The Stranger With His Face

Title: The Stranger With His Face
Author: Tels
Fandom: Stargate SG1
Characters: Malek/Jacob/Elise
Rating: R
Word count: 11,776
Prompt: # 25 - strangers
Summary: Malek acts very out of character.
Warning: Dark fic. Violence. Non con. Domestic violence. But he will get what's coming to him in the end.

The stranger with his face
By Tels

Jacob leaned against the doorway to Malek's office and looked at him. “When did you last get any rest?” he asked.

Malek looked up wearily. “Not you as well,” he complained. “Elise has been on my back about that for several days.”

Jacob came in and sat on the desk. “She cares about you, just like I do.” He paused. “Well maybe not exactly the way she does but even so. You should take a break,” he finished trying not to drop himself any deeper into the hole he'd just dug.

Malek nodded slightly. “I still have several mission reports to go through as well as trying to organise the supply route between here and Mandrel and…”

Jacob held up a hand. “Enough already. You need a break. Mission reports can wait.”

“No they can not. They should have been signed and sent to the council two days ago.”

“Then another hour or so won't matter. Come on, its time you ate something and then rested.”

Malek sighed and put down the padd.

Jacob grinned. “Plus it will stop Elise from moaning which has to be a good thing right?”

Inclining his head slightly, Malek followed Jacob to the eating commons and took the plate of food. Sitting down he pushed it around the plate, just nibbling at it.

Jacob looked at him. “What's wrong with the food?”

“There is nothing wrong with the meal. I am just not hungry,” he said. “I should get back to work.”

“No, you eat,” a stern female voice said from behind him. “Or I have to take drastic measures.”

Malek rolled his eyes as Elise sat next to him. “And those would be?” he asked.

“Tie you to the bed and feed you myself,” she told him taking a mouthful of her meal. “Not even you can go without food indefinitely Mal.” She smiled at the figure opposite her. “Hello Jacob.”

“Hi,” Jacob smiled. He carried on eating, for once finding it palatable, although he wouldn't go as far as enjoyable.

“See, follow Jacob's example,” Elise said. “You have not eaten in four days Malek.”

He looked at her. “Are you keeping watch on me?” he asked harshly.

Elise looked at him, surprised by his tone. “We normally eat together,” she said. “And for the last four days I have eaten and slept alone.”

“Then perhaps my schedule simply did not match up with yours,” Malek snapped. He pushed the chair back and stood up. He picked up his plate and hurled it across the room. “Whether I eat or not is no concern of yours or anyone else's.” He fixed a steely glare on her, his angry voice carrying in the now silent room. “And just because we are mates does not mean I spend every night in your bed!”

Elise looked at him and then down, her cheeks burning.

Jacob looked at him. “Malek, there was no need for that…”

Malek glared at him. “There was every need. She needs to learn her place.” And with that he turned on his heel and left the room.

Elise waited until he had gone and the normal buzz of conversation had resumed before looking up. “Sorry,” she whispered.

Jacob shook his head. “Don't be,” he said. He reached over and took her hand. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I just … I have never seen him like this before. He is moody, irritable. It has been like it for over a week but it is getting worse. It was just little things at first and now the slightest thing sets him off.” <It is almost as if he were a different person> she finished silently, the thought being too absurd to voice aloud.

Jacob nodded. “Lack of sleep won't be helping. I'll let him calm down then I'll talk to him.”

Elise smiled at him. “Thank you. I should get back to work.” She got up and left the room, intending to head back towards the healing chambers. Instead she went back to the quarters she now shared with Malek. She needed to change out of her food spattered uniform. She crossed the room and went over to the chest. Opening it she pulled out a clean uniform.

Someone grabbed her arm roughly and spun her round making her cry out. The clean clothes fell to the floor. Terror filled her as she saw the hatred in the dark brown eyes before her. His eyes, but the familiar face was that of a stranger.

He glared at her. “You made me look stupid,” he snarled.

“What?” she asked. “You are hurting me.”

He shook her tightening his grip. “In the eating commons,” he yelled. “What are you playing at humiliating me like that in front of Selmak of all people?”

“I did not…”

“Tie me down and feed me?? I am not a child!!”

She gasped his name and then cried out as he began to hit her. She put up a hand to defend herself and managed to get in a few punches of her own before, he dropped her to the floor and began to kick her until she lost consciousness. Then he turned and left.

Some time later Elise came round and groaned as she moved. She kept her eyes closed, going over her body and assessing the damage. A cracked rib, split lip and black eye. Could be worse. She pulled herself to her feet and glanced in the mirror. The eye was pretty bad but nothing she couldn't handle. She moved away and leaned on the dresser, breathing carefully and wondering how she was going to get to the healing chambers unseen. She jumped as someone put a hand on her shoulder. “Oh!”

Jacob looked at her. “I didn't mean to scare you,” he said. “I knocked and called but you didn't answer. Are you okay?” He gently turned her round and looked at her in horror. “What happened?”

“I fell,” she said, embarrassed. She was meant to be able to defend herself, how did she admit she could not do so? “Stupid I know. It looks worse than it is.”

Jacob shook his head. “Let's get you to the healing chambers.”

Elise shook her head. “No… I can manage.” She winced slightly.

Jacob looked at her. “If it's a simple fall then there is no harm in getting Tilja to check you over now is there,” he told her.

“I guess,” she whispered. She let Jacob help her to through the tunnels, not wanting to admit breathing was difficult. She couldn't reach Talia at all, as she had pulled right back, absolutely terrified. She hugged her assuring her that they would be fine and would get through this.

When they arrived in the healing chambers Jacob helped her onto one of the exam tables and went to find Tilja. “I need you to take a look at Elise,” he said quietly. “She says she fell, but her injuries aren't consistent with that. Someone hit her. I'm going to find Malek, he needs to know.”

Tilja nodded and went over to Elise. “Jacob said you fell,” she said looking at her.

Elise nodded. “It is not serious. Jacob is making a fuss over nothing.”

“Well you are here now.” Tilja picked up the scanner and ran it over Elise. She pulled a face. “Some fall. You have two cracked ribs. Let me heal them and deal with some of the bruising you will have,” she said. “Take your tunic off for me.”

“Ask the others to leave,” Elise whispered.

Tilja looked at her then ordered all the others from the room.

With difficulty Elise removed her jacket. Her upper body was a mass of bruises and boot marks. She closed her eyes in shame.

“Elise,” Tilja whispered. “What happened?”

“I lost a fight,” Elise answered. “But they can not know that. Please just deal with the ribs.”

Tilja helped her lie down and began to use the healing device.

--- ---

Jacob tapped on Malek's office doorway. “Malek?”

Malek sighed and looked up. “We have had this conversation,” he said dryly.

Jacob looked at him. “Elise has been attacked,” he said getting straight to the point. “I just took her to the healing chambers.”

