A Dream Given Form

Chapter Eight

"I'm telling you, you're wasting your time," said the security officer escorting Teal'c through the corridors of the various ambassadorial suites.

"Nevertheless," said Teal'c, "it is my duty to make the attempt."

"Yeah, maybe, but getting him to help you with this is – " the man shook his head and trailed off.

Soon, they arrived and the officer pressed a wall panel next to a door. After a while, the door slid open to reveal Ambassador G'Kar, holding a tall glass of ruby-coloured liquid and standing rather unsteadily.

"My friend!" he said, his face breaking into a grin when he saw Teal'c. "I take it you've heard the wonderful news? Have you come to join in the celebration? Come in! Come in!"

G'Kar ushered Teal'c inside, then stared pointedly at the security officer until he took the hint and stayed put, standing guard outside the door instead.

"I am sorry to interrupt your... celebration," said Teal'c, looking around the room where G'Kar had evidently been celebrating alone, "but your fellow ambassador has been kidnapped."

"I thought that might be why you were here! Glass of taree?" he offered, lifting his own near-empty glass. Teal'c shook his head and G'Kar shrugged and began pouring himself another.

"I have come to ask for your assistance in securing his rescue," said Teal'c.

G'Kar spilt the drink he was pouring. "You have?" he said, confused.

"Ambassador Mollari has been taken by a Goa'uld," explained Teal'c, "a parasitic being from my universe that poses a dire threat to yours by its mere presence here. I can tell that you are a warrior; your assistance in this battle would be most advantageous."

G'Kar sighed. "My friend, you are new here and know only a little of our history, but you must understand that for me to come to the aid of that man is simply unconscionable."

"While it is true that I am not of this place," said Teal'c, "I imagine that the role of ambassador is largely the same as it is in my world. Diplomacy, concessions, compromise; these are nothing more than a formal cover for the real business underneath: scoring points against one's opponent. Often, the surest way to win those points is to do the very action the opposite side least expects."

"What are you saying?"

"Help me to rescue Mollari and, to borrow an Earth phrase, he would 'owe you one'."

G'Kar considered this. "It would be most amusing to see his face when he realises I was the one who saved his life," he said, half to himself, "and very embarrassing for him, too. He would lose considerable face with the rest of his delegation...

"Very well," he said at last, putting down his glass and turning to Teal'c. "Perhaps it's the taree talking, but let us go and save that pompous old windbag."

Teal'c bowed his head in gratitude.

"Besides," added G'Kar, brightly, "I swore to him he would die by my hand one day and I would hate to break a promise."

----

A sighting of the escaped pirate sent Jack and Garibaldi, along with Sam and Daniel and what must have been half of Garibaldi's security staff, to one of Babylon 5's docking bays, where they were met by G'Kar and Teal'c.

"I'm surprised to see you here," said Garibaldi to G'Kar.

The Narn raised a hand to his chest. "Mister Garibaldi, I am offended. Ambassador Mollari could be horribly maimed or even killed," he said. "How could you possibly think that I would miss that?"