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Chapter Text

To the Summit

Chapter 1

Gen. Hammond looked over the assembled team leaders in the conference room, nodding to each of them. “The Tok’ra have contacted us, they’ll be arriving tomorrow to brief us on the system lords conference. Dr. Jackson, I want you to take the lead on the information we’ll be getting.”

“Yes, right,” Daniel said, nodding to Gen. Hammond. “Well I shouldn’t have any difficulties with the information, the Tok’ra should have whatever we need.”

“This will take priority over Operation SYMMES for now,” Hammond said, turning to Parker and Usagi. “I want both of you speak with the Iranians and Koreans. CIA has indicated they may be useful regarding the police task force assembled to investigate any incidents involving your team, Ms. Tsukino.”

“Yes, sir!” Usagi said, smiling. “We’ll make sure they know we’re their friends!” Parker shut his eyes and visibly fought back a groan.

“I trust you’ll make the right decision,” Gen. Hammond said, smiling on Usagi. Turning to the rest of the leaders, he said, “Once we have the intelligence from the Tok’ra, I’ll ask that you all look over what we receive. Whatever help the Tok’ra might need, we should give them our best.”

Campbell held up a hand and said, “Sir, Gen. Vollmer has said that until SYMMES is complete, we’re still to follow all orders given. The platoon is at your disposal should you need it.”

“Thank you, captain,” Gen. Hammond said. “Are there any questions about the conference?”

“I have one, sir,” Lucy said. “What happens if they manage to elect a new leader?”

Daniel took over as he answered, “Well under Ra’s control, the Goa’uld held a massive interstellar empire and managed to enslave mankind. He also managed to hold control over Jaffa warriors from other system lords.”

“Many Goa’uld in superior positions of authority will take the Jaffa of their subordinates into their personal guards,” Teal’c noted. “It is a sign of the power they possess, and that they can order those warriors to act against their former masters if necessary.”

“The question is who it might be,” Daniel noted.

O’Neill looked over and said, “I had thought it was our ‘favorite’ snakehead going for the gold on this one.”

“Goa’uld psychology,” Daniel said. “Each Goa’uld believes they deserve to be in charge, over any and all competitors. It’s part of their culture, your power is your worth. They all hold that dear, even Yu.” Everyone visibly tried to not react to the running gag. "Plus we are still trying to get a handle on which mythic figures are and aren’t Goa’uld.”

O’Neill cocked an eyebrow and asked, “I thought we made that distinction already? Culture-bearers, remember?”

“That’s my thought, colonel,” Fareeha said. Pointing at her right eye, she said, “There were, after all, gods that cared for their worshipers. Dr. Jackson and I were going to review the Egyptian deities and see if perhaps some of the gods in this universe may have been hidden Tok’ra, or other alien beings.”

“We can make a determination based on what the Tok’ra give us,” Gen. Hammond said. Turning to Lucy, he said “If the Goa’uld do elect a new supreme system lord, militarily it would present a unified front against our efforts. It may even lead to an invasion of Earth via spacecraft. If the Tok’ra manage to infiltrate and return any intelligence on who this new lord may be, it can at least help us form a strategy.”

“And potentially help us avoid offending any other beings out there who may have shielded mankind from the worst Goa’uld abuses,” Fareeha noted. “The SGC already has enough enemies, and few friends able or willing to directly assist in this universe. Finding other Tok’ra may help gather assistance when it’s most needed.”

“Take whatever assistance you need,” Gen. Hammond said. “Are there any further questions?” Silence. “Very well. Lt. Malvin, can you please stay behind a moment? Everyone else, dismissed.”

As the room emptied out, Alice remained in her seat. With everyone else out, Gen. Hammond smiled and asked, “How’re you doing, lieutenant?”

“Better than I was, sir,” Alice said, giving her own small smile back. “I think I needed some time to grieve more than anything.”

Gen. Hammond nodded and said, “If you need any assistance, we’re always available to call on.”

“Thank you sir,” Alice said, nodding back. “What about you? You don’t seem very worried about this.”

“I try not to worry unless there’s something to worry about,” Gen. Hammond said. “Otherwise I’d go gray from the stress.”

Both junior and senior officer paused at the comment, then glanced up at Gen. Hammond’s bare scalp. Then Gen. Hammond started chuckling, and said, “You understand what I mean.”

Asami knocked at the door, and the calm voice from inside answered, “Come in.”

Pushing the door open, Asami saw Col. Mackenzie sitting behind his desk. “Good morning sir,” she said, stepping inside.

“Asami, I told you that when you’re here for these appointments you don’t need to be formal,” Mackenzie said, smiling back at Asami. Moving from behind his desk, he motioned for Asami to take one of the two seats set across from each other. “How are you today?”

“Not too bad,” Asami said, easing herself into the chair. As she reclined into the padded leather, she instantly felt more at ease. “It’s still taking some time, getting used to Martis passing.”

“That’s understandable,” Mackenzie said, nodding as he took the seat opposite Asami. “I heard the funeral was quite the celebration though?”

“It certainly was,” Asami said, smiling as she thought back to the wake. “Alice didn’t leave anything out to remember him. Campbell’s team was going crazy over the food, it’s always something to watch them go wild over new things to eat.”

Mackenzie nodded, asking, “And how are things back in Republic City?”

“Not too bad,” Asami said, shrugging. “They’re still collecting evidence for Kuvira’s trial, they’re calling it the largest criminal case in history.”

“Are you worried about it?”

Asami thought for a second, then said, “I don’t think I’m worried about the trial. At least, not that Kuvira could be released or found not guilty.”

“So you’re not worried about anything related to it?”

Asami made to speak, then paused for a second. “I saw what happened, in Team Rainbow’s cartoon of us. If SG-1 hadn’t come, if we’d been forced to face Kuvira on our own…I saw my father die. It’s unbelievable, thinking about it now. I know he’s safe in the prison, but losing Martis? I keep thinking about how it was literally one impossible coincidence that kept him from dying.”

“It’s quite the thing to face, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Asami said, sliding back into her chair. “I was so young when I lost my mother, I never really fully comprehended what someone dying means.”

“Does it worry you?”

“Maybe?” Asami shook her head as she said, “I told you what happened we met Bill Cipher.”

“Yes, and all things considered you held up very well,” Mackenzie said, nodding. “Being resilient doesn’t mean not feeling, Asami. You’re allowed to have times when you can let your emotions out.”

Asami smiled a little, and said, “Korra and I were thinking about taking another vacation in the Spirit World when we’re done with SYMMES.”

Mackenzie smiled, and asked, “What’s the Spirit World like?”

Dr. Frasier checked Alice’s ears, and said, “Alright, nothing wrong there. Now, I want you to follow my finger with your eyes, only your eyes.” Putting her forefinger in front of Alice’s face, she moved it right to left, up and down, then in on Alice’s nose. “Perfect.”

Alice sat on the edge of the bed, Dr. Frasier putting her stethoscope in her ears. “Alright, deep breaths,” she said, placing the chest piece on Alice’s back. The lieutenant did as ordered, taking several deep breaths as Dr. Frasier listened.

“Alright, now breathe normally,” Dr. Frasier said, moving the piece to Alice’s front. Satisfied there was nothing wrong, she pulled the stethoscope away and slung it over her neck again. “Gonna check your lymph nodes now. Have you had any trouble sleeping, any headaches?”

“No, not since I went back home,” Alice said, looking ahead as Dr. Frasier pressed under her jaw.

“Well, for now it doesn’t sound like you have any major trauma,” Dr. Frasier noted. “Any mood swings, trouble remembering things you could before?”

“Nothing,” Alice answered, as Dr. Frasier pulled back.

“Well, looks like the caduceus device is doing it’s job,” Dr. Frasier said, grinning as she looked over to the spinning device bathing the beds in a soft yellow light. “Congratulations, you’re officially a successful human trial.”

Alice smiled, then asked, “Doctor, do you really think there’s no way to remove the receiver in Cpl. Oland’s head?”

Dr. Frasier sighed, thinking for a second. “Barring intervention by some very powerful beings that consider transdimensional medicine dangerous, we don’t have the ability. The mind is more complicated than we think. With the kind of work we’d need to do to remove the leads from his frontal lobe, there’s no guarantee we wouldn’t do massive damage to his personality. He could come out of that surgery a completely different person.”

“There has to be something we can offer the Asgard though,” Alice thought. “Thor seems to appreciate the SGC’s efforts.”

“Well, Thor isn’t the leader of the Asgard,” Dr. Frasier noted. “Some problems need patience, Alice. We won’t forget that Oland has that device in his mind, and once we figure out a way that can remove it from his frontal lobe, we’ll make sure we tell you.”

“I know, I just wish I could do more,” Alice sighed. “I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for you.”

“You have no idea,” Dr. Frasier grumbled. “The sarcophagus creates some kind of neural feedback on a human brain, and whatever the Asgard or Nox can do? They don’t seem very keen on sharing it with us.”

“Funny how the beings that should be able to help aren’t willing to,” Alice said, eyes narrowing.

“Still, there’s nothing we can do about it now,” Dr. Frasier said, shaking her head. “What we need to do now is focus on the conference for the Goa’uld. Everything else will happen when it happens.”

“Right, there’s no sense if trying to find problems where they don’t exist,” Alice said. Smiling up at Dr. Frasier, she asked, “Do you need anything?”

“Yeah,” Dr. Frasier said. “A month’s vacation.”

“How about this,” Fareeha asked, tapping on a sheaf of papers.

Reaching across the table in the mess, Daniel blinked and asked, “Isfet?”

“If Egypt was ruled by the ancient Goa’uld in this world, they would want to promote the idea that their ideals and system was the only order in the world.” Grinning, Fareeha pulled the papers back and repeated, “Isfet is that which is evil, disharmonious, troublesome. Current research indicates that Isfet was a means by which to understand free will rather than the concept of a primordial chaos.”

“Yes, but there’s one problem,” Daniel noted. “Isfet wasn’t a goddess or divine figure, it’s more of a concept. The Goa’uld wouldn’t necessarily need a Tok’ra to personify any ideas that ran counter to their rule.”

Fareeha paused, then said, “You observed Sha’re’s funeral by placing a feather on the scales.”

Daniel pursed his lips for a second, then asked, “I feel like this is about something other than finding allies?”

“It is,” Fareeha said, expression hardening. Pointing at her right eye, she said, “I got this because it’s a part of who I am. The history of my homeland. I don’t need to worship the ancient gods to know that they’re important to me. It’s getting a little annoying that every single Goa’uld that took the role of an ancient Egyptian god is an evil slaver.”

“It’s not like they were the only ones though,” Daniel pointed out. “Zipacna, Pelops, Yu; almost all of Earth’s ancient cultures were taken by the Goa’uld.”

“That makes it better?” Fareeha shook her head and said, “There have to be some figures in these myths that weren’t Goa’uld.”

Daniel thought for a second, and leaned back. “You know, just because that’s the situation for us doesn’t mean it’s what happened in your history.”

“It’s not that,” Fareeha sighed. “I just hate this ancient astronaut crap.”

Daniel’s eyebrow went up. “What now?”

Fareeha stared at Daniel for a second. “Wait, you don’t know that? Daniel, it’s literally what brought you here.”

Daniel looked about the mess, and asked, “That’s pretty interesting, given I have no idea what those words mean outside of their literal meaning.”

Fareeha muttered, “Huh,” then leaned back in her seat. “I thought your theories were built on the idea that aliens built the pyramids.”

Daniel took a breath and said, calmly, “No, I only suggested that the pyramids were older than most Egyptologists claimed they were. If it weren’t for that idiot von Däniken, I might have gotten more serious discussion.” The way he said the words, it was clear he'd been forced to say them many times before, verbatim.

“Ah,” Fareeha said, turning away from embarrassment. “Sorry, I figured…”

“No, I can’t blame you,” Daniel sighed. “But what were you saying?”

“Ancient astronauts,” Fareeha muttered. “You’re right, von Dänikenis an idiot. Thanks to him, no one believes that ancient Egyptians built any of their temples or cities on their own. It makes Egyptians into a people that can’t even build their own culture, that we had to have it ‘gifted’ to us by greater beings.”

“Oh,” Daniel said, taken aback. “I…I guess I never realized how it must sound if you don’t know about the Goa’uld.”

“Well, maybe it isn’t so bad?” Fareeha shrugged. “Back home, most people only apply ancient aliens to non-European cultures. At least here, you have the Asgard and some Goa’uld in Europe’s history.”

Daniel nodded, and said, “I’m sorry if I was making you feel this way, Fareeha. I’ll try to be more mindful of it in the future, I promise.”

“Thank you, Daniel,” Fareeha said, smiling at the archaeologist. Sighing, she glanced at the papers. “But if there is an Isfet, maybe she’s a leading Tok’ra?”

“Presuming they weren’t killed,” Daniel pointed out. “The Tok’ra don’t have a queen, they can’t carry on their operations like we can without risking the loss of their people.”

“Then what are we, their stalking horses?” Fareeha asked. “Has the SGC gotten anything more than intelligence that helps the Tok’ra? Saying it out loud, it sounds less like an alliance and more like a master and a hunting dog.”

Daniel sighed, reading over the files. “We can at least ask them about your idea. They might not have considered it important considering they only learned pretty recently we can use the gate network.”

“I can live with that,” Fareeha sighed. "For now."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, then said, “You know, at the same time maybe you should feel rather proud? Your history doesn’t have any aliens coming down in ancient times and enslaving ancient mankind. Ancient Egypt was a legitimately human creation, one of the first great ancient kingdoms in all history. That was all built by the Egyptian people, there was no interference by any ancient beings.”

Fareeha smiled, nodding as she said, “Maybe you can see what Ancient Egypt looks like without the interference from a worm with a god-complex?”

“That’d be a nice vacation,” Daniel sighed. Going back to his papers, he started reading. “We should at least expand to other mythological figures as well. Even if your point about Isfet doesn't pan out, there might be other figures that were loved with genuine affection by their human followers.”

“Ma’at, for a start,” Fareeha said.

Daniel blinked, then said, “A minute ago we were just discussing her polar opposite.”

“I know, but maybe it was a cover, a good cop-bad cop,” Fareeha said. “One plays the terrorist Tok’ra, the other the loyal Goa’uld to Ra to gain his favor?”

“Well, I mean we’d need more evidence than a guess,” Daniel said. “Look, let’s start by looking over the mother deities of the ancient world. Universally they would be the most positively regarded by ancient humans, more than likely they would be a good cover for a Tok’ra trying to assist mankind against the Goa’uld while maintaining a cover as a god.”

Fareeha paused, then asked, “What about Hathor?”

Daniel shuddered, and muttered, “We, uh, we try not to talk about the Hathor incident.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

The klaxons wailed as Harriman called over the PA, “Unauthorized off-world activation!”

The team leaders waited in the conference room, crowded around the windows looking down on the gate. They watched at the security team took their positions, but didn’t raise their rifles.

“So, is anyone else nervous about this?” Sunset said, finally breaking the silence.

