Daughter
Chapter 51 – Fruit
"Sir, we're receiving a communique. It's being bounced off the subspace buoy that's halfway to the space station."
"Bring it up, Sergeant."
Text came through on a screen in the control room. Landry's brow raised. "Have Colonel Mitchell read this," he ordered. "And forward a copy to the Hammond."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll be in my office on a call to Washington." Landry climbed the spiral staircase to use it as a shortcut to the level where his desk was. He shut both doors to his office. It was a signal that he should not be disturbed. He picked up the dark-colored phone, not the red one, and dialed a particular number. "This is General Landry for General O'Neill."
He waited a few moments.
"O'Neill."
"Sir," Landry greeted.
"General," Jack said formally. He must have been in his office surrounded by aides. Otherwise Jack would have automatically used Hank's first name to greet him.
"Word came through from SG-3. They're fine. Making progress."
"That's good to hear."
"They sent in a request to have the dead scientist and his deceased test subjects brought over. Apparently whoever they made contact with wants to see them."
"Those bodies are still on the Hammond?"
"Yes, they are."
"Okay, no problem then. When is the ship scheduled to leave?"
"Thirteen hundred hours. There's another thing."
"What is it," Jack said distractedly.
"They said they want cases of apples."
Silence reigned.
Eventually, Jack repeated, "Apples?"
Hank could imagine his friend quirking a brow. He offered, "Something about a trade deal."
"Trade deal, you say?" Now Jack's tone contained a hint of amusement. "This particular request isn't coming from Reynolds. Is it?"
"The communique wasn't that specific," Hank said with a smile in his voice.
"I smell Mal Doran all over it," Jack murmured.
"So do I." Hank chuckled. "Should I arrange for that requisition to be fulfilled?" He knew he didn't actually have to ask. But he figured Jack would be tickled to hear about this little detail.
"Fulfill away, General. If she's going to set us up with a trade deal, maybe that'll make SG-1's job easier taking home new toys."
"Apples for technology. I like it."
Jack now laughed loudly over the line. "Whatever floats their boat over there." Then Jack had a thought. "Throw in some other fruit while you're at it. Help her sweeten the deal."
Hank laughed, too. "Yes, sir."
"This is it, huh?" Baker asked as he gazed around the entertainment district filling with people.
"It sure is," Crawford answered with an excited smile.
"Lieutenant, we're about to show you a good time," Smith announced as they fell into line to get into one of the venues.
Elda was with them, dressed in her station party clothes. Crawford and Smith were also in theirs. After they left the research facility of Aurelia's aunt, the group split off. Elda took Baker shopping for this occasion. With her new personal data pad loaded with zimas, the station's electronic currency of choice, she had free reign over what to dress Baker in. Elda refrained from buying a new outfit for herself; she still liked the one she owned. And fashion hadn't changed much since they were last here.
Baker was wearing a vest and pants similar in style to the other marines. Elda chose black with bright blue accents for him. It seemed to go well with his tanned skin and dark hair. His large muscles were on full display. He was technically the largest marine on SG-3. He stood out a bit, attracting admiring looks from some of the single women standing around.
"I thought the crew said they would get us in. Why are we in line?" Elda wondered, looking around.
"I don't see 'em yet," Crawford replied. "Besides, this time we have plenty of cash to pay our own way."
"You mean the SGC is paying your way," Baker reminded.
"Welp, there they are," Smith said, eyes drawn to the entrance. "Yo! Freddie!" His hand raised in the air and waved.
Another young man turned his head. He gestured for their group to come to him. Some of the single women in the crowd gasped at the sight of him. A few were pointing, then whispering excitedly to each other.
Baker regarded them curiously. "Is he popular or something?" he asked as SG-3 crouched underneath the crowd control ropes to get out of line.
Smith grinned. "Oh yeah. He's like the star attraction on Rellie's crew. One look at him and all these ladies just collapse. It's hilarious."
"Can you blame them?" Elda said playfully, eyeing the handsome young man they were heading towards.
Crawford cracked up. "Careful, Baby. You're taken, remember?"
"Doesn't hurt to look, Crawfy."
He laughed more and wrapped an arm around her shoulder affectionately. He dropped it when they reached their station friend.
"It's about time you showed back up here," the man in question said to them as they stopped before him. He smiled broadly. "And look, you brought us someone new."
