these gentlemen are wearing?”

“Serpent guard helmets, sir.”

Coming from around the table, Jack went up to one of the soldiers.  The one in front of him offered up the staff weapon without any resistance.  Jack turned it around, trying to find the mechanism that would activate it.  “Is that vase valuable?” Jack asked.

“It is not,” Ibudan said.  “Why do you inquire?”

“Oh, just for a little demonstration.”  Jack took aim, then fired at the vase.  Everyone in the room gasped when the vase was instantly incinerated.  

“Inactive my ass,” Janet muttered.

Xaeus was stunned.  “None of our soldiers have been able to activate these weapons.”

“Well if you don’t know what you’re doing, it won’t work.” Jack snorted and deactivated the staff weapon.  “Anybody want to take a guess as to what this means?”

“Besides the fact that Apophis has been here at one time, I can’t tell you much else.”  But Daniel could see a realization in Sam’s eyes.

“They’re descended from Serpent guards,” Sam said.

Jack looked at her as if he didn’t want to believe.  Janet had the same look.  But Daniel’s expression told him Sam was probably right. “Are you sure?” he asked.

The matriarch of Ibudan’s clan rose slowly and said, “I am Yisdra, the clan matriarch from which Mansa Ibudan hails and the sister of the First Elder.   All of us on Idania are descendants of the Twelve.  The Twelve in service to the Mansa who tried to enslave us.”

“But through our knowledge, we were able to subdue them, and bring them into our bloodlines,” Xaeus said, motioning towards the other eleven Elders and clan matriarchs, each of whom had a solider standing next to them dressed in the battle uniform of a Serpent guard.

Jack motioned for Daniel, Sam and Janet to come over to where he was.  “Do you guys realize how freaky this is?” he whispered sharply.  “How could we come here and not know these people were once enslaved by Apophis?”

“It looks like he covered his tracks pretty well,” Daniel remarked.  “What I’d like to know is, what made him leave and never come back?”

“If we can find that out, maybe the Idanians will let us bottle it and bring it back,” Janet said as she tossed a glance in Xaeus’ direction.  His facial expression said he was worried about what they were discussing, and his body rose up to physically come over and investigate.

Jack shook his head.  “It doesn’t make any sense.  If they overpowered the Jaffa who first came here, why haven’t they tried to lock Teal’c away?”

“They did,” Daniel told them.  “They’ve kept him in this palace.”

“That still doesn’t really explain things,” Jack said.  “Remember when we first came here, he had to have a ‘special’ escort.”  The colonel panned the room until he got Ibudan in his sights.  “Carter, refresh my memory as to who that was?”

“Milayaka,” she breathed.

“Teal’c is a warrior,” Daniel told them.  “There’s no way she could overpower him.”

“At least not with physical strength.”

They all got his meaning loud and clear.

“Go find him?” Sam asked Jack.

“Yep.”

“You will remain here,” Xaeus declared.

Jack looked at the First Elder as if he didn’t hear him right.  “Mind telling me why?”

“To seal the treaty, we require the Jaffa remain with us,” Yisdra decreed.  “He will be wed to Milayaka, and together they will produce the next Mansa.”

“Pure stock,” Daniel wondered aloud.  “So the whole entire time you wanted him here…for that?”

“He won’t stand for it,” Jack sneered.  “And I sure as hell won’t stand for it.”

“Then there will be no treaty,” Xaeus declared.  “But I assure you, after you have seen your Jaffa friend, you will think twice about not trading with us.”

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~      

 

She was going to miss him.

Milayaka finished tying an opulent robe around her body, all the while admiring the Jaffa who occupied her bed.  He slept soundly, the dark blue silken sheets making it look as if his body were submerged within the ocean.  Milayaka wasn’t sure how she would handle it when he left to go back with the Earth people.  She would put on a brave front, of course, but she would be lying to herself if she did not admit her heart would be sad to see him go.

Her brow furrowed as she heard a faint screeching noise.  She quickly dismissed it, thinking it was a small insect deciding to take refuge in her chambers for the night.  The rumbling in her stomach told her she was famished for actual food at the moment, and surely Teal’c would be also as soon as he awakened.  Walking over to his side of the bed, she noticed how still he was.  Perhaps this was how Jaffa always…

She jumped back when her foot stepped on something cold and wet.   She thought it was a wet article of clothing, until she remembered none of their clothes had been in water when they had removed them.  When she looked down and saw what it was, a shrill scream erupted from her throat. 

On the floor on Teal’c’s side of the bed, barely moving, was his symbiote.

Milayaka fell to her knees before the creature, repentant tears streaming from her face.  Surely she would be punished for this.  But what did she really do?  Did not the offering of her pure body to the Jaffa please the great Mansa?  Obviously it did not, for before her was a dying serpent. 

And she was to blame for it.

Her head jerked around when the doors to her chamber burst open.  SG-1 came storming through followed by Xaeus and Ibudan.

“Doc, you and Daniel go check on Teal’c,” Jack ordered, watching as Ibudan went to comfort Milayaka.

“What has transpired, daughter of my sister?” Xaeus asked Milayaka.

Jack got an exasperated look.  “Isn’t it obvious what ‘transpired’?” he snapped.

“What happened?” Sam asked, stooping down next to Milayaka and her uncle.  “I…I mean, afterwards.”

All Milayaka could do was sob and point at the thing that lay in front of her.  It gave a light screech then writhed a little.

“Sir, it’s his symbiote,” Sam called to Jack over her shoulder.  “It just left his body for some reason.”

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath.  This was definitely not good.  “Doc, how is Teal’c?”

