THE PLOT - 2
Carter insisted that she look at the wound on the Colonel's back. Of course he balked and said he was fine but acquiesced - she was always right.
The village elders escorted them to a modest home to 'freshen up'.
In private O'Neill removed his weapons and vest. It seemed his vest took the brunt of the attack even having the tip of the knife embedded in it. And although it protected him well the attacker managed to strike twice below the bottom edge of the kevlar vest. Jack hiked up his blood stained t-shirt. There were only two shallow cuts on his back. There were at least four other bruises forming where the knife didn't quite pierce O'Neill's vest. Sam cleaned him up with an antiseptic wipe and applied an appropriate bandage. She was relieved that the wound was not deep and bleeding was minimal.
They returned to the villagers and the feast laid out in their honor. The first order of business was the distribution of the tools to the cheering villagers. A few words of greeting were spoken as well as thanks with an aside of apology by the headman. Then platters of their finest dishes were brought to the tables for the feast.
O'Neill was not a fan of off world cuisine. At times, for him especially, it had strange repercussions. And usually he thought it tasted awful. Except for that very tasty 'marriage pizza' but he didn't want to think about that.
Jack watched his team. Daniel Jackson, as usual, tucked right in. That boy would eat anything. Carter picked politely and Teal'c loaded up his plate. His symbiote would protect him.
O'Neill was presented with a bowl of what appeared to be broccoli rabe, kale, limp celery and live snails. A special treat indeed. Jack smiled at the server and pretended to eat and enjoy his meal. Mostly he kept the snail from escaping. Sam bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. Jack noticed and offered her a snail. He enjoyed watching her shutter as it crawled on his spoon toward her.
When it was noted that O'Neill was not consuming this special dish he claimed a religious exemption. They offered other 'tasty treats' but he demurred.
After dinner the wheeling and dealing commenced.
Daniel took the lead in negotiating a deal between the leaders of the village and the SGC. They did discuss the problem of dissidents. It was decided the locals would do the bulk of the mining with as little impact from the men from Earth. The men from Earth would supply tools and medicines as desired and as necessary. They too would provide information for the efficient production of steel.
The negotiation concluded SG-1 proceeded to the Stargate to return home. Before they could dial the Stargate sprung to life. They immediately took up defensive positions. Luckily it was the SGC. Unluckily they were ordered to go directly to another planet where they were ordered to meet the Tok'ra.
"I know this is highly unusual but time is of the essence." As General Hammond was ordering them on their next mission, Carter began to object. O'Neill gave a subtle shake of his head. When Hammond signed off Carter said "But Sir, you really shouldn't…"
"I'm fine Carter." Under his breath he muttered "Although I could use a hot shower, fresh clothes and a decent meal."
He ordered Daniel to dial the gate and they were off to their next mission.