Jack sat on the balcony looking down over the city and out to sea. They had been in the city for nearly a week and seemed to be stuck in a no mans land. Everyone was unfailingly polite and helpful, but nothing was happening. Except Sam was pretty much herself again which was good and he had to be grateful to them for that. Binatou and Janes didn't seem to mind the inactivity either. He smiled to himself as he thought about that. 'Didn't see that one coming.' This inactivity was getting them nowhere but pushing it could be just as dangerous. Counsellor Miana had been evasive but told him enough to warn them of danger here for them. It was a beautiful city though, 'I wouldn't mind staying a while or even…' He shook his head; he might have to stay here in the end but now was too soon to think about it.

Sam wandered out onto the balcony with Daniel and disturbed his train of thought. "We have been routing around in the city and have come up with some interesting little bits." Sam told him as she pulled a seat out onto the balcony and sat down. "Someone was also kind enough to tell us about the scientist who helped when we arrived. The family is an old and respected one," she continued, "we were very lucky to have him deal with us as he seems to have a lot on his plate, so to speak. I also found this fascinating little trinket." She showed Jack a small box with a button on one side which she pressed. A high pitched sound emitted from it as she added, "isn't that cute."

Jack raised a questioning eyebrow as the sound grated on his ears and Sam said quietly. "I defy anyone to listen electronically through that," and Jack grinned.

"How long do you think we have before someone comes looking for us?" Jack asked thoughtfully. "Still it will be a good indicator of how much surveillance there is."

"What are we going to do sir? We can't just stay here without trying to get home and they are not telling us everything," Sam whispered.

"So? What else is new Carter?" Jack responded sardonically.

"They have had some kind of experiment going on that went drastically wrong." Daniel told him. "I heard a couple of people at Desala's laboratory talking. That was before they realised I was there of course, shut up real quick then." Daniel kept his voice low as he spoke then suddenly sat back and continued at a normal level. "We should go down into the centre of the city were they gather for leisure activities. Some of them are very active, we could teach them baseball."

Jack glanced down at his watch and noticed it had taken only a minute for someone to appear. "Maybe Daniel, but if that little box is their idea of fun…" He let the comment trail off.

"It's not for fun," the guard Gildan commented and then smiled as he stopped by the railing and looked out at the sea. "It does however make it impossible for the tags to pick up your voices and when facing away from your room they cannot read your lips either. Not that it is easy to do that." Then he turned and grinned as he said. "You have terrible pronunciation you know. I am sent to ask you all to a meal this evening for some illustrious members of our society." He made a face that indicated what he actually thought of the illustrious members and Sam giggled then covered her mouth. Gildan's smile widened in response then he continued. "They want you to tell them all about what it is like in your time." He shook his head in an emphatic no and Jack grinned as he realised that Gildan was warning them against trusting these people.

Jack stood up and took the box from Sam. "It's not a bad little trinket but I would think of limited use."

Gildan looked at him with amusement in his eyes as he replied. "I would only use it intermittently even if you like it or the effect will be negated."

Jack nodded and switched it off. "As you say Gildan it is a little annoying if left on too long. Carter will just have to find another trinket to her liking."

The three of them watched as he turned to leave and then he called over his shoulder. "I will come and collect you all personally this evening as I also have an invitation."

"Well isn't that nice," Jack drawled.

"I so enjoy these shindigs," Daniel agreed dryly.

"Oh you two are no fun at all," Sam responded and went to find something to wear other than her uniform.

"I guess we had better tell everyone that their evening has been commandeered by the brightest and best of the Atlantis elite," Jack commented in a neutral tone. Daniel frowned and muttered to himself. "I didn't hear that Daniel," Jack responded.

Daniel looked at Jack briefly. "You weren't meant to," he threw back as he walked away. Jack smiled knowing Daniel, like himself, would rather face a dentist.

Gildan guided the group to the rooms set aside for the meal. They were set high in the city with glass all around the outside walls giving breath taking views of the evening sky. Jack did not notice this at first because as they entered the room he realised he had been grossly misled.

The room was of magnificent proportions and filled with several hundred people. "Damn it. This is the White House!" He barked out and Sam eyed him with amusement. Gildan looked confused and Jamieson leaned over to make sure he was heard. "Our government building where they have large dinners for dignitaries amongst other things. Jack doesn't do politics very well."

Gildan laughed. "I'm afraid you are going to have to be a quick learner or some of them will eat you for breakfast."

"Carter," Jack whispered. "How about a relapse, like now?"

"No way sir. We are here and must face the demons," Sam responded.

"Demons… Very good description Carter. Let's see how many people I can upset tonight. Binatou." Jack turned to the soldier and offered her his arm and then they walked into the room.

Daniel offered Sam his arm, but Jamieson stepped in between them and shunted him out of the way. Sam grinned and took his arm leaving the rest to follow them. "Seniority has its privileges apparently," Janes muttered with a mock angry stare at Jack and Daniel grinned back at him.

They were being watched by various factions as they entered the room, some friendly and some curious, much like any political dinner on Earth. With the arrival of their guests from the future two main political powers in Atlantis were vying for dominance within their society.

OK preperation over. You'll get some more action next chapter :)