Daughter
Chapter 58 – Human-Jaffa Relations
Elda couldn't stop the uproarious laugh that the message instigated.
The entire bridge crew on the Hammond paused to stare. The comms officer stationed on the side of the bridge looked up at her with a slight smile on his face. He knew what was contained in the brief communique SG-1 sent over. He glanced back toward his commanding officer with a twinkle in his eye.
Eventually, Elda calmed down. She pointed at the screen. "I'm sure Colonels Carter and Reynolds would love to see this," she suggested.
The officer nodded in agreement. "They'll be receiving a copy down on the surface shortly."
"Ms. Mal Doran?" the ship commander asked curiously. "Care to share?"
She turned to him with a wide grin. "I'm sure you'll all see this eventually. I'd like to announce the engagement of one Colonel Cameron Mitchell to my dear sister Vala. At least… that's what Jacek thinks." She began to laugh again. "Apparently, Dr. Jackson told him Mitchell has no choice but to marry her because he knocked her up!" By now Elda knew what that silly Earth phrase meant. It was such sweet revenge to be able to use it against the first person to say it to her.
The bridge crew laughed heartily.
Elda turned to another officer. "Would you please beam me down to the command center?"
He grinned at her and nodded.
When Elda appeared in a flash, both Sam and Reynolds were cracking up. Elda began laughing again. "Isn't it priceless?"
Sam shook her head in agreement as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I take it the Hammond knows?"
"The whole bridge."
Reynolds laughed louder. "Hoo boy. I need to buy them a wedding present."
Sam and Elda continued to guffaw.
"Go on ahead, Elda. Report to your post."
When she reached her section, the SFs were waiting for her in a group. They were ready to relieve SG-2's security forces. They just needed their section leader to check in with her counterpart from the other team.
"Matthews," Elda said with a respectful nod.
"Mal Doran," an airwoman greeted back. "No problems overnight."
"Good."
The singular female member of SG-2 moved on. The eyes of Elda's SFs tracked her interestedly.
"Eyes on your stations, boys," Elda warned.
The SFs immediately turned back to her. "Yes, Boss," one of them replied.
Elda rolled her eyes.
They started moving to relieve their buddies of duty, but a few of them paused near her.
"How's the boyfriend?"
She blinked rapidly at them with an annoyed expression. "Real. Very, very real."
They grinned.
She jumped threateningly in their direction. They darted back with laughs. The SFs reported to their posts. Elda shook her head and groaned.
Eruce considered Colonel Carter thoughtfully. If she didn't know any better, she would think she was the kin of that off-station girl her niece had befriended. But no one made any indication that the two of them were related in some way. This female commander of the moon was supposedly just the girl's superior officer.
The geneticist idly wondered if Earth had a limited gene pool.
"ColonelCarter," a male voice greeted at the entrance to the meeting room.
Sam stood immediately and regarded the new entrant with a warm smile. "Jasuf." She eagerly hugged him, as if they were well-acquainted with each other.
Eruce watched with interest. She was still familiarizing herself with human-Jaffa relations. It would seem they were positive.
"May I enter?" another person requested.
They both turned to the door. "Ishta, of course. Welcome," Sam said.
The female Jaffa bowed respectfully. Jasuf waited for her to be seated before choosing a chair himself. Eruce observed this custom, noting his deference to her. She understood that they each hailed from different groups. She was trying to understand how it all fit together. She was told that Elda originally belonged to the female's tribe but was now accepted into the male's as well.
Once Aurelia joined the group, they were able to begin.
"Eruce," Colonel Carter prompted, giving her the floor.
"I am pleased to report that ten of our patients have been successfully treated with genetic repair. Their bodies have so far accepted the changes. We are optimistic that there will be no lasting negative effects."
Aurelia then added, "Dr. Lam and I both agree that those ten are doing well, medically. They are reporting little to no pain."
Sam smiled at the Jaffa, then back to the station representatives. "That is great news."
"What of the others, EruceThel?" Ishta asked.
"We have developed treatment plans for all of them. They are each in the process of experiencing staged repair. Some are faring better than others."
"Will any of them regain their identities?" Jasuf queried.
Aurelia admitted, "That is a more complicated question. I'm still not certain why they are experiencing memory loss. Shared trauma is certainly a factor. But I'm suspicious there is something else involved. I simply haven't found evidence of it yet."
Jasuf inclined his head, accepting her answer gratefully.
"I hate to say it," Sam said, "but I almost wonder if it's safer if they don't remember."
Both Jaffa turned to her.
"We have had that musing as well, ColonelCarter," Ishta agreed. "They could be Loyalists."
"I have heard that term as of late," Eruce said curiously. "Would you please provide context?"
