LOTR meets Stargate

[Takhesis]

At O'Neill's glance at them after the inspection of the bird, Carter merely raised one shoulder in a shrug to indicate that she was at a loss. Poisonous maybe? We don't know the wildlife...

 

A second idea occurred to her, a rather silly idea and with a slight gleam in her eyes, she beckoned O'Neill closer. Then, when he got closer, she whispered;

 

"Maybe its like Santa's Robins, except with an evil twist."

 

---

 

 

Daniel had drawn a blank on the name of Mahal - though he wasn't going to give up considering it, especially given the obvious reverence that the Dwarves gave that name. So changing his train of thought, he turned his attention to the dead bird and Jack's underwhelmed confusion.

 

Seeing the fried bird - Daniel couldn't see why the natives had been so concerned - it did look rather unthreatening, if slightly larger than most Earth birds.

 

Daniel, from his position near Sam, heard her suggestion and started contemplating the possibility. It wasn't as far-fetched as it sounded, pigeons had been used to carry messages during the World Wars. Though it required breeding to get the more docile versions that would respond to training.... and looking at the dead bird he didn't think they'd be as 'domesticated' as pigeons to start with.

 

 

[No worries about the net-less state. I just had a silly picture in my head when I wrote Carter's part....and I couldn't unsee it]

[Starphyre77]

“Santa’s…what?” Jack asked but then added, “Ah never mind, I think I get it.” He turned to Brod and asked, “Messenger for Sauron?”

 

“Aye,” Brod replied, “messenger, scout, whatever else the Enemy chooses. We are fortunate there was just the one for Crebain usually travel in flocks.”

 

“So…now what?” Jack asked.

 

“I do not know,” Brod answered. “The Enemy will either know we have killed this one, or he will assume it has not yet located us…” He paused for a moment of thought. “Which it will be, I cannot begin to guess. I do not presume to know the Enemy’s mind.” He looked to Galadriel and said, “I have heard, Lady, that you encountered the Enemy in his guise as Annatar. Is this true? Have you seen the Enemy’s mind? Can you form a guess?”

 

[Takhesis]

Carter bit back her smirk at confusing O'Neill with a kid's tale, I'm so going to pay for that later.... then turned her full attention to the rest of the gathered 'representatives'.

 

 

Galadriel, at Brod's prompting, confirmed the rumour:

"It is true that I encountered Annatar. As for seeing His mind - it is not something I would wish to relive. However, I can make an educated guess."

 

She glanced at the crebain, as she voiced her opinion. "We have brought time. He will not be expecting any of his spies to encounter the group so soon after the initial combat. The crebain have a large range under their wing, so the bought time will be shorter rather than longer."

 

 

Carter started wondering how someone could see into another's mind - assuming they were talking literally rather then figuratively. And from Galadriel's controlled reaction, it looked like the literal option was more likely....

[Starphyre77]

While Brod pondered Galadriel’s answer, Alex looked a little uncomfortable as he wrote “Telepathy?” in the notepad. He had known that there were other races, like the Jaffa, who had enhanced abilities but for some reason telepathy had never even occurred to him. Now that they were seemingly faced with it, he didn’t exactly like the prospect of his mind being read. However, didn’t want to cause any problems, so he wasn’t going to say anything about it just yet.

 

Jack, on the other hand, balked at the thought of having his mind read without his permission and true to form, he was not about to remain silent about it. Turning to Galadriel, his tone was just shy of accusing as he asked, “So…you’ve been reading our minds this whole time?”

 

[Takhesis]

Carter was jolted out of her musings by the Colonel's tone. And she mentally cursed herself for not paying attention - it was obvious that the colonel was going to react badly to that statement.

 

She only hoped that Daniel would be able to smooth things over if the native's got offended by it...

 

---

 

Lady Galadriel's escort seemed to take more affront by the slight tone of challenge than Galadriel did. Though her calmness did somewhat mollify them.

At least that was the impression given by their expressions.

 

"Reading minds? No. Reading postures, interactions and the surroundings - and making judgements based on those impressions? Yes."

 

----

 

Daniel looked between Jack and Galadriel while they spoke - wondering if he should intervene - but chose to keep silent for now, unless the other native 'factions' were to react badly...

