Daughter
Chapter 77 – Royal
Smith pulled his car into a parking space designated for visitors. Crawford did the same next to him. When the marines got out of their cars, Crawford gazed up at the condo building curiously. "She's in there?"
Smith grabbed several paper bags out of the passenger seat of his car. "Yup."
"Since when does she have a place off-base?" Crawford asked incredulously as he pulled a gift-wrapped box out of his own car.
Smith sighed. "Oh, just you wait."
He led him to the main door and pressed the same buzzer he had used before. Crawford leaned in and noticed there was no name labeled there. It only intrigued him more. The door clicked, allowing them entry. The boys ventured up to the floor where Elda was hiding.
She was already peeking out the door of one of the units as they came down the hall. She smiled and waved at them enthusiastically. "Hi, guys!"
"Hey, Baby Cakes!" Smith greeted with a grin.
Crawford was still blinking and looking around.
After the door closed, the marines paused near the entryway to hug Elda. "Happy birthday, Cakes," Crawford said. As he leaned in to embrace her his eyes caught sight of a picture frame on the kitchen counter. He coughed and froze. His hand lingered on her back as he stared at the family featured there.
Smith smirked as he watched him react.
Elda hardly minded his prolonged contact, but didn't think it was a good idea with Smith right there. "Crawfy?"
His eyes shot to hers. He squinted. "Whose place is this?" he asked suspiciously. His hand was still on her.
She blinked and smiled. Elda began opening her mouth to respond.
But Smith interrupted. "Take a guess, Crawford," he said playfully. Then his eyes rested on his hand. His mouth twitched.
"You have got to be kidding me," Crawford said flatly.
Elda shrugged and kept smiling. She gently pushed him back. "This is Colonel Carter's place."
His mouth was open as he shook his head at her. "Is she here?" he asked nervously.
"No, she's offworld. Went back to the Grandpa." She looked down at his other hand. "Umm… is that for me?"
Crawford jumped. "Oh. Yeah. Here. It's from both of us." He handed it off.
She grinned. "Thanks, guys. I'll open it after we eat." Now she looked at Smith depositing the bags he brought onto the counter. Most of them were labeled Gene's Top Notch Tacos in large letters. Elda rubbed her hands together. "Thanks for bringing this over, Smitty."
"My pleasure, Baby. Happy birthday." He pulled a six-pack out of another bag. He turned around to place it in the fridge, then saw a couple six-packs were already in there. Smith gazed at them curiously. "Elda, whose beer is this?"
She leaned around him to see. "Oh. Those are General O'Neill's."
"Oh shit. Nobody touch those."
"It's okay, Smitty."
"No. Nope. No. We are not stealing beer from the General's fridge," Smith declared.
"Cakes, how the hell did you get Colonel Carter to give up her place to you for your birthday!?"
"Calm down, Crawfy. She always lets me stay here."
"What?"
Smith shook his head.
"Yeah. Vala never had a place off-base until she moved in with Daniel. So when I earned off-base privileges, the Colonel said I could come here so I'd have a place to myself."
"You couldn't just go with your sister?"
"Umm… I'm really not interested in hanging around with those two." Elda leaned in and lowered her voice. "They're very… into each other." She shuddered.
Smith began to crack up. "Can you blame Dr. Jackson, Crawford?" He continued laughing loudly.
A grin broke through the confusion on Crawford's face. "Nope."
"And that's why she's pregnant," Elda concluded aloud. She scooted around Crawford to pull paper plates out of a cabinet.
They simply leaned on the counter to eat what Smith had brought. He cracked open a few beers for everyone to enjoy.
"You were here on Earth more than a year ago, weren't you?" Crawford asked.
"Yeah."
"What did you do for your birthday last year?"
A taco paused near her mouth. "I celebrated with my sister and SG-1."
"Oh yeah?" Smith asked as he continued to stuff his face. "What did you do?"
"They threw me a party," she reported with a smile. "Vala gave me this cute little gold dress to wear."
Crawford stared at her. He knew that, but not because he was there. It looked like details from their shared experience in the dreamscape left him with more knowledge about her than he realized he had. He didn't comment.
"At Dr. Jackson's place?" Smith wondered innocently.
"Mmm hmm," she lied, mouthful of food. It would be too hard to come up with an explanation for why she visited General O'Neill's house all the way in Washington.
Smith looked worried now. "Uhh, we're not intruding, are we? Were you supposed to be with them for your birthday?"
Elda reached out an arm to wrap around his shoulders. "It's my birthday. I get to do what I want, right? You guys asked me first. So here we are. Besides, we're SG-3 now. I think it's only fair I spend this one with you."
"SG-1 is offworld anyway," Crawford reminded.
"They promised me they'll see me when they're back. I'll get to celebrate with them on a different day," Elda said reassuringly. She didn't mention that they were actually waiting for the weekend, when her father could fly in with Gracie. She glanced at their faces in the photo frame.
Smith then had another thought. "Jasuf knows it's your birthday, right?"
"He might. But it's not like he can stop what he's doing to come see me. He would have already done that if he was allowed." She frowned into her bottle.
"That sucks."
Crawford remained silent and took a long swig of beer.
