Sorry everyone - I hit a bit of 'writer's block'. I managed to complete this chapter but it's not one of my best. It should get better but I apologize. I hope you don't hate it!
"Damnit!" Jack was furious. He'd tried everything he could thing of but the Chief refused to give them their guns back. No matter what he said he just got stonewalled. The old, obstinate bugger was sure that if Jack and Sam got their strange 'fire-stick's' they'd leave and never come back.
No, the Chief, in fact the whole tribe, had decided that Jack had to stay. He was now their good-luck charm. They treated him well, very well, but he knew he was in effect a prisoner. Oh, they allowed him to move around – or Sam – but never together, at least not too far from the cave. Jack also knew that everyone kept a close watch on them.
He was going crazy.
"We have to figure out a way to get out of here. We need to check on those Jaffa to see if they've returned. I tried to explain that it was for the safety of the tribe as much as anything but the chief just muttered something about Chewi."
"They certainly seem to think the tigers will protect them."
"Yeah – or kill them. I can't quite figure out if they think the Chewi is good or bad."
"Probably both. A lot of cultures had a 'love/hate' relationship with their Gods, viewing them as both protector and judge."
Jack stared at her for a moment. "God, you sound just like Daniel."
"Thank you Jack."
"It wasn't a complement!" Although she was pretty sure she could see a small smirk on his face.
"So, they figure Chewi is going to protect them from any 'enemies'. If they put so much face in him I don't see why they need us!"
"I don't think it's 'us' Jack, I think it's you. I'm just your 'mate'." Fortunately Sam didn't seem upset by his anymore. He'd worried that she would continue to be ticked off at the blatant sexism of the tribe.
In actual fact it had taken her awhile to get over the fact that women were definitely second-rate citizens in the tribe. She'd realized, however, that there was no sense getting angry or upset. She certainly wasn't going to change things and they didn't plan on staying forever – so for now, she could handle it.
She grinned to herself at that thought, however. In reality the women were 'second-rate' only in the minds of the men. They actually pretty much ruled the roost! She who cooks controls the world.
She was in agreement with Jack about needing to get their guns and check out the Jaffa. It was frustrating, and worrisome. She would not have been surprised to one day see a troop of the warriors come upon the village. The results would be horrific. She knew they wouldn't be interested in taking any of the villagers as hosts so would most likely just eliminate them.
Sam was surprised but she had actually grown to feel quite a bit of affection for the members of the tribe. They were simple, uncomplicated folk, who could definitely use personal hygiene lessons, but they had good hearts. She had begun to teach them some simple things to make their lives better and the women, who did most of the work except for hunting, really appreciated it.
She'd tried to teach them about bathing, with limited success. They all appeared terrified of the water although she had got some of the younger ones to try it. They'd loved the warm water. She figured she might not change this generation but, who knew, maybe she'd affect the next one.
As the weather had begun to get colder she noticed the tribes people began to wear furs and cover themselves up a bit more. She herself had taken to wearing a fur cape in the evenings. She'd laughed when Jack had commented on the fact.
"So, you see, you can't say that I don't treat my women well. A fur cape no less!"
"Your women? What other women do you have Jack?"
"Did I say women? I meant woman – one woman – that's all I need."
"Good, cause that's all your gonna have!"
"Yeah, but what a woman!" He'd grinned and wiggled his eyebrows – she'd pushed him over.
But they still had the problem of how to get their guns and go see the Jaffa.
"Any idea where they could be?" she asked Jack.
"No. I've looked everywhere I can think of but no luck. The chief must have a great hiding place."
"What if we go without our guns, just to take a look?"
"Yeah, if we have to. I'd feel pretty vulnerable though. What if we came across a wandering Jaffa?"
"A wandering Jaffa – sounds rather – poetic!"
"Yeah, until he shoots you with his staff weapon."
So, the two of them tried to figure out what they were going to do. They knew if it came down to it they could just leave. This certainly wasn't one of their more difficult missions and they knew if they tried they could outwit the tribe. However, they had been treated well so they also didn't want to do anything to upset the people.
"Drobe!" Jack snapped his fingers.
"What about him?"
"We've both agreed he's just like Daniel, right."
"Yeeeahh? So?"
"Well, we both know that Daniel is terrible at keeping secrets from us right?"
"Right?"
