The Book of Thoth, Part Three

"You did what?" Jacob asked in disbelief.  

SG-1 and General Hammond looked around at one another, and Jack was the first to speak.  "Daniel seemed so sure that he would find this Book of Thoth. We didn't realize it came with its very own Goa'uld protector."

Jacob sighed, getting up to walk around the briefing room.  "We could have warned you about Nefrekeptah.  We knew he still had a stronghold on that planet."

"So why didn't you?" Jack said.

"You didn't ask," Jacob shot back.

"You have a lot to learn about what it means to be allies," Jack said, slamming his fist against the table in frustration.  "Didn't that damn treaty we signed cover anything about letting us know where the Goa'uld were hiding out before we go stomping into their path?"  

'Nefrekeptah is a minor System Lord, but a well-connected one.  His followers are present in many of the Goa'uld courts, and he is very aware of what goes on in the empire.  He enjoys playing political games and often sells information to other System Lords to assist them in their machinations against one another," Selmak said.

"He's playing both sides?" Sam said.  "Nice guy."

"It is possible that he knows of Daniel's significance to Apophis and may be planning to ransom him to the highest bidder," Selmak said.

"But he let me go - I think Apophis would have been just as glad to see me.  Or any of us, for that matter," Jack said.

"It is likely that he did not realize who you were when he released you.  He is arrogant.  He wanted you to return to Earth and tell of his great power.  Only later did he most likely get word from his network of spies about who you really were, and you had gone through the Stargate by then."

"So you don't think he just killed Daniel?" Sam asked, her eyes hopeful.

"I'd say it's doubtful," Jacob replied.  "Although that's not necessarily a good thing, Sam.  If he had the power to bring Daniel back to life once...."

"He could do it as many times as he wanted," Jack finished, looking over at Teal'c.  "Just like Teal'c said."

"I'm afraid so, Jack,"  Jacob said. 

"General, I think we can do more - I'd like your permission to lead a team back..." Jack stopped as he saw Sam exchange a look with Teal'c.  "What - did I miss something here?"

"Sir, while you were in the infirmary, Teal'c and I have been monitoring the planet.  The Stargate is functional, but the firestorm caused by the ak-nebel that Nefrekeptah released has superheated the air and surface of the planet.  There's no way we can take a team back in there until things cool down," Sam said.

"We do have a spy within Nefrekeptah's network.  We can have her try to find out what's happening with Dr. Jackson.  That's all we can offer now," Jacob said.

"Thank you, Jacob," General Hammond said.  "We'll wait to hear from you," he said, more for Jack's benefit than Jacob's.

"You're easily amused, aren't you?" Daniel threw out as Nefrekeptah stalked toward him.

"Easily amused?" Nefrekeptah said, coiling the whip he held in his hand casually.

"Even I'm getting bored with this," Daniel finished, barely able to hold his head up. He hung from a set of shackles, his body ripped to shreds by Nefrekeptah's whip. He doubted that there was a shred of skin left on his back at this point. He'd long ago lost the battle to keep from crying out in pain as the whip cut into him. But he hadn't lost the will to taunt his captor.

"I have never met one so defiant," Nefrekeptah hissed into his ear. "Do you not know that I hold the power to torment you until eternity? That your suffering shall be forever?"

He had to be wrong, Daniel told himself. There's some point, some threshold, where the human body can't take any more of the sarcophagus's regeneration. With each passing day, he'd grown weaker and weaker. It's only a matter of time. I can make it until then.

"You may not fear death any longer," Nefrekeptah said, "But I will make certain you learn to fear dying."  He handed the whip to one of his Jaffa, who resumed the beating. Daniel cried out in pain as the whip landed on his chest, ripping away the skin. The Jaffa continued, lashing out even after Daniel had passed out and hung limply from the shackles, until Nefrekeptah raised his hand, stopping him. He motioned for them to release the shackles, and Daniel's body fell to the floor.

The Jaffa bent over him. "He does not breathe," he said, standing.

Nefrekeptah stared at Daniel's crumpled form, deep in thought. Thoth, from across the room, watched as he went to his throne, leaving Daniel where he lay. The court stared after him, wondering if he would let the Taur'i's death be final this time. If it was over.

