Daughter
Chapter 67 – Promotion
Jack gazed around as he sat at the head of the table. Hank was next to him; his wife sat on his other side. Sam simply looked back, waiting. Cameron and Reynolds were also there.
"Tell me more about this goat company, Colonel Reynolds."
"Chigu," Sam corrected.
"Like a goat," Jack retorted.
Cam forced his face not to move, wanting to laugh.
"That's what I said," Reynolds muttered under his breath. In a louder speaking voice, he answered, "General, the Chigu Conglomerate controls a multitude of sub-companies in various industries. We have now confirmed their involvement in the Jaffa experiments on that moon."
"I saw your report. Sounded like some interesting intelligence work. Although, I have some concerns about…" Jack peered down at the paper report before him on the table. "…one of your subordinates getting drugged during the op?" He kept his face as still as he could.
Sam openly frowned.
"That was… unexpected, sir. We had her looked at in Medical as soon as we got back. Whatever it was, it was out of her system by the time she got checked out here."
Mitchell spoke up. "It's my understanding that Corporal Smith made an effort to keep her head above water. And not let her end up alone with that representative."
"That he did. I can say he did an excellent job of looking out for Elda. He told me he was ready to abort the whole op. He personally verified she was okay to keep going."
"Which is fortunate," Landry said, "because your team was able to obtain some very valuable intel."
"Yes, sir."
"Colonel Carter," Jack prompted.
"The scans SG-3 brought back were a match to the ships that arrived at the moon facility. Even the shuttles were a clear one-to-one compared to the data obtained by Teal'c on the day we evacuated. Chigu did show up."
Mitchell added, "And Corporal Smith's interrogation yielded a direct admission by a Chigu employee that they've been working a genetic angle for the symbiote problem. A possible alternative to tretonin, he said. I think it's safe to say SG-3 found the silent backer for those experiments on the Jaffa."
"Good work, Colonel," Jack said to Reynolds.
He nodded his head humbly. "Thank you, sir. I give credit to my team."
"Especially Smith." Jack breathed in. "Promote him."
Reynolds's eyes widened slightly. "I'll see to it, sir." He smiled with pride.
"Now, what to do with this intel," Jack said.
Hank said, "General, I received a recommendation to keep this only in the hands of the Jaffa High Council, and to not let it get out to the general public."
"Oh?"
"Sounds like it could cause problems we don't need."
"Teal'c tell you that?"
His friend shook his head. "Elda did."
Jack shared a look with Sam. Then he nodded. "We'll go ahead and follow that recommendation." He had half a mind to give his daughter the official title of Ambassador, too, but he had to avoid the perception of favoritism. Even if only a select few knew who she was.
Besides, she'd probably kill him if he gave her a title. She was already plenty annoyed to have earned one from her boyfriend's father, of all people.
He caught his wife trying not to smile. She probably knew what he was thinking.
"Let's have Teal'c briefed on this and send him out to the Council to make a closed-door report."
"I'll take care of that, sir," Mitchell promised.
"Sirs," Reynolds asked, "what will the SGC's official response be to this information?"
Landry replied, "We aren't going to reveal our hand, Colonel. Chigu doesn't have to know what Earth knows. There may yet still be some advantages to staying out of it, at least officially. The Jaffa can take the lead on making their displeasure known."
"Any idea what they might do?" Jack asked.
No one at the table could offer a good answer.
Jack and Sam looked up when the door of their family quarters clicked. Sam held up a pointer finger to her mouth as Elda came in. The young blonde looked over at the bed. Her little self was there asleep.
She whispered, "How long has she been out?"
"Barely ten minutes," her mother whispered back. She'd already explained how hard it was to get the girl to nap. The change in routine here in Colorado had disrupted her schedule too much. The girl was a monster without enough sleep. She might be trying to skip her naps, but that wasn't a good idea yet.
Jack had the adults sit at the table.
"So?" Elda asked, looking between her parents. "What happens now?"
Sam answered quietly, "Teal'c's heading out later to make a report to the Jaffa High Council."
"He knows we're going to keep this quiet for now," Jack added.
Elda sighed. "Oh good."
"Gracie," her father said worriedly. "What really happened out there?"
"I can't believe you got drugged," Sam complained.
Her eyes went wide. "It was the tea."
"Yes, we read that part. What was in the tea?" Jack demanded, keeping his voice low so as not to wake the little one.
She sighed. "I don't really know. My vision got cloudy. I felt dizzy."
Sam regarded her with concern. "That it?"
