Chapter Six: Force of Nature
Colonel Mitchell spent the day at the Military Academy observing their training programs. All afternoon, he watched cadets run simulations of space battles using virtual ships, holographic displays, and control equipment. But something was missing. These people had no feel for a fight. So he asked the Moderator to set him up on one of the sims as the enemy. With a little instruction, he learned to work the controls with Teal'c. In each case, Mitchell and Teal'c destroyed the opposing ships. The Moderator watched with interest.
Colonel Mitchell pushed back from the simulator in disgust. "Is it possible to vary the scenario? You know, put in other possibilities, other obstacles than what you have programmed here? This is too easy." He looked at the sim moderator.
"Of course Colonel Mitchell. But this emulator incorporates all known tactics of the Jaffa and even enhances them. What did you want to change?" The Moderator knew something unusual would come from these barbarian warriors. He had a rare opportunity to learn from a real Jaffa. So, he called over some of the other instructors and told them what was planned. "Please, describe a situation you want to simulate."
"Well, what would these students do if say, we gave them damage to control? You know start a fire on various levels. Can you simulate smoke in the virtual ship here?" The Moderator nodded. "Can we have 4 or 5 deck levels?" The Moderator entered the commands. Mitchell added, "and can we program it to have the elevators stop working?" Mitchell looked up at the Moderator, who nodded. "And make some of the ships lose communications with CIC. Have the enemy get up close and personal with the smaller ships. Let these kids try their hands at a dogfight." The Moderator looked confused by the term. "Um, a close engagement where the smaller ships fight each other in close proximity. And, oh, make the missile controls damaged so they won't fire from the CIC."
"An excellent suggestion, Colonel. However, it should not affect anything. The systems have built in redundancy." The Moderator called for the lead instructor and had him make the modifications. "All is ready now. Let's see what the students will do." The three adults looked knowingly at one another. The Moderator had a good idea where these two were going.
"Let the games begin." Mitchell was grinning. Teal'c just raised an eyebrow.
And sure enough, confusion started immediately. The students got disoriented. The non-working elevators stumped the few students who attempted damage control. Only one girl figured out how to open an emergency hatch to crawl up three levels to put out a fire. Two kids passed out. Half of the crew abandoned their stations to help them. Two more kids tried to re-route power to the missile chambers. Mitchell and Teal'c donned their virtual eyes and fingered the controls. Then, flying their own light craft in the simulators, they tore up the virtual big ship, and picked off the kids in the dogfight immediately. "Yeah, that was better than playing Space Invaders." Mitchell joked to Teal'c.
Teal'c had that scary look when he took point on a mission. "You have never tried situations under real combat conditions. These simulations are inadequate." He looked away disgusted. "Even as First Prime, I gave better instruction to my apprentices."
"We are grateful for this afternoon's demonstrations, Your Honors. I shall make the necessary recommendations to the Academy's Director immediately." The Moderator bowed and excused himself. Actually, he was terribly disturbed. A Jaffa and a primitive barbarian defeated the cream of the Academy's crop.
Meanwhile, Daniel was at lunch in the Faculty Club with the Chairmen of the Archaeology and Anthropology departments of the main university in the Capital. He spent a productive morning looking at the many unique artifacts. It was as fine a collection as any he had ever seen. Their questions were interesting and their knowledge of their own history broad. It was a good exchange of ideas. Of course, he also had to tell them the story of Vorash from his point of view. That never got old over here, apparently. Suddenly, there was a commotion in the room. Heads perked up and chairs swiveled to face an immense view screen. The news came on. He looked up to hear what everyone was intently watching.
"Once again, the Admiralty reports our fleet engaged the Goa'uld this morning to eradicate the enemy's Kull Warrior facility. Seven Hatak vessels were destroyed. One escaped. Numerous Al'kesh and Gliders were also destroyed in the battle. Over 300 Jaffa surrendered and were taken into custody. The facility is under Commonwealth control at this time. The fleet liberated 2607 human slaves. Their evacuation is underway." Heads were bobbing in the audience.
However," the news anchor seemed to blanch, "His Majesty's Starship Hebron engaged in the Act of Refusal during the battle. As a result, the Admiralty reports that 217 lives of Commonwealth citizens in other ships were tragically lost. The ship itself was badly crippled and its crew suffered 817 casualties. In response, Our Judge of the People has sentenced the crew of the Hebron to exile. Their families and clans must make Penance one month from today. Stay tuned for more of this breaking news as we receive it." The Talking Heads came on and someone turned it off. People seemed to be stunned. No one moved. No doubt about it, Daniel knew something big had happened. Here was something important to investigate.