[Starphyre77]

((Been trying to write a post but I’ve no clue how Jack should react here… Sorry to have to ask, but do you have any suggestions, ideas, or heck even preferences? ))

[Takhesis]

[No preference in particular...

 

canon Jack is very paranoid, so its unlikely he'll believe Galadriel, but he also trusts his team. So if any member of his team tells him to calm down - he probably will, though if its Daniel and things turn bad he won't let Danny forget it.

 

He respects Teal'c's instincts, so if T intervened he'd back down with less of a fuss...

 

Not sure how he'd react if it was Carter however.... since she's technically still his subordinate...

 

The only thing I can think of as unlikely is Alex speaking up in response - he'd probably think of himself as too new (though since he is your character I could be wrong)]

[Starphyre77]

((Yeah, Alex’s was the only response I did have an idea for and you nailed it. Also, Teal’c, to me, seems like he’d need more evidence before he’d speak up. Methinks we may need Daniel or Sam to take a swing at it. ))

 

Brod watched the exchange between Jack and Galadriel with uncertainty. It was clear that Jack was unhappy about the thought of having his mind read, and Galadriel said she wasn’t able to do so which should have comforted Jack but it didn’t…Nor did it hold with what Brod had heard about the Lady. But...‘tis said she can peer into the minds of others, He thought but of course, he wasn’t about to mention that with Jack still regarding the Lady with suspicion. Perhaps I have heard wrong…?

 

Jack was not happy with this turn of events… Galadriel said that she had ‘seen’ Sauron’s mind when Brod had asked if she had ‘seen’ his mind. To Jack, that was enough to let him know that telepathy was involved – despite Galadriel’s explanation – and he felt that they should have been informed of it right away. Ignoring her guards, Jack didn’t alter his expression or tone as he started to say, “I-”

 

((Is it okay to cut off what Jack was saying as though he was interrupted?))

 

[Takhesis]

[That's fine - I bet Jack's used to being interrupted by Daniel, especially when it comes to interacting with the natives. ]

 

It seemed that Jack wasn't going to take Galadriel's word for it. And it looked like he was going to kick up a fuss, and Daniel didn't think that was a good idea, considering they were technically surrounded.

 

"Jack." Daniel cut across what ever complaint his military friend was going to make. "I really don't think its wise to push the subject." His eyes flicked to Sam, hopefully indicating to Jack why he thought that.

 

 

Carter didn't miss the glance, and after a split second of contemplation turned her attention to Jack as well.

 

"He's right, you know. We are on borrowed time as it is..." While her tone was soft, it still carried the weight of a decision made. Her eyes, at least, told the truth. She didn't like the idea of her mind being read either, but if they were being hunted they needed some allies - or at least some information before creating any rifts.

 

While she would, as always, back O'Neill up if he did decide otherwise, Carter was hoping that he wouldn't force the issue. Especially as, for some reason, she was still considered the 'boss' of the group by the natives. That would be some wake-up call....

 

 

[lol the science 'twins' are ganging up on Jack ]

[Starphyre77]

For a moment, Jack’s expression still didn’t change as he looked at Daniel but at Daniel’s words, he gave the archeologist a look that said how little he cared about being ‘wise’. However, Carter’s comment had Jack giving an exasperated look as he said, “For the record, I knew staying was a bad idea. You deal with this,” he said to Daniel as he sat down.

 

Brod was a little alarmed and more than a little confused by what he was seeing. Looking from the seated and upset warrior to the diplomat to the leader and then back to the warrior, Brod said, “Please Colonel Jack O’Neill, put your mind at ease. What cause would the Lady have for deception?”

 

Jack gave a little scoff before sarcastically answering, “Oh…I can think of several…”

Edited April 5, 2015 by starphyre77

[Takhesis]

[Heh. Confusion is always a good companion to SG-1.

 

Poor Daniel, he's getting abused by Sam's foot. ]

 

When O'Neill retook his seat, Carter offered him a small smile of thanks. Though she wasn't really sure whether she was thanking him for not making a larger fuss or for not directly calling her out on not correcting the misconceptions earlier.

 

She did, however, give Daniel another gentle nudge with her foot to stop him making any more comments to Jack about his outburst.

