Author's Note: I appreciate all the reviews left by you guys. I always enjoy hearing what you have to say.
I like to thank my Beta Readers: SabaceanBabe and Grippy.
Chapter Two: House Guests
Chiana was a very exceptional person, who kept surprising Daniel Jackson. Yes, she was beautiful and full of adventure, but she was also very intelligent and possessed of a sharp wit. When he was teaching her English, he was amazed at the amount of information she could absorb in a relatively short period of time, when she really put her mind to it.
In Daniel's work area, he had Chiana using her gift to memorize the entire written language of the Ancients. It was a highly complex language that was difficult even for Daniel to translate without plenty of reference material to help guide him. If Chiana could get a fair comprehension of the Ancients' language on her own, then she could help them to understand Crichton's wormhole equations much faster. Crichton himself admitted that he couldn't understand much of what he had written down, but that he had a gut feeling' about how everything worked.
Right now, Carter was off with Crichton getting him something to eat in the base mess hall, but they both should return soon. Teal'c was in his quarters performing Kel'no'reem, Lt. Hailey was with her team, SG-4, about to head off on an assigned mission. Meanwhile, General Hammond and O'Neill were in a private meeting with Senator Kinsey. This alone gave Daniel a bad feeling of what might be going on behind those closed doors. Whenever Senator Kinsey showed up, nothing good ever came of it.
Unable to do much about that problem for the moment, Daniel focused on translating the first few pages of Crichton's wormhole equations but it was slow going. He was seated at his desk with books and notes scattered to the left and right of him. Alien math equations weren't Daniel's thing, it was more Sam's department, but, then again, decrypting alien languages wasn't really her specialty either. Daniel sighed as he struggled on.
He glanced over to Chiana, who was working at another table just a few feet away. The Nebari looked bored. I was wondering if we could take a break?
We've only been going at this for an hour, Chiana.
Can we relax for just five minutes? She pouted at little, giving him the sad puppy dog eyes.
Geez! She always looks cute when she does that, Daniel observed as he rubbed his tired eyes, then pushed his chair away from his desk. Yeah, a little breather wouldn't hurt, he thought.
Sure, I could use a break too, he agreed.
Without another word, Chiana walked over to Daniel, straddled his chair and sat down on his lap facing him, making herself comfortable.
Daniel at first cast a nervous glance towards the door, hoping that no one showed up at this very awkward moment. Although he was not military, there were certain levels of conduct that he had to follow while on base.
Is this you idea of relaxing? He asked the Nebari seated on his lap.
Chiana asked as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. Are you uncomfortable?
Uh, uncomfortable or relaxed isn't exactly the words I was thinking of. Chiana, I hate to be the one to break this to you but we both could get into trouble if the wrong person should walk in on us.
Chiana smiled deviously. That makes it all the more fun and since when do you worry about getting into trouble? I don't hear you complaining when I sneak into your room every night.
The situation is a little different and could you please stop wiggling you hips he struggled to say when Chiana wrapped her arms around his neck and covered his mouth with hers.
At first, he tried (well, kind of half-heartedly) to push her away when Chiana slid her tongue into his mouth, and started playing intricate games with his. This broke whatever resistance Daniel had and he passionately responded, encircling his arms about her sleek form, pulling her closer. After several moments, Chiana broke their lip lock and stared at Daniel. He seemed stunned by the pleasurable experience, his eyes still closed and his mouth partially open.
Seeing that she had Daniel under her spell the Nebari smiled speaking in a low husky voice, Hmmmm, you were saying something about how we shouldn't do this?
Daniel's eyes slowly opened and he met her gaze, looking momentarily confused. Did I actually say that?
Chiana nodded and turned her attention over to the roll of bookshelves in the corner of his work area, which looked nice and private. She stood up and pulled Daniel to his feet, tugging him toward her selected hiding spot.
This way, lover boy, she purred.
Daniel saw the gleam in her eyes that was promising nothing but mischief. As much as he enjoyed Chiana's idea of mischief', he had to put a stop to this before it went any further. It was bad enough that he and Chiana were playing bedroom commandoes at night in the SGC, but to do it here and now was being plain reckless.
