Stargazers Stargaters Part 37
Two weeks had passed since Daniel's adventure in Chicago and quite a lot had happened. Daniel and Max had finished writing their proposals for the Earth/Antar treaty and had delivered them to the Antarian Council and the U.S. President, Joint Chiefs and the Director of the State Department. The top secret nature of the SGC had allowed for only the Director to be briefed on the secret military base and its mission, back when the treaty with the Tok'ra was formed. This made all of their inter-planetary treaties somewhat tricky; they needed to be kept top-secret but they also needed to be lawful and binding. Therefore, in a few days, not only the President, but the Director would be coming through the Stargate to Antar, as Max had requested that the signing ceremony be split up between the two planets. He would go through the Stargate, to sign part of the treaty inside the SGC (Max having already seen a great deal of Earth), and the two Earth officials would travel through the alien device to sign the second half of the treaty.
Plus the President was excited about visiting another planet. The Director and the Secret Service had tried to dissuade him from traveling to Antar, but the President reminded them that it was only proper for him to travel to the other planet, since Max Evans, a planetary king was willing to come to Earth for his part in the signing...and he was after all only the president of one country on Earth. Therefore, the Service had been buzzing around Antar's capital city, driving Michael Guerin crazy with their demands and questions, but they came to an agreement and Michael was determined that he would do the same to them when they went back to the SGC to discuss security arrangements.
At least the proceedings would not be disturbed by the Press; the Cheyenne Mountain Military Complex, which held NORAD as well as the SGC was one of the most secure bases in the U.S. and even its location was top secret. But as far as the Press and the public were concerned, the President would only be inspecting the Deep Space Telemetry base, which was the SGC's cover-name, even among the rest of the military establishment. With all of the excitement to come up in less than a week, Jack went in search of his friend and team member, Teal'c.
"Hey T, how's it goin'?" Jack asked.
"Everything is proceeding very well, O'Neill; the recruits are most diligent in their training." Teal'c said somberly.
"Great, good to hear." Jack said. "You know, Teal'c, you've been working so hard, with hardly any breaks, that I was thinking...maybe you should take a few days to go and see your family before all the excitement hits us in the face?"
"Why would the President of the United States wish to hit us in the face, O'Neill? Is that some strange custom the Tau're have when signing treaties?" Teal'c asked.
"No, no, Teal'c, that's just an expression; the President is not going to hit anyone, least of all you, in the face!" Jack grinned at his friend's confusion.
"That is good, O'Neill, because I would have difficulty controlling myself from striking him back." Teal'c replied.
Jack opened his mouth to reply, could not think of anything to say and closed it again for a few moments.
"Okay...well, uh...what do you think of my suggestion?" Jack asked.
"It is an excellent one; I would very much like to visit Rya'c and my lovely Drey'auc. I shall leave as soon as I have made a few preparations." Teal'c said.
"Uh, good." Jack replied as Teal'c bowed solemnly to his friend and walked away in the direction of his quarters.
~*~*~*~
At the same time, up in the Stargate chamber, the wormhole opened up, security code was received and Dr. Janet Fraser and her daughter, Cassie came through.
"Janet, Cassie!" Liz called out her greeting to her friends.
"Hi Liz!" Cassie cried excitedly as her mother smiled at their friend.
"Thanks for coming...and for agreeing to be a part of my bridal party." Liz said.
"I've never been a bride's maid before!" Cassie said excitedly.
"And I haven't been one in ages." Janet replied..."Oh, hello Ebron; it's nice to see you again." Janet greeted the Antarian physician she had met before, who had just entered the chamber.
"Hello again, Dr. Fraser...Janet; sorry I'm late, I had a last minute patient." Ebron explained.
"That's okay; it was nice of you to come meet us." Janet assured the handsome man who she was covertly ogling. "And who's this?" Janet asked, motioning to the boy of about twelve years who stood beside Ebron.
"This is my son, Nardo; Son this is Dr. Fraser and her daughter, Cassie." Ebron said.
"Hi, um, Dr. Fraser, Cassie." Nardo said, half brave bravado, half shyness.
"Hi Nardo...and Dr. Ebron, it's nice to meet you." Ten year old Cassie said politely, the way her mother had taught her as she checked out the son.
He had curly, brown hair, big brown eyes and was kind of skinny, but had a nice smile. Maybe being a bride's maid and having to wear a fancy dress and be on her best behavior for hours wouldn't be so bad if she could have Nardo, who was close to her own age, to spend time with?
Antarian custom decreed that bride's maids and grooms be unmarried, which limited who of their many friends the four couples could ask to be a part of the bridal party. Sam and Jack would attend Liz and Max, Seria and Beneck; Isabel and Alex, Cassie and Nardo; Maria and Michael and Janet and Ebron would attend Tess and Kyle.
"Well why don't we go down?" Liz suggested smiling secretly at the looks of attraction between the two parents and even their children.
"There are dress measurements to be taken and then I know you two physicians will want to spend some time together talking medicine, since you haven't had a chance to do so since you met a few weeks ago. And I'm sure that there're lots of fun things for Nardo to show Cassie about our Capital, right?" Liz asked.
"Yeah; come on, I'll show you the pool and the playground is slomin'...um, I mean...pretty cool?" The boy corrected his newly learned English. "And my friends and I can teach you how to play Cramerwonk!"
"That sounds fun!" Cassie grinned and then looked up at her mother. "Can I go, please, Mom?"
"May I...?" Janet reminded her daughter.
"May I please go to play with Nardo, Mother?" Cassie corrected herself without even rolling her eyes at her mother.
"As soon as the measurements for your dress have been taken; then you may go and play...and we'll make sure that your measurements are taken first." Janet promised.
"Nardo has to be measured for his wedding outfit, as do I." Ebron mentioned.
"Come on, let's go down and get our work done so you two can go and play." Liz suggested to the kids as well as their parents.
"Yes, Ma'am." Nardo said politely, drawing Cassie out of the chamber to show her the hover-craft.
"Wow, I've only seen hover-crafts in movies, back on Earth and we didn't have anything like this on...in, um, Cleveland, where I grew up." Cassie exclaimed but catching herself before she mentioned Hanka, the planet she was originally from.
"It's okay, Cassie; you don't have to keep your secret here, it's safe to talk about Hanka...here...if you want to." Janet gave permission.
"Oh, okay." Cassie said, unsure if she wanted to dredge up memories of her old home...where the Goa'uld, Nirti had killed every single person, including all of her family...and placed a bomb inside her very own chest, with which she had hoped to blow up Earth's Stargate.
Everyone found a seat inside the hover-craft and the driver took off. Cassie exclaimed at the speed and the beautiful scenes flying by and Nardo laughed along with her. Janet had taken a hover-craft ride once before, but she felt the thrill of the speed as well, but tried to conceal it better than her young daughter was. Ebron was watching her and saw the excitement in her lovely brown eyes and grinned when she noticed his intense gaze and broke out in her own beautiful smile. When the group reached the Royal Manor, they were met by the dressmaker and the tailor and taken off to two separate rooms for their measurements to be taken.
"What will our dresses look like and can you show us what your dress will look like as well, Liz?" Janet asked as the dressmaker took Cassie's measurements and her assistant jotted them down.
"Yes, Marsalla," Liz nodded to the dressmaker. "Made these drawings for me to show you since my dress is not quite finished yet." Liz pointed out several drawings which had been propped up on the fireplace mantle. "Bride's maid's dresses are similar to the bride's dress, but much simpler; I guess you could say 'maiden-like'. While we brides have to wear hoops under our skirts, you do not." Liz smiled guiltily and then continued. "We made things a little more difficult for Marsalla and her assistants by going against Antarian custom and insisting on having mostly white dresses. Antarian wedding gowns are supposed to be pink, so we stole an idea from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and will have under-skirts of pink while the bodice and over-skirt will be white. Then the over-skirt will be pulled back on each side, to show off the pink layer beneath."
"For your dresses, your bodice will match that of the bride you are accompanying and you'll have the pink under-layer and the white layer on top, but instead of drawing it back to the sides, the over-skirt will be hemmed shorter than that of the under-skirt...Depending on your bodice design, the over-skirt might be cut diagonally, straight across, zigzagged, or scooped like flower petals." Liz finished, pointing out the different hemlines to her friends.
"Those are pretty!" Cassie said as she tried to stand still while Marsalla experimented a little; draping soft fabric over the young girl's form.
"I was just wondering Liz...will there be anything special about your dress to set you apart from the others...since you are marrying a king?" Janet asked hesitantly but also curious.
