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Family Feud

Casey stepped closer to Daniel as they moved away from the ring transport, adjusting her pack. She was looking around with interest when movement in the intersecting corridor caught her eye. Had she just seen a woman and two children walk down that hallway?

Jack was the first to notice the confused look on the seer’s face. "What’s up, Radar?"

"I could swear I just saw…" She broke off, shook her head. "I must be tired or something."

Jack tried to hide his grin. He was certain he knew the reason the seer hadn’t had as much rest as she should have.

"What did you see?" Daniel asked gently.

"A woman and two children," the seer responded, shaking her head a second time.

Bra’tac stared for a few seconds at Teal’c. So, he has thrown off all reminders of his time as First Prime. He turned his attention to the young seer…and smiled warmly at her. "You may have," he said easily. All eyes swung to the Jaffa Master. He grinned broadly. "Pedram pointed out that if any System Lords were to meet with him here, it would look odd if he didn’t have slaves and a harem. He has reappeared far stronger than any would dare believe…to not have slaves…" Bra’tac shrugged. "It would make the others question. We cannot allow that to happen."

"Okay, that makes sense," Daniel said.

"So, the free Jaffa who have volunteered to be Pedram’s faithful, brought along their families. If we need the illusion, they can fulfill that need," Bra’tac continued, as he led the team down the corridor.

"Isn’t it dangerous, having them on a ship that could be in battle?" Casey asked, a slight frown wrinkling her brow.

Bra’tac’s smile disappeared. "No more dangerous that remaining on Chulak. The planet is actually in more danger than we are here."

"Because it is easier to attack, and more difficult to defend," Teal’c added.

"Yes," the older Jaffa nodded. "Now that Apophis has returned, other Goa’uld will be determined to destroy what they see as the source of his power. If these brave Jaffa are to die, if their families are to die, then it is better that they are together, is it not?"

Casey’s frown deepened. "I’d rather they not die at all. I promise to do all I can…I’ll do searches to make certain this ship isn’t in danger."

Bra’tac smiled. "That you would do so for us is most gratifying. Thank you."

Daniel sighed mentally. He was certain that Casey would insist on doing those searches on a regular basis. He was also certain that he would be holding her for each one…a thought that brought a small smile to his lips. She insisted she needed his help, and had even convinced their teammates that she couldn’t do a search without him. Which, in his mind, was a good thing. He needed to hold her as much as she seemed to need him to do so.

Teal’c led the way into the corridor. "Where will we be staying?"

"In the guest rooms. If we must, we can have you in a holding cell in just a matter of minutes, and those in charge of cleaning will have your belongings hidden in storage lockers before any System Lords come aboard," Bra’tac replied. "If those System Lords bring servants or slaves to spy on Apophis, they will find nothing that will give our deception away."

"Will Casey be playing the part of Pedram’s Consort?" Daniel asked.

Once again a wide smile lit the old Jaffa’s face. "Yes. Jacob Carter believed it would be most efficient in stirring Ba’al’s wrath, and would certainly make the other Goa’uld hesitant to move against him. After all, none of them have been able to hold the infamous SG-1 for longer than a few days."

"A few hours is the average," Jack boasted, bringing proud grins to the faces of his team. He glanced at Casey. "So, ready to play Consort?" The question wasn’t idle…he knew that her time as Ba’al’s prisoner had left an indelible scar on her very soul. He’d be able to tell…by watching her expressive eyes…if she was truly up to the job. He bit his lip to keep from grinning at the glee that filled those green depths.

"I’ll be sure to be extra obedient and submissive," the seer giggled.

Daniel chuckled. "Are you that good an actress?"

Everyone, including the Jaffa who had been in the corridor when SG-1 arrived, and were following along, chuckled loudly.

Casey turned to face her Husband. "Oh, you are just a laugh a minute."

"So which Ba’al will it bother most?" Jack asked.

"Oh, please, real or fake, they’re both batshit crazy. So it will spin both of them up," Casey retorted immediately. More laughter ensued.

