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 Eight: Confessions
“We need your help, or rather Malek’s.” Hammond told Louis. Malek shifted ‘waking’ up as he heard his name.
“What do you need?” Louis asked as Malek listened.
“Teal’c has a son and a wife on Chulak. We need to get through the gate safely, and we have just the right person to do it. These people believe the Goa’uld are Gods. Malek could pretend to be one of their Gods.”
-May I?- Malek asked, requesting permission to take control of his host’s body.
Go ahead. Louis permitted easily.
“If you wish me to become an undercover Goa’uld we will need their clothing. What is your current plan?” Malek asked.
“The SGC has several items of clothing from the Jaffa and the Goa’uld.” Teal’c informed them. “The idea is that I will go disguised as a serpent guard and you and the rest of SG1 as priests.”
“Then why do you need me.”
“Our story would be well supported if there was a ‘God’ with us.”
Malek thought for a moment. “You are correct, but I must dress like one. Do you have any of their clothing and any of their devices?” He received a confirming nod. “Take me to this supply and I will dress for the occasion. There are only a few minor rules. As a minor God I will still outrank you, you must act as if my word is your law. Louis cannot come to the fore and you cannot mention him or try to speak to him. For all intents and purposes he does not exist.”
“That sounds rather difficult for Louis.” Daniel replied distastefully.
I can handle it as long as I’m not forgotten.
-You know I will never forget you Mer Prinekh.- Malek vowed. “Louis accepts that he must not come to the fore for a while and as long as he is not forgotten he will be fine. I will not forget him nor will I abuse him but for this act to pay off he cannot exist to you. ‘Nothing of the host survives’.”
“He is correct.” Teal’c replied. “If Malek is to behave like a Goa’uld, Louis cannot be spoken of or mentioned. He cannot exist for this mission. We will know he’s there and we will be aware of him but we cannot mention him out loud.”
Malek nodded his agreement to the Jaffa’s words. Hammond seemed to reluctantly accept the conditions and escorted them to a storage room. Inside the storage room were many bits and pieces the humans had collected from their missions, including a Goa’uld hand device. Malek poked through the pile of rich clothing and smiled as Louis snorted stating he would never allow Malek to dress him in any of those clothes. Can we keep trousers and shoes?
-Some wear a material similar to your ‘leather’ so how about we wear leather trousers, boots and one of these silk shirts?-
Can we?
-I see no harm in it.- Malek answered. “I would like to have a pair of your leather trousers and boots.” He requested. He barely heard General Hammond telling someone to see to it, instead he conferred with Louis and picked out a dark navy silk shirt. Last of all he picked up jewellery and the Goa’uld hand device. “Once we have the items of clothing we requested and have changed we will be ready, all that will be needed is a name. I suppose it will be relatively safe to be known as Malek to you, hopefully no one will know that I am not Goa’uld.”
“The leather clothing is being collected as we speak. Now, let us review what is going to happen. Colonel O’Neill, you will be in charge of this mission. Malek you will be for all appearances the Goa’uld with them, being escorted by them. Teal’c you are Malek’s personal guard and the scholars who will be Colonel O’Neill, Captain Carter and Doctor Jackson will be your escorts. Your mission is to find out what happened to Teal’c’s family and to collect Goa’uld larvae for study.” General Hammond instructed. “Have I missed anything?”
“No, that about covers it.” Jack replied. “The only thing left is to confirm that Louis is alright with the plan.”
Louis was instantly given control back so he could speak. “Malek speaks truth, I am willing to let Malek remain in control.” He told them confirming that he agreed with the plan. “Though I have told Malek I won’t wear the crap the Goa’uld call ‘fashion’.”
-Hey! I’ve had to wear those clothes and so have my previous hosts, those are not the worst clothes out there.- Malek protested though he could tell his host knew he was amused.
Yes but now you have a host not willing to wear that crap, so you are going to make sure we wear something fashionable.. Louis teased as the man sent to get leather jeans and boots returned. Louis took them gratefully and disappeared into the changing room to change. With Malek’s guidance Lewis changed into his new clothes, though the host made very loud complaints about the jewellery Malek demanded that he wear.
Malek took control with a warm smile before controlling his hosts face and making it expressionless. When he emerged the humans stepped back in shock which made Malek give them a wry grin, he was very good at playing a Goa’uld. “We are ready.” He informed them. “Teal’c must go before me and then I will go through with the others behind me as my escorts.” He instructed.
“I understand.” Teal’c answered as he led the way to the gate-room. This time Malek did not complain about the chevron locking procedure, instead he focused inwardly on his host and spent as much time as he could explaining what was happening. Louis was understanding and accepted what was to happen but hoped Malek would not have to harm any of their team members to keep his cover.
Malek vowed never to harm any of them to keep his cover just as the gate burst to life. Teal’c took the lead and marched through the wormhole with his serpent helmet activated. Malek waited a few moments before he led the rest of the team through the gate. As they reached the other side Malek observed Teal’c holding a man by the arm. “Jaffa kree. Why do you hold this slave so?”
“He dared stop our passage my lord.” Teal’c replied.
“Is this true? Do you dare defy my orders?”
“Of course not my lord, but I must know who you are.”
“I am Malek, part of Apophis’s court. I am here on behalf of Apophis. You dare defy your God?” Malek demanded angrily.
“I apologise my Lord, I did not know our God sent you.” The man pleaded his head bowed. Malek merely glared before signally Teal’c to continue on. The man stared at them as the party passed but did not dare try to stop them again.
Teal’c led them into the forest, they walked a large distance before finally stopping. “I think we are safe.” Sam stated as the three humans removed their cloaks and Teal’c removed his helmet, only Malek remained in control and in character. If need be he could claim the humans and shol’va had snuck into court and hidden among his slaves and travelled with him. “Let’s go.”