"Yes, actually there will be." Liz said half resigned, half exasperated with the dressmaker and her patron supporter, Valaria; Liz's soon-to-be-mother-in-law. "The bodice and over skirt are to have the royal crest embroidered all over it, but I've seen some of what has been completed already and the embroidery...in pink...is so dainty that it just looks like lace...but still..." Liz said and was interrupted by Marsalla.
"But still, My Lady will be our new Queen in just a few, short weeks and your wedding dress must reflect that." The dressmaker said decisively and then glanced towards Cassie and smiled. "There you go young lady, all done and I see your young escort is waiting for you out in the hallway."
Cassie turned quickly towards the doorway, which had been left slightly ajar and saw Nardo patiently waiting out in the hall, his back leaning against the far wall.
"Go ahead and have a good time, but come back here by 4:30, okay?" Janet told her daughter.
"Okay, Mom." Cassie agreed before scampering out the door.
The ladies heard their happy laughter until the front door slammed behind them and all was peaceful again. Marsalla quickly took Janet's measurements, did a little experimental draping of fabric over her petite form and then said that she was all done for the day. Janet gave a sigh of relief after having to stand still for so long and saw her own escort waiting for her out in the hall as well.
"Go on!" Liz chuckled. "I'm sure there's a lot for you two to share with each other about your...um...work."
Janet left quickly, already speaking earnestly with Ebron as they left the house and then Liz saw her own handsome escort coming down the hallway to find her as she stepped out of the room she had been in.
"Hi Max...Jacob, Selmak; it's nice to see you again..." Liz trailed off questioningly.
"Selmak has some news to give us; I figured we could all go out onto the patio to talk." Max said after quickly kissing her on the lips.
The entire group was waiting for them when Max, Liz and Jacob walked out onto the lovely back patio a moment later. Once everyone was comfortable, Jacob started his briefing.
"Your activities are already beginning to show up in the actions of several minor Goa'uld. Shiva attacked a planet controlled by Heqet and they are now battling it out for control of both their planets. Bast has been indiscriminately attacking and raiding outposts of several different Goa'uld and we have Intel that suggests she may go after a supply moon controlled by one of the System Lords, but we're not sure which one. Her attacks have been total surprises to her victims and she's been quick and brutal in getting in and then getting away after her Jaffa have taken what they were after. Right now we don't believe that her identity has been discovered by the System Lords; her Jaffa have been gathered from among the cast-offs of other Goa'ulds and they all still wear the marks of their former masters."
"Just as well." Jack broke in. "Her symbol is that of a cat; what Jaffa wearing a kitty-cat helmet would be taken seriously?" Jacob continued after a moment of silence.
"Her tactics are creating confusion, suspicion and hatred among the Goa'uld; focusing it at others and not on herself for the time being. But she must be watched carefully."
"Right, as we discussed, Bast is well placed to create havoc among the Goa'uld. We're orchestrating our plans so that she and the others cause as much destruction and confusion before the System Lords eventually step in and stop them. But by then we hope the damage will already be done and that their influence (or ours, as the case may be) will have spread to other Goa'uld." Isabel said after taking notes on what Jacob had reported. "I'll take this information to my group and we'll keep at it; creating unrest and chaos wherever we can."
"Your people have done well in a very short period of time. These may be minor Goa'uld, but they all have connections with and or blood-oaths against many of the System Lords. What each of them does will have far reaching consequences." Jacob praised them.
"For all of our people who've worked so hard, I thank you for your kinds and encouraging words." Max told the Tok'ra agent as he stood up to leave.
"Do you have to leave already, Dad?" Sam asked.
"I'm afraid so, Sammie; there're some things I have to check on now if I'm going to be able to make it back here for the treaty signing." Jacob told her reluctantly.
"Oh, okay Dad. Why don't I walk up to the Stargate chamber with you?" Sam offered as she slipped her hand around his arm and they strolled away.
"Hmmm, well I guess it's back to work for the rest of us." Jack said as he watched father and daughter walk away, arm in arm and heads close together.
Later that afternoon, Ebron walked Janet back to the Royal Manor; they had been working hard all day, but had enjoyed every intense minute of it and in spite of their growing, mutual attraction for each other, felt completely comfortable with each other; as if they had been old friends for years. They passed the playground and Ebron was able to point out Nardo and Cassie among the children playing out on the field.
"Looks like they've been having a great time." Janet remarked smiling.
Cassie's play clothes were grass stained, her long red hair, which had been neatly braided that morning was coming loose and flying around her smudged, yet grinning face.
"Hey, Cassie scored; good for her!" Ebron exclaimed as several of her team mates including Nardo, high-fived her and then took a few minutes to explain the rules of the game the children were playing.
Janet could not help contrasting Cassie and Nardo's happy innocence in playing together with her own happy, yet not-so-innocent thoughts about Ebron as they had worked side by side. She glanced up covertly through her thick eyelashes and caught him gazing down at her covertly as well and they laughed at each other.
"You fascinate me Janet...how can I feel so comfortable with you, delving into that brilliant mind of yours all day, while at the same time, wanting to take you back to my home and make long, sweet love to you? And we've only just met two times." Ebron spoke softly, wonderingly.
Janet just gazed up at him, startled. Those words were what she had been thinking all day, hoping to hear sometime in the near future, but never would have dared to say so soon after meeting this equally brilliant, fascinating and sexy man.
"Forgive me if I've offended you." Ebron apologized. "My wife; Nardo's mother was killed during the war and I've learned not to waist precious time in going after something I dearly want...life's too short."
"No, no, you haven't offended me, Ebron...you just startled me that's all. I've been feeling the same things you have, but I learned the hard way to be cautious...my ex-husband and I married after a whirl-wind romance and we quickly grew to regret our haste." Janet explained.
"I understand, Janet...so would you be willing to see me again if I promised to try and go slowly with you?" Ebron asked turning to face her completely and holding her hands gently in his.
"Oh yes, I'd like that very much...and we...probably...don't have to move...all that slowly..." Janet blushed as she grinned up at him.
"Sounds like a plan...but maybe for now we'd better just call our kids over so that we can return to the Royal Manor." Ebron suggested.
"Yeah, I guess so." Janet said resignedly as she put two fingers into her mouth and whistled.
Out on the field, Cassie's head came up and she turned to where the sound had originated. Janet motioned for her to come over to them and the young girl nodded. She tugged at Nardo's shirt sleeve and motioned him to follow her. The two kids came jogging over, both grimy but grinning.
"Look at you! How can we go back to the SGC with you looking like that?" Janet exclaimed but then relented. "Looks like you two were having a good time."
"Yeah we were!" Cassie exclaimed happily but then sobered. "Do we have to go home now? It's still early and we were having so much fun."
"Sweetie, you forget that the days are much longer here; it'll be well past your bedtime by the time we return. But I promise that you may come back on the weekends, whenever I come to work with Ebron, alright?"
"Really, Mom?" Classy cried.
"That'd be great, Dr. Fraser!" Nardo added.
With that the little group returned to the Royal Manor to say goodbye, Isabel cleaned Cassie up with a wave of her hand and then they took a hover-craft up to the Stargate chamber. Janet and Ebron confirmed their schedules with each other while the kids recalled all that they had done that day. But finally it was time to go and Janet took Cassie's hand in hers before they stepped into the wormhole.
"They'll be back in just a few days, Son." Ebron told Nardo who nodded contentedly.
"She isn't like most other girls, Cassie was great playing Cramerwonk and she didn't even care if she got dirty. It'll be slomin' to play with her again!" Nardo exclaimed before father and son opted to walk down the hillside together.
~*~*~*~
It was the day of the treaty signing, three days later and the SGC was bustling with activity. The first half of the treaty would be signed there in the Stargate-room before Max and the rest of the Royal Four escorted the President and the Director of the State Department through the wormhole to Antar, to sign the second half of the treaty.
The base had been scrubbed from top to bottom, dress uniforms had been pressed, medals and shoes had been polished and a red carpet had already been placed over the ramp up to the Stargate. Two podiums had been set up, one on either side of the ramp and the official Presidential seal had been carefully attached to the one on the right. Ebron, who had come through the day before, to work with Janet, had been charged with setting up the left podium for Max's use and with one sweep of his hand, the Royal Antarian seal materialized, imbedded into the wooden front panel. And finally a blue velvet curtain had been hung on a framework set up to hide the gray cement wall; below the huge observation window...everything was ready to receive their distinguished guests.
And with perfect timing, as Air Force One touched down at Peterson airbase, the Stargate began to dial and an incoming wormhole was established. General Hammond and SG-1, who had been waiting down in the embarkation-room, all lined up as the Antarian security codes were received up in the control room. Janet, Ebron, Sha're and other key SGC personnel up in the control and briefing rooms also came to attention as they stood in front of the two large windows and watched as first two guards came through the Stargate; alert to anything which might endanger the Royal Four and Liz Parker, their future queen, who stepped through next. And after them came two more guards, also on the alert.
