The Asgard VIP by dinkydow

Part Four

Two weeks after the end of Part Three:

Colonel Jack O'Neill laid slumped on his bed in the SGC Infirmary. He felt worn out, like he had just run two marathons, back to back, carrying Teal'c. The monitor by his bed continued its methodical, rhythmic, and slow beeping. He used the edge of his sheet to wipe off his sweaty face again. He had just finished telling Dr. Fraiser what had transpired while he was a guest of the Goa'uld and Thor. His explanation had answered many of her own questions about the cause of his injuries.

"And Doc, you already know the rest of the story." Dr. Fraiser nodded.

"You've had a rough night, Sir. Why don't you try to get some sleep now? You've been talking for two hours, you know."

"No kidding? No wonder my throat feels so hoarse. A beer would be nice right about now," he said with a sly glint in his eye.

"Now you know beer is out of the question, Sir. But I can get you some ice water. We have it on tap," she smiled before leaving. 'He must be feeling better if he's already giving me a hard time,' she thought.

Jack could hear her heels tapping down the hall, and then returning. Gratefully, he took the cup from her and sipped the cold water. It felt so good trickling down his dry throat.

"Colonel, you need to get some sleep now, I'm giving you something that should help with that." After administering the Ativan, Dr. Fraiser put the tools of her trade away. She could see he had already drifted off to sleep. The deep lines of tension on his face were gradually smoothing as his body relaxed into the rest it so desperately needed.

Remembering the medical notes that needed to be finished, the CMO walked quietly back to her office. Janet was surprised to see someone sitting in the shadows.

"Do not fear, Dr. Fraiser. It is I, Teal'c," reassured the Jaffa. "I have returned to sit watch over my comrade and brother, Colonel O'Neill. I have been here for some time. However, I chose not to intrude on your conversation with O'Neill. I commend what you have done and hope it will allow him obtain the sleep he requires. As his friend and brother, I thank you."

"Thank you, Teal'c, I hope our talk helps him too. He should sleep for awhile now due to the sedative I've given him. But I know he would appreciate having you there with him."

With a gracious nod, he turned and made his way back to the room where the Colonel was sleeping.

'What a night,' Janet thought tiredly. 'The morning shift will be coming in soon, and I still don't have the General's report ready. She snorted to herself, and thought, 'I can always claim I was gathering additional info, and it would even be true.' Her cot in the corner beckoned to her. Sighing, taking one last look at her unfinished report, the Doctor closed the chart and shuffled over to her cot. The CMO of SGC took the time to slip her shoes and lab coat off and surrendered to sleep soon after her head hit the pillow. 'I'll only sleep an hour, just until the morning shift comes in,' she resolved before sleep took her.

Janet was awakened three hours later by someone shaking her shoulder and calling her name.

"Huh? What time is it?" the Doctor asked. Dr. Fraiser looked up and realized Major Carter was perched gingerly on the edge of her cot and was holding a steaming cup of coffee out to her.

"It's eight o'clock in the morning. Rise and shine, sleepy head," she teased. "Or do I need to give you this coffee through an IV drip? Teal'c told us you were up most of the night. That's why we let you sleep."

"We have a little excitement going on right now. General Hammond and Thor just paid a visit to Colonel O'Neill. They're with him in his room now," Sam added. Janet coughed, almost spilling her coffee.

"What did you say?" she sputtered. Sam smiled as she moved to sit on the chair next to Janet's desk.

"I said, Thor and General Hammond are talking with Colonel O'Neill in his room right here in your Infirmary," she slowly repeated. "They kicked Teal'c out when they got there, so he went looking for me. After he filled me in on what was happening, I woke up Daniel. We're still waiting for them to come out."

"How long have they been in there? Does anybody know?" asked Janet. Sam looked at her watch.

"About an half an hour, as far as we can tell." Janet shook her head.

"Well, you haven't heard any explosions or screams, or seen body parts flying through the air so far, have you?" When Sam shook her head, she continued, "Then I guess that's a good sign, isn't it?"

The atmosphere was tense in the Colonel's room. General Hammond was standing nearest the closed door watching Thor and the Colonel talk. He looked like he wanted to make a quick get-away out the nearby door if things got too hairy. Colonel O'Neill had just demanded to know why the Asgard thought he was so important, in so many words. Of course, the Colonel's version was much more "colorful".

Thor looked nervous. He had reason to be. He was face-to-face with the famous Tau'ri O'Neill. A very pissed off Tau'ri O'Neill.

"So tell me why, Thor. Why did you stick that thing in my arm, huh? What makes me so damn important? Just tell me. If I'm going to get the crap beat out of me by every snake in the galaxy, it would be nice to know why it's happening," he reasoned. His head of steam was beginning to run down. 'I've been screaming at him for the past twenty minutes. God, it felt good,' he thought. As Thor opened his mouth to speak, Jack interrupted and held up a warning finger.

