ties

The Ties That Bind.

by Tels

The story is mine

The characters aren't and never will be. I just borrowed them for a while.

Plot Bunny – Lauren on the CA yahoo group asked: What if Jacob's son Mark found out the truth about Selmak? How would this happen? Remember that Jake wouldn't just tell him either! There has to be a very good reason for him to know. When it comes to Mark and Sel, I like this line from Jacob that "you've already met her, you just don't realise it" when Mark asks. Then he finds out the truth later...

The Ties That Bind.

Jacob pulled up outside the house and parked the car. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asked looking in the mirror at the figure in the back seat.

Sam looked at him. “Dad you'll do fine,” she said reassuringly. “You both will. He'll understand.”

Jacob laughed slightly. “This is Mark we are talking about. The kid who never forgave me for your Mom's death.” He slid his hand into that of the woman in the passenger seat. “How's he gonna take this?”

Sam grinned at him. “The same way I did. Shock, horror then wish you both all the luck in the world.” She looked at the two people in the front of the car. “Seriously Dad if Mark can't cope with you moving on after all this time then that is his problem.” She got out of the car and pulled her collar up against the chill February air.

Jacob looked at his companion. “Ready?” he asked kissing her firmly.

She smiled at him, kissing him back. “No but like Sam said, it's his problem. I love you Jacob.”

“Love you too hon,” he said kissing her again.

Sam shook her head slightly and tapped on the glass. “Get a room you two,” she teased. “Come on its cold out here.”

Jacob reluctantly pulled away and got out of the car. He locked it then the three of them made their way up the path.

The front door opened before they were half way up the path. “Grandad!” yelled two voices. Two figures hurtled down the path. Even though they were now 12 and 14 they saw him rarely enough that any visit was still a treat.

Jacob enveloped them both in a bear hug. “Hey kids.” He glanced up and saw Mark standing in the doorway. “Hi,” he said.

“Hello Dad,” Mark replied. He looked at his sister and moved to hug her. “Sam.”

Sam hugged him back. “Hey you,” she said. “You look well.”

Mark smiled. “All that home cooking,” he said. He turned to the other woman who was standing there looking extremely nervous. “And you must be Sam's friend Janet,” he said holding out his hand.

Janet took it and shook it. “Yeah,” she said looking at Jacob.

A figure appeared at the door. “Don't stand out there in the cold,” she called. They made their way up the path, the children each vying for Jacob's attention. Reaching the door Jacob pulled Laura, Mark's wife into a hug. “You look well,” he told her.

“So do you,” she said. “You don't seem to age at all.”

Jacob laughed. “The secret of eternal youth,” he said.

Mark took the bags. “I'll put these upstairs,” he said. “Sam I assume you and Janet don't mind sharing?”

Sam and Janet looked at each other. “Uh no that's fine,” Sam said.

“Good,” Mark nodded. “Dad I put you in the room at the back.”

Jacob nodded. “That's fine.” He looked over at Janet and smiled.

Mark shot them a quick look and then took the bags inside. “You guys want coffee?” he asked.

“Please,” Sam answered following him in.

Jacob put an arm behind Janet to let her go first, his fingers brushing the small of her back as he did. Laura did a double take for an instant and wondered if she were reading too much into it. Then she noticed Jacob's hand press firmly against Janet's back in an exact copy of the way that Mark touched her.

She smiled. Good for him, she thought. She moved past them and into the kitchen. She got the cups out and picked up the coffee pot. She turned to Jacob as he came in. “Coffee Dad?” she asked.

<Don't even think about it> Selmak told him in no uncertain terms. <Or you will have a violent allergic reaction to it which I won't fix.>

Jacob shook his head. “No thank you. I gave coffee up six months ago.”

Mark came back into the room. “That's unlike you Dad.”

Jacob laughed. “Tell me about it. Tea just doesn't cut it in the same way coffee does.”

Sam looked at Janet and then at Jacob. “So,” she said turning back to Mark. “What have you got planned for this weekend?”

“Not much. Just the decorating Dad said he would help with mainly. I thought we could also go check out that new theme park The Pagoda too. Maybe tomorrow.”

“They finally finished it?” Sam said drinking her coffee.

Mark nodded. “Yeah, a couple of weeks ago. Been promising the kids I would take them but they didn't want to go without Grandad and Auntie Sam.” He shot a sideways look at Jacob. “Something about your hair turning white on the roller coaster apparently.”