Daniel pleaded. Do you realize how much trouble we could get into? Crichton and Carter will be coming back any time.
Well, that makes it all the more fun, Chiana cooed sweetly, as she tried to keep pulling him along. Doing it while not getting caught.
Daniel held his ground. Chiana, no!
The Nebari refused to give up and she gave him her best come hither' smile.
Daniel, yes!
***
For Doctor Janet Frasier, there was never an end to the mountain of paper work that came across her desk. Not surprisingly, most of it was currently on their newest resident, Chiana. With Crichton and Daniel's help, the Nebari finally, but reluctantly, gave up some blood samples during the course of her physical examination.
Janet discovered that Chiana's blood had some very curious properties, including a hyper immune system, which could make her very resilient to all sorts of infection and diseases. Janet decided to send a few samples of the unique blue blood to a top genetic lab with high level security clearance for further testing, but was careful not to mention from whom or where it came.
Now, all she could think of was finding a way to sweet talk Chiana into giving another sample of her blood. She remembered how Chiana first reacted when she saw the needle that Janet was going to use on her and Janet had to admit that it might be far easier just to try and draw some blood from a cornered mountain lion.
Excuse me, Doctor?
Janet looked up to see Jack Crichton standing at her open office door.
Janet smiled from behind her desk. What can I do for you?
I just need to ask you a question, Jack Crichton said as he slowly stepped in, closed the door behind him, and sat down in the chair in front of her desk. What really happened to my son while he was out there?
Janet hesitated. Honestly, that is something your son should tell you.
I tried, but he wouldn't say anything. You examined him, can't you tell me if you found anything? Jack asked.
I did examine him thoroughly and physically he's very fit.
As his doctor, I'm not allowed to provide...
He's my son, damn it! Jack exclaimed. I need to know! Please! Is he okay?
After a hard moment of soul searching, Janet gave in. Slowly, she opened her top right side desk drawer and presented a file to Jack.
I found something during a CAT scan of his brain. His brain was operated on and from the pattern, it appears someone literally drilled a hole into it.
Stunned, Jack opened the file and saw the photos. It clearly showed a hollow cylinder pattern extending nearly an inch in his son's brain. My, God! Who or what the hell did this to him?!
Your son initially didn't want to say anything about it, but he finally broke down and admitted that a being by the name of Scorpius forcibly placed a neural chip in his brain to retrieve the wormhole knowledge he has. Your son eventually found an alien surgeon that was able to remove it and repaired the damage, but the chip almost drove your son mad.
Jack's blood boiled with rage as he looked over the CAT scan photos. Where is this Scorpius now?
Major Carter killed him.
That bit of information made Jack feel somewhat better, knowing his son's apparent tormentor was dead. He had to make sure to thank Major Carter later.
He didn't mention any of this to me.
Maybe in time he will, but right now all he wants is a sense of normalcy and we can't force him to confront his fears or demons, Janet explained. It's better if he does it when he feels ready.
I just need to feel like I'm doing something to help him.
That's what you're doing right now, Janet smiled. Just being his father.
***
In an elevator up five levels, John Crichton and Samantha Carter were riding back down to rejoin Chiana and Daniel in his work area.
Crichton half smiled to the blond Major. That's what I missed the most while I was away That and beer.
Behind him, Carter was leaning against the back wall of the elevator, smiling as she listened to Crichton. When I'm away on long missions, the first thing I always miss is a hot shower.
Crichton nodded in agreement. And having a toothbrush Oh, God! Toilet paper, did I ever miss having toilet paper around.
Intrigued, Carter inquired cautiously. What did you use on Moya toyou know?
Crichton chuckled. I'm not sure if you want to know.
Still grinning, Carter leaned her head against the elevator wall and closed her tired eyes. Well, you are home, now, Crichton, and we've got all the toilet paper you'll ever need. More importantly, you are safe. That's what matters the most.
