Chapter Eleven Summary: Daniel and Sam have a short discussion that leaves Daniel with something to think about and ponder over until they can discuss it in more depth. Talk becomes more general and some decisions are made. Martouf and Lantash will be released to their own chamber, and they make very sure that Sam is staying there with them.
Rating this Chapter – PG-14
Ka'taseck lapt – Is a beverage similar to tea that tastes somewhat like hot chocolate. It helps both host and symbiote to relax and sleep.
Qua'atar – Pillow
Pro`n Ann'wyld – Our Beloved
Mer Cor – My Heart
"Italics" – Symbiote-Host Communication
Tok'Ra Dawn
Chapter Eleven
Just Think About It
He paused, for a moment longer, and then took the plunge, asking her, "You really were serious about what you told us earlier, weren't you, Sam? I mean about what would happen—you know, that you'd die long before them—if you don't blend, right? And you did put it into writing and everything? I know, I know. You said that you did, but I just…want to make absolutely sure that I've got it right. No, never mind, I know I do, and I don't even know why I brought it up again."
Sam's mouth dropped open slightly, as she stared at him. She'd been sure she was very clear about what she wanted earlier. Then she realized that this went back to the fact that she hadn't told him before, when she told her father, Selmak, General Hammond, and Janet. She sighed to herself. This was her fault, really. She and Daniel were such close friends, that he couldn't believe that she'd made that kind of decision and failed to tell him.
She really couldn't blame him, either. If it was the other way around and Daniel decided to blend with a Tok'Ra, but didn't tell her, she would have been deeply disturbed and, well—hurt. That was the word that would describe how she would feel if the positions were reversed. Not 'just' hurt, either; the hurt she would feel would be sharp, intense, and deep. Therefore, since the blame lie with her, she was the only one that could wash the pain away and heal the wound. She wouldn't let it fester.
The relationship that she and Daniel had was very special, although very few people realized just how close they were to one another. Many of the people around the SGC thought of them as almost brother and sister, but they knew differently. They had even discussed it at one time, after Sha'uri's death. In all likelihood, had Martouf and Lantash not happened to her, they might eventually have married. They did love one another. They found one another attractive physically. They didn't have a grand passion, or a burning desire for one another, but there was enough of a spark there that, if they allowed it to, it could have started a blaze. But things hadn't worked out that way, and they were just as content being the best of friends.
She supposed that the love they felt might be similar to what Malek and Lantash felt for one another. To lose Daniel would be a devastating blow to her, and she knew that her death would tear a very large hole in Daniel's heart. By the same token, she had no doubt at all that her failure to confide such an important decision to him, when she had told several others, was inflicting, not devastating blows, but certainly very painful ones.
She pulled herself from her ruminations, since they had done their job and shown her that she was the root cause of his problem with her decision. It wasn't the decision that was the problem; it was her failure to confide something so very important to him. Well, she could fix that and she would fix it right now. "Daniel, give me your pen and some paper, and don't try to tell me you don't have either one with you. You have your pack—you have pen and paper. It's a universal, immutable law that, if you have a pocket or a pack, you have a pen and paper."
He shook his head. "No, it's okay, Sam. You don't have to do this."
She shook her head and glanced behind her at the four men talking together. Realizing that she was going to interrupt them, he stopped her saying, "Okay, okay, just—give me a minute to find it, alright?"
He immersed himself within his pack and swiftly brought forth a pen and pad of paper. Handing it to her, he reiterated, "Sam, you don't have to do this."
She smiled briefly at him and shook her head. No, this was something that Daniel needed to set his mind firmly at rest, to ease the hurt she had inflicted, and it was just as well that he had it, too. It was time that she answered this question once and for all, so that everyone, not just a select few, would know of her wishes. Another smile lifted her lips for just a moment, and then she set pen to paper. It wouldn't exactly be a legal document, but it would be a much more personal one, and it would tell him everything that he needed to hear about her feelings for him…and on becoming Tok'Ra. Therefore, it began:
To my Dear Friend and Teammate;
My Dearest Daniel,
In the event…
After rereading her missive, Sam gave him a mischievous smile, handed the pad of paper and pen back to him, and told him, "Yes, Daniel, I'm planning on blending, and now you have written proof of my intentions. Arwanna and Crystell watched me write and sign it, and they'll sign it, as the witnesses. That way, you have all the proof you might need, especially with what the General, Janet, my dad, and Selmak already have. Furthermore, if anyone should question it, you can point out that I have no reason not to do it now, and instead I have every incentive to blend. I've written it all down in there, along with the information that I've had a lot more of Jolinar's memories return to me over the past year, and even more of them have come to me over the last few days, and every one of them reassures me. I know that I'll enjoy blending and becoming Tok'Ra."
