Blood of my Heart, Beloved of my Soul

Blood of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul

Part VII - A

Slight spoiler: Singularity

Janet Fraiser turned her attention to General Hammond as he dismissed the meeting. "Sir, I'm going to need to check Kataya and Merdwin out, as per our medical procedures." She turned to Merdwin and Kataya. "I'm sorry, but our procedures dictate that we check everyone who comes through the Stargate for any type of contagion and, for, um, Goa'uld symbiote infestation. It won't take long but it does need to been done right away."

Merdwin turned to Janet and smiled. "There is nothing to apologize for. It would be highly remiss of your people if they did
not take some precautions. You can count on our complete cooperation. You don't have a problem with a medical checkup do you, Kataya?" He turned to her and was startled at the look in her eyes. He followed her intense gaze and somehow, he was not completely surprised. He was, however, a little confused at his own response; his lack of jealousy was completely unexpected.

Kataya managed to pull herself away from the deep blue pools she was drowning in to answer Merdwin. "I agree," she stated calmly, belying her inner turmoil. "I believe it's a very wise precaution and I will be quite happy to undergo whatever tests you deem necessary." She turned back to General Hammond. "If it is acceptable I would like to wear the uniform of the Tau'ri. I realize that will take time. In the meantime, if it would be acceptable I would like to change into my own uniform." She smiled at him. "Now that the formalities are over I would like to get comfortable."

George Hammond returned her smile. "That would be fine and we'll see about getting you some uniforms to wear."

"Thank you."

The General nodded at Dr. Fraiser. "I'd like you to be Lord Merdwin's guide while he is our guest," Dr. Fraiser." Merdwin was pleased.

"Yes, sir. I'd be delighted to do so." She smiled briefly at Merdwin.

"Please, General Hammond, it is Merdwin. I appreciate your hospitality very much." He looked at Janet Fraiser. "Very
much indeed."

"Dr. Fraiser, if staying late will cause a problem for your daughter, she can come here."

"Thank you, sir, but that won't be necessary. I'll call Cassie and arrange for her to stay with a friend. It's a standing arrangement when I have to stay over."

As General Hammond left the room, he heard Merdwin ask Janet, "You are mated? You have children, too?" Merdwin sounded disappointed.

"I was married, um, mated, a long time ago. It didn't workout. Cassie is adopted. She was the last survivor of an attack
on her planet by the System Lord, Nerrti," she explained.

He looked delighted at her disclosure. "So you are compassionate as well as lovely." He smiled at Janet in a way that made her catch her breath. This man really should either be outlawed, or labeled as a risk to all of womankind. She realized they had been standing in the same place in the briefing room for some time now, simply looking into each other's eyes. She vaguely wondered how much time had actually passed. Janet's heart was in trouble and she knew it. She was about to drown in this man. What a way to go. I don't believe I just thought that, she said to herself. With an internal groan, she turned and headed for the door, saying, "We should probably go to the infirmary. We need to get you checked out so you can get something to eat. I can take you by your quarters, too, if you'd like?"

"Yes, thank you, I'd appreciate the use of your facilities."

She nodded as they started to walk down the hall. "Was Kataya with one of the others?" She asked.

"I can contact her if you wish to find out where she is. I believe she was with your Colonel O'Neill when she left."

"Really? I have to admit that surprises me. Colonel O'Neill tends to be suspicious by nature and," she hesitated, "somewhat
abrasive."

He nodded. "Kataya respects him." He looked thoughtful. "Janet, do not underestimate her. She is an excellent soldier.
Colonel O'Neill has yet to see her in any type of military situation. Therefore, he cannot judge her well. When the time finally comes, and he does have to depend on her in a tight situation," he shrugged and smiled wryly, "let's just say that he will learn to respect her and her abilities. I've located her. She is already in the infirmary. Colonel O'Neill is there with her."