Malek's eyes widened slightly. “Is she alright?”

“Tilja is with her now. I thought you'd want to know.”

Malek got slowly to his feet. “Attacked? Did she say who did it?”

Jacob shook his head, following Malek through the tunnels. “No, she's insisting that she fell but her injuries don't match that story.”

“I see,” Malek replied shortly.

Jacob looked at him. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“I am fine. It seems to be Elise who is not.”

Jacob shook his head slightly. <Is that a normal reaction to being told the woman you love has been beaten up?> he asked.

Selmak thought for a moment. <Your reaction would be to go and find whoever did it and punch their lights out> she commented.

<Exactly. So would Malek under normal circumstances.>

Tilja looked at Elise. “Is that more comfortable?” she asked.

Elise nodded. “It is slightly easier to breathe now thank you.” She started to sit up, wanting her tunic back on before anyone came in. “I should get back to work.”

Tilja shook her head. “You have been attacked. You need to rest and recover.”

Elise looked at her. “I am fine,” she insisted.

Tilja looked hard at her. “Let me at least give you a hand with those bruises.”

Elise shook her head. “I can deal with it. Please I need…” She broke off as she heard two pairs of footsteps.

Jacob looked at Elise and then at Tilja. He didn't say anything but knew his instincts had been right.

Malek crossed over to her. “Elise… what happened?” he asked.

She looked him straight in the eyes. “I fell,” she said. “Now, if you will excuse me,” she put her tunic on and stiffly eased off the bed. “I have work to do.” She moved out of reach of Malek's hand and left the room, heading for her office.

Malek watched her go and then looked at Tilja. “Well?”

“She did not fall. She was severely beaten, punched and kicked. I healed two cracked ribs but she will not let me touch the bruises.”

Malek rounded on Jacob. “And you found her?”

Jacob didn't like his tone or what he was implying. “She was hurt when I found her. I had to insist on bringing her here.”

Malek nodded. “Well she obviously doesn't want to talk or press charges so I will leave it for now.” He turned to go.

Jacob grabbed his arm. “What the hell is wrong with you? Your mate has been viciously assaulted and you are just going to drop it?”

Malek looked at him. “She said she fell and until she says otherwise… there's nothing I can do.” He shook his arm free and headed back towards his office.

Jacob watched him go in amazement and then headed over to where Elise sat. He perched on the edge of her desk. “You should go and rest,” he told her.

Elise looked at him. “I am fine,” she said. “I can heal just as easily here as in my quarters.”

Jacob put a hand over hers and watched as she flinched and pulled back. “Who are you covering for?” he asked gently.

“No one,” she said quickly.

Jacob's head bent for an instant and then Selmak said “Elise, this can not go unpunished. Whoever attacked you needs to be caught before they do it to someone else.”

Elise swallowed. “I do not want to press charges,” she said. “So for the official record I fell.”

Selmak looked hard at her. “And if he does this again?”

Elise stood up. “I do not want to talk about this. I have rounds to do.”

Selmak grasped her wrist. “Did he do anything other than hit you?” she asked.

“Is what happened not enough?” Elise asked. “Please let go of me.” She left the room as Selmak let go.

Selmak sat there for a moment then got up. <Jacob something is wrong here. Very wrong.>

<Maybe we do some investigating ourselves. Find out who was in the vicinity of their quarters around the time of the attack.>

Jacob nodded. <Okay, let's do it.>

--- ---

Malek slowly walked through the base, doing his usual round before he called it a night. It had been a long day. He just wished that people would keep out of his affairs and let him get on with things as he wanted to do them. That is what he wanted and he would afford others the same courtesy. People needed to learn to keep out of things that did not concern them. Jacob in particular; he and Selmak had been poking round and asking questions all afternoon. Perhaps a mission which would take him a long way from here would do for now. And he knew just the place.

He reached the section of the base where Jacob's quarters were housed and peered round the doorway.

Jacob was lying on the bed reading. He glanced up and smiled. “Everything okay?”

Malek nodded. “I need you and Selmak to do something for me.”

Jacob sat up. “Sure.”

Malek inclined his head slightly. “I have a mission that needs undertaking to the colony on Mandrel. You and Selmak are the only ones I trust to do it.”

Jacob looked at him. “You're kidding?”

“This trade route is important. I need the negotiations to start tonight. And I need you to do it.”

“Tonight?” Jacob repeated.

Malek looked hard at him. “Is there an echo in here?” he asked. “Yes tonight. The details are in the report on my desk. I need you to establish a dialogue and set things up. It will take two maybe three days at the most.”

Jacob nodded and got up. “How is Elise?”

“I haven't seen her recently. I would imagine she is sleeping by now. I will see you when you get back.”

Jacob watched him leave and then picked up his pack. <That's a little suspicious> he said.

<It is. Anyone would think he wanted us off the base and out of the way.>

<Maybe he does. But maybe we can use this as a chance to poke around a bit.>

<You mean snoop?> Selmak asked.

<Why not? He's out of his office for the night. We have to go there anyway…>

Jacob moved swiftly to Malek's office and picked up the report from the desk. He scanned it quickly. At first glance there was nothing there that could not have waited until morning. Part of him wondered if Malek just plain wanted him out of the way. His friend had been acting out of character all day. Well for the past few days if he thought about it.

He glanced towards the doorway then moved over to the files and started going through them. He had no idea what he was looking for just that something was wrong. <This filing system look right to you?> he asked after a while.

Selmak shook her head. <No… it's chaos.>

<Interesting way of describing it.>

Jacob paused. <Why would Jared reverse the filing?>

<He's left handed. Malek has always had right handed hosts up until now. His natural inclination is to do things left to right. Jared's is right to left.>

<Just like you prefer women huh?>

<Good job you do then.>

Jacob pulled a face. <Get your mind out of the gutter!> he told her. <When was the last time Malek was off base?>

<A week ago. The council sent him to Mandrel.>

<Mandrel? That's where he wants us to go.> Jacob paused. <Where would he have put his report?>

<It could be anywhere now. Unless he didn't want it found in which case try the secret drawer under the desk.>

<Secret drawer under the desk?> Jacob laughed. <Not very secret if you know about it.>

Selmak shrugged. <Malek and I go way back> she said evasively.

Jacob ran his fingers along the underside of the desk and found the drawer. He clicked it open and pulled it out. <Nothing there.> He looked up as footsteps echoed down the tunnel. <Damn! I thought he'd gone to bed> he hissed. He shoved the drawer shut and grabbed the report and his pack.

Malek came into the office and glanced round. Something wasn't right. He moved over to the side and picked up the picture that had fallen face down. He traced the outline of the image for a moment then put it back down. He looked round the room again wondering what else was out of place. His eyes narrowed slightly then he headed back out into the tunnel.

