Dr. Samantha Carter was the perfect combination of beauty, intelligence, and ability. She had come to the SGC with the same enthusiasm as Jackson and one hundred percent more confidence, proudly proving to Jack, (well known for his views about scientists) and everyone else that she was more than capable of dealing with any given situation whether it be an elusive mathmatical equation or a fire fight.

She had grown up in a military family. Had chosen the Air Force as a way to use her incredible brain for the betterment and defense of her country, refusing to use her father's influence for plumb assignments or preferencial treatment. Sam's accomplishments were her own and without knowing her, Jack would have been impressed with her service record.

Trusting her instincts, later tonight, he would pull her aside and get her impressions of the young woman who'd haunted his dreams and maybe in the process receive a few answers as well. >p> "So Daniel are you ever going to tell me just what's in the extra packs you thought you did such a good job of sneaking onto FRED?" Jack queried.

"Gifts."

"You're not planning on trying to buy this planet for twenty four dollars and some beads are ya Danny boy?"

"Actually I think I can get a better deal than that." Jack stopped dead in his tracks, his expression one of bemusement. 'First Teal'c and now Daniel. Now I know something is wierd about this planet.'

Determine to concentrate on what Daniel was saying in Apakian and repeating in English or vice versa, Jack ignored his leg cramps, the sweat stained shirt clinging to his skin and the overwhelming smell of whatever passed for tobacco in the pipe Meelay kept passing between the four men. God he wished Meelay would raise the leather hides of the tent. They had nothing to conceal, therefore didn't need privacy but following Daniel's example he said nothing.

Meelay had already explained that although the final decision concerning an alliance would be his alone, his people would gather to hear of their purposal. Everyone would be allowed to question the visitors and offer their opinions. Whereas Meelay seemed to be interested in a friendly conversation about earth, Bannock, who had arrived before Daniel and himself, appeared to be conducting an interrogation that would have made any hard ass cop from the prohibition era proud.

"Tell us more of these evil spirits you called Goa'uld," Bannock demanded.

"They're not spirits, not....not like you mean spirits." Daniel explained. "They are a race of..of.." Well people wasn't the right word. How in the universe was he supposed to describe a Goa'uld?

"Jack how do I-" Daniel turned to his friend for help, doing a quick double take, trying not to show his confusion at the colonel's appearance. The man was sitting as motionless as stone, his expression blank, his unblinking eyes locked with Bannock's.

"Jack?" Forcing his hand to remain steady, Daniel gently placed it on Jack's arm, startled at the fear and anger flashing through the soldier's brown eyes. Hoping the movement seemed casual, he wrapped his fingers around the older man's wrist, his own heart skipping a beat at the racing pulse.

"Wh-?"

"Meelay, I'm afraid our cheiftain isn't feeling well," Unsure exactly what was happening, Daniel decided to put a momentary end to the talks. "If it pleases you I will escort him to the home you have so generously provided and return to answer any questions you may have."