March 1999
On a space ship high above the Earth's surface, a chamber looks out across the blue, green and white panorama. The peace of the scene is broken by a high pitched whine and a rising flash of light that fades to reveal Jack O'Neill in full military regalia.
"...and in conclusion I'd like to say...." Jack says, then realized he isn't in the SGC any more. The view is captivating to say the least.
Glancing around he sees he is in a rather familiar looking room. The arching white barred ceiling reminds him vaguely of something. As he looks to the end of the hall there is another rising flash of light and an Asgard is suddenly there, sitting in a large metallic chair.
"Greetings Jack O'Neill." the Asgard says.
Jack blinks, then squints at the alien.
"Greetings." He manages. "Have we met?"
"I am Thor." The alien replies, not bothering to get up. "I apologize for taking you by surprise, but I have come on a matter of great importance."
Jack glances back at the large window behind him for a moment.
"We're in orbit around Earth, right?"
"Yes." Thor states simply.
Jack waves his hand, vaguely encompassing the planet below.
"You know we have satellites, telescopes. They can see things like spaceships."
"Our ships have never been detected in orbit around Earth before." Thor replies calmly.
Jack pauses, then nods to himself, accepting it.
"Oh... All right." Then he looks back up at Thor. "Sorry, you were saying something? A matter of great importance?"
Thor nods back.
"We received word about what transpired between your people and Hathor."
Jack smiled to himself and shrugged.
"She had it coming."
"As a result, the System Lords have turned their attention to you."
"Come on, she was gonna wipe the floor with the lot of them!"
Thor shook his head slightly.
"Her intentions are irrelevant. Earth has been noticed and proven it is a significant threat to the Goa'uld."
"Oh, so now we're a threat to them?"
"They have decided it is a concern to be dealt with now. The collected System Lords are capable of launching a fleet a hundred times as strong as the one you recently defeated at the hands of Apophis."
Jack looked suitably shocked.
"OK, now that could be a problem."
"The Asgard agree. I have come to offer our assistance."
Jack grins at Thor.
"Now see, that would be appreciated. I've seen your work…it's great."
"The vast majority of the Asgard fleet is currently unavailable."
With that Jack's smile fades away.
"Oh.... So what do you have in mind?"
"With your permission, the Asgard will attempt to negotiate with the Goa'uld System Lords to include Earth in the Protected Planets Treaty."
Looking from side to side for a moment Jack ponders.
"That's a good thing, right?"
"It would prevent this attack."
"Good." He adds tentatively. "Um, to be honest with you, I'd rather have a fleet of your ships here. A few of these babies and we could just…"
He peters out as Thor gives him a curious look.
"We could try the negotiating thing."
"I will contact the System Lords. You may return to your planet now."
Thor disappears in a flash of light, but O'Neill is left behind. He looks around, but nothing seems to be happening.
"Excuse me! I assume someone's going to show me the way back."
With a flash, finally the light begins to form around him.
"Thank you!"
April 1999
In the SGC briefing room a few days later the team prepare with what little information Thor gave them on the upcoming negotiations and who will be arriving. After covering the details on Cronos, Nirrti and Yu, using historical references to guess at the alien's personalities, they come to the last entry on the list.
"And this one..." Daniel stops and ponders. "We aren't really sure of. Neither myself of Teal'c recognize this System Lord. His name is Meyer, and other than a Germanic derivation we don't have anything to go on. No deities are referenced to him and Teal'c has never encountered any of his forces before. I think we can assume he was once dominant over the early Germanic regions, perhaps in Gothic phase."
"Goth Goa'uld." Jack said with snort. "Great. Black makeup maybe?"
Daniel stares Jack down and continues.
"But... other than that we can't say much about him. I'm sorry General."
Jack shook his head.
"Ya know, you'd have thought Thor would have given us more to go on than a list of names."
Sam leans over and chips in.
"He did give us some data on general practices on such negotiations."
Jack tips his head in recognition, but not much.
"Still rather know what each of their Kryptonites are." He muttered.
"Well." Daniel says, continuing. "Thor did add that it was odd that three members would be present. Usually it's an odd number for these kinds of meeting, either three or five Council members. Apparently Meyer insisted on joining the talks at the last moment."