"So, I figure Drobe is just as bad."
"You're going to ask him?"
"Well, not straight out. It'll take a little bit of subtlety – just like with Daniel."
She couldn't help but laugh. She hadn't seen Jack so lighthearted in a long time. She realized, at that moment, how much he really did miss Daniel and the funny/antagonistic relationship they had. She could only thank God for Drobe who was a good substitute in the short term.
So, that afternoon Jack started his 'get Drobe to spill all' campaign. Both he and Sam figured the man must know something. In fact, they wouldn't be surprised if the whole tribe knew. Secrets weren't normally something they dealt in.
"So Drobe", Jack slapped his friend on the back. "What say we go fishing?" Drobe looked at him suspiciously. Oh yeah, just like Daniel, thought Jack. "Yup – two guys, spending a day together, knockin back a few beer, tellin' tall tales. Yeah, that's the life." He looked at his heavy-browed friend, who was staring at him blankly. "Okay, okay, so no beer! But I bet we have some pretty good water!"
Drobe just shook his head at his friend, not understanding a word but pretty sure that Jack was being his funny self as usual. Just like his earthly 'twin' Drobe had learned to read Jack pretty well and sometimes just sighed as he watched the crazy antics of the grey-haired man.
Jack grinned and started to speak in his fractured 'cave-speak'. He got across to Drobe the idea of going fishing. He'd gotten the man 'hooked' (no pun intended) on the sport. So, the two guys grabbed their gear and headed off towards the nearest stream.
Sam just shook her head at the two men. God, they were the same everywhere – and, she guessed, throughout history. Once of the other women – Zafra – grinned at her. She too knew what they were like.
Sam caught one young woman watching Jack and Drobe as they left. Sam looked over towards Maru with a question in her eyes. The old woman nodded. Oh, thought Sam, so that's what's in the works.
Pratu had just entered 'womanhood' by the standards of the tribe and would very soon be 'mated'. There were presently three men who didn't have a mate and all of them were doing what they could to impress the young woman. Sam hadn't realized that the women had any choice in the matter. When she mentioned it to Maru the woman had laughed. While it was the Chief's decision, and hers, they both tried to listen to the desires of the young women. They knew it would create less strife in the long run.
Sam asked about the 'desires' of the men and Maru laughed harder. With a couple of crude gestures she let Sam know that the men pretty much had only one 'desire'! As far as most men were concerned the women were interchangeable, although couples mated for a long time did seem to develop an affection for one other.
Sam wasn't so sure about this however. She had caught Drobe looking at Pratu a few times and she thought his expression showed more than just physical 'lust'. He hadn't been as obvious in his advances as the other two men and Sam figured that might be one of the reasons Pratu was so intrigued. Nothing like a little 'distance' to create mystery. Hell, nothing like not knowing how the other person felt to create anxiety, hope and longing! Just ask her.
Jack and Drobe sat quietly by the stream, enjoying the still warm autumn day. The fish were nibbling but neither one of them had caught anything. As far as Jack was concerned, it didn't matter. He was fishing for something totally different.
Jack, being a pretty typical guy, normally didn't notice things like 'mating rituals' and guy/girl kind of stuff. Lately though he was more attuned to these things. He figured it was the huge step forward he'd taken in his relationship with Sam that had him noticing what was going on around him. Whatever it was, he certainly had caught wind of Drobe's interest in the young woman Pratu. This was perfect, he thought. Nothing like a little pressure to make a man crack.
"So Drobe!" he looked at his friend who looked back at him suspiciously. Yup, Drobe knew Jack well.
"I see you've got your eye on that cute little thing – what's her name?" He gestured to the young man who narrowed his eyes at him.
"Come on – what's her name? Pert?"
"Pratu."
"Oh yeah, Pratu. She's … kinda …." He gestured again, realizing he didn't have a clue if the tribe had a word for 'pretty'. Looking at Drobe he figured not.
"Yes", Drobe answered shortly. He was getting uncomfortable.
"So, you going to mate with her?"
"It is up to the Chief and Maru", he answered.
"Really? So, there's nothing you can do?"
"No, unless Pratu asks for me."
"Really? The women can do that? I didn't know."
"Yes. When it comes to her mate the woman may ask. The old ones will then decide."
"So, what would make her ask for you?"
