A very long chapter! Sorry - tried to post on the weekend but the site was down and wouldn't let me upload. Hope you enjoy!
They walked a few blocks until they came to another home – bigger than theirs and obviously in a very nice neighborhood.
"Who's house is this?" Jack asked.
"It belongs to Alethea," Elpis replied.
"It's lovely," Sam said. "All the buildings here are beautiful," she added.
That received a smile from Elpis. "Yes, we take pride in the beauty of our surroundings. I am glad you like it." She then got a mischievous look on her face. "Hopefully you will like it so much you will choose to stay!"
Jack smiled in return, but didn't answer. He wasn't about to make any promises and he was pretty sure he wanted to return to Earth with Sam.
"Who's here," he asked, as they entered the front door. There was a man – someone they hadn't seen before – who welcomed them.
"This is Kairon," Elpis introduced the man. "He is the mate of Alethea."
Jack and Sam both said hello and then followed him down the hallway to where the others were gathered.
"You asked who is here," Elpis finally responded. "Alethea, of course, Ikaros, Phaidra and Cadmus have joined us," she told them. At that moment they arrived – to be greeted by the people Elpis had named.
"Jack O'Neill, Samantha Carter," they were welcomed by the group.
"You can call me Jack," he told them.
"And I'm Sam," Carter smiled at them.
"I welcome you to our home," Alethea smiled. "You have met my mate, Kairon?"
"Yes, thank you," Jack smiled at the other man. "We appreciate your hospitality."
"You are welcome," Kairon returned the smile. "I have long wanted to meet an off-worlder. But now, I will excuse myself and let you speak with one another. Please let me know if there is anything you need."
"Thank you," both of them answered.
"Come, sit down," Alethea gestured. "In a little while we will dine, but for now, let us have an opportunity to discuss why we are all here."
Jack and Sam sat beside each other on what looked to be a small loveseat. The others all arranged themselves in a semi-circle around them. All of the guests – excepting maybe Cadmus – seemed pleased to see them.
Cadmus appeared wary, but not unfriendly.
"All of us here wish to further relations with the Tauri – and with the rest of the galaxy," Alethea began.
"Alethea I have said I will listen, but I am not convinced," Cadmus interjected.
"I apologize my friend – I should not have spoken for all of us. Most of us here would look beyond our worlds to others. Cadmus, as he has said, is willing to listen, but is not convinced." She smiled at him. "By the end of the evening we hope to have helped you decide."
"I will listen with an open mind Alethea," Cadmus promised.
"That is all we ask," she nodded. "Now let us discuss a potential treaty between our people and Earth!"
"Before we jump into that," Jack said, holding up his hand, "we would like some more information. We haven't been told very much – and we need to understand before any treaty is made."
It was the woman Phaedra who answered. "That is reasonable," she nodded. "And we apologize – we should have realized you would need more information. It is just that we are very excited." She turned to one of the other councilors. "Ikaros, you are a scholar. Can you tell Jack and Sam about our history and why we have arrived at this point?"
"Of course, I would be happy to." Ikaros thought for a moment. "Well, let me begin with the treaty with the four races. Do you know about that?"
"We know there was one," Jack answered. "Between the Furlings, the Nox, The Ancients and the Asgard, right?"
"That is correct. The four races lived in harmony for millennia," he said. "Together we explored the galaxy – although the Fulings stayed close to our own planets for the most part."
"Why was that?" asked Sam.
"It was our inability to speak with the other races," Phaidra replied. "We were unable to communicate -"
"Except with the Ancients," broke in Cadmus. "For some reason they could speak to us and understand. When we did travel the stars, it was with their help."
Jack nodded and glanced at Sam, who gave a small nod in response.
"So you and the Ancients – were close?" Jack asked.
"We worked closely together, if that is what you mean," answered Cadmus sharply. "We also worked well with the Asgard, although we needed a translator to speak with them, but they were very understanding."
"And the Nox weren't?"
"They were fine – but we had less to do with them as we were in different parts of the galaxy and they travelled very little."
"Yeah, they seem like home-bodies," Jack commented.
That garnered him puzzled glances from the Furlings, but as a group they ignored his puzzling reference.