--- ---

Elise lay on the bed with the sheet wrapped tightly round her, trying to talk to Talia. There had been nothing from her from several hours now. Footsteps at the door made her freeze. She closed her eyes pretending to sleep, trying to keep her breathing deep and regular. She listened as he moved round the room. Then the bed moved as he climbed under the covers and lay next to her. Her breath caught as she felt his body move behind hers and his hand move down her arm.

“I know you are not sleeping,” he told her.

Elise didn't move. “I'm tired,” she whispered. “It has been a long day and I hurt.”

Malek turned her over onto her back. “Then let me kiss it better,” he told her.

She turned her face away. “Malek Stop…”

He moved his lips over her neck, his hand sliding under her nightshirt, his nails scraping across her bruised skin.

She glared at him, not letting on that he was hurting her. “I said stop.”

“You were the one complaining I've been avoiding you,” he told her. “So I am here now.” His mouth covered hers, his lips rough and his tongue demanding entry.

She bit hard and pushed him off her. “I said no!”

Malek pushed her back down. “No doesn't exist!” he told her.

Elise swore at him in Goa'uld and fought as he took from her what should only be given in love.

--- ---

Jacob arrived on Mandrel to find the area around the gate deserted. <Well this is strange> he thought. <So much for this being vitally important.>

 Selmak commented.

<You're not the only one. Still let's go find this colony. The sooner we do this the sooner we can go home. I have this feeling we should never have left.>

--- ---

Elise lay still waiting for him to fall asleep. Once she was satisfied his breathing was deep and regular she carefully slid out from under his arm. Wrapping her robe around her and picking up a clean uniform, she left the room. She hurt; she hurt so much and felt so dirty but she was a proud woman and would not show how much she hurt until she was alone. She hurried towards the bathing pools, hoping they would be empty. She found one finally and slid into the water sobbing hard.

She was still there some hours later when Delek came in. He looked at her. “Is everything alright?” he asked.

She nodded, now fully in control of her emotions. “Yes, everything is fine.”

“Malek was looking for you. He asked for you to go to his office as soon as you could.”

She nodded. “Thank you. I will find him at some point.”

Delek hunkered down next to her. “Are you sure you are alright? I heard you were attacked yesterday. Those bruises look nasty.”

“I fell,” Elise said.

Delek shook his head. “That is a boot mark,” he said pointing to her arm. “You did not fall, did you?”

Elise looked at him. “I landed on my boot.”

Delek took a deep breath. “You can either talk to me or to the council in full session. This has to be dealt with Elise. I understand Malek has not yet started an investigation into it.”

“He does not need to,” Elise said. “The matter is closed.” She reached for the towel, uncomfortable with being so close to a man while naked in the bathing pool.

Delek turned his back for a moment allowing her to get out of the water. “The matter is far from closed. Either Malek begins an investigation or I do. You were assaulted whether you admit it or not.”

“Please just leave it,” Elise said. “It will make matters worse. I can deal with it.”

Delek looked at her. “How could things be worse?”

“He might kill me next time,” she said slowly and headed from the room.

Delek watched her go and then caught her up. “This is not going to go away,” he told her. “If there is someone on the base who is threatening you then someone in authority needs to know.”

Elise looked at him. “Who watches the watchers?” she asked. “There is nothing anyone can do.” She pulled away from him and headed down the tunnel.

“Malek's office,” Delek called after her.

--- ---

Malek stood in his office going through the files in the drawer. There was one in particular he was looking for and he could not find it. His irritation grew fuelling the constant anger that was boiling within him. He turned as someone came in the room. “About time…” he started and then broke off. “Aldwin, I thought you were someone else. What can I do for you?”

Aldwin held out the report. “This just came in from Jacob. He says the colony at Mandrel is deserted and wants to know what you wish him to do.”

Malek snatched the report and glanced at it. “Tell him to complete his mission,” he said sharply.

“But if the colony is abandoned…” Aldwin began.

Malek glared at him. “How Dare You question my orders?” he yelled slamming the report to his desk. “You will tell Jacob to complete his mission and not to come back until he has done so IS THAT CLEAR??”

Aldwin nodded. “I will tell him.” He turned and left. As he walked down the tunnel he met Elise. “If you are going to see Malek I would leave it a while,” he told her. “He is not in the best of moods.”

Elise took a deep breath. “He never is at the moment.”

Malek stuck his head out of his office. “ELISE!!” he yelled.

“Coming,” she replied and walked slowly down the tunnel. She paused outside the office really not wanting to go in but knowing she had to. She took a deep breath. Putting on a smile she walked into the office. “You wanted to see me?”

Malek looked at her. “Where's that report you said you would do for me last week?”

“The one on the toxic effects of habanera?” she asked.

“Yes,” Malek answered. “I want to go over it.”

“I gave it to you the day you requested it.”

He glared at her. “Well it's not here.”

“It must be.”

“It is not!” he said crossing the room towards her, his eyes flashing.

Elise shook her head confused. “I did do it. I gave it to you last week.”

Malek reached her side, his eyes glowing hot. “You know what happens to those who defy me,” he told her holding her firmly.

“Yes I do. And I put the report on your desk,” she insisted. She flinched as Malek's hand slammed into the wall by her head.

“Then where is it?!” he yelled.

She shook her head. “I do not know where you put it,” she told him.

Malek slammed his hand into the wall several times, yelling harshly in Goa'uld. The tip of his fingers caught her eye and she gasped. He paused and looked at the blood tricking down her face. He leaned in and licked it away. “Go and do the report again,” he told her.

She nodded. “Alright.”

“Or you will pay, is that understood.”

“Perfectly.”

Malek pulled her close to him and kissed her possessively. “I don't want to hurt you but if I need to I will,” he hissed in her ear as he bit it hard. His hand slid down her body, making his promise of “I will see you later” seem more like a threat.

There was a cough from the door. Malek looked up. “Garshaw… What can I do for you?”

Elise pulled away from him. “I had better go and do that report,” she said.

Malek nodded. “You do that.”

Garshaw watched as Elise almost ran from the room. “Is she alright?”

Malek nodded shortly. “She's fine.”

Garshaw looked at him. “I had a report saying that she had been attacked. Is this true?”

“She told me she fell,” Malek said walking around his desk and sitting down. “Until she says otherwise there is nothing I can do.”

Garshaw moved over to him. “You could start an investigation.”

Malek sighed heavily. “What's the point?” he snapped. “She doesn't want to press charges, is adamant she fell. And besides… she's so clumsy these days she probably did fall.”

Garshaw looked at him. “According to the medical report she was kicked and beaten,” she said firmly. “Whether she wants to press charges or not is irrelevant. It is your duty as her base commander to look into this and deal with it.”

“What medical report?” Malek asked.

Garshaw handed it to him. “This one.” She eyed him carefully. “Tilja said she had sent you a copy.”

Malek snatched the report and scanned it. “No she didn't. Which doesn't surprise me; the medical staff around here can be rather lax in their duties at times.” He dropped the report to her desk. “But as I said unless she decides to tell me what happened there's not much I can do.”