Jacob laughed. “If only I had the hair to turn white.” He put the cup down. “I am gonna go freshen up if that's okay.”

Laura nodded. “I put towels up there for you.”

Sam and Janet both decided to go and change and the three of them left the room. Once in the hallway Jacob slid his hand into Janet's. They walked up the stairs and Jacob looked at her. “Won't be long,” he said. They separated each moving towards the opposite ends of the house.

Jacob showered quickly and then wrapped a towel round his waist while he unpacked and searched for his razor. Although Selmak was quite capable of doing something about it, it was one thing he refused to give up. There were two things he enjoyed…. coffee and shaving. And one sacrifice was enough. Finding it he was about to go back into the bathroom to shave when there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” he called.

The door opened and Janet came in shutting the door behind her. “Hi,” she said quietly.

Jacob's face lit up as he saw her and he moved over to her, pulling her into his arms. “This isn't a good idea,” he whispered as his lips brushed against her neck.

Janet's finger tips moved in light circles over his back. “I know. But you are going to tell them? It's so hard being around you and yet not with you.”

Jacob paused. “After dinner once the kids have gone to bed. Selmak tells me it'll be fine but I have another scenario in my head. Mark getting mad and throwing me out.”

Janet looked at him. “Then that's his loss.” She pulled him close and kissed him firmly. “And my gain.” She ran a hand over his cheek. “You need to shave. I'll see you downstairs in a bit.” She dropped a kiss on his cheek and slid out of the room.

Jacob smiled and went back into the bathroom. He looked in the mirror and filled the sink with water as he lathered his face.

<You know he won't react like that> Selmak told him gently.

<You don't know my son> Jacob told her. He picked up the razor. <In any event there is no way he would let Janet sleep in here with us.>

<Not with the children around anyway> Selmak added.

Jacob smiled as he shaved. <Probably not. And you do understand why you can't come fore at all?>

<Yes Jacob, National Security, you'd then have to shoot them and then get locked up in a clinic for being possessed.>

Jacob laughed so hard at that he cut himself. <Now look what you made me do> he sighed. He grabbed a tissue and blotted it. <Just fix it will ya.>

Selmak looked at their face through his eyes. <Oh I dunno. Scars are kinda manly you know and attractive…especially with the baldness…>

<Sel….> Jacob growled.

<Ok consider it fixed>

<Thank you.> Jacob finished shaving and got dressed.

Going down the stairs he nearly got flattened. “Slow down Jen,” he told his granddaughter.

She grinned at him. “Mom says you're coming to the Pagoda with us. The roller coaster is the biggest in the state.”

Jacob pulled a face. “Uh huh,” he said.

Jen grinned at him. “You chicken Grandad?” she teased.

Pretending to be shocked Jacob said “I'll give you chicken,” and chased her the rest of the way down the stairs, finally catching her and tickling her til she begged for mercy. Letting her up he went into the kitchen.

The rest of the day passed. Jacob spent time with the kids and catching up on the latest happenings in their lives, school and friends. He learnt from Jen that Ryan had a girlfriend. He learnt from Ryan that that wasn't true; girls were yucky, kid sisters worse than yucky and he wouldn't be seen dead with a girl. What he found hardest was trying to treat Janet like a friend of Sam's rather than a lover.

He wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, show her the attention he normally did but that wasn't possible. He had to content himself with smiles and knowing she was there. Laura watched them both carefully that afternoon. The more she watched the more she was convinced she was right about them.

Dinner went smoothly, Mark asking the usual questions about what people were doing. Sam made the usual responses. Jacob said he wasn't doing much. Then Mark turned to Janet. “Sam tells me you work at the same base she does. There can't be much call for a doctor in a radar facility.”

Janet smiled. “You'd be surprised how dangerous deep space radar telemetry can be.”

Mark shook his head. “Dropped telescopes, stubbed toes….”

“Something like that. Besides I met Sam there.” She looked at Sam and smiled. “Wouldn't change that.”

Laura smiled. “What have you done with your daughter this weekend?”

“She's at a friend's. Would rather go there than away with me these days.”

“That's kids for you. Ryan keeps insisting he is too old for family holidays now. Unless it has rides that is.”

