Chapter Fourteen Summary - Malek spends his first night on the Tau'ri home-world, and he and Daniel have a serious conversation about the upcoming changes when Lantash moves from changes hosts. The next morning finds Sam ill and Daniel trying to cope. Jacob arrives and helps smooth things out. A homey chapter where we find out new things about people and new bonds are forged and strengthened in order to withstand the trials of the future.
Rating - PG-14
Pairings - Daniel/Sam/Lantash
"Italics" – Symbiote-Host communication
Cor's trellis mae'tek – Heart's tearmate
Author's Note: I'm sorry that RL took me away from my writing for so long. I want to thank you for your condolences, as well as your patience. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It won't be long now until Lantash blends with Daniel. I have two more chapters after this one that are in second draft stage. If I am lucky, I will have time to finish them soon. Pagan
Always Be Ours
Chapter Fourteen
An Unappreciated Gift
Malek opened his eyes and stared at the object over his head. The breeze from the open window was causing it to turn. It was going around in a circle and flashing in the one stray shaft of moonlight that found its way through the blinds and drapes over the other window. Malek smiled to himself, as he contemplated Lantash's behavior. He had insisted on hanging it to see what it looked like and unfortunately, he hung it so that it was directly over Malek's head when he lie upon the sleeping platform.
Samantha had scolded Daniel about the piece of furniture that he was lying upon because she did not find it until they hung the, er, mobile. It appeared that Daniel did not tell her he owned one, and it was in the corner covered up with boxes, so she had not noticed it. It seemed it was something called a daybed and it might solve one of the sleeping arrangement problems. Between it and the foldout bed in Daniel's den, they had three beds besides their own. If Per'sus preferred to stay with them, then they could accommodate him. They did not think he would, but just in case.
He let his mind wander over the previous day's events and smiled slightly as he remembered his shock at finding Lantash alive, well, and within Major Samantha Carter's body. Samantha Carter's pregnant body. He could still barely believe that Lantash had managed to transfer into her with no one but Daniel and Teal'c aware of what occurred. Furthermore, even though it was the next morning before Lantash thought of the grave danger to the child and Samantha, it was amazing that any of them had been able, in the circumstances, to think logically enough to realize it at all. That was certainly something for which to be profoundly thankful. This plan had to work; there was no alternative and failure was not an option.
Lantash was adamant that shortly after the boys were born, Samantha would become pregnant again and have a pair of twin girls. He had never seen this side of Lantash. However, he had never seen Lantash in love with an unblended human woman. One that was carrying his children.
As his mind wandered to Samantha, Malek frowned remembering a conversation the two of them had taken part in the night before. They were relaxing on the couch in the family room talking, and she had mentioned that there was probably a much better reason for Malek to come to the SGC and spend days at a time, if he truly wanted to do so. When they had all looked at her she had smiled and shrugged, then shook her head, saying that she had changed her mind about it, after all. The original plan would work out much better. Somehow, her turnaround from her statement did not ring true. He wondered what she had been going to suggest. It was unnerving, knowing that she was thinking of some other reason for him to come to Tau'ri, no, to Earth, and that it had put a slightly enigmatic and speculative look in her eyes.
He sighed and rolled over. The Tau'ri beds were strange to him. Neither soft nor hard, they seemed quite comfortable. The sheets and blankets were soft, and had a pleasant scent to them. Their pillows evidently came in many different sizes, shapes, and degrees of softness for there had been multiple pillows on the daybed before Samantha and Daniel had made it up, and then they had brought two more that were different than all of the others, and had covers that matched the bed coverings, er, sheets. He had chosen them to sleep on, for they seemed the most comfortable to do so.
It was still dark out, so it was not yet time to awaken here on the Tau'ri world. Fortunately, Devlin had awakened fairly early in the evening and stayed up until time to retire to bed. They had discussed where they were, why they were there, and what they would be doing in the coming days, weeks, and months. It had been late but not terribly so, by the time they returned to bed and from there to sleep. He was as happy as Malek was. He, too, had mourned Lantash and Martouf deeply. There was still the hole left where Martouf had once been, but at least the large chasm from Lantash's loss had filled in.
He thought back to the look on Daniel's face as he looked at Samantha Carter. He loved her deeply, and when Samantha was in control, it was obvious that she loved him in return. If Lantash had not been in Samantha's mind and body, Malek would have wondered if she had really cared for Martouf…for a while, that is until later, when he saw her face when Martouf's name had come into the conversation, before she could mask the deep, raw emotion. After seeing that, there was no longer a doubt that she had loved Martouf; no, she still loved Martouf. He also realized that she felt the same deep, abiding love for Lantash. To offer herself, at that time, had shown how much they both meant to her. That they would have Martouf's child would be a true gift to them. Nothing must be allowed to harm either mother or child. Not ever.
