Always Forgiven, Never Forgotten | By : A.K.O.Shifting-Shadow Category: Stargate: SG-1 > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1205 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1. I make no profit posting this story. Any relation to person/s or place/s real or imagined is purely coincidental. |
"Symbiote speaking." I'm using bold to represent the echoing voice symbiotes have when they speak.
"Host speaking."
-Symbiote speaking to host.-
Host speaking to symbiote.
"Alien telepathy…"
Chapter Eleven: Related?
Louis stepped onto the metal ramp and walked down with Feodore and Matthews on either side of him. “General Hammond may I introduce Feodore, who has been chosen as ambassador for his people.”
“Welcome Feodore.” The man greeted warmly. “What brings you back early, Major Ferretti?”
“I have fantastic news, sir.” Louis told the man. “Please prepare Kawalsky and bring him to us and redial the planet we’ve just come from.”
“You’ve found…”
“Yes.” Louis answered not waiting for the general to finish. “I want to get it done as soon as possible.”
“Of course. Of course.” Hammond replied. “But first you need to be checked out in the infirmary, we have to make sure you have not bought anything through.”
“Of course.” Louis replied before turning to Feodore. “Remember what I told you, that we had to do many tests?” He asked. Feodore nodded indicating that he remembered. “Well these tests are uncomfortable but they are important, they are our way of checking that nothing bad or contagious has come through the gate.”
“Of course, I understand.” Feodore replied gently. “Lead the way.” He told Louis and gestured for Louis to lead them off the ramp. Louis did so with a smile and even went first allowing Doctor Fraiser to take a blood test with Feodore watching. The man flinch as he saw the needle go into the vein but when he saw that Louis did not flinch or make a sound of complaint he relaxed and obligingly allowed the doctor to conduct her tests. “Where next?” Feodore asked as he pressed the cotton bud to his elbow, his voice was a bit unstable indicating his nerves.
“We go for a debriefing.” Louis stated gently holding Feodore’s arm to support the man and give him comfort. “You’ll meet Kawalsky and then we can head back.”
“And what about this?” The man asked indicating his elbow.
“It will be a little sore for a little while but it will heal and be alright later.” Louis stated. “I’ve had loads and so has everyone here in the base. We need to, to ensure that no viruses, no illnesses have been bought back from other planets.” He explained as he led the man up the stairs and to the briefing room.
Kawalsky was already there and greeted them warmly; they could all see the eagerness in his face. “Please tell me this is no lie Ferretti. Tell me that I’m getting this thing out of me.”
“You’re getting that thing out of you.” Louis vowed.
“How?” Hammond asked.
“That I can’t answer, sir.” Louis replied. “Whatever they do is very ceremonial and personal to them, however they’ve agreed to help us with future infestations, if we need that help. I’m hoping we won’t.”
“As am I, son.” Hammond replied. “Do you know anything about this ritual?”
“Other than it works? No sir… I am hoping that I might be able to witness it but I am unsure…” Louis replied. “They’ve asked for just myself, Kawalsky and Feodore to return. Matthews will be able to return as well but they’ve asked only us three to travel to them for the ritual or whatever it is.”
“Who are them?”
“Some very powerful natives.” Louis replied. “But I cannot answer any more than that at the moment. I’m sorry sir.”
Hammond frowned. “And how certain are you that this ceremony works?”
“Absolutely sure, sir. I’ve seen some crazy things sir and I can say with absolutely say with certainty that if they cannot help Kawalsky then no one can…” Louis told the man. “Trust me sir.”
“Kawalsky.” Hammond asked the man in question.
“I want to go sir… I want to try…” Kawalsky replied. “I’d rather do something and try to fight this thing then let it take control.”
“Very well. I give you leave to return to the planet with Kawalsky.” Hammond told them. “You have twenty minutes to prepare.”
“We won’t need all that time.” Kawalsky replied. “Give me five and I’ll be in the embarkation room.” He told everyone.
“Very well. Be prepared to travel off world within the next ten minutes.” Hammond told them. “Dismissed.”
Louis stood and followed the excited Kawalsky with Feodore walking beside him. “That was a rather quick… debriefing.”
“General Hammond is just as eager to get the parasite out of Kawalsky.” Louis told the man. “He cares for the men under his command and he hated the fact he could do nothing to help Kawalsky.”
“Is that his name?”
“You mean General Hammond?”
“Yes and what is Kowalksi’s?”
“Kawalsky’s.” Louis corrected. “The Generals name is George, George Hammond and Kawalsky’s name is Charles Kawalsky. We address people with the last names out of respect.”
“What is your last name?”
“Ferretti. My full name is Louis Ferretti. You heard the General call me by my title Major Ferretti. Major indicates my rank. Kawalsky is also a Major. General Hammond indicates that he is superior to us.”
“So General means he is a ‘higher rank’?”
“Yes.”
“So are you the guy who is going to save my ass?” Kawalsky asked as he opened his locker to change.
“No.” Louis replied. “He is friends with the people we will be going to see.” Louis explained. “I will tell you everything once we’re on the other side.”
-Are you sure that’s wise?-
He’ll see who they are anyway when they help him.
-I suppose so…- Malek murmured.
Kawalsky seemed to bounce back out of the changing room and race to the embarkation room, the guards they past were snickering with amusement and Kawalsky didn’t even snap at them because he was much more excited about getting the creature out of him.
