Post by Akren Garkos on Feb 5, 2006 1:48:52 GMT -5
N.B.: This post takes place soon after 'The Powers That Be' & just before the episode 'Beachead'.
Jonas stepped through the Stargate onto a harsh, brightly-lit world; covered in dry deserts rolling mountain ranges. Looking around in wonder, he almost ran into Colonel Cameron Mitchell as he walked absent-mindly down the small landing upon which the Stargate on this world was mounted; looking about him like a wide-eyed child.
"First time on Dakarra, Jonas?" Colonel Mitchell asked, getting his attention just before he was about to slam head-long into him.
"Sorry" Jonas replied, smiling sheepishly "And yes, there alot of things I am re-learning about the S.G.C. & the greater galaxy at large. There's going to be alot more first times for me"
Leaning in to Dr. Daniel Jackson, whom was standing next time, getting his gear ready & preparing to meet with the natives, Mitchell asked in an aside :
"Is he always like this?"
"Jonas has what you would call. . .endless enthusaism for his work" Daniel replied, "You'll get used to it" He smiled, "Or else. . ."
His voice trailed off as he saw Teal'c in the distant & started to walk towards them, waving in greeting; leaving Mitchell & Jonas to catch up as the Stargate de-activated behind them.
"Or what?" Mitchell asked, "Or what. . .?!?"
Jonas smiled, patting his commander on the shoulder & picked up his gear, walking over to meet with Teal'c & the other Jaffa whom had turned up to greet them.
"Tek'ma'ta Teal'c, esteemed members of the Jaffa High Council, it is an honor to meet you all" Jonas said, crossing his arms & bowing slightly, using the formal Jaffa gesture & words for respect amongst equals.
"The pleasure is ours" Teal'c replied, stepping forward to clasp Jonas on the forearm in a gesture of brotherhood. "It is good to see you again Jonas Quinn"
"Likewise Teal'c" Jonas replied, "Nice digs by the way"
"He means your efforts here have been most impressive" Daniel replied, seing the Councilors give Jonas weird looks from behind where Teal'c was standing.
"We thankyou, Human" One of the Councilors replied, nodding in respect. "since the fall of the System Lords & the defeat of the Replicators, we have worked long & hard tobuild a new society here on Dakarra, as well as take greater steps to ensure the peace & prosperity of Free Jaffa everywhere"
"Going a bit slow if you ask me" Mitchell mumbled, only to be poked in the ribs by Jonas & receive disapproving glares from Daniel. "So" He said in a louder voice so all could hear, "Where's this meeting being held?"
"The meeting between the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation & the High Council of the Tok'Ra shall take place in our captial, at the sacred temple; where we first took Dakarra from our oppressors & liberated ourselves from the Goa'uuld, our false gods. As representatives of the Tauri, you are expected to attend. The Tok'Ra Queen, Egeria, has herself requested that you attend these negotiations on behalf of your world & it's people"
"We would be honored" Daniel said, smiling & nodding in response, "Please, show us the way?"
And the Councilors did just that. As they made their way to the captial city of Dakarra nearby, Jonas turned to Daniel & said : "Didn't Egeria die on Panagar? I swear we saw her die. . . ."
"Guess you must be mistaken" Daniel replied, Jonas' own confusion getting to him for just a moment, "Egeria was very ill, but lived nontheless - if only barely. Since regaining her strength, she has been busy spawning more children to replace those Tok'Ra lost during the last few years spent fighting the Goa'uuld. Now things are quiter these days, the Tok'Ra can afford to be alittle less focused on survival & more on living"
"I guess so. . ." Jonas replied, agreeing with Daniel, even though the feeling that something was slightly out of place would not quite go away.
However he felt, he was apart of SG-1 once again, & that was all that mattered. That, & making sure Kyanna was safe. His thoughts turned to her for a few moments, & the world seemed to slow around him as he thought of his beloved back at the SGC, studying Human technology & medicine, helping the SGC with it's naqaudria program whilst he was off exploring the galaxy with his friends. Snapping back out of his reverie, he focused on the task at hand : the outcome of his joint meeting between the Free Jaffa Nation, the Tok'Ra & the people of Earth could very well alter all their futures. Better to be focused & in top of his game than to slack off during what could be the most important set of negotiations in recent history.
The next few hours were spent familiarizing themselves with the current socio-political climate amongst the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra, & how the two cultures interacted with one another, & with the people of Earth, respectively. Jonas was surprised to see how distanced the three different species had become since his time with SG-1 in spite of all the three cultures had gone through together in their mutual fight against the Goa’uuld. Over the three-&-half years since Jonas had last been associated with the SGC & the people of Earth, the Jaffa, the Tauri & the Tok’Ra had grown apart. The Jaffa had started to become a force in their own right, the Tok’Ra-Earth alliance had all but crumbled, & the Earthlings had shacked up with the Asgard. Of all the maneuvering & inter-species relations that had gone on since he had first returned to Langara after Anubis’ attack on his homeworld, it seemed to Jonas that the Earth had benefited most from it’s alliance with the Asgard (which was due in no small part to their helping defeat the Replicators, whom had in turn decimated the Goa’uuld before they eventually had bitten the preverbal dust), culminating in the creation of the Daedalus & it’s related class of starships.
