So Ra is dead? I finally thought after a while of comfortable silence. Nai'Rda had been quietly analysing potential reasons for his mistake. So far he had guessed that Ra was killed before he had managed to pass on his message. I seriously doubted that, the Tok'ra was incredibly suspicious of him and as a result, they were suspicious of me. Could it be that you were mistaken? That it wasn't Ra you spied on?
No. It was Ra. Nai'R'da's returned firmly. But you may be right, perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye. They were incredibly suspicious the moment I mentioned Ra's name. That could mean many things, either Ra died a long time ago or they work for him. Of course the latter could not be right because our very name, Tok'ra mean against Ra.
So Ra could have been dead a long time ago, but what does that mean for us? I asked curiously. If Ra is dead and for some time, that seriously undermines our trustworthiness.
Yes it does, so we need to work out what really happened. Nai'R'da's replied. If Ra has been dead for some time, why was I sent to spy on him by the Tok'ra.
You mean the Tok'ra sent you, yet their denying his existence? I asked incredulously. Isn't that a betrayal?
The Tok'ra would never betray each other, there are so few of us and so many gao'uld we cannot afford betrayal. Those that do betray are looked down upon and suffer severe consequences. No they would not betray us and I would not betray them. Nai'R'da explained firmly.
So if that is not the case what is the next logical explanation. Perhaps you were ordered by another or tricked. I thought carefully.
No… Nai'R'da paused. Actually I remember something. When I was found out, I tried to evacuate before I was found. But they succeeded in catching up with me. I was struck and I hit a mirror. When I awoke with my previous host there were no firing sounds. We stood and efficiently evacuated the room and found a death glider but the Jaffa returned and hunted us down until we collided with 'Thunderbird 5'.
So you think it has something to do with a mirror. I asked incredulously.
Yes, if I recall the Tauri found a mirror that could transport them to another reality. If that is so, what if I came through a similar mirror and arrived in a reality where Ra is dead.
Is that really so? I asked curiously, I was a little amused that a mirror could transfer a living, sentient being to another reality. However the symbiote was serious.
Yes that is so. Nai'R'da replied.
Then we need to try and persuade the Tok'ra that what you say is truth. I stated. But how do we do that when we are still in this holding cell.
Leave that to me. Nai'R'da stated in reply. May I take over.
You may.
Once he had my permission, Nai'R'da pushed to the forefront. I found myself watching through my eyes as Nai'R'da stood and walked closer to the force field. "Tok'ra. I wish to speak to a member of the high council, preferably a scientist." The Tok'ra guard frowned but nodded. We watched as he talked to his partner before disappearing down the hall.
"You requested our presence?" Nai'R'da glanced up and took in the two figures, one was recognisable as Malek of the Tok'ra, the other, a female was not so familiar. She is anise of the Tok'ra and her host is Freya. Nai'R'da silently explained.
"I have a theory that may explain how I come to believe Ra is alive." Nai'R'da explained.
"Explain." Anise demanded.
"I have taken much time to reanalyse what had happened and came across something which seems familiar." Nai'R'da began. "Do you recall a mirror that the Tauri discovered that could help people travel to alternate realities?"
"Are you suggesting you came across one of these 'mirrors' and are from another reality?" Malek asked in scepticism.
"My previous host and I were attacked, we hit a mirror. When we awoke we weren't anywhere near the area we had been before. I believe it may be a viable explanation." Nai'R'da replied.
"Indeed it may be a viable explanation but the Tauri stated that the travellers suffered some sort of temporal vortex when they entered the time stream with their counterparts within. If your story is true, how is it you're not suffering like the Tauri theory says you should."
"Perhaps this realities Nai'R'da and his host are dead?" Nai'R'da replied with a cringe.
"Then if that is the case you are not our Nai'R'da at all." Malek replied.
"If that is the case then no I am not your Nai'R'da and the information I hold is not important in this reality." Nai'R'da explained. "The problem is within this new host I cannot return to my own reality since my host may exist in that reality."
"This presents us with a problem." Malek replied thoughtfully. "We will take this new information to the Tok'ra high council and decide from there."
Nai'R'da nodded in acceptance watching as the two Tok'ra vanished back into the hallways. Now all we can do is wait.
We've been waiting for some time, another while will not hurt. I replied thoughtfully.
Indeed. Nai'R'da answered, as he sat down. The question is what will they decide. After all I cannot return whilst I am blended with you and to remove me now would condemn both of us to death. I can only hope that they will accept us into the Tok'ra resistance. I silently agreed but remained quiet, happy to allow Nia'R'da to remain in control.
It was a few hours later that the Tok'ra returned. Garshaw stood with Malek and Anise. "I was told of your theory and at first I was full of disbelief. But after I had spoken to the Tauri and their belief that what you say is true, I am inclined to belief you."
"However until you have proven yourself you are to remain on this base under watch of our guards." Malek added.
"I agree to those terms." Nai'R'da replied.
"Very well." Garshaw answered. "You will be escorted to your new quarters."