“You wouldn’t be nervous without a reason,” Mustang noted. “Something you want to share?”

“Every time I’m around a Tok’ra, it’s like I’m trying to follow two conversations at once,” Sunset said. “The host and symbiote being separate beings, with their own distinct emotions? I never quite know which one I can feel.” Parker nodded in agreement.

“Positive side, they might have the kind of plan we need to end the Goa’uld threat,” Campbell pointed out. “Free the Jaffa and their human slaves in one action? A man could get used to assassinating his way out of a problem like this.” Erza and Lucy both took a moment to stare at Campbell like he had a second head pop out of his scalp that started singing “Camptown Ladies”.

The iris pulled back, with a single figure stepping down the ramp. It was a middle-aged woman, though by now everyone staring down at her knew that she was more likely over a hundred or so years old. She greeted Gen. Hammond, O’Neill, and Daniel, before she was already being escorted to the conference room. They all noticed O’Neill make a side comment to Daniel, then both followed along.

Moving to the table, the teams watched as Gen. Hammond came up the stairs and introduced them. “Ren’al, these are the team leaders of the Multiversal Task Force. Erza Scarlet, Gen. Mustang, Korra, Capt. Campbell, Capt. Parker, Capt. Amari, Sunset Shimmer, Usagi Tsukino, and Lt. Malvin.”

Ren’al nodded, the Tok’ra agent circling around to the stellar map in the room. “We had been informed there was a tenth team,” she said. Well, the symbiote said.

“Team Rainbow have their own concerns in their universe,” Gen. Hammond noted. “They do their best to stay in contact but aren’t always able to attend.”

“Very well, if that is their prerogative,” Ren’al said, turning to the team leaders as SG-1 took their seats. “The actions of the Tau’ri and Multiversal Task Force have blunted much of Apophis’ strength. Coupled with the growing Jaffa rebellion, the system lords across the empire struggle to maintain their power.”

O’Neill muttered, “Which is why Apophis decided to call the system lords together for kumbaya?”

Ren’al nodded, glancing over the stellar map. “Apophis has called the system lords still capable of wide-scale projection of power. Those with fleets and armies able to subjugate systems to their will. It will be the establishment of a new order.”

“Then the goal is to stop it?” Gen. Hammond asked.

“Quite the opposite,” Ren’al said, turning back to the table. “We want it to proceed. This is a rare opportunity, the chance to strike against all of them at once.”

Sam blinked, then glanced to each team leader before asking, “You’re talking about wiping out the entire Goa’uld leadership?”

“We are,” Ren’al said.

O’Neill smiled and said, “Welcome to the dark side.”

Ren’al glared at O’Neill, stepping toward the table. “This has always been part of our long-term plan. We weren’t prepared for the opportunity to present itself so quickly.”

“Good thing you came to us,” Parker said, grinning. “What’ll it be? Nuke? Nerve gas? Go in and shoot everyone with a snake inside their neck?”

O’Neill shrugged and said, “We could send them all to New Jersey.”

Shaking off the comment, Daniel looked to Ren’al. “Where exactly is this meeting taking place?”

“A space station in the Hasara system,” Ren’al noted. “It’s considered neutral territory. Security will be tight; no weapons will be permitted on board. Access will be by cargo ship only.”

Campbell pursed his lips, then asked, “We don’t have any ships of our own. Tok’ra vessels?”

“Would be destroyed the moment they are detected,” Ren’al noted.

“Could we possibly gain entrance on one of the cargo ships?” Teal’c asked.

“They’ll be scanned on their approach to the station, “ Ren’al said, shaking her head.

Parker glared at the Tok’ra. “We can’t fight our way in, we can’t sneak our way in. If this is your big chance to kill the snakes all at once, what is your plan?”

Ren’al paused, then turned to the team leaders. “Every system lord in attendance will be permitted to bring aboard one human slave.”

Carter paused, then nodded. “And you want one of us to do it.”

“Specifically,” Ren’al added. “We need someone who speaks fluent Goa’uld.” Everyone paused, then turned to look at Teal’c. That was when Ren’al said, “Someone who is not Jaffa.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Daniel. Daniel paused, looked at Teal’c before the reality started to set in. “If you agree to participate,” Ren’al said. “We ask that you come to our base on Revanna tomorrow. Jacob will be there, he will tell you all you need to know.”

“No, wait a second!” Sunset shouted, shooting out of her chair. “You want to send him in alone to that place!”

“How dare you call yourselves allies!” Alice barked, hand on her dagger. “You’d kill one of ours to carry out your plan!”

“Our plan can end the threat of the Goa’uld forever,” Ren’al countered, glaring back at the now-hostile leads. “What gives you a right to question it?”

“The fact that we’re the ones who forces the Goa’uld to this point in the first place!” Erza roared, requipping a longsword into her hands.

“Erza, please, we need to be civil about this,” Mustang said. Glaring the other leads into submission, he took a calm breath, then shot out of his chair and slammed his fist on the table. “Like hell are you sending Dr. Jackson in alone!”

“Yeah!” the team leads shouted.

“He’s the only one of our allies that can do this,” Ren’al said. “No other Tau’ri would be able to pass as a Goa’uld slave.”

“Then you’ll ignore the fact that Apophis knows what SG-1 looks like?” Fareeha argued. “The second he lays eyes on Daniel, your entire operation is a non-starter.”

“Then we have no option,” Ren’al said, glaring at Fareeha. “Our entire plan hinges on being able to infiltrate the meeting.”

“Then I’ll do it,” Fareeha said, everyone turning to stare at her. “Apophis doesn’t know my face, none of the system lords would.”

“You bear the eye of Heru’ur,” Ren’al scoffed.

“Which can be covered up, Rarity can help me find the right means,” Fareeha countered. “Dr. Jackson is a good man, but he’s not a soldier. Whatever you have planned, you need someone like me to do it.”

“You cannot speak Goa’uld!” Ren’al argued.

“She can!” Usagi shouted, jumping up and pointing at Ren’al. “I’ll go home and get Luna, she can transfer whatever knowledge Daniel has of the language into Fareeha’s brain!” To accentuate the point, Usagi stuck her tongue out and pulled at her eye. At least before Parker grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back into her seat.

“I apologize Ren’al,” Gen. Hammond said, moving to take control once more. “We’ll need a moment, please. The SGC does still wish to assist against this threat, but it’s clear we need to discuss a few things.”

“Clearly,” Ren’al said, looking down her nose at Fareeha. “I await your reply.”

“Then for now, I’ll ask that all other MV leads leave the room,” Gen. Hammond said, staring at Fareeha. “Capt. Amari, SG-1, please stay here.” The room emptied in seconds.

“Captain, that was too bold,” Gen. Hammond said, his expression shifting to a glare. “You just risked offending one of our few allies.”

“They want to send Dr. Jackson on that mission alone,” Fareeha said.

“Which I’m willing to do, by the way,” Daniel said. “I don’t exactly appreciate being treated like some bumbling scientist.” He paused, then pointed at O’Neill and said, “Don’t, just, just don’t.”

“You’re not wrong about Apophis knowing what we look like,” Carter said, turning from Fareeha to Gen. Hammond. “Sir, the Goa’uld don’t know the MVTF like they know us. Amari might actually be the best option we have.”

Gen. Hammond thought for a moment, and glared at Fareeha. “If I agree to this, you will follow the lead of the Tok’ra. We will not risk our alliance with the only group capable of infiltrating the Goa’uld power structure. Do I make myself explicitly clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Fareeha said, humbling herself the second she opened her mouth.

“Very well,” Gen. Hammond said, turning to Daniel and Teal’c. “I want you both to help with learning the language when Ms. Tsukino brings Luna to the SGC. Even if she has the information ‘beamed’ into her brain, she’ll need to know how to properly speak it. We only have a few hours to prepare before leaving for Revanna.”

The officers in the room looked to each other, Fareeha trying to not let slip that she was suddenly questioning her speaking out.

Parker tapped his foot on the floor of the mess, glaring at the table. O’Neill raised an eyebrow and said, “You know, if we needed to remodel we’d call a contractor.”

“Something’s wrong,’ Parker growled, not looking up. “I don’t trust these snakes.”

O’Neill nodded, taking a bite of his pork. “Anything in particular, or is this just you being your all-loving self?”

“It’s fine that we knew the meeting was happening, the Tok’ra have agents all over the damn place,” Parker said, leaning back. “But that’s a lot of intel they’ve got. They know who’s attending, where it’s gonna be, and how it’s all gonna go down. Doesn’t anyone else smell that?”

“Sorry,” O’Neill said, shrugging. “Just figured you hadn’t had a chance to shower.”

Parker smirked, but shook his head. “At least we’re sending Amari.”

O’Neill’s eyebrow went up. “I thought we were of the opinion that sacrificing Daniel wasn’t the right decision. With Amari it’s fine?”

“Jackson’s an archaeologist,” Parker noted. “More important, he’s got a personal stake. He wants to try and save every single person that’s got a snake in them. You and I both know that’s impossible. Not on the scale he wants it done. Ones and twos, fine, but that’d take years.”

“He has always been rather optimistic,” O’Neill noted. “Though I do agree that this looks suspiciously like a fat worm hiding a hook. Problem is the Tok’ra wouldn’t be the ones to do it.”

“Your reports said the Tok’ra are just as vulnerable to infiltration by the Goa’uld as the reverse,” Parker noted. “Being secret squirrel types doesn’t mean they’re immune from it.”

O’Neill nodded, then said, “Campbell and his team are still under our lead. Maybe a visit to the Tok’ra for the teams won’t hurt? Get them some orientation?”

“Not 7 or 8,” Parker said, his tone firm. “They’ve got their own shit to handle.”

“Okay, not 7 or 8,” O’Neill agreed. “But we are gonna need Rarity to come along. I don’t use foundation.” Parker rolled his eyes and went back to tapping his foot.

As Fareeha went over Daniel’s information on the Goa’uld system lords, there was a knock at the door. “Capt. Amari,” Teal’c said. “Are you in?”

“Yeah, come in,” she said, setting the information on Yu down. As Teal’c strode in, she asked, “Is everything alright?”

“I have come to ask,” Teal’c said, shutting the door behind him. “Are you aware of the risk you are taking by accepting this mission?”

Fareeha nodded, looking up at Teal’c. “This would decapitate the leadership for the most powerful Goa’uld forces. Hundreds of worlds would be freed.”

“Along with many millions of my people,” Teal’c noted. “If you succeed in what the Tok’ra have planned, your name will be spoken of in the stories of our descendants.”

“I’ll settle for wiping out the Goa’uld’s leaders,” Fareeha said, smiling a little. “The people they’ve made suffer deserve to know what it’s like to be free.”

“Then I am confident you will succeed,” Teal’c noted. “A warrior’s assuredness of victory can often be the determining factor in the final outcome of their actions.”

Fareeha let out a breath. “Heh, I wish that were always the case.” She glanced at the files, and asked, “Do you trust the Tok’ra?”

“I trust that they are genuine in wishing to eliminate the threat of the Goa’uld,” Teal’c said. “The legends of the Jaffa claim the Tok’ra wished to end the rule of Ra. However, they do not specifically tell of why the Tok’ra wished to overthrow Ra.”

“Which means there was no mention of why,” Fareeha said, leaning back in her chair. “Maybe there’s a chance you can all talk to the Tok’ra about what they might remember?”

“Indeed.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

Jacob and Aldwin made their way to the gate on Revanna, watching as the unstable vortex ripped out of the gate. They smiled as they watched SG-1 and SG-17 appear. Then their eyebrows went up as Fareeha, Reinhardt, and Brigitte came out. Then they saw 1^st Platoon and two-thirds of the MVTF lead two FREDs out before the wormhole cut out.

“Welcome to Revanna,” Jacob said, opening his arms and putting his smile back. He came up to Carter, embracing her as the major smiled. “It’s good to see you, Sam.”

“Hey dad,” Carter said, her smile irrepressible.

“Jack, how’re you?” the general said, shaking O’Neill’s hand.

“Kinda curious,” O’Neill said, glancing at Aldwin.

“That would make two of us,” Aldwin said, glancing at the MVTF.

“Well, guess we needed a little more oriented offworld than we thought,” Jack said, trying to play off the visit.

“Pretty well-equipped for an orientation,” Jacob noted. “Something we need to know?”

“Yeah, not very fun not knowing something,” Parker said, a few of the platoon nodding in agreement.

Jacob took control of the talk back. “Some of you know Aldwin. He’ll be conducting the orientation.” Everyone noted Aldwin looked less than thrilled about the sudden increase in his class size.

“We’ll begin with a tour of the facilities,” Aldwin said. “After which I have a lecture on the development of Tok’ra insurgency techniques since the collapse of the Second Goa’uld Dynasty.” Sunset’s eyes sparkled at the chance to learn something new. Everyone else looked as thrilled as a reality TV editor getting more b-roll for the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

“Everyone make sure you have your pencils ready,” O’Neill said, trying to not look bored already. “This will be on the test.”

As Jacob and Aldwin led them to the trees, Campbell turned to Sgt. Weber. “One squad in the tunnels, one in the treeline. Don’t need to antagonize our two friends at the door.” Weber nodded, casting a glance at the two Tok’ra guarding the stargate.

Once inside the tunnels, the groups split. The team leads were seated around a conference table, Jacob taking a data-slate from another Tok’ra as everyone settled in.

“So, how will I infiltrate the conference?” Fareeha asked.

Jacob blinked, glancing at Daniel and Teal’c. “I thought the offer was to Daniel.”

“Uh, it was,” Daniel said, nodding. “Except it seems there was going to be a near-mutiny in the MVTF if I had. Fareeha volunteered to go instead.”

Jacob’s eyebrow went up as he asked, “Can she speak the Language?”

“I can,” Fareeha answered, grinning. “I still have trouble with certain planetary dialects, but since this will be a formal summit I can handle myself.”

Jacob leaned back, grinning. “Well, things just got pretty interesting.”

“Yeah, especially when a black cat literally beams your knowledge out of you,” Daniel muttered. Teal’c’s eyebrow went up as he glanced at Daniel.

Deciding not to ask, Jacob went on with the briefing. “Yu will be among the system lords at the meeting.”

“We already know that,” Erza said. “We need to know how she’ll be able to join them.”

Jacob paused, then said, “The system lord, Yu.” Erza blushed and turned away.

O’Neill called out, “Third base.”

“Then how do we pass her off as one of Yu’s…servants?” Susnet asked. “Yu would know the one he’d bring with him, and Fareeha isn’t them.”

“Not with this,” Ren’al said, the Tok’ra entering the room with a case in her hands.

Jacob said, “Ren’al and her team have been working on a modified version of the chemical SG-1 obtained from the Reol.”

“If you get close enough to inject him,” Ren’al said, handing the box to Fareeha. “You will be able to convince him you are his trusted lo’taur.”

O’Neill blinked, and asked, “H-His, his what?”

“Lo’taur is the highest rank among the human slaves of the system lords,” Teal’c answered.

