Part 3
Disclaimers can be found in Part 0
***
"Well Daniel, I hope you did your homework."
SG-1 had reached the north shore of the river and were now watching the village from the vantage point of several trees and bushes that were growing along the edge. Jack handed Daniel his binoculars. Looking through them he scanned the village on the other side of the river. Several dwellings made up the village and men, women, and children could be seen working and playing.
"Well, they're definitely Native Americans. Probably brought through from the Arctic Gate. You know most Native American gods are pretty benevolent. I wonder how the Goa'uld managed it?"
"Maybe you'll get a chance to ask," Jack answered.
"The path here from the Stargate had not been used in quite some time. I do not believe the Goa'uld visit this planet any longer," mentioned Teal'c.
"Maybe they had there own version of the Little Big Horn," Jack joked.
"Little Big Horn?" asked Teal'c
"On July 25, 1876, an American General by the name of George Armstrong Custer attacked a large group of Sioux Indians who were camped by the Little Bighorn River in what was then the Montana Territory. All 210 of General Custer's men were killed. Custer, along with several others, had been ordered to round up all the Cheyenne and Sioux Indians and move them onto the reservations," explained Daniel.
"Why?" asked Teal'c.
"Greed," answered Jack. "Greed and fear, Teal'c. So Daniel, can you tell which tribe they are?"
"Hard to tell, Jack, but if I had to guess I'd say Sioux. Not Blackfoot. Their body shape doesn't match. But other than that, it's anyone's guess."
"So should we go down?" asked Carter speaking for the first time.
"Well they appear peaceful enough. Most were until threatened."
"Okay then it's decided. Just stay alert."
Jack stood and motioned for Daniel to follow behind him leaving Carter and Teal'c to bring up the rear. "Know any Sioux words, Daniel?"
"A few. I found a web site that had a dictionary and some sound files so I could listen to the pronunciations. It was the Lakota language. I'm kind of hoping that all the variations are similar."
The simple plank and rope bridge was only wide enough for two to cross at a time. Jack and Daniel entered first. The bridge swayed over the swiftly moving current of water below them while every once in awhile sending up a fine spray as the water hit the few rocks that poked up from the river bottom. When they were halfway across the bridge, a young woman noticed them. She called out and pointed in their direction. By the time SG-1 had reached the south end of the bridge, several very large men were there to block their way. Jack looked at Daniel. "You're on," he said.
Daniel glanced in Jack's direction then back at the man who looked to be the leader of the group. "HAU," he said.
"How?" whispered Jack.
"Shhh! That's Lakota for hello," Daniel whispered back then under his breath he added, "I hope."
"Oh. Sorry," Jack apologized. Realizing what Daniel had amended to his response he turned to him and said, "You hope?"
"I'm pretty sure that's it."
"Pretty sure?"
"Well almost sure."
"Almost sure?"
The men standing across from Jack and Daniel witnessing this exchanged puzzled looks with each other. Finally one stepped closer.
"HAU," he said.
Daniel waved an arm in the man's direction and smiled, "See, I was right."
Jack just rolled his eyes skyward and sighed.
Daniel pointed to his chest. "Daniel," he said. Then he pointed at Jack and said, "Jack."
The leader nodded then pointed at his own chest. "Tatapesaah."
"Tat-a-pees-ah? Tatapesaah. Jack, his name's Tatapesaah. I, ah, think it means 'the upsetting wind'."
Carter couldn't help but grin and Jack almost laughed out loud, but was stopped by a jab in the ribs from Daniel when he realized how his comrade would take the translation. Jack almost had the decency to look contrite ... almost. He shrugged.
Tatapesaah motioned for SG-1 to follow him and led then into the village. As they walked through, they received curious looks from the villagers. This they were getting used as they made more trips through the Stargate and encountered the people who inhabited each world. However, Jack still felt a chill run up his back when he saw a woman with a small child standing in the entry way of one of the tipis. It was the same woman in his dream; the first person he had seen disappear into the darkness when they had reached the bank of the river.
