8

Chapter 4: Idealism vs. Reality

-Earth/SGC-

When Jacob appeared back on Earth, Janet Frasier was not in the least bit surprised. She merely waved him into an infirmary bed and ran her tests. She was working on the protocol for the Tok'ra. Selmak had been helping her try to figure the best way to make it worked for them. The MRI would find a goa'uld, but the Tok'ra were identical in that test. The EEG seemed to work the best to determine that the current Tok'ra was the same that left.

"Looks good," Janet said. "Welcome back, Jacob, Selmak," Janet greeted them after the tests were done.

"Thank you, Dr. Frasier," Jacob said. "Oh, Thor is working on a DNA database for Tok'ra. Since we all have the same queen, in essence. That was how he identified Damir. It may help us identify infiltrators faster than the EEG."

"I wondered," Janet said. "We knew Sarah was taken as a host, but Tarquin came with the symbiote. Is that why Thor needed you?"

"Partially, yes," Jacob said. "DNA from a known Tok'ra."

"I'm glad they thought about saving the hosts," Janet said. "Daniel has been in with Sarah since she got back. She is having a hard time dealing with all the crap that the goa'uld put her thorough. But he is glad that she is back."

"Yes," Jacob said with a sigh."

"I am glad that Sarah is doing better. Unfortunately, Zipacna's host did not live past the extraction," Selmak said sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Janet said. "It must have been like Apophis' host. He was host for too long."

"I believe so," Selmak said.

"At least, he died free and unable to be revived," Janet said.

"I agree," Jacob said strongly. "Free and alive is good, but dying free is second best."

Janet nodded, "I'll let you head up to brief the General."

"Thanks, Dr. Frasier," Jacob said as he collected the items he brough with him from the ship. He tucked the watches away in a cargo pocket and headed to see General Hammond.

Jacob walked into the briefing room and waved to General Hammond in his office. He walked in and waited until George was off the phone to talk.

"Sorry, Jacob. I take it the Asgard got their scientist back," General Hammond said with a smile.

"They did," Jacob said. "And I got an update on what Thor has been up to while we were on our mission."

"I take it was important," General Hammond said.

"Yes. It was," Jacob said. "Thor went and found Jack and Sam. Then the three of them destroyed the Ha'taks on Adara II."

"What?" General Hammond said. "I thought the Asgard weapons couldn't defeat their shielding?"

"Apparently, they didn't use the weapons. But they beamed out the goa'uld and blew up the ships," Jacob said. "I'm kind of glad they did, because one of them was a Tok'ra. The other was the host Sarah Gardner."

"Two of the people you beamed down to medical," General Hammond said.

"Yes," Jacob said. "Thor needed me… or rather Selmak to verify that the Tok'ra was in fact a Tok'ra. He used DNA. Saved his life."

"How are Jack and Sam?" General Hammond asked.

"Good," Jacob said. "Jack wanted to know if their funds were still flagged. He also wanted me to get Powers-Of-Attorney for him and Sam so they could sell their stuff through me by proxy. Jack also offered his house to Jalen and I while we were living on Earth, if you will allow us off base. Sam wants to have me clear out her house because it is a rental."

"I can start to work on that paperwork," General Hammond said. "Why you? Did they say?"

"No, they didn't. But for Sam, I figure it is because I am her father. For Jack, I guess it was convenient. They haven't really talked to Daniel yet," Jacob said. "I have something for you."

Jacob brought up the tablet. He opened up the tablet and went to the permissions just like Jack had shown him. "Okay, I need your thumb print here," Jacob said. When George complied, Jacob finished setting up the permissions. "Now, we just need to add, Walter."

"What is it?" General Hammond asked.

"Jack and Sam said you needed a way to notify them for various intel you want them to check out. This device is almost exactly like the Asgard communication stone, but easier to use and in English. Jack asked that I only add you and Walter," Jacob said.

"Add? Like for permissions to use?" General Hammond asked.

