Daughter
Chapter 62 – Ambassador
When the group passed through the wormhole, Elda placed a calming hand on Eruce's. "It's alright."
The scientist stood stiffly, staring at five Jaffa females aiming weapons at them. Behind Teal'c and Elda stood four refugees.
"Master Teal'c. EldaMalDoran," Agean greeted. She promptly deactivated her staff weapon. The rest of the Hak'tyl guard around her followed.
"Is your Den Mother onworld, young one?" Teal'c asked.
"She sits in her governance hut. I will send word of your presence."
Teal'c inclined his head. He turned to Elda next to him. "Escort our brethren to the rings and up to the Ha'tak. I will show EruceThel to the Hak'tyl settlement."
Elda bowed. She turned to Eruce. "Teal'c and my sisters will escort you." She glanced at Agean to confirm that she understood the implied instruction. The guard was temporarily being redirected away from patrol. Her sister nodded, quietly noting that Elda was asserting her raised station among them.
"Thank you, Elda," the scientist responded.
"Jaffa, with me," Elda said to the refugees. The groups split off.
As Elda walked casually through the forest with the four refugees, she noted that the weather had improved. It was not forcing her to shiver beneath her uniform jacket. She was thankful she no longer needed to don the thick winter coat her Uncle Hank had sent her.
They reached the rings and Elda used her personal access bracelet to activate them. Within seconds, the group was up on the Ha'tak. A guardsman and another Hak'tyl bowed low, in deference to Elda's rank. She ignored it, tired of being exasperated with dutiful displays of respect that she did not ask for. The Jaffa were going to behave how they pleased. She had no choice but to accept it.
When the refugees reunited with the other Jaffa survivors, they were overjoyed. Elda watched them in relief as they gathered. She could see they had all bonded. She stepped back out of the small hall they were inhabiting and addressed the minder outside. "How are they?"
"They are adjusting, My Lady. They are also asking when they can be called upon to serve." He tilted his head toward her meaningfully.
She sighed. "Let my mate continue to direct them. I am not here enough," she said quietly.
"As you say," the minder replied. His eyes darted to the side and he bowed his head.
When Elda looked, Jasuf had arrived. She went to his arms immediately.
He hugged her close to him. "Elda," he said sweetly.
She smiled up at him and kissed him. "I brought back four. Now just eight left to complete treatment," she reported.
"That is pleasing news. What are your duties today?"
"Teal'c is here. We were assigned as an escort for Eruce Thel, who is visiting." She smiled. "It's her first experience with gate travel. We thought this might be a nice, safe way to introduce her to it."
"Where are they now?"
"Hak'tyl settlement. Actually, I have to check in. He didn't tell me what to do after this." She stepped back from him to activate her radio. "Teal'c, come in."
"EldaMalDoran. Have you completed your task?"
"I have. Orders?" She was deferring to him as a senior member of the SGC. They were both still on the clock.
"Report to my position. You will provide EruceThel a brief tour. Ishta then calls upon us for a meal."
"Copy." She looked back at Jasuf. "What about you?"
"I must remain aboard. I am in command here today. Send my greetings to Master Teal'c and EruceThel."
She kissed him chastely. "I shall. If I can sneak away, I'll come find you."
"Do not cause yourself to wander from your duties," he reminded with a devious smile.
"Ever the responsible one," she teased. She was about to pull away when he forced her not to move. She widened her eyes in question.
"If you do find time, there is a matter I want to discuss," he said quietly.
By his tone, Elda knew he wouldn't tell her more now even if she asked. She simply nodded, figuring it might have something to do with these Jaffa refugees who were clamoring to work for her. Maybe he had more ideas of what else they could do to pass the time, now that they weren't burdened by constant pain and suffering.
Elda tilted her chin up to offer him a passionate kiss. He smiled into it. Then he let her go.
"You ready for this?" Baker asked Smith in the mess hall.
"No," he said emphatically.
Crawford laughed. "He's a big guy. Think you could take him?"
Smith glared at his friend. "Fuck you, motherfucker."
Baker cracked up. "If he were smart, he'd let the dad beat his ass. Gotta stay on his good side."
"Right. Alpha male establishing dominance."
Smith groaned into his food. "Why the hell did General O'Neill pick me?"
"Probably 'cuz he heard you were in good with the boss's daughter. It's a strategy thing," Baker replied.
He sighed heavily. "At least Dr. Jackson is going with me."
"Yeah, you're gonna have to just watch what he does and try to copy him," their 2IC advised. "Don't think they have Ambassador school in the SGC."
"Right," Crawford agreed. "Sheesh. Glad I don't have that job."
"Amen," Baker said. They both grinned at Smith, who looked back at them grumpily.
Reynolds appeared to join them at their small table. "Fellas," he greeted as he sat down.
"Colonel," everyone acknowledged.
"Shouldn't Elda be back by now?" Baker wondered aloud.
"She's on escort duty for the top geneticist. Colonel Carter decided to let her take a crack at gate travel."
The men looked a little surprised.
"She's letting the scientist have a break and a change of scenery. Teal'c's with them," Reynolds added.
