“Italics” – Symbiote-Host or Telepathic communication

 


 

Blood of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul

 

Chapter 10

 

First Mission

 


 

SG1 was in trouble. 

 

What had started out as a routine meet-and-greet had quickly turned into a battle with the locals.  They’d managed to retreat into the hills and find an easily defensible area, provided their enemies didn’t bring an army.  No one was quite sure what had set the whole thing off.

 

Daniel was puzzled.  The meeting had been going well.  Suddenly one of the officers had declared that they were spies of the Larcnan’s.  The fact that a Jaffa was amongst their party was proof enough.  The Larcnans, it seemed, still worshipped the old gods.  The two countries hadn’t been on good terms for over three hundred years.  That still didn’t explain why the officer, Kirksen, had decided they were involved.  They’d never been here before today.  He sighed deeply and then wished he hadn’t.  His ribs, at the very least, were cracked, as he’d fallen on some rocks coming up this hill.  No one else was hurt. 

 

Jack O’Neill was in a quandary.  This was their first mission with their new member.  She was just sitting on the ground now, doing absolutely nothing.  He was going to have to say something to her.  Damn it, he didn’t want to do this.  She wasn’t in their military.  Her status was basically the same as Teal’c’s.  He’d never had to come down on Teal’c for doing nothing though.  Well, brooding about it wasn’t going to get it done.  He started to climb wearily to his feet when a soft voice beside him stopped his upward movement.

 

“Don’t do it, Jack,” Daniel said quietly.

 

Jack plopped back down, “Do what, Daniel?”

 

“Don’t speak before you think this through.  We don’t know enough about their ways yet to judge them hastily.  She may have been doing something we couldn’t see, you know.”

 

“How do you always know what I’m thinking, Daniel?  I know you don’t read minds,” Jack said, in a rather annoyed voice.

 

Daniel smiled wearily, “One: I know you very well.  Two: you’re very predictable.  Three: although you like her on a personal level, you still aren’t sure she’s a good soldier.  And four: you were muttering under your breath.”  Daniel cocked his head and smirked at him. 

 

“Okay, if you’re so perceptive, then what was going on back there?  She barely raised her weapon, Daniel.” 

 

“Well, I’m not sure myself, but I suggest you ask her before you jump to the wrong conclusions and end up making an ass of yourself.  If it ends up that I’m wrong, and she really wasn’t doing anything, like you’re saying, then you can yell at both of us,” Daniel told him.

 

“You seem pretty sure about her, Daniel, want to tell me why?”

 

Daniel sighed, and then glanced over at Kataya where she rested some distance from them.  It was as if she was putting as much space as possible between them.  He didn’t know why, but he thought it was all part of whatever it was they didn’t know, or understand yet.  “Jack, did you notice that as soon as you called for a rest, she pulled her circlet out, put it on, and sort of collapsed over there—away from all of us?” 

 

“I noticed she sat down, and isn’t helping Teal’c and Carter get the perimeter set up.  You’re injured, and I’m keeping watch, as well as trying to figure out a plan to get us out of here,” Jack said tersely.

 

“Well, I noticed when she put it on.  I’ve watched her do it before, too.  Usually all the stones glow for a while before they fade.  Every so often one will glow for a little bit, but that’s normal, from what I can tell.”

 

“Yeah?  So?  What do glowing rocks have to do with our situation?”  Jack asked, his tone indicating he was becoming more irritated by the minute.

 

“Well, when she put it on and sat down, the only stones that were glowing were the topaz and the diamond.  I’ve noticed that the topaz is slowly becoming brighter.”  He sighed.  “Whatever she was doing back there, it drained her energy level pretty bad.  I think she’s sitting down and staying there because she literally doesn’t have the energy to move.  At least, I don’t think she did at first, but I hope that by now she’s better.  I’m suggesting you ask her, not yell at her, that’s all,” Daniel used his best placating voice.  The one that almost always worked with Jack.

 

Jack contemplated Daniel’s words, and then decided that he could be right.  Although it hadn’t looked like she was doing anything, they really didn’t know enough about her to know for sure.  He turned back to Daniel, “All right, but if you’re wrong, I’ll let Carter strap your ribs,” he threatened.

