Daughter
Chapter 63 – Blessing
"Sir, what are we going to do if both Elda and Smith have to fulfill their other roles at the same time?" Baker wondered.
He and Reynolds were walking side-by-side, patrolling a different part of the training grounds. They were further away from the main bunker. The sprawling building that could be made up into a fake ship or a fake facility was nearby.
"Elda's thing shouldn't happen much. The Jaffa pretty much pinky-promised they wouldn't bother her, and by extension, us, unless it was an emergency. If they're both gone at the same time, well…"
"That's what I mean."
"Yeah. I got the impression they'll just let SG-3 stand down in that case."
"Whaaaaaat."
"I know."
"We could make it work as a team of three," Baker pointed out.
"Of course we can. Half the time we lose contact with someone and drop down to three anyway," Reynolds agreed.
"Fucking Wednesday."
His CO grunted at their inside joke. Each day of the week represented a typical problem that SG-teams faced. Wednesdays were 'lose-contact' days. "To be honest, I wouldn't complain if we stood down for a minute."
"I guess I wouldn't either. It's been a grind for months."
"With no end in sight," Reynolds concurred.
Their eyes continued to scan the area as they walked. For a time, they were silent, just patrolling the training grounds as assigned. It was pretty obvious that their work here was unnecessary. They hadn't bothered to bring in SFs like they did on that moon. This planet was already well-secured by the SGC. But it wouldn't do to leave the area completely unguarded.
"What's the latest on our youngins?" the CO now asked.
"Elda got jealous when Crawford had to run off with Matthews."
"Not surprised."
"Smith is still sleeping with that doctor from the station."
"Newsflash," Reynolds deadpanned. He rolled his eyes. "What about Crawford?"
"Crawford." Baker thought on him for a moment. "Something's off."
The Colonel glanced at him briefly. "How?"
"I haven't figured it out yet. He's just… tense. Saw him working out the other morning. He was going at it pretty hard."
"His foray into intelligence work with SG-2's girl didn't go that well," Reynolds pointed out.
"That could be it. She's not Elda. He doesn't know how to work with her."
"Yet."
"Yet?"
"Pierce is asking to borrow him from time to time."
"What the fuck? He has his own intelligence officer. Why does he need to steal one of our guys?" Baker asked incredulously.
"He sees the possibility of us standing down as an opportunity."
"You just said that would be rare."
"I did say that. Doesn't mean he's not gonna grab a bull by the horns if he has a chance."
"You gonna let him, sir?"
Reynolds stayed quiet for a beat. "Crawford's got potential. He could use a taste of how other teams do things. Might add to his skillset. Could bring back something to the table for us."
Baker scrunched his face. "Is this gonna bite us in the ass, sir?" As 2IC, he was supposed to point out possible problems with his CO's decisions.
"Only time will tell. He's gonna learn as much as he can from Elda. So will Smith. But at some point, they'll need to branch out and do without her."
His 2IC frowned. "I like the team's make-up just the way it is right now, sir."
"Me too, Lieutenant. Me too."
The airport terminal was bustling with people. Jack and Gracie sat together at a gate, waiting for their flight. The child was busy scribbling in a coloring book. Jack wore casual civilian clothing. He munched on a doughnut while he gazed around, just people-watching.
"Daddy?"
"Hmm?"
"Where's Elda?"
"Far away," he answered patiently for the tenth time.
"Is Mommy with her?"
"Yes, she is."
"Can we go there?"
"We're going to our other home to wait for them, remember? They might be back soon. And you can see Auntie Carolyn, too."
Gracie's eyes lit up at this reminder. "Can I stay with her?"
"Maybe. If she's not busy." Jack was already planning to ask the doctor if she was free. He needed to go offworld and all his other babysitters were unavailable. He really didn't think it was a good idea to make Hank take care of his four-year-old. Although that might be funny to watch.
"Daddy, look." She pointed at the scribbles all over the coloring page. "I make a circle."
He peered at it, pretending to see what she was seeing. "Wow."
"And this part is the whoosh."
He blinked. Then Jack's eyes darted around to see if anyone was paying attention.
Dammit, she was talking about the stargate again.
"Nice, Baby," he humored her. He coughed uncomfortably. "Have you told your little friends at preschool about the circle before?"
"Yup."
Jack let out a worried breath.
Gracie turned the page and started coloring more. She bit her lip as she pressed down on the paper with a crayon. The child began to mutter to herself. "Whoosh. Into the circle!" Gracie raised the crayon into the air, distracted now, and waved it around. "Shooooo." Then she jumped off the chair, coloring book flying to the floor with her sudden motion. "Whoa! Now we Blue Skidoo'd to da forest! Wooooooow."