He and Lantash talked privately for some time after Samantha returned to sleep and Daniel excused himself to finish some work on his computer. They were both aware that it was an untruth given to allow them time alone to talk, and he appreciated it. After saying as much to Lantash, and commenting on Daniel's apparently serene acceptance of all that was going on, they had shared many intimate thoughts and events about Daniel and his attitude and emotions. His deep love and caring for Samantha. Lantash had told him about Daniel's words to Samantha; how he had told her that Martouf would be with them and make-love to her forever once Lantash and he blended because he would live on within them, all of them, now.
The more he heard from Lantash about Daniel Jackson, the more thankful he was that he had not allowed his anger at the thought of them bonding show. Now that he knew the entire story, he realized what a unique and generous man with which Lantash would be blending. The more he knew of him and Samantha Carter, the more he believed his friend would be truly loved and happy with them as his mates.
Rolling over again, he frowned as his mind snapped from his ruminations to alertness, as it occurred to him that he should not have awakened. Why had he done so? Because he was in a strange place on a strange world? Could that be it? Or was something else bothering him? What was that sound? Was there an intruder? He could hear someone walking around downstairs. Sitting up, he reached for the 'robe' that Daniel had loaned to him, explaining that on the Tau'ri world one did not walk around their homes naked when there were guests unless they were not aware someone had arrived. It would be considered very embarrassing to both the guest and the host. Therefore, if you slept naked, but got up during the night and left your room, you should wear this in case someone else was up as well.
It was comfortable and kept the chill off, although Malek was perfectly capable of doing that for them. It was one thing less that he had to do and keep track of. He walked quietly through the house until he came to the kitchen. There he realized that a large glass door looked out onto a beautiful view of the mountains. Tonight they bathed in the light of a very full bright moon, majestic sentinels, keeping watch from afar. There was a shadow on the wooden structure behind the house, and it was easy to discern that it was Daniel. Malek stepped outside and walked over to him being sure to make enough noise so as not to startle him.
"Daniel? Is something wrong?" Malek asked as he came up beside him where he leaned against the railing staring across at the mountains.
Daniel shook his head and smiled at him. "No, not at all. I am just having a little trouble sleeping. Thinking about everything, you know. How much depends on us keeping quiet about so many things. How very important it is to Sam's safety that it be kept completely hidden and secret." He shrugged. "Sometimes, we get so caught up in the planning that I forget why we are planning. Then it rushes back at me and hits me hard. Sam's life, our children's lives, depends on this working. It is heart-stopping sometimes."
"Sam is going through so much right now. I don't know how she keeps it all together, and I worry that once Lantash leaves her and that steadying influence is gone that she may have a much more difficult time just going forward. Her life, more than anyone else's, is going to be changed by everything. My life will be changed, too, but not to the extent hers will."
"We are planning on spending time with the Tok'Ra and here on Earth. We are looking for a bigger house. Selmak declared Sam Martouf's mate, Lantash's, too, since he also died, but then, since you are one of the holders of his assent information, you know that. From what I understand from Lantash, he expects us to allow Martouf's assets to pay for a lot of these things, the expense of having someone live in the house while we are gone, all of that."
"Still, it is a big step and a hundred things could go wrong between now and then." He grinned sheepishly at Malek. "I guess that sometimes I just let it all get to me, and I know I shouldn't. We will take it one-step at a time, and it will all work out. At least we will all do our best to see that it does anyway."
"I will do all I can to see to it that it works out for all of you, Daniel, I assure you. I will also do all I can to alleviate the despair that Samantha will feel even though it may call for extreme measures. I am glad that you are not afraid of what my part might have to entail."
"Lantash assured me that you will not make love to her, but I have a feeling that is not necessarily true. If that is what she needs, you will. If that is what it takes to keep her grounded, then that is what it takes. Lantash does not understand that I will do whatever it takes to see to it that we return to Sam healthy and whole, and that I want everything possible done to see to it that she returns to us, healthy and whole, so don't worry about my responses. Perhaps Lantash is the one you should be more concerned about."
"I plan to talk to him about it, Daniel. Lantash is as aware as I am that what is about to happen can be extremely emotional and shattering to the host that is left behind, especially if they are the surviving one, and they have lost their other mate recently, the exact situation you are facing. Do not worry about it, for I will talk to him and unless he can come to terms with the fact that I will do whatever it takes to keep her among us and fully functional, I will not do it. However, Lantash is logical and he loves Samantha. He will agree, do not worry. Now that I have your agreement, as well…" He shrugged. "He will see the logic and sense in it, I assure you. In the end, he will think only of Samantha and what is best for her."