Malek followed Teal’c as the man ran as if he was chased by the hounds of hell. He could hear the heavy footsteps of the humans behind him. Slowly a destroyed husk of a building could be seen, Malek followed the Jaffa as the man cried out and raced to the side of the building. There standing out brightly against the black building was a white painting. “What does that mean?” He heard Jack ask.
“It means Shol’va.” Malek answered. “It means the previous owners of this house are traitors.” He explained. Teal’c cried, collapsing to his knees staring at the sign. Malek was unsure what to do, how could you comfort someone who had lost everything. Teal’c jumped up and raced back around tears streaming down his face as he realised he had lost his family.
Jack cautiously followed the man around and tried to comfort the Jaffa but it was obvious that he was struggling to find the right words. Before the man could finish movement caught their eyes and an elderly Jaffa appeared holding Jack at staff point. Malek easily raised his Goa’uld hand device ready to strike. Teal’c carefully strolled round and realised that this was the man he had told them of, Brai’tac. “Lower your weapons this is my old teacher, Brai’tac.” Slowly they did, though Brai’tac stared cautiously at Malek.
“Who is this, Teal’c?”
“This is Malek, do not worry my friend he knows of our dislike for the Goa’uld and he supports our fight.”
“But he is Goa’uld.”
“I am not Goa’uld. I am of the Tok’ra, Jaffa.”
“But they are just legends.”
“No they are not, Brai’tac of the Jaffa, I am not a legend, I am Malek of the Tok’ra. My host whom I inhabit is free and shares his body willingly with me.” Malek informed the elderly Jaffa.
“The Tok’ra? How come we have not heard of this before?” Jack asked.
“You did not need to know. It was not vital intelligence. But now I will speak of my true allegiance. My people were once like the Goa’uld but we chose to have willing hosts. We despised all that the Goa’uld represent. We named ourselves the Tok’ra.”
“Of course. Tok Ra. Against Ra.” Daniel replied. “They’re a rebel group.”
“We are. But we live in secret and do not like many people knowing that we exist, we do our best work when no one knows we are there.” Malek informed them. “Brai’tac, I have joined with Teal’c and the Tau’ri, I fight for the freedom of all peoples. I am not your enemy, I am your ally and perhaps one day your friend.”
“I fear that although you mean well, not many will accept the truth for what you are. However I accept the truth of your words and hope that we may ally ourselves with your people.” Brai’tac replied.
“What of my wife and son?” Teal’c asked. Brai’tac turned and frowned towards Teal’c and told him his wife and son had got away but he did not know where they were. Brai’tac immediately tried to take charge and had to put Jack in his place when Jack argued that he was the team leader.
“Colonel O’Neill, we need to rely on Brai’tac. He is known to the Jaffa and the Goa’uld, they will respect him. Hopefully my presence as a minor Goa’uld will encourage them to trust us.” Malek instructed.
“Malek is correct. His presence may encourage the others to trust us.” Brai’tac added. “Only Malek, you and Teal’c can accompany me.”
“Listen to him Colonel, he is wise. He knows what he is doing.” Malek stated. “If nothing else we can complete our mission and get out of here quickly. I’d rather we not stay on a Goa’uld infested planet. “ Malek confessed cringing before schooling his expression.
“It would be unwise for you and your companions to remain on Chulak.” Brai’tac continued. “Let us be on our way.” He instructed. Jack told Sam and Daniel to continue with their part of their mission, a.k.a. collect a prim’ta whilst they searched for Teal’c’s family.
“I think it might be a good idea for Malek to accompany us.” Sam stated. “He can get us to the Goa’uld larvae without problem, they won’t suspect who he really is.”
“I will go where I am needed most.” Malek replied.
“I do not believe that would work, Captain Carter.” Teal’c replied. “If Malek was to go with you he would be with the Tau’ri. It would reveal that he is not who he says he is, however if he was to remain with the Jaffa he can trick the Goa’uld into believing you are his captives and we are his loyal Jaffa.”
“Teal’c is correct. I would be of more use with Teal’c and Brai’tac.” Malek stated. “I doubt you will have much trouble finding the Prim’ta. They remain unguarded on Goa’uld home worlds because no Jaffa dare touch them. Your mission should go without a hitch.” Malek continued.
“You wish to collect a Prim’ta?” Brai’tac asked shocked.
“Yes, we’re hoping that by taking one we can work out how to remove the Goa’uld from unwilling hosts and perhaps one day free the Jaffa.” Sam informed the elderly Jaffa.
“If…” Brai’tac hesitated obviously uncomfortable with the idea at first but his eyes hardened and he nodded. “Malek is right the prim’ta’s will remain unguarded making them easy to grab. Good luck.” The man instructed.
“Thank you.” Sam replied gratefully before she led Daniel into the trees.
Malek followed the human and the two Jaffa into the wood in the opposite direction of Sam and Daniel. “When we arrive at the camp it would be wise for you to stay behind Malek, O’Neill. When the Jaffa see you they will immediately associate you with the Tau’ri and I as Shol’va.” Teal’c told them. “However if Brai’tac and Malek took the lead they will know Malek is Goa’uld and therefore their God. They will hopefully assume that you and I are slaves to Malek or their prisoners.”
“I will take the lead. Hopefully that is enough to persuade them that we are not Shol’va.” Malek stated. “If need be I will speak as one of their God’s. I will inform them that you and Teal’c are my prisoners and that I have bought Teal’c to watch his son’s implantation. The Jaffa will immediately assume I am mocking Teal’c by making him watch his son become the Goa’uld’s slave. But once we act to stop it I may not be able to help.”
