Always Forgiven, Never Forgotten | By : A.K.O.Shifting-Shadow Category: Stargate: SG-1 > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1199 -:- 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. |
Well isn’t this just wonderful. Louis commented sarcastically as Malek slowly stood and looked back at the Chaapa’ai. The ring was already shut down leaving him in the middle of a forest. The DHD was covered with ferns and vines and Malek knew that there was a high probability that the growing plants had damaged and dislodged the power crystals. Louis was not impressed but the host knew better than to start whining and complaining, the two of them had to concentrate and work out how to activate the gate and get to Agrippa and the Tok’Ra Hideaway. We’ll need to remove the plants and check the inside to see if any damage has been done to the device.
-There must be some reason for the ancients to come here; most likely there are some ruins or a civilisation here. If there are any parts of the DHD missing we can seek out the ruins and see if we can replace them.- Malek replied. –If we cannot there may be another way off-world, we need only look.-
I don’t understand what happened. Louis muttered.
-The Chaapa’ai malfunctioned.- Malek explained. –But that should not happen. The ancients ensured that such things could not happen so why has this happened? What caused the gate to jump?-
We could have ended up in pieces. Louis whispered.
-We could have ended up as atoms in the middle of space. We are very fortunate that we are in one piece despite our location. I’d rather have the chance to survive then to cease existing.- Malek commented as he searched the horizon. –I may not have much but a zat’nik’tel and knife are just as useful as any weapon.-
We also have a small hand-gun. Louis added.
Malek nodded mentally. –Perhaps but your Tau’ri weapons are loud and will bring attention, I will only use such a weapon if I have no other alternative. Let’s see if we can remove these vines from the DHD.-
Take your time, the vines will be tangled so we’ll have to work from the top. Louis warned. And we should think about thorns and wildlife, we don’t know how venomous or poisonous they are.
-Very wise.- Malek stated proudly. –Any animals we see we will move or chase away. I won’t start a fire just yet, we’ll use the vines we’ll cut for that but we need to be wary light might lure animals and enemy to us.-
Then our first priority should be to find shelter. Once we have a safe place to retreat to we can focus on getting out of here.
-Good idea, if we cannot find a shelter we will make one. These trees seem sturdy enough, I think if we build a sturdy shelter in the trees we’ll be relatively safe but building a fire up there would be dangerous, we’ll see how far this forest extends But our first priority is the gate, if there are enemies here I don’t want to be stuck on this world with no way off.-
Knowing our luck, this forest is endless. Louis countered a little sulkily. But you’re right, we should check the gate first. My mistake.
-You are not wrong, beloved. If the gate doesn’t work our exploration of the forest is our next priority.- Malek chuckled. –We shall see.-
Louis sighed. Well we need to tread carefully.
-Of course.- Malek agreed. –We don’t know what is out there but we need to secure this area first. I don’t want this area to be over-run. We’ll check the device and try to dial out, if we can’t we find out how far this forest spreads.- Malek commented.
Right, clear those vines. Louis ordered. If there are enemies here they may have been alerted by the activation of the gate.
Malek shook his head as he pulled his blade and proceeded to hack at the vines. –No the forest is too thick and vast, the sound and light would not have reached far. However the animals in this area may have been disturbed and fled alerting any nearby hunters to the disturbance and our presence.-
Hunters in the forest. Louis commented. Not a very nice thought.
-Depends on what they’d do to us. They could be primitive and not like strangers or they could want new DNA, so any visitor would be forced to be part of the clan and breed. Or they may even help us but I cannot be certain.- Malek explained as he pulled the vines apart and slowly uncovered the DHD. –I don’t think it is working. I have accidentally pressed a few buttons and yet the gate is not moving. Let’s hope that there is only something dislodged and not destroyed.-
Yes. Louis agreed readily. If they are and there are no replacements we’ll be stuck here.
-Let’s not think like that right now, Louis, we need to be positive.- Malek chided. –We must cling to whatever hope we can because if we give up then all is lost.-
You’re right. I am sorry. Louis replied softly.
Malek shrugged off Louis’s apology and briefly curled tighter around his host’s spine in his species version of a hug as he sent feelings of warmth and love to his host. –No, we all have those thoughts, but we must ignore them and stay strong.-
So we need to get inside the DHD and see how much damage is done. Louis commented. I fear the plants are inside the device too and perhaps their roots are inside the device.
-I hope not or we’ll be working all day and most of the night, if not more. We can’t burn them because the heat would damage the crystals.- Malek answered inwardly cringing at the thought. –No we’re going to have to pull each vine out by hand.-
This will take even longer. Louis countered. If we’re going to do that we’ll need to secure the area, our head will be inside the DHD whilst we’re working so we need alarms and traps to alert us to any enemies or animals getting too close.
-We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, but you are right. We won’t be able to repair the DHD until the area is secure.- Malek answered. -Let’s get the vines off the DHD and then we’ll see about scouting and securing the area. We might as well consider shelter whilst we do that.-
Unsurprisingly the vines were thick, long and deep. Malek was struggling to cut through the thick vines, his blade wouldn’t cut through the hard skin but Malek had a lot of strength and a few hard hits had most vines snapping and falling to the ground. Unfortunately by the time he had cleared the top of the device the sun was clearly going down.
Wait Malek…look! Is that another light source? Louis asked startled. Malek glanced up and raised a brow. Yellow light was fading but blue light was taking its place. Is that a vessel or something else?
-If it was a plane the light would be more focused, this looks more like natural light. Could it be a glowing creature or another source of light?-
Another sun? Louis asked fascinated.
Malek shrugged. –The only thing I can think of is to climb up and have a look, it would cost us valuable time but it might be best to see and ensure we’re not in danger.-
But the trees could be dangerous.
-Being on the ground in faded light will just be as dangerous.- Malek countered. –We’ll climb.-
Louis let out a startled cry as Malek leapt for a branch, Malek smirked as Louis gasped when Malek pulled them up the tree through sheer strength with his arms. He rose rapidly up the massive tree and into the vast canopy, as they reached the top they heard a low growl beneath and a shadow appeared near the gate. Malek paused and watched warily as the large animal scouted the area and raised its head, eerie gold eyes met theirs as the creature snarled before vanishing into the forest. Malek thanked his mother that he had chosen to climb when he had and could only hope that whatever the creature was, it could not climb. He climbed even more rapidly than before and finally breached the top of the canopy.
What am I seeing? Louis asked amazed.
Malek smiled. –They are all stars.- He informed his host as he took in the six bright balls of light in the sky, all different shades of yellow and white. –Four are distant stars but they are still incredibly bright. The two are so close to this world that they can be called nothing less than suns. One is a pale blue and the other a normal looking sun.-
How does that work? Louis asked. From what I learned stars don’t move, planets do so what sun does this planet circle and how does the other sun come into play?
Malek mentally stroked his host’s mind and sent his host his pride at Louis’s curiosity and knowledge. –You are right and we must also consider what the two suns are doing to this world. The gravitational pull of these two stars must have a massive effect on this world. Since they haven’t torn this world apart, yet, we can assume that the weather on this world is chaotic.-
Which means it would be dangerous to remain here. Louis commented suddenly very nervous and afraid. We can fight humans and beasts but we can’t fight nature. I don’t want to be on this world when…whatever happens.
-Neither do I, which is why we must work as hard as we can to get off this world. We could be torn apart by storms or ripped to shreds by the gravitational forces that work on this world.-
The likelihood of people being here is slim to none. I’m surprised animals are here if the gravitational pull is that bad.
Malek snorted. –I’m not. Animals are simply able to survive more. They are durable and adaptable. Humans, not so much.-
So what do we do?
Malek glanced around and sighed. –It seems we’re safe in the canopy, The animals must dwell in the safer ground level, I feel some radiation up here from the suns but if we settled a little lower down there will be no harm done to us and we’ll be safe to rest until the planet turns to the brighter sun.-
Radiation?
-Sunlight is a version of radiation. UV rays are radiation. The sunlight here is stronger, much stronger than Earth’s sunlight and as a result more dangerous. Still it is not the most dangerous I’ve experienced and it will only do harm under prolonged exposure. I will work hard to get the gate to work but for now we rest.-
Just one question. Louis commented. If the creature showed up in the blue sunlight than perhaps the yellow sunlight is the most dangerous?
Malek nodded. –You are right but if the blue light is safer than it means the ground is more dangerous. During the yellow light the creatures must go into hiding which means we have the day to work and during the blue light we’ll have to retreat to the safety of the canopy.-
We don’t know if the canopy is safe.
