Chapter 10: Cliches
"So, what's the emergency?" Daniel asked as he met Colonel Reynolds on the way to the briefing room. Returning to the base after his short day off, he had a good idea who would be waiting.
"Seems the Tok'ra have requested you, Dr. Jackson."
"Really. What for?" Daniel knew exactly what for, but he could play the game.
"We'll find out," Reynolds indicated Daniel should go ahead of him into the Briefing room.
Already assembled were General Hammond, Dr. Fraiser, Dr. Lee, and Garshaw, the Tok'ra leader, with her entourage. Daniel's eyes flitted to Garshaw who wasn't giving anything away. She sat imperiously at the far end of the table facing General Hammond. Daniel quickly took his seat and the meeting began.
"As you know our relations have been strained for some time. We think there is an opportunity to re-examine the situation. All we are asking is your cooperation." Garshaw intoned in the voice of her symbiote.
"Lately, it seems as though we are doing all the cooperating, Councilor. We can't help but wonder why that is?" General Hammond had to express his displeasure in only the most general terms. Berating them on specifics served no purpose at this level.
Garshaw didn't take the bait. Instead, she got to the point.
"We require the services of Dr. Jackson. We have uncovered an archeological situation that requires his expertise in Ancient. In return, we will share the information with you as our treaty stipulates."
"And how long will you require his services, Councilor?"
"Unknown, General Hammond. We believe the clues lead to another site. But we are unable to translate much of the text. It seems to be in another dialect. If we are correct, his time will need to be extended."
"I see. What about the danger from a Goa'uld attack?"
"While it is always possible, the sites are not in Goa'uld controlled space."
"Dr. Jackson, you are authorized for a month's engagement, but you are to check in frequently. At the end of that time, we shall want a complete report and a tour of the sites. And we require the Gate addresses where you will be."
"Yes, sir." Daniel had the distinct impression that Hammond had a very good idea what was going on.
"It may be that he will travel by ship to some sites, General. We believe that one or more of the sites may be on moons or other planets without a Stargate. In that case, I shall personally contact you to let you know of his welfare."
Hammond eyed her steadily. He was nobody's fool. However, he decided to pretend along with the rest of them.
"Then we shall contact the Asgaard from K'tau and let them know of your request." Hammond leaned in. "I shall ask Thor to have a look at the sites in the event of an unsatisfactory outcome. We would hate to leave any stone unturned if it might gain us all weapons to defend against the Replicators."
"We assure you that the Tok'ra intend to share all the discoveries for the benefit of everyone concerned."
'Gee that was some wiggle room, lady,' thought Daniel. He glanced over at Hammond and saw the same reaction.
"And we have a proverb that says the road to Hell is paved with good intentions."
"Why…did they run out of bad intentions for pavers?" Garshaw looked perplexed then realized no one appreciated her joke. "And the Tok'ra have the proverb 'he who is quick to anger is a fool.' Thank you for your time, General. I shall wait to escort Dr. Jackson back to our base. We shall wash our trail through several gates."
Jacob reclined on one of the lounge chairs by the pool at the Ft. Belvoir Officer's Club that sunny afternoon. Hanging around in Tok'ra tunnels did not give him much of a suntan. Selmak sighed in delight. Doing laps in the extra large pool gave both of them pleasure. Selmak had known many pleasures in his long life. The pleasures of Earth were to his liking.
While the Goa'uld lived as gods served by their faithful Jaffa and human slaves, having the freedom to be alone and comfortable was a pleasure. Selmak loved his trips to Earth. The house on the base was nice and convenient. It was no palace but it was lovely, as was the setting. That Jacob was an important man on this planet helped. The minor details of life were no problem. Either Jacob knew how to do things or someone else did them without intruding. As far as Selmak was concerned, this was a different kind of luxury. He liked luxury. A Tok'ra was a form of a Goa'uld after all.
Today, they were having a running conversation as they usually did. For a human, Selmak found Jacob to be interesting. In fact, he found Jacob to be a wonderful companion. As they lay there soaking up the early summer sunshine, someone else landed on the next lounge chair. Jacob eyed the visitor out of the corner of his vision behind the sunglasses. He sighed.
"Long time no see, Stan."
"Good to see you too, Jacob." The man arranged himself applying sunblock lotion. "I confess to being curious."
"Aren't we all?" Jacob reached for some of his own lotion, provided courtesy of the club for a V.I.P. Selmak enjoyed rubbing it on.
"I was so curious I had lunch today with a friend of ours, an old friend who sends his regards. Seems he remembers the good times we had together."
"Glad to hear it, Stan. He should remember lots of good times." Jacob adjusted his sunglasses.
