Blood of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul
Chapter 41
Looking
into a Long Dark Night
When Brialek bent to pick up Martouf, he looked at the fellow Tok’Ra on his knees beside the bloody soil where Samantha Carter had lain. The look in Jacob Carter’s eyes was one of complete desolation; he looked completely dazed. Brialek watched as Jocasta went to him and gently raised him to his feet. The man looked lost, stunned by the sudden loss of his daughter.
Frowning, he looked down at Martouf lying limp in his arms. If they did not do something soon, Jacob would also lose the man who had recently become his son. He watched as Malek made his way to them, his face carefully devoid of all emotion. He and Lantash were close. It would be a blow to him, also, to lose this man. It would not happen if he could help it. He, too, was close to these two, both of them. They had been through too much together to lose each other now and if it was within his power, they would survive.
As they began looking around, they began to realize that they had a lot of injuries. Everyone had been caught up in the drama of the battle raging between the Dragons and their own responsibilities; they hadn’t even known they were being injured. Thankfully, the group of medics and some of the Tok’Ra had begun to realize and take steps to care for the wounded. The Katteri had changed back and they, too, were checking on comrades and doing what they could to help. As the teams came together, Jack began to count heads. There had only been two fatalities on their side. He found it hard to believe that they had gone through such heavy fighting with only injuries.
The Katteri shields had allowed them to
take out great numbers of
“Her body was taken by Thor, also, Colonel O’Neill. She was dead and her soul was claimed by the All. It will take time, but it will be bound, hopefully, for all time. I believe and hope her power was destroyed. Either way, it will not again be a threat to anyone.”
“Then that flash was Thor and he took Sam and Kataya, right? Then they’ll be okay. Thor can…”
The Katteri looked at O’Neill with sorrow in his face. “I am sorry, Colonel O’Neill, but Thor does not have the ability to sustain a Katteri-enti, much less a Dragon Slayer. Please, understand,” he said softly, “Our mother’s injuries were truly massive.”
Jack O’Neill looked at the young man blankly before realizing that he was talking to Kataya and Lantash’s son, Lanwin. “Your mother is dead and your father may be dying. How can you be so…” he stopped speaking and his voice trailed off as he shook his head stopping himself. “Sorry,” he said brusquely.
He knew it wasn’t the young man’s fault. There was no point in stating the obvious to him, his words had just shown that he was very much aware of what had happened. Damn, he had just watched his mother get killed, as he stood by unable to help her. He didn’t need Jack or anyone else reinforcing that vision.
“Both of my mothers are gone, Colonel, but my mother will someday return as Kataya of Cadwaellon, as she has always done and my other mother, also, shall be reborn.”
Nodding, Jack realized that Lanwin wouldn’t look on death as they did. To him it wasn’t a permanent state and even if it were hundreds of years, he would still see his mother again someday.
Lanwin was still speaking to him. About Daniel and Martouf he realized. “My sister and I will not allow our fathers, or the Beloved of our mother, to die before they return to the Tau’ri. Then it will be up to your healers to take over. Although they are badly injured physically, it is the great emotional distress that will be the greater danger and that you must deal with,” Lanwin said, as he turned and stepped to the Tok’Ra who carried Martouf.
He placed his hand upon Martouf’s chest and then nodded toward the gate that opened in the direction of the area where the Chaappa’ai was located. “We will go now, please,” Lanwin stated with an air of command that O’Neill hadn’t noticed before. He was his mother’s son when he needed to be it seemed. Good, he could leave Martouf and Lantash to him and he could worry about Daniel.
Brialek, himself a healer, nodded grimly. He thought that physically the wound could be healed, although it was very severe. The mental devastation he was not so sure about. He knew that the sooner they had them in a stable environment and undergoing the healing device, the better.
After ascertaining how critical Martouf and Lantash were, he decided they could be left for a moment. Lanwin stepped to Taesha’s side and looked upon the face of his mother’s Beloved as he lay in Teal’c’s arms.
He spoke only to her as they slowly made their way toward the gate. <How is he?>
<It is very bad, but I believe our mother healed some of it as he held her. She placed as much of her life force at his center as she could and it will help to balance him as he journeys into the All. I believe it will be enough to sustain him and his spirit. It will ensure his survival. I imagine Samantha attempted to do the same, but if not our fathers have one another.> She replied calmly.