Finally, after several hours spent waiting & familiarizing himself with thing past & present; Jonas & the rest of SG-1 were told by an aide that the Tok’Ra delegation had finally arrived.
“Nothing like making a showy entrance, huh?” Mitchell commented, getting up as the Tok’Ra delegation walked in, the representatives from the Free Jaffa Nation coming in an opposing door.
“They’re Tok’Ra, what’d you expect?” Jonas replied drolly; the pair smiling at one another’s jokes as Daniel stuck his head between them to remind them of why they were there.
“Remember guys, we’re here to help negotiate a new treaty between us, the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra; I don’t think any of us need reminding of how badly our negotiations have gone in the past. General Landry’s orders are to make this work to our advantage”
“Yes, I remember” Mitchell replied dryly. He had never been one to care much for politics. In that he, & the recently promoted General O’Neill, were not that much dissimilar.
All three straightened as the last of the Tok’Ra delegation filed in & assumed their places around the table; Tok’Ra, Human & Jaffa spaced evenly around the table in groups of three or two; in order to break up the tension & to ensue one group was not set upon the other; as it had been the case in meetings past. The irony was not lost on the Humans from Earth, & Jonas, Mitchell & Jackson thanked the powers that be for small mercies.
Queen Egeria & her consort, were the last to file into the conference room & take their places; one next to the other. As the Queen Mother & origin of the Tok’Ra, she enjoyed a special place in the species cultural hierarchy & was the subject of almost god-like reverence.
“Isn’t that Malek?” Jonas whispered to Daniel, eying the Tok’Ra operative standing next to Queen Egeria. “I know Kalmaa gave her life so Egeria could use her host to communicate with the Pangarians, but I didn’t know Malek was her lapdog?”
“Technically he’s her consort, you know, sort of like her king, if she had one?” Daniel replied, “He was the first Tok’Ra to contribute genetic material to Egeria so she could spawn more Tok’Ra symbiotes”
“Basically, he’s her pregnant dog” Mitchell said, grinning from ear to ear, smirking at his own joke; Jonas stifle a laugh & Daniel making coughing noises, the three turning their attention towards the proceedings at hand.
“On behalf of the Free Jaffa Nation, we, the Jaffa High Council, welcome the Tok’Ra & the representatives of the Tauri to Dakarra” Gerak, the leader of the High Council of Free Jaffa, intoned formerly; acknowledging his guests in that serious-yet-scornful way he always seemed to deal with others in.
“And on behalf of the Tok’Ra High Council, we thank you for your hospitality & this opportunity for peace” Queen Egeria replied, bowing along with the Tok’Ra delegation, acknowledging Gerak’s words; although none of the Tok’Ra displayed any emotion detectable by the others at the table.
“Yes, on behalf of the people of Earth, we would also like to thank both the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra for allowing us to attend this meeting & further the good relations between our respective peoples” Daniel intoned, echoing Gerak & Egeria’s words – albeit less formally than they themselves had – knowing full well that it was only through Teal’c & the Queen Egeria’s insistence that SG-1 had been allowed to attend, let along negotiate at, this meeting between the Free Jaffa Nation & the Tok’Ra in the first place.
With the formal pleasantries exchanged, they all sat down in their assigned seats & got down to business :
“We have approached the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation to conduct this peace summit to further the relationship & strengthen the ties between our respective peoples” Queen Egeria stated matter-of-factly. “Since the fall of the Goa’uuld System Lords, we find ourselves in a bold new era which very well may decide all of our futures. We are pleased that the Tauri have sent such distinguished representatives to mediate in these proceedings, & welcome the opportunity to re-establish alliances with all involved”
“We, the High Coucil of the Free Jaffa Nation, welcome you & have agreed to hear your proposals for peace. As for re-establishing of any ‘alliance’ which has previously existed between our respective peoples; you are no longer dealing with a few rebel Jaffa. We are the Free Jaffa Nation, & you shall deal with us as equals & with the respect we have accordingly deserved, or there shall be no negotiations” Gerak replied.
Jonas cringed, Daniel looked mortified, Teal’c looked embarrassed from his seat next to Gerak & Mitchell was outraged. The Tok’Ra, whilst not displaying any outward sign of anger, seemed unimpressed nonetheless.
“How can you claim to be so benevolent when you’re so arrogant? If it were not for us, the Tok’Ra; you would probably still be enslaved to the Goa’uuld! Did you forget it took us all[/i] working together to help defeat the Replicators & the Goa’uuld?” Mitchell cried, getting angry glares from all sides of the table.
Daniel got up, putting a hand on Mitchell & calming him down, making him sit back down as he tried to salvage what he could from Mitchell’s little outburst : “What my esteemed college means to say is that without all of us working together, you would have had a much harder time defeating the Goa’uuld than you may have without our help”
“We understand & concede your point, Daniel Jackson, we merely wish to state that we will not compromise our independence after so long spent serving false gods” Teal’c butt in, getting a disapproving look from Gerak; but nothing more.
