Chapter 2 - The Plane

"So, why is he here?" Jack asked when Malek was across a large room.

"You know he can hear you, right?"

Jack glanced to Malek, realizing that he had underestimated his hearing. "I just mean… Well, he's not exactly…social."

"Amb's a little shy, but they are, well can be, quite friendly."

Jack glanced to Malek.

"They both get along with Mark."

"I meant…" Jack trailed off as Malek approached. "Mark has met Amb?" He saw the look Malek gave him. "I just meant that Amb tends to avoid new people." He sat back. "Oh, come on. Even you have to admit that."

"We have met Mark multiple times. Did you honestly think Amb stayed hidden the entire time?"

"Oh, well, I suppose not." Jack tried to remember when they met multiple times. "Ah, the bachelor party. You helped him plan Martouf's bachelor party. That was a good party."

"Mark ignored most of my suggestions."

"Oh."

Sam laughed. "Ah, well, we should get going, but I have to feed Malika first."

Jack and Malek both felt dread as she went into another room, leaving them…alone.

"Um…so how is married life?" Jack asked.

"Gete and Aldwin have made us very happy."

"You…you look it." Jack replied, thinking that the Tok'ra did seem less frowny. Malek had not been shy about showing his affection towards his husbands.

Malek didn't reply.

I believe he was attempting what Daniel calls small talk, Amb thought.

Why?

I don't know. Ask him something.

"What do you believe is the best season for mining gems?"

Jack frowned. "What?"

Malek frowned slightly. What is small talk again?

I…I don't know.

I think we failed.

-x-x-x-x-

This is so much better than a public plane. Malek stared as he looked around inside a private plane. Why did we ever take a public plane?

You'd have to ask Selmak and Garshaw about that.

Sam grinned as she saw his reaction. "Yeah, this is a lot more comfortable."

"Yes. Still, it's too bad that Mark doesn't live closer." With Jack not being on board yet, he had a little time to explore. He spoke in Amb's voice because the pilot knew nothing about Stargate Command.

"You would miss the adventure that is…here," Kela'an replied, with her and Sam having switched control.

Malek chuckled, knowing she meant Earth.

"First time on a private plane?" The pilot asked as she made some final checks.

"Yes." Malek grinned, sitting down as Jack walked in.

"Enjoying yourself, Amb?" Jack asked.

He still cannot tell us apart, Amb thought as Malek's expression turned more serious.

"I believe I will," Malek answered in a formal tone.

"Oh, Mal." Jack frowned, believing he scared Amb into retreating. "Well…" He put a few things away before sitting. "That's good."

I should talk to him later, Sam thought as the pilot gave instructions. She couldn't tell Jack in front of the other woman.

That's up to them, not us.

He obviously offended them.

Malek offends easily, and you'll just embarrass O'Neil.

Sam sighed.

To be continued…