Janet indicated a doorway just ahead. "We're there, also," she replied as she gestured him in.
~
"Colonel O'Neill, it's been enlightening, talking to you. Thank you for taking me to my chamber, er, quarters, so that I could
change my clothing and for bringing me to the infirmary."

"You're welcome. I couldn't very well leave you wandering around the halls unescorted, now could I?"

"No indeed. I would immediately have gotten lost. Your corridors are very much alike. I'm sure I'll find my way around soon
though."

"So, this telepathy thing…Daniel said it wasn't hard or invasive." At Kataya's confirmation, he continued, "Well, if it's
going to be helpful to us maybe we should try it. I mean sometime when you're not so tired."

<I'm not very tired, Colonel. There is no reason why we can't do it now.>

"<Don't I need to sit down, shut my eyes and concentrate or something?>"

<Not at all. All you have to do is stop talking aloud and think about sending your thoughts to me. Colonel, for a simple
conversation like this, it is simply a matter of holding a door open for you to enter my mind. It is not a difficult thing to do. What is going to be difficult is teaching you all to initiate the contact between and by yourselves. Getting you to rethink your ideas about `mind reading' may also prove challenging. Although, once you realize how little invasion of your mind there is, you may come to accept it more readily.>

<So, can you hear me now?>

<Yes.>

<Cool.>

<It is certainly convenient in a tense situation, when you need to communicate, but do not wish to use the, er, radio? I believe that is the correct word.>

<Yes. I can see advantages to this. This gives new meaning to the concept of operational silence.> He smiled.

Kataya looked at O'Neill intently. <You're a soldier who has had to do many things you think are contemptible and dishonorable. You've done no more than follow orders, even when those orders called for distasteful, horrifying and ruthless actions. We are much alike Colonel.> She shrugged mentally. <It is the way of the Katteri-enti. We, too, are elite killers. Do not be so hard on yourself. Without us, the universe would be unbalanced. No matter how much we abhor what we've had to do, what we've witnessed, and what we will do in the future, we both know that we are the best defense our worlds have. Knowing this, we will continue to kill. Any way we have to.> her `voice' was colored with sadness and Jack felt her pain
as he caught a glimpse into her mind. Lightening her `tone,' she continued <I did not look into your mind to learn those things about you, Colonel. When we touch a mind, as I did when setting the link, we get impressions and sometimes emotions. I could `see' nothing and even my impressions were of nothing specific.>

<Yes.>

<That ability could be useful in some situations.>

<Yes, it has been for us, and I'm sure it will be helpful for you.>

<Thor didn't tell us what a Katteri-enti Warrior was. I still don't know.>

Her eyes glinted slightly as she glanced at him. <You will see when it happens. Usually that is only in extreme situations. We are ordinary soldiers, Colonel O'Neill, as well as Katteri-enti Warriors. We use weapons and tactics just like any other soldier.> She sat quietly, contemplating nothing.

<What aren't you telling me?>

<It is not for the faint hearted.>

Colonel O'Neill grinned. .

<You are doing very well.>

<After Doc Frasier’s done with you, how about we go get Teal'c? >

Kataya nodded saying aloud, "Don't feel obligated to stay here with me Colonel. Merdwin and Dr. Fraiser are almost here. You should go now so she can get on with checking us."

"How'd you know they were here?"

"Merdwin's mind was searching for me. I told him we were here."

"Just like that?"

"Yes." She grinned.

Jack O'Neill shook his head in disbelief. "I'll see you a little later." He waved as he left the room.

Kataya turned and greeted Dr. Fraiser and Merdwin.

"You two seem to be getting along a little better," Dr. Fraiser commented.

"Yes, I believe we have come to an understanding with one another."

Dr. Fraiser nodded. "Would you like to go first?"

"Yes, that would be fine."

Janet turned to Merdwin. "If you'd just wait in my office over there?" She indicted the door with a nod of her head.

"Of course."

Turing back to her newest patient after Merdwin left, Janet said, "Okay. I need some basic information. If you'll tell
me your full name?"