Hammond looked somewhat nervous.
"Do we know why?"
"No, and that does make me nervous." Daniel said.
Sam shook her head and changed the subject.
"So we're going to let these Goa'uld just…walk in here?"
Hammond looked over at Sam.
"There are a number of aspects of this situation I'm not comfortable with, Major."
He turned to Daniel and nodded briefly.
"Thank you Doctor Jackson." He said, ending Daniel's presentation.
The lights in the briefing room come back on. Hammond turns to Teal'c.
"Teal'c, I would like you to act as liaison to the Goa'uld. Doctor Jackson…"
"General Hammond." Teal'c interrupts
"Is there a problem?"
"I mean no disrespect." Teal'c says with a fierce expression. "But I have given my allegiance to you, to the SGC and to the people of this world, freely. I will, however, not see to the petty needs of these Goa'ulds."
Daniel raises his hand and butts in.
"I'll…see to the petty needs of the Goa'uld, sir."
"Okay, Doctor Jackson. Teal'c, you will assist Major Castleman with base security. According to Thor, Treaty Laws will not permit weapons of any kind in this facility during negotiations…"
With jump Jack interrupts, obviously shocked.
"Whoa! Sir, that doesn't sound wise!"
With a scowl Hammon stared Jack down.
"We're largely trusting the Asgard based on your word, Colonel." He says, Jack biting his tongue as Hammond continues. "This is their rule. As a result, the base is completely sealed off from the surface. The Secretary of Defense will be staying to represent the President. Storage Room 12A on level 17 will be converted to a meeting room for security reasons. You've all received folders that include your individual assignments, preparation instruction as laid out by the Asgard. There's a lot of work to do people and not much time."
SG1 get up and prepare for the oncoming storm.
***
The stargate continues dialing as SGC personnel rush around and take positions, visibly lacking any firearms, as per Thor's instructions on total lack of weapons in the facility. SG-1 stands ready in the gateroom, Teal'c noticeably missing. Finally the final chevron locks and the gate activates.
After a few seconds, one at a time, four figures step through. Cronos, in his almost barbarian regalia comes in first, followed by Nirrti in a sparkling and rather 'sharp' looking silver dress. After this Yu enters, head to toe very much the Chinese emperor. Finally...
Daniel glances at Jack, Jack looking back, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Daniel closes his eyes and without looking digs a dollar bill from his wallet and hands it to Jack.
"Yes!" Jack whispers, while Daniel steps up to the Goa'uld, still eyeing the fourth member in his jet black suit, perfectly reminiscent of a WW2 SS uniform, complete with jackboots and silver lined peaked cap.
"Greetings." Daniel manages, talking to the group. "If you will follow me I will take you to your accommodation."
The five leave the gateroom, with Jack's smile fading as the reality of what the fourth member might represent sinks in. Hammond manages to get his attention with a look, but Jack just shrugs back.
"I have no clue sir."
***
Daniel and Cronus enter one of the VIP rooms, the furnishings decked out to resemble an ancient Greek setting.
"Here we are…the VIP room. That's an acronym—it means very important. I hope this is okay."
Cronos stares at the room, disgust written on his face. He picks idly at the grapes laid out in a bowl.
"Your idea of accommodation is pitiful."
"Well, it's the best we…"
Outside a shout comes, sounding like Yu.
"We will not stand for this!"
Cronus leaves the room, and Daniel follows quickly.
"What is this about?"
Teal'c, Nirrti, Meyer and Yu are standing in the corridor. Cronos stares Teal'c down, hatred evident in his expression.
"Sholva!"
"Onak holka shaka!" Teal'c replies, with equal venom.
"Treena arik croonaka shol’va!"
Daniel moves to stand between Teal'c and Cronus, trying to calm things. He turns to Teal'c
"What's going on?"
Nirrti interrupts before Teal'c can explain.
"Your crude surveillance devices were poorly hidden in our quarters."
Daniel glances back and forwards, slightly confused.
"Well that's because they weren't hidden. They're…"
Yu hands him a damaged surveillance camera. Daniel takes it, glancing up at Yu before continuing to Nirrti.
