Title: Varia
Author: Anso
Rating: PG
Category: Gen, drama, h/c
Word count: 29 31 672 words in six parts
Characters: SG-1, General Jack O'Neill.
Timeline: Early season eight. Not directly episode related but the story is set shortly after "Lockdown" and "Zero Hour". The season 2 episode "Spirits" is also mentioned, as is Daniel's ascension. There are also small references to other episodes throughout the series...
Warnings: None really, except perhaps for anA almost naked Daniel and two bad words. The story is also somewhat medically graphic.
Disclaimer: Not mine, just borrowing. As always, any and all mistakes are mine.
Summary: General O'Neill is happy to be able to go with SG-1 on a peaceful mission, but the joy of the mission is somewhat hampered by his and the rest of SG-1's worry over Daniel…
A/N: I must admit I never thought I was ever going to write another Stargate story after mu my unfinished attempt last year, nor that it was this story I was going to write. At times it has felt something like pulling teeth to getting parts of it done, but now it is finished and I hope you like what you read. Big hugs and thanks go to my beta Rosie for giving this a read-through.
Summary: General O'Neill is happy to be able to go with SG-1 on a peaceful mission, but the joy of the mission is somewhat hampered by his and the rest of SG-1's worry over Daniel…
PART ONE
"Good morning, campers!" Brigadier General Jack O'Neill's voice rang out joyfully as he strode purposefully into the gateroom, dressed in BDU's with his ball cap on his head and a P90 strapped to his chest.
"Good morning, sir," Sam said, looking at her CO bemusedly as she finished adjusting her vest. "Are you ready?"
"Oh, yeah," Jack had been looking forward to this mission like a little kid. It'd been a while since he'd gone through the Stargate and now the king on P7C 884 had requested that he'd only finalize their business with the commander of the SGC if his people, the Varians, were to trade with Earth.
After SG-7's initial recon, tThe SGC had sent through a diplomatic unit to do most of the negotiations. Now all there wasthat was left to do was to sign the trade agreement and join the banquet. Earth had many things the Varians needed and wanted, and in return Varia could provide Earth with minerals and herbs that the preliminary testing had shown were promising for multiple purposes. Easy as eating pie, Jack thought. He would get to spend a few days with his team. Or, rather, he corrected himself thinking he needed to get used to this; he'd get to spend a few days with the SGC's premiere team, he corrected himself, thinking he needed to get used to this. They weren't his team any more. Not officially speaking, anyway. It But it was common knowledge that Jack always would have a special place in his heart for SG-1. He was going to get a few days alone with them, and most importantly, go off-world again. Not that he didn't like being general, ; it could be fun, but this was what he liked best. Most of the time SG-1 functioned well as a three man team but they had all openly told Jack they'd be more than happy to have him join them on any mission he liked. They missed him. Not that they'd said that in so many words. Well, Daniel had, but Jack understood the others' subtlety as loud and clear.
"O'Neill." Teal'c inclined his head in greeting and Jack dipped his head slightly in return, smiling, adjusting his ball cap. Was that a smile he'd seen on Teal'c's face? Jack thought so.
"Morning, Teal'c." Jack could feel his grin splitting his face in two. Yep, this was going to be fun.
"What is it that amuses you?" Teal'c asked, sounding completely unimpressed by Jack's joyous greeting..
"Oh, I'm just happy to see you guys, going off-world again and all that. Sign another trade agreement, get some nice new herbs and plants for the geeks to look at, perhaps some technology for Carter to drool over, the usual stuff."
"Indeed." Teal'c smiled. "It is good to have you with us, O'Neill."
"Thank you, Teal'c."
"Daniel?" Jack walked over to his friend whom so far had been quiet, preoccupied with his pack.
"Jack?" Daniel looked up at him over the rim of his glasses, a puzzled look on his face, as if he was trying to remembering or thinking hard about something.
"Good morning," Jack said patiently.
Silence. Jack stared at Daniel. What was he doing? "Good morning, Daniel," Jack said one more time.
"Oh. Mornin',". Daniel's greeting was, when it finally came, somewhat muffled as he was sittingsat down on his knees on the gateroom floor, his head buried in his pack, rooting around for something, mumbling softly to himself.
Oh yeah. Some things hadn't changed a bit since he'd taken over command of the SGC. Come to think of it, some things hadn't changed at all, Jack thought as he watched Daniel do the distracted thing for the millionth time. Jack waited a minute before calling Daniel's name to get his attention again. "Daniel? What's the delay?"
"Had to find this," Daniel said, holding up a blister pack. "I'd thought I'd put it in my vest, but it must have ended up in the pack with the rest of my stuff when I packed earlier."
Jack frowned. Distracted or otherwise focused as Daniel could be at times, and as littered with all kinds of artefacts, books and things his office was, Daniel was a meticulous, tidy person who knew where everything was and had a place for everything. To others his filing system might be a mystery, but Daniel rarely had to search for the things he needed, he always knew where they were. Unless he'd been away from his office for a while and the other archaeologists had used his office as a library of sorts without Daniel being there to guide them to what they needed to borrow. Then, Daniel had to put everything back how he liked them before he could start working.
