Always Forgiven, Never Forgotten | By : A.K.O.Shifting-Shadow Category: Stargate: SG-1 > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1194 -:- 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.
The first thing Malek felt as he awoke was agonising pain. Louis. He thought with concern as he tried to awaken fully but it felt as if he was restrained or drugged. A quick check of his system revealed that there was indeed a drug within his system, it was a drug designed by the Tok’ra to keep a symbiote from healing a host too quickly when the symbiote was seriously wounded itself. So the Tok’ra now know I am here? He thought to Louis, but the host did not reply. Louis? He asked again. He knew Louis was awake, the host was speaking to Ocker as he lay on the medical bed, but the host was showing no awareness to the fact that Malek was now awake.
With an annoyed sigh Malek focused inwardly at his body and focused on healing what little he could, his host was fine for the moment. What happened? He asked himself. I remember being thrown across the room and I remember the sound of a loud crack as pain overcame us…we must have hit the edge of something with the back of our neck, it not only caused extreme pain but it was at just the right angle to do me some serious harm and to disrupt our connection.
“You still can’t feel him?”
“No…it is as if I’m empty. Alone. I don’t like it. I want Malek back.” Louis complained with panic in his tone.
“Allow us to run the healing device back over you and Malek.” Louis eagerly nodded and within moments Malek felt the warm, tingling feeling of the device working over him. “It seems Malek has recovered, from what I’m reading he is currently healing himself, but the connection between you seems to have broken.”
“What can you do?”
“Unfortunately there is little we can do, we can only keep you and Malek healthy as Malek heals himself and fixes the connection.”
“How can he do that?”
“It depends on the injury. It can be as simple as a ‘blockage’, if it is he merely has to heal himself and release anti-bodies to contend with the blockage. Another more likely option is that the connections between your mind and his have been broken, these connections can sometimes be repaired but normally have to be replaced. Unfortunately if they have to be replaced it will be difficult for both of you, Malek is weak and the energy required to grow the connections is a lot. At the moment Malek is too weak to even attempt to re-blend with you meaning that he cannot speak to you.”
“What do you mean?”
“He means that Malek is still there and you may be able to feel him sometimes but it will be as if he is a mere shadow in your mind.” Lantash explained as he led SG1 into the room. “Malek can most likely hear and see everything but it will feel as if he is doing so behind a view screen, you will sometimes be able to feel his strongest emotions but as I said it will not be like before, you bond is gone for the time being.”
“Martouf explained it to me Louis, as has Jolinar.” Sam stated as she moved to stand beside their bed. “Malek is a part of you, the bond ensures this but right now he is a silent boarder, unable to talk to you or take control.”
“You mean he’s a prisoner in my mind, with no freedom what so ever?”
“Unfortunately that is the case. Until he has healed himself and then repaired the connection, it will be like he isn’t even there.” Sam stated sadly. “It is very, very rare, but sometimes the damage can be so bad that it literally paralyses the symbiote and prevents the symbiote taking control or healing itself.”
“No.” Louis whispered, his hand gently touching the skin where Malek lay beneath. “Is there any way I can…”
“You can see him with the scanners and you can see that he’s okay but he won’t be able to tell you himself for a while.” Sam answered.
“Our medical staff has dealt with this before, but unfortunately we’ve not had a serious case like this before. It is deeply concerning to us that Malek cannot take control or heal as rapidly as before.” Lantash stated. “It is unusual and frightening for all involved. However our medics will do their very best to heal Malek and help him on the road to recovery.”
“How does a head wound prevent symbiotes taking control?” Daniel asked curiously.
“As I have said it is extremely rare, in fact most who have experienced this kind of injury have passed.” Lantash stated. “But our theory is that at the correct angle an impact could damage a symbiote’s head and mind, we believe that an impact to our heads can disable us and even kill us. But we are a very sturdy species so it has almost never happened.”
“So you’re basically working on theories?” Daniel asked.
Lantash’s head went down and Martouf was given control. “Unfortunately that is indeed the case. I think you have mistaken Lantash’s words, so let me make it clearer. In Lantash’s lifetime this has never happened, the only cases the Tok’ra know of is from the memories of their mother. This is the very first case they’ve ever witnessed. Unfortunately we can do very little and must pray that Malek manages to heal himself, for in Egeria’s time this injury meant certain death.”
“Is there nothing else you can do for Malek?”
“The only option Lantash could think of is a sarcophagus, but not only do we despise those devices, there is none nearby.” Martouf explained. “Lantash does not even want to consider the sarcophagi, for the Tok’ra believe that a sarcophagus sucks the good from the soul. The sarcophagus idea will only be explored if it is clear that Malek cannot heal himself.”
“I would like our own doctor’s to have a look at this condition and see if they can help.” Jack stated.
“Do you not trust us?” Ocker demanded. “Do you not think we want Malek well?! He is our brother and our leader! Of course we wish him to be well!”
“Please, do not take offence, we did not mean it like that.” Daniel stated clearly trying to calm the situation. “What Jack means, is that another perspective might help, we might think of something that you might not necessarily consider.”
“Such as?”
“Well we might have some chemicals you don’t.” Daniel answered. “They might be more potent or better designed for a job. It is better to explore all the possibilities, we can’t leave Malek on his own to heal himself, so maybe we may find some way to comfort him or aide him.”
“Do you truly believe you have something to help?” Martouf asked clearly looking divided.
“We do not know, but we’re willing to try everything.”
“If you are so willing to help Malek, will none of you help Selmak?” Garshaw demanded as she strolled into the room.