 

Daniel smiled tiredly, “Deal.”  

 

Getting up to go help Teal’c and Carter, Jack decided to drop the subject for now.  Maybe he’d just wander over shortly and tactfully ask her how she was.  Yeah, he could do tactful, couldn’t he?  Well, then again, maybe he should have Carter find out what was going on.

 

He went over to where Teal’c was, “What do you think Teal’c?” 

 

“I believe we should move higher as soon as we can.  There is a supply of water a little farther up the hill.  Not knowing how long we will be here the water supply might be needed.  I suggest we move as soon as Kataya is sufficiently recovered.”

 

Carter came up beside them, “I agree sir.  It’s more sheltered higher up, and as Teal’c said, there is water there.  I’ll see if Kat’s ready to move yet.” 

 

She concentrated on activating her link with Kataya.  Kat?

 

"I am here, Sam," Kat answered.

 

"How are you doing?"  Sam asked.

 

"Fine, thank you.  I can leave whenever we are ready.  I can continue replenishing my energy later."  Kat sounded tired, but not exhausted.

 

"Good.  Teal’c and I found a better, safer spot up the hill a little farther,” Sam told her.

 

"How is Daniel?"  Kat asked.

 

“I need to check on him. I think he either busted or cracked a rib or two on those rocks," she replied.

 

"Do what you can for him for now.  When my strength has returned, I will see if I can heal them enough to at least take some of the pain away.  However, in the circumstances, I do not want to use any more of my energy than I have to right now," Kat said.

 

"All right.  I’ll let you know as soon as I’m done taking care of Daniel."

 

"All right," Kataya responded.

 

“She said she can go now, sir, but I want to look at Daniel’s ribs first,” Sam announced, after finishing her inner conversation with Kataya. 

 

The colonel replied, surprised slightly, “He’ll be alright until we get settled.  I checked him over, but what I really want to know is how you just talked to Kataya?  I haven’t felt the link for quite a while.” 

 

“No, sir, she had to shut it down to divert energy.  I activated one with her.”

 

Jack looked astounded.  “When did you get to where you can establish a link?” 

 

“I’ve been working on it, sir.  The last session I had with Merdwin, he gave me a circlet he’d brought through with him that was made for my energy waves.  He also had armbands made for both of us.  Actually, he brought some for you, Teal'c, and Daniel, too, but Kat thought we’d wait before seeing if you could use them.  We already know Teal’c can, and both Kataya and Merdwin believe that Daniel should be able too, as well.  I, um, seem to have some latent ability, possibly because of the naquadah in my blood.  Anyway, the armbands seem to work well, but the circlet is still faster.  I think I’ll just go help Daniel get up.”  She turned and crept silently away.

 

As Jack stared after her, he realized she was wearing a circlet, very similar to Kataya's, but that where Kataya's was dominated by purple, blue, and gold stones, Sam's were more blue, silver, and purple.  Apparently, Sam's energy patterns were in those colors.  Still unsure of exactly what she had meant, though, Jack turned to Teal’c, and asked, “Do you know what in the hell she was talking about?"

 

“I believe so, O’Neill.  Evidently, Major Carter has been able to activate a link on her own without Kataya’s help.  She has been working on doing so since we started working with Kataya and Merdwin.”

 

“How come nobody tells me these things?”  Jack whined.

 

“You were present when we were discussing it the other day, O’Neill.  However, the TV commercial with the scantily-clad female in it was holding your main attention.”  The Jaffa noiselessly headed back to his other teammates, and Jack followed muttering to himself.

 

As the group moved higher up the hill, Kataya walked next to O’Neill.  “Colonel, I picked up some interesting impressions from Kirksen as he pronounced his belief that we were spies sent from Larcnan.  I had the distinct impression that he was looking at Teal’c and repeating the word sholva in his mind, which as you know, is the Goa’uld word for traitor.”  

 

“Whether he is trying to divert suspicion from himself to us, or if there is some other reason for his actions, I do not know.  I do not believe he is Goa’uld himself, as none of us felt the presence of a symbiote.  Speculation leads me to believe he is a Larcnan spy in the service of a Goa’uld.  He is probably sending military information to him.  It is a probability that the Heyerians are suspicious of him for some reason, and he saw this as a way to divert suspicion from himself and at the same time prove his loyalty by finding real traitors.” 