Malek smiled slightly. "The other thought to keep in mind is that it very rarely must go that far. It is a possibility, but a remote one, as I actually only know of it happening once, in all of these years and the circumstances were widely different from the ones which the three of you are facing. Therefore, although I am glad you are aware and agree to it, you should not automatically assume that it will happen. In fact, particularly with your cultural taboos, it is very unlikely that Samantha will need more than my presence, contact, comfort, and warmth." After pausing for a moment, obviously giving thought to something, he then continued, "Actually, Daniel, my honest opinion is that Samantha's father would be able to give her all the comfort she needs. Using me instead is simply a precaution. You should also keep in mind that Selmak and Anise are much more adept healers than I am. While I can do it, I am not nearly as good at it as they are, and that alone makes me the better candidate to become Samantha's Cor's trellis mae'tek, I assure you."
Daniel nodded. That relieved his mind somewhat. He was glad to hear Malek's opinion of what might happen after the transfer. Contrary to his advice, however, he would expect the worst and hope for the best. It just seemed the prudent attitude to take in this situation. He would rather expect to find out that it happened, than to not expect it only to find out that it did.
Malek looked out toward the mountains, commenting, softly, "It is different here than I expected." He even laughed a little and shrugged. "However, I am not sure what I expected. Not this many people, this many buildings, roadways, and," he shrugged again, "everything. I think that perhaps we all have a vision of the Tau'ri world from when our Queen would have known it. We expect to see landing platforms and sand as far as the eye can see. Instead, I stepped out of a mountain into a world of green and brown. Of rocks, animals, and people. Hundreds, no thousands, of people."
He shook his head. "I do not think that any of us, but Selmak and now Lantash, have truly comprehended the advancement you have made since the banishment of Ra by the people of Egypt. We name you primitive, and yet, we have not made near the advances comparatively that you have made."
Daniel watched his face and the myriad of emotions that crossed it, as he spoke of the first world, his expectations of it, and the reality of it. "We would be farther along, but we had a dark period in our history. Basically, most learning stopped, and we did not advance for hundreds of years. There is no telling what we could have done by now if that had not happened. Or not. We could simply have blown ourselves up earlier than we will now."
Malek nodded, although he wondered if the comment about them blowing themselves up was some type of obscure Tau'ri humor. Abandoning that train of thought, he decided that he would like to delve into the Tau'ri past. Perhaps while he was visiting Lantash he could do so. "Daniel, do you have any material with which I could improve my English reading skills? I would like to be able to read some of your tomes on the history of your world, but since I doubt very much if any of them have been translated into my native tongue, I will need to become much better at comprehending the English written word."
Daniel nodded. "Yes, I can find you something, I am sure. We will take a look at your reading level of English and go from there. But," he yawned, "not tonight. Remind me before you return to your base, though, so I will be sure to get the books. I will probably have to go downtown to get them, but that is not a problem, as I have some other errands that I need to run before Sam and I go back to work, and I can do them then just as easily as I can wait."
Malek nodded his agreement and then turned toward the house as Daniel did. "I believe that I will return as well, Daniel. I believe it was merely your footsteps that alerted me that something was different, and I should check. I am ready to return to my sleeping platform, er, that is to say, bed." He grinned wryly. "I will eventually learn to call them by the correct names. In the meantime, you must explain that I have lived much of my life away from America and so my English is not as good as it should be."
Daniel grinned back at him. "Yeah, I have already thought of that. I hope we don't ever have to explain it to anyone, but if we do, we do. We will cross that bridge when we get there."
They parted in the upstairs hallway. Malek walked silently over to 'his' room. He was glad he had talked to Daniel. Now that he knew where things stood with him, only Lantash remained to talk with, and he would do that soon. He had not lied to Daniel, though, for he truly did not believe that Samantha Carter would need more than a shoulder to give her extra support. He had watched her closely during the evening, and it was his personal belief that she was stronger than either Lantash or Daniel believed her to be. She would not go under from this. It would be hard on her, yes. She would cry; of that, there was little doubt, for her heart, which was not yet healed from being torn asunder over Martouf's passing, would be broken open once again. It would bleed its pain in to her very being. Nevertheless, though her heart might break, she would not.
He nodded to himself, confident of his reading of her character. He would still talk to Lantash, as being prepared was best, regardless what he believed would take place. Furthermore, for now, he would go back to sleep. It was nice not having to worry about keeping watch or having to move your base suddenly in the middle of the night. To sleep with few, if any, worries was a rare treat. He could learn to like this assignment. Perhaps he would not zat Per'sus after all, and most definitely not twice.
Sam felt the warmth of Daniel's back against hers. Sometimes they stayed curled around each other all night and others they both slept facing away from each other. It was nice to feel his warmth against her back. It also meant that she should be able to sneak out of the bed and get up to fix him some breakfast for once. Maybe, since there would be no one and nothing around to distract her, she might actually even be able to fix something and have it turn out to be edible. She grinned to herself. She really was not that bad, as long as she was not distracted by something, which she admitted to herself, seemed to happen all too often. Even something as simple as a bird on the windowsill could garner her attention when she was cooking, her mind would wander away from the kitchen, and the next thing she knew, they were having, well nothing that was edible. So, no distractions this morning. None. Nada.