“And we do not wish to suggest any such thing, & we apologize if we caused any unnecessary offence” Daniel proffered, thankful that the situation had been salvaged from what could have become an inter-planetary incident.
“Gentlement, if we could please get back to the topic at hand?” Jonas offered, speaking up for the first time the negotiations had begun “The Tok’Ra have come along way to be here today, as have we, & I for one would like to here what they have to say?”
“Agreed” Gerak conceded, the Tok’Ra delegation nodding in agreement, giving silent thanks with the looks they sent Jonas’ way.
“As we were saying before the talks digressed from the topic at hand” Egeria said, trying to remind them of why they were all there, “The Tok’Ra wish to put forth a proposal which will affect both the Jaffa & the Tauri; which is why we have asked you both here today”
“Go on” Gerak prompted, as host he had overall control of this debate; although if he was overlooking the fact that both the Tauri & the Tok’Ra would stand up for their rights in these negotiations, then he was an even bigger egotist than what people may be giving him credit for.
“The Tok’Ra wish to propose a new alliance with both the Tauri & the Free Jaffa Nation; a ‘re-negotiation’ of the alliance between our great peoples, if you will” Egeria said impassively, her emotional control impressive given her empathy & humanity towards others – which was part of the reason she had broken away from the Goa’uuld in the first place.
“We are willing to listen to your proposals, however; as we stated early, we wish to make it clear that this matter will require debate & agreement by all the members of the High Council of Free Jaffa before any such agreement would take effect” Gerak stated, the other representatives from the Free Jaffa Nation’s High Council nodding their agreement.
Teal’c continued to remain silent, absorbing all the information in. he always was one to consider all angles before throwing his weight behind any argument. It made his a valuable ally, & a deadly enemy, & SG-1 was glad that he was on their side; having a sympathetic ear on the Jaffa High Council was not necessarily a bad thing.
“We would also like to make it clear that we would have to take any terms to be agreed upon back to our leaders for review & possible arbitration before we can come to any workable agreement” Daniel stated, politely but firmly. They had been given strict orders by General Landry & the Brass back home, even if re-negotiating an alliance with the Tok’Ra & the Free Jaffa Nation was top on the agenda for the purposes of these talks.
“We understand & accept your reservations” Malek said – the first time he or any of the other Tok’Ra had spoken since they had arrived for the talks – “But please, hear what our beloved Queen Egeria has to say before you make up your minds?”
“Of course” Daniel replied, smiling – again, a nod from Gerak & his camp.
“As you know, since the triumphant return of our beloved Queen, Egeria has been bust acquainting herself with past & current affairs, as well as replenishing our numbers following the recent series of tragedies that have befallen the Tok’Ra in the last few years” Malek said, stating pretty much what they all already knew.
“And this effects us how?” Mitchell butt in, Daniel giving him a ‘don’t put your foot in it again, please!’ look; Mitchell continuing to go on in spite of it all. “I mean, we’re glad for the Tok’Ra & all, but you guys haven’t been exactly forthcoming in the whole alliance stakes recently”
“I agree with the Human” Gerak added, not using Mitchell’s name; getting straight to the point, not caring if he insulted his guests, merely wishing to continue the talks & get them out of the way as soon as possible.
“Our numbers have been steady but slowly increasing; & we find ourselves with a lack of available hosts with which to blend” Egeria said, “What we would like to propose is an exchange. We would like the Jaffa to act as incubators for more of my children, until suitable hosts can be found to blend with”
“And you would like us to help supply you with these ‘suitable hosts’?” Daniel asked. Egeria nodded, confirming his suspicions. Again, it came back to the availability of hosts.
“It is our hope that the Tauri can provide the Tok’Ra with suitable hosts with which to blend; as you have done in the past, with the likes of Jacob Carter & Selmac” Egeria replied, “By the Jaffa incubating our young, we would effect be going into battle & living & working as one together, & by supplying us with hosts, the Tauri would again be apart of the alliance between our three great races; bringing us all closer together in a common cause”
“Your plan is an ambitious one, Queen Egeria; I will give you that” Mitchell replied, about to go on before he was cut off by an outraged Gerak.
“You would have us trade our Goa’uuld symbiotes for yours?” Gerak demanded; face going bright red, livid with rage. “How is that benefiting us? We are simply replacing one set of masters for another!”
“We have made no such suggestion!” Malek cried, outrage of his own coursing through his body, both he & several other Tok’Ra rising to their feet in protest.
“Besides” Another Jaffa piped up, “We have tretonin now; we no longer need to rely on symbiotes to sustain us!”
“Need we remind you exactly how[/i] tretonin is made?!?!” Malek roared, going even more red in the face than Gerak, if such a thing were possible.
“Malek, sit down” Egeria said softly, her spoken word like a command from on-high, Malek & the other Tok’Ra resuming their seats, if any but pleased.
