Chapter 21 - Negotiations

In the late afternoon, after we had declared our extensive brunch and cuddling as finished for the time being, we finally decided to get up. The sun still shone from an unclouded sky, so we decided to go outside into the wild garden that was surrounding the house. This time, we could be certain not to encounter any further bad surprises, because Thor had taken precautions that besides us nobody was able to enter the garden any longer.

We took a walk through the extensive gardens, holding hands like freshly in love teenagers, while we were enjoying the vast diversity of plants. There were trees and flowers that looked a bit familiar to those I knew from Earth, but there were also some Othalian specialties that looked totally alien, yet beautiful.

After a while, we reached a beautiful clearing that was surrounded by ancient trees. The sunlight came filtering through the high treetops and drew a beautiful pattern of spots of light on the long grass that covered the ground. I admired the all-around beauty of Thor's gardens that clearly spoke of good taste and sensitiveness, features I wouldn't have expected from an Asgard, hadn't I learned to know so much about them the last few weeks.

I sat down on the trunk of a very oddly grown tree and gestured Hermiod to sit next to me. Then I put my arms around his shoulders and pulled him to my chest tenderly. I still could hardly believe that I was experiencing this moment of wonderment, this ideal of perfection provided by a small grey alien who was supposed to be my partner in life. I'd definitely never have been able to dream of something so strange, yet amazing.

Right now we couldn't even imagine where our road would take us eventually, but we both had no doubt about being successful as long as we were together. Still, there was a heaviness on my heart that was hard to ignore.

'I somehow wish we could stop the hands of time, at least for a while.' I murmured, kissing Hermiod's forehead, enjoying his beautiful alien features soften while he closed his eyes in silent consent.

'We can't.' He told me as expected, being all logical as always. 'But we can enjoy this moment as long as you like. We're in no hurry.'

I remained silent for a long while, not knowing how to put all my contradicting thoughts and emotions in proper words. I've always hated myself for not being able to find the right words when necessary. There was so much I wanted to tell Hermiod but didn't dare, because I didn't want to come across all too cheesy. So I just kept sitting there, holding him close and hoping he'd understand anyways.

'I'm scared.' I suddenly heard him say, and those two words unsettled me more than anything else I had heard from him that day. It was kind of heart-breaking to know that even he in all his level-headedness wasn't free from fear. But how could he not be scared, faced with the extinction of his race?

'I know.' I therefore replied quietly, 'We've been thrown into something that's so much larger than us, but still we have to handle it one way or another. Whatever the High Council will decide, we're facing… interesting times.'

I don't remember ever having desired to live in interesting times, because that always only meant more trouble and hardship than I was ready handle. I wasn't made to be a hero or something.

'What if the High Council doesn't accept your suggestions?' Hermiod asked with so much fear in his voice that I couldn't help but bite my lip harshly to keep myself from voicing my own concerns.

'I suppose, I won't accept their decision then.' I remarked after I was sure to be able to control my voice, noticing that my heart had found the answers long ago already. 'I mean, even if I have to team up with Loki or whatever, I'll do everything humanly possible, no matter how hard it may be.'

There was no way I would let Hermiod down. If it had been a question of willpower alone, I would have provided all the willpower I was able to find in me.

'Because of me?' He asked. I suspected he knew the answer already.

I just bit my lip once more and remained silent. I would have lied, if I had told him my reasons were purely selfless and for the benefit of his whole people, but the truth was that I didn't want to lose him. In the end it was all about that.

'And if they accept?' Hermiod wanted to know when he couldn't bear my silence any longer.

'Well, then we'll be going on a journey.' I assumed, and I was already expecting a journey that would take us not only to Atlantis but to places we couldn't even imagine.

Hermiod nodded slightly and leaned even closer to my chest.

####

Of course, I should have expected that Thor wouldn't give us any more time than the one day he had promised us, because after 28 Othalian hours exactly and in the middle of our conversation about the future, we were beamed away from the garden to be confronted with entirely different surroundings.

The room was unfamiliar to me, but Hermiod seemed to recognize exactly where we had been brought to, according to the slightly annoyed glances he threw around. The huge room looked like some kind of command center, crammed with monitors and consoles. One of the walls had been replaced with a huge window pane that allowed a perfect view over great parts of Valaskjalf. The sight was breath-taking, to say the least. I saw many more details than I had seen from the Beliskner's viewing screen some days ago. There were obviously ancient buildings that formed what I suspected to be the city center, but there were also stunningly modern buildings of glass and shining metal surrounding it. Above a place that looked like a dockyard, there was a huge spaceship hovering that looked slightly familiar and then again not at all like the Beliskner. Though, right now I didn't have the time to muse over latest Asgard ship design, because there were more important matters to be paid attention to.

I looked around the room to find out where we actually were and who had beamed us up. Of course, it was Thor. Who else had the audacity to beam people around as he pleased…. He was standing in the middle of the command center, but he wasn't alone, as the place was crowded with other Asgards busily doing their jobs, whatever those jobs were. I was hardly able to stifle an annoyed groan about Thor having no respect for privacy once again.

'You're right on time, Thor.' I therefore said sarcastically. '28 hours to the minute.'

Thor, as usually, completely ignored my sarcasm, either because he didn't get it or because he just didn't care.

'I'm honestly sorry to have interrupted your conversation.' Thor let me know, completely unimpressed, eyeing Hermiod and me curiously. 'But, unfortunately, there are matters that can't wait any longer.'

Somehow there were always matters more important than having a day of peace and recreation. The world didn't care for such needs, it just carried on without further notice.

'Why is that?' I asked, more startled than I would have admitted, wondering what Thor would come up with now. I didn't like the thought of some more bad surprises.

'The High Council is ready to hear you.' Thor informed me. 'They're of the opinion that no further time should be wasted.'

Hadn't Thor told me just yesterday that there was still ample time before the Council would want to see me? The sudden urgency of the meeting set all my senses on high alert.

