The Long Journey Part 2
Marcus's mother, Cornelia, made them something to eat.
" You wear good clothes, your father must be an important man," Marcus's father, Septimus said
"He is. That's why we came. Our people the Tau'ri would like to make a treaty with you. We could help your people if you can supply us with crystals."
"Your people are interested in the crystals," he sounded amazed.
"Yes, we are going to use them to power our new ships."
"What are ships?" They heard a horn blow and then the sound of gun fire.
"That must be Jack," Danny said.
A short while later the gate was opened and Jack, Sam and Teal'c were lead in.
"Greetings Tau'ri warriors. My name is Septimus, this is my wife Cornelia and my son, Marcus. And I believe I have something that belongs to you." He pointed behind his wife.
Jack looked to where Danny stood, there was a nervous look on his face.
"Get over here right now, "Jack said angrily. Danny didn't move, he didn't want to get too close to Jack. Jack took a step towards him.
"Please Jack, I'm sorry. I don't know why I did it."
"Oh I do. You wanted your own way yet again."
"I just wanted to go through the Gate."
Before he could think about anything else Jack had grabbed him and delivered 2 hard swats to his backside. He took him to one side and could be heard lecturing him about his behavior and what he could expect when he got home. Danny went red. This was just too embarrassing. Being spoken to like this in front of strangers. He knew what he had done was reckless but he just had to prove he could do it. His mind had wandered from the conversation, Jack was talking about General Hammond. He'd forgotten that he'd want to speak to him as well. What was it about being small that made everyone think they knew what was best for him.
"You are welcome to spend the night in our hut or we have a guest hut if you'd prefer," Septimus said. It would seem that the Colonel of the Tau'ri had the same problem as he had with his son.
Jack accepted the offer to spend the night in his hut but Teal'c and Sam chose the guest hut, Danny got no choice and he wasn't about to argue. Sometimes it was just best to agree and let Jack think he had won.
He spoke to Septimus about the crystals and told him some of the benefits they could get in return. Marcus came towards them, "Is it alright if Danny comes to play with me?"
"Yes that would be alright."
Danny ran off with him, "What are the Voltans like?" Danny asked when they were a distance from their fathers
"They're horrible beasts. They usually only come out at night but recently they have been seen in daylight. My older brother, Julius, was taken 2 months ago. That's why my father was so annoyed that I had left the village."
"Where do they live?"
"They're usually seen by the mountain, we think they must take our people there."
"Has no one checked?"
"At first, we sent warriors out after them but none of them ever returned. We can't afford to lose any more people. The only thing that keeps us safe is our sentinel."
"What's a sentinel?"
"It's a machine we keep in the village. It keeps them away."
"Why don't you build some more?" Danny asked.
"We didn't build them. They've always been here. That's why our people built their village here. Everyone in the villages has lost people to them. There aren't enough of us to attack them. Maybe your father can help."
"What do they look like?" Danny handed him a stick," draw a picture of one in the dirt."
"I haven't seen one, I can only tell you what I've heard. They look like lizards that can walk and they have glowy eyes."
"What about the men who attacked us? They weren't lizards."
"No, they belong to one of the tribes to the south. They help capture our people and sell them. It's lucky you had your zat or we would never have been found."
"Jack would find me, he always does." Danny said this with confidence. He knew Jack would always search for him.
"He looked really mad. Will you get in a lot of trouble?"
"I suppose so. I wasn't allowed to go through the Circle. Jack doesn't like people disobeying him."
"Neither does my father. They're no fun." The two boys laughed. "Want me to show you our old temple ruins?"
"Yes. Where are they?" Danny said eagerly.
"Down by the river but we'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"Is there writing on the walls?"
"Well there are marks. Are you sure you want to go, I don't think either of our fathers will be happy."
"I might find out something useful about the Voltans. I'd like to look at the mountain as well."
Marcus wasn't too sure. Danny seemed even more adventurous than him.
TBC