 

“Although I believe Kirksen is a traitor to the Heyerians, I do not at present see how the information can help us.”  She continued, “Once we are settled in the camp, I need to rest.  I am sorry I have been so little help in looking for a more defensible site and helping out, but I will be back to normal soon.”

 

Jack O’Neill cleared his throat, “Yeah, speaking of that.  What exactly was it that you did back there?  I know it must have been something, or you wouldn’t be so, um, tired.”  Jack was, for once, diplomatic in his statement.

 

“We were close together, Colonel.  I threw a shield up around us.”

 

“That’s why all those soldiers appeared to be such bad shots.  They missed us all by a mile.  I was wondering about that,” Jack’s eyes gleamed with amusement as he remembered wondering if their entire army was so inept.

 

Kataya grinned at him, “Yes, I believe many of them will be up for extra target practice.  They certainly could not seem to hit any of us.”

 

Jack shook his head and laughed softly, “Go sit and recoup your energy while we set up.  But, you don’t have to isolate yourself, you know.”  He offered as a way to ease his own guilt over the less than generous thoughts he’d had about her earlier.

 

Kataya shook her head as she answered, “It is safer if I do so, Colonel.  With my energy resources this depleted, I could inadvertently pull energy from one or all of you.  Normally, I would not worry about it as the amount would be minimal, but in a combat situation, I do not want to take the chance.  Unlike us, you do not know how to block it from happening.  It is not usually a problem, but for now I will go over there.”  She nodded to a secluded area and left.

 

“We’re all set up, sir.  Claymores are set around the perimeter.  But, for some reason, Kirksen and his men don’t seem to be following us,” Major Carter reported, puzzled.

 

Jack nodded, “Yeah, I know.  I haven’t seen them since we got into these hills.  I don’t like it.  It doesn’t feel right.”

 

Sam agreed, “No, sir.  I don’t either.”

 

“Let’s go talk to Teal’c.”  They headed for the far side of the camp.  Kataya was on one side.  Although she was focusing on building her energy supply, Jack realized that he trusted her more now, and he knew she would hear anyone that approached.  Daniel was keeping watch on another side of their camp.

 

“Teal’c, what’s your gut feeling about this situation?”  O’Neill asked as they came up to him.

 

“I find it strange that they have not followed us more closely.”  Teal’c was his normal stoic self, but for those who knew him well his concern was evident in the muscle that jumped in his jaw.

 

“Yeah, that’s what we thought.  Kataya told me that she received impressions from that Kirksen guy that indicate he’s a traitor.  It doesn’t help us, but it explains why he suddenly decided to try to make us out to be bad guys.  If he was trying to throw suspicion off himself, his attack on us makes sense.  I’m just glad it was only a small group of soldiers, and I hope the reason they aren’t right behind us isn’t that they’re stopping to gather their forces,” Jack explained his thinking. 

 

Obviously on edge, he continued, “Anyone have any suggestions, ideas, theory’s?  Anything?”

 

“I’m afraid I don’t, sir.  If he was trying to throw off suspicion onto us, he should have arranged a pursuit.”  Sam frowned as she gave the situation another metal going over.

 

“There is another option, O’Neill,” Teal’c suddenly spoke up.  “If he is indeed allied with the Goa’uld, then he could be using this time to inform his master of our presence here, which means that shortly we could be set upon by the Goa’uld.  No doubt, he would manage somehow to acquire the information that we were with them and thereby prove our guilt.  And as you are aware, all Tau’ri warriors are considered a prize, none more so than SG1.”  Teal’c brought up one of the things that they rarely mentioned.  There was no doubt that anyone capturing SG1 would receive not only high praise, but material rewards from his superiors. 

 

“I don’t like that scenario any better,” Jack O’Neill stated.

 

“No doubt you do not, Colonel, but it might be preferable,” Kataya had come up behind them.

 

Colonel O’Neill whirled around.  “Damn it, don’t do that!  Hell, you’re quieter than a cat.”  He stopped speaking abruptly, and his mouth opened and shut without emitting any sound.  Open mouth; insert foot, he thought to himself.

