Blood
of My Heart, Beloved of My Soul
Chapter
3
Thor’s
Gift
The iris refused
to close. The light from the wormhole bathed
the gate room in softly undulating blue.
The spectators held their collective breaths and pointed their firearms
at the circle. A small figure stepped
out of the shimmering blue circle, the ring shut down, the power come up, and
there was a collective release of pent up breath. It was Thor.
“Stand down, people,” came the command from General Hammond.
Jack was the first
to reach the diminutive alien, “Thor, buddy.
How ya doin’?”
“I am most well,
O’Neill. My ship is in for its scheduled
maintenance, which is why I have come by Stargate. I hope I did not alarm anyone.”
“Well, we get a
little nervous when we can’t close the iris, but we’re always glad to see
you. Something tells me that you aren’t
here to just pay a social call, am I right?”
“You are correct,
O’Neill. Perhaps we should adjourn to
the meeting area of your facility. I
believe your entire team should accompany us.”
Turning towards the remainder of the group, he spoke, “Greetings, Major
Carter, Dr. Jackson, General Hammond, Teal’c.
I am most pleased that you are all present and in good health.”
“It’s always nice
to see you too, Thor,” the Major said.
Teal’c inclined his head in greeting, and Daniel grinned at him and
offered a pat on the back.
“Can we offer you some
type of refreshment, Thor?” asked General Hammond.
“That would be
most pleasing, General
“Coming right up,
Thor.” General Hammond poured a glass of
water and presented it to the alien. “So
what brings you to visit today, Thor?
Nothing too bad, I hope.”
“On the contrary,
General Hammond, my purpose here today is to relay excellent news to you
regarding a proposal the Asgard Council brought before the Furlings’ Council of
the Table. We received word today that
it has been accepted, and the appropriate steps are being taken to put it into
motion.”
“The Furlings?”
questioned Daniel Jackson. “We don’t
know them, Thor.”
“We are aware, Dr.
Jackson. However, they are one of the
four races that are in the alliance, along with the Asgard, the Nox, and the
Ancients. They left this section of
space some time ago, but they do like to be kept up to date as to what is
happening here. They have had, in the
past, some closer ties to Earth, than they now do.”
The little alien
paused, as if choosing his words carefully, “As you know, we do not have
resources to spare right now for your fight with the System Lords. We will do all we can should an emergency
arise that breaks the treaty, but our hands are tied in many ways. The Furlings, however, are not part of the
protected planet's treaty. What they
choose to do has no affect on it, in any way, which is why the Asgard High
Council chose to approach them with a request.
It has been granted.”
“So, Thor, buddy,
just what was this request? I’m kinda
getting the feeling that maybe it has something to do with us.
“You are correct,
O’Neill. It does.”
“They’re gonna
outfit us with some big honkin’ space guns or a few nice mother-ships?” Jack’s voice was hopeful.
“No.”
Again, the
diminutive alien paused, as he looked around the table at these humans that he
had grown to admire and like. Perhaps
there was affection there, as well. He
proceeded to explain more fully, exactly, what the High Council had done.
“It was decided
that, since we could only give minimal help at the moment, it would, perhaps,
be of some benefit to enlist the help of the Furlings. To this end, we requested that they consider
sending a seasoned warrior to join SG1, to help in the battle against the
Goa’uld. They agreed to consider the
request. In order to gather information,
they dispatched a Warrior to shadow SG1 and report on the viability of one of
their elite warriors joining your team.
The report Artereos of Cadwaellon received back from his warrior
convinced the Council of the Table to agree to her reassignment to SG1. As soon as she gets her affairs in order, she
will be joining your team.”
The stunned
silence around the table was of the ‘you
could hear a pin drop’ variety. Dr.
Jackson was the first to recover.
“Ah, Thor, that’s,
um, a really, a very nice thing for you to have done. We really, really, appreciate it.” He cleared his throat and wondered, with
increasing alarm, how in the world they were going to handle this situation. He had doubts that the US Military would
accept an alien they knew nothing about.
Nevertheless, they really needed to be diplomatic about this. He sent a desperate look towards General
Hammond, who looked like he’d been pole axed, and Jack, who was doing an
excellent imitation of a fish out of water.
Both men made choking sounds.
Good Heavens, they couldn’t afford to insult the Asgard.
General Hammond
finally seemed to catch his breath, “Um, yes, Thor, Dr. Jackson said that very
well. Of course, I’ll have to clear this
with my superiors. I mean, I don’t have
the authority to accept this on my own.”
So glad the buck doesn’t stop here was written all over his face. General Hammond was beginning to feel a great
deal of panic himself. Thor was not
disturbed. At least, he didn’t appear to
be disturbed. With Thor, facial
expressions were hard to read. His next
words confirmed the fact that he had expected their reactions.
“I’m sure you will
be able to convince them that this is the best thing to do at this time—and if
you cannot, then I will visit your Washington, DC, myself. I cannot state the case too strongly, General
Hammond. You must not insult the Furlings. They are a powerful race and there is the
potential here for you to become allies in the future, if this posting
succeeds. Artereos is sending you his
daughter, Kataya. She is a warrior of
much skill, and she has some abilities, which, I believe, will be a significant
addition to your team.”
