Area 51 Shipyards
Over the vast expansive voids of the five concealed shipyards was a long catwalk that extended the entire nine hundred meter width of the combined drydocks. Standing pensively on this long catwalk, clad in his shimmering chromesuit, was Ambassador Harry Potter. Lately though, he was rather more of a Teacher or Trainer than any form of diplomat or warrior.
The reason for this was the greatly expanded workforce of Area 51. A few weeks ago the first International civilian engineers and scientists had arrived at the top-secret shipyard facility in accordance with the draft Stargate Treaty Organization framework. The new influx of personnel ranged from the young but bright graduate to the old grizzled and experienced. Harry and other shipwrights (as they called themselves now) that was fresh off getting Earth's first starship, Prometheus into space were each found suddenly assigned a group of 'apprentices' and had to promptly teach them all the hard lessons that were learned with building the Prometheus.
Harry was taking a well-earned break from his teaching and escaped his 'apprentices' for a few minutes alone on the catwalk.
He walked along its length slowly leaving the empty Shipyard 1 and Shipyard 2 next to it came into view…in it was the spaceframe of Earth's next starship the Daedalus. She was a Destoyer-Carrier (DC) hybrid like her sister ship and had the same dimensions, but she would have integrated Asgard transporters and a more powerful Hyperdrive (since refinements and improvements were being constantly made) and would be equipped with the mark 2 version of the Naquadah Matrix Fusion power plants…which would give it a thirty percent improvement in its energy output over the Prometheus.
Daedalus was looking more 'fleshed out' every day as the two hundred strong workforce scoured in and out of the ship.
Shipyards 3 and 4, however, held only the keel and basic spaceframe of the ships, Odyssey and Apollo respectively. Only once all the apprentices were trained to an acceptable level would both ships also have full workforces assigned to them and because of the lessons learned from Prometheus, build time for each ship would be reduced to six months, whereas Prometheus had taken two years of trial-error and experimentation.
The funding influx from the STO had also helped matters considerably in terms of not only materiel but also people.
He walked over to Shipyard 5 where the assembly line for the F-302 was hard pressed to turn out the required numbers of fighters that would make the DC ships the mean thing that they were supposed to be. On the books, they were supposed to have 72 F-302s, but there were currently not enough pilots qualified in them to satisfy that requirement. Currently, the Prometheus held Space Squadron 01 (SS-01) or the 'Mongooses' as they liked to refer to themselves, first commissioned when the F-302s were first launched a year ago. While SS-02 (the Tigers) was still based Earth-side and patrolled the Solar System by themselves without aid of a support ship (they would go to Daedalus when she was launched). With advent of the STO it was hoped that the training and recruiting pool would go way up and allow more squadrons to be commissioned, but it was still touch and go as to whether that hope would work out.
Also in Shipyard 5 was an experimental ship that was Area 51s attempt at the Alteran MEV. It had the dimensions of the MEV, but none of the elegance or capabilities of the Alteran built gateships. The concept ship was called 'Gate Shuttle' Harry made a mental note that the name had to be changed before it settled in the minds of everyone.
The 'Gateshuttle' had a silver gray smooth hull and had not only a single forward-looking window but also port and starboard viewports. It had no weapons but did have an excellent sensor suite and utilized Terran produced phase shift technology (retrieved from Nirtii) to become invisible. There were still stability problems in maintaining the phase shift for long periods, but the engineers on the project were confident it could be solved. Also, the integrated Terran Stargate dialing computer built into the pilot's console had a few programming issues; as it had to remotely override the DHD on any planet the ship was on while still using the DHD as a power source.
If the 'Gateshuttle' had to be used now, it would first have to land and someone would have to physically use the DHD to activate the Stargate.
"I thought I would find you here," said a pleasant female voice.
"Sam," greeted Harry, staring at the 'Gateshuttle'. "What are you doing at Area 51?"
"I came to see if you've thrown any temporal restraining fields at your students in frustration yet," she grinned unabashedly.
"Oh, you don't know how much I've been tempted to do exactly that," groaned Harry combing his fingers through his hair. "Getting those preconceived notions of physics out of their heads is like…like…it's just difficult." He floundered for an appropriate metaphor. "It's about the only thing McKay and I agree on, if you can believe it."
Sam blinked in astonishment. McKay and Harry agreeing on anything was truly a first.
"Anyway, all kidding aside, I'm here to get you back to the SGC. Teal'C and Bratac have a proposal they want to present to us."
"Indeed?" said Harry, she nodded. "I'll just have to hand off my apprentices. See you at the front entrance in twenty minutes?"
She nodded and they went their separate ways for the moment.
SGC – Briefing Room.
Harry sat back in his chair around the briefing room table with fingers tented under his chin and a rather astonished look of surprise on his face. Teal'C and Bratac, both in the traditional 'casual' robes of the Jaffa, had just delivered the most impassioned proposal that he had ever heard from either of the two warriors. Even going as far as to say that the dye of the Jaffa's deliverance was about to be cast.
Of course, Jack, being whom he was had to make light of every serious situation.
"Deliverance? Do you have any idea what happened to the guys in that movie?"
"I do not," said Bratac with a slight confused frown on his face. Jack sighed and just made shooing motions with hands that they ignore him as the rest of SG1 shared amused looks with each other at their commanding officer's antics.
"Master Bratac, that's a very strong recommendation," said General Hammond cautiously.
"Yes it is," admitted Bratac, "but the rewards of such an alliance would be great."
"Teal'c?" asked Hammond, obviously wanting to know what the younger Jaffa thought.
"Many of our allies have fallen, General Hammond. The Tollan are all but decimated and in hiding, the Tok'ra are weakened and scattered. Kytano offers an army."
Harry considered Teal'C and Bratac's description of the zealous Jaffa leader that had emerged from among the rebel Jaffa. And while such leadership seemed like just what the doctor ordered for the beleaguered and enslaved warrior race, Harry would reserve judgment until he met the man for himself.
"An army that needs our help," pointed out Sam.
"Major Carter, have the Jaffa not helped your cause?" asked Teal'C pointedly.
"Teal'c, please, don't misunderstand me. You and Bra'tac have done more for us than anyone could have asked. I owe you both my life at least a dozen times over. That's not what I'm saying."
"What she's saying is that, if this guy's come to us, he's got to be pretty desperate," said Jack wryly.
"You misjudge yourself O'Neill," said Bratac, "the Tau'ri have come a long way in a short time. Did you not just launch your own first mothership recently?"
"Well, yeah…" said Jack but trailed off not knowing what to say when praise came from the old Jaffa.