On the third day that week, Jack assembled the team in his office. He had to admit, these Commonwealth folks really took good care of him. Whatever the aliens were up to, it would be a nice ride getting there. As far as he could tell, he and the team were in no personal danger. And he had sent a report through to Hammond last night. Carter took it through the Stargate herself and delivered it to General Landry. Just looking at her face, he knew she was really enjoying herself. Jack was glad. He liked seeing that light in her eyes. Together, they were off to have an adventure. Enough with the meet and greet. Lady Anna would not tell him their destination. But this should be good.
"Good morning, campers," Jack greeted the team. "We are going on a field trip today. But don't ask me where. I don't know."
"Sir, you have no idea where we are going?" Carter looked at him expectantly.
"I look at it this way, Carter; we are here for three months anyway. So, we might as well take a road trip. A little diversion would be good. I don't know about you, but I would give anything not to talk about," he mouthed the word, 'Vorash.' Everyone groaned. Teal'c raised an eyebrow and looked disgusted. Jack looked around. He had even managed to persuade the Lady to let them wear BDU's in camouflage, with their utility flak jackets. If only she let him have his P90, it would be like old times. He felt naked without it in the field.
"Sir, what made her cough up this gear?" Mitchell wanted to know. He was sick of dress blues as well.
"I had a tantrum, sort of." Jack paused at everyone's shocked expressions. "I told her I would not come out to play today unless she let me be me." He just grinned. They all grinned trying to picture that scene. "Well then she offered a trade. In exchange for some leeway, I agreed to take a look at some on-going operations in the field. Sort of doing the Earth Force Advisor thing." Jack put his baseball cap on and checked the curve of the brim.
The doors opened and the Lady herself entered wearing some sort of dark uniform with insignia. The three military officers made a salute. The other two bowed. She seemed satisfied. Jack looked at her form appreciatively. The woman was gorgeous, and powerful, and dangerous. He had to remind himself again about the dangerous part. Just ask the crew of the ship she exiled in one breath. The Lady said something softly and the next thing they knew they were elsewhere. Jack moved over to the window and looked out. She moved purposefully out of the room and along a corridor. They had no choice but to follow.
"So, where are we, My Lady?" Jack asked her as he caught up.
"On my flagship, the O'Neill, My Lord General," Lady Anna smiled to herself. "We have a briefing once we transfer into the Junction. Right now we are on our way to the bridge."
Jack looked at Carter for an explanation. She shook her head. They reached the bridge in short order. Everyone came to attention and saluted. O'Neill was taken aback. He bent over to Carter and Daniel whispering, "my idea." He was in fact very pleased. The captain made the introductions. One of the younger girls at a console fainted when she heard Jack's name.
"Doesn't get old, does it Jack?" Daniel looked around. It was an impressive set up.
"What," responded Jack? All the lights blinking, the holograms everywhere, and the pretty lieutenant walking by him, mesmerized Jack.
"You still live in the moment, don't you?" Daniel asked himself more than Jack.
"What," came back the reply? "You said something?" Jack was distracted.
"What," replied Daniel? He was looking at all the activity himself by now. Carter had moved over to one of the displays and spoke to the technician. Mitchell was staring at the view screen. Teal'c, well he was looking inscrutable.
And then the unexpected happened. Lady Anna took the captain's chair and assumed command. She looked as though she was born in that seat. Jack could not believe his eyes. Obviously, she was a seasoned professional. And each member of the crew had expected her to command. Now he was curious. Every time he thought he had her pegged, she came up with a new Anna. The ship began its journey. Sweet thought Jack. He knew then he could never go back to a desk job.
The O'Neill left the solar system and continued out for a while. On the main screen something big loomed ahead. Jack looked over to find Carter. She caught his eye and moved around to him. "It's a giant wormhole, sir. And it is stable. The tech at the console over there explained it. Sir, that's a naturally occurring nexus of normal space, hyperspace, and something else outside our normal dimension. I didn't understand what it is called. It's similar to the ones we generate in the Stargate. Only this one is permanent. This is incredible, sir. We only theorized such events were possible. But," and she stopped. Even Carter was caught up in the moment.
Lady Anna adjusted speed and course. The crew tensed. The Lady calmly ordered them to light up the particle sails. Smoothly, the ship slipped into the hole. Unlike entering a Stargate's wormhole, the ship did not immediately exit. They were traveling in something none of the team had ever seen. Carter was excited. The others were aghast. Once through, the crew relaxed. Everyone clapped and congratulated each other. Apparently, that was a transfer. Mitchell looked at the others, thinking, "Oh yeah, this was worth it."
