The Master of Deception | By : A.K.O.Shifting-Shadow Category: Stargate: SG-1 > Stargate Universe Views: 1116 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1 and I make no profit posting this story. Any unrecognised characters, languages and places belong to author and any connection to existing characters or real life people and places is purely coincidental. |
The Master of Deception by Kelral Orlyana
Note: The views portrayed in this story are not my own and are written to maintain authenticity and realism within the character, Ba'al. I hope they do not offend and that they are read with open minds and in the fictional context they are meant for. There is also torture in this scene, so reader's beware.
I hope you enjoy this latest update to my story and I hope I've managed to keep Ba'al in character and portrayed him as the manipulative person he is.
"My Lord." Ba'al turned at the voice to stare at his finest work. There stood Malek, his mate and underling, adorned in the finest robes and jewels, each gifted from Ba'al and each chosen to accentuate his figure and beauty. The nervous Tok'Ra was no more, though at times sentimentality took over common sense, Malek had developed a far more logical and emotive way of behaving, something that invoked fear and respect from their servants, Jaffa and human alike. Even Malek's motion was not the same, where as before he walked with a soft-footfall reminiscent of a stealthy lifestyle, now he walked with a steady stride, his posture straight and regal and an unflinching expression upon his face. He was beautiful and more importantly he was Ba'al's.
"My sweet creature." Ba'al said softly, raising a hand and inviting his mate to step closer. Malek did so without hesitation, head coming to rest on Ba'al's chest, hair tickling Ba'al's chin. "You bring news?"
"The Tok'Ra told me that the Tau'ri are becoming more active in Apophis's sector. We now know their names. They go by rank, suggesting the Tau'ri are launching a military operation but there are only three agents we know of. Colonel Jack O'Neill who is apparently their leader. Captain Samantha Carter, the only woman of the team and a man named Daniel Jackson who claims to be a…doctor or medical professional and yet does not seem to have any medical training. They also have help from the Jaffa who betrayed Apophis. Teal'c is his name and he has sworn allegiance to the Tau'ri."
Ba'al stiffened and he felt Malek stiffen. Malek still feared Ba'al and rightly so, it had only been a short time since Malek became Ba'al's property and all this subservience was just a show of obedience to keep Ba'al's favour. But Ba'al wanted this behaviour, no matter how reluctant, eventually Ba'al would turn the fake trust into true trust by being a supportive and protective leader and mate, after a time Malek's distrust would turn to those that left him in Ba'al's care. However, that meant Ba'al had to temper his rage so Malek would not associate him with pain and distrust, Malek had to have complete faith in Ba'al. To that end Ba'al ran a reassuring hand through Malek's hair. "So, the Tau'ri are once again defying the God's, blaspheming and trespassing into lands not their own."
"Yes, my lord." Malek replied, voice muffled in Ba'al's own beautifully crafted robes. "The Tok'Ra have made an effort to avoid the Tau'ri and through agents tried to persuade them to stay on the First World."
"But humans are simple-minded and arrogant. They will not listen. Of course they won't." Ba'al stated. "It is the reason I chose to flee Earth all those years ago. I knew the humans would rebel and in a great number, far greater than any God could manage alone." Ba'al hummed, his fingers sliding down to caress Malek behind the ear, a touch that Malek responded to easily as he all but purred and relaxed into Ba'al's grasp. "Where there are four, more will follow. They are like cockroaches in that respect."
"But they are not anywhere near here. So, we are safe, are we not?"
Ba'al chuckled pressing a kiss to the hair before him. "I did not get where I am today by underestimating my opponents. Always suspect danger, dear one, only the fleet-footed survive." He stated. "We will need to make preparations. Precautions should the Tau'ri come looking." He turned to the motionless Jaffa that stood at the entry way to the door. Cota was one of the more trustworthy Jaffa and his First Prime. Cota eyed them with an emotionless expression, he knew better than to think the God's were soft and weak simply because they embraced like Ba'al and Malek were at the moment. Perhaps he saw how Ba'al controlled the lesser God and knew that Ba'al was actually exerting his authority over the smaller God. Whatever he saw, he did not visibly respond, merely met Ba'al's gaze before bowing his head subserviently and waiting for instruction. "Inform the Jaffa that we are increasing patrols within the human cities below. I will not have any of my slaves corrupted by talk of these blasphemers."
"It will be done my Lord." Cota bowed and vanished within moments.
"You think the humans will hear of the Tau'ri?" Malek asked, unconcerned that he'd been witnessed as subservient and weak in comparison to Ba'al.
