Usual Disclaimers. I don't own Jacob, Malek or SG1, wish I did. I did take liberties with Selmak which I beg forgiveness for.

Tels, Cha'ris, Peter and the children are owned by me. Steph, Ka'nire and Johnny/Dakota used by permission as they are owned by Steph.

A New Hope .

The sun beat down on the temple ruins, light reflecting off the sand, the unbearable heat making working conditions intolerable. The team worked silently. Talking wasted energy they couldn't afford right now. Soon the sun would reach its zenith and they would need to retreat to the tents for five hours. Not that they offered much in the way of protection from the heat, more a temporary relief from the intense radiation that came with the noon day sun.

The planet had long been deserted, turned into an arid wasteland by the orbital bombardment the war had brought. The resulting explosions and seismic disturbances had shifted the planet's orbit sending it closer to the sun. For a while the survivors had struggled in small enclaves or in caves deep underground, but soon they succumbed to the heat and radiation, passing into legend. Just a memory now on the tablets left in the ruins and the images on the temple walls.

Daniel stood still for a moment and wiped his forehead on his sleeve. Despite the hat and shades, the sweat was pouring into his eyes making reading difficult. Then he peered at the tablet in his hand again, checking it against the temple wall. He shook his head. He must be seeing things, the heat gone to his head or something. He glanced up as Major Thompson announced over the radio that it was time to stop.

Thumbing his mic he said, “Major I need another few minutes. I think I have something here.”

“That includes you Dr Jackson,” Thompson said. He came over. “Now you know the rules as well as I do. Inside the shelter. Now.”

“Just a minute,” Daniel insisted. “I have something here I need to….”

“Inside Doctor and that is an order.”

Grumbling Daniel took several photos and then grasping camera and tablet made it to the shelter with seconds to spare. He powered up the laptop and downloaded the digital images. He worked silently and intently. After two hours he looked up to see Thompson standing over him. “Are you alright Dr Jackson?”

Daniel nodded. “Yes. I need to get this back to Earth.”

“Now?”

“Yes now. We need to contact the Tok'ra immediately.”

--- --- --- --- ---

The wormhole kawooshed into the gateroom as the huge Stargate that dominated the entire rear wall of the room opened. Two figures came through, wearing the dark brown uniforms of the Tok'ra. Sam smiled and ran down from the control room. “Dad,” she said throwing her arms round one of the men.

Jacob hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Hey Sam, how are you?”

“I'm fine Dad. You?”

“Yeah, we're fine. So what gives? The message said it was urgent.”

Sam nodded. “Yes. Which is the reason we asked Malek to come as well.” She nodded to him in greeting. “It's good to see you again.”

Malek nodded. “And you Col Carter.”

“Thank you for taking the time to come. I know you must be busy setting up the new base.”

“Any kind of command is busy as I am sure you know Col ,” Malek said slowly. “How may we be of assistance?”

“Actually,” Sam said slowly. “It's us who maybe able to help you. We found something you should see.”

-- --- --- ----

Sitting round the table the two Tok'ra were stunned by what they had heard and read. <Is this possible?> Malek whispered to his host. <That after all this time there is another?> He looked over at Selmak. “Selmak?” he asked.

Selmak looked over. “I do not know. The texts seem to indicate that there is but if so why has she not come forwards and made herself known?”

Sam looked up. “Maybe she doesn't know herself.” She looked down as every pair of eyes in the room turned on her.

“Samantha?” Selmak asked.

“Well this text indicates that she would be young… well by Tok'ra standards, second generation maybe …..”

Malek looked over at Selmak. “That is possible,” he said. “These texts do seem to be a detailed record of her life and when she changed hosts. The only thing that is missing is her name or the names of the hosts.”

Selmak nodded. “And the name of the person who kept the records. Maybe it was done to protect her identity until she was ready to acknowledge who she is.”

Malek listened to his host for a moment. “Jared thinks that it is also possible that she knows what she is and does not wish the responsibility and deliberately asked that the records be as ambiguous as they are.

Jacob took back control from Selmak. “That's possible. It would mean she would have to give up the missions, which is seems from this she enjoyed doing.”

Daniel suddenly looked up from what he was reading and broke in. “If I am translating this right she was sent into service of a Goa'uld over 200 years ago. And then disappeared.” He passed the tablet over to Malek. “Of course I may not be totally accurate but…”

Malek read the tablet slowly and then handed it to Jacob. “You did translate it correctly. She was sent to Thanatos court.”

Jacob looked at him, shock registering in his eyes. He covered quickly. “Then she may be difficult to trace. Most of his original court died 200 years ago and Thanatos himself was killed over a year ago on one of the Tok'ra bases. But we'll look into it.”

Jack nodded. “Do you need to go straight back?”

Jacob looked at Malek and then at Jack. “Actually I have a few things I need to do here. Can I use one of the staff cars? There are some texts at the library in town Malek and I could cross reference.”

Jack looked at him. “You know what the regs say Jacob.”

“Yes I do, which is why we will wear civilian clothes. Jack its no different to any undercover work we have done in the past. Give us a day at the most.”

Jack sighed heavily and thought for a while then nodded. “Twenty four hours no more. Do you want an escort?”

Jacob shook his head, “No. We'll be fine. See you tomorrow.” He looked at Daniel. “We'll need to take the tablet with us to cross reference,” He held out his hand for it.

Daniel handed it over. “I'll pack everything else up ready for you to take back when you leave.”

--- ---- --- ---- ----

Jacob drove the car carefully out of the mountain car park and headed into town. Then he swiftly headed along the road leading to the mountains. He looked at Malek. “Is it feasible?”

“That it is her?” Malek asked. “Jared thinks it is unlikely.”

Jacob looked at him. “Is Jared going to be okay with being fore if needed?”

Malek consulted his host and then looked up. “He says yes. Of course he would far rather I used his voice but yes if needed he will.”

Jacob nodded. “I can understand that, but we will need his input on this. Selmak doesn't know what to think. If there is a Queen as the tablet suggests then our numbers would stop falling.”

Malek nodded. “It would take ten years or more before any offspring are ready for a host. Unless the jaffa would be willing to help, we would need storage tanks. That in itself would provide problems when evacuating.”

Reaching an intersection, Jacob stopped. “Unless we found a safe planet, a protected one.”

Malek shot him a look. “Here?” he asked.

Jacob shook his head. “No not here, somewhere out of the gate system.” He pulled away from the lights. “But first we have to find her.”

“Jared says that Tels will take some convincing if it is her.”

Jacob laughed. “That she will. She hasn't wanted anything to do with the Tok'ra since Aries.”

“Understandable,” Malek said. “They were all hurt badly there. But there will be no need for her to go off world if she does not wish to.”

Jacob took a deep breath. “Hopefully she will understand this. I don't want to set her back.” He remembered only to well how sick she had been last year and that it was only because of her family she was still with them at all.

--- --- --- ---

Chaos reigned in the lounge. The twins Joshua and Leto now fourteen months old, had discovered the CD tower and were busy pulling everything off it. Dafyd sat by the TV ignoring everything but the Bob the Builder DVD he was watching. In the kitchen Tels was trying to cook dinner and talk to Steph on the phone and deal with the pen stick figures she had just found drawn on the wall. “No that's fine hon. I can keep it warm. Peter is working late at the clinic tonight anyway and I have no idea when Kota is due in, possibly not til tomorrow….. Yeah sure. Cya then, Bye sis.”

She put the phone down and glared at the stew in the pan. She turned it off. “So much for dinner then.” She piled it into a casserole dish and shoved it to one side, putting the pan to soak. Screams from the lounge reached her and she rolled her eyes. <Tell me Cha, why did I have kids? I think work would be easier some days.>

Cha'ris laughed and hugged Tels tightly. <You know you love them really.>

Tels reached the lounge and looked in horror at the mess. <Yeah just don't like them very much right now.> “Okay,” she said. “And whose idea was this then?” As usual she got totally ignored by all three of them. She was about to let Cha'ris handle them when the door chimed.

Tels moved swiftly to the door and flung it open, determined to get rid of whoever it was fast. “Yes?” she started. Then she smiled. “Jacob!” She flung her arms round him.

“Hey hon,” Jacob said hugging her tightly. “How are you?”

“Okay,” she said. Then she turned to Malek and hugged him. “Hey stranger.”

“Tels,” Malek said, hugging her back. “It's good to see you again.”

“It is. Please come in.”

Tels shut the door and groaned at the screams that came from the lounge.

“Is this a bad time?” Malek asked.

“No such thing as a good time in this house right now,” Tels said slowly. “Being a single parent is hard.”

Jacob shot her a quick look. “Hon?”

She shook her head. “You guys want some tea?” As they nodded she said, “Let me go kill some kids and I'll make it.”

Jacob put a hand on her arm. “Let me sort the kids.”

“Thanks,” Tels said and vanished back to the kitchen.

Malek looked at Jacob. “Now is perhaps not the best time to pursue this.”

“We don't have a choice. We need to know.” Jacob moved towards the lounge. He opened the door and looked at the mess. “I can see why Tels is upset.” He raised his voice slightly. “Anyone want a hug?”

Three pairs of eyes swung towards the door. “Geda!” they all yelled in unison. Dafyd got there first as he ran, the twins crawling as fast as they could. Jacob got down on the floor and promptly disappeared under the children whilst Malek started putting the room to rights. By the time Tels came in with the tray peace had been restored and the room tidy. “Thank you,” she said. “They can be monsters at times.” She put the tray on the coffee table and handed the boys mugs of fruit juice before giving the men their tea.

She sat down wearily. “So how are you guys then?”

The two men looked at each other. “We're good.” They chatted generally for a few minutes then Tels ran her finger round the rim of her cup. “So what brings you all the way to Earth? Can't be my tea.”

“No hon,” Jacob said gently. “What time is Dakota due back?”

“He's away; mightn't be home for a couple of days. Peter is at the clinic and Steph's got to work late. Why?”

Malek looked at Jacob. “Can you contact him? Get him back?”

Tels looked at him scared now. “Why?”

Jacob took a deep breath. “We need to run some tests on Cha'ris hon. He ought to be here.”

The colour drained from Tels face. “No,” she said, memories flooding back. Her cup dropped from her hands to the floor.

Jacob reached over and took her hand. “Tels it's okay. Just routine.”

Tels pulled her hand away and stood up. “No,” she said. Her hand rose to the back of her neck. “She's fine.” She took a couple of deep breaths. “I need to go and put dinner on. Won't be a minute.”

Tels turned and headed towards the door, not paying attention to where she was going. Her mind whirled through countless possibilities, none of them pleasant. She caught her foot on the phone cable and lost her balance. Her arms flailed as she tried to regain it then she hit her head sharply on the doorframe. Everything went dark and she fell to the floor.