Feodore watched and listened to the chevron’s locking with fascination and Louis chuckled as Malek complained once more about the needless protocol. “Major Ferretti, Major Kawalsky. Good luck.” Kawalsky waved a hand and led the way up the ramp and through the blue wormhole. Feodore, Louis and Matthews landed behind him and greeted the gathered Greeks.
“We do not have much time.” Feodore stated. “Bring us three horses; we must ride for the great mountains immediately.”
“Of course.” Theon replied. “We have already prepared the horses and have supplied food and drink for the long journey.” He replied as a young teen pulled three of the mighty beasts towards them. Fortunately Sarina was amongst those horses and Louis quickly claimed her as his own.
“Er... are you sure these animals are safe.” Kawalsky asked.
“Be assured that the horse will not harm you, besides this is the fastest way to where we need to go.” Feodore told the man before helping the man mount the black stallion. Once all three were mounted, Louis and Kawalsky waved to Matthews and followed Feodore as he led them away.
“So how far is these mountains we are travelling to?” Kawalsky asked.
“It takes the better part of a day, but it will be worth it.” Louis told the man. The man nodded with agreement and eagerness, happily going quiet. I wonder if he is imagining freedom from that parasite.
-I have no doubt that he is.- Malek replied. –I… it must be difficult for him to know it is there and hear its dark thoughts.-
It must be. I am very fortunate that I am not in his situation… if you had not taken me as a host that day… I shudder to think…
-I am also glad you’re not a Goa’uld host.- Malek replied. –Kawalsky however was not so lucky. That parasite will be mature soon and then sedating it won’t work… it will take control.-
This is why we need this to work. Louis told Malek. “Are you alright, Charles?”
“I’m okay, just not used to so much physical work after lazing about for so long.” The man replied looking very tired.
“Perhaps we should rest and allow you to recuperate.” Feodore suggested.
“No. I want to keep going.” Kawalsky replied firmly.
“Then how about you give me the reins and I’ll pull the animal up whilst you rest on its back.” Louis suggested. Kawalsky looked like he would protest but he realised he was too tired to argue so instead he handed the reins over to Louis. Louis tied them around the saddle and watched Kawalsky grip his own saddle to secure himself.
“Are you alright?” Feodore asked Louis. “Would you like me to take the reins?”
“No its fine.” Louis replied. “I’m alright.” A glance back told them that Kawalsky was fine as well, though the man was obviously a little sleepy judging from the way his head kept dropping. “I hope they can help.”
“If they say they can help then they can.” Feodore replied. “They are strong and powerful, they will help your friend.” He promised.
-I’m sure they can help.- Malek stated. –We must trust them.-
I know but Kawalsky’s freedom rests on their ability to remove the thing inside of him. Louis replied. I just… I hope…
-Kawalsky’s trust is not misplaced. We are doing our best and that is what counts….- Malek told his host gently.
“Your trust in us is not misplaced. We will heal him. Bring him to us.” Feodore must have heard them as well because he kicked his mare into a canter leading the way to the top of the mountain. The creatures were there already waiting. The moment they approached the strange humanoids grabbed the horses reins from their hands and began leading them down into the valley. The trees were filled with these strange four armed people, many hung from branches with their top arms their lower arms either dangled or crossed.
-So there was another secret civilisation hidden here.- Malek thought. – I wonder how these people came to be?-
They could be your ancestors…
-Well…- Malek thought searching his memory. –Legend speaks of our ancestors dying. They sought ways to save their lives but Ra led the way by becoming a parasite and proving the best way to survive was to take a host.-
The best way?
-Unfortunately I cannot answer if it was the best way, I can only live how my biology dictates and now I can only live within a host. How this came to be I do not know. However these people could have been the ancestors who found a way to survive without taking a host or they could be the species my kind are derived from.-
I guess we will not know…
-No, there are many tales about our past but I do not know the truth… Our queen, the great mother Egeria, blessed us with her memories but I cannot see any signs of that particular part of our past.- Malek told his host. –Perhaps these people know of their creation, of their past and can tell us what happened, if they are indeed related to my kind.-
It would be interesting to know if they know the truth…
-Yes, indeed.- Malek replied. –It would be good to learn about my people’s ancestry. What led Ra and others like him to take this form and take a host? I only know that it was a disease that was slowly destroying our ancestors, but what was the disease, was it made by themselves or did it occur naturally?-
Fascinating… Louis replied honestly. I have to admit that I could never imagine your people ‘before’ you became what you are. I guess I’m just so used to seeing you as what you are. And then there is the size difference, if you were once humanoid like these creatures, the change must have been amazing or excruciating…
-Hmm…- Malek replied in silent agreement. –I wonder how we changed into what we are…- He murmured.
Louis focused outwards when the horses finally stopped moving. They had approached a massive cliff, a shallow cave was dug into the side of the cave and homes were built from stone in the shade that the cliff top supplied. The homes were close together and were rather quaint. Families of these creatures stared from rooftop doors and windows, a large group gathered around a fire in front of them stood as Kawalsky, Feodore and Louis dismounted.
