TITLE: The new symbiotes. Reviews
AUTHOR: Roeskva
CATEGORY: Drama
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognisable characters and places are the
property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece
of fan fiction was created for entertainment only and not monetary purposes
and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Any similarity
to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
SUMMARY: See under 'CHALLENGE' below.
RATING: PG
PAIRING: Slight Teyla/Aldwin, Janet/Jacob/Selmak, Samantha/Martouf/Lantash
CHARACTERS: Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter, Martouf/Lantash, Jacob/Selmak,
Teyla, McKay, Weir, Janet, Aldwin, others
WARNINGS: None
STATUS: Complete
SPOILERS: SG-1 season 10, SGA season 3
CHALLENGE: This story is an answer to the following challenge from the 'Tok'ra
Resistance' group: Sam and the wraith: Wraith attacks Sam but since she has
naquadah in here system she doesn't get hurt or anything. The Wraith is the one
that is either injured from the naquadah or dies. Sam takes over the science
department or the SGA itself, with Daniel and Teal'c and Janet (she never died
in my mind) and Cassandra come along too. They find some Tok'ra symbiotes that
Egeria had hidden in Atlantis with some of them being Queens. Sam, Janet, Weir
and Teyla all eventually take a symbiote but who has queen is up to you or maybe
they all do. McKay has to take a symbiote in order to safe himself. This
symbiote annoys the hell out of McKay, but McKay really likes him since the
symbiote is as smart or smarter as McKay. Maybe some of the others at Atlantis
take one too. Up to you the writer to decide!
AUTHORS NOTES: Dr. Weir's accident is not the same as the one from the end of
season 3/beginning of season 4, obviously. Janet and Jacob/Selmak didn't die,
neither did Martouf/Lantash, but they have instead been on a secret mission
between season 4 and up through season 10. * denotes thought or host/symbiote
communication.
---------------
Sam has been given command of Atlantis after an accident where Weir was badly
injured.
The 'Odyssey' had just arrived at Atlantis, carrying some new personnel coming
to work there. Among these were Dr. Daniel Jackson, Lt. Col. Samantha Carter,
Teal'c, Dr. Janet Fraiser, her daughter Cassandra, and 4 Tok'ra - Malek,
Martouf/Lantash, Jacob/Selmak, and Aldwin/Gerim.
"So, Sam, I guess you will be busy for the rest of the day, being briefed on
everything," Daniel said. "Perhaps the rest of you would like a tour of the
station - well, some of it anyway. It's pretty big and I don't think all of it
have been explored yet."
She sighed, but smiled at him. "Yes, I guess I will have a lot of stuff to do,
getting to know everyone and everything. I am already starting to miss the times
when I could just go directly to the labs and start looking at whatever
interesting new gadget had just turned up. There are so many of those here."
At this time Sheppard arrived. "Welcome to Atlantis, guys. Did your trip here go
well? No Wraith attacks I hope?"
"Yes, thank you," Malek said. "The trip was uneventful and we weren't attacked
by anyone."
"Good, the Wraith have been a bit persistent lately, unfortunately," said
Sheppard. "Don't worry...I am not trying to scare you...they seem to have given
up on their attempts to take the city."
Daniel and several of the others looked relieved. "That's good, because we are
all looking forward to staying here."
"Yes," Selmak said, "and on behalf of the Tok'ra, I would like to say that we
appreciate that there will finally be a Tok'ra presence in Atlantis. As you
know, we have wanted to send people here since you discovered it."
Sam smiled at him. "I am sure that you will be of great help...Colonel Sheppard,
how is Dr. Weir doing? Is she still in stasis?"
"Yes, I'm afraid the damage to her head and spine was severe. We are afraid of
taking her out of stasis, for fear of brain damage. We don't really have any way
of treating her right now, but Doctor Keller is doing the best she can."
Sheppard looked at his watch, "Colonel Carter, your briefing is in 5 minutes. We
better not keep people waiting."
"OK, have a nice tour, guys." Sam left together with Sheppard while the others
went to look around the station.
*It is unfortunate that we had to fake our deaths and go on such a long mission,
Lantash. The council did not tell Samantha that we were alive, and I think she
is angry at us still. She seems to be ignoring us.*
*Yes, I know. It is very unfortunate. Perhaps now, when we are on an extended
mission together with her here in Atlantis, we will be able to make her forgive
us...*
-
A couple of weeks later.
"Finally...I am going on a mission, to a planet called Kirruuna." Sam was
sitting in Daniel's laboratory, chatting with him. "I feel like I would be going
mad if I had to stay locked up in here much longer...I mean, don't get me wrong,
I'm very happy to be here in Atlantis, but I don't even have time to go explore
the city, much less look at all the stuff they keep turning up. I am beginning
to think that I should never have accepted command here...I miss doing research
and going on missions."
Daniel smiled at her. "Wow...I don't know what to say, I'm happy here, doing
exactly what I am doing now, but I can understand why you're not. I would
probably hate having to do your job, too."
"Sorry, Daniel. I didn't mean to be like that. I'm just looking forward to
finally doing something other than reading reports for a change. I still can't
understand the shear number of those...by the way, what are you doing? Don't you
want to go out on missions again?"
"Perhaps later, but not right now. I am looking at a very interesting artifact
that I brought with me here. It seems to contain some sort of history and
perhaps a map. I don't know if you remember it? I found it last year, on
P3X-551, but I haven't been able to decipher it fully yet. It is in an obscure
dialect of Goa'uld, and what is really interesting is that it mentions Atlantis
and something very important that is hidden here...Selmak has been looking at it
and that has helped me a lot. I am very grateful that the Tok'ra are here with
us. I believe I can decipher the rest, if I just keep it up a little longer..."
"OK, Daniel. It sounds interesting. I won't bother you anymore right now. Have
fun, see you when we come back."
"Bye, Sam." She waved at him and left to prepare for the mission.
