Always Forgiven, Never Forgotten | By : A.K.O.Shifting-Shadow Category: Stargate: SG-1 > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1202 -:- 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.
Chapter three: Exposed
The following couple of years were filled with explorations and learning to live with each other. When Louis returned to duty in the military he had found it difficult to hide his extra strength that Malek’s presence gave him. Often Malek had to take control to stop Louis accidentally revealing his inhuman strength. Both symbiote and host were on edge waiting for Louis to be called back to the Stargate programme. Somehow both of them knew their time together was coming to an end, that one day Louis will be called to duty.
The day it finally happened, Louis was training some new recruits, he had already taken them through the training track. They had crawled under barbed wire with Louis shooting above their heads, they had climbed ropes with Louis screaming abuse and they were caked with mud as they tried to get through a man-made bog. It was a bunch of very tired recruits that joined Louis by the stable. Horse-back riding was not compulsory but it did teach the recruits discipline, responsibility and teamwork with both animals and other recruits. The volunteers for this particular skill wanted to work with horses in the future. Louis was sat on a bay stallion watching the four men and six women groom and tack their animals before mounting. Louis then proceeded to watch the recruits ride their animals and complete the tricks he had taught them. A few of the recruits fell and Louis gave them the opportunity to quit but the recruits had learned a harsh lesson from Louis, you either get back off your butt after a fall or you quit for good, so they remounted with bruised backsides and determined faces.
Louis cantered around the track and watched as one by one the riders shot the targets and kept control of their animals. The animals neighed in some distress at the loud noise of a gun going off on their backs but these were well-trained and bred horses taught to ignore the sound and keep moving. However one rider, a young Eric Matthews lost control of the reigns, the white mare beneath him neighed in distress and moved to rear. Eric did not have a good hold so the mare easily arched her front legs waving fearfully. Eric held on his legs tight around her chest and holding the reigns as firmly as he could. The nine recruits pulled to a stop as Louis turned and cantered quickly to the young man’s aid. Fortunately the boy managed to slip his gun back into the saddle holster and using his new free hand got a better grip on the reigns. The mare finally calmed, neighing in discomfort even as Eric gently pat her withers. Louis smiled. “Well done recruit that could have been a disaster. Take note recruits, if this happens to you, you must know what to do. Never let the reigns loosen or lose control. Not even for a moment.” Louis lectured.
“Sir?” One of the ladies asked. “Who is that?”
Louis turned and frowned as he saw a finely dressed officer approaching cautiously over the field. The man did not belong in the area, at least not dressed up like he was, he looked like he was ready for a ceremony. Host and symbiote could not tell much about the figure, only that it was a man and that he was well-built. His skin seemed pale and he looked blonde. His eyes were hidden by his cap but Louis believed them to be blue. “Louis Ferretti?” The man asked as he pulled to a stop a respectful distance from the curious animals and recruits.
“I am Louis Ferretti.” Louis replied as he kicked his bay stallion to walk towards the man. The man shifted obviously uncomfortable about the larger animal approaching him. Louis pulled to a halt. “Who are you and why have you interrupted our training session?”
“I am Lieutenant Adam Lexington.” The man stated. “I am sent to escort you to Cheyenne Mountain.”
-Cheyenne Mountain?- Malek asked boredom turning to hopefulness. –It looks like our time has come.- Suddenly Malek remembered their deal, if they were to return to the SGC he would have to leave his host. Leave Louis, as he promised the very first day they joined. –I can go home.- Malek thought but the ‘voice’ he used was solemn and sad.
Louis did not answer Malek but Malek could feel his host’s sadness. “You must give me some time to finish the training and put these horses back into the stable. You can either wait here and catch a lift on the back of our horses or walk back to the office.”
“I’ll walk back.” The Lieutenant replied walking away. Louis ignored the man and turned back barking out orders to the recruits. Louis didn’t rush, clearly not eager to end their time together but eventually the host could not hold it off. The stallion was in his stable, the recruits were in the barracks and now they were heading to their office where the Lieutenant should be waiting. Louis nodded to the man as he walked into the office and sat. “I didn’t think a Major would get an office.” The Lieutenant said aloud to himself.
“I’ve have earned the respect of my peers and proven to be a good tutor to new recruits.” Louis replied. “They thought it best for me to have an office and private quarters whilst I was here. But you are not here to judge me on my office, you want to escort me to Cheyenne Mountain? May I ask why?”
“I can only tell you that we’ve recently discovered something of importance. Will you allow me to take you back to the base?” The man asked.
“Very well.” Louis sighed. “I’ll just need to inform the commander of this…”
“Already done, all you need to do is pack some clothes and equipment and we can leave.” Louis held back a glare as the Lieutenant ordered him around. Malek gently calmed his host and watched as he packed a spare uniform and basic equipment, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste. –Do you still wish me to leave?- Malek asked curiously, his small body wrapping around his host’s spine nervously. Louis ignored Malek not out of spite, but out of nervousness. Louis didn’t know how to answer the question.