An aged creature approached, his black skin was dusky from wear and tear and was slightly looser than his fellow creatures, only his red eyes remained untouched by time, and they shone as brightly as gem stones with a wisdom only a long-lived species could possess. “You bring the human possessed by that which is evil.” The creature asked, its voice whilst quiet was also commanding and Louis and Malek felt the urge to remain quiet and respectful.
“Yes.” Feodore answered indicating to Kawalsky.
“Bring him to me and lay him before the fire.” The elderly creature demanded. Two larger creatures immediately gripped Kawalsky’s arms and escorted him to where the elderly creature had pointed, laying the human down before the fire. Kawalsky looked decidedly nervous and Louis remembered something. I promised to tell him where we were going but I didn’t. He has no clue what these creatures are.
-I forgot as well, beloved.- Malek replied. –Hopefully these creatures are soothing him and letting him know what is happening. He is not panicking yet… he just looks nervous.-
I will have to apologise later.
-We both will.- Malek replied. –I am as guilty as you.- He explained. –I should have remembered…-
You were as desperate to get him here as I was. He was suffering and we wanted it out of him and in our hurry we forgot to tell him. He will understand when we finally tell him.
-Of course.- Malek replied.
“The ceremony is ready to be performed.” The elderly creature stated. “You must stay here.” He told them as a large number of elderly creatures gathered around Kawalsky. The man was covered with some kind of sheet, Louis, Feodore and Malek could not see what was happening, could only hear chanting. The eldest creature stood in the centre of the group, his voice echoed loudest amongst the chanting as he pulled a jagged blade from one of the many sheathes around his body. Louis’s breath hitched as the man dropped down to where Kawalsky’s body lay. There was screaming and Malek had to take control to prevent Louis from trying to race forward. The scream was loud and shrill yet it could not be mistaken for a woman’s scream, it was clearly a man’s.
The scream turned into a mighty shrieking squeal as the elderly creature rose back up with the ugly beast in one of its four hands. It held the hand holding the beast high above its head and the creatures cheered as one, the chanting increased and the creatures started banging whatever they could reach as the elderly creature waved the beast around and then suddenly it broke the creature’s neck and tore it into two pieces which it held apart above its head. Blue blood dripped down on to its dusky black skin and the massive crowd cheered.
That was rather brutal…Malek did not reply, instead he shivered thanking to whoever was listening that these creatures did not want him dead. Eerie silence followed as the blood soaked elder bent down and proceeded to do something with Kawalsky. The chanting continued but it was notably quieter and softer. Finally the crowd dispersed and Malek could finally approach. The elder glanced up as he tucked Kawalsky in. “The human was strong. He fought long and hard, it was an honour to finally free such a strong warrior. The physical wounds are healing but it may take some time for your Kawalsky to return to us.” The elder informed them. “Come, symbiote. We have much to discuss.”
“I do not understand.”
“You have a desire to learn and to listen. You are unique amongst your kind, different. If you had not been your death would have been swift.” The creature informed them. “Firstly I must ask you not to call me creature, I am Ma’shik, elder of the Guardian clan.”
“Guardian Clan?”
“My race welcomed your ‘Greeks’ to our world and we chose to protect them but some decided to leave them be. There are many clans including what you would call the ‘Clan of Shadows’. We are known to your host’s species as the protectors and Guardians as that is what we have become, guardians to the humans we share our world with.” Ma’shik told them. “You are Malek of the Tok’ra. Are you not?”
“I am Malek of the Tok’ra.” Malek agreed.
“The Tok’ra are different from the Goa’uld and yet both your species are tied to the same basic needs. The need to have a host. Your kind however fight for the freedom of all from the Goa’uld and you call your brethren parasites. Why? Does their biological need for hosts disgust you? Do you hate yourself?”
“No, I hate their treatment of others. They believe they are superior, more intelligent and that everyone else is inferior. Because they believe everyone, everything else is inferior they believe that they as superior beings have the right to own everything and everyone. They do not have this right… I believe in freedom for all. As do my people.”
“And yet you desire hosts.”
“If my host did not want me with him I would gladly take a new willing host or die.” Malek told the creature with anger at the implication. How dare this being compare him to those monsters, he was nothing like them.
Easy Malek… he’s just testing you, trying to see why you are different from them… remember they can only see how biologically close you are to your cousins, your answers show them the difference between Goa’uld and Tok’ra.
-I know beloved, but just the idea… the Goa’uld harm their hosts, crush their minds and make them suffer out of spite and pleasure… I could never…would never!-
And they know this… they want you to rant and rave about the injustice of it all, they want to see your passion for being different, better than your cousins. Prove to them that your far more respectful and understanding. Prove to them you’re not like them, answer their questions.
Malek sighed. “I admit my joining with my current host was not the traditional Tok’ra way. We ask to join with a host if they do not accept us we accept death willingly. Louis was unconscious and my previous host was dying. She begged me to save his life and I did so. I would have willing left and died after I got my host to safety but Louis chose to accept me despite our first joining. If he asked now I would willingly die.”
But I would not ask… Louis replied. You’re mine now..
-As you are mine.- Malek replied fondly. “Does this answer your question?”
“Yes, it has answered many. When the younglings came to me and proclaimed that your joining was of two equal souls and not a master and slave relationship, I did not believe. But I have witnessed for myself the joining you share, hear your thoughts and feel the love you share for one another. I have never seen or felt such things…” Ma’shik told them. “You’ve given an old man much to think on. Perhaps not all Goa’uld are as evil as we originally believed. It appears that even as an old man, I have much to learn.”
