Vanquishing Demons, Part 3
Part Three of Vanquishing Demons: "The Demon"
Part Three: The Demon
Jack sighed as they were shoved into the small, dank cell. "You know, you guys really should learn a bit more about hospitality."
The Jaffa ignored him and moved back; the Goa'uld gave a cryptic smile, looking back over Jack's shoulder to Teal'c before moving away. Jack really didn't like that expression, and turned back towards his teammate. It was obvious from the snakehead's gloating that there was some really bad blood between this guy and Teal'c. As for his teammate, Teal'c looked pale and in shock. Even though the Goa'uld and Jaffa had moved out of range, his friend remained staring out through the bars.
"Teal'c. Hey, buddy." Jack snapped his fingers in front of his friend, but there was no response. Jack did not like this at all. He studied, and touched Teal'c, trying to find any evidence of a wound or puncture, but there was nothing, though with Goa'uld gizmos, you couldn't always tell. Jaffa were immune to nishta, right? He grabbed the Jaffa's face and bent it towards his slightly shorter frame.
"T? Come on. Answer me. Teal'c, that's an order!"
Teal'c blinked and looked at Jack, but his expression did not change. "I am sorry, O'Neill."
"That's okay. Just don't zone out on me like that anymore. What happened? Are you hurt?"
"You misunderstand. I am sorry you are in this situation."
"Oh, don't go all pessimist on me."
All of Teal'c's words and actions were just confirming Jack's suspicions. This was so not what he needed. He had to snap Teal'c out of the dark place to which he had retreated. Jack knew all about the dark place himself, and it was no place for his friend. He needed Teal'c to be alert if they had a hope of getting out of here.
"Teal'c? Talk to me. I need information. Are you hurt, infected?"
After a delay where it seemed Teal'c was concentrating on processing his words, the Jaffa finally responded. "I am unhurt at this time."
"Well, that's something anyway. We've still got our health, though the amenities aren't great. And knock it off with the apologies. You and I both know it could have been any of us that were captured."
"It is indeed because of me we were captured." Teal'c opened his mouth to say more, then paused.
Jack watched cautiously as Teal'c seemed to become more aware of his surroundings and studied the cell carefully. Jack wondered what his friend saw in the small cell and metal door. A hole in the corner represented what was supposed to be their version of a toilet. Yep, typical crappy cell. Jack hoped it wasn't too similar to the one Teal'c had been in before, because it would be that much harder to keep his mind in the here and now. When Teal'c once again met Jack's gaze, his eyes were more focused, and he seemed relieved. Well, actually, Teal'c's expression was just as stoic as it ever was. However, Jack noted Teal'c's muscles relaxed slightly and his posture shifted a fraction. Years of experience with "Teal'c body language" told Jack his friend was relaxing.
"We may speak freely O'Neill."
"Oh, good." So, Teal'c was scoping out for surveillance. Perhaps his friend wasn't as far gone as Jack had feared.
"Again, I must apologize to you." He glowered sternly as Jack started to interrupt. "I told you I was prepared for the mission, but clearly I was not. My hesitation has allowed your capture as well as mine. It may have even put Major Carter and Daniel Jackson in danger."
Moving from catatonic to a Jaffa guilt trip was not what Jack wanted either. Jack needed to nip that instinct in the bud, before Teal'c got too stubborn about it.
"Oh, no, no, no. Stop it right there. I don't know what you think just happened out there, but we were hosed as soon as we stepped out of the mine. Yeah, I won't deny, you checked out on me, but it would've gone down the same way. We were surrounded by six Jaffa with primed weapons, not to mention ol' glowy eyes and his palm weapon. Teal'c, there was nothing either of us could do. They ambushed us pure and simple, didn't even know who we were until we were caught."
"Six guards? I did not recall..." Teal'c's face looked confused and worried. Yeah, whatever bad memories Scarface had conjured up was keeping Teal'c in a bad place. Teal'c was not normally so unaware of his surrounding nor so open with his emotions.
"It's okay, Teal'c. I kinda noticed you were a bit, er, focused, on the Goa'uld. He's the one who did that to you, isn't he?"
Jack gestured to Teal'c's abdomen, both knowing the scars still healing under the robes. Teal'c dropped his head and averted his eyes. That gave Jack the answer he needed, but unfortunately he was steering Teal'c directly into those old memories which was not where he needed to be. He laid his hand on Teal'c's head and steered his cheek, so the Jaffa would continue to meet his eye.
"Okay, so that's established. Not just a regular snakehead, Scarface gets to top our list of assholes we are going to take down."
"O'Neill..."
Jack's voice became steel, full Colonel mode now. "No one messes with my team, Teal'c. I know where your head is trying to take you. Believe me, buddy, I've been there. But you can't give up hope on me. Give me the intel I need. Who is this guy?"
Teal'c's voice was flat. "His name is Terok. He is a mercenary Goa'uld who tortures enemies of Heru'ur."
"An ashrak?"
"Ashrak are assassins. Terok revels in the torture and pain he inflicts on those who defy their god."
"Sweet." Jack couldn't bite the sarcasm back this time. Teal'c couldn't just have a grudge with some regular run of the mill megalomaniac Goa'uld, he had to pick the Marquis de Sade of snakes. It was no less than Jack expected after the injuries he had seen on Teal'c from that last mission, but hearing confirmation was another thing entirely. Already he could see Teal'c slipping away from him again, lost in the memories of his previous bout of torture.
"Hey, hey, now. Stay with me, Teal'c. He may not play well with others, but he's just another Goa'uld. We've beaten them before, we'll do it again. I know you just went through some bad shit with this guy before, but you're not alone this time, Teal'c. We're in this together, and we're getting out of this together. We just have to wait for the calvary. It's not going to be long before Carter and Daniel figure out what's what and come blazing in here with SG-7."
"You ordered Daniel Jackson and Major Carter to leave with the refugees."
"And since when has that stopped any of us from making sure the rest are right behind? I seem to recall a few occasions when I've ordered you to leave me behind and you haven't followed them, right?" Jack gave a small, grim smile, forcing his own dark memories back.
"Teal'c, the only reason you had to put with Scarface for so long last time was because we didn't know. It's no excuse, but there it is. Do you think I would have left you alone, left you behind if I..." Jack ground his teeth. Trying to prevent Teal'c from going on a guilt trip, and he was burdening his friend with his own. Back to the pep talk.
"You've survived this before. You'll do it again. The only person I know more stubborn than you at defying death is Daniel. And he's got Carter with him, the woman who can piece together a save-the-day-doohickey with a paperclip and piece of gum. With those two at our backs, how can we lose?"
Jack smiled at Teal'c, and received a weak smile in return. Jack knew his friend was just humoring him, but hopefully some of this stuff was sinking through. What Teal'c needed most right now to get him through this was hope.
Teal'c's voice was low and soft, and Jack could barely hear the words. "He would have killed me if not for Rak'nor."