***
"Jack," whispered Daniel.
"I know Daniel. I saw her too," Jack hissed back.
Tatapesaah had led SG-1 to the center of the compound where a communal fire was burning. SG-1 had taken seats around the fire with Tatapesaah and several other members of his tribe. Everyone looked at each other waiting for someone, anyone to start. Jack finally raised a hand, fingers splayed. "Hi."
"Hau," replied Tatapesaah.
The young girl from their dream circled the gathered people with a bowl and ladle. Dipping into the bowl, she offered the ladle to Jack who took it. "Thank you." Sniffing the contents of the ladle first, he drank. "Water." He then handled the ladle back to the young woman who dipped some water and offered it to Daniel. After she had given everyone a drink, she left leaving the bowl and ladle with Tatapesaah.
There was silence again. Carter, who had no idea what had spooked the men on her team was the first to break it.
"Tatapesaah, we're explorers," she said indicating herself and the rest of SG-1. "We've come from a long way away to learn more about this land and your people."
***
One of the amazing things about the Stargate and gate travel was that no matter where they went, language was usually not a problem. Except in rare cases like on Abydos or Chulak, everyone seemed to be able to understand each other. However, sometimes it didn't always work and sometimes it didn't kick in for a little while after a team's arrival on a new world. Occasionally Daniel would have to translate for everyone when they first arrived; but soon, like magic, everyone would seem to be speaking the same language.
Jack and Daniel had had some discussions about what language everyone was speaking. Jack believed that everyone ended up speaking English and Daniel maintained that the SG team ended up speaking the language of the particular world they were on.
Jack's particular brand of logic prevailed one day when he suddenly burst into Daniel's lab with one of the tapes the young man was always making with his video camera. Plugging the tape into the VTR, Jack turned it on.
"Daniel, this is one of the tapes you made when we went to P3A980. Listen," Jack had insisted.
Daniel, who had been engrossed in reading about some pot shards that had just been uncovered in the Pyrannis, was confused and stared glassy eyed at Jack.
"Daniel ... listen."
Daniel listened.
"So, what do you hear?" asked Jack.
"You and me. It's from P3A980. I was telling you about the story of ..." began Daniel.
"I know what you were telling me, but what language are we speaking?"
Daniel looked at Jack as if he had lost his mind. "Ah, English?" he answered unsure of where this line of questioning was going to go.
"Exactly! English!" exclaimed Jack. Jack stood there in all his glory looking triumphant and then his look changed to one of annoyance when he realized that he had just proven his point, but Daniel didn't understand.
"Daniel, your tape that you recorded from P3A980 which was an ancient Mesopotamian culture if I recall correctly. We understood them and they understood us. On the tape, we're talking English. Now, if instead as you believe the Stargate gives us the ability to speak the language of the land, why did your tape record it in English?" Finished with his explanation, he pointed to the monitor with both hands.
Daniel looked at Jack and then at the monitor, realization slowly dawning. "Of course, you're right. Why didn't I think of that, or Sam for that matter."
"Well, you know scientists ... you guys are always looking for some real deep meaning behind stuff. Sometimes it's us normal people who have the answers."
After that proclamation, Jack had stuffed both hands in his pockets and walked calmly out of the room leaving Daniel staring after him in what could have been either awe or amusement.
***
Tatapesaah nodded. "We are a simple people, but we will gladly share our knowledge with you. What is it you wish to know?"
Daniel seemed to come to himself then and asked, "Tatapesaah, do you have any legends about how your people arrived here, ah, creation stories?"
"Of course. It is a long story, would you like to hear it now or wait until after the evening meal?" he asked.
"Well, whichever you prefer," answered Daniel.
"Then we'll wait until after eating. It will make a fine tale and the children can listen in as well," Tatapesaah declared.