Garshaw looked at him. “Really?” she said.

Malek nodded. “Was there anything else I can do for you?”

“I need to speak with Elise and with Jacob while I am here.”

“Jacob is on a mission and Elise is in the healing chambers most likely.”

Garshaw raised an eyebrow. “Jacob is on a mission?”

“He is dealing with something for me in one of the colony's we keep in contact with. It came up suddenly and he was the best person to send. He should be back in two or three days. I'll tell him you were looking for him shall I?”

Garshaw nodded. “Yes, thank you.” She turned and left the room.

Malek looked at his personal guard and narrowed his eyes slightly and inclined his head at Garshaw. He watched as both guards left their posts to escort Garshaw to wherever she wished to go. Of course they would report back to him precisely what she did and what was said. He pressed his fingertips together and then leaned them thoughtfully against his face for a moment. Then he nodded and stood up, heading into the tunnels.

--- ---

Garshaw looked at Elise. “You have to tell me who did this. Delek did have a point about that.”

Elise shook her head. “I told him I fell. And even if…”

Garshaw cut her off. “You told him ‘He might kill me next time'. Who is this he you are so afraid of?”

Elise glanced over at the doorway and then shook her head. “I fell,” she repeated. “And that is what I will tell the council if they ask.”

Garshaw sighed and stood up. “Very well. I can not make you talk if you do not wish too.” She looked at her. “He will hurt you again,” she said gently. “And if not you then someone else.”

Elise nodded, her eyes glistening.

Garshaw looked at her closely. “Your eye is bleeding.”

Elise lifted a hand to her eye and touched it carefully. “I had not realised,” she said. “I apologise, I will go and see to it.” She stood up and took the healing device from the shelf.

“Elise!” Garshaw said.

Elise jumped slightly at her tone of voice and then turned.

“You are stronger than this,” Garshaw said. “Do not let whoever this is walk all over you. You are a proud woman but do not let that pride stand between you and the help you deserve.”

--- ---

Jacob shook his head in disbelief. 

<For once I agree with you. We go back.>

<And not a minute too soon either.> He thought as he arrived back at the base. There was an unusual tension in the air. Jacob walked slowly through the tunnels. When he passed Aldwin he stopped him. “Is something wrong?”

Aldwin looked at him. “What are you doing back? Malek said for you to complete the mission.”

“The colony is deserted. It's been deserted for several hundred years.”

“Oh,” Aldwin said. “But how can that be?”

“Where's Malek?”

“Not happy… some of the reports have gone missing and he is trying to track them down. He was heading for the records section.”

Jacob nodded. “I'll catch up with him there.” He set off at a run, something gnawing at his gut. He was half way there when something made him detour past the healing chambers. He stopped short as his eyes took in the devastation. Equipment lay strewn across the floor, some of it broken. Chairs overturned, padds here, there and everywhere and in the midst of the mess Elise knelt trying to pick up the china shards of a broken mug.

He ran over to her wondering where the other healers were. “Hey,” he said gently. “Let me help.”

“I can manage but thank you,” she said not looking up.

Jacob raised her face to hers. “Elise,” he said gently taking her torn and bloodied hands carefully into hers. “You don't have to fight this alone anymore.”

Her bottom lip trembled as she looked at him. “Help me…” she whispered.

She sat on the bed as Jacob ran the healing device over her hands. Delek was also in the room and there was an armed guard at the door. She had finally stopped crying, the cut by her eye had stopped bleeding.

Delek looked at her. “Did you fall this time too?” he asked her.

Elise looked at him and then down. “No,” she responded. She wasn't going to hide anymore. This was her problem yes but she did not have to deal with it alone.

Jacob looked at her. “He can't get you now,” he said. “The guard will protect you and once you tell us who it is we can deal with it.”

“But no one can. He is bigger than all of you, stronger… he said he would kill me and he will.” She broke off. “But I am already condemned. I love him and I thought he loved me.”

Jacob looked at her. “Malek did this?” he said shocked.

Delek looked blankly at them. “I did not realise you and Malek were involved.”

Elise looked at Jacob. “He… you know you asked if… if he…” she broke off.

Jacob closed his eyes knowing exactly what she meant and took a deep breath. Then he let Selmak fore. “Elise?”

Elise took a deep breath looking at her hands for a moment and then looked back up. “He raped me,” she whispered. “Three times… I tried to stop him, I fought back, cried out but no one heard.”

“It's not your fault,” Selmak told her quietly.

Elise looked at her, tears falling again. “I love him but…He scares me now.”

Selmak pulled her into a hug. “Let us deal with him,” she said. She looked at Delek. “Send the guards to arrest him.”

“Arrest who?” came a voice from the door. “What in Netu is going on here?” He pushed his way past the guards. “Well?” he demanded.

Delek looked at him. “We want to ask you the same question Malek,” he said. “And then a few more.” He pulled the zat off his belt and aimed it at Malek. “I suggest you come quietly.”

Malek's eyes flashed hard and he moved in fast, kicking the zat from Delek's hand and then knocking him to the floor. Both men scrambled for the zat at the same time, Malek reaching it slightly faster. He aimed at Delek and fired sending him convulsing to the floor. Then he spun round and aimed at Jacob and Elise. “You shouldn't have come back,” he snarled. “Why can't you follow orders?”

Jacob put himself in front of Elise, deliberately putting himself in the line of fire. “Why start negotiations with a colony that has been dead for several generations?” he asked.

“You were given an assignment, which you didn't complete!” Malek snapped. “If you of all people can't obey my orders then…”

Jacob looked hard at Malek. “When did you start speaking with contractions?”

Malek shook his head. “That's got nothing to do with this. Move out of the way.”

“Why? So you can hit her again?” He looked at Malek. “Yes she told me. And I despise men who hit women.” He moved forwards and punched Malek sending him to the floor. “And rapists are the lowest of the low.”

Malek snarled with rage and rolled over. He got up and charged over to Jacob. Punches flew left and right for a while, with Jacob landing most of them. Then Malek raised the zat hitting Jacob hard on the side of the head.

Jacob grunted as bright white pain shot through him and he collapsed to the floor.

Elise stood firm as Malek advanced on her. “Leave me alone,” she told him.

“With pleasure… permanently.” He brought the zat up and pressed the trigger.

Elise moved to one side as the blue discharge shot towards her. Then she leapt forwards grabbing his hand and trying to pull the zat from him.

Malek fought back; initially the stronger of the two but Elise tightened her grip forcing his fingers loose one by one. Then she kicked him sending him backwards, the zat falling from his hand to the floor. She grabbed it and smashed it hard against the side of his head before Malek even knew what hit him. Then she sank back against the wall, sliding down it hugging her knees, the zat held tightly in her fingers.