"What is it?" Sam asked. "It doesn't look like your regular antihistamines."
"That's because it's not." It was SOP that Daniel and one of his team mates always carried blister packs of allergy meds in addition to the epi-pen that were standard equipment in the med kits. The MALP could only tell so much about the floral condition the planets they visited were in, and experience had told them to bring more than what Daniel needed on an everyday basis.
Jack looked at the blister pack as well. He didn't recognise it. When Daniel descended last year, both Daniel himself and Doc Fraiser had told Jack that Oma had left Daniel just as he was before he ascended, minus the radiation poisoning. Which meant Daniel's body was basically unchanged. Fraiser had scanned and tested Daniel with all available equipment at the SGC and then some, and found scar tissue, healed fractures and old scars to be where they'd been before he ascended. This also meant that Daniel still had his allergies.
"It's Zofran," Daniel said, rising from his kneeling position on the floor and taking the blister pack from Sam. "I've been having an upset stomach lately. I'm just a little queasy. It's nothing to worry about. "
"And you failed to mention this in the briefing, how?" Jack was in Daniel's face now, his stomach turning into knots. Was Daniel sick and had failed to tell them?. "Daniel, you know the rules. God! You've been doing this for years! Don't you ever learn?" Jack pinned Daniel with his gaze, searching his face for any signs of illness. He couldn't find anything. Okay, that was perhaps a little harsh, Jack thought. He knew Daniel wasn't stupid but he still lacked a proper sense of self-preservation in Jack's opinion.
"Jack, listen to me." Daniel said, going for the calm and collected approach. The control room was full of people and the communications channels were open.
"No, Daniel, you listen to me. If there is even the slightest chance that a member of a team may be slowing the mission down for health reasons, thatreasons, that team member is to sit the mission out. You know this! God, Daniel! How many times do we have to go through this?" Jack threw his hands up in frustration, the happiness gone in a flash.
"Jack," Daniel protestedstarted. "Calm down."
"I thought you had learned this by now, Daniel. You have learned how to be a soldier when you need to, but looking after your health is like a blind spot with you." This wasn't a dangerous mission, but if Jack knew anything about Stargate travel it was that the seemingly most peaceful world could be the biggest threat. A team member who wasn't functioning a hundred percent could be a potential danger and hindrance to the mission. Jack knew Daniel knew this.
"Jack!" Getting nowhere fast, Daniel raised his voice.
"Sir, Daniel." Sam's voice was calm but stern. "There's no need to yell."
Sam stepped closer to Daniel, touching his arm. "Daniel?"
Daniel barely glanced at her and turned to Jack. "Jack, listen. I'm not sick. I said I was a little queasy," Daniel emphasized the last word, drawing it out. "It's not the end of the world. You're overreacting." Daniel sighed. "I've been to the infirmary. I got the pillsm from Doctor. Brightman earlier this morning."
Jack stepped back a little, looking at him properly, almost annoyed that he didn't couldn't see anything being wrong with Daniel's health. Perhaps he'd been yelling for no reason? Daniel looked well, a bit pale and drawn perhaps, but that could be anything. Or nothing. His hair was mussed as if he'd had too little time to prepare for the mission and just rubbed it dry after he showered foregoingwithout combing it. Another evidence to that fact was that Daniel hadn't taken the time to shave. There was a slight hint of reddish-brown beard on his face looking to Jack like two-day old stubblelso, Daniel wasn't as clean shaven like he usually was. The somewhatlightly rumpled look wasn't how Daniel usually looked. Jack knew that Daniel, without being vain, was to be as meticulous about his looks as he was with his work, but today he looked like he'd skipped a few steps. Jack was glad to know his warning bells still worked.
Looking a little closer Jack wondered if Daniel actually had lost some weight lately. He always worked too much, and there were signs of dark circles beneath his eyes. As far as Jack knew Daniel ate and slept as he should. He Jack took a few deep breaths. Perhaps Carter was right. Jack's instincts told him to haul Daniel off to the infirmary for some tests. As Daniel had pointed out, Jack knew, but he had a tendency to overreact. Hhe had been happy this morning and there was a delegation waiting for them on the other side of the wormhole, so Jack decided to let it go, for now. Jack decided that he probably was overzealous and a little nervous to go off-world with his friends again, and therefore had overreacted. This wasn't the end of the world. Daniel had an upset stomach. It was perfectly understandable, Jack decided. Everyone could get that without it meaning they would be slowing the mission down or that they were sick.
Actually, knowing Daniel's eating habits as he did pretty well by now, Jack was surprised Daniel didn't have an upset stomach more often. But then, perhaps he did. , Jack thought, his anger flashing again. He might have that often for all Jack knew. Daniel didn't tell you how he was feeling unless he was forced to or couldn't hide it. Even with his friends and after all these years on SG-1 Daniel was still too good at hiding his feelings for Jack's liking. The good thing was that Jack, Carter and Teal'c knew Daniel so well by now that they saw what he was going through most of the time anyway.
