Daniel turned over and debated waking up. A soft body also turned over and snuggled into his chest. He put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
“I didn’t mean any of those things I said to Jack,” she said softly.
“I know,” he told her.
“Little things were blown out of proportion from the hormone imbalance.”
Daniel stroked her hair. “I know.” Sam had put herself onto a self-induced guilt trip for all the insecurities she had expressed during her hormonal crisis. He had to admit that his heart was hurting over some of them, but he also understood that she wasn’t in a sane frame of mind when she said them.
“Sam, we are all new to this,” he said after a moment. “It’s reasonable that we will all feel, at some time or another, insecure, claustrophobic, resentful……”
Sam leaned up and looked at him. “Could you please stop with the psycho-babble for once?” she requested. “Could you yell or throw something across the room? Could you call me a bitch?”
“Sam, I….” Daniel sighed and rubbed one hand over his head as he stared at the ceiling. “You’re not a bitch. You spent three months being a full-time mom and you were suddenly pushed out. No, that’s wrong. You pushed you out, we didn’t push you out. As far as I am aware.
“You have never, in the time I have known you, been what I would call a bitch, so no, I won’t call you one. I wish you’d be a little more selfish. I get a little insecure, too, Sam; I know he loves me, but he looks at you with a light in his eyes that I honestly don’t think I will ever see directed at me. Honey, it isn’t that Jack and I are closer, it’s just…. we’ve always spent time together, that’s all. As friends. We hang out. I don’t know what to do to make you comfortable about that.”
“I’m comfortable with it,” she said, leaning back onto his chest. Jack came out of the bathroom, wet from the shower. “I guess there’s a little jealously in me about it, but I don’t think it would be there if I had been home more often. I didn’t expect the two of you to remain platonic while I was gone; I wanted you guys to be close. To be there for each other. I’m more angry with myself, than you or Jack, and I’m really not taking it out on you, I’m taking it out on me.”
Daniel held her tight and breathed deeply. “You’ll be home now, so what would you like changed?” he asked. Jack was listening from across the room, a towel around his waist, rubbing his hair with a second towel.
“I don’t know,” she admitted and leaned up again. “What do you guys do when I’m not home?”
“The same things you and I did when Jack was gone,” he said. “We fly each day by the seat of our pants.”
“Then include me in the flight plan,” she told him. “I want the PTA meetings, the Kid Tree meetings, the temper tantrums, the phone calls from teachers, and dodging crazy people looking to ‘phone home.’ I loved it, Danny, and I want it again.”
“What’s that old saying?” Jack asked, pulling socks on. “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it?”
“Honey, just promise me you will tell me when you need time with Jack,” Daniel told her, ignoring their partner. “Okay, maybe I’ve been hogging him, I don’t know; if I was, it wasn’t deliberate and I’m sorry.”
Sam quickly sat up, shaking her head. “No, you haven’t been hogging him….”
“Sam,” Jack stopped her. “Your feelings are wide open and I’m being blasted with them; stop being correct, and be honest.”
She drew her knees up, hugging them to her chest, frowning in irritation. “I’m trying not to….” She took a breath and let it out in a noisy gust. “Alright, there is a part of me that thinks you’ve been hogging him. The other part understands that I’ve been unavailable, and I’m trying to listen to that part.”
“Does Jack get a say in this conversation?” Jack asked. “Because if he does, he would like set dates each month.”
“What do you mean?” Daniel asked. He sat up and pulled Sam back against him.
“I mean I would like date night,” Jack said. He stood in front of them, his brow creased in irritation. “Now that Sam will be home every day, usually, I would like for us to set up dates. Two people at a time. We can mark the date days on the family calendar in the kitchen. And we should have an evening to ourselves, all three of us, at least once a month. We make an appointment, a commitment, and we don’t break it. Unless the world needs saving, again.” It was a surprising suggestion, considering its source, so Daniel gave his approval, as did Sam.
“Good,” Jack said with a satisfied nod. “Now. You two kiss and make up; I have work to do. And I’d like you both in my office at three pm for a short meeting. Formal, please.”
Sam leaned up on an elbow again. “Danny, I’m being honest,” she said. A tear slid down her cheek and he wiped it away. “I was feeling a little unneeded and I know a lot of it was my own fault. I should have asked that my section be moved here to begin with. It isn’t your fault, or Jack’s, that you turned to each other in my absence. I think it would hurt more if you guys decided to hate each other. Please don’t leave or anything; this is my issue, and I need to work it out.”
He nodded, flicking at her hair. “Is there anything I can do to make things easier?”