Elda swallowed. "Umm… it made me warm." She chose not to clarify which form of the word she was using in this context. Her parents didn't need to know that part.
"We heard the recording of what went on in there," Jack said next.
"You did?" she squeaked.
Her parents nodded. Elda kept her face blank. She had taken solace in knowing no one could see what she and Smith did. Touches. Facial expressions. All fake. But their tone and their words would have been undeniable.
Jack raised his brow at her with a disapproving stare. "That goat guy clearly had a hidden agenda."
"Goat?" Elda shook her head. "I still don't know what that is."
Her father blinked. "Oh. It's a…" He looked to his wife for help.
Sam sighed and rolled her eyes at Jack. He could have chosen less distracting words. "A goat is an animal here on Earth. Four legs. Furry. Makes a distinct bleating sound. If your sister ever has a picture book with one, we'll show it to you."
Elda scrunched her face. "Okay."
Jack coughed, bringing them back. "Is that how all those goat people operate?" he asked.
His daughter grimaced. "I don't know for sure. But it wasn't that surprising. At least to me. I've dealt with people like him before." She held up two placating hands. "I wasn't very worried. Especially with Smith right next to me."
Jack pointed. "And what would you have done if that guy got you alone?"
"I doubt that would have happened, Dad…"
"If," he emphasized, urging her to explain.
Sam also regarded her seriously.
Elda glanced between them nervously. She could tell they wanted an honest answer. There was no getting around the fact that sex was a huge influence on that whole op. She took in a small breath, feeling cornered by her parents. "If he somehow managed to do that, I'd continue the interrogation."
Her parents looked at each other, then back to her.
"If I felt I could get what I need, I might let him touch me." She held up her hands. "A little." Elda frowned. "If not, I'd probably shoot him."
"Damn straight," Sam grumbled.
"I'll shoot him for you," Jack declared.
Elda sighed loudly and closed her eyes briefly. "Look, I know this makes you very uncomfortable. But this is the way things work out there. The SGC wanted us to get information. Well, the information was in the hands of some very seedy people. The only way to get them to talk is to speak their language."
Jack leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.
Sam frowned. She wagged a finger at their daughter. "You are so not doing that again."
Elda's mouth gaped. "Mom," she started to whine.
"Nope. No. We'll find some other way next time."
"Ask Vala. She knows just as well as I do that sometimes there is no other way around it other than what Smith and I did."
"If Smith hadn't been there, things could have been a lot worse!" Sam whisper-shouted.
"You're right," Elda agreed, glancing back at her sister still asleep. "He did well. The only other person I trust to do what he did is Crawford. And he's busy right now."
Sam narrowed her eyes, reminded of the conflict that was causing among the Colonels lately. She was still trying to understand why the young marine accepted an assignment from another SG-team leader at all. As far as Reynolds knew, he had no reason to leave SG-3. She didn't believe the marine's bullshit answer about trying a new opportunity just to check it out.
She turned to her husband now. "He's doing an op for Pierce," she explained.
"That's that thing you were dealing with when I showed up, right?" Jack clarified.
She nodded, clearly annoyed.
He grunted. Then he looked back at Elda. "If Smith and Crawford are your guys, then we're making sure they stay on your team," he declared.
Sam felt vindicated. She never intended for Jack to step in, but she was glad he was doing it anyway. She technically no longer had a say over what happened between SG-2 and SG-3. Her temporary command over them was over. And she agreed that their daughter could use all the bodyguards she could get out there. Crawford openly declared his loyalty to her daughter before. In her opinion, he better stay at her side.
Elda seemed grateful. "Thank you, Dad. No one wants to see Crawfy leave."
"Any idea why he did?"
His daughter shook her head. She frowned internally at the thought of what he must be up to with Matthews right now. Every little thing that she did with Smith on their last op had already been done with Crawford ten times over on the space station. She actually thought those things happened more naturally with him. Elda chalked it up to them having more experience together posing as a couple. It simply worked.
It bothered her that he was probably touching that Matthews girl now the way he should have been touching her.
Before she could dwell on that curious sensation, her father interrupted her thoughts. "I told Reynolds to give you and Smith a break after this."
"A break?"
"You're getting time off. You two did a bang-up job getting us the intel we wanted in one shot. You deserve it."
She smiled. "We still have to do the exchange for the tretonin deal. That's in less than three days now."
Jack waved a hand. "Fine, fine." He then regarded her curiously. "You sure you really need that deal, though? I thought it was supposed to be fake."