Lying there in an almost dozing state, she wondered what she could fix him and began to run the different things that she knew Daniel liked through her mind. He liked most things, but she knew his favorite was pancakes or waffles and bacon, fried crisp. Lots of syrup. So, then, pancakes with butter and syrup, bacon and what else? Fried potatoes? Yes, he liked that, too, and with Malek here, she should probably try to fix a larger and more varied meal than they normally would, since they had no idea what he and Devlin would like. Toast and coffee, of course, and perhaps some hot chocolate? Not exactly hot chocolate weather, but it would be an alternative in case they were like Selmak and did not care for coffee.
Mm, she could almost smell the coffee and it really smelled—awful. It was not a memory of it, either. Daniel must have set the coffee maker to come on and make coffee before they got up. Just the smell of it was causing her stomach to roil and her throat muscles to tighten against the rush of saliva that presaged emptying one's stomach. Her eyes flew open, and she choked before throwing back the covers and running for the bathroom. She barely made it, and there was no way she had time to close the door so she would not awaken Daniel.
What was wrong? It was too early for morning sickness, wasn't it? The flu? A virus? Sam moaned as she raised herself to attempt to throw up again. She felt Daniel's hands on her, helping her. They left for a few moments and then he held a wet cloth to her forehead. He placed another one on the back of her neck and tissues were wiping her streaming eyes and her mouth, before she started to retch again. Her mind was running in circles. An illness at this point could hurt the babies, couldn't it? As her nausea let up for a moment, she gasped, "Daniel, it is too early for morning sickness. Call Janet, something is wrong."
"Sam, what is Lantash saying?" Daniel asked her, both his voice and manner calm. It would do no good for him to become upset, as that would simply upset Sam all the more.
Sam gasped as another wave of nausea made its way through her, but did not get to the point of actual vomiting. Sometimes she thought that was worse than the actual emptying of her stomach. As it passed she was able to answer Daniel, saying, "Nothing. He is not saying anything; he is moaning that my heaving is giving him a headache." She stopped speaking, obviously listening. "He says he believes it is morning sickness caused by the hormone spikes I am having. He is trying to help some without really interfering too much. He is not sure how much he should do. He is afraid he could harm the babies if he does too much." She moaned as she turned back to the bowl and attempted to heave again. It was becoming clear that her stomach didn't have much left to get rid of, and she would be heading into dry heaves before long if the nausea did not let up.
"God, Daniel, the smell of the coffee is making it worse. Every time I get just a whiff of it, my stomach clenches into knots."
"Damn. I am sorry, Sam. Listen, I will go shut it off, and take it outside onto the deck, all right? Moreover, I will call Janet, while I do it, if you think you and Lantash will be all right without me for a few minutes. I promise, I will come right back."
"O-okay. Go on, I can throw up by myself, Daniel, I don't think having you gone will stop it." She heard him rinse out the wet cloths and replace the one on the back of her neck before he handed her the other one.
Lantash came fore saying, "Tell Janet that I believe it is the illness caused by the hormones, Daniel. Tell her that they are all over the place; they are spiking and then retreating to near the level at which they started. They appear to be climbing higher with each spike, but only by a very small amount. I must assume that it is so that the body will become accustomed to the larger amounts of hormones in her body. At least, I hope that is why it is doing this. The babies seem unaffected by it, but every time they spike, Samantha becomes extremely nauseous. Please ask her what to do. Ask her if I should try to control them, so that they do not spike so high. I am truly concerned that I might interfere too much if I attempted to step in to stop them."
"All right, Lantash. Hang in there, and help Sam as much as you can, all right? Don't, don't let her pass out or something."
"That I can prevent, although she tells me she would rather be unconscious than to feel like this. She may be correct, Daniel, and sleep might help her more than anything else might, but I know that you really meant not to let her fall and get hurt. I have blocked her sense of smell for the moment. That may be the one way to help the most with the nausea. I do not know why I did not think of it before. Her nausea is becoming a little less. It is not leaving, and it is still coming in waves, but they are not being triggered by the smell, so they are farther apart now. Go, Daniel, please. Take care of the coffee and make the call to Janet. Perhaps there is some Tau'ri treatment or medication that will alleviate the nausea somewhat. If there is something available that can mitigate it so that it is not so intense, it would be a help."
"I am on my way. Be back as soon as I can, I promise."
"Thank you," Lantash gasped before turning back toward the bowl in case this wave of nausea went the entire way and ended in vomiting.
"If you throw up again, be sure to get rid of it right away, Lantash."
"I understand. Please, go."
