Daughter
Chapter 30 – Backhanded Maneuvering
Nesa woke early as she often did, before most of the sleeping village. This morning, she needed time to dress appropriately for the winter storm that was beginning. Then she needed to trudge through the rising snow to where some of the storage tanks were kept at the edge of the settlement.
She paid the cold no mind. Instead she carefully watched her step. Ice patches could be hiding underneath the fresh snowfall, especially by the water tanks that should have been filled overnight. Pouring buckets of water in the dark surely would have resulted in some water spilling and freezing in the cold. It would be too easy to slip and fall. An injured Jaffa did not make for a good defender of the village; she needed to ensure her body remained in prime condition.
Nesa arrived and saw that the warmers underneath the tanks were operating normally. Their indicators glowed brightly, showing systems nominal. The water inside the tanks would not freeze in this deadly weather. The settlement would continue to have fresh water through the winter, even as the river itself receded like it always did this time of year.
She threw open one of the lids and peered inside. The tank was full. The water appeared clean. The lid screeched when she shut it. Nesa repeated this inspection down the line with the other large tanks. All three had been filled as ordered. Her eyes flitted down toward the hooks on their sides. Each one was dutifully holding wooden buckets now layered in thin sheets of ice. It would seem Idul had completed her task.
She turned around and left, satisfied. Nesa ventured back into the main square. The night guard was still outside, watching over the sleeping huts. They stood at attention and bowed to her as she passed. Nesa went straight to a hut and quietly opened its door. Her eyes darted around in the darkened space. The sisters were all still sleeping. They did not stir with her presence. Her eyes rested on one empty mat. That would have been Elda's. She knew where she was.
But her eyes spied another empty sleeping mat. Its straw was unburdened. It should have been compressed by the sleeping form of a different Hak'tyl. Nesa narrowed her eyes then shut the door.
She approached one of the night guards. "Did Idul return from her task?"
"No, Nesa. She did not."
Nesa's eyes darted around the town center. There was no sign of her here. And there would be no footprints to track if she wanted to try to find her. The snow was falling more vigorously now, covering all signs of anyone's movements overnight.
She peered up at the sky. Behind the clouds, she could see that the morning sun was in the correct place. Nesa addressed the guard, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Her coat was freezing to the touch. "Rest now, Sister. Shal kek."
The Hak'tyl gratefully bowed and left. The other guards observed this and bowed to Nesa as well, understanding that her dismissal applied to all of them. This was how it was every morning. Soon the day guard would take their place. With the way the snow was coming down now, most activity in the settlement would pause. Fewer people would venture outside, and the day guard would watch from the small guard huts stationed around the perimeter instead.
Nesa knew that Exhibition was suspended. No one from the other camp would surprise them today. And it appeared that Jasuf and Elda had been making progress on their side, preparing the people for the new training model that was to replace it.
Based on the chatter she heard from her sisters, they were all clamoring for a turn to challenge more of Jasuf's guardsmen. That was encouraging. It would seem Elda's scheme to convince the people before they realized they actually needed convincing might work. Nesa strongly suspected that none of this would have been possible without Elda's innate ability to charm those around her. She understood why Ishta had given her this task.
But she did feel some apprehension over Jasuf's intentions with the human girl. The Den Mother was pushing her toward him more and more, neverminding that he wasn't allowed to know her truth. Nesa feared what would happen if he ever found out. She wondered if she would even be there to witness the revelation and personally defend Elda against his wrath. They might be equals in battle. But an enraged Jaffa was still a dangerous one.
"Nesa," a silken voice called to her.
She turned around to face the main hut. Ishta stood at its entrance. "Den Mother." Nesa quickly moved to report to her leader's side, idly wondering what had become of Idul.
The knock on the door of Jasuf's hut was soft. Womanly.
Jasuf already heard the crunching of the snow as someone approached. He had been lying awake, staring at the ceiling. He carefully extricated Elda's sleeping form from his arms. She didn't stir. He quickly donned a comfortable pair of pants. Then he brought the blanket back over her bare shoulders to keep the draft from disturbing her when he opened the door.
The Jaffa expected one of his villagers to be there with some sort of report. Or perhaps the winter weather outside had worsened. One of the women could be bringing food to his door, expecting him to remain in his hut until a storm passed.
When the door slowly opened, he was right about the weather. But he was wrong about who might be there.
Idul stood before him. She bowed respectfully, finally engaging in the customary practice that was expected of her all along. When she rose, her eyes raked in his bare chest with thirst.
Jasuf inclined his head to her. "Idul."
"Jasuf."
"Why are you here?"
"I am here to request permission."
"Permission for what?"
"To stay in this village. The storm would make the return to my own village treacherous. I fear I would expire during the journey."
He raised his brows at her. The fact that she was already on his lands at this hour told him all he needed to know. "Then stay."
Idul bowed in gratitude. She turned to leave.
"And Idul."
She paused to look at him.
"Send my greetings to Lo'zim."
The Hak'tyl raised her brow and smirked. She bowed again, lower now with even more respect, and left without another word.
Jasuf eyed the snowfall, noting the flakes were heavy and thick. Then he shut the door.