“You must understand that we have lived in service to the Goa’uuld for millennia, & our dependency upon symbiotes to survive has been a cornerstone of this enslavement. Now that we have the option of taking tretonin, it has helped free us from that enslavement; especially for those of us too old or unwilling to take a symbiote” Teal’c offered, trying to calm the situation between the two delegations. “You could understand our hesitation & suspicion then, in this matter?”
“We understand & agree with your views, Teal’c” Egeria replied solemnly, “We did not wish to cause any offence; but look at it from our perspective; if you will. What better way to take of our young & ensure a lasting alliance of peace between our three great nations than what we have proposed? We have thought long & hard on this issue; & I assure you, we would not of made this offer if we did not think the proposal merited serious consideration”
“Also, if we could point that not all Jaffa might necessarily want, nor be compatible with tretonin?” Daniel interjected, hoping he was not making what appeared to be an already bad situation worse. “As yourself have seen Teal’c, not every Jaffa’s physiology is capable of handling the tretonin we get from the Tok’Ra”
“I must concede your point, Daniel Jackson, this is true” Teal’c replied, giving the best answer he could without alienating the other Jaffa or being seen to side too much with his friends.
“I don’t understand why no one here is willing to accept this offer?” Jonas added, raising a hand to silence Gerak & his Jaffa before they could butt in “Please, let me finish”
Gerak nodded begrudgingly, not entirely pleased with having been usurped by a Human in talks hosted by his own people.
“Now, the way I see it, those Jaffa whom are either unwilling or unable to take tretonin would have to rely on symbiotes to survive, right?” Jonas asked, Gerak nodding his approval of Jonas stating of the facts at hand. “Now for those countless Jaffa whom still rely on a symbiote to survive; how many do you reckon are carry larval Goa’uuld in their pouches?”
“We are unsure, but we think it would still be a great many; hundreds of thousands, maybe more” Teal’c conceded, seeing where Jonas was going with his line of thought.
“Now, when these larval Goa’uuld mature, they are going to leave your pouches & seek out a host; leaving you all for dead. If they cannot find a suitable host, then I am lead to believe that the mature Goa’uuld larvae would seek to possess the Jaffa that carried it until it could find a more – what was the word you used once Teal’c?”
“Suitable” Teal’c proffered.
“Thank you. So they take the Jaffa that has incubated them as a host until they can find a more suitable host, such as Dr. Jackson, Mitchell or myself here; since they seem to like Humans so much”
At Jonas’ words, the Tok’Ra delegation got cold stares from the Jaffa across the table, & Daniel could feel the tension rising between the two groups, Mitchell sensing it as well & giving a Jonas a ‘here we go again’ look; which Jonas promptly ignored.
“Now, would you prefer to house a Tok’Ra symbiote in your pouches, one that will help look after you & give you nasty visions during kelno’reem, that will take a willing host & stay with you until such a host is found? Or would you prefer that to incubate a laval Goa’uuld, whom is going to take an unwilling host – maybe even yourselves if it cannot find a suitable one in time - & risk helping them propagate & possibly rise back to power so soon after you have just defeated them? It would defeat the whole purpose of smashing the System Lords in the place, not to mention you would be actively help your former oppressors gain a foothold over you again – I for one know which option I would prefer!”
“Jonas Quinn is right” Teal’c agreed, “It is a better alternative than what we have got at the moment”
“Perhaps” Gerak conceded, not willing to budge any more on the issue than he already had. “But what will become of the Goa’uuld we now carry, if we supplant our Goa’uuld larvae for Tok’Ra symbiotes, what is to stop them from seeking out hosts on their own?”
“An infantile symbiote is weak & fragile outside the host body or the safety of a Jaffa & will die if it is not mature enough to take a host, or a suitable body of water or some other means of nourishment is not provided within the first few hours of being outside of either host or Jaffa” Malek said, “As for uses for the Goa’uuld symbiotes you now carry; I am sure they could be put to good use increasing your current supply of tretonin”
Makek ‘s grin was feral, & wide from ear to ear. Whilst Daniel & the others could not disagree with the whole idea, it still made them uncomfortable; even if it was no worse than what the Goa’uuld had been doing to countless sentient species across the galaxy.
“You have made a solid case for supporting this decision” Gerak stated matter-of-factly, “We shall put your proposal to the High Council & get back to you once we have deliberated on this issue”
“We would also like to contact our superiors at Stargate Command & get their opinions on this” Daniel added, “We would also like to make sure that any terms we agree to as part of this new…alliance, are adhered to properly”
“Of course” Egeria stated, nodding in agreement; happy they had come to some kind of consensus. “The Tok’Ra are eager to make this new alliance work between our three great peoples, & I give you my word that the Tok’Ra shall adhere to any & all terms which might be set out between us”
“Thankyou” Daniel replied, nodding his thanks; knowing that the rest of the Tok’Ra would not dare go against the wishes of their beloved Queen.
“It is agreed then, we shall each contact our respective leaders & deliberate this issue. This meeting is reconvened until this evening; at which time we expect a suitable response from all involved” Gerak stated, adjourning the meeting; the Jaffa going to debate the issue in their High Council, the Tok’Ra remaining where they were, whilst Sg-1 headed back to the gate to dail Earth & inform them of the day’s proceedings.
