Of Loyalty and Morals Chapter 2

[sirwynai]

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Chapter 2 - A Week to Decide
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“So, what do you think the meeting’s about?” Jack asked as they walked to their usual training ground.

“The Chunin exams,” Vala chirped out, as though Jack should already know about them.

“So soon?” Jack asked.

“It’s about that time,” Vala answered. “Do you think that this time we’ll be able to go?”

“Well, we have been getting C rank missions,” Jack mused. “And Temari’s team has already gotten several B rank missions.”

“It’s so not fair that the others got to go when we couldn’t,” Vala grumbled. “I bet that we could have passed.”

“Carter’s team didn’t pass,” Jack pointed out.

“That’s because she was still working out the kinks on her toys,” Vala said in dismissal. “We wouldn’t have needed them.”

“I liked having the extra time," Daniel said.

“Yes, yes, we know that you were busy swallowing the whole library six months ago,” Vala replied. “But, you could have put that off while we aced the Chunin exam.”

“There’s a good chance that we’re actually going to go this time around,” Daniel said. “Gaara’s team is participating this year.”

“Where do you guys get this information?” Jack asked as he shook his head.

“Like you don’t have your own spy network,” Daniel scoffed. “Besides, Baki told Gaara and his team yesterday that they were being entered in the Chunin exams. There’s something else going on, but our Sensei wants to tell us himself.”

“They’re preparing to attack some place,” Vala said.

“Yeah, I’ve been noticing that,” Jack replied. “Chances are that it’s where we’re going for the Chunin exam, but I don’t know why just yet.”

“Ah, there’s my little spy team,” Toshiro said as he spotted them.

“Reconnaissance team,” Vala corrected.

Jack was only faintly surprised to see Carter’s team already there and waiting, but he was surprised to find Hammond’s team also there. “Hey kids, General,” Jack said, giving everyone a nod.

“General,” Hammond nodded in reply. The others greeted them in turns.

Toshiro didn't bat an eyelid over their greetings; he had gotten used to the strange nicknames that they had for one another. He had once brought up the possibility of their fighting before, after seeing how much they could already do and hearing that they didn’t have ninjas in their village. After a silent conversation Jack replied that their town had a militia, where even the kids learned some of the trade.

“Okay, now that you’re all here,” Toshiro said, clapping his hands to get their attention.

“It was Daniel’s fault,” Vala said.

“What?” Daniel protested.

“We did have to drag you away from your rocks, Danny-boy,” Jack said.

“Artifacts; scrolls, in fact,” Daniel replied. “And I only lost track of time for a little bit.”

“In any case,” Toshiro said, rolling his eyes at the standard excuse for the lateness of his second team. “As no doubt you’re aware, the Chunin exams are coming up.”

“So who’s nominated?” Vala asked.

“You are all nominated,” Toshiro answered.

“Yes,” Vala exclaimed, pumping her fist.

“And Team Sekka will be going along as an escort,” Toshiro continued, acting like Vala wasn't performing a victory dance.

“Where is the Chunin exam being held?” Sam asked. “The last time we took the exams we didn’t have a Chunin escort.”

“The exams are going to be held in Konoha,” Toshiro said. “And I won’t lie to you: the Kazekage’s planning on the possibility of attacking the village.”

“Why?” George asked.

“I thought that we had a good relation with Konoha,” Jack said.

“Some new information has come to light and the Kazekage feels like it would be a good idea to follow along with the possibility of an attack and maybe to actually go through with this attack,” Toshiro said. “Now, I assured him that you would be willing to attack for Suna’s sake, did I tell the Kazekage the truth?”

“I’d feel a lot more comfortable with this if I had some more information,” George said.

“Yeah, especially about Konoha,” Jack said. “And are we going after the ninja or are we involving the civilians as well?”

“I cannot say for sure what the Oto Nins plan on doing, but of course we would only be providing support and thereby only attacking the ninja of the village,” Toshiro said. “Most likely your roles in the attack will be to keep the other Genin in the Chunin exam busy.”