Thoth could barely keep himself from calling to the Jaffa himself to take Daniel to the sarcophagus. He risked trying to make eye contact with Nefrekeptah, but was ignored as Nefrekeptah continued to stare at Daniel from his throne, his expression mirroring his indecision until finally, his arrogance won out. With a quick motion of his hand, he ordered his Jaffa to go to Daniel, and drag him off. He pointedly ignored the sighs of relief from some of the courtiers around him.

Thoth's hands unclenched at his side as he watched them leave with Daniel.  "May I speak, my lord?" he said, walking up to the dais.

Nefrekeptah turned to him. "Speak, my elder."

"My host grows weary. Let me have the Taur'i for my new host."

Nefrekeptah frowned. "There are others more suitable, my elder. This Taur'i is mine - and I want him to suffer.  And when I am tired of him, there are others who would be pleased to have the opportunity to take their revenge on him."

"My lord - as my host, his suffering would just be beginning."

Nefrekeptah smiled bitterly. "Why this one?" he asked Thoth.

"I have had the Taur'i as hosts before. It gave me great pleasure to torment them. They have the same arrogance as this one."

When Nefrekeptah didn't answer, Thoth continued. "There are not many that are worthy to be my host. I have waited long for one I deemed suitable. You would not deny me?"

"As you wish, my elder." He motioned to his Jaffa. "When he is taken from the sarcophagus, prepare him."

Daniel paced around the cell angrily, turning when Thoth entered.

"What happened to not taking an unwilling host?" Daniel said, going to him. "Where's your conscience now?"

"Shall I silence him for you?" the guard said, pointing a staff weapon at Daniel, who didn't back down.

"No - I shall take care of him. Leave us," Thoth said. The door to the cell slammed shut heavily behind him.

"Teal'c once told me he had never met a good Goa'uld - he was right." Daniel walked over to him. "Don't you realize I'd rather die as myself - than live as you?"

"Silence. Hear what I have to say. The Tok'ra have an operative here.  They are looking for you, Daniel Jackson.  She noticed my interest in your welfare and approached me.  They are willing to take the both of us off this planet."

"Before or after we are joined?"  Daniel asked, not allowing himself to hope.

"They are going to find a host for me - a willing host. My rescue of you will show my good faith to them," Thoth said.

"I'm surprised these Tok'ra are so trusting," Daniel replied.  Shocked is a better word, he thought to himself.

"They are desperate, as was I. Requesting the joining was a way to stall Nefrekeptah and keep you from further harm.  This was our plan."

Daniel crossed his arms defiantly. "I would have chosen the further harm," he said.

"Be patient - I will return later," Thoth said, leaving the cell.  After he was gone, Daniel collapsed to the floor of the cell, his knees shaking.  Could it be true? he thought.  

"It is time," a woman said, entering. The servants finished putting on Daniel's robes and gave him a little push toward her. She held out her hand to usher him from the room.

"What - no Jaffa? What if I resist?" he asked her.

In response she held up her hand, complete with ribbon device. "I am not entirely defenseless."

"Ah," he said, joining her. "Yes, I've seen one of those. Too many times, in fact." They walked in silence down the hallway from the chamber.

"So - are you and Thoth old friends?" Daniel asked.

She turned to him. "Do not speak his name aloud."

"I guess you do know him then," Daniel continued.

"Silence, Daniel Jackson," she said, giving him a hard glance. "You will jeopardize this plan with idle talk."

"You're...." he paused as two Jaffa passed them. "You're Tok'ra, aren't you?" he said, with relief.

"Yes - but you must be silent. This will only work if we have your cooperation," she said, leading him to a chamber.

"Well, my other options are pretty limited," he said, following her inside.

As he entered, he noticed that Thoth and Nefrekeptah were waiting for him. The rest of the room was deserted, except for what appeared to be an altar. Daniel heard the door slide shut as his escort left.

Nefrekeptah walked to Daniel, looking at him with a touch of regret. "I shall miss spending my evenings with you," he purred, clutching his arm and pulling him toward the altar.

"I wish I could say the same," Daniel said, throwing off his arm and pulling back. Thoth had not moved from his place at the altar and was regarding Daniel with a steady stare.

Nefrekeptah raised his hand, and the ribbon device he wore glowed. Before he could advance on Daniel, Thoth stepped in.

