Daughter
Chapter 73 – Draft
Elda didn't know why she was summoned home, but it was lucky her team had no missions scheduled. Reynolds grunted and let her go, assuming this might have something to do with her role as back-up leadership on Tek'ron. It sounded like one of those 'rare' exceptions Command had put in place for her. He ordered her to send a message back if she was going to be gone for longer than a day. He needed to plan their next op accordingly if she was going to be absent.
When Elda reached the edge of the village, the Head Mistress was there to greet her. "My Lady, you must dress with haste," she urged her.
Elda started heading to her hut, with the elder female Jaffa following closely behind. "What is happening?"
"There is a caller from the High Council arriving soon. The Tribe Father requires all of leadership at his side."
She could have groaned. But instead, she ventured into her hut. She was a little surprised when the elder entered with her. Carefully, she said, "Head Mistress, I do not require assistance dressing."
The Jaffa looked around quickly and found the closet. She went straight to it and examined the dresses hung there. She picked one and pulled it out for her. It was the black number that featured a lot of tasteful gathers of fabric. Elda hadn't worn it yet. "You shall wear this," she declared. "The color will signify your strength."
Elda scrunched her face. "Must I…"
"Please, My Lady, this is necessary. I will assist you with your cape outside once you have donned this." The Head Mistress stuffed the dress into her arms and left her to change.
The human blinked, then huffed. "Alright," she murmured. Elda changed into the selected dress and donned her jeweled bracelet for good measure. She'd been leaving it behind on Tek'ron so it wouldn't accidentally get lost during her missions. She unclipped her SGC-issued radio from her tac vest as she exited the hut. Thankfully, every Jaffa-made dress she owned was designed with convenient pockets. Her stylist Agean had thought that part through.
The Head Mistress was outside waiting as promised. She gazed at her critically, stepping forward to adjust the drapey fabric around Elda's form just to her liking. Her fingers tickled her skin as they tugged the fabric that ran diagonally across her chest. It converged into a single shoulder strap on Elda's right. She stood back and looked to a Jaffa assistant next to her, one of her trainees. "Thoughts, Sister?"
The younger Jaffa narrowed her eyes at Elda's dress. "The bracelet accents it well. But we must do something with her hair."
"Agreed."
Elda furrowed her brow. She simply watched with consternation as they came closer to drape the matching cape around her shoulders and clasp the collar around her neck.
"You will accompany us to our work hut, Lady Elda," the Head Mistress said.
Elda heard an order in those words. She sighed internally and went along with them. Once inside, the Jaffa made her sit down. They debated with each other about how to style her hair. Soon they were combing it and pulling it into a sweeping updo secured with hairpins. A few thick strands were left out to frame her face. They used a Jaffa hot iron to guide the wisps of hair into flattering waves.
Satisfied with their quick work, Elda was brought out and urged toward the governance hut. They all but pushed her inside. She looked back at them in confusion before bowing at the entryway.
Jasuf stepped forward to take her hand and bring her further in. He peeked out the door to address the Jaffa women. "Well done."
They bowed to him, then left.
"My Love, you are radiant." He tucked his hand under her chin and kissed her sweetly.
Elda accepted his affection then broke off the kiss. "Where is Father?"
"He has gone to the chaapa'ai to receive our visitor personally."
Her eyes went wide. If Meil'nor himself felt the need to do that, then this was considered a big deal. "This is someone from the High Council?" she verified incredulously.
"Indeed. They sent word of their intention to come just hours ago."
"My Den Mother would want to greet them, but she is still away on her shim'roa with Teal'c." She placed two hands on his chest. "We should call Neith."
"Neith has already been informed. She left instructions for you to represent the Hak'tyl in her stead."
Elda's mouth dropped open. She could have sworn that Ishta's often-absent second-in-command would have wanted to be here for this apparently important visit. While Ishta was away on her honeymoon, Neith was recalled to lead the Hak'tyl village. Her younger sister Nesa took her place commanding the Hak'tyl guard on the Zershan manufacturing world. Elda thought the whole point of having Neith onworld was to be able to handle political situations like this.
Besides, she wasn't exactly sure she had Neith's approval to be fourth-in-line. She had never gotten a positive impression from the older Hak'tyl. Knowing it would go against Ishta's wishes, the female Jaffa never openly complained about her acceptance into the tribe. But if she was going to be honest, Elda wasn't sure Neith liked her.
That's why it boggled her mind that she was being ordered to represent their Sisters today.
The communicator in Jasuf's pocket chimed. When he activated it, a voice sounded off in Goa'uld. "Jasuf, your father approaches with a male High Council Member and his guard."
"Acknowledged, Brother."
"Jasuf, why is he here?"
"I do not know," he admitted. He reached up to stroke her cheek, admiring what the Head Mistress and her subordinate had accomplished. Jasuf decided he was better off appreciating her now, before their heads were spinning with whatever this visit would be about. He smiled as he took in the details of her dress today. Its tucks and gathers accentuated her figure. The skirt hugged her hips and upper legs before fanning out toward the floor. Elda's birth mother called this a mermaid dress. He lowered his voice. "I could not have found a more beautiful sim'ka than you."
His hand unconsciously fingered the bracelet on her left wrist, as if reconnecting with his mother through it. He hoped that she would have approved of Elda if she were still here. His father believed it would have been so.
Elda's eyes softened for him. She whispered to him now, "I love you, Jasuf."
He breathed her in then kissed her deeply, drawing her body closer to him as he did so. Footsteps and voices outside made him stop. "Come. We must stand in our places now."
When the heavy doors of the hut opened again, Meil'nor entered. The pair bowed to him and quickly rose, knowing someone important would be behind him. Their father went straight to his throne and turned around. "Welcome to our house," he said to the robed guest.
An elder Jaffa stepped in, expressionless. Elda barely recognized him from the Council chambers. He never spoke while she was there, preferring to let his brethren take the lead with their questions.