“Is that why Gaara’s being sent along?” Daniel asked, staring at Toshiro.

“Gaara is being sent along because Konoha would never suspect the Kazekage to try something with his own son in harm’s way,” Toshiro answered. “The Shinobi way can be like that sometimes. Yet, the Kazekage is also confident in his children and their abilities. Just as I am with the nine of you.”

“We’ll have to think this through,” George said.

“Can we still attend even if we don't take part in the attack?” Vala asked.

“You’d be in danger,” Toshiro replied and refused to say anything more about that.

“So it’s all or nothing,” Jack said. He shrugged. “Normal life, I guess.”

“If you do attend, it will have to be under aliases,” Toshiro reminded. “Do you six still remember yours?”

“Yes,” George answered for the group.

“And the rest of you will have to come up with your own names,” Toshiro said. “We have a week until we have to leave; I’ll need your names and whether or not you are willing to attend before that.”

“We’ll get back to you,” Jack said.

Toshiro nodded and left the training field. The nine made sure that the field was clear of any sort of spies before they started talking.

“So, Daniel, what’s Konoha like?” Jack asked, turning to their resident expert in culture.

“You have read about it, haven't you, Dr. Jackson?” George asked.

“He should have,” Vala said. “I mean, he’s read through the whole library.

“I have read some things, yes,” Daniel said.

“So have I,” Jonas offered. “Though, I mostly read up on Iwa in preparation of our exam; Konoha came up in my research.”

“Why’s that?” Jack asked.

“Because Iwa and Konoha warred a generation ago, so they aren't in that great a standing with one another,” Jonas reported. “Although, Kumo has been at odds with them more recently. But, that was why Konoha didn’t show up for our Chunin exam.”

“Konoha’s known as being the straight up ninja village, at least compared to the other ninja villages,” Daniel took over. “Known as the Village Hidden in the Leaves, it’s been known as relatively peaceful after the Third Great Shinobi War, the conflict that Iwa was involved in. It’s one of the most powerful villages in existence and has great military power and influence.”

“Which could be a reason why they would want to take it down,” Jack said.

“What about these Oto Nins that Toshiro mentioned?” George asked.

“They’re new,” Daniel said. “There’s nothing in the library about what I assume would be the Village Hidden in the Sound. All mentions of them that I have found have been through the latest reports.”

“Oh, the one created by the snaky guy?” Vala asked.

“What snake?” Jack asked as everyone’s attention focused on Vala.

“Orochimaru, who is known as the Snake Sannin,” Vala answered. “He used to be from Konoha, and wanted to be the leader of the place, but someone else was chosen for the job. He went a bit crazy and started experimenting on people, so he was kicked out of Konoha.”

“And that would be the other reason to attack Konoha,” Jack said.

“Do we want to know what type of experiments he did?” Jonas asked.

Vala shook her head. “It’s been said that he experimented on children.”

“And that’s the guy we’re allied with?” Jack asked, just barely biting back a curse.

“Sensei Toshiro did say that they were only following along, presumably to placate this man,” Teal’c said.

“And he was careful to only hint to the possibility of an attack,” George agreed.

“I still don’t like this,” Jack said.

“On the one hand, we did promise to serve Suna when we became Genin. On the other hand, I really don’t like attacking another country without knowing everything,” George said.

“I say we go there and we gather the information that we need,” Vala said. “Not just about Konoha, but also about this Snake guy. We think that he sounds like trouble, let’s find out about this trouble before it bites us in the butt.”

“You just want to become a Chunin,” Daniel pointed out.

“But that doesn't mean that it’s a good idea,” Jack said. “We can always pull out if needed.”

“So you’ve made your decision?” Temari asked as she and her brothers approached.

“How long have you been listening?” Jack asked.

“Since we checked the area for spies,” Vala answered.

“Vala, you’re supposed to warn us when that happens, even with allies,” Jack scolded.

“It’s not like we wouldn’t be telling them all of this stuff anyway,” Vala replied. “This way we don't have to repeat anything.”