"I actually want to see their product and how it stacks up against Zersha." She shrugged.
"And what are these crystal things you're using to pay for it all?" Jack asked. He directed his question to both Sam and her.
"Data and control crystals," Elda said easily. "There's a whole market for them. The type and quality drive the value."
"We use them all the time on space-faring ships," Sam added.
Jack rubbed his chin. "Where are you getting crystals from?"
"The Hak'tyl. They control the part of Tek'ron that has dozens of caves worth of crystals. I've never been to them. But I know they're there."
"Is that how they're paying Zersha?" Sam wondered.
Elda nodded affirmatively. "It is. I checked in with them on my way back to Earth. Ishta is allowing me to take enough for the deal."
"Gracie," Jack warned. "She's not in on all this work we're doing. It's supposed to be confidential. Top secret."
She pursed her lips, feeling slightly admonished. "I'll keep that in mind."
"If she already knows about what you learned from Chigu, then fine," Sam reassured. "But you need to emphasize to her and Meil'nor that the intel does not leave Tek'ron. They're not on the High Council. And we don't know what the Council is going to do about it yet."
She inclined her head to acknowledge the warning. "I'll make that clear. But I would think they should know what's going on. They're the ones providing sanctuary to the survivors of the experiments."
"I know," Sam agreed. "Which is why we're only reminding you. Going forward, you should be keeping Earth matters on Earth. If they aren't SGC, they don't need to know details about your ops with SG-3."
Elda breathed in. "Got it."
The alarm sounded off with its steady hum as the gate stood ready to swallow a traveler. Elda lingered with Smith at the bottom of the ramp. He was changed into the clothing style of the space station. She fingered the collar of his jacket. "This looks new."
The defensemen watched them surreptitiously, eyes focused on Elda's familiar touches with him.
The marine looked down. "Yeah," he said casually. "I bought this last time I was there. Figured I'd get something different for everyday. Ya know, now that I need to be there more often." When he looked up, he was grinning.
Elda matched his smile. "Yeah, I get it." She sighed happily for him. "Say hi to everyone for me." Then she winked. "Especially Rellie." Her tone was laced with mischief.
Smith smiled wider. "I will," he promised. "Ay, if Crawford gets back while I'm gone, let me know."
She nodded. "Okay. I'll see you in two days for delivery."
Smith tucked a finger under her chin affectionately. "Yup. I'll be here. See ya, Cakes."
Elda waved as he ascended the ramp. "Bye, Smitty." She stayed in place just long enough for the wormhole to dissipate. Then she glanced around, catching all the defense team members watching her. "What."
They all shook their heads slightly with nothing to really say.
She rolled her eyes and left the gate room. Seeing Smith off at the gate was likely enough to keep fueling whatever rumors swirled about them now. With Crawford gone, who else was she supposed to be paired with in everyone's minds? The other young marine on her team was the natural choice. And this was despite everyone having seen both their significant others. In person.
Elda decided to ignore that annoyance and went straight to the infirmary. It was calm. Everyone there was engaged in routine things. She tried to find Carolyn in her office.
"You looking for Dr. Lam?" a nurse called out behind her.
Elda spun around. "Yes."
"Over there."
She thanked the staff member and went to another section of Medical. She found her aunt gathered with a couple of doctors, hovering over one of the enhanced bedside machines. "Oh. You're busy…"
Carolyn's eyes shot up from the data pad she was studying. "Ah! Elda. Perfect timing." She waved her over hurriedly. "Help."
Elda looked down. "What's the matter?"
"Translation problems," her aunt grumbled.
She stared at the data pad. It was stuck on one of the obscure languages from the space station. "Ahh. Let me fix that." She grabbed the device and tapped purposefully on its display. The doctors simply watched her, in awe at the ease with which she commanded the device. "There, it's back to Goa'uld. I set this pad to default to that mode for you."
Carolyn sighed heavily. "Thank you," she said with wide eyes. She handed the pad off to one of the other doctors. "Try this now."
He nodded and held it up toward the machine. It chimed. The doctors all smiled.
"Elda? You need something?"
"If you have a minute, I wanted to talk to you."
"Sure." Carolyn excused herself from the group of doctors, then went with Elda to her office. "What's up?" she asked as the door closed.
Elda smiled at her. "My Tribe Father wants to invite you for a meal. He reminded me the other day to tell you."
"Your Tribe Father? You mean Meil'nor?"
She nodded.
"Is that how you address him?" the doctor asked curiously. She gestured for them to sit together on her office couch.
"Yes. Is that weird?"