--- ---

Jacob watched the figure on the monitors. “And he's said nothing?” he said. He had a slight bruise on his temple and a headache but Selmak was working on both of them. He had shrugged off Elise's request that he rested for a while. He wanted to get to the bottom of this.

Delek shook his head. “I was about to order a za'tarc test.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I want Elise there when we do it.” Jacob sighed heavily. “I just don't believe any of this.” He paused. “He has been behaving oddly for over a week. Not eating or sleeping much, his temper has been much shorter than normal and his treatment of Elise just beggars belief.”

Delek looked at him. “Beggars belief?” he queried.

“Something that is too hard to believe,” Jacob said. “And something else. Elise said she has not seen Jared since Malek's behaviour changed.”

Delek raised an eyebrow. “No one sees Jared much. Or Talia for that matter.”

Jacob rubbed the back of his neck. “With Elise it is different. The four of them are mates, each spending time with the other. But Jared has not been fore for over a week.” He watched as the figure pulled hard on the restraints, demanding to be let out. “What will the council do?”

Delek inclined his head slightly. “As Selmak well knows, depending on the outcome of the za'tarc, he will lose his position as base commander and face possible extraction and being placed in a stasis chamber.”

Jacob looked back at the screen. “Why Malek?” he asked rhetorically. “What caused you to turn against the woman you love and risk everything you've known?”

--- ---

The gate opened and a tired, bedraggled figure staggered through. His black clothes were torn and dusty and his wet dirty hair hung in rats tails around his bruised face. He dropped to his knees knowing the guards would appear. He was home now and safe. Something he didn't think would ever happen. He momentarily gave in to the pain coursing through him. “Not much longer,” he whispered, knowing how hurt he really was.

Three guards approached him, staff weapons ready to fire, the fourth running back to the base. “Who are you?” one demanded.

The man looked up. “That is a stupid question,” he gasped. He pulled himself to his feet. “Do you not recognise me?” He took a step forward. “Let me pass,” he said.

“Stand still!” the guard told him. “Who are you?”

The man looked at them. “I have not been away that long,” he said. “And I may not be in my uniform but you know who I am Ethan.”

Ethan pulled back the activator on the staff weapon. “I said keep your distance!” he repeated.

The man raised his hands. “Alright… send for Jacob or Aldwin. They will tell you who I am.”

Jacob came up behind Ethan, zat in his hand ready to fire. “Who are you?” he asked.

Relief filled the man's eyes. “Jacob, please tell them who I am.”

Jacob raised the zat. “I want your name, an explanation of how you know my name and quickly.”

The man rolled his eyes. “My name is Jared; I am host to Malek of the Tok'ra as you very well know. Now please… it has been a long week. I am tired, I am thirsty and I hurt.”

Jacob looked at him. “That's a lie,” he told him. “Malek is here where he has been all week. Now I will ask you one more time. Who Are You?”

Jared's eyes glowed. “You know damn well who I am!” Malek told him. “Now stop messing about and let me pass.”

Jacob shook his head and fired the zat once. “Take him to a holding cell,” he told the guards. He watched as they pulled the stranger to his feet and dragged him towards the rings. <What the hell is going on here?> he asked Selmak.

Selmak shook her head.  she asked.

 He thought for a moment. <We should prepare to evacuate to the new base now. No matter who is the real Malek our position has been compromised. We can spend the 16 hours that will take to interrogate them both.>

She nodded. 

Jacob ringed down and found Aldwin and gave the evacuation order. “Leave me three guards, Elise and the two prisoners,” he told him.

Aldwin nodded and did as instructed.

Jacob then went back to the holding cells.

Delek looked up as he came in. “It is remarkable,” he said indicating the two men. “They appear identical in every way.”

Jacob nodded. “But which one, if any is the real Malek?”

“Hey… Aldwin said we're evacuating but I'm to work with you two,” said a voice behind them. “What gives?”

Jacob indicated the monitors. “Ten minutes ago the gate activated and someone claiming to be Malek came through. Initially it was Jared in control, or someone claiming to be Jared.”

Elise moved over to the monitors. “How?” she whispered, running a hand over each screen.

“I don't know,” Jacob told her. “But we are going to za'tarc both of them. I was hoping maybe you could…”

She looked at him. “Could what?” she asked.

“Tell them apart somehow,” Jacob's voice tailed off.

Elise looked at him. “I could run tests, brain scans that type of thing,” she said slowly.

Jacob nodded. “That would be good. You can do that before we za'tarc them.”

She nodded. “I will do it now.” She took a long look at them both again.

Ten minutes later the guard lowered the force field to one of the cells. Elise nodded to him and stepped through. Malek looked at her and scowled. “What do you want?” he hissed.

“Five minutes of your time,” she told him. “You raise a hand to me and I promise you, you will regret it.”

He tugged on the restraints. “And how am I supposed to do that?” he yelled. “You let me out of here and maybe I won't kill you!”

Elise moved over to him. “You will not get chance.” She turned on the scanner running it carefully over him.

He tried to move. “Get that thing away from me!” he shouted. “This isn't on. You know who I am!”

She looked at him. “You are the man who beat me, raped me and humiliated me. These tests are being run at the request of the council.”

Malek moved his head out of the way. “And if I refuse to let you anywhere near me?” he asked spitting at her.

Jacob moved into his field of vision, having followed Elise into the room. “Then I will knock you out, tie you down and she will do them,” he said firmly.

Malek narrowed his eyes but finally submitted. He objected again when she wanted to draw blood but she gave him no choice.

When she was finished she looked at him for a moment then went over to the door. “Okay.” She moved through and then round where he couldn't see her, for a moment giving into her emotions.

Jacob put a hand on her shoulder. “Well done,” he told her. “It can't have been easy.”

“It was anything but easy, but I did it.” She smiled at him.

In the next cell Jared was fore once more and pulling desperately on the restraints. He couldn't understand why they were being treated like this. Jacob's comment about them having been here didn't make sense either as he knew he hadn't been. Malek was still trying to deal with the injuries they had received while off base. When the force field went down he looked up and then as Elise came in his eyes lit up. “Elle,” he said. “Hon you have to let me out of here please…” He only had eyes for her, not noticing Jacob in the corner of the room.

Elise moved over to him. “I have tests the council want me to run,” she said. “There are scans and blood tests. Then they will za'tarc test you.”

“What have we done?” he asked. “My love please…” He tried to pull against the restraints then noticed the bruising on her face. “What happened? Elle you're hurt… what happened?”

Elise bit her lip. “I have to do these tests,” she said. She ran the scanner over him. “You have severe injuries,” she said flatly.

Jared looked at her, really not understanding this at all. “It's called torture,” he said. “We were lucky to escape with our lives. That's why Malek isn't in control. He's desperately trying to finish healing us. Jacob zatting us just made things worse.” He winced as Elise started the brain scans and the deep scans of his neck.

She didn't say another word as she finished up and drew the blood.