It had been debated among the eight friends and SG-1, who should travel through the Stargate to Earth for the signing. Max had wanted Isabel and Liz to stay behind in case something happened to him, but both had refused. Isabel knew that their four-square would be incomplete without her and Liz could also add her strength to their defenses should anything go wrong. Liz was also Max's future bride and queen as well as a member of the SGC; who better to represent both sides at the treaty signing? Alex, Maria and Kyle stayed behind knowing that they could not add to the four-square's tactical strength and that their lovers might risk their lives to save them instead of saving themselves.
Max knew that for the treaty to work a respectful and trusting relationship needed to be built between their two peoples; and SG-1 had done an excellent job of creating the foundation, but he still could not help but be extremely nervous as he stepped through the Stargate. He knew that Secret Service agents were already in place around the giant room as well as throughout the facility. His main consolation was that the guards and his four best friends could instantly defend themselves without needing to pick up a weapon or reload during a fight...and he believed that many of the SGC personnel would be very reluctant to raise arms against them. But none of his thoughts or emotions were allowed to show as he walked down the ramp to where General Hammond and SG-1 were waiting to greet all of them.
General Hammond, Jack and Sam looked sharp in their dress uniforms, Daniel was wearing a nicely tailored dark blue suit and Teal'c his white one. Max and Michael wore slacks, tunics and long sleeved knee-length jackets which were embroidered down the front, left panel. Max was in brown and gold while Michael was in dark blue and copper. The three women wore long skirts instead of slacks but then also the tunics and jackets with embroidery on them. Liz was in peach and gold, Isabel was in pale yellow and silver and Tess was in pale green and copper. And all of them were wearing matching circlets around their head as well.
"It is an honor to have you here again, Your Majesty." General Hammond said at his most formal as he shook first Max's hand and then everyone else's.
"It is an honor for us to come, General; thank you for hosting this half of the signing." Max replied, equally formal.
"Air Force One touched down just minutes ago and it will take fifteen minutes for the Presidential motorcade to reach this base." General Hammond then informed them all.
The five friends stepped off the ramp and moved to chat with SG-1 while the guards took up strategic positions around them. Jack had told Michael about what had happened during the treaty signing for the Earth/Tok'ra alliance (when two SGC personnel and a Tok'ra operative had all been brainwashed by the Goa'uld to assassinate the Tok'ra High Councilor) and even though nothing like that was expected this time, everyone on both sides was on guard.
But finally word came down that the President and the State Department Director had entered the base and would be down in just a few more moments. The Royal Five lined up on the left side of the ramp and SG-1 lined up against the back wall, under the giant windows. Moments later a group of men came in through the huge side door; Secret Service agents surrounding the President and the Director. The agents took their places around the room and the two Earth dignitaries walked over towards General Hammond who was standing just a yard away from Max.
The President was equally nervous about meeting this young alien king, Max Evans, but excited as well (mostly about taking his first trip through the Stargate). He had read all of the reports about King Zan, and he was very impressed with what he and the three other members of the "Royal Four" had been able to accomplish since their return to their home planet of Antar. George Hammond had also told him, for his ears only, how the Special Unit had caught and tortured Max when he was a teenager living here on Earth and the President's respect for the younger man had risen even higher. How could someone who had suffered so much at the hands of one of this country's law enforcement agencies (granted a rogue group), have written, with Dr. Jackson's help, such a wise, generous and far-reaching treaty? Why would Max Evans want anything to do with this small blue planet at all? He wondered.
"Mr. President, Mr. Director. May I present His Royal Highness, Max Evans; King Zan of Antar." The General introduced them all and pleasantries were shared for a few moments before the two leaders began their speeches.
Michael Guerin stood just behind and to the right of Max as his king listened politely to the President's speech and he tried not to roll his eyes at the political mumbo-jumbo wafting out from between the older man's lips, like so much ether. Michael fought a yawn and concentrated on moving his gaze over every inch of the room that he could see without obviously moving his head to do so. He knew that the four guards were doing the same thing and not having to be so circumspect either, but that did not stop him from doing his duty.
A few yards across the room, Jack O'Neill was having the same problem staying awake as Michael was and in self defense turned his mind to scanning the room for any signs of trouble as well. Jack came back to the speech just in time to clap with everyone else as the President finished his speech and Max began his own. Jack had to admit that Max made a good speech, it seemed a bit more sincere than the President's had been, but they were really both a bunch of mouthings. Speeches like these couldn't have any teeth to them; they could only speak about friendship, trust and compromises...not about what one side would do to the other side if any of the rules were broken.
Jack stifled another yawn. Well, it was the treaty that was important, not what was said during a speech and Daniel had assured him that it was a masterpiece; equally good and strong for both sides and Jack placed his trust in Daniel and Max, who had written the treaty and he clapped as Max finished his speech and the two leaders met at the table between their two podiums, to sign the first half of that treaty.
'I'm actually going to step through a wormhole, I'm really going to travel to another planet, I can hardy believe this is real!' The President thought to himself several minutes later as the Stargate began to move and the chevrons were locked. 'Man, it was a big enough shock to learn that the Stargate actually existed and...and that there really are aliens...not only out there in space, but a few of them living here on Earth, as well...Now...now I have to travel to another planet; step onto alien soil? Okay, stay calm, don't let anyone see your fear...you can do this; take a deep breath and smile...'
"You know, everything will be alright; the Stargate is perfectly safe and Antar is a beautiful planet..." A soft voice spoke up beside him. The President looked down and saw Dr. Elizabeth Parker standing calmly beside him; gazing up at him from her petite height with an understanding expression on her face.
"Yes, I'm sure it is." He said, trying to sound confident and Liz's smile only grew.
"You'll step through with Max and I and the Director will be guided by Tess and Isabel." Liz explained, still speaking softly.
"Oh man!" The President muttered to himself and then turned back to Liz. "It will be my honor, Dr. Parker." He said in his most assured voice and Liz grinned; one dignitary calmed, mission accomplished.
"Chevron seven, locked." The sergeant up in the control room called out and the Stargate burst into life.
Michael came down from the control room after giving his troops on the other side of the wormhole the needed security codes and walked over to Max, who was standing only a couple of yards from the President.
"Everything's a go, sir." Michael said on is best behavior in front of all of those high and mighty leaders. He would show them that Michael Guerin, General Rath of Antar knew his job very well and that his king was worthy of their respect as well as his own.
"Mr. President, Director, we're clear to proceed." General Hammond told his three guests of honor.
"Very well, General, by all means let's go!" The President said with newly rediscovered excitement in his voice as he glanced down at Liz Parker and winked a 'thank you' at her.
SG-1 and Sha're Jackson lined up to step through the wormhole first, then a group of Secret Service agents and two of the Antarian guards lined up, followed by Max, Liz, the President and Tess, the Director and Isabel behind them. And finally, Michael, Jacob Carter, General Hammond, the two last guards and another group of Secret Service agents lined up on the ramp. As soon as everyone was ready, SG-1 stepped through the Stargate and everyone followed right behind them; Isabel and Tess each gently but firmly holding onto one of the Director's hands as they tugged him through.
"Ya-Hoo!" The President exclaimed as they came through on the other side. "Now, I've been on my share of roller-coasters, but that was fantastic!"
"Glad you enjoyed the ride, Mr. President." Max said, grinning as he surveyed the large cave/chamber they were now standing in.
"I certainly did, Your Highness, I certainly did." The President replied.
Inside the huge cavern was an equal mix of Humans and Antarians; Michael's guards were interspersed with Secret Service agents as well as the SGC troops who were stationed on Antar while training. Just inside the mouth of the cave, two podiums and a table in between them had been set up again.
"Shall we, Mr. President, Director?" Max gestured for the two older men to move towards the podiums so that they could begin this half of the ceremony.
"After you, Your Highness...this is your planet after all." The President replied politely.
Jack had even more trouble staying alert through the repetition of the two speeches, especially since Max was speaking in Antarian this time, with Daniel playing interpreter for the President and Director of the State Department.
The President too only listened with half an ear to Dr. Jackson's interpretations of Max Evans' speech while most of his attention was on the magnificent view spread out before him. There was a small crowd surrounding them; most Antarians were home watching the speeches on their version of TV, some sort of holographic orb...But the crowd here did not block the President's view of the alien city laid out before him. Yes, there was still some war-damage, which needed to be rebuilt, but most of Antar's capital had been restored to its former alien, yet regal beauty and the sight of it brought home, more than anything else that he, the President of the United States of America was truly visiting another planet. The clapping brought him back to his surroundings and he joined in enthusiastically.
