Chapter 16: The Tok'ra Part 1

December 13, 1997

Planet Vorash – 100 light-years from Earth – 9 am

"Garshaw," Martouf said as he ran up to her, "a ship approaches."

"Goa'uld?" Garshaw asked.

"If it is, it is like nothing they have ever had before. It is not a Pyramid ship or a Ha'tak or any similar design. And it is far larger than either."

"Station guards at the rings."

"I already have," Martouf stated. "They report that the rings are not locking on to another ring transporter as would be the case if the ship had a ring transporter."

"Hmm, it is possible I guess that this is not Goa'uld. To be on the safe side, we will have the base prepare to evacuate immediately," Garshaw said.

Republic Raptor, Hera – 9:30 am

As the Raptor flew over the planet Buffy looked out the window at the desert. "Well if you are indeed Tok'ra," she said. "This would be a good place for a hidden base. No one would think to look for you on a desert planet."

"That was our thinking as well," Dawn said. "Set the ship down over there." She pointed to a dune not far away.

Buffy nodded toward Marie who was piloting the Raptor and she landed it where Dawn had indicated. As they disembarked, Dawn took the lead and led them

"No one's tread here in a while," Sam said.

"We have the ability to mask our trails," Dawn said.

Suddenly, several humans pop out of their hiding places and quickly surround the three of them, staff weapons at the ready.

"We mean you no harm. But I warn you, if you make any aggressive moves, we will fire upon you," Cordesh said as he approached them.

"Martouf," Dawn said.

"I do not know this young woman," Martouf said.

"You do and you do not, Martouf," Dawn explained as she smiled at Martouf. "I am Jolinar. My host was dying, I was forced to take another. I have valuable information."

Martouf moved closer to Dawn and then nodded. He looked back at Cordesh. "I can sense the prescence of a symbiot, within this young woman. I believe she speaks the truth when she says she is Jolinar."

"Why have you brought them here?" Cordesh asked.

"I wasn't about to let her go, when she resided in my sister," Buffy said. "Not if there is a way to remove Jolinar without killing Dawn."

Dawn bowed her head and then looked at Buffy. "I'm no longer sure I want Jolinar removed. She has told me a lot."

Buffy looked to Cordesh and Martouf. "So is she telling me the truth and you are Tok'ra, that you fight against the Goa'uld?"

"We are," Cordesh said.

Marie looked toward Buffy and nodded. She could feel that Cordesh and Martouf were being truthful.

Buffy nodded. "Then we can form an alliance against a common enemy," she said.

"I will take you to whom you seek. But there is one condition. You must leave your weapons with us," Cordesh replied..

"Buffy, they won't hurt us," Dawn added.

Buffy, Marie and Sam relinquished their weapons to the Tok'ra.

"Please, come closer together," Martouf said.

"They have a transporter type device," Dawn told Buffy. "Jolinar is telling me we have to be inside a select radius for it to transport us."

Buffy, Dawn, Sam and Marie move up closer to Cordesh and Martout as transport rings rose up from the ground to encircle them. A moment later they found themselves in a subterranean crystal cave.

"This way," Cordesh said as he and Martouf led Buffy, Dawn, Marie and Sam down a tunnel.

Martouf moments later ushered them into a room "Please, come this way."

"People of the …" Cordesh started.

"Republic," Buffy supplied.

"Republic, let me introduce Grand Council Garshaw of Belote."

Garshaw entered the room from behind Cordesh and stood before Dawn, Buffy, Marie and Sam. "Greetings."

"Greetings," Buffy replied. "I am Captain Buffy Summers, of the USS Valkyrie. Beside me is Padawan Dawn Summers, whom also is host to Jolinar of Malkshure, Commander Marie Summers the Ship's Counselor of the USS Enterprise and Captain Samantha Carter of Stargate Command."

"What world do you hail from," Garshaw asked.

Dawn's eyes glowed as she looked at Garshaw. "They come from the first world, the Tau'ri."

"Jolinar?" Garshaw asked.

"It is indeed, I. I was forced to take a new host when my previous host was dying. I have valuable information to relay," Dawn said.

