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A Face I've Seen Before 

Chapter 9

The screaming of the klaxons filled the air. Jacob Carter and Lorraine were walking down the ramp by the time the members of SG-1 made it to the ‘gate room. Jacob smiled in greeting. Which turned to a grin when Casey slid around the corner, running into the room from who knew where.

"Welcome," General Hammond said, reaching out to shake Jacob’s hand. "Thank you for responding so quickly to our message."

They want something, Selmak said.

Getting awfully cynical in your old age, my friend, Jacob replied.

Humph, was the indignant reply.

"So, what’s up?" Jacob asked. He barely bit back the words ‘what do you want?’

"SG-1 went on a mission a couple of days ago. Returned with a very interesting person. We’ve been able to establish that he doesn’t have a counterpart in this reality, so he’ll be able to remain here," Hammond said.

"Whoa…back up. SG-1 brought someone here from another reality?"

The general nodded. "He’s agreed to work with the Tok’ra. As in, he’s willing to become a host."

"Hasn’t talked to Jack, I take it," Jacob quipped immediately. Barely bit back his smile when Selmak chortled. His eyes twinkled with humor.

"Actually, Jack helped talk him into doing this," Hammond chuckled.

"Did you check to make sure you got your Jack O’Neill back?"

Hammond laughed out loud. "I think you’ll understand his…reasoning…when you see our guest. He’s waiting in the conference room."

"Lead the way," Jacob said.

Lorraine fell into step beside Casey. "How are you?"

"Doing just great. And you?"

"We’re fine," the tiny woman replied.

Casey cocked her head sideways, then smiled. "All has been forgiven. It wasn’t you or Jacob and Selmak who withheld information from us. Daniel is home, we’re both fine…so don’t worry at all about what happened."

"We will endeavor to make certain that SG-1, and you and Doctor Jackson especially, have all the information we have, should we work together again," Lorraine said, smiling slightly.

"That’s all we can ask," Casey smiled. "Will you be staying for lunch?"

"I’m not sure. It depends on what this meeting is about."

"I’ll talk to General Hammond, and see that he invites you and Jacob to stay. We’ll order pizza. Karinda had expressed in interest in pizza."

Lorraine giggled. "She is most curious about this food. Apparently it was a favorite of Sarah’s."

"Well, we’ll get pizza, and she can decide for herself whether it’s worth the raves."

Once again the petite Tok’ra giggled. She looked down, and her eyes flashed once. "I would be most appreciative," Karinda responded.

Casey gave a wide grin, then hurried to sit down beside her husband.

Jacob was staring at the man who was standing beside General Hammond. "That’s-"

"Pedram Hussain. Son of Muhammad Ansisi Hussain," Jack said. "He’s a rebel leader-"

"Was," Pedram interjected softly.

"Was a rebel leader," Jack corrected. "In his reality. We helped his group fight off a Goa’uld and his Jaffa…well, really just the Jaffa, because the snake never showed up. But we kicked their asses, and helped the rebels get a couple of an’kesh and escape."

"Pedram was cut off from his friends," Sam said, picking up the narrative. "There weren’t resources or supplies on the planet, and there’s no way the rebels can go back there, not for some time, anyway."

"So, we brought him with us," Casey joined in. "We figured we could get him back through the Quantum Mirror to his own reality if we had to."

"Why is he still here?" Jacob asked.

"Where the mirror was…" Casey paused.

"There was a battle raging where the Quantum Mirror was located," Teal’c said.

"We’ve agreed to check in a couple of days to see if it’s safe for him to go back. If he needs to," Casey added.

Jacob studied the man who was the perfect clone of Apophis, Goa’uld ‘god’ who had killed millions. "You’re willing to become a host?"

"I am," Pedram said quietly. "Especially if it will allow me to continue to battle against the Goa’uld."

Janet, who was sitting beside Teal’c nodded. "It’s been almost twenty-six hours, with no sign of entropic cascade failure."

"I authorized a search for Mr. Hussain’s family, and so far, we’ve found only one living uncle. It seems that the family, including Mr. Hussain’s counterpart, were killed during the Gulf War," General Hammond said.

Once again Jacob turned his attention the man who had the face of Apophis. "The chaos the return of Apophis would create could be a major advantage to us."

