Sorry it's taking so long to get to the action folks. I just felt it was important to set the stage with everyone's thoughts before we move into the next part. One more chapter to go and then we're off through the gate!
By the way, they're mine, all mine! No, sorry, as usual just borrowing!
Sam took a deep breath and walked into the briefing room with about one minute to spare. Looking around, she realized she was the last one in, something very rare for the highly punctual Colonel. But, it had taken her a few moments to settle her nerves and get her breathing under control.
Here goes, she thought. Get your butt in there Sam and act the cool, competent officer you are. She will not act like a teenager with a crush. No she will not.
At first glance all Sam saw were the members of SG1. However, none of them were looking at her as she entered,. In fact, they were all looking towards Hank and the man with him. At first, Sam didn't realize that the man was Jack. When she did, she was astounded. That couldn't be Jack, her Jack, the irrepressibly youthful, energetic, never still former commander of SG1. The man in front of her, talking to General Landry looked like an old man, almost feeble in the way he stood. His shoulders bowed and his face weary Jack looked every bit his age. In fact, thought Sam, he looks older than that - and so very, very still, almost as if he's afraid any movement could knock him over.
Shocked, Sam looked first at Daniel and then at Teal'c. Both of them were looking directly at her by this time, and both of them had the identical expressions of shock and dismay on their faces. She wasn't the only one who noticed then. That made her very, very frightened. Something was wrong and suddenly the anticipation she had felt turned to worry. Breathless now, not with excitement but with fear, she stood by her seat, waiting for Jack to turn and acknowledge her.
Finally, finishing his discussion with Landry, Jack turned to face the rest of the room. Cameron and Sam both stood at attention until Jack waved them to their seats with a curt, "let's not stand on ceremony here,". He then looked at his old team-mates, and, with a small smile said "hi ya guys, long time no see."
"O'Neill", answered Teal'c in his usual formal and stately manner. "It is indeed good to see you again." Then, with a small grin Teal'c asked, "how's it hanging?".
Startled, Jack let out a bark of laughter. "Teal'c, someone's obviously had a bad influence on you. Has Cameron been teaching you bad tricks?"
"No, O'Neill, all my 'bad tricks' I learned from you." Teal'c answered with raised eyebrows. "Was that not appropriate? Did I not ask it correctly?"
"Yes Teal'c, you asked it correctly. Whether or not it's appropriate … well, we'll talk about that later. Or, maybe not, Let's just leave it with, I'm fine, thank you Teal'c. And how are you?"
"I too am fine O'Neill and am looking forward to again going through the gate with you."
"Yeah, me too buddy, me too. Daniel, you're looking good. I hear Vala's been keeping you under control. By the way, the knee's still sore! Thought I might have to have surgery, again!"
"Right Jack, rub it in. And no, Vala is not keeping me under control! She is a member of my team. A highly irritating member - but no more than that". At that comment Vala, Cameron and Teal'c all raised their eyebrows together. Daniel knew that he'd be hearing more about his comment from multiple sources later on. Interestingly, Sam didn't say a thing. She still sat there looking stunned and rather pale. Daniel was concerned but didn't want to draw attention to her so simply went on to say, " And it's good to see you too Jack. I'm glad you decided to come."
"Didn't have much choice Danny. The bosses insisted on it. Not that I'm not happy to come of course", he quickly added, as if realizing how he had sounded. "It's just I had so much planned. Afraid I'm going to have to miss New Year's Eve again this year. So Carter," he said, glancing at her briefly but then quickly moving his eyes away from hers, "how's the brains of the outfit doing?"
There was a slight, but rather awkward pause before Sam appeared to notice that Jack had spoken to her. She glanced up and valiantly tried to smile. She hoped it looked natural and not the feeble attempt it actually was. "I'm well Sir, and how are you doing? We've missed you J..General."
"I'm fine Carter. Getting older and crabbier but hey, what else is there to do. I'm glad to know I've been missed." Relieved that he'd gotten through that pretty well, at least well enough not to look like he was either avoiding or pining for Sam, Jack turned away from her and looked over at Landry. "Hey, watcha been doing Hank? I thought for sure everyone would be happy to have you here rather than me. But if they're missing me it must mean you're doing something wrong. I bet you got rid of Cake Days in the Commissary! Nope, Carter wouldn't like that, would you Colonel?"
"Jack, I think Colonel Carter was simply expressing her thoughts as your friend. Hopefully she is okay with my leadership and the lack of 'cake days'. You on the other hand would find the lack of cake hard". As everyone chuckled Hank and Jack both sat and the meeting began.
Each member of the new SG1 went through details about Trelea. Cameron and Teal'c first addressed security. It was a seemingly peaceful planet with little history of aggression or warfare. The people didn't appear to carry weapons or to have any kind of security or military force. The peace seemed to be kept through adherence to strict traditions and family roles.
Daniel went on to relay that there appeared to be no evidence of Gould or any other domination. What had first alerted the humans to the possible importance of the planet was the record of visits by the Priors. The people didn't say much other than to indicate that they had told the Priors they weren't welcome and had sent them on their way. Surprisingly, there had been no retaliation and the Treleans continued to live their peaceful lives. The whole reason for the return visit was to determine how this peaceful people could have withstood what, until now, had appeared to be an unstoppable menace.