The journey from the training Barracks to Cheyenne Mountain was quiet and tense. Louis had no interest in speaking to Malek or their escort, instead he stared out the window deep in thought. Malek wiggled in discomfort, his small heart pounding in excitement and fear as the foreboding mountain and fencing appeared. The gate guards checked his face and his escort before opening the large gate. Louis stepped out of the car and took in the large tunnel entrance, several soldiers looked at him, most saw him as an annoyance but those in the know looked upon him in awe. Louis ignored them and followed Lieutenant Lexington inside. The man led him directly to the briefing room where Kawalsky and another of their comrades was already sat. Louis took a seat across from them and nodded. The three men watched as Louis’s escort left the room before Louis lent forward. “Do you know what this is all about?”
“I have no idea.” Kawalsky replied. The man was about to say more but General Hammond walked into the room. The man had not changed he still had a serious expression on his pale face as his dark blue eyes analysed the rooms occupants. “Sir, why are we here?” Kawalsky dared to ask.
“I would like you to re-iterate what you told me from your report of the Abydos mission. One at a time.” Hammond instructed before looking at Louis. “Your report was the most intriguing of all, please tell me everything that happened.” Hammond instructed.
Louis nodded and lent back. “Well after we went through the gate we learned that Doctor Jackson had no idea how to go back through. He had decided to wait and try and discover it on Abydos which meant we were stranded. Colonel O’Neill and several of his team scouted the area, I stayed behind with Kawalsky and several others to guard the gate. I don’t know how much time had passed but O’Neill alerted us to the fact there were natives on the planet and that they may be staying the night with these people. Apparently Doctor Jackson was fascinated with them. The next day there was a sandstorm and then a huge ship appeared in the sky. It was just like Jackson said, the ship landed on the temple. We were inside and we didn’t know what was happening. But then there was a strange sound and rings appeared, inside the rings were strangely dressed soldiers with large helmets and silver kilts. We fought them but most of our bullets seemed to bounce off their armour. I don’t know how it happened but most of my men fell and I was badly wounded, but I would survive. They found me and at first they were going to kill me but one seemed to order the others. He cried out something like ‘Jaffa Kree!’ and then I was being lifted. They dragged me to where the ‘rings’ had entered and I heard the sound of the ‘rings’ activating and then I was in a different place. Everything was gold with exotic engravings that were similar to the engravings in the temple. They bought me to a child. A child with a strange voice, the boy talked in a strange language and then demanded information from me. I refused. Then he talked about implantation. I was dragged from the room after I was told I would be forced to betray my own people. I was dragged down endless tunnels until we entered a room full of ‘fish tanks’ but instead of fish there were these strange snake like creatures. There was one fat one and hundreds of small ones, most were small and pink but others were long bluish black. They looked at me and I just knew these creatures were parasites that the boy who spoke to me before was also controlled by a parasite.” Louis took a breath, taking a few moments to gather himself. “One of the Jaffa picked up a full grown parasite and was about to approach when the explosion happened the tanks shattered impaling all the parasites and the Jaffa. I was badly wounded but I managed to escape the room. I don’t know how long I ran but somehow I found the rings and beamed back down to the surface. The ship crashed into the ground and exploded, the blast wave was following me as I met the others, we ran to the gate and Jackson dialled out, we all raced through but Jackson was too slow he didn’t get to the gate in time.”
Hammond nodded at the long winded explanation and then asked Kawalsky for his story. Kawalksy also repeated his long winded story but the men could see Hammond did not believe them. “Anything else to tell me?” He asked confirming the men’s suspicions.
-Something’s happened.- Malek thought. –Perhaps a Goa’uld’s investigated your gate address, your General Hammond assumes they came from Abydos but we both know that Goa’uld could have come from any planet. However we cannot tell them that without me being revealed.-
Then what do we do? If Hammond keeps asking these questions he will discover we’ve lied about destroying Abydos. Louis asked nervously.
-For now, we cannot do anything but wait and see.- Malek replied. –Eventually your superiors will learn the truth that Abydos is not the only inhabited planet out there and unlike the Abydos natives, not all are friendly.- Malek explained. –The problem is that the only person who can tell them that is Doctor Jackson so until they find him or someone like him they will assume Abydos is the only other planet out there.-
Colonel O’Neill appeared some time later and Kawalsky nodded in greeting as the man walked into Hammond’s small office and talked to the General. Louis watched nervously wondering what the General was up to. The General however did not reveal his plans and told them to relax until he wished to speak to them again. They were given guest quarters and allowed to visit the cafeteria. Louis and Kawalsky were in awe of the amount of soldiers in the area and both knew something big had happened to bring military attention to the Stargate project. O’Neill joined them a short while later and Kawalsky told O’Neill that they had said nothing.
-I think General Hammond is ‘going to call your bluff’.- Malek thought. –Abydos is supposedly destroyed. He might ensure that it really was destroyed. Or he’ll make O’Neill believe he will do it so O’Neill has no choice but to reveal the truth.-
How do you know this? Louis asked curiously.
-I just think it is something you humans would do.- Malek replied. –Am I right?- He asked curiously. His answer was a soldier walking in and asking for O’Neill to leave with him.
Several hours later O’Neill informed them that Jackson was alive and they were going back for him. A woman joined them and O’Neill and Kawalksy mocked her in amusement. The woman gave as good as she got and both Malek and his host were impressed. General gave a go ahead to go back to Abydos and Malek wiggled eagerly as he prayed one of his people were there. He wished to at least see one of his brethren to know they were still there.