"Wait a minute," said Daniel thoughtfully, "I don't think we should underestimate this opportunity. I mean, an army of Jaffa actually challenging the power structure of the Goa'uld. It could be an inspiration to every Jaffa out there. Word of its very existence is a threat to the Goa'uld."
"You don't think that the Goa'uld are just going to sit around and let it happen?" asked Sam sceptically.
"We do not," confirmed Teal'C. "Which makes Kytano's need so great."
"His army is drawn from many different system lords," explained Bratac further, "and more flock to him with each raid he makes. But an army cannot live on courage alone."
"Dr Jackson, what can you tell us about this Imhotep? This is the first I've heard of him," said Hammond curiously. Harry scowled at the mention of the Goa'uld who Kytano was First Prime to.
"Well, during the Third Dynasty in Egypt, Imhotep was credited as being the first pyramid builder. He was later deified among the ancient Egyptians. But, among the Goa'uld, at least as far as I know, he never achieved power of any kind."
"Ambassador, do you have anything to add?"
"Imhotep I only know as once being the companion of Anuk," said Harry, an unpleasant look on his face. "But it was thousands of years ago and she was well shot of him when she achieved System Lord status and he didn't."
"That ego of theirs does it every time," commented Jack sarcastically.
"He was never a System Lord?" asked Hammond ignoring his subordinate.
"Nope, not even close, a minor Goa'uld in every sense of the word," said Harry.
"Which explains how Kytano has managed to survive," said Sam.
"He took out a nobody," grinned Jack.
"Which probably only buys us some time," said Daniel intently, "if we don't help, the Goa'uld will eventually see this as the threat it is."
"Imhotep may have been a minor Goa'uld," qualified Bratac, "but Kytano is a great leader of men. I believe him bold enough to lead his rebel army to victory over those who deny us freedom."
"I've already ordered food and medical supplies prepped for transport," said Hammond, but paused and looked at Harry directly, "what's still in question is what kind of weapons and how many."
Harry eyed Teal'C and Bratac carefully. "You wish for PR7s?"
"They have proven to be formidable in battle," said Bratac with a respectful nod.
"How many do you require?" asked Harry lightly, ignoring the looks of surprise on everyone's faces.
"For several hundred warriors," said Bratac, also looking pleased and surprised that Harry was apparently agreeing.
"On such short notice, it's impossible to equip so many," said Harry shaking his head. "Remember also that they are personalized weapons, only the warrior they are given to may wield it. I will also need to be present to program them."
"Ambassador, perhaps if we send a smaller number of weapons…as a gesture of good intentions," said Teal'C genially.
"Very well, I will arrange it immediately," nodded Harry with an enigmatic smile.
"In that case," said Hammond with a frown, "you all have a go."
Teal'C and Bratac bowed and filed out of the room, the two perceptive warriors had clearly picked up on the sudden mood that had fallen in the room when the Ambassador had acceded to their request.
"Has those rookie scientists at Area 51 you're teaching affected you in any way we should know about?" asked Jack sarcastically.
"I will confess my frustration levels are much higher than they have ever been," admitted Harry with a grin, "but otherwise, no, my mental faculties are normal."
"So you're just gonna give the PR7 away? Just like that?" snapped Jack, flicking his fingers.
"I did design it," said Harry pointedly.
"And the fact that it's a nice tactical advantage of ours that you're also handing over…"
"Isn't Kytano going to be our ally?" asked Daniel with some confusion.
"C'mon, Daniel," said Jack in exasperation, "do you really think that all those rebel Jaffa are true to the cause, and that there are not some that still secretly worship the snakes. We hand a PR7 to one of them and the Goa'uld will be dissecting it the next day."
"Ambassador?" said Hammond, in a tone that said 'explain yourself.'
"I'm wounded Jack, that you think I didn't think of the consequences of this," said Harry with a mock pout. "You should know me better," the pout disappeared and an evil grin formed on his face. "The truth is that the PR7s will soon be replaced with the PR8 AW."
"What?" said Jack blinking. Harry grinned and opened his hand to reveal a small silver circular disc and placing it on the table. It lit up with a bright light and above it in mid-air above the table a hologram appeared. In midair floated what looked like a normal PR7 but had what looked like a small scope attached to the top, from the rear of the weapon a high tensile flexible metallic cord was attached to a form of sleeveless ergonomic body armor colored in the digital diffusing camouflage pattern, another cord emerged from the shoulder of the armor and entered a thin ergonomic helmet, which intriguingly had a transparent eyepiece that hovered just in front of the left eye.
"This is the PR8 AW or Advanced Warfighter, it's not just a weapon, but also an integrated tactical combat information system that blends into the energy dissipating armor you see projected before you," explained Harry, "its equipped with sensors that can detect the electrical conductivity of a heartbeat in a radius of three hundred meters, and if a Darkstar drone is launched can feed a real time map of what it can see into the eyepiece of the helmet. It also allows for unprecedented levels of team interaction, as all the PR8s of an SG team can be linked to each other and what one can detect and see, all will see."
"Cool," said Jack, getting that eager gleam in his eye when he saw a new 'military toy' to play with.
"That's unreal," said Sam, rather amazed. "Sir," she said turning to Hammond, "if we could detect heartbeats at that distance…"
"You'd never be caught unawares or be lured into an ambush," concluded the General, looking impressed and slightly jealous – if only such tech had been available in his day, how many of his late comrades in arms would still be alive?
"In addition," continued Harry, "there's now a multi-spectral visual sensor on the PR8, whose feed can be piped into the eyepiece, meaning that you can poke the weapon around corners and see what awaits you, without exposing yourself. Which would be very handy in those twisting corridors on a Ha'tak."
"What about firepower?" asked Jack.
"The PR8 does give twenty five percent more 'punch' than its predecessor," confirmed Harry. "But now it also modulates the energy bolt, which means you can set it to only stun someone, if you wish."
"When can deployment of it begin?" asked Sam.
"My wife has informed me that she has just finished a production run that would be enough to outfit SGs one through twelve. I can bring them over as soon as we've finished our business with Kytano."
"You have a go," nodded Hammond, apparently not one for looking a gift horse in the mouth, "get moving people."
Harry stood patiently at the edge of the ramp watching the Stargate dial the coordinates of Kel Mah, the current home of Kytano's rebel Jaffa. He double checked his tactical vest and PR7 one last time and watched as a group of airmen lugged the huge silver container that held the PR7s destined for the Jaffa onto the self propelled mobile cargo platform that was already packed with food and medicinal supplies.
Sam was at the controls, while Daniel was also double-checking his own equipment.
Jack finally entered the gate room to join Teal'C, Bratac and Hammond.