“Unless we can stop it without creating a scene.” Jack replied earning a nod from Malek. The four companions strolled carefully onwards looking for any movement and listening for any sounds.
Slowly a crater appeared with tents and hundreds of people, the people saw them and began to scream. “Jaffa Kree!” Malek demanded. The people stopped running to stare fearfully at Malek. “Tell me where the son of the Shol’va Teal’c is kept!” Several people pointed to a tent on the far side of the crater. “You obedience has earned my approval, perhaps if you continue to obey my words, I will speak to Apophis on your behalf. Now you will return to your homes and you will not interfere with my business.” The people bowed and immediately raced for their homes to cower from the ‘powerful God’. Malek turned to his companions. “Brai’tac escort this shol’va to the tent; make sure he watches as his son becomes loyal to the Goa’uld.” He stated making his voice loud enough that it echoed through the camp.
“My Lord.” Brai’tac replied bowing his compliance and pushing Teal’c forward with his staff weapon. Teal’c walked forward acting like the angry prisoner.
Malek followed more slowly making sure Jack walked before him. “What are you doing?” Jack whispered.
“I am behaving like a Goa’uld. They must believe you are my prisoners if we are to pull this off.” Malek hastily informed the human. Jack carefully nodded his understanding before pulling an angry face as Malek pushed him forward. “Your Jaffa friend will see what happens when he betrays the Goa’uld.”
“You’d make a little boy suffer for his father’s actions?” Jack asked angrily.
“He is the Jaffa’s son; he carries the shol’va’s blood in his veins. He is as guilty as his father.” Malek responded. “You will watch as your slave suffers the worst punishment of all Tau’ri.”
“You low-life…”Jack began; Malek immediately subdued the man and forced him inside the tent.
The priest bowed low to Malek as he entered. “My Lord. I was not expecting the presence of a God this day.”
Malek sneered making the man bow his head submissively in fear. “I do not come here for you slave! How dare you assume this! I come to watch the Shol’va suffer the worst punishment.”
“Punishment my Lord?”
“Yes, this Shol’va believes being our slaves is disgusting, I am here to make him witness his son coming under the Goa’uld power.” Malek stated. “You will leave…”
“My Lord.”
“I do not need explain myself to you! Leave!” Malek ordered, the man flinched and fled the chamber.
“It’s too late.” Teal’c muttered. “The pouch has already been made.” A sound behind them made them all turn, a figure dived to attack Teal’c but the man easily overpowered them and removed the cloak. “Dray’ac?” He asked the woman, his wife.
“Shol’va!” She cried out. “Stay away from our son.”
“Jaffa!” Malek ordered. “You dare interfere?”
“My Lord, I did not know…” She whimpered as Malek moved forward to stand above her.
“Did not know or did not care?”
“Are you here to give my son the greatest honour? Will you watch as he finally takes his place as Apophis’s loyal Jaffa?”
“No he is not.” Teal’c replied. “We’re here to stop the implantation.”
Dray’ac stared incredulously at them before staring at Malek. “My lord why do you hate my son so?”
“I do not hate your son, Dray’ac of the Jaffa. I came to free your son from life enslavement but it appears we were too late. The making of the pouch has destroyed his immune system without a prim’ta he will now die.”
“If we can get him to the Tau’ri we can help him…” Teal’c whispered.
Malek approached and rested a hand on Teal’c’s shoulders. “I’m sorry Teal’c but the Tau’ri cannot help him now. The damage has been done. We cannot help him. He must be implanted with a Goa’uld larva if he is to survive. I’m sorry we could not have made it sooner.”
“I will not have my son become slaves to the Goa’uld!” Teal’c stated.
Malek sighed. –He will not accept that his son Ry’ac needs this!-
No he won’t accept it. He cannot. He is fighting the Goa’uld to free his people, to free his family. The reason he is even with us is to prevent this. To prevent his son from becoming a slave to them. If he cannot stop it, then why did he start fighting against the Goa’uld?
-I suppose I can understand, but still only one thing can be done to save the boy.- Malek replied with a soft sigh. “Very well Teal’c we will take the boy but we will also take the prim’ta. I will act as if we want the ceremony done before Apophis so Apophis can watch the Traitors punishment.” He told Teal’c. “Dray’ac pick up the Prim’ta, as the mother you will carry his new Prim’ta. Teal’c you will be forced to carry your son to his ‘doom’, Brai’tac you will be the guard pushing Teal’c and Jack onward. I will be the Goa’uld leading you to Apophis.” Malek waited for any questions but none came. –Now let’s just hope the priest buys our story.- Malek thought.
As long as you continue to act as you have I think he will believe you. After all it is understandable that Apophis will want to watch Teal’c’s ultimate humiliation. Louis replied. And if he doesn’t you’ve got the hand device to punish him.
-Hmm, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.- Malek replied. I do not really want the others to see me like this, as a Goa’uld, it will just point out how closely related the Tok’ra and the Goa’uld are.-
They know you Malek, they know you aren’t evil, they will know your actions are to get them out of there and not because you like power.
-I hope so.- Malek thought before leading the way out of the tent, the priest was not far from them, loitering and waiting for his God to speak to him. “Priest. Apophis wishes to watch this Shol’va’s humiliation, we will take the prim’ta and it’s new Jaffa to him. You will not stop us.” He informed the man.
“But…”
“But what Jaffa?” Malek replied warningly, daring the man to object.
“Nothing sir.” The man replied bowing his head obediently.