As the gate dialled the new soldiers watched in awe but Kawalsky, Louis and O’Neill merely checked their equipment. Louis and Kawalsky walked through the moment the wormhole was stable but O’Neill and Carter followed a little later, obviously the woman had hesitated. Carter immediately began to ramble with amazement at the temple but Louis was more interested in visually scanning the area. They heard movement and raised their weapons, only to see Earth weapons pointed at them. The Abydonian people stood before them guarding the gate. “O’Neill!” A voice cried and Skaa’ra appeared racing to meet the Colonel. Louis smiled at the natives and they settled down to eat and drink. O’Neill was asking Daniel all sorts of questions, mostly to do with any Goa’uld but the doctor told O’Neill that no Goa’uld had been there since Ra.
Louis was left with two new soldiers and the Abydonian men guarding the gate as O’Neill, Carter and Kawalsky left with Daniel. I’ve got a bad feeling. Louis thought for a moment even as he relaxed with the natives and his team. Malek knew what his host was feeling, Malek was feeling it too. Something was going to happen and soon.
That something was the gate activating. They all raced to hide behind the pillars, as the wormhole stabilised. The eerie sound of heavy armoured footsteps made everyone’s blood run cold. Everyone opened fire but once again the bullets mostly bounced off the armour. Louis was shot and Malek cried out but Louis held to consciousness and watched as a golden armoured man’s helmet opened to reveal… -Apophis!- Malek hissed. Somehow he did not sense Malek but it was most likely he assumed what he sensed was his Jaffa. The man, ‘Apophis’ took Skaa’ra and Sha’re through the gate but not before Louis and Malek saw the address.
Louis slipped into unconsciousness and Malek whilst unhappy allowed his host to rest as he tried to heal the blast wounds from the Jaffa’s staff’s. Malek couldn’t help but think he was about to lose his host. Louis was gravely injured, barely holding on and Malek was making very little progress. But Louis’s heart still beat and his mind was still intact so Malek prayed and hoped as he worked hard on the hosts injuries. Several hours later O’Neill found them, Louis was lifted up and taken back through the gate. Malek remained still and quiet not willing to bring attention to himself. However it wasn’t to be. The moment Louis was inside their medical bay the doctor Janet Fraiser ran several scans and picked Malek up, the woman froze and immediately alerted the General, in moments they were surrounded by soldiers.
Louis came to, he found everyone standing over him with angry stares. Louis frowned and tried to move only to wince as it bought pain to him. Malek.
-I’m sorry, I cannot heal all your wounds as quickly as I’d like.- Malek replied before squirming worriedly. –They know I’m here.- He warned.
Louis gasped and glanced up at them with wide eyes. O’Neill and Kawalsky glared angrily. General Hammond stepped forward. “To whom am I speaking to?” He demanded.
“Me, Louis Ferretti.”
“How can that be you have one of those ‘things’ inside of your head!” Kawalsky snapped.
“It is not what it looks like!” Louis replied.
“Then what is it?” O’Neill demanded.
“It is not a parasite.” Louis tried to explain but the people around him sneered. “Look, I’m still in control the symbiote hasn’t taken control once whilst I was here. If it wanted to do harm it would have done so long before now!” Louis tried but they remained unmoved only Daniel Jackson and Samantha Carter seemed interested in what he had to say.
“How long?” O’Neill asked. “How long have you been a host?”
How do I answer this?
-How about I answer it?- Malek asked.
No, they might show more trust if I tell them first. Louis replied. What should I say?
-Tell them the truth, we have no reason to lie and to lie will just cause distrust.- Malek replied.
“I’ve been a host since the first mission to Abydos.” Louis admitted. Everyone gasped as they realised that Malek had been on planet Earth for a couple of years. “The symbiote inside me never took control, never.” Louis stated. “He’s been inside my head all this time, waiting, hoping to be returned home. He was going to leave me when he found his people and a new host. We never planned for this.”
“And we’re supposed to believe you?” O’Neill snapped.
Louis sighed. “I’m telling you the truth! The symbiote has not taken control!” Louis snapped. “In fact it has done everything in its power to make it so that it never affects my life and my friendships. He did not reveal himself because he knew you’d be like this. You’d want to dissect him or experiment him, even torture him for his knowledge.” Louis ranted. “He wanted to get away from the human race. He saw what we were capable of and it horrified him. He wants nothing to do with us. He just wants to go home.”
“And where is home?” Hammond asked interrupted Jack’s angry reply.
“He can’t answer that because he does not want you to endanger his people.” Louis replied calmly. “You will judge him for what he is not who he is. His people are not Goa’uld, they live to destroy the Goa’uld but you will not see that you will see only a creature that inhabits another. A parasite and you will kill them all. He does not want this so he hid and hoped you’d never find him. He’ll never tell you where his people are.”
“Your ‘symbiote’ calls us people monsters and yet he inhabits another living being taking away their will.” Kawalsky snapped.
“No, you’re not listening! The symbiote has never taken control, never!” Louis snapped. “In fact he’s done the opposite, he’s hidden in my mind always never revealing himself. It was he who saved me on Ra’s ship, if it wasn’t for him I would have died. Please General, don’t condemn him to the authorities!”