-
Later, on planet Kirruuna.
Sam, Teyla, Sheppard, McKay, Ronon, and Lt. Crusher had arrived a few hours ago
to look for a ZPM that was supposed to be hidden there. The intel was pretty
solid, but since the planet was located in an area known to have a large Wraith
presence, they had postponed the mission until Atlantis' ZPM was nearly depleted
and a new one was desperately needed. Fortunately, the Wraith had not shown up,
but neither had they found the ZPM in the ruins yet.
"Hey," Sam yelled, "over here. I think there might be something of interest
buried here." She started digging around something in the ground. The others
quickly joined her and started helping her to dig. There clearly was some sort
of large stone tablet or maybe it was a cover stone, hidden under the soil.
Soon the stone was free and could be lifted, to reveal a hollow beneath,
containing what they had been looking for...a ZPM.
"Yes!...I told you we would find one here..." McKay immediately said, trying to
get as much credit as possible.
"Of course you did...you always knows everything best, we all know that," Sam
couldn't keep the sarcasm out of her voice, "however, I was the one who found
it, not you."
"Hey, lets just get out of here before the Wraith shows up...we can celebrate
later, when we are safely back in Atlantis," Sheppard said. "Teyla, what's up?"
She was standing a little to the side with an intense look on her face.
"The Wraith...they're coming!"
They quickly picked up the ZPM and their gear and started running in the
direction of the Stargate, the Wraith 'darts' soon zipping around in the sky
above them.
"Get between the trees." Sheppard shouted, "they can't target us there."
Running among the bushes and trees, they managed to escape the Wraith's
gathering beams and soon reached the Stargate. Sam, running at the front,
started to think that they were going to make it, when she saw a group of Wraith
standing in front of the Stargate, blocking their way. "Back...get back into the
forest," she yelled, and starting running for cover while shooting at the scary
enemies.
The others also withdrew to the treeline, simultaneously running and shooting at
the approaching Wraiths. Everything quickly felt chaotic and unreal, but at
least none of their people had been captured yet.
Sam and Lt. Crusher were standing back to back, firing desperately at the
advancing enemies, when one of the Wraith suddenly jumped out from behind some
shrubbery and grabbed a screaming Crusher, draining the life from him in front
of a shocked Sam. She resumed shooting at the Wraith coming at her, but they
were too many and she was quickly overwhelmed and captured. One of them
immediately grabbed her and started to feed - *This is it - I'm dead,* Carter
thought.
Sheppard saw what was happening, "Nooo," he yelled, and ran towards them, trying
to get as many as he could with his gun. Before he had gotten more than half the
way to Sam, he heard a horrible, drawn-out scream. First he thought it came from
Sam, but he immediately realised it was the Wraith that had tried to feed on
her. The other Wraith's looked surprised, or more like horrified and they all
left quickly, retreating to their ships.
"Colonel Carter?" Sheppard asked, very worried. She slowly turned and looked at
him with a rather dazed expression.
"I...I don't know. I thought I was going to die..." Sheppard looked closely at
her.
"It didn't feed on you at all...quite on the contrary, you look younger, quite a
bit younger...and the Wraith is dead...what happened?"
"I...I really don't know. It grabbed me, and started...trying to feed on
me...but instead of getting weaker, I felt stronger. It was weird! Really,
really strange...and then the Wraith screamed and fell over..."
Sam got up on her feet and carefully took a closer look at the Wraith. "It's
dead...and it looks like it is...well, falling apart?"
"Well, the Wraith has all left, I think we should do the same before they decide
to return."
By now, everyone else had come over to them and where looking at the
scene...poor Lt. Crusher was dead, Sam was alive and well, and then there was
the dead Wraith...no one could really understand what had happened to it. Doctor
Keller would have to determine that when they were back at the station. They
dialed Atlantis, picked up the dead, and went home.
-
Back at Atlantis, in the infirmary.
"Well," Dr. Keller said to Sam, "you are perfectly all right. The Wraith didn't
drain any life force from you at all - quite on the contrary. As far as I can
determine, you are now 10-12 years younger than you were when the mission
started. It's amazing!"
"So, what happened to her by accident...is the same as what one of the Wraith
did to me some time ago...when he gave me my life back?" Sheppard asked.
"Yes, but not quite." Dr. Keller looked thoughtful. "According to the report,
what happened to you was a conscious decision by the Wraith and it didn't harm
it. This Wraith died while trying to drain Sam's life from her. It not only
died, it seems to be 'disintegrating' somehow. I will be able to tell you more
when I have performed an autopsy."
"Can I leave?" Sam asked.
"Yes, you're free to go. There are several people waiting anxiously to talk to
you and see that you are well."
Sam left the room and was met by a nervous group of people, waiting to see that
she was all right. Her dad was the first to grab hold of her, but Martouf,
Daniel, Janet, Cassandra, and Teal'c all went to her, looking worried. Malek and
Aldwin were standing in the back of the room, wanting to know that she was fine,
but didn't really feel that they knew her well enough to come forward like the
others.
"Are you OK, Sammie?" Jacob looked closely at Sam.
"Yes, I'm fine. Apparently, the Wraith's attempt at draining my life
misfired...the Doctor tells me that I'm maybe 10-12 years younger than before,
so I guess I can't complain...no idea how this happened, though. We'll have to
wait until after the autopsy."
"You look great, Sam." Janet added and smiled at her, "but I still wouldn't
recommend it as a new 'fountain of youth'...seems too risky."
"Yeah, no argument there, I'm still a bit freaked out."
"Lantash and I are very relived that you were not harmed by the Wraith..."
Martouf said, "...do we understand it correctly, that something like this has
not happened before?"
"Yes, the only other example that was somewhat similar, was when a Wraith
voluntarily gave back Sheppard the life it had drained from him. It has never
happened by accident before, and never killed a Wraith in the process." Sam
said.