"It will be like salt in a wound," Sam nodded. "Especially since Casey fought him every moment. To see her with Apophis, behaving like an obedient little Consort…it will make him furious."

"It will also make the other Goa’uld more fearful of Apophis," Teal’c said.

"How so?" Daniel asked frowning slightly. It was expected that a slave be obedient – how would Casey’s apparent capitulation be any different?

"Because of all the Goa’uld to capture SG-1, hold them as prisoner, it will appear that only Apophis is strong enough to truly break the much-hated – and feared – SG-1," Teal’c explained. "It is known throughout the galaxy that three times Ba’al has held Casey, and each time she escaped him. It is known that at least three times, Ba’al has held SG-1, and each time, the team returned to the SGC unscathed."

"So," Daniel mused, "Seeing SG-1 subservient, especially seeing Casey so submissive, will only add to the idea that Apophis is stronger than everyone around him."

"Indeed, Daniel Jackson," Teal’c nodded. "It will also make Ba’al appear even weaker in the eyes of the other System Lords."

"That will indeed make Apophis appear far more powerful than Ba’al," Bra’tac nodded. "Apophis was always among the strongest of the System Lords. For many years, he was second only to Ra. His death allowed Ba’al to rise in strength. Ba’al was able to take over a large portion of Apophis’ holdings. But he never held the loyalty of Jaffa, even his own, that Apophis was able to command."

The team and their escorts stopped in front of the lift.

"You must also remember that Ba’al is the most disliked among the Goa’uld," Bra’tac continued. "System Lords ignored him for the most part...ignoring his constant blustering. They fought against him, often in a loosely formed alliance, when he tried to overstep his status. While Apophis was as apt to turn on an ally as a foe, he did usually honor any agreements he reached with other System Lords. Nor does Ba’al have a reputation as a strong System Lord, but rather as a fool who will do as he pleases. His actions upon Apophis’ death were most disreputable, according to the rules of the Empire. His actions stirred many of the others to react in a similar manner."

Jack snorted. "Seriously? Those snakes will turn on each other at the drop of a hat."

Teal’c gave one of his rare smiles. "Before the Tau’ri killed Ra, the rules of the Goa’uld Empire were very strict…and the consequences of not following those rules swift and brutal."

"By killing Ra, we really did knock the Goa’uld down," Daniel said, surprise in his voice.

"Indeed. If Ra could be killed, and so easily – by slaves, no less – none were safe. Because of that fear, the rules that had guided the Empire, and the very Empire itself…began to crumble," Teal’c nodded. "For Apophis, one of the strongest System Lords after Ra’s death, to return from the dead-"

"Or at least appear to have returned from the dead," Casey interjected with a grin.

Teal’c grinned in return. "There are no System Lords willing to question this return. Anubis returned."

"And disappeared again," Jack reminded the Jaffa.

"None believe that he will not at some point in time reappear," Bra’tac said. "Too many of the System Lords are still rebuilding after the battles against Anubis and those who bent knee to him."

"But he was using the Jaffa of those Goa’uld who served him, not his own," Casey argued.

"Yes, he was. And losses were suffered by his allies," Bra’tac reminded her. "Though technically the Goa’uld who followed Anubis had won, their own Jaffa armies were also diminished in those battles."

"Which in turn was the reason Ba’al was able to sweep in and put himself on the top of the heap," Daniel surmised.

"Exactly so," Bra’tac acknowledged.

"So, the return of Apophis is really screwing with their minds," Jack concluded.

"Indeed," Teal’c nodded.

"And, by having SG-1 in a holding cell, and Casey at his side as his Consort, that confirms Apophis’ strength," Daniel concluded. "Especially if those things happened almost as soon as he returned."

"Correct, Daniel Jackson," Teal’c confirmed.

"To have so many of his own ships answering only to Apophis has also made Ba’al more afraid," Bra’tac added. "No doubt the others will flee after destroying Ba’al, in an attempt to prevent Apophis from destroying them."