There it was, the words that Jack wouldn't admit to himself. He had almost lost Teal'c. He could still lose Teal'c if he didn't get him out of this despairing funk. Jack knew how much it must have cost the proud warrior to admit that much. Teal'c never betrayed any sign of weakness, and this admission had not been Teal'c's usual matter of fact outlook. Jack had heard the fear in his friend's voice. This Terok had done a bad number on him, and Jack was determined not to let him win this time. Teal'c would do the same for him...had done the same for him.
"Well, there you go. Last time you had Rak'nor. This time you've got me. And I'm not going anywhere."
"I have always been proud to fight by your side, O'Neill." Teal'c spoke as if it was a final farewell. And Jack was not ready for that.
"Back 'atcha, buddy. But we're not out of this fight yet. It won't be long, but you've got to keep your head in the game for me. Do you hear me?"
Teal'c looked back at him wearily. Jack knew he was still being humored. "Teal'c. Undomesticated equines wouldn't tear me away. You go down, I'm going down with you. Now, you can wallow in your pity party, or you can keep your head and stick with me. Are you with me?"
Jack squinted, tracking the emotions flitting over Teal'c's face in the weak light. There it was, the spark, his eyes were alert. "I am with you, O'Neill."
Jack rested his hand on the smooth back of his friend's head.
"That's all I need, buddy. That's all I need."
"What are you doing here?!?"
Sam gaped in shock at the Jaffa who held Daniel. She had tried to gauge from Daniel's demeanor what was happening when they were speaking in the foreign tongues. Unlike the belligerent tone of Goa'uld he had used on the Horus guards, Daniel had spoken more softly in less guttural sounds to the Serpent guards, his whole demeanor screaming subservience. She had taken her cues from him, at least until the one guard grabbed her friend by the arm.
She had moved before thinking, only clamping down on her reaction a moment before a primed staff weapon had been pointed at her face. Daniel had maintained his subservient pose even as she could see his body tensing for action. But all pretense was gone now that Daniel's hood had been torn off. Daniel appeared just as shocked as she was that the Serpent guard spoke in English. A moment later, the helmet lowered, and the features of Master Bra'tac glowered at them.
"Bra'tac." Sam whispered. Some of Teal'c's unstated concerns must have rubbed off on her because she was instantly relieved to see their friend. The other Serpent's guard's helmet lowered, and Sam recognized the features of the young Jaffa who had helped Teal'c escape from Heru'ur.
Daniel recognized him as well. "Rak'nor, isn't it? How did you two end up here?"
"I came to report the death of Heru'ur and try and recruit some of my colleagues to turn against the false gods, as Teal'c convinced me. I found Master Bra'tac already here. We have turned a number of our brothers who have now gone among the forces called to the ships above to spread the word that the gods are false."
"Humans, you have not answered my question. This is a war zone, and dangerous for Tau'ri fools dressed as priests."
Bra'tac released Daniel. Sam noticed her friend wince and unobtrusively try to shake out his upper arm.
Sam quickly jumped in to explain. "We came for the naquadah while the Goa'uld were fighting in other parts of the region."
"The battle is being waged here! This is not place for you."
"Yeah, we kinda noticed," Daniel responded. "We never said our timing was great. Teal'c and Jack ran into a few Serpent guards who weren't as friendly as you."
"Fools. It is a wonder the Tau'ri have such a reputation for accomplishment when they place themselves in these situations." Bra'tac continued speaking in rapid Goa'uld that Sam's limited memories from Jolinar could not begin to decipher. Sam turned a puzzled eye to Daniel.
Daniel shook his head. "You don't want to know."
The pair were startled as the whine of zat blasts sounded behind them. Rak'nor was shooting the Horus guards twice more, causing their bodies to disappear.
"We should leave no trace." Rak'nor solemnly stated.
"Bra'tac, Teal'c's been worried sick about you." She noticed Rak'nor's expression become clouded, but she was too focused on Bra'tac to worry about what that meant.
Bra'tac frowned, his expression curious. "He had no need for concern."
"He did. Teal'c was told you were tortured and killed as a way to break him." Rak'nor's voice was flat as he spoke. Guilt was written all over his face, and Sam wondered how much Rak'nor had witnessed before he helped her friend escape Heru'ur's ha'tak.
Bra'tac spit out another Goa'uld curse before turning back to Sam and Daniel. "Did you see where they took them?"
Sam explained. "It was six Serpent Guards and an armored man, probably a Goa'uld."
Daniel spoke up, pointing to the building where their friends had been taken. "I didn't recognize any insignia on his outfit. He was shorter than Teal'c, with short cropped hair."
Sam continued, "There was a scar running across one eye and down his cheek. I was surprised to see a Goa'uld in such a disfigured host."
"It cannot be! He should be dead. I don't understand."
Sam turned at Rak'nor's surprised outburst. "You know him."
Bra'tac's face set into a grim expression. "You are describing Terok."
Daniel's face paled. "We have to get them out of there, now."
Sam was startled and confused. Everyone seemed to know what was happening but her. "What's going on? Who is this guy? What's he supposed to be god of? Daniel?"
"Um, god of? I don't...I don't know. I've just heard Teal'c mention the name."
Sam blinked, and her eyes widened. Daniel's expression was worried, very worried. He wasn't quite looking at her, and his jaw was set. Sam was starting to put the pieces together, and not liking the answer she was getting.
Rak'nor explained. "Terok is the Goa'uld who tortured Teal'c under Heru'ur."
Sam was not happy that her own conclusion was now confirmed. "But, shouldn't he have blown up with Heru'ur when Apophis fired on the ha'tak?"
Rak'nor shook his head. "No. We ringed Terok aboard Apophis's ship as a distraction while we made our escape to the glider bay. He was dead though, and Apophis would have no use for the underling of his enemy."
"Perhaps he would." Bra'tac cut in. "Apophis is building an army and reestablishing himself as someone to rival the existing System Lords. He cannot do so without lieutenants."
"And Terok, as someone under Heru'ur, would be the perfect choice to send to one of Heru'ur's former worlds." Daniel responded.
Bra'tac nodded. "He must have used the sarcophagus and received Terok's pledge of fealty."
Sam thought quickly. "Have the Serpent Guards completely taken over the temple?"
"No. There is still a great deal of fighting both in orbit above and near the main settlement. Very few guards remain at this outpost, and they dare not fight too close to the mines for fear of destroying the naquadah."
"As well as a sizeable chunk of the planet." Sam remembered her father's description.
Bra'tac nodded. "Just so."
"So probably not more than the half dozen we saw, and they aren't expecting an attack this close to the mines." Sam's mind continued to race. Daniel's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Sam, what are you thinking?"
Sam remembered how helpless they all felt when they thought they were too late to rescue Teal'c by intercepting the rings between Heru'ur's and Apophis's ships. She had caught herself more than once touching Teal'c since they returned to the SGC after that mission, just to reassure herself that her friend was really there. All of them had suffered too many close calls. Now both Teal'c and the Colonel were prisoners, and Sam was not going to let them remain that way a moment longer than necessary. No one got left behind. Bra'tac and Rak'nor would give her and Daniel the edge they needed.
Sam keyed her radio. "Sierra Gulf One Beta to Sierra Gulf Seven."
"We were starting to get worried, Major. What's your status?"