“Muhmmee,” Dafyd cried dropping his cup and moving over to her.

Jacob knelt by her side and put a hand to her neck. “Mummy's fine,” he said to Dafyd. He looked at Malek. “Stay with her. I'm going to ring Peter and get him back here.”

-- --- --- ---

Peter sighed as the phone rang. His last patient had gone and he had a pile of paperwork to do before he went home. He grabbed the phone. “Dr Jameson.”

“Hey Peter its Jacob.”

Peter leaned back in his chair. “Hey how are you?” He listened and his manner changed abruptly. “Yeah I'll be right there. No I'll let Steph know once I get home and examine Tels and know what's going on.”

-- --- --- --- ----

Ten minutes later Peter pulled up outside the house. He let himself in. “I'm home,” he called. Malek came out into the hall. “Jacob has taken her up to her room. She still has not come round.”

Peter nodded. “Okay. Are the kids alright?”

“They are fine. I am taking care of them.”

“Thanks.” Peter took the stairs three at a time, his black bag clasped tightly in his hand. He ran across the landing and into his sister's room. “Tels,” he said moving over to her.

Jacob looked at him and moved so he could examine her.

“What happened?” Peter asked starting to check Tels over. He listened as Jacob filled him in, which wasn't much. He checked her over thoroughly and then opening the drawer grabbed the Tok'ra scanner. He ran it over his sister. Everything checked out, there was no reason for her to still be out of it.

Closing his eyes he tried to make sense of this then reaching out teeped to Steph. Hon contact Dakota. Tels has had a fall. She's unconscious or non responsive. If it's the latter he is the only one who can reach her. Either way he and you should be here. Jacob and Malek are here as well. It could have triggered this. He smiled as he got Steph's answer almost immediately. He looked up at Jacob. “Steph's going to contact Dakota. She'll be here as soon as she can.”

--- --- --- ---

Johnny climbed out of the cockpit of the plane and joked with his co-pilot as they walked across the hanger. Then rolled his eyes as the tannoy said, “Major Merrick report to the office.”

“Oh joy!” he said. He tossed his helmet across. “I'll see you in ten. Probably forgot to sign a report or something.”

Arriving at the office he looked at the girl behind the desk. “Sgt?” he asked.

“You have a couple of messages from your sister. She said it was urgent.”

Johnny took them. “Thanks.” He glanced at them his eyes widening slightly. Sis he teeped what's up?

It's Tels, she's had a fall came the instant reply. Peter wants us to get home as soon as we can . She gave him all the information that she had.

“Can I use the phone?” he asked.

“Sure.” She pushed it over to him.

Johnny dialled rapidly. It was answered on the second ring. He explained to his CO and was told to leave now. Running from the office, he headed to his locker and just grabbed his jacket then headed out to where he had parked the car. He made it back in record time, arriving at the same time as Steph did.

He hugged her and they quickly made their way indoors. Dafyd had been watching from the window and ran to the door. “Da,” he yelled.

Johnny looked at him. “Be there in a minute Dafi,” he said. He gave Malek no more than a cursory glance before running up the stairs.

Dafyd's face fell and he started to cry. Malek picked him up and took him back in the other room.

--- --- --- ----

Johnny reached the top of the stairs and ran to the room he and Tels shared. He stopped at the sight of his wife pale and unmoving on the bed. Moving over to her he sat next to her and took her hand. “Tels,” he said. He looked up at Peter. “How long has she been out?”

“About an hour,” Peter said. “Her vitals are steady and I have healed the concussion she got when she fell.” He crossed over to Steph and hugged her. “Hey hon,” he said kissing her gently.

Johnny looked at Jacob. “What happened?” he demanded.

“She went to put dinner on and lost her balance; hit her head on the doorframe,” Jacob answered evasively.

Steph looked at Jacob. “Why are you here?” she asked. “You and Malek wouldn't just come for no reason. Not now.”

Jacob looked at her. “The reason can wait until Tels is okay,” he said. He left the room, they didn't need him there right now and he would be of more use downstairs.

Johnny looked over at the others. “What the?” he began.

Steph's eyes glowed slightly as Ka'nire came fore. “ Let me talk to him,” he said. “You guys look after Tels.” He left the room. “Jacob!” he said.

Jacob turned. “Ka'nire,” he said waiting for the Tok'ra to come over to him.

Ka'nire just looked at him. “Well?” he said.

Jacob took a deep breath. “There is something you need to see,” he said.

“It had better be good,” Ka'nire said, his eyes glinting. “Because if this is a result of anything you said or did….”

“Ni I wouldn't do that to her. I promise you, she tripped and fell.”

Ka'nire leaned against the banisters and stared at Jacob. “I'm waiting.”

“Okay, you'd better come and read this.”

--- --- --- ---

Ka'nire looked at the tablet in his hand having read it several times. He looked over at Malek and Jacob. “Is this for real?” he asked.

“It looks that way,” Malek said. “We have followed through the texts extensively and can only come to one conclusion. That it is her.”

Ka'nire read through the text again. “The dates do fit,” he said slowly. “But then that could be said of several Tok'ra.” He looked over at them. “That is why you are here? To take her back?”

Malek looked over at Jacob. “Not immediately. We need to confirm it is her first, run some tests before we do anything.”

Steph took control back from Ka'nire. “What about her feelings? Or what she wants? She has a life here now, with her husband and family. You know how close we came to losing her.”

Jacob looked at her. “I know hon and we wouldn't do this if it weren't important. A few tests should prove it one way or the other.”

Steph looked at him. “And if it is her? What then? Will she get a choice or just have to go with you and breed symbiotes for you?”

Silence met her. She took a sharp breath. “So that's how the ground lies then. I know this is important and what it will mean for the Tok'ra, but you force this on her and you are no better than those we are fighting.”

--- --- --- --- ---

Johnny looked at the clock and then back down at his wife. He pushed the hair back from her face. “Tels,” he said. “Come on hon, it's time to wake up.” Tels please , he teeped.

Peter ran the scanner over her. “According to this she should be awake anytime,” he said. If she isn't already.

Johnny nodded. “Tels hon,” he said again. “You know I love you right?”

Tels eyes flickered and opened. “ Kota ?” she whispered trying to focus on the image in front of her.

Johnny smiled, relieved. “Yes hon, I'm here.” He ran a hand down her face. “You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?”

Tels looked at him and then at Peter. “Head hurts,” she said. “What happened?”

Johnny looked at her. “Jacob said you went to put dinner on, tripped and hit your head. He rang Peter who came home. He then contacted Steph and she called me.”

Tels eyes widened. “No,” she said, pulling away and backing herself into the headboard. She wrapped her arms round herself, trying to get as small as possible.

The two men looked at each other. Johnny reached out a hand, placing it on her arm. “Hon it's okay.”

“No…. she's fine…. Make them go away.”

Moving closer slowly so he didn't scare her anymore, Johnny pulled her gently into his arms. He linked with her, showing her he loved her and would protect her anyway he could. “It's okay,” he said. “Peter and I are here. No one is going to hurt you.” He looked up at Peter. “Flashback?” he asked.

Peter sat on the bed and gently took Tels wrist. “Let me check your pulse sis.” He looked at his brother-in-law. “It's possible. I don't want to rule anything out at this stage.” He counted for a few and then said, “It's a little on the high side.”

Tels looked up at Johnny. “Please, make them go away…..”

“Who hon? Make who go away?” Johnny asked gently.

She buried her face in his shirt. “Just make them go away.”

Johnny held her tightly. He looked over at Peter. “See if you can find out what's going on?” He watched Peter leave and then turned back to his wife. “Hon can I talk to Cha?”

“No,” Tels said, pulling away. “They want her….. She doesn't want to go…. Don't want the tests…..”

Johnny looked horrified. “They what??” he said anger tingeing his voice.

Tels looked at him, tears in her eyes. “Don't want them, she's fine….” Her eyes flicked to the door as she heard movement there. “Steph…..”

Steph moved over to her. She looked at her brother. “Jacob wants to talk to you,” she said. “I'll stay here.”

Johnny's eyes narrowed. “And I want to talk to him.” He looked at Tels. “I won't be long hon. No one is going to do anything okay?”

Tels nodded and watched him leave, wrapping her arms round her and rocking slightly. “Don't let them take me,” she whispered, closing her eyes and pushing herself back into the headboard again.

Steph put a hand on Tels arm. “It's okay sis, I'm here.”

--- --- --- --- ---

Johnny stormed into the lounge and glared at Jacob. “Okay! What the hell is going on here?” he started. “Tels is terrified up there, saying you want her for tests of some kind.”

Jacob looked at him. “Dakota I can explain.”

“Damn right you will!” Johnny snarled. “And it had better be good.”

Malek looked at him. “If Cha'ris is who we think she might be, then the problems of the Tok'ra being a dying race are over.”

Johnny looked from one to the other. “What?!” he said.

“SG10 were on a recon to a planet the Tok'ra had used as a base several centuries ago - a records base from the looks of it. Records of one Tok'ra in particular. A Queen. There were detailed lists of when she was born, changed hosts, what missions she went on….”

Johnny held up his hand. “Wait a second…. Queen as in the only one who can breed more symbiotes?”

Malek nodded. “That is correct. We have not had one for over 1000 years now and our numbers are dwindling with each passing year.”

“Okay so you find this Queen and all your problems are solved then right?”

The two Tok'ra nodded.

“So what's the catch? Why are you ……….” He broke off as he realised. “You think its Cha?”

Jacob looked at him. “The dates fit. The only way to determine it is through some simple tests.”

Johnny looked back at him. “Did you explain it to her?”

“We never had chance. We started to and then she went to put dinner on.”

Johnny let out a loud sigh. “She is terrified up there. Jacob she hasn't been like this in months. I am not going to agree to anything that is going to set her back.”

Malek looked at him. “May I go and speak with her, try to explain…”

Johnny looked daggers at him.

“I promise I will not do anything. Just talk to her.” He lowered his head and then Jared looked up. “Actually it's me who wants to speak with her.”

Johnny did a double take not having seen Malek's host fore before. “And you are?”

“My name is Jared. Normally Malek remains fore the whole time but under the circumstances felt it might be better if I spoke. Malek isn't known for his diplomacy… may I speak with your wife?”

“That depends on how she is and if she wants to speak with you,” Johnny said. He was still unhappy about this and it was only the relationship between Cha'ris and Selmak that had prevented him from decking Jacob and throwing him and Malek out. He looked back at Jacob. “I will not have her set back by this. We have come too far now for that.”