Bewildered, Jack watched as his child imagined herself gating to another planet.
"Lot of energy, huh?" a man's voice sounded off behind him.
Jack turned his head to see a random passenger seated there. He seemed to be a touch older than him, but not by much. "You're telling me."
"My grandson is just like that. Pure joy." He chuckled. "Enjoy her. They grow up too fast."
The General quirked a smile, thinking of his elder daughter. "Ain't that the truth." Then he frowned, realizing the man must be mistaking Gracie for his grandchild. He groaned internally.
Crawford got the break he was hoping for when Elda got sent offworld again. She was escorting more discharged patients back to Tek'ron. Somehow, she had convinced Colonel Carter to let Rellie accompany her. And it looked like Baker was the lucky winner today to join her for escort duty. Teal'c was still at the space station with Smith and Dr. Jackson.
He half-expected to eat lunch alone on the surface. Or maybe Reynolds would join him.
So he was surprised to see Colonel Pierce drop into the single seat across from his. "Corporal," he said simply.
Crawford stared at him. "Colonel."
"Where's your team?"
"Everywhere but here apparently."
The SG-2 leader sniggered. "They just left you behind?"
"No, sir. They all happen to have other duties to attend to." Crawford wondered what was going on. Colonel Pierce would know all this already.
The man dug into his food casually, as if it were no big deal for him to be sitting in the mess with a lower-ranked member of someone else's team.
Crawford remained quiet. He continued his meal, waiting for the Colonel to say something.
His wait didn't last long.
"I have a proposal for you. How would you like to go on more ops like the one you tried out with Major Matthews?"
The marine squinted briefly. "What would the objectives be?"
The Colonel regarded him with approval. "That's the right question to ask, Corporal. We have a number of missions lined up that we could use you on."
Crawford noticed that the other man wasn't really answering his question. Maybe the marine didn't want to know what this was all about. He had no real interest in working with Jessica again. Not after the way things went last time.
"Matthews has a cover as a smuggler. We recently got a few leads that she needs to follow up on. But the places she has to go? She'll need someone watching her back."
"Who usually goes undercover with her, sir?"
"See that's the thing. No one."
"No one," Crawford repeated.
"Until now," Pierce hinted sneakily. "You could fill that role."
"What about the other guys on SG-2?"
"They don't quite fit the profile we need for this type of op. But you've got the look. And the chops, now that you've trained with Mal Doran."
The marine took in a cautious breath.
Could it be that Elda was his ticket away from Elda?
"What exactly would you need me to do, sir?"
"Go in as her partner or muscle for hire. Whatever she thinks would work best. She'll take point. Get us what we need. You back her up."
Pierce still wasn't telling him everything. It made Crawford suspicious. But then again, this was just a brief introduction to the job, to see if he might be interested. He could tell.
"I would need to clear that with my superior, sir."
"Go right ahead. Talk it over with him. Then get back to me."
"What's the deadline?"
"We're not leaving any time soon, Corporal. I'll give you a week from when this mission here concludes." Pierce pointed toward the ground to mean the op they were running on this planet specifically. With just a few Jaffa left to finalize treatments, it would be over soon enough. The end was in sight.
Crawford nodded. "Thank you, sir."
Pierce stood up. He waved a hand at Crawford for him to remain seated. "See ya 'round, Corporal."
The marine watched him go with a look of consternation. He suddenly had something to think about.
Jasuf pulled Elda away from Lieutenant Baker and Aurelia, who were watching a few Jaffa spar on the Ha'tak. He stroked her cheek and leaned in. "You must find time to spend the night," he said quietly, nuzzling his nose with hers.
She smiled. "Jasuf," she chided in a whisper. "I am still on duty."
His eyes darted toward her companions. Their attention was glued to the sight of a male and female Jaffa fighting with staff weapons. He ignored her warning. "Surely, you will be released for rest. Your current assignment affords you access to a chaapa'ai."
She pursed her lips with pleasure. She could tell he was missing her. His obvious desire was suddenly making her feel eager. She glanced to ensure no one was within earshot. "I will have to ask my mother for permission," she whispered. "It's not like when I'm on Earth, and I can come and go as I please through the gate."
"Make your request. Then come home." He grabbed her hips and made her come closer. He dropped a brief kiss onto her lips. It was hot and wet.
Elda accepted his affection, then reluctantly pulled away. She gave him a look of warning laced with love. Her second-in-command was right there. "Return to your duties, Jaffa."
He smiled in the manner that revealed his adorable dimples. He bowed his head to her. "As you say, My Lady."