“I’m glad that you’re going,” Temari said.

“What do you think of all of this?” Jack asked.

“I want what’s best for Suna,” Temari answered, like Jack knew that she would. “If Father thinks that attacking Konoha is good for Suna, then of course I think that it is a good idea.”

“And your real opinions?” Jack asked, giving her a look.

“I think that you are right in investigating the whole thing,” Temari said. “This Snake man does not sound like a man to trust. Let me know if your team needs any help.”

“Will do,” Jack replied.

“So, now that everything’s decided, we need to come up with names,” Vala cheered.

“I don’t get why we can’t just use our own names,” Jack grumbled.

“Because we need to fit in,” Sam said. “We got lucky that Suna didn’t worry too much about our names, but questions will come up if Suna’s people have strange names.”

“I want to be Yua,” Vala said.

“To bind combined with affection,” Daniel translated.

“It reminds me of our first meeting,” Vala said. She grinned at Daniel and threw her arm around his shoulder. “And our second, as well.”

“Yeah, a lot of our meetings were like that,” Daniel said as he detached her arm.

“You can be Akio,” Vala replied.

“Bright combined with husband, man, or hero?” Daniel asked.

“Fits you perfect, Danny-boy,” Jack said, ruffling Daniel’s hair.

“And you can be Yuuta,” Vala decided.

“Gentleness, superiority or distant, leisurely combined with a reference to the stars, a person, or the sky,” Daniel translated.

“And the others already have their aliases,” Vala said.

“First name is Sora and last name is Taji,” Sam said. “Meaning sky and silver and yellow color.”

“First name, Akane, meaning deep red and last name is Danno, meaning field worker,” Janet said.

“Shou, meaning to fly and Honda meaning one from the base of the fields.” Cam grinned. “You can really tell just who the pilots around here are.”

“Makoto, meaning sincerity,” Jonas said. “My last name’s also Taji, the same as Sam’s.”

“Isamu, meaning courage or bravery and Danno as well,” George added his own name to the mix.

“Takeshi, meaning military or warrior,” Teal’c intoned. He had declined not to take a last name and had managed to make it through the exams without an issue.

“Now all that’s left is to decide on our last names,” Vala said.

“Daniel and I are Hondas, just like Cam,” Jack said, deciding on continuing the story that they were all brothers.

“I think I’ll take Teal’c last name,” Vala said after some thought. “If I take Honda as my name, then I won’t be able to hit on Daniel and that would make me sad.”

“Teal’c doesn’t have a last name,” Gaara pointed out.

“Exactly,” Vala said.

“But you’ll keep on saying that you have his last name anyway,” Jack said, shaking his head. “Why did I have to be stuck with the crazy team?”

“Because you’re just as insane,” Vala answered.

“That’s from having to deal with all of you,” Jack said.

“So you’re in for the Chunin exam,” Temari said, bringing the conversation back on target. “Don't think that we’ll go easy on you just because you’re our friends.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Jack replied. “Because we’re going to be the ones to overtake you and become Chunin.”

“See, I knew you wanted to be Chunin just as much as I did,” Vala said, sticking her tongue out at Jack.

“Whatever will get us to more interesting missions,” Jack replied. “I never viewed a soldier’s duty as doing someone else’s chores. At least the things that I did before becoming an officer had a point.”

“Well, there is a point to doing the D Ranks,” Daniel said. “For one, it earns Suna money and reassures the citizens that they are not breeding a force of killer children, and for the other, they do help Genin learn how to do missions before they become too dangerous.”

“The opposite approach to throwing people off the deep end?” Jack asked.

“Exactly,” Daniel said. “It’s a lot like some of the training exercises that we use for the new recruits.”

“More like milk runs, I think,” Jack replied. “Since we’re actually doing the missions and it can fail, like the time we almost lost Daniel in the sand.”

“I was perfectly fine,” Daniel said, coming close to pouting at Jack. “I just wanted to look at the walls of the ruins.”

