Stargate SG-1: Broken

by mirwalker

Chapter 9

Martouf had slowed his steps, allowing him and Carter to fall a little behind the gurney being rolled ahead of them by two SGC soldiers. Motivated by, or perhaps despite, the reassuring hand that Doctor Jackson kept on the barely conscious Britain, he asked, "Samantha, are you sure that Britain understands what he has agreed to try?"

Understanding his concern, having posed the same questions to her father not all that long ago herself, she spoke with confidence in her friend and colleague. "Whatever details he doesn't understand, he trusts Daniel. And as he said, he has nothing to lose."

Beside the rolling bed, Aldwin could see that the patient did not have much time left. "Dr. Jackson, I must again be honest that there are no guarantees that this will save Britain, if Shal'c agrees to join at all. He can always elect stasis for his part."

Daniel still didn't look up, sparing no attention for doubts, or anything else as they rushed Britain to new life. "I'm sure that we can convince him that Britain will make an excellent host, even it if buys both time while our doctors work on the anti-venom."

"Martouf and I will do our best, and will be in touch as soon as possible with news," Aldwin assured as they turned into the Gateroom where Hammond, Teal'c and O'Neill were waiting with an open Gate, and two Tok'ra soldiers.

As the goodbyes would be brief in the interest of quick delivery of the patient, the senior Tok'ra leader nodded his personnel to replace the SGC staff at either end of the gurney, and gently lift off the travel litter. He joined Aldwin at the foot of the ramp, facing the assembled SGC team, effectively drawing up the two parties across Britain.

"Wait…," protested Jackson, realizing this was a hand-off, not a larger traveling party. "But, I'm going with you. I'd like to be there, you know, to support him."

"A noble gesture, Dr. Jackson," Martouf insisted, "but unnecessary. We have some… sensitive operations underway, and would prefer not to have unnecessary visitors right now. Aldwin and I are already causing concern by bringing Britain; anyone additional and we risk the entire invitation. We will keep you informed." He turned to the Tau'ri leader. "General Hammond, I am sorry that we were not able to offer any additional information on the Keepers of Menagerie. I will take your reports to the Tok'ra Council so that we may also stay alert for them."

"Thank you, Martouf. Aldwin," the general shared, with handshakes for both, before heading back to the control room. "My best to the Council, as always."

Martouf turned to say good-bye to Carter, seeing nothing more needing to be said; but Jackson grabbed Aldwin's arm, not ready to accept their taking Britain on demand alone.

Unaccustomed to having hands laid on him, the Tok'ra tensed and glared, before quickly realizing the request and instruction in Jackson's action. "You have my word that we will do everything we can for him, regardless of Shal'c's decision."

Still reticent to let go, Jackson glanced over his shoulder, checking whether his friends saw what was happening. O'Neill's look was compassionate, but clear—these were the terms of the deal.

He looked back to Aldwin, not in anger, but anguish. He didn't want it to be this way, to have to let go.

Martouf started up the ramp. They were leaving.

Admiring the loyalty, and remembering beyond the sometimes callous pragmatism of his symbiote, Aldwin stepped back to the prone form, and gently took Britain's hand from Jackson's, into his, promising, "I will let you know the decision immediately. I will personally remain with him throughout, and return with him regardless."

Not moving from that spot, Jackson watched as Martouf disappeared into the puddle, followed quickly by Britain, with Aldwin still beside him.

As the flickering light also exited from the room, he felt Sam come up beside him and lead him away. She'd insist it was to get some long overdue sleep or food; but he most needed something else, something that this base, mountain and planet couldn't now offer.

Having been deep in thought when the announcement came over the intercom, Jackson ran into the Gateroom just after his teammates, and just as the iris retracted.

Seconds later, Aldwin emerged, with a much different looking Britain on his arm. Having traded his scrubs for a more traditional Tok'ra attire, he had also lost the cast and bandages—leaving only slight scabs on his face, and the obvious need for support in walking as signs of how close to death he'd been barely two days earlier.

Daniel rushed up the ramp, and took his other arm, exchanging wide smiles with the prodigal patient. "There's a good sight, our hale Britannia."

"Thank you. We've felt much better," admitted Britain, his voice clearly showing more strength and energy for the joining. Despite the significant recuperation, he didn't seem ready to let go of Aldwin; nor was Aldwin ready to release him.

"Martouf didn't say much more than Aldwin was bringing you back," Jackson explained as they approached the also smiling SG-1. "Everyone's come to see how you are."

O'Neill shook the outstretched hand, "Did they let you eat anything other than ice cream and Jell-O? When I had my tonsils out…"

Carter stepped in for a hug, sharing advice she could uniquely give among the Earth humans, "I know it feels a little funny, but you get used to it."

"It is good to see you again, Britain," Teal'c gushed stoically.

"I wish I could say the same, friend Teal'c," assured Britain, looking in his direction. "It is good to hear you. All of you."

O'Neill was the last to catch Britain's apparent attempt at a joke, another indicator the latter was mending.

"We should sit; he still has much healing to do," Aldwin interrupted the reunion in favor of caring for the still recovering man.