Smith looked down at his watch. "He's my ride."
"They ought to be back in time." He began to dig into his food.
"Master Teal'c," Jasuf greeted at the edge of the Hak'tyl square.
"Jasuf." The two Jaffa grasped forearms. "How fares your Ha'tak?"
"It requires additional maintenance but is performing well. We are trading for replacement parts to perform repairs."
Teal'c acknowledged his report. "You may see your mate. We will be departing in two hours time."
"Thank you." Jasuf turned away now to see Elda watching him curiously. He went to her.
"I thought you said you were busy," she said suspiciously.
"I was. And now I am not."
She grinned at him, sensing he'd found a way to delegate his duties to someone else while she was here. Elda leaned up to his ear to whisper. "You told me not to wander from duty," she challenged. "And now here you are, not even following your own advice."
He whispered back in her ear with a smile, "My only duty is to you."
She couldn't stop the way her heart fluttered from that. She leaned into him as they grabbed each other's hands.
Eruce glanced at them admiringly from her seat at an outdoor table. Young love was always pleasant to see. She held a cup to her lips to hide her smile. Then she looked at Ishta across from her. "You were thinking of them, then?"
"Yes."
When the scientist turned back, the pair had disappeared among the trees in the forest. She did a double-take. How did they vanish so fast?
Jasuf chose a tree to lean against as he held Elda close to him. "Your Den Mother and I attended a conference of free Jaffa leaders. I was approached by the daughters of another tribe leader."
Her brow raised high. "Approached. Why?"
"They seek my favor," he reported resignedly.
She breathed in and simply waited.
"I called upon Idul and Agean to boast about your accomplishments." He smirked. "The daughters will now give me space."
"You needed my sisters to do your work for you?" She smacked his chest.
"My Love, those females needed to know I already have a worthy mate. Who better than your sisters to loudly declare it?"
She laughed loudly. "Did the guardsmen see this?"
"I am sure they did."
Elda grinned evilly at him. "I must go speak with them, then," she teased. He forcefully kept her in place when she tried to step away. They laughed together.
"I see you are more amused than concerned over this incident."
"I'm not worried, Jasuf." Her hand covered his heart. "You're mine. And I know you know that," she said confidently.
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her hungrily. By now a few of the sisters had seen them. He sensed their watchful eyes and chose to keep going until they lost interest and turned away.
Jasuf pulled back when he knew they had privacy again. He could care less if people saw them showing each other physical affection. What he did want was to keep their words between them. "There is something else."
"Hmm?" She continued to place chaste kisses on his lips. Her fingers gently grabbed at his tunic.
"I realized that I would not have to engage in such maneuvering if they all knew you were my mate." He paused to stroke her cheek. "Permanently."
She smiled easily. "My Love, you have me," she assured. "Just tell them. Isn't that what Jaffa do best? Get straight to the point?"
"There are times when a delicate approach is more favorable. Politically."
She rolled her eyes. "Ugh. You didn't want to cause offense and weaken some alliance."
"For someone who wishes not to lead, you understand leadership matters quite well."
"Jasuf, no one needs me to be in charge of anything. I just want to stand by your side. And if you want me there permanently, you can have me." She said this confidently, as if it were already a proven fact.
His heart thumped harder, once again overjoyed by her devotion. "And you will always have me." He could have said more, but stopped there. It wasn't time yet to do what he knew he should do. He had to talk with her father first.
At least he knew for sure he was on the right path.
"Hank, I'm comin' to town," Jack declared over the phone.
"Wonderful. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you."
"Listen, did you happen to see the request about my old buddy wanting to meet?"
"I did. Any idea why?"
"No clue. I'll make it a point to get over there before Sam gets back. Could be important."
"Do you need an escort?"
"Nah. Everyone's busy. I can handle a trip through the gate all by my lonesome."
"Jack, the last time you tried, you got kidnapped."
"Hank. Come on."
His friend just chuckled. "Your funeral."
When Elda returned, Crawford and Smith could see she was all smiles. It was hardly surprising knowing she had just come from Tek'ron. The giddy look on her face told them she had seen her boyfriend. Teal'c dismissed her and walked Eruce back into the bunker. Elda stayed outside with the boys.
"How is he?" Smith asked, drawing out the question playfully.
"Good."
"Just? Good?"
Elda punched his arm. "Don't start that again."
Crawford looked between them. "Did I miss something?"
"Yeah, while you were busy cheating on us with Matthews, we got to talking while we were on patrol," Smith said.
"Cheating?" Crawford's mouth gaped. "Are you kidding? That mission was me sitting in a room wasting my time."
"No," Elda argued. "That was you getting your ass saved by someone who realized you were about to become a prostitute. Pretty sure that's not the career you've always dreamed of."
Smith scrunched his face at his buddy. "Seriously? That chick was really ready to bang?"
Crawford shrugged. "Don't know. Never got that far." He looked at Elda pointedly.
She rolled her eyes. "What are you two doing right now? Are you still on duty?"
"No," Crawford answered. "We were waiting for you. Homeboy's about to leave. Figured we should chill together."