"O'Neill, before we leave," said Bratac, as the Stargate engaged, "you should know that some of the Jaffa you are about to meet, you may have met before…in battle."
"Yeah, I've thought of that," said Jack distractedly, putting his brown cap on.
"Jaffa have long memories," said Bratac gravely in warning.
"Well that's all right," said Jack, shrugging it off. "Cause I don't."
Teal'C and Bratac looked at each other with stony faces and their eyes showing their incredulousness at Jack's casual attitude towards something that could be a big problem. Hammond had to hide his own amusement by turning his head away for a moment.
"It's a…joke," said Jack with a frown at their reactions.
"Bratac, let's hope your faith in this man is well deserved," said Hammond.
"I would stake my life on it," said Bratac, and he, Teal'C, Sam, Daniel and the cargo moved forward and disappeared into the subspace path.
"Ours too apparently," said Jack, "let's go Ambassador." Harry nodded and accompanied Jack in step through the event horizon.
The reception on Kel Mah was a rather strange one…silence. A group of rebel Jaffa numbering into the twenties was gathered near the Stargate, some stood with Staff weapons, or Zat guns, most stood with nothing and just stared fixedly at the group of Tau'ri plus Teal'C and Bratac. Harry counted it as a plus that their Staffs were not charged and trained on them.
"I am Master Bratac, of Chulak," declared the old Jaffa loudly, "I have come with warriors of the Tau'ri."
It was at that point that Jack decided to make one of his usual blundering first impressions. He had unlatched his backpack from the overloaded cargo frame and failed to grab it in time to prevent it from falling to the ground.
"Hi guys," he said unabashedly, raising his hand and bent down to rescue his backpack. Harry groaned inwardly…Jack was hopeless.
"Tek ma tek," said Bratac.
Jack of course, needed the translation. Which Daniel provided as 'friends well met'. It was then that a tall Jaffa in armor walked forward who had his own Staff weapon. He was unique in that he wore an actual smile on his face as he approached them, and one who Teal'C recognized.
"Raknor," greeted Teal'C, in friendship.
"Teal'C!" said Raknor in delight and they grasped each other's forearms, "tek ma tek." He then turned to the small crowd of Jaffa, "It was Teal'C who gave me my first taste of freedom!" And said to Teal'C. "It is because of you that I am here. Tek ma te."
"That's a greeting of respect," said Daniel to Jack.
"Okay," said Jack waving Daniel off, "I get it."
"These are among the great warriors of the Tau'ri. Daniel Jackson, Major Carter, their leader Colonel O'Neill, and the bane of many Goa'uld, Tyr. Tek ma tek."
"Tek ma tek," said Harry hastily, to interrupt any of Jack's witticisms, bowing to Raknor. "Ta shal chul."
"Your compliment is well received," said Raknor, bowing in turn. "You have come to speak with Kytano?"
"We have," confirmed Bratac.
"He's on a mission and will return soon," said Raknor, and pointed to the cargo frame, "what is this?"
"The first shipment of many," said Teal'C with a grin.
"We've brought food, supplies and…" said Jack and gestured to silver crate, Harry took his cue and opened it, revealing it to be filled with thirty stacked PR7s, "…weapons."
The reaction was pretty much what Harry expected from the assembled Jaffa. There was no way that you would, after spending a lifetime of mastering Staff and Zat, suddenly be enthused of exchanging it for something different and strange…even if it was 'technically' more effective. Teal'C and Bratac were looking at their brethren in puzzlement, which was also not surprising, as both had seen the results of PR7s more so than their fellow Jaffa.
"What?" said Jack with a frown at Raknor's disappointed expression.
"Your gesture is appreciated," said Raknor sincerely, "but they had hoped that you would bring staff weapons, zat'nik'tels…true weapons."
"'True' weapons?" asked Jack archly with a raised eyebrow.
"It does not matter, friend," said Raknor quickly, "come, see how our numbers are growing."
About five hundred meters away from the Stargate was a clearing that held a rather ramshackle camp with numerous large canopied tents; there were also areas that had been set aside to accomplish the daily chores of living, fireplaces, tables to prepare and eat food, there was also a nearby convenient stream that was used as a source of fresh water. Jaffa men, women and children were bustling about to and fro. Most prominent of course, was the sparring circles and workout areas where the active Jaffa warriors were performing an interesting martial arts discipline that Harry had never seen before.
"You see, O'Neill?" said Bratac, pointing to the various Jaffa who clearly had different tattoos on their foreheads, "these Jaffa were once sworn mortal enemies, each serving different false gods. Now they work in harmony."
"Our numbers grow with each successful campaign," explained Raknor.
"And you just trust each new arrival to your cause? Well…I'm just saying isn't it possible some of these Jaffa are still loyal to their gods and are acting as spies within your ranks?" asked Sam reasonably.
"A warrior of Kytano's experience can see within the very soul of another Jaffa and know his allegiance," explained Bratac passionately.
"Its kind of a leap of faith, isn't it?" asked Jack skeptically.
"A Jaffa is a very good reader of body language and the eyes," explained Harry astutely gesturing with his own finger to his eyes. "The intent of a person can be read in them. As a martial artist you need to be good at reading others otherwise you will be easily defeated. Deception and falsehood can be read in such a manner."
"The Ambassador speaks truly," nodded Bratac with a satisfied grin.
They approached a group of Jaffa training by performing extremely difficult acrobatic kata's of high leaps, flowing kicks and forceful arms movements.
"This discipline is called Mastaba," said Raknor, "all of Imhotep's Jaffa was required to master it. And now we require it of ourselves."
The group stopped in front of the main sparring circle where two Jaffa had just finished. A new pair took their place; one of European descent and another with Asian features, both were muscled but were not as overly big as Teal'C and they were quick on their feet. They picked up wooden replicas of the Staff weapon and began to spar. Teal'C walked over to the weapons rack that held the replicas and picked one up for himself.
"Bashaak? Training staffs?" he asked curiously.
"Out of necessity, Teal'C," said Raknor gravely, "there are not enough staff weapons for all."
In the meantime, the two sparring Jaffa was going at it heavily. Harry saw they were putting their all into the blows they traded, in some cases even at the expense of balance. Bratac saw this as well and shouted a chiding warning at them.
"You overcommit!"
The two Jaffa stopped after a moment in their duel, and seeing the elder Jaffa addressing them, came over hurriedly and bowed in respect.
"This young warrior's name is Tara'C," said Raknor, pointing to the Euro Jaffa.
"Tek ma te, Master," said Tara'C.
"If you would allow me," said Bratac, holding his hands open for the Bashaak. Tara'C handed it over without pause and the old Jaffa walked into the circle and immediately launched into a graceful kata with it. Harry was almost reminded of how Dumbledore could look and be old but still retain great strength and speed, despite age.