“No.” Jack stated adamantly. When Daniel did not immediately answer he turned to stare at his only human team-mate. “Daniel?”
“I am not ready just yet, but seeing how happy Sam and Louis are, I’d definitely consider it in the future.” Daniel replied.
“Selmak cannot wait that long!” Lantash protested.
Sam glanced to the side with her head lowered. “Can a symbiote cure cancer?” She asked quietly.
“What is this ‘cancer’ you speak of?” Garshaw demanded as hope sparked in her eyes.
“It is when cells multiply exponentially and become dangerous to the body. It is caused by diseases for the most part, the cells grow into tumours and these tumours grow and become fatal.” Daniel explained giving the Tok’ra the simple version.
“Ah… We cure that all the time.” Garshaw replied. “Do you have someone in mind?” She asked hopefully.
“My father, he’s got cancer and has been told he doesn’t have long to live.” Sam replied. “If I can go and get him…”
“Let you leave the base?” Garshaw asked concerned. “Very well, you and one other may leave but the others will stay until you’ve returned. They will not be prisoners but their presence will guarantee your return.”
“Would I also be able to bring one of our doctors back to have a look at Louis and Malek?” Sam asked.
The Tok’ra shared a look. “Very well, you may return with your father and one other person. Anymore and we will take it as a threat.”
“Thank you.” Sam replied before turning to Louis. “They say you can hear me Malek, so I want to tell you to stay strong, you’ll make it.” She stated as she clasped a hand on Louis’s shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. She turned to Jack. “Let’s go sir.”
-Thank you, Sam.- Malek thought as he watched the group watch them go.
“Why did you lie to us?” Lantash demanded as he stared at Louis with a hard expression.
-Do not threaten my host Lantash.- Malek warned despite knowing that none could hear him.
“Would you have believed he was truly Malek? Would you have believed him when he told you of the traitors?” Louis asked staring back at Lantash just as hard. “Malek was betrayed when he was sent to Ra’s ship, the traitor told Ra who he and Misha were, then Thoran or the Goa’uld pretending to be Thoran showed up and informed them that he was Goa’uld. The two monsters planned to brainwash Malek and put him into a new host so he would be their unknowing Tok’ra informant. They also planned to put a Goa’uld in Misha and send her back to the Tok’ra. Fortunately this did not happen. They did mess with his mind but all they succeeded in doing was wiping his memory of the imposter’s confession.”
“So how did he escape?” Ocker asked.
“He didn’t… at least not at first.” Louis replied. “He had about eight Jaffa escorts to keep him under control but the Goa’uld did not factor us, the Tau’ri. We strolled through the gate and blew up the ship. I was on the ship at the time when the explosion happened and both Misha and I ended up injured. Misha pleaded with Malek to save my life so he did so and we blended.” Louis explained, cleverly missing out the fact that he had not been a willing host. “Malek got us to safety and has been working with us ever since. He wanted to return to the Tok’ra but every time he thought about it he would become mentally afraid, as if he knew something but when he tried to remember it would not come to him.”
“The lost memory was trying to fight the brainwashing?” Ocker asked.
“Yes.” Louis replied simply. “Though we did not know that at the time, instead Malek focused on helping us and trying to find his kin. Then there was the day we were helping a planet under attack from the Goa’uld, we sensed a symbiote and Malek instinctively knew it was Goa’uld. It was the Ashrak, whom was later disposed of. When we stepped through the gate we sensed another symbiote and narrowed it down to being inside of Sam, it turned out to be Jolinar and Sam had chosen to be her host. Jolinar was certain that there was indeed a traitor and she even knew who it was, Cordesh.”
“He was brainwashed.” Garshaw stated. “We have our medics working on removing the programming.” She added at Louis’s look.
“Well. Malek doubted Jolinar at first. Some days he knew there was a traitor and other times he doubted it. He worked with Jolinar despite his doubt, our plan was to create a serum to hide their presence so we could look for this traitor. But when we were developing the serum we came across a hitch, the serum was forcing Malek into a dormant state. Fortunately there was an anti-dote which was administered quickly but not before it completely destroyed the brainwashing. Malek remembered the traitor. He remembered the imposter Thoran admitting who he was and he remembered Ra stating his plan. When he managed to take control once again he conveyed this story to me and I told Jolinar.”
“So that is how Jolinar knew about Thoran?”
“Yes. Jolinar and Malek planned for this day, Malek would deal with Thoran whilst Jolinar would confront Cordesh. As you can see our plan did not go to plan, but I think Malek will be glad that we got the results we did. Thoran or rather the imposter can do no more harm.”
“Yes, he is in the brig.” Garshaw stated. “We are already beginning to evacuate. But we cannot move Selmak and we do not wish to leave her behind.”
“I wish to help.” Louis stated. “I can get up and move can’t I?”
“It is not advisable whilst Malek is healing but unfortunately it must be this way.” Lantash stated. “You should be fine to move around but I suggest you rest once we are safe to give Malek a chance to heal.”
“Then let us get a move on!” Louis stated. “We can head to the SGC, we have an iris, a block on the gate so the Goa’uld will not be able to follow us through. Get every Tok’ra soul ready, get everything packed.” He ordered.
“You have a block on your gate? How do we know we will not be harmed by this shield?” Garshaw demanded.
“In our equipment is a machine with numbers, we send a code through the gate and the guys at the other end open it up for us to come through.” Daniel explained. “Don’t worry it is perfectly safe we’ve been using it for years.”