'The recovery from a really bad day isn't a waste of time, actually.' I remarked dryly. 'I don't think Hermiod…'

'It is of no importance, as unfortunate as it may sound.' Thor interrupted me impatiently. 'The Chief Archon's orders have to be attended to in a short notice. I'm certain he'll tell you the reasons for this fast turn of events soon enough.'

I tried to comprehend what Thor was actually trying to tell me. Obviously, Odin had come to the conclusion that he wanted to hear me rather now than later. I had been suspecting long ago that there was a lot more going on in the background than Hermiod and I knew. After all, the Asgard had not only known since yesterday that important decisions had to be made.

I put my arms around Hermiod protectively to show I wouldn't go anywhere without him, but got a very disapproving look from Thor.

'Am I right in my suspicion that Hermiod won't accompany me?' I asked in annoyance, not at all caring for Thor's rejecting expression. I couldn't leave Hermiod alone again, not so soon after his encounter with Dellingur.

'Hermiod has no business at the High Council, therefore his presence there is not desired.' Thor told me matter-of-factly. 'He has an appointment with Eir anyways that he can attend to while you're away.'

I shook my head vigorously, not at all consent with Thor's demand. Although I knew that Eir still had to perform lots of examinations on Hermiod to ensure his body was healthy and able to survive, and to find out what kind of damage Dellingur had actually caused, I didn't want to let him go alone. I didn't want him to go anywhere.

'I've promised him to never leave him again.' I therefore said stubbornly. 'I'm not going to break this promise once more, I've broken it too often already.'

'It's alright, Aegeti.' Hermiod mouthed quietly. 'My appointment with Eir is very important, and I wouldn't be of any help in front of the High Council anyways.'

I inhaled angrily and bit my tongue. It was totally obvious that Hermiod only complied because of his respect towards Thor. I disliked the way Thor misused his son's respect to have his will. He didn't have the right to.

So I glared daggers at Thor and then turned back to Hermiod, looked into his almond shaped eyes sternly. There was something he didn't tell me, which put me to the edge even more.

'Hermiod, you don't have to follow anyone's orders, you know that.' I assured him. 'Not even Thor's.' I conveniently ignored the fact that Thor was not only Hermiod's father but also his boss. And that he was standing right next to us.

Hermiod just tilted his head, blinking at me. 'I know.' He confirmed softly. 'But it's really alright. This time I'll be in good hands. There's no danger awaiting me while I'm at Eir's.'

I looked at him sceptically, still reluctant to let him go. If only I could get rid of the bad feeling that always occurred when Hermiod and I were apart. It seemed that we both got worse the further apart we were.

Following a spontaneous impulse, I embraced Hermiod firmly, whispering all my love in his tiny ear, promising him to be back as soon as possible. He returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around me, holding on to me as though there was no tomorrow. It was then that I realized he had the exact same thoughts about us being apart. It wasn't healthy for either of us.

'We have to go now.' Thor interrupted us, and once more it was one of those situations where his impoliteness really irked me. I was sure that the Chief Archon would be able to wait just a few minutes more, but you just didn't defy Thor. Still…

'Wait a minute, Thor.' I objected, only slowly coming to terms with the inevitable fact I had to leave Hermiod to his own devices for a while. 'Don't you want to brief me first? I mean, whom I'm going to meet and the like?'

Thor looked at me in a way parents look at an obtuse child. Once more did I realize that the Asgards definitely saw no point in any kind of redundant small talk. They were of the obvious opinion that things were always self-explanatory. But I wasn't an Asgard, so I couldn't understand their weird mannerisms.

'Listen, Thor.' I insisted after he didn't seem like answering anytime soon. 'I have no clue what's awaiting me. I'm not an Asgard, I don't know how to act in front of the most important Asgards of all. This is a tad overwhelming.'

'For now you'll only meet the Chief Archon and the six permanent members of the Council.' Thor explained reluctantly. 'Those are, besides me, Freyr, Penegal, Skjoldir, Balder and Kvasir. When Odin is talking, don't interrupt him, no matter whether you agree or disagree with his statements.'

That wasn't much but at least something to start with. Meeting just seven people was hopefully not as stressful and demanding as meeting the whole Asgard parliament (or whatever they called that), but on the other hand… Odin didn't seem to be the most patient guy under the Othalian sun, according to Thor's hint not to interrupt him at any cost.

'And that's all you can tell me?' I asked incredulously. 'No further details?'

'I'm afraid so.' Thor replied evenly. 'The members of the High Council are willing to hear and evaluate your suggestions. They will not prejudge you. I've had a long meeting with them this morning already.'

I admittedly felt somehow uncomfortable with the prospect of meeting a great part of the Norse pantheon, to say the least. I had never spoken to such important people before, and never before had my words been of such significance. I swallowed hard and inhaled deeply to calm myself.

'Alright.' I then gave in, perfectly knowing I wouldn't obtain any further information from Thor anyways. 'Though, this is all going a bit too fast for my taste, just so you know. I didn't even have the chance to prepare for the meeting.'

Honestly, how could I talk sense into people who I didn't have the slightest knowledge of? The members of the High Council, that much I already knew, were the heads of Othala's leading families, which was a strange contradiction to Thor's former statement the Asgards were reigned by an elected government. Those people were surely age-old, even compared to Asgard standards. If they were just a bit like human elders, it surely wouldn't be easy to change their opinions. On the other hand, Thor didn't seem like a stubborn old man to me. At all. Most of the time. Well, at least sometimes.

'I'm of the opinion it would be best, if you met the Council completely unbiased.' Thor let me know.

'Oh, crap.' I grumbled to myself, perfectly knowing that once more I had to deal with what life threw at me. And, as usually, Thor didn't give me any further chance to object. To hell with Asgard transporter technology!

####

The Great Hall of Valaskjalf, or Gladsheim in Asgard language, was most impressive indeed. It was a huge, albeit dark, room with a ceiling so high above the ground that the faint light couldn't reach it. The first thing I noticed was the deep and overall silence.

