Chapter 23: The Baths
Einar's running hall circled the entire base. Others used it as well, so it was wide enough for multiple people. He preferred to run alone though.
After a particularly long run, he went to the bath nearby. He had his own, but sometimes he liked to socialize after the run. He was pleased to see others.
"Joining us?" Garshaw asked. She was already in the second bath, which was really just there to relax in.
"Yes." He removed his clothes. "This bath is usually for the runners. I don't recall seeing you run."
"I ran a whole ten feet."
He grinned as he grabbed cleaning supplies. "To the bath?"
She grinned.
He stepped into the first bath, then began washing his hair. Everyone else was in the second bath.
"How far did you run?" Pel asked.
"I have no idea, but I took the hills." Since the ground was made of smooth crystal, that was always a challenge.
"Liandra likes the hills as well."
Malek came in. "A team from Stargate Command has arrived. They are requesting help concerning…unusual Goa'uld activity."
"Meaning?"
"I do not know. Should I send them in?"
Per'sus took over, still cleaning. "Yes."
"Uh…you might want to warn them that this is a bath," Pel said. "The Tau'ri don't publicly bathe with each other."
"Oh. Yes." Per'sus had forgotten about that strange quirk. He shrugged. "Malek can relay their request if they are uncomfortable." He went under the waterfall in his bath, letting all the soap rinse away.
Malek left.
Per'sus combed his hair since they were going to have visitors. He heard Einar laughing. What is so funny?
Believe me, they won't be noticing your hair.
Per'sus left the small bath, then went into the larger one with more Tok'ra, though most had gotten out and were getting dressed. Garshaw and Pel stayed.
Malek returned with four men as the others dressed. All four Tau'ri were visibly surprised, then quickly found themselves looking at the ceiling.
"Uh…" The leader blushed.
"I told you it was a bathing room," Malek said with a confused frown.
"Yes. Yes, you did."
"You could have relayed the information," Per'sus replied.
"Right. Uh. We have made first contact with another planet. Talking trade negotiations. Uh… Well…"
"Goa'uld problem," said another on the team. "Slight. Slight Goa'uld issue. One of the natives was taken as a host, and now acting all brain dead."
"Which planet?" Per'sus repeated.
"Pangar. Anyway, they have, as it turns out, a queen."
"Was she the one taken as a host?" Garshaw asked.
"A Goa'uld queen." His eyes were on anything except the naked Tok'ra. "Ma'am. Uh. We are requesting that you maybe see why he's acting strange and remove the symbiote."
"You couldn't just relay this to Malek?" Per'sus asked, a bit amused. He could see that Garshaw and Pel were trying not to laugh.
"S-sorry."
"Malek, take Kelmaa and investigate."
Malek made a nod and left.
Pel burst out laughing as the Tau'ri scurried out.
"Do they not know what a bath is?" Garshaw asked with an amused and completely bewildered look.
Per'sus shook his head, smiling a bit before giving Einar control. "I don't know. Maybe they bathe with clothes on or something."