Do you mind if I call them worms instead? Jack asked quickly.
Shakuntala considered that for a moment and then banished the frown from her face. Worms seems quite appropriate for them, Colonel. I dont believe that anyone would be offended by that name for the Goauld. She paused and her eyes gleamed. Except the Goauld of course.
Thats a shame, Jack said, his voice dripping with insincerity and they both laughed. Perhaps wed better not tell them. Might rupture their delicate egos.
She chuckled again. On second thoughts, perhaps we should. So, Colonel, why does making a good impression on my father matter to you? Everyone here has things that they want, what are yours?
Its hardly a secret, Jack said. Were hoping to get permission for a few diplomats to come through, maybe buy some of your military hardware weve been lucky so far with the Goauld, but Id rather rely on having more big guns than they do. And - very delicately were supposed to see if we can get Maybourne and his crew of idiots back. Wed really like to know who authorised them to go off like that.
My, Shakuntala said brightly. I said that you were audacious, but perhaps I understated it. You want to reclaim men who shot up Daddys soldiers? Thats very bold, colonel.
Jack grimaced. I always get given interesting jobs like this.
.oOo.
It looks like the Colonel is having an interesting conversation, Ayodhya observed to Tealc as they watched the throneroom from the other side of the third level. None of the Angrezi seemed particularly keen on approaching the towering Jaffa and the Admiral was blatantly taking advantage of this to keep the female members of the Kshatriya caste from launching their matrimonial assaults upon him, forcing them to resort to siegework.
Is the young woman known to you? Tealc asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nekhrun took over the conversation. Shes the Padishahs second daughter, he explained. And probably about as determined to avoid her suitors as my host, wouldnt you say, Sario?
Thanks, Ayodhya said, taking over again. In any event, shes fills the role of back channel to his Royal and Imperial Majesty. What she hears, her father does too. If Jack makes a good impression here then itll count for quite a lot.
Tealc frowned. Why are you concerned by this?
Nekhruns insidious plans, you mean? the Admiral asked. Nothing terribly sinister. Hes just thinking long term. After all, evne if the System Lords were defeated tomorrow, wed still be in the same galaxy and have to deal with each other. And it might take a while for the Angrezi to find their feet in the Confederacy letting them act as intermediaries to the Tauri would probably cushion some of the shocks that theyll feel. Nekhrun rarely does things for only - A small device on his belt chirped and he looked down. - one reason. Excuse me, I have a call.
Turning abruptly he hurried towards a side door. Tealc looked at his back for a moment and then followed the Admiral towards the exit, weaving swiftly through the little knots of conversation. Ayodhya seemed distracted, barely noticing a servant who had to halt abruptly to avoid a collision and yanking open the door to reveal a balcony overlooking one of the palaces many small gardens. The door swung closed behind him but Tealc caught it before it could close completely.
Leonidas, this is Admiral Ayodhya, he heard. Wheres the fire? There was a pause. I see, the Admiral said flatly. No, I understand. Give me fifteen minutes and then issue a recall signal to the rest of my party.
Tealc frowned and let the door close the rest of the way, moving aside and following the wall towards the last place hed seen Sam. Unfortunately, shed been locked in conversation with several Brahmin and at some point the conversation had moved up onto the uppermost level of the throneroom.
Behind him, he heard the door open and medals jingling merrily. When he glanced back he saw Ayodhya marching in a direct line towards the Lion Throne, an intent look on his face.
Tealc, are you okay buddy? Jack asked, breaking away from the wall where hed been standing. Behind him, the woman Ayodhya had identified as the Padishahs daughter was listening intently.
Admiral Ayodhya has received a signal from the Leonidas, Tealc reported swiftly. There appears to be a crisis and he is recalling his people.
From a court reception? the princess asked incredulously. Thats unheard of!
It would have to be one hell of a crisis, Jack agreed and his eyes were concerned as they met Tealcs. Daniel went up to the next level to talk history with some Brahmin, but I lost sight of Sam a while back.
Captain Carter is also on the next level, ONeill, Tealc observed.
Great and were not supposed to go up there?
