Amillion apologies. What can I say other than that i am really, really busy. Thank you to my readers who gave me a gentle and encouraging kick in mitka to get me writing again. I'll try and get at least a couple of chapters posted a week (keep those reviews coming - as you see - they do work).
"What the hell is she talking about?" Jack asked. "And why are they doing that?" he indicated the women lying flat on the ground in front of him. The whole thing was starting to freak him out. He knew the people on this planet had it in for him. He turned suddenly and glared at his companions. "I told you so!"
"You did Sir, I'm sorry", Sam replied. "We should have listened to you."
"Ha! You never listen to me", he whined. At Carter's surprised look he shrugged and got a bit shame-faced. "Okay – so you listen to me, but Daniel doesn't." This time he let his glare linger on his friend. "I told you they had it in for me."
"Well, it doesn't exactly look like they have it in for you now. It looks like they're worshipping you."
"Well I don't want them to worship me. Tell them to stand up."
Daniel nodded and turned to the women. Speaking in their native language he told them to please stand. They completely ignored him. He then spoke in Ancient, and while it looked like Tirania twitched at that, still none of them moved. "Uh, it's not working Jack."
"I can see that Daniel. Try something else."
"Hey, why don't you try? You're the one in front of whom they're prostrating themselves."
"Fine!" Jack turned and faced the women on the ground. "Please exigariste."
Immediately the women pushed themselves to a standing position, although they continued to stare at him.
"For heaven's sake, what do they want?" Jack had had enough of this and was ready to turn around and head back to the Stargate. They could either find a new planet or he'd return to Earth and take his chances with the NID.
"We apologize O'Neill", the woman named Tirania finally spoke. She turned to the rest of Sg1. "When you were here before, many of us thought that O'Neio was The One – but when he did not say anything, or seem to understand the Holy Words, we thought we had made a mistake. But now – we see that our initial belief was correct."
"Uh, what do you mean by The One", Daniel interjected quickly, as he noticed Jack beginning to look upset.
"He is the chosen one", she replied. "The knowledge that he would one day come were passed down for many generations from the Senex."
"The – Senex? Oh my God", Daniel looked as if he wanted to hit himself in the head. "Why didn't I see it?"
"See what? What are you talking about Daniel?" Jack was frowning, not sure whether to be angry or confused. After a moment he realized he was both.
"Senex – Senecksi!"
"Okay – but what does that mean?"
"Senex – the Ancient word for – well Ancient. The Senecksi is another way of saying the Ancients. They must be descendants. God, why didn't I figure that out the last time we were here?"
"Probably enjoying the simple people Daniel. You kept telling me to just relax and not to let anything worry me. You thought I was paranoid!"
"Okay Jack, we all admit that you were right and we were wrong. I still can't believe I didn't figure it out." He shook his head and then glanced at a pissed off looking Colonel. "We said we were sorry Jack. Get over it."
"Fine", Jack answered, sounding sulky. "Although technically Carter apologized." Before Daniel had a chance to answer he went on. "So, what does it mean that they're descended from the Ancients – other than the fact that they go around throwing themselves to the ground in front of virtual strangers!"
"You are not a stranger O'Neill", one of the women told him. "You are The -"
"- One – yes, I know. But I still don't know what the hell that means."
"Come with us", Tirania said, "and everything will be explained.
"And what if I don't want to go with you?" he snarked, really hating this thing more and more with each passing second.
"Sir - I think we need to find out what's going on", Carter told him gently. "I know this has to be frustrating for you, but I think you'll feel better once you know what it's about."
Jack considered her for a moment. It was always hard for him to refuse Carter. He glanced at Daniel, who had his mouth open to speak, and he scowled. Daniel on the other hand was much easier to refuse.
The archaeologist suddenly seemed to realize that maybe he should let Sam deal with the Colonel and slammed his mouth shut. He was pretty sure that Teal'c wined at him.
"Fine", Jack said again. "I'll go, but not if they keep calling me The One. It makes me sound like some kind of pervert."
Sam bit her lips but nodded. She turned to the Senecksi women. "We will come, but you heard Colonel O'Neill. If you can refrain from referring to him -"
Tirania nodded. "We shall not, although I cannot promise what others of my people will do. Please, let us go."
In the end, Jack agreed that they should go with the women. He did want to find out what was going on and this seemed to be the best way.
"Jack", Daniel spoke softly as they walked towards the town. "Have you noticed that you're speaking English now?"
"I am?" The Colonel looked slightly relieved.
"Mmm hmm. You've barely used any Ancient words at all."
"Well, since I can't tell the difference between when I'm using Ancient or English then no – I didn't notice." At the younger man's disappointed looks Jack relented. "But I'm glad you told me. I hated not being able to make myself understood. Daniel", he paused briefly. "Do you have any idea what the hell is going on?"
Daniel realized suddenly – or maybe he'd known all along and had just not bothered to listen to his friend – that's Jack's mood was caused by worry and uncertainty. Jack had had to deal with a huge amount since his accident and this had to be terribly overwhelming. He sighed to himself. He had to really try and be more understanding.