“Indeed.” Teal’c replied earning amused stares from Louis and Daniel.
“Look. You need to get to safety as soon as possible, we can start taking the Tok’ra to safety before the Goa’uld arrive.” Louis stated as Lantash, Ocker and Garshaw shared doubtful looks. “Look, I’m loyal to Malek and Malek is loyal to you. Trust me. We’ll get your people to safety and then you can use our gate to get to another planet and set up a new base.”
“We have no other option at the moment and if the Goa’uld do see the address we’ve dialled they will have this ‘iris’ to contend with.” Lantash stated. “We can trust Malek and his host.”
“Thank you.” Louis replied.
“I have one last question.” Lantash stated. “Why did you allow Jolinar and Sam to lie to us, why did you have us believe she was dead?”
“Because if the traitor knew she was alive they would make an attempt on her life before she passed her news on.” Louis explained. “I’m sorry Lantash, Martouf. Malek hated the idea more than anyone, he regretted it very deeply, so deeply that it felt like a physical pain but even he could not deny the necessarity of the lie. Everyone had to believe that both of them were dead so the imposter and traitor would not get wind of them before they passed on their news.”
“I am very angry with you and Malek right now.” Martouf stated. “Lantash is furious but we cannot deny that you were right. If you had been discovered early we would not have known about the Goa’uld attack, we have time to prepare and get ourselves to safety.”
“Malek knew you would not forgive him easily and he admitted that he’d deserve it if you stopped talking to him for a while and he regretted having to lie to you. He values you highly Lantash, Martouf, you are his closest friends, I hope in time you’ll find it in your hearts to forgive him.” Louis stated.
A Tok’ra raced into the chambers and whispered into Garshaw’s ear, her eyes widened. “The Goa’uld have arrived in this sector, we do not have much time to evacuate.”
“Get the Tok’ra packed. Teal’c, Daniel led the first wave to the gate as soon as their ready.” Louis instructed. Daniel and Teal’c nodded. “Have you already started collapsing the tunnels?” He asked Garshaw.
“Yes and the people are transporting supplies to the surface. I want you and Lantash to remain with Selmak.” She stated. “Let us hope your comrade returns as soon as possible.”
Malek wiggled with pride as he watched Louis take command. He instinctively ordered Ocker to ensure the security Tok’ra were in place to guard the scientists and doctors. Lantash watched with amused eyes and Malek chuckled. –You are indeed my perfect host.- He thought as Lantash led his host to Selmak’s quarters.
“If we move her she could die.” Lantash stated sadly. “We must pray that Sam’s father arrives quickly. We do not have much time.”
“Sam will not take too long.” Louis assured. “She has just as much to lose and she knows that time is of the essence.”
“Lantash.” Saroosh asked opening her eyes.
“I am here Saroosh, as is Malek and his host.” Lantash informed her. “Both Malek and Jolinar still live in their new hosts. They have not been lost to us.” Saroosh’s eyes closed in clear relief. “Rest and be assured that Selmak will also live on, for a host is being bought for her.”
“Thank you.” The elderly lady whispered before falling back into a weak sleep.
“I’m sorry.” Louis stated indicating to Saroosh.
“Do not be.” Martouf replied. “Her time has come, she has lived a long time, she has been happy and she has been glad to share her life with Selmak. She is ready for the great sleep as all hosts are once their time comes. Our only sadness will be to lose our symbiotes, but we will be happy to know they will live on.”
-We do not like our host’s talking of their deaths.- Malek thought sadly.
“Lantash does not like me talking of the host’s deaths and he does not like me thinking of when my time comes. I believe all symbiotes are like that. They find it difficult to let go of the people they love.”
“I understand.” Louis answered. “You need not explain it to me. I have felt Malek’s grief for all those he has lost, it plays on his mind constantly and sometimes I wonder if he never remembers how much they cared for him, for all he focuses on is their death and this idea that he let them down.”
“Yes, I know what you mean, the symbiotes always believe they could have done something differently.” Martouf replied fondly.
“It must be difficult for them to have to constantly let go.” Louis commented. “It is not like humans who lose a few close family members and friends. They have lost hundreds if not thousands of family and hosts, it must be heart-breaking to them.”
“Yes it is and sometimes it can be difficult for them to remember that the hosts were ready and that they never regretted being a host to them.” Martouf agreed.
-We do not forget their love for us!- Malek protested. –But we do grief their loss.-
“I bet if I could hear him Malek will be protesting.” Louis stated with a fond smile.
“Yes, Lantash is also arguing with me.” Martouf admitted.
“Silly symbiotes.” Martouf gave a short nod mentally agreeing before wincing as Lantash no doubt gave Martouf a mental slap. Louis and Martouf shared a look before laughing together at their symbiotes.
The ceiling suddenly rumbled as dust fell from. “The Goa’uld have arrived.” Martouf needlessly informed.
As if summoned Garshaw returned but what made the Tok’ra visibly relax was Sam, Jack and her father following behind the high councillor. “So this is Selmak?” The elderly man asked.
“Yes.” Sam stated. “Dad, may I introduce Louis Ferretti, host to Malek and Martouf, host to Lantash. Lantash, Martouf, Louis, Malek, this is Jacob Carter, my father.”
“Greetings.” Martouf stated before lowering his head to allow Lantash to come to the fore.
“It is an honour, Jacob Carter.”
“Hello, Mr Carter.” Louis stated. “Forgive me, but Malek cannot come to the fore right now, he has been injured and it has affected his ability to take control.”
“I suggest you bond as soon as possible.” Garshaw stated. “Selmak cannot last much longer and time is of the essence.”