Leaning over the unconscious Jaffa, Janet checked his vitals, expecting the worst.  But as she checked his breathing and his pulse, she jerked back up in shock.  “Colonel, I can’t explain this but he’s still breathing,” she said, her voice full of disbelief.  “There’s no respiratory stress, and his pulse is normal.  It’s like he’s just…asleep.”

“Asleep?” Jack asked.  “Shouldn’t he be dying?”

“From what we know about Jaffa, for all intents and purposes he should be.”  Janet checked his vitals again, but she got the same answer.  Teal’c was still alive, and his symbiote was dying.  “How long has he been this way?” she asked Milayaka.

“I…I do not know,” Milayaka wailed.  “I only awakened just a short time ago.”

Jack wasn’t buying her story.  “You know he can’t live without that thing, don’t you?” he said pointedly.  “So why don’t you drop the act and tell us what you did to him?”

“I did nothing to intentionally harm him!” she declared through tears.  “I swear on my clan’s honor!”

Jack bit back a really snide comeback when he realized Milayaka wasn’t putting on an act at all.  The tears were genuine, as was the look of fear on her face.  In a way, she reminded him of Kynthia and everything that had happened when SG-1 visited that planet.  She hadn’t meant to hurt him at all.  And it wasn’t like he couldn’t have gotten up and walked away at any time.  He’d wanted to be with her, and maybe he gave that cake a little more credit for his behavior than it deserved.

“Teal’c?” Janet said as she tried to rouse him.  “Teal’c?  Can you hear me?”

“I can,” he rasped.

Daniel let out a sigh of relief.  “Do you feel well enough to make it back to the Stargate?”

The Jaffa sat up slowly, the silken sheets settling around his waist.  “I believe so,” he groaned, shaking his head as if he had a hangover.  His eyes opened and shut a few times as the room finally came into sharp focus.

“Do you feel anything out of the ordinary?  Dizziness, shortness of breath?”

“I am fine,” he said.

“Colonel, given the situation I’d like to take Teal’c back to Earth.”  She didn’t feel like telling Teal’c he was missing his symbiote.  He would find that out soon enough on his own.

Jack nodded his approval.  “Daniel, you grab Junior and go with the Doc.  Carter and I will remain here.  See if we can get some answers.”

Teal’c snapped to attention when his ears picked up the sounds of Milayaka’s muffled sobs.   He looked anxiously in her direction, praying he did not do anything to hurt her.  “Milayaka, why do you weep?” he asked urgently.  “What has transpired?”

Milayaka looked at him sorrowfully, then buried her head in her brother’s chest and sobbed.

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Tests results don’t lie, Janet thought.

The CMO took a sip of lukewarm coffee and checked the test results in the open folder on her desk.  Janet was still dumfounded as to why Teal’c was not dying.  When she first got Teal’c’s blood tests back, she had to call three colleagues with the right security clearance to assure her that she wasn’t going crazy.  It was like Sherlock Holmes was reputed to have said--when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

And the truth was blowing her mind to bits.

A knock at her doorframe made her perk up.  “How is he?” Daniel asked as he walked into the small office.

Janet closed the folder and pointed it in the archeologist’s direction. “You’re not going to believe this,” she said, “but Teal’c’s actually got an immune system now.”

Daniel was stunned.  “H…how is that possible?”

“Believe me, I’m still trying to figure that one out.  For all intents and purposes, Teal’c should be dying,” she declared, tucking the lab report under her arm as she rose up from her desk.   She motioned for Daniel to follow her out.

“But he’s not.”

“No, but his symbiote is the one who is dying,” she said, walking over to a small tank that held an all too familiar life form.   The larval Goa’uld was suspended in a fluid synthesized to match that from Teal’c’s pouch, and given a small amount of electric charge, but it was obvious it wasn’t thriving.  Janet looked at the thing, her mind still puzzled as to why the Jaffa who carried it wasn’t suffering the same fate.  “Even in this simulated environment, it’s losing vitality.  I’m surprised Teal’c didn’t notice this.”

“I remember him telling me he felt stronger while on the planet,” Daniel recalled, his mind still trying to comprehend that Teal’c was alive and didn’t need an accursed larval Goa’uld to do it.  “Kel-No-Reem wasn’t taking him as long.  Not sure how that fits in with what’s going on but I thought it might help to know that.”

Janet shrugged.  “You never know.  It might.”

“Remember the disease that aged Jack?”

“The aging disease spread through bodily contact?” she replied.  The petite doctor shuddered a bit at the memory.  “Oh yeah, I remember that real well.”

“Considering how we found Teal’c, do think that’s the case here?”

“I don’t think so,” she said.  “If nanites were involved, I would have seen them when I looked at a sample of Teal’c’s blood under the microscope.  In this case I’d say it’s just a coincidence.  Teal’c’s got a huge infusion of white blood cells.  And they are essential to the immune response in humans.  But it looks like when a Jaffa starts producing them, its lethal to the symbiote.”

“Maybe the antibodies think Teal’c’s symbiote is a foreign object and they attack it.”  Daniel looked at the lethargic being in the tank, wondering why he felt sympathy for it.

“Probably.”  She looked at the test results again. “He’s got macrophages, t-cells…all the kinds of white blood cells necessary for humans to fight off infection.”

“Doctor Frasier,” Teal’c called out sharply.  Janet and Daniel immediately went to his bedside.

“He’s not too happy.  I’ve ordered him to stay in the infirmary for observation over the next twenty-four hours.”

“Well, he wouldn’t dare disobey you.  You’ve got needles and aren’t afraid to use them.”

“You’ve got that right,” she told him with a smile.  Her smile remained when they reached her rather annoyed patient.  “How are you feeling?” she asked him.

