Jack sit quietly as the representative speaks to the council one last time. As the little man drones on in some weird language Jack looks at Sam. She seems really focused on what the short little man is saying. Daniel said that somehow she could understand them. He had said something about micro-something-or-others in her blood, or was it her brain? Ah hell, what did it matter. From the way she had planned on leaving, in case things didn't work in their favor, it left no doubt that she was still herself. Now the only thing there was to worry about is whether or not they would all make it thru this damn trial. Jack turns his attention back to the small man. It sounds like he is wrapping his speech up. Daniel leans over.
"It sounds like he is finishing his argument," he whispers to Jack.
"Gee thanks, I couldn't tell."
He listens for a few moments and then leans toward Daniel.
"Can you tell how it's going?"
"Not really. I don't understand much of what is being said."
Jack looks back at Sam just in time to catch her look at someone behind him and nod once. Then she looks at him. For just a moment their eyes meet and he feels that funny feeling in the pit of his stomach before she looks back at the man speaking. Finally he bows and returns to his seat.
An old man stands up beside Gæ and clears his throat then declares something in a raspy voice then Gæ and the rest of the council stand and leave the room, along with Sam. Jack looks at the short man sitting with them.
"Where are they off to?"
The little man looks at him, "They are going to discuss the arguments that were presented and decide who is in the right and who is in the wrong."
"Uh huh and how long does that take?"
"That is hard to estimate. This is the first trial that we have had since I was appointed to serve lord Gæ after his father passed from us."
"And how long has that been?" Daniel asks adjusting his glasses.
"Oh at least 6 cycles."
"So there hasn't been a trial in that long?"
"Oh it has been much longer than that. I never heard of the council being called together for a trail while lord Gæ's father was over us. No one dared ever question him or his methods," the small man says as he stands and walks across the room to talk to a group that has gathered.
Daniel looks at Jack, "We may need the backup plan after all."
"And that is why we have one."
Sam listens as the council members debate the arguments. There are two that think the brother of Gæ's sister, whose name Sam can't understand, is in the right. The rest think that SG1 is in the right as they were just visiting Sind and did not wish to act as the people who are rightfully under Ahriman's care. Gæ looks at Sam.
"I told you that you could not speak in the trial; however here you may speak your mind as an observer. Tell us, what are your thoughts?"
Sam takes a breath and sets down the glass of wine that she was given.
"From what I have heard, this team did not know the customs and therefore should not be expected to uphold them."
Silence fills the room.
"If you were traveling to a new land and did not know the customs would you want to be held responsible for something that you did not know you were doing that may be against the people there?"
Gæ smiles, "I am inclined to agree with Al'mena."
"Of course you are. You would take to be your mate," one of the younger council members says.
"Lies, lord Gæ must be joined with someone of worth and he knows this," the elder says.
The whole room erupts in loud arguments. Some are with Sam and her position and other oppose it. Soon Sam can barely hear her own thoughts. She starts to take her breath to raise her voice when a hand lies on her arm and pulls her away from the angry council members.
She turns to face Gæ.
"I will surly pay for what I am about to say but I do not care. I must do what I feel is right."
With this he clears his throat and speaks loudly above the noise.
"My ruling is this. The new comers are in the right. And the mate of my sister is wrong."
The room goes silent instantly. Finally the elder speaks.
"Then by your word you must have him put to death."
Sam looks at Gæ as he processes this then she turns to the council.
"Lord Gæ is tired. I will take him to rest and we may finish this debate when we return."
The elder bows slightly, "As you say my lady. I will have the ones in question all returned to their chambers for now."
Sam helps Gæ lie down on his bed.
"Shall I leave you to rest?"
Gæ shakes his head, "I do not wish to be alone."
Sam carefully sits next to him.
"Why is this causing you so much pain?" she asks.
"I did not think that they would hold me to my word about killing the one in the wrong."
"Why not? I mean I was sure you were going to have my friends killed."
"I was, and then what you told me during the trial made me realize that I don't give enough attention to these things so I started to listen and I truly believe that no one is at fault. But I have given my word and someone must die."
"What if I told you that is not the case?" Sam asks.
Gæ sits up and looks at her, "What is your meaning?"
Sam smiles, "I think I have an answer that will keep you from going back on your word and still no one will forfeit their lives."
"And tell me, Al'mena, what is this answer of yours?"
A/N. Sorry this one is a little later than normal; you know how life can get from time to time. I know this one is a bit short but the grand finale is just around the corner. Leave your thoughts, I love to hear them.