Author: Kelral Orlyana

Title: Reunion

Category: Stargate SG1 x Red Dead Redemption

Rating: Currently a T… may change as story progresses.

Pairing: None

Spoilers: The Tok'ra (Part 1 and 2) but very little of Red Dead Redemption will be revealed (perhaps a few characters but nothing more...)

Warning: Contains angst, mild battle scenes and mentions abuse and cruelty…though it is very mild.

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1 or Red Dead Redemption and make no profit posting this story.

Italics represent symbiote and host communication.

Chapter 4: Trenchant

"Now, Kirinian, if you bring the colt over here." Kirinian gently gripped the reins of the stubborn palomino colt. It snorted and tried to remain still but Kirinian was much stronger due to the presence of Cordesh. The colt realising it would not win gave in gracefully and trotted to where Bonnie waits for them. "He is almost ready for riding and I figured that since that bay stallion of yours is old and beginning to show signs of lameness you'd like to take him. He is a nice horse and with the right care and training he would be a very loyal companion."

"You would…"

"He's yours." Bonnie answered not letting him finish. "I owe you for all the work you've done, my friend. You saved my ranch from storms, bandits and fires. Half my life-stock still lives thanks to you and your good aim. Take the colt, he is yours."

"I am honoured. Thank you so much."

"No, thank you." Bonnie replied. "Do you need a hand training him?"

"I…I think I'd like to just spend some time with him first, I don't want to 'break' him. I don't like breaking horses; they lose their spirit and become empty, soulless." Kirinian replied. Bonnie nodded with a smile and assured him that she'd be nearby if he needed her.

You thought of yourself then. Cordesh thought with sadness. Do you see…Do you feel like those horses we've broken? Do you feel that I broke you?

I don't want to have this discussion Cordesh. Kirinian replied in annoyance. I just want to focus on this colt. Unless you have anything important to say, I would like for you to stop distracting me.

I…alright. I'll be sleeping if you need me.

I won't need you. Kirinian replied. He stood and waited for Cordesh's mind to fade from his before he focused on the colt. "Aren't you a beauty?" He asked softly as he pats the white muzzle of the animal, it snorted at him before leaning in for more pampering. Kirinian smiled slightly at the animals actions and collected a horse brush to begin grooming; the easiest way into an animal's heart was through care and food.

The man and horse were quiet as Kirinian worked; the only sound was the gentle breeze and hooves in the background from horses and cattle. The colt that was once stubborn was dozing off, his head lowered and his hind leg lifted to take some weight off of it. Kirinian took his time; there was no rush, no job that needed urgent attention. Only once the colt's fur was shining did he finally lay down the brush, the animal snorted slightly at this before walking over to its stable and lying down, Kirinian followed and sat down beside it. Instead of protesting the animal ignored him and relaxed into his gentle caresses. Kirinian held back a chuckle at this; already the colt was relaxed around him just from a short amount of grooming.

Let's hope that he will be this calm when you train him.

Cordesh. Kirinian thought startled. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?

Well you were dosing off, someone had to watch over us. Cordesh replied with amusement.

Well I am not dosing off now.

Are you that eager to get rid of me?

You know I am! Kirinian snapped. But of course we both know that despite this truce I get no say in the matter. Cordesh sighed quietly and Kirinian mentally scowled, did the parasite really think that this truce meant there were no hard feelings? There may have been bigger things going on that caused Cordesh to act as he did, but Kirinian would not, could not forget the treatment he received.

It will be time to move soon.

Why? What is there to move to? We have no idea where the gate is! We have no idea what time we're in! Hell! We have no idea where we are! We know nothing of Earth or the Tau'ri and you just want us to go riding into the sunset! Of course you do have an idea of what will help us, don't you? An image of the device needed to protect us from this… 'Telepath', unless you just want a solution to miraculously appear!

I get the point! No need for that attitude.

Well I've got to take the bull by the horns, this truce won't last long and once we're back with the Tok'ra I'll be the long-forgotten host once more, I'm going to take advantage of the time I have.

I assured you I wouldn't behave as I did.

Well, news flash, I don't trust you! Once we've achieved our goal you'll go back to being that monster!

I won't.

Sure. Kirinian's scepticism was clear in his voice. Now. I do hope you have a plan.

Yes, which I would have explained if you had not decided to give me attitude. Cordesh replied. The Goa'uld once ruled this world, they ruled Egypt! If we can get to Egypt there will be tonnes of long forgotten technology and the gate for us and us alone! The humans have no idea what it is used for, very few tombs and pyramids would be desecrated! We could find not only technology but also Goa'uld stasis jars, we could kill them all.

And…

Well that's it…

Oh…so how do I find Egypt? How do we get there? Where is the money going to come from? We've got a long time and a lot of work ahead of us before we can even consider travelling! We need to earn money and lots of it! And then we'll need supplies!

You are correct.

Ha! For a superior being you don't think all that often do you? Kirinian replied proud of his victory. He knew he'd pay for his attitude later but for now he would take all the joy he could get. Now, I have a horse to get to know, money to make and a world to learn about, so how about you stop interfering and let me get on with it!

Very well. Cordesh replied angrily. I will be here if you need me. Kirinian snorted at this and let out a relieved breath as Cordesh faded from his mind once more. If only Cordesh would be gone from his mind forever, but Kirinian knew that wasn't going to happen, Cordesh was here to stay. Damn it. He cursed. A nicker bought him from his hatred and he turned to the colt, the animal was clearly annoyed he had stopped pampering it and was demanding attention, Kirinian managed a half-hearted smile as he pat the animal. Perhaps…Perhaps one day I'll be free. Perhaps the Gods would take pity on me a second time.

A/N: - Here is a little fact for you all! :- The title of this chapter Trenchant means Sarcastic or Scathing which is rather a good title for this chapter don't you think?

Now many will ask why Kirinian is being like he is since Cordesh and he have created a truce. The fact is Kirinian still does not trust Cordesh and expects Cordesh to turn on him once the truce is over, so he is taking this opportunity to say what he has always wanted to say to his symbiote. The truce does not mean Cordesh is forgiven; Kirinian still hates Cordesh and is merely obeying and working with the symbiote to help protect the Tok'ra from the supposed Telepathic Spy.