Teal’c smiled a bit.  “Like a young man of…seventy.”

“Besides feeling younger, do you notice anything different?”  Janet watched as the Jaffa thought for a few moments.

“I know my symbiote is missing, yet I am still alive,” he said incredulously.  “How long have I been without it?”

“Over twelve hours,” she told him.  “Long enough for you to be in much worse shape than you are now.”

“I should be dying.”

“Yes you should,” Daniel added with a grin.  “But instead it’s your symbiote that is dying.”

Janet looked again at the tank where, in the distance, the symbiote was still fighting to survive.  “I give it a day, two at the most,” she theorized.  “Do you recall what happened in Milayaka’s chambers?”

The look Teal’c gave her said he knew but wasn’t anxious to tell her.  “It would be most personal to do so, Doctor Frasier.”

Janet put her most clinical look on her face.  “Okay, let me phrase it this way.  Did you have bodily contact with Milayaka?”  It didn’t take long for the Jaffa to get what she meant.

“Yes,” Teal’c said, seeming almost a little embarrassed.  Daniel gave him a look that said not to be.

“Okay…” Janet said slowly.  “Did you do anything else differently that night than you had for the previous five days on Idania.  Eat anything different, drink from a different water supply?”

“All of SG-1, including myself, partook of the same food and drink.”  Teal’c anxiously looked around the Infirmary.  “How is Milayaka?  And why was she so distraught?”

“She was um, pretty shook up to see you unconscious and your symbiote practically near death,” Daniel said, remembering how the First Daughter was so upset, that Janet had to give her a sedative.  “Jack seems to think she’s responsible for doing this to you.”

“You say that as if what has happened to me is unfortunate, Daniel Jackson.  It is not obvious such a thing is not the case?” Teal’c said with an inquiring look.  “Was the treaty agreed upon?”

“The treaty,” Daniel sighed. “That’s another issue entirely.”  He sat his coffee cup down on the nearby table; next to a book of crossword puzzles Teal’c had been working on.  Daniel had gotten him hooked on them when he illustrated they could help the Jaffa learn more about Earth culture and metaphors used in daily speech. 

“Explain.”

“Teal’c, the whole planet is populated by the descendants of Serpent Guards,” Daniel blurted out.  “My feeling is they attempted to neutralize you the same way they neutralized the earlier Jaffa when Apophis first enslaved them.”

“Then why have I not heard of this world?”

“I wish I knew,” he said.

“What of the treaty?” Teal’c asked, a little more forcefully this time.

Janet felt now was a good time to bow out gracefully.  “I’m going to go check on the symbiote,” Janet told them.  “I’ll be right back.  Teal’c, if you’re not here when I get back, I’ll have you strapped to the bed,” she joked.  The Jaffa smiled back in acknowledgement.

Daniel waited until Janet was out of earshot.  It wasn’t anything she didn’t already know anyway.  “Um, we didn’t make it official yet.”

“Why not?”

“There’s a little clause to it.”  Daniel rocked back and forth on his heels a few times, trying to figure out how to break what he knew to Teal’c.  The look he gave him made Daniel decide to cut to the chase.  “Xaeus and his clan want you to marry Milayaka.  If you don’t, there won’t be a treaty.”

Teal’c thought for a few moments, and Daniel swore he looked both stunned and amused at the same time.  “I thought it was merely coincidence,” he said, his deep voice trailing off.

“Coincidence? H…how?”

“Unlike on your world, on Chulak, marriage does not require an elaborate ceremony and extensive gift-giving.  A Jaffa seeking a wife goes to her father’s home and announces his intentions. He then chooses the wife from among the father’s daughters.  The bride price is agreed upon and paid directly to the father, and the Jaffa then takes his new wife to his home.  When the union is consummated at the home of the suitor, they are married in the eyes of Jaffa society.”

 Daniel figured this wasn’t so farfetched.  After all, Sha’re was a gift to him.  “So basically they’ve adopted Jaffa traditions?”

“Yes,” he said, now realizing why he’d felt so comfortable among these people.  “With some subtle changes they have achieved the desired outcome.”

“I don’t believe this,” Daniel muttered.  “They deceived you.”

“I was not coerced, nor was I deceived,” Teal’c protested.  “You say the Idanians have given me the choice to marry.  Were I on Chulak, Milayaka and I would already be married.”

Thank God for small favors, Daniel thought.  “You are going to tell them ‘no’, right?  We don’t need the treaty that badly….”

“Do you not see how this could help my people, Daniel Jackson?” Teal’c interjected.  “To free the Jaffa from their slavery in service to the Goa’uld?”

“At what price?” Daniel pleaded.  His voice then became a bit softer.  “Teal’c, I understand you wanting to do anything to free your people, but you are not your brother’s keeper.  In this case, you should do what is right for you, not what you perceive to be the greater good.”

Teal’c raised an eyebrow at him.  “If I did what was right for me, as you say, should I not have killed you, O’Neill and Major Carter instead of joining you in fighting the Goa’uld?  From my standpoint, the right thing was to slay SG-1 along with the other slaves.  But the greater good was to do the very thing that branded me as a Shol’va.”

Daniel open and shut his mouth a few times, not sure he had a good enough argument to counter that one. “Teal’c,” he said wearily, “we don’t even know how this ‘cure’ works.  If anything, it could just be a fluke.  Doctor Frasier still can’t figure out why you’ve managed to go this long without dying.”

“It is likely the work of the Bloom of Life,” Teal’c explained.

“That white flower that seems to grow everywhere on Idania?”

