Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“What is it?” Malek asked.

“We have no idea.” Sam replied. As she stood there, studying the machine, Martouf stood behind her, gently rubbing her back.

Per’sus eyed the machine. “Is that wise?”

“We are being careful,” Jacob replied. “You might want to stand back though.” He was doing precisely that.

“Any idea?” Jack asked.

“I only just started looking at it,” Delek replied with irritation.

Sam put her hand on his arm. “Colonel O’Neill can be a little impatient.”

Delek smiled warmly at her.

“She has a boyfriend already,” Jack reminded. “You already nearly broke them apart. Are you going for round 2?”

Delek gave Jack a glare that could freeze mercury.

Martouf stepped closer to Delek and leaned in to whisper into his ear.

Jack had no idea what the man said, but he could have sworn that Delek blushed.

Delek?

Can blush?

Delek?!

Daniel and Jonas were working together to decipher the language.

“Martouf, can you help me?” Daniel said. “I lent Anise a book. I feel a little strange just going through her things without asking.”

“We are used to it, but I will accompany you.”

“I will go with you as well,” Malek said as he followed. “Her organization methods can be most baffling.”

Delek gave his host, Tian, control since he had an artistic eye.

“These symbols are familiar,” Tian said. “I have seen them on art on Terrel.”

Hearing the name of his host’s planet, Per’sus stepped closer. Do you want control?

I will pass, Einar replied.

“Didn’t this go with-“ Jack started as he picked up another device.

The room flashed white.

~+~+~.

Jack felt fear, dread, and slight panic…but not from him. He jumped when he realized… Why are you in my head?! I did not agree to become a host!

What have you done?!

What have I done?! You are the one in my head!

Where is Toma?!

Delek?! Of all the Tok’ra to be in his head.

“Councilor, are you alright?” A Tok’ra asked.

“Why am I a host?” Jack demanded, too angry to realize his voice was off.

“You became a host to Delek decades ago. I do not know the details.”

Jack shook his head. “Never.”

Why are you in Toma’s body? Delek asked. What did you do to him?

Jack shivered. This is my body. You are in my body.

No. This is Toma’s body. You are an intruder in his body. And I can’t feel him!

Jack realized he was looking at his own body in another bed.

Meanwhile, Sam felt…different. Wrong. She felt like she was being squeezed. She couldn’t feel her legs, and her arms felt very strange.

Who are you? Hissed an angry “voice” in her head.

She managed to open her eyes, but her vision was blurred. She sat up carefully, and…why was Malek helping her sit up? She tried to speak, but no words came.

Per’sus will never let you have me…

She felt a chill in her body.

…and if you have harmed him, I will find a way to hurt you.

Einar? Yes. That was Einar. She didn’t know how, and she realized, behind that anger, he was terrified.

“What just…” Sam abruptly stopped. “My voice.” Why did she suddenly sound reverberated and masculine?

“What do you mean?” Malek asked as he caressed her cheek. “You sound the same.”

“Einar…”

“Can you not feel Einar?” His brows knitted in worry, and he immediately beckoned a healer to examine her.

She saw Martouf across the room, standing next to her form.

Captain Carter? Einar thought.

“I think we switched bodies,” she said as she looked at hands that most definitely were not hers. “Martouf.”

Martouf looked amused as he approached Sam.

“We definitely switched,” Jack said. Ack! This is my body!

No. That’s your body. This is Toma’s body, and we are checking on him. Delek walked over to Jack’s body as Tian began waking up. You do realize that this is my body more than it is yours?

How?

For over fifty years that has been my body. You’ve been in it for five minutes.

You just live in it. When he dies, you’ll find another.

“Toma? Are you alright? Somehow, you and O’Neill have switched bodies.”

“My knee hurts.” Tian replied.

He’ll get used to that, Jack thought.

Delek took out a healing device and began working on Tian.

Jack was surprised to feel a genuine concern from Delek.

Meanwhile, Sam was…afraid to move.

Give me control. Einar was starting to calm as he realized what was happening.

Uh. She looked to see Jack approaching.

“Per’sus, don’t you think you should give Sam control.” He had control again.

“Slight…problem.”

“Which is…?” He asked skeptically.

“I have no idea how.”

“What?” Jack heard laughing in his head. “Wait? You switched with Per’sus?”

“Apparently.”

Daniel looked over. “I’m glad I’m not going through this…again.”

“I volunteer to report the incident to Stargate Command,” Teal’c added.

“You just don’t want to accidentally be body swapped,” Jack said.

“I do not.”

Jack sighed. “Yeah, go ahead. I really don’t want to have to explain this. Maybe you and Jonas can get Hammond to send out another team to look at the ruins. Maybe we missed something.”

Teal’c bowed his head and left. Jonas was happy to follow.

“Daniel! You are not going anywhere.” Jack pointed at him. “I am not dealing with this alone.”

“Gee, thanks Jack,” Daniel replied.

“The Tok’ra have already sent out a team,” Jacob added. “Anise is heading it.”

Per’sus woke up. Einar? He sat up, looking around with worry. “What happened to Einar? Why am I…?” He frowned. “I have developed hypesthesia.”

“What?” Jack asked.

“Numbness in the body,” Sam answered.

Per’sus looked bewildered. “Who has my host?!” He got out of the bed and promptly fell.

Malek immediately helped him up and back to the bed.

“Why have I been removed from Einar?” Per’sus asked as he looked to his husband, his voice on the edge of breaking.

Sam was genuinely surprised. The man was usually so stoic.

He’s scared, Einar thought in sorrow. My beloved is terrified, and there is nothing I can do.

Sam felt like she was invading in their pain, realizing that she could read Per’sus so well because of Einar.

“There’s been some body switching,” Selmak replied. “Your minds have been switched.”

“You mean…”

“Until we find a way to reverse the process, you are…human.”

Chapter Text

"Who is in my body?" Per'sus asked.

"You don't know?" Jack asked. "Look who you are in."

"How would I know? I cannot feel this body." He frowned as he examined himself. "I think I am in a women's body. Captain Carter?"

"Yes, that is my body," Sam answered.

"These are your hands then."

"Yes. Einar is worried about you," Sam continued. "I'll let you talk when I figure out how."

Tell him I love him, and that I will hold him when I can, Einar thought.

"He says he loves you, and that he will hold you when he can." She hoped that didn't embarrass the councilor, but she saw that he took comfort from the words.

"I love you too, beloved host."

Sam thought the host thing might be odd to specify, but she felt Einar practically melt with love.

Being a host isn't just physical. He's reassuring me that our relationship has not changed, Einar explained.

Lantash took over, looking to Sam. "Try to relax."

Sam closed her eyes.

"Focus on Einar. What do you feel?"

"His thoughts…emotions."

"Do you feel his body?"

"No?" She frowned. "It feels snug."

"Can you taste anything metallic?"

Without realizing it, she subconsciously licked her lips.

"Don't focus on your mouth. Focus on your skin. What do you feel? Metal. Can you taste it?"

Sam squirmed. "Yes!" She heard amused laugher from her old body. She glanced over to Per'sus then looked back to Lantash.

"That's naquadah." Lantash smiled. "Can you sense it?"

"…Yes."

"Focus on it, let it pull at your mind."

"What if I accidentally hurt him?"

"You can do this, love." He leaned over and kissed her temple. "Close your eyes. That will help."

Sam closed her eyes and focused.

Einar opened his eyes.

"Good job," Lantash said with pride.

"This is most unusual…and lonely," Einar said.

"I agree," Tian said, his voice breaking. His expression was tense and stiff.

Jack was surprised.

Delek took Tian's hand. "I'm here, host."

Stop that!

Delek sighed.

Tian hugged Delek, then touched the back of his neck, caressing over him. He leaned in as Delek hugged him.

"I love you," Delek whispered, "but I have to retreat."

Tian nodded. "I understand."

Delek kissed Tian's temple before retreating.

You made me kiss myself.

Stop complaining. You won't even let me comfort my host.

Technically, right now, I'm your host, so start acting like it.

You say host. I say intruder. Your people brought that thing over, and now my beloved has been invaded and removed from his own body. He is my host. You are not, and you never will be.

As Jack and Delek argued, Einar approached Per'sus. Martouf stayed near in case Sam accidentally took over and fell.

"I feel so constricted…and weak." Per'sus frowned.

Sam picked up on his fear.

"How?" Jack asked.

Imagine suddenly losing your sense of touch, smell, and taste, along with half your vision and hearing, Delek said.

"He didn't lose any of that."

To go from being a symbiote to a human? Yes, he did…and talk to me, not out loud.

Jack felt a little better with Daniel being there, but then was nervous that Delek could hear his thoughts.

I suggest we both stay out of each other’s memories when it comes to relationships, Delek thought.

Not that it really mattered. Jack knew that Delek knew. Everyone in this room probably knew.

"Councilor, please, lay down. I need to check on Captain Carter." Kelmaa approached Einar.

Per'sus happily scooted over with a smile. Malek helped his husband since Per'sus didn't have full motor control yet.

Einar laid down by Per'sus as Kelmaa began to examine him. He felt Per'sus take his hand.

"Do you want to scan me after?” Einar asked.

"I need to make sure you are healthy."

"He is healthy,” Kelmaa inform. “However, Captain Carter needs to learn how to be a symbiote so that she doesn't accidentally cause a problem."

"Can she feel herself?" Lantash asked.

"She cannot," Einar replied.

"If you don't mind…" Lantash lifted a hand.

"Go ahead."

Per'sus nodded his permission as well.

Lantash touched the back of Einar's neck. He could feel Sam underneath the skin. "Try to wiggle."

Sam accidentally took control.

"Wrong body," Per'sus teased.

She retreated.

"Try again," Lantash said.

She wiggled.

"There you go," he replied as his eyes flashed in joy. "Now…focus on your fins. Can you wiggle them?"

Einar smiled. "She is wiggling them."

Lantash grinned. "Try squealing."

Sam squealed.

He laughed.

Sam took control. "What?"

It was gibberish, Einar thought.

As Lantash worked with Sam, Kelmaa scanned the others, and she soon allowed everyone except Sam and Einar to leave.

Lantash, of course, stayed. As did Per’sus. Jack planned to stay, but Jacob strongly encouraged him to leave.

"I would prefer to stay as well, but we need to do what is best for her," Jacob said. "You and I won't be helpful."

"Couldn't Selmak help?"

"So could Delek."

Jack frowned.

"Jack, you aren’t a symbiote," Daniel replied. "Einar would be more helpful than either of us. It's his body she's…in."

Jack sighed, then looked over to Tian.

"I wanted to be near Delek."

How Tian could miss Delek that quickly was beyond Jack.

~+~+~.

After her lessons, Sam had to practice walking. She found the rest of the group just outside the infirmary. Sam headed over, then lost her balance. Thankfully, Lantash was there to catch her. It made her realize how strange it felt to be taller than him.

"Why is this so difficult?" Sam asked.

"You are treating his body like yours," Lantash said.

She frowned.

My body isn't yours, Einar thought. I'm a living vehicle. You have your own body. You are driving mine.

This is complicated. Per'sus is laughing at me, isn't he?

He is amused, yes.

Sam looked to her body, seeing an expression that she never made. A combination of amused dignity.

"Did you redo my hair?" She asked.

"Until we switch back, this is my hair."

"That's not how this works," Jack said.

"So I can fix my hair?" Sam asked.

"I'd be curious to see what you did with it, but keep in mind, you are sharing."

You are not changing my hair, Einar thought.

It would be fun. I've never had such long hair.

My hair is not long.

It's longer than mine. Sam looked to Per'sus, realizing that he looked rather amused. The combed back look didn't quite work because her hair was short. Aren't you just using the same hair style that Per'sus has used all his life with every host.

Yes.

You don't want to explore? His hair was just long enough to braid. At least the top of it was.

No.

Jalen approached Sam, then made a small bow. "Councilor, may I have a moment of your time?"

"Uh…"

Per'sus does not say "uh," Einar chided.

"Are you alright, Councilor?"

How did she give Einar control again?

"Jalen." Per'sus approached. "There has been a…mishap…with a device brought to us by members of SG-1."

Jalen was completely baffled as to why "Per'sus" was ignoring her while "Sam" spoke.

"As it turned out, it had the ability to…switch people…from one body into another." He frowned slightly.

Jalen looked back to Sam. "Symbiotes, councilor?"

What was switched? Memories? Souls? Was she actually just Per'sus with Sam's memories?

You are most definitely not my Per'sus, Einar stated firmly.

"No, more like…souls," Sam replied.

"Councilor?"

"As I was saying," Per'sus continued smoothly. "There has been body swaps. As a result, that is not Per'sus."

Jalen stared at him with disbelief, then… "Councilor?"

"Yes, I am currently inhabiting Captain Carter's body."

"So where is she?"

"That would be me," Sam said.

Jalen jumped slightly.

"We can still discuss whatever you wish," Per'sus added.

"I'll wait." She scurried off.

Per'sus watched her leave. "I am never going to hear the end of this, will I?"

"No," Selmak said while laughing.

"And I am exhausted. I need to lay down."

"I could carry you," Malek offered.

Per'sus grinned. "Ooh. That sounds fun."

Malek smiled and wrapped his arms around him before kissing him, then swooped Per’sus off his feet.

Per’sus laughed.

Sam grinned, amused to see the councilor so happy.

The four of us truly love each other, Einar thought.

~+~+~.

They got to Per'sus and Malek's quarters, and their pug eagerly greeted them, but then began barking in alarm.

"He knows something is wrong," Malek said as he set Per'sus on to the bed. He kissed him softly. "I'll take him out so you can rest."

"Thank you," Per'sus said.

"Little Einar, come," Malek said as he left.

The pug followed after him.

"Samantha?" Martouf said. "If you do not mind, I am going to check on Toma."

"Yes, sure. He probably needs it. I am probably just going to go to sleep anyway."

Martouf kissed her softly, then grinned. "This is…a bit strange."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

"Of course, you are still beautiful."

Sam didn't realize how much she needed to hear that. "Thank you."

He squeezed her hand gently, then stepped back before bowing slightly. "Councilors."

"I would bow in turn, but I would probably end up falling over."

He grinned in amusement before leaving.

Sam turned to Per'sus.

Per'sus scooted over. "We can share the bed if you are tired."

Sharing a bed with Per'sus sounded strange, but she was in his body, in his host, and he was in her body. Sam went to the bed.

Per'sus yawned.

It felt strange to lay down next to her body.

"Is Einar alright?" Per'sus took out a healing device and began using it on Einar.

"He misses you."

"I miss him too."

Sam curled up.

~+~+~.

Einar was still asleep when she woke up. Sam slowly examined herself better. She wiggled her fins, realizing that she didn't have a dorsal fin. She knew Anise did, and she wondered why Per'sus was different. She squealed and chirped. She realized she could wiggle her tail.

Then she got out of bed and tried combing her new hair. Then she attempted to fix her hair. She ended up with one, very short, very messy braid.

I didn't agree to this.

Sam jumped. I will fix it after.

I suppose it is an indication that Per'sus isn't there anymore, though it needs to be redone. Don't you know how to braid?

I barely know how to walk. Sam felt his sadness. You can talk to him when he wakes up.

It's not the same.

Per'sus woke up and rushed over. "Einar? Beloved? What's wrong?"

How did he know you were upset? Sam retreated.

Einar sat down.

Per'sus sat next to him. "I miss you too. It's lonely by myself." Per'sus kissed him softly.

Einar hugged him.

"I like your hair."

"Oh. Do you want a braid now?"

Per'sus chuckled, then unbraided Einar's hair to fix it. "It's interesting being female."

"Wait…" Sam paused, realizing she took control without warning. Sorry.

It was an accident.

"Are you female now?" Sam asked.

"I don't know." He tilted his head slightly. "I've only ever had male hosts, so it was something I never had a chance to explore."

Sam retreated, as it felt awkward to have Per'sus combing her hair. He was doing it for Einar, not her.

Einar closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of it. Each passing of the comb made his scalp tingle.

Sam was quiet, and she realized the truth. Per'sus didn't constantly maintain his hair for perfection. It was a way to show physical affection.

Per'sus then carefully began braiding his hair, massaging his head on the same time. The vibrations moved down Einar's spine.

Sam noticed that he was careful not to touch the back of the neck.

That would be considered a violation against you, Einar thought.

"I love you." Per'sus kissed the side of Einar's head. "I'll do whatever it takes to return to you."

"Hopefully, we will figure this out soon."

As it turned out, Per'sus was quite good at doing a French braid. He made two, then tied them off, giving Einar a very short ponytail.

"How do you like that?" Per'sus asked.

Einar looked in the mirror. "It's not you."

Per'sus hugged him. "Having a different hairstyle does not mean you are not loyal. I feel your love every time you look at me."

That's why you maintain his preferred hairstyle? Sam asked.

"I understand, it just…doesn't feel right." Einar gave a sad smile. Yes. It makes him happy, and would you not make such a small concession to make your beloved happy?

~+~+~.

Stop looking into my memories. It's rude.

They keep coming to me, Jack replied. Besides, I am your host now.

No, you are an invader.

Then Tian is also an-

Do not use his real name!

Jack sighed. I don't like this anymore than you do, but can we at least be civil.

No.

Why not?

I don't like you. I don't like your people.

