12 - "Take Cover!"

-Still Fourteen Years Old-

Martouf was off world to buy an adoption day present for Iasis. Per'sus was on the planet as well, which he had insisted on doing without a guard.

"It's Einar's home world. I'll be fine."

I wouldn't want a guard to visit family either, Martouf thought as he looked over various items. What are we getting her anyway?

I don't know. I forgot that it was winter.

I think Einar did too, Martouf replied as he shivered slightly. Lantash made it tolerable, but he did not plan to be there for long. He picked up a green scarf, feeling the material, recognizing it to be buoyant. Though Iasis was technically an adult now, he knew she would enjoy playing with it.

She's still young, Lantash replied.

Martouf purchased the item, putting it in his front chest pocket when he heard screaming, running, and the unmistakable sounds of a death glider.

"Take cover!" He ordered as he did just that. How is it suddenly on us?!

Each shot from the death glider caused an explosion.

That's new, Lantash thought as they heard the unmistakable sounds of a crying child. She's alone.

Martouf ran towards the frightened girl.

An explosion hit towards the side, almost in front of them, and they were thrown.

~+~+~.

Ow.

Martouf?

Ow. Martouf slowly opened his eyes. One eye. It was dark, and Martouf didn't know what was happening.

Martouf. You need to summon for help.

He was in a lot of pain.

Martouf, listen to me.

Ice. Trapped.

That's frozen blood. Martouf, grab the communication device. It's in your pocket. Lantash was worried. Between a head injury and hyperthermia, he knew Martouf was very confused. Reach into your pocket.

He couldn't move his hand.

We are under rubble. That's why it's dark, but not so much that you can't move your hands.

Martouf reached into his main pocket.

Lantash realized Martouf had no feeling in his fingers. Use your palm, and keep your hands in your pocket.

Martouf felt for the device with his palm.

Just hold the button down.

Martouf closed his eye.

Martouf! Martouf, listen. I'm injured. I can't take control. You have to do this. Press down.

Martouf pressed.

Hold it. Lantash was happy to hear a double beep. Good job. Help will come now, but it will take time. Put your other hand in your pocket.

Martouf didn't respond.

Love, you have frostbite.

Warm.

No. You aren't warm. He felt Martouf drifting off. You can't sleep. You will die if you sleep.

Martouf didn't reply.

I love you.

~+~+~.

Aldwin, Malek, and Korra had been surprised to see Jack at the Jaffa base.

"I came with Teal'c," he replied with a slight shrug.

"How is Anise?" Malek asked.

"Daniel is taking her to some Renaissance fair. I'm not really sure why though. Daniel gets all nitpicky when things are inaccurate, and that's about as inaccurate as things get."

"What is a Renaissance fair?" Rya'c asked.

"It's a fair that's supposed to be about a time period on Earth. People wear costumes."

Teal'c approached the group. He enjoyed it when Jack joined him, even if there was nothing for him to do. He was also pleased to see that the Tok'ra and his own people were slowly becoming more relaxed around each other.

Suddenly, there were repeated beeps coming from all three Tok'ra.

"It's like when people have cell phones," Jack joked as they all took out communication devices.

"It's a distress signal," Aldwin replied.

"Martouf," Malek said as he rushed to the stargate.

"I will accompany you," Teal'c said as he and the others followed. Other Jaffa also followed, silently volunteering before Teal'c had time to ask. Teal'c bowed his head towards them as a thank you.

"We might be walking into a hostile situation," Korra warned.

"Then you shouldn't go alone," Jack replied, volunteering himself. "Did he say anything in the message?"

"No, which means he is probably injured. Per'sus is also on the planet, but he has not sent anything out."

"They may not be in the same area," Malek added as he dialed. "Martouf left to go to the market. Einar is visiting his nephew."

They went through. On the other side, they walked into a haze of smoke that immediately stung their eyes.

"The entire city has been leveled," Aldwin gasped.

"One of them is near," Malek said as he headed towards the sense of a symbiote.

"The distress was sent from the same location," Korra added, then immediately began trying to contact Per'sus.

"Look for survivors," Teal'c ordered to the other Jaffa.