Teal’c nodded.  “Perhaps it gives the Jaffa new life by killing the symbiote while preserving the life of the Jaffa who carries it.”

“It’s possible, but hasn’t been proven yet.”

“I am living proof of such a thing, DanielJackson.  And I owe it all to Milayaka and her people.”

“Teal’c, I understand you wanting to believe this is a cure.  I really do.  Because if it truly is one, the benefits to people on earth with damaged immune systems are beyond invaluable.”  Daniel put his hands on his head, racking his brain for a way to make Teal’c understand where he was coming from.  “You’re not the only one with a stake in this, but I’m not willing to sacrifice you in order to get it.  And I’m sure Doctor Frasier, General Hammond and the rest of SG-1 would agree with me.”

“The sacrifice of my life is mine to make,” he countered.

Daniel sighed in resignation.  “I know you have feelings for Milayaka,” he said.  That’s pretty evident.  But they’re using her, Teal’c.  They’re using an innocent woman to manipulate you and keep the rival clans in line all at the same time.  Can you tell me why Milayaka was so upset?  We found her saying over and over the great Mansa would punish her for killing the spirit of her clan.”

“Milayaka recounted a clan legend to me of how a snake taught her people the ways of procreation,” Teal’c told him as he shut his eyes and shifted around in his bed to make himself more comfortable.  “The serpent must never be killed, for they owe it their very existence.”

“A convenient way for Apophis to control them as slaves,” Daniel snorted.

“That is most likely so.”

“But they’re not slaves anymore, Teal’c.”

“And because they are descended from Serpent Guards they are also my extended family.  How could I turn my back on them?”

“Would you turn our back on us?  On SG-1?” the archeologist asked.  “Let’s say we sign this treaty, and you marry Milayaka.  Are the Idanians going to let you continue working with us?”

Teal’c opened his eyes, giving Daniel a very determined look.  “I will honor the Idanian request that I marry Milayaka, but it will be under certain…conditions.”

“Conditions?” Daniel asked, throwing up his hands as he turned his back to Teal’c.  He wondered what the hell the Jaffa was thinking now. 

“Treaties are always negotiable, Daniel Jackson,” he said knowingly.  “If it is I they truly want to bring into their bloodline, concessions will have to be made.  And I have a feeling they will not refuse me.”

“And what conditions would those be?” Daniel asked, his back still turned to Teal’c.  For a while, he thought the Jaffa was thinking it over, that’s why it was taking him so long to answer.  But a sound made him jerk his head around.

It was the whine of a flatline.

“Code blue!” a nurse yelled.

When Janet scrambled over, demanding to know what happened and then barking out orders, Daniel looked over at the symbiote dying in the tank.  As much as he loathed that thing with all of his being, he knew it was the only thing that could possibly save Teal’c.

Damnit, he was so close, he thought.  So close to being free…

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Once, the ancestors of our people lived in a warm and fertile world.  The spirit of the python made us fruitful, and we multiplied for countless generations.  Our people were more numerous than the stars in the heavens.  We created wonders of art, and developed vast wisdom in the ways of healing.  Our lives were filled with fertility, prosperity and joy.  We knew no other way of living.

But one day, shining winged creatures descended upon our village like locusts pillaging a field of harvest-ready wheat.  Fire rained from the heavens, destroying our homes and killing many as they fled.  Beings with the body of a man but the head resembling the python to which we owed our very existence, took perverse pleasure in deciding who among them would be taken, and who would be left behind to mourn.

They were taken to a place where the waters seemed to float in the air like clouds in the sky.  It was colder than anything our people had ever known.  A stone ring that rippled like waters of the mighty river in a strong wind stood before them.  Some among the ancestors thought the clan spirit had come to take us where he resided.  But why did the one to whom we owed our very existence see fit to slaughter us so randomly?

A being with the golden head of a python watched as we were pushed through the waters of the clan spirit.  It ignored their repeated pleas for clemency.  What had they done for him to come back and destroy them?  Take them from their homes, families and friends?  Had they not worshipped him and kept him sacred in thanks for giving them the means to have children, and men and women to have desire for one another?  How had they offended him?  The golden Python ignored their questions, declaring that he was their Mansa, and were only to worship and follow him.  Not to do so would result in death.

The place to which they were taken was not unlike the world they had left.  But their life was anything but what they had known.  Under the watch of the evil Mansa’s soldiers, they were forced to labor in the fields and mines, and wait upon the Mansa and his personal guard.  Each day, they cried out for deliverance, but none came.  And after hundreds of days of such treatment, the ancestors resigned themselves to the fact that they would never see their world again, and would never be free of the evil Mansa and his soldiers.

Then one day, a maiden most skilled in the arts of healing noticed a certain flower prevalent upon the face of the new world.  She used it in her various potions and salves, and was most intrigued at how it seemed to prolong life.  Suddenly, the ancestors were without sickness.  Their men were as strong as the evil Mansa’s soldiers, and this bothered him greatly.  So greatly vexed was he that he sent twelve of his most trusted soldiers to raid their village in the dead of night and execute the strongest of the men.  The maiden overheard the plot, and immediately went to warn her people.

That evening, twelve python soldiers returned to the village to slay the strongest men among all the clans.  They arrived only to find twelve maidens dressed in white.  The leader of the soldiers demanded to know where the men were.  The maiden said she did not know, but that she and her eleven sisters were here as an offering to them—to do with as they pleased.  After lying wreaths made from the Bloom of Life around their necks, they offered food and drink.  The soldiers did not protest, for the women were most favorable to lay eyes upon.  Forgetting their mission, each soldier took a maiden of his choosing into the home of their clan to enjoy them as they saw fit.