Jacob nodded. “I know and part of me is hoping that it isn't her. But there was only one Tok'ra sent into Thanatos court 200 years ago and that was Cha'ris. The sooner we do this the sooner we know one way or the other.”

Johnny sighed and turned to Jared. “Then if she wants to speak to you by all means try. But I am not leaving her side.” He turned and headed out of the room.

--- --- --- ---

Tels hadn't moved or acknowledged Steph since she had come in. She sat there rocking slightly, one hand on the back of her neck. She and Cha'ris hadn't had an easy relationship. It had got off to a bad start when she was caught by Thanatos and taken as host for his Queen Erida. Only it wasn't Erida but an undercover Tok'ra operative named Cha'ris ben Selmak. Of course Tels being stripped, tied down, ogled and touched up before this symbiote was placed on her chest didn't help. Nor did the fact it then entered her body through the back of the neck.

Cha'ris had spent 200 years living as Thanatos Queen before her previous host had died. She had had no choice but to take Tels the way she was expected to, or both their lives would have been forfeit. She saw in Tels the possibility of escape and took it.

It had taken a good 10 months before the two of them had finally laid that to rest and Tels understood Cha'ris's reasons for doing so. Then a whole sequence of events unfolded which saw her give birth to a Harsesis, get married and have twins all within the space of 7 months. The fact that she was Tok'ra meant the pregnancy for the twins had lasted 10 weeks rather than 16 weeks for Dalosians or the normal 40 for humans. Three children born within 5 months took its toll on her. Never mind the fact she and the others had been brutally tortured by Aries for almost a month had left her ill for a long time.

None of them had got out unscathed and life was only just returning to what passed for normal. And now this. Cha'ris was fine now, fully recovered from the Sarcophagus Suspension Syndrome and didn't need anymore tests. {SSS being the side effect using a sarc for over 200 years has on the Tok'ra}.

Steph looked up as Johnny came back into the room, closely followed by the others. She shook her head worriedly.

Johnny sighed and moved over to the bed. He sat next to his wife and put an arm round her. “Tels hon, this is Jared.”

Tels turned her head and looked at him and then at the figure next to him. “Malek,” she whispered.

Jared shook his head. “My name is Jared,” he said. “I am Malek's host.”

“Oh,” Tels said. “Hi.”

Jared smiled. “Hi. May I sit down?”

Tels looked at Johnny worriedly.

“It's okay I'm not going anywhere. He just wants to talk to you. Nothing more.”

“Kay,” Tels whispered.

Jared pulled a chair across and sat down, not wanting to crowd her. “I apologise for the way Malek and Jacob went about this,” he began. “We should have explained properly from the beginning. I think they frightened you by what they said.”

Tels just looked at him, her hand still on the back of her neck. “She's fine,” she whispered.

Johnny put his hand on top of hers. “I know she is hon. It's okay.”

Jared nodded. “I'm sure she is, but that's not why we need to do the tests.” He took a deep breath. “SG10 were doing research on some ruins found on what they call P3C-721. The Tok'ra know it as Maiandra. There was a base there a very long time ago.”

“Cha knows of it,” Tels whispered.

Jared looked at her. “There was a temple ruin there, covered in ancient texts and several tablets. Most were just interesting history of the planet, but one tablet cross referenced with several of the pictographs in the temple. They spoke of a Queen, who had been hidden and had her identity concealed to protect her. There were details of when she was born, how many hosts she had and when she changed hosts. The missions she had gone on for the Tok'ra.”

Tels sat there wondering what all this had to do with her. She looked at Johnny and then over at the others. Peter was standing behind Steph now, his hand on her shoulder. Jacob she assumed was watching the children. She listened as Jared continued speaking softly. His voice very much like Malek's but had an almost musical lilt. He would have a good singing voice she thought.

Jared listed the dates for her slowly. “Then 200 years ago all records cease. She was sent undercover into the service of one of the system lords. Nothing was heard from her for 18 months. Then a tiny entry saying that the court of this system lord had been wiped out by another.”

Tels closed her eyes, scattered images playing in her mind; images from the eight hosts that he mentioned and one that he didn't. Servants running and screaming, falling as they were hit by staff blasts. Standing before Hermes as he tortured her and Erida, Thanatos's Queen. Her host dying and her taking over the injured body of the queen to save her life, promising that one day they would be free. Only it hadn't happened. Another 200 years passed before she had made one too many mistakes and her host was killed and she was placed in stasis and then a jaffa, before taking Tels as her host.

Tels opened her eyes, tears spilling from them and running down her face. She looked at Johnny.

“Oh hon,” he said. He cupped her face in his hand and wiped the tears away with his thumb, then pulled her into a tight hug.

“Sorry,” she whispered, her voice muffled by her tears and his shirt. “Too many memories…”

Jared looked at her. “Tels we need to do those tests to see if it is Cha'ris. If it isn't then this ends now and you have our deepest apologies.”

“And if it is her?” Johnny asked. “What then?”

Jared closed his eyes for a moment consulting with Malek. “Then she has a decision to make. The fate of our people will be in her hands.”

Malek took control back from Jared. “May Jacob and I speak with Tels alone for a moment?” he asked.

Johnny looked at him suspiciously.

“I promise I will not do anything,” Malek said. “And nor will Jacob.”

Reluctantly Johnny agreed and he and the others left the room.

--- --- --- ---

Tels looked at Malek and Jacob who had come back upstairs. She wasn't going to say anything, wanted to know what they had to say first.

Jacob looked at her. “Hon I am so sorry for just coming out with it like that. Selmak has given me hell for it I can tell you. But you have to understand, there hasn't been a Tok'ra queen for a long time. Egeria, Selmak and one other – Vahsta.”

Tels nodded. “Cha knew her. She was killed a long time ago.”

Jacob nodded. “And Selmak was unable to continue to conceive and bear young shortly after Cha'ris was born.”

“Because of how she was tortured,” Tels whispered.

“We are a dying race hon. Every day there are less of us. Every attack, every mission gone wrong reduces our numbers.”

She looked at him. “I know, but we have our reasons for leaving the Tok'ra. You both know them.”

Jacob nodded. “And we have respected that for over a year, But Tels… this could turn the tide of the fight against the Goa'uld. We would stand a chance of doing what Egeria wanted us to.”

“You should have been a politician,” Tels said slowly.

Malek looked at her. “Can you let Cha'ris fore hon, we need to talk to her too.”

Tels looked at him. “She says do the tests, but she wants Peter to do them. She doesn't want to talk to anyone til she has thought this through and discussed it with Kota .”

“That's her choice,” Malek sighed. “Is it alright with you if we do the tests now?”

Tels shrugged. “Ummmm…..” Kota she teeped.

Johnny was through the door in an instant. “I'm here hon,” he told her. He pulled her into a tight hug.

“Cha wants them to do the tests,” she whispered.

Malek stood up. “I will let Peter know,” he said.

Johnny barely looked at him. He put a hand on Tels face and lifted it to look at him. “Whatever the outcome, you are my wife. Cha'ris is my wife. I love you and I always will.” He brushed his lips against hers softly. Then deepened the kiss, ignoring the others in the room, intent on showing his wife how much he loved her.

--- --- --- ---

Tels lay face down on the bed, her face buried in the pillow, her eyes tight shut. It hurt both her and Cha'ris. Peter worked as quickly and as gently as he could, but it required several deep level scans and one invasive procedure. Despite the local anaesthetic he gave her it still hurt them both. Johnny hadn't moved from her side the whole time. He held her hand, talking to her, trying to take her mind off what was happening.

Peter eventually laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Finished sis,” he said. “Don't move just yet.”

“What about the boys?” she whispered.

“Fed, and asleep in bed,” Johnny told her. “You just worry about the two of you for now.”

Peter looked down at her. “How you doing?”

“Hurts,” she said.

Looking over at Johnny Peter got a nod. “Gonna give you a light sedative hon. Just to take the edge off the pain and help you rest for a couple of hours. By then we'll have the results back.” He gave her the shot before she could object.

Tels fell asleep almost immediately, holding tight to Johnny's hand so he wouldn't leave her.

Johnny looked at Peter. “How long til we know?”

“Two hours maybe three. I gave her enough to keep her out until then.” Peter put a hand on Johnny's shoulder. “I wish I could tell you something now, but it will take both Malek and myself to work this out. Shout if you need anything.”

Johnny nodded. He looked back down at his wife and pushed the hair back from her face. “I love you two,” he said, kissing her cheek. “No matter what the result I will love you just the same.”

Malek and Peter sat hunched over the padds and scan results murmuring quietly to each other. Steph and Jacob sat the other end of the room, the television playing softly but neither of them watching it. Steph's mind was upstairs with Tels wondering how she was doing. Jacob was going over possibilities and reactions with Selmak.

Peter put the padd down and rubbed his hands over his face. “That's it then,” he said. “There is no doubt at all.”

Malek shook his head. “No the results are conclusive.” He looked at Peter. “Do you want me to tell her?”

Peter sighed heavily. “It might be better coming from me.” He stood up. “To be honest I would leave it til morning before you speak to her. Give her time to work through it.” He looked over at Steph and teeped, The results are conclusive hon. It's her.

Steph looked at him, fighting the emotions filling her. She stood up. “I'll come with,” she said. Tels was going to need all of them there now. She looked over at the two men. “You are welcome to stay tonight. I'll make the guest room up in a bit. I assume you don't mind sharing?”

“Thank you. Sharing isn't a problem,” Jacob said. “And don't worry about making up the room, we can do that.”

Steph nodded and followed Peter out of the room. He looked at her. “I just hope this doesn't set her back,” he said.

“She's stronger now,” Steph said. “She has us to help her. She and Cha will make the right decision.”

“Which is? Steph they have her over a barrel now. She has no choice but to do what they want.”

Steph stopped and looked at him. “Ni says she still has a choice. They are not going to force her to do this, they can't. They may insist, but …. They can't force her to.”

Peter looked at her. “I can't see Dakota letting her go if she doesn't want to.”

Steph smiled at him. Her brother's temper was legendary now. “No, they won't risk angering him.”

---- ---- ----

Johnny looked up as they came into the room. “She hasn't stirred,” he said. He took a deep breath. “Well?” he asked.

Peter looked at him. “It's her.”

Johnny closed his eyes, covering his face with his hands. “No,” he whispered.

Steph moved over and wrapped her arms round him. “We're here bro,” she said. “For all of you.”

He raised his head and looked at Tels. “Do we have to tell her now?” he asked.

Peter nodded. “If we don't then Malek will. I managed to persuade them to leave talking to her until morning.”