She sucked in a small breath. "That's so hot," she said under her breath. "Krelnok. Before we both get in trouble."
Jasuf stepped back without another word. The look on his face was full of undeniable suggestion.
Elda's eyes tracked him as he left. She shivered a little, imagining what they would do the next time they were alone. He had sufficiently motivated her now. She'd need to find her mother the moment she returned to that Training Grounds planet.
When she turned back to the people she had arrived with, they were still gazing at the show before them. Elda went to their sides.
"What did your boyfriend want?" Baker asked flatly, eyes never leaving the fight.
"He was just saying hi."
Aurelia stayed quiet. The corner of her mouth twitched. Their body language told her otherwise.
"Mmm hmm," Baker responded, not believing that for one second. His mouth formed an 'o' when he watched the Hak'tyl land a nasty-looking blow on the side of her opponent. "What do you make of this, Cakes?"
"They're evenly matched." Elda watched for a bit longer. "My sister is well-versed in the sequence they're practicing today. But my brother is also good at improvising."
Aurelia asked curiously, "Is that how the Jaffa always refer to each other? As siblings? I've heard that in the lab."
"Yes," Elda confirmed. "Except when there are mates, of course. Then the mates choose how they address each other. It's different for every pairing."
Aurelia then wondered, "What do you and Jasuf call each other?"
Baker snorted. "Prince and princess."
Elda huffed. "No," she countered. "Just our names. Or 'My Love'."
If he were Crawford or Smith, she would have told him to shut up. But Baker was technically her superior.
"Why do you make that particular remark, Lieutenant?" Aurelia requested with a smile toward Elda.
She scrunched her face at her friend.
"Because Jasuf is essentially a prince on this planet. And he's in the middle of making Elda his princess. Classic fairy tale romance," the marine replied drily.
Elda groaned.
Aurelia laughed. She whispered to her friend, "Do you really mind that? Your mate is very good-looking."
Elda's frown slowly transformed into a proud smile. "I know."
"No."
Elda pouted briefly. "No?"
Sam shook her head at her daughter in the command center. They were alone for the moment.
Elda inclined her head, accepting her mother's answer.
Sam held up an index finger. "We're almost done. When the last of our patients are finished with treatment, you will escort them to Tek'ron just as you have been doing. Then I'm giving everyone on this base a couple days off. You all deserve it."
Elda's eyes lit up.
"Which means: when you go to Tek'ron to drop off the last of our refugees, you can simply stay there during your downtime. No need to come straight back to Earth."
Her daughter nodded eagerly.
Sam wagged her finger at her. "You still need to have a physical when you come home, though. Don't forget."
Elda shook her head. "I won't forget. Carolyn won't let me forget."
Sam stared at her for a moment, then said, "Dismissed."
Her daughter inclined her head as the Jaffa usually did. She turned and briefly greeted her direct superior as they passed each other in the doorway. Elda left. Reynolds came in. "What did she need?"
"Permission to stay overnight on Tek'ron. I denied her request."
He looked backwards toward the closing door. "Good. She needs a little discipline."
Sam just furrowed her brow. "Why do you say that?"
"Can't have her thinking she's got privileges. I get that she has a second home on that Jaffa planet, but she works for us. Good on you for showin' her who's boss."
Sam twisted her lips. "Thanks." If only he knew, as Elda's birth mother, Sam was already the boss.
"Sam," Reynolds said tiredly as he gazed out the window above the control panel. "Feels like my team is about to get ripped apart."
"What do you mean?"
"Smith's galivanting on a space station. Elda's got her Jaffa stuff. And now Crawford…"
Sam waited for him to say more.
"Pierce wants to borrow him." Reynolds looked at her pointedly. "He's gonna try to snatch him up. I can just feel it."
She grit her teeth. She wondered if she could find a way to keep his team together, as she had promised him. She might have to talk to Jack. But she had to do so without anyone realizing she was leaning on her connection to him for this little personnel challenge. Sam felt that SG-3's current roster was perfect. Elda was doing well with the marines. If they got broken up now, there was no telling how things might change.
"I say stand your ground. Make it clear to Pierce that he's only borrowing your guy. Don't let him dangle a carrot on a stick in front of Crawford, enticing him to transfer teams."
"Amen to that," Reynolds agreed. "I'll be having a little chat with my Corporal, too. He's already asking what this whole job might be about."
Sam tilted her head. "Good luck."
"Sure you don't want me to assign you an escort, General?" Landry quietly asked under his breath.
Jack didn't flinch when the forming wormhole kawhooshed toward him, hungry for someone to swallow.