-Do not beg, my host. I doubt they will listen to your pleas, they believe me to be in control. They will not listen to your words.- Malek soothed. –The only thing they see is a compromised soldier. I am the only thing they see and they will not care that you’re here with me. They believe me to be just like my relatives, the Goa’uld, they believe I suppress my host and use you to assert my power. I cannot think of any way to prove what you say. Perhaps if I took control they will see that you speak true but it could also prove to them that I can suppress you.-
I can’t think of anything, other than you leaving me or taking control. Louis replied before laughing aloud. The laugh was not one of amusement but one of annoyance and sadness. “He tells me you will not believe me, I suppose it’s true. If I was standing where you were I would be incredulous too. But he is not in control. I wish there was a way to prove he wasn’t in control that he has only been along for the ride.” He stated. “He won’t leave me because he knows what you might do if you got your hands on him. But he’s willing to speak to you, if you wish.”
“And how will we talk to him?” Hammond asked and O’Neill and Kawalsky glared.
“He will ask for control. I will grant it, I will lower my head and he will take control. My voice will echo like Ra’s. That will be my symbiote, Malek.”
“Malek, is that its name?” O’Neill asked sarcastically. Louis nodded.
“Very well, I would like to speak to this Malek.” Hammond replied.
Louis sighed and lowered his head. Go ahead, Malek. You deal with them. Louis stated in annoyance. Malek agreed and surged forward before raising his hosts head. The humans raised their eyebrows, obviously Malek made his host look slightly different when he was in control. “I am Malek.” He stated needlessly, alerting them to his control. “You would not believe my host so I am forced to come forward and confirm my host’s words. I have not been in control since I’ve joined my host. Nor do I intend to keep the control Louis has kindly granted me at this moment. When I took Louis as a host I vowed that I would leave the moment I was returned to my people or if I found a willing host. I also vowed never to take control or affect his life whether private or social. Every word and action before now has always been Louis’s. I have never affected his decisions and I never intend to.” He explained. “I have however been healing my host preventing illness and injury, you have interrupted me with your suspicions. I am currently trying to heal my host from a grave wound, so I must return control back to my host.”
“Before you do you must tell me how you’ve come to be in the Major.” General Hammond stated. “Doctor Fraiser can ensure your host is well until you can continue healing.”
“I am already healing Louis, however I can do my best work when I am undisturbed and not in control.” Malek explained even as he allowed the female to so her work to his host. “I was on Ra’s ship on your last mission. My previous host and I had infiltrated Ra’s ship intending to eventually destroy Ra. Ra somehow found out I was aboard his vessel and planned to remove me from my host and place one of his spawn within her. When your ‘bomb’ blew up this plan failed. The glass exploded from the shock wave impaling everyone within the facility whether they are parasite, symbiote or human. Louis was gravely injured and my host begged me to save him. I did, Louis accepted me but only if I vowed to leave him once I returned to my people or found a new host, preferably away from Earth.”
“So you intend to free your host?” Jackson asked.
“My host is already free.” Malek replied. “I will leave him when the time comes. Now you must forgive me but I must recede and continue healing my host. Ask my hosts the questions you need, he can hear my answers and pass them on.”
“I must insist that they rest. Louis’s injuries are very severe, they will take time to heal even with the symbiotes help. I will alert you when they are ready for an interrogation, until then they are my patients and I need to heal them.” Doctor Fraiser instructed glaring at the gather soldiers daring them to dispute her but they simply nodded with reluctance and left. “Now, Malek was it. You will need to heal your host. I will monitor you and your host.” She stated.
“How will you monitor me?” Malek asked curiously.
The woman showed him a screen. “The machines at the head of the bed will sit comfortably around your hosts head and scan his brain and your body.” She explained, “Now lay back and heal.” She ordered. Malek nodded and he lay back receding back into his small body. Louis was in control but the man was tired and easily succumbed to Malek’s suggestion of sleep. Malek proceeded to work on his hosts body aware of the gentle scans made of his own body. He knew the woman was watching him, making sure he was behaving. He knew this could work in his favour showing him to be the good symbiote he was. “I don’t know if you can hear me but I’m going to conduct a physical analysis, my fingers may touch you.” The doctor warned before her fingers touch his hosts body. Malek purred as her finger stroked the skin above his head. The doctor was obviously following his body using the brain scan as a guide, seeing if she could feel him. Malek stilled so as not to scare the human female. His body was more obvious on his hosts spine because most of his body was hidden beneath Louis’s skull, but his long tail was easily felt on the spine. The doctor gently squeezed the skin trying to get a sense of the size of him. Finally she seemed satisfied and walked away.
Louis awoke some time later feeling much better now that Malek had healed the injuries with the doctors help. Louis immediately moved to sit up but small, gentle hands kept him down. Louis opened his eyes and watched Doctor Fraiser work as she checked the machines around them. “It seems that the creature has healed you perfectly.” She stated.
-Creature.- Malek snapped. –See Louis, see how your people see me as if I’m a monster. This is why I wanted to avoid situations like this.- Malek explained his voice a mix of sadness and anger. –I will be nothing more than a parasite to them and until I’m returned safely to my people I will always be in danger from your people.-
They won’t kill you, their more understanding than that.
-They won’t kill me because they want to know everything I know. I will be tortured for information, they will try and force me to betray the Tok’ra but I will not!- Malek replied wiggling in frustration. They both watched as Doctor Fraiser picked up the phone on the wall and began talking to whoever had picked up at the other end. –Now we’re healed ‘the good doctor’ will allow us to be taken and interrogated. Her Hippocratic Oath has been fulfilled.- Malek stated angrily.