"We've got some unexpected backup and are planning an extraction. We will meet you at the Stargate." she paused and exchanged a grim look with Daniel. They both remembered what Teal'c looked like when he disembarked from Rak'nor's death glider after escaping Terok. "Look for our transport."
"Understood. Sierra Gulf Seven Niner, out."
Teal'c was grateful to his friend. O'Neill's forceful words had brought him back from the abyss of memories to which Teal'c was becoming lost. He trusted O'Neill. O'Neill was with him and needed him. He would not let down his friend.
That newfound strength of purpose was necessary a few moments later. The cell door opened, and Terok entered, flanked by a pair of Jaffa.
"Kneel before your god." A smack to the back of the legs forced Teal'c and O'Neill to the floor.
"You know, you guys really need to get some new material."
Teal'c smiled to himself. He knew O'Neill's antagonizing of the guards was a small reminder to Teal'c to fight. Then Terok's voice echoed through the chamber.
"Insolence from the Tau'ri slave. Is this where you learned it, shol'va?"
"Ah. I'm flattered you think a guy like me could teach Teal'c anything. But I think he was pretty attuned to the crap you guys were shilling long before I crossed his path."
Teal'c watched as O'Neill's head snapped back from the slap Terok slammed across his face. When O'Neill moved upright again, he wiped blood from where the hand device cut his lip.
"Hit a little close to home there, Terok?"
"Apophis will reward me well for bringing to him both the shol'va and his recruiter."
"You know, the last snakehead who called me Teal'c's recruiter ended up in glass jar after the Tok'ra pulled his slimy ass out of a friend of mine."
Teal'c watched Terok as the Goa'uld clenched his jaw. "Breaking your spirit should be extremely satisfying."
Terok motioned to the guards. One brought forth a harness Teal'c immediately recognized. It was often used by the Goa'uld to hobble their prisoners. Teal'c started to rise to his feet, but Terok anticipated his move. The other Jaffa knocked him off his feet with a swipe of his staff weapon and before he knew it, Terok was smiling down at him.
"As for you, Teal'c, I believe I shall start where we left off in our last meeting."
Teal'c barely fumbled to his knees before Terok's ribbon device burned into his skull. He could not speak; he could not move. Was Terok going to finish him this time? Teal'c would not give him the satisfaction. Dimly, he was aware of O'Neill's struggles as the Jaffa strapped him into the tight bindings, collar around his throat, arms wrapped around a bar before manacles around his wrists. O'Neill was cursing and fighting the whole time, focused not on his own plight, but that of Teal'c's.
Just when Teal'c felt he could stand no more, that he would end up betraying his promise to O'Neill after all, Terok released him from his grasp. Teal'c collapsed to the floor. As he fell, his eyes caught O'Neill's. The colonel was spitting fire still at the Goa'uld, but his eye was on Teal'c. O'Neill had made a vow, every step of the way. Teal'c needed to continue to fight. O'Neill would not face this alone.
Teal'c's mental vow was one thing. His physical ability to follow through was another. Terok's torture had left Teal'c weakened and in pain on top of his own barely healed injuries. It was all Teal'c could do to remain conscious. But the reality of reliving the torture reminded of something he had forgotten in his haunting memories. He remembered his defiance and his will to survive. His determination in fighting Terok was even stronger now. Terok too had diminished from the monster that haunted his nights to merely a man inhabited by a parasite. Even if Teal'c was weakened, even if dead, Terok would not win. Tal shekka mel. Teal'c would die free.
Terok's interest had shifted from Teal'c to his friend. He beat O'Neill a few more times, the Tau'ri cursing and mocking him the whole time. Teal'c knew what O'Neill was doing; it was what he always did-keep the attention on him, and not his team. Teal'c still had not the breath or the strength to object. Inflicting pain on O'Neill was part of Terok's plan to break Teal'c.
At that moment, Terok turned and looked at Teal'c. Seeing Teal'c was watching, he grinned. Terok reached out and grasped the pain stick held out in readiness.
"Do you remember this, Teal'c? Do you remember the pain from the scars I have tracked on your body?" Terok kicked him in the tender symbiote pouch and pressed the pain stick there a few moments. Teal'c could feel his primta's agitation.
After a few moments, Terok turning his back on Teal'c and shoved the pain stick into O'Neill's side. O'Neill cried out, light forcing through his mouth, his ears. After what seemed like an eternity, but must have been less than a minute, Terok released O'Neill.
"Gah." O'Neill struggled for breath. "Have to use your little toys to get off, do you, Scarface? Is this to make up for inadequacies in other areas?"
Terok snarled as he shoved the pain stick into O'Neill again. The colonel arced and writhed in pain, his movements hampered by the harness encasing him.
"Foolish Tau'ri. You turn the shol'va against us. You mock me. How dare you interfere with the ways of your betters."
Terok only let go long enough to kick O'Neill in his unprotected abdomen, then struck out again with the pain stick.
Watching his friend go through the torture Teal'c had endured for so long caused something to snap inside him. Fueled purely by rage and adrenalin, Teal'c rose to his feet. He caught the Jaffa off-guard, back fisting one and snatching his staff weapon before the other could ready his own weapon. Teal'c fired at the other guard, then blasted the other one as he tried to regain his equilibrium.
The guards were dead before Terok realized what had happened. He spun at the noise, the pain stick still in his hand as Teal'c struck out. Teal'c knocked the pain stick away with the staff weapon and launched himself at Terok with a fury. His hands closed around the Goa'uld's throat. Terok could not concentrate to use his ribbon device; he scratched feebly with his ribboned hand at Teal'c's face. Teal'c felt the skin break, but it only fueled his rage further. He put more pressure, crushing against bone at the Goa'uld's vulnerable throat.
Terok's struggles ceased. His eyes flashed once before dulling forever.
"Oh my God."
Teal'c turned at the noise and spotted the silhouettes of two very familiar figures in the doorway. Before he could respond to the presence of his teammates, he heard a hacking cough behind him emanating from O'Neill. Teal'c was losing his own tenuous ability to remain upright. He started to falter, but strong hands gripped him, helping him retain his balance. Peripherally, he was aware of a blond head passing him, Major Carter, moving towards O'Neill.
"I've got you, Teal'c," the man holding him upright spoke.
"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c whispered.
"It's okay. I've got you." Daniel grunted slightly. "Of course, it would be a lot easier to keep hold of you if you let go of the Goa'uld."
Daniel shifted his grip and tried to pry Teal'c's fingers free of Terok. It was only then that Teal'c realized he was still holding the corpse of his enemy. Daniel's words remained low and soothing. "It's okay, Teal'c. It's over now."
Teal'c released the body, and it folded to the floor. Both Daniel and Teal'c shifted as their center of gravity changed. Teal'c was aware of Daniel's hands moving over his hands, separating his blood from that of his captors. Daniel Jackson was assessing his injuries, and stealing sidelong glances to where Major Carter was tending O'Neill. Teal'c wanted, needed to do something to let Daniel Jackson know he was all right, if not yet physically, at least in spirit.