"…security cameras and they're for your own safety."
Teal'c finally manages to get a word in.
"As I was trying to explain."
Cronos almost spits as he hears this.
"I will not be spied on upon!"
Nirrti nods her head, agreeing emphatically.
"Nor will I."
"Well no offence was meant by it, it's merely a security precaution. I'll ask if we can remove the cameras from the rooms, but we'd definitely like to leave them in the halls."
Grudgingly Cronus nods in assent, and Nirrti and Yu also give their permission. Meyer looks on at this with an amused expression, but also nods ascent.
Cronos turns his gaze on Teal'c once more.
"Do not show your face to me again, shol'va."
"Kelmar tokeem."
The rest part, Daniel showing the rest to their rooms one by one. Finally he shows Meyer to his quarters, that have been styled in a theme to represent Gothic architecture in the time of the Romans. Albeit crudely on a military budget and short notice.
"Here we are... Meyer."
"Please, call me Felix." the man says, though with a severe expression. His voice is normal compared to the other Goa'uld.
Daniel looks around, not quite sure how to respond.
"OK... Felix. Are these quarters sufficient?"
'Felix' looks around the room with a neutral gaze.
"I have dealt with cramped conditions before. I will manage." He says simply.
There is something odd about the man's expression. As if he is itching to say something but is holding back. A sentiment Daniel shares. Anyway, Daniel needs to report to General Hammond and bows slightly, backing out.
"If you need anything this button will call for assistance." He says, then once Meyer has acknowledged he leaves.
Who is this guy?
***
Later on Daniel catches up with Teal'c in the corridor.
"Teal'c, that was... what was up back there with you and Cronos?"
"As First Prime of Apophis I often did battle with the Jaffa of Cronus."
"Well, you must have battled lots of rival Goa'ulds. I'm sorry Teal'c, that looked a little more personal to me."
Teal'c stops at the armored window, looking down at the Stargate. Daniel stands beside him, waiting for Teal'c's response.
"My father was once First Prime of Cronus. When I was but a child, Cronus commanded my father to attack a Goa'uld who was more powerful at the time. It was an impossible battle to win. When all was inevitably lost, Cronus killed my father as punishment and exiled my mother and I. We fled to Chulak. I vowed I would become the strongest Jaffa I could, so one day I could be named First Prime of Apophis, sworn enemy of Cronus."
Hammond enters the room and the two turn to face him.
"I trust our guests are settled."
Teal'c answered him.
"The Goa'uld demanded the security cameras be removed from their quarters."
"I assume you told them no." Hammond responded.
"Actually, sir," Daniel said, "I kind of told them it'd be okay. I told them we'd have to leave them in the halls, sort of a…compromise."
"If you think it's absolutely necessary."
Daniel nodded.
"Yes."
Hammond nodded to the two of them then returned to his office.
Daniel turns to Teal'c with a worried look on his face.
"Are you going to be okay?"
Teal'c simply answers.
"I will."
***
In the briefing room a hexagonal table has been set up, documents in blue folders placed at each side. Around the walls emblems brought by the Goa'uld have been put in alcoves to represent the various parties. The Eagle and Swastika is particularly unnerving. So far no-one has asked Meyer about his background, too eager to get the treaty signed, but many are wondering.
While Jack stands by the table, buttoning up his uniform Sam walks in and comes to stand by Jack.
"Just wanted to wish you luck, sir."
Jack smiles, as he finishes buttoning.
"Thank you Captain." He says, then winces. "Major."
"Nervous?"
"I wouldn't call it nervous…confused. I have no idea why I'm here."
Sam smiles at Jack's obvious embarrassment and puzzlement.
"Well the Asgard obviously have confidence in you, sir, as do the rest of us. I know I couldn't do it."
Looking up askance at Sam he retorts. "Why?"
"Well, I didn't want to say anything, because I wasn't sure until I saw his face, but I think Cronus is the one who sent the Ashrak to kill Jolinar. I just hate having them here."
"Major, I hate having them anywhere."
Just then Daniel enters the room, with Cronos, Yu, Nirrti and Meyer.
Jack winces, hoping they didn't hear what he'd just said.
"Oops."
