Blood of my Heart, Beloved of my Soul

Blood of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul

Part VI - B

"Of course. We'll be right down. Defense teams, lower your weapons."

The General and SG1 left the control room and headed for the gate room. Jack could be heard muttering, "Swords? They use swords? Jeez."

"I wouldn't be quick to judge, Jack. Thor said to be careful of our first impressions and opinions," Daniel said quietly. Sam shot a quick glance at him. He seemed to be regaining him composure.

"That's true, sir," Sam spoke up.

"I'll play nice, I promise," Jack said under his breath as they entered the gate room. He plastered what he hoped was a pleasant smile on his face and went to meet their newest addition.

As the General and SG1 approached the ramp, Kataya assumed the position of formal greeting, as did the others in the group. Kataya stepped forward but she did not expect a formal reciprocation of her gesture.

She did, however proceed with the formal greeting. "General Hammond, I bring greetings from Artereos of Cadwaellon.
It is his sincere hope that this endeavor will be the beginning of an honorable and fruitful friendship that may mature into a mutually beneficial alliance." She paused. "As a gesture of his sincerity, I have been asked to present to you this sword." Gwennetha stepped forward and offered it to Kataya. She picked it up from the cushion and offered it to General
Hammond.

The General hesitated for a moment and Kataya quickly reassured him. "It is completely safe, General Hammond. It has not been activated yet, although it is sharp, it's only real use is decorative. Merdwin," She nodded to the man beside her, "will be happy to calibrate it to your energy pattern, and instruct you in the weapon's activation and use."

The General stepped forward, accepted the sword, and made a small sound of astonishment. "It's very lightweight. The President," he began only to be interrupted.

"It is for you, General Hammond. A gift from one Warrior to another."

"In that case, all I can say is thank you. Please convey to the Warrior Artereos that I am extremely honored by his gift."

She nodded. "Your message will be delivered. I believe I should introduce you to my people. This is Commander Beldwin, my 2IC, Merdwin, Lord of Werllockian, 2IC to Artereos, and Representative Gwennetha, Lady of Wiccadia and Cadwaellon."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," the General responded to the murmured greetings. "I'd like you to meet some of my people. This is Colonel Jack O'Neill, my 2IC, Major Samantha Carter, Colonel O'Neill's 2IC, Dr. Daniel Jackson, our expert on archeology, ancient cultures and languages, Teal'c, our expert on Goa'uld culture, language and tactics, and Dr. Janet Fraiser, our Chief Medical Officer."

Again, greetings were acknowledged. Kataya noticed that Merdwin kept glancing at Dr. Frasier. He had a slightly bemused look on his face. This could become interesting. She then turned to more immediate arrangements that had to be made.
"Would it be possible for someone to show my people where to take my belongings?"

"Of course. Lt. Simmons, would you please show these people to the VIP room that's been given to Ms. Kataya?"

"Kataya, please, General," she smiled at him.

"Very well. Perhaps we could all go to the briefing room?"

"Certainly. However, I must hand over my command. It will only take a few minutes."

"That would be fine," General Hammond responded.

Kataya proceeded with her last official acts. "Second Commander Beldwin. I am taking an extended leave from service my World, to join with the Tau'ri in their fight to protect this world, and this galaxy, against the Goa'uld. They will now
command my sword and my allegiance. For this reason, it is my honor and my duty to relinquish my command into your very capable hands." Taking the clasp that Merdwin held out to her she said, "It is truly an honor to present to you this clasp which bestows upon you the Rank of First Commander, Katteri-enti Warrior. It was an honor serving with you. Commander, these are my witnesses. It is done." He returned her salute. It was indeed done.

She turned to her daughter. "My daughter. I have chosen you to take my place in our Government. I know you will serve well and with honor. Remember, always, that with great power come great responsibilities. You will not fail. These are my witnesses. It is done."

She smiled as she turned to the General. "Now I need to send my people home. Would you please show Merdwin the Dialing Device so that he can do that?"

"Janet can show him, and then bring him to the briefing room. I didn't misunderstand, did I? He won't be leaving yet, right?" Samantha Carter smiled at Kataya as she asked her question.