Teal'c gripped his friend's arm harder. Daniel Jackson started in surprise and looked at Teal'c's face, clearly trying to determine what pain or problem was getting Teal'c's attention. When Daniel was focused on his face, Teal'c explained.
"When you next join me in kel'no'reem, Daniel Jackson, there will be no 'distractions'."
Daniel Jackson smiled. "I look forward to it, Teal'c."
From behind them, Teal'c could hear O'Neill's voice, pained, but strong. "Ow, Carter. Your Florence Nightingale routine has not improved since Antarctica."
"Sorry, sir."
Teal'c could hear the relief in Major Carter's voice and caught a spark in Daniel Jackson's eye.
"Jack's feeling well enough to complain."
Teal'c nodded. He wished he had been able to prevent O'Neill from any injury. Teal'c looked over to where Major Carter struggled to loosen the last of the colonel's bonds. Major Carter seemed to sense Teal'c's stare, because she looked back at that moment and smiled. She suddenly looked past him, but there was no sense of alarm in her features.
"I finally found out what happened to Bra'tac, Teal'c." She gestured with her chin.
Teal'c spun around so fast, Daniel Jackson could not maintain his grasp on his friend. Both lost their balance and began to tumble to the floor, but the very solid, real, and alive presence of Master Bra'tac was at his side, preventing his fall.
"Tek ma'tek, Teal'c."
"Tek'ma'te, Bra'tac. It is good to see you, old friend."
"And you as well. You have been very busy since our last meeting."
"I believe we have done away with the last of the guards in the area," spoke a new voice.
Teal'c saw Rak'nor standing in the doorway. For a moment, he wondered if this was his imaginings after all, but Daniel Jackson's and Master Bra'tac's firm grasps on his body grounded him to reality. Rak'nor was here, and Bra'tac, and his teammates. And all were alive. Teal'c's heart sang with joy and relief.
Rak'nor's expression grew shocked as he looked down at the body of Terok.
"He is dead, Rak'nor."
"Let us ensure he stays that way, this time, Teal'c." Rak'nor raised his zat'nik'tel with a determined expression on his face.
Bra'tac and Daniel Jackson backed Teal'c away, and Rak'nor fired his zat'nik'tal three times, banishing Terok to memories alone. Teal'c noted the grim set to Daniel Jackson's mouth as he looked at the empty space, but when Daniel Jackson turned his eyes back to Teal'c, only compassion appeared in its depths. A bond of understanding passed between them.
"A word that means nothing." Daniel said.
Teal'c gave a weak nod.
O'Neill needed more assistance moving than Major Carter could provide, and Teal'c was unable to hold himself up for long from the massive pain in his head and weakness of his symbiote. It was decided that Daniel Jackson should support O'Neill, and Rak'nor assist Teal'c. They moved towards the edge of the compound where Major Carter explained they had hidden their transport.
Teal'c shook his head as Rak'nor adjusted his grip around Teal'c. "Once again I owe you my life, Rak'nor."
Rak'nor looked at him, his eyes wide. "It is I who owe you, Teal'c. A debt I can never repay. I have saved your life, but you have saved my soul. You have given me freedom. Kel shek nem ron."
Teal'c smiled. "I too, shall die free, brother."
At one point, O'Neill called to them to pause, gesturing to a satchel. "I think they tossed our gear there. We need the detonator."
Major Carter gathered O'Neill and Teal'c's confiscated equipment, storing several devices into the folds of her robes and keeping a tight hold on the detonator.
O'Neill's voice faltered as he continued to speak while Daniel Jackson half carried him. "Should be on a ten second delay. You'll have to blow it just before going through the Stargate. Will that effect the SGC?"
Major Carter shook her head. "Theoretically, the delay coupled with the time for the blast wave to travel compared to the power shut down on the receiving Stargate..."
"Carter! Please, I have a bad headache."
Major Carter stopped short in her explanation and took a breath, exchanging a look with Teal'c. "Yes, sir. We shut down the Gate as soon as we get home and close the iris, we should be fine."
"Thank you."
Teal'c overheard Major Carter speaking into her radio, informing Lieutenant Colonel Lewis of their status. Teal'c heard O'Neill fumbling with Daniel Jackson's radio before informing the SG-7 leader that he would be ordering a "double" when they returned home.
Bra'tac returned from where he had scouted ahead. "We must move swiftly. More guards may arrive at any time. There is no telling what message Terok may have sent to Apophis."
They moved quickly and quietly. Bra'tac in the lead, guiding their retreat. Rak'nor and Teal'c followed, Teal'c using a staff weapon as a crutch as well as allowing Rak'nor to support more of his weight than he would admit to even himself. Behind them followed Daniel Jackson and O'Neill. Bringing up the rear was Major Carter, covering their flank.
They were almost to the transport when Major Carter's voice cried out in alarm.
Rak'nor and Teal'c spun around with alacrity just in time to see Daniel Jackson drop O'Neill to the ground an instant before a staff blast would have shot across their chests. Major Carter had already crouched down to make a smaller target of herself and fired her zat towards the temple. A dozen Jaffa were quite close their position, and more were pouring out from the pyramid. Apophis must have ringed some groups down from his ha'tak in orbit.
Rak'nor started firing his staff weapon. Teal'c allowed him to loosen his hold. Both stood, side by side, firing at the approaching Jaffa. Their aim was true, several Jaffa fell, but one of the enemy blasts hit home, striking Rak'nor in the leg, causing him to stumble to the ground. Teal'c straddled himself to maintain his balance and continued to fire.
He no longer saw any more Jaffa close by, but there were some in the distance, barely within firing range. Teal'c aimed carefully. He had to eradicate these Jaffa who followed Terok. Rak'nor was yelling something to Teal'c about leaving, but the words held no meaning to Teal'c. He had to stop them. He had to stop them all.
Bra'tac's voice finally filtered through Teal'c's bloodlust. "We cannot defeat all the false gods in one afternoon, old friend."
Teal'c blinked and looked around. Bra'tac was now supporting him, the wounded Rak'nor already shifted onto the transport. Bra'tac must have moved him there, but Teal'c did not recollect that at all. Teal'c still wanted to fight. He needed to destroy those who had tried to destroy so much of himself, had destroyed the innocent humans who lived here. Then another voice sounded behind him, a voice weary, yet strong.
"Teal'c. Let's go home."
O'Neill was by him now, face pale and covered in dirt, still supported by Daniel Jackson. Major Carter was close behind, looking at Teal'c with both compassion and a soldier's eye on their retreat. The three teammates he considered more than colleagues, more than friends, and the man who was almost like a father to Teal'c...his family not of the same blood, but bonded by the blood they had shed together. Teal'c was not alone.
Teal'c thought through this day. He had conquered the Goa'uld who haunted his dreams, and this battle by his friends' side would not give Apophis the naquadah he sought. Perhaps Teal'c had vanquished enough demons for one day. He had reclaimed his honor, his family, and his sense of self. O'Neill was right, it was time to return...home.
Teal'c bowed his head, acknowledging Master Bra'tac and the rest of SG-1--his friends, his family.
"Indeed."
Fin.