A little hand pulled on his excitedly. "Whoosh!" Gracie pointed with her free hand while jumping up and down.
He looked down at her and smiled. "Stay with Uncle Hank. And be good. I'll be back soon."
"I wanna go with you, Daddy!"
"Not this time. Maybe next time."
"Okay," she answered glumly. She let Hank grasp her hand now instead of her father.
Jack leaned down to kiss her on top of her hair. "Love you. I'll be back," he repeated.
"Lub you." Gracie watched as he walked up the ramp and disappeared through the gate. The wormhole dissipated immediately. She then gazed around. The men on the defense team were all smiling at her. She waved at them. They waved back.
Hank grinned at this exchange. "What do you wanna do now?"
Gracie looked up at her uncle. "Can I have ice cream?"
The General seemed to think about it. "Sure."
"With sprinkles?"
Hank looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure if we have any."
"Awww."
The General turned around. "Walter! Get out to the store and get us sprinkles!"
Jack stayed calm when five active staff weapons greeted him on the other side of the wormhole. "Identify yourself," a male Jaffa demanded.
"General Jack O'Neill. Tell your boss Rick of Earth is here." He wasn't intimidated in the least.
The guardsmen all deactivated their weapons. The lead bowed his head. "Welcome to Tek'ron."
"Thank you kindly." Jack stepped forward out of the danger zone of the gate and stuffed his hands in his BDU pockets to wait.
The Jaffa contacted Jasuf on his communicator and received orders. "Follow me," he said politely to Jack. As he walked away, he instructed the rest of the men to resume patrol.
Jack was escorted to the village's edge, where Jasuf was there to meet him.
"Rick of Earth," he said congenially.
"Old Buddy," Jack responded with a grin. They grasped forearms as the Jaffa would do. The escort was dismissed.
"I am pleased that you were able to answer my request so soon. Thank you for coming."
He clapped Jasuf's back as the Jaffa led him into the village. "No problem. I was already planning to travel to the gate on Earth anyway. This was good timing."
"The chaapa'ai on your planet is far from where you reside?"
"Oh yeah, miles away. My base of command isn't even in the same state. Takes a bit of effort to get there."
Jasuf wasn't familiar with all the terms Jack used, but he understood enough. "Then I offer you extra gratitude for your efforts to be here." He showed him to the governance hut. The minders opened the heavy door for them.
Jack was led in, but surprised when Jasuf reached behind the throne to open another door. He gazed past him to see a residence in the back he had never known about. Jasuf gestured to him in welcome. "This is my father's private space. We can speak comfortably here."
"Is he home?"
"He is out in the village tending to several tasks. I will be sure to ask him to greet you when we are done here."
Jack nodded and took the seat at the table that was offered to him. Jasuf immediately poured tea for them both. The General looked around and noted a shrine to a Jaffa female. He guessed it was for the late wife. Another wall featured battle armor. He thought it looked pretty cool.
Jasuf remained standing and clasped his hands behind his back.
Jack looked at him curiously. "Buddy? Why I am here?"
"I have asked you here so that I may make a humble request."
"Go on." He hazarded a sip of the hot drink, testing its temperature. Sensing that it wouldn't really burn his mouth, Jack took in a bigger gulp.
The Jaffa got straight to the point, as everyone in his culture did. "I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
Jack nearly choked on his tea. He put the cup down and stared up at Jasuf in surprise.
The Jaffa simply stood there, waiting.
"You… my… hand…"
"No, Rick of Earth. Elda's hand."
Jack's mouth opened and closed several times as he blinked rapidly. Then he coughed. "So… you think you're ready for that sort of commitment?" Good God, these Jaffa always moved so fast.
"I am," the young Jaffa said without hesitation. "She is important to me. I wish to make our union permanent."
"Wow." Jack never thought he'd see the day. He breathed in and out. Was there really anything to debate here? This guy was already doing more than most people his age on Earth would do. Asking the father for his blessing was so… traditional. Jack sort of liked that.
He stood, coming to a decision.
Jasuf stiffened, eyes just a bit wider with anticipation.
Jack held out a hand. "Welcome to the family, Jasuf."
He slowly smiled. He took Jack's hand and shook it, as humans would do. "Thank you," he breathed out in relief.
Jack patted his back then let go. "What's your plan?"
"I will wait until an opportune moment to propose to her. I do not know when that will arise."
The General nodded. "You know, when I wanted to propose to Sam, I did the same thing. Figured I'd know when the time was right."
"And when did that time come, Rick of Earth?"
Jack looked away, eyes getting lost in the memory. His mouth quirked into a smile. "We were on her ship. Remember the one I told you she used to command?"