Yeah, safe and sound, Crichton whispered under his breath.
It was good being home, but then again, it wasn't. He had changed and his father was beginning to take notice of it. It was strange being in the SGC over the last few days with no Peacekeepers, or hostile alien or some disaster threatening to destroy them. It was too quiet and probably most of all, she wasn't here.
Then why is Chiana happier being on Earth than I am? he wondered quietly.
Concerned, Carter opened her eyes. Did you say something?
Before Crichton could reply, the base went on alert.
Unauthorized off world activation!
***
By the time John and Carter reached the Gate Control Room, General Hammond, Colonel O'Neill and Senator Kinsey were already there. In the Gate Room below, the Iris was closed over the Stargate and being covered by several firing teams. A few seconds later, Doc Frasier and Jack Crichton arrived.
No GDO signal, a technician reported, watching his monitor closely when new data suddenly flashed across it. Wait. I am receiving a transmission now. It's an audio signal.
Can you pipe it through the intercom? Carter asked.
One moment, the tech replied.
From behind, Carter heard Chiana and Daniel racing into the room. She turned her attention to them. Where were you two?
We were busy With things Chiana muttered and Daniel nodded in agreement.
Carter smiled at the two, noting how their clothing was slightly dishevelled. She focused on Daniel, who was sporting a rather guilty expression, before she lowered her eyes.
Ah, you should know that your fly is down, Carter whispered
Red faced, Daniel turned around to fix the problem while Chiana and Carter shared a glance with one another before chuckling at the same moment. It was then that a frustrated voice filtered through the base intercom system.
Hello? Can anyone hear me? Anyone? Yotz! Are you sure this thing is working right?
Reaching for the microphone on the main console, Hammond replied. This is General Hammond of the SGC, to whom am I speaking?
That's better! the voice said before announcing proudly. I am Dominar Rygel the XVI of the Hynerian Empire. Is this the planet Erp?
Chiana giggled, clapping her hands. John Crichton nearly shouted for joy as he leaned closer to Hammond to speak into the microphone. Rygel! You old space dog! It's damn good to hear your voice!
Crichton? Is that you? Is Chiana there as well? Rygel asked.
Yeah! She's here, Crichton said. Where have you been the last two weekens?
I have been busy regaining my throne from my idiot and traitorous cousin.
Crichton's jaw dropped. You got your big chair back?
Of course, considering I had popular support for my return and the means in which to do it, but we have plenty of time to talk about that later. I have some friends here. We'd like to step through the stargate for a visit to discuss business and offer some gifts to the people of Erp.
All eyes turned to General Hammond. John and Chiana were especially excited to see their olds friends. After a moment of careful consideration, Hammond spoke into the microphone. How many people are you planning to bring over, Dominar Rygel?
Just myself, two escorts and two Luxans, Rygel reported. An ambassador Bu G'Ranto and another Luxan some of you should all know, Ka D'Argo.
You may proceed through, General Hammond said, and then nodded to the Gate Technician. Open the Iris.
As the Iris opened over the mouth of the Stargate, Hammond alerted the dozen soldiers in the Gate room. Standby to receive incoming travellers!
The soldiers readied themselves and levelled their weapons at the Stargate as a precaution. They couldn't afford to let their guard down when receiving unexpected guests, no matter who they claimed to be.
After several moments, five figures emerged through the Gate's shivering event horizon. Two Luxans and one Hynerian on a throne sled being flanked by what looked like two golden armored knights on either side of him.
Both smiling, Chiana and John Crichton left the Gate Control Room in a race to see who could reach their friends first. At the same time, General Hammond ordered the Iris closed and the soldiers to stand down.
In the Gate Room, Ka D'Argo slowly adjusted to the stomach turning trip through the Stargate. It was unlike almost anything he had ever experienced before with the exception of enduring the dizzying distortion ride on a Leviathan during a starburst. The effects were soon forgotten when D'Argo saw the group of armed Humans waiting for them at the end of the ramp.