"Yeah, okay," she agreed, understanding his speech more easily than others. Their wordless shorthand often supplied the context clues she needed to figure out the boys' unique phrases. "What do you wanna do?"
Smith pointed up. "We should check out Rellie's ship. You still haven't seen it."
Elda was instantly excited. "Ooooooh." She clapped her hands.
Smith unpocketed a communication device Rellie had given him. At his polite request, the station craft used its own beaming technology to bring them aboard. The trio found themselves in a corridor made of clear paneling. Crawford and Elda's eyes darted to the innards of the ship on display. Their mouths dropped open in awe.
"This is the weirdest thing I ever seen," Crawford marveled.
"Chase! Elda!" Aurelia called.
They all turned to see her approaching. Everyone greeted her in station fashion by placing their hands in hers briefly.
Elda turned to Crawford. "Still can't get used to that name."
Smith grinned. "Nope. Me neither."
"Well, I can't call you by your surnames," Aurelia retorted. "It's too strange for me."
"It's a military thing. We make an exception for you, Rellie," Crawford said with a smile.
She gazed up at him gratefully then grabbed Smith's hand. "What do you want to see?"
"Let's take 'em to that virtual reality thing. I think they'd like it."
She agreed and started leading them to a lift. "Elda? How was the trip for my Aunt Eruce?"
"I think she enjoyed herself. My sisters treated her to some food and drink. She sat and talked with Ishta."
"Maybe I could go with you on the next run?" she asked hopefully.
Elda gasped. "Of course! I'll tell Colonel Carter."
"You'll tell Colonel Carter?" Smith said dubiously. "Who do you think you are?"
"The Queen of the Jaffa," Crawford instantly replied. Elda hit his arm. He laughed as he swatted away a second hit.
Smith waggled his brows. "This chick, man. Got anybody and errbody wrapped around her pinky finger."
"Yeah, including you, huh?" Crawford teased.
Smith nodded without shame. "Damn straight."
"You make it sound like I manipulate everyone," Elda complained.
Crawford fought the urge to wrap an affectionate arm around her as she whined. He simply said, "But you do."
"Yeah," Smith agreed, still holding onto Rellie's hand and letting her pull him along. "That's how you get everybody to love you so much."
Crawford raised a brow.
"I thought you said you loved me because I scare you so well," she said casually.
"The fuck?" Crawford exclaimed.
"Relax, Crawford."
His friend scowled at him.
Elda and Rellie laughed. "Don't you love me, too, Crawfy?" She bumped his shoulder with hers. "I seem to remember you admitting you were scared of me once."
He shook his head and huffed, but didn't respond aloud to her query.
Smith hid his lips, suddenly feeling a little awkward. He tried to hide it by grabbing Rellie's waist and gazing down admiringly at her as they boarded a lift.
Elda didn't notice, distracted as she was by the way the ship looked as the elevator began moving through the levels. She was fascinated to see the inner workings of the vessel zip by.
A voice sounded off on their radios. "Corporal Smith, this is Colonel Mitchell. Please respond."
"This is Smith here, sir."
"What's your twenty?"
"Station craft."
"The rest of the Musketeers with you?"
"I'm sorry, sir?"
"Crawford and Elda," he clarified, sounding a touch irritated.
"Uhh, yes, sir. They are on board with me."
Elda mouthed the strange word Cameron used back to Crawford. He grit his teeth and shrugged. She'd probably never be able to figure out the novel things Cameron said on the first try. He was always a challenge to understand.
"Be advised. Teal'c wants to leave in thirty minutes. Do not be late."
"Yes, sir."
"Mitchell out."
Smith turned to the other marine in the lift with them. "Did he just call us Mouseketeers? Like Disney-type shit?"
"Musketeers, doofus. Like Three Musketeers."
"The candy bar?"
Crawford shook his head in exasperation. "The movie, dude."
"Ohhhhhh. I remember that." Then Smith looked mystified. "Why the fuck…"
"Don't ask, Smitty."
"Umm," Elda cut in. "I'm confused."
Crawford saw her cute expression of puzzlement and just wanted to kiss her. He settled for smiling adoringly at her. "I know, Baby." He didn't bother to explain the context to her, causing her to pout even more adorably.
Aurelia had them all exit the lift and follow her down a new corridor. They paused before a set of heavy doors. She tapped at a panel on one side, entering commands. When the doors opened, a drinking establishment similar to the bars on the space station was revealed.
"Hey, this looks familiar," Crawford said, pointing inside.
"It's a virtual replica of the one you frequented back on station," Rellie explained. "Thought you'd like this one."
"So… it's not actually here?" They all ventured in. Crawford and Elda looked around with impressed smiles. The wide open space had sets of tables and chairs scattered about. No people were here; the place was empty.
"No." Rellie then pointed at the bar on the side. "But the drinks are real." She grinned at them now.
"Sweet."
"Oooh, fun."
"Come on, Elda, let's mix some up." Rellie pulled on her hand and made her come with her to where the spirits were being stored.
