Daughter
Chapter 70 – Babysitting
There was a lot of buzz around the galaxy when the Jaffa High Council finally announced what it wanted to do about Chigu Conglomerate.
They put their people on notice. No one was to do business with them ever again. Anyone who already had contracts with Chigu were instructed not to renew. The Council knew better than to demand an immediate cease of trade with them. That would disrupt the steady supply of tretonin many tribes were enjoying. But they were forewarning the Free Jaffa that time was running out. They needed to find other suppliers now.
Unfortunately for Elda, that meant she suddenly had people looking for her. It was no secret that she served as Tek'ron's broker for tretonin deals. Twice.
The moment she stepped foot on the planet, the guardsmen at the gate warned her of what was transpiring. Many callers had come to the planet already, seeking her out. Jasuf had begun posting guards at the gate at all hours to manage the influx of visitors. In Elda's absence, those callers had all been turned away.
She groaned and told the guardsmen to lie. "I am not onworld," she said clearly.
They bowed their heads and vowed to comply.
Elda huffed and rushed home in the waning light of sunset. The patrol out in the forest caught sight of her. One of the men split off to escort her the rest of the way. He returned to his group once she was safely inside the village.
"Jasuf," she called out as she approached her hut. She was warning him of her presence, so he wouldn't be alarmed when she opened the door.
Candles were lit all around the space. He calmly opened his eyes from kel'no'reem.
She sucked in a breath in apology. "I'm sorry, My Love," she said softly. She went to him and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "Continue."
He nodded silently and re-closed his eyes.
Elda busied herself with changing her clothes. She quietly disarmed herself, placing her numerous weapons in a neat line along the windowsill. She next unzipped her tac vest, leaving the radio clipped and GDO inside a pocket. That was hung on the hook nearest the entryway, so she could grab it in a hurry if needed. Next were her SGC-issued boots. Those took an annoyingly-long time to unlace and loosen so she could kick them off. She placed them under the tea table out of the way.
Elda sighed as she shucked off her uniform tiredly. Jasuf remained in his place, ignoring her as he meditated. She hung up the military green outfit in the closet. While mostly naked, she gazed at its contents, noting all the new dresses Jasuf had purchased for her. Each one was unique in design and a different color than the others. It was like a rainbow before her. She loved them all.
But it was evening and the day's work was done. She didn't need to pick one of them right now. She found one of her Hak'tyl outfits and donned that instead. While Jasuf was busy, Elda had intentions of visiting the eating hut for dinner. She would simply sit with whoever was there. Or… if it was truly empty, she'd visit Meil'nor and dine with him.
That thought was not quite as intimidating nor as outrageous as it once was. She truly enjoyed spending time with Jasuf's father these days. They began to grow close after he gifted her a title. Something about that act made him truly want to consider her family. Elda sensed it and accepted it. She loved him, too. It's why she now called him Father.
She wondered if her birth father overheard this at all when he was last here. She was so busy hosting their party guests that she had no chance to ask him what he thought of it. She hoped he didn't mind it.
She pushed that distraction aside and exited the hut without a word. Jasuf would figure out where she had gone once he finished his meditation. Elda combed her fingers through her hair as she walked. The few Jaffa still outside bowed to her as she passed. She offered them warm greetings in return. When she threw open the door to the eating hut, no one was inside.
She promptly closed it and went to Meil'nor's residence. He welcomed her in readily through the side door. "Father," she said tenderly with a low bow.
"Kal'ma, you have returned." He smiled at her. "Have you eaten?"
Behind him, food was prepared on the table.
"No, Father. I have not. May I join you?" Just a few months ago, Elda would never have dared to ask such a forward question. But things had changed. For the better.
"Of course. Sit."
They engaged in an informal meal together.
"What news do you bring?" he asked.
"Perhaps I should be the one asking that. I'm told I've had many callers?" She was incredulous.
He could have groaned. "Your sim'ka has grown tired of it. As have I." Meil'nor poured wine into a cup for her.
Elda inclined her head to him and sipped. "What do they all want?"
"Word has spread of your talents, my dear Lady Elda. They seek your assistance in finding alternative contracts for tretonin."
She sat back with a frown. "I'm not taking jobs right now." She gulped down a large swig of the wine. It was sweet. And strong. "When Smith and I completed that op a month ago, we thought we were rid of the Chigu problem. We placed the information in the hands of the Council, thinking as humans, it would no longer affect us!"
"You are not just any human, Kal'ma. You are of Tek'ron. And so this very much affects you. Directly."
Elda actually whined.
"What instructions did you leave for our guards at the gate?"
"To pretend that I am not here," she said flatly without amusement.
Her Tribe Father chuckled. "A wise choice."
She looked up at him. "These people will approach me at the wedding, won't they?"