Kataya knew immediately that she was going to like this blonde woman with the lovely, bright blue eyes and confident smile. They were already working toward the same goal. "That would be perfect." She sent her a slight nod of understanding. "Go ahead, Merdwin; I want to wait to see Gwennetha off."

Looking at the petite auburn haired woman, Merdwin murmured, "It would be a pleasure, to be guided by such a charming and beautiful woman."

Kataya smiled to herself. Merdwin was definitely going out of his way to be at his most charming. She had never seen him react this way to any other woman. He was being more charming than lightly flirtatious as he did with most women. This was a very encouraging sign indeed.

Janet shook free from her daze and cleared her throat. She threw a look at Sam that promised retribution later. "If you'll just follow me, it's right this way."

"I can think of nothing else I would rather do, Dr.?” He paused for a moment. "Janet, wasn't it? And, I am Merdwin."

"Ah, um, okay, Merdwin. So, have you known Kataya long? That was a silly question, of course you have. The control room is just up these stairs." Dr. Janet Frasier was seriously flustered. She berated herself to get a grip.
As they entered the control room Janet almost rushed over to Sgt. Davis. "Sgt. please show Mr. er, Lord Merdwin, how the dialing computer works. He needs to send his fellow people home."

"Merdwin," he corrected her smilingly.

"Right. Would you care for a glass of water or something?" Janet asked.

"That would be most pleasant, Janet, thank you."

He turned to Sgt. Davis. "They will go to a safe world that is closer to our home world first. Less energy consumption that way."

Janet joined him at the window and handed him one of the two glasses of water she held, smiling at him and wishing she were drinking brandy. Something strong to help her regain her composure. He smiled his thanks and turned to type in the glyphs. They both watched as the chevrons began to spin.

"As to your question the answer is, as you guessed, yes. I have known Kataya since the day she was born. Her father is my dearest friend. She is a very dear friend and the mother of my children." Janet choked on her water, threatening to spit it all over the computers and the control room window. "Are you quite all right, Janet? Is there anything I can do for you?"

She shook her head, caught her breath, and blushed. When she felt she was in sufficient control again, she said, "No, no thank you, the water just went down the wrong way. I'm fine now." She paused and then, deciding being direct was the best way to handle this, she continued, "I, ah, didn't realize that she was your wife."

Merdwin looked puzzled. "Wife?" He frowned slightly in thought, then his countenance lightened and he replied. "Ah, you must mean my `mate'. No, she is not my `wife'. I have no `wife'. We were never joined. Her father wished for grandchildren. We accommodated his wish. We are very good friends." He smiled down into her rich sherry brown eyes. She really was a beautiful woman. And she was bewitching him. He would have to see if Kataya would need anything brought later. He would enjoy visiting Earth again. She found herself smiling back at him.

Sgt. Davis cleared his throat. "Um, excuse me, sir," Sgt. Davis said quietly. When that elicited no response, he tried again, a
little more loudly. "Ah, sir, er Lord Merdwin, sir!"

"Yes, Sgt.?" Merdwin answered while still smiling at Janet.

"Sir, I believe that one of the ladies is trying to get your attention."

"She already has my attention," he murmured. "Oh, you mean one of the ladies in the ring room. I apologize." He sent an apologetic grin to Sgt. Davis, and then he looked through the window. Gwennetha was laughing up at him and shaking her head. She indicated that she was leaving.

He heard her voice in his head. <This one must be very enticing if you can't hear your own daughter talking to you.>

<Yes. Good-bye for now, Gwennetha, I will return soon.> He sent back to her.

<Good-bye father. Take your time, there is no hurry to return home.>

Down in the gate room, the soldiers, their new Commander, and the attendants were standing patiently, waiting to go home as Kataya turned to her daughter. "Keep in touch."

"I will."

"Go now. The Commander is waiting." As Gwennetha joined the others, they turned, stepped into the shimmering blue light of the event horizon and were gone.