Jacob stood silent watching the two of them. <Sel that has to be them… he shows so much concern for Elise and no one else calls her Elle.>

<No one ever has. That is Jared's private name for her.> She looked at him through Jacob's eyes. <He is more concerned for Elise than he is for himself.>

Jacob nodded. 

Jared watched her head towards the door. “Elle… don't leave us here, please…” His voice tailed off as she left the room and they raised the force field again. Then he pushed his head back into the wall. His face contorted slightly as the depth of his emotion showed for an instant. Deep sorrow, pain, confusion and rejection filled his eyes and every fibre of his being, before he hid it again. He closed his eyes wondering why he had bothered to escape in the first place.

--- ---

Jacob and Delek stood there in silence as Elise went over the test results. “Well?” Jacob asked.

“There is a difference between the two,” she said quietly. “Just a slight bio molecular discrepancy at the cellular level, but I can not put my finger on it without closer examination.” She put the padd down and ran a hand over her face.

Delek picked up the padd. “Can you say which one is our Malek?” he asked.

Elise looked at him. “That depends if you want my gut instinct as Jacob would say, or scientific facts.”

Delek nodded slightly. “Both,” he said.

“My gut instinct says Jared is the real one,” she said quietly. “For your scientific evidence, I need to check against my records,” she replied. “Once you have za'tarc tested them I may have an answer for you.”

Jacob looked at her. “I want you there for that,” he said. “We'll check the records now.” He looked at the guards. “If either of them tries anything, shoot them.”

The guards nodded.

In the healing chambers Elise pulled up Malek's records from his last check up. “These are the two most recent,” she said. “This one was done just before his off world assignment and this one immediately upon his return.” She sat at the desk with the padds in her hands. She ran her finger over the data, her brow creasing in concentration. <This does not make sense> she whispered, feeling Talia stir.

<What doesn't?>

<This… the results do not match up. At all>

Jacob watched her. “What's wrong?”

“This is not right.” She laid the padds down and started pointing out discrepancies to the two men. “It is basic things that should have been picked up on immediately but for some reason…” She broke off. She scrolled down to the bottom of the report. “It has not been signed.”

Delek looked at her. “Who was on duty that day?”

“I was but I did not do Malek's exam. I was healing Aldwin. He got injured in a cave in. It happened just as Malek returned so Tilja said she would see to Malek.”

Jacob looked at her. “I see. Okay let's za'tarc the both of them and go from there.”

Malek fought as they restrained him in the chair and put the memory chip in. “You can't do this!” he yelled. “I'll bring the lot of you up on charges!”

Jacob looked at him. “Who are you?” he asked.

Malek swore at him in Goa'uld before giving them his name. The screen stayed blue.

Jacob ignored the rants and looked at him. “What happened on the last mission you went on?” he asked.

Malek shook his head. “I'm not going to answer your pathetic questions!” he yelled.

Delek pulled the zat from his belt. “Yes you will,” he told him. “The council have ordered that this be done in light of your recent behaviour.”

“My what?” Malek spat.

“You have been arrested on charges of assault,” Delek said bluntly. “You will answer to them and anything else we deem necessary to ask.”

Elise sat to one side half listening and half going over the medical reports from the healing chambers. There was a marked difference between them. They were quite clearly the scans of two different people. What she didn't understand was how this wasn't picked up on before or why she hadn't seen the second one and signed off on it. She glanced up as she heard her name mentioned.

Malek looked daggers at Jacob. “My personal relationship with her is nothing to do with you, the council or anyone else!”

“It became the council's business the moment you hit her!” Jacob snapped.

“I did not lay a finger on her,” Malek yelled trying to get up out of the chair. The screen swung red.

Jacob looked at him. “That's not what she says.”

“Then she's lying! Probably to cover the fact she hasn't been doing her job the past week. Reports have gone missing or not been filed. She's the one who should be sat here answering these questions not me!”

Delek raised an eyebrow. “That is more likely to be your filing system,” he told him. “Even so that does not excuse your behaviour.”

Malek looked over at Elise. A look of pure hatred and distrust in his eyes. “She is nothing more than a slut, a fae'den. She deserves everything she got and more.” He deliberately used the worst term for a woman he could think of. A woman of low repute who stops at nothing to get her own way.

Elise paled and swallowed. Then pulling what little dignity she could together, she got up and left the room. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. She could hear Jacob and Delek still interrogating Malek, his answers getting more erratic and contradictory all the time. He blamed her for everything. The missing reports, his behaviour, even his attack on her was her fault.

Jacob looked at the dial and then up at Malek. “What about the habanera report?” he asked. “What is so important about that?”

Malek just laughed. “You'll see,” he said.

Delek raised the zat. “Answer the question!” he said.

Malek looked at him. “I already did,” he said.

Jacob shook his head. “I've heard enough. Take him back to the cell,” he said looking at the guards. “Then bring the other one in.”

The guards moved over to Malek and let him up, grabbing him securely before taking him back down the tunnels. His shouts and insults echoing off the tunnel walls.

Elise slowly came back in, her cheeks tinged red.

Delek looked at her. “What he said was not true,” he said to her. “No one asks for or deserves to be treated the way he treated you.”

Elise looked down. “Maybe he had a point,” she said. “I should have known what was going on with him.”

“That still does not mean he was right.” Delek looked at her. “I know what most people think of me but I have the same principals as any sane person. Women are to be loved not abused.”

Jacob looked at him. “Thank you,” he said seeing Delek in a different light. They did not see eye to eye on most things but it was nice to have him on the same side for once.

Delek nodded slightly.

The guards came back in with Jared strapping him unceremoniously into the chair. They pushed his head back hard enough for him to see stars. “Thank you!” he muttered sarcastically. “Like I don't hurt enough already.”

Jacob looked at him. “Are you going to tell us who you are now?” he asked.

Jared looked at him. “Why are you doing this?” he responded. “I get sent off base a week ago, spend the entire time captured, tortured and finally escape to get thrown in my own holding cell.” He looked over at Elise. “Does this have anything to do with Elle? Who hurt her?”

Delek looked at him. “You did,” he said bluntly. For now he was going to be the ‘bad cop' to Jacob's ‘good cop'. Jacob had explained the idea to him earlier and although it had not worked as well on the other Malek it might on this one.

Jared's face fell. “ What ?” he whispered. “I'd never lift a finger to her. I love her.” He flicked his eyes from Delek to Jacob and then to Elle. “Are they serious?” he asked. “Elle did I do this to you?”

Elise turned away fighting to stay in control.

Delek looked at Jared. “You will answer our questions,” he told him. “Who are you?”

“My name is Jared, host to Malek. We've been blended over 70 years now. His previous host was Dayna.”

Jacob watched the screen. It stayed blue. “You claim not to have been here the past week. We know for a fact you or someone claiming to be you has been. Where were you?”

