Martouf and Samantha waited for the council's deliberation. It had been several hours. General Hammond and few members of the Tok'ra were discussing still Martouf/Lantash's possible future, whether on Earth or with the Tokra. Along with General Hammond, Jacob argued on their behalf. The decision should not have been this difficult, which made Sam worry even more, but Martouf was trying his best to make her forget even for just one moment.

"That tickles." He smiled, gently kissing her stomach as she laid on the bed giggling.

"What shall we name her my love?"

"I don't know, I never really thought about it." She squirmed and laughed as he tickled her once more. "What makes you think this baby's gonna be a girl?"

"I don't know, perhaps it is because I wish to see more people in this world that are like you. Such beauty, and selflessness would make the universe worthwhile."

"Why is it that you always say the right things at the right time?"

"Centuries of experience my love," he smiled at her. Samantha felt blessed, at that exact moment her life was just perfect. She leaned in and kissed him softly as he placed his hand behind her head to bring her closer to him. A knock on the door brought them out of their reverie.

"Sir, your presence is requested at the briefing room. Ma'am, "Said the airman. He walked off after delivering his message. They took a deep breath before heading out of Martouf's quarters and down the hall. The walk to the room was silent; when they finally reached their destination they were greeted by Jacob and General. "Sam, you're gonna have to wait outside while we talk to Martouf."

"What?"

"It's Tok'ra business Sweetheart, you understand."

"Uh, no I don't actually."

"Samantha, it's alright. I will discuss matters with you later."

"Lantash."

"Samantha." He gave her an empathetic look, begging for her to understand that they were not to push things with the Tok'ra council.

"Don't make me have to make this an order Major." The General said sternly.

"Fine. I'll be right outside if you need anything." She gave her lover a swift kiss before leaving the room, disregarding rules about public affection to spite the two Generals. Once she was gone they took their seats. It was Selmak who spoke first.

"As you know Lantash, such a request must be made in person. Though considering the recent circumstances, I have made sure to bring the issue to light. Still, they insist that you return to the base and speak to the council yourself."

"Selmak, I will not leave Samantha. I worry that considering her emotional state, such an event could cause damage, and in turn affect her health."

"No one understands that more than I. Unfortunately the Council will not negotiate on this matter. They consider you to be a valuable member of the Tok'ra, and there has been much debate brought on by this request." Lantash sat silently for a moment staring at the table. He was not going to take no for an answer, as far as he was concerned his loyalty was to Martouf and Samantha, and now also their unborn child. Martouf also felt the same. The Council have had their way for centuries, they were a stubborn group.

"We will leave as soon as you are prepared."

"Son, I hope you understand that whatever the decision is, you are more than welcome here." General Hammond added.

"Thank-you General, your words mean a great deal to both Martouf and I."

As they stood to bring about the end to the discussions, Martouf came fore. "Jacob," his voice failed to hide the anxiety he was feeling at the moment, "in your honest opinion, what do you think the council will decide?"

"You know the vote doesn't have to be unanimous. But trust me when I say you have my full support. I'll be damned if I have to watch my little girl's heart break all over again."

"Thank-you, Jacob. In the short time that I have known you, you have become a great friend to me."

"Hey don't sweat it, we're family now. But just incase, we're bringing Daniel along. I'm sure he'll come up with some genius diplomatic excuse to bring you here."

"You cannot deny that Lantash has proven to be a valuable member of the Tok'ra. We need him still! Such a loss would be a detriment to our cause."

"Yes, yes I understand your point Nalla. But losing a member of your race is different from having them move to another planet. Besides, he'll still be serving your cause, he'll be helping in strengthening the alliance between our peoples."

"Your people will gain the knowledge and skill of the Tok'ra, what do you have to offer us in return?"

"Well believe it or not there are actually some members of the SGC who are very curious to learn more about you, on a first hand basis. I've brought up the idea of an exchange program to my superiors, and so far there have been no objections."

"Why would your people choose to live with us when many seem to be disgusted with the idea of even being near a symbiote."

"Not everyone feels that way."

"We are not here to place blame or fuel the existing tensions between our peoples. We are here to discuss the future of one of our own."

"My apologies, Lord Persus."

"There is also another matter to consider."

"Yes Garshaw."

"Martouf and Lantash serve best as operatives. Martouf is fast becoming a familiar face amongst the Goa'uld. Soon he will no longer be able to infiltrate as a spy. What will he do when that happens?"

