This is dedicated to those of you who watch the shows.
A week went by before contact with the Tok'Ra was established; it surprised everyone that such an organization seemed to exist, and even respond. The crux of the matter had been when after the Nasyan man had been healed in the sarcophagus post-extraction of the Ashrak, he'd nervously confirmed Jolinar's story, but had been willing to host the Tok'Ra after the traumatic time controlled by the Ashrak. When asked why he spoke up for Jolinar, he'd said the evil Goa'uld had left its mind wide open to him, so great was its disdain in pursuit of Jolinar. The man then gave as much information as he could remember before joining his people through the gate.
The NID hoped that Jolinar would be willing to bond with one of their operatives, but such was Carter's opinion of the organization that the snake refused. It instead arranged the addresses to old bases, and the means for contact, but no willingness to fall into NID hands.
The general had taken more headache medicine than usual over that week, but so long as Jolinar gave them incremental assistance, and allowed Carter to input technical and scientific information into standalone computer systems, custody remained with the SGC. Now, members of SG-1 and SG-3 had made contact and began negotiations for turning over Jolinar once a willing non-Tauri host could be found.
Martouf/Lantesh somewhat nervously made his way through the Chappa'ai and down the ramp of the SGC. Master Bra'tac stood next to General Hammond as they exchanged greetings with the arrival.
Martouf spoke first, "I am Martouf, host of Lantesh. With me are Freya, host of Anise, and Saroosh, host of Selmac. We are of the Tok'Ra."
"I'm General Hammond of Earth, and this is Master Bra'tac of the Free Jaffa."
"If you are indeed of the Tok'Ra, it might be a pleasure to meet you," the old warrior nodded tentatively.
Lantesh spoke next, "We exist, Master Bra'tac of Chulak, and extend cautious greeting to you if indeed you are in rebellion against the System Lords. And likewise to the Tauri."
Martouf pleasantly resumed control, "If it is alright, we would wish to verify the presence and condition of Jolinar, please."
General Hammond looked to Colonel O'Neill, who with Teal'c was escorting them.
"No obvious weapons or anything, sir."
"Very well, then…Colonel, please lead an escort to the Observation Room."
The Tok'Ra were soon satisfied that the symbiote inside Captain Carter was indeed Jolinar of Malkshur. A series of questions and code phrases were exchanged before they were fully and happily satisfied. Saroosh, host of Selmac, turned to Colonel O'Neill.
"We are satisfied," the grandmotherly host smiled, "so we can now open relations with your people, Colonel. I will now let Selmac speak."
"Greetings, O'Neill of the Tauri, Slayer of Ra and Apophis. The Tok'Ra Council sends its congratulations and its cautions to you and your people."
"Thank you, ah, Selmac of the Tok'Ra," the Colonel responded, not at all sure of a situation in which a Snake wasn't trying to kill him, "I believe General Hammond is waiting for us."
"Will the Slayer of Hathor and Klorel be present as well?"
"Lt Hammond? I'm afraid not at this time, he's on duty right now."
"Very well, though the Council is … fascinated by the idea of the effects Jolinar reports he has on us."
O'Neill couldn't quite suppress an amused smirk, "Yeah, there's something that he's really trying not to experience too much."
Saroosh chuckled, "Well I suppose a young man usually only dreams of having that effect on women…doesn't really know what to do when it happens."
O'Neill found himself surprised to be liking the old gal, though he was still wary of the Goa'uld within. He smiled and nodded as they made their way to the conference room.
Lt. Hammond was actually at that moment talking to Major Paul Davis and Colonel Maybourne about his progress, and that of his ad hoc team of misfits.
Maybourne chuckled, "So you really used this hormone-thing of yours on Captain Carter?"
"No, sir, Colonel, I used it on the Goa'uld that had taken her over. I've apologized to Captain Carter, but as a result of my actions, we've been able to work out a good arrangement with the other snakes to get her free."
"So you don't trust these Tok'Ra?"
"Don't know 'em yet, sir. If we actually get something out of all this, then maybe it'll work out. Heck, someday we might even find a lazy System Lord somewhere in charge of a tropical paradise casino planet, who's only evil enough to water down the drinks and charge full price. Him, I think we could also deal with if that's his only ambition."
"You don't seem to hold quite the same rosy picture of the universe as SG-1?"
Davis looked uncomfortable, but Alexander smiled, "It wouldn't be proper to comment on the unit of which the SGC 2IC is commanding officer, sir. As to holding a rosy view of the world I don't believe the SGC are a bunch of tree-huggers. I also believe if we had the resources and personnel to simply follow up more, we might be able create enough off-world trade to acquire some of the items and knowledge you seek."
"Tell me more, Lieutenant."
"Well, the Goa'uld themselves rarely do any of the trade or stuff right? So far it looks like Jaffa and humans do that. But who are the guys that actually get things done? I mentioned to the Goa'uld to access Captain Carter's memories of the French Resistance. Why don't we take the lessons of all those old movies of ours and start sending out spies as bartenders, garbage men, that sort of thing?"
"Hmm, we've been thinking about it. Any other ideas?"
"Not really, sir."
Major Davis cleared his throat, then spoke, "Lt, we've gone over your … unique … method of exacting information from this Jolinar of Malkshur. And that you seem to be able to sense them at very short range. Have you noticed any other abilities?"
"Um, not really, Major. If I do, I'll let Doctor Frasier know…so she can stick me with more needles."
Maybourne smirked, "You're beginning to sound a lot like O'Neill."
"Thank you, sir. In spite of your differences, he also is a patriot."
"I know, and that's the only good reason he's still here. Charisma can only carry you so far before you piss off the wrong people. He already manages sufficient results and the ETs like him."
"Oh. I'm glad you noticed, sir."
"Feeling caught between?"
"Um, sometimes, sir, and I don't want to end up a lab rat."
"No need, Lt, we get all the information we'd get elsewhere, but willingly. And I'm afraid the Doctor's monthly barrage of needles still doesn't count toward a Purple Heart."