The strangest week in his life drew to a close. Retired Lieutenant General Robert Franklin of the U.S. Army shook his head. General Franklin walked into General O'Neill's office on board the space ship. He laughed to himself. It was just surreal that a U.S. Air Force General had an office aboard an alien spaceship. When the President asked him to go someplace unusual with the risk of never returning, Franklin did not imagine this place. The briefing on the plane to the SGC made his eyes pop. The military officer made it plain. General Franklin could go as a contractor and get the bonus, or be recalled to active duty, either way he was going. He took the $5 million bonus and the $5 million insurance policy for the sake of his grandkids. Now it remained to be seen if he could ever go back. Security was really tight here. People got in, but didn't necessarily get out. It was obvious to everyone. Jack O'Neill was a priceless commodity. The alien leader was not letting him out of her sight. But General Franklin needed to go back for more help. He needed to brief the President. These aliens did not have a clue what they were asking to do. Would Lady Anna let him go home?
"Jack? Need some help?" Franklin walked in to find O'Neill under his desk. He strode over to the table to help Jack up.
"What? Oh, no, I was just trying to see how this table does it." Jack
"Does what?" Franklin asked.
"You know, all the cool stuff like holograms, data streams, operations." Jack crawled out from underneath. He saw Franklin looking around in surprise. "Some office, huh?" He nodded to the assistant to leave. "They really, um, like me."
"Sure Jack, nice office." Franklin cast an eye about the room. It even had an American flag. Nice touch. He nodded approval. "They seem to treat you well. So what's the program for tonight?"
"We have dinner." Jack gestured for General Franklin to sit. "Just give Anna a formal greeting, then act normally."
"Anna? I'm not sure I would even refer to her like that Jack. She's so touchy about protocol." Franklin frowned. He was wearing a coat and tie as well tonight.
"Oh, there's no protocol on the Sabbath, Bob. Everyone gets a rest. Kinda nice." Jack sat down. He grinned. "I got her a box of chocolates. This should be huge."
"Wow." Franklin smirked. "If she is like any other woman, she'll be putty in your hands after she discovers chocolate." They both chortled. "What about ice cream or coffee?"
"Nope, I was saving those for defensive action." Jack joked. "And, I'm not sure I want to be around if she hasn't had her morning coffee. Know what I mean?"
"Right." Bob laughed softly. "What do you think she wants by inviting us?"
"They have a definite concept of hospitality. So, enjoy it." Jack paused to add, "One thing though, keep it light. We aren't supposed to discuss business tonight. Speaking of which, did everyone complete a physical?"
"Yes, the last one went this afternoon. Are you sure they didn't do something to us? You know, evil alien experiments on humans thing?" Bob smiled but he wasn't joking. "I have no idea what they did, but the arthritis in my wrist is gone, knee too. So that's something."
"Yes, I know. Had the same thing. The knees were shot and the back was protesting, but I asked them to do something. It's fine now. I figured if they wanted to mess with me, they would do it, anyway." Jack gave a meaningful look at Franklin. "Look, other than a couple of unfortunate misunderstandings and the medal pinning ceremony, it's been a rather routine operation."
"Routine? Jack, you've got to be kidding." Franklin paused, remembering the President's speech to Congress. "Yes, ok, I suppose for you this would be routine. So you fly around on space ships before?"
"Yep. Lots. Flown some myself, too. Stole a big one once." Jack watched his reaction. There was visible surprise. "Anna even let me do a Captain Kirk on the way here. I think she got as big a kick out of it as I did. So you ready?" They got up to go. "So far, what do you think Bob?"
General Franklin considered the question. "Jury is still out."
In the equivalent of a BOQ (base officer's quarters) lounge, the Earth advisory team sat down to dinner with SG-1. Deets turned to Carter and offered her a seat. At dinner, Deets pumped Carter for her opinion of the situation. Around the table, the questions flew fast and furious at the team. The first question was what the aliens would do with them. From the looks of things, their usefulness was directly connected to waging a war these people were not ready to fight. And that war would take a long time even under optimum conditions. That question went around and around with no conclusion. Everyone wanted to know why the aliens wanted Jack so much. That question had a good answer. He was the biggest propaganda tool the team could imagine. Other questions centered on how could anyone tell which aliens were really children and which were young adults. No one had any help to add except that real kids weren't working. The biggest question was whether these aliens were really good guys or not. They could be teaching the enemy how to conquer Earth. For that question, no one had a good answer.
