-Author's note: Sorry it has taken me so long to get this out... Had major writer's block and was EXTREMELY busy with school and life in general . Thanks for your patience! :)
2 weeks later... [Note: Cordesh was already found out by Tami/Malek. He has already been removed from his host and put on the surface.]
SG-1 was on a sandy planet. "No signs of life sir." Sam said to Jack. He nodded. Daniel was walking towards the dunes.
"Daniel! Where are you going?" Jack said.
"I'm just going to see what's over the dunes over there." Daniel said, turning towards him and pointing his thumb at the dunes he was heading towards. Jack shrugged.
"Dunes it is." He said, and SG-1 headed towards the dunes. They were almost to the dunes when they were surrounded by about a dozen men with staff weapons popping up out of the sand. Jack jerked and pointed his weapon at the nearest one. Sam and Teal'c did the same. Daniel just put his hands up.
"Er... hello, my name is Daniel Jackson. We come in peace." Daniel said.
"Daniel! We don't tell potentially hostile forces our name." Jack hissed at him. A man stepped forward. He had no weapon.
"Are you the team known as SG-1?" He questioned.
"Maybe." Jack said, pointing his weapon at him. He ignored it.
"My name is Martouf." The man said. "We have heard of you."
"Ahh..." Jack said.
"We have been told that the leader is Jack O'Neill; the one who will talk first is Daniel Jackson; the woman is Samantha Carter; and the Jaffa with the Apophis sect is Teal'c." Martouf said. Sam frowned. "I know more about you as well. Daniel Jackson is the husband of the host of Amaunet; her name is Sha're. Jack O'Neill had 2 children, one named Charlie who died when he was 10; the other Tami, the twin of Charlie. Teal'c has one son..." He was interrupted by Jack.
"Ack; okay, fine you know a lot about us. But we know nothing about you." Jack said. "Besides, you could've gotten your information from someone."
"You are correct, Colonel O'Neill. We did get our information from someone. As for us, we are Tok'ra, or against Ra, or we have been described as Rebel Goa'uld." That part got their attention.
"Goa'uld?" Daniel questioned.
"We are Tok'ra, not Goa'uld." Martouf said. "Come, we will take you to the one who gives us the information, but there is one condition. You must leave your weapons with us."
"Ahhh no." Jack said.
"We will not harm you." Martouf said.
"Jack..." Daniel said. Jack sighed, and relinquished his weapon to the men.
They were quickly led by Martouf to some hidden rings and down into the Tok'ra tunnels. Martouf took off his hat, and turned towards SG-1.
"Come. We will take you to our leader as we find..." The rest Martouf's sentence was drowned out by noises of shouting. He instead waved them on until they reached a large chamber. A woman came in and Martouf left.
"Come." She said, her voice echoing in a Goa'uld symbiote vocal distortion. Jack stiffened. "I am Garshaw of Belote." The woman introduced herself.
"You're a Goa'uld!" He said, wishing for his P-90.
"We are not! We are Tok'ra!" Garshaw said, her eyes glowing.
"Okay, then what's with the glowing eyes! It might have something to do with a little reptilian activity in your heads!" Jack said.
"We have symbiotic creatures within us yes." Garshaw said. Teal'c was staring at her.
"You are Garshaw of Belote?" He asked, seeming surprised.
"Yes." Garshaw said.
"She is the most hunted Goa'uld of all time." Teal'c said loud enough for his team to hear. He was still staring at her. They didn't even notice the small figure come up.
"Ok, so what? You're a hunted Goa'uld." Jack said.
"We have a symbiotic relationship with each other." Martouf had come back in.
"We share the body, dad." A voice said. SG-1 whirled around as one.
"Tami?" Jack said his eyes wide. There stood Tami, dressed in similar garb as Martouf; alive and well.
"Missed me?" Tami asked him.
"I thought you were dead!" Jack said, walking past a stunned Daniel. He grabbed her in a big bear hug. "I don't think I will ever let you out of my sight again." He said, holding her.
"Unfortunately, yeah you will have to dad." Tami said, still pressed into her dad's chest. Jack let go of her.