<Even if she had not given it, the result would have been the same. It was foretold in the prophecy.> Lanwin said gently, knowing how close his sister and mother truly were. Even knowing she would be back, the separation would be keenly felt by all of them.
Taesha sighed. <I know,> she said, equally softly, knowing how much his mother meant to him, <but the Tau’ri and the Tok’Ra did not understand that it was so. Lanwin, our mothers asked that we take care of their mates and see to it that they did not give up and simply die rather than live. We must see to it that the Tau’ri and the Tok’Ra understand what must be done.>
<Yes, I know. We shall, and they will survive if we get them to the Tau’ri homeworld alive. After that we must go to Avilion, to the Sanctuary, for there will be much to do to take care that our mother and Samantha are safe within the All. I am thankful that Merdwin will be there to see to our mother’s safety.>
<It will take many working day and night to bind Morgasha’s soul that it may never return to this plane of existence.> Lanwin reminded his sister of the work that would be waiting for them at Avilion.
She answered him quietly, <Yes, and then Merdwin and Grandfather will truly be free of her malevolence. At least our mother did not have to use the greatest force of her nature power that would have also destroyed her own life-force. I was afraid she would have to for a while and was so relieved when she was able to use a lesser force to achieve her goal.>
<I know for I feared that also.> Glancing at Daniel’s white face, he said, <We should hurry.>
She nodded as she turned back to Teal’c, and said, “We must hurry, Teal’c. He will survive if we return him to your healers soon.” Teal’c looked down at Daniel’s still, white face as Taesha continued to speak softly to him, “He and our fathers all promised our mothers they would continue to live. You must remind them often of this promise, even though they seem as if they cannot hear you,” she stressed, as they walked a little more quickly.
Teal’c looked at her intently and then nodded, “I myself will see to it that it is done frequently and I will remind the others to speak of it often to them also.”
“Our fathers must remain on the Tau’ri homeworld until you hear from the Council of the Table. You must also see to it that that is done.”
“See that what’s done?” Jack O’Neill had come up behind them, as they walked back to the Stargate.
Lanwin answered him from where he was walking with Brialek, sustaining his fathers, “My father, Lantash, must remain on the Tau’ri homeworld, Earth, until you hear from the Furling Council of the Table. You will see that this is done?”
“Well, sure if that’s what’s supposed to be done. Won’t Merdwin be there when we get back? I was kinda counting on him to heal our wounded, especially Daniel and your dad, er, dads.”
Taesha spoke up as they continued to walk. “Merdwin will be needed at Avilion, the Sanctuary. There will be much to be done. Your healers and the Tok’Ra will be able to handle the remainder of the wounded. Your own medics are caring for the wounded, even now, and the Tok’Ra who have them are using their healing devices. They have stabilized everyone. They will be all right once the Tok’Ra healers, and your own doctors, can see to them in a more stable environment.”
As they continued the rather long walk back to the Stargate, Jack realized that Taesha never took her hand from Daniel’s heart and her circlet glowed constantly. Lanwin walked beside Brialek, his hand resting on Martouf’s heart. These two were sustaining the human and the Tok’Ra.
Looking around he realized that other Furling warriors were doing similar acts for other injured. He saw them walk from one to the other of the injured and touch them. He could tell they were transferring energy to their injured comrades; their circlets, too, glowed almost constantly. He remembered hearing Daniel’s thoughts during the battle through the mind link. Avenging angels he had thought. Looking at the bloodied and bruised group, he could picture wings on all of them. They certainly deserved them, for they had opposed a formidable enemy today.
He shuddered remembering the massive injuries Carter and Kataya had both sustained. He still had trouble believing the amount of pure power and energy that Morgasha/Bastet had wielded. Had he not seen it himself, he wasn't sure he would believe it. It sounded so fantastic, like a sci-fi fantasy. And the power their Dragons had wielded together had been phenomenal to see as well. He'd see those bursts of light and energy in his dreams forever. That Morgasha had stood as long as she had against their immense power spoke of how truly powerful the First-born Furlings were.