On the Flag Officer's deck, Anna greeted her guests and accepted their formal respects. Jack offered her the gift of chocolates. Anna looked at it and was impressed. "My Lord General, your gift is much appreciated." She looked at him and smiled delightedly. People were always giving state gifts to her, but she knew this was different. It was a real gift. She looked at him with a question in her eyes.
"We call these chocolates. It's candy ma'am." Jack saw the pleasure this small gift was already giving her. "Chocolate is one of the nicest things we have on Earth. I sent for these special for you." She looked up at him with appreciation." Shall I open them now or later, My Lord General?" Anna really wanted to see what was in the pretty box. Normally, she would have any food item screened, but she could sense no deception in Jack. He was going into his child at heart mode.
"Oh, why not? Let's start with dessert." Jack smiled back at her. They all sat down in her small sitting room. Anna opened the box carefully, looking at the wrapping and the design. There was so much packaging. First there was a big red velvet ribbon. Then there was gold colored paper. The box had an embossed gold colored lid. She saw lots of writing on the bottom. Someone went to a lot of trouble to make this box. Lifting the lid, there was a paper liner and a clear barrier. Anna was puzzled to find little black and brown things. Some had colors on top. Some were wrapped in foil. They had different shapes. But they smelled good.
Jack leaned over and showed her the pictures and the descriptions from the paper inside the box. "This tells you what is in each one. For example, this one is pure chocolate. And this one has nuts. And this one has caramel inside. This one is called a truffle and has many kinds of chocolate all rolled up in one with a dusting of cocoa powder for good measure. Try that one first." He nodded at her to go ahead. Anna went and got a fork. That was different thought Jack, but ok. "Um, we usually eat these with our fingers, ma'am." Anna delicately touched it with her fingers. Anna looked at Jack once more; then prepared to take a small bite. "No, ma'am. The whole thing at once, it is better that way." So she sniffed it, hesitated, and then tried it as he suggested. Both generals waited for the reaction. The light bulb went on. The explosion of flavor suffused her senses. Both men grinned at each other, congratulating themselves at their success. Her eyes went wide and then closed. There was a small sigh. Jack imagined this must be what she looked like in an orgasm. "How was that, ma'am?"
Anna took a moment to answer. She looked up at him, delighted. "That was the best thing I ever put in my mouth. Thank you." Her eyes misted. Anna had no idea that something this wonderful existed. As she looked at Jack, her expression softened. Her gratitude was in her eyes. He knew he had really pleased her. She turned to General Franklin and thanked him too.
Admiral Zay walked in to find them sitting with a glow about them. Good he thought, tonight would be pleasant. "Zay, come here and try these. We have a wonderful present." Zay looked at them and at the box. The contents looked strange. But Anna was really happy. "Use your fingers, Zay." He took one of the candies and had the same surprised reaction. Well, that was interesting. Maybe these people did have something worth importing. Dinner was announced and everyone proceeded to the table.
After dinner, the other family members were excused. General Franklin was surprised at the normal way they related to one another. He approved. No servants were apparent tonight, either. Interesting. He would ask Jack about that later. With their after dinner drinks, they moved to the music room. Lady Anna sat down and adjusted the volume. Anna decided on Earth music to honor her guests. She selected Pagliacci, an opera. The story reminds the audience that beneath the theatrical facade, artists harbor genuine emotions and real passions. Anna knew that Jack liked opera. She wondered briefly if he knew this one.
Anna took another one of the chocolates. "General O'Neill, these are really good." She listened to the music for a few moments and added, "I have to confess that these weeks have been eventful. I am so very impressed with the progress you all have made. Both of you seem to have the situation in hand."
"Well, thank you, ma'am. We appreciate your confidence in us." Jack decided this evening was going very well.
"I am thinking about going to the Capital next week. It'll be a nice break from all the military activities here." Anna sat back into the cushions and relaxed. The music began the cry of Pagliaccio, the clown whose heart is breaking but must make the audience laugh.