I found myself standing amidst a circle on the stone floor that was lighted by a single spotlight only. All around, except a small part right in front of me, there were rows and rows of seats ascending to the far walls of the hall. There must have been many hundred seats in an oval arrangement, which created the impression of the Asgards being reigned by a parliament of many members. Though, at the moment the seats were all empty.

Right in front of me, approximately two meters above the ground, there were the seats of the permanent members of the Asgard High Council. They were arranged in a half circle which allowed the Councillors to look at each other while debating.

Seven pairs of black almond shaped eyes, including Thor's, were watching me intently while I was completely lost for words, totally taken aback by the sheer vastness of the hall. It took me some minutes to accustom to the new surroundings. I can't say exactly what I had expected, but it surely hadn't been a place as clinical and sterile as this.

The Asgards in front of me looked so similar to each other that I needed a moment to distinguish Thor from the others in the dim light. They all wore necklaces of gold presenting precious Asgard stones that broke the light so oddly that their colours changed with every little movement. I was glad to at least have learned to read Asgard runes by now, so I could guess the names that were engraved in the desks in front of the Councillors.

Seeing Thor among them, by the way, awoke brand new respect in me towards him. It showed me more clearly than anything else before that he wasn't just some mediocre Asgard among many but a person who was entitled to change the fate of a whole species.

The one with the most intense expression, though, wasn't Thor, but the Asgard who sat on the seat in the middle that was also situated about half a meter higher than the others. Although he looked so similar to the other Councillors, there was an unmistakable aura of power emanating from him that left me almost breathless. I lowered my head in deep respect, perfectly aware of the situation's severity and significance.

Odin seemed to evaluate every little detail of me. His silence was disturbing and most unsettling, but I didn't dare to even breathe or move a finger. I had more respect towards Odin than I had ever had in front of anyone else. He was the almighty patriarch, just as he was described in Norse mythology.

'Good evening.' He said calmly after the silence seemed to have lasted a life time. His voice was different from all the other Asgard voices I had heard before. A frail body as his shouldn't be home of a voice so deep. I was speechless, totally caught up in surprise and admiration.

'My name is Odin. I am the Chief Archon of the Asgard people.' He introduced himself eventually, giving me a benevolent glance.

I cleared my throat nervously, while I didn't even know how to stand correctly to show Odin due respect. Once more I was angry at Thor for not having prepared me for this encounter.

'Greetings.' I replied, my voice way too hoarse and shaking from nervousness. 'I'm Aegeti Anne Talvi.' I had no clue whether to tell Odin what my job was, but as I was sure Thor had briefed him thoroughly, it would most likely have been unnecessary information. And as I didn't want to appear like a nervous chatterbox, I decided to leave it at that.

'Welcome to Gladsheim, the center of our long-lasting culture.' Odin said meekly. 'I must admit that I've been mildly surprised when Thor had told me of your arrival on Othala. I'm uncertain if you know, but you're the first human to ever have visited our home world.'

I cleared my throat once more, still unsettled by both his voice and gaze. 'I didn't know.' I admitted. 'But I'm honoured and thankful that I'm allowed to be your guest.'

Odin raised both his brows, still eyeing me thoroughly. I felt like shrinking under his intense glare. He was so much superior to me that I felt like a little fly on the wall. There are people who never have to show their authority because they simply emanate it. Odin was one of those few gifted with this talent.

'I've heard you're more than a guest.' The Chief Archon remarked with an expression that came disturbingly close to a smirk. 'It came to my attention that you will become a member of our eldest families soon. Otherwise, Thor wouldn't have brought you to Othala and you wouldn't even be allowed to speak in front of this Council.'

The severity of Odin's statement took a few moments to creep into my brain and unfold. If Thor hadn't agreed with me becoming Hermiod's Hjarta-kostir, I'd never have gotten the chance to speak in front of the Chief Archon. The Asgards, obviously, were extremely private when it was about their home world, which was surprising, given the fact that they didn't care for privacy otherwise. The realization that only members of the Councillor's families were allowed to speak in front of Odin made me almost gasp for air. How many more secrets did Thor hide from Hermiod and me? Did he actually have a great masterplan that he was following to accomplish? It totally looked like that. But why all this secrecy? If he had wanted me to speak in front of the Council from the beginning, why had he made it so hard for me to convince him? I couldn't make sense of any of this.

'Thor has acknowledged me to become Hermiod's partner in life, his Hjarta-kostir.' I said quietly, my voice broken from the enormity of the revelation. I didn't know what else to add.

Odin kept glaring at me in this unsettling way of his, until I broke eye contact and looked to the floor awkwardly. My brain worked frantically, still evaluating possibilities concerning Thor's motives.

'My congratulations.' Odin said to my utter surprise. 'It's good to see a new face from time to time.'

My head shot up to meet his gaze again. I could only glare at him in astonishment when the discussion took a whole new turn.

'Don't worry, Dr Talvi.' Odin approved meekly. 'I wouldn't have granted you permission to stand at this very place, if I wasn't consent with Thor's decision to take you in as his – how do you humans say… daughter-in-law.'

'Thank you.' I replied quietly, admittedly relieved by his statement. I was more than glad that at least one of the reasons why I was here had come to a positive outcome. I knew that he just as well could have disagreed with Thor's decision, and Thor wouldn't have been able to do anything against it.

When I looked up to Odin now, I tried to put all my thankfulness in the shy smile I gave him. He tilted his head approvingly, obviously understanding the gesture.

'Supreme Commander Thor has informed me that you're willing to talk about your suggestions as to how you might be of assistance in the task of finding a cure for the Asgard people.' The Chief Archon then said without any further beating around the bush.

I liked the way he came to the point without any further small talk. Not that I had experienced our conversation as anything like small talk, of course. Being in the presence of him was fascinating, so I absorbed and savoured every word the first of the Asgard granted me.