"That is a possibility."
Elda squeezed her eyes shut briefly. "I think I need to reach out to my contact at Zersha. Maybe I could direct these callers straight to him. He'll love that."
"You are referring to the representative that once visited here?"
"Yes. Gen."
Meil'nor frowned. "He is a foul human." The Tribe Father was well aware of the rep's previous sexual advances toward her. It was witnessed by his own guardsmen. Jasuf went there to set him straight not long after.
Elda sighed. She brought a hand up to pinch the space between her eyes. "I know," she grumbled. "But better him than the version of him I met at Chigu." She locked eyes with Meil'nor. "He was so much worse."
"So be it."
Elda now thought of what she'd squeeze out of her Zersha contact in return for sending him all this new business. She wasn't really sure if Command still wanted their shuttles. They had salvaged a cute little fleet from the moon facility. Some of the SG-teams with qualified pilots were already using them for missions. The only expense involved there was maintenance and repair. It was a steal compared to buying one or two fresh Zersha shuttles like the Firefly.
"Father, is there anything you want me to get from Zersha? If I can?"
"Our Ha'tak can always use parts."
"True, but we've had no problem obtaining those, have we?"
"Indeed not."
"What else could we use? Something specifically available from them."
"What are your thoughts, Kal'ma?"
"If I'm going to send Gen business, I better get something out of it."
He smiled at her. "I welcome you to choose. You know their offerings better than I."
Elda smiled back. "Alright. I'll see what they have." Then she tilted her head. "Hmm."
He raised his brow at her, patiently waiting for her to think aloud. He sipped more wine as he allowed her to gather her thoughts.
"I think I should go there tomorrow." She twisted her mouth around as she thought it through.
"Will that not interfere with your duties to Earth?"
"I have the day off." She looked contemplative. "I think I will spend part of it visiting with Zersha to make arrangements. I will bring back a catalog for you to peruse. Maybe you'll find something of interest in there. I'll share another with my Den Mother as well."
"Do as you please. But bring a guard."
She locked eyes with him then bowed her head.
Jasuf spoke sternly to the guardsmen Elda had chosen to accompany her the next morning. He warned them not to let the Zershan representative touch her. Or else.
Elda sighed as she watched them compliantly agree. Jasuf was in a mood. Everyone could feel it. She was the only one who wasn't intimidated. In fact, she was a little annoyed. He was delaying her departure.
"My Love," she complained, standing by her ship parked next to the gate.
His eyes darted to her briefly. He turned back to his men. "Krelnok. Do as Your Lady commands," he ordered. They bowed and boarded the Firefly. Two Hak'tyl were already aboard.
He went to her now and grabbed her waist possessively. "I know I cannot convince you to abort this visit. But I can say this: Do not let that foul human misunderstand your intentions."
She could have rolled her eyes. Her hands stroked his chest and pulled on his tunic strings. "As you say, My Love."
He leaned down to kiss her hard. It had less to do with passion and served as a warning. She belonged to him; he was reminding her of it. His hands roamed up and down her sides, feeling just how soft the fabric of her new dress was. She chose the red one today. It hugged her curves delightfully.
She was too tempting in this one. But he couldn't force her to wear something else. All of the choices in their closet were just as bad. Thus his strong warning to the men to watch out for her while she met with that slimy contact of hers.
Elda broke off the kiss. "You can either keep me here and continue to turn away my callers at the gate… or let me leave."
He frowned. "Go then. Have your meeting. Then return home here."
"I will," she agreed impatiently. She gave him one last chaste kiss then turned away.
He watched her go, taking in the sight of her in a sleeveless bodice with a collar that wrapped around her neck. The dress featured a revealing cut-out at the bosom. He normally would have enjoyed that. But she was leaving and about to let someone else gaze at her instead. She did own a matching cape for some modesty. But he suspected she would leave it behind in the ship, knowing how she conducted herself for trade negotiations. His sim'ka had a body and she would use it to her advantage. He gritted his teeth.
Goru placed a calming hand on his shoulder from behind him. "Bier will see to her protection, Brother."
"He had better."
Elda walked with supreme confidence from the landing pad into the luxurious receiving hall of Zersha's headquarters. The water feature with colorful lights was still there. Plush seats surrounded it. The glass walls continued to glitter in natural sunlight, just like Elda remembered.
A man in fine robes stood waiting for her by the water feature. His eyes raked in her body with thirst. In contrast to Jasuf's assumptions, she did don her matching red cape. It covered her shoulders. But the front of her revealing outfit was still very available for Gen to enjoy. "Elda Mal Doran," he greeted, devouring her name in his mouth as if trying to drink in her entire being. He flicked his hand at the helmeted guards that escorted her party inside. They dispersed with no further word.