"Oh, well, that makes sense. We can have some things ready for you when you get back." O'Neill answered.
"Actually, I was thinking you could come with me. You have been working as hard as I have. And you haven't seen much of the city. Let's go and take a few days off." Anna reached into the chocolates again.
"Oh, I think I should stay and help." Jack reached for his drink. Then he caught Anna's expression and saw the look she gave him. Aw crap. It had been such a nice evening.
"Ma'am, if I may, I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor." Franklin didn't see the look.
"A favor, General? What kind of favor?" Anna had a pretty good idea what was coming. Here was her opportunity. "Go ahead. I am listening." She adjusted the volume to hear him better.
"General O'Neill can handle things while I am away." O'Neill had a look of oh no. Franklin obliviously plowed onward. Anna looked at him and frowned. "Ma'am, I have been thinking about the composition of people we have brought here. Knowing more about the situation, I believe we should make some changes. And I would like to request some different equipment."
"I see. Well, we usually do not discuss business tonight, but since time is short, I can see the necessity." Anna looked over at Zay. He knew what she had in mind already. "I suppose you have made a list?"
"That's just it, ma'am. I have but I think it would be better if I handled this myself back on Earth." Franklin looked over to Zay. "I sent a plaintext copy of the reports and my suggestions for the list to the Admiral per our standard arrangement."
Zay answered after some thought. "Yes, I saw it. I don't think it really requires anyone to go in person. We can send it through the Gate to the SGC tomorrow evening."
O'Neill understood his mistake. Oops. He was going to the Capital. "On second thought, I suppose it could be fun to check out the Capital with you ma'am. You are right. I didn't see it the first time I was there." He was alarmed he had just stepped in it but good. So, he was back peddling really fast.
"Why thank you, General O'Neill. I will be grateful for your company. You are very kind to offer to escort me." She put her cup down on the table. "You know, I think Zay, that as a personal favor to our Honored Lord General, we should do something for General Franklin." The music reached the point where Canio as Pagliaccio plays his part through his despair. The haunting music distracted her for a moment.
"Oh, what do you have in mind," asked Zay, knowing perfectly well what she was doing.
"I suppose that Colonel Mitchell and Commander Eli can watch over things here for a few days without our supervision. It is all so technical right now." She looked directly at Franklin. "We should let him go and deliver his report to the President." Franklin's eyebrows tried to crawl off his face. That's exactly what he intended to do. She was good.
"Well some precautions are in order." Zay looked severely at the general. "We shall supply you with jamming devices to defeat any surveillance. You must have them continually turned on during your stay on Earth. The distribution of the report should be limited to no more than five people of your choice." Franklin nodded in agreement.
"I think we have to be very careful with the general's personal report." Lady Anna did a tag team play. "I don't want you to make an oral briefing to anyone but the President himself. Everybody else will have to be limited to the contents of the report you provided Admiral Zay." She observed the reaction in General Franklin. Of course she had already read it. "I expect you to return four days after you depart. You will return to the Capital by Stargate so we can meet to return here together."
General Franklin said, "yes ma'am," just as the opera ended to Canio's chilling words, "the comedy is ended."
As soon as the dinner with Lady Anna concluded, O'Neill set outfind Daniel. If he was going on a trip, so was Daniel. Daniel had it just a little too easy this time. At a wall station, the computer told him where to find Daniel. So O'Neill wandered over to the BOQ. He entered to find a frat party in progress. Music was blaring out of a boombox. Daniel was standing on a table.
"So following the commandment of His Royal Highness, Lord Jack, I respectfully brought to his attention the audacity of taking St. Patrick hostage." Boos and hisses were loud enough to cover the sounds of burps. "His ancestor Niall of the Nine Hostages actually dared to capture the young St. Patrick. Of course, he let St. Patty go 'cuz we have St. Patrick's Day parades and all..."
"Daniel, how many beers did you have?" Jack used his most patient voice.
"Two, I think." Daniel had a big green shamrock pasted to his chest.
"Two too many for you. Somebody take that away from him." Jack raised his arm to defend himself from all the wads of paper flying his way. More boos added to the hilarity. Jack surveyed the company. Every last one of them was wearing a shamrock t-shirt. He could be a jerk or he could join in. "Lt. Colonel Carter, why are you not wearing a shamrock?"