Not without permission, Shakuntala confirmed. It would be highly improper. She smiled. Of course, someone who knew the, shall we say, tricks of the trade, can get invited there whenever she wishes. If I could tear myself away from such a handsome pair of gentlemen, of course.
I do not believe that that will be necessary, Tealc observed, looking over to the Lion Throne, where Ayodhya had reached the Padishahs side and was whispering quickly.
The Padishah nodded and even at this distance Tealc could see fear touch the mans eyes. My people, he declared in a strong voice. We gathered here to celebrate our joining a brotherhood of worlds, one that reaches across the stars. However, it would seem that this brotherhood shall soon be tested. He smiled, white teeth gleaming beneath his black beard. And thus I must excuse the absence of my guests and formalise our alliance in a less decorous fashion than I expected. He held out one hand to Ayodhya, who reached past it to clasp the Padishahs wrist, a grip that was reciprocated.
Welcome to the Confederacy of Free Systems, the Admiral said loudly.
Its an honor to be counted amongst you, the Padishah replied, just as clearly.
Whats going on, sir? Sam asked quietly as she led Daniel down from the next level.
It was Tealc who answered the question however. The Goauld have come.
.oOo.
The war room buried deep below the palace didnt remind Jack particularly of Stargate Command, other than the lack of windows. The actual administrative headquarters of the Padishahs armies might have been more similar, but the Padishahs own war room actually a fairly large complex of bunkers were lavishly furnished in keeping with his august status.
That didnt make them any less functional however, and the display table in the middle of the main room was a thing of beauty a holographic display unit as big as any dinner table that Jack had ever seen, now displaying a three-dimensional image of the island that played host to Angrezis stargate.
You know what this means? Jack asked.
That the Angrezi have advanced holographic technology? Sam asked.
And I want to see this thing project a hockey match, Jack agreed. However, a little more urgently, the Jaffa have cut us off from the Stargate.
Indeed, Tealc noted. He indicated an array of red icons spreading out from the location of the stargate. These are the Jaffa dispositions?
As far as we can tell, Nekhrun noted. His uniform was looking a little more rumpled than usual and he had both hands thrust into his hip pockets as he eyed the map. Satellite surveillance isnt perfect, but the Leonidas was able to isolate the activation signal of the Stargate just about twenty minutes ago. Presumably the Jaffa have been coming through fairly steadily ever since. Initial reports are that before the ground troops, a flight of Death Gliders came through the transmission suggests that the defenders managed to bring one of them down before they were overrun, he added with grim pride.
When you were running a simulated attack, Jack asked. Did the Angrezi actually manage to stop it?
The Goauld grimaced. Not before we reached the limits of the exercise area, no. Of course, they have a better idea of what to expect now.
We also began reinforcing the nearest bases, General Soor added stepping back from the table where hed been examining the Jaffa postions. Since we evidently didnt have the necessary forces on hand before. So more troops, and better prepared ones. Well be in position to counterattack at dawn.
Jack raised his eyebrows. Tealc how good are the Jaffa at fighting in the dark?
As hindered as anyone else, Tealc confirmed. Are you contemplating the course of action that I am contemplating?
A night attack? Soor asked. He frowned. Audacious. We have night vision equipment, but the troops are not trained for such an operation.
Mine are, Nekhrun advised him. Lieutenant von Pinns battalion is readying for operations aboard the Leonidas and I can amass another battalion or so from the detachments aboard the rest of my squadron. Even on a small scale, it could be enough to disrupt them.
Soor frowned. Ill think about it, he said, turning away.
Theres not really time for that, Jack muttered, looking at the blue icons of Angrezi forces amassed around coastal strongpoints while the Jaffa crept outwards from the Stargate. Those Death Gliders will have pinpointed the positions by now and the Jaffa will be launching their own attacks at dawn.
Then you must seize the initiative, Shakuntala said from behind them. She was still wearing a sari, which made her the only person in the room not wearing a uniform. Whichever System Lord is attacking cannot have extensive knowledge of Angrezi, but their information will increase rapidly. Doubtlessly they expected the stargate to be easily accessible to our leaders, and are surprised to see no population centres on the island, but if they can secure the island then it will be difficult to land troops to repel them. She nodded sharply. I will speak to my father.