"Okay – so you stayed close to home, but you were part of this alliance. So, what happened?" Although Jack and Sam had both heard about the war that had broken out, they wanted to learn more.
"For many years there had been tension among our people," Alethea interjected. "You see, there were two races among the Furling – the original race, and one other who came later. They were called the New-Furlings. They fled to Furlin as refugees, when their sun began to expand."
"How long ago was this?" Jack wondered.
"They had been on Furlin for close to 10,000 of your years when the trouble began to develop. Many people didn't see them as true Furlings and there was resentment."
"They'd been here for 10,000 years and you still didn't accept them?" Sam exclaimed.
"Sadly, that is the case," Elpis responded sadly. "Prejudice runs long and deep."
"Yeah – we have that on our planet too," Jack commented, equally as sadly. "So, what happened?"
"The New-Furlings mostly inhabited our secondary planet – Sfaira. There were a few communities here on Furlin, but mostly they stayed on their world and the Furlings on this one. Sfaira was much poorer than Furlin, without as many resources."
"This all sounds familiar," Jack said softly to Sam.
"Mmm – sadly, it does."
"And then?" Jack asked, knowing that something must have happened to bring tensions to a boil.
"And then faromite was discovered on Sfaira."
Jack and Sam looked at the Councilors, all who seemed to think they would know what that was. After a few seconds of silence it was Sam who spoke.
"Faromite? Uh – we've never heard of that."
"You have not heard of it?" asked Ikaros in surprise.
"Nope. Never," answered Jack.
"It is our most precious resource," Alethea explained. "It is a mineral which we use in our buildings and for the energy for our vessels. It is powerful, but does not damage the environment."
"Oh – now I see," said Jack, nodding. "When the New-Furlings were poor and didn't have anything you left them alone – but the moment they had something you wanted you decided to steal their land – or planet."
"Sadly, you are correct," Cadmus told them. "The Furlings demanded that the New-Furlings leave their land and turn it over to them. Of course they refused."
"And the fighting started," Phaidra said, sounding sad. "Soon we were at war with one another."
"So the New-Furlings against the Old-Furlings," Jack replied caustically.
"That is how it started, but it soon turned into a war of the rich vs the poor. Those Furlings – or Old-Furlings as you said, who had little, decided to join with the New-Furlings. The war was no longer just on Sfaira, but on Furlin as well."
"And how long did the war go on?" Sam wanted to know. It was clearly a very painful memory for the people here, but the more information they had, the better.
"It went on for almost 100 of your years," Alethea told them. "It was during this time that we withdrew from the Alliance."
Jack frowned. "Didn't the Asgard or Ancients offer to help?"
"They did," nodded Alethea, "but we would not accept that help. We believed we needed to be the masters of our own worlds."
"And how did that work out for ya?" Jack asked sarcastically.
"Families were slaughtered – some completely wiped out. Cities were destroyed and much of our civilization was in ruins," she answered softly. "We almost destroyed one another."
"So what changed?" Jack asked. "Because from what I've seen, you're doing fine now. You're not still at war, are you?"
"No, oh no," Ipsis exclaimed. "We have not been at war for centuries."
"Really?" Sam said, sounding surprised. "How did you manage that?"
"We knew that if we didn't stop the fighting that we would destroy everyone and everything. As it was we were on the verge of total annihilation. Both sides finally agreed to a treaty. I think all of us were tired of the fighting."
"And how are things now?" Jack asked. "As Councilor Elpis stated, prejudice runs long and deep."
"It does," Cadmus nodded, "so we knew we had to pull out all the roots and not let it grow anymore."
"And how did you do that?" Sam wanted to know.
"We passed a law that prohibited anyone from identifying as a New-Furlin – or an original Furlin. No one was allowed to ask that question when someone applied for work or filled out any paperwork. We asked everyone to change their names, if their name was associated with one race or the other."
"Wait," Jack held up his hand. "I'm assuming there were no physical differences between the races?"
That received a frown, but eventually Phaedra answered.
"Physical differences? What do you mean?"
"Well, on our world there have been centuries of prejudice against people with different colored skin, or different shapes of eyes. You often could tell when someone was from a different race by the way they looked."
"I see," Phaedra answered, although she still looked confused. "No, there were no physical differences, at least not obvious ones. The differences were in – outlook and history."