“Age does not always bring ultimate wisdom.” Malek told the man. “I myself had lived many ages and yet have learned very little. There is so much out there to understand that it would take many hundreds of thousands of life times to understand even half of what is out there.”
“Very true, young one, very true. Even I with my long years have yet to learn all I wished to have known.” Ma’shik replied. “Come sit with me child and I shall share tales with you about my people as you will share yours.” Malek nodded agreeably and joined the man in a secluded area, it was obviously semi private for it was a small room hidden in the shadows with small pillows for seating. Malek delicately sat down across from the old man and leaned forward interesting in hearing the old man’s tales. “Many ages ago, there were three great races. The Unas, the Goa’uld and the Hive.”
-‘The Hive’ must refer to their ancestors and their unique way of telepathically communicating.- Malek told his host.
“Indeed, that was what we were known for. What one knew, we all knew. What one saw, we all saw and so on and so forth.” Ma’shik answered not even pretending that he had not heard Malek’s spoken thoughts. “Each race was unique and powerful in their own way. My kind have not changed at all, our basic body shape that you see before you was so well created that we could thrive by land and sea. The Unas, also known as the first one’s by the Goa’uld were more adapted to live upon the land and the Goa’uld were more adapted to the sea. We lived in relative peace because we lived far apart and there was rarely competition for food. But then the great mourning came…”
“The Great Mourning?” Malek asked curiously.
“It was the many days of death, my child.” Ma’shik replied. “Bodies of our Goa’uld cousins washed up onto our shores. They were often deformed and diseased. Whatever affected our water bound cousins did not affect us, but many Goa’uld would die, until our shores were littered with their rotting corpses. That is when the Great War began. The Goa’uld believed that we and the Unas were somehow responsible and so declared war upon us. It was a slaughter.”
-The Goa’uld were already dying… and with us killing them they were beginning to become…extinct.-Malek thought. –How close were we from not existing?-
“Very close.” Ma’shik replied. “But we restrained ourselves and only killed those we had to…we are not heartless murderers. But even with our restraint many Goa’uld died from the plague and at the hands of the Unas. The tale that has been passed from mind to mind, from song to song begins to fade in this part of our history. The Goa’uld vanished for many, many years. But when they emerged to meet the eyes of our ancestors they were much changed. Their bodies were smaller but stronger. They were still able to live without hosts but the disease still existed. In fact the tales speak of the disease evolving and becoming more devastating.”
-Is it still around today?- Malek wondered curiously. –Do we need to fear this…plague?-
I don’t know… it could be what is keeping you evolving back into your ancestral forms and it could be keeping your species reliant on hosts…Louis replied. Or it could have disappeared long ago but left your DNA irreparable. It could have secured your species form so you can never evolve and become ‘independent.’
-Perhaps… though I must say I don’t feel much sadness if that is the case. If I was not in this form and did not require a host I would not have met the universes most beautiful people. Nor would I have experienced or learned so much…-
I must admit that I don’t feel sad, either. I’ve grown accustomed to you.
-I love you too, Mer Prinekh.-
I love you too. Louis replied shyly.
“The disease ate away at their very bodies, killing them from the inside out. Our tales and the ancient memories of our ancestors show their physical bodies becoming smaller and smaller, yet their minds grew beyond the physical limits. They found the technology of the ancients and learned to use it. They captured many of the hive and Unas and did things that we do not speak of. The last straw was their next actions… they dared to take a hive member as a host. Our great essence easily overpowered the creatures mind and destroyed it in our brother’s body. The una’s however did not have any resistance and we could not aid them for our great unity would have destroyed their primitive minds. They became hosts and the second of the great wars begun where we were forced to fight our possessed brethren. But we found out in a short amount of time that we could ‘focus’ our will onto paralysing our evil brethren and freeing the unas. We did so and with the aid of the ancients we relocated many of the unas and ourselves. Our people left the Goa’uld alone after this and the last we heard of was Ra, one of our evil brethren had left to search for a potential cure.”
So…
-We… we were never told this.- Malek thought. –To think that we did that to our own brethren…-
Remember Malek that you were not born… you and the Tok’ra did not do this. You are the children of them but just because their blood flows through your veins, does not make you evil.- Louis told Malek logically. To hold those creatures actions against you would be ‘evil’ for you are clearly not evil, Malek. You are forced to take hosts by biological needs and even then you’d rather kill yourself than take an unwilling host… you are nothing like them.
-Thank you, beloved… I was very upset for a moment… to think that I’m related to those who’d harm their own brothers…-
But you already knew this. The Goa’uld, the modern ones are your brothers and you see how evil they are… you could have been like them but you’re not. Do not even think about it… do not even imagine the possibility of being like them. You are not like them and that is all you need to know and remember.
-You are correct.- Malek thought. –Forgive me for allowing my upset to overcome me.-
You do not need forgiveness, you have every right to be upset about what your ancestors did. Just remember that they were your ‘ancestors’, they do not control you and they never have. You have the choice to be different and you are. Egeria made the choice to be different even though she was born Goa’uld. Your mother was strong and you are strong, just like her Malek. She’d be very proud of you and your brethren.
