Chapter 23 - Gratitude
Sam emerged from the temple and looked up at the sky before her. Though the blue of the Moval sky could be clearly seen, there was an overall hint of red that indicated the shield was in place. She marveled at the technology that could do this; place a protective shied over one fourth of a planet in a matter of minutes. A shield that would prevent spacecraft from discovering that this was a planet with many viable life forms. It was clever, really, if you stopped to think about it; a protective weapon that took away any chance of the Makesh people inadvertently getting injured. The Makesh could live peacefully with the assurance that another species would find their planet uninteresting and leave it untouched. Unless they came through the Stargate, Sam frowned in thought.
"Sam!" she heard her father's welcoming shout, pulling her from her thoughts. She smiled in reply and met him halfway down the steps. Jacob enveloped both Sam and JJ in a warm embrace, relieved beyond belief that they were both safe. He looked over Sam's shoulder to share a look of gratitude with Jack that this was finally over.
Daniel had bounded up the stairs as well, eager to hear all that had transpired within the secret chamber. "So, what happened down there? We saw the light exit the temple and cover the village. Is this is a shield of some sort? What does it do?"
Sam smiled at her friend's enthusiastic questions. Knowing she would be no less excited to hear everything, she readied herself to explain. She was stopped, however by a hand on her arm. Looking up, she saw Jack frown slightly, the worry evident on his face. "Let's hold off on the explanations for a bit, OK? We need to contact Thor and find out what's happening on his end. I don't want us to be sitting here like ducks in water, thinking everything is fine, and then have those aliens on top of us before we can blink."
Nodding solemnly, the group made their way completely down the steps and waited beneath the shade of a large tree while Jack made contact with Thor. "Thor, buddy, you there?"
"I am O'Neill. I have experienced brief fluctuations in my equipment but now have them fully functioning. My sensors indicate that a shield has been placed over a large portion of the planet, is this correct?"
"Yeah. Apparently, the shield is what the Ancient's had in mind to protect the people here. It's supposed to make it appear as if the planet is barren and lifeless. What does it look like from up there?"
"I will have to adjust my controls. I will have an answer momentarily."
While they waited for Thor, Daniel spoke. "So the shield is like a force field, keeping people from seeing what's really down here?"
"It's more like a cloaking device, Daniel," Sam explained. "The Makesh should be able to walk through the shield with no difficulty; it's just to make the planet appear lifeless from the atmosphere. I'm sure the reasoning is that, if Moval appears to be lifeless, other species will not attempt to explore here."
"How far does it go? Do you know Sam?" Jacob asked with interest. This type of technology, combined with the Tok'ra tunnels, might prove to be very beneficial in keeping the Tok'ra hidden from the Goa'uld.
"The image of the Ancient said it covered one quarter of the planet," Sam explained. Jacob whistled appreciatively at her answer.
"O'Neill, I am ready to reply to your question. The portion of the planet that is covered is very vast; over one fourth. It appears from above to be a vast desert region, void of life. My initial scans also record no life signs, however, when I use specialized scanners, I am able to detect signs of life beneath the shield. In addition, I am not able to detect the presence of Naquadah any longer on the surface of the planet."
Sam raised her eyes in surprise: she had completely forgotten about the Naquadah. Now the Goa'uld or any other race would be unable to sense it as well, ruling out another possible reason to stop and explore the planet.
"Good," Jack responded to Thor's information. "That means the shield is operational. The Ancient said that the Asgard would be the only race able to detect life forms through the shield. What's happening with the alien ships?"
"They are proceeding on course toward the planet. They should reach the outer atmosphere within 45 minutes."
"Great," Jack muttered under his breath. Looking around at the group, he said, "OK, here's what we do. We all need to head back to the village and gather the people in front of the government buildings. We'll explain what's going on in as concise a manner as possible. Then we just have to wait and see if these Oreo's leave once they can't detect any life forms."
Daniel looked at Jack quizzically. "Oreos?"
Sam rolled her eyes. "He means Orinths."
"Yeah, them," Jack replied with a wave of his hand. Turning his attention back to the radio, he missed the look of amusement that was shared between Daniel, Sam and Jacob, and the quiet, "Why does he substitute everyone's name for a food lately?" from Jacob.
"Thor? We're going to head back to the village and gather everyone together. I want you to keep me apprised on the situation with those ships, OK?"