It is not like that! Our people do not condone torture, no matter the circumstances. Doctor Fraiser would not have healed us just so we can get hurt by our interrogators. Louis replied trying to defend his people but Malek could sense his fear, he could sense how Louis doubted his own words. They won’t torture us but they will interrogate us. Perhaps if you made a deal with them, you’ll give them information if they let you go through the gate and to safety. Like gate addresses or information on the Goa’uld.
Malek chuckled, but it was not out of amusement but out of frustration. –They will never let me go. I’m information, why would they let their ‘most valued’ commodity go. They will not care that I’m willing to strike a deal, in fact they will make the deal just to make me tell them but not keep their end of the bargain.-
My people aren’t like that. They’d want to save me first, they tell the other authorities only when it is safe to. Louis replied.
-That would have worked if I was a Goa’uld, but I am not, they have no need to save you because I’m not using your body, I’m sharing it and we have shown them this. No. They will not care.- Malek ranted. The two of them fell silent as the Doctor escorted them with armed guards to a small pitch black room. The room had a small table in the middle with a chair on either side, from Louis’s memories that the room was an interrogation room. The room was meant to be intimidating but Louis merely sat twiddling his thumbs as their escorts left. –They probably see you as nothing more than a stranger right now. They will not trust you.- Malek warned. –I will not get involved, my coming to the fore does nothing but confirm their suspicions that I am somehow controlling you and the decisions you make.-
Louis did not reply, instead he focused on the General and O’Neill as they entered the room. The two men seemed to stare at Louis for a short time as if trying to see the man they once knew. Louis sighed mentally inside feeling forlorn at what he felt was a loss of his friendships and perhaps of his life. The General took the seat across from Louis as O’Neill walked to the wall behind the General and leant back against it to watch the interrogation. “To whom do I speak?” The General asked.
“I told you before, sir. The symbiote has never taken control before now. You speak to me, Louis Ferretti.” Louis replied his voice telling the men how impatient and frustrated he was becoming. –Easy, Louis, do not let your frustrations show, it is what they want to see. They have already judged you, now they search for proof to back up their judgements, do not give them any.- Malek lectured. Louis took in Malek’s words and sighed his body slumping in its chair as he stared at the two men across from him, he once trusted them with his life but now he feared what the two men planned.
“And how do we know this for sure?” O’Neill asked.
Louis glared at the man. “You of all people should know what they sound like when their in control.” O’Neill glared back but kept quiet.
“You will tell me how you came to be a host.” The General stated.
Louis sighed again. “I have already told you.” He snapped. –Do not give them the satisfaction of seeing your anger.- Malek stated, hugging his hosts spine gently and comfortingly. Louis mentally relaxed even though his body remained tense. The man took a deep relaxing breath before releasing it and meeting General Hammond’s gaze. “I became a host on the Abydos mission. Ra decided I would be a perfect host, an underling who would spy on the ‘Tau’ri’. There was a woman in the ‘implantation’ room who was a host, although I was unaware of it at the time. The bomb that Colonel O’Neill had set destroyed the room, gravely injury all of its occupants including myself. I would have been claimed by a Goa’uld, a parasite, but the female asked her symbiote to save me. And he did.” Louis explained.
“And you just allow this creature to waltz back through the gate with us back to Earth and then you leave the base knowing that you have alien creature inside you head. These are not the actions of a soldier. The Ferretti I knew would have raised hell at the creature and tried to rip it from his skull. You’re not Ferretti.” O’Neill replied.
“I did raise hell!” Louis snapped. “I screamed and screamed inside my mind begging you, telling you that it wasn’t me, but you did not hear!”
“You were unwilling?” General Hammond asked his voice taking on a dangerous edge.
“Yes, I was unwilling. I was unconscious. Malek took me as a host without my consent and when I started to violently fight him he took control.”
“I thought you said he has never taken control?” O’Neill asked sarcastically.
“He took control at first, but he was always apologetic and remorseful.” Louis explained. “He promised his previous host that he would save me. He planned to end our blending when I reached somewhere safe. But the more he learnt of us the more he feared us. He knew that the moment you got hold of him he would be some kind of experiment and that I would be imprisoned and tortured to gain all of the knowledge he possessed. He kept control until I vowed not to reveal him and even then he was on edge. In the end we were stuck with two choices. Either he kills himself so it appears he never existed or I blended with him until such a time that he could find a new willing host or his people. By that time I knew he was telling me the truth, he was who he says he is and so I chose to carry him until he could get home.” Louis stated. “We hoped you’d never find out at all. But now…”
-I’m sorry I could not protect you.- Malek stated as he felt the sadness within his host. –I did not wish for your friendships to be destroyed because of me. Forgive me.-
You are not to blame, you had no idea they would scan my brain for head trauma and find you. Louis replied.
-Perhaps… If they will not let us go, I will sacrifice myself so they will not need you.- Malek thought softly. –Without my presence you will not be important to them.-
No! Louis said. I did not blend with you to help save your life, just so you can die now. Besides they will still experiment on me to find out what you were and how to control other symbiotes and parasites. No we’ll have to get out of this together.