"I just want to see Ba’al’s face when he gets the news that Apophis is back," Casey said, grinning from ear to ear. "I mean, he swooped in and took most of what belonged to Apophis. He has to know he’ll be the first target."

"We have two Tok’ra in positions as minor Goa’uld. They would be able to secure at least one mothership, a few an’kesh, perhaps even an al’kesh or two," Karinda said.

"What about Jaffa?"

"There are free Jaffa - those who once served Apophis - who would be willing to work beside this man," Teal’c said. "I have already spoken to Bra’tac about the possibility. He himself would be willing to resume his place as Apophis’s First Prime."

"This is indeed encouraging," Selmak said. "I know of two Tok’ra who would be most willing to take on this task."

"But will they be willing to be…blended…with me?" Pedram asked.

Selmak offered a reassuring smile. "We have the means to make certain that the host and the symbiote are well matched."

Pedram gave a single nod of understanding.

"Do you want me to check your reality again, through the mirror?" Casey asked.

There was a moment of silence. Pedram closed his eyes. When he opened them, they were bright with tears. "No. If there was a battle, it probably did not go well for the rebels. That is why the mirror was on a Goa’uld ship. If I go through, I’ll be captured."

"Which is something we’d like to avoid," Jack said.

The Iraqi gave a small smile. "Yes, it is."

"Then let me offer you a home among the Tok’ra," Selmak said quietly.

"And if, in the future, there is a way for me to return to my reality?" Pedram asked.

"No doubt your symbiote would be willing to go with you," Selmak replied.

"What about entropic cascade failure?" Sam asked.

"If there is a way to determine whether or not the symbiote has a counterpart in that reality, then we shall do all that we can to make certain that Pedram is allowed to return to his reality. And the symbiote he will carry will join him in the fight against the Goa’uld in that reality," Selmak said.

Pedram looked at Selmak. Studied the eyes of the man who was the host. "Do you find being a host…unpleasant?"

Selmak lowered her eyes, there was a bit of a flash, and Jacob looked up. "It’s not unpleasant. In fact, the company is rather nice. I’m never alone, unless I want to be, if that makes sense."

The sienna-skinned man nodded.

"I’ll admit that Selmak and I have had some arguments-"

"Arguments?" Pedram was sitting forward, obviously intrigued.

"If she had a body of her own, she’d probably smack me a good one," Jacob chuckled. "But more often we talk. She shares her knowledge, her experiences with me. I share mine with her. She can get a bit…overbearing sometimes…"

"But ya know what, I don’t think I could live without the old girl now. She knows when I need to talk. Or when I need to just have time to think. Or when I want to work a problem out on my own. She knows when I need to be cheered up. Her sense of humor is developing quite nicely, as a matter of fact," Jacob said, winking at Sam.

"In other words, you’ve driven her to be as impossible as you can be sometimes," Sam responded, grinning broadly.

"Oh, no. She was impossible before we met," Jacob laughed.

Jacob felt a ‘pat’ on his cheek. I care for you as well, Jacob. My dear friend.

"It’s a bit weird at first," Jacob said. "But, after a couple of days, it feels…normal. I have to admit, becoming a host was a better choice than dying. But…if I were healthy, and had the opportunity to be a host, knowing what I know, I’d jump on the chance in a New York minute."

Pedram looked down at his entwined fingers. Took a deep breath. "Then I accept your offer."

Jack cleared his throat. "You don’t have to decide right this minute. I mean, you can wait a day or two."

"In my reality, I was but one man, fighting with many. Here, I will be able to do more than I could ever do in my reality. As long as I am fighting the Goa’uld, where I am will not be as important as whether or not I can make a difference," Pedram said.

Daniel looked down at his hands. He knew in his heart that Pedram would never give up the hope that his wife and sisters would be rescued. But Pedram accepted that he would not be the one to rescue them. Even if he had remained in his own reality, chances were high that he’d never be able to find his family, let alone free them from the Goa’uld. He’s a braver, better man that I am, he thought again.

Selmak glanced at Jack. She couldn’t help but smile when he gave her a crooked grin. "General O’Neill is convinced that being a Tok’ra host is one step above being a Goa’uld host."

"Nah, two steps up, just below being a Goa’uld prisoner," Jack replied cheekily.

"Yet you believe I can do good as a host?" Pedram asked.