"Running and hiding. Typical snakes," Jack muttered.

"And they will be much weakened," Bra’tac reminded him. "And with so many of their holdings no longer in their hands, to rebuild will be nearly impossible."

"They will battle one another to prevent any one from gaining too much strength," M’zel predicted. "They will have little, and will risk it all to prevent any of their ‘brothers and sisters’ from gaining one iota more than they hold."

"So predictable," Jack said. His face lit up with a smile. "And we get to make their lives just miserable."

Daniel grinned. "That will sure be a turn of events, won’t it? Us just bugging the hell out of them every chance we get, instead of them having us running around trying to stop them."

"It will make the job a lot more fun," Jack replied, grinning in return.

M’zel paused, a frown on his face. He turned to Jack. "Do you believe it would be prudent for SG-1 to be…should you look as if you struggled against the Jaffa who captured you?"

Jack frowned, glancing at Casey. Her words about appearing broken echoing through his mind. "It might be better if we appeared to have given up without a fight…just as shocked that Apophis is back as the Goa’uld are."

"I agree," Bra’tac said.

"We will put you in the holding cells for now," M’zel said.

Bra’tac paused beside the Jaffa. "No…Apophis would first flaunt that he had captured SG-1. He would also have made Casey his Consort immediately, simply because Ba’al claims her as such."

Daniel nodded. "We figured as much. We also thought he’d probably find perverse pleasure in torturing me by making me his lo’taur. I’d be in a position to see Casey, possibly even have to witness Apophis raping her…but I’d be unable to protect her."

He congratulated himself…his voice had remained firm and calm. The unease he’d felt when contemplating what the real Apophis would have done was thankfully missing. No doubt the conversation he’d had with his Wife, as well as the time spent in her arms, had helped him tremendously.

"Casey informed us that several of the Goa’uld serving Ba’al had lo’taurs and slaves," Jack said. "We figure the Colonel and I can fill those jobs. Teal’c would no doubt be immediately returned to his place as First Prime."

Bra’tac nodded. "Indeed. He would use the threat of your safety to lure Teal’c back to his side. Subtle use of nish’ta for a short time would be all he needed to do to make certain Teal’c’s return to his side would be sincere."

"Really? I thought that it had to be continual to work," Sam said, surprised.

"The training that Jaffa go through is quite…severe," Bra’tac said, his voice low. "Nish’ta can bring that training back, with just a few carefully chosen words and phrases. As long as nothing contradicts those feelings…as long as Teal’c doesn’t begin to question his training, he would remain faithful."

"That’s just wrong," Jack grumbled.

"However, as long as Teal’c has been free, and been a rebel, it is doubtful that Apophis would be able to succeed a second time in ‘retraining’ him," Bra’tac grinned. "I do not believe the other Goa’uld are aware of this."

"Just allowing them to know that I serve in order to protect my friends will be enough," Teal’c said confidently.

"I will call the Tok’ra who are serving as Goa’uld in service to Apophis. They will decide whether you shall be slaves or lo’taur,’ Bra’tac told Jack.

"Works for me," Jack said amiably.

"Now, it is time to present you to Apophis. I am positive he’ll make certain that all of the System Lords gathered nearby are privy to your submission. Ba’al especially."

"What about the clone?" Casey asked.

Bra’tac took a deep breath. "Killed by Rebel Jaffa. They report that the symbiote he carried was small and deformed."

"Well, scratch one bad guy," was the seer’s response. "Kinda glad that Ba’al was prevented from doing the deed. He could have killed him and then declared he’d never existed. Which would have been hard to prove, if he had the body and symbiote, such as it was." She paused, tilting her head slightly. "If he had killed the clone, he could have claimed that it had all been a ruse by one of the System Lords to turn the others against him. He’d probably even announce that as long as they were all together, he was claiming the title of Supreme System Lord."

"Balls is so predictable," Jack sighed.