She laughed softly, and checked to be sure that Martouf, Lantash, Devlin, and Malek were still engrossed in their own conversation, before continuing to explain to him, "When I said that I had a lot of Jolinar's memories come back, I meant it literally, Daniel. I don't mean that I've suddenly come into possession of every memory of hers, so don't misunderstand. What I do mean is that I've remembered enough to know that the symbiote-host relationship isn't anything like what we all imagined it to be, just as Malek, Dev, and I explained. That's why I was so interested to know what they had to say, too. And it's also why I agreed with everything they said. I know a lot more about the Tok'Ra, now."
Deciding that there was no need to go into all of that again, she looked over at Arwanna, and changed the focus of the conversation, asking her, "I take it that the tea isn't ready yet?"
"No, it is not. I forgot that I used almost all of it earlier when I made ours and evidently, Calise, Daimesh, or Gava came in and finished it. I have sent for some, and it should arrive shortly. I simply came to let you know that it would be a short time before I brought it to you. I can see that none of you are in a hurry, though, so I will simply bring it when it arrives and I have it made."
"All right, that's fine. Thank you, Arwanna."
"It is no problem," she told her, before reaching out and taking the pad of paper and pen from Daniel's hands, signing the letter, and then handing them back to him. "I will see you before long, I am sure."
Sam turned back to Daniel, as Arwanna left, and taking his hand in hers, she told him, "I want you to truly consider what we've told you about it, Daniel. Talk to people. Get to know them, while you are here. I think you will be surprised and reassured by what you hear. I should have spoken up a long time ago. I should have realized that part of the problem between the Tok'Ra and us was misinformation. My being quiet and not making known my true feelings toward Jolinar didn't help the situation at all. I have to take the blame for that, but I'll make sure it doesn't continue."
Daniel shook his head, telling her, "You can't take the blame for what happened, Sam. All of us refused to see the Tok'Ra as other than Goa'uld. The truth is, and you know I'm right, Jack has to take most of the blame. His attitude toward them influenced a lot of people, especially the other SG team members. Unfortunately, that filtered from them, to the administrative personnel, and then on to the science departments. I think that you and I are guilty of not making the science and technical personnel understand that it was 'not' just Jack's way or no way."
"So, in that instance, I will allow you to take some of the blame, but I have to share it with you. I think that we can let Teal'c off the hook completely, since the Jaffa and Tok'Ra have been deadly enemies for so many hundreds of years. Although," he added thoughtfully, his voice pensive, "Of the three of us guys, Teal'c was way more accepting of them than Jack and I were. He didn't go around extoling their virtues and sterling qualities, but neither did he badmouth them. Furthermore, he always went out of his way to spend time talking to whichever Tok'Ra was visiting. Just as he went out of his way to talk to Garshaw, when we first met them. And really, you always took the time to talk to them, too, and although it was because of Jolinar's memories, you did still make the effort to talk to them."
"I think the exchange of personnel will go a long way, too, Sam. The fact that there are so many of our people that want to stay is already having an effect back at the SGC. The discussions about what has happened, what's going on now, and how things are being handled have really gone a long way toward allowing the people at the SGC to begin to rethink what they, ah, had come to believe was true. I think you'll be surprised when—if, you come back in eight weeks."
Seeing the sadness in Daniel's eyes, Sam lowered her voice even more and leaned toward him, even as she pulled him closer. "I'm planning on coming back, Daniel. I want you to talk to the General for me. Dad and Selmak are going to talk to him, too. I'm hoping that Martouf and Lantash will return with me and join SG-1. I know the regs say no, but the Tok'Ra aren't like the Tau'ri. Our relationship won't interfere with his actions or reactions regardless what's occurring. They wouldn't jeopardize the team for me anymore than I would for them." She smiled slightly, amending, "At least, I hope I wouldn't. I know that Lantash wouldn't, and he wouldn't allow Martouf to either, so that side of the equation will work fine. My side, well, I hope that I can count on the rest of my team to make sure that I wouldn't do so either."
Daniel shook his head, as he pointed out, softly, "Sam, you've already proven yourself. You shot them. I'm very sure that the General will point that out, if anyone advising the President advises against allowing you to be together on a team. Per'sus will probably have something to say about it, too. After all, both sides really do want this exchange to work out well, and if Per'sus points out that it would be a good policy to allow Tok'Ra to be together on teams, since they usually work together, our people will take that as an indication that it could be a problem, if it doesn't work that way. So whether, as it is in your case for now, a Tau'ri/Tok'Ra bonding, a Tau'ri couple, or a Tok'Ra pairing, I think we'll see some allowances made for that. It makes sense, since they usually work together when they can."
