Getting to Know You, by Seanchaidh (PG)

[sg-fignewton.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Daniel Jackson

Pairing: None
Category:  Daniel Jackson, gen, episode related, angst, team, Daniel/Jack friendship
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: seanchaidh
Author's Website: Seanchaidh
Link to Story: Getting to Know You, which includes additional series

Why This Must Be Read: Seanchaidh takes us through the edges of the first two episodes of S1, giving us a glimpse at Daniel's struggles with this new life and providing us with rich details into the making of SG-1.

From that first breakfast in Jack's house on a cold Colorado morning to the revelation of Teal'c's direct involvement in Sha're's implantation to the first tentative bonding with Captain-Doctor Sam Carter, we're treated to Daniel's POV of the various goings-on and his reaction to settling into the SGC. Some empty corners on canon are filled in very nicely, and it's fun to watch the first steps towards friendship among the team. Canon events and Seanchaidh's own tags are woven together seamlessly, leaving us with a very satisfying and polished whole.

The three part story of Getting to Know You is actually the first of several series, which sadly remain unfinished. Check out the link to read and enjoy the other stories, too... and how about dropping Seanchaidh a note and asking her to finish the rest? :)

"Thanks for coming, Daniel," Jack said, looking very grateful. In hindsight, I think he was relieved to have another non-hostile presence in the room. Besides Hammond, we were joined by three decidedly uneasy soldiers with nasty-looking weapons. Two were by the door, and the third was out of Teal'c's line of sight by positioning himself behind them. Directly in front of me, which was most encouraging.

"No problem." I sat in the same chair as the last time, clasping my hands in front of me. I'd thought that I was across from my friend. Not quite, I was off by one chair. I looked up to find that I was directly facing Teal'c.

His dark eyes were fixed on me, studying me in an attempt to gauge my reaction to him. The man seemed pretty impassive, but I thought I saw something like uncertainty in his eyes. As though he were nervous over whether he'd made the right choice in helping us. I tried to smile, thinking that it might put him at ease. I didn't quite get one in return, but he inclined his head in my direction.

Jack seemed pleased with this bit. I could see it in his smile as he started to introduce us. "Daniel, you remember Teal'c. Teal'c, this is Daniel Jackson. You remember him from Chulak, right?"

"He who was struck down by Apophis," Teal'c acknowledged. I found myself rubbing the tender spot at the back of my skull. My fingers found it before I could stop them, but my attention was pulled away when Teal'c frowned. "Do you not have a title, as does O'Neill and General Hammond?"

Ah, interesting question. I shook my head slightly. "Not quite. They're in the military, which is basically in service to our country. I'm a civilian. My title is 'doctor.'"

"You are a healer?" he questioned.

"No, no..." I flinched in memory of biology classes long past. "I'm a scholar. A..." I searched for words he might understand. What was it again that Kasuf said I was? "I guess I'd be a scribe of sorts. A thupar?"

He nodded in understanding, but somehow I had the feeling he still wasn't too sure about me. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the only "civilians" he dealt with, other than the family I assumed he had, were the other prisoners. People who likely were as my people once were on Abydos. Slaves.

Hammond cleared his throat. "If it's all right with you, gentlemen, I'd like to begin the debrief."

Teal'c and I nodded, but Jack had to get in the final word. He made it sound like he and Teal'c, at least, were here voluntarily. "Yeah, sure, we might as well."

"How kind of you." There was a distinct wry tone in the General's voice. I think he was getting used to Jack's humor. "Teal'c, I appreciate the difficulty that your decision has undoubtedly caused you. I know from our encounter in the..." Hammond looked at a loss as he glanced at the large room where the Stargate was housed.

"Embarkation room?" I offered, ever helpful. Technical, but it sounded good to me.

I was rewarded with an appreciative nod. "Yes, the embarkation room. I know from our first encounter that you were a soldier for your master, Apophis, and undoubtedly a loyal one at that. Your decision to return with Colonel O'Neill wasn't an easy one. However, you have to realize that you and your people are the first we've encountered who aren't from our planet."

"I am aware of this fact," Teal'c said, giving another slight nod. "As I have said, any information about the Goa'uld and the Jaffa that I may be able to provide is available to you, General Hammond. I only wish to assist, not harm."

"Thank you." The idea seemed to slightly throw Hammond for a loop. This must have been a novelty, the notion of a willing enemy informant. The question was whether it would be taken at face value. Hammond seemed to have his reservations. Jack certainly didn't. "For starters, Teal'c, why don't you tell us about how you served the Goa'uld. What was your position?"

"I am a Jaffa. My people serve as soldiers and slaves for the Gods," he began. There was a very tangible disgust in his words. The way he said, it sounded like this wasn't a sentiment he could vent very often. "My position in the court of Apophis was as hut ha-ti."

Cue to the linguist. Both Jack and Hammond looked my way. I sat, frowning for a moment as my mind pieced together the English equivalent. "Um... the closest translation I can think of is 'First Prime.'"

"First Prime?" Jack shook his head and snorted. "I'm going to guess that subtlety isn't a quality the Goa'uld particularly value, huh?"

"It is not," came Teal'c's grave nod. "They also do not value humor. There is much they do not appreciate."