Jack’s cheeks turned ruddy. "I believe that you’re our best hope in defeating Ba’al, and several of the others. I honestly think we could pull it off without putting a slug into you, but-"

"Wait…a slug?" Pedram asked, obviously confused.

"The Goa’uld are snakes," Jack explained. "Slugs are just as disgusting, but not as dangerous."

Selmak snickered out loud.

"We have the means to give you the ‘voice’. But not the glowy-eyes thing," Jack explained.

Pedram nodded his understanding. "If it were the only way to defeat the Goa’uld, would you become a host?"

Jack stared at Selmak for a moment. "If it were the only way to beat them? Absolutely I’d become a host."

Looks of surprise moved across the faces of those around the table. Jack had always held the Tok’ra in contempt, not quite as hated as the Goa’uld.

"Wow, Jack," Casey exclaimed softly.

"Yeah, well, lucky for me, there are other ways to defeat the Goa’uld here," Jack shrugged.

"Especially if someone else is willing to become a host," Daniel scoffed.

"You got it." Jack didn’t even try to look repentant.

Selmak tossed her head back and began to laugh. "General O’Neill, I believe you are becoming more open to the idea of being a host than ever before."

"Only if it’s the last resort sort of thing," Jack clarified.

"Of course," Selmak chuckled. She took a deep breath. "If we are to begin this…impersonation…there is much that Mr. Hussain must learn. And we must find just the right symbiote for him. That will take a bit of time as well."

"So, you’re saying that you need to take Pedram and leave now," Jack said.

"It is best that we do."

"Before he can change his mind?"

Selmak shook her head. "No, General O’Neill. Pedram will be able to change his mind at any time…up to the moment of the blending."

Jack nodded. "Fair enough."

"I would like to begin as soon as possible," Pedram said. "I am of no use just sitting here."

"I’ll check into your reality through the mirror from time to time," Casey promised. "I’ll let you know if anything changes."

Pedram gave a slight nod. "Thank you."

"Well, if this is settled, and Pedram is willing to go, I see no reason to delay," General Hammond said.

Selmak rose to her feet, but it was Jacob who spoke. He held Pedram’s gaze with his own. "The idea is frightening, I know. But what you’ll receive from the relationship, it just can’t be put into words."

"Thank you for your honesty," Pedram said. "I believe I am ready to become a…host."

"Remember, I want pictures of Ba’al’s face when he finds out that Apophis has returned," Casey quipped.

Jacob’s cheek twitched and his lips pulled upward into a smile. "We’ll do our best," he said.

In a flurry of movement the team, their CO, and their guests hurried to the ‘gate room. Jacob gave Walter the address to dial, and the ‘gate opened with its customary splendor.

Casey put her hand on Pedram’s arm. "I hope we’ll be able to work together. But even so, check in once in awhile to let us know you’re okay."

Pedram smiled. Wrapped his hands around her face and gently kissed her forehead. "You are a miracle I cannot explain. You helped us defeat an enemy who had superior weapons and numbers. You made it possible for my people to not only escape, but to take two ships as well. Now you have offered me a chance to continue fighting, when my only other choice was to die alone, and probably go mad as well."

"Jack was the one who helped win the battle," Casey said softly.

"You were the one who convinced us…me…to listen to him."

Casey blushed, and shrugged slightly. "I was just doing what seemed right."

"I will appreciate that, always," Pedram said. He turned to Daniel. "I will pray that my friends and allies will be able to save my family, for I know that I could not. I know that my wife would approve of me continuing to fight. She would-" His voice broke slightly. "She would expect me to choose the path that would allow me to continue to battle the Goa’uld."

"I’ll pray for the safety of your family. And we’re grateful for the help you’re offering us," Daniel said quietly.

"I have learned much from you," Pedram said, turning to Jack. "I will remember these things."

"I hope everything works out for you," Jack said sincerely. "Like Daniel said, we’re grateful that you’re willing to help us in our battle against the Goa’uld."

Pedram gave a nod, then turned to Jacob. "I am ready."

The team watched as the three walked up the ramp and disappeared into the event horizon.

"I can’t wait until Ba’al finds out about this," Casey murmured. "He’s gonna piss his pants when he finds out Apophis is back."

Her teammates laughed loudly. "Let’s get some coffee," Janet suggested.

"Lead the way, Napoleon," Jack chuckled.