The next morning, the evil Mansa returned to the village, demanding to know where his soldiers were and why they had not slain the strongest of the men among the slaves.   The maidens were gone, and each soldier who spent the night in their company was sprawled out upon the ground as if in a deep sleep.  Lying next to each one was the serpent that had inhabited their bodies.  The serpents writhed upon the ground until their spirit disappeared from our world. 

The evil Mansa was enraged at this, but realized whatever it was on this world that disabled his soldiers, he could use it against his enemies.  So he disappeared into the ring of stone and left our world, claiming he would return to pass judgement upon us.  He would have his revenge, and all would suffer for causing harm to the spirit that had given them everything.

Finally awakening in the evening, the python soldiers were surprised to see they were still among the living.  The evil Mansa had made them so their lives depended on the python inside of them being alive.  But now that the python was dead, how could they still draw breath?  Upon realizing they were now pure flesh and blood beings like the ones they enslaved, they became angry.  The maidens pleaded with the soldiers not to take revenge against their people for they had already invited chaos to descend upon them as punishment for killing the serpents that once inhabited their bodies.  As a show of retribution, each soldier was married to the maiden he lay with the previous night, and from each coupling thus was born the twelve ruling clans of our world.

We still lie in fear the evil Mansa will return.  But we have heard stories of the python soldiers who left our world with the evil Mansa, passing away suddenly either on the field of battle or during the night.  Because of that, the evil Mansa does not dare set foot onto our world for fear of losing his life.  But should a man with the golden mark of the python upon his brow ever set foot upon our world again, woe be unto us for the evil Mansa will surely follow.

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

The storyteller turned to his spellbound audience and said, “My name is Jelan and I have been a servant to the Jaffa called Teal’c during his tenure on our world.  I warned him repeatedly to stay away from her Majesty, but he refused.”  The short servant looked Jack dead in the eye, his expression quite serious.  “The story that I have told you is the true legend as passed down through my ancestors.  The legend that has been concealed by the Elders from the common people.”

“Lies!” Ibudan sneered as he jumped up from the breakfast table.  “All lies!”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Jack said, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth.  “I couldn’t help but notice a little agitation coming from your uncle as Jelan told his story.” 

“My lord,” Jelan placated, “I know your lineage.  You have always been a just person, and I have served your clan for many years.   I am just a common servant, and have nothing to gain from revealing this information.”  The servant clasped his hands in front of him and sank to his knees.  “Would you distrust my word?”

Ibudan looked to his father then back to Jelan, his expression softening. “I would not,” he said.  “And it is only because of your years of service I have granted you an audience with me, my uncle and the Earth people this morning.”

“Why warn Teal’c that Milayaka would ‘bewitch’ him?”  Sam asked.

“Because it is in her nature,” Jelan replied, his eyes both accusatory and understanding as he looked at Xaeus. 

 Ibudan looked confused.  But after a few moments his confusion descended into anger.  “Is this true, Uncle?”

The First Elder fidgeted nervously in his seat before responding.  “The legend has been passed down and slightly changed from generation to…”

“I said, is this true!?!” Ibudan demanded, his voice so loud it even made Jack jump a little.  He had to hand it to the kid for finally showing some backbone.

“Yes,” Xaeus reluctantly admitted as he rose from his seat.  “What Jelan has recounted to us is true.”  His eyes pleaded for Ibudan to understand why he withheld this information from him, but he was not having it.

“You willingly offered up my sister, knowing she could harm Teal’c?” he spat.  “Because of this she is so distraught she will not leave her chambers.  Can you not see what the guilt over possibly killing the spirit of our clan, of our ancestors, is doing to her?”

“My nephew,” he said, clasping his shoulders.  “With his appearance, the ones who enslaved us will not be far behind.  We must do what we can to protect ourselves as well as solicit help from the Earth people.”

The young Mansa was seething with anger.  “That is pure speculation,” he snarled.

“Actually, it’s not,” Sam told them.  “Apophis has grown extremely strong.  His army is stronger than all the other Goa’uld combined.”

After a drink, Jack added his two cents.  “And it isn’t a far stretch to think he wouldn’t come back with ships and exterminate all of you.”

“So we had to see if this portion of the legend was true,” Xaeus told his angry nephew.  “If being with a female of our kind truly would subdue the Jaffa.”

“Then it must be the flower on this planet,” Sam wondered aloud.  “Something in it only affects Jaffa.  It’s like kryptonite to the symbiote.”

Ibudan looked confused.  It wasn’t the first time. “What is…kryptonite?” he asked, looking from Sam to Jack and back again for the answer.

“Never mind,” Jack dismissed with a wave.  “Trust me, she didn’t bewitch him.  If anything it was probably a coincidence that after those soldiers had a good time with the women, their symbiotes croaked.”

Sam watched as he settled back into his luxuriously upholstered chair.  “A cumulative effect of the plant?”

“Yeah, that,” he said as he shut his eyes.

“Actually it might not be a coincidence at all.  Repeated exposure to the plant probably builds something up in the Jaffa’s body, but actual physical contact provides the catalyst to initiate the reaction.  It’s like putting lighter fluid on charcoal.  Even though the primary elements are there, unless you strike a match to initiate the chemical reaction between those elements, nothing happens.”

“So Milayaka was the match?”

“Pretty much.  And those twelve women of legend were too.  And fire needs oxygen in order to keep burning.”

“Let me guess.  That white flower is the oxygen.”

Sam nodded.

Ibudan sighed heavily.  “Please believe me when I tell you I did not know of this plot.”

“We do,” Jack assured him.  Sam nodded in agreement.