"He's not here to join the crew, Freddie," Smith said. He placed his hands in Freddie's briefly. Crawford and Elda moved in to do the same. Baker started to think that this was the station's equivalent of a handshake.
SG-3 introduced their 2IC to Freddie and the rest of Rellie's crew. Freddie, who was actually named Frednik'tu, welcomed Baker enthusiastically. He genuinely liked Crawford, Smith, and Elda. He was sorry to see them leave last time. Any friend of theirs must be just as fun as they were.
Smith looked around. "Where's Rellie?"
"She's on her way. Come on, let's go in."
The group followed as Freddie took the lead. He conversed briefly with the club bouncer, who nodded easily and let them all pass.
"Friends with perks, huh?" Baker asked.
"Yup," Crawford replied. "Since they're performing tonight, they don't pay admission. We're entourage now. So neither do we."
"Sweet."
The club was already filled with people. A platform stood empty in the middle, waiting to be filled with dancers from the crew they walked in with. Around it, many patrons were already dancing on their own to the hard beats of the music. Strobe lights flashed in the air, providing a little extra illumination in the otherwise darkened space. Camera balls floated around to monitor the activity.
"Come on, Crawfy, let's get Baker a really good drink," Elda said. She pulled on his hand toward one of the bars outlining the wall.
Baker eyed them as they left. He leaned in toward Smith as they followed the crew to a set of seats and tables reserved just for them. "What's up with those two?"
Smith glanced in their direction. "What do you mean, sir?"
"Drop the 'sir,' Smith. We're off duty. Crawford and Baby Cakes. Are they always that touchy here?"
His subordinate pursed his lips uncomfortably. "Uhhhh, yeah, I guess so. They're just real good buddies. All of us are."
Baker looked at him dubiously.
Smith sighed. "Look, Baker, I know what it looks like. But it's not what it looks like."
"Seriously?"
"I'm just as close to Elda as he is."
Baker didn't seem very convinced.
"Those two just got used to it. They had to adopt a cover as a couple all the damn time while we were here working."
"What about you and Elda?"
"Ehhhhhh, maybe a few times."
"Uh huh. When you weren't busy with your mark-turned-alien girlfriend?"
Smith blinked repeatedly. "She's not my…" He shook his head. "Baker, there's nothin' goin' on between any of us. Alright?"
"Rumors on base say otherwise."
Smith tilted his head back and glared at the ceiling in exasperation. "Oh my God," he groaned. "I cannot wait for some other doofus to catch everybody's attention so they can take the heat off of us."
Baker laughed loudly. He slapped Smith's back. "Relax, Gordon. I'm messin' with ya."
"Jesus, David!"
His 2IC continued laughing.
They spied Elda and Crawford coming back from the bar, drinks in hand.
Smith decided to make something crystal clear before they arrived. "They aren't together. 'Nuff said."
"If you say so, Smitty."
"I do say so. Now get ready… they're about to give you the strongest drinks this place has to offer."
Baker rubbed his hands together. "Can't wait."
Elda grinned when she approached. She handed him a tall glass swirling with cold liquid. "Enjoy!"
He matched her smile of delight. He took a small sip to test it. "Nice."
"You like?"
"I like. Let's have a good time," Baker declared.
Elda shimmied in place excitedly in agreement. He chuckled at her. Her attention was suddenly captured by something behind him. "Rellie!"
The group turned around and cheered at the arrival of their peer. Aurelia was dressed in an outfit similar to her dance crew. They were all in black and white. Streaks of red adorned their hair.
Baker leaned in toward Elda so she could hear him better. The music was pretty loud. "Did she use one of those stick things? Like the one you used to change the color of your hair?"
"Yeah, probably." Elda sipped her drink. It was nearly half-gone already.
Smith appeared with a drink for Rellie. She accepted it from him gratefully. They began conversing while Crawford mingled with the rest of the crew. He joined them as they headed back to the bar.
"How often do you do this, Lieutenant?"
"Elda, come on. We're off duty. Call me David."
She smiled. "Okay, David. How often do you get out like this?"
He adopted a mischievous smile that delighted her even more. "Wouldn't you like to know," he replied conspiratorially.
"Ooooh!" She had a feeling they were going to have so much fun tonight.
The song switched to something with a different beat, causing the patrons to cheer. Anyone who wasn't already dancing felt the need to move. It was the sort of music that made people want to nod their heads or tap their feet. Baker and Elda were no exceptions.
