~~ Part 3 ~~
Buffy woke from her prophetic dream feeling uneasy. Her Slayer dreams had advanced along with her other senses. The once confusing portents had become complete visions that warned her about future threats. Last night's dream had been different. It had started out the same, showing her the circumstances that held a threat to either herself or her people. It changed when she met the Doci and stepped through those doors.
She already knew that the Ori were a threat. The Prior's visit proved that. If they sent another Prior with reinforcements, that wouldn't surprise her in the least. It didn't worry her overmuch. She would find a way to stop them from destroying Dara Seans and its people. The dream had shown her that she couldn't do that from here. She had to get close to the Ori and ultimately the Doci to accomplish that. Thinking about leaving this world worried and saddened her. This small planet floating millions of miles from Earth was her home. It sustained her, feeding her need to protect, while giving her opportunities to learn and share.
Dara Seans was her home and the people were more than friends or subjects; they were family. A soft smile graced her lips as she remembered her first year here. Shat'tac wanted to worship her to fulfill his First Prime duties. Buffy wanted to free the Jaffa from Goa'uld servitude, and ultimately, the people from Jaffa rule. Patience wasn't her strong suit. It was a virtue that she had worked hard to cultivate. Her hard work had paid off when she finally had a breakthrough with Shat'tac, during a raid by a warring nearby planet. An opposing warrior had snuck up on the formidable First Prime while he tried to protect her. She pushed him away and took the blast meant for him. It was how they had learned that she would return to the sarcophagus when badly injured.
That had been the turning point in their relationship. Shat'tac realized that she cared enough to risk her life to protect him, and he had no other choice but to accept her as something other than his god. A friendship blossomed from that incident. They learned how to accept their differences and worked to create a world that each was proud of.
How could she tell him that she had to leave Dara Seans to save it? Would she ever return to her beloved planet?
"What dark thoughts mar you brow, lady?" Shat'tac stood at the entry to her bedroom, watching her stare out the window.
She slowly turned, schooling her face not to show her emotions. "Just shadows. They'll fade away with the morning light," she said, hoping her voice didn't betray her inner turmoil. Buffy knew that she had to make a decision about when to leave and exactly where she needed to go. She only hoped that her friend wouldn't fight her.
He couldn't help but feel that she was hiding something from him. If the former Qetesh had brought her new worries, he would gladly end her life with his bare hands.
She saw that he didn't fall for her act and relented. "I thought you were working on your brooding skills? Stop the dark thoughts already. When I have it worked out, you'll be the first to know."
"Are the prisoners to blame for your unrest?"
Her lips quirked up into a quick smile. The Jaffa soldier inevitably wanted to do bodily hard, if not exterminate completely, anyone that he considered a danger to her well-being. "Not really. I'm not sure that their visit is as innocent as they say. It's not enough to disappear them though. Give me the day to let my thoughts settle, then we will talk about it this evening. Perhaps, I can convince Ma-Kesh to prepare some dishes to tempt your tummy."
A dark brow rose at her teasing tone, before he smiled back at her. The simple upturn of cheek and lips transformed the stalwart and sometimes formidable First Prime into a charmingly handsome man. His dark eyes sparkled with humor that set off the deep chestnut hair that framed his face, falling to his shoulders in soft waves. She often teased him about having Herbal Essence hair, which was totally unfair on a man. Her eyes swept up over his head full of hair. It had pleased her to no end when he decided to allow his hair to grow, leaving behind the shaved scalp that proclaimed his former station as a Goa'uld slave. Surprisingly, he didn't want to lose his position as her First Prime. He considered it a worthy title for his place at her side, whether it was in battle or the throne room. She didn't argue that a title mattered. It gave him a sense of purpose, allowing him to replace the bad memories with newly made good ones.
"Speaking of our visitors, how did they settle into their accommodations? I get the impression that they're used to being prisoners, which doesn't say much for their history as a team." She walked across the room to stand close to him. Placing a hand on his arm, she gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm going to change and check how everyone is doing after yesterday. Then I plan to work out some of this stress; join me outside in about two hours." She turned away to select the clothes for the day, when she called back over her shoulder. "Oh, why don't you bring our 'guests'? They might enjoy seeing how we protect our world."
