"I'm not really sure that I do understand you," the Jaffa answers. "We normally hold our staff weapons in an upright position; we only lower them when we are attacking."

"I was assisting the blue-haired woman. She was being pursued by the crazed villagers."

"In any case, I thank you and your companions for rescuing me, however roundabout that may have been. I am stranded here, and might have frozen to death despite my symbiote."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 05:49, Wed 07 May 2014.

"It has always been so," Kuruk replied to Travis.

"What will you do now?"

"Explore learn, help if we can, That is the commanders decision, I am scout and here" Travis smiles "with out showing teeth translator it seems"
"But tell me if you would be so kind where did you learn the tounge of my people"
Fox translates what is being said to the commander
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Tue 13 May 2014.

And that... that is where Sarah's inexperience might show.  That said, Shor'zal's apparently deliberate misunderstanding of her words didn't help matters even if his 'thanks' was a might confusing.

Instead of reverting to further semi-threats or subtle warnings, she focused on the information at hand, "So you are new acquaintances?  And what of the villagers?  Did they have reason to chase her?"

Michael felt like he was starting to get whiplash from turning his head first one way and then the other trying to keep track of two conversations, neither of which he could understand.

At heart, he was a soldier, and while he wasn't one of those combat machines, he functioned best against an enemy... at least one that he recognized and understood. Here, he wasn't even sure there was an enemy, though the actions of the villagers was... peculiar. Seemed like a negotiation problem, not a military one.

He understood Sarah's desire to do those negotiations, but he'd felt the 'angry villager' rule was in play. It was very hard to negotiate with someone who was determined to stick a pitchfork in you!

Now that everyone was safe, he could patiently wait for Travis and Sarah to translate for him. He didn't need instant, immediate translation, but it was hard to plan without intel.

If Sarah had a fault, it was that she was too impulsive. If she'd bothered reading the Jaffa's body language, she'd have realized he wasn't the threat that she thought he was. Teal'c had proven that not all Jaffa were 'the enemy'. Context was also important. She was probably quite good at reading people across the negotiating table but she didn't have the military training for assessing people in combat situations.

Michael just didn't see any reason for this mission to continue. It's a big planet, and there could be hundreds of other cultures on it, but unless there was more than one gate, they weren't equipped for long range exploration. Although unspecified, there was a de facto mandate that the team explore the culture and technology near the gate. If there were indications of something beyond that range--roughly a 20-mile perimeter, then subsequent teams would be sent that were better equipped for it.

He laughed inwardly at those thoughts. As the team leader, he'd undergone extensive training; he was mildly amused that most of it seemed to have stuck.

"Travis," he said when there was a momentary lull in their conversation, "see if there is anything we can do to help these... um, minotaurs. In fact, ask them if they know what a minotaur is."

He then turned to Sarah, with more or less the same request.

"Sarah, see if this... Shor'zal..." he hoped he correctly picked the Jaffa's name out of the conversation... "and the woman need our assistance. We are willing to escort them to the gate, if that is what they wish."

"Travis," he said when there was a momentary lull in their conversation, "see if there is anything we can do to help these... um, minotaur's. In fact, ask them if they know what a minotaur is."

Fox nods and turns back to the Kuruk, "so many questions, as one person once said."
"My commander asks what you call your selves, also are you aware that you resemble an old Earth legend of a creature called a minotaur". "He also asks is there any way we can help you"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Tue 13 May 2014.

Oops! Forgot to reply to Travis's other question...


"I learned the Tongue of the People from my mother, and she from her mother, and she from her mother. It has always been so," Kuruk answers Travis.

"Yes, we call ourselves minotaurs. The Elders claim that it means 'men of the gods', for it is the gods that created us and placed us here."

"I have not heard of this Earth of which you speak, but it is most strange that you have heard of us."

"I do not see how you can be of assistance to us. We are not warriors, so would not find use for your weapons, even if they were not so small."

"Changing the Mad People so that they were not mad... that is the only way you could help us. We have tried to talk to them, to trade with them, but as soon as they see us, they go mad."

Fox considers "so the language is the standard one for your people?"

"It is a little strange this, let me tell you what I know". "Your people are mentioned in ancient History by a race called the Greeks". "In that history there is only one, clearly that is a twisted tale."