Reminding himself again that it wasn't every day he got to go off world with SG-1, Jack made a mental note to keep an eye on Daniel and just send him home if he started to get sick. And if Daniel had lost weight Jack would fatten him up in no time. Just give the guy a few hearty, regular, meals, and he'd be back to his match weight in no time. Pulling himself out of his musings and back to the reality of a mission waiting Jack let go of his anger and clapped Daniel on the shoulder and said flippantly
"So, had too much coffee, didja?" Jack asked in his own sarcastic-caring way, locking his gaze with Daniel's. Jack knew Daniel could read him just as well as he read Daniel, which meant Daniel probably knew what Jack just had been thinking.
Daniel proceeded to do up his pack. "I'm fine,." Daniel said, finishing doing up his pack and clipped it onto the back of his vest.
"If you say so," Jack said, immediately kicking himself mentally for letting that slip out. He walked out of Daniel's personal space and stood closer to the ramp.
"Jack," Daniel said sounding irritated. "You know I've been translating runes for SG-22 for a week now. The negotiations will fall through if we don't understand every word of The Documentation of Law. You know how excruciatingly detail-focus those people are. You've sat through hours of negotiations with them yourself."
"If you say so," Jack said calmly, walking out of Daniel's personal space and closer to the ramp.
"I know," Jack nodded. Ooops. Daniel had seen right throughdidn't believe him and now he was trying to explain his behaviour. He shouldn't have needed to. Couldn't Daniel just have ignored that comment? Jack knew very well what Daniel had been doing lately. Jack ducked his head and started to fiddle with the strap to his zat, fastening it again. When he looked up again Daniel's eyebrows were almost up to his hairline and he held his head just so, blinking at Jack then frowning. Daniel was right. He had been working much too hard at that translation. It'd been touch and go there for a while because of the sheer quantity of translation needing to be done and the short time span Daniel had had to do it in. The SGC's runologist was off on a 2 month long dig that was a two day's walk through rough terrain away from the 'gate and Jack hadn't wanted to recall her unless he was forced to. Jack knew that if he asked Daniel, he'd give it his best shot, which in Jack's opinion, was as perfect as any translation could be. Daniel always did his best, no matter what task was presented to him. On top of the translation, Daniel had also been occupied with the reorganization of his department due to the newly added personnel and the extensive training they needed just to be able to work at the SGC.
"Jack?" Jack almost heard him say, "what What was that about?"
"Daniel." Couldn't Daniel have ignored that comment?
But no, Daniel was too observant for that.
"I finished the translation last night, everything's ready." Daniel said. "Nyan's working on the training as we speak. He's an excellent teacher and can do a lot of it by himself by now."
"Good." Jack said. He looked at Daniel again, first now noticing the dark circles under his eyes. "Did you sleep at all last night?" Jack asked. If Daniel said he'd finished the translation last night it could very well mean that he'd finished it an hour before they were to leave for this mission. Remembering the unfamiliar blister pack, he added, "Have you eaten breakfast?"
Daniel ignored his question, confirming Jack's suspicion. "Yes."Look, it's no big deal. It's not like I'm puking my guts out at every opportunity. It's just a little upset." Daniel saidstressed the last word.
"Let's hope so,", Jack said, smiling."Yes to what?" Jack asked.
"Jack!"
Jack raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay."
"Thank you," Daniel said tersely, walking around Jack so he could stand on the other side of Teal'c who had worn an amused look on his face throughout their conversation, clearly enjoying the familiar arguing.
"You sure everything's okay?" Jack asked, not being able to help it.
Daniel gave a long-suffering sigh. "Yes Jack, I am fine," He put the blister pack in his vest and zipped it up over his jacket, accepting the P90 that Teal'c had been holding for him and clipped that to the vest.
Jack settled. He believed him. Daniel had enough experience to tell them if he really was sick. But he should have taken the time to get some proper sleep before the mission. The leaders from P82 311 wasn't due to return in a few days, which was why Jack had time to go with SG-1 on this trip, but Jack relied on Daniel to be with him when they came back to the negotiation table.
Finally tTurning his attention to the control room Jackhe waved, indicating the 'gate. "Dial it up, Walter," ." If Doctor. Brightman had let Daniel off the hook, then it couldn't be that bad, Jack decided. But he made a mental note to have a chat with the still relatively new good doctor about the care of certain archaeologists when he returned. She'd clearly not been reading all the fine print.
*****
Stepping out of the Stargate Daniel had to take a little helping step as his stomach lurched from the transition through the wormhole. He'd stepped through the 'gate so many times so that unless it was a rough ride, it never registered with him any more how he exhaled before stepping into the wormhole, inhaling as he stepped out, then shivering slightly for barely a second as the coldness of space left his reassembled body and his stomach settled from the tumble his molecules had taken. Now, Daniel swallowed hard and breathed a little more heavy than the smooth transition should warrant and took a moment to let his stomach settle.