'Thor has informed you correctly.' I said honestly, encouraged by the Chief Archon's approving expression.

Odin was definitely totally different from politicians on Earth. He was a person who really cared for his people. He didn't need to pretend for the sake of getting elected again.

'You know that the Asgard are trying for thousands of years already to find a cure themselves.' One of the other Council members asked a more rhetorical question.

It was the first time any of the Councillors spoke up. I had already started to wonder whether they had to ask permission from Odin before they were allowed to speak, but obviously their silence was caused by due respect.

I nodded slowly. 'Yes, but I'm of the opinion that you left out a very important factor.'

Honestly, I have no idea where I took all the courage from to just speak up to the High Council with so much determination. Maybe it was Thor's open expression or the thought of Hermiod. I simply felt that I was at the exact right place and time to kick things in motion that nobody else had been able to kick in motion before.

'What factor might that be?' The same Asgard asked. According to the runes that were engraved on the desk right in front of him, his name was Freyr. He seemed to be the sceptic among the Councillors.

I cleared my throat and wrung my hands awkwardly, not really knowing how to put my reproach into proper words without offending those people who were so much older and wiser than me, who had gathered so much more experience already. But I had to say it, because this was my only chance. This was what I had come here for, after all.

'You've always tried to find a solution all by yourself.' I finally cast the die, risking everything. 'Your superior intellect has made you get used to the fact that you're able to solve all your problems yourselves, but sometimes intellect is not everything.'

Freyr looked over to Odin, surprise in his features, and then turned back to me. 'Would you mind explaining this further?' I liked how politely he brought his question forth. It showed me more than anything that he wasn't offended, just sceptical.

'I'm speaking of the compassion of other people.' I replied respectfully. 'Look, I am here to show you that you're not the only ones who care about the Asgard people. I do, and so do many humans, as well as all those people on the planets that are protected by the Protected Planets Treaty. This universe simply doesn't work without your people. It would fall apart in no time. The Goa'Uld would win and all alliances would cease to exist. In my eyes, it's the Asgard who are holding this universe together. You're so much more important than you see. To me it seems you've lost the capability of seeing beyond the horizon. Understand that you're needed! Please understand that you have friends out there who would give everything to save you.'

My speech had become louder and more insisting with every sentence, but now I had to pause in an attempt to catch my breath and get my shaking body under control again. I felt tears in the corners of my eyes, but didn't allow them to show. Never before had I felt that severely how important the Asgard were to me, not only Hermiod, but all of them.

'Are you one of those?' Now Odin asked, seemingly fascinated, and I could have sworn he was at least touched a bit by my words. 'Would you, too, be willing to do everything to save us?'

I swallowed hard and nodded vigorously. 'I'd give all I have and all I am.' I admitted, now much calmer. 'Take from me what you need. Take me to find a cure in my DNA. I've heard that it's there, you just need to find it.'

Odin and the Councillors looked at me in astonishment, obviously completely taken aback by my frantic words. I'd never have placed a bet on seeing that sort of emotion on an Asgard's face, but it seemed I had at least impressed them.

'Your offer is very impressive.' The Councillor named Penegal admitted, surprising warmth on her features. 'The Science Council will surely approve of it.'

I exhaled in relief while I returned her warm glance. Here was the chance to legalize Loki's research and I hoped with all my heart, Penegal would be able to convince the Science Council of my usefulness.

'Still, our codices tell us to not let any outsider in on our difficulties.' Skjoldir said, his face unreadable behind a wall of distrust that hadn't been there moments ago. He had seemingly recovered from his shocked fascination earlier than the others. 'What if the humans would only use our weakness for an attempt to destroy us? You've all seen in their history that they're conquerors at heart.'

'I agree.' Balder acknowledged. 'Especially because it's common knowledge already that there are many Goa'Uld among their highest ranks of governments. I admittedly find this fact quite concerning.'

Of course it had been inevitable to come to talk about the Goa'Uld and the Trust at any point of the meeting. Nobody knew better than me how serious this problem actually was. After all, I had almost died because of their treachery. Twice.

'Those Goa'Uld aren't there because we've invited them, actually.' I therefore interrupted him, giving him a scowl. 'They're our mutual enemies.'

My vigorous statement caused a long silence that was used by Odin to glare at me with such intensity as though he was reading my mind to find out whether I was telling the truth and my intentions were honest. I glared back at him, unwavering.

'Does anyone but you know that you've come here in an attempt to help us?' He finally wanted to know. After everything I had been told earlier, I now knew why they were so worried about a human living among them on their home world. Othala was, obviously, sacred ground to them.

I shook my head. 'I've only told Colonel Caldwell I'd go to Othala to become Hermiod's Hjarta-kostir, and I'm sure he hasn't pinned it to the black board on Atlantis.' I explained pensively. 'I haven't told any of my people about the Asgards' …situation. I know when and how to keep a secret.'

Never before had it been so important to me to show someone the honesty of my intentions. I wished nothing more than the Asgard would trust me, because their trust was the key to everything that would follow.

'You seem to be trustworthy.' Penegal admitted thoughtfully. 'Even more so as you're willing to become part of our society. A person without your determination wouldn't take it on themselves to give up their whole life to become part of something entirely new.'

I considered the trust of one of the Councillors as a big victory already, because she could be able to convince the others, too.

'Are your intentions regarding Hermiod honest?' Balder wanted to know. That guy was beginning to become a very irking nuisance.

I scowled at him once more, getting slightly impatient with his hidden reproaches. 'Of course they are!' I growled. 'I've fallen in love with him long before I even knew what the Asgard are facing. I have no hidden agenda. I'd never do anything that would harm him.'

I already got angry on the inside by the mere suspicion I might be dishonest in concerns of Hermiod. If there was anything I've ever been dead-serious about in my life, it was my unwavering love for him.

