SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 BURNING BRIGHTLY

Chapter Five:

Disclaimer: Stargate is not mine.

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JACK:

The squad of Frevians marches us down the forest path. That they haven't let us use their zappy thing (Carter insisted that it was called a site-to-site conveyer, but it's similar to the thing the Asgard use) again but are making us walk once more, which is indicative of how they truly feel about us Tau'ri. They obviously used it to get to the Stargate once they recognised that it was our address that was dialling in. They move at a distance, giving us a good space of two metres between us and them, grumpy-whatsits in the lead; but they let us know that there is no way we can run.

I look at Daniel. He looks back, with raised eyebrows that could rival Teal'c's. "What do you think they want with us?" he asks.

"Oh, I have a pretty good idea this is why I was going to be needed on this mission." I inform them.

"THIS is your 'complication'?" Daniel's eyebrows drop rapidly into frown mode. "What the hell did you DO?"

"Why do you assume I did something?" I try to sound innocent. Never works, that. "Never mind. Let me handle it."

"Let you handle it? If this is how you handle things, Jack-" he sweeps an arm at the guards. "Oh, well, then. Go right ahead and get us ARRESTED next time!"

I give him a strained smirk. "Don't worry, Danny. This," I wave an all-encompassing arm, "Is the least of our worries."

Daniel increases his pace to swing around in front of me. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Keep moving, Doctor Jackson." I urge him, and he does, but keeps on glaring at me.

The city is emerging from the forest before us, or it might be more accurate to say the forest is emerging from the city. It's kind of hard to tell, because the Frevian's have a plant fixation.

They use the natural surroundings in the construction of their buildings, meaning the end result is rather... green. The land slopes downwards towards the bay that glitters below, so a lot of buildings are built into the side of the hill, including the library, temple, citadel and a few other unidentified structures. These buildings are huge, massive, but the stonework of their walls arises from the ground seamlessly, and are almost covered by vines, flowers, shrubs and trees. The city spreads out below them, a series of neatly laid out streets and houses, shops, stalls and vendors... and of course parks. The roads are laid with stone, but are bordered by thick green grass and flowerbeds. Their superior technology is concealed where possible. Daniel mentioned something about Frevia Four being established as a colony for refugees from Frevia Prime, whose pollution problem had rendered it uninhabitable some years ago, which might explain the aversion to technology and the reverence of plants.

Personally, if I had one of those zappy-things? I'd keep it on display so my dinner guests could admire it. (And know what they're up against should they ever think to try anything.)

Reichert comes to a stop on the path ahead, snapping around to face us. We come to a stop as well.

"You will hand over your weapons," he says. "Before you enter the city. I'm sure you at least remember that much of our customs."

"Of course," I say, handing over my gun without hesitation. I don't need to cause any more trouble here than I already have. Teal'c has a few more misgivings, after our not-so-warm welcome at the Stargate, but follows suit without any trouble. Reichert hands them to one of the guards, then gives us another glacial look, before turning and leading us off the road, up to a wide set of stone stairs set into the side of the mountain, leading up to the citadel.

I swear they're doing this on purpose because they know how my bad knees have been playing up recently. There's a lot of stairs. A lot. They wind up through the foliage so that you are continually ducking to avoid nature. But eventually we reach the top, and our friendly tour guide takes us through a familiar open-air passage to a terrace facing the sea. I recognise this place, because this and the room opening off it are the banquet area, where their little celebration was held. Reichert bids us wait and leaves two guards standing in the doorway watching us impassively.

I head across to check out the scenery. Even I have to admit it's nice. The sunlight dusts the treetops with gold, and the birds are singing full-throttle. Peaceful and tranquil.

So why do I hate the damn planet with a vengeance?

Daniel seems to be refusing to talk to me, leaning on the balustrade and staring moodily out towards the forest. Hope he gets over it soon, because I have a feeling we're going to need him on this one.

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The governor arrives half an hour later. The wait was for show, just to remind us that we aren't important enough that she can see us immediately. We bow to her, and I greet her with the ritual greeting that Daniel drilled into my head before we first came here.

"Talnuth Ei."

Apparently it means 'we are your servants.' Charming.

Governor Laius is rather more ... slender than most of the other Frevians we've encountered. Still as tall, she is quite noticeably fine-boned; but her presence makes up for it. Apart from her classic beauty, she is incredibly imposing, her intelligence and sharp eyes seeming to see all and everything. She wears a rather impractical white robe that flows behind her.