Jasuf nodded.
"We had just pounced on a bunch of bad guys. It was a thing at the time. We won. The crew was feeling good. I was feeling good. She was looking good."
Jasuf smiled, still listening.
"And then when she was finally got off shift, we had some time to talk privately. I decided to tell her the truth."
"And what truth was that?"
"That I wanted to retire. So that I could marry her."
"You are required to relinquish command for marriage?" Jasuf asked in confusion.
"In my case? Yes. Don't get me started on all the over-complicated frat regs we have over there. Makes the head spin. Anyway, she got the idea. Said yes. And I left the service within a month."
"How did you regain your command?"
"Ohhh…" Jack chuckled. "Our President was having a hard time. Needed someone capable back in the saddle. The big boss begged me to come back. Promised me that he wouldn't give me any trouble for the whole marriage thing. And he didn't. I had done everything to code. Never engaged in a relationship with my subordinate while she was in my direct chain of command." He smirked dubiously.
Jasuf got the hint. Yes, he did. "And so you married."
"Yup."
"She remained in command of that vessel?"
"She did. Until she gave birth to Gracie. Then she gave it up."
Jasuf nodded at the interesting story. "Thank you for telling me this. I find it fascinating to hear about the origin of my future wife."
Jack blinked, not sure if he'd ever get used to the idea of his eldest daughter getting married. But it's not like he'd be able to stop her. And he didn't dare try. If it would make her happy, who was he to stand in her way? She deserved every good thing she could get a hold of in this life.
The universe owed her that much.
Jack made it a point to check in with the SGC when his Earth-shattering meeting was done. He dutifully reported to Hank that he was fine, but he wanted to make another stop before coming back. He asked for the address of the Training Grounds planet.
And off he went.
When he stepped through, Colonel Reynolds and Corporal Crawford were there. They relaxed their grips on their P-90s and saluted stiffly.
"Fellas," Jack greeted. "Where's Colonel Carter?"
"She's inside the command center, sir," Reynolds reported.
Jack started walking.
"Sir."
When Jack looked, Reynolds was pointing in the opposite direction. The General blinked once, then headed that way instead.
"Do you need us to…"
Jack waved him off. "No, no. Carry on."
"Yes, sir."
Reynolds and Crawford watched him go, faces full of confusion. "Sir?" Crawford asked. "What's he doin' here?"
"I have no clue."
Jack wandered into the bunker and looked around. He hadn't been here in years. Years. He made an educated guess about where the command center would be and ventured in further. Eventually, the sound of stern voices could be heard in the distance.
Sam was using her authoritative voice.
Uh oh. Jack stood just outside the door, which was ajar, to listen in first.
"I don't see how it's any of your business, Carter," a male voice argued. "This is between me and Reynolds and his Corporal."
"It is every bit my business, Colonel," Sam ground out. "I am in command of this base. You will not be engaging in backhanded maneuvering while you are under my command. Do you hear me?"
"Backhanded… Colonel. This is about SG-2 utilizing an asset. And this asset is a sworn member of Stargate Command and a member of the U.S. Military. I have an objective to meet. And I have the full backing of the General to meet that objective as I see fit."
"At the expense of another team's integrity?" she asked incredulously.
"If that's the way the cookie crumbles…" Pierce responded indifferently.
"Pierce, you are a real piece of work."
Jack decided it was time to make an appearance. He opened the door and gazed in quietly, face serious and eyebrow raised.
Colonel Pierce immediately aborted the retort he had ready on his tongue. He and Sam stiffened at the sight of Jack and saluted.
"Colonels," the General greeted flatly.
Pierce swallowed. "General O'Neill, sir."
Sam raised her brow. What was he doing here all of a sudden? She didn't miss a beat. "General, welcome to P5X-367: Training Grounds base and temporary genetic repair facility."
Jack nodded. "Thank you." He looked between the pair. "Problem?"
"No, sir," Sam responded. "I was just explaining to Colonel Pierce the intricacies and consequences of command decisions." She sent a sideways glare toward him.
If looks could kill, Sam would be dead right now by the way Pierce glared back.
Jack smirked. "I'm sure Colonel Carter was able to provide you a fine lesson, Colonel Pierce. Dismissed."
He stiffened up again. Then he left the room. Jack turned to make sure the door was good and closed behind him. When he turned back, Sam had a special glare ready just for him.
"What?" he asked.
"Jack. I don't know how you heard about this so fast, but I do not need your help."
He breathed in. "I wouldn't dream of interfering in your command, Sam." He looked around casually. "In fact, I like what I heard."