“I need some time along with Selmak.” Jacob requested.
“Of course, I will stand guard outside.” Louis replied.
“And I will continue to evacuate the base.” Garshaw stated before leaving. Louis followed her to a safe distance and halted. He could not hear what was going on inside the chamber and he could watch the tunnels collapsing slowly around him. “Hopefully the blending will be done before the collapsing tunnels reach them.” Garshaw stated.
“If we can’t get them out, we know what to do.” Louis replied. “But let us hope it does not come to that.” Garshaw bowed her head and quickly left after giving one quick glance to the collapsing tunnel.
Malek, I really need you now more than ever. Louis thought, Malek tried to send comforting feelings to his host but it was clear by his host’s aggravated sigh that he had not felt anything. Am I doing the right thing?
-Yes you are.- Malek whispered unhappy that he could not give his support. Louis glanced at the tunnel and Malek sighed. –I know you cannot hear me beloved, but know this, if we do die today I regret nothing, I am honoured to have been your symbiote and I am so very proud of you.-
Louis was twitching with fear as the collapsing tunnel got closer and closer. His relief was obvious when Sam, Jacob and Martouf raced from the room. “Let’s get out of here.” Selmak cried taking the lead and guiding them to the rings. The white of the collapsing tunnels was close on their heels and for a moment none thought the rings would get them to the surface. Suddenly fresh air was on their face but none stopped to breathe as they heard the death gliders flying above. They raced to the gate and Sam dialled before sending the code. The death gliders closed in and they could not wait long before diving into the wormhole. They closed their eyes and hoped the iris was open.
Louis groaned as he impacted the metal and then felt a body on top of his. Martouf groaned in his ear before standing and helping Louis up. Doctor Fraiser raced over and checked them over. “Sam informed me of your injuries but when the Tok’ra started arriving we chose to wait for you to come through the gate instead of sending a doctor to you.”
“That was a wise precaution.” Louis agreed. “The Goa’uld had arrived. It is not I who is injured, it is Malek.”
“Let’s get you to the infirmary.” Janet stated. In next to no time Louis found himself on a medical bed being poked and prodded under the watchful eyes of a Tok’ra medic. “Hmm…there is nothing visibly wrong with either you or Malek. In fact a part from a few minor bruises Malek seems fine.” Janet commented. “Still it is clear Malek is not healing quickly or those bruises would already be gone. I believe it will be a good idea if we gave Malek some aid. I’m going to put you on a drip, Louis to supply Malek with some water and I’m going to supply some mild stimulants to help encourage the healing process.”
“Do you think it will help?” Louis asked.
“To be honest I’m not sure.” Janet replied. “But we can try. It will certainly do not harm.”
“What are these ‘stimulants’ you speak of?” The Tok’ra demanded.
“Their mostly mild steroids and healing agents we use on normal humans. The ones I’m going to pick are mild and hardly affect the human body but they might just be the push Malek needs to complete his healing.” Janet informed. “I’ll inject them into Louis so Malek can filter them and use them as he needs, I’ll consider a direct injection if there is no sign of improvement.”
Louis watched as both doctors argued back and forth, before coming to an agreement. The Tok’ra would be allowed to continuously monitor Louis and Malek to see that Janet’s decisions were safe for Louis and Malek.
Now that they were safe Malek relaxed against his host’s spine and focused inwards once more and scanned his body. –Hopefully it will not take me much more time.- He thought before pausing. –Oh no…-
“What’s that?” Louis asked. “Why have I never noticed it before?” Louis demanded.
“Because this can be a very dangerous procedure.” Janet replied. Malek focused outward and realised they were now in a completely different room. Louis was lying on a bed that went inside and out of an egg shaped machine with a hole in the middle. “This kind of invasive x-ray can be quite dangerous.” Janet continued. “But we needed to see what was happening. As you can see Malek extended tendrils directly into your brain to connect himself to you, many of those tendrils are clearly damaged.”
“And the rest of him?” Louis demanded staring at the red form of Malek on the scanner.
“It appears he has a fractured spine.” Janet paused.
Louis tensed. “What is it?”
“The fractured spine is causing the blood to gather at the back of his head.” Janet replied. “If it continues to grow he’ll die. The blood gathering is what is causing these clear bruises at the back of his small head. That can also be indicative of some form of brain trauma. If I could I’d like to actually conduct a physical but inside of you I can only watch and wait.”
“Well. If you have the proper equipment we could make a stasis chamber that will allow Malek to leave the body without endangering himself.” The Tok’ra medic stated. “I will need a glass tank with an electricity emitter at the base. It must be filled with water at a specific temperature. If anything is off by the slightest amount we could kill Malek.”
“Is it safe for Malek to leave Louis?”
“In truth, no. No symbiote should leave its host, it is suicide but in cases where the symbiote cannot heal itself and its host we have removed them for a short period.” The medic replied. “Once outside of his hosts body I can directly heal Malek and therefore ensure he is well before reintroducing him back to his host. But we must act quickly. But we have bigger problems, if he is too badly damaged he may struggle to disconnect from his host and further damage himself. We will have to do this carefully.”
“Louis, you have the right to make the decision for Malek, do you wish Malek to remain inside you or do you wish him to leave so he can be healed directly?” Janet asked.
“I…I want him to be healed and if leaving me to heal is better for him…yes, I want him to leave so he’ll be healed.” Louis replied. “But I want to stay with him.”
“We would never part host and symbiote.” The Tok’ra healer retorted clearly offended. “Malek will be safe.”