"Gen," she said flatly. Elda didn't bow. The custom wasn't necessary here; he was human. Plus, he didn't deserve that sort of respect.
He was none the wiser.
"When I received word that you wished to meet, I cleared my entire morning in anticipation." He smiled at her. Perhaps the look could be interpreted as polite, but Elda knew it was actually a sneer. He was already oozing with hormones and she hadn't even been here for five minutes. Jasuf's displeasure over her visit was obviously justified.
She grew impatient with Gen immediately. "Good," she said haughtily, adopting the self-importance that brokers were expected to have. "Are you going to force me to wait or are you going to invite me into your office?"
Gen only drew pleasure from her forceful personality. He could imagine what it might translate into in bed. He refrained from licking his lips. He had that much professional control. "Please, come with me."
Elda looked at Bier tiredly when Gen turned around. He was grinding his teeth in annoyance. He had witnessed this man's disrespect before. The human male had not changed. If anything, he'd gotten worse.
She let out a breath and walked after the representative. Agean and Idul kept pace with her. The guardsmen fell into formation behind.
They were invited into Gen's glitzy office. Bier assigned two guardsmen to remain outside the doors. He placed himself at Elda's left and slightly behind. Her sisters stood in line with him on her right. The remaining guardsmen spread out within the office.
Gen offered Elda the velvety couch before his desk. She looked down at it with disdain. It was likely contaminated with bodily fluids from all sorts of clients he had bedded. A piece of furniture could only be cleaned so much after it was tainted. Elda chose to stand instead. And so her brothers and sisters followed.
The rep didn't protest. He took his own seat behind the desk with a holographic display. He folded his hands together and looked up at her admiringly. If she wanted to remain standing, he was perfectly alright with it. It gave him a better view of her glorious body.
"To what do I owe the honor of this visit?"
Elda didn't bother to smile. "I am sure you've heard of Chigu's troubles."
He openly jeered now in pleasure. "Oh yes. Everyone has."
"Which creates opportunities for me."
He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table. He rested his chin on his steepled hands. "I can imagine," he responded with a low voice.
"Countless potential clients have sought me out seeking an alternative to their Chigu contracts. Some wish to cancel with haste, for fear of inciting the wrath of the Jaffa High Council." She raised a challenging brow toward Gen. "And thus, my opportunities are your opportunities."
His eyes undressed her as he spoke. "I like the sound of that."
Elda heard Idul huff under her breath. She ignored her. "I thought you would. I am here to construct contract templates for all my eager clients who seek tretonin. I have neither the time nor the inclination to negotiate individual contracts for them all." She rolled her eyes, emphasizing her genuine impatience with the whole situation. It wasn't just a strategic facial expression to give an air of overconfidence. "If you are willing to agree, of course." She arched her brow at him in challenge.
Gen rose from his seat. "Just how many clients are we talking about here?"
"I've lost count, Gen." She turned to Bier. "Help me out here, Darling."
"She has had 15 callers thus far. Still more come each day."
The rep's eyes widened dramatically. "I will happily agree, Elda Mal Doran."
"As you should. The only question is: does Zersha have the capacity to take on all those orders so suddenly? I will not have our current mutual clients suffer from supply issues because you overbook."
Gen sat back down and ran numbers on his computer. His eyes flitted back and forth as he studied his screen. "I will admit, it would be a challenge to accept 15 or more new orders at this time. When would delivery be expected?"
"That I cannot say. The expectations will vary from client to client depending on their need and their current Chigu supplies. Can you scale up?"
He locked eyes with her with confidence. "We can. But we will need to fulfill these obligations in a staged manner. I hope you can understand."
"That is reasonable. I prefer to work with Zersha due to our past favorable dealings. I have been to Chigu. I find them… distasteful."
He scowled. "They are more dishonorable than you know, Elda Mal Doran."
Her eye twitched, sensing there was more to that statement. Much, much more. She might need to bring this up to her Command on Earth. She might even need to come back with Smitty or Crawford to unpack his words. But she'd figure all that out later.
"Since you are in agreement, we will work out the contract language for the template today. Then I will send my clients to you. You will charge a flat rate with consistent and reliable delivery dates. Consider this to be a bulk order," Elda demanded.
He nodded. He'd do anything for her at this point. All this business she was bringing him was going to make him rich. Even moreso than he was already.
"In return," she said with emphasis, not letting him think for a second that her services were free, "you will provide me with a catalog. Two, actually, for me to bring back to my most valued clients on Tek'ron. Whatever they want, you will give."
"What industry do you have an interest in?"
She breathed in, thinking. "All of them."
He bowed his head. "You will be given those catalogs today. The prices set in there will be frozen for you."