"Great," Jack said. "In the meantime, do you mind if we just look around?"
"Please, you are our guests. Witashaun will show you around. Witashaun!," he called.
Jack and Daniel looked a bit uncomfortable as the same young woman from their dream answered Tatapesaah's call. Both glanced at each other and then at Teal'c who just lowered his head and his eyes by way of understanding.
"Witashaun will bring you when the evening meal is prepared. She can also answer questions you might have while you look around." Pride shown through in his voice as he talked. When Daniel threw him an inquiring glance, he responded. "Witashaun is my daughter. If she were a brave, she would be the pride of our tribe. She is already my pride."
The young woman lowered her head upon hearing the praise from her father while a quiet smile crossed her face. Her father smiled back.
SG1 stood and thanked Tatapesaah for his hospitality and followed Witashaun as she walked away from the central fire. Daniel caught up with her and began asking questions while his other three team mates held back a few paces.
"Sir, what's going on? You guys look a little disturbed?" Carter asked.
"Daniel's dream, our dream," he amended, "that woman is in it. She's the first we saw swallowed up by that stuff." He paused to let Daniel and Witashaun get a little further ahead before continuing. "We've got to find out what is going on here."
Carter studied Jack for a few moments, not saying anything. Seeming to read her thoughts he sighed, "All right. You know me. I'm not one for deep thinking and delving into the metaphysical. We've already been through that issue once before, but I'm willing to accept the possibility - the possibility mind you - that there is something to this dream thing."
Daniel had noticed that his friends weren't following and had also paused in his forward motion. He kept listening to Witashaun talk, but kept an eye on Jack.
Jack started walking again; Carter and Teal'c by his side. "You know it sure was a whole lot easier when all we had to do was kill a Goa'uld. How the hell do you fight a dream?" he asked.
"I don't know sir," Carter replied.
Jack looked at her and said, "That was a rhetorical question Captain."
Carter smiled a half smile and said, "I know, sir."
***
Continued in Part 4
Disclaimers can be found in Part 0
***
"Well Daniel, I hope you did your homework."
SG-1 had reached the north shore of the river and were now watching the village from the vantage point of several trees and bushes that were growing along the edge. Jack handed Daniel his binoculars. Looking through them he scanned the village on the other side of the river. Several dwellings made up the village and men, women, and children could be seen working and playing.
"Well, they're definitely Native Americans. Probably brought through from the Arctic Gate. You know most Native American gods are pretty benevolent. I wonder how the Goa'uld managed it?"
"Maybe you'll get a chance to ask," Jack answered.
"The path here from the Stargate had not been used in quite some time. I do not believe the Goa'uld visit this planet any longer," mentioned Teal'c.
"Maybe they had there own version of the Little Big Horn," Jack joked.
"Little Big Horn?" asked Teal'c
"On July 25, 1876, an American General by the name of George Armstrong Custer attacked a large group of Sioux Indians who were camped by the Little Bighorn River in what was then the Montana Territory. All 210 of General Custer's men were killed. Custer, along with several others, had been ordered to round up all the Cheyenne and Sioux Indians and move them onto the reservations," explained Daniel.
"Why?" asked Teal'c.
"Greed," answered Jack. "Greed and fear, Teal'c. So Daniel, can you tell which tribe they are?"
"Hard to tell, Jack, but if I had to guess I'd say Sioux. Not Blackfoot. Their body shape doesn't match. But other than that, it's anyone's guess."
"So should we go down?" asked Carter speaking for the first time.
"Well they appear peaceful enough. Most were until threatened."
"Okay then it's decided. Just stay alert."
Jack stood and motioned for Daniel to follow behind him leaving Carter and Teal'c to bring up the rear. "Know any Sioux words, Daniel?"
"A few. I found a web site that had a dictionary and some sound files so I could listen to the pronunciations. It was the Lakota language. I'm kind of hoping that all the variations are similar."