When he turned around, Elda was sitting up rubbing her eyes. The blanket had fallen off of her shoulders, revealing her naked upper half. Jasuf reached for her, slowly guiding her back into the safety of the covers. He climbed into bed with her, removing his pants on the way. They settled in as they were before.
"Who was it?"
"Idul."
Elda leaned up on her elbow to look at him. "Idul?"
"Lo'zim must have bed her."
Her mouth dropped open. "You Jaffa don't beat around the bush."
He quirked an eyebrow at her peculiar phrasing.
"Oh forget it. Just something one of my uncles says."
"That makes very little sense."
"That's what I said."
"Were you not eager to match them together? Why are you surprised now that they have spent the night with each other?"
"I didn't expect things to move quite that fast. The task Idul was assigned should have taken her all night!"
"I will remind you that Lo'zim is strong. Hauling water is nothing to him. How many tanks would she have had to fill?"
"Three?"
"Then he would have made quick work of it. That likely left them with the entire night to themselves."
Elda dropped back down into her spot within his arm. "Huh," she marveled. "I wonder now if peace is finally upon us." Maybe with Idul distracted by a new lover, she would stop teasing Elda so much about her relationship with Jasuf. She was growing tired of her constant badgering and knowing looks over things she knew nothing about. Part of it stemmed from hilarity. More of it stemmed from jealousy. Elda hoped that the girl would just finally calm down.
Jasuf brought his hand to her chin to tilt her face up to his. "Peace is upon us, Elda." He kissed her slowly, reminiscent of how he had kissed her in the night while they made love.
He addressed her by her first name only. It signified the new milestone they had reached in their courtship. By addressing her this way, it meant he was serious about being with her. Jasuf had told her as much in the overnight hours. It was all she could do to not devour him completely upon his declaration of devotion.
His special recognition seemed to be the final thing Gracie needed to fully become Elda Mal Doran. He loved her for who she was now, not who she was originally born to be. It only made sense to commit to this version of herself. She meant what she said about not being the same person anymore. She was no longer the little girl on Earth who shared her DNA. At this point, they were simply twins. And they were hardly identical.
Little Gracie would grow up pure and untainted. She would live the life she was meant to have.
Elda would simply watch her development with fascination.
She wasn't going to live her new life with regrets. She'd always miss her mother; that would never change. But what she was building here in this timeline had potential. There was so much more she could do without the specter of ghosts haunting her. Without Goa'uld hunting her. Or enemies she'd made along the way looking for her. They were all gone. And with them so was her old self. Here she had a family, new friends, and someone who loved her. She had hope.
Elda smiled into Jasuf's tender kiss. Her body warmed from his caresses along the swell of her bare hip. She shifted her weight on top of him. "I love you," she told him sweetly. She dropped a chaste kiss on his lips.
"You have my heart," he replied. Jasuf placed his hand behind her head and captured her mouth in another searing kiss.
"Hi."
Sam jumped and bumped her head on the bottom of the console she was currently underneath. She had the service panel wide open and wires hanging out of it in Gracie's shuttle.
Jack cringed. "Sorry." He drew closer to help her out from underneath the console.
She sat up rubbing her head. "Ow."
He helped her into the pilot's seat closest to them. Jack leaned over to examine the red mark on her forehead. His thumb carefully rubbed across it. Sam slapped his hand away. "I'm surprised you're already here."
He gave her a quick kiss. "You know me, I always keep 'em guessing."
"Where's Gracie?"
"With Vala at Daniel's place. Pretty sure she's already burning the sucker down."
Sam laughed a little.
Jack stood straight up and shoved his hands in his pockets. He gazed around, noting the very familiar interior of their daughter's new shuttle. "So this is it, huh?"
"This is it," Sam affirmed, mirroring his actions by looking around.
He gestured down at the mess his wife was currently making. Tools littered the space she had been occupying. "Whatcha doin'?" he asked casually. He could tell she was in her tinkering-mode and totally in the zone. Otherwise she wouldn't have been so surprised when he came to see her.
"Trying to figure out just how in the hell this thing works. Zersha tech is so completely different than anything I've ever seen." She waggled her brows. "And that's saying something."
"Yep."
"How close is this ship to the one you took a ride on? In the future?"
"Pretty close. Think they must have hired a different interior designer, though."
"Anything else?"
Jack looked around again, even gazing up at the ceiling. "Nope."
Sam let out a breath, completely unsurprised by her husband's simplistic responses. She pointed at the console. "Gracie told me what features are installed on this thing. Told me all the other available features that could be tied in as add-ons. Pretty cool, actually."
"It is cool."
"Jack."
"Yeah?"
"You think we could just buy more of these things straight off the assembly line? Instead of trying to reproduce them ourselves?"
He shrugged. "I dunno. How much would it cost?"
"I have no idea, honestly."
"Could ask Gracie if she knows."
"Yeah, and if she doesn't, I bet she could go find out," Sam said, bringing a finger to her chin in thought.
"Like go get a quote or something?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Uhh, yeah, I guess we could have her do that. Maybe that'll be one of her first missions with SG-3. Assuming their asses ever show back up here."
"We haven't heard from them in a while."
"Yup."
"General Landry doesn't seem very worried."
"Nope."
Sam sighed. Then she smiled and stood up. She pecked Jack on the lips. "Did you see the video?"