Several minutes later, the treaty had been signed, the crowd was dispersing and the Royal Four walked over to where the President and the Director stood speaking. Max moved close enough to speak once the two men shook hands and the Director made as if to leave.
"It was an honor to meet you sir, must you leave us already?" Max asked the State Department's Director.
"I'm afraid so, Your Highness, but it was indeed an honor to be a part of this; such an historic day for both of our peoples. I certainly will never forget it."
"Nor I, sir." Max replied shaking the man's hand before he headed back inside the chamber to the Stargate. "What about you, Mr. President; must you return to Earth immediately as well, or can I convince you to stay for a while so that I may give you a tour of our capital?" Max asked.
"I would love a tour, Your Highness; it certainly looks beautiful from up here." The President replied.
"Then come; we'll ride down in one of the hover-craft." Max said steering the older man over to where the transports were parked.
An hour later the tour ended at the Royal Manor. The President's mind was racing at all that he had seen; building techniques, the hospital, and the space-ship building facility. The training center and the orphanage housed in Khivar's old palace, among others. And the hover-craft had not only skimmed along the ground but had flown up as high as thirty feet off the ground, to give him the perfect view of some of the larger, higher buildings in the city.
"Please, come inside; welcome to our home." Isabel welcomed the President, when he and Max arrived at the Manor. "Why don't I give you a brief tour and then we can all gather out on the patio?" She suggested.
"That sounds very pleasant; thank you, Princess Valondra." The President replied.
Several minutes passed before Isabel appeared out on the porch, her arm linked through the President's. Alex and the rest of her friends and family, SG-1 and a few others, including Sha're, Drey'auc, General Hammond and Jacob Carter/Selmak were waiting for them.
"My, this is a lovely garden...I only wish my wife could see it." The President glanced over the formal gardens wistfully.
"Perhaps she may visit...some day in the future." Liz suggested.
"I would be pleased to give her a tour of my gardens." A voice said behind them and everyone turned.
"Mr. President, may I introduce Her Royal Highness, the Dowager Queen of Antar and our mother, Valaria?" Max said stepping forward to draw the old lady over.
"Your Highness, it is a great honor to meet you." The President made a stiff bow over the hand she presented and then gently shook it between the two of his.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. President." Valaria replied.
"Please have a seat everyone; Mother, Mr. President." Max indicated some comfortable wicker chairs nearby.
As the group spoke casually between themselves, the President who was seated next to Queen Valaria looked around at the group and saw that they were all seated as couples (except for Hammond and Jacob Carter); even the former Jaffa, Tealc had been allowed to bring his wife, Drey'auc to visit this planet (his son, Ray'c was off with Teal'c's mentor, Bra'tac). The couples who were engaged or married sat closely together, touching in some small way...and as was proper, Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter while sitting next to each other on the same bench, had a foot separating them...but something was...off there, the President thought.
They were both engaged in separate conversations; looking in different directions, but every once in a while one of them would oh-so-casually touch the other. Major Carter would lean forward and brush the Colonel's shoulder, Jack O'Neill would reach for his drink and brush the Major's thigh and while crossing or uncrossing their legs, both of them had brushed a foot over the other's calf. The President briefly recalled the Major's most recent personnel report, which the Colonel had filled out and George Hammond had shown to him. The Colonel had praised his second-in-command highly in the report, but still there was nothing in there, or in anything the General had told him, to suggest that anything had changed in their relationship. He had vaguely watched them interact today and the two officers had conducted themselves with military propriety and yet now...Perhaps they were relaxing, slipping a little, he thought...'Or am I just seeing things; reading something intimate into a situation, which isn't there?' The President glanced over at Max and found the young king watching him closely. 'Is it possible that Max Evans has noticed the same things I have...and General Hammond hasn't?'
"Mr. President, now that all of the ceremonies are over, would it be possible to have a private word with you for a few moments?" Max asked.
"I'd like that very much, Your Highness." The President replied and wondered. 'Should I ask him about my two officers, or leave it alone?'
The two men arose from their chairs and Max guided the older man inside. But as he passed Isabel, he glanced down at his sister and Tess and raised one eyebrow to them; his gesture was answered by a brief nod from each of them. Max led the President into his office and closed the doors on the Secret Service agents and Antarian guards who took up their positions out in the hall.
"Please make yourself comfortable, sir." Max motioned to a comfortable chair and sat down next to him in another.
Both men had brought their drinks in with them and contented themselves with sipping from their glasses and discussing some of the finer points of the treaty as if they were discussing the weather...but, finally the President made up his mind and asked the questions which had been bothering him for the last half hour.
"Your Highness...may I ask you a delicate question?"
"You may ask me anything you wish, Mr. President, but I may not be able to give you an answer." Max replied cautiously.
"Fair enough...um...I'll just come right out and ask, shall I? Have you noticed any changes in the relationship between Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill?" And then before Max could answer, he continued. "Now please understand, I was never in the military, so even with the daily national security briefings I receive, there are still some things about the military I don't understand, or whole heartedly agree with...such as...the regulations against fraternization."
"We have no such regulations among our military here." Max replied. "We believe in being open and honest about our emotions...we're not flagrant about them you understand, there is a certain propriety in personal life and professionalism in any person's duties, which must be kept, but hiding your feelings for another, or, on the other hand, forcing others to help you cover up any dishonorable actions you have committed...we do not believe in doing this...But as to the Major and the Colonel...they've always worked very well together; like well oiled machines...their strengths seem to play well off of each other..." Max answered, hiding a smile as he did so. "They do seem to be a little more relaxed here...probably because they know that they are safe here. I imagine that they act much the same back at the SGC."
"Yes, or so General Hammond has told me on several occasions, but that only refers to their professional relationship...what about their personal relationship?"
"With all due respect, Mr. President, that would be...personal." Max countered.
"Yes, but in your open and honest, day to day life...have you noticed any change between them?"
"I have...noticed certain changes, yes." Max answered briefly.
"So they are becoming involved on a personal level?" The President asked.
"Now, that's quite a leap from what I just told you, Mr. President." Max objected. "Let me ask you this instead." At the other man's nod, Max continued. "How many times have SG-1...especially Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter saved Earth...your Entire planet?"
"Quite a few times!" The President chuckled, good naturedly. "But as to my questions..." But Max pressed on.
"Now, I know it is their job, to serve and protect their country...but saving the Whole world...the Entire Planet..." Max stressed. "I bet you even had to ask your staff to look up the plural for apocalypse. I mean, SG-1 has averted global disaster...to use your words...quite a few times." Max paused.
"Yes, but..." The President tried to interrupt, but Max continued.
"Could any other team have done as much as SG-1? As I understand it, the NID and one of your senators couldn't. In fact, they almost brought about the apocalypse...there's that word again...two more times...and two planet earths, in two alternate realities were all but destroyed because they also did not contain that special ingredient...of whatever SG-1 embodies...So, maybe the next time SG-1 saves the world...instead of giving the Colonel and the Major yet another medal to add to their already impressive collections...perhaps you could give some thought to this..."
"Jack and Sam have been in love with each other for years, but only just realized it...admitted it to themselves and to each other, a few weeks ago. In that time, while they have been getting to know each other on a personal level, they have remained completely professional in their dealings with one another, as well as with everyone else. This is the 'real thing', Mr. President; and as a close friend of theirs, I know that they wish to marry...but because of the regs...Mr. President, could I ask the personal favor of you to ponder and weigh what our two planets owe those four people, but especially Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter...against a military regulation which makes very little sense...give those two a special dispensation...a little lee-way...a break...find a way for them to be allowed to marry and yet continue to work together...please." Max finally concluded and the President remained silent for a moment.
"Alright, Your Highness, I'll certainly think about it and see what if anything I can do." He promised.
"Thank you." Max said fervently and then steered their conversation back into safer waters for a while.
After a quarter hour, though, both men decided to rejoin the group outside again and arose from their seats. As Max passed Isabel again, he gave her and Tess a nod and both women gave him brief, but determined expressions. Max had discussed with them, the night before, his determination to speak to the President on Sam and Jack's behalf, but they had all been concerned about his reaction to the fact that two of his officers were breaking regulations. The three of them had determined that Isabel would visit the President's dreams several times, to make sure that he was not planning on causing trouble for their two friends. She would also monitor General Hammond's dreams, as the President might very well share this information with his friend and the two lovers' superior officer. If either man decided to punish Sam and Jack in any way for falling in love with each other, Tess would mind-warp them into forgetting everything about the forbidden relationship. But they were all hoping that that contingency would never be required.
The President stayed to chat with the entire group for a while longer and then he, General Hammond and all of the Secret Service agents traveled up to the Stargate and went home.
TBC (Only one or two chapters left!) (Positive)Feedback Please!