"My son, Jasuf, Lead Protector of our tribe and my Heir Apparent," Meil'nor introduced quickly. "And you have recently come to know our Lady Elda." The pair bowed low and lingered there until Meil'nor flicked his hand to signal they could rise.
The Council Member made eye contact with each of them and inclined his head. He noted the seat made available for him. Once he sat, the others followed. "Master Meil'nor has already been told that we may hold the Met Ta. I have no need for tea today," his deep voice stated. "This is but one of many visits I am conducting. As are my fellow Council members."
Meil'nor nodded ever so slightly. The trio simply stared back, waiting for him to explain why he was here.
"The intelligence provided by the Tau'ri was fruitful," he began. "The Council has expressed its appreciation to our allies on Earth." His eyes flicked toward Elda very briefly.
She chose not to react.
"We sent our own operatives to locate the bomber. They reported that he was already dead when they arrived."
Elda wondered what became of him.
Their guest provided her the answer. "His mutilated body was staked to a post in front of his village, set there as an example of failure by the Goa'uld Atum."
She closed her eyes, completely unsurprised but disgusted all the same. The cruelty of the Goa'uld was legendary. Elda could guess why he was punished instead of celebrated for surviving. He never accomplished the objective that was set before him. The city on Chulak still stood. The Jaffa there remained alive and free. Whatever benefits that bomber thought he was returning with would have been ignored. His master likely had him tortured immediately, causing him to expire while facing his wrath.
It was possible for the Council's operatives to find him because of the tracker her team had planted in his boot. Elda personally gave them the means of following him deep into his home territory. If his body was still mostly in tact, then so was the tracker.
She reopened her eyes to the Jaffa before them and saw no hint of emotion on his face. This was hardly surprising to him either.
"Our operatives posed as Jaffa from another village within Atum's domain. They surveyed the inhabitants and determined that doubt has already been sown." Elda understood that he was referring to the precursor to a resistance. Doubt about the Goa'uld's true power was the first step. "They learned that Atum is clinging desperately to power and seeks a great victory to bolster his standing both within his territory and among his few, remaining peers."
The trio continued to listen, still unsure why a Council member was personally visiting to make this report.
"And now to our area of concern. Atum does not work alone. He has formed a small alliance with other Goa'uld to cause as much destruction within our nation as possible. The proposed attack on Teal'c's nuptials was meant to be the first of a series of symbolic offenses. Our operatives identified the next few targets and are now working tirelessly to secure them as we speak." He paused now to let his words sink in.
Meil'nor's teeth ground together. "What targets were identified?"
"The Council chambers. And our stronghold at Goronak."
Elda's mouth opened and she took in a breath. She knew her Hak'tyl history. And she knew that Goronak was a planet within the former Goa'uld Moloc's domain. All of the original Hak'tyl tribe members bore his mark on their foreheads.
What she hadn't been aware of was that the planet was now a Free Jaffa stronghold.
"We are confident that our chambers can be secured. As an added precaution, the Council has agreed to meet via communications instead of gathering together in person. We will be less of a target spread out across the galaxy. As for Goronak, Teal'c's son Rya'c has been tasked with its defense. He requires able-bodied warriors from across the nation to stand with him."
The Council Member stood, signifying that his next words would be most important.
"Each tribe, each village, is being commanded to send a small group of warriors to do as Rya'c bids. Training will commence in one standard galactic day. Master Meil'nor, you will provide the High Council with four of your best."
The Tribe Leader stood, causing his subordinates to follow. "We will do as the Council commands."
Jasuf then stepped forward. Elda's eyes shot to him. "I will present to training personally with three of my warriors."
The old Jaffa bowed his head in approval. He produced a small calling card from his robes. Jasuf reached out to receive it. "These are the coordinates you will report to. Our fleet gathers there. Speak of this to no one. We do not know what spies are among us that could warn Atum and his allies of our preparations."
Jasuf returned to his spot in front of his seat and bowed compliantly.
"Lady Elda, I presume you are here representing the Hak'tyl?" he asked blandly.
"Indeed, Council Member." She glanced toward Jasuf nervously.
"You shall also send us four of your best warriors. Rya'c's wife will direct them herself. It would seem he has tasked her with a separate objective to achieve as part of Goronak's defense."
"The Hak'tyl will comply with the Council's wishes." Her mind immediately began to think of which sisters to choose. She would need to discuss this with Neith.
The elder Jaffa gave her a separate calling card, which she assumed had the same information as the one given to Jasuf.
"I bid you farewell, people of Tek'ron. When your warriors return successful, may your world's stature among the Jaffa rise further." He inclined his head to them, then left the hut.
Elda let out the breath she'd been holding the entire time. She looked at Jasuf, then Meil'nor in alarm.
"Jasuf, see that the Council Member and his guard reach the gate. Lady Elda, report to the Hak'tyl immediately."
Jasuf stepped out without delay, making Elda do a double-take. She shot Meil'nor a pleading look.
He laid a calming hand on her shoulder. "Krelnok," he said gently. "We will discuss the ramifications of these orders in due time. You must first complete your task."
She swallowed and inclined her head. "Father," she breathed out to acknowledge him.
Elda exited the hut with shaking legs. She placed one hand on a minder's arm. "Summon Lo'zim."
He nodded and left to find the big Jaffa somewhere in the village. She didn't wait to start walking toward the edge of the settlement. He would catch up to her.
The dress she was told to wear restricted her movements. She felt compelled to use both hands to hike it up just so she could walk more quickly. Her mind meanwhile swirled with anxiety. Jasuf volunteered himself too easily. She had no idea what to expect nor how much danger he might be placing himself in by doing that.
It bothered her that he was going offworld to work and not her. She felt like it should be her.
But she was human, and these were Jaffa matters. The Council Member did not ask her to go to Goronak because she had a role to play as a Tau'ri warrior instead. If Earth was called upon to assist, then that is when she might go.