Vala had little to share except to say that she had heard very little of the Treleans. They were known on other planets but as a simple society with little to trade were mostly ignored.
Sam completed the briefing by talking about the planet itself – it's geography, weather and climate. As far as she could tell, there was little in the way of plants or minerals that would be considered valuable to earth. The conclusion was that Trelea was only important insofar as its ability to withstand the Ori.
Just as General Landry was ready to begin discussing the plans for the upcoming mission the next day, Daniel interjected with one last comment.
"Just one other small thing I should mention," he said, " it's probably not important but I did hear some hint of a temple or place of worship a few kilometers from the town." While no one had spoken of it directly to SG1, Daniel had overheard a comment about it from one of the elders. "I don't know what it's importance is as I saw little evidence of religion, per se. Family seems to be the most important part of their societal structure, but sometimes communities like this have some kind of religious building or temple dedicated to their ancestors. If possible, I'd like to check it out. Who knows, it might give us some kind of clue."
"Okay Daniel," replied Landry, "go ahead and ask if you can visit the temple. Just remember, don't offend them and step on their religious sensibilities."
"Of course not, General, I'll leave that to Jack!"
"Thanks Danny, I knew I could rely on you to make sure these stars don't go to my head. I'll make sure and leave all the diplomacy andprotocolto you. I promise not to ask to see their temple or their dead ancestors."
"Jaaaaccckk!
"Okay", interjected Landry, "let's get down to business". With that the team, along with the two Generals, discussed the plans for the visit to Trelea. It had been decided that Cameron and Vala did not need to accompany the original SG1. As it was more of a ceremonial visit than anything, the extra bodies would be wasted. SG8, the original contact team, were already on Trelea trying to learn more about the people and planet, and would remain during the visit.
The visit itself was to be relatively simple. The team would leave the next morning at 0800 hours. They were to be met by a delegation of senior Trelean elders who would hold a welcoming ceremony at the Gate.
"Jack, you just have to stand there and look important", directed Daniel. "Say as little as possible and please, try to contain your sense of humor. The Treleans have some interesting ceremonial clothes and you can't make jokes about what they're wearing."
"Not even just a little one, under my breath?" asked Jack "You're no fun Daniel."
"No – not even a little one. Be good! After the welcome ceremony, we will be escorted to the Town where you will be introduced to everyone starting from the oldest to the youngest. Following that…"
Here Jack spoke incredulously. "You mean I have to meet everyone, the whole village? That'll take all day!"
"No, I think they do it in family groups or something. I'm not quite sure but they didn't indicate it would take too long. Anyway, following the meeting you will be given time to bathe, eat and rest."
"Thank God!"
"…. And then, in the evening there will be a banquet. Again, be on your best behavior everyone and remember … avoid cake given to you by any young village woman!"
"Ha ha Daniel. I never take cake from anyone off-world now. Once bitten and all that! I'll bring my own!"
"After the banquet we'll return to our camp for the night. The Treleans indicated they had something special planned for the next day but wouldn't tell me what. They said they will only share the plans with "O'Neill" when he arrives – although Jack you are allowed to bring your 'companions' if you want. After that, we can get down to discussing the Ori. Jack, you can probably head back if you want at that time. Unless you want to join in the negotiations or if the Treleans would prefer you to stay."
"I'll see how it goes Daniel."
"Well," said Landry, standing up. "I guess that's everything for now, unless someone has some questions? If not, you are all dismissed and we'll see you tomorrow at 0800 hours in the Gate Room."
When no one else spoke Landry left the room followed closely by Cameron and Vala (who actually tried to stay but was forced out when Mitchell grabbed her arm and pulled her to the door). "Come on Vala, give the guys a chance to catch up. We can go have something in the commissary." With that, the two newest members of SG1 departed.
The original team was left with an uncomfortable silence. With the briefing at an end, Jack seemed to fade back to his quiet, weary demeanor. The jokes and sarcasm displayed during the meeting died away as if they had been put on for the benefit of the others. Sam continued to look worried and pale. No one seemed sure of what to say or do.
Finally, Teal'c spoke up. "O'Neill, would you like to join us for lunch? I hear they are serving 'meatloaf' surprise."
"Sounds good Teal'c but I think I'll pass. I brought some work from Washington I have to get done so I'll have an airman bring me a sandwich in my room. Maybe I'll see you all later." With that he smiled and not looking at anyone directly, gave a general wave to his former team and headed out of the room.
The rest of the team all looked at each other for a moment until the silence was again broken by Teal'c.
"Our friend needs us", he said quietly but firmly. "We must together help O'Neill and together try and heal whatever ails him. No matter what he says or does, we must not fail him. We all know him well - he will try to talk his way around us but we cannot let that happen. He is our brother and our comrade. Now is the time for us to be there for him.
Sam, although still upset, took heart in Teal'c's words. Looking at him, and at Daniel, she gave a short nod. Yes, she would be there for Jack – 'Always!
"Well", concluded Daniel. "I guess it's time for the Jack O'Neill Plan B. We're about to piss him off – but he'll never know what hit him."
With that, the three friends left the briefing room – each with his or her own thoughts as to what might lie ahead.