The simple plank and rope bridge was only wide enough for two to cross at a time. Jack and Daniel entered first. The bridge swayed over the swiftly moving current of water below them while every once in awhile sending up a fine spray as the water hit the few rocks that poked up from the river bottom. When they were halfway across the bridge, a young woman noticed them. She called out and pointed in their direction. By the time SG-1 had reached the south end of the bridge, several very large men were there to block their way. Jack looked at Daniel. "You're on," he said.
Daniel glanced in Jack's direction then back at the man who looked to be the leader of the group. "HAU," he said.
"How?" whispered Jack.
"Shhh! That's Lakota for hello," Daniel whispered back then under his breath he added, "I hope."
"Oh. Sorry," Jack apologized. Realizing what Daniel had amended to his response he turned to him and said, "You hope?"
"I'm pretty sure that's it."
"Pretty sure?"
"Well almost sure."
"Almost sure?"
The men standing across from Jack and Daniel witnessing this exchanged puzzled looks with each other. Finally one stepped closer.
"HAU," he said.
Daniel waved an arm in the man's direction and smiled, "See, I was right."
Jack just rolled his eyes skyward and sighed.
Daniel pointed to his chest. "Daniel," he said. Then he pointed at Jack and said, "Jack."
The leader nodded then pointed at his own chest. "Tatapesaah."
"Tat-a-pees-ah? Tatapesaah. Jack, his name's Tatapesaah. I, ah, think it means 'the upsetting wind'."
Carter couldn't help but grin and Jack almost laughed out loud, but was stopped by a jab in the ribs from Daniel when he realized how his comrade would take the translation. Jack almost had the decency to look contrite ... almost. He shrugged.
Tatapesaah motioned for SG-1 to follow him and led then into the village. As they walked through, they received curious looks from the villagers. This they were getting used as they made more trips through the Stargate and encountered the people who inhabited each world. However, Jack still felt a chill run up his back when he saw a woman with a small child standing in the entry way of one of the tipis. It was the same woman in his dream; the first person he had seen disappear into the darkness when they had reached the bank of the river.
***
"Jack," whispered Daniel.
"I know Daniel. I saw her too," Jack hissed back.
Tatapesaah had led SG-1 to the center of the compound where a communal fire was burning. SG-1 had taken seats around the fire with Tatapesaah and several other members of his tribe. Everyone looked at each other waiting for someone, anyone to start. Jack finally raised a hand, fingers splayed. "Hi."
"Hau," replied Tatapesaah.
The young girl from their dream circled the gathered people with a bowl and ladle. Dipping into the bowl, she offered the ladle to Jack who took it. "Thank you." Sniffing the contents of the ladle first, he drank. "Water." He then handled the ladle back to the young woman who dipped some water and offered it to Daniel. After she had given everyone a drink, she left leaving the bowl and ladle with Tatapesaah.
There was silence again. Carter, who had no idea what had spooked the men on her team was the first to break it.
"Tatapesaah, we're explorers," she said indicating herself and the rest of SG-1. "We've come from a long way away to learn more about this land and your people."
***
One of the amazing things about the Stargate and gate travel was that no matter where they went, language was usually not a problem. Except in rare cases like on Abydos or Chulak, everyone seemed to be able to understand each other. However, sometimes it didn't always work and sometimes it didn't kick in for a little while after a team's arrival on a new world. Occasionally Daniel would have to translate for everyone when they first arrived; but soon, like magic, everyone would seem to be speaking the same language.
Jack and Daniel had had some discussions about what language everyone was speaking. Jack believed that everyone ended up speaking English and Daniel maintained that the SG team ended up speaking the language of the particular world they were on.
Jack's particular brand of logic prevailed one day when he suddenly burst into Daniel's lab with one of the tapes the young man was always making with his video camera. Plugging the tape into the VTR, Jack turned it on.
"Daniel, this is one of the tapes you made when we went to P3A980. Listen," Jack had insisted.