"Were you among those who rid the galaxy of the Supreme System Lord, Ra?" Garshaw asked.

"Before Buffy and her group's time with the Tau'ri that fought against Ra."

"We heard about it though," Buffy said as she remembered the debriefing they all had gotten on what had happened since the Stargate had first been opened two years ago.

"If I may ask what was the situation in which your previous host was killed?" Martouf asked Dawn.

Dawn went on to explain how Jolinar had jumped into her.

"So am I to understand that your new host did not invite you for you to use as your new host?" Garshaw asked.

"That is correct, Garshaw," Dawn said. "There was no time to ask. My host was already dying when Dawn tended to him. The information I have would have been lost if I had not acted."

"I have a question," Buffy said. "I gather that you are unlike the Goa'uld. You do not force yourselves onto your hosts."

"No," Martouf replied. "We have a truly symbiotic relationship. We only blend with those who have volunteered."

Garshaw bowed her head and then looked up at Buffy, Dawn, and Sam. "I am Yosuf. I am Garshaw's host. I speak freely without restraint or censor. All of us who serve as hosts volunteer to do so freely."

"If I may ask," Buffy said. "Why did you volunteer?"

"Well, with the blending I gain all of Garshaw's knowledge, her wisdom," Garshaw laughed, "more than any human could ever attain. And my lifespan is twice what it would be without the blending. And for all this, all I have to do is … share my physical body."

"So this … symbiotic relationship is what makes the Tok'ra different from the Goa'uld," Marie said.

Garshaw nodded. "Yes."

"I can see a problem then," Marie said. "If you only take hosts normally voluntarily. That means some of your ranks die with their hosts."

"You are correct," Garshaw said. "If you'd like to come with me, I will show you what you mean."

Buffy, Dawn, Marie and Sam followed Martouf and Garshaw from the room, down a tunnel and into another room where they found a very elderly woman lying on a crystal bed. Two women administered to her as she was clearly unwell.

"Allow me to introduce Selmak," Garshaw said.

"Her host's name is Saroosh," Martouf added. "She is one of the oldest and wisest among us, an important leader for our cause. However, she is unfortunately very ill, and will soon die."

"How old is she?" Buffy wondered.

"She will be 203 of your years in a few of your days," Garshaw told her.

"We were told that the Goa'uld could live longer than that," Buffy said.

"We do not, Buffy. We do not use the methods that the Goa'uld do, namely the sarcophagus," Dawn said.

"Jolinar is correct," Martouf said. "We believe to do so would drain the good from our hearts. That's why our numbers don't grow large enough to defeat the massive forces aligned with System Lords."

Buffy looked at Dawn. "And that would have been what happened to Jolinar if she had not taken my sister as her host."

"And this is what is about to happen to Selmak," Garshaw added.

"Unless one of you wishes to volunteer to serve as a host," Martouf said.

"Can we have a moment alone to discuss it?" Buffy asked noticing that Marie was looking straight at Sam.

"Of course," Martouf said.

Buffy, Marie and Sam were led to another room while Garshaw and Martouf led Dawn away likely to get the information that needed to be relayed.

"Sam," Buffy said.

"I just can't imagine what it's like for Dawn to have one of them inside her," Sam said.

"Then I take it you are not interested," Buffy said.

"Not particularly," Sam said.

"Marie?" Buffy said as she looked toward her sister's twin.

"We don't know what my being host would do to me. I already will out live the both of you by hundreds of years. Then there is my empathic ability. It is possible I am simply not compatible," Marie said.

"I have the problem of commanding the Valkyrie," Buffy said. "Without a formal alliance I don't believe it would be in my interests or the interests of the Republic to have one inside me."

Moments later they were led back in front of Garshaw, Dawn and Cordesh.

"People of the Tau'ri, allow me to introduce the Grand Council of the Tok'ra," Garshaw said.

Buffy, Sam and Marie noticed that there were two others beside Dawn, Garshaw and Cordesh.

"We are sorry," Buffy said. "Do to my position as a Captain in Starfleet. Without a formal alliance I can't agree to be a host. Marie has possible biological incompatibilities. Namely that she will live for a thousand years and is empathic. Sam, well, her reasons are her own. I do apologize."