I believe I see those traits that you mentioned, Tealc conceded to Ayodhya as the Princess walked away. He blinked as Jack gave him a disturbed look. Admiral Ayodhya spoke highly of the Princess leadership potential, he clarified.
Good, Jack nodded. Thats what I was hoping that you meant. Do you think that the grand poobah will listen to her though?
The Padishah isnt stupid, Nekhrun advised him. Hes circumscribed by ceremony, but theres a long tradition of the royal family being employed on his behalf to circumvent the usual government activities. He may not agree with Shakuntalas opinion she is fairly young still but hell definitely listen to her.
It sounds like youre extremely familiar with the Angrezi, Daniel said, remembering Jacks sugggestion for before they left Earth. How long have you been observing them?
Come now, Doctor Jackson, Nekhrun said with a smirk. Surely you have realised by now that I settled the Angrezi here in the first place, along with quite a number of others.
We thought that it was likely, Daniel admitted, But we werent entirely sure. So is the entire Confederacy descended from groups of former Tokra supporters?
Not all of them, explained Nekhrun. But quite a lot of them are. I did remove some groups directly from Earth and some of them are just groups that the other Goauld forgot about. It can get quite complicated at times
Complicated? Jack asked. Youve been running around moving people back and forth for generations and nobodys noticed?
Nekhrun blinked. Well of course people noticed, he said. What do you think the Tokra are? Blind? Stupid, I could understand, since theyre still hammering away at the same old plan without having noticed that it isnt changing anything, but of course they know that I was running off with groups of their supporters. They were pretty upset about it as I recall, even tried betraying me to the Goauld a couple of times. I dont think that they know where I was taking people though, or there would be He tailed off.
Is something wrong?
If the Tokra knew where I was, the renegade Goauld said slowly, theyd leak the information to the System Lords within hours and there would be Jaffa swarming all over Angrezi. Gee, I wonder whos been talking to the Tokra lately?
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.
Shakuntala considered that for a moment and then banished the frown from her face. Worms seems quite appropriate for them, Colonel. I dont believe that anyone would be offended by that name for the Goauld. She paused and her eyes gleamed. Except the Goauld of course.
Thats a shame, Jack said, his voice dripping with insincerity and they both laughed. Perhaps wed better not tell them. Might rupture their delicate egos.
She chuckled again. On second thoughts, perhaps we should. So, Colonel, why does making a good impression on my father matter to you? Everyone here has things that they want, what are yours?
Its hardly a secret, Jack said. Were hoping to get permission for a few diplomats to come through, maybe buy some of your military hardware weve been lucky so far with the Goauld, but Id rather rely on having more big guns than they do. And - very delicately were supposed to see if we can get Maybourne and his crew of idiots back. Wed really like to know who authorised them to go off like that.
My, Shakuntala said brightly. I said that you were audacious, but perhaps I understated it. You want to reclaim men who shot up Daddys soldiers? Thats very bold, colonel.
Jack grimaced. I always get given interesting jobs like this.
.oOo.
It looks like the Colonel is having an interesting conversation, Ayodhya observed to Tealc as they watched the throneroom from the other side of the third level. None of the Angrezi seemed particularly keen on approaching the towering Jaffa and the Admiral was blatantly taking advantage of this to keep the female members of the Kshatriya caste from launching their matrimonial assaults upon him, forcing them to resort to siegework.
Is the young woman known to you? Tealc asked with a raised eyebrow.
Nekhrun took over the conversation. Shes the Padishahs second daughter, he explained. And probably about as determined to avoid her suitors as my host, wouldnt you say, Sario?
Thanks, Ayodhya said, taking over again. In any event, shes fills the role of back channel to his Royal and Imperial Majesty. What she hears, her father does too. If Jack makes a good impression here then itll count for quite a lot.
Tealc frowned. Why are you concerned by this?