SG1 and General Hammond had been quietly talking as their guests prepared to depart. Sam tried to motion to Janet to head for the briefing room. Giving up, she indicated to Sgt. Davis that they were to head that direction. He shrugged and indicated his willingness to try. The grin on his face spoke volumes, as did the answering one he received from Major Carter.

With a smile, Kataya turned towards General Hammond and SG1. “Now, where is this `briefing room' you were telling me about?"

"Right this way," he said brightly. Kataya sent one last look up towards the control room. Yes, life was just about to become very interesting.

Once seated around the briefing room table, General Hammond took charge of the group. "I'm sure you know, Kataya, that Thor didn't tell us a whole lot about you. In reality, we're pretty much in the dark about you, your people, your customs, everything."

"I see." She frowned thoughtfully. "Hopefully, we will soon come to know and understand each other. I will do whatever I can to make the transition easier on all of us."

"Of course, we will do the same."

"Perhaps one of the things we should discuss is the telepathic abilities you possess," General Hammond put forth.

"Of course, but if you don't mind I have a question?" She looked at the General.

"Of course."

"Am I right in assuming that Thor did not discuss this arrangement with you but simply presented it to you as a," she frowned in thought, "done deal, I believe is the correct wording?"

Colonel O'Neill answered her. "Okay. Here's the deal. Thor showed up here about three weeks ago. Told us what they had done. Said you'd be a great help because you're this Katteri-enti thing. Which, by the way, he didn't explain. He also said you were telepathic and empathic, and he strongly suggested we accept you, or it would cause an intergalactic incident."

Kataya laughed. Jack stared at her. "I'm sorry, Colonel O'Neill, I apologize most profusely, but it is just that that is so
typical of Thor. He's a dear little man, but he forgets that we aren't all programmed to think in logical, unemotional ways. I hope you can bring yourself to forgive him and us."

"Hey, I consider Thor a buddy. If he says we should try this, I'm willing to try it. I'm just being a little cautious until I see this stuff and know what we are dealing with."

"I have no quarrel with your reasoning, Colonel. You are doing no more or less than I myself would do in similar circumstances. No astute, able leader would be content to walk into this situation and not be extremely skeptical and suspicious. I expected something like this and I'm not disappointed."

"We, also, wish to give this a try. Believe me, Colonel, we too, hold Thor in high esteem. I myself have a great deal of affection
for him. This will be a learning experience for both of our cultures. Perhaps one day we can exchange others of different
specialties and interests." Her glance rested briefly on Dr. Frasier.

"If you wish us to demonstrate the telepathic abilities you must agree to the link. It will be temporary at this point and we will not ‘enter your minds and rummage around’. Is everyone agreeable to this?" Everyone at the table looked at each other, skepticism and reluctance evident. "Perhaps I should explain more fully. You will not automatically be able to read each other's thoughts. It will take time to learn to use the path I will build for you to follow. Perhaps if one of you wanted to try it with me? You might feel more comfortable one on one."

Daniel, who had said nothing until now, suddenly spoke up. "I'll try it. What do I have to do?"

"Simply be willing to listen and respond. Learning to activate a quiescent link will take time and practice."

"Do I need to shut my eyes? I think I'll just shut my eyes," he stated as he closed his eyes.

<If it makes you more comfortable, then shut your eyes.>

"How long do you think it will take before we can talk to each other without talking out loud?"

<Daniel, the link is active.>

"What next? Will I suddenly start to hear you in my head?"

<You no longer need to answer me out loud, Daniel.>

<"Okay, so what do I do to send my thoughts? Am I sending my thoughts? Hey, I'm really sending my thoughts to you.">

Kataya's `voice' was tinged with gentle amusement. <You are speaking and sending, Daniel. Stop speaking aloud now, and
just `think'.>

<This isn't what I expected.>

<I know. You thought I would be able to read your mind. I could, but this is just a link to allow us to talk to each other. To
read your thoughts is forbidden except in the most extreme of emergencies, unless requested, or we have express permission. If I invaded your mind to read your thoughts, you would be immediately aware of me attempting to do so.>

<Until you feel comfortable in explaining what it is like to the others.>

<Nothing. Try it.>

<Okay.> Daniel opened his eyes. <What do I do now?>

<What would you like to discuss?>

He stared at her. 