“And I understand if you do not desire to trade with us because of this,” Ibudan conceded.  He gave his uncle a look that said he would no longer be used as a puppet.  “We have deceived you.”

Jack crossed his legs.  “You were used.  And from the looks of it, it was done only to see if you could defend yourselves.  Not the way I would have gone about it but the motive is understandable.  We’ll send people back to help you defend yourselves against the Goa’uld.”

“Apophis may not come back but you should be prepared in any event.  We’ll make sure that you are,” Sam said, noticing how relieved Ibudan and his uncle looked.

“So, we will still be partners in trade?” Xaeus prompted, his voice a mix of hope with a dash of humility thrown in for good measure.

Suddenly, Jack heard his radio crackle.  “Colonel O’Neill, this is General Hammond.”

Jack activated the radio so he could respond.  “General, how’s Teal’c?” he asked.  The pregnant pause between his question and Hammond’s response gave him a bad feeling.

“I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news, Colonel….”

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

            His friend was dying.

Jack O’Neill made it to the infirmary in record time from the gate room with a slightly winded Major Carter pulling up the rear.  All the while his mind was racing, fueled by his anxiety about the condition of his friend and fellow teammate.  How could Teal’c have left Idania in better than perfect health, without his symbiote, only to be near death now?  When Hammond told him Teal’c was dying, he knew he wouldn’t believe it until he saw it.

            Jack’s heels skidded briefly against the floor as he came to an abrupt stop.  His eyes darted wildly around the infirmary, trying to locate the bed where his friend lay.  When his eyes finally located Teal’c, he wasn’t truly prepared for what his eyes brought into focus.  Teal’c was lying unconscious in a bed encased in a plastic tent, an anxious Doctor Janet Frasier checking the level of one of his IV fluids.  Teal’c hadn’t been laid up like this since Machello’s Goa’uld killing invention got into him through Daniel.   The Jaffa was well on his way to dying then, and Jack couldn’t bring himself to believe Teal’c wouldn’t pull out of this one.

The Colonel looked through the blue translucent curtain at the man he trusted with his life more than any other.  “What happened, Doc?” Jack demanded as he went to his friend’s bedside.  Sam wanted to ask the same thing but was concentrating on catching her breath.

Janet read a few readings off of a monitor before giving Jack and Sam her full attention.  “For about twelve hours Teal’c had an immune system.  After that he just crashed.”

“An immune system?” Sam asked, stunned at the revelation.  “That’s not possible.”

“Tell me about it,” Janet snorted.  When she’d found out she had the same look on her face then that Sam had on hers now.  “I had his blood work done three times just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things.”

“One moment Teal’c was fine and telling me how he was willing to meet the Idanian demands for the treaty, and the next moment his heart stopped,” Daniel recounted sadly, cursing yet again Teal’c’s dependence on the larval Goa’uld.

“I was able to revive him but it’s been very touch and go ever since,” Janet told them.

Jack let out an exasperated sigh.  “So Junior’s back in him?” he asked.

“Yes.  The symbiote isn’t in all that great of shape either.”  Janet’s eyes took in the monitor readings again, her mind noting no change in Teal’c’s condition.  “My theory is, when Teal’c’s body began to produce white blood cells, it attacked the symbiote.”

“Maybe that’s why the Jaffa have no immune system,” Sam deduced, sliding her hands into the pockets of her field jacket.  “The Goa’uld need an incubator for their larvae, and in order for them to survive they have to eradicate the Jaffa’s white blood cells.”

Janet nodded.  “That’s possible.  Maybe we can use that against them one day.”  The CMO picked up Teal’c’s chart, flipping through it to see if she missed something that could unravel this mess.

“So when will he get better?” Jack pressed.

“That depends on the symbiote,” Janet replied.  “We had that thing on the equivalent of life support for awhile, Colonel.  My feeling is that it will heal itself before trying to heal Teal’c.  We’ll just have to wait and see if the symbiote pulls him out of this.”

“Any news from Idania?” Daniel asked.

“Oh we’ve got plenty,” Jack said, rapping his fingers on the adjacent table.  “One of the servants who waited on Teal’c back on the planet told us a rather interesting story.”

“He said it was passed on through his people,” Sam said.

A light went on in Daniel’s head.  “Oratory tradition,” he recounted.  “On Idania the common people pass their history from one generation to another by verbal repetition.”

“Seems the monarchy left out of their writings what Jelan told us,” Jack alleged.  “Ibudan wasn’t too happy to find that out.”

“Did Xaeus know?” Daniel asked.

“Oh yeah,” Jack affirmed.  “And his nephew is quite pissed he was never told, and that Xaeus ‘offered’ his sister to Teal’c, knowing what would happen.”

“Why didn’t this servant come forward before?”

“Maybe he feared for his life,” Sam offered.

Jack’s expression said he agreed with Sam’s theory.   “He tried to warn Teal’c but obviously that didn’t work.  What he told us ruffled a few feathers.  Turns out back when Apophis enslaved these people, they came up with one hell of way to knock the Jaffa out of commission.”

“And what was that?” Daniel prompted.

“Let’s just say that sleeping with the natives turned them into mortals,” Jack said, tossing a concerned glance at his dying Jaffa friend.  It wasn’t that long ago that he’d aged at an accelerated rate for doing the same thing Teal’c had done.  Something told him that after this incident, Hammond would use him and Teal’c as poster boys for why it was not a good idea to get too ‘friendly’ with alien women.

“Teal’c said that the Bloom of Life made him feel younger,” Daniel said.  “He didn’t need to perform Kel No Reem as much.”

