Title:   Training Day

Author: DJ Boyd

E-mail: calmpony@hotmail.com

Status: complete

Sequel: none

Rating: G

Season: 5

Pairings: None

Category: Challenge/Humor

Spoilers: None

Content Warnings: none

Summary: Bratac has a new apprentice.

Disclaimer: Stargate Sg-1 characters are owned by…well, someone other than me. Thanks to the powers that be, for allowing me to play with them. This particular story, though, is all mine. 2/22/03

Authors Notes: Coming out of semi-lurkdom for a real short one. This is a Jackfic opening sentence challenge. (I still have poor Jonas stuck in my hard drive with holidays and food, I’m sure he will eat his way out soon though.)

Archive: Jackfic, Heliopolis, others please ask. Feedback is appreciated, and in my case has been known to be an effective substitute for prescription strength anti-depressants. (Just ask my family.)

File Size: 12KB

Training Day

By

DJ Boyd

“Many warriors have sought my training, but this one is truly unique.” The wizened eyes of the seasoned teacher took in the tall frame before him. Never had he undertaken a task so daunting…and yet so promising, as the one to which he had recently agreed.

Teal’c bowed his head in acknowledgment. “Yes, Master Bratac. I knew you would find the potential that I myself have known to exist. This Tauri is truly one to embrace all that is good and worthy in a Warrior of Freedom.” A look of pride came over his countenance as he turned his gaze once more to the man who would soon benefit from the one with whom he himself had studied. The Jaffa arts of silence, strength, power, patience, accuracy, and judgment, would soon be shared and accepted by this brother in arms. He moved silently to the far side of the gymnasium, allowing ample room for the learning to begin.

Bratac motioned his student to approach, directing him to the center of the floor mats. “Count yourself lucky Tauri, Teal’c did not have the pleasure of training on such soft and safe footing.” He slowly circled around the edges of the mats, feeling every inch through his boot, never taking his eyes off the warrior in front of him.

Bratac’s new student had been watching and listening intently to the conversation, knowing it must be for his benefit…he swallowed…hoping his Adam’s apple would not stick awkwardly in his throat. He was looking forward to increasing his combat skills. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the swift movement of Master Bratac’s staff weapon swinging toward his ankles. Lightning reflexes sent him upward and away into a side roll. ‘Two rolls and up…’ his mind was quick to recall the precise movement needed to regain his footing.

“Very quick Tauri, though such a maneuver would not serve you well…in every situation. Would it Teal’c?”

“Indeed it would not.”

“Do you remember, Teal’c, where you learned balance and agility?”

“High in the limbs of the tallest trees that grow along the Ridge of Keltar.”

“How far would you have fallen…if you had been careless…or slow to learn?”

“Many Tauri miles.”

Bratac again sent the staff weapon toward the ankles of his new apprentice, who in turn once more was quick enough to evade the solid staff. Calling upon years of fitness training, and a sixth sense of where the next problem was coming from, he used his long powerful legs to vault over the staff, twist in mid-air, and with one long reach caught the staff as Master Bratac brought it through its swing to try again and connect with his wiry frame.

“Teal’c you neglected to tell me this Tauri was part bea'thwate.” A smile of appreciation for natural skills graced the scarred face of the old but agile warrior.

“Indeed I did.”

Not wasting time for an explanation of the Jaffa term…that could come later, the ‘Tauri’ chose to take advantage of the somewhat surprised Master. He followed through with a step forward and to the side, bringing himself eye to eye with the one who had promised to teach him new things. A feral smile creased the corners of his dark eyes as he realized he was now the teacher. A snap of his wrist gave him possession of the prized staff weapon. A quick duck and curl followed by a shove of his elbow sent Bratac careening head first into the soft floor mat.

At first, the Jaffa Master did not move, then slowly his shoulders began to shake. His ‘apprentice’ looked questioningly in Teal’c’s direction, shaking his head slightly as if in apology.

Teal’c rose to his feet ready to lend assistance should it be needed. Concern began to show in his eyes though his facial expression was unmoved. It was not like Master Bratac to be defeated so soon…perhaps he was getting too old to train younger warriors…though in Tauri years this one was no longer young.

A small strangling noise came from the floor as Bratac tried unsuccessfully to rise to his knees.

“Bratac? Are you ok? Gosh, I’m sorry if I hurt you…” The apology was cut short as Bratac finally rolled onto his back. He was shaking in silent laughter watching the look of relief on the younger warriors face. Grasping the extended hand, he easily rolled forward as if to rise, then just as quickly pulled with all his might while planting his boot in the midriff of his opponent, yanking him off his feet and over his own head. He stood in one fluid motion before the Tauri even hit the ground.

“So, things do not change…it matters not what world young warriors come from. All seem to share the misconception that ‘old’ warriors are fragile and weak. Learn well Tauri; do not be fooled by appearances. Strength and wisdom come in many forms. Often wisdom out weighs strength.”

A small nod of acceptance came from the prone form lying at the Master’s feet. “Yep…I’ll remember that Master Bratac.”

“Good. Now come, our lesson for today is ended.” Bratac extended his hand and helped his student to his feet.

“Oh, I don’t think so…” Still holding Bratac’s hand made it easy for the taller man to spin him one hundred and eighty degrees, ending with the Master Jaffa in a good, old fashioned, headlock.

‘Yes…this one truly is unique.’ Bratac’s thought was interrupted by the need to draw a breath of air. His current pupil taking advantage of the moment by increasing the hold he had on the Jaffa Master’s neck. ‘Never would I have dreamed that some one so lean, would have such strength. Surly his graying temples belie his age and abilities.’

The door to the gymnasium slid open followed by a firm shout. “What the…Siler! Let go of Bratac…that’s an order!”

Teal’c’s rich bass voice rang out, “All is well O’Neill. Master Bratac is merely enlightening Sergeant Siler in the ways of the Jaffa warrior.”

“Oh…really…in that case…carry on.” Colonel Jack O’Neill joined Teal’c in watching the ‘training’ session. “So…who’s teaching whom?”

Teal’c raised an aloof eyebrow. “Bratac is the Master.”

The struggle continued a few more minutes with Siler remaining in the dominant position. “Yeah…I can see that.” O’Neill merely crossed his arms and watched. “Hey, how is it Bratac, whom I have known personally for five years now, never offered to teach me ‘the ways of the Jaffa warrior’?”

“You have learned all you need to know from me, O’Neill.” In unison, the two members of SG-1 turned their heads and made eye contact.

“Aah.” Another five minutes passed with no quarter being given nor taken.

“Bratac was in need of returning Sergeant Siler a favor.”

“For what?” O’Neill was thoroughly enjoying watching the wrestling match. He was just about convinced the Tech Sergeant had earned himself a trip off world…if he was interested.

“On Master Bratac’s last visit to earth, Cassandra had presented him with a gift. Unfortunately, through overuse it came into disrepair. Sergeant Siler was able to restore its’ function.”

“Oh, what was it?”

Teal’c was also impressed with the efforts Sergeant Siler was making during his first lesson with Bratac. “I believe it is referred to as an ADVANCED GAMEBOY.”

Jack shook his head and smiled, “ No Teal’c, it’s a GAMEBOY ADVANCE, not a…wait…Siler? You can fix a GAMEBOY? Cool.”

FINIS