"So that would make it a bit easier to disguise which race you came from?" Sam said.
"That is the case," Elpis said. "So, we passed laws that made it impossible to identify people based on whether they were original or New-Furlings."
"Didn't people object? I mean, I expect they were proud of their heritage and background and wouldn't want to lose that," Sam added.
"For some it was difficult – but for many the only history they could remember was that of war – and they were happy to let that go. What followed was years of rebuilding – not just our physical world, but our people. We did everything we could to bring people together. We prohibited the extreme collection of wealth – as well as extreme poverty. We also worked to mix children in schools with one another – so they would learn to know and build friendships with one another."
"Sounds ambitious. Did it work?"
"It did," Phaedra said with pride. "None of us know which of us are descended from New-Furlings or the original settlers. And if we did, it would not be something we would share with others. Instead, we built pride in being part of a just and fair society."
"Wow that sounds amazing," Sam said, although she glanced at Jack.
He wasn't looking at her, but instead appeared quite somber. She quirked an eyebrow, wondering what he was thinking. A moment later he spoke.
"But you still obviously have some prejudices," he said bluntly. "I spoke with someone today who talked about keeping your race "pure" – about not contaminating it by dealing with outsiders."
That caused most of the councilors to look shocked, although Cadmus simply looked pensive. Sam glanced once more at Jack, to see him regarding Cadmus closely.
"Do you think he's a spy?" she asked, out loud so the Furlings couldn't understand,
"I don't think so – but he obviously knows something about the purity faction."
"We do not think of ourselves that way," Ikaros objected. "Instead we consider ourselves Furlings – nothing more."
"Well, that's not how everyone feels," Jack pointed out. "And what about the other councilors. They don't seem to want to have a treaty with Earth. Is that because they want to keep Furlin – uh – pure?"
"It is not so much about keeping us pure, as you say, but rather they are afraid we may become influenced by others. We have achieved a hard-won peace, and many are afraid of losing that."
"I can understand that," nodded Sam. "I'd be leery as well. So – can I ask why some of you are so eager for a treaty?"
"It is hard to explain," Alethea said, "but with the peace we have obtained we have – lost something. In many ways we have lost a sense of excitement, of discovery. Over the years we have begun to see more and more of our people become listless, without purpose."
"Our world does not change," Ikaros told them. "Everything runs smoothly and peacefully, but there is no searching for new things. We have lost the wonder of the universe – and we would bring it back."
"By going out into the stars once more," Sam said softly.
"Yes," Phaedra smiled at her, "exactly."
"But – how did Jack come into all of this?" Sam asked suddenly. "Why did you bring him here?"
They had heard some of this already, but they both wanted more information before deciding whether or not to even begin to negotiate with the Furlings.
It was Ikaros, obviously the oldest of the Councilors, who began to explain. "Although we ended our treaty with the Four Races," he told them, "we didn't lose complete touch with the others. Thor of the Asgard kept in communication with us and would visit us every few years."
"My good buddy Thor," Jack said, sounding sad.
"Yes – he was a good person," Ikaros agreed. "It was sad that they could not find a way out of their troubles."
Jack and Sam both nodded, but didn't speak and Ikaros continued.
"Before they decided to end their civilization, Thor paid us one final visit."
"He told you what they were going to do?" Jack wanted to know.
"He did. I tried to talk him out of it, but they had made up their minds. But he did ask us for one favor."
"And that was?"
"They asked that we watch out for a Tauri by the name of Jack O'Neill," Ikaros told him.
"Did he say why?" Sam wanted to know.
"Only that Jack O'Neill was special – that the galaxy would need him and that we must watch out for him. I told Thor that we no longer travelled the galaxy and would have no way of knowing if anything happened to him – or you," Ikaros gave a slight smile. "It was then he told us that the Nox were also watching out for you, and would contact us if necessary. But then Thor asked that we begin patrolling the galaxy. He provided us a ship – and that was the last we saw of him."
"He gave you a ship? That's the one that you came and got me in?" Jack asked.
"That is correct," Ipsis responded this time. "It was after Thor left us – and we heard through the Nox that they had indeed destroyed their civilization – that we decided to begin exploring the galaxy once more. It is very exciting," she said with a rather shy smile.