She nodded. "Yes, I think you're right, Daniel. And, I'm pretty sure they'll come back with me, but I'm positive they will, if they're on the team with us. If they won't, then…well, I don't want to make that decision, until I don't have any other choice." She shrugged, before adding, "There really isn't a reason for them not to now that some of the Tok'Ra have chosen to stay at the SGC as exchanges. There's no reason that they can't be one of them and, if we can be together on a team, then I don't see them deciding against doing it."
She glanced over her shoulder, again checking that the others were still deeply engrossed in their conversation, before turning to Daniel once again. It was becoming more and more obvious that she didn't want them overhearing what she was saying.
Realizing that to be true, Daniel frowned as he asked her, "What's up, Sam? What's going on?"
Sam started to say something and then shook her head before murmuring, "Not here, Daniel, but I do want to talk to you about something. It started before the summit even took place and slowly happened more often the closer we came to it. Then, since I've been here, it seems to be happening more and more often. About every time I fall asleep, to tell you the truth." Once more, she glanced over her shoulder, before turning to him and asking, "Did you happen to bring the other piece of this gown I'm wearing?"
Daniel glanced around and then spotted it, where it had slid to the floor and was blending in with the colors of the crystal walls. He nodded and hopped down, saying, "Yes, I did and it's over there. I'll get it for you, if you want it."
She nodded, as she agreed, "Yes, please, Daniel. I need to take a restroom break. Why don't you walk with me?"
"Sure." He handed her the matching piece of lingerie, which was much more discrete than the gown it covered, telling her, "It's very nice, you know. I was sure that Martouf and Lantash would appreciate it. I'm pretty sure that they did, too."
She grinned at him and slid out off of the platform. Her movement alerted the other four beings, and they immediately turned to her, asking, "Are you all right, Samantha? Is something wrong?"
She grimaced at them and shook her head, assuring them that she was all right. "I'm just going to the little girl's room." Seeing their frowns, and Daniel's grin, she added, "Better known to the Tok'Ra as the facilities. I'll be right back, so don't allow us to distract you."
Martouf nodded, and smiled at her, saying, "Very well, Samantha. I am quite sure that you are capable of finding your own way." She smiled at him, before leaning over, kissing him briefly, turning, and walking to the other room, with Daniel beside her.
As soon as they entered the other room, Sam glanced at him, and then abruptly told him, "I've been having some familiar types of dreams recently, Daniel. The kind I was having when I dreamed the gate address for the Tok'Ra."
He frowned in thought, and then shook his head, asking, "What makes you think that they mean anything, Sam? You were trying to access the Tok'Ra's address when that happened."
"I know, but—I've been dreaming some other things when I see them. I think I've been dreaming about some things that Jolinar considered really important, and even though I've only been here a couple of days, they're beginning to make more sense. More things are being added. I'm hoping that the eight weeks will give them enough time to give me the entire addresses. Right now I'm just getting a few symbols and then the dream changes."
Still frowning, Daniel nodded, as he remembered how the address for the Tok'Ra had come to Sam a few symbols at a time until she finally saw all of it. However, as he'd pointed out, she was actually trying to find that address. "So, what are you dreaming about that makes you think that these addresses might be important in some way?"
Sam sent him a wry smile, and answered with just one word, before turning and entering the facilities, "Egeria."
He didn't know how long he stood with what must have been a look of total surprise—and bewilderment—on his face, but he wiped it away, before he turned to greet Arwanna as she approached him. He forced himself into normality and reached out, saying, "I can take that for you, Arwanna. Sam just went into the facilities. I can wait and take it back with us."
She shook her head, telling him, "It isn't heavy, Daniel, and I am having some as well. In fact, there is enough in the carafe for everyone. I will take it in now, although, I doubt that Samantha will be very long."
"I'm ready to go back now, actually," Sam spoke up, as she joined them, and as Arwanna gave her attention to her, Daniel managed to take the tray from her. Fighting over it would only cause an accident, so she simply shook her head at him, and released it before a catastrophe occurred.
As they turned to go back into the other chamber, Daniel wondered just how long he'd been standing, staring at the wall, and attempting to figure out what Sam meant. He sighed to himself. He wouldn't be finding out for a while from the looks of things. It would give him plenty to ponder over, though.
As they entered the next chamber, the men were still talking and it was obviously about some rather serious things going by the looks on their faces and the frowns sitting there. Then, too, the fact that they abruptly stopped speaking, as they entered the room, would have been a very huge clue. Whatever it was, it was not a good thing, and it was very much not to their liking. Since both of them glanced at Sam, she was fairly sure that it pertained to her…but in what way she didn't know, and that put her on guard and feeling very uneasy and unsure of herself. Were Lantash and Martouf telling Malek that they did not want her, but felt that they could do nothing about it without hurting her? They would not wish to embarrass her in front of her people, or for that matter, in front of their people, either.
