Chapter 172 (1/2)

Jaffa Camp

He woke to a splitting headache. His mouth gritty, his skin grimy, the light coming through the tent flap made him nauseous. No clue of where he was, Linder knew he wasn't alone. In the distance he could hear men speaking, and around him he saw two sets of feet quickly exit the tent. The last thing he remembered was something coming towards his face. Based on the footwear, the Sergeant was painfully aware that wherever he might be, it wasn't a US Army encampment.

Shifting his body slightly, pain shot throughout his core. Before he could come to grips with the waves of nausea and painful spasms coursing down his spine, Linder felt hands under his armpits. Brought to a position where he was sitting on his knees, a large man with a shaved head stood before him. In his hand was an arm length rod tipped with two prongs. Looking down on the Sergeant with a cruel grin, the large man began to speak.

”You are Tauri?” Rel'dar asked.

”What?” Linder asked in reply.

The answer to his question came in the form of the man extending the rod towards the Sergeant. A moment later intense and painful waves of pain screamed through his veins. Refusing to let the man see him scream, Linder bit down hard on the insides of his cheeks.

”I will ask you again; are you of the Tauri?” Rel'dar demanded.

”Sure.” Linder replied.

”Your countrymen will not be able to rescue you. The only chance you have to save your worthless hide is to answer my questions when they are asked. Why have you come to this planet?” Rel'dar asked.

”You know how it goes. You're in a club, talking to a few ladies, maybe have one too many. Next thing you know you're lost in the woods. It happens.” Linder replied, trying to deflect the questioning.

In reply, the Jaffa once again made use of the Rod of Anguish. The young Tauri withered and fought the urge to scream. To even the most disciplined of Jaffa, the Rod of Anguish in use was not a sight to relish.

”You took a hit to the head, so we'll start easy. What is the name of your father?” Rel'dar demanded.

”Dad.” Linder replied weakly.

”And your mothers name?” Rel'dar continued.

”Mom.” Linder answered, gaining strength from his own sarcasm.

Once again, the Rod of Anguish made contact with the Sergeant. Unable to hold back this time, he screamed. The pain was unbearable. Thinking fast, he realized what he must do.

”I answered your questions!” Linder pleaded.

”Yes, you have. That was done to remind you of what happens when you do not.” Rel'dar replied with contempt.

”Ok man; just don't use that thing on me. I'll talk!” Linder agreed with panic rising in his voice.

”I know you will. The Tauri are weak. You all talk eventually. The city that sits in the ocean; it belongs to the Tauri yes?” Rel'dar asked evenly.

”No man, it's not ours.” Linder answered tiredly.

”You lie!” Rel'dar snarled.

Once again Linder's body jerked in spasm. Tears came to his eyes. When he didn't think he could take any more, for whatever reason Rel'dar stopped.