Colonel Jack
O’Neill cleared his throat and questioned warily, “What types of abilities
would those be, Thor?”
“Kataya is
Katteri-enti, one of their elite warriors.
She is both a telepath and an empath.
She has the ability to establish and maintain links between many minds
at one time and allow communication between them. She has some natural healing abilities, and
the ability to use energy as a weapon.
Moreover, if she is taken as a host, a Goa’uld cannot take control of
her mind. She can, in fact, destroy the
Goa’uld, should she so choose. All
Furling have this ability, but priestesses and priests of the Katteri-enti have
it in a much more refined way. She has
also been a host to a Tok’Ra, so she is familiar with their society and their
military goals. She will be able to work
well with them.”
“I thought you
said she killed the symbiote?” Jack
asked.
“I said she had
the ability to kill it, not that it is inevitable.”
“Thor,” Dr.
Jackson suddenly realized something, “did you say that she has been watching us
for a while now?”
“Yes, I believe
for about six of your months, in fact.”
Daniel’s face
broke into a smile. “Sam, that’s what we
both felt. That’s who told me to open
the gate today. It’s no wonder the
“On the contrary,
Dr. Jackson. At first, Kataya would have
been observing only. Until she made her
decision, it would have been most counter-productive to interfere. She had to make her judgment based on the
abilities and interaction of your team and the situations you faced. To have affected the outcome of a mission
would have thrown off her data.”
Sam, also,
appeared to be deep in thought. She
looked up and started to speak, “I think Thor’s right, Daniel. I’ve noticed the change only in the last
couple of months, too. But, it does make
sense. Once she made up her mind, she
would have started to interact with us.
By occasionally interacting with our technology and us, she could
determine if her abilities would benefit us.
Now that she has been assured that our technologies and abilities will
work together with hers, she’s willing to take the next step and join the
team. I’d say she’s been pretty helpful
already, and we haven’t even met her.”
Sam paused to catch a breath and turned to her left. “General, I think this could be a very
important addition to our team. The
possibilities and benefits could be far reaching.” Sam was beginning to get as excited about
this as Daniel was. Both of them could
see how much of a wild card this could throw at the Goa’uld. They exchanged glances, both of their minds
racing.
Having been his
usual stoic self, Teal’c made the decision to join the conversation and add his
opinion. “Indeed, I, too, think this
could be a very important event. I also
vote for her admission to the team.” That
said, he turned to Jack. “What do you
think, O’Neill?”
“Well, we don’t
know much about this, um, ah, person.
But, in the interests of intergalactic diplomacy, I say we give it a
shot."
“General, if we’re
taking a vote, then I’m in favor of this.
We should at least try it to see if it could be of benefit. And if it doesn’t work out, then we’ve
offended no one, and we’ve avoided an incident that could have far reaching
consequences to our world.”
“That is a good
and valid point, Dr. Jackson. It sounds
like we have an excellent plan to put forth to the Joint Chiefs and the
President. Is there anything else we
should know about this, ah, species, ah, woman, Thor? I need all of my facts before I put this to
the Joint Chiefs.”
“I am sure there
are other things that will come up over time.
I believe that the information I have given you should be sufficient to
convince your people that this is a necessary addition to the SGC. Please remember that you are talking about a
powerful race of beings. Should this
first attempt go well, they could become very useful allies. The first-born Furlings themselves are more
powerful than Kataya is, of course, but this would be an excellent first step
to take toward a more integrated future alliance. I would also like to suggest that, in all
probability, the Council of the Table will suggest a trial period to monitor
the interaction and progress, much as Dr. Jackson and Major Carter have
suggested.”
Jack seemed
confused. “She’s not a Furling?”
“Kataya is half Furling. Her mother is Wiccadian; her father is
Furling. The Furlings and the Wiccadians
are both very old races. Interracial
mating has been occurring between them for millennia. They have a somewhat complex society, rites,
and rituals, which to you will no doubt seem archaic. Please, do not be led into error by
this. Although their appearance could
lead you to believe them less technologically advanced than some, that would be
a grave mistake to make. Their
technologies are quite advanced.”
“They are quite
tolerant of other species and their customs.
They accept all sentient beings as worthy of respect and
protection—except, perhaps, the Goa’uld.
They know that the Goa’uld must be, shall we say, controlled. They will respect your societal customs and
rituals and, in return, will only ask that you respect theirs. I have known her, and her family, for a very
long time, and I feel that you will soon learn to trust Kataya and to value
her, as she should be valued. And now,
General Hammond, please make your contacts, as I really must be on my way
soon."
“All right, Thor,
if you’ll just excuse me for a while,” the General said, as he left to go make
his phone calls.
“So, Thor,
buddy—when will we be receiving our newest member?” Jack asked.
“I am unsure of
their arrangements, O’Neill. She will
come as quickly as she can. I really do
not know what their plans are. When she
arrives, I know you will make her entourage welcome. They will not stay long, but it will be
necessary for them to do the formal handing over of her command and her
office. I do not know if her children
will accompany her or not, but I would guess that, as a gesture of respect,
they will be part of her attendants.”