-Thank you Mer Prinekh.- Malek replied softly hugging his host’s spine and mind. Louis rarely spoke so passionately but when he did he made Malek’s heart melt at the love and affection he projected. The man may have been unwilling at first, but Malek could never regret blending with him.
“Your host is right Malek. Your fore-fathers actions do not dictate how you live. You are just like the Goa’uld were described in our tales before the beginning of the divide of our races. They were wise and shared with us. They cared much for their people and ancestry, the Goa’uld that followed their forbearers bought shame upon the Goa’uld name, we never thought we would see the pride and wisdom in your species again. We are glad to have met you and hope to meet many more of your people, the Tok’ra.”
“I’m sure my people would be honoured to meet you and listen to the tales you have to tell.” Malek replied. “I am honoured by what you have shared with me. I have to admit I always feared that my people were unique and outcasts, to know that our ancestors were once wise and peaceful gives me hope to the future.”
“Yes. Perhaps one day your people, the Tok’ra will help make your kind great again.” Ma’shik replied with a warm smile that showed his many sharp and pointy teeth. “What does Tok’ra mean, my child?”
“Ra, was the one who first began taking unwilling human hosts. Our queen Egeria chose not to follow Ra’s path. She hated the cruelty inflicted on the innocent people and spoke to her hosts. Whilst she could not give them control for fear of Ra knowing she was not like him, she made her host as happy and as comfortable as possible. She birthed the Tok’ra movement, with means Against Ra. For we are against Ra and what he stands for.”
“So your name literally means you are against Ra and therefore the Goa’uld ideology that all humanoids belong to them?”
“Yes.” Malek replied simply. “We are not like them, so we make sure we’re not like them. We dislike being called Goa’uld because that implies we are like them. We may be biologically identical but our minds are different… “
“Of course, being related to such cruel beings would make anyone cringe… we ourselves were ashamed when we met the Goa’uld many years after the divide, as it is known. They arrived with the humans you called Greeks. We were unsure of whether to help when we heard their minds. Some were crying out for help but many had sacrificed themselves to protect the others and were trying to hurt and manipulate the creatures in their minds. They were strong, worthy allies.” Ma’shik told them. “We chose to aid and free them and since that day we have lived alongside one another, we do not regret the day we saved these people. In fact we rejoice it and celebrate with the Greeks on those days of freedom.”
“I can understand why.” A weak voice replied. Malek turned to see Kawalsky being escorted towards them by another of the hive. He was weak on his legs and Malek was surprised that the hive had allowed him to move at all.
“Your friend would not rest until he had seen you.” Ma’shik answered the silent question. “We believe he would rest easier within your company.”
“Thank you for freeing me.” Kawalsky stated politely. “I think I was told you’re the one who…”
“I am the one who took the beast from your mind and freed you.” Ma’shik replied. “Sit. Sit.” Kawalsky was carefully lowered onto a cushion beside Malek where he leaned back, lightly panting. “Rest, young one, you will need to gather your strength and heal from your ordeal.” The elderly hive member instructed. Kawalsky did not argue merely leaned back leaning against the wall and closing his eyes. “Your hosts’ species are very stubborn.”
“Yes. They are.” Malek replied in agreement with an amused smile.
Hey!
“I can see that they will be a strong, formidable race when the time comes.” Ma’shik added. “But for now, they must learn to listen and be taught.”
“Louis and the people he works for are wise, they are willing to learn and listen. Unfortunately they are not the… ‘The top dogs’ they have to answer to people more superior to them. Unfortunately these ‘higher ups’ are not so open-minded. But perhaps in time they will learn.”
“Let us hope so.” Kawalsky muttered indicating that he was not asleep.
It will take a long time to teach them…
-But we have that time, dear host… you shall live longer than any human with me by your side.. My oldest host lived for over four centuries before succumbing to age.-
Four centuries!
-Yes dear host, but many hosts can and have lived longer than this… however even they in time succumb to age. Without the sarcophagus, we cannot prolong your lives indefinitely.- Malek told his host. –We do not use the sarcophagus because we believe it takes the goodness out of our hearts.-
Of course, but four centuries… that is a long time.
-Not for a symbiote.- Malek told his host. –I am over a thousand years old my love and if war does not touch me, it will be a long time before I die. Many of the original Goa’uld who founded our race still live. You saw for yourself, Ra, who was many times my age and yet he looked untouched by time, mostly thanks to the sarcophagi but mostly because our species live very, very long lives.-
So…I’m going to live…
-Four hundred or more years longer than your peers.-
It would have been nice to have been told all this…
-I just have…- Malek replied amused. Louis sighed, his mind mentally shaking in annoyance but Malek could feel the amusement of his host.
Anything else you want to inform me?
-Er….- Malek thought. –You won’t ever become sick because I will chase everything off naturally, you only need to worry about physical wounds for the most part… You will live an un-naturally long life compared to your species… you will have much knowledge at your every thought and you shall have to share your mind with me for the rest of your un-naturally long life… no I think that’s it… I’ve told you everything…-
Are you sure?
-Yes… I’m… I’m sure.- Malek replied.
You sound hesitant… are you really sure?
-I’m sure.- Malek replied more confidently. He chuckled as he felt Louis’s suspicion but the host went quiet apparently content with Malek’s answer.