You like Sam. A little too much in my opinion.

I like her. No one else.

Not even Daniel?

You are spoiled. I've had hosts give entire lifetimes to keep the Goa'uld fighting, to keep them off your planet, and what have you done with that freedom?

We fight the Goa'uld. We have killed-

You are arrogant. You constantly insult us. You demanded an alliance, then let us die! Delek wiggled in anger.

Stop wiggling!

I am allowed to wiggle!

It feels uncomfortable.

Delek seemed to growl as he made sharp squeals.

I blended with Kanan, and he used me.

You don't even know what happened. You don't remember it. I know you don't remember it because I'm in your head. What we do know is that you both disappeared, he died, and therefore he was blamed.

I was tortured.

He's dead! What more could you possibly want from him?! You got your cure, and now he's dead!

Jack sighed.

And how many Tok'ra have died on Earth? Protecting it?

I…don't know.

Did you even bother to look for a host? Delek felt his surprise. It didn't even occur to you, did it? Crystals! I'd rather be in a tank than have you as a host. If Tian didn't need me… Delek retreated.

~+~+~.

Jack went to find Daniel, who had left to read some text that was involved.

"Jack." Daniel stood up. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, just great," Jack replied sarcastically.

"Awful?"

"Major fight. Now he is hiding from me."

"Not too bad then."

"How is that not too bad?" Jack asked as he folded his arms.

"Because the fight wasn't one sided. Because you are able to stand here and complain to me about it." Daniel unfolded Jack's arms as he glanced down. "Sha're didn't have that option."

"Damn." Jack closed his eyes. "Sorry, you are right." He grinned at Daniel. "You usually are with this sort of thing."

Daniel smiled warmly.

"What if this can't be fixed?"

"Then I would have to get used to you in a new body, but it would still be you."

Jack smiled.

"And before you know it, I am sure you will stress yourself into having silver hair again."

Jack laughed. "You miss my silver?"

"I miss you, but we will figure this out."

~+~+~.

Delek? Jack called out.

I'm sleeping.

You are not.

Zzzz.

Jack smiled slightly in amusement.

Leave me alone.

We have to talk. You are in my head.

No. I'm in Tian's head. You are an invader, so no, we do not. Delek retreated.

Jack sighed.

Chapter Text

Sam smiled as Martouf played with her hair. It was still braided, so he mostly played with her short ponytail.

“You are very beautiful.”

“Are you actually thinking about sex while I’m trapped in this body?”

His usual innocent grin was so very not innocent.

“Martouf.”

“I don’t think Einar would mind,” he replied, “and as long as you are interested, it would do no harm to ask.”

I’ll retreat and leave you two alone, Einar thought.

You don’t mind?

No. Besides, I have had sex with him before. Einar paused. You already knew that, right? It was before he began courting you.

Don’t worry. When we got back together, he told me everyone he had been with after Jolinar’s death.

Martouf stroked over Sam herself, gently squeezing the back of Einar’s neck.

“I am interested. That would certainly be…different, but we need to ask Per’sus and Malek first. And Amb.”

Martouf gently kissed her.

~+~+~.

Sam found Per’sus in Malek’s embrace, the two cuddling on… She wasn’t sure what to call the platform that was attached to the wall.

Usually a couch or bench, Einar thought.

“Hello Samantha,” Per’sus greeted. “How is my lovely host?”

Sam felt warm fuzzies from Einar’s joy. “He’s doing better, though he misses you terribly.”

“I miss him. It’s very lonely. Malek and Amb have offered to use memory devices to share their thoughts with me.”

“Really?” Sam sat down at a chair.

“Yes, but I believe it would be…overwhelming.” He squeezed Malek gently. “I am starting to access Jolinar’s memories.” He frowned. “I do not like it.”

“Overwhelming?

“Yes, and I am invading her privacy.”

“Invading… I suppose I was doing the same.”

“Oh, no. You were her host. That is not the same thing at all. She lived inside you. She chose to die to save you. Her memories are your privilege now, but they were never meant for a fellow Tok’ra to see. Unfortunately, I have not figured out how to avoid them.”

“Neither did I.”

He nodded.

“We had a question…if you don’t mind us asking,” Malek said.

“Yes?” Sam asked, then wondered why Einar was suddenly laughing.

“We were wondering if you minded if we had sexual relations.”

Sam suddenly realized why Einar had laughed, and even more amusing was that Per’sus, the leader of the Tok’ra, the nearly two thousand old symbiote, was blushing.

“My husbands are in two different bodies, and I would like to…take advantage of that situation.” Malek’s smile was close lipped, looking almost innocent.

“We understand if you are not comfortable with any aspect of this request,” Per’sus added.

“Actually, I came here to ask about the same thing.” Sam could feel herself blushing, every aspect of it, but dammit, she didn’t know how to stop it. She just knew that Einar was now very pink.

“I do not mind,” Malek replied.

“Neither do I,” Per’sus added, “and you can think about your answer.”

Was it fair to say no after they said yes?

Nuh uh! Einar scolded. Just because they are comfortable with that arrangement doesn’t mean you have to be.

Did you just say “nuh uh?”

Grrr. I’m being influenced by your memories of how the people of your planet speak.

Sam smiled. “I think that would be fine. I don’t think my boyfriends would mind either, but I’ll ask them. You may have to teach me how to stay in retreat during that time.”

“Einar could probably teach you,” Per’sus replied. “The easiest method may be to induce yourself into a state of sleep.”

“I think I can do that.”

“You are learning quickly.” Per’sus smiled. “You make a most excellent symbiote.”

“Thank you. Einar helps, though he misses you a great deal.”

He stood up and approached.

Sam retreated as he touched her shoulder.

“My Einar, you have been so strong and brave through this. It helps me to keep strong myself.”

“Samantha has been helpful.”

“Like a good symbiote should.”

Sam was amused by that.

Per’sus kissed Einar softly. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Einar hugged him. “As much as I miss you, it is delightful to wrap my arms around you.”

Per’sus laughed, then ran his fingers through Einar’s braids. “I will see you later. Tell Samantha to go have her fun.”

Einar kissed him again before leaving.

Do I do anything to keep you…um… Is suppressed the right word? That’s usually a bad thing, Sam asked as Einar walked.

Suppressing someone isn’t bad if it’s consensual, but it’s not necessary. I know how to fully retreat.

Will you be asleep?

If I want to be, but I will probably just make my own little world.

What? Sam would have frowned if she had control.

Think of it as a dreamscape, except I would be awake. Every symbiote knows how to make one and every host learns. You can join me after if you want. Einar retreated.

Sam stumbled slightly.

You have to learn how to switch without doing that.

Sam entered Martouf’s quarters, and in the short time that he had been gone, he had somehow acquired flowers and candles. The whole room smelled like the flowers as well as vanilla and ginger.

“How?” Sam asked.

Martouf smiled. “I have my methods.”

Sam approached him. “I guess you knew what the answer would be.”

“Yes.”

“They have asked the same. I don’t mind, but I didn’t answer for you or Delek.”

“It’s your body, and if you are uncomfortable asking Delek due to Colonel O’Neill, Tian would know.” He kissed her.

Einar slowly disappeared as Sam kissed him back.

“You look very beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She caressed over Lantash. “How do we…do this?”

“We’ll figure this out.”

~+~+~.

Sam felt amazing and strange after. “Wow.”

“Different?” Lantash asked.

“Very different. Wow.”

He laughed.

“That was just…and the way you feel it in your own body as well. I thought being in a male’s body would be the biggest difference, but I felt it in my fins. I didn’t know you had feeling in your fins.”

“They are quite sensitive.”

“And I thought feeling every aspect would be overwhelming, but I just wanted more.”

“You were quite demanding.”

Sam laughed.

Lantash kissed her temple.

“You and Martouf were great…and very patient.”

Well, I see you had fun, Einar teased as he returned.

How did you know I was done?

I’ve been a host for well over a hundred and fifty years.

Sam smiled, then snuggled to Lantash.

~+~+~.

“That’s not your body.” Jack said after walking in on Malek and Per’sus, who were clearly preparing for more than kissing.

Per’sus sat up. “I’m allowed to be with my own husbands.”

Relax, Delek thought. He would have asked first. This is what I mean by your judgements. You walk in and see a Tok’ra having sex with Tau’ri’s body and assume the worst.

“Did you ask?” Jack asked.

Of course, they asked! Delek yelled. How arrogant are you to think that they need to be told the obvious?!

“Yes. I am insulted that you question me.” Per’sus looked behind Jack. “Aw, there you are.”

Jack turned to see Einar. “You are going to have sex with your host?”

“I am not going to have sex with my host!” Per’sus snapped in irritation.

“And how does Sam fit?”

“She is asleep, and I have bathed.”

“You smell wonderful,” Malek said.

“Thank you.” Einar smiled as he turned towards Jack. “I came to have sex with my husbands. Unless you want to watch, you might want to leave.”

“And Sam doesn’t mind any of this?”

“No.”

Jack walked away. Delek… How is that not sex with Sam? It’s her body. It’s her…well, elsewhere, but she’s there too.

Per’sus is currently the only one in her body.

But it’s her body.

She isn’t in it, and she clearly doesn’t mind.

But she is in the other one, Jack argued.

Do you not understand the concept of a blending? Einar has shared his body with Per’sus for over 150 years. Waking up with someone new in his head must been terrifying, and Per’sus, I can’t imagine suddenly being human.

Nothing wrong with being human.

Annoyed, Delek hid away.

Delek.

Nothing.

Delek. Jack sighed, then made the choice to retreat, forcing Delek in control.

That’s rude!

Then stop ignoring me, and you did it to me.

Let me retreat.

We need to talk.

That’s not what this is about. You are doing this so that when this is done, you can tell everyone that I forced control.

That honestly surprised Jack, and he let Delek retreat.

Delek disappeared.

Do you really think I would do that?

Delek mentally returned, clearly annoyed. What?

Do you really think I would do that?

Yes.

That hurt more than Jack wanted to admit.

Delek retreated.

Chapter Text

“Host!” Per’sus called out urgently when Einar entered the mess hall.

Einar smiled and hugged him.

Jack frowned. Wow. Way to show him that that is all you are to him.

“Have you figured out your gender?” Einar asked.

“No.” Per’sus made the slightest pout. “I feel so lost, my host. Sometimes I feel male. Sometimes I feel female, but I think that is just Jolinar.” He threw his hands up. “I don’t know!”

Einar hugged him again.

“And I am forgetting the others. The details.” 

“I still have them.”

“What was Faisal’s favorite meal? How many brothers did Bandile have?!”

“He didn’t have any brothers.”

“How could I forget?!” He started hyperventilating.

“Per’sus, relax. Breathe.” Einar lead Per’sus to a table and sat him in his lap as he sat down. “Breathe with me.”

Per’sus began imitating Einar’s slower breaths.

“Keep breathing, my symbiote. Look at me.”

Per’sus stared into his eyes.

“Faisal’s favorite meal was pasta and cheese pie. We eat every year on the anniversary of your blending. Bandile had three sisters, but they were murdered years before you met him. When you honor Bandile, you light candles for them as well.”

“I hate being human.”

Einar rubbed his back. “I know.”

“Tell me everything that I have missed. Are you still having nightmares?”

Jack watched as Einar took out a small box.

“Oh, host. My Einar. This is beautiful!” Per’sus kissed him, then opened the box.

Einar took a memory device out of the box and put it on Per’sus’ temple.

Per’sus just about melted with joy, then teared up. “Host.”

“I miss you too.” Einar hugged him.

I don’t get it, Jack thought.

Einar recorded his thoughts and emotions to share with Per’sus.

No, I got that, but why is Per’sus upset over forgetting some details.

Remembering those details is how they live with us, and Per’sus is not normally so emotional, not in public. He must truly be upset.

And he hates being human. How is that not insulting?

Delek suddenly began wiggling. Host!

Yes, I can hear you. I have a name.

Not you.

Jack realized that Tian walked in.

Oh, my love has been crying.

Jack went to Tian.

“Unless I can talk to Delek, leave me alone.”

“You have been crying.”

“Shut up,” Tian snapped.

Jack stepped back.

Tian walked away.

He isn’t normally so hostile, Delek thought. You embarrassed him.

I thought Tok’ra were not above tears. Jack glanced to Per’sus who was crying as Einar held him.

Tok’ra, yes. That doesn’t change how hosts feel, and my host-

Stop reducing him to a host!

Delek sighed. Do you know why Per’sus keeps calling Einar his host?

Because he lived in him.

We are not Goa’uld, even if you like to think otherwise.

Yes. I know. You let your hosts have control.

A host is more than someone to live inside.

Meaning?

I do not “let” my host have control. It is a privilege to share control.

Oh, right. The symbiote who thinks ill of Dad thinks sharing is a privilege. I don’t believe it.

He isn’t your dad. Why do you call him Dad?

To Sam.

You literally just called him “Dad” in your head. That’s weird.

Jack sighed.

She isn’t even your intended mate anymore.

No, you ruined that.

I ruined that?

Yes, by publicly having sex with her.

Delek retreated.

Delek?

Delek ignored him.

Jack frowned and grabbed some food. He left to find Daniel.

“Hey Jack.”

“Tell me that you are close to switching us back.”

“Sorry.”

Jack sighed, then kissed Daniel’s temple before sitting.

“General Hammond wants to see you when you can.”

“That might be a good distraction.” Jack took a bite of something that burned his tongue, then immediately drank water. “Delek is mad at me again.”

“Has he ever stopped?”

Jack shrugged.

“What did you do this time?”

“What did I do?”

“Well, you did something.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Daniel shrugged, then kissed Jack. “I miss your old body.”

“Me too. I don’t miss the bad knees though.”

Daniel smiled, then looked over when Anise came in.

“Anise, hi.” Jack sat back as if he totally wasn’t about to kiss Daniel.

“We returned from the planet where you found the body switching machine,” she said matter-of-factly. “We have found more items to study. I believe I know why Colonel O’Neill activated the device.”

“Yeah. Other people touched it and nothing happened.” Jack frowned. “That’s not fair.”

“I believe the device was made by the Ancients.”

“Oh. The gene.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t suppose I can just touch it again and swap everyone back?” Jack asked.

“No.”

“Damn.”

“Thankfully, Jun also has Ancient genetic material in his code of life.”

My brother’s brother, Delek thought with a happy wiggle. Good for him.

“Doctor Jackson, I would like you to examine the other items.”

“Yeah.” Daniel looked to Jack. “We’ll get you back as soon as we can.”

Jack nodded. Wouldn’t your brother’s brother also be your brother?

No.

How? Jack got up and began walking, eating as he did so.

Do you remember him?

Jack suddenly saw the image of an Asian man in his head. No?

You were there when he died, Delek thought in annoyance. His name was Jin. He was killed when Major Graham shot at Per’sus.

Oh. Right. Now I remember him. He took the shot for Per’sus.

Yes. Jin was always brave, and he didn’t hesitate to sacrifice his life for Einar and Per’sus.

That a fact?

Jin was Ocker’s previous host. He told me Jin’s last thoughts.

And Ocker is your clutch mate.

Precisely, and Ocker’s hosts are also my siblings, so Jin was my brother.

So Jun? Jack frowned when Delek showed him another visual of Jin.

No. That is Jun. They were identical twins.

So Jun is your clutch mate’s previous host’s identical twin?

Yes. My brother’s brother.

I suppose that makes sense, and where am I going? Jack realized he was heading down a familiar hallway. He put the last bite of his food away.

My personal quarters.

Why?

I don’t know. You are the one walking.

Jack felt someone ahead of them.

Tian is not alone then.

Jack stopped when he saw Tian facing Martouf, sitting on his lap and kissing him. Martouf held Tian’s sides.

“What are you doing?!” Jack snapped.

They are just kissing, Delek thought.

Tian sighed as he looked over to Jack.

“That’s my body.” Jack said, gesturing as he approached Tian.

“So, you kiss Daniel with mine,” Tian replied with a frown.

“Oh. You know about that.” Jack was annoyed. Did you tell him?!

No. You are not as discreet as you think. I am quite certain he used the power of eyesight. You might have heard of it?

“Yes. I took that to mean that kissing is allowed,” Tian replied.

“And Martouf, you are dating Sam. Don’t think I’m not going to tell her.” Jack pointed at him.

Martouf shrugged, then retreated. Lantash gave him the most gloating smirk.

“I will.”

“Go ahead,” Lantash replied.

Jack turned around as he heard Delek laughing. Quiet. You knew, didn’t you? After all that you have done?

Of course, I knew.

And I did not need to see me kissing Martouf!

If it bothers you that much, then talk to them and set boundaries.

Jack looked back as he saw Lantash and Tian following. You aren’t stopping me.

No. I am not going to break the law just to stop you from looking like an idiot.

Sam was still in the mess hall, though based on the fact that Malek was still sitting in Einar’s lap, Jack knew she wasn’t in control.

“Um.” Jack sat down. “Sam.”

“Hello Colonel,” Einar greeted. “It’s generally considered polite to acknowledge the one in control first.”

“I need to talk to Sam.”

Einar’s eyes suddenly glowed.

Sam cringed slightly. “I didn’t mean to take control without warning.”

“I am sure you did not harm Einar,” Per’sus replied. “I still haven’t figured out how to be human.”

“Which you hate being,” Jack replied.