"No - I will subdue him," Thoth said, walking toward them. Daniel waited uneasily as Thoth came to them. "He must learn to obey me."

Thoth's hand stretched out, and the ribbon device on his hand spun to life. But instead of pointing it at Daniel, he turned it on Nefrekeptah, who stared at him in shock.

"Traitor," he hissed, before Thoth flung him into the far wall, where he slid down in a heap.

Daniel exhaled with relief. "You were beginning to scare me," he said.

"You did not trust me?" Thoth asked.

"Do you blame me?" Daniel replied, as he watched Thoth advance on Nefrekeptah.  

"Nathren - why do you betray me?" Nefrekeptah said, struggling to rise.  A threatening gesture from Thoth kept him still.

"Nathren is not my name, Abyramin," he said, almost smiling at Nefrekeptah's surprise.  "Yes, I know you.  The scribe I trusted, who then turned from me."

"Thoth?" Nefrekeptah said in shock.  "I did not know it was you."

"Obviously," Thoth said, as Daniel looked at him with renewed interest.  "But I know you only too well.  Did you think that I would not notice that you were using my knowledge to make yourself powerful among the System Lords?  Did you think that hiding in the body of the Pharaoh's son, Nefrekeptah, would be enough?"

"When Nefrekeptah found the book, he killed my host - the weak scribe.  He was not able to fight against a warrior.  But - I did win the battle in another way," Nefrekeptah said with a smile.  "And this host is much more to my liking.  He and I actually had the same ambitions, as it turned out.  He was an excellent choice."

Thoth came closer to him, standing over him menacingly.  "I want the book - give it to me," he said, raising the ribbon device.  "You will not be able to use its secrets any longer."

Nefrekeptah stared back at him defiantly.  "You will never find it."

Daniel watched in alarm as Thoth raised his hand.  "I would not be so sure of that," he said angrily.  Suddenly a signaling device that Thoth possessed activated, and he looked away, with a frustrated cry.

"The Tok'ra," Daniel said, with more than a little relief. "We should go."

"You and I are not finished," Thoth said to Nefrekeptah, before he and Daniel left the room. 

"Of that I am sure," Nefrekeptah said softly, watching them go.

Thoth and Daniel went to a nearby chamber where transportation rings were located, and got into position to be ringed up.  Thoth gave Daniel a small smile.  "I owe you a great debt of gratitude for uniting me with the Tok'ra," Thoth said.  

"I guess we both owe each other," Daniel said uneasily. Then of the corner of his eye, Daniel caught sight of Nefrekeptah as he limped into the room, holding what looked like a six-pointed star.

"Look out!" Daniel said, pushing Thoth to the side as the weapon spun toward them. The weapon, morphing into pure energy, spun into Daniel's chest, exploding through it. Thoth twisted away, caught in the edge of the energy's discharge. The rings came down around them as Daniel collapsed with a scream, clutching his chest.

Nefrekeptah roared in rage as they disappeared.

Daniel felt the molecules in his body coalesce and break apart as the rings transported him onto the Tok'ra ship. But the brief respite from pain ended as his body reformed. He felt someone grab his arm to catch him as he collapsed to the deck, white hot pain choking him.

Jacob looked up as they arrived, and quickly passed the controls of the ship to another officer. Anise was holding Daniel gently, his chest a mass of wounds from Nefrekeptah's weapon. Thoth, barely standing and wounded himself, knelt by Daniel, his face full of grief.

"He needs help," Thoth said, "Have you anyone...."

"I will try to heal him," Anise said.

Jacob came to Daniel's side. "Hey, Daniel - I'm going to rack up big points with Jack by finding you," he said, trying to find a way to hold Daniel without hurting him further.

Daniel tried to speak but couldn't. He grasped Jacob's arm tightly as Anise slipped on a healing device. She worked with it briefly, and Daniel finally gasped, breathing in painfully. Anise stopped, exhausted.

"I can do no more for him now - he is so...." As Jacob and Thoth stared at her, she relented. "We will try later. Make him comfortable for now. Shall I try to heal your injuries?" she said to Thoth.

"There is little you can do for my host now," he said wearily. "I must take another soon."

"We understand," Selmak said. "We have brought someone willing to be your host." He motioned to a member of the crew, who came over. "Aran is ready as soon as you feel strong enough."