Daniel, who had been engrossed in reading about some pot shards that had just been uncovered in the Pyrannis, was confused and stared glassy eyed at Jack.
"Daniel ... listen."
Daniel listened.
"So, what do you hear?" asked Jack.
"You and me. It's from P3A980. I was telling you about the story of ..." began Daniel.
"I know what you were telling me, but what language are we speaking?"
Daniel looked at Jack as if he had lost his mind. "Ah, English?" he answered unsure of where this line of questioning was going to go.
"Exactly! English!" exclaimed Jack. Jack stood there in all his glory looking triumphant and then his look changed to one of annoyance when he realized that he had just proven his point, but Daniel didn't understand.
"Daniel, your tape that you recorded from P3A980 which was an ancient Mesopotamian culture if I recall correctly. We understood them and they understood us. On the tape, we're talking English. Now, if instead as you believe the Stargate gives us the ability to speak the language of the land, why did your tape record it in English?" Finished with his explanation, he pointed to the monitor with both hands.
Daniel looked at Jack and then at the monitor, realization slowly dawning. "Of course, you're right. Why didn't I think of that, or Sam for that matter."
"Well, you know scientists ... you guys are always looking for some real deep meaning behind stuff. Sometimes it's us normal people who have the answers."
After that proclamation, Jack had stuffed both hands in his pockets and walked calmly out of the room leaving Daniel staring after him in what could have been either awe or amusement.
***
Tatapesaah nodded. "We are a simple people, but we will gladly share our knowledge with you. What is it you wish to know?"
Daniel seemed to come to himself then and asked, "Tatapesaah, do you have any legends about how your people arrived here, ah, creation stories?"
"Of course. It is a long story, would you like to hear it now or wait until after the evening meal?" he asked.
"Well, whichever you prefer," answered Daniel.
"Then we'll wait until after eating. It will make a fine tale and the children can listen in as well," Tatapesaah declared.
"Great," Jack said. "In the meantime, do you mind if we just look around?"
"Please, you are our guests. Witashaun will show you around. Witashaun!," he called.
Jack and Daniel looked a bit uncomfortable as the same young woman from their dream answered Tatapesaah's call. Both glanced at each other and then at Teal'c who just lowered his head and his eyes by way of understanding.
"Witashaun will bring you when the evening meal is prepared. She can also answer questions you might have while you look around." Pride shown through in his voice as he talked. When Daniel threw him an inquiring glance, he responded. "Witashaun is my daughter. If she were a brave, she would be the pride of our tribe. She is already my pride."
The young woman lowered her head upon hearing the praise from her father while a quiet smile crossed her face. Her father smiled back.
SG1 stood and thanked Tatapesaah for his hospitality and followed Witashaun as she walked away from the central fire. Daniel caught up with her and began asking questions while his other three team mates held back a few paces.
"Sir, what's going on? You guys look a little disturbed?" Carter asked.
"Daniel's dream, our dream," he amended, "that woman is in it. She's the first we saw swallowed up by that stuff." He paused to let Daniel and Witashaun get a little further ahead before continuing. "We've got to find out what is going on here."
Carter studied Jack for a few moments, not saying anything. Seeming to read her thoughts he sighed, "All right. You know me. I'm not one for deep thinking and delving into the metaphysical. We've already been through that issue once before, but I'm willing to accept the possibility - the possibility mind you - that there is something to this dream thing."
Daniel had noticed that his friends weren't following and had also paused in his forward motion. He kept listening to Witashaun talk, but kept an eye on Jack.
Jack started walking again; Carter and Teal'c by his side. "You know it sure was a whole lot easier when all we had to do was kill a Goa'uld. How the hell do you fight a dream?" he asked.
"I don't know sir," Carter replied.
Jack looked at her and said, "That was a rhetorical question Captain."
Carter smiled a half smile and said, "I know, sir."
***
Continued in Part 4