Aurelia leaned forward in interest.
Sam gestured to the Jaffa, encouraging them to explain.
"Jasuf," Ishta prompted.
"We, Jaffa, have a long history of subjugation under the Goa'uld. We were made to serve them. Our race has recently begun to resist with force. Many of our people are now free. But still others remain loyal to the dwindling numbers of Goa'uld that still hold on to power. They are difficult to reach."
Sam then added, "The Jaffa refer to them as Loyalists. It's not that they choose to remain slaves, but rather, they don't know that there is another option."
"What about the Jaffa that you've been hosting? Our patients?" Aurelia wondered. "Don't you think participating in your lifestyle would be enough to convince them?"
Jasuf responded, "The Goa'uld's hold over the Jaffa is strong. We are raised from birth to revere them as gods. It often takes great tragedy to convince us of the truth. And sometimes, not even then." He looked grim. "We quietly fear that if our refugees suddenly remember their loyalties to their Goa'uld masters, they will turn on us."
"We have made great strides to educate them," Ishta said. "But it remains to be seen if that is enough to prevent them from returning to their masters and informing them of our existence. We possess only a single Ha'tak vessel to protect our world. The Goa'uld command entire fleets."
Eruce and Aurelia exchanged worried glances.
"I think I understand now," Eruce declared. "Your history is rich. I regret that I was unacquainted with it until these recent days."
"You live far. It is understandable that you would be unaware of these affairs," Jasuf said graciously.
"Perhaps it is time to change that," she decided.
Aurelia gazed at her aunt curiously. Their station had a policy of staying out of galactic matters that did not directly involve them. It was their people's means of protecting themselves. They were neutral ground for a reason. Power changed hands constantly. If the space station refused to interfere in wider galactic affairs, then those power players would leave them alone. The space station had prospered this long because of it. Very few had ever dared to attack and commandeer their home. No one from the station was interested in inviting such unwanted attention.
"Aunt Eruce?"
"I will only suggest to your father that we widen our awareness of the galaxy's rich history. It is of interest, to my work especially."
Sam suggested, "We have someone on staff that would be happy to share resources with you. Daniel Jackson, actually. If you set foot on Earth, he can even show you historical artifacts and documents."
"I would appreciate that, Colonel Carter. I understand he departed with his team?"
The Jaffa's eyes turned toward Sam. "He did. SG-1 is following up on a security matter."
"Is there a way for the Jaffa to be of assistance, ColonelCarter?" Jasuf asked.
She smiled at him. "Not right now. But thank you for the offer."
Sam asked Jasuf to hang back after the meeting was over. She grinned at him delightedly from across the table.
He tilted his head with a smile, wondering why he was still here.
"So…" she started. "How's everything going?"
"I presume you mean with your daughter?"
She widened her eyes to affirm, offering him a friendly nod.
"We are well, ColonelCarter. Happy."
Sam raised her shoulders with joy. "That's really nice to hear. I'm actually glad you're here. We don't get many chances to talk with each other."
"Indeed, we do not." Jasuf found himself at ease in her presence. There was something about Elda's birth mother that simply made him feel comfortable. He had once considered showing her the same level of deference as he would to Ishta, but found it would not match the level of informality she was willing to show him. And besides, she was human. She did not expect such behavior from him.
"Jack says hi, by the way."
The Jaffa inclined his head. "Please send my warm greetings to him as well. I note that you find yourselves separated from each other. I am curious. Is this common for your people?"
"Pretty common if you're part of the armed forces. And extremely so if you work for the SGC. I understand the Jaffa experience something similar?"
"Yes. Families were often left behind on their respective homeworlds while the warriors went into battle or served their masters elsewhere." Then he tilted his head. "But that was prior to our emancipation. It is different now for the Free Jaffa."
"Right, right. For a long while there, we only ever had Teal'c to explain Jaffa culture to us. And it always got me how he spent such long periods of time away from his late wife and son." She leaned back in her seat. "And now, here I am, doing basically the same thing."
"Perhaps then there is another commonality between myself and your husband."
Sam covered her mouth. "Oh my God, you're right. Both Gracie and I are leaving you two behind on planets." She cringed at the coincidence. "Sorry."
He raised a hand. "It is no worry, ColonelCarter. I take no offense." Jasuf smiled reassuringly.
"I'm sure it's an absolute treat, then, when she gets to visit with you on Tek'ron."
"Correct. Her returns home are always celebrated."
Sam smiled softly at his implication that her daughter's home was with him. She liked that, despite considering Gracie's real home to be on Earth. It wasn't unheard of to have multiple places to feel safe and accepted. She was glad Gracie had that at all, knowing how she grew up in the other timeline. This was so much better than constantly being on the run.