Malek nodded approvingly. “Come Jaffa, Shol’va, Tau’ri. Apophis wishes to witness this ceremony.” He stated needlessly. Dray’ac and Brai’tac bowed their heads obediently, Teal’c and Jack glared. “Priest you will inform the guards and priests at the gate not to interfere with our passage.”
“Of course my Lord.” The priest replied submissively.
“Jaffa, come!” Malek ordered before leading the group away from the camp. Dray’ac walked slightly behind him but as close to him as she could so she could ‘show her loyalty to her God’, Jack followed behind her with Teal’c behind him and Brai’tac was behind him ‘guarding’ the shol’va and the Tau’ri. The group walked for some time not glancing back, moving as if they were an important group.
“His health is deteriorating.” Teal’c called out as Ry’ac coughed, his small lungs struggling to breath.
“We cannot continue at the moment. We must make sure he is well enough to go through the chaapa’ai.” Malek stated. “Colonel O’Neill can you help him?”
“Please.” Dray’ac pleaded. Jack raced over to the boy and checked the boy’s health. Jack diagnosed what the boy was suffering with but Malek did not understand what the diagnosis was, even Louis who had basic health knowledge was not entirely sure what ‘Scarlet Fever’ was, the host seemed to know however that it was fatal. “Can you save him?”
“As long as we can get him back through the gate in time.” Jack replied.
“We need to hurry.” Teal’c stated.
Malek sighed and nodded. “Let’s hurry. If we can get through the gate in time we might be able to save him.” They all nodded and once again were on the move.
Dray’ac lagged behind after a while wanting to be closer to her son. Malek didn’t know what had happened but one moment he could hear all their footsteps and then they all stopped. He turned around and stared curiously at them trying to work out what had happened. “He does not draw breath.” Dray’ac cried.
“Then… then we have no choice.” Teal’c whispered. He picked up the prim’ta jar and pulled the creature out. “I’m sorry that it I that must do this to you, my son.” He whispered before implanting the parasite.
After a few moments the boy shifted and opened his eyes to stare at Teal’c. “Father.”
“Son. I am so sorry.” Teal’c stated his hand on his son’s pouch.
The boy’s eyes lit up with delight. “You mean…”
“Yes my son.” Teal’c confirmed his voice sombre.
Malek sighed. –The boy does not understand.-
Perhaps he does? Perhaps his mother has spoken so highly of the ‘prim’ta’ that he actually wanted it.
-Why would anyone want to be a Jaffa?-
Many could ask why someone would want to be a host. Louis replied gently. Many Jaffa must be bought up just for this. Just for the honour of becoming Jaffa.
-You are correct of course, but it is difficult to see a young child implanted and gleeful that he was implanted.- Malek replied. Malek turned as he heard rustling bushes to see Sam and Daniel emerge. “Sir. We must hurry, we’re being followed.” Sure enough the sound of staff blasts were closing in on them, the Jaffa were shouting to each other, closing the net around them.
“We must go!” Malek ordered.
“We will stay.” Dray’ac whispered to Teal’c. “We will only slow you down.” Malek sighed and raced to the tree-line taking the pistol offered to him. They would try to give the family more time to say goodbye.
“Tell them that I tried to kidnap your son.” Teal’c told Dray’ac.
-Well our plan went to the dogs…- Malek thought as he raced after Teal’c and Brai’tac. He heard the three humans following him, trees exploded around them as the staff blasts were directed at them.
We had no choice but to leave them behind. We would not have gotten them off-world, we’ve been discovered and them being willingly with us would have condemned the boy and his mother. Louis replied.
-I know but still it is disappointing. I hate failing my missions. If anyone asks, I did not fail. Aldwin and Lantash will laugh their ‘asses’ off at me…- Malek told his host. Louis laughed at Malek’s embarrassment and worry at the other Tok’ra finding out he failed. –Hey! It’s not funny!- Malek protested but his voice was full of reluctant amusement.
The sounds of staff-blasts vanished as they got far enough away and the group finally slowed as they finally reached the edge of the forest leading to the gate. “Perhaps I can still get us through this without a fight.” Malek suggested.
“I will lead the way.” Brai’tac replied. Jack protested but the elderly Jaffa easily over-ruled the man. Slowly the group walked down to the gate. The priests and Jaffa stared at the Tau’ri in suspicion. “Priest, I have been sent to take this shol’va and his tau’ri masters to Apophis.”
“I can’t not let you do that Master Brai’tac.”
“Ah so you know me.”
“Of course, you were the most legendary Jaffa of all, once first prime to Apophis…”
“Priest. I have been sent on Apophis’s demands to retrieve the shol’va and his masters. He knows that they were here and demanded they be bought before him. Do you dare defy his orders?” Malek demanded.
“Apophis is on his way now, my Lord. I’m sure he will be pleased that you’ve delivered the shol’va and his new masters.” The priest stated. Malek was prepared to argue but Brai’tac had turned away as if to leave, instead the great Jaffa spun around taking the priest by surprise and knocking the man out he blasted along the floor creating a wall of fire before jumping over and taking out the Jaffa on the other side. Malek noticed a man fleeing and raced after him tackling him to the ground and knocking him out. –This is not how I saw the mission ending.- Malek informed his host as he stood.
Perhaps, but I’ve never seen you jump so far to take someone out. Louis stated with amusement. Have you been practice acrobatics when I have not been awake… He teased Malek as Teal’c spoke to Brai’tac.
-No.- Malek protested. –I just instinctually took him out.-
You did good? Perhaps we should train using acrobatics and hand to hand combat, it could be helpful. Louis suggested.
-Yes, hand to hand combat would be extremely useful.- Malek replied. –Perhaps we will ask General Hammond if he will allow us to join a combat and acrobat group. If nothing else it would be fun and another way to pass our time.-
I think it would be a good idea. Louis agreed. You certainly have the talent for it.