Smith and Crawford picked one of the tables and took seats. The girls busied themselves with making cocktails. They started giggling and smiling together. Soon enough, they were lowering their voices and whispering.
"Man, I'm gonna have to stay sober," Smith complained, knowing he had to leave soon.
"That's what you get for being the Ambassador. Now you gotta be on your best behavior."
Smith studied the girls. They were distracted now. He sensed Elda was telling Rellie about Jasuf. He hit Crawford's arm lightly. "Ay. You gonna be able to hold it together while I'm gone?"
"I dunno. Looks like you couldn't even do that while I was gone for a handful of hours!"
"What are you fucking talkin' about?" But Smith knew exactly what he was complaining about.
"You told her you love her? Really?"
"Dude."
"Dude!"
"It's a brotherly kind of love, man!"
"Get the fuck outta here."
"I'm about to! In less than half an hour!"
Elda and Rellie glanced in their direction. "Look at those two," Rellie complained. "Arguing again."
"They're always like that," Elda said. "It seems to be how Earth men bond. You should see the way my uncles behave with each other. It's much the same."
"What about Jaffa men?"
"Ohhh, they're even worse." Elda giggled and began telling her stories about how the guardsmen liked to torment Jasuf for being with her.
Meanwhile, the boys continued to squabble. "Stay on point, Marine," Smith warned.
"Shut up, already, Smitty."
His friend leaned closer to make sure the girls wouldn't overhear. "You're doin' good. Just keep them hands to yourself. I don't really think she has a clue." Still, Smith worried that Elda was starting to feel a certain type of way. As much as she loved Jasuf, she was easily distracted when he wasn't around. Just like Crawford was when his own girlfriend was nowhere to be seen.
"Smith, there's nothing to have a clue about."
"Yeah, uh huh. I still think you need to call Chelsea the minute we get back Earth-side."
"I will. And not because of you. Or her."
"Good."
"Good."
"Drinks are here!" Elda announced. She and Rellie approached with four glasses. Three had swirling mixtures of color. The fourth was plain water.
The water was placed in front of Smith. He frowned at it in disappointment.
Crawford raised his glass. "To Ambassador Fuckface!"
A loud thumping could be heard through the heavy steel doors. "Jackson! Fifteen minutes!" Mitchell warned.
Daniel ignored him. He was busy.
Vala bit her lip and continued to grab at his legs.
Sweat dripped down his temple as he kept going. They were panting heavily, sucking up all the air in the room. His grip on the back of her thighs tightened when he felt the sweet release.
Then he collapsed onto the bed next to her. They laid there for a few minutes, just catching their breaths. Daniel's hand reached out to stroke her belly. It was starting to protrude ever so slightly now that she was about three months along. No one else would notice it yet. But he did. He was an expert on her by now.
"We'll miss you," Vala whispered into the air, referring to herself and their child.
He turned over to kiss her neck. "I'll miss you, too." Then he groaned. "Ugh. I better hurry up. My walking alarm clock might come back if I don't."
Vala giggled. She pulled him back for a searing kiss when he started to move.
It was all Daniel could do to not forget about everything and just stay here with her.
She gave him a light shove, encouraging him to get up and get dressed. She watched him admiringly as he scrounged around for his clothes. They were strewn everywhere in their ship quarters. Like usual.
She sighed to herself. He really was delicious. And he was all hers. Sometimes Vala could not believe her luck.
He leaned down to kiss her one last time. "Don't do anything crazy while I'm gone."
"No guarantees."
Daniel smiled at her. "I know." He gave her another chaste kiss. "Love you."
"I love you, Darling. Have fun."
He harumphed, not really looking forward to spending another day cooped up on a small ship traveling through hyperspace. Daniel grabbed the dufflebag by the door and left. It was packed full of things for him to occupy his time with. Vala had probably snuck other items in there, too, like snacks.
When the Hammond transported him down to the surface, Teal'c and Mitchell were already there. Teal'c also had a bag with him. Mitchell was busy staring at his watch with a sour expression on his face.
Daniel checked the time. He wasn't late. "Where's Smith?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Cameron complained.
"ColonelMitchell," Teal'c intoned, eyes drawn to the sight of a transport beam casting down from the sky. It was like a shower of focused white-gray light. The figure of a person formed within it.
Smith appeared with a dufflebag on his arm. He nodded at SG-1 and looked straight at Mitchell. "Sir."
Cameron eyed him. "Where's your compadres?"
He cracked a grin and pointed at the sky. "Still up there."
"With Aurelia Thel?"
"Yes, sir."
Mitchell tilted his head to acknowledge his response. At least this guy didn't just have a last-minute romp like he knew Daniel did. He glared at the linguist on his team.
Daniel raised his brow and glared back. His look seemed to say, Whatever.
The Colonel addressed the trio that was about to leave. "Let's review the objectives."
Daniel started, "Meet with Station Master Ziek'tu Thel. Inquire about getting English added to their linguistics programming."
"Present a proposal for a free stargate," Smith then added. "Meet with their trade rep and get an order put in for blasters."
Mitchell nodded approvingly. "Teal'c?"