Martouf eyes glowed briefly as Lantash came forward. "Could it be due to the
fact to you were once a host to Jolinar...perhaps the naquadah in your blood?"
"That's certainly worth checking out - Janet, will you make sure Dr. Keller
looks into this?"
"Yes, of course...by the way, I will be helping with the autopsy...I am part of
the medical staff here now too, you know."
A little while later Sheppard joined them, smiling. "So, Colonel Carter...12
years younger...what does that make you? At most a Captain I'm guessing...I must
be in command now..."
"Very funny, I'm sure Stargate Command will recognize that I'm still the same
person and should keep command...but nice trying!"
"I thought you didn't want command, Sam?" Daniel joked. "This is your perfect
excuse to get out of it and back to going on regular missions..."
Their joking lifted the serious atmosphere and, feeling better, they decided to
take a lunch break. Any results from the autopsy on the Wraith would take
several hours to show up.
-
Later that day. Sam and Sheppard have been called to the infirmary.
"Do you have anything to report on the Wraith, Doctor Keller?" Sam said.
"Yes, in fact I have. Lantash's suggestion about the naquadah in your blood has
proven to be correct. It somehow deflected the Wraith's attempt to drain your
life force and even reversed it, hence you becoming younger. Not only that, but
the naquadah is poisonous to the iratus bug DNA, making those parts of the DNA
disintegrate, effectively killing the whole creature."
"That's great news, Doctor. Now we just need to find some way of delivering
naquadah into the Wraiths and we should have a real possibility of beating
them!" Sheppard said, enthusiastically.
"Yes, but until then, I would recommend that only people with naquadah in their
blood goes on missions to areas which are at high risk of attack from the
Wraith."
"I guess we should talk to the Tok'ra then, perhaps ask them to send a few more
of their people here on temporary assignment. They could help both with the
research on naquadah enriched weapons and go on missions." Sam said.
Sheppard agreed with this and they went to call people to a briefing in order to
give them the results of the autopsy and to discuss the possibility of killing
the Wraith with some sort of naquadah-based weapons.
-
Sometime the following week.
Sam was sitting in her office, trying to concentrate on yet another report to
SGC. She had been through endless tests, examinations, and briefings to
ascertain that she was indeed still the 'old' Sam Carter, just in a younger
body. They were now finally convinced of this and had thus agreed to let her
keep her rank, clearance, and command. Having the new ZPM and with that the easy
access to gate travel to Earth were both a blessing and a curse.
*At last,* she thought, *I can actually, finally get back to some resemblance of
normalcy.* Taking yet another report she sighed and had just started going
through it when the door flew up and her father, followed by Daniel and Martouf
came through it, almost running.
"Sam...we have deciphered the artifact," Daniel said, out of breath, "...you
know, the one I brought with me from the Milky Way...which mentions Atlantis..."
"Yes?" Sam said, looking questioningly, first at Daniel, then at her father, and
Martouf. They all looked like happy children at a birthday party. "Well...what
is it?...out with it!"
"Samantha," Martouf said, "it tells the story of Egeria visiting Atlantis, and
hiding symbiotes here...one of them a daughter - a queen!"
Selmak took control from Jacob. "If this is true...and we have no reason to
assume otherwise...then the Tok'ra will no longer be a dying race."
"This is wonderful, but how can this be?" Sam seemed to consider it for a
moment. "If I remember correctly, then Elizabeth Weir were the first to set foot
on Atlantis in 10.000 years...was that not what Morgan le Fay - or whatever her
lantean name was - said?"
"Ganos Lal," Daniel said, "that was her name. No, that's not quite what she
said...she said...'The first human to set foot within the city after it was
abandoned was Doctor Elizabeth Weir, leader of the current Atlantis expedition.'
- the first human, nothing about Tok'ra or anyone else."
"Right, of course, that's just typical of the ancients...OK, so this could
actually be true - do we have any idea where on Atlantis Egeria hid the
symbiotes? I assume we are talking about stasis jars?"
"Yes, probably stasis jars or something similar," said Selmak.
"...and regarding where..." Daniel added, "there is a description, a sort of map
included on the artifact. We believe we have determined quite precisely where we
are supposed to look. It's in the unexplored part of the city...we should go
look immediately, to determine that they weren't harmed during one of the
attacks on the city."
"I agree, let's go check it out." Sam said.
They all left to go to the area of the city mentioned in the text, being joined
on the way by Malek, Aldwin, and Teal'c. Everyone was very excited at the
thought of finding more Tok'ra symbiotes - and perhaps even a queen, but they
were also feeling a bit apprehensive...what if something had happened to the
symbiotes during the long period of time that had passed since Egeria had
brought them there. On the way out of the command center, they greeted Sheppard
and the rest of his team, on their way out to explore another lead on a ZPM.
Teyla smiled at Aldwin when she passed him, and he stood looking after her for a
while before he followed Selmak and the other to look for the symbiotes.
*She smiled at us, Gerim! Do you think she likes us?*
*Maybe, Aldwin. I have noticed that she is sometimes watching us in the mess
hall. I hope she is interested - she is very attractive.*
*Yes...perhaps, when we have hopefully found the symbiotes and she is back from
her mission, we should try talk to her. Maybe ask her to sit at our table at
lunch.*
-
The room described on the artifact was quickly found, located in a remote part
of Atlantis, which seemed to have been untouched since Egeria was there.
"All right, then..." Sam looked around the large room, "...does it say anything
more specific about where to look, or just somewhere in this room?"
"Unfortunately, the surface of the artifact had been damaged, so that part was
unreadable. We simply have to search the room." Selmak said.
They divided up the room among them and started a meticulous search for anything
that might conceal a hidden room. Egeria would not have left stasis jars out in
the open, unprotected.
-
Hours later.
"Hey, there is something here." Sam had pushed aside something that at first had
appeared to be part of some sort of ornamentation and was now trying to pry open
an almost hidden door. It didn't budge.
