Title: Balancing the Books
Author's LJ/DWJ: ololon (on LJ)
Categories: Adventure/Friendship
Warnings: none
Author's Webpage/Fic list: www.fanfiction.net/u/1447234/Ololon and rushingwind.livejournal.com/
Link to story: Balancing the Books
Why this should be read: Lovely look at Malek and his host, with an emphasis on his host, who we otherwise never hear. In this story the host (called Darin here) has to rescue himself, his unconscious symbiote, and Bra'tac who is a prisoner of the Goa'uld they were undercover at. There are several funny passages, and Bra'tac and Malek/Darin starts to become friends, and the latter gets their chance of repaying the debt they talk about in the episode "Allegiance".


"Greetings, Lord Surith," Malek intoned formally, with a slight inclination, when the Jaffa brought him into the main hall. The Goa'uld lounged upon a throne, leg hung over one side, regarding him from hooded eyes. Surith didn't quite rate the title lord, but it never hurt to pander to a Goa'uld's ego. Surith's eyes flashed briefly, almost dully, in tune with a toothy, insincere smile, and he brought his leg back with a rustle of garish green satin.

"Hanite," he returned, less respectful, "How good of you to come all the way to this…charming little rural retreat of mine." Oh, somebody was unhappy or at very least bored with their position here, though his posture and voice remained languid; almost strangely so. Not that he could particularly blame him for his disinterest. The planet's main distinguishing features seemed to be it's humid jungle and voracious insect life. "You must be fatigued from your long journey, and I, personally, never discuss business after noon. I would be pleased if you would join me for dinner, and then tomorrow morning we can get down to the matter in hand."

Wonderful. Now he had to socialise with a nauseating Goa'uld.

"I would be delighted," he replied.

"Splendid."

Three hours and some exotic courses later, he finally escaped to his assigned quarters, opening the door onto opulent decadence, and trying not to wince. Well, he wouldn't be able to see the colours in the dark. Surith was an opium addict, well, an opium aficionado, at any rate; it was always rather difficult to tell with the Goa'uld. Most of them were rather enamoured with sensual entertainments of various descriptions; many of which he'd demonstrated already tonight, but an actual addiction to anything other than the sarcophagus would be quite an impressive feat for a symbiote. It was abundantly clear Surith spent his days doing the minimum required to keep Kali satisfied with his service, and the rest of the time amused himself in more pleasurable pursuits.

Well, so would I, just not in quite the same way, Darin offered, 'voicing' his thoughts for the first time since they had got here. By mutual agreement he ordinarily kept silent whilst they were undercover, so as not to risk distraction, but a little communion in the privacy of their quarters did not hurt.

I daresay it will make this a reasonably easy negotiation, Malek returned, pulling his boots off inside the receptacle area. Although it is strange that he appears to lack the raging ambition of most of his kind.

Probably drugged himself out of it.

That, or he schemes endlessly but lacks the ability or the nerve to carry it out.