Garshaw bowed her head for but a moment. "It's apparent that the thought of an alliance disgusts you," Garshaw said.

"Wait a minute, you think by 'formal alliance' we mean we want to be hosts?" Buffy asked. "Unlike some of Sam's people we don't have a problem with it. But as I pointed out there are other considerations for at least Marie and I."

"Jolinar," Sam said. "You said your previous host was beyond your ability to heal."

"Yes," Dawn said.

"Does that mean you cure injuries?" Sam asked.

"Sam?" Buffy asked wondering where this line of questioning was going.

"Just a minute, Captain," Sam said as she waited for Jolinar to answer.

"That is correct," Dawn said.

"Captain," Sam said as Buffy looked toward her and nodded. "Does that include cancer?"

"What is cancer?" Martouf asked confused.

"A common ailment that we cure all the time, Martouf," Dawn said.

"If I could have a moment with Captain Summers," Sam said.

"If you will give us a moment," Buffy said as she, Marie and Sam walked to the side. "What is it, Sam?"

"My dad," Sam said. "Is in the hospital, he's dying from late stage cancer."

"Why didn't you say something?" Marie asked. "Dr. McCoy would have helped him."

"I asked Dr. McCoy," Sam said. "He said the stage my dad is in too late for even him to cure. If they can cure it, I think we should at least try to offer it to my dad?."

Buffy nodded as she walked back over in front of Garshaw. "We may have the possibility of a host for you if you have a symbiot available since Dawn is willing to be host to Jolinar."

"We do," Garshaw said.

"Then we must head back to Earth," Buffy said. "The quickest way would be with the Stargate. That said we would like to leave someone who could learn more about you. A safeguard that we will return."

Dawn bowed her head and then looked up. "I will stay, Buffy. I need to talk to them anyways."

"I will stay as well," Marie said.

"Cordesh will show you to the Stargate," Garshaw said.

Surface of Vorash - Noon

Martouf turned toward Dawn and smiled. "Would you like to take a walk on the surface?"

" I would be happy to," answered Dawn.

A few minutes later they walked along a ridge near the Stargate. "Tell me about yourself."

"Dawn, he was in a romantic relationship with myself and my last host. Well the host prior to the Nasayan," said Jolinar from the back of Dawn's mind. "While the symbiot does not have an actual gender we prefer a certain gender for our hosts. Mine has always been female."

"Dawn?" said Martouf.

"Sorry, Jolinar was talking to me," said Dawn.

"What did she say?" he wondered.

"Mainly telling me you and her host before the Nasayan were in a romantic relationship," answered Dawn. "I am sorry to say if you asked me here trying to see if I wanted to resume that relationship that it's not possible. I recently discovered I'm gay. In another words I like women, not men."

Martouf eyes suddenly glowed. "I'm sorry, Martouf is having a difficult time handling that you are interested in women instead of me, than I am."

"Martouf's symbiot is Lantash."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lantash," said Dawn.

"And I you, Dawn of the Tau'ri."

"Lantash and I were together for a hundred years."

"Wow," said Dawn. "Jolinar said you two were together for a hundred years. Yeah that would make my reveal of being gay harder to take knowing that till Jolinar takes a new host that…"

"Indeed," agreed Lantash.

Martouf ducked his heads, then raised it as he smiled at Dawn. "Let me attempt an explanation. As you know ours is a truly symbiotic relationship. So what I feel, Lantash feels. And what Lantash feels, I feel."

Dawn nodded. "Which means that while Jolinar is within me."

"That she too will be attracted to women," said Martouf.

"Jolinar would you like to be in another host so that you can be with Martouf and Lantash?" Dawn asked her symbiot.

"Someday maybe. For now I would prefer to stay with you, Dawn," Jolinar replied.

Dawn nodded as she looked at Martouf. "I gave her the option of taking a new host so she could remain with you. She chose to remain with me for the time being."

"Then we wish you a long life together," said Martouf. "I am sure she will see many wonderous things with you, and you with her."