He heard the humor lace her words. Yes, he would ensure that the prisoners took a morning walk. If they happened to see Sineya in action, more all the better. They should understand exactly who they were negotiating with, or might have thoughts about betraying.
Teal'c lay in bed, wondering what this day would bring. Dara Sean's golden-haired ruler filled his thoughts. She was unlike any other woman he had ever known. He wasn't sure what it was about her that fascinated him. Jaffa women were known for their beauty and inner strength. His former wife, Drey'auc, could be as fierce as a storm or as gentle as the sunshine. She had worn her womanhood easily. Still this Sineya intrigued him as a man and a warrior. He remembered those dark green eyes that had gazed into his very core. She didn't look at him as a Goa'uld would a Jaffa, but rather as a woman would a man.
It was a heady feeling that he hadn't felt since Ishta had so briefly crossed his path. There were similarities between the two blonde women that he couldn't deny drew his attraction to the small woman. Ishta taught him that he was still a man who appreciated a beautiful woman. Their relationship hadn't lasted, but while it had, the passion had burned high and strong. He had learned that he needed to make time to enjoy the pleasures and opportunities that life offered. His entire existence since joining SG-1 had focused on freeing his people while removing the Goa'uld threat once and for all. Teal'c felt sure it was a lesson that perhaps Sineya hadn't had the opportunity to learn. Perhaps, a smiled graced his lips, he could be the one lucky enough to teach her.
"What, or should I say who, are you thinking about? That smile is one that I have seen many times in my life; usually it's aimed in my direction," Vala said from the doorway.
The dark eyebrow that shot up, along with the baleful glare that he leveled at her, had the dark-haired woman putting her hands up in the universal sign for peace. "Do you have need of my assistance, ValaMalDoran? Or did you just come in here because DanielJackson won't accept your advances?"
Vala's mouth hung open for the briefest of moments. She snapped it shut with a 'humph', her hands immediately going to her hips. "That wasn't nice, and you're changing the subject, which means that I'm onto something." She gave him a wide smile that held a somewhat feral look. She had tried to tell Daniel that the stoic Jaffa was attracted to their host. He, as usual, told her that she didn't know what she was talking about. How that stubborn man could ever doubt her when it came to man-woman relationships, she didn't know. She hoped that the normally anti-social Jaffa would show Sineya his charming side. He might give them their only chance at escaping this planet in one piece.
"Can you two take this somewhere else? I'm trying to sleep here," Cameron groused at them, pulling a pillow over his head.
Teal'c rose from the bed, ignoring Vala as he moved by her to enter the living area. She followed him, not willing to let the matter go. Lucky for Teal'c, Shat'tac chose that moment to visit.
Buffy smiled at Kigorn, Sedic's son. The young boy chattered away, replaying yesterday's events with his own childish viewpoint. His father was his hero, and Buffy came in a close second. Kigorn proudly told her how he knew that his father got hurt, but that he stopped the bad man from hurting anyone else until she could get there. She loved spending time with the children, and Kigorn was one of her favorites, although she tried not to play favorites. He had such a joy for life that it was contagious.
"You're right, Sedic kept the Prior busy. It was very brave of him, and you have every right to be proud of him. How is he feeling this morning? I hope that he's taking it easy today."
Kigorn's eye grew wide with concern. "Father is alright, isn't he? You made him better didn't you?"
She pulled him into her arms, giving him a warm hug. "Yes, the sarcophagus healed him. He still needs to rest though. He'll be back to playing sniplest with you in no time. How about we play while Sedic rests?"
"Really? You'd play with me, just the two of us?" Excitement and hope lit the boy's small, round face. He was bouncing from foot to foot, unable to stand still.