Ba'al chuckled. "Of course. It is the one thing about humans that is difficult to stem. Humans like to gossip, they have nothing of value to say but they will talk anyway, wasting valuable time and energy that can be used more efficiently. If the humans seized to gossip and whine they'd do much more work in the mines for example. But no matter how much the Jaffa punish them, they cannot stop nature. Humans are naturally time wasters and useless at most if not all things."
"And yet three of them have corrupted a Jaffa and are trespassing into Goa'uld territory without challenge."
Ba'al grasped Malek's shoulders firmly, pushing Malek back and forcing Malek to meet his gaze. "That is because the Goa'uld in control of that territory is an inferior specimen who is unworthy of calling themselves a God. That they allow a slave race to rebel at all is an affront to us true Gods and they will be severely punished."
"And what do we do?"
"We do nothing. My power is absolute. I will simply ensure the humans and Jaffa recognise my authority and then we will discuss ways we can monitor these intruders."
"The Tok'Ra will monitor the Tau'ri and I will continue to inform you about what they say." Malek answered.
"And what you give me is useful but my own gaze spreads further than even the Tok'Ra's. I know where they will strike next and that is why I will send an agent to their next location." Ba'al sighed. "The time for allowing Apophis to solve this himself has passed. Apophis is too incompetent to deal with this situation appropriately and I do not tolerate humans trying to reach beyond their station. I will not be content until those humans are cowed and subservient once more."
"What can you do better than Apophis?"
Ba'al chuckled, embracing Malek once more before releasing his pet project and turning back to the console. "The humans are very closeminded, they are so focused on Apophis that they will not see my agents or their actions. I will be able to get an agent into their number who will report to me their actions and plans so I can create an effective counter-attack and punishment for their rebellion."
"You already…" Malek stopped talking as he received a stern glare. "Do you not trust me?"
"Some things go beyond trust. Your connection to the Tok'Ra is useful but also dangerous." Ba'al turned back to Malek and brushed his fingers gently across Malek's cheek, admiring the deep, expressive eyes of Malek's chosen host. Few could see the beauty in what they considered a plain brown, but the few like Ba'al saw more, and while most brown eyed and haired humans were plain and unworthy of notice, there were some like Malek's host that were absolutely gorgeous. Ba'al smiled fondly as Malek stared into Ba'al's own dark eyes with an expression of fearful respect. "As smart as you are, my sweet, you do not understand the danger the Tok'Ra pose to me, to you, to us. While they are useful, they are also a threat, they readily abandoned you into my care and they will betray us just as quickly. I will not allow them to harm you further, little one, so I keep my silence on this matter to protect you from the backlash should the Tok'Ra discover my actions. I will deal with the tantrums of the young and unworthy, you my dear will focus on learning about yourself and the universe. Not everything is black and white. There is no such thing as true evil or good. Good can be corrupted and evil can be stemmed and change. The only thing that is true is that Gods exist, we exist and humans will always be subservient to our will. They use Gods to justify their evils, so Gods must control the humans so their evil does not spread."
"Humans are not always evil." Malek protested.
"Old men marrying little girls. Women beaten for meeting a man's eyes or for being educated. Hands chopped off for theft, men stoned to death or thrown from tall buildings for loving other men, hundreds of innocent people killed by those who claim that their religion is of peace and yet punish those who don't believe. They will blow up non-believers or otherwise mass-slaughter innocents." Ba'al answered. "Those humans that proclaim that they are agents of our will are nothing more than imposters trying to be greater than they are, they dare believe that they know the will of the Gods. If I want to kill someone, I will do so myself or otherwise send my Jaffa, I need no man to act in my stead. It is insulting to think a man can proclaim he can comprehend my will." Ba'al dared a look at Malek and saw the once-Tok'Ra eyeing him with a studious gaze. Ba'al smiled and pressed another kiss to Malek's brow. "Since you have been in my care have you seen me kill women, torture children or otherwise commit mass murder without cause?"
Malek shook his head. "Although you are not kind to your lo'tar's and servants you are not without sense. Torture is reserved for those who defy or threaten the security and sanctity of the communities you've built or the authority of your will. While you are cruel and often barbaric at times you have reasons for doing so that go beyond the basic and simple excuse that 'religion demands it'."
"Humans are property." Ba'al answered. "The only one allowed to punish them are their masters. If a Jaffa or human slave harmed one of my servants without my express say so then they are committing a crime of immense magnitude and will be dealt with accordingly."
"Humans aren't property." Malek protested.