It hadn’t soaked in yet that Carter was truly gone. Not yet. He wouldn’t think about it just yet, because when he did he’d probably lose it. It still appeared unreal that one moment he had been holding her and the next she and the priestesses surrounding her were gone. He looked at the still form of Daniel being sustained by Lantash’s daughter and cradled in their friend’s arms. Stop thinking, O’Neill, he told himself. Not yet, you can’t think yet, there’s too much left to get through.
There was the gate, thank whatever gods were listening. They dialed earth and the Katteri stood with each of the injured before they were carried or limped through. Daniel and Lantash were still in Brialek and Teal’c’s arms. Lanwin’s hand was on his father’s heart and his circlet glowed brightly.
He opened his eyes and nodded at Brialek. “Remember what you must do and he must stay on Earth with the Tau’ri until the Council contacts you. I believe there are plans to send ambassadors as well as warriors to help you. We will return also, but keep him there until the Council has met. It is understood and agreed? You will give your word on these things?” The young man asked.
“Yes, I give my word. We will see to it and await word from the Council, before he returns to the Tok’Ra.”
Jacob, standing next to Brialek and Malek nodded his head, before saying, “We’ll see to it, I give you my word. He won’t leave the Tau’ri world, and we’ll do our best to keep his spirit here.”
“I thank you for that. We will return as soon as things are settled, I assure you. On that you have my word,” Lanwin bowed his head and removed his hand from his father’s heart. “Go quickly. He will need much healing still.”
He watched as Brialek stepped into the shimmering blue pool with his fathers, then he turned to Colonel O’Neill.
“I need your word also, Colonel. You will treat my father well, see to it that he has everything that he needs, and is reminded often of his promise to our mother? We are aware that you do not care for him, so I must have your word of honor on his treatment,” Lanwin said, quietly but firmly.
“Yeah, you’ve got my word,” Jack agreed. Looking at the young Katteri, he added, “Martouf and Lantash, they can kind of grow on a person, y’know? And they love Carter. We’ll take care of them.”
Nodding his understanding of what that admission had cost O’Neill, Lanwin then moved to his sister’s side to ask, “How is our mother’s Beloved?”
She shook her head, “He is very weak and has lost much blood. I have given him as much as I can and have healed some, but there is still much damage. I believe he will survive if he is taken care of and he can be made to remember his promise.”
She looked from O’Neill to Teal’c, “You will not forget? He must be recalled to this world, this plane of existence, and only because of his promise will he attempt to return.”
“We understand,” Teal’c said. “We are looking into a long dark night, are we not? One, which we must help them to traverse, so that they do not lose themselves within it.”
“Yes, and though it may be long, you must not give up,” Taesha agreed.
Jack gazed at his friend’s white, still face. His jaw clenched and his vision blurred. Damn it, Daniel, he thought, as he pressed his fingers into his eyes.
“We won’t give up,” Jack said fiercely. “He’ll pull through. They’ll pull through. We’ll remind them. You have our word. Are we ready to go, now?” Jack asked, becoming impatient to get Daniel back on Earth and in Janet’s hands.
“We must take care of our own. Go ahead, Colonel.”
Jack nodded and watched as Taesha removed her hand from Daniel’s heart. “We’ll leave the light on.”
As he stepped into the glistening pool beside Teal’c, he heard Lanwin say, “Please do not Colonel, we are not coming with you.” He was already too far into the Vortex to step back. What did the young man mean? Surely, some of the Katteri were returning to the SGC with them?
On the other side chaos reigned. Medics were everywhere, but Janet Fraiser was standing watching the blue pool of the event horizon. She was waiting for Daniel and Lantash, as she had promised Merdwin. He had known they wouldn’t come through the battle unscathed.
He hadn’t said anything about Sam and Kat before he left. Now she knew why. They wouldn’t be returning. He had known all along that they would die. She was so angry with him for not telling her. She wished he was here so she could scream at him. She wished he was here to hold her while she mourned her friends. Damn, she hated him and loved him all at the same time.
She watched as Brialek stepped through carrying an extremely pale Martouf. Garshaw stepped forward. “We will take him to the base immediately the gate is available.” She spoke as Brialek reached her with his burden. Jacob Carter looked up from where he had collapsed at the end of the ramp.
“No. He’s gotta stay here. We gave our word. The Furlings were very insistent that he had to stay here.”