Bra’tac bit back a smile, then held out his hand. "Let us go to the pel’tak."

"Indeed," Teal’c nodded. "No doubt Apophis has already reported what ‘his’ Jaffa have accomplished."

Bra’tac grinned broadly. "And those gathered have already sworn their allegiance to him. To see the great SG-1 in chains before him…"

"But we’ve always managed to escape," Casey interjected, tugging her lip between her teeth.

"There is enough fear of Apophis at this moment that none will believe it possible for you to escape. Especially as he is surrounded by almost twenty ships."

"Damn," Jack whistled softly. "Glad to know this is all make-believe. If we really were prisoners of Apophis, escaping from him would be damned near impossible."

The Jaffa master nodded in agreement. "Especially if all Jaffa who had once been rebels were loyal to a newly returned, formerly strong System Lord."

"Sure glad this is make-believe," Jack repeated, shuddering slightly.

Bra’tac led the team to the pel’tak. Pedram smiled warmly at the faces of those he considered friends.

"Pedram!" Casey said, moving forward to grasp his hand. "You look good!"

The Apophis look-alike smiled. "I feel well."

"Dad told us you were joined with one of their most important spies," Sam said, also reaching out shake Pedram’s hand.

"I am. Vanshu has been a most…enjoyable…guest," Pedram said. "Please, I do want you to meet him."

"We’d love to meet your Tok’ra," Casey said, smiling brightly.

With a nod, Pedram lowered his eyes. There was a barely discernable flash, and when he looked up, it was obvious that the Tok’ra was in control. "I am Vanshu."

"I’m Casey Jackson," the young seer said, once again shaking hands with Pedram. Or his body, at least.

Vanshu smiled. "Pedram has told me much about you. About all of you," he said, looking at each of the faces around him. "He tells me that you are most honorable."

Jack shifted slightly. "Just wish we could have got him back home."

"While I understand that desire, I must admit that I am most pleased that he decided to stay in our reality, and to join with me. Yes, yes, I will tell them," Vanshu said, an indulgent smile on his face. "He wishes for me to convey his satisfaction with our joining. We have spent many hours talking, he and I. I am most fortunate to have such a man as host."

I am aware, my friend.

"Well, I’m thrilled to know that the two of you are already so close," Casey bubbled happily. "You’re both going to be superb at playing the part of Apophis."

"I hope we live up to your words of praise," Vanshu replied.

"We sorta had an idea for the parts we should play, as your prisoners," Jack said.

Vanshu nodded eagerly. "Pedram was certain you would have plans that would benefit our mission."

Jack nodded, couldn’t help but grin. Pedram must have really talked up what SG-1 had managed to do in helping his own people. "We figure it’s a given that he’d want to make Casey his Consort…just to piss off Ba’al."

"I agree. Bra’tac and I have discussed this as well."

"We also think Apophis was just twisted enough to make Daniel his lo’taur," Jack continued.

Pedram’s eyes went wide. "That would be…cruel…indeed," Vanshu said, almost choking on the word.

"How better to break both of them, than to put them in a position to see one another almost constantly, yet be unable to free one another, or even touch one another," Teal’c said softly.

"True," Vanshu agreed.

"Teal’c would be put back into place as First Prime," Jack added. "Bra’tac says there’s a quick and easy way to make him compliant."

"Threatening your lives," Vanshu said immediately.

"As well as use of nish’ta, at least until his training is fully in control of his mind once again," Bra’tac added.

"Again, very much something this Goa’uld would do."

"We figure that handing us over to any Goa’uld who serve Apophis would be something to keep us out of the way, but certainly not in a position to try to escape," Jack finished.

Once again Vanshu nodded. "Your ideas and reasoning are most sensible. I shall call the Tok’ra who have joined us on this mission. But first, the other Goa’uld must see Apophis restraining you, and putting an ‘end’ to SG-1."

Casey took a deep breath. This was what they had come for. She reached out, and wrapped her fingers around Daniel’s hand.