He'd not lied to his team. He was fine. But recently he'd begun to feel nauseous more and more often and food was less and less appealing. He'd not intended to say anything at the pre mission physical, but he'd been nauseous all morning and the doctor had noticed he looked a little green. Daniel had insisted he was just a little tired and that it would pass, completely failing to mention this wasn't the first time he'd woken up nauseous in the middle of the night, consequently lying awake most of the night in hope that it'd pass. By early morning the tiredness outweighed the nausea and he fell asleep with a bowl clutched in his hands in case he'd not make it to the bathroom in time. Most nights he made it. In the mornings, as he went about his daily business, the nausea decreased enough for him to manage to drink a bit of coffee, eat something and do his job. He'd not lied to Jack about having slept last night. He had slept. It wasn't much and it was more early morning than night when he'd exhaustedly tumbled to bed, but he had slept. A little.
After giving him the blister pack with Zofran meds earlier, the doc had told him to cut back on the coffee and sent him on his merry way, but also letting him know in no uncertain terms that if he wasn't better in a few days he'd come see her. If it'd been Fraiser or Warner who'd seen him, Daniel was sure he'd not be let off so easily, but there were several new doctors in the infirmary and they didn't know Daniel as well as Fraiser had. Plus it'd been a busy morning with seven teams going off almost simultaneously, SG-1 as the last.
Doctor Warner was still around. The old combat surgeon would know Daniel was fooling him the minute he set eyes upon him. His team would, too, which is why he'd carefully avoided breakfast this morning. He could take the time it took to get a few pieces of toast to sit comfortably at home, or skip breakfast altogether, something he'd been doing more and more often. Daniel didn't want his friends to worry. This was a special mission. It was rare that Jack got to go off-world and Daniel didn't want to destroy the reunion with a bit of an upset stomach. He'd get through this. After all, They they were after all just signing a trade agreement. For this reason Daniel was especially relieved when the nausea had eased and his stomach settled nicely after he'd been in the infirmary and as he got ready for the mission. Also, Teal'c had not mentioned he looked unwell in the locker room. The Jaffa was ever observant and would have asked Daniel if he was unwell if he'd seen him look even the slightest shade of green. The doc had told him that he could take as much as three Zofran per day and Daniel wanted to avoid taking one as long as possible. They were to be taken on an empty stomach, which Daniel figured shouldn't be a problem.
"You're on." Jack nudged his shoulder and Daniel forced his thoughts back to the here and now.
Daniel looked at the large group of people entourage standing at the bottom of the stairs leading from the Stargate into the vast city lying before them.
The city looked modern in architecture, yet it wasn't as sleek and dull as some completely modernized cities looked. SG-17, the diplomatic team, had given a thorough report of the negotiations. The report also explained that the people on Varia had been transplanted from many different places of Earth and in several stages, and that although their cities looked modern, they were a simple people, and that their technology was not as advanced as the modern buildings made it appear.
"Look at them," Daniel murmured excitedly to Jack, indicating the waiting enourage with a slight tilt of his head, "they look like Tonani's people."
"You mean those Native Americans we met, when was that again?" Jack asked in a hushed voice.
"A long time ago. The leader could very well be," Daniel responded, still in a quiet tone.
"At least these guys didn't take our people hostage and send an arrow through the Stargate to get warn us to not come back." Jack continued.
"Yes, there is that." Daniel said, smiling slightly at Jack's joke, remembering the mission well. His smile turned into a grimace though, when he remembered it was Jack who had been shot with that arrow. It had leapt through the open gate, shot through the bullet proof window in the briefing room, barely missed General Hammond and shot straight into Jack's arm. That mission had also been Sam's first command, Daniel remembered. The people on the planet had been friendly at first, almost giddy, but their spirits or guardians or whatever they were wereasn't so happy when the SGC had wanted to mine for the trinium that the mountains were full of. The Varians, like Tonani's people, Daniel saw, appeared to only use the modern technologies at their disposal for what they needed but had kept their culture as original as they could.
The entourage now standing before them was proof of this: They wore elaborately decorated, flowing gowns of rich earthly colours. Unlike Tonani and his people, these people dressed in a mix that wasn't so much Native American as it was a bit of this and that assembled from the various cultures the people originated from.
The king was simply dressed like the others in a forest green gown yet, instead of the Native American-looking headpiece that Daniel had expected to find accompanying his clothesthere, his head was adorned with a gold headpiece that Daniel was sure had Norse origins, the slightly protruding horn-like additions on the sides bearing resemblance to a Viking helmet. The skyscrapers and glass facades of the buildings behind bore them a deep contrast to their homemade dress. All over steel-like constructions could be seen, rising high and spreading wide. Among the grey buildings and roads there were large areas of green, lush, gardens and parks with tall trees. Daniel was fascinated and eagerly stepped forth, his arms stretched out to his sides, palms up, in greeting, smiling broadly, pushing down on his lingering queasiness.
"Greetings, friends from the Tau'ri! Welcome to Varia. This is our fair capital city Variana."
"Thank you. We've been looking forward to meeting you and have heard much about you from the team we sent here. I'm Daniel Jackson. This is General Jack O'Neill, Colonel Sam Carter and Teal'c." Daniel said, indicating his friends.