“Of course. It is weird and unnatural. I should be inside a human, not be a human.” He frowned. “I miss Einar’s spine.”

“You miss his spine?”

Heh. He is still in her lap. Delek was amused.

“And his brain,” Per’sus continued. “Oh, he had a very comfortable brain. It was warm and snugly.”

“That’s…” Jack had no idea what to say to that.

“Sir, you wanted to talk?” Sam asked.

“He has bad news.” Per’sus added. “Should I leave?”

“Einar would prefer if you didn’t,” Sam replied.

“Sam…” Jack sighed. “I saw Martouf kissing Tian.”

“Who?”

You said his name! Delek screamed. I knew I couldn’t trust you!

“Has’tar mik'ta! Mai'tac qua!” Tian yelled.

Jack winced. Thanks to Delek, Jack immediately knew he was basically being cussed out.

“Shol'va!”

“I’m sorry. I-“

Tian huffed and angrily marched away. Sam and Martouf followed after him.

“Well, that could have gone better,” Per’sus said before sighing.

“Is it that bad?” Jack asked.

“Yes.”

Yes! Delek yelled. I told you not to use his name!

“Delek is pissed.” Jack said.

“You have violated his host. Of course, he is angry.”

Jack followed after Tian, who immediately glared at him. Jack also noticed that Martouf was rubbing his back while Sam was holding his hand.

“Leave me alone,” Tian ordered.

“I’m sorry.”

“You have put my soul at risk, and you think an apology is going to help?”

“No one is going to attack your soul.”

Sam left Tian and approached Jack. “He needs space…away from you, sir.”

Jack walked away. “So…you three are together?”

“There’s five of us.” She replied as she followed.

“Who else?!”

Delek laughed in spite of his anger.

“Oh, right. I get it. Um…since when? I thought you hated Delek?”

“Why would I hate him?”

“After you had to be with him.”

Are you forgetting that I’m in your head? Delek asked angrily.

Sam frowned. “Really? You are bringing that up?”

“I just… He hurt you.”

“We hurt each other. We didn’t have a choice. And you have no business bringing that up.”

I want to talk to her.

“He wants to talk to you.” Jack sighed. “Fine.” He retreated.

“Delek.” Sam smiled in a way that she never smiled at Jack. He was immediately jealous. 

You have Daniel, Delek thought.

And I would never betray Daniel’s trust, but I also wouldn’t mind a threesome.

Sam took Delek’s hands.

“I have kept those memories away from him, and he has avoided them,” Delek assured.

“Thank you…both of you.”

Delek hugged her, then kissed her softly. He closed his eyes as she rubbed over the back of his neck.

Jack suddenly felt a wonderful sensation throughout his body, and he knew that was only a small portion of what Delek felt. Shit. No wonder that is sexual.

Delek kissed her softly. “Go, help Toma. I cannot.”

Sam nodded and left.

Delek retreated.

Jack sighed and left the area.

Chapter Text

Jack went back to Per’sus, who was now eating a pie. Jack watched him from a distance, finding it strange that he was getting used to seeing Sam’s body as Per’sus. He wasn’t even used to seeing himself in the mirror yet.

Does that pie have noodles?

No answer.

Jack approached, and he saw a bowl on the table with beautiful, iridescent purple flowers.

“Don’t touch the flowers,” Per’sus warned as he twirled his fork around a noodle. “Touching them is lethal.”

“Oh.” Jack found it strange that they would be on the table then.

“They remind me of Einar,” Per’sus explained.

“Oh. Well. Toma doesn’t want me near him.”

“That is expected.” He took a bite.

“Is that um…pasta and cheese pie?”

“Yes. The chef brought me one after seeing how upset I was.” He smiled. “It was Faisal’s favorite meal.”

“A previous host.” Jack half expected Delek to confirm, but he was still in retreat.

“My first host. He was quite beautiful.”

“Is that why you chose him? His beauty?”

“Hm. You have a very negative view of us.”

“I just…”

“You make constant jokes and negative comments about us. You use derogatory terms. You spin everything said into something negative.” He forked a noodle, then pointed it at him. “I am glad I never had a host like you. You can be very ugly.” He took a bite.

“Come on. I’m not that bad, and Einar is clearly just a host to you. That’s all you call him now.”

“And what do you think that means?” Per’sus asked as he looked to him.

“Someone to live inside.”

“Is that all?”

“I’m sure you take care of his body…”

“But?”

“It’s to your benefit, and when he dies, you’ll just get another host.” Jack sighed, glancing to the others in the room. “You look down at humans. You think you are superior.”

“I do not. You are assuming the worst…again.”

 “You have repeatedly said that you hate being human.”

“I look down at humans because I don’t want to be one?” He smiled slightly, amused. “Would you want to be trapped as another species?”

“No.”

“A symbiote?”

“I’d be a cranky symbiote.”

“Of that I am sure,” Per’sus laughed. “What about an Asgard?”

“No. I don’t want to be an Asgard…and before you ask, I wouldn’t want to be an Unas either.”

“So why is that fine, but me not wanting to be human is an insult?”

“I suppose…I might have made some assumptions.”

“Do you think I am eating this pie because Faisal was ‘just a host?’”

“Why are you eating the pie?”

“It makes me remember Faisal…blending with him, the first time we had this pie, our first argument, when we fell in love… He loved it when I fixed his hair.”

“His hair?” Jack frowned as he sat back. “Why?”

“He would relax while I fixed it. I would massaged his scalp, wetting and oiling his hair, fix up his curls, then gently scrunch them. I would give him warm vibrations that started in his scalp, then went all the way down his spine.”

“That sounds…intimate.”

“Of course it was intimate. Our entire relationship was very intimate.”

“Did you do that for Einar?”

“Well, he doesn’t have curls, but yes, and I still do.”

“How? You aren’t in him.”

Per’sus laughed a bit, shaking his head before looking back towards Jack. “Who do you think is braiding his hair?”

Jack frowned.

“I brush his hair and slowly braid it, and I can use the healing device to make him vibrate. It makes him happy. It makes him feel warm and loved, and it makes me feel good to see him happy.”

“I think Delek has been wanting to do that with Toma. Not the hair specifically, but…something.”

“And you are against this?” He took another bite, slowly chewing.

Jack watched for a moment. It was strange how happy Per’sus was just eating a noodle. That made him wonder… “What was your first fight about?”

“With Faisal or Einar?”

“Einar.” He smiled. He had meant Faisal, but it would be more fun to hear a story about the host he knew.

“He broke his ankle.”

“That seems kind of harsh.”

“He was being reckless and could have hit his head, which contains me.” He paused as he looked upwards. “…Usually, and when I’m injured, I have a harder time healing him.” Per’sus gestured. “Delek, you were there. Show him.”

~+~+~.

Jack felt like he was walking, and he distinctly realized he was in a woman’s body.

Suddenly he was grabbed and lifted into the air, being held up over a man’s head.

“Delek! One of my favorite worms!”

“I am not a worm,” Jack heard himself replying in Delek’s typical serious tone, looking down at the man.

“Should I throw you into the pool?”

“Not again.”

The man laughed and threw Delek over his shoulder. “You have to see this.” He ran off with Delek.

Who is he? Jack thought.

Ocker. My clutch mate. Delek thought.

And “worm?”

Very few people can call me a worm. Don’t you start.

Wormy.

Ack!

“Would you put me down?!” Past Delek asked.

“Never!” Ocker laughed as he ran through the hallways.

They went into the mess hall, and Jack was suddenly backed on his feet.

“Look,” Ocker whispered.

Delek looked to see a soaking wet boy running across the tables and chairs. With bright blonde hair and blue eyes, Jack realized how much young Einar looked like Charlie. He even appeared to be the same age Charlie had been.

“That’s not sanitary,” Delek said, not knowing who the kid was.

“Who cares? This is hilarious. Besides, no one is eating on those tables.” Ocker grinned as he put an arm around Delek and pulled her closer.

“Why is no one telling him to stop?” Delek asked, though she had to admit, Ocker was right, this was fun to watch.

“That’s the best part. Ren’al?”

Delek looked over to her sister, who was smiling as she watched the boy jump from one table to another.

“He outranks all of us,” Ren’al answered. “No one knows what to do.”

Jack and Delek laughed.

Another woman came in, and Jack realized it was Jaydin, a member of the high council. Her eyes widened, then she smiled and left. She came back a few minutes later with a holo-recorder.

“Very productive,” Cordesh said sarcastically.

“The child outranks Cordesh?” Delek asked in surprise, only now realizing that he was there.

“You know you wanted to record this.” Jaydin smiled. “And yes, he technically outranks Cordesh and me.”

He can hurt himself. We need to tell him to stop. Delek’s host thought.

But he outranks us, Delek replied.

Give me control.

Jack felt a strange sensation, as if he was pulling back. He felt the same sensation as when a symbiote took control, but he had to hold back before settling.

“Hello, little one,” his host said as she approached the boy.

Her name was Aamina, Delek thought.

Not Amália?

Amália came after Aamina.

The boy turned towards her mid-jump and caught his foot on the edge of the table.

Ahhh! Delek squirmed.

Cordesh ran over quickly and caught the kid, though he was knocked over in the process.

“Ow!” The boy cried out when he landed badly on his ankle, now sitting on top of Cordesh, who appeared dazed.

“Well, Per’sus is definitely awake now,” Jaydin said as she picked the boy up, sitting him on the table to examine his ankle.

The boy pouted. “Per’sus is scolding me.”

”He’s just worried that you hurt yourself,” Jaydin replied. “He’s probably angrier at us for letting you run over the tabletops. Cordesh?”

“I hit my head,” he replied as he sat up. “Ow.”

The boy’s eyes glowed, and he glared at Jaydin and Cordesh. “It didn’t occur to you that he could hurt himself?”

“You’ll heal him,” Cordesh dismissed, “and I am not the one with a host running on the tabletops.”

“I was asleep. Being symbiote to a child is exhausting.” Per’sus scowled.

Cordesh touched near the back of his head. “And I’m bleeding.”

“You hit that hard?” Per’sus asked in worry.

“No. I meant that Nelay’an is bleeding.”

Per’sus sighed and retreated. The boy pouted.

“What is your name?” Aamina asked to distract him from the pain as Jaydin went to get a healing device.

“Einar.”

Einar outlived two of your hosts? Jack thought.

Amália died young. Delek replied in sadness.

“My apologies for Marco’s loss. He was a good man,” Aamina said.

“Per’sus thanks you.”

It struck Jack as so strange that this was just so normal to them. That someone would just suddenly look different. That seeing a new host meant someone died. That he could be outranked by a child.

“How are you so wet?”

“He was jumping through the fountains,” Cordesh answered with amusement as he was helped up.

“How do you like being a host?” Aamina asked as she laughed.

“Great!” Einar managed to hop his whole body. “I get to eat every day!“

That saddened Jack.

“That’s wonderful.”

“And no one hits me!” He smiled.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?”

Jack was surprised and disgusted, and he was amazed that Delek wasn’t even fazed.

“Yeah!” The boy jumped. “Per’sus says that no one is allowed to hurt me.”

Who beat on a child? Jack asked in anger.

We never asked, Delek thought. He was an orphaned thief though, so probably merchants.

“Did someone hit you too?” Einar asked.

“Every day,” Aamina answered.

“I’m glad you got away.”

“Thank you.”

“Per’sus says it was rude to ask.”

“Yes, but don’t worry. You didn’t offend me.”

Jack saw enough to see that it was worse than the woman was saying. That must have angered you.

Yes, but it’s pretty typical. Getting a host who wasn’t abused is unusual.

Jaydin returned with a healing device and ran it over his ankle.

“Per’sus says, I broke it.”

“Yes, so you have learned not to run on the tables?” Jaydin said.

“Yes,” Einar replied in defeat.

He kept running on the tables whenever Councilor Per’sus slept, Delek informed, which made Jack laugh. This wasn’t even the last time he broke a bone doing something reckless.

Kids do stupid things. That’s why they are kids. Jack thought about Charlie.

It wasn’t your fault.

Jack didn’t respond. He didn’t agree, but he appreciated the thought.

“Your ankle is healed,” Jaydin said.

“Already?” His eyes widened.

“Yes.”

He hopped down from the table. “Wow!”

And he just learned that even a broken bone is of little consequence, Jack thought in amusement.

~+~+~.

Jack smiled, then looked over to Per’sus, who was now almost done with his meal.

“Welcome back,” Per’sus said before taking another bite.

“Is people just blanking out normal for you?”

“We are used to it.”

Jack felt Delek wiggle with amusement.

“Einar was a cute kid.”

“Thank you.”

“That is a compliment to you?”

A compliment to one of us is a compliment to the other, Delek explained.

“Ah,” Jack replied out loud. “So what was it like to blend with a child?”

“Very confusing.” Per’sus laughed. “I never knew anyone could be so impulsive.”

Jack laughed, and he couldn’t help but think about his own son. “Yeah. They are impulsive…irrational, stubborn… They have no filter.”

Aren’t you just describing yourself? Delek thought.

No. Jack smiled.

“And he was smart, uneducated, but smart. Caring. Brave. And…” He laughed. “I don’t know how he found dirt, but he would always get dirty.”

Jack laughed. “Kids will find dirt in the cleanest of places.”

“And I was always healing cuts and bruises and scraped knees.”

“Kids do that too.” Jack thought warmly of Charlie.

Do you want to talk about him? Delek asked.

No, but I like this.

“And he would always find trouble if I slept without him.”

Jack laughed.

Per’sus sighed, looking upwards in both annoyance and amusement. “Jaydin teased me about the tabletop running for decades.”

Jack smiled.

“But…” Per’sus smiled warmly as pure love crossed his face. “He was having fun. He didn’t get to do that before. He struggled just to survive. Joining the Tok’ra didn’t just save his life, it finally allowed him to be a child. I…loved watching him grow up, watching him learn, watching him discover that he was better than he had ever imagined…even if that meant going through puberty.”

“That must have been weird for you.”

“Very, very weird.” Per’sus smiled.

“You must have felt very protective of Einar, being both a child and your host.”

“I still am. Someone that you have lived inside of, shared their joys, their pains, watched them improve themselves, taken care of them, healed their every bump and scratch, shared their thoughts…enjoyed their love and affection towards you… That person is never just a host.” Per’sus saddened. “And I don’t know…if I will ever…have that again.”

“At least you still have him.”

Per’sus nodded and sniffled.

“And he is apparently telepathic.” Jack gestured as Einar entered the room.

Per’sus laughed, then wiped tears.

Einar approached the table and immediately hugged Per’sus, kissing the side of his head.

“Did you know he was upset?” Jack asked.

“Yes.” Einar sat by Per’sus, who took his hand. “Per’sus, why are you anywhere near these flowers?”

“They remind me-”

“They are toxic, love!” Einar sighed.

“I just wanted to be near them.”

How toxic are they? Jack asked.

For an unblended human? If Per’sus touches or smells them, then without immediate help, it would take about a minute for his heart to stop.

That’s a huge risk to take.

He misses Einar.

“Love, let’s go to our quarters,” Einar continued. “No more flowers. Not these ones. I’m not worth it.”

“What about Toma?” Per’sus asked.

“He has Martouf.” Einar pulled Per’sus up. “You can fix my hair.”

Per’sus smiled in joy. “Yes, my host.”

Einar lifted him up into his arms, and Per’sus relaxed.

Jack watched as they left. Toxic flowers remind him of Einar?

That’s between them, Delek thought. He has always used flowers to remind him of his hosts.

Do you have anything like that?

They record holographic messages for me. Toma has already recorded ten of them for my future self.

Jack nodded slightly. I…suppose…I could…let you talk to him.

Really?

Well, it’s a little hard to show that I’m sorry if I don’t let him be comforted by his favorite person.

Delek was quiet, and that made Jack nervous. Had he said something wrong?

Thank you.

It wasn’t just words. Jack felt it. Gratitude that almost overwhelmed him. Warmth that filled his body, a sensation that made Jack feel light and…wonderful. His entire body felt good. He couldn’t not be happy.

Sorry.

Jack felt the wonderful feeling disappear. Is that…what it is like to be a host. That feeling all the time?

Not all the time. It wouldn’t be special then.

But on a regular basis? Is that what Per’sus does when he fixes Einar’s hair?

Yes.

This blending thing is much more complicated than I realized. Jack smiled slightly before retreating.

Thank you. Delek got up and left to find Tian. He found his beloved host in their quarters.

“Delek?” Tian’s eyes were wide, afraid to hope.

“He has suggested I-“

Tian ran over and hugged him.

Delek hugged him. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

Tian leaned into Delek. holding him close. Martouf was still there to give emotional support, but he was quiet to give them alone time.

“I’m here, love.” Delek hugged Tian while gently rubbing his back.

“What if we can’t switch back?”

“Then I’ll return to you in the, as Jack would say, the old fashioned way.”

“That could kill you,” Tian shook his head.

“You are worth the risk.” Delek kissed Tian’s temple. “I love you.”

“No. You can’t…“

“I’m not abandoning you.” He brushed fingers through Tian’s hair. “And if…if I don’t survive, I want you to reblend.”

“No.”

“Please. You can live another hundred years.”

“I won’t let you inside me again.”

Delek winced, looking down, feeling rejected even though he knew why Tian said it.