"I don't know." Drobe was looking very uncomfortable by this time. Jack had a passing thought, wondering if the young man was a virgin. He hadn't seen any evidence of the single men having any kind of a sex life. At least he wouldn't have to explain the facts of life to the young man!
"Well, I think you've got to impress her." Drobe looked at him in confusion, not understanding the words.
"You have to do something to make her 'see' you." Jack tried to explain. "Hmmm, let's see. You have to do something brave, something 'manly'." Sam would kill him if she heard him. "Yup, that's it."
"What kind of thing?"
"Oh, I don't know. What about killing a vicious animal? All by yourself."
Drobe looked nervous at this. Although the men hunted from a young age they always went in a group. Hunting by yourself was too dangerous.
"Yeah – what about going after a Chewi."
"NO!" Drobe looked upset at this and Jack got the impression that was off the table. Okay, so no tiger hunts.
"Alright, how about one of those pig things? You know the porku?"
"Proku?"
"Yeah, that's it."
Drobe was shaking his head, looking nervous and unsure. It would be quite a coup to bring home an animal to the tribe. It would give him a measure of respect he didn't have yet as a young man. Still, he didn't think he could do it."
"I'd be happy to help if you want?"
That sounded better, thought Drobe. Everyone knew that 'Jawk' was invincible. With him at his side he could do it. The young man nodded his head.
"Okay. We'll go tomorrow if you want?"
Well, actually, Drobe didn't want to go at all but if he were going to win Pratu and be a real man he'd do it.
"Of course, I'd feel better if I had one of my weapons. You know, in case of Chewi or something." Jack cast his line into the water and didn't say anything.
"You have a spear." Drobe answered.
"Yeah, it's just not the same. I'm used to my weapons – had it when I was attacked by the Chewi." He started to whistle, looking unconcerned.
"The Chief does not want you to have it – says you will leave us."
"Leave you? No way Drobe – at least not when we go hunting. Come on, if I promise not to leave tomorrow will you tell me where it is?" O'Neill really hoped he wasn't going to get Drobe in trouble. He didn't want the man to suffer but he really needed those weapons.
"You promise?"
"Yeah, cross my heart and hope to die." When the younger man looked confused Jack added, "I promise".
"Your weapon is in the small cave where the food is kept."
That was one of the first places Sam and Jack had looked but they hadn't been able to find anything.
"Uh, where in the cave?"
"There is a small cave at the back. It is covered by a large stone. Move the stone, your weapons are there."
"Thank you Drobe. I will make sure no one knows it was you that told me and I promise, we won't leave now. I can't promise in the future though, okay?"
"Okay."
That night Jack explained to Sam what he had learned. They had to figure out a way to get to the guns. After a while they came up with the only plan they could!
That evening at supper Jack made sure to drink lots of the tea they served in the evenings. It was some kind of local herb, which didn't taste too bad. Normally he'd have only one cup but this night he made himself drink five or six. Some of the men teased him over the fact he'd be up all night. He smiled – but that was exactly the point.
The tea hit him shortly after he and Sam got to bed. With a grin he left and went to the latrine area used by the men (they had a 'men's room' and a 'ladies room' – for which both he and Sam were grateful). He returned and fell asleep but had to get up again a while later. On his third trip to the latrine he quickly slipped into the small cave. He knew he didn't have much time.
The stone was harder to move than he'd thought but after a few strong pushes it moved enough for him to squeeze through.
"There you are!" He leaned over and retrieved the weapons. Pushing the stone back he left the cave and quickly hid them behind some bushes and returned to bed. Seeing Sam watching him through sleepy eyes he grinned and nodded. She smiled and rolled over, soon sound asleep.
The next morning he was able to move them to a more secure location down the trail towards the Jaffa. Now he and Sam had to figure a way to leave and check on the Jaffa without anyone being the wiser.
Well, he had promised Drobe he'd take him hunting. He'd managed to keep one of the pistols close by and grabbed some bullets (there had been more ammunition in the packs they'd retrieved). With a nod to the Chief he and Drobe headed off on their hunting expedition. They both carried spears – Jack would pick up his gun on the trail.
They walked for a couple of hours, neither of them seeing any likely prey. It was almost noon before Drobe stopped. He looked around and motioned carefully to Jack. He had sensed a presence. The two men hid behind a large tree and waited. It was almost five minutes before Jack heard a 'snuffling' sound. He didn't know what it was and was about to look when Drobe grabbed him, shaking his head. The man looked nervous so Jack figured he'd better stay still and quiet.