Sam smiled and headed out, whispering to Jack as she passed.
"Good luck."
The Goa'uld begin to take their seats, but Meyer stops and addresses Jack.
"I am sorry that the Fuhrer could not be here himself for these talks. As head of the SS I have been tasked with representing the Reich. Will that be sufficient Colonel O'Neill?"
Jack glanced over at Daniel grabbing at straws. The obvious questions begging to be asked. Daniel just tipped his head towards Meyer emphatically.
"Uh, yeah.... of course. I'm sure you'll fit right in." Jack manages weakly. SS? Seriously? He turns to the assembled Goa'uld after they have sat. "Hello, come on in. Have a seat. Thank you Doctor Jackson. Hello…Yu. Well, I guess we're just…"
There is a flash of light at the remaining space at the table and Thor appears with his own chair. Jack glances at Thor and nods.
"And here he is. Gang's all here. You all know each other. Guess we can get started."
Daniel leaves, giving Jack a last thumbs up, before Thor addresses all at the table.
"The Asgard High Council wishes you all greetings and thanks for this opportunity to negotiate for peace."
Yu nods back to Thor.
"The Goa'uld System Lords are prepared to hear the Asgard proposal."
Nirrti grimaces and switches to Goa'uld as she speaks rapidly to Yu.
"Onak arik kree."
Cronos bites back a venomous comment to Nirrti.
"Koracca aseemu!"
With a dramatic slam of his fist on the table Yu responds to the two of them.
"Kornak kree! Keena arik Asgard!"
Meyer grimaces and glances between Nirrti and Cronos.
"Di'dak'dida! Kegalo arik."
Jack glanced across the table at the System Lords.
"I thought we were all going to speak the same language here."
Cronos glares at Jack, then shoves his chair back as he stands abruptly.
"Gonach!"
Nirrti gets up too and follows Cronos as he stomps out of the room. Yu and Meyer share an odd glance then follow without a word.
Jack watches this in amazement and when they are all gone turns to Thor.
"What? What did I say?"
"You insulted them."
"I insulted them?" Jack says, flabbergasted.
"By speaking out of turn. This was to be expected."
"What are you talking about? They were yelling at each other before I said a word."
"The System Lords have a fragile relationship with one another, as do we with them."
Jack raises an eyebrow as he stares at Thor.
"You mean they're always like that?"
Daniel pokes his head in around the door, pointing his thumb over his shoulder towards the retreating Goa'uld.
"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting. What just happened?"
Jack sighed.
"Apparently we said hello, insulted each other and broke for recess." He turns to Thor. "Can I ask you something? Why did you let the Goa'uld get that much power in the first place? I mean, if you've got the technology…"
"We are not proud of the fact that we have been forced to ignore the situation as long as we have. But you must understand, there are other concerns for the Asgard. We have an enemy in our home galaxy that is far worse than the Goa'uld."
Daniel looks aghast.
"Worse?"
"I cannot explain further. For now, we use what limited resources we can spare to enforce these treaties with the Goa'uld."
Daniel shakes his head.
"What happens if a rogue Goa'uld like Sokar, who's been banished by the System Lords, decides to come after us?"
"In order to maintain the treaty, the System Lords would attempt to prevent it. Our greatest advantage has been the feudal nature of the Goa'uld. Our greatest concern has been a single Goa'uld rising to dominant power. If Sokar were to overtake the System Lord collective, the Asgard may not have sufficient power to stop him."
Jack looks on in amazement at Thor.
"So basically, you guys are…bluffing the Goa'uld. Big time. So far they've been so busy badgering each other, they've bought it."
Thor stares at Jack for a second before responding.
"I must return to my ship now. It will take time before the System Lords will be willing to reconvene. You may contact me with this." He stands and walks over to Jack and hands him a translucent stone with sigils around the edge. "It will work as long as my ship is in orbit."
"How?"
"Hold it in your hand and speak."
Jack nods in acceptance.
"Thanks."
Speaking up Daniel interrupts.
"We appreciate what you're doing."
"These negotiations will not be easy. The Asgard will be required to make great sacrifices, as will you."
He sits down on his chair and vanishes in a flash of light leaving both of them wondering what is going to happen.
