OMG I know! It's been at least a year and a half since I updated this story but it is NOT dead! I promise. I'll be honest. I wrote this in about an hour so I'm sure its a bit rough but I've got to get back in the saddle.
So without further adu... Chapter 8 Everybody!
Jack was stalling. He had ordered Daniel to open the Gate to the SGC. He didn't want to go back to earth. He didn't want to make it real, to make it final. He had done nothing wrong. And yet, Elliot had died. He was just a kid. He should never have been put in that position. All of SG-1 had survived but Mansfield and SG-17 had died. They were a new team but Mansfield wasn't. Mansfield was a combat veteran. He had died from a cave in. That wasn't what Mansfield would have wanted. He was a fighter, he…
Jack?, Lantash interrupted. He sounded nervous too, like he was afraid Jack would snap at him.
Yes?, Jack replied calmly.
Lantash sounded calmer as he continued, Although I understand your reasoning I believe that Major Mansfield would have been proud of himself and his team members. They assisted the Tok'Ra in our evacuation and many lives were saved that would not have been had they not been in the Tunnels.
I know that but… Jack hesitated.
Lantash understood, But they were under your command. I do understand Jack. Aldwin was under my command as well. I deeply grieve for his loss and that of his host.
I… didn't realize you felt that way too. Tash I… Thanks. For… for understanding. What… What was Aldwin's host's name? I never asked.
His name was Gerim. He was not a close friend to me, however he was well respected amongst the Tok'ra, even after the unfortunate incident that led to his… demotion. You could practically hear the smirk through Lantash's voice.
Jack was confused, Demotion? Whaddya mean?
The smirk was still there as Lantash continued, Did you not ever wonder why he was assigned to assist the Tau'ri? He made a clinical error on a mission which caused the Goa'uld he was spying on to become aware that he was Tok'Ra.
So you guys consider us a demotion?! Jeez I think that's a bit harsh, don't you? Jack thought back, offended.
It was not out of disrespect, Lantash replied, but solely because the Tau'ri do not… encourage us to be around them. We do not enjoy being called Goa'uld or snakes. It is offensive.
I… hadn't thought about that. Jack admitted.
"Colonel? We've opened the gate and sent the code for the Iris through. Are you ready?"
No! Jack thought. There has to be something good that comes from this body snatch! Tash could you…?
Of course, Jack. Lantash replied and took over their body. Their eyes flashed as he responded to Sam, "We are prepared Samantha. I do believe that we should go immediately to the infirmary so that I might have some assistance in healing the Colonel."
Sam looked surprised to see Lantash in control, "uh… Sure. We just have to make a quick report to General Hammond."
Daniel shot Jack a worried look as the group of five stepped through the gate. They arrived in the Gate Room to hear General Hammond ordering the security team to "Stand down!" General Hammond looked at the five and continued, "SG-1! Jacob! What's going on? Where's SG-17?"
Lantash took a deep breath and replied calmly, "General Hammond there is much to discuss."
When the security team heard a Goa'uld voice coming from the Colonel they immediately raised their weapons again.
Sam stepped in front of the Colonel and looked at the security team, "Stand-down!" she repeated. She looked at Hammond and gestured to Jack, "General, I'm sure you remember Lantash?"
After briefing General Hammond on the attack on Revanna and Daniel's mission the team and Jacob had been sent to the infirmary. Janet had immediately started asking them all a bunch of questions on what had happened and when. Jack was tired of her poking and proding. Finally, he snapped. She was staring into his eyes with her penlight.
" I ask you... What could possibly be in my eye that would explain this?" he joked
Teal'c raised an eyebrow from his spot on another hospital bed, "You have already used that joke ColonelO'Neill."
Daniel perked up from his hospital bed, "Well, I've never heard it!"
But you are correct, Lantash grumbled in his mind, There is no need to examine your eyes. There is nothing wrong with them and if there were I would let Doctor Fraiser know!
Don't worry about it Tash. It's not that she doesn't think you're doing a good job. She just thinks she is the only person able to make me fully healthy!
At this point Lantash became even more irritable and flashed their eyes as he took over. This startled Janet enough to make her back up a few paces.
"I assure you Doctor Fraiser that I am quite capable of taking care of Colonel O'Neill's body while I am here. Kindly refrain from further examinations and do as I ask. Colonel O'Neill needs rest and it would be easier to repair the damage if his chest were bound so as to avoid further injury. Thank you for your immediate assistance."
Sam, Daniel, Jacob and Janet all stared at Lantash as though the Colonel had grown three heads and started spouting off prose. Their mouths were hanging open. Teal'c raised an eyebrow.
"I .. uh.. of course, Lantash." Janet stuttered out. She turned to one of her nurses and said, "You heard him. Wrap up those ribs!" The nurse ran to do as she was told and Janet spun on the spot and stalked toward her new prey, Daniel.
"Woah, Lantash, do you think you could help me out too?" Daniel quipped.
Janet glared at him as Lantash replied coolly, "I apologize Doctor Jackson but as I am not in your body I cannot ensure your health. I will leave you in the capable hands of Doctor Fraiser."
Daniel looked crestfallen and Selmac spoke up, "We are also in no need of your expertise Doctor Fraiser. Nor are we seriously injured or recently blended. Perhaps we can retire to our bedchambers?"
Janet nodded and Jacob took over, hugged Sam and left.
Tash… That was mean. I don't think I've ever seen you mean… Jack started.
I apologize, perhaps I should allow Doctor Fraiser to continue her examination? Lantash said, sounding very remorseful.
No! Jack exclaimed a bit too quickly. That's alright I'm sure she'll get over it. Lets get out of here as soon they wrap our ribs.
Where shall we go? Lantash asked, Our body does need quite a bit of rest.
Possessive again, Tash? Jack teased playfully, That's fine. We can just go to our rooms. All of SG-1 has private rooms on base. We're here all the time so it only makes sense.
Well we… Lantash started but was immediately interrupted by Sam grabbing their attention.
"Colonel?" She asked. They turned and stared at her before Lantash realized that Sam probably wanted to speak with her superior.
Gaining control back the colonel looked at his second in command and said, "Major?" in a quirky voice.
She smiled and said, "I was thinking that maybe after this we could… talk for a minute. If you want, I'll bring you some blue jello from the commissary and we can meet in your quarters."
Any objections Doc? Jack asked Lantash.
No, however, as much as I wish to speak with Samantha for hours we should keep our interaction brief and rest.The symbiote replied.
"Sounds find Major but make it cake! Oh and Tash said that he wishes to speak with you for hours…" Sam chuckled as Jack winced and then continued, "Ugh! I didn't realize you could be smacked inside your own head. Right! I'm telling her! Shut up!" He yelled at (what anyone outside the SGC would think was) himself. "Alright Tash said that even though he would enjoy your company our body needs lots and lots of rest and relaxation. Soooo bring a beer too!" Jack said and winced again.
By that time Sam was cracking up. It was hilarious to see the Colonel teasing Lantash and Lantash retaliating.
In case nobody caught it "I ask you, what could be in my eye that would cause this" Is a line from season 4's Window of Opportunity.
Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited, and followed this story while I was on a mothering sabbatical. My baby is now 2 years old and I finally have enough time to promise updates. So here is my first promise to update this on a regular basis. So I promise a chapter a month at least! It might be more than that but I'll try for at least one a month!
To my reviewers-
Alicewiggles - Yeah probably but I'm not someone who teases a lot so I have a hard time writting it. Thanks for the review!
Guest- I haven't left! sorry its been so long but i'll keep going! promise!
