Chapter 10 - The Base

They left the next day, taking a plane back to the base. Most left right away, but Jack was happy that some stayed around, even though it would be for a short time.

Sam was working on some project until she had to go. Lantash or Martouf was working with her. Jack wasn't sure which one. Teal'c left to do Jaffa stuff.

That gave Jack and Daniel some time with Malika. It was rare and precious. The bodyguard, Pel, was still there, of course, but she didn't interfere.

"She's getting big," Jack said, hoping to engage in conversation with Pel. He had seen her smile a few times at the party, but she was back in super serious mode.

Daniel smiled. "She'll have her first words soon enough."

Jack sighed when Gete walked in, knowing what it meant.

"Aldwin."

"He is asleep."

"Really?"

"Is that hard to do?" Daniel asked.

"No, though it's not as restful as when we both sleep." Gete smiled as he approached. "You enjoy time with her."

"Yeah." Jack grinned. "Sam's family, in a way, so Malika's family too."

"That would make us family."

"I guess it would." Jack grinned. "I noticed after Halloween, you seemed just fine. I guess you don't get hangovers?"

"What are hangovers?"

"That's when you feel sick or tired after you have been drinking," Daniel answered.

"Oh. Those. I remember those. Unpleasant things."

Jack laughed.

"Not with Aldwin though, no."

"Lucky you." He replied as Pel approached to grab Malika.

"The Goa'uld language doesn't even have a word for it," Daniel added, looking to Jack.

"Unfortunately, it's time-" Gete's eyes flashed and he fell back.

They rushed to him, but it was too late. He hit the floor.

"Aldwin?" Jack crouched by him.

He was stunned for a second, as Gete had hit the back of his head. Then he muttered a word angrily that Jack figured was a Goa'uld curse.

"What…what was that?" Daniel asked.

"I took over in my sleep." He sat up. "I don't know why. It's been happening for several years now." He rubbed the back of his head before retreating. Gete frowned. "He's embarrassed about it."

"It's unusual?"

"It is rare for most." He replied as Pel examined his head. He shook her off as he stood. "We're fine."

"You're being stubborn," she argued. "A direct hit to the symbiote does you both more harm."

"I am a healer. You are not, and Aldwin can diagnose himself."

She sighed.

Jack frowned slightly. "You alright?"

"Yes. Aldwin has already taken away our headache."

"Do you mind if I carry Malika to the gate?" He knew better than to push it.

"I'm sure that would be fine."

-x-x-x-

They said their goodbyes. Sam, Lantash and therefore Pel, lingered as the rest left.

"That was fun," Jack said. "We need more missions like that."

Sam grinned as she collected Malika. "Hopefully. I know Mark had a lot of fun. He's been feeling left out of our lives since he learned about all of this."

Lantash waited at the top of the ramp for her. Pel stayed near since she held Malika.

"Visit soon."

"We will."

A few more goodbyes passed between them before they left.

-x-x-x-

A week later, Daniel was pleasantly surprised to see Freya walking down the ramp. He immediately went into the gate room to greet her.

"Daniel." She kissed him.

"What's going on?" Jack asked as he approached.

"I have been sent to invite you to our own Halloween party."

Jack grinned. "Really?" These were the type of visits he'd been wanting for years.

"In two days. 2 PM in your time."

"Oh. I have-" Daniel started.

"Nope," Jack said. "We'll reschedule that mission. We will be at that party. With costumes."

Daniel smiled. "Thank you, Jack."

To be continued…