Title: The Question
Author: Meushell
Disclaimer: Stargate owns what they own (even if they are trigger happy with the Tok'ra), and I own what I own.
Summary: Martouf prepares to propose to Sam.
Rating: PG-13
Parings: Sam/Martouf/Lantash
Sequel to: Other stories that don't really need to be read to understand this.Sam and Martouf/Lantash have been dating. That's basically all there is to know, and I'm sure you figured that out by the summary.

Part 1, A Branch, A Crystal, and a Knife

In his quarters, Martouf looked at table with a branch and a knife. He had retrieved them recently. The branch had come from a tree from his home planet. Lantash complained as Martouf climbed until the branches swayed under his feet. It had been worth it though. He had proved his bravery and strength by getting the branch. If anyone doubted him, Malek had been there as a witness.

No one is going to doubt you, Lantash thought.

Martouf left the branch where it was and picked up the knife. He and Lantash had analyzed over several before picking out this one. It's perfect, Martouf thought.

Garshaw entered the room, waiting to be acknowledge before going further. "You asked to see me?"

Martouf turned to her. "Yes." He put the knife down. "I was hoping the Tok'ra could spare a crystal."

Her eyebrows raised briefly. She figured he probably meant one of the crystals that were used to grow their tunnels. "Any particular type?"

"Green...long and rectangular."

Her eyebrows raised again, and she looked to the two items on the table. "Do you plan to put a pretty blue ribbon around it?"

"That is the plan."

"You'll have the crystal by the end of the day." Garshaw picked up the knife and examined it. "I assume you'll be making a request to go to Earth soon."

"Yes."

"You'll be allowed a week on Earth." Garshaw set the knife down and smiled. "Good luck."

"Thank you." He watched her leave.

That was the easy part, Lantash thought.

Martouf nodded as he picked up the knife again. He put it into its sheath and left to find Jacob. He found the man in the mess hall, and he was glad that Jacob was eating alone.

Jacob picked up his fork, at least that's what he called it. It only two prongs, and the Tok'ra had a different name for it. He twirled the fork into the noodles he was trying to eat. The sauce kept making them slip off. You had to have the spaghetti.

That's not what we call it.

Jacob examined the noodles. Is that mold?

Yes.

Why are my noodles moldy?

The name of this dish translates to "moldy noodles." Selmak felt Jacob frowning. It's no different than putting mushrooms into your food. I like this dish. If you don't want to eat it, then give me control.

Jacob was about to release control when he saw Martouf sitting at his table. Oddly, the other man didn't have any food. "Hello."

"Hello Jacob," Martouf replied with a serious tone.

Jacob put his fork down. "What's up?"

Martouf set the knife down on the table, and Jacob was about to take it when Selmak snapped at him. Why can't I touch it?

"Jacob," Martouf started. "As you know, I've known Samantha for a while now. I have treated with respect and-"

Why is he telling me what I know? Jacob asked.

He wants to ask Samantha to marry him, but he has to ask you first.

Jacob listened as Martouf went on about how well he treated Sam and how much he cared about her. So, is the knife a bribe?

That's a horrible way to describe it.

When Martouf was finished, he nodded his head. Lantash took control and started a similar speech. He emphasized more on his ability to keep her safe while they are in dangerous situations. When he was finished, he asked to speak with Selmak.

Jacob mentally pulled back, giving control to his symbiote. He felt her excitement as being asked. You consider her to be your daughter.

Yes, but I didn't know anyone else thought of me as her mother. I know she doesn't, but it's nice that Lantash and Martouf want my permission as well.

The speech was shortened, and Martouf took control again. He gave a speech similar to his first one. As he finished his speech, he pushed the knife closer, silently giving Jacob permission to pick it up. "Do I have permission to ask her to marry me?"

Given control, Jacob picked up the knife. He had lost his knife on the last mission. The Tok'ra had given him a new one, but he hadn't liked it as much. It didn't feel like his. He was going to get his own. Now Martouf had done it for him. "You need a diamond."

"You want a diamond?" Martouf asked, confused.

Jacob smiled. "On Earth...well, on part of Earth, a man proposes to a woman by giving her a diamond ring."

Martouf looked conflicted. "I don't know her size."

"I can figure that out without her suspecting anything."

He smiled. "Does that mean I have your permission?"

Jacob chuckled. "You have my permission, and Selmak's permission."

I didn't answer yet. Selmak thought, protesting with a wiggle.

Does he have it?

Yes, but I would have liked to answer for myself.

Answer Lantash then. Technically I only gave Martouf permission.

Selmak smiled as she was given control. "Lantash also has our permission."

Martouf stood up. "We thank you. We will start looking for a jeweler. What does one of these rings usually look like?"

"It's a gold band with a diamond. Sometimes there are smaller diamonds on the side."

Martouf smiled. "I will find a jeweler worthy to make this ring." He said his goodbye before leaving. This proposal seems to be getting complicated.

She's worth it, Lantash replied.

Martouf made a short nod to himself. Yes she is.

To be continued...