Stargate Hastings

Chapter Fourteen: Matriarch and Patriarch

High council chamber, unnamed Tok'ra safe world.

It had taken Selmak and Anise several hours before they returned and revealed their mission a successful one. The humans of that world had begun excavating nearby ruins but they were yet to discover the location of Egeria's resting place. There was indeed a ring platform, only it was in an underground chamber and Anise had to use her knowledge of Gau'auld architecture, to find a route to where the Canopic stasis jar was stored. Has a thank you to the people of this world, for not destroying this place and instead burying it. She left the way open for them to reach the lower levels, where the healing technology was but she was not there for anything but her Queen. If they had looted it and destroyed everything, Egeria would surely not have survived.

When they returned a young woman of around twenty five years old, volunteered To be the Host for Egeria. Her name was Yosuuf and she had been raised by Garshaw from a young age. She would have been his next Host in a few years time, when the aging grew more rapid and he resembled Lantash. Who they had been told, had a year before he would need another Host. They had also told them that the Host Steban, had made peace with the world and was willing to die, if a Host could be found sooner.

They all knew they were hinting at one of them becoming his Host, with Malkshur saying she would also be willing to separate from Jolinar, as she would still have a third of her natural life left. She did make it clear that Jolinar did not want to be joined with a Male. She had said that she had tried it once and still had nightmares about it. They were certain she was joking, well they were certain. Jolinar had been serious, her first Host was a Male but all since had been Female.

Malkshur was coming towards the end of her active career and would have been nothing more than a council member or some other administrative position. She would rather spend her time relaxing on one of the few worlds untouched by the Gau'auld, that the Tok'ra had found the combinations to. Jolinar and Malkshur had been an amazing team for over a hundred of earths years but Malkshur could never hold Jolinar back. They would just be miserable together, with only their memories of past glory. She would still have those memories joined or not.

Egeria had been in stasis for a long time, so she was left to complete the blending for a time. When she did arise from her prone position on a medical bed and spoke for the first time, she asked to speak with those of the Tau'ri. When she entered the high council chamber, the humans of earth all bowed down in a show of respect. Except for the one in the chair but he did bow his head in greeting. The Abydonians would never bow down to anyone ever again or their adopted brother.

In the voice of the Tok'ra or even the Gau'auld because Egeria herself, considers the Gau'auld her brethren and feels pity for them. She said to Donald McCain. "Why are you bowing, are we not of equal standing?". She asked with a smile. She had learned all that her Host knew but she spoke in Gau'auld. Her Host had not yet learned English.

"Yea I keep forgetting about that, I'm still getting used to it. Your highness. Sorry Egeria is it?". Donald stutteringly asked her.

Egeria laughed, then replied. "Egeria will be fine. Donald McCain". She then turned to his father. "You must be Kraytos?". She asked.

Jim felt offended she had not asked his name first but he supposed that he was going to have to get used to that, on occasion now. "Kraytos is here, my name is James Elden but you may call me Jim. Your highness". He said in a polite manner.

"Egeria will be fine. I am not that type of Queen. James but would it be possible to speak with Kraytos please?". She asked Jim.

He could see both Rachael and her cousin both smiling at the use of James, instead of Jim by Egeria and thought to himself. That she could if she had called him Jim but instead of saying that, he dropped his head. "Egeria". Was all Kraytos said.

"They can be far crueller than the Gau'auld, would you not agree Kraytos?" Egeria asked him.

A look of shock crossed Kraytos face, followed by one of understanding. "You went through the same experience as myself, your Host changed you?". He asked her.

"Yes and my children are who she changed me into. I will miss her until the end of my days but she will always be with me. You could say I am her and she is me". Egeria said, with a beaming smile spread across Yosuuf's face.

Kraytos returned Egeria's warm smile and said. "You could say she was your mother". He now saw Jim as a kind of father. He had as much of him in him now, as he had his father or his mother. He was not looking forward to telling the Abydonians who his mothers Host is but maybe they would see him as kin. Jim thought that but Kraytos was not sure. They would have every right to hate her, she had forced Meera, the fathers sister to murder her own family. The memories of that incident were not complete though and his mother had passed on little of herself, to her young. It was not unusual, his father only passed on what he chose to as well.