While the Team journeyed through the giant wormhole, matters on Earth came to a head. George Hammond entered the Oval Office for his scheduled briefing. The President looked as though he had aged ten years these last ten days. Well this should perk him up, thought Hammond. "Sir, I have a report here from General O'Neill. It's a doosie. Thought you might want to see the original." He handed it over. The President began to read. And then he began to smile. And then he started to chuckle.
"Thanks, George. That was the best present you could have given me. We just got some chips added to our stack. Nice going." Hayes had a sly look on his face. "I have to consider the angles to this, but right now I'm thinking the situation has turned around."
"I thought you would say that, Mr. President." Hammond smirked and shook his head. SG-1 had done it again.
Out with the Commonwealth fleet, Admiral Zay was in the simulator with his senior staff officers. They had received word of the barbarians' visit to the Academy the day before. Zay's staff insisted that the sims were not realistic and could not happen in real life. Zay was afraid of the opposite. He ordered another set of runs through the simulators. After his team re-ran the scenario from the Academy for a fourth time, everyone was amazed by Mitchell and Teal'c. Even more impressive was their responses at the enemy controls used. Considering the barbarians had never used the sims program or the equipment, their performance was shattering preconceptions.
"We have a problem people." Zay did not mince words. "Have the computers analyze the enemy movements during Commander Eli's engagement. Compare them to these. Then run a set of permutations and feed it into the sims. I want to test the new parameters immediately on ourselves." He stood up and went back to his day cabin. This was truly a disturbing situation. Apparently, Commonwealth tactics were not what they should be. That coupled with the Act of Refusal on Eli's watch, Zay was not in a hurry to take on the renegade Free Jaffa. He left orders with his adjutant to schedule the new drills round the clock for the next four days.
On the bridge of the O'Neill, Lady Anna beckoned to Jack to come sit next to her. She dismissed the Team to O'Neill's office. Daniel looked peeved, but O'Neill shrugged back his response. In the chair next to Lady Anna, Jack sat back thinking life didn't get much better than riding on a huge honking starship, sitting next to a pretty woman, who wanted him. Well, sort of wanted him. Anyway he wasn't interested. She was fascinating. But what would a guy like him do with a woman like that anyway? He grinned.
"So what's the game plan, ma'am? Jack assumed his patient look.
"I thought we would go for a ride in the country." She kept a straight face. "Seems like a nice day for it."
"You have a sense of humor, ma'am. Well then, there's hope for you." Jack snarked back. "Why did you send my team away?"
"Too many non-essential personnel here. It's crowded as it is." She accepted an information pad from a staffer. "Besides, we can talk for a few minutes here. I won't have much time soon. We have to transfer out."
"You wanted to surprise me, why?" Jack was all business.
"Why not? I enjoyed it." She eyed her display. "Look, this is where I belong. I do the political circuit because I must. I play the diplomat because the King makes me. If things were different, I would never be away from here. I think you feel the same way too. You don't want to be stuck at headquarters any more than I do." Lady Anna sat back and watched him. He kept his emotions off his face, but his eyes told her the whole story. Jack sighed. She sure had that right. He hated his desk job. But he was too old and too high ranking to keep going out in the field.
"I don't have a choice any more than you do."
"I think you do, My Lord General. And you see it here today." Lady Anna shifted in her chair. "Do you think the Asgaard will remove this genetic marker if you ask them?"
"Probably. Thor's a buddy." Jack replied. "However he will want to check out your procedures. Then what?"
"That's up to you, My Lord." Lady Anna was busy with something on her console. "What do you want, General? What would you do with an extra 60 to 80 years of life?"
Jack sat back stunned. He had never asked himself that question. "I don't know. But I have a question for you, ma'am." He looked at her for permission. She nodded. "I just gotta know. How old are you anyway?" She gave him such a look. Uh oh, he thought. Oops. Oh well. "There is something else I want to ask you." He looked at her with his most charming smile and said, "I was wondering, can I drive?"
In the game of high stakes Poker, sometimes you have to go all in. In that case, you move all your chips into the pot and hope the other guys fold. When you don't have as many chips as your opponents, that's a risky move. But President Hayes knew he had the best hand. General O'Neill sent him a report from the alien's homeworld after a week's stay. He described a people so peaceful that efforts to build a military were tearing them apart. Jack told the President about the mutiny. O'Neill described how some of the aliens actually refused to fight because it conflicted with the Commandment not to kill. Although the aliens were definitely up to something, Jack did not believe they were an immediate threat. The President had at least once ace from that.