“You know what I have already lost. I couldn’t bear to lose you as well. It would be too much.”

“Tian,” Delek whispered. “You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Look at you now.” Delek smiled. “Ripped out of your body, shoved into someone else’s, alone, and you are the one keeping me strong.”

Tian didn’t respond, simply shaking his head.

Delek took out a healing device. “But, we aren’t at such a desperate stage yet anyway.” He began running the device over him.

What are you doing? Jack asked, curious.

Healing him.

He wasn’t injured.

I’m always healing him. That’s my job.

Tian smiled as he looked into Delek’s eyes, taking comfort in them. He didn’t even see his own eyes in them. He only saw his beloved symbiote, holding an expression of love that warmed him.

Delek healed over him for several minutes before wiping away Tian’s tears. Then he eased Tian back, and laid next to him.

“I miss your spine.”

“You are still around my spine,” Tian replied. He also beckoned the quiet Martouf to join them, and he smiled as he was surrounded by his boyfriends and symbiote.

“It doesn’t feel the same.”

“Oh, did Jack change my spine?”

“Yes.” Delek answered firmly before smiling.

Tian laughed as well.

~+~+~.

Einar closed his eyes as Per’sus braided his hair.

He fixes your hair so often that I have to strengthen your roots so that the hair breaks less, Sam thought.

Einar smiled. You’re beginning to sound like a symbiote.

Well, it’s true.

Per’sus suddenly stopped.

Einar turned back to him, and he saw Per’sus frowning as he stared at his hands.

“Why was I removed from you?”

“Oh, love.” Einar took his hands. “There was an accident. A device switched your soul and mind with Samantha Carter.”

He frowned, then made a short nod. “Oh, yes.”

“Let me do your hair.”

“I would like that.”

Einar took the healing device out of Per’sus’ pocket, then moved behind him. He used the device to make Per’sus’ scalp extra tingly, then began combing his hair.

Could the memory loss be permanent? Sam asked. I don’t even know how this body swapping works. What if his memory DNA was rewritten to be my memories?

I don’t know, Einar admitted. I still have access to them, but that might be from the naquahdah that drifted into my blood after over a century of being blended.

I will make sure you don’t lose his naquadah.

Thank you.

“Tell me you have good news,” Einar said when Malek walked into their quarters.

“Unfortunately, no. More items were brought back from the site. We hope they can help us.”

“Or they might make things worse. What if one of the items is an amplifier, and it swaps everyone on the base around?”

“Hopefully not.”

“Teal’c is due to return. I do not suddenly want to be a Jaffa. Though Sam thinks someone named…Junior would be worse.” He frowned. “Oh, that would be worse.”

“Junior?” Malek asked.

“The larva he carries. Imagine having to live in a pouch.”

“You would make a cute larva,” Per’sus said as he looked up to Einar. “I would stroke your fins, and that would certainly solve the issue of us not being blended.”

“I want you in my head, not the other way around.” Einar kissed the top of his head.

“Per’sus, are you-?” Malek started asking if he was alright.

Einar slashed his hand across the air.

Understanding the gesture, Malek stopped mid-sentence.

“Have the items helped?” Einar asked.

“No, and one has been locked away. It’s a box that shows similar properties to the sarcophagus.”

“Oh, the Ancients and their toys.” Einar paused. “Gah!”

“What’s wrong?” Per’sus asked as he got up and took his hands.

“Sam is making me sound…unprofessional.” His lip curled. “Memories of Jack’s form of speech. It’s catching.”

Per’sus hugged him.

“Anise has an idea, but we are not yet sure,” Malek continued.

“The sooner the better,” Einar replied.

Malek crossed over and handed him the tablet.

Einar pulled him closer and kissed him. “Great rewards when you succeed.”

“I would like that.”

“Good.” Einar kissed him again, holding him so it would last longer. He caressed over Malek.

Malek smiled after, then kissed Einar’s neck. “I love you.”

“We love you. I mean-“

“I know you mean you and Per’sus.” Malek chuckled.

“I… I apologize, I…” Per’sus frowned as he stood.

Einar took Per’sus’ hand.

“Would you mind telling me who you are?” Per’sus asked as he looked towards his husband.

“Malek.”

“Oh. I am sorry for Dinu’s loss. May I ask the name of your new host?”

“Per’sus,” Einar said gently. “Dinu died almost a century ago.”

Per’sus frowned. “Oh. Yes. Amb. My husbands. Malek, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. I understand. Amb understands.” Malek replied gently.

“Per’sus, we need to talk to the healer,” Einar said.

“I’ll fix you.” Per’sus grinned proudly.

“It’s about you.”

“Oh.”

“Love, I’m worried about your memory loss. It’s getting worse.”

Per’sus nodded. “I know…which is weird because it’s memory loss, but I noticed that you keep having to correct me.”

Einar kissed his cheek, then touched Malek’s arm. “See if you can figure this all out soon.”

“Yes, of course,” Malek replied with a smile before touching Per’sus’ arm. “I’ll have you back in your body as soon as I can.”

“Thank you.” Per’sus kissed him softly.

Malek left, and Per’sus followed Einar. On the way, they heard small happy barks. Einar stopped in his steps, then picked up the approaching pug.

“What is that?” Per’sus asked.

“Our dog,” Einar replied as he kept walking.

Per’sus stroked the pug’s back. “He’s cute.”

Einar smiled.

~+~+~.

Thank you.

Jack realized he had fallen asleep, and that he was in control again. He sat up, seeing that Tian was also asleep.

“Colonel,” Martouf greeted, laying on the other side of Tian.

“Never thought I would be sharing a bed with you,” Jack joked.

Martouf smiled.

You can go see Daniel, Delek thought. You were asleep when it was discussed, but Tian knows he has to share time with us. But thank you. He’s much calmer now.

Jack nodded, realizing that Delek was also much calmer. He hadn’t realized how much his symbiote had been stressing out.

Did you just think of me as your symbiote?

Uh… No.

Very well. Delek was amused, but he wouldn’t push.

Jack got out of bed, looking over to Martouf, but he saw that the man was focused on the sleeping Tian.

It’s Lantash now. He likes watching his loved ones sleep.

Creepy.

Not really. We are already in bed together, and-

Wait? Love? You love him?

I have for quite some time, from before we even got together.

And Sam? Jack asked, but he didn’t need an answer. He felt it as soon as he asked. You really care about her.

You can certainly appreciate why. She is wonderful.

Jack chuckled, then saw Lantash glance over in amusement. Jack nodded, then left. He soon found Daniel in the mess hall with Teal’c and Jonas.

“Hammond mad?” Jack asked as he sat down, stealing food off Daniel’s plate.

“He was both frustrated and amused,” Teal’c answered.

“Yeah, he was mostly annoyed, but we heard him chuckling as we left his office,” Jonas added.

Jack sighed.

“So, how is Delek?” Jonas asked.

“I’m still not used to the wiggling.”

“You can feel him wiggle?” Jonas asked with genuine interest.

“The larva I carry is often very wiggly,” Teal’c informed with his usual seriousness before taking a bite out of a cookie.

Jack smiled. “Yeah, he’s wiggly. He’s feeling a lot better now though, and happy squirms are better than angry squirms.”

“How are they different?” Daniel asked.

“Angry squirms are more…”

“They jolt more,” Teal’c supplied.

“Exactly.” Jack pointed to him. “Like a vibration. It’s weird.”

“It doesn’t hurt, does it?” Daniel asked in concern as he took Jack’s hand.

“No.” Jack sighed softly, squeezing Daniel’s hand. They smiled at each other.

Sex? Delek asked.

I would prefer not to have a voyeur, Jack replied. Besides, it wouldn’t be fair.

Believe me, I know my host. Tian has no interest in having sex while he’s in your body.

Good.

Samantha certainly isn’t interested.

That would be weird, Jack admitted.

Neither is Martouf.

Why not? Jack frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked.

“Oh.” Jack shook his head. “Nothing. Just…” Why not?

Delek laughed. You would not be comfortable with that.

No, but, hey, I look good.

You do. I would not mind a host with your body.

His ego stroked, Jack smiled.

“Oh, he’s gone full Tok’ra on us,” Jonas laughed with Daniel chuckling.

“Hey, it’s not easy to have two conversations at once,” Jack defended.

Daniel smiled and briefly leaned into him.

Jack looked around to make sure no one was looking.

They don’t care, Delek assured as Daniel, picking up on Jack’s discomfort, sat up again. You could have sex on the table, and they would only be amused because you are Tau’ri.

What does that have to do with anything?

Many Tok’ra think you are…prudes.

“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked as he saw Jack frowning.

“Apparently, the Tok’ra think we are prudes,” Jack replied before he saw that Jonas looked guilty. “You too?”

“Well…”

“We are not prudes.”

“I wouldn’t say prudes,” Jonas defended. “Just…a little childish in your attitude towards sex.”

“We are not,” Jack defended.

The other three men didn’t reply.

“You think so too?” Jack asked in surprise as he turned towards Daniel.

“No. Every culture is different,” Daniel replied. “I just see how they might view each other.” He shrugged. “I’m used to it all.”

“Oh. Good point.” Jack absentmindedly rubbed over Delek.

Teal’c and Jonas noticed immediately, but they said nothing, keeping their amusement to themselves. They only glanced to each other, Jonas turning his neck while Teal’c only moved his eyes, to confirm that the other noticed as well.

“Sam,” Jack greeted excitedly when he saw her.

“I won’t be long,” she said as she approached. “Einar needs to eat, since Per’sus is asleep anyway, we might as well go to the mess hall for food.”

Martouf was following behind her, and he immediately went to make her a plate of food. The pug also followed, and he left her side only briefly to drink from a water bowl.

“How is he doing?” Daniel asked.

“The healers removed some naquadah from Einar, putting it in stasis. That will ensure that Per’sus’ memories are preserved.”

“Can he see them if they are injected into him?” Daniel asked. “Like you and Jolinar?”

“Once we switch back, he’ll be injected with them. If his body has lost any memories, he’ll be able to use the naquadah to rewrite his own DNA, basically incorporating the memories back into his mind.”

May I? Delek asked when Sam sat by Jack, on the other side of Daniel.

Sure.

Delek took over. “Samantha, how are you feeling?”

“Einar says I am acting more and more like a symbiote.”

He smiled and took her hand gently. He waited to see if she would protest before kissing her softly, and he felt her respond immediately.

“Toma is here,” were Martouf’s words.

Tian, having just walked in, frowned slightly when he saw the crowded table. He held charcoal pencils and paper in his hands.

Delek gently squeezed Sam’s hand before heading over to his host. “Are you joining us?”

Tian shrugged.

“Come on. Sit right next to me and make your old symbiote happy.” Delek guided him to the table. “You still look exhausted.”

“Nightmares.”

“I’m so sorry. I should be fighting them for you.”

Jack suddenly realized he hadn’t had any nightmares, which were almost nightly, since the body swap. In fact, his dreams had all been wonderful. He was happy, openly married to Daniel. Old friends were back in his life.

Tian smiled as he sat down.

Delek kissed the side of his head before sitting.

“Are you hungry?” Martouf asked from the buffet table.

“No.”

The pug ran over to the group. Sam reached below to rub his neck.

“What did you end up naming him?” Daniel asked.

Sam retreated, and Einar answered. “We kept his name. Einar, but we modified it. He’s Little Einar.”

Martouf set their plate nearby. It was a mix of Einar’s and Sam’s favorite foods.

“Thank you,” Einar replied.

Martpuf set tea down next to Tian, who had started drawing. Martouf rubbed the other man’s back before sitting next to him.

Jack noticed that Tian immediately leaned into Martouf, just briefly, before he started drawing again.

Drawing helps him cope, Delek thought.

“Thank you,” Tian said as he sipped the tea.

Martouf smiled and stroked Tian’s hair.

I never realized how openly affectionate the Tok’ra were, Jack admitted.

You have to catch us at the right times, Delek replied before retreating. And it depends on each person.

Jack looked around, almost surprised by how comfortable he was. His team was with him. He was getting more comfortable with the others. He just had to, at some point, report back to Hammond.

He was not looking forward to that.

Chapter Text

“Einar?!” Per’sus was panicking, and he didn’t understand what was happening. All Per’sus knew was that he had woken up to find that he was not in Einar anymore.

Had Einar died?!

Something was seriously wrong, and he didn’t understand why.

He rushed out, desperately trying to reach out to his new host. Why wouldn’t he respond? Why couldn’t he feel him?

He went into another room, looking for a healer. It was dark, except for the faint glow of petals. Dread filled him as he walked over, stopping short.

Einar’s funeral flowers.

Acid seemed to fil his chest. “Einar… What happened, my heart?“ How did he die?

There was still no answer.

Why won’t you talk to me?

Nothing.

He decided that his host must be asleep, though that still didn’t explain why he felt so wrong, why he couldn’t feel his host, couldn’t even feel himself. And his senses were all wrong.

They were in a small box, behind a force field. Per’sus opened it with ease. The aroma was released immediately, as sweet as honey with a hint of spice. He reached out to the flowers as he began crying. His hand immediately burned. It felt like fire was moving up his arm. He fell to the floor, feeling dizzy. His chest felt squeezed.

“Einar… I’m sorry…”

~+~+~.

Are you awake?

Per’sus was confused, looking at a blue crystal ceiling. It was familiar.

“How do you feel?” Asked an older man as he knelt by Per’sus.

“What happened?” Per’sus asked.

“We aren’t entirely sure, but you got yourself killed.”

I believe you suffered heart failure.

I couldn’t heal you. Per’sus frowned. Who are you?

You aren’t a symbiote. You are human.

Per’sus searched her memories. No. That’s not right. You must be confused. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I apologize if my actions nearly killed us.

You have some form of amnesia. I don’t understand why, but you must be mistaking my memories for your own.

Per’sus jumped when she felt movement in her head.

That’s me you feel.

“I’m human?” Per’sus asked.

“Right now, yes,” the older man said.

His name is Jack O’Neill. He’s your commanding officer.

“Jack? There is someone in my head.”

“Jolinar died years ago.”

I’m not dead.

Per’sus felt a wiggle that conveyed annoyance. Are you Jolinar?

Yes.

Per’sus looked at Jolinar’s memories. You took me by force?!

It was an accident.

Bad Tok’ra!

Jolinar curled tighter in shame.

Per’sus looked to the older man. “Jack… No. You are Toma.”

“Yes.” Toma smiled. “You are remembering.” He pulled out a communication device. “He is awake.”

“What?” Per’sus asked.

“We didn’t know if this would work, or if this would cause harm. I volunteered. Others did as well, but since it might be dangerous, they were refused.”

Per’sus and Jolinar heard the sound of running, and as soon as they saw Einar, he basically jumped on Per’sus, hugging her close.

“Einar.” Per’sus held him, rubbing his back, taking in his scent. She could feel Einar’s beautiful heart beating against her chest. She felt tears fall against him.

“Don’t do that again!”

How do you know each other?

Malek had followed close behind, and red eyes showed that he had been crying as well. He fell to his knees, hugging them both. He kissed the side of Per’sus’ head, then focused on Einar, rubbing Einar’s back. Per’sus was thankful that without her, Malek had clearly put Einar before himself. Like a husband should.

Husband? Jolinar asked. Einar is married to Cordesh.

“What happened?” Per’sus asked.

“You died!” Einar brushed Per’sus’ hair back. “Why would you grab toxic flowers?!”

Jolinar was very, very confused.

“I was confused.” Per’sus frowned.

“They were locked up for a reason. Oh, this is all my fault. I never should have gotten a meal.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I knew you were having memory issues, and I just-“

“Einar.”

“I’m a bad host.”

“No, you are not!” Per’sus grabbed his hands.

This seriously does not even make any sense anymore, Jolinar thought.

“You needed that break. My memory loss. I can see now that it was stressing you out.” She sighed, “Oh.” Per’sus shook her head. “I need you, alright? To get through this, and…”

“He has held strong,” Malek assured. “And Captain Carter has been very helpful.”

“She has,” Einar agreed.

Did they just refer to you in the third person?

“Einar…” Per’sus frowned. “I think I’m a host.”

Councilor Einar. Jolinar gave a wiggle that was the equivalent of a sigh. Never mind. You seem to be lovers or something.

Ah! No!

“Jolinar’s memories must have you confused.” Einar caressed Per’sus’ cheek. “She was killed years ago. Captain Carter inherited-“

Per’sus retreated, and her eyes glowed.

Einar fell back in shock. “Jolinar?”

“Yes, Councilor.”

“What is the last thing you remember?”

“My host was dying. I couldn’t save him. I thought Carter offered herself.”

“How?”

“She put her mouth over the mouth of my host, but when I entered her, I realized I had been mistaken.”

Einar frowned.

That’s what happened?! Per’sus was surprised. A mistake. That still doesn’t excuse your actions after though.

I am deeply ashamed. I will do whatever I must to make it up to you.

As she spoke, Per’sus saw that Einar had retreated. Sam was now in control.

“Jolinar.”

“Councilor.” Jolinar looked away. “I will remove myself, and I am prepared-“

“I’m not looking to see you punished.”

“I must be.” I don’t understand. He should not forgive me.

I’m not the one you hurt, Per’sus thought. Give me control.

Sam stood and took a few steps back.