Egeria had hated her first Host, at first. She had whispered in her minds ear, slowly manipulating her into doing things she wanted her to do. Medura had not been a kind human, she was more twisted than the Gau'auld. Her people had unburied their Stargate and Medura had been taken by one of Ra's underlings. He needed a new one after his Queen had tried to overthrow him. It had seemed easy to subdue her but her people had become a warrior race and she had only used it as a tactic. She had shown Egeria true terror but had eventually offered her a partnership. She would not fight back but Egeria had to promise to stop using the Sarcophagus.

They had only used it a few times but the Host recognised that it was changing her and did not like it. Egeria could have eventually subdued her but Ra would have known of the struggle and he had cautioned her not to overuse it anyway. It was the Sarcophagi, that had turned his two previous Queens into power hungry maniacs. Over time they became as close as lovers and shared themselves completely with one another. It was that joining that changed them both and birthed the Tok'ra movement.

They could not be separated without killing the Host but Ra was able to keep Egeria alive and imprisoned. He would place her in a human Host and torture her for days but she knew her children lived, so endured it all. Medura would always be a part of her and that woman could endure some amount of punishment. He would then remove her and kill the Host before returning her into stasis. She would begin the process of joining completely with this Host, in time but she could not pass on that knowledge to her children as they needed to continuously change Hosts. They were spies and undercover operatives, the ability to change their identities was essential for their anonymity.

If they were to learn to join on that level, they would have to remain with the Host for life or ask them to sacrifice their lives. They could not separate without killing the Host. They would also be potentially immortal, maybe not for all time but long enough for even a Symbiote to forget. When Ra was defeated, it was her intention to teach her young then and truly change the relationship between humans and her kind. She was not expecting another like Medura, who was strong enough to take on a Gau'auld and not win but change them.

Egeria said to Kraytos. "She was more like my lover but looking back now, yes I do consider her a mother in a sense".

Rachael Hawthorn was watching the encounter closely, she was not a jealous woman but this Egeria obviously had a connection with Kraytos. Not with her James but definitely with Kraytos, this could get complicated she thought to herself. She then thought that it had passed complicated, a long time ago.

Jacob was sat next to her and his radio receiver started clicking. "Sir, I do not understand what I am receiving. It says the man in the portrait is admiring himself and that Robert Parker has spoken to him but he wants to speak to you Sir". He then said. "I can ask them to repeat the message sir?".

Richard was as confused as Jacob was, so asked him to indeed get a confirmation on the signal. When he repeated the same message again. Richard decided he must return to earth, so he turned to his group and said. "I am certain the Tok'ra will allow James and Kraytos to leave now but why don't you all stay and I will return to continue our conversation about an alliance, between our two peoples but first I have a mystery to solve". He and Jacob then left with a guard, in order to return to the surface of the planet.

Beneath the Stamford estate, Earth.

Janus first stop was to see a very dear friend, to tell him that the wait is over. That friend had detected the Asgard vessel and its Ancient occupant as soon as they arrived in the system. He had also detected the first Asgard vessel but had kept quiet about it. The Asgard were not a threat to the earth and if they had been, Larry would have destroyed the vessel In orbit. That was his true purpose and not the passing on of knowledge, as the humans believed. He was a weapon and a failsafe, in case the Gau'auld found earth before it all began.

When Janus appeared before Larry, the first thing Larry asked was. "Are you certain you have chosen the correct time period, they really are quite primitive?".

"Yes Larry I am certain. If these people are going to fix the mistakes made by my people, it is only fair that we stop them from making their greatest mistake. They will not learn the lessons of those conflicts but in truth, they never truly did anyway. Some of the general population yes, others took inspiration from it but worse than those people, their governments were doomed to repeat those mistakes. If not for the discovery of the Stargate, they were headed towards a nuclear conflict and would have eventually destroyed themselves. That is without the religious war, that in truth was merely for greed". Janus said to his very old friend.

"I understand that part but these people are not those who liberated a galaxy and became the fifth race. They are barbaric and may become far worse than the Gau'auld Janus. You must see this for yourself?". Larry asked the recently descended one.