Janet nodded. “Oh yeah, Cassie couldn't get enough of them once she discovered them.” She looked at Jacob and smiled remembering how Cassie had nagged him into going on them with her the first time they had taken her out with them as a couple.

Jacob returned the smile, his hand brushing her leg under the table. Then he looked at Mark. “There is something I want to talk to you about,” he said.

Mark looked at him. “Sounds ominous. Here or in the den?”

“The den if you like.” Jacob looked at the women. “See you in a few.” He squeezed Janet's leg and got up, following Mark from the room.

They sat either side of the fire which Mark stabbed with the poker before leaning back and looking at his father.

“What's the fire done to you?” Jacob asked.

“Nothing,” Mark said. “So what did you want to talk about?” He felt 10 years old again and in trouble for something. Dad always did this… Asked for a word then it turned into a lecture. He wondered what he had done this time.

Jacob cleared his throat.

<Oh just get on with it> Selmak told him. <You love her; she loves you and me and vice versa. You do not need his approval.>

<I know that but …..> Taking a deep breath Jacob said “I really don't know where to start. The thing is…. Ever since your Mom died I…..”

Mark cut him off. “Who is she?” he asked.

Jacob looked at him. Was he that easy to read? “Mark,” he said. “This is weird. Shouldn't it be the other way round?”

“Stop procrastinating Dad. Who is she?”

“You have to realise I still love your Mom. There is a part of me that always will. But it's been a long time now and we didn't intend it to happen. It just did. I was visiting Sam at the base and managed to get my hand shut in a door.” He cringed at the white lie, it was more of a staff blast on a mission but he couldn't say that. “So Sam took me to the infirmary and the doc there sorted it out. We kinda hit it off and things went from there. We have been together for four months now.”

He smiled at the memory. Selmak had been knocked unconscious by the blast and he had come round in the infirmary to find Janet leaning over him about to jab him with one of her needles. Needless to say him coming too hadn't prevented that but it had struck a chord with him in more ways than one. She had jabbed him with the needle, he had asked her to dinner and that as they say is the proverbial that.

Mark looked at him, shock registering in his voice as well as on his face. “The Doc from Sam's base is ….. Janet?? Sam's friend Janet is your girlfriend??”

Jacob nodded.

Mark shook his head. “I don't believe this,” he said, his voice rising now. “Dad she can't be much older than Sam is.”

Jacob looked at him defensively. “Six months and one week older than Sam actually.”

“How could you?? Dad that's like having an affair with your own daughter. It's disgusting…” Mark got up angrily.

“Mark listen to me. It's not an affair. I love her the same way I loved your Mom.”

“Don't you degrade Mom by bringing her into this!” Mark yelled. “I will not have that going on in my house you hear me?”

Jacob looked at him. “Do what?”

“Ryan saw her coming out of your room after you had gone to change Dad. It doesn't take a genius to work it out.”

Jacob rolled his eyes. “Now you listen for a minute. It's not what you….”

“I don't wanna listen to this!” Mark yelled cutting his father off. He stormed out of the den and grabbing his jacket stormed out of the house slamming the front door behind him.

Jacob exhaled loudly and pulled himself up from the chair. He knew this would happen. <This was a bad idea. What did I tell you Sel? Just think how he'd react if he ever found out abut you> He left the den and went up to his room shoving his things into the bag. He'd go find a motel, he decided. See the kids tomorrow and then head back.

Then he carried his bag down and put it by the door. Taking a deep breath he went into the kitchen. Five pairs of eyes looked at him. “Dad?” Sam asked.

Janet looked at him and guessed what had happened.

Jacob took a deep breath. “Mark and I had a fight. It might be best if I stayed in a motel tonight.” He looked at the kids faces. “I'll come see you tomorrow, go on that roller coaster like I promised. I'm sorry Laura but I can't stay. Not now.” He turned to Sam. “I'll see you in the morning.. You girls have a good evening.”

Laura looked at the kids. “Ryan can you and Jen go watch TV for a bit. I need to talk to Grandad.”

Ryan rolled his eyes with all the distain a 14 yr old could muster. “Okay. Does this have anything to do with Janet being in Grandad's room earlier?”

“Go!” Laura said. She waited until they had gone.

Janet looked at her. “I'm sorry it's my fault. I'll go pack.”

Laura looked at them. “Neither of you have to go. Mark will get over it. I am actually pleased for the both of you. And he will be too when he's calmed down.”