Before anyone could move, the inner circle of the Stargate began to spin. All eyes went to the huge monument.

"Incoming wormhole," Walter announced.

"IDC?" General Hammond asked.

"Nothing yet, sir. I assume they’re waiting for the sequence to be completed on the other side," Walter replied.

The general nodded. "This should be a message from the Tegerians, regarding your diplomatic mission with the Minoans."

Jack squirmed slightly. "Ah, yes. Diplomatic missions," he muttered.

The wormhole opened with its customary splendor. "IDC confirmation in five seconds," Walter announced. "It’s the Tegerians, sir."

"Good."

"SGC, this is Pallin of the Tegerians."

"Hello, Pallin, this is General Hammond."

"Hello, General Hammond. Might I request permission for myself and Daria to enter your compound?"

"Permission granted," Hammond replied jovially.

Not more than a few seconds later, the two tall, gaunt-looking aliens walked down the ramp, smiles on their pale faces.

"Greetings, dear friends," Daria said.

"Greetings, Daria," Daniel replied.

"We have been in contact with those you call the Minoans, and we and they are prepared to begin negotiations, if SG-1 is ready," Pallin said anxiously.

"We are," Daniel replied. He glanced at Jack, bit back a grin at the pained look on his friend’s face. "Before I forget, congratulations. How are your wife and child?"

Pallin beamed proudly. "My wife and daughter are well, thank you."

"Oh, a girl!" Casey sighed. "How wonderful."

"I am most pleased," Pallin chuckled.

Daria patted her companion’s arm. "He is still floating on air."

"As most new fathers do," General Hammond smiled. He turned to Daniel. "What do you need for this meeting?"

"Just a few notes. I have them in a folder, ready to go," Daniel replied.

"Good. General O’Neill, have your team prepared to leave in fifteen minutes," Hammond said.

"Yes, sir." Jack bit back a sigh. "Armory, campers. Daniel, Casey will get your gear. You get your notes."

"Right," Daniel said, already hurrying toward the door to the corridor.

"We’ll be as quick as we can," Casey promised, tossing a smile at their visitors.

Pallin and Daria nodded and smiled in return.

Scooting past her teammates, Casey darted into the armory, which was directly across from the gear room and their personal lockers. "I don’t know why we’re going armed. We’re friends with those people."

"Yes, we are, Radar," Jack replied. "And there’s always the chance some snake will remember them and show up."

She flushed slightly. "You’re right. Sorry."

Jack reached out and tweaked her nose. "You’re just too trusting, kid."

"I have you and Rocco if I need protection."

"You have that right," Jack replied. "Full gear, team. Better over-prepared than sorry."

Weapons in hand the four hurried into the gear room. Casey managed to have Daniel’s pack ready for him by the time he joined them. Night goggles were signed out, including two pair for their Tegerian friends. Belts strapped on that held holsters for the 9 millimeter Berettas, P90s in hand, the team hurried back into the ‘gate room. General Hammond was chatting amiably with Pallin and Daria. He nodded approvingly when the team joined him and their guests at the bottom of the ramp.

"Good luck," the general said.

"Thank you, sir," Daniel replied.

"SG-1, you have a go. God speed."

"That’s the word, campers," Jack said. He led the way up the ramp.

Once again Daniel found himself looking around at the trees, trying to remember just exactly where he’d been when one of the ‘Touched’ had grabbed him. It was…there. I think. Two trees marked a little used path that went deeper into the forest. He could remember being afraid…the ‘Touched’ wanted something from him, but he didn’t know what. They had taken him to a primitive sort of camp. And the princess…Melosha, already suffering from the effects of the disease…had been there as well. He could remember trying to protect her from the brutish behavior of the ‘Touched’. Then - he began suffering the same affects of the ‘disease’ that the ‘Touched’ suffered. There had been at least one fight…how he’d managed to win, he still wasn’t sure. But the result was that Melosha had ‘belonged’ to him…none of the others would attempt to touch her.

He shook his head. Every damned time he came here, the same thing. Everything that had happened to him began to play over and over in his mind. It hadn’t been his fault he’d been captured by the ‘Touched’. Wasn’t his fault that, due to his inability to continue his allergy shots, he’d become ‘Touched’. What had happened during that time - blurry, dark images that held little meaning for him - hadn’t been his fault either. So why did he always feel so damned guilty? Was it because he hadn’t fought hard enough to escape his captors? Or because he knew, in his heart, that neither Jack nor Teal’c would ever have been caught unaware. Or was it simply misplaced guilt? Sure wish I knew how to get rid of it, he grumbled to himself.

