Playing a little catch with Ba'al...

[dr_macgregor]

Astarte locked herself in Rae's office, setting the door against anyone and everyone. She carefully opened the toolbox and drew out the transmitter case. The round device was soon cradled and activated in her hands as she gazed into, seeing the face of her beloved Husband

Comments

[ba_al]

"The Genii had one in their archives, but it was depleted. They used it as a ruse against the Atlanteans not too long ago. I will have them search for more."

Ba'al listened to his Queen's report. Empathic? The reports from the SGC didn't mention that. At least the host's husband was ignorant of what had happened. Something she said made him frown, though. "Do not underestimate the Tau'ri, my love. Many of our brethren did the same and they all share the same fate--death."

He raised an eyebrow. Steven? Insolent? Then he remembered something and slowly grinned. "My Queen...did you by chance order him to service you? Steven has never been with a woman, love. Or even attracted to one. He wouldn't know what to do even if he did service you."

Ba'al frowned when she mentioned the ribbon device. "Do not use it on him again, Astarte. He is mine and I prefer him in one piece. If he needs to be punished, then it shall be by my hand. As for calling out for Jackson...that is my affair, not yours. I will deal with Steven when I next see him.

"I will begin selecting your troops, my love, but be careful. Jackson is one of the most resourceful humans among the Tau'ri."

[dr_macgregor]

"I don't underestimate them, my love. I simply understand the power one gender has over the other. Believe me, these men are capable of much destruction. My subtle manipulations keeps them focused on their relationships instead."

Astarte pouted at his next words. "Oh, alright. Forgive me, love. This body is so pleasing, and since it has this implant to ensure against conception, I miss the touch of my *true* Husband. I cannot wait to share pleasure with you again, my heart. All others are but a poor substitution until then. And you should have warned me he had no experience. How disappointing... I could fix that, dearest..." She smiled saucily at Ba'al.

"Worry not, my Lord. I will do what I must to avoid him. I must go, but I will speak to you again soon and send you that information. until that time, my Beloved Lord."

[ba_al]

Ba'al allowed real worry to creep into his eyes and voice. "Just be careful, my love. I almost lost you once. I would rather not have a repeat performance."

He smiled gently at his wife. "And I miss my wife. Even before our flight, it had been too long. If it becomes too dangerous for you, if you are found out, find a way to me. I would not have you in danger.

"As for Steven...no. Let him be. To force yourself on him would only garner resentment and that might make him behave rashly."

Ba'al raised a hand to caress the image of his wife, his love and his Queen. "Be safe, my Beloved Queen."

As her image faded from the ball, Ba'al frowned. It was time to step up his operations. They had located a Wraith hive ship several systems away. He would send his ha'tak to test their defenses. With the modifications made by the Trust and several more additions he'd adapted with the help of the Genii, his ship should be more than capable of dealing with the hive ship. From all accounts, the Ancients had superior technology but lost because of sheer numbers.

If the information the Trust gathered, that there were only sixty hive ships in the beginning and already a dozen have been destroyed, then it should not take long to destroy them. Perhaps he would even contact the Atlanteans and suggest a truce. He had worked with the Tau'ri before to eliminate a common threat. As distasteful as it was, he would do so again if the Wraith proved to be too difficult.

But that was for later. Now, he had paperwork to do. Ba'al grimaced then set back to work.