"I'll contact the SGC and get a few teams out here." Jack began dialing Earth.

Teal'c and Rya'c followed the Tok'ra while looking for any signs of survivors.

"Martouf!" Malek rushed to rubble, sensing him under it. It was mostly large pieces of wood, and with help, it didn't take long to unbury him. Kriff. No. He knelt by him as Aldwin pulled out a healing device.

Teal'c and Rya'c quickly began making a makeshift stretcher.

"Lantash is awake, but he's very weak. Martouf is barely alive," Aldwin informed.

"Can we move him?" Malek asked as he put an emergency blanket over him.

"Per'sus isn't responding," Korra said, "and I'm not picking up his or Einar's life signs."

"Yes, gently," Aldwin answered.

"Contact the Tok'ra and advise an immediate evacuation," Malek ordered as he moved to pick Martouf up. "Go to Rose Peak. That's where Per'sus was headed. Report back on if any other cities were attacked.

"I will join you," Teal'c said. "Rya'c, stay with the Tok'ra and help Martouf."

"Yes, father." He seriously wondered if Martouf would survive.

"I must get Martouf out of the cold. Aldwin, he's frozen to the ground." Malek frowned.

Aldwin took out a zatnik'atel and shot near the ground to warm it. Then he, Malek, and Rya'c carefully picked Martouf up and placed him on the stretcher. Aldwin followed as the latter two carried him to the stargate.

"Teal'c?" Jack asked.

"He and Korra are headed to search for Per'sus." Aldwin dialed.

They carried Martouf through.

~+~+~.

Malika worried when she saw Tok'ra rushing through the tunnels with serious expressions.

"Malika." Delek's voice was firm and somber.

She jumped.

"Pack your belongings. We are evacuating."

Her heart pounded dread into her chest.

"The Goa'uld?" She had wanted to ask, but he left before she could form the words.

She ran to her quarters, but froze when she arrived. What was she supposed to do?! She began crying.

Sam walked in.

"Mom!" Malika ran over and hugged her.

"Malika." Sam hugged her.

"What do I do?! What do I do?! Are the Goa'uld coming?! What if they take Iasis?!

"Relax." She brushed some of Malika's hair back. "Look at me, take a deep breath, then let it out slowly."

Malika did this a few times while looking at her mom. Sam's calmness made her feel calmer.

"The Goa'uld are not an immediate threat. This is a precaution."

"Delek said it was an evacuation."

"Yes, but we practiced for this. You can do this. Just pack your own items, and we'll take care of everything else. Do not go up to the surface alone."

Malika nodded.

Sam hugged her again, kissing the top of her head. "Go pack."

Malika didn't own much. None of them did. She didn't even own clothes. That was all communal property. She packed her few items.

"I'm sorry for panicking."

"You're fourteen," Sam replied with a smile.

Iasis swam into the room in one of the smaller rivers. She was quiet, and that worried Malika.

"Malika, we are going." Sam put on a backpack, then picked Iasis up, putting her into a pocket.

Malika followed them to the rings as people rushed around them. She saw Liandra waiting by the rings, carrying nothing but a staff weapon. Her stomach twisted. They were anticipating an attack.

Liandra tapped at a communications device.

"The surface is clear," said Delek's voice.

Malika went into the ring area, and they were soon on the hot surface. From there, they ran. Malika was soon thankful for all those hikes. Even in the heat, it was much easier than many of the hills she had taken.

Delek was ahead of them, and he activated the stargate. Then he backtracked, approaching the group.

"Jacob has gone through already, and he's signaled that it is clear."

"Thank you," Liandra replied.

Malika was glad when they went through the stargate.

Liandra took off a backpack that she was wearing, then pulled out warm clothes.

"The new base will be on a below freezing planet," Sam said as she helped Malika put on clothes that were immediately uncomfortable.

"Mom? Where's dads?"

Sam paused.

Malika's eyes widened.

"Your dad is injured. He will be taken directly to the new base, but we need to prepare it first."

Malika nodded.

Liandra dialed. They soon stepped through again, this time into a blizzard. She could barely read the scans.

"It's clear!" She spoke loudly over the howling winds.