"He says another friend of ours is having problems for the damndest reasons. Seems the guy is in his second childhood," Stan put on his sunglasses and reclined. "I guess we are all getting older; well some of us don't think we are." Stan paused for effect. "We aren't talking about Alzheimer's, are we Jacob?"
"Definitely not, but then these sorts of problems have various reasons."
"Well, the consensus is that our friend needs to be removed for security reasons. Is that true?"
"I don't agree, but I'm just one guy."
"So what's one guy more or less?"
"We need him." Jacob shifted to look at Stan. "Folks seem to be reacting hastily, overreacting in my opinion. There could be another way the guy could still be useful. Oh, we'd have to watch him and be careful, but you don't dump all that experience if you can still use it."
"I don't look forward to being put out to pasture, Jacob, but it happens every day." He closed the lotion bottle and set it down. "But you think there's more to it or I wouldn't be here, am I right?"
"You're right. Some unhappy folks are behind this for their own reasons." Jacob let the silence hang between them. "I have my suspicions that this is some sort of payback. If it is, we would lose something valuable that has implications all the way up the line."
Stan blew a low whistle. "Ok, that explains a few things. I heard things from many directions. Something was brewing. Now the pieces fit. Ok, Jacob, give me a few days. How long will you be here?"
"I don't know, Stan."
"Right, your schedule is classified. I got that."
"Is it?"
"I heard you were into some heavy stuff. Whatever it is, the security around here is better than around the President. I never saw anything like it in all my 30 years at this."
"Don't know what you mean, Stan. I'm just doing my job."
Sam came into the pool area ready for a swim before dinner. Stan stood up immediately. His whole demeanor changed. Jacob didn't even have to look to know who was coming. Selmak was laughing so much Jacob had to grin.
"They sure take good care of you, buddy. Bombshell at 10 o'clock."
Jacob stood up and pulled down the shades. "Watch it, Stan." Then he turned to observe his daughter approach in one very skimpy pink bikini, sunglasses, high platform pool shoes, and little pink transparent scarf for a skirt around the bikini bottom.
"Hi, Dad," Sam leaned over to give Jacob a peck on the cheek. He protectively put his arm around her. She knew what was coming. They had this down to a science between them.
"Stan, I'd like you to meet my beautiful daughter, Major Samantha Carter. Sam this is my old friend Stan. Do you remember him, kiddo?"
Stan looked like he'd stroke out.
"This is little Sammy?" He continued to gape.
"Sure I do. Hi Uncle Stan." The man startled at the title and its implications.
Selmak was laughing so hard that Jacob was shaking and grinning. However, it was a good bet she never called this one 'uncle' because Stan hadn't seen her since she was four. Sam was just playing along.
"Uncle…ouch. Ok, you got me Jacob. I am so very pleased to meet you again. Major…Samantha Carter," grinning, he offered to shake hands. Sam let him take her hand, lightly. Then she gave Jacob an eyebrow. "I haven't seen you since you were knee high to a grasshopper." Stan couldn't help giving her the once over again and chuckling.
"So sorry, you can't stay longer, Stan. I understand you have lots of work to do. Thanks for dropping by."
Stan chuckled and took the hint, wagging his finger at Jacob. Jacob walked him to the pool gate. They shook hands. Laughing Stan departed with a last look as Sam dived into the pool. Shaking his head, he chuckled all the way back to the locker room.
"Greetings, Teal'c," Master Bra'tac called as he walked over to where Teal'c was checking the latest shipment of supplies from the Tau'ri to the Rebel Jaffa. "I came as soon as I heard. Now, what has befallen O'Neill?"
Teal'c brought Bra'tac up to speed with developments, without mentioning where O'Neill was. He carefully omitted any mention of his part in hiding the young man. Teal'c simply said O'Neill disappeared through the Gate on K'tau and that the Tau'ri had the impression Teal'c could find him. It wasn't exactly the truth or a lie. Bra'tac rubbed his chin in thought.
"So you sent him to your domains?"
Teal'c barely startled to realize that Bra'tac had known about his little operation. Then he turned to his former teacher and bowed slightly. Both men recognized each other for what they were, clever operators.
"I learned much from you, old friend."
"I know." Bra'tac indicated the pile of goods. "What is it that you seek here?"
"Tretonin, medicines and ammunition cartridges."
"Most Jaffa have no need of Tau'ri medicine. Very few are willing to take the Tretonin as we have. I have secured a great supply in several locations for such time, as they are ready. Most items must be kept at low temperatures."
"Refrigeration is key with so much they provide. Once, a whole shipment degraded because it was left in the sun on a hot day. I ordered all future supplies to be routed to caves and all camps to dig deep holes where no caves were available. Even so, much of it rots. Dr. Fraiser has tried to explain it to them, but they will not listen to a Tau'ri female."