"Kataya Morna'Catira of Cadwaellon. On our world, Kataya means Pure Strength and Morna'Catira means Beloved Warrior." My father has an odd sense of humor.

"What does Merdwin mean?"

"Merdwin's name is actually Merdwin Pendrawain of Werllockian. The first means Wizard or Enchanter of Great Power. The second, Dragon of Great Strength. Don't let the meanings fool you. He's a pussycat at heart." Janet's eyes sparkled with humor, but she declined to comment.

"Next question: Birth-date...never mind probably wouldn't make sense. Okay, here's one: age?"

"538 earth years."

"Wow," Janet gasped, looking astounded, "You, uh, look really great. I tell you what, why don't we just get on with the
tests?"

"Fine with me."

"Um, Kataya, how old is Merdwin?"

Remembering the shock on Janet's face as she told her age, she said, "You don't want to know."

Janet chuckled. "That's what I thought. However, age isn't very important in any way that actually matters."

"Very true," Kataya agreed. "What else would you like to know?"

"Do you still love him?" Janet surprised herself by asking the question aloud. "I'm sorry; I have no right to ask that."

Kataya looked at her, then said, "Let me tell you a story." She repeated what she had told her daughter only three weeks before. The only thing she left out was the fact that she felt her own
Soulmate was here.

Janet smiled tremulously, "Thank you for telling me. I think I understand better now."
~
Sam and Daniel entered his office. "Daniel, try to relax. It may not mean anything at all."

"Sam, I just lived through my dream with the exception of Share not being there." Daniel paced the small room.

"There weren't two men in front of her. You could see her face. What about the man standing over to one side? He wasn't
there," Sam pointed out.

"No," was Daniel's strangled reply. It was my dream, Sam. I'm sure of it. I-I recognized her the minute she walked through the gate."

“I thought you told me you couldn't see her face? How could you recognize her Daniel?" queried Sam.

“I didn't recognize her by her face, Sam. I recognized her here," he whispered, as he put his hand on his chest. "I could feel
it, inside. I've never felt anything like it before in my life. It was as if I was seeing someone I'd known and-" He stopped, shook his head, then continued, "Someone I've known for a thousand years."

"Then who was the other man in the dream, Daniel? He wasn't there today."

Daniel frowned before answering slowly, "I don't think he had anything to do with today. I don't know why he was in the dream. He wasn't taking part in what was going on. However, I'm more certain than ever that I know him, and he has some link to Kataya. An important link."

He searched Sam's face and asked, "What did you think of her?"

"I liked her. I think she wants Janet to get together with Merdwin, too."

"What are you talking about?" Daniel looked confused.

"Daniel," Sam explained patiently, "Janet and Merdwin took one look at each other and there was this instant, I don't know,
connection? Even General Hammond saw it. He assigned Janet to be Merdwin's guide during his stay here. I heard them discussing it as we left the briefing room," she finished, laughing.

"Well, that shows you how screwed up my head is. I didn't notice any thing or hear a word that was said. I didn't even hear
General Hammond dismiss us. It was as if I was lost in a purple mist. One that I didn't want to leave."

"I'm sorry, Daniel. Is there anything I can do?"

Daniel took her hand in his and squeezed it. "I think I'm going to need a friend, tonight. I just can't think straight. Have dinner and some TV with me tonight, Sam?"

She smiled at him and agreed. "Sure thing. I could use some company myself, tonight." After a minute, she thoughtfully noted, "I noticed she didn't come on to you. In fact, the only thing I did notice between you was that first look and then again at the end of the briefing. You both looked like you were in a trance."

Daniel stopped pacing, nodded and threw himself down onto his office couch. "That first look was when the recognition hit me. I knew her. I know her." He corrected, sitting with his head thrown back, his arms wrapped around himself, and his eyes closed as if reliving something. "Sam, it was as if something I hadn't even known I was waiting for was suddenly there, in the room. I felt such a sense of completion, of inevitability, I just…" His voice trailed off into silence. He frowned in puzzlement. "You're right, though. She didn't act as if she knew me after that first contact. At least, not until the end of the briefing. I wonder why?" he mused.