She sighed and looked away, blinking the foolish tears back. She had known that it was a possibility. If that was it, then so far they had put on a good front while with her and the others. She was so immersed in her own thoughts that she was very surprised to feel a hand clamp down on her arm and start tugging her back across the room and out the door. Startled she looked over at a very grim faced Daniel. "What's going on, Daniel? Where's the tray? And what's with the death-grip on my arm?"
Daniel let loose of her arm and pinched the bridge of his nose, before blowing out an exasperated breath. "Samantha Carter, I am going to beat you. Or at least I could try to. What is the matter with you? They love you. They are thrilled to find out that you've accepted them and your bond. Why are you letting these ridiculous doubts in at the first misunderstood occurrence? We do not know anything about their conversation. We don't know its subject. We don't know if it was personal or general. It could have been about anything. It is not necessarily about you and their feelings for you, and you have no reason to assume that it is. And I gave the tray back to Arwanna."
"Then why did they stop talking and look at me, Daniel? That's a pretty strong clue that it was concerning something about me. I will concede that it could be something other than their lack of feelings for me. But it was about me."
He paused for a moment, still exasperated, but less so, now that she admitted it could be something other than their feelings for her. "I agree. I think it was about something that has to do with you. I do not think it is about their lack of feelings for you, because we know they have very deep feelings for you. That little sneaky thought can be cast out and buried, okay? That is what we are talking about, here, not anything else. I agree that whatever they were talking about touched on you in some way. It could be anything though, Sam. In fact, it's a lot more likely that it's about the upcoming hearings, and what they should do about Thoran and Ren'al and your feelings about it. We really don't know how Lantash and Martouf feel about this whole mess, you know. It's just as likely to be about that as it is about anything else."
"It could even very well be that Malek was lecturing them on the fact that you love them, and that they are worrying needlessly about whether or not you love them. Or, as I said, they could have been discussing Thoran, Ren'al, and that situation, too. You're involved in that as well, if you'll remember. For that matter, it could be something entirely different that we have no inkling about, and that is private to them. We may both just be suspecting that it has to do with you, and it really doesn't at all. It could just be that they both like to look at you, and you walking into the room distracted them completely. So—just—stop jumping to the conclusion that they don't love you. All of the rest of that stuff is irrelevant. Your first reaction was the problem. Sam…they love you. They want you. And given a little more, as well as slightly more private, time, I'm very sure that they will be more than happy to prove that fact to you."
She sighed, and nodded a tentative agreement, but told him, "I know that you're right, Daniel, and it could be anything like that. I'm probably reacting this way because we really haven't had any time yet to talk to one another and discuss everything that's happened. I mean, yeah, they've said they want me with them, and they know that I want to be with them, but most of that is through someone else telling them things, and someone else assuring me how they feel. I think that I'll feel a lot better, once we have some time to be alone and really tell each other how we feel."
It was Daniel's turn to sigh. She was probably correct in her assumptions; nevertheless, he had a few other things to point out. He indicated his agreement saying, "I agree with that Sam, as I just said, and I think that private time will make a huge difference in how you react to statements, events, even their reactions to things." He paused once more, before adding, "I've talked to Malek and Dev quite a bit the last couple of days. They've told me how those two feel about you, and if anyone would know, it's them. They love you, Sam, and it's just as much as they loved Jolinar and Rosha. What they fear most is finding out that you don't care about them; that the only reason you did what you did was because you felt guilty for shooting them. The other deepest fear they have is that should it prove true, and you truly do care about them, then something will take you away from them. Some force beyond their control will take you away from them."
He stopped and looked at her for a long moment, before nodding, as if coming to a decision. Finally, he told her, "They think that you love Jack. Hell, all of the Tok'Ra believed it, until they saw you with them. After seeing you standing with them and refusing to leave them, they know now exactly how things stand. Jack's reaction toward them, once he realized that you really did care for them made an impression, too. But now, the Tok'Ra all know that if there was anything between you and Jack, then neither of you would be acting as you are now. The thing is that Martouf and Lantash haven't seen you with Jack. They didn't see you, while you waited for them to survive the healing process, and they didn't see you confront the council and threaten them. They didn't see or hear you lay the charges against Ren'al and Thoran, when you did it."
"The point is that you need to stop automatically jumping to conclusions about their feelings. Trust me, Sam. I've never lied to you and I won't start now. They aren't wishing or trying to find a way out of your bond. Now, come on. Everyone's probably wondering what's taking place out here." He turned to go back into the other room, but stopped, and turned back to her adding, "Furthermore, you owe me an explanation of that one rather cryptic name. I expect to get it before very much more time passes, so unless you want me interrupting your honeymoon, you'd better come up with an explanation. Soon."
