Jack O'Neill did not like to be kept waiting. He, Teal'c and Carter were standing right in front of the event-horizon. All that was missing was Daniel. They were scheduled for a diplomatic mission as independent mediators between two warring factions. And neither side liked to be kept waiting. Finally, just before the Colonel was to signal to shut down the gate, Dr Jackson dashed into the gate room.
"Sorry I'm late but I made a massive break through on my translation of the artifacts from P3X-697." He jogged up the ramp to stand next to the Colonel who was looking daggers at him. From above them Hammond's voice boomed down,
"SG-1 you are finally good to go." The team began walking towards the gate O'Neill berating Daniel.
"You know that tablet waited 4000 years to be translated by you-it can wait a couple of hours."
"I know Jack, but it's like a good book-you can't put it down."
"Daniel…you really know how to have a good time." They stepped through the gate together.
Across the vastness of space the dematerialized molecules of SG-1 shot through the void. The chance of anything happening was millions to one. But as was usually the case something did. At the precise moment SG-1 passed, an ancient star imploded down into a black hole. The massive gravity well acted like a magnet. The wormhole veered sharply away in the opposite direction to the original route…
SG-1 stepped through the gate and were pleasantly surprised. Instead of a grey command bunker described by SG-3 they stood in a sunny wood with shafts of light cutting through the dense foliage. In the distance they could here the sound of running water and children's laughter. It would have been the perfect image…apart from the smoke coming from the DHD. Whilst the others were taking in the sights Major Carter was down on her knees taking the front off the dialing device. As the panel came off a horrible smell floated out and Sam's face fell.
"Erm, sir I'm not sure if we'll be getting home any time soon. The control crystals are completed fried." Jack's face was concerned as he peered into the cavity in the DHD.
"This may be an obvious question, but where, why and how did this happen?"
"I really don't know sir but I must admit I don't think we're on P3X-688." Her head disappeared into the DHD. Daniel was looking.
"I would guess that this is a fairly primitive planet. They obviously don't know what the Stargate is," he indicated the various pots and sculptures; "the symbols and writing are like nothing I've ever seen before. I'd love to study these and meet the people."
"I think you might get that chance Daniel. There is no way we can get that DHD to work…ever again." Carter's head reappeared from the DHD.
"What about manual dialing?" Jack asked.
"Not enough power sir-we'd need a naquada generator to do that."
"Right we just wait here. When we don't call back, Hammond will come calling and we can get them to send us a generator." Colonel said confidently. Daniel shook his head.
"Jack, remember this isn't P3X-688. General Hammond won't know where we are. We've got assume that there won't be any help coming through the gate." Carter nodded in agreement. Jack swore loudly. However, any further conversation was curtailed by Teal'c announcement,
"Some one approaches on horseback." He nodded in the direction of the cart track. Indeed the sound of a horse's hooves was heard in the distance. O'Neill and Carter raised their P-90s towards the noise and Teal'c crouched down, his staff weapon raised. The sound got louder and soon a large brown horse rounded the corner. On its back was a tall blonde man sitting regally and confidently. His clothes were of a fine cut made of silk and leather and lined with fur. On his back they could see a massive viking-like shield and the hilt of a sword was visible. When he spoke he displayed a curiously broad Yorkshire accent.
"Greetings, we are all friends in this fair land, you have no reason to fear me!"
"Well it never hurts to be careful. Name's Colonel Jack O'Neill and this is Major Samantha Carter, Dr Daniel Jackson and this is Teal'c."
"I am Boromir, son of Denethor of the realm of Gondor. Have you answered the call of Elrond for the great council?" Daniel started his usual role as diplomat.
"No, we just arrived through the Stargate but it seems to be broken. Who's this Elrond guy? Do you reckon he could help" Boromir laughed loudly, although whether it was due to their claim of coming through the Stargate or the fact they did not know who Elrond was SG-1 couldn't tell.
"That is merely a ring of stone, not a gate to the heavens! But if you speak the truth then it is certainly to Elrond you wish to speak. He is more knowledgeable in these matters than I. Come; walk with me, his house is not far." Boromir nodded towards some distant roves. Sam, Daniel and Teal'c looked towards Jack who nodded. They fell in behind Boromir. Daniel walked along side the horse conversing with the man from Gondor.
"So do you have any idea why this Elrond called a council?" Boromir's face darkened.
"It is surely to decide what is to be done about the enemy's growing strength. I am here on behalf of my father the steward of Gondor to hear what the free people decide to do." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Some say that the weapon of the enemy has been found at last. If so it must be returned to Gondor and we will watch our foes scatter in dismay as their own weapon is turned upon them!" He grinned broadly. Jack groaned.
"We came to end a war and instead find out we're about to see the start of one. Great." Carter was interested.
"Weapon? What kind of weapon?" Boromir laughed again.
"Surely you have heard of the legend of the Ring of Power? But then again, you are strangely garbed. What nation do you hail from?"
"We come from the planet Earth." Daniel answered.
"As do we all," Boromir answered, "but from what country do you hail. Whom do you serve?" Jack grinned.
"We come from America and I guess you could say we serve General Hammond." Boromir nodded but the Colonel had obviously confused him. They rounded a bend in the road and were presented with one of the most beautiful sights SG-1 had ever seen. The mansion sprawled over two sides of the mountain. The buildings were made of a white wood and flowed seamlessly from curve to wave across the buildings. All the rooms were open to the elements and Daniel caught exciting glimpses of beautiful murals and statues. Boromir dismounted and simply let his horse wander off explaining that he would be cared for.
Approaching a porch even Jack was impressed by the décor. On the balcony several people were sitting or standing. In the corner 4 curly haired children sat on benches with the back to SG-1. On the opposite side on a couch lay a tall dark man. His clothes were not fine like Boromir's but dark, cheap and functional as well as well worn. He watched the company with interest. In the center two figures were in deep conversation. One was obviously a very old man. He was stooped over and his face lined and haggard. He was clothed in what looked like grey sacking and pretty dirty sacking at that. But the most obvious aspect of his appearance was the massive grey beard reaching nearly down to his waist. The other figure was apparently much younger; about 40 Jack estimated and dressed in rich grey clothes. He stared towards the newcomers and his eyes displayed a knowing beyond his years. Boromir bowed slightly towards the figures.
"Greetings Lord Elrond and good tidings to you Mithrandir. I come as a representative of Gondor and my father the Steward." They bowed in response.
"Welcome to my home Boromir. Any son of Gondor is always welcome in Rivendell. And who are your companions?" Jack stepped forward.
"Howdy folks, Colonel Jack O'Neill of SG-1. This is Major Carter, Dr Jackson and Teal'c."
"They come from the far land of America," Boromir explained; "from the court of King General Hammond." Daniel stepped forward.
"Yeah, erm do you think we could have a word. In private. I think you might want to hear what we have got to say."
Well? What do you think? Please review!