Finally, as the snuffling grew nearer, Drobe nodded. With a deep breath he tightened his grip on the spear and stepped out from behind the tree. Jack was a few steps behind and before he had a chance to move he heard a huge, terrifying screech and a corresponding yell from Drobe.
He moved quickly, just in time to see something huge and scaly rush at Drobe. The man yelled again and held his spear in front of him. The next thing Jack knew the animal screeched again and started thrashing about.
Jack could see that Drobe had impaled the thing – somekind of huge lizard thing that kind of reminded him of a komodo dragon. The problem was, it wasn't dead. It was putting up the fight of its life. In fact, it probably knew this fight was for it's life, and it wasn't going to go softly.
Drobe was amazing. He kept hold of the spear and managed to keep the animals claws and teeth away from him. Jack had pulled out his gun and was going to shoot it when Drobe shouted, "NO!" He wanted to do this himself.
O'Neill knew this was important to the man but there was no way in hell he was going to see his friend killed or seriously injured. He would blame himself if that happened, as this whole hunting trip had been his idea. He decided he'd wait, but if it looked like the lizard was winning he'd have no compunction about shooting it.
Drobe struggled with the lizard and Jack could see that both the man and the beast were weakening. He just hoped that the animal gave out first. Suddenly there was a loud scream. Jack started but then realized it came from the lizard as it called out its death cry.
Soon the animal had slowed and fell to the ground. Jack could swear he could see the life leave the lizards eyes as it breathed its last. As soon as it was obviously gone Drobe dropped his hands from the spear and sank to the ground, panting with exhaustion.
"You okay?" Jack walked over and knelt by the younger man. Drobe looked up, nodded and grinned. He was too breathless to speak. O'Neill smiled back and slapped the man on the back. "Great job! You did it. I think a young lady is going to be very impressed, as will the rest of the tribe." He looked down at the huge lizard and sighed. "I just can't figure out how the hell we're going to get this thing back!"
"I kill, you carry!" Drobe wiggled his very large eyebrows at Jack.
"Funny. Very funny!" Yup – a Daniel clone. "I'm afraid this old man isn't up to that Drobe. You'll either have to help me or we need to go get help."
After a short discussion it was decided that Jack would return and get some of the other men. Drobe would watch and make sure no other predators took off with the kill. As Jack took one last look at the young man he had to smile. Drobe's self-confidence had just skyrocketed. Little Pratu was not going to know what hit her.
As Jack neared the cave he hid his pistol, not wanting to let the Chief know he had it.
"Hey everyone!" he called. "We need some help here!" The men all turned and looked at him; a few of the women came out of the cave to see what was going on.
"What is it Jack?" Sam was one of the first women to come and see what was going on. Jack hadn't sounded upset so she was more curious than worried.
"Uh, Drobe killed himself a lizard, a really, really BIG lizard and we need some help bringing it back."
The Chief walked up and Jack repeated what he'd said. There was some laughter and arguing and a few of the men seemed convinced it must have been Jack but he violently denied it.
"Nope – Drobe wouldn't let me do a thing. This was all him. I only watched."
The Chief picked a few of the men to accompany Jack. As the Colonel turned to lead the way the Chief gave him a nod – he knew exactly what was going on.
Sam watched as Jack left with the men. She couldn't help but smile. Jack had taken another young man under his wing. Although he claimed that the whole thing had been about getting their weapons, she knew he was pleased to have helped Drobe. Glancing over at Pratu, who watched the group leave, she figured that young man had a real chance. She just hoped he didn't blow it!
It was almost two hours before the men returned carrying the carcass of the lizard. Sam looked at it and shuddered. It was very big and very scary looking. She was glad that the trip had ended the way it had. She figured it could have been very dangerous.
"You sure you didn't help him?" she asked Jack later when they were in bed.
"Nope, he really did do it all himself. I just watched. I was worried for a few minutes because the damn thing was strong but Drobe was determined. Nothing like love – or maybe lust – to give you the strength of ten men!"
"Really? Lust does that does it?"
"Oh yeah!"