Smith poked her with his elbow. "We coulda been on the station celebrating, ya know. I told the crew your birthday was coming up. They thought you should try to stop in."
"Aww, but I told you. I don't think I can pull that off again."
"Why not? How'd you even get permission the first time?"
Crawford smiled. "She won't tell us. Believe me, I already tried asking her."
Elda smirked into her food.
His eyes glanced around at the counter and caught sight of General O'Neill in the picture frame again. His mouth quirked. Something tugged at his mind, as if there was another detail buried deep that he should know about her. He picked up another taco to eat instead, not even sure what that feeling was just now.
"A magician never reveals her secrets," Smith deadpanned.
Elda and Crawford locked eyes with each other. Then their gazes quickly darted away. Smith didn't notice. He let out a large, distracting burp.
"Ughh!" Elda groaned.
Crawford laughed.
"And that means I am done," Smith announced.
Elda smacked his arm. He swatted at her in defense then pulled her into an embrace. Smith kissed her cheek. "Come on, Birthday Girl. Let's open your present."
They settled on the couch with Elda in the middle. She unwrapped the gift and opened the box. Elda gasped. "Eeeee, it's perfect!"
She pulled out a framed picture of Smith and Baker holding itty, bitty tea cups while Gracie was gesturing at them in Dr. Jackson's living room.
"Oh my God, you didn't!" Smith yelled at Crawford indignantly.
Elda and Crawford began cracking up hysterically. Smith grabbed Elda's hips to move her out of the way so he could smack Crawford up a bit. She continued to laugh as she watched them play-fight over Crawford's joke gift.
She reached into the box and found a gift card at the bottom. It was for a local department store, the same one where she bought a dress with Rellie before. Smith must have suggested that. She held it up. "Thanks, boys!"
Smith slapped Crawford in the face. "You're welcome, Baby!"
His buddy defended himself while laughing. "Happy birthday, Elda."
A knock on the door had Elda looking up from the trash bin, where she was depositing the last of the paper goods from their meal. She wiped off her hands and answered the door. "Crawfy? You forget something?"
"Yeah, think I left my phone behind."
Elda let him in and turned around to gaze at the condo. "I didn't see it."
When the door clicked shut, he turned her around and pulled her into his arms. Crawford hugged her close. "Happy birthday, Babe," he said gently into her ear.
Elda's heart beat faster. She smiled at him. "What are you doing?" she asked quietly.
"Giving you your real present." He placed a small box into her hands.
She looked down at it with surprise. When she opened it up, a small heart-shaped charm was displayed neatly there, hanging from a chain. She pulled it from its cardboard. It was a necklace. "Chase," she whispered.
He pulled it out of her hands to clasp it around her neck. The way his fingertips brushed along her skin was like fire. Elda fingered the charm hanging on top of her T-shirt admiringly. She hugged him again, burying her face into the crook of his neck. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to." Crawford squeezed her and kissed her hair.
Elda raised her head to stare into his eyes. "I wish…"
"I know." He gently extricated himself from her hold. He stepped back to take her in. "T-shirt and jeans and still gorgeous," he said with a smile.
Elda remembered him complimenting her like that inside the dreamscape. She smiled sadly. "Thank you, for this. I love it."
He didn't touch her any further. "You're welcome." Crawford stepped back, regret in his expression. "I'll see you at work tomorrow."
Elda nodded. "Okay."
When the door clicked again and he was gone, a tear rolled down her cheek.
"And what's this?" Vala asked as she pulled on a silver chain peeking out from beneath Elda's collar.
Elda slapped her hand. "Stop," she whined.
Vala pulled her hand back. "Who hits a pregnant lady?"
Elda's eye twitched as she glared at her across the table in the commissary. "Me."
Vala harumphed. "How was your birthday celebration with the marines the other day?"
"Good. We had Gene's and some beer. They gave me a gift card to Dillards."
Her mother eyed the shiny chain barely visible on her neck. She noticed that Elda didn't mention it as part of her explanation. She eyed her suspiciously.
Elda just kept eating her lunch.
"Where did you guys celebrate?"
"The condo."
"You brought the marines to the condo?"
"I didn't bring them, Vala. They drove themselves."
"Did you order a driver from the base to get home and back?" Vala knew Sam was offworld at the same time as them. They all missed her actual birthday due to their mission schedules.
"What is with all the questions?" Elda asked with annoyance.
"What is with the attitude?" Vala retorted.
Elda huffed. "I don't have one." She didn't bother to say more. Elda just shook her head.
"Darling," her mother said with warning.
She looked up, challenge in her eyes.
Vala could tell she'd very much prefer to be left alone. And she didn't care. "Out with it," she demanded.
Elda groaned. "I am simply tired. And on edge."
"Why."
She twisted her mouth around. "I haven't seen Jasuf in months."
Now Vala thought she understood. "When is the last time you heard from him?"
"I haven't."
Vala furrowed her brow. "Surely, they would allow him to send word of his well-being?"
"Nope. Apparently the fleet's movements are a closely-guarded secret. I get some intel because of my station, but not a call home." She puffed out a breath. "All this supposed prestige, and I don't even get the privilege of that," Elda complained.
