Blood of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul

Part IVB

The old gentleman was staring out the high arched window into the garden below. He was a handsome man. His hair was white, thick and waved slightly to his shoulders. His brow was high and broad. His eyes, under thick white eyebrows, were a piercing emerald green. His skin was a golden color adding even more to the impression of a large powerful lion. He stood straight and tall as a Warrior and had about him an air of leashed power.

While he did not seem to be enjoying the view through the window, nor did he seem displeased. He appeared to be contemplating the deep red roses climbing toward the window. He had been staring at the same bloom for thirty minutes. His thoughts were millions of light years away.

He turned toward the door, a welcoming smile lighting his face as Kataya entered the room.

She smiled at him and stood on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek and a quick embrace. "Good morning, Father. Have I kept you waiting long?"

"Not at all, my dear" He chuckled softly. "No more than I expected anyway."

"I am sorry. It seems to be taking much longer than I expected to get my affairs in order and get ready to leave."

"It wasn't a problem. I've been enjoying the garden."

"I think everything is finally under control, at least as much as it can be. I really expected to have left for Earth two weeks ago

"Come. Let us sit on the window seat. Before you depart for Earth, there are things I wish to discuss with you."

She searched her father's face. "Something is worrying you," she stated.

"Not worried exactly; I trust you to take care of yourself." He paused before continuing, "You looked into the Mirror?" There was an edge of anxiety to his voice.

"Yes," she answered quietly.

"What do you feel about it?"

She frowned slightly and contemplated what her feelings the last three weeks had been. She had to give an honest answer. He would know if she did not and he would not thank her for keeping anything from him. She sighed softly.

"Foreboding," she paused, then raised her head to look at him directly. "I feel foreboding. There are many dark shadows and much turmoil. There's a definite definitive danger. I can't see where it comes from." She glanced down and then
back up to look steadily into her father's eyes. "I have reason to believe that there is both emotional and physical danger around me. Since there is usually physical danger around me, and the Mysts don't usually show anything like this, I have to conclude that the Mirror is warning of a specific incident or incidents."

He nodded his head. "I agree. You will be careful."

"Of course," she said.

He nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I want to let you know what I have decided about the discussion that
took place at the Council meeting two weeks ago. As you will recall, we discussed at length the progress of the war against the System Lords in the Pegacian System."

"Yes, I remember."

"Since the Council agrees that the fall of the Goa'uld in the Pegacian System is only a matter of time, I have decided that it may be time to start gathering more intelligence from Earth's sector of the Universe. I have decided to place some of our people capable of infiltrating the Goa'uld in some strategic sectors. I know that you will be able to send me valuable information but I think it would perhaps be wise to spread out across the galaxy. It could very well be that our next theater of operations would be there. It has always been my intention to return to aid Earth. Thor's request and your acceptance of the assignment have simply accelerated the aid somewhat."

"I understand. I'll do my best not to disappoint you or Thor."

"I know you will. I'm not concerned about that. "You made the arrangements I requested of you for the journey?"

She smiled at him and shook her head. "Yes, I have, although I feel they're a little excessive. I don't see a need for six officers, four attendants Commander Beldwin, Merdwin, and Gwennetha."

"I wish you to hand over your command to Beldwin once you reach Earth. It's a symbolic gesture, nothing more. You are taking an extended leave of your command in our service and pledging yourself to their cause. It's much the same in regards to Merdwin and Gwennetha. You will hand her the ring of office with Merdwin as witness."

"All right."

"Now for the last thing we need to speak of, my daughter." He paused and looked as if he wasn't sure where to begin. "Gwennetha tells me that you think you may have found your soulmate. That he is of the Tau'ri. I'm pleased for you." "I'm glad."

Kataya contemplated the toe of her shoe as she gathered her thoughts. "I believe that at least some of the blood I saw in
the mirror is because of my soulmate. As you know the Tau'ri are allies of the Tok'Ra."

"Yes, I know. You think that you may see your heartmate again and that you will need to perform the "sevesh lok twin."

"Yes."

"It is possible that the blood could be from that."

"I don't believe that is where all of the blood was from."

"I agree." He stood and took her hands in his. "It is time, Kataya the Warrior. I wish you well in this endeavor."

“Thank you, my Father. I will do my very best." She leaned forward and received his embrace and the kiss he placed
upon her hair. Good-byes were nothing new to them. She gave him one last look, a brief salute and left.

Commander Beldwin, Merdwin and Gwennetha were waiting at the bottom of the steps that led to the Stargate. She greeted them and motioned the guards to take their positions. The guards would enter first, followed by the attendants with her luggage. Commander Beldwin and Gwennetha would proceed through next. Merdwin and then Kataya would enter the stone circle last. Kataya stepped forward, input the glyphs for the planet Earth and pressed the center. The chevrons
locked, and the gate activated. Kataya used the stone given to her by Thor. She didn't want them all to go splat on the iris.

She turned to her people. "Don't forget. Defensive positions only. They will have no idea of whether it is friend or foe coming
through. There will be weapons pointed at us as soon as we pass through to the other side. Do not challenge anyone. Stay at attention until you receive my signal to stand down. Does everyone understand?" At the nods of agreement, Kataya gave the signal to proceed.

Taking a deep breath, she watched as her people took the initial steps towards their first true meeting with the Tau'ri in over 1500 years. After they had passed through, she walked calmly up the steps and into the pulsating blue of the event horizon.