For Part 1 and disclaimer, go here: Part 1: Haunting Memories
Part 2 is found here: Part 2: The Mission
Part Three: The Demon
Jack sighed as they were shoved into the small, dank cell. "You know, you guys really should learn a bit more about hospitality."
The Jaffa ignored him and moved back; the Goa'uld gave a cryptic smile, looking back over Jack's shoulder to Teal'c before moving away. Jack really didn't like that expression, and turned back towards his teammate. It was obvious from the snakehead's gloating that there was some really bad blood between this guy and Teal'c. As for his teammate, Teal'c looked pale and in shock. Even though the Goa'uld and Jaffa had moved out of range, his friend remained staring out through the bars.
"Teal'c. Hey, buddy." Jack snapped his fingers in front of his friend, but there was no response. Jack did not like this at all. He studied, and touched Teal'c, trying to find any evidence of a wound or puncture, but there was nothing, though with Goa'uld gizmos, you couldn't always tell. Jaffa were immune to nishta, right? He grabbed the Jaffa's face and bent it towards his slightly shorter frame.
"T? Come on. Answer me. Teal'c, that's an order!"
Teal'c blinked and looked at Jack, but his expression did not change. "I am sorry, O'Neill."
"That's okay. Just don't zone out on me like that anymore. What happened? Are you hurt?"
"You misunderstand. I am sorry you are in this situation."
"Oh, don't go all pessimist on me."
All of Teal'c's words and actions were just confirming Jack's suspicions. This was so not what he needed. He had to snap Teal'c out of the dark place to which he had retreated. Jack knew all about the dark place himself, and it was no place for his friend. He needed Teal'c to be alert if they had a hope of getting out of here.
"Teal'c? Talk to me. I need information. Are you hurt, infected?"
After a delay where it seemed Teal'c was concentrating on processing his words, the Jaffa finally responded. "I am unhurt at this time."
"Well, that's something anyway. We've still got our health, though the amenities aren't great. And knock it off with the apologies. You and I both know it could have been any of us that were captured."
"It is indeed because of me we were captured." Teal'c opened his mouth to say more, then paused.
Jack watched cautiously as Teal'c seemed to become more aware of his surroundings and studied the cell carefully. Jack wondered what his friend saw in the small cell and metal door. A hole in the corner represented what was supposed to be their version of a toilet. Yep, typical crappy cell. Jack hoped it wasn't too similar to the one Teal'c had been in before, because it would be that much harder to keep his mind in the here and now. When Teal'c once again met Jack's gaze, his eyes were more focused, and he seemed relieved. Well, actually, Teal'c's expression was just as stoic as it ever was. However, Jack noted Teal'c's muscles relaxed slightly and his posture shifted a fraction. Years of experience with "Teal'c body language" told Jack his friend was relaxing.
"We may speak freely O'Neill."
"Oh, good." So, Teal'c was scoping out for surveillance. Perhaps his friend wasn't as far gone as Jack had feared.
"Again, I must apologize to you." He glowered sternly as Jack started to interrupt. "I told you I was prepared for the mission, but clearly I was not. My hesitation has allowed your capture as well as mine. It may have even put Major Carter and Daniel Jackson in danger."
Moving from catatonic to a Jaffa guilt trip was not what Jack wanted either. Jack needed to nip that instinct in the bud, before Teal'c got too stubborn about it.
"Oh, no, no, no. Stop it right there. I don't know what you think just happened out there, but we were hosed as soon as we stepped out of the mine. Yeah, I won't deny, you checked out on me, but it would've gone down the same way. We were surrounded by six Jaffa with primed weapons, not to mention ol' glowy eyes and his palm weapon. Teal'c, there was nothing either of us could do. They ambushed us pure and simple, didn't even know who we were until we were caught."
"Six guards? I did not recall..." Teal'c's face looked confused and worried. Yeah, whatever bad memories Scarface had conjured up was keeping Teal'c in a bad place. Teal'c was not normally so unaware of his surrounding nor so open with his emotions.
"It's okay, Teal'c. I kinda noticed you were a bit, er, focused, on the Goa'uld. He's the one who did that to you, isn't he?"
Jack gestured to Teal'c's abdomen, both knowing the scars still healing under the robes. Teal'c dropped his head and averted his eyes. That gave Jack the answer he needed, but unfortunately he was steering Teal'c directly into those old memories which was not where he needed to be. He laid his hand on Teal'c's head and steered his cheek, so the Jaffa would continue to meet his eye.
"Okay, so that's established. Not just a regular snakehead, Scarface gets to top our list of assholes we are going to take down."
"O'Neill..."
Jack's voice became steel, full Colonel mode now. "No one messes with my team, Teal'c. I know where your head is trying to take you. Believe me, buddy, I've been there. But you can't give up hope on me. Give me the intel I need. Who is this guy?"
Teal'c's voice was flat. "His name is Terok. He is a mercenary Goa'uld who tortures enemies of Heru'ur."
"An ashrak?"
"Ashrak are assassins. Terok revels in the torture and pain he inflicts on those who defy their god."
"Sweet." Jack couldn't bite the sarcasm back this time. Teal'c couldn't just have a grudge with some regular run of the mill megalomaniac Goa'uld, he had to pick the Marquis de Sade of snakes. It was no less than Jack expected after the injuries he had seen on Teal'c from that last mission, but hearing confirmation was another thing entirely. Already he could see Teal'c slipping away from him again, lost in the memories of his previous bout of torture.
"Hey, hey, now. Stay with me, Teal'c. He may not play well with others, but he's just another Goa'uld. We've beaten them before, we'll do it again. I know you just went through some bad shit with this guy before, but you're not alone this time, Teal'c. We're in this together, and we're getting out of this together. We just have to wait for the calvary. It's not going to be long before Carter and Daniel figure out what's what and come blazing in here with SG-7."
"You ordered Daniel Jackson and Major Carter to leave with the refugees."
"And since when has that stopped any of us from making sure the rest are right behind? I seem to recall a few occasions when I've ordered you to leave me behind and you haven't followed them, right?" Jack gave a small, grim smile, forcing his own dark memories back.
"Teal'c, the only reason you had to put with Scarface for so long last time was because we didn't know. It's no excuse, but there it is. Do you think I would have left you alone, left you behind if I..." Jack ground his teeth. Trying to prevent Teal'c from going on a guilt trip, and he was burdening his friend with his own. Back to the pep talk.
"You've survived this before. You'll do it again. The only person I know more stubborn than you at defying death is Daniel. And he's got Carter with him, the woman who can piece together a save-the-day-doohickey with a paperclip and piece of gum. With those two at our backs, how can we lose?"
Jack smiled at Teal'c, and received a weak smile in return. Jack knew his friend was just humoring him, but hopefully some of this stuff was sinking through. What Teal'c needed most right now to get him through this was hope.
Teal'c's voice was low and soft, and Jack could barely hear the words. "He would have killed me if not for Rak'nor."
There it was, the words that Jack wouldn't admit to himself. He had almost lost Teal'c. He could still lose Teal'c if he didn't get him out of this despairing funk. Jack knew how much it must have cost the proud warrior to admit that much. Teal'c never betrayed any sign of weakness, and this admission had not been Teal'c's usual matter of fact outlook. Jack had heard the fear in his friend's voice. This Terok had done a bad number on him, and Jack was determined not to let him win this time. Teal'c would do the same for him...had done the same for him.