"I am King Walmar and this is Chi, who will be overseeing the signing of the trade agreement." Walmar was tall and thin with short white hair and green eyes. Chi was large and muscled and looked Gaelic in origin with his red curly hair and thin moustache. His Chinese-inspired name confusing Daniel at first, until he remembered what he'd read about Varia's history in SG-17's report. If theree was a planet where cross-pollination of cultures really had happened, this was it, Daniel had read, intrigued by the diversity of the population. Many planets had people transplanted from several different parts of Earth, but he'd never seen or read about it happening as much as it had on Varia.
"Pleased to meet you," Daniel said. SG-17 had explained that Jack wasn't a king but that he was their leader and had the authority to trade on Earth's behalf.
"Come," Chi said to Jack, leading the way. "We have prepared some refreshments for you. Then we will give you a tour of our city. We are expecting a heavy rain storm later today so we'd better get started if you want to see what we have to show you before the storm sets in. The weather is quite unstable this time of year."
Daniel listened to Chi's chatter with half his attention and tried not to gulp. Refreshments? And here he'd been happy that he was feeling fine. Daniel didn't want to ruin that by eating now. He felt for his canteen. He was thirsty. He could do with a sip of water, but he didn't think he'd be able to keep anything down. He'd had a sip of coffee before leaving for work, but the bitter liquid had burned going down and not sat well with him since, which is was why he'd been caught feeling nauseous in the infirmary. He'd started using milk and sugar in his coffee to mask the bitterness, but that didn't always help relieve his upset stomach.
Jack must have heard him because he turned and looked at Daniel expectantly, an eyebrow raised in question. "You feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Really?" Jack retorted. "Because I saw you turn a little green just now, and I don't count that as fine. Have you eaten anything today at all?"
"I'm fine. I'm just a bit queasy, is all. I'll take one of those pills." Daniel patted his vest, indicating where he'd put his meds and took out the blister pack, popping one of the pills out and returning the rest to his vest. He reached for his canteen and took a small sip.
"I'm just worried about you, Daniel." Jack said, He'd give Daniel the benefit of the doubt for now, but it did not escape him that Daniel hadn't answered if he'd eaten or not. Carter had been right earlier. It wasn't necessary to blow this out of proportions. Jack watched Daniel as they walked towards the palace. Daniel was drinking from his canteen, so he couldn't be feeling that bad, could he?
The palace was neither large nor elaborately decorated. Constructed of the same steel like material as the rest of the city, it still stood out from the other buildings by the simple fact that it was only three storeys tall. It was situated at the end of a long, winding walkway flanked by yellow bushes and tall trees. At the top of the walkway you could see the whole city before you. Chi led them through several rooms before showed them into a comfortable sitting room with large windows overlooking a large patio and a lush garden. There were several groups of chairs and tables and along one wall there was a large table filled with all kinds of food and drink. If Daniel had been the slightest bit hungry he'd be salivating over the smells and look of the delicately arranged food.
"Friends, visitors! Please sit." Daniel watched as Chi loaded a plate with samples of the food and presented it to king Walmar with a bow. Chi then turned to SG-1 and indicated the table with his hand. "Please, sample our foods and drink. It is prepared by our finest cooks." He walked towards the table, indicating the platters and several jugs on the table. "This is water, this is wine and this is sweet juice."
"It smells and looks delicious," Daniel offered, figuring he ought to say something. "I'm sure it'll taste wonderful as well." Daniel waited till Jack had started loading his plate before taking a cup and filling it half full with water. He then took a plate and picked two small pieces of fruit that looked like grapes from an overflowing bowl and put them on his plate with some bread.
"So, king Walmar, please tell me about this city of yours. Or diplomatic team explained their theory about your people being transplanted from many different places on Earth?" Daniel said when everyone had filled their plates and eaten in silence for a few minutes.
"That is correct. We had suspicion that we did not originate here and your team explained to us how and why they thought we'd been placed here all those generations ago. It is my understanding that a race called the Goa'uld once reigned this part of the galaxy through fear and destruction and that the peoples of the planets they ruled were slaves. Isn't that so?"
"Indeed," Teal'c said. "I myself have been a servant of one of these Goa'ulds but now my people are free."
"Incredible." Walmar said, smiling at Teal'c. "You must tell me more about how that came to be."
Daniel listened as Teal'c started explaining about symbiotes and Jaffa, slavery and System Lords. He felt Jack watching him and started to nibble on the piece of bread in his hand.
The conversation flowed around him, Jack and Sam joining in occasionally, explaining things, asking questions. For a while Daniel's concentration was on the queasiness which got a little worse before Daniel felt it recede almost completely and the bit of bread settling. Breathing a sigh of relief he ate the rest of the chunk of bread he'd torn off and started on one of the fruits.
"Doctor. Jackson is our expert on languages, so he would be able to tell you more about the origins of your language," Daniel heard Jack say and focused on the conversation again.
"Jack?"