-And so do you, it is your body after all. You had this ability but never recognised it, now we will train ourselves to use it for the future.- Malek answered as he watched Daniel dial Earth. Sam sent their signal through to Earth as the wormhole engaged. Malek followed them through the gate and breathed a sigh of relief as he landed on the ramp and walked down to greet General Hammond. “Welcome back SG1.” Hammond greeted.
“Sir.” Jack greeted. “We have one of those parasites.” He indicated to the tub Sam carried. “I’d like to get it secured as quickly as possible.”
“Well, you heard the man.” Hammond told one of the soldiers. The man nodded and very cautiously and nervously took the capsule holding the parasite.
Malek bowed to the man as he instructed them to go to the infirmary, he obediently followed the command and entered the room smiling in greeting as Kawalsky turned to face them. “Kawalsky. I hope you are well.”
“I could be better seeing as this ‘thing’ is still in here with me. But I am alright. Had any luck tracking your people.”
“Currently no, but I’m confident we will eventually come across them.” Malek replied. “I’m sorry I do not know where they are. I wish I could go directly to them.” Malek admitted. “Please forgive me for taking so long.”
Kawalsky sighed. “I should be angry, but you’ve been doing everything you can to help me. I’m grateful for what you’ve done and although I don’t like waiting, I will wait. I just hope this sedative we’re using to stop the creature from taking control continues to work.”
“I will try to work harder, be assured that I haven’t forgotten you.” Malek told the man. Kawalsky nodded his agreement.
“Malek, please take a seat.” Fraiser instructed. She didn’t watch to see if Malek did as told as Malek would not dis-obey. Malek sat at the edge of a spare bed and let her test his skin. “How are you?”
“I am well.”
“And Louis.”
“In perfect health.” Malek informed her. “Nothing came to harm us or anyone else.” He continued.
“Be that as it may, I still have to check for any uninvited diseases and viruses.” She told him. Malek nodded his acceptance and stayed still to allow her to continue her work. “Everything is as you said, in perfect condition. I’ll just need to take a sample of blood to confirm, but once I’ve taken a blood sample you can go to the debriefing.” She informed him. Louis cringed at the thought of a blood test but Malek simply numbed his host’s arm so the man would not feel it. “Okay, you can go now, Malek.” She told them.
When Malek arrived in the room, Sam and Daniel were talking to Hammond. “..he said Tok’ra…”
-Ah, no… I should have censored my words, they weren’t supposed to find out.-
Please trust them. Louis pleaded.
Malek sighed but sent his agreement. “Yes I am what you would call Tok’ra. Our name is derived from our purpose, we are against Ra and the other Goa’uld, we hate what they stand for. We seek freedom of all races and for ourselves. We are biologically Goa’uld but as you well know we are not the same.”
“Brai’tac said you were legends.”
“We are not, as you well know. But we Tok’ra work best when we are unknown, we prefer subterfuge and invasion techniques rather than full on fighting like your kind do. Normally when our hosts die we die with them because no one will offer to be our new hosts. Because of this we prefer to work in secret.”
“Of course, because of zero population growth.” Sam muttered.
“Unfortunately you are correct.” Malek replied. “Which is why I kept my people a secret for so long, your knowledge of me and my race endangers not only you but my people. The Goa’uld wish to destroy us, if they find out you know of us, well I don’t want to think of the consequences.”
“I’m disappointed that you could not trust us.” General Hammond told him.
Malek shook his head. “I do trust you, you’ve earned my trust long ago but this is not something I can speak of. You see I’m quite happy for you to know of me and about me but the others of my race will not take so kindly to you knowing of them. They will see my telling you as a breach of security and a traitorous act. I, as a Tok’ra must protect my brethren like Louis, as a human must protect his.”
“What can you tell us of the Tok’ra?”
“In all honesty, not much.” Malek replied as he took his seat. “However I have lied to you enough. I will take the blame when we find the Tok’ra.” Malek added as he took in the relieved and grateful faces of his companions as they leaned forward to hear him. “As I have told you, we are biologically similar to the Goa’uld but that is where the similarities end. Our goals and in fact our minds are different. The Goa’uld desire power and control and the Tok’ra desire freedom. We declared ‘war’ against our cousins and began sabotaging their plans, ships and whatever else we could stop of interfere with. Because of our similarity to them we often pretend to be Goa’uld to ‘worm’ our way to a powerful position where we can prevent and sabotage the Goa’uld’s plans.”
“So your spies?” Jack asked.
“Yes, in a manner of speaking.” Malek replied. “We are… there are many of us, but our population does not grow, often we lose more without anyway to replace those we’ve lost. As such they will not believe me to be who I say I am because I’ve been gone so long. If we do not hear from an operative after a certain period of time we believe they are lost to us.”
“What do you mean dead?”
“Yes. Unfortunately we have no way to check if they have fallen or not, we have no choice but to assume them lost or dead. After so much time they must have assumed me dead. However be assured that this will not affect Kawalsky, they’d be more than willing to remove the parasite inside your comrade but they may hold Louis and I for questioning.”
“Does that make them a danger?”
“No. They will not harm anyone, I promise you this.”
“Very well. I trust you.” Hammond replied.
“That means a lot to me, Colonel Hammond. I’m sorry I had to keep so much from you. I can only hope that my keeping this secret has not affected your respect for me and my kind.”
“Whilst I dislike that you’ve kept this secrets, I can understand your desire to protect your people.” Hammond replied. “However I must ask you do not keep secrets like this again.”
“I cannot promise that, if need be I must keep the secrets of the Tok’ra. But I can promise that if any of our secrets adversely affect your race, I will inform you but I must do so in utmost secrecy. My actions could be classed as betrayal of the Tok’ra.”