“No,” she shook her head. “I think I was hiding in my work. Jeffries said I need to learn to delegate instead of trying to do everything myself. I guess he’s right.”
“That was something hard for me,” Daniel said, rubbing a hand over her back. “Delegating. Until I found people that I could trust to translate properly, I had to do it all myself. Now that we’re no longer hidden, I have people coming out of the woodwork.
“Look at Ronnie; do you know how many people tossed her aside just because of her lifestyle? Jack’s going to offer her up as a sacrifice to the unification council.
“And how do you know there isn’t someone on this planet that is able to decipher technology just like you can? Divide the toys up –weapons and others. Let someone deal with the weapons and another person deal with the rest of it. You oversee both, dealing with reports and problem children.”
Sam nodded and laid her head on his chest.
“I wish Jack could remember the Ancient information,” she said. “I can work with puzzles but somewhere in his head, he has the means of creating the puzzles.” She sighed and wiggled a hand under his t-shirt, pushing the fabric up and nestling into his warm skin.
When they got to HomeSec a while later, there was a small group of people already in the auditorium. Jack was happy to see them walk into the room hand in hand. Reynolds, Bosco, and Harper were present as were Generals Landry, Hammond, and Vidrine. Eyebrows were raised at all the stars in attendance. What was going on that warranted the presence of three visiting generals?
“I thought this meeting was twenty minutes ago?” Jack asked with a scowl as Daniel and Sam entered with Cassie and Davis just behind them. Daniel scowled back at him as Cassie went to Harper’s side.
“Just kidding,” Jack said. “My bad. Got stuck on the phone.” He waved them down. Everyone looked expectantly at him. “I hate speeches, so to get on with it…. We have a lot of unsung heroes among us. There is one I would like to recognize today, one who has gone above and beyond the call of duty time after time, one who saved not only my butt on more than one occasion, but also lots of other butts, both military and civilian.” There were many faces that held back smirks at Jack’s attempt to be formal.
“Major Davis, step forward.”
Startled, it took Paul a moment to respond and walk to Jack’s side.
“The President of the United States has placed great trust in Major Paul Davis’ patriotism and integrity to not only the United States Air Force and the United States of America, but also to Earth itself. It is with great honor and privilege that I announce the promotion of Major Paul Davis to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel.”
He replaced Paul’s gold leaves with silver leaves, and saluted. Paul returned the salute, remembered to breathe, and everyone gave loud applause. Jack held up his right hand and began to take Paul’s oath.
He had been trying to get this promotion through since they got back from the war with Baal, but things kept coming up. Jack wasn’t happy with the delay, but they finally accepted the request for Davis’ promotion. The look on Davis’ face was worth the wait.
Paul was proud to the point of bursting as he accepted handshakes.
General Landry went up to Daniel.
“Dr. Jackson, I’m not supposed to tell you this, so I’m not telling you,” Landry warned, leaning in slightly. “Your students came to see me this morning.”
“They what?” Daniel wrinkled his nose.
“They were apparently instructed to translate something from Lord Atis, so they got it into their heads that the best way to translate it would be to get it from the horse’s mouth. So to speak.”
Daniel burst out laughing. Jack glanced at him and smiled.
“Did you….?”
Landry nodded. “Yes, I did,” he confessed. “I thought it was ingenious of them, so I let them talk with Lord Atis.”
Several people looked over and smiled at Daniel’s laughter. Jack could guess who came up with that idea, and she was six foot two with a square jaw and a tenor voice.
“I know who my top recommendation will be,” Daniel said, wiping his eyes. “I just hope the military is ready for another culture shock.”
It had been hard on the local military, dealing with all the gays, lesbians, and others, who were coming out of their various closets, and all the blame was being placed squarely on Jack’s shoulders. As he told people in higher places many times, the SGC and HomeSec needed to play by slightly different rules since they were playing with aliens. Everyone else would just have to deal with it, if they couldn’t accept it. Jack had to admit that he wasn’t sure their military was ready to deal with transsexuals; the military boys were putting up with his household because they knew him. Ronnie might be a little too over the top for them.
“Are you going to give them a passing grade?” Jack said later on their way to the underground. “They did, technically, cheat.”
Daniel nodded. “Yes, but the language is a living language, so they used the resources on hand to get the job done. I never said they couldn’t ask for help from someone who spoke the language, and they went directly to the person who was speaking it. Only Ronnie could have thought that fast.”
“You do understand that Ronnie might be a little too much for a lot of people to take,” Jack said as delicately as he could.