And if she did, and Jasuf was also there, it would leave Meil'nor and their village alone. She realized she would need to light a fire up under Zersha to deliver their orbital platform as soon as possible. Elda had no intention of leaving Tek'ron without every defense it could have while they both might be away.
"Lady Elda," a voice boomed from behind her.
She turned her head slightly. "Join me, beloved giant. I venture to the Hak'tyl."
The big Jaffa fell into step with her. "The Council Member has departed?"
Because of course he knew who had come to visit. He was one of the top guardsmen on Tek'ron. It was his job to know who was coming and going through the gate.
"Yes."
Lo'zim waited, but realized she was not going to tell him more. He concluded that whatever was said in the governance hut would remain between the leaders. He respectfully did not ask questions.
"Lo'zim, tell me how our Nameless are faring in their training." Elda remained serious as her eyes naturally scanned the forest. She was walking briskly, still lifting up the skirt of her dress to accommodate her speed.
"The six that have volunteered to train as warriors fare well. They already possess an aptitude for the role. I suspect they were already warriors before they were made to lose their identities."
"Good. Bring them into the fold. If they have not already chosen names for themselves, then have them do so. We will need more warriors."
He glanced at her curiously. "What is transpiring, My Lady? Are we under threat?"
"No. Not that we know at this time." She made eye contact with him. "But we could be. We should be prepared." Elda returned her gaze to their path through the forest. "What of the other Nameless?"
"Some have demonstrated proficiency as builders. More find themselves drawn to work as minders. At least two volunteered to assist in the kitchen and with acquisition of fresh foods."
"Builders, you say?"
"Indeed."
This got Elda thinking. Maybe it was time to let those Jaffa live among the rest of the tribe on the surface. If they meant to contribute to the village, they deserved a place here among them. Ha'tak quarters were comfortable. But the ship could be called to battle by the Council at any moment now, leaving them with no place to stay. "What do you think of their memories? Have they shown any signs of regaining who they once were?"
"I cannot say, My Lady. The six who train under me have only demonstrated loyalty to Tek'ron. We would need to direct your query to the Head Mistress and her subordinates."
"Hmm. Then I will." She looked up at the sun briefly, noting its position in the sky to tell her the time. It was still morning here. Tek'ron had realigned with Earth again. She still had time before she would need to send word to Reynolds about coming back to work tomorrow or not.
Sounds to their right made the pair pause. Lo'zim stepped over protectively to place Elda behind him.
Hak'tyl warriors made themselves known. It was just a patrol. They had passed over the border into Hak'tyl territory by now.
"Sisters," Elda greeted with a small bow.
"EldaMalDoran," the lead acknowledged. They locked eyes and silently agreed to continue moving.
She addressed Lo'zim again. "When we arrive, I must visit with Neith. Wait for me outside."
"As you say, My Lady."
Cameron knocked on Landry's open door and was invited in. The doors to the office were shut.
"Colonel, SG-3 tagged P7X-841 as an Ancient workshop. I'd like SG-1 to go back there with a science team and take a better look at it."
"That the one with a repository that nearly grabbed Gracie?"
"One and the same."
"Freaky. Sir… what are the chances she'll run into more Ancient doohickeys run amok?"
"In this line of work, Colonel? High."
"That ATA gene of hers could cause trouble. You think we'll ever clue her commanding officer in? Might be helpful for him to know," Cameron said carefully. "I'd wanna know."
Hank grimaced. "Her parents just had this debate. Jack says no. Didn't say why."
"Well, I imagine there must be a bunch of reasons to keep things as is. Not that I could reliably name them myself. I don't have a daughter."
"Believe me, Cameron. I have a daughter. And I still can't imagine the worry Jack and Sam go through with theirs. Mine isn't going offworld every single day."
"Right," he acknowledged with a tilt of a head. "Not quite the same."
Hank shook his head. He brought them back to more formal work matters. He changed his addresses back to official titles. "There's another thing, Colonel. When Dr. Jackson and Ms. Mal Doran take their parental leave, Teal'c already expressed an intention to pause operations with SG-1."
Cam frowned. "Yes, sir. He also made me aware."
"Which leaves me with what to assign you to do. Can't exactly let SG-1 be SG… well… just one."
The Colonel cracked a smile. Then it faded. He knew this conversation was going to happen eventually. Might as well be today.
"Our CMO's been pushing me to get a few things taken care of, medically-speaking. I think I'll schedule all that hullabaloo while your team stands down. Which means…"
Cam just blinked, waiting.
"You're going to be acting commander of the base while I'm on leave."
There it was. He had a feeling this was coming. "Yes, sir."
"I'm going to include you in more briefings from now on, Colonel, in preparation for your temporary role."
He nodded. He had to be kept in the loop so he'd have a better idea of what was going on when he took over. Cameron imagined himself shadowing Landry every second he could get.
"That also means: a certain General from Homeworld Command may be calling you at random hours to breathe down your neck about the single female member of SG-3."
Cam let out a small, nervous laugh. "Yes, sir, I'll keep that in mind." He then looked at his commander curiously. "How bad is it, though, really?"
"Well, you know Jack. He cares about what happens to all of us. But he pays special attention to the goings-on of SG-3. He knows what missions they get scheduled for. Then he expects regular updates when they're out on especially risky ops."
"Is that right, sir?"
"Yes, Colonel. Not to mention, he reads every single report Reynolds submits the moment he completes them."
Cameron's eyes went wide. "Did he set up some sort of alert in the system or something?"
"Probably," Landry said flatly. "He's even reached out to Reynolds directly to clarify things he's written."
"No kidding. Did he ever get involved when Pierce was looking to steal one of Reynolds's guys?"
"Short answer: yes."
"My, my, my."
"He strongly believes that Gracie's better off surrounded by people who care about her." Landry openly sighed in amusement. "Who better than those marines she's twisted around her little fingers?"
Cameron guffawed. "She has one hell of a superpower, that girl."