Balder initiated the staring contest and I took the challenge. He obviously didn't know who he was dealing with. Though, he realized it soon enough and turned his head. It took me some strength not to smirk about my secret small victory.

'I'm positive the Science Council will take your offer into account.' Now Penegal said in a successful attempt to diffuse the tension. 'I will talk to Heimdall as soon as this meeting is over.'

I spread my arms widely to show my relief. That was at least something to start with!

'Thank you.' I confirmed humbly. 'I'm available for your scientists at any time they please.'

Penegal tilted her head approvingly and so did Freyr, who seemed to value her opinion highly. I was touched deeply by the fact that both of them put reason over pride, hence I dared to have hope again.

'You're a most peculiar human.' Now Kvasir remarked, who hadn't said a single word up until now. 'I wouldn't have expected a representative of your species to be that willing to help and save and alien race.'

'It seems we've improved a lot since your last experience with us.' I replied dryly. 'We're by far not as much of a hopeless case as your people often suspect. We have compassion.'

I glanced at all of them with an open expression. Some part of me wished they were able to read my thoughts in passing, because then I wouldn't have to explain so much, then I wouldn't have to justify myself so eagerly. Of course, I was aware that many humans corresponded exactly to the image many of the Asgards had of us, but I would've vouched for the majority to be trustworthy and compassionate. It was a trait that I considered what it meant to be human.

'It seems we've underestimated you in some ways.' Now Odin spoke, his voice laden with seriousness. 'I appreciate your offer, indeed.'

'Thank you very much, Chief Archon.' I replied humbly, lowering my head in respect. 'But I have one more suggestion to make, if I may.'

'Speak.' Odin said generously and gave me an encouraging nod, obviously still being of the opinion that listening to my suggestions was worthwhile. So I did what I considered a human trait as well. I cast the dice and rolled with it, playing all my cards.

'You know about Atlantis, don't you?' I asked him carefully.

'We would be more than ignorant if we didn't know about the Ancient city. The Asgard you're intending to become connected with is assigned to this mission, after all.' Odin reminded me meekly.

Oh crap, sometimes I was really unforgivably stupid! Of course, they knew about Atlantis. How could I have forgotten that important fact? I blamed it on my nervousness. Though, I was glad that they knew about the city, because it spared me a lot of explaining.

'We've found huge amounts of data there.' I reported, covering up my faux-pas by putting a lot of confidence in my words. 'The Ancients have done tremendous medical research, and we know they've been very advanced geneticists. Have you ever taken into account that they could have been more advanced than you? I mean, they've already done research when the Asgards were still a very young race that hadn't even engaged in space travel yet. I'm of the opinion, if there's a place where a cure for the Asgards' genetic degeneration and genetic disease can be found, it's in the Ancients' research. I'd be more than glad to gather some capable scientists and read every single page they've written.'

'Going to Atlantis for research would mean to reveal our secret to the humans.' Balder threw in, his refusal still unwavering. 'They would certainly ask inconvenient questions as humans always do.'

I had a hard time keeping myself from facepalming. Of course, I had enough understanding for a certain level of paranoia, but his was definitely a tad too much.

'We're actually able to keep secrets.' I objected in growing annoyance.

'Are you?' Balder fired.

I decided to ignore him for the time being and concentrate on Odin's very interested glance instead. 'There are very trustworthy people on Atlantis who'd never betray you.' I told him insistently. 'Dr Beckett, for example, is one of the most capable physicians I know. He's found a way to alter the human genome in a way that we're able to use Ancient technology.'

'Is that confirmed?' Now Penegal interrupted my speech with utter interest.

I nodded in confirmation. 'Indeed, and it works fine!'

'Most impressive.' She approved, giving me a friendly glance, and gestured me to speak further.

'I'm also sure that the expedition leader, Dr Weir, as well as our leading scientists would be more than willing to be of assistance.' I therefore kept on rambling. 'There are also people who speak the Ancient language fluently, which would be of great help, too. We're really capable of contributing our share.'

'But you're still dealing with the problem that the Goa'Uld have infiltrated your highest ranks.' Now Skjoldir threw in, more worried than rejecting. 'What if one of them has also infiltrated the Atlantis mission? It would be in the Goa'Uld's greatest interest to destroy the Asgard.'

He definitely had a good point there, because the Asgard were often the only line of defence between the Goa'Uld and one of their acknowledged victims. Even after Anubis had almost succeeded in ruining the Treaty, they still had utter respect towards the Asgard and their superior technology.

'We've checked every member of both the Atlantis team and the Daedalus crew for any Goa'Uld parasites after the incident with Colonel Caldwell.' I objected. 'Whenever a new member joins us, Dr Beckett performs a very close examination of their bodies. If there was a Goa'Uld on Atlantis, we'd know it.'

Balder remained sceptical. 'I've heard the fault in the Daedalus's hyperdrive had been caused by a human, actually, not a Goa'Uld. How can you guarantee there are no more supporters on Atlantis? It's a well-known fact that humans tend to worship what they deem superior, which applies on both the Wraith and the Goa'Uld. We cannot afford our secret to be revealed to either of them.'

Again, he had a point there, one that made it all the more harder to find counter-arguments against. I tried anyway. 'There have been very thorough interrogations on Atlantis after those incidents.' I kept glaring daggers at Balder. 'Also, I've already told you we'd keep the information classified to only those who are important to our task. That would be only a handful of people and they're all trustworthy.'

Skjoldir now nodded, obviously satisfied with my answer, but unfortunately not everyone shared his opinion.

'I'm still not convinced your people are able to sort out the Goa'Uld supporters.' Balder again. He really annoyed me to no end. Although I could partly understand his mistrust, I hated the fact that he mistrusted me as a person when all I've done so far had been for the benefit of the Asgard only.

'As I've said before, I'm positive we can ensure that our highly classified task will remain a secret.' I growled, hardly able to suppress my annoyance. 'We wouldn't have lasted a single day in the Pegasus galaxy or against the Goa'Uld, if we weren't able to get our stuff together.'