“I’m not blind to that, Jack,” Daniel told him. “I think she’d be good as a liaison to the Unification Council. I know Earth technically isn’t in discussions, but she’s very good at languages and she’s more tactful than you are. She could be your eyes and ears. Just think about it, Jack, and don’t accept just because it’s me asking.”
They decided to check in on Sam who had quickly escaped the festivities to check on her incoming packages. With the beaming capabilities of the 303s, it didn’t take long to gather up all of the toys and experiments from Area 51 and transfer them to HomeSec. Teal’c and company were on their way from deep space with Anubis’ toys, which would take up the remaining two-thirds space underneath HomeSec and a smaller building which was being quickly built in the field behind the main building. It wouldn’t do to blow up the main building with an experiment.
Daniel and Jack watched for a while as Sam directed traffic.
“Colonel Carter,” Jack intoned. She turned to look at them. “There is a party at my place tonight, a private dinner for Colonel Davis. Daniel is cooking. Would you care to be my date?”
“Well, now, I don’t know, General,” she said. “I heard rumors about you. They say you’re a little on the kinky side and that you share with other men.”
“Just a little playful, not what I would call kinky,” Jack responded. “As for sharing, I share only with Daniel.”
Sam’s name was called from across the room.
“I accept, General,” she said and wiggled her fingers cheerfully at her partners before heading to whatever mess was made.
“Do you think she’s alright?” Daniel asked.
“I think so,” Jack said. “I’m getting guilt from her, but she does love you. I’d say let her work it out.”
The intercom requested General O’Neill pick up.
“O’Neill. Put him through. This is O’Neill, what can I do for you, Sergeant?” Jack listened for a moment. His face lit up. “Really? Put him on my list and send him in.”
“You will not believe who’s at the front door,” he said turning to Daniel. “Sam!” He waved for her to follow.
He waited impatiently at the front door and lit up when he saw a man with an eye-patch and walking cane approach the door.
“Ferretti!” Jack yelled to their old friend and comrade. Ferretti had been one of their team members who was injured during their second mission to Abydos, the one to rescue Daniel who had stayed behind to be with Sha're, his wife. Apophis and his Jaffa had killed many people during that battle, and almost killed Ferretti.
The man smiled tentatively, unsure of his welcome. Jack clasped his forearm. Ferretti wasn’t used to the greeting, and he quickly adjusted his grip. “How the hell have you been?” People in the foyer watched curiously, wondering who this man was that their general would meet him out front instead of in his office.
“Fine, sir, thank you.” Ferretti belatedly saluted Jack and then Sam before shaking her hand. “Colonel. Dr. Jackson, good to see you again.”
“Same here, Lou, how are you?” Daniel asked, taking the hand. “And make it Daniel.”
“Let’s go up to my office,” Jack suggested. He kept his strides shorter than usual to allow Ferretti to keep up.
“May I ask what everyone is doing in formals, sir?” Ferretti asked, glancing at Jack and Sam’s uniforms.
“Major Davis became Lt. Col. Davis a few hours ago,” Jack told him. “I don’t think you met him.”
“I have, sir; he came out from DC to debrief me while I was in rehab. He assisted Col. Carter with the ships, used to be with the Office of Joint Chiefs, and he’s now your assistant, right?”
Jack nodded in confirmation. He wondered why Ferretti didn’t go for a prosthetic eye after losing it in a fight with Jaffa while attempting to drag Daniel back from Abydos. The eye was alright for a while, but it couldn’t keep up with the internal injuries.
They lost Sha’re during that fight; she had been taken by Apophis, made into a host, and then SG-1 had to chase him to get her back. Unfortunately, she had been killed. Jack glanced at Daniel. He seemed alright with the physical reminder of all he had lost. Jack wondered about the leg; Ferretti wasn’t injured on the leg during that fight. They paused at security and got Ferretti a visitor’s pass.
“Mrs Clark, could you bring in coffee, please?” Jack asked as they passed through his outer office.
“Yes, sir.”
Jack fell into his seat and gestured. Ferretti sat carefully on the couch as Daniel and Sam took seats.
“So. Lou. How’ve you been? Really,” Jack asked, leaning back, hands behind his neck.
“Things were rough, at first, but I’ve been getting my act together,” Ferretti admitted.
“And Carol?” Jack asked. He already knew the answer, looking at Ferretti’s empty left hand.
Ferretti glanced at his own finger. “I messed up, sir,” he said. “Can’t say as I blame her. I made friends with a little worm for a while, but I dumped that a few years ago. Four years sober, sir.”
“Good for you, Lou,” Jack said gently, sincerely. “What have you been doing?”