“I know…but I won’t be happy until he is back with me.” Louis replied. “It’s too silent.”
“Forgive my symbiote.” The host stated. “Sometimes he can be very…arrogant. We have not even introduced ourselves. I am Sarek and my symbiote is Azzam.”
“I’m sorry if I’ve come across as unkind to you or your symbiote.” Louis replied. “I just don’t really want to part from Malek but we’re already apart up here.”
“Trust us, Louis. We will not allow harm to befall Malek.” Sarek assured. Louis nodded and watched as the two medics walked away talking.
Malek squirmed as he watched the tank being made. –I don’t like being so defenceless.- He complained as he thought about leaving his host. –But if it heals me enough to re-join you, I will do it.-
Several hours later and the tank was complete. Malek watched as it was rolled to sit beside Louis’s bed. A damp towel was placed beside Louis’s head to catch Malek as he left Louis. “Malek, if you can hear us I want you to leave your host.” Janet instructed. Malek sighed but immediately obeyed. Carefully and very slowly he disconnected himself from Louis’s brain and unwound himself from Louis’s spine. It took a lot of weak squirming to reach the back of his host’s throat and he realised it was causing Louis some discomfort as Selmak was running a healing device over Louis’s head. Finally he reached the throat and bit into the back, he squealed weakly as air hit him and he slithered out onto the towel.
“Well done Malek.” Martouf praised as he ran a gentle, reassuring hand down Malek’s back. Malek arched into the hand earning a gentle scratch to his back fin. Malek stayed very still as Martouf carefully wrapped his fingers around Malek’s small form and lifted him, in a few short moments Malek found himself in the tank. He swam to the top and hooked his small limb like fins over the edge so he could lift his head and look at Louis. “He’s okay Malek.” Martouf assured. “Selmak is just ensuring he is healing properly since he doesn’t have you to do it at the moment.”
Malek squealed demandingly when Selmak was finished and their eyes quickly turned to him. Louis smiled and sat up as the tank was wheeled closer to him. He slipped his hand into the water and caressed Malek’s back fin making Malek wiggle with pleasure. Malek gave his hand a gentle yet demanding nip and the stroke turned into a gentle scratch making Malek purr. “I’m alright.” Louis assured. “Can you tell what’s wrong now?” Louis asked.
“I can see some very clear damage.” Sarek commented concerned. “Those bruises are minor but extensive, they could be hiding something serious beneath them. His spine is clearly fractured as he is not streamline, I’m hoping that it isn’t as serious as a broken spine.”
“I believe a few moments outside of the tank will do him no harm, put him back on the damp towel and let’s run the healing device over him.” Selmak instructed.
Louis carefully lifted Malek and Malek obligingly wrapped himself around his host’s wrist. Louis laid him down of the soft towel and Malek straightened himself out so they could scan his full body. He squirmed a little as the scanner made his body tingle. “He has extensive injuries.” Selmak murmured concerned. “If I was not looking at these results I would say he had been in several brawls instead of just one fall. He has a fractured spine which is disrupting his blood flow. The blood flow is being blocked so it’s gathering beneath those bruises, causing swelling and it looks like he has some mild brain damage. We must fix his spine and his blood vessels immediately!” Selmak immediately switched the device back on and all of them tensed, even Malek stilled despite the tingling of the device.
It took three hours of constant work before both Sarek and Selmak stopped the swelling and cleared the blood vessels. Malek visibly slumped as his spine was carefully forced back into place and healed. –Now, I must live through the night.- Malek thought. –But at least if I die, I won’t take Louis with me.-
“We can do no more tonight.” Selmak stated. “We’ve fixed his spine and cleared his blood vessels, we’ve also aided in loosening the pressure of the blood against his brain but we won’t know if it’s helped until tomorrow. It’s up to Malek now.”
“We will regularly scan him and give him so aid but for now he must do his work alone.” Azzam stated.
“Thank you.” Louis replied gratefully as he watched the two exhausted Tok’ra lean back against the other bed. Healing such extensive damage was clearly taxing on both hosts and symbiotes.
“I suggest you both rest.” Janet stated firmly. “Especially you Selmak, you and Jacob have only just blended. I should not have allowed you to do as much as you’ve done.”
“She is right.” Sarek commented. “You need to rest and ensure a proper blending.”
“I will watch over Malek and Louis and alert you if there is anything that needs your immediate attention.” Janet stated. She turned to Malek. “And as for you, don’t think that just because you don’t have a host you can get away with it. You will be resting too.” Malek made a pathetic squeal and under her stern gaze he swam to the bottom of the tank and curled up, he peaked his eyes out from beneath his coils and watched her sigh fondly before walking off. The moment she was gone he was back up to the top of the tank where he could be stroked and gently scratched by his loving host.
Lantash chuckled at Malek’s enthusiasm and sat beside Louis as Louis gave into his demanding symbiote. “You know, I don’t think I’ve seen Malek this chilled out before.” He stated. “He is so focused on base business that he never has time for fun.”
“He is actually very chilled out.” Louis informed him. “In fact Malek encourages me to relax and take time off.”
“You hypocrite.” Lantash stated. “We normally have to drag him from his post just to get him to relax.” Lantash informed Louis. “And even then he is always trying to sneak off and return to duty. It got to the point that his hosts would work behind his back with us just to get him to relax.”
“Well you won’t have to worry about that anymore, I’ll keep him in check.” Louis replied earning a squeal of protest by the symbiote being spoken about. “Behave yourself Mer Prinekh.” Louis ordered. Malek nipped at his host’s hand and then showed his host his back as he sulked.