"It's almost scary," Landry agreed.
"EldaMalDoran."
She rose from her bow in the entryway of the governance hut and looked straight at her superior. "Neith."
The older Jaffa female regarded her with critical eyes. She did not offer her a place to sit. Nor was there tea to share.
Elda remained standing across from her.
"Report."
"We received a member of the Jaffa High Council. He graciously shared what was learned by operatives sent after the bomber. Goronak is now being targeted. Teal'c's son Rya'c is calling for warriors to aid in its defense. His wife requires four Hak'tyl warriors for a related task." Elda produced the calling card and handed it over.
"Kar'yn," Neith said, naming the wife aloud. "I have not seen her in many moons."
Elda merely inclined her head.
"What task does she have for our sisters?"
"I do not know. The Council Member was vague. He only instructed us to send some of our best to those coordinates where a fleet will also gather. Training commences tomorrow."
"Tek'ronian men will attend this training?"
Elda's face twitched. "Yes, Neith. Jasuf has even volunteered himself."
Neith stared at her. "As he should. It is his duty to defend not just his tribe, but all Free Jaffa."
She grated her teeth but did not respond.
"I will choose from among the sisters," Neith declared unilaterally. "You will not be one of them. I know you must instead serve with the Tau'ri and your male-led village."
Elda bowed her head, sensing disapproval in her tone. This decision was probably a good thing, though. The last thing she needed was to be assigned an offworld op as a Hak'tyl when she already had a similar job for Earth. And this was on top of juggling growing responsibilities to her tribes here on Tek'ron.
"I will contact Kar'yn myself to learn more. Shal kek."
Elda quietly huffed when she exited the hut. Idul sidled up next to her with an inquisitive expression. Lo'zim was nearby.
"Well?" the female Jaffa asked.
"Well, what?"
"Why did a High Council Member visit?"
Elda pursed her lips. "Idul…"
"My Love, I must gently remind you of your place."
The Hak'tyl sent her mate a look of warning. She turned back to Elda, burning with curiosity.
Elda gritted her teeth. "The matters we discussed must stay in the governance huts, Sister. Direct order from the Council."
Idul narrowed her eyes.
Elda felt uncomfortable. There weren't supposed to be secrets between them. But her station suddenly put her above this rule. And she understood why this information needed to remain only in the hands of leadership. Idul had good intentions. But she also had a mouth. Anything Elda told her would spread, and spread far. This news was not meant to be shared, for the sake of everyone's safety.
When did I start thinking like them? she complained to herself, referring to leadership.
Elda placed a calming hand on Idul's forearm. "Sister, you know I love you dearly. But please, just trust me. You do not want to know."
Idul studied her worried eyes, then she nodded. She stepped closer, putting her face close to Elda's. "You will tell me if your safety is ever compromised. Honor me by allowing me to be your champion, EldaMalDoran."
She sighed loudly in relief. Elda kissed Idul's cheek. "You honor me with your loyalty, Sister. And know that my actions are meant to keep you safe. Please believe that."
Idul inclined her head. "I presume you have other duties to attend to. I will not delay you further."
"What have we got?" Landry asked in the control room. Mitchell was right behind him.
"Sir, message just came through from the Jaffa High Council. Text only."
They both leaned over the monitor to read the Goa'uld translation. The message was a courtesy, informing the SGC that the Council was drafting warriors from all across the Free Jaffa Nation to form an organized defense force. They were not to be alarmed by the assembly of a fleet. And they were also kindly asked not to get involved.
"Sounds like…" Mitchell said as he finished reading, "…their follow-up investigation yielded something interesting."
"I'd have to agree with you on that, Colonel."
"They don't seem interested in sharing time. Huh."
Landry just closed his eyes in exasperation. "Welcome to my world. You'll have to deal with this sort of thing soon enough.
Cam frowned. "Yes, sir."
The General scrolled through the text but found nothing more of interest. "Wonder if this is why Elda got called home."
"You don't think they're drafting her, do you, General?"
"They better not. She's one of ours."
Jasuf knew where she would be and met Elda and Lo'zim in the forest as they walked back. He fell into step with them.
"Lo'zim," he announced, "I must depart Tek'ron to serve the High Council. I will bring three warriors, including Bier, with me. You will coordinate the men in my absence."
The giant inclined his head. Elda remained quiet.
"Should you need to escort Lady Elda, recall Goru from the Hak'tyl and let him stand in your place here onworld." With those words was a silent implication that Lo'zim was now primarily in charge of her safety wherever she went.
"How long will you be gone?"
"I do not know. I will send back word if I can."
Elda glanced at him uncomfortably. Jasuf tried not to meet her look. He kept his eyes on the trees instead. "Lady Elda."
"My Love."
"When you have no duties for Earth, our Tribe Father will need you to stand at his side."
"I know."
"He may send you in his stead to greet our allies or conduct trade," he warned.
She sighed quietly. "Yes."
Lo'zim looked between them, sensing tension. "Jasuf, Lady Elda has instructed me to bring the Nameless into our warrior ranks."
His superior nodded. "Then do as she commands." He put a heavy hand on the giant's shoulder. "Go now. There are matters she and I must discuss." He stared at his trusted guardsman with seriousness in his expression.
Lo'zim stepped back to bow properly. Then he left them.
Jasuf pulled Elda into his arm as they continued on. She kept her hands on her skirt, once again hiking it up to walk at a comfortable speed. "I must do this," he began in his defense. "I must contribute."
She bit the insides of her cheeks. Neith had already declared that expectation as well. She understood the reasoning, even if she didn't like it. Jasuf had to represent the warriors of Tek'ron. He was the village's protector. It only made sense for him to gain valuable experience for his role while in service of a great cause. "You will not willingly place yourself in harm's way. No unnecessary risks," she ordered.
Jasuf quirked a smile. He could tell she was worried for him. "As you say, My Lady. I will do as you bid."
She bumped her body into his in annoyance, making him chuckle softly.