The man gave a slight chuckle. “Nothing as spectacular as you, sir,” he said. “I’ve been working as an aid at the VA.”
“I’d say that’s pretty important,” Jack commented. “I’ve held a few hands; I know how much those people need someone. I’ll probably be there one day, myself. And stop with the ‘sirs’; you used to call me by my name.”
Ferretti nodded. Jack wasn’t sure he liked seeing the spit and fire knocked out of the man, and reached. Jack picked up a pen, playing with it, twirling it between his fingers.
“Lou, did you happen to get any certificates for this aid stuff?” he asked. Ferretti raised an eyebrow.
“I have a nurse’s aid certificate,” he admitted. “I’ve been considering a full RN.” He looked directly at Jack, daring him to comment.
“From what I’ve heard, male nurses are in high demand,” Sam said unexpectedly. “Most of them can write their own tickets, the demand is so great, in some places.”
Ferretti nodded, his one eye lighting up. “True,” he said.
“Well, if you ever want another position, I can offer you one,” Jack told him.
“Sir?”
“One of our ships is for the sciences. I promised these two a science ship, so I gave them the Europa. A lot of civilians on board. I’m told they need a few nurses. Once in a while they run across people who have issues with female medical workers. They’re low on male medical workers. If you want the position, I’ll put in a requisition for your RN training. You can do your training on board. At least we won’t have to indoctrinate you, and you have a security clearance that most of the others don’t. You’re needed, if you want it, Lou.”
The man was speechless as he looked at each of them.
“Sir… Jack, I… I’m not here with my hand out,” Ferretti protested.
“I know that, Lou,” Jack nodded, feeling the truth of it, “but I have a good feeling about this. If you need time to think, that’s fine, but I’m serious. We could use you.”
“Once in a while he makes these leaps, Lou,” Daniel commented. “We just go with it; it’s easier than arguing with him.”
Ferretti looked at them and Jack could hear it coming….
“Are you guys really…?”
They laughed. Jack held up both hands and waved his rings, one on each hand.
“His and hers,” he confirmed. He took one of the picture frames on his desk and turned it around. The three of them were entangled together and looking into the camera with smoke shooting from their impassioned eyes.
“Wow,” Ferretti said calmly. “How’d you get this to fly?”
“I held a trump card,” was all Jack would say.
Ferretti nodded and looked at his hands, twisting his cane. Jack could sense him fighting the old military, good ‘ol boy attitudes. “Daniel, I’m really sorry about Sha’re, I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time.”
“Thank you,” Daniel accepted, surprised at the topic.
“I…. was there anything different I could have done?” Ferretti asked, worried. “Was I at fault in any way? Just tell me, let me make amends. It’s really why I’m here.”
Shocked, Daniel leaned forward and touched Ferretti’s arm. “God, no, Lou, don’t think that! The only blame lies with Apophis, and we dealt with him. Let it go. I have, and if anyone needs to beat himself up over it, it’s me.”
Ferretti nodded and swallowed hard. “Okay, Daniel, thanks. Listen, I should be going,” he said, standing up.
“Lou, why don’t you come by our place tonight?” Jack said. “We’re having a dinner party for Davis. Come by, meet him again, meet our kids. We have Daniel’s daughter, Stacy, and I adopted my nieces and nephews when their mother died last summer. General Hammond will be there. He’s in charge of the Academy, now; he was here a while ago, he should be back on campus by now. I’m sure he’d like to see you, so stop in and say hi. But come over tonight. 1900. Daniel’s cooking, so bring an appetite.”
“Daniel cooks?” Ferretti asked.
“Daniel cooks,” Jack confirmed. Ferretti hesitated. “Do I need to make it an order?”
“No, sir,” Ferretti said, smiling and shaking his head. “Are you sure Col. Davis won’t mind?”
“He won’t mind,” Jack assured him. “He knows all about you; he has access to files I don’t have access to. He’s read every SGC report there is from day one. And you’re welcome here anytime, Lou, I had you put on my private admittance list at the front gate.”
Jack had SF escort Ferretti to the front door. The man seemed to be holding himself a little straighter when he left Jack’s office.
Sam and Daniel looked at Jack who scrubbed his jaw. “I know,” he said. “He fell a long way to climb up to this point.”
“He used to be a cocky devil,” Daniel commented. “Tortured the crap out of me when we first met. I remember he gave you and Kowalski a run for your money.”
“Let’s get him back to that point,” Jack said.
“I barely remember him,” Sam admitted. “We were only acquainted for a few days before his accident.”