Jack lit up now. "Are you kidding? I watched it like twenty times."
She grinned. "It was pretty awesome right?"
"Damn right. Who is that guy she was fighting with anyway?"
"The other tribe leader's son apparently."
"Looked like they knew each other."
"Yeah, I got that impression, too. Daniel said he was the Jaffa that accompanied her and SG-3 for that trade negotiation. The same mission that yielded this beaut here," Sam explained, flapping a hand around at the ship.
"Yep, she's a beauty alright. Future Vala's was a mess compared to this one." At Sam's questioning expression, he explained, "Dings and scratches galore. She never took it for a car wash. Once."
Sam laughed aloud.
Now Jack decided something. "Maybe I should go pay Gracie a visit on that Jaffa planet. Ya know, take a turn seeing her in person. Since you all got to go already."
His wife smiled. "I think that's a great idea. I'm sure she would be beyond ecstatic to see you."
"Yeah, maybe I will." Jack tilted his head. "Maybe she can introduce me to a few of her friends."
The heavy snow did not let up for a full two days. The Jaffa minders managed to stock all the huts with extra food and water before everyone was trapped by snowdrifts at their doorways. The homes were strategically spaced far apart so that large machinery could pass to clear snow if needed. All their doors faced different directions so that at least some villagers could escape their huts, depending on which way the wind blew the large mounds of snow. Those few that could get out during these heavy storms were responsible for freeing the rest of the village.
Jasuf and Elda were left to wait inside. But they didn't mind. The storm had given them plenty of time to discover each other in new ways.
Right now they were sitting together on the bed. He was gently dropping kisses along the scar on her shoulder from behind her. His hands caressed her arms and his hair tickled her neck. Elda smiled softly as she closed her eyes. She was enjoying his attention too much. She kept coming back for more. And he was happy to oblige her.
The sound of heavy machinery passing by made them both pause. They looked up toward the door.
"Perhaps we are free," he said. Jasuf rose to find clothing.
Elda watched him admiringly, eyeing the pleasant swell of his shoulders. Those powerful muscles of his had been put to good use these past two days. She shivered just thinking of how delightful being trapped in here with him had been.
"Should you not dress?" he asked, glancing at her.
"Mmm, no." She felt perfectly fine staying as she was, naked on his bed.
He quietly laughed at her as he leaned down to kiss her sweetly. "When that door opens a chill will invade the hut. You may yet regret your choice."
Elda pouted.
As if to emphasize his point, a strong knock could be heard on the door.
"Oh shit," she muttered, scrounging around suddenly for her clothes. They were strewn about everywhere.
Jasuf laughed again. He waited until she was at least somewhat presentable before pulling on the handle. He was smiling as the door screeched open. His expression quickly neutralized upon seeing who had knocked. "Father."
"Jasuf." Meil'nor looked past him, spying a glimpse of blonde hair flying about as Elda continued to dress. A gust of wind blew in, causing her to scurry faster as she felt the chill. "I trust you are well."
"We are. How did you fare in the storm?"
Elda appeared at Jasuf's side and bowed within the doorway respectfully. She instantly shivered from the cold.
Meil'nor inclined his head to her. "I fared fine. Our minders did well preparing the village. They shall be rewarded justly. See to it," he instructed.
"Yes, Father." Jasuf bowed his head obediently.
"EldaMalDoran," the tribe leader called.
"Master Meil'nor."
"The Hak'tyl received a communication through the chaapa'ai. The Tau'ri call upon you. Your Den Mother was gracious enough to describe the treacherous storm and keep them from passing through the ring. And so your people await your response."
Elda swallowed. She inclined her head in acknowledgement, unsure of why that would be. Her check-in schedule had been reset. SG-1's visit was enough to fulfill the requirement. They left with the understanding that the clock would restart, meaning she didn't need to contact Earth for another day.
"Thank you, Master Meil'nor."
"Tread carefully, kal'ma. The ground may yet be hazardous." The tribe leader bowed slightly toward the pair and turned to leave. His heavy fur coat trailed behind him, decorating his wake with swirling designs in the snow.
Jasuf pulled her back inside and shut the door. He rubbed his hands along her arms to warm her, knowing how easily she felt the cold. "My father is fond of you," he commented.
"Is he?" She pulled away to find her dufflebag from Earth, buried underneath yet another pile of clothing. She began to rummage through it distractedly. "What makes you say so?"
"My father would not personally deliver such a message as he did just now. And he continues to refer to you as a child, even wishing you safety."
She looked up at him. "My Den Mother calls me a child all the time. I assume it's simply because I'm younger. And maybe he is just being polite."
"You do not yet know my father like I do. He no longer refers to anyone as 'kal'ma.' Not even me."
"You are grown. You are nearing ascension as tribe leader. Of course he wouldn't call you a child."
"Elda," he said meaningfully with a smile. "He approves of you."
She twisted her mouth, unsure of what to make of that. She understood that Meil'nor was grateful to her for serving as the tribe's broker with Zersha. But she didn't want to make assumptions about what his regard for her really meant. In her experience, the more individualized attention one received from a man in power, the more suspicious one should be. Jasuf didn't count yet. He wasn't really in charge of the entire tribe, just some parts of it.
