A/N: Oh no, she's back! And yes, it is another Jonas whumper. And yes, a lot of the chapters are very short, but take heart, because I will again post on a daily basis. This time, I'll title the chapters for ease in following. Many, many thanks to Lyn for her excellent betawork, and also to Deb for her kind encouragement, and to Linda, who prefers love stories, but was still kind enough to read this, and Mariel at work, whose encouragement has always helped me through long dark days. Hope you like it!
Tarek Solamun waited nervously for the Ring of the Gods to activate. Despite having been present when the alien Jonas Quinn had first proven that the Ring was in truth a transportation device, Tarek still found himself in awe that something created by the great god Horus could be put to such a mundane use.
His hand found its way to the amulet around his neck. Jonas Quinn and his companion, the Jaffa, Teal'c, had explained that Horus was not a god, but Tarek was used to having to hide his faith. The people of Tagrea had long ago forsaken their god, and there were only a few like himself who kept the faith.
He had come to believe that Jonas and Teal'c were men of good will, but in his heart, he knew that his god was not the ravening parasite that they described. Still, it was their need that had uncovered the truth about Tagrea's history, and for that he was truly grateful.
He tried not to feel intimidated by the company he was now keeping. He glanced over at Chairman Ashwan, standing tall and proud, awaiting the return of the aliens. He looked at the man and smiled, proud to have such a leader for their people.
Few had been as surprised as Tarek when the Chairman had faced down Commander Kalfas with eloquence and courage. Before that terrifying day, when he had knelt with a weapon pointed at his head, he had believed the newsellers' reports that Tor Ashwan was weak, and the only thing keeping him in power was the consent of the armed forces led by Commander Kalfas. But the lion who had roared that day, demanding that weapons be lowered, was far from weak.
Aside from the Chairman, Tarek was surrounded by the best and brightest of Tagrean society, an august company in which he felt very out of place. He unconsciously smoothed down his formal jacket, the best piece of clothing that he owned, but inferior to practically every other outfit there.
In truth, he didn't know why he was here. The Chairman had requested his presence, and he'd been proud to be invited, hoping to spend more time with Jonas Quinn and Teal'c. But seeing the cream of the scientific community, all eager to speak with the aliens, he realized there was little chance that he would even be noticed.
All heads came up and there was a great indrawn breath as the Ring of the Gods suddenly started to spin. Tarek smiled inwardly knowing what was to come. He, and everyone else, stared at the ring as the seven decorations spaced around its edge each in its turn lit up then slammed inward with a resounding metallic clunk.
When the last clunk sounded, he stood his ground as, with a great explosion, light leapt outward from the ring. He felt a smug satisfaction that only he and the Chairman were able to face that explosion without flinching. He reached over, and greatly daring, helped the Chief Science Advisor back to her feet.
He smiled to calm her shaking. "It can not hurt us if we stay back. See? Even now, it has receded. The blue watery surface is what the Tau'ri call an 'event horizon'."
Advisor Clinteas shook off his hand and turned away, her haughty expression reminding Tarek of his lowly position. Feeling his ears redden in embarrassment, he dropped his eyes, and missed the arrival of SG1 through the gate.
He was backing away through the crowd when he heard the leader, Colonel O'Neill call out, "Howdy folks! We're back!"
When he got to the back of the crowd, he turned and craned his neck trying to catch sight of the two aliens he dared to call his friends. He was a bit taken aback at the number of people pouring through the gate, each burdened by heavy crates and other parcels.
Despite his short stature, he was just able to pick out Teal'c standing calmly near where Tarek knew the Chairman had been. People were pressing forward, hoping to catch a glimpse, or have a word with the strange travelers. It quickly became obvious that even if Teal'c or Jonas wanted to have anything to do with him, they would not be free to do so.
Wondering why he had come, Tarek turned and headed to the makeshift transportation lot where his battered old pod awaited. Climbing in, he grasped his amulet and said a short prayer of thanks to Horus for the safe return of his friends. With a sigh, he started the pod, and drove home.