 

--

 

Daniel refocused on the natives, this was what his presence on the team was for - the diplomatic side that the military personnel often overlooked. Well, that and his knack for linguistics.

 

"Please forgive the reaction, we tend to place a high value on privacy and the idea of personal space being invaded - whether intentional or accidental - produces an uncomfortable scenario. Abilities such as telepathy would be highly regulated among us to preserve personal space."

 

Daniel was carefully avoiding mentioning true telepathy didn't exist among the general populace, simply because he wasn't certain that the Lady was telepathic or just highly observant. Then again, he wouldn't be surprised if telepathy did exist in some form - he only had to think of the way Sam and Jack could 'read' each other...

 

[Am assuming Daniel's little speech is after Jack's sarcasm to Brod's question.]

[Starphyre77]

“Right then,” Brod said and then he raised his voice to be heard farther from the fire as he ordered, “No one is to use telepathy on the Tau’ri.”

 

“You have no idea what telepathy is, do you?” Jack asked.

 

Brod took a deep breath as though preparing to explain but then simply said, “No.”

 

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose as he said, “How can you order someone not to do something when you don’t even know what you’re talking about?”

 

“Well, if any of my men have this ability they now know not to use it on you.”

 

“If I may,” Alex surprised himself by interjecting, “While I follow your reasoning, one concern is that you may have a different name for telepathy.” At Brod’s ‘fair enough’ nod, he continued, “Telepathy is the ability to peer into the minds of others and to hear even the thoughts that they didn’t want to speak.”

 

“Ah, I see now,” Brod said. “You need not fear that from my men for Dwarves do not have this ability… Not even Durin did.”

 

“And what about the Lady,” Jack asked.

 

“I cannot speak for any but my men,” Brod answered hoping the Tau’ri wouldn’t realize that he was being deliberately evasive. He could tell this was a touchy subject for them and didn’t want to make matters worse. Of course, he could not, in good conscience, speak untruths if he had no choice but to answer, so he was hoping that Galadriel would clear things up.

 

[Takhesis]

[at least Jack isn't making too much of a scene Even if he can't keep his mouth shut ]

 

Carter held her own reaction in check, she didn't think the Colonel was helping, but he wasn't necessarily making things worse. She was going to let the diplomats' take care of this situation. But that didn't mean she was going to daydream, she was going to observe carefully.

 

Daniel did notice Brod's careful phrasing and he did appreciate Alex's input during the conversation. It made it easier if more than one was making an effort to understand the natives. He did mentally sigh at Jack's pointed words referring to the Lady that was seated practically opposite them.

 

Not that she seemed put out by it.

 

--

 

Galadriel spoke up,

 

"Telepathy, by the description you have given, is a very rare ability. It has only been known to be used by the Valar themselves. Lesser abilities do exist among certain bloodlines, but not to the extent that you seem to fear so."

 

 

[Starphyre77]

Jack looked at Galadriel with a mix of suspicion and uncertainty but then turned to Daniel as he raised his brows in a questioning look.

 

Even though Alex was extremely curious about these ‘Valar’ that kept coming up, he pushed that curiosity aside in order to deal with the more immediate issue. “Empathy maybe?” he asked but then looked to Galadriel and Brod as he explained, “That is an ability limited to just sensing or feeling what others are feeling.”

 

At Alex’s words, Brod shook his as he said, “That is also an ability that no Dwarf has.” While this empathy sounded to him like it would be less of a concern, he still wasn't going to say whether or not the Lady had the ability; partially because he didn't want to cause the Tau’ri to become upset, but mainly because he simply didn't know what the truth was…He only knew the legends.

Edited April 21, 2015 by starphyre77

[Takhesis]

Galadriel inclined her head at Alex;

 

"Empathy would be a better descriptor of the ability I possess."

 

She paused to allow SG-1 their say.

 

 

 

Carter even though she didn't outwardly show it, wondered if the Lady had already picked up on her inadvertent deception. She wasn't the leader of SG-1, and she was out of her depth - again. Its not that she thought she was incapable of command - she just wasn't prepared for it this time round.

[Starphyre77]

Alex couldn’t help but feel pleased by Galadriel’s acknowledgment, but then the realization that she could sense what he was feeling had him looking down to his notebook to try to hide his embarrassment. Well this could get awkward, he thought as he silently berated himself for acting like a school boy facing a crush.