On a space ship high above the Earth's surface, a chamber looks out across the blue, green and white panorama. The peace of the scene is broken by a high pitched whine and a rising flash of light that fades to reveal Jack O'Neill in full military regalia.
"...and in conclusion I'd like to say...." Jack says, then realized he isn't in the SGC any more. The view is captivating to say the least.
Glancing around he sees he is in a rather familiar looking room. The arching white barred ceiling reminds him vaguely of something. As he looks to the end of the hall there is another rising flash of light and an Asgard is suddenly there, sitting in a large metallic chair.
"Greetings Jack O'Neill." the Asgard says.
Jack blinks, then squints at the alien.
"Greetings." He manages. "Have we met?"
"I am Thor." The alien replies, not bothering to get up. "I apologize for taking you by surprise, but I have come on a matter of great importance."
Jack glances back at the large window behind him for a moment.
"We're in orbit around Earth, right?"
"Yes." Thor states simply.
Jack waves his hand, vaguely encompassing the planet below.
"You know we have satellites, telescopes. They can see things like spaceships."
"Our ships have never been detected in orbit around Earth before." Thor replies calmly.
Jack pauses, then nods to himself, accepting it.
"Oh... All right." Then he looks back up at Thor. "Sorry, you were saying something? A matter of great importance?"
Thor nods back.
"We received word about what transpired between your people and Hathor."
Jack smiled to himself and shrugged.
"She had it coming."
"As a result, the System Lords have turned their attention to you."
"Come on, she was gonna wipe the floor with the lot of them!"
Thor shook his head slightly.
"Her intentions are irrelevant. Earth has been noticed and proven it is a significant threat to the Goa'uld."
"Oh, so now we're a threat to them?"
"They have decided it is a concern to be dealt with now. The collected System Lords are capable of launching a fleet a hundred times as strong as the one you recently defeated at the hands of Apophis."
Jack looked suitably shocked.
"OK, now that could be a problem."
"The Asgard agree. I have come to offer our assistance."
Jack grins at Thor.
"Now see, that would be appreciated. I've seen your work…it's great."
"The vast majority of the Asgard fleet is currently unavailable."
With that Jack's smile fades away.
"Oh.... So what do you have in mind?"
"With your permission, the Asgard will attempt to negotiate with the Goa'uld System Lords to include Earth in the Protected Planets Treaty."
Looking from side to side for a moment Jack ponders.
"That's a good thing, right?"
"It would prevent this attack."
"Good." He adds tentatively. "Um, to be honest with you, I'd rather have a fleet of your ships here. A few of these babies and we could just…"
He peters out as Thor gives him a curious look.
"We could try the negotiating thing."
"I will contact the System Lords. You may return to your planet now."
Thor disappears in a flash of light, but O'Neill is left behind. He looks around, but nothing seems to be happening.
"Excuse me! I assume someone's going to show me the way back."
With a flash, finally the light begins to form around him.
"Thank you!"
April 1999
In the SGC briefing room a few days later the team prepare with what little information Thor gave them on the upcoming negotiations and who will be arriving. After covering the details on Cronos, Nirrti and Yu, using historical references to guess at the alien's personalities, they come to the last entry on the list.
"And this one..." Daniel stops and ponders. "We aren't really sure of. Neither myself of Teal'c recognize this System Lord. His name is Meyer, and other than a Germanic derivation we don't have anything to go on. No deities are referenced to him and Teal'c has never encountered any of his forces before. I think we can assume he was once dominant over the early Germanic regions, perhaps in Gothic phase."
"Goth Goa'uld." Jack said with snort. "Great. Black makeup maybe?"
Daniel stares Jack down and continues.
"But... other than that we can't say much about him. I'm sorry General."
Jack shook his head.
"Ya know, you'd have thought Thor would have given us more to go on than a list of names."
Sam leans over and chips in.
"He did give us some data on general practices on such negotiations."
Jack tips his head in recognition, but not much.
"Still rather know what each of their Kryptonites are." He muttered.
"Well." Daniel says, continuing. "Thor did add that it was odd that three members would be present. Usually it's an odd number for these kinds of meeting, either three or five Council members. Apparently Meyer insisted on joining the talks at the last moment."