As Carter ushered them out, O'Neill turned to Teal'c, "How come he gets to make blind jokes…?" He got only a single raised eyebrow, as they followed the others.

Dr Fraiser joined the team and visitors at the general's conference table, as they finished their update.

"Shal'c was able to counter the blood poison and tissue damage," explained Britain, "but we are both still very weak."

"Against our doctors' advice, Britain insisted on returning as soon as he could walk," Aldwin added, and with a little embarrassment, "and we are finding the combined Britain and Shal'c hard to refuse."

"I wanted to show you I was recovering, and to say thank you. All."

Never forgetting the source of that health and appreciation, O'Neill pointed to the back of his own neck. "And about the… uh…"

"I am sitting right here, Colonel," Britain said with light annoyance, having slightly misunderstood. "As Dr. Fraiser had discovered, the old damage to my eyes is considerable…" His voice changed dramatically, "Only time will tell whether I can restore his sight."

"Whoa!" the colonel reacted, not expecting that abrupt change. "Wait a sec'; I'm no eye doctor, but I heard the snake voice but missed the glowing eye thing."

Though there was no telltale transition in the eyes, there was a clear change in manner, as Shal'c asserted himself. Britain's chin rose, as the symbiote worked to project a more confident air. This despite awkward and unsuccessful attempts to look at the others around the table. The newly joined pair were obviously still becoming accustomed to one another.

"An unexpected benefit from the blindness," explained Aldwin. "He shows no external signs of the symbiote, and can obviously remain silent to mask the vocal change. An excellent advantage for a potential intelligence operative."

Shal'c continued, "I am pleased that I may finally be of service to the Tok'ra, and equally so at this opportunity to finally meet the members of the infamous SG-1 Team. I only wish that I might see you again, but…"

"The whole blind thing really bothers you, huh?" O'Neill almost relished. "Is that gonna be a problem for you?"

Still trying to track directly on him, Shal'c confessed, "In all honesty, Colonel, Britain is not my ideal host. However, he has an… unexpected spirit."

Across the table, Teal'c reminded, "He is also a means of proving your sincerity as a shol'va to the Goa'uld, and your loyalty to the Tok'ra."

"And he beats death in a dying host or years in a jar…," O'Neill added to their 'be good' challenges to the turncoat parasite.

"All true," nodded Shal'c. "And so, you see, we are using one another for what we each have to offer: life and redemption. Not so different in their grand scale."

On a roll, Jack couldn't help himself. "OK, here's question I've always wanted to ask. We've met other Tok'ra who introduce themselves by name and address. Are you just 'Shal'c?' You're not 'Shal'c of Milkshake' or 'Dialtone' or something?"(1)

Eyes narrowing as he realized he was being mocked, slightly, Shal'c allowed a little engrained pride to show through. "As you have undoubtedly also noticed, among the Goa'uld, there is no need for titles of origin. If we are living rightly, our name alone ought to strike fear enough: 'Ra,' 'Hathor,' 'Apophis, and 'Anubis.'" His head dropped slightly, as Britain returned, weakly, trying to head off a further show of hubris. "Besides, we rank among the newest and lowest of the Tok'ra, and as such carry no such honorifics."

"Shouldn't you be resting?" asked Jackson, with a pat to the arm.

Britain nodded, "The transition is still a little disconcerting; and we are very tired."

Fraiser, Jackson and Aldwin all moved to support him as he pushed back from the table.

The base physician trumped the other helpful intentions with an implied medical mandate. "Britain, let me take you to the Infirmary while the others talk. You can lie down for a while, and I'd like to run a few confirmatory tests."

She led him toward the elevator, as O'Neill again pushed one of his favorite, friendly targets. "So how is the new 'combo deal' being accepted by the other Tok'ra?"

"Lantash remains highly skeptical of Shal'c," shared Aldwin. "And the others are holding their judgment until the pair are fully recovered from the injuries and settled into the blending."

"So he won't be going on any missions or let in on any secrets any time soon?" asked Carter.

Aldwin shook his head, "No, not for some time. But, that leaves him time to adjust to the symbiote, and to learn our ways. I have been assigned to serve as his docent through the transition." He turned toward Hammond, shifting the conversation from the particular person to the larger situation. "Britain has also expressed interest already in learning more about the situation on Menagerie and its Keepers. We also wonder whether there is any larger threat or opportunity to be found there."

Hammond nodded. "We appreciate the Tok'ra's help for Britain; but still have a number of questions about the state of Menagerie and the source of its kidnapped residents."

"We will not have a ship in that area any time in the near future," the Tok'ra representative explained. "But we will attempt to visit it and do an orbital scan at our first opportunity."

"Britain is going to be understandably concerned about his people there; and we should be too. We've caused quite a bit of trouble there, and have only been able to fix one part of that." Jackson nodded toward where Britain had been sitting.

"As I understand," Aldwin assured, "Neither Britain nor Shal'c know the gate address for Menagerie, or other information on the planet's location. For now, at least, we'll be able to keep him from any reckless attempts to return himself."