Two weeks had passed since Daniel's adventure in Chicago and quite a lot had happened. Daniel and Max had finished writing their proposals for the Earth/Antar treaty and had delivered them to the Antarian Council and the U.S. President, Joint Chiefs and the Director of the State Department. The top secret nature of the SGC had allowed for only the Director to be briefed on the secret military base and its mission, back when the treaty with the Tok'ra was formed. This made all of their inter-planetary treaties somewhat tricky; they needed to be kept top-secret but they also needed to be lawful and binding. Therefore, in a few days, not only the President, but the Director would be coming through the Stargate to Antar, as Max had requested that the signing ceremony be split up between the two planets. He would go through the Stargate, to sign part of the treaty inside the SGC (Max having already seen a great deal of Earth), and the two Earth officials would travel through the alien device to sign the second half of the treaty.
Plus the President was excited about visiting another planet. The Director and the Secret Service had tried to dissuade him from traveling to Antar, but the President reminded them that it was only proper for him to travel to the other planet, since Max Evans, a planetary king was willing to come to Earth for his part in the signing...and he was after all only the president of one country on Earth. Therefore, the Service had been buzzing around Antar's capital city, driving Michael Guerin crazy with their demands and questions, but they came to an agreement and Michael was determined that he would do the same to them when they went back to the SGC to discuss security arrangements.
At least the proceedings would not be disturbed by the Press; the Cheyenne Mountain Military Complex, which held NORAD as well as the SGC was one of the most secure bases in the U.S. and even its location was top secret. But as far as the Press and the public were concerned, the President would only be inspecting the Deep Space Telemetry base, which was the SGC's cover-name, even among the rest of the military establishment. With all of the excitement to come up in less than a week, Jack went in search of his friend and team member, Teal'c.
"Hey T, how's it goin'?" Jack asked.
"Everything is proceeding very well, O'Neill; the recruits are most diligent in their training." Teal'c said somberly.
"Great, good to hear." Jack said. "You know, Teal'c, you've been working so hard, with hardly any breaks, that I was thinking...maybe you should take a few days to go and see your family before all the excitement hits us in the face?"
"Why would the President of the United States wish to hit us in the face, O'Neill? Is that some strange custom the Tau're have when signing treaties?" Teal'c asked.
"No, no, Teal'c, that's just an expression; the President is not going to hit anyone, least of all you, in the face!" Jack grinned at his friend's confusion.
"That is good, O'Neill, because I would have difficulty controlling myself from striking him back." Teal'c replied.
Jack opened his mouth to reply, could not think of anything to say and closed it again for a few moments.
"Okay...well, uh...what do you think of my suggestion?" Jack asked.
"It is an excellent one; I would very much like to visit Rya'c and my lovely Drey'auc. I shall leave as soon as I have made a few preparations." Teal'c said.
"Uh, good." Jack replied as Teal'c bowed solemnly to his friend and walked away in the direction of his quarters.
~*~*~*~
At the same time, up in the Stargate chamber, the wormhole opened up, security code was received and Dr. Janet Fraser and her daughter, Cassie came through.
"Janet, Cassie!" Liz called out her greeting to her friends.
"Hi Liz!" Cassie cried excitedly as her mother smiled at their friend.
"Thanks for coming...and for agreeing to be a part of my bridal party." Liz said.
"I've never been a bride's maid before!" Cassie said excitedly.
"And I haven't been one in ages." Janet replied..."Oh, hello Ebron; it's nice to see you again." Janet greeted the Antarian physician she had met before, who had just entered the chamber.
"Hello again, Dr. Fraser...Janet; sorry I'm late, I had a last minute patient." Ebron explained.
"That's okay; it was nice of you to come meet us." Janet assured the handsome man who she was covertly ogling. "And who's this?" Janet asked, motioning to the boy of about twelve years who stood beside Ebron.
"This is my son, Nardo; Son this is Dr. Fraser and her daughter, Cassie." Ebron said.
"Hi, um, Dr. Fraser, Cassie." Nardo said, half brave bravado, half shyness.
"Hi Nardo...and Dr. Ebron, it's nice to meet you." Ten year old Cassie said politely, the way her mother had taught her as she checked out the son.
He had curly, brown hair, big brown eyes and was kind of skinny, but had a nice smile. Maybe being a bride's maid and having to wear a fancy dress and be on her best behavior for hours wouldn't be so bad if she could have Nardo, who was close to her own age, to spend time with?
Antarian custom decreed that bride's maids and grooms be unmarried, which limited who of their many friends the four couples could ask to be a part of the bridal party. Sam and Jack would attend Liz and Max, Seria and Beneck; Isabel and Alex, Cassie and Nardo; Maria and Michael and Janet and Ebron would attend Tess and Kyle.
"Well why don't we go down?" Liz suggested smiling secretly at the looks of attraction between the two parents and even their children.
"There are dress measurements to be taken and then I know you two physicians will want to spend some time together talking medicine, since you haven't had a chance to do so since you met a few weeks ago. And I'm sure that there're lots of fun things for Nardo to show Cassie about our Capital, right?" Liz asked.
"Yeah; come on, I'll show you the pool and the playground is slomin'...um, I mean...pretty cool?" The boy corrected his newly learned English. "And my friends and I can teach you how to play Cramerwonk!"
"That sounds fun!" Cassie grinned and then looked up at her mother. "Can I go, please, Mom?"
"May I...?" Janet reminded her daughter.
"May I please go to play with Nardo, Mother?" Cassie corrected herself without even rolling her eyes at her mother.
"As soon as the measurements for your dress have been taken; then you may go and play...and we'll make sure that your measurements are taken first." Janet promised.
"Nardo has to be measured for his wedding outfit, as do I." Ebron mentioned.
"Come on, let's go down and get our work done so you two can go and play." Liz suggested to the kids as well as their parents.
"Yes, Ma'am." Nardo said politely, drawing Cassie out of the chamber to show her the hover-craft.
"Wow, I've only seen hover-crafts in movies, back on Earth and we didn't have anything like this on...in, um, Cleveland, where I grew up." Cassie exclaimed but catching herself before she mentioned Hanka, the planet she was originally from.
"It's okay, Cassie; you don't have to keep your secret here, it's safe to talk about Hanka...here...if you want to." Janet gave permission.
"Oh, okay." Cassie said, unsure if she wanted to dredge up memories of her old home...where the Goa'uld, Nirti had killed every single person, including all of her family...and placed a bomb inside her very own chest, with which she had hoped to blow up Earth's Stargate.
Everyone found a seat inside the hover-craft and the driver took off. Cassie exclaimed at the speed and the beautiful scenes flying by and Nardo laughed along with her. Janet had taken a hover-craft ride once before, but she felt the thrill of the speed as well, but tried to conceal it better than her young daughter was. Ebron was watching her and saw the excitement in her lovely brown eyes and grinned when she noticed his intense gaze and broke out in her own beautiful smile. When the group reached the Royal Manor, they were met by the dressmaker and the tailor and taken off to two separate rooms for their measurements to be taken.
"What will our dresses look like and can you show us what your dress will look like as well, Liz?" Janet asked as the dressmaker took Cassie's measurements and her assistant jotted them down.
"Yes, Marsalla," Liz nodded to the dressmaker. "Made these drawings for me to show you since my dress is not quite finished yet." Liz pointed out several drawings which had been propped up on the fireplace mantle. "Bride's maid's dresses are similar to the bride's dress, but much simpler; I guess you could say 'maiden-like'. While we brides have to wear hoops under our skirts, you do not." Liz smiled guiltily and then continued. "We made things a little more difficult for Marsalla and her assistants by going against Antarian custom and insisting on having mostly white dresses. Antarian wedding gowns are supposed to be pink, so we stole an idea from Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty and will have under-skirts of pink while the bodice and over-skirt will be white. Then the over-skirt will be pulled back on each side, to show off the pink layer beneath."
"For your dresses, your bodice will match that of the bride you are accompanying and you'll have the pink under-layer and the white layer on top, but instead of drawing it back to the sides, the over-skirt will be hemmed shorter than that of the under-skirt...Depending on your bodice design, the over-skirt might be cut diagonally, straight across, zigzagged, or scooped like flower petals." Liz finished, pointing out the different hemlines to her friends.
"Those are pretty!" Cassie said as she tried to stand still while Marsalla experimented a little; draping soft fabric over the young girl's form.
"I was just wondering Liz...will there be anything special about your dress to set you apart from the others...since you are marrying a king?" Janet asked hesitantly but also curious.