Hammond looked somewhat nervous.
"Do we know why?"
"No, and that does make me nervous." Daniel said.
Sam shook her head and changed the subject.
"So we're going to let these Goa'uld just…walk in here?"
Hammond looked over at Sam.
"There are a number of aspects of this situation I'm not comfortable with, Major."
He turned to Daniel and nodded briefly.
"Thank you Doctor Jackson." He said, ending Daniel's presentation.
The lights in the briefing room come back on. Hammond turns to Teal'c.
"Teal'c, I would like you to act as liaison to the Goa'uld. Doctor Jackson…"
"General Hammond." Teal'c interrupts
"Is there a problem?"
"I mean no disrespect." Teal'c says with a fierce expression. "But I have given my allegiance to you, to the SGC and to the people of this world, freely. I will, however, not see to the petty needs of these Goa'ulds."
Daniel raises his hand and butts in.
"I'll…see to the petty needs of the Goa'uld, sir."
"Okay, Doctor Jackson. Teal'c, you will assist Major Castleman with base security. According to Thor, Treaty Laws will not permit weapons of any kind in this facility during negotiations…"
With jump Jack interrupts, obviously shocked.
"Whoa! Sir, that doesn't sound wise!"
With a scowl Hammon stared Jack down.
"We're largely trusting the Asgard based on your word, Colonel." He says, Jack biting his tongue as Hammond continues. "This is their rule. As a result, the base is completely sealed off from the surface. The Secretary of Defense will be staying to represent the President. Storage Room 12A on level 17 will be converted to a meeting room for security reasons. You've all received folders that include your individual assignments, preparation instruction as laid out by the Asgard. There's a lot of work to do people and not much time."
SG1 get up and prepare for the oncoming storm.
***
The stargate continues dialing as SGC personnel rush around and take positions, visibly lacking any firearms, as per Thor's instructions on total lack of weapons in the facility. SG-1 stands ready in the gateroom, Teal'c noticeably missing. Finally the final chevron locks and the gate activates.
After a few seconds, one at a time, four figures step through. Cronos, in his almost barbarian regalia comes in first, followed by Nirrti in a sparkling and rather 'sharp' looking silver dress. After this Yu enters, head to toe very much the Chinese emperor. Finally...
Daniel glances at Jack, Jack looking back, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Daniel closes his eyes and without looking digs a dollar bill from his wallet and hands it to Jack.
"Yes!" Jack whispers, while Daniel steps up to the Goa'uld, still eyeing the fourth member in his jet black suit, perfectly reminiscent of a WW2 SS uniform, complete with jackboots and silver lined peaked cap.
"Greetings." Daniel manages, talking to the group. "If you will follow me I will take you to your accommodation."
The five leave the gateroom, with Jack's smile fading as the reality of what the fourth member might represent sinks in. Hammond manages to get his attention with a look, but Jack just shrugs back.
"I have no clue sir."
***
Daniel and Cronus enter one of the VIP rooms, the furnishings decked out to resemble an ancient Greek setting.
"Here we are…the VIP room. That's an acronym—it means very important. I hope this is okay."
Cronos stares at the room, disgust written on his face. He picks idly at the grapes laid out in a bowl.
"Your idea of accommodation is pitiful."
"Well, it's the best we…"
Outside a shout comes, sounding like Yu.
"We will not stand for this!"
Cronus leaves the room, and Daniel follows quickly.
"What is this about?"
Teal'c, Nirrti, Meyer and Yu are standing in the corridor. Cronos stares Teal'c down, hatred evident in his expression.
"Sholva!"
"Onak holka shaka!" Teal'c replies, with equal venom.
"Treena arik croonaka shol’va!"
Daniel moves to stand between Teal'c and Cronus, trying to calm things. He turns to Teal'c
"What's going on?"
Nirrti interrupts before Teal'c can explain.
"Your crude surveillance devices were poorly hidden in our quarters."
Daniel glances back and forwards, slightly confused.
"Well that's because they weren't hidden. They're…"
Yu hands him a damaged surveillance camera. Daniel takes it, glancing up at Yu before continuing to Nirrti.