Casey paused beside him, tipped her head sideways. She pulled her goggles off, reached up, and pushed his up to rest on his forehead. "What happened here, happened for a reason. You had to become infected, so that Sam and Jack could offer the ‘cure’ to you, and prove it worked. The Minoans never would have allowed any of the ‘Touched’ to have been brought to the temple if they hadn’t been convinced that the cure worked."

Damn, does she read my mind? If she did, she had just offered him the reason for what had happened. And a reason to let go of the guilt he’d been carrying. "Thanks, Angel."

"Huh? For what? I was just going to ask you if you were okay…you started walking slower…like you didn’t want to get to the meeting," Casey responded.

He couldn’t help but chuckle. "Didn’t hear any of that, eh?"

The seer rolled her eyes. "I hate that. So what’d I say?"

"You told me that what happened here, happened to me…it was for a good reason."

"Oh. Well, of course it was." Casey readjusted her night vision goggles. "If you hadn’t been sick, Sam couldn’t have used you as proof that the cure Janet had come up with actually worked."

"So you said."

"Will we see this…um…princess…"

"Melosha?"

"Will we see her?"

"I don’t know, Angel. Possibly."

"Let’s just hope she isn’t fixated on you…after all, you did save her, from the ‘Touched’ and from being ‘Touched’," Casey sighed. "I don’t want to piss the Minoan leaders off, but if she makes one move for you, I’m gonna drop her."

Daniel chuckled. "I doubt there will be any problems."

"I hope not. I want to see that ceremony."

He chuckled again. "I promise, next year, we’ll be here for the Fertility Rites Ceremony."

"Good. Because I read about it, and it sounds beautiful," Casey sighed.

The group stepped into the sunlight, stopping long enough to put their goggles in their backpacks. Sam and Casey cheerfully stowed the goggles Daria and Pallin had used in their packs as well.

A group of ministers, or so Daniel called them, were walking up the path to greet the visitors. The colorfully dressed group was flanked by half naked men and women, who carried wooden frames that held several strings of bells. The bell-carries gently shook the frame, and the tinkling bells filled the air with their music. Always anxious to make a good impression on allies, the archaeologist hurried toward the leaders. "Good day!"

"Good day, Doctor Jackson," said the lead minister, a rotund man named Ro’lun.

"How are you, Minister Ro’lun?" Daniel asked, shaking the man’s hand, the greeting taught to the Minoans by SG-1 on their first visit.

"I do well, Doctor, thank you." Ro’lun turned to Pallin and Daria. "It is with great pleasure that we greet you, the ambassadors of the Tegerians, and welcome you to the Land of Light."

Pallin dipped his head in a slight nod. "It is our pleasure as well, to meet you, Minister Ro’lun. Doctor Jackson has told us many things about the Minoans, and their willingness to share what they have."

"As we have heard of the generosity of the Tegerians," the minister replied. "Come, come. The others are waiting."

The giant stone bulls that guarded the entrance to the temple had been decked with garlands of flowers, a sign of peace and happiness, Daniel noted. He had little doubt that the negotiations would go well, the Minoans were more than happy to trade naquadah, of which they seemed to have an ample supply. Which begged the question…why did the Goa’uld who brought these people here from Crete stop coming for regular shipments of naquadah? Had to have been Cronus…he’d been a Greek god, then morphed into Saturn by the Romans…so did he bring just the Minoans here, or are there Greek transplants as well? Whoever brought them here stopped coming at least a hundred years before we showed up…why?

"Daniel?" Casey asked softly. She’d watched those beautiful blue eyes narrow slightly, and his brow furrowed just a bit. The way it did when he was thinking about something, usually some puzzle or another waiting for his brilliant mind to solve.

"Hmm?"

"What'cha thinkin’ about?"

He couldn’t help but smile. "Same questions that run through my mind every time I’m here."

"Same questions, huh?"

"Yep. Because I have yet to find the answers," Daniel replied wistfully.

"Well, put the questions aside for now, they’re waiting for you," Casey told him.