Jacob smiled awkwardly. “Thanks but I think I had better go before he comes back.” He looked at Janet. “It's up to you hon.”

Janet looked at Sam. “You don't mind do you?”

Sam shook her head. “No. See you in the morning.”

By the time Mark got back the house was in complete darkness. Janet was sleeping soundly in a motel room, wrapped in Jacob's arms. Jacob was still awake, wondering how things had gone so wrong. Selmak tried to talk to him, tell him things would improve but he tuned her out.

The following morning, Jacob and Janet arrived at the Pagoda at the time Sam had suggested by text message. Mark apparently was still fuming and had refused to come. Laura was going to try and talk sense into him so Sam was bringing the children with her. The fight with Mark had cast a cloud over the entire day however and it was cut short.

Sam took the kids back to Marks and Jacob and Janet returned to Cheyenne . Jacob told Janet that it didn't matter what Mark thought. The only people that mattered were the ones in this relationship – her, him and Selmak. Then he got summoned back to the Tok'ra. Two weeks later Janet was called off world to assist in the rescue of a unit under heavy fire.

When the news of her death reached him, Jacob was devastated. He shut himself off for a month, grieving in his own way. It had taken him a long time to fall for anyone after Alison, only to have lost her. Selmak's grief mixed with his own, making it twice as hard to bear.

It was another six months before he saw Mark again. They met at Laura and Sam's insistence. Sam had suggested a bar as that was neutral territory, but the two men had refused. They had gone into the den shutting the door behind them. Mark got the beers in while Jacob sat in the chair in the corner. They sat and drank the first beer in silence. The second in silence too. Starting the third one Mark finally spoke. “I was sorry to hear about Janet.”

“Were you?” Jacob asked bitterly. “I would have thought you would have been pleased. You didn't approve. This way its problem solved.”

Mark looked at him. “That was uncalled for.”

Jacob leaned forwards. “Was it? Never could handle the truth could you? Not when you were a kid and you can't now.” He leaned back. “I loved your mother and not a day goes by when I wish things were different. But they aren't.” He took a long drink and balanced the bottle on the table.

<Are you trying to get drunk?> Selmak asked him.

<Chance would be a fine thing> Jacob told her. <You keep stopping it.>

<Only because I don't like getting drunk. It is a most uncomfortable sensation to be totally out of control.>

<Oh stop complaining.> Jacob finished the bottle and went to get another two.

He went back to the table and sat slumped in the chair. He could feel the effects of the alcohol now, Selmak having decided to sulk, telling him the ensuing stomach upset, blurred vision and headache were all his too.

Mark looked over at him. “I'm sorry,” he said. “I didn't mean to upset you…. It's just….”

Jacob looked up, taking another long drink from the bottle. “Just what?” he asked.

Mark swallowed and said, “I guess you should be allowed to move on too. Laura gave me hell for the way I treated you. Told me that if something happened to her that she wouldn't want me staying single for ever. Like you did.”

Jacob shrugged. “There was no one else. Not til Janet anyway. But that's over now.” He finished the drink and stood up. “I'd better get going.” He took one step and staggered slightly. He raised one hand to his head and caught himself on the table with the other. “Whoa,” he said.

Mark got up and moved over to him. “Dad?”

“I'm fine,” Jacob insisted.

Mark shook his head. “You're in no fit state to drive.”

“I am going home,” Jacob slurred as Mark caught hold of him.

“You're drunk,” Mark said. “Stay here and go home in the morning.”

Jacob sat down again. <Sel I only had 4. What's going on?>

Selmak grinned to herself. <You wanted drunk> she said. <So I enhanced it for you.>

<Thank you so much.> Jacob said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

<Anytime.>

Mark went into the other room to get Sam. She shook her head as she saw Jacob. Between her and Mark they managed to get him up to his room and into bed. Sam waited til Mark had left the room then rounded on him. “What are you playing at Dad?”

Jacob looked at all three of her. “Don't you nag too,” he said. “Selmak is already doing that.”

“Shhhh! You know you can't mention that.”

“No one is listening Sam. No one cares anyway.”

“That's the drink talking. Go to sleep Dad. Everything will be okay in the morning.”

“No it won't. I'm gonna leave Sam; go back with Selmak's people. For good. It's for the best.”