Malika slipped on icy steps, nearly falling, but her mom grabbed her.

"We must hurry."

She felt herself guided by the arm. Between her head being shielded from the cold and snow blowing past them, she really couldn't see anything. She was released briefly. As she saw her mom kneel, she wondered where her grandparents were. Hadn't Delek said they were already here?

"Mom?"

Malika felt her arm grabbed again. She slipped again when the ground suddenly became slippery, feeling helpless as she was steadied again. She realized they were in familiar tunnels.

"Who is with Dads?"

"Malek and Aldwin."

"Why didn't you go?"

"They were the first to receive the message. The planet they were on was closer."

Malika uncovered her eyes, and coldness sunk in. Still, while the thin cloth had kept her warm and protected her eyes, it also impaired some of her vision.

"Where's grandpa?" She asked as they began walking.

"Guarding the surface."

"How far down?"

"It's going to be a long walk."

Malika realized just how far the rings took them. It took a while. During the walk, she stripped away the cold weather gear, just preferring to carry it.

Sam did the same.

"Is Iasis alright? That weather could kill her instantly."

"Yes," came Iasis' muffled squealed.

~+~+~.

When it was time to finally make a room, Iasis was immediately grown a pool, then taken out of the pocket.

"Iasis has bugs," Malika said in alarm.

"She was using them for oxygen." Sam brushed them off.

"What happened to dads?"

"I honestly don't know much, but there's another issue."

"Young One," Iasis squealed in sadness, having heard the other Tok'ra discuss him.

"Councilor Per'sus?" Malika asked in worry.

"The attack was on Einar's home world. Per'sus wasn't near this particular attack, but from what we can tell, they were ambushed," Sam replied. "Korra and Teal'c are still investigating."

Iasis squealed in sorrow, so Malika gently caressed her sister.

"We haven't given up." Sam hugged Malika and caressed Iasis. "Look, Per'sus and Einar may usually be protected by bodyguards, but they are not to be underestimated."

~+~+~.

Lantash was working hard to heal Martouf. He could feel a healing device being used. He heard three people walking in.

"Martouf is still unstable," was Gete's voice.

One of the newcomers approached him, and Lantash felt a hand on the back of Martouf's neck.

"Lantash, can you hear me?" It was Malek.

"Yes," Lantash wiggled.

"I found a new host."

"No," Lantash wiggled.

"He has an illness, but it'll be years before it kills him. You have time to work on Martouf. He'll…" His voice broke. "Please, save him. We'll do everything we can to help you."

Lantash healed.

~+~+~.

Ow.

Martouf.

Martouf slowly opened his eye. He immediately noticed that something was wrong.

"Martouf." Malek smiled. "We have been worried."

Martouf saw that he had been crying.

You came very close to dying.

"Malek…" Martouf saw Gete and a stranger. Memories from Lantash told him that he would have been Lantash's new host.

Martouf… There are injuries I cannot heal. We were hit with exploding debris.

How bad?

You're half blind.

Martouf felt cold, and he touched over a bandage on his face.

It's not just the eye, Lantash thought. You are going to lose a few fingers.

Martouf looked to his hands. On his right hand were blotches of pinks and grays on his fingers.

I can heal those.

He checked his left, finding that many of his fingers were far worse. He winced and put his hand down.

I will save as many as I can.

It didn't feel real. Lantash could always heal him. He blinked back tears. "I… I want to be healed as best as possible before Malika and Iasis see me."

"Of course," Gete replied.

"Per'sus?"

"I don't know. Malek, Rya'c, and I had to get you out of the cold. You are currently in my family's castle."

Martouf looked around, realizing he was on Gete's home world.

"Rya'c left to help the other villagers."

~+~+~.

Sam knew it was bad when Martouf wasn't brought back right away, and that worried her.

If he or both were killed, they would have told us. Remember, it's dangerous to move a host that is being healed, Kela'an thought.

She knew. She had told Malika the same. I wish I could be by his side. She couldn't be though. Malika and Iasis were the priority. She knew her husbands would understand.

Her father approached.

"Dad."

"Martouf has just arrived."

She stood up. "Does he know that Per'sus is missing?"

"Yes."

