When Daniel arrived home, he did a few more hours of translations, trying to delay the inevitable. At around midnight he attempted sleep, hoping the smell of Annika in their bed would delude his senses into thinking she was there. At two in the morning he was still staring up at the ceiling. He flicked on the TV, hoping the drivel of the late night programs would numb his mind enough to make him drift off. After another hour Daniel gave up and continued with some more translations. When the clock announced it was eight o’clock Daniel rapped on Joyce’s door and arranged for her to look after Hathor and Thor for a few days. It was an agreement they'd had set up for some months now and the elderly lady was always eager to help out. He was hoping that Annika's fever would break today and his neighbor's dog-sitting wouldn't be necessary, however, he liked to plan for every contingency. By the end of the day if her fever remained high, he'd be pushing forty hours with no sleep and it would be reckless for him to drive.

By eight thirty he was back on base. If he was lucky he may nod off for a couple of hours. If he wasn't, he figured his time would be better spent working, and the work on base was more important than anything he took home. Nobody thought anything of it. Daniel being on base during his day off wasn't unusual, although the occurrence rate had dropped significantly since Annika had come into his life. He checked on his wife's condition every couple of hours but aside from that, he was able to distract himself enough to lose himself in his work and managed to make significant headway into the backlog that had the tendency to continually pile up.

Early in the afternoon Daniel caught a glimpse of himself in the bathroom mirror. He'd pulled all-nighters so many times in the past that he'd lost count, so it wasn't his drawn face and gritty eyes that made him wince. It was the knowledge that he was going to look a hell of a lot worse if things continued as they were. Annika's fever had spiked a little, nothing serious Janet had assured him, yet there was no sign of it dropping either. He was bracing himself for another night of no sleep. He soaked a washcloth in hot water and pressed it to his face, forcing some color, no matter how temporary, to his skin. Then he fished a small bottle of eye drops from his pocket and squirted a couple of drops in each eye. A few blinks and the telltale redness faded somewhat. There, now he only looked tired rather than exhausted.

The little ritual was done so that none of his friends would worry about him. It was a ridiculous situation, one that with luck would be over in a few hours. He could hold out for that long. Right? Right.

The sudden wailing of the klaxons interrupted his mini pep talk. Autopilot had him heading for level twenty-eight, though his reflexes must have slowed down, for by the time he reached the control room, two familiar figures were already in discussion with Teal'c halfway down the ramp. Teal'c must have just been heading for a workout in the gym because he was dressed in casual sweats and was holding a wooden training staff by his side. Daniel saw Keelah hovering by the blast door and went down to join her. Since she was also wearing sweats, he guessed correctly that Teal'c had been intending to show her some self-defense moves. His friend had mentioned the theory that if Keelah could defend herself physically, then she would gain confidence in standing up for herself.

Keelah's ready smile faltered when he drew near. "Daniel, are you alright? You look exhausted."

So much for the eye drops and hot towel fooling anyone, he thought wryly. Out loud he replied, "I just don't sleep well anymore without Annika beside me." He changed the subject. "What's going on?"

"I'm unsure. After they greeted each other they switched languages."

Boy, I must be tired. Daniel gave his head a small shake. He hadn't even registered the trio were speaking their native tongue; his brain had automatically translated the bits of conversation he was hearing. He listened until he caught the general gist of what was being discussed and explained it for Keelah's benefit. "There's some unrest in the Free Jaffa camp."

"Is it serious?" she asked softly.

"Not sure yet," he replied, unabashedly eavesdropping. Ishta's clan had joined with the Free Jaffa only recently after the location of their camp had been discovered by Jaffa loyal to the Goa'uld Moloc. This was the first they had heard that their integration was not going smoothly.

"Who is the woman?" Keelah had met Teal'c's former mentor briefly a couple of weeks prior, but the tall willowy blonde warrior she'd never seen before. From the way the woman had greeted Teal'c it was obvious they shared a history together. Her hand had lingered just a fraction longer than necessary on Teal'c's as they had clasped both hands together in a ritual welcome. It spoke of a romantic history. Keelah wondered at the angry little flip flop her stomach gave at the thought.