"Case?" He asked softly.

"Just keep reminding me that this isn’t real," she whispered.

"I promise," he replied.

Manacles were brought in and the teammates were bound, hand and foot. The Jaffa helped each of them to kneel down on the floor in front of the throne where Vanshu was settling himself.

"Because this is SG-1, with a reputation of escape, I want every Jaffa to have their staff weapons armed and aimed," Vanshu instructed. "Just please make certain that if one should accidentally go off, you hit the floor or a wall or the ceiling, and not our allies."

The Jaffa murmured their understanding.

Vanshu looked around, made certain that everyone was in position, then nodded to Lo’teal, who waited patiently beside the communications controls. "Goa’uld!" the Tok’ra said sternly, as soon as he’d been given the signal to speak. "Hear me!"

Ba’al frowned when the face of his enemy appeared on the communication screen of his pel’tak. What does he want now? he thought irritably.

Whatever it is, you know it won’t be good for you, the host taunted.

Silence! The mental order was given almost absently.

His eyes widened when he realized that the figures kneeling in front of Apophis were none other than the members of SG-1. Even from the distance, through the lenses of the communications and video devices, he could see Casey’s slender body trembling slightly. "Noc!" he whispered, his hands closing into tightly clenched fists.

"I have captured those who tried to kill me," Vanshu declared. "No longer will these Tau’ri wander the galaxy, and nor will they ever again challenge my strength. Behold, my captives. Those known as SG-1."

They were yanked to their feet, then hustled to stand in front of Apophis. Vanshu rose and walked around each of them. He reached out and caressed Casey’s cheek. "The life you knew before is no longer. You will serve me. But I will be generous, and your life will be one of pleasure. You, Beautiful One, will become my Consort."

For one moment Casey felt as if she were going to be ill. She struggled slightly, but stilled the instant Vanshu made his eyes glow, as if he were angry. Totally unaware of how wide her eyes had become, or that her cheeks had paled significantly, all those observing were certain that the Tau’ri was as truly terrified as she appeared to be.

"You are known as Casey, are you not?" Vanshu asked, almost gently.

She struggled to remain silent. When once again Vanshu made his eyes glow, she lowered her eyes. "Yes," she said softly.

"My spies tell me you sent a most…amusing…message to Ba’al," Vanshu said.

One shoulder moved up and down slightly.

Casey looked up at her ‘captor’, her eyes filled with fear. Part of her wasn’t acting. The situation felt too damned real for her comfort. "I…I-"

Once again Vanshu caressed her cheek. "Bra’tac! Repeat the message this seer sent to Ba’al."

Bra’tac started slightly, then moved to stand beside his ‘master’. "I am not sure I remember precisely the words."

"Just do your best," Vanshu said cheerfully. "Ba’al, you will no doubt recognize this...’message’."

The older Jaffa took a deep breath. "Her message was, ‘Ba’al if you were half as smart as you think you are, you would find the farthest galaxy you can find, and hide your sorry ass there. But because you have more ego than brains, I am starting a betting pool on which System Lord pops your ass out of existence.’"

Vanshu spared a glance at Bra’tac, then turned his attention back to Casey. He burst into laughter. "Did you really say this to Ba’al?"

"In a message, yes," she said, her voice almost a whisper.

"Delightful," Vanshu declared.

Ba’al shot to his feet, and howled with anger. "NOC!" He ignored the Jaffa who jumped with surprise around him. He did not ignore the snorts of barely concealed laughter that reached his ears. Only he had been privy to the message the Tau’ri had passed on to him…and he had spoken of it to no one. "Lies! Apophis speaks lies. Casey admits to something she never did!" he declared.

The Jaffa, it seemed, weren’t convinced. Several tried to hide the smiles they couldn’t contain.

His host laughed loudly. Ba’al, you are played as a fool! See how easily he controls her? She is truly afraid of him, the host continued. He taunts you with a message meant only for your ears.