Furthermore, O'Neill also described a force of nature named Lady Anna. By sheer force of personality and the King's powerful backing, she was transforming her people from sheep to lions. It wasn't going smoothly. It turned out her real objective was to find military expertise. She was determined to conduct strikes against the Goa'uld and their allies the Wannabes, who were really up to no good. And for the kicker in the whole matter, Lady Anna really did want Jack. Knowing all this, President Hayes could deal with his opponents on Earth knowing he had at least a pair of pocket aces and probably a set.
Hayes' opponents had been busy. The United Nations General Assembly had threatened to declare war on the United States over this incident. It demanded the Stargate be relinquished to U.N. control. That was not going to happen. So, President Hayes contacted the other four members of the Gate Alliance Treaty. It so happened that these five countries were also permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. But these allies were disgruntled because the U.S. had interpreted the Treaty to apply only to non-military technology. Today, President Hayes gave them a chance to talk to him directly. Each one jumped at the chance. They had personnel on Atlantis, at the Gamma Site, and in Antarctica. In fact, they were secretly working in the IOC, an international body overseeing the Stargate Program. No one really wanted a war. They were bluffing.
When the President retold the story to Hammond, he could not suppress a smirk. "These guys are idiots. They gave me something for nothing. I asked them what it would take to calm down the U.N. They demanded direct access to the aliens and nothing less would do. They think they can deal with the aliens, but it's never going to happen. So I hemmed and hawed, pretending that this was a big deal. Then I told them they had me over a barrel, so fine. That calmed them down a little. But they were still hot and bothered that the aliens were going to attack them. So I told them if they want to negotiate with the aliens directly, take the matter up directly. See if you can do better than we can. It was a challenge they could not refuse. As we speak, the Russians are discussing how to send a delegation to the Commonwealth."
Hammond just chuckled. "Should I warn O'Neill or will his spontaneous reaction be better?"
"Oh, I think we know exactly what he will do. Let nature take its course." The President grinned and started laughing.
"I can't wait to hear how that turns out, sir." Hammond shook his head. "From what Colonel Carter told General Landry when she delivered O'Neill's report, they really are in love with Jack. The Russians won't get anywhere."
The aliens were playing poker too but did not have to go all in. The trip on board the alien ship, O'Neill, had been short. Apparently, they were set to rendezvous with the real players in the alien military. Even though contact with Earth was only ten days old, Lady Anna decided to risk part of her stack on her ability to figure Jack out. She was betting he could not resist an opportunity to kick some bad guys back to the stone age with her fancy equipment. After all, it was in everyone's interest. Lady Anna told O'Neill that she would fully disclose the situation at their destination, a secret military base. So Jack really did become her Earth Force Advisor. And Lady Anna won him as a tentative ally.
"Where have you been, sir? We were getting worried." Carter stood up as O'Neill came into his office on the alien ship. Mitchell got up as well. Daniel maintained his slouch. And Teal'c continued playing with some object he found in the office.
"She let me drive." He held out his arms and broke into a big smile. "She likes me."
"You got to sit in the big chair, sir?" Carter was impressed.
"Yeah it was cool. All the blinking lights, the holograms, I even got to sign a pad of requisition reports." He looked at the surprised faces. "So what's up?"
"She let you play Captain Kirk?" Mitchell was impressed. "You can dine out on that story forever, sir."
"Yeah, one other matter, Jack," Daniel made a face. "We all have our original quarters. I'm still assigned to that bunk at the far end of the ship." He arched an eyebrow and pouted. "I assume you are still getting the royal treatment?"
"Um yes, yes, I am. But I can look into your situation." Jack saw Daniel get peeved. "Ok I'll fix it." Jack shrugged. He touched a console button to summon his assistant. When she arrived, Jack told her to upgrade Daniel's quarters to the equal of the rest of the team and put him on the same deck. "There, are you happy?"
"What?" Daniel replied looking at something Sam had in her hands. "Are we there yet?"
"Where," asked Jack?
"There, where we are going," Daniel countered.
"We are supposed to get where there is soon." Jack answered. He had confused himself with that one. Immediately switching gears, Jack commented, "she asked me what I would do with an extra 80 years of life?" Jack sat down and twirled in his chair.