'A very valid argument, indeed.' I now heard Thor say who had remained silent so far, most likely in order not to influence the others. He was obviously observing his fellow Council members with great interest, certainly evaluating every single word they said.

'OK, look.' I agreed with new courage. 'How about us assembling a small team of Asgards to go to Atlantis. We'll talk to Dr Weir and Dr Beckett and also assemble a team of capable humans. Together we can search the databases. I know, it's a task that could take weeks or more, but isn't a little chance much better than no chance at all?'

I put my hands on my hips, awaiting the Councillors' reactions. I couldn't make a more honest and insistent suggestion than that. It was all or nothing now.

'I'd agree to that.' Freyr now spoke. 'In my opinion it would be worth the chance.'

I threw my hands in the air and exhaled in relief. Maybe now we were able to come to results. I shot a questioning glare in the direction of Balder who didn't seem to be agreeing at all. Even among the Asgard there seemed to be people that had to be pushed to their luck. I hoped that Balder was responsible enough to put his personal opinion of me behind the opportunity I had given them.

'I know that you're aware of the full extent of our genetic disease.' Odin said thoughtfully, when none of the others seemed to object to Freyr's statement. 'And I would be dishonest if I claimed I didn't admire your determination to help us. I've looked at you closely, Aegeti Anne Talvi, hence I've noticed your intentions are true. I admit that I wasn't in agreement with Thor before about telling you how severe our difficulties actually are, but now I've realized that his decision as well as his perception of your character were correct. You are trustworthy, even more so as you're willing to give up your whole human existence to become the Hjarta-kostir of Hermiod. Still, it is very difficult for us to decide whether your people are worth to be trusted with a matter as delicate as this. The fate of our whole people is at stake.'

Of course, I understood his scepticism, but I was beginning to run out of arguments to show them that the people I had in mind were trustworthy and deserved the chance to contribute to the task, one of the most ambitious tasks there were.

'Chief Archon, I know that.' I reassured him. 'I wouldn't be so insistent, if I didn't know that you're running out of time. But look at it this way: What other chance to you have? What do you really have to lose, considering that you're on the verge of extinction? Isn't it time to get over your misgivings and paranoia, and instead start trusting a person who only means the best for you, who really cares for your people? You just really don't have anything to lose, do you?'

Odin just raised a brow, so I kept on speaking. 'You can either accept the extinction of your whole race in mere years or look beyond the horizon to trust an ally and survive. It wouldn't change a thing for you, if a few trustworthy non-Asgards knew about what's happening with you. It's no shame to admit a weakness. It's more the other way around. Admitting a weakness is a sign of strength among my people.'

Now Odin looked at me in utter surprise. 'Would you mind explaining this statement further?'

Now it was on me to be surprised about the fact that he really didn't seem to know.

'We know that we're not perfect.' I therefore explained. 'But it's our imperfections that make us understand it's no shame to ask for help when we realize we can't make it on our own. We know we can succeed if we only let someone in at the time necessary. It's as simple as that. Why just look at a problem from a certain point of view, while there's a possibility that another point of view, another person's point of view, could lead us to success?'

'Does that mean you'd help us without expecting to have something in return?' Skjoldir asked with a mixture of being impressed and doubtful.

'That exactly.' I agreed, nodding vigorously. 'I'm not here to offer my help in an attempt to gain something for myself. I'm here because I want your people to survive. You deserve nothing less than that.'

To my utter dismay, the Councillors began talking to each other in Asgard language now. The discussion was very frantic and obviously controversial, but as they've shut me out, I had to stand there and wait in patience. Although I understood that there were matters which weren't my business at all, I felt uncomfortable and also a little left out while I was watching them debate.

But despite the language gap, it was quite easy to determine the moods and tendencies of the Councillors. Odin mostly listened to the others, only offering a few words every once in a while. Thor didn't speak much either, but he sometimes glared venomously at Balder, obviously annoyed by his arguments. Skjoldir spoke patiently but not in an unfriendly way, seemingly only trying to make his own thoughts clear. Penegal and Freyr spoke more agitatedly, maybe in an attempt to vote for my suggestions. Kvasir's expression was completely impossible to read, and he didn't speak much either, but he didn't seem to be of a negative opinion. Balder, though, was a whole different matter altogether. Everything about him emanated scepticism, if not open hostility towards me. I would've paid for understanding their language instead of having to guess what was actually going on.

After half an eternity (at least it seemed like that), the debate seemed to come to an end, and they all turned back to me.

'We have come to a decision.' Odin told me sternly.

I looked at him curiously, bracing myself for whatever he would say, and already thinking about arguments to object to his presumed decision of turning me down.

'We've come to the conclusion that your intentions are honest and that your suggestions are indeed reasonable and worth to be taken into account.' Odin continued to speak. 'I'm willing to allow you to take some of our scientists to Atlantis to do what you deem necessary. Thor has agreed to provide his ship for the journey. Heimdall will be told to accompany you, too, as he's our leading geneticist. I will also allow Heimdall to take research on your body and DNA to the extend you're willing to comply with.'

At first I didn't believe my own ears, too unbelievable was the fact of Odin agreeing to my suggestions. They had apparently outvoted Balder who looked anything but consent with the decision. Though, his glare wasn't that reluctant anymore. Maybe the others or Odin himself had talked some sense into him.

I was totally excited, to say the least, about the great opportunity that had just appeared right there. Odin not only complied to my suggestions, he also gave me plenty of rope to do the necessary, obviously trusting me to be able to do the right thing, obviously following my argument that I saw things from a different angle than the Asgard. To be trusted that much by a person like Odin was the greatest honour imaginable. My brain worked extra shifts to catch up with all the chances that Odin had offered, and I'd be damned, if I didn't contribute the best I could.

Then, following a sudden idea that had popped up in my head while I was tossing plans around, I couldn't help but making another suggestion to Odin in my growing enthusiasm. 'How about Loki coming along, too?'