"No." Carolyn tilted her head. "Well, yes. We don't have that here."
"I know. But it's just how things are over there." Elda shrugged. "So? Can you come by?"
"Uhh… what is the invitation for?"
"To thank you!"
Carolyn gaped. She held up her hands. "Oh. Elda, that's not necessary."
The young blonde grabbed one of Carolyn's hands. "We insist. The Jaffa want to honor you for the initiative you took to help our refugees. And you can bring anyone along that you like. I'll be right there with you, too."
"Well…" The doctor sighed, realizing that this was politics as much as it was a genuine offer of gratitude. "Alright. When?"
"Whenever you can. Just tell me what works for your schedule and I'll make the arrangements."
Carolyn blew out a breath. "I'll talk to my dad. And Cam."
"Maybe Uncle Hank would like to come along, too!" Elda said enthusiastically. "I don't think he's ever visited Tek'ron before." She looked away momentarily, imagining what a delight that would be. She smiled at Carolyn.
The doctor found her excitement infectious. She donned a soft smile of her own. "We'll let you know." Then she became suspicious. "Is this going to end up being one of those parties?"
Elda grinned. "Maybe."
"Oh boy."
"Father," Elda greeted with a low bow in the governance hut.
Meil'nor gazed at her with a look of approval. He found it satisfying to be addressed by her this way. Finally. His regard for this young human girl had long been one of affection. Elda had proven herself more than worthy of acceptance into his tribe. He felt it was only right to consider her one of his many children among the tribespeople. Perhaps one of the most special, behind his blood son.
"Lady Elda," he responded with formality.
She quietly crinkled her eye at the address, but she didn't comment.
"What news do you bring?" He gestured for her to sit with him on a new stool next to his throne. He had it made especially for her. It was the same height as Jasuf's and placed on the opposite side of his seat. The furniture was built with a small back and ornately decorated in light blue trim to match her eyes.
Elda understood its significance. She swallowed as she took her place to his left. "Dr. Lam graciously accepts your invitation for a meal. With permission, she will bring her father and her mate as escorts."
Meil'nor inclined his head. "This pleases me. We will honor her and her companions."
Elda smiled. "Two days time. After the delivery of the tretonin I negotiated for with my brother."
"Invite the remainder of your human family as well, Lady Elda. Let your father, mothers, and uncles join us. Bring your brothers from SG-3. They all deserve our gratitude."
She was hardly surprised by his eagerness to have the whole gang stop by. This was how he liked to show his appreciation. She bowed her head in agreement.
The old Jaffa reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "And what of you, dear Kal'ma?"
"What of me, Father?"
"Tell me of your latest adventures out in the galaxy."
Her eyes widened slightly. "You know of my recent outing to confirm Chigu's involvement in the experiments."
"Yes."
"I was reminded by my birth parents to ensure that information remains in the hands of leadership only. Aside from you and Ishta, only the High Council will be told." She grit her teeth apologetically. "I hope you can understand. We are not to let the people hear of this. At least… not until the Council declares for themselves what shall be done."
Meil'nor smiled at her reassuringly. "As you say, Lady Elda. We will not breathe a word of this to others. I am certain your Den Mother understands this as well."
She bowed her head in relief.
"Does my son know of these developments?"
"He does. I think he also already understands our choice."
"And whose decision was it for this information to remain only with leadership?" Meil'nor asked with amusement.
Elda suspected he already knew. She bit her cheek briefly. "It wasn't a decision. It was a suggestion," she argued timidly.
The Jaffa chuckled at her. "You are learning leadership matters," he commented. "That is good."
She refrained from huffing as she might do when Jasuf teased her about these things. She couldn't do that with the Tribe Leader himself. It might be offensive.
But he still saw the equivalent reaction in her expression. He tucked a finger under her chin. "You will rise to power well, Lady Elda," he said encouragingly. "Of that I have no doubt."
Her mouth opened briefly as she gazed up at him apprehensively.
He smiled at her. "You will join me when I next venture to meet with our allies on Hibradeen. They should know of you."
She blinked rapidly. "Would Jasuf not be better suited for that task, Father?" She swallowed a nervous lump.
"They already know of Jasuf, Kal'ma. It is your turn to be introduced. You are one of my heirs."
Elda froze, not ever having thought of herself that way. She was only meant to be back-up! Apparently this role of hers was evolving faster than she could keep up with. Oh these Jaffa and their quick-moving plans!
She bowed her head to him. "You honor me, Father," Elda said as would be expected of her in this moment. She quietly dreaded being paraded around by him, though.