Lantash chuckled. “It is really good to see Malek so cheerful and carefree.” He commented as Malek purred in forgiveness and wrapped himself around his host’s wrist. “Should you not be resting?” Lantash teased, Malek searched the room for Janet, finding her nowhere near to him he turned to Lantash and gave the symbiote a glare and a hiss.
“Stop teasing him.” Louis berated with a smile. “I agree with Lantash, you should rest, the sooner you’re healed the sooner we can re-blend.” Malek gave a gentle trill before obediently sinking to the bottom of the tank and curling up to rest. Louis pushed his tank further into the corner and turned the light out above their bed.
Malek did not awaken for several hours and would have continued sleeping if not for the hand wrapping around him and lifting him from his tank, he gave a small questioning trill as he looked up at his handler’s face. Selmak smiled down at him as he laid Malek on a damp towel and ran the healing device along Malek’s small body.
“How is he?” Louis asked with a tired voice bringing both Malek and Selmak’s attention to the next bed. Malek made a questioning sound as he could see very little with his small eyes.
“He is healing nicely now the blood vessels have been repaired.” Selmak replied. “But I will not be happy with his progress until at least tomorrow.”
“Will he be able to blend with me?”
“I would not suggest he does for a short while, perhaps two days of rest for him before I even consider allowing him to blend.” Selmak replied disappointing both host and symbiote. “Now I suggest you both continue to rest.”
Malek remained limp as he was lifted and placed back into his tank but instead of resting he swam around . His body was healing slowly but surely and his swimming about would not damage to his healing. He was more concerned with Louis because without him Louis could not survive as much damage.
“SG1 report to the briefing room.” A voice demanded startling Malek. He squealed concerned and rose to the top of the tank to watch his host rise. He squealed again in protest as Louis began to leave.
Louis smiled gently and approaches to gift him with a gentle scratch. “I’m not going to be gone long, Malek.” His host assured but Malek let out a stubborn hiss and wrapped himself around Louis’s wrist. “You can’t come with me Malek.”
“Here let me help.” Martouf stated. “Malek. You know Louis must report to his superior, it is unsafe for you to do so.” Martouf stated, his gentle fingers trying to pry Malek’s coils off his host’s wrist. Malek squealed angrily at Martouf and gave the man a sharp nip. “Malek says you’ve agreed to join the Tok’ra and since you are now Tok’ra you are not obligated to go through these missions.”
“Perhaps not, but I want to hear what the General has to say.” Louis replied. He lifted Malek up so Malek could see his face as he gently stroked Malek’s back fin. “Don’t worry Malek I won’t go anywhere without telling you about it first, okay? And I’ll visit you the moment we get back if we do indeed go on a mission. You can trust me can’t you?” Malek made a sad trilling sound but obediently nodded and allowed himself to be placed back inside his tank. “I’ll see you later, Malek.” Louis stated warmly before leaving Malek alone with Martouf.
“Do not worry; Louis will not seek out harm. He knows you will be waiting for him.” Martouf assured. “And I’m sure they won’t send him on any dangerous missions. Still you should focus on healing so you can return to him as soon as possible.”
“We’ve had to remove Malek so he can heal as he was making no progress within his host.” Both Malek and Martouf looked in the speaker’s direction but only Martouf and Lantash could see who was speaking.
“Greetings, Azzam, Garshaw and Ocker.” Martouf stated as they walked over. Malek now aware of who they are squealed his own greeting.
“Greetings, Martouf, Malek. I hope you are well.” Garshaw replied.
“I want to do a quick check up Malek, to see how you are progressing.” Azzam added before he gently lowered his hand into the water and allowed Malek to wrap around his host’s wrist. “Well it seems your spinal injury is repairing itself nicely.”
“We were fortunate it was only a minor fracture rather than a broken spine.” Garshaw commented. “Otherwise the healing process will take much longer.”
Malek made a small sound of weak protest as he was laid on a damp towel and wiggled as the scanner ran over his small form. “The spinal injury is now nothing more than a scar; it will fully heal itself with a few days’ rest. The lump filled with blood is slowly vanishing now that the blood vessels are not disrupted, in a few days the lump will be gone and he should be fully healed. I would suggest letting him rest but I know it is weakening being outside the host. I think Malek can reunite with his host tomorrow as long as his healing continues to progress as quickly as it has.”
“You are very fortunate, Malek.” Lantash stated. “It could have been a broken spine and ruptured blood vessels. That would almost certainly have meant death.”
“Indeed. It was fortunate that we made you leave your host, for your condition would have gradually worsened until you died.” Azzam added. “Once you were out of your host it was a relatively simple matter to fix your spinal cord and clear the blood vessels.”
“By the strength of the impact, I’m relieved that his spinal cord was just fractured instead of broken.” Garshaw murmured. “It will be a very relieving moment when Malek is back inside his host at full health. Which reminds me, where is Maleks host?”
“Louis has been called to a briefing and despite Malek’s determination to join him, we all decided it would be best if Malek remained here.” Lantash explained before receiving approving nods from the gathered Tok’ra. “Louis should be returning shortly as I am sure that the meeting is merely a meeting to go over what has recently happened, though Malek is clearly worried that his host might be sent on a mission.”
“The Tau’ri would not do this surely?” Garshaw asked clearly concerned.
“I do not believe so but Malek knows the Tau’ri better than us and he is truly concerned his host will go off-world without him. Not only this but Louis himself confirmed it before he left, he promised to visit Malek before and after he went on a mission.”