"What do you know of Teal'c's son, Rya'c?" he asked.
"Very little. I never interacted with him in my youth. And I never had a chance to greet him at the wedding."
Jasuf hummed. "I know little as well." He squeezed her hip. "But if he has married a Hak'tyl warrior, he already elevates himself."
Elda rolled her eyes. "Oh, is that why you proposed?"
He laughed loudly. "Exactly," he lied.
Smith's hands were buried in his pockets as he stood at the bottom of the ramp. The gate had just activated with an incoming wormhole. Crawford walked in briskly to place himself at his side.
Elda stepped through, once again dressed in BDUs. The corner of her mouth twitched. She was trying to smile at them, but struggling to do so. "Sergeants," she said formally, testing their new ranks on her tongue.
The two marines sensed her mood. They knew she was called to Tek'ron unexpectedly yesterday. It would seem that whatever it was for, it wasn't good.
"Baby? You gonna spill or what?" Smith asked.
Elda shook her head. They took it as a sign that she wouldn't discuss anything here in the gate room. So the boys led her out toward the commissary.
The group sat down among a dwindling breakfast crowd. The trio found seats in a corner, away from everyone else.
"Well?" Crawford prompted.
She sighed. "I'm not supposed to say much. But you know that intel we gave to the Jaffa?" The marines nodded. "They followed up on it. And now it's turning into… a lot of other things."
They squinted at her. "Like?" Smith asked.
She shook her head again. "I can't say anything more than that. At best I can tell you that I will have to spend my every moment on Tek'ron when I am not here working with you guys."
"You do that anyway," Crawford pointed out playfully.
"This is different," she said with a serious expression. "I have to step up over there. They're going to need my help."
The marines glanced at each other. "Sounds kinda… heavy." Smith patted her hand on the table. "You need anything from us?"
She smiled at him softly. "Thanks, but no. This is a Jaffa thing." Then she had a thought. "Actually…"
The boys sat up.
"I was thinking I should get over to Zersha and tell that slimy representative Gen to get his ass together."
Crawford and Smith grinned at her very Earth-like turn of phrase. "Oh yeah?" Crawford asked.
"Like how?"
"He owes Tek'ron something big. And I want it there in orbit… yesterday." She bared her teeth as she looked away menacingly, just imagining how she would march right over there and light a fire under Gen's chair.
Smith then wondered, "Like a ship?"
"No, defense platform."
"Wha… huh? What is that?"
"Come with me and find out," Elda said, sly smile now forming on her face. She suddenly stood up. "Come on, let's go find the Colonel."
Later, they found themselves in the briefing room with General Landry and Colonel Mitchell. All of SG-3 gathered there.
Elda defined the technology she wanted for Tek'ron. "The orbital defense platform has the means of detecting ships entering the local star system and responding accordingly. The one Tek'ron is meant to receive from Zersha will have weapons capabilities and docking bays for auxiliary craft. It will even have a ring platform so our people can be posted there to monitor Tek'ron's security from orbit. If someone comes to bother us, we could potentially shoot them down or send a ship to engage them."
"Sounds… valuable," Reynolds remarked. "Almost feels like we should have that here."
Mitchell scrunched his face at Elda. "How much does something like that even cost?"
She grimaced. "A lot."
Now everyone regarded her dubiously. Baker cracked a smile. "How'd you score that deal?" It was pretty obvious this was Elda's doing. She wouldn't know so much about it otherwise.
The blonde blew out a frustrated breath. "When the High Council told everyone to stop working with Chigu, they all came running to me to set up contracts with alternate tretonin suppliers. I went to Zersha and got that set up."
Landry raised his brow. "When you say 'everyone,' you mean…"
"I've had seventeen tribes reach out to me so far."
"Whoa," Smith said.
"So this slimy guy, Gen," Crawford asked, "he's the go-to for this stuff?"
"Yep. I went there with a Jaffa guard and got it done on my day off a while back."
"Sheesh," Mitchell said. "And here all I try to do on my day off is some laundry." The table laughed.
"Okay… so how does this relate back to the orbital defense thingamajigger?" Reynolds asked.
Elda contorted her face at his odd combination of syllables just now. "Uhh… well Gen was basically foaming at the mouth, so I moved in with a demand to let Tek'ron have whatever it wanted from Zersha's catalog at no extra cost. That was to be my payment for bringing him all that new business."
Crawford shared a look with Smith. They could imagine how Elda used her good looks and her way with words to get what she wanted.
"Elda, what does this have to do with us?" Mitchell prompted.
"The orbital platform has nothing to do with Earth. But something Gen said during the meeting did cause me to have questions. I was thinking of bringing it up to Command, and now here we are. He said Chigu is more dishonorable than I know."
"We kind of already determined that, Elda," Baker pointed out.
"But it was the way he said it. There was more to the story there. I just couldn't investigate it in the moment. I had to finalize all the tretonin contract language and get the deal in writing before he backed out."
"Unfortunately, Command will need a little more than that to prioritize a mission to Zersha," Landry declared. "If you come up with something more solid, we can reconsider it."
Elda frowned, but nodded her head. She knew it was a long-shot herself. "I understand, General. I just figured it was worth reporting. The next chance I get, I will be checking in with Zersha on my own and seeing when they can deliver. Tek'ron could really use that platform soon."
"Why, are you concerned there's a threat to the planet?" Reynolds asked.
She paused for a moment, carefully trying to craft a response that didn't reveal what she was ordered not to reveal. "Not right now, no. But things change quickly out there. And Tek'ron has begun to make a name for itself. I don't want to see the planet unprepared when it gets noticed by the wrong players out in the galaxy." She quietly worried that her Jaffa world might be on the hit list for those Goa'uld who meant to wreak havoc on all of them.
"Well, when you put it that way…" Landry said thoughtfully, "…how could we leave our allies hanging?" He quirked a smile at her.