The moment she finished her glass, Crawford was already prepared with a new one for her. He reached around her to switch out the drink without having to ask. Baker quirked a brow at this but didn't comment. Crawford turned back around to continue talking with their mutual friends. He picked up his own fresh drink from the railing.
"Eldaaaaaaa," Smith called. He waved her over to his side.
She grinned and left her glass on the table. The pair began dancing in sync. Their friends cheered them on. It seemed they knew the moves for this song.
Crawford appeared next to Baker to watch them.
"They're pretty good!" the 2IC commented.
"Yep. They are. Cheers, David."
"Cheers." They clinked their glasses together and each took a drink.
Soon a few dancers from Rellie's crew joined Smith and Elda. They all moved in time together to the music, performing the choreography together. Some of the patrons nearby watched them delightedly. This was a free show.
The song transitioned to something new, beat never stopping. The crowd cheered again in recognition. Soon Smith and Elda were calling for Crawford to join them. He knew this one. Baker laughed as he watched the trio enjoy themselves together in the club. He had technically been out with his younger marine teammates before. He wasn't surprised they knew how to dance. He just never knew they could dance this well.
"They're a good time, right?" Frednik'tu asked.
"Looks like it," Baker replied.
Freddie inserted himself into the group and pulled Elda toward him. The choreo was abandoned as they free-styled it to the music. Baker cracked a grin when he saw jealous stares from a few of the female patrons. They definitely had their eyes on Freddie. Crawford and Smith continued dancing around with whoever was near them, including Rellie. Eventually Baker got pulled into the mix.
Before he knew it, his drink was replaced about three more times. When he lost track of how many he'd had, Baker was pretty sure that meant he had a good night. Even if he'd pay for it in the morning.
"Bunch of kids, I tell ya. And now they've got Baker regressing into childhood along with 'em," Reynolds complained loudly.
Carolyn laughed across from him in the restaurant. They were in a lively place recommended to them by the younger members of SG-3. She took a sip of her drink. "Are you jealous that you didn't get invited?" she teased.
He gave her a long look of fatigue. "Too old. Too tired."
"I guess four kids will do that to a person."
"You hit the nail on the head, Doc."
"Carolyn," she emphasized, encouraging him to use her first name while they were off duty.
"Carolyn," he acquiesced. He nodded to acknowledge her request. Reynolds chewed on another bite of food. He gazed around the establishment dutifully, making sure they were good and secure. At the moment, he was her only escort. The rest of his team was too busy partying. It was beyond annoying.
"Any idea when SG-1 will get here?" she asked casually. "I'm sure you would love to have a break." She noticed that he was still on alert, even though their work was technically done for the day.
"They sent a message back. They'll be here by about noon tomorrow."
"With what we asked for?"
"And then some."
"What do you mean?"
"Apparently, the General is tacking on extra cases of fruit." Reynolds shook his head as he took a large swig of station alcohol. He might still be on escort duty, but at this moment, he needed the drink. It calmed the irritation instigated by the children on his team. And those youngins assured him that this part of the station was safe. Station police were everywhere making sure of it.
"Fruit? Oh gosh. For Elda's little trade negotiation."
"She is non-stop."
Carolyn laughed. "Well, she is a Mal Doran."
"Is the name 'Mal Doran' a family name, or something you adopt out in the galaxy when you learn to swindle the way they do? Like a status symbol or something?"
"What?" The doctor seemed honestly confused.
Reynolds waved a hand in the air. "Vala and Elda look nothing alike," he reminded.
Carolyn took in a breath, realizing she needed to reinforce Gracie's cover now. "That's because they have different fathers," she said offhandedly. It wasn't a lie.
"Is that right?"
"Mmm hmm." Carolyn took a sip of her drink, giving her time to come up with more ways to fend off Reynolds's curiosity. Now she couldn't wait for Vala to get here. She needed to tell her what fibs she was coming up with on the fly in front of him. Everyone needed to keep the story straight: Vala and Elda were supposed to be sisters. That was it.
"Well shit, they could have made that clear. Whole base keeps wondering why she looks like Carter."
Carolyn tried not to respond too quickly. It wouldn't be believable if she was too eager. She took a bite of food first, then swallowed. "Coincidence."
"A freaky kind."