Daniel nodded, even though Lantash could not see him. Rushing through the bedroom, he grabbed his gym shorts, his robe, and his cell phone. He hopped on one foot and then the other to get the shorts on while saying Janet's name as he headed for the kitchen. He didn't make it there before the doorbell pealed. He finished getting the shorts up and his robe on.
"Hold on for a sec, please, Janet," Daniel said, as she answered her phone, and he turned back toward the front door. "I have to get the door," he moaned.
"I will hold on, Daniel. Go ahead." Although Janet could tell from Daniel's voice that something was distressing him, she remained calm, her voice soothing.
"Thanks," Daniel said as he opened the door and stared at Jacob.
Jacob took one look at Daniel's harassed expression and walked in asking, "What is wrong, Daniel? Is something wrong with Sam?"
Daniel nodded, "She is throwing up this morning, and we don't know why for sure."
Jacob nodded and told him, "Her mother got morning sickness around the fifth week of her pregnancy both times, Daniel. I would bet it is that."
Janet, listening to their conversation through the phone, spoke up, "Daniel, don't panic and don't let Sam panic either. It is not very common, but there are women that become ill right away. I will bring my bag and check her out when I get there, but in the meantime, give her some saltines and some weak tea, or if she prefers, some ginger ale or something like that. Some experiments show that ginger works in some women. I think she likes ginger ale so, you might try it, but add a little extra ginger to it."
"Give it to her once she stops heaving long enough, and if you can, get her to lie down. That seems to help some. Just be glad there is only one, Daniel. Morning sickness for multiple births is sometimes worse because of the even higher amounts of estrogen and hCG. Both are hormones that rise during early pregnancy and it is pretty much accepted that, although we don't know for sure that is the cause of the nausea, it is a very probable culprit. Especially if you take into account that some women have trouble taking birth control pills because the estrogen makes them nauseated."
"She is on the bathroom floor at the moment, Janet. I have to put the coffee outside; it is making it worse. And Janet, well, no, never mind. I think I am just having trouble thinking. I mean, I woke up to Sam literally sprinting for the bathroom, and then to see her so sick, it is just…" Daniel sighed, unable to tell her what he almost did. Sam wanted to be the one to explain it to Janet, although she wanted Daniel there. He would not spoil that for her.
"Not at all unusual. Just take it easy, Daniel, because the more stressed you are the worse she will be. All of her senses are heightened, and she will know you are upset and worried, which in turn will make her more upset and worried. I really don't think there is any problem other than plain old morning sickness, I promise you. Especially, now that we know Sam's mom did this, too. That is not at all unusual, either. It does appear to be genetic to a point. So, just try to stay calm, for both your sakes. Do you want me to come over now? I can if you really think you need me to."
Daniel shook his head and then realized that Janet could not see him do it. "No, if you feel it is from the pregnancy, then I really think that information will calm Sam. Lantash said to tell you that her hormones are all over the place this morning. They are increasing and then lessening, then spiking again. I am sure he will tell you more."
"That will eventually level out and the nausea will go away once it reaches a certain point and her body adjusts. They only go so high and when they peak, so will the nausea. How long did Sam's mom have it?"
Daniel turned to Jacob. "How long did Sam's mom have morning sickness?"
"Around two months is all, Daniel, and it was only really bad for the first month, month and a half. After that, it sort of leveled off until it finally went completely away when she was about three and a half months pregnant.
"Jacob said about two months, but not really bad all the way through. For now, Lantash has blocked her sense of smell, but Janet, he is afraid to try to control the hormones. I think he is afraid that if he begins to interact that way with the ba-baby it could cause whatever it is that makes it so dangerous for a symbiote to be awake in a pregnant woman, even though that is not what he said. I think it is in the back of his mind and that it is worrying him."
"I see. Okay, well, tell him that if he can control the hormone spikes a little bit, it will help but, if he feels that it could harm them, then I am sure Sam will understand. I will come over early, Daniel. I think Sam will need to talk to me about it, and I want to check her out for myself anyway. I won't come right away, but I will try to be there a little after one. I will bring some medication that works pretty well to mitigate it, too. How would that be?"
"Thanks, Janet, that would be great. We will see you then." The relief in Daniel's voice was audible.
"All right. Bye, Daniel."
"See you soon. Bye." Daniel ended the call and turned to Jacob.
"Could you put the coffee pot on the deck and plug it in out there, Jacob? I would appreciate it. I really feel like I should get back to Sam and Lantash."
"Sure, Daniel. Go ahead. I will take care of it. Tell her to hang in there. She is just carrying on her mother's tradition, and her grandmother's, too, from what I remember them talking about."
"I am sure that she will be thrilled to hear that, Jacob. Talk about an unappreciated gift; that has to be at the top of the list," Daniel's voice was sardonic as he sent a look of wry amusement his way.