Malek wiggled with happiness at Louis’s pledge to willingly defend him. –Then we must somehow convince them to let us through the Gate. If we can get to the other side without being followed I am positive I can find the Tok’ra. But how do we get through the gates?-
Well what if we convince them that if we go through the gate to find your people and let you go home…
-No, they will want to know everything about my people. They will want to ally or control us.- Malek replied. –They must not know of the Tok’ra at all!- Malek ranted. –I cannot allow it. They are a danger to my race!-
Weren’t you the one considering an alliance with them, or at least the idea of negotiating with them. We have a lot to offer. Louis replied.
-Your people are not ready to meet the Tok’ra, they will see us as nothing but parasites, if they met my race not they will not hesitate to kill us. No they must not know of the Tok’ra. At least not yet.- Malek replied.
“So the creature has taken control, yet you tell us it has never taken control. What do you mean by this?” Hammond asked curiously.
Louis took a few moments to think before he focused his attention on the General. “After we came to our agreement, Malek receded control to me permanently. He agreed to my condition which was never to take control, especially in a public situation when I was talking to others. He has been hidden ever since waiting for the stargate programme to be reinstated so he could go home and leave me for a new host, a host who would willingly accept him. The problem is, if you knew about him, you’d stop him. He believes you will imprison him, torture him for information and therefore harm me to get to him. He believes us to be a dangerous race that cannot be trusted and he fears us.” Louis explained. –Louis do not tell them this, their egos will grow and they will become more of a danger!- Malek warned. “Even now he fears what my words will make you do. He sees us as a violent and war-mongering race.” Louis stated aloud.
“And if a parasite can judge us…” O’Neill murmured before falling silent at the General’s glare.
“He fears us humans?” The General asked more politely.
“Yes and no. He believes us to be primitive but he also says that we are still quite a dangerous race.” Louis replied. “He wants to go home but he is afraid of what we might do. We might track him to find his people and use them for our own selfish ends.”
“He is painting us as the evil monsters.” O’Neill snapped.
“Oh come on Colonel!” Louis snapped. “You know just as well as I do about how corrupt our governments are, you know what they’ll do for power and money. If they even got wind of an intelligent symbiote able to prolong a human life for ‘un-natural’ lengths of time and prevent illness, what do you think they’re going to do? They’re not going to let him go, that’s for sure! They use him without a care for the fact he is a sentient being. Hell! They experiment and torture other humans because they can get away with it!” O’Neill flushed and bowed his head at Louis’s words making Malek wonder what O’Neill knew or had experienced about their government.
General Hammond sighed. “You’ve left me at somewhat of a disadvantage. I have to keep our superiors informed of what goes on within this base. I cannot keep your symbiotes presence off record for long. As it is I cannot truly ascertain if what you and the creature are stating is truth. You say this creature is not a ‘Goa’uld’ a parasite and yet he is a creature that inhabits another creature. You say he has never taken control and yet he has for some period of time. You took him onto Earth’s surface, therefore endangering everyone around you. If this creature had been lying to you, you could have been slaughtering hundreds of people. As it is, the only proof I have of your words being truth is the fact that your record is clean and you returned here.” The General explained. “You are a threat to Earth’s security right now, what you know can be used against us. By indirectly asking me to allow you and your creature through the gate, you’re asking me to knowingly release and alien being with extensive knowledge of our planet and the defence team around the gate.”
-Tell them I’m willing to offer something in return, but I cannot tell them off my people. I may be able to offer my knowledge of some of the gate addresses and Goa’uld, in exchange for safe passage through the gate.- Malek stated.
“Malek has made an offer. If you allow him safe passage through the gate he will give us some of his knowledge of gate addresses. However he cannot and will not give you information on his people.” Louis replied.
“What gate addresses does he offer?” O’Neill asked surprisingly calm and curious. Malek was confused by O’Neill’s attitude, only moments before the man was offensive and angry towards them but he had changed. Louis thought nothing of it but Malek became more wary and suspicious.
-What do they desire?- Malek asked. “Malek wants to know what you desire.” Louis relayed to the two men.
“We need information on Goa’uld infested planets. Planets that we can knowingly avoid or be very cautious of. We also need any information on potential allies and technology we can use to defend ourselves against the Goa’uld threat.” Hammond replied.
“We also want to know where the Goa’uld went, where did he take those people?” O’Neill added.
“I saw the gate address as the Goa’uld left. The parasite is known as Apophis, Malek tells me that the Goa’uld has been searching for hosts for his queen and her children. They are most likely hosts now, but unlike me they’re unwilling and imprisoned inside their own minds.” Louis replied. “Malek’s willing to help, he’ll tell you the Goa’uld inhabited worlds. But he’s telling me that Goa’uld society is much like our government, the Goa’uld’s kill each other for power so some Goa’uld infested worlds may belong to another Goa’uld or be free from Goa’uld control.” Louis warned. “He’s been out of the loop for a few years but his knowledge is still quite valuable if you choose to accept it.”
“Give me the gate address that Apophis left through.” O’Neill requested. Malek sent his consent to his host happily allowing Louis to write the address down. O’Neill glanced at it and looked up for confirmation.