“I will just have to accept what we can get.” Hammond sighed in frustration. “Now onto the briefing…”
Malek returned control to Louis shortly after his explanation. Allowing Louis his first chance of freedom since the morning. Louis immediately assured them that he was well and had been fine being in the background whilst Malek had participated in the mission.
“Malek. The president has decided a date to meet. He will be visiting the SGC in a few days-time. I will be taking you off active duty for the next week so you may spend as much available time with him as possible.” Hammond informed them.
“Of course, sir.” Louis replied. “We will make the president feel most welcome.”
“Good, since you will be his escort, Ferretti.” Hammond replied with a smirk. Louis nodded his agreement amused at Hammond’s sneakiness. Being assigned as an escort for the president meant that Louis and therefore Malek got as much time speaking to the president as possible. “Dismissed.” He told them all.
So. Louis thought as they left the room. We need to make plans, we need to know where the presidents temporary quarters will be and to work out timing. It will be better if we deliberately make it so those who ‘dislike’ you and me are no around. If we can time meal times before or after the cafeteria is full up with too many people, we can avoid anyone painting us in a bad light.
-Exactly.- Malek replied approvingly. –If we give him everything he wants or needs without appearing too eager we can earn his trust and therefore any opposition we face will have to take on the president as well.-
Right, so we need a map and as much information for the president as possible. We’ll also need cafeteria times.
-I can spend time informing him of my kind and making him more… sympathetic to our plight, as it were.- Malek added. –Let’s go back to Hammond and talk to him about what he can give us for us to give to the president.- With this decided they turned back where Hammond stood waiting in his office.
It took many days of planning but Hammond and Louis got the SGC to a state where Louis had the advantage over anyone against Malek’s existence. Louis stood at the entrance to Cheyenne Mountain waiting for their arrival with General Hammond. The ‘secret service’ came first they demanded they check every room in the facility and everyone inside and nearby to Cheyenne Mountain. Louis happily submitted to a bodily search and a quick interrogation.
Finally the president arrived. The man immediately smiled and shook hands with Hammond. “It’s good to see you George.”
“It is good to see you President Clinton. May I introduce Major Louis Ferretti.”
“It is an honour, sir.” Louis replied shaking the man’s hand.
“You’re the host to Malek?”
“Yes, sir.” Louis replied. “Malek sends his greetings to you as well and looks forward to speaking to you himself.”
“And how does he speak.” The president asked curiously.
“Sir.” Hammond interrupted. “Perhaps it would be wise to adjourn to another area away from any prying eyes. I have assigned Major Ferretti to you, he will be your escort and I’m sure he and Malek will answer any questions you may or may not have.”
“Of course, I let my curiosity get the better of me. May we head to your office.” The president replied. Hammond nodded his head and lead Louis, the president and two secret service agents into his office. “Now, this is better.” The president stated as the door closed, he turned to Louis. “I am Bill Clinton president of the united states. Now I’ve been told that you are two people in one body.”
“In a sense, yes.” Louis replied. “I am the, well I guess you could say the original owner of this body. Malek has his own body inside of me but he can ‘project’ himself onto me and take control of my body.”
“Does he do so against your will?” Clinton asked.
“He is capable of doing so but he will never do so.” Louis replied. “Malek always requests permission to take control before he does so and he makes it obvious he is control. When my head bows we are switching control and apparently when he is in control, I have a different expression.” Louis explained.
“This is a folder containing what little information we know about Malek and his kind.” General Hammond stated. “Inside you will find an image of Malek inside of Major Ferretti’s body.”
The president opened the folder and took a look inside. “He looks almost snake like.” Clinton stated.
“In an essence he is.” Louis answered. “He is ‘worm-like’ because his kind evolved as swimmers and parasites. Malek considers himself a symbiote rather than a parasite. A parasite takes what it wants without a care for its host. The Goa’uld are these parasites. Some Goa’uld have become ‘different’, they have become symbiotes who share with their hosts.”
“And Malek is one of these Goa’uld’s who defied its original instincts?” Clinton asked.
“Malek prefers the term Tok’ra. But I believe it best if he explains himself. Would you mind me allowing him control?” Louis asked.
The president leaned forward. “No, in fact I’m interested in seeing this symbiotic relationship for myself.” He replied.
Louis smiled and bowed his head, Malek immediately took control and raised his host’s head. He raced his eyebrow as the secret service agents tensed. “I do not intend to harm anyone here, you need not tense.” He told them.
“So you are Malek.” Clinton stated.
“I am.”
“Major Ferretti mentioned that you ‘prefer’ to be called Tok Ra.”
“Tok’ra.” Malek corrected. “I am indeed from a race of symbiotic beings that call themselves the Tok’ra.” He explained. “To explain the name I must got far back into your world’s history. I hope you do not mind me telling this tale.”
“No, no, please go on.”
“Long ago there was a species that was dying. They called themselves the Goa’uld. One of these Goa’uld searched everywhere for a solution to their species death and he found Earth. This being is the one you know as Ra. Ra arrived in ancient Egypt and took a young boy as a host. Since then the Goa’uld have taken millions of humans from your planet and placed them on other planets to raise them as you would sheep and cattle to slaughter. These people became hosts and slaves. There was one Goa’uld however who despised all that Ra represented. She hated the enslavement of innocent people and chose to fight Ra and the Goa’uld. She birthed the Tok’ra. Since then the Tok’ra have been and still are against Ra.” Malek explained. “Tok’ra roughly translates to Against Ra.”
“So you defy the Goa’uld’s.”