Reynolds glanced over at him confused. "Sir?" He watched as the General and SG-1 leader shared a meaningful look.
"Set up a meet with Zersha, Colonel. Get them talking about Chigu's faults while Elda simultaneously pushes her contact to get her planet what it needs. Two for one."
"BOGO," Baker quipped.
Reynolds stayed behind after the meeting to ask questions. "Sir? Colonel? Is there something I'm missing?" He was quietly suspicious of the General's sudden reversal over approving Elda's proposal.
Landry wasn't surprised that the lead marine had caught on. "I don't think there's any harm in sharing the communique we received from the Jaffa High Council with you."
Cameron decided to simply follow his lead. He would need to start making these sorts of decisions sometime soon. Might as well take notes. "It was brief. Said the Jaffa are instituting a draft. We suspect it's the result of their follow-up investigation, after your team provided them that intel."
Reynolds looked contemplative. "A Jaffa draft," he said thoughtfully. "How 'bout that."
"And your little Mal Doran just got called home for an urgent matter, didn't she?" Cameron prompted.
"Yes, she did." He furrowed his brow. "You think she knows more than she's tellin'?"
"I would imagine that her new 'in' with leadership over there makes that likely, Colonel," Landry surmised. "Considering she's suddenly interested in getting extra protection for her Jaffa planet, it wouldn't be a stretch to believe their warriors are being drafted just as much as anyone else. It'll naturally leave them shorthanded with security there."
Reynolds twisted his mouth around in thought. "Should I find out what she knows?"
"Not necessary, Colonel," the General said. "I'm sure the High Council is purposely keeping things close to the vest for security's sake. She probably knows because it directly affects her. Hell, she might even have orders not to reveal anything. Can't say I'd blame the Council in this case."
"So we plan a trip to Zersha, let her breathe down their necks, and play it off on paper as supporting our allies?"
"With an added bonus of investigating this curious implication that Chigu might be up to something. Again," Mitchell said. He tilted his head in a shrug. "Who knows. Might actually yield something worth doing something about."
"Do we really want to so something about them?" Reynolds asked. "Seems like they shot themselves in the foot already."
"We'll cross that bridge if we come to it, Colonel. Plan the op and get out there as soon as it's feasible," Landry said.
"Jaffa, hear me!" Rya'c hollered to the male Jaffa gathered before him.
He stood high on a boulder so he could be better seen and heard. They were on the world of Goronak so that they could be oriented with its terrain. Knowing this planet meant it could be defended well.
"We come together as Brothers from all across the Free Jaffa Nation to defend this symbolic stronghold of our independence! You are regarded as the best warriors from each of your tribes. In time, you will become the warriors of the Free Jaffa Army."
Rya'c took the time to examine the groups that haphazardly spread themselves across the field. They varied in age and experience. Some had traditional armor. Others had none. He only recognized a few faces, but was determined to learn the names of every single Jaffa male here.
"We will begin with assessment today to test your skills and identify your strengths," he announced. "Bra'tac," he called to the elder at his side.
The old Jaffa stepped forward and began calling out names of tribes.
Rya'c hopped off the boulder to stand at his level. As the men drew forward, he grabbed each of their forearms in greeting and asked for their names. The men were next directed to other elders meant to evaluate them.
"Tek'ron!" Bra'tac eventually summoned.
The four that stepped forward possessed traditional Jaffa armor. Rya'c remembered the name of their world as the most recent homeworld of the Hak'tyl. He hadn't gone there to visit, since his wife Kar'yn left her tribe before they moved there. But now that his father had married Ishta, Rya'c expected himself to set foot on their planet at some point in the near future.
"Brothers," he greeted.
"Rya'c of Chulak," Jasuf said with formality. "It is an honor."
"The honor is mine, Jaffa. Tell me, do you know of my father Teal'c?"
"We do. He is an ally," Jasuf replied. "Not only married to Ishta, but also an uncle to my sim'ka."
Rya'c seemed curious. "Who are you betrothed to?"
"Lady Elda of Tek'ron," he replied.
"Ahh, my father has spoken of her briefly. Welcome! Perhaps we will one day consider ourselves family. Tell me of your names."
"Jasuf, Bier, Andin, and Fezir."
Teal'c's son pointed in the direction of an elder. "Show him what you know. Tal'ma'te."
When SG-3 passed through the gate to Tek'ron a few days later, they were dressed in their standard galactic wear. Reynolds had donned a jacket, courtesy of Elda's frequent shopping trips, that was surprisingly comfortable this time. She'd been observant enough to realize he hated the pleather costumes the SGC constructed for him. Today, he had on a real galaxy-appropriate jacket that gave him the freedom to move without burning him up or making him itch.
The rest of the marines had on vests. Smith found he preferred the clothing he got from the station, so he found an outfit from there that worked pretty well for ops like these. He'd taken the time to score a few more outfits for his buddies as well. Elda had excitedly approved of his fashion choices and patted him on the back for learning the art of using one's clothing to contribute to a fake persona.
She simply donned her standard black suit. By now the defense team was bored of seeing her in it and didn't even spare an extra glance in her direction. Crawford noticed this and was relieved.
Lo'zim was waiting for them at the DHD. He wore his traditional guardsman gear.
Elda saw how his eyes looked her up and down critically. She tilted her head in question. "Lo'zim?"
"Will you be choosing one of your dresses for this outing, Lady Elda?"
She furrowed her brow. "You think I should?"
The marines glanced at each other in confusion.
The big Jaffa inclined his head. "Bier spoke of how you used your manner of dress effectively against the Zersha representative. I recall that we have already met with that same foul human while you wore that suit."
Elda seemed to consider his point. She hummed in thought.
Smith blinked. Was she taking fashion advice from this big-ass male Jaffa?
"Perhaps you are not wrong, my beloved giant." She turned around to address the marines. "We'll move the ship closer to the huts and I'll change really quick."
Reynolds scrunched his face.
Baker pleaded, "Cakes, just go as you are. We got a schedule to keep."