"What do you mean kiddo?" He said, confused.
Tami sighed. Jack was staring at Tami. "I just can't because I am a Tok'ra. That's what all these people are; A host and symbiote sharing the body equally." Tami explained.
"You're a host." Daniel said, realization about what Tami was saying set in. Jack's eyes widened. He stepped away from his daughter.
"But a willing one, my symbiote would never stop me from having control or stop me from talking." Tami said.
"We have a truly symbiotic relationship." Martouf said. Tami smiled at SG-1, and she glanced behind them.
"I am me, Tami O'Neill. My blending hasn't changed me at all." Tami said. She suddenly turned to Daniel. "By the way, Daniel, I think your happiness level is going to go up in a few seconds. Turn around." Tami said, Daniel and Sam both turned around.
"Sha're?" Daniel said. Jack couldn't help himself, he turned around. Then, in the doorway, stood Sha're.
"Daniel!" She rushed for him and Daniel grabbed her in a tight embrace.
"Amaunet has just been removed from Sha're. She is now free of her." Tami said, smiling. Jack, Sam, and Teal'c turned away from the rejoicing couple.
"How..." Jack asked her.
"One of our operatives found her in Apophis' destroyed palace. She was brought here and Amaunet was removed two days ago." Tami said.
"Okay, so you removed the snake from Sha're. But how are we actually supposed to trust you. You could've implanted her with another snake." Jack said, glaring at Garshaw.
Why won't your father believe us when we say that we are not like the Goa'uld?
He's stubborn and horrified at my telling him that I'm a host to you, Mal. He hides it by being an idiot.
Well, he's doing a good job at being an idiot.
Tami lightly chuckled. Garshaw glared at her for a second and then resumed talking to Jack.
Do you want me to take control? You can rest for a little while.
No, I'm fine. Besides, my dad would probably freak and think that you took control forcibly.
Ahh... you have a point. I will just make suggestions.
That sounds good to me.
Tami felt like banging her head into a metal wall, or even better impaling herself on the large pointy spikes in the council chambers. SG-1 still refused to accept the truth; that they were Tok'ra, not Goa'uld. Although, Daniel had started to accept it, Sha're had helped to convince him.
Malek, how long have we been arguing?
About 1 hour, 17 minutes...
Ugh, this is giving me a headache.
No it isn't. I see no sign of a headache forming.
Malek, it's an expression.
Oh, sorry.
That's okay.
"We are Tok'ra; we have a symbiotic relationship with between us. We are not like the Goa'uld. We do not suppress our hosts." Garshaw said through clenched teeth. She was visibly getting angry with SG-1. Tami hoped that they wouldn't cross her patience line. Bad things happened when Garshaw got really ticked.
I really hope that dad will stop before Garshaw really gets mad.
I do as well. Most likely, we'll be on the receiving end of her temper... again. Not something I want to go through... again.
15 minutes later...
"Fine, you're not Goa'uld. Whatever!" Jack said, throwing up his hands. He had obviously gotten tired of arguing with Garshaw.
Whoah, we're done! YES!
Tami winced as Malek celebrated. It was then decided that Tami and Martouf would show SG-1 and Sha're (although she already knew) around the tunnels. This displeased Malek to no end.
Why do we have to show them around?
Because they are my friends and Jack is my dad.
At least now I see where you get that annoying stubborn streak of yours.
I don't have a stubborn streak, Malek.
Yes you do.
No I don't.
Yes you do.
No I don't.
Yes you do.
Malek...
Yes?
Shut up please.
That is impossible.
*mental glower*
*mental smile*
Tami ignored Malek's mental smile as she weaved her way through the tunnels with Martouf beside her and SG-1 and Sha're behind.
"Martouf, I think we should introduce them to Selmak and Saroosh. What do you and Lantash think about that?" Tami asked him.
"That sounds like a good idea, Tami. Lantash agrees." Martouf said; he seemed distracted.
"Martouf... what's wrong?" Tami asked him, she knew that look.
"Jolinar and Rosha haven't returned on time from their mission. I'm worried about them." Martouf said, glancing over at her.