A glance over his shoulder, and he could see that everyone who was to be seated at the table for the duration of the negotiations were seated, and watching him carefully. One chair remained. "Sorry," he mumbled, hurrying to the table and sitting down, putting his pack and P90 on the floor beside his chair.

Minister Tuplo rose and held his arms open wide. "It is with great rejoicing that we welcome our friends: Colonel O’Neill, Major Carter, Doctor Jackson, and the mighty warrior, Teal’c," Tuplo smiled, nodding at Jack, Sam, and Teal’c. He gave another smile to Casey. "And we are most pleased that Doctor Jackson's wife, a great seer, has honored us with her presence."

Casey smiled and nodded her greeting.

Jack squirmed slightly. Daniel grinned. "Since our last visit," Daniel said, "Colonel O’Neill was promoted to General, and Major Carter was promoted to Colonel."

"How wonderful!" Leedora, the highest ranked woman among the Minoans, beamed at the team. "I am pleased to see that your superiors recognize your value."

"Thank you," Sam said quietly, blushing slightly.

"Thanks," Jack said, his cheeks just as rosy as his wife’s.

Tuplo nodded at the team, and then continued. "We are honored that the Tau’ri of the First World believe that we are worthy partners in trade, and spoke highly of us to the Tegerians."

When the Minoan leader paused and looked at Daniel, the archaeologist rose to his feet. "You honor us with your greetings," he said humbly. "The Minoans of the Land of Light have been kind to us, and have proven to be valuable trading partners."

The minister dipped his head in acknowledgement, then turned to Pallin and Daria. "It was the Tau’ri who saved our people…returned to our homes those who had been ‘touched’ by a devastating disease. We will be eternally grateful for their help, and their instruction in how to make the medicine needed."

"We have read about this disease," Daria said, smiling up at the Minoan minister. "We were quite impressed at how quickly their doctors were able to discern what the problem was, and the ‘cure’ is quite impressive as well, because of its simplicity."

Tuplo sat down, and motioned that Daniel should begin the negotiations.

"Daria and Pallin, representatives of the Tegerian government, approached us with a request…knowledge of planets which had naquadah. You have been quite generous with your ore, and we immediately contacted you with their request. We did so because the Tegerians have technology, medicines, farming techniques, even plants and animals that are unknown to the people of the Land of Light. Because of your generosity, we wanted to share what we had learned from the Tegerians, as well as some of the benefits of being trading partners with them."

"We are most grateful, Doctor Jackson," Minister Ro’lun said. He turned to Daria. "The Tau’ri tell us that your request for naquadah is quite reasonable."

Daria smiled. "We hope that it is. We ask for one hundred pounds in a year’s time."

The ministers at the table began to chuckle. "If that is all you ask, then we will have little leverage to bargain with."

"You find this amount agreeable?" Daria asked, almost breathlessly. The Tegerians used naquadah in several of the technical devices, but in small amounts, simply because finding the ore was difficult.

"It is most agreeable," Tuplo replied.

"We will be most happy to offer several of our food plants to you, Doctor Jackson believed they would be welcomed by you."

"Oh, certainly!" Leedora replied. "We pride ourselves on our gardens, and we seek new plants to add."

"These plants can be used as seasoning, or even medicinally," Daria said. "We also have several root tuber plants that offer sweet fruit. We use them in many of our desserts."

"We have drawings and samples, if you’d like to see them," Pallin offered.

"Yes, please," Leedora said eagerly.

Pallin opened his pack, and withdrew a leather bound portfolio. He opened it, and slid it across the table to the waiting woman. "Doctor Jackson helped us to label those in your language, to make it easier for you to read."

"Thank you, Doctor Jackson. And you, Pallin. The effort is much appreciated." Leedora looked down at the portfolio, then carefully turned it to the first page. "Oh, my! Such beautiful drawings!"

"The plants look exactly like the drawings," Pallin assured her. "At least, the mature plants will look exactly like the drawings."

"Also included, on the side of the page, are the uses for each plant," Daria pointed out.

Tuplo, Ro’lun, and the other three ministers rose to stand behind Leedora. All of them exclaimed over the drawings.

Minister Tuplo frowned slightly. "This seems to be a most generous offer for a mere one hundred pounds of naquadah annually."

"We understand that mining the ore is…difficult. We do not wish any of the miners to be injured in pursuit of more naquadah than is required," Daria explained.