 

Kataya grinned at him, saying with a laugh, “It is quite alright to liken me to a cat, Colonel.  I do not take offense.  Gwynnfar, my cat, would be pleased.  She taught me to be stealthy.  I agree with Teal’c.  It makes sense, as there is no other reason not to pursue us.  If it is true, they will find us soon.  I am going to check on Daniel and see how bad his ribs are.  If they are, as I suspect, broken, then Sam will have to heal him, so that he will be able to do what is necessary when the time comes.”

 

Sam looked stunned.  “Me?  I can’t heal him.  I don’t have the healing device with me.”

 

“You do not need it, Sam, I have mine.  You will use it; I will guide you.”  She sighed slightly, before saying, “I had hoped we could have some sessions in the infirmary first, but this will have to do.  I cannot take the chance and use my energy for healing.  We may well need the Katteri-enti, and I prefer going into it with full energy levels.  Let us get started.  I think you will master it quickly.”  She slipped away towards Daniel as quietly as she had come.  Major Carter looked to her CO for orders. 

 

He nodded to her.  “Do as she suggests.  It makes sense.  With Daniel hurt, he isn’t going to be much help.  If you can get him up and going again, do it.”

 

“Yes, sir.”  Major Carter left quietly and headed for Daniel.  She was nervous, but she had learned to trust Kataya’s instincts on this type of thing.  If she said that Sam had the ability to do this, then she did.

 

Sam approached Daniel where he was sitting and quietly watching for the enemy.  “Hey, Daniel, has Kataya been over here, yet?”

 

“She stopped and checked my ribs.  She said that they’re broken, and she had to get her ribbon device, but that she’d be right back,” Daniel said.

 

“She thinks I can take care of those ribs for you.  You’re about to volunteer to be my first attempt with a Furling healing device.”

 

Daniel looked a little startled, but didn’t refuse.  He nodded his head.  “To tell you the truth, they seem to be hurting worse.  I bumped them again.  I think they were just cracked before that happened.” 

 

Sam looked at him in exasperation.  “Why didn’t you tell someone, Daniel?  We could at least have maybe strapped them a little better.”

 

Daniel grinned cheekily, murmuring, “That’s why I didn’t tell you, Sam.  Your splints are famous for their torture quotient.”

 

Sam glared, but didn’t deny what he’d said.  “Well, as soon as Kataya gets here, maybe we can make you feel a little better.”

 

Daniel touched her hand gently.  “Thanks, Sam.  You know I’m just teasing you, don’t you?”

 

She chuckled softly.  “Yes, I know.”  She briefly touched him on the shoulder, as they shared a smile.  “Here comes Kataya.”

 

“I know, Sam.  I can sense her when she’s near,” Daniel said quietly.  Sam looked at him for a moment, thoughtful.  It would not be long, she thought, before Daniel realized exactly who and what Kataya was to him.  She hoped it would be soon; he deserved to be happy.  She frowned, wondering what the regs would say about this relationship.  Hopefully, nothing, since they weren’t actually in the military.  And the powers that be probably wouldn’t want to upset a possible alliance partner that was, if Thor was to be believed, very powerful.

 

“Are you ready to begin, Sam?”  Kataya broke into Sam’s reverie to ask.

 

Sam turned to her, but she gasped as she took in what Kataya was holding.  “That’s not a healing device; it’s a ribbon device,” she said, dislike obvious in her voice.

 

“It is of Furling design, Sam.  We use it for both,” Kataya assured her.

 

“I could kill Daniel with that,” Sam protested.

 

Kataya shook her head.  “Put it on please, Samantha,” she requested.  “I believe that you will perceive a difference in the feel, just as I do.  Although I can use a Goa’uld ribbon device, I find that I dislike it intensely.”

 

Sam gingerly took it and slid it onto her arm and hand, looking at the detail on it.  Its appearance was different than that of a Goa’uld hand device.  It was more delicate and the stones were different colors and sizes instead of just one large stone.  The intricately woven gold was similar to the circlet.  It seemed to caress her skin instead of lying on it, cold and hard, like the Goa’uld device always did.  She immediately understood what Kataya meant by the difference in the feel of it.