Ba'al chuckled. "Still so young." He whispered fondly into Malek's ear as he walked passed the other to reach his drinks cabinet. "If I did not own my servants someone else will. Not necessarily another God. A Jaffa will claim ownership and if not a Jaffa then an arrogant human who believes he is superior to his kin. He will use my name or another Gods name to gain a following of those easily manipulated or brainwashed which he will then use to forcefully convert other men into obeying his belief of what religion the man has created. And like with all men, he will be corrupt, he will use a religion he proclaims as peaceful to do harm unto others, raping little girls, beating women, murdering men with excuses that lack reason or logic." Ba'al poured two glasses and carried them back over to Malek where he offered Malek the one in his left hand. Malek took it cautiously watching Ba'al take a mouthful of his own drink before sipping from the glass in his hands. Ba'al watched amused and smiled fondly when Malek's eyes met his. "Am I not a better option? A big bad that tempers the natural evil of man. I may not be kind, but kindness is a weakness. Just like any other animal, man will target and remove those they consider weaker then themselves. Kindness is a dangerous trait to have and the reason the Tok'Ra won't last. They will either become corrupted or be hunted by the strongest until they are wiped from the universe and living memory."
Malek looked deeply affected by Ba'al's words and Ba'al knew he'd hit a nerve. Only time would see if Malek learned his lesson and turned to Ba'al's way of thinking. Ba'al knew it would take much more than this deep, controversial conversation to change Malek's way of thinking. Malek still saw things in an idealist sort of way, that men were innocent and that the Gods were the true evil and it would take a big lesson to change Malek's mind.
Perhaps the best way to get him back and loyal is to let him go. Fróði stated. He needs to see the true depth of man's evil.
What an excellent idea. Ba'al considered for a few moments as he turned away a smirk forming on his face, unseen by Malek. "There is something you can do for me, however." He stated. He saw Malek look at him curiously from the corner of his eye. Ba'al made sure his expression was a gentle smile as he turned to his pet. "There is a human colony on one of my worlds that has failed to meet the quota I expect from all my mining worlds. If you would like to be helpful you can take a few of my best and most loyal Jaffa to their world and ensure they deliver what I demand."
"Is this your will?"
"It is." Ba'al confirmed. "They promised a delivery of naquadah of at least twenty tonnes, I have received only excuses, you will remind them of my authority."
What Malek did not know were that these men were the result of Sokar's experiments. They were almost twice the size of most men and respected power more than knowledge. They would without a doubt attempt to assault his little pet and force Malek into defending himself. His Jaffa will prevent his pet from being killed but it would be up to Malek to finally stop the primitive's from attacking him, he'd realise that force is the only language humans would understand. It would be a difficult lesson but an effective one.
As Malek left to do as requested Ba'al took a seat, looking at his glass in deep thought before smirking. Training Malek was like training any other lesser being, it meant firm lessons and gentle encouragement in equal measure. By the end Malek would see Ba'al as a harsh, but just ruler and he would give Ba'al absolute loyalty and subservience. It would take many decades and many lessons, but Ba'al had all the time in the universe to make sure Malek learned his lesson and gave Ba'al everything he was, his body, his mind and his spirit. When the Tok'Ra finally come to claim their kinsman, they would not find a Tok'Ra but a Goa'uld, a creature far more superior and intelligent would greet them and that Goa'uld would be absolutely loyal to Ba'al. Ba'al could barely stand to wait but waiting was the game and he was very, very good at being patient.
Cota returned as Ba'al continued to eye his glass. The Jaffa went to his knees in subservience. "The Jaffa will increase security. Lord Surak requested Jaffa to escort him as I returning here, I gave him four of my best. I hope this was permitted."
"You have done very well, Cota, that is precisely what I wanted." Ba'al answered. "Bring me the prisoner. I think it is time we speak to that lowly creature. He has been positively miserable I hope."
"The intruder is clearly a false God, my Lord, he has endured his punishment without complaint. The Jaffa on guard have gladly obeyed your instructions and punished him for his blasphemy, for pretending to be a God." Cota answered. "If it is permitted, I will leave and collect the imposter."
"It is, secure him to the wall and then leave."
"It will be done, my Lord." Cota replied.
Ba'al nodded, pleased with Cota's obedience as he stood and returned to the drinks cabinet to refill his drink. It was as he was returning to the table at the centre of the room that Cota returned with another Jaffa and a weakened man hanging by the armpits from their grasps. As Ba'al eyed the knives hidden within the table he glanced every now and then to watch expressionlessly as Cota and the Jaffa secured the newcomer to the wall before bowing and quickly leaving the presence of their God.
The newcomer coughed, eyes opening to give Ba'al a look of contempt. The man was not a unique or notable individual, drab brown hair, expressionless eyes. The colouration was so much like Malek's but Malek had more passion and beauty than this man. This man was ugly in looks and personality, Malek was a thoughtful and calm individual, this man was far more arrogant. Or at least the symbiote was, Ba'al was absolutely certain that this imposter is a Tok'Ra.