Lord Persus paused for a moment before answering, "I have been observing his performance prior to the zar'tac incident. It was my hope that he be promoted to the council." No one was shocked by his statement, many members of the council were looking to Martouf and Lantash to work along side them. Which also was a reason for their reluctance. They had also been nominated several times as a candidate for base commander. It was a surprise to Jacob that Malek and Garshaw were on his side, wanting him to live on Earth.

Lantash had spend the last several hours listening to the council members argue amongst themselves. Rather than being in the center of the room, he was now back in his old quarters, waiting. Daniel, Jacob, and Malek had done their best to help his case, but there were others who were strongly opposed to the idea. Their arguments had been quite convincing.

Martouf picked up a necklace upon his desk.

c i "It is beautiful."

"Yes, it was my mothers."

"I cannot accept such a gift."

"You must." Martouf gently tied the clasp around Rosha's neck. He then rubbed her shoulders soothingly. "It has been passed down for generations, to honor a true love. My father gave it to my mother, when he asked for her to become his Maharai (Cherished One), and now I am giving it to you. Rosha, Jolinar, I ask that you become our Maharai." He waited patiently for her answers as tears welled up in her eyes. A brilliant smile graced her face. "Yes, yes of course. We love you so much, we will never deny you anything my loves." /c /i

Martouf and Lantash remembered the joy of that evening, the pain of losing Rosha and Jolinar. Although Lantash and Jolinar had long been together, they had never been bonded in such an official way until Martouf insisted upon it. They had many wonderful years together. Now it was time to have many wonderful years with their Samantha.

'Samantha.' He thought. After everything that happened with her and Jolinar, she should've been repulsed, should've hated the Tok'ra. He knew she was an amazing woman, but without his memories he never truly understood. For someone to take the best out of that sort of situation, and create with it a beautiful future… She was his reason for fighting, his purpose for living. He laid in bed, wondering what she was doing at that very moment.

"They should be here for this." She said as she laid on the examination bed.

"I know." Janet squeezed out the jello-like substance onto her stomach.

"Wow that's cold."

"But you can't just skip out on your exams just because they're not with you."

"I know. It's just…"

"I know… You ready?"

"Yeah"

"Okay. Check it out." Sam tilted her head towards the monitor by her side.

"Oh wow." Silence reigned over her as she smiled, staring at the image of her child on the monitor.

"So do you wanna know?"

"Know what?" she asked as she turned her head to her friend.

"The baby, do you wanna know if it's a boy or girl?"

"No." Sam smiled. "It should be a surprise."

"Enter." General Hammond said to the figure behind the door to his office. He looked up from signing paper work to see Colonel Reynolds standing before him.

"Sir, about the replacement for Brecker, I have a special request, Sir."

"Sit down. What is it?"

"Well, I was thinking. You allowed Teal'c to join SG1, I was hoping you would allow the Tok'ra Martouf and Lantash to become a member of my team. That is ofcourse if they're ok with it, and your ok with it, Sir."

"Let me get this straight… rather than assigning one of the many qualified personnel lined up, you want an alien on your team?"

"Yes Sir." Although he hid his personal opinions, Hammond was glad to see that so many people were already considering Martouf and Lantash as one of their own. Soon, the alliance will no longer be just a political agreement, there was definitely potential for the Tok'ra and the people of earth to become true friends.

"May I ask where this is coming from"

"Well for one thing, I know they're high ranking in their world. That's gotta say something right? I believe their skill and knowledge will be advantageous during our missions. But more importantly, Sir, I need someone that I not only respect, but someone I can put my trust in Sir."

"Very well Colonel. I'll take your request into consideration. But we still don't even know yet if they're going to be transferring here. I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you."

"Thank-you General, I understand."

"Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"

"No Sir, that's pretty much it. Thanks for your time General." And with that Reynolds walked briskly out of the office.

martouf is asked to go back to tok'ra home world, surprise, they give him a promotion as commander of tok'ra that will be living w/ the tau'ri, similar position as Hammond. Sam remains on earth, still worries about deliberation, has exam, is asked if she wants to know sex of baby, she says no. martouf returns, tells sam the news. Yaay Reynolds initiates welcoming attitude towards arrival of new tok'ra, staving off most of the criticism, lantash is grateful for his efforts they become good friends. They also become good friends w/ o'neil as he gains more respect & understanding for the tok'ra.