-Then we shall take turns sleeping. I’ll watch over us one half and you the other.-
Or I could watch over us during the blue light so you can rest. After all it is you and your strength that we’ll get us out of here.
-No. We’re in this together, besides when we’re on the ground it will be much safer for us to be aware, when I’m working and focusing on our task you can focus on the sounds and movements around us.-
That sounds like a good thing. Both of us alert.
-Yes, but for us both to be alert we must both be aware.-
Okay, so who’ll watch first?
-I’ll watch first and observe the area and creatures, the more knowledge I gather the more you’ll know what is out there and what to watch for when you’re awake.- Malek answered. –I’ll be much more content to sleep when I know you’ll be safe and ready to whatever is out there.-
I could argue with you but I can already tell your set on your decision. Louis replied. Alright I will sleep first.
-Thank you beloved.- Malek replied. –Now sleep and I will watch over us tonight.-
Do you think the others are looking for us? Louis asked quietly after trying and unsuccessfully trying to sleep.
Malek chuckled fondly as he manipulated Louis’s body into thinking it was exhausted. –Of course they’re looking for us, beloved. And if the Tau’ri are involved we may be rescued instead of rescuing ourselves. Your people may sometimes be violent and primitive but a few of your people are intelligent, very few mind you but enough to make a difference in time. If they don’t find us at least they can learn more about the gate and try to prevent something like this happening again.-
And the Tok’Ra. Louis replied softly as he slowly succumbed to the forced sleep. Will they look?
-I do not know. If I am here could Ocker and Delek be elsewhere? Or did they get through but I did not? I cannot know but I do know that if Delek and Ocker did get home the Tok’Ra will be looking for us. They will have to work out how far off course we went and then they have to narrow down the planets, there are hundreds if not thousands of planets in one small area of space, we could be anywhere and we can’t give anyone any clues because until the gate is working we are cut off. This is an undesirable situation to be in but I believe it could be worse.-
How worse?
-We could be on a planet being sucked into a black-hole. We could have ended up on a planet without any breathable atmosphere or on a planet with active volcanos and earthquakes. There are a multitude of things that could have happened, fortunately the only thing we have to deal with is minor radiation and wildlife, far better than dealing with violent natural events or certain death.-
Now you mention it, this is better!
Malek laughed fondly as Louis finally fell asleep before leaning back against the tree trunk and watching the forest floor. The feline creature returned twenty minutes or so later with three cubs, the mother glanced up but seemed to think he was too much effort to catch and so she moved on. A few more creatures followed revealing that the mother and cubs were part of a pack. He wasn’t surprised, there is strength in numbers after all. He was a little surprised that there were no flying creatures but the insects he noted were of impressive sizes and he was thankful that thus far they had not noted him or were not interested in him and his host, yet.
The air was cooling. It was still a little too warm for humans but Malek could stop keeping Louis’s body cool which would allow him time to recuperate some of his energy. The smells which had been overwhelmingly powerful faded and Malek released his hold on Louis’s sense of smell, the first thing he scented was steam which meant a hot pool of water wasn’t far from their location. He’d pay a visit to it if they were unable to leave the world the next day, Louis would appreciate somewhere to bathe and drink. Food would be the next priority but where there was water there were a variety of plants including flowering and fruits. If they were forced to stay Malek would scout out a fruit tree and see if animals ate them, if the animals ate them then it would mean that the fruits were safe to eat.
Malek tensed as he heard a sound much too close for comfort but the noise wasn’t a violent noise, it was a snapping of branches or a low growl. The sound came again and Malek slowly glanced to a nearby tree, bright blue eyes stared back and a small head appeared behind a huge leaf. The eyes were too big for the head as were the ears which meant this was a youngling. The small mouth opened to let out a little sound and Malek finally realised that the sound was a distress call, a cub calling for its mother. Looking down Malek tried to see the parent but he could only see shrubs, fallen tree trunks and bones. Malek had a sudden distressing thought and looked closely, he had not cared what the bones were when he had arrived but now he could see the skull and knew without a doubt that this was the cub’s mother.
-I never thought… I didn’t care…but I can’t leave that cub there to die.- Malek thought to himself. –How did I not notice this? I am supposed to be alert to protect my host and myself and yet I never saw this. I should not have ignored the bones…-
The cub cried out again and Malek knew he had to act, he dared not climb down but if he picked the right branch he could jump from his tree to the cubs. But the cub wouldn’t come willingly, it might even climb higher and its small size would mean the radiation above the canopy could kill it. He’d have to surrender some of his rations, Louis would understand, he was sure. The cub perked up when it smelt food, it was just dry meat but the cub was probably so hungry it didn’t care.
Slipping the meat into his pocket he slowly approached the edge of his tree and searched for the nearest branch. He quickly noticed a branch above him was closer to his destination than where he was so he returned to the trunk and scaled to the next level. A few careful steps and a graceful leap and he was sitting in a nest of branches, the cub yowled surprised and distressed but the reappearance of meat quickly calmed the starving animal. Edging forward carefully Malek held out the meat to the cub and was pleased when the small animal warily leaned its head forward to grab the meat. Now he was close he could see how skinny the small animal was and it was shivering, mostly from fear but also from exhaustion. Trusting his instincts Malek lifted the animal and settled on a large branch whilst hugging the little animal to his chest, the cub whimpered but Malek simply handed the rest of the meat to the small animal. It was rather pleasing and funny to see the animal excitedly scoff down the meat before curling up into his warmth. Obviously the excitement and fear was too much for the small cub and it was succumbing to exhaustion. Malek watched the sleeping animal carefully to ensure it didn’t pass away in his arms before returning his attention to the surrounding area.
Now the cub was resting Malek could have a closer look at the cub. It seemed black to untrained eyes but it was actually dark blue with yellow stripes. It had the normal four legs but instead of paws they had hands with long claws most likely for climbing and gripping prey. The animal had six pairs of eyes, the large frontal eyes, ones on the top of the head and two on the back giving the cub perfect 360 degrees of view. The pupils were long and pointed like a lizards, they seemed bright blue from a distance but close up Malek could see about six different shades of blue and a few greens and yellows. The cub had a mane but it was small at the moment, it wasn’t hair though, it was more feathery but the ‘quills’ were sharp and dagger like, no doubt this was to prevent attack from above. The tail was long and seemed to be able to grip, right now it was wrapped around his arm but extended it would be easily the length of the cub if not longer. The tail ended with more spikes, like the ‘feathers’ on the animals back they were sharp and when full grown they’d be deadly, the feathery parts were yellow, with red highlights but the quills were blue. Malek wondered if they had poison in them. At the moment the quills were small but Malek had no doubt they were more deadly than the adult version, it was most likely the cubs first line of defence when left alone by its mother since its claws were tiny. The most interesting part was its mouth, the creatures must be related to snakes because they had retractable teeth, he had noted it when the cub had fed, it had looked toothless until it had snapped the meat and then he saw the dagger like fangs emerged from the gums. This cub would be an intimidating predator once it had grown up.
Louis awoke a few hours later to the warmth of the cub and Malek’s humming. By now their bond was so strong that Louis knew everything that happened within moments of awaking so he was not surprised by the cub’s presence. Louis glanced down at the corpse and sighed softly in regret. It was a shame that the cub had lost his mother but it was also fortunate that they were there to save the cub. Judging by the corpse these guys only grew to the size of a dog, so perhaps they could keep it, Malek’s memories showed that the Tok’Ra sometimes allowed pets but only if the pets were easy to move and were able to protect the tunnels when needed.
Go to sleep Malek, I’ll watch over us now. Louis assured. Malek hummed in agreement and receded from Louis’s mind to rest leaving Louis to watch over their cub and the surroundings. Pleased with Louis’s devotion Malek succumbed to sleep knowing they were all safe.
Having such a strong bond meant that Malek didn’t feel as if he had slept, Louis memories were his and vice versa and so he saw everything that happened in the hours he was sleeping. He saw that as the blue faded to black before the yellow light began to appear. It seemed that the planet circled the blue sun but passed between the two suns meaning that once a day there was no dark side on the planet. When the light faded all the creatures had emerged, climbing higher in the trees, Louis had used his initiative and retreated higher into the canopy before climbing back down as the yellow light began to appear. It was now time to head down to the forest floor, the animals were once again in hiding and the cub needed to get lower away from the more dangerous levels of radiation.