"Congratulations," Jack told her. "It is exciting,' he agreed. "So, you were patrolling the galaxy when you got word that I was sick?"
"That is correct," Alethea answered. "We then went to retrieve you and brought you back to Furlin. We are pleased that you were able to heal so completely."
"I am too – thanks for that! Okay, so I understand that you want to travel – but I'm still not sure why you want a treaty with Earth. How will that assist you?"
"It is because Earth is now the most important planet in the galaxy," Alethea told him. "And there is the fact that we can speak with you. Now that the Ancients are gone, there is no one else we have been able to talk to without the help of a translator. It is for this reason that we believe Thor wanted us to save you. He understood that your existence and your Ancient genes would help us once again reach for the stars."
"Well, that's nice – but I am just one person – well, with Sam there are two of us. I don't know if there's that much we can do for you – even if we are willing."
Cadmus was frowning, and after a moment began to speak. "We believed that we could speak with you because of your Ancient blood. Is Samantha Carter also ascended from the Ancients."
"Not that I know of," she answered. "We thought maybe it was humans you could speak with, rather than because of Jack's Ancient gene," she explained.
"We do not believe that to be the case," Phaedra answered. "We have tried communicating with the Tauri, but with no luck. When we went to Earth to retrieve you we had to use a translator."
"Maybe it just takes a while," suggested Sam. "Neither of us could understand you at the beginning – but after we were here for a while we could."
"Yes, it does take time, that we were aware of, but we have never seen the Tauri be able to learn our language," replied Elpis. "However it is something we can explore further, in case that has changed. We still believe, however, that Jack O'Neill is an important person for us – and for the galaxy. It is for that, as well, that we would like a treaty. We believe we can offer things to the Tauri, in return for your assistance travelling the stars."
"And by assistance you mean?" Jack wanted to know.
"We would ask you and Sam to help us – to possibly live here, at least part of the time. You could get to know us – act as an ambassador between our two peoples," Alethea said. She smiled at both of them. "We feel we have gotten to know you, and Iola and the medics who looked after you all speak very highly of you." Her smiled turned into a grin. "And the Asclepius let us know that you are a good man."
"You mean that thing that followed me around for weeks? How did it "let you know?"
"Each body gives off an aura that can be read by the Asclepius – by those who know how to use it. Iola is our expert and she indicated your aura was very strong – and very positive. That is a good sign."
"You hear that Sam," he turned to her. "I have a strong aura!"
"Yes, I've been meaning to mention that to you," she quipped.
He rolled his eyes and then turned back to the Councilors. "So, if we were to sign this treaty, you'd share your technology – of the Asclepius, for example."
"We would," answered Alethea. "And there are other things as well. And we would be anxious to learn all we could of the Tauri and of Earth."
"So – if we agree to discuss a treaty – what then? If the other Councilors are against it, will you be able to proceed?"
"The decision lies with the full Assembly," Ikaros told them. "We would present our case, the others would, I'm sure, disagree and try and get the Assembly to vote no. But if we could tell the Assembly that you were in agreement – that would help our cause."
"We can't agree to the treaty on our own," Sam explained. "We would only be able to say that we agree to discuss it and to take it back to the leaders on our world. They would be the ones who would have to decide."
"We understand," nodded Alethea. "But are you willing to go back and let your leaders know we are interested?"
"Yes," Jack nodded slowly, "pending the outcome of the Assembly vote. If they say yes, then we'll present that to our government. I can't promise anything, although I'm sure they'll be interested."
"Thank you." Alethea smiled and then turned to Cadmus. "Cadmus – what say you now? You will be the deciding vote of the Council. If you say no, it will go no further."
Cadmus sighed, and regarded the two Tauri carefully. "I am still concerned," he said. "Our peace was hard won – and I do not want to do anything that would harm our people. At the same time, I understand that it is not always possible to protect everyone from the rest of the world. So, I am willing to vote yes and take it to the full Assembly. They are the ones who should decide."
"Thank you, my friend," Alethea told him. "I appreciate your wisdom – and also your concern for our people. I too share that, although I feel it is wrong to stop progress. So – if everyone is in agreement, and Jack and Sam as well, we will take this to the full Assembly two days from now."