 

Jack, oblivious to Alex’s discomfort, quirked a brow at Galadriel’s confirmation and then found himself looking to Teal’c as he wondered if she could also sense the Jaffa’s well controlled, or perhaps well masked, emotions. Sweeping his gaze over the rest of his team, he looked back to Galadriel. “I’m… not sure how I feel about that…” he said but then added, “No pun intended.”

 

Brod was watching in silence, but there were several questions running through his mind: Why would they be bothered by this empathy? Why would they be bothered by telepathy if the Valar had the ability, and they were sent by the Valar? Is it possible they were not sent by the Valar? …But they have already established that they were… Rubbing his forehead in frustration, he sat back down and crossed his arms as he once again tried to figure out just what these Tau’ri were about.

 

[Takhesis]

(poor Alex....)

 

The Lady Galadriel, unlike Jack, did notice Alex's discomfort. Choosing not to embarrass him further, Galadriel returned her attentions to the one that had originally expressed concerns about mind-reading abilities.

 

"I will endeavour not to invade any privacy with my ability. Though I am sure you all have questions, perhaps it may be time to check on how the treatment is faring?"

 

The dark green paste on Carter's arm had dried, and the edges had turned scaly. So it may be time to see if it would flake off and check on whether the poison tendrils had retreated enough...

[Starphyre77]

((Well… a little embarrassment never hurt anyone, right? ))

 

As Galadriel spoke, Jack gave a sort of ‘thanks’ nod but then raised a brow at the mention of checking on Carter’s wound. “Already?” he asked slightly surprised.

 

Jack wasn’t the only one surprised by the time frame. Alex raised both brows as he wrote, “Fast acting antidote?” on his notebook. Meanwhile, Teal’c’s raised brow was the only indication that he too was surprised but then he was still surprised that there even was a treatment for the Morgul poison.

 

To Brod, on the other hand, the time frame for treatment was expected and he stood up once again and ordered more water to be heated. “I cannot fathom King’s Foil in the hands of the Lady failing to heal, but it does not do to assume anything in these dark days.” He looked from Carter to Galadriel as he added, “Will you be needing privacy once more?”

Edited May 11, 2015 by starphyre77

[Starphyre77]

----Cut-scene----

At the stone circle, it was known that the area wasn’t able to be held with the numbers they had left but some scouts were left behind – hidden – to keep an eye on things. Sometime during the night, the area was overrun with Orcs and at least two Trolls. The watchers slipped away quietly and hastened back to the Dwarven encampment where they reported what they’d seen to Garik.

 

The Dwarven commander’s wound had been cleansed and bandaged and though he was following the healer’s order to stay abed, he was sitting up and still directing his company. After hearing the scouts’ report, Garik sat in silent thought for a moment before giving a heavy sigh. “So, the enemy is diverting unexpected forces to this structure,” he said to those assembled. “We have to assume he also wants the strangers.” He gave a slight frown as he thought about Brod’s last message, “but he may not yet know where they are.” He fell silent for in a quiet moment of thought, “Nar, take three quarters of our able-bodied men and join Brod.” He motioned for a map on which he then traced two lines, “If you take this route, you should meet up somewhere around here.”

 

He looked to a helmed Dwarf standing at the back of the tent and said, “You go with them,” to which the other nodded. “You know he will not be happy,” Garik stated which only garnered another nod so he turned back to Nar and said, “Those who remain will break camp and we will relocate to reinforce the outpost of Men.” That statement received a few surprised though thoughtful looks, but Garik simply said, “Best be about orders; time is of the essence.”

 

Once he was alone, Garik allowed himself to wonder what the Enemy was playing at and what these strangers had to do with it, and not for the first time he cursed his wound and Orcs on the whole. “I should be there with the strangers; not here,” he muttered under his breath as he heard Nar shouting out orders but he knew he didn’t have the luxury of wallowing in self-pity. Managing to, for the most part, control his grimace of pain, Garik stood up and calmly exited the tent as well. Ignoring the stern look the healer gave him, Garik starting shouting his own orders to the men who were staying…It had been a long day and was looking to be a long night.