They were all in green battle dress and helmets, the same type of uniforms the Human soldiers had worn on the fake Earth. D'Argo stared at them suspiciously, prepared for anything. His first thought was to wonder if this could be a trap. He looked around, searching for any familiar faces in this chamber room, but he saw none. D'Argo instantly felt the urge to start reaching for his Qualta Blade.
A large steel door on the far left side of the room slid open a moment later and Chiana and John Crichton came racing through to greet them. John was grateful that O'Neill had supplied them both with the address to Earth should they ever locate a Stargate and want to make contact.
Big D! Rygel! The Human laughed. How the hell are you guys!
John! Chiana! The big Luxan shouted in joy. It was a major relief to see them both and especially Chiana. The young Nebari looked genuinely happy and very well treated. This observation permitted D'Argo to relax as Chiana reached him first and leapt into his waiting arms.
Chiana laughed, hugging him tightly and showered his face with kisses. I never thought I'd see you again after you returned to your home world!
Just a few steps behind them, General Hammond, Jack Crichton and SG-1 filed in, but kept a polite distance to allow John and Chiana time to reunite with their friends. Jack Crichton just stared in pure wonderment at the new group of aliens who had arrived through this amazing device called the Stargate after witnessing it in operation for the first time.
Up in the Gate Control Room, Senator Kinsey watched the same scene unfold but with a different reaction. He scowled in deep disgust at the sight of more aliens.
It's starting to look more like a bad Star Trek convention around here, he muttered under his breath
Back down in the Gate Room, Chiana turned to Rygel happily. Frog face! Or, should I say, Dominar Rygel! She bowed playfully down to him.
Dominar will do nicely, Rygel chuckled before Chiana hugged and kissed him. He wrapped his little arms about her and whispered in her ear. Are these Humans looking after you? They are not mistreating you, are they?
No, they are not, Chiana quickly replied with a smile. Daniel has been nothing but very sweet and living with Humans has been an eye opening experience. It's literally a planet full of Crichtons! She giggled again before stopping to eye the two tall golden mechanical men with a single eye slit. A red light was slowly traversing from left to right in the slit.
What are those guys?
A gift from the Colonials, Rygel informed her. You like them? They're Cylon centurions reprogrammed to obey my every command. They used to be personal pilots and escorts to a criminal called Baltar who was placed into exile by the Colonials. Since he no longer needed them, Adama gave them to me to help regain my throne. Ha! You should have seen these two in action! Their armor is invulnerable to pulse blasts and my cousins Royal Guards literally dropped their rifles and ran when they saw their weapon fire bounce cleanly off their armor. With the element of surprise and these two leading the way, my supporters and I quickly retook the palace and my throne. Now, it's my cousin's turn to spend the next 80 cycles on a prison ship! Revenge is always sweet, especially when I'm the one giving it!
Cylons, huh? Chiana took another moment to study the golden armored machines that stood silently on either side of Rygel like foreboding statues warding off evil spirits. They sure don't talk much. Do they have names?
Rygel smirked proudly, I call them, Sparky and Fluffy.
John was talking to D'Argo with the Luxan Ambassador, G'Ranto nearby. What have you been doing since the last time I saw you?
I spent most of it convincing my leaders about the Stargates and what they can do, D'Argo said gesturing to the towering device behind him. We have dozens of them scattered across our territory, but we always considered them little more than ancient relics.
G'Ranto added reluctantly. We refused to believe him until he actually activated one of the devices and made contact with the Hynerian home world. We are hoping to learn more about the Stargates from the people of the planet Erp.
Well, you came to the right place, John answered, then leaned in and whispered under his breath. And it's Earth, not Erp.
Moments later, introductions were given all around between SGC's newest visitors and General Hammond and SG-1. John and Chiana had to act as translators for the Luxans and Rygel because the SGC didn't have any technology to bridge the language gap. It was then that D'Argo produced a metal tube.
This is an injection device filled with translator microbes, D'Argo said as John continued to translate for him to General Hammond and the others. I decided it might come in handy and your scientists might wish to study them. The Luxan handed the tube to General Hammond.