"As you wish O'Neill," Thor promptly replied before ending the transmission.
"Alright, kids… and dad," he added with a grin toward Jacob. "Let's head back to the village." Jack reached out for JJ and took him in his arms, then led the group down the path toward the village. Sam and Daniel fell into step behind him, Sam beginning a detailed discourse as to what had occurred in the secret chamber after Daniel left. "Scientists," Jack muttered under his breath. "Promise me you won't turn into one, OK little man?" JJ gurgled happily in reply.
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Twenty minutes later, they had almost all of the Makesh gathered in the courtyard in front of the government building. Those too ill to leave the medical facilities remained there; along with the former High Chancellor, who was being guarded in a cell below the building. Janet had joined her friends and been given a brief run down on what had occurred and what the next phase of the plan was. After giving both Sam and JJ a cursory check up, she returned to Daniel's side, waiting anxiously along with everyone else present.
After listening to Jack's explanations and Malem's assurances that all would be well, families clustered around each other, whispering softly amongst themselves. Their lives thus far had been rather simple and routine. Though there were the always present altercations when people lived closely together, for the most part, the Makesh were gentle, unassuming people. The news that their High Chancellor and Beroni had kidnapped the Ambassador's family shocked and saddened many among them. Added to that, this impending invasion had most of the villagers on edge. And though he was a young man and only an assistant, the people had begun to look to Malem for answers and reassurances. It was a role into which he reluctantly, but effectively, transferred into.
Renai came up to speak to Daniel, who stood off to the side talking quietly with Janet. They were both waiting for news from Thor, along with the rest of SG-1. "Excuse me Dr. Jackson," she said quietly. "I wanted to apologize for not allowing you into the temple earlier. If I had…"
Daniel held up a hand to stop her. "It's not your fault, Renai. You didn't know what the High Chancellor was really intending to do there."
She bowed her head. "Yes, but perhaps, if I had let you in, we might have been able to thwart his plans. I hate to think of the fear that Colonel Carter and JJ went through."
Janet laid her hand gently on Renai's arm. "They're just fine, Renai, and no one holds any ill will toward the rest of your people. In fact, we think very highly of Malem. If it hadn't been for his assistance, we might not have found Sam and JJ when we did."
Renai glanced toward Malem, who was deep in discussion with other members of the council. A soft smile graced her face and her eyes lit up as she said. "Yes, he is a very remarkable man, is he not?" Malem looked up at that moment and caught her eyes on him. Both of them blushed slightly before looking away.
Daniel and Janet shared a knowing smile. It seemed as if Malem would not be a single young man too much longer, judging by the way the two young people reacted to each other.
Jack's transmitter chose that moment to crackle to life. "O'Neill?" came Thor's voice. All talking ceased as everyone listened attentively for the Asgard's report.
"Yeah Thor, I'm here. Go ahead," Jack replied, casting a worriedly look at Sam before turning his attention back to Thor.
"The Orinth spacecraft have retreated, O'Neill. They appeared to take readings of the surface of the planet for several minutes, then turned around. They have just entered hyperspace. I do not believe they will be a threat any longer to the people of Moval."
A loud cheer of happiness went up from the villagers gathered there. Jack closed his eyes in relief; he would soon be able to take his family home. "That's good to hear, Thor. That's really good." Then Jack gave in to his emotional instincts and pulled Sam and JJ close for a tight hug.
Malem quickly made his way through the crowd to O'Neill's side. "Is it truly over, Ambassador?" he asked with quiet concern.
Jack released his hold on Sam and stepped forward. "As far as we know, Malem, yes it is. The shield looks like it did what the Ancients had in mind. Thor has agreed to place a protective device at the Stargate, to prevent enemies from gaining entrance to your planet through it. You can assure your people that they are safe now."
"I do not know how we can thank you and your family for what you have done; especially in light of the fact that your wife and son were taken against their will." He bowed his head briefly before continuing. "Our entire village owes you more than we can ever repay."
"We don't hold you responsible, Malem," Sam assured the young man. "Actually, you were a great help to us, as I am sure you will be to your people."
The council members had gathered around Malem and Tomaine, one of its oldest members, spoke up. "You are correct, Colonel Carter. Malem has proven himself a great leader; one whose deep concern for the well being of his people and our guests, led him to do what was right. He will sit on the council of elders and assist us in the governing of our people."