"The weapon is balanced but the warrior is not," explained Bratac as he performed the fluid kata, "when one overcommits, one becomes vulnerable to counter-attack. When one achieves balance in combat, one will survive to achieve balance in life." He tossed the Bashaak back to Tara'C and walked out of the circle.
"Forgive me, master," said Tara'C, looking slightly confused, "but Kytano teaches that one must strike with single-minded purpose towards victory without regard for one's survival."
Harry frowned at that little bit of philosophy. That was even more martial than what he was used to from a Jaffa…Bratac's face turned woody and yet intrigued and said to Tara'C, "Show me."
Tara'C and his sparring partner returned to the circle and began to fight…and to Harry's mind it brought a whole new meaning to the Roman training philosophy 'Their sparring are bloodless battles, and their battles are bloody spars." Except, they had clearly not heard about the bloodless part. They both sparred with a single-minded ferocity. Putting everything into their attacks, parries and blocks. At one point, Tara'C managed to get under his partner's guard and pressed his advantage without mercy, managing to hit his opponent twice in the ribs.
"Hey, easy, easy, easy," winced Jack with a frown.
"Leave them, O'Neill," said Bratac dismissively.
Tara'C raised his staff after managing to force his opponent to his knees, clearly intent on knocking him into unconsciousness. Harry had to grab the back of Jack's tac vest to keep him from interfering and the staff came down and the Jaffa literally spun in the air before coming to land on his side, clearly in the land of nod.
"What are you doing?" snapped Jack at Harry, ripping himself out the latter's grip. "They were beating the crap out of each other…"
"His symbiote will heal him," said Harry simply. "A Jaffa can take a lot more punishment, Colonel, and still bounce back. If you had interfered, you would have insulted Tara'C, and he could rightfully have challenged you to a Bashaak duel."
"Kytano teaches that we must be willing to die as he is if we are to be free," said Raknor solemnly.
"Well, if you all die, you won't have an army. That's kinda…ouch!" he winced and bounced on one foot, as Harry had stepped rather hard on the other one to interrupt him in what no doubt would've been a very undiplomatic statement.
"I respect the Jaffa and their ways," said Harry with a nod, "but in this case my…colleague…has touched upon a concern that I feel is valid. Tactics and strategies that have no concern for the survival of your warriors will lead to a rapid depletion in your numbers. At which point you will cease to be effective as a fighting force. It is only our concern as possible future allies that leads me to raise this point."
"Indeed," said Bratac with a smile, "this approach to the art of war is new to me as well, yet I believe we can reconcile the philosophies.
"Kytano returns!" came a loud shout from across the camp.
Tara'C, and his fellow Jaffa, all stopped what they were doing and rushed away from the sparring circles. Along the path to the camp, the entire Jaffa contingent had lined up and was cheering wildly for the returning warriors led by Kytano himself. Kytano was a bald dark skinned man, dressed in Jaffa armor and while a head shorter than Teal'C walked with a grace that screamed that he was an accomplished martial artist. His obsidian eyes scanned the crowd and he smiled in satisfaction.
"You know," said Jack to Sam, Daniel and Harry, "we never get this when we come home."
Kytano raised his arms to signal the cheering to subside and that he wished to speak.
"Jaffa, on this day," he said powerfully and with great charisma, "three of our warriors have fallen in the name of freedom. They fought fiercely against Thoth's forces. And they died bravely and have secured for themselves a place in Kheb. So too, have they strengthened our ability to fight back against the enemy."
A large Goa'uld cargo case that was being carried by the returning warriors was opened and revealed a cache of Zatnickatels. One of the Jaffa took one and raised it victoriously in the air and another round of cheers waved through the crowd.
"True weapons," scoffed Jack to himself. He obviously thought that a Zat was not actually a truly effective weapon of war. An opinion that Harry mirrored, at best it was a PDW (personal defense weapon), not a frontline weapon.
Kytano soon noticed the newcomers and visitors to his camp and approached them. He addressed Bratac first and greeted the Jaffa Master first by clasping forearms.
"Tek mal tiac," said Kytano warmly.
"Tek ma te," said Bratac bowing in respect, no doubt in deference to the leadership qualities he sensed in the man and his accomplishments in uniting such a large rebel army.
"You flatter me, Master Bratac," said Kytano with amusement. He turned to Teal'C and greeted him in the same manner, however, he said, "Ya duru arik kek onac. I honor he, who would kill his god. And to his brethren in the Tau'ri; slayers of Ra, Hathor, Setesh, Heru'ur, Sokar, Chronus, Apophis, Osiris, and Zipacna."
"It is an honor to meet you, Jomo Kytano," said Harry stepping forward and bowing. "I am Ambassador Tyr of the Tau'ri. Next to me is Colonel Jack O'Neill, leader of SG1. Then we have Major Sam Carter and Doctor Daniel Jackson."
"Tyr and O'Neill," said Kytano, bowing back, "names cursed by every Goa'uld. Imhotep himself declared your days were numbered."
"Well, that's fine," said Jack, seeing that Harry had smoothed first impressions, "as long as it's a really big number."
Kytano chuckled in appreciation at the irony, "because of you, the armies of these fallen System lords now swell our rebellion. We owe you thanks."
"Tek ma tek, Kytano," said Jack with a slight nod of the head. Daniel and Sam looked in surprise at Jack's perfect use of the greeting, and he glanced at them with a satisfied smile. "We also offer an alliance."
"Then you are most welcome," said Kytano with a smile.
"We also offer food and supplies for your people," said Daniel, ever the humanitarian.
"Glorious!" declared the leader, and the Jaffa cheered as well.
"And of course…weapons!" said Jack.
"Ah…I have heard only rumor of these," said Kytano, looking at the PR7s carried by SG1 with interest. "All I have heard say is that they are powerful. But most of our warriors have trained since child to battle with staff and zatnickatel, you must prove that this weapon is of worth to them."
"Carter, I think a little demonstration is in order then," said Jack with a grin at her.
The Jaffa did have a rather crudely assembled firing range. It was little more than a eighty yard long clearing next to a forest. A wooden frame had been erected at the end and three thick tree logs were hung from it. An interested crowd of mixed Jaffa stood arrayed around the firing line. Sam, Jack and Harry were standing on the firing line itself. Sam would be the one to do the actual firing, since she was the best marks'woman' on SG1 – outshooting Jack by six average points on X ring target shots. Kytano, Raknor and Bratac were just a few steps behind them.