"Maybe there is a secret lock?" Martouf suggested, joining Sam in searching that
area of the wall.
*Lantash, if we do find some symbiotes, do you think we can convince Samantha to
take one?*
*Perhaps. Much time has now passed since she was host to Jolinar and she appears
much more at ease with the experience than she has been. We shall have to wait
and see.*
"I found the lock...but the door appears to have been damaged." Martouf said.
"It will not open." He tried again, and this time the door opened the tiniest
crack. No further attempts made it open more than that.
Jacob seemed to think it over, then decided that it was time for another
approach. "All right, then. The door opened a little bit, together we should be
able to pry it open the rest of the way."
Using a couple of metal bars for leverage, they slowly pushed the door until
suddenly it gave in and flew open, thereby sending one of the metal rods hurling
into the room. The sound of it crashing against the wall could be heard,
followed by another noise when it hit something on the floor. Very nervous about
what it might have struck, first Selmak and then the others entered the room.
Along the back wall was a recess with a number of stasis jars, the metal bar
lying across two of them.
Selmak quickly took out a scanner and examined them. "The stasis fields for two
of the jars have been deactivated by the hit. The symbiotes inside will need
hosts very quickly to survive." He turned to look at Daniel and Sam. "Teal'c can
not take a symbiote because of the tretonin, you two, however can save them."
Jacob came forward. "Sam, Daniel, I know this is a bit sudden, but would you at
least consider it? It does not necessarily have to be permanent, you know."
Sam thought it over for a moment. *We didn't find Tok'ra symbiotes just to let
them die...I can do this!* "All right, I will take one of them..." she went over
to the jars and looked at them. "There is one more which appears to have been
hit...are you sure that the stasis field of that one is still functioning?"
Jacob took out the scanner and quickly checked the rest of the stasis fields.
"One more will soon fail, but the other 3 are fine...Daniel, sorry to push about
this, but have you made a decision to blend or not?"
"Yes...yes, I have. I will...blend. I'm just a bit apprehensive - thinking about
Sha're, I guess...sorry about that. I know you're not Goa'uld..."
"We understand - you have had some bad experiences." Martouf said.
Daniel nodded solemnly. "Well, we shouldn't risk wasting any more time - Sam, do
you want to chose first?"
"OK..." She picked up one of the two damaged stasis jars, opened the lid, and
carefully peered inside. "oh...well, I guess this one would be mine anyway...I'm
sure she prefers a female body." She looked up, "it's a queen." Sam again looked
down at the symbiote which had now started moving. "What do I do now?"
*Then it's true, Martouf. Egeria really did hide a daughter here.*
*Yes, Lantash, she did...I'm so happy that the Tok'ra will have a chance to
increase in numbers again. There have been far too many deaths lately.*
*It pleases me greatly as well...however, Martouf, we should perhaps go assists
Samantha now. We can discuss the future of the Tok'ra in more detail later...do
you wish me to take over?*
*Yes, please do that.*
Their discussion had only lasted a very short time and Lantash now quickly went
over to Sam to help her.
"Selmak, I will help Samantha. Will you assist Daniel?"
"Yes," he turned to the two other Tok'ra which had been standing in the
background, speaking in low, excited voices about the finding of a Tok'ra queen,
"Malek and Aldwin, it is only a matter of time before the stasis field of the
third jar will collapse and that symbiote too will need a host. This place is
pretty far from even the nearest transporter station, so it will take some time
to get back to the command center. Will you go and see if you can find a
volunteer?"
They nodded. "I will go with them and assist." Teal'c said, and followed them
out of the room.
Lantash told Sam to gently pick up the symbiote, which she did. It curled around
her arm and looked expectantly at her. Sam suddenly thought that it looked very
cute and patted it carefully, then lifted it to her open mouth. It knew exactly
what to do and quickly jumped in. Lantash quickly grabbed Sam as she staggered
backwards and gently helped her to sit down on the floor. She seemed to be
unconscious, a sign that the blending was probably proceeding smoothly. Lantash
sat down beside her and waited. On the other side of the room, Selmak was
helping Daniel to sit down after the symbiote had entered him. Everything seemed
to be going well.
*Hello, I am Ydun, daughter of Egeria...you don't need to worry, I am a
Tok'ra...your name is Samantha?*
*Yes, but call me Sam...I am relieved that you are Tok'ra. I guess I was just
slightly worried that this was somehow a trick and that you were Goa'uld.*
*Never worry. I am not going to take you over - except to save your life...or
maybe sometimes for fun...* she laughed. *Don't get nervous, I'm
just...kidding?...is that the right word?...Oh, this is going to be so much
fun...you're my first host and I am so looking forward to exploring everything
and learn about the world...* she prattled on.
*Great, just my luck to get stuck with an eager, inexperienced symbiote - and
with a questionable sense of humour at that.* Sam groaned silently.
*Hey!...be nice.* Ydun mentally slapped Sam over the head, then did a
double-take at something she saw in Sam's memories. *...you have almost won
against the Goa'uld?* she sounded disbelieving...and a little disappointed?
*Yes, but don't worry, we have left some just for you,* Sam sounded slightly
sarcastic, *...besides, there is always the Ori, the Wraith, the
replicators...and so on and so forth. Plenty of enemies if that's what you
want.*
*Sorry, that is not what I meant. I will be just as happy as everyone else to
see the galaxy safe from the Goa'uld and any other enemies,* she continued going
through some more memories while Sam tried to relax.
-
Some time later.
"I believe Samantha is waking up." Lantash said. "How are Daniel doing?"
"He is still unconscious, but I'm sure he will come around soon."
At this moment Samantha's eyes opened and glowed briefly, she looked around and
smiled when she saw Martouf. Ydun quickly grabbed him and pulled him to her,
kissing him passionately. *Noo...stop...what are you DOING!* Sam yelled in her
head.