"I am honored," Thoth said, nodding to him. Aran nodded back quietly.

"They're pursuing us - we need to return to the helm. You'll be okay here?" Jacob said to Thoth, and in a way, to Daniel.

"We will - I will care for him," Thoth said. As the Tok'ra left, he turned back to Daniel. "You need to lie down," he said to him.

"No," Daniel managed. "I'm...fine."

"You are not," Thoth said, trying to make Daniel more comfortable as he slumped against the wall. "Why did you save me?"

"If you're telling the truth - you could be a powerful ally for the Tok'ra," Daniel said, gritting his teeth against the pain that even that short sentence had cost him. He pulled his knees up and curled his arms tightly around them, so that he couldn't see the blood on his clothes, the wounds ripping apart his chest and stomach.

"You gave your life to save one of a race you despise?" Thoth said quietly.

Daniel swallowed hard; he knew that he was dying, but hearing Thoth say it made it so...final. "At least this death will have a purpose."

"You are a true hero of the Taur'i. It is wrong that they should lose you when the greatest battle is still ahead." He paused, looking at Daniel. "You do not have to die here.  You know that."

Daniel looked up at him, realizing what he was offering. "I will not be a host," he managed with a gasp.

The ship shook as it was fired upon by Nefrekeptah's forces, wringing a cry from Daniel as he fought to stay upright. His chest burned in agony, and he felt the dampness of blood and whatever else was pouring from his body soaking into his clothes. He ground his teeth together, fighting back the pain.

Thoth looked back at Anise, who, like the rest of the Tok'ra, was completely involved in piloting the ship and getting it away safely. He then gently eased Daniel to the deck of the ship, trying to make him as comfortable as possible. Daniel was no longer able to protest. His body shook with silent sobs of pain, and a tear escaped from his tightly closed eyes and slipped down his cheek.

"I need to talk to Jacob," Daniel whispered.

"He is not able to come to you - the ship is being pursued. I can tell him what you wish," Thoth said.

"Tell Jack - this was not his fault," Daniel said, shivering. "He'll...blame himself."

"I will tell him," Thoth said.

Daniel nodded, drawing in a ragged breath. "Thank you."

"I want to help you," Thoth said.

"Just....help them," Daniel said. "Win the war against the Goa'uld."

"We will win this war," Thoth said with certainty. But Daniel had not heard him. The hand that Thoth had been holding became slack within his own.

"No," Thoth said, "You will not die, Taur'i. I will not allow it," he said. With a quick look at the Tok'ra, he bent down to Daniel and grasped his chin, forcing open his mouth. The symbiote did not hesitate, and leapt directly into Daniel's body.

Thoth's host slid softly to the deck beside Daniel.

Daniel arched up in pain, awful tearing pain that immobilized him and went on and on, not allowing him to pass out, to escape into unconsciousness.

He couldn't scream, couldn't breathe, couldn't even think past the agony that consumed him as the symbiote burrowed into him.  He struggled to get away, to escape from his own body.

With all the strength he had left, he tried to pull away from the vortex that was sucking him in, ripping his mind asunder.

No! Daniel's mind screamed out as he felt the consciousness of another rush into him.

And then, it was gone, and Daniel slipped into the darkness.

Daniel looked up; his sight was back but he could not see anything around him. He was sitting on the ground, his arms around his knees, in a vast expanse of....nothing. He warily climbed to his feet, noticing his wounds were gone.

So this is death, he thought to himself.

No, Daniel - not death, he heard behind him. He turned quickly, and saw the man that he remembered as Thoth - only younger, more vibrant.

What happened to me? Daniel asked. I was dying.

You still are, Thoth said. We both are - but I am doing what I can to save us both. You must rest, and let me do this.

You are....you took me as your host. Anger welled up in Daniel as the realization struck him. How could you - after I asked you not to - begged you not to do this. Daniel suddenly doubled over in pain.

What is done is done - you must let me try to save us, Thoth said, staggering. Nothing is to be gained by fighting now. If you want to fight me, then fight me - once you are strong again and able to fight.

Daniel collapsed, unable to stand. I will fight you, he said.

Fight me later, Thoth said. Now - fight to live, Daniel.

Daniel slipped back into the darkness.

Part Four

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