She laughed; his excitement contagious. "Yes, just us. Run inside and get the equipment." She watched him take off running toward his small home. Her good mood lasted until she was sure that her young audience couldn't see her. The smile faded from her lips and her previous worries clouded her brilliant green eyes. She wished that she could stay here playing a child's game for the entire day. Unfortunately, she knew that she couldn't put off gathering her thoughts regarding what her dreams were telling her. She cleared her expression, replacing it with a warm smile when she saw Kigorn returning with his hands full of equipment.
Buffy joined him, catching a ball before it could hit the ground. She accepted the batta that he held out to her. It was a long pole with a cage attached to its end. The cage opened when a player gripped the handle tightly or it was hit exactly right. A snip, a round ball-like object, fit within the confines with little room to spare. The game entailed catching or capturing the snip in a batta and running it down the field, then snapping it into a waiting net. Opposing players needed to block the capture or knock the snip free from the cage. This could only be accomplished by hitting the cage on the side, causing the cage to pop open. It was a fast and sometimes brutal game, depending on the players. Kigorn played or practiced the game every free moment that he had available to him.
They played hot and heavy for an hour, before Buffy had to continue with her daily tasks. She wished that she could stay here the rest of the day, but knew that she had put off her duties long enough. Her steps led her to the far side of the pyramid to a cleared area. She removed her outer wrap, leaving her dressed in a one-piece bodysuit that left nothing to the imagination. The suit's material hugged her body with a lover's caress. It emphasized the taut muscles that lay beneath the golden skin. She stood at the clearing's center and closed her eyes as she evened out her breathing. Drawing the clean, crisp air deep into her lungs, holding it there, and then releasing it with a soft whoosh, Buffy found her center, opening her senses to the world around her. Her enhanced senses allowed her to hear the smallest surrounding sounds; a mother calling to a child within in the city borders, soldiers marching before the pyramid and the animals that moved within the forest nearby, each sound came to her clearly.
Pulling on her inner senses, she kept her eyes closed as she started into intricate kata. Her movements were slow and graceful as she stepped to the right. Her hands moved forward, pushing out at an invisible force in excruciatingly slow movements. The movements were as intricate as a dance, but their intentions were more deadly. She sweeps her body around to the left, repeating the motions. Her actions continued increasing in difficulty and speed, until her hands and feet blurred as they moved through the air.
Suddenly, she flipped her body forward, evading a staff aimed at her head. She twisted to the left, striking out with her foot, executing a perfect side snap kick. Drawing her foot back in quickly, she pivoted around, going immediately into a roundhouse kick to take out an opponent to her right while an arm shot out to completely disable the one with the staff weapon. Her body slipped down into a perfect split, avoiding a zat blast. It sprang up and into a handstand that fell over into several back flips that ended with her feet plowed into a broad chest, sending the zat and its owner flying.
Shat'tac watched the hostages' faces as they watched Sineya spar. He saw their admiration at her graceful movements during her kata change to amazement at her swiftness. His Jaffa heritage kept his emotions from showing the pride he felt when he noticed them pale at her ruthlessness when the soldiers attacked without warning. They were here to learn that they weren't dealing with a Goa'uld, but Sineya would do whatever she had to do to keep her people safe.
Teal'c watched the small, taut body move with incredible speed and grace. He knew that she wasn't a host, yet she had the power of a Goa'uld. What was she? Where did her power come from and how was she able to kill the Prior? Her power called to him on the most basic level as a warrior and a man. She fought unlike anything he had ever seen before. He saw some Jaffa training in her fighting style, yet she moved with a mixture of so many styles that no one took precedence. It was unheard of within Jaffa warfare to fight in this manner. He saw the benefits that it gave her and wondered if she would consider teaching him her manner of fighting.
"Teal'c, what do you make of all this?" Cameron asked.
"I am not sure, CameronMitchell. Sineya does not move or act like a Goa'uld. She is something far different. What, I do not know, perhaps we should simply ask her." He shrugged large muscle-bound shoulders, while his eyes never strayed from the scene unraveling before him.
"I'm not so sure that she isn't a Goa'uld. Perhaps she's Tok'ra. What else could explain her strength? We simply have to figure out a way to get her to help us with the Ori," Daniel said.