"Yes." She decided to change the subject and steer the conversation away from her darling time traveling niece. "So tell me about your eldest. I heard she's thinking about joining up? Following in Daddy's footsteps?"
He adopted a proud smile. "Oh she's thinking, alright. And if she does, you won't find another Papa as proud as me anywhere else."
Carolyn grinned, feeling successful.
Cameron sighed in relief. There she was. They had just docked on the blue level and stepped out of Puddle Jumper 1. A station attendant was there waiting for them. Carolyn and Reynolds were standing nearby.
He went straight to the SGC personnel while Vala took care of the docking fees. "Colonel," he greeted.
"Colonel," Reynolds responded back.
"Any problems?"
"None."
"Where's the rest of your team?"
Reynolds and Carolyn shared a look. "Hungover."
Cameron's eyes went wide. "You let them party?"
Carolyn laughed aloud. She laid a hand on his forearm to calm him. "They were off duty."
"Oh my fucking God," he complained. He stared at Reynolds with disapproval.
The marine shook his head. "I'm outnumbered, Mitchell."
"Three fucking Musketeers, huh?"
Carolyn grinned. "Four, if you count Baker now," she playfully noted. She laughed more at their shared exasperation. "Cam, it's fine. I told them to go have a good time. They deserved it. And we were okay. Perfectly safe."
He squinted at her, then relaxed. "Okay." He glanced toward the station attendant, who was now leaving. He locked eyes with Vala. "All good?"
She stepped up with Daniel at her side. Teal'c followed behind them. "Apparently, we're getting a good rate. Sounds like Elda already negotiated it down for us."
"No that was Smith, actually," Reynolds reported.
"What?"
"With help from his other Musketeers," he added with an eye-roll.
Daniel began to laugh. "Three Musketeers. That's rich. And it's perfect."
"Eruce Thel," a deep booming voice called into the holography room.
The sharp-jawed researcher turned toward the main door. She held out two hands. "Cousin."
An extremely tall man entered the room. He exuded a foreboding presence. His darker-toned skin resembled Aurelia's. He placed his hands in Eruce's easily.
Then the man gazed around the room at his daughter, SG-1, and SG-3. He was summoned here at the behest of his family. He rearranged his entire day's schedule to satisfy the curiosity they had ignited in him. The mention of Ventho was a sufficient motivator.
Aurelia stepped forward to greet her father. Instead of grasping hands with him, she hugged him. He gazed down at her with an affectionate smile. "Daughter," he greeted in his loud voice. "Tell me what friends you have made here."
She turned toward the visitors. "These people are from Earth."
"Yes, I have heard of it." He inclined his head toward the SGC personnel.
Cameron stepped forward. "Howdy. Colonel Cameron Mitchell." He held out a hand for a friendly shake.
The man eyed his hand, guessing correctly what the Earthling was asking him to do. He took his hand and shook it. His grasp was strong and confident. "Station Master Ziek'tu Thel."
Smith swallowed. The guy was huge. He glanced at Aurelia, who was smiling up at her father adoringly.
Crawford noticed his reaction and smirked.
Mitchell went through the motions of introducing Carolyn and the rest of SG-1. He let Reynolds step up to introduce his own team.
"Which of you befriended my daughter for an extended period of time? During one of our previous dilations?"
Crawford, Smith, and Elda shared a look. They glanced at Reynolds for approval. He nodded. They raised their hands quietly.
Aurelia smiled at them. Her father noted her fondness for them and took that as a sign that he ought to be friendly. "I welcome you back to our station."
They quirked smiles and nodded their heads in quiet appreciation.
Turning back to Eruce, the Station Master asked, "What news is there regarding our former brethren Ventho?"
"He is dead," she answered simply. She gestured for him to take a seat at the center table.
Ziek'tu Thel sat easily. He reached into the space above the table and activated a display. A report stood ready for him. His eyes scanned it quickly. "Show me."
Eruce activated a hologram in another part of the room. It featured a live feed of the body bag that the Hammond had delivered. Earlier in the day, cargo workers flew their little vessels into the ship's bay to retrieve the dead bodies requested by Eruce. The Station Master's son, Noem, had already brought them into her research facility for study and safe-keeping.
Ziek'tu stood to examine the image. The zipper of the bag was pulled down so the decedent's face would be visible. His jaw clenched at the sight of a dead family member who had once aggravated them all to no end. "How did he expire?"
