Woe to thee - last chapter, part 15

[ansostuff]

PART FIFTEEN

“Nice ride,” Jack said once Thor had beamed SG-1, himself and Cully to the bridge of his new ship.

“Thank you, O’Neill,” Thor said, inclining his head. “I much prefer this to the previous ship.”

“You don’t say.” Jack whistled and looked around.

“We will make one short stop on the way to encapsulate the Tuberous ship within our shield and then we will head for the coordinates. We should reach our destination within the hour.” Jack was about to voice his surprise that Thor could do that, but if he hadn’t been able to do it he wouldn’t have suggested it, Jack figured. Instead he used the time to check out more of Thor’s impressive ship.

&&&&&

“We’re here,” Sam said a few minutes short of an hour later. She turned to look at the team. “This is P6N-927. It’s one of the planets the Ancients provided us with the address for. A UAV was sent here last year to do an initial recon, but we’ve not sent any teams here yet.” A planet’s surface could be seen on the large window-like screen on Thor’s ship. Immediately to their right the Tuberous ship appeared on the screen and a moment later Tallis’ face appeared.

“Greetings! Our heartfelt thanks goes to you all for providing us with this opportunity to start anew. However, I believe I need to apologize for my earlier mistrust in you. You have all upheld your end of our agreement, and more. We are most grateful for your assistance.”

“You’re welcome,” Thor and Daniel said simultaneously.

“Dr. Jackson,” Tallis greeted. “I heard you were taken ill. You look much recovered.”

“Thank you. I am,” Daniel smiled.

“This planet is suitable for us?” Tallis asked Thor.

“Yes. It has an agreeable atmosphere and a temperate climate. There appears to be a variety in nature and it has never been home to any advanced civilization or to dangerous predators of any kind. There is a bounty of wildlife and flora, and there are deserts and lakes as well as lush and green areas. I trust you will be satisfied with our find?”

“We certainly are,” Cully answered, nodding at Tallis to agree as well.

“Yes,” Tallis said. “We are indeed pleased with this.”

“Has anyone been down there to check it out?” Jack asked. “We could have a team do a recon and make sure what your database tells you is true.”

“Major Carter has equipped the ship with one of your UAVs,” Thor said. “It is currently flying in a pattern over the planet, recording its findings.”

“Cool!” Jack exclaimed. “I’m glad you can use some of our technology too.”

“It is not something we would have thought of creating,” Thor said. “It is a very useful tool.”

“Still, I’d like to be down there once they arrive,” Jack continued. “I think they’d like to meet you as well.”

“Agreed,” Thor said. “I will be there when the Tuberous decide to relocate.”

“I would like to return to our ship now,” Cully said. “It might take some time to get everything ready for the transport to our new home. I will contact you when we are ready.”

“Great. In the meantime I say we do a bit of a recon ourselves,” Jack said, looking at his team.

“I have alerted our ships of what we are doing and our vessels in this area as well as those in the area of Tubris and Tuberous are keeping their eyes open for any Goa’uld activity. We would like to see this treaty in place as much as the rest of you,” Thor said.

“Again, thank you,” Cully said, looking a little flustered.

“It’s our pleasure,” Daniel said. “We would like to see you arrive safe and sound as well. We’ll see you down there.”

“If you all are finished, I will beam Cully back onboard his ship and you to the planet’s surface,” Thor said.

“I assume there is a Stargate there with a working DHD?” Sam asked as she stood together with the rest of her team, waiting to be beamed out.

“Yes, there is. I will beam you there now.”

&&&&&

“This planet looks promising,” Teal’c said. After Thor had beamed them down to the planet, SG-1 had done an initial recon of the immediate area around the Stargate and was now walking further afield. The UAV could be heard overhead and Jack waved at it.

“Thor is downloading the contents of the memory chip and will send it to us as soon as it’s done,” Sam said, looking up at the flying probe.

“There’s nothing here,” Daniel said a little disappointed. “No ruins of any kind, no signs of civilization at all.” Putting his notebook into his pack and the pen back in his pocket, he looked around one more time to make sure he hadn’t missed anything.

“Well, Thor did say it hadn’t been occupied,” Jack said, giving Daniel a comforting pat on the back. “But think, now you can study the Teletubbies as they start over.”

“Tuberous, Jack,” Daniel laughed. “You’ve got to stop calling them Teletubbies. Have you seen the Teletubbies?”

“Yes, I have. I’m a bit more concerned that you have.”

“I do watch TV, Jack, You know that,” Daniel crossed his arms across his chest. “Just because I don’t watch hockey or the Simpsons doesn’t mean I don’t watch TV.”

“Yes, but children’s TV, Daniel? You don’t watch that?”

“I don’t! Cassie was too old for that when she came here. But you’ve heard of channel surfing, haven’t you?”