-The first six digits are the address of the planet we wish to visit and the final address is the symbol for the place of origin, which in this case is Earth.- Malek explained. Louis relayed the information to the Colonel who nodded and with General Hammond’s permission quickly left, no doubt searching for Doctor Jackson. “Sir.” Louis asked before hesitating. “I know what I did was wrong. I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid of what the ‘authorities’ would do. I did plan for Malek to leave me as soon as possible. I’ve grown quite fond of the little guy but I know that he’s in danger whilst he is on Earth. He needs to go home, sir.”
Hammond sighed and leant back on his chair. “If the gate address ‘Malek’ has supplied us is the correct one and he continues to give us viable information, I believe a deal can be made.” Hammond replied vaguely but Louis’s heart soared with hope and happiness. Malek was unsure about it, his host seemed to sense something from the older man but Malek could see nothing but a sneaky politician trying to grab anything he could.
The man left host and symbiote alone a short while after that, leaving them to wonder about their fate. Malek was wary wondering if he had ‘dug his grave’ by offering information, but Louis was wary but incredibly hopeful. Malek knew his host trusted these men with his life but Malek could not, dare not place his life in the hands of these men and yet his life was held by these men. It would take one phone call from anyone who knew to reveal his existence and he’d be in a lab poked and prodded with needles and painful tools. Malek often stared at the door, he enhanced his hosts hearing half expecting armed humans to race in and take him and his host. But when the door opened it was only General Hammond. The man placed several photographs in front of him. Malek knew what they were instantly. Gate addresses engraved into gold walls. Malek took control and carefully re-wrote them on the paper the General supplied. He avoided writing addresses with Tok’ra bases or Tok’ra allies but willingly gave them the addresses with less Goa’uld activity and then warned them against the Goa’uld infested planets. When the General read the paper Malek thought the man would notice and make a fuss of the missing addresses but the man merely smiled and left.
Both symbiote and host had no idea how long they were in the room for but they knew they had been here for some time, a soldier bought them a meal regularly. Louis was dozing, willingly releasing control to Malek now they knew Malek was there but the host instantly ‘awoke’ as he felt a strange ‘tingling’ feeling. What was that?! Louis cried out as Malek receded control.
-Another symbiote. There is another host on the base.- Malek replied. –You must find them and warn the humans, they’ve gone to a Goa’uld infested planet, it’s more likely a Goa’uld than a Tok’ra.-
Louis immediately raced to the door and bashed against it calling out. The guard told him to back away so he could enter. “Get me General Hammond. Now!” Louis snapped. The man hesitated. “Now!” Louis snapped, Malek added his voice to his host’s increasing the tone and anger, the man gulped and left closing the door securely. A short while later the man returned with Hammond and O’Neill following closely behind. But Malek and Louis’s attention was on the man behind them. Kawalsky. He was the host. “O’Neill, Kawalsky is a host.” Louis stated. “He’s become a host to a Goa’uld.”
“Are you sure?” O’Neill asked over Kawalsky’s incredulous laugh.
“Are you serious? He’s joking of course.” Kawalsky replied defensively.
“Yes I’m sure. I felt it the moment he came back on base. There is one inside him.” Louis stated. “We felt it as soon as Kawalsky returned to the base.” Louis explained. “There is one inside of him, even now Malek and I can feel its presence.”
O’Neill and Hammond glanced at Kawalsky with considering gazes and as if a switch had been flicked the man’s eyes glowed and lunged forward to attack Louis. Malek immediately surged forward and within moments had his host’s attacker in a headlock. The Goa’uld hurled insults at the two humans and the Tok’ra, angry that they ‘dare defied their god’. Malek snorted. “You are not a God, you are a parasite, a creature that has stolen a human’s body.” The symbiote stated staring down at the parasite as its host was restrained. Malek watched warily as the possessed man was escorted out leaving him with the General and O’Neill. “I apologise sincerely Colonel O’Neill, I know from my host that you consider Kawalsky a valued friend. I wish I had not had to do that. However I may be able to save your friend.”
“How so?” O’Neill asked quietly.
“My people have the ability to remove parasites from unwilling hosts. I am positive that they will want to help, if not to help your friend, then to strike a blow at the Goa’uld.” Malek explained. “However you will need to allow me and my host out of this cell and back onto an off-world team. I will have to track down my brethren but it will be difficult. We are a wary people and we do not trust strangers. It is most likely that my people will not initially want to associate with you.”
“If you can save Kawalsky and your people promise to leave us alone, we’ll leave them alone.” O’Neill vowed honestly, Malek could tell the man did not want to associate with a symbiotic race, he still saw Malek and his people as parasites.
“Will you release my host and I?” Malek asked the General knowing this man had the final say.
“It is not as easy as that.” General Hammond answered. “You’re still an alien being inside one of my men, what is worse is that you hid from us for a couple of years and learnt about Earth. My superiors will consider you a threat to Earth and its security.”
“That may be so but Louis could also be considered a threat to my people and their security, he knows what I know and what I choose to share. If I leave him much of my knowledge will remain meaning he could endanger my race. Does that man my people should imprison Louis so he is not a danger to us?” Malek asked. “I promise you that I will reveal nothing that I’ve learned. I know my word will not be completely trustworthy but that is all I can give you. However I wish to point out that I never did any harm whilst I was on your planet’s surface and as my host has stated, I never took control until now.”