"The old ways must change, and they will someday. Until then, we must do what we can. I spoke with Hammond of Texas to send supplies to one of three worlds where the Stargate is in a cooler climate. I had these items routed here once your message reached me."
"My thanks," Teal'c found what he was looking for and took a supply. "I shall be gone for some time from the Tau'ri. Until then, old man, you must be the one to go to them. Or better yet, send Rak'nor. It is time that we have someone who can continue the relationship. He is the most willing to listen. Perhaps he could take my place there as he is known to them."
"Perhaps, but I still need him to run daily operations. Now that you are back, we must convene a council meeting. It is time you took your rightful place among your people, Teal'c. You have solidified our relationship with the Tau'ri. It is time to move things to the next level here."
"I disagree. My place is there. They have the means to accomplish much more than we do in different directions. They fight the Replicators and other predators allowing us to concentrate our fight with the Goa'uld."
"What you say is true to a point, Teal'c. They do not realize their power yet. Their power is that they have always been free. It is the power of that will to be free that may free us all. But that day has not come. Until then, we must use our own resources to free our own people. No matter what the Tau'ri give us, ultimately, our people must fight for themselves."
"Indeed." Teal'c found something else he wanted and stowed it in his pack. "As their allies, we are fortunate for they are beloved by the Asgaard, especially O'Neill. Without him, we would not enjoy the support of the Asgaard as we do. Without him, we would not be treated as worthy allies by the Tok'ra. Without him, we would not be welcome by the Nox. We owe him a great debt of honor."
"No doubt, yet you can repay that debt by leading your own people."
"I disagree. My position is such that I can move between all factions at will and be received even by Lord Yu. No one else is in that position. I must concentrate my efforts on our allies to keep them as our allies."
"Your words have wisdom. One day you will take your rightful place as our leader." Bra'tac sifted through some of the items, dismissing most of them until he came to a container that made him smile. "Grenades!" He packed a few of them in his attire. "For sheer damage, these are wonderful. Of course, I prefer our 'grenades' so as not to harm so many of our innocents." Bra'tac hefted a few more and stuffed them inside his robe. "Many are the facilities we have damaged with these!"
"I prefer the C-4. It has timers, which enables us to be at a safe distance." Teal'c sighed. "There are many more items I have seen which are as effective as or more effective than Goa'uld weapons. Yet they will not part with those."
"I shall speak with Hammond of Texas about those. Give me a list."
"They are most reluctant because they don't want the Goa'uld to know all that they can do."
"You speak of the 'nukes,' do you not?"
"Some are nukes, but the Goa'uld know about nukes. Some items are much more effective because they are so small and devious."
"Yes, the Tau'ri are a formidable race…for humans. Come, tell me your plans."
"You may be right, I may be crazy, but it just may be a lunatic you are looking for!"
Where did I hear that phrase before? It shot out of my mouth before I could stop it. The Mayor and I were going toe to toe after the PTA meeting. We had managed to mollify the group of concerned parents. But I was going to be damned if I prayed to that overdressed, over the top, boom boxed voice, false god, dead false god, a snakehead that I had killed myself. Okay, it was a team effort, but I was in charge despite what Jacob tried to say. We watched Apophis plummet to his death in a replicator infested ship. We all saw it explode entering the atmosphere of his planet. Moreover, we've never heard word one about him since then.
"You may be wrong but for all I know I you may be right." The Mayor conceded. "Some of us have had our suspicions for sometime. But, and I say BUT, that doesn't mean you can come in here a snot-nosed, wet behind the ears, kid telling them all their beliefs are wrong!"
"Look, Mr. Mayor, I'm not who you think I am. I'm not a kid."
"What?"
"I'm not a kid. I'm a grown man. I just look like a kid for the moment."
"You are trying my patience, young man." The Mayor reached for his hat. "If you want this job, just do it the way you are told. And keep your opinions to yourself."
"Yes, sir."
The man reached for the door and turned around. "You say you met Him?"
"Oh yeah, yeah, we met. And I am 100 percent…99...sure he's not coming back."
"Well, keep it to yourself. I'm serious. They will kill you for saying it."
"How come you believe me?"
He looked me over and didn't answer. He left. After he was gone, I blew out my cheeks to relieve some tension. That went well. I had to learn to keep my mouth shut. Now why was that? I had always had so little to say before. Thinking it over while I straightened up the school room, I decided I had to have a back up plan.
I also needed a drink. So I locked up and strode into the night air. Ambling up the street to the saloon, I felt as though I were in an old John Wayne western. Grinning at the image I hurried on.