Malek took control as the cub stirred, hugging the animal to his body with one arm he descended to the forest floor carefully before using some flexible vines to create a lead and collar, the last thing he needed was the cub running into danger or getting in the way. Surprisingly the cub didn’t bolt when he placed the animal to the floor, it simply curled up in the shade and watched as Malek began to hack at some vines.
Louis focused on the noises around them whilst Malek focused on the device and the plants around it. The plants were stubborn but Malek was also very stubborn and his blade was sharp, his body strong, he would not fail.
You know we have to name the little guy.
-We can’t name it until we know it’s going to survive. We can’t grow attached to something that could turn on us or die.-
It won’t die, we won’t let it.
-As much as I’d like to defeat death, I cannot, we can only give the cub a chance.-
Louis went quiet for a few moments and Malek thought his host had finished the conversation but… What about Charlie? That’s a multi-gender name.
-We’ll have a look at its sex in a moment, Louis, right now I must focus on this.-
Ah…sorry.
Malek chuckled. –Don’t worry about it, you worry about names and I’ll work on the device.-
Louis snickered a little. Getting a little distracted but don’t worry I’ll keep an ear out. Malek smiled fondly as his host hummed and began to pay more attention to their surroundings. The cub made a startled sound as a broken vine landed near it, it yapped and leapt forward missing the branch by a few centimetres. It whined before its eyes widened, ears perked up as the long tail extended and suddenly the vine was wrapped in tail and shoved into a waiting toothy mouth. Malek chuckled and Louis snickered. Is the vine dangerous?
-You see that vine up there with purple protrusions?- Louis nodded. –That is dangerous but the vines that have no thorns are safe. The cub is in no danger with these vines. I noted a few animals eating the green vines last night but they stayed far away from the ones with the purple thorns.-
Louis was clearly relieved as he watched the cub tear the vine to pieces. Louis was clearly surprised by how much expression the cub showed, it clearly looked smug as it gnawed on the remains of the vine. Hey, Malek? Malek hummed. What if we use the cub to speed the work up? Have it gnaw on the vines whilst we work on the device itself? I mean it ripped through that vine in moments and how long have we been hacking at it?
Malek paused. –You’re right. If I secure to lead to us we could have it gnaw on the plants on top of the device.-
The cub looked up when Malek approached and whined softly backing away unsure but fortunately it didn’t seem to see Malek as a threat because it allowed Malek close enough to lift the pup and secure its lead to his belt. The pup forgot its nervousness when Malek placed it atop the device, it playfully wagged the long tail and leapt at the vines. Malek chuckled and returned to his own work below the device.
I would have thought the cub would be a carnivore.
Malek laughed. –Oh it is but it’s playing, if it was actually eating there wouldn’t be as many shards lying around. For some reason the cub enjoys attacking these vines.-
Could it be doing that because we are?
-You mean emulating what we’re doing like it would its mother? It could be, we may have endeared ourselves to it and now it may follow us around and cling to us.-
I don’t want to test that theory just yet. We don’t know what’s out there.
-Exactly, for now we keep it secure and with us.- Malek added.
A few hours later and Louis let out a pleased sound. The top is almost clear. He stated pleased.
Malek smiled. –I think I can get into the device. I’ve clear a gap in the vines but I am not prepared to stick our arm in there. I think we shall have to spend another evening here, it will take me too long to clear this and I won’t have us staying on the ground when the blue sun takes over.-
Retreating to the safety of the canopy?
-No. I think I want to explore tonight. I noted steam so I’m hoping we can find a pool and some food. If we eat the fruits we can leave our meat for our cub.- Malek replied. –Besides the cubs been in that tree for a while and must be equally thirsty as it is hungry.-
Well I wouldn’t mind a swim and I think anything is better than rations even if it is meat. Louis replied.
Malek laughed. –The rations aren’t so bad.-
I have experience with rations, Malek and I can tell you this, they are either so plain their boring or they’re so disgusting that no one wants to eat them.
Malek couldn’t argue with that so he chose to stay quiet. He carried the cub up the tree before carefully travelling through the canopy, the cub was surprisingly still but Malek dare not comment on it lest the cub decided to start squirming. The trees were quite close together meaning branches intertwined and met so all Malek had to do was hold the cub tight and watch his footing. It was quite a hike, it had not seemed so far when he’d first scented the steam but it seemed the origins of the scent was farther away than he had anticipated.
I think it’s there. Louis commented when he noticed a steep hill. Malek knew his host was right, he could see the steam and there were many exotic looking plants gathered around the hill indicating rich soil and a plentiful supply of water. The steepness of the hill ensured only the powerful climbers could reach the pool. Louis seemed to relax at the heat and scent of water and herbs. Won’t it be dangerous, the animals will be coming out now.
-I won’t spend too much time there, just enough to refresh before we rest.- Malek replied. –Besides the cub needs water if it has any chance of surviving. And the herbs that grow there might be useful. I’ll pick a few samples and take them to the Tok’Ra, perhaps they can use the herbs to synthesise medicines, poisons and so much more. In fact I’ll pick a good amount, as much as we can carry.-
If it helps our people than yes. Louis agreed readily. I just hope the Tok’Ra don’t keep too many secrets from my people.
-The treaty will ensure that our people at least communicate regularly. It will be hard and there will be many ulterior motives and lies but in time our people will find something to create friendship.-
In time… time is an enemy though, time could just reveal more reasons why the alliance shouldn’t exist.
-Then you, me, Jolinar and Samantha as well as our friends will try to ensure that anything that is found won’t affect our friendship or alliance. Have faith, beloved.-
I have faith in you and our friends but I still fear…
-We all fear but we cannot let fear overwhelm us. If fear overcomes us then the battle is already lost.-
I understand. I fear but I won’t give up.
-That is all any of us ask, beloved.- Malek replied fondly as they finally landed on the hill. Only it wasn’t a hill, it was a bowl, the edge of the bowl was covered with a multitude of plants, some clearly had the characteristics of herbs and fruits but others were odd and unknown. The bowl was filled with bright blue water, but there was no life in it. The pup leapt from his arms and lapped at the water before Malek could stop it. Warily Malek leaned down and dipped a finger into the liquid, when his skin did not burn Malek licked his finger and hummed. –Normal water but the air content is low and it is almost boiling. No doubt the yellow sun has heated this water and made it impossible for animals to dwell in it. Even if we had come here during the day we could not have come close, the steam alone would have burned our skin and the water would be boiling hot. Once the water has cooled a little we will wash, right now I’ll bottle some water and collect herbs.-
Should we bring back some live samples? Things that could be cultivated and grown?
-We don’t have any equipment for that.-
Look around Malek we have everything we need. We could weave containers and use soil and thick moss to seal any gaps and to grow the plants.
-Yes we have that but we don’t know what the plants require to survive, we could take them off world only to have them die because of a lack of...‘something’.- Malek countered. –But you are right, we should try and perhaps we can experiment whilst we work. We could create different environments in the woven pots to see how well they grow, we can use the boiled water from this pool for one pot and normal water for another and we can see how well they grow in shade since they will be growing in the Tok’Ra tunnels.-
It is worth a try, Malek.
-You are right.- Malek replied. –But it means we will spend more time on this world than I like. Weaving will take hours alone and growing the plants could take weeks.-
Louis shook his head. No, not necessarily, if the plants aren’t doing well they’ll change colour or stop growing, those signs can show up in a matter of days.
-Well I could use our personal device to scan the plants.- Malek stated patting his pocket where their personal handheld device sat, it was like a small phone but had more power and memory than a Tau’ri computer. –It’s normally for daily planners and communication but I can rig it to analyse the growth of the plants.-
Yes, do that. Once we find something that works we can take a good number of samples and be assured that they’ll at least survive until we get home.
-And if we do decide to take the pup, it can carry a good number of samples.- Malek added looking down at the prancing cub as it looked up at him expectantly. Obviously it was wondering what Malek was going to do. –Let’s settle this cub up a tree and give it some food and we can begin weaving whilst we wait for the water to cool. I think the first thing we’ll do it make a water bowl for the cub, I’d prefer to leave it up a tree with all it needs when we’re working, at least then it will be safe.-
It doesn’t need to be a large bowl, it is small at the moment so we can get away with giving it a small bowl and filling it with our supply of water. Louis answered. If we can get the cubs bowl to retain water we can use the same method to create a woven pot to contain the plants.