She held up a placating hand. "It'll be five minutes! I promise. We have time." She turned back to Lo'zim. "Come."
Smith and Crawford looked at each other with tired expressions. They sighed loudly.
Elda sent them a snooty look. Her Jaffa giant simply followed her onto the Firefly, which sat ready for them with its hatch already open.
Reynolds just turned his head, glaring at her in absolute exasperation. He held his hands up into the air, jacket flying up with him. Baker shook his head. He motioned for the Sergeants to come with them and board the ship. The marines had no choice but to deal with it. She was their pilot.
When they entered, they saw Lo'zim had already taken the co-pilot's seat. Reynolds's eye began twitching as he picked a spot in the crew compartment.
The ship rose easily when the hatch closed. They could hear Lo'zim speaking in Goa'uld, likely communicating with the Ha'tak in orbit to inform it that they were moving the ship into the village. Elda usually gave notice to the protective mothership so it wouldn't be alarmed every time her ship was used. The people wanted to ensure that it was her or one of her authorized crew aboard, and not someone attempting to steal it. If Elda was already known to be onworld, then such a thing would be unnecessary.
Within seconds, she landed the vessel in an open space near the residences of Jasuf's village. Elda then got up to deposit her weapons on the storage rack across from the hatch. The marines quietly counted everything she brought this time, finding there were nearly two dozen weapons and sharp tools that could serve as weapons if someone stupid dared to fight her.
When she rushed out, Baker muttered, "What the hell is she gonna wear now."
"Hey, big guy!" Smith called out to the front. Lo'zim turned his head. "Did ya really need to tell her to change? She, like, takes forever when she gets ready!"
His teammates nodded their heads, thankful he was speaking up.
"You will find that she is much more efficient with Jaffa styles, SergeantSmith," he said, unbothered. "Perhaps you will be satisfied when she returns. Lady Elda's Hak'tyl sister has proven to be an effective stylist for her."
"Hak'tyl… stylist?" Reynolds repeated in confusion.
Crawford shook his head. "You'd be surprised what they all wore to that wedding, Colonel."
"Oh yeah, that's right. Aside from catching a bomber, tell us what you saw there, Sergeant," Baker requested.
"One word for you, Lieutenant: style."
Smith whistled.
"For real?"
Crawford nodded emphatically. "Felt like we were guarding somethin' real high class. Millionaire, billionaire-level typa shit."
"Ain't that somethin'," Reynolds said. "Take away the overdressed Goa'uld and all the oppression and that's what ya get, huh?"
"Guess so, sir." Crawford noticed when Smith and Baker's eyes went wide toward the open hatch. He turned his head curiously. Elda rushed in with a gold cape flapping about her. She was about to go straight to the pilot's station when Crawford demanded, "Ay! Show us the threads."
She turned to him in a huff and held out her hands. The motion opened up the cape to reveal what she'd chosen to wear.
The men's mouths gaped to varying degrees.
Elda was in an off-shoulder number with a sweetheart neckline. It cupped her breasts tightly, making them seem even fuller than usual. The metallic gold fabric hugged her figure and flowed down her legs with a high front slit. She had sleeves this time, but they were more like flowy tubes that decorated her arms instead of functional things that would ever keep her warm. Her shoulders would have been bare had it not been for the cape clasped around her neck.
"Happy?" Elda asked flatly. She rolled her eyes at Crawford and didn't bother to wait for an answer. She turned right around to get back in the pilot's seat.
Smith whispered, "Holy shit. Gen has no fucking chance."
Baker started cracking up.
Crawford breathed in and out, then muttered, "Y'all didn't see what she wore to the wedding."
Reynolds turned his head slowly to look at him. "Sergeant?"
"A lot less material required for that one, sir."
"No shit?" Baker said. "No wonder that Jaffa dude was after her there." He laughed even more.
Elda let out a breath as the ship lifted off again. "Satisfied, Giant?"
"Indeed."
Smith rolled his eyes at Crawford over the way Gen seemed to be drooling. They were in his office, letting Elda do most of the talking. Lo'zim was standing right next to her. The Sergeants flanked them from slightly behind. Reynolds and Baker posted themselves just inside the door, simply listening.
"I can assure you, Elda Mal Doran, Zersha will fulfill its obligation." Gen's voice purred at her, eyes heavily distracted as they undressed her slowly.
She harumphed haughtily, flicking her hair and simultaneously sweeping part of her cape off her shoulder.
Crawford's eyes darted from delicate skin toward the Zershan rep's face. Oh, she had him now.
"I have half a mind to demand more from you for this delay," she spat out.
"What more would you have me do for you?" he replied in interest. His tone was laced with innuendo.
Smith kept his breaths even to control his irritation with that. The dude was ready to offer himself up to her sexy mercy. He wondered how his teammate would twist things to her advantage today. It was always a show with Elda at the center.
She leaned forward to tap on his desk, giving him an even better look down her chest. Her face remained cross. "I want a new shuttle, delivered with the platform, as compensation for your tardiness."
Gen breathed in deeply. He looked side to side, then back to her. "That may not be possible…"
Her index finger instantly tipped his chin up so that her eyes could bore into his. "You will make it possible," she said in a dangerous tone. "Or my client's representative will enjoy ripping you apart, one limb at a time."
Lo'zim took one step forward.
Gen shivered, but not from fear. From arousal.
Smith thought he was gonna hurl. Crawford was right behind him.
"He's, like, ejaculating right now. It's funny as fuck," Baker whispered to Reynolds.
The Colonel glared at him, warning him to shut up.
"What specifications do you require for this ship?"
"The same as my personal vessel. Maintenance and warranty work included."
Gen's eyes trailed down to her decolletage. "I would need to make a few calls to ensure we have one available."
"Make your calls. I will make my own and return within the half-hour to check on your progress." Elda licked her lips, then bit her own tongue as her eyes locked on him.
Gen was like putty in her hands. He nodded silently.