“Of course I have.”

“Then, there you have it. I’ve surfed past a couple of times. Plus Teal’c is into all kinds of modern culture, and we’ve discussed them before.”

Sam started laughing. “You and Teal’c have discussed the Teletubbies? I assume you’ve done some research into this as well?”

“Of course,” Teal’c said. “It is an interesting concept. The program has received much attention.”

“Okay, you two,” Jack said, moving to stand between Daniel and Teal’c in an attempt at preventing a whole new discussion. “Stop it right now. Focus on checking this planet out, okay?”

“O’Neill,” Thor’s voice interrupted them as it came over their radios.

Jack put his earpiece in and answered. “We’re here, Thor. Go on.”

“I will beam myself, Cully and a contingent of his people down to the planet’s surface. They have agreed to examine it further and establish if it is suitable for them.”

“Okay.” Jack had barely finished speaking before a large group of people appeared in front of them. “Hey, guys,” Jack waved.

“Welcome home,” Daniel said, smiling tentatively, not wanting to sound too eager in case Cully and his contingent decided they didn’t want to stay here after all.

“Thank you. There is much to discuss yet, but we were curious to see this place for ourselves before we make any final decision,” Cully said, smiling reassuringly at Daniel.

“Daniel?” Jack said. “Why don’t you and Carter give them the grand tour? Teal’c and I’ll stay here and guard the ‘Gate.”

“We’ll be glad to,” Daniel answered. “Come on, let’s show you around. We’ve not found any traces of civilization, which means that if anyone has lived here before, they left so long ago that there are no visible trails of them left. Your historians might verify that later, but if you need any help looking, we’ll do our best to assist you.”

“You are most kind. We have been preparing for resettling for a long time and are very much looking forward to building our new homes on this world.”

“Just let us know if there’s anything you need,” Sam said once they’d done a circuit of the area SG-1 had explored. “We’ll be in touch. Thor and his engineers will stay in the area to assist you and we’ll check in with you at regular intervals.”

“You guys ready?” Jack asked an hour later when Sam and Daniel joined him and Teal’c by the Stargate.

“Yeah, we’re good to go,” Daniel said. “Cully has already started to plan where their new settlements will be. He also invited us back for a festive meal in two weeks.”

“That was quick. They think they can get a liveable village up by then?” Jack asked.

“Yes, sir, they’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Apparently they have the tools and equipment for quickly erecting temporary but solid homes available on the ship. They also have seeds and saplings of plants and produce from their homeworlds with them. In this climate, it shouldn’t be too long before they’ll see some results and be able to harvest the first crops.”

Daniel waved at Cully and Tallis, who now were leaving the rest of the contingent to see SG-1 off. “See you soon.”

&&&&&

Two weeks later…

“Ow, ow, ow!” Daniel complained as he limped down the ramp. “You weren’t kidding when you said a 30-click hike. My feet are killing me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to walk again. And come on! Why did we hike that far? There wasn’t anything to see after all. Those villages were deserted a long time ago. Why didn’t the UAV do the recon on this planet in the first place?”

“Static,” Jack said, sitting down beside Daniel where he’d plopped down at the bottom of the ramp. “You know Carter’s been drooling about that place for months and the terrain is too difficult for ATV’s. We had to walk.”

“I know.” Daniel rubbed his aching calves. “And by the way, why is it called an all terrain vehicle when it’s obviously not suited for all terrains?”

“Don’t even start,” Jack warned. “It’s just how it is.” Jack watched Daniel rub at his legs for another moment. “I think I’ve got blisters all the way up to my knees,” he moaned when Daniel just wouldn’t stop rubbing.

Daniel blinked at Jack then laughed. “That’s not possible.”

“Of course it is,” Jack argued while starting to unlace his boots.

“Is not. For one thing it’s no longer your feet if you’ve got blisters up to your knees; for another, your clothes don’t blister, do they?”

“Semantics,” Jack grumbled and continued his unlacing. “If they’re wet.”

“What’s going on, people?” Hammond asked over the intercom.

“Oh, nothing. We didn’t find anything of interest.” Daniel said, gingerly getting to his feet, moaning with discomfort before looking up at Hammond. “I need a very long and very hot shower,” he commented to all and sundry.

“Me too,” Sam agreed, leaning on Daniel as she lifted one foot after the other off the ground to rest them. “My feet have never been this sore. I’m sorry to drag you all that way for nothing.”

“Ah pfft,” Jack waved the issue away. “Daniel needed the exercise.”

“I did not!”

“Did too.”

“Didn’t.”

“O’Neill, DanielJackson,” Teal’c rumbled. Sheepishly, they both stopped squabbling, and Daniel silently helped Jack to his feet.