"No," Elda interrupted menacingly. "If you want my fifteen or more tretonin contracts then you will give Tek'ron whatever it wants at no further cost." She purposely pushed her cape back behind her bare shoulders to reveal more skin. She haughtily flipped her hair.
She stared straight at Gen and licked her teeth dramatically.
He nearly wet himself right then and there.
"I agree," Gen said weakly.
Idul raised a proud brow, reveling in her sister's victory. She absolutely loved watching her work. Agean, meanwhile, felt satisfied that her fashion choices had been so advantageous here. Elda looked stunning and took full advantage of it for the benefit of their people.
Bier realized he was in the presence of a cunning woman who could easily lead Tek'ron as a queen. If he could convince his fellow Jaffa to accept this, then perhaps it would someday be so. He vowed to be her champion. Her loyalty to them all had no comparison.
"Ishta," Meil'nor greeted as the Hak'tyl leader entered the governance hut. Elda rose automatically from her special seat next to Meil'nor's throne. Jasuf stood at Meil'nor's other side.
Ishta bowed to them all. When she drew back up, her smile was especially satisfied today. "Meil'nor. Jasuf." She regarded Elda with absolute delight. "Lady Elda." She purposely addressed her by her formal title while she was in Meil'nor's house.
He gestured for Ishta to take the seat provided across from them. It was the same height as his throne. Elda remained standing to serve tea to everyone. The teapot was already prepared on its special table in the center of the room. They each took their turns sipping their drinks, as was expected in this formal setting.
When Elda retook her seat, Meil'nor spoke first. "Our Lady Elda returned from Zersha with great success."
"So I have heard."
"What say you, Ishta?"
"I find the prospects in the catalog intriguing. Of particular interest is the orbital platform."
"I have focused on that option as well," Meil'nor agreed. He turned to his son, offering him the floor.
"If it so pleases you, Ishta, we will choose the orbital platform as Tek'ron's prize. It could be a great asset to planetary security. Should our Ha'tak be called away for duty elsewhere, we would still retain defense from the air," Jasuf said.
"I am in agreement." She inclined her head. Then she twisted her body just slightly to address her female subordinate. "Lady Elda."
"Den Mother."
"You have done our people proud," she said with conviction.
"You honor me." Elda bowed her head low.
"You elevate Tek'ron with your actions," Meil'nor added.
Elda inclined her head to him in acknowledgement. She caught Jasuf's stare. He was expressionless. She sensed he was still cross with her for even going to Zersha at all. And she had to admit, she had a selfish reason for going there, beyond helping her people. Elda just honestly wanted everyone off her back so she could get back to work. She only hoped that this extremely successful trade deal didn't make her famous, if you could even call this twisting of Zersha's arm that. That wouldn't be advantageous for her undercover work with SG-3. It could ruin so many potential ops. She liked her anonymity. She regretted ever using her actual name in her dealings with Zersha almost a year ago.
When she thought back to that time, she remembered herself as a completely different person. Elda marveled at how she even found herself here, with a seat in the governance hut of Meil'nor's village. If her old self could see herself now, she would probably run away. Far away.
She looked up to her Tribe Father now, seeking permission to speak. He nodded. "I must consider the safety of my operations with SG-3. If my name spreads too far, it could compromise us. May I ask that our fellow Jaffa exercise restraint in naming me specifically? Let us simply give credit to Tek'ron as a whole for helping our fellow tribes separate from Chigu."
The tribe leaders shared a look. Jasuf drew his eyes to the ceiling.
"If that is your wish, Lady Elda, we will honor it," Meil'nor agreed, somewhat perplexed.
On any other day, Elda would never have dared to demand such a thing. The usual expectation for a tribe member was to proudly own their accomplishments, not downplay them. But like her betrothed, Elda was in a mood of her own. She just wanted to get all the repercussions from connecting Chigu to the crimes on the moon out of her way.
If she never heard the name Chigu again, she could die happy.
The waterfall roared, drowning out all the noises of the forest. The only other sounds that joined the rushing water were the grunts and staff hits that naturally occurred while Jasuf and Elda sparred.
The fight was particularly fierce today.
Neither was holding back. They were both frustrated in their own ways and taking it out on each other.
Elda's staff came up to block another hit aimed toward her head. She growled as she pushed Jasuf's staff back and kicked him hard in the gut. He let out a breath but still managed to spin out of her way. His staff weapon swung around to make contact with her side as he went.
She ignored the pain and attacked. Her staff crashed into his at several angles, executing the sequence they had developed together half a year ago. By now it was perfect. Any time Jasuf used it on one of his brothers while training, he was victorious. They'd been clamoring for him to share how it was done for weeks. Today, Elda used it against him.