The marines who could see what she was doing closed their eyes briefly and breathed in. Smith and Crawford glanced at each other meaningfully. She was so good.
"Come, Tek'ronian. Let us send word to your people of these events." She and Lo'zim spun around. Elda then addressed the Sergeants. "Make sure he stays focused."
The boys nodded compliantly, then glared at Gen to get started.
Reynolds and Baker followed when Elda sashayed her way out of the office with Lo'zim.
The representative's eyes flicked between the two marines. He proceeded to ignore them and sat down before the holographic console of his desk. He contacted what sounded like a supply depot and began speaking a mile a minute. He was hurriedly making demands in Goa'uld.
The boys were recording everything with their data pads. And Elda and Lo'zim both had live comms to hear what he was saying in their absence. If this guy tried to screw them in any way, the team would know.
"I don't think he's gonna come through, Carm," Crawford said nonchalantly, just loud enough for the rep to hear.
"Nope," Smith agreed.
The rep sent them a glare, but continued speaking to the person on the other end of his call.
Crawford made a show of looking around the office, as if seeing it for the first time. "Funny, though, none of those Chigu reps had digs as nice as these when I went. Most they showed me was a tiny little room."
"Yep, same here." Smith pointed a finger in the air. "Although, they did serve a pretty strong tea."
"Is that right?"
"Oh yeah, the type of stuff that'll heat you up and cook you for dinner." He looked at the Zershan rep. "I'm sure he has no idea what we're talking about."
Gen ended his call. He scoffed. "Tea," he murmured. The man shook his head as he stared at his displays and manipulated numbers there.
"I ever tell you what it did to Elda?" Smith let a sly look cross his face. He seemed to bite his lip briefly as he remembered something pleasant.
"No. What."
"Warmed her up so good," he said smoothly. "Chigu rep was salivating."
Crawford's eye twitched. He wasn't sure he liked this angle Smith was using. "Then what."
"Cock-blocked him. See, what that guy didn't realize was I know my damn tea. And I know when tea will burn ya and melt your face off." He flicked his eyes at Gen quickly. "Perim thought he was gonna get it." Smith smiled. "Fool lost to me," he reported arrogantly.
Crawford knew exactly was Smith was implying without saying the actual words. His brow arched and his eyes squinted briefly.
Smith's look told him to just go with it.
"You damn lucky bastard," Crawford pretended to marvel.
By now Gen couldn't help but interject. "Perim? From Chigu?"
"Yeah," Smith answered.
He harumphed. "Because of course he has to result to drugging his potential clients in order to score a deal."
Crawford narrowed his eyes at Gen. "You know him?"
"He once worked for us. Then one day, he was captured when Chigu attacked one of our vessels. They brainwashed him, and he converted easily. He was always weak. Sounds like he still is." Gen's face soured then returned to his displays.
The marines looked at each other now, silently debating how to move forward with this interesting piece of information.
Back in the shuttle, the rest of their group heard everything. Reynolds was turning red with fury over the indecent talk his Sergeants were engaging in to work the mark. He glanced at Baker, who remained silent and refrained from rendering an opinion. Lo'zim was expressionless.
Elda, meanwhile, was thoughtful.
She got on the comms. "Manipulation angle. Get him to gloat about how much better he is than Perim. Start with how he finds ways to bed his visitors." Then she thought to add, "And don't touch that couch. It's nasty."
The Sergeants glanced down at the elegant seat positioned just before Gen's desk. They promised to comply with her order and stay the hell away from it.
"If you don't need tea, what do you use?" Crawford wondered curiously.
"My distracting charm, of course."
Reynolds snorted loudly on the comms. Baker tried his very best not to laugh too loud.
"I dunno, buddy," Smith said doubtfully. "You still haven't gotten our boss in bed." He shook his head at him as if disappointed.
"Tough nut to crack," Crawford agreed.
"Did he just call me crazy?" Elda asked aloud to the people in the Firefly with her.
Baker only started laughing louder.
Gen adopted a superior look. "Women like her require a delicate approach. She's formidable. And I enjoy the chase. It is only a matter of time before she sees the worth in front of her and kneels before it in worship."
The boys fought the expressions of disgust that threatened to dominate their faces. They knew exactly what he was imagining Elda doing to him.
"Playin' the long-game, I see," Smith commented with as even a voice as possible. Secretly, though, he would really like to punch this guy.
"That is one way to put it," Gen responded distractedly as he gazed at his displays.
Crawford looked straight at Smith, begging him to keep him from beating this guy's ass right now. He maintained just enough control to say, "I bet you wouldn't convert so easily if Chigu captured you, then."
"Ha. I have more autonomy than that Perim character you have reminded me of. I can only imagine what shrinkage he is suffering from now with their continued 'treatments'," Gen said offhandedly.
"You sayin' the muscles and the confidence aren't real? Or the loyalty to Chigu? He was pretty gung-ho about how great they are," Smith said.
"Same with the female rep I met," Crawford added contemplatively. They both looked at Gen again.
"None of Chigu is what it seems. Do not be fooled by their pageantry, nor their claims of dominance in any industry they dip their fingers into. Zersha is realistic. Real. Chigu is… not."
"Not?" Crawford repeated dubiously. "Just… not?" He raised a brow to further emphasize how little he believed Gen.
He sighed loudly. "The people on their front-lines are all slaves, culled from competitors like us for their skillsets, then brainwashed to ensure their loyalty. None of them are there by choice. The only ones who escape Chigu's grasp are the strong ones." Then he smirked. "The ones who never fall victim to Chigu at all are the smart ones," Gen said smugly, obviously referring to himself.
Elda looked right to Reynolds. She frowned.
"Goddammit." They suddenly had a slavery ring on their hands. At some point, it would probably need to be dismantled.
Later, when the meeting was over and everyone returned to the ship, both Sergeants rushed to stand in front of their CO. "Permission to beat his ass, sir!"