"After the demonstration of how the Tau'ri treat those who are their allies, I am not sure I should welcome you at all." she says so coldly she makes me shiver. "I considered us to be friends, Colonel O'Neill."

"Uh," Daniel steps forwards. "So did we, Governor. We're unsure of what 'demonstration' you are referring to, but you have our assurances that we will attempt to put it right."

"Perhaps you could ask your Colonel, Doctor Jackson." Laius replies with an icy smile. "Or, since he didn't tell you himself, perhaps it is best that we show you."

"Show us? What-" Daniel stutters, looking back at me. I shrug, though I know exactly where this is going. I'm just hoping that we can eventually steer it back in the direction we want.

"Come." Laius commands, leading the way to the centre of the courtyard, in which is a carved fountain spewing water. "Place your hands on the stone."

We do as she says, firmly holding the white marble. Laius gives a slight toss of her dark hair, and the world shimmers slightly, then dissolves into a shower of white sparkles. When it re-coalesces, we are in a room with plain walls and ceilings, rather functional for Frevian architecture. Well I'll be. A zappy-thing built into the fountain.

There are many other people bustling around us, but we sure as hell don't blend in, especially not in our serviceable uniforms. We're in what seems to be a foyer, decorated with live plants, of course. A wide hallway leads from it, and people move through it, mill in the foyer, and stand around waiting.

"Where are we?" Daniel asks.

"This is the Resfern City Medical Centre," our host explains, stepping forwards without hesitation. As we move through the foyer and through into the hallway, a soft tingling sensation passes through my body, starting at my head and moving down through to my feet. "That is a cleansing system, designed to remove foreign particles and diseases from your bodies and clothing." She says, seeing our looks of concern.

I look back at the space we just passed. I can't see any evidence of a system built into the walls or the ceiling. It's fascinating the lengths they go to hiding this stuff.

Rooms open off the hallway, all of which are as airy and open as possible. There are patients lying in the beds, but there is none of the stiflingly antiseptic atmosphere that pervades every hospital I've ever visited. I take it that the people wearing red tunics are their equivalent of doctors, but the only clue is that they are moving faster and with more purpose than the other people here.

A familiar figure appears before us. "Teria Elhen, my friends," the dark haired, fairly young man says, bowing slightly. He wears a brown robe and a winning smile. "Doctor Jackson. I did not expect to see you here."

"Father Nahibrim!" Daniel exclaims, smiling.

The Governor doesn't even bother to acknowledge the man's presence, sweeping past and gathering him in her wake.

"It is good to see you again, Doctor Jackson." the priest says.

"What - what do you do here?" I hear Daniel ask.

"I am trained as a healer." he replies. "Here, most cases and injuries are treatable. I ... work with those who are not so lucky. I spend most of my time here."

We head for and enter a room at the far end of the hallway, as light and airy as the rest of them. I recognise the man lying in the bed, despite the bandages binding his jaw and the dark bruise marring his cheek.

"Senator Melabinsan?" Daniel gasps.

So that's what I did to the bastard. Whadda ya know.

"You!" the patient sits up, pointing at me and looking vengeful.

"Sit back, Senator." Laius says, turning to face me, full of righteous indignation. "This," she points to the man on the bed. "Is your version of complying with our non-violence laws, after we spent the week negotiating a treaty that comprises of many concessions on our part, and only benefits on your part. Needless to say, we are outraged. How do you explain yourself?"

"Jack?" Daniel breathes, looking between me and the lump of handsome pulp on the bed.

"Allow me to explain, Governor. This man was taking advantage of one of my team mates." And I'd do it again, you sleazy bastard.

"Is that an excuse for violence?" she snaps. What happened to that annoying politeness thing?

"Okay, so I... overreacted a bit."

"You fractured my jaw!" Comes a protest from pretty-boy over there.

"I gave you a warning."

"This is not the point!" The Governor is looking daggers at us all. "I'm just wondering how we can possibly trust your word, Colonel O'Neill, when this is how you treat a valued and respected member of our society. You come begging us favours?"

"The woman that man was taking advantage of was an important and valued member of my own team, whom I am responsible for at all times. Major Carter was..."

"She was not unwilling!" the muffled voice croaks again.

"Major Carter," I repeat, "was under the influence of a drug that messes with brain chemistry. That very same drug is the reason I'm here, and why we need your help. Major Carter's life is in danger, so why don't we just put this behind us and focus on the real issue here?"