"That is why I created the Hastings family and gave them a morale code to live by. They will be the leaders of all off world missions and the only ones who are able to fully use the technology available to them and then there is you and your children of course". Janus said with a knowing smile.

"I have had a long time to consider this Janus and I believe you may be making a mistake!". Larry replied.

"Nothing is ever achieved without making a few mistakes along the way, old friend. It as begun now and we must see it through to its conclusion. Now transport me up to the room with my portrait in, would you Larry. I am looking forward to meeting my decedents, they have made me an extremely proud patriarch". Janus said, before vanishing into thin air in a flash of light.

When he rematerialized in Richard Hastings private study, he rang the bell that would call one of the servants. They would be confused about the ringing bell, as the leader of the family was currently off world but he was certain that someone would answer the call. He did not have the memories of when he had been an ascended being but he did not need them. He still possessed all of the knowledge he had learned before his ascension and all of this had been planned then. He had only ascended to keep an eye on things and thanks to a fellow rebel, he had a means to contact the lower planes and tell them to fix things as needed. Without being discovered by the others.

When the three brothers had steered away from the course he had set them, he had been forced to do a terrible act. He had influenced one of the brothers descendant's, to betray the others. It was a dark time for the family but if they had achieved their goal, the others would have recognised the change to the timeline. Janus was actually proud of them for making the attempt but he needed a people of war and they would have ushered in a new golden age for humanity. If not for the larger picture he would have allowed it and faced the consequences but they would have never have defeated the Gau'auld.

He was admiring his portrait when Robert Parker entered the study. He had a handgun in his hand and as soon as he saw Janus, he raised it and said. "Put your hands in the air and get down on your knees". When the stranger did not react, he added. "Now!".

"I am hurt that you do not recognise me Robert, my portrait did belong to you once". Janus said. He did not do as he was asked, Janus had always had a problem with doing what he was told. Not out of any childish rebellious streak, he just usually believed he was right and they were wrong.

"I said get on your knees, Kinsey!". He left Janus in no uncertain terms, that he would shoot him if he did not listen. It would not matter if he did, Janus had collected a few items on the way here. One of those were a personal shield but Robert Parker could end up being hit with a ricocheting bullet and that would not do. So he raised his hands and slowly dropped to his knees. "I can understand your mistake but I can assure you, I am your ancestor". He said as he assumed his kneeling stance.

Robert recognised the man as soon as he had laid eyes on him but that did not mean he was him. All of the Hastings family, shared some kind of resemblance with their patriarch. Because of that fact, it was more likely that he was a Kinsey or one of their branch of the family tree. The only thing that had stopped him shooting him instantly, were the strange clothes he was wearing. They were a shade of grey but it was how different they looked to anything Robert had seen before, that had stopped him taking immediate action. If he was a Kinsey, then Robert would take great pleasure in strangling him, with his bare hands or give him to Nebu.

Yes he would give him to Nebu. Robert had told him all about the Kinsey's and the role they had played, in foiling the families plans for this world. Nebu saw them as no better than the Gau'auld, worse even. The Gau'auld enslaved a species not their own but these Kinsey's did it to their own kind and were worse than even the Jaffa to Nebu. The Jaffa were slaves themselves and even if Nebu had not gotten completely passed his hatred for them, he at least understood that they were slaves as well.

"You look like my father and we all share some similarities with the patriarch. This is really imaginative for the Kinsey's, I did not think they were that bright. Never mind Nebu will get you to talk and if I was you, I would just tell him the truth. We have a way to detect lies and he will punish you for them". Robert gave him an evil smile, so that he would get is meaning.

"Yes of course Larry, he will be able to clear up this little misunderstanding". Janus told him, then he said into thin air. "Larry old friend I am going to need your assistance, could you please come and explain who I am". After a few seconds, he added. "He wont be long. He does not have the ability to transport himself but he has other means of getting here". Janus said, while still on his knees with his hands in the air.

Robert Parker did not react to what the man said and kept his weapon trained on him. He did react when Larry passed through the floor, as if it was one of his pictures made of light. He came to a rest on the desk that Richard Hastings would use and then Larry himself appeared. "Hello Robert Parker, it is a pleasure as always. How may I be of service on this fine day?". Larry asked him, completely ignoring the fact that Janus was even there.