Hammond nodded, adding, "I'm more concerned at the unknown, technologically advanced and ready-to-threaten force that's been observing and abducting our people for decades."

Minds around the table shared appreciation for the personal victory, and shared the concerns for the sleek architecture and scary actions of the unsolved mystery.

The next morning, Daniel helped Britain fasten the last of his new "uniform" in the Infirmary, after the final all clear from Dr Fraiser.

"So you both stayed here with me overnight?" Britain asked, still a little embarrassed at the attention.

"Well, in addition to the security concerns both our peoples have at having a Goa'uld defector in the building, I think both Aldwin and I feel a certain personal responsibility for you. He only stepped away now because General Hammond asked to see him before you both head back."

With a pat on his shoulders, Britain stood, and quickly tipped over, inviting an alarmed catch from Daniel, who guided him back to the bed's edge. "I'm OK," he assured. "We're still adjusting, still having to fine tune our joint perception and reactions."

"It's funny to hear you speak in the plural 'we.'"

"Grandmum said that's how the king spoke," Britain reminded, before breaking into a wide, contented smile, clearly not from his humorous memory. "I know what you look like now."

"You've imagined…?"

"No. I've seen you."

"What?!" Daniel bent down, peering into the eyes he didn't think could return the favor. "But Shal'c said…"

"Not with my eyes," Britain corrected, "they may never work again. But with his…"

Now Jackson stepped away in shock. "What? When? Where?"

Britain patted the bed, inviting him to sit for the story. "Shal'c was raised in the service of Apophis, as one of the youngest of his Goa'uld entourage. He had just matured and taken a host when your team first arrived on Chulak, and Teal'c began his rebellion.(2) Shal'c saw you, briefly, at the palace before you escaped. The intended massacre, your team's efforts and Apophis' murderous reaction made enough of an impression on him that he ultimately broke from the Goa'uld and sought out the Tok'ra." He leaned against Daniel, bringing the story full circle. "I now share his fleeting glance of you."

They sat a moment, sharing a mutual, if vicarious look for the first time. Britain smiled for finally having a visual to round out his other senses of the man who had so changed his life, so quickly. Daniel smiled for Britain's happiness, even as he understood the ongoing differences in their affections, along with differences in their vision.

"You know, Britain, that with Shal'c's history and your blindness, the Tok'ra may not…"

Britain cut off the coming self-blame, sharing his new understanding for his precarious situation. "They are rightly skeptical of any alleged defector from the Goa'uld, and are hesitant to bring any possible weakness into their ranks. But neither of us has any other choice now. We must rely on our strengths to refute their doubts."

With an instant change in pitch, a new voice joined the discussion. "Your confidence in Britain also speaks well for him in their eyes, and for that support we thank you." The dually-controlled hand reached to share a Goa'uld confession, "He cares very much for you, Daniel Jackson, you know. I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable; it is a foreign and even frightening experience for me."

"My history with symbiote-infested admirers is not stellar, no offense," Daniel chuckled.

This symbiote continued, "Bear in mind that his affection was born not of superficial attractions, but of what he saw within. I am hoping, for both our sakes, that the Tok'ra similarly can look beyond the surface and find to trust us."

The hand was withdrawn quickly, as a blush spread over Britain's face, "I'm sorry; I can't believe he just told you that. We're still learning each other's…"

Daniel caught the hand, and held it. "He's right."

After a few moments of the renewed connection, Daniel stood, "We should make sure you're really good for travel…" And led them into the hallway.

The steadier Britain picked up Shal'c's hopes for the future. "I hope that at some soon point, I might earn enough of the Tok'ra's trust to secure a ship to visit Menagerie. Or perhaps to identify and confront the 'Keepers, to prevent them from abducting anyone else. And maybe we'd even return the villagers to their original homes."

"You're still concerned about the Broken, about them all," Daniel admired.

"I feel better than I have in many years," Britain indicated his physical form as they walked. "But I miss my people, my home; I worry..."

As they reached an intersection and began to turn in the direction of the Gate, Jackson stopped. He knew he couldn't guarantee Britain's adjustments, or resolve the harm they'd done to the settlement on Menagerie, or solve the mystery of the 'Keepers. But he knew Britain wouldn't stop trying, and so neither would he.

In the shorter term, however, he could offer a unique encouragement for that long road. Turning them in an entirely different direction, toward the surface, he whispered, "You know what would work wonders toward making you… both… feel even better? Some fresh air."

NOTES

1. Reference to the Tok'ra Councilors, e.g., "Garshaw of Belote," in Episodes 2.11 & 2.12, Tok'ra, Pts 1 & 2.

2. In the pilot, Children of the Gods, when the Earth team first meets Teal'c.

That's it for this one! Thanks to all who've read, followed and reviewed along the way!

As an adaptation of an original TV-style script, I expanded a little on the story from that tight timeframe, but intentionally kept some of the un-answered questions that could be explored further in future stories.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts on it (review!), check out my Stargate: Atlantis and other fics, and let me know whether you'd like to see more of my additions to the SGC universe...