Sam finally smiled, telling him, "Dreams, Daniel. I'm having dreams of her. I haven't determined if Jolinar believed that she was alive somewhere, or if she left a daughter hidden, but it was one of the two. I can't tell you any more than that. I'm getting bits and pieces, some partial gate addresses, and things like that. The thing is that I seem to be having them more, just in the past two days. Even a short nap is bringing them, whereas before, it was only every now and then. So, I'm beginning to feel like I need to do something about it. I just don't know what yet. Eventually, I'm planning on sitting down with you and going over what I've dreamed to see if you see something that I'm missing. But," she glanced into the room where the others were waiting on them, "It will be a while yet. I don't really have anything substantial enough to go on anyway, so even if I wasn't planning on taking time with Martouf and Lantash, I wouldn't be ready to discuss it just yet."
Daniel nodded, and it was clear that he was already doing some thinking even with no more than Sam had told him. As they once again started for the door, he told her, "I'd like to see the list of gate symbols that you already have, Sam. I know that there isn't enough to really form any strong ideas, but, still, I would like to see them."
Sam nodded, as they stepped into the other room, telling him, "Sure, Daniel, that's not a problem. Remind me, and I'll give you a page out of my notebook before you leave."
Realizing that the room around them was very quiet, they broke off their conversation and looked around them. Arwanna, Malek, and Lantash were all watching them closely, as if expecting some major announcement from them. One that wasn't going to be a good one.
Daniel smiled at them, saying smoothly, "Sorry about that. I just remembered that there were some things that I needed to talk to Sam about, and this seemed like as good a time as any. Once they end up in Martouf and Lantash's room, we might not see them for a month."
Arwanna grinned, Malek raised an eyebrow, and Lantash studied him carefully. He must have decided that Daniel was not attempting to lie to them, because he told him quietly, "If you have a need to speak with Samantha, you are welcome to come to our chamber, at any time, Daniel. You will be most welcome there. Malek has told me of your help, and the emotional support that you have given to her…as well as to him. We are very grateful to you, and you will always be a welcome visitor, we assure you."
Daniel smiled at him, as he told him, "That's good to hear, Lantash. I have to admit that if I didn't have Sam to run to with my problems, I'm not sure what I'd do. She's my best 'girlfriend', and without her advice, I'd probably do something very, very stupid when it comes to—ah, problems involving those of the female persuasion."
Lantash smiled fully, assuming, as Daniel had wished for him to do, that Daniel had dragged Sam off to ask her a question pertaining to his love life. It was better than him knowing how insecure Sam still was, before she was ready to tell them herself, and he was very sure that she didn't want any of them to know about her dreams of Egeria. He wasn't surprised to hear the mild amusement in his voice, when he told him, "I see. There are several women here that would be more than happy to take her place if you need advice and she is not available, Daniel. Would you like me to write out a list of the Tok'Ra women whom I have heard discussing your, ah, intelligence and cognitive abilities?"
Daniel looked at him for a long moment and then, his face completely solemn, he told him, "Well, no, actually, I'd rather you told me which ones would like to jump my bones, and have their way with my body. I'll wait while you make the list—no hurry."
Lantash's smile widened, Malek let out a crack of laughter, and Arwanna began to giggle. Once she managed to control herself, she told him, "You believe that you are joking with us, Daniel, however, I know of a minimum of five Tok'Ra women that would give a great deal for some encouragement from you, and would gladly find their way to your chamber with the least bit of it from you. I am quite sure that were the six of us to sit down together and share lists, there would probably be many more. I am quite sure that Crystell, Devlin, and Martouf have noticed some that we have not, so that list is probably much longer than you suspect. In fact, she has already reminded me of two others that I had forgotten. Your colonel O'Neill, now that he has become friendlier, should be aware of the interest that he, too, is arousing among the female, and probably some of the male, Tok'Ra, as should Teal'c. We are not blind, and we are very sexual beings."
Sam choked on her laughter, and didn't dare look at Daniel. She knew from experience that his face would be very pink right now. Clearing her throat, she spoke up, asking them, "Really? The Colonel and Teal'c? Wow. I wonder if someone should warn them. I, um, suppose that it could be interesting to watch if they don't know, though. You'll have be sure to let me know how that's going, Daniel." Her eyes widened, as she remembered that Garshaw had once kissed the Colonel on the cheeks in thanks. She looked to Malek and Arwanna asking, "Garshaw?"