"Ahh, ahh. And don't give me that crap about how my brain wouldn't be able to comprehend it." Thor nodded.

"Colonel O'Neill, you are indeed deserving of the truth from us. Especially after all that you have suffered as a direct result of our actions. I did tell you we could not afford to lose you; that you were too important," he paused.

"And?" questioned Jack. "Come on, Thor, spill it. I want some answers."

Thor continued, "On the Asgard home world, our scientists have continued their work in deciphering the secrets of the Ancients. While doing their work, they came across an odd inscription. It caused quite an uproar when it was translated. You see, we believe that translation concerned you, Colonel O'Neill."

"So where did you find this inscription, on a bathroom wall?"

"Colonel O'Neill, may I remind you that Thor is a guest on our world," ordered General Hammond.

"Shall I continue Colonel?"

"Yeah, OK," he said sliding farther down in his bed and folding his arms across his chest. "You can continue."

"You see, this inscription predicted an event in which a stranger would come to us filled with all their knowledge and secrets. It said that we should honor and protect this person, because ultimately, he would be the salvation of our world," Thor said simply.

"Aw, for crying out loud, Thor! How can you possibly think they were talking about me?" stammered the Colonel in disbelief. "That's insane! It's ludicrous. Isn't it?" as he looked wildly around the room. 'This can't be happening. No way I'm that important. I'm just a battle-scarred old Colonel with bad knees. I'm nobody's god-damned savior! And I don't want to be one, either. Saviors and heroes get sharp pointy things stuck in them and usually end up dead. Nope, don't want to be one of those, not now, not ever!'

"Of course, when we learned this, we had to take immediate steps to ensure your safety, Colonel O'Neill. That is why, despite your objections, I placed that beacon in your arm. That beacon not only allows us to monitor your well-being and whereabouts, it also enables your body to repair itself more quickly if you are injured. We did not mean for our actions to bring you to harm. However, given the circumstances, we would do it again, even knowing the pain it has caused you. We really cannot lose you, Colonel O'Neill. We must protect your well-being at all costs."

Silence reigned supreme in the room. Both Tau'ri mouths were hanging open. For once, Jack was truly speechless.

"We still do. That is why we will not remove our beacon from you. The circumstances have not changed, O'Neill. You are still too important to risk."

'Crap! He really means it. Now what do I do?' he was thinking. Turning to the General, Thor continued

"General Hammond, the Asgard People also wish to convey our apologies to you. You were not consulted in a decision involving a man under your command. Nor were you given the information you needed. This information would have enabled you to make better decisions in matters affecting everyone's safety. Because of this unfortunate omission, people who look to you for guidance were injured. I hope you accept our most sincere apology." Now it was the General's turn to be put on the spot.

"Umm, Thor, you know I'm not authorized to accept something like this on my own. I'll have to pass this on to my superiors."

"I understand, General Hammond. I, too have superiors that I must answer to." It was so quiet, the clock could be heard humming in the background. Jack fidgeted in bed. He looked as nervous as he felt. He knew he had to get the center of attention off him and onto something else fast.

"So, Thor, could I offer you something to eat or drink?" asked Jack smiling. "General Hammond, doesn't Thor look like he's hungry?" Hammond watched the Colonel warily. He wasn't sure what he was up to, but he knew it wasn't good.

"Thor, if you like, we could have a sample of Tau'ri cuisine brought in for you to try. We could bring in food from various nations, such as Italian, American, and Chinese. Then we could eat it together. Right, General? We could bring in some pizza, Chinese take-out, and some beer. Since it's all in the name of improving inter-galactic relations, I'm sure the Doc won't mind. While we're at it, we could even watch a little hockey on the tube. Thor shouldn't mind picking up the tab. I figure that's the least he can do after all the trouble he got me into." Jack loved the way General Hammond's mouth just hung open like that. He turned to Thor.

"Sound like a good plan to you, Thor?" 'Gotcha, Thor,' Jack smirked. The General decided he just couldn't stand it any longer. He just couldn't let Jack get away with this one.

"I think that is a great idea, Colonel. We have two very special guests to honor. If the Pentagon agrees to this, I'll have all the arrangements made. Call it an 'Inter-galactic Brunch' if you will. That is, Thor, if you are willing to attend as one of our honored guests."

"I would be most honored to attend your 'Brunch', General Hammond," Thor agreed.

"Splendid. Shall we meet in the Briefing Room in, say three hours? Oh, and Colonel, since we are entertaining a foreign dignitary, you will be expected to attend wearing your Class A uniform. Oh, and no hockey game or beer. Sorry 'bout that." For the second time in less than an hour, Jack O'Neill was speechless.

"Umm, yes, Sir," he stammered, rapidly gathering his thoughts. After a pause, he continued. "Sir? About that uniform. I'm afraid Tanith confiscated mine while I was on his ship. I really didn't have the time to get it back, what with Thor beaming me out of there."

