DISCLAIMER: The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-1, the goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of the people who made them up. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.

A Snake In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Part twenty-seven

Half an hour after Teal'c had left with Dr Fraiser and Clare, the remainder of SG1 and SG6 stepped through the gate on their rescue mission.

Lieutenant Anderson had given them clear instructions on the location of the village and they arrived at their destination with no trouble. As they walked into the village they knew they were being watched but no one troubled them until they reached the building which held the missing members of SG3. As they reached this building an elderly man with white hair dressed in leggings and tunic hurried over to them.

Daniel stepped forward and spoke up. 'My name is Daniel Jackson and we are peaceful explorers from the planet earth.'

The man in front of them burbled away for a few minutes, anxiously peering into their faces, trying to make himself understood. Daniel was frowning as he concentrated on the words that were being spoken, at last he relaxed and spoke to the man again.

'We're looking for friends of ours, we believe they're being held here.'

After a lengthy discussion the man moved away and gestured for them to enter the building in front of them.

'What was that all about?' Jack queried.

'It's a mix of Anglo-Saxon with a smattering of Ancient Greek.' Daniel explained.

'That wasn't what I asked, Daniel,' Jack rolled his eyes at the over-enthusiastic Daniel - why did he always assume he wanted to know all that anyway.

'Oh, well, apparently there's been a misunderstanding and SG3 weren't able to communicate with them. Arragon, the leader of the village, was very apologetic.'

Just then, they were shown into a large well-appointed room with attractive couches, hung with curtains and a table with a large selection of food and drink. SG3 were sitting around in a huddle when they saw their 'rescuers' walking in.

'Colonel.'

'Colonel.' The two Colonels greeted each other warily.

'Daniel,' Jack turned to his team-mate for an explanation.

'These people have a legend. A long time ago they were enslaved by an evil spirit with glowing eyes.'

'That sounds familiar,' Jack murmured sarcastically.

'This evil spirit left through the 'gate, but before leaving he made them plant a tree and infused it with his 'spirit' to ensure they remained loyal to him. They were afraid to go near the tree, as any that did so would become sick and die. Their legends told them that one day their saviours would come through the Chappa'ai and release the spirit, freeing them forever. It appears they consider that SG3 performed that honour.'

'That's a nice story, Dr Jackson,' Colonel Makepeace said, 'but we didn't get sick - how can a tree cause someone to die just by touching it?'

'If you really believe something will happen in a given circumstance, you can make it happen. It's hysterical association. In the early days of the tree growing there was probably a plague that wiped out a lot of people and they blamed it on the tree, since then they've come to believe it. When you touched the tree and didn't die they believed the curse was lifted, and I suppose in a way it was.'

'Whatever you say, Dr Jackson.' Makepeace wasn't entirely convinced, but at least they could communicate with these people now and could go home. 'What about those piles of wood outside?'

'Ah, after the curse was lifted, they had the tree cut down and made into three piles to honour the three men who saved them. Tonight, the fires will be lit and you'll be the guests of honour at a feast they're preparing.'

'Bet that's a new one to you, Makepeace,' Jack grinned at the other Colonel.

Makepeace glared at him, but otherwise ignored the comment. 'How's Anderson?' He asked instead.

'He got back safely and convinced us you were about to be burned at the stake. It sure does help when you've got someone who can communicate with the locals rather than trying to bulldoze your way through every situation.' Deciding it was time to move things along, Jack took charge of the situation. 'Ok, Makepeace, seeing as you're the guests of honour here, you get to stay the night and enjoy yourselves and try to establish diplomatic relations. I'll leave Daniel with you to make sure you keep yourselves out of trouble. SG6, Carter and myself will return now. We'll expect you back at the SGC tomorrow morning - and watch out for the local brew, you never know what effects it can have.'

Glad to be no longer 'prisoners', after Daniel explained to Arragon where they were going and assuring him they would return, SG3 and Daniel accompanied the others to the gate.

Sam dialled the co-ordinates and those leaving stepped through and disappeared from sight. As the wormhole closed, Daniel turned to follow Makepeace back to the village when the gate dialling up again caught their attention. Diving for the nearest cover, Makepeace dragged Daniel with him.

Their tension was relieved when, instead of a troop of Jaffa or some other enemy coming through, they saw a MALP emerging.

'Colonel Makepeace come in please.' General Hammond's voice came over loud and clear but sounded tense.

'Makepeace, here, General. Is there a problem?'

'We need Dr Jackson back here immediately. Colonel O'Neill has briefed me on your situation and you will need to proceed as best you can.'

Glancing at Dr Jackson's worried expression, Makepeace merely replied, 'Understood, sir. He's on his way now.'

Daniel, was talking non-stop to Makepeace, giving him advice on how to handle the villagers and tips on what to do and what not to do, along with some hints on communicating. All this while he dialled the co-ordinates for earth, wondering why he was needed back all of a sudden. Makepeace, with a huge sigh, urged Daniel through the gate.

'I'm sure we'll be fine, Dr Jackson. Now go.'

On arriving at the other side he was surprised to see Jacob Carter standing with Sam and Jack.

'What's going on?' He asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

'Jacob has come to collect Clare, to take her back to the Tok'ra base where the doctor who is going to be able to treat her is being brought. He apologises for the delay in getting here and hopes they will be in time.' Jack informed him, the words dropping like lead.