.
“You know, I used to run an underground poker tournament when I was in college.”
Colonel Jack O’Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson exchanged incredulous glances before looking up at Major Sam Carter.
“What did you just say?” Daniel asked, mouth hanging open.
“I said, I ran an underground poker tournament when I was in college. Well,” Sam shrugged, “I didn’t
really run it…I guess you could say it was sort of a co-ownership.”
“Are you serious?” Daniel’s eyes were wide, “Jack, did you know this?”
Jack shook his head, “No clue. I’m as shocked as you are, Danny-boy.”
“It’s not like it was illegal.” Sam smirked, “It was just me and a few friends. Although one time
a fight did break out because this guy named Alexander got caught cheating. But it was fun.”
Before Jack and Daniel could respond any further, Teal’c raised an eyebrow and laid down his hand, “I believe
I have what Daniel Jackson referred to as a full house.”
Jack shook his head, throwing down his crappy hand and sighing, “Daniel taught you how to play--what, this morning?--and
you’ve won six games in a row.”
“Well, you have to admit, Jack,” Daniel shrugged, “He’s got a good poker face.”
While SG-1 waited for the locals to speak with their leaders concerning the ones who stepped through the “portal”,
the team had been seated in a nicely furnished chamber that the locals referred to as a waiting area for those who sought
the wisdom of the highest. With no artifacts or runes to distract Daniel, Teal’c had easily talked him into a game of
poker, and soon both Jack and Sam joined in to help pass the time.
Teal’c had won every single game, and Daniel was thankful that he’d talked Teal’c out of foregoing the
betting portion of the game.
Before Teal’c could request yet another round, the doors of the massive chamber opened and in stepped Rocra, the
village diplomat, followed by several of his servants, “Colonel O’Neill?”
“That’s me.” Jack groaned slightly as he stood up from his sitting position on the hard floor and faced
Rocra, “So…what did your ‘highest’ have to say about us?”
“They bid you welcome.” Rocra opened his arms, smiling, “They look forward to learning of your people.
Of your…culture, as the one with the funny eyes put it.”
Jack suppressed a grin, looking down at Daniel, “I think he means you.”
“Well, Rocra, they’re not…eyes, actually, they’re…” Daniel cleared his throat as he
stood up, “They do however, help my eyes to see better. See, the lenses…”
“Daniel.” Jack said sharply.
“Right.” Daniel cleared his throat again, “So, these, um…’highest’, as you call them,
they’re your peoples leaders?”
“Yes.” Rocra nodded, “They impose wisdom and good will upon our people, and bless us with good health
and hearty crops every season.”
“Right.” Jack shrugged, “So, we can we speak to these fine folks?”
Rocra shook his head, “Oh, oh no, I’m sorry, you may not speak face-to-face with the highest. At least not
yet. Only the chosen may do so.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow, “Chosen?”
“Yes, chosen. The ones who are skilled and wise enough to win the game of the highest.”
“And what exactly is the game of the highest?” Daniel inquired, lips pursed in thought.
“Oh, it’s very complicated. It requires much skill, and the ability to fool your opponent if need be. It’s
a system, of sorts, made up of numbers and four shapes. One of Love, one of Violence, one of Mystery, and one of Riches.”
“Love, violence, mystery, riches…” Daniel mumbled, and his eyes widened as he stared at the diplomat,
“You mean a heart, a club, a spade, and a diamond?”
Rocra nodded, “Yes! How did you know this?”
“I think we play a similar game where we come from.” Jack spoke up.
“Why, this is marvelous!” Rocra laughed, throwing his arms up in excitement, “This means that you may
play the game. If you have as much knowledge of it as you claim, you may speak with the highest! Perhaps you are the messengers
of which they have been waiting.”
“What messeng…?” Daniel began, but Rocra and his servants were bustling out the door before he could
finish. He sighed, and turned to Jack, “I think I just volunteered us for an out-of-date Poker After Dark.”
Jack raised an eyebrow, “So, what are you thinking’ here, Danny--is this civilization the origin of playing
cards?”
Daniel shrugged, “Well, it’s possible. I mean, playing cards on Earth date back to China in the 10th
century, so I guess it’s possible that they were passed on from…”
“Bup!” Jack held up a hand, “Forget I asked.”
Daniel shut his mouth, and nodded.
“Look, I hate to interrupt your history lesson, but is this such a good idea?” Sam asked, stepping forward,
“What if this ‘game of the highest’ isn’t what your thinking? I mean, what do you wager? And more
importantly, what happens if you lose?”
“Is it not likely that these people will take your life if you lose this game?” Teal’c suggested.
Daniel scoffed, “Oh, come on, do you see these people? They won’t hurt us. I mean, the worst that can happen
is we lose and don’t get to speak to the highest. Right?”
“Right, Daniel.” Jack said sarcastically, “Just know I’ll be holding you to those words, ok?”
Daniel sighed, “Yes, Jack, you always are.”