"Yes, actually there will be." Liz said half resigned, half exasperated with the dressmaker and her patron supporter, Valaria; Liz's soon-to-be-mother-in-law. "The bodice and over skirt are to have the royal crest embroidered all over it, but I've seen some of what has been completed already and the embroidery...in pink...is so dainty that it just looks like lace...but still..." Liz said and was interrupted by Marsalla.
"But still, My Lady will be our new Queen in just a few, short weeks and your wedding dress must reflect that." The dressmaker said decisively and then glanced towards Cassie and smiled. "There you go young lady, all done and I see your young escort is waiting for you out in the hallway."
Cassie turned quickly towards the doorway, which had been left slightly ajar and saw Nardo patiently waiting out in the hall, his back leaning against the far wall.
"Go ahead and have a good time, but come back here by 4:30, okay?" Janet told her daughter.
"Okay, Mom." Cassie agreed before scampering out the door.
The ladies heard their happy laughter until the front door slammed behind them and all was peaceful again. Marsalla quickly took Janet's measurements, did a little experimental draping of fabric over her petite form and then said that she was all done for the day. Janet gave a sigh of relief after having to stand still for so long and saw her own escort waiting for her out in the hall as well.
"Go on!" Liz chuckled. "I'm sure there's a lot for you two to share with each other about your...um...work."
Janet left quickly, already speaking earnestly with Ebron as they left the house and then Liz saw her own handsome escort coming down the hallway to find her as she stepped out of the room she had been in.
"Hi Max...Jacob, Selmak; it's nice to see you again..." Liz trailed off questioningly.
"Selmak has some news to give us; I figured we could all go out onto the patio to talk." Max said after quickly kissing her on the lips.
The entire group was waiting for them when Max, Liz and Jacob walked out onto the lovely back patio a moment later. Once everyone was comfortable, Jacob started his briefing.
"Your activities are already beginning to show up in the actions of several minor Goa'uld. Shiva attacked a planet controlled by Heqet and they are now battling it out for control of both their planets. Bast has been indiscriminately attacking and raiding outposts of several different Goa'uld and we have Intel that suggests she may go after a supply moon controlled by one of the System Lords, but we're not sure which one. Her attacks have been total surprises to her victims and she's been quick and brutal in getting in and then getting away after her Jaffa have taken what they were after. Right now we don't believe that her identity has been discovered by the System Lords; her Jaffa have been gathered from among the cast-offs of other Goa'ulds and they all still wear the marks of their former masters."
"Just as well." Jack broke in. "Her symbol is that of a cat; what Jaffa wearing a kitty-cat helmet would be taken seriously?" Jacob continued after a moment of silence.
"Her tactics are creating confusion, suspicion and hatred among the Goa'uld; focusing it at others and not on herself for the time being. But she must be watched carefully."
"Right, as we discussed, Bast is well placed to create havoc among the Goa'uld. We're orchestrating our plans so that she and the others cause as much destruction and confusion before the System Lords eventually step in and stop them. But by then we hope the damage will already be done and that their influence (or ours, as the case may be) will have spread to other Goa'uld." Isabel said after taking notes on what Jacob had reported. "I'll take this information to my group and we'll keep at it; creating unrest and chaos wherever we can."
"Your people have done well in a very short period of time. These may be minor Goa'uld, but they all have connections with and or blood-oaths against many of the System Lords. What each of them does will have far reaching consequences." Jacob praised them.
"For all of our people who've worked so hard, I thank you for your kinds and encouraging words." Max told the Tok'ra agent as he stood up to leave.
"Do you have to leave already, Dad?" Sam asked.
"I'm afraid so, Sammie; there're some things I have to check on now if I'm going to be able to make it back here for the treaty signing." Jacob told her reluctantly.
"Oh, okay Dad. Why don't I walk up to the Stargate chamber with you?" Sam offered as she slipped her hand around his arm and they strolled away.
"Hmmm, well I guess it's back to work for the rest of us." Jack said as he watched father and daughter walk away, arm in arm and heads close together.
Later that afternoon, Ebron walked Janet back to the Royal Manor; they had been working hard all day, but had enjoyed every intense minute of it and in spite of their growing, mutual attraction for each other, felt completely comfortable with each other; as if they had been old friends for years. They passed the playground and Ebron was able to point out Nardo and Cassie among the children playing out on the field.
"Looks like they've been having a great time." Janet remarked smiling.
Cassie's play clothes were grass stained, her long red hair, which had been neatly braided that morning was coming loose and flying around her smudged, yet grinning face.
"Hey, Cassie scored; good for her!" Ebron exclaimed as several of her team mates including Nardo, high-fived her and then took a few minutes to explain the rules of the game the children were playing.
Janet could not help contrasting Cassie and Nardo's happy innocence in playing together with her own happy, yet not-so-innocent thoughts about Ebron as they had worked side by side. She glanced up covertly through her thick eyelashes and caught him gazing down at her covertly as well and they laughed at each other.
"You fascinate me Janet...how can I feel so comfortable with you, delving into that brilliant mind of yours all day, while at the same time, wanting to take you back to my home and make long, sweet love to you? And we've only just met two times." Ebron spoke softly, wonderingly.
Janet just gazed up at him, startled. Those words were what she had been thinking all day, hoping to hear sometime in the near future, but never would have dared to say so soon after meeting this equally brilliant, fascinating and sexy man.
"Forgive me if I've offended you." Ebron apologized. "My wife; Nardo's mother was killed during the war and I've learned not to waist precious time in going after something I dearly want...life's too short."
"No, no, you haven't offended me, Ebron...you just startled me that's all. I've been feeling the same things you have, but I learned the hard way to be cautious...my ex-husband and I married after a whirl-wind romance and we quickly grew to regret our haste." Janet explained.
"I understand, Janet...so would you be willing to see me again if I promised to try and go slowly with you?" Ebron asked turning to face her completely and holding her hands gently in his.
"Oh yes, I'd like that very much...and we...probably...don't have to move...all that slowly..." Janet blushed as she grinned up at him.
"Sounds like a plan...but maybe for now we'd better just call our kids over so that we can return to the Royal Manor." Ebron suggested.
"Yeah, I guess so." Janet said resignedly as she put two fingers into her mouth and whistled.
Out on the field, Cassie's head came up and she turned to where the sound had originated. Janet motioned for her to come over to them and the young girl nodded. She tugged at Nardo's shirt sleeve and motioned him to follow her. The two kids came jogging over, both grimy but grinning.
"Look at you! How can we go back to the SGC with you looking like that?" Janet exclaimed but then relented. "Looks like you two were having a good time."
"Yeah we were!" Cassie exclaimed happily but then sobered. "Do we have to go home now? It's still early and we were having so much fun."
"Sweetie, you forget that the days are much longer here; it'll be well past your bedtime by the time we return. But I promise that you may come back on the weekends, whenever I come to work with Ebron, alright?"
"Really, Mom?" Classy cried.
"That'd be great, Dr. Fraser!" Nardo added.
With that the little group returned to the Royal Manor to say goodbye, Isabel cleaned Cassie up with a wave of her hand and then they took a hover-craft up to the Stargate chamber. Janet and Ebron confirmed their schedules with each other while the kids recalled all that they had done that day. But finally it was time to go and Janet took Cassie's hand in hers before they stepped into the wormhole.
"They'll be back in just a few days, Son." Ebron told Nardo who nodded contentedly.
"She isn't like most other girls, Cassie was great playing Cramerwonk and she didn't even care if she got dirty. It'll be slomin' to play with her again!" Nardo exclaimed before father and son opted to walk down the hillside together.
~*~*~*~
It was the day of the treaty signing, three days later and the SGC was bustling with activity. The first half of the treaty would be signed there in the Stargate-room before Max and the rest of the Royal Four escorted the President and the Director of the State Department through the wormhole to Antar, to sign the second half of the treaty.
The base had been scrubbed from top to bottom, dress uniforms had been pressed, medals and shoes had been polished and a red carpet had already been placed over the ramp up to the Stargate. Two podiums had been set up, one on either side of the ramp and the official Presidential seal had been carefully attached to the one on the right. Ebron, who had come through the day before, to work with Janet, had been charged with setting up the left podium for Max's use and with one sweep of his hand, the Royal Antarian seal materialized, imbedded into the wooden front panel. And finally a blue velvet curtain had been hung on a framework set up to hide the gray cement wall; below the huge observation window...everything was ready to receive their distinguished guests.
And with perfect timing, as Air Force One touched down at Peterson airbase, the Stargate began to dial and an incoming wormhole was established. General Hammond and SG-1, who had been waiting down in the embarkation-room, all lined up as the Antarian security codes were received up in the control room. Janet, Ebron, Sha're and other key SGC personnel up in the control and briefing rooms also came to attention as they stood in front of the two large windows and watched as first two guards came through the Stargate; alert to anything which might endanger the Royal Four and Liz Parker, their future queen, who stepped through next. And after them came two more guards, also on the alert.