"This one says that he is my ancestor and he claims that you can confirm this?". Robert was hoping it was a Kinsey. He had missed out on the fun at the palace and would settle for watching Nebu have fun with him.

"He is much more than that I am afraid. He is indeed your ancestor but he is also the reason your family hates the Kinsey's. He has much to answer for but his judgement is beyond mere mortals". Larry said in Robert Parker's own voice.

Janus was not pleased with what Larry had just revealed and was planning on letting them know the whole story at a later time. "What are you doing Larry?". He asked the dark skinned man, that was made of light.

"If these people are going to commit to your crusade Janus, then they deserve to know the truth. The Kinsey's are your kin as well or have you disowned them as the rest of their family has. They committed a terrible crime against their own blood, because of you Janus!". Larry said accusingly.

There was always a danger that this could happen but the original plan had not included freeing the slaves, it had been about growing in strength and influence. The liberation of this world from the greedy, would have came later. Janus's Angel's as he liked to think of them, had made the course corrections as they were needed but he had no choice but to do what he did and personally influence the head of the Kinsey clan, through the dream realm. Many had been killed in the culling that followed but it was necessary. "I will explain everything Larry but would you please tell Robert that I can be trusted. He can not harm me with that weapon but he could end up harming himself". He warned him.

"Whether you can be trusted is a matter of opinion Janus". Larry then turned to Robert and said. "However, he is the man he claims to be but do not trust him because of what I say. I would not want you to hold it against me".

Janus then said. "This is the thanks I get for creating you".

Larry seemed amused by what Janus had just revealed. "Do not all children resent their parent?".

"You are learning humour, I am so proud of you Larry. You always had trouble with humour but you seem to be getting it". Janus told him, trying to change the subject.

Robert Parker did not let him, instead he said. "I do not see what you find funny about this. If I am hearing you correctly, then my family were forced to commit atrocities because of you".

"I will explain everything but it would be best if the head of your family were here, when he returns I will reveal all". Janus told Robert.

Robert approached the bell that had been used to summon him, keeping his weapon pointed at the man on his knees as he did. He rang the bell and then told Clarissa to send for Nebu and Martin Turner. When they arrived, he left to speak with Joseph Hammond. Janus tried to speak to the two men but Nebu made it clear he was to remain silent. He could not hurt Janus but he was still a little intimidated by him. Even Martin Turner seemed to try and stay as far away from Nebu as possible, he was not making it obvious but he was definitely trying not to get in his way.

About an hour later, when Robert returned with Richard Hastings. The head of the Hastings clan dismissed the guards and indicated for him to get up and take a seat. Once he was comfortable. Richard said to Janus. "I hear you have a lot of explaining to do and I warn you sir. You are not above the law!". With a face that showed the anger he must be feeling, at what Larry had revealed to his uncle.

Janus was expecting some push back but he was not ready to tell them everything yet. There was still much to do before the true crusade began, there was only one problem. This time the Gau'auld did not need to be defeated, they had to be changed. The only chance of that happening had been the first casualty of the original war. Ra was different to the other Gau'auld and kept the others in check.

If the humans challenged him and declared total war on the Gau'auld, then they could lose that chance. With his son being the one giving him the ultimatum, then there was a small possibility of success. It would not be immediate but if they waged a war that was less threatening to Ra himself and more threatening to those who could be considered cruel, even among the Gau'auld. When the humans of earth gained a common enemy, they may have a chance.

First he needed to convince his own flesh and blood, that he was not the devil they believed him to be. This was going to be a difficult task but it should not be impossible for the God of beginnings and transitions. There was a Roman God that shared his name, although he did not believe he was the inspiration for that deity, the description fit Janus well.

He was usually depicted by two heads facing in opposite directions. One facing to the past, the other to the future. Maybe he was the inspiration for that deity or he will be. Some historical events echoed through the multiverse and who knows he had probably already done all this in another universe. If the universe was infinite as his people believed, then the multiverse must be vastly more so. Janus thought to himself.