Daniel
Sam is thinking in her bowl of cherries. They swirl around and she is just playing with them. I have not seen her be so distracted while not working on a scientific project. Wonder what's wrong?
"What is wrong?"
I startle her, and her head snaps up. "What? Oh… sorry... just in my own world this morning."
"Ok." I say as I survey her blue eyes. They are deep wells of thought, and I wish I could climb in and see what's behind them.
We received a message from the people on P2X-2698, the Hi'ed, concerning the party we were at. They said that there might have been a culture gap (my words as I explained to Jack) in what was going on. Apparently the dance and drinks were some matting ritual.
Jack says we have nothing to worry about. But I wonder. The message also said if we had been infected that it would… wooo…
"Infected!" I almost shout out the squeal.
"Yes, DanielJackson, that is what you have just said." Teal'c replied, as I looked worried.
I knew it was to good to be true. "Uh should we check it out? I mean ask Janet to screen us…"
"And look for what? I don't feel any different." Jack said as he scratched an invisible spot on the table.
Ok. Going on. If, emphasis on 'if' we had been infected, then it would ware off in a few days…
"Days?" Jack said, jumping into my reading.
"That's what it says, Jack," I calmly look at him. Days. Of what I don't know; if we had been infected. Once more: 'if'.
And when symptoms ware off, the pair of mates would climb Mount of Fealty.
"Oh, don't tell me, this is not good." Jack said as he hung his head. Finally he started banging his head slowly on my desk. Strange for being fine.
"No this is not good. But like you said, you feel fine."
"And how do we know if we have been infected?" Sam asked, sweeping a hand through her hair. Her short blonde hair bounced into place as she tapped her fingers against the desk.
"Umm… maybe they say on the other page." I hurriedly flip to the second page and scan the writing, translating it in my head. "Apparently what ever this infection is, it is to cause those who partake in it to…. Oh not good."
"Spill it!"
"Jack, we are infected."
"How?"
"We danced, drank and were merry, right?"
"I guess."
"Right, well, that was all a catalyst for the infection, of sorts. The result was to have the pair of, for lack of translation, unknown lovers, be matted." I looked at Jack, and then at Sam.
"I think I'm going to be sick." Sam rushed out the door before I could stop her.
I don't blame her, I think I maybe sick also.
Teal'c
Neither DanielJackson nor MajorCarter looked well as they exited the office. ColonelO'Neill was still banging his head on the table. I restrained him.
"Thanks, T."
"Indeed."
As DanielJackson was reading the note from the Hi'ed, I could not help but remember what was said during the dance.
"It is the dance of life! The drink is to make the mates feel the attraction!" Heb-ren had exclaimed.
"And if they do not wish to be mated?"
"Then they do not drink," Heb-ren said, confused. Believing he could clarify, he went on, "If, however a pair do drink and are not suited to mate, then they will fade. The way they feel, fades, " he explained. "Then up to the Mount of Fealty! There they tell the others of their wish to be made mates."
"I see."
The talk now floated inn my mind, making it fit into what DanielJackson had just read. I become worried, for indeed they have been "infected" just as DanielJackson had read. I could clearly see them becoming more interested in MajorCarter. The small things stood out: O'Neill's way of looking at her, the way his eyes would become glassy, as if he was still drunk, were indications. DanielJackson was not immune either; he also spent time watching MajorCarter as she went about her routine.
O'Neill, safe for now, is still sitting at the desk, with out banging his head. I do not believe this is helping his plight. Indeed, I do not know how to help either one of the men cope with their infection.
I tell O'Neill I will be back shortly. I must find MajorCarter and see if I can assist in finding a cure.