Mark leaned against the doorway. “Who's Selmak? Another one of your women friends?”

Jacob looked at him. "You've already met her, you just don't realise it."

“That's enough,” Sam said. “Sleep.”

The following morning Jacob woke with a huge headache that Selmak refused to do anything about. <Why?> he asked her.

<Told you if you wanted to get drunk you deal with it. Besides you deserve it after last night.>

<Mentioned me to Sam and Mark overheard.>

Jacob closed his eyes. <Oh no. Oh Selmak I am so sorry. What did I say?>

Selmak filled him in.

<Men!> Selmak replied and then sulked for an hour, ignoring his attempts to make up.

Jacob slowly got up and showered and went downstairs in search of some painkillers for the headache.

Sam was sat at the kitchen table waiting for him. He looked at her and raised his hand. “Don't say it,” he said.

Sam shook her head. “Fortunately for you I managed to convince Mark you didn't know what you were taking about.”

“I said don't Sam. And I meant what I said last night.” Jacob poured himself some coffee and gulped it down.

<Jacob!> Selmak screeched loudly. <Not coffee!>

Jacob ignored her and poured another one. “As soon as I finish this coffee I'll leave.”

Mark appeared in the doorway. “Dad you don't have to go,” he said.

“Yes I do,” Jacob said. “And the sooner the better.”

“Dad!” Ryan yelled running down the stairs. “Jen's gone.”

“What?” Mark said.

Ryan shoved a piece of paper into his father's hands. Mark read it and paled. “I gotta go find her. Ryan start ringing her mates, see if she went there.” He shoved the piece of paper into Sam's hands.

She read it and looked at him. “You have to ring Laura.”

Mark shook his head, “This course is important. No sense in worrying her right now.” He grabbed his keys. “I'm gonna go look.”

“I'll come with,” Jacob said putting the cup down.

“No thanks,” Mark told him. “You were leaving remember.”

Jacob was about to argue when Sam spoke up. “The more of us out looking the better,” she said decisively. “We can split up, keep in touch by cell phone. Dad you should read this.” She handed him the letter.

Jacob read it and looked at her. “I'll take my car. My phone's on.” He hurried from the room. He had an idea where she would have gone. Fifteen minutes later he arrived at the Pagoda. He went straight to the roller coaster, moving swiftly through the crowds; both him and Selmak looking for her.

It was Selmak who spotted her first, standing on the railing over looking the roller coaster. <There> she said. Jacob nodded internally and sending Sam a text message, sped over to her, grateful that Selmak had given in and was dealing with the hangover. Reaching Jen he leaned against the railing next to her, looking out over the park. “All looks different from up here,” he said gently.

Jen looked at him sideways. “You're going away. Not coming back.”

“Says who?” he asked.

“Heard you and Dad fighting last night. You're giving up everything. Going away. Never gonna see you again.”

Jacob sighed. “It's not like that.”

“I may only be a child but I know what I heard. You gonna go live with someone else. Selmak or someone.”

Jacob sighed. “I work with Selmak and her people. For a while now I have been living both here and where they do. Its time for me to make a choice and just have one home not two.”

“You're still going. I won't see you again will I?”

“Sure you will. I'll come visit just like I am doing now.”

“Not the same. I don't wanna stay here, want to go with you.” She broke off as two figures came up behind them. “You called them...” she said turning to run.

Someone caught her arm. “Not so fast,” the voice said.

Jacob looked up as he felt something dig into his side. “You will come with us and you will be silent. One of you makes a sound and the other one gets hurt. Is that understood?”

Jacob nodded. The two men were tall with baseball caps pulled down over their faces.

Selmak's alarm went off. < Jaffa > she said sensing the symbiotes they carried.

“Grandad,” Jen whimpered. Her arm hurt where the man was holding her with almost superhuman strength.

Jacob looked at her. “It'll be okay,” he told her. <I hope> he added to Selmak.

“Move,” the men instructed them, pushing them along the path towards a deserted area.

Sam and Mark ran into the Pagoda. “Dad said by the roller coaster,” Sam said weaving her way through the crowds. She pointed. “There they are.”

“Who's that with them?” Mark asked. “He's got my daughter,” he said realising something was very wrong. He started off again.