Then she had another thought.
"Is Hibradeen where a conference was recently held?"
"Indeed. Jasuf attended that event with your Den Mother. Thus, there is no need for him to make an appearance there so soon."
Her face soured. She tried to hide it and failed.
"What is it, Kal'ma?"
Elda wondered if she could sidestep his question. But the old Jaffa would see right through her and insist she speak her mind. She would only insult him by not getting to the point. She grimaced as she spoke. "Jasuf told me of some… females that were there."
Meil'nor laughed heartily.
Elda looked at him with consternation.
"Those daughters who pine for your mate's attention," he breathed out.
She pouted.
"They have long been thorns in Jasuf's side. He has never once shown an interest in them, Kal'ma." He caught her look and added, "They struggle to accept the obvious."
She closed her eyes briefly, as close to an eye-roll as she dared to muster in the Tribe Leader's presence.
It only made him laugh harder.
Ishta was quietly amused to hear that Elda was joining Meil'nor on a visit to Hibradeen. So she ensured that she was properly dressed for the occasion. She instructed Agean to acquire a beautiful cape to match the dress Elda already owned. She was well aware of Jasuf's gift to his mate and her other Hak'tyl's involvement in its choosing. Ishta paid for the cape herself.
It was full-length with a collar. The lining was silken and shiny. The exterior was adorned with intricate swirls of gold thread that accentuated her golden locks. The front trim shimmered like the rest of Elda's dress, complimenting it appropriately. Elda had to admit: her sister Agean had a killer fashion sense. She decided she'd let her choose all her Jaffa outfits from now on.
The Den Mother also gave Elda her choice of sisters to bring along as her personal guards. She was not only being sent along as Meil'nor's Heir, but as the Hak'tyl's representative as well. It was only fitting that Hak'tyl guardswomen should escort her.
Meil'nor chose his own guard from among the men. All this made for a particularly large group ready to visit the other planet today.
Elda thought it was a bit overkill. This was only supposed to be a friendly visit.
Jasuf kissed her cheek as they assembled before the Tek'ronian gate. By the look on his face, she could tell he found this extremely funny.
Elda hardly agreed and shot him a snooty look to tell him so.
"Good luck," he whispered.
Meil'nor and the men were ahead of them. They didn't see when she grabbed his tunic angrily. Her sisters smirked behind her. "This isn't funny," she whispered back.
He grinned at her in complete disagreement. "Then regard this as a step forward on your path to leadership, My Love."
"Oh yes, being paraded around by your father is the best path." Her sisters heard this and struggled not to giggle. Elda shot them a glare. She returned her attention to her beloved. "Those daughters will surely be there," she grumbled quietly.
"Indeed. Ignore them if you wish." Jasuf glanced at the other Hak'tyl. "I am sure they will enjoy that immensely," he said drily.
The sisters laughed without sound. The most amused sister was Idul, who was her lead guard today. Elda groaned, starting to regret choosing her at all. She would eat her alive. Why Jasuf suggested bringing Idul along of all people escaped her.
The gate activated loudly. Once the event horizon settled into the ring, the guardsmen moved forward immediately. Meil'nor was centered among them.
Elda had no choice but to follow. Her sisters would force her to go even if she changed her mind. Jasuf placed a chaste kiss on her lips and stepped aside, amusement and pride all over his expression. He quietly inclined his head to Idul, who reciprocated with a conspiratorial smile. It only made him want to laugh more.
The Tek'ronians were greeted on the other side of the wormhole by a Hibradeen patrol. They were welcomed politely and escorted to the settlement.
Elda's eyes took in the sight of what looked to be a small city instead. There were clearly many more people living here than in either of her own villages, already considered modest in size. It made her wonder what resources this planet possessed in order for this settlement to grow so big. She kept her questions to herself, though. She had to assume she was now being watched.
They entered the town square. Elda noted that this was more than just a field of grass before some governance hut. It was paved with bricks and lined with lively vendors peddling various goods. It resembled the well-established cities of Chulak. This told Elda that Hibradeen must be a powerful force. Maybe they even had a seat on the Jaffa High Council. She'd need to tread carefully here and watch her words. An alliance with a world like this was valuable to her planet.
Her attention was drawn to the main hut when it opened. An older Jaffa in heavy robes appeared at the top of the steps to gaze down at them. He almost looked expressionless, but Elda's trained eyes could tell he was smiling at her Tribe Father. "Welcome, Meil'nor," he said as he stepped down to their level.