Elda inclined her head toward him to acknowledge his comment. He could see that she wasn't quite sure what to think. He thought perhaps she was being humble.
She returned her attention to the bag and finally found what she was looking for. She pulled out the black radio and examined it. The switch had been inadvertently shut off. If the SGC was trying to reach her, then she never would have known. She chided herself. They might be mad at her for that. Elda twisted the knob, noting the red glow of a small LED light confirming the radio was now on and ready to transmit.
She clicked on the talk button a couple times, on the off-chance there was an active wormhole back at the gate ready to carry her signal through. But she received no response back. She really would have to trudge through the snow all the way to the gate. She sighed.
Her warm little vacation in Jasuf's hut would now have to end. And she was having so much fun, too. She looked around the hut, noting what a mess she made. Jasuf had not complained, but she still felt a little foolish for it. Elda began to tidy up her things before she had to venture out into the cold.
When she was done, she noticed that he had been watching her. "What?"
"I fear you are being called to duty."
Elda breathed in. "We don't know anything yet," she said reassuringly. "And even if it is time, I will come back here and tell you. In person. I promise." She went straight into his arms and kissed him. "I won't agree to do anything unless they allow me to say goodbye."
He looked back at her pensively. Then he nodded. "I will journey to the gate with you."
Elda placed two hands on his chest. His arms squeezed around her waist. "You would be delaying the task your father set before you. He's right. We would have been a lot less comfortable if the minders hadn't done such a good job stocking us with food before the land became impassable. They deserve the recognition."
He smiled at her consideration for his people.
She reached up to kiss him sweetly. "I will not leave without saying goodbye. I'm not even really sure why they're calling. It could be anything."
Elda shivered at the DHD. She brought the radio up to her mouth. "This is Elda Mal Doran, checking in."
"Kid!"
Her eyes widened. "General O'Neill?"
"Hey, how 'ya doin?" he greeted her enthusiastically.
She smiled toward the active wormhole. "I'm cold!" she said with a laugh.
"Yeah, I heard from Ishta there was a storm. Sounded pretty bad."
"Everyone was trapped inside for two days," she reported.
"Chilly," her father responded drily. "Well, why don't you stop on by here for a little while? Warm those frosty toes?"
She opened and closed her mouth, eyes flitting back in the direction of Jasuf's village. "Umm, okay, for a little bit. Then I do need to get back."
"You really want to be stuck in the middle of that winter weather?"
She wanted to whine at him and say 'Dad,' but she couldn't do that knowing that the entire control room would hear. "I do have duties here to attend to," she explained instead.
"Yeah, alright, alright. Just come on through for a bit, huh?" he insisted.
Elda sighed with a smile. "Okay. Give me a moment. I need to let them know I'm leaving the planet."
"'Kay."
Elda let go of the button for the SGC-issued radio. She pulled out the communicator Jasuf had given her. "Jasuf."
"Elda."
"My family is asking to see me. They want me to pass through the gate right now. I have every intention of coming back to Tek'ron. By tonight."
"Very well, my love. Send them my well wishes." He made the request so automatically. As if her human family was just another Jaffa tribe. She figured he had done it without thinking, not realizing that no one on the other side of the wormhole really knew who he was.
"Thank you," she responded. Then she reiterated her previous statement, hoping to put his mind at ease. "I will be back. I promise. Tal'ma'te, Jasuf."
"Tal'ma'te." The signal clicked off.
Elda took a quick look around at the snow-covered forest then brought the other radio back up to her mouth. "I'm coming through," she warned.
When she passed through the gate, warm air greeted her. It would have been refreshing had it not been for the strong scent of gunpowder that always distinguished the gate room from other planets. Her snow-laden boots thumped along the ramp, leaving little bits of leftover snow to melt and fall through the cracks of the metal grate.
Her father was already at the bottom waiting for her, hands buried casually in his pockets. He smiled at her. "Hey, Kid."
She grinned back. "General," she greeted with a bow.
"Lookin' spiffy there with that jacket," he teased, eyeing the SGC-issued winter coat her Uncle Hank had sent her.
Elda tilted her head with amusement, guessing his meaning from the strange adjective he used. She followed when he gestured for her to come with him. "So," she said. "What brings you to the SGC? And where's Little Gracie?"
"I got jealous of Carter, Mitchell, and your sister flying that nifty little ship of yours around without me." He seemed to be leading her toward the family's quarters, where she could remove her winter gear and speak freely. "Right now Gracie's with Vala over at Daniel's house."
"Ooh fun."
"Not for Daniel." Her father chuckled mischievously.
"He doesn't like to…" Elda searched for the word she had learned. "…babysit?"
Jack nodded at her correct use of the term. "Nope. Doesn't know the first thing about taking care of a kid."
"Huh."
They arrived at the family's VIP quarters. Sam was already waiting inside. "Gracie!" she called out with a big smile.
"Hi, Mom." They moved in to hug each other tightly. Elda turned around to hug her father properly, now that they were in private. He patted her on the back of her thick jacket. He hung it up for her on a hook after she removed it. Her mother placed her hat and gloves on the dresser nearby.