*Only what you have wanted to do for 8 years, but have been too scared to do,
you should thank me...and don't try to deny it either, I can read your mind,
remember?*
*Give me control, AT ONCE!*
*As you wish,* Ydun said and let Sam take over.
*Lantash, as pleasant as this is, we should not be reciprocating, Samantha will
be angry...Lantash, are you listening?*
Lantash mentally sighed, *yes, Martouf. Remember that we did not initiate it -
she will not blame us. You may do as you please, but I intend to enjoy it and I
am not giving you control.*
He then put his arms around a confused Sam and deepened the kiss. Sam enjoyed it
too much to pull away and Ydun was cheering in her head.
"Lantash, kree!" Jacob barked. "What are you doing with my daughter?"
Before Lantash could try to explain himself, Daniel woke up. His eyes glowed.
"Hello, I am Limentius. I am Tok'ra so you need not worry."
"Welcome Limentius, we are very happy to meet you," Jacob said. "May I speak
with Daniel?"
Daniel was given control. "Hi, Jacob. I'm here."
"How are you doing - everything all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. It's a bit weird hearing another voice in my head, but I think
we are going to get along fine."
"Good. Sam? How about you...and the queen. What is her name?"
"I'm OK Dad. I think I am going to like her, but she is very inexperienced and
eager to try everything...and very...eh, forward." She looked at Martouf and
blushed. "Oh, and her name is Ydun, by the way."
Lantash smiled at her. "I like her already."
They all turned to look as Aldwin, Malek, Teal'c, and Dr. Janet Fraiser entered
the room. "I apologize, Selmak. We are having some difficulties trying to
convince the humans to volunteer as a host," Aldwin said. "Dr. Fraiser will look
at the symbiote in the failing stasis jar and see if it can be transferred to a
tank in the infirmary."
"Yes, and I would also like to take a look at Daniel and Sam. I assume they each
have taken a symbiote now?"
"Hi, Janet." Sam said. "Yes, both Daniel and I are blended...I guess we are
Tok'ra now?" She looked at Lantash, who just nodded.
Janet went first to Sam and then to Daniel, quickly examining them. Satisfied
that they appeared to be well, she walked over to the failing stasis jar. From
time to time she took a quick look at Jacob. *I wish he would look up and smile
at me - he has such a nice smile. Well, I guess he is concerned with the new
Tok'ra...I can't blame him for that.* She scanned the stasis field. "I don't
think we have time to transfer the symbiote. The field just collapsed."
*Selmak, what should we do? That means the symbiote will need a host immediately
and they didn't find any volunteers among the personnel.*
*I suggest we ask Janet Fraiser. If she blends she will most likely get to spend
more time with us - something which we have wished for a while, but which you
have been too shy to do anything about.*
*I have been too shy? What about you? You can hardly speak when she is near us,
and always gives control to me...but I agree. We should ask her.*
"Janet." Jacob said.
She quickly turned to face him. "Yes?"
"Would you consider becoming a host?...as I said to Sam and Daniel, it does not
have to be permanent, if you do not want it to..." Jacob's eyes glowed.
"...and Jacob and I would help you through it. There is nothing to fear." Selmak
said.
"You would be saving the life of the symbiote - a sentient life form." Teal'c
added.
*What do I do?* Janet pondered. *Teal'c is right...and it is a Tok'ra, one of
our allies - not a Goa'uld..and, as a doctor I should save lives whenever
possible.*
Sam got up on her feet and walked over towards her. "Janet, I didn't think I
would be saying this, but I really think I am going to like sharing my body with
Ydun...you should consider it. There really isn't anything to worry about."
"All right, I am considering it...have considered it, in fact. There is only one
morally right decision, and that is to...what do you call it...blend?...with the
symbiote." She drew a deep breath *I really hope this is the right decision!*
"OK, let's do this before I change my mind...what should I do?"
Selmak went over to pick up the stasis jar and lifted it up towards Janet. "I
will help you. Please sit down and do as I tell you...everything will be fine."
-
Some time later Janet awoke and introduced her symbiote, Kraka.
So far, so good. Of the 6 symbiotes that had been found in stasis, all those
needing hosts immediately had gotten them, and one of the new Tok'ra was a
queen. There was indeed cause for celebration.
Bringing with them the 3 remaining stasis jars, they returned to the command
center of Atlantis, in the central tower. Just as they arrived, they heard the
Stargate activate and then Sheppard's team came in hot. When the gate had closed
behind them, medical personnel ran to check out Teyla and McKay, who were both
bleeding from multiple wounds. Janet quickly went to help them.
*Janet, they are badly hurt, but a symbiote would be able to heal them. We
should suggest it.*
*I am not so sure how they will react, Kraka. I don't think that they would
agree to it, but if nothing else works, then I will suggest it to them.*
They rushed the wounded people to the infirmary, but it quickly became clear
that the damage were too severe and that they would most likely die. When
suddenly Teyla became conscious, Janet decided to ask her if she would agree to
blend.
"Teyla..."
"Yes..." she answered weakly.
"Listen to me. You are badly wounded and I am sorry to say that we are not sure
we can save you. I would like you to consider taking a symbiote."
"A symbiote?...what do you mean?"
"They are able to heal most wounds and diseases, and could most likely save you.
There is a catch - you would have to share your body with it, like the Tok'ra
do..."
"I would be like Malek, or Aldwin?...but I would still be me?"
"Yes, you would still be you."
Teyla felt everything starting to fade around her, and realising she did not
have much time left, she took a decision. "Yes...yes, I will become...Tok'ra,"
she managed to get out before she lost consciousness again.
"Go get Selmak or one of the other Tok'ra and get them to bring a symbiote for
Teyla." Janet ordered one of the assistants. Momentarily leaving Teyla in the
capable hands of Dr. Keller, she went to McKay who were drifting in and out of
consciousness. Perhaps he too could be convinced to see the sense of taking a
symbiote to save his life.