When they both evinced amusement, she heard Daniel murmur, "Oh, boy. Does he know? I mean, is he, you know, encouraging her or…" His voice trailed off, as he remembered how they had been eating meals together, as a group, but now he realized that Jack and Garshaw always sat next to one another. "Oh, wow." Then he broke out in a grin. This could be really, really good. Jack was always teasing him over some nurse or other. It was going to be payback time, big time. He almost couldn't wait.
Seeing the eager excitement begin to glow in Daniel's eyes, Sam groaned. This could be either very amusing and fun or a great big disaster. Only time would tell. She shook her head, and finally commented, "I can see that this is going to either be very entertaining or a gigantic debacle. I guess we'll survive it regardless. I can only hope it works out for them, if they're both interested." Knowing everything that was running through Daniel's mind, she added a cautionary note, reproving mildly, "But, Daniel, I wouldn't start on the Colonel too soon. If he doesn't really realize what's happening," she paused, and then shrugged, continuing, "well, I think you should give it time to see what develops first. Otherwise, besides spoiling your fun, well—you really could do some damage, you know."
She watched, as his mind swiftly sifted through her words, both spoken and unspoken, and the light in his eyes dimmed for a moment, but then it returned, sparkling as much as it had the first time. "Yes, I think you're right, Sam. I don't want to do that, and besides, if it really does develop into something, then it'll be more fun. He'll be in too deep to back off by then, so I'll be able to give a lot more payback. Good idea. For now, I'll just watch—and enjoy."
Sam rolled her eyes, shook her head, and then shrugged. Whatever would happen, would happen. A more muted twinkle grew in her own eyes, as she looked from Malek to Arwanna again. She had a feeling that Daniel might find himself in the Colonel's place…and she also had a suspect in mind. There was one Tok'Ra that she knew for sure was very interested in Daniel. And, since the Colonel was evidently interested elsewhere, the other half of that duo would turn her interest toward her symbiote's interests. Yup. She was definitely looking forward to watching that play out, if her suspicions proved to be true. She didn't know her well, yet, though she planned on revising that lack, but from what little she did know about the two of them, she was fairly sure that they and Daniel would have a great deal in common. She would tackle Arwanna and Malek about it, but not right this minute. For one thing, Daniel was here with them.
But for another, honesty forced her to admit, if only to herself, that as much as she would like to pretend otherwise, she was still really tired from her two-day vigil. It was time to drink her tea, and then take another nap, even though she would much rather remain awake so that she could begin to spend some time with her—well—husbands. The shaft of excitement and pleasure that shot through her at that thought, almost took her breath away, and it was with a significant amount of difficulty that she remained outwardly calm. She was anything but calm on the inside. Just the thought of lying down beside them…and knowing that they were hers…was enough to raise her pulse and heart rate. She grinned to herself at her thoughts. She had it bad; there was no doubt about that.
Walking around the sleeping platform, she threw the matching piece of her peignoir on a nearby piece of crystal that passed for a chair. The tunnels were great for a swift way to build a base, but the furniture left a lot to be desired. If things turned out differently than she hoped, and she ended up staying here instead of back at the SGC, then she was definitely looking into a good quality air mattress. There was no reason not to have things like that here. After all, they were inexpensive, portable, and if worse came to worst, the tunnel could eat them, and they wouldn't be out a lot of money.
In fact—she smiled at Arwanna, as she took the cup of Ka'taseck lapt—and then turned to Daniel, asking, "When are you due to go back to the SGC next, Daniel? No, better than that, when is anyone due to go back to the SGC? I have some requests I'd like to have filled a.s.a.p."
Daniel took a sip of the Ka'taseck lapt, since Arwanna was nice enough to bring a very large carafe of the beverage, as well as cups for everyone, but his eyebrows rose in a silent questioning of her requests. After swallowing, he put his question into verbal form, asking, "What do you need, Sam? I'm going back in a short while, to do a debrief for SG-6, and then returning later in the evening. At least, it will be evening here. If you tell me what you want, I'll see if I can get it for you."
She nodded, sent him a rather wry smile, and gave a very succinct answer, "Air mattress." She, too, sipped her drink before adding, "I'd like a very good quality one, with a pump." She wrinkled her nose, sighed, and then continued, "Also, a solar charger. That way I won't have to figure out some other method of charging it." She frowned as she looked around the room. "See if you can find some of those cushions that you can get for lawn furniture, and get both lounger and chair types, several of each. A couple of back pillows and," she stopped and glanced at the Qua'atar on the sleeping platform, before continuing, "if you have the time, would you mind getting and bringing my bed pillows, as well? Oh, and the coffee maker I modified, so we don't have to have electricity."
