STARGATE SG-1 29 Hall of the Two Truths by Susannah Parker Sinard

magnitude of it.
    Now it would truly begin.
    NebtHet took a deep and steadying breath.
    The time had come for her to awaken the dead.
     
    Jenmar all but staggered back into the chamber of the chaapa’ai. Whatever beauty it had held for him mere moments before was lost now. He leaned against one of the great pillars and stared at the orb in his hand.
    NebtHet wanted him to go back. Back to the Tok’ra and the Tau’ri in search of answers. How could she ask such a thing, after all he had done? Did she not comprehend what his fate would be? By now his role in the disappearance of SG-1 surely would have been suspected. The only thing that awaited him back on Revanna was questioning and incarceration. Perhaps they would even hand him over to the Tau’ri. He had heard of their dungeons. Underground places, where sunlight was forbidden. He would be left forever in the dark and cold — as he had been on Wasir, before help came.
    He had risked everything for NebtHet. Believed in her. Followed her. All he ever wanted was peace. An escape from the turmoil of this life. A transcendent path where there were no dark places, no pain, no loss. The Djedu had been his salvation. Their quest was his quest. He longed only to join them.
    “How fares our spy today?”
    Jenmar had not heard Aset approach. She must have been lying in wait for him in the shadowy corners of the vast hall. He slipped the orb into his pocket, out of sight.
    “Hmmm.” She eyed him critically. “You appear troubled, Jenmar. Has NebtHet said something to distress you?”
    He could not hold it in. “I am to return to Revanna. She wishes me to discover who was behind the attack on Teranu.”
    There was a strange glimmer in her eyes. “I hardly think you will be welcomed with open arms by the Tok’ra.”
    Finally. Someone who understood.
    “I fear this is true.”
    “Then why go?”
    Jenmar bowed his head. “Because I am sent.”
    Aset shrugged. “Why not refuse?” She leaned in closer. “Is it because you fear NebtHet will deny you the great secret of ascension once she has discovered it from the Tau’ri?”
    Jenmar’s shoulders drooped. “My Lady Aset knows I have never secured such a promise, although I live in hope.”
    Aset laughed out loud. It echoed through the hall. A few passing Djedu turned their heads.
    “Hope, Jenmar, is for those who are too timid to take command of their own fate.” She lowered her voice, conspiratorially. “Besides. It’s quite the fool’s errand, isn’t it? Since I already know who was behind the attack.”
    Jenmar looked at her in gratitude. If she had this information, then he would not have to leave.
    “We must inform NebtHet!”
    Aset narrowed her eyes. “We could,” she mused languidly. “And would that lessen the sting of her betrayal? Would it take away the brutal fact that she has not only used you to make this experiment possible in the first place, but now wishes to send you back to the very people you betrayed in her name?”
    Every word Aset spoke hit its mark. She had given voice to what burned within him. NebtHet had betrayed him, nothing less. Resentment replaced dismay.
    “And do you think,” Aset continued, when he made no reply, “having tried to be rid of you this way, and failing, NebtHet will proceed to share her secrets with one she obviously deems unworthy?”
    He knew it would not be so. NebtHet had revealed her true self. To her, he was only a means to an end. How had he ever allowed himself to believe she would help him ascend? His hope had indeed blinded him.
    “I will tell you no lies, Jenmar. I will share with you the secret of who attacked the Tau’ri on Teranu.” Aset leaned closer to him. “I know you, Jenmar a’Keyleb .” She whispered his full Djedu name in his ear. “I know why you sought out the Djedu, what you seek in ascension. And I tell you this: NebtHet’s plan will fail. This is her last, desperate grasp to attain the unattainable.” She walked behind him and