Chapter 3

Lepsga turned and started walking toward the forest. SG-1 followed. Jack turned to his second in command.

-So Carter, what do you think this transporter thing is exactly?

-Well sir, if I had to guess I'd say that it's probably just that…a transporter.

-Ach. Why didn't I think of that?

-Probably because it was too simple.

-What is this, 'Pick on Jack Day'?

Jonas came up along beside them.

-Actually, sir, it is.

Jack turned to Jonas.

-Come again?

-On Kelowna today is 'Pick on Jack Day'. Although, Jack isn't a proper name, it's…something else…

-No kidding? You're serious?

Jonas nodded. He would never understand why the people of earth felt the need to make sure they weren't being lied to. They weren't a very trusting people. But, who could blame them? If the people in the highest offices of their country lied, then it stood to reason that it's citizens would lie as well. It was at times such as this that he missed his world and his people very much.

-Yes, sir.

-Hmm.

By now they had arrived at the transporter. It was in a hexagonal shape and made of some sort of quartz crystal. Sam knelt down to examine it.

-This is amazing. How does it work?

Lepsga smiled.

-Of that I do not know. You will have to ask Rokell when we get to the city. But come, step on and you will see for yourself.

They all stepped on the transporter. A moment later they found themselves in darkness. Jack cleared his throat.

-Uh…Lepsga…what's going on?

-Do not worry. The lights will come in in a moment.

The lights came on a second later. Jack stepped off the transporter and looked around. They were in a room approximately 10 ft. by 10 ft. with nothing in it but the transporter. Lepsga led them toward a door that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Upon exiting the room SG-1 found themselves in a great hall with high ceilings and marble walls. They followed him outside and let out a collective gasp. The buildings were all made of white marble and towered hundreds of feet above them. They walked out onto the street and joined the crowd of men who were ambling along. Katie turned to Lepsga.

-So, how far did the transporter take us?

-30 units.

Katie turned to Sam.

-I'm assuming that's 30 miles?

Sam nodded.

-That's what I would assu…wait a second!!!

She stopped and knelt down, examining the street closely.

-Katie, Jonas…is this what I think it is?

They both knelt down. Jonas nodded.

-It's naquadah.

Jack looked confused.

-Naquadah…as in naquadah?

Sam nodded excitedly.

-Yes, sir.

-Why pray tell would they build their streets out of naquadah?

-I don't know. Why don't you ask Lepsga?

-Good idea.

Jack whirled around to face their guide who was looking very confused at their excitement.

-Why'd you build the streets out of naquadah?

-Nakwedeeh??? Oh…you mean the Dianite??

-Yeah, sure, whatever. Why?

-Um…because we have a lot of it.

-Oh.

Jack turned back to Sam.

-They have a lot.

Sam smiled.

-I heard.

She turned to Lepsga.

-So, do you have an excess even after building the streets?

-Yes. We have so much we don't know what to do with it.

-Well, we'd be glad to take some off your hands.

-Really? Oh, that would be wonderful! I will take you to Rokell and you can discuss it further.

They continued walking down the street. After a moment or two had passed Jack noticed a large group of men closing in on them. Sam noticed too and looked at Jack apprehensively.

-Sir?

-I see 'um.

He turned to Lepsga.

-So…uh…when do you figure to give the gals their falcon cloaks?

-Rokell will have them.

-I was afraid you'd say that.

Seeing that the men were still closing, Jack slyly put his arm around Sam's waist. The men started to back away. Jack looked at Sam and smiled.

-Some things are better than cloaks.

Sam looked up at him and they locked eyes. She allowed herself a small smile.

-I guess so.

Meanwhile, as they walked a few paces behind Sam and Jack, Katie and Jonas were talking about the possibility of obtaining a large amount of naquadah. Actually, Katie was talking. Jonas hadn't said anything since he saw the crowd that headed first for Sam and now for Katie. Katie was completely oblivious to the crowd (perhaps the blonde in her coming out?). Jonas started to holler up to the colonel but noticed he and Major Carter lost in each other's eyes. It looked like he would have to handle this on his own.

So, Jonas, taking his cue from Jack's earlier actions, put his arm around Katie's waist. Two things simultaneously occurred. The men backed away and Katie stopped talking. She turned to Jonas.

-Um, Jonas, what are you doing?

Jonas pointed to the receding crowd of men and to Jack and Sam.

-We have to put a on a show for the neighborhood. Although, I don't think Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter are putting on a show.

Katie nodded in understanding, letting herself relax by his side.

-What was I saying?

Jonas smiled.

-You were saying how the Tok'ra would want some of our new found supply of naquadah.

-Oh yeah.

And so they walked along the street made of naquadah, chatting about the naquadah, arm in arm.