The term Minotaur derives from the Ancient Greek Μῑνώταυρος, a compound of the name Μίνως (Minos) and the noun ταύρος "bull", translated as "(the) Bull of Minos". In Crete, the Minotaur was known by its proper name, Asterion.
 Fox thinks for a moment, then asks
"So this balance has existed for how long"?

"Let me talk to the commander and see if we can find a way of achieving peaceful co existence for both races"

Fox translates every thing that is said
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Tue 13 May 2014.

"We have not actually met yet," the Jaffa replies to Sarah. "I was scouting this facility before making contact with its inhabitants, wishing to ascretain if they were friendly to strangers or potentially hostile to Jaffa."

"My first contact with the inhabitants was when a native woman suddenly drew a dagger and attacked the blue-haired woman. Moments later, the angry inhabitants arrived, clearly pursuing her. Had it been just one person, I would have intervened in an effort to keep the peace. Instead, I indicated to her that I could help her escape, as I marked the path I took."

"That was when we ran into you and your comrades. So, as you can see, we have not exchanged names yet."


If these were indeed the fabled Tau'ri--and he was becoming more and more certain of that, then prevaricating or holding out information would not be in his best interests as he wished to join them.

He did not know the full details of how they got the Prime Teal'c to join them, but that was an ability the Goa'uld possessed. And if they really did destroy Ra, then they were potent and powerful allies.

She nods, "I saw your marks and we actually followed then in."  She considers the Jaffa a moment.  He was being far too polite.  Clearly an intelligent Jaffa - maybe a spy?  "And you're here on this planet alone?  That's not... normal... for a Jaffa?"

She looks to Michael and nods, accepting his command despite his earlier lack of planning.

"Asterion is the name of the First One!" Kuruk replies excitedly to Travis, surprised that they had found a common ground.

"I do not know how long this... balance... has lasted... certainly back to the time of my grandsire. One of the Elders might know. There are tales that it wasn't always so, but those are just tales."

The false gods had tried to make it a name of shame, but Shor'zal had come to recognize it as a badge of honor. He'd also realized that the problem with the entire Goa'uld system was that slaves weren't very useful if they couldn't think, but if they could, then sooner or later one or more of them would realize the Goa'uld weren't truly gods at all.

If he seemed to stand a bit taller, it was those thoughts running through his head that made him do so, as he replied to Sarah.

"I am Shol'va! My brethren were hunting me when they shot down my death glider. It crashed near the gate and I fled through it. I seem to have misdialed in my haste, and wound up here."

"I do not know where this place is. I have never seen that control device before."


He knew that Apophis's First Prime, Teal'c, had become a shol'va, but he did not think that alone would impress the Tau'ri. After all, it was just a word.

Sarah took a moment to recall all she knew of Jaffa culture - it was still limited despite what SGC had learnt from Teal'c and yet.... "And you are proud to be a traitor?   What prompted your change of heart?"   Was this another breakthrough?  Or was her naturally pessimistic nature highlighting Shor'zal as a plant... correct?

"Loyalty is earned and deserved," Shor'zal replies. "I would be a traitor if the Goa'uld were the gods they claimed to be. They are not. They are false gods. They deserve no loyalty for their deception."

Having finally gotten a positive (or at least not negative) response from this Tau'ri woman, he felt it was the opening he needed.

"I do not know if gods are infallible, though they would seem to want you to believe that. The Goa'uld were petty and cruel, often performing unwise acts. They tried to condition us Jaffa into accepting that this was alright as long as it wasn't directed at us. Yet, for the smallest of transgressions, it was."

"They would want us not to feel, but we do--how else could we be loyal to them? When those feelings are put to the test, when a friend is horrifically tortured to death for a minor error, it is the Goa'uld who come up short."

"When we learned that Apophis's First Prime, Teal'c, became shol'va, most Jaffa were outraged. A few, however, wondered how this could be, though in our hearts I think we knew."

"It was also learned that it was the Tau'ri that destroyed Ra, not Apophis, as he claimed. If only one god could kill another, did that not make the Tau'ri godlike?"