"How did she really score that title of hers?" the Colonel now asked curiously.
He chuckled softly. "Our warriors find her amusing. And they enjoy teasing her as much as they do me."
Sam grinned. "Sounds like she gets along well with everyone. She does the same exact thing on Earth."
"That is unsurprising. Your daughter is charismatic."
This only had Sam smiling more. "So is her dad." She rolled her eyes. "But he's also a pain in the ass sometimes, so go figure."
Jasuf laughed easily. "I feel that this would be an opportune moment to make a formal request. Perhaps you would care to bring this to your husband."
"Okay, what is it?"
"May I escort your daughter to the nuptials of Teal'c and Ishta?"
Sam's face grew into a wide smile.
This Jaffa was just too darn sweet.
"You already have Jack's approval without even asking, Jasuf. Mine, too. Of course you can," she answered readily. Then she blinked rapidly. "Do we have any idea when that might be? Teal'c never mentioned setting a date to me."
"I am not certain myself."
"I'll have to bug him the next time I see him. Or I could just ask Ishta. She's right here," Sam said to herself. She looked back up at Jasuf. "What do people wear to Jaffa weddings?"
"Before we gained our freedom, there were no expectations. People simply attended the ceremonies as they were. However, now…" He widened his eyes. "I understand the Jaffa have broadened their tastes."
Sam opened her mouth eagerly. "Jaffa fashion," she said. "Ooooh. I know someone who's going to love researching that." She giggled to herself.
Jasuf adopted an expression of question.
"Vala. She's got a killer fashion sense, anywhere she goes."
"I expect this to be an entertaining venture, then."
Sam laughed. "Oh sure, you betcha."
Some of the SFs furrowed their brows at the unfamiliar sound of Colonel Carter laughing. You could hear her down the corridor. They turned to look as she stepped out of the meeting room with the male Jaffa in charge, Elda's boyfriend.
Smith noticed that his guys were distracted as he walked down the hall. "What's going on?"
The SF nearest him answered and pointed, "That."
Smith squinted his eyes to see the pair walking in the opposite direction. "Okay. What about it?"
"Isn't that kinda weird?"
"How?"
"That's your teammate's boyfriend all cozy with the base commander."
"Dude, he's practically a prince. Haven't you been paying attention? To anything I tell you?"
"Sure, I have. You tell me where to stand. I go. You tell me who to shoot. I shoot."
Smith shook his head. "Look, Jasuf's a big deal where he comes from. It's only natural that he's gonna have a meeting with the Colonel."
"What the hell could they be laughing about, though?"
"I dunno. Who cares?"
"Okay, Corporal," the SF said skeptically.
Smith waved a dismissive hand at him. These SFs were killing him. Now they were gonna start shit about Elda's boyfriend and the wife of the Head of Homeworld Command. He knew it was no use to try and stop them. They were going to think what they wanted to think. The more he tried to intervene, the more fuel he would add to the fire.
He groaned to himself as he walked away.
The SGC grapevine was like a weed that you couldn't kill.
"This is turning into one giant orgy," Smith complained. They were sitting in Crawford's quarters.
Crawford leaned over in laughter.
"Why are you laughing? You're in the middle of it."
His friend wheezed a little more before answering, "Because it's hilarious."
Smith squinted at him. "Ever since Jasuf showed up here, suddenly you're okay with it all," he realized. "Why is that?"
"Cuz now these fools have something real to focus on, doofus."
Smith pointed at him. "You wanted him to come here," he accused. He crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair by the desk. "That's like, the opposite of what I expected."
Crawford groaned. "Smitty," he said emphatically. "I already told you. I'm not after Elda."
Smith turned on a deeper voice to mock him. "Permission to beat his ass, sir."
Crawford threw a pillow at him.
He swatted it away. It plopped harmlessly to the floor.
"Dude," Crawford grumbled.
"Dude," Smith said right back.
"Weren't you the one stepping into that guy's face when he said something to Elda?" He was referring to Jacek.
Smith just frowned.
"You back her up just as much as I do. What he say anyway?"
"You don't wanna know, trust me. Guy's a piece of work."
"How did someone so hot come from such an ass?" Crawford wondered in reference to Vala.
"I dunno, man. Vala's a handful, herself, though."
"Ain't that the truth. Jackson's like a superman handling her."
"Ain't he," Smith agreed. "And then there's Elda. She didn't even bat an eye when Vala's dad said all types of shit."
"How does someone learn to let all that roll right off ya like that," Crawford muttered.
"You know what I wanna know?"
"What?"
"What did their mama look like? What was she like? Did she kick ass, too?"
Crawford shrugged. "Some things we'll never know."