At that moment Dawn's eyes glowed. "Thank you, Martouf."

"My pleasure, Jolinar," said Martouf. "If your host consents, may we have one final kiss?"

"Dawn?" Jolinar asked. "It is your body, I will not force you to do it, especially given your attraction to Tara."

"One kiss, while you are in control is fine," answered Dawn. "But only why you are in control. I don't think I could do it myself. While Tara and I currently have a Master, Apprentice relationship. I don't want to be unfaithful either to her."

"I understand."

"She consents, Martouf, but Dawn asks during the kiss I remain in control. She feels that if she were in control she might think that she is being unfaithful to the woman she loves."

"I understand," said Martouf. "Then tell her that I withdraw my request."

"You heard, Dawn?"

"I did, tell him I'm sorry," Dawn said.

"Dawn wanted me to tell you she is sorry, Martouf," said Jolinar.

"No, tell her that I am sorry that it makes her uncomfortable," said Martouf. "That was not my intention."

SGC – Same Time

On Earth, in Cheyenne Mountain, the Stargate activated and out stepped Sam and Buffy. General Hammond entered the Gate room to greet them.

"Captain Summers, Captain Carter," said Hammond. "This is unexpected since you both left on the Valkyrie."

"General Hammond," said Buffy, "we need to talk. "

Hammond nodded as he led Sam and Buffy to the briefing room. They then explain the reason for their sudden return.

"Captain Carter, I am truly sorry about your father, but I have to question the wisdom of what you're suggesting here," said Hammond. "From what I've seen, this won't exactly be saving his life. It'll be more like giving his body to a Goa'uld."

"No, sir. More like letting one share it," said Sam, frustrated. She stood and moved to the window overlooking the Stargate.

"Jacob knows a lot about Earth, about the US Military," said Hammond. "This would be like handing that information over to the Goa'uld."

"To the Tok'ra," Buffy corrected.

"You sure there's a difference?" Hammond asked looking at Buffy.

"Yes," said Buffy, "there's a difference. The Tok'ra have a pure symbiotic relationship with their hosts. Dawn fill me in on the way to their base. I even had Marie confirm that I was actually talking to Dawn. She could sense the change with her empathic gift between host and symbiot."

"I am still hesitant, Captain," said Hammond looking at Buffy. "Since they are holding Commander Summers."

"At my request," said Buffy. "I wanted to leave someone behind so they knew we would be coming back."

"General Hammond, please, I know my father would want to do this," said Sam. "He would have the opportunity to serve as the liaison between ourselves and them."

"Couldn't Padawan Summers do that since she is already host to one of them?" Hammond questioned.

"She will be their liaison with us. Think of it as an exchange of Ambassadors. We have ambassadors in foreign countries. They have ambassadors here in the U.S. The same would be the case with the Tok'ra. We send them one of our own. They send us one of theirs."

Vorash – Tok'ra Base – 2 pm

On Vorash Martouf runs up before Garshaw. "Master Garshaw, we just received word from our scout in the Shoran'ka quadrant," he said. "The Goa'uld System Lords have been told where we are. They have dispatched two motherships."

"When will they arrive?" Garshaw asked.

"Within the day, perhaps hours," Matouf said.

Garshaw turned and looked at Marie. "Can your ship protect us while we evacuate?"

"The Valkyrie has never been tested against a Goa'uld vessel by itself," answered Marie. "But we will do our best." She flipped open her communicator. "Summers to Valkyrie. This is Commander Summers of the Enterprise. Red Alert! Goa'uld detected by the Tok'ra in a neighboring system. Could be here within hours."

"Understood, Commander," replied Commander Wilson, the Valkyrie's executive officer.

"Start the evacuation!" Garshaw said as she and Martouf leaving Dawn and Marie alone.

Colorado Springs Hospital – Same Time

On Earth Hammond led Sam and Buffy into Jacob Carter's hospital room.

"Clear the room, people," Hammond said to the nurses and doctors in the room.

The nurses and doctors left as Jacob turned from the window.

"You wanted me to tell you what Captain Carter does, so I thought maybe she could tell you herself," Hammond said looking straight at Jacob.