"Garth." They clasped forearms strongly as Jaffa men were known to do.
He regarded Elda curiously. "And who have you brought with you today, old friend?" the Hibradeen leader asked. A younger male and three females in fine dresses lined up behind him.
Meil'nor held out an arm in Elda's direction. The guardsmen immediately split to allow her a clear path forward. Elda felt compelled to step up. She kept her face neutral, maintaining her focus on the tribe leader and purposefully not looking in the other Jaffa's direction. Her Hak'tyl sisters took just a few steps forward to remain behind her.
"This is Lady Elda of Tek'ron. Liberator of the Nameless. Fourth in line behind Ishta of the Hak'tyl. Warrior of the Tau'ri. And my Heir Presumptive."
Elda tried to control her breaths. Oh Gods.
Meil'nor placed an encouraging hand on her back and urged her forward.
Elda bowed low before the Hibradeen leader. "Master Garth," she greeted with a controlled tone.
"You honor us with your presence, Lady Elda," he said politely. "Welcome."
She inclined her head.
The leader gestured behind him. "My son: Amri, protector of our people. My daughters: Yuna, Ynez, and Yizelle."
Elda bowed to the tribe leader's children, tailoring the depth of her bend to regard them as peers. The son held the same role as Jasuf, and Meil'nor considered her equal to him on Tek'ron. The height of her new seat in the governance hut supported her assumption. It wasn't immediately clear what roles the daughters had. But surely they were assigned to some important tasks.
The other Jaffa bowed back as would be expected of them. They, too, acknowledged her as a peer. Elda quietly felt relief. She was bracing for some sort of microaggression from them. When she caught a glimpse of the son's expression, he seemed to be considering her with interest instead.
Elda realized Meil'nor hadn't bothered to declare her connection to his son. She wondered why that was. She glanced at him now, suspicious that he was up to something again. She sighed internally.
"Please," Garth said. "Join us inside."
A few minders opened the door to the governance hut. Other servants encouraged the guards to occupy seats prepared for them near the entrance. They had food and drink ready to offer them.
Elda blinked nervously to her brothers as she passed them. They smiled at her encouragingly. At least they weren't openly laughing at her like Jasuf and her sisters were. Lo'zim even bowed his head to her as she passed, expressing his quiet support. She sent her Giant a look of love as she climbed up the steps.
The tribe leaders and their heirs settled in at a lavishly-decorated table. There were no seats of different heights here. Meil'nor placed Elda to his left and sat across from his counterpart. The Hibradeen son sat directly opposite her. His eyes smiled at her in a friendly manner.
Elda found that kind of nice. She glanced at the daughters on the other side of their father. They were keeping their faces carefully neutral. She noticed their dresses were lined with accents of shiny gold and silver threads. They were probably the most well-dressed female Jaffa she'd ever seen. In contrast, everyone on her planet chose practical styles if they weren't already wearing the clothing of warriors.
"Meil'nor, tell us what news there is from your world."
"I am quite pleased to report that we have successfully healed our refugees, thanks to Lady Elda's efforts and connections. The Nameless now thrive among us," he said proudly.
Garth's eyes seemed to widen. He tilted his head, impressed. "A notable feat," he commented. "How did you accomplish this, Lady Elda?"
Well, this topic she could speak on without a problem. She responded to him with confidence. "Master Garth, my human brothers and I made strong friendships with the inhabitants of a powerful space station. It is an entire day's travel away via hyperspace. When we freed those unfortunate Jaffa and discovered what was done to them, my team escorted Earth's lead healer there to find solutions. The Tau'ri established an alliance with Station Command, who then provided the expertise and the resources to heal our unfortunate Jaffa brothers and sisters."
Garth and his son Amri shared a look of surprise. "Are you human or Jaffa, Lady Elda?"
She blinked. She thought it was obvious. "Human, Master Garth."
Amri raised a brow. "I might have thought you were Jaffa," he said contemplatively.
Meil'nor turned to her with quiet pride. "Indeed. She has adopted our ways well."
Elda inclined her head to her Tribe Father gratefully for his compliment.
"Master Meil'nor refers to you as a Hak'tyl?" Amri verified.
"Yes."
"So you are trained as a Jaffa? In bashaak?"
"I am."
The son quirked a smile. He looked to his father with a question in his eyes. But his father seemed to say no to whatever it was.
Elda nearly scrunched her face in confusion. But she knew not to let it move. And she didn't dare look to her own Tribe Father for guidance. It wouldn't be appropriate right now. She'd have to remember to ask him later.