"Well, there you go. Last time you had Rak'nor. This time you've got me. And I'm not going anywhere."
"I have always been proud to fight by your side, O'Neill." Teal'c spoke as if it was a final farewell. And Jack was not ready for that.
"Back 'atcha, buddy. But we're not out of this fight yet. It won't be long, but you've got to keep your head in the game for me. Do you hear me?"
Teal'c looked back at him wearily. Jack knew he was still being humored. "Teal'c. Undomesticated equines wouldn't tear me away. You go down, I'm going down with you. Now, you can wallow in your pity party, or you can keep your head and stick with me. Are you with me?"
Jack squinted, tracking the emotions flitting over Teal'c's face in the weak light. There it was, the spark, his eyes were alert. "I am with you, O'Neill."
Jack rested his hand on the smooth back of his friend's head.
"That's all I need, buddy. That's all I need."
"What are you doing here?!?"
Sam gaped in shock at the Jaffa who held Daniel. She had tried to gauge from Daniel's demeanor what was happening when they were speaking in the foreign tongues. Unlike the belligerent tone of Goa'uld he had used on the Horus guards, Daniel had spoken more softly in less guttural sounds to the Serpent guards, his whole demeanor screaming subservience. She had taken her cues from him, at least until the one guard grabbed her friend by the arm.
She had moved before thinking, only clamping down on her reaction a moment before a primed staff weapon had been pointed at her face. Daniel had maintained his subservient pose even as she could see his body tensing for action. But all pretense was gone now that Daniel's hood had been torn off. Daniel appeared just as shocked as she was that the Serpent guard spoke in English. A moment later, the helmet lowered, and the features of Master Bra'tac glowered at them.
"Bra'tac." Sam whispered. Some of Teal'c's unstated concerns must have rubbed off on her because she was instantly relieved to see their friend. The other Serpent's guard's helmet lowered, and Sam recognized the features of the young Jaffa who had helped Teal'c escape from Heru'ur.
Daniel recognized him as well. "Rak'nor, isn't it? How did you two end up here?"
"I came to report the death of Heru'ur and try and recruit some of my colleagues to turn against the false gods, as Teal'c convinced me. I found Master Bra'tac already here. We have turned a number of our brothers who have now gone among the forces called to the ships above to spread the word that the gods are false."
"Humans, you have not answered my question. This is a war zone, and dangerous for Tau'ri fools dressed as priests."
Bra'tac released Daniel. Sam noticed her friend wince and unobtrusively try to shake out his upper arm.
Sam quickly jumped in to explain. "We came for the naquadah while the Goa'uld were fighting in other parts of the region."
"The battle is being waged here! This is not place for you."
"Yeah, we kinda noticed," Daniel responded. "We never said our timing was great. Teal'c and Jack ran into a few Serpent guards who weren't as friendly as you."
"Fools. It is a wonder the Tau'ri have such a reputation for accomplishment when they place themselves in these situations." Bra'tac continued speaking in rapid Goa'uld that Sam's limited memories from Jolinar could not begin to decipher. Sam turned a puzzled eye to Daniel.
Daniel shook his head. "You don't want to know."
The pair were startled as the whine of zat blasts sounded behind them. Rak'nor was shooting the Horus guards twice more, causing their bodies to disappear.
"We should leave no trace." Rak'nor solemnly stated.
"Bra'tac, Teal'c's been worried sick about you." She noticed Rak'nor's expression become clouded, but she was too focused on Bra'tac to worry about what that meant.
Bra'tac frowned, his expression curious. "He had no need for concern."
"He did. Teal'c was told you were tortured and killed as a way to break him." Rak'nor's voice was flat as he spoke. Guilt was written all over his face, and Sam wondered how much Rak'nor had witnessed before he helped her friend escape Heru'ur's ha'tak.
Bra'tac spit out another Goa'uld curse before turning back to Sam and Daniel. "Did you see where they took them?"
Sam explained. "It was six Serpent Guards and an armored man, probably a Goa'uld."
Daniel spoke up, pointing to the building where their friends had been taken. "I didn't recognize any insignia on his outfit. He was shorter than Teal'c, with short cropped hair."
Sam continued, "There was a scar running across one eye and down his cheek. I was surprised to see a Goa'uld in such a disfigured host."
"It cannot be! He should be dead. I don't understand."
Sam turned at Rak'nor's surprised outburst. "You know him."
Bra'tac's face set into a grim expression. "You are describing Terok."
Daniel's face paled. "We have to get them out of there, now."
Sam was startled and confused. Everyone seemed to know what was happening but her. "What's going on? Who is this guy? What's he supposed to be god of? Daniel?"
"Um, god of? I don't...I don't know. I've just heard Teal'c mention the name."
Sam blinked, and her eyes widened. Daniel's expression was worried, very worried. He wasn't quite looking at her, and his jaw was set. Sam was starting to put the pieces together, and not liking the answer she was getting.
Rak'nor explained. "Terok is the Goa'uld who tortured Teal'c under Heru'ur."
Sam was not happy that her own conclusion was now confirmed. "But, shouldn't he have blown up with Heru'ur when Apophis fired on the ha'tak?"
Rak'nor shook his head. "No. We ringed Terok aboard Apophis's ship as a distraction while we made our escape to the glider bay. He was dead though, and Apophis would have no use for the underling of his enemy."
"Perhaps he would." Bra'tac cut in. "Apophis is building an army and reestablishing himself as someone to rival the existing System Lords. He cannot do so without lieutenants."
"And Terok, as someone under Heru'ur, would be the perfect choice to send to one of Heru'ur's former worlds." Daniel responded.
Bra'tac nodded. "He must have used the sarcophagus and received Terok's pledge of fealty."
Sam thought quickly. "Have the Serpent Guards completely taken over the temple?"
"No. There is still a great deal of fighting both in orbit above and near the main settlement. Very few guards remain at this outpost, and they dare not fight too close to the mines for fear of destroying the naquadah."
"As well as a sizeable chunk of the planet." Sam remembered her father's description.
Bra'tac nodded. "Just so."
"So probably not more than the half dozen we saw, and they aren't expecting an attack this close to the mines." Sam's mind continued to race. Daniel's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Sam, what are you thinking?"
Sam remembered how helpless they all felt when they thought they were too late to rescue Teal'c by intercepting the rings between Heru'ur's and Apophis's ships. She had caught herself more than once touching Teal'c since they returned to the SGC after that mission, just to reassure herself that her friend was really there. All of them had suffered too many close calls. Now both Teal'c and the Colonel were prisoners, and Sam was not going to let them remain that way a moment longer than necessary. No one got left behind. Bra'tac and Rak'nor would give her and Daniel the edge they needed.
Sam keyed her radio. "Sierra Gulf One Beta to Sierra Gulf Seven."
"We were starting to get worried, Major. What's your status?"
