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 8: Teasing

Kirinian could not help but laugh as Cordesh crept after a small doe. It was the symbiote's fourth attempt and so far she had evaded him each time. The sharp eyed herbivore could not see him coming but she could smell him long before he was in striking distance. Perhaps we need new tactics? Kirinian offered with a laugh as she pranced away once more. Perhaps a blade is not a good idea after all. Perhaps… Kirinian paused and considered deeply as Cordesh muttered obscenities beneath his breath. We need a weapon that is quiet and stealthy. Perhaps a bow? A crossbow?

Cordesh paused and smiled. What a wondrous idea! How come we did not think of this before? Let us head to the nearby store as see if they have any in stock. If not we will travel to any town but Armadillo.

So go get us a crossbow. Kirinian ordered. And deal with those humans yourself, I am going to review our memories and laugh at your failed attempts at stealth. Imagine, a Tok'Ra failing at stealth. Kirinian chuckled.

I'm looking forward to watching your attempts. Cordesh answered in amusement.

I bet I can do better than you.

We'll see, Kirinian, we shall see. The change in their relationship was obvious to both of them. Kirinian was far more patient and understanding and Cordesh was far more gentle and uncontrolling. Cordesh had made sure Kirinian had more choice and more decisions to make whilst Kirinian made sure to listen to his symbiote. Of course they still had a lot of things to sort out and make up for but this change was a big step for them both.

Kirinian chuckled a little. You would think a Tok'Ra would be better at this. He teased.

So you said. Cordesh replied with amusement. But then again we may not have the right tools for this hunt. After all we normally hunt with zat'nik'tels and staff weapons, these primitive weapons don't allow for much stealth.

Kirinian conceded to that point. The guns do seem to be excessively loud and the blades are for close and personal attacks. No human has considered stealth, only power and death. If we change tactics and begin focusing on stealth we may have an advantage over everyone else.

Indeed. Cordesh agreed, his pleasure and pride at Kirinian's tactically thinking was obvious. I think we need to find better clothing as well, we need a more Tok'Ra coloured uniform to hide in the deserts more easily. We'll also need something to cover our face to prevent sand and dust entering our eyes, mouth and nose and then we need to wear something to secure as many water bottles as we can carry with our vast weaponry.

We can't wear robes, that would slow us down. Kirinian argued. What about belts and harnesses? Don't forget that the horses can carry a lot of our supplies as well.

Cordesh agreed. Well it seems our plans are made, we just need more stealthy weapons, good clothes and to catch a horse or two and train them for the journey.

Leave the horses to me. Kirinian ordered. You just get the clothes and weapons.

You sure?

Horses don't like you much. Kirinian pointed out. Let me deal with the horses and train them until they're ready to accept you and then we'll go from there.

You need to practice the weapons.

I learn through you and besides if this plan works out you'll have primary control for a period of time. We have to trust each other Cordesh, trust me to deal with the horses and I'll trust you with the weapons and clothes okay?

Okay, but you'll still be taking control to learn these weapons.

Of course just as you'll be taking control to learn how to handle horses. Kirinian replied. After all if we take the horses beyond the gate or meet a Goa'uld on our way there they need to think I'm not here so you need to be able to control the animals without hesitation. Besides I'm sure the Goa'uld would be pleased to have an assassin that has so many skills even if one or two seem 'useless'.

You are right of course, many worlds still use horses and it would make our undercover job as an Ashrak easier if we can hide amongst the humans more easily. Cordesh agreed readily. Perhaps we should pick up a few different languages along the way? Earth is the first world, the world where all languages were born for the most part so why shouldn't we observe and listen as we travel?

Indeed. Kirinian agreed. And once we on another world our knowledge of the first languages will prove invaluable as most still speak the first languages.

You are correct but almost all of them can speak one primary language, English if I am naming it correctly.

I think you are but why is this?

I do not know. Cordesh confided. And no one bothered to find out. Perhaps English is an easier language to learn? Perhaps Ra and the other Goa'uld made it a universal language because it was an easier language to understand.

Easier? I do not think so, I've heard some people struggle with it.

Yes, but even though they struggle how many can speak English?

Many.

Correct. It is a universal language; so to speak, you can guarantee that at least a few people on each world speak it. But even so knowing their 'native' language would make them trust us a little more and believe we are who we claim to be. Cordesh commented with pride for his host. When we have to play humans I will let you take control so it is best if you learn the languages with me.

I only know English and I've never really caught onto any other language, even your language is a little hard for me to speak despite your knowledge but I will definitely try.

I will tell you anything you need. Cordesh promised. Don't worry beloved, we're in this together.

Kirinian agreed quietly. But we need to learn all these skills together so we can back each other up if anything goes wrong and trust me something will go wrong. It will always go wrong.

Cordesh sighed. You're right, if it can go wrong it will. I didn't trust anyone and it cost you your life as well as mine, granted I had reasons but I should have found a way to inform you. Cordesh admitted. I cannot undo the past but I can change the future and I plan to make up for every evil act I ever done.

You can start by keeping us safe and getting us home. Kirinian replied. Now aren't you supposed to be getting us some stealthy long range weapons?

Indeed. Cordesh answered. But you will have to take control in the shop, I will not imitate your voice, I will not become that monster again.

Kirinian's mind flashed back to the Cordesh he had grown to hate and mentally shuddered with fear. Okay, I'll do it, I'd rather not but I don't want that to happen again.

You still fear me? Cordesh asked.

No, I fear what you were and as long as you never become that monster again I'll be alright.

But you fear this is all a lie and that I will turn on you.

Kirinian shied away from Cordesh's mind in a futile attempt to hide. Yes. I can't help it.

Cordesh sighed. I know you can't and I deserve this, please don't hide from me. I promise I will kill myself rather than do that to you again.

I believe you but I can't help but be scared.

I know, Kirinian, I know. Cordesh replied. When we eventually find the Tollen I will ask for one of their devices that changes the control between host and symbiote so you have control and no longer have to hide in fear if that is what it takes.

What so you become a virtual prisoner like I was? No. We'll work this out, I won't do that. Cordesh sighed in relief and sagged against his hosts spine before sensing Kirinian's amusement, the host chuckled mentally. Besides you being imprisoned in my head would be boring, one of us has to speak out about Anise and Freya's hideous dress sense!

Cordesh laughed. You're too afraid to speak out.

I am not facing Delek and Garshaw! Kirinian protested with amusement. Those two rarely agree but when they do they are scary! Nope you're dealing with them all!

Evil, my host, pure evil! Inwardly Cordesh was relieved that Kirinian had easily laughed off the seriousness of their conversation and he relaxed against his hosts spine as Kirinian chuckled at his melodrama. If I deal with Garshaw and Delek you will deal with Anise and her host.

No way! Kirinian protested. The last time I tried to talk to her she tried jumping me! I am not staying in the same room as that crazy symbiote and her host! Cordesh laughed hard and loud as Kirinian mentally shuddered and whined at the image of a pouting Freya with too much breast on show. No. No. No. She's all yours!

We shall see, my host, we shall see.