<All right. Let's see. Do you enjoy your work?>

<Yes, I do. It's fascinating finding so many different cultures throughout the Galaxy, possibly beyond. There is just so much to learn about. I would.> He stopped abruptly. <You're right; this isn't difficult at all, is it?>

<Not this type of linking. The difficult part will be training you to use the link or path I set up for you, for yourselves to use
without me being involved. We've never tried it on a human who was not first trained at the Sanctuary. It will be a challenge.> She `replied' enthusiastically. <Do you feel comfortable enough to explain this feeling?>

<Yes, I believe so.>

"Then we will continue our conversation so that the others can contribute to it." She smiled at Daniel.

"What kind of distance can you cover doing that?" he asked her.

"Two of our people can do it over extreme distances. With untrained minds, I don't know. We will have to experiment to see. I
am sure we will be able to use it on any world we would happen to be on no matter how far apart we might all be. I'm not sure how many light years we will be able to maintain the link through. Of course if massive amounts of energy are used you can go much farther."

"What's it like Daniel?" Sam asked suddenly. She was concerned for her friend.

"It's no different than sitting here talking," Daniel told her. "It didn't appear to be intrusive at all."

"I assure you, Major Carter, there is no invasion of privacy. Your thoughts are your own and only by specific invitation would any of us enter them." Kataya frowned slightly, obviously considering something. She nodded as if satisfied with her conclusion. "I think it will probably take several sessions both individually and as a group before you feel comfortable with the idea and the actuality of it. Once we can establish a strong link and you learn how to access it, I believe you will find it will have many benefits."

"I agree," General Hammond replied. Glancing at his watch he continued, "I suggest that since it's already late afternoon we
should postpone this discussion until tomorrow. I'm sure you must be fatigued and would like to see your quarters and get something to eat." He paused and turned to Merdwin. "We'd be very pleased if you would remain also, Lord Merdwin. We can have a VIP room ready for you in less than 30 minutes."

Kataya spoke up before Merdwin had a chance to answer. "How very kind of you, General, and what an excellent idea. Merdwin still needs to calibrate your sword, and I am sure that there will be questions that he is more qualified to answer. I'll just contact my father to let him know not to expect Merdwin back tonight." She smiled at all those at the table.

Reaching into a pocket, she pulled out a large amethyst and set it on the table in front of her. She rested her hands on either side of the stone, palms up with her hands in the greeting gesture. Shortly, the stone began to glow; the stones in the circlet on her head did as well.

<Father>

<Yes, Kataya>

<The Tau'ri have invited Merdwin to stay for a while.>

<Has he accepted?>

Amused, Kataya replied. She felt her father's astonishment.

< You are agreeable to this?>

<Definitely. There is a woman here. He was instantly attracted and is having difficulty looking at anyone else.>

 She felt his acceptance and understanding.

<You may tell Merdwin that I will not need him for several days, if the Tau'ri need him for anything.>

<Yes. They did.>

<Our agents all have their assignments and are on well on their way to achieving their goals. With any luck at all, we should begin to get reports in within the next few weeks.>

<That is good news, father. They are all excellent at their jobs.>

<Yes, they wouldn't be members of the elite guard if they weren't.>

< Keep Merdwin for a while. I will talk to you later. Take care, my daughter.>

Love was sent both ways and then they ceased contact.

As the stones ceased to glow, Kataya came back from light years away. "Does Artereos need me to return?" Merdwin asked.

"No. In fact, he said he wouldn't need you for a while, so you are free to stay if the Tau'ri wish it."

"That's very good news," General Hammond stated. "We would be very pleased if you would stay for a while, Lord Merdwin."

"I would be honored, General. Thank you for the invitation."

"That's settled then. Kataya, I would like to officially welcome you to earth."

"Thank you, General. I feel sure that the coming days and months will be an enlightening experience…for all of us." As she said the last few words, her eyes met Daniel's. She didn't hear the General tell them they were dismissed. Neither did Daniel.