"No, not really, but I don't think it's bad. These people must be descendants of the Ancients and they see you as this person who will one day return. I expect it's because of your ancient gene."
"But what about the last time I was here? I don't get what's going on."
"Whatever has been happening to you seems to have", he grimaced slightly, "uh – increased your abilities and your -"
"Ancientness", Jack mumbled.
"Yeah, that's one way of putting it. Look, I don't believe you're this 'One' they're talking about, but it won't hurt to find out more."
"And if they realize I'm not this one, what then?"
The younger man shrugged. "I doubt they'll do anything – not if you keep telling them it's not you – and as long as you don't touch anything." Here Daniel glanced at his friend and grinned.
Jack barked out a laugh. "That's you Space Monkey – not me. I don't go around touching things I'm not supposed to."
"Really? What about the time -" Daniel and Jack continued to trade stories as they walked towards the center of town. Both Teal'c and Sam glanced back occasionally; trading grins at seeing Jack relax for the first time in a long time
At least he was relaxed until they reached the building that seemed to be the town hall or something similar. Chkultay, the man who had greeted them on their arrival during their first trip, came out the door, a frown on his face.
"What is happening?" he turned towards the women. "Why have you brought them here?" He glanced at Sg1 as he spoke, although most of his attention seemed to be on the women.
Sam looked on as the women seemed to transmit some kind of message without really speaking. She suddenly wondered if –
"Damn it!" Jack grabbed his head as if in pain. "What the hell?"
"What's wrong Sir?" Sam rushed over to him and attempted to pull his hands away. "What happened?"
"Nothing – I", he groaned, but after a few seconds things seemed to get better and he dropped his hands. "Whoa! That was a head rush."
"What transpired O'Neill?" Teal'c had lifted his staff weapon and was sweeping the area for suspicious activity.
"Jack? What happened?"
"I don't know", their CO answered. "All of a sudden if felt like – I don't know, like I was, was hearing something, although I couldn't make out the words. You know, kind of like when you pick up a radio signal but all you get is static."
"What could it be?" Daniel was looking at him in concern.
Sam glanced over at the aliens, to see them looking – upset. Her eyes narrowed as she realized they knew exactly what was going on. She opened her mouth to speak, but Chkultay beat her to it.
"Welcome back", he said softly, his eyes flitting once or twice over to Carter.
He knows, she thought. He knows that I know. She suddenly began to worry – finally believing the Colonel that these people were more than they had let on.
"Tirania and Orlana say that they believe you are The One", the alien man said – sounding calm, although both Daniel and Sam caught the underlying excitement. "Is this true?"
"NO", Jack answered sharply. "No, it's not true. We simply came here on a visit and these ladies suddenly got it in their heads that I was this – this one. I am a simple man from Earth, with no special powers, no special destiny and certainly no desire to have people prostrate themselves in front of me."
Chkultay frowned. "You are speaking the Holy language", he said, as if this proved what the women were saying was true.
"What?" Jack looked in confusion at his team.
"Uh – you were just speaking in Ancient Jack", Daniel explained.
"What the – you're telling me that – God, am I talking Ancient now?"
"No – now it's English."
"God DAMN IT", Jack shouted. "How the hell can I be speaking and not even know what language I'm talking. And I'm not the damned ONE!"
Chkultay and the women all looked shocked and looked at each other, clearly wondering if O'Neill had gone mad. It was Tirania who spoke.
"I believe you are hungry and tired", she said gently. "Why do you not rest – you are welcome to stay in our guest house – and eat. Tomorrow we can assemble in the Hall of the Senex and discuss." Before Jack had a chance to speak she turned to Chkultay. "Let us tell the elders and they can explain and show O'Neio and his companions. At that point we will know."
The alien man nodded. "That seems reasonable. O'Neio? Doctor? Major? Teal'c? Does that sound agreeable to you? Please understand that we wish you no harm. We will show you our holy place and explain everything. If you do not believe, at that point, they you are free to leave us – or to remain as our friends."
Daniel looked over at Jack, who was clearly struggling to stay polite, although he must have realized that the Senecksi hadn't done anything wrong. After a few seconds he nodded. "That sounds fine."
Everyone smiled and soon Sg1 was being taken to their local guest house. It was like an old-fashioned Inn or bed and breakfast and was quite charming. After they all spent some time cleaning up, they were able to sit down to a meal and simply relax.
"God, that feels good", Daniel said, stretching his legs out in front of himself and taking a bite of a piece of fruit that reminded him of a cross between a banana and a peach. It was really quite delicious.
"It does indeed Daniel Jackson." Teal'c was resting on a long couch and was biting into something that resembled a sandwich. "I was hungry."
"You're always hungry, bit guy", Jack commented, his head leaning back against the chair.
"Indeed O'Neill", Teal'c answered agreeably.