Jasuf was driven back, nearly falling into the pool where water collected. He hopped onto a slippery rock, goading Elda into following. She didn't take the bait. She swung her stick in a wide arc to pop him back to solid ground. The motion had him stumbling several steps away from the water's edge. He instantly held up his staff to parry one of her blows.
He spun again to block, then pivoted his staff to make contact with her legs.
Elda went up, then down, falling hard to the ground.
She laid there for several seconds, chest heaving. Her grip on her staff loosened. She let it roll away as she recovered.
Jasuf threw his weapon away and leaned down to grab her hands. He hauled her up to stand. His hands moved to her hips and pulled her to him forcefully. His lips hovered over hers, heavy breaths mixing.
They didn't smile. They didn't talk.
He captured her mouth and waged war with her tongue. Elda responded as she always did. She bunched up his shirt in her fists and kissed him back hard.
Now the only sound was the water raging next to them.
He kept his lips connected with hers as he walked her backwards. His hands wandered. One cupped her bottom while another took her breast. Elda's fingers wandered lower to play with the drawstring of his pants.
They only broke contact briefly to climb through the opening of the cave behind the waterfall. The moment they were inside and surrounded by glittering crystalline walls, the pair came back together.
Their clothes disappeared. Jasuf dropped her down onto the plain cape he left on the floor last time. He didn't hesitate to claim her here. His mouth disappeared between her legs.
They didn't worry about their work in the village or out in the galaxy. Right now they were just a pair of lovers escaping duty and obligation. They wouldn't be bothered here because no one would be able to find them. This was their secret place. They wouldn't be seen. They wouldn't be heard. The loud waterfall made sure of it.
Elda yelled out in pleasure when he did something good to her. It was a primal sound, releasing all her tension and frustration from recent events. Her fingers grabbed his hair and pushed him into her more. She eventually shook and contorted from all his attention. Then he changed positions, giving her the chance to return the favor. She did the things that he liked over and over until he was hovering on the edge.
He pulled her off of him and spun her around. He worked her hard from behind, making her pant and moan again. Her fingers clawed at the cape beneath them like an animal.
One last push, and he let go of everything. His aggravation eased. She was his. She knew it. She let it happen. It gave him the most ultimate satisfaction to know this. There was no other male in this universe that could have her. The way she shivered for him showed she avidly agreed.
They collapsed together onto the crumpled cape on the cave floor. Jasuf's hands never stopped touching her. He stroked Elda's body and whispered into her ear, "My sun and my moon."
"My love."
"Colonel Pierce, take a seat," Landry said graciously in his office.
The SG-2 leader complied.
"As you know, Teal'c is about to get married," the General declared. "The SGC is going to provide security for the event on Chulak."
Pierce nodded in confirmation. "Yes, sir. Why us?"
"Because drunken Jaffa don't make for good security, Colonel. And Teal'c expects this to turn into one of those nights."
"Can't say I know what drunken Jaffa look like, sir."
"No, I can't imagine it either. Teal'c never gets anywhere near that level here on Earth. Says our alcohol is too weak."
Pierce began to laugh.
Hank smiled with him. "I'm sure you've seen the posting for volunteers to act as security for this, Colonel."
"Yes, sir, I have. How good is the turn-out?"
"Pretty damn good. We have more than enough SG-team members and SFs ready to serve as security for this party. I just need someone to manage them."
Now Pierce understood why he was here. "I did place my name on the list, sir."
"That you did. You're the senior-most-ranking volunteer. Congratulations, Colonel. You win."
"How about that," he said flatly. "What do I need to know?"
"I've got the official Earth-side invitation list here." Landry handed him a sheet of paper. "These are the people Teal'c wants there as guests. They will have no obligations to report to you on Chulak. Keep that in mind."
Pierce quickly skimmed the list. "Yes, sir." He saw current and former members of SG-1 named there, which was hardly a surprise. It included the Head of Homeworld Command, Jack O'Neill himself. A different name had him wondering aloud. "Mal Doran's kid sister is on here."
"She's Hak'tyl, Colonel. And Teal'c's marrying the leader of the Hak'tyl."
The Colonel tilted his head side to side, reminded of the connection. "Right, right." He looked up now. "Is there a confirmed list of volunteers?"
"Here." He handed him another paper.
Pierce scanned the list there. He was satisfied to see Corporal Crawford among the names. He also had a variety of ranks here to organize and utilize. "I'll see that they're all briefed properly. Mind if I visit the site beforehand?"
"By all means, Colonel. Plan security as you see fit. I'll have the Control Room send word ahead to Bra'tac that you're coming. He's in charge over there."
"Thank you, sir."
Elda pursed her lips on the video screen, seemingly ready to bring something up.
Sam and Jack noticed. Gracie was sitting on Jack's lap with them, holding one of her dolls. They were seated on the couch in their living room in Washington.
