The Cost of Honor

by Stargate

  There was a sound, a mere hint of a whisper behind her. Sam spun to her feet, heart hammering as she peered into the darkness. Nothing. All was silent but for Koash's suddenly uneven breathing. He was frozen, like a cat sensing prey. Or, perhaps, the prey sensing the cat. His eyes were wide, tremors rippling along his skinny arms.

  Outcast. She heard his thought, drenched in horror. He was staring past her, as if he could see through the impenetrable gloom. They are coming. They are coming!

  "Who?" she hissed, backing up a step. His fear was contagious and began to squirm in the pit of her belly. "Who is coming?"

  Another sound, the pat of flesh on stone. A footstep, behind her. Sam turned again, forcing her sluggish legs to work. The hilt of the knife grew slick in her sweating palm, and she longed for a P90, or a zat, or her team. Most of all her team, covering her six. "Who's there?" she called. "Show yourself"

  Koash had crumpled into a shivering heap, arms over his head, whimpering. His mind was full of half-formed imaginings, bloody images of murder, flesh ripped apart. It sickened her, and she tried to tune it out, rubbing at the stinging ridges on her face, trying to blot him from her mind.

  A shuffling, snuffling noise - breathing - came from behind her. All around her. She backed up against the wall of the narrow alley. "Who are you?" she called again. "Who's there?"

  No answer. But then... Oh God. She saw a face, emerging bone-white from the night as if rising from the pits of hell. Thin, leathered skin hung in folds around sunken features, wild eyes staring from deep sockets, and a mouth stretched wide in a silent scream. Or in hunger.

  Sam shrank back, trapped against the wall. Oh God, oh God... She knew that face. She knew that face!

  Outcast! Koash wailed. Outcast!

  Filaments of red, like fading blood vessels, covered the creature's skin. Lank, scrappy hair fell to its shoulders. Clutching white fingers in the dark, coming out of nowhere... It moved closer, its starving body limping into a shard of moonlight. Shreds of clothing still clung to it, only seeming to accentuate its emaciation. It sniffed the air, then lifted its head and let out a mindless howl.

  Sam recoiled as pattering sounds of movement answered its call. They were coming. They were all coming.

  And they're going to rip you apart!

  She didn't know if the thought belonged to herself or to Koash. It didn't matter. She turned and fled, dragging Koash with her, running until her lungs burned. And it came after her, ravening like a mad dog. And behind it, the others came. Dead white faces, the decaying victims of the sheh fet, driven beyond humanity, beyond insanity. And they were hungry. So very hungry.

  They flew into night, the sun falling behind the horizon as swiftly as a tropical sunset. The cramped Kinahhi transport sank into the silence of a long-haul flight, passengers pretending it was night and trying to sleep, even though it was the middle of the afternoon. Of course, some people could sleep anywhere, anytime, Daniel thought sourly. Jack, for example, was slumped next to him, snoring softly.

  A few emergency lights glowed close to the floor, providing just enough light for Daniel to be able to pick out the features of his makeshift army. It was still amazing to him that these people, so ordinary seeming, were direct descendents of the Ancients. Their history spanned millions of years, yet all but a fraction of it was lost in time, destroyed by the ages and new, hostile peoples - Baal, and the humans he'd brought as slaves to Kinahhi. Or Arxantia, as it had once been known.

  "Soon, much will change." The voice belonged to Alvita Candra, who had come to crouch at Daniel's side. Her narrow face was difficult to see behind her cascade of wild hair, but her eyes shone bright even here. "The wheels of time turn backward. Can you not feel it, Daniel Jackson?"

  Like a cold shiver down his spine, a sense of everything being in freefall, of the world turning upside down... He felt something alright. Jack would call it pre-battle nerves, piled on days without proper sleep and an adrenaline-high of illegal proportions. Alvita reached out and touched his face. "You sense it." She shivered. "And through you, I sense them. They are watching us. The Angels are watching us."

  And for a moment, he was aware of them too. All around. Watching. Expectant. Waiting on the periphery of his consciousness.

  Orna?

  It was like walking through an impenetrable fog. If he could just reach out, just pierce the barrier between his mind and his memories... He started, disturbed by a sensation of utter emptiness, and suddenly the moment was gone. All he could feel was the warmth of Jack's arm resting against his own.