-We shall see.- Malek replied unsure but knowing they had to try. He lifted the pup back into his arms and scaled a nearby tree, he found branches intertwined and smiled as he carefully rearranged the leaves and twigs to create a small nest. The cub wandered around the small nest before making a small satisfied sound and settling. Malek secured the animals lead to the branches and left a few pieces of meat before descending back down to the pool and beginning to gather any freshly dropped branches. –If I leave them in water for a little while they be more mouldable.-
Once we make the small woven pots all we need to do is leave it out in the sunlight, the sun will dry out the wood. Louis added.
-The only problem is, I’ve never woven before but I’ve got the general idea.- Malek answered. –It needs a frame first of all…-
Malek worked quietly on a branch just a few metres above the ground, the cub was sleeping after realising Malek wouldn’t come and play with it. In just a few hours he had a frame to work with but the body would take a little bit more effort and would require flexible wood. He had already gathered the longest branches and all he needed to do was drop them into the pool and allow the warm water to soak the branches and make them more flexible for weaving. Once this was done the evening was theirs to do with as they wished.
Louis was given control a few moments later and the host immediately undressed and jumped into the pool once he was given the all clear from Malek. The joy his host felt was echoed by Malek’s own pleasure at being submerged in water. Malek curled around his host’s spine and hummed in contentment.
A whine had Louis looking up to see the cub looking down and tugging against its lead. It seems the little guy wants to join us. Louis stated in amusement.
Malek mentally shrugged. –We could bring it down but we should be heading up, the moment the blue sun goes down there will be more animals and they’ll be drawn to this pool to drink before he gets too hot to do so. We should retrieve the branches in a few moments and climb up.-
Louis agreed readily and reluctantly ignored the whining cub as he swam around the pool. It wasn’t a proper bath but it was relaxing and refreshing which was what both host and symbiote needed. A sound made both look up to see the cub looking ready to leap. “No.” Louis hissed, the cub startled and whimpered before edging forward again. “No!” The cub whined again but this time it stepped away from the edge. I thought the lead kept it in place.
-It was supposed to, unless…-
It’s eaten through the vine. Damn it. We need to climb back up.
Malek took control and climbed out of the pool, dressing before quickly scaling the tree to see that the cub had indeed freed itself and was ready to jump down. He wrapped a strong hand around its middle and lifted it up; he couldn’t help but smile as the long tail wagged in clear happiness at Malek and Louis’s closeness. “Silly thing, you’ll get yourself hurt.” Malek chided softly as it yapped at him.
It’s a girl. Louis commented noticing the lack of manly parts. We have a little lady.
-No not yet a lady. A little girl and a troublemaker at that.- Malek countered as he settled into the next and held her in his arms. She made a small sound, like a purr as she curled up in his arms. Pleased Malek checked the vine and saw that the cub had gnawed through the vine. –I should have realised that she would do this, she made short work of the vines on the DHD.-
We both should have thought of it but there is nothing we can do but keep her with us. Louis replied. She didn’t fight the lead when she was with us so perhaps she won’t do it again as long as she’s with us.
-Perhaps.- Malek replied as he salvage as much of the vine as he could. The cub made a small whine of complaint but did not fight as he secured the make-shift collar back around her neck. Her quills were sharp and deadly but she lowered all of them to ensure he’d not harm himself on them, it proved she was intelligent and fond of him already. She purred and rubbed her head against his chin and he scratched her fluffy ear earning a wag of her tail. Said tail wrapped around his thigh and the quilled end rested against the thick branch they sat on. -It seems she had bonded with us, which is fortunate. We could have ended up her meal.-
She is more intelligent than that. Louis countered. She knows she would have died without us and she knows we can help her survive. She relies on us.
-When she’s older she will be able to defend herself, from what I’ve seen her species are pack animals so she should protect us as we protect her. She would be extremely useful to keep.- Malek answered. –And since her kind only grows to the size of a dog the others should have no reason to complain.-
If they’re pack animals where is her pack?
-Look down. The bones littering the forest floor are what’s left of them. I saw another pack last night, I can only assume they killed and cannibalised the reigning pack to get this territory.- Malek replied softly. –I must also assume that the adult animals cannot climb as well as the cubs because they never found our cub in the trees, although she did climb quite high.-
They probably did pursue her but when she reached the canopy the pack backed down, the adults surely know that the canopy is dangerous.
-That is highly likely.- Malek answered. –They probably knew she’d die but instead she survived long enough for us to find her. I can only wonder what would have happened had we not arrived.-
She’d be dead. Louis stated grimly. If we don’t take her with us the planet or the pack will kill her.
-Precisely. We’re going to take her and the Tok’Ra can kiss my backside, I am not letting her go.- Louis laughed at Malek’s declaration but Malek could sense Louis’s whole-hearted agreement. –But first she must survive, if she lives through tonight we know she’ll live. And then there is the fact we need to get off-world, the radiation on this world could eventually kill her and us. The trees are only temporarily safe. The cub is more resistant to the radiation than us, she’s born on this world but we do not have such resistance.-
Speaking of which, is that movement there?
Malek glanced into the forest and hummed in agreement, there was movement alright, it seemed the pack had returned probably drawn to their scent. Louis gasped as he watched the animals approach the pool. Their bodies may only grow to the size of a dog but it was the size of a large dog. The male was the biggest of all with spines all the way down his back, he was also the brightest, his yellow stripes were so pale they were white and his poisonous feathery quills were bright crimson and orange. The females were smaller by a few inches and were practically identical to Malek and Louis’s cub only larger. The pack sniffed the pool side and growled, Malek leaned back out of direct sight and watched through the branches as the pack searched the area, they closed in on his hiding place but they suddenly startled as a loud roar filled the air. Suddenly the pack leapt into the air, performing a perfect one-hundred and eighty degree turn before landing on all four paws, the moment their feet were on the ground they practically flew towards the sound making Malek jump in shock. –They must know that sound, either a pack member in trouble or prey. They would not have run towards it had it been an enemy.-
Well at least it lures them away from us but I don’t want to be here when they come back so let’s hope the DHD is in one piece and we can uncover it tomorrow.
-If we leave tomorrow we can’t complete the experiments we’ve planned but considering those creatures I have to agree. I’ll collect samples and worry about cultivating them when we’re off this world. I do not like any of us remaining here.-
So we get off world tomorrow?
-Yes, we’ll use our cub. Since she has energy to burn we’ll see if she can get through the vines.-
Oh she will, she seems to enjoy it a lot. Louis was right on that account, she was already trying to gnaw through her lead, her sharp fangs were buried deep in the bark and Malek could see liquid seeping down. She has venom. She’s poisonous and venomous.
Malek hummed in amusement. –We could train her to bite only when we command.-
Louis laughed at the very thought and sent his agreement at the idea as they watched the cub make short work of the vine, once it was gone she purred and curled up against his chest with her quills pressed against her fur to prevent any unintended injury. Malek rewarded her gentleness with a gentle scratch to her ear as he stared into the forest canopy. –We need to climb down and retrieve those submerged branches before the pack returns. We can’t wait for day because the water will boil. But I am not sure if we can leave her here and have her stay.-
We got no choice, we need to collect samples and we have no containers to carry samples. We’ll have to take her with us.
-We’ll need to undress again…perhaps we can leave our shirt and jacket up here with her to calm her whilst we go retrieve the branches.-
That might work. She might feel more safe and content with our scent close to her. Louis agreed.
Cautiously Malek removed their shirt and jacket and made a makeshift bed before placing the pup down onto it. She sniffed around a little before gracelessly dropping down and curling into a ball of purring fluff and quills. He was content to leave the cub for a short while Malek descended to the pool and stripped his trousers before diving into the water. It took only a few powerful kicks before he reached the bottom, he pulled the branches back to the surface, he dressed quickly but it took him a little longer to reach the nest they built. Surprisingly the little cub helped pulled the twigs by burying her fangs into the bark and pulling with all her strength. Malek scratched her ear in reward and finally got himself into the next. The cub purred and curled up in his lap and he began to weave the branches around the wooden frame.
By the time they had a makeshift pot the yellow sun was almost fully risen. By this time Malek had put on his shirt and jacket and had finished the pot by lining it with leaves and moss before slowly climbing down the tree. He meant to climb back up to retrieve the cub but the cub was already scrambling down to join him. Malek sighed in reluctant amusement as he kneeled down to get closer to her level. “Alright little one, you can walk but you got to keep up.” Malek warned, the cub yipped and ran around his legs as Malek carefully dug up some of the plants and began to fill the pot. The pot seemed to hold most of the water and held a good amount of plants but Malek hoped he could get home quickly so the plants had a chance to survive. Standing he looked down at the excited pup and smiled. “Come one then little one.” He had expected to have to chase the cub but the little thing followed at his heels despite her excitement.