Sam lurched to her feet. "Sir, I couldn't replicate my size." She was obviously partaking as well.
"As you were," said Jack. He sat down with his friend and demanded a beer. The party continued well into the night.
The news took the Capital by storm. Every channel broadcast the revelation. The Palace issued a bulletin. Previously unknown data from Earth indicated that Lord O'Neill was royalty. The primitive system of recordkeeping on Earth caused the delay for the Press Office. And, it was also the result of the humble nature of the great man. Praises of his character, his humility, and his royal heritage filled the news screens. His lineage was published. None of the names meant anything of course, until the oral history indicated that he was related to King Solomon. Even the farthest outpost would know in another day or two. And, it was announced that Lord O'Neill would attend the ceremonies in the Capital later that week with the Royal Family. In a great public gathering, United States Air Force Major General Jack O'Neill would be officially recognized by the King himself, as one of them. Another celebration party got underway. It would last for days.
The next morning, General Franklin sat in the oval office alone with President Hayes. "I think things are better than we thought. You were right, sir, Lady Anna is a straight shooter. She means what she says and says exactly what she means. I read General O'Neill's report from their first meetings. She has been consistent in her demands and straightforward from the get go. She said she wanted Jack, a few things from Earth, to be allowed to do some research here, and to cement our alliance through marriage. That's their societal values. It's a matter of style not content."
"Does she really want the Ark of the Covenant?" The President was worried.
"I believe if she said it, then she means it. What her time frame is I can't say." Franklin waited.
"Why do they want Jack so much?" President Hayes was really curious.
"I included Dr. Jackson's analysis about the cult of O'Neill that they built. I can't add much to it. They need O'Neill for their internal political purposes." General Franklin added his opinion, "other than that, they do not know that we can actually help them. But we are working hard to change their perception. On the good side, they regard us as their lost younger brothers. And they treat us as family. Everyone is shown respect. There have been no threats or coercion. My visit here is a signal to you. You know that I did not have to come."
Hayes nodded. "How serious are they about going after the bad guys? Or is it something else?" President Hayes steepled his fingers over his chest and sat back.
"They are deadly serious. Lady Anna is fanatically determined to prevent another one of their planets from getting torched." Franklin paused. "I think that is the single biggest factor in this whole deal."
President Hayes nodded his understanding. "Can they really take out the bad guys or are they going to start something they can't finish?"
"They can finish it. It will be very costly without our help. They need us to limit the damage. If they don't have us, Dr. Jackson thinks the repercussion to their society will be tremendous. If we show them how to fight this war to win, we can help them limit the impact on their society." He smiled. "Sir, Lady Anna is a most formidable woman with tremendous charisma. She is dedicated to this task."
"So I have heard. But do she and her people have the stomach for decades of conflict?" He listened intently for the answer.
General Franklin paused to organize his thoughts. "Sir, remember that decades for them with their extended life spans doesn't mean the same thing as it does to us. So, yes, I think they can do it."
"Do you really think she will give us what she promised?" Hayes thought about it and added, "You have met her one on one?
"I have no reason to doubt her." Franklin smiled, "And yes, I met her. Jack and I had dinner with her two nights ago. We gave her a box of chocolates. You should have seen her face." Both men chuckled. "She is a master manipulator. But, my assessment of her is positive."
"Ok, I am authorizing you to proceed. You will have everything at the Stargate by the time you leave." The meeting ended and General Franklin went home to kiss his grandkids. He might not see them again for a while. It would be a long war.
That same day, Jack gated back to Anna's capital with her. She wanted something badly by makingthis trip. She never did anything without a purpose. He had learned that much the last three weeks. "You are up to something. Confess." Jack spoke to Anna in the privacy of the aircar. The steeples and spires of tall towers dripping greenery swept past them. But the vista had no appeal for Jack. He kept his focus on the Lady in front of him. She was as devious as she was beautiful. And she was really beautiful. "Oh for crying out loud, Anna, you might as well tell me. I'll have to do it anyway."
"I am always up to something, as you put it." Anna smiled with her lips but her eyes were hard as steel. "All you have to do is stand there and look glorious. You can do that, Jack? Stand there and look glorious?"