Tami put a small hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay. Don't worry, they always find a way to come home." Martouf nodded and looked down at her.
"I hope their luck hasn't run out on them." Martouf said quietly, so only Tami could hear.
Tell them that I have every faith that they'll return safe and sound.
Tami smiled and said, "Malek says that she has every faith that they'll return safe and sound." Martouf nodded again.
"Thanks." Martouf said.
You're welcome.
"She says 'you're welcome'." Tami said. She then turned around to make sure SG-1 and Sha're were still following them. They were. They turned and Tami led them into Saroosh's/Selmak's quarters.
"This is Saroosh and Selmak, guys." Tami said. "They are the oldest Tok'ra ever, and a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, Saroosh, the host, is dying."
"How old is the host?" Daniel asked. He had his arm around Sha're.
"Saroosh'll be 203 years in a few days." Tami said.
"We are hoping to find a new host for Selmak... if one of you want to volunteer..." Martouf said slowly. It took less than a second for that message to sink in.
"Whoah! Like become a host! Ummm, sorry but no thanks." Jack said, shaking his head.
Sam said, "Me neither." Her eyes had widened considerably at the mention of becoming a host.
"Sorry, I'll have to pass as well." Daniel said. His arm tightened around Sha're.
"We would never force you to become a host, you must understand that." Garshaw said. They were back in the Council Chambers.
"Well, as long as you take no for an answer." Jack said to her. A muscle in Garshaw's jaw twitched.
"Tami, may I speak to you for a second." Garshaw suddenly asked, turning towards her.
"Sure." Tami said. She followed her outside the Council Chambers.
"Why don't they trust us?" Garshaw demanded once they were out of earshot of the Council Chambers.
Tami sighed. "We have given them no reasons for them to trust us. Before we go giving offers to them to become hosts, we need to show them reasons why they should become hosts. We can't just offer it too them the first day they learn about us." Tami said.
Exactly, couldn't have said it better myself, Tami.
Thanks Mal.
Welcome.
"We have given them reasons for them to trust us. Sha're and you are the reasons!" Garshaw said, sounding highly annoyed.
"Ok, then we can't give the offer the first day they learn about us. We have to give them some time. Allow them to get to know us some more." A slight pause. "I also think maybe they'd be a little more... comfortable talking to Yosuuf by the way. Maybe you ought to give her control." Tami said slowly. Garshaw sighed and nodded. "Perhaps you are correct." Her head bowed and when it came up, Yosuuf was in control.
"Okay, are we ready?" Yosuuf asked.
"Yep, come on." Tami said. Tami then turned and led the way back to the Council Chambers.
Yosuuf spoke. "Hello, I am Yosuuf. I am Garshaw's host." SG-1 looked slightly stunned.
"Garshaw might have been a little too... intense in her talking to you. I apologize on her behalf. She can be a little overbearing." Yosuuf said slowly. Tami had to grin a little at that.
As Yosuuf turned to go after talking to SG-1, Jack O'Neill asked, "Hey, are we prisoners here?"
"Well, we cannot have you wandering the tunnels without supervision. Surely you must realize and understand this." Yosuuf said.
"Well, my daughter can... supervise... us." Jack said. Tami closed her eyes in frustration.
Do you want me to take control?
No I'm fine...
Yosuuf glanced at Tami. "If Tami wants too, she can stay here, but you cannot wander around the tunnels with only one Tok'ra. Garshaw and I will not allow it."
"Ahhh... I see." Jack said slowly. Yosuuf nodded and then walked away. Tami watched her go and then turned to SG-1.
"So, how have you all been?" Tami asked them.
LALALALALALALALA!
MALEK! Shush it!
But I am soooo bored, Tami. And this is infuriating!
Malek... just cool it. Okay?
Fine *huffs*
*silence*
I'm sorry, Mal.
It's okay, I forgive you. And I'm sorry about singing.
That's okay, I forgive you too.
They were listening to Jack rant about what was going on back on Earth.
I wonder if he even realizes that we've stopped listening.
Probably not, and he's talking to me, not you.
I know.
That's it.