We gratefully accept your gift, Hammond answered before handing it over to Major Carter who examined it closely. We'll have it analysed before using it.
How does it work? she asked.
John continued to translate for D'Argo. Just hold the one end against any part of you flesh and press the red button on the other to inject yourself with the microbes.
O'Neill was watching Major Carter scrutinize the alien device when she casually held it against her left arm and injected herself with the microbes.
he shouted, grabbing the device away from her, but it was already too late.
Major Carter! Hammond joined in berating her. What have you done? You just disregarded every procedure concerning the handling of alien technology!
Carter couldn't see what the big fuss was all about. Before we left, the Colonials own scientists determined the microbes to be safe for general use. They are harmless.
Are they harmless to people who still have traces of Naquadah in their blood? O'Neill countered, staring straight at her. Or to those who are Tok'ra now?
O'Neill's argument caused Major Carter to pause momentarily and she suddenly began to doubt her assertions about the microbes.
No, sir. II never considered that. They had procedures to follow for everyone's safety in handing alien technology and she disregarded it all without the blinking of an eye. Now she felt ashamed of how recklessly she had behaved.
O'Neill still couldn't believe it! had gotten into her lately? She used to be smarter than this. Carter had not been herself since being captured and interrogated by Scorpius. He watched Carter cast her eyes to the floor, despondently. Now, O'Neill's shock and anger was replaced with concern. Something was definitely not right with Carter and he was growing increasingly concerned for her.
Finally, a sympathetic D'Argo spoke directly to the blond Major. Is he always this protective of you?
Yeah, but it's his job... Carter started to answer absentmindedly before her head snapped up staring back at D'Argo, grinning ear to ear. Hey! I understood you!
***
Sometime later, General Hammond arranged a small tour to be given to Dominar Rygel and the Luxans, although Sparky and Fluffy had to remain within the gate room. They just made everyone in the SGC too nervous to let them stomp freely about the base.
In the meantime, up in the main Conference room, General Hammond, SG-1 and Senator Kinsey sat down to discuss the purposed deal between Earth and the Hynerian and Luxan governments.
First off, the few Stargates located within the Luxan and Hynerian territories make them very valuable for trading, Daniel explained. Dominar Rygel said the Stargates would greatly benefit trade between worlds within and outside of his empire. While the Luxans viewed them more as a chance to explore the galaxy like we do.
So they want gate addresses, the senator said, cutting to the chase. What exactly are they offering in return?
Well, nearly anything we need, Daniel, said. Technology, weapons, ships and Rygel and the Luxans are even offering a defence treaty to Earth if we should ever come under attack.
Are they prepared to give us some samples of those wondrous technologies they possess? Senator Kinsey asked, not interested in defence treaties.
Major Carter said. Both the Hynerians and Luxans have formidable technology and ships. D'Argo even mentioned they have small assault vessels that could fit through the gate for delivery. These ships, although the size of a large fighter, have the punch of ships four times their size.
Senator Kinsey gave a rare and honest smile. I will see about getting the negotiations with these Hynerians and Luxans on the way immediately and try to get a look at the assault ships that these Luxans have.
Don't you think we are moving too fast, Senator? General Hammond suggested. For one, we have the Colonials arriving tomorrow. Perhaps we might want to hold meetings with all three at once.
If we can get what we need from the aliens, then we won't need the Colonials, Kinsey said.
Excuse me? O'Neill leaned forward to stare down the table towards the senator.
You heard me, Colonel. If we can get what we want from them, then why bother cutting the same deal with the Colonials?
Well, the Colonials also need our help, and they want to settle on Earth for one, O'Neill said. What about that?
He knows, Jack, Daniel said as he stared at the senator, realizing the truth in his motives. You have no problem in taking technology from aliens or Humans from other worlds, just as long as you don't have to accept the people themselves.
And why not? Kinsey said firmly. The best allies are the ones who know enough to leave and go back home at the end of the day.
Carter was dumbfounded and nearly shouted at him. You can't be serious! The Colonials helped to save my life! I would be dead if it wasn't for them!