"Hmmmm. I don't know if I believe that or not. I think it's just a story that men like to tell. JACK!" she screeched and a number of the tribe members 'shushed' them.
"Jack!" she said again, giggling, as he grabbed her and pinned her underneath him.
"I'll show you what lust does Carter!" The others had to 'shush' them quite a few times that night.
The next day there was a lot of teasing and back slapping as the older men congratulated Drobe on his kill. The Grussy, their name for the lizard, was considered one of the most dangerous of animals, with the Chewi possibly the only one who was worse. It turned out that they weren't often to be found in the vicinity of the cave so there was even more celebration than usual after a successful hunt.
"They seem awfully happy that Drobe caught one of the damn things!" Jack was watching as a number of the women began to cut the lizard up.
"Yeah, I think it's considered something of a delicacy."
"Crap, does that mean we have to eat it?"
"Mmmm hmmm." She grinned at him.
"Great! I just hope it tastes like chicken."
As they watched they could see one of the women cut off a claw. With great ceremony the chief walked over and took it, turned and presented it to Drobe. The young man turned bright red but had a pleased look on his face.
Sam and Jack had noticed that some of the men wore 'claw' necklaces. They guessed that it must symbolize bravery or something like that. It was clearly a great honor to have the chief present this part of the animal.
What happened next made both Air Force officers smile affectionately as they saw Drobe turn and look through the crowd of people. When he saw the person he was looking for he began to walk over, a look of trepidation on his face.
"Good for him", Sam whispered to Jack. "He's going to go for it!" They watched as he walked up to Pratu and with great solemnity presented her with the claw. There was a collective gasp and then silence as everyone watched what would happen next.
Pratu looked at the claw for a moment and then glanced shyly at Drobe. With a soft, nervous giggle she reached out and took the claw. Drobe's face broke into a huge smile with equal parts joy and relief. The rest of the tribe looked thrilled (except for the other two single men who were extremely disappointed). The chief walked over and, taking Pratu's hand placed it in Drobe's.
"I guess they're engaged!" Jack looked at Sam with a huge grin. "I feel like a matchmaker!"
"Yeah, we're going to have to call you 'Yentl'."
It was awhile later when Drobe came over to Jack, after having accepted the congratulations of everyone. He squatted down beside his friend and began to speak.
"Thank you." He looked at Jack with something akin to hero worship. "Because of you I now have a mate!"
"Hey, you're welcome but you're the one who won the fair lady!"
"Yes. Jawk – can you be my 'Mwaname'?"
"Monamay?"
Drobe laughed. "No, Mwaname. That is my friend who is with me when I take a mate."
"With you? Ew!"
"Jack, I think he means he wants you to be his Best Man."
"Oh? Okay. As long as I don't have to do anything more than be there when you feed her. Anything else and you're on your own!"
That evening they had the 'ceremony'. The women worked together to prepare a special meal with the 'Grussy' lizard (or 'Ew Gross!' lizard according to Jack.). Maru took the bowl to Drobe who fed Pratu. Jack just had to stand there and look proud. He also had to take the bowl when Drobe was done.
Following the meal was the consummation. Sam actually had to laugh as Jack got the most awful pained expression on his face. As Drobe's Mwaname it was his responsibility to be one of the prime 'witnesses' to the event.
That evening, as they cuddled up together, they couldn't help but overhear Drobe and Pratu.
"Ah, young love! Nothing quite like it!"
"Love", snorted Sam. "I'd call that pure hormones. God, I can't believe how much energy they have. I swear they've been going at it for hours."
"I told ya – the strength of ten men!"
"I wonder if we're going to get any sleep tonight?"
"Probably not but hey, you can't begrudge the poor guy. He can't be more than 18 or 19 and he's had to listen to all the lust goin' on here every night. I expect there's a lot of tension built up!"
"Tension? Yeah, right."
"I just thank God we don't have the same customs!"
Sam looked at him curiously.
"Well, if Daniel ever gets married again, and wants me to stand up with him – I can tell ya – he better not expect me to watch the 'consummation!'" He listened a bit more to the 'activity' (it's not like he could help it). "I really wish they'd take a break. I'd like to get some sleep!"
Sam giggled but then got quiet. After a short pause she rolled over on her side and looked at the man beside her. "Jaaaack?" she said.
"Yeah?" He looked at her suspiciously.