Nekhruns insidious plans, you mean? the Admiral asked. Nothing terribly sinister. Hes just thinking long term. After all, evne if the System Lords were defeated tomorrow, wed still be in the same galaxy and have to deal with each other. And it might take a while for the Angrezi to find their feet in the Confederacy letting them act as intermediaries to the Tauri would probably cushion some of the shocks that theyll feel. Nekhrun rarely does things for only - A small device on his belt chirped and he looked down. - one reason. Excuse me, I have a call.
Turning abruptly he hurried towards a side door. Tealc looked at his back for a moment and then followed the Admiral towards the exit, weaving swiftly through the little knots of conversation. Ayodhya seemed distracted, barely noticing a servant who had to halt abruptly to avoid a collision and yanking open the door to reveal a balcony overlooking one of the palaces many small gardens. The door swung closed behind him but Tealc caught it before it could close completely.
Leonidas, this is Admiral Ayodhya, he heard. Wheres the fire? There was a pause. I see, the Admiral said flatly. No, I understand. Give me fifteen minutes and then issue a recall signal to the rest of my party.
Tealc frowned and let the door close the rest of the way, moving aside and following the wall towards the last place hed seen Sam. Unfortunately, shed been locked in conversation with several Brahmin and at some point the conversation had moved up onto the uppermost level of the throneroom.
Behind him, he heard the door open and medals jingling merrily. When he glanced back he saw Ayodhya marching in a direct line towards the Lion Throne, an intent look on his face.
Tealc, are you okay buddy? Jack asked, breaking away from the wall where hed been standing. Behind him, the woman Ayodhya had identified as the Padishahs daughter was listening intently.
Admiral Ayodhya has received a signal from the Leonidas, Tealc reported swiftly. There appears to be a crisis and he is recalling his people.
From a court reception? the princess asked incredulously. Thats unheard of!
It would have to be one hell of a crisis, Jack agreed and his eyes were concerned as they met Tealcs. Daniel went up to the next level to talk history with some Brahmin, but I lost sight of Sam a while back.
Captain Carter is also on the next level, ONeill, Tealc observed.
Great and were not supposed to go up there?
Not without permission, Shakuntala confirmed. It would be highly improper. She smiled. Of course, someone who knew the, shall we say, tricks of the trade, can get invited there whenever she wishes. If I could tear myself away from such a handsome pair of gentlemen, of course.
I do not believe that that will be necessary, Tealc observed, looking over to the Lion Throne, where Ayodhya had reached the Padishahs side and was whispering quickly.
The Padishah nodded and even at this distance Tealc could see fear touch the mans eyes. My people, he declared in a strong voice. We gathered here to celebrate our joining a brotherhood of worlds, one that reaches across the stars. However, it would seem that this brotherhood shall soon be tested. He smiled, white teeth gleaming beneath his black beard. And thus I must excuse the absence of my guests and formalise our alliance in a less decorous fashion than I expected. He held out one hand to Ayodhya, who reached past it to clasp the Padishahs wrist, a grip that was reciprocated.
Welcome to the Confederacy of Free Systems, the Admiral said loudly.
Its an honor to be counted amongst you, the Padishah replied, just as clearly.
Whats going on, sir? Sam asked quietly as she led Daniel down from the next level.
It was Tealc who answered the question however. The Goauld have come.
.oOo.
The war room buried deep below the palace didnt remind Jack particularly of Stargate Command, other than the lack of windows. The actual administrative headquarters of the Padishahs armies might have been more similar, but the Padishahs own war room actually a fairly large complex of bunkers were lavishly furnished in keeping with his august status.
That didnt make them any less functional however, and the display table in the middle of the main room was a thing of beauty a holographic display unit as big as any dinner table that Jack had ever seen, now displaying a three-dimensional image of the island that played host to Angrezis stargate.
You know what this means? Jack asked.
That the Angrezi have advanced holographic technology? Sam asked.
And I want to see this thing project a hockey match, Jack agreed. However, a little more urgently, the Jaffa have cut us off from the Stargate.
Indeed, Tealc noted. He indicated an array of red icons spreading out from the location of the stargate. These are the Jaffa dispositions?