“Malek,” Per’sus said, “can you explain to Jolinar the confusing mess she was revived into. My head is still fuzzy, and-”

Malek kissed Per’sus softly. “Of course.”

You are married?

Yes.

How? When?! That doesn’t make any sense. You didn’t even know the Tok’ra when… Jolinar stood up when the others came in, her eyes wide. “Martouf.”

He frowned with confusion for a brief second before he began to realize…

She rushed to him. “Martouf, my love.”

“Jolinar…” He took her hands. “It’s really you. H-how?”

“I… I couldn’t save Rosha,” she answered, thinking that’s what he meant by the “how.” “I am so sorry.”

“I know. I… Lantash and I found her burial. You don’t need to apologize.”

“I wish you hadn’t found out that way. You must have been devastated.”

Martouf brushed hair behind her ear. “We knew.”

“Everyone keeps saying I died.”

“You did.” He smiled. “The Ancient Healing device must have…” He hugged her tightly.

“That’s nice. Jolinar is back,” Jack said with sarcasm, clearly annoyed.

He does not like you, Per’sus warned.

Toma and I have always gotten along.

Martouf glanced away, uncomfortable.

“He’s right. Martouf, I have done a horrible thing. I…” She cried. “You might not forgive me. I…understand if you don’t.”

He knows, Per’sus thought.

He does? She asked as Martouf wiped her tears.

He knows. Lantash knows. The High Council knows. You don’t have to stand there and be questioned by them. Per’sus sent her warmth.

That surprised her. Only an experienced host knows how to do that.

Well, I’m certainly not an experienced host, but-

“Now can she put Per’sus in control?” Jack continued.

“What?” Jolinar was baffled by that statement.

“There was a body swapping device,” Malek explained as he stepped closer. “Captain Carter switched with Per’sus.”

“Per’sus is…my host?!”

Yes.

Councilor?! Her eyes were wide.

Yes. It’s me. I wasn’t sure how to tell you.

Per’sus is my host, she “muttered” to herself.

Give me control.

Jolinar retreated.

“You need to explain from the start.”

~+~+~.

So Per’sus and Carter are switched. As are Toma and O’Neill,” Jolinar said.

“Yes,” Einar said.

They were in Einar’s personal quarters. Much to Jack’s annoyance, Lantash, Toma, and Malek were the only ones allowed to watch. They kept their distance for now. Malek held Little Einar, who kept whimpering.

“They’ll be fine,” Malek whispered to the pug gently as he pet him.

Little Einar licked his hand.

“And you also found a box that had similar properties to the sarcophagus,” Jolinar stated.

“Yes. It was in the same area that the body swapper had been found,” Einar explained.

“So when Per’sus was found dead, you risked using it, hoping it would save him.”

Am I a him? Per’sus wondered.

“Captain Carter argued that the choice was hers since it’s her body. She was willing to take the risk, and…” He looked down. “I supported her choice. Per’sus…” He began crying.

Jolinar retreated so that Per’sus could hug him.

“I know you would not have made that choice, but- You were dead. I found you dead! Why were you dead, Per’sus?!” Einar gritted his teeth, clearly angry.

“Oh, my love. I had no idea that you were the one who found my body.” Per’sus reached for him.

“Why did you touch them?”

“I forgot that the flowers were toxic.”

Einar frowned. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I…thought I lost you.”

“You thought you were in a new host.”

“Yes, and I didn’t understand why I couldn’t feel them.”

Einar held her close. “You must have been terrified.”

“I’m sorry, I scared you.”

Einar nodded.

“It’s alright to be angry with me.”

“I’m not angry at you.”

“Yes, you are.”

“I don’t want to be. It’s not fair to you. I know-”

“Einar.” Per’sus caressed his cheek. “It’s alright. Have I ever told you how to feel?”

“Of course not.”

“And we have had fights before. You’ve been angry at me before.”

Einar sighed, tearing up again.

“I love you, and I know you love me. It’s alright to be angry.”

“Samantha wishes to talk to Jolinar,” he replied, avoiding the issue.

“Very well.” Per’sus retreated as she pulled away.

“Jolinar,” Sam said.

Jolinar flinched.

“Apparently, the last thing you remember is taking over me.”

“I will remove myself from your body.”

“Is that what Per’sus wants?”

Do you?

No. I feel a lot better with you. Even if I’m a host.

“He does not.”

“That isn’t the last thing you did though.”

“I have seen what I have done through Per’sus’ memories. I suppressed you.” Jolinar frowned.

“Yes, and that was…terrifying.”

Jolinar flinched.

Lantash immediately walked over, wrapping an arm around Sam. He glanced to Jolinar apologetically.

That small glance. The emotion Jolinar saw. He doesn’t hate me.

He loves you.

Sam inhaled sharply. “You saved my life. You gave your life for mine.”

“I did?”

“Yes.” Sam glanced to Lantash, then Toma. “I have to…consider what I want, but… Nothing rash.”

Lantash nodded.

“You love her,” Jolinar stated.

“Martouf and I still love you, but we lost you and-”

“I know. You… You don’t need to explain yourself.” She felt strangely both jealous and happy for them. “Our relationship did not end when you lost Setta, and I see enough of Per’sus’ memories that this isn’t too different.” She glanced to Toma. He is part of this?

They tried to be discreet, but they did not hide it well.

“We love you,” Lantash whispered.

Jolinar hugged him, and she smiled in tears as he hugged her back.

“Jolinar-“

“I thought you would hate me.”

“Hate you?” Lantash looked to her. “I was angry at what you had done, and for what you couldn’t control… For dying, at least at first, but I could never hate you.”

Jolinar gave a small smile.

“If you don’t mind…” Sam smiled. “Einar needs to spend at least the next month holding Per’sus.”

“No,” Lantash laughed. “I understand.” He kissed her temple softly. “You have become a great symbiote.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” She smiled.

“Per’sus agrees with you,” Jolinar added.

Sam blushed.

Toma walked over. “We’ll be available if you need us.”

Sam hugged and kissed him. “You can share this all with Delek when you return to him. Just…”

“Colonel O’Neill…” Tian replied as Lantash put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

The relationship is serious, Jolinar realized, knowing that Tian was selective about who could touch him.

“Einar wasn’t comfortable with him watching, knowing.”

Tian nodded, then put his hand over Lantash’s hand as he looked over. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. They need privacy.”

Toma and Lantash left as Per’sus and Einar were given control.

“What do you need?” Malek asked.

“Stay with us,” Einar replied.

Malek smiled and approached.

Einar stroked Little Einar’s ear as he kissed Malek. He rubbed over Malek, enjoying the feel of him. He knew exactly when Malek retreated, and the kiss continued with Amb without pause.

Little Einar made a soft happy bark and licked Einar’s hand for as long as it was within reach.

When they broke away, Amb gave him the sweetest smile. Einar stepped away as Per’sus approached.

Do you mind if I kiss my husbands? Per’sus asked.

No.

Per’sus gave Amb a gentle kiss before holding him close. He felt tears fall as another kiss started.

“I love you,” Amb whispered after.

“I love you too.” Per’sus looked to Einar, then laughed in surprise when Einar picked him up. He wrapped his arm around his host’s neck.

“Why are you surprised? Samantha told you that I’m going to be holding you for months.”

Per’sus felt very warm and fuzzy.

~+~+~.

Alright. I was…a little rude. Jack sat outside on a bench attached to the wall. Daniel was next to him, holding his hand. Jack found himself enjoying it, not caring who saw them.

You feel left out, Delek replied.

I know they left you out because of me.

I’m not worried about it.

No?

You are mistaking your feelings for mine, in part because you feel guilty, but do not worry. You have not harmed me.

Daniel smiled, knowing that Jack and Delek were talking. He was getting used to a blended boyfriend.

Besides, Delek continued, I guarantee that everyone expected you to react, er…much worse.

Jack chuckled, then looked over as Tian and Lantash came out. Tian sat by them without a word.

“How do you feel?” Jack looked to Lantash, asking before he even realized what he was asking.

Aw, the life of blending. Delek wiggled in amusement. You are truly beginning to accept me.

Lantash smiled. “Ecstatic.”

“Uh… I know this might sound…morbid,” Daniel said, “but if Jolinar can be brought back, and you know the location of Rosha’s burial, then…”

“Rosha was given a water burial. There is…” Lantash trailed off.

“Nothing left to revive,” Jack finished, seeing that he was uncomfortable.

“Yes. The only reason we could even identify that it was her was because the naquadah matched Jolinar’s code of life.”

Jack briefly wondered if trying to revive Rosha would end up with two Jolinars.

I would say no, but I also didn’t anticipate her revival this time. Hm. Would a piece of me make another me?

Would you get along with yourself? Jack asked as Jacob approached them. “Jacob.”

Of course.

“George is getting impatient, but I was able to delay your need to give a report, in person, for a few days.”

“Thank you.”

“But if you don’t switch soon, he’s going to get demanding…and cranky.”

Delek wiggled and squeaked in laughter.

“Oh, and Delek?”

Jack retreated.

“Ocker is returning.”

Delek made a quirky smile. “Does he know about Toma’s change of address?”

Jack laughed.

What did I just ask? What does that even mean? Delek frowned in bafflement.

House address. Where one lives.

“No,” Jacob replied as he raised his eyebrows in amusement, holding a smirk on his lips.

“Oh.” Delek looked to Tian, completely delighted.

Tian smiled. “We have to have fun with this.”

Chapter Text

Ocker and other Tok’ra rung down to the tunnels, tired and filthy from their recent mission. He ran his hands over his curls.

We need a bath.

Well, I didn’t have the luxury of hiding in someone’s brain during the mission, Kima replied.

I don’t just mean the dirt. We need to relax. The tingles. The heat. I… He trailed off as Delek approached, and his entire face lit up. His body was no longer hunched, and he found new energy.

“Ocker…” Delek greeted.

Ocker hugged him immediately. 

“Oh, you smell!” Delek exclaimed, but still fully embraced his brother.

Ocker laughed. “I might be a little extra fragrant.”

“How are you? How is Kima?”

“We have missed you.” Ocker smiled.

“And Ren’al and Septima?” Delek asked as he explained to Jack, His wives.

“Sent on their own mission two days ago. I’ve not seen them in a year.”

“You’ll see them soon enough.”

They are married? Jack internally frowned. I suppose they are all serious enough.

Are you forgetting the time he carried me through the hallways to watch young Einar run across the tabletops? That’s the Ocker I know.

Oh. Right.

Ren’al is very serious though. Delek smiled. “SG-1 is here.”

Ocker grinned. “You must be ecstatic.” He pulled Delek close as he smiled, then lowered his voice. “Have you had time alone with Samantha?”

Is he asking what I think he is asking? Jack asked. His lip would have curled in disgust if he had been in control.

“Not quite. It’s been an…interesting visit.” He means exactly what he is asking. If he wanted to ask about sex, he would have asked about sex.

“That’s unfortunate. I know how happy she makes you.” Ocker brushed his fingers over Delek’s cheek. “Follow. I need to bathe.”

“Is it that obvious?” Delek followed him with a smile.

“Yes, I smell.”

“No, I mean my joy,” Delek laughed.

“I know Martouf and Lantash make you happy as well, but you see them on a regular basis. I am certain you and he have spent many hours in your quarters.”

“Yes,” Delek admitted. “We can talk about anything, and Toma loves to draw him…or draw on him for sexual purposes.”

Jack laughed. Yeah. That’s blunt alright.

Ocker smiled. “But you see Samantha so rarely. She’s like a rose that only blooms during the dark nights of winter.”

“I do wish I saw her more often.”

“It is difficult when her commanding officer has taken to hating us.”

Jack cringed. I don’t hate you.

“I would rather not speak of O’Neill,” Delek replied before Ocker embarrassed himself.

“Of course. I would much rather focus on my bath. Will you be joining me?” After reaching the bathing area, Ocker immediately began undressing.

The Tok’ra who had arrived with Ocker were already bathing. Those in the pool immediately got out of the way. They knew with Delek and Ocker having not seen each other in a while, someone was going to get thrown in.

“Yes,” Delek replied.

I would pretend to be shocked that you are bathing with your brother, but at this point, I don’t think anything could surprise me, Jack thought.

“How was your mission?” Delek asked.

“We evaded Jaffa for days, hiding in mud that wasn’t entirely mud. They almost found us a few times. The mission was a success, but…”

Jack had used the Tok’ra public baths before, but even though he wasn’t in his own body, he still felt a little awkward when Delek began stripping.

Delek induced his body to release a mix of calming chemicals, but also slowed down so that Jack didn’t feel so exposed so quickly. He didn’t even realize he was doing it since he was focused on Ocker. Taking care of his host was automatic.

“Is Toma alright?” Ocker asked with concern.

“Yes?”

“You only take your time when he is injured…or when he is nervous.” He reached over, but didn’t touch. “Have I said anything to upset him?”

Delek glanced down, now feeling guilty about the possibility of pranking Ocker when he was being so attentive and considerate.

You just planned to push my body into the water to freak Ocker out for a moment. Then you were going to tell him.

“Delek?” Tian walked in to be pushed in, but he forgot that plan when he saw Delek’s expression. He rushed over.

“Colonel O’Neill…” Ocker started, then was confused when he saw “O’Neill” gently reaching for Delek.

“Change of plans,” Delek muttered. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright.” Tian rubbed over Delek.

“Are you…dating?” Ocker asked in confusion. Did O’Neill join the relationship?

I thought he was dating Jackson, Kima thought.

“Should I push you in the water?” Tian asked.

Delek laughed.

Ocker couldn’t help but notice that “Jack’s” expressions were all very Tian. He retreated.

“Toma?” Kima asked with hesitation, but he was more convinced than Ocker.

Tian smiled slightly and gave a very un-Jack-like blush.

I didn’t know my cheeks could get that red, Jack thought.

Kima hugged Tian. “What the crystals happened?”

“Accident. They are still working on fixing it,” Tian replied, more confident now.

“Oh, how lonely it must be,” Kima sympathized quickly. “Do you want to use a memory device. Ocker and I will share with you.”

Jack was surprised and touched how quickly Kima was willing to share his very thoughts just to help.

“No, thank you.” Tian smiled. “Martouf and Lantash have offered the same. I appreciate the offer, but it would be a tease.”

“Of course.”

“I’m adjusting.”

“Yes. You are strong. I don’t know if I could, and you have been blended for far longer than I.” He looked towards Delek. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Then he smiled as his eyes glowed.

“You were going to prank us, weren’t you?” Ocker smiled. “Did I ruin a good prank by being overly concerned?“

“Perhaps, but you were correct. In normal circumstances that would have meant that Toma was upset.“

“Ah, well… Tell me when Colonel O’Neill is ready for his initiation.“

Initiation? Jack was given control before he asked, “What does that mean?”

“I have to throw you into the pool.” Ocker gestured to the water.

“No, you don’t.”

“It’s the right of every one of Delek’s hosts.”

Jack stepped away from the water as Tian laughed.

“Do not worry,” Ocker assured. “It will not be done until you are ready.”

“Did he throw you?” Jack asked Tian.

“He does so frequently.”

“And you don’t mind?”

“I enjoy it so long as I am given advance warning.”

“He gives you advance warning…for a prank?”

Would you not do the same if it was preferred? Delek asked.

“Pranks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone involved,” Ocker added. “Surely you understand…” He tilted his head. “Suddenly, you make a lot more sense.”

“Hey.” Jack pointed a finger at Ocker. “That is offensive. I think. Did you just insult me?”

You know he did, Delek thought. However, I don’t think it was intentional.

Jack sighed.

“Regardless.” Tian took a deep breath, closing his eyes and he lifted his hands. “I am prepared to be thrown into the water.”

“Just…gently,” Jack added. “That body isn’t so young anymore.” He retreated.

Delek and Ocker both picked up Tian by an arm and leg. Tian smiled as he was swung, with two of them putting enough force to get some distance.

Many of the other Tok’ra, those that had arrived with Ocker, reacted with confusion and minor horror.

Tian was released, head first to avoid any possibility of a head injury, landing on his back.

That might just be the strangest thing I have seen, Jack thought with amusement. I- Ah!

Delek jumped in after to make sure Tian was alright.

Warn me, next time!

Sorry. I didn’t think you would mind.

I didn’t. You just surprised me.

Delek heard Tian and Ocker laughing, and the pool was suddenly surrounded by many bewildered looking Tok’ra.

“Colonel O’Neill, are you alright?” Asked one of the Tok’ra, unsure what to do since Delek outranked her.

“Should I get you into trouble?” Tian asked as he looked to Delek.

“I’ll dunk you!” Delek laughed, though they both knew it was an empty threat.

Toma swam to the edge of the pool, where Ocker helped him up. The other Tok’ra were still confused, but in seeing that “Jack” was fine, they returned back to their own baths.

I just realized that this means that most others will assume I’m now dating you, Jack thought.

Delek smiled as he got out of the pool. Yep.

Except we are both already in relationships.

Yep.

So they think the seven of us are dating? I suppose eight if they learn about Jolinar’s revival.

Exactly. Delek followed Ocker and Tian to another bath. They were supposed to rinse off and clean before jumping into the water, a tradition that Delek and Ocker had a tendency to break.

Delek held back as Ocker entered the waste-deep pool. The water quickly began turning muddy around Ocker.

Tian scrunched his face.