“They’re like personal attendants,” Jacob added. “It’s considered to be a position of great honor.”

“A slave to a worm with a god-complex,” Mustang grumbled. “Such an honor.”

“I spent the last couple of months establishing myself as a minor Goa’uld in Yu’s service,” Jacob said. “I’ll be able to get Capt. Amari on board his mothership and deal with the loose ends.”

“What if something goes wrong then,” Campbell added. “An attack by another species or some wild cosmic fluke? Capt. Amari can recall to the SGC, but we need to know what would be a good reason to.”

“The Protect Planets Treaty still holds with the Asgard, and even with their empire fractured the Hasara station is a threat none of their enemies would dare try to attack,” Jacob said. “The important thing is once you’re aboard the station.”

O'Neill leaned on his hand and tapped at the side of his head. "Sunset? Anything?"

"I wish I could tell you," Sunset answered. "Between him and Selmak, I can't tell who's feeling what."

“You will wait until all the system lords have arrived,” Ren’al said, reaching inside her tunic for another small box. “Then you will use this.”

The leads watched as she withdrew a small vial, with two different colored liquids held in separate chambers. “The two liquids combined create a most virulent poison. Press the button to open the valve between the two containers. The liquid will immediately be vaporized. Within seconds the pressure will break the seal on the container, and the gas will be released.”

Everyone stared at the container, then turned to Fareeha. Carefully placing the liquid death back into the box, she asked, “Will I have an antidote, some kind of protection?”

“The poison is only deadly to symbiotes,” Ren’al said, astoundingly calm for handling something that everyone realized could kill a Tok’ra as well as a Goa’uld.

Carter vocalized their thoughts, and asked, “Isn’t that dangerous?”

“More than you know,” Jacob said, shrugging. “There’s enough material in that vial to kill every Tok’ra on this base twice over.”

“And why this formula is our most closely guarded secret,” Ren’al added.

“Then, what about the host?” Daniel asked. There was a marked difference in the reactions between the leads. Erza, Korra, Sunset, and Alice all tensed up. Mustang, Campbell, Parker, and O’Neill didn’t react at all.

“Not the chemical itself,” Ren’al said, not reacting to Daniel’s implications. “But, as you know, the dying symbiote releases its own toxin. Which is just as deadly.”

“Well,” Alice noted, shutting her eyes. “At least the poison won’t kill the innocent host.”

Jacob looked up at the emotional team leads and said with patience, “Listen, all of you. The human host of a system lord has been through a sarcophagus countless times. We know the toll that takes; they’re hundreds, sometimes thousands of years old. Never mind the psychological damage they’ve suffered; physically, without the Goa’uld sustaining them? They’d die anyway.”

Daniel nodded, pursing his lips before saying, “So we’re doing them a ‘favor’?”

“In many ways, yes,” Jacob said, voice flat as he stared at them all.

O’Neill spoke up again and asked, “How many targets?”

“We have intelligence that seven other system lords will be at the meeting. All the major players, in one location.” Sunset noticed Teal’c look up in confusion as Jacob said, “If we pull this off, the Goa’uld may never recover.”

As the enormity of the goal settled in on them all, Jack asked, “What can we do?”

“Wait here,” Jacob said. “I’ll communicate when the mission is accomplished.”

The team leads glanced at each other, then turned to look at the outwardly-stalwart Fareeha.

Kavanaugh hefted a crate of ammo off the FRED, looking out through the trees to the stargate. The pair of Tok’ra at the gate were still on watch, talking to each other trying to pass the time until their relief arrived. No different from any other sentry, barring the fact that the pair had a symbiote in their necks.

“Corporal,” Belenko said, drawing his attention. Turning, he saw the Ukrainian opening a crate of anti-personnel mines. “How far out do you want them placed?”

“I’d hold off on those for now,” Kavanaugh said, looking back on the Tok’ra. “Last thing we need is a hunting party of theirs losing their legs from one of our mines.”

Belenko muttered something under her breath. Sighing, Kavanaugh looked back and asked, “Do I need a translation?”

“I said the Tok’ra are idiots,” Belenko said, the rest of the squad nodding in agreement. “They have no defenses, no booby traps, not even heavy weapons.”

“Neither did Mick Collins,” Kavanaugh noted. “Neither did the Mujahedeen, or Mr. Gandhi. Look at what they did.”

“None of them had the knowledge of the stargates,” Belenko noted. “They could set themselves up on any world they choose. Worlds with industrial capabilities, humans that aren’t slaves. They could have taken a war to the Goa’uld centuries ago.”

“If they’d had the numbers to carry it on, maybe,” Kavanaugh said, shrugging. “Brodeur?” The Frenchman looked up from checking over his AV-18. “The Tok’ra don’t have a queen, aye?”

“Non,” Brodeur answered. “The Tok’ra only have the numbers they do now.”

“A good reason for caution, I’d say,” Kavanaugh said, nodding to Belenko. “There’s no glory in a martyr’s death.”

“There’s still the fact that they won’t act to help free any worlds under Goa’uld control,” Belenko argued. “Have they ever argued for freeing a world’s population from the Goa’uld?”

“She’s got a point,” Brodeur noted. “The power of the Goa’uld rests in their slaves. Why wouldn’t the Tok’ra help free the populations of other worlds? They could deny the Goa’uld access to the naquahdah they need for their ships, the slaves they need to run their empire.”

“Replaced with what, precisely?” Kavanaugh pointed out. “It took mankind centuries to figure out that representative democracy might be the best form of governance, even then we still managed to nearly kill ourselves with it. How are we going to make sure worlds suddenly thrust from a feudal age to space don’t wipe themselves out?”

“Then maybe the Tollan and Asgard have the proper thoughts on the matter,” Belenko said. “Isolate them until they’re ready.”

Brodeur shot her a harsh glare. “They aren’t animals, they’re oppressed. Enslaved by monsters. Once they are free, they will be no different than any of us.”

“Then maybe we should stay focused on the issues at hand,” Kavanaugh said. “Since you’ve both got time to talk, you can both mark positions for the mines if there is an incident.”

As the pair sighed and rose from their places, Kavanaugh turned back to watch as the two Tok’ra sentries were swapped out with replacements.

As the team leaders scattered through the tunnels, O’Neill ran after the elder Carter. “Jacob!” he called, sprinting up to the liaison. As Jacob winced when he recognized what was coming, O’Neill pushed past a pair of Tok’ra agents. “Jacob, wait up!” He paused, collected himself, then asked, “Why do I get the feeling there’s something you’re not telling us?”

“Oh, Jack,” Jacob groaned, walking again.

“C’mon!” Jack barked, glaring at Jacob as he followed. “You’re the one who’s always saying that every time we knock off one of these system lords, a worse one shows up. Why should this be any different?”

“It is true that others would eventually rise up,” Jacob said, nodding to Jack’s point. “But by taking them all out at once we’ll create a power vacuum that’ll lead to a massive galaxy-wide war as the remaining Goa’uld jockey for position.” As O’Neill turned around from nearly going down an opposite tunnel, he tried to play off that he agreed. “That’ll last long enough for us to make a final decisive move.”

O’Neill pulled at Jacob’s arm, turning him back and asking, “Which is?”

Jacob glared at O’Neill, and answered, “A wide-scale attack on the Goa’uld population, using the symbiote poison. We’re gonna wipe’em out Jack, all of’em.”

“All of’em,” O’Neill said, nodding for a second. “What about the Jaffa? Last I checked, they have symbiotes too. Bra’tac and the Free Jaffa are already making headway, it’s why Apophis called this thing in the first place.”

“And this could answer that threat,” Jacob argued, glaring at O’Neill. “Apophis has already tried to attack Earth once, he won’t hesitate to try again. Not if he becomes supreme system lord.”

“Then why move so fast?” O’Neill asked. “The Tok’ra are always trying to take things slow, telling us to think before we move. Now we’re getting ready to basically gas every snake-head in the galaxy? C’mon Jacob, the Tok’ra wouldn’t move like this unless there was a reason.”

Jacob looked around the corridors, then paused like he was arguing with himself internally. Then, he leaned close to O’Neill and whispered, “There’s something else happening deep inside Goa’uld space. Several system lords have found wreckage of unknown models of ha’taks and other large craft left adrift. No one knows who or what did it, and our agents are reporting that it’s got them nervous.”

O’Neill blinked, shaking his head and asking, “When, exactly, were you gonna send us that particular memo?”

“When we knew what the problem was,” Jacob noted. “When we were sure of what we were facing.”

“Jacob, did they forget the deal?” O’Neill gestured to Jacob and said, “We give them people to save from certain death, they give us intelligence?” Jacob looked like he was about to answer, then his head dipped. “Fer cryin’ out loud…”

Jacob looked back up, then his eyes glowed. “And use that intelligence to possibly disrupt plans we already have in place?”

“Hey, Selmak, nice of you to finally jump in,” O’Neill said, smiling and clapping his hands. “How much did you hear?”

“Everything, of course,” Selmak answered, shaking his head at Jack. “We had already made up our plan on who would be sent in, and in less than a day your dimensional friends have altered it.”

“Hey, you should know Daniel wouldn’t be up for a mission like that,” O’Neill pointed out. “He wants to save every victim of the Goa’uld out there, and you expected him to be able to gas an entire space station full of them? Those friends of ours are the reason Amari is going instead.”

“The council don’t necessarily agree,” Selmak pointed out. “Each stage of this mission was laid out precisely as we needed it to be.”

“Then think of this as a proof of concept,” O’Neill said. “The MVTF can show the Tok’ra what they can do. If it goes wrong, Amari somehow doesn’t carry out the mission, then -- ”

“There is no room for error here, colonel,” Selmak warned. “A fractured Goa’uld empire would reveal this mysterious foe they now face. In the chaos, thousands of worlds would be freed.”

Jacob’s head fell again, and the elder Carter came back. “No one’s had a chance like this in centuries, Jack. If there were ever a reason to take a chance and move, it’s now.”

As Jacob moved on through the tunnels, O’Neill took a breath and considered how Jacob Carter would have responded to that same line of “reasons”.

“And we are finished,” Rarity said, smiling as she finished applying the foundation. Teal’c and Daniel stood to the side, watching as the fashionista worked her true “magic”. “Which is a shame, because your tattoo really draws attention to your eyes.”

“I know,” Fareeha sighed, touching at the now plain edge of her right cheek. “You’re sure this will last me through the summit?”

“As long as it doesn’t go on for longer than a day, yes,” Rarity said, smiling as she handed over a compact. “There’s enough there to last you at least a week as well, make sure you reapply properly or you’ll be rather obvious.”

“Thanks Rarity,” Fareeha said, turning to Daniel. “Alright, quiz me.”

Daniel nodded, and said, “Bastet.”

“Former loyal servant of Ra,” Fareeha said, recalling her intelligence. “She was instrumental in the defeat and banishment of Ra’s enemy Anubis. Still controls one of the larger territories of the Goa’uld system lords, and is regarded as being more kind to her slaves and Jaffa.”

Teal’c nodded, and Daniel went on. “Kali.”

“Former underlord of Shiva, killed her old master when Ra offered her a more powerful position,” Fareeha noted. “When Ra was overthrown from Earth, she split and seized a small collection of worlds for herself. Only negotiating with Ra allowed her to remain independent, on his conditions. Now allied with Bastet, both were responsible for ambushing and killing Sobek.”

Another nod from Teal’c. Daniel said, “Olokun.”

“A victim of a play by Nirrti,” Fareeha said. “Is able to transport mass quantities of naquadah between his worlds via unknown means. Coupled with his own Jaffa-led secret police, his own domain is considered near-impregnable.”

“That is incorrect in one regard,” Teal’c noted. “Stories tell of local inhabitants of Olokun’s worlds still resisting. It is why he had formed his cursor’va in the first place.”

“Right, got it,” Fareeha said, adjusting her information. “Next?”

“Svarog.”

“A Goa’uld engineer that rose after Ptah,” Fareeha said. “His adjustments and modifications to Goa’uld technology have created a formidable fleet. Even for the relatively small size of his domain, the ability of his Jaffa to defend it is unquestioned.”

Daniel asked, “Ba’al?”

“Noted as being subtle and even subdued compared to other system lords,” Fareeha said. “Famous for his guile and skill in how his long-term strategies play out.”

Daniel nodded, then took a long and hard breath. “Osiris…What do you remember about Osiris?”

Fareeha shut her eyes, and said, “Recently returned from exile on Earth. Noted as being prideful and borderline arrogant, likely to press for his own place as supreme system lord despite not being as strong as the other Goa’uld present.”

“Right, all good,” Daniel said, clapping his hands. He sped out of the room, Teal’c bowing before following Daniel out.

"Hopefully this will at least end the threat of the Goa’uld,” Rarity sighed, packing up her portable vanity. “I know it may seem harsh, but I can’t imagine those poor people would blame us for getting rid of such horrid beasts inside them.”

“Needs of the many,” Fareeha said, leaning her head back. Pausing, she grinned and asked, “Applejack was too busy to come along?”

“Oh, yes, it seems there’s been a lot of work down at Sweet Apple Acres,” Rarity noted, shaking her head. “Our journey to Montana and dealing with Eden’s Gate has left her with a decidedly worried attitude. With any luck, she won’t have to worry about keeping the farm in the family once we graduate.” Turning away from Fareeha, the girl grinned herself and asked, “So, Dr. Ziegler is fine with you going off like this then?”

“Of course she wouldn’t,” Fareeha noted, shaking her head. “Why do you think Reinhardt and Brigitte are here?”

“So, if Dr. Ziegler objected enough,” Rarity said, glancing at Fareeha’s stoic face in the mirror before she closed it up. “You wouldn’t go?”

“She’d convince Gen. Hammond and Winston it would be too dangerous,” Fareeha noted. “They’d kill the op before we could even go to Revanna.”

“Well, if you say so,” Rarity said, a little confused. “Still, this is going to be rather dangerous. I don’t care what the Tok’ra may think of this chance, Gen. Hammond would want you to recall.”

“I know,” Fareeha said. “I’m more worried about Daniel.”

“Yes, that report on Osiris taking control of his old girlfriend,” Rarity sighed, then asked, “You don’t think…”

“No, he wouldn’t sabotage us,” Fareeha said, her voice solid. Then she softened a little and said, “But I doubt he’ll forgive me. Still, better someone else do it than him.”

Rarity shook her head, then wrapped her arms around Fareeha. “Then you’d best make sure you come back,” she said. “Otherwise Daniel will never get the chance to forgive you.”

Fareeha sighed, and returned the hug. “That’s a promise.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Sunset took a second to wake up, remembering that she was still in the Tok’ra base on Revanna. Groaning as she sat up, she rubbed at her eyes as she looked around. She saw Rarity still sleeping next to her, clutching her pillow close under her purple locks. “Hmmmm…Yes…I would like the silk blouse…”

Smiling, Sunset went to grab at one of the MREs they’d secured for themselves. Ripping open a maple “beef” patty, she paused to ponder what part of the cow the meat had come from. Then she realized there were some questions it was better to not know the answer to and settled for heating it up.