Johnny sighed. Leaning forward he pushed Tels hair away from her face. “Tels hon, time to wake up.”

Tels stirred and turned over, pulling the covers tighter.

Johnny smiled and kissed her cheek. “Come on love, just for a minute then you can go back to sleep.”

Tels opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Hi,” she whispered. “You're home.”

“Been home a while hon. You fell remember?”

Tels looked at him, trying to remember. “I went to put dinner on and …..” she broke off her hand going to the back of her neck. “Jacob and Malek….. wanted tests…. It hurt.”

Johnny reached out and pulled her into his arms. “It's okay, they're done. No more.”

“Promise?”

Johnny nodded. “Yeah I promise.” He looked at Peter.

Peter took a deep breath. “I have the results sis. Malek and I spent several hours going over them.”

Tels looked at him. “And?”

“There is no doubt hon. Cha'ris is a queen.”

“No,” Tels gasped, dissolving into tears.

Johnny tightened his grip on her, his hand moving over her back, his face pressed into her hair. “We'll get through this hon,” he told her. “You're not alone; you never will be – either of you.”

Tels clung to him sobbing then the tone of her sobs changed slightly. Johnny glanced up at Steph who immediately shut the bedroom door. “Cha hon,” he said.

Cha'ris raised her eyes to him. “It has to be wrong,” she sobbed. “It can't be me; I don't want it to be me. I have a life here with you and our sons; and with Peter and Steph. We left the Tok'ra over a year ago to safeguard that amongst other things. I won't go back.”

Steph looked at her. “They can't make you go back,” she said. “None of us will let them take you. Ni says they can ask or insist but they can't force the issue.”

Cha'ris looked at her to find Ka'nire's eyes looking at her. “Ni,” she said.

He looked at her. “I will not let them take you,” he told her. “It is your decision sis. Yours and Tels, No one else's.”

Cha'ris took a deep breath, trying to stem the flow of tears. “But if I refuse then the Tok'ra will eventually die out. And if I do this I risk losing everything here, including….” she broke off.

Johnny looked at her. “Including what hon?” he asked gently.

“Tels,” she whispered. “You know what she is like, she'd retreat.”

Johnny shook his head. “No hon. Not if we are all here for her, which we are. You will both make the decision together, if needed one of us can act as negotiator between you, but I am sure it won't come to that.”

Cha'ris looked at him. “Kay,” she said. She yawned, the sedative still in her system.

Peter looked over at her and Johnny. “Probably best if we leave you to it. You'll want to talk to Dakota and you should sleep some more too hon.”

Johnny nodded in agreement. “I'll stay here. It's getting late now anyway.”

The others said goodnight and headed out of the room.

Johnny looked down at the woman in his arms. So much like Tels but so different. Whereas Tels liked to be led, Cha'ris would take the initiative herself. He inclined his head to hers and kissed her gently. “I tell you one thing that hasn't changed,” he said, knowing what she was thinking.

“What?” she whispered.

“I Love You,” he told her. “I love you and I love Tels and nothing is going to change that.” He gently ran kisses down her neck.

Cha'ris moved her head slightly. “And we love you,” she said. “Just scared as to how much this will change things.”

He looked up at her. “Hon, you are still my wife. Wife first and queen second.” He grinned wickedly at her. “So your majesty, how may I be of service tonight?”

Cha'ris looked at him. “Don't,” she said. “It's not funny.”

Johnny sighed and turned over lying on his back. He put his hands under his head and stared at the ceiling. “So what has to change then?” he asked after a moment. When he didn't get an answer he closed his eyes. <Well done!> he thought to himself. A sob made him turn onto his side. “Hon?” he asked.

Cha'ris looked at him tears streaming down her face. “I was a queen for over 200 years,” she sobbed. “I can't do it again.”

Johnny pulled her into his arms. “Yes you can,” he said. “Because this time it's different. This time you have a husband who loves you. A family who will support you. A host who needs you. And children who depend on you.” He cupped her face and wiped away her tears. “And you are safe my love.”

He tilted her face to his and brushed his lips against hers. “And I love you so much that I will not let anything happen to you.”

She looked at him. “You won't?” she asked.

“Nothing,” he replied. He kissed her again, pushing a hand through her hair. “I belong to you.”

Cha'ris looked at him. She could see his love for her filling his eyes. “I love you,” she whispered, starting to respond to him.

He deepened the kiss, his hand moving to the buttons on her shirt. Slowly he undid them and pushed the shirt back off her shoulders.

“Where we going flyboy?” she asked him, her fingers returning the favour with his shirt.

“To the stars,” he whispered, pulling her close.

--- --- --- ---

Tels sat on the window seat staring out at the darkness. It was 2am . Cha'ris had fallen asleep in Johnny's arms and Tels had taken control again. She had lain there, tired but wide awake, watching her husband sleep. The shadow of a beard darkening the outline of his face, his dark hair tousled. It was always weird experiencing his love second hand, but she and Cha'ris both loved him and shared him without question or debate.

She leaned her head against the window. <Cha?> she said, wondering if she would get a response.

<Hmm> Cha'ris murmured sleepily.

<Are you awake?>

<Am now hon> Cha'ris answered. She hugged Tels and then stretched. <So what's up?>

<Everything… nothing….> Tels said evasively.

Cha'ris recognised that from old. <Talk to me> she said. <For I am just as confused and angry and upset as you are and need to talk just as much...>

<What do we do? So much rides on this… the fate of the Tok'ra…. Now I know how Steph felt last year with the Dalosians. Not fair.>

<No it's not fair. I do this and we stand to lose everything we have built here. I don't do this and I lose my people. Even if I don't consider myself one anymore.>

<We still are though. Just in exile. Albeit self imposed.>

Cha'ris sighed. <But can I stand by and watch them die when I can do something? Could you?>

<Peter couldn't… but then he's a doctor…….. And I did… just hid and watched them all die in the fire because I was too scared to come when they called.>

Cha'ris hugged her. <Oh hon…. Please don't keep blaming yourself for that. The fire wasn't your fault. I know you watched your parents and Cathryn die but Peter didn't die. He's here and he loves you. Any child of seven would have hidden from the flames the same as you.>

Tels pushed her head harder against the window, the coldness of the glass surprising her somewhat, when she could hear the roar of the flames still. <I don't want to lose this family… and if we do this then we have to leave….>

Cha'ris sighed. <I know hon. You want to know something…. I have had many lovers over the centuries but none that I have loved the way I do Kota . I would never do anything to harm or hurt him. And if doing this would mean that then maybe we say no.>

Tels stared back at her reflection as if she could see Cha'ris there. <You'd do that…. Put our family before your own people?>

Cha'ris nodded. <If that is what it takes for us and them to be happy then yes.>

Johnny stirred on the bed and turned over, automatically reaching for his wife. Opening his eyes when he didn't find her, he sat up looking round the room. “Hon?” he asked. “You okay?”

Tels looked over at him. “Thinking,” she answered.

Johnny held out his arms. “Come here,” he said.

Tels got up and crossed the room, crawling over the bed to him. She felt his arms go round her and she leaned her head against his chest, listening to his heart beating. She ran her fingers down his chest to his waist.

Johnny laughed and caught hold of her hand. “That tickles.” He kissed the top of her head. “I do love you,” he told her, letting go of her hand and wrapping it round her waist. “So what ya thinking about?” he asked.

Tels moved her fingers softly against him. “Stuff,” she said quietly. “But we just going round in circles. Did make one decision though.”

“Oh?” he asked gently, his fingers running over her back, mirroring the movements she was making on his chest.

“Yeah. Cha says that you and our family come first.”

Johnny looked at her. “I'm sorry?”

Tels glanced up at him. “She says if this is going to hurt you or cause harm to our family then she won't do it.”

“She said what?” he asked surprised his fingers stilling.

“You and our family come first. We both agree on that but she said if this is going to hurt what we have here or mean we have to give it up then she won't do it.”

“But they'd die out… the fight would be over without the Goa'uld having to do anything.”

Tels nodded. “Yeah. But the choice is her people or her family. It's a rock and a hard place. No choice at all. And we choose what we have here and now.” She took a deep breath and put her head back down on his chest again. “Plus who's to say it would work. After all she and we went through, and the effect the sarc had on her, using it for over 200 years the way she had to.” She broke off, voicing Cha's thoughts to him. “Just because she's a Queen doesn't mean she can breed and produce symbiotes. It's possible all the years of torture and misuse changed something… And then we gave up everything for nothing.”

Johnny thought for a moment. “Just say it were our family,” he said slowly. “And one of them was dying, and needed a bone marrow transplant for example. Everyone gets tested to see if they are a match and only one person is. You.”

Tels nodded. “Okay.”

Johnny carried on. “Could you sit there and watch them die when you were the only chance they had? Even if the odds weren't great. Even a faint chance is better than nothing.”

Tels sat there imagining how that would feel. <No> she whispered to Cha'ris. <I couldn't.>

<Nor me> Cha'ris answered.

Tels shook her head. “No, even a faint chance is better than burying one of us.”

“So take that one step further. A total stranger, a child needed a transplant. They tested the whole of the US and the only match was you. You alone could prevent this child from dying. What do you do?”

Tels sighed, knowing where this was going. “Do it,” she said.

Johnny pulled her face up to look at his. “Cha,” he said addressing her directly, even though Tels was still fore. “Even if the chance is tiny, you have to at least try to save your people. Maybe… maybe there is a way to do this so you can have both. Where do they put the baby symbiotes?”

“In a tank,” Tels whispered. “To start with and then into a jaffa but that's not an option. So a tank.”

Johnny nodded. “Okay so they find somewhere to put them. They can do that and take care of them in exchange for you having them. That way they get what they want and you…” he smiled at her. “You get what you want.”

“Kay,” Tels whispered. “We'll talk to them.”

“Good,” Johnny said. He looked at the clock. “ 4am. Have you slept at all?”

Tels shook her head. “No. Still not tired… well I am but can't sleep. Thought I might get up, do some cleaning or something.”

“You should sleep,” he told her firmly.

“No,” she said. She rolled over to get up, to find a restraining hand on her arm. She turned to look at him.

“Sleep,” he said.

“I can't.”

Johnny pulled her into his arms. “Then stay with me,” he said. He grinned at her wickedly. “I'm sure we can think of some way to get you to lie down.”

Tels looked at him. “Tie me to the bed?” she asked.

“Don't give me ideas woman,” he said kissing her.

“Woman?” she said in mock shock.

Johnny silenced her by pressing his lips firmly over hers, his hands slowly pushing her backwards onto the bed.

Tels smiled up at him, her resistance gradually waning.