The firing range itself exposed a rather critical tactical weakness in the Jaffa…at least from the Terran point of view. Long-range marksmanship to the Jaffa was a concept that just did not exist, or if it did, it was frowned upon, as it wasn't really a 'true' test of honor or skill against your opponent. The Goa'uld would discourage such training as well…since it wouldn't do to train your warriors in such a way that, if they rebelled, could lead to them taking you out from a distance of more than three hundred yards.
As such, the Jaffa acted as if an army from the Napoleonic era (since a staff weapon was really only effective at a range of just over fifty meters – as the ball muskets were) had been trained in the guerilla formation tactics of the Viet Cong.
"This weapon is called a PR7," said Sam, unhooking the bulbous power pack from her weapon to demonstrate and reattaching it, "it carries a plasma power pack which will enable you to fire sixty plasma bolts with a rate of fire of nine hundred bolts per minute."
"Who here can handle a staff weapon?" asked Jack seriously.
"Raknor is among our best marksmen," said Kytano with a grin.
"Carter, that target, what sixty-seventy yards down?"
Sam, being the former pilot that she was, appraised the distance with a single glance.
"Yeah, give or take, sir," she agreed.
"Fire away, son," said Jack to Raknor, gesturing with his hand towards the log targets down the range.
Raknor stepped up to the firing line, while the others moved away and primed his staff weapon; that sizzling electric sound resounded throughout the area and he brought the weapon fluidly up and settled it on his shoulder, and sighted down the length of the long weapon…it looked slightly awkward. Raknor fired three times in quick succession. The swooping sound of the orange bolts screamed down the range and hit the central log…causing two carbon-scorched craters to appear in the thick wood.
"Well done, Ta'I kree," said Kytano.
"Two out of three, not bad," said Jack mildly, "Carter?"
"The female?" said Kytano in surprise, and a bit of astonishment. And there was another difference between the Terran and Jaffa art of war; the former recognized the value of the female as a warrior (as the Soviets had so successfully first demonstrated in World War 2; by having women as Snipers in the urban battlefields).
"Major Carter is a formidable warrior," said Teal'C neutrally, but taking a stand for his teammate. Teal'C had seen this first hand, and he had seen many Tau'ri women in the armed forces of Earth, contributing just as much, if not more so, than their male counterparts in certain roles.
"Yes, of course," said Kytano, letting the matter drop.
"Actually," said Jack, "hold up a second." He then proceeded to ask a Jaffa standing downrange to push the log and make it swing, to even increase the difficulty more. The Jaffa hurriedly got out of the way. "When ready, Major," said Jack warmly to Sam, slapping her on the shoulder and walked away. Sam checked her weapon settings one last time, settled her stance and aimed the PR7.
She began by showing a full auto burst of fire. A near continuous line of blue bolts poured out of the weapon with a low whining sound. It looked almost like she had drawn a blue line of power from her weapon to touch the log that swept back and forth. The thick log abruptly splintered and the lower half of it fell to the ground. She ceased fire the moment it happened, and turned back to the crowd a small grin of nonchalance on her face. The reaction of everyone else was a sight to see. Kytano was shocked and failing miserably to hide it.
"Major, demonstrate the weapon on single shot, please," ordered Jack mildly.
Sam adjusted a control on the weapon's side and aimed again down the range, this time using the integrated sight that was little more than a small piece of transparent plastic with a calibrated aiming reticule printed on it. A single bolt shot from the PR7 and singed through the rope that held the log from the frame – at this distance it was barely a sliver to the naked eye – but Sam had hit it without even a pause. She turned back but this time a wide smile was on her face.
"This," said Jack to the assembled Jaffa raising a staff weapon he had politely borrowed from Raknor, "is a weapon of terror. It's made to…intimidate the enemy." And Jack had a good point there; the Jaffa were used to battling each other, and would only otherwise engage human populations who…for the most part…were still less advanced and could not fight back effectively. The staff weapon was a very intimidating weapon in that respect. "This," he now raised the PR7, "is a weapon of war. It's made to…kill your enemy."
"And it's capable of doing so at five times the range I just demonstrated," contributed Sam.
"We've used this and other weapons to win just about every skirmish we've had with the Goa'uld and the Jaffa who serve them. Those of you who have gone up against us and survived…and you know who you are…you know what I'm talking about."
"We accept your gifts with gratitude and humility. Now let us celebrate this new alliance," declared Kytano.
The Jaffa cheered as one again.
"They really like doing that, don't they?" asked Jack wryly.
"It might seem unruly, Jack," said Harry, "but you use any method available to you to raise morale if it's necessary."
"Indeed," agreed Jack.
They had retired to Kytano's tent where Harry, SG1, Kytano, Bratac and Raknor were sitting in a loose circle discussing matters of the future alliance. The tent itself was rather well appointed considering the conditions of the camp; with soft carpets and cushions, which nevertheless needed a trip to the cleaners and the tent had the musty smell of living within it. The relative opulence in which Kytano lived in though, struck Harry as strange…most Jaffa were not as caring about such things.
"Your weapons are formidable, yes," agreed Kytano, "but they lack the endurance of a staff."
"That's what these are for," said Sam holding a power pack.
"And you will provide them freely?" asked Kytano skeptically.
"That's the purpose of an alliance, isn't it?" said Daniel politely.
"It places you in a position of power over us," retorted Kytano. That meant the Jaffa leader was rather concerned with keeping his status quo more than his ability to fight. That did not bode well.
"You are concerned that we will dictate terms to you, and if you don't agree, we will withhold the ammunition?" said Harry with a raised eyebrow.
Kytano nodded, "Of course, it is only in concern for my people that I raise these questions."
"'Your' people?" asked Jack archly. Harry had to admit, Jack had a point, who did Kytano count as 'his' people?
"There is no warrior among us who cannot say 'my people'."
"As I also have done," said Teal'C promptly.
"Colonel O'Neill fears I will take all power for myself," said Kytano eventually after a thoughtful silence.
"You are gathering an army," said Sam pointedly.
"And I lead," agreed Kytano, "but there is no warrior among us who cannot claim jomo secu."
"'Challenge of leadership,'" translated Daniel, after Jack shot him a look.
"To determine the worthiness of the victor, and his right to lead," explained Teal'C.
"To the death, I suppose," said Jack critically.
"Of course," confirmed Kytano.
"Of course," echoed Jack, "you know where…"
Harry cleared his throat loudly at another potential diplomatic blunder. "The Jaffa's ways are not under question," he said with a glance of warning at Jack, who looked disgruntled, "we as Terrans do not wish our ways to be forced upon others. It is their choice. Free will of all sentient beings is one of our ways. However, the indifference to death that is cultivated here will be in the long run I believe…self-defeating."