"Ishta," Daniel responded absently, still concentrating on what was turning into a heated debate between the two Jaffa leaders. "She's the leader of a female clan of warriors."

"So that is Ishta."

"Teal'c told you of their...er...involvement?"

She gave a single nod. "They make a striking couple."

"Their different beliefs on how the rebellion should progress irrevocably intruded into their personal relationship." Daniel frowned, not at Keelah's pensive silence, but because he was positive he'd misunderstood that last part even if the sudden hardening tone from Teal'c was unmistakable. "Well, that's unexpected," he murmured.

"What?"

Her question was drowned out by Teal'c thumping his staff loudly on the concrete floor.

Ishta's weren't the only eyes that widened in shock. Bra'tac recovered quickly, though his eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced over at Daniel and Keelah then warily darted back to his former pupil. The Marines on guard in the 'gate room shifted uneasily. The Jaffa visitors were allies, yet they knew a challenge when it was issued. All wondered if they were about to engage in a fight.

Teal'c greeted his warrior kin warmly, though he immediately picked up on the tension in their stride. "What is amiss?"

Ishta didn't beat around the bush. "The Jaffa are treating my warriors as if they are nursemaids."

"The Jaffa have been raised with generations of tradition," Bra'tac used the tone of someone who had repeated this argument many times before. "They are having difficulty reconciling your warriors with the way they have been taught mates should behave."

"If we had adhered to tradition then all of my warriors would be dead under the knife of Moloc," she hissed. "And they are nobody's 'mates'. Their coitus is not a sign of desired matrimony. Just a way to wile away a restless night."

"For you perhaps, but not for all of your people," Bra'tac contradicted. "I have heard of at least four of your maidens discussing courtship with the intent of marriage."

Ishta dismissed the claim as irrelevant. "Your Jaffa's coddling is forcing my people to take extra risks to prove their battle worth, putting them in needless danger."

"Is there truth to this?" Teal'c raised an eyebrow.

"The coddling Ishta refers to is being charged with ensuring the Jaffa families are safe." Bra'tac kept his face impassive.

"Do you not believe the protection of the untrained loved ones, who are an easy target for the Goa'uld, is an honorable task?" Teal'c asked Ishta. "A task that demands great trust from the Jaffa that you can defend them from any hostiles?"

"Of course it is an honorable task," Ishta scowled. "And we would fight to the death. However, it would seem less like babysitting if the duty were assigned to both sexes of warrior."

"Perhaps we should continue this discussion in the briefing room," Teal'c suggested. He knew that many of the personnel had learnt some of his native language and he didn't want to air the disagreement of the Jaffa any further out in the open.

He received curt nods and they began the final descent from the ramp in a strained silence.

Ishta did her best to conceal a stab of disappointment that Teal'c wasn't giving her the immediate support she'd been so sure of receiving. She had the irresistible urge to lash out. Her gaze flickered briefly to the woman standing next to Daniel in quiet conversation and recalled when Teal'c had entered the 'gate room he had been holding her hand. "I see you did not waste any time to find another to warm your bed."

Teal'c's reaction surprised even himself. "Display such disrespect again and I shall have no choice but to invoke Honor." He spun the staff upright and slammed the point to the floor in the ritual first step of challenge. He was barely able to control his fury. "Do not inflict your anger and insecurities on this place."

Bra'tac tensed, his teeth clenched in an effort to remain silent. The startling challenge wasn't his to respond to, and to do so would disrespect both Teal'c and Ishta. He had not witnessed such sudden passion from his former student before, at least not as far as romantic entanglements were concerned; that sort of intensity was reserved for defeating the Goa'uld. He hadn't even known Teal'c was pursuing courtship. Stole a sideways glance at the woman to whom he'd been briefly introduced. He'd given her nary a thought at the time, except to note that she had a submissive weight that he'd seen far too often on the shoulders of Goa'uld slaves. Now he reevaluated that assessment. Though it was clear she did not understand what had been said, she responded to Teal'c's warning tone. Her eyes had hardened with instinctive protectiveness and it was only Jackson's hand that reached out to grasp her arm that stopped her from coming closer. So the 'mouse' has claws. Perhaps he should make time to get to know her a little better, especially if she continued to exact such influence on Teal'c's disposition.