Vala kept her opinions to herself. She knew that the guys wouldn't listen to her. She saw today's exercise for what it was, an example of Sineya's strengths and how well she worked with her soldiers. SG-1 had a single mind-set at times and it frustrated her. For being such brilliant people, they could be so naïve with regard to others. If they were truly watching what was going on right before their eyes, then they would see that the small blonde was carefully pulling her strength so as not to hurt her sparing partners. No ordinary Goa'uld, or even Tok'ra, would do that. She had had dealings with both. SG-1 liked to think that the Tok'ra were their allies and that there were large differences between the two parties. Vala knew from experience that there were not. The Tok'ra had freed her from being a host, true. But, they had also left her to pay for what Qetesh had done while in control of her body. She also knew that the Tok'ra still harbored a certain disdain for the Jaffa, though they hid it well from others.
The sparing session came to a halt after Buffy had taken down every soldier. She walked over to each one, checking to ensure that no one was hurt. Reassured that everyone was okay, she headed toward Shat'tac and her audience. She shared a knowing smile with her First Prime, before taking in the faces of SG-1. They had questions. She had expected that. What surprised her was the light of interest that she saw in Teal'c's eyes. Her body flushed in response, which she quickly pushed away. There wasn't time for such matters.
"Come, we will share the afternoon meal and talk," she ordered. Her voice came out more harshly than she had intended, though she didn't apologize for it. She resented these people coming here and disturbing the life that she had created.
She walked by them, leaving SG-1 no choice except to follow, with Shat'tac close behind them. The silence was deafening as they reentered the pyramid. Buffy led them past the throne room into a side chamber that they hadn't seen before. It held a long table surrounded by several high-backed chairs. A large chair sat at the head of the table. Buffy sat in it, indicating for the others to seat themselves accordingly. Shat'tac took the seat at her right. She smiled at him, letting him know that she appreciated his company.
SG-1 watched the interaction, and then glanced at each other to see if everyone else had noticed as well. They each nodded at their teammates. The more they learned about Sineya, the more she confused them. She didn't act like any race that they had encountered before and they didn't know how to proceed. Cameron looked over at Daniel and shrugged his shoulders, deciding to gamble. Daniel started to shake his head no at the commanding officer, but it was too late.
"So, Sineya, exactly what are you?" Cameron gave her his best good ole boy smile, bright blue eyes twinkling.
Shat'tac started to rise, reaching for his weapon. Buffy placed a calming hand on his arm. "He means no harm, my friend." The First Prime sat back down, leveling a death glare at Cameron. "I'm the Goa'urdyan of Dara Seans."
Daniel's eyes widened at the term. He had heard that somewhere before, but where? His brilliant mind worked hard to grasp the elusive memory that lay just beyond his reach. He knew this was important, not only to his world but possibly to hers as well. It came to him at last. He remembered finding a reference to a Goa'urdyan in the Ancient text that they had recovered from the Glastonbury cave. His heart beat leapt in his chest.
Buffy heard the pounding beat of Daniel's heart and wondered what he had him so excited. She watched him as he barely contained himself and couldn't stop the feeling that she wouldn't like what he was about to tell her.
"The Goa'urdyan, you say? That's an unusual title. I believe that I've read something regarding a Goa'urdyan in an Ancient text," he offered.
A pale blonde brow rose in question. Buffy leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand. "Really?" Her voice fell into a sultry purr that sent sensual shivers through her audience. "Do tell, Dr. Jackson, what did your dusty book say about me?"
Vala kicked Daniel's leg, trying to get his attention. She should have known better. Whenever he was caught up in anything related to a historical find, he had a one-track mind. She didn't like the way that Sineya asked her question, almost as if she was daring Daniel to answer. Vala's dark eyes watched Sineya's green ones as they flashed red momentarily, before returning to their emerald depths. No, the brilliant doctor wasn't winning any friends with his sharing of knowledge. When would Daniel learn that no one likes a smart ass?