Seven pairs of black almond eyes glared at me in utter surprise. I had obviously touched a spot they felt uncomfortable with.

'Loki?' Thor asked, exasperated. 'How could he be of help?'

I should have known Thor would despise the mere idea, especially after what had happened to Hermiod and me not long ago. Even though Loki hadn't harmed any of us, he was still responsible for the whole mess.

'He's one of your best geneticists, isn't he?' I challenged Thor, admittedly enjoying it. 'I'm sure his unconventional ways of thinking could be of great help. Also, he's already made some progress on working with the human genome.'

Thor gave me one of those glares of doom that told me clearly I was going too far.

'We're surely not sending an imprisoned criminal on a mission as crucial as this.' Thor expectedly objected, an obvious tad of anger in his normally so even voice. I had really hit a weak spot.

'Wouldn't it be wise to play all your cards in an attempt to win the game?' I asked provokingly.

'I'd agree.' I now heard Penegal say, glancing at me encouragingly. For reasons unknown she had become some kind of fan of mine by now.

'I'm normally inclined to listen to Penegal's advice.' Odin told me. 'She's our Minister of Science, after all, but I'm admittedly more than surprised that you want to give Loki a chance as important as this. According to my information, your last encounter with him hadn't been pleasant in any way. We also can't ignore the fact that he tends to break the law whenever he considers it to be in the way of, as he tends to put it, proper research.'

I normally wouldn't have given a rogue scientist a chance of such importance either, because performing experiments on living beings was more than despicable, and taking the results into account for further research was more than questionable, but on the other hand, all the humans Loki had been working with had survived without having taken any damage. Only the clones had died after seven days, but their creation was a whole different problem altogether, because creating life for the sole purpose of scientific research was wrong on every level. Of course, there was a lot of lack of morality to be complained about when it came to Loki's work, and I surely wasn't going to let him perform experiments on anyone else but me, and I certainly wouldn't allow him to create any kind of clones, but I was also of the opinion that chances had to be taken when they appeared. Especially in a situation where so much was at stake. I also had a hunch that Loki would listen to reason. He didn't appear to me like a man without a conscience.

'My own experience with him isn't of importance here.' I therefore explained. 'I just know that his experiments on humans were quite promising before he was deprived of all his rights as a scientist. He and Heimdall could continue their research while we're in Atlantis.'

'Although your arguments seem very reasonable, I have to decline.' Thor now said, glaring at me as though I had lost my mind. 'Loki is known for his irresponsibility, and our ethical standards don't allow any tests on aliens, may they be humans or any other species. As far as I know, humans generally are of the same opinion.'

'We are, and you know that I'd normally fully agree with you, but in this special case I can't believe you're missing a chance as crucial as that.' I objected, unwavering to his glare of steel.

'There's a difference between taking chances and letting an irresponsible scientist run free.' Thor snapped. I decided to no longer insist, because it's never a good idea to disagree with your future father-in-law. I couldn't do more than make suggestions, after all. It was on the Councillors to either agree or not.

Though, Odin himself seemed to be of a slightly different opinion than Thor. 'I'd agree to Thor as well.' He let me know. 'But I also know about Loki's competence as a geneticist.'

'Me too, and as far as I'm informed, he did his research on humans as an act of despair and not to cause any damage.' I remarked. 'His intentions haven't been destructive or hostile in the first place.'

'He once told me that he saw the clones he created as specimens for his studies alone.' Now Penegal added. 'He wasn't the first one to be of this opinion.' She shot a very harsh glare at Thor that made me realize immediately what she was actually implying.

'Hermiod had been a genetic experiment, too, hadn't he?' I therefore asked provokingly.

Thor didn't like my statements at all, I could see it on his face clearly. I was also sure that he'd get back at me because of my audacity as soon as we were back home.

'After I had realized that we've created a viable clone, I've decided to let him live and develop despite his obvious defects.' He said icily. 'I would never have allowed the clone to be destroyed, even though some members of the Science Council were merciless in their demands and opinions. Our morality concerning our cloning technology has often been questionable, but before Loki came along we had at least only experimented with our own species.'

I was so shocked by the revelation of some scientists having openly and literarily claimed to kill Hermiod, that for the moment I wasn't able to follow the discussion between Thor and Penegal any longer. They had considered him nothing more than a strange lab accident, maybe because they were disgusted by his ability to experience stronger emotions than they did. The Asgard scientists' lack of emotions was maybe the reason for a certain sort of lack of morality. It saddened me terribly to hear that some of those geneticists had seen Hermiod's specialty as a defect. How could they even talk about a defect that coldly? As though he was just some inanimate object they could throw away after realizing it didn't function the way they expected. The mere thought was disgusting.

I was forced back into reality by Odin who had obviously been perceptive of me drifting away into a realm of hurtful thoughts.

'I'm sorry, Dr Talvi, that you had to become witness of such an unpleasant argument about questionable morality.' He said, his voice low and with unexpected compassion. 'The Asgard have unlearned many of the things humans consider important.'

I swallowed hard, didn't know what to say, so I waited for Odin to continue.

'Those enviable human traits, your compassion, your sense for right and wrong, are the reasons that made me come to the decision to give you the chance you deserve.' He therefore spoke. 'Your moral standards will keep our scientists' exuberant enthusiasm at bay whenever necessary. I'm also of the opinion that it's not on this Council to decide what actions to take concerning Loki's part in this endeavour. As you said, he didn't harm anyone, after all.'

Odin's approval was both astonishing and breath-taking. I looked around the Councillors and realized that even Balder's dismissive expression was wavering. Maybe he had finally realized that my intentions were good.

'Thank you.' I therefore said humbly. 'I'll do my very best to not fail you, sir.'

'I'm expecting no less of you.' Odin approved. 'Though, theoretically speaking, if I entitled you to take with you whomever you want, would Loki be the only questionable exception?'