"Oh please," Jack knew there was much more. He wasn't afraid, just annoyed. He really did not appreciate being used for her political agenda. "And...?"
"And, don't worry about it." Anna gave him a look that said drop it. She did not want to hear the complaining if she told him. Jack was right. He would do it anyway.
O'Neill lost interest and switched subjects. "Thanks for letting Bob go home and take those three guys. You surprised me, Anna." He nodded at her. "I didn't think anyone would ever leave."
"Jack, really, I am not a monster, or are you still unsure?" Anna teased him.
"I get it Anna. Really, I do." Jack was honest with himself. I am the only person not leaving, he thought. Well then, there was hope for Carter. Maybe he could get her home. But at the moment, she was having too much fun with all the alien toys. Daniel was useless to them, so he could probably go back as well. But Mitchell and Teal'c were another matter.
"I am grateful we have the ability to understand each other so well, Jack," Anna said acknowledging his cooperation. "Actually, this afternoon, I am going to take some time off. So, you have the opportunity to go with Dr. Jackson on a tour of the city."
"You are going to let me out of your sight? Ok, now I have to know. What's up?" Jack was alert. For the past month, he had not left her immediate control. He was with or near her 24/7. Even when he slept, he figured she had people watching him.
Anna considered and took her time. "My Lord, even I have personal issues that need attention. You would not want to go with me." He cocked his head and thought about it.
"Nope, I'm not buying it. I'm keeping my eye on you. Where you go, I go. But where you will not go with me, I will not go. This togetherness cuts both ways." Jack could be obstinate when he was suspicious. Then he got a look at her face. It was registering shock. "What?"
Anna was disturbed. A shiver ran down her spine. "Then, I will surely go with you. We go on this journey not for our own honor. We go for the sake of our people to do the right thing before God. For this, He will deliver the enemy into the hands of a woman. Thank you, My Lord General."
Anna looked out the window of the air car. The last week had been disturbing. The Earth analysts had given her war plans the once over. They showed her some real deficits in the plans. The upshot was that even they knew this would be a long drawn out war. She could never believe the over-optimistic forecasts of her staff. As much as she had been able to train her people, it was not easy to build a military. None of them had any experience conducting a war. More importantly, using the military in a bloody war would tear apart the very fabric of her peaceful society. The Earth Force confirmation of her own fears only increased her concern.
"Where we going, ma'am?" Jack was getting impatient. As promised, Lady Anna took Jack with her on her day off in the Capital. He didn't believe her when she said she had personal matters needing her attention. In fact, he had a hard time believing her at all.
"My Lord General, I told you that I am on personal business." Anna frowned. She was not exactly happy. But since Jack insisted that he go everywhere with her, ostensibly to keep an eye on her, here he was.
"Oh please. You are not a person who deals with small personal business." Jack was annoyed. He felt like he was on her leash. Well, he was pulling her a little too. And, he was keeping her in his sights. "For what are you going to use me today?"
"Please, My Lord General, do not be concerned." She thought better of her response. "General O'Neill, I am grateful for your company." They had four days here. Why not use the opportunity? Luckily, Dr. Jackson had created another suitable excuse to parade Jack in front of the masses. Dr. Jackson revealed that the O'Neill family line had been royalty in the past. Anna intended to use that fact and any other opportunity. Using him as a media tool to inspire the people had a finite life span. Jack had a pretty good idea what she was planning for this trip.
"Ma'am, there is no great wisdom in these appearances." He could see her ignore the point. Jack hoped he could explain how important it was for her to stop. "Ma'am, you are creating a monster you will not be able to control. I have seen it before. What are you planning?" She just looked out the window. "I wish you would tell me the truth. I'll find out soon anyway."
"My Lord General," Anna had a stern look. "I have never, repeat, never lied to you. I don't tell you everything. But I always tell you the truth." She sat back arranging her dress in annoyance. "My Lord O'Neill, you try my patience."
"Is that a fact, ma'am?"
Jack thought about the last month's events. Going back over everything, he realized she was right. She never told an outright lie. But she was hiding so much that it just felt as though she was lying. The ability to discern the truth had kept him alive in the Special Ops. He tried again.