“The bond your host and you share is very unique. I have not seen or felt anything quite like it.” Ma’shik murmured after a few moments. “It feels… beautiful… peaceful and so much more… Please tell us how you met...”
“It is not my proudest moment…” Malek warned. “Whilst I had good reasons for my actions I behaved no better than a Goa’uld… I am ashamed by my actions.”
“And yet it is you shame for conducting those actions that makes you better than the Goa’uld.” Ma’shik replied. “Tell us your tale. We will not judge.”
-Do you wish to begin first? To tell him a little bit about what went on, after all were your people not the ones to set the explosion off. I was not aware of the bomb until it was over…-
Yes it might be a good idea for me to speak first. Louis replied agreeably. Malek handed control back over to his host and relaxed against his host’s spine. “Ma’shik.”
“Louis.” The creature replied. “Please tell us your part of the tale.”
“Very well…I guess it starts a while back… My people sent me, Kawalsky and a load of other humans to another planet through the gate. We believed at the time that Abydos was the only place the gate could connect to. Our superiors decided to destroy the planet for one reason or another… and we were sent to carry out their orders. We took a device that could blow up and damage a lot of the planet. The plan was simple, go through the gate, and set the bomb, escape and ‘wave the planet goodbye’.”
“You would destroy another planet and the life on it from fear?” Ma’shik asked, disgust clear in his voice.
“I was told to do my job and at the time, disobedience was not an option. I knew no better, but Malek eventually set me right.” Louis admitted.
“Very well, please continue.” Ma’shik answered.
“Well the moment we arrived on the planet it all went wrong.” Louis continued. “Half our team went off to scout the area and they came across people. At the time we thought the world uninhabited. But we still believed we had a job to do so we carried on regardless. But then Ra appeared and began taking us as hostages. I was one of the first… when he saw me, he knew we were different from the people of Abydos and decided to make me a host and send me back to my world where I would begin to infiltrate and weaken my world’s government. I was taken to an implantation room where there were many young Goa’uld. I do not know how much time past but suddenly an explosion rocked the ship. The glass cracked, water spilled, parasites squirmed on the floor and my Jaffa guards died from the flying glass shards. I was hit, as was my fellow female prisoner…. Everything went black…”
-This is where I come in.- Malek thought as he took control with Louis’s silent permission.
“I was inside the female prisoner. I was sent to infiltrate Ra’s fleet but Ra knew immediately that I was Tok’ra. He sent me to the implantation room. The plan was to remove me and put a Goa’uld in my place to infiltrate the Tok’ra. The explosion impaled my host with glass and she was dying. She saw Louis and knew he would be saved. She begged me to save him, but he was not conscious for me to ask him. I wanted to die with her, but she guilt tripped me into saving him, telling me I could not let an innocent die. So I made a choice. I left her and took him as my host. I watched the light fade from her eyes as I slowly began to heal my host… I healed him but when he awoke he wasn’t very appreciative…”
Louis took control here to continue the story. “I thought all symbiotes were the same, I could not accept that Malek was different, I could not believe it. I saw only what I wanted to see. That a being had taken my body and was holding me prisoner. Malek was actually trying to get me home because I was too weak and panic stricken. He got me home and offered to sacrifice himself, but by then I realised that he truly was unlike the Goa’uld and I couldn’t let him kill himself, not after he sacrificed his last host and saved me. I agreed to be his host until we reached the Tok’ra… but over the few years we were together, we bonded… now I could not see myself apart from him. He is a part of me.” Louis told Ma’shik. “Malek may have done an ‘evil’ act by taking me as an unwilling host, but he had good reason to. I forgave him long ago, but he still hates himself for what he had done.”
“But if he had not done what he had done you’d both be dead.”
“Exactly.” Louis cried out in reply. “How can I hate the little guy after he saved my life? He is my little hero and a really good friend. But he won’t listen to reason… and the simple reason for why he won’t listen is because their basic rule says ‘no taking unwilling hosts’ but I’m sure there are exceptions to those rules.”
“There should be… whilst in any other occasion that act may be classed as evil, Malek did indeed have justifiable reasons for what he did. There was no evil thoughts dictating his actions, he did what he did to save you. To save the person who could be saved. He is brave and courageous.” Ma’shik replied.
-Thank you.- Malek mumbled in reply, still not pleased with his actions, but hearing his praise spoken aloud by his host and the great creature across from them made his small heart swell with pride. –I’m glad my previous actions have never tainted your thoughts of me, Mer Prinekh.- He confessed, Louis had never once used their first joining against him when the host was angry, in fact Louis hardly thought of it at all.
I would never judge you for that, Malek. I know now that you had good reasons to do what you did. If you had not taken me as a host I’d be a Goa’uld right now infiltrating the SGC. I don’t even want to think of the damage I would be doing… Louis mentally shuddered at this. I owe you a great debt.
-You owe me nothing.- Malek replied. –It is I who owe you for allowing me to remain as your symbiote.-
You owe me nothing either. Louis replied with a smile. What is done is done. There are no debts to be owed. They’ve all been repaid in one way or another. All is forgiven and forgotten. Louis told his host.
-I can forgive but I can never forget, my beloved.- Malek told his host.