Baker leaned back on the wall as he watched Elda and Jasuf spar. She remembered the interest he had shown in the training model she told him about. Since they were now off duty after a 12-hr shift, she invited him to come up to the Ha'tak and see it in action.
Bier was also observing their fight next to him. He studiously explained how the session worked. "Lady Elda has completed review of the sequence. They will now engage in free-form combat, incorporating the sequence into their movements as they see fit."
Baker carefully watched Elda block a strike from Jasuf. She hopped out of the way when he tried to sweep his staff at her feet.
"He attempted to fell her and end the match early."
"That's how you know if you win?" Baker asked.
"Yes. It is a common indicator among us. It can be changed, however. Sparring partners agree before their matches over how to signify victory."
"Alright, alright. Good to know." Baker squinted as he observed the sequence being put into play. The pair had already practiced it slowly, giving his eyes and brain just enough time to start recognizing what it looked like. It seemed to be a fifteen-step routine. Jasuf was now executing it at lightning speed. It was all Elda could do to keep up and block all of his strikes.
She began breathing heavily as Jasuf drove her back. Elda sensed herself coming up on the edge of the room and dodged. His staff made contact with the wall, forcing a loud thud to reverberate across the training room. She swung her weapon into his gut. It forced a breath out of him.
Baker cringed.
Elda spun around to hit him from the side and behind, forcing Jasuf to twist his torso to bring his staff up to block. Now she began the sequence herself, applying the dizzying set of moves. It required Jasuf to raise his staff repeatedly in defense just to keep her from striking his body.
"Sheesh," Baker commented. "Remind me not to piss her off."
Bier chuckled. "She is capable. That is how she has earned respect."
"How does your boss compare to the rest of your guys?"
"Jasuf is one of our best warriors. And I do not claim that simply because he is our Heir Apparent. He, too, has earned his status."
"Was his dad good like this?"
"He still is. Master Meil'nor could best us all in three moves each. Although he chooses not to train as often. His knees cause him great pain."
"Ohhh man, y'all get arthritis, too? That sucks."
Bier only smiled pitifully.
Jasuf managed to get a strike in, knocking Elda off balance. He spun his staff toward her again. She just barely avoided the swipe at her feet. It had her cartwheeling off to the side. Jasuf followed. She blocked another of his hits then swung her own staff at him. He parried.
"I sense this will be another draw," Bier commented.
"So they're both good."
"Indeed."
"You ever get to spar with either of them?"
"I have sparred with Jasuf many times."
"What about Elda?"
Bier smirked. "Jasuf would never allow it."
Baker laughed quietly. "Yeah, I guess I don't blame him." He gestured at them. "Looks like they could do this all day."
"They once trained together every day on Tek'ron."
The marine nodded. He was starting to see the appeal of hanging around that planet. Elda could get quality time in with her man and keep up with her fighting skills at the same time. Looked like a win-win to him. He wondered if the team would ever find themselves in a situation that would require this sort of combat. They were lately just shooting guns if they had to fight at all. He didn't doubt the advantage of having Elda on their side.
At some point the match had to end. Elda's staff intersected with Jasuf's ankle. It twisted. He lost his balance, reaching a hand out instinctively to grab her. They both tumbled down to the mat in a heap. Their staff weapons clattered and rolled away.
Baker nearly cracked up at their unceremonious fall.
Bier smiled humorously at them.
They untangled themselves from each other and simply laid on their backs, chests heaving. Jasuf and Elda laughed tiredly.
Baker approached and hovered over her. "Did you win?" he asked with an amused smile.
Between breaths, Elda replied, "Maybe we both lost." She chuckled softly, hardly ashamed.
Jasuf stood up and offered her a hand. She accepted it and got up, too. They shared a brief kiss, then each went to retrieve their staffs.
Baker stuffed his hands in his pockets and grinned. "This is a pretty cool set-up you got here. How's everybody else doing with this stuff?"
"Our evaluators agree that our warriors are improving," Jasuf answered. He seemed to have already caught his breath. Elda was still recovering.
"This training model is well-accepted," Bier pointed out. "No doubt the cunning manipulation of our Heir Apparent and Lady Liberator are to blame."
Elda's mouth dropped open. She pointed at him. "I will have you know that I was only following orders."
Jasuf cracked a smile. "As was I."
"Orders?" Baker repeated.
"We were tasked by tribe leadership to convince the people that this model was the best path forward," Jasuf explained.
His guardsman raised a brow. "Yes, but they disguised their work as simple courtship."
"Do you complain?" Jasuf challenged.
"No," Bier admitted. "I now have meaningful opportunities to train while I am on Tek'ron." He inclined his head slightly. "That alone is satisfactory."
"As it should be," his superior teased.
"Damn Elda, you were running an op on Tek'ron?"