"NO!" a voice screamed. Everyone looked up to see Kore standing in the doorway, something in her hand. She was pointing it at Sam. "You will not destroy our world!" she cried. "We are pure and do not want your Tauri filth to contaminate us!" At that she pressed the handle of the object – and a red streak of light flashed from its barrel.
Jack had been watching her closely, knowing they were in extreme danger. He barely breathed as he listened to the young woman. The moment she pressed the object – he assumed it was some kind of weapon – he moved.
He felt the heat of the weapon as he tackled Sam, forcing her to the floor, with him on top. He heard other noises in the room, but didn't pay attention, as all of him was focused on Sam. If she'd been hurt or killed he would never forgive himself.
"Sam," he called. "SAM!" There was no answer and he tried to move, although he felt paralyzed. He had felt the heat from the weapon, so for all he knew he was injured – although he felt no pain.
He was finally able to roll off of Sam and he looked at her carefully. He could hear the voices of the Furlings in his mind, but he ignored them, instead he frantically tried to find out if she'd been hurt.
"Ow," he heard. She was lying on her stomach, so he couldn't see her face until she moved her head to the side. He would have laughed when he saw her one eye peering at him but he was still too worried.
"Sam – are you alright?"
"Uh – slightly squished I'm afraid," she said, her voice sounding wobbly. "But other than that – I think I'm okay."
"Oh thank GOD!" he exclaimed. He knelt down beside her, still feeling shaky. "Can I help you?"
"Mmm – just give me a minute. You are not light, Jack. I'm going to have bruises on my bruises."
"I'm sorry," he said, not sounding particularly upset, now that he knew she was okay. "But rather squashed than fried!"
"What a lovely sentiment," she agreed, finally rolling over onto her back. She peered up at Jack, noticing how pale he looked. "I really am okay, you know. I think you saved me – again!"
"Just repaying the favor, Sam," he grinned. Now that he knew she was alright, he was able to glance around the room. The three women Councilors were all looking at them with worried faces. Cadmus and Ikaros were holding an angry looking Kore by the arms. Kairon was standing just inside the door – looking in disbelief at everyone.
Once everyone was assured that Sam and Jack were okay, they all turned their attention to the young woman being held tightly. It was Elpis who spoke to her first.
"Kore – how could you do this?" she asked her maidservant. "You could have killed someone!"
"I wanted to – I planned to," Kore shouted. "I want the dirty Tauri gone!"
"Where does this hatred come from?" Elpis shook her head. "These people are our guests – since when do you speak so of others? Who taught you this?"
"No one taught me," she replied. "Although there are many others who believe as I do. We must stay pure. We are Furlings – we are the best race in the universe and we do not want to be polluted by off-worlders!"
"I guess every planet and nation has em," Jack whispered. "I wonder who she's working with?"
"Maybe some of the other Councilors," Sam suggested. They were speaking out loud, so as not to distract the Furlings, who were all regarding Kore in horror.
"What kind of madness is this?" Alethea asked. "Who taught you such hateful things? The Furlings have always been proud of our kindness to others. Guests are sacred – surely you were taught that?" she asked.
Kore turned her head and spit. "We do not need guests! We only need ourselves! Hail Furlin!"
"Kind of sounds like "hail Fuhrer" doesn't it?" Jack asked, somberly.
"Sadly yes," Sam replied. "Fanaticism – I guess it exists everywhere."
By this time Jack had stood up. He reached down to help Sam, who still appeared a bit stunned by the whole fiasco.
Once on her feet, Sam glanced over at Kore, when all of a sudden she felt incredibly dizzy. "Jack," she murmured.
The next thing he knew, Sam collapsed. He grabbed her quickly and then swung her up in his arms. Oh god – she must have been hurt.
"Hey," he cried. Everyone turned to look at him, and then their expressions changed to ones of horror.
"Was she injured?" Alethea rushed over to her. "I thought the beam missed her."
"So did I," Jack answered, looking down at her. "I thought she was fine, but she just collapsed!"
"Here, let us take her to one of the bedrooms and she can lie down. Kairon, can you call for a Medic!"
Everyone cleared a pathway for Alethea and Jack followed swiftly, an unconscious Sam held in his arms. They made their way swiftly upstairs, where Alethea showed them a bedroom. He gently laid her down on the bed.