Delek smiled and wrapped an arm around him, kissing his cheek, which essentially confirmed to many that Jack and Delek were dating.

Ocker took his time cleaning, enjoying the process. The water filters were good enough that the water was soon clear. Only then did Delek and Tian join him.

“It’s about time,” Ocker said.

“I saw no need to stand in a cloud of mud,” Delek replied as he immediately began cleaning Ocker’s back.

Jack was surprised how quickly he had simply been accepted as Delek’s host, even if it was temporary. Even when he had control, Ocker and Kima spoke to him with ease, as they would family.

You basically are now, Delek thought.

After this bath, the cleanse, after rinsing off in the waterfall, it was time for the relaxing bath.

What is the bath that’s large enough to swim in? Jack asked.

The swimming bath.

Of course, it is.

Or just the pool.

Ocker and Kima did a great job of balancing between being welcoming to Jack while making sure that Tian still felt loved. Jack had to admit, at least to Delek, that he was impressed, and the truth was, Jack never thought he would feel this comfortable around any Tok’ra.

For that matter, he never thought that any of them would feel so comfortable around him.

“You are still not throwing me into the pool,” Jack said as they were drying off.

Ocker just smiled.

Chapter Text

“Einar, it’s been two days,” Per’sus said gently.

“I’m not done holding you.”

Per’sus was sitting in Einar’s lap, and she felt a kiss against her head.

“Perhaps you can try eating at the table this time,” Malek suggested gently. He had just walked in, and he was holding a tray of food.

“No,” Einar replied stubbornly with the slightest pout.

“That’s alright,” Per’sus replied as she leaned into Einar.

“I just…” Einar sighed. “I know I’m being selfish.”

“Einar…” Per’sus caressed the side of his face. “Malek and I know the pain of losing a parter. As do the others, which is why they aren’t pushing you. One of my greatest comforts is being there for them when they die…and I take great comfort from them as well.”

Einar stroked Per’sus’ hair.

“Dudel died without warning…in an attack we never saw. It’s been over five centuries and that still haunts me.”

Einar nodded. He had seen the nightmares many times.

“But…to be separated… That is a different agony, and I didn’t handle it well myself.”

“That wasn’t your fault,” Malek assured as he rubbed Per’sus’ back, then hugged her from behind.

“If I lost you, if you died alone…” Per’sus leaned against Malek as she held Einar’s hand, her voice stiff because she did not want to think of such a dreadful thing. “I think…I would just break.”

Jolinar said nothing, as she had been doing all that she could to give them privacy. She made small adjustments in Per’sus’ body, enough to ease the pain. It amused her that Per’sus wasn’t even aware. Despite having been a symbiote, Per’sus couldn’t feel it, couldn’t sense it.

“We have made good progress on the body swapper,” Malek said. “Toma and Jack have volunteered to go first.”

Per’sus smiled.

“We’ll get you back in your body soon enough…” Malek kissed her. “…and return you to our beloved Einar.”

Einar smiled as they both kissed him.

~+~+~.

A few days later, Einar allowed Per’sus to leave…so long as they stayed in the same room.

“What is this rumor I have heard?” Per’sus asked Delek. “That you are dating Colonel O’Neill?”

Delek just smiled, then retreated.

“Delek thought it would be funny if he didn’t correct them,” Jack replied. “Ocker also helped spread the rumor.”

“Helped?” Tian frowned. “He made it worse. He has implied that Delek and I are dating Jack, Daniel, Samantha and Jolinar, Martouf and Lantash, Einar and Per’sus, Amb and Malek, and somehow Teal’c and Jonas have been added.”

“It’s actually kind of funny.” Jack grinned.

“That’s because you aren’t the one everyone is approaching to congratulate for ‘finally understanding us Tok’ra.’” Tian crossed his arms. “When I have my body back, I am so throwing my dear brother into the pool.”

“Scheduled?” Jack asked.

“Yes, but I’m not going to tell him.”

Toma is the one who needs it scheduled, Delek informed Jack.

“I may help you with that,” Per’sus added. “I am already dealing with being human, having died, and now my baby sister is living in my head.”

Jolinar wiggled as she laughed.

“I do not need rumors on top of everything else.” Per’sus sat down in Einar’s lap. “By the way, I have figured out what I am.”

“What you are?” Jack asked.

“My gender.”

“Not male?”

“Not anymore.” Per’sus smiled proudly. “I am female.”

“Good for you,” Einar kissed her cheek.

“Thank you.”

“Like Jolinar?” Jack asked.

“Yes. You see, I have always been male, even as a larva. And I have always had male hosts, and without a blending partner, I didn’t know what I was. Now I have one, and she is female, therefore I am female.”

“And when you return to Einar?” Jack asked.

“I will be male again, but now…” She raised her finger. “I finally know what it is like to be a woman.” She smiled.

Good for her, Delek thought.

Jack smiled slightly.

Per’sus got up again when Martouf walked in. “I suppose it’s time I share your wife.”

Martouf smiled.

“You have been most patient.” Per’sus retreated.

“Jolinar…” Martouf took her hands.

“Yes.”

“I…I don’t know.” Martouf admitted.

Let’s give them privacy, Delek thought.

Jack nodded, and he was followed by Tian as they walked out.

Jolinar immediately saw that Martouf was sad that his boyfriends left.

Sam hesitated, not knowing what to do.

“You can stay,” Jolinar assured as Einar thought the same. “You are part of this.”

Sam nodded, then glanced down. “I uh… I’ll give you privacy.”

“Samantha?” Martouf said in worry as he stepped closer, touching her arm.

“It’s alright. You three probably have a lot to talk about.”

Martouf nodded, clearly conflicted, then pulled her closer for a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

Sam smiled slightly, but it was partly to reassure him when she didn’t feel sure herself. She left.

Jolinar looked to Martouf, seeing how much he was hurting, how much he was trying to hide it.

“Jolinar.” He smiled, and while he felt conflicted, he clearly still loved her.

“I have caused you pain.”

“No.”

“You didn’t want them to leave.”

“Did you ask them to leave?”

Jolinar smiled. “No.”

“So how could it possibly be your fault?”

“I just feel…”

You can tell him, Per’sus encouraged gently with brotherly love.

“I am as confused as you are. I hate feeling confused.”

Martouf laughed.

“And I don’t know if we can figure this out until everyone is where they should be. I haven’t really spoken to Samantha.”

“Of course. Your focus must go to your host.” Martouf smiled. “I would expect nothing less.”

And I thank you for that, Per’sus thought.

“Samantha has done the same.” Jolinar smiled, then sighed. “Martouf, there is a possibility that once she is back in her body, I have to leave.”

“I have been looking for a new host for you in case that happens.”

“Thank you.” Jolinar looked to him.

“There are a few promising leads, and if you don’t have to leave, there are other Tok’ra who will need a new host soon, and…” He glanced down, nearly in tears as he retreated.

“Lantash.”

“It warms my heart to see you again.” Lantash smiled. “However-“

“Wait.”

Lantash stopped.

“I know what you are going to say. You don’t want to leave your current loves for me, but Martouf is…more conflicted.”

“Jolinar, I do love you.”

“Oh. I know that.” She hugged him. “I don’t doubt it for a second.”

Lantash wrapped his arms around her.

Jolinar felt Per’sus comfort her as she closed her eyes. “I’m not making you choose.”

Lantash didn’t respond.

Jolinar looked to him. “I’m not going to ask you to leave three people that you love for me.”

“The relationship with Toma and Delek is still new,” Lantash admitted. “It was complicated with him and Samantha, but… It’s not for me to say. Delek and I were together after we lost you, but that was just angry sex at the time, and-”

“Lantash,” Jolinar said seriously, slightly amused.

“Yes?”

“You love them.”

“The relationship is…” He paused, and realization entered his eyes. “I do love them.”

Jolinar laughed.

Are you really alright? Per’sus asked.

Not entirely, but I want to see them happy. Besides, fact is, even though it doesn’t feel like it, I have already lost them. I don’t want them to feel guilty about it.

Per’sus gave her warm thoughts.

Lantash hugged her again, then retreated.

“Jolinar…” Martouf‘s voice was conflicted.

“Martouf…find a host. From what I have seen in Per’sus’ memories, Samantha will choose me if she thinks the alternative is my death. I do not want her guilted into keeping me.”

Martouf gave her a sad and loving smile. “I will.”

Jolinar smiled.

~+~+~.

Meanwhile, Sam had followed Tian because she knew he was upset. She found him in his quarters, already drawing, but he was increasingly getting exasperated.

“What’s wrong, Toma?” Delek asked gently.

“His hands are broken,” Tian replied in frustration.

“Broken?”

My hands are not broken, Jack thought in offense.

It can be difficult to adjust to a new body. You know that.

Toma began fidgeting, then threw the charcoal pencil in frustration.

“Samantha, please, get Ocker,” Delek said as he immediately lowered the lights.

What are we doing? Jack asked.

“Of course.” She nodded, then left.

Preventing a shut down. Delek put on soft nature sounds.

You might want to turn that up. My body’s hearing isn’t as good as this one.

Delek considered it before following his advice. He grabbed a mat by the wall, then set it down.

“Toma, come join me.”

Tian looked over, then shook his head.

“Don’t be stubborn.”

“Meditation is private, and you are not alone.”

Delek walked over, then sat by him. “Please.”

Tian looked towards him.

“I’m sorry. You aren’t being stubborn. You are trying to hold on to something private, but I beg you, at least do the breathing techniques. We don’t have to speak the words.”

“I think I need them,” he admitted, staring at his hands and as he wringed them. Tian sighed, then went to the mat and sat cross-legged.

Delek sat down in front of him, then offered his hands.

“Not now.”

“I understand. Close your eyes.”

Tian closed his eyes, then took a slow deep breath.

Jack already knew that this would be boring.

Delek watched Tian breathe in and out a few times before saying…

“I am calm.”

“You are serene,” Delek replied.

Jack realized that they had done this countless times.

“I am strong,” Tian said after several more breathing techniques.

“Your body is healed.”

“My body is clean.”

“As is your soul.”

Ocker followed Sam in as Tian continued with more deep breaths.

“My mind is clear.”

“Your mind is pure,” Delek and Ocker both replied as Ocker and Sam sat down.

“My soul is safe.”

“I am your shield,” This time Sam also joined in, clearly having done this before.

“My spirit is free.”

“The demons are gone.”

After several minuets, Tian started again.

“I am calm…”

Jack examined Delek’s memories, the sighed when he realized that they might be there for hours.

~+~+~.

“Uh ah!” Freya grinned. Anise!

Anise stirred, having been asleep. Why are you yelling at me?

Sorry, but look.

Anise took over and examined the work.

Does this mean…?

Anise gave a small smile. We can start putting everyone back where they belong.

Chapter Text

Per’sus cheered Einar on, in her own Per’sus way, as Sam sparred against Lantash.

“Einar, defeat him quickly. Samantha, do not hold back.”

Jolinar watched, amused, but she felt no need to have control.

Sam had always had the disadvantage before. She knew that before the first spar, and she quickly had that confirmed about five seconds in.

“Lantash was born to fight,” Martouf had explained, “and he made sure that I studied and trained. Even while undercover, we trained.”

Now she was taller…well, Einar was, but she had his height and build and increased strength.

She could do it!

I wish us luck, Einar thought.

Sam was confident until she learned one very important, previous unknown, fact.

Lantash always held back before.

“May victory be yours, beloved host!” Per’sus called out while Sam was being tossed around.

She and Einar did quite well, but they were soon pinned under Lantash.

Not entirely, Einar thought. Physically, I am stronger than Martouf…though he isn’t trying too hard either. He could definitely pin us if he wanted to.

“You both did well,” Per’sus said. “Lantash is formidable.” She touched her head. “Jolinar agrees.”

Lantash’s eyes flashed and he kissed Sam gently, testing her response. When she wrapped her arms around him, he began kissing harder, running his hand directly over Sam. It ran shivers through her body.

“Should we give you privacy?” Per’sus asked.

Sam stopped suddenly, realizing that they were doing this right in front of Jolinar. Per’sus’ tone though. She realized the councilor was genuinely asking, not teasing.

Lantash got off, then looked to Per’sus. “No.”

Per’sus bowed her head, and her eyes glowed.

“Samantha, I don’t mind. Truly. Until we figure this all out, as far as I am concerned, you are both my host and not my host. I will not give in to petty jealousy.” She smiled. “Besides, Councilor Per’sus has a few plans without an audience.”

“Fun with Amb and Malek?” Lantash asked.

She laughed. “Not this time.”

Sam smiled. She is serious.

Yes, she is.

“That is, if Einar does not mind.”

Sam felt Einar consider it, then retreated to give him control.

“I will allow Per’sus out of my sight, but you must promise, she is not going to get herself killed again.”

Jolinar lowered her head, and it was Per’sus who looked up. She made her way to Einar, then crouched, half falling into Einar’s arms with complete trust.

Einar caught her with ease.

“I’ll be back soon, and I promise that Jolinar is watching over me.”

Einar brushed Per’sus’ hair back.

“You are messing up my hair.”

“Yes.” Einar pulled her closer.

Even though Sam’s body was enhanced now, thanks to Jolinar, Sam could still feel how much stronger Einar was. There was something, just something momentarily terrifying in fully realizing that.

You are built like a horse.

Einar kissed Per’sus’ temple. “Have fun.” You will explain how that isn’t an insult?

You are naturally tall, brawny, and robust, and Per’sus built on that, making you even stronger.

He helped my height too, Einar thought. He smiled as Per’sus kissed him softly before bowing.

Really.

Nothing extreme. Starvation as a child caused me to be shorter than I should have been. He made the half-bow back. Per’sus made sure I reached my full potential.

Per’sus left.

Oh, but you should have seen Lantash two hosts ago. Einar retreated. Six and a half feet tall and enough muscles to make me look weak. Crystals, I was weak compared to him.

Weren’t you a child? Sam turned to a smiling Lantash. She was about to tell him to wait to finish the conversation, but she didn’t need to.

He can tell when we are talking, and yes, I was at first, but I grew up. I grew up sparring him, being trained in strength by him, but my body just was not built like his.

“Are you talking about me?” Lantash asked.

“Sort of. How did you know?” Sam replied.

“Your expression, the way you were looking at me.”

“Einar was…well, he was telling me about Kibar.”

Lantash smiled sadly at first, but then he was clearly in thought, good thoughts. “He had a beautiful soul. He loved to laugh. He could be gentle. He could be fierce. He was one of the few hosts that had a chance to hold me before we blended.”

“Oh. That must have been interesting.”

“Not really.” Lantash sat next to her. “I was afraid he was going to squish me.”

“Oh? Well, I’m glad he didn’t.”

“So was he.” He smiled and kissed her.

“I’m not entirely sure about…well, I know Jolinar said it was alright, but that has to hurt.”

He brushed her hair back. “I understand. I am just happy to hold you.”

~+~+~.

Per’sus twirled in front of a mirror. Do we look pretty?

Very beautiful, Jolinar thought. You do realize that after trying out about two dozen dresses, you are basically wearing what you always wear, right?

It’s flowier.

I liked that dress that showed off our sides.

I am not dressing like Rosha.

But we looked so very sexy.

I admit, we did. Per’sus grabbed a simple chained circlet and put it on her head. A single jade pendant now rested in the middle of her forehead. It seemed to contrast the somewhat masculine combed back hairstyle.

You are allowed to change your hair.

I like this.

“Well, look who is all pretty,” Malek said as he approached.

“I felt fancy.”

Malek kissed her, then grabbed a matching jade armlet. He slipped it up Per’sus’s arm as they kissed again. “Very beautiful.”

“I’m still getting…” Per’sus trailed off as Malek began lifting the skirt of her dress. You might want to take a nap.

I’m thinking the same.

Per’sus smiled as Jolinar retreated.

~+~+~.

“Hosty host host hosty host,” Per’sus muttered as she walked into the main conference room.

“I miss you too,” Einar replied, sitting at the table.

“I just wish I could crawl into your head.”

“With Samantha?”

“I wouldn’t mind sharing. Jolinar can join us.”

Einar laughed loudly, surprising even some Tok’ra. He especially surprised a Stargate Command team that had just arrived. He didn’t care. He took Per’sus’ hand, pulled her closer, then lifted Per’sus off her feet.

“I enjoy you carrying me.” Per’sus wrapped her arms around Einar’s neck and kissed her temple.

“You look beautiful.” Einar twirled. “Malek would be instantly seduced.”

“He was, and we had fun, but Anise summoned him away.”

“Oh. Did you at least get to finish having sex?”

“Mm. Yes. It was delightful.”

“That subject matter is actually why we are here,” Malek said with a grin as he approached them. “The body switching, not sex.”

Per’sus’s expression brightened. “You mean…?”

“Anise is quite sure-“

“Oh, Anise, we love you!” Per’sus cried out in joy.

Anise gave a rare smile. “You mostly have Freya to thank.”

Per’sus practically jumped out of Einar’s arms, ran over to Freya and lifted her up by the waist. He twirled her as he smiled up towards her, then hugged her.

Sam was very surprised, not by the public display of joy, but that her body was capable of lifting Freya like that.

I understand. I was surprised when I first blended. The people from my planet were surprised as well.

You probably became the only eight-year-old who could arm wrestle a grown man.