"All these things convinced me that the Goa'uld were false gods, not gods at all, but parasites that preyed on Jaffa and humans. I had not even expressed these thoughts, yet the others knew. That is why they tried to kill me. They did not succeed. I have a warrior's heart, fueled now by freedom!"

"As Teal'c has done, I wish to give my services to the Tau'ri, to free my people, avenge the fallen, and bring down the false gods!"

After hearing Travis's translation, Michael quickly realized that his team was not in a position to broker any kind of peace treaty. Of course, Sarah thought she could do this if given a chance, but perhaps he was looking at the situation with a more jaundiced eye.

There seemed to be more going on here than just one group angry with another. Even if the minotaurs had done something so outrageously horrific to the villagers, he just could not see their reaction as being reasonable, especially to such an extreme.

He felt it would take weeks for someone to reach an understanding with the villagers, and even then he honestly believed that the instant the two species came in contact, the villagers would go berserk again.

He couldn't quite say why, but he felt this was like the Broca Divide incident with Colonel O'Neill.

He turned to Travis.

"Tell Kuruk that we wish to establish trade with his people. I do not know what we have that they might want, but perhaps knives, food, medicine, tents or domes... We have no intention of providing weapons, but then I don't think they would want them anyway."

"In return, we only desire knowledge... whatever they are able to provide. We'd like to study them, as well... learn their language, their culture, their customs, their history. It may not sound like much to him, but tell him we are seekers of knowledge."

"Also, give him my spare radio, and explain how it works. We will send a new team through in several days, perhaps longer, to work out the trade details... a chief talking with a chief."


He waited for Travis to relay all that to Kuruk, and then addressed all of them.

"It's time to head back to the gate. Tell Shor'zal and Alfrior that we will escort them to the gate if they wish."

"Sarah, explain to Shor'zal that he is welcome to return with us. Warn him, however, that he will be detained but treated with respect. I'm sure he understands that we don't quite trust Jaffa yet."

"Loyalty certainly is earned, Shor'zal."  She pauses, pursing her lips.  "And because of this I'm sure you'll understand when I say that your words, while well spoken, will need to prove their worth.  It would be remiss of us," she is clearly referring to the Tau'ri here, "to simply assume the truth in the face of the cunning shown by the system lords?"

She pauses to make sure he understands this before adding.  "If you wish, you may accompany us to the Chappa'ai where you will be detained to ensure that you represent no hidden threat to us.  As I said, the system lords are cunning and I would not put it past them to use your new change in attitude towards them - as a weapon against us."

She then turns to reticent woman and offers her the same option should she wish to accompany them to the gate.

Nodding then to Michael, "I've explained this - he seems honest, but you know as well as I do that he might still represent a threat."

In reply to Michael Galamore (msg # 113):

He turned to Travis.

"Tell Kuruk that we wish to establish trade with his people. I do not know what we have that they might want, but perhaps knives, food, medicine, tents or domes... We have no intention of providing weapons, but then I don't think they would want them anyway."

 He waited for Travis to relay all that to Kuruk, and then addressed all of them.

Fox "Sir for the radio to work they will need the earth dial code at the Star gate".

Fox turns back to Kuruk, "My commander seems to think we need to go back and report". "With his say so and so you can keep in contact if you wish to we will leave you a radio". "If you go to the star gate and dial in this sequence it will get earth, and you will be able to speak to us or some one will get a message to us."
"Do not try to cross to earth with out say so".
"You would not live through the encounter, I would like to leave you a gift from my self, it has been good to find some one out here among the stars, that speaks the Apache language, even if I do not understand why".

Fox hands Kuruk his Chris Cain survival tool


"We will get a team here to talk to the Mad ones and try to help settle that problem for you, and hopefully set a contact up between here and earth"

Fox bows, " I am sorry to leave so soon, but my commander has spoken his will, and I must obey".
"Would you show us the way to the gate".
"Please excuse me a moment."

Fox Steps over to the Jaffa.

"Jaffa I am sorry as yet I do not have the name to know you by".
"I am Master Sgt Travis Fox warrior of the Taur'i, please keep your weapon until we get to the gate." "Then I will have to ask for it's surrender until you are cleared by those in command.