Jack nodded. “He and Kowalski had my back before you, Daniel, and Teal’c. He’s family, Sam; I wish he had kept in touch. I’ll forward Lou’s file to Col. Belarus.”
He called Hammond and warned him to be on the lookout for a visitor. And bring a white for dinner, per Daniel. Jack and Sam were both kissed as Daniel left to hit the grocery store before heading for home and food prep.
“Are you sure about Ferretti and having him on the Europa?” Sam asked.
Jack shrugged. “No,” he admitted. “But I’d like to give him the chance. He has a lot of skills that are being wasted. He can comfort the wounded on board, just as well as he can on ground, and since it’s a science vessel, he doesn’t have the strict military guidelines for physical fitness.
“And another thing -Daniel is considering asking me to offer Ronnie a place to the Unification Council. He thinks she’d be good eyes and ears for me.”
Sam raised a brow. “That should be interesting,” she commented. “I’m not sure how the Jaffa and Tok’ra will take to her, but I think the Anunnaki and Langarans will be alright.”
Jack nodded thoughtfully. “I should probably talk with Inanna. I think she and Ronnie have met. Does Ronnie have family that security will need to consider?”
“Not that I’m aware of,” Sam said. “I think Daniel said they didn’t accept her change.”
“Alright, I’ll have Nick start a background check. If she’s going to be my eyes and ears, she’s going to need clearance.”
Sam smiled and walked around his desk to peck his cheek.
“What’s that for?” he asked.
“For accepting her. You’re not the man we met all those years ago. I like this Jack.”
Jack waved her away and she left his office with a grin. He picked up the phone and dialed, puffing his cheeks.
“Francis. We need to talk.”
It was difficult to persuade Maynard into accepting Jack’s latest recommendation. At least this one wouldn’t be on Earth, irritating the conservative masses with her unusual presence.
“Look, Jack, I’ll be honest,” Maynard said. “I question the stability of people who do this to themselves.”
“I understand,” Jack said. “Which is why I’m siccing Nick on her and then putting her into Inanna’s hands. She has the brains for the job. Besides; from what I understand, she wouldn’t have gotten the operation without serious psych tests. If there’s a hidden instability, it will out soon enough.”
“Is… she… fully female?” Maynard asked carefully.
“According to Daniel, yes she is. I’m not asking how he knows; knowing him, he’d have asked to see it all.”
Maynard puffed out the equivalent of Jack’s puff. “Alright, I don’t like it, but I’ll back you. I need information on this type of person.”
“I’ll have it sent to you,” Jack promised. “Thanks, Francis.”
He sent Paul a note to send Maynard all the information he could find on transsexuals. He got a return email almost a second later. “Transgendered. Sir.”
A new country had been accepted to HomeWorld Security. Switzerland. Jack was tickled to net the one country that never joined in with the rest of the boys and girls. Geneve Menetrey was waiting for him in the conference room, along with Jack’s current chief minister, Keir Ravenscroft, from Scotland, and Paul.
“Ms. Menetrey,” he held out his hand. “Jack O’Neill. I hope your trip went well.”
“It was fine, thank you, General.” She took his hand gracefully. Her accent was barely noticeable.
“Jack, please. Colonel, are there refreshments on the way?”
“Yes, sir,” Paul nodded, standing proud with his new rank. “It should be here shortly.”
Jack knew Paul would be irritated with himself over not having the coffee ready by the time their guests were present.
“I believe Colonel Davis was Major Davis the last time we spoke?” the lady asked.
“Yes, he was,” Jack nodded. “Today is his first day as Lieutenant Colonel.”
“Congratulations,” she said to Paul. He accepted.
“My superiors are impressed with your peace document,” she said, diving right into business. Jack could appreciate that, and sat forward, listening. “We are not sure of our place in the scheme of things, but Switzerland will stand on the side of peace. There is nothing in your document, that we can find, that hides another agenda. Can you confirm that the United States is indeed not guiding from behind the scenes?”
“Yes, I can,” Jack said. “Although I am a General in the United States Air Force, and that aspect is under command of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president, HomeWorld Security is an international endeavor. By its treaty, the United States does not have control, and I can tell you that I won’t allow any one country to control this office.
“The peace document you are referring to, I believe, is an example of what we are aiming for with the unification of allied planets. It is not the HomeWorld Security Treaty. The Unification peace treaty is what we are working toward. Earth is not yet qualified to join the unification. When certain countries put down their weapons and start concentrating on their people, then we will be in a position to recommend Earth’s inclusion. Not before. And that document was written by Dr. Jackson.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “And what would my place be?” she asked.