  Alvita removed her hand, sitting back on her haunches. "You are a strange Angel, Daniel Jackson. A fallen Angel."

  He laughed. "I hope not."

  She tilted her head, eyes sliding past him to Jack. "And him? What of him? I have seen his mind too. He is of us, but different. He has not touched the Angels."

  "Oh, I don't know," Jack murmured, eyes firmly closed. "I've touched my fair share of angels over the years."

  Daniel swallowed a smile as he tried to answer Alvita's question. "Ah, we believe that your ancestors lived on many worlds beyond this one. And that some of us may, perhaps, have inherited a genetic..." He changed tack. "That is, that the blood of your ancestors may still run in the veins of some of us."

  Alvita sat down, cross legged, her lean limbs moving with a grace Daniel decided it was best to ignore. It was difficult, though, when she rested her fingers on his arm and leaned closer, her breath brushing his cheek. "Such wonders you share, Daniel Jackson. So much you have to teach."

  He cleared his throat. "Ah, yes... Well, I'd be happy to-"

  "Sorry, kids." Jack opened his eyes. "School's out for the duration." He cast a glance at the young woman, then lifted an admiring eyebrow. "I'm Jack, by the way."

  "I know," Alvita replied. After a moment, she added, "Your thoughts are more worldly than those of your friend."

  Daniel slid an amused look in his direction. "Jack?"

  "What? I didn't think anything!"

  Alvita smiled, a flash of white against her dusky skin. "Worldly pleasures are no less blessed than those of the mind. I am not offended."

  Offended? "Jack?"

  "Right, well." Jack jumped to his feet, clearing his throat. "Think I'll just go check on the, ah... Oh look, there's Teal'c."

  With that he was gone, picking his way across the crowded transport to where Teal'c stood gazing out the far window.

  Alvita watched him for a moment. "Your friend is uncomfortable with his feelings, both shallow and deep." She tossed her head, sending her mane of black hair tumbling over one shoulder. For an instant, a split second, she was Sha're, and it hit him like a sucker-punch. "Are all your people so conflicted, Daniel Jack son?"

  "No." Swallowing, he shook his head. "Yes. Probably."

  She smiled. "Then perhaps there is something we can teach you. Something of peace."

  "Peace," Daniel let out a breath, and the familiar pain of loss along with it. "I like the sound of that."

  "Heads up!" The abrupt order came from Jack, back in command. It was the place, Daniel suspected, where he felt most at home. "I see the city." He turned from the window, Teal'c at his side. "Everyone, get ready. It's show time."

  Alvita rose, as did Daniel. "Time is running backward, Daniel Jackson," she repeated. "And forward. Things will be as they once were and as they always have been."

  Daniel dropped his hand to the zat strapped to his leg. "Just keep your eyes open," he said. "Things are gonna get rough."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  oash scurried ahead of her, black robes flapping as he halffell down the narrow staircase, running blindly. Sam followed, heedless of where she went. Everything was dark down here, shadows on shadows, and from behind them came the constant sound of pursuit. Whooping howls, the slap of bare feet on stone, the rasp of hungry breath.

  Her chest was on fire, she was gasping for air. Her heavy legs screamed for oxygen, rubbery and stumbling. How long since she'd eaten? He
r reserves were low, her mind still shredded by voices and feelings and a thousand impulses not her own. A constant background chatter of insanity.

  She was slowing, stumbled on a step and fell. But in an instant she was upright, skidding down the stairs, ignoring the graze to her leg and the throbbing in her ankle. They were coming, and they had no pity.

  Limb from limb' Koash was screaming the thought. They'll rip me limb from limb!

  The bottom of the staircase ended at a door. A trap! But they were out of options. Koash hesitated and Sam raced past him, pulling through the doorway. Perhaps they could hide?

  No chance. The room was empty, merely a corridor leading to another door. Nowhere to stop, so she dashed through and out the other side. Nothing but stairs, leading up! Up! No choice.

  On shaking legs, she began to sprint up the stairs. Koash was on her heels, whimpering now. And behind her they kept coming, they kept coming, until-

  "Khan'an!" Koash shrieked, skidding to a halt and cowering against the wall.