He turns to the women, "the same will stand for you as well I am afraid."
"We are not trying to be rude or unpleasant just being careful"

This message was last edited by the player at 13:45, Mon 12 May 2014.

"I hadn't meant for them to contact us," the Major replied to Travis, "only that we had a way to contact them when a team returned. But, that was a good idea. If they have a problem and need help, they can contact us."

"It shows a certain amount of trust and good faith. Well done, Travis."

He waited until that was all said and done, but he kept casting glances at the blue-haired woman. He'd always liked small furry animals, and he was almost as fascinated by her little pet as he was by her.

I wonder what her world is like. Maybe I could get a pet like hers. Hahaha... wouldn't the General be surprised if I brought one back! Hope it's not like a Tribble.

"Okay, let's move out," he finally said, hoping that Kuruk would, indeed, lead them out.

After the exchanges were made, Kuruk agreed to lead them out of the labyrinth and to the gate. Whether it was intentional or not, Kuruk leads them out a different way, though it does seem like a shorter trip to the gate.

There are no signs of the ice villagers, but everyone can't help noting that there is more smoke coming from ice castle. Of course, they have no way of knowing what that means, but it does seem ominous.

Not wanting to leave Alfrior here by herself in case the angry villagers did show up, Michael offered to let her use the gate first.

She refuses, and Sarah is able to determine that she doesn't trust the SG-X2 team, including the Jaffa, so she doesn't want them to know her home planet's address.

After pondering the situation for a minute, Michael suggests that SG-X2 goes through the gate, he'll stay here with Alfior to protect her, and then he'll go through with her... to study her world.

Nobody actually seems happy with this, but a better solution doesn't present itself.

So the gate is dialed, the code transmitted, and Travis, Sarah, and Shor'zal go through the gate. At the last moment before it closed, Michael transmits his request for an extended leave of absence and his reasons and intentions. As planned, there isn't time for General Hammond to protest, deny his request or attempt to talk him out of it.

Once the gate closes, Michael turns his back on the gate and DHD while Alfrior dials her homeworld. Then he joins her and they both step through.

The gate once again closes on a bleak, desolate, snow-covered and mostly silent landscape.

Fox before they go "Sir what do you wish said to command"

Also Fox holds his hand out for the Jaffa's staff weapon
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Tue 13 May 2014.

Before Travis goes through the gate, though, Michael says, "There's nothing you can say to command," Michael replies to Travis, "that I won't communicate over the radio when the gate is open. It's been an honor serving with you, Sergeant. Maybe we'll get a chance again sometime."

Then he says to Sarah, "Even if we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, it's been a pleasure serving with you, Ms. Morgan. Who knows... our paths may cross again."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Tue 13 May 2014.

Upon reaching the gate, Shor'zal hands his staff weapon over to Travis.

Travis would be the one to go through first, then Shor'zal, and then Sarah. With the SGC notified of an incoming Jaffa, they'll have guards ready in the gate room, and Travis has already seen how trigger-happy Sarah is with Jaffa. Plus Michael is still there.

Fox salutes
"The honour is mine sir, walk safely and remember to come home when all is done, there are few enough good field officers"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Tue 13 May 2014.

 Fox bows slightly as he takes the weapon.
"I think that once Command is satisfied you will get this back Shor'zal. Certainly Teal'c carries his in combat need".
"It is more I would not want you shot for no reason before you have a chance to have your say.
Is there any thing else you are carrying that I need to know about and have given me"?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Tue 13 May 2014.

Yet again, Travis interrupted her, this time interrupting her conversation with the Jaffar.  A pity really as she had been getting to the nitty gritty of the conversation and it had allowed Shor'zal to avoid answering her.

With her progress destroyed and Travis inept (And dare I say bluntly rude) blundering noted for her report, she quietly followed the group back to the gate, wondered in passing about what secrets might be hidden by the 'modified' DHD, and is then stopped by Michael's choice to remain behind.   The choice is shocking one and she is yet again flummoxed by the men in her team who seem to insist on destroying any semblance of team cohesion.  It is however his choice and despite all that has happened, he is still their commander, "Best of luck, Michael."

With that said and unwilling to let things drag on, she stepped through the stargate to returned home.

[To SGC: Gate Room]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Wed 14 May 2014.