"We've got some unexpected backup and are planning an extraction. We will meet you at the Stargate." she paused and exchanged a grim look with Daniel. They both remembered what Teal'c looked like when he disembarked from Rak'nor's death glider after escaping Terok. "Look for our transport."
"Understood. Sierra Gulf Seven Niner, out."
Teal'c was grateful to his friend. O'Neill's forceful words had brought him back from the abyss of memories to which Teal'c was becoming lost. He trusted O'Neill. O'Neill was with him and needed him. He would not let down his friend.
That newfound strength of purpose was necessary a few moments later. The cell door opened, and Terok entered, flanked by a pair of Jaffa.
"Kneel before your god." A smack to the back of the legs forced Teal'c and O'Neill to the floor.
"You know, you guys really need to get some new material."
Teal'c smiled to himself. He knew O'Neill's antagonizing of the guards was a small reminder to Teal'c to fight. Then Terok's voice echoed through the chamber.
"Insolence from the Tau'ri slave. Is this where you learned it, shol'va?"
"Ah. I'm flattered you think a guy like me could teach Teal'c anything. But I think he was pretty attuned to the crap you guys were shilling long before I crossed his path."
Teal'c watched as O'Neill's head snapped back from the slap Terok slammed across his face. When O'Neill moved upright again, he wiped blood from where the hand device cut his lip.
"Hit a little close to home there, Terok?"
"Apophis will reward me well for bringing to him both the shol'va and his recruiter."
"You know, the last snakehead who called me Teal'c's recruiter ended up in glass jar after the Tok'ra pulled his slimy ass out of a friend of mine."
Teal'c watched Terok as the Goa'uld clenched his jaw. "Breaking your spirit should be extremely satisfying."
Terok motioned to the guards. One brought forth a harness Teal'c immediately recognized. It was often used by the Goa'uld to hobble their prisoners. Teal'c started to rise to his feet, but Terok anticipated his move. The other Jaffa knocked him off his feet with a swipe of his staff weapon and before he knew it, Terok was smiling down at him.
"As for you, Teal'c, I believe I shall start where we left off in our last meeting."
Teal'c barely fumbled to his knees before Terok's ribbon device burned into his skull. He could not speak; he could not move. Was Terok going to finish him this time? Teal'c would not give him the satisfaction. Dimly, he was aware of O'Neill's struggles as the Jaffa strapped him into the tight bindings, collar around his throat, arms wrapped around a bar before manacles around his wrists. O'Neill was cursing and fighting the whole time, focused not on his own plight, but that of Teal'c's.
Just when Teal'c felt he could stand no more, that he would end up betraying his promise to O'Neill after all, Terok released him from his grasp. Teal'c collapsed to the floor. As he fell, his eyes caught O'Neill's. The colonel was spitting fire still at the Goa'uld, but his eye was on Teal'c. O'Neill had made a vow, every step of the way. Teal'c needed to continue to fight. O'Neill would not face this alone.
Teal'c's mental vow was one thing. His physical ability to follow through was another. Terok's torture had left Teal'c weakened and in pain on top of his own barely healed injuries. It was all Teal'c could do to remain conscious. But the reality of reliving the torture reminded of something he had forgotten in his haunting memories. He remembered his defiance and his will to survive. His determination in fighting Terok was even stronger now. Terok too had diminished from the monster that haunted his nights to merely a man inhabited by a parasite. Even if Teal'c was weakened, even if dead, Terok would not win. Tal shekka mel. Teal'c would die free.
Terok's interest had shifted from Teal'c to his friend. He beat O'Neill a few more times, the Tau'ri cursing and mocking him the whole time. Teal'c knew what O'Neill was doing; it was what he always did-keep the attention on him, and not his team. Teal'c still had not the breath or the strength to object. Inflicting pain on O'Neill was part of Terok's plan to break Teal'c.
At that moment, Terok turned and looked at Teal'c. Seeing Teal'c was watching, he grinned. Terok reached out and grasped the pain stick held out in readiness.
"Do you remember this, Teal'c? Do you remember the pain from the scars I have tracked on your body?" Terok kicked him in the tender symbiote pouch and pressed the pain stick there a few moments. Teal'c could feel his primta's agitation.
After a few moments, Terok turning his back on Teal'c and shoved the pain stick into O'Neill's side. O'Neill cried out, light forcing through his mouth, his ears. After what seemed like an eternity, but must have been less than a minute, Terok released O'Neill.
"Gah." O'Neill struggled for breath. "Have to use your little toys to get off, do you, Scarface? Is this to make up for inadequacies in other areas?"
Terok snarled as he shoved the pain stick into O'Neill again. The colonel arced and writhed in pain, his movements hampered by the harness encasing him.
"Foolish Tau'ri. You turn the shol'va against us. You mock me. How dare you interfere with the ways of your betters."
Terok only let go long enough to kick O'Neill in his unprotected abdomen, then struck out again with the pain stick.
Watching his friend go through the torture Teal'c had endured for so long caused something to snap inside him. Fueled purely by rage and adrenalin, Teal'c rose to his feet. He caught the Jaffa off-guard, back fisting one and snatching his staff weapon before the other could ready his own weapon. Teal'c fired at the other guard, then blasted the other one as he tried to regain his equilibrium.
The guards were dead before Terok realized what had happened. He spun at the noise, the pain stick still in his hand as Teal'c struck out. Teal'c knocked the pain stick away with the staff weapon and launched himself at Terok with a fury. His hands closed around the Goa'uld's throat. Terok could not concentrate to use his ribbon device; he scratched feebly with his ribboned hand at Teal'c's face. Teal'c felt the skin break, but it only fueled his rage further. He put more pressure, crushing against bone at the Goa'uld's vulnerable throat.
Terok's struggles ceased. His eyes flashed once before dulling forever.
"Oh my God."
Teal'c turned at the noise and spotted the silhouettes of two very familiar figures in the doorway. Before he could respond to the presence of his teammates, he heard a hacking cough behind him emanating from O'Neill. Teal'c was losing his own tenuous ability to remain upright. He started to falter, but strong hands gripped him, helping him retain his balance. Peripherally, he was aware of a blond head passing him, Major Carter, moving towards O'Neill.
"I've got you, Teal'c," the man holding him upright spoke.
"Daniel Jackson," Teal'c whispered.
"It's okay. I've got you." Daniel grunted slightly. "Of course, it would be a lot easier to keep hold of you if you let go of the Goa'uld."
Daniel shifted his grip and tried to pry Teal'c's fingers free of Terok. It was only then that Teal'c realized he was still holding the corpse of his enemy. Daniel's words remained low and soothing. "It's okay, Teal'c. It's over now."
Teal'c released the body, and it folded to the floor. Both Daniel and Teal'c shifted as their center of gravity changed. Teal'c was aware of Daniel's hands moving over his hands, separating his blood from that of his captors. Daniel Jackson was assessing his injuries, and stealing sidelong glances to where Major Carter was tending O'Neill. Teal'c wanted, needed to do something to let Daniel Jackson know he was all right, if not yet physically, at least in spirit.
Teal'c gripped his friend's arm harder. Daniel Jackson started in surprise and looked at Teal'c's face, clearly trying to determine what pain or problem was getting Teal'c's attention. When Daniel was focused on his face, Teal'c explained.