I couldn't help but smile widely about his question, all the more as I could understand his concerns so well.

'I normally wouldn't take any criminals with me.' I confirmed. 'But I still do think that Loki's general intentions are honest. He just has to work on his sense of morality, and I actually hope that I'm able to be a good example for him.'

I could have sworn I heard Freyr chuckle while he glanced over to Penegal who raised an amused brow. They seemingly were not as negative as Thor towards my suggestion concerning Loki. Sometimes democracy was really great.

Odin, completely ignoring the others, leaned back in his seat comfortably, not one second taking his eyes from me.

'I must say, I'm most impressed with you, Dr Talvi.' He told me with his remarkable voice. 'Thor's decision to take you in to his family was indeed right, and since I've heard your points of view, I'm even more of the opinion that Hermiod will be given in best hands. We might be oblivious of the meaning you have for each other, but he's a very special case among our people, indeed. Maybe he's lucky for having the ability to love. We've lost it long ago, unfortunately, and look where this loss has taken us. We sometimes don't see what's the best choice anymore. Perhaps we really need your admirable moral compass.'

Odin's speech was heart-warming and slightly disconcerting at the same time, but as long as he was consent with me becoming Hermiod's Hjarta-kostir, it wasn't necessary that he understood the meaning of love and how deeply and profoundly it connects people.

'Well, you know my thoughts about your genetic engineering.' I slowly, thoughtfully, replied. 'But I still think that Hermiod is a piece of art when it comes to this subject of science. I'm glad that he got the chance to live, because he's a precious gem. His ability to love isn't a defect, it's a miracle, a gift.'

My intention was tell them clearly how much I disapproved of how they had spoken about my Hermiod earlier in our debate, but I tried to wrap it in approving words about him. Now especially Thor looked at me with so much fondness that I couldn't help but smile. Maybe he considered my words some kind of absolution.

'I consider his difference from you a chance. Not only for him, but perhaps for all of you!' I concluded my words and exhaled, my whole body shivering from adrenaline.

Seven pairs of black almond shaped eyes looked at me intently. I didn't know whether they wanted to hear more or were just impressed by the passion in my words, hence I just kept standing there, my hands on my hips, glaring back at them.

'I'm admittedly most impressed by your emotionality.' Odin finally remarked, his voice low, sounding almost affectionate. 'I therefore confirm my decision to give you the chance that you deserve, in my opinion. We're no longer able to help ourselves, so maybe your unwavering determination may be the key to the Asgard race's future. None of us can predict the outcome of your endeavour, but you can be assured we will leave anything you need at your disposal, including a ship and crew as well as the best of our scientists.'

Completely taken aback by Odin's words, I was speechless for the moment, trying to sort all of my strong emotions. There was a great deal of relief and thankfulness, but I also felt the severity of my new responsibility settling down on me. Odin put more trust in me than I'd ever have dreamt of.

'I'm honoured, sir.' I said in a raspy voice, after I had put my contemplating to a halt. 'I assure you that I'll do the best I can to not fail you.'

The Chief Archon looked at me meekly. 'I wouldn't have expected anything else.'

'I'm still not convinced of this unsorted plan.' I now heard Balder intervene. It took a lot of me to not clench my fists, but I relaxed immediately when he continued to speak. 'But as it seems to be our last resort, we should, indeed, give this whole matter the chance to unfold.'

'My words exactly.' I fired at him, taking a little revenge on his annoying behaviour.

Now that all was said and done, I expected Thor to beam me away, but obviously, they weren't done with me yet, because Odin still kept looking at me with high interest. If Asgards were able to frown, he'd most likely done it right now.

'Thor will be the leader of your mission.' Odin told me. 'You will understand that I need to give an endeavour as important as this into Asgard hands in the first place, but I'm certain the two of you will find an arrangement.'

If that was his only condition, I could happily live with it, hence I nodded eagerly. 'Yes, of course.'

'There's also another matter that must be settled before I can let you go on your way.' Odin continued without taking further notice of my confirmation. 'When did you actually plan to become Hermiod's Hjarta-kostir?'

Admittedly, I was kind of surprised by this sudden change of subjects, even more so as I had thought Odin would have left the decision to us or at least to Thor who always seemed to have the last word on what was going to happen to his son. One of the unshakable universal laws seemed to be that parents never seem to be able to keep their noses (or whatever Asgards have instead) out of their offspring's lives. The law, obviously, even applied on mere genetic predecessors.

'Does your question imply that you want us to hold the ceremony before we'll be leaving Othala?' I asked cautiously with a low voice to not offend him right there.

'Your perception is correct.' Odin replied casually. 'I want you to be part of Thor's family rather now than later, and as far as I'm informed you want the same.'

'Isn't there a lot of planning to be done beforehand?' I wondered, still completely oblivious what was awaiting me at the ceremony. I shouldn't have dropped the topic so carelessly while talking to Hermiod earlier this day.

'I have already taken care of the necessary precautions.' Thor let me know matter-of-factly. 'We can discuss the modalities tomorrow morning.'

I've never liked to be directed and ordered around by others. The paranoid control freak that was living inside me was highly uncomfortable with the mere thought of anyone but me planning one of the most important steps of my life. But on the other hand, I could count myself lucky someone took care of organizing an Asgard ceremony of which I didn't have the tiniest bit of a clue.

'Alright.' I therefore just said uncertainly. 'But I'd love to contribute my own suggestions, too, if you're OK with it.'

'Fine.' Odin interrupted. 'I'm glad you're agreeing with me about the matter. Thor will inform me when the ceremony will take place and I'll be honoured to seal your connection. With this, I think, we can end this meeting.'

Before I had the slightest chance of objecting, I was beamed away. I somehow was sure that I'd never ever get comfortable with or at least used to the Asgard habit of beaming people around as they pleased. I was willing to integrate in their society best I could, doing the first step in marrying Hermiod, but there were limits to everything. One of it was that this annoying beaming to and fro had to stop.