“I agree, Garshaw. We did give our word. Jacob and I will stay with him and I am sure Calise will, too. I believe it is imperative that he be around things that remind him of his mate and his promise to her to survive.”
“I, too, will remain,” Malek said stoically, his voice devoid of inflection or emotion.
Garshaw closed her eyes as if in pain. She had always liked Samantha Carter and to know that she was dead caused her pain. It was as if they had lost one of their own. Jacob also was in great distress, she knew. “Jocasta must remain behind with you and Daimesh will be remaining.”
“Thank you. Now, I believe he should be taken to the infirmary so we can begin using the healing device on him.”
“Of course, please…go,” Garshaw murmured.
Janet had been checking him as Garshaw and Brialek talked and she looked up to say,” I’m assuming the injury is on his back from the awkward way you’re holding him. You realize that Lantash is probably seriously hurt. When you get to the infirmary, tell them I said to keep the IV’s going and start him on antibiotics. I’ll check him as soon as I get Daniel settled. And Brialek, I know your healing device can work wonders, but with Lantash hurt it would be prudent to at least try to keep Martouf from deteriorating further.”
Brialek smiled slightly, before saying, “I was not going to disagree with you, Dr. Fraiser, I was about to thank you for suggesting it and thinking of Martouf.”
“Oh,” Janet blushed, “Well, you’re welcome.” Looking down at Martouf again, she said, “Go, he needs care soon.” Brialek did not need to be told again and he made his way toward the infirmary, his burden still clasped in his arms, Malek and Jacob close to him.
Janet turned back toward the gate as Jack O’Neill and Teal’c stepped through the shimmering pool. All were surprised when the gate shut down.
“Colonel O’Neill, where are the Katteri warriors?” General Hammond asked.
“I don’t know, sir. All they said was they’ll return later and that we had to keep Daniel and Martouf alive by reminding them of their promise and using our healing techniques on them,” Jack’s voice, too, was devoid of emotion.
“I see,” said the General, although it was obvious he didn’t. Janet Fraiser was shouting orders as she looked at Daniel’s still, white face. She ran along side the gurney as they rushed him to the infirmary.
Four hours later, she walked to the group sitting quietly in the hall. “How are they?” Jack, was the first to ask.
“Martouf is in serious condition, borderline critical. We’re keeping him on fluids and antibiotics. He took a massive jolt of energy. His back is severely burned and there are internal injuries, and very severe bruising. I don’t know how he managed to stay conscious as long as he did. I have to assume that was Lantash’s doing.”
“The healers think that Lantash is exhausted by keeping Martouf going long enough to,” suddenly her voice halted for a moment. She cleared her throat, and taking a deep breath, she continued, “he’s exhausted by keeping Martouf conscious and functioning long enough to say good-bye to Sam. They also think he was pretty severely injured himself by the blast. They said he is simply too weak and injured to heal Martouf. They think that when they’ve managed to heal him, he will help with Martouf.”
“In the meantime, we’ll treat Martouf as we would any other human and hope he responds. They also think that if the Katteri hadn’t given them blood and supported their life-force, he would have died before they ever got back. He isn’t out of the woods yet, by any means, but we should know something within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. They are reminding him that he promised,” again, her voice sank to a whisper, and she cleared her throat, “that he promised Sam he’d live for her.”
Garshaw, Malek and Jacob looked stunned by the news. General Hammond grasped Jacob by the shoulder. “Jake. If there’s anything, anything at all, we can do. You know...”
“Thank you, General.” Selmak took over. I believe we will go sit with our son,” he cleared his voice, “when we have heard of Daniel Jackson and finished up with the details that we need to cover.”
Janet nodded and proceeded to explain. “Daniel was in surgery for a couple of hours. The knife made a mess of the muscles and did some other internal damage and well, anyway, it’s not good. The Katteri again did some healing and I know they gave him blood from the odd readings I’m getting. Some of them are similar,” again she paused to tighten her self-control, “are similar to Kataya’s. I assume the priestesses that were there did some work on them?”
“No.” Jack O’Neill spoke up. “No, they weren’t there. Thor took them when he took…when he took Carter and Kataya.”
“Thor took them?” General Hammond asked. “Why didn’t you tell us that before? If Thor took them, then…”
“I am sorry, GeneralHammond, but according to Lanwin, Thor would not be able to sustain a Katteri.” Teal’c spoke quickly, seeing the emotional stress on O’Neill’s face. He continued to explain what had happened.