"I know how we could get to sleep!"
"Okaaay." Her naughty expression gave away her thoughts. "I thought we were supposed to start being careful because of your birth control?" They'd decided they'd better start cooling it although he really didn't like the idea.
"Mmmm Hmmm. How about tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, let's be careful tomorrow."
They ended up having some sleep that night although they were woken up again by Pratu and Drobe.
"I think I'm gonna shoot him", groaned Jack. "I wonder if he realizes how sore he's gonna be?" He couldn't help but grin although he felt some sympathy for the man.
Jack and Sam figured that today might be a good day to try and head out and see if the Jaffa had returned. They figured the tribe would all be a little tired after having been kept awake by the young newlyweds.
Sam left first, indicating to the other women that she was going to see if she could find some late berries. They tried to pick as many as possible and dry them do they would have them throughout the winter.
Jack pretended to relax although he spent some of the time teasing Drobe, who had hobbled out of the cave shortly after Sam left. The young man looked tired but very pleased with himself. Jack slapped him on the back.
"Welcome to the world of men!" he said. Drobe grinned.
A few of the other men began to tease Drobe as well. Soon the conversation grew a little raunchy and there was a lot of ribald laughter and joking going around. The women kept well back in the cave, probably enjoying teasing Pratu who had had a continual blush on her face. Jack was surprised that these people even had the ability to blush. He wouldn't have thought that embarrassment would enter into their lives at all.
When he figured that everyone was pretty busy he casually walked away from the cave, in the opposite direction that Sam had taken. They had agreed to collect their weapons and meet further along the trail. It meant Sam had to walk in a large circle around the camp but by the time Jack arrived she was waiting.
"Any problems?" she asked.
"No, they're all paying attention to our young couple. I think this worked well." They began to walk quickly, watching carefully in case of any wild animals. They figured as long as they made it back by supper they should be okay. Neither of them was sure whether the Chief would send out a party to retrieve them or not.
It took well over three hours before they reached the point where they had seen the Jaffa. They began to walk very quietly, keeping their eyes open for any sign of the enemy.
They didn't think anyone had come this way as of yet – at least there didn't seem to be any evidence of it but they still had to check out the Jaffa camp.
"Maybe they haven't come back", Sam whispered.
"Maybe, although if they think this planet is important I expect they'll be back soon if they're not already here."
Just then they both heard a noise. Looking at each other they realized what it was – the sound of transport rings. Yup, the Jaffa, and probably Goa'uld, were back. Very carefully they walked forward. The path turned up ahead, and beyond that was a sharp slope which led down to the Jaffa camp.
Jack was the first to look around the corner and he quickly pulled himself back. "Oh yeah, they're there all right!" he said softly. Sam nodded and then she took a quick look.
"Could you tell how many Sir?" she asked, quickly moving back into military mode.
"No, I couldn't get a good enough look here." He checked the surrounding area and spotted a rough trail which seemed to go up a small hill. He pointed and began to climb, Sam close behind. It took a few minutes but they reached the top and were able to discover a good lookout point. Hidden behind rocks and bushes they carefully checked out the Jaffa camp.
With a soft whistle Jack caught Sam's eye. There had to be hundreds of people. There were some Jaffa but it also looked like they had a number of slaves who were setting up equipment to begin the mining operation. Based on the supplies and the numbers of people it looked like they were planning to build a long-term mining community.
"What should we do?" Sam asked. This didn't look good.
"We'd better head back and warn the tribe. It's not going to be long before these guys start to explore and then I'm afraid the tribe is in big trouble." God, he wished their allies would show up. He motioned for Sam to precede him back down to the trail. As he turned to go his foot slid on a loose stone. Before he knew it he was falling and he hit the side of one of the large rocks that had hidden them.
The rock shifted, causing a small rockslide. With a shout one of the Jaffa pointed directly at them. A number of the alien soldiers ran forward, peering up the side of the hill. Suddenly, a half dozen of the Jaffa began to run towards the trail. They could hear one of the men, probably a senior officer, shout for them to 'capture whoever dared view the work of the Gods'.
"Shit! Let's go." Jack and Sam began to run. Soon they could hear the footsteps of the Jaffa behind them.
Jack was transported back to their first day on this planet. "Here we go again!"
Sorry – I've been so good – but it's time for another Vini Cliffie!