Sam caught his arm. “No wait!” she said suddenly. “They have guns.” <And not normal guns either those are zats.> “We follow slowly while I ring this in.” She pulled her phone out and speed dialled the SGC. “General O'Neill….. Sir we have a situation. My father and niece have been taken prisoner. No…. jaffa.” She pulled the phone away from her ear slightly. “Yes I am sure. The zats kinda give it away.”

She listened for another minute. “Okay thank you.” She closed the phone. “Back up is on its way.”

Mark looked at her. “You called the Air Force? Let me call the cops.”

“No,” Sam said sharply. “The cops can't get involved here. Let the Air Force handle it.”

“No way,” he said pulling out his phone. “My daughter has just been abducted at gun point and you wanna let the Air Force sort it?”

Sam looked at him sharply. “National Security Mark. You get the cops involved and you will be in breach of it. Trust me on that one.”

Mark closed his phone and glared at her. “Fine have it your way.” He shoved it into his pocket and headed over to the where the men had taken them.

Sam sighed and headed after him.

Jacob looked at the two men as they removed their hats. “What do you want?” he asked as they tied him securely to a chair.

“You,” one of the jaffa said. “Our lord is most anxious to meet you Selmak.”

“You got the wrong person,” Jacob started.

The other jaffa tightened his grip on Jen. “Such a pretty child,” he said. “Such a shame to have to hurt her.”

Jen cried out as he twisted her arm slightly.

The door burst open and Mark flew in. “Jen!” he yelled, heedless of the two men with guns.

“Dad!” Jen screamed. One of the jaffa hit Mark hard on the side of the face with the zat, dropping him to the floor. He struggled to sit upright his head pounding.

“Alright!” Jacob yelled. “Just leave them out of it. It's me you want. Not them.” He looked over at Jen. “Just remember this is still me hon.”

His eyes flashed hard as Selmak came fore. “I am here. What do you want?”

Mark looked at his father stunned. What the hell was this? Had the blow to the head sent him totally over the edge into dreamland?

Jen looked over in horror as her grandfather's eyes flashed and his voice changed. She cried out in fright and tried to pull away. This resulted in the jaffa hitting her, her cry of fear turning to a cry of pain.

Selmak glared at the jaffa. “Leave her alone!” she roared. “She has nothing to do with this.”

“On the contrary,” said a new voice. “She will guarantee your compliance.”

Selmak turned her head. “You!” she snarled.

The holographic image of the system lord grinned at her. “We meet again Selmak of the Tok'ra.”

“Far too soon Kali. And still a coward I see. Not coming here to face me yourself.”

Kali nodded at the jaffa and he shot Selmak with the zat. Selmak cried out, writhing in agony against the bonds which tied her.

Jen screamed again. “Help! Someone.”

Kali glared at the jaffa. “Shut her up!”

Selmak looked at her, fighting through the pain. “Let her go. She is no use to you.”

Kali looked at her. “I let her go you won't co-operate.”

“I will. You let her go and I will do whatever you want.”

Kali looked at the jaffa. “Transport all of them to the ship.”

The jaffa pulled Jen to her feet and pushed her slightly. She turned to run and was enveloped in pain as the jaffa shot her with a zat. She screamed and fell to the floor unconscious.

“JEN!” Mark yelled trying to get to her. The jaffa held him firmly.

Selmak swore in Goa'uld. “There was no need for that!” she yelled struggling against the bonds. “It is me you want… not them. Let them go.”

Kali laughed. “I let them go and what? They run and tell the authorities you are missing? Come Selmak where would be the fun in that?”

“Not if I ask them not to. They will do what my host asks of them.”

Mark looked from one to the other. “Dad? What the hell is going on here?”

Kali looked at Mark. “That is not your father. The person there now is a Shol'va. A traitor. Someone I have been waiting for for a long time. Selmak of the Tok'ra,” she said, making the word Tok'ra sound like an insult. She turned back to Selmak. “You will bow before your god before you die.”

Selmak looked at her, “I die free, bowing to no one!” she said.

“Oh you will bow. You will watch those you care for die and then you will bow, feeling your life's blood ebbing away and there is nothing you can do to stop it.” She turned to someone on her ship, communicating with them and then back at the jaffa. “Prepare for transport. We have been detected. They are launching a ship.

Selmak smiled. “It won't work. You touch my family and I will not do anything you want. I will hunt you down for as long as it takes.”