"Exactly. It is based on DNA. No one else can use it but you, me, and Walter when I add him," Jacob stated. "It uses subspace. It doesn't need the Stargate to operate."

"How often do we need to check it?" General Hammond asked.

Jacob laughed. "Jack and Sam said that you will know. They will send a message through the Stargate that can only be from them and the tablet will light up."

General Hammond frowned. "How will we know it is from them?"

Jacob just shook his head. "I don't know exactly. They mentioned music and data. I just know that Tau'ri are weird. Ask Teal'c. He can tell you exactly how weird Tau'ri are. Jalen too."

"I'll trust you," General Hammond said shaking his head. "You have seen much more of the galaxy then I have. Let's get Walter entered and leave the tablet in the Control Room."

Jacob stood up, "Of course." Jacob waited and followed General Hammond down to the Control Room and quickly entered the permissions.

You know, Selmak commented, having reviewed your memories, I can say that the Tau'ri are delightfully weird.

Delightfully? Jacob asked her silently.

Oh yes, Selmak replied. I think I have experienced more in the few years you have been my host than in my previous centuries.

Somehow I doubt that, Jacob commented.

Doubt all you want, Selmak replied. The Tau'ri are amazingly complex and flexible and brilliant at thinking around a problem. Look at how easily Ra was eliminated.

I doubt that Jack or Daniel would say that it was easy, Jacob stated dryly in his mind.

Of course not, Selmak replied. It is just that the Tok'ra had spent the last ten thousand years trying to eliminate Ra. The Tau'ri did it the first time they met Ra. EVER. Amazingly flexible thinking.

I wish more of the Tok'ra would think like you do Sel, Jacob said sadly.

They need to, Selmak stated. The Tok'ra are dying. Our fight is dying. Selmak sighed internally. In the few years the Tau'ri have been in this fight, more System Lords have died than ever before. The Tok'ra need to fully endorse the Tau'ri. The Tau'ri are our hope for the future.

And Jack and Shade? Jacob asked.

They ARE the future, Selmak said. We have to win this war for their children to be free of war.

Jacob nodded. You're right, Sel, Jacob said. We have a war to win.

SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG

-Earth/SGC-

"Unscheduled Incoming Traveler," the overhead announcement cried.

Daniel and Teal'c stood up out of habit at their table at the dining hall. It was only as they stood that they realized that they no longer had the first responder duties that had become second nature to responding to an incoming wormhole.

Daniel cracked a smile, "I feel kind of silly."

"We have both trained ourselves to respond instantly in such circumstances," Teal'c replied. "Such training was hard earned in pain. Take pride in it."

"I guess you're right," Daniel replied, retaking his seat.

"Teal'c to the Gate Room," the overhead announced.

"Apparently, they need you anyway," Daniel said. "I'll tag along to see what they want." He stood up a second time and quickly followed Teal'c as he walked to the Gate Room.

Daniel and Teal'c had just arrived at one of the Gate Room blast doors when they were greeted by the sight of Master Bra'tac and General Hammond exiting the Gate Room.

Teal'c broke out one of his rare Jaffa grins, "Tek ma te, Master Bra'tac."

Master Bra'tac turned to Teal'c with a look of sorrow and worry on his face. "Teal'c, I am sorry I did not come sooner. Drey'auc is gravely ill."

Teal'c immediately became alarmed and glanced at General Hammond to request permission to leave Earth to be by her side.

"You don't need to ask. Go," General Hammond said before Teal'c could say a word.

Teal'c immediately turned and ran to the changing room to gear up for off-world travel. General Hammond called over to the armory and made sure his weapons were ready for him in the Gate Room. He also made sure that Walter had permission to dial the Free Jaffa as soon as Teal'c was ready to depart.

Soon, Teal'c and Master Bra'tac departed through the wormhole to the Free Jaffa encampment. The walk from the Stargate to the camp was short. The camp was not far from the Stargate and consisted of many tents clustered together.