Jacob grinned, and whistling, he headed for the kitchen. He was not really familiar with Daniel's house, but all he had to do was follow his nose.
Daniel heard her before he was in the bathroom. Damn, he should have sent Jacob after some ginger ale. Turning on his heel before he even reached their bedroom door, he headed back down the stairs and walked briskly into the kitchen. He went to the cabinets and found first the crackers and then the ginger. Jacob came in from the patio, leaving the sliding door open to air out the room. Daniel looked up as he entered.
"Jacob, would you mind going to the little convenience store down the street and getting some ginger ale? I think I have some tea somewhere, I just have to find it."
Jacob agreed, saying, "That is what Allison used to drink. Ginger ale. She drank so much of it during her pregnancies that I figured that was why both of the kids liked it so much. I will go get some. In fact, I know the brand she likes and if they don't have it, I will go to the supermarket to get it. Anything else you need while I am there, Daniel?"
"Ah, yeah, some tea I guess. Ginger tea. Um, anything else you can think of that her mom used?"
"Cinnamon toast and ginger ale were the ones she swore by. Soda crackers, like those you have in your hand, ran a close second to the toast. Give her some of that while I am gone. Moreover, make her nibble them even if she doesn't want to. Allison said that it always helped even if she was actually heaving. I think it just kept her from having dry heaves. Give her a little water with it."
"Got it. I will get my keys and billfold, hold on."
"I have it covered, Daniel; you go take care of Sam for us."
Daniel nodded and sending Jacob a relieved smile, he bounded up the stairs and back into the bedroom in time to see Sam come out of the bathroom and lean heavily against the doorframe. She was very pale and sweat beaded on her forehead. He frowned. Surely, she should not be so weak and pale should she? He should have asked Janet.
Sam's eyes glowed and Lantash asked, "What did Janet have to say, Daniel? Samantha is becoming extremely upset. She is sure that something is going wrong, and I do not seem to be able to reassure her that everything is fine with the babies."
"Get her down on the bed and then put her fore, please, Lantash."
Lantash looked across the room to the bed and Daniel realized that he was contemplating whether or not they could make it that far without falling. "Are you faint, Lantash?" Daniel asked as he walked to them.
"Yes, we are. This is most disconcerting, Daniel. I do not know what to do for her."
Daniel put his arm around her, "Come on; lie down, and I will tell you both what Janet said, and also what Jacob said when he arrived a bit ago."
"I hope it is something that will help her peace of mind, Daniel."
"It will, I promise," he answered quietly as he helped them to lie down. He started talking before she was even fore. "Sam, Janet said, that while it is not common for women to have morning sickness this early, some women do have it right away. She believes it is the hormones just as Lantash said."
"Not only that, but your dad arrived, as I was calling her, and he said that your mom had it within five weeks of the time she conceived, both times. He also said that she swore by cinnamon toast, and ginger ale, so he has gone to the store for the ginger ale. Janet is coming over around one, and she said to tell you to stop stressing, that she is sure, from the way I described it, and from Lantash's comments about the hormones that it is nothing more than morning sickness. Your dad said your mom's only lasted about two months, but got better after the first month or so."
Her eyes glowed. "Daniel, Samantha cannot be this ill for two months."
Daniel shook his head, saying, "She won't be sick all the time, Lantash, and after the first month and a half it should lessen and then leave all together. Janet also said that you could try to mitigate them a little if you felt you could without it triggering whatever it is that causes you to have to become dormant."
Lantash nodded. "I believe I can do a little without causing problems for either of us. Now, here is Samantha."
Sam came fore and tried to smile at him, "Thank you, Daniel. I am sorry to be such a nuisance." She frowned. "I am only three weeks pregnant though Daniel. Do you still think it is that?"
"Yes, and just from the symptoms, not the information from your dad, Janet said it was morning sickness. And, I doubt that every woman is exactly the same. The main thing to know is that you both, well, including your grandmother, you all three had it early." Daniel smiled slightly and kissed her forehead, saying softly, "I love you, Sam. I wish I had better news for you, but I don't. There is more, but it is not that anything is wrong, it is just that—well—Janet said, and since none of our friends know, she was saying to be thankful that, um, it wasn't a multiple birth because twins or any other multiples seems to sometimes cause the nausea to be worse. Come to think of it, maybe that is why it is happening earlier, too. I am so sorry, Sam. If Lantash and I had known we wouldn't have put you through this, I am sure."
"Yes, we would, Daniel, it was important to mask the first little one. You know that. I will be all right. I feel better already, just by you confirming that it is morning sickness, and that it will be worse than I expected because of the twins."
"Sam, they aren't…"
She cut him off, saying, "We have to get used to calling them that, Daniel. I have been thinking about it, and we have to start thinking of them that way. To the world and the universe, they are twins, so we should be thinking of them as twins, too. Therefore, the twins are just going to make this a little more difficult, that is all. Actually, if you think of it Daniel, they are both from ova that I released, so they are half siblings. I know that is a long way from twins, but they are growing up together, they will, for all intents and purposes be the same age, so calling them twins is something we simply need to begin to do."