"I am aware of that, Colonel, I will make all the arrangements for your uniform. It will be ready in time for you to wear it. And I'll OK your release from the Infirmary with Dr. Fraiser." 'So don't think you can use being stuck in bed as an excuse to weasel out of attending,' thought the General.

"Thank you, Sir," Jack gulped. He didn't like the satisfied look on the General's face. 'Who ever heard of an "Inter-Galactic Brunch? Where do these ideas come from?

Whoever writes his jokes needs to get new material. It's a joke, right? Its gotta be a joke,' he thought desperately.

Hours later found Colonel fidgeting uncomfortably with his shirt collar. True to his word, his Class A uniform had been ready for him, complete with starched shirt, necktie, and spit-shined shoes. 'Crap,' he thought miserably. This was definitely not a joke.

The "Brunch" had been moved to the gate room when it was realized that the briefing room was too small to accommodate all the guests. For the convenience of the Top Brass, the event had been postponed until late that afternoon. General Ryan, General Vidrene, and Major Davis had flown in from Washington D.C. to attend the "Dinner". It seemed that they all thought it was a great idea. The Top Brass couldn't wait to meet Thor of the Asgard. The President had sent his regrets.

General Hammond had briefed his superior officers on the preceding events prior to the meal. Thor had been gracious enough to meet with them also. The Generals had seemed elated when they were presented with their own communication hologram device which would allow them to contact the Asgard if needed. They all had agreed that it would be housed at SGC for security reasons. General Ryan had even promised a worried Jack that the NID would not be allowed to cart it back to Area 51 for "study". Thor's apology was accepted on behalf of a very pleased Pentagon.

Everyone seemed ready to celebrate by the time the food was ready to be served. A sampling of cuisine from several different cultures had been prepared. Mexican, German, Greek, Italian, and Chinese dishes were just a few of the cultures that were represented. Thor had even brought along some of his nutritionally-correct squares and triangles.

Colonel O'Neill found himself seated next to General Hammond at the head table, along with Thor, General Ryan, and General Vidrene. Major Davis, and the rest of SG-1 were sitting at the second table. Dr. Fraiser had found a seat next to Major Carter. Everyone was dressed in their best. Daniel had even resurrected his suit. The Colonel looked like he wished he were back with the Goa'uld.

All SGC staff had been invited to attend this celebration and were eating their fill of the multi-cultural dishes in the Commissary. The atmosphere there was a bit more relaxed as they were allowed to attend in their regular work uniform.

After the welcoming speeches died down, and the main courses were consumed, desserts were served. Ice cream had been included, at the request of Teal'c. The General had also ensured that each guest had been given their own personal fortune cookie. It was noted by a certain Colonel that the Commander of SGC had a smile on his face as they were given out. This same Colonel had the sinking feeling that the smile did not bode well for him.

"Crap, the General will never let me live this one down," Jack muttered under his breath.

Rising to his feet, General Hammond cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"In honor of this occasion, I am introducing our guest, Thor of the Asgard to one of our own Earth customs: the Chinese Fortune Cookie. You may all open yours now."

Soon the table was abuzz with the sound of breaking cookies and people comparing their fortunes. Colonel O'Neill had opened his, read it, and rolled his eyes. He looked at Thor. As far as he could tell, the alien from Asgard seemed to be enjoying himself. Jack could see that Thor was reading the slip of paper from his cookie. Of course, the Colonel's curiosity finally got the best of him.

"Hey Thor, what does your fortune say?" Jack asked. Thor looked up from the piece of paper he was holding.

"O'Neill, are you asking me to translate the inscription I have been given?" Thor asked.

"Do you really want to hear the meaning of another one of Thor's inscriptions, Colonel? Haven't you heard enough?" asked General Hammond, smiling.

'Gotcha, Jack.'

The End

Original Header Information:

Title: "The Asgard VIP" Part 1
Author: dinkydow
Email: jd3031@socket.net
Category: Angst, Drama, Action/Adventure
Rating: R, nasty language, violent images.
Spoilers: "Dead Man's Switch," "Crystal Skull," "Tangent," "Into The Fire," "The Fifth Race" Takes place early in Season 5 before "48 Hours".
Warnings: Language, Jack is VERY upset.
Summary: Jack gets into trouble after receiving an unexpected gift from the Asgard.
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Productions, everyone but me. I don't own them, couldn't afford the medical insurance. This story is for entertainment purposed only, and I certainly won't get any money for it. No Copyright Infringement is intended. The story is the property of the author. If you want to post my story, just ask first.
Author's Notes: A Big honking thank you goes out to Jill who was willing to patiently beta me through this project. Thanks also go out to my family who only saw me in the computer room typing. The words just kept coming and I couldn't stop. And yes, I do like feedback.

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