 

“Now put your circlet on, please,” she instructed calmly, as she realized that Sam had taken it off, after they moved up the hill.  “Daniel, you will need to lie back so that we will have better access to your ribs,” she requested quietly.  “Sam, I want you to hold your hand just above Daniel’s ribs, and then think of the sun as you did yesterday.  I want you to imagine the sun’s energy coming down and into you through your circlet.”  Kataya watched carefully and when the stones began to glow, she continued, “You will allow that energy to flow through your hand and into Daniel’s ribs.  It will be warm and healing.  The energy will swirl around the broken bones until they are knit.  When they are healed, it will stop flowing.”  Ten minutes later, the stones ceased glowing.  Daniel gingerly touched his ribs.

 

“They’re a little sore, but they don’t feel half as painful as they did before.  Thanks, Sam, you did it,” he exclaimed.

 

Kataya nodded, giving praise where it was due, “She did a very fine job indeed.”

 

“I feel a little tired, Kataya,” Sam said, a little surprised.  She hadn’t realized it would take that much energy.

 

Again, Kataya nodded, explaining, “As you become more familiar with using it, you will find that it takes less energy.  Without training, you are simply pulling from all of your energy reserves.  We will work on it, so that you will not be affected this way the next time.  I suggest you attempt to pull some energy into yourself.  I will take the pain away from Daniel’s ribs.”

 

As Sam left to find herself a place to draw some energy, Kataya placed her hand on Daniel’s ribs and slowly moved her fingers back and forth.  She gasped sharply, and a grimace crossed her face.  “That should do it,” she then announced, “the pain should be gone now.”

 

Daniel frowned, “It is, but how did you do that?”

 

“I am an empath, Daniel.  I transferred your pain to me.  When the pain stopped hurting in me, I knew you were no longer feeling it.”  She smiled at him and made to leave.

 

He grabbed her hand before she could go.  “Thank you, Kataya.”  He looked searchingly into her eyes.  “There is so much I want to say to you, to tell you,” he whispered.  “I’m sorry I’ve been so recalcitrant over this.  I didn’t understand.  I still don’t completely, but I know that this feels right.  I want to go forward, with us, if you’ll forgive me and agree,” he said earnestly.  Taking a deep breath, he added, his voice intense and determined, “I think I love you.”

 

“There is nothing to forgive.  You have done nothing wrong.  We will talk, soon, I promise you, but now I must go.  I feel the presence of the Goa’uld coming closer.  Please, be ready to engage the enemy, Daniel, for I will not be using a shield to protect the team this time.  There is a chance I will become Katteri-enti.  Please, you must fight back.” 

 

“I will.  You don’t have to worry.  I know how to use my sidearm,” Daniel assured her.

 

She accepted his statement, picked up her P-90, and started to turn away before whirling back to face him.  She pulled him to her for one hard quick kiss.  “I love you, too,” she said, and then she was gone.  The Warrior had replaced the lover.  Daniel smiled, and pulling his weapon, followed her to face their common enemy.

 

Colonel, the Goa’uld are approaching.  I suggest link only from now on.  I am turning it over to Samantha to keep open.  I only wished to let you know that I will not be using a shield to protect you.  I will be engaging the enemy with you,” Kataya informed him quickly. 

 

 

“How do you know that the Goa’uld are almost here?” Jack asked, confused.

 

“I can sense them,” she replied promptly.

 

“Of course you can.”  Jack sighed.  When would he learn not to ask stupid questions?

 

“I have no idea, Colonel,” came the amused response.

 

“I need more practice at keeping my private thoughts private when this thing is active,” he grumbled.

 

He felt gentle amusement flowing from Kataya. 

 

“Sam, are you ready?”  Kat asked her. 

 

“Kat, I’ve never done a multiple link.  How do I do it?  I can’t…”

 

“You can.”  The answer was implacable.  “I have initiated it; all you must do is keep yours open.  I have tied the others to it for now.”

 

“I’ll do my best,” Sam responded firmly.

 

“You will succeed,” was the confident, earnest reply.

 

Suddenly, a staff blast made its way towards them, followed by the fire from a larger gun.  The fight had begun.