Jonas stepped through the Stargate onto a harsh, brightly-lit world; covered in dry deserts rolling mountain ranges. Looking around in wonder, he almost ran into Colonel Cameron Mitchell as he walked absent-mindly down the small landing upon which the Stargate on this world was mounted; looking about him like a wide-eyed child.
"First time on Dakarra, Jonas?" Colonel Mitchell asked, getting his attention just before he was about to slam head-long into him.
"Sorry" Jonas replied, smiling sheepishly "And yes, there alot of things I am re-learning about the S.G.C. & the greater galaxy at large. There's going to be alot more first times for me"
Leaning in to Dr. Daniel Jackson, whom was standing next time, getting his gear ready & preparing to meet with the natives, Mitchell asked in an aside :
"Is he always like this?"
"Jonas has what you would call. . .endless enthusaism for his work" Daniel replied, "You'll get used to it" He smiled, "Or else. . ."
His voice trailed off as he saw Teal'c in the distant & started to walk towards them, waving in greeting; leaving Mitchell & Jonas to catch up as the Stargate de-activated behind them.
"Or what?" Mitchell asked, "Or what. . .?!?"
Jonas smiled, patting his commander on the shoulder & picked up his gear, walking over to meet with Teal'c & the other Jaffa whom had turned up to greet them.
"Tek'ma'ta Teal'c, esteemed members of the Jaffa High Council, it is an honor to meet you all" Jonas said, crossing his arms & bowing slightly, using the formal Jaffa gesture & words for respect amongst equals.
"The pleasure is ours" Teal'c replied, stepping forward to clasp Jonas on the forearm in a gesture of brotherhood. "It is good to see you again Jonas Quinn"
"Likewise Teal'c" Jonas replied, "Nice digs by the way"
"He means your efforts here have been most impressive" Daniel replied, seing the Councilors give Jonas weird looks from behind where Teal'c was standing.
"We thankyou, Human" One of the Councilors replied, nodding in respect. "since the fall of the System Lords & the defeat of the Replicators, we have worked long & hard tobuild a new society here on Dakarra, as well as take greater steps to ensure the peace & prosperity of Free Jaffa everywhere"
"Going a bit slow if you ask me" Mitchell mumbled, only to be poked in the ribs by Jonas & receive disapproving glares from Daniel. "So" He said in a louder voice so all could hear, "Where's this meeting being held?"
"The meeting between the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation & the High Council of the Tok'Ra shall take place in our captial, at the sacred temple; where we first took Dakarra from our oppressors & liberated ourselves from the Goa'uuld, our false gods. As representatives of the Tauri, you are expected to attend. The Tok'Ra Queen, Egeria, has herself requested that you attend these negotiations on behalf of your world & it's people"
"We would be honored" Daniel said, smiling & nodding in response, "Please, show us the way?"
And the Councilors did just that. As they made their way to the captial city of Dakarra nearby, Jonas turned to Daniel & said : "Didn't Egeria die on Panagar? I swear we saw her die. . . ."
"Guess you must be mistaken" Daniel replied, Jonas' own confusion getting to him for just a moment, "Egeria was very ill, but lived nontheless - if only barely. Since regaining her strength, she has been busy spawning more children to replace those Tok'Ra lost during the last few years spent fighting the Goa'uuld. Now things are quiter these days, the Tok'Ra can afford to be alittle less focused on survival & more on living"
"I guess so. . ." Jonas replied, agreeing with Daniel, even though the feeling that something was slightly out of place would not quite go away.
However he felt, he was apart of SG-1 once again, & that was all that mattered. That, & making sure Kyanna was safe. His thoughts turned to her for a few moments, & the world seemed to slow around him as he thought of his beloved back at the SGC, studying Human technology & medicine, helping the SGC with it's naqaudria program whilst he was off exploring the galaxy with his friends. Snapping back out of his reverie, he focused on the task at hand : the outcome of his joint meeting between the Free Jaffa Nation, the Tok'Ra & the people of Earth could very well alter all their futures. Better to be focused & in top of his game than to slack off during what could be the most important set of negotiations in recent history.
The next few hours were spent familiarizing themselves with the current socio-political climate amongst the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra, & how the two cultures interacted with one another, & with the people of Earth, respectively. Jonas was surprised to see how distanced the three different species had become since his time with SG-1 in spite of all the three cultures had gone through together in their mutual fight against the Goa’uuld. Over the three-&-half years since Jonas had last been associated with the SGC & the people of Earth, the Jaffa, the Tauri & the Tok’Ra had grown apart. The Jaffa had started to become a force in their own right, the Tok’Ra-Earth alliance had all but crumbled, & the Earthlings had shacked up with the Asgard. Of all the maneuvering & inter-species relations that had gone on since he had first returned to Langara after Anubis’ attack on his homeworld, it seemed to Jonas that the Earth had benefited most from it’s alliance with the Asgard (which was due in no small part to their helping defeat the Replicators, whom had in turn decimated the Goa’uuld before they eventually had bitten the preverbal dust), culminating in the creation of the Daedalus & it’s related class of starships.