“She has
children? How many?” Daniel seemed somewhat taken aback by this
information, although he couldn’t have said why.
“Four. The oldest daughter will probably take her
mothers’ place in the political arena while she is gone. The eldest of her sons is with the Ancients
at this time. Her other two kits are still
in training, but I believe they are soon to achieve Rank and admittance to the
Council. They are the ones that I would
expect to accompany her, however, if they are with a field unit and in battle,
it would not be possible. They will soon
be ready to enter the Katteri-enti. In
some ways, I am surprised that she has agreed to be the one chosen to join
you.”
“Why would it
surprise you that she would be chosen to join us, Thor? I thought you said she was a good
soldier.” Jack appeared to be puzzled by
the little alien’s statement.
“She is an
excellent Warrior, O’Neill. In fact, she
is one of their very best tacticians, as well.
That is why I am surprised. I
would have expected her to request to be assigned to another sector where there
is heavy fighting, now that her sector, the Pegacian System, is almost
won. There is still heavy fighting
taking place in areas of the system, as well as other Systems they are involved
in. However it came about that she chose
or was chosen to come here, I believe you will like her.”
“I’m sure we will,
Thor. You’ve certainly given her a
glowing recommendation.” Dr. Daniel
Jackson felt there was a meaning for him in Thor’s statements, but he couldn’t
figure out what that meaning might be. He
was fairly sure he’d be finding out in the days, weeks, and months to come.
“Teal’c, you got
anything to say about this? Do you know
anything about this Catery thing?” Jack
sent a questioning look toward Teal’c.
“Indeed,
O’Neill. If it is true that this woman
is Katteri-enti, and she has indeed been on the same worlds we have, then we
now know why the
“What in the hell
do they do that causes that reaction?”
Jack wondered aloud.
Teal’c gazed at an
invisible spot on the wall across from him.
Slowly he began to speak; “I recall an incident that happened when I was
quite young. Two-dozen
“My father took me
to see the bodies so that I would always remember what would happen to
“Teal’c, did that
appear to be done in a ritualistic way?
I mean, that sounds almost like a symbolic type of execution.” Daniel seemed fascinated by the way the
“Indeed, it was
done in such a way. I have never
witnessed a Katteri-enti killing, but from those I have talked to that have
seen it, I have received the impression that the manner in which it is done,
once seen, is never forgotten. Legend
says that the Katteri do not kill in this manner, unless there is no other
option. I am looking forward to meeting
this Katteri warrior and learning more of their ways. There is no doubt; they are formidable
warriors.”
Daniel seemed to
have slid into his own world, but as Teal’c stopped speaking, he seemed to snap
back to them. “I am too, Teal’c. Their society must be truly fascinating.”
“Are you sure ‘bizarre’ wouldn’t be a better world,
Daniel? And if they are that powerful,
then why haven’t they wiped the Goa’uld out already?” Jack sounded frustrated.
“They are few in
number in comparison to the Goa’uld, O’Neill.
They are even now fighting the Goa’uld in the Pegacian System, among
others, and while they are slowly winning, they cannot spare many resources. Remember that much of their power is based on
their personal energy. If it becomes
depleted, and they cannot absorb more energy, either from another life force,
or through the ritual of renewal, they will die. They are not all powerful, or
indestructible. Their abilities are
limited by restraints of time and space.
I believe the abilities Kataya has that will benefit you the most are
her telepathic and empathic ones. Kataya
will explain more fully how they use their energy. I’m sure that in time you will come to
understand. It will be a learning
experience on both sides.” As usual,
Thor was methodical in his explanation.
“Thor, the
President and the Joint Chiefs have agreed to a trial period. I have instructions to do whatever is
necessary to make our newest member feel comfortable and at home,” General
Hammond said, as he re-entered the room.
The little alien
stood and bowed his head in the General’s direction. “This is excellent news. Now, I must return to my home and finish my
preparations to return to my command.”
His huge dark eyes blinked slowly and he looked at each of them in turn.
“I want to thank
you again for thinking of us in this way, Thor.
It is much appreciated,” General Hammond said as he walked beside the ‘little grey guy’ down the stairs and
into the gate room.
“You are most
welcome, General.” With a wave of his
hand, the Stargate blossomed to life and Thor walked slowly up the ramp. “Until we meet again.” And with those words, he was gone, leaving
behind him a group of people who weren’t sure how they should really feel about
the latest turn of events.
“Well,” drawled
Jack O’Neill, “Thor’s a little harder to say no to than the Russians.” Suddenly, his gaze caught that of his 2IC and
the team’s archaeologist. “And just what
do you two mean, that explains the feelings you’ve been having? Just where did that come from, and why wasn’t
I informed? What feelings?”
General Hammond
caught the Colonel’s eye. “I think an
adjournment back to the briefing room would be appropriate.” As he led the way back towards the briefing
room, he could be heard mumbling under his breath, “and I was hoping for some
quiet, ordinary, downtime for everyone.
That’s sure been blown all the way to hell and back!”
TBC