"That's actually been taken care of, Sam. You can have coffee anytime you want it. It was one of the first things the teams realized they needed, so most of them had their coffee makers brought through. In fact, they set up a group to work on converting one of the big mess hall pots to work with the Tok'Ra's power supply, and they got it working just this morning. So we have our team coffee pot, and then there's one in the Tok'Ra mess hall, as well, so, there you go. I can scratch that from the list." He'd been rummaging around in his pack, and as he said the last part of his sentence, he handed a pen and paper to Sam. "I think you better write it down, just to be safe. So far, I think I can manage what you want, but I'd rather not forget something. I think that the cushions that you're asking for will work out pretty good, and so will the mattress. I may give that some thought myself, since I'll probably be here for several weeks."
She nodded, and then setting her tea aside for the moment, she proceeded to make her list of 'necessities'. As she finished and handed it to him, she gave another rather wry smile, saying, "It's not that we haven't slept on rocks and stuff before, but I don't see a need to do it when it isn't necessary. And it isn't. We could bring a bunch of mats and sleeping bags, but I think this will be less bulky and easier to handle, when you get right down to it."
After a moment, a thoughtful look crossed her face, she reached out, took her list back, and then quickly added something else, before handing it back to him. As he took it from her, she told him, "Come to think of it, while the sleeping bags would be a pain because we would have to keep track of them, the mats that we use under them wouldn't really need to be counted. So, that being true, they would be a good thing to have, so bring quite a few of the mats, Daniel. After all, it isn't like the air mattresses, or the mats, either, would be a great financial loss, if the tunnels got to eat them, at some point."
He waved his cup of tea toward her, as he gave his opinion, affirming, "I agree. I think it's a really good idea. I'll bring them, as well as the other things you want, back with me, when I return. You will sleep in comfort tonight…if you get to sleep at all, that is. Furthermore, I promise that I'll be very sure that I bring the mats, too, since that kind of activity can be less than stellar on an air mattress. Don't worry about a thing; I'll take care of it." He grinned at her, as he made his last comment.
She shook her head at him, but her amusement was obvious as it put a bright gleam in her eyes. Luckily, the Tok'Ra had once again become engrossed in a conversation of their own, and so they didn't hear him, something for which she was very grateful.
Deciding that a change in the conversation might be a very good thing, she switched the subject, asking, "Has President Crawford said anything in particular about the exchanges, Daniel? I've been out of the loop, you know, and you haven't really mentioned anything. What has his reaction to it been so far? Does he like the idea of exchanging all different levels and types of personnel?"
"He loves it, Sam. He thinks it is a great idea. General Hammond said that he's almost walking on air. Per'sus went to the SGC yesterday and talked to him by phone for over an hour. They worked out most of the details, including, and this is a shocker, those that decide they want to stay with the Tok'Ra long-term, have the option of telling their wives or husbands and having them visit from time to time, especially those that are in the service as well." At the look of utter astonishment on Sam's face, his smile grew wider. "Since it's more or less a war zone, they can't do it like they would a foreign assignment to say, Germany, where they're actually on an American base, not an exchange, but special rules and regs are being put into place around the entire situation. I didn't know what the General actually meant at the time, but since you mentioned it, I'm betting that Lantash and Martouf will be allowed to join SG-1, because a discussion about spouses that are both in the military took place, and I think they may offer it to both, if they're both interested in doing an exchange."
"As far as the Tok'Ra and the Tau'ri, I think that both sides are pretty impressed with how well both sides have taken to the idea, and how quickly they've implemented it. Now that they're starting to actually see one another with their prejudices pushed aside, they're finding that they have more in common than they realized. There are quite a few Tok'Ra that want to join the SGC, which I think surprised, but definitely pleased, the Tau'ri side of the arrangement. I think, too, that that's another reason for the change in the regulations that are being made about mates being together on a team. Since the Tok'Ra are used to working together, as we talked about earlier, our military, via President Crawford and Per'sus, has to rethink their ideas, if they want to have more Tok'Ra at the SGC. And that, as I'm sure you are quite well aware, is something that they very much do want."
Seeing Sam blink somewhat sleepily, he changed the subject, telling her, "Well, I think I need to be thinking about heading out of here. If you think of anything else in the next hour let me know. After that, I'll be on Earth, although you can always dial us up and send another message through." He grinned at her now obviously sleepy expression, as he murmured, "Somehow, I don't think you'll be awake to do that, though, so if I don't hear from you, before I leave, I doubt if I hear from you, at all. I'll bring the mats and stuff by your chamber, when I get back, though, just as I promised I would."
She nodded her acknowledgment of his statement, but her only verbal answer was a brief half-smile, a well-covered yawn, and then a sleepily muttered, "Thanks, Daniel, I really will appreciate it. I'm sure I'll enjoy having them. The Tok'Ra version and idea of mattress-type padding truly does leave a lot to be desired."