Contain yourself, Major, Senator Kinsey warned sternly before turning his attention on Daniel. I read your report, Doctor Jackson, and in it, you state that Earth is their thirteenth colony and we are all descendants from a mother world called Kobol?
Daniel nodded. Yes. The Colonials firmly believe that and I found evidence that supports it.
Senator Kinsey chuckled as if he'd just heard a bad joke. Doctor Jackson, life began here, on God's green Earth. Not from some mythical planet those Colonials prate on about. You actually believe what they told you?
You are about to slam the door in their faces just because they believe something you disagree with? Daniel cried in protest. Their belief system is unique, yes, but it's no different than anything else we have here on Earth.
O'Neill said. You can't allow him to do this!
Need I remind you that I'm in charge of the negotiations now? Senator Kinsey informed O'Neill.
I'm sorry, Colonel, Hammond said dejectedly. My hands are tied.
Suddenly, Carter stood up at attention and asked politely. General, I'm not feeling well, may I be excused since we're all been rendered redundant here?
Hammond and the rest of SG-1 looked surprised at Carter's request, but the General nodded his approval and the blond Major immediately left, closing the conference room door behind her.
After watching Carter leave, O'Neill glowered at the senator. You can't get away with this. May I remind you, if you haven't read all of our reports, Rygel and D'Argo are friends with the Colonials? They won't stand for you using them to try and screw Adama and the others over!
Senator Kinsey looked very confident. Well, they won't find out if no one tells them.
They will because I will tell them, O'Neill said evenly.
You can kiss your career and the rest of your team's futures good-bye if one of you opens your mouth Senator Kinsey froze, his eyes darting to the door through which Carter had gone a minute ago. With a panicked look, he turned to General Hammond, demanding aloud, Find Major Carter and get her back here!
It's a big base, it'll take time for my people to find her, General Hammond nonchalantly picked up the base phone to order base security to locate Major Carter. He could barely conceal his amusement at Senator Kinsey's sudden predicament as he deliberately took his time to make the call.
You planned this! Kinsey shouted at O'Neill as the senator rose from his chair and stormed out of the room to chase down Carter.
O'Neill pointed innocently at himself before he looked to the others left in the room as they all got up to follow Senator Kinsey. Why am I the one always getting the blame? he muttered under his breath.
They had just exited the conference room when they saw Major Carter walking back up the stairs.
Kinsey looked relieved to see her.
Major Carter he started to say, but stopped, becoming very pale when he saw Rygel, the two Luxans, Chiana, John and Jack Crichton also following her up the stairs. They didn't look at all pleased as they stared coldly at the senator.
O'Neill watched them all lined up and standing shoulder to shoulder as they faced Senator Kinsey.
Now, that's what I call a united front! O'Neill observed before singing quietly to himself. Someone is going to get it!
Rygel spoke angrily in his native language as John Crichton translated for him.
It has come to our attention that you are planning to use our goodwill to Earth to hurt the Colonials?
Senator Kinsey stared heatedly at Carter who stood between John and D'Argo before saying naively, Gentleman, I don't know what you have been told but I assure you
Rygel snapped aloud and John continued to translate for him. Be silent! Being an aquatic race, I know a bottom feeder when I see one, Senator! This planet or your government will not get one piece of technology from us until you deal with the Colonials first! The truth is, you need us more than we need you!
G'Ranto spoke and Carter translated for him. The same applies with the Luxan government. We will not deal with a person with so little honour.
Well, I guess you all have spoken. Humiliated, Senator Kinsey saw that he'd lost but he turned his attention and anger back to Samantha Carter. Congratulations, Major and I hope you enjoy the rest of your career up in Alaska, on your knees, cleaning weather base floors and toilets!
In that moment, their wasn't one soul in the room who didn't entertain the thought of either taking a swing, tongue stinging or just plain spitting up on Senator Kinsey, but Carter held herself proud and said in a calm and collected voice, Mr. Senator, please tell me how one man who's nothing but a big ass can at the same time be such a small prick?