The moment Malek started on removing the vines the cub leapt in and began to tear at the vines beside him. Malek smiled as the DHD slowly began to reveal itself and they were fortunate, the inside was in one piece but a few of the crystals were displaced. The cub scrambled in and went for the crystal, Malek hissed and the cub glanced at him and touched her nose to the crystal, Malek shook his head and she yapped before going for the vines. Pleased Malek reached in and grabbed the first loose crystal, he had to lean into the device but he managed to push it into place. The cub shredded the vines and Malek pushed crystals back onto place behind the small animal. It was slow going but Malek finally heard power flowing through the crystals and sensed the naquadah being powered up in the gate. Malek laughed and lifted the cub high enough to press a kiss to her nose. “What a wonderful little lady you are.” He praised when the cub purred, she wrapped her tail around his arm and scrambled up his body to curl over his shoulders, he was a bit wary at first, he feared she’d fall but she clung on tight and purred contentedly. “It’s time to go home.”
Louis cheered as the gate activated with each press of a button as Malek dialled the address for the planet Agrippa. The gate dialled instantly and a wormhole engaged, the cub hissed startled but a gentle scratch to the ear calmed her. He didn’t hesitate he strode straight into the wormhole and off the dangerous world.
Agrippa was just how he remembered it. There were herds of wild horses cantering around the many meadows and forests. There were predators but they stayed in the forests mostly where they could launch ambush and surprise attacks on the horses and other mammals that wandered Agrippa’s lands. Malek took a moment to enjoy the sights and scents before racing into the nearest forest and towards the mountains. He could only hope he wasn’t too late and that Ocker and Delek hadn’t left or destroyed the message.
The cub hissed and Malek knew that he had alerted a nearby predator. He leapt for the trees and just avoided a mouth full of sharp teeth. The cub growled and leapt to the floor, her quills raised and her fangs lowered. She leapt for the animal and buried her teeth in the meat of the creatures’ thigh. The animal screeched and went to shake the cub off but she’d already leapt for the trees and was now curled around his arms watching as the giant carnivorous lizard slowly died from her venom. Malek pet the small creature’s head and lowered himself to the floor, he almost felt sorry for the animal but he couldn’t stay, he didn’t have time.
Louis egged him on as Malek sprinted through the trees, the cub leapt down from his shoulders and ran alongside him, Malek watched her carefully but she really had bonded to him. It seemed that nothing would stop them but then the cub stumbled as they tried to climb the mountain. She yipped and Malek grabbed her and placed her on his shoulders, she obediently gripped him tight and stayed still as he scrambled up the mountainside. Their destination was a cave halfway up the mountainside with a perfect view of the gate. It had all a Tok’Ra operative needed sealed inside, clothes, weapons, money, jewels and information.
He avoided a rockslide as a herd cantered over lose rocks above him. The startled neighs made the cub yip in fright, unable to scratch the cubs ear Malek instead whispered a few words of comfort that seemed to calm the animal. He pulled himself up and onto the ledge that led to the cave and blinked at the scene he had come upon. Ocker was physically assaulting Delek, beating the symbiote and his host with such a look of fury on his face that Malek was briefly frightened by the idea that he may be Goa’uld. But Delek wasn’t fighting back and the answer as to why soon became clear.
“You are no better than a Goa’uld! You took an unwilling host and humiliated Malek to protect your own skin. I should expose you to the council!” Ocker was practically screaming. “All this time we thought Malek had been delirious with his injuries and all this time you had lied to protect your own skin! You are no better than the Goa’uld!”
Delek flinched but took the abuse without protest. “You’re right…”
“What on Earth is going on here?” Malek demanded as he and his new pet entered the cavern. The two males froze, clearly startled by Malek’s appearance but before they could speak Malek continued. “Ocker, release Delek at once and pray to Egeria that Delek can heal those injuries before we return. Delek’s host is innocent in this and it is not your place to enact vengeance unless I request it!”
“He heard us talking.” Delek stated needlessly. “He heard the whole story.”
“No he hasn’t.” Malek retorted. “Your pride won’t allow you to speak the truth but I will.” He added before turning to Ocker. “On the mission to ask for hosts all those years ago we arrived upon a very primitive world, heavily changed since our last visits centuries ago. They had a very patriarchal society where a woman couldn’t even look a man in the eyes. They captured us and were interrogating Delek thinking he is my master. Misha and I were bound and the chieftain was planning to sell us off to the highest bidder but when Delek refused to answer his questions they decided to use me to get him to respond. They intended to rape and kill Misha and I.” Ocker’s eyes were dark with rage as Malek’s story was told and Malek knew the other symbiote had realised how close to death Malek and Misha had been. “Their plans did get a response. Before the brutes could even harm me Delek leapt from Sebastian and claimed the Chieftain as his host. He stopped their raping me and Misha and saved Sebastian from vengeful attacks by the Chieftain’s thugs. He chased after the others leaving Sebastian, Misha and I trapped in the Chieftain’s tent. I heard the screams of women and children before he returned. He freed Sebastian and left the Chief’s body before freeing myself and my host. I lost consciousness then but I do not believe Delek slaughtered the women and children.”
“But he still committed treason against the Tok’Ra way of life. I can see why you are angry with him.” Ocker replied.
“No.” Malek retorted. “I am not angry with him for his actions. He saved my life. He may have done something that we find taboo but had he not Misha would have been brutally raped and slaughtered. He saved our lives and he did so because he loved us. I cannot hate him for that.”
“Then why?” Ocker asked sounding and looking pained.
“I am angry because he used me as a scape-goat. Instead of talking to Misha and I and allowing us both to concoct a cover story he used our injuries to portray us as delirious and untrustworthy. He damaged my reputation and marred my friendships to save his own skin.”
“You could have fixed it at any time.” Ocker replied.
“No. And you will tell no one what you have learned.” Malek added. “That’s an order Ocker. Delek is no Goa’uld. He’s a heartless swine but he is not a Goa’uld. He did what he did for love and I forgive him for it. I just don’t forgive what he did to me. The council are not to hear a word of it, they are to continue believing I was delirious with blood-loss and sickness. Delek was a hero, his methods may be taboo but he was a hero, there is no doubt about that.”
“You’re asking me to knowingly withhold the truth.”
“I’m asking you to protect your brother.” Malek countered. “Delek is still our brother and whilst what he did was crazy and worth the death sentence it was necessary. He would not have escaped those brutes in Sebastian, they were easily twice Sebastian’s size. Delek took the risk knowing it was the only way to escape and he was right. The only mistake he did was betraying me to the council. And if you respect me Ocker, you will keep your silence.”
Ocker shot Delek a glare but Delek had his head lowered in obvious shame. “I will keep my silence, but only for you. But I must say I can now see why you are so angry and refuse to make amends.”
But you do want to make peace. Delek just won’t let it happen.
-Do you think he hates himself as much as everyone else hates him?
I think he doesn’t regret his actions, I think he regrets what he did afterwards. But perhaps this will help him. He has now heard your thoughts, you have much more to say but if he realises you understand why he did it he may be more open to talking to you at a later date.
“That’s where you are wrong Ocker. I don’t hate him. I sometimes wish I could but I can’t. I still love him despite it all but I can’t forgive what he did when we returned. I hate that he felt the need to harm my reputation to protect himself. He went from a protector to a selfish traitor in mere hours. And that is why I can’t make peace with him.” Malek corrected. “The truth is that I can never erase his words or actions from the minds of others. He sullied my power on the council but fortunately I am still well-liked and respected. I don’t care if he chooses not to confess to you or the others. I care that he didn’t speak to me, he turned his back on me that day. Ignored my pleas for him to talk to me, to tell me why he acted the way he did.”
“I need time to absorb all this.”
“I understand, but please Ocker keep the peace. Don’t reveal the truth, it is better that the others don’t know.”
“I don’t like it but I’ll do it.” Ocker agreed before changing the subject. “What is that animal?”
“Like her?” Malek asked. “The gate sent me to another world and I found this cub abandoned. I could not leave her behind so I’ve claimed her as mine.” As if on cue the little cub who had been exploring the cavern leapt onto his shoulder and purred whilst keeping her quills safely pressed down and concealed by her thick fur. “Don’t touch the quills, they contain poison but she seems to actively understand what I want and don’t want. She is highly intelligent and I am eager to study her.”