Bra'tac began talking as they walked, "As you can see, conditions are harsh, but they both have been safe here."

Teal'c examined the camp and he could see that it was harsh, but clean. The camp was tents with fire pits. No structures. But it was orderly. All the people in the camp were cared for. Sickness was not seen. "They should be sent to a new outpost built by the Tau'ri. All Jaffa who support our cause are welcome," Teal'c replied. He felt that the women and children would appreciate solid structures against the cold.

"Drey'auc is in no state to be moved now," Bra'tac replied sadly.

His comment drew Teal'c's eye. "Why did you wait?" Teal'c asked.

Bra'tac sighed, "As it is, I have brought you here against her wishes."

Teal'c knew his wife well, "She has always been proud." He also knew his wife would not want him to see her ill. Jaffa were not supposed to become ill. She would not want to have him see her like that.

"She refused to accept a new symbiote," Bra'tac said.

"Was one procured?" Teal'c demanded. He was too good a warrior to show anger in his voice. But to think that any of the Free Jaffa would not want to get a symbiote for a woman was a stupid belief. Women were the strength of their men. If the Free Jaffa did not know and understand that, then their cause was finished before it started.

"No," Bra'tac replied with pain laced deeply in his voice.

"Why?" Teal'c demanded. He had heard the pain, but his anger was leaking through his voice now.

"She did not wish us to sacrifice the life of another Jaffa to save her own," Bra'tac replied. "Even one who still foolishly worshiped the false gods." Bra'tac turned to face Teal'c fully. "We would all choose the same." Bra'tac watched the truth seep into Teal'c eyes.

Teal'c understood. Anger fled with the truth. Pain of the impending loss of his wife remained, "In the past…" he started.

"It is not the past, my friend. The dissent we have bred has brought about many changes. The goa'uld no longer trust the Jaffa priests with their young as they once did," Bra'tac interrupted his young friend.

They both turned as the tent flap was raised and Rya'c appeared. Teal'c and Bra'tac stood firm and were recognized by the young man.

"Rya'c," Teal'c called out to his son.

Rya'c heard his father call and looked at him with anger. Then he stormed off, leaving both men behind.

"Leave him, Teal'c. Attend to your wife," Bra'tac said. "She does not have long."

Teal'c nodded and headed into the tent. Once inside the tent, he found Drey'auc lying on the bed. He quickly moved to her side. He shed his vest and staff and knelt by the side of the bed.

"Drey'auc, I am here," Teal'c said softly. He carefully picked up her hand and kissed it.

Drey'auc's head weakly turned towards him. She slowly opened her eyes. A smile slowly graced her face. "I asked them not to bother you," Drey'auc said quietly. Her voice was so soft Teal'c almost didn't hear it.

"I was told that it was against your orders. But I am glad I was told. I should be here… With you…" Teal'c replied.

"No… Your work is too important," Drey'auc protested quietly.

"Without the support of my family, my work is nothing," Teal'c replied. He began to caress her hand softly. "You and Rya'c are my reasons for working to free my people."

"And you are succeeding," Drey'auc replied softly. "I am so proud of you." Tears gathered in her eyes. "I was so horrible to you at first. I did not understand. After your friends freed Rya'c, I stayed with Master Bra'tac and watched the Free Jaffa grow. I understand now."

Drey'auc closed her eyes and took a shallow breath. "I helped Master Bra'tac all I could. I organized the women and children at each campsite. When my primtah was grown, I could not kill another Jaffa for my own life. I could not be selfish."

Teal'c could sense that her end was near, "I know. I miss you every day. I miss seeing how my son grows. I love you both. I need you to know how much you are loved."

Drey'auc opened her eyes and gave him a brief smile, "Thank you. I love you so much. I am so proud of you."

"I hear you, my love," Teal'c said softly. He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. When he pulled back she had passed. He kissed her forehead and gently closed her eyes. Then he allowed the tears to leak out of his eyes.

