Jacob sighed softly as he entered the chamber. He took in the scene before him. Tok'ra in mourning, silently stood around the central platform where the body was being displayed. He had been tortured to his death. His symbiote ripped out of him, causing his organs to go into failure. The Tok'ra operatives that had accompanied him did not have enough time to bring the body back before the deterioration was too intense to reverse.
Jacob made his way forward to the front of the platform and stood beside her. "I am at a loss for words."
Saffran stared straight ahead at Martouf's body. "I should be used to this. I have already lost him once."
"No one should ever be used to this."
Saffran sighed. She had spent the last two days sedated for fear of the child. She had mourned for three days prior to that, crying, screaming – unable to eat. Sleep had eluded her as she fell into dreams, reliving the first time he was killed – by Ba'al.
"Whilst this is true. It seems that it is something I shall have to do."
"He is gone."
Saffran lowered her head. "I know. And so is my heart."
Jacob watched her leave. She had already been through too much. The child was now in danger unless she could pull herself together. The stress she was under was unsustainable and Nisha had already warned she may need to be isolated and sedated for the remainder of her pregnancy. He cast a last look back at Martouf.
"You will be sorely missed my friend. I will insure that she is cared for." Jacob made his way out of the door. "As will I."
He made his way to the medical bays and stopped short of the door when he heard a hushed conversation inside.
"Will it harm the baby?"
"No it will not. But are you sure you wish to do this?"
"Nisha… I can't handle anymore. This baby is all I have left of him and I will not endanger it any further. Please. I beg you. Allow me to sleep until the child is born." He heard a stifled sob. "I cannot do this without him."
"Is there anyone you wish to speak to before I send you under?"
"No. I have said my goodbyes."
"Very well. Please, lie down."
Jacob waited outside for the next ten minutes, allowing the sedative to take effect. When he walked in, Saffran finally looked at peace and Nisha was busy taking readings from the monitoring equipment.
"I think this is for the best."
"As do I. She is weak Selmak, and her heart cannot take anymore."
"She does this for the child. Maybe once it is born, she will begin to rebuild her life."
"Let us hope so."