“Lanwin transfused his father and Taesha did so for DanielJackson. And unless I am much mistaken Kataya also attempted some healing on DanielJackson as he held her, right before she,” Teal’c paused, and the muscle in his jaw hardened and jerked before he was able to continue. “Taesha did some healing also. Lanwin and Taesha were also quite insistent that their mothers’ final wishes be carried out.”
“Their mothers?” General Hammond asked.
“To Lanwin and Taesha, SamanthaCarter was their mother, too. She was their father’s mate, she experienced their birth and life through the link with Kataya, and she shared Kataya’s soul. To them, she was their mother.”
“It was obvious they wished to be with their mothers, but they stayed and completed their task before leaving for Avilion. They saw to it that their fathers and their mother’s Beloved survived, as they promised.” The muscles in Teal’c’s jaw jerked again as he controlled his emotions as he finished giving his information.
Recalling something else, he forced himself to continue, “They also insisted that someone stay with Martouf and Daniel constantly and remind them often of their promise to their mothers. They stressed this most intensely and insisted we promise to do this. I gave my word and if it is necessary I will stay with the two of them myself until they are out of danger.”
“We, also, will have someone stay at all times, Teal’c,” Garshaw spoke up. “If the Furlings stressed this, then it must be important.”
“I agree, Garshaw,” Dr. Fraiser said. “I’ll take the first shift with them. As soon as Daniel is out of recovery, I’ll have them moved in together. Did any of you hear the promises they made?”
Both Jack O’Neill and Teal’c said they had heard them. Jocasta surprised them by speaking up. “I, too, was in the courtyard as they were saying good-bye. I heard the promises,” She said.
Jacob looked at her with a haunted expression. “I heard it, too,” he said. She took his hand and pressed it warmly giving him her silent support.
Janet looked at Jocasta and said quietly, “Perhaps we could go into my office and you could repeat it for me so that I’ll know what to say to them. That may be important. I suggest that anyone sitting with them be told.”
Looking at the face of Jack O’Neill, she realized he was near the breaking point. He didn’t love Sam Carter in the way of a lover, but she was special to him and Daniel was more than special. He was closer than a brother. Daniel was his best friend, despite their differences. She sighed as she turned to the one person the least emotionally involved. Before she could say anything, Jocasta spoke up. “I am willing to take on that duty,” she said softly.
“Thank you.” She turned to Teal’c, and asked, “Teal’c why do you think that Kataya was healing Daniel as she…?” She stopped speaking and shook her head.
“I do not know how, but I became linked to Lanwin and Taesha as they spoke privately about what was happening. Perhaps Taesha forgot to shut the link down to me due to the stress. For whatever reason, it happened, and when Lanwin asked Taesha how their mother’s Beloved was she answered that he was very bad, but that her mother had healed him some as he held her and that she had placed as much of her own life-force at his center as she could. Lanwin replied that it would have made no difference as it was foretold in the prophecy that this would happen. Taesha then pointed out that the Tau’ri and the Tok’Ra had been unaware of that fact.”
“They discussed that they had been given the task of assuring that the mates of the Dragons survived. They mentioned that they would be returning to the world of the Tau’ri, but that in the meantime our healers would keep them [Daniel and their fathers] alive. If I understood correctly, they are at this time at Avilion, the Sanctuary. They mentioned binding Morgasha’s soul so that it could not come back to this plane of existence. It seems that Major Carter and Kataya were both aware that the prophecy foretold their deaths.”
Nodding her understanding of what Teal’c had said, Janet Fraiser turned to the others and said, “I suggest you all get some rest. I have a feeling the next few days are going to be very long. Are you ready, Jocasta?”
She was surprised when Daur’rin answered her, “Yes, Dr. Fraiser, I will come.” She said, in the soft voice that was always such a surprise in a Tok’Ra. “Just let me speak to my, that is to Jacob and Selmak for a moment, please.”
With a nod of assent, Janet said softly, “How about you come to my office in about fifteen minutes? That will give me time to change out of my scrubs and check on Daniel before we talk. And it’s Janet.”
Bowing her head, she said, “Janet. Thank you and I will be there promptly, I assure you.”