Pushing open the swinging doors, I took in the scene. It was all there, the bar, the mirror, the hard cases, the half-dressed bar women, er hostesses, and the townspeople, all listening to music from the piano player. A few were dancing or approximating dancing with the hostesses. The rest were playing 'poker' or telling stories. And they were all packing heat.
This was such a cliché. I hate cliché's.
In reality, most sheriffs didn't allow guns in town nor did most saloon keepers. They made folks check any weapons at the door. Actually, that didn't work all that well since most folks concealed their weapons and everyone else looked the other way because they did too.
I was more interested in a beer, not trouble.
Trouble is my middle name, Daniel Trouble Jackson. Daniel T. Jackson.
Sure, that's the ticket, the ticket to being conspicuous. I saw a few heads swivel around to watch me as I made my way to the bar. Several men grinned. A few looked amused, not the least of which was the barkeep.
"How about a beer?" I asked reasonably.
"How about milk?" A few of the men at the bar snickered.
Oh yeah, here we go. I grinned and put a coin on the bar figuring it was plenty. The barkeep decided it was and brought a beer along with some change. I pocketed the change and quaffed the first beer in days.
"Hey he seems to suck it down like mother's milk."
That got a few guffaws. Okay, so tonight I was the new guy. They were going to pick on the new guy. It was a rite of passage. I had done this before, many, many, times. Let them have their fun. I smiled back at them. I figured to show them I had a sense of humor and was a good guy.
I figured wrong.
"Say aren't you the new schoolteacher?" One of the better dressed men inquired.
"Yes, sure am, Daniel Jackson," I nodded a hello.
"He looks like he should be in school."
"Well he is, stupid. He's the Teacher!"
"Who you calling 'stupid,' friend?"
"You, Ferd. Aw we all knowed you didn't finish second grade."
"Yeah, maybe you should try again. We got ourselves a new school marm who looks like he could learn you a thing or two."
They all laughed. Ferd wasn't so sure it was funny.
"Aw he couldn't learn my Aunt Sally shit."
Laughs followed that. Apparently Aunt Sally was a real case. But Ferd was happier they were laughing at his joke not at him. One of the 'hostesses' came up to the bar to pick up her order for her customers. She leaned over and checked me out. I couldn't help smiling back. A couple of the men noticed.
"Hey, you know what to do with one of them, kid?" They all laughed.
"What?"
They laughed. I wasn't buying into the game. All of a sudden she grabbed me where it counted. I coughed spilling my beer as my eyes bugged out. The guys were laughing.
"He's all there. Ain't you, honey? If you need instructions…" Everyone was laughing but one guy. "I'm the best …teacher around… isn't that so?" She turned as a bunch of the men had various reactions to that statement. Reaching for the tray of drinks, she turned around as a man grasped her arm. "Let go, Amel. I wasn't offering you."
Now Amel was a little inebriated. And he got pissed.
"Why, you saying I'm not good enough for you and he is, the little shit."
"I'm saying let go, Amel."
"You need a man, you come to me sweet thing."
"And I said, let go, Amel."
Instead he grabbed her up and planted a big sloppy wet one on her and wasn't giving any indication he was going to stop. The men were laughing. I didn't find it funny and neither did she. She landed a kick to his shin, which only enraged him more. The drinks clattered to the floor.
Wrenching herself free, she snarled, "you are going to pay for them drinks, Amel."
"I'll take it out in trade, honey." He moved to grab her again.
That's when I had an out of body experience. I swear I saw my hand shoot out and grab Amel's arm to stop him. Now Amel was a big one. My scrawny body just didn't have the force I expected. So it looked as though I had tugged on his sleeve. He looked down at me with pure hatred.
"What do you think you're doing, runt?"
And that's when I heard myself advise him in the politest terms to release the lady. Well, not so polite. I did call her a lady, which caused everyone to laugh. She had a wild-eyed look of fear…fear for me. I should have known better. She dealt with these idiots every night.
Amel did release the woman. He held his meaty paws up and out grinning, affably. He shrugged as if to say, 'hey I've been told.' He looked around at the shocked faces to be sure everyone was looking. Then he backhanded me across the floor.
I went sprawling right into the 'poker' table and knocked it over. The chips or coins, whatever, went flying. The cards and the table top spilled over as the men jumped up cursing. I felt someone lift me up. I started to say thanks, when a fist connected with my stomach.
I threw up right on the guy.
Things proceeded just like the clichés they were.
Vaguely I remember hitting the ground in the nice cool night air. It was soft ground, too soft. It wasn't ground. It was horse shit. I passed out not caring. That's where I woke up near dawn.
Getting up I spied a horse trough and just climbed in to wash off. Yuck. No one was around to complain. Then I made my way home to get ready for the school day. I had lessons to plan.
I had lessons to learn.