Chapter 6: News
Cam was walking down the hall reading Sam's letter. Glancing at the picture he again ran his eyes over Sam's eyes and Teal'c's hair in this beautiful mini person. He smiled and moved back to reading the letter.
Dear Cam,
How are you? I have missed you all so very much. My gods I cant even begin to you how much my life has changed here. I feel like the person I knew myself to be all along was left on your side of the gate. I am a completely new and different person. Here I've traded in battle dress for linen and robes and boot for sandals. Kal'el, a friend of mine and the woman who had been responsible for my successful immersion here, insisted as soon as I arrived that I hire a cook, a personal maid, plus a valet for Teal'c and a nurse for Kamala. I think her urgency was partly because, as you know, I can't do any of that and partly because being part of the council here is representative of the same status as being an ambassador or delegate in Washington. I would never have thought of any of those things on my own. You can not tell but I am laughing as I write this letter. While I do fear that my life will change even more dramatically if Teal'c accepts Bra'tac's position as Leader of the Council I can't help but know this was the right decision.
Anyway, our house looks as if it was air lifted from Barcelona or Tuscany. It's amazingly beautiful. I've tried to immerse myself in as many of the local traditions and ways as possible, its not easy but I really think I'm making progress. Sometimes I even think of myself as a female Daniel.
I smile now because my greatest concerns are Kamala falling, Bra'tac pushing the election, and the possibility that Kat will forget the fruit. This is life now and while it may seem so vain Cam I really haven't given anything up. I am on the Council of Technologies and help them with interfacing and adaptation.
I really wish you and Janet would come visit us. Kamala is growing so fast now. Don't worry, you won't be strangers; all she hears is stories of you all. Anyway, I hope the meetings go well and please send Teal'c back in one piece. Lords know too many people don't. Do not forget to ask General Landry bout time off, just a day or two.
All my Love,
Sam
Busy contemplating the true feeling and meaning behind her words Cam didn't see Daniel rounding the corner. He hadn't seen the man for some time, as soon as Daniel had realized that Sam had gone for good he requested to be transferred from SG1 to SG28, the archeological team.
In less than a second though both men were lying on the floor surrounded by their paper work. "Sorry Jackson, I wasn't looking." Cam helped Daniel pick up all the papers that had strewn themselves all over the hallway. Daniel offered a half smile.
"No worries, I wasn't really paying attention either." Cam took in the new Dr. Jackson. He was pale and gaunt, these qualities making him to look especially geeky. It was obvious that he was just barely keeping up to fitness standards. Everyone on SG1 had kept themselves in impeccable condition, mostly unasked, because you never knew what the hell you were going to run in to on the other side and you wanted to know that you could handle your self and be there for your teammates. It was just part of being the front line. Apparently SG28 did not have to same policy.
"So where you headed, I thought that you were sitting in on the meetings?"
Daniel glanced down at his watch. "I got caught up with that new translation from P3X-984, I uh have to dash back to my office and change folders." He held up the now terribly disorganized folder.
Cam cringed. "Sorry bout that."
Daniel offered a tired smile. "It's really nothing." Glancing down at his watch again Daniel noticed he was barley going to make the meetings start time. "So I'll uh see you there?"
Cam bobbed his head. "Yeah, yeah. Sure, see you there." Both men nodded awkwardly before setting off in respective directions. Cameron shook his head, if either Sam or General O'Neill had been here heads would be rolling for Jackson's condition.
Off World Activation
Off World Activation
The Special Forces guards ran to take up their position while Generals Hammond, Landry, O'Neill, and Lt. Colonel Cameron stood waiting in blue dress for their visitors. Looking to the tech sergeant on duty they got confirmation. "It's the Jaffa sir."
Landry nodded. "Open the iris." As soon as the command was given the four men made their way down to the gate room where a very disheveled Daniel Jackson met them running a moment later.
"Sorry I'm late." Daniel took his place next to General Landry.
Out of the wormhole came the Tok'ra representatives including Martouf and Councilor Garshaw. Nodding to each other the Tok'ra took a place across from their Earth counterparts. Next came the Jaffa representatives. There were a couple new faces that George and Jack didn't recognize but they were followed by someone they definitely recognized.
Teal'c's entrance was followed by several different reactions. Cameron was overjoyed to see the man again, it had been too long. Daniel, against conscious will, leaned forward to get a better view of how time had treated his friend. Jack studied him with cool appraisal.
Landry stepped forward to play the part of a diplomat. "Welcome Councilor." The Tok'ra bowed her head slightly.
"It is good to see you again General."
Landry accepted with a smile and moved towards Teal'c. "Teal'c it is good to have you back. Even if it is only temporary."
Teal'c took Landry's hand. "It is good to be back General." Tilting his head Teal'c smiled. "And I will stay as long as necessary."