"It is my hope that we can learn from our differences," said Bratac into the silence that followed. "That they bond us together, make us stronger."
"Your words are wise, Master Bratac," said Kytano thoughtfully.
"Wise, indeed," said Jack.
"Tomorrow then," said Kytano with the air of having reached a decision, "we will bond in battle. You are familiar with the System Lord Nirtii?"
"Oh yeah," nodded Jack gravely.
"Tomorrow, we are going to raid a supply shipment, intended for a battalion of Nirtii's Jaffa. Join us."
"If we do," said Jack, ever the opportunist, "what's in it for us?"
"I see you are one who speaks your mind, O'Neill," chuckled Kytano.
"Yes, which is why I don't say much," said Jack self-deprecatingly.
"A share of the spoils?" offered Kytano.
"Spoils are good, we like spoils," grinned Jack.
"Teal'C has informed me that you require several hours of sleep," said the Jaffa leader with a deceptively polite smile, "there is no shame in doing so." He stood and left the tent.
"Thanks," said Jack sarcastically.
Day was a strange thing on the nameless planet in Nirtii's domain where she had one of her naquadah mines. (It was nameless because she never bothered with the effort of finding a unique name for it; which was rather difficult in a Galaxy with hundreds of thousands of inhabitable worlds). For one thing the atmosphere was way different than the standard 'Earth' like planets most of the Stargate tended to go to. The sky was a low dark red and the sun the planet was orbiting around was also radiating at a different spectral frequency than most…meaning that the star probably only had another billion years of fuel left before it collapsed into a Red Giant. (Unlike Sol which had five billion years left.) But time on such a scale did not concern the Goa'uld, who in the meantime mined the planet for Naquadah and its subsequent refinement.
It was rather easy to set up a surprise ambush for the intended shipment.
Kytano with a suitable force of his own warriors numbering fifty, SG1 and Harry had 'Gated to the mining planet. They had swiftly and silently defeated the four guards around the Stargate with surprise on their side, the PR7 hardly made more noise than the clap of a hand on single fire mode. Some of Kytano's Jaffa who were formerly in the service of Nirtii, appropriated the com gear and quickly gave an all clear transmission to the Pyramid in the distance near the naquadah mine.
Kytano had clearly done his homework as well, because he set up a flanking ambush along a path that came from the Stargate and which faced a cleared out area for the landing of cargo ships. As long as everyone kept their cool, the element of surprise would carry the day and the fact that there was little to no cover for any Jaffa in the landing area meant that it would be a swift fire fight if Kytano could not force a surrender.
The Cargo ship landed an hour after the ambush had settled into position, and it was not ten minutes later that a column of Jaffa came up the path toward the ship. In the center of their formation was a heavy looking ornate container that was carried between two rather big Jaffa and making it look easy.
When the column had reached the fire zone of the ambush the fifty odd strong attacking force primed staff weapon, zat gun and PR7s and popped over their cover and took aim. Harry, for his part, sighted on the Jaffa carrying the naquadah shipment, of course, Kytano didn't want a slaughter…he wanted converts.
"Kree!" he shouted towards the Jaffa column, "you are surrounded! Relinquish your weapons!"
As predicted Harry saw the enemy Jaffa scatter immediately into what little cover there was…some even hurried behind the crate of naquadah and some boldly dropped to one knee, primed their staffs and took aim.
Harry saw Kytano's lips thin in reaction to the tactics and gave a curt gesture to one of his Jaffa 'sergeants'. The Jaffa, who had a PR7, nodded, chose a target and let loose a burst of bolts; most of which had missed, but it was intentional on Kytano's part…it seemed he wanted to try to intimidate them into surrender.
It didn't work.
The enemy Jaffa fired thick orange bolts in retaliation into Kytano's positions and a moment later blue, orange and electric bolts were being sent back in answer. Harry did a rather uncustomary thing now when under fire, he retaliated to wound only…since it was possible that they could pledge themselves to the rebellion afterwards in light of their defeat and seeing so many of their fellow Jaffa united in cause. So, instead of aiming for abdomen, he aimed for legs, arms and shoulders, this meant he had to act as a Sniper (at least i.t.o. rate of fire) rather than a combat soldier. Something, which Jack looked at him in askance for when he was not busy shooting back at the Jaffa.
The firefight was in its second minute when it seemed Kytano had enough.
The Jaffa leader got to his feet and emerged from his cover and walked unflinchingly and boldly along the flank of the 'no-man's land' between the two fighting groups. Harry could only shake his head in amazement at the sight. His mind flashing to a story he had read about an Airborne Infantry Lieutenant in World War 2 running straight through the disorganized German lines to link up with another company of American troops…thus ensuring a coordination between the two squads that led to a rout of the German forces in the town. The difference here though was that Kytano was walking and he didn't want to wipe out the enemy.
"Hey!" called Jack urgently to Kytano over the noise of battle.
"He knows no fear!" shouted Raknor, shooting another orange bolt from his staff.
"Well, he knows stupid!" retorted Jack, reloading his PR7 and firing as well.
Kytano stood still and raised his arms. The sheer charisma and astonishment at his actions caused everyone to immediately obey his shout.
"Hal mek! Hold your fire!"
The shooting stopped.
"I am Kytano!" he addressed the enemy Jaffa. "If you have heard that name, then you know that there are other Jaffa who believe that the Goa'uld are false gods. Join us in our struggle against our oppressors, and live to seek freedom."
The Jaffa in charge of the column, emerged from his own meager cover and stood with primed staff weapon and pushed it flush against Kytano's breastplate.
"If you do not believe in freedom for our people, brother…then shoot me now," said Kytano defiantly, looking into the eyes of the Jaffa without fear and raising his arms to his sides.
Harry was impressed.
And apparently, so was the Jaffa leader…because after a few long moments of seeming serious contemplation and appraising, he lowered the staff and de-primed it. Kytano reached forward and clasped the leader on the shoulder, which the leader returned. This immediately caused all of Kytano' Jaffa to jump up and cheer in victory, raising staff and PR7 into the air.
"Do you believe in him now, O'Neill?" asked Teal'C. Harry didn't need to look at Jack to know that the man was highly skeptical of Kytano.
Kal Mah, later the same day…
The Jaffa were marching back to their camp victoriously, cheering, with their spoils of war in tow. Harry watched with a rising apprehension. What if that Jaffa had not been convinced by Kytano's plea and promptly shot him where he stood for daring to defy the Goa'uld? Where would the Jaffa rebellion be then? Not to mention that the Rebel Jaffa morale would have dropped like a stone. Since Kytano as yet had named no second in command.