Jack remembered Teal’c telling him that, but he’d brushed it off as speculation.  He mentally cursed himself for not paying further attention at that moment.  “That flower does something to Jaffa,” he said.  “Carter has a pretty good theory about how it works.”

Janet tucked the chart under her arm.  “Let’s hear it,” she said anxiously.

The monitor began beeping louder and increasing tempo.  Everyone looked anxiously at Janet as she began to interpret what the monitors were trying to tell her.  As she tried to get a complete picture of what was going on, a low groan erupted from Teal’c’s throat, startling everyone.  Janet looked from her patient to the monitors and back again to make sure what was happening was a good thing. The last thing she needed to do was get everyone’s hopes up, including her own.

Jack summed it up as only he could.  “Way to go, Junior!” he exclaimed, pressing his hands against the plastic curtain.  Several nurses looked at him quizzically, but he didn’t give a damn what they thought.  His friend was alive and that was what mattered.  The rest of SG-1 was as excited as he was, but were more muted in their expressions of joy.

Teal’c managed a weak smile.  “I must return to the planet,” he rasped.

“Not so fast,” Janet gently interrupted. “You’ll go back, but only after I say so.  Understand?”

 “What has transpired?” Teal’c asked.

“You know, we really have to talk about you pulling this rising from the dead act,” Jack mockingly chastised.  “But that can wait until the Doc can fill you in on what you missed.”

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

She had barely eaten since receiving word Teal’c was near death.

Milayaka lay sprawled across her bed, her tear-streaked face hidden by a myriad of brilliant jewel-toned pillows.  Almost three days had gone by since the remaining Earth people had left for their world in order to attend to their dying Jaffa friend.  She wanted to go as well, but felt there would be those on Earth who would blame her for harming him.  Even with Colonel O’Neill and Major Carter telling her this was not her fault, that she had no way of knowing what would happen by being with Teal’c in that way, it still did not assuage the guilt that tightened into a knot in her belly.  Milayaka was not sure what she would do if Teal’c were to die.  If he did, his death would be on her conscience forever.

“There is someone to see you, your majesty.”  It was the voice of Imani, her most trusted servant.

“I gave you strict instructions not to disturb me,” Milayaka rebuked, the words sharp but the voice failing in conviction.

“Forgive my disobedience, but I believe it is someone you want to see.” 

Milayaka wanted to get up and tell Imani again she wished to see no one, but she did not have the physical strength to draw herself up.  Whoever it was, they would have to deal with her lack of attention.  She was in no mood to be attentive.

“It was not my intention to cause you to weep,” a deep, familiar voice said.

Milayaka scrambled down off the bed when she recognized whom the voice belonged to.

“Teal’c? You are alive?” she asked, not daring to think the person before her was still in the land of the living.  And yet here he stood, with his hands clasped behind him.  She watched as Imani gave her a brief smile before closing the chamber doors, ensuring their conversation would remain private.  Milayaka quickly wiped the last remnants of tears from her face, trying her best to look presentable.

“I am indeed,” he confirmed with a grin.  Teal’c noticed she was still standing near her bed, not quite sure if she should approach.  Given what had transpired, he could see the reason for her hesitation. “You cannot harm me.”

“It was not my intention to the first time,” she apologized.  “You must believe me…”

Teal’c closed the physical distance between them.  “I have always believed that,” he assured.

“For days, I have felt your impending death would be on my hands.”  Milayaka took one of his hands in her own, as if to finally prove to herself once and for all the person before her was truly alive as a flesh and blood being.  “The serpent that was within you…”

Teal’c nodded.  “It was necessary to save my life.  I now carry it again as I have for years. ”  His symbiote was back where it belonged…for now. 

Interlacing his fingers with her own, he led her over to the padded bench where a few days earlier she had told him one of the legends of her world.  The Bloom of Life was everywhere in the room, in garlands, in vases, singular blooms lazily drifting about in the sunken tub.  The smell was still pleasing to him, and he inhaled deeply at the scent of the plant partly responsible for allowing him to live without his symbiote for a time.

Milayaka sat down, her eyes still focused on him.  “Have you spoken with Jelan?” she asked. 

“I have,” he said, gracefully lowering his large frame down to sit next to her.  “He has told me the legend of your people.  How you were brought here by Apophis, and that you are descended from his Jaffa.”

“I did not believe it myself,” she said softly.  She was still in disbelief at what her brother told her of their heritage, and how her uncle had used her.   “Your friends say it is likely he will return.”

“That is possible.  But his wrath is focused more on the Tau’ri than the Idanians.”

Milayaka didn’t understand.  “Why did he not return earlier to destroy us for what we did to his soldiers?”

“Failing to subdue slaves would have made him appear weak in the eyes of the system lords,” Teal’c explained.  “It appears it was easier to forget this world and move on to other interests.  Perhaps that is why I and generations of Apophis’ Jaffa before me have never seen the glyphs for this world.”

“Your friends say their world is still willing to trade with us,” she said with an earnest smile.  “That is good to hear.”

Teal’c smiled back.  “That it is.”

“But since we did not cure you, I do not understand…”

“The Bloom of Life holds the potential to cure others on their world,” he explained.  His eyes panned the room again, taking in all the places where the flower was present.  “I had hoped to distribute this cure to the Jaffa on Chulak, to free them from slavery in the service of the Goa’uld.  But Doctor Frasier tells me the cure will only work as long as I remain on this planet.”

“And…you cannot remain here,” she said wistfully.  Her gaze dropped to the black marble floor. “I understand.  It would be selfish of me to ask you to stay.”

“A part of me wishes I could stay…”

“But your duty is to your people.”

