hathor_girl | Other Possibilities, R, 8/?

The Council argued about it for a long time. They are still grateful that I found the spy in their midst, and they do trust me, but they are worried about trusting my people - and I now have more information about them, including the address to this base planet, so that, too, concerns them.

However, about one and a half month later, they finally agree to let me attempt to contact the SGC. The Council is even willing to let me try and negotiate a meeting on some safe place, to perhaps try and see if Earth and the Tok'ra could become friends. I doubt that will happen, but I still hope.

Not knowing if I will be coming back - and if so, when, I consider writing something for Martouf and Lantash. In the end I decide what I need to tell them can only be told in person - especially since, if my suspicions are correct, there will be an added...complication which I don't know how they will react to.

Instead I go to their room to see it a last time. I haven't been there since they left, and only glanced in briefly then, to see if they were there. I have decided to leave my dog-tags for them. I remember them asking about them, and me explaining them, so they will understand it as a thing from me I want them to have. I just wish I had something better.

As I put the id tags on the table by their bed, I suddenly notice a small box, a note with my name on it standing against it. I take the note and look at it. It is Martouf's hand writing, and he has carefully written in English. He is a good student, and clearly remembers all I had been teaching him of our written language. The text is correctly written, even if the sentences are short.

Samantha,

Forgive us. When we come back, we need to talk. This is for you. It would make us happy if you would wear it.

Martouf and Lantash.

They have each written their name - though the names are in Goa'uld. I can easily recognize them, though. I have learned a fair bit of Goa'uld while here, probably made easier by my memories from Jolinar. I carefully fold the letter and put it in my pocket, then take the box and open it.

It contains a gold necklace, one that would have looked perfect together with the dress I wore the evening before they left. I wonder where they got it from so fast? Did they have it already, and if so, why? I don't recognize it, so I don't think it was Jolinar and Rosha's.

I look at it. It is very beautiful. I immediately put it on, then sit on their bed, thinking. Missing them terribly. Do I have the right to take the necklace with me, if I never get a chance to come back? If they never see me again.

I sense someone and look up, seeing Kehta by the doorway.

"Samantha...are you ready to leave?"

"Almost." I look at her, my uncertainty and sadness must be obvious on my face.

"It is a beautiful necklace."

"Yes...I just noticed the box and the letter here. It's from Martouf and Lantash. Though I don't know if I should take it. I don't know if it would be right if I can't come back."

"I understand, but they wanted you to have it. The life of a Tok'ra is full of uncertainties. We never know if we see friends and loved ones again. You should take the necklace. If it is in your destiny to meet again, they will be happy to see you wear it."

I nod. "Thank you. When you see them, will you tell them thank you - and that I hope very much to see them again?"

"I will."

I put my dog-tags on their table and follow Kehta out. She is carrying the make-shift radio.

We have gated to another planet, and have now dialed Earth. I have given the Council my word I will not tell the SGC anything about how to find the Tok'ra. I will not betray them!

When the wormhole has established, I turn on the radio, Kehta observing.

"Hello, this is Captain Samantha Carter calling the SGC. Is General Hammond there?"

There is a short pause, then they answer. My heart jumps at finally hearing the voice of someone from Earth again. "This is Hammond. We had not expected to hear from you again."

"I wasn't sure I'd get to contact you. Will you open the iris?"

"You know it doesn't work like that. We will find a place to meet, then we dial this address again and tell you where. Understood?"

"Yes, Understood. Carter, out." This actually went better than expected. I hadn't expected them to let me through, so agreeing on a place to meet is absolutely a good outcome.

We wait for some time, then the wormhole opens again.

"We will meet on P2X-310 in three hours. You will come alone. Acknowledge."

"Acknowledged. Carter, out."

The wormhole shuts down and I take my goodbyes of Kehta, who returns to the Tok'ra base planet, while I go on to P2X-310, to wait for my people. Kehta is worried for me, and I agree it smells trap, but I do not want her to come. Not only would it be risking her life, but it would also make my team-mates - or whomever is sent - suspect foul play.

As I see the Stargate activate, I get up from the rock I have been sitting on and walk towards it, my heart beating fast. I touch the necklace from Martouf and Lantash, missing them a lot, and hoping this will go well. I almost regret contacting them, because I will no doubt be facing weeks of interrogation, if I can even ever get them to trust me again.

They have sent SG-1 - or SG-1 minus me, of course. With them are two other teams - SG-2 and SG-3. I wave at them, feeling unsure.

"Carter." O'Neill calls out. walking towards me, followed by the others. He stops at maybe 30-40 feet from me. Daniel continues walking towards me until O'Neill tell him to stop. "Careful, Daniel! We don't know if she's snaked - or booby-trapped."

Do they trust me so little? "I'm me, sir...and no little secret bombs."

"How did you get here? Did you escape?"

"They let me go - the Tok'ra would like to give this another chance. Make some sort of agreement with us, perhaps."

"What made them change their mind? As I remember it, they only wanted us because we're a nice place to live, so they'd only agree if we brought hosts."

"They still want that, but...could we perhaps take this back at the SGC? I don't feel like repeating it all!"

After having checked I didn't carry anything obviously explosive, they let me through the Stargate. Daniel and Teal'c at least greeted me, but I don't think O'Neill trusts me yet. I suppose I wouldn't either, if I were in his situation.

Chapter 9