He could almost hear Jack say '"Damn it, Daniel! Where did you go?'" but what came out was "Chi here is a bit of a cultural buff, just like you. Imagine that?" Jack said with a smile. He was getting worried about Daniel. He was sure Daniel had looked a little green there for a while, beads of sweat forming on his upper lip. Daniel usually headed these kinds of conversations with ease, flowing over with questions and curiosity. Sure, SG-17 had laid the ground for them, explained quite a few things. But they weren't Daniel. And now Daniel had been much more quiet than he usually was. SG-17 was good, but theyThey didn't know more than the local population and certainly not everything Daniel did about the cross-pollination of cultures and how and why the people of Varia came to be.
"Yes of course." Daniel answered quickly, feeling even more embarrassed. What was up with him today? Feeling chilly all of a sudden, he shivered. A headache was starting behind his right eye, as well as a sudden ache in his belly that did not feel like the nausea he'd experienced earlier. Was there something wrong with the food? He'd not felt this way earlier when his stomach had been upset.
"It is quite simple, really. You have been transplanted here from various corners of Earth by the Goa'uld's. As it looks their initial plan for your people was to use you as slaves, and from what I've read there is evidence to that fact in your history." Daniel said.
"Yes, that is true," Chi said.
"The transplantation, which and the cultural development you have gone through over the centuries isn't in general terms too far from what has happened on Earth. This means that the language you speak today is close to the one English we speak and makes it possible for all of us to understand each other. Your technical development is similar to ours in some ways. Your houses and buildings looks a lot like the modern cities of Earth, . To come to this point you also need a developed language. English, as the language is called on Earth, is originally based on words from many different languages, something that we see more clearly in the version of it you speak here. For instance…" A loud thunder could be heard in the distance and Daniel stopped speaking and looked out through the vast expanse of glass on the other side of the room. The sky was darkening a little.
"I'm sorry. The rest will have to wait, Doctor. Jackson. The storm is approaching. You must come if you wish to see the city before it is here," King Walmar rose from his chair. "It is time for the our tour of our city."
"Of course," Daniel was used to Jack's interruptions all the time and din't think twice about being interrupted by their host. Daniel He rose with the others and he and Chi continued the conversation as they walked out of the palace towards what was one of the governmental buildings.
*****
In Jack's opinion the tour was tedious and boring, but he enjoyed watching his team enjoying the tour. There was much for them to see and There was nothing here that warned him that things weren't as kosher as they seemed, but he kept his hands on his weapon all the same. It didn't hurt to look prepared for anything. The reports, both the preliminary report from the initial reconbefore SG-17 went here, and the report SG-17they delivered, showed no potential dangers. Now Carter and Daniel were constantly asking questions, walking up front with Chi and King Walmar. Teal'c kept pace with Jack and the rest of the entourage followed behind, occasionally making conversation with them. Daniel was doing a good job at hiding that he wasn't feeling as well as he wanted everyone to believe. Daniel had definitely taken a turn for the worse at the end of their meal and Jack He was pleased to see that Carter had caught on as well and was constantly assessing Daniel's condition and keeping a close eye on him. Jack had seen the pinched look on Daniel's face that clearly indicated that he had a headache.
After two hours of touring they stopped to rest at an indoor garden where there were more food set out for them. Chi waited on Walmar and SG-1 helped themselves to a few pieces of meats, bread and fruit before sitting down. Jack hadn't been happy with the small amount of food Daniel had put on his plate earlier. Now Daniel was eating, but Jack wondered if he only ate was to be polite. He was sure he hadn't missed Daniel being nauseous earlier. If Daniel was all better again now, no one was happier than Jack. He caught Carter's attention but she only shook her head. Apparently Daniel suddenly feeling better was a mystery to her as well. Perhaps what ailed him was only something that passed quickly and they'd been worried for no reason? Only time could tell.
"You'd think these people would be fatter if they eat this often." Jack murmured as he sat down beside Daniel, his own plate loaded with all kinds of delicacies.
"Not necessarily. It depends on what and how often they eat. With most people In most cultures food play an important role in showing the prosperity and wealth of a culture and it is also important in a social context." Daniel cut a bit of red meat off a bone, adding it to a broccoli broccoli-like vegetable he'd already speared on his fork. "Just think what we do on Earth. Every social gathering includes foods in one form or other."
"I know that," Jack answered. "I'm just saying."
"Okay." Daniel smiled indulgently, knowing Jack's attention span was short and that he wasn't half as stupid as he let on. Letting the subject go Daniel turned back to Chi and Jack faced his 2IC.
"So, Carter, what do you think of the construction work around here?" Jack asked.
"It's incredible, sir. It's comparable to steel, but I haven't quite figured out what makes it different from what we've seen so far. It has a few common aspects with trinium but the density reminds me of naquadriah. We got a few samples for study when the SG-17 was here, there is an alloy—"—"
"Carter!" Jack interrupted, sensing a lengthy explanation was coming. "Bottom line?"
Sam smiled. "The preliminary testing shows that the material has the same qualities and purposes as steel."
"So it's steel," Jack said.
"Yes sir, in a matter of speaking."
"Okay. Teal'c, have you seen any signs of Goa'uld or other activity that we should be aware of?"
"No, I have not. It is a peaceful world. The Goa'uld's have not been here for centuries."