The words of the message echoed in his head. Now all of the System Lords knew of the taunting message Casey had sent him…words that revealed her hatred of him. He shuddered slightly…his illusion of having her as his Consort crumbling.

He stared, watching the slender figure tremble as Apophis continued to caress her cheek. No! I will not allow this! I will rescue her…she will be at my side!

Why was this damnable host telling him about Casey’s love for Jackson? What did that have to do with saving her, winning her love?

The words burned through his mind. The look of sheer hatred that had filled her eyes so many times filled his memory. "Noc," he whispered. All he had to do was rescue her from Apophis. He would win her love through the act of saving her from an abusive captor. She will love me!

The scene playing out on the pel’tak of ‘Apophis’ ha’tak continued.

Vanshu waved a Jaffa closer. "Take her to my quarters. See that she is prepared to take her place as my Consort."

"Yes, My Lord." The Jaffa saluted, and took one slender arm in his hand. When she stumbled, due to the manacles around her ankles, the Jaffa simply put an arm around her waist and hoisted her over his shoulder.

Vanshu made it obvious that he was looking over the other ‘captives’. His gaze stopped on Daniel. "Ah, Daniel Jackson. The Tau’ri who killed my beloved Amaunet. For that alone, I should snuff out your life!"

Daniel flinched slightly. The comment had been totally unexpected. He was unaware of the look of shock that his face conveyed. Just as Casey had, he fought a moment of nausea. It’s just an act, he told himself.

"Once again I take what is yours. And once again you are powerless to stop me." Vanshu said, smirking at the young man.

"I’ll save Casey," Daniel hissed. Damn, this is feeling way to friggin’ real!

Vanshu chuckled. "I think not. You were not able to save your Sha’re, were you?"

The guilt over Sha’re’s capture and death had never been completely assuaged. It writhed uncomfortably in his chest. Daniel tried to stare down Vanshu, but instead lowered his eyes, unwilling to allow anyone to witness the remorse against which he struggled.

"As I have not yet chosen a lo’taur, Daniel Jackson, I will take you as such. You will do exactly as you are told, or she will suffer my wrath," Vanshu said. "Do you understand?"

Daniel felt himself beginning to shake. He didn’t realize that his disquiet was visible to those watching. Yep, too damned real. He nodded his head. "I understand," he said quietly.

Another Jaffa was motioned forward. "Take him," Vanshu said. "Prepare him to take his place as my lo’taur."

The Jaffa, M’zel, nodded his understanding. "As you wish, My Lord," he said.

The System Lords watching were shocked to see that the Tau’ri archaeologist, known to struggle at every opportunity, went as meekly as a lamb…shuffling slowly as a result of the manacles around his ankles. Watched as the Jaffa led him off the pel’tak...a broken man.

Kali was furious, her hands curled into fists as Apophis declared that Daniel Jackson would serve him as lo’taur. "He is mine!" she hissed.

"No, My Lord, not now," Ashoka said quietly. "Do not anger Apophis. He will destroy you. Even newly returned, he controls more ships than you. He is almost an even match for Ba’al, now."

The Goa’uld settled back against her throne. Her eyes moved over the gathered ships that now filled the view-port, all waiting until Apophis had ended his little display of power. None daring to interrupt.

That thought brought her up short. Daniel’s eyes had been full of fear. Not once had he ever looked at her with such fear. He had looked at her with disdain. Even hatred. He had never been afraid to voice his hatred of her. Not once had he ever considered her a threat to his life.

It didn’t matter. Or, she thought, maybe it does. No doubt if she were to offer him the position as her lo’taur once again, he would accept gladly. All she needed to do was find something – no...someone – who would be of interest to Apophis. Someone she could offer in trade for Daniel Jackson. And the Tau’ri would come willingly to her side…and her bed.

Ashoka watched the Goa’uld he served. He knew her well, and already suspected the plans she was making. "His love for his wife is great. He will do whatever he must in order to protect her."