"Stabbed in the heart by one of his own instruments. Apparently one of his victims acted in self-defense," Eruce reported. "A fitting punishment," she spat out.
"Agreed."
Elda let out a quiet breath. Crawford bumped her shoulder silently.
Vala glanced back at them, noting the exchange. She sent her daughter a quiet look of support. She knew it had been bothering Elda to have been forced into a situation like that, where she took a life. The girl acted on instinct. The man had every intention of killing her first. She was justified in the eyes of everyone who knew what she did.
"Feed him to the fungi," the Station Master declared.
The people from the SGC adopted varying looks of confusion.
Eruce bowed her head obediently. She noted the looks of concern from their guests. "His body will contribute to the continued prosperity of our station. The fungi will decompose Ventho into the basic components we require for sustenance. It is his final contribution to his place of birth. All station-born family members must serve, even in death." She scowled at his image with obvious derision. She waved a hand around, apparently to deactivate the feed.
Ventho's body disappeared.
Elda's heart stopped fluttering.
Teal'c placed himself next to her purposefully. He, too, was aware of her extreme feelings of guilt. He didn't have to say anything. Elda used his presence as an anchor, reminding herself that she had the love and support of her family here. Even if these station representatives discovered what she had done, the family would stand with her to face them.
Teal'c's strong presence told Elda he would personally defend her from their wrath, if necessary.
She hid her lips in her mouth, almost wanting to cry over his unconditional love. She blinked rapidly and stepped just a touch closer to her beloved Jaffa uncle and protector.
The Station Master addressed the people from the SGC. "For what reasons are we here today?"
Cameron stepped closer to answer for them all. "Earth has an interest in establishing formal relations with you. Plus, we'd like to see what we can do for the victims of your family member there," he said, gesturing toward where Ventho's image just was.
"Considering what he may have done, I am agreeable," Ziek'tu replied. He held out a hand for Mitchell. A seat automatically rose up near him. "Let us discuss these matters further."
Elda all but pushed Carolyn back into their shared room. She actually did push Cameron into it after her. She quirked a smile at them, then shut the door. She made sure it was good and locked before she left.
Cameron glanced back at the closed door, perplexed. "What's up with her?"
Carolyn tilted her head with a smile. "I think she's giving us alone time."
He turned toward her. "What!?"
She let out a laugh. Carolyn pulled on his hand and led him over to her bed, furthest away from the door. She made him sit down and stood in front of him. "So? How was the trip?"
"It was fine. Routine."
"More comfortable on the Hammond than a puddle jumper, I would think."
"Absolutely. What about you?"
"Everything was fine. SG-3 escorted me well."
Cameron raised an eyebrow at her. "Well? How well can they do their jobs if most of them go partying?"
She grinned. "Let it go, Cam. I am right here, perfectly safe. You're seeing it with your own eyes." She pinched his cheeks affectionately. "And now you're here and can take over."
He grumbled and stood up, keeping Carolyn close within his arms. "I should have been at your side from the get-go," he complained.
Carolyn pecked him on the lips. "Oh stop. You can be my manly protector now."
"Damn straight."
He leaned down to kiss her possessively. The way he was suddenly devouring her, Carolyn was helpless but to melt into him. Time away from each other always made things a little more urgent between them whenever they reunited. Usually it was Cameron leaving her behind on Earth while he ventured out into the galaxy on a mission. This time it was the opposite, and it bugged him to no end.
Without having to look or stop what he was doing, Cameron's hand found his radio and shut it off.
Elda hooked an arm around Vala's to pull her away. They were in the accommodation SG-1 would now take over from two of the marines. Daniel and Teal'c regarded her curiously.
"Where are you going?" the linguist asked.
"Trade negotiation time!" Elda said with a squeal.
"What?" Vala asked. "What are we trading? And with who?"
"Mom, didn't you see my request for fruit?"
"Yes, that was a lot of fruit. What are we doing with it?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to help you with one of your mission objectives. I know what counts as valuable around here. I can help you get all those shiny toys you are salivating over."
Daniel stood. "You're saying we could acquire tech in exchange for… food?"
"Not just any food, Daniel. Fruit. From Earth."
"Do these people not possess their own means of creating food of high nutritional value?" Teal'c asked.
"Oh, they can, Teal'c. The food here isn't really that bad. It's just… very artificial. There simply is no replacement for fresh ingredients grown on actual planets. The few times I've seen that around here, the people considered it a delicacy. We can take advantage of this!"