As far as we can tell, Nekhrun noted. His uniform was looking a little more rumpled than usual and he had both hands thrust into his hip pockets as he eyed the map. Satellite surveillance isnt perfect, but the Leonidas was able to isolate the activation signal of the Stargate just about twenty minutes ago. Presumably the Jaffa have been coming through fairly steadily ever since. Initial reports are that before the ground troops, a flight of Death Gliders came through the transmission suggests that the defenders managed to bring one of them down before they were overrun, he added with grim pride.
When you were running a simulated attack, Jack asked. Did the Angrezi actually manage to stop it?
The Goauld grimaced. Not before we reached the limits of the exercise area, no. Of course, they have a better idea of what to expect now.
We also began reinforcing the nearest bases, General Soor added stepping back from the table where hed been examining the Jaffa postions. Since we evidently didnt have the necessary forces on hand before. So more troops, and better prepared ones. Well be in position to counterattack at dawn.
Jack raised his eyebrows. Tealc how good are the Jaffa at fighting in the dark?
As hindered as anyone else, Tealc confirmed. Are you contemplating the course of action that I am contemplating?
A night attack? Soor asked. He frowned. Audacious. We have night vision equipment, but the troops are not trained for such an operation.
Mine are, Nekhrun advised him. Lieutenant von Pinns battalion is readying for operations aboard the Leonidas and I can amass another battalion or so from the detachments aboard the rest of my squadron. Even on a small scale, it could be enough to disrupt them.
Soor frowned. Ill think about it, he said, turning away.
Theres not really time for that, Jack muttered, looking at the blue icons of Angrezi forces amassed around coastal strongpoints while the Jaffa crept outwards from the Stargate. Those Death Gliders will have pinpointed the positions by now and the Jaffa will be launching their own attacks at dawn.
Then you must seize the initiative, Shakuntala said from behind them. She was still wearing a sari, which made her the only person in the room not wearing a uniform. Whichever System Lord is attacking cannot have extensive knowledge of Angrezi, but their information will increase rapidly. Doubtlessly they expected the stargate to be easily accessible to our leaders, and are surprised to see no population centres on the island, but if they can secure the island then it will be difficult to land troops to repel them. She nodded sharply. I will speak to my father.
I believe I see those traits that you mentioned, Tealc conceded to Ayodhya as the Princess walked away. He blinked as Jack gave him a disturbed look. Admiral Ayodhya spoke highly of the Princess leadership potential, he clarified.
Good, Jack nodded. Thats what I was hoping that you meant. Do you think that the grand poobah will listen to her though?
The Padishah isnt stupid, Nekhrun advised him. Hes circumscribed by ceremony, but theres a long tradition of the royal family being employed on his behalf to circumvent the usual government activities. He may not agree with Shakuntalas opinion she is fairly young still but hell definitely listen to her.
It sounds like youre extremely familiar with the Angrezi, Daniel said, remembering Jacks sugggestion for before they left Earth. How long have you been observing them?
Come now, Doctor Jackson, Nekhrun said with a smirk. Surely you have realised by now that I settled the Angrezi here in the first place, along with quite a number of others.
We thought that it was likely, Daniel admitted, But we werent entirely sure. So is the entire Confederacy descended from groups of former Tokra supporters?
Not all of them, explained Nekhrun. But quite a lot of them are. I did remove some groups directly from Earth and some of them are just groups that the other Goauld forgot about. It can get quite complicated at times
Complicated? Jack asked. Youve been running around moving people back and forth for generations and nobodys noticed?
Nekhrun blinked. Well of course people noticed, he said. What do you think the Tokra are? Blind? Stupid, I could understand, since theyre still hammering away at the same old plan without having noticed that it isnt changing anything, but of course they know that I was running off with groups of their supporters. They were pretty upset about it as I recall, even tried betraying me to the Goauld a couple of times. I dont think that they know where I was taking people though, or there would be He tailed off.
Is something wrong?
If the Tokra knew where I was, the renegade Goauld said slowly, theyd leak the information to the System Lords within hours and there would be Jaffa swarming all over Angrezi. Gee, I wonder whos been talking to the Tokra lately?
D for Drakensis
You're only young once, but immaturity is forever.