“Oh, good morning Sunset,” Rarity yawned, pulling her eye mask away. “At least, I think it’s morning.”

“It is,” Sunset said, checking her watch. “You sleep okay?”

“As best I could,” Rarity groaned, managing to crack a few vertebrae as she stretched. “A crystal floor isn’t exactly the softest mattress a girl could ask for.”

“You could always join the squad sleeping in the trees,” Sunset noted, watching the heater pack steam the water. “I’m sure sleeping in the fresh air wouldn’t be so bad.”

“No one likes too much sass this early in the morning, Sunset,” Rarity grumbled. Reaching for her own MRE, she tore through the package for the coffee. “So, Fareeha should already be on her way then?”

“Yeah, and we get to learn more about the Tok’ra, I guess,” Sunset grumbled, watching as the steam kept pouring out from the heating packet. “Lucky for us.”

Rarity glanced over as she made her coffee. “You don’t trust them?”

“I want to,” Sunset said, making it clear the words were painful to say. “That’s the problem, though. It’s something about them, who they are.”

“Who they are,” Rarity mentioned, cringing as she sipped at the instant coffee. “Or who they are now?”

Sunset nodded, pulling the “beef” packet away from the heater. “I get this sensation, you know? Nothing evil, but not what we'd call good. Do you know what emotions can look like to me?” Rarity shook her head. “It’s like lights, bright lights I can see in my head for each person. A fractured mind is like a flashing strobe, and when Randel activated his lantern? It was like there was an emptiness, a black hole that seemed to suck in light.”

“Then that raises a rather obvious question,” Rarity said, cocking an eyebrow. “What do the Tok’ra seem to be?”

Sunset sighed, ripping the top off her patty. “It’s like there’s two lights, but they’re not the same. One is brighter than the other, more pronounced. The other is subdued, even when it flares up it’s still not quite as bright.”

“That’s…a rather troubling idea,” Rarity said, setting her coffee down. “Do you think that the dimmed ‘light’, as it were…Well, do you think it's because…”

“I hope it isn’t the case,” Sunset sighed, taking a bite of the patty. Ignoring how the “beef” felt on her tongue, she sighed, “But if the Tok’ra subdue their hosts…What does that say about how they view their ‘friends’?”

Rarity sighed, sipping at her coffee and muttering, “This is quite the friendship issue, isn't it?”

Osiris stormed up to the bridge of Zipacna’s ha’tak, glaring at her fellow underlord. “Why have I been tasked with this miserable assignment?”

“Politics,” Zipacna mentioned, nodding to the hooded figure to his right. “Has always been one of your greatest skills.”

Osiris rolled his eyes, and muttered, “Am I to go alone?”

“I have my own mission on which I must embark,” Zipacna said, rising from his seat. Approaching Osiris, he said, “Apparently, the Tok’ra have developed a formidable new weapon.”

Osiris stared at Zipacna curiously, and asked, “How do you know?”

“I captured a Tok’ra spy in my midst,” Zipacna answered, looking rather pleased with himself.

Osiris rolled his eyes as Zipacna circled around. “I doubt very much a Tok’ra would reveal this information. No matter how you tortured him.”

“You are correct,” Zipacna said, still grinning at Osiris’ reaction. “But our new lord has methods that would impress you.”

Osiris was silent for a moment, then asked, “What are you going to do?”

“I am going to take this weapon from the Tok’ra,” Zipacna answered, approaching Osiris. Leaning too close to Osiris’ ear, he whispered, “And destroy them.”

As Osiris thought over the plan while Zipacna left the room, the hooded figure approached Osiris with a data slate in hand. Snatching it from them, he idly rubbed around the fresh tattoo around his host’s neck.

As the tel’tak roared silent through space, Fareeha finished putting on the outfit of a lo’taur. It was simple, in that it left the arms and neck exposed with a metal chest piece that felt more like a slave’s collar than an accessory. Of course, that was probably the point. Double checking her foundation, she heard Jacob walk in from the cockpit.

“There’s one thing I don’t understand,” she said, glancing at Jacob as he donned a traditional Chinese garment of a courtly official. “Why human attendants? Wouldn’t a Jaffa be more trustworthy for a Goa’uld?”

“The Jaffa serve a strictly military function,” Jacob said, tying up the back of his neckline. As Fareeha slipped on an armband with Yu’s symbol, the general continued, “Besides, if the host is ever injured beyond a symbiote’s capacity to heal? It can be pretty handy to have a human close at hand.”

Fareeha paused, then turned to Jacob as the realization hit her. “You were going to send Daniel on this mission knowing his experiences? Knowing he lost his wife to a Goa’uld?”

Jacob sighed, and argued, “That wasn’t my decision.”

“Then you could have tried another plan, asked for help beyond these spy games,” Fareeha pointed out. “I know your symbiote can hear me, too. The Asgard -- ”

“Wouldn’t have acted,” Jacob pointed out. “The Protected Planets Treaty, the idea of violating it would be impossible for them to even think about breaching it. As for the Tollan, they’ve already had their share of problems with the Goa’uld thanks to the Stargate program. Asking them to get involved would’ve been a non-starter.”

“Like how they would have sent Daniel in knowing Apophis knows his face,” Fareeha pointed out. “You said cargo shuttles are the only way in and out. Given that would put them inside the station’s shields, why not move a nuke into position with the shuttle? Detonate it, destroy the station, kill everyone inside without risking any of our own lives.”

“They’d know to scan for a nuke,” Jacob pointed out. “I know the MVTF aren't used to the kind of war that the Tok’ra fight against the Goa’uld, but remember that they’ve been the only group fighting against them for centuries.”

“The only group, yes,” Fareeha said, glancing back at Jacob. “And we both know what happens when an organization gets used to doing things a single, certain way.”

Jacob sighed, and nodded. “If it helps, introducing new hosts has shaken up the Tok’ra. At least, it’s forced them to realize the galaxy is changing. Before us, their plan would have been to let the Goa’uld appoint a new supreme system lord and try to destroy that power structure from within. This way, we’re letting the Goa’uld do the work of destroying their own empire for us.”

“What about the worlds under their control?” Fareeha said, crossing her arms as she turned to face Jacob. “The people on them, they’ll need help. Support from us to make sure they don’t descend into madness with the loss of the only authorities they’ve known for millennia. Did the Tok’ra consider that?”

“The Tok’ra only have one goal,” Jacob argued, keeping his tone even. “Eliminate the system lords, and destroy the Goa’uld Empire. This is the chance to do that, everything else comes after. Now, you’re sure you know the background of the Goa’uld attending the summit?”

“I am,” Fareeha said, shaking her head. “Daniel and Teal’c made sure to help me.”

“Good,” Jacob said, pausing as he put on an outer garment marking his rank. “I need to know that you’re with me on this Amari, one hundred percent.”

“I should be,” Fareeha said, shrugging. “Why else would I be here?”

“To spare Daniel the fact that we need to kill the hosts along with the symbiote,” Jacob said. “That’s a pretty reasonable suspicion right now.”

“Here’s another,” Fareeha said. “To kill the beings that enslaved Egypt and used its people as disposable resources for their own ‘glory’. Do the Tok’ra ever consider that maybe they could start factoring in revenge as a possible motive to get things done? Daniel isn’t a soldier, no matter how many missions he goes on with SG-1. You need a killer for this, Gen. Carter.”

“Then let’s hope we have one,” Jacob said, giving Fareeha one final glare before he went back to the cockpit. As he left, Fareeha turned away and tried to clear her own head.

SG-17 and the team leads followed Aldwin through one of the wider tunnels, trying to remain polite and attentive as their guide lectured on.

“When the Tok’ra arrive on a new planet it is customary to move underground as quickly as possible,” the Tok’ra agent said.

“And you actually grow these tunnels from crystals?” Lt. Elliot asked, looking about the tall, smooth surfaces surrounding him.

“That is correct,” Aldwin answered. “Each crystal is programmed with a specific layout of a passageway, allowing us to structure the tunnel system as we see fit.”

Reinhardt chuckled, and leaned close to Hawkeye. “I never imagined I’d know what life is like in an ant colony.” Hawkeye grinned as she kept writing.

Maj. Mansfield, leader of SG-17, grinned at the comment as he asked, “What about ventilation shafts?”

“There are none,” Aldwin answered, surprising most of the group. “If we tunnel through suitable rock, such as calcium carbonate as we’ve done here, oxygen is produced as a byproduct. This gives us enough time to get in the tunnels and set up our life support systems.”

Sunset had shut herself off hours ago, the clash between the Tok’ra and their hosts was too much to take. Since then, she’d noticed a distinct difference between the groups on the lecture. The soldiers and SG-17 were all listening with rapt attention, albeit fighting how dry Aldwin’s speech was. Hawkeye was taking copious notes and comparing them with Lt. Elliot. Reinhardt followed the points Aldwin made by looking over the tunnel, and even Parker kept his snide remarks to himself.

By contrast, the rest of the leads were…troubled. Korra’s team tried to play at following the lecture, but Asami and Bolin kept getting distracted by talking to each other as Mako’s eyes kept glazing over. Erza looked like she was hearing Aldwin’s words, but listening was too much to ask for. Sunset had to admit, trying to follow the long train of detailed procedure the Tok’ra had for setting up a base alone was getting hard to keep up with. Brigitte wasn’t even bothering to pretend that she was interested.

“Mr. Aldwin,” Alice said, taking advantage of a break in the lecture. “Do the Tok’ra have any plans to start bases on planets with a population?”

Aldwin stared at Alice for a second, like the young lieutenant was speaking Mongolian every second word. “We do not set up our bases on worlds with a local population. Such a risk to our secrecy would be too great to our goals.”

“Could be a way to recruit some help,” Campbell noted. “A local population turned against the Goa’uld could -- ”

“This is a lecture on Tok’ra insurgency techniques,” Aldwin said, quieting the line of questions. “Now, we’ll continue with the placement of life support equipment.”

As they followed, Sunset opened a link with Mustang. “Okay, what did I miss?”

“The fact that the Tok’ra never seem to help worlds with active Goa’uld occupation,” Mustang noted. “They’ll infiltrate Goa’uld power structures, but they never try to interact in a meaningful way with the humans under Goa’uld rule. They say they want to bring down the system lords, but they only started working with the SGC when the SGC threw their own plans into question.”

“That doesn’t sound like liberation,” Sunset thought, realizing what Mustang was saying. “It sounds like all they want is to throw the Goa’uld down from their palaces.”

“Granted, we won’t be able to know for sure unless the Tok’ra admit it,” Mustang added. “I’m starting to think though. The Tok’ra have been content using the SGC as their patsies, and what has it gotten them? Maybe this is a chance for the SGC to start making real demands of the Tok’ra, instead of scrounging from their scraps.”

“I think this is where my friendship experience should come into play,” Sunset noted. “Making demands isn’t going to make the Tok’ra want to help us.”

“Then we can call it an exchange,” Mustang corrected, as Aldwin led them deeper into the base. “A network of Tok’ra agents across the Goa’uld Empire, collated intelligence reports on their actions and plans. Maybe even a way build these crystal bases.”

“And you don’t think that’s asking a lot?” Sunset thought.

“The SGC pressed the Goa’uld to their breaking point, not the Tok’ra,” Mustang thought. “The Tok’ra provide good intelligence, but their ability to act on it will always lack without a queen of their own to replenish their numbers. They need to accept that they need the SGC more than the SGC needs them.”

Sunset glanced at the Tok’ra moving around the tunnels, and asked, “Do you really believe that?”

“Belief would imply I don’t have any evidence to back up my position,” Mustang thought. “I know it.”

O’Neill came up in their path as they went, smiling on the group. “Morning students! I trust we’re all earning plenty of gold stars from the teacher today?” SG-17 snapped to attention, O’Neill waving them back to as they were. “How’s the orientation?”

“It’s very interesting sir,” Lt. Elliot said, smiling as the rest of the soldiers smirked or shook their heads. “Just as you predicted.”

O’Neill smirked, until Aldwin asked, “Are you interested in Tok’ra engineering?”

The colonel’s eyes bugged out for a second, then he made himself look uninterested and said, “Oh, ‘interested’ doesn’t quite describe how I truly feel.”

“Well,” Aldwin said, not catching the Cleveland-sized sarcasm O’Neill just threw down. “You’re welcome to join us.”

“That’s a marvelous idea Aldwin,” Mustang said, nodding to the two stars on his jacket. “Come with us, O’Neill. You might learn something.”

As the group fought back their laughs, O’Neill smirked and joined in with a mutter of, “I’ll get you with a hose later.”

Carter and Daniel followed Ren’al into a lab, the Tok’ra moving toward a console in the center of the room. “We’ve kept the body in stasis for several months as we tried to find a way to repair the damage.” As they spoke, a panel in the center of the console rose to reveal a single symbiote held in a stasis container. “In the end, we were unsuccessful. All that is left of Martouf now lives on in Lantash.”

Daniel noticed Carter stare at the symbiote, a flash of pain ripping over her face before she asked, “What’s their condition?”

“The symbiote is still recuperating,” Ren’al said, letting out a heaving sigh. “But the search has already begun to find a new host.”

Carter nodded, then said, “I want to see the research.”

Ren’al looked a little insulted and said, “I’m sorry, major, but all information pertaining to za’tarc technology -- ”

“Can only be released on the authority of the council,” Carter repeated, doing her best to hold in her frustrations. “I know, they’ve been stonewalling me for months.”

“I assure you,” Ren’al said, her expression placid. “Martouf was in no pain.” Daniel found that hard to believe, given what he saw when the Tok’ra agent had been essentially mind controlled into becoming an assassin.

“That’s not the problem,” Carter argued. “If the symbiote was still alive when Martouf was taken out of stasis, wasn’t there a chance it could have healed his injuries?”

“The possibility was remote,” Ren’al answered. Daniel noticed that her reactions to the suffering of a former fellow Tok’ra was like someone talking about their neighbor dealing with a termite problem. Not that a trusted comrade had been turned into a mind-controlled killer.

Carter’s anger started to slip through as she demanded, “How remote?”

“The host -- ”

“Martouf,” Daniel said, before quickly silencing himself.

“Martouf,” Ren’al corrected. “Was too weak. In all likelihood the symbiote would have died trying to repair the damage.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” Carter said, glaring at Ren’al now.

“We had to make a choice,” Ren’al countered.

“And naturally, you chose the symbiote,” Carter said. Daniel couldn’t help but agree with Carter’s reaction.

“Your bias towards the host is only natural,” Ren’al said, not even trying to pretend to show sympathy. “Surely it is better than one should live than that they both should die.”

“As long as there wasn’t a chance they couldn’t both be saved,” Daniel pointed out, starting to get a little annoyed as well.

“Isn’t this really about your za’tarc research?” Carter pointed out.

Ren’al looked back toward the console and said, “I don’t understand.”

“If Martouf had lived, you wouldn’t have had the chance to examine his brain tissue,” Carter accused. “You wouldn’t have learned anything.”