"...Yes, yes..." McKay said. "...I heard what you were saying to Teyla...I can't
say I like the idea, but it's better than dying, I guess...I will do it..." He
again blacked out.
Meanwhile, Selmak and Aldwin had arrived, carrying a stasis jar. Janet told them
that McKay too had agreed to blend, and Selmak left to get another symbiote for
him, while Aldwin stayed to help Teyla blend.
Selmak soon returned and shortly thereafter both Teyla and McKay had received a
symbiote. Selmak, Aldwin, and Janet were all sitting quietly around the room,
waiting and hoping that the blending went well and the two people and their new
soul mates would survive. Outside the room, the rest of the Tok'ra as well as
Sheppard and the rest of his team were waiting anxiously.
-
Many hours later, first Teyla and then McKay woke up. Both they and their now
very exhausted symbiotes had survived, much to every ones relief. Teyla's
symbiote was called Tolan and the name of McKay's was Baldr.
"I can't believe I agreed to this!" McKay said. "I have a talking snake in my
head."
*You would have been dead if I had not healed you,* Baldr very tiredly pointed
out. *...and I would appreciate it if you would refrain from calling me a snake.
It is both offensive and incorrect. I would have thought you were more
intelligent than that.*
Sheppard, together with the rest of the people, had now been allowed into the
room. He ignored McKay's complaint. "It's good to hear you are your usual
self...I wonder if you are still allergic to citrus?"
McKay's head dipped and then Baldr looked up at them. "No, he's not...I have
taken care of that. It now falls to me to 'keep him in control', no pun
intended." He smiled faintly. "If you don't mind, I will go to sleep. The wounds
were many and serious, and healing them has left me very tired." McKay again was
given control.
"I don't like that...my mouth was speaking, but my brain did not have any
control over what came out."
"Does it ever?" Sheppard smiled evilly. Dr. Keller had now reentered the room
and was talking to Janet. Before McKay had a chance to say anything more,
Sheppard turned to them.
"Since the symbiotes were able to completely heal McKay and Teyla, would the
same work for Dr. Weir?"
"Perhaps," Janet said. "From what I have seen of her damage, it should, but I
would like to examine her further before saying for sure. We also need to ask
her for permission, if she can be awakened for a short while. "
It was immediately agreed that this should be attempted if possible, and Janet
and Dr. Keller left to check on Dr. Weir.
Teyla had spoken shortly with them when she first woke up, and then Tolan had
introduced herself. She too was very tired and soon declared she would go to
sleep. Teyla had decided she liked her and was looking forward to getting to
know her better. It was not nearly as scary as she had thought it would have
been.
*..and that sweet Aldwin and Gerim...they were staying with you the whole time.
That was very reassuring for you. They were the first I saw when we opened our
eyes.* Tolan said.
Teyla blushed slightly when she thought of them. *Yes, it was very nice of them.
I hope we get to spend more time with them later...but I thought you were going
to sleep?*
*Don't worry, I am, and I think you should too. This were a very exhausting
experience for both of us.*
*Yes, I am tired. I think I will do as you suggest and sleep a little as well.*
Teyla, McKay, and their symbiotes soon fell asleep and everyone else left the
room to await any decision regarding Dr. Weir that Janet and Dr. Keller might
reach.
They did not have to wait long before Janet came back and told them that she was
certain that a symbiote would be able to heal Dr. Weir.
"Sam, as you are in command, I need your permission for this, but I believe we
should risk taking her out of stasis and waking her. I am sure she will consider
taking a symbiote since it is her only chance, but I would still like to have
her permission and Kraka insists on it."
"OK, Janet. If you believe it will work, you have my permission to go forward
with it."
-
The stasis jar was brought into the chamber were Dr. Weir were kept in stasis
and Selmak and Malek were standing ready with healing devices if it became
necessary. Fortunately, everything went relatively smoothly. Dr. Weir was
removed from stasis and when she became conscious she quickly agreed to the
blending. With a little help from the healing devices, the symbiote managed to
repair all the damage to Weir's head and spine and she would be as good as new.
It was late in the evening when she finally woke up.
*Hello Elizabeth. I have finally managed to repair all the damage to your
system. I don't know if you remember, but my name is Unnur. I said a very quick
hello just before I started healing you.*
*Hi Unnur. No, I'm sorry, but I wasn't very coherent at that time. I am very
grateful that you have saved my life. I hope we will become friends.*
*We will, my Elizabeth. I will take care of you.*
Dr. Weir sat up in the bed, alerting Malek, Janet, and Sheppard to the fact that
she was awake.
"Dr. Weir, how are you feeling?" Janet asked.
"I am feeling very well, amazingly, thanks to Unnur...she is very tired, but I
think she would like to say hello." She gave control to her symbiote.
"Hello, I am Unnur." She looked at Sheppard. My host tells me that you are
Sheppard, and most likely in command of this station? She do not know the names
of you two," she turned to Malek and Janet, "but I sense that you have
symbiotes. Since Sheppard appears relaxed in your presence, I presume you are
not Goa'uld?"
"Hello Unnur," Sheppard said. "First, no, they are not Goa'ulds...they are
Tok'ra, so you can take it easy. Second, I am not in control of the station.
Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter has taken over control of Atlantis in your
absence."
Janet and Malek introduced themselves and talked shortly to Unnur, welcoming
her. She then gave back control to Weir and went to sleep. Weir spoke with
Sheppard and the others for a little while, getting updated on some of the
events that had taken place since her accident. However, she too was exhausted
and soon said goodnight and joined her symbiote in sleep.
It had been a very long day, but knowing that it had all gone well, everyone
finally allowed themselves to relax and went to bed.
-
Next morning.
Rodney McKay was sitting in his office, alternating between working on a
problem, the solution of which had eluded him for weeks, and bickering with his
symbiote who insisted on offering his suggestions.