“Oh but it will work Selmak. Family ties are the strongest. They bind you to them in a way I will enjoy unravelling.”

Then several things seemed to happen at once. The door burst open and a team of armed men charged in. Kali vanished instantly. Selmak reacted on impulse, throwing the chair to the floor, knocking Mark from the grip of the jaffa holding him, giving them a clear line of fire. Pain shot through her as her head struck the floor hard, unable to break her fall. A short fire fight ensued ending in two dead jaffa and one injured MP.

Sam rushed in and over to the figures on the floor. Jen was starting to come round. Sam helped her sit up. “Jen are you okay?”

Jen nodded, tears falling. “They hurt Grandad only it's not him….”

“It's okay hon. This is General O'Neill. He'll take care of you for a minute.” Sam left her with O'Neill and went over to the others.

Jen looked at O'Neill and then over to where Sam went.

Sam knelt beside Mark and the still form of her father. Mark struggled to sit up. “Jen….” He said.

“Jen's fine. What about you?”

“I'm okay. What about … him?” he nodded his head at Selmak.

Sam put a hand on her father's shoulder. “Dad?” she said.

Selmak looked at her. “Your father is unconscious. As much as I do not wish to do so, I have to stay in control.”

Sam nodded. “That's fine; just try not to speak unless you have to.”

Selmak nodded, closing her eyes again, concentrating on healing the head injury.

Mark looked at her. “What is that?”

“Need to know,” O'Neill said. “Carter a word?”

Sam nodded. “Sure,” she got up and followed her CO across the room.

Mark looked at Selmak for a moment then got up and went over to Jen, gathering her in his arms.

One heated conversation later, O'Neill reluctantly agreed to allowing the Carter's to go home rather than the SGC. Selmak insisted Jacob was fine. By the time they reached Mark's place Jacob was back in control. He didn't say anything, just sat there trying to get things straight in his head. <So he knows about you?>

<Yes, as does Jen.>

Jacob sighed. <But it couldn't be helped. Let's just hope we can clear it up and explain sufficiently.>

<And who made them glow in the first place??>Jacob mentally poked his tongue out at her. <Jack won't let that happen.>

Selmak cringed. <General Jack saves the day? Joy. Deep deep joy.>

They sat in the den in Marks house. Laura had been pulled from her course and she sat there with Mark. Ryan and Jen were in the kitchen with Daniel and Teal'c. O'Neill was there as was Sam. Jacob felt like he was on trial for something or other. The Carter's had all signed non disclosure agreements and sat waiting for the explanation.

O'Neill looked at Jacob. “Off you go then.”

Jacob took a deep breath. “Would be easier probably if I just answered any questions you might have,” he said.

Mark looked at him. “Yeah I have a few actually. What the hell just happened? Who is Selmak? Who was that woman who appeared and then vanished? Who were those men and why did they take my daughter?” His voice rose with anger with every sentence.

Jacob held up a hand. “Okay. This is gonna sound like something out of a bad sci-fi plot. But it's not. Selmak is an alien, a Tok'ra. In his natural state he is snake like in appearance, about this long.” He indicated with his hands.

<Did you have to say Snake??> Selmak asked.

Jacob ignored that comment and continued. “I am his host, literally sharing my body with him. What you saw earlier with the voice distortion was him speaking.”

Shocked silence fell for a moment then Mark laughed. “Nice one Dad, Now let's have the truth.” Jacob looked at him. “That is the truth. Kali is a Goa'uld system lord. Earth has been at war with her and others like her for a number of years now.”

“And I suppose they are snakes too?”

Jacob nodded. “They need a host in order to survive. The difference being that the Goa'uld just Take them. With the Tok'ra it's a mutual agreement and we share the body.

“And the glowing eyes?”

“More for show when the symbiote takes over or when they are angry. Selmak normally just asks or someone wants to talk to him and I yield control. The only time his eyes ever flash is if he is very angry or trying to make a point. In this case he was very very angry.”

“Why did they take Jen?” Laura asked.

“Probably because she was with me. The Tok'ra take pleasure in being a thorn in the side of the Goa'uld.”

Mark looked at him furiously. He got up and walked over to the wall, slamming his fist into it. “So you knew this would happen and deliberately put her life… our lives in danger? Put us at risk by coming here??”

O'Neill looked at the angry man in front of him for a moment. “Can I just say something here?”