Daniel smiled at her, brushing her hair back from her forehead. "You are right. So, mother of my twin sons, I brought you some crackers; you need to keep something in your stomach. I think we will find that you will probably need to keep a little something in it all the time. So, do you want to try to eat them lying down? Janet did say that lying down usually helped the nausea, too."
"I am going to go get you a little water to wash them down with. That way, you won't choke if they are too dry."
Sam nodded and slowly came up on her elbow. When she didn't immediately feel like she would heave, she let her breath out and held out her hand. Daniel put a few crackers in it and kissing her one more time, left to go get her some water, breathing a sigh of relief that she now seemed much calmer and in control. No doubt, the shock of waking up feeling so sick had frightened her. An illness that was bad enough could cause her to lose them, and he would bet that was what had frightened her.
"My Samantha, if you begin to feel extremely ill again, I will try to mitigate the effects of these hormones. Since Janet wishes me to try, I will start out very slowly, keeping a very close watch on our children. Will that be acceptable, my beloved? I cannot bear to see you so unwell without doing something to at least try to help."
"Yes, go ahead and try, but if there is the least problem, then we will just have to live through it. You will be leaving me soon, so you won't have to contend with it for long. I am sorry it didn't wait until you had left."
"Hush, my love. There is nothing to be sorry about; I am glad I am here and perhaps able to help. If it turns out that I can help you, then we should consider me staying with you until it passes, or it is time for me to become dormant."
"No, Lantash. I will survive the nausea. Women do so every day. I am no different, and now that I know what it is, as I said, I will be fine. You cannot stay with me. We need to part, the sooner the better, for both of us. Don't make it harder by feeling guilty to be leaving me. Remember that it will be unsafe for the babies if you stay."
"You are correct as usual, my Samantha. I will do my best. For now, though, I hear Daniel coming back, and you should start to nibble your crackers."
Sam smiled at him and embraced him tightly, sharing her love with him. "Yes, and I will."
Sam managed a few crackers and some water before her father returned. Daniel brought her the ginger ale and cinnamon toast. She thanked him, ate the toast, drank her ginger ale, and realized she felt much better. "Did you do something to the nausea, Lantash?"
"No, I did not; it appears that the remedy they have given you works up to a point. You are still not completely without nausea but it is hardly noticeable now…well most of the time. Why do you not lie down, rest for a short time, let your food settle, and then we will shower. How does that sound, my beloved?"
Sam moaned. "Wonderful."
"Daniel, I am going to attempt to nap a bit, and then I am going to shower. If I need you, I promise I will call you, all right? You should go and be sure that dad and Malek get something to eat. I hope they aren't fending for themselves."
"No, your dad is sitting on the deck with some hot chocolate, and Malek is not awake yet. I will go feed your dad though, all right?"
Sam smiled back at him, feeling almost normal now that she couldn't smell the coffee. "Yes, and I will be fine, I promise."
Daniel stood and looked down at her for a long minute before nodding. "Yes. Have a nice nap, and if you need me, call my cell number. I will keep it with me."
Sam nodded but her eyes were closing. Daniel leaned down and kissed her, before going into the bathroom, taking a very quick shower, getting dressed, and going to join Jacob.
Malek awoke to the sun peeping around blinds and the sounds of people talking somewhere. He could not believe that he had not only gone to sleep easily, but had remained asleep for such a long time. He and Daniel had returned to bed around two in the morning. It was now almost ten. Shock was the only way to express what he felt at his tardiness in arising.
Bounding from the bed, he grabbed his robe and made his way to the bathroom that connected the two guest rooms together. He quickly took a shower and then dressed in a new pair of jeans and a t-shirt. It was the one that Daniel had picked out that was an unusual but he realized very flattering color on him.
He could already tell that he was going to become quite fond of this Tau'ri clothing. It was sturdy, but comfortable. He finished combing his hair, tied his new tennis shoes, and headed for the downstairs. The feeling of naquadah in the house had increased since yesterday. Another Tok'Ra had arrived.
Entering the kitchen, he was not surprised to see Jacob and Selmak seated at the table eating something that smelled delicious. Daniel turned to him as he entered. "Jacob wondered what had happened to you and Dev, Malek. He was beginning to worry about you. He told us that you never sleep this late or this long. I hope nothing bothered you and kept you awake after you returned to bed last night?" Daniel smiled at him as he came farther into the room.