Try… remember that you did what you have done for good reasons. I know you well now Malek, I should because we’ve been joined for a few years now, you always think about every possibility before you act. You would never jump head first into a situation. You did what you did for good reason and don’t let anyone else convince you otherwise. Not even your fellow Tok’ra. Louis told Malek determinedly.
-I will not allow them to judge me.- Malek promised his host. –They will either listen and understand, or we will return to your people. I would not deny my loyalty to the Tok’ra but if they will not listen to reason, then I have no choice but to leave them until such a time as they learn and realise the truth.-
Good… Louis told Malek. If they judge, just wait until they realise the truth. And if they do not, be happy in the knowledge that you never betrayed them and even then, when your with us at the SGC you will still be Tok’ra. You will still be fighting for your brethren and for the freedom of all hosts. Malek hugged his host’s spine more tightly and once again thanked whoever was listening for blessing him with such a wonderful, compassionate host.
“I’m sure your brethren will listen to reason, Malek.” Ma’shik stated. “At first I was concerned when you told me you had conducted an act of evil, but when you told me of your actions I saw the acts of a hero. If the Tok’ra do not see this, then they have much to learn and if they cannot see the bond you and your host share, then they are blind.”
-Thank you.- Malek mumbled again, not quite comfortable with the praise he was being blessed with.
“Such a shy creature.” Ma’shik stated.
“Malek is not normally this shy.” Louis told the hive member. “I don’t think he is used to such praise…” He told the creature. “I’m not sure why. He is brilliant.” Louis stated. “He is so intelligent and wise, on top of that he is open-minded and willing to listen to all sides. How can such a creature not be praised?” Ma’shik smiled approvingly at this, enjoying the passion and love the host was projecting to his symbiote.
“I can speak for Louis there.” Feodore stated as he appeared. “I have spoken to Malek and I see not a beast of evil, but a creature that is good and passionate. He cares about his host very much and I know Louis cares just as much for Malek.” Feodore informed Ma’shik. “I see Malek to be a part of Louis, I love them both and I intend not only to court Louis but Malek as well.”
-Holy…Egeria! He likes me too!-
That is good isn’t it…
-Yes but I wasn’t expecting a human to love me…-
Because of what you look like?
-Yes, my natural appearance can be off-putting to many. Most hosts love other hosts because no one else can love a symbiote, only another host will care for us. I’ve even known symbiotes to hide and pretend they don’t exist when their hosts go back to their home worlds to those they love.-
That’s wrong… both host and symbiote should experience love… if anyone could not accept you, then they don’t accept me. It is as simple as that.
“I must once again mention how amazing your bond is.” Ma’shik murmured. “I have never… your love for each other is unmistakable.”
“I do love him. I’m glad Feodore accepts Malek as much as he accepts me.” Louis told the creature. “Malek is a part of me. I’d never choose someone else over him. I would never have him hide just so I can love someone… If they can’t accept him, well, their gone… I don’t want to know them.” Ma’shik bowed his head in agreement.
“Of course I would love Malek, I have seen the bond you share first hand.” Feodore replied. “How can I dislike or hate Malek when he is clearly a very passionate and loving being. I accept you both, if you will have me.”
-Well I’d like to try… he is a very caring man.-
I am seeing the ‘real’ him more and more.
-Yes, he may be a very powerful man, but he is also a very loving man. He will be an amazing mate to us, if you choose to accept, my love.-
I think I will. I am growing to love him…
-I can see why…- Malek replied referring to the man’s passion rather than his physique.
“I…” Louis began shyly but did not know how to begin.
“Louis is indeed learning to love you.” Ma’shik cut in. “But it will take much time for him to become adjusted to ‘love’, I sense he has not much experience.”
“I’ve never been with a man before.” Louis admitted shyly, a small blush colouring his cheeks before Malek could prevent it.
“Then we will take it slow.” Feodore promised, not at all upset with Louis. Louis smiled a small, shy smile in reply before looking away, embarrassed at having done such a thing in front of witnesses.
-Adorable…- Malek mumbled.
Malek! Louis protested, Malek just sniggered without replying.
Ma’shik chuckled and despite his rather frightening appearance, the chuckle was warm and inviting. “Our deal is now done. We have saved your Kawalsky and taught your symbiote its history, in return you have told us much and we are grateful.” He stated. “I hope our alliance will continue to flourish, but I must ask that our kind never be revealed. Feodore will be our… representative. We will speak to your people through him.”
“I’m not sure my people would approve… but they don’t know you exist, they will believe you to be some humans hidden somewhere else on the planet. I will not tell them the truth.” Louis vowed. “You’ve put your trust in me and I will not break that trust.” He promised.
“Then the deal is made.” Ma’shik replied. “This is much cause for celebration! Stay and enjoy our hospitality!”
Louis looked to Kawalsky. “I don’t think I’d make the ride back to the gate.” The man confessed. “Besides I’d like to get to know a little about the creatures that saved me. Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone, not even General Hammond about what I will learn. I owe these people a great debt that I don’t think I’d ever be able to repay.”
“Alright. We will stay for this evening. But we will have to leave in the morning and inform General Hammond, the people back home will be worried about Kawalsky and waiting all night to hear anything will just make them even more anxious.” Louis warned.