Johnny leaned over her, pushing her hair away from her face, punctuating his words with kisses. “You are gonna stay put Mrs Merrick, until I say otherwise.”

“Or what?” Tels asked.

He paused from placing kisses down her neck. “Or I …..” he whispered into her ear.

Tels looked at him. “You wouldn't?”

Johnny just nodded. “I would.”

“Then I guess I stay here and entertain you,” she said.

“Sounds perfect,” Johnny said. He leaned down and kissed her, pouring all the love he had for her into it.

--- --- --- --- ---

It was gone 12pm the next time Tels woke. She stretched and turned over wondering where Johnny was, then realising that the bright sunlight streaming into the room was too bright for early morning. Sighing she threw the covers back and grabbing some clean clothes went into the bathroom. Showering quickly she dressed and left the room. She checked the children's rooms on the way down the landing but they were empty.

The house was too quiet and her pace picked up a little. <Where are they?>

<Tels calm down, I am sure they are fine. You're just disorientated from sleeping so late.>

<I'm fine or will be once I know the kids are safe> Tels flew down the stairs, looking in all the rooms. The quiet wasn't right. She reached the kitchen, almost panicked now as she had found no one.

Malek and Jacob were sat there talking quietly when the door flung open. He looked up. “Tels you okay?” he asked, taking note of her flushed cheeks and the way she was out of breath.

Tels looked at him. “Where are the kids?” she asked.

Jacob got up and moved over to her. “Dakota and Steph have them hon. They are quite safe.”

“What?” Tels said. “But why aren't they at work?”

Putting a hand on her arm, Jacob guided her to the table and sat her down. “They phoned in and took the day off to be here for you and Cha. Then when you didn't sleep all night, Dakota said to leave you and he and Steph took the kids and Patches to the park.”

Tels nodded. She took the glass of juice Malek offered her. “Thanks.”

“You should eat,” he said.

She shook her head. “Not hungry,” she said. “Sides it's almost lunchtime.” She ran a finger round the rim of the glass, wondering when they were going to get to the point.

Jacob sat down again knowing that pushing the eating issue would just upset her more and looked at Malek. “So how are you this morning?” he asked.

“Fine,” she answered. “Now I know the kids are safe.” She took a mouthful of the juice and then put the glass down.

Malek took a deep breath. “Have you and Cha'ris spoken about this yet?” he asked. “There is no doubt that she is a Queen.”

Tels looked at him. “Yeah we spoke for a couple of hours overnight. Then Kota woke and we talked to him…. He didn't like our decision much.”

The two men looked at each other. “Oh?” Malek asked.

Tels took a deep breath. “We will not do anything that will hurt Kota or cause harm to our family. And if doing this will do that then we want nothing to do with it.”

“I see,” Jacob said. “And this was what Dakota didn't agree with?”

Tels nodded. “Yeah. He said what would we do if one of our family was sick and I was the only person who could help them. Then he said what if I was the only person in the US that could help someone, a child, who was a total stranger. Could see where he was going”

Her fingers pressed harder on the rim of the glass. “We will not put what we have here into jeopardy for something that might not work.”

Malek looked at her. “I went over the deep level scans again last night.” He paused feeling slightly awkward talking to Tels when it concerned Cha'ris.

Jacob looked at him and then at Tels. “May we talk with Cha hon?” he asked.

Tels looked at him. “She's not hungry either,” she said. That had been the way of making her eat in the past. Bring Cha'ris fore and getting her to eat in Tels place.

Malek smiled. “No one is going to make either of you eat hon, I promise.”

“Kay,” Tels whispered. She closed her eyes and let Cha'ris fore. Opening her eyes she looked at the two Tok'ra in front of her. “I don't believe this is happening,” she said. “Are you sure?”

Jacob nodded and let Selmak fore. “There is no doubt,” she said. She slid the padd over the table to Cha'ris.

Cha'ris picked it up and looked at it, her vision blurring as she read. The markers were present, the specific gene sequence that only a queen would have. Cha'ris put a hand over her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. “I'd hoped…” she whispered.

Selmak looked at her and put a hand over hers. “I am sorry,” she said. “If I could have prevented this I would.”

“Do we know who kept the records?” Cha'ris asked. “Must have been someone who knew me well, but if so then why was I never told.”

Malek looked at her. “From what we have found out you were not told for the same reasons we weren't. To protect you.”

“So why tell me now?”

“Because once we were given the information, we had to follow it. Our numbers have dwindled significantly over the last few years. We are no longer the viable threat to the Goa'uld we once were. We have more potential hosts now than we have symbiotes for.”

Cha'ris looked at him. “So if I don't do this then we die out?”

Malek nodded. “To put it bluntly, yes.”

“And what exactly does it involve? This breeding new symbiotes?”

Selmak took a deep breath. “Some DNA is required from the host species to ensure complete compatibility.”

Cha'ris swung her head round to look at her. “WHAT??!!”

“To ensure against rejection some….”

Cha'ris cut her off sharply. “I heard… I assumed you were joking.”

“No,” Selmak said.

Malek interrupted. “Symbiote queens are able to fertilize their own eggs. It is essentially an asexual process.” He paused, “But Selmak is right, DNA from the male of the host species is necessary to avoid rejection and to facilitate the blending.”

Cha'ris pushed back angrily from the table. “Then you can take your ideas of saving the Tok'ra and shove them where the sun doesn't shine!” she said harshly, using one of Tels expressions. “Because the answer is NO!” She pushed the door open and grabbing her keys from the rack in the hall put her jacket on. She thrust the keys into her pocket and stormed out of the house slamming the front door behind her.

Tels took control back as they stormed from the house. They couldn't allow Cha'ris to be fore outside which they both understood. Cha'ris ranted internally, seething with anger. She knew what they had inferred and there was no way in Netu she would even consider the idea of spawning symbiotes now. Tels understood completely and she too was repulsed by the idea. DNA from the potential hosts? Hah! The Dalosians were very much anti Goa'uld and weren't overly fond of the Tok'ra. It had taken a long time for them to accept Johnny being married to one, never mind the fact that Steph actually was one. And there was no way they would volunteer to be hosts.

So that meant she had to mate with another man. And that idea was more than abhorrent. It was disgusting and vile and a million other words. She was Married… Bonded to one man for the rest of her life. Obviously a notion the Tok'ra didn't understand or particularly care about. So much for their high and mighty principals of being better than the Goa'uld. They were just as arrogant, just as uncaring and just as selfish!

She had no idea how far she walked or how long she was out. She suddenly found herself outside a bar. Glancing up she realised it was dark now. Taking a deep breath she went into the bar and ordered a glass of wine. It came and she downed it in one. “Another,” she said. She wondered idly how long it would be before the others came looking for her. The drink came and she looked at the barman. “Just bring me the bottle,” she said.

---- --- ---

Johnny looked over at Peter. They had eaten over an hour ago, leaving Tels plated up on the side. Malek and Jacob had initially left her to walk it off, but when he got back he had gone to look for her. First looking in the park and the usual places she ran to. But found nothing. Then as darkness fell, a sick feeling came over him. “I don't like this. I'm gonna go look for her.”

“I'm sure she'll be back sooner or later,” Peter said. “They have a lot to think through.”

The phone rang and Johnny grabbed it. “Tels?” he asked. Then sighed. “Hi…. No everything is fine…. Yeah I'll get him for you.” He handed the phone to Peter. “For you.” He got up as Peter took the phone. “I can't sit here any longer. Something's wrong. She won't answer the teep and can't even feel her now.”

Steph came in. “That's the boys asleep,” she said. “Any news?”

“No,” Johnny said. “I am going to go start looking. Something could have happened to her.”

Steph hugged him. “Want a hand to go find her?” she asked. She looked at Jacob. “Can you and Malek stay here and baby-sit?”

Jacob nodded. “Sure.”

Peter put the phone down. “I'll come with,” he said. “I think I may have an idea where she is. Just hope I am wrong.”

--- ---- --- ----

Tels poured another glass. She had had too much she knew that. Part of her told her to stop, but it wasn't Cha. She had already passed out from the alcohol. This was unusual as she was normally the level headed one of the two and dealt with it before it got to this stage. Especially after the last time, when Tels had drunk so much she had nearly killed herself and the unborn twins she was carrying. But now nothing mattered. She tipped the bottle up, watching the last drop fall into the glass.

Putting the bottle down she raised the glass to her lips. A hand came to rest on top of hers. “I think you have had enough,” a voice said.

She looked up and sighed. “Goway,” she slurred.

“No hon,” Johnny said. “Put the glass down and come home. Please.”

Tels laughed. “Yeah sure. Comehome and then they can tell you what Ihave todo.”

Johnny sat next to her. “Keep your voice down,” he hissed. “If I have to carry you out of here I will but you are coming home.”

“Do you know what they want us to do?” she said.

“Not here,” Johnny said. “I am going to take you home. Peter and Steph are in the car outside.”

“What? You trawled every bar in town?” she slurred.

Johnny nodded. “And now I found you and we are going home.”

“No,” she said, pushing him away.

Johnny sighed and pulling a vial from his pocked pressed it surreptitiously against her arm. “Yes we are,” he said.

Tels looked at him. “That hurt,” she said, everything starting to go black.

“I'm sorry hon,” he said. He pulled her to her feet and putting an arm round her led her outside to the car.

Steph opened the door as they got close. She helped Johnny ease the now unconscious Tels into the car. She looked up at Johnny. “Is she drunk?” she asked quietly.

Johnny sighed. “Yeah. She hasn't touched a drop in over sixteen months.” He looked at Peter. “Take us home. We can sober her up there.”

--- --- ----

Jacob opened the front door and the car came to a halt on the driveway. Johnny carried Tels into the house, passing Jacob without a word. He went straight to the stairs and headed up them. Peter called after him. “I'll get the meds and be right there.”

Jacob looked at Steph. “Meds? Is she okay?”

“She's drunk,” Steph answered.

Jacob closed his eyes. “Oh no.”

“Peter thinks we found her in time, so long as they treat it now.” She moved into the kitchen and pulled a bottle of water from the fridge. Taking a long drink she turned to the two men. “So what did you say to upset her? And don't say nothing. She has stayed off the drink for 16 months now.”

--- ---- -----

Tels lay on the bed, her stomach cramping. Peter had given her a series of shots, which she had fought against and then something to make her sick which she had fought even more. Johnny and Peter stayed with her, holding her as she threw up and replacing each bowl with a fresh one. She didn't know how long it went on for but it seemed like an eternity, the heaves wracking her entire body until she ached and sobbed; begging them to make it stop.

Finally the cramps lessened and she leaned back on the pillows, tears slowly falling, not looking at the two men at all. Especially not her husband.