"Radio silence for the duration of travel. Regular check-ins once we are safely aboard the station."
"Perfect. Alright, folks. Have a nice trip."
"Thanks." "Thank you, sir."
Teal'c inclined his head toward Mitchell, who then dialed the Alpha Site for them on the DHD. He input SG-1's code on his GDO to let them know who was coming. The trio left through the gate to acquire a ship and begin flying to the station.
Cameron reached up to his radio. "Vala Mal Doran, this is Mitchell. Come in."
"This is Vala. Go ahead."
"Hungry?"
"You have to ask?"
He chuckled. "Meet me in the mess." Then he switched channels. "Hammond, this is Mitchell. One to beam up." He disappeared from the surface of the planet within seconds.
A few hours into the ride, Smith felt a little more comfortable asking a burning question. "Hey, Doc?"
Daniel glanced up from a book in his hands. They were sitting at consoles behind the pilot station, where Teal'c was. "Yeah?"
"Why'd they pick me?"
"You mean for the Ambassadorship?" Smith nodded. "I'm sure you can guess."
"Because you're too busy?"
Daniel chuckled. "That's part of it. But also because you struck up an accord with the station inhabitants already."
Smith sighed. "You mean Rellie."
"That's what you guys call Aurelia Thel, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then that's what I'm talking about. You're already on a nickname basis with a powerful leader's daughter. That'll get you noticed."
Smith looked at him worriedly. "What if that wasn't my intention?"
Daniel smiled at him and shook his head. "None of us ever intended to be doing any of this, Corporal. But here we are. Might as well do our best."
The marine let out a breath. "Yeah. You're right. Well, thanks, Dr. Jackson, for helping me out. I'm still not really sure I should be the one doing this, but like you said, I'll try it."
"No problem, Smith. We're all in this together."
He smiled. "So… uhhh… you and Vala set a date yet?"
Daniel looked wistful. "How do you set a date when you can barely figure out what's going to happen tomorrow? We're not in a huge hurry. And she's going to want one of those big, flashy affairs. I'll let her tell me when she wants to do it."
Smith grinned. "I bet you couldn't have imagined things would end up like this, huh, Doc?"
Daniel guffawed. "Nope."
"Me and Elda were just sayin' that, too. Kinda crazy. I told her I wouldn't go back in time and change nothin'."
The linguist smiled softly. This marine had no idea of the weight his words carried. "You guys get along pretty well, huh?"
"Yeah, we do. We love her to pieces."
Daniel felt reassured by that. Gracie was doing well. No one had any idea what her life would be like coming to the past. They just knew she had all this unrealized potential and it would have been a waste of Future Vala's hard work to not see what she could do with it. Now his niece was cementing a little place for herself on two worlds, loved and regarded highly by all. He couldn't be more proud of her.
It was hard to imagine that timeline she came from was ever even real. Gracie was the living reminder of how terrible things could have gotten. She was now the living embodiment of hope.
"I'm kind of curious…" Smith said hesitantly. It was normal for him to be sociable with whoever was around him. But Dr. Jackson was a bit higher on the totem pole than him. He still needed to be careful. "What was it like when you met Vala?"
Daniel laughed to himself. "Do you know the story?"
"I got a basic overview of it."
"So you know she stole the Prometheus, right? It was one of our first battlecruisers."
"Yeah, that I know. What was that like?"
"She was ruthless. Determined to win. But not above having a little fun while she did it."
Smith quirked a smile. "Not your kind of fun?"
Daniel shook his head emphatically. "Nooooooo. No, no, no."
"How'd she get you to come around?"
The scholar gave the marine a tired look. "Years of wearing me down."
Smith started cracking up. "And now you're marrying her."
Daniel looked up at the ceiling. "Colonel Mitchell told me so."
"Elda's the same. They really are sisters."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know she got Matthews on her side?"
Daniel smiled placatingly, pretending he had no idea what Smith was talking about. "Tell me about it."
"That chick was about to be Elda's sworn enemy. She was getting kind of pissed, like Crawford was being stolen from her."
Daniel's brow raised. Elda swore nothing was going on between them.
"Then she hears how their mission went and does a one-eighty. Suddenly Matthews was a guardian angel!"
"Elda was thankful?"
"For protecting Crawford, yeah."
Daniel thought back to how upset Elda was in their quarters the other day. She seemed to think Vala misread the situation, even though Vala was there and Elda wasn't. How could she have really known?
Smith saw gears turning in Daniel's head and realized he probably should have kept his mouth shut. He was only adding fuel to the fire that represented this weird thing between his teammates. He promised himself to stop talking about them. It would do no good.
Teal'c suddenly spoke up from the pilot's seat ahead of them. "I sense that EldaMalDoran has formed a strong bond with you and CorporalCrawford."
Smith was more than thankful that the Jaffa included both marines in his comment, not just one. "Yeah, Teal'c," he immediately agreed. "We're all like siblings now."
Daniel stared at him. Yeah. Sure.