Ren’al stared back at Carter, and said, “Would you really have preferred for his sacrifice to have been for nothing?”

Carter hid nothing now, glaring at the Tok’ra as she answered, “I would have ‘preferred’ another way.”

Ren’al paused, then said, “You knew Martouf well?”

“Yes,” Carter answered, both Tau’ri wondering if this was going to become a personal attack.

“Well, then, knowing him as you did,” Ren’al said. “What choice do you think he would have made?” Carter’s anger stumbled, Daniel still watching he back and forth.

“Martouf is not entirely gone, major,” Ren’al said, softening her tone a little. “His thoughts and his memories live on in Lantash.”

“That’s true, but they do in us as well,” Daniel said, ready to dive in. “We know who Martouf was, what he believed. Lantash was his symbiote, that’s true, but he’s not the only being alive who knew Martouf as an individual. One set of memories, no matter how close to that person, isn't the only source for knowing who they are.”

Carter gave Daniel a grin, as Ren’al tried to process what she was hearing.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

A day later, Fareeha watched as Jacob approached Jarren, Yu’s walking insurance policy. Selmak was in control, and as the lo’taur readied his lord’s tea in the massive palace on Yu’s homeworld Selmak rumbled, “Jarren.”

“My master does not wish to be disturbed at this time,” Jarren said, in a tone that made it sound like he could talk back to even a lesser Goa’uld that wasn’t his master. That was when Fareeha fired a zat into Jarren’s back, knocking the slave out.

Hurrying over as Jacob retook control, Fareeha checked that none of the tea set in front of her was out of place. Sliding the fake ring on her finger, she said, “Ready?”

“Ready,” Jacob said, binding and gagging Jarren. “Now remember, pour from the right.”

“Right, simple,” Fareeha said, taking a final calming breath. Putting on a mask of calm, she quieted her beating heart and lifted the tea. Giving Jacob a final nod, she made her way into Yu’s chambers.

Passing through the silk screen, she was surprised at how plain it looked. Yes, there were fine tapestries and ancient works of art on the walls that would probably fetch enough money at auction to give her as many classic bikes as she could dream of. Even then, she expected something grander. Gold on every wall and surface, a glorious portrait of Yu as he was, as the Jade Emperor of mythic China. That was for later though. Right now, she had to keep on her task. Setting the tea set down on a bureau, she went to preparing the first cup.

When she heard the footsteps come up behind her, she flipped the needle out on the false ring. She didn’t dare turn around though, not until –

“Kel shak, Jarren?”

Fareeha took a breath, listening as the footsteps approached behind her. Adjusting her ring, she waited as Yu shouted, “Aric kree onak!”

Spun around by the Jade Emperor, Fareeha made sure that the needle pierced Yu’s flesh. She stared into her “lord’s” eyes, watching as they flashed with confusion. Like a senile senior trying to recall the last week.

“Nis trah Jarren,” Fareeha said, keeping her voice smooth as the chemical took effect. Yu looked over his “servant,” confusion slowly giving way to mere disdain. Fareeha decided to emphasize her loyalty, dropping to one knee and repeating, “I am your loyal servant, Jarren.”

This was enough, and Yu ordered, “Rise.” Following the orders of the Goa’uld, Fareeha was silent as her “master” ordered, “I will have my tea.”

Fareeha set to preparing the tea, safe knowing that one hurdle had been cleared. Now it was on to the summit.

Durand heard the gate activate, and his squad moved to their positions as the two Tok’ra at the gate didn’t even take cover. The squad kept the platform in front of the gate in their sights, until they realized no one and nothing was coming out.

“Captain, this is Durand,” he radioed. “Stargate has activated but no one is coming through, over.”

“Roger, standby,” Campbell radioed back, a clear warning klaxon blaring in the background. Durand waited, watching as the two Tok’ra seemed to realize that standing out in the open right now wasn’t the brightest move. The pair started sprinting for the trees, taking cover near the squad.

“Durand, withdraw to the tunnels,” Campbell radioed. “Tok’ra are detecting ha’taks approaching the planet, they’ll need another way to evacuate, over.”

“Roger, out.” Durand hissed, motioning for Baker to hit the recall on the FREDs. As Vogt and Lee readied the AV-18 and Pilum, he turned and whispered, “Back to the tunnels, now!”

Inside the tunnels, the Tok’ra were already moving to begin their evacuation. Mustang and the teams were caught in the scurry, trying to stay out of the way of the chaos.

“Hey, watch it!” O’Neill called, the general spying he and Teal’c sprinting up to the teams through the sprinting Tok’ra. “Mustang, everyone here?”

“Durand’s squad is on their way back to the tunnels,” Mustang said. “Stand and fight or recall?”

“A single ha’tak will carry an invasion force of at least two hundred Jaffa warriors,” Teal’c mentioned. “The presence of tel’tak attack craft will make it impossible to withstand sustained bombardment.”

“Then we’re getting out of here,” O’Neill said. “Sunset, Rarity, grab a Tok’ra each and recall.”

The pair nodded, Sunset grabbing Aldwin and saying, “Sorry about this.” Before Aldwin could object, she slapped her recall.

One flash later, the pair were in the gate room of the SGC. “Gen. Hammond!” she called out, turning to the control room. “Revanna is under attack, there are Goa’uld ships in orbit above the planet and they dialed an incoming wormhole!”

“Understood,” Gen. Hammond called over the intercom. “We’ll ready all available SG teams immediately.”

As Rarity flashed out of the tunnels with another confused Tok’ra in tow, Carter came over the radio. “Colonel, we have an problem,” she radioed. “Ren’al can’t move Lantash unless there’s a symbiote life support system at the location we send them to.”

“What about the caddy shack,” O’Neill radioed. “Wouldn’t that work?”

There was a pause, then Carter answered, “We don’t think so sir, Goa’uld physiology is totally different from humans. The caduceus might not do anything.”

O’Neill started to nod, then turned to Korra. “What about waterbending?”

Another pause, then Carter radioed, “Send Korra, we need to get Ren’al and Lantash back to the SGC together.”

Before O’Neill could respond, the tunnels started to shake. Shockwaves thundered through the crystal tunnels, Brigitte raising her shield over their heads as dust and fragments started to come down. “You heard her Korra, get moving! Bolin start getting supports up!”

It was chaos in the tunnels, Tok’ra doing everything they could to destroy any records that the Goa’uld could use. Their crystal consoles sparked and flashed as they were destroyed, the Tok’ra ripping crystals out containing their intelligence and plans. Brigitte and Lucy flashed away next, taking with them Tok’ra carrying the intelligence on agents across the empire. As Bolin put up strong pillars to keep the tunnels upright, Asami recalled carrying a wounded Tok’ra agent that had taken a crystal to the skull.

“Fucking called it,” Parker barked, steadying himself on one of Bolin’s pillars. “The intel was a setup, they knew the Tok’ra would take the bait!”

“And we’re all very happy for you,” Hawkeye barked. “Now start helping us get these people out!”

“What about Amari,” Parker barked. “We need to get word to her!”

The team leads froze, then Parker started running after Korra.

Fareeha was silent as she flew the cargo shuttle from Yu’s mothership to the Hasara station. She held back her reaction, even as the scale of the structure floating in the ether started to dawn on her. The space-borne leviathan made long, slow spins in the emptiness, ringed by several Goa’uld motherships.

The comms came to life, a voice ordering, “Identify yourselves.”

Getting a nod from Yu, Fareeha keyed out and said, “I represent the Jade Emperor, the exalted lord Yu-huang Shang Ti.”

A pause, then, “Two life signs scanned. No weapons detected. Lowering shields.”

As Fareeha guided the cargo shuttle to the station, Yu said, “Our fellow system lords are not to be trusted.” Glaring at Fareeha, he added, “Neither are their slaves.”

Fareeha nodded, bowing her head low in acquiescence to her “emperor.” “Understood my lord.”

As they flew to their docking point, Fareeha wanted to take even a moment to appreciate the beauty around her. Her first time in space wasn’t spent grasping the enormity of creation, savoring the scope of the orange nebula framing the station from behind. She wasn’t left in awe of the scale of the universe, and of her being a miniscule speck on a starship that might as well be a grain of sand in comparison. Instead, she was totally focused on the fact that she was playing slave to a parasite worm with a god complex.

As the SG teams assembled in the gate room, some carrying Stinger launchers as some were teamed to carry M2s, MV members and Tok’ra agents kept appearing in the gate room.

“The gate was activated ten minutes ago,” Hawkeye barked, the gate already dialing up to the sixth chevron. “We are only going to have a small window to activate the gate from our end. Our objective is to hold off the Goa’uld air assault and assist as many Tok’ra as possible to escape. The Tok’ra were the ones who gave us this chance to stop the system lords, they’re owed a chance to survive. Spread out on arrival, move for the trees. Only recall to the SGC if you’re wounded or with a Tok’ra in tow.”

The SG teams nodded, sporting the backup recalls from storage. They didn’t often get a chance to take a fight directly to the Goa’uld, and this would be a welcome change of pace from small strikes against the snakeheads.

As Brigitte recalled carrying another Tok’ra, she turned to Hawkeye and said, “Where do you need me?”

“Here,” Hawkeye ordered, making it clear she wouldn’t accept argument. “We’ll need reserves in case something goes wrong. Wait here until we need you.”

Brigitte wanted to argue, but she kept her mouth shut. Hawkeye was the one with experience, and knew even Reinhardt would listen to her on this. Nodding, she moved for the conference room.

Back on Revanna, Korra swallowed as Lantash’s stasis pod came into view. “Okay…What am I supposed to do?”

“Maintain Lantash’s life signs long enough for us to move him to a base with a stasis container,” Ren’al said, disengaging the pod. Pausing, she turned to Korra and said, “I hope your ‘magic’ is able to handle this.”

“I learned healing from the best,” Korra said, grinning a little as she settled her mind. Focusing on the liquid in the pod, she stared bending it to heal Lantash. There wasn’t any specific means to heal him. Korra didn’t know the organs of a symbiote or their specific biological processes. She only knew that a being needed healing, and she could do it.

Ren’al was so busy staring at the glowing tank, she didn’t notice Parker come up until he spun her around and barked, “We’re calling off the mission.”

“We cannot," Ren’al said, glaring back at Parker. “By now Capt. Amari is with Yu on the station.”

“Then call Gen. Carter, tell him to contact Amari!” Parker roared. “She’s got a recall on her; she can get out with that!”

“The mission calls for a strict communications blackout,” Ren’al countered, Korra trying to following the back and forth as the pair argued. “Until Selmak confirms the mission is accomplished -- ”

“The mission changed when they started bombing,” Parker growled, glaring down on Ren’al. “Call him and get them out!”

“The mission takes priority," Ren'al shouted. "Any one of the Tok’ra would agree!”

“Bullshit, it isn’t just the Tok’ra!” Parker shouted. “What about the people you’re living in!”

Ren’al’s head bowed, then raised with a more prominent glare. “We all agreed to take in a Tok’ra, to help them fight the Goa’uld. We are no less committed to fighting them than they are.”

“Then you’re fine with leaving them -- ” Parker steadied himself as the tunnels shook again, and he glanced upward and shouted, “Knock it off!”

Ren’al took control again, and said, “We will not abandon them, but we will not terminate this mission early. We must give them a chance to eliminate the system lords before they elect a new leader.”

“It’s no good arguing right now, Parker,” Korra said, not turning away from the pod. “They’ll both get to safety, you have to trust them!”

Parker snarled, “Amari is in the middle of a literal snake pit! They knew where the Tok’ra are, they have to know what’s coming!”

“All she needs to do is recall,” Korra shouted. As the tunnels shuddered again, she turned to Ren’al and shouted, “We need to get Lantash away from here!”

Ren’al nodded, going to the tank. “We may be able to make do with what Stargate Command has available, but I need your to continue sustaining Lantash until then.” Nodding, Korra waited for Ren’al to take hold of the detached pod before she grabbed on and recalled.

Rage still boiling, Parker turned back to the tunnels to see Bolin finishing with his supports. “Korra’s got the snake back in the SGC, where’s Sato!”

“Back helping the Tok’ra get their crystals together,” Bolin said, making sure the pillars were stable by taking off his boot and socks before stomping his foot. “Why -- ”

Ignoring Bolin, Parker sped through the corridors shoulder-checking the Tok’ra he came across if they dared get in his way. He found Asami with Carter and Daniel, helping a Tok’ra agent secure several crystals of intelligence.

Carter looked up and said, “Parker, did Korra -- ”

“Sato!” Parker barked. “Grab a snake and recall, now!”

“Wait, what?” Asami asked, looking at Carter before asking, “What happened?”

“You die, Korra kills that damn snake in the tube,” Parker barked. “Get to safety, now!”

“It’s okay, go,” Carter shouted, Asami grabbing the Tok’ra agent and recalling. Alone, Carter asked, “What’s wrong?”

“They aren’t pulling the op,” Parker barked. “They’re leaving Amari out to dry.”

“What!” Carter shouted. “That’s insane, the entire operation is compromised!”

“That Ren’al bitch is saying they’re under radio silence,” Parker said, throwing his arm up as another blast shook the tunnels. “Fucking bullshit, there’s gotta be a way to get a message to your dad. What about Shimmer’s psychic shit?”

“No guarantee, especially with the distances at work,” Carter pointed out. “The Tok’ra might be right, there might not be any other way except letting the meeting proceed. Once Amari’s killed the system lords, they can pull back to a friendly planet and get back to the SGC.”

The tunnels shuddered again. As dust showered the two, Parker shook his head and said, “How many Tok’ra are left?”

“At least thirty,” Carter answered. “And they won’t have the time to wait for a new wormhole from the SGC if this bombardment continues.”

“Good thing we came prepared,” Parker said, grinning. “Time to tell Campbell to let loose?”

Carter nodded, but added, “I’ll run for the gate and keep an eye on the gate. Don’t try to kill yourself.”

“Right, no getting any of our own killed,” Parker noted, before he sprinted for the exit.

Topside, Campbell and his platoon were dug in under the cover of the trees. Fat, sleek al’kesh bombers soared overhead. On each pass massive staff cannons strafed the ground, following by the fall of plasma bombs.

The radios crackled with Parker’s voice. “Mustang,” he said. “Meet up with Campbell topside, out.”

Campbell grinned, watching as the bombers flew farther afield. Parker clearly had ideas, and it was about time for them. “I want the 18 and Pilum readied!” he shouted. “Lay the APMs out to our left away from the tunnels! Sergeant, take Durand’s squad to the nearest flat patch and standby. They’re going to land ground troops, it’d be rude to not greet any visitors.”

“Jawohl,” Weber shouted, Durand’s squad already moving for the empty ground to the west of the gate.

As the squad moved out, Parker and Mustang ran up behind them. “Bolin and Mako will be up in a second, what’re you thinking?”