“I must speak to General Hammond; this ‘mission’ if there is one must be seriously debated. Louis Ferretti is now Tok’ra and as such he cannot be commanded by the Tau’ri.”
“I do not believe you should speak like that, Garshaw.” Lantash replied politely. “Louis is Tau’ri and his loyalties are to the Tau’ri as well as the Tok’ra. He will want these missions and we cannot deny him simply because he is host.”
“We can remind him of Malek and the need to be close by so Malek can re-blend with him.”
“Perhaps.” Lantash agreed. “But all it would cause would be worry, no doubt Louis is concerned about how well Malek is healing and Malek is worried for Louis’s safety. By playing on those fears, all you will do is cause trouble.”
Garshaw sighed and closed her eyes clearly talking to her host. The gathered Tok’ra waited patiently and watched Malek swim around in frustration as his host was talked about in front of him. A few moments later Garshaw opened her eyes and smiled down at Malek. “You are correct. Louis will need the closure. Once he is re-blended with Malek he will become Tok’ra and will return with us, let him have this last mission for the Tau’ri.” Malek gave his sign of approval by letting her scratch the back of his head.
“Sorry I’m late. Did you miss me?” Louis’s voice echoed through the infirmary. Malek quickly looked around and locked his weak eyes onto a figure, but what really caught his attention were the white bags and a familiar smell. He cheered and did a couple of rolls in the water and flapped his arms in a clapping motion.
“Malek is cheering about something called…fish and chips…” Lantash explained.
“Ah no doubt he can smell it.” Louis commented fondly as he approached. “Well General Hammond decided that since you are our special guests and our new allies, we would show you some of our native food. Teal’c has picked out pizza, Jack has picked up some takeaways and Sam and Daniel have bought in several other dishes. I’ve got some samples here with me but most of its fish and chips.” Louis explained as he rolled over a table and carefully opened his packages. “I remember Malek telling me that you can be quite strict with your host’s diet so you’d probably stick to the pasta or pizza rather than the fish and chips. But please do help yourself; I can’t eat it all on my own.” Malek made a small sound of protest and Louis chuckled. “I have not forgotten you, I know you like some chips with curry sauce so I got a pot for us to share.”
Malek watched eagerly as his host carefully picked up a soft, small chip and dipped it into the sauce before holding it above the water; Malek slid out of the water and eagerly took the chip from his host’s hand. He let out a coo as he felt the flavour burst into his mouth, eating fish and chips with his host had been exquisite but nothing could quite compare to the act of eating for one’s self.
It turned out Malek and Louis had been right. Lantash definitely did not like the battered cod or the battered sausages, not that Malek was complaining since he was getting his fair share of the ‘unworthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ meals. Louis chuckled at Malek’s antics as he and the others knew Malek did not have to eat so much but it was clear Malek was simply enjoying the taste so they indulged him.
“Lantash is complaining about the content of most of that food but even he cannot deny how much he has enjoyed the meal.” Martouf commented once they had finished their drinks and relaxed. All were now content to talk and watch Malek make short work of the left overs.
“Yes, for some reason people like to add a load of chemicals and preservatives, but Malek tells me that it is only dangerous in large amounts.”
“You are correct, the symbiotes are making short work of the chemicals and I have to admit I enjoyed the different flavours and textures.” Martouf confessed. “Malek is certainly enjoying himself.” Malek glanced up from his meal and trilled before returning to the mess that had once been the left over chips and curry.
“Malek.” Louis called. Malek trilled and obediently left his meal to slither over to Louis, the host lifted him up and gently cleaned the mess of off him making Malek let out a soft squeal from the attention. “I’ve got to go off base for a few hours tonight. We’re revisiting some people we met before. You remember the tribe with the weather device?” Malek trilled an affirmative. “We’re paying another visit just to check up on them.”
“Malek is not happy with this, but if you really want to go he will not stop you.” Garshaw stated when Malek let out long hissing sounds and Louis looked at her for translation. “He does want a regular update though, to ensure that you are safe.”
“I will.” Louis vowed gently. “And you better behave yourself.” Louis warned. “No annoying people.” Malek squealed with innocence and stared up as if to say ‘Who? Me?’. “Yes you.” Louis replied warmly.
“We will of course wait for you, but most of our people will be moving to the new base. I suggest you wrap up this mission of yours as quickly as possible.” Garshaw stated.
“Of course.” Louis replied before turning to Lantash and Martouf. “Will you watch over him for me?” He asked.
“Of course, it would be an honour.” Martouf replied warmly. “Now I suggest you get some rest before your mission so you are well prepared, I think it would lessen Malek’s stress if he knew you were well rested.”
“You’re right.” Louis agreed. “I will head off to rest.”
“Malek wishes you a good night.” Garshaw stated as Malek let out a trill as he was picked up by Martouf to be placed into his tank.
“Goodnight Malek.” Louis replied as he quickly cleaned up the mess. He gave Malek one final scratch and disappeared from the room.
“Malek. Doctor Fraiser has expressed interest in learning more about the symbiote form. I was hoping you would be my demonstration for her. Would you mind that?” Azzam asked, Malek replied with several loud hisses. “No we won’t poke you with needles or dissect you, I just want to use your form as an example.” Malek finally nodded his head in agreement. “Janet will no doubt return to the infirmary shortly, the impromptu lesson will give you a distraction so you will not worry about Louis as much.”