Now that Smith was gone and Crawford was back, Reynolds simply switched them out for patrols. Crawford walked with Elda around the training grounds, making sure the area was still secure. Neither of them really expected a random combatant to show up on the surface. Not unless someone in the control room accidentally turned on a training scenario and activated a hologram. The Hammond would have noticed the approach of a ship, and the gate had sensors to tell them whenever it was being activated.
The patrol was sort of overkill. But orders were orders. They'd look mighty stupid if something slipped through the cracks.
"What did you do on Tek'ron yesterday?" Crawford asked casually, eyes scanning in the distance.
Elda kept her attention focused on closer objects. "I dropped off four refugees. Then Teal'c, Ishta, and I hosted Eruce in the Hak'tyl settlement."
"You see Jasuf?"
"Yeah, he came by toward the end." She smirked. "He handed off his duties to someone else so he could see me."
Crawford nodded, unsurprised. "Guess I don't blame him."
"It's been hard not seeing him everyday like I used to. How do you and Chelsea handle that?"
He glanced at her, noting the curiosity in her expression. "Uhh. It's not easy. We went into this whole relationship thing with the understanding that I'd be gone all the time. And she knows I never know how long I'll be out of town every time I leave."
"She must really love you, to wait for you like that."
Renewed guilt started burning Crawford from the inside-out. "Maybe."
"You've never said the words?"
He pursed his lips and shook his head. "I don't want to force her to commit. I leave her all the time. Kind of unfair."
Elda nodded, completely understanding what he meant. "I feel guilty, too, always leaving Jasuf. We'd both rather I just stay with him all the time. It's a wonder he lets me go at all."
"You've got places to go, people to see."
"Right, exactly. Jasuf has been so supportive of me. If it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't be here now on the team."
He looked at her. "Really?"
"I almost thought I would be forced to choose between you and him," she admitted.
Crawford knew that she meant the whole team, not just him individually. But it still made his heart clench to think he wasn't her preferred choice. Then he tried to remind himself: he wasn't supposed to be a choice in the first place. At all. There wasn't anything between them other than a strong teammate bond.
Who the hell was he kidding? He was head over heels for her.
But she didn't feel the same.
Elda continued on when Crawford didn't respond to her last statement. "But then I realized I could have both, and miraculously, it's working." Her gaze dutifully remained on obstacles in their path, watching for sudden, unexpected movements. "It helps that I have Teal'c setting an example. He's always visiting Ishta on Tek'ron."
"Yep. And since he's so well-respected, it's easy enough to let you just follow him."
"See? You get it. And it'll only continue. He's going to marry her."
"Is he?"
"You didn't hear about that?"
"No."
"He proposed to her. She accepted. Their wedding is going to be an epic event out in the galaxy. A once in a century gathering."
"A who's who of Jaffa, huh?" Elda quirked a confused look. He translated, "Everyone important will be there."
"Oh. Yeah. Right." Then she frowned. "As excited as I am for this wedding, I'm not looking forward to Jasuf's father parading me around while we're there. He's going to show me off. I just know it."
"What? Why would he do that?"
"Because I'm bringing Tek'ron positive attention. When we rescued the Jaffa, everyone heard about what happened. They know Tek'ron is providing sanctuary to the survivors. Our planet is being regarded with a lot of high honor for taking on that task."
"Can't your boyfriend cover for you?"
"Jasuf is just as bad as he is! Do you know he boasted about me to some random females just to get them off his back?"
"What?"
"He's a very eligible bachelor to all these Jaffa. And he's good-looking and about to come into power. That's attractive to a lot of the single females out there looking for prosperity."
"Sounds like you have competition."
"Please. He roped my sisters into helping him tell those Jaffa that he had this magical girlfriend they could never hope to compete with. He's not interested in the drama of useless females desperately falling at his feet."
Crawford let out a laugh. "Sounds like prince problems."
"Shut up, Crawfy."
"So you're not into him because he's got king-potential?"
She rolled her eyes. "I don't care about any of that. When I met him I had no idea who he was."
"You met him because he tried to fight with you. How did you two end up liking each other anyway?"
"Crawford, he was relentless. He realized that he couldn't beat me. So he tried to join me." She hoped she was expressing that oft-used phrase right. The concept was one of the more interesting euphemisms she'd heard from Earth. "He kept pursuing me until I couldn't ignore him anymore. Little by little, he charmed his way into my heart." Then she breathed in. "And he's hot. I definitely couldn't ignore that."
The marine chuckled. "Guess not. That's how I felt about Chelsea."
They both stopped when they heard a strange noise that didn't fit in with the rest of the forest.
Their backs instantly went together as their eyes darted around.
Something seemed to flash in the nearest training center. Elda patted Crawford's shoulder to point and show him.
They both drew their weapons and approached. It was the old manufacturing facility they used for scenarios. Elda remembered this one well. The pair approached from the side, darting among the fake debris scattered around the perimeter.
Crawford motioned to Elda. He was going to take point. They remained silent as they went in through a side door.
The hum of blaster fire could be heard inside. A holographic figure fell from the ceiling then dissipated before them at their feet. The pair glanced around, seeing other holograms targeting something deeper into the facility.
Elda whispered, "Is someone running a scenario?"