She furrowed her brow. "How much did you hear?"
"Enough." He buried his hands in his pockets. "Enough to know Pierce is an asshole."
Sam snorted. "Amen to that."
"What's going on?"
"He's got his eye on Corporal Crawford from Gracie's team. Mal expressed concern that he wants to take him from him. I looked into it. He wasn't wrong. Pierce already approached Crawford directly."
"Sounds like unnecessary drama."
"Very unnecessary."
"Let me know if you need me to step in. But otherwise, I'll stay out of it."
Sam nodded. Then she scrunched her face. "Why are you here?"
Jack looked at her with irritation. "No, 'Hi, Honey? I missed you? How was your day?'"
She rolled her eyes and stepped closer to him. He naturally wrapped his arms around her. "Hi, Honey! I missed you. How was your day?" she repeated drily.
"Just peachy. Thanks for asking."
Sam hit his arm. "Jack."
"Sam."
"Answer my question."
"I just came from Tek'ron."
"What? Why?"
"Jasuf asked for a meeting."
Sam's mouth dropped open. "He could have come to me. He knows where I am. He didn't have to make you go all the way over there."
Jack held up a placating hand. "This has nothing to do with your op. It was something else. And he was willing to be patient. It just so happened I was heading to Colorado anyway."
She looked very confused. "Okay, first of all, since when were you coming to Colorado? Second, where is Gracie? And third, what did Jasuf want?"
"I decided out of the blue to come see you when you came home. Gracie's with Hank. And…"
"And?"
"Old Buddy asked for my blessing."
"Blessing for what?"
Jack leaned in and smiled enigmatically. "To marry our daughter."
Sam gasped. She nearly collapsed. When Jack righted her, her face was glowing with the brightest smile he'd ever seen. It made him grin.
"What did you say to him!?"
"I said, 'Welcome to the family'."
Sam squealed. She hugged Jack fiercely. He laughed aloud. "Oh my God." She was breathing heavily now in excitement. Then her eyes went wide. "Vala's gonna flip out!"
"Yeah. Yep. She just might."
Sam locked eyes with her husband. "Details. Now."
When Smith disembarked from the ship, he stepped foot onto the grounds of the Alpha Site. The weather was rainy. He put his dufflebag over his head and rushed to the entrance to the base. Daniel and Teal'c copied him and followed. Their path left behind muddy boot prints.
A few SFs saw their approach and opened the base doors for them. "Welcome back to Alpha Base," one of them greeted.
"Thank you," Daniel said inside. He reached a hand up to flick water out of his hair. Then he pulled his glasses off to dry them with his shirt.
"Whoo," Smith intoned. "That's a wet welcome."
"Ha."
Teal'c didn't bother to shake water off. He simply began moving further into the base. The men had agreed they would freshen up here, then figure out where they were meant to report to next. The last update they received before leaving the space station said orders would be ready for them upon arrival.
Within half an hour, the trio met back up in the control center. The base commander was there to receive them. "Colonel Carter sent word that they're packing up on the Training Grounds planet. Report there. Sounds like you won't be staying long."
"Maybe this means we can finally go home," Daniel said hopefully.
"It's been a minute," Smith noted.
"Indeed."
They thanked the commander and headed to the world where their teammates were. They arrived to see the base busy with space station personnel removing equipment.
The trio gazed around the lab, noting all the stasis pods were drained of liquid. A few were being loaded onto specialized carts. They caught sight of Aurelia, who was directing the workers.
"Ahh. You have returned."
"Hi. What's going on?" Daniel asked.
Smith stepped up to Aurelia and placed his hands directly in hers in greeting. He looked at her curiously.
"We're transferring this equipment to safe storage. These pods are not meant to be operated by non-qualified personnel. Colonel Carter agreed to let us take them out."
"What happens after this?" Smith asked.
"I think she means for my people to visit Earth next. To install the upgrades for your medical ward?"
The marine's eyes lit up. "Finally."
"How did the remaining Jaffa fare, AureliaThel?"
She smiled up at Teal'c. "They're all done with treatments and back on Elda's planet," she happily reported. "Everyone is doing well so far."
"Heh. Elda's planet," Smith repeated.
She frowned. "Did I misspeak?"
"No, no. It's just kinda funny that a planet full of Jaffa would belong to Elda." He glanced at Daniel and Teal'c, who were amused along with him. "She's totally gonna be the queen over there." He started laughing aloud.
Teal'c didn't seem offended. He knew about this joke already.
Aurelia hazarded a smile. She wondered why everyone was so eager to tease her about her place there. She thought it was kind of sweet that another race of people had accepted her so well. She figured it had to do with some cultural norms she had yet to learn about.
