SGC
Arwen showed up for work thirty minutes early. She hoped Daniel would be in his office. After three months away, she figured he'd be anxious to get back to work.
She unlocked her office, next door to Daniel's, entered and flipped on the lights. She ran her fingers lightly over her books as she walked past the bookcases crammed full with research materials. Dropping down into her chair, Arwen breathed in the air of centuries, millennia, of history. She loved her work and had been ecstatic when she had been hired for this job.
She stood up and moved over to the connecting door between her office and Daniel's. It stood open. She remembered locking that door before they'd left on their mission. Tentatively, she stepped through the doorway and peered into Daniel's office.
It was neatly organized. Something was seriously wrong. Daniel's office was never neat. Maybe Sam straightened it out while they were missing.
She was surprised that Daniel wasn't in his office. She left and headed for the commissary. Maybe he was there. She spotted Dr. Lee at the coffee machine. Surely he'd know where Daniel was.
"Dr. Lee, have you seen Dr. Jackson?" Arwen picked up a mug and began filling it with the hot, black liquid.
"Dr. Jackson? He went off world two days ago with SG1." He assumed she was looking for him to discuss work. "I have no idea how long he'll be gone. There should be enough work around for you in your office without him."
"Yes, plenty of work. Thanks." Arwen took her coffee and headed back to her office.
Gone. He was gone. She'd worked up her courage to speak to him and the jerk didn't have the consideration to be here. Annoyed and frustrated, Arwen retreated to her office and began working.
Alpha Site
Daniel held his glasses in his left hand and pinched the bridge of his nose with his right. What is the matter with these people? Why can't they see that they are stronger together?
"Just hear me out. Do you need each other? No, but your two groups are much stronger together than they are separated. Jacob, the Tok'ra work by infiltrating the Goa'uld ranks. You and the Jaffa could group together in teams and infiltrate together. Working together is more productive. You'd each attain your objectives more quickly."
Jacob/Selmak and Arlek (Jaffa) sat opposite each other in similar poses. Both men sat with folded arms, turned slightly away from each other.
"Dr. Jackson, there appears to be nothing more to discuss. I believe we are at an impasse and I see no reason to continue when he," Arlek pointed at Jacob, "refuses to listen to reason."
"For once, we agree. I have better things to do elsewhere." Jacob turned to Daniel. "We thank you for your efforts, but there is no way we can work with those people."
Both groups of men seated around the table, stood and exited from opposite doors, leaving Daniel alone.
Daniel's head throbbed. Ten days. He'd been trying to smooth ruffled feathers for ten days. There had been no progress at all. Each group believed they were superior to the other. Arrogant, egotistical, presumptuous, self-important bastards.
Daniel dropped his head to the cold table and sighed. He felt like either slamming their heads together and yelling obscenities at them or lining them up and zatting them all – twice!
"So, Danny-boy, ya ready to head on home?" Jack had seen the two angry groups of ambassadors stomping from the meeting chamber.
"Yes, Jack, I am sooo ready. I need another vacation after this. Please tell me our next mission is to someplace with beaches, palm trees and room service." Daniel moaned and pushed himself up, dog-tired and emotionally drained.
"Come on. Carter and Teal'c are saying good-bye to their respective friends slash family and we can head home." Jack took a good look at the weary man and realized he looked terrible. "I think we need to get the doc to give you a really good check-up. You look like crap."
"Gee, thanks, Jack. I feel like crap."
Jack's eyebrows arched. If Daniel said he felt bad, he must be seriously ill.