"Only a fool tests the wrath of a God." Ba'al began softly, testing the waters. "I warned you to stay away from my domain. You and your people agreed to this and yet you have returned despite knowing this ultimatum."
"We came to speak to our kinsman. Your stipulations were to keep Malek informed and you certainly did not say we could not visit him. He is my brother." The Tok'Ra snapped in return, confirming he was Tok'Ra. The imposter God was clearly furious but unable to escape though he was clearly trying. Muscles strained against the pull of the restraints, the energy shield that kept him against the wall and motionless.
Ba'al casually walked up to the other, smirking cruelly as the other stopped fighting to eye him warily. Once he was close enough to whisper Ba'al chuckled quietly. "It should have been obvious. But then I expect the Tok'Ra are too stupid to read between the lines. You are never permitted to see Malek again. When you made the agreement, you made him mine to do with as I please. His life is mine and I decide who he can and cannot see. Until I consider this agreement invalid between us I will keep Malek in my care, you will not see him or touch him, you will speak to him through private, well-guarded channels but otherwise never interact with him again."
"You can't do this." The Tok'Ra whispered, shock filling his gaze before slowly to turn to worry and fear. "What are you going to do to him? What are you going to do to my brother? I demand you tell me!"
"You demand nothing!" Ba'al retorted, his loud voice startling the Tok'Ra into silence. Ba'al took a calming breath as he stood before the Tok'Ra. "Malek is not like the rest of you inferior specimens. He has an opportunity to be more. To become better and superior. I intend for him to reach his true potential, to see the world as it truly is and I will not have you interfere."
"You intend to manipulate him into becoming Goa'uld. You plan to make him turn upon his own people."
"You are no longer his kin." Ba'al answered. "By the end, the Tok'Ra will completely abandon Malek and he will turn to me."
"You're the reason that not all our messages are getting through. You're manipulating my brother, brainwashing him." The Tok'Ra struggled more. Realising it was futile he snarled at Ba'al. "Malek will not be brainwashed. He is loyal to the Tok'Ra. He is Tok'Ra and he will be the one to kill you in the end."
Ba'al leaned closer, his smirk clear to see before the Tok'Ra felt his breath at their ear. "Malek is no longer Tok'Ra and he will be the reason the Tok'Ra die. It will be a glorious victory on my part." Ba'al turned away then and walked to the table, running a hand across the blades, he picked up the smallest one, felt the magnetic pull of the wall behind the prisoner as the blade was released from its confines. Once released the blade would imbed itself in his victim's flesh. Ba'al saw the realisation in the Tok'Ra's eyes, the knowledge that he was going to die and Ba'al smirked. "But you will not live to see Malek reach his full potential. You will not see the end of the Tok'Ra. Your journey ends here. Malek will never know you were here, never know that you died by my hand, slowly and painfully. And the Tok'Ra will never know that they caused their own extinction when they handed Malek over. I am in control, of Malek's future, the Tok'Ra's demise and your death." He released the blade and smiled in satisfaction as the Tok'Ra screamed. "Scream as loud as you wish, the Jaffa will not save you. Malek will not save you. You are alone and you will die alone."
When Malek returned, the floors had been scrubbed, the body disposed of and Ba'al sat seemingly bored upon his throne, overseeing yet another tedious attempt of humans trying to claim more authority then they deserved. They were arguing over a girl, two men claiming they have the right to wed her, but the woman was clearly not interested in either of them and seemed terrified at the idea of being married to one of them. She was clearly younger by many years, just old enough to be considered a woman and not a child. Ba'al raised a hand as Malek entered. "You are both unworthy of such beauty. Jaffa take these men to be executed. The girl will join my servants."
The men's screams were ignored and the girl did little more than whimper as she was taken further into Ba'al's stronghold. Ba'al dismissed the Jaffa and humans so that only Cota remained as Malek returned to his side, Malek's cheek was pink, clearly still tender from a vicious hit to the face and he looked deeply hurt but Ba'al could see a spark of anger in those beautiful eyes. "The delivery of naquadah you've asked for." Malek stated, raising a hand to point at the door.
Ba'al was incredibly pleased with what he saw. Two cowed natives, a man who Ba'al knew to be the leader of the community and his smaller, frightened daughter. Behind them, pulled in by four strong Jaffa was the supply of naquadah Ba'al had wanted. "You bring me not only the naquadah but a gift as well?" Ba'al asked softly.
Malek nodded. "I believed you would like to speak to the leader yourself to reaffirm what I've told them, that they cannot defy their Gods orders."