 

Jack O’Neill didn’t like this, not one bit.  It looked to be almost five to one.  Teal’c was crouching low moving to a better position for firing down upon the enemy.  It would also leave him more open to enemy fire.  Sam had taken up a position between himself and Teal’c in a well-covered area of rocks and was firing away.  Daniel, who only had his handgun and a zat, was between her and Jack.  Kataya was nowhere to be seen.  Where in the hell was she?”

 

“I am to your far left, Colonel, on the other side of those large boulders.  There is a rather wide area to be covered over here.  Please keep the Jaffa occupied, for a moment, if you can do so.”

 

“Ah, Hell.  I hate that kind of answer.”  He finished his clip and shoved in another.  The odds were getting better, but the Jaffa were advancing.  They edged around a large outcropping of rocks, wheeling the big gun closer.  “We really need to take that gun out.”

 

No sooner had the thought passed through his mind, than a bolt of what looked like lightening streaked toward a rocky outcropping.  As Jack watched the rocks tumble down onto the Jaffa and the gun, he grinned.  “Yup, Thor’s little gift was working out just fine.” 

 

“Thank you, Colonel.  I will be sure to tell Thor you are pleased,” Kataya responded to his thought.

 

He finished his second clip and popped the third in.  He heard gunfire from a P-90 on his left and grinned to himself; the little cat was using the weapon as if she’d been born holding one.  She had a group of Jaffa pinned down over there, but she had too wide an area to cover.  He needed to move that way more.

 

“Sir, you have two Jaffa coming in on your near left.  Neither Kat, nor I, are in a position to get a clear shot at them.  They’re coming around those rocks just to your left, and they’ll come out just behind you.”  Sam sent as she, too, emptied another clip.  Teal’c’s staff was firing almost constantly.  Daniel had grabbed his zat in one hand, his weapon in the other, and was putting both to good use. 

 

Jack turned to engage the first Jaffa, but never got the chance.  A wall of wind hit the Jaffa and sent him backward down the hill.  The second Jaffa wasn’t caught in it, but by then Jack was ready for him.  It didn’t take Jack long to dispose of him, but the Jaffa had managed stab him in the side.  “Damn that hurt, but he didn’t think it was anything more than a flesh wound.  They were losing the battle.  They were taking out Jaffa, but not enough; there had been more than he thought.  “Damn, he hated it when they were captured.”

 

“We will not be captured, O’Neill,” he heard Teal’c answer his stray thought.  At the same time, Sam detonated the claymores as more Jaffa began to climb toward them.  He saw a staff blast that was heading straight toward him suddenly spin away, scorching his sleeve instead of hitting him. 

 

He looked over towards the area Kataya had been hidden in and saw that she had moved closer to him, into an area where he could now see her.  She grinned and saluted him after she sheathed her sword.  He smiled grimly back, acknowledging that Thor had been correct in his appraisal of her as an adept, experienced, and highly trained warrior.  That was twice during this battle that she had stepped in and aided him, while still managing to defend her own position.     

 

Then, he didn’t have any more time to think of that, as he realized that the Jaffa had stopped firing at them, and had turned their weapons and were firing towards something to his left and to the front of them.  His heart leapt into his throat.  Daniel had made his way over to Jack, as there seemed to be more Jaffa on his side of the hill.  He felt him tense from five feet away. 

 

Jack realized what the Jaffa were looking and firing at.  Heyerian soldiers had come up on the left flank and behind them, effectively sandwiching the remaining Jaffa in between SG1 and themselves.  It didn’t take much more fighting for the Jaffa to realize they had lost the battle.  They began a disorganized retreat leaving behind their dead.  What few were left would soon be gone, captured, or dead, as well.  Jack didn’t much care about the retreating Jaffa, since they had now been replaced by another threat; it looked like a good portion of the Heyerian army.  To top it off, his side hurt like hell.  This day just couldn’t get much better, he thought sardonically.

 

“I do not believe they are here to do battle with us, O’Neill,” Teal’c observed. 

 

“God, I hope you’re right, Teal'c,” Jack responded.