She didn't say aloud that Chase had stepped into the role of a doting boyfriend while Jasuf was gone. It made her birthday about as good as it could be, considering the circumstances. And that was part of what made Elda feel conflicted. She couldn't ever have imagined wanting to betray Jasuf. And yet here she was, being tempted nearly every day now. Jasuf's continued absence was not helping the situation at all.
"It sounds like there's some resentment there," Vala commented.
"Well, can you blame me? And I will bet you any sum of money that the Jaffa wife in my situation must be feeling the same. One of the guardsmen he took along with him is married and has a son."
Vala grimaced. "How is the rest of the village?"
"They're fine. Meil'nor says everyone is happy."
"So does that mean you don't have to go over there to help as much now?"
Elda shook her head. "He still needs me, Vala. The work doesn't stop, even if I've made it as efficient as it can be now. And there's the matter of security on Tek'ron. I can't ignore that. I'm chiefly responsible for it!"
"He put you in charge of that?"
"No, I took that one on myself. I'm the one who can maintain awareness of what's going on around the galaxy. I have access to intel that could lead to better security decisions," she explained. "It needs to be me."
Vala just stared at her in awe. She found herself impressed. Elda had really stepped up. All it took was a little push and she was performing admirably as a leader. She wasn't even complaining about the title part anymore. "Some things you just have to see to personally," Vala concurred.
"Exactly."
"So there is no word on when the warriors can return?"
Elda sighed. "No. We only ever get messages from the Council saying that the work continues." She rubbed her forehead tiredly, looking a lot like Sam when she was frustrated.
Vala smiled at this.
"Those Goa'uld are a really annoying problem."
She reached out a hand to clasp Elda's on the table. "Anything we can do to help?"
"I imagine Command would have already put us on the case if the High Council wanted Earth to get involved. I don't think the Jaffa want outside interference right now."
"You let me know, Darling, if you can think of anything we can do, without causing more problems."
"Thanks, Vala," Elda responded glumly.
Reynolds paused the tape in the briefing room. A TV had been wheeled in to show the team his interviews with Perim. "My first question is: can we trust anything this guy says?"
Elda stared at the image of the former Chigu representative on the screen. "Everything he told you matches up with what Gen told the boys."
"And then some," Smith remarked.
Baker guessed, "He probably wants to stick it to 'em over at Chigu. Maybe he's hoping we'll take 'em down."
"But will we?" Crawford wondered. "Their organization is huge. I can't even imagine the chaos that will cause if we destabilize them."
Reynolds regarded him with approval for his intelligent statement. "Exactly, Sergeant. They're too big to fail."
"Like the Big Three handful of years ago," Baker commented.
"Huh?"
"Cars, Baby. Cars," the Lieutenant said cryptically.
Elda scrunched her face. Smith patted her shoulder, promising to explain recent events to her. Crawford locked eyes with her and sent her the same promise.
Reynolds then said, "My next question is: what can we do without biting off more than we can chew?"
Elda's eyes went wide as she tried to translate that phrasing now. She remained quiet and let the others jump in, hoping to figure out what he really meant using context clues.
Crawford smiled slightly at that. "What if we identify the real big-wigs?" He purposely looked at Elda to translate for her. "The guys in charge." She nodded in thanks.
"And then what, Sergeant?"
"Then…"
Baker spoke up, "We replace 'em."
Everyone turned to him.
"We do that overseas when we see a dictator we don't like," he pointed out.
"Replace them with who, Lieutenant?" Reynolds challenged.
"That I would not be able to say, sir," he admitted.
"Again. Biting. Chewing," Reynolds reminded.
Elda blinked rapidly, having failed to figure that one out.
"I'm going to have to cut that Chigu rep loose, unless you all can come up with a reason for him to stay."
"Colonel, how much of the base has he seen? Isn't that a security risk to just let him go?" Elda asked.
"We've been careful not to reveal much, Elda. He's had a guard with him anytime he goes for a walk. And they've only escorted him to a couple of levels, namely the infirmary and the meeting rooms. He's been taking all his meals there or in his quarters."
"What about when he leaves? He'll see the gate room. That might already be too much."
"Geez, Baby, paranoid much?" Smith teased.
She smacked his shoulder.
"Ow."
Reynolds smiled at her placatingly. "You're awfully security conscious lately. But you're not wrong. We are better off not letting him see a damn thing. We'll knock him out and bring him through the gate then. How's that?"
Smith raised his hand. "I volunteer to knock him out, sir."
"I meant with drugs, Smith."
"I could inject those," he replied immediately.
"You really wanna beat his ass, don't you, Sergeant?"
"Yes, sir, I do," Smith confirmed without shame.
"Permission denied," Reynolds said. "He's now an asset. We're going to re-tag him and keep tabs on him after we let him go."
"Is he going to know he's tagged?" Elda wondered with a raised brow.
"Nope."
"Welcome home, Lady Elda," a guard greeted when she returned to Tek'ron after work that day. He was one of the men assigned to watch the gate today. The midday sun shone down on them, offering a comfortable warmth. Tek'ron was out of alignment with Earth again. She had left one planet in evening only to arrive at this one in full sun.
"Thank you, Brother," she said with a smile.
"There is an urgent communique for you. The Tribe Father awaits you in the governance hut."
"Urgent? From who?"
"The High Council."
Her eyes widened. She declined the guard's offer for an escort and rushed into the forest. Elda reached the governance hut in no time. The minders opened the heavy door for her to allow her entry.
She bowed low at the opening. "Father," she said through her ragged breaths.
"Lady Elda, come." Meil'nor gestured for her to be seated immediately. He handed her a tablet. "Orders from the High Council."
She sat with the device, confused. "Orders?" She quietly read through the message, eyes growing larger as she went. Her gaze shot to her Jaffa father's.
"It would seem they have found a task for you after all, Kal'ma."
Elda's mouth gaped. "I have to comply with this, don't I?"
"Indeed. It may not be politically advisable to use your human connections as a shield here. Although I have no doubt your Command could forbid you from doing this, they may hesitate to do so. The alliance would be put to a test."
She groaned. "What scheming does the High Council conduct now?" she complained.
"I can only conjecture, Kal'ma. I do not have a seat at their table."
Elda stared at him, considering his words. Maybe it would be beneficial for Tek'ron to have a seat on the Council, so inconveniences like this could be avoided. The Hak'tyl once had that. But there was some significant event in the Council's history which saw it being compromised and then completely rebuilt. Ishta declined to send another sister and demand inclusion that time. Now Elda wondered why.
Maybe when Jasuf ascended, they could see about having his father ascend to the Council, too.
It was a plan she'd have to manipulate into action over the long-term.
And then Elda caught herself. She was thinking like them.
She grumbled internally. Since when had she become a full-fledged leader among her Jaffa brethren? Elda didn't even realize it was happening. And now she knew she was fully committed. This order from the High Council was her proof.
"Father, when did we receive this communique?"
"While you were still away. I attempted to send a message to Earth, but your human leadership explained you were on a sensitive mission and could not be interrupted."
"You didn't tell them it was urgent?"
"They promised me that you would be available soon. And I presumed you did not want to give the High Council the impression that they could pull you from your duties to Earth. They have never made such an agreement with your human leadership."
Elda smiled at him, impressed. "How cunning of you. So if I'm late, it's because Earth needed me. Earth, who is their trusted ally that they better not dare mess with."
He matched her smile and inclined his head. "Indeed."
"I like the way you think," she said playfully.
Meil'nor laughed quietly with her. "Your approval pleases me," he teased.
Elda had the good sense to look chagrined. But she only felt a little shame. She knew Meil'nor understood her. And she knew she had his favor. It only made her love him more.
She sighed and stood without waiting for his permission. It was allowed here because a higher authority was calling upon her to act. "I will take my leave to prepare. Technically, it's nightfall on Earth. This is going to leave me so tired once it's done."
"Chel nok, dear Kal'ma," he said lovingly, wishing her luck. "Worry not of the village upon your return. I will allow you to rest. It will be your reward after serving the Council."
Elda pouted at him adoringly. She leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I love you, Father."
"And I you. Krelnok," he urged her to go.
"As you say."
She ventured out of the hut into the sunshine. Her hand unconsciously went up over her eyes to block the bright light. It was helping wake her body up instead of letting it wind down for rest. She was about to spend the equivalent of an all-nighter offworld.
"Please summon Lo'zim to my hut. Inform him we will depart Tek'ron. I will need a guard," she ordered a minder. Then she turned to another one. "Send word to the Hak'tyl that I require sisters to join my guard. Let them coordinate directly with my protector."
Two of the four minders acknowledged her and ran off to do her bidding.
"Where is the Head Mistress?"
"Likely in her work hut, My Lady."
"See that she is informed of the Council's wishes for me. The Tribe Father has the communique. Tell her I will be dressing in my hut."
A third minder ventured inside to retrieve Meil'nor's tablet to bring to the other Jaffa in question. She patted the forearm of the fourth minder and let him be. She needed to leave at least one behind for Meil'nor to summon. Elda rubbed at her neck as she went further into the village toward the residences.
Along the way, the people greeted her warmly with bows and smiles. She returned them in kind, wishing she had time to stop and talk with a few of them. They each had interesting stories to tell. She was willing to hear them all. But her duties today weren't affording her such a pleasure.
Elda threw open the door to her hut and groaned loudly to herself.
It's like she could never get a break. She was constantly switching back and forth between two demanding jobs with no end in sight from either. Aside from Meil'nor's promise to let her have a little time off, Elda had no long-term respite to look forward to.
She realized she could use a vacation. Her sanity depended on it.
Maybe she could beg her father to let her escape to the space station and just hide there for a while. Rellie would put her up. She was sure of it.
Instead of dwelling on that fantasy, Elda went to the closet and started examining her wardrobe. She already wore the red dress the first time she was summoned to the Council chambers. Then another time she was there she had picked the teal one. When one of the Council members visited their village, she was told to wear the black one because of the color's significance. Now it made her wonder if she had to consider such a thing again today.
A knock on the open door distracted her. "My Lady," a female voice called in.
"Enter."
The Head Mistress appeared. "An important calling," she commented, having been briefed on the situation.
"Apparently." Elda gestured toward the dresses. "I would appreciate your suggestion on what to wear."
The female Jaffa stepped forward. She reached out immediately to thumb through the choices. "Here," she said decisively. "The purple hue will signify your regal quality."
"Regal?" Elda repeated dubiously.
"For this occasion you must put on airs of a queen, Lady Elda. The task set before you is one of demonstration. You must show your sophistication and strength as a leader."
"A queen," Elda said flatly. She let out a very heavy breath. The marines would eat her alive if they heard about this. Cameron, too. "This sounds like a charm offensive to me."
"That is a fitting description for it, My Lady. If framing the order in that manner benefits you, I encourage you to do so."
Elda would have considered asking if there was anything she should need to know about impressing her audience, but she already knew what to do. Her audience was about to be human. She was an expert in manipulating them.
Gawds, she murmured to herself. If only she wasn't so good at it. Then maybe they wouldn't have picked her for this.
Rya'c and his guard stood ready at the gate when it activated. The kawoosh roared, then settled back into a calm puddle.
The event horizon rippled gently as a very large Jaffa male stepped through, flanked by two Hak'tyl. They marched forward together and paused before Rya'c.
He waited.
Soon more individuals passed through. The trio of Jaffa separated to reveal their charge behind them. She was surrounded by both male and female guards. All held staff weapons. The men wore traditional armor. The warrior women wore leathers and furs adorned with metal customized for their shapely frames.
Rya'c kept his expression neutral, but his eyes were full of delight. He bowed respectfully. "Lady Elda of Tek'ron. It is an honor to finally greet you."
Elda reciprocated his bow. She chose to regard him as a peer with the depth of her bend. "Rya'c of Chulak, son of my beloved Uncle Teal'c. The honor is mine," she replied formally. Her guards bowed lower than her in respect.
He gazed at her, already impressed. She might be late, but perhaps her tardiness would only add to her mysterious quality. She was dressed in royal purple, a universal color to signify one's place among great leaders. His eyes darted among her guard, noting their professionalism and ease with each other. The Hak'tyl did not seem to mind sharing duties with the males. That was encouraging.
It would seem her reputation was true. She was indeed a great uniter of peoples.
Rya'c just knew she would be perfect for this task he had in mind.
"Come, let us have a short discussion. Then I will escort you to the meeting hall."
Elda inclined her head and took Rya'c's arm. He motioned for his guard to be at ease and let Elda's remain in the lead. Lo'zim and his two Hak'tyl companions fell into step just behind them.
Rya'c took her on a small tour of the local human city, weaving in and out of streets in a manner that prolonged their time together. It also served to put her on display for the people there, which Elda was acutely aware of. She kept her facial expressions perfectly controlled, pretending these were Jaffa she had to impress right now. The effort would only make her look more imperial to their human eyes.
"Thank you for taking the time to come," Rya'c said pleasantly. "Your presence will aid in our work here greatly."
Elda hummed. Her eyes scanned her surroundings. She might have a capable Jaffa guard protecting her, but she still liked to maintain situational awareness. "And what work do you mean for me to accomplish today, Rya'c?"
He glanced at her, sensing a challenge in her tone.
"I merely ask to have context," she clarified, "so that I can craft my words carefully for your benefit."
The Jaffa male smiled. She was already so good with words. "This world was recently freed from oppression under a harsh Goa'uld master. Your own sim'ka and his men have been here to ensure its continued security and demonstrate that Free Jaffa have risen beyond the atrocities their fathers were forced to commit."
"Jasuf was here?" she asked curiously.
"Indeed, My Lady."
"So he is well?"
Rya'c smiled reassuringly. "He is. I am glad to report that we have formed a comfortable rapport with one another."
Elda considered this. "That is pleasing to hear." She wondered what advantage Jasuf could take from having Rya'c's favor. Maybe that would be how he manipulated himself into coming home. She would have to trust Jasuf to know what to do to accomplish that on his own. Otherwise she'd need to get this Jaffa to like her a lot so she could do the manipulation herself.
She sighed internally. She really didn't want to work Teal'c's son as a mark. But she'd do it if she had to.
Rya'c still hadn't explained the point of her being here. So she simply let him continue on.
"The people of this planet control significant resources. Therefore, they have the potential to influence other human-controlled worlds with large populations such as this. The High Council seeks your assistance in convincing these humans that it is possible for our two species to co-exist."
If Elda had a table to drum her fingers along, they would be tap-tap-tapping away right now. She stopped them in the middle of the street. Her guard automatically followed.
Rya'c raised his brow.
She leaned in. "Let me guess. The High Council would like some access to those significant resources you spoke of and wants to curry favor with the people in charge here." She smiled tightly, waiting for Rya'c to simply confirm her conclusion.
He tilted his head. "You have an impressive ability to see through tak manak," Rya'c noted, referring to tricks and deception. Essentially the Jaffa version of bullshit.
"Oh Rya'c, you don't even know," Elda murmured tiredly.
He laughed aloud. "I see now why my father adores you. Jasuf as well." He looked around at the other Jaffa. "Tell me, Jaffa, is your Lady Elda always this entertaining?"
Lo'zim adopted a little smirk and stepped forward to speak. Rya'c nodded at him permissively. "Her charms have enraptured us all," his deep voice boomed. The guards around him all nodded their heads to agree.
Elda nearly rolled her eyes. She settled for brushing a hand along Lo'zim's cheek affectionately. "You flatter me, my giant." She shook her head and gestured for them all to continue on.
Meanwhile, the human city-dwellers watched their loving exchange with great interest. They whispered among each other. A few found themselves compelled to follow the group and listen in further.
"Since I can simply be honest with you, I will tell you this, Lady Elda. I hope for you to show the city leadership that you willingly devote your time to the Free Jaffa and find them worthwhile partners. I have made strides to convince them, but they will accept the truth better from one of their own."
"You hit a wall."
"Indeed. They will entertain my words no further. But they did seem intrigued by the idea that Jasuf had taken a human mate and regarded her so highly. I thought inviting you here as evidence would further our objectives."
Elda twisted her mouth around in circles. There it was. She was going to be a pretty object to dangle in front of tired old men to make them more amenable to whatever Rya'c wanted them to think. Good intentions or not, Elda didn't appreciate being used. She was willing to give Rya'c the benefit of the doubt, though. He was Teal'c's son after all. And he was technically family at this point.
On top of all that, he seemed to have an interesting influence on the Jaffa High Council. If they were willing to just go along with his designs for manipulation and call upon her like this, then Rya'c held some useful sway of his own. Maybe he was her 'in' to get Meil'nor a seat in their chambers.
Mark, it is.
"I will help you with this task, Rya'c. But I would like to ask for something from you in return."
"Name it."
"Two things, actually. First: let us regard each other as family. Your father is dear to me. And thus, so you will be. You have married a Hak'tyl sister. It is only right that we consider each other as close to blood kin as we can."
Rya'c smiled sweetly at her suggestion. "Then you shall be a cousin to me, Lady Elda. A dear one."
She smiled back and inclined her head thankfully. She patted his forearm to seal the agreement. "Next: Let my sim'ka come home. Our village misses him and our guardsmen dearly. A young child misses his father. They have been away long. We seek their comfort and their safety."
"It shall be done. That decision takes no effort on my part. Your sim'ka already expressed a longing for home that I understood. He and his men will be dismissed when our occupation of this planet ends peacefully."
Elda blinked. So Jasuf already negotiated his way out of the Army? Great. She had duplicated work unnecessarily. She gritted her teeth but moved on. "Thank you, Dear Cousin."
Rya'c inclined his head, pleased that she was so willing to connect with him as she was now. "If there is nothing further, Cousin…" he hazarded respectfully.
"Let us begin."
Fezir's brow twitched in irritation. Andin ground his teeth together. Bier scowled.
Jasuf merely let out a tired sigh.
They had been summoned by Rya'c to meet him in the city's square during their promised rest period. The order came with no explanation of why they were here or what was expected of them.
So they simply stood waiting as humans stared at them nervously while going about their business. The servants from the meeting hall made no offers to provide them seating. Nor did they even pay them any mind. The Tek'ronians were being ignored by city leadership, it would seem. Without Rya'c's presence, they were just another set of Jaffa occupying their city.
That would suit Jasuf just fine if it were not for the unexplained waiting. He did not see the point of being here. His men might think he had Rya'c's favor, but it did not mean the commander would reveal everything to him. He didn't want that privilege in the first place. It would only lead to more duty that he did not have an ambition for. Jasuf was acutely aware that he was thinking exactly like Elda. But he didn't care. His only goal was to go home.
They had done their part. It was simply time.
Some humans gathered in another part of the square and spoke animatedly. The Tek'ronians ignored them at first. But then some of their words drifted toward their ears.
"She spoke with love toward that giant of a Jaffa," one human male marveled.
"And yet she is human!" a female replied.
"They say she is not a host."
"The affection was genuine, then?"
"How could that be? She walks with them without fear. As if she commands them."
"We are certain she is not a host, are we not?"
"I do not know."
The Jaffa warriors all shared looks. It couldn't be.
Jasuf gritted his teeth together. If Rya'c had brought her here…
"Look, see there. She arrives."
"The Jaffa commander escorts her personally."
"They smile as if they are familiar."
The guardsmen all looked and saw Lo'zim in the lead. He caught sight of them immediately. His mouth twitched in recognition but he made no sudden moves. His duty was to Elda. Jasuf was not his superior in this moment.
What he could do was reposition himself to the side so they could get a look at who he was protecting.
Jasuf drew in a shaky breath. There she was.
Elda looked magnificent in a royal purple dress that accentuated her figure. A golden flower motif decorated the bodice, which drew up around her neck in a collar. The ornate décor danced in waves around her shoulders, with delicate fabric casting down like waterfalls over both arms. The front of the bodice formed a V over her chest, which was fully-covered this time. A matching belt cinched the dress at her waist and the skirt continued down to her ankles. A high slit in the front added to the allure.
Elda not only wore his mother's bracelet on her wrist, but had also adorned her head with jewels that only made her look more regal than she already was. The gems shined in the bright sunlight, just like her eyes. Her hair was pinned into an elegant updo with soft waves. A purple Tek'ronian flower peeked out from the curls.
If Jasuf hadn't yet fallen in love with her, he would have now.
Bier spoke quietly. "Now do you understand why you should make her your queen, Jasuf?"
Andin quipped, "She could command the entire Free Jaffa Army if she pleased."
Fezir sniggered as he looked between his fellow warriors and Jasuf's captivated look.
It was all Jasuf could do to keep himself from going to her right now. She was with his superior. He could not intrude.
Rya'c made a gesture in his direction, causing Elda to turn and look. Her mouth parted and he watched her take in a heavy breath.
Jasuf almost took a step forward. Bier held him back.
It was then that the doors to the great hall opened. Rya'c redirected Elda's attention to the human leaders. They were now gazing down upon her from a raised platform surrounding the hall. She was forced to engage them instead of greeting her long-lost beloved.
Rya'c brought her before the human leaders and released her elbow from his hold. They bowed together in unison toward the old men, who remained expressionless. He made formal introductions, only referring to her as Lady Elda of Tek'ron and nothing more. He knew better than to try and impress them with all the possible titles she possessed. They would be meaningless to these human leaders.
The other humans in the growing crowd whispered and pointed. Some were admiring this regal-looking human woman. Others were flabbergasted by the ease with which she conducted herself among all these Jaffa.
Rya'c could hear them and was quite satisfied with this. He turned his head to give Jasuf a look, telling him so. "As a courtesy to the Lady Elda, I will invite her betrothed, the Lead Protector of Tek'ron, to join us. She has not seen him in at least two moons."
Jasuf understood this summons. He stepped forward, quietly annoyed with Rya'c's scheming, whatever it was. He inclined his head to the guardsmen and Hak'tyl he hadn't seen in months. They bowed to him respectfully as a superior, further demonstrating his station and importance to the humans who knew nothing of their affairs.
Elda reached a hand up to stroke his face. Her expression was perfectly controlled, but Jasuf could see the love in her eyes. He glanced briefly at Rya'c, who nodded his head permissively.
He leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Elda's lips. She smiled into it.
"My Love," she whispered.
"My Sun and My Moon," he said gently.
Their eyes exchanged looks of adoration, then they both turned to face the old human men watching them with interest. Jasuf bowed respectfully.
"Let us have our discussion inside," the Magistrate announced.
The group filed in and the heavy doors shut loudly. The humans in the crowd all murmured to each other in exclamation at the rare display of love between a human and a Jaffa.
Bier stared at them all tiredly. He shook his head and stepped forward to grasp forearms with Lo'zim. The other guards greeted each other as well.
"Brother," Lo'zim began, "how do you fare?"
"I am tired, Giant. What is the meaning of this visit?" Bier asked.
Lo'zim lowered his voice so only the guards could hear. "Rya'c means to use Lady Elda to further his objectives. He has promised to dismiss you soon."
"Jasuf already secured our dismissal, Brother."
"So I heard. Our human sister sees through the Council's tak manak."
"Of course she does."
"It only pleased Rya'c more."
"Oh no."
As the human men began to ask Elda curious questions, Jasuf and Rya'c hung back. She was front and center before them as the human leaders sat on ornate chairs in a row. A table draped in a simple cloth stood between them.
"Why is she here?" Jasuf whispered. He tried desperately to keep the testiness out of his tone. He still felt compelled to show deference to Rya'c as a superior.
"She will convince these human men of what I have been trying to tell them since our conversation began days ago. They will hear her better than me."
"Rya'c, I will remind you she is Hak'tyl. She will not stand to be some object for them to aspire to possess."
"She is also a human courier, Jasuf. And a good one, from my understanding. She is here to lean on her talents and end this occupation quickly. You wish to go home, do you not?" he challenged playfully.
"Is that what was negotiated between you?"
"No. The Council commanded her presence here. She is fulfilling her duties."
Jasuf scrunched his face then turned to watch his future wife work.
"No, Magistrate," Elda continued on with her own conversation, which felt more like an interrogation. "I am not a slave." She kept her tone even, despite the aggravating arrogance of the men seated before her. The one in the middle was the leader. The other four were his Councilmen.
"From where do you hail, then?"
"Perhaps you have heard of a world named Earth, Council Member."
"Earth? As in the Tau'ri?"
"Indeed."
"What would a Tau'ri be doing playing Jaffa on another world?"
She narrowed her eyes. "It is possible to be loyal to multiple tribes, Council Member. The Jaffa have given me security and comfort. In return, I show them my devotion for their kindness."
"Kindness?" another of the men repeated incredulously.
"I stand before you as a recipient of their benevolence. The Jaffa saved my life. They nurtured me in times when my own human family could not. I am as loyal to them as I would be to the Tau'ri."
"Why would Jaffa do such a thing for a young human girl? They would just as soon kill you for their troubles."
"Not the Free Jaffa. The Goa'uld ruined my youth," she said bitterly. "It was via the Free Jaffa's protection that I survived. And while my own blood sister was taken as a host, the Jaffa hid me and taught me all they know until she could be freed. I am as much a victim of the Goa'uld as you."
Rya'c furrowed his brow, not having heard this part of her story before. He glanced at Jasuf, whose unsurprised eyes remained forward.
The human men looked at each other, reacting quietly and absorbing her words.
"Tell me, Lady Elda, how did you come by the title you now possess?"
"I am trained by Hak'tyl warriors. I led Jaffa men on an operation to rescue him," she said, pointing backwards at Jasuf, "from foul human kidnappers who sought to ransom him for his tribe's resources. His warriors gifted me my station. His father adopted me as one of his own."
Rya'c seemed impressed.
"Your mate and his men told us you lead in his absence."
"It is true."
Jasuf's mouth opened slightly in surprise. She was so confident in her answer. He expected to hear a hint of humility. There was none.
"I command the tribe and ensure security for the Jaffa world of Tek'ron," she declared self-assuredly.
Jasuf's eyes widened. This was not the same sim'ka he had left behind.
The human men considered her carefully. There was no denying the commanding presence she walked in with. She knew what to say. She knew how to counter their trying words. And she seemed ready to rip them all apart with a look, supporting her assertion that she was trained as a Jaffa warrior.
They had no choice but to acknowledge that they were in the presence of royalty.
The Magistrate stood. "Lady Elda, perhaps you will oblige us with more of your time."
"What is it that you seek to do with that time, Magistrate?" she said icily.
Rya'c sucked in a nervous breath now at her tone.
"Steady, Brother," Jasuf whispered proudly.
The old man seemed to sputter. He was standing, yet he didn't seem to stand quite as tall as her. "We should like to know what to expect when we establish positive relations with the Free Jaffa Nation."
Rya'c's eyes lit up.
Elda raised a brow and smirked. Her job was done. "I will leave such details to my Cousin Rya'c, who has tirelessly sought your ear while maintaining your world's continued security."
"Your cousin?"
"Indeed. His father Teal'c is my uncle, married to my Hak'tyl tribe leader and a good friend to my human family. Rya'c and I are kin."
Jasuf fought a smile.
Rya'c openly smiled. He didn't care what it looked like. He was simply delighted by this turn of events. He stepped forward now. "Dear kin," he emphasized.
Elda raised her chin confidently. "You would do well to listen to this Jaffa warrior. He has the ear of the highest seat of governance in all the Free Jaffa Nation. Should you ever find yourself in need of a powerful ally, Rya'c can assist you. The Free Jaffa seek peace and cooperation with their neighbors, Magistrate. Do not pass up this opportunity to make a resourceful friend."
Her words cut through him like a knife. He was forced to bow his head in respect.
Before he could craft an intelligent response, Elda announced, "I shall take my leave. Thank you for hosting me for this brief visit. I must now attend to several matters on Tek'ron." She bowed respectfully, but perhaps not as low as she would have had these been respectable Jaffa leaders. Elda spun around. Her royal purple cape swung majestically about her as she moved.
The servants posted by the doors immediately pulled them open for her. They felt obligated to bow to her in deference as she floated regally out of the hall.
Jasuf inclined his head to the leaders, then followed her out.
Rya'c turned around and regarded the human men with a friendly smile. "How shall we begin?"
"Bier," Elda warmly greeted outside, reaching out two hands to him.
He smiled readily and placed his hands in hers. He stepped back to bow formally. "Lady Elda," he said with great respect.
The human crowd watched carefully.
She reached over to Andin and Fezir to have similar exchanges. Jasuf merely stood with her, surreptitiously taking in the wide looks of the city-dwellers around them.
"Have you been well?" she asked eagerly of the men.
"Well enough," Andin replied.
"What transpired inside that hall?" Fezir asked. He glanced at Jasuf, who didn't chide him for his daring question. They all understood there was a show to put on here. Their human audience was watching.
Elda waited a beat before answering. The delay would allow the people to think she was thoughtful and deliberate in all her responses.
As a queen might be.
She'd never had a manipulation job quite as big as this. An entire Jaffa guard was silently tasked to help her. She didn't even have to ask.
"Dear Fezir," she said, placing an affectionate hand on his forearm, "City leadership invited me to speak and share how well our people co-exist with our human allies. As a daughter of the Tau'ri, I was a natural choice to explain."
The guardsman tried not to grin. He inclined his head gratefully.
Jasuf bit his cheek to stifle a laugh. "She spoke eloquently and represented us well." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and kissed her hair. "I could not be more proud to stand at her side."
The Hak'tyl among them smiled in approval. It was about time Jasuf stood at her side instead of the other way around. Their sister almost looked to be above him in station. It was quite satisfying.
"Then perhaps," Bier pretended to contemplate, "these fine people will be open to an accord. Initiated as such by our future queen."
Elda shot him a look of warning.
He smiled back, eyes twinkling.
Jasuf's smile faded a little. He could feel her disapproval with that suggestion. "We should not delay our Lady Elda from her duties further," he announced. "Let us all escort her to the chaapa'ai." He leaned down to address her. "With permission, My Love, I will lead your guard."
Elda turned her head to smile at him adoringly. "If it pleases you."
"Jaffa, kree!"