Jared looked straight ahead. “The council sent me to Mandrel,” he replied. “But the place was deserted. It hadn't been lived in for years, centuries even. This struck us as strange since the council seemed to think there was a colony there.” He paused. “We spent an hour going over the ruins when there was an explosion. Next thing I remember was waking up in a cell.”

Jacob looked at the dial and then back up. “Go on.”

Jared described in detail how the people that had him ran a series of tests, extracting samples of hair, blood and other body substances. “Of course I fought, but they were too many and too strong. Malek and I decided to let them do what they needed and then try to escape. Only they had other plans.” He broke off shifting slightly.

Delek looked at him. “Are you alright?”

“I just spent seven days being tortured,” Jared snapped. “Then I get home and you lot treat me like a common criminal. Of course I am not alright!” He took a deep breath. “Malek was managing the repairs until we got zatted. Now it is harder on him.”

Jacob looked at Elise and nodded.

She took a deep breath and picked up the scanner and moved over to him. She set the scanner to pick up any minute cellular differences from his normal scan result and ran it over the back of his neck.

Jared tried to reach her hand but the restraints were too tight. “Elle please… are you and Talli okay? What happened to you?”

Delek looked at him. “What does it look like?” he asked.

“It looks like she was beaten,” Jared said slowly.

“More than once and more than just beaten,” Delek told him, watching the colour drain from the other man's face.

Jacob looked at him. “When did you escape?”

Jared shook his head slightly. “Ummm a few hours ago. Just before I came here, Look never mind me,” he pulled against the restraints. “It's Elle and Talli we need to worry about… hon are you okay?”

Elise looked over at Jacob. “He needs help with the injuries,” she said slowly. She walked over to the two men and handed them the padd.

Jacob took it and looked at the guards. “Take him to the healing chambers. Do not let him out of your sight.” Then he turned his attention to the padd. “Which results do these tally with?” he asked.

“The ones taken before he left. I will not know about the blood work for a bit longer but… my gut tells me this is him.”

Delek nodded slightly. “I concur but until we can speak to Malek…”

Jacob nodded. “Yes I know.” He looked at Elise. “Heal him and then we za'tarc Malek.”

Elise nodded. She made her way to the healing chambers. Jared was lying there restrained again, the guards holding zats on him. She slid the healing device onto her hand. “Keep still,” she told him.

Jared scoffed, “I can't do anything else.” He closed his eyes feeling the warmth of the healing device spread through him. “You should let someone help you,” he said.

She shook her head. “My injuries are not so easy,” she said. “They go deep.”

He looked at her. “What happened? No one will tell me anything.”

“Once we verify who you are,” Jacob told him. “Once Elise has healed you we need to test Malek.”

Jared nodded. “Alright, guess I really don't have a choice do I? Not if I have to prove who I am. I have not been here for a week. I do not know who was but it was not me!”

An hour later he was strapped back into the za'tarc tester and Malek was fore. He looked at Jacob. “My name is Malek,” he told him. “We left here just over a week ago. Got captured and severely tortured. I have spent the past few days trying to keep Jared alive so that we could return home. Quite frankly, despite being prepared to answer your questions in order to clear this whole mess up, we now wonder why we bothered to come home.”

Jacob looked at the dial and then at the figure in the chair. “Why?” he asked.

Malek glanced at Elise and then back at Jacob. “Since we got back we have been zatted, locked up, treated no better than those who were holding us. Our mate can not bear to be anywhere near us. She is hurting, has been hurt and no one will tell us anything apart from the fact that we did it!” He looked at Elise. “My love you know I would never hurt you. I could not, would not… you know that.”

Jacob looked at the dial. It stayed blue. He asked more questions about the type of tests that had been run on him and then looked at Elise. “He passed,” he said. Then he looked over at Delek. “Let him up while the guards bring the other one in.”

Delek nodded and moved over to Malek unstrapping him.

Malek nodded to him and immediately started to cross over to Elise. “My love?” he asked reaching out to her.

Elise backed away slightly.

Malek stopped and pulled back a hurt look on his face. “I do not understand,” he said. “Please tell me what happened to you. Why are you so afraid of me now?”

Jacob nodded to the door. “That's why.”

Malek turned to see ‘himself' standing in the doorway. “What?” he asked.

Malek2.0 glared at Elise, ignoring everyone else in the room. “You ruined everything,” he told her sharply. “This would've worked if it hadn't been for you spoiling things by not filing the report correctly.”

Elise looked at him. “Actually I did file the report correctly, at least according to the way the system is normally run.”

He shook off the guard and started across the room towards her. “No one would have suspected a thing if you had kept your mouth shut in the first place.” He reached her and grabbed hold of her.

The other men reacted instantly bringing zats to bear. “Let her go!” Jacob ordered.

Malek2.0 tightened his grip on her, slowly throttling her. Then he looked at Malek. “You are weak, just like we thought you would be. Easy to imitate, twist to our own devices. But we reckoned without this one. She knew something was wrong so I avoided her. But that wasn't good enough was it!”

Elise put her hands up to her throat, struggling to breathe now.

Malek moved over to them. “Let her go!” he told him, trying to pull him off her.

Malek2.0 shook him off. “If she'd kept her mouth shut she would not have been hurt. Now she has to die as do all of you.”

Malek grabbed hold of Malek2.0 again. “I said let her go!”

Malek2.0 lashed out with one hand sending Malek to the floor.

Elise felt everything start to fade.

Malek looked at Jacob. “Shoot him!” he yelled pushing himself back to his feet.

Jacob looked at him. “I don't want to hurt Elise,” he answered.

Malek shook his head and snatched the zat off one of the guards. “He's killing her dammit!” He fired, the blue discharge sizzling through both figures sending them to the floor. Then he ran over to them and kicked Malek2.0 to one side. Dropping to his knees he put a gentle hand on Elise's neck. “There's no pulse!” he cried.

Jacob moved to his side. “She's not breathing,” he said. “Starting CPR.”

Malek watched as Jacob worked to save Elise while Delek and the guards tied Malek2.0 up. He waited by Elise until Malek2.0 he came round. Then he put the zat to his head. “What are you?” he asked.

Malek2.0 looked at him. “Your downfall,” he said.

Malek pulled him to his feet and proceeded to hit him hard several times, watching in satisfaction as he fell to the floor unconscious again. Then he looked over at Elise. “Is she?” he asked.

Jacob looked at him. “She'll be fine, just give her a minute.”

Malek nodded and turned his attention back to his counterpart waiting for him to wake again.

After a few minutes Elise had recovered sufficiently to move over to Malek's side. “Give me the zat,” she said quietly.

Malek nodded to one of the guards who gave his zat to Elise.

She took it and looked down at the figure on the ground. “Why?” she asked. “Why did you make me think you were someone else?”

“It was necessary. He came where he should not, posed a threat to our people. The habanera, it kills us. We couldn't let it continue.”