It had been debated among the eight friends and SG-1, who should travel through the Stargate to Earth for the signing. Max had wanted Isabel and Liz to stay behind in case something happened to him, but both had refused. Isabel knew that their four-square would be incomplete without her and Liz could also add her strength to their defenses should anything go wrong. Liz was also Max's future bride and queen as well as a member of the SGC; who better to represent both sides at the treaty signing? Alex, Maria and Kyle stayed behind knowing that they could not add to the four-square's tactical strength and that their lovers might risk their lives to save them instead of saving themselves.
Max knew that for the treaty to work a respectful and trusting relationship needed to be built between their two peoples; and SG-1 had done an excellent job of creating the foundation, but he still could not help but be extremely nervous as he stepped through the Stargate. He knew that Secret Service agents were already in place around the giant room as well as throughout the facility. His main consolation was that the guards and his four best friends could instantly defend themselves without needing to pick up a weapon or reload during a fight...and he believed that many of the SGC personnel would be very reluctant to raise arms against them. But none of his thoughts or emotions were allowed to show as he walked down the ramp to where General Hammond and SG-1 were waiting to greet all of them.
General Hammond, Jack and Sam looked sharp in their dress uniforms, Daniel was wearing a nicely tailored dark blue suit and Teal'c his white one. Max and Michael wore slacks, tunics and long sleeved knee-length jackets which were embroidered down the front, left panel. Max was in brown and gold while Michael was in dark blue and copper. The three women wore long skirts instead of slacks but then also the tunics and jackets with embroidery on them. Liz was in peach and gold, Isabel was in pale yellow and silver and Tess was in pale green and copper. And all of them were wearing matching circlets around their head as well.
"It is an honor to have you here again, Your Majesty." General Hammond said at his most formal as he shook first Max's hand and then everyone else's.
"It is an honor for us to come, General; thank you for hosting this half of the signing." Max replied, equally formal.
"Air Force One touched down just minutes ago and it will take fifteen minutes for the Presidential motorcade to reach this base." General Hammond then informed them all.
The five friends stepped off the ramp and moved to chat with SG-1 while the guards took up strategic positions around them. Jack had told Michael about what had happened during the treaty signing for the Earth/Tok'ra alliance (when two SGC personnel and a Tok'ra operative had all been brainwashed by the Goa'uld to assassinate the Tok'ra High Councilor) and even though nothing like that was expected this time, everyone on both sides was on guard.
But finally word came down that the President and the State Department Director had entered the base and would be down in just a few more moments. The Royal Five lined up on the left side of the ramp and SG-1 lined up against the back wall, under the giant windows. Moments later a group of men came in through the huge side door; Secret Service agents surrounding the President and the Director. The agents took their places around the room and the two Earth dignitaries walked over towards General Hammond who was standing just a yard away from Max.
The President was equally nervous about meeting this young alien king, Max Evans, but excited as well (mostly about taking his first trip through the Stargate). He had read all of the reports about King Zan, and he was very impressed with what he and the three other members of the "Royal Four" had been able to accomplish since their return to their home planet of Antar. George Hammond had also told him, for his ears only, how the Special Unit had caught and tortured Max when he was a teenager living here on Earth and the President's respect for the younger man had risen even higher. How could someone who had suffered so much at the hands of one of this country's law enforcement agencies (granted a rogue group), have written, with Dr. Jackson's help, such a wise, generous and far-reaching treaty? Why would Max Evans want anything to do with this small blue planet at all? He wondered.
"Mr. President, Mr. Director. May I present His Royal Highness, Max Evans; King Zan of Antar." The General introduced them all and pleasantries were shared for a few moments before the two leaders began their speeches.
Michael Guerin stood just behind and to the right of Max as his king listened politely to the President's speech and he tried not to roll his eyes at the political mumbo-jumbo wafting out from between the older man's lips, like so much ether. Michael fought a yawn and concentrated on moving his gaze over every inch of the room that he could see without obviously moving his head to do so. He knew that the four guards were doing the same thing and not having to be so circumspect either, but that did not stop him from doing his duty.
A few yards across the room, Jack O'Neill was having the same problem staying awake as Michael was and in self defense turned his mind to scanning the room for any signs of trouble as well. Jack came back to the speech just in time to clap with everyone else as the President finished his speech and Max began his own. Jack had to admit that Max made a good speech, it seemed a bit more sincere than the President's had been, but they were really both a bunch of mouthings. Speeches like these couldn't have any teeth to them; they could only speak about friendship, trust and compromises...not about what one side would do to the other side if any of the rules were broken.
Jack stifled another yawn. Well, it was the treaty that was important, not what was said during a speech and Daniel had assured him that it was a masterpiece; equally good and strong for both sides and Jack placed his trust in Daniel and Max, who had written the treaty and he clapped as Max finished his speech and the two leaders met at the table between their two podiums, to sign the first half of that treaty.
'I'm actually going to step through a wormhole, I'm really going to travel to another planet, I can hardy believe this is real!' The President thought to himself several minutes later as the Stargate began to move and the chevrons were locked. 'Man, it was a big enough shock to learn that the Stargate actually existed and...and that there really are aliens...not only out there in space, but a few of them living here on Earth, as well...Now...now I have to travel to another planet; step onto alien soil? Okay, stay calm, don't let anyone see your fear...you can do this; take a deep breath and smile...'
"You know, everything will be alright; the Stargate is perfectly safe and Antar is a beautiful planet..." A soft voice spoke up beside him. The President looked down and saw Dr. Elizabeth Parker standing calmly beside him; gazing up at him from her petite height with an understanding expression on her face.
"Yes, I'm sure it is." He said, trying to sound confident and Liz's smile only grew.
"You'll step through with Max and I and the Director will be guided by Tess and Isabel." Liz explained, still speaking softly.
"Oh man!" The President muttered to himself and then turned back to Liz. "It will be my honor, Dr. Parker." He said in his most assured voice and Liz grinned; one dignitary calmed, mission accomplished.
"Chevron seven, locked." The sergeant up in the control room called out and the Stargate burst into life.
Michael came down from the control room after giving his troops on the other side of the wormhole the needed security codes and walked over to Max, who was standing only a couple of yards from the President.
"Everything's a go, sir." Michael said on is best behavior in front of all of those high and mighty leaders. He would show them that Michael Guerin, General Rath of Antar knew his job very well and that his king was worthy of their respect as well as his own.
"Mr. President, Director, we're clear to proceed." General Hammond told his three guests of honor.
"Very well, General, by all means let's go!" The President said with newly rediscovered excitement in his voice as he glanced down at Liz Parker and winked a 'thank you' at her.
SG-1 and Sha're Jackson lined up to step through the wormhole first, then a group of Secret Service agents and two of the Antarian guards lined up, followed by Max, Liz, the President and Tess, the Director and Isabel behind them. And finally, Michael, Jacob Carter, General Hammond, the two last guards and another group of Secret Service agents lined up on the ramp. As soon as everyone was ready, SG-1 stepped through the Stargate and everyone followed right behind them; Isabel and Tess each gently but firmly holding onto one of the Director's hands as they tugged him through.
"Ya-Hoo!" The President exclaimed as they came through on the other side. "Now, I've been on my share of roller-coasters, but that was fantastic!"
"Glad you enjoyed the ride, Mr. President." Max said, grinning as he surveyed the large cave/chamber they were now standing in.
"I certainly did, Your Highness, I certainly did." The President replied.
Inside the huge cavern was an equal mix of Humans and Antarians; Michael's guards were interspersed with Secret Service agents as well as the SGC troops who were stationed on Antar while training. Just inside the mouth of the cave, two podiums and a table in between them had been set up again.
"Shall we, Mr. President, Director?" Max gestured for the two older men to move towards the podiums so that they could begin this half of the ceremony.
"After you, Your Highness...this is your planet after all." The President replied politely.
Jack had even more trouble staying alert through the repetition of the two speeches, especially since Max was speaking in Antarian this time, with Daniel playing interpreter for the President and Director of the State Department.
The President too only listened with half an ear to Dr. Jackson's interpretations of Max Evans' speech while most of his attention was on the magnificent view spread out before him. There was a small crowd surrounding them; most Antarians were home watching the speeches on their version of TV, some sort of holographic orb...But the crowd here did not block the President's view of the alien city laid out before him. Yes, there was still some war-damage, which needed to be rebuilt, but most of Antar's capital had been restored to its former alien, yet regal beauty and the sight of it brought home, more than anything else that he, the President of the United States of America was truly visiting another planet. The clapping brought him back to his surroundings and he joined in enthusiastically.
