Next morning I've taken a shower and dressed in the Greek-style clothing. It actually looks good on me, though I can't say it is something I'd have chosen to wear otherwise.

I check the timestrip on the wall, and decide there is time for breakfast before dad comes to pick me up. I make a last check of my dress, my hair, my jewelry, and my makeup, and it is all flawless. Then I leave my room.

Outside I almost run into Martouf - here in the tunnels there is a constant tingling/humming sensation of naquadah, so I have no chance of sensing a particular Tok'ra. I don't know if they can, but I wouldn't be surprised.

"Oops! Sorry, Martouf! I didn't see you." I tell him, feeling embarrassed.

"No problem, Samantha. I was on my way to eat breakfast, and wanted to see if you had left already, or would be interested in accompanying me."

"Breakfast sounds good, so yeah, I'd love that."

Martouf smiles at me. "You look very beautiful in that dress, Samantha."

"Thanks. It's not something I usually wear, but I understand it's what is fitting for this mission."

He nods. "Yes, it would be suitable for Thilastra - that is the planet you and Jacob are going to." His smile widens. "I have never seen you in a dress before. It is...different, but very agreeable."

"Um, thanks. I think." I grin.

"It was meant as a compliment. As I said, you look beautiful, Samantha."

I blush, and search frantically for something else to talk about. "Uh, you said I would be going on a mission with you and dad soon. Where would that be to? Is that also a trading-mission?"

"No, that is a diplomatic and aid mission, to a planet called Sengko. The Goa'uld that ruled that world recently abandoned it - mainly due to maneuvering done by Tok'ra agents at his court. However, once free, the people on that world soon divided in two factions, who are now threatening to go to war. We hope to stop this, and to arrange for a better supply-structure on the planet. There is some starvation as well, and we will be offering them irrigation technology."

"Oh, I didn't know you did that kind of thing!"

"We mainly work to keep the Goa'uld feuding, and to eventually topple them, but there are many minor things that it is necessary to do as part of that. There is much need for help on the worlds belonging to the Goa'uld, as well as on the recently freed worlds. We try to help them - with medicine, as well as technology, but it is a fine line we have to follow. We cannot risk the Goa'uld finding them too advanced, as that would mean they would be punished - or even worse, suspected of working with us."

"I understand."

Martouf hesitates. "Samantha, that reminds me of something... something we should have discussed with you. Going on Tok'ra missions, means you are declaring yourself...a Tok'ra sympathizer, I guess, if not a Tok'ra. Certainly someone the Goa'uld will treat that way... Samantha, they will torture you as badly as if you were a Tok'ra..."

"The Goa'uld hates the Tau'ri too, so I don't think I have anything extra to worry about." I tell him.

"Perhaps so, but there is one more thing...the Goa'uld will assume you are willing to become a Tok'ra host, and may decide to make you host to a Goa'uld. In order to spite you - and the Tok'ra."

I shudder. I hadn't thought of that. "You think so?" I pull myself together. "I'm not afraid of the Goa'uld, and as I said - they already hate me. They might do something like that in any case, to get to my knowledge."

"Yes, and to the Tok'ra knowledge you carry." Martouf sighs. "I was not trying to dissuade you from going on missions with us. I merely wished you to know what the consequences could be. We should have informed your people before agreeing to this exchange."

"Well, our people are friends, and working together is something friends do. I think that is worth any extra risk - which I think is minimal in any case."

We have been walking while talking, and have now reached the mess hall.

"Agreed. What would you like to eat, Samantha? There is bread and cheese, various jams, some cold meat, fruit, berries, and porridge."

I look out over the surprisingly well stocked breakfast buffet. "Wow - there's certainly a lot to choose from! Most of it look familiar, though. Of course, there are some fruits and berries I don't recognize..."

"Then let me suggest some?"

"Thanks, I would like that. I think I'll grab something to make a sandwich - and I think a bit of fruit would be good with that. I don't suppose you have coffee?"

"No, we do not. We do have several types of tea that we drink, would you like to try one of those? Otherwise there is fruit juice, and milk."

"Let me try some tea. Do you have some that is a bit refreshing? I use coffee to wake up properly in the morning."

"I see. Well, we do not need that, as we have symbiotes. I do believe this tea contains some refreshing properties." Martouf points at a pot with a sign in Goa'uld in front of it.

I lean forward and smell it. It has a fragrant, pleasant smell. "I think I'll try some of that."

We each take a tray and start putting food and drink on it.

We sit down at a table in the corner, at some distance from any others. Martouf seems to understand that I don't feel like sitting with anyone else right now. The truth is that I do recognize most of the Tok'ra, and also some of them as friends of Jolinar. However, I feel they are looking strangely at me...and I don't remember enough to talk to them. It's...awkward.

"This tea is actually very good." I say, as I take a sip from it. I take another sip and put the cup down, allowing the taste and smell of the brew to fill me.

.

...

Martouf takes my hand and leans forward to kiss me. "I am pleased you are feeling better, my Jolinar. We have been so worried for you, after your return from Netu."

"I am fine, love."

"Jolinar...I know you have said you do not want to talk about it, but..."

"I still do not want to talk about it! I am fine. Stop being worried for me, beloved."

Martouf sighs. "As you wish." He kisses me again.

"Let us return to our quarters. It has been a long time since we were intimate."

"Are you sure you are well enough?"

"Yes." Jolinar grabbed Martouf behind the head and pulled him close, kissing him deeply.

...

.

"Samantha?"

I slowly return to the present, and see Martouf is looking at me with a worried expression. "Yes?"

"I have tried speaking to you for several minutes. You gasped and got a...strange expression, but did not respond. Is something the matter?"

I feel myself blush. "No, I'm fine. I...had a flashback."

"A flashback?" Martouf nods, suddenly understanding. "A memory from Jolinar. No doubt caused by the tea. I am a fool. I should have realized. This tea was Jolinar's favourite."

I nod. "I like it too, but you're right. That was probably what triggered it."

"Do you often have these flashbacks?" Martouf looks concerned again.

"Ah...sometimes." I admit. "They happens now and then. A bit more frequent after the trip to Netu - and also when I'm in the tunnels, or with... people Jolinar knew."

"Like Lantash and I."

"Yes."

We eat in silence for some time, and then my dad show up. He puts his tray down beside us, and starts eating quickly.

"Sorry I'm late. The Council had a meeting this morning that I had to attend."

"What about?" I ask.

"Classified. Goa'uld surveillance."

I nod, accepting that.