Johnny looked at her. “Why? After all this time, why start drinking again?”

Tels shrugged. “Whynot?” she asked, her words running together still. “Youknowwhat theywant metodo?”

Johnny put a hand on her face and turned it to look at him. “What's that?”

She lowered her voice. “Theywantmeto have anaffair,” she whispered. “But don'tell myhusband that.”

Johnny looked at her and then Peter.

“It's the drink talking,” Peter said.

“I lovemyhusband…. Notgonna dowhat theywant.”

Peter picked up another vial. He looked at Johnny. “I'm going to sedate her. She hasn't eaten for over 24 hours and that isn't helping any. By the time she wakes she'll be sober and have one hell of a headache.” He gave her the shot and watched as sleep claimed her immediately. He looked at Johnny. He could see he was torn between wanting to stay with her and go and see if there was any truth in what she had said. “I'll sit with her. Go see the others.”

Johnny nodded. He leaned over and kissed Tels cheek. “I love you,” he told her then stood up. He left the room, his anger barely contained. Johnny pushed open the kitchen door. His eyes glinted with anger, his whole body stiff and his hands clenched into fists. “What the hell did you tell her?” he demanded angrily.

Jacob and Malek looked up at him. “Dakota?” Jacob asked.

Johnny took three steps towards him, the threat obvious. “What Did You Tell Her???” he repeated. “She left here and got herself drunk. You know what that means as well as I do. Had we not found her she would have died!”

Jacob looked at him. “She asked what breeding symbiotes involved and we told her.”

“And that is?” Johnny asked taking another step.

Not moving Jacob looked straight at him. “The Queen herself is able to fertilize her own eggs but some DNA is required from the male of the host species to ensure complete compatibility and prevent rejection.”

Johnny pushed his hands through his hair and then slammed his fists into the wall. He swore in Dalosian and then rounded on the two men. “And you told her that?”

Jacob nodded. “Yes why?”

“WHY?” Johnny yelled. “You need to ask why??” He whirled round, trying very hard not to slam Jacob or Malek up against the wall and lay into them until they lay unconscious on the floor.

The two Tok'ra looked at each other. “What is the problem?” Malek asked.

Johnny glared at them and raised his fist. Turning at the last moment he slammed it hard into the wall. “You're not worth the effort,” he hissed and stormed from the room, going back upstairs to sit with Tels.

Steph looked at them. “You said it has to be DNA from the male of the intended host species?”

Malek nodded.

Steph took a deep breath. “There is no way the Dalosians would agree to become hosts.” She looked at them. “You just asked Tels and Cha to commit adultery. How do you expect them to react??”

Shocked silence fell. Steph pushed her chair back. “Feel free to stay tonight,” she said. “I will see you in the morning.” She left the room and went upstairs to find her brother.

Peter was standing outside the door. “He wanted me to leave,” he said. “What happened?”

Steph explained and Peter leaned back against the wall. “No wonder,” he said. “That's not an option for her. She wouldn't even entertain the idea I know that much.”

Steph nodded. “I know.”

Peter looked at her. “Tilja is asking about the ethical implications of artificial insemination now,” he sighed. “She doesn't understand that Tels would see that as the same thing in these circumstances.”

Steph put a hand on Peter's arm. “They will just have to live with it. The choice is Cha's and Tels and they won't now. How is she?”

Peter sighed. “I had to sedate her. It was close Steph. Too close. Dakota said she had just tipped the last of the bottle into her glass.” He exhaled loudly, his voice trembling. “Had she drunk it…”

Steph pulled him into a tight hug. “I know… But she didn't,” she said. “She's still here and we can help her through this.”

--- ---- ----

Tels finally stirred as the light came in through the curtains. She moaned and pulled the covers over her head. Her head hurt so much; it felt like world war three was going on, or the destruction of Tollana or something. She winced as a loud voice said “You're awake then?”

“Sshhhhh,” she whispered. “Not so loud.”

Johnny looked at her. “Peter said you'd have a headache,” he said, not shouting this time either.

“And then some,” Tels whispered. “But shhhh please.”

“I'm not shouting,” he told her. He handed her a glass of water. “Drink.”

“Don't want it,” she said. “Want….” She broke off.

Johnny glared at her. He pulled out a bottle of wine and held it out to her. “You want this instead?” he asked, the hurt obvious in his voice and eyes. He slammed it down on the bedside table next to her noticing her wince at the noise. “Because you do and you rip the heart out of this family, the boys and me.” He rolled off the bed. “They are not worth it Tels. But you want to go ahead and kill yourself then fine.” He pulled the bottle opener from his pocket. He tossed it onto the bed next to her and left the room.

He got to the top of the stairs and sat there, his head in his hands, silent tears falling. He was exhausted. He hadn't slept all night, had laid there for hours watching Tels sleep then roamed the house for a while, going in and sitting in with the boys watching them before going back into his room and sitting there some more. It was all too much. He was losing her to this, one way or the other.

Tels watched him leave. He may as well have slammed the door the amount of noise it made. She sat there and looked at the bottle. “But what do I do?” she said. “What ever I chose is wrong…. The fate of the Tok'ra over my husband and sons…..” She picked up the bottle opener and turning it over in her hand looked at the bottle.

Cha'ris stirred. <Our husband and sons hon… no contest. The Tok'ra can go to Netu…. I have hurt you and Kota with this. Our family has priority.>

<Kay> Tels said. <That was what I wanted but….>

Cha'ris hugged her tightly. <I know it's my people but my family comes first. I will not ask you to do this and I will not leave any of you.>

Tels hugged her back tightly and got to her feet, the room spinning under the force of the headache. Cha'ris tried to compensate but she too was feeling the full after effects. Peter having been worried about Tels hadn't realised that Cha'ris was intoxicated too.

Tels bumped into the table and then caught herself. She made it across the room giggling slightly at the thought of Cha'ris being drunk in charge of their body.

Johnny looked up as the door opened then looked down again. “What's funny?” he asked, rubbing his hands over his face to hide the tears.

“Cha's drunk,” Tels said. “It's never affected her before.” She caught hold of the door frame. “Whoa! S'weird.”

Johnny looked away. “You made your decision then,” he said.

Tels made her way unsteadily over to him. “Yeah,” she said. She went to sit next to him but he stiffened. “Fine,” she whispered. “Guess you don't wanna know then.” She moved past him and headed downstairs. The others were in the kitchen. Tels grabbed her keys and her bag. “Going out,” she said.

Peter looked at her. “Sis?”

She shook her head. “He won't even listen now. We decided what we want and he doesn't want to listen.” Tears blurred her vision. “It's her people or her family…. No choice but we made one… and guess what? We lose anyway.”

Jacob looked at her. “Tels I am sorry. We've destroyed the texts we have … made out a report that it's a dead end. We aren't going to pursue this.”

Tels looked at him, the tears falling hard. “She chose her family and he…. He…..” She dropped the keys and bag and turned and ran from the room and out of the door. She could hear someone calling her but didn't look back. Using her symbiote enhanced speed, she ran, not caring where she went. She had lost everything. Nothing mattered anymore.

Johnny grabbed his keys and followed her. He was a fast runner, but Tels had an advantage he didn't. Steph got to the front door in time to see them both disappear. She made to follow but Peter caught her arm. “Let them sort it hon. There is nothing we can do now.”

Steph turned back and shut the door reluctantly. “Kay,” she said. She looked down as a hand tugged her pant leg.

“Muhmee gone?” a small voice said.

She picked Dafyd up. “She'll be back,” she said hoping she was right. “Da went to get her.”

Tels ran until she reached the park then set off round the athletics track. 400, 800, 1200 metres she ran, hard and fast, the headache not making it easy but she refused to slow down. With every step she told herself she loved him and even if he no longer cared for her she still loved him and belonged to him alone. There was nothing and no one that would make her take the step of being unfaithful to him; whether in thought, word or deed. Since their wedding she had been a one man woman. He was her soul mate, her reason for living. Their marriage may have been an off world one, married by Dalosian rites and not Earth rites, but then weddings on Earth varied from country to country and were no less valid anywhere else. Suddenly her ankle twisted and she fell, crying out and hitting the ground with force. She sat up holding her ankle, tears of pain coursing down her face.

Johnny ran over to her. He had followed her and then sat in the stands and watched her run. He had intended to listen to her all along, but knew at times it was best to just stand back and let her work out her anger and frustration first. She could be stubborn and irritating at times but he loved her dearly and wouldn't change her for all the tea in China or all the gold in the mines on Zydonia. “Hon?” he said. “Let me see.”

Tels looked at him and moved her hand, letting him examine her ankle.

“Don't think it's broken,” he said after a minute. “What does Cha say?”

“Torn ligament,” Tels gasped.

“But she can fix it right?”

Tels shook her head. “No. Not til she sobers up. She's drunk.”

Johnny picked her up and carried her off the track to the stands. “I'll take you home in a bit and let Peter look at it, but first you and I need to talk.”

She looked at him. “I didn't think you wanted to.”

He looked at her. “I'm sorry, I heard the word drunk and assumed…”

Tels shook her head. “No. I didn't touch it. Didn't even open it let alone drink it.”

Johnny looked at her. “So, this decision….”

Tels took a deep breath. “The Tok'ra can go to Netu. We are your wife first and foremost and only. We neither want nor need now or ever another man. We will Never be unfaithful to you for anyone.”

Johnny looked at her. “But they are Cha's people…” The idea of her with another man made him feel physically sick but she couldn't just turn her back on them like that.

Tels looked straight into his eyes. “She knows but loves you and like me won't be unfaithful to you.” She rubbed her ankle, feeling sick with the pain now. “It's what we want to do…. Have to do. We belong to you hon. Only You.”

Johnny pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you,” he told her.

“Love you too.”

“We'll find a way hon… let's get you home and your ankle fixed and find a way for you to have both.”

--- ---- --- --- ----

Johnny carried Tels from the car to the house. He had contacted Peter who had come out in the car to pick them up. He had bandaged Tels ankle there and was going to use the healing device as soon as they got home. Johnny set Tels on the couch in the lounge.

Dafyd ran over to her. “Muhmee!”

Johnny picked him up and set him on his lap. “Mummy's hurt her ankle. Let Uncle Peter fix it then you can give her a hug.”

Peter sat on the stool and gently took Tels ankle into his lap. “I'll be as gentle as I can hon.”

Tels nodded. She took the pills that Steph handed her and swallowed them. “Thanks.”

Malek looked at her. “What happened”?

Tels looked at him, wincing as Peter ran the healing device over her ankle. “Went running, wasn't concentrating, fell and tore a few ligaments.”