"I dunno. They should have told us if they were." He held an arm up to prevent Elda from entering further. Then he backed them out of the structure. They leaned against the outer wall, eyes still on the opening. "Colonel Carter, this is Corporal Crawford, come in."
"This is Carter. Go ahead."
"Training scenario appears to be active in the old manufacturing facility. Was that planned?"
"Standby."
More blaster fire could be heard from inside.
"It's SG-2. Let them finish their run-through. Continue with your patrol." From the tone of her voice, she didn't sound pleased.
"Copy. Crawford out." He looked at Elda. "What the Hell. They coulda said something."
"Sounds like Colonel Carter didn't know?"
"Pierce is gonna get chewed out," he predicted. "Come on. Let's go."
"Gordy?"
Smith's head snapped to the side. "Fred!"
Daniel and Teal'c were forced to stop as Smith greeted a station friend. They waited patiently.
The marine stepped up to the most popular dancer on Rellie's team. They grasped hands briefly, in station fashion, then clapped each other on the back.
"So you're back on station," the local man marveled. "Where's Chase and Elda?"
"Left 'em back where we come from. I'm here on business."
"They good?"
"Yeah, they're good."
"You bring Rellie back with you?"
"No, she's still with them working."
"Gordy. We need her back. You're not keepin' her, are you?" Frednik'tu regarded him suspiciously.
"Nah, man! She's just helping us out for a little while. Then she'll be back. I promise." Smith patted his friend's arm. "Look, I gotta go. I'm meeting with her dad."
The other man widened his eyes. "Ohh, that kind of business." He whistled. "Good luck. And listen, if you end up staying, find us later tonight. We'll be at the usual spot."
Smith grinned. "You got it." They gave each other a brief wave and separated. He rejoined the other SGC personnel. "Sorry about that."
Daniel brushed it off. "No, no. This is what I was talking about. You have friends here. Being able to engage socially with the locals is an advantage for an ambassador."
"You mean 'hanging out', Doc?"
"Exactly."
He grinned. "Yeah, that I can do."
Smith took the lead as they ventured to the main control center where their appointment would be. Before they knew it, they were seated in the conference room outside of the Station Master's main office.
Smith stared at a tablet for the twentieth time, reminding himself of what he needed to say when it was his turn to speak. His finger tapped nervously on the edge of the device.
Daniel hardly seemed bothered. He'd had meetings with this official before. He smiled sideways at his younger colleague. Boy, Elda really threw him for a loop convincing Jack to give him this job. Daniel didn't think she realized what she was doing when she suggested it. And Jack actually listened to her. He wondered what would happen if the young marine ever found out it was her meddling that got him here. It would probably be funny.
Teal'c sat patiently on his other side, stoic and quiet as usual.
When the Station Master finally appeared, they all stood respectfully.
"Greetings, Earth representatives."
"Station Master Thel, greetings," Daniel said. "You remember Master Teal'c of the Free Jaffa Nation. And I would like to present Ambassador Gordon Smith, who will begin representing Earth for us going forward."
The Station Master bowed his head to them. "Is there a reason for the change in representation?"
"Our Command thought it would be best to place someone who has more experience living among your people in the role. Smith spent two months here during one of your time dilations."
Ziek'tu eyed him.
Smith stood very still, keeping his face carefully neutral.
"Yes, I remember you now. You befriended my daughter." He nodded. "Well, then. Welcome back to our station. Shall we?" They all took seats. "What matters have we to discuss here today?"
"We have a few suggestions for further ways we could collaborate. As you know, we traded for a share of data pads. Our teams are finding them very advantageous and are thankful to have these tools. I'd like to know if there's a way for us to have one of our own languages added into the linguistics database. The data pads would become even more useful then."
"It is simply a manner of having qualified users of the language access our program and enter the necessary information."
Daniel smiled, encouraged. "I would very much like to do that, Station Master, if you would agree."
"Of course. I will direct you to our Database Manager for further assistance." He pulled out a data pad from his robes.
Smith instinctively held out his own pad to receive a data transfer.
Daniel was a little impressed. The marine knew what to do before the Station Master even had to say anything.
The pads chimed, signaling a successful transmission. Smith looked down at it and confirmed that he understood what was there. "This is an office building over on the Orange Level," he explained to Daniel. "I'll put in a request for a meeting." He tapped around in the displays easily as Daniel watched.
Now Daniel realized: Elda was on to something.
"What other matters are next?"
"DanielJackson, may I speak?"
"Of course, Teal'c."
"I would like to once again express gratitude on behalf of the Jaffa. Your kin have demonstrated much compassion toward my brethren. They are healing as we speak. You honor us."
Ziek'tu smiled. "It is but restitution for what one of ours did. But I humbly accept your thanks. My daughter sent word that someone among your people wishes to establish formal relations?"
"Indeed. A counterpart of mine: Master Meil'nor."
"I invite him to visit. In the name of peace."
"I will extend the invitation, StationMaster." Teal'c bowed his head respectfully. He then sent a look to Daniel, signaling that he was done.
Daniel prompted, "Smith, you're up."