“All right. The rest of you go get cleaned up and then checked out before you get some sleep.” Turning, she walked away.
General Hammond turned to Jack and Teal’c, “Do you think you could give me a debrief, Colonel, Teal’c?”
Jack nodded and Teal’c replied, “Yes, General, whenever you wish, of course, but I wish to be available to sit with DanielJackson when I am needed.”
“Then let’s do it now. Garshaw, do you wish to come too?” General Hammond asked her.
“Yes, thank you, General, and I will ask one of our people to come also.”
“It will not be necessary to look for someone, Garshaw,” Selmak, spoke up. “We will come if it is to be soon. Brialek is still with our son and he is to be trusted completely.”
“I, too, am willing to attend if you wish,” Malek said, quietly. It would be better to have something to do than to sit in this hall, as he knew he would, and brood about Lantash, Martouf and Daniel Jackson.”
“Thank you, Malek, and by all means, please, do attend us,” she said. Turning to Selmak, she continued, “Come to the briefing room as soon as you and Daur’rin have finished your discussion.” She turned, leaving them some privacy, as she accompanied the General, Malek, Jack and Teal’c down the hall.
Selmak took Daur’rin’s hand in his. “Samantha Carter told me that we should cherish every moment we are allowed with everyone we love. She was speaking of our feelings for you and Jocasta, Daur’rin, and she was correct. Jacob and I should not have waited so long to tell you of our feelings for you. We have not treated you fairly and for that I apologize.”
“I understand, Selmak. Jacob is having some difficulty coming to terms with his feelings for his Tau’ri wife and those he has for us. We understand. He is afraid that Samantha will resent us taking her mother’s place.” She looked distressed at her use of the present tense. “I am sorry,” She gasped.
Jacob came forward and said, “You have no need to apologize. And Sam let me know, not at all subtly, that she approved of both of you. She liked you both very much and I,” he cleared his throat as the tears threatened, “I love you. I should have told you before, and if Sam was here, she’d read me the riot act for telling you for the first time in what amounts to a hospital hall. I should have told you both before this.”
Closing his eyes for a moment, he sighed. When he opened them, Selmak said, “I am sorry, but Jacob is having a very hard time right now, as I am sure you know, however he is berating me for what he calls avoidance. I, also, have deep feelings for the two of you, as I am quite sure you are aware. I believe it is love. Daur’rin, Jocasta, I hope to join you later at my son’s bedside.” He leaned forward and kissed them gently drawing comfort from their touch. He headed for the briefing room.
In the infirmary, the discussions were low-voiced between the Tau’ri and Tok’Ra that were recovering there. All had at least seen the amazing flashes of light that came from the courtyard during the battle. Many had actually seen part of the battle. Those who had been in a position to see it were still in shock. Things like that didn’t happen in real life, but if that was so, they had just lived a fantasy.
There was a feeling of mutual respect between the Tau’ri soldiers and the Tok’Ra warriors that had often been lacking. All had gained and all had lost in this exercise. Beautiful laughter was heard where there was none, and when they closed their eyes to sleep, they saw blue and violet eyes shining brightly as they worked tirelessly to train them to combat the Goa’uld. They could almost hear their voices telling them they could be proud of themselves and each other. They saw again the fluid movements and amazing power of the Katteri. They missed those members of their teams who had disappeared. They mourned the passing of the Major and the Warrior.
Lt. Simmons sat staring at the gate through the window. He’d never felt such disbelief. He looked over at Sgt Davis. He was staring at it, too. Suddenly the Sgt. turned to him. “I don’t believe she’s dead. I don’t believe they’re dead.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t believe it.”
Brialek used the healing device on Martouf and Lantash, again. He had first worked to contain the internal injuries that Martouf had so that they were no longer life threatening. He had not taken the time to completely heal them as Lantash was in truly critical condition, also. He was mostly using it to heal Lantash right now for his situation was the more critical of the two.
The Tau’ri’s medical practices, while in some ways primitive, were still sufficient to keep Martouf’s body functioning until they could get Lantash healed enough to help. And while passing through it to reach Lantash, the healing device was helping some on the burn. Soon it would be healed, he hoped. It was the easiest of all the injuries to heal.