She took a deep breath. “The decision stands. I … we aren't going to jeopardise what we…”

Johnny held up his hand. “Wait a minute. We know Dalosians can host right. Steph and Ka'nire have managed for three years now with no problems.”

Steph nodded. “He has to do less to support me.”

Johnny continued “And we know that Tels and I are biologically compatible.”

Tels blushed. “Yeah,” she said looking down.

Malek looked at him. “Your children are proof of that,” he smiled.

Johnny smiled. “Yeah.” He paused. “So, why can't Cha use my DNA?”

Steph looked at him. “Because the Dalosians would never agree to be hosts.”

Johnny smiled at her. “Not what I meant. We know that Dalosian DNA and the Tok'ra work. We also know the other combinations work. So why not a mix of all three?”

Malek looked at him, his scientist mind running over it. “You may be onto something.”

Johnny looked at Tels. “That way my love everyone wins. You don't lose me and the Tok'ra get a new generation.”

Cha'ris looked at Malek. “That would be the Onlyway,” she said slurring her words slightly. “My life is herenow. With Kota ….as hiswife.”

Malek nodded. “I understand. I apologise for what we asked. We hadn't realised that it would prove to be a problem.”

Peter looked up at her. “Are you okay?”

She shook her head. “No…. drunk… rather unpleasant actually. I don't see why people doit.”

Peter smiled. “Nor do I,” he said. He pulled his bag across and drew up a shot. “I'll need to give this to you, might be uncomfortable.”

She nodded and stifled a cry of pain as Peter gave her the shot deep in the back of her neck. Then she gave control back to Tels.

Tels rubbed the back of her neck, pain still in her eyes. “Guess I asked for that,” she whispered. “So what happens now?”

Jacob sat next to her, explaining to both her and Johnny that Cha'ris would need to be fore at the moment of conception and for the delivery. He and Malek would then take the symbiotes in a tank to somewhere they would be safe.

Feeling somewhat redundant Tels nodded. “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “How long ... Between one and the other?”

Jacob looked at Malek. “Not long. Depending if she is ready it can be as little as a few hours.”

“Kay and how do you know if she….” Tels broke off, her cheeks colouring.

Malek took the scanner from Peter and adjusted it slightly then ran it over the back of Tels neck.

Tels bit her lip as the deep scan he was doing hurt. She reached out and grabbed Johnny's hand.

He shot her a smile and squeezed her hand. We'll work this out hon. Just the three of us he teeped.

Tels nodded and then looked up at Malek as he finished. He looked at her and nodded, not needing to say anything. She caught her breath and looked down.

Dafyd looked up at Johnny. “Walk?” he asked.

Steph looked over at him. “Want to come to the park with the twins?” she asked. “Grandad and Malek come as well?”

Dafyd nodded and jumped off Johnny's lap to go and get his coat.

Johnny looked gratefully at her and then pulled Tels into his arms. She waited until the front door had shut before moving or even responding to his voice. “It's Cha you need not me,” she whispered and retreated as far back as she could.

Cha'ris sighed and looked at Johnny. “Tels isn't happy. Feels like she isn't wanted or needed, like she's redundant. Just needed for her body and nothing else.”

“That's not true,” Johnny said.

Cha'ris nodded. “I told her that, but she isn't listening. She heard the words Cha'ris and fore and that was it.”

Johnny closed his eyes. “But this concerns her just as much.” He took a deep breath and looked at her. “There are three of us in this marriage, in every decision not just two.”

“I know my love. And we need to convince her of this but I don't know how.”

Johnny thought for a moment. “So does it really matter which of you is fore at the time?”

Cha'ris smiled. “No. I think Jacob was going by Selmak's personal preferences there. I just need to get the … timing right I think is the way to put it.”

Johnny hugged her tightly as he kissed her. “So does it have to be now as everyone has strategically left us or whenever?”

“We have 24 hours,” Cha'ris answered kissing him back. “But I am not gonna report in as such and tell them when we've….” She grinned at him.

Johnny shook his head. “So Your Majesty doesn't tell her servants everything thing?”

Cha'ris laughed and poked her tongue out at him. “No she doesn't. There are some things between a Queen and her Pharaoh that remain sacred.”

“Pharaoh??” Johnny choked out.

Cha'ris nodded. “The Queen's mate is always known as such.” She pulled him closer. “And you need to practise your kissing technique. It is decidedly lacking.”

Johnny laughed. “You are incorrigible hon, but I love you anyway.” He kissed her. “So is it just my kissing that needs practising or anything else?”

Cha'ris looked at him. “But when we do this its Tels who is fore,” she told him.

He nodded. “Yes Your Majesty.”

Cha'ris hit him playfully. “Then your entire technique needs some practise,” she said. “Come you may serve me in my chamber.”

Johnny stood up and gathered her in his arms and headed up to their room. “Your wish is my command O Queen.”

The rest of the day they spent quietly talking and making plans for where to keep the symbiotes safe. Jacob had contacted the SGC and the Tok'ra and arranged for a large tank and a ship to be despatched to Earth's orbit ASAP and remain there cloaked. He told Jack as much as he could. That yes they had discovered the location of the Queen and things looked hopeful. He told him nothing about who she was or that she was living on Earth in secret and had been so for almost two years. Just that it would make sense for the ship to meet him and Malek here.

Tels hadn't said much which worried Peter who wanted to give her a complete check up. She assured him she was fine, just tired and would be okay after a good nights sleep so some sleeping pills might be an idea.

Peter looked at her but didn't argue. He gave her the pills and she looked at the clock. It was still early, only 7.00 but she was going to go and sleep anyway. She just wanted the day over with.

Johnny sighed and leaned back against the couch. He looked down at the almost sleeping child on his lap. “I think I will put you down and then go for a run,” he said. He looked at Steph. “Can you watch the kids?”

She nodded. “Let me put him down…”

He smiled. “I'll do it, I want to change anyway and make sure Tels is okay.” He left the room and took Dafyd upstairs.

Once Dafyd was safely in bed he went to the room he and Tels shared to change. Tels was sat on the bed, wearing a pale blue evening gown, the diamond necklace he had given her round her neck with the smell of her perfume filling the room. A pack sat by the bed. She looked at him.

He looked at her. Then at the bag. “Going somewhere?” he asked.

She smiled slightly. “Uh huh.”

He changed his clothes and did up the jacket of his jogging suit and looked at her. “Is sneaking out gonna work?” he asked. Then laughed quietly as she activated her personal cloaking device and vanished from his sight. “Okay it will. Let's go.”

He slipped the back pack on and went down the stairs knowing she was beside him. He stuck his head round the door. “Not sure when I'll be back. Don't wait up.”

Steph nodded. “Okay. Night.”

Jacob looked at him. “Tels asleep?”

“She will be soon,” Johnny answered. He turned and left before Tels gave it away by giggling. “Well it's true,” he said as soon as they were out of the house and she had deactivated the PCD. “You will be, just not here or like they think.”

Tels laughed and hugged him. “You are wicked,” she said kissing him. “And you have the most romantic ideas.”

He laughed and kissed her back. He unlocked the car and held the door open for her. “My lady your chariot awaits.”

Tels poked her tongue out at him. Then got in the car and watched amused as he removed his jogging suit revealing the tuxedo underneath it. He shoved the discarded clothes and pack into the boot. Then got into the drivers seat.

Peter got up as he heard the car start. He looked out through the curtains and grinned as he saw the car drive off with two people in it. He had recognised Tels outline in the passenger seat. He looked back over at Steph. Don't expect Dakota back all night hon. He and Tels just left in the car he teeped.

Steph smiled back at him. Good for him she replied. I don't blame them to be honest .

Me either. Will do them good to get away from here for the night.

--- --- --- ---

Reaching the hotel, Johnny got the valet to park the car and escorted Tels inside. Reaching the desk Johnny booked them in and asked for the bag to be sent to their room. Then he put the key card into his jacket pocket and led Tels to the ball room for the dinner dance he had booked . Three hours later having been wined and dined and danced til her feet were tired, Tels let Johnny lead her to their room. She refused to use the lift, but as their room was only one floor upJohnny agreed to the stairs.

He opened the door and swept Tels into his arms and went into the room, kicking the door shut behind him. Then he turned and locked it before moving over to the bed. “So My Lady, did you have a good time?” he asked her, kneeling by her and slowly removing her right sandal.

“I did. Thank you,” she answered.

Johnny kissed each toe in turn and then turned to her other foot, treating that the same. He looked up at her and smiled. He reached up and unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor and then slowly then pushed her back onto the bed.

She reached her hands up to him, unfastening buttons and tossing his clothes to the floor with her own.

Then he smiled down at her and started kissing her working his way from her ears slowly down leaving no part untouched. He reached her toes and smiled up at her. Crawling back up the bed he kissed her deeply. “To the stars then My Lady?” he asked.

Tels smiled at him. “Yeah, second one to the right and straight on til morning.”

--- --- --- ---

It was gone 11am when they finally left the hotel and collected the car. Both were dressed again in their evening wear from the previous night.

Tels looked at Johnny. “Thank you so much,” she said. “I really enjoyed that.”

“You are very welcome my love.” He opened the door for her as soon as the valet delivered it to them.

She smiled at him and gave him her hand as he helped her in. “Maybe we could do it again someday.”

“I'd like that.”

He threw the bag into the boot then moved round and tipped the valet. Getting in he looked at Tels. “Home?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yeah. Go rescue Steph from those boys before they turn her grey.”

“You're not grey,” Johnny laughed.

“Yet.” Tels leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes. She felt really weird all of a sudden. Maybe she was just tired, after all neither of them had slept much. “Home James and don't spare the horses.”

Johnny laughed. “Your word is my command my queen,” he said and pulled away from the hotel. Halfway home Tels suddenly stiffened and cried out sharply. Johnny looked at her. “Hon?” he said worriedly.

Tels eyes glowed slightly. “It's time,” Cha'ris told him.

Johnny nodded. Steph can you run the bath in our room and start the jets? he teeped. Then to Peter he teeped I'm gonna need a hand with Cha when we get in. It's started . He put a hand on Cha'ris leg. “I'll go as fast as I can hon.”

He drove quickly home and pulled the car onto the drive, as close to the door as he could get it. “We're here,” he said, pulling out the keys and undoing his belt. Running round the car, he pulled open the door and undid Cha'ris belt. “Hon?”

Cha'ris opened her eyes slightly. “ Kota ….” She gasped. She was terrified and in pain. This was unknown territory to her and she didn't like it at all.

“I got you hon,” he said. He lifted her gently into his arms and started up to the house.

Peter opened the door having been watching for them. “How's she doing?” he asked.