  Ahead, the way was blocked. White figures crawled toward them, like ivory spiders stalking the flies in their web. Sam spun around. More creatures poured from the corridor they'd just left, slowing now, pacing themselves. Slathering.

  Koash flung his arms over his head and began to wail.

  This was it, the end. God help her...

  The doors slid open while the transport made its final descent, the fresh sea breeze a stark contrast to the dry desert air. Holding on with one hand, Jack leaned out as far as he could, relishing the cool wind and the adrenaline rush. All around him Tsapan's spires rose like bejeweled arms lifted in silent supplication. A whore of a city, begging for salvation. Too bad. It would get none from him - at least none that didn't come from the barrel of a gun.

  Behind him, Daniel and Teal'c were gearing up; they both still had their zats, Daniel had his handgun, and Teal'c had a P90 with half a clip. Much like him. But there were Kinahhi rifles aplenty, courtesy of Kenna and his men. Enough for all the greenhorn kids to have one in their eager hands. Like popguns, he thought bleakly. Only they packed a bigger punch.

  The image awoke disturbing memories of Charlie. He shook them away, leaning out further. The tug of the cold, damp air was insistent and, for an instant, he wished for a 'chute. The dive would be one hell of a rush in this city of spires and towers.

  Slowly, the ship sank into the forest of buildings and the air stilled and stifled. The fresh breeze turned to dank chill, and Jack pulled himself back inside the transport. Recess over, time to get to work. Teal'c and Daniel were watching him without comment. They'd known him long enough to understand his insatiable appetite for a cheap thrill.

  "What?" he asked, running a hand through his hair. Difficult to inspire the fear of God into the newbies if he looked like Krusty the Clown.

  "You know," Daniel said, "I used to have this dog. Whenever he traveled in the car, he'd always stick his head out the window, right into the wind."

  "Your point?"

  Daniel shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I don't have one."

  "Dogs are most intelligent animals," Teal'c observed mildly.

  "Thank you!" Jack stooped to pick up his Kinahhi rifle, hefting it in his hands. No match for the P90, but beggars couldn't be choosers. "Dogs know how to have fun."

  With a soft jolt, the ship came into land and the smile that had been hovering on Daniel's lips fell away. "Okay," Jack called to the hushed, nervous men. "You know what to do. Stay close, and watch your backs. Any trouble, holler. We only have one shot at this, so no screw-ups."

  From the cockpit, Commander Kenna emerged, his weapon slung over one shoulder. "I'll take my men straight to the Kaw'ree."

  "Yeah, go get your son," Jack agreed. "We'll handle the rest."

  Kenna nodded. "Thank you."

  "When you're done, get back here. If we're not already here, go. Come back for us. Got it?"

  "I understand."

  There was nothing else to say and with a couple of quiet orders Kenna leaped down from the ship, followed by five of his men. Within moments, they had disappeared into the night.

  Jack turned back to his team. Behind them, the eager faces of the Arxanti blinked in the darkness, the bright eyes and wild hair of Alvita Candra among them. She too carried a weapon, holding it across her chest with both hands. On her back, she'd strapped a small pack.

  "What's that?" Jack asked.

  She smiled, lifting her chin. "An offering of peace."

  Oh please. "Daniel?"

  He shook his head slightly and shrugged. "I'll keep an eye on her."

  Good enough. "Okay," Jack said. "Daniel, you're with me. Teal'c, cover our six." And with that he jumped down onto the wet stone of Tsapan, and headed off into the gloom. All he needed now was Carter, and he'd be damned if he left this place without her again.

  Not this time.

  They were coming at her from all sides. Fetid breath, clawing white fingers, ravenous eyes.

  "Stay back!" She swung the knife in a wide arc. "Koash, close up.

  He didn't move until one of the Outcast grabbed at his robe, tearing a handful of fabric from his back. With a screech of horror, he scuttled toward her on all fours, to cringe like a dog at her feet.

  The creature lifted the black velvet to his face, sniffed it, then dropped it with a snarl. "Kaw'ree."

  Koash wailed, even his thoughts now an incoherent mass of horror and despair.