Sam left to find Martouf. She headed down the tunnels, finding that the children found him first.

"Can Father heal you?" Malika asked.

"He's done the best he can." He was holding Iasis.

Sam held back, letting their children have this moment.

"I'm fine. Just…a little different."

Sam doubted that either of their daughters were fooled, but they played along for his sake.

Martouf hugged and kissed them both. "Let me talk to your moms."

Malika picked up Iasis, and they left.

Martouf went to Sam.

She touched the green cloth he used to cover his eye, knowing what it meant, then his left hand.

"Aldwin removed what couldn't be saved."

"How do you feel?"

"It doesn't feel real." He looked at his hand. "Even when looking at it."

Sam gently kissed him.

"The skin is mostly healed…and it mostly hit towards the side…"

"Does it still hurt?" Sam asked.

He's telling us because he's worried about his appearance, Kela'an thought.

Sam pulled him into a room, alone, then touched the scarf. She waited for his silent permission before removing it. Under, the skin mostly looked like it had many tiny, white scratches.

"Lantash is still healing…"

"You are still handsome."

He smiled slightly.

"Malek mentioned that you had been burned?" She didn't see evidence of that.

"Mostly my arm, but wearing long sleeves helped. Lantash was able to heal the damage."

Aside for Martouf's sake, she was also glad for the sake of Lantash and Kela'an. Both of their previous hosts had died from burns. Such scars would be a constant reminder.

He reached into a pocket and took out his wedding ring. "Do I wear it on the other hand now?"

"It's up to you. The other hand. Another finger. You can get a chain and make it a necklace. Or you can go ring free."

"I will find a way to keep showing my devotion to you."

"You and Lantash show it every day." Sam gently kissed him, then took his hands. "What do you need?"

"Have you eaten lunch?"

"Lunch? No."

"Malika was nervous around me. I would like a family lunch to show our daughters that I am still me."

Sam smiled. "That sounds like a good idea."

~+~+~.

Lunch, then playing games until dinner. Martouf kept himself distracted while Lantash remained unusually quiet. Martouf didn't push to talk, knowing he that would when he was ready.

Sam/Kela'an, Gete/Aldwin, and Amb/Malek all treated him the same, and that encouraged Malika to do the same. Iasis was mostly quiet.

She'll come around, Lantash thought.

Martouf smiled and rubbed over Lantash. I missed you.

Martouf… I'm sorry.

I knew you would return.

No. I mean… Your injuries.

That isn't your fault.

Another symbiote might have healed you better.

How would another symbiote heal the damage to my eye?

No, but to your fingers. I… I failed you. Lantash made a sad wiggle.

You are worth all my fingers. My hands. My life. I love you. Beside, I'd still have all of them if I had listened to you.

You were very confused. Healing away such head trauma is part of-

That wasn't your fault.

"Dad?" Malika asked.

"I was just talking to your father." Martouf smiled.

She smiled. It was something she was used to.

~+~+~.

Anise and Daniel were told about the attack. They both volunteered to find survivors.

In spite of the situation, Jack was pleased to see his people, Jaffa, and Tok'ra all working together to help complete strangers.

~+~+~.

The next day, Jack went to the Tok'ra tunnels.

"Uncle Jack!" Malika greeted, happy to see him.

He smiled. "How are ya?"

"Dad's injured. Really bad."

"He's a Tok'ra. Lantash will heal him." He patted her shoulder.

"It's permanent."

"Oh." Jack glanced away. "I didn't know."

"He says he's alright, but he's not, and he won't let me help him." She cried.

"That's what dads do." Jack sighed softly, thinking of Charlie. "I know you really want to help him, but letting him heal his way, is the best thing you can do for him. Alright?"

Malika sniffled.

"I know it hurts. Just let him adjust with himself first, alright. Protecting you from this… That's what he's doing right now. You'll understand when you have your own kids."

Malika nodded. "I miss Per'sus."

"Teal'c has told the other Jaffa to be on the look out for him."

"Wh-what if Einar was killed. And-and Per'sus is alone? Or he has a new host, and they don't recognize him." She started crying harder.

"Come here." Jack hugged her.