He coughed. "Yes, sir. Uhh, Station Master Thel, our Command has a proposal for you. Are you familiar with stargates?"
"I am familiar with them, yes. I have had a few opportunities to use them in my lifetime."
"We have the ability to install one here for you. It could be a great way to keep us connected, now that we're allies. It would cut down on travel time considerably between here and Earth. Down to nothing in fact."
The official furrowed his brow. "What advantages would this afford us?"
Smith breathed in. "We do have the new tourist program in the works. It could be a faster way to get people from the station out and about. See the sights. Then go right on home. No need to travel for an entire day each way. The SGC would still guarantee the safety of anyone gating from here to designated safe locations."
"An interesting proposal."
"We also have some ways to secure the gate, if one were to be installed here, so that you don't have any old geszh'i trying to bother you."
Ziek'tu smiled at Smith's use of station slang.
Daniel scrunched his face. "Sorry, what was that word you used?" he asked of Smith.
The marine realized what he had just said. "Oh, sorry, Dr. Jackson. Geszh'i is kinda like… uhh… riff-raff." Smith tentatively smiled.
Daniel chuckled. "Got it." He gestured for the marine to continue.
He turned back to the official. He seemed to be becoming more and more at ease as he spoke. "So, umm, there are more options as well. If anything I've suggested so far doesn't work for you from a security standpoint, we are prepared to adjust. Ultimately, the goal is to make interstellar travel much, much easier for you. And if the only place you want to connect to is Earth, we can do that instead. We're flexible." He nodded his head easily and regarded the Station Master with patience.
Ziek'tu now recognized why this young man was chosen as Ambassador. He was personable. And he was already open to engaging in the station's cultural norms and speech. "I will bring your proposal to my Security Head and Chief Technologist."
"Perfect. We have all the information you might want to know about stargates and our thoughts on securing one right here." Smith slid two SGC-issued tablets in his direction.
The Station Master received them and tapped on one of their screens, seeing that Goa'uld was an available language. He hit a few commands on the table, letting the new device connect to their database. A station translation of the text began to appear in the air above. Satisfied, he quickly deactivated it. He looked back at Smith. "Thank you. We will consider this information. It appears thorough."
Smith smiled. "Thank you for giving us your time, Station Master Thel."
"When would you like to hear from us regarding this proposal?"
"Ohh, take your time. There's a lot to consider. We'll be here just a little longer. I have a meeting with your Trade Chief next."
The official stood and inclined his head. "Thank you, Ambassador Smith. Dr. Jackson. Master Teal'c. Please feel free to enjoy the hospitality of our station for the duration of your visit."
When the trio stepped out of the command center a few minutes later, Daniel smiled approvingly at Smith. "That wasn't bad, Corporal. And nice touch using their language as part of the conversation."
The marine smiled humbly. "To be honest? I didn't even know I did that."
Daniel clapped his shoulder. "Then you have good instincts."
She moaned into him as he kissed her hard. Her hands wandered down his bare chest. They went lower. And lower.
A screech forced Crawford to jump out of his sleep. His hand instantly reached over to the watch on the nightstand that was currently chirping at him, telling him it was time to wake up for the day. It silenced itself at his command.
He brought a palm up to his forehead. He struggled to clear his mind, hoping to get rid of the images from his dream.
At the same time, he wanted to dwell on them. Because that's as close as he was going to get to anything he wanted. He threw the covers off of him and stood up. He quickly found his black sleeveless top and put it on. He couldn't exit his quarters bare-chested, even if he was only heading to the common bathroom to wash up. People had to have some sense of decorum out in the halls of the crew quarters. Ship commander demanded it.
In the washroom, he splashed cool water on his face. A few other men were there, getting ready for the day as well. No one said much. They were all just as groggy as he was. Crawford was thankful. He didn't feel like talking to anyone right now. His mind was still on her. And he hated himself for it.
He stopped in his quarters briefly to don work-out clothes, then headed to the gym area on the Hammond. He would spend a couple hours there before breakfast. Then he'd be back on duty on the planet again. Everything would time out perfectly.
Crawford knew Elda liked to sleep in. He might not even see her at breakfast. She'd probably rush to her shift with nothing but a snack bar to fuel her for the morning. Then well before lunch she'd complain that she was starving. He would tease her for not being able to get up early. They'd smile and laugh. And that would be it.
He wouldn't wrap his arm around her. Or hold her close. Or sneak a few kisses in while they patrolled the surface.
No. He wouldn't do any of that. Because she didn't belong to him.
And he shouldn't belong to her.
Crawford shook his head at himself.
How'd he let himself fall this hard?
He concentrated now on exercise. Lifting weights. Cardio. All the things that made him the strong marine he was supposed to be. It helped him clear his head. And it helped him mentally prepare for another day of torture.
God, he wished Reynolds would just separate them already. He needed a break. The more time he spent with her, the more he fell into the rabbit hole. The only way out was to be apart. To get some distance from the very thing he was unwillingly obsessing about.
Shit, he thought to himself. Maybe he had to transfer to another team.
Smitty would so kick his ass.