"Most generous," Tuplo replied. "Most kind."

"Very much like you and your people, Minister Tuplo," Daniel said quietly.

Tuplo beamed a smile at the archaeologist. "Thank you, Doctor Jackson."

"Just stating the truth," Daniel shrugged.

"Then these plants will suffice as payment…at least for this year?" Daria asked.

"Oh, most certainly. These flowers…they are fragrant?" Leedora asked, tapping a manicured finger on one of the drawings.

"Very fragrant," Daria affirmed.

Pallin opened his pack further, and withdrew a clear case. In it were two dozen seedlings, each nestled in its own little box. He put the case on the table and opened it. "Each plant has its name written on the planter. These should be put into fertile soil within ten days."

"Here are instructions for the care of each plant," Daria said, taking another portfolio of papers from the pack. "If I might be permitted to do so, I would like to test your soil, to make certain the plants are compatible. If they are not, we will provide you with soil and containers for growing these plants."

Several gasps of surprise filled the air. "Most generous of you!" Tuplo declared. "Yes, of course you must run your tests! I do hope that our gardens will be sufficient for these amazing plants."

Jack rolled his eyes. "Why so much excitement over a few plants?" he whispered, his question aimed at no one in particular.

Casey, who was standing beside him, poked him in the ribs with her fingers. "Quiet, Jack, they’ll hear you!"

"Any type of new food source has got to be welcome," Sam said. "They don’t have much variety, which was part of the problem with the histamines in the first place. Daniel says two of those potato plants will help offset the problem, making the injections less necessary. It’s possible that in the next generation or so, given that more nutritional plants are introduced to their diets, they might not even need the injections."

"And that’s a good thing, boss," Casey added.

"Humph," Jack grunted. He looked at his watch, and tapped it twice. "So, how much longer?"

"Until the negotiations are completed," Sam replied.

"Like I said, how much longer?"

"It will take as long as it takes," Casey whispered.

Once again Jack rolled his eyes.

Daniel had brought along a folder, in which he had put the treaty that he had hoped would be signed by both parties. Given that the Minoans were convinced that the request of the Tegerians was more than reasonable, and their absolute delight in the plants offered, he figured that both parties would sign without hesitation. He put the sheets of paper on the table. "As the mediator for this treaty, I have drawn up an agreement. If you would each read your copy, and tell me if you find the terms acceptable, we can conclude this negotiation with a signed treaty."

Tuplo accepted one copy, written in his language, Daria the other, which was written in her language. There were two separate copies, one written in English, the other in Goa’uld. All four copies would be signed by the Minoans, the Tegerians, and by Daniel, acting as ambassador for Earth.

The minister showed the treaty to his colleagues, who nodded their approval. Pallin and Daria were also nodding their agreement.

"In the treaty, it is stated that the first shipment of naquadah, which is to be five pounds, will be sent to the Tegerians twenty days from the day the treaty is signed. Is that acceptable, Minister Tuplo?" Daniel asked.

"Oh, very acceptable," the Minoan replied.

"And Daria, you’ll be able to run your tests before you leave today?"

"Absolutely. If I find that the soil is…unacceptable, then soil and containers will arrive through the Portal before evening, and I and Pallin will help get the new plants replanted."

"Tuplo, this is acceptable?"

"Yes, yes it is."

"Then I suggest that we sign the treaty, we will each retain a copy, and that will be that," Daniel suggested.

With nods of approval from the other ministers, Tuplo accepted the pen Daniel handed him. He examined it for a moment. "Very intriguing." The man smiled, then signed his name on the bottom of his treaty with a flourish.

Treaties were ‘exchanged’, and again signatures were written out on the proper lines. Once again, so that all four treaties were signed, and then Daniel collected the copy for the Tau’ri. "Thor suggested that we have a copy of the treaty in Goa’uld. If ever a Goa’uld should arrive here, and demand naquadah, you will have a document proving the existence of the treaty. That will allow other civilizations, such as the Asgard, to intervene, if necessary. I suggest you keep this in a very safe place," he said, giving the copy in Goa’uld to Tuplo.

"Very wise," Tuplo said. "Once again we find ourselves indebted to you, Doctor Jackson."