"…security cameras and they're for your own safety."
Teal'c finally manages to get a word in.
"As I was trying to explain."
Cronos almost spits as he hears this.
"I will not be spied on upon!"
Nirrti nods her head, agreeing emphatically.
"Nor will I."
"Well no offence was meant by it, it's merely a security precaution. I'll ask if we can remove the cameras from the rooms, but we'd definitely like to leave them in the halls."
Grudgingly Cronus nods in assent, and Nirrti and Yu also give their permission. Meyer looks on at this with an amused expression, but also nods ascent.
Cronos turns his gaze on Teal'c once more.
"Do not show your face to me again, shol'va."
"Kelmar tokeem."
The rest part, Daniel showing the rest to their rooms one by one. Finally he shows Meyer to his quarters, that have been styled in a theme to represent Gothic architecture in the time of the Romans. Albeit crudely on a military budget and short notice.
"Here we are... Meyer."
"Please, call me Felix." the man says, though with a severe expression. His voice is normal compared to the other Goa'uld.
Daniel looks around, not quite sure how to respond.
"OK... Felix. Are these quarters sufficient?"
'Felix' looks around the room with a neutral gaze.
"I have dealt with cramped conditions before. I will manage." He says simply.
There is something odd about the man's expression. As if he is itching to say something but is holding back. A sentiment Daniel shares. Anyway, Daniel needs to report to General Hammond and bows slightly, backing out.
"If you need anything this button will call for assistance." He says, then once Meyer has acknowledged he leaves.
Who is this guy?
***
Later on Daniel catches up with Teal'c in the corridor.
"Teal'c, that was... what was up back there with you and Cronos?"
"As First Prime of Apophis I often did battle with the Jaffa of Cronus."
"Well, you must have battled lots of rival Goa'ulds. I'm sorry Teal'c, that looked a little more personal to me."
Teal'c stops at the armored window, looking down at the Stargate. Daniel stands beside him, waiting for Teal'c's response.
"My father was once First Prime of Cronus. When I was but a child, Cronus commanded my father to attack a Goa'uld who was more powerful at the time. It was an impossible battle to win. When all was inevitably lost, Cronus killed my father as punishment and exiled my mother and I. We fled to Chulak. I vowed I would become the strongest Jaffa I could, so one day I could be named First Prime of Apophis, sworn enemy of Cronus."
Hammond enters the room and the two turn to face him.
"I trust our guests are settled."
Teal'c answered him.
"The Goa'uld demanded the security cameras be removed from their quarters."
"I assume you told them no." Hammond responded.
"Actually, sir," Daniel said, "I kind of told them it'd be okay. I told them we'd have to leave them in the halls, sort of a…compromise."
"If you think it's absolutely necessary."
Daniel nodded.
"Yes."
Hammond nodded to the two of them then returned to his office.
Daniel turns to Teal'c with a worried look on his face.
"Are you going to be okay?"
Teal'c simply answers.
"I will."
***
In the briefing room a hexagonal table has been set up, documents in blue folders placed at each side. Around the walls emblems brought by the Goa'uld have been put in alcoves to represent the various parties. The Eagle and Swastika is particularly unnerving. So far no-one has asked Meyer about his background, too eager to get the treaty signed, but many are wondering.
While Jack stands by the table, buttoning up his uniform Sam walks in and comes to stand by Jack.
"Just wanted to wish you luck, sir."
Jack smiles, as he finishes buttoning.
"Thank you Captain." He says, then winces. "Major."
"Nervous?"
"I wouldn't call it nervous…confused. I have no idea why I'm here."
Sam smiles at Jack's obvious embarrassment and puzzlement.
"Well the Asgard obviously have confidence in you, sir, as do the rest of us. I know I couldn't do it."
Looking up askance at Sam he retorts. "Why?"
"Well, I didn't want to say anything, because I wasn't sure until I saw his face, but I think Cronus is the one who sent the Ashrak to kill Jolinar. I just hate having them here."
"Major, I hate having them anywhere."
Just then Daniel enters the room, with Cronos, Yu, Nirrti and Meyer.
Jack winces, hoping they didn't hear what he'd just said.
"Oops."