"Sir, if the Asgaard don't lift that DNA marker they put in you, you can't," Sam pointed out.
"There's that, but mustn't dwell. We have to get ready to meet and greet some more." Jack looked at Teal'c. "Apparently, they are really worried about letting you see some of their stuff. So, Big Guy, show them that Jaffa charm, ok?"
Teal'c looked offended. "I shall endeavor to extend the appropriate courtesies at all times." Then he practiced his smile.
"Right. That's what I meant." Jack rolled his eyes at Daniel. Mitchell suppressed a snort of laughter. He never imagined the great SG-1 was so off the wall.
After the ship docked at the base, the Team formed up to attend a formal briefing. When Commander Derek heard Teal'c was coming, he nearly had a stroke. And here he was. Apophis' Former First Prime walked into their inner sanctum. This place was the most closely guarded secret in the entire Commonwealth. To Derek's amazement, his Lady just brought in a Jaffa, and not just any Jaffa. Him, she brought Teal'c. Derek snarled, "what is HE doing here?"
"Shut your mouth Derek before you catch flies." Lady Anna saw there was going to be trouble. She knew what was going through his head. The tension in the room was so thick; it could be cut with a knife. She made a small nod to the security men who repositioned themselves between the commander and the big Jaffa. It wasn't enough. Derek went flying over the table at Teal'c. In the scuffle, Derek was knocked unconscious.
"Throw him in the brig. I'll deal with him later." She turned to Teal'c. "My most sincere apologies, Master Teal'c." Then she addressed him in the Chulak dialect and offered Jaffa signs of respect. Daniel translated for the team. Then she apologized to everyone else. "I should have seen that coming. It's my fault."
"Do tell, ma'am," Jack was pissed. "Feel like sharing?" He cocked his head to one side and positioned his arms. If this got any uglier, he would have to act.
"Derek blames Teal'c for the destruction of our Planet Asher. As First Prime to Apophis, he would be the one who led the attack. We all realize that was another time. Since then, Master Teal'c has made amends. Lady Anna surveyed the other officers for signs of mutiny. Jack wished he had his P90 at that moment. He looked around for something to use as a weapon. Mitchell and Carter were doing the same.
"I never attacked a world called Asher, My Lady. When did this attack occur?" Teal'c was stone faced.
"Seven years ago, a little more." The Lady looked at him wondering why.
"For the past nine years, I have been in the service of the Tau'ri, with O'Neill." Teal'c straightened to his full, dignified presence. Gasps and sighs went around the room. Everyone relaxed. Some looked embarrassed.
"Master Teal'c, we owe you an apology for having evil thoughts about you. I am even more apologetic." Lady Anna went up to him and bowed again. "You are indeed a righteous man, so let it be written." All the others bowed as well.
"Your mistake is understandable. I am appeased." Teal'c returned the bow.
"Please, come and sit next to me this day." She indicated the chair on her left. Everyone took his place. O'Neill sat to her right. "Let's be about it. Brief our new friends." The meeting continued for several hours.
Back in Washington, the alien's Earth Ambassador had a report to make. The situation with the petty barbarians provided tremendous comic relief. He couldn't wait to call his superior who also happened to be his cousin to relate this story.
"My Lord, I just had the funniest conversation. One of the little Earth provinces sent a representative to meet with me. He wanted to meet the King. Can you imagine?"
"Did you ask why?"
"The barbarian claims to represent a major Earth power. He thinks that without his province's cooperation, we shall have no end of trouble on Earth."
"So, who are they? And, how many people, and how big is the province?" The Second Lord of the Foreign Ministry for Emerging worlds became concerned.
"My Lord, they call themselves Republique Francaise. They are less than one percent of the Earth's population. But the way they talk about themselves, you would think they were half the planet. Total population is 60 million." The Ambassador was laughing at this point.
"We have outposts with more people. And they want to talk to the King, no less?" The Second Lord thought for a moment. "My wife has a 5th cousin once removed serving as an intern in the Nominal Industrialization division. He could use the experience of dealing with primitive civilizations.
"Why him?" asked the Ambassador.
"The guy is already 102 yrs old and can't get a decent job. I could send him to Earth for a couple of years." The Second Lord chuckled. "At least, it would get my wife off my back."