"It sounds like your English is all back Sir', Carter announced happily. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmm – fine Major. A little tired, but that's from all the walking – and being worshipped", he rolled his eyes and she laughed. "But actually, I'm feeling better than I have since -"
"Spring cleaning?" she asked with a grin.
"Yeah. You realize don't you Carter that this whole thing is your fault?"
"My fault Sir?" she looked at him in surprise.
"Yeah. I never would have tried to spring clean my basement if you hadn't given me the idea."
"Uh – I don't think I want to take responsibility for that Colonel", she shook her head. "And anyway, I didn't make you trip and fall."
"Yeah Jack – how did that happen? I mean – you've hiked through jungles and swamps and over mountains – and then you fall in your basement and stab yourself. How does one do that?"
Sam giggled and it was only then that Jack thought back to the Senecksi and their 'The One'. He sighed. "One, doesn't. As for me – I stepped on a ping pong ball and lost my footing. The knife – hell, I don't know how it got there. I must have knocked it over when I fell and it was bad luck I guess."
"Ping pong ball? I didn't know you had a table?" Daniel commented.
"I don't."
That shut everyone up for a few minutes. Of course it was Daniel who again broke the silence. "So – no ping pong table but you have balls?"
The Colonel grinned and took a sip of his drink. "So I've been told Daniel."
Sam choked on her drink and Jack ended up having to pat her on the back. "Sorry Carter", he apologized, although he didn't look very sorry.
"No problem Sir", she grinned. "I mean – really – you couldn't possibly have let that one go."
He chuckled, suddenly feeling better than he had in a while. He glanced over at Daniel, who was looking suitably disgusted. "Hey – you gotta admit you walked right into that one."
"Yeah – okay", Daniel shook his head. "Well, I'm just glad that everything seems to be going back to normal. We were worried about you."
"Thanks guys", Jack said seriously. "I know I don't always – well, I mean – hell, you know. Just – thanks."
"You're welcome Sir." Sam smiled at him and the four friends sat quietly, simply enjoying the evening. At least they did until Jack introduced the topic they'd so far managed to ignore.
"So campers – what are we going to do about the NID? We can't stay here forever."
"We should try and see if we can contact Thor", Sam said. "If he tells the President that you haven't gone Ancient, he'll tell the NID to leave you alone."
"Maybe, although I still won't trust the bastards.", Jack said, "And anyway, how are we going to find Thor? It's not like we have an -" he stopped as Sam reached into her backpack and pulled up a small, egg-shaped article.'
" – Asgard communicator", he shook his head in wonder. "Carter – how the hell did you get that?"
"Well Sir – we have two at the SGC. One of them is kept ready for when or if we want to contact the Asgard. The other is kept in safe-keeping, with only the General, Siler and myself knowing where it is - oh, and you Sir."
Jack nodded – he'd known about the 'spare' but hadn't really given it a thought since this whole thing had started. Carter, of course, had. "Wow Major – you must have a heluva CO", he murmured.
"Sir?" she frowned, looking confused.
"To have taught you so well. So, are you going to contact the little guy?"
She grinned at him, and held out the communicator. "I thought you'd like to do that Sir. He likes you."
"He does, doesn't he. I'll call him first thing in the morning", he answered her, returning her grin. For a moment it was as if no one else was in the room except the two of them. It was only Teal'c's cough that brought him out of the brief moment of – Teal'c's cough? "Teal'c? What -?" He glanced over at his friend – who never coughed and who strangely wasn't looking at him. Daniel looked as if he had discovered something growing out of his arm and was staring down at it in awe. Jack frowned, wondering what was going on. It was only when he glanced at Sam – who was bright red – that he realized. Ah hell – he hadn't had he?
It had been a long time since he'd allowed himself the luxury of dreaming about Samantha Carter and the what if's. He'd forced himself to stop that when it began to lead him into dangerous territory and to interfere with his work. Now it looked like he was drifting back into the slightly flirtatious, wishful thinking mode. He sighed and shook his head. He'd better stop this now, before he got them both into trouble.
"I don't know about you guys" he said, abruptly standing up, "but I'm ready for bed. Tomorrow sounds like a long and interesting day."
"You're right Sir", Sam agreed, standing up as well. "I think I'll head to bed myself." She turned to the Colonel and smiled. "I am really glad you're doing better Sir. It's nice to hear you speak again."
He smiled back – what the hell – it was just a smile. "Thanks Major. It's nice to be able to speak again! Have a good night everyone." With a small wave to his teammates he headed off to bed. He was tired and ready for some happy – possibly Carter-filled dreams.
After Sam had left as well, Daniel and Teal'c regarded one another. "Do you think they'll finally admit how they feel?" Daniel asked his companion.
"I do not know." Teal'c shook his head. "They are both obstinate – and they also put duty before all."
"Yeah, but, I don't know, it feels like things are changing. It would be great if -"
"It would indeed", Teal'c nodded. His lips then began to turn up in a rare smile. "Maybe we can assist them?"
Daniel's eyes grew big and then his own smile began to grow. "You devil you! So when do we start?"