Satisfied that his team was doing their jobs, Jack focused his attention on his meal again. The fish here was to die for, he decided. And those red, pea -like vegetables were not at all bad.
*****
The tour continued after they'd eaten. "This is where we store our ancient scrolls and historical documents," Chi explained. "If you would like to, I canwill show you some of them now," he said to Daniel. "I was most intrigued by what you said about our language earlier. I have not seen much recording of the origins of it. There are however scrolls in the archives thatIt may help further explain the things we've already talked about regarding, our language and the various cultureses our ancestors brought with them from Earth."
"Thank you, that is very kind of you. It seems as though you've found a nice way to coexist. The development of your language shows that. With peoples from as many cultures as you have on Varia it's amazing that you've found enough common ground to develop your language this far."
"There have been wars, as I'm sure you knowcan guess, and we've had our differences. But it was decided a long time ago that a simple life is what is the best for all of us and the governments have always tried to keep things simple. Time and again this has prevented wars among our people. There is no status in wealth or earthly riches here. There are always those who believe so and attempt to gain these things, but they soon learn that it does not make them happier."
"How do you manage that?" Jack asked.
"It is simple. It is in bettering ourselves and doing our best to become wiser and more educated we do this," King Walmar explained.
"Do you believe in a higher power, a god?" Daniel asked. "Is there something that is bigger than yourselves that unite you as a people aside from the education?"
"When we learned that the Goa'ulds were only people who were slaves to a parasitic demon we renounced all religion and only seek to increase our knowledge and understanding of the world. Some believe there is a higher power but it has not been defined. When your team came through the Gateway and explained much of what we had guessed a peace settled upon many of our people. We got answers to many of our questions. And quite a few questions arose from the answers, I might add. I'm glad to see that you are able to provide answers to some of those. You are very wise, Doctor. Jackson. You must be held high in esteem on Earth?."
"Thank you," Daniel said embarrassed. "Things are a little different on Earth. Knowledge and education are valued, but only to some extent. You are a small group of people compared to all the millions of people populating Earth, which I guess is the reason why you've managed to come to some form of cultural consensus. That is not possible on Earth. There are too many people and too much belief in the material wealth and the power money can buy."
"Is that so?" the king asked.
"Yes. That is also why there are many wars continuously taking place."
"Why do they fight?"
"Religion, politics or money. It's all connected. Everyone want power in some form or other. Some do not know how to gain it the peaceful way and war ensues."
"Is this why you are armed?"
"No, not exactly. It is not allowed to carry weapons on the streets most places on Earth. We carry these," Daniel put one hand on his P90 and the other on his Beretta, "for security reasons. They are not meant to be used against peaceful people. We don't shoot unless we have to. I am sure that is why your guards are armed as well, to protect the king?"
"Yes," Chi said. "How about the other populated planets out there?" he asked, peering curiously at Sam's P90 and Teal'c's weapon.
"Some are peaceful worlds like this one, others are at war. Some are abandoned or extinct. Others again are inhabitable for other reasons." Daniel explained. A new clap of thunder could be heard, a little closer this time.
"Chi?" King Walmar walked over to the two at the table. "Perhaps you and Doctor. Jackson can continue this conversation later. I admit it is fascinating, and there is much to learn, but we need to continue." There was finality to his voice. It wasn't a question. Despite his un-royal appearance, the king was still king and had the last word.
"Of course, king King Walmar, my apologies. I sometimes get carried away when I meet someone whom I can discuss my theories with." Chi turned to the table and started putting away the books, putting some of them in a bag he had over his shoulder. "Doctor. Jackson?"
"Yes. That's fine with me."
"Good. Let us return to the palace where there will be a feast later today and tomorrow we shall finalize our trade. The rain will arrive very soon and you do not wish to be outside when it comes."
"No? Why not?" Daniel asked out of reflex.
"You'll get wet," Jack said, ignoring the reproachful look Daniel gave him. It wasn't often Daniel deadpanned, but when it happened, Jack couldn't help but seize the opportunity to tease his friend a little.
Chi smiled. "Not only that. It is very heavy."
"Heavy, how?" Daniel asked, looking at Sam.
"Yes, tThe MALP showed that the rain comes down pretty hard, like hail, only worse," Sam replied. "That is one of the reason their buildings are made of steel and glass. They withstand the assault by the raindrops much better than the wood or brick we have seen other cultures who strive to live a simple life use to build with."
"AndWhich there is more than enough of trees here," Jack murmured. The city was on the outskirts of a large forest. When he'd first been able to go off-world, couldn't they have gated to a planet without trees for once, or to somewhere with a new alien race, a new formidable ally? The Furlings perhaps? They hadn't met them yet and according to what Daniel had found out about that "meaning of life stuff" they'd found along with Earnest in the very early days of the SGC, the Furlings were as formidable as the Asgard or Ancients.
"Exactly so is it, Colonel Carter." King Walmar said. "We have relied upon this building technique for a long time. The rain is frequent and we must keep inside while it lasts."
Daniel had noticed the covered pathways. "So that is why almost all walkways are covered with a roof?"