Mark glared at him. “Keep out of it!” He turned back to his father. “You can get out of this house and stay the hell away from my family.”

Jacob looked at him and nodded. “If that's what you want.” He stood up.

Sam caught hold of his arm. “Dad wait.”

Jacob looked at her. “He's right. We knew it was a possibility they would come after Selmak, just didn't expect it to be here or so soon. I put everyone at risk. It's best if I just go. You know where to contact me if you need me.”

<Jacob let me talk to him> Selmak said.

<No, I think I have said and done enough.> Jacob put his cup down and headed for the door.

Selmak did something she had only done a few times before and took control unasked. <No you don't sunshine> she told Jacob. <This is my fault and you are Not gonna lose your family over it again.> She turned round and looked at Mark. “It is me that you have the problem with. Not your father!” she said angrily. “He would leave you alone as that is what you want. He is a proud man and doesn't often admit to himself how he feels.”

Mark looked at Selmak. He could see the blistering anger in the eyes of the person standing there. So much like his father but there was something … the eyes. The eyes were different. “Dad?” he said.

Selmak shook her head. “I am Selmak of the Tok'ra. Your father saved my life by becoming my host. I, in return, saved his.”

Mark looked over at the others. “This isn't real, how are you guys doing this?”

“Oh it's very real,” Selmak said sharply. “Whether you choose to believe us or not, it's the truth. The Goa'uld pose a very real threat to this planet. They will not rest until you bow and serve them as their god. Your father is trying to prevent this by working with my people. General O'Neill is on the front lines in this war as is Sam. Now you can throw your father out and go on your merry way but it will not change a thing. He will still love you … in his own way. But it will be a long time before the war with the Goa'uld is over, and he... no, we work better knowing we have family backing us in this time of need. He needs you more than you would imagine.”

Mark looked at Selmak closely. “Or say himself no doubt. He can be one stubborn man at times.”

“You can talk bro,” Sam said. “You are pretty stubborn yourself.”

O'Neill looked at them. “You all are, must run in the family.”

Mark took a deep breath. “Can I talk to Dad?”

Selmak nodded and lowered her head. When it was raised Jacob was in control. He stood there, not saying anything.

“So all that talk about you having cancer?”

“Is true. In return for my being a host, Selmak cured it and gives me perfect health. No cancer or arthritis. Not even a cold. Normally he would stop me from getting drunk to but we had a slight disagreement over that one.”

“And the coffee?”

“Selmak doesn't like coffee.”

“But you drank it earlier?”

“Like I said we had a disagreement. I drank the coffee to annoy him.”

Mark rubbed a hand over his head. “I ummm can't handle this right now. It's too much to take in.”

Jacob looked at him hard. “How do you think I felt? I was dying; they had already resuscitated me once. They had given me minutes if that when Sam arrived. She told me about this, how this Tok'ra lady was dying and I was the only hope she had. That if I didn't help not only did she die but the symbiote she carried and all the knowledge he had. Along with the one chance we had of winning this war. Because that's what it is – a war.”

Mark looked up at him. “War?”

“Yes and if we lose then it's not like just a few soldiers die and we lose the oil rights to somewhere. We lose the entire planet, our entire way of life. Not just US citizens but the Whole World. We all become slaves to these people.”

“Slaves?”

Jacob nodded. “Those they don't kill yes. Slaves, hosts, soldiers. They will rule us if we do not stop them.”

O'Neill looked at him. “Tok'ra Lady? Is Selmak female?”

Jacob glared at him. “I meant the previous host.”

“Oh okay.”

Mark took a deep breath. “Okay. Does it hurt? Having this Selmak inside you?”

Jacob smiled. “Only when he won't shut up. No it doesn't. It's a little weird at first, having someone else's thoughts in your head but you get used to it.”

Laura slid her hand into Mark's pulling him down beside her. She asked a lot of questions, wanting to know about the first time he and Selmak met, how they actually got Selmak inside him and what he really did for a living.

Jacob answered them all honestly. By the time he had finished it was dark and the kids were asleep in their beds.

Mark looked over at Jacob. “Can you stay tonight?” he asked.

Jacob shook his head. “I have to go back and fill in a report for both General O'Neill and for the Tok'ra. But I will be back next week. Maybe take you for a real roller coaster ride.”

Mark smiled. “Sounds good Dad. It's a date.”

The End.

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