*Why don't you just shut up and take a nap? I'm the genius in this body and your
incessant chattering is interfering with my concentration.* McKay grumbled.
*I have slept enough, thank you...and as your loving, caring symbiote, I can't
just let you try to solve this problem using your...inadequate...intellect when
I can help you. If you would just listen to me, we would arrive at a solution in
no time.*
*All right, fine. If you think you are so clever, then YOU do it...alone. Then I
will take a nap.* McKay withdrew to a corner of his brain and started sulking.
Baldr sighed, mumbled something about ungrateful hosts and went to work on the
problem, ignoring McKay for now.
Not quite an hour later McKay, much to his chagrin, was presented with the
solution. He quickly looked it over.
*This might actually work.* He didn't want to admit it, but Baldr actually
appeared to be smarter than him! How could this be?
*What did I tell you? Now, do you have any challenging problems, or is the rest
of your projects as easy as this?*
*All right..." McKay sighed. *I admit it. You are...almost...as smart as I. Your
ideas DO sometimes have some merit.* He felt a mental slap over the head.
*Auv...that hurt...OK...you are just as smart as I am, maybe even a little bit
smarter...but PLEASE don't ever tell Sheppard or anyone else that I said so...or
I will never hear the end of it.*
And that was the start of a beautiful friendship.
-
Everyone was alive and well and the Tok'ra had a queen again, as well as several
new members. Janet had suggested to Sam that they should celebrate this with a
party and both she and everyone else whole-heartedly agreed. This would also
serve to properly welcome the Tok'ra to Atlantis and into the population there.
It was decided to have the party the following evening.
Janet, Teyla, and Sam were all high-jacked by their symbiotes to take a quick
trip to Earth for a shopping spree, buying something tight and small for the
celebration. The clothing Ydun had picked out for Sam was significantly more
daring than anything she would have chosen.
*Ydun, are you sure this is a good idea? What exactly are your plans for the
party? You're not looking for a mate, are you?*
*My dear Sam...of course I am looking for a mate. I am a queen...it is my simple
duty to the Tok'ra cause that I find a...suitable...mate and start producing
little symbiotes as soon as possible...oh, what a wonderful duty!* she giggled.
*Eh...I didn't think you needed a mate? I seem to remember that Egeria were
producing lots of larvae without any...assistance.*
*A queen need the code of life from a mate, as well as from her host to assure
that the larvae will be compatible with their future hosts and survive the
blending...do you want to risk the life of our children?*
*Of course not...sorry, Ydun. By the way, we call it DNA, not 'code of life'.*
*All right, DNA then...also, since I have been...out of the loop?...for more
than a thousand years and don't know what has happened with the Tok'ra and the
universe, I would prefer our mate to be a Tok'ra, and not one of the new ones
that were just blended.*
*Why is that? What difference does it make?*
*As you know, the symbiote does contribute...DNA...and thus genetic memory,
hence the whole harcesis business. By adding this to the larvae, they will get
his knowledge too, and know more of what has happened in the galaxy during the
time since Egeria spawned me.*
*I understand, but you have access to Jolinar's memories, can't you just use
those?*
*She didn't live through these last 8 years with the enormous changes they have
brought, especially to the Tok'ra. I would really appreciate the newest
information...besides, I KNOW you wouldn't mind if we chose a certain Tok'ra as
our mate...*
Sam just blushed. *All right...we''l talk about this later. I have some things I
need to do before the party starts. I'm still in command of Atlantis, you know.
It doesn't appear as if Weir want the commando back, but we will have to see.*
-
Later that day.
The party was being held in the gate room which had been nicely decorated.
Everywhere around, Tok'ra and Tau'ri was talking and strengthening their
friendships.
Janet/Kraka were looking around the room for Jacob/Selmak. Janet was feeling a
little bit uncomfortable in the dress Kraka had convinced her to wear.
*I don't think they are here yet...maybe they are not coming.*
*Don't worry, Janet, they will be here...and I'm sure they will like our dress.*
*I'm not so sure, but I'm afraid the rest of the men in this place is
appreciating it...far too much...Kraka, maybe we should go back to our room and
choose something a little less provocative...*
*It's not provocative, it's much more modest than the first one I
suggested...ah, Jacob has just arrived, and he has already noticed us...he is
smiling. Come on...let's go talk to him.*
*All right.* Janet blushed slightly, then decided she could do this, smiled and
waved at Jacob. It had been a long time since she had been at a good party and
had the opportunity to just enjoy herself. She would do that now...and doing it
together with Jacob sounded perfect. She went over to him and they were soon
having a great time.
Teyla had been one of the first to arrive. She was sitting in a group consisting
of her team mates and a few marines who seemed very interested in her. Tolan
were enjoying herself immensely. Everyone had been a bit apprehensive towards
her at first, but now they were talking freely both with her and her symbiote.
It was a great party, but it could be even better...if she just dared go over
and talk to Aldwin, or maybe even ask him to dance... She kept glancing in his
direction, alternating between hoping she would not be caught looking and hoping
he would look in her direction and smile that sweet smile of his.
*Why don't you just go to him? I am sure he is interested - he was sitting at
our bed when we awoke after our blending and he was looking at us today, during
lunch, don't you remember?*
*Perhaps you are right...I will consider it.*
*I have been in stasis for more than a thousand years, I am tired of waiting. If
you are too shy, then give me control and I will speak with him.*
*I am not shy, but I don't know him that well...very well...I will go to him and
perhaps ask him if he wants to dance...then we will see what happens.*
The decision made, Teyla excused herself to the others in her group and walked
over to where Aldwin were sitting.
"Hi Aldwin," she smiled at him and held out a hand towards him, "I would very
much like to dance with you..."
He smiled back at her, "thank you, I would be happy to accept." He took her
hand, rose, and followed her out on the floor.
"You know, I don't really know how people are supposed to dance here, and to
this music...do you, Teyla?"