The Russians had their own agenda to fulfill. Heck with the other members of the Gate Alliance Treaty, especially the French. Ambassador Dmitri Pavlovich Orlov stood before the active Stargate at the SGC. So this was the ring. It was a daunting prospect. A young protocol officer had given his party a briefing, as if he needed a lesson in manners. He had been a diplomat for thirty years. He was the best. That was why Moscow chose him. Still, he had to remind himself this was an historic occasion with aliens. The ambassador was confident all his training and experience would serve him well. He knew what motivated people. He was a skilled negotiator. No doubt his study of historical trends would help him understand the real drivers of these aliens. History was a scientific matter. So he braced himself and stepped through.
The Russian delegation found themselves in the same terminal where SG-1 came through. However, they were not impressed. Busy terminals existed in Russia, too. Their guide ushered them to waiting air cars and took them to the new Earth Embassy. Here, they would stay overnight for their appointment in the morning. But the Russians would not stay in the Embassy. They wanted the aliens to know that they were a separate and equal entity to the United States. So the ambassador insisted on different lodgings. After confusion and more consultations with his superiors, the alien representative agreed. A shuttle took them to a walled estate outside the city.
The Commonwealth representative sighed to himself; truly, these people had no manners.
The next morning, the Russian Delegation had their appointment with the Second Lord of the Directorate for Emerging Worlds. Ambassador Orlov had his orders. He must present their case to the King. So when the Second Lord greeted him, the ambassador was polite but firm. He had to get past the first round of unimportant officials. The conversation went around a few times. Then the Ambassador decided to push a little. He asked what it would take to get an audience with the King. The Second Lord told him that the people in this directorate would be the most helpful to him. Since the King would not get involved, why would they want to see the King? The Ambassador insisted that his people were sufficiently large and powerful on Earth, therefore worth an audience with the King. The Second Lord informed them that he was the best person to assist them. The Ambassador was too shrewd for that ploy. He told the Second Lord, thanks, perhaps later. And so he pushed to move up the food chain to someone important.
Very well, so be it. The man got up and left. More functionaries tried to dissuade them, saying more could be accomplished here than at an audience with the King. The Russians did not believe them thinking it was just the runaround. This scenario went on for a week. Finally, one of the Russians took off his shoe and pounded it on the desk, as had Nikita Khrushchev in his time. The Americans had met with the King. The Russian people would not stand for anything less. As it happened it was the day of the quarterly scheduled audience. Traditionally, the King granted audiences to important visitors and officials once every quarter. So off the Russians went to the Palace.
At the end of the day, the Russians were the last to be admitted to the Great Hall of Audience. It was a stupendously decorated and cavernous room with hundreds of people milling about. At the far end, maybe a quarter of a mile away, sat the King on a dais. The Russians compared it to the Hermitage. They had beautiful palaces too. The ambassador was unfazed. The delegation marched up and handed their credentials to the ornately garbed official who passed the packet up to the King's aide. The King nodded at it. The Master of the Audience banged his staff, and the King rose and left. So did everyone else. Half an hour later, the Russians found themselves back in front of the Stargate and sent home.
The Gate Alliance members knew they screwed up. After hearing about the Russian and French experiences with the aliens, the British were more cautious. The Chinese, who knew patience, decided to wait. To the credit of the Chinese and the British, they decided more information was necessary before they attempted a meeting. As the British were wont to say, "discretion is the better part of valor." Both of them reserved their right to go later. The Russians were already grumbling that O'Neill had made things impossible.
At the alien military base, Admiral Zay arrived for the meeting with Lady Anna. A shuttle to the O'Neill took him to his destination. The Admiral had disturbing news to report. The fleet's readiness could not be certain. The coming battle with the renegade Jaffa would have to be postponed. The drills on the new sims proved that something was missing in the thinking of the crew. He had no idea what that was. He ordered his Tactical Officers to contact the Intelligence Service for surveillance records of enemy tactics in action. He wanted a new comparison done. So, the Admiral scheduled time to talk to Teal'c and Mitchell. Apparently, these primitives had a better understanding of combat than anyone else they had met these last seven years.
On the O'Neill, the briefing had been in session for half the day. Lady Anna disclosed a dire situation. The Goa'uld and the Wannabes had established a firm foothold in a large sector of the galaxy close to Commonwealth territory. If the ships being built by the bad guys had progressed that far with such a complete and operational support network, then everyone was in big trouble. Holograms of the shipyards and the ships told the whole story. Lady Anna stated her objective that the ships and the shipyards had to be destroyed, along with the entire supply chain. The only question was how. Because the when was right now. Those birds would become operational in a few months. Jack realized the Commonwealth had good intelligence. But they had no clue what to do with it. Lady Anna was right. She did need help.