Daniel shook his head, gave a shy smile. "No. We’re just making sure the Goa’uld can’t cause any problems. Or at least we’ll have a bit of wiggle room and be able to ask for some impressive help if the Goa’uld show up here."

"There have been none of these ‘gods’ here in many generations," Leedora said. "I do not believe they will return here."

"Still, it is a good idea," Daria said. "And should the Goa’uld return, Tegeria will stand with the Tau’ri in your defense."

"Thank you," Tuplo said, his voice as full of sincerity as his eyes. "We have been most blessed to have found such trading partners…and allies."

With the documents signed, the meeting was obviously over. "We would be honored if you would share refreshments with us," Leedora said, rising from her chair.

Pallin glanced at Daria, who patted his arm and smiled. "We would be delighted. If you will show me where you intend to plant these," she motioned toward the seedlings, "I can run the test on the soil. It won’t take but a few moments."

"Of course," Leedora said. She turned to Daniel. "You are also most welcome to join us."

Daniel looked over his shoulder at Jack. "I’m afraid we’re going to have to pass this time. We need to get back to the SGC."

"I understand," Leedora said. "It was a pleasure seeing you again. General O’Neill, I’m most happy to note that you’re no longer purple…or…aromatic."

Casey snorted, then turned her head so she could giggle quietly.

"Uh…yeah…me, too," Jack said. It was obvious he was uncomfortable with the reminder.

Sam ducked her head, and Teal’c didn’t even bother to hide his amused grin.

"Let’s go campers," Jack said gruffly. "Nice to see you folks again." He turned on his heel and walked toward the path that would lead to the Stargate.

Daniel grinned. "He’s still a bit touchy about the subject."

Leedora smiled. "So I see. I didn’t mean to upset him."

Now Daniel laughed. "You didn’t. If anyone is upset, it’s Casey. She had been looking forward to observing your Fertility Festival, and Jack’s…problem…prevented that from happening. I don’t know when…or if…she’ll ever forgive him."

"We will send word about our next festival. Perhaps you can attend then."

"That would make Casey happy," Daniel said.

"Thank you, for all that you’ve done," Leedora said. "If you’ll excuse me, I must take Daria to the gardens."

"Of course."

"Blessings be upon you," Leedora said.

"And you," Daniel replied. With a final nod, he turned toward his teammates. Jack was already half way up the hill.

"We’d better catch up," Casey sighed. "He’ll get to the ‘gate first, go through, and then close the iris."

Sam burst into laughter. "No doubt."

"He shouldn’t be mad at us," Casey continued. "We didn’t mention anything about his little…incident."

"No, but you laughed when Leedora did," Daniel pointed out.

"It was most amusing," Teal’c said.

"Yes, it was," Casey agreed.

Jack was waiting at the top of the slight hill, watching as his ‘kids’ hurried toward him. He wasn’t sure whether or not the Minoan minister had been sincere in her condolences, or if she’d been laughing at him. He had a hunch she’d been laughing, just a bit more subtly than his team. I’m never gonna live that down, he grumped to himself.

Casey walked past him. "Come on, boss. Let’s get you home before you decide you’ve been insulted, and you start a war or something."

"What? I’d never-" Jack started. "Oh har-dee-har-har! You’re annoying, Jackson."

"So you keep telling me."

"I keep telling you because you continue to be annoying." He fell into step beside the seer. "So, does your radar see anything bad happening between those folks?"

Casey paused, closed her eyes. "Nope. In fact, I think the Tegerians are going to take a lot of pleasure in nudging the Minoans into progressing a bit more than they have."

"Really?" Daniel asked, frowning slightly.

"We don’t have a ‘Prime Directive’, Stud Muffin. And besides, if the Minoans advance, they’ll eventually be able to protect themselves from the Goa’uld. For all we know, they might be the ones to develop a honking big gun that will take all the Goa’uld out. Wouldn’t that be sweet?" Casey giggled.

"Yeah, it would be," Jack grinned.

"I’m hungry," Sam announced. "How about O’Malleys?"

"Sounds good," Casey agreed.

"Teal’c?" Sam asked.

"I will confer with Janet Fraiser as soon as we arrive at the SGC," the Jaffa responded.

"I’m betting Napoleon will be all for it," Jack predicted.

"Indeed," Teal’c replied.

The team pulled their night vision goggles from their packs, adjusted them, and headed into the dark forest and toward the Stargate.

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