“Your place on the HomeSec Council is to be the voice of Switzerland. The representatives will be kept informed with weekly reports delivered by the house leader,” Paul said, taking over the conversation. “The council will vote in the house leader, Gen. O’Neill has no say in the matter. Mr. Ravenscroft, here, is the house leader. His job is to hear the council and report to Gen. O’Neill. If Switzerland has a concern about something that HomeSec can deal with, you discuss it with Mr. Ravenscroft. It goes to committee, and if the committee feels it is appropriate for HomeSec to deal with, he will bring it to Gen. O’Neill’s attention. So far, most of the concerns have been scientific. Diggers finding odds and ends of possible alien things. He sends that information to either Colonel Carter or Dr. Jackson, and one of their teams will deal with it.”
She was frowning as she followed him, but noted that the general had taken himself out of the center of attention.
“Unless we are under attack, this office is basically overseeing the production of ships which the SGC is currently using,” Paul said. “If and when the time comes that Earth can join the Unification, then that council will have work. The rest of the world will need to acknowledge that this office will be the world leadership. City, state, country, the UN, HomeWorld Security, and, if accepted, then the Unification council. General O’Neill’s involvement with the Unification Council is separate from Earth’s involvement. At the request of the allies. This office has no part in the running of any other government body, it is extra-terrestrial only.”
“So, it is in our best interest to push harder for peace,” she said. She had been making notes on a pad in French. “How is the unification process going for the allies?”
“It’s going well,” Jack said, leaning back. “Last count had sixty-seven worlds lined up, with the council being led by nine. Three more joined recently.”
“Why the difference in numbers?” she asked.
“Most worlds have barely entered their industrial era,” he said. “They had been held back by the Goa’uld. Very few have space travel. Those advanced enough for space travel are the ones invited to the council. An inner council and a general council. Most of the others are considered protected worlds. They need to meet certain requirements before joining the inner council.”
“Are you saying everyone with space travel are good guys?” she asked with a delicately raised eyebrow.
Jack shook his head. “No,” he said emphatically. “The inner council makes a judgment call on that. If there is a split that they are unable to reconcile, they come and visit me. Several worlds have already been denied for one reason or another. A couple I know personally. They nearly decimated their worlds after racial and religious wars. They still haven’t gotten their act together, so they have been denied entrance until they do. Earth is in that category.”
“So, what is it Switzerland will be doing?” she asked, slightly confused.
“Switzerland will have access to the naquadah in order to get ships built,” Paul said. “Switzerland will also be able to offer pilots for the gliders and personnel for the 303s, our motherships. Take part in the exploration of other worlds. Our pilots fly for Earth, not their country. The pilots are under the command of this office, and they fly in the protection of Earth, not in the defense of a particular country.
“Our pilots don’t wear country identification, they wear planetary identification. At the moment, our pilots are not needed, so they are on regular rotation with the military of their home countries. If we need them, Gen. O’Neill’s orders countermand anything their country tells them. Each of the countries have their own Yards from which our pilots will fly out of and rendezvous wherever orders take them. One of your military leaders will be accepted as the local commander in the Swiss Yard. The general will make that decision.
“Switzerland may offer scientists and military personnel to be considered for SGC teams. There are five new teams in the process of being formed at this moment, and most teams have one technical person on board, a scientist of some kind, usually an anthropologist with an excellent background in linguistics.
“Dr. Jackson is in charge of the archaeologists, anthropologists, and linguists, Col. Carter has charge of the physicists, and General Landry will make the final decisions on anyone joining the SGC, not this office.”
Jack leaned forward again, steepling his fingers. “Ms. Menetrey, you will be working for Earth, not Switzerland,” he said. “You will be Switzerland’s representative, but Earth comes first. It’s a part-time job; you can keep another job to make the rent.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I understand. Not to offend, but why is Scotland represented?” she asked, looking at Keir. “Scotland isn’t an official country, it is a state of the UK.”
“Correct,” Paul nodded. “Mr. Ravenscroft represents the United Kingdom of Great Britain as a whole, not Scotland. He just happens to be of Scottish descent. Scotland is not an independent country, but neither is England, for that matter. The United Kingdom as a whole is where their orders come from. From the United Kingdom Parliament. The PM volunteered him with the approval of parliament.”
She understood the point about the countries, but Paul was reiterating it for Jack’s benefit. Jack tended to forget who was an official country and who wasn’t. He couldn’t keep track of all the changes in official country status across the world.