  "Stay back!" Sam yelled again, keeping the knife moving. "Stay back, or-"

  Strong, bony fingers seized her arm. She spun around, slashing down hard with the knife. The creature shrieked, pulled back. But not far. Another hand grabbed her shirt from behind and she lashed out with a kick. Soft flesh gave under the heel of her boot; one of the creatures crumpled to the ground. But another grabbed her sleeve. She hacked at it with the knife until a third caught her wrist and yanked her arm in the air. "No!" She kicked out with her feet, elbows, head. Everything. "Let go!"

  Koash was screaming and screaming and screaming...

  The weight of the P90 felt solid and comfortable in Jack's hands as he stalked through the streets of Tsapan. Third time's the charm, third time he'd been here and with any luck the last. Behind him flowed about fifteen Arxanti, surprising him with their stealth. He'd expected them to be gawping like tourists, but they were focused and silent. Even the girl. Woman. Whatever. She crept beside Daniel with the grace of a panther, a pleasure to watch. Not that he was watching.

  He stopped, raising his hand for a halt. The tower housing the sheh fet was a couple of blocks over; he recognized it from Kenna's description, its top lit up like a Christmas tree. Fancy. That's where they were holding Kenna's kid, but it was the basement of the tower that interested Jack. The sheh fet was there, and so was Carter. If she was still alive. If not... Cross that bridge later, if he had to.

  The low hum of a transport vehicle overhead cut into his thoughts. "Find cover," he hissed, ducking into the shadow of the building. The Arxanti melted into the darkness, all eyes turned on the ship as it skimmed overhead. Broad beams of light swept down through the streets, slicing the toes of Jack's boots. The Kinahhi were looking for someone.

  Carter? He barely dared hope.

  Silence followed in the ship's wake, but it wouldn't last long. Above, Jack could already hear the hum of another aircraft. "Move out." A narrow alley ran between the two buildings opposite, heading in the general direction of the sheh fet. And, more importantly, heading down. Down was good, down away from the search lights and into the depths of the city.

  The alley was lined with doorways, some open, others welded shut by the elements. Jack kept his weapon raised, finger tight on the trigger. If they were attacked here, with no room to maneuver...

  "O'Neill!" The sharp whisper came from the back of the rank.

  He spun around. "What ya got?"

  With his zat, Teal'c indicated one of the doorways. "Several of the Arxanti have entered."

  You g
otta be kidding... "Daniel!"

  "I'll check it out."

  "Just get them the hell outta there," Jack growled. "This isn't the goddamn city tour!" So much for not acting like tourists.

  Tucking his zat into its holster, Daniel ducked into the doorway. Soft talking ensued, and Jack nervously backed against the wall. "Daniel?"

  Just then an echo of marching feet reached them, bouncing off the towers. Could have been coming from anywhere. Damn it!

  Teal'c crouched, weapon raised, covering one end of the alley. "Everyone down," Jack hissed, mirroring his friend. The footfalls grew louder but until Jack could pinpoint their location... "Scratch that. Everyone, get inside. Now."

  The remaining Arxanti slipped quietly after Daniel into the room, while Jack and Teal'c closed ranks. The alley would be too narrow for the soldiers to pass through. His team would be safe, as long as they didn't draw any attention to themselves.

  He gestured to Teal'c, and they both took cover in the doorway, each guarding opposite ends of the alley. The marching sounds grew nearer now. At least twenty men, he guessed. Maybe more.

  Shifting his hold on his gun, Jack lifted it and looked down the sight. He had the perfect shot. With enough ammo, he probably could have held the alley indefinitely. But with half a clip...? He tightened his finger on the trigger and watched the first ranks of the Kinahhi hove into view, marching in perfect unison past the end of the alley. No one sneeze.

  Behind him someone moved and Jack grimaced. It was too dark to kill anyone with a look, and a reprimand would only make things worse. The Kinahhi were still marching, knee-length boots clomping precisely, arms swinging. Weapons glinting in the scant moonlight. Passing them by, oblivious.

  "What...?" Daniel whispered urgently, from the back of the room. "No, don't touch-!"

  The room lit up like the Fourth of July. Lights, in every color, swirled down from the ceiling like a crazed disco, illuminating a shocked tableau. Daniel was frozen, reaching out to seize the back of Atella's shirt, while the kid stared in astonishment at the small, sleek device he held in one hand. For an instant no one moved - and then all hell broke loose.