Arm wrestle. Einar looked into her memories. No. I didn’t arm wrestle anyone.

Freya sat down, smiling, but smoothing down her shirt, looking completely professional when Jack, Tian, and Martouf walked in.

Jack was immediately curious when he saw the Tok’ra looking amused, Freya looking serious, and SG-4 looking like they saw a talking dog or something else equally impossible.

Freya looked at her tablet. “We think I have figured out how to return everyone, however, we need to do one body swap at a time. Does anybody volunteer?”

“I do,” Jack replied quickly. “I mean, if Toma agrees.

“I agree.” Tian added. “I cannot wait to return to Delek.”

“Thank you, Colonel and Toma. To avoid any mishaps, I will show you two how to turn it on, and the rest of us will stay far, far away. We can get started-“

“Wait.” Jack stood up. “I need to do something first.”

“Colonel, certainly it can wait.”

“No. Needs to be done now.” He bowed his head.

Delek smiled. “He is correct. It will only take a few minutes.”

Tian smiled at his symbiote. “Of course.”

Delek stroked Tian’s arm. “We’ll soon be back together, host.”

Anise took over, confused. “What could possibly be so important that it needs to be done right now?”

~+~+~.

Jack whooped as Ocker threw him into the pool. He hit the hot water with grace, swam back up, then laughed.

Even Anise was amused.

Ocker helped Jack up, then looked over to SG-4.

“What?” Jack said, knowing exactly why they held expressions of bewilderment and dismay.

“Nothing, sir.”

“Oh, okay.” He smirked slightly as he glanced to Tian and Ocker. “Toma, are you ready?”

“I am very ready.”

~+~+~.

Yes, I will be back in my body and having sex with Daniel.

Delek was amused.

I know you were also missing sex…even though I don’t want to think about it.

Sex with Samantha or sex with Martouf?

Gah!

Delek wiggled as he laughed. You can be a bit prudish.

I am not, Jack defended.

Have the five of you ever had sex?

What?

You, Samantha, Daniel, Jonas, and Teal’c.

No.

Prude.

Jack smiled, knowing that he wasn’t serious, but he would finally be on his own again. He was looking forward to that.

Tian ran ahead when they got close.

“Oh, don’t do that!” Jack chased after. “You run, and I have to deal with the knee pain after.”

“Sorry. I got excited.”

Tian sat down by them as Anise gave instructions.

Jack picked up the remote control.

“Give me five minutes to get out of range,” Anise ordered as she walked away.

Tian was already lying down with a huge smile. He crossed his fingers and crossed his arms over his chest.

“For luck?” Jack asked as he laid down.

“Yes. I want to swap with you, not Delek.”

Jack’s eyes widened, and then he nodded his head. “That would be a mess.” He took a deep breath. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Are you ready?

Delek wiggled happily.

Jack smiled.

I’ll miss you, host.

Jack momentarily froze, then dismissed it. You are going back to your real host.

You are both my real hosts now.

Jack smiled slightly, then pressed the button.

~+~+~.

Jack slowly woke up. His body ached. His knee hurt. There was no voice in his head.

He was back!

“How are you feeling?” Jack slowly sat up, and he saw Tian rubbing over Delek with happy tears.

“All is right again.” Tian smiled and ran off.

Well, he’s certainly enjoying being young… Jack trailed off. “Oh, right.” Jack stood up and slowly followed after.

Tian was at the end of the hall. “Delek has pointed out that running off was rude.” He made a half-bow. “My apologies.”

“That’s alright.” I know he didn’t mean to be- “Damn it!”

Tian gently touched his shoulder. “I did that too.”

“Oh.” Jack nodded. “And I didn’t help by hiding him from you.”

“No, but all is forgiven.” He gave a warm smile, then bowed his head.

“You can stay here and adjust,” Delek offered. “I’ll stay by your side. Use a healing device on your aches.”

Jack smiled, considering it for a second before shaking his head. “No. I need to quit cold turkey.”

“I am not an addiction, but I understand your meaning. Tian and I will do what is best for you.”

Jack frowned. “You said his real name.”

“He gave me permission.”

Jack smiled. “Thanks. I…know what that means.”

Delek smiled.

~+~+~.

Jack was happy to have Daniel by his side. He didn’t even mind Freya running multiple scans on him. The rest of SG-1 watched. Ocker was standing near as well, closer to Jack than he was to Tian.

And somehow, Jack wasn’t surprised.

“You know as soon as I return to Earth, I’ll be checked again,” Jack complained. “Poked and prodded.”

“I am certain that Anise is willing to share her findings,” Ocker replied.

“Trust me, that won’t make a difference.”

“Janet can be very thorough,” Sam added.

“Very.” Jack looked over to Daniel. “You are stuck with the old me again.”

Daniel smiled. “With respect to Toma, this is the look I prefer.”

Jack smiled, “Well, back to Earth. Get the briefing over with.” He suddenly looked to Anise. “Are you sure I’m entirely me again? No part of Delek moved with me.” He pointed at her. “If I wake up tomorrow with fins, you are going to hear about it.”

“You are entirely you again. If you would like a more thorough examination-“

“Nope. Nope.” He lifted his hands. “I am done. I am out.” He stood up, turning as he walked backwards. “Delek, it’s been…interesting. Fun. Let’s not do that again.”

Delek smiled. “I will miss you.”

Jack smiled slightly, then chuckled when he saw Martouf hold Delek close, then kiss the side of his head. He watched the affection between them and Sam for a few seconds before walking away.

~+~+~.

Thankfully, Hammand understood that Jack really didn’t want to be there.

Janet, of course, was still thorough.

Jack had been offered the opportunity to return to the Tok’ra to stay with Sam. He had declined and went to his house instead.

Daniel followed soon after. “Teal’c and Jonas returned to the Tok’ra.”

Jack nodded, lying in bed.

“Do you want to talk?”

“He was rude, arrogant, very annoying, talked way too much, and the wiggles… He wouldn’t stop wiggling.”

Daniel didn’t reply.

“Who wiggles that much?!” He threw his hands up.

“And you miss his wiggles,” Daniel stated plainly.

Jack crossed his arms. “I might miss the wiggles…a little.”

Daniel crossed the room and sat on the bed.

“But only because I got used to it, and…I liked being thrown into the pool…a little.”

Daniel laughed quietly.

“And it was nice to have good knees again.” He added. “And no nightmares.”

“Really,” Daniel half questioned, half stated.

“Not like normal. He kept them away, turned them into something pleasant, but in a way that I didn’t wake up disappointed. Slept really well too, and he had a nice way of waking me up. Gentle. My own personal alarm clock.”

“That would be…useful.”

“And he hugged…in his own…symbiote way.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Yeah, but the talking… He was worse than you.”

“You miss the talking.”

Jack put his hands behind his head, and he was quiet for a moment before sighing. “I miss him.”

Chapter Text

“I propose that we take complete advantage of this situation,” Delek suggested with a smirk.

“I would find that arrangement to be acceptable,” Lantash replied, “but I don’t think everyone would be comfort-“

“I’m good,” Sam corrected, knowing he was speaking up on her behalf. “If we can include Jolinar…if she wants. Jolinar?”

Per’sus retreated, and her eyes glowed.

Jolinar was hesitant. “Really?”

Lantash smiled. That’s a good sign.

Martouf was nervous.

I understand, but if Sam wants to include Jolinar, that means that she is seriously considering being her host.

“I suggest we all set some rules beforehand,” Delek suggested.

“That’s a good idea,” Sam agreed. While she didn’t know Lantash’s thoughts, he was right. Einar could never be replaced, but having that companionship… It was something she didn’t want to lose.

You will find it a very rewarding experience, Einar assured.

Sam smiled.

~+~+~.

Sam had worried that she would be jealous, and maybe just a part of her was, but seeing Martouf’s and Lantash’s affection towards Jolinar just felt right. And it was hard to be jealous when she had just been with Lantash.

Now Toma was holding Sam close, caressing her skin. She took his hand and leaned into him, even if he was now shorter than her.

Sam and Jolinar hadn’t been particularly affectionate with each other, at least not in that way, because Sam felt too strange about touching her own body when she wasn’t in it.

“I understand,” Jolinar had said.

Sam turned her attention towards Toma, looking up towards him. “I’ve been neglecting you.”

“Understandable. What do you wish to do?”

Her seductive smile made him smile and hand-flap.

“I’m glad to be so exciting,” she said before they kissed, and she soon felt his arms around her once again.

~+~+~.

“Are you all done with my husbands?”

From the way Sam was lying in the bed, Malek was upside down from her perspective. He held a quirked eyebrow and a bit of a smirk. From within, she felt Einar notice Malek, and he slowly became more aware. Sam sat up as she pulled back her control.

Malek immediately saw the switch, and he walked over. “Where were you while they were together?”

“I was a Jedi.”

Malek laughed, amused and curious. “A what?”

“Something from Samantha’s mind…from a theater show that one watches on a view screen.” Einar smiled. “She’s gotten quite good at making worlds for me.”

Malek kissed him gently, neither caring that Einar was completely naked.

Einar gently touched his forehead against Malek’s. “She is ready to switch very soon.”

“Would you like to be alone some more?”

“Mmm. No. They are done.” He got out of bed, then put on a robe as the others did the same.

“Per’sus is awake,” Jolinar announced. “She says we need to bathe.”

“She can wait,” Einar replied, briefly touching Malek’s arm before retreating.

Sam smiled a bit shyly, knowing that Malek could smell everything she had done.

Delek suddenly hugged her from behind. “You were a delight with this body, but I do miss you in your original.”

Sam laughed, which halted when he kissed the back of Einar’s neck, directly over her. Oh, felt so alien, so beautiful and wonderful. Her true little body shivered as her fins wiggled.

I’m going to miss that, she admitted.

I know I cannot feel exactly what Per’sus feels when Malek or Amb touches him like that, but I assure you, it feels good to me as well.

That made Sam curious.

Martouf took Sam’s hand. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. You… Never mind.”

“Samantha?” He asked in concern.

“You weren’t with Jolinar. Like… with with.”

He smiled. “It would not have been right under those circumstances.”

She nodded. “I’d like to talk to Jolinar alone.”

“Of course.”

She got double kisses, both gentle, one from Martouf and one from Delek. They and Malek left without another word. Sam turned to Jolinar, who was sitting on the bed again.

“Jolinar.”

“We’ll be blended again…or really, for the first time. I cannot call what happened before a true blending.”

Sam nodded.

“Anise tells me that they found a new host for me.”

Sam was instantly jealous, then felt guilty for being so.

She’ll understand, Einar assured.

Jolinar stood up and approached. “I can leave first if you prefer.”

“That puts Per’sus at risk, and Einar doesn’t need that again.”

“He is willing to take that risk, and-“ She stopped when Sam held out her hand.

He knows I would be willing as well, Einar finished. Believe me, this was not a choice that he made lightly.

“First, don’t stress out my host. Do you have any idea how upsetting it is when your host finds the body of their human-turned symbiote?”

Jolinar gave a genuine laugh. “No, I must admit, that would be a new one to me.”

Sam smiled. “Second, I’m not going to ask you to leave… I’ll be your host.”

“Are you sure?” Jolinar asked.

“No, but I’m not sure about being alone either. What I am sure of is that I can’t allow you to risk your life for me. You already died for me. You paid your debt as far as I’m concerned.”

Jolinar looked down. “There is another option.”

“What other option?”

“You and I could switch, then I could switch with Per’sus.”

“And they would be back to normal and we… You would be my host. Jolinar, even as a host, my time is limited compared to yours. You may have hundreds of years ahead of you. That would be reduced to…what? A hundred and seventy?”

“Many years to someone who was dead last week.”

Sam smiled. “I had fun being a symbiote, and honestly, now that I’ve been one, I wouldn’t mind if some alien device turned me into one.” She frowned. “Assuming the process didn’t kill you.”

Jolinar smiled. It was warm and amused, but not Sam. By now though, Sam was getting used to non-Sam expressions on her own face.

“But it wouldn’t be right to just take those potential centuries from you…even if you’re willing to give them away.”

Jolinar bowed slightly.

“When we blend, I want a promise from you.”

“Anything.”

“A clean slate. I can’t tell you not to feel guilty, but I want it to be clear, we are even. You don’t owe me. I don’t owe you. Agreed?”

Jolinar smiled. “I agree.”

“Good.” Sam frowned. “I didn’t doom someone to die by agreeing to be your host, did I?”

“No. Your father recently rescued refugees, and a few agreed to be hosts. None of them are ill.”

“Oh, so that’s where he has been. Well, that’s great. Now let’s get me back in my body and Per’sus back in hers.”

She bowed her head, and Per’sus smiled. “I look forward to returning to my beloved host.”

~+~+~.

“It swaps whoever has control,” Anise explained. “That means that Councilor Per’sus and Captain Carter must remain in control for the procedure.”

“Malek explained that,” Sam replied, feeling a bit awkward to be referred in third person.”

She wasn’t sure who was in control, Einar informed. She’s not going to admit it, so she uses third person.

Oh, so she didn’t want to be embarrassed. Sam smiled. Wait. Does she do that sort of thing a lot. Act too formal when she doesn’t really know.

Yes.

That explains a lot.

“Neither Einar nor Samantha have what the Tau’ri call the Ancient gene,” Per’sus reminded.

I was going to ask about that, Sam muttered internally.

“How are we to activate it?”

“I have developed a method to temporarily replicate the ancient gene.” Anise brought out a small box.

“Oh. That could be useful on Earth,” Sam said.

“On the contrary, this method will cause blood clots. Without a symbiote to counteract the effects, it is dangerous,” Anise replied as she brought out a large needle.

“Is that a polite way of saying deadly?” Sam asked.

“Without a symbiote, half the blood would congeal.”

“So who gets that risk?” Sam asked, hiding how alarmed she felt by that statement.

“I would suggest your body. Per’sus will lose consciousness the moment she returns to her body.”

“Leaving Einar vulnerable.” She nodded. “Alright. Jolinar, I am trusting you to keep me from dying.”

“Jolinar is prepared,” Per’sus replied as she looked towards Sam. “We assure you, blood clots are easy to deal with. Einar’s body had a great many by the time we blended.”

My blending suddenly had to be rushed as a result, Einar thought.

That must have been terrifying.

Not for me. Everyone remained calm for my sake. It wasn’t until after Per’sus healed me that I realized how close I had been to dying.

“Are you ready?” Anise asked.

“We are,” Per’sus asked.

Sam took Per’sus hand as Anise approached.

“Once I have injected you, wait ten minutes. If you press too soon, it may not work. Ancient Devices have a fail safe when there are attempts to fool them,” Anise explained.

“Wait, what does that mean?” Sam asked. “It doesn’t explode, does it?”

“No. It will shut down for a period of time. How long it shuts down depends on the device.”

“A year is the longest,” Per’sus answered, knowing what the next question would be. “With respect, I have no intention of being trapped in your body for a year.”

“Same goes,” Sam replied.

Per’sus smiled, then put her arm out as Anise injected her. When her expression froze, Sam knew the councilor was hiding a great deal of pain.

Oh, my symbiote, Einar thought helplessly.

Per’sus breathing was uneven, and she was visibly pale.

“That’s more than blood clots,” Sam said angrily, getting up and grabbing a folded blanket. She gently encouraged Per’sus to lay down, using the blanket as a pillow.

“I am setting the timer,” Anise said.

Is that all she cares about?!

She is shaken, Einar thought. She didn’t expect it to cause that much pain.

Sam looked to Anise, and she saw small changes in her posture and movement. Anise’s expression was even more stoic.

She has a lousy er, what you would call a bedside manner, and since she fears making it worse, she just relies on others to cover for her.

Sam saw Per’sus stroking down his arm from the injection site. She gently did the same, then pulled back when he winced.

“It’s alright,” Per’sus muttered. “It hurts, but it also helps.”

“Like this?” Sam continued as Einar gave guidance.

“Yes. Thank you.”

Sam continued, and she saw the pain easing. She stopped when Per’sus gently pulled her arm away.

“Jolinar is a good healer. There will be no pain when you have your body back.”

“I wasn’t worried about that.” Sam smiled.

The time beeped, and they both looked over.

“Are you ready?” Per’sus asked.

Sam laid down. “I am now.”

“Very well.” Per’sus closed her eyes, then caressed Jolinar. “Goodbye, my first and only symbiote.”

Safe journey, my host, Jolinar replied with a wiggle.

Per’sus smiled, then tapped.

~+~+~.

Sam slowly woke up, and she felt a shadow in her mind, distant and faint, as if Jolinar was curled up in a dark corner. She slowly raised her arm, expecting pain, but there was none.

“Samantha?”

She slowly sat up, and Einar helped her. She tried to examine her own body for blood clots, but couldn’t.

They are gone, Jolinar assured.

Sam felt helpless to have to rely on her. Thank you. She looked to Einar. “How do you feel?”

“I…miss you,” he admitted, “but it is interesting that I now fully understand what it feels like to have permanently lost a blending partner.”

“Yeah. I feel it too.” An ache, one greater than having lost Jolinar, which made her feel bad.

No worries, Jolinar thought in a near whisper. We didn’t have a true blending, but you had one with Einar. I can never replace him, but I’ll help you cope with no longer being his.

Sam smiled, then accepted Einar’s hand as she stood.