“Yes, they are murderers, thieves and all round evil creatures. They portray themselves as Gods because they believe they are almighty. They disgust me. As such my people vowed never to stop until we died or they died, we fight for the freedom of all.” Malek answered.
“How did you become the ‘symbiote’ of Major Ferretti?”
“A few years back on what I believe you call the ‘Abydos mission’, I was on Ra’s ship hoping to invade and hopefully destroy Ra and his plans. However Ra discovered me and my previous host. I was taking to the ‘implantation’ room, where Ra had planned to remove me, implant one of his children and send my host back to the Tok’ra as a spy. I was being held there when Louis was bought in. Whilst both I, my previous host and my new host were being held hostage, Colonel Jack O’Neill set off the bomb on Ra’s ship. The ship began to destroy itself and my host was badly wounded as was Louis. My host begged me to save Louis so I took him as my new host and healed him before escaping with him back to Earth.” Malek explained. “Unfortunately my new host was unconscious and when he awoke he did not take kindly to my presence. I offered to leave once I had found a new host and Louis agreed. However over time he adjusted to my presence and accepted me as his new symbiote. Since then we have been together willingly.”
“So Major Ferretti was originally unwilling.”
The president watched as Malek lowered his head and pushed Louis forward. “Perhaps I can answer this question better.” Louis told the president. “I was indeed an unwilling host at first but Malek was willing to commit suicide rather than remain inside me. However he saved my life and my honour would not willingly allow my saviour to die so I agreed to carry him until such a time as I could take him home. Over time I learnt more and more about him and just like he promised he never took control and he never ordered me around, in fact he tried to make my life as his host as easy as possible. I grew fond of him and eventually I agreed to be his host, willingly. We’ve now been blended for a few years and I don’t regret my decision at all.” Louis told the president.
“If you were given the opportunity to ‘un-blend’ would you take it?”
“No.” Louis replied without even thinking about it. Malek tightened gratefully around his spine. “I would not. In fact I would fight to keep him with me.” He told the man. “Malek has done so much for me and for us as a race, I couldn’t be more honoured to be his host.”
“You speak very highly of him.” The president commented. “I would like to learn more about him.”
“Malek has always expressed the interest of getting to know you as well, Mr President. He hopes that you’ll see beyond his natural form and respect him as the individual he is. He knows many are repulsed by him and his natural form.” Louis explained.
“I will look upon this situation with unbiased eyes and I eagerly take this opportunity to speak to another race sharing this galaxy with us.”
“Thank you.” Louis replied gratefully. “Perhaps before we talk further you will like to visit your quarters. I’m sure it will be more comfortable and we can speak for an indefinite amount of time.”
“Very well, I think that would be preferable.” Clinton replied.
“Then please allow myself and Malek to escort you to your quarters.” Louis requested. The president bowed his head amiably and stood. The two of them stated their farewells to General Hammond and left the room followed by the two agents. Malek took control once more in the hopes that if he stayed in control long enough, the president will become accustomed to him.
“Tell me, Louis is it?”
“No, I am in control presently. I apologise my host and I should have informed you before I took control.”
“No, it is fine.” Clinton replied, taking the situation surprisingly well. “I am interested in speaking to you Malek and learning more about you. My first question is how it works when you’re in control. Is Louis, your host aware of what is happening?”
“My host feels everything, for example as I speak I’m using my host’s mouth, my host can feel his mouth moving and can feel himself talking but it is not him. I can numb him to certain things like pain when he is injured but overall he feels everything.” Malek explained as he led the man into his new quarters. “I hope these accommodations will be suitable for you, Mr President.”
The agents quickly scanned the room before nodding their heads and taking positions either side of the door. The president closed the door and immediately went to the drinks cabinet and poured two glasses out. Malek was not so keen on alcohol but politely accepted the drink and carefully took a few sips and sat once the president had sat. “So, Malek. Can I ask more about your kind?”
“Of course, I am willing to answer any questions I can.”
“Can you tell me about your species?”
“My race evolved to survive inside a host body, without a host body we will eventually die. It is a basic need of our kind and the Goa’uld. However we choose only to blend with a willing host. As your aware it was not possible for myself and Louis because we both would have died. My actions will not be looked upon kindly by the Tok’ra but I do not regret it, I did what was necessary to save both my host and myself.” Malek stated. “We are… snake-like to your people but with noticeable difference. We have a mouth like yours but with four pincer’s at the end, we have several fins, Two arm like fins at the front, nearest to our head, and a pair of flatter weaker fins behind them, on out back is our primary fin which spans most of my back. Our blood is also different as our blood contains more naquadah. Naquadah is what the stargate is made up of.” Malek explained.
“How do you ‘blend’ with your host?”
“Our instincts are to latch onto a host’s brain as a result we take the nearest path to the brain. The Goa’uld enter through the back of the neck. We believe it is because they cannot stand to look at the host’s face as they take them as unwilling hosts. Many look upon it with horror, so the Goa’uld prefer to attack from behind rather than from the front. The Tok’ra do not do this, we want willing hosts, so when we join we enter through the mouth. The host opening their mouths for us to enter is the ultimate sign of trust and acceptance for us.” Malek explained.
“So the Goa’uld enter an unwilling host from the back and you enter a willing host from the front.”
“Yes.” Malek confirmed. “A host that opens their mouth to us shows us that they accept us into them.”
“Is it really important for a willing host?”
“Yes, as my host told you I would have willingly killed myself if he asked me too, I would not have remained in an unwilling host. I am however disappointed with myself, why my actions were necessary and I’d never regret doing them I do regret the way I had to take my host. My people will be disappointed with me and perhaps even angered by my actions but hopefully they will understand why I had to do what I did.” Malek stated.