"When you next join me in kel'no'reem, Daniel Jackson, there will be no 'distractions'."
Daniel Jackson smiled. "I look forward to it, Teal'c."
From behind them, Teal'c could hear O'Neill's voice, pained, but strong. "Ow, Carter. Your Florence Nightingale routine has not improved since Antarctica."
"Sorry, sir."
Teal'c could hear the relief in Major Carter's voice and caught a spark in Daniel Jackson's eye.
"Jack's feeling well enough to complain."
Teal'c nodded. He wished he had been able to prevent O'Neill from any injury. Teal'c looked over to where Major Carter struggled to loosen the last of the colonel's bonds. Major Carter seemed to sense Teal'c's stare, because she looked back at that moment and smiled. She suddenly looked past him, but there was no sense of alarm in her features.
"I finally found out what happened to Bra'tac, Teal'c." She gestured with her chin.
Teal'c spun around so fast, Daniel Jackson could not maintain his grasp on his friend. Both lost their balance and began to tumble to the floor, but the very solid, real, and alive presence of Master Bra'tac was at his side, preventing his fall.
"Tek ma'tek, Teal'c."
"Tek'ma'te, Bra'tac. It is good to see you, old friend."
"And you as well. You have been very busy since our last meeting."
"I believe we have done away with the last of the guards in the area," spoke a new voice.
Teal'c saw Rak'nor standing in the doorway. For a moment, he wondered if this was his imaginings after all, but Daniel Jackson's and Master Bra'tac's firm grasps on his body grounded him to reality. Rak'nor was here, and Bra'tac, and his teammates. And all were alive. Teal'c's heart sang with joy and relief.
Rak'nor's expression grew shocked as he looked down at the body of Terok.
"He is dead, Rak'nor."
"Let us ensure he stays that way, this time, Teal'c." Rak'nor raised his zat'nik'tel with a determined expression on his face.
Bra'tac and Daniel Jackson backed Teal'c away, and Rak'nor fired his zat'nik'tal three times, banishing Terok to memories alone. Teal'c noted the grim set to Daniel Jackson's mouth as he looked at the empty space, but when Daniel Jackson turned his eyes back to Teal'c, only compassion appeared in its depths. A bond of understanding passed between them.
"A word that means nothing." Daniel said.
Teal'c gave a weak nod.
O'Neill needed more assistance moving than Major Carter could provide, and Teal'c was unable to hold himself up for long from the massive pain in his head and weakness of his symbiote. It was decided that Daniel Jackson should support O'Neill, and Rak'nor assist Teal'c. They moved towards the edge of the compound where Major Carter explained they had hidden their transport.
Teal'c shook his head as Rak'nor adjusted his grip around Teal'c. "Once again I owe you my life, Rak'nor."
Rak'nor looked at him, his eyes wide. "It is I who owe you, Teal'c. A debt I can never repay. I have saved your life, but you have saved my soul. You have given me freedom. Kel shek nem ron."
Teal'c smiled. "I too, shall die free, brother."
At one point, O'Neill called to them to pause, gesturing to a satchel. "I think they tossed our gear there. We need the detonator."
Major Carter gathered O'Neill and Teal'c's confiscated equipment, storing several devices into the folds of her robes and keeping a tight hold on the detonator.
O'Neill's voice faltered as he continued to speak while Daniel Jackson half carried him. "Should be on a ten second delay. You'll have to blow it just before going through the Stargate. Will that effect the SGC?"
Major Carter shook her head. "Theoretically, the delay coupled with the time for the blast wave to travel compared to the power shut down on the receiving Stargate..."
"Carter! Please, I have a bad headache."
Major Carter stopped short in her explanation and took a breath, exchanging a look with Teal'c. "Yes, sir. We shut down the Gate as soon as we get home and close the iris, we should be fine."
"Thank you."
Teal'c overheard Major Carter speaking into her radio, informing Lieutenant Colonel Lewis of their status. Teal'c heard O'Neill fumbling with Daniel Jackson's radio before informing the SG-7 leader that he would be ordering a "double" when they returned home.
Bra'tac returned from where he had scouted ahead. "We must move swiftly. More guards may arrive at any time. There is no telling what message Terok may have sent to Apophis."
They moved quickly and quietly. Bra'tac in the lead, guiding their retreat. Rak'nor and Teal'c followed, Teal'c using a staff weapon as a crutch as well as allowing Rak'nor to support more of his weight than he would admit to even himself. Behind them followed Daniel Jackson and O'Neill. Bringing up the rear was Major Carter, covering their flank.
They were almost to the transport when Major Carter's voice cried out in alarm.
Rak'nor and Teal'c spun around with alacrity just in time to see Daniel Jackson drop O'Neill to the ground an instant before a staff blast would have shot across their chests. Major Carter had already crouched down to make a smaller target of herself and fired her zat towards the temple. A dozen Jaffa were quite close their position, and more were pouring out from the pyramid. Apophis must have ringed some groups down from his ha'tak in orbit.
Rak'nor started firing his staff weapon. Teal'c allowed him to loosen his hold. Both stood, side by side, firing at the approaching Jaffa. Their aim was true, several Jaffa fell, but one of the enemy blasts hit home, striking Rak'nor in the leg, causing him to stumble to the ground. Teal'c straddled himself to maintain his balance and continued to fire.
He no longer saw any more Jaffa close by, but there were some in the distance, barely within firing range. Teal'c aimed carefully. He had to eradicate these Jaffa who followed Terok. Rak'nor was yelling something to Teal'c about leaving, but the words held no meaning to Teal'c. He had to stop them. He had to stop them all.
Bra'tac's voice finally filtered through Teal'c's bloodlust. "We cannot defeat all the false gods in one afternoon, old friend."
Teal'c blinked and looked around. Bra'tac was now supporting him, the wounded Rak'nor already shifted onto the transport. Bra'tac must have moved him there, but Teal'c did not recollect that at all. Teal'c still wanted to fight. He needed to destroy those who had tried to destroy so much of himself, had destroyed the innocent humans who lived here. Then another voice sounded behind him, a voice weary, yet strong.
"Teal'c. Let's go home."
O'Neill was by him now, face pale and covered in dirt, still supported by Daniel Jackson. Major Carter was close behind, looking at Teal'c with both compassion and a soldier's eye on their retreat. The three teammates he considered more than colleagues, more than friends, and the man who was almost like a father to Teal'c...his family not of the same blood, but bonded by the blood they had shed together. Teal'c was not alone.
Teal'c thought through this day. He had conquered the Goa'uld who haunted his dreams, and this battle by his friends' side would not give Apophis the naquadah he sought. Perhaps Teal'c had vanquished enough demons for one day. He had reclaimed his honor, his family, and his sense of self. O'Neill was right, it was time to return...home.
Teal'c bowed his head, acknowledging Master Bra'tac and the rest of SG-1--his friends, his family.
"Indeed."
Fin.
For Part 1 and disclaimer, go here: Part 1: Haunting Memories
Part 2 is found here: Part 2: The Mission