Daniel grinned at her again, and then finished his tea, before looking around for, and finding, his pack. Picking it up, he slipped her list into it, knowing that, if he put it there, he wouldn't misplace it, since the pack would travel with him, when he went to the SGC, and travel back with him, when he returned to the tunnels. He couldn't be sure of keeping track of it if he just stuck it into a pocket. He watched her smother another yawn, and then catching Arwanna and Malek's attention, he nodded toward the door. Martouf happened to turn, as the yawn caught her, and he, too, unobtrusively nodded his agreement to their departure.
The decision that they needed to leave, having been made, Malek assured them, "We will see you later this evening. For now, you should both rest for a few more hours. Should anything of which you should know occur, I give you my word that we will apprise you." Without waiting for a reply, he turned, picked up the tray, and made his way swiftly toward the door. Daniel and Arwanna, after each of them gave their very quick and brief farewells, were still several very hurried steps behind him.
Sam smiled, as she turned toward Martouf, telling him, "When Malek decides that it's time to leave, he doesn't waste time, does he? One minute he's saying his farewells, and the next one, he's gone." She paused, before adding, "I really like Malek, Martouf. He's been very sweet and supportive during this entire thing, him and Daniel, both. They seem to have formed a friendship, as well, and I'm really glad, because you and Lantash are really close to Malek, and I'm very close to Daniel. It will mean that our friendships won't be strained, but instead they'll be understood and supported. Daniel told me that he really likes Malek a lot, too, and that they've spent some time together just talking about different things."
She paused again, but this time she sat quietly for a short time, her head bent, watching her fingers, as they nervously stroked the bed covering. Martouf waited patiently, sensing that she had more yet to say, and his calm acceptance was rewarded, when she looked back up and into his eyes, as she told him, "From what he told me, they talked quite a bit about us—you know—you and Lantash and me, and...well...I guess Daniel talked to him about how much I...love you and Lantash...and," she stopped and cleared her throat, before finishing, "And Malek told him how much you and Lantash love me. That's what he said Malek told him, and Daniel doesn't lie to me. Anyway, I'm...I'm really glad that they are becoming good friends. I'm sure that it will give us a lot of enjoyment, because I really like him, too. I—hope that you and Daniel will come to know one another better, too. I'd like for you to be friends, as well, just as I hope to become closer to Malek."
Reaching out, he drew her into their arms, saying, "Lantash and I agree with everything that you have said, Samantha. It will make for some very enjoyable times spent together. As for Daniel, we already like him very much and have always felt that," it was his turn to pause, as he decided how to phrase his comment. Coming to a decision, he told her, his tone and words open and frank, "We have always felt that, were it not for Colonel O'Neill's antipathy toward the Tok'Ra, Daniel would have become good friends with several of us. Now that the Colonel's attitude appears to have undergone a change, we believe that we will now see that take place."
Once more, he paused, but only briefly, before continuing, "However, that is something, which we will have time to discuss later, for although it is important, it is not as important as two other comments that you made. Hearing you tell us that you love us…Samantha, those words are the most beautiful words that have ever been spoken to us. Your avowal of love for us sets our minds at rest, as I am sure you are aware. As for Daniel repeating Malek's words…Mer Cor, Lantash and I both love you more than we know how to express in words. Malek did not lie to Daniel, and Daniel did not lie to you. We love you. We loved you yesterday, we love you today, and we will love you more as each new day dawns and passes. Please never doubt that, for we both swear that it is true. Just as neither of them will lie to either of us, neither will we lie to you."
He kissed her gently, and then pulled back and gave her a sweet and tender smile, as he told her, "That being said and shared between us, for now it must be enough, for you still need some rest, and although we have both been 'resting' for two days, we are still somewhat weary. Therefore, will you not come and lie down with us? We will all sleep for a time, and then, if it is truly your desire, and we believe that it is, we will remove to what will now be our chamber—yours and ours. There, we will have time alone, and we will share all of those things that we have yearned to be able to say to you for so long. Is that acceptable, Pro`n Ann'wyld?"
After he stretched out, his arms encircled her once again. As she snuggled into them, she sighed softly, her tone redolent with contentment. "That sounds very good to me, Martouf, and as long as you both agree, then, yes, it is very much my desire."
"Then it shall be so, for it is also very much our desire, as well. Now rest. We will have time later to talk." The kiss he gave to her was slow and sweet, and when it was over, he gazed at her, his love shining from his eyes into hers. The look of love that she returned to him, almost took his breath away.
She gave them a rather sleepy smile, and then, closing her eyes, she was asleep almost before his final words. Almost, but not quite. She still heard him say that they loved her, and she took their words and her smile with her into slumber.
TBC