Not sure when I'll have time for the next chapter, but it should bring a bit of action back into the story so may be worth a little wait. Maybe not. Who knows.
"What did you do, Jack?" Daniel looked over as O'Neill began explaining what had occurred when SG's 1 and 3 had gone back to the planet. Complete with a detailed, nearly comical, had the situation been less serious, description of the Marsi leader's expression when Jack informed her, matter-of-factly, that the Goa'uld were not Gods.
"I'd say that explains why they were waiting. They probably thought you'd come back again." The archaeologist sounded tired, which was hardly astonishing given the long day he and Vala had endured. When Hammond suggested the linguist get some rest and they continue in a few hours, Daniel waved the concern off. He was still curious about a few things. "The Marsi, Renato, mentioned that the slayer of their Goddess was capable of altering it's form." He glanced thoughtfully at the Ka'rosh before continuing, "A therianthrope, of sorts, I guess."
"There have been many names for my people." Vala seemed to accept the term the linguist offered to describe her.
"Daniel?" Jack cut in questioningly.
"Therianthrope. Um, it's derived from a couple of Greek words. 'Therion' and 'anthrōpos'; respectively meaning 'wild animal' and 'man'. A metamorph, shapeshifter, skin-walker…" The archaeologist noticed the familiar expression resting on Jack's face and proceeded to something with more relevance. "In many ancient cultures, including the Navaho, such a species was considered evil and the ability to change as you can could only be accomplished through an ill deed – such as eating the flesh of a close relative."
"How flattering," an ironic smile played on Vala's lips briefly before vanishing to be replaced by a look of distaste. "We do not eat the flesh of our own kind, alive or dead."
"Well, myths generally stem from some truth," Daniel put in before considering the words fully, his curiosity wanting to know what truth could lie in it.
For a moment, the odd blue eyes of the Ka'rosh flickered. "Fear, that is what causes such stories. Fear does not require truth."
"True," the point was conceded readily by the linguist, "I only meant that.."
The snowy haired woman absently waved the words away with a slender hand. "I know. I suppose it is only fair to acknowledge that my species is not perfect." Her lips curved into a small, but genuine, smile.
"Hey, who is?" Jack offered.
"And you are correct, myth does generally stem from a particle of truth." The words prompted a raised brow, followed by the inevitable question.
"What truth is there in what they said?"
"We are a species of what you might term 'shapeshifters', even if that was not always so. And while we have never sought to harm those we shared a planet with, things happen."
"You weren't always capable of changing your form?"
"No. It was something bred into us. Or perhaps it was merely a side effect of the experiments. That is something I can not be certain of."
Those listening could not help their curiosity, the questions raised by the Ka'rosh's words.
"Bred into you?" Daniel asked.
"Experiments?" Carter said at the same time.
A sigh brushed over Vala's lips, brought forth by the knowledge a history needed unveiling and not having the desire to do so. "It is a long story."
General Hammond looked around the table, assessing those present and noting the exhausted appearance of Daniel. "Why don't we take a break and Doctor Jackson can get some rest. I believe Dr. Fraiser would like to examine our guest further." When Janet nodded, Hammond made it an order.
Vala, for her part, took the news that she was to be subjected to more testing, in good stride. These particular humans seemed trustworthy enough, their surface intentions calmed her mind as she read them. She hadn't lied when she'd told them she couldn't read thoughts, it wasn't as simple as that and rarely as definitive. Her people could simply feel the strong intentions of others.
She rose and followed Fraiser out the door, answering the onslaught of questions from the doctor as best as she could. She understood, if nothing else, that the small, dark-haired woman was merely trying to access the impact the Ka'rosh energy could have upon those under her care. The concern was something Vala could respect. And, on the other hand, Vala was also tired. She deemed the coming tests would allow her body to rest.
Daniel watched Janet lead their visitor away with a little worry evident in his features.
"Don't worry, Danny, Fraiser might be a little needle happy but I don't think she's going to hurt your friend." Jack half-jokingly spoke, attempting to relieve a little of the archaeologist's apprehension.
"I know, I think I'm just tired."
Jack gave his friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder and then the rest of them left the briefing room, intent on making sure their teammate got the ordered sleep.
"Unauthorized offworld activation - INCOMING TRAVELER."
"Close the Iris." General Hammond instructed.
"I'm trying, Sir. It's not responding," the tech sounded very alarmed, as well he ought.
"Well, do..." the general's voice trailed off as he saw who it was coming through the event horizon and watched as Colonel O'Neill walked down to greet the unexpected visitor.
"Thor, 'ol buddy!"
"Greetings O'Neill," the grey alien responded.
Head tilted slightly, Jack continued, "Not that we aren't happy to see you, Thor, but what are you doing here? I get the feeling it's not just a chance to drop by and say hi."
The grey head dropped marginally in acknowledgment, "I have come to see the Ka'rosh."
"The who?" Jack's look of confusion lasted only a moment before a light bulb seemed to appear and the expression vanished. "Oh, the woman who helped us out."
"Indeed. She is one of the Ka'rosh."
"One of? I could have sworn Daniel told me that she was the last of her kind." Arching a brow that rose still further when he detected a look of unease from the Asgard.
"As far as we know, she is the last of her species."
"What happened?"
"Please, O'Neill, I need to speak with her."
Jack nodded, still perplexed at the show of hastiness, and he gestured for Thor to go with him out the door. Pausing a moment, shaking his head, he proceeded to follow the Asgard up the stairs back into the control room. "Where's Daniel?"
"Last I saw he was in the infirmary with our guest."
"Have him bring her here," General Hammond responded.
Jack watched absently as the soldier rushed off to do as she was ordered, then returned his attention back to the small alien. "So, Thor, what's up?"
Instead of answering, the alien watched the door, still showing signs of discomfort which only became more obvious the moment his quarry entered the room. What also became apparent was why Thor wasn't comfortable.
'What can I do for you General Hammond? I --" Whatever she was going to say was lost as an expression of pure hatred flared onto a face that had been serene a moment before.