Chapter 68

  "Kaswoosh"

  On a solemn sordid day, SG-1 stepped through the shimmering event horizon into the vibrant realm of Tollana. Clad in their formal attire, they had come to pay tribute to the late Chancellor Omak, the esteemed leader whose legacy hung in the air like a bittersweet memory. The emerald gate pulsed faintly behind them, the only one of its kind, a wondrous gateway to a world still in the bloom of expansion.

  As they walked forward, their eyes caught the sweeping vistas of construction that sprawled beneath their watchful sun. Narim, a dear friend of Omak, awaited them among the rising structures.

  "Col. O'Neill, Teal'c, Dr. Jackson… Samantha; Welcome to Tollana," said Narim.

  "Hey Narim, how's it going? Tollana looks nice. It just keeps growing and growing, doesn’t it, T?” O’Neill observed, his gaze sweeping over the flourishing landscape from behind a pair of stylish sunglasses.

  “Indeed, it has, O’Neill,” Teal’c replied gravely, adjusting his black suit as he, too, took in the sight with the stoic admiration befitting a Jaffa warrior.

  “Look at all these new buildings and architectural marvels,” Daniel remarked, curiosity dancing in his blue eyes.

  Narim nodded with a hint of pride. “You are correct, Dr. Jackson. My people are in the midst of expanding this world we colonized years ago. While we embrace minimalism in our lifestyle, we have great aspirations for developing our capital and establishing communities across the planet.”

  As they stood among the new constructions, the weight of their mission loomed larger than the architecture around them, a poignant reminder of both the past and the hope of the future.

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  Narim approached Samantha Carter and enveloped her in a warm, lingering embrace. “I’ve missed you so much, Samantha.”

  Carter chuckled softly, “I missed you too, Narim.”

  Reluctantly, Narim released her, but kept her hands firmly in his. He glanced at her and the rest of the team, saying, “There’s so much we need to discuss. I’m tied up at the moment, but when the funeral starts, seek me out. We can stand together. Afterwards, why don’t you all come to my place for dinner? How does that sound?”

  “Free food? Sounds perfect!” O’Neill chimed in with a grin.

  With a graceful bow, Narim turned and made his way back through the gate.

  “Wow, Carter, you two seemed a little peachy there,” O’Neill teased.

  “Well, you know how much I adore peaches, sir,” Carter replied with a smirk.

  “I always thought you had a thing for big melons,” Daniel quipped, shooting her a playful look.

  Carter playfully slapped his arm. “Oh please, cut me some slack, Daniel.”

  Just then, she noticed something in her hand.

  “What have you got there, Carter? A love note?” O’Neill raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye.

  Carter glanced down at the object nestled in her palm. It was a small, round device, barely larger than a quarter.

  "It's some kind of device, I have no idea what its function is or why Narim gave it to me,"said Major Carter.

  Carter pushed the center of the round object and a small holographic picture of Narim appeared.

  "You're right Jack, it's a love note,"said Daniel.

  "A technologically advanced love note,"added Teal'c.

  "Yeah, but still a love note,"

  "Maybe we can reverse engineer it and learn its secrets,"

  "We've got the Goa'uld now!"ended Daniel.

  "Shhhhh, quiet kids." silenced O'neil. "I'm trying to hear what Narim's little love letter says?"

  SG-1 then quieted down and listened to the message Narim left Major Carter:

  "Hello, Samantha. I am sending you this message in secret, because I believe that we are being deceived about the nature of Omak's death. Something strange is happening on Tollana. There are whispers of a foreign power influencing the Curia, the source of power in the Tollan government. I can't say much here, after the funeral we will meet and discuss this matter in private. See you soon."

  "Oh My God," said Major Carter.

  "Just when I thought this was going to be a romance novel, he writes us a mystery novel instead,"said O'neil at the conclusion of the holographic message.

  "Sir, do you know what this means!"Carter asserted. "Chancellor Omak didn't just die; he was murdered."