"Yeah?" asked Jacob. "What happened to the classification?"

"It's still classified. But you just got clearance," said Hammond.

Jacob sighed. "Why?"

"Well, believe it or not, we need your help, Dad," Sam said.

Jacob laughed. "What?" he asked with a small cough. "The Pentagon wants me to deliver a message to God when I get up there?"

"Not exactly," said Buffy as she pulled out her communicator. "Summers to Enterprise. Four to beam up, energize!"

Buffy, Hammond, Jacob and Sam disappear in a transporter beam. Seconds later they materialize on the transporter pad of the Enterprise.

Jacob's eyes went wide. He recognized the room he was now in. "Am I hallucinating?" he asked.

"I can assure you sir, this is no hallucination."

Jacob turned at the voice. He recognized the face of Spock.

"I am Commander Spock," Spock said. "Welcome to the Enteprise." He hit an intercom switch. "Dr. McCoy to the transporter room."

"He's real," said Buffy. "This ship and it's crew were mirrored perfectly on Halloween night from a reality in which they actually exist. Along with two other ships and the planet Hapes which will come out of the Counter Earth blind spot in the coming days."

Jacob looked toward his daughter. "I can see why you didn't want me to get you into the astronaut program."

"Actually dad, this isn't why I didn't want you to get me into the astronaut program," said Sam. "Have you ever heard of the Stargate program?"

"No," said Jacob as Dr. McCoy entered the room. "So what do you do?"

"I travel to other planets, mainly though by means other than a starship," said Sam. "We discovered a piece of alien technology. It can send us to thousands of planets all over the galaxy."

Jacob looked at Dr. McCoy who held up a tricorder scanning him. He then looked around at the transporter room realizing that they were telling the truth. "Holy Hannah!" He looked toward Hammond, Sam and Buffy. "So what do you want me to do?"

"Well, we'd like you to travel to one of these planets with us," said Sam.

"Why? So I can die there?" Jacob asked.

"No. Actually, I'm hoping what we want you to do will cure your cancer," said Sam.

"Can't he?" asked Jacob pointing at Dr. McCoy.

"I reviewed your files several days ago at the insistence of Captain Carter," said Dr. McCoy. "Even with Republic treatments. Your cancer is beyond even my ability to heal. I am sorry, sir."

Jacob nodded as he patted the man on the shoulder. "Thanks for looking," he said and then he laughed. "Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think I would be speaking to Dr. McCoy." He looked over the doctor. "You must be from the original series. From Kirk's five year mission?"

"That's right, sir," said Dr. McCoy.

"So you know your fictional?" Jacob asked.

"In this reality, yes."

Jacob nodded as she looked back toward Sam, Buffy and Hammond. "So this planet, they have a cure there? What's the catch?"

"It's a doozy, Jacob, I won't lie to you on that," said Hammond.

SGC – 3pm

An hour later Buffy, Jacob and Sam enter the SGC Gate Room as the klaxons sound. Buffy and Sam are either side of Jacob helping to support him.

"Chevron 6 locked."

"So this is the alien thing you found?" Jacob asked.

"Yup," replied Sam.

"And it's one of multiple ways you travel to other planets?" Jacob asked.

"It's actually currently the main way," said Buffy. "While we have starships. They are not reliable over great distances. The Valkyrie and Basestar currently only have a jump drive for faster than light travel. It can take hours to travel any measurable distance as the jump drives are limited to a range of about thirty light-years. The Enterprise is currently the slowest as it utilizes warp drive. We actually intend to rectify that soon, as my mother's people are currently in the process of building us a refit and repair base in orbit of Hapes."

"Chevron 7 locked."

Suddenly what looked like a jet of water shot out and pulled back into form a stable event horizon.

Jacob gasped in amazement. "Incredible!" he said.

"Let's go, Dad," Sam said as she and Buffy guide Jacob up the ramp.

"Does it— what does it feel like?" asked Jacob staring at the event horizon.

"You've handled worse, Dad," said

Buffy smiled. "It's a piece of cake," she said as Jacob eyed her warily.

They walk through the gate.