“And what of your people.”
“There are many of us, but we remain in hiding, the Goa’uld hunt us because our existence is a mockery to their power. Because we are their ‘cousin’s’ our actions represent them and the fact they we are ‘nice’ degrades them in front of their slaves. They hate us because knowledge of our existence gives the humans hope for future freedom, because of this we were wiped from history deliberately forgotten by the Goa’uld, Jaffa and their slaves. Only the oldest remember us and the Goa’uld remember us and try to wipe us out of history for real.” Malek carefully explained. “Because we are hunted we have to work in secrecy, Colonel O’Neill calls us spies, which is not a bad translation for what we do. We invade the Goa’uld’s council and allies and destroy alliances, sabotage ships and their plans.”
“So you try to destroy the Goa’uld from the inside out?”
“Yes, because we are similar to them we can ‘act’ like them and no one suspects.” Malek answered. “However I must implore you not to document what I have just told you, for what I’ve told you I could be done for treason against my people.”
“You have my word that I will not document this or use this against you, I merely wish to understand you and your people. I hope one day I may be able to call your people friends and allies.” Clinton replied. “Think of my silence as an act of trust for our future alliance.”
“Thank you, Mr President. I pray that our people will see fit to ally themselves with you and that the alliance lasts a long time, if not forever.” Malek replied. “Do you have any more questions?”
“Yes, I would like to know how you function as a blended pair. Do you ‘taste’, ‘see’, ‘feel’ and ‘hear’ like your host?”
“Ah!” Malek replied with a chuckle. “Yes, I do. There is a rumour that our species is unfeeling, non-tasting race, but that is not true. We can taste. At first when we blend with our host the taste is ‘off’ since it is not our taste buds tasting the food but when we fully blend host and symbiote become one, I can taste what my host tastes and I can feel what my host feels. We literally become one.” Malek stated with a smile. “That is the most simple way to explain it. We become one. We share everything, taste, smells, feelings, touch, sounds and so much more.”
“You share everything.”
“Everything, including knowledge which I’ve shared freely with the SGC.”
“Your bond sounds too incredible to be believed. Is there any catch?”
“Well I suppose ‘the catch’ is sharing your body with another ‘person’.” Malek searched his hosts mind for any easy ways to explain what he wanted to say. “The easiest way to explain is to use your Tau’ri terms.”
“Tau’ri.”
“It is what we call the humans from your world.” Malek explained earning an accepting nod from the president. “Well the blending of symbiote and host is kind of like a deal. The host gives the symbiote life, a place to live, to exist, in return the host is repaid by long life, knowledge and good health for as long as they live.” Malek explained.
“Sounds like the host gets more than you do…”
“It may sound like that but that is not the case, the symbiote gets so much more. The trust, respect and love for their hosts cannot be measured. We get to live and use the host’s body with their permission. The host has to give up so much for us, what we can give in return is less than what we take but we share all that we are with them to make up for our presence inside of them.”
“You love your hosts, don’t you?”
“I adore them, Mr President, each one has been as special and brilliant as the other. I love all of them, their loss hurts me deeply but I am happy in the knowledge that my hosts lived long, happy lives.”
“If I was to try and create an alliance between your people and mine, what would we need to do to create a good rapport with them?”
“I have noted a few things that you could offer them. A supply of clothing would be of some importance, perhaps you can offer trips or vacations for them onto your world. They will not be willing to ally themselves with you at first, what they need is something you may not be able to supply.”
“And what is that?”
“Hosts.”
“I see.”
“Now you see the problem. Everything pales in comparison to their need for hosts. Unlike the Goa’uld we do not prolong the host’s life for un-natural lengths of time. We do not use the machines they use because we believe it sucks the good from our souls. Because of this our hosts eventually die. Finding willing hosts is difficult and unfortunately many of my brethren die with their hosts.”
“And if we can offer hosts.”
“The Tok’ra would be more willing to listen.” Malek replied. “I’m hoping with my presence amongst your SGC personnel will help, perhaps encourage them to listen and ally themselves with you.”
“How will that help?”
“Well before I joined with Louis I was a council member, what you call a ‘politician’. I was also a base commander who was in charge of a certain number of Tok’ra and their operations. I’m hoping my standing is still strong amongst my brethren, if it is and if I make my stand with your people, they may listen and negotiate with your people.” Malek stated.
“And if they don’t?”
“Then I’m stuck. Do I choose my hosts people or my own? I do not wish to make such a decision. I wish for our people to ally together and for myself to be a representative of my people in your midst. I will work my hardest to ensure our alliance comes to pass.”
“I hope you will not have to make that decision.” Clinton told Malek.
“So do I. So do I.”
“Would you like a tour of the facility Mr President?” Louis asked as he took control.
“No Thank you Major Ferretti, your symbiote has given me much to think on. Where can I get hold of you if I need to speak to you?”
“I will be back later today, there is a phone that goes directly to the phone in General Hammond’s office so if you need me before I return just call him and he’ll tell me.” Louis told the man. “I will be here at 0800 in the morning as well, but if you need me in an emergency I am in the room down the hall.” Louis told the man.
“Very well. Thank you very much for talking to me today and thank Malek for explaining about himself and his people.”
“He says it was his pleasure.” Louis replied. “We are both quite happy to continue our conversation at a later date if you wish it.”
“I look forward to our future conversations.” The president stated with a smile, shaking Louis’s hand as they both headed to the door. The two men stated their farewells and Louis promised to return later before walking down the hallway. I think that went well.
-I think it did as well. I look forward to talking to him again. He was surprisingly non-biased and intelligent.- Malek replied. –Let us inform your General of our success.-
Let’s.
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