"Ma'am, you are lying to your people about me. You are setting us up for disaster." He looked at her again. She was annoyed. This woman, this powerful leader of so many, did not keep a poker face with him. Interesting, he thought. Maybe she had decided he did not matter anymore. Aw crap, it was going to be one of those days. He would be in the wrong again.
"Ok, I'm sorry. You have never lied to me. I just don't like this personality cult you built. And I really don't like being used for some wacky propaganda. I'm telling you it is a bad idea. It has been tried on Earth. Lady, you are flirting with disaster." There he got it off his chest.
"Jack, how dare you call me a liar?" She snarled at him. That took him by surprise. "I have tolerated your accusations, insinuations, outright insults, and yes, even actual assaults on my person." He looked confused at the last one. Jack saw her absent mindedly rubbing her hands. He realized what she meant. That first evening he had not been a gentleman and had hurt her hand. He shifted in his seat feeling uncomfortable. "Fortunately for you, I need you." She gave him a look that made him realize he might not outlive his usefulness.
"Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that." Jack frowned. He asserted himself again. "You do need me, but not for these appearances." Jack faced her square on. "Ma'am, you are trying to make me a killer without a soul. On Earth, there have been many like that. There have been warriors and government agents who appear to act with morality but these killers are ruthless. They won many battles. But they always lost in the end because they lost their souls." Anna interrupted him.
"Enough. I have been a politician in my society longer than you have been alive." Anna gave him the look of a teacher to a student acting out. "You are a propaganda opportunity. And that is all."
"A propaganda opportunity?" He used the two fingers of each hand in the quotation gesture. Getting harangued by a woman was not O'Neill's favorite pastime. "Lady, you are way out of your league with this situation. Get this through your head," Jack was really frustrated. "You need real military expertise, not some icon. You need my help to teach your people how to fight. You are teaching them to sacrifice themselves and their victims. That is just wrong on so many levels."
"How can I trust a barbarian to help me?" She let that sink in. "General O'Neill, I need more than a fighter. I need a civilized man." Anna took a deep breath and glared at him. He looked away in anger. "Face me when I speak to you." She commanded him in a voice only a powerful leader could manage. He slowly turned his head to her. His eyes narrowed in anger. "No matter how respectfully we treat you, you cannot be civilized enough to return even small courtesies to us. So I conclude that you can't act civilized to save your soul. A civilized man can act like a barbarian. But a barbarian cannot act like a civilized man."
The two of them rode along in silence for a few minutes. She really hit home with that speech. Jack reflected on what she said, not wanting to believe it. When he thought about it, what did she ask? She wanted courtesy and respect. For that, she was willing to fight for them all against a powerful enemy. She was willing to help Earth progress. But, she thought she needed a hero to motivate her people to kill and he was it. Only the message was all wrong. And she did not understand it. Jack sighed. Oh yes, her threat was real. Keep it up pal, and you will be lucky to get your ass exiled the moment she is done with you. He did not want to think about the alternative. Daniel was right. He needed to be Prince Charming to this royal lady. There was too much at stake for everyone.
"Ma'am," Jack began and stopped. He looked to see if she would be receptive to an overture. "My Lady Anna, please, I am not good at this." She looked down but was listening. Jack was never good at expressing himself.So hepaused to gather his thoughts. "Ok, I'll try it your way in public. But you should listen to me." Anna nodded, satisfied.
Her first stop was at the University Medical Center. The Lady had a doctor's appointment. Because of the Commandment against killing, her personal physician had a hard time even appearing in the military camp. So she had to go to him. At the Center, the staff was ready to greet her and begin. Lady Anna turned to Jack and asked him to go on a tour of the Center. It seemed like a reasonable request. So Jack joined the staff and had a look around. He had no idea what he was looking at but he was impressed. Everyone was delighted to meet him. He especially enjoyed talking to the patients who were there for military injuries. He could understand why Anna thought it would boost morale. After all, the brass and other celebrities at home would visit places like Walter Reed Army Hospital near the Pentagon for the same reason.
Afterwards, he toured the University grounds. It was enormous. And it was old. The beautiful campus had parks filled with lush gardensdotted with fountains and benches. Colorful banks of flowers decorated the campus. Large buildings clustered around the open garden areas. It was a temple to learning populated by children who appeared to be too young to be students. Jack felt old.