Malek looked at him. “I was sent there, I told your people this, but the place was in ruins.”

“You brought the habanera with you. The vials…”

Malek's eyes narrowed. “I was told to bring that. Tilja gave it to me.” He looked at Jacob. “Where is she?”

“We evacuated the base. She's with the others.”

“Bring her back.”

Elise looked at Malek2.0 and raised the zat. “But why hurt me?” she asked.

Malek2.0 looked at her. “Your people posed a threat,” he told her. He tilted his head slightly. “When we discovered how much he cared for you, you were chosen to be the vessel of our revenge.”

Elise's eyes narrowed. “How?”

Malek2.0 laughed. “I think we succeeded, you don't want to be anywhere near him now. I was to find the information on the habanera, ruin things between you and him. Then on my return he would be released and sent back here. With his memory wiped of course.” He looked at Malek and smirked. “And your reputation in ruins.”

Elise hit him on the side of the head with the zat sending him to the floor.

Malek2.0 landed hard.

Jacob moved over to Elise. “We need him alive for now,” he told her, putting his hand over hers before she could fire again.

“He doesn't deserve to live… not after what he did.”

Jacob nodded. “No he doesn't, but this isn't the way to do it. I know he hurt you, but this won't help.”

Elise didn't look at him, her finger tightening on the trigger. “It will…”

Malek looked at her and moved between his doppelganger and the zat. “My love…”

“Get out of my way,” she said. “You don't know what he did to me…”

“I know he hurt you,” Malek said. “And he will pay but not like this.”

Elise looked past him and looked at Malek2.0. “You're not worth it,” she said slowly and lowered her hand, taking her finger off the trigger.

Jacob let go of her hand.

Malek nodded and started to move to one side.

Malek2.0 suddenly bolted up off the floor and grabbed the knife off one of the guard's belts. Before anyone could react he moved forwards plunging the knife into Malek's neck.

Malek cried out in pain, falling forward.

Elise automatically swung the zat back up firing twice. She watched him die then dropped the zat and got to her knees beside Malek.

Malek moaned slightly as she touched him. “Elle…”

“Keep still my love.” She looked up at Delek who was standing next to her. “I need to get him to the healing chambers. It will be quicker than bringing what I need here.”

Delek nodded and he and Jacob gently lifted Malek, carrying him through the tunnels and laid him gently on one of the beds.

Elise worked fast, removing the knife and healing the damage. She glanced up at the two council members standing there. “He will be fine,” she said. “He needs rest.”

Jacob nodded. “And you need healing. Selmak says she'll do it if you'd find that easier.”

“That can wait,” she said.

Jared opened his eyes. “No it can not wait,” he said gently. “Please hon, let Selmak heal you, then we can both go and rest and talk.” He managed a smile. “Malek is finishing the healing so Selmak can heal you. We don't want you hurting anymore.”

Delek looked at Jacob. “I will go and talk to Tilja when she gets here. Join me when you can.”

Jacob nodded and then moved over to Elise letting Selmak fore. She put a gentle hand on Elise's arm. “I'll be as gentle as I can,” she said.

Elise nodded slowly. She removed her tunic and then sat on the bed, letting Selmak run the healing device over her.

Jared eased himself up and moved over to her, shock in his eyes. “Elle…” he breathed. “What happened hon?”

“He hurt me… I fought back,” she said. “I just was not strong enough.”

“You were, you fought, you did not let him break you,” Selmak told her. She picked up the scanner and ran it over Elise for a moment. Then adjusted the healing device and ran it over her again. “Can you lie down for me?”

Elise did as she was asked. She closed her eyes as Selmak started working on the deeper injuries.

Jared watched worriedly as Selmak concentrated the healing device over Elise's abdomen for several minutes. He resolved to ask her about it later. He wondered if things would ever be right between them again. If she could tell the two of them apart or whether she would blame him for what the stranger with his face did to her.

Finally Selmak finished and nodded to Jared that she would leave the two of them alone.

Jared watched her leave then gently touched Elise's shoulder. “Elle?” he asked.

She opened her eyes and looked at him. Then she sat up and clung to him, sobbing. With him she could be herself, she didn't have to put up a front or act like she was stronger than she was.

He held her tightly, moving a hand through her hair. Finally she raised her tear streaked face to him and he gently wiped away her tears. “We're sorry,” he said.

“It was not you,” she said. “He may have looked like you but it was not you.”

He ran a hand over her face then gently kissed her. “I would never hurt you,” he told her.

She smiled. “That is how I knew it was not you,” she told him kissing him back.

He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close. “We love you so much,” he whispered.

“As do we,” she replied.

Jared deepened the kiss, moving his hands slowly over her back, losing himself in her arms. Breaking the kiss he glanced towards the doorway and saw Jacob standing there. He straightened up and let Malek fore again. “Did you find her?” he asked.

Jacob nodded. “I think you should hear this,” he said.

Malek looked at Elise. “We will continue this conversation later,” he said his eyes sparkling slightly.

She nodded. “Please… we have much to discuss.”

Malek kissed her cheek and then moved over to Jacob. “So what has she said?”

Jacob filled him in as they walked. “Apparently Tilja's host's people were wiped out twenty years ago in a war on Mandrel. Her colony was on the other side of the planet. She assumed that both sides were killed; only discovering a few months ago that her enemies for want of a better word had survived.” He paused. “She went there with a large quantity of the habanera knowing it would kill them and released it.”

Malek shook his head. “So this was revenge pure and simple?”

Jacob nodded. “The amount she used meant that the buildings would decay rapidly after everyone was killed, leaving nothing. Hence the ruins you found. There must have been a few survivors who recognised you for the same race that destroyed them.”

“And the rest, as they say, is history,” Malek said grimly. He paused. “There was one thing… when Selmak was healing Elise…”

Jacob looked at him. “She will tell you herself when she is ready,” he said gently. “But the answer to your question is yes. Selmak was just ensuring there was no child.” He looked at the horror on Malek's face. “There wasn't, she was just making sure.”

Malek nodded slowly. “I see.”

Jacob looked at him. “She needs you, more than you realise and just as much as you need her. You can't get through this without each other.”

Malek nodded. “Then we deal with Tilja and then move to the new base and start over.”

--- ---

Some hours later once everything was transferred to the new base, Elise lay on the bed exhausted. “This is why I hate moving so much,” she commented as Malek came into their new room. “I know it is part of our existence but it is tiring.”

Malek sat on the bed beside her. “It is… My love I was talking to Jacob and he said…”

Elise looked at him then grabbed his shirt and pulled him down beside her. “It happened,” she said quietly. “There is nothing anyone can do to change that but you can help take away the memory.”

He looked at her. “How?”

“Kiss me,” she said looking at him. “Show us how much you love us…”

Malek smiled, Jared coming through on his voice as he answered “We can do that.”

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