"Where is she, anyway?" Smith wondered now.
"She's on her planet. Colonel Carter gave her permission to stay there once she was done bringing the Jaffa home."
"Of course," Daniel said drily.
"What?" Smith asked.
"Smith, I think we both know why she's over there."
The young marine smiled. "Yeah, I think we do." At Aurelia's questioning look, he clarified, "Elda's always scheming to go back to her prince."
Her mouth gaped. Her eyes squeezed shut. Then her face contorted.
A wave of pleasure washed over her.
Before she was even done, he placed himself on top of her and within her. Their movements became frantic. Hard. Her hands gripped any part of him she could touch, nails gently digging into his skin possessively.
Elda was so glad to be home.
Jasuf didn't stop until he had her shuddering again. Her immense pleasure only activated his.
By now the sun had set and the village was preparing for rest. A night patrol should have already begun its watch in the forest, as Jasuf commanded earlier in the day.
Food would be left out in the eating hut for anyone whose duties forced them to miss dinner. Or for a pair of lovers who were so preoccupied with each other that they forgot to stop for a meal. They had been going at it since the afternoon.
Their heater was shut off. Plenty of heat was generated in this hut to negate its necessity. Jasuf wiped at the sweat on his brow and laid down next to her. Elda's eyes remained closed as she caught her breath, smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
He nuzzled his face into her neck, nibbling at the skin there with his teeth. "My Sun and My Moon," he whispered sweetly to her.
Elda stroked his jawline. "My Love." Then she settled into his arms and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, no alarms woke her. No knocks on the door disturbed her. Elda opened her eyes slowly. When she saw the inside of the hut, she was reminded that she was exactly where she wanted to be.
She stretched lazily within the covers. Jasuf was not there, but she wasn't surprised. He always had to rise early to start his duties in the village. When Elda turned her head, she spied something curious hanging in the small closet.
It was cream-colored and drapey. It was new.
She rose to investigate. Elda found it to be an ankle-length dress, one with a simple design and a flattering cut. And it looked like it just might fit. When she slipped it on, she was right.
She quirked a smile. What was this for? Elda grabbed her communicator. "Jasuf."
"Elda. You have woken?"
"I have. What is this dress you have here?"
"Is it not obvious? I provided that there for you."
"I am to wear this now?" She fingered the soft fabric, admiring how it shimmered a little in the sunlight streaming in from a window.
"I would be honored if you did. Come show me."
She grinned. "I will." She refreshed herself in the side room, where a washing bowl was set up. Then Elda found a pocket in the dress for her communicator. She also donned the access bracelet for the rings, knowing she would visit the Jaffa refugees later. She checked her reflection in a small mirror above the washing bowl and fluffed her hair. It was getting long now. Maybe too long. She would either need to cut it, or have one of her Hak'tyl sisters braid it for her. She'd ask for their opinions later.
When she finally found Jasuf, he was standing outside of the small school house, deep in discussion with the Headmaster. Elda waited patiently until he was done. She passed the time by watching the smaller children play with blocks in the garden. These weren't like the colorful blocks her little sister possessed on Earth. These items were electronic, capable of coming together as components for different devices. Even at a young age, the children were being taught advanced concepts of technology.
Her head turned when she felt Jasuf's hand grab her waist. He gazed at her admiringly in the new dress he'd given her. "You are more beautiful than the stars themselves, My Love."
Elda couldn't help the way her cheeks flushed.
Jasuf kissed her chastely then pulled her to walk with him. "Come."
"What duties do you have today?"
"Everything," he said drily.
"Can I help?"
He smiled appreciatively at her as they strolled. "Rest. You have been working hard these past weeks. Go visit with our people. See your sisters."
Elda tilted her head at him curiously. "You are surprisingly relaxed."
"I am simply happy that you are home." And it was true. Jasuf was thrilled that Elda's mother gave her permission to spend two whole days here. She hadn't been able to do that since she came to ask for sanctuary for the refugees.
She leaned up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. "As you say. Maybe I'll go eat breakfast with the Hak'tyl." She hugged his elbow affectionately. "Show off my new dress."
He looked smug. "You may invite jealousy with that plan."
"That's my sisters' problem. Not mine," she answered nonchalantly. She laughed with him.
He led her to his father's residence. They ventured inside through the side door.
Meil'nor was there, sitting comfortably at his table. He stood as they bowed before him. "Kal'ma," he called out pleasantly. "Jasuf, she becomes more like the stars each day."
Elda blushed at a compliment coming from his father of all people.
Jasuf stood proudly.