"Ok, I've heard enough." Jack spoke to the Lady. "We can do the job. But our losses may be steep. The question is what are you willing to do for us to justify our losses?"
"We assume you think eradicating this threat to save your people is not sufficient exchange?" Lady Anna knew he would try to negotiate. She didn't care. If they really could make a difference, a few trinkets were nothing. "What more would you have us do, My Lord General?"
"Ma'am, you did offer to advance my people. That's why I came." Jack sat back nonchalantly. He knew how much she wanted him and the assistance he could bring.
"Yes, I did. And what do you think your participation would require from us?" Lady Anna knew this old game. She was patient. Negotiation was a process. The game demanded that he leave the table with something he deemed significant to show his leaders. But she must not give in too quickly or the other side would be dissatisfied. They would think they could have done better. Anna understood the concept of win-win. Both sides must believe they have achieved something. And both sides must appear to be unsatisfied with the results no matter how happy they are. Otherwise the deal will never work out properly.
"Here's the deal. We need scientific advancement. For that we need an exchange between our people. Let our people work in your labs. Allow our personnel to train on your ships. After we get our bearings, we want our own ship." Jack gauged her reaction. There wasn't one. Interesting. "Do all that, and I will bring the best team of strategists you could ever want. We can take down these bastards, no problem. But I have to know now; will you really go through with it? No more Acts of what was it?"
"Acts of Refusal," Lady Anna finished for him. "Who are these people you would bring here? Are they your warriors?"
"Some of them are retired warriors, but yes, my warriors. And I know few civilians we need, too." Jack was sensing a deal. "And we can get the Jaffa to help." He looked over at Teal'c for confirmation.
Teal'c took that opportunity to represent his people. "My Lady, the Free Jaffa can be formidable allies. I sit on the High Council. There I have many supporters. But, they may have their own demands." Teal'c nodded to Jack.
O'Neill continued, "Maybe the Tok'ra will work with us too. And if we are lucky, the Asgaard will finally show up, but we won't wait for them." He looked around. He could read people. Some of these folks had a really hard time with the concept of working with the Jaffa. Every one of them had flinched when he said he wanted the Jaffa. Jack looked around the table. "What's up between the Jaffa and you folks?"
Admiral Zay looked over at Anna. He shrugged as if to say, in for a penny in for a pound. She didn't move. All the heads turned to her. Mitchell saw her hesitation and figured it out.
"They want to kill off the Jaffa," Mitchell said to Jack. He turned to Lady Anna. "Isn't that right? We teach them how to knock off these shipyards as a training exercise. Then they go after the Jaffa."
"This is outrageous!" Teal'c leaned forward toward the Lady. "If you do something like that, you are no better than the Goa'uld. They destroy entire worlds, as you well know. I cannot sit here and listen to this."
"Easy big fella. No one has said that. Have they?" He looked directly at Anna. She met his gaze. "I presume the Colonel is off the mark, is he not?
Lady Anna brought the full weight of her gravitas to bear in the look she gave O'Neill. She took her time to respond. Her eyes looked at him with patience. And then she spoke softly and deliberately as if to a child. "Yes, we have the ability to destroy the Jaffa. But we have not. You on the other hand have a poison and have used it on them. People who make and use poison are questionable allies."
The Lady paused, looked at her hand, and then she raised her eyes to meet O'Neill's. She looked at him as if she saw right through him. Her presence filled the room. "Our people have the moral fortitude to obey the Commandment not to kill. It is this moral core that is our greatest strength and our greatest weakness. At the moment it is making our lives miserable. Our people do have the means to prevail without your help. However, that road will be drawn out and bloody. Millions upon millions will die. We asked you here to try and find a short cut. We want to limit the casualties among our people and yours. However, we are still not certain that we are not making a pact with the devil dealing with you."
Her officers sat up straighter. Anyone could see the pride they had in her. They would follow her into Hell. Her charisma was that tangible. She was the only person who could have turned this whole society around. O'Neill understood for the first time who and what she really was. Here was a woman who was a true leader. The silence was deafening. No one moved. Finally, Daniel addressed himself to Lady Anna.
"My Lady, there is much we have in common. We believe in the same Ten Commandments that you do. We have most of your Teachings in our religious texts. So, we start from the same point. We face these challenges too."