"What's unexpected?" Keelah whispered urgently, her heart thumping. The tension in the air was so thick she could practically taste it.

Daniel placed a restraining hand to her wrist to keep Keelah from leaping forward. He knew enough about Jaffa culture that if Keelah interrupted now, no matter how well intended, it would dishonor Teal'c. "He's defending...um...honor."

"Whose?" Keelah shot the blonde woman a glare. She didn't care if Ishta was warrior trained, she wouldn't let Teal'c be insulted, not after the kindness he had shown towards her.

The archaeologist shifted uneasily. He didn't want to lie. At the same time he didn't want to hurt Keelah's fragile ego which had been battered to a pulp from her slavery. On the other hand, Teal'c's reaction more than adequately displayed that her new friends were willing to defend her even against allies' slights. "Yours."

The single word temporarily distracted Keelah. "His defense of me is unexpected?"

Her slightly hurt tone had Daniel cursing himself. Aren't I supposed to be a diplomat? He was pretty sure that was listed on his credentials, though right now he was so tired he wouldn't guarantee it. "No, definitely not. Defending those he cares about is as natural as breathing for Teal'c. It's not that he's defending you, but he's reacted in the extreme, issuing ket mattet like Ishta is a rival instead of a friend and ally." He could see Keelah's confusion, not quite comprehending just how serious the last few seconds had become. "If Ishta's not careful, Teal'c will invoke a challenge of Honor." Dark eyes were still perplexed and he clarified. "It's a fight to the death."

Teal'c would do that for me over a single comment? A myriad of emotions bombarded her. She pushed them aside because for now there was no time for her to examine them. She couldn't let Teal'c do that. She wouldn't let him risk his life, not for the sake of him simply upholding their farce of a romance. Again she tried to step forward.

Daniel's hand tightened around her wrist and he kept his voice low. "Don't. You'll make it worse. Teal'c's giving Ishta a chance to apologize."

The tension seemed to grow as the silence between the Jaffa lengthened.

Finally Ishta lowered her eyes, tilting her head down. "Brother Teal'c, I apologize for causing insult to you and yours with my thoughtless and misguided words. It will not happen again, this I vow on the eponym of my ancestors."

"Daniel, translation?" Keelah could barely get the words out, her breath had stuck in her throat.

"She's vowed to..." He struggled for the right context. "...Disown herself from her lineage if she insults you again."

All eyes tennis matched back to Teal'c, waiting for his response. For a long moment he said nothing, just looked at the top of Ishta's lowered head. Then he turned only his head towards the blast doors and with barest of nods indicated that both Keelah and Daniel join him.

Daniel dropped his hand from Keelah and the pair silently approached.

Only when they had come to a stop at Teal'c's side did Ishta raise her face, though she looked not at her former lover but at Keelah. Solemnly she repeated her apology this time in English so Keelah could understand.

Keelah didn't know what to do, what her part was in this bizarre ritual that she had been drawn so unexpectedly into.

Daniel leant in close to her ear. "You need to either accept or decline the apology."

She looked into his worried blue eyes and knew that if she declined, the challenge would take place. Her gaze darted to Teal'c, and their eyes locked. In that single glance she read the emotions he wasn't aware he was revealing. She could see his anger at Ishta's comment simmering, the concern he had for her, apology for escalating the situation to such an extent, his honor and pride to stand by both the challenge he had issued and her decision, and a touch of inner confusion of why he had reacted so forcibly. She turned back to Ishta. "I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding and you did not mean offense."

"Daniel Jackson, do you bear witness to the sincerity of Ishta's regret, her vow, and Keelah's acceptance?" Teal'c asked formally.

Daniel figured in these circumstances, more than a single 'yes' was called for. "I do bear witness."

"Master Bra'tac," Teal'c turned to his former mentor and repeated the question. He received the same formal response.

Teal'c gave a single nod. "Then we shall speak of it no more without cause."

Breaths that had been held were slowly released around the room.

"Bra'tac, Ishta, if you would be so kind as to go to the briefing room." Hammond's voice over the speaker made them all look up. None of them could say when the general had arrived in the control room, but his wary puzzled expression told them he had seen enough.