“That may be so, but I will still have to inform my superiors of your presence. However the fact they you could save one of our men may work in your favour.” Hammond replied. “Since you’ve gone along with our questioning and investigations calmly and exposed and imposter, I am willing to allow you and your host to take temporary quarters within the SGC. You will be needed for more questioning and you will most likely be interrogated by someone outside of the SGC. You will also have to undergo several tests, do you understand?”
“I don’t like it, but I understand the necessarity of you actions.” Malek replied. “I suppose I will also have an armed escort until I’m considered ‘safe’.” Malek stated.
“I’m afraid so.” Hammond replied. “I will be reporting this situation this evening, so you will have a day or two before you have to face an investigator from our government. Make the most of the time, you won’t get much time to yourself once the investigator arrives.” General Hammond assigned a guard to Malek and instructed the man to take Malek and his host to their temporary quarters. Malek followed obediently releasing control back to his host. Louis was agitated but surprisingly calm, which was odd since he had been imprisoned by those he trusted most.
-I suppose the next few days are ‘make or break’.- Malek thought softly knowing his host was a little upset. They had both hoped to avoid this situation, where they were exposed. Louis had been terrified initially, now he was accepting the situation, recognising he had very little control. –I wish there was something I could do to guarantee our success.-
I doubt there is anything you can do. We’ll just have to wait and see. Louis replied quietly. But we’ll have to be careful. If we don’t appear helpful the ‘interrogator’ will class us as a threat, but if we must not be too helpful so that we endanger your own people. I know our government well enough to know that they’ll use the information they gain from us for their own nefarious purposes.
-Yes we will have to be extremely careful.- Malek replied with pride as he watched Louis’s brain work overtime. The human had stopped hiding his intelligence and was beginning to use superior words in his mind and speaking out to his peers. –We cannot reveal too little but we can also not reveal too much. Remember that whilst we, or rather I am a visitor to your world I am far superior to almost everyone who will visit. I’m considered a base commander, but I am also a council member meaning I am of higher rank to most of your people including General Hammond. If needs be I will speak and I will not allow our ‘interrogator’ to belittle us.- Malek stated. –But for now let us not worry about this. We have a day maybe more to relax before we have to suffer at your superiors hands and I have no intentions to waste that time worrying about what fool they’ll send to interrogate us.-
What do you wish to do?
-We need to re-earn our comrades trust. They must witness for themselves that I am not evil, it will mean that they must recognise when I’m in control and when you are. If they can recognise our different personalities, then they may trust you more because they will feel reassured that it is truly you that they speak to.- Malek stated. –When we go for dinner, I will share control and make a point of exposing my existence to those you would call friends. Hopefully this will awaken them to the truth that whilst I am inside you and I do have the power to control you, I have not abused my power.-
It is worth a try. Louis conceded but the host’s fear was obvious. Being exposed to a few people was completely different from exposing themselves in the mess hall. Louis was afraid of being ostricised from his people.
-You can tell me if you do not like this plan. I will not take offence.- Malek stated showing his host that his intentions were not to upset his host.
No, it is a good plan. Eventually the truth will come out but I’d rather I told them myself then being exposed. Louis replied firmly though his mental voice held a strong hint of nervousness. If I hide you existence and allow the others to find out by someone else then they may take that as a hint of shame or take it as a suspicious actions, like you are trying to hide. If I reveal myself and you and expose them they may realise that our bond is a truly symbiotic relationship and therefore trust me.
-Exactly, which is why I suggested such a course of action, I will of course not stay in control for too long. My presence may upset many, but I will take control long enough for them to recognise my presence when I take control later. It will also mean they’re more likely to trust your word when you say you’re in control.- Malek explained, Louis nodded thoughtfully in agreement.
Their trust will still be rather difficult to earn, however. Louis thought after a moment. It will not be easy.
-No but it will be worth it. The more support we have the far more likely it is that we will succeed in our goals. It is the Tok’ra way to gain friends and allies, however even then we are suspicious of anyone not of the Tok’ra. We will be so here to. We will gain friends but continue to be wary, we will not relax until we are considered trustworthy or find my brethren. Only then may our plans come into fruition.- Malek answered.
Their not our enemy.
-But they are not yet our friends.- Malek replied bluntly. –If we wish for their friendships with us to return then we must earn their trust once more without putting ourselves in danger.- Malek stated firmly. –We do not need danger from all sides. We will have to take great care now they know I exist, until they have learnt to accept me to some degree we will be in extreme danger.- Louis whilst unhappy sent his understanding and agreement but did not reply to Malek, it was obvious that the host had much to think about. It wasn’t just the fear of being hurt or killed, it was also the fear of being an outcast that taunted the hosts mind. Malek could do many things, he could protect his host from many dangers whether physical or biological but he could never protect Louis’s friendships no matter how hard he tried or wished for it. The only thing Malek could offer was himself, no matter what happened Louis would not lose Malek’s friendship. Malek would not judge the man that accepted him when he could have allowed Malek to die. Still it was not much consolidation to Louis who was about to lose everything but Malek and it was all because of Malek that it was lost. –I’m sorry.- Malek stated tightening around his host’s spine trying to comfort his host.
It’s alright, we knew this might happen. Louis replied quietly but both host and symbiote knew that ‘sorry’ wasn’t going to fix the mess they found themselves in.
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