At the other end of the table, Admiral Zay spoke next. "Our Great Lady has no need to explain herself to you. So I will attempt to caution you. All of you, and that includes our honored General, have behaved like barbarians to our Lady. She has graciously and patiently allowed herself to be insulted and disrespected for the sake of her people. That you and your team, including a Jaffa Master, are even sitting here in our most secret facility to hear our plans, attests to her desire for peace and good relations with Earth and the Jaffa. Understand this, if you can, our Lady has offered all of you nothing but kindness and courtesy. There isn't one of you who have responded in kind. As a result of unprecedented familiarity, you have gone too far. Are we clear?"
"Yes Admiral, we are clear." Jack looked at Lady Anna. " My apologies ma'am. Obviously, we jumped to the wrong conclusion. Even so, we should have been more respectful in our inquiries. It won't happen again." The General knew this meeting had gone horribly wrong.
"I think both sides have had their difficulties today. Dr. Jackson is correct. We do not know each other very well," Lady Anna said gently. "Let us remember our objective. the survival of our peoples. We shall all consider what we have learned. This meeting is adjourned."
Later in O'Neill's office, Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell received the dressing down of his life. He had taken the situation too lightly. All the bantering, verbal sparring, excitement and camaraderie made him lose his perspective. O'Neill told Mitchell his concerns should have been expressed privately. It was O'Neill's responsibility to handle the inquiry. As punishment, Jack confined Mitchell to quarters. Jack was so angry that Mitchell was lucky he wasn't thrown out an airlock.
Once he took a break, Jack sat down to deal with the situation. His bargaining position had just been flushed. He knew he had to re-establish goodwill. And he had to establish his bona fide credentials, because his team was never leaving here unless he performed. Jack had seen the faces in that room. So, Jack wrote a letter to the President. He explained the situation as being dire for Earth, which it was. In broad terms, the General explained the gist of the problem. Jack constructed a game plan. He requested permission to proceed. In the letter, he requested support. Jack requisitioned a list of personnel, contractors, and supplies. While going down the list, the General realized something important in this situation. Earth had more to offer than just military expertise. So he asked for products unique to Earth. He decided to charm the Lady with some well chosen gifts. And he decided two weeks without his morning coffee was enough.
Later that evening in Lady Anna's quarters, she and Admiral Zay dined together. The remains of the dinner attested to a meal enjoyed. Over dessert, Admiral Zay and Lady Anna sat together quietly. After the high drama today, both wanted to relax. As cousins who had known each other all their lives, they could be informal in private. Each one was very tired. It had been a very long day. Together they discuss the day's disturbing events.
"Come here Anna. Sit with me." Zay opened his arms. Anna slipped over and accepted the hug. Warm human contact was so infrequent in their positions. Zay was older than Anna. He loved to play big brother to her, when he could. She didn't object. Their friendship had lasted over all the events of their lives. Now she depended on him even more.
"Thank you for what you said today, Zay," Anna took his hand. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"I know," Zay teased. "You would be married to some prince or another, bored out of your mind. You only became a starship captain to compete with me."
"Probably," Anna did not want to play fight that old chestnut. "That and I couldn't resist long hours of tedium mixed with days of frustration, waiting for something to happen."
"You certainly got your wish today," Zay leaned back. "Now, they understand how deeply we hate the Jaffa. Derek made it plain to them."
"Be careful with those sentiments. O'Neill is already sensitive. He is deeply attached to Master Teal'c. So, don't make my task harder." She looked up at her cousin to make sure he got the message. "Anyway, if the Jaffa want to die in battle against these aggressors, let them. It's just that many warriors we don't have to send."
"Maybe. Do you think O'Neill can really make a difference?" Zay doubted the whole situation. Anna had a sixth sense about these things. Over time, Zay had learned to trust her instincts. "I find it difficult to believe this bunch of misfits really did all those things their files say they did."
"I'm told O'Neill is special. Did you know the genetics researchers are interested in him? They say he is different from most people. The Research Institute Director told me he thinks Jack is very advanced." Anna got up to stretch.
"Jack? Are you on first name basis already?" Zay raised an eyebrow. This was news. He had never known her to permit such intimacy from a stranger.
"We have a rapport. Or we did." Anna sighed. "He is a strange man. His behavior is unpredictable. One moment he is like a child. The next he is a trained killer. He was ready to kill every single one of us this afternoon when Derek went berserk." She checked to see that Zay was paying close attention. "And don't think he hasn't observed us carefully. He is very patient and likes to hide behind a façade of ignorance. Don't you dare underestimate him. You hear me, Zay?" Anna settled back on the sofa and closed her eyes. "Anyway, we don't lose too much asking him. If he turns out to be a fraud, that's his hard luck."