Finally, after several hours spent waiting & familiarizing himself with thing past & present; Jonas & the rest of SG-1 were told by an aide that the Tok’Ra delegation had finally arrived.
“Nothing like making a showy entrance, huh?” Mitchell commented, getting up as the Tok’Ra delegation walked in, the representatives from the Free Jaffa Nation coming in an opposing door.
“They’re Tok’Ra, what’d you expect?” Jonas replied drolly; the pair smiling at one another’s jokes as Daniel stuck his head between them to remind them of why they were there.
“Remember guys, we’re here to help negotiate a new treaty between us, the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra; I don’t think any of us need reminding of how badly our negotiations have gone in the past. General Landry’s orders are to make this work to our advantage”
“Yes, I remember” Mitchell replied dryly. He had never been one to care much for politics. In that he, & the recently promoted General O’Neill, were not that much dissimilar.
All three straightened as the last of the Tok’Ra delegation filed in & assumed their places around the table; Tok’Ra, Human & Jaffa spaced evenly around the table in groups of three or two; in order to break up the tension & to ensue one group was not set upon the other; as it had been the case in meetings past. The irony was not lost on the Humans from Earth, & Jonas, Mitchell & Jackson thanked the powers that be for small mercies.
Queen Egeria & her consort, were the last to file into the conference room & take their places; one next to the other. As the Queen Mother & origin of the Tok’Ra, she enjoyed a special place in the species cultural hierarchy & was the subject of almost god-like reverence.
“Isn’t that Malek?” Jonas whispered to Daniel, eying the Tok’Ra operative standing next to Queen Egeria. “I know Kalmaa gave her life so Egeria could use her host to communicate with the Pangarians, but I didn’t know Malek was her lapdog?”
“Technically he’s her consort, you know, sort of like her king, if she had one?” Daniel replied, “He was the first Tok’Ra to contribute genetic material to Egeria so she could spawn more Tok’Ra symbiotes”
“Basically, he’s her pregnant dog” Mitchell said, grinning from ear to ear, smirking at his own joke; Jonas stifle a laugh & Daniel making coughing noises, the three turning their attention towards the proceedings at hand.
“On behalf of the Free Jaffa Nation, we, the Jaffa High Council, welcome the Tok’Ra & the representatives of the Tauri to Dakarra” Gerak, the leader of the High Council of Free Jaffa, intoned formerly; acknowledging his guests in that serious-yet-scornful way he always seemed to deal with others in.
“And on behalf of the Tok’Ra High Council, we thank you for your hospitality & this opportunity for peace” Queen Egeria replied, bowing along with the Tok’Ra delegation, acknowledging Gerak’s words; although none of the Tok’Ra displayed any emotion detectable by the others at the table.
“Yes, on behalf of the people of Earth, we would also like to thank both the Free Jaffa & the Tok’Ra for allowing us to attend this meeting & further the good relations between our respective peoples” Daniel intoned, echoing Gerak & Egeria’s words – albeit less formally than they themselves had – knowing full well that it was only through Teal’c & the Queen Egeria’s insistence that SG-1 had been allowed to attend, let along negotiate at, this meeting between the Free Jaffa Nation & the Tok’Ra in the first place.
With the formal pleasantries exchanged, they all sat down in their assigned seats & got down to business :
“We have approached the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation to conduct this peace summit to further the relationship & strengthen the ties between our respective peoples” Queen Egeria stated matter-of-factly. “Since the fall of the Goa’uuld System Lords, we find ourselves in a bold new era which very well may decide all of our futures. We are pleased that the Tauri have sent such distinguished representatives to mediate in these proceedings, & welcome the opportunity to re-establish alliances with all involved”
“We, the High Coucil of the Free Jaffa Nation, welcome you & have agreed to hear your proposals for peace. As for re-establishing of any ‘alliance’ which has previously existed between our respective peoples; you are no longer dealing with a few rebel Jaffa. We are the Free Jaffa Nation, & you shall deal with us as equals & with the respect we have accordingly deserved, or there shall be no negotiations” Gerak replied.
Jonas cringed, Daniel looked mortified, Teal’c looked embarrassed from his seat next to Gerak & Mitchell was outraged. The Tok’Ra, whilst not displaying any outward sign of anger, seemed unimpressed nonetheless.
“How can you claim to be so benevolent when you’re so arrogant? If it were not for us, the Tok’Ra; you would probably still be enslaved to the Goa’uuld! Did you forget it took us all[/i] working together to help defeat the Replicators & the Goa’uuld?” Mitchell cried, getting angry glares from all sides of the table.
Daniel got up, putting a hand on Mitchell & calming him down, making him sit back down as he tried to salvage what he could from Mitchell’s little outburst : “What my esteemed college means to say is that without all of us working together, you would have had a much harder time defeating the Goa’uuld than you may have without our help”
“We understand & concede your point, Daniel Jackson, we merely wish to state that we will not compromise our independence after so long spent serving false gods” Teal’c butt in, getting a disapproving look from Gerak; but nothing more.