Elda adjusted her sitting position on her bed in the SGC. The tablet in her lap shifted with her movements, making her image shake on the screen. "So… you know how Teal'c's wedding is in three weeks?"
"Yah?" Jack responded.
"What were your plans for Gracie? It's going to be a long night. And just like the party we had on Tek'ron, our entire family will be there."
Sam frowned. "Not sure yet. I was thinking of seeing if your Uncle Mark could watch her. But that's a big ask."
"Your brother?"
Sam nodded.
"Doesn't he live far away?"
"In another state, yes."
"So it would be inconvenient to send her there, right?"
Sam shared a look with Jack. "Right."
"What if I could offer you something a little more convenient?"
Jack raised a brow. "Such as?"
"The Jaffa."
He coughed. "Say again?"
"The small children that Gracie befriended have been asking me about her," Elda reported with a smile. "They've been so sweet. And that gave me an idea. What if my tribe watched her while we all attend Teal'c's wedding?"
Sam gaped. Jack looked surprised. They had never even considered that possibility before. The only thing they were certain of was that this particular event was no place for a small human child to be. The fact that Teal'c needed sober, non-Jaffa security for it was enough of a warning.
When they didn't recover from their shock quick enough, Elda added, "Think about it. She would only be a single wormhole away. The travel between Tek'ron and Chulak is instantaneous. I could have my people send regular reports on her safety if you wanted. And the Jaffa mothers there are all caring and kind. They don't mind watching her. I asked them."
"Kid, that's…"
"I dunno. That feels like it's too much of a burden," Sam said hesitantly.
"Mom," Elda said with emphasis, "I was raised by Jaffa. Whenever I was in their care, they nurtured and protected me. It will be exactly the same with her. And only temporary. If anything, it will make the children's day to have her back around. It would be something interesting for everyone to look forward to."
Jack turned to his wife. He shrugged. "I did say we should let her learn."
Sam scrunched her face at him. "Seriously?"
Elda held two hands up. "I'm not pressuring you. It's just an offer. There's nothing wrong with sending her to Uncle Mark. I can see the appeal of that. She wouldn't be the leaving the planet."
"I've never left her with people we don't know," Sam noted.
"She goes to the daycare at the Pentagon," Jack argued. "You don't know any of them."
"Jack, those are professionals. And they're in a secure facility. This is… offworld."
Elda shrugged. "How 'bout a trial?"
They turned back to her.
"Let Gracie go to Tek'ron for a few hours. We could stay nearby in the village, but out of sight. See how she does. You could see for yourself how things might go. And you'd be right there, ready to take her back with you whenever you please."
"That's a pretty good idea," Jack said.
Sam blew out a breath. "I actually can't argue with it." She looked down at Gracie, who was distracted with her doll. "Do you wanna go to Elda's circle?"
The child's eyes lit up. "Yeah!"
Elda clapped delightedly.
When Sam stepped through the gate about three days later, a tiny little hand was firmly grasped in hers. She smiled widely at the person waiting for her.
Elda grinned. Her teal cape fluttered behind her as she raised her hands to wave at them excitedly.
"Wow. Nice dress," Sam marveled. The gate whined behind them as the wormhole dissipated. She brought Gracie and herself closer to her other daughter and out of the danger zone of the kawoosh. The Firefly automatically opened its hatch in response to Sam's presence. They all ignored it. It would shut itself on its own after they left.
Elda looked down at herself. She was wearing a dress that actually covered her shoulders this time. The fabric wrapped around her tightly, coming up into a collar at the neck. The empire cut was low and revealing. Jasuf liked the way this looked on her just as much as the others. "Thanks. I like this one." She raised her head back up. "Actually, I love every dress I own."
"How many do you have?"
"Seven," she said excitedly. "About to be eight, once the outfit for the wedding is finished."
Sam sighed. "Well, I'm going to need some pointers. I still haven't decided what I'll wear."
"I can take you shopping if you like. Vala and I already went. She liked the market I took her to."
Her birth mother shrugged. "Sounds like fun. But first…" She looked down at Gracie. "We do our little trial."
Elda waved a hand toward the forest. "Let's go!" She grabbed her sister's other hand and walked them in the direction of Jasuf's village.
"Elda?" a little voice called up.
"Yes?"
"Will you stay and play with me?"
"I could. But don't you want to see your friends again?"
Gracie's eyes widened. She nodded her head enthusiastically.
"Don't worry, Gracie. I'll be nearby," Elda said reassuringly. She glanced at their mother. "We both will."
A Jaffa patrol came upon them on its usual route through the forest. They paused to bow. Elda let go of Gracie's hand momentarily to properly reciprocate. The men smiled toward the child, eyes flitting back and forth between all of the human females before them.