“May I?”
“Of course.” Malek agreed when he saw Ocker reach to touch her chin. The cub watched warily before eyeing Malek, when Malek did not react aggressively she lifted her head and allowed Ocker to scratch her chin. Ocker chuckled fondly. “What do you think will be our people’s reaction to her?”
“Fear, curiosity, amusement, mostly amusement because she’s yours, we all know your penchant for keeping pets.” Ocker stated, recalling the many kittens and small rodents Malek had kept in their lifetime. “Considering her ability to protect you and us, the council may deem she is a valuable protector of the base and will encourage you to raise her to protect your base.”
“I’d probably have to make a promise and allow a few scientists to study her.” Malek replied.
“I’ll speak in your favour.” Delek stated quietly finally joining the conversation.
“Thank you, brother.” Malek replied not looking at the man. “Do you have the gate address for our new base?” He asked Ocker.
“Yes, we were going to wait until tomorrow to see if you arrived but now you are here I do not see any reason for us not to leave.” Ocker answered. “I’ll take point. We heard a predator out there but reached the mountainside safely.”
“I don’t think we need to worry about predators. My cub killed it.” Malek stated. “She can be rather vicious when protecting someone she loves.” Malek commented subtly feeding her a small morsel of meat. She purred in contentment and pressed her nose to his face.
“I can see the love.” Ocker stated finally calming down enough to joke with him. “She is surprisingly gentle.”
“She is isn’t she? Her fur seems to act as a barrier to the quills on her head. I can only assume the creatures can harm each other with them and so packs keep them lowered when interacting with each other. Whatever the reason I have not come to harm and she has lain in my arms on a few occasions already. Her quills have touched my skin but I have not been jabbed by any thanks to that thick fur and the fact she is so cautious and gentle.” Malek explained. “She also has formidable teeth. If not for her I would have been trapped on the planet for longer than I desired.”
“How long were you there for?”
“It felt like at least two days but I am assuming this was not the case.”
“It has only been a day on this world.” Delek answered. “So we must assume the planet you were on as a shorter daily cycle than this world.”
Malek hummed thoughtfully. “You are correct. There were two suns and the planet circled one but passed between them during the day. One was blue and one was yellow. During the day when the yellow sun was up it was unsafe to be in the trees because of radiation. The animals fled to shelter but during the brief night cycle when the blue sun was up I had to scale the trees to escape the animals. The DHD was completely covered in thick vines, thicker than my host’s neck and it would have taken me a lot of time to repair the device but the cub here gnawed right through them.”
“Good girl.” Ocker praised. “Does she have a name?”
“No but Louis is already fond of her and appears to be searching my knowledge of names to find one for her.” Malek replied. “He rather likes some of the Egyptian names and likes Nefertari and I have to say I like it.”
“Beautiful companion?” Ocker stated before smiling. “That is a perfect name. She is beautiful and clearly bonded to you.”
“Nefertari it is.” Malek agreed pleased that his friend had helped in naming her. Louis was clearly content too, pleased that one of his suggestions was considered a perfect name. It was not always obvious but Louis felt a little childlike around Malek’s siblings, nervous because he wasn’t as intelligent but he made up for it with Tau’ri courage and bravado.
Delek was silent through the journey, either sulking or thinking, Malek dearly hoped it was the latter but he did not say a word to his fellow councillor and instead focused on their getting home. Fortunately the mountains weren’t too far from the gate and soon Ocker was dialling their address and leading them home.
The Tok’Ra guards were indeed bemused by Nefertari and spent many moments simply asking questions about her before Ocker insisted they be allowed to pass. Malek had merely taken it all in good humour and was enjoying the childish interest Nefertari was creating. Many Tok’Ra and their hosts who rarely interacted with them were coming up simply to ask her name and species as well as where she was from and Malek was glad to answer and even more glad to catch up with the people who he rarely had time for.
“I sent three away but four return.” Per’sus commented in amusement spotting Nefertari instantly as Malek entered the man’s chambers. “I am assuming there is an explanation.”
Ocker laughed. “Malek’s a big softie.”
“True but I don’t think all the council will accept that little fact.” Per’sus teased.
“We completed the task of creating a draft of a treaty, we went through it this morning before travelling through the gate.” Delek stated handing over the Tau’ri device with the information on. “Unfortunately the gate malfunctioned and Malek was sent to another world. We waited for him to see if he’d find us.”
“What was a day to them was a couple of days for me.” Malek stated indicating the cubs and plants that he had now placed on Per’sus’s desk. “It was a world with two suns, one blue and one yellow and the yellow sun was causing radiation during the day and I call it day because the yellow sun seemed dominant and stronger than the blue. During the day I was safe on the ground, the tree canopy protected me and my host from the radiation. During the night and I had to retreat to the tree canopy as the lack of sunlight meant it was safe for the animals to leave their hiding places. It was night when I found the cub. It had been placed in the canopy by its mother before its mother and her pack were slaughtered by an enemy pack, the same pack haunting the forest at night if I was to guess. I could not leave her there to starve so I helped her, gave her some food and protected her to the best of my abilities. In only a few hours we created a strong bond and she willingly followed me as well as protected me against her natural defences. She keeps her quills down, protecting me from the poison they contain and she is quite gentle when she interacts with me.”
“She adores him.” Ocker added. As if to agree Nefertari purred and butted her head against his.
Malek shot Ocker and amused look before continuing. “The DHD device was completely concealed by thick vines and I was struggling to cut through them. The cub made short work of them and in a few days I was able to travel through the gate and bring her and a few samples of plants I found. As you can see she is of unique appearance, with six eyes and the shape of a predatory cat but she has lizard shaped pupils, retractable fangs and the ability to climb trees with her hand like limbs. She is as alien as we are to humans and Asgard.”
“I am sure the scientists would love to analyse her. She isn’t dangerous is she?”
“She’s highly intelligent, high councillor.” Ocker stated. “She has not attacked me of Delek and has yet to show any signs of aggression to the Tok’Ra. In fact she has enjoyed their attentions.”
The animal leapt down and disappeared under the table. Per’sus let out a startled gasp and looked down. Curious the three Tok’Ra bowed down to look and were highly startled and amused to see her tugging at Per’sus’s clothing, her long tail wagging behind her as she played.
“Nefertari.” Malek called. Recognising his voice she looked up, her eyes, or at least the eyes he could see widened with innocence before she released the High Councillor’s robes and returned to Malek’s side with a low purr. “I apologise, Per’sus.”
Per’sus chuckled and waved the apology off. “She is a cub and she was playing but I suggest you keep a close eye on her. She must learn the limit to her playing and if we are to keep her I want to make the Tok’Ra immune to her poison and venom, of she has venom.”
“I believe she does but since I don’t have the necessary equipment to find out I only have what I’ve seen to find out.” Malek commented. “When I made it to Agrippa, we were attacked by a predator, she confronted it and I saw her bite into it but I also saw one of her quills penetrate its skin. I am unsure whether it was her bite or quills that killed it but either way she did so to protect me and I do not believe she is a threat to me or you.”
“The council will argue that she’s a dangerous animal to keep but if you can assure me she won’t cause trouble I will speak on your behalf.”
“I can’t promise she won’t make mistakes but I assure you that she’s no danger to us.” Delek spoke up for Malek.
“I’ll accept that answer for now.” Per’sus agreed readily. “I suggest you all go rest and recuperate. The council will be here tomorrow to continue our adjourned meeting and we will all have much to discuss. It will be a long day for us all.”
The three turned and left then when Per’sus returned to the reports he was reading. Delek grabbed Malek in a deserted hallway and Ocker tensed clearly ready to protect Malek but Malek waved his hand seizing Ocker’s move. “I am fine Ocker. Leave us.”
“But…”
“Ocker.” Malek all but growled. “It is long overdue for our talk, I am fine and this is a private conversation. Go bathe, rest and return to my side tomorrow.” He ordered before turning to Delek. “Not here, we’ll discuss this in my chambers.” He snapped at the male before striding determinedly away. Soon enough he heard one pair of footsteps join him and a glance to his side revealed Delek walking beside him.
The moment they were in Malek’s personal chambers Malek was slammed up against the wall with Delek’s furious gaze meeting his own angry one. “You knew why all this time and you tortured me with your hate!”
