Not Quite the Lord of the Rings, ch 25
Crossing Boundaries

“George, is it alright if we use your briefing room?” Jacob asked. He glanced over his shoulder through the window at his fellow Tok’ra. “I have a feeling that Selmac can clear all this up if we can talk together privately for a few moments.”

“Of course,” Hammond agreed. “Jack, please ask your team to stand down for a little while—but stay close. Let the Tok’ra know that Jacob and Selmac will be joining them in a few moments.”

“Yes, Sir.”

All eyes in the briefing room were on them as they emerged. Before O’Neill spoke, he caught the eyes of his team and with a half-closed wink he let them know that things were going to be all right. “SG-1, stand down. Stay on the base and wait for Hammond to give us a holler. Those of you who wish can report with me to the commissary to debrief some cake.” He stuck his elbow out toward ‘Loth. “Interested?”

Morlothiel gave him a measured look. With a hint of a raised eyebrow, she placed a hand in the crook of his arm. Daniel and Carter were keen to spend some time in their labs, but Teal’c allowed that cake was an agreeable idea. They moved together toward the stair leading winding down to the control room below.

Traegr half-rose from his chair. “Where is Selmac?”

Jack turned toward the Tok’ra to speak, but just then General Hammond came out of his office. “Sorry… that’s our cue to exit. People—” he and Morlothiel followed Daniel and Carter to descend the stairs, Teal’c drifting behind them like a meaty shadow.

As they walked past, Jack noticed Traegr watching Morlothiel. He felt a ridiculously sophomoric thrill of pleasure at the idea that the Tok’ra might be jealous. Out of pure orneriness, he covered ‘Loth’s hand with his own. Traegr flushed.

Once they were out of sight of the Tok’ra, Morlothiel removed her hand from his arm. Suddenly, Jack felt guilty for having used the elfwoman for such a childish maneuver. He slid his hands into his pockets and wondered if he should apologize to her.

One look into her eyes told him that he would be better to forget the incident entirely… and never repeat it. He nodded, both penitent and relieved that the situation was behind them.

Daniel and Sam had disappeared to their respective lairs. Outside of the commissary, Morlothiel paused. “O’Neill.” Jack stopped and lifted his head, his expression open. “I have a request.”

“Name it.”

“I need—” Morlothiel paused for a second, and then she glanced down with an almost-guilty expression of her own. She spoke so softly that he almost didn’t hear what she said. “I need to defy my promise to you and General Hammond.”

Jack looked at her closely. “What is it?” he whispered. He moved his hand to take her arm, but she drifted beyond his grasp. “What’s wrong?”

“I—I need to see the sky. To feel the sunlight. Or moonlight. I cannot recall which orb is overhead at this hour…I am—” Whether it was one of her tricks to conceal her appearance, that she let him see her at last, or something else, Jack became aware that she appeared tired—her face a bit drawn, her features without color. Even her gray eyes seemed faded, washed-out.

“I realize that you require sustenance after your long adventure, but I, too, need to replenish my energy. Food will meet only a portion of my requirement.” She glanced around the corridor in which they stood; the gray walls seemed to be closing about her. “I beg of thee—release me from this geas… I must leave this warren for the free air.”

“I’ll take you up right now…” Jack began to say, but Morlothiel shook her head.

“General Hammond will soon summon you to council. Depending upon what you learn from the Tok’ra, you will then have to act upon that knowledge. If I am to be of any use—or even if I am not required—I must surface. For too long have these cold walls enclosed me. I feel as though I am wilting.”

“Well, you look it… if you’ll forgive me for saying so.” Jack frowned, wondering what he could do to help. “What about Teal’c? He could go with you and watch your six. Er, your back, that is.”

“Would not he be missed?” Morlothiel leaned against the wall then drew herself back as if the touch of the stone burned. She looked incredibly uncomfortable.

“I’ll explain to Hammond… come on. Food will help a little now, and then I’ll cover for you while you recharge your batteries.”

Morlothiel agreed. She ate no more than a mouthful, and when Teal’c agreed to accompany her to the surface, she allowed herself a sigh.

The sound of her breath escaping seemed to snatch Jack’s own from his chest. He began to worry about his friend.