 

A shout was heard from the ranks of the Heyerians, as the last Jaffa fell.  “Colonel O’Neill, I am General Alver of the Heyerian Home Guard.  The Prime Minister sent us to find and help you, once we were sure that Kirksen was in fact a spy for the Larcnans.  Please, we are not here to harm you.”  A short, somewhat stocky individual left the relative safety of the armed men and walked towards the area where SG1 had ranged themselves.  “Your team is, indeed, extremely formidable, Colonel,” he commented as he came within normal speaking distance. 

 

Jack hesitated.  “I feel no intent to deceive, Colonel,” Kataya noted.

 

Jack responded proudly to the General, “Yes, they are.  But, the cavalry was a welcome sight.  Thank you.”

 

“You are welcome, Colonel.  Did any of you sustain any injuries?”

 

Jack looked over his team.  He had a scorch mark on the arm of his BDU’s, and there was the cut he’d gotten from the Jaffa; the others looked grimy, but fine.  “I think we’re all in one piece.”

 

“Except for your knife wound, sir,” Sam spoke up.

 

Jack shook his head, “It’s just a flesh wound, Carter.  Nothing serious.”

 

“We should check it out, Colonel,” Kataya said.  “There appears to be blood soaking through your jacket from the wound on your side,” she pointed out.

 

General Alver turned toward his men and shouted for a medic.  A couple of soldiers immediately ran toward the group.  The General turned back to them.  “After you have been seen to, we will start back to the capital.  The Prime Minister is most anxious that this affair may have caused damage to the budding relations between our two worlds.”

 

“Yeah, I can understand where he would get that from,” O'Neill said through clenched teeth.

 

“Excuse me, General Alver,” Daniel said, as he came forward to introduce himself.  “I’m Dr. Daniel Jackson.  I was just curious as to how you figured out that Kirksen was a spy?”

 

General Alver turned to Daniel, saying, “He has been under suspicion for quite some time, but there was no real proof.  Oddly enough, both the Prime Minister and I had a sudden insight into what was really going on.”  He laughed.  “It was as if a little bird was sitting on our shoulders and whispering in our ears.  I even told the Prime Minister I could hear a voice talking to me.  The feeling was so odd; we both decided that we should have Kirksen followed when his men started after you.  He soon called off the pursuit, but he did not return.”  He smiled a little uneasily, “I am sure that sounds strange, but I assure you we both had the same experience.”

 

Daniel smiled widely, “Not at all, General.  You’d be surprised at some of the intangible things we’ve witnessed.  We’re just glad you found out, and that he’ll be prevented from doing any more damage.”

 

“Why, thank you, Dr. Jackson.  I hope that means that our two worlds will still be able to become better acquainted.”

 

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem, General.  In fact, as soon as Colonel O’Neill is ready to travel, perhaps we could go to your city and start over again.”

 

The General nodded amiably, “That would indeed be welcome.  How is the Colonel’s wound?”  He asked the medic.

 

The young medic gave his report, stating, “Stab wound to the right side.  He’s lost some blood.  I do not think there will be any complications.”

 

“Very well.  If you are finished here, you are dismissed.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

“Do you feel well enough to travel, Colonel?  We brought transportation.  It will be a little rough, but faster.”

 

“Thanks, we’ll take you up on that.”

 

They arrived shortly at the city and were taken immediately to the Prime Ministers chambers.

 

“Colonel.  I am very pleased that you’ve agreed to meet with us once more.  This entire incident has been most disturbing for us, and I am sure it was even more so for you.  We do most sincerely apologize.”

 

Colonel O’Neill nodded.  Dr. Jackson stepped forward and began to speak, “I’m sure it was as upsetting for you, as it was for us.  We’re pleased that it turned out well for all concerned.”  Daniel gave him the famous Jackson smile. 

 

The Prime Minister agreed, and said to them, “We hope you will agree to stay the night, as I am sure you must all be exhausted, and I am told, Colonel, that you sustained an injury.  Please, we promise you a delicious meal and a good night’s rest.  We’ve put your team in the Crown Suite.  There are four sleeping chambers within the suite, with two beds to each room and, of course, baths.  If you prefer that you each have your own room, we would be glad to make another chamber available, also.  We would be honored to supply you with clean clothing and anything else you would want or need.”