The two Jaffa nodded and headed to the corridor. Hammond passed them on his way into the 'gate room.

"Teal'c, I trust your issue is resolved?"

"It is, General Hammond." Teal'c had instantly relaxed, well, at least relaxed as he ever was, as soon as he'd withdrawn the challenge.

He gave a nod of acceptance, reading the subtle changes of Teal'c's features. It had taken a good few years before he had mastered reading the stoic expression of the former First Prime and he was pretty sure Teal'c wouldn't start a fight in the hall. "Do we know why they are here?"

"There is unrest in the Free Jaffa camp. I believe they are seeking advice."

Hammond's eyes swung to their primary diplomat. "Doctor Jackson, care to join us?"

The archaeologist nodded.

The four of them followed the path of the Jaffa visitors, however Teal'c slowed his pace, his hand slipping into Keelah's indicating his wish that she create some distance from the others for a private word.

"I apologize for my actions," he began softly, his voice troubled.

"I have never had someone defend my honor so readily." She gave his hand a squeeze, accepting what she felt was an unnecessary apology. "But please do not issue such a challenge again, not over me."

"I cannot give that promise."

"I could not bear it if you were forced into a duel over inconsequential name calling," she implored. "I don't know precisely what Ishta said to cause you such wrath, yet whatever it was, I assure you I have been called much worse."

Teal'c stopped walking, turning so that he faced her. "Which is why I will not allow it to happen again. Especially when the perpetrator was doing nothing more than transferring petty anger from an unrelated situation."

Keelah sighed, seeing the stubborn set to his jaw. Knew that there was no way that she could convince him to do other than what he had done. Tentatively her free hand reached up to caress his cheek. "A Jaffa's honor...I do not think there is anything more noble."

The pair shared a smiled, then reluctantly Teal'c resumed their walking. "I am sorry for having to delay our intended training session. Do you wish to attend the meeting?"

She shook her head. As curious as she was to learn more of Jaffa ways, so she could in turn learn more about the man who was now such a significant part of her life, she feared that her presence would only add tension to an already strained situation. "I'd prefer to work on some translations."

"Very well." He gave a slight head bow. "I shall see you upon the duration." He almost reluctantly released her hand and strode into the briefing room where the others were waiting. Taking his usual seat, he noticed that the tension between his Jaffa comrades had returned. From the tight set to the general's lips, he surmised that Bra'tac and Ishta had already given an outline of the problem within the camp.

Hammond understood it was a serious issue; the military organizations of Earth were still dealing with gender equality. However, he was none too happy that before the pair had even walked down the ramp they had clearly insulted Teal'c, the man they wanted, expected, to help them. He had been harboring the notion for a while now that the Free Jaffa were using Teal'c, that they remembered he was one of them only when it suited them. And Teal'c, honorable man that he was, out of loyalty, and probably because of misplaced guilt that he had chosen to fight the Goa'uld from the SGC rather than with his brethren, wouldn't refuse them. "It sounds like an internal matter, which you have made clear on numerous occasions is none of our business. What is that you would like us to do?"

"We are in need of a mediator," Bra'tac said. To his credit he didn't look directly at Teal'c when he spoke. He understood that Ishta, and himself by proxy, were walking on thin ice. It was not how he'd intended this meeting to go.

"Someone impartial?" Daniel didn't try to hide his bafflement. He knew that the Free Jaffa didn't consider any of the Tau'ri in that light.

The Jaffa shook his head. "The opposite. Someone who is respected by both parties. Ishta's people feel I am only concerned about the point of view of the Jaffa."

"And the Jaffa feel my only concern is that of my warriors," Ishta carried on. "They are losing sight of the larger picture, of why we have formed the alliance between our people."

"Teal'c has such standing amongst both groups. We request he come to the camp to try to get both sides to see reason." Bra'tac's voice turned grim. "I fear that if something is not done soon, the tension will escalate. There is already bickering among the Jaffa with those who support Ishta's concerns. Mainly it is the younger men, who have not the...baggage...of decades of tradition ingrained into their souls. The recent attack of Anubis cost us a heavy price. If these men and Ishta's people leave, it will hamper our efforts to defeat the Goa'uld."