Elda tried not to react. She could tell their curiosity had been ignited. There was nothing she could do about how alike the three of them looked. And she wasn't sure the men really needed to be told about her true origins. Meil'nor and Jasuf agreed that it would change nothing. And it would make it more difficult for her past to remain a secret, if an entirely new village were to be told of it.
Elda quietly hoped the men would forget about what they were noticing. She encouraged them to move on.
"How is the whole title thing going?" Sam asked once the patrol was out of earshot.
"I'm getting used to it. I could do without some of the formalities."
"You're just like Jack," Sam commented, carefully not referring to him as her father here on this planet. There was no telling who could be hiding behind a tree and overhearing their conversation. She knew the Hak'tyl were read in. However, she understood they weren't in their territory right now.
"That's what Daniel tried to say," Elda murmured.
She brought the pair of visitors straight to a little school. The children Gracie had played with before were in there this morning. A few of the mothers were waiting outside the hut for their children to come out.
"Lady Elda," they all greeted respectfully with deep bows.
"Mothers," she said back with a smile. "This is Colonel Samantha Carter of the Tau'ri. She is a woman of importance there. You may remember her child, Gracie O'Neill. She's come to play with some of our young in the village today."
The Jaffa women greeted Sam with proper bows of the head. They looked down at Gracie admiringly.
Bier's wife, Fen, spoke for the group. As the mate of the highest-ranking guardsman behind Jasuf, it was her right. "We welcome you, ColonelCarter and GracieO'Neill. My son, My'ir, has been especially looking forward to your visit."
Elda turned to her mother. "He is the cutest little Jaffa boy. A little younger than Gracie."
Sam nodded as she smiled in acknowledgement.
The door to the hut opened and small voices could be heard clamoring. Children hopped down the steps one by one, each carrying various devices in their chubby little hands. Every child ran over to a mother or caretaker to show them what they worked on today. The schoolmaster remained within the doorway and inclined his head to all the families. Then he bowed for Elda.
Gracie looked shyly at the people. She scooted closer to Sam, gripping her hand tightly.
Elda squat down to her level. Her cape bunched up on the ground as she did so. "Did you bring your little light? The one my friend gave you?"
Gracie shook her head to affirm.
Sam pulled it out of her BDU pocket for her. Gracie took the small cube and held it up for Elda to see.
"Now you have something, too! Just like them. Those kids haven't received special lights like yours yet."
"Really?" Sam asked. "Why not?"
Elda gazed up to answer, "Jasuf said they give those to older children who walk around the forest independently."
A little Jaffa boy approached them. He had the goofiest grin on his face.
"My'ir," Elda greeted adoringly. "It is so nice to see you."
The child didn't bow or address her with formality. He was too small to engage in the custom. Instead, he ran into Elda's arms for a hug. Fen hung back, watching them patiently.
She giggled as she received him. "Do you remember Gracie?"
He held out a toy toward Gracie in greeting. "Play?"
Gracie looked at Elda, then her mother for reassurance. They encouraged her with smiles. The little girl held up her own device.
"With permission," Fen hazarded, "we will watch the child. She will be fed as well."
Elda looked up at Sam for final approval. She watched her let out a breath, nerves along with it. "Sure."
"Come!" My'ir yelled excitedly in Goa'uld. He ran to his mother and gestured an arm for Gracie to follow.
She didn't need anyone to translate for her. She understood his body language and enthusiasm enough. Gracie ran to be near Fen and waved at Sam. "Bye, Mommy!"
Sam blinked at how easily her daughter got over her shyness. Elda stood up, grinning. She scrunched her shoulders in delight as she watched her little self run off with the other children. The mothers dutifully followed them with watchful eyes. Elda clapped her hands lightly.
"So? What do you want to do now?" she asked her mother.
Sam's eyes remained on Gracie until she was out of sight. "They're staying in the village, right?"
"Oh yes, I asked them not to leave while Gracie's here. They wouldn't have anyway."
"Okay. Hmm." The Colonel gazed around. "Why don't you show me those dresses you own."
Elda lit up. She hooked an elbow around her mother's. "Right this way."
She brought Sam to her hut and invited her inside. Her mother's eyes wandered around curiously, taking in the sight of her daughter's little home here. It was distinctly Jaffa, except for the SGC tac vest and boots placed strategically near the door.
Elda slid a stool out from under the tea table against the wall. Sam was encouraged to sit while she went to the closet. She pulled on the skirt of a cream-colored dress. "Here's the one you saw already."
Sam couldn't help herself. She got up to join Elda right next to the clothes. "Oooh, emerald green."
Elda pulled out the chiffon-layered dress for her to see better. She held it over her body and looked down. "Haven't worn this one yet."
They perused all the other choices in much the same way. Elda pointed out the red one she had used to go to Zersha.