The members of SG-1 smiled at Elda with affection. She was actually excited.
Vala laughed aloud. She shared an amused look with Teal'c and Daniel. "Sounds like an opportunity to me."
Daniel blew out a breath, smiling. "Yeah, okay." He looked down at his watch. "How long you think it'll take?"
"Long enough for Cameron and Carolyn to enjoy some time alone. Come on… let's go!"
"Where do you think you're going?" Reynolds asked, catching Elda and part of SG-1 leaving the accommodation block. He was about to drop off his dufflebag on the Firefly.
"Trade negotiation," Elda replied casually.
"With the fruit?"
"Yeah."
Reynolds just stared at her. Then he looked at the members of SG-1 with her. Mitchell was notably absent. They shrugged. Well, if they didn't care that their CO was busy, he wasn't going to either. He could guess what the other Colonel was up to. He didn't blame him. "Have fun," he said flatly. "But I would like to leave sometime today. Don't take too long, Cakes."
"Sure, sure," Elda said as she passed. She led her group to the central common area of the level they were on.
"Cakes?" Daniel repeated when Reynolds was out of ear-shot.
Elda responded casually, "Marine nickname."
"They refer to her as 'Baby Cakes,'" Teal'c supplied. "Did you not hear of this, DanielJackson?"
"I knew the younger marines were calling her that. Didn't realize Reynolds was in on it, too," Daniel marveled.
"She's just that special, Daniel," Vala said nonchalantly. "Where exactly are you taking us?"
"My contact from the docks told me where to meet the station rep in charge of trade deals like this. It's in some sort of office space on the green level."
"Your contact from the docks," Daniel repeated. "How many contacts do you have here?"
"Uhhh… well, let's see." They paused before a lift. SG-1 gazed around at the bustling station. Many people were here, going about their business and ignoring them. "Docks, Medical, Loading Crew, Dance Crew. I guess you could say I have at least four… oh wait. Now there's Eruce Thel from Research. So five." The lift opened. The group waited patiently for people to exit before entering themselves. "Oh! Station Command makes six. Although that's sort of your contact more than mine. So maybe… five and a half."
Teal'c smiled.
Daniel rolled his eyes. "Sorry I asked."
Vala hit his arm lightly.
When they exited the lift onto the green level, Elda used her station data pad to show them how to reach their intended destination. They arrived at a set of locked doors. She remembered how Rellie used an access panel before. She tried tapping into the one available here. Lasers shot out to envelop her in a scan.
Daniel's mouth dropped. "I've seen that before," he said, pointing.
"Where?" Vala asked.
"In the other timeline. That's how Future Cam opened all the doors in the base." His eyes darted up and around, taking in the sight of the building. He turned around to gaze at the station at large. "I wonder if the other us made contact with this space station and adopted some of their technology, too."
Elda turned around to consider him. "The SGC from my time did have some interesting tech."
Vala looked between them. "Wow. So not just Zersha but this place, too?"
"Possibly," Daniel said in wonder.
The doors opened. They all walked in. They were greeted by a small robot assistant, similar to the one found in Aurelia's medical facility.
Elda smiled down at the box-like machine on wheels. "Hello there. We're looking for an Intrusha Thel."
The little robot spun around in place then scooted backwards. It paused, waiting.
Elda pointed. She explained, "It wants us to follow."
Daniel looked perplexed. "Really? How do you figure?"
"Seen it before."
"Of course you have."
Vala quirked a smile. "If it's any consolation, Darling, that thing is new to me as well."
"And me," Teal'c intoned. The Jaffa took a good look around. The lobby they were in was plushily furnished. Potted plants inhabited different corners. Small tables were available with data pads on them, like magazines in a doctor's office. Virtual screens rose up from the floor. They looked interactive.
Vala let her fingers brush through one of these displays to see how it worked. Her motion prompted a small commercial to begin playing. It advertised some manufacturing capability the station had to offer.
"Mom," Elda whispered. "Stop getting distracted."
She scrunched her face at her daughter, but still followed along as they went after the robot.
Daniel didn't bother to hide his amused grin. Chiding her was usually his job.
The robot led them to a door further into the office. It chimed to alert the occupant of the room that visitors had arrived.
"Come in," a female voice called from within.
Elda and SG-1 stepped in. The robot took its leave, scooting back the way it came. "Hello, Intrusha Thel?" Elda started.