"I will offer him more than just the life of lo’taur," Kali retorted, making the decision in that moment to make Daniel Jackson her Consort. "He knows he cannot escape from Apophis. How much will he love his wife after he watches her give herself to her new master? No, he will accept my offer with gratitude."

And slit your throat the first opportunity he has to do so, the High Priest thought. He wished for the day to be over. So that he could make his way to the planet he had chosen for his escape. He had served Kali for decades...she had been cunning, often cruel, always taking whatever steps were necessary to maintain her status as a System Lord.

Then she had captured Daniel Jackson. No matter what she claimed, the Tau’ri had controlled her. Changed her. She became so desperate to win his attention...his love...that she had turned her back on everything but that determination to once again have the man at her side. Ashoka was just as determined that he would no longer serve a Goa’uld so wrapped up in her own deceptions that she could no longer see reality. Her delusions were putting everyone around her, including him, in danger. No more, he thought determinedly.

Vanshu stopped next in front of Teal’c. "Teal’c. You served me well for many years. For that reason, I will again show my generosity. I forgive your impudence. You will once again take your place at my side as First Prime."

"I will not," Teal’c said immediately.

"I will kill them with my own hands if you refuse," Vanshu said coldly.

Teal’c stared for a moment, then lowered his head. He was most happy to know that this was merely a performance for the Goa’uld who watched…especially Ba’al.

Bra’tac stepped forward. "My Lord, I will see that Teal’c is reminded of his training as your First Prime."

Vanshu was barely able to hide his surprise. "Very well," he replied, certain that the Jaffa had spoken out for a reason.

The older Jaffa stopped in front of his former student. "Come, Teal’c. You will soon remember your place. We will start with your appearance."

Teal’c raised on eyebrow. Barely caught the slight smile, and the subtle wink. For one moment he was at a loss for what Bra’tac was obviously doing. Was barely able to hold back his smile when the memory of leaving the SGC just hours earlier raced forward. Janet had heard the call for SG-1, and had arrived in the ‘gate room just minutes after the team had done so. As he and the team left the supply room, she had tugged him into a quiet alcove, and gently kissed him. Her hands had moved over his chest…his shoulders. Then she had moved her fingers on the short hair that was growing back on his head. For the first time since he’d been but a child, his head was unshaven. He followed Bra’tac off the pel’tak. No doubt the old man would have much to say about the change.

Vanshu examined Jack, and then Sam. "You have been most annoying. However, your lives belong to me now. There is no escape." Vanshu looked from one face to the other, and then gave a cold smile. "I have loyal Goa’uld who serve me. You will fulfill whatever position they choose for you."

Jack started to reply. Vanshu raised his hand, on which a Goa’uld hand device glittered. He snapped his mouth shut. He dropped his eyes when ‘Apophis’ continued to stare at him.

Sam swallowed so hard that it was visible to all who were witness to the scene of Apophis taking SG-1 as his prisoners.

Vanshu returned to his throne, and waved a hand. "Take them. Prepare them for their new lives as my slaves."

Once more, Jaffa moved forward to obey. Aron and Adal took the ‘prisoners’, and escorted them out of the room.

The System Lords watched with disbelief as the two, as prone to struggle against Jaffa as Daniel Jackson, allowed themselves to be taken without even a token protest. The ‘demonstration’ had been more successful than the participants could have anticipated. Goa’uld hearts pounded with fear as they watched. Apophis was far more powerful than it seemed was possible. Jaffa who had been loyal to him had flocked back to his side. Even those who had never served him rushed to offer themselves to his army. He’d managed to capture the most wanted Tau’ri in the galaxy…with apparently little effort. And in just a matter of hours, had broken their spirits completely. How were they to battle against that?

Vanshu stared at the communication screen, knowing that his image was being displayed on every ship that filled space around him. "I will not tolerate disobedience. You will obey my orders, or I will destroy you. Ba’al, you are guilty of crimes against the Empire. For that, I condemn you to death!"

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