The Governor looks as if she's just going to dismiss us straight off, but Father Nahibrim forestalls her when he steps forwards. "What exactly is endangering her life?"

"Carter drank some of that Altheum stuff," I say. "And on our return to Earth, we were involved in an accident." I hold up my bandaged fingers as evidence. "She was knocked unconscious."

The priest's eyes widen. "She has journeyed to the Ethera!"

"That's- that's what we figure. Only we don't know how to get her out of there."

"This is amazing." Nahibrim's eyes widen. "If this is true, she is the first outside of our species to do so. This is an opportunity. I would wish to speak with her..."

"See, there might be a problem with that!" I practically shout.

Laius whirls on us. "Father, wait outside, if you please. This is a matter for myself and Colonel O'Neill."

Nahibrim's face falls. "Yes, of course, Governor." he says meekly, leaving quietly.

"Daniel, wait outside too, would you?" I turn to Daniel and whisper sotto voce, "try to find out something, anything that can help get Sam back in the world of the living." He nods and follows Nahibrim.

"I did nothing wrong, Governor." Melabinsan moans from the bed.

Laius ignores him. "Colonel, I think we still have a chance of saving this treaty. It will require your apology to Senator Melabinsan, and recompense of some kind. We will need to re-negotiate some points, and restrict your access to our planet and people, but should you be willing, I believe our worlds can still enjoy a long and fruitful relationship."

"I don't give a -"

"O'Neill," Teal'c cuts me off. He bows to Laius. "Colonel O'Neill is distraught over the critical state of our friend and team mate. Please, we mean no disrespect, but our main priority is to her. Anything else you should wish to discuss could perhaps wait until her health and safety is no longer a concern."

Yeah. What he said.

Laius looks thoughtful, then her face hardens again. "I met Major Samantha Carter. She is a worthy individual, and I can understand how your responsibilities to your team mate may preside over the future of your planet in your own estimation. However, our outlook is not so narrow. We wish for an alliance with the Tau'ri. But perhaps we have been mistaken in the intentions of your planet as we have in your own intentions, Colonel. You wish only for personal gain. This is unacceptable. I will take the treaty into consideration. You will return to your planet and await my decision."

"About the treaty, or about helping Sam?"

"Both. Come. We will return to the Stargate."

"No, no, no." I hold up my hands. "See, doesn't work like that. Sam is dying NOW. We haven't got your technology. We don't know enough about this Ethera or whatever it is to even understand what's going on. Ya see?"

She doesn't see.

DANIEL:

I catch up with Father Nahibrim in the hallway. He looks pleased to see me.

"Daniel! I was hoping to talk to you again, my friend."

I try to get him to stop moving. "Um, yeah. Listen, I-"

"Come." he leads me across to a low seat in a corner, and urging me to sit down. "I would like to talk further about the beliefs of your people..."

I hold up a hand. "No, wait. I'd love to talk about that, because there's a lot I still don't understand about your religion and ... but this isn't the time. What I really need is to get Sam's mind out of that Ethera place. Can you help us?"

"Ah, yes, a dilemma." his face falls, but he nods accommodatingly. "Of course, I would love to help you. I have travelled there myself, as a part of my ordainment. Many of the priests and ministers have. It is truly a wondrous journey, which is why I would like to speak with Major Carter when she returns; I wish to learn more about it."

"You've been in the trance yourself? Well, how do you come out of it? Is there some sort of safeguard or something?"

He looks thoughtful. "No, Daniel. In most cases, a person undertaking the sacred journey will exit the Ethera naturally, when the work that needs to be completed is done."

"In most cases? What about the other times? Is there a drug that can be used to bring them out?"

"No. In ancient times, when a priest entered the Ethera, he or she would do so in privacy, usually in the forest alone, after days of meditation. There were cases where they never completed the journey and never returned. In more recent times, it has become mandatory for the subject to be placed in a room where their vital signs may be monitored and aid is readily at hand, so that they may be bought out of the trance if there is any sign of trouble. Thankfully this rarely happens."

"Well, how are they bought out of the trance in cases like that?"

Father Nahibrim shifts in his seat. "There is a procedure called 'Renail'd'. It involves using a device that can override the patterns of the mind created by the trance, effectively cutting the mind off from the Ethera."

At last! Oh, God I hope this is what we need. "Where can I get one? How is it used?" I stand up, looking around as if there might be one just hiding in the hallway. Father Nahibrim stands too, pulling at the pocket of his robe. He emerges with a small, flat piece of metal, about the size of my hand.