Ms. Menetrey was looking at the copy of the Unification Peace Treaty again. “We are impressed with this document,” she commented, tapping the paper. “There is nothing like it in history. Even the United Nations treaty falls short. It seems that with a few alterations to conform to individual countries, there is no reason why this treaty cannot be put to use on this planet.”
“Try telling that to the China or North Korea,” Jack snorted.
When Jack got home he yelled, “Stacy!” She came running down the stairs. “Give Switzerland a green pin, baby!”
“Woo-hoo!” she shouted and ran into his office.
“Switzerland? Are you kidding?” Daniel asked, poking his head out of the kitchen. Daniel was making dinner for the kids first. “They never pick sides.”
“We met with Ms. Menetrey this afternoon. Switzerland will give it a go on a trial basis. And they are quite taken with your treaty, by the way.”
Stacy came out and jumped at Jack. He caught her.
“Aba, did you know there are only seven purple pins on the board?” she asked. He thought about it.
“Only seven? Are you sure?” he asked.
“What’s purple for?” Daniel asked.
“Our major problem children,” Jack said. Stacy stayed glued to his torso as he walked into his office to look at the map. He counted. “She’s right. Only seven.”
“Lots of little countries without pins,” Daniel commented as he scanned the map.
“Little problem children,” Jack said. “These seven, North Korea, Pakistan, India, Japan, Iran, China, and Afghanistan. Japan and China may not be fighting at the moment, but I don’t like China’s human right’s history, and Japan I just don’t trust not to sell whatever we give them. The others are all fighting with some major weapons. Those little ones all have human rights issues, continual civil wars, among other things. None of them are major players, though.
“I think if it comes down to hard facts, we can get their continents to crack down on them. In fact, I’ll talk with the Arab delegates. Most of those countries are Islamic; maybe the larger countries can help. So, it looks like those seven countries are our main concerns. Good job!” he declared, shaking Stacy. She giggled and hugged him. “We may get Earth in on the fun and games yet!”
Jack paused. “I’ll have Paul talk to the Arabs,” he said, changing his mind.
“I have a phone conference with the Egyptian president in a few days, why don’t I talk with him?” Daniel suggested. “Most of those little countries are African; he may be more effective than someone on the other side of the desert.”
“Baba, ana ga’ana,” Stacy spouted at Daniel. He smiled at her.
“Stinker,” he commented, pleased, and pecked her head.
“What was that?” Jack asked. He hung Stacy backward and upside down.
“It’s Egyptian. She said she’s hungry,” Daniel told him. “Dinner will be done shortly.”
“What’s the baba part?” Jack asked him.
“Daddy.”
Jack thought about it. “Aba…. baba… Coincidence?”
“That’s very good, Jack,” Daniel said, patting his head. “No, it isn’t a coincidence; they have the same root word.”
“Sounds like the Goa’uld version,” Jack commented. “An gi’na.”
Daniel turned back to him and then looked at the ceiling, raising his arms high. “Yes! There is a god!”
Jack rolled his eyes.
Sam got the baby washed and changed for her greeting of the guests’ appearance, while the rest of the kids hustled through their own dinner. Daniel was making tilapia for the adults’ dinner. He had offered to make it for the kids, too, but they turned their noses up at the unknown fish with the weird name. He made them hamburgers with mac and cheese and they were happy.
Jack was sitting at his desk, rubbing his eyes.
“If all the rest will concede to the treaty, I think I can talk the council into allowing Earth in,” he told Hayes over the phone. “We can annex China and North Korea. That means cutting off all import and export with them, Henry. Not even people in or out. It would be a complete, old fashioned shunning. To hell with the economy, people can buy American. Let them try it; the Europa is currently touring the solar system with a bunch of geologists, she can be here in minutes. Soon enough to stop any retaliatory strikes that they send up. If we take steps with China and North Korea now, Pakistan, India, Japan, Iran, and Afghanistan may decide to behave themselves.”
He stood and paced as he listened.
“No, this office cannot actually do anything overt,” he acknowledged. “But I can send our Muslim personnel on a tour of the Middle East and I can send the Asians to Asia. Call it a good-will tour. Henry, I know that; look, Daniel has a conference with Egypt in a couple of days. Do you know what they’ve been talking about? How to use natural means to relieve the stress on the country. Getting the Nile cleaned up. Getting people fed. Getting people educated to the new century while keeping the respect of the religions that exist in that country.
“Look, one of Daniel’s kids, Sgt. Gaafar, is a quick study and he speaks a lot of languages. I think he’d be appropriate to put in charge of this tour thing. I’ll have a talk with the good doctor and let you know.”
“JACK!”