Hammond looked at his premiere team with curiosity. It looked like they had no intention of leaving the Gateroom in the immediate future, and so he decided to come to them instead. Hammond frowned as he watched all of them except Teal’c lean on one of the others. When Sam leaned on Daniel, Daniel had grabbed Teal’c’s shoulder for support. Jack was leaning against Teal’c’s other side, a hand to his back.

“The mission was a bust, sir,” Jack said, letting go of Teal’c’s arm. “The villages we found were deserted. Daniel thinks they left a long time ago.”

“There were no signs of any recent activity, sir,” Sam continued. “And my scanners didn’t detect any form of technology at all.”

“Basically, sir, it was a waste of time,” Jack said before stretching his back again and leaning on his steadfast Jaffa friend.

“I see. We can debrief later. While you were gone we heard from Thor. The Tuberous are expecting you at their new home world tomorrow. Cully informed me that they have something they’d like to show you.”

&&&&&

“O’Neill, Dr. Jackson, Major Carter, Teal’c! Welcome to Circulus, our new home!” Cully greeted. SG-1 had barely set foot on the Tuberous new home-world before Cully was at their side, greeting them enthusiastically.

“Wow!” Daniel exclaimed in lack of a more eloquent way of expressing his amazement. “You weren’t joking when you said you’d prepared for a new place to live. You’ve accomplished a lot in such a short time.”

Not far from the Stargate, SG-1 could see small buildings erected, each with a measured out area of ground where people were planting seeds for their vegetable gardens. In the short two weeks that had passed since SG-1 was here last the Tuberous had managed to get a good start on their new life. “We have three more villages like this in the area,” said Cully, “and several more are being erected as we speak. Our ship remains in orbit and provides us with what material we might need. The Asgard engineers have finished their work with the repairs and our ship is now in better condition than it has ever been in. There is much yet to discover.”

“I’d say you’ve done an excellent job thus far,” Jack looked around at the village and the people. “Your people seem happy.”

“They are,” Cully said, “We are. But come, I have more to show you.” He started walking towards one of the larger buildings in the village, chatting enthusiastically about what they passed as they walked. “What I wanted to show you is here.” Opening the doors to the simple yet sturdy building, Cully lead SG-1 into what looked like a conference room. “This is our new Conference Room. The Asgard are working on implementing their communications device with our technology, and this is where it will be placed once it is done.”

“That’s wonderful,” Daniel commented, relieved that the Tuberous now would be protected once again and that the Asgard were taking steps to assure their security and ability to communicate. Sam hung onto every word Cully said as he explained how far they’d progressed. “But I’ve a feeling there is more?” Daniel said when Cully stopped to think for a moment.

“Indeed,” Cully grinned happily, continuing his explanations at a pace worthy of Daniel at his most enthusiastic. He walked over to one of the people sitting at the table in the middle of the room. The man was sitting with his back to SG-1 and now he rose and turned around to greet them.

“Jama!” Daniel’s eyes widened in surprise. “Cully, you kept your word and negotiated for his release?”

“I did,” Cully said. “Thor provided us with the Stargate address for Tuberous and I went there to retrieve him myself. Our Grand Council decided that since he was instrumental in getting us in touch with you and the Asgard, he could live amongst us if his main task was to help implement the Asgard technology with our own. It was decided that if we all get to start over, he should be given the chance to do so as well. He is only allowed to do this under constant supervision so that he does not attempt to communicate with other races, but so far he has kept his promise.”

“I have seen what the Asgard and you have done to help my people,” Jama said. “I am glad to see you all again. I might not be able to free my family from a life among Anubis’ slaves, but I have got my people back, and that is something. I willingly do what I can to help any way I can.”

“That’s great!” Jack said, genuinely happy for the guy. “And who knows, maybe one day your family will be free. We’ll tell our allies to keep a look out for them and let us know if they are found.”

“I would very much appreciate that,” Jama said. “I have done nothing to gain your trust, yet you are willing to help?”

“New beginnings,” Daniel said. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

“Wise words. Come, we have prepared a feast,” Cully said. “At sundown we will have a great meal together.”

“Sundown, you say?” Jack said, squinting at the sky. It was overcast.

“When the sky darkens,” Cully nodded and smiled at Jack’s antics.

“Thank you,” Daniel said. “We’d like that.” His stomach started growling and Daniel looked around, embarrassed, quickly put a hand over it as if that would dull the sound and they all laughed.

“It sounds like you could do with sustenance already now,” Cully laughed.

An hour later they were all seated at a long table decked with a variety of foods. Cully and Jama eagerly explained what everything was and SG-1 happily joined in the meal, the conversation flowing easily between various subjects, most of which were related to how life on the new world was.

“What will happen to Tallis?” Daniel said after his second helping of a succulent meat that looked like and tasted like lamb as well as something yellow that tasted of something akin to cinnamon and carrots but had the consistency of potatoes.