Malem ducked his head and blushed slightly, for he was not used to hearing such words of praise directed his way. "The council of elders? He's a little young to be labeled as an elder isn't he?" Jack teased lightly. He thought very highly of this young man and was pleased that his people regarded him in the same manner.
"Elder does not always refer to the old, Ambassador. It can also refer to those who are wise beyond their years," Tomaine stated with a knowing look. "I believe you will find your young son to possess such attributes as he grows."
"That I can agree with," Jack grinned as he exchanged looks with Sam. If his son was anything like his mother, he would be both brilliant and wise. Clapping his hands together Jack said, "Well, folks, much as this has been an exciting visit, I think it's time we headed on home."
"Ambassador, before you leave the council and the people of Moval would like to extend to you an invitation to visit whenever you wish. You are regarded as one of our own and we would be honored by your presence in the future," Tomaine stated. "In addition, we offer you free access to our mines, so that you may gather those minerals that were promised to you by the former High Chancellor and Beroni. We have no need of these components and feel it is the least we could you for all you have done for us."
Sam smiled brightly. "That would be wonderful, Tomaine. We'll send a few teams through as soon as it is approved by our General. Thank you so much!"
Tomaine took her hand and raised it to his lips. Giving her a soft kiss, he replied, "No, it is we who must thank you, Colonel Carter. Once again, I apologize for what has been done to you and your son. Geraut, our former High Chancellor, and Beroni will be punished for their misdeeds."
"What will happen to them?" Daniel asked, ever curious as to the customs of another people.
Malem answered. "Beroni will be stripped of his position within our academia. When he has recovered from his injuries, he will be sent to work the mines and assist in the gathering of the Naquadah. Do not fear, he will be watched closely and not allowed free access to the minerals, nor to your people," he added hastily at a look of concern from Jack. "Geraut will remain incarcerated until such a time as the council arrives at a suitable form of punishment."
Jack nodded in acceptance, but Sam frowned. "I'll be the first one to agree that what they did was wrong, but please keep in mind that the High Chancellor was doing was he thought was best for his people. He should be punished, yes, but maybe he should be given a second chance to live in peace among his people." She glanced back at Jack before continuing, "Has he been told yet about what occurred within the secret chamber?"
"Yes, he has," said a quiet voice coming from the rear of the group. People stepped aside to let the graceful figure of Shakena, wife to the former High Chancellor, step through. She glanced at Jack, then quickly back at Sam when she noticed the hardening of his gaze. "My husband holds deep regret for his actions, Colonel Carter. As you stated, he was trying to do what he felt was needed to save his people. Unfortunately, he chose the wrong means." She bowed her head, a look of intense sadness passing over her. "I do hope that one day; you will forgive us both for the injustice that was done to you and your son." She looked up with pleading eyes at Sam, then let her gaze roam over the little boy she held in her arms.
Sam stepped forward and took one of the older woman's hands in hers. "Shakena, you had nothing to do with any of this. I consider you my friend, and always will. I am so sorry for the price you must pay in all of this," Sam stated quietly, tears in her eyes at the hardships this woman might now face because of the actions of her husband.
Shakena her own eyes teary at the unexpected kind words, wiped at them with the sleeve of her gown. "My family will watch out for me and keep me close, do not fear. When one person makes a mistake, the family is not made to pay the price of justice as well." Reaching into the folds of her gown, she pulled out a small, wooden box with an intricately carved design on its cover. "I would like you to take this, for your son. Geraut carved it for our own daughter, many years ago. She did not live long, yet brought us great joy, as I am sure your son will bless you with many years of happiness. When he is older, please tell him what a remarkable thing he and his parents did for a small village, and that we are truly grateful."
Sam passed JJ over to Jack, accepted the box, and enveloped Shakena in a hug. "I will tell him, Thank you so much." When she pulled back, both women had fresh tears in their eyes.
"You are truly blessed, Ambassador O'Neill," Tomaine remarked quietly from beside Jack, his own eyes a bit moist at the kindness displayed by Sam toward her captor's wife. "Truly blessed."
Jack looked at his wife, then down at the little boy in his arms before replying, "I couldn't agree with you more, Tomaine."
The end...except for the fluffy epilogue that I am a third of the way through already. Thanks so much for reading and for the wonderful reviews!