“And we do not wish to suggest any such thing, & we apologize if we caused any unnecessary offence” Daniel proffered, thankful that the situation had been salvaged from what could have become an inter-planetary incident.
“Gentlement, if we could please get back to the topic at hand?” Jonas offered, speaking up for the first time the negotiations had begun “The Tok’Ra have come along way to be here today, as have we, & I for one would like to here what they have to say?”
“Agreed” Gerak conceded, the Tok’Ra delegation nodding in agreement, giving silent thanks with the looks they sent Jonas’ way.
“As we were saying before the talks digressed from the topic at hand” Egeria said, trying to remind them of why they were all there, “The Tok’Ra wish to put forth a proposal which will affect both the Jaffa & the Tauri; which is why we have asked you both here today”
“Go on” Gerak prompted, as host he had overall control of this debate; although if he was overlooking the fact that both the Tauri & the Tok’Ra would stand up for their rights in these negotiations, then he was an even bigger egotist than what people may be giving him credit for.
“The Tok’Ra wish to propose a new alliance with both the Tauri & the Free Jaffa Nation; a ‘re-negotiation’ of the alliance between our great peoples, if you will” Egeria said impassively, her emotional control impressive given her empathy & humanity towards others – which was part of the reason she had broken away from the Goa’uuld in the first place.
“We are willing to listen to your proposals, however; as we stated early, we wish to make it clear that this matter will require debate & agreement by all the members of the High Council of Free Jaffa before any such agreement would take effect” Gerak stated, the other representatives from the Free Jaffa Nation’s High Council nodding their agreement.
Teal’c continued to remain silent, absorbing all the information in. he always was one to consider all angles before throwing his weight behind any argument. It made his a valuable ally, & a deadly enemy, & SG-1 was glad that he was on their side; having a sympathetic ear on the Jaffa High Council was not necessarily a bad thing.
“We would also like to make it clear that we would have to take any terms to be agreed upon back to our leaders for review & possible arbitration before we can come to any workable agreement” Daniel stated, politely but firmly. They had been given strict orders by General Landry & the Brass back home, even if re-negotiating an alliance with the Tok’Ra & the Free Jaffa Nation was top on the agenda for the purposes of these talks.
“We understand & accept your reservations” Malek said – the first time he or any of the other Tok’Ra had spoken since they had arrived for the talks – “But please, hear what our beloved Queen Egeria has to say before you make up your minds?”
“Of course” Daniel replied, smiling – again, a nod from Gerak & his camp.
“As you know, since the triumphant return of our beloved Queen, Egeria has been bust acquainting herself with past & current affairs, as well as replenishing our numbers following the recent series of tragedies that have befallen the Tok’Ra in the last few years” Malek said, stating pretty much what they all already knew.
“And this effects us how?” Mitchell butt in, Daniel giving him a ‘don’t put your foot in it again, please!’ look; Mitchell continuing to go on in spite of it all. “I mean, we’re glad for the Tok’Ra & all, but you guys haven’t been exactly forthcoming in the whole alliance stakes recently”
“I agree with the Human” Gerak added, not using Mitchell’s name; getting straight to the point, not caring if he insulted his guests, merely wishing to continue the talks & get them out of the way as soon as possible.
“Our numbers have been steady but slowly increasing; & we find ourselves with a lack of available hosts with which to blend” Egeria said, “What we would like to propose is an exchange. We would like the Jaffa to act as incubators for more of my children, until suitable hosts can be found to blend with”
“And you would like us to help supply you with these ‘suitable hosts’?” Daniel asked. Egeria nodded, confirming his suspicions. Again, it came back to the availability of hosts.
“It is our hope that the Tauri can provide the Tok’Ra with suitable hosts with which to blend; as you have done in the past, with the likes of Jacob Carter & Selmac” Egeria replied, “By the Jaffa incubating our young, we would effect be going into battle & living & working as one together, & by supplying us with hosts, the Tauri would again be apart of the alliance between our three great races; bringing us all closer together in a common cause”
“Your plan is an ambitious one, Queen Egeria; I will give you that” Mitchell replied, about to go on before he was cut off by an outraged Gerak.
“You would have us trade our Goa’uuld symbiotes for yours?” Gerak demanded; face going bright red, livid with rage. “How is that benefiting us? We are simply replacing one set of masters for another!”
“We have made no such suggestion!” Malek cried, outrage of his own coursing through his body, both he & several other Tok’Ra rising to their feet in protest.
“Besides” Another Jaffa piped up, “We have tretonin now; we no longer need to rely on symbiotes to sustain us!”
“Need we remind you exactly how[/i] tretonin is made?!?!” Malek roared, going even more red in the face than Gerak, if such a thing were possible.
“Malek, sit down” Egeria said softly, her spoken word like a command from on-high, Malek & the other Tok’Ra resuming their seats, if any but pleased.
“You must understand that we have lived in service to the Goa’uuld for millennia, & our dependency upon symbiotes to survive has been a cornerstone of this enslavement. Now that we have the option of taking tretonin, it has helped free us from that enslavement; especially for those of us too old or unwilling to take a symbiote” Teal’c offered, trying to calm the situation between the two delegations. “You could understand our hesitation & suspicion then, in this matter?”