“Once they hear I’m alright and see that I am well, it will be fine.” Kawalsky replied. “Besides I don’t really think I could handle the ride down to the gate, gate travel, Doctor Fraiser pocking and prodding me and the interrogation that would follow.”
Louis chuckled. “I suppose not.” He agreed. “Alright we’re staying.” He stated aloud once again.
“Good, good!” Ma’shik replied joyfully. “The hive has prepared a resting place for you, your Kawalsky and Feodore. Now come, come let us feast, sing and dance to celebrate our newfound alliance.”
Wow he looks excited…
Malek chuckled. –He looks very… energetic…- Malek commented in reply, laughing as the aged creature literally bounced from the room and declared to his brethren that the alliance was founded and a feast should be prepared instantly. In moments great fires were lit, the clan members disappeared into the buildings for a short while and then they came out painted with weird symbols. –I wonder what they mean…-
Perhaps one day we will learn?
-Perhaps.- Malek agreed as they watched the hive move as one, each one had a job and each one knew what he had to do. It was like watching one well-oiled machine. Chanting began and the hive began stamping their feet and clapping their hands. Alone there was no tune but together they shook the Earth with their great song. Malek could feel the vibration of their voices and the shaking of the ground through his host. His little heart beat in rhythm with the might song and its great beats whilst Louis swayed slightly in time with the dances that some of the clan were performing.
Smoke billowed into the slowly darkening sky, protecting the beings beneath from the last of the sun’s rays. The light from the fire glistened off the creature’s skin, their ebony shells glowed with blues, green and purples.
-Beautiful- Malek thought.
It is impressive isn’t it. Louis thought. It is wonderful.
“We dance like this as one, to celebrate. We all share in the glory of our success as we all share in the sadness of our failures. Now you too shall share in the celebrations of success, for you are as much a part of this as everyone else.” Ma’shik told them. “Please helped yourself to food and drink and dance with our brothers. They wish to share their happiness and joy with you, for we are now brothers bound by vows and promises. You are welcome amongst them.”
“Thank you but I’d rather sit back and watch if I may. It is a beautiful sight. One I will remember for all time.” Louis replied politely.
“You may sit back, but I encourage you to at least talk to my brothers. They have much to say, if they have someone to listen.” Ma’shik stated with a smile, Louis nodded as he too smiled and glanced around. Feodore himself was talking to some of the clan and even Kawalsky who could not dance as he was too weak, was surrounded by clan members eager to talk and to share.
-Go on, I’m sure there is much we can learn and share if we were to talk to some of them.- Malek encouraged.
Alright. Louis agreed shyly. The host stepped into the crowd and almost immediately he was pulled towards a small group of creatures who encouraged him to dance and share with them. The creatures even shared with Malek, they spoke to him directly even though he was not in control and touched the skin he lay beneath out of curiosity.
“You… you are… spec….spec…” One creature had tried to say but his heavy accent and soft voice told all who listened that he was not used to speaking.
“Hirash means to say that you are special.” Another creature stated. “The tales that have been passed down by our ancestors make us assume you’re kind are evil, but you have proven this is not so. Thank you for bringing wisdom to us and reminding us that not all creatures are evil, just the few.”
-Thank you.- Malek thought, once again blown away by the acceptance and praise of these powerful creatures.
“It is our pleasure.” The creature replied warmly.
A great cry echoed through the valley and all heads turned to the maker of the sound. Ma’shik stood upon a great boulder, standing high above everyone else. “Brothers, friends. Listen to my words.” He demanded needlessly because everyone was already staring up at him silently. “Today is a great day for us all. We have found new allies, new friends. But today we’ve also found a brother. Malek.” He stated. “Malek has shown us how our ancestors truly were, he had shown us how great and peaceful our people were before the great divide. For that we thank him.” Ma’shik stated, the clan cheered as everyone turned to face the blushing Louis as Malek wriggled shyly beneath his host’s skin. “I now wish to gift our cousin a great honour. Malek please come forth and approach me.”
Malek took control of his shy host and stepped up to the boulder, he quickly and easily climbed to the top to stand beside the creature. “Malek. You have given us much. You’ve given us hope for the future where your people will be as great as they once were.” Ma’shik stated. “Our ancestors once denied that the Goa’uld were our brothers and declared them as our enemies. I, as an elder of my people offer you a place as an honorary clan member. Do you accept this offer, cousin?”
-I… holy Egeria!- Malek thought. “I do.” He stated out loud.
Ma’shik smiled as the clan cheered loudly. “Then I give you this.” Ma’shik declared his voice easily being heard by all as the clan faded back to silence. He held up a necklace with many sharp teeth. “Your new brothers have shared with you one of their many teeth. You will now carry your brothers with you on your travels and know that no matter where you travel, no matter how far, you will always have a home with us.” Ma’shik declared as he secured the necklace around Louis’s neck. “Welcome to the clan, Malek of the Tok’ra. Now you will be Malek of the Tok’ra and of the Hive.”
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome, my brother.” Ma’shik replied placing a clawed handed gently onto Louis’s shoulder. “Let us celebrate the birth of a new clan member.” Ma’shik declared. The hive cheered and the clan members sang and danced, but Malek could not think on this, he was shocked by such acceptance.
You have a new family… Louis stated proudly, breaking Malek out of his trance.
-We have a new family, beloved. We.-
Yes we do.
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