Jonas looked over his shoulder one more time before entering the building. He unconsciously raised a hand to smooth down the hairs on the back of his neck. He kept getting the feeling he was being watched, but each time he turned, there was no one visible.

The first time on Tagrea, he and Teal'c had had security escorts everywhere they went. He'd been a bit surprised to find no security awaiting him when he had ringed down from Prometheus. At the time, he had assumed it was because Commander Kalfas was out of favor. Now he wondered if the security was not just more subtle.

Not that he minded. He understood the need for security as well as anybody. He just wished they were above board about it. That way he didn't have to be so careful about not losing the person following him.

Stepping through the archway of the entrance to the university, Jonas was immediately struck by a difference in the students. The last time he and Teal'c had visited this place, the students had been dressed in a variety of colors, reds and pinks predominating. Now, as he crossed the large grassy area between buildings, he was bemused by the number of olive drab outfits on boys and girls alike.

Where he had previously stood out, now he felt fairly anonymous. He wasn't that much older than the majority of the students, and not so long out of school himself, that he didn't feel a certain ease. Watching a couple of boys tossing an oddly shaped ball back and forth, he made a note to himself to see if he could get some Frisbees to hand out.

Jonas entered the building that housed Tarek's office, and in the cool dark interior, looked back through the glass door. He realized belatedly that his hidden watcher might have been confused by all the BDU knockoffs in the quad. Like before, he could see no one who looked as if they were following him. After a moment he gave up watching, and turned to climb the stairs to the second story.

At the top of the stairs, he took a deep breath. The old building had the same smell as the Kelownan Tech Institute at home. He wondered, if he ever was allowed off base at Stargate Command, if he'd find the schools there smelled the same. A combination of must, and paper and floor wax, the smell raised a nostalgia in him. Even the hollow sound of his boots as he walked down the hallway was the same.

He reached his friend's office and found the door open. He heard voices within and paused, unsure if he should interrupt.

"Instructor Solamun, you must realize this grade must be corrected." Jonas took an instant antipathy to the sneering, condescending tone of the voice.

"No, Mister Akil, this is the correct grade. As I told you at the beginning of the session, I grade based solely on achievement." Jonas smiled at the nasal sound of his friend's voice. It sounded as if he had things well in hand.

"Perhaps you do not understand. This grade will not allow my further participation in the Heruminkah. If that happens, my entire career is put in jeopardy. You must change this grade."

"Sadly, it is you who do not understand. Why did you not pay heed when I discussed this with you at mid-session? I was quite clear at that time that your work was not sufficient to achieve the grade you needed." Tarek's voice took on a sympathetic note. "Kosey, you had every opportunity to get the assistance you needed, but you did not avail yourself of that help. I am truly sorry, but the grade stands."

"You think you can do this? My father will hear of this! He will squash you like the insect you are!"

There was the sound of something crashing to the floor, and Jonas immediately entered the room, prepared to defend Tarek if necessary. He found Tarek sitting calmly at his desk, a swarthy young man standing opposite, anger seething through his posture. From what Jonas could see, the kid had swept his arm across the desk, knocking books and papers to the floor.

"Instructor Solamun, is there a problem here?" Jonas made his presence known, standing foursquare as Teal'c had taught him, serving notice that he was not to be trifled with.

The kid scowled at him, even as Tarek beamed. "Mr. Quinn! What a delightful surprise! No, there is no problem. Mr. Akil, you are dismissed."

The young man stood, fists clenching and unclenching at his side, jaw taut. Jonas stared, holding himself very still. After a moment, the kid swore under his breath and beat a retreat out the door. Jonas watched him go, then turned with a grin to his friend, "Teal'c's been teaching me intimidation techniques."

Tarek let out a breath. "I must say, you are a very apt student."

"Really? Teal'c says I couldn't scare a lek'dah." Seeing the teacher's confused look, he clarified. "A mouse, uh, neeka."

"Perhaps Teal'c would consider giving me a lesson or two. The students these days are far less respectful than in the past." Tarek smiled.

Jonas gestured toward the door. "He said he couldn't participate in the Heruminkah? What is that, exactly?"

"Young Mr. Akil has political ambitions. The Heruminkah is a form of student government practiced here at the university. It is widely believed that participation will ensure a place in the local council, and likewise, that failure here will translate to failure there."

"And is that true?"

"For most, yes, but not for someone like Kosey Akil."

"No? Why not?"

Tarek sighed. "Sadly, here on Tagrea, wealth will always weigh more heavily than achievement."

Jonas nodded. "I understand. If it makes you feel any better, I find it is the same on my own homeworld of Kelowna, and from my studies, I would say it is the same on Earth."

"Ah, I find that very comforting, yes, thank you. Perhaps you would care to join me for a meal?"

Although he had eaten less than an hour earlier, Jonas was more than willing. "Of course." Tarek got up and led the way. As they moved down the hallway, Jonas said, "I was disappointed not to find you at the Science Council reception last night."

"I am afraid a mere instructor does not attend such functions. I do have several friends who did. I understand you had a talk with Chief Science Advisor Clinteas?"

Running his hand over the back of his neck, Jonas replied ruefully, "It wasn't so much a talk as a monologue."

Tarek pursed his lips. "Yes. I'm afraid Zara Clinteas is a prime example of wealth over achievement." The Tagrean paused and looked Jonas in the eye. "Would you perhaps consider attending a small gathering at my home this evening? There are several of my colleagues who were quite disappointed at not having an opportunity to speak with you last night."

"Yes! I'd love that. Actually, I was having a nice chat with a biologist, Mr. Matsemela when the Science Advisor pulled me away."

"Ah! Barhuti Matsemela is a great friend of mine, and he is one of those I had hoped to invite. Perhaps Teal'c could attend as well?"

Jonas nodded. "I know that he'll look forward to it. He was saying at breakfast that he wanted a chance to speak with you again."

Tarek's eyes lit first with surprise, then gratitude. Placing a hand on his heart, he bowed slightly, "Your forbearance honors me."

Jonas shook his head. "Tarek, if it weren't for you, we would never have found our way home. All of us aboard the Prometheus are very grateful."

Tarek smiled and bowed again. "Thank you, Jonas." Looking around, he gestured to a narrow alley between buildings. "If we go through here, I will treat you to the best clavina in town."

Intrigued, Jonas followed the smaller man down the alley. They were less than halfway when two burly men entered the alley from the far end. Jonas was immediately on his guard. He reached a hand out and stopped Tarek, who had moved forward oblivious to the threat.

At Tarek's inquiring look, Jonas said, "Let's go back the other way."

Tarek frowned and saw the two men advancing. In a reassuring tone, he said, "Take no mind, Jonas, this passageway is frequently used as a shortcut."

Jonas had not taken his eyes from the approaching men, and his hackles rose. There was no mistaking the hostile intent in their stalking walk. "Nevertheless, Tarek, let's go back."

Pulling Solamun with him, Jonas turned to retreat, and felt his heart climb up into his mouth. Coming up the other end of the alley were three more men. Two were big and burly. The third man, between them, with eyes as cold as death, was Commander Kalfas.