She rolled her eyes. "Charm offensive. Remember I told you, Lieutenant?"
He gestured around. "Yeah, now I remember. I think you won."
"She's pretty good, I gotta say," Baker said during an early morning breakfast with the Colonels. He was included in the semi-formal briefing among the commanders.
"Is that right, Lieutenant," Pierce replied with interest. The commissary was nearly empty. The only other personnel there having meals were those coming off their overnight shifts. Colonel Pierce was one of them. After this meeting, he'd be free to go off duty.
Sam smiled into her coffee. It was nice to hear what others thought about her daughter. She especially liked that no one seemed to worry about saying anything wrong in front of her. None of these men realized their real relation. They were able to speak their minds freely. Sam was trying to keep tabs on how Elda was doing as a new member of the SGC. And she was ready to redirect conversations that might expose her cover.
The family still agreed it was a better idea to keep her true origin close to the vest. Time travel was no joke. They didn't want to attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong people. Sam could imagine Jack's superiors demanding to know how he managed to time travel in the first place, as if he could even explain it. Surely, someone would want to take advantage of it somehow.
"Didn't somebody say she could be pulled for Jaffa duty at a moment's notice?" Pierce asked curiously.
"You heard about that, sir?" Baker responded.
"I sure did. Sounds like it could be a headache." He turned to Reynolds.
"Maybe. From what I'm told, it shouldn't happen often. Elda still reports for duty on SG-3 unless Command makes an exception in the name of our alliances."
"She shouldn't be called to Tek'ron unless it's a rare emergency," Sam cut in, knowing a little something about the matter.
"That's just like my Major. She disappears on me, too. Always working some crazy angle undercover," Pierce said.
"I'm not too familiar with her, Colonel," Sam said, reminded once again of how much time she'd spent away from the SGC since she'd left to take command of Atlantis. There were unfamiliar faces roaming the halls.
"Major Jessica Matthews, U.S. Air Force. She's a bit of an intelligence prodigy. If I'm not careful, CIA will catch wind of her and snatch her up from my team." He pointed at Reynolds and Baker. "Actually, she's the one that figured out that smuggler was your leak."
"How 'bout that," Reynolds responded.
"I know her," Baker cut in. "She's a firecracker like Elda. But in her own way."
"Speaking of, she stayed on the Ha'tak overnight," Reynolds noted, looking down at a tablet with reports on it. "Again."
"And your station ambassador slept on the other ship, too," Pierce pointed out with a smirk.
Reynolds rolled his eyes. "Bunch of randy teenagers," he groused.
Baker and Pierce laughed.
Sam's eye twitched. Okay, maybe she didn't want to know everything that people thought.
"Apologies, Colonel," Reynolds said, catching her expression.
She nodded in acceptance.
"How much longer are we going to be here?" Pierce asked of Sam.
"According to the report we got yesterday, ten Jaffa completed treatment. Thirteen more to go. It could be a while. Their cases are a bit more challenging. I think we're looking at a good week, if not more."
The men tried not to groan aloud at that prediction.
"Might be time to start rotating personnel," Reynolds said thoughtfully. "The men are bored. They'll get sloppy."
"Agreed," Pierce said. "Do we get some new kids on the block?"
"That's what I'm thinking." The men now looked at Sam for approval.
"Make the call, Reynolds. We can use a couple of these spare ships here for transport. Hammond should have enough pilots." They understood that she wanted the battlecruiser to remain here for support. It was both their floating hotel and their protective gunship.
"Yes, ma'am." He locked eyes with his 2IC. "Take command while I make those arrangements."
"Yes, sir."
"What about Vala's dad?" Pierce brought up. That was another security concern.
"It sounds like he'll be back," Sam said. "SG-1 will be ready for him. They're on the way back here in Puddle Jumper 1 now."
"They figure out his angle?" the SG-2 leader queried.
"Not yet. But Jacek now knows we're watching him. That should be enough to make him think twice."
"Colonel Carter?" Carolyn called into the command center.
"Dr. Lam, hi."
No one else was about so they dropped the formalities. "Malcolm tells me he's exchanging personnel?"
"That's right. We'll ferry SG-2's SFs to the nearest gate and bring back replacements for both shifts. SG-3's guys will go back as soon as they complete their duties tonight. I guess we need fresh meat."
"Since there's already someone planning to drive home, I think I should hitch a ride," Carolyn said.
Sam gasped a little. "Absolutely! You haven't been home in weeks."
"Yeah, I need to check on my apartment. Check my messages."
"You should take a couple days off," Sam emphasized. "You've been nonstop since you left Earth."
The doctor nodded, not disagreeing with that suggestion. "What time is Cam getting here?"