“We need to buy time for the SGC to bring reinforcements and help evacuate the remaining Tok’ra,” Campbell said. “I’ve placed a squad by the clearing to our right, I’ll leave Kavanaugh here in case we need to defend the gate, but I want our heaviest efforts where they’ll land their ground forces.”

“Prevent them from establishing a beachhead,” Mustang said, nodding. Turning back, he saw Bolin and Mako running up. “What do you think, captain?”

Campbell grinned, and rolled over to shout to Kavanaugh, “Remember Sidi?”

Kavanaugh groaned, and shouted, “Mako, with me.”

After finding their room, Fareeha followed behind Yu as the dutiful servant. Moving from the habitat section, she followed him into the central chamber for the meeting. As the doors raised in their presence, she kept her head bowed as an attendant announced, “Lord Yu Huang Shang-Ti.”

Fareeha was stone-faced as she observed the gathering. Two women spoke in the center of the room; one dressed in black as if she were wearing a costume of what a 1950s director thought ancient Egyptians wore, the other taking the appearance of a how the British might have thought Hindi women dressed back in 1910. A third woman with flaming red hair glared at the new arrivals, dressed in a more revealing black outfit accentuated with black feathers in her hair. A man in traditional Central African dress holding a spear didn’t turn as Yu entered, busy speaking with another man looking more like a medieval warrior with a blue facial tattoo. One man in great robes stood whispering instructions to his slave, as the one who called the meeting sat upon his throne.

Yu moved around the outside of the room, glaring at the attendees. “Look, Jarren,” he whispered. “Our future ‘allies.”

Fareeha watched as the two women glanced at them. “Bastet and Kali the Destroyer,” she whispered. “Their alliance is what allowed them to eliminate Sobek, his head is said to decorate Bastet’s palace on Bubastis.”

“You have a good memory,” Yu whispered, giving Fareeha what she guessed was the closest thing to a compliment a Goa’uld could give to a human. “They are still worthy of my allegiance. Do not accept gifts from Svarog though,” Yu hissed, glaring at the blonde host.

“They will always be a trap for the receiver,” Fareeha answered. “Especially when he feels he can gain an advantage. He sacrificed sixty-million slaves rather than lose them to Sokar in battle.”

“Poor loser,” Yu said. Fareeha couldn’t argue the point. He turned his eyes to the red-headed woman, and said, “Do not consult with Morrigan’s servant.”

“Otherwise he will find strategic clues while we speak,” Fareeha finished. “This was the failure of your last servant. Killed in the surprise attack on the facility he revealed without realizing it. Giving me the opportunity to serve you, my lord.”

Yu nodded, turning to the Goa’uld with the spear. The man nodded to Yu, but the Jade Emperor didn’t return the gesture. “Olokun is still seething over his recent losses to my forces, and may try to kill you out of spite.” He paused, and glared back at Fareeha. “Do not make me look foolish by allowing yourself to be murdered.”

“Never, my lord,” Fareeha said. “As I will not let Ba’al beguile me into believing his kindness is for anyone’s benefit but his own.”

Satisfied that “Jarren” wasn’t going to do anything too foolish, Yu stepped into the center of the room. Apophis rose from his throne, approaching his opposite. “Yu,” he said, the two system lords bowing to each other. “I am glad you could join this summit. The wisdom gained from your longevity will be of a benefit to determining who will rightfully become the new supreme system lord.”

“As each of us believes we have a right to,” Yu countered, Fareeha keeping her head bowed while her “betters” spoke. “One can argue that your return to power was only possible due to the danger posed by the Tau’ri.”

Apophis did his best to restrain his anger and he said, “The Tau’ri are but one concern. I understand some of the Jaffa in your systems have begun to disappear. Only to later return as part of the traitorous forces led by Bra’tac.”

Yu didn’t react, looking over the other system lords. “This has happened before.”

“Not like this,” Apophis growled, glaring at Yu. “Not in such numbers. Not even Moloch’s female Jaffa could match the scale of the traitorous legion we see. Yet even they are not the only threat we face. Whoever our two trespassers are, they refuse to identify themselves. They continue to strike where our eyes cannot see, no matter which of our ships try to track them. They strike as if they were invisible, but with the power of the Asgard.”

“I’m certain you have your suspicions,” Yu whispered, Fareeha noticing the other system lords were looking in on the conversation.

“Only that this is not the work of the Tau’ri,” Apophis said, tilting his nose up at Yu. “Their methods would be more direct, with the primitive signs that this is their handiwork. It is not the Tok’ra, either. These attacks are based on power, not guile. It is unlike them to pursue such a threatening path.”

Yu didn’t react, but took a moment to observe the room. “We still lack one. Where is the eighth?”

“Osiris will arrive shortly,” Apophis said, pride dripping down with every word. “Except they claim they have news. The source of our unknown intruders in our empire. For now, rest. This debate will carry on for some time.”

Yu sighed, and ordered, “Jarren, retrieve my tea.”

Fareeha bowed, and moved for the doors. Even keeping her head down, though, she couldn’t escape the fact that The Morrigan glared at her as she moved. Compared to the other Goa’uld who seemed content to ignore her.

Mako watched as the tel’taks broke through the atmosphere, carrying hardened Jaffa warriors in their cramped holds. “Are you sure this will work?”

“Sadly,” Kavanaugh groaned, watching the craft drop through a cloud bank. “The PAC commander at Sidi had a habit of sending his forces after resistance, regardless of the location of the objective. It was a grand chase for him, until we managed to fortify the power plant to the point he couldn’t attack without annihilating his command.”

“But they’re still going to land,” Mako noted. “We’re not pretending they won’t, right?”

“Not in the least,” Kavanaugh noted, Vogt making his final adjustments on the AV-18 at the next tree over. “All we are is a catspaw. Once they start focusing on us, we retreat and find some more Tok’ra to evacuate.”

“Alright, but this still feels insane,” Mako noted, watching as the transports kept falling. They looked like turtle-ducks to him, albeit turtle-ducks that had a point at the top of their shells.

“Aye lad, but here we are,” Kavanaugh sighed. “Nothing to be done about it, it seems. Now get ready, I want you to burn those bombers out of the sky when they come after us.”

Mako nodded, watching as Vogt hefted the launcher over his shoulder. Lisowski patted his helmet and said, “Clear,” before moving away.

Vogt tracked the transport through the sky, before the active tracking on the SAAW console gave off an intermittent tone. The tel’tak took up more of the reticule as it approached, the craft starting to fill the inner ring that indicated the range of the radar profile. Then the tel’tak filled the inner ring of the reticule. The tone turned steady, as a red ring lit up around the outer ring. Vogt toggled the safety, then squeezed the trigger. The four rockets streaked out of their tubes, Vogt already ripping the empty cylinders free of the launcher as Lisowski hefted a fresh four to him. Mako followed the trails of the rockets, the tel’tak not even realizing it was targeted until the four rockets slammed into the underside of the prow. The tel’tak flashed, then went spinning through the sky. Sections of the craft started ripping off, until it tore itself apart in its death spiral.

“Here they come,” Becker shouted, Mako turning to see one of the al’kesh bombers making a lazy circle around to their position. Following the bomber, Mako starting winding up. He’d need all his skill to strike the bomber as it approached, but he knew he could do it. Everyone was counting on him after all.

“Clear,” Lisowski said. A minute later, another four rockets went streaking from the trees and slammed into the front of the al’kesh. The bomber slammed into the distant trees, the explosion from its plasma bombs rocking at least two miles around the crash site. Maintaining his concentration, he watched as the second al’kesh kept approaching. Building up the strongest charge he could, he wound up and let loose with one of the most powerful bolts he could ever remember. The bolt struck under the cockpit of the al’kesh, the bomber veering right and plowing through the trees as the craft shuddered to a smoking stop.

“That’s grand, Mako, that’s grand,” Kavanaugh shouted, laughing as Mako caught his breath. “C’mon now, we need to reposition.”

“Right,” Mako said, following the squad deeper into the trees.

As the squad re-positioned, Campbell lay in wait at the edge of the clearing to their right. He watched as another tel’tek angled in to land. “On my call, Bolin,” Mustang said, watching as the craft settled over a clear patch at the edge of the trees. Bolin waited, watching as the craft came into a hover. To their right, Belenko and Scholz readied the Pilum.

“I have the pilot,” Belenko hissed. “Ready to fire.”

“Standby,” Mustang ordered. He watched as the tel’tak settled onto the ground, then ordered, “Fire!”

The railgun cracked, the round breaking through the tempered glass of the tel’tak. Before the co-pilot could react, the tel’tak shuddered to the ground, lurching forward and digging out a twenty-foot wide trench behind it. That was Bolin’s cue, the earthbender launching himself forward. Pulling up a platform to land on, he started lavabending the ground under the tel’tak. Bubbling liquid rock washed over the transport, a massive pool dug out under where the transporter rings would shoot out from. As another railgun round killed the co-pilot, Bolin started covering the clearing in lava.

“O’Neill to Mustang, come in, over!”

“This is Mustang,” the alchemist answered. “Bolin’s sabotaging the clearing, and Mako and Kavanaugh’s squad should have taken out the bombers.”

“Great, we’ve got time,” O’Neill radioed. “Tell Campbell to back here and help recall the Tok’ra.”

“Roger,” Mustang said, nodding to the captain. “What about Amari, over?”

“We’ll need to figure out something else for now,” O’Neill radioed, not hiding his displeasure at the idea. “We’ve almost got the place cleared, get moving, out.”

“Alright, captain, get them to the tunnels!” Mustang shouted. As Weber radioed Kavanaugh’s squad, he roared, “Bolin! Back to the tunnels!”

“On it!” Bolin shouted back, ignoring the tel’tak starting to melt into the lava as he cleared his own path back to the edge of the trees. “What now?”

“Pray that Amari can get out alive,” Mustang shouted. “Now get moving!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Safe in Yu’s quarters, Fareeha made sure the pot was heating up before pulling out the small communicator in the pouch at her side. “Amari to Carter, Amari to Carter, have situation update, over.”

There was a few seconds of dead air before, “This is Carter,” Jacob answered. “Go ahead, over.”

“Seven system lords, still waiting on Osiris,” she radioed.

“A ship just docked actually, so that’s all of them,” Jacob answered. “Release the poison, then recall to the SGC, over.”

“That’s why I contacted you,” Fareeha said, making sure she was at least physically alone. “The system lords were contacted by Osiris, she’s claiming she knows the source of some kind of mysterious attacks inside Goa’uld territory. Might be useful to know more, but it’s your call, over.”

A pause, then, “Find out what you can. Once you have something, release the poison then recall. Jacob out.”

Fareeha sighed, then saw the pot was at least steaming. Struck by how much it felt like preparing tea for her mother, she picked up the set and moved for the door.

Zipacna fumed in the bridge of his ship, watching as a second wave of tel’taks and al’kesh moved for the planet. “What do you mean they have weapons emplacements?”

“The first craft that went down to the planet reported one of the al’kesh was brought down by an energy weapon, Lord Zipacna,” his first prime answered. “They say it looked like a bolt of lightning.”

“Then this is not the Tok’ra,” Zipacna whispered, thinking for a moment. “Our new intelligence states that one of the Tau’ri can utilize their own bodies to attack with lightning.” The first prime stiffened, processing those words. To use the technologies of the gods made sense so long as they were provided by them. To be able to strike in such a way, without their gifts?

“Order our reserve forces to board their transports,” Zipacna ordered, grinning as he went back to his throne. “Their numbers will be unable to match ours. We will overwhelm them, and seize the Tok’ra base for ourselves.” The Goa’uld grinned, imagining the glories of taking the planet from the Tok’ra.

Back in the SGC, Carter recalled to the SGC with a Tok'ra in hand. “Dial!” she shouted, turning to see the gate already spinning. “Dial seven!”

“Chevron seven engaged!” Harriman shouted, as the gate dialed. “Chevron seven locked!”

The second the unstable vortex was gone, the nine SG teams available went sprinting up the ramp and onto Revanna. The force sprinted for the trees, Parker and Reinhardt waving them over as the Stingers scanned the skies.

“Down the hole, down the hole!” Parker shouted from the entrance to the tunnels. “Grab a snake and recall, move!”

Inside the tunnels, O’Neill counted off as the Tok’ra kept vanishing with SG teams. “How’s our count, Teal’c!”

“The tunnels are almost clear O’Neill!” Teal’c shouted, the tunnels still shaking as the more distant al’kesh kept trying to collapse the tunnels. O’Neill nodded, watching as the rest of the Tok’ra were taken away.

“O’Neill, the brothers and platoon are away,” Mustang radioed. “I’m moving for the tunnels now, over!”

“Negative Mustang, get outta here!” O’Neill barked. As he radioed, a harder blast shattered one of Bolin’s support columns. “The tunnels are coming down now, you gotta get back to the SGC!”

“O’Neill -- ”

“I’ll get them outta here!” O’Neill shouted. “Recall, now!”

Mustang’s rage didn’t stop him from radioing, “Roger, recalling now, out.”

As another blast rocked the tunnels, O’Neill watched the numbers inside start to thin. As soon as the last Tok’ra were gone, O’Neill barked, “Everyone left, recall now!”

As the last of the SG and MV teams flashed back to the SGC, he ran out of the tunnels and radioed, “Any SG personnel, roger up then recall, over!”

“McDowell, recalling!”

“Defresne recalling!”

“Wojcik recalling!”

Scanning the trees, O’Neill saw Reinhardt and Parker still observing the situation around the gate. “Alright, bar’s closing fellas! Recall, now!” As the two vanished in a flash of light, O’Neill slapped his own bracelet and flashed into the SGC.

“Alright, headcounts, now!” O’Neill shouted over the action around him. “How much longer can the gate stay open!”

“Twelve minutes, sir!” Harriman called from the control room.

O’Neill nodded, watching as the SG teams took account. “Goddammit you snake bastards,” he thought. “Ziegler’s gonna kill us!”

Fareeha held the pot as Yu paced the central chambers, his glare deepening as he waited. “This has gone on long enough,” he hissed, passing his eyes over each of the other system lords before taking his throne. “If Osiris will not arrive, they forfeit their right to partake in this meeting.”

“Not when they possess information on that which we do not know,” Ba’al pointed out, steepling his fingers. “Albeit, one among us may know what the source of these threats is.”

All eyes turned to Olokun, the system lord shifting under the withering glares of the others. “My agents have investigated possible treachery, yes,” he said, trying to appear strong under the gaze of the other system lords. “But those my Jaffa suspect disappear when they come under suspicion, at times entire villages vanish thanks to them.”

Before anyone could process the words, the attendant at the door announced, “MY lords, the final guest has arrived.”

Fareeha paused, her left hand twitching as it moved down to her pouch. If it came down to needing to make a call on gassing now, or gassing later? She wanted to be ready.

Osiris, still holding the body of Sarah Gardner hostage, strode into the center of the room. As a black robed slave trailed behind him, the first pharaoh smiled and said, “I hope I’m not missing all the fun.”

Fareeha didn’t react, watching as Apophis said, “Welcome, Osiris.”