“Yes,” he said.  Teal’c’s expression then changed to one of amusement.  “Jelan repeatedly warned me against being bewitched by you.”

That statement made her look at him again.  “You believe that is what I did?” she said, sounding more than bit hurt. 

Teal’c placed one of his large hands over her slender ones.  “In a manner of speaking.  But it was not something I did not welcome, or enjoy.”  He watched as the smile that appeared earlier, reappeared even bigger this time.

“That is pleasing to know.” 

“You gave me life for a time,” he proclaimed, grasping her hands a little firmer.  “And for that time I was truly free.  As brief as it was I am nonetheless thankful for it.”

Milayaka could see he was sincere, and she was more than flattered.  But there was something else she needed to know.  “If time were to go backward,” she began, her eyes darting towards the door, “would you do the same things?  Would you have come to my chamber that evening?”

“Undomesticated equines could not have kept me away.”  Milayaka looked a little confused, so he clarified. “No, I would have changed nothing.”

“Why?”

“During my time here I realized something about myself.  That my heart is not so closed that it could never become available to share with another.  And I have you to thank for that, always.”

“My uncle had hoped we would marry,” she said, looking somewhat embarrassed. 

“Daniel Jackson told me it was one of the conditions of the treaty.”

“Would you have?”

“I was prepared to, yes.”

“But you do not love me.”

Teal’c got a look on his face that said her statement was not quite correct.  “I knew then as I do now that loving you would have only been a matter of time,” he said, placing a hand to her cheek. 

Milayaka closed her eyes briefly.  “I knew that as well.”

“What will you do now?” Teal’c asked.  Inwardly he regretted it when Milayaka gently removed his hand from her cheek and placed it into her lap.

“Help my brother rule,” she replied matter of factly.  “Eventually I will marry.  Whether it is for love or not remains to be seen.  My only function is to provide the next Mansa that will lead the other clans.   I wish to produce that child out of love for its father but…I am not so sure I will find such a man.”

“I believe that you will,” Teal’c assured, the warm bass of his voice pleasing to her ears.  “And it will be when you least expect it.”

“I will miss you Teal’c,” she said, squeezing his hands tightly as she tried not to cry.  “Very much.”

“As will I miss you,” he said, leaning in to kiss her one last time…

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

Walking down the corridors of the SGC in the calm hours of the late evening, Teal’c ran a hand over the soft leather cover of the book he held.  It was a gift from Daniel.  In actuality, it more like an extended loan, considering Daniel had handed it to Teal’c when he asked about it.  The book was a copy of the Qu’ran.  After visiting Idania, it made Teal’c think perhaps reading the book would make him familiar with a culture the Tau’ri descendants of his ancestors might have come from.

Quickly turning another corner, he turned to the first page of the book where the writing began.  Locating the first line, he spoke the words in his mind, already trying to figure out the differences between it and the Bible he’d finished reading a few weeks earlier.  This book spoke of a god called Allah, who appeared to have the same benevolent characteristics as the one called God in the Christian bible.  After taking in a few verses, he couldn’t help but notice….

Suddenly, Teal’c felt something hit him.  It wasn’t enough to knock him down.  If anything, his sheer mass had sent whomever falling to the floor.

“Watch where you’re going!” a female voice sharply demanded.  “Jesus, I think you gave me a concussion!”  The dark-skinned woman hastily adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, obviously preparing to give him an even stiffer rebuke.  Teal’c watched as her angry expression turned to one of embarrassment once she brought his face into focus  “Oh damn, I’m sorry,” she apologized.  “I’m really sorry.”

“It is I who should apologize,” Teal’c said, extending a hand to help her up.  She eagerly accepted it, smiling as he pulled her to her feet.  “As you correctly stated, I should have observed where I was journeying.”

The woman chuckled a bit as she retrieved her clipboard from across the hall.  “Well, I wasn’t paying that much attention to where I was going, either.”  She clasped it to her chest, looking over the Jaffa in a polite manner.  “It’s Teal’c, right?  I apologize if I screwed it up.  I’m real bad with names but I never forget a face.”

Teal’c suddenly found himself smiling, his mind pulling up a mental file on where he’d met the attractive woman whom he’d literally walked into. “You are indeed correct about my name.  And I remember you as Doctor Porter.”  Actually he remembered her first name was Kayla, but decided it would be more respectful to address her by her title.

The woman looked amused.  “It’s nice to be remembered,” she said, smiling back.  “Heavy reading you got there.”  Doctor Porter pointed a French-manicured index finger at the book he held.

“I obtained it from Doctor Jackson.  Have you read the Qu’ran, Doctor Porter?”

“I can’t say that I have,” she replied.  “I read the Bible mostly…when I remember to do it.”

“I have also read your Bible.”

She looked obviously impressed at his accomplishment.  “Something tells me you got a lot further than I did.  Listen, I was just on my way to get a cup of coffee.  Would you like to join me?  I’d really like to hear more about where you’re from.  Mission briefings can only tell you so much.”

He thought for a few moments.  Usually this time of the evening he would make one last security round then retire to his quarters and perform Kel-No-Reem. A part of him wanted company, but did not want to impose.  “I will join you if it is not an imposition.”

Kayla raised an eyebrow so sharply it made him a little envious.  “If I didn’t want your company, I wouldn’t have asked.”

Teal’c bowed his head in acknowledgement then motioned for her to lead the way.  “What is your function here?” he asked as they walked.

“I make weapons,” she said, taking in his intrigued expression. “Among other things…”

 

Fin

 

[Back to Trish’s Stargate SG-1 Fanfiction]

[Return to Trish’s Gen SG-1 Fanfiction page]