“Yeah, I suppose that at least you weren't dragged off again,” Jack joked.

“You know, one of these days you are going to tell us just what you guys are talking about,” Temari said.

“It’s obvious,” Kankuro said, giving his sister a lazy look.

“Oh?” Temari asked, raising her eyebrow at him.

“They’re all insane,” Kankuro answered. “And they’re simply talking about what things are like in their fantasy world.”

“We’re just a long way from home,” Daniel said before Temari could hit her brother.

“You knew that from the first time you talked to us,” Jack said. He shrugged. “But don't worry about Kankuro; it’s just time for his nap.”

“I don't need a nap,” Kankuro said with a scowl. “I just don’t think that you guys are telling us everything.”

“And we aren’t,” Jack answered. “But then, we still don’t know everything about you guys after all of these years.”

“But, we’re willing to give you an insider’s look into the Chunin exams,” Sam said, leaning forward to catch the siblings’ attention. “After all, we participated in an exam once before.”

“They haven’t,” Kankuro said, pointing at Jack and his team. “And besides, you guys failed.”

“But we haven’t,” George said. “Would you like me to walk you through it?”

“I guess so,” Kankuro replied, still sounding reluctant.

“I’m not going to lose the exam,” Gaara said. “Therefore, you’re not allowed to fail until the team part of it stops, Kankuro.”

“Gaara,” Jack groaned out. “Remember what I’ve always told you?”

“Never leave anyone behind,” Gaara replied. “All right, then, you’re not allowed to fail, Kankuro.”

“Sometimes you might not have a choice in whether you pass or not,” Sam cautioned.

“Speak for yourself,” Cam said. “You’re the one who was too focused on other things to win the Chunin exam.”

“Hey, I got a gun working,” Sam replied.

“It exploded in the guy’s face,” Cam pointed out.

“And it distracted him long enough for me to knock him out,” Sam said. “Besides, my new designs are a lot more stable.”

“Are you sure that you should be using guns on these people, Carter?” Jack asked.

“I’m only making stun guns only, sir,” Sam replied. She pulled out her latest project out of her holster and kept it pointing to the ground as she pointed out everything. “I used the ancient crystals that I found in the cavern to power the weapon but, because I really can only fit a couple of the crystals in the gun, I can’t get much of a charge. Therefore, I’m only giving them a light shock.”

“But still, guns,” Jack said, shaking his head. “Sooner or later someone’s going to want you to create some for mass market.”

Sam nodded in agreement. “It’s a good thing that we just don't have the supply that we would have elsewhere. I’m working on finding a stronger energy source for the guns, for when we start going on the harder missions.”

“Just be careful,” Jack said. He stood up. “Shall I tell Toshiro that we’re going to go take the exams?”

“I’ll come with you,” Vala said as she bounced up to her feet. “I’ve got to get started on my research.”

“Would you like to help me in the library?” Daniel asked Gaara as the rest of the group got up.

“What are you looking for?” Gaara asked as he followed after Daniel.

“Looking up some more things on Konoha,” Daniel said.

“I suppose I’ll help out, then,” Gaara replied. “At least it’s not ancient history.”

“History is fascinating,” Daniel started to lecture as he led Gaara way.

“I halfway think that Daniel just brings Gaara along so that no one looks over his shoulder,” Vala said in the silence the two left behind.

“As long as it keeps both of them out of trouble,” Temari said with a shrug. “But what’s going to keep you out of trouble, girl?”

“I can keep my own self out of trouble," Vala replied with a smirk.

“Right, that’s why you came to us before,” Cam said.

“I came to you guys because that’s where the treasure was,” Vala replied. “I stayed because it was fun.”

“And it continues to be fun,” Jack said. “While you continue to get into trouble.”

“Well, then, let’s get into trouble,” Vala replied as she walked away.

Jack shook his head and followed after her. She disappeared once they reached the base, off to dig into as much secret reports as she could. Jack shook his head, but left her too it as we went down and informed Toshiro of their decision. They were going to the Chunin exams.

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Chapter 3