"You still have snow flakes in your hair," Sam commented, automatically reaching up to brush away some leftover snow from her locks. "It really is winter over there, huh?"
"Yes, yes it is." She shook her head in exasperation. "What's new?" she asked, looking at each of her birth parents. They all settled into chairs around a small table.
"Well, your little Zersha ship is fascinating," her mother began. "Honestly never seen tech like that before."
"Really?" She glanced between them. "That sort of technology was common for me growing up."
"Hey, speaking of, Old Man Daniel had a bunch of cool stuff in the time you came from. You think any of that was Zersha-made?" Jack asked.
She tilted her head in thought. "Maybe?" She shrugged. "Like I said before, Zersha does a lot."
"Any chance you could tell us how much a shuttle like yours would cost?" Sam inquired.
"Oh… in today's currency? I would have no idea. I'd have to ask Gen."
"Gen?" Jack repeated.
"He's my contact from Zersha. You may have seen his blood stain on the seat in my shuttle."
"Ohh…." He briefly looked perplexed. "Right." She had said it so casually.
"Which reminds me, did anyone ever scrub that out?"
Sam shook her head.
Elda pouted. "I was always meaning to clean that up. I should just make Gen come here and do it himself. He's the one who made the mess," she complained aloud.
Sam and Jack glanced at each other.
Then she clapped her hands in realization. "I know. I'll go to him. I'll ask him how much one of those shuttles run while he's scrubbing the stain out. Two birds, one stone." She smiled proudly at her use of Earth phrasing.
Jack began to laugh, wheezing a little as he leaned on the table. "You're funny, Kid." He regarded her with hilarity.
"What?" she asked innocently.
Sam smiled as she shook her head. "How are things on Tek'ron?"
Elda tilted her head. "Good."
"Hey, your mom shot video of you fighting. You were really kicking some ass," Jack said proudly.
"You saw?" she asked in surprise.
"It was really cool. Who's that guy you were sparring with?"
Elda swallowed. "Oh. That was Jasuf," she said, suddenly realizing that she had never told them anything about him before. The last time she had spoken to them here on Earth, her relationship with him wasn't really notable yet. There was nothing to share. And it was all a bit too awkward for her at the time.
But now?
She thought maybe she better say something. Carolyn had already urged her to start sharing this sort of news. Elda steeled herself for what might be a strange conversation. She had never imagined having to report something like this before. Especially not to a pair of parents who were technically dead for most of her life.
Sam spoke next. "His father runs the other Jaffa tribe, right?"
"Yes. You met Master Meil'nor."
"What's he like?" Jack asked.
"He's…" Elda found herself distracted by Jasuf's words earlier this morning. About how his father was fond of her. "…quite polite, actually."
Jack scrunched his face. "Polite. Okay." That was an odd thing to say about a Jaffa in his estimation. But he guessed they were all kind of polite, when they weren't trying to kill you, of course.
Elda could tell her father found that strange. She moved on. "So Jasuf and I have gotten to know each other," she tried to start. Her mind briefly thought of their activities just this morning. And the night before. And the entire day before that. If she was going to be honest, they knew each other very, very well by now.
"Looked like you guys were having fun in that sparring match," Sam commented.
She let out a breath as she grinned. "Yes, that was fun. But being placed on display without warning by the leaders of both Jaffa tribes?" She sucked in a dramatic breath. "Not so fun."
"Yeah," Sam agreed. "That was weird. Still don't know why Ishta put you on the spot like that. Teal'c says he couldn't get her to say, either."
Elda grimaced. "The mysteries of leadership," she deadpanned. It came out as a complaint.
"Yah," Jack groused.
"Dad, do leaders here do things like what Ishta and Meil'nor do? Delegate the less desirable tasks to their underlings?"
"All the damn time," he confirmed.
Elda felt disappointed. She'd been hoping that it was somehow different on Earth. She decided that she never wanted to be in a leadership role. She wasn't sure she could stomach the manipulation she would be required to do. It just didn't seem right. Not like courier jobs where perhaps only a select few were affected by her actions. If she had to be a leader, her decisions could mean life or death for an entire tribe. She didn't envy Jasuf's future position.
She caught herself before getting too lost in her thoughts again. She needed to get back to what she was trying to tell her parents. "Anyway, about Jasuf."
"What about him?" Jack responded.
Elda looked at each of them. She bit her cheek briefly. "He…"
A knock on the door interrupted. Sam got up to answer it. She leaned in to hear what an SF on the other side had to say. Then she turned to Jack. "President's looking for you."
Jack immediately got up. "Sorry, Kid. I gotta take this call." He rushed out.
Elda stared after him in disbelief. Sam sat back down as the door clicked shut on its own. "So, you were saying?"
Elda looked back at her mother in consternation. "Oh, I'll wait 'til he comes back."
"Might be a while."
"Really?"
"It's the President."
Elda deflated. "Oh."
Vala smiled excitedly at the tablet screen. She was in one of the bedrooms of Daniel's house, folding laundry when she was interrupted. Elda looked back at her with a similar expression from the SGC. "You're there, right now?" Vala asked.
"Yeah, Dad asked me to stop by. How's Little Gracie?"