Jack was apparently feeling this as well, because he motioned Teal'C to pause from the march to the camp.
"Umm…Teal'C," said Jack, eyeing the passing Jaffa around them and waiting until the group had passed. "Listen, I'm a little concerned about Kytano."
"Explain," said Teal'C, whose smile vanished suddenly off his face.
"You know that stunt he just pulled," said Jack, trying to explain.
"Kytano, is driven by the power of his beliefs," said Teal'C passionately.
"His beliefs are very impressive," admitted Jack, "but his tactics could've gotten us all killed."
"Kytano was successful," argued the Jaffa.
"I say he got lucky." This clearly angered Teal'C, who frowned severely.
"Then it appears we disagree," a Jaffa horn blasted in the distance from the camp. "Kytano summons us." And he promptly turned to run away.
"This isn't good," commented Harry, looking worried.
"It seems Teal'C is buying into Kytano's act."
"You think Kytano is acting?" asked Harry, looking at Jack strangely.
"I think Kytano believes he can walk on water."
The spoils of the battle were gathered in Kytano's tent, it consisted of two large trunks, one with stacked staff weapons, and the other with numerous tiny bricks of weapons grade naquadah.
"The fruits of our newborn alliance," said Kytano, still flush from victory. Harry and the rest of SG1 stared at the naquadah with interest. Though Earth had its own supply train of naquadah and the means to refine it, every little bit helped, and it spared time and resources.
"That's quite a haul," said Jack critically.
"Yes," nodded Kytano.
"What are you going to do with it?"
"I will give you as much as is fair," explained Kytano, "I have plans for the rest. As for the weapons, we require them all. I will be able to offer you many times as much once the Ha'tak arrives."
"A Ha'tak is coming here?" asked Harry with narrowed eyes. "Has it been liberated to your cause?"
"Perceptive," complimented Kytano, "yes, you chose your allies well. I've just received news that Jaffa loyal to me has staged a mutiny, as we speak, aboard a powerful mothership. Soon they will be on their way and unite with us in our cause."
"Mutiny?" said Jack. "…that's a little risky? Isn't it?" Indeed, such actions were rarely successful, unless under dire circumstances for the crew of the ship…where survival of everyone was at stake.
"There are always risks in war," said Kytano, dismissing Jack's concern.
"But if they fail, they…"
"They will succeed because their cause is just," interrupted Kytano firmly.
"I wish it worked that way," said Jack wistfully.
"They will succeed with the strength of their resolve. Come with me to the Chappa'ai. See for yourself," invited Kytano, gesturing for everyone to follow him.
The show of resolve was something that would leave a very bitter taste in Harry's mouth for a few hours. Later that day Kytano had gathered a squad of twelve Jaffa, including Tara'C at the base of the Stargate. They were armed to the teeth and Tara'C himself had strapped what Harry recognized as a Naquadah Reaction Device to his own chest. Other Jaffa had formed an honor guard that led to the Stargate itself and were watching events with a solemn air.
"Nirtii must not learn of our raid," declared Kytano as the Stargate was activated. "She would surely hunt us down. We must cover our tracks." He walked up to Tara'C and spoke passionately to him. "Tara'C, I chose you to lead this squad of brave warriors, because I know you will not fail me." Tara'C nodded solemnly and Kytano turned to the rest of the squad. "Know that if you are struck down in battle, you will live forever in Kheb, free from Goa'uld oppression for all time!"
A Jaffa carrying a smaller case ran up to Kytano and opened it to reveal the small bricks of weaponized Naquadah. He pulled one out and walked back to Tara'C, and placed it in the Reaction Device strapped to his chest. "Fight your way as deeply as you can into Nirtii's force. Show them your resolve! Kalach shal tek!"
Harry's eyes widened as he pieced together what the Jaffa squad was going to do. It was…nuts…from a Terran point of view, but the Jaffa had a rather similar mindset to the Samurai of Feudal Japan…honor before death. But purposely going on a suicide mission…
"Kalach shal tek!" echoed Tara'C and his squad.
"Victory or death," said Daniel, watching events with a frown.
"Sir, that's a Naquadah enhanced bomb," said Sam, gesturing to the device on Tara'C chest.
"Nothing so crude," said Harry in turn, "it creates a runaway cascade reaction in the weaponized Naquadah which causes fission."
"Like a suitcase nuke?" asked Jack archly.
"That's the closest Terran amalgam, yes," nodded Harry.
"He's sending them on a suicide mission," realized Daniel. It was too late to do anything to stop it. Tara'C shouted a warcry and the squad followed him running into the Stargate where they vanished beyond the event horizon. Jack had tried to object or get in the way or do anything to stop them, but Raknor restrained him.
"What the hell are you doing?" asked Jack, looking incensed at Kytano as the Stargate shut down.
"Do you now see the strength of our resolve?" asked Kytano intently.
"I see the strength of your arrogance!" snapped Jack.
"Do not interfere with things you know nothing about," said Kytano condescendingly.
"Oh, I know exactly what you're about!"
"We are at war," said Kytano simply. "It is our way."
"And I suppose it makes you all-powerful to know how eager those boys are to die for you," argued Jack. At this point, the diplomat in Harry was pointing out that Jack was about to walk into a minefield of epic proportions, but his instincts were telling him to let this play out. He had been getting a funny feeling from Kytano even since he met the Jaffa, but couldn't place the reason…it was like trying to solve a Rubics cube or something that was on the tip of his tongue, but yet he couldn't spit it out.
"Their souls are on their way to a far better place," argued Kytano.
"You know, I've heard that before," said Jack condescendingly, referring to the Goa'uld's rhetoric to the Jaffa about the souls they supposedly 'controlled' the destiny of, because they were gods.
"You would deny the existence of Kheb? You would deny that their souls would find paradise?" asked Kytano hotly.
"He is not saying that," said Harry with a raised eyebrow. "What he is saying that you are throwing your men away for cannon fodder. And spouting religious platitudes remarkably similar to that of the Goa'uld themselves to justify those actions."
"You would dare compare me to our oppressors?" said Kytano, rounding on Harry, who didn't so much as flinch.
"Of course I dare," said Harry with narrowed eyes as he met the gaze of Kytano. "Your actions are no different. The System Lords also send Jaffa on suicide missions. They are also as fanatical about gaining power. They also try to assassinate each other and claim each other's armies, territories and resources. Is this your grand plan for the future Kytano…you assassinate System Lord after System Lord, claiming their ships and warriors…all who are willing to die for you…and this is different from the way things are in what way exactly?"
"The Jaffa will be free," stated Kytano.