"That would be me." The woman was darker-skinned with pitch black hair. Her strands consisted of tight curls in stark contrast to Aurelia's straight hair. She wore what constituted a business suit on station, basically some pants and a jacket. "How may I help you?"
Elda smiled. "My name is Elda Mal Doran. Griel down on the docks may have mentioned me?"
"Ahhh, Griel. Yes. He shared a sample of your fruit with me."
"Excellent. What did you think?"
"I think there is a market for it here."
Elda shared a look of triumph with Vala. Daniel smiled. Teal'c remained expressionless. "Perhaps we could find an equitable way to trade."
"I agree." The woman let her hand hover in the air between them. Seats suddenly rose up from the ground. There were just the right amount of chairs for everyone in the room. "Please, be seated. Would you like any refreshments?"
Elda grinned.
"Fellas," Mitchell greeted SG-3 in the bar they were lounging around in.
"Mitchell," Reynolds said, inviting him to sit. He smiled up at the person next to him. "Carolyn."
She smiled back. "Mal."
Her boyfriend looked back and forth between them as they both sat.
The other marines cracked grins at the other Colonel's confused reaction.
"Are we off duty?" Mitchell wondered.
"We are," Reynolds replied easily. He sat back casually with a drink in his hand. His teammates mirrored his posture.
"Want us to recommend something good from here?" Crawford offered as he held up his glass.
The Colonel raised a hand. "Nah thanks. I think I'm still on duty."
Carolyn seemed amused. "Where are the others?"
"Baby Cakes got all excited about the fruit," Smith answered. "She's in the middle of setting up some trade agreement. Think she roped the rest of SG-1 into it with her."
Mitchell furrowed his brow. "You talkin' about Elda?" The marine nodded. "Why did we have to haul all that over here?" He turned to Reynolds. "Dead bodies and fruit. Some requisition request there, Reynolds."
The group laughed.
"Our little Mal Doran can't help herself. She smelled opportunity," his counterpart replied.
"Doesn't her sister do that, too, Colonel?" Baker asked.
Mitchell tilted his head side to side. "Yeah, she does." He regarded everyone with a question. "What's she planning to ask for in return?"
"That tech you guys are meant to bring home," Reynolds said nonchalantly. "Doin' your job for ya." He looked smug.
"EldaMalDoran," Teal'c said as they left the office building. "Your negotiation skills are formidable."
She smiled back up at her Jaffa uncle with pride. "Aww, thanks Teal'c!"
"Jack is going to flip out when he hears what you scored for the SGC," Daniel commented. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Good job."
Elda twisted in place, beaming. "Thanks."
"How did you get so good at that?" Vala wondered.
"Watching the other you negotiate courier jobs."
Her brow raised. "Just how many of those were there?"
Elda just kept smiling. "You don't want to know."
"As a representative of Tek'ron, Meil'nor will likely call upon you for this task when the next opportunity presents itself," Teal'c warned.
Her mouth opened. "I hadn't thought of that," she said contemplatively. "Maybe I wouldn't mind helping the village in that manner."
They began walking in the direction of the lifts. They were planning to meet up with the rest of the SGC personnel for a meal. Then Carolyn and SG-1 would continue to have meetings with Research and Station Command. The doctor was to stay behind while SG-3 left.
Daniel buried his hands in his pockets as they walked. Vala's arm looped around him casually. "Did you ever settle what your little 'Lady' title means?" he asked.
They stayed together as they wove through a thick crowd. "Jasuf said to think of it as honorary. All I would have to do is stand by him as a leader, which I already do, and then speak for him when he cannot. He promised that they won't interrupt my work on SG-3."
"Teal'c, you had a meeting with them and Jack, right?" Daniel asked.
"Indeed. Meil'nor expressed his pride in EldaMalDoran. Although he regards her title as more than honorary."
Elda stopped short. She stared up at Teal'c. "What."
"He seeks to cultivate your leadership skills. He feels you have great potential, EldaMalDoran," the Jaffa reported with delight.
"Oh Gods," she grumbled. She grit her teeth.
"What?" Daniel asked. "What's wrong with that?" His face slowly drew into a smirk. Jack was just like this when he first got offered a promotion to General. He deserved it, but was still hesitant.
"I don't want to lead, Daniel. Never wanted to."