"According to what I've deciphered, the Goa'urdyan is a prophesied warrior who will come when the people need it the most. It will rescue them from a great evil and ensure that they live freely until the end of time. The Goa'urdyan will fall from the heavens, wrapped in red and gold, and shall destroy the evil through waves of water." His wide, blue eyes searched her face for any recognition or acknowledgement of his words.
Buffy threw her head back and laughed. Shat'tac's lips quirked slightly, showing his own amusement. She gasped out between giggles, "Did you hear, my friend, I'll destroy our enemies with water? Perhaps I'll cry and they'll run away."
"T-that's not what it's referring to," Daniel stammered out in reply.
She stopped laughing to stare at him with eyes that seemed ageless. "I'm fully aware of what I am. No matter how charming it may sound, you creating some story to get me to help you won't work. Enjoy the meal; I grow tired of your company." She rose and exited the room, before anyone could object.
Shat'tac glared at Daniel, then extended his furious stare to the rest of his team. "Do not bring your superstitions to Dara Seans." He pushed away from the table, following quickly behind her.
Buffy returned to her rooms as quickly as her feet would carry her. She knew that she had to face leaving Dara Seans. She didn't know how she could without knowing that it was safe from the Ori. There had to be something that she could do to ensure its safety. Her mind whirled with plans, but none of them provided her with an answer to her current dilemma.
Shat'tac found her, already pacing the confines of her room. He watched her small body move with repressed power and grace as she moved across the floor. The worry she felt lay evident across her brow. He wished that he could do something to relieve the stress that lay solely on her small shoulders.
"Perhaps if you spoke your concerns out loud, they wouldn't seem as large."
A heavy sigh escaped her lips, heaving her shoulders up as her feet slowed to a stop. Her lids drew up to capture his gaze within her own. She held him there like a snake and its prey - frozen. After several seconds, she blinked, releasing him from the trance. "Come in, Shat'tac and I'll tell you what has to happen."
"Way to go, Daniel. She'll probably never agree to talk to us again."
"I do not think that it is fair to be mad at DanielJackson for his foolishness, CameronMitchell. He was only acting the way that he has done in similar situations with regards to historical data," Teal'c explained.
Daniel frowned at the Jaffa, then glared at Cameron. "Gee, Teal'c, thanks for standing up for me."
"You are welcome, DanielJackson. CameronMitchell shouldn't blame you for acting like yourself." He nodded at his friend.
The archaeologist refrained from rolling his eyes at the ex-First Prime, knowing that it would be lost on him. "She asked a question and I answered it. What was so wrong in that? You act like I purposefully set out to alienate her, when all I wanted to do was make her understand that she could possibly be our best chance against the Ori."
"Daniel, don't you ever listen when anyone else talks?" Vala looked at him with a questioning expression on her face. "Sineya clearly said yesterday that she didn't want to help us with our Ori problem. Trying to convince her that she's some mystical warrior isn't going to put her in our good graces. It's only going to make her think that you were trying to manipulate her. I know that's what I would think."
His head swung from the dark haired con artist to his teammates. "Really, you think she actually thought that I would do that?" Teal'c and Cameron nodded. "But, I would never make up historical references; that's unethical," he said, horror lacing his voice.
Vala laughed at him. "How is she supposed to know that?"
Daniel's mouth flapped open as he started to reply, but no words came out. He simply had nothing to say. His shoulders slumped in defeat.
Cameron clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Daniel. We'll think of some other way to get to her. Just let me and ole Teal'c take the lead, since I think you might have used up all your chances this go round."
"You can't leave Dara Seans." Shat'tac leapt to his feet.
Buffy watched the Jaffa barely contain his anger and worry. She knew that her request the he remain behind had him worried the most. "You know that I have to follow wherever my dreams lead me. If I don't, then everything we've built here is lost. I won't let Dara Seans suffer at the hands of the Ori. Somehow, I know that my leaving will prevent them from returning here. I'm not sure how, but I know it. I'll meditate on it tonight and pray that the Voice will come and clear the way for me. If not, then I'll only have to go on my faith, the faith I have in my dreams and in you. I know that I couldn't leave without knowing that you're here to keep Dara Seans safe from harm."