They had laid Martouf on his side to give access to his back and Brialek leaned forward and whispered into his ear. “Lantash, Martouf, hear me. You will not fail your mate, the Blood of your Heart and you will not fail the adored one. You promised to survive and continue to fight the Goa’uld and you will do so. Your mates expect it and so do your children. You will not leave them, either.” He began the routine he had gotten into again. Healing device, and repeat promise. He would do it as many times as he had to. They would not fail in this.
General Hammond and Garshaw looked at O’Neill in disbelief. “Are you telling us that they actually did join each other? It was not just wording in the prophecy for them fighting together against her?” Garshaw asked.
O’Neill nodded. “Yeah, I thought the same thing, that they’d just help each other. Actually, at first something was wrong and Carter couldn’t seem to change.”
“She didn’t believe she had the power in her to do it,” Jacob spoke up from the door, as he entered the room. “Then she got angry enough to challenge the All when she realized that Kataya was going to die because she wasn’t becoming the Dragon of the Star. That’s when it happened and that’s when the whole outcome changed.”
He cleared his throat and then he said, “They were beautiful, weren’t they?” He clenched his jaw for a moment, and then continued, “After Sam manifested, Kataya worked her way over to her, they cut each other with their swords and mixed the blood, and the energy level increased by so much I couldn’t begin to try to guess the magnitude. The energy they contained and drew from the universe actually glowed around them.”
“In the end,” he stopped for a moment, and then continued, very softly, “In the end, Kataya harnessed both her power from the universe and the ability she had to capture and use the forces of nature. She hit Bastet with a blast that used almost all the energy she had. It left her with no defenses. She couldn’t even generate a shield around herself, but she was smiling because she knew they had won. As Bastet was dying, she threw the last of her very considerable energy at Kataya and Sam.” He drew a shaking breath, then said, “God, Sam stepped in front of Kataya, it caught them both, and it was enough to kill them. I think Sam tried to share her shield and it weakened hers to much and the shot got her, too.”
Teal’c was staring off into space, but he suddenly spoke up as Jacob finished. “It was meant to be. As they were dying, they joined hands, and their hands became as one. Their ribbon devices melded their hands together.”
“I didn’t see that, Teal’c, are you sure?” Jack asked.
“I saw it, too,” Jacob said. “I agree, Teal’c and I also agree that they were both aware that they were not going to survive.”
Jack looked from Teal’c to Jacob. “So basically Carter and Kataya went on a suicide mission and didn’t think it was something we should know.”
“What was the point in telling us, O’Neill? There was nothing we could do and it would have caused much pain for those they were leaving behind.”
“Whereas their suddenly dying wouldn’t cause pain,” Jack growled sarcastically.
“Those remaining behind have some very special memories instead of the dread of waiting for their deaths,” Teal’c responded, calmly.
Jacob looked at him for a moment. He thought of the last few weeks he’d spent with his daughter. He thought of the time Martouf and Lantash had spent with her. How happy they had all been even knowing what they were facing, and constantly having to practice, drill and train. He remembered the look he had often observed on Sam’s face, the pure love that shone from her eyes as she looked at her husbands and, he realized, at him, too. “Thank you Teal’c. What you say is very true. We all have some pretty special memories of the last few weeks.”
Teal’c bowed his head. Each person at the table sat in quiet contemplation, all of them remembering a moment or an event in which Sam and Kataya had played a part that for them would live on in their memories forever.
General Hammond cleared his throat, and said, “I think that unless you have some questions, Master Garshaw, that I have nothing else that I need to know right now.”
“I believe that is all for myself also, General.”
“In that case, we’ll adjourn. Those of you that were in the battle today, get cleaned up, let the medical staff check you out and if you can, get some rest. I’m going to go see our wounded and any other of our people who are around the base and talk to them about the exemplary job they all did today. And then, I’m going to go sit with Dr. Jackson and Martouf.”
Garshaw stood and placed her hand on the General’s arm. “If you do not mind, George, I also feel the need to talk to both my people, and those of the Tau’ri, who also risked their lives for all of us, Tok’Ra and Tau’ri alike, today.”
Looking down at her, General Hammond smiled slightly and offered his arm with old world charm and courtesy. “I’d be delighted if you would accompany me, ma’am,” he said, as they walked out the door.
Although the room was soon empty, it remained warm with the embers of a friendship that was learning, through death, how to live on.