"Yes, men are very easily persuaded and punished. After all, what would a father do to protect his daughter?" The man immediately leapt up at Ba'al's statement to stand before his sobbing daughter. Cota backhanded the man sending him flying into the container. He was dragged back to his knees by two of the four Jaffa Cota had sent with Malek. "So even a primitive has enough emotion to protect and love his daughter. Interesting." Ba'al turned to Cota. "Take the girl, set her to work cleaning the stronghold, make sure she is always under guard."
"No!" The man screamed, only to earn another backhander from one of the Jaffa holding him.
"Do not argue with a God." Cota snarled before he grabbed the man's daughter and dragged her from the room.
Ba'al smirked. "Disobedience has consequences, human. Your defiance has cost you your daughter. If your people continue to defy my authority you will lose a lot more than your children." Ba'al turned to the remaining four Jaffa. "I trust all the naquadah I demand is here, otherwise I will punish you for your ineptitude."
"It is all here my Lord. We found they had more than enough, so we took thirty tonnes in all."
Ba'al raised a brow. "You had enough naquadah to supply me with thirty tonnes and yet you did not think to meet the twenty-tonne quota?" Fury covered his face. "Jaffa, he is to given fifty lashes, he is to wear the marks of his defiance when he is returned to his people. I do not tolerate rebellion of any kind."
"We will do as you will, my Lord." And with that the Jaffa turned the man so his back was to Ba'al. The stronger of the four retrieved a rope, a sturdy one used to secure the luxurious curtains hanging from the ceiling of his throne room but was now being put to better use.
"Ba'al." Malek whispered. "We have already taken his daughter. We do not need to do this."
"But we will, my sweet, because this man will use the taking of his daughter to invoke rage and more rebellion. His people need to see the power I possess. They will see the result of my rage and think twice about rebellion." The Jaffa turned to Ba'al waiting for permission to begin. Ba'al nodded his head and the first sound of the rope flying through the air and then the hitting of flesh began.
Malek managed to watch for the first few strikes, but as the man began to scream he turned away, acting as if he was reading something upon the data pad Ba'al had only just realised was in his hands. Ba'al knew Malek more than likely knew what was written there, but he allowed Malek this moment of weakness. Small steps after all and Malek had made much progress in the short time he'd been in Ba'al's care.
When they were alone, the man having returned to his home-world, pride and body wounded, and the pair of them had adjourned to Ba'al's private chambers Malek had turned angrily to Ba'al. "You shouldn't have done that. He was already punished enough with the loss of his daughter."
"Perhaps not." Ba'al agreed. "But I saw that you'd been hit by one of those inferior creatures and I could not contain my rage." He stated, holding Malek's head between his hands as he pressed a gentle kiss to the now healed cheek. "I promised the Tok'Ra that you'd be safe, they would never forgive me and I would not forgive myself if you were badly hurt in my care."
Malek looked suspicious for a moment before sighing. "I don't like what you make me do."
"If you do not behave as Goa'uld my Jaffa will be suspicious and I can only do so much to protect you. Cota will not talk but there are other servants who will. You cannot show weakness of any kind." Ba'al answered. "What I ask you to do may be uncomfortable but it is for your own protection, little one. To be safe you must be strong, the humans and Jaffa must respect you."
"They fear me." Malek countered.
"Fear and respect are often the same thing. Humans respect tigers and wolves, they admire their power so much so that they hunt them with this delusional belief that if they consume these animal's bones and perform ridiculous rituals with their body parts, that somehow, they inherit these animal's strength. They respect these animals enough to do these ridiculous rituals because they fear them, because they know these animals can kill them with ease. Once you have taught the humans and Jaffa to fear you, they will come to respect you. In the end they will adore you and be loyal to you unto death."
"What good is loyalty if they fear me?" Malek asked. "I don't want them to be afraid."
"One day they won't be afraid of you. They'll be in awe of you, little one." Ba'al answered. "Now come, I am hungry and tired, it has been a long day and I am eager to see it end." He let go of Malek and walked over to a leather chair where he lowered himself with a sigh and relaxed in a way he could not in public. "Tomorrow we will talk more and discuss our options about the Tau'ri. For now, we will eat and then rest. Come, join me, little one." Malek looked very hesitant but slowly, reluctantly moved to take the chair beside Ba'al's own. He said nothing as one girl, the one who was fought over, came into to deliver trays of food before leaving quickly with a fearful glance towards Ba'al. Finally, alone, Malek picked at his food while Ba'al ate heartily, Malek may not think things were going well, but to Ba'al's mind, everything was moving along perfectly.
TBC
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