The conversation moved on to matters that only Meil'nor and his counterpart seemed to have opinions on, leaving the younger people at the table waiting. Elda remained quiet, just listening as they discussed old issues that they were working toward resolving. Jasuf briefed her on what they might talk about today. None of it seemed surprising. Nor relevant to her.
Eventually Garth called for minders to bring them food and drink, who remained to serve everyone for them. This wasn't one of those informal occasions where people passed around bowls and served themselves. They weren't drinking tea today, either. It was Jaffa wine. She sipped from her glass slowly, hoping not to let the alcohol get in the way of her perfectly-controlled behavior. She was too afraid to embarrass herself and Meil'nor.
He didn't seem to have a problem taking large gulps, however. Soon he was laughing with Garth, sharing stories from their youth as warriors. Apparently they knew each other from childhood. Elda found herself pleased to see him so happy. She smiled along with them as they regaled the table with humorous recollections from their shared past.
When the meal ended, everyone stood and filed out of the hut. Elda welcomed the fresh air. It was like a relief in the ever-growing warmth of that hut. Between the intense stares from the daughters and the intrigued look from the son, Elda was feeling overwhelmed.
She could tell things were now allowed to be less stiff. The tribe leaders were feeling loose and free, which meant everyone else could be, too. Elda glanced at the guardsmen, who were absolutely bored. She gazed at her sisters, mixed in among them looking right back at her. They were ready to stand at her command.
Elda would have gone to them directly when Amri stopped her.
"Lady Elda."
She turned. He stood with a glass still in hand. His sisters were behind him with their own cups. "Tell me of your origin."
She could tell he was genuinely curious about her. And he'd been regarding her with respect the entire time she was here. He was personable, like Smith, but in a Jaffa manner. He made her feel slightly more comfortable. She answered his inquiry, "When I was a small child, I was taken in by Jaffa. They raised me."
"So that is how you have come to know our culture so well," he marveled. "And you have since managed to reconnect with your own race? Humans?"
"Yes. My elder human sister protected me when she could. After she became a citizen of the Tau'ri, she eventually brought me into the fold."
He nodded to acknowledge her words. "Tell me, Lady Elda. How well do you fare in your bashaak?"
"I have been elevated to warrior status. I am considered proficient."
He smiled as he sipped from his cup. "I would be quite interested to see your proficiency."
"Amri," one of his sisters warned from behind him.
Elda fought the small smile that wanted to form on her face. He was asking her to spar. It was flattering in a way. She inclined her head to him politely. "I fear Jasuf may not allow that."
"Jasuf? What does he care if you demonstrate your skill to a fellow warrior?"
She breathed in. How could he not know she was with him? She fully expected those sisters of his to say something about it. Maybe they weren't close? Then she also remembered, Meil'nor purposely kept Jasuf's name out of it while introducing her. He might have had another agenda with this visit. She debated with herself about how to approach this.
"Jasuf is… protective of me," she said carefully. Elda glanced at the daughters to see their reactions. Their eyes twitched. She looked back at Amri.
He hummed. "As he must be, knowing all you seem to have accomplished," he conceded. The Jaffa tilted his head. "I suspect you only find time to spar with your best warriors on Tek'ron."
She quietly smiled. She only ever sparred with Jasuf and the other Hak'tyl. "Indeed."
"Kal'ma," Meil'nor called to her. Elda noticed he was using an informal address right now. He must have been affected by the wine.
"Father."
"We will depart," he declared.
Elda inclined her head to him. She turned back to Amri and the daughters. The three Y's. "I bid you farewell. Tal'ma'te."
Amri pushed his cup into one of his sister's hands. She frowned at it. He stepped forward eagerly. "I should like to greet you again, Lady Elda. I find you… interesting."
She blushed. "Perhaps we will see each other again," she responded with an even tone. Then she clarified, "As allies."
He openly grinned at her now. "I look forward to it." He bowed. His sisters were obligated to follow.
"My Lady," a deep voiced boomed behind her. It was Lo'zim's. She turned. "The Tribe Father awaits." He was frowning. Deeply. But his eyes were not looking at her with disapproval. They were directed toward Amri. Two sets of Tek'ronian guards were settling into formation behind them.
She pursed her lips, almost wanting to laugh. Elda spun around and bowed again toward the Hibradeen tribe leader's children. "Thank you for the gracious meal. Tal'ma'te."