"Maybe you just need to talk to her. She might be able to explain it all away you know." Sam brightened. "Maybe it's just
that she looks like someone you know, Daniel."

Daniel smiled wryly, "Nice try, Sam but I don't think so. This was way too intense for that and there's the dream, too."
Suddenly sitting up from his slouch, he said, "I'm hungry. Are you ready to go eat?"

"Sounds good. Let's go." She smiled at him. Food sounded good. A decent meal and then …chocolate. Yup, chocolate for both of them. And wine. Lots of wine.
~
Jack O'Neill sat in his office staring into space contemplating SG1's newest edition. He might have been wrong about her. When they had been `talking' and he'd had a glimpse into her mind, he'd understood that she was right; they were very much alike. From that glimpse, he'd guess that she'd done and seen some horrible things in her lifetime. He had a feeling she could be cold-blooded when the necessity arose. Time would tell, but for now, she had probably finished with Doc Frasier. He'd go get her and head for Teal'c's room. He headed for the infirmary. It didn't take him long to get there.

Jack stuck his head in the infirmary door. "You ready to go?"

"She's all done Colonel. There were no problems that I could find."

"Great. Let's go find Teal'c and get something to eat." Answering the door when Colonel O'Neill knocked on it, Teal'c
agreed to join the two. While eating, the conversation had been mainly about military tactics as they all expressed an interest in it. The time passed quickly as Teal'c had his first session of telepathic communication, picking it up just as quickly as the Colonel had.

Kataya decided to try a three-way link. They caught on quickly to the peculiar feeling of having two voices in your head at once. It didn't take them long to sort it out. <You seemed to manage that well. I don't think using the links will prove difficult at all. I hope that finding which of you is capable of activating an inactive link, and using it without me to
channel the energy, will be as easy.>

<In this three-way thing, we can each hear what the other is saying. Won't that get kind of annoying to the people not in the conversation? I mean what if one of us is asleep and the others are talking?>

<You can shut the link down to that person, or you can talk softly as you would if they were sleeping and you were holding a verbal conversation with someone else near by. There really is no difference in this and oral speech except that others cannot overhear you.>

Kataya mentally cleared her throat, <Um, Colonel, who are those men at the table in the corner and why are they staring at us?>

Using an amused tone, he `replied' <They are staring at you, not at us.>

<Am I doing something wrong? Using the eating utensils incorrectly or forgetting some ritual?> She asked, puzzled.

<They're just jarheads, er, marines. They always stare at attractive women. That uniform of yours is, um, eye-catching. They
just aren't used to you yet. When you get into Air Force BDU's they won't notice so much.>

<What are Air Force BDU's?>

<It is the basic duty uniforms, which Colonel O'Neill and I are wearing now.> Teal'c frowned. <It is disrespectful for those
Marines to stare at Kataya.>

<Whoa, down, big fella. It's just their way; they don't really mean anything by it. If they step over the line of good
manners, just tell Teal'c or I, and we'll take care of it.> Colonel O'Neill looked reassuringly at Kataya.

<Marines can get somewhat macho and, uh, rough. They can be hard to handle. Don't take any grief from them>

She realized what a sincere
gesture he had made. <Thank you for being so thoughtful. I believe I am finished. The meal was – nice. Thank you for
bringing me, Colonel.> She smiled warmly.

<You're welcome.>

<If you are finished, perhaps we could retire to my chamber, er, quarters, for our discussion if you still wish to do so.>

<Do you have any snacks or drinks in your quarters yet, Kataya?> Teal'c inquired.

<Port, huh? Sure, we'll give it a try.> O'Neill was willing to try most things once.

Feeling that they had maintained the three-way link long enough for a first time Kataya switched to verbal speech.
"It will grow on you, Colonel," Kataya promised.