"Soon. You have time to see him before we ship out the first batch of SFs."
Carolyn looked relieved. "Good. Don't need him mad at me for leaving again."
"No, you don't." Sam reached out and placed a supportive hand on the doctor's shoulder. "We'll keep you posted on things here. You won't miss a thing."
"Thanks, Sam. Aurelia should be able to handle everything. And then when all this is done, I'm inviting her to Earth. She said she's willing to oversee the upgrades they plan to bring to Medical. And explain them, for that matter."
"Good. Eruce also expressed an interest in learning more about galactic history."
"Sounds like a Daniel thing."
"Exactly. That's what I said."
"Does he know yet?"
Sam smiled. "Nope."
Carolyn grinned slyly. "Good for him. Add more to his plate."
Her friend tilted her head. "Did he do something?"
"Daniel's just a pain in the ass. He should suffer from time to time."
Sam laughed.
Elda came up to the Ha'tak on her lunch break at Ishta's request. She didn't want to bother the crew of the Hammond again. This didn't sound like a work-related visit. So she used the ring platform on one of the Goa'uld-designed ships to come up. She had plenty to choose from sitting idly on the moon's surface.
Two guardsmen were waiting for her. They dutifully escorted her to Ishta in the great hall behind the peltac.
Elda bowed as she was invited in.
"Sit with me, Kal'ma."
Ishta had food prepared on the table. She handed her a plate and some utensils to serve herself. Elda sensed this would be an informal meal. There were no minders present to serve drinks to them.
Ishta gestured for her to begin eating.
She bit into her food quietly, simply waiting for her Hak'tyl leader to speak.
"How are you faring with your human assignment?"
"Our security work is steady. We're bringing in new forces to relieve the men that have been here since we began. It's time for them to return home."
Ishta continued eating. "And what of your team? How are the human men treating you?"
"With respect, Den Mother."
"The younger males are close to you, are they not?"
"Yes, like brothers."
Ishta seemed satisfied with this report. They continued to eat. Eventually, she said, "The recovered refugees seek an audience with their Liberator."
Elda paused and looked up. "Do they?"
"I think they mean to express their gratitude to you, EldaMalDoran."
"They need not thank me again. But I will visit with them before I leave the Ha'tak."
"There is also a request they wish to make. They respectfully forwarded it to me for my review."
Elda swallowed, and it wasn't because she had food in her mouth. She blinked her eyes nervously.
"The Jaffa you saved wish to serve you."
"Serve me?"
"Perhaps they mean to become your personal guard."
Her mouth dropped open. She promptly closed it, knowing she should still behave somewhat formally in her Den Mother's presence. "I… don't actually need one."
"No. You do not. But you would honor them by allowing them to honor you."
She looked left and right, eyes narrowed. "How would that even work? I'm barely ever on Tek'ron anymore. And they couldn't come with me while I operate on SG-3."
"Such details are for you to decide, Kal'ma. I merely bear the message and the forewarning, so that you may consider their impending request carefully."
Elda let out a breath. Having a tribe leader act as a lowly messenger just for her was disconcerting enough. This whole thing was turning into a monster. She saved those Jaffa because they needed it, not because she had any ambitions for personal gain. "Den Mother, I am uncomfortable with this."
"An understandable sensation. Perhaps your mate can offer advice, as a fellow leader and your peer."
She nodded, trying to ignore the reminder that she was in a leadership role. "I will speak with him." Then she locked eyes with her. "Do you approve of this?"
"Yes. It will only reinforce your standing. You have the opportunity to bolster your place of importance further."
Elda sensed that Ishta wanted this for her, more than she wanted it for herself. She quietly wondered if the Hak'tyl leader intentionally planted this idea in the refugees' heads. Considering all the manipulation she'd already witnessed her do, she wouldn't put it past her.
She was tempted to ask Ishta what she really wanted.
But Elda didn't dare.
She simply finished her meal. Soon Ishta gave her permission to leave with a warm, thoughtful smile.
It wasn't hard to find Jasuf. He was just outside the doors on the peltac. Elda went to him immediately by the main console. Their tribespeople sat at individual consoles, focused on their displays. A quick glance told her the ship was in stable orbit above the moon. All systems were operating normally. No alerts. No urgent alarms.
His arm naturally wrapped around her waist while his free hand continued to scroll through a report on the console. Something about a power system that was being repaired.
"Did Ishta tell you about the refugees' request?" she whispered to him. Her eyes darted to the crew. No one seemed to be listening in.
"Yes," he replied distractedly.
"What do you think of it?"
"I think they mean to honor you," he said quietly. He leaned his head slightly to kiss her hair.
"Purpose aside, what am I really going to do with them? I have nowhere to go that requires a Jaffa escort. And when I'm on Tek'ron, I don't need extra protection."