"It carries many risks. Many risks indeed. It is recommended that the subject complete the journey and emerge from the Ethera naturally. This is only a last resort." he turns the device over in his hands.

"Can you lend it to me?"

He looks at me sadly. "I would need the permission of the Governor. You must understand..."

No. Oh no. The cure for Sam is right there in his hands... I could reach out and snatch it and run. I could. "Please. You have to help us. She could die..." Could I grab it? I have unarmed combat training. I'm not so good at it - of course by that I mean I usually end up flat on the gym mat with more than one bruise, a headache that lasts forever and a gloating Colonel making a pretence at apologising - but I could try. I might just make it to the end of the passage before I was vaporised by some hidden technology in the carpet.

Father Nahibrim sees my gaze and seems to read my mind. He slowly tucks the device back into his robes. "I can't go against the Governor's wishes."

I nod slowly, feeling numb with the lost opportunity. "I understand." I say.

SAM:

"Where do I start?" I said that a while ago, I think. There was no answer from the guardians, or anyone else for that matter. Just uninterrupted empty darkness.

I remember the crash now. Jack speeding, attention divided between me, the road and his stupid cabin. He wanted me to go fishing with him. Hell, if I'm lying here in this place watching my life and trying to figure out what's blocking me from attaining completion because of his insistence that I go join him fishing-for-no-fish in the middle of nowhere, he's going to be very, very sorry when I get out. I'll... I'll make him sit through a lecture on Relativity Theory... and take notes. And write a report on it. With bullet point summaries.

It's not his fault though, which makes things harder. I want someone to blame. Something sent me here, and I'm sure this isn't a normal part of a coma. Other people have woken up from comas. No one I've ever heard of talks about dark rooms, strange voices and memories flying every-which-way. So where do I go from here?

Senator Melabinsan offers me another glass of the sparkling yellow liquid, and I take it, not wanting to be impolite. He holds up his own glass and smiles, saying, "May our spirits be guided on the right path." With this he drinks deeply, and I gather I'm supposed to be doing the same, so I do. It tastes fruity, strangely pleasant.

The room we're gathered in is large - most of the Frevian architecture is designed to be airy, but this is the biggest room I've seen so far. It opens out into a terrace overlooking the city and the sea, so that the breeze fills the room with the scent of the trees. Most of the delegates of the Frevian Council are here. The priest, Father Nahibrim, is talking animatedly to Daniel near the door. Teal'c is out on the terrace, discussing architecture with a few of the designers. But it's Colonel O'Neill that my attention is focussed on.

He's talking to the Governor, Laius. In honour of the occasion he is wearing his dress blues, like I am. He's also flirting with the Governor.

Oh, it's not obvious or anything. Far from it. But I can see it. And she's flirting with him, tossing her long black hair around, laughing, and wearing a dress like that - damn it, I could never get away with something as tight and clingy as the deep red sheath she's not so much wearing as radiating. And he's going along with it without a whimper of protest, laughing right back. Leaning against the wall casually, and running a hand through his hair.

Damn.

I shake my head, and try not to think about Jack, and try to think instead about why I'm thinking about Jack anyway. I have a lot of respect for the man, even though he can be incredibly irritating, obnoxious, rude and dense at the best of times, but it's none of my business what he does when we're at an off-world party.

"You seem distracted, Samantha."

Caught off guard, I try to regain the conversation. "Just thinking." I give a smile. "It's been a long week and I'm kind of tired." The senator has been an attentive host in our time spent here. Before going into politics, he was been an engineer, and during our stay I've tried to prise as much information about their technology out of him as I can. He showed me a few fascinating devices, such as a handheld tool used to regenerate human skin after cuts or burns. Of course, he's not giving me any clues as to how they work, but I'm hoping if we play our cards right and act the gracious, humble, primitive people they seem to think we are, they might consider a trade. He's a nice enough guy, in any case, and I can't help but like him. And that has nothing to do with how attractive he is.

"Ah, I see. Not too tired as to retire early, I hope? I was hoping to ask you to dance with me later."

"Of course not," I reply automatically, before realising what I've committed myself to. A DANCE? Are you kidding me? I don't dance. I - um, what? "I mean - I..." Is there any way I can get out of this? I take another sip of my drink to cover up my reddening cheeks. "I don't usually dance."

"You don't? I am surprised." he refills my glass, which somehow mysteriously emptied itself. "Though it cannot be through lack of offers. Perhaps I am merely one of the luckier ones to have been accepted."