“This…as we figure it out… It’s going to be interesting.”

“Yeah. In a way, I still feel like you are my host.”

“Mmm. I am now. Always.” He smiled.

She had no idea how to explain it, but she knew he was right.

“Shall we go see the others?” Einar lovingly caressed over Per’sus. “Per’sus really wants that bath now.”

“Yes.” Sam took a step and immediately understood why Per’sus had first fallen as a human. If not for Einar, she would have done the same.

“Are you alright?”

“Right. These are my limbs.” She took another step with help. “My body feels numb. I can barely feel the floor under my feet.”

That’s because you are human again, Jolinar thought, but it won’t remain this way. When you fully learn to access my mind as easily as I access you, you will feel what I feel in your body.

“I had no idea how different…” She looked to Einar. “Thank you for catching me.”

He smiled.

They went down the extra long hallway. It had kept them distant from the others during the body swap, but it now gave Sam the chance to learn to walk again. She was no longer controlling a vessel. She was the vessel. Einar stayed near, helping her whenever it was needed.

Malek, Lantash, and Delek were waiting for them.

Per’sus took over and immediately went to Malek.

“Oh, how do you feel?” Malek asked.

“Male.” Per’sus frowned. “At least, I will. Jolinar’s influence-“ He glanced over “-while not intentional on her part, is still very strong.”

“How do we address you for now?” Delek asked.

“Male is fine.” He bowed slightly, then turned to Malek. “Oh, I need a bath.”

“I would love to help you.”

They both smiled, then Per’sus turned to Sam. “Samantha, when you return to Stargate Command, please, visit first.”

“Of course.” She already missed Einar, and Jolinar was being quiet. Sam knew it was to make up for their first encounter.

Lantash and Delek approached as Per’sus and Malek left.

“It…feels good to be back.” Sam smiled.

“Do you miss having fins?” Delek asked.

“Yes. I admit, it feels weird to be human again. I got so used to being a symbiote.”

Delek laughed and kissed her. “Symbiote you was very sexy, but human you is also very sexy.”

“Thank you.”

Lantash retreated, and Martouf took her hand.

“You don’t need to thank me for staying blended,” Sam assured as she and Jolinar both picked up on what he was going to say. It was only then that she picked up the full truth from Jolinar, and it honestly surprised her. They would have chosen me?

I had died. It would have not been right to…

“Samantha?” Martouf was concerned.

“It’s fine, I…” Sam kissed him gently, then retreated.

Jolinar glanced away, feeling shy. It was a rare and uncomfortable feeling. She looked towards Delek, then took his hand.

“So…?” He smiled slightly.

“I guess we are…together.”

“I admit, I had hoped that Samantha would chose to blend-“

He had never said anything, but Sam had known.

“-and I was willing to accept anyone if she did, but…”

“But you didn’t expect me. You went from joining a new relationship to an old one.”

He nodded.

“Samantha feels the same way.” Jolinar hesitated, then leaned over. She held his sides gently as she tested a kiss.

Delek kissed her softly.

Jolinar smiled after. “It’s been a while.”

What?! Sam was shocked.

Jolinar laughed. Relax. It was several hundred years ago.

“We both have different hosts now,” Delek replied.

“And you were female.”

“I usually am,” he laughed.

She kissed him again. “Toma is just as beautiful.”

Delek smiled. “He’s extremely nervous right now.”

“I understand. He’ll come out when he’s ready.” She turned to Martouf who had been watching them with pure joy, and when he approached, the three of them embraced.

~+~+~.

“Delek!”

Daniel woke up suddenly as Jack jerked awake beside him. He sat up, then calmly waited to see if Jack wanted to talk.

Jack shook his head, then climbed out of bed. He grabbed a glass of water that he kept nearby.

“Jack.”

“I abandoned him.”

“I think Delek knows it was easier-“

“No!” Jack replied with irritation before turning back to Daniel. “Delek has his real host back. He’s better off.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a visit.”

“No, he wouldn’t, but…” Jack drained the glass, then sat back on the bed. “Delek was right. I don’t know what happened, and I broke a rule that I swore that I would never break. I left a man behind.”

Daniel put his hand on Jack’s leg.

Jack glanced over, then looked forward, looking at the various photos in his room. They brought back many painful memories, but he would never let himself forget the people that had been lost.

“Jack?”

“Stargate Command isn’t going to authorize this one.”

“We breaking procedure?” Daniel asked.

“AWOL? No.” Jack smiled as he looked to Daniel. “You were just willing to jump into that fire with me, weren’t you?”

“Yes.” Daniel didn’t hesitate.

Jack kissed him. “Nothing so extreme. I’ll get us what we need, but we’re going to be on our own. Are you prepared for that?”

“Anything for you, Jack.”

“Thanks.”

Danial smiled, then kissed him again, this time longer, stronger, and Jack met him in equal force. Hands glided over skin as they leaned into the bed.

Chapter Text

“Before I sign the final paperwork, are you absolutely sure?” George asked as he looked to Sam.

“I’ll still be part of the Air Force, but now I’ll be an official liaison of Stargate Command to the Tok’ra.”

“I just hate to lose another member of SG-1.”

“Jonas has done a great job with substituting Daniel…and Daniel still goes on many of the missions anyway.”

“They work well together,” George replied as he looked over the paperwork. “I have to admit, I’m not too keen on you leaving immediately after Jolinar was revived, but I have been assured that this is your choice.”

“It’s not her, sir. She was willing to come to Stargate Command, to work under you if it was allowed.”

“But?”

“It’s Einar, sir. It’s not right to just leave him.”

“Did he ask you to stay?” George frowned slightly.

“No. He would never put that pressure on me. You don’t do that to someone you care about.”

“You were only together for a month.”

“With respect, sir, unless you have been blended, you would never understand.”

He finally signed it. “Until further notice, you are assigned to work with the Tok’ra. Your current Tok’ra commanding officer is Malek, but in the Air Force, you now report directly to me.”

“Thank you, sir.”

There was a knock on the door.

“I suspect that’s your father,” George informed. “Come in.”

Jacob was smiling broadly as he walked in. He was carrying a large box.

“Hi Dad. What is that?”

“Your new uniform. Nice and beige since you are posted on a desert.” He physically would not be able to stop smiling if he tried.

“Uniform? She’s still an Air Force Officer.” George replied.

“Technically, she’s both now. In any given situation, she needs wear the uniform that is most appropriate.”

Sam smiled. “Can I at least wait until I get there before changing?”

“Yeah, I suppose.” He looked a little disappointed.

Sam shook her head, then looked back to George.

“I’ll walk you to the gate,” he said.

Sam grabbed her bag, not that she had much, and headed out.

George looked to Jacob. “You are enjoying this.”

“My little girl has grown up, lived her dream, and she continues to do so while now being a Tok’ra. Not only has her lifespan been expanded, but I get to see her more often.” Jacob smiled. “And you know what, becoming a Tok’ra wasn’t easy. I had a galactic size of information thrown at me and a stranger in my head. Sam, somewhat, at least knows Jolinar-“ He raised his hand. “-admittedly, not due to the best circumstances-“

George nodded. That was putting it very politely.

“-and she’s not alone. She has Tok’ra who love her, but most importantly…”

“She has you.”

“She has me.” Jacob left the room and George followed.

Sam was just outside, politely waiting for them.

“Jack and Daniel returned to the tunnels this morning,” Jacob said as he approached Sam. “I think Jack was a little surprised that you weren’t there.”

“I had to make arrangements with my house. I won’t be there for months at a time. Said goodbye to Mark and his family. Oh, that was hard. The kids were crying, asking where I’m going to be.”

“Yeah, they ask me that every time I leave,” Jacob said as they kept walking.

They arrived at the gate room, and multiple people were lined up. Sam suddenly felt overwhelmed.

“Attention!” George called, and they saluted.

“You couldn’t let me do that just once?” Jacob said.

“Jacob,” George replied in annoyance, then looked to Sam. “Captain Carter…you have proven to be a resourceful, brave, and outstanding officer.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Stargate Command is going to miss you.”

She saluted, and he saluted back. Then she turned to the lineup. She gave some personal goodbyes before approaching Janet.

“Sam.” Janet smiled and hugged her.

“You’ll still see me around.”

“Cassandra misses you already.”

“I miss her too.” She had spent all day with her yesterday, mostly letting her get used to Jolinar.

“I’ll tell her.”

Sam smiled, then looked over. “Dad?”

“Ready?”

“Yeah.”

~+~+~.

The Tok’ra world was hot, and the rough, burning sand managed to make it through her shoes.

“You should have changed to the Tok’ra uniform,” Jacob teased.

How did he know? Sam thought in irritation.

You reacted to the sand, but I suspect he’s mostly guessing.

They went to the transport rings, and Sam adjusted her bag as they rung down. They suddenly went from blistering heat to cool air.

“My human symbiote,” greeted a cheerful Einar.

Sam laughed. “Oh, are you going to call me that from now on?”

“Not always.” He smiled, then bowed his head.

“It will depend on how much he wants to confuse everyone around us,” Per’sus added. His smile was much more reserved. “Martouf is growing your new room. SG-1 is in the meeting hall. Delek is with them.”

The meeting hall was the go-to, so that didn’t mean much. Sam headed to her new quarters, being lead by Per’sus, and she noticed precisely when Einar had control again. Jacob followed them. They found Martouf rolling a mat over the crystal bed.

“Hello Martouf.”

Martouf dropped the mat and rushed towards her, embracing her immediately.

Sam felt a kiss on the side of her neck as she hugged him.

“Samantha…” He smiled. “And Jolinar.” He rubbed over his wife.

Sam retreated, which gently pushed Jolinar in control.

“Rosha and I missed you while…” Jolinar gave a sad smile.

“I did not take your loss well,” Martouf admitted.

“That’s an understatement.” Delek’s voice came from behind Jolinar. “He missed you dearly.” He walked over. “I fear I wasn’t very helpful.”

“I’m sure you did what you could,” Jolinar replied.

“I…had sex with him.”

That made Jolinar laugh.

Delek took Martouf’s hand, gently kissing him before kissing Jolinar.

Jolinar kissed him return.

“What’s wrong?” Martouf asked. “What we have hoped for has come to pass. Samantha is no longer so distant.”

Delek looked over. “I will explain soon. First, Samantha, your team awaits you.”

Jolinar retreated.

“Of course.” Sam smiled, but she was worried about him as well.

It’s best not to dwell on it until he has explained himself, Jolinar thought.

Martouf followed Sam towards the conference room.

Jack was sitting on the table and Einar immediately looked at him with exasperation.

“Sir,” she greeted, amused and annoyed.

“Hey.” He pointed. “Einar ran on the tables. I’m just sitting on them.”

“Who told on me?” Einar asked. “Delek!”

“It was Per’sus’ idea.” Delek shrugged, then approached Jack. He leaned slightly against the table, next to him.

Sam approached the team.

“Sam!” Jack got off the table and smiled.

“Hi Sam,” Daniel greeted.

“Hey Sam,” Jonas echoed.

“Captain Carter.” Teal’c bowed his head.

“Hey guys.” Sam looked over them. “Sir, you are out of uniform.” In fact, Jonas and Teal’c were the only ones wearing Air Force fatigues.

“Yes.” Jack raised his eyebrows slightly.

“What did you do?”

“Officially? I’m on a leave of absence from the Air Force. Oh, and I’m stealing your boyfriend.” Jack gestured to Delek.

“I hope Daniel doesn’t get jealous,” she replied, knowing he didn’t mean how it sounded, but had wanted some sort of reaction.

Jack smiled.

“Why would Daniel…” Delek paused. “Oh.” He glanced down. “Unfortunately, he is correct to a degree. He has his own mission, one that may end in failure.”

Sam now realized what George had really meant about losing another member of SG-1.

“Daniel is going with him, and I…”

“Must do the same.”

“I hope you understand,” he said softly.

Sam glanced to Einar. “I do.”

He sniffled a bit as he gave a small smile.

“Delek…” Martouf took his hand. “Jolinar and I went on separate missions frequently while married. It didn’t end the relationship.” He pulled him closer. “I know you are still new to this. I understand that Jolinar’s return made you feel even more left out-“

“I was hoping you didn’t notice.”

“I love you.”

Delek gasped without sound.

“Lantash and I, we love you.”

“We love you too. All of you.” He hugged Martouf and Sam tightly.

Sam rubbed directly over Delek, then smiled when it was Tian looking at them as he pulled away.

“I love you too.” Sam took his hand with both of hers. “Jolinar is getting there.”

He smiled, almost shyly. “We understand.”

Sam squeezed his hand gently before heading towards the table. “So what’s the mission?”

~+~+~.

Before anyone went anywhere, they had a small feast in the Tok’ra mess hall.

“I remember I used to avoid this place,” Jack admitted.

“He thought the food would be bland,” Delek added.

“Hey, I’m telling the story.” Jack smiled and pointed to Delek with a fork. “This is what I get for being blended with Delek. Now he’s going to tell everyone everything.”

“Oh, he’s already started,” Ocker teased.

“Alright.” Jack put the fork down. “How many rumors have been started about me.”

“I just told a few fun facts to Ocker,” Delek said innocently. “Ocker started the rumors.”

“Did you really think we would just serve paste?” Malek asked, sitting next to Einar.

“Not…just paste.” Jack replied. “Just…lots of paste.”

“Paste and food tablets,” Delek teased. “He apparently thinks we are Asgard.”

“Okay, yeah,” Jack admitted. “But this is gourmet! And not ‘too fancy to actually enjoy’ gourmet.”

“Actually, I believe this is what you call rustic,” Jonas corrected.

“You would be correct, Jonas Quinn,” Teal’c added.

“Whatever.” Jack waved his fork, knowing that they were right. “It’s perfect. Rustic gourmet food.” For the most part, he had no idea what he was eating: a steak cooked to perfection, a sweet tuber seasoned with hot spices, buttered roasted vegetables, and a fruit that tasted like the best lemon sorbet. “No wonder you don’t like Air Force food.”

“Air Force food isn’t the best that Earth has to offer though,” Jonas pointed out. “Well, some of you know.”

“Toma liked the maple sausage that didn’t have any maple in it,” Delek reminded.

“Oh, I remember that!” Jack grinned. “My maple sausage. Daniel, shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Daniel defended.

“You already had penis jokes in your head.”

“Yes,” Daniel admitted, “but I didn’t actually say anything.”

“I still fail to see why the shape of a food is humorous,” Per’sus added.

Jack looked back to Delek. “That means we were destined to be… What exactly are we? Toma and I. I mean, you genuinely don’t have two living hosts on the same time.”

“Co-hosts.” Delek answered.

Jack gave a nod. “We were destined to be co-hosts.”

“Because of sausage, sir?” Sam asked.

“Yes.” Jack smiled.

~+~+~.

Jack, Daniel, and Tian stood by the stargate. The Tok’ra had provided clothes and packs that would allow them to pose as travelers on most worlds.

“We wish you a safe journey,” Teal’c said.

“Teal’c and I will take care of SG-1 for you,” Jonas added.

“Tell whoever your new commander is not to get too comfortable,” Jack replied. “I have every intention of coming back.”

Tian was off to the side, giving his last goodbyes to his new loves with kisses and hugs and caresses. Ocker was there as well, sharing brotherly affections.

Jack, for once, knew he had to be patient with this.

Sam and Ocker followed Tian to the DHD, where Ocker said goodbye to Jack with a handshake, knowing Jack would not want a hug from him.

“No snake in my head, and I still find myself Tok’rafied.” Jack smiled. For the first time, the term snake had been used, not with venom, but affection.

“Good luck, sir,” Sam said.

“Thanks.” He began dialing.

“Do you have any idea what we are actually getting into?” Daniel asked.

“Nope.”

“Why that particular address?”

“No idea.” Jack looked to Daniel as the stargate sprung to life, and the horizon spilled forward in a large “splash,” before becoming calm. “It just…seems right.”

“Oh, this plan is foolproof,” Delek said with a sarcastic tease.

Jack pointed at him. “Get out of my head.”

Delek laughed. “Sorry, but learning from each host is part of being a good symbiote.”

Jack grinned. “Jonas, make sure you record The Simpsons for me.”

“Will do.” He smiled.

“Teal’c, teach him what I taught you about Earth.”

“Would it not be more productive if he was taught by someone from Earth?” Teal’c asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Yeah, but this way is funnier.” Jack smiled. “Sam.” He paused. “Good luck on your own new adventure.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Jack looked over everyone. “This is…well, not how I ever expected things to go.” He paused. “Got two aliens on SG-1 now.”

Jonas grinned, and Teal’c made just the hint of a smile.

“If Samantha had stayed, Jolinar would have made it three,” Ocker pointed out.

“Four if you count Junior,” Jonas pointed out. “He has saved Teal’c’s life.”

“Only to save himself,” Teal’c asserted with pride. “He needs me to survive, but he is replaceable.”

Jack smiled, then chuckled. “Now I’m just picturing how the new CO would have reacted to that. Hm. I guess we’ll never know.” Jack looked forward. “Daniel, Delek…Toma, is everyone ready?”

“Yes,” Daniel replied as Delek nodded.

“Alright, campers, we head out. Accomplish the mission. It might be a while, but…” He glanced to Daniel and Delek. “Let’s bring Kanan home.”