 

“Thank you, Prime Minister.  What do you say, Jack?”  Daniel continued, mentally activating the link without even thinking about it.  “We should accept, Jack.  It would lessen their feeling of embarrassment and make them feel in a more equal position within the relationship.”  The team stared at him.  Kataya turned slightly to hide the smile wanting to make itself apparent.

 

“Go ahead, Daniel,” Jack agreed and nodded.

 

Daniel turned back and smiled at the Minister, “Thank you, sir.  We would be both pleased and honored to accept your kind offer.  The rooms you’ve assigned us will be fine.  We would, however, need to contact our world and inform them of the change in our plans.” 

 

“Of course.”  He nodded to an assistant standing nearby, stating, “Leila will be happy to help you in any way.”  He bowed to them as they prepared to leave the room, “I will see you in a few hours.”

 

They returned his bow and followed the assistant out.  It had been a long day, and it wasn’t over yet.  Jack’s side was beginning to hurt.

 

After first going to the Stargate and informing the General of their change in plans, they finally reached their suite.  The team took in the sumptuous detail.  “Making up for first impressions,” Daniel said, with a short laugh. 

 

Jack agreed.  He’d be glad when tomorrow was over, and they were back at the SGC.

 

“May I see your side now, Colonel?”  Kataya asked quietly.

 

“Sure.  It’s hurting a lot more than it was.” Kataya raised his shirt and removed the bandage. 

 

She nodded.  “You were correct in your assessment, there is only minor damage.  Would you like for myself or Sam to heal that for you?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Sam, I believe this would be an excellent chance for you to practice.”  She handed her the ribbon device and walked to the bathroom.  “I believe I will take a bath.”  She smiled as she left the room.

 

“She’s sneaky like a cat, too.”  Jack sighed.  He turned to the others.  “Does anyone here know what bird it was that whispered in the Minister and the General’s ears?”

 

“Indeed, O’Neill, I believe it was a catbird, was it not?”  Teal’c smirked, as he went to check out the sleeping chambers.

 


 

SG1 made their way down the ramp toward General Hammond who awaited them. 

 

“Well, Colonel, things must have gone well.  Being asked to remain overnight as the guests of honor of the Prime Minister, you must have made quite an impression.  I assume everything went all right, and you were able to try out your new abilities.”  General Hammond beamed at them.

 

“Yes, General, we had a wonderful time,” Jack O’Neill said somewhat sardonically.  “Teal’c made excellent use of his wilderness and Jaffa field training by finding us a defensible position in the hills after we were run out of the city by hostile soldiers.  He also got in some extra target practice on the neighboring countries’ Jaffa.” 

                                  

“Kataya exhausted herself by throwing up an energy shield around us as we escaped.  She channeled some lightening down onto some very large rocks to take out a big honking gun and to create some Jaffa pancakes.  Then she saved my life when she pushed a Jaffa down the hill with a mini-whirlwind and deflected a staff blast that was headed straight toward me.  And, she got to use her P90 for the first time as our position became swamped with Jaffa.” 

 

“Carter played around with some claymores planting them around our position, and later, she had the pleasure of blowing up some Jaffa.  She learned how to use a Furling ribbon device to heal injuries, too; she’s kinda like a walking first-aid kit, now.  And she learned how to keep a multiple mind link open in the middle of a pitched battle; it was like a running commentary of who, what, where and when.” 

 

“I got accused of being a spy for the Larcnan’s, and then I was stabbed in the side by a nasty-looking knife during hand to hand combat with Jaffa-the-Hulk.  I ruined another jacket when that staff blast got so close it scorched it and then I bled all over it.  To make my day complete, I was forced to listen to an old man spiel his apologies to us for having such a rough day.  And to make it even better, I got to stay around to make nice with the government types the next day.”

 

“And Daniel—well, Daniel broke his ribs.”

 

“It was just a routine meet-and-greet, General,” Jack assured him laconically.

 

General Hammond’s beaming face had been slowly transforming into one of stunned disbelief.  He sighed loudly.  No doubt about it.  Things were definitely back to normal at the SGC.  “Infirmary first, full debrief in one hour, people.”  He could be heard muttering as he stalked out of the gate room. 

 

              TBC

 

Chapter 9                                                    home                                                      Chapter 11

                                                          Table of Contents