Sam smiled and headed out, whispering to Jack as she passed.
"Good luck."
The Goa'uld begin to take their seats, but Meyer stops and addresses Jack.
"I am sorry that the Fuhrer could not be here himself for these talks. As head of the SS I have been tasked with representing the Reich. Will that be sufficient Colonel O'Neill?"
Jack glanced over at Daniel grabbing at straws. The obvious questions begging to be asked. Daniel just tipped his head towards Meyer emphatically.
"Uh, yeah.... of course. I'm sure you'll fit right in." Jack manages weakly. SS? Seriously? He turns to the assembled Goa'uld after they have sat. "Hello, come on in. Have a seat. Thank you Doctor Jackson. Hello…Yu. Well, I guess we're just…"
There is a flash of light at the remaining space at the table and Thor appears with his own chair. Jack glances at Thor and nods.
"And here he is. Gang's all here. You all know each other. Guess we can get started."
Daniel leaves, giving Jack a last thumbs up, before Thor addresses all at the table.
"The Asgard High Council wishes you all greetings and thanks for this opportunity to negotiate for peace."
Yu nods back to Thor.
"The Goa'uld System Lords are prepared to hear the Asgard proposal."
Nirrti grimaces and switches to Goa'uld as she speaks rapidly to Yu.
"Onak arik kree."
Cronos bites back a venomous comment to Nirrti.
"Koracca aseemu!"
With a dramatic slam of his fist on the table Yu responds to the two of them.
"Kornak kree! Keena arik Asgard!"
Meyer grimaces and glances between Nirrti and Cronos.
"Di'dak'dida! Kegalo arik."
Jack glanced across the table at the System Lords.
"I thought we were all going to speak the same language here."
Cronos glares at Jack, then shoves his chair back as he stands abruptly.
"Gonach!"
Nirrti gets up too and follows Cronos as he stomps out of the room. Yu and Meyer share an odd glance then follow without a word.
Jack watches this in amazement and when they are all gone turns to Thor.
"What? What did I say?"
"You insulted them."
"I insulted them?" Jack says, flabbergasted.
"By speaking out of turn. This was to be expected."
"What are you talking about? They were yelling at each other before I said a word."
"The System Lords have a fragile relationship with one another, as do we with them."
Jack raises an eyebrow as he stares at Thor.
"You mean they're always like that?"
Daniel pokes his head in around the door, pointing his thumb over his shoulder towards the retreating Goa'uld.
"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting. What just happened?"
Jack sighed.
"Apparently we said hello, insulted each other and broke for recess." He turns to Thor. "Can I ask you something? Why did you let the Goa'uld get that much power in the first place? I mean, if you've got the technology…"
"We are not proud of the fact that we have been forced to ignore the situation as long as we have. But you must understand, there are other concerns for the Asgard. We have an enemy in our home galaxy that is far worse than the Goa'uld."
Daniel looks aghast.
"Worse?"
"I cannot explain further. For now, we use what limited resources we can spare to enforce these treaties with the Goa'uld."
Daniel shakes his head.
"What happens if a rogue Goa'uld like Sokar, who's been banished by the System Lords, decides to come after us?"
"In order to maintain the treaty, the System Lords would attempt to prevent it. Our greatest advantage has been the feudal nature of the Goa'uld. Our greatest concern has been a single Goa'uld rising to dominant power. If Sokar were to overtake the System Lord collective, the Asgard may not have sufficient power to stop him."
Jack looks on in amazement at Thor.
"So basically, you guys are…bluffing the Goa'uld. Big time. So far they've been so busy badgering each other, they've bought it."
Thor stares at Jack for a second before responding.
"I must return to my ship now. It will take time before the System Lords will be willing to reconvene. You may contact me with this." He stands and walks over to Jack and hands him a translucent stone with sigils around the edge. "It will work as long as my ship is in orbit."
"How?"
"Hold it in your hand and speak."
Jack nods in acceptance.
"Thanks."
Speaking up Daniel interrupts.
"We appreciate what you're doing."
"These negotiations will not be easy. The Asgard will be required to make great sacrifices, as will you."
He sits down on his chair and vanishes in a flash of light leaving both of them wondering what is going to happen.