Sam raised a brow at her. "This one is too sexy."
"Exactly. Which is why I got what I wanted when I went there."
Her mother groaned, unsurprised by now. She shook her head. "Your fiancé paid for all these? How much did this cost?"
Elda breathed in. "You don't want to know."
"Gawd. You really hit the jackpot, Gracie."
She tilted her head.
"It means you're lucky you found someone who's rich."
Elda smiled. "The marines tease me about stuff like that all the time. Then they stop when I pay for their snacks offworld." She rolled her eyes.
Sam laughed loudly.
When the pair of blonde humans walked toward where the children should be, they heard a curious sound.
"Who is that?" Sam asked. It was a few hours later.
Her daughter slowly smiled. "I think it's Bier. The little boy's father. He has a very distinct laugh." She chortled. When they rounded a large hut, she found she was right.
But Elda was more surprised by what was making their top guardsman laugh.
Jasuf was there in the middle of the children, letting them climb all over him. He had a huge grin on his face as he sat on the ground.
Elda immediately started giggling. She brought a hand up to cover her mouth. Sam smiled along with her.
Gracie took her turn to climb onto his back and jump off with glee. She hit the ground running, holding her arms out straight and pretending to fly like a plane. A couple of the Jaffa children followed her.
"Does he do this often?" Sam wondered.
"He's always been nice to the children. But I've never actually seen him play." She chuckled. "This is so fun to watch."
Bier continued to laugh. His son ran up to him to check in, happily showing his father how much fun this was. Then My'ir ran back to continue using the Heir Apparent as a jungle gym. Jasuf caught him in his arms, causing the child to giggle uncontrollably with joy.
Elda found herself feeling a renewed sense of adoration for her mate. She didn't realize until now just how good he was with the village's young. It made her want to see how he would fare with his own children.
Then she frowned internally. She'd never be able to give him offspring. That bothered her a little. Someday, she would pass and he would live on, due to Jaffa having such long lifespans compared to humans. He would likely find a Jaffa female to produce an heir for him. Elda sort of knew that was how it was going to be. But suddenly faced with it here, she wished it didn't have to be that way.
There was nothing she could do about it. They'd already accepted things.
Elda breathed in a calming breath. Time to move on. She masked her disappointment with a smile.
Gracie saw how fun it was for My'ir to be captured and wanted to try the same. She climbed onto Jasuf, who promptly grabbed her and tickled her. She laughed hysterically until he put her down so the next child could have a turn.
Sam grinned.
Jasuf's laughter mixed in with the cacophony of screaming, delighted children under five. A toddler began to wander into the mix, drooling smile directed at all the people. He wanted in on the fun, too. Jasuf grabbed him before he could be run over by another child and held him high up. Then it became a new game. The other kids would run underneath as Jasuf raised and lowered the smaller one to the ground repeatedly. They ran circles around him, squealing the whole time. The baby let out an adorable gurgle of happiness.
Sam glanced at Elda. She recognized the longing in her eyes. It was an expression she possessed before she finally gave birth to her. She wrapped an arm around her cape-covered shoulder affectionately. Elda leaned her head into the crook of her mother's neck as they continued to watch the delightful melee before them.
Gracie yawned as they walked back to the gate. Sam pulled on her arm a little to keep her going, but there was resistance. Her eyes were drooping.
"I would like to think today was a success," Elda commented as they slowed down.
"ColonelCarter… may I?" Jasuf asked, holding his hands out toward Gracie.
"Sure."
He picked up the child and let her face him in his arms. "Did you enjoy your visit today?"
Gracie nodded with a sleepy smile. Then she automatically laid her head on Jasuf's shoulder. Elda clasped her hands together and squeaked a little. She rubbed Gracie's back tenderly, and they all resumed walking.
Sam craned her neck to see her younger daughter's face. "Oh she's done." She grinned and laughed.
"Of what do you speak?"
"You can't see her face. But she's practically asleep already. She really had a good time and tired herself out."
"Then perhaps she will fare well here while we attend the nuptials," Jasuf surmised cautiously.
Elda looked at her mother in anticipation.
Sam breathed in and out. "Yeah, this'll work."
Jasuf and Elda shared a smile of victory.
Once the wormhole to Earth was open and Sam's GDO gave her the green light, Jasuf gingerly handed Gracie off. Sam pulled the child into her arms naturally. The little girl barely stirred. She offered them one last wave. "Thanks, guys." She turned and passed through the gate.
Elda cupped Jasuf's face in her hands as the wormhole dissipated. "You'll make a good father one day."
He smiled humbly. Jasuf kissed her sweetly.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews and the views. Appreciate you all. Next time... Teal'c gets hitched. And it is not without some interesting twists. See you soon.