...What else can happen?

Disclaimer: We do not, however much we would like to, own Jack O’Neill or Daniel Jackson. We are not making any money out of this.

A/N: This fic is a joint effort. We take it in turns to write either a whole chapter, or as much as the chapter as we can before begging the other author to take pity and help. There will be an author’s note at the start of most chapters to tell you who wrote which parts. Flames and/or praise can be directed accordingly. This chapter was written by Gemma.


…What else can happen?

Episode one

“The Burthonians are a pre-industrial society, from what we can tell their tools are made of wood and stone.” Daniel turned from the screen and faced the briefing room table. He looked from face to face; Jack: Bored as always. Listening, but selectively, just for anything that could pose a threat. Unless he heard anything dangerous, he’d just sit there, twiddling with his pen. Sam; her shoulders were slumped at the news that the Burthonians were primitive; no new technology to get her teeth into, no new people to bounce ideas off. Teal’c; politely listening, as always, but no real interest. George; he was the most alert of them all. This was not only due to the fact that, he too, was listening for any danger, because that was part of it. But it was mostly due to what was on this next slide.
The Burthonian planet was choc-a-bloc full of naquadah. And they needed it. In a ‘get it or the SGC will be shut down’ kinda way.
“However, they seem to be willing to let us have mining rights. They have no use for the naquadah, nor do they want to actually find any use for it.”
“Why not?” Sam woke up and leaned forward. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s great news for us, but it seems…odd.”
“Well, the culture is very nature-based; they are content as they are.”
Sam sat back, nodding to herself.
“What do they want in return for the mining rights, Dr. Jackson?”
“Well, their water is plagued by a disease, it’s not fatal, but it does shorten their lives, most of the population die before middle age. I think a water purification system would be a sufficient trade.”
“That’s all?” Jack asked, looking up at Daniel.
“It would mean that they would live to old age, of course it’s enough.
“How long do you need to finalise this deal, Dr?”
“Another day, two at the most.”
“Good. You and Colonel O’Neill go back and get that deal signed. Major, start on that purification system.”
“A sample of the contaminated water has been sent to your lab.
“Thanks Daniel.”
“Right, lets get to it, people.”
---
A huge waterfall, viscously beautiful, was the backdrop. They were gathered across from it on the other side of a miles-long valley, filled with a forest from which calls from exotic and tropical-like animals emanated constantly. Above them, the sky, aquamarine near the horizon to lilac directly above them. A truly beautiful place. Daniel was thoroughly relived that the mining site was kilometres away, nowhere near the near this haven, and not even close enough to disturb the wildlife. It would’ve been criminal to disturb even one leaf of this place.
The elder of the planet-well, as old as they got- walked to the centre of the clearing. The inhabitants made their way up the mountain regularly to thank their Gods for their luck. He was wearing his ceremonial outfit, a simple dark green robe, and a headdress with feathers of all colours. A round his neck hung a piece of rope. Dangling from this was a piece of dark wood, circular, with an ornate pattern of intricate knots and flowers carved into it. Directly in the centre was an orange stone-it was removable-Daniel remembered that Elder explaining that a different stone was used on different occasions: orange for thanks, blue for mourning etc.
“I still don’t like this.” Jack muttered next to him. Daniel rolled his eyes.
“Jack,” he sighed, “All I have to do is stand up, officially present the ‘gift’, give thanks to their Gods and drink out of that ceremonial goblet.”
“And that’s the part I don’t like.”
“For crying out loud!” Another case of Jackspeak that he’d picked up. “They have no reason to harm us.”
“Yeah and where have I heard that before?”
“Look, do you want to drink it?”
“Hell, no!”
“Well then! Stop complaining, I’ll be fine.” Jack grumbled sceptically, but, thankfully, shut up. Daniel loved that cared so much, but sometimes it just annoyed the hell out of him. Not everyone was out to get them. Just an inordinate amount of people were.
“We come here, to the top of Timor Omnis Asbeto to bless this gift of pure water, given to us by the Tau’ri and to thank our Gods for their hand in this fateful meeting. The crowd cheered and clapped. “We now ask Dan-yel, of the Tau’ri to come forward.” Daniel stood up and walked to the Elder. He carried a flask of purified water, a symbol of their gift. He placed the flask on the floor. The Elder picked up the flask. He handed the Ceremonial goblet to Daniel, looked up to the sky, mumbled a few words of thanks in the native language and then gestured to the goblet. Daniel took his cue and took a gulp of the whatever-it-was in there. It tasted…odd. Sweet, but with a sour aftertaste that made his eyes water slightly. The Elder smiled gently, before turning to the crowd.
“Let us give thanks.”
“Sacer Duis. Tribuere.” Daniel said, looking up at the sky, relived. It was over, they had the mining treaty. All was good.
Thank God.
---
Jack watched as Daniel sat on the bed, obediently going through the after-mission medical. By the relaxed look on Janet’s face, Daniel had passed. For once, he had drunk something alien and unknown and he was fine. Jack sent a silent prayer of thanks to whatever deity had bestowed a smile on them.
Daniel hopped off the bed and looked expectantly at Jack, who nodded and led the way to the locker room.
“Well, there’s my good deed for the day done.” Daniel said, looking satisfied with himself.
“And no weird after-effects from the loopy juice you drank. What was that anyway?”
“Some ceremonial drink, like the wine drunk at some Christian masses. And I told you, there was no reason for the Burthonians to harm us. You’re just a mother-hen.” Daniel retorted. Jack looked around the locker room, slid up behind Daniel and slid his arms around his waist.
“You love it, really.” He murmured against his neck.
“Yeah, right.” Daniel replied, leaning back into the hug.
“Come on, let’s get changed and we’ll go eat. My treat.” Jack said, stepping back to his locker.
“Thanks, Jack.” Daniel said, smiling softly.
---