"I had no idea the situation had increased to such a degree," Teal'c murmured.

Is this division of gender roles the core of the problem? Daniel wondered, leaning back in his chair, grateful for the high back so that he could rest his head against it. Wasn't aware he had voiced the question out loud until all heads turned in his direction. He cleared his throat hoping that everyone assumed he had paused for dramatic effect. "Or has it just scratched the scab off a deeper issue?"

Heads tilted in question, waiting for him to continue.

"Well, you mentioned Anubis's attack hit you hard." Daniel scrambled to put his thoughts into focus. "The attack was orchestrated by one lone Goa'uld. A more powerful Goa'uld than the others to be sure, but still just one. I'm just wondering if the losses you sustained highlighted how precarious your state, as well as any other groups who oppose the Goa'uld, as a rebel force is."

"Go on, Doctor Jackson," Hammond prompted.

"I know the Jaffa as a rule won't admit to fear, however, could this bickering be a reflection of at least their doubts that the defeat of all Goa'uld is possible?"

"But Anubis was destroyed," Teal'c frowned.

There was silence as all pondered Daniel's speculation, especially the two Jaffa leaders.

"We had not considered that a possibility," Bra'tac finally admitted.

The general could see Teal'c had already decided to go and knew there would be no way to convince him otherwise. "Perhaps Doctor Jackson should accompany you." The diplomat had just proven once again that he had the gift of seeing to the heart of a matter. A skill that would obviously be needed in the Jaffa camp. Hammond had also made the suggestion because he disliked the idea of any of his people going through the 'gate alone, even if it was to a planet of allies. From the sound of it, the Free Jaffa camp was ready to explode like the fourth of July from internal bickering. He didn't want Teal'c to get caught in the crossfire, or worse yet, be forced to choose a side.

Daniel shook his head. Despite his own preference of not wanting to go off-world while Annika was in the infirmary, he actually had a legitimate reason to refuse. "My presence would only exacerbate the matter."

"They would see it as Tau'ri influence," Bra'tac confirmed.

"Very well," Hammond nodded, turning to Teal'c. "SG-1's next mission, providing Mrs Jackson has recovered, is on Tuesday. I'd like you back here by 1800 Monday at the latest." He rose, ending the meeting.

Teal'c gave a nod of acknowledgement as he also stood with the others. He addressed his kinfolk. "I shall need a few minutes to change my attire."

Bra'tac was pleased that he did not need to make the suggestion himself. Having Teal'c appear in distinctly Tau'ri clothes could cause even more unrest. The debate of Tau'ri influence was still very much a volatile topic in the camp, and he did not want to have to deal with both issues on this day. "We shall wait for you at the Chaapa'ai."

Another nod and Teal'c was striding to the corridor.

Daniel fell into step with him as they headed for Teal'c's base quarters where he kept his armor and tribal robes.

"Any words of advice, Daniel Jackson?"

"Um...I try to keep in mind the saying 'you catch more flies with honey than vinegar'," he gave a shrug, "but there inevitably comes a time to take a page out of Jack's book and say 'suck it up and just get the damned job done'."

"Presently I feel the latter is all I am capable of following," he replied grimly.

"You do seem a bit tense." Daniel gave his friend an opening to discuss his earlier overreaction. Wasn't exactly shocked when Teal'c didn't take him up on it.

"How do you retain your patience in such negotiations?" Teal'c had admirably witnessed numerous times over the years the archaeologist's skill at resolving disputes.

"What I've found regarding these kind of issues, is initially it's mainly so both sides can vent. They can say what they want to you as the negotiator, even with the other party present, without the...concern...of it jumping into a physical brawl or war. I'd try to address the immediate issue first. Get the Jaffa to at least formally admit Ishta's warriors are as battle trained as themselves. And for Ishta's people to acknowledge that looking after the kinfolk is not an insult to their skills."

"I doubt simply saying the words will have much bearing." Teal'c only removed his BDU shirt, opting to just wear the floor length robe over the top of the rest of his clothes.

"It's only the first step," Daniel admitted. "You then have to figure out a way for both sides to appreciate the other's value. It'll take a series of small steps to change both their mindsets."