"Of course." Nai'R'da replied. He waited patiently for the force field to be shut down before following the Tok'ra party to a strange room. Well it was strange for me but Nai'R'da simply thanked his escorts and strolled in with no fear. The Tok'ra does not completely belief just yet but at least we've got some freedom.
I doubt it would be much freedom until we prove our worth. I replied thoughtfully, absentmindedly analysing the room. It didn't look like a room designed for comfort. The bed was thin, almost like a mat upon a large crystal formation shaped like a bed. Even the chair was simply a formed crystal with a soft mat like form for mild comfort. Everything else looked pretty normal, there was a mirror on the wall and a set of drawers in a table like structure against the wall.
The Tok'ra cannot spend much time revelling in comfort, often we have to relocate quickly so comfort is not a big priority, but we add the soft mats to aid in the comfort of our hosts who are often used to comfort.
I see. I replied accepting the answer, besides I was used to situations like this. My first time up on Thunderbird 5 was on a metallic bed nailed to the floor with thin bedding. So how do we pass the time now? They will not allow us to study anything that could make us a threat so what can we do?
I am not sure but perhaps the Tok'ra has thought of this and intend to give us some use. We may still be prisoners but that is no reason for transferring us to these quarters when we had all the equipment we needed for our basic needs in the cell. They allowed us out for a reason. Perhaps they need more help than they are willing to admit.
What would they need more help with? I asked curiously .
I am not sure, yet.Nai'R'da replied, he set himself down onto the seat and focused inwardly. Perhaps I can translate something or give an informed opinion on some idea. Who knows? What I do know is that they will not trust us completely. Not yet.
I suppose I could offer my knowledge of communication and my understanding of space, but I don't know how much use that would be.
The symbiote gently hugged me with a mental smile full of pride and reassurance. I assure you that you are of great use, my friend. Do not fear, young one.
Young one? I asked in amusement as the symbiote chuckled.
You are young to me.
I know, but I wasn't expecting that nick-name.
The symbiote chuckled in amusement. Of course you weren't, dear one. You are precious to me, am I not allowed to give you 'nick-names'?
Of course you can.
Well then. The symbiote replied. Dear one and Young one are better than star boy or space boy, are they not?
Yes they are. I replied, mentally flushing at the nicknames my family called me. Ah, my family, they would be very worried about me right now. But mostly angry that I ran and lied to them. I didn't know what to say when I saw them again or if I'd ever see them again.
You'll see them again. Nai'R'da replied softly. I doubt the symbiote or the hosts would allow a family to be separated like this.
We are a threat to them.
Maybe, but they cannot condemn a son for seeking his father and brothers. Nai'R'da replied passionately. Selmak must still be negotiating for us and if so he may be able to make the Tok'ra high council see reason.
Yes but I don't expect to see Earth for some time. I replied quietly. I feel so bad for my family. I upset and hurt them when I left and now they're on a wild 'goose chase' to find me.
You had no choice they would not have let you go otherwise, but I am sure they would forgive you. Nai'R'da replied.
Maybe, but I will not find out for some time. The symbiote sighed at my sad tone as he tightened around my spine in a 'symbiote hug'.
"John." Nai'R'da turned himself around and we both glanced at Jacob. "May I come in?"
"You may." Nai'R'da replied.
"Ah, Nai'R'da may I speak to John?"
"Of course." Nai'R'da withdrew allowing me to take to the forefront. "Hello Jacob, Selmak."
"Hello John, Nai'R'da. Selmak and I have spoken to the Tok'ra council about your request. We find that we cannot comply with your request. However if the Tauri visit us or we visit them, we shall pass on the message that you are safe. That is all the Tok'ra will promise at this time."
I sighed quietly. "It's not really what I wanted to hear but at least my father and brothers will know I'm safe. I doubt they'd be happy until I was with them, but at least they'd know I'm safe at least."
"I'm sorry John, but it's the best we could do."
"It am not angry, a little upset maybe but not angry. Thank you for speaking on my behalf." I replied quietly.
"It was no problem, John. I was glad to speak for you and I'm very sorry I couldn't get permission to send you back." Jacob apologised sincerely.
"It's okay." John replied, Nai'R'da tightened in a symbiote hug as he felt the sadness I was hiding from Jacob. "Will Nai'R'da and I be able to do anything other than sit here waiting?"
"I believe the Tok'ra have a few jobs that you could help with." Jacob replied thoughtfully. "But I am not entirely sure what they'll be, you should take advantage of the opportunity to rest."
"I've been resting for some time, I would really like to do something."
We have a lot of time, young one. Let's take advantage of the small reprieve whilst we still can. Nai'R'da replied.
Alright. I replied silently and then repeated himself out loud with some annoyance. Jacob chuckled and nodded. "I will leave you to get some rest. Hopefully the next Tok'ra through the door will give you some jobs to do."
I nodded and watched as the older man left the room. I guess we should try to sleep.
Or get used to your new environment. Nai'R'da input helpfully. With a mental nod I stood and began to analyse the room I was in.