Malika sniffled.

"Look." Jack looked to her. "They're looking for him, alright? And if he has a new host, it's going to be obvious that he's a Tok'ra."

Malika nodded.

"You've never lost anyone close, have you?"

Malika shook her head. "Master Bra'tac, but…"

"You didn't know him that well. I get it. You were only…four, wasn't it. Wow. It's been ten years."

"I mostly know him because Uncle Teal'c and Rya'c talk about him all the time."

Jack smiled. "Look, I got to talk to the others. I have some news for him. Why don't you go play?"

"Is it about Per'sus and Einar?"

"Sorry, no."

Malika nodded.

~+~+~.

"Martouf…" Jack approached after having spoken to the council. He saw that Martouf wore a glove on his left hand that gave him the appearance that he had all his fingers. Jack had been told about the injuries.

"Do not make jokes."

It was a little insulting that Jacob felt the need to tell him. Then Thoran told him. And Garshaw. Then Delek had caught up with him in the hallway.

"Remember, do not insult him with some joke that is only funny to you."

"I am not going to make a joke!"

Jack was not at all sorry for snapping at the man.

"General…" Martouf didn't look up from his tablet. "You saw the city's destruction?"

"Yeah."

"How many survived?"

Jack glanced away. "The Goa'uld was pretty thorough. So far, we only found five survivors, and four of them are in critical condition."

Martouf stiffened. "Any from the market?"

"One. A woman. She's the only one not in critical condition."

"The city had over three thousand people."

"I'll be going back there, but at least no other city was hit. Jacob asked me for a report, since the Tok'ra on the field are still busy." And more helpful, though he wouldn't admit it. Age and bad knees slowed him down. Jack glanced away. "How are you feeling?"

"I am shopping."

"Shopping?" He definitely didn't expect that answer.

"Samantha has informed me that the Tau'ri are aware of the idea of a prosthetic eye."

"Yeah." He wondered how the glove worked. He had no idea how many fingers Martouf lost, but he could see that they all curled around the tablet.

"Hebridan offers a wide selection."

Jack sat down. "What, like…different colors? They can't just match your other eye?"

"That is one of many color options, but there are different types as well. Some have pupils that react to light like a functional eye would."

"Cool."

"However, Lantash has suggested I select one that is clearly fake."

"Any particular reason?"

"He believes it would be…unnerving…if only one eye glowed."

"Oh."

Martouf used a stylus to tap at an eye. "This one would allow me to change the appearance, though it does not react to sunlight. That would allow me to use what is best at any given location."

"The scarf looks good too."

"There are health benefits to having a prosthetic."

"Oh. Yeah, that would make sense. Um…can you, um, afford whatever you select?"

"The Tok'ra provide for us."

"Oh, well, that's good."

Martouf looked to him, then put the tablet down. "Is there a reason you have come to see me?"

"I just thought I would visit."

"You have never visited me before. You only come for Samantha."

"Ah, well, I did have this for her." Jack offered a few books.

Martouf reached, then pulled back when he realized he misjudged the distance. "Put them on the table."

"Yeah." Jack went to the table, looking back when Martouf left.

I am certain he would leave our quarters if we asked, Lantash thought.

He's being aggravating.

He's being polite for once.

And it's aggravating. He clearly sees me as weaker.

No, that's not- Watch it!

Martouf stopped, realizing one of Iasis' rivers was just to his right.

You almost walked into it.

I didn't realize… How did you know it was there?

We can hear it. You just weren't paying attention.

Martouf sighed.

Love, you lost half your vision. It will take time to adjust.

You'd be better off-

No!

If you blended with the new one, you would have two eyes and ten fingers…

Don't think like that.

…not one eye and six and a half fingers.

Six and two thirds.

Really? In spite of everything else, Martouf smiled.

I worked hard saving most of your pointer finger, and I want credit for it.

Martouf chuckled.

Martouf… I love you. We both made mistakes that lead up to this, but in the end, we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I've lost hosts for similar reasons, including Setta.

His last host.

She saved you, but ultimately, she might still be alive now if we hadn't gone to your planet.

Martouf nodded.