“You brought it on yourself.” Malek snapped back furiously. “You turned your back on us not the other way round. I came to you and begged you to talk and you left us! Ignored us and now you dare talk to me as if I have no right to keep secrets from you! You’re the one who won’t talk to me! Did you not think I wouldn’t work it out? That I did not know? I tried everything to reach you and you weren’t responding. What do you expect me to do? Cling to you and wait for you to show me some sign that you still cared?”
“You didn’t have to wait all this time.”
“No Delek, it is you that didn’t need to wait all this time. I waited for you. Misha and I never took another mate. But I grew tired of waiting and Feodore was so very understanding. He knows I still love you and he doesn’t care because he also knows that I love him and that he gives me what you can’t. He gives me love and attention and has yet to lie to me like you have.” Malek ranted. “I should not have needed to work out the truth. You should have told me!”
“You’re right.” Delek breathed. “Egeria, you are right. Sebastian keeps yelling at me trying to force me to talk to you and he was right. My own stubborn pride and now I’ve lost you for good…” His voice faded and he released Malek stepping back. “I could never make you betray Feodore.”
“In the eyes of the Tok’Ra we are still married. We never officially broke it off.” Malek stated quietly. “We are still tied together. Still married as Louis calls it, so in truth it is I who betrayed you by having an affair and as my husband you still have the right to either break our bond or force me to surrender Feodore.”
Is this true?
-Yes.-
But…but I never saw…
-Marriage is not the same in the tunnels as it is on Earth. We do not wear fancy rings nor is there any ‘ownership’ of the partner. In fact marriage is the wrong word for it. We are bonded and both of us have the ability to break this bond but neither of us have. You may have missed this because I don’t refer to him as my husband. He is my Ann’Wyld, ‘beloved’ and Mer Cor, ‘my heart’.-
But he has power over the bond.
-Our power is equal. He has as much power over me as I have over him.-
But you think of him as an ex-mate. You’ve acknowledged your broken bond multiple times. You even told me it is over.
-Because it is. We are still bound in the eyes of the council but we’ve been parted long enough that we are recognised as parted bond-mates. It is much like the marriages on Earth where the woman and man live apart but are still officially bound by marriage. The Tok’Ra acknowledge us as divided but until we ask the council to break our bond we are still officially bonded.-
Right. So…thanks for telling me this…I really appreciate the forewarning.
-I apologise, Mer Prinekh, but as you recall I was until quite recently determined to forget I knew him.-
“No I won’t do that.” Delek stated. “I won’t force you to give him up.”
“You wish to end the bond?” Malek asked, ignoring his heart pounding and the sadness that the question brought.
“No.” Delek answered and Malek felt guilty for the relief he felt.
“You do know that my seeing Feodore is a betrayal. Why would you allow me to behave this way? Why are you allowing me to hurt you?”
“Because it is what I deserve.” Delek answered. “I can’t give you up, I won’t and even though it hurts to see you find comfort in another man’s arms Sebastian and I understand why you are doing it. We just hope…” Delek looked distinctly saddened. “…I just wish you’ll eventually come home to us.”
“Did you hurt those women and children?”
“No.”
“Why did you sully my name and reputation?”
“Because if they killed me I could no longer be around to protect you, you are too gentle and kind-hearted, others would take advantage of you as they did that day and I wanted to be around to ensure it didn’t happen.” Delek explained. “I didn’t know what you’d say when you awoke and I didn’t know what you’d say if you were half awake or delirious with loss of blood so I said the first thing that came to mind. I regretted it even when I said it and the horror on the other councillors face proved it was the wrong thing to say but I couldn’t take it back without raising suspicion and I did not want to leave you alone.” Delek sighed and lifted his head to give Malek a determined look. “Even if you continue to hate me I will still be here. Because at least I still am here to protect you even though you’ve made it clear you no longer desire my protection. Good evening.” He stated before heading to the door.
“You are a fool.” Malek stated watching out the corner of his eye as Delek paused. “You are so stuck in your ways that you don’t see a thing, do you?” Delek didn’t move but Malek knew he had the symbiote’s attention. “I want you. I want Sebastian. I’ve always wanted you both.” He confessed before turning to stare at his fellow Tok’Ra’s back. “When you pinned me to that wall all I wanted was for you to claim me, to look at me as you once did all those years ago. I wanted you to speak to me, to tell me the truth and I wanted to know that you still loved me as I loved you.”
“You thought I didn’t love you?”
“What else was I to think, Mer Cor, when you refused to even look at us? It was if we disgusted you. Misha thought you thought we were tainted, damaged goods…”
“I never thought that.” Delek exclaimed turning around to face Malek once again. “How could you think that?”
“What else were we to think when you wouldn’t even touch us?” Malek asked. “Do you know what Misha’s last thoughts were of?” Delek had cautiously approached, stopping mere feet from Malek. “She hadn’t wanted to die without knowing the truth. She wanted to know she was still loved. She wished she could die with the memory of your lips pressed against ours, but our last kiss was so long ago that she couldn’t remember, I had to give her what I remembered so she’d die happy. I had to lie to her and say you still loved us.” Delek’s eyes glistened but he did not look away. Suddenly angry Malek growled. “Damn it Delek, why did you have to wait so long? Why did Misha have to die feeling as if you abandoned her? Why do you suddenly have the balls to confess the truth now and why now, when it is already too late for her? Did she mean that little to you?”
Out of all the answers he expected, this was not it. One moment he was in the centre of the room the next he was against the wall, Delek’s lips against his, firm and unyielding, full of passion and the determination to possess them. Malek gripped his bond-mates shoulders unsure whether he should push the male away or cling to him but Delek took that option from him as he pulled back. “I love you both more than I can say but I was ashamed by my actions. I thought you didn’t want me, wouldn’t want me when you learned the truth. I didn’t think I could handle that rejection. I earned it anyway.”
Malek blinked and stared at the man. “You’re a fool.”
“So you’ve said.”
“I couldn’t care what you did, you did it for me, I can never hate you for that. I hated that you turned against me.” Malek confessed. “Had you told Misha and I the truth, the reason why you’d done it, we would not have suffered all these years apart.” Delek looked startled and Malek chuckled. “Misha was always a big softy for your passionate speeches and you already know how much of a softie I am.”
“You forgive me?”
Malek looked sheepish. “I forgave you long ago, I just couldn’t give up the hurt you caused. But even when I was hurting I couldn’t hate you. And if you could have heard my host you would know he’s been convincing me to talk to you for a while. He knows how I feel for you and knows that I could never love anyone else as I love you. I was just waiting for you to be honest with me.”
“And now…”
“Now I am not sure if I want to let you go.”
“Then don’t.”
“What about Feodore?” Malek asked.
“I felt jealously towards him and perhaps I still do. But he helped heal the hurt I caused, helped you feel love again and I could never hate him for that.” Delek commented. “I won’t deny that it hurts that you’re with him but I accept it because it is helping you and you are my world. I will consider him an honorary brother to your heart. He deserves that amount of respect for the good he has done. And when you are ready, I’d like to be in your heart once again.”
“You fool, you are already in my heart.” Malek chided. “All I wanted was the truth and now I have it all I want is you by my side again. That’s all we ever wanted.”
“And Misha?”
“Misha was begging me to forgive you by the end of it. She is no doubt pleased we’ve ‘made-up’ and I am certainly not going to deny her last wish that you and I make peace with one another.” Malek replied. “Next time I visit the Tau’ri I will visit Feodore or have him visit me. All three of us need to discuss what to do now because now we’ve made peace I don’t think I can let you go.”
“Mer Ann’Wyld.” Delek whispered. “You are too kind to me. To allow me so close after all I’ve done. You are the best of us. Have always been the best of us. I wish to stay here tonight. I wish to hold you in my arms once again, to learn your host and to watch over you as you sleep.”
A disgusted noise brought their attention over to the cub who was watching them with a tilted head. She looked at them with distinctly bored expression. “I get the feeling she’s unimpressed.” Malek commented. She glared at them for a few moments more before standing up and walking over to the other side of the bed before leaping off and disappearing from sight.
“She definitely isn’t impressed.” Delek commented as they saw her quills moving as she circled around behind the bed before vanishing once more. “Or interested for that matter.”
Malek chuckled, her actions reminded him of a bored cat. She had no doubt curled up intending to sleep whilst ignoring them. “I suppose we should follow her lead. It’s late and we are both tired.”
“We should bathe first. We’re both filthy and I’m sure your host would not like going to sleep in dirty clothes.”
I’m used to it but I’d prefer not to. Louis commented.
-Still not happy.- Malek asked sensing his host’s displeasure.