"No, they will not be free," disagreed Harry, shaking his head and abruptly exploded into action. His hands shot outward to either side with Asgard Jewel Devices glowing brightly in his palms as he channeled power through them. A wave of energy expanded outward in every direction and knocked everyone off his or her feet, except for Harry and Kytano. Harry made a sweeping gesture with his left arm, a tear of cloth was heard as Kytano's shirt and the upper part of his robe was shredded. Another gesture of his right hand this time and a very surprised Kytano didn't react in time as he was blasted by a telekinetic wave and landed on his back…whereupon Harry promptly threw a paralysis matrix to keep the half naked Kytano down.
The Jaffa were swiftly recovering their footing and those who had staff weapon handy rapidly trained them onto Harry. Even Teal'C, Raknor and Bratac were among those who were aiming at the Ambassador.
Harry had to admire their reflexes, as the first orange staff blasts lanced in towards him, but was instantly dissipated on a glowing blue shield that protected him and Kytano from harm. Jack and the rest of SG1 had brought their own weapons up and pointed them at anyone close by, but the Jaffa were clearly only interested in Harry.
However, after a few moments the staff and zat blasts stopped, as all the Jaffa's weapons had promptly gone flying out of their hands upwards and vanished with a slight ripple effect. Harry grinned. He had to thank Lya of the Nox for teaching him that little trick. The Nox, were like the Alterrans, in that they had also evolved to the point of mastering the energy within…and they well on par with the Alterrans in their mastery. However, they would never use it offensively, as that would not be their 'Way'.
The Jaffa stood rather in awe of this display and as such didn't move to try and engage in hand to hand. Which was wise.
"Teal'C, Raknor, Bratac, peace!" said Harry raising his hands again, but this time in a gesture of surrender.
"What have you done to our weapons?" snapped Raknor.
"Oh, don't worry, they'll be returned, but before you get them back, please, examine Kytano's abdomen for me, if you will," said Harry enigmatically. Despite themselves the Jaffa around the Stargate immediately turned their eyes towards their fallen leader…and…
Murmurings of astonishment broke across the clearing and Teal'C and Bratac stepped forward cautiously, wearily eyeing Harry and lowered their eyes to the paralyzed Kytano…
Where there should have been an 'X' shaped symbiote pouch scar of a Jaffa, there was nothing but a smooth unblemished stomach.
"I do not understand," said Raknor with a frown as he kneeled next to the prone Kytano. "I sense a Prim'tah in him, nevertheless, that can only mean…" Raknor's eyes widened in astonishment.
"He never disrobed in your or anyone else's presence, has he?" asked Harry with narrowed eyes.
Raknor's eyes strained as he was striving to recall any occasion that he had seen Kytano without shirts or tunics, and couldn't find a single memory, he even bathed in the rivers with a shirt on.
"No," said Raknor, he stood and declared to everyone. "Kytano is not Jaffa! Yet he has a Prim'ta…" Every Jaffa came to the same conclusion and suddenly shouts and jeers of anger were heard.
"Daniel, what are they shouting?" asked Jack, trying to make some sense of what just happened.
"Kytano is a Goa'uld apparently, and they are shouting for his death," translated Daniel.
"Damn, I knew my gut was right," said Jack, flicking his fingers in recrimination. "I just knew that there was something off with him."
"Hindsight is 20/20, Jack," said Harry, who had come back after taking off the paralysis matrix on Kytano, whereupon the Goa'uld Jaffa imposter was promptly apprehended by a mass of Rebel Jaffa and frog marched back to the camp. "I think we should let the Jaffa take care of him and then we will have to help our new allies to evacuate to Earth temporarily."
"Why?" asked Daniel curiously.
"The mothership that the Rebels were staging a mutiny on failed," said Harry, his eyes looking unfocused and distant.
"How could you possibly know that?" asked Jack in disbelief. "And how did you know Kytano was actually a snake for that matter?"
"Ever since Kytano mentioned it, earlier today, I have been monitoring Ha'tak's closest to Kel Mah with the Asgard satellite network," said Harry in patient explanation. "I could go into massive detail about what they picked up, but to make a long story short, they registered a Ha'tak belonging to Yu suddenly stopping in mid-flight, and change course towards Kel Mah, only to be intercepted by a fleet of five Ha'taks two hours later, there was a short battle in which the Rebel Ha'tak was boarded and apparently recaptured…because it resumed a course to Kel Mah again afterward."
"Ah, so the Ha'tak on its way is actually coming to wipe the Rebels out, because they probably tortured this planet's location out of them," said Jack.
"As to how I knew Kytano was a Goa'uld, well, he was standing rather close to me in our little argument, this allowed me to sense the location of his symbiote; which was twirled around the spinal column and into the brain and fully mature, instead of being curled up inside his abdomen and immature."
"I didn't know it was possible to 'sense' so precisely," commented Sam.
"It is, for a Tok'ra, and since I was one…but you recall very little from your own time…so…" he trailed off with a smile letting them fill in the gaps themselves.
It was almost evening when Teal'C and Bratac returned. Harry and SG1 had decided to let the Jaffa choose their own destinies and as such remained at the base of the Stargate.
"We come to thank you for opening our eyes to the truth, Ambassador," said Bratac, he and Teal'C bowing their heads in respect. "I admit, so blinded I was by hope for Kytano that I ignored any signs of duplicity I might have seen."
"Has he revealed his own identity yet?" asked Harry curiously.
"It is Imhotep, himself," said Teal'C.
"So he used the Jaffa's desire for freedom against them," reasoned Daniel, "it was probably the only way he could gain any real power."
"So let me get this straight," stated Jack with a frown, "Imhotep pretended to off himself and then jumped into a lookalike of his First Prime and then used the Rebels…" he looked at Harry.
"Yes, probably something like that," agreed Harry, stifling a grin at Jack's confused look. He turned back to Teal'C. "What will happen now with the leadership of the Rebels? You cannot claim Jomo Secu against a Goa'uld."
"The Jaffa will fall back on ancient tradition in such circumstances where no clear leader or First Prime can succeed the fallen leader," said Teal'C, his eyes suddenly sparkled with amusement and Bratac began to grumble under his breath. "Leadership then automatically falls with the eldest Jaffa amongst the group."
"Congratulations, Bratac," said Harry with a grin. The old Jaffa only continued to grumble in Goa'uld under his breath, glaring at Teal'C, who obviously was the culprit in reminding everyone of that ancient law. "Relax, my fellow warrior," said Harry placing a hand on the old man's shoulder, "it's been often proven that those who have power thrust upon them who do not wish it, are those best suited to it."
Bratac stared at Harry for a moment and then turned solemnly to the camp in the distance. "Wise words, Ambassador…wise…"