Other Possibilities, R, 7/?

[hathor_girl]

 

The next day I decide I better go talk to Martouf and Lantash. Having thought about what happened, and what they said, I realise it was as much my fault as theirs - if not more my fault - that we made love. I do think they meant that they wanted to wait, take it slow, and see how and if a relationship developed. I allowed my feelings to overwhelm me, and I wasn't fair to them. It wasn't very long ago they lost Jolinar - someone who had been their mate for 100 years. I also have knowledge about them, feelings about them from Jolinar - they know me far less. I should have given them time to figure out what they wanted.

After bathing and eating breakfast, I go directly to their rooms, then realise they will already be at work. I try to remember where they are this morning. Guard-duty? I meet Aldwin, and ask him.

"No, they already left on the mission for Fohrla - about two hours ago, I think. Did they not tell you?"

Suddenly, I remember. They did tell me, yesterday, but I forgot among all else that happened.

"Y...yes. They did. I just didn't think they'd be leaving this early."

Aldwin nods, looking a little strangely at me. "They were actually late. Garshaw yelled at them for oversleeping, something they does sometimes, but usually not when they are going on missions. They didn't look rested though."

"What kind of mission is it? When will they be back? It's not dangerous, is it?" I ask, worried.

Aldwin looks at me for a moment, probably considering if I am allowed this information, then apparently feels sorry for me. Am I that pathetic and easy to read? "Undercover at Bastet's court - actually a minor Lord for one of her underlings who is a Tok'ra. I don't know when they will be back - it might easily be many months. Such missions are not unknown to stretch for years, though Martouf and Lantash have rarely taken long missions, especially as Goa'uld. They would not have taken this one, had we not been short one operative, and they felt responsible. Jolinar was usually the one for these missions." Aldwin explained. "And it may well be dangerous. All undercover missions are - you never know if you will one day get discovered. It is a stressful life."

I nod, then swallow hard. "Is there anyway to...uh...contact them?"

"Not if it is not a matter of life and death. They will send back secret transmissions, of course, but to contact them would be risking their discovery and so their life."

"Then we must just hope they make it back safely."

"Yes. Always. By the way. Kehta is looking for you."

Kehta is one of the scientists I have been working with. "Ok, I will go find her. Thanks."

---

"Samantha." Kehta smiles. "I have good news!"

"Yes?" I could use some. I miss Martouf and Lantash, and now I may never see them again - and I didn't even tell them - well, anything.

"You mentioned that your people use radio to communicate. I have been looking into building a radio communication device, and I would like your input. If we get it to function on the frequencies your people use, we could contact them, even if you have an iris in front of your chaapa'ai."

"So I may be able to go home?" For some strange reason I don't feel excited. Yes, I miss them all - miss Earth...but I know why I don't want to leave. Will I never know what became of Martouf and Lantash? Never know if they get home again safely? Never tell them how I feel? Never get a chance to perhaps have a relationship with them? Part of me does hope they will want that.

"Yes, perhaps - if they trust you." She looks at me searchingly. "I thought you would be happy?"

"Oh, I am..." I smile at her, not quite as brightly as I would some months ago. "It's just...if our people can't get along, I'll never see...any of you guys again."

She smiles brightly. "Many of us have begun thinking of you as a friend also, Samantha. Fear not, we may yet get it to work out. As you say, we do have a common enemy. Now, will you come look at my idea?"

"Of course." I follow her to the lab, and we soon have a working radio, which will be able to send and receive at the frequencies the SGC uses. Now we just have to get permission to contact them!"

Chapter 8