Johnny looked at him. “Dunno, she's not great.”

Cha'ris opened her eyes. “Hurry,” she told them.

Johnny ran up the stairs into their room.

Ka'nire was waiting in the bathroom, Steph having retreated to allow him to help his sister. He smiled at her, seeing how frightened she was. “I'm here sis, everything will be fine.” He looked at Johnny. “Everything is ready. You can stay if you wish,” he told him.

Johnny nodded. “I am not leaving her now. I was here for the twin's birth and I will be here for this one too.”

Ka'nire nodded. “Then we need to get her into the water.” He unzipped Cha'ris dress. “Don't want to spoil this one sis.” He grabbed the shirt from the side and helped her put it on.

Johnny gently lowered her into the bath. He sat on the edge behind her, pulling her back so her head was on his lap and his arms around her. “I got you both hon,” he told her gently.

She looked up at him. “I can't stop it… what if….”

“It'll be fine,” Johnny said. “Ni's here and Peter and so am I. We aren't going to let anything go wrong.”

Cha'ris cried out then took a deep breath. “Don't let them know who I am. No names or locations. They belong to the Tok'ra not me.”

Peter looked up from the scanner. “Won't be long. Good job you didn't get stuck in traffic, else they would have been born in the car.”

Johnny pulled a face. “Send Malek the cleaning bill.” He said. He hugged Cha'ris tighter as she cried out. “I'm here hon…. Just don't fight it.”

Cha'ris cried out again, a labour of need rather than of love, intense pain filling every fibre of her being until her body was reacting solely on instinct alone. She no longer knew where she was, all that filled her world was pain. She was no longer even aware of her host. Tels had retreated as far back as she could, hurting just as much as Cha'ris was. Cha'ris just wanted it to stop now but it didn't, just intensified more until it encompassed everything.

--- ---- --- --- --- ---

Jacob looked up as Steph came into the kitchen. It was now gone 2pm and there had been no word from upstairs at all. He and Malek had watched the boys and fed them and put them down in their buggies for a nap.

“It's over,” Steph said.

“How is she?” Jacob asked concernedly.

“Tels is fore,” Steph answered evasively. “She's very tired. Peter wants to sedate her. It wasn't easy for them.”

Malek nodded. “And the symbiotes?” he asked cautiously.

Steph took a deep breath. “Fine. Swimming slowly in the bath. Peter is monitoring them too. He says you can go up now if you wish.”

Both men nodded and got up.

Johnny looked up at the knock on the door. He was sat on the bed with Tels in his arms. She was pale and felt and looked awful. “Come in,” he said.

Peter looked over. “Not long,” he told them. “She's very tired and very weak.”

The two Tok'ra nodded. Jacob moved over to the bed. “How you doing hon?” he asked.

Tels forced her eyes open. “Tired,” she said. "And alone."

Malek smiled at her. “You did good,” he told her.

Tels flicked her eyes to him. “Not that great,” she whispered. “They're in there….” She pointed to the bathroom and then closed her eyes again. “Why won't you answer me? Cha please……”

Peter looked at Johnny and then at his sister. “Tels I want to sedate you now hon. That okay?”

Tels nodded. “Please… she's not there.”

Peter gave her the shot and then looked at Malek and Jacob. “The symbiotes are in here.” He led them though to the bathroom and shut the door. “The symbiotes are fine. All the scans are normal as far as I can tell. They just need transferring now.”

Malek nodded. “We can do that.”

Jacob looked at him. “So what's the story with Cha'ris?”

Peter took a deep breath. “It took a lot out of her. She wasn't at all prepared for this. She was frightened and in incredible pain which from what I have read and learnt from Tilja shouldn't have happened.”

Jacob shook his head. “No it shouldn't.”

“She lapsed into unconsciousness shortly afterwards. Tels came fore, almost hysterical. Cha'ris life signs were almost flat-lining for a while. She is stable now but still deeply unconscious.”

Selmak came fore worriedly. “Is she going be alright? We should never have asked this of her.”

“I think so. We'll know more when the sedative wears off. I just wouldn't ask it of her again for a year or so. Dakota doesn't want her doing it again full stop.”

Malek nodded. “Her health is far more important.” He moved over to the bath. “A good number,” he said.

“Roughly 250,” Peter said. “The scans indicate that there is one Queen amongst them.”

Malek allowed himself a small smile. “That is good news. Although that was not the object of the exercise.”

Peter looked at him. “It will be at least 50 or 60 years before she is ready to breed.”

Jacob nodded. “We will take care of them.”

Peter looked at them. “Cha doesn't want anything to do with them, doesn't want them knowing who she is and doesn't want to see them.”

The two men looked at each other surprised. “It is her decision of course,” Malek said. “Did she say why?”

Peter nodded slowly. “Said they belong to the Tok'ra and not her. Dakota didn't say anything to try to sway her. But I think he will just be happy when they are gone.”

Malek nodded. “I will arrange that now.” He looked at Peter. “I wish those tablets had never been discovered.”

“It's not me you need to speak to its Tels. But she won't be in any fit state to talk until tomorrow morning,” Peter said. He scanned the bath again. “They will be fit for transport in another hour or so.”

--- --- --- ---

Tels woke slowly feeling as if she had been hit by a truck. She moaned softly and tried to turn over.

Johnny looked down at her, pushing the hair from her face. “Hey hon,” he said kissing her gently, “How you doing?”

“Sore,” she said. “Have they…?”

“They're gone. Jacob and Malek transferred them to the ship about six hours ago.”

Tels tried to push herself up, but Johnny pushed her back down.

“Take it easy hon; you should rest for a while longer yet.”

She smiled at him. “You fuss too much my love. What time is it?”

“Almost 11pm. You slept for a long time. Peter wanted to check you over again when you woke.”

“It can wait, he'll be asleep.”

Laughter came from the other side of the room. “I'm a doctor sis, I never sleep.” Peter pushed himself up from the chair and moved over to the bed. He turned on the scanner and ran it over her. “How's Cha doing?”

Tels reached out for Cha'ris and smiled as she got a response. “She says she's fine and you fuss too much too.”

“Oh I do, do I?” Peter looked at the results. “Okay this says you are tired but being an awkward and stubborn patient won't sleep anymore and will therefore need another sedative. It also says you need to eat and suggests a banana sandwich and cocoa with cream and marshmallows.”

Tels shook her head as Johnny laughed. “It does not,” she said reaching for it.

“Does too,” Peter told her, keeping it out of her reach. “Steph's doing it now. Jacob and Malek are still here, they want to see you before they leave, but I won't let them do that til morning.”

“Kay,” she replied.

Steph came in with the food and held the tray while Johnny helped Tels sit up properly. “Brought enough for all of us,” she said.

Tels looked at her. “Cha says thank you for letting Ni be there for her. She knows how hard it was on you, as do I.”

Steph smiled. “It's okay hon, it's getting easier to deal with now. We're just glad you are both okay.”

Tels looked at her. “Me too. They got what they wanted…. No more.”

Johnny put a protective arm round her. “No more hon. Now eat. Else Peter will go back into doctor mode and you don't want that.”

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

Once Tels had eaten, Peter sedated her again and then ran a series of deep scans. He looked up. “They are both fine. I still don't know why Cha'ris was in so much pain when she shouldn't have been. The only reason I can think of is that she forced the breeding cycle; that she wasn't ready to breed but did it because she thought she should.”

Johnny glowered slightly. “I didn't want that.”

Steph looked over at him. “It's okay. But if you do this again it should be when she is ready not when the Tok'ra say so.”

Johnny nodded. “Too damn right. Not that I want her going through that again especially if they are going to insist on it.”

--- --- --- ----

The following morning Tels insisted on getting up and getting the boys their breakfast. She wanted to get back to normal, to just forget it had happened. Dafyd ate his own oatmeal and she fed the twins with the art that comes from practise. She glanced up as Malek and Jacob came in. “Morning,” she said quietly.

Johnny looked at them and put a protective arm around his wife's shoulders.

The two Tok'ra looked at each other then Jacob spoke. “How are you this morning?”

“Fine,” Tels answered. She turned her attention back to the twins. “And Cha is fine too.”

Jacob nodded. “Good. Tels if there was something we could do to change this we would.”

She stiffened slightly. “But it's not possible. She is who she is right?”

“Yeah,” Jacob said slowly. “But we have destroyed the texts and tablets that we have and the temple ruins are due to meet with a rather unfortunate accident.”

Tels looked at them shocked, feeling her reaction echoed in Cha'ris. “Why?”

Malek looked at her. “Because what we asked was wrong. We know why she found it hard and what she did and we don't want anyone else tracing her and forcing it again. If you chose to do this again, it will be your choice and yours alone.”

Tels nodded. “She is grateful. She asks that you forgive her for not coming fore but she is still very weak. She has a few requests.”

Malek nodded.

Tels continued. “She asks that the symbiotes not know where she is or know her name. She doesn't want to be a page in a history text. This cost too much, in so many ways. She doesn't want to be approached again about this, she will decide if and when she does it again. She also asks that you show her the proper respect due to her as Queen of the Tok'ra and kneel at her feet.”

Johnny snorted as the two Tok'ra looked at each other and then at her. The looks on their faces was priceless.

Tels elbowed him sharply. “She wants a statue erected in her honour, with a false name of course and that tribute is paid three times a year and…..” She broke off giggling. “I'm sorry but you guys should see your faces.”

Jacob smiled. “I guess we had that coming.”

Tels nodded slightly. “Yeah. One way or another I had my life turned upside down over the past few days. But it's over now. The Tok'ra have a future and I have my life here.”

Malek nodded. “We will not ask this of you again my Queen,” he said.

Tels looked at him. “You know a girl could get used to that title.” She smiled. “But I don't want it and nor does Cha. We're just a normal person who just happened to be able to help.”

Jacob looked at her. “Do you want to know where we are taking them?” he asked.

Tels shook her head. “No. Like I said we don't want to know anything. They belong to the Tok'ra, not us.” She paused. “Our gift of new hope if you like.”

---- --- --- --- ---

The ship left orbit, heading towards a planet outside the gate system. It would take them five days at hyperspeed to get there but the new symbiotes would be safe there. Jacob and Malek watched them in the tank.

“Was it worth it?” Jacob asked slowly. “We may just have lost Cha'ris and Tels for good now.”

Malek looked at him. “I doubt it. I know she wants no part of the Tok'ra but I don't think for a moment she would abandon us completely. She is a part of us forever now, whether she likes it or not. Thanks to her the Tok'ra have a future now. A new hope and a new generation, and with a Queen amongst them, the lineage is secure.”

The End.

© Tels 2005

rtn to fanfic