Okay, somebody help me out here. There's no way this man can be serious. I look around wildly, and the room seems to tip slightly as I locate Jack still talking to Laius over there and looking like he's having a good time of it, too. I'm – I'm not jealous, because that would just be weird. I've got nothing to be jealous of. I just wish he wouldn't be so...

I turn back to Melobinsan, who is smiling at me. "I just don't get out much," I admit. "So I'm afraid I wouldn't be the best partner."

"I couldn't think of a better." he replies. "Don't worry, I will teach you the steps. For now, would you like to walk out to the terrace? The view is spectacular at sunset."

The sun falls swiftly on this world, and the layers of intact ozone make for a blazing brilliance. Reds and golds streak across the darkening sky as I cross to the stone balustrade and lean my elbows on it. "It's beautiful," I say.

There are a few others in the paved area, talking and eating and drinking. Nobody pays any attention to us, not even Jack, who is now firmly ensconced with the Governor. I pull my attention away from him and chat politely to Melabinsan, who is playing the part of gracious host and pointing out the various buildings and areas below us. Personally I'm more interested in how their transport devices work, but for now I'm content to leave it, if only because I'm feeling more than a little dizzy.

Soft music tinkles through from the main room, and Melabinsan offers me his hand. I take it, noticing that the world is more than a little unsteady, and that I'm being led back into the chamber where many of the delegates, council members and sundry officials are dancing a slow, rhythmic waltz-type-thing. Damn. I can't do that, and I don't want to dance. I'd rather sit over there and watch while I get over whatever it is that's making me feel as if I'm going to fall over; but Melabinsan leads me gracefully onto the floor, one hand clasping mine, the other settling on my waist. I catch a glimpse of the Colonel O'Neill, and he's... he's dancing with the Governor! I've never in my life, never in all my years working with him, seen Jack dance. Ever. Why now? Why - with her? Oh, like I don't know. Who's she think she is, wearing that dress and all? And it's only a glimpse, because the senator pulls my eyes off the scene as he leads me into the dance.

It is surprisingly easy. I just follow where he steps, and he guides me so that I'm not tripping over my heeled shoes. I slip once, and he catches me, holds me upright, as if it's all part of the dance. Its kind of fun.

The rest of the room fades into a blur of colour and light. A ringing fills my ears, and my legs feel rather weak, but he leans in and says;

"See? You're not such a bad dancer after all."

I laugh, way too loud. "No, I'm not." I say. What? Shut up, Sam. "No thanks to you."

Why didn't I notice how freakin' HOT this guy was before?

"Are you tired?" he asks softly.

I nod, sending the room wobbling strangely and my thoughts whirling around the fact that there hadn't been any reports of seismic activity in the area lately, so why is the floor rocking like that, and then he's leading me through the crowd to somewhere…

It's cooler out here, darker, quieter. Noise and light still spill from the doorway to the chamber, but the hallway is empty. My head is starting to hurt, and I really need to sit down right now but hey, here's a wall, and I can lean on that for a moment.

Melabinsan is smiling softly, and he's still got my hand in his. I might need that hand back, you know... okay, keep it if you want. What's he doing? Hand on my face? Cheek... stroking... oh crap. Where'd Jack go, anyway? And Daniel? And I didn't even see Teal'c in there. I really need to sit down.

His breath on my cheek as he cups my chin and pulls my face up, lips meeting his. Okay, fine, but you have to let me sit down afterwards... and ohmygod he's kissing me, only he's a senator on the government of the world that is potentially the most influential alliance we've ever made -and-where-the-hell-is-Jack?

His hand slides down slightly, to rest on my hip, the other one on my shoulder, pulling him towards him at the same time he pushes me back against the wall. I can taste that weird drink on his breath as well as mine. And then suddenly he pulls back - or rather, is pulled back.

What the-?

"Whatthehellyoudoing?" somebody shouts, then there's the sound of knuckle on bone, jawbone to be exact, and Melabinsan goes flying and lands rather indelicately against the opposite wall. Ah, now I can sit down. Nice floor. Good, soft carpet. I think I'll just lie here for a moment.

"Carter? Carter, are you...?" a worried voice as whoever sent the senator a package of snapped endoskeleton bends over me.

Oh. There you are, Jack.

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Stay tuned for the next exciting episode...

Damn this is getting long! I thought it would be over in five chapters or so but I'm having way too much fun writing it...

~*IzureAngel*~