Malek shook his head and then conceded, "No, nothing bothered me at all, Daniel. I find it hard to believe myself, but Devlin and I both slept this late. It was most disconcerting to awaken and find that the day was so far advanced. I have decided that it was the lack of any threats that allowed me to sleep so long, so dreamlessly, and so well. I will certainly return to my command much rested. Perhaps Per'sus has been correct in his insistence that I needed to take time away from both the base and the Tok'Ra for a while." He could, he decided to himself, become used to awakening to sunshine and birdcalls.
"Ha! Sel and I have been telling you that for a couple of years, Malek. You are just now finding it out. If you had listened to reason then, you would have been feeling better a long time ago."
Malek grinned, an unusual thing for him to do. "Yes, and you and Selmak were completely correct. Please do not allow it to go to your head. I would hate to have to try to deflate your ego so that you could go through the Chaappa'ai."
Jacob snorted. "Yeah, right. Like that is ever going to happen. Come on and sit down. Daniel's cooking since Sam wasn't feeling well this morning. Actually, we should be glad. Chocolate chip cookies my daughter can make. Other than that, forget it."
"It smells wonderful. What is wrong with Samantha?"
"Lantash thinks it is the beginning of morning sickness, although it is happening way too early, or so Sam insisted. I called Janet, and she assured Sam that some women do have it almost immediately. Then Jacob arrived and verified that Sam's mother was one of them. She became sick with it within the first five weeks. So, it seems Sam's inherited more than her mother's good looks." Daniel said solemnly, but it was obvious that he was 'jerking Jacob's chain'.
Malek had finally asked Lantash the meaning of that phrase which had confused him so at the time. Later thinking about it, he had realized that it seemed to mean teasing someone. He would learn; it would just take time. He would contemplate that thought later. At the moment, he was curious as to why Lantash was not making Samantha feel better. "Should not Lantash be able to alleviate Samantha's illness?"
Daniel frowned and sighed, "He is trying, but he is really afraid to do too much. It is one thing to monitor and correct things, if something starts to go wrong, and something totally different for him to interfere in how her body is reacting to the hormones. He has been able to help some, and Sam is taking a shower and getting dressed, but very slowly. She was here earlier when she woke from her nap, but the smell of the food made her worse. That is when she decided to come down a little later. I expect them before long now."
Malek nodded. "I understand. I believe that you and Lantash should plan on making the exchange quite soon, Daniel. It will not be long before Lantash will need to become dormant."
Daniel nodded. "I know. As we discussed yesterday, we are ready to do it as soon as possible."
Malek looked at him and stated, bluntly, "I believe you should count on doing it while we are here for these few days. It would be the most logical."
Daniel sighed again before giving Malek a slight sad smile. "Yes. We know. I am not sure that is not part of why Sam is feeling so unwell. She knows that the time for them to part is coming very quickly. I think the thought of it is tearing her apart, but she knows it has to be done and soon."
Malek nodded, as he began to eat the food that Daniel placed in front of him. It was very delicious. "What is this, Daniel?" He asked, his curiosity tweaked. He had seen similar things on other worlds and eaten them as well, but none of them had been quite this good.
"Waffles, butter, syrup, and powdered sugar. The meat is bacon, and it comes from swine, er, pigs."
Malek glanced at Jacob who in turn said, "It would be similar to a shevreneke such as they have on Teataska."
Malek nodded his understanding, but his brow creased as his mind returned to Sam's situation. He turned from his food and asked Daniel, "Is it possible that the fact that there are two babies is causing it to be worse, Daniel?"
He turned back toward Jacob as he heard him choking. "Jacob? Are you all right?"
Daniel smiled ruefully. "We haven't told anyone but you about the second baby yet, Malek. Jacob is just surprised that Sam is having twins. We are going to announce it at the cookout, I think. We were going to tell Jacob first, though, so no harm done."
Malek smiled warmly back at Daniel, saying, 'I believe that it could be said that it has still been a surprise to him." It was not often that he was able to cause that look to adorn Jacob's face. He grinned at his stunned look. He was sorry for spoiling the surprise for Daniel and Samantha, but he had to admit to enjoying the look on Jacob's face and knowing that he was the one that put it there.
Yes, he was definitely enjoying his sojourn on the Tau'ri homeworld. Furthermore, he was also looking forward to spending time here in the future…very much indeed. He smiled to himself and Dev joined him, saying, "I believe that this will be very good for both of us, Malek. I, too, am enjoying being here with these people and learning new things. Then, this afternoon we shall attend our first cook-out. Now, as we contemplate the upcoming festivity, let us partake of some more of this delicious food. Perhaps we could have Daniel teach a class to our cooks. It would certainly be an immense improvement upon what we are usually served."
Malek gave him a swift caress and answered, saying, "You are very correct, Devlin. I look forward to it all as well. And I believe I will take your advice and consume a little more of this excellent meal." In perfect accord, symbiote and host lost themselves to the flavor of the food and the wanderings of their minds. What, they both wondered, would happen next?
TBC