Malek very much doubted anything would keep him distracted from Louis and his mission but he realised it was important that their allies understand how to deal with a symbiote outside of the host. With this is mind he curled up and allowed himself to nap for a short while.
“Heya Malek.” Malek immediately awoke to his host’s voice and rose to the surface to meet his hosts questing hand. “I’m going to be off world soon so I’ve paid you a visit. I heard you’re going to show Janet your form so she will understand symbiotes.” Malek trilled an affirmative. “Thank you Malek, hopefully this will encourage the trust between the two races. I hope you will behave for them?” Malek once again trilled very innocently and curled around his host’s wrist.
“Woah.” A familiar voice cried out, both turned to face the speaker and saw Jack, Sam, Daniel, Teal’c, Hammond and Janet stood in the entrance way. “That’s creepy.” Malek hissed angrily in response and glared at the man.
“Behave yourself Malek.” Louis warned fondly. “Hello Janet.”
“Hi.” Janet replied as her eyes remained on Malek’s small form. “I’ll just be giving SG1 a quick check-up and then you can go through the gate.” She explained. “Hello Malek.” She greeted as she cautiously approached. Malek trilled a greeting and allowed her nervous fingers to gently caress his soft skin.
“Malek has agreed to let Azzam and his host Sarek use him as an example in their lessons. But Malek doesn’t want to be poked and prodded, nor does he want to be dissected.”
“I would never dissect him!” Janet replied offended. “And we won’t be running any tests, Azzam is merely going to explain how the symbiote’s body works.”
“Of course we know this but Malek is just nervous because he is not normally out of his host this long.” Louis assured. “Don’t worry; Malek will behave.”
“Of course.” Janet answered fondly. “Now go sit down and I’ll give you a check-up.” Malek watched full of curiosity as she conducted the tests, he watched the screen and tried to read the readings but his weak sight meant he could barely see anything more than a metre away.
“Well I better go and get ready.” Louis told Malek gently as he approached not moments later. “I’ll see you later.” Malek trilled and gave Louis a gently nip before watching him leave the room.
Before Malek could stress over Louis a hand wrapped round him and lifted him from the water, squealing with shock and curiosity, before relaxing when he realised it was just Lantash. He was placed onto a damp towel in the centre of a med bed and Janet and several human medics gathered around. He trilled uncertainly and Lantash soothed him by stroking his back fin.
“Well to begin I will explain the basics. Most people see a symbiote as a simple ‘parasitic’ life form but their bodies have two functions.” Sarek, Azzam’s host began. “Right now you are witnessing Malek’s water form. In truth the only true difference is the spinal fin. This fin is raised whilst outside of the host body to improve their ability to travel through water. When taking a host this back fin goes down to make the body slimmer and to make the invasion quicker. Malek, could you show them?” Malek obligingly lowered his back fin.
“Now.” Sarek continued once the humans had finished murmuring and taking notes. “As you can see a symbiote is more complex than just a ‘worm’ or a ‘snake’. A symbiote is truly an amphibian creature. It cannot leave the water or host but it still has the arms of its ancestors, these arms are weak and don’t have much use. The other pair that had most probably been back legs in their past have now evolved into flat fins. A symbiote’s most important feature is its head. As you can see he has four red eyes and a dagger like mouth made up of four sharp mouth openings. As you can imagine, this head is used like a dagger to pierce and burrow into the host.”
“Of course you need not fear Malek. He will not do so.” Martouf stated when he saw some humans step back in fear.
Malek lay still as he was forced to lay where Martouf and Sarek manipulated him into laying. “Now all symbiotes are natural healers, but I shall show you some of the injuries a symbiote can get.” Sarek stated. “The most common wounds are to the fins.” He stated before gently gripping Malek’s small arm like fin. “This pair in particular, the primary pair are stiffer and have some residual bone inside, these can sometimes, though very rarely get caught and broken when taking host’s or leaving hosts. Now we use a healing device, but if ever you need to heal a Tok’ra symbiote all you must do is make sure the bones are in place and secure them correctly so the symbiote can heal.”
“May we run some x-rays of Malek’s form?” Janet asked. “Just so we have them on paper.”
“I see no harm in it.” Martouf replied. Malek gave an affirmative trill.
“We will need to keep Malek still, is it alright if we secure him slightly in place?” Janet asked. “The slightest wiggle and the x-ray might not work.”
Malek trilled gently. “Malek’s agreed as long as he won’t be pinned down for too long.” Martouf translated.
“It won’t be too long, just a few moments.” Janet assured. Martouf nodded and carried Malek to the x-ray room. The entourage of doctors and nurses followed closely and watched as he was secured to the table before being left alone. Instead of panicking he began to doze and didn’t even realise that the test was over until Martouf freed and lifted him before returning them to the infirmary.
The impromptu tests and lesson went on for a good few hours and Malek growing bored and slightly tired stretched and yawned. Of course being wrapped around a human nurse’s wrist whilst he was stretching and yawning had startled her, no doubt she was afraid for a few moments when she saw him move so fast and open his vicious looking mouth. Martouf carefully extracted him from her wrist and lowered him into the water.
“I think that’s it for today.” Sarek stated. “I think I’ve taught you all I can.”
“Thank you. It was very informative.” Janet replied. “I believe we’re all better prepared now for when we have to help heal a symbiote.” She added. “And thank you Malek for your patience.” The group chorused her thanks and Malek rose to the surface to give her a trill before sinking to the bottom and curling up to rest.
“I think we should leave him to rest now.” Martouf replied. “I will remain close by to watch him.” Malek did not hear their reply for he was soon sound asleep.
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