"Sam," he said, rubbing her hands. "Speak to me!"
"Mmm," she murmured. A moment later she opened her eyes, and then frowned. "Where am I? What happened?"
"You passed out. Are you okay? Were you hurt?"
"I passed out?" she asked, surprised. "No, I wasn't hurt. I just – I remember feeling dizzy. Maybe I stood too quickly."
"They've called for a medic. How do you feel?"
"Fine – tired, a little nauseated – but not too bad. I'm sure I'll be okay Jack," she said, on realizing how worried he looked. The poor man – first thinking she'd been shot, and then having her pass out on him. "I'm really okay," she told him. "In fact, I'm feeling better by the minute."
"Just lie still," he told her. "I want the medic to look at you. Just stay down and relax."
"Okay – but can you tell me what happened to Kore?"
"Uh – no. They had her restrained but other than that I don't know." He glanced over at Alethea, who was watching them closely. They both realized at that moment that they'd been speaking out loud to one another.
"I'm okay Alethea," Sam told her. "I think I just stood up too quickly."
The Furling woman smiled. "We will have the medic look at you just in case," she said, "but I am sure that is all it is. The Asclepius would have left you in good health. I am just grateful that Jack was able to push you out of the way. On behalf of the Furlings, I do apologize for Kore. I do now know where she learned such things. This is not the way of our people!"
"We understand," Sam told her. "We have some of those people on Earth too, but most are good people. I'm sure it's the same here."
"Thank you! We will make sure you are protected from now on."
"What will happen to the woman?" Jack asked.
"She will be taken to one of our correction facilities. She will be treated humanely – that is our way – but she will be shown the error of her ways."
"Uh – how do you do that?"
"Crime is very rare on Furlin," Alethea explained. "When it occurs we believe it is due to a defect in the psyche. We have a place for people to go to be healed. We use the Asclepius to heal those who commit crimes."
"Heal them?" Suddenly Jack looked worried. "You don't think it's about mind control, do you?" he asked Sam out loud.
"I don't think so – but we can ask." She turned to Alethea. "Does the Asclepius control people's thoughts and actions?" she asked.
"Oh no – no! We would never do that," she cried. "It is a healing device only. We believe that hatred is an illness, just like a physical illness. We did not mention it – but when it was invented it helped us deal with the prejudice that still existed among our people. But it is nothing more than a healing device, that I promise you."
Jack nodded, although he remained suspicious. It was his nature, he knew – but he also knew that that very suspicion had saved them on a number of occasions.
"But she won't be hurt?" he asked, speaking of Kore.
"Never! She is a young, impressionable girl. She will be shown compassion and be given help to get over her hatred of strangers. She will be fine and will be able to return to full freedom soon. But I am more worried about who taught her these things. It will be harder to determine, if they choose to hide."
"Won't Kore tell you – after she's healed?" asked Sam.
"I expect so – but I do not know how long that will take. In the meantime I am concerned. The fact that she was willing to use violence means that there is a level of hatred and fear we have not seen for a long time on Furlin. It is very worrisome."
Jack and Sam didn't have a chance to comment, as just that moment the medic appeared. It was a young woman who reminded them both of Iola.
"I understand that this lady collapsed?" she said as she entered.
"Yes – although I'm feeling fine now," Sam answered. "My name is Sam, and this is Jack,"
"It is nice to meet you, Jack and Sam." She turned to Alethea. "Hello Councilor. I hope you are well."
"I am well, Sapphira. And you also?"
"I am well Councilor. Now, I would like to examine Sam – so I would ask everyone to leave."
"Uh -"
"It's alright Jack," Sam interjected quickly. She was pretty sure he was going to insist on staying – which was the last thing she wanted. "I'll be fine. Why don't you wait outside and I'll call if I need you."
"Are you sure?" he asked, looking slightly worried.
"I'm fine – and I'm sure that the medic will confirm that – but I'd rather have her examine me in private."
He nodded. "But don't hesitate to call if you need me. I'll be in the hall."
Sam and Sapphira watched as Jack and Alethea left. Once the door closed behind them, Sapphira turned to Sam.
"So, let's see how you're doing," she smiled.
Sam looked at her somberly. "I think I already know."