Nodding Landry returned the smile. "Good man Teal'c." Turning to the rest of the delegation Landry raised his voice a little. "Ambassadors, I would like to offer you the ability to move freely around this base but in order to make that happen we need you all to go through some medical exams." Everyone nodded. "Great."
Staying towards the back of the pack Ryac was able to stop by Generals Landry and Hammond. "Excuse me sirs." They turned from their conversation with Jack. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I have something for General Landry from Dakara." Landry nodded and Ryac handed him the beautiful envelope in which was Sam's letter.
Hank smiled. "Thank you." Ryac bowed his head. Sensing that there was something else the two men waited a moment for General Hammond to act.
"Actually gentlemen if you will excuse me I've been meaning to talk to Ryac, um-"
Jack stepped in. "Say no more General we'll just head over to check on the visitors."
Hammond nodded. "Thank you son." Turning awkwardly Jack led Landry towards the exit.
As soon as they were about ten feet away George put his hands on his hips. "So son how is she?"
Ryac crossed his arms. "I have both good and bad news."
Hammond waved. "Let's hear the worst of it."
Sighing Ryac leaned forward. "Bra'tac has been putting pressure on both the council and Teal'c to make some changes within the government. And it seems to be working. The reason Bra'tac is not here now is because he is putting a vote out to make Teal'c the single head of the government with a council of advisors." The General nodded. "Much like you president."
George shook his head. "This is the bad news?"
"The problem is that Samantha is at odds with this vote."
"Oh."
"You see General my father works hard as it is now but if this vote were to pass, it would be a very exhausting job."
George nodded and crossed his arms. "I can see. So how do you think this will resolve?"
Ryac sighed again and ran a hand through his hair. "I am unsure General Hammond. If this vote does pass it will be sometime before it actually goes into effect. I believe that in this scenario Samantha would find it in herself to support my father. If the vote does not pass I believe they will both work hard to never mention it again. He from disappointment and she from relief."
Shaking his head General Hammond replied. "Bad all around." Ryac nodded. "So son what is the good news?"
With a smile Ryac held up his hands. "This piece of information is unofficial and extremely unmentionable." With a frown Hammond nodded. "I believe that Samantha is pregnant again."
The shock made the older man fail. "How do you know?"
Teal'c's son shook his head. "I don't, not for sure. I said I believe this to be true. Kat has confided in me that Samantha has not bled for some time." The General made a face. Ryac spread his hands. "Your command was to gather information."
Hammond shook his head. "Okay son." He put an arm around the young man. "Let's just go meet up with everyone else."
As they walked up the briefing room the conversation was steered to less controversial news. Right before they entered Ryac stopped. "General Hammond. Kat gave me several letters to hand out while I was here, everyone has received they're required letter except two." He pulled out two enveloped that matched the ones he had given to Cameron, Janet, and Generals Hammond and Landry. "This first one is for the President." George nodded and placed it in inside his blues in his breast pocket. "And this second one is for her father."
"Thanks fine Ryac. I'll give it to Martouf."
Entering the briefing room they would themselves in a heated debate.
"I do believe that it would be for the best." Garshaw was sitting at one end of the table facing a standing Teal'c.
"It is a responsibility that I can not take on!" He shouted.
"What in heavens name is going on here?!" Everyone came to a standstill as the Lt. General made is presence known. Jack stood up.
"It seems sir that the Jaffa are thinking about reorganization and the Tok'ra are all for it." Jack's voice confirmed the bewilderment on his face.
A young member of the Jaffa party stood. "As a member of the Jaffa nation I should explain." General Hammond motioned for him to continue, Teal'c's frown grew as both he and Jack sat back down. "After the past few months events we are facing a decision. We can either continue on the path of unscrupulous leadership that we are on or we can change it. General, we have the opportunity before us now to create a stronger, better Jaffa nation. As we speak Master Bra'tac is appealing to not only the council members but all Jaffa. We need to change the government while we still can. And the change is simple. The council must have a guide. And there is only one man among us that can do what is being proposed. And he is cowering."
An enraged Teal'c stood up and brought his fist down on the table. "How dare you call me a coward. I who fought for you and all Jaffa from before your birth. I have sacrificed my family and my life many times over you know nothing of me." He looked around the table. "We fought a war. A war that claimed too much. That war is over now. We all must move on with our lives and make what we can of them. What you are asking of me is that I return to my home and sacrifice my wife and daughter but for what purpose?" Everyone at the table stayed silent. "For what purpose!"
Finally Garshaw spoke. Standing slowly she was obviously collecting her thoughts. "Teal'c." She paused. "Teal'c. We are not asking you to make any decision today. But" Teal'c began to huff when she raised a hand. "But if the vote does pass and the position is offered to you please, please think of all the good you could do and how you can shape Jaffa legacy. Just think upon it. Promise us that?"