We’re married and you failed to inform me! We flirted with others, admired others and started a relationship with Feodore and all this time you were still bound to Delek!
-The Tok’Ra do things differently. It is not unusual to have more than one lover and we are free to admire people we consider sexy. Misha, Delek, Sebastian and I did it often. We even tried to get Lantash, Martouf, Jolinar and Rosha to have a foursome with us after a few drinks.- Malek explained. –We Tok’Ra are very sexual people. We are not bound to the same laws as you Tau’ri are. Yes I am ‘married’ but unlike Earth custom that is not a prison sentence as some people view it. We are loyal to each other, yet we can have some lovers on the side if our mate agrees to it but normally the mate is involved too. But in the eyes of the Tok’Ra we’re parted and just like on Earth, parted is as good as divorced but without the official acknowledgment of divorce. Yes it is a betrayal but is it not so if a parted wife was to have an affair or vice versa? In truth I am a free man, whilst I am bound to Delek through official means, unofficially I am free because neither of us have acknowledge the bond for over half a century. Do you understand now Louis? What I did was wrong, morally but legally it is fine because I am acknowledged as being free of Delek’s rule.-
But you are still bound to him.
-By law only and just like on Earth law can be bent.-
I cannot knowingly betray Delek like that again, Malek. I am not a traitor and I will certainly not hurt someone like that. If we are to bond with Delek I want you to consider having Feodore as your third bondmate or to separate from him. I am not the sort of person who is disloyal or has affairs. It may be different for your culture but in mine it is wrong. I know it happens on Earth but it is wrong to betray the person you supposedly love.
-You are right of course. What I did was no better than what Delek has done to us. I already intend to speak to Feodore, my beloved lifemate. If Feodore and Delek do not wish a three way bond I will let Feodore go because you are right, I love Delek and whilst I do love Feodore, the man can’t replace my love. But the decision is also yours. Do you love Delek or Feodore? We must decide together because I will not hurt you either.-
I love Delek. I don’t know as much about Feodore as I do Delek. Feodore is strong, powerful and loving but he is still a stranger but Delek, I know Delek and I feel for him. I have from the moment I saw your memories of him and my feelings have only deepened since we’ve spent time with him. I want Delek, Malek, not Feodore but you are right, if I could have Feodore too, I gladly will.
-Then we will discuss this with Delek and Sebastian.-
Tomorrow, discuss it tomorrow. It is time to show your husband you still love him and vice versa. It is time for this to end. Take him into our arms and tell him you still want us to be bound in marriage. Tomorrow when we are not busy with the council we can discuss what to do about our affair.
Malek sighed. Louis was right, but he was also wrong. He saw things the Tau’ri way, he saw that a bonded couple could only be a pair but to the Tok’Ra this was certainly not the case. He would not be surprised to learn that Delek had had an affair of his own, brief as it may be, he had certainly heard that Delek had found affection in another Tok’Ra when he had visited Garshaw’s base in Malek’s absence.
I don’t care. I am Tau’ri and if you respect me and my people at all you will respect my wishes.
-Of course. I am not proclaiming my innocence. Though I did not lie to you, I subconsciously did not allow you to see the whole truth. In my reluctance to acknowledge my bond with Delek I had suppressed my memories of him and therefore clouded your vision and knowledge of him. I am very much guilty of lying to you even though I was unaware I was doing so. But I also told you the truth. Until tonight and until my kin realise we’re back together we are still considered ex-mates, no longer bound by heart. Although it isn’t officially a divorce it is as good as one as our people acknowledge that we no longer love one another.-
But that is clearly false.
-The others don’t know this and those that knew that we still loved one another could not interfere as they had no knowledge of why we were fighting. Either way we are acknowledged as ‘parted’, or ex-mates as I refer to them. Of course it is not official which is why you’re so upset, you hold yourself to the law but you must understand the law is flexible, especially to the Tok’Ra. Bonded Tok’Ra can lose their mates, and whilst officially they are bound after a certain period of time they are ‘free’ to mate again. Should the previous mate return they are still considered bonded but the law does not look at the new mate as a crime since they had no way of knowing the previous mate had survived. As such the law is flexible, not only this but we can have more than one mate. The bond is only lawfully broken if a mate has been missing for a hundred years or more. The mate is then determined dead and the living mate is given a divorce whether they like it or not.-
Sounds complicated.
-It really isn’t. It just means that we Tok’Ra are free to love. We don’t judge who mates with who or why, nor do we judge who they have sexual intercourse with, sometimes they have sex for comfort other times they’ve chosen to become second, third or even forth mate. Of course we prefer that all mates agree to the bond, the first mate has full authority at first, deciding whether to allow it or not but as I’ve already said repeatedly, laws are flexible when it comes to this. Tok’Ra love who they loved and having sex for fun and pleasure is not a sin, we have to do worse when we’re undercover.- Malek sighed. –That being said… it doesn’t give me an excuse but you must understand my culture. I was wrong in this case, I lied to you and deceived you and therefore hurt you, something I promised never to do. However your Tau’ri views won’t work here. You can’t look at me, Delek or the other Tok’Ra as you would the Tau’ri of the First World. Whilst I will strive to live up to your tight expectations I am alien and I am Tok’Ra and I will not forsake my peoples ways if you find your Tau’ri sensibilities dislike them. You are Tok’Ra now, Louis.- Malek quietened Louis when it felt like Louis was going to argue. –Please do not mistake my words for arrogance. I have already assured you that I will try to adapt to your ways but in return you have to adapt to mine. I thought our bond would have assured this but it seems that despite our love for each other we have failed to address how deep the divide is between our people. I believe we have to go back to basics. I know your laws and now you must learn mine.-
As angry as Louis was, the human didn’t disagree. You’re right, this is the first serious debate we’ve had in a while. I thought I knew you well but it seems I still have much to learn. I will learn but don’t think for a second I am happy. You may have entirely different views to my people but I still see what we’ve done as a betrayal.
-It is.- Malek agreed. –But only because Delek did not agree and because in some ways I did it to spite him but he has already given his permission. I won’t use it but if I was to mate with Feodore now it would not be a betrayal because he has agreed to it.-
It is a betrayal in my eyes.
-As it is in mine. I should not have behaved as I have but what is done is done. I shall endeavour to fix this mess but you must be more open minded. You are still very much Tau’ri in your mind and whilst you have adapted well to your new life as a Tok’Ra you have failed to notice the difference between my people and yours. This needs to be addressed. I accept your judgement of me, I deserve no less but do not presume to know how my people see me until you’ve learned how my people see.-
You’re right, forgive me. I am not angry at you, I understand why you did it I just wish I am only finding out the truth now.
-You are right to be angry but I confess that I am glad you are not. I will strive to better your knowledge, I have been absent in my duties as your symbiote and have failed to teach you my ways and in doing so I’ve stuck you in a situation you were not prepared for.- Malek ‘hugged’ his host. –But please do not turn away. I do not want to lose your friendship and love when I’ve just got my mate back.-
I won’t stop loving you Malek. You are my symbiote, my heart and whilst I am upset I won’t leave you on your own. Just keep me informed next time, okay.
-I promise, my heart.-
Now focus on your mate. We can talk later.
Delek was watching them with a raised brow, no doubt noticing Malek talking internally with his host. When Malek was finally aware Delek smiled. “Problems with your host?”
“I have failed in some of my duties. My host is unaware of certain laws and is unsure where he stands.” Malek confessed. “He is much calmer now but I have to teach him our laws when I have time.”
“Time?”
“I wish to bathe and rest, with you by my side if you are not against it.”
Delek chuckled. “I finally have you back in my arms. I am not letting you go unless you reject me.”
Malek smiled. “I am definitely not rejecting you.” He promised.
“Then I am glad to remain by your side.” Delek answered before leading his mate to the door and towards the baths.
Surprisingly they did not consummate their renewed bond but several Tok’Ra noticed the pair surprisingly close and the pair knew the knowledge that they were back together would soon be circling the base. Louis was asleep long before they returned to their chambers and Malek was eager to follow as neither he nor Delek were willing to rush into sex, they simply wanted to be together.
Nefertari glanced up at their return and gave a loud snort at the pair before determinedly turning her back to them as the pair climbed onto the sleeping pad and settled themselves.
“She definitely doesn’t like me.” Delek’s tone was so put out that Malek started laughing until a yawn took him by surprise. Still a smile remained on his face as he settled down and finally allowed himself to sleep, safe in his mate’s arms.
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