"I'll put her on. Just a minute." Vala brought the tablet with her as she abandoned her chore to go find Daniel and Gracie. Her eyebrow quirked. It was quiet. Maybe too quiet. Her eyes darted around the house, not seeing any obvious signs of movement.
Elda waited patiently on the other end of the video call.
Vala ventured into the living room. Her mouth drew into a smirk. "Found them," she said quietly. Vala hit the command for the tablet to switch to the outward-facing camera. She pointed it in the direction of a pair of humans on a couch.
Elda started laughing, covering her mouth.
Daniel was asleep, arms outstretched and head lolling back. His glasses were falling down, caught only by the tip of his nose. His legs were spread apart haphazardly as if he had collapsed there. It was hardly flattering. A small child was next to him, somewhat upside down. Her hair was cascading down the edge of the seat as her head hung precariously onto the couch. The three-year-old's legs were sprawled across the spot next to Daniel.
They were both snoring.
"Mom!" Elda whisper-shouted. "Take a picture!"
Vala nodded enthusiastically. She tapped on the tablet screen to get a screen shot of this perfect moment.
"Now send it. To everybody!"
"Already done!" Vala said, laughing as quietly as she could.
On the other side of town, Cameron heard a chime on his phone. He fished it out of his pocket to take a look. When he saw what Vala had sent, he laughed aloud hysterically. This had people in the store staring at him funny.
Jasuf tiredly pushed open the door to his hut. He had given up on trying to accomplish any more work today. Night had fallen. The cold was biting. His eyes were drawn to candlelight around the dwelling. Elda sat patiently waiting for him on the bed in the center of the space. His face drew into a smile. She had returned to him as promised.
He hung his jacket and kicked off his boots. Then he reached for her by the bed. She stood to receive him. Jasuf kissed her, conveying his thankfulness for her presence.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"Exhausting. There were countless tasks to complete around the village. There are still yet more for me to accomplish tomorrow."
"I don't think I even want to know," she said.
"None of those are your responsibilities. Be glad that you do not need to know." He swept his hands through her hair. "And what of you?"
"I spent a little time with my family. It was more of a social call. No word on when SG-3 will return to Earth. They're still out somewhere running a job… I mean, mission. It's secretive and has nothing to do with me."
"Yet more responsibilities that are not yours. How fortunate for you."
Elda chuckled. "Yes, lucky me."
"Why have you lit the candles?"
She tilted her head with a smile. "I was imagining just how busy you would be today, after the village was shut down for so long. I thought it might be nice to offer you a quiet respite here. You could kelno'reem if you like." Elda knew the Jaffa practice of deep meditation was no longer a requirement for his survival, since he'd begun using tretonin. But the ritual of it was still important. It was part of his culture. And she felt a little guilty that she had prevented him from engaging in it over the past couple of days.
He'd been engaging with her instead.
He reached up to caress her cheek. "Your suggestion is appreciated. That sounds like an excellent plan."
She smiled softly at him. "Good." She reached up to peck him on the lips. "Now relax." Elda turned him around to be seated on the bed. He chose to sit cross-legged with back straight. She settled behind him, leaning down to kiss his shoulder briefly. Then she began delightfully massaging his neck and shoulder muscles. Jasuf's eyes immediately closed and he breathed in deeply. Nothing could be more serene than this moment with her showing him such care and attention.
Elda took her time. She expertly kneaded knots she found among his muscles. She enjoyed doing this for him. It offered her a chance to give instead of just take. When she sensed that he had reached a deep state in his meditation, she let him be. He would fare better without her distracting touches.
She simply laid back onto the bed behind him to wait. Before she knew it, she drifted off to sleep. Later, the weight of the bed shifting told her he was there. Jasuf pulled her into his arms and dropped a kiss into her hair. No one could have found a more content Jaffa than him that night. Elda slept peacefully with him, the best she'd had in months.
"Idul?" Elda stared wide-eyed at her Hak'tyl sister sitting in the eating hut of Jasuf's village. Idul smiled back at her serenely. She immediately sat down with her. "What brings you here?"
"The storm kept me from leaving. Jasuf graciously allowed me a meal before I return to our village."
Elda stared at Idul with a critical glare. "You're saying that you never left? Even though the storm let up an entire day ago already?" She was incredulous.
Her sister looked back at her with a devilish smile. "No."
Elda leaned in and lowered her voice. "What about Nesa?" Surely their superior would have been looking for her. Idul's absence would have been noticed. Their village would have been decidedly quieter without her around.
"Jasuf was kind enough to contact her for me."
"He did?"
"Yes, Sister. He did not tell you?"
"I was offworld yesterday. By the time I returned, we retired for the night. And then he rose early this morning."
Idul regarded her dubiously.
"Oh stop it," Elda complained, knowing that look. "I should be looking at you like that," she accused.
Her sister smirked in response. She hummed.
Elda matched her expression now. "So?" She grinned.
"He is… magnificent." Idul looked away dreamily.
"I take it Lo'zim saw the error in his ways and realized the Hak'tyl are worthy of his respect."
"It took another round of combat… but yes, he did."
"What."
"We completed the task with the water quickly enough. He simply could not accept his defeat, however, and challenged me again in the dead of night."
Elda's mouth dropped open.