"Indeed. All of Tek'ron vows to protect you." Jasuf's eyes remained on the Goa'uld report in front of him.
Elda tsked and hit his chest lightly. "Jasuf," she complained, not at all interested in hearing about some supposed high regard others had for her. She was not going to believe for one second that she was more important than anyone else on their planet. In all honesty, she didn't think she deserved it. She was not Jaffa. She was only human.
And she knew he'd understand what she meant by simply saying his name.
His eyes turned to her now. They were full of adoration and pride. "I already expected your hesitation. You can offer to include them in our training programs, so they feel they have a purpose. Those who wish it may train with our warriors. If others prefer becoming minders, they may. There could still be other skills they possess that we are yet unaware of."
She pursed her lips as she gazed up at him. "You thought of everything already, didn't you?"
Jasuf smiled enigmatically.
She pointed a finger in his face. "If you don't watch out, your father will realize how good at this you're getting and let you ascend sooner than you want."
He chuckled slightly, unworried. "Your warning is noted. I suspect you need to return to your duties soon. You should greet our Brothers and Sisters now."
Jasuf kissed her fully as a goodbye. Then he lightly pushed her in the direction of the door.
"Ever the responsible one," she pretended to grouse. Elda heard him laughing as she left.
"Why do you have that look on your face?" Baker asked Elda as they both walked toward the facility on the moon's surface.
"I just had a visit with the refugees on the Ha'tak," she said glumly.
He stopped them before going any further. "Is something wrong?" he queried worriedly.
She sucked in a breath. "Not technically. It's a personal problem of mine."
"What do you mean?"
"They're looking for something to do. Now that they're essentially back to normal, they want to have a purpose. And they think they can find it by focusing on me."
"Umm, how?"
Elda's eyes darted around aimlessly. "They're willing to become my personal guard. Or something."
"Or something?"
"I dunno, Lieutenant."
"Wouldn't it be easier to just send 'em back home to their own lives?"
"They still can't remember their identities. At the moment, the Jaffa of Tek'ron are all they have. And besides, everyone is worried they're Loyalists and would give up our positions to their masters the moment they remember anything."
Baker completely understood now that she was saying it aloud. "Yeah, now that is a security concern." He gestured for them to resume walking.
"Right."
"So what are you gonna do?"
"I have no idea." The SFs posted by the entrance saw them coming and opened the door for them. They nodded to them in thanks. "Jasuf is going to give them something to do for now. But I tried to tell them, in a nice way, that I appreciate their offer, but I don't actually need extra attention."
"Hmm."
"If anything, Lieutenant, I am trying very hard not to attract any attention at all."
"Baby Cakes, you're kinda hard to miss."
She huffed. "You know how much that irks me? I spent a very long time 'flying under the radar,' as you Tau'ri say. I prided myself on not being noticeable. Staying in the shadows. But now?" She threw her hands up in the air.
Baker smiled at her in amusement. "Think of it this way: You can either try to beat 'em, or join 'em."
"What do you mean?"
"Take advantage of this somehow. Isn't that what you always do anyway?"
"Out in the field, sure! But I'm not looking for ways to elevate my status." She crossed her arms petulantly. "That just means more work."
Baker laughed aloud. A few of the SFs posted along the walls turned to look at them. "You and your sister are cut from the same cloth."
Elda contorted her face at him, knowing what that expression meant now.
"Cakes, just give those Jaffa something to do. You'll be doing them a favor. If they sit around too long then they'll end up like these guys," Baker said, gesturing at the SFs. Those who overheard raised their brows. "Loopy."
"Hey!" one of them called out indignantly. It was one of Elda's men. Baker had unconsciously walked her to her assigned section.
"Be quiet, Cheetohs," she snapped at him.
The SF scrunched his face at her.
Baker pointed a thumb back at him. "See what I mean?"
She sighed. "Yeah."
Ishta bowed as she entered the lab. "Thank you for granting me an audience, EruceThel."
"It is my pleasure. Please come, we may speak over here." The station geneticist led the Hak'tyl leader to the sub-lab. By now it was not so foreboding. A comfortable set of chairs was placed around a circular table. It provided a place off to the side for the scientists to work on their analyses and treatment plans.
The pair of women sat across from each other. Eruce waved her hand over an active virtual display to clear it from the air.
"What would you like to discuss, Ishta?"
"I have questions regarding Jaffa physiology. It is my understanding that previous iterations of our species more closely resembled humans?"
"Indeed, that is what the records from Dakara tell us. My group and I have studied them thoroughly."
Ishta inclined her head. "How different are the Jaffa from humans now? On the scale you study?"