“What do you mean?” Cully asked, also getting serious.

“It’s just that earlier you said his mental capacity is reduced and that he cannot be the sole ruler of your people?” Jack said helpfully, twirling the goblet he’d been drinking from between his hands.

“Ah, you mean when I said I’d do the negotiations on our behalf?” Jack nodded. “Tallis has a temper, and as you know, negotiations are a delicate business. It is true that he is not as well-functioning as he thinks he once was, but most of our people believe he is doing a good job of leading our people. One needs tact and patience when dealing with other nations. I’m sure you’re aware of this fact? I have more patience than Tallis, and sometimes he forgets that in his eagerness to do what he believes is best for our people. It is true that he is getting old and it is only a matter of time how much longer he can rule.”

“I see,” Sam said. “The patience thing is why Daniel usually does the negotiation and the Colonel and the rest of us deal with the bad guys.”

“Carter!” Jack protested, not without amusement at his 2IC’s choice of words.

Daniel looked defensive, but when he looking around saw nothing but amusement in his companions’ eyes. Sam figured a modification was in order. “Okay,” she said, “it’s at least partially true. Daniel is our best negotiator and the culture expert, but I think the Colonel is perfectly able of holding his own in a negotiation situation.”

“As am I,” Cully said. “You did well in our first meeting.”

“So Tallis will continue to be your leader?” Jack asked, moving back to their original topic of conversation, feeling somewhat embarrassed at the attention.

“Perhaps. It will be put to a general vote once we are more settled. Everyone is starting anew, and this also means everyone gets the same chance at making a life for themselves. We’re likely to see some conflicts, but we are not a violent people and it will not lead to battle. We are much too content with having a place where we can live and not longer worrying about fleeing to fight each other at the moment. We need a strong leadership, and disrupting the balance of power at this point would mean political suicide for Tallis and the rest of us trying to govern our nation.”

“That sounds like a wise decision,” Daniel agreed. “And if he does anything you don’t like, you can always do something about it.”

“Indeed!” Cully raised his glass in a toast and SG-1 and the others seated at their table did the same. “Here’s to a fresh start and new friends! May our alliance prosper and grow as is the hope for our life now that we are free.”

“To friends!” They all chimed in.

&&&&&

“You’ll keep in touch?” Daniel asked once they were back at the ‘Gate. The festive meal had lasted well into the night, and each member of SG-1 was both full and tired and ready to head back home.

“Indeed,” Cully said, embracing each of them in turn. “It has been a pleasure getting to know you and I look forward to furthering our friendship.”

“As do we,” Jack said. “If you need anything, just holler. We’ll be around.”

Daniel walked over to the DHD. “If you need to contact us, you can use the communicator Thor gave you.” He handed Cully a note. “This is our address. You may contact us at any time. Use the communicator and we’ll know it’s you who want to speak with us. As you saw, we have an impenetrable shield covering our Stargate, so I would not advice coming through before you have got confirmation that it is safe.”

Cully embraced Daniel again. “Thank you. We will contact you when we are ready to start the trade negotiations. After spending some time on your world I have started to make a list of things we’d like to trade for.”

“I’m sure you have,” Jack said. “Daniel tells me you’ve become fond of sodas.”

“Indeed, as well as the bitter black liquid. Coffee, I believe you call it.”

“I’m sure we can arrange for some of that too,” Daniel smiled.

“Take care,” Sam offered, shaking Cully and Tallis’ hands. “It’s been a pleasure.”

“You as well,” Tallis returned.

“SG-1, move out,” Jack said as soon as the ‘Gate opened and Daniel had punched in his IDC. “Let’s go home.” Just before he entered the wormhole he turned around and waved at the assembled group of dignitaries and leaders of the newly freed nation. Cully waved back and Tallis saluted them as well. The last thing Jack thought as he walked through the wormhole was that the Tuberous certainly were nice people and that he hoped SG-1 would be the team that would do the trade negotiations with them.

“You know,” Daniel said to the rest of his team as they walked down the ramp. “It’s one thing to save a single person or a small group of villagers from an oppressive Goa’uld. It’s something completely different to have the opportunity to save an entire population and hopefully prevent them from ever being oppressed and enslaved again. I hope we get to help save so many more often.”

“Indeed,” Teal’c said. “It is a most satisfying task.”

“I’ll get started on checking out what planets we know of that are suitable for relocating large populations,” Sam added. “It wouldn’t hurt to make a list, just in case another opportunity like this arises.”

“I just hope we won’t come across a planet the size of Earth,” Jack mused. “I’d hate to steer 6 billion people through the wormhole. Think of the traffic jam that’ll cause.”

“Let’s hope it won’t come to that,” General Hammond said from the entrance to the Gateroom. “Welcome home, SG-1.”

THE END