Idul continued, "I told him I would only accept his challenge if he was willing to accept another punishment if he was defeated. He agreed. And so I defeated him. Again."
"You amaze me, Sister. So I take it the punishment was…"
Idul just smiled.
Elda began to laugh. "Doesn't sound like a punishment to me."
"No. I do not think Lo'zim minded this punishment."
"Will you be seeing him again?" Elda asked curiously.
"Perhaps. Let us see first what wrath I must face when I return to our village."
"I fear for you."
"I do not. They can do what they like to me." Her face drew into a grin. "He is worth it."
Elda's expression softened. She felt genuinely happy for Idul. Her friend got up to leave. Elda laid a hand on her arm. "Good luck." They bowed their heads to each other in goodbye. Elda stared after her in amazement.
One of Jasuf's guardsmen suddenly sat down across from her. "EldaMalDoran," he greeted.
"Goru," she responded with a little surprise. She wasn't expecting any of Jasuf's men to address her without him at her side. They inclined their heads to each other as was customary.
He got straight to the point. "There has been some discussion among the men after Lo'zim's match with your sister there."
"Oh?"
"Some of the men have expressed a quiet interest in challenging more of the Hak'tyl," he admitted conspiratorially.
Elda leaned in. "Does Jasuf know?"
"He may have overheard us."
"Goru. Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you are a Hak'tyl who holds the favor of both our superior and your own tribe. You could arrange for more matches."
Elda pretended to look at him suspiciously. Internally, though, she began to feel a sense of accomplishment. This was exactly what she and Jasuf had been hoping for. They needed the warriors from both tribes to be willing to interact with each other. Combat was the obvious first step. And maybe after that, pride could be set aside and pave the way for actual cooperation. Hopefully then Jasuf could make his pronouncement about the new training model.
"If I do this, Goru, it may go against leadership's wishes," she lied. "I would be placing my own status at risk."
"I do not believe that to be true, EldaMalDoran. You are favored by both tribe leaders. It is obvious."
"The only reason I got away with arranging the first match is because Idul was sent by our Den Mother to greet me in the forest that night. It was technically her fault that this whole challenge came about," she continued to fib. Ishta really had nothing to do with it beyond giving her general orders to make the people amenable to the new training scheme.
"If you fear punishment, then I will stand for you, myself, in front of Meil'nor," Goru promised.
Elda sat back. That was kind of sweet and touching. She decided she liked this Jaffa. Maybe they could be friends. "You really want this?"
"Bier was not wrong. We need more opportunities to engage in meaningful combat. Perhaps this is the solution."
There was nothing better than getting other people to go along with new ideas by making them think they came up with it themselves. She laughed to herself internally.
"For it to be meaningful, the warriors that fight should be somewhat equal in ability. It would serve no purpose otherwise," she pretended to argue. "The fights need to be fair."
"I do not disagree. You have Jasuf's favor. He could tell you how we each perform in battle. Would you be able to identify the warriors from your side to match?"
Elda could not fight her smile now. She took in a deep breath to ensure she gave her mind enough time to choose the right words to say next. "You give me the names of the men who are interested. Then I will return to my village and find them Hak'tyl warriors willing to spare them their time." She made it sound condescending on purpose. Her Sisters' pride was at stake.
But Goru ignored her tone, being too eager for Elda to do this favor for them. "I look forward to word of who you find."
Elda bowed dutifully to her Hak'tyl superior. "Nesa."
The warrior inclined her head to her. "EldaMalDoran. How did you fare in the storm?"
"I fared well."
"I trust that Jasuf kept you safe?"
At first, she assumed that Nesa's question was just another teasing comment about her courtship with him. She'd surprised her with those before. Yet there was something about her tone that belied concern. Elda wasn't sure where it would be coming from, though. She and Jasuf were not having any problems. If anything, things had gotten even better between them.
"He did. His people did an excellent job of preparing the village. We remained comfortable together through the shut-in."
Nesa nodded. Elda's words confirmed what she had suspected. She had moved into his hut instead of occupying a space of her own. Ishta's order for her move was general. Elda and Jasuf were left to work out the details of her accommodations on their own. Nesa was now more certain that they had become intimate. She wondered what that might mean for the girl if he learned of her secrets.
Elda felt compelled to politely ask how the Hak'tyl did with the storm. It was only fair. "And what of our Sisters? How did our village fare?"
"We fared well. Everything was as it should be. And Idul ensured that we would have water despite being cut off from the river."
Elda cringed inside. She hadn't learned what punishment Nesa had in mind for Idul's absence. She was afraid to ask. It was not her place. She merely inclined her head to confirm that she had heard Nesa's words. "I am here to discuss the matter that our Den Mother set before us both."
Nesa gestured in the direction of her personal hut.
Elda followed her there and was invited in.
Her superior sat across from her on the floor. "Speak, EldaMalDoran."
"One of Jasuf's guardsmen approached me alone with a request." Nesa's brow raised. That was irregular. A guardsman was not expected to address the mate of his own superior unless he was standing with her. Nesa presumed that Elda's charm somehow put the guardsman at ease. And perhaps Jasuf looked the other way, knowing the higher purpose they were all meant to accomplish. Elda went on, "He and some of the other men wish to challenge more of our Sisters."
"When?"