Word had spread that he was present. Back at the Medical Center, a large gathering of people stood, waiting for him. A great crowd of children pressed forward. The news people lined the path back to the building. Lady Anna was just leaving and offered to make a statement. Jack took his place beside her and listened to her make a speech presenting awards to the doctors who treated the injured from the recent battles. When she was done, the news people broke ranks and demanded that he speak. O'Neill had no idea what to say. So, Anna whispered in his ear to say something nice about the campus and his visit. That started it. No one was going to let him go before he told the story of the Battle of Vorash in his own words, again.
Later, in the air car, Jack looked at Anna and said, "you knew that would happen? Ok, I get it. Nothing happens by accident around you. Did you get what you wanted from me?" She gave him a huge smile. "Right." She was getting a lot of mileage out of him. Well, he was cooperating. But he was worried. The value of celebrity did not last.
A few minutes later, the air car descended in the middle of some kind of plaza. Lady Anna wanted to go shopping. The two of them strolled down the boulevard. Crowds began to gather. To his mind, a woman shopping was universal. Some things are nearly genetic. Still, shopping was not the worst thing he was ever asked to do.
When they exited the shop, he noticed the news people were waiting again at the end of the plaza near a large building. On the steps of that public building, the Lady gave a speech about preserving their society in the face of adversity. The newsies didn't care. They wanted to hear from O'Neill. The crowd pressed up to the steps of the building where the two of them stood. Anna told him to say something about the importance of a strong military to protect society. He stumbled through a short statement and waved to the crowd. The cheers brought even more people.
At that point, the Mayor came out of the building to greet both of them. He made a speech. Then he welcomed O'Neill and presented him with something official cast in solid gold as a gift. When the General explained that he could not accept gifts of any kind by regulation, the Mayor was dumbfounded. United States military and government personnel were forbidden to accept even small gifts. Jack explained that in his position, he could not to appear to be compromised for any reason. Jack gave a recital of the reasons why government officials and military officers had to maintain a strict code of ethics. Then he thanked the Mayor for the thought and turned to Lady Anna for help.
Jack's code of ethics brought a new concept to this society where gifts were not exactly bribes but tokens of respect. The crowd murmured and grew restless. Then the assembly exploded into cheers. O'Neill was taken aback. The Mayor responded by declaring him to be the most honorable man alive. Then on his own authority he forbade any city official from accepting any more gifts, ever. Lady Anna added her own prohibition for the military. Jack found it interesting that such a small matter made an immediate and deep impression. As he was looking to the Lady to finish the proceeding, pandemonium broke loose. The crowd surged forward. People were grabbing at him, trying to touch him. Some were weeping or screaming. People called out his name. Jack became alarmed. His uniform was torn. People were clutching at his feet. Somehow, Anna walked through it all untouched and got him out of there.
What he didn't understand was that Anna had activated her personal shield extending it to cover them both. The crowd surged because an assassin had tried to take themout. The screams were the injured falling. But keeping their composure sent a greater signal. She found the way out. And Jack never missed a beat not realizing what was happening all around him. He thought it was just a bunch of groupies gone mad.
Jack found their hero worship terribly disturbing. In Jack's opinion, it was out of control. Today's events just added fuel to the fire. He had read Daniel's report on the cult of O'Neill she built here. Building up such inflated expectations would only lead to disaster. And, the message was all wrong. Even Anna's propaganda machine could not make him into a god-like superhero that always leads the people to victory. Sooner or later someone would notice that the emperor had no clothes. When that happened, Jack was savvy enough to know that she would feed him to the wolves.
Once out of the plaza, Lady Anna explained that she was on the board of directors for a new museum. She told Jack that one of her private efforts was to fund the preservation and study of the artifacts retrieved through the Stargate. So, they were off to attend a reception at the Museum of Ancient History. The air car sped along for a quarter hour through the vast city. Jack noticed the hanging gardens from every tower. This society of gardeners and philosophers was not ready for the war that was coming.
At the museum, Jack caught up with Daniel. Daniel was in conference with the Director. As usual, Daniel was very excited. Jack sighed. At least someone was enjoying this whole experience. Daniel was lapping it all up. Jack stood across the hall and watched Daniel's animated conversation. Daniel lived in such a different world. Everything was interesting. Everyone was fascinating. He savored every experience. Jack wondered what that felt like. Maybe he was just feeling his age among all these ageless people.