By unspoken word the two of them headed back towards the elevator to go to Daniel's office so Teal'c could explain his departure to Keelah. Daniel hardly paused in giving his advice.

"From what I've personally observed of Ishta's people, they feel they are...above the Jaffa...maybe that's not the right word...apart from the Jaffa because they have survived on their own for so long." He raised an eyebrow at Teal'c, asking for his confirmation. At his friend's nod he kept going. "The same can be said of the individual Jaffa sects. They were tiny communities working in secret for so long that trusting each other is difficult. On the surface the Free Jaffa have united, yet there are still internal divisions, and not just gender-wise. I think the tension has focused around Ishta's people because they are so obviously different."

"So the solution is to get the Jaffa to work as a single team at all times," Teal'c concluded. It seemed simple enough, though he was under no illusion that putting it into practice would be so easy. "Any suggestions?"

"Start small." Daniel pondered what he knew of the Jaffa camp and the daily life therein. "Maybe something as simple as changing their daily training routine could help. Instead of having the groups sparring against each other, women versus men, sect against sect, have both sexes and individuals of different sects on both teams, making them work together."

Teal'c nodded, catching on to the idea and came up with his own. "The Jaffa camp is currently being rebuilt because of the attacks. In the old camp, the Jaffa from the same unit set up their accommodation together as they were familiar. Perhaps in the reconstruction the groups should intermingle. Living in huts side by side or if necessary within the same hut, they will become accustomed to each other and their personal habits. That familiarity will hopefully follow through when the time comes for battle."

"Hmm, maybe if they are in need of a confidence boost, they could plan an attack on one of the Goa'uld who is scrambling to regain their position," Daniel threw out another idea, though that would have to be one of the final integration steps. "There are quite a lot of those to choose from right now."

"Indeed there are," Teal'c agreed. "I would propose one who uses both priests and priestesses as their emissaries to the people so the women can also be used for the infiltration."

Striding down the corridor of level twenty-six, Teal'c gave a sigh. It was easy to discuss such matters here. While the theoretical solutions were sound, he knew it would take time before any true change in the Free Jaffa mentality would be seen. "We did not have such issues with SG-1, and a more diverse team I know not."

Entering his office, Daniel gave a bark of laughter as he recalled the memory of how they had come together. "Yeah, a recovering-suicidal colonel, a geek hell-bent on finding his wife, a brilliant scientist trying to prove her worth in the Boy's Club and an alien branded a traitor by everyone he'd ever known. We had enough trouble trying to fit in with the rest of the world without worrying about fitting in with each other."

Keelah looked up from her work having heard the last part of the conversation. "And now that group of misfits is whom people turn to for guidance." Her quiet observation gave them pause.

Daniel grinned, "And that, my dear, is what you call irony at its best." He found it honestly bizarre that people sought him out for his opinion on more than translations of archaic symbols. The mental wounds of his years pre-SGC, when he had been a laughing stock in the academic community for his theories, had healed, but they had left scars that itched whenever someone reminded him that he was now truly respected. "I'll give you two some privacy." He grabbed the scroll he had been working on, to go in search of its twin, which he was sure was being stored in one of the other offices. "Teal'c, good luck playing diplomat."

Teal'c gave a nod of thanks, then called his friend back. "Daniel Jackson, I wish for Annika Jackson to recover soon so that you may rest well."

Daniel's eyes widened in surprise, then gave a wry grin, crossing his fingers. "Here's hoping."

Leaving the couple alone, Daniel didn't know why he was truly shocked that the man had figured out his and Annika's 'insomnia secret'. Teal'c was one of the most astutely observant people he'd ever known. Wondered absently if Teal'c had worked it out before Annika and he had. He was thankful, though this time not surprised, that Teal'c had kept his knowledge to himself. Teal'c was a private man by nature, not discussing personal issues often, and he extended that privacy to others. Grateful to have such a friend, Daniel pulled a sealed box from a shelf in what was considered the 'holding room', where artifacts had been catalogued yet not fully translated. It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for and within a few minutes he was comparing the scrolls, hoping to get a full single translation from the two degraded copies. A few more minutes and he was caught up in the ancient language, tuning out all other thoughts, barely even aware of the passage of time.