Lo'zim offered her one of his muscled forearms. She took it easily and let him escort her to the rest of their people. The guards were all expressionless and professional right now. Elda hid the little smirk that wanted to form on her mouth.
Elda stepped up to the tribe leaders and bowed low in respect toward their host. "Master Garth," she said formally.
"Lady Elda, it has been a pleasure to meet you. I shall see you next at the nuptials of Ishta and Teal'c."
"As you say."
Meil'nor wrapped an affectionate arm around her shoulders and prompted them all to begin leaving. He called out to his friend one more time as they left. "Until then, old friend." Once they were further away, he leaned in and spoke quietly. "You did well, Kal'ma. I applaud you."
"Thank you."
He let her go and they returned to their original positions among the guards. Elda stayed quiet until they passed through the gate.
When the wormhole dissipated and they were all home, Meil'nor burst out laughing. The Hak'tyl watched him leave with surprised looks on their faces. They had never seen him so jolly before.
Elda couldn't stop the amused grin on her face as she lingered by the gate. She tried to cover it with a hand.
Lo'zim pointed with two fingers to prompt the rest of the guardsmen to follow Meil'nor. "That Amri is trouble," he complained to Elda and the rest of the Hak'tyl.
Now Elda couldn't help herself. She began to crack up.
"My Love," Idul said with a smile of her own. "Why do you complain?"
"Is it not obvious, Idul? That male Jaffa shows interest in your sister. It is wholly inappropriate."
The Hak'tyl sniggered. One of them goaded, "He is handsome."
"An eligible bachelor," another one teased.
"The heir to a powerful house."
Idul regarded all of her sisters with great amusement. "Jasuf has competition."
Elda snorted.
Lo'zim frowned. Idul went to him and stroked his cheek to calm him, reddening as it was from insult. She looked back at Elda with mischief in her eyes.
Elda grinned. "Sisters, Tal'ma'te. Enjoy the rest of your nights." Most of them inclined their heads in thanks and began to leave. She next addressed Lo'zim. "My dear Giant. Your loyalty to Jasuf honors us both."
He bowed to her. "My Lady, my loyalty is also to you."
She just wanted to pinch his cheeks. She settled for touching his bicep briefly. "And mine to you. Now go. Enjoy time with Idul."
"I shall escort you back," he countered.
She would have argued, but Idul also insisted.
"Let him fulfill his duty, Sister." The Hak'tyl smirked at him lovingly. She whispered into Elda's ear, "You did well over there. Amri is sufficiently interested. The daughters are sufficiently shamed."
Elda laughed. "All I did was behave, Idul."
"As you would." Her sister waggled her brows at her. She reached up to kiss Lo'zim's cheek, then slapped him on the bottom.
Elda accepted the Jaffa's muscled arm and walked back toward their village with him. When they arrived, Jasuf's face was full of fury over what he heard from the other guards. It only made her laugh harder.
When Jack walked into the family quarters with Gracie, Elda was there. She was hiding her face in the crooks of her arms on the table. "Kid?"
Gracie immediately went to her and peeked up at her from underneath her arms. "Pssst. What you doing?"
"Hiding," the elder daughter grumbled.
Her littlest sister giggled. "Me too!" She scooted under the table and covered her eyes.
Jack leaned down and placed a hand on Elda's back. "What's goin' on?"
"I think I just got promoted," her muffled voice complained.
He scrunched his face. "Ya know, normally, people consider that a good thing. But we're not most people." He sat down next to her and patted her elbow. "Spill the beans, Kid. What happened?"
She sat up with a huff and stared at her birth father tiredly. "You know how I'm Lady Elda now?"
"Yah."
"Suddenly it means more than what we thought it did."
"Oh boy."
She held up fingers in air quotes, just like she'd seen plenty of people on Earth do. "Now I'm the 'Heir Presumptive'." Elda threw her hands into the air. "Come on!"
Jack chuckled quietly. "Oh really?"
She looked at him strangely. "Why don't you seem very surprised?"
"Because I'm sorta… not."
"What."
"Doesn't Heir Presumptive mean something like, you're the back-up in case the main guy can't do the job?"
She tilted her head. "Yeah."
"Wasn't that supposed to be your job all along?"
She contorted her face. "But I'm not an 'heir'!"
"Sounds like you are."
"Am not!"
"Am too."
"Dad!"
"Doesn't Meil'nor sit on a throne?"
Her expression begged him not to continue with that train of thought.
Jack did it anyway. "Throne. You. Heir."
She groaned and dropped her head back onto the table.
A little voice called out from underneath. "Are we still hiding?"