"From what I have seen, the dances are generally very informal - maybe they
invent them as they go along? It also seems to depend on the persons, some just
stand a little apart and writhe to the music, whereas others touch...I think we
will be fine if we just do either."
"I agree, besides, the idea merely seems to have fun." He grabbed hold of her
and pulled her towards him, starting to sway to the music. She laughed and
imitated him...dancing and having fun.
*This is going well, Teyla. You see? I was right, he is interested.*
*Yes, Tolan, I believe you are correct, but I am worried about Gerim. We haven't
heard anything from him at all. What if he disapproves?*
As they were discussing this, Aldwin's eyes glowed and Gerim took over control.
He smiled shyly at Teyla. "Hi, we agreed that it was my turn to be in
control...I believe Aldwin has neglected to tell you how beautiful you look, I
will not make the same mistake...you are without doubt the most attractive woman
in this room."
"Thank you," Teyla blushed, reprimanding Tolan for not doing something about her
reaction, "you don't look bad yourself."
*Should I kiss him?*
*YES, Teyla, and do it now or let me. If he doesn't get mad - and I'm sure he
won't, then I'm in control for the next one.*
Teyla took a better hold of Gerim's hand and pulled him close. He didn't resist
and she quickly bent closer and kissed him, slowly pulling him closer and them
embracing him. Gerim soon started kissing her too. They stopped dancing and were
now standing in the middle of the dance floor, kissing.
"Hey, you two, why don't you get a room..."
Teyla looked up and saw Sheppard dance past her, together with one of the female
marines. Teyla sighed and smiled at him, knowing that she would be hearing about
this for weeks. Grabbing Aldwin's hand, she went to find a more quiet
place, pulling him after her.
Meanwhile, Sam and Ydun had finally finished the rest of the reports and had
changed to their new dress. It was red, small, and tight. Sam was very unsure of
the wisdom of the outfit, but Ydun had convinced her to wear it anyway. She
entered the gate room where the festivities were going well - people were
dancing and having fun. She looked around for her dad, and saw him sitting in a
corner...with Janet on his lap, kissing her. They seemed lost to their
surroundings.
*Ydun! What has happened...what is my dad doing with Janet!*
*I can't believe you are asking me that. I am the one who is a virgin,
remember?...and not because I want to be, but you just insisted on staying in
your office, working, when we could have been out her seducing Martouf and
Lantash. I mean, the party has been going for several hours already. If we had
been her from the start, then maybe we would be sitting in a nice, quiet corner,
together with...* Sam interrupted her before she could continue further along
those lines.
*I KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING...I just meant I couldn't believe my dad would do
something like that out her in public...and with Janet...oh, well. I suppose
both he and Janet has a right to have fun too. In a way I guess they are well
suited...*
*Good, then let us find Martouf and Lantash and see how quickly we can seduce
them...*
*YDUN!*
*Sorry...but it's just that while you were working, I were going through some of
Jolinar's memories...and some of them are...very interesting.* She showed Sam
some images. *I would not mind trying that with Martouf.*
Sam just sighed and cursed whatever fate had given her a symbiote that was
thinking of sex most of her waking hours. She went to the drink table and
reached out to pick up a glass of something blue, when Ydun suddenly grabbed
control and moved her hand to another, colorless drink beside it.
*Why did you do that? The blue one is my favourite!*
*It is full of additives and colours, you can not have that. Do you have any
idea what kind of damage that could do to our poor larvae.*
Sam groaned and grabbed one more of the colourless drinks. She quickly downed
one of them and looked around the room for an empty table where she could suffer
in silence.
"Hello Samantha." She turned around and found herself looking at a smiling
Martouf. "We have been searching for you all evening...you look wonderful!"
"Thanks. I had some reports I had to finish, so I just came a few moments ago."
*Ask him if he would like to dance.* Ydun suggested.
*I haven't danced in years and would probably make a fool of us if I tried.*
*It doesn't look difficult! Please...dear Sam...for me!*
"Ydun and I would like to ask you to dance with us."
*Happy?*
"We would be delighted." Lantash said.
*Lantash! We don't know any Tau'ri dances...as much as I would like to dance
with Samantha, I don't want her laughing at me!*
*I have been watching people dance tonight. It is very informal, and not
coordinated at all. People seem to merely move to the music
and...sometimes...with their partner. I am sure we will do fine.* Lantash took
Samantha's hand and led them to the dance floor.
*All right, Lantash, since you seems to know how to do this, I suggest you stay
in control for now.*
*Watch and learn!*
Martouf grumbled silently, but soon forgot his annoyance with Lantash and
focused on Samantha and Ydun, who were moving and swaying rather seductively in
his arms. Also, the short dress Samantha was wearing had a substantial cleavage.
*Lantash...the view is very...attractive...*
*Yes, it is...are you not glad that we agreed to dance?*
*Very, I'm sorry..I was being a fool.*
*You were only concerned with what Samantha would think of us. Think no more of
it.* Lantash hugged him. *Martouf, have you noticed? The music have changed and
is much more quiet...and most of the other couples are now dancing very close. I
believe we should do the same.*
*Yes, please...the closer the better.* Lantash gently pulled Samantha closer to
him, and she immediately put her arms around him and her head against his
shoulder.
After dancing like this for a little while, Sam put a hand behind Lantash's head
and kissed him, while Ydun was cheering in her head. After Lantash had returned
the kiss, Martouf demanded control so he too could kiss Samantha and Ydun. They
changed back and forth a couple of times.
"Perhaps we should go somewhere else?" Samantha suggested. Grabbing their hands,
she led them out of the gate room. They passed Aldwin and Teyla who were
standing in the corridor, lost in each other, and continued into her quarters.
Soon after, Sam and Ydun got the opportunity to compare some of Jolinar's
memories to the real thing. It had been a great party and Ydun was very happy
with both her new host and her new mates.
THE END.