Something seemed different here. She just couldn't put her finger on it.
Elda inclined her head to acknowledge Meil'nor's words. "I greet you on this morning, Tribe Father."
"I greet you as well. I mean to visit your other village today. Will you join me?"
Elda glanced at Jasuf. So this is why he brought her to his father. "Of course."
Jasuf walked them both to the edge of the settlement, kissed Elda, then bid them farewell. She noticed no guard was assigned to escort them. It made her wonder why. Perhaps this was only meant to be a friendly visit?
They walked in silence for the first few minutes. Despite the warming air on Tek'ron, Elda still felt chilled under the shadows of the trees. The halter neckline of her dress left her shoulders exposed. She regretted not looking for her jacket to wear. But it would have clashed with the style of clothing she had donned.
Meil'nor placed his cape around her shoulders, sensing her chill.
She smiled up at him sweetly.
"Your Den Mother means to marry Teal'c when the sun shines longest on Chulak," he said.
"A summer wedding."
"Indeed. You will feel more comfortable in that manner of dress there. The natural heat of the air will warm us all. Perhaps too much."
"The people will remove more and more layers as the drinks warm them further."
Meil'nor laughed. "And as their inhibitions diminish."
She quietly chuckled with him. Jaffa didn't drink alcohol often. But when they did, it was always a raucous affair. Everyone was looking forward to this excuse to have a good time.
"Jasuf means to escort you to these nuptials. Will your human family approve of this? You would be officially presented among the Jaffa that day, not the Tau'ri."
"I don't see it being a problem," she said easily.
Meil'nor seemed satisfied with that. "We will honor your place among us, Lady Elda."
She sighed internally. This is what she figured would happen. At least he was warning her that he planned to show her off. She decided to find the strongest drinks she could at this wedding.
"Did Master Teal'c also marry Ishta in your time, Kal'ma?" he asked curiously.
Elda stopped. Maybe this is why they had no guard today. He wanted to ask her about this closed topic without the men overhearing. Aside from her Hak'tyl sisters, only he and Jasuf knew about her past. They were sworn to secrecy for her protection.
Her eyes flitted up to the sunlight filtering through the trees. Then she looked at Meil'nor wistfully. "I was a child when they married. Very small. But I do remember watching the wedding from afar with my adoptive mother." She smiled softly at the memory as her gaze drifted away, focusing on nothing in particular.
"From afar?"
"We had to don heavy cloaks and disguise ourselves as we traveled on Chulak. Goa'uld spies were everywhere, waiting for us to come so they could snatch me. Once my mother felt we were secure, she chose a tree high up on a ridge. We climbed onto its biggest branch to observe the celebration. We sat eating some sweet bread she stole from a stall along the way."
"Did the celebrants know you were present?"
Her smile slowly faded as she answered. "No. Not at the time. My mother couldn't risk telling anyone. Not even Teal'c. He found out later, long after it was done."
Meil'nor grew sad for her. It only made him want to offer her more security and protection to make up for what she lacked in her youth. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I promise you that this time will be different. You will be safe even if you are seen," he said reassuringly. "I will personally guarantee it."
She bowed her head to him, tears now brimming in her eyes.
"Kal'ma."
Elda raised her face to meet his eyes.
"Your presence here among us is a blessing. You honor us by continuing to call our village home."
She couldn't speak, throat tightening as it was from emotion. She could only nod.
Meil'nor regretted her tears. He brought her close to him, hands wrapping around the cape he lent her.
Elda buried her head in his chest, letting a few tears fall. She took in a shaky breath, memories from her youth overwhelming her again. Every happy recollection was tainted with a sensation of caution. And fear. The only way to overcome her debilitating anxiety was to take her life back forcefully and make it her own. She used everything her mother taught her to claw back some of what the universe owed her. The experiences left her scarred, both physically and mentally. Elda liked to believe that she could rise above her past, but moments like these only reminded her that she had always been just a helpless little girl who missed her family and longed for home.
She gripped Meil'nor's tunic as she cried quietly, trying to draw strength from his strong hold.
As he comforted her in the middle of the forest, Elda decided that it was time to take his offer. She would address him in that familiar way that she hadn't dared to before. "Thank you, Father," she whispered.
A/N: Hope you caught the reasoning for the title of this chapter. I try to pick out key words that get repeated or I just pick something succinct to remind myself of what happened in each one. I would like to thank you for your continued interest in this piece. As of this posting I am in the middle of writing Ch. 81/82. Some fun stuff going on there. Hope you'll stick around to see that when it comes out. Up next, Elda gets encouragement and Crawford makes an important decision. See you next time...