Lost - part 10

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It took Sam one week to finish the plans for a radio system. And, truth be told, she was more proud of the restraint she'd shown towards Jack and the women of Amdra than of her designs. Everyday, and particularly every night, it got harder not to break the frat regs with Jack. And everyday it took just that little bit more self-restraint to keep her from banging her head against a wall, or shooting someone, in the kitchens and laundry rooms.

So, it was with a great deal of relief that she was able to approach Kollen, and request an audience with the Council. Kollen was hesitant, but agreed to the meeting. He fervently hoped the Tau'ri woman was not out to cause trouble.

At the appointed hour, Sam knocked on the door of the Council chamber.

"Enter." A voice called from within.

Sam pushed open the door, and entered, slowly and respectfully. She had rehearsed this meeting for hours with Jack the night before, anxious that they wouldn't refuse her on the grounds of her offending their customs in any way. Other than being there to request culturally obtuse duties, of course.

"Councillors, thank you very much for seeing me." She said, keeping her gaze lowered.

"Take a seat, Samantha Carter." Nassem instructed. Most of the Amdrans had done away with Sam and Jack's ranks when addressing the pair now, as they were not relevant to Amdran society.

Sam sat, holding her designs in her lap.

"On what matter do you wish to address the council?" Tomah asked frostily. He still did not trust the newcomers. It was doubtful he ever would.

"Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for the hospitality your people have extended myself and Colonel O'Neill since our arrival. You have been very kind to us." Sam started. "I was hoping, therefore, that I could offer you something in return, by way of thanks for your kindness."

She and Jack had decided on this strategy, thinking that an offer of technology was going to go down better than an outright request for 'reassignment', as it were.

"What is it you wish to offer?" Kollen asked, intrigued.

"You have seen the radios Colonel O'Neill and I have, that allow us to communicate with each other over great distances?" The council nodded. "I believe I can build more of them, for you and others in the village to use."

The council's reactions were varied. Kollen looked curious, excited even. Tomah looked extremely sceptical and impatient. Nassem, on the other hand, had clearly perfected his poker face. His expression showed nothing.

"How?" Tomah demanded.

Sam took that as her opening, and placed her designs on the table. She laid them out, and took the three old men through the construction process slowly, aware that this technology was alien to them.

By the end of her explanation, the council's expressions had remained largely the same as they'd been to begin with. Kollen enthusiastic and excited, Tomah unshakeably negative, and Nassem as unreadable as Teal'c.

"You cannot expect us to commit valuable resources to this project, on the word of a woman. An alien woman, no less." Tomah said. Sam bristled, but forced herself to stay silent.

"Tomah, think of the benefits of having such a system in place! Being able to communicate, instantly, with the hunting parties, and the tree fellers. Even the other villages!" Kollen argued enthusiastically.

"If it works! Let us face facts, Kollen. We cannot hope to understand this technology, so we would be placing an extraordinary amount of faith in the expertise of Samantha Carter. And how would the villagers react to a woman being granted such authority? It is not natural, and they will not stand for it."

"You mean you will antagonise them until they agree with you. Tomah, we cannot ignore such a precious gift on the grounds of cultural differences. To do so would be stupidity."

Nassem, who had yet to pass judgement, gazed at Sam intently. She sensed he was trying to weigh up her worth, and sat up straighter, meeting his gaze. She knew that this man would be the tie-breaker.

"How many men will you need?" Nassem asked. Sam explained to him how much manpower would be needed at each of the stages of work. He then asked direct, detailed questions about the resources required, and the time it would take.

A full ninety minutes after the meeting had begun, Kollen brought the matter to a vote. Tomah immediately, and predictably, voted against. Kollen voted for it. Nassem paused, taking his time to decide.

Eventually, he gave his answer. "I believe it would be a worthwhile endeavour. But –" he added, "– I believe that Tomah's cultural concerns are not without grounds. Samantha will not be in charge of the project. She will act in an advisory capacity. Johann will oversee the work, and report directly to the council. Samantha, you will be under his command. Is that understood?"

Sam felt a mixture of excitement that her project was being approved, and irritation that she would have to answer to a man who likely as not wouldn't understand what they were doing.

"Yes, councillor. Thank you, sir, for accepting my offer."

Nassem gave her a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Do not make me regret it."

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Beka