Eruce wondered what this leader's agenda was with this line of questioning. She politely answered the query. "There are key differences between the two species, namely the pouch and its dedicated circulatory pathways for blood and nutrients. The heart of the Jaffa is slightly larger in size to account for these additional demands. Humans possess a few accessory organs that Jaffa have no need for. Goa'uld symbiotes replaced the need for certain storage and production centers of immune system components."
"The heart, the symbiote pouch, and organs to support the immune system," Ishta regurgitated, to clarify if she understood the differences correctly.
"Yes. There is also a generalized thickening of Jaffa musculature compared to humans."
"What of reproduction?"
"Those organs and functions are essentially the same between the two species. None of the Dakaran records indicated a need to modify the reproductive system." Eruce gazed at the Jaffa curiously. "May I ask why you show an interest in these topics?"
"The Jaffa are embarking upon great change. As my counterpart's son explained, many have freed themselves from their oppressors. Our people our now prepared to evolve. I strongly believe that an external power recognizes this as an opportunity for personal gain. The Tau'ri have concluded that the scientist who once controlled this moon had the support of a powerful benefactor. If he had successfully found an alternative to symbiotes and tretonin, then this mysterious power could have found a way to control us. We could become slaves again."
"Fascinating," Eruce said innocently.
"Terrifying," Ishta corrected.
Eruce bowed her head humbly.
"I wish for the prosperity of my race. I believe the key is here on this moon."
"You wish for us to continue Ventho's work?" Eruce asked with trepidation. She did not think she had the stomach for it. Her heart clenched at the thought.
"No. Not if it will cause harm," Ishta said decisively.
Eruce sighed internally. She felt relief that she would not need to craft a refusal without causing undue offense. She had no talent for political speak like her cousin, the Station Master. She possessed no natural inclination to manipulate words.
Ishta produced a small cylindrical tube from her pocket. "This is tretonin. I must always keep this with me to ensure I do not become weak and die. While I am grateful to the humans who first introduced this to my people, I fear it is not a sustainable solution. I wish to identify a means of freeing the Jaffa from dependence on external mechanisms for survival."
Eruce accepted the drug administrator and gazed at it curiously. Then she gave it back.
"I want us to be free, naturally, from birth to death."
"What do you propose, Ishta?"
She answered the question with a question. "Could Jaffa and humans intermix?"
Eruce tilted her head in thought. She hummed. Her hand reached out above the table to reactivate the virtual console there. A HUD pulled up, ready to receive a command. Eruce's fingers flew over the station writing, bringing up images and files above the table.
Two different sets of DNA were placed side by side in the air. They each spun on their own axes. The system began to run an analysis, with text and numbers flying across the virtual screen.
Ishta waited patiently.
After a few minutes time, the system chimed.
"A cursory analysis shows that yes, Jaffa and humans could interbreed. The genetic structures of the two species are compatible." She slowly swiped down the display so she could look at her guest without obstruction. "Are there any real world examples of this?"
"None."
"Has it been attempted?"
"No. The Goa'uld historically kept our races segregated in many ways. Our cultures now differ greatly. There is little to encourage such unions." Ishta paused to breath in. "However, there is also no deterrent for the pairing of a Jaffa and a human. It is not forbidden."
Eruce considered her words. "I cannot predict with certainty how the offspring of a Jaffa and a human would appear, genetically." She could now guess what Ishta was gunning for here. She chose to caution her. "There would be no guarantee that such a hybrid would be free of dependence on a Goa'uld symbiote."
"Could you not control this yourself?"
"I fear that is a task I am wholly inadequate for. It is akin to attempting to create an entirely new breed. Nature has better luck producing a viable hybrid of the two species than I. It has an elegant way of choosing what base parings to keep and which ones to ignore."
Ishta inclined her head to acknowledge the scientist's admission of her own limitations. The Hak'tyl leader did not feel discouraged by it. Nor would she have wanted to play God the way the Goa'uld did eons ago, when they created the Jaffa.
No, she had another approach in mind.
"We, Jaffa, honor Nature as well."
Ishta smiled cryptically at the scientist.
Adjustments to long-term plans were now being made in her mind. This information was beneficial to them. She found herself quietly satisfied that her maneuvering had so perfectly set up the solution she wanted to see attempted. A solution that she did not think possible before today.
It was time for a little push.
Jasuf needed to marry her young Hak'tyl.
A/N: Progress update: I just finished a pretty significant event that will fall into Ch 74 or 75, based on where I insert chapter breaks. I wouldn't have been able to say this before, but I honestly think this monster is on its way to 100 chapters. Holy cow! I'm already close to 1,000 pages in Word. Please keep my computer in your thoughts... I fear it may explode. Thanks for stopping by. See you next time!