"They are ready at any time. They are looking to test their limits. And to salvage their pride after Lo'zim's defeat. I agreed to recruit opponents for them." She carefully waited to see Nesa's reaction.
The warrior's expression remained neutral, but Elda's trained eyes saw a hint of approval on her face. "Then your task appears to be going well." Nesa was surprised by how quickly Elda was accomplishing her orders. Ishta had delegated appropriately. They next went over the details Elda had about each guardsman and compared them to what Nesa knew about their sisters.
After some discussion, it was decided that the next match would go to Agean. But she needed to be convinced, not ordered, to participate. For their plans to work, the warriors had to agree to be in each other's company. This would mentally prepare them for when the new training model was instituted. Nesa sent Elda to go find Agean and do the persuading.
It made her uncomfortable. She'd essentially been ordered to treat Agean like a mark. But that was her friend. A sour taste formed in her mouth. She felt herself becoming yet more disillusioned with leadership's decision-making.
"It would put them in their place," Elda tried to argue to Agean in their hut, after sharing that the guardsmen were looking for opponents.
Agean looked back at her somewhat fearfully. "Why should I be the next one? Idul was given punishment after her match. Then she disappeared for 3 days. What would become of me? Especially if I lost?"
Elda narrowed her eyes. Idul hadn't told Agean where she was? That baffled her. She was so sure Idul would have come back here gloating and sharing all kinds of intimate details about her time in Jasuf's village. She'd have to question her later about that. There were not meant to be secrets among them. Idul, herself, was a champion of that rule.
"You will not be punished. I have beseeched Nesa to approve this arrangement."
"Why, Sister?"
"The men's pride has been wounded. They seek to avenge the defeat of one of their proudest warriors. Idul has proven herself and honored us all. It is time for another Hak'tyl to share in that glory."
"I am unlike you and Idul, EldaMalDoran. I do not seek glory. I only want to defend our village and protect our sisters."
Elda sighed to herself. She knew that. She should have leaned into that knowledge from the beginning. Idul was easier to convince because Jasuf had already planted the idea in her head of a courtship with one of his men. Agean had had no such interaction with him. She'd have to work this from another angle.
"I apologize, Agean. You are right. Glory should not be the ultimate goal."
Her friend inclined her head.
"But what if you consider this an opportunity to test your skills? You could become a better defender if you find ways to challenge yourself as a warrior. Jasuf's men offer us an opportunity to do that."
"We have Exhibition. Is that not enough?"
Elda pursed her lips. "When is the last time you gained anything out of Exhibition?"
Agean's eyes widened and she looked side to side in alarm. "Sister!" she whisper-shouted. "Careful what you say!"
Elda waved a hand. "I do not mean to defy our leadership with my words. I mean to make a point. If you participated in this, you would have an opportunity to see just how well we can expect you to protect our home."
Agean sat back, not so convinced. Her friend could see she would not win today. Elda only hoped that her words would sink in over time and Agean would eventually agree to a match. She chose to back off for now. It was important when working a mark to know when to stop pushing.
The human reached out to place a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder. "Fear not, Sister. No one will force you to fight." Then she threw in, "Only those who seek to invade our lands would do so." Elda smiled at her, then got up. She bowed to Agean. "I must return to the other village now. Jasuf will be expecting me." It was the perfect excuse to leave, even if he would have understood if she stayed here longer. Elda needed to give Agean time to think.
Guilt burned her inside for the way she tried to manipulate her friend. She cursed the scheming of their Jaffa leaders.
"This isn't as fun anymore, Jasuf," Elda complained later in the hut.
"It was never meant to be," he pointed out.
"Must we really engage in all this backhanded maneuvering? Couldn't the tribe leaders just make the announcement, order us all to cooperate, and be done with it?"
"There is an art to these things. They know their plans would be unpopular if implemented now. They would risk a joma secu if they did not approach this carefully." He was referring to official challenges to leadership positions, typically in the form of combat. "Neither my father nor Ishta believe that would be productive."
"Are you saying you agree with what they're making us do?"
"No. I am just as uncomfortable with these schemes as you. But if they feel there is an ultimate benefit, then to them, the means justify the ends," he explained.
Elda fingered the strings of his tunic. She locked eyes with him. "Promise me that when you are in charge you will try not to do these things to your own people. It isn't right!"
Jasuf reached up to cup her face. "I cannot make that promise, for I do not know what challenges I will face when I am tribe leader. But I will try to be a better leader than either of them."
"Win the people's hearts and minds, then they will simply follow you."
"That is the hope." He caressed her face affectionately. "If you were to stand with me, then my task would be much easier. You have a natural talent for endearing others to you."
Elda smirked, not really believing that in the least. She preferred to think of it as well-honed manipulation skills. Years of experience out in the galaxy outweighed any natural abilities she might possess. "So if the people like me, then they'll like you by extension?" she asked playfully.
He smiled at her with amusement. "Exactly." He leaned down to kiss her sweetly.
Elda hooked her arms around his neck. His hands went to her waist. "What do I get out of the deal?"
"My heart," Jasuf said without hesitation.
"Mmm. Good deal." They grinned at each other.
A/N: Please look forward to the next one. Jack is on his way and it's going to be a fun one!