Chapter 2

Author's Note: Thanks to my reviewers, all three of you. I normally don't do this but I thought I'd reply…

Kristine-Check out My story 'Somewhere in Between' or my bio for an explanation on Katie.

Jez-You weren't supposed to read the note before I put it on…it wasn't nice and spoiled my fun. Be lucky I left my zat at home. Wait, we are home…cancel that…luv ya.

Movielover-I can always count on you to read my stories even if nobody else does. You always make me smile.

As they arrived on the other side, Jack took off his sunglasses and whistled in amazement.

-It is absolutely gorgeous. What say we build a summer home here, Katie?

Katie smiled.

-It might be a good idea to check out the neighborhood before you start construction.

Jack nodded.

-Right, right. Well, then let's take a look at the neighborhood.

They started heading north. It wasn't too long before they found themselves suddenly surrounded by 'the locals'. Jack sighed and took off his hat.

-Beautiful day, isn't it fellas? Uh, look, we're just heading for the city and we best get going before it gets dark.

The men said nothing but instead moved in closer. Katie was getting very nervous as she noticed the way the men were looking at her and Sam. Suddenly they heard a man shouting.

-Ynosa, get away from our visitors!!!

The crowd suddenly parted to reveal four smartly dressed men. The man who had shouted walked toward them, stopped in front of Jack and bowed.

-I'm deeply sorry for the trouble Ynosa and his friends may have caused you. I am Lepsga, Counselor of the Johet people. Welcome.

Jack cleared his throat.

-Uh…Colonel Jack O'Neill, U.S. Air Force.

-Welcome Colonel. How may I be of service?

-We're here to discuss a possible trade between our two cultures. We have heard that you are very advanced in the way of technology.

-That we are, Colonel. And I can tell you right now, we will be most happy to trade. I will take that one as my mate.

Lepsga pointed to Sam. Jack coughed.

-Um…I uh…I'm afraid that won't be possible.

-Oh…and why not?? I thought you said you wanted to trade?

-Yes, but um…uh…this one is already taken.

-She is your mate?

-Um…sure.

Lepsga nodded.

-I see. Pardon me. I did not know. She is not wearing The Cloak of Felkner.

-Oh…what?

-If a woman is mated she wears The Cloak of Felkner to let others know.

-Oh, yes well, we don't have cloaks of falcon…

The man nodded. Just then one of the other men came forward and looked intently at Katie.

-What about her?

SG-1 was still in shock over Jack's conversation with Lepsga and no one knew what to say. The man came closer after receiving no answer. Finally, Jonas came to his senses and blocked the man's path.

-She's mine.

The man stopped in his tracks and began to shuffle backward.

-A thousand pardons…

Sam and Katie began inconspicuously moving away from the group. Sam turned to Katie.

-I can't believe they…claimed us without even asking if we wanted to be claimed. I mean, that Lepsga guy isn't too shabby.

Katie laughed. She knew that they were both glad Jack and Jonas were there. Katie smiled.

-Yeah, isn't that just like guys?

-Yup.

-Carter?

Sam turned to look at Jack.

-Yes, sir?

-A word.

He gestured that they should talk privately. Sam left Katie and went over to stand by the colonel.

-What's up, sir?

-Lepsga has invited us to visit the city. He says there is some kind of transporter about a half a klik north so we won't have to walk the rest of the way. And…

-Yes sir?

-I think you and Katie should head back to the SGC.

-With all due respect, no sir.

Jack sighed.

-And why not?

-No matter how uncomfortable this mission may be I can't leave. The Johet are obviously far more advanced than us technologically. You said they have a transporter and I think they must have some sort of system set up so that they know when the gate is activated, otherwise they couldn't have gotten here so quickly after we arrived.

-And your point is?

-My point, sir, is that if we are going to be trading for some of their technology then I need to be here to see it. Otherwise you might end up commandeering a toaster rather than a transporter.

-Point. All right then…Katie??

Katie walked over to them. Jonas followed closely behind. Katie already knew what Jack was going to say.

-No way dad.

Jack groaned.

-Aw come on, Katie. Do it for your old man.

-Nope. Not a chance. This is by far the most interesting culture we've met in along time and something tells me there is more to them than meets the eye.

Jack sighed.

-All right, all right. At least I tried.

He walked back over to the crowd of men.

-Lepsga, we would be honored to visit your city.

The man nodded happily.

-Good, good. Then without further ado let us go to the transporter.