“Gotta go,” he said quickly into the phone before slamming it down. He ran into the living room.
“What!”
He slid to a stop. Sam and Daniel were both staring in shock at the person standing in the middle of the room. The children were watching curiously, not at all disturbed; they were used to people beaming in and out. Jerrie stood by, ready to take cues from the parents.
“How…. what….?”
“Hello, Colonel. Oh, I’m sorry, it’s General, now, isn’t it?”
“Narim?!”
Jack stepped up next to Sam, staring at the man.
“I thought you were dead?” Jack said. No, the tall man with brown hair was standing in front of them.
“You were meant to,” Narim said with that quiet smile he always had. “The Nox kept us hidden. Those few who survived the Goa’uld attack on Tollana, anyway. Is it alright to speak here?” he glanced at the children.
“Uh, yeah,” Jack nodded. “But let’s go into my office.” He reached out and felt the shock that was rippling through Sam; not surprised, considering she almost left the SGC and Earth for this particular alien. They took seats.
“So. Narim. Looking well,” Jack commented. “A little grayer.”
Narim smiled. “You as well, Jack.” He looked toward Jack’s own grays.
“We are leaving,” Narim said suddenly. “I had a need to say a proper goodbye to Samantha. If that is permitted? I understand you and she are married. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Jack nodded. “Actually, the three of us are married.” He jutted his chin toward Daniel. Narim gave a nod, not surprised.
“I amend my congratulations to include Dr. Jackson,” he said. Daniel nodded.
“You’re leaving?” Sam asked, slightly breathless from the sight of him alive. After the Goa’uld destroyed his planet, they didn’t expect to see him standing in front of them. “I don’t understand.”
He turned to face her, reaching out to take her hand. He paused and glanced at Jack and Daniel. Jack shrugged.
“It’s her hand,” he said. Narim took Sam’s hand.
“When the Goa’uld attacked, the Nox opened the gate,” he told her. “They have hidden us these past years. The Nox have decided to Ascend, though, and we are going with them. We have outlived our own time, so we will Ascend. You showed us how to live. We allowed technology to lead us, thinking ourselves superior, and then you irritating humans came along. You taught us that the heart is more important than the technology. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the Nox backed it up. Our weapons were the first things they took from us.”
“But you don’t have to leave,” Sam protested. “There are worlds that can offer you protection. The Anunnaki terraformed Abydos, they need people to fill it. The Masharu are taking in Tok’ra who want to leave this galaxy, you could go with them. We can find you a place here.”
Narim raised an eyebrow. “The Masharu?” he questioned incredulously. “The Tau’ri have been busy. Who’s in charge of the Masharu?”
“Thanatos,” Jack put in.
“I’ve heard of him,” he said. “Obviously I never met any of the Masharu, but we know a little of them. Legends, mostly. Who are the Anunnaki?”
Sam gave him a summary of recent events.
“Well, if the.. Anunnaki.. are around to oversee your progress, you certainly don’t need any of the other…. anyone else,” Narim said. Jack pursed his lips and reached. He got a blank wall. How the hell did the Tollan know about Masharu?? And why was he hesitant about the Anunnaki?
“Do you know who the Anunnaki are?” he asked. He was sure Narim recognized the names.
Narim shook his head. “I cannot tell you, if they haven’t. If you can do that, though, you can answer the question for yourself.”
He sensed that little push? Jack tossed his pencil down in irritation. “I am so tired of all this crap,” he said. “What is the big, friggin’ deal?”
“Not a big deal at all,” Narim said. “Think of it as a game: guess who is behind the door, and you get the grand prize.”
“What’s the prize?” Jack asked skeptically.
“That’s part of the prize,” Narim said. “It’s an exercise in logic, Jack.”
“Oh, well, there goes the planet,” Daniel commented. Jack shot the pencil at him. Sam took a breath, her eyes wide.
“What?” Jack asked her, seeing the shock on her face.
“The arch,” she breathed in awe. “It didn’t occur to me. The stone arch that Erra and Zu brought in. It was in perfect condition. Jack, when you take the entertainment center apart, you end up with tangled wires and no idea which cord goes where. I won’t even comment on Daniel and computers. But if I do it, I know which cords go where.”
Jack stared at her. “Erra knew how to take the arch apart and put it back together,” he guessed.
“Yes!” she said excitedly. “Only someone familiar with its components could have taken it apart and transported it without harming it. It’s in perfect working order and I didn’t have to do anything.”
“Erra’s a Furling!” Daniel breathed as he slowly sat forward, equally wide-eyed. "Oh, my God, the Anunnaki are the Furlings!"
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