“We understand & agree with your views, Teal’c” Egeria replied solemnly, “We did not wish to cause any offence; but look at it from our perspective; if you will. What better way to take of our young & ensure a lasting alliance of peace between our three great nations than what we have proposed? We have thought long & hard on this issue; & I assure you, we would not of made this offer if we did not think the proposal merited serious consideration”
“Also, if we could point that not all Jaffa might necessarily want, nor be compatible with tretonin?” Daniel interjected, hoping he was not making what appeared to be an already bad situation worse. “As yourself have seen Teal’c, not every Jaffa’s physiology is capable of handling the tretonin we get from the Tok’Ra”
“I must concede your point, Daniel Jackson, this is true” Teal’c replied, giving the best answer he could without alienating the other Jaffa or being seen to side too much with his friends.
“I don’t understand why no one here is willing to accept this offer?” Jonas added, raising a hand to silence Gerak & his Jaffa before they could butt in “Please, let me finish”
Gerak nodded begrudgingly, not entirely pleased with having been usurped by a Human in talks hosted by his own people.
“Now, the way I see it, those Jaffa whom are either unwilling or unable to take tretonin would have to rely on symbiotes to survive, right?” Jonas asked, Gerak nodding his approval of Jonas stating of the facts at hand. “Now for those countless Jaffa whom still rely on a symbiote to survive; how many do you reckon are carry larval Goa’uuld in their pouches?”
“We are unsure, but we think it would still be a great many; hundreds of thousands, maybe more” Teal’c conceded, seeing where Jonas was going with his line of thought.
“Now, when these larval Goa’uuld mature, they are going to leave your pouches & seek out a host; leaving you all for dead. If they cannot find a suitable host, then I am lead to believe that the mature Goa’uuld larvae would seek to possess the Jaffa that carried it until it could find a more – what was the word you used once Teal’c?”
“Suitable” Teal’c proffered.
“Thank you. So they take the Jaffa that has incubated them as a host until they can find a more suitable host, such as Dr. Jackson, Mitchell or myself here; since they seem to like Humans so much”
At Jonas’ words, the Tok’Ra delegation got cold stares from the Jaffa across the table, & Daniel could feel the tension rising between the two groups, Mitchell sensing it as well & giving a Jonas a ‘here we go again’ look; which Jonas promptly ignored.
“Now, would you prefer to house a Tok’Ra symbiote in your pouches, one that will help look after you & give you nasty visions during kelno’reem, that will take a willing host & stay with you until such a host is found? Or would you prefer that to incubate a laval Goa’uuld, whom is going to take an unwilling host – maybe even yourselves if it cannot find a suitable one in time - & risk helping them propagate & possibly rise back to power so soon after you have just defeated them? It would defeat the whole purpose of smashing the System Lords in the place, not to mention you would be actively help your former oppressors gain a foothold over you again – I for one know which option I would prefer!”
“Jonas Quinn is right” Teal’c agreed, “It is a better alternative than what we have got at the moment”
“Perhaps” Gerak conceded, not willing to budge any more on the issue than he already had. “But what will become of the Goa’uuld we now carry, if we supplant our Goa’uuld larvae for Tok’Ra symbiotes, what is to stop them from seeking out hosts on their own?”
“An infantile symbiote is weak & fragile outside the host body or the safety of a Jaffa & will die if it is not mature enough to take a host, or a suitable body of water or some other means of nourishment is not provided within the first few hours of being outside of either host or Jaffa” Malek said, “As for uses for the Goa’uuld symbiotes you now carry; I am sure they could be put to good use increasing your current supply of tretonin”
Makek ‘s grin was feral, & wide from ear to ear. Whilst Daniel & the others could not disagree with the whole idea, it still made them uncomfortable; even if it was no worse than what the Goa’uuld had been doing to countless sentient species across the galaxy.
“You have made a solid case for supporting this decision” Gerak stated matter-of-factly, “We shall put your proposal to the High Council & get back to you once we have deliberated on this issue”
“We would also like to contact our superiors at Stargate Command & get their opinions on this” Daniel added, “We would also like to make sure that any terms we agree to as part of this new…alliance, are adhered to properly”
“Of course” Egeria stated, nodding in agreement; happy they had come to some kind of consensus. “The Tok’Ra are eager to make this new alliance work between our three great peoples, & I give you my word that the Tok’Ra shall adhere to any & all terms which might be set out between us”
“Thankyou” Daniel replied, nodding his thanks; knowing that the rest of the Tok’Ra would not dare go against the wishes of their beloved Queen.
“It is agreed then, we shall each contact our respective leaders & deliberate this issue. This meeting is reconvened until this evening; at which time we expect a suitable response from all involved” Gerak stated, adjourning the meeting; the Jaffa going to debate the issue in their High Council, the Tok’Ra remaining where they were, whilst Sg-1 headed back to the gate to dail Earth & inform them of the day’s proceedings.