Teal'c sat in quiet grief with the body of his wife until his tears were gone. He slowly rose up from his kneeling position and straightened her limbs and head. Then he gently covered her face. He stripped out of his Tau'ri uniform and dressed in Jaffa robes. Now he was ready. Now he could leave the tent to inform everyone of Drey'auc's death.

SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG

-Free Jaffa Camp-

Teal'c wandered around the campsite. He informed the right people of Drey'auc's death. They in turn directed him towards Rya'c's location. Teal'c found Rya'c in the forest. He approached his son.

Rya'c already knew what his father's presence meant. A new wave of grief flashed through the young man. He had already said his goodbyes. His mother had insisted that he not witness her death. She had made him promise not to come back to the tent until he was told of her death. Rya'c knew that his mother was so strong to face her death alone. As strong as any warrior entering battle.

"She's gone, right?" Rya'c demanded.

"Yes," Teal'c replied. He was surprised at the hostility in his son's voice.

"She believed in you. In the fight you have chosen," Rya'c said with some sadness at the mention of his mother.

"As you once did," Teal'c replied carefully. He was trying to determine why his son was so angry with him.

"How long were we to live like this? Are we all to die like she did?" Rya'c asked with open hostility.

Teal'c started to understand, "Nothing has changed. The goa'uld can be defeated."

Rya'c sneered, "As long as we carry symbiotes, we will depend on the goa'uld for our lives."

"We will find a way to be free," Teal'c said sadly. He had faced many Jaffa who had said much the same thing.

"My mother will never know this freedom you speak of. She had no choice. You brought this upon her. You chose for the both of us," Rya'c screamed at him. He grabbed up his staff weapons and opened the blasting tip, "Now, as any warrior would, I choose to avenge her death."

Emotional pain coursed through Teal'c, "Everything I have done, I have done for you." Teal'c held his ground, but there is no way he could lift a finger to harm his son.

"Then I am ashamed," Rya'c shouted at him. "For you have done nothing but bring pain, and misery, and above all, false hope to countless Jaffa."

"Then fire your weapon," Teal'c said with calm sadness.

Rya'c held the staff ready to fire at his father and finally closed it. Then he whirled it to hit his father, "Yeah," he cried. He hit again. "Yeah," he cried as he whirled and hit his father in the head. Then he jabbed him with the end of the staff weapon. "Yeah," he cried as he hit him again. "Fight! Or do you not consider me a worthy opponent?"

Rya'c swung the staff to hit his father again, but Bra'tac caught the staff weapon in midair and yanked it from Rya'c's grip.

"You should be glad he does not," Bra'tac replied calmly. "For if he did, he would snap you in half." The old man gave Teal'c a careful examination before turning back to Rya'c. "You have become skilled, Rya'c. But a true Jaffa warrior does not let grief cloud his judgement."

"I choose my opponent as foolishly as he chose his," Rya'c screamed angrily. His angry protest a loud contrast to Bra'tac's calm responses.

"Teal'c chose your mother's fate no more than he chose his own. We are all victims of the goa'uld," Bra'tac replied calmly.

"No, Master Bra'tac, Rya'c is correct. I have failed both he and his mother," Teal'c interrupted Bra'tac. Teal'c's own guilt at how his wife and son had been living, despite his wife final assurances. Teal'c still felt that he could have done more.

"The boy passes judgement without having fought a single battle," Bra'tac stated to them both. "Humm," he glared at Rya'c. "Fighting a war that appears unwinnable does not make one's cause less noble."

"He cares more for dying than he cares for his own flesh and blood," Rya'c retorted. He was still angry and hostile, but less so than he had been.

"So must all Jaffa if any of us are to taste freedom," Bra'tac replied.

Rya'c glared at Bra'tac and ignored his father. Bra'tac handed him his staff weapon back. Rya'c took it and stormed off back towards camp.

SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG