Daughter
Chapter 52 – In Line
A strange alarm chirped across the entire station. Data pads lit up with a new alert overlaying every other dialog box that might be in use.
Elda glanced down curiously at hers. Her eyes widened slightly. She looked up at Crawford and Smith, who were seeing the same alert as her. The three of them gazed up. Virtual timers appeared in the air, evenly spaced around the ceiling. Larger ones could be seen ticking down in the distance, where the main station center was.
Mitchell glanced around, noticing the commotion. The SGC personnel had just left the bar they were in. SG-3 was about to reboard the Firefly and depart the station. "What's going on?" he wondered.
Carolyn gazed up at the timers in confusion. Her finger pointed at them curiously. "Those seem new."
"Sir," Crawford explained, "the station is counting down until another time dilation."
"What!"
Mitchell spun, seeing that every single timer was displaying the same thing. A countdown was being shown in five different numbering systems. "The Station Master didn't mention this," he complained.
"It's probably no big deal to him, Cam. And we were focused on other important topics," Daniel pointed out.
"How long do we have?" Mitchell asked the younger members of SG-3.
Elda answered, "A week."
Carolyn sighed. "Maybe it will be enough." She gazed up at Cameron next to her, whose face was stuck in a squint.
He locked eyes with her. "It's gonna have to be." Mitchell turned to Reynolds. "We'll remain on board with Puddle Jumper 1. You go on ahead back to the Hammond and return to base."
SG-3 leader nodded. "I'd stick to radio silence when you drive back home later in the jumper. We didn't have any problems with pirates when we did that," he suggested.
"All that effort to place the buoy and we can only half-use it," Mitchell groused.
"Better than nothing, Cameron," Vala said.
"You can still call for a mayday using the buoy if you really have to. But better to not need it at all," Reynolds added.
Cameron glanced at Elda, who shrugged in agreement. He knew it was her realization that led Reynolds to declare radio silence on the way to the station. Apparently the rare comms traffic SG-1 initiated last time they traveled here was the very thing that alerted pirates to their position.
"We'll see to it that we're off this station well before those timers run out," Mitchell decided.
"Out of curiosity," Daniel cut in, "what kind of time dilation are they planning to do?"
"Ummm…." Elda clicked around in her data pad.
Smith leaned over her and pointed. "Go in there… then there." She looked up at him curiously. "Rellie showed me before."
Elda followed his instructions and found the relevant report. "Says here, three weeks on the outside and… wow. Six months on the inside." She made eye contact with Daniel anxiously. "I wouldn't get stuck here if I were you."
He shook his head emphatically. "Not planning on it."
"Those intervals are different than in the previous time dilation, are they not?" Teal'c asked.
"Very different," Smith said worriedly. He looked at his teammates. "We are so damn lucky we didn't get stuck here for this dilation."
"Colonel, can we go now?" Elda asked eagerly of her own CO. She had absolutely no interest in being away from Jasuf that long. The station was a nice place to visit, but she didn't want to live here.
Mitchell sighed internally. He only just got here. SG-1 had made decent headway with their objectives, but he didn't like the pressure a time crunch like this was placing on him. Like in most situations, there simply wasn't ever enough time.
"As long as the cargo you traded for is loaded onto the Hammond," Reynolds answered Elda.
She nodded. "I can check that on the way back to our dock." She held up her data pad to emphasize her statement.
He turned back to Mitchell. "Colonel."
"Colonel."
"See you back at home." Reynolds tipped his hat to Carolyn, then gestured for Crawford to take point. Elda waved goodbye to SG-1 and followed her team away.
When they were out of sight, Cameron reached up to rub at his neck. He gazed around at the station. None of its inhabitants seemed particularly bothered by the snap announcement that they would be trapped here for an extended period of time. They all seemed to be hustling to the next items on their agendas. SG-1 continued to be completely ignored.
"Why the Hell do they need to close this place off for that long?" he complained aloud again.
"I can see if the Station Master is willing to explain that," Daniel offered.
"Yeah, do that." Cam noted the time on his own wristwatch. "Alright, split up like we planned. Carolyn, Teal'c, and I will head back to that Research building. Jackson, Princess: continue to hammer out the agreement with the Station Master." He looked at each person on his team pointedly. "Let's get this shit done."
They nodded.
The bay of the Hammond hissed loudly as it refilled with air. An alert on the pilot console told Elda that the environment outside of the Firefly was now safe.
Reynolds had already gotten up from the co-pilot seat. He and the rest of the marines grabbed their respective dufflebags. Elda powered down the ship and followed.
This time when the hatch opened, no one was there to greet them. It would seem that the lack of an active operation meant they were free to obtain quarters on their own and just wait out the ride comfortably as passengers. No fanfare needed.
Elda wandered over to the new cargo containers in the bay. While she and her team were having a final sit-down with SG-1, station crew were loading these items she traded for. Several single-pilot vessels retrieved the cases of fruit that her Uncle Hank had sent and dropped off the cargo the SGC received in return.
She carefully unlatched a container's lid to peer inside. The data pads she acquired were there. A small screen on the underside of the lid showed a count in Goa'uld matching what was agreed to. She checked on the other three containers, seeing that they were also filled with items of interest for the SGC.
Sam requested more data pads. Daniel insisted on body scanners and related security equipment, inspired by his last little trip to the future. Vala suggested weapons, to which Teal'c readily agreed. The Jaffa pointed out that Jack would be especially interested in those.
It was a start. Elda knew the station likely had more items of value. She just wasn't sure what else the SGC might need from here. Likely SG-1 would decide that as they spent more time on station themselves. Vala could easily arrange for another trade agreement on her own. Elda wondered if they'd be hearing of a new request for basic foodstuffs sooner rather than later.
It seemed like an easy and equitable trade. Both sides had something the other wanted.
"All good, Elda?" Reynolds asked from behind her.
"Think so. Seems like everything is here as requested."
"Cool. Nice work."
She smiled. "Thanks, Colonel."
SG-3 headed up to an auxiliary control room to request quarters. The group was given a block on one of the crew accommodation levels. They each retired to their own rooms with a promise to meet back up for a meal later.
The team was effectively on stand-down for the duration of their travel back to Earth.
A knock on the door had Crawford looking up. He walked over to the entrance and hit a button. The door slid open to reveal Smith there. "Hey, man," he said. This wasn't anything surprising. The two of them always hung out like this whenever the team was just waiting for the next thing to happen.
Crawford returned to the dufflebag he was rifling through on the bed. Smith stepped in easily, heavy door closing behind him. He went to the chair bolted down to the floor and swiveled its back around. He sat so he could face his buddy.
Crawford felt eyes on him. He looked over at his friend by the desk inquisitively. "What?"
"You're freakin' me out, man."
"The fuck are you talking about."
"With Elda."
Crawford stopped what he was doing. "Huh?"
"Sometimes it's like you completely forget about Chelsea when she's around."
Crawford scrunched his face. "Smith," he said pointedly, "you know good and well that nothing is going on between me and her." He shook his head. "Did somebody say something again?"
"They don't have to. You're pretty fucking obvious, dude."
He closed his eyes and grit his teeth in frustration. "I am not after her."
"Actions speak louder than words, asshole."
Crawford bared his hands outward in exasperation. "Where is all this coming from?"
Smith pointed. "You. You, with all your PDA for Elda." He was referring to public displays of affection.
Crawford pointed back. "You had your fucking arm around her the whole time we were in the bar just an hour ago!" he argued. "PDA my fucking ass."
"Dude," his friend said with emphasis. "I did that for you. To cover for you!"
Crawford just shook his head at him in disbelief. He decided to distract himself from this idiotic conversation by unpacking his bag. The problem was: he really hadn't brought much along.
Smith could see he wasn't going to say anything unless he prompted him to. "She's too good for us, man."
He didn't bother to look up. He stuffed his now-empty bag into a compartment under the bed. Crawford sat on the end tiredly. "I know that."
"Look, man, I don't blame you. She's hot. She's funny. She can kick ass. She's like the best damn thing that ever happened to this team. But we cannot fucking touch her no more."
Crawford raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Fine."
"And besides, her boyfriend will kick our asses like three times over. And when he's done? Elda will do it, too!"
This got Crawford to laugh.
Smith joined in and laughed with him. He got up to smack him on the back of his head in a final show of admonishment. Then he left the room.
Crawford fell back onto the bed of his temporary quarters and stared up at the ceiling. "Dammit," he muttered. He promised himself he would go see Chelsea the first chance he got. He'd bang her like he'd never banged her before. And that would prove to himself that what he was desperately trying to deny wasn't true. He covered his face, hoping to force Elda out of his mind.
Carolyn placed her hands in Eruce Thel's, the way she'd seen others greet each other on this station. She didn't mind adopting the custom out of respect for their culture. 'When in Rome…'
She, Cam, and Teal'c had just been welcomed back into the lobby of the research facility. The tall, sharp-jawed woman led them further in. They reached a new part of the building they'd never seen before.
It was very obviously a lab. Consoles were positioned next to large, flat tables. Researchers hovered at the stations. Above each table was a storage compartment. Some of them were open, revealing various tools that the scientists were using to examine Jaffa bodies. None of the tools were sharp nor invasive. The deceased bodies' genitals were respectfully covered by basic sheets. It would seem that the dead were being treated with respect here.
Mitchell scrunched his face briefly at the sight of so many of them. Some were obviously disfigured. He glanced askance at Teal'c, who remained stoic and quiet. He couldn't even imagine the offense the big guy must be feeling, knowing some of his young brethren had been subjected to suffering in the name of science.
"Our analyses are still on-going," Eruce reported as she led them further into the lab. "But the preliminary reports are showing that Ventho indeed engaged in systematic attempts to alter Jaffa genetic code."
Carolyn gazed around in quiet horror. She was reminded of why she had traveled all the way here. The survivors left behind on Tek'ron were counting on her to find a way to relieve their suffering. "Was my presumption correct? Was he aiming to eliminate their need for Goa'uld symbiotes?"
Eruce paused the group before one table. She locked eyes with the doctor. "Yes." She nodded to the researcher manning this station to dismiss him. Eruce gestured down to the dead female Jaffa on the table. "This was his first test subject. He began with a simple change to her genetic make-up."
Carolyn looked down, not recognizing this patient. By the progression of her body's decomposition, she'd already been dead for a long time. The crew of the Hammond had found many, many bodies in a morgue on the moon. At Eruce's request, every victim was brought to her. She promised to allow these bodies to be returned to their homes with no further desecration, if their tribes could ever be identified.
"What did he do to her?" Carolyn asked with a shiver.
"The log shows he modified her immune system to function as it had before her body yearned for the presence of a symbiote."
"May I presume that you are aware that Jaffa children are born free from such a dependence?" Teal'c asked quietly.
"I am now," Eruce replied. "I have had the opportunity to study Ventho's initial research on Jaffa physiology. I have also reviewed the data obtained from Dakara. All of it was quite informative."
"I take it the change didn't take," Mitchell tried.
"No. This subject expired quickly."
Carolyn sighed. "What about the others?"
"Ventho attempted to approach the objective from other angles. Some subjects were modified to deactivate their pouches, forcing the bodies to regard symbiotes as foreign entities. Others were induced to begin producing the same elements as the symbiotes themselves to support their immune systems. Still more were regressed, as we had noted before. He had no success. He was primarily focused on genetic regression prior to his work being stopped."
"Because he couldn't find other ways around the problem?" Carolyn verified.
"I believe so. I suspect he did not learn of the evolutionary history of the Jaffa until later in his research. Upon receipt of this information he likely decided de-evolution would be a more prudent means of achieving his goal. If previous iterations of this species had never needed symbiotes for survival, he must have seen an opportunity there and pivoted to take it."
"How close was he to finding a solution?"
"Not very close. Given the amount of bodies your people transported here, he failed continuously."
"Trial and error," Cameron murmured.
Carolyn shivered again. The bounty SG-3 investigated must have been going on for much longer than anyone realized. It was unfortunate that the SGC hadn't caught wind of it sooner. The galaxy contained countless Jaffa. And they died often for various reasons: war, disease, crime. The disappearance of these unfortunate people could have easily been overlooked.
"I fear a solution would never have been found," Teal'c said with quiet rage as he gazed around. "And my brothers and sisters would have continued to suffer were it not for the interference of SG-3."
Eruce looked at him with pity. "I do not disagree with you." She gestured around at the lab. "Ventho lacked ethics. He would have continued indefinitely until he ran out of resources, or, as you reported, he was stopped against his will."
"Kind of makes you wonder where he got all that stuff he used to do what he did," Mitchell said contemplatively. "If he got kicked off this station, what would he have been allowed to take with him?"
Eruce locked eyes on him, quietly expressing her displeasure over the memory. "Nothing but his mind and body. He shamed himself so greatly that we offered him nothing but his life in return for his departure."
Mitchell swallowed. "What exactly did he do?"
"He attempted to genetically modify some of our children against their parents' wishes."
"Oh God," Carolyn whispered. She glanced at Cam anxiously. "Clearly, he was unethical."
"Understatement," Mitchell retorted. Then he scrunched his face. "Hang on, if he had nothing but the clothes on his back when he left, how did he manage to acquire an entire moon base for his research?" He looked at Teal'c now in question.
"Perhaps that is another thread we must investigate, ColonelMitchell."
"Something for SG-3 to work on while we're gone, I would think." Mitchell decided he would send a message to Command to make that suggestion as soon as he was out of here. "Sounds like that might be right up Elda's alley. I know she's invested in this whole fiasco."
"Indeed. Her loyalty to the Jaffa and her disgust over what has transpired will serve as sufficient motivation."
"Dad," Elda greeted over the secure video call from her room on the Hammond. She'd been dying to call him, but had to wait until the ship got past the half-way point of its trip back to Earth. Only then could it reliably establish a long-range connection like this. The battlecruiser wasn't worried much about pirates. It had sufficient armaments to defend itself, courtesy of some other ancient civilization that Earth had befriended. She idly wondered what the SGC traded for that advanced weaponry.
"What's up?" Jack was obviously in his office in Washington. She could see the placards on the wall behind him that signified his accomplishments and why he deserved to be there.
"Just what did Meil'nor say to you?" she asked suspiciously.
"Meil'nor?" He seemed perplexed. "Nothing that you probably don't already know. Why?"
"Teal'c said that he wants to prepare me for leadership?"
Jack could tell she wasn't too keen on that idea. "Just in case," he said calmly. He hoped that if he kept things easy-going, her mood would follow. He had a feeling he knew how she was feeling about this whole thing. He'd been there before.
"Dad, I don't even want to lead. I'm more of a… how do people say it? An independent contractor."
"Gracie, you are way more than that."
She sighed. "How do I get out of this? Got any tricks?"
"If I did, you think I wouldn't have used 'em myself by now?" He gestured around at his fancy office meaningfully.
This got her laughing. She'd heard that he was just as reluctant to lead as she was feeling right now. And despite this, people respected and obeyed him without question. It was making her nervous that she might be following in his footsteps. Against her own will.
"Look, they can't technically make you do anything. But I would bet it's harder to say 'no' than to just give people what they want."
"And what exactly is it that people want?"
"Someone they can trust to watch their backs," he said easily.
She squinted.
"If those people down on the planet needed you, would you help them?"
"Of course I would," she said without hesitation.
"Okay, good. That's all Meil'nor's really asking for. He just needs a little reassurance that someone else can watch out for his folks when he can't do it himself. And when that boyfriend of yours can't either. They promised they'd otherwise respect your time with the SGC."
She let out a breath. "I'm just afraid that this is going to turn into more than just being back-up for village leadership. Teal'c warned me he'll probably ask me to run trade negotiations."
"Can you blame him?"
She twisted her lips around. "No, I guess not." Her father would hear about her successful trade negotiation with the space station soon enough. He'd probably be calling her right back to congratulate her once he received the official report. She chose not to bring it up herself. She wasn't going to brag.
"Kid, I'm proud of you. I told you that you could do anything you set your mind to and here you come impressing the hell out of everybody."
Elda smiled tiredly. "Thanks, Dad." She looked away as she brought up a hand to rub her forehead. "How did you handle things when you were in my situation?"
"Uhhh…" He thought back to the encouraging conversation Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c had with him back in the SGC, right after he found out he was being promoted from Colonel to General. "I don't exactly remember all the details. Too old. But, I know I wasn't sure about it either. And then I realized, I could contribute in a different way. And as much fun as it was to go offworld everyday, my knees were starting to kill me."
She laughed at this. "What do the doctors on Earth do about that sort of problem, anyway? Is it something a healing device could take care of?"
He groaned. "Nope. They're talking about knee replacements in my future. I've been trying not to get that far."
His daughter scrunched her face. "Wonder if the space station has an alternate solution." She now realized that medical knowledge would be a beneficial acquisition from the station. Maybe Carolyn would take care of negotiating for that while she was still there. However, Elda couldn't imagine what equivalent the SGC could offer in return for it. Knowledge wasn't necessarily a tangible item.
"Yah. Let me know if they do. I'd love to hear it."
Reynolds decided that they'd have the Hammond drop SG-3 and the Firefly off at the closest gate. The battlecruiser had plenty of other business to get to out in the galaxy without making a side-trip to Earth it didn't actually need. Besides, the Firefly wasn't meant to park in the SGC's dock, even if it could.
It was a tight fit, but they were able to load the shuttle with the cargo Elda negotiated for. The marines simply stood during the short trip through a space gate to Tek'ron, where the Firefly was usually kept. The crew compartment was inaccessible with all the cargo they were bringing back.
Elda set the ship down in its usual place next to the Tek'ronian gate. The team simply squeezed past the cargo to get out.
"Dial it up, Baker."
The rest of the team remained near the ship while Baker made contact with Earth to request carts be sent through for the cargo. After a few minutes, the gate reactivated with an incoming wormhole. But instead of SGC personnel, a group of Jaffa arrived.
Jasuf was in the lead.
Elda's eyes shot to Reynolds. He rolled his eyes and flicked his hand, giving her permission to greet her man. Smith cracked a grin. Crawford smiled, too, but his expression was more subdued.
Elda ran into Jasuf's arms. He simultaneously pushed his staff weapon into one of his guardsman's hands while happily receiving her. "Are you well, My Love?" he asked quietly. He leaned down to peck her lips.
She nodded, smiling happily up at him. "We just got back." She stepped back to bow to the guardsman. They reciprocated respectfully.
The gate shook as another incoming wormhole was activated. The guardsmen immediately turned around with weapons raised toward it defensively. Jasuf retrieved his staff and followed, pushing Elda behind him.
"That's probably for us," Baker called from behind the DHD. As if to prove his point, carts began pushing through, gently disturbing the event horizon of the open wormhole. A couple defense team members walked alongside them, having been assigned to help with the Firefly's cargo.
Jasuf instructed his men to relax. "Hol mel."
Baker pointed to the side, alerting his colleagues to the presence of Elda's ship. "Over there," he directed. All the male SGC personnel began to work together to empty the vessel.
"What have you acquired?" Jasuf asked curiously. He instructed two of his men to go help the humans.
"Some new tech for Earth to play with. One of the reasons the SGC exists is to acquire new technology," Elda answered. "At least, what's new to them." She patted his bicep and rejoined her coworkers. She jumped in to help with some of the cargo.
When the carts were loaded, the humans opened up a new wormhole to Earth. The defense team led them back through. The Firefly's hatch automatically closed when SG-3 stepped away from it. Reynolds paused before the open gate. "Elda, you can stay here if you want."
She grinned. "Okay!"
"Report back to work tomorrow by oh-eight-hundred."
"Yes, Colonel." Elda waved enthusiastically at her teammates. "Bye guys!"
Reynolds cracked a small smile at her. Baker waved back. Smith winked at her playfully. Crawford offered her a quick wave without any expression, which Elda didn't fail to notice. Her mouth twitched. The marines disappeared through the gate.
She blinked, wondering what was wrong with Crawford. He'd been acting aloof since they boarded the Hammond. Elda decided she would ask him when she got back.
Elda felt Jasuf's fingers brush along hers. She turned to see him smiling at her adoringly.
"Let us go home."
Meil'nor welcomed Elda into the governance hut. He placed an affectionate hand on her shoulder and encouraged her to come with him into the back residence.
She blinked and followed, never having been invited there before. Jasuf was right behind them.
The first room behind his throne room contained a modest table. Elda guessed that this is where he took his meals. She didn't often see him in the village's eating hut. The walls were adorned with old things. Meil'nor's armor was displayed on one side, surrounded by a powered staff weapon and some large knives.
On another wall was a shrine. There were feminine items featured there. Elda saw a traditional Jaffa shawl and some shiny bracelets among them. Candles were lit with incense. She glanced up at Jasuf, whose eyes confirmed her suspicion. It was dedicated to Meil'nor's late wife and Jasuf's mother.
She was prompted to sit comfortably with them at the table. A hot teapot stood ready in its center. Meil'nor poured the tea and placed a cup before her. His expression told her she may begin to drink, if she pleases. Hesitantly, she took a sip. Before he did.
This was all very strange to her.
Jasuf also sipped his tea before his father had even taken a seat. Meil'nor joined them, enjoying the warmth of his tea before speaking.
"Kal'ma, tell us what you have learned on your recent travels."
"Master Meil'nor, the space station confirmed that the lead scientist was indeed one of their brethren. He was an outcast in their eyes, forced to leave for crimes committed there. His family is ashamed of his behavior and has agreed to rectify some of his sins. SG-1 and our lead healer remained behind to continue discussions with them."
Jasuf's father sat quietly, absorbing her report.
"And what of the Jaffa survivors?"
"There is no word yet on solutions for them. But our healer is working tirelessly to obtain them."
"Then she continues to honor us. When she returns, please invite her here so that we may properly repay our debt to her."
Elda bowed her head compliantly.
"There are other matters to discuss, now that you have returned. Your Den Mother wishes to greet you."
She inclined her head. "I will return to the Hak'tyl village today."
"That will not be necessary, Kal'ma. Ishta will come."
Elda froze for a moment. She glanced at Jasuf, who sat expressionless. "May I ask why?"
"You shall see. Until then, let us enjoy this Met Ta together. Jasuf, tell her of our warriors' progress."
"How many space stations have you ever been on?" Daniel asked as he and Vala waited in a plush lobby for their meeting.
Vala brushed her fingers along the velvet upholstery of their seats. "Hmm… not many. I've been to one or two others. Never one as far away as this one."
He looked up and around. The structure they were in was built like a highly-secured base. Pot lights illuminated the space. Gun turrets stuck out at regular intervals from the ceiling. They constantly swung in wide arcs, scanning for targets. It was a very obvious reminder to visitors that this was the most sensitive area of the space station. The control room was somewhere deep inside.
"Were they like this?"
"To a degree. All space stations have their own docks and trading areas. But this is, by far, the cleanest, best-controlled one I've been to. We haven't observed any criminal activity yet."
"Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, though, right?"
"Right. We haven't had a chance to explore all the seedier bits of this place. I'm sure it has its own underground hiding somewhere."
Daniel nodded. He wasn't surprised.
They both looked when a small panel on the wall slid open to allow a robot assistant through. The box-like machine rolled on its wheels straight to them. It chimed. Daniel and Vala stood, rightly presuming that it would escort them to their meeting area.
They were led through multiple corridors to an office. The walls gleamed brightly of display glass, with each one showing security feeds of various parts of the station. Among the feeds were reports, constantly scrolling. Where the clear glass wasn't overlaid with a holographic image, workers could be seen beyond manning consoles. Some were busy speaking together animatedly. Others were seated, eyes glued to their monitors and hands flying over controls.
In the center of the office was a circular desk with yet more consoles. Station Master Ziek'tu Thel was in the middle of all of it. He turned when the robot assistant chimed to announce their presence. "Ahh, Earth representatives. Please allow me a moment to delegate command." He spoke into a communicator on his wrist. Another tall individual entered the glass office through a different entrance. He bowed toward the Station Master and dutifully took his place in the center.
Ziek'tu gestured for Daniel and Vala to join him in a side room. It was a conference room with a table and cushy chairs. The door behind them closed, drowning out the cacophony of the main office. The table contained displays and controls that resembled the data pads everyone here carried.
The Station Master began, "I have been given the opportunity to sample the delicacy your people brought here. Remarkable."
Daniel and Vala smiled at each other. "Apples are a favorite where we come from," Daniel reported.
"And how do you refer to the other fruit that was brought?"
"I believe those were oranges. Their juice makes for a popular drink."
"Interesting. I will need to share that detail with Intrusha." He was referring to his family member who negotiated directly with them and Elda. He gestured upwards toward the station at large. "How have you been finding our station's hospitality?"
"It has been more than adequate, thank you, Station Master."
"What accommodations were you able to procure?"
Vala answered now. "Temporary quarters on the orange level."
He nodded. "Perhaps I should now warn you, our station will be closing soon to outsiders. Are you aware?"
Daniel tilted his head. "We saw the alert about that. Six months will pass here while only three weeks occur on the outside?"
"Correct."
"May I ask why?"
"We are a manufacturing hub in this part of the galaxy. Outside clients and their contracts keep our station well-funded. There is a council that examines the incoming orders and determines the most reasonable time dilations to initiate. This allows our manufacturers to produce their goods in a timely manner."
"Is that your competitive edge?" Vala guessed. "Your industrialists churn out their orders faster than others in the sector?"
Ziek'tu looked impressed with her. "That is exactly it."
"Amazing," Daniel marveled. "Is the technology you use to initiate time dilation Furling-based?"
"You are aware of the Furlings?" he asked with surprise.
"He's a scholar of history," Vala said proudly. "He's even met Alterans and Asgard."
Daniel blushed. He glanced sideways at Vala with a humble smile.
The Station Master's brow raised. "Tell me your names again?"
"Daniel Jackson."
"Doctor Daniel Jackson," Vala emphasized. "I am Vala Mal Doran."
"And the planet you hail from, this Earth, is bountiful?"
"Some parts of it, yes," Daniel replied. "We are fortunate to have good access to food and infrastructure where we live."
"Did you say you've heard of Earth?" Vala asked curiously.
"From some other visitors, yes. They mentioned your planet as a new power player of interest in the galaxy."
Daniel and Vala shared a look. Vala's mouth quirked, smelling opportunity. Daniel noticed. He tensed, never too sure what she would say next when she had that look on her face. It either got them in a lot of trouble or scored them a very favorable outcome by the end. But it was always an extreme.
"Let me ask you something, Station Master," she began. She paused, giving Daniel a chance to stop her if he wanted. He didn't say anything or reach out to touch her. She took that as permission to proceed. "What is it that your station could use more of?"
The man looked contemplative. "We, too, are fortunate here. We have few wants and needs. But perhaps the people would enjoy a steadier supply of fresh foodstuffs, to widen the cuisine. And there is a growing interest in how others in the galaxy live, particularly those who live on planets such as yours."
She blinked rapidly as she smiled. "Earth might be able to fulfill regular orders for food. Depending on the season. And I believe what you were also referring to could be called tourism."
"Yes, some of our people have never been off station. Some feel it would be a benefit to our educational system if we could have our students visit other places. See how others live. Understand this galaxy."
Daniel chimed in, "Perhaps our previous assumption that you stayed out of galactic affairs was incorrect."
"That assumption still holds true. We will not insert ourselves in the conflicts of others. We cannot afford to. However, there is no harm in visiting with peaceful peoples and drawing inspiration from them. I, myself, have traveled off station many times and been amazed by wondrous sights. I have returned with new ideas for improving life here. Some have been successfully implemented over the years."
"Could you share one example, Station Master?"
"Of course. One was the creation of entertainment districts. The young among us now enjoy them regularly for leisure and dance. A commerce planet I visited hosted a similar district. It was fruitful for the local economy. Provided employment opportunities to many."
Vala grinned. Her own daughter was a patron of the entertainment districts here. It's where many of her clandestine operations were based. "We could definitely suggest safe planets to visit. And engage in trade for more food."
"There's just the matter of transportation," Daniel pointed out.
"Yes, that is a challenge," Ziek'tu agreed. "We do not own many of our own ships. We leave most of the docks free for outsiders. The economy takes priority."
"Daniel, the ships on that moon." Vala waggled her brows.
He sucked in a breath, understanding what she was thinking. "Station Master, I think we might have a solution for you."
The group in Meil'nor's hut rose upon Ishta's entry. She inclined her head to them. "Kal'ma, I am pleased to see you have returned. How long will you remain onworld?"
"Until the late hours of the night, Den Mother," Elda reported. "I have been instructed to return by morning on Earth by my commander."
"Please, let us sit," Meil'nor prompted. He poured tea into an extra cup and set it before his counterpart from the other village. He then carefully refilled everyone else's mugs.
Elda still found herself bewildered to be served by the leader of the village himself. And in his private residence! He was being so casual around her. She had no idea why that was. She could understand this behavior around Jasuf. He was his blood kin. But now he was continuing to behave informally while in the presence of her Den Mother.
It was unnerving in a way. It's like she was being let into some secret club that she never asked to be a part of.
Meil'nor addressed her. "Your father and I met. We had a productive discussion."
Oh boy. Elda simply listened.
"Have you had the opportunity to speak with him?"
"He tells me he will allow me to assist the village when called upon, so long as it is safe for me to pause my work with SG-3." She silently hoped that mention of her team would remind Meil'nor that she had other priorities. She wanted to surreptitiously discourage him from relying on her for anything. She didn't have a good excuse for declining his request to be back-up leadership. But her own father had no good reasons to keep her from this duty either. The promise that they would try to leave her alone for the most part was enough for him.
Jack was even encouraging her to take on this extra role. He wasn't exactly helpful.
"Indeed. We will respect your good works with your human brothers, and only recall you to Tek'ron in times of great need."
She relaxed a little at this. Meil'nor was an honorable Jaffa. She could take him at his word.
Jasuf regarded her with pride. His eyes smiled at her encouragingly.
"We are here now to make your station clear, Lady Elda."
She cringed internally. He was using that title again. She braced herself for what he would say next.
"We have amassed many beneficial alliances on other worlds. We must visit with our allies and trading partners regularly to maintain the strength of those friendships. There will be times that both my son and I will be called offworld. Such instances are rare; the village is then left in the hands of just our trusted guardsmen."
"Not all are up to the task," Jasuf commented glumly. He thought immediately of Lo'zim, who did not care for village matters. Jasuf often returned to more work whenever he was forced to leave him in command.
Ishta quirked a small smile in amusement.
Elda simply sat quietly, waiting for Meil'nor's next point. She nervously wrung her hands under the table.
"Lady Elda, you will be our third in line to lead. Should both Jasuf and I be summoned by our allies for emergent matters, you will be recalled to Tek'ron. You will oversee the village and protect our people," Meil'nor declared.
She sat up straighter, eyes just a touch wider. She bowed her head obediently toward him.
Crap. Now it was official.
"We will afford you a small council consisting of our trusted guardsmen. You may consult them for guidance and advice. However, when you are in command, the decisions are yours."
"I have chosen Bier, Goru, and Lo'zim for you," Jasuf further added. "They will stay behind to stand with you. We can choose others to be part of our guard offworld if both of us must leave." He knew those were her closest friends among the male warriors. They were his, too.
Elda inclined her head to her mate. She agreed with his choices. She was comfortable with those three Jaffa. Two of them were now mates of her most beloved Hak'tyl sisters. And she already worked with that exact group before when they were sent offworld to rescue Jasuf.
"Ishta," Meil'nor now prompted.
"EldaMalDoran, you will be given a similar station among the Hak'tyl."
Her eyes went wide now.
"As you know, Neith leads our sisters on the Zershan manufacturing world. She is away so often that leadership falls to Nesa when I must be away. We, Hak'tyl, also have our own alliances and matters to attend to offworld. When no other leaders are available to our settlement, you will be called upon to protect our sisters."
Elda could not help the way her mouth opened. She hurriedly closed it. She wasn't expecting this. No one spoke. She realized they were waiting for her to respond. "Den Mother," she began hesitantly. Could she say no? She would have grit her teeth and grimaced if it would not have been such a disrespectful human expression in this moment. Elda forced her face not to move another inch. "Are there no other sisters who would prefer to lead in your absence?"
Ishta took her hesitation as a sign that Elda was concerned about her standing among their people. She did not blame her. Her new station would force her peers to regard her as a superior. It could become uncomfortable. Ishta knew the feeling.
"I surveyed our sisters. They chose to defer to you. You will be fourth in line among the Hak'tyl," she declared with finality. Her tone implied that this was not an offer of employment, but an order.
Elda breathed in very slowly and very deeply. Nope. She couldn't say no.
Jasuf placed a calming hand on her shoulder. His thumb stroked across it, conveying his pride and his support for her. He could tell she was overwhelmed.
Elda felt she had no choice but to bow her head. Her eyes dropped to the table, searching for a way out of this. Unfortunately, the swirling wood grains of the polished tabletop offered her no answers. When she looked up, she knew what she was expected to say.
"You honor me." She made eye contact with both village leaders, directing her words to each of them.
They inclined their heads to her with looks of satisfaction.
"Go now, dear Kal'ma, and enjoy your rest. When not called upon to lead, you are free to do as you please here. As you have been," Meil'nor said. "Jasuf, you may suspend duties to be with your mate until she departs."
His son inclined his head gratefully. "Father." He stood.
Elda followed. They both bowed to the tribe leaders. Jasuf grabbed her hand and led her out the side door of Meil'nor's private residence.
"She does not feel ready," Ishta commented.
"She will rise to the task. Adversity is sometimes the best motivator to learn."
"Indeed."
Elda was quiet the entire walk back to their hut. Jasuf only paused to give a few instructions to the minders he found along the way. But otherwise, they went straight home and shut the door.
She immediately plopped face down onto the bed and groaned.
Elda felt Jasuf's weight shift the bed as he sat down next to her. His hands began to rub her back soothingly. "You have my pride and my support, Elda. I will not let you carry this burden alone."
She grunted.
He smiled. He knew she didn't care for any of this. And yet, she was perfect for this role. He couldn't have found a better partner than her. She was loved by their people and perfectly capable of rising to leadership. Even if she didn't believe it herself.
Elda didn't say anything. She simply let him massage her tense muscles. It was all she could do right now in her overwhelmed state.
She felt his breath tickle her ear. "You have my heart," he whispered encouragingly.
"I love you, too," she mumbled into the pillows.
After a few more minutes, she sighed and turned over.
He nearly laughed at the adorable pout on her face. He settled into the bed with her and pulled her into his arms. They both kicked off their boots on either side of the bed.
She sighed loudly. "Jasuf," she complained. "I don't know if I should really be the one doing this. For either village."
"Our leaders have confidence in you. And they are being gracious allowing you to prioritize your human obligations first."
"And while I appreciate that… greatly… it still doesn't make up for the fact that they want me to be in charge at some point."
"The people will follow," Jasuf said confidently.
She didn't seem so sure. "Will they, though?"
"Yes. I had Goru do his own survey of both tribes. I instructed him not to share that the order came from me. He found that you are well-liked. The people are amenable to you in a role of leadership."
She grunted more. "I regret making any of you like me."
Jasuf laughed. "I fear you had no choice in the matter. You have a natural ability to endear others to you, whether or not you even try. I am one of your most glaring examples." He thought back to the way they regarded each other when they first met. They were enemies in a way. And now he held her lovingly in his arms. The reversal was notable.
Elda let out a breath. "Reynolds and Baker call it my distracting charm."
"A fitting description," he agreed. His face was full of amusement. He squeezed her affectionately. "You will fare fine, Elda. You may not even find yourself in the role of leadership for years to come. They spoke the truth when they said that this would be rare."
She turned her head to meet his eyes. "Really?"
"Yes," he said reassuringly. He kissed her sweetly.
"You better be right," she warned.
When two of the marines from SG-3 entered the briefing room for a morning meeting with the General, they found Elda already there. She was hiding her face in the crooks of her forearms on the table.
Smith and Baker glanced at each other curiously. They took seats on either side of her.
Smith patted her hair. "You okay, Cakes?"
Elda merely grunted.
Baker leaned his head on his own forearms to look at her. "What's wrong? You sick?"
"No," her muffled voice responded.
Crawford walked in to find his teammates hovering over her. "What's goin' on?" He took a seat across from them at the table.
Smith looked up at him and shrugged. He tried poking Elda's side. She jumped and slapped his hand. He chuckled.
Crawford frowned at Smith. He was the one who declared that neither of them should touch her anymore.
His buddy caught his look and grimaced sheepishly.
Reynolds and Landry soon joined them. The marines briefly stood at attention. The General seemed to notice Elda's expression when they all sat down. "Miss Mal Doran," he said.
"General."
He smiled amusedly toward her. "I hear congratulations are in order."
She scrunched up her face. "I don't know about that."
The General chuckled lightly.
"How do you know?" she asked confusedly.
"How could I not know when one of my staff earns a certain prestigious title offworld?" he teased.
Elda groaned and put her head back into her forearms on the table.
Reynolds cracked a grin. He obviously already knew what was going on. "Relax, Mal Doran. It's not like they'll need you all the time." He'd been reassured of that by the General already.
"Sir?" Baker asked their CO to explain. The rest of the marines had been kept out of the loop.
"Why don't we let her explain it?"
When Elda didn't respond, Reynolds sent Smith a look.
The young marine took that as permission to poke her in the side again. She sat up to slap his hand away automatically.
Crawford rolled his eyes.
Elda huffed. "They just announced that I'm to lead on Tek'ron when either of the villages is without leadership," she groaned.
Baker, Crawford, and Smith's jaws dropped.
"You'll be… in charge?" Baker clarified incredulously.
Elda nodded forlornly.
"You don't seem very happy about it."
She shook her head.
"Damn, she doesn't even have to get married," Smith commented.
"Nah," Crawford agreed. "She's becoming a princess all on her own."
General Landry shook with quiet laughter.
"Looks like we're in the presence of royalty, boys," Reynolds quipped.
Elda shot a look of surprise toward him. She was mortified that he thought this was funny! She sighed, shoulders dropping in defeat. If anyone should be mad about this, it should have been him. She could be pulled from duty any moment, messing up his carefully-planned ops. But like her father, Reynolds seemed to simply accept what was happening.
"I swear to God, we shoulda named her Xena," Crawford groused.
Reynolds turned to him and shook his head in disappointment.
Landry quietly laughed at their antics. None of this bothered him. He could let them loose a little from time to time. But he knew when to bring them back in for more professional talk. "Alright, people, let's get started."
The men all adjusted their postures and turned their heads toward the General. Elda dutifully followed.
"Some updates came through from SG-1. Dr. Lam's suspicions were confirmed: the Jaffa were being experimented upon because that scientist was looking for a way to remove their dependence on symbiotes."
Elda frowned. The man's words about 'helping' the Jaffa floated through her mind. But at what cost?
"Colonel Mitchell learned that he was cast out with nothing. So the question now is: how did he gain the resources he used to conduct his experiments?"
Reynolds spoke now. "I take it SG-3 is going to find the answer to that question, sir?"
"That's right, Colonel. Return to that moon and start your investigation there. He wasn't a powerful player as far as we know. He might have had the backing of a silent party. Find them."
"Yes, sir."
A/N: Stay tuned for the next one. It's going to be a really fun ride! Hope you're buzzing with excitement...