“I thank you for honoring my request,” Osiris said, moving for the last empty chair in the room. “It is good to know my name still carries the respect it once did among you all.”

“Normally your position for a seat at this conference would not have been considered,” Olokun argued, glaring at Osiris. “Of course, the current situation is far from normal.”

As the other system lords digested the reality they faced, Yu said, “Jarren.” Fareeha didn’t hesitate, still watching Osiris and her hooded slave move to their places in the room as she poured Yu’s tea.

“I think you’ll find I have much to offer,” Osiris said, looking about the chamber. “Shall we begin?”

Gen. Hammond glared at Ren’al and Aldwin from the head of the conference table. The two Tok’ra kept their heads high, despite the glares coming down on them from the MV and SG team leaders.

“You will contact Gen. Carter,” Gen. Hammond said. “And you will tell him this mission is scrubbed.”

“We cannot,” Ren’al said, keeping her dignity. “The mission must proceed.”

“The mission is failed!” Gen. Hammond roared. “The Goa’uld knew you were going to proceed with this mission! They knew what planet to attack!”

“They don’t know about the poison or that Capt. Amari isn’t actually Yu’s lo’taur,” Ren’al argued. “There is still a chance to end the Goa’uld system lords.”

“It’s not worth killing Fareeha over!” Sunset shouted. “If the Goa’uld know, they might have an antidote for the poison! Whoever knew can survive, seize the rest of their territories, kill Fareeha!”

“You all accepted that risk before,” Ren’al argued. “This changes -- ”

“Everything, it changes everything!” Sunset roared. “They could be torturing her right now! We don’t know what’s happening, we need to save her!”

“You would risk one life for an entire galaxy!” Aldwin’s symbiote barked. “We had heard the SGC was willing to see the larger picture, was that a lie!”

Gen. Hammond glared at the Tok’ra. “All MV and SG leads will leave the room, now.”

Sunset made to argue, but Parker gripped her shoulder. Shaking his head, he half-guided, half-shoved her out the door with the others. What confused her was that he was grinning a little.

As the door slammed shut, Gen. Hammond turned to glare at Ren’al. “We will be contacting the Tok’ra council about this.”

Ren’al tried to return to her passiveness. “I assure you general, the outcome -- ”

“About our entire relationship,” Gen. Hammond growled, leaning forward with his hands clasped together on the table. “About how our people are seen by the Tok’ra, about how we seem to be the disposable pawns instead of equal partners in our war with the Goa’uld.”

Ren’al glared at Gen. Hammond, and muttered, “We have been fighting this war for millennia.”

“We’ve been fighting it for five years, I’d say we’ve made far more progress,” Gen. Hammond snapped. “My officers and airmen have suffered and died at rates in the past five years that potentially equal yours over the course of your millennia-long conflict. Meanwhile we’ve done more to fracture and shatter Goa’uld control than the Tok’ra could ever dream of doing. All the while, we’re making sure that any worlds we liberate or disrupt can at least live on in the secure knowledge that they are not abandoned once our mission is complete!”

As Ren’al and Aldwin sat in stunned silence, Gen. Hammond lowered his voice but didn’t temper his frustration. “One of my officers volunteered to help the Tok’ra, and your solution to the situation changing is to abandon her. That may be how the Tok’ra carry out their operations, but as long as I am in command the SGC will never abandon our own if we have any means of getting them back.”

Taking a breath, Gen. Hammond said, “Dial up your nearest base, we’ll need to make sure Lantash is given time to continue their recovery. Your people can stay here for now, until your have a new base to move to. We’ll provide you with supplies and provisions if you need them.” Ren’al started to open her mouth, but Gen. Hammond growled, “Don’t thank me until Capt. Amari and Gen. Carter are confirmed safe. You’re both dismissed.”

The two Tok’ra leaders rose and moved for the door out of the room, stepping into the corridor to wind up on the receiving end of the end of all glare downs. The MV and SG teams were lining the walls, shooting such murderous looks at the two Tok’ra that even the hardest of hard charging Marine grunts would ask that they at least consider calming down. Parker looked at the pair like they were less than insects he’d accidentally crush under his boot on a march. Sunset’s eyes threatened to break into tears, but she kept shaking her head as they passed. Alice and Erza both had their hands on the hilts of their blades as the Tok’ra moved through. Mako had formed a fireball in his right hand, holding it up as he glared through the Tok’ra. Brigitte’s teeth were bared as they passed, and even as Reinhardt kept his hand on her shoulder he cast a baleful eye down upon them.

“I will offer you both a warning,” Teal’c said, the only one in the corridor not trying to glare the two to death. “A Tau’ri proverb: Sleep with a single eye open tonight.”

As the two vanished under escort into the SGC, Brigitte turned to Sunset and asked, “Is there any way you can try to contact Fareeha?”

“I’ve been trying,” Sunset sighed, dropping her anger in exchange for exhaustion. “I know everyone must think magic can do anything, but there are limits. As strong as we’ve all gotten? There’s a range to being able to do what we can. No one expects Korra to waterbend another planet’s oceans, right?”

Parker kept scowling, tapping a finger against his arm as Campbell asked, “What about the Asgard?”

“They’d never interfere,” Carter sighed. “Not when this is a Goa’uld internal matter. Not with the Replicators still active in their home.”

Brigitte looked like she was folding in on herself. “Do you think she’ll die?”

“Not Amari, she’s too smart to leave herself trapped in a spot she couldn’t get out of,” Campbell noted. “She’d recall the second there was a threat she couldn’t play her way around.”

“Another intolerable wait,” Erza hissed. “That’s all we can do?”

“Everyone go to your rooms, try to get some rest,” Mustang ordered, sounding exhausted. “The second anyone hears anything about Amari, let everyone else know.”

The teams shuffled away, but none of them bothered to pretend this didn’t bother them.

99999

Fareeha tried to keep herself focused, trying to mentally mark down all the details of the debate. Svarog was silent through the discussions, but his eyes were alert as he went between each speaker in turn.

“We must secure our territories against the traitor Jaffa,” Bastet said. “Quarantine the worlds they hold power on, then crush them utterly.”

“As the Tok’ra become emboldened by the Tau’ri,” Olokun said, dismissing the idea. “My agents continue to uncover Tok’ra agents among my territory, many able to escape before they could be confined.”

“Then we ignore the debris in out territories,” Kali noted. “We ignore how there could be combat within our systems, without knowing the source?”

“That is why we must focus our efforts on the true source of these upheavals,” Apophis said, drawing the attention of the other system lords. “These troubles all began when the Tau’ri killed Ra, ending the order that enabled our empire to secure its power. The one who negotiated with the Asgard to protect our worlds from their meddling. What is needed is a new supreme system lord, to address these threats each in turn.”

“Then we would support your quest for vengeance?” The Morrigan said, smirking as she addressed Apophis. “You’ve never hidden your hatred of the Tau’ri for their actions against your control. The betrayal of your first prime, then the death of your son and the imprisonment of your heir? Do you fear that you cannot take them alone?”

Apophis’ eyes flared at The Morrigan, but despite his rage he held his tongue before he collected his thoughts. “None of you have faced the Tau’ri like I have. They are not like our slaves, their existence since their world was forgotten has been one of independence and conflict. Even with the might of my territories, I know that the Tau’ri would not cease. They were the ones who led Teal’c away from my service. The ones who enabled the Tok’ra to gain their newfound and dangerous confidence. Cronos and Heru’ur believed they could defeat the Tau’ri alone, and now they lay dead. We each control pieces of their former territories, but we each also will be targets of the SG-1 if we continue to treat them as a lesser threat.”

Fareeha noticed the reactions around the room. Yu and Ba’al actually seemed to agree with Apophis’ summation of the situation, though Ba’al seemed less pleased at the fact. Svarog looked like he was considering the situation, working over the facts in his head. Olokun seemed to want to deny reality, while Bastet and Kali both looked incensed that they were even being forced to consider their former slaves as a threat.

The two outliers were Osiris and The Morrigan. Osiris looked bored with the summation, like she had come to those conclusions long ago. The Morrigan was different though, looking like she was pleased. She wasn’t familiar with the myths of other cultures, so she had no way to know if this was a good or bad sign for Apophis.

“The Tau’ri do not explain these battles deep inside our territories,” Yu noted. “They have no starships of their own, and have never stolen from the fleets they defeat. Worse, these ships are unknown to us. Many appear to be more advanced than anything made by Ptah, or even Svarog.” The blonde finally reacted, looking like he’d been slapped across the face.

Ba’al paused, then turned to Osiris. “You came to us claiming to know the source of these unknown assailants. Did you lie to us in order to secure a seat at this meeting?”

Osiris smirked, and answered, “Why should I lie? I already have my own territory once more. Forces that could hold off any of you if you were too attack. Even a combined attack, if necessary.” She cast a glance at Bastet and Kali at that.

“Then who are they,” Apophis demanded, his hands gripping the arms of his throne. “Who dares to claim those regions as their under our very eyes?”

Osiris paused, then said, "Our servants may be tired from this long discussion. Perhaps it is best they move to our quarters for a time?"

The system lords paused, then Apophis nodded. "Leave us." With that order, the lo'taur in the chamber moved for the doors, heads bowed. Fareeha did as she was told, trailing behind the other servants out the door. She noticed the black robed slave of Osiris remained near the door, Fareeha shouldering them by accident. Normally she would apologize, but she needed to remember her "duty". Sneering at the robed figure, she decided waiting near the chambers would be safer than leaving for the chambers.

The footsteps started to fade down the station corridors, until something went wrong. She heard shouts of surprise, followed by coughing and what could only be bodies hitting the floor. Before she could react, the doors to the chamber opened again. Spinning around, Fareeha saw Osiris smiling.

"Going somewhere, Capt. Amari?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Apophis looked like he was ready to blow a gasket. Svarog was already standing from his throne, and Olokun’s spear was looking less like a decoration and more like a weapon now. Bastet hissed, while Kali studied the new threat.

“I demand answers, Osiris,” Yu demanded, glaring from his throne. “Why do you threaten my servant?”

“Your servant is a Tok’ra agent,” Osiris said. “Albeit a human one. A strategy none of you would ever expect the Tok’ra to use.”

“Impossible,” Apophis hissed. “The Tok’ra would never use a human agent -- ”

“Not before the rise of the Tau’ri,” Osiris pointed out. “Not before the new threats to our power that have become part of their strategies. Or did you forget to mention that your new first prime, Apophis, saw as Pakhet was defeated by a being that could bend the very earth to their will?”

“Then are they the ones behind these attacks inside our territory,” Apophis demanded, his hands gripping the arms of his throne. “Or does another claim those regions?”

“It was Anubis,” a new voice announced, Fareeha’s heart freezing as she recognized it. The hooded slave stepped up behind her, guiding her to the center of the room. A goatee-framed smile looking out from under the black hood as he said in perfect Goa’uld, “The wreckage you found was from forces opposed to him making sure he can never escape his place of exile.”

The eyes of every Goa’uld flashed at the intruder, Apophis snarling, “You dare speak this way in the presence of your gods?”

“If you were gods, you wouldn’t gather like this. Fearful of the progress of mortals,” the figure said, still smiling. As Fareeha drew on every ounce of bearing she had to not react, the figure reached up and pulled back his hood. “And what need is there for a prophet to fear false idols?”

Putting Fareeha in the center of the chamber, Kane smiled on the system lords. “This is Fareeha Amari, a member of the team MV-6. MV, of course, standing for Multiverse.”

“Impossible,” The Morrigan whispered. “Such stories were never found to be true.”

“Weren’t they?” Kane said, smiling on the black-feathered system lord. “Then what happened to the earliest lords of Dyeus and Dheghom? Did any of you ever wonder what happened to Perkwunos and Hausos?”

“And how would you know of that?” Ba’al asked, steepling his fingers. “Their fates were too terrible to even treat as a warning.”

“Only because they were the first to stumble into the multiverse,” Kane said. “Totally unaware of what waited for them. The First Dynasty was wise enough to realize this was a danger too great to pursue.”

“Then who are you?” Kali asked, keeping her expression neutral even as Bastet looked ready to strike. “And how do you know these ships are of Anubis?”

“I’m familiar with beings like what Anubis has become,” Kane said, circling around Amari. “Beings that have moved beyond the strictly physical, and turned to something more. The only flaw in his ascension was that the being who facilitated it was unable, or more accurately unwilling, to investigate the possibility of deception.”

“You did not strike Anubis to show benevolence,” Bastet growled. “And you did not come to this meeting to observe.”

“That is correct,” Kane said, smiling. “I have a proposition. The Goa’uld Empire is powerful, and more than capable of fighting the enemies is typically does,” he said, with the unspoken addendum being that it was against other Goa’uld or “primitive” cultures. “Unfortunately, the Tau’ri have thrown a new difficulty into that equation. They do not fight how you want them to.”

The system lords bristled, though Fareeha noticed, except for The Morrigan. As Osiris stood by the door, she made to reach for her pouch.

“That still does not answer why you have done this to my slave,” Yu said. “I demand an explanation.”

“Your ‘slave’ was going to use this,” Kane said, pulling out the poison container. “A Tok’ra chemical weapon that would kill each of you. Leaving your territories to be fought over by the remaining underlords as the Tau’ri, Tok’ra, and Free Jaffa move in.”

Fareeha stiffened, her hand shooting into her pouch. The bracelet and communicator were still there, but that was it. That was the poison in Kane’s hand.

Yu’s eyes flashed at Fareeha, and he muttered, “Jarren, you have betrayed your emperor.”

“Jarren is, in all likelihood, dead,” Kane noted, shaking his head. “Tell me, is Jarren a man or a woman?”

Yu blinked, and answered, “A man.” The other system lords paused, and Yu realized their reactions were genuine.

Fareeha seized the moment, and keyed the communicator. “Jacob, run!” As she drew the bracelet, she had enough time to watch Kane turn to face her, and smile.

Fareeha appeared in the SGC, screaming, “Kane’s there! Kane’s at the station!”

“Stand down!” Gen. Hammond ordered, giving Fareeha space she needed as he realized she was coming down from a terrifying situation. “Capt. Amari, are you hurt?”

“No, sir, fuck!” Fareeha shouted, shaking her head. “Kane was there, he posed as Osiris’ slave! He took the poison, he -- ”

“Stand down captain,” Gen. Hammond ordered, Fareeha’s training managing to force her to breathe. “Get to the infirmary, have Dr. Frasier look you over. That’s an order, understood?”

“Yes, yes, sir,” Fareeha said, feeling the adrenaline start to nosedive in her system. Still breathing hard, she started to shuffle toward the doors when she was mobbed by the MV leads.

“Fareeha!” Brigitte wailed, nearly tackling her field commander. “Tack Gud! We didn’t mean to leave you!” Reinhardt nodded, wrapping them both in his arms.

“Brigitte,” Fareeha whispered, unable to move wrapped in Reinhardt’s arms. “What are you -- ”

“The planet came under attack after you left,” Sunset said, joining the hug as she finally let her tears out. “The Tok’ra wouldn’t call Jacob, they said the mission was more important than getting you both out.”