Several minutes later, the treaty had been signed, the crowd was dispersing and the Royal Four walked over to where the President and the Director stood speaking. Max moved close enough to speak once the two men shook hands and the Director made as if to leave.
"It was an honor to meet you sir, must you leave us already?" Max asked the State Department's Director.
"I'm afraid so, Your Highness, but it was indeed an honor to be a part of this; such an historic day for both of our peoples. I certainly will never forget it."
"Nor I, sir." Max replied shaking the man's hand before he headed back inside the chamber to the Stargate. "What about you, Mr. President; must you return to Earth immediately as well, or can I convince you to stay for a while so that I may give you a tour of our capital?" Max asked.
"I would love a tour, Your Highness; it certainly looks beautiful from up here." The President replied.
"Then come; we'll ride down in one of the hover-craft." Max said steering the older man over to where the transports were parked.
An hour later the tour ended at the Royal Manor. The President's mind was racing at all that he had seen; building techniques, the hospital, and the space-ship building facility. The training center and the orphanage housed in Khivar's old palace, among others. And the hover-craft had not only skimmed along the ground but had flown up as high as thirty feet off the ground, to give him the perfect view of some of the larger, higher buildings in the city.
"Please, come inside; welcome to our home." Isabel welcomed the President, when he and Max arrived at the Manor. "Why don't I give you a brief tour and then we can all gather out on the patio?" She suggested.
"That sounds very pleasant; thank you, Princess Valondra." The President replied.
Several minutes passed before Isabel appeared out on the porch, her arm linked through the President's. Alex and the rest of her friends and family, SG-1 and a few others, including Sha're, Drey'auc, General Hammond and Jacob Carter/Selmak were waiting for them.
"My, this is a lovely garden...I only wish my wife could see it." The President glanced over the formal gardens wistfully.
"Perhaps she may visit...some day in the future." Liz suggested.
"I would be pleased to give her a tour of my gardens." A voice said behind them and everyone turned.
"Mr. President, may I introduce Her Royal Highness, the Dowager Queen of Antar and our mother, Valaria?" Max said stepping forward to draw the old lady over.
"Your Highness, it is a great honor to meet you." The President made a stiff bow over the hand she presented and then gently shook it between the two of his.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. President." Valaria replied.
"Please have a seat everyone; Mother, Mr. President." Max indicated some comfortable wicker chairs nearby.
As the group spoke casually between themselves, the President who was seated next to Queen Valaria looked around at the group and saw that they were all seated as couples (except for Hammond and Jacob Carter); even the former Jaffa, Tealc had been allowed to bring his wife, Drey'auc to visit this planet (his son, Ray'c was off with Teal'c's mentor, Bra'tac). The couples who were engaged or married sat closely together, touching in some small way...and as was proper, Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter while sitting next to each other on the same bench, had a foot separating them...but something was...off there, the President thought.
They were both engaged in separate conversations; looking in different directions, but every once in a while one of them would oh-so-casually touch the other. Major Carter would lean forward and brush the Colonel's shoulder, Jack O'Neill would reach for his drink and brush the Major's thigh and while crossing or uncrossing their legs, both of them had brushed a foot over the other's calf. The President briefly recalled the Major's most recent personnel report, which the Colonel had filled out and George Hammond had shown to him. The Colonel had praised his second-in-command highly in the report, but still there was nothing in there, or in anything the General had told him, to suggest that anything had changed in their relationship. He had vaguely watched them interact today and the two officers had conducted themselves with military propriety and yet now...Perhaps they were relaxing, slipping a little, he thought...'Or am I just seeing things; reading something intimate into a situation, which isn't there?' The President glanced over at Max and found the young king watching him closely. 'Is it possible that Max Evans has noticed the same things I have...and General Hammond hasn't?'
"Mr. President, now that all of the ceremonies are over, would it be possible to have a private word with you for a few moments?" Max asked.
"I'd like that very much, Your Highness." The President replied and wondered. 'Should I ask him about my two officers, or leave it alone?'
The two men arose from their chairs and Max guided the older man inside. But as he passed Isabel, he glanced down at his sister and Tess and raised one eyebrow to them; his gesture was answered by a brief nod from each of them. Max led the President into his office and closed the doors on the Secret Service agents and Antarian guards who took up their positions out in the hall.
"Please make yourself comfortable, sir." Max motioned to a comfortable chair and sat down next to him in another.
Both men had brought their drinks in with them and contented themselves with sipping from their glasses and discussing some of the finer points of the treaty as if they were discussing the weather...but, finally the President made up his mind and asked the questions which had been bothering him for the last half hour.
"Your Highness...may I ask you a delicate question?"
"You may ask me anything you wish, Mr. President, but I may not be able to give you an answer." Max replied cautiously.
"Fair enough...um...I'll just come right out and ask, shall I? Have you noticed any changes in the relationship between Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill?" And then before Max could answer, he continued. "Now please understand, I was never in the military, so even with the daily national security briefings I receive, there are still some things about the military I don't understand, or whole heartedly agree with...such as...the regulations against fraternization."
"We have no such regulations among our military here." Max replied. "We believe in being open and honest about our emotions...we're not flagrant about them you understand, there is a certain propriety in personal life and professionalism in any person's duties, which must be kept, but hiding your feelings for another, or, on the other hand, forcing others to help you cover up any dishonorable actions you have committed...we do not believe in doing this...But as to the Major and the Colonel...they've always worked very well together; like well oiled machines...their strengths seem to play well off of each other..." Max answered, hiding a smile as he did so. "They do seem to be a little more relaxed here...probably because they know that they are safe here. I imagine that they act much the same back at the SGC."
"Yes, or so General Hammond has told me on several occasions, but that only refers to their professional relationship...what about their personal relationship?"
"With all due respect, Mr. President, that would be...personal." Max countered.
"Yes, but in your open and honest, day to day life...have you noticed any change between them?"
"I have...noticed certain changes, yes." Max answered briefly.
"So they are becoming involved on a personal level?" The President asked.
"Now, that's quite a leap from what I just told you, Mr. President." Max objected. "Let me ask you this instead." At the other man's nod, Max continued. "How many times have SG-1...especially Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter saved Earth...your Entire planet?"
"Quite a few times!" The President chuckled, good naturedly. "But as to my questions..." But Max pressed on.
"Now, I know it is their job, to serve and protect their country...but saving the Whole world...the Entire Planet..." Max stressed. "I bet you even had to ask your staff to look up the plural for apocalypse. I mean, SG-1 has averted global disaster...to use your words...quite a few times." Max paused.
"Yes, but..." The President tried to interrupt, but Max continued.
"Could any other team have done as much as SG-1? As I understand it, the NID and one of your senators couldn't. In fact, they almost brought about the apocalypse...there's that word again...two more times...and two planet earths, in two alternate realities were all but destroyed because they also did not contain that special ingredient...of whatever SG-1 embodies...So, maybe the next time SG-1 saves the world...instead of giving the Colonel and the Major yet another medal to add to their already impressive collections...perhaps you could give some thought to this..."
"Jack and Sam have been in love with each other for years, but only just realized it...admitted it to themselves and to each other, a few weeks ago. In that time, while they have been getting to know each other on a personal level, they have remained completely professional in their dealings with one another, as well as with everyone else. This is the 'real thing', Mr. President; and as a close friend of theirs, I know that they wish to marry...but because of the regs...Mr. President, could I ask the personal favor of you to ponder and weigh what our two planets owe those four people, but especially Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter...against a military regulation which makes very little sense...give those two a special dispensation...a little lee-way...a break...find a way for them to be allowed to marry and yet continue to work together...please." Max finally concluded and the President remained silent for a moment.
"Alright, Your Highness, I'll certainly think about it and see what if anything I can do." He promised.
"Thank you." Max said fervently and then steered their conversation back into safer waters for a while.
After a quarter hour, though, both men decided to rejoin the group outside again and arose from their seats. As Max passed Isabel again, he gave her and Tess a nod and both women gave him brief, but determined expressions. Max had discussed with them, the night before, his determination to speak to the President on Sam and Jack's behalf, but they had all been concerned about his reaction to the fact that two of his officers were breaking regulations. The three of them had determined that Isabel would visit the President's dreams several times, to make sure that he was not planning on causing trouble for their two friends. She would also monitor General Hammond's dreams, as the President might very well share this information with his friend and the two lovers' superior officer. If either man decided to punish Sam and Jack in any way for falling in love with each other, Tess would mind-warp them into forgetting everything about the forbidden relationship. But they were all hoping that that contingency would never be required.
The President stayed to chat with the entire group for a while longer and then he, General Hammond and all of the Secret Service agents traveled up to the Stargate and went home.
TBC (Only one or two chapters left!) (Positive)Feedback Please!