Vala adopted a contemplative look. "Sometimes leadership just finds you," she commented. "Just look at your father." She pushed her a little to resume moving. Elda was the only one who actually knew where to go next.
"But… but…"
Daniel chuckled. "You might do better than you think," he said encouragingly. "I saw the way you led those Jaffa on the Ha'tak."
"That was a one-time thing! Their superior's safety was at stake! They only needed me because I could get them to him," she argued.
"That is not the account I heard, EldaMalDoran."
"Teal'c, no." They reached the lifts and stood to wait.
"Meil'nor tasked our young family member with the rescue of his son. She was given her choice of guardsmen for assistance. Once the operation was successfully completed, the warriors elevated her status themselves."
Daniel and Vala grinned when color drained from Elda's face. She stared at Teal'c as if in betrayal.
He only smiled down at her in his enigmatic way, completely unbothered that she might be getting upset with him. "You have won the hearts and minds of many, EldaMalDoran. It is only natural that you should one day lead them."
The doors to a lift opened. They all stepped in. "The people do not need me, Teal'c. They need Meil'nor. And Jasuf. I'm just a guest. A human guest."
"Did Ishta not already profess that you are Jaffa in spirit?" he challenged.
"That sounds about right," Vala chimed in. "Who would want to argue with her? The great leader of the mighty Hak'tyl."
Elda sent her a look of frustration.
Daniel laughed aloud, drawing looks from the other occupants of the lift. He raised a palm in apology. "You really are your father's daughter."
She shot lasers at him with her eyes.
When the group joined back up with the other SGC personnel, Crawford and Smith shared a look. Elda looked kind of pissed. She was trying to hide it. But her close marine friends knew better.
The mood of the gathering was social and casual. Reynolds already had a few drinks. Mitchell had loosened up, too. So the boys didn't see the harm in cornering Elda to question her. SG-1 simply began chatting away with the remainder of their colleagues.
Crawford held out his drink to her. "Wanna try?"
Elda took it and downed the remainder.
The boys's eyes widened. "Uh oh, Crawfy. She's upset. She stole your drink."
"She always steals my drinks."
"Baby, what's the matter? Trade deal fall through?" Smith asked.
She leaned back against the bar. Crawford got the bartender's attention to order more. "No, that actually went well." At Smith's insisting look, she explained, "Teal'c says that Jasuf's father wants to groom me for leadership." She pouted dramatically.
The bartender served two new drinks. Crawford held up his data pad to pay for them. He handed one glass to her. "Told you," Crawford said.
Elda looked up at him. "Told me what?"
"That you're gonna be the queen." He smiled at her playfully.
"No," she said dangerously, "I will not."
He leaned closer with a flirtatious grin, obviously already buzzing from his previous drinks. Crawford could care less that their CO and Mitchell were right there. "When that prince of yours makes an honest woman out of you and becomes the king, you'll be his queen."
"Yeah, and Crawfy will be your court jester," Smith joked.
Elda sipped her drink as she stared back at Crawford without amusement. "I presume you mean if Jasuf marries me and ascends as tribe leader?"
He nodded. "Your translation is correct, My Lady." He smiled wider when she narrowed her eyes at his use of her Jaffa title.
Elda leaned toward him menacingly. "I should kick your ass."
Smith laughed uncomfortably and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her back from Crawford. The two of them were getting a little too close and people might be watching. They could do without all the sour looks from commanding officers and rumors swirling on the base. He suspected some of Baker's questions at the club were genuine. Everyone was suspicious.
Hell, he was getting suspicious. Of Crawford.
He needed to nip this in the bud before things got weird.
Smith decided to run a little interference. He figured a little balancing act might do the trick. If he showed Elda a bunch of physical affection, it might make everyone think what Crawford did was normal. He kept his arm around her for just a little longer than he typically would. It was also a signal to his buddy to back off. He was claiming Elda for a minute.
He'd probably have to volunteer to be her pretend boyfriend the next time one of those crazy jobs came up. The last thing Crawford needed was more excuses to touch her.
Elda didn't seem to mind Smith. She was still sipping her drink vigorously, more concerned about her little problem.
From across the bar, Mitchell commented, "Man, those two are gonna get their asses kicked by a big ol' Jaffa one day."
A/N: Eeek. Posting a little later than usual but we had a long evening out. Anyhoo thanks to everyone for continuing to follow this piece. I truly appreciate you!