She walked over, taking his hands in hers. "Shat'tac, I know that I'm asking a lot from you. This isn't easy for me. I don't want to leave."
He saw the tears that she tried hard to keep from falling. "Please, do not look at me that way. I cannot bear it. I will do as you ask, though you must take Ry'kal with you, if I cannot go."
She gave him a tremulous smile, knowing how much the words had cost him. Nodding in agreement, she pulled him into her arms for a brief hug, which he returned. "I'm not leaving for a while, not until I'm sure that everything is fine here. Tell the others that I'm meditating for the rest of the day and don't want to be disturbed."
"I will see that they understand. Call when you require refreshment."
When she was sure that she was alone, Buffy walked to the far side of the room. She entered a small antechamber that opened up after she pressed on hidden lever. The room was dark, when the door closed behind her, leaving her in total darkness. It didn't bother her as she moved forward with unerring accuracy. She walked toward the opposite wall, evading a large pillow on the floor to find and light a small brazier. Settling back on the pillow, she gazed into the flame until her vision blurred. Her mind cleared as she waited for the Voice to speak to her.
"You are troubled, young one."
"Yes."
"Be at ease. Everything is happening as it should."
"The visitors. You sent them?"
"They are an interesting group, are they not?"
"That's not an answer."
"Isn't it?"
"They want me to help them fight the Ori."
"You told them no. Why?"
"Why should I help them? I can fight the Ori here on Dara Seans. I don't need to leave to do that."
Deliciously warm laughter filled the room. It wrapped around Buffy in a physical hug. "The idea doesn't excite you at all? Going through the Chap'aia, seeing new worlds, taking the fight to the Ori."
"I have everything that I need here and don't want to leave my home." A definite pout formed on her lips.
"What of love, young one? Do you have love?"
"Of course I do; you know that I love the people here. They're my family."
"You know what I speak of, young one. What about the warrior? Did he not make your heart beat stronger? Would you not leave this world to save him and countless other? You know what must be done. Why do you fight against it?"
"What about Dara Seans? Who will protect it from the Ori if I'm not here? You?" The challenge lay there open in the small space.
"Be careful, young one. Your impudence is only tolerated so far. The Ori won't leave your small planet alone for long if you do nothing. Choose, and choose wisely, what you will do. Your dreams have shown what needs doing; will you allow the threat to go unheeded?"
"What of the former Qetesh? What is her role in all of this?"
"All will be revealed when the time is right. Vala Mal Doran has seen many things in her lifetime, many she doesn't even realize their significance. Know this, her life is important and should the Ori capture her, the very future of everyone will be forever changed. Do not allow this to occur. Should you take her protection into your hands, I will ensure that Dara Seans is safe from the Ori."
Buffy sat quietly contemplating this offer. She knew that there was more to this than the Voice was saying. But, it wouldn't reveal anything until it was good and ready. It wasn't that she wasn't grateful for the life that the Voice had given her. It was just so cryptic sometimes that it drove her crazy.
"Fine. I'll watch out for her, but nothing, and I mean not even one hair on anyone's head, better be harmed by the Ori or anyone else while I'm gone."
"You dare to threaten me?"
"Yes, yes, I do. If you don't agree to make sure that everyone stays safe and healthy while I'm gone doing your work, then I'll just stay right here." She crossed her arms and waited.
"How I chose such a stubborn creature to gift with my divine presence, I'll never understand."
"You were just lucky. Do we have a deal?"
"Yes, we have, as you say, a deal. No harm will come to those of Dara Seans while you are away."
"Thank you," she sighed happily, standing to leave the room.
"Young one," the Voice called out.
"Yes."
"Be careful. The Ori will try to convert you to their beliefs. They can be very persuasive."
"Don't worry. I have too much to come home to, to believe a bunch of pompous holy rollers. But, thanks for worrying about me." She continued out of the room.
"I do worry about you, young one, more than you know." The brazier blew out and the room fell back into total darkness.
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