"Dad, please stop. I really don't care what cars are selling for nowadays." Tami said, putting her hand up. He stopped.
"Oh. Yeah, sorry. I got a little out of control. Sorry." Jack apologized.
"Tami, how long are they going to keep us here?" Daniel asked her.
"Ummm... I don't know. I could go ask..." She trailed off as Yosuuf/Garshaw entered the chambers.
"You may leave, SG-1, Sha're. I have spoken to the Council. Maybe, we'll be able to form an alliance some other time." Yosuuf said.
"We'll get our weapons back." Jack said, standing up.
"Of course." Yosuuf said.
"Ok, that's good enough for me. Tami, come on." Jack said, turning to go.
"Without Tami, she is Tok'ra and must remain with us." Yosuuf said.
"Ahhh... No, sorry. I'm not leaving my daughter." Jack said.
Oh, great. We have a problem.
Yes, we do, Tami. Yes we do.
"Dad, I have to remain here. I am Tok'ra. I can't just leave." Tami said. Jack turned towards her.
"You are coming young lady and that's final." Jack said sternly.
"Sorry dad. I have to stay. Just give me a GDO and I'll visit, okay. I remember the code." Tami said, looking up at him. "I have to stay."
"But I can't leave you. You're my daughter..." Jack said sadly.
"Who is in very good hands." Tami said.
"Ummm... I have a question." Sam said slowly. Tami looked over at her, glad for the interruption.
"Yes Sam." Tami said.
"Can a symbiote heal cancer?" Sam asked.
Tami heard Malek say yes. "Yes, they can. Why do you ask?" Tami said curious.
"My dad is dying from cancer. Maybe if Selmak can save him, he might agree to it." Sam said.
"Carter..." Jack said.
"Sorry, sir, it's just... maybe we need a little more trust. We really do need allies." Sam said. Yosuuf's head bowed.
"You might have a host for Selmak?" Garshaw, who had taken control, asked. She looked hopeful.
"Yes, my father. He's dying and if Selmak can save his life, I think he'd agree to it." Sam said.
"Very well, you may go." Garshaw said.
"Okay, but on one condition. Tami returns with us." Jack said his glaze defiant.
Oh dad, why do you have to do this?
"Jack..." Daniel said.
"Ack, I'm not losing her again, Daniel." Jack said.
"Dad..." Tami said.
"No, you're coming with us. No ifs, ands, or buts about it." Jack said.
"Dad, you'll be coming back in less than an hour." Tami said, "I'll be waiting for you when you come back."
Jack sighed, "Fine." SG-1 then left the room, Jack glancing back at the last second.
Tami turned to Garshaw, "I'll be in Saroosh's/Selmak's quarters." Garshaw nodded her consent and Tami quickly walked towards the elderly Tok'ra's quarters.
Malek, you may take control if you wish.
If you do not mind, then I shall.
Tami's head bowed and then Malek was fore. She walked into Saroosh's/Selmak's quarters. She quickly walked to their side.
"Selmak, we may have a host for you. Come on, just another hour. You can both do this." Malek said, sad at seeing her friend this way.
"Malek?" Selmak asked quietly.
"Yes, what is it?" Malek asked her.
"We will be fine, don't worry about us. I can keep Saroosh going for another 2 days, but no longer than that." Selmak said. Then, "Who are you planning to become my host?"
"Major Samantha Carter's father, he is dying from cancer and Major Carter believes that he will give his consent to becoming a host if you can save him." Malek explained.
30 minutes later...
Malek sat watching Selmak/Saroosh. Footsteps were heard and SG-1, Sha're, and an elderly man came in.
Tami, SG-1 is here! We best switch control.
Okay.
Tami quickly took fore and looked up at SG-1 and the elderly man, who must be Sam's father.
"Tami, this is my father, Jacob Carter. Dad, this is Tami O'Neill."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Carter." Tami said.
"Hello Tami. Jack, is this your daughter?" Jacob greeted Tami and asked Jack.
"Yep, she is." Jack said.
1 hour later...
Selmak and Jacob had blended a half hour ago and Sam was pacing back and forth.
