Hey look, a not-so-short chapter.
The next day, General Hammond greeted SG-1 from the control room. He could see that there was something seriously wrong with his flagship team. Daniel and Teal'c seemed their usual selves, only somewhat subdued. Colonel O'Neill had a look of thunder on his face and Major Carter looked like she was trying to melt into the background.
He sighed inwardly, wondering what on Earth, or any other planet for that matter, could have happened out there. "Report to the Infirmary, debrief in one hour." He barked over the intercom, then retreated to his office to prepare for whatever they were going to tell him.
An hour later, he wished that he had a glass of bourbon. He couldn't believe what his ears were hearing.
Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he listened to Sam and Jack try to explain the situation. If he wasn't aware of how much trouble this could cause, he would have found it quite amusing.
Teal'c sat silently, hoping for a resolution. There were many things about the Tau'ri that he did not understand and this was one of them. However, O'Neill and Major Carter had always insisted on adhering to protocol in these matters. How unfortunate it was that they were in this predicament because of a misunderstanding.
Jack sighed and allowed Major Carter to take over the explanation.
"Sir, I realise that we should have been more attentive as to what was going on, but as Colonel O'Neill explained earlier, they were speaking another language that Daniel has had little experience with. It's no ones fault that something was lost in the translation."
"Unfortunately, Major, Colonel O'Neill also told me that Harry Maybourne was with you at the time and that he appeared to have a firm grasp of the language." George really wanted to be able to do something to help, but the circumstances allowed very little leeway. "Ordinarily, the ceremony you participated in wouldn't affect the rules of this Government but the agreement signed by the president, when Colonel Maybourne was relocated there overrules that."
"What agreement?" Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter asked at the same time, worry etched in their faces.
"In order for Maybourne to be allowed to stay, their tribe leader, Gahni as you know, insisted that if they were to give sanctuary to him, he must be fully sanctioned by their laws. So we had a contract drawn up stating that any and all laws on Kadina were to be considered legal and binding by the United States Government. That includes the rituals performed at the ceremony."
"General, surely there's a loophole somewhere." Daniel tried to offer assistance.
"I wish there was Dr. Jackson, but it's watertight."
"Damn," the archaeologist hissed under his breath.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Jack erupted, and Sam just sat in shock. "You're telling me, that because of that no-good weasel, Maybourne, Carter and I are actually MARRIED!"
"Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do, Jack." The General tried to calm the man down. "Hopefully, because you two didn't understand what you were getting into, we'll be able to get the marriage annulled."
"Uh, that's not possible," Daniel piped up. "Their laws state that the only way a marriage can be broken is by death."
"Well, in any case, it might help in preventing court martial." Hammond tried to see the upside, but even that looked dim. "There's nothing more that can be done now. I'll talk to the president as soon as possible. I'll let you know when I've gotten anywhere. Dismissed." He retreated to his office.
Daniel and Teal'c got up and headed for the door, but the two air force officers remained seated.
Quietly, Daniel conferred with his alien friend. "Should we stay?"
"I believe it would be best to leave them to talk, Daniel Jackson." The Jaffa knew that they had much to discuss, and felt that it was not his business, nor anyone else's, to intrude. Together they left the room.
More to come...