"Yes. And also, our transport vehicles are sturdy and do not need to be further protected."
Daniel looked up at the sky. He'd noticed it was overcast earlier, but now it was turning an ominous black and he could hear the rain falling. Most of the important buildings were located close to the palace so they'd been walking, not needing to be transported anywhere by the car-like vehicles they saw.
Happy he didn't have to walk very far if the rain come upon them faster than expected Daniel hurried along the pathway along with the others. It'd been an interesting day so far and Daniel looked forward to seeing more of those books and documents Chi had started showing him. Perhaps they could go there before the feast.
Daniel was also satisfied that his stomach appeared to have settled even if it'd protested again when they ate in the garden. He was still somewhat chilly and the headache was present but it wasn't something he couldn't live with.
They'd barely made it inside and back to the sitting room they'd been in previously before the rain started.
"Wow." Sam said in wonder, looking out at the downpour. "Now I see what you mean." The rain was falling pretty hard and the bushes and plants in the garden were soon heavy with water. "Won't the plants die or break? I mean, I see some of them have very sturdy trunks and branches, but those smaller ones look so fragile."
"They will stand, not to worry. Look." Chi pointed and a sturdy covering of sorts was rolled out from the wall to cover the smaller plants with, snapping into a catch at the far end of the garden.
"Nice." Jack commented.
"Indeed." Teal'c intoned.
"I want some of those for my garden," Daniel mused. "That way my plants won't die so often."
"It helps if you actually water them," Sam mocked.
"I do water them," Daniel said sulkily, but not without a hint of amusement. He knew what she meant. He was home so randomly that having living plants in his house was almost impossible. Daniel liked plants, and to have a gardengardening. It was peaceful to tender to them and it allowed him to dig in the dirt a little. Not that he hoped to find any ancient artefacts in his own garden, but he got to get down on his hands and knees and use a shovel and garden fork once in a while. These days it was far between the missions where he got to excavate tombs or unearth pieces of ancient civilization. Having a garden compensated for that a little and was one of the reasons he'd bought his little green house when he came back from being aAscended last year.
"Friends," Chi's voice turned them back to the present and everyone turned away from the window to face him and the king again. The temperature had dropped drastically with the rain and Daniel shivered again, zipping his vest and jacket up more tightly. "Come, you will be warmer inside. There is a fire in the Great Room." He nodded to Daniel, "And you may study our documents there if you wish. The feast is still a few hours away."
"Thank you, I would like that very much."
"If you would like, I shall first show you your quarters for the night."
"Please," Jack answered.
"I have other business to attend to for a while, but I shall see you all later," King Walmar said.
"Thank you for your hospitality, King Walmar," Daniel said, bowing his head slightly. "You are very kind."
"It is my pleasure, Doctor. We've learned much about your culture and customs from your team and I would be pleased if you would elaborate even further on some of them when we eat."
"Of course, I'll answer any of your questions to the best of my ability," Daniel said.
"Excellent. I shall see you all laterthen."
The king retreated through a back door and SG-1 was left with Chi who started walking towards the entrance they'd come through. As they entered the main hallway Chi indicated the way to the Great Room and led them up a flight of stairs to a series of guest bedrooms. "We have a suite with several bedrooms prepared for you. I hope it is acceptable. If there is anything you need do not hesitate to ask. Doctor. Jackson, whenever you're ready, I'll be in the Great Room."
Daniel thanked him again and followed his team into their rooms. The suite was just like the rest of the palace, not too elaborately decorated, but enough to indicate it was a royal residence. As in the other buildings they'd been, the structures were of steel and there were large windows everywhere. Yet the rooms did not seem cold as the furniture, carpets and curtains were all were held in the same earthly colours as the people's clothing. Daniel was glad his stomach had settled but now he was beginning to feel tired. Still, he'd promised Chi he wanted to look at those books now before dinner and he was curious about their history.
"Hey, you okay?" Sam asked, touching his arm, startling Daniel out of his musings.
"Sam," Daniel almost jumped. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired. I'm going to go down to look at those books Chi brought. I'll see you later."
Jack joined their conversation, scrutinizing Daniel. "Wait a minute. How's your stomach?"
"It's settled, thankfully." His headache was still there, but Daniel didn't think he needed something for it. He'd weathered much worse without a pain killer in sight. At the moment it was throbbing a little. What worried him more was that he couldn't quite get warmed up and he rued that he didn't have any heavier sweaters in his pack, only t-shirts and the BDU jacket and pants he was wearing. The vest gave off little warmth, but it helped keeping the rest of his clothes closer to his body so he kept it on. He unclipped his heavy machine gun though, and set it down on the table beside his pack.
"Good, good." Jack clapped him on the shoulder and went to look out the window. "Have fun but don't strain your eyes too much."
"Thanks. And I won't." Daniel turned at the door. "What are you going to do?"
"Oh, we'll just sit around here and relax. Do a perimeter check. Things like that. And I'm sure Carter has her laptop and some project there she can work on. Don't worry about us."
"Okay. See you later."
"Bye," Sam waved at him and went to sit down beside Jack by the windows.
To be continued…