"Sam! Don't worry; your father will be fine. If the worst were to happen, Selmak would revive them so they could tell us." Tami said. Sam stopped.
"I know; I'm just worried." Sam said.
"That is understandable. After all he is your father." Martouf said; he had just come in.
"Thanks... er... Martouf, is it?" Sam said. She remembered him introducing himself, but she couldn't remember if that was his name.
"Yes, Martouf is my name." Martouf said.
"Ahhh... Do you know when Jacob will wake up?" Jack asked rudely.
"Dad, Martouf is my friend, don't be rude." Tami whispered so only her father could hear her.
"Selmak is very weak. I do not know when they will revive. It will probably be soon, though." Martouf said.
15 minutes later...
Jacob's eyes opened. "Dad?" Sam asked.
"Martouf, Tami?" Selmak was in control. He sat up.
"We are here." Tami said.
"Ummm... is my father in there somewhere?" Selmak stopped looking around and his head bowed.
When it rose Jacob was in control, "Sam?"
"Hey dad, how are you feeling?" Sam asked him.
"Headache the size of Kuwait, there's too much stuff in here." Jacob indicated his head and scooted off the crystal bed. "Whoah!"
"What?" Sam said, and Tami inched forward a little.
He laughed and said, "No more arthritis. Hah! No more pain!" He grinned and looked up at them.
Not exactly no more pain, Jacob Carter.
He jerked and said, "Who's there?"
"What do you mean dad?" Sam asked him concerned.
"I believe he is hearing Selmak." Tami said, watching him carefully.
Tami is correct. I am Selmak.
"Whoah, that's weird. He's talking in my head." Jacob said.
Tami smiled and put a hand on his shoulder, "You can speak back to him in your mind. Try it. Just think what you want to say."
Err... Can you hear me?
Yes, I can hear you.
Jacob grinned. "That's weird, but cool at the same time."
"It takes a while to get used to it. As time passes, he'll get more and more chatty. Trust me, I know." Tami said, indicating her head. She then rolled her eyes.
You used to be quieter, now you chatter almost all the time.
Hey! That's not nice, I don't chatter all the time.
Yes you do.
No I don't.
Yes you do.
No I don't.
Yes you do, now don't argue!
No I don't.
"I have the feeling that the blending was successful." Garshaw had arrived.
"Yes, Master Garshaw." Tami and Martouf said at the same time. They grinned at each other.
"I'm watching you four. Don't make me give you all toilet cleaning duty again." Garshaw threatened.
"Okay, what did you do?" Jack said, turning and looking at his daughter.
"Nothing! Much anyway, we seriously didn't mean to splatter the entire council with mud. It was an accident!" Tami protested. Jack had to grin at that.
Although their reactions were priceless. I mean, come on, how often do you see Garshaw lost for words?
You've got a point.
I could've done without the yelling and toilet duties afterwards though.
Yeah, ya think.
I don't think, I know!
Oh brother.
"Ummm... Could we please go without arguing Garshaw and Tami? Selmak says he's about ready to lock you both in a room together and take bets on who comes out alive. He also says that arguing is usually not Tami's, but Malek's job..." Jacob said. Tami grinned.
How come everyone says I argue all the time?
Because you do.
No I don't.
Sorry, but yeah you do.
SG-1 looked completely confused and Sha're was sweetly smiling.
"Sorry, but apparently these four argue all the time." Jacob said.
"Ahhh..." Jack said, understanding crossing his features.
"See you dad." Tami said, smiling up at him.
"Bye kiddo."
"I will look after Tami as if she were my own daughter. You have nothing to worry about Jack." Jacob said. Jack nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He then turned and walked through the Stargate with the rest of SG-1 and Sha're back home to Earth. Jacob sighed contently.
"Well, come on. Let's get back to the tunnels; it's been a long day. And it's almost past your bedtime Tami." Jacob joked. Tami groaned at the joke.
"What is a 'bedtime'?" Martouf questioned them as the 3 Tok'ra, or 6 depending on how you looked at it, headed back to the rings that would transport them back into the tunnels.
~Fin~