I'm grateful that I still have you. I nearly didn't. Lantash sent warm vibrations through his skin.

You've never had a disabled host before.

We will adjust. It will take time, but we will adjust.

~+~+~.

A few days later, Sam saw Martouf looking into a box that was protected with a stasis field.

"I have it."

"They just gave it to you?" She hadn't expected that.

"Aldwin is skilled enough to…place it." Martouf looked to her. "What do you think of my selection?"

Sam sat by him. "You went with white…or is that the one that can change?"

"Snowflake white. Nothing else. I decided that I didn't want to see an imitation of what I lost. It would be obvious every time I looked in the mirror." He looked to her, clearly nervous.

She hugged him. "It's a great choice. Very handsome."

He smiled.

"You are handsome now too, with or without the scarf."

"Thank you."

~+~+~.

Lantash remained awake during the procedure. It allowed him to help by monitoring and healing Martouf. Aldwin spoke throughout, telling him what to expect and how to help.

When it was done, when all swelling and bruising was healed away, Lantash gently woke Martouf up.

Martouf?

Martouf slowly opened his eyes.

How do you feel?

I can't open my right eye.

I assure you, it is opened.

Martouf sat up with Sam's help, then touched near his eye. "I want to see."

Malek had a mirror ready. He carefully placed it into Martouf's hands so that it wouldn't accidentally be dropped.

Martouf looked at himself.

We look very handsome, Lantash thought.

Did I make the right choice?

Yes.

"You look great," Malek assured. "Samantha still clearly finds you very attractive."

Martouf smiled.

"Do you want me to get Iasis and Malika?" Sam asked.

"Yes."

"I will get them," Aldwin offered before leaving.

Martouf swung his legs over the side of the bed to appear stronger.

You are strong, Lantash assured.

Malika rushed in while holding Iasis.

Martouf smiled.

"Dad." Malika paused in front of him.

"I am renewed," he assured, even if he didn't feel renewed.

Malika hugged him.

Iasis was still quiet, but she let herself be caressed and gave gentle nips.

She knows that you are still hurting, Lantash thought.

Martouf laid back down while still holding Iasis. He wasn't used to being so tired all the time.

You just had two major surgeries, Lantash thought. And it's not just you. I'm exhausted, and that's affecting you.

Martouf smiled. "Your father and I are very tired. We need more rest."

Malika nodded. "We'll be here, dads."

~+~+~.

He woke up with the feeling of a tiny weight on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes, seeing Iasis.

"Iasis."

She lifted her head.

"You look dry." He pet her. "You are dry. That's not good for you."

"Mom said I could."

Martouf sat up, smiling when he saw that the others were asleep in the room. Sam was in a chair, leaning over with her arms and head on the bed. Malika was on the floor with blankets and a pillow. Malek and Aldwin were also on the floor, but on the bare crystal.

"Iasis, tell me… You are troubled. Let me help you."

"I…bad daughter."

"Never," Martouf replied.

"Scarf for me. I reason you hurt."

"I love you. This was an accident, and this certainly was not your fault." Martouf gave her a gentle caress.

Iasis lovingly nipped where missing fingers should be.

Lantash took over. "These things happen, and they are going to happen to people you love, to your hosts. If you dwell on it, you can't survive it. The guilt will eat at not just you, but every host after."

"How fix?"

"Treasure each memory, each loved one. Embrace the love the Egeria has for her hosts. See how she moved from mourning them to just loving them."

Iasis curled. "Memories of her hosts make me sad."

"You feel her mourning them?"

"Yes."

"Look deeper. It will hurt at first, but you will see…she found a way to move on."

"How?"

"I can't tell you. Such is personal for each individual. Holding on to their memories is part of it, but beyond that, I don't know what she did. I like using pictures. Per'sus always used flowers. I don't know exactly what Egeria did."

"I miss Per'sus."

"I do too, but don't give up. He's only been missing a couple of days. He and Einar are strong and resourceful." He gave her a kiss. "Now…would you do us a favor and go into the water?"

Iasis jumped down, making her way to the river.

"Thank you." Lantash laid back down when he heard a splash.

Goodnight, Martouf thought as Lantash retreated.

Goodnight, love.