“But you’re safe now,” Reinhardt said, moving to let Sunset into the hug. ”That’s what matters.”

Fareeha nodded, Brigitte digging herself into Fareeha as SG-1 ran into view. As Carter came in, she said, “I told your father to run, he wasn’t anywhere near the station when I recalled.”

Carter nodded, then asked, “Are you alright?”

“I just ordered her to the infirmary,” Gen. Hammond said, putting some emphasis on the words. “If you want to escort her, Reinhardt, I won’t oppose.”

Reinhardt nodded, shifting the trio wrapped in his arms to the door. Still carrying them, Fareeha noticed the entirety of the MVTF in the SGC were lining the halls. They all reached out to pat her shoulder, give her a smile, make sure she was at least alive.

“Reinhardt,” she said. “Do me one favor?”

“Anything, my dear,” Reinhardt said.

“When Angela finds out, don’t let her kill me.”

Kane spent a single moment staring at the empty center of the chambers, then turned back to look over the system lords. “As I said, the Tau’ri have new ways of fighting you all.”

“Then a new supreme system lord is needed most desperately,” Olokun said.

“And no one of you knows the Tau’ri like I have come to,” Apophis pointed out, drawing everyone’s attentions. Turning to Kane, he added, “I am more than willing to accept your service in this cause.”

“You seem to misunderstand my purpose for being here,” Kane said, still smiling as Osiris took her position behind him. As the system lords realized what this meant, he said, “I am here to offer you all safety and positions in my own group. To extend to you all a place in the Brotherhood of Nod.”

The system lords all called out, their threats and rage blurring in such a way that they silenced each other. The only ones that didn’t were Yu and Ba’al, but even they were glaring at Kane with clear contempt. Kane weathered the onslaught, looking almost like he was enjoying it.

“Understand, please,” he said, placid as the roaring anger died down. “This offer will not come again. Your galaxy is changing, and soon you will be faced with the acknowledgement that your ‘godhood’ is no longer enough to maintain power. If you wish to face the future, the Brotherhood welcomes all who accept its teachings.”

The Morrigan rose from her seat, glaring at Kane as she said, “The Tuatha do not bow to one like you. You have made enemies here today, human, be sure of that.”

“Then I recommend you let me clear the way out,” Kane said, as Osiris opened the door into the corridor. As it slid up, a woman with purple skin in a black uniform strode into the chambers.

“I don’t understand,” Apophis whispered. “How did -- ”

“Ms. Lacroix has a specific condition,” Kane said, still smiling as Amelie took her place on Kane’s left. “It lowers her metabolic rate down to a point where, for all intents and purposes, she appears dead to all scans.”

The Morrigan glared at Kane and his two followers, then proceeded into the corridor as the door shut behind her.

“That leaves the rest of you,” Kane said, turning to each of the remaining system lords. “This is the last chance any of you will have. I implore that each of you makes your decision carefully.”

Silence ruled the room, until Ba’al rose and said, “I am curious about your confirmation that the multiverse is accessible.”

“Traitor,” Olokun spat. Ba’al answered with a small grin, then walked up to Kane.

Kane smiled, opening his arms wide. “Welcome, Ba’al. Welcome to the Brotherhood of Nod.” Confidently turning his back on the other system lords, Kane led the way out of the chambers.

Osiris waited until the door was shut before speaking. “What about our spy?”

“Capt. Amari will at best only alert the SGC to our presence,” Kane said, turning the corner to the elevators to find the bodies of the other lo’taurs Amelie had eliminated. He noticed that there were only six bodies in the corridor. Smiling, he said, “We already are aware of their next moves, and without the means to find us the best they can do is try to sweep through the empire.”

“You have quite the operation already underway,” Ba’al observed, cocking an eyebrow. “Why did you offer them the chance to join your brotherhood if you knew they would reject?”

“Why did God give pharaoh a chance to free His people before unleashing the plagues over Egypt?” Kane asked. Smiling, Kane boarded the nearest elevator. “Come, Ba’al. We have much to discuss.”

Back in the chambers, the remaining six system lords all looked to each other. As they started to comprehend what just happened, Apophis said, “There can be no more debate. Whoever this Kane is, we know that Anubis is active once more. The only solution to save our empire is to unify under a single leader.”

Kali and Bastet looked to each other, and nodded. “We will accept the ascension of Apophis as the new Supreme System Lord.”

Olokun took a breath, and nodded. “Long live Apophis, supreme system lord.” Svarog agreed, slamming his right hand over his heart.

Yu was silent, looking between the four acquiescing system lords and the now-smiling Apophis. Already humiliated, realizing that the Tok’ra had turned him into a laughingstock among the remaining powers in the empire, he gathered his composure and bowed his head. “I pledge my forces to you, Apophis.”

Apophis’ chest puffed out, his smile widening as he realized he was now the single most powerful Goa’uld in existence. “Return to your domains,” he ordered, rising from his throne. “Ready your armies and fleets for war. Svarog, you will have the resources necessary to construct a new grand fleet for our triumphs. Bastet, you must ensure the remaining system lords and their followers fall in line. Kali, Olokun, you must focus your efforts on the Tok’ra and Jaffa traitors. Yu, take stock of our numbers, ensure that we will have the forces required to crush the Tau’ri and all who oppose us.”

“All will bow before their gods,” Apophis roared. “The Goa’uld rule!”

Dr. Frasier stood by Fareeha’s side, ready to swoop in and stop the debrief if her patient started to show too much stress.

“He was with Osiris,” Fareeha said, doubled over on the infirmary bed. “He mentioned that he’s been using his own forces to fight off a Goa’uld named Anubis, and he knew it was the Tok’ra that tried to poison the system lords.”

Gen. Hammond turned to Teal’c. The Jaffa tensed, and said, “Jaffa legend tells that Anubis was cast down by Ra. His thirst for power was only matched by his cruelty to all who beheld him.”

O’Neill blinked, and said, “The Goa’ulds thought he was cruel?”

Gen. Hammond took a breath, and turned to Ren’al. “How did the Tok’ra miss this development?”

“We cannot be everywhere at once,” Ren’al said, eyes down as the implication was made clear to everyone in the infirmary. “Our focus was on the most powerful of the system lords. Observing the least of their number was never considered worth the effort or time.”

Gen. Hammond nodded, and turned to Carter and Teal’c. “Major, your father will need an update on what’s happened. I don’t think Ren’al will object to you and Teal’c going to the most likely location he’ll fall back to?”

“Yes, sir,” Carter said. She smiled and patted Fareeha on the arm before moving for the door, Teal’c bowing his head before following. Ren’al said nothing as she left, not that anyone wanted to hear from her right now.

“Captain, consider yourself off duty for the next few days,” Gen. Hammond said, nodding to Fareeha. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

As Gen. Hammond went for his office, Daniel scratched at the back of his head. “Uh, Dr. Frasier, could I have a moment to talk to Fareeha?”

Dr. Frasier nodded, then turned to O’Neill. “Colonel?” O’Neill nodded, following Dr. Frasier out with a pat on Fareeha’s shoulder.

Daniel was silent for a few seconds, kicking at the floor before he said, “I, uh, I guess I should thank you for this one. If it wasn’t for you speaking up, I might be dead right now.”

“You would’ve been able to escape,” Fareeha said, giving Daniel a little grin. “Besides, everyone knows how awkward it is running into an ex like that.”

Daniel chuckled a little, then shook his head. “Sarah, I…I wouldn’t have been able to do that knowing Sarah was there.” Fareeha shut her eyes, knowing that she could have.

“I mean, I’m just thankful you made the decision you did,” Daniel said, taking his glasses off and rubbing at the bridge of his nose. “As long as she’s alive, there’s a chance we can extract the symbiote.”

“Of course,” Fareeha said, keeping her mouth shut from mentioning a clear fact. Sarah was also a prisoner in her own body, and forced to watch as Osiris followed Kane’s orders. Extraction wouldn't take those memories away. “You mind if I take a break? I’ve been up since…God, I don’t even know when I woke up. I thought jet lag was a pain.”

“Yeah, gotta love non-earth time,” Daniel nodded, taking a breath. “But I am thankful, Fareeha.”

As Daniel walked out, Fareeha sighed and laid back on the bed. She’d get moving for her room later, but right now, she was totally wiped. She’d just shut here eyes for a few minutes, only a few minutes…

The medical staff agreed to let her have the bed as long as no one was dying for a few hours.

“That’s the situation as it stands, major,” Gen. Hammond said, speaking with Maj. Davis. “We can confirm that Kane has established a cell of the Brotherhood in Goa’uld space.”

“My God,” Davis whispered, before asking, “But we did save the Tok’ra at the base? Without any casualties?”

“All SG and MV teams are accounted for, and the Tok’ra reported no losses.” Gen. Hammond felt a bit of pride at the fact his people managed to evacuate the Tok’ra and not die, but he knew the credit was with Fairy Tail and their lacrima. “Except this threat is now officially greater than before. The Pentagon and President need to know exactly what is at stake here.”

“Agreed,” Maj. Davis said. “Send me everything you have as soon as you have it, I’ll prepare a brief for the Joint Chiefs, the Senate, and the White House.”

“We’ll have everything in by tomorrow morning,” Gen. Hammond said. “Call the moment you need anything more, major.”

“Yes, sir, good night.”

Gen. Hammond sighed, now reminded that it was long past five. Still, his people needed him to stay on task and help. As the dial tone sounded, he pressed the button for S-2. “This is Gen. Hammond, I need to know the status of Capt. Amari’s debrief.”

Two days later, back in clothes that didn’t mark her as a slave, Fareeha sat in the conference room with the other leads as Gen. Hammond sat down.

“The president and Senate committee have decided a change of course is necessary,” he said. “With the confirmation of Nod activity in our universe, it’s decided that we cannot blind ourselves to such a threat.”

Everyone paused, and O’Neill asked, “Permission to return to the multiverse, sir?”

Gen. Hammond smiled, and answered, “Granted, colonel.” The room erupted, the leads cheering before Gen. Hammond continued. “Capt. Parker, make sure that adjustments can be made for SG-1 to assist with SYMMES.”

“Could do it left-handed,” Parker said, unable to suppress his smile.

“There is one thing we need to do first, sir,” Carter said, before turning to Alice.

Four fresh bouquets of flowers were laid in front of Martis’ grave, SG-1 standing in silence for a few moments in front of his headstone. Alice waited behind them, letting them finish with whatever prayers they had before O’Neill turned around.

“Well lieutenant,” O’Neill said, turning to Alice. “Ready to risk life and limb for minimal pay?”

Alice smiled, and answered, “Always, sir.”

“Remember, we only know that Kane is back in the multiverse,” Fareeha said, looking nervous as she led the way through the watchpoint. “As far as Angela is concerned, that’s all we know.”

“You’re sure she won’t ask any more questions?” Brigitte asked. “What if she hears what happened from the other teams?”

The trio froze, and turned around. Satisfied there was no one behind them, Fareeha sighed and said, “The platoon is rubbing off on us.”

That was when a door opened behind them, and they heard Angela call out, “Oh, you’re all back.” They twitched, then tried to play cool as Angela walked up. “Did the Tok’ra sabotage the meeting of the system lords?”

“No, it didn’t take,” Fareeha said as Angela approached. “Kane managed to bring Osiris into Nod, now the Brotherhood is active in SG-1’s universe.”

“Mein Gott,” Angela whispered, shaking her head.

“There is good news, doctor,” Reinhardt said, smiling. “This new danger has forced the president’s hand. As of now, SG-1 is back to exploring the multiverse.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Angela said, her eyes brightening. “That means -- ”

“Oi, Fareeha, are you mad!” Before anyone could react, Lena blinked into view. “What’s this I heard from Winston about you going into the middle of the system lord conference as one of their slaves!”

The knight and squire froze, then started backing away as Fareeha held up her hands. “Wait, Angela, listen! If I hadn’t, the Tok’ra would’ve had Dr. Jackson -- ”

Angela’s eye twitched, then she went off on such an angry Germanic tirade that it felt like Gibraltar itself was shaking.

Osiris smiled as Zipacna knelt before Kane. “They evacuated before our warriors entered their tunnels,” the underlord said, keeping his eyes on the floor. “We could find no intelligence or prisoners, my lord.”

“Well, at the very least we’ve shown the Tok’ra and the Goa’uld our capabilities,” Kane said, smiling as he saw Osiris’ confusion. “Our goal in this universe is to contain and neutralize Anubis’ base of power. The fact that the MVTF knows is of little concern with the threats they must face in their other universes.”

“And what of Apophis and the other system lords?” Osiris asked. “We gained the allegiance of Ba’al in exchange for unifying their powers against us.”

“And the SGC, and the Free Jaffa and Tok’ra,” Kane noted. “Apophis’ hatred of Earth will serve us well; it will keep them focused while we secure the worlds under Anubis’ control.”

Amelie walked in, her purple catsuit long cast away in exchange for something a professional would actually wear. “I’ve updated Talon of our status,” she said. “Doomfist is ready to send further units to support if necessary.”

“It won’t be,” Kane said, rising from his throne to walk to the observation window of his ha’tak. “There are still others we must recruit. Individuals that would benefit and give benefit from what the Brotherhood has to offer.”

Looking out on the vastness of space, Kane smiled and said, “Convergence will approach faster than any of us can imagine, and we must not be found wanting in the face of it.”

Flying from her landing site, The Morrigan flew to her palace on Mag Mell. Her first prime bowed his head as she entered from the landing pad asking, “What news, my lady?”

“There is a new threat,” she said, speeding through her halls. “The balance of power has shifted, greatly. Our lost cousins have tried and failed to eliminate the system lords.”

“Then the Tok’ra sign their death warrants,” the first prime said. “They cannot stand against this threat.”

“It isn’t the Tok’ra that are the issue,” The Morrigan said, moving for her throne room. “It is the actions of the Tau’ri that concern me. They’ve accessed other worlds, other universes. The entire balance of power has shifted.”

The first prime paused, then asked, “Is this the time?”

“It may well be,” The Morrigan said. Pausing, she dropped her head, and picked it up.

“Siobhan,” the first prime said. “What are your thoughts?”

“The Morrigan is right,” the host said. “There is a powerful being present in our midst, one whose agents can infiltrate without casting a shadow in the morning sun. Organize a search plan, we will contact the others.”

As the first prime bowed, Siobhan surrendered control to The Morrigan again. “This is still dangerous,” the host thought. “Apophis will strike hard against us.”

“Apophis is obsessed with revenge,” The Morrigan said aloud. Entering her throne room, she moved for her communications device and dialed in her leader. “This gives us precious time that must not be wasted.” The hologram rose, and the image of a beautiful Egyptian woman with short black hair ringed with a small gold tiara looked out on The Morrigan, an ostrich feather perched on the top of the tiara.

“Ma’at,” The Morrigan said. “Something has changed.”

Ma’at, nodded, and said, “Tell me.”