"Jack, Jack, you have to see this." Daniel motioned for Jack to come over. Daniel introduced him to the Director, who was overcome with awe at meeting O'Neill the Great. This was getting old, thought Jack. The Director's assistant fainted. Daniel caught her before her head hit the stone floor. Jack just frowned and rubbed his eyes. This was too much. I am not a rock star, thought Jack. The whole alien love fest of him was just too much. The whole experience lost its charm. He had had enough.
"Oh for crying out loud, this has to stop, because I am going to lose it. As in go crazy, bonkers, insane, loony, three fries short of a Happy Meal. Wacko!" In that moment, Jack made his decision. "Daniel, let's go. I mean it. We are outta here. Excuse me Mr. Director, which way to the Stargate?" Jack looked around for the exit. "I swear I shall walk if I have to, but I am done." He started to stride off in the direction he entered. Lady Anna was just walking into the room. Anna was planning a war and it was going badly behind the scenes. He and his people were at risk. Someone had to pull the plug.
The Director was aghast. He did not know what went wrong. Lord O'Neill was clearly angry with him. And he had no idea what to do. Lord O'Neill was threatening to leave them and go home. The shame for this would be on his head for all eternity. So he did the only thing he could think to do. He screamed, "NOOOOOO!"
In that moment, all hell broke loose. Guards came running. People ran into the hall. The doors automatically shut and locked. Alarms went off. Security panels slammed across windows. It went dark. Emergency lights flickered. Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a butane lighter so he could see. The Director pointed at Jack and hollered, "Lord O'Neill! NO!" Jack spun around. Daniel lit the flame only to set off the sprinklers, too. The lights came back on. Drenched, Daniel took up a defensive position at Jack's back. About 100 people fell to their knees and blocked their path. In the middle of all the chaos, Jack and Daniel stood there in shock, soaked through to the bone. Lady Anna stood there like a Greek statue, dripping wet and shivering.
The newsies had a field day. The mess at the Museum of Ancient History was the lead story on every channel. Reports of an assassination attempt on O'Neill, the Great made all the headlines. A bedraggled duo looked out from every news screen on every street corner. The broadcasts showed Jack and Daniel being led away, protected by Palace Security. The damage at the museum was unbelievable. The water ruined two priceless manuscripts, three ancient books, several wall tapestries, and various historical documents. The Director was arrested. No one was sure just what had happened. But, the scandal was on everyone's lips. Angry crowds massed in the public squares demanding the perpetrators be punished for daring to assault their Lord General.
Lady Anna was furious. That man was an utter barbarian. She left instructions to leave the two of them locked up in the back of the palace for the night. Let them think this over. She was through being patient. The velvet gloves were coming off the fists of steel. Nice did not work. Let's see how ruthless would do.
Several hours later, Jack and Daniel were still locked up. No one was coming to bail them out. The small rooms were dimly lit for sleeping. Jack and Daniel were in separate rooms across from each other separated by a force field and a walkway. The situation was Spartan but clean. Dinner had been marginal but ok. And it was really quiet.
"Jack?" Daniel called out. "You there?"
"Yes, Daniel. I'm here. What do you want?" Jack was trying to sleep. This day had been a nightmare.
"Jack, were you really going to try to go home?"
"Yes, Daniel. I was."
"Why?" Daniel asked in his peeved voice. Jack did not answer. "Jack, you owe me an explanation."
"No, Daniel, I don't."
"What happened today?"
"Long story."
"What did you do?"
"The very young do not always do as they are told. Something the Nox once told me, ya know?"
"Think they will leave us here for a while?"
"Until she wants to use me again, yes."
"She used you? I can't believe it. Did she really?"
"Daniel, watch it. Don't go there."
"Oh. You poor man. A woman used you." Daniel was at his most sarcastic. "You don't like to be admired, so you had a hissy fit?"
"It's not like that, and